ABC/Randy HolmesA sequel to the Tenacious D's 2006 movie The Pick of Destiny is apparently in the works. According to Billboard, Jack Black revealed during the D's set at Atlanta's Shaky Knees festival over the weekend that a new film from the comedy-rock duo is due out in October. "I don't know where you'll be able to see it, but we have decided that it's happening and it's coming out," Black reportedly told the crowd. Starring Black and band mate Kyle Gass, The Pick of Destiny tells Tenacious D's fictional origin story, which involves a magical guitar pick and Dave Grohl as Satan. The film's soundtrack, also titled The Pick of Destiny, is Tenacious D's second album. Tenacious D's next live date is a set at the Montebello RockFest in Canada, so perhaps they'll drop more info on the new film then. 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 The action plan presented by the Georgian Minister of Education and Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili introduces several changes at every stage of the educational system aiming to increase the quality of education in Georgia. In terms of general education changes include supporting teachers and their professional development, better quality books for students and development of their creative thinking, as well as introducing modern technologies in schools. "We clearly understand that Georgias success, stability and democratic development can only be built on knowledge and education," Kvirikashvili said while delivering a keynote address at the presentation of the action plan attended by government representatives, students and teachers. "We have set the goal to make the education system more oriented on market demand and major locomotive for economic development. Some challenges in terms of access to education still exist but the major challenge is to ensure the quality of education at every level of the system," Agenda.ge cited Kvirikashvili as saying. He also underlined the importance of vocational education which is one of the major priorities for the government under the educational reform. The draft law on vocational education is already prepared by the ministry and it aims to implement the best European practice in this direction. As for the action plan itself, there are several directions in the document aiming to support the vocational education. One of them considers creation of the vocational colleges at the universities. These colleges will be oriented on employment of their students, as well as introducing exchange programs with other European colleges. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) has certain characteristics that make it difficult to withdraw from it, spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry Bahram Qasemi said. "Iran won't be the first to pull out of, but if it's not beneficial to Iranians, we will make the necessary decisions. We should wait and see what the US will decide on May 12," IRNA cited the spokesman as saying. Qasemi noted that since Donald Trump took office, he has talked about pulling the US out of deal, but it is not going to be easy for them; "the act will be painful for the US and will end in remorse." Saying that all the scenarios have been predicted, he added that "the US will pay if it quits the deal, which will result in further lack of the world's confidence in them." The spokesman also said the US' disloyalty is nothing new, but their pulling out of Iran deal will make it more clear that no country can trust the US. The permanent population of Armenia decreased by 13.4 thousand people over the past year, according to the National Statistical Service of the republic. At the same time, it was noted that during the year 10.3 thousand more people were born in the country than died. Thus, in total about 23 thousand people left the country in 2017. In particular, in 2017, 5.5 thousand more people were born in Yerevan than died, but the city's population grew by only 1.2 thousand people. In regions, this trend has taken a broader scope. According to statistics, the Shirak and Lori regions of the republic lost the most number of people (almost 4 thousand). Last year, 1,5 thousand people left Gyumri and Vanadzor, the largest cities of the country after Yerevan. In the USSR, these cities were major industrial centers of the region, but to date, most industrial facilities have fallen into decay. Three years ago the Vanadzor chemical plant was completely stopped. In recent years, its staff numbered 300-350 people, while in the Soviet period about 5 thousand people worked here. According to the statistical service, the Shirak region has had the highest incidence of poverty of 45% for many years. Lori has 36%. At the same time, up to 25% of families in these regions mostly eat only potatoes and bread, Sputnik Armenia reports. Member of the Tsarukyan's Bloc faction, Naira Zohrabyan, speaking with the correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza, noted that one of the means to reduce migration from Armenia is to build a law-abiding state under the new government. "We must build a country in which there will be no economic monopoly, corruption and lawlessness, which we had for many years, not only under Serzh Sargsyan, but even before him," she stressed. "Legal lawlessness has reached such proportions that some factions have divided the entire economy of the country among them. Only 7 oligarchs bring 25 items of industrial products, including food, to the country. If we change it, if Armenia ceases to be a country ruled oligarchs, this will be the first impetus towards stopping migration and returning citizens to the republic," Naira Zohrabyan said. "In these two weeks after the resignation of Sargsyan, I met dozens of fellow citizens from the UA, Canada and even Hong Kong, who returned to Armenia. To keep them here, we need to create a country of law in the republic. I think that the current movement has a positive potential that will be directed at combating migration, in any case, I really hope so," the member of the Tsarukyan's Bloc faction added. Former head of the Central Bank of Armenia Bagrat Asatryan, in turn, noted that official statistics underestimate the extent of migration from the country. "Official data show the number of those who registered their departure from Armenia, but if one looks at the statistics of the departed and arrived from abroad, then one will see the difference between these figures of 440 thousand people in the last ten years. The population of all our regions, except for Yerevan, has exceptionally declined these years, the number of births is less than the number of deaths in some areas," he said. "Of course, we need a purposeful policy in all spheres. An official poll of two years ago showed that 84% of young people do not see their future in the country." We need to restore the sense of justice, enforce the laws, get rid of the lawlessness of the ruling Republican party," Bagrat Asatryan urged. "Since the beginning of the century, several demographic programs have been proposed, but all of them have been unsuccessful. The problem of employment has not been resolved. The statistics do not reflect the realities, on paper we have more than 350 thousand engaged in agriculture, but up to 90% of these people do not sell any goods to the market. We have at least 200,000 citizens in the category of hidden unemployment in addition to those officially unemployed, and together with their families they form up to half a million of potential migrants," the former head of the Central Bank of Armenia said. "Now there is a process of forming new government, they have a lot of tasks, but people have renewed their hope for victory over lawlessness. I hope that new people will assume their obligations and eventually fulfill all the tasks they face in order to restore Armenia," Bagrat Asatryan concluded. Vladimir Putin has officially assumed office as Russias President, Constitutional Court Chairman Valery Zorkin announced after Putin accepted the presidential emblem and took the presidential oath in the St. Andrew Hall at the Grand Kremlin Palace. The ceremony has begun at noon in the Grand Kremlin Palace. Putin will go to the Grand Kremlin Palace from Building No. 1 in the Kremlin where the official study of President of the Russian Federation is located. By the time of his arrival, the invitees will have taken their places in the St Andrews hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace and the stand-bearers of the Kremlins silent drill platoon will bring into the hall the National Flag of Russia and the Standard of the Russian President [the double-headed eagle placed on a tricolor] and then the Emblem of the President and the Constitution, on which Putin will hold his hand while taking the oath. The Chief Judge of the Constitution Court, Valery Zorkin, will place the Constitution and the Sign of the President on the rostrum where Putin will stand. The Commandant of the Kremlin, Lt-Gen Sergei Khlebnikov, will meet Putin at the entrance of the Palace. He is to take part in the presidential inauguration ceremony for the fourth time. Upon taking his salute Putin will walk up the ceremonial staircase and will walk through the Halls of the Orders of St George and St Alexander of the Neva to the St Andrews Hall to the sounds of the welcoming march and presidential fanfares. When he gets into the all, Chief Judge Zorkin will hand to him the insignia of the Presidential Power, including the Presidential Emblem [the Golden Cross of St George] that contains the double-headed eagle and Virtue, Honesty and Glory slogan and is attached to a golden chain. After that, Putin will pronounce the oath holding his right hand on the Constitution. The text reads: "I hereby take the oath to respect and safeguard the rights and freedoms of man and citizen, to observe and to protect the Constitution of the Russian Federation, to defend the sovereignty, security and integrity of the state, and to serve the people in earnest in the course my tenure of the presidential office." When Chief Judge Zorkin announces that the President-Elect has become President, Putin will make a brief speech. After addressing the invitees in the Grand Kremlin Palace, Putin will walk into the Kremlins Cathedral Square through the Red Porch and will greet the servicemen of the Presidential Regiment who will be standing in formations. All the main visible elements of the inauguration ceremony are performed by the Presidential Regiment and the presidential orchestra. It is expected that dismounted and mounted formations likewise will take part in the marchpast on Cathedral Square on Monday. The Kremlin is closed today for sightseeing tours and admittance there will be possible only upon special invitations. It is expected that several thousand guests will attend the inauguration formalities. The lists of invitees feature the representatives of executive, legislative and judiciary branches of power, members of the government, members of both houses of Russian parliament, Presidential Administration officials, regional governors, recipients of the Order of the St Apostle Andrew, the holders of the Hero of Russia title, clerics from the main religious denominations, foreign ambassadors, business people, the military, scientists, cultural personalities, athletes, and journalists. This is Putins fourth term as head of state. His first two terms lasted four years each. The head of states tenure was extended to six years after the Russian Constitution had been amended. Putins first six-year term began in 2012, while the second term of office will end on May 7, 2024. According to Article 81 of Russias Constitution, an individual cannot serve as president for more than two consecutive terms. Putin first assumed office as Russias president in 2000, having served two terms until 2008 when Dmitry Medvedev was elected the nations head of state. In 2012, he again got the opportunity to run for the presidency. Putin was the first president whose tenure is six years. The Russian government has stepped down as Vladimir Putin assumed office as Russian President. According to the Cabinets press service, Dmitry Medvedev has signed a decree on the governments resignation after the newly-elected president took office. The Cabinets duty to resign in full force after the president assumes office is enshrined in Article 116 of Russias Constitution. Customarily after that the prime minister, his deputies and ministers switch to the status of "interim" officials until a new Cabinet is formed. Under the Constitution, the head of state is to submit to Russias State Duma his proposal for a new Cabinet head no later than two weeks after the governments resignation. The lower house of parliament must consider this proposal within a week. Yesterday, Putin met with the members of the Russian government. "The cabinet worked well, as a real team, thanks to Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev," he said during the meeting. The National Seismological Service Center at the Azerbaijani National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) said that it is getting ready to install a seismic station in the Jojug Marjanli village in the Jabrayil district. The location where the station will be installed has already been selected, and necessary equipment is expected to be delivered to the site. "The installation of a new seismic station in the Jojug Marjanli village is a priority for expanding the village infrastructure and increasing workplaces as well," the center stressed. In late 2017, employees of the Center carried out an inspection trip to the country's several districts, where seismic stations were installed, and familiarized with the situation in the Jojug Marjanli village to study the possibility of installing a seismic station. Previously, analog seismic stations were installed in the Jabrayil district, but they were destroyed after the occupation of the district, the Center said earlier. In the future, the Center plans to restore operation of seismic stations not only in the Jabrayil district, but also in other regions of Azerbaijan following their liberation from the occupation. Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Dashnaktsutyun Party faction urged to curtail the powers of the republic's prime minister, Armen Rustamyan, head of Dashnaktsutyun Party faction, said at the parliamentary briefings in the National Assembly. According to him, the parliamentary system of governance in Armenia should not be eliminated but developed, and steps should be taken toward more decentralization. "It stems from this that the powers of the PM should be curtailed," News,am cited Rustamyan as saying. The ARF NA faction head also said a new electoral code should be adopted in Armenia, and which should not have a regional-rating election system. Rustamyan noted that even though the ARF does not expect to become a part of the next government in the country, they want for the expected Nikol Pashinyan-led government to succeed, and they will assist him on this matter. Also, Rustamyan considers the forming of a government of national consent to be logical. "We have spoken about the principles which, in our view, are right to lay at the foundation of a new government. We are ready to assist; but its not important with what status that will be," he said, adding that they stand ready to assume responsibility. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim expressed confidence in full victory of the ruling Justice and Development Party in the parliamentary and presidential election to be held on June 24, Turkish media reported. Yildirim noted that on June 24 the people of Turkey will teach a worthy lesson to the opposition, which does not meet the interests of the people. "The ruling party has always defended the interests of the people, and this always bore fruit," Yildirim noted. He also stressed that after the election, Turkey will become an even stronger country. Turkey will hold presidential and parliamentary election on June 24. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif explained his recent negotiations with former US Secretary of State John Kerry on 2015 nuclear deal in New York. "During the visit to New York, I met with different figures from outside the US President Donald Trumps administration who participated in the talks between Iran and P5+1and are among the decision maker groups and political elites," Zarif said. "My purpose was to deliver the reality. The reality is that the Islamic Republic of Iran has already complied fully with the JCPOA and is a serious country in international scene but on the contrary US has not complied with the nuclear deal, indicating the unreliability of the Americans," ISNA cited him as saying. "In fact, the American political elites should have heard these words and delivered them, so the negotiations was carried out in details," the diplomat added. "In US all the people who have political influence can effect on deciding process. Mr. John Kerry and other Democrat officials dont have any influence in Trumps administration. But United States is not just an administration in the White House, its the set of public opinions and lobby, pressure and study groups that advances politics," Irans FM stressed. "Iran will decide on its own interests and if US implements its possible wrong decision, it wont serve its interests. Iran has considered necessary expectations to avoid Washingtons decision to affect Iranians life. Iranian government has also informed related authorities on the predictions," he continued. "Exiting JCPOA will certainly lead to isolation of US in international area, so if the decision takes place, it wont have any benefit for Washington. Indeed, Irans interests must be guaranteed; or else, if US tries to put economic pressure on Iran, we will definitely respond to this attempt," Zarif concluded. HA NOI Market is expected to continue a downward correction this week as investors are still cautious about bull traps with large volatile upcoming trading sessions. The benchmark VN-Index on the HCM Stock Exchange (HOSE) increased 0.03 per cent to close at 1,026.80 points on Friday. But its previous dive of 0.25 per cent on Thursday still left the VN-Index down 2.23 per cent week-on-week. The HNX Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange (HNX) went down 0.05 per cent to end Friday at 122.57 points, after having gained 1.27 per cent in the previous session. The HNX Index finished lower from the previous week by falling a total of 0.06 per cent after three trading days. An average of 240 million shares were traded in each session of the last trading week, worth VN6.4 trillion (US$280.7 million). The figures were down 6.7 per cent in volume and 13.5 per cent in value compared to the previous week. Hoang Thach Lan, head of individual client analysis at Viet Dragon Securities Company told tinnhanhchungkhoan.vn that many large-caps recovered slightly in the last two sessions of the week, but they are forecast to trade lower than the current price range. Therefore, VN-Index may also reach a lower level, around 1,000 points, Lan said. Unless there is some optimistic information to help push up the market, the Vn-Index can hardly stay positive. In the current time, perhaps the only good news is the possibility that MSCI (Morgan Stanley Capital International Inc) may include Viet Nam in the MSCI review list for a potential reclassification to Emerging Markets status, he said. Lan said from mid-April, his company analysis team have noticed that no less than five times the market had experienced a bull-trap, a false signal indicating that a declining trend in a stock or index has reversed and is heading upwards when, but in fact, the security will continue to decline. Investors thus failed to gain profit from their bottom-fishing spending, he said. However, I think investors will still increase bargain purchases if the market falls further, Lan added. According to Nguyen Huu Binh, the head of the market analysis division of Viet Nam Investment Securities Company, the market is unpredictable because of poor investor condidence, especially when they are still making their trading decisions based on the moves of foreign investors. Foreign investors continued to be net sellers on the two exchanges last week, offloading shares worth a combined VN1.8 trillion (US$79.2 million), more than doubling net sell value of the previous week. Therefore, the next resistances for the index are forecast at 1,060-1,120 points, and the next support level for the index is forecast at 830-970 points. According to Bao Viet Securities, the market may see some more bull trap sessions before falling to a lower support zone of around 970 in the short term. The new high ranges for the index are forecast at 1,060-1,070 and 1,125-1,135. The next support level for the index is forecast at 994-1,010. According to BIDV Securities JSC (BSC), compared to negative sentiment in previous sessions, investors sentiment has been more stable but still skeptical. The market opened in green but did not hold long, both indexes fluctuated up and down Meanwhile, Viet Dragon Securities Company (VDSC) said in its daily report that indexes increased slightly on extreme low volumes on Friday. Fridays recovery was narrowed remarkably due to strong selling forces from foreign investors. Indexes are now quite near their strong supports and traders may consider disbursing partly at low prices, it said. VNS HA NOI No Vietnamese fishing boats have indulged in illegal fishing since the beginning of 2018. This was reported at a conference held by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) on May 5. Chaired by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Vu Van Tam, the event was held to prepare for working sessions with a delegation of the European Commissions (EC) Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, which will visit Viet Nam from May 16-23 to inspect the countrys implementation of the ECs nine recommendations related to the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Tam said after the EC issued a yellow card warning to Viet Nam, MARD had proposed amendments to the revised Law on Fisheries, which will come into effect in 2019, and issued a circular banning illegal fishing. Local authorities had also been managing and closely monitoring offshore fishing boats while upgrading fishing ports to meet the ECs standards, he said. Through its planned field trip, the EC delegation will observe the time of unloading of foreign transport refrigerated ships at Vietnamese ports and will have technical working sessions with the Vietnamese side on imported seafood material. After the inspection, the European Union will take its final decision on whether to withdraw the yellow card on Vietnamese offshore seafood or not. The EC issued a yellow card warning to Viet Nam on October 23, 2017, after the country failed to demonstrate sufficient progress in the fight against illegal fishing worldwide. Though the measure was considered a warning, which would not technically affect the EC trade policy, the Vietnamese fishing industry was concerned that the yellow card would seriously harm the reputation of Vietnamese seafood worldwide, thus weakening sales. According to the ECs requirement, the Vietnamese seafood sector had to implement nine recommendations in six months from October 23, 2017, to April 23, 2018. These included revision of the legal framework to ensure compliance with international and regional rules applicable to the conservation and management of fisheries resources, ensuring the effective implementation and enforcement of the countrys revised laws and strengthening the effective implementation of international rules and management measures. As the yellow card has the potential to affect the prestige and trade of Vietnamese seafood in the European and global markets, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) and businesses have made every effort in the last six months to co-operate with authorised agencies and with one another to fight IUU fishing. The association has been regularly updating the list of fisheries businesses committed to IUU fishing prevention on its website in both English and Vietnamese, showing Vietnamese firms consensus and determination to EU importers and managerial agencies. On April 20, Viet Nam submitted a report on its efforts to address IUU fishing to the EC. The delegations upcoming inspection is to assess local IUU fishing prevention measures. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has issued regulations on the use of national brand GAO VIET NAM or VIETNAM RICE. The rice national brand is designed to promote products, maintain prestige, create trust among consumers, as well as improve the competitiveness of Viet Nams rice products in the domestic and international markets. Organisations and individuals shall be entitled to use the brand when they are granted business registration certificates, enterprise registration certificates or investment certificates, along with the contents of registration for operations, processing or trading of rice products. In addition to these, organisations or individuals can own the national brand if the competent agencies grant certificates of eligibility regarding food safety in rice processing, preservation and trading or if their establishments have been granted one of these certificates: Good Manufacturing Practices; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System; Food Safety Management System ISO 22000; International Food Standards, BRC Global Standards; Food Safety System Certification 22000 or equivalent valid certificates. Organisations and individuals must also have certificates for rice products, in accordance with the Vietnamese standards (TCVN) and fulfil their tax obligations and ensure environmental protection. The regulations also specify the products of rice (white rice, white fragrant rice, white sticky rice) that own brand certification. MARD has authorised the Vietnam Food Association to manage the national brand GAO VIET NAM/VIETNAM RICE. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam has won a bid to supply 130,000 tonnes of rice to the Philippines after the National Food Authority (NFA)s auction on importing 250,000 tonnes. The remaining 120,000 tonnes will be supplied by Thai producers. According to NFA, Viet Nam will supply 50,000 tonnes of 15 per cent broken rice to the Philippines at US$526.5 per tonne and 80,000 tonnes of 25 per cent broken rice at $517.5 per tonne. Vietnamese and Thai enterprises will deliver 100,000 tonnes of 25 per cent broken rice from now until May 31. The deadline for the supply of rice from Viet Nam and Thailand is May 16 for 25 per cent broken rice and June 30 for 15 per cent broken rice. NFA said it would open another auction on importing rice on May 22. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Viet Nams rice export value in the first four months reached VN1.092 billion, a year-on-year increase of 38.3 per cent. This result was possible in the beginning of the year when Viet Nam won contracts to export rice to large markets. Indonesia opened two auctions on importing rice in the first quarter of 2018 after two years. The first auction was in January, where Viet Nam won a bid to supply 141,000 tonnes. In the second auction in April, the country won an export contract of supplying 300,000 tonnes to Indonesia. Delivery time for the rice exports is from May to July. The export value of rice has also increased sharply this year because of the high demand in China and the Philippines. Iraq is also emerging as one of the strong importers of Vietnamese rice. According to the Viet Nam Food Association, the export volume of rice this year is expected to reach some 6.5 million tonnes. Of this, about 2.7 million tonnes will be shipped to China, 800,000 tonnes to the Philippines, 800,000 tonnes to Indonesia, 500,000 tonnes to Malaysia, 200,000 tonnes to Iraq and one million tonne to Africa. VNS By Dr Alain Fauvy* Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs through the length of the arm to the hand, while travelling through the wrist passage called the carpal tunnel. The median nerve controls the movements and sensations of your thumb and other fingers, except the pinky. If the median nerve is compressed, you may feel numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in your hand and the first four fingers. Symptoms of CTS generally start showing at night, as most people sleep with their wrists bent, increasing the pressure on the median nerve. As the condition worsens, you may experience the same symptoms during the day too, usually associated with actions that make your wrist bend up or down for some time, like typing on your computer or driving your car or any other repetitive motion. Diagnosis Your doctor may do several tests to diagnose CTS and rule out other causes for your symptoms. The tests commonly include: Physical examination to test the feeling in your fingers and the strength of your hand muscles. Bending the wrist, tapping on the nerve or simply pressing on the nerve may trigger symptoms. X-ray. Nerve conduction study (NCS) and Electromyogram (EMG). An NCS measures the speed of a nerve impulse to travel along a nerve and how your muscles respond to the signal. If the nerve is trapped, damaged or sick, these signals will be slow and your muscular response will be less. During a needle EMG, the electrical activity of your muscles is measured at rest and after muscle contraction, which is directly recorded by inserting a small needle electrode into your muscle(s). This is sometimes necessary in addition to NCS to confirm the diagnosis of CTS and rule out other conditions. Treatment CTS starts off slowly but worsens progressively. It is important to start treatment as early as possible to minimise the risk of permanent nerve damage and to maximise outcome and ensure speedy recovery. Many options are currently available. HA GIANG Various activities showcasing the unique culture of ethnic groups will be included in the Khau Vai Love Market festival. The festival will be held in Meo Vac Districts Khau Vai Commune in the northern mountainous province of Ha Giang on May 11-12. According to organisers, the festival aims to preserve the cultural values of the local ethnic groups while attracting visitors and stimulating socio-economic development in the northernmost area of Viet Nam. The Khau Vai Love Market is a popular attraction in Ha Giang, even though it is held only once a year at a distance of nearly 200km from the city. On the 27th day of the third lunar month, local ethnic women and men put on their best traditional costumes and go to the market where they are free to meet their former lovers in public. Husbands and wives arrive at the market together and start looking for their past partners among the crowd. Spouses do not get angry or jealous because the meeting at the market is supposed to be a temporary moment and does not influence their daily lives or relationship. According to folklore, a couple were deeply in love but were forbidden to be together because they were from different ethnic groups. A violent conflict later took place between the two tribes, resulting in bloodshed for both. To stop the fierce fight, the couple decided to part ways with broken hearts. They, however, promised to meet once every year in the market in Khau Vai Commune on the 27th of the third lunar month. The 100-year-old festival draws thousands of tourists from across the country and abroad. Visitors can enjoy traditional games and local specialties as well as explore the beauty of ong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark, Lung Cu Flag Pole, Ma Pi Leng Peak and ong Van Town Old Quarter. VNS HA NOI The Vietnam Centre, based in Australia, has recently kicked off a crowd-funding project. The money will be used for publishing a book on royal customs and costumes of ai Viet (the old name for Viet Nam) in the Early Le reign from 1437 to 1471. The project aims to raise funds of VN200 million (US$8,800) through the website comicola.com. Donors can choose various levels to support the project, ranging from VN200,000 to VN6 million, and will receive different gifts according to their support. Titled Weaving a Realm, the 100-page English-Vietnamese book will include two parts on costumes and customs of the Early Le reign based on research by prestigious scholars such as Tran Quang uc and Phan Huy Chu, and objects at museums in the north. Besides text, the book will be illustrated with sketches and paintings clearly describing the forms, structures and materials of each costume. The book will also include photos of royal costumes that the organisation designed in the last year for the project by artisan Tran Le Trung Hieu. Sketches will be drawn by artist Nguyen Hoai Duong, and paintings will be done by artist ang Thien, while photos will be taken by Steve Huynh, Nguyen Vu Ky Phong and stylist Boongbi, who have co-operated with world famous photo magazines such as Vogue, Promo and BeauNu. The Vietnam Centre is a non-profit organisation established in March 2017 based in Sydney, Australia, by Vietnamese people living in Australia. The centre aims to advertise Vietnamese culture to the world. It also aims at setting up a network of Vietnamese culture centres in bustling cities across the world, and to connect researchers and artists in Viet Nam to introduce both traditional and contemporary cultures of Viet Nam through exhibitions, art performances, workshops, film screenings, concerts, and teaching Vietnamese language and culture. Through the crowd-funding model, Comicola has called for a capital source of nearly VN2 billion ($87,800,000) for various cultural and art projects by Vietnamese people, 50 per cent of the capital source has been used to print comic books by Vietnamese artists. VNS CAIRO Egypts antiquities ministry said on Sunday that tests had debunked a theory that there are hidden chambers next to the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings. Experts used ground penetrating radar (GPR) which provided "conclusive evidence of the non-existence of hidden chambers adjacent to or inside Tutankhamuns tomb," the ministry said in a statement. More details will be announced in a speech later in the day by the head of an Italian scientific team, Francesco Porcelli, of the Polytechnic University in Turin, the statement said. It said Porcelli had submitted a report that "concluded, with a very high degree of confidence... the hypothesis concerning the existence of hidden chambers or corridors adjacent to Tutankhamuns tomb is not supported by GPR data." Previous scans had suggested the possibility of hidden chambers, although experts disagreed on the results. British Egyptologist Nicholas Reeves had theorised that the tomb was in fact that of Nefertiti, the wife of Tutankhamuns father, King Akhenaten. The theory held that when the boy king died unexpectedly at a young age, he was rushed into the outer chamber of the tomb in southern Egypt. Akhenaten was known for trying and failing to force Egypt to convert to monotheism. DNA evidence has shown that Akhenaten was Tutankhamuns father, but Egyptologists do not agree on the identity of his mother. AFP For general workers (such as drivers, guards, cleaners) , their salaries will be based on their negotiations with their employers. Photo anninhthudo.vn Nguyen Quang Dung, director general of the Department of Salary Affairs under the Ministry of Home Affairs, speaks to Vietnam News Agency about proposed changes in the future wage system. The proposals will be discussed at the Party Central Committees meeting, which opens today in Ha Noi. What are the challenges Viet Nam is facing with its current salary system? Since 1960, Viet Nam has carried out four salary reforms (1960; 1985; 1993 and 2003). But until now there remains a lot of issues that need to be addressed. A basic salary of some VN 1.3 million ($57) is set to calculate the salary systems for common wage earners nation wide. For example, a fresh university graduate will have a wage scale of 2.34 which is equal to a little over VN 3 million per month. The monthly salary of a government official is based on a wage scale that is also the mutiplication of the basic salary depending on many diffenrent factors. Besides the monthly salary, a wage earner also receives some allowances. In fact, for many people the monthly allowances received is higher than their actual salaries. All the above mentioned elements have made our current salary system become very complicated. How will these issues be resolved in the upcoming proposal for reform of our salary system? According to the proposal on the reform of our current salary system which will be presented to the up coming plenary meeting of the Party Central Committee, salaries shall be paid according to job positions to make them in accordance with the Law on Cadres and Civil Servants. Under this proposal, the salary of a senior Party/Government Official will be paid in accordance to their job position to bring it in line with the Law on Cadres and Civil Servants. We have intended to design a salary scale for senior Government Officials. For example, we set a VN17 million for monthly salary of a department general director. So whoever is promoted to that position will have his/her monthly salary of VN17 million. Of course, in the up coming salary reform, people with talent will be given special treatment to encourage them to contribute more to the homeland. For general workers (such as drivers, guards, cleaners) , their salaries will be based on their negotiations with their employers. According to the proposal on salary reform, all public employees, civil servants or Government officials will only have their monthly salary and will not receive any extra income. What is your response to this proposal? In the proposal on the salary raise for all public employees and Government officials, we hope that they and their dependants can enjoy a decent life on their salaries. In the old system, the many allowances were created to compensate for cadres and civil servants low salary. The new salary payment will allow our public financial budget to operate in a more transparent manner. Of course, the other point in the salary reform is to contribute to our current fight against corruption and to raise the labour productivity of all salary earners. VNS The 19th Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO) kicked off at Ha Nois University of Science and Technology yesterday, attracting the participation of 188 contestants from 25 countries and territories. Photo VGP HA NOI The 19th Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO) kicked off at Ha Nois University of Science and Technology yesterday, attracting the participation of 188 contestants from 25 countries and territories. APhO, held annually since 2000, is the premier physics competition for pre-university students aged 20 and below from Asian countries. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Minister of Education and Training Phung Xuan Nha said that Viet Nam is honoured to be the host of the 19th Asian Physics Olympiad after 14 years of participation. He added that this reflects the international communitys recognition of and belief in the Vietnamese educations development. Nha stressed that Viet Nam always considers basic sciences, including physics, to play an especially important role in boosting scientific and technological development, especially in the context of the fourth Industrial Revolution. The Vietnamese Government will pay more attention to developments in the field of physics in the time ahead, he said. APhO President Leong Chuan Kwek asked contestants to exchange with each other as much as possible, to learn from each others knowledge about physics, as well as each others aspirations, and their countries respective cultures. Viet Nam will send eight contestants to the 19th APhO, which is taking place from May 6-13. The 18th Asian Physics Olympiad 2017 took place in Yakutsk, Russia, from May 1-9, with the participation of 153 contestants from 22 countries and territories. At the previous competition, Viet Nam received one gold medal, three silver medals, and three certificates. VNS HA NOI Deputy Prime Minister Vu uc am has urged HCM City to boost the application of high technology in tracing the origins of food products as a way to gradually change the habits of production and consumption to improve awareness of food safety. In the long term, we need to meet the targets that ensure all people in the country can consume standardised and high quality food products like those that are for export, stressed Deputy PM am yesterday. The Deputy PM made the request on a working tour to some food production and trading enterprises in HCM City where he also learned about their food safety activities. He also visited cooking areas and canteens for workers at such enterprises to examine the quality of food and hygienic procedures there. Visiting San Ha Limited Company, one of the enterprises producing and trading fresh and frozen poultry meat in HCM City, the Deputy PM highly praised the companys food service chain, saying it had met food safety inspection guidelines. The companys food service chain is implemented basing on the principle of taking the food "from the farm straight to the table". He hoped many other food enterprises in HCM City would follow such form. The importance is that enterprises should ensure the connection to small-scale farmers to attract them to participate in the safe food chain," said am. Labour safety and hygiene Also yesterday, Deputy PM am attended a launching ceremony of the action month for labour safety and hygiene in HCM City. The event, which aims to focus on measures to prevent and control dangerous and harmful factors at workplaces to mitigate occupational accidents and diseases, has attracted the participation of foreign experts from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), businesses and over 600 workers in HCM City. Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs ao Ngoc Dung asked relevant ministries, departments, localities and enterprises to implement the campaign effectively and take good care of workers for sustainable development of businesses and society. He suggested increasing communication and training courses on labour safety and hygiene. The minister warned that in the new period of development, Viet Nam is facing challenges on labour safety and hygiene due to the increasing number of enterprises and workers, new occupations, and harmful factors caused by new technology and chemicals. Given that, he proposed the State management agencies step up inspections and apply strict punishment for companies violating regulations on labour safety and hygiene, while expanding effective models in sectors, industries and businesses as well as making good use of occupational accident and disease funds. Chang Hee Lee, Director of the ILO Country Office for Viet Nam, recognised the achievements that the Vietnamese Government had gained in implementing the Law on labour safety and hygiene. He said businesses played an important role in ensuring safety for the working environment and health of workers. At the launching ceremony, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs and the Viet Nam General Confederation of Labour presented certificates of merit to units and individuals in recognition of their active contributions to the field. VNS HA NOI At least 18 people died of rabies in the last four months, mostly because of ignorance about rabies control and prevention, reported the Preventive Medicines Department under the health ministry. According to the department, most of the victims were not vaccinated against rabies and lived in rural areas where unvaccinated dogs roamed freely. The department also warned that May-August was usually a peak time for rabies cases. The Drug Administration of Viet Nam, under the health ministry, has confirmed that there are enough rabies vaccines to meet the increased demand during summer. The demand for rabies vaccines reportedly increased since the beginning of this year amidst rumours of a shortage of the vaccine. However, the Drug Administration of Viet Nam said reports of vaccine importers showed sufficient supply of the vaccine. Currently, four kinds of rabies vaccines are allowed in Viet Nam. In the northern province of Lao Cai, at least three people, including a 30-year-old man and two children aged six and and nine, reportedly died last week after being bitten by dogs. They were not vaccinated against rabies. Last month, the provinces Diseases Control Centre declared a rabies outbreak in Bao Thang District. Since then, 1,020 people have visited health centres for vaccination, double the number from last year. The health ministry advised those who got bitten by dogs/cats to first wash their wounds carefully with soap and clean water and then get vaccinated. The ministry also warned people against using unknown medicines or asking for treatment from quacks. VNS TEHRAN Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned that if the United States quits the nuclear deal then Washington will regret it "like never before", as British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson scrambles to save the agreement during talks with the Trump administration on Monday. US President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw from the agreement when it comes up for renewal on May 12, demanding his countrys European allies "fix the terrible flaws" or he will re-impose sanctions. "If the United States leaves the nuclear agreement, you will soon see that they will regret it like never before in history," reformist Rouhani said in a televised speech in northwestern Iran. "Trump must know that our people are united, the Zionist regime (Israel) must know that our people are united," Rouhani said. "Today all (Irans) political factions, whether they be from the right, the left, the conservatives, reformers and moderates are united," he added. The nuclear deal was struck in 2015 between Iran and Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States, then led by Barack Obama. Under the pact, sanctions were eased in return for a commitment not to pursue a nuclear bomb, but Iran says it is not reaping the rewards despite complying with the deal. A senior Israeli official said Sunday that Trump had not informed Israel of whether it will withdraw from the agreement. "In effect, I dont know what Trump will decide because he hasnt told me," the official said on condition of anonymity, making clear Israel had not yet been told of Trumps decision. Trump has consistently complained about the agreement, citing perceived flaws including "sunset" provisions lifting some nuclear restrictions from 2025. In an attempt to salvage the deal, French President Emmanuel Macron has recently pushed to extend its scope to address this issue, as well as the absence of any limits on Irans conventional missile capabilities and Tehrans role in the region. Britains Johnson will on Monday begin a two-day visit to Washington, with the nuclear deal among issues on top of the agenda, the Foreign Office said. He is due to meet US Vice President Mike Pence, National Security Advisor John Bolton and Congressional foreign policy leaders. He said Britain -- which remains committed to the agreement -- the United States and Europe were "united in our effort to tackle the kind of Iranian behaviour that makes the Middle East region less secure -- its cyber activities, its support for groups like Hezbollah, and its dangerous missile programme". Irans support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, via the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah in Syrias civil war, and its backing for Shiite Huthi rebels in Yemen have added to frictions between Tehran and Western powers. Honouring our commitment Rouhani vehemently reiterated his countrys opposition to curtailing its non-nuclear missile capabilities, in his speech on Sunday. Tehran "will build as many missiles and weapons as needed" for its defence, he said. "We are honouring our commitment, but we are telling the whole world we will not negotiate with anyone about our weapons and our defence." Irans president also said that while he is open to discussing the countrys regional role, he would not abandon what he described as its fight "against terrorism". "We want to talk to the world so that our region is safe" but "we will not allow you to create a new Daesh," he said, using an Arabic term for the Islamic State group. While Rouhani did not elaborate on this point, Irans ally the Syrian government has consistently referred to all armed opponents as "terrorists" and accused the West of facilitating terrorism. Iran has always denied it sought a nuclear weapon, insisting its atomic programme was for civilian purposes. Rouhani did not specify how Iran would react if the US pulls out of the 2015 deal. But he said he had given "the necessary orders", notably to Irans Atomic Energy Organisation, in anticipation of Trumps decision. As the May 12 US decision point nears, Iranian leaders have shuffled between placatory and hawkish comments, although the hardliners have taken a uncompromising stance. On Thursday Ali Akbar Velayati, the foreign policy adviser to Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned Tehran would quit the nuclear deal if the United States withdraws. AFP Traffic stop leads to the arrest of three Jailer Appears in Court; Judge Recuses Himself Advertisement By Bill Hughes May. 01, 2018 | PADUCAH, KY By Bill Hughes May. 01, 2018 | 03:58 PM | PADUCAH, KY McCracken County Jailer Tonya Ray appeared in court on one of two charges on Tuesday morning, and she had a new lawyer working her case. Thomas E. Clay's office is in Louisville, and he has practiced law for almost 40 years, with lots of experience in cases involving employees and employers. He believes Ray changed lawyers because she wanted legal representation from outside the local area, especially during an election season. "You know, there's a race going on, and so that has a tendency sometimes to generate political machinations, and I don't know if that's at work here or not," Clay said. He said Ray pleaded not guilty at the arraignment on a charge of violating a whistleblower law. Clay added that District Judge Todd Jones recused himself at the hearing, so a special judge will have to be appointed to the case. Ray will appear in court again on June 5, where the newly appointed judge will preside. The whistleblower law violation charge is related to the firing of Deputy Jailer David Knight, who has since been reinstated at the jail after an investigation by Judge Executive Bob Leeper. Knight consulted the County Attorney regarding what he felt was improper use of a taser on an inmate. Ray is also facing a perjury charge related her testimony in the trial of a former deputy jailer, and Clay said there is a conference call scheduled on that charge between now and June 5. Drug Epidemic Ensnares Pill for Nerve Pain Advertisement By The Associated Press May. 06, 2018 | WASHINGTON, DC By The Associated Press May. 06, 2018 | 05:32 PM | WASHINGTON, DC The story line sounds familiar: a popular pain drug becomes a new way to get high as prescribing by doctors soars. But the latest drug raising red flags is not part of the opioid family at the center of the nation's drug epidemic. It's a 25-year-old generic pill long seen as a low risk way to treat seizures, nerve pain and other ailments. The drug, called gabapentin, is one of the most prescribed medications in the U.S., ranking ninth over the last year, according to prescription tracker GoodRx. Researchers attribute the recent surge to tighter restrictions on opioid painkillers, which have left doctors searching for alternatives for their patients. Those same forces are changing the drugs that Americans abuse, according to experts. "We're basically squeezing people into other drugs because the prescription opioids are becoming a lot harder to get," said Dr. Richard Dart, who tracks drug abuse through a national data network owned by the state of Colorado. While prescriptions for opioids like Vicodin and Oxycontin have been falling since 2012, health regulators have seen increased overdoses with unexpected medications, including the over-the-counter diarrhea drug Imodium. The Food and Drug Administration is now studying patterns of prescribing and illicit use of gabapentin and will soon share its findings, said Commissioner Scott Gottlieb. "One of the lessons from this whole opioid crisis is that we probably were too slow to act where we saw problems emerging and we waited for more definitive conclusions," Gottlieb said. "I don't want to be sitting here five or 10 years from now lamenting that we didn't take more aggressive action." Many doctors aren't aware of gabapentin's potential for abuse, particularly among those with a history of misusing drugs, said Rachel Vickers Smith of the University of Louisville. People tracked in her research describe gabapentin as a "cheap high" that is almost "always available." They report mixing the drug with opioids, marijuana and cocaine to enhance the high, with effects ranging from "increased energy" to a "mellow" numbness. Medical journal articles estimate that between 15 and 25 percent of opioid abusers also use gabapentin. And emerging research suggests combining gabapentin and opioids heightens the overdose risks. Gabapentin, on the market since 1993, has long been considered nonaddictive and is not tracked as closely as riskier drugs like opioids. But calls to U.S. poison control centers show a stark rise in abuse and overdoses. The abuse rate increased nearly 400 percent between 2006 and 2015, according to poison center data analyzed by the RADARS research group within the Denver Health and Hospital Authority, a state-owned health system. The group's work is funded by drugmakers and government agencies, though they don't participate in the analysis or publication of the data. In some parts of the U.S., the rise in gabapentin abuse has led to new restrictions and surveillance. Last year, Kentucky became the first state to classify the drug as a "scheduled substance," placing it among other high-risk medicines subject to extra restrictions and tracking. Gabapentin was detected in a third of fatal overdose cases analyzed by Kentucky medical examiners in 2016. Now, only health professionals registered with the federal government can prescribe the drug and patients are limited to five refills. Ohio, Minnesota, West Virginia and several other states have begun tracking gabapentin through their prescription databases. Ohio took that step after gabapentin became the most dispensed drug in the state. State surveys of drug users also indicated it was "extremely easy to get" with a street price around $1.50 per capsule. Alyssa Peckham, a researcher at Midwestern University in Arizona, believes a more comprehensive federal response is needed, including possibly reclassifying it nationwide. Like others, Peckham says gabapentin is not dangerous on its own, but can be when combined with opioids and other drugs that suppress breathing. Still, there is little consensus about the next steps, or even the scope of the problem. Michael Polydefkis, a neurologist at John Hopkins University who primarily treats seniors with nerve pain, says he has never seen patients deliberately misuse gabapentin. And given recent restrictions on opioids by hospitals, insurers and government authorities, many physicians are wary of limiting any other medicines that can help treat pain. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention's prescribing guidelines endorse gabapentin as a good choice for nerve pain. But there are questions about how much is being prescribed for proven uses and to what extent patients are benefiting. A recent review of research by the Cochrane Group confirmed gabapentin's benefits for several forms of nerve pain, but found little evidence of its effectiveness for more common muscle and joint pain. Historically, the vast majority of prescriptions have been for uses not OK'd by the FDA as safe or effective. "This drug was kind of unusual in that it was prescribed as a kind of miracle pill that could be used for anything," said Dr. Joseph Ross, a researcher at Yale University's school of medicine. In a recent Journal of the American Medical Association, he called for new studies of gabapentin's real-world use. The freewheeling prescribing dates to years of aggressive marketing by the drug's original manufacturer, Warner-Lambert. The company pleaded guilty and agreed to pay more than $430 million in 2004 to settle charges that it promoted gabapentin for a slew of unapproved uses, including migraines, attention deficit disorder, bipolar disorder and Lou Gehrig's disease. While doctors are free to prescribe drugs for any use, drugmakers can only market their products for those uses approved by the FDA. Warner-Lambert was bought in 2000 by Pfizer, which continues to sell gabapentin under its original brand-name Neurontin. Pfizer also sells a similar drug named Lyrica, a blockbuster medication approved for fibromyalgia, diabetic nerve pain and several other uses. Unlike gabapentin, Lyrica is a scheduled substance under federal law, in part due to reports of euphoria and other side effects suggesting "abuse potential." With tighter restrictions and a lone manufacturer, Lyrica has not seen the same problems as gabapentin. "Pfizer recognizes the importance of preventing the misuse and abuse of our medicines and will continue working with regulatory authorities and health officials to monitor the safety of these medicines," the company said in a statement. By The Associated Press May. 02, 2018 | 05:08 AM | FRANKFORT, KY In just three months, companies and special interest groups spent more than $8.4 million trying to influence Kentucky lawmakers, the third straight year lobbying spending has broken records in the Bluegrass State. But some of the biggest spenders had little to show for their efforts as lawmakers either passed laws they opposed or did not act on legislation they supported. Spending totals were released this week by the Legislative Ethics Commission covering the first three months of 2018. Of the 60 days lawmakers were in session, just two days were in April. The top three spenders were all focused on one issue: cigarette taxes. At 60 cents per pack, Kentucky had one of the lowest cigarette taxes in the country. That coupled with both the highest smoking rate and the highest cancer rate in the country. Groups like the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky asked lawmakers to raise the tax by $1 per pack. Together, those two groups spent $270,293 on lobbying. They argued the tax increase would save lives by discouraging smoking. But Altria, the parent company of tobacco giant Phillip Morris USA, spent a whopping $332,000. That's more than double the amount spent by any other group. The company had history on its side. For decades, Kentucky was one of the top tobacco producing states, and lawmakers were hesitant to raises taxes on one of the state's key economic drivers. Lawmakers eventually agreed to raise taxes by 50 cents per pack. Republican Gov. Matt Bevin vetoed the increase, but lawmakers voted to override him. "We didn't know until the end that we would be successful. And so it was certainly not a slam dunk," said Kentucky Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Dave Adkisson, whose parents grew up on tobacco farms. "Kentucky has severe health problems, and this is one step toward doing something about it." The campaign got a boost from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, which spent most of its money on an advertising campaign targeting lawmakers and their constituents. It included billboards in Frankfort for lawmakers to see every day, plus ads in their districts urging people to call and ask them to raise the cigarette tax. "We are the cancer capital of the nation. I think that message really rang through," said Bonnie Hackbarth, spokeswoman for the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky. Altria spokesman Brian May said the company engaged lawmakers on a number of cigarette tax proposals on behalf of retailers, growers and "adult tobacco consumers." He said the company "transparently reported" its spending. Other big spenders included utility companies LG&E and KU Energy who spent $116,858 urging lawmakers to pass legislation including House Bill 227. That bill would have let utility companies pay less for excess energy generated from customers who have solar panels installed at their homes. Solar companies opposed the bill, and lawmakers ultimately did not pass it. Lawmakers also passed House Bill 191 over the objection of 1-800-Contacts, which spent $70,906 trying to block it. The bill established new rules for companies that offer eye exams on mobile phones. The company argued it would make it difficult to do business in Kentucky. 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and I made a trip to the heart of Moscow. We went to the huge automotive market to try to find some parts for Sammy the Volga Parts are becoming harder to find. As with many fabulous cars in the past around the world, time and technology sends models to the graveyard and they start to spin down the memory hole. Volgas are one of those cars. We are not going to let our Volga spin too fast down the hole Sammy is a model 310221 Volga Gaz Our Volga is family and she is named as a family member. Sammy is our second Volga Nelly the Volga: Model 24-10 The trip downtown was okay. I mean that in an okay way, driving Moscow is probably the worse thing to do in anyones life, for Russians are really some of the worst drivers I have ever seen. Thus, I drive very defensively and careful to boot.So I take driving into Moscow as something only done if needed and I will be nice, but it was not needed to be done. For we basically failed at the important stuff to get. We did get paint and some other goodies, but we could have gotten that locally in Korolev, where we live Therefore, the trip was basically to see if Sammy the Volga was doing good and good she is doing. She starts perfect, runs smooth as silk and handles like a dream. Good thing, for that is needed to maneuver the highways of Russia. I only see one real issue and we will have to gather money together to get a new radiator. The one we have has seen better days, but I think that when we go to the Tiny Russian Village soon, I will order the radiator there. Then install it before we come home Today I will install a radio in Sammy. It is time to have music to roll on down the highway and Svetochka has been told to get a flash drive ready with music she likes. The radio has a flash and a SD Card slot, plus FM and AM also. I cant wait I am also working on fixing the rear springs issues. We have a leaf spring starting to get weak on the drivers side. It right now is 3 (three) centimeters lower than the passenger side. Two winters ago, we snapped off a helper spring at the front of the left leaf spring in the rear and now the main body of springs is sagging. It is a Volga issue. The models 3110 (and like models) are prone to such things I am working on how to solve such an issue. Air shocks would do the job, but there is no such thing in Russia. In America, I would take the standard shock and match it up to something close by Gabriel and or Monroe and jimmy rig the situation. I would also have the options to try to use helper shock springs and such. Not in Russia, they have never seen such things and even if they do, they do not see it as viable to use such things If I was rich, I would install new springs, but money is tight and I do what I can. I have some ideas and will get her fixed. Between times, Sammy is a happy girl and gets us where we need to go safely.just sad that Boza was not with us as we traveled I am going to install a radio, talk to you all later WtR AsianDate reveals its seven most inspirational springtime journeys that can be taken in the Far East. AsianDate, the international online dating service for singles seeking Asian matches, has revealed its seven most inspirational Far East journeys that are perfect for springtime. These trips can deliver a wonderful vacation experience for intrepid travelers. AsianDate has recommended seven journeys in the Far East this spring that can provide a great vacation experience. Asia has so many truly memorable trips with breathtaking landscapes and beautiful places to visit. AsianDates top choice is a stunning adventure on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Passengers can discover glorious scenery and great sights in China, Mongolia, and Russia during a journey that covers 9,000km of train travel spread across six days. During the journey, tourists travel across Mongolia and the Gobi desert with the trip culminating in Beijing, China. The second recommendation by AsianDate is a trip along the famous 215km highway in Vietnam called Nha Trang-Quy Nhon. This road trip offers amazing sea views and stunning mountain scenery. AsianDates third choice of springtime adventure is the Patapat Viaduct in the Philippines. The picturesque mountain road will lead visitors to the peaceful beach town of Pagudpud. In fourth on AsianDates Far East adventure rundown is the Bintulu-Miri Highway in Malaysia. It is a 212km driving adventure that offers lush green sights alongside the sunny coast. The Tibetan Highlands in China is next on the extraordinary list recommended by AsianDate. The striking and unique scenery of Tibet attracts lucky tourists for a sightseeing dream. AsianDate recommends the Osado Skyline Drive in Japan in sixth place. It is located on the island of Sado, which features both mountains and gorgeous beaches. The final place on AsianDates list is Indias National Highway 17, a green and dreamy route through the naturally-blessed state of Kerala between the Anaimalai Hills and the Palni Hills. Adventurous singles across the world can meet matches on AsianDate using a range of real-time chat features including Live Chat, CamShare, Call Me, and the dating app for iPhone and Android devices. For more information, visit AsianDate. About AsianDate AsianDate is part of the Anastasia Family of sites, founded in 1993, which offers premium international dating to facilitate exciting and romantic companionship online between men and women all over the world. The Anastasia Family includes AsianDate.com, AnastasiaDate.com, AmoLatina.com, ArabianDate.com, and AfricanDate.com, which bring together over 20 million international users and more than 150 million online visitors annually. Additionally, over 2.5 million conversations are exchanged onsite daily. AsianDate is committed to member safety, customer satisfaction and the ongoing pursuit of innovation. Headquartered in New York, the Anastasia Family has additional representation in every country it touches providing a high level of customer service to a worldwide clientele. All members are able to communicate across a variety of top-notch multimedia platforms, including video chat and a mobile app for Android devices available in Google Play. Media Contact Company Name: AsianDate Contact Person: Media Relations Email: Send Email Phone: +1 (212) 609-0533 Country: United States Website: http://www.asiandate.com Renounceable Issue Brisbane, May 4, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Sayona Mining Limited ( ASX:SYA ) ( OTCMKTS:DMNXF ) ("Sayona" or "Company") is pleased to announce a pro rata renounceable entitlement issue to Eligible Shareholders to enable them to participate in the Company's capital raising activities.The entitlement issue is made on the basis of 1 New Share for every 22 Shares held on the Record Date, with 1 free attaching New Option to be issued for every 2 New Shares issued under the Entitlement Offer (Offer). The New Options have an exercise price of $0.078 and an exercise period ending on 30 April 2020.If fully subscribed, the Offer will raise $3,924,790 before costs of the Offer.The Entitlement offer will be lead managed and partially underwritten to $2 million by Patersons Securities Limited.The funds raised, together with funds received under Sayona's placement announced on 18 April 2018, will be utilised to fund the further assessment of and the definitive feasibility study, for the Company's Authier lithium project in Canada, with the aim of completing the definitive feasibility study this year. Funds will also be directed to exploration of the Company's Tansim and Mallina lithium projects and for working capital.Prospectus lodgedThe Company lodged a Prospectus for the Offer with ASIC today that sets out detailed information regarding the Offer. A copy of the Prospectus is available on the ASX website and also on the Company's website www.sayonamining.com.au.New Shares to be issued pursuant to the Entitlement issueUp to 76,956,669 New Shares and 38,478,335 New Options will be issued under the Offer. The New Shares issued under the Offer will be fully paid ordinary shares ranking equally in all respects with fully paid ordinary shares in the Company already on issue.All fractional entitlements under the Entitlement issue will be rounded up to the nearest whole number.The Company has applied for official quotation of New Shares and New Options to be issued pursuant to the Offer, on ASX.Offer is RenounceableThe Offer is renounceable, meaning that entitlements can be sold on ASX or otherwise transferred. Information on dealing with Entitlements is set out in the Prospectus.Eligible ShareholdersThe Offer is made to all the Company's shareholders on record as at 7pm (AEST) on 10 May 2018 (Record Date) with registered addresses in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Hong Kong. The Company has determined it is unreasonable to make offers to Shareholders other than those with registered addresses in those jurisdictions on the Record Date, having regard to the number of Shareholders outside those jurisdictions, the number and value of the New Shares that would be offered and the cost of complying with legal and regulatory requirements outside those jurisdictions.To view the timetable, please visit:About Sayona Mining Ltd Sayona Mining Limited (ASX:SYA) (OTCMKTS:SYAXF) is an Australian, ASX-listed (SYA) company focused on sourcing and developing the raw materials required to construct lithium-ion batteries for use in the rapidly growing new and green technology sectors. The Company has lithium projects in Quebec, Canada and in Western Australia. Please visit us as at www.sayonamining.com.au Bringing Innovative Technologies to the Communications Sector Plug and Play Partner to Drive Innovation Sydney, May 7, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Speedcast International Limited ( ASX:SDA ) ( FRA:7SC ), the world's most trusted provider of remote communication and IT services, and Plug and Play, the world's largest global innovation platform and startup accelerator, announced a strategic partnership focused on the advancement of technology within the communication and IT services sector.Speedcast's decision to partner with Plug and Play demonstrates the company's commitment to innovation and will accelerate the development of new technologies and business models. The partnership directly links Speedcast with high-potential startups and builds a collaborative environment to focus on technology innovation."We are excited about our partnership with Plug and Play, which is the first partnership of its kind in the remote communication and IT services sector," said Tim Bailey, Executive Vice President, Products, Marketing & Business Development, Speedcast. "We are committed to be at the forefront with new technologies that enable us to develop new solutions for our customers. The relationship with Plug and Play helps accelerate Speedcast's innovation capabilities."Speedcast will join as an Anchor Partner in the Supply Chain & Logistics Program in collaboration with other partners such as CMA CGM, DHL, Lufthansa Cargo, Maersk, Panasonic, and Union Pacific in Silicon Valley. Plug and Play's Supply Chain & Logistics Program will ensure engagement with a select group of startups exploring new ideas and the development of technologies linked to Speedcasts product roadmap."Plug and Play is the ultimate innovation platform, bringing together the best startups and the world's most advanced corporations," said Saeed Amidi, Founder and CEO of Plug and Play. "We are pleased that Speedcast has chosen to partner with us."About Plug and PlayPlug and Play is a global innovation platform. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, we have built accelerator programs, corporate innovation services, and an in-house VC to make technological advancement progress faster than ever before. Since inception in 2006, our programs have expanded worldwide to include a presence in over 20 locations globally giving startups the necessary resources to succeed in Silicon Valley and beyond. With over 6,000 startups and 220 official corporate partners, we have created the ultimate startup ecosystem in many industries. We provide active investments with 200 leading Silicon Valley VCs, and host more than 700 networking events per year. Companies in our community have raised over $7 billion in funding, with successful portfolio exits including Danger, Dropbox, LendingClub, PayPal, SoundHound, and Zoosk. For more information, visit www.plugandplaytechcenter.com.About Speedcast International Ltd Speedcast International Ltd (ASX:SDA) is the world's most trusted communications and IT services provider, delivering critical communications solutions to the Maritime, Energy, Mining, Media, Telecom, Cruise, NGO, Government, and Enterprise sectors. With more satellite capacity than any other provider, Speedcast enables faster, seamless pole-to-pole coverage from a global hybrid satellite, fiber, cellular, microwave, MPLS, and IP transport network with direct access to public cloud platforms. The company also integrates differentiated technology offerings that provide smarter ways to communicate and distribute content, manage network and remote operations, protect and secure investments, and improve the crew and guest experience. With a passionate customer focus and a strong safety culture, Speedcast serves more than 3,200 customers in over 140 countries. Learn more at www.speedcast.com. LOS ANGELES (AP) - An infant has been killed after at least one dog mauled her in a Los Angeles home when her grandmother stepped away to get a bottle. Los Angeles police say the mauling happened Saturday afternoon in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood. The nearly 4-month-old baby girl died at a hospital. Animal control officers took custody of a Rottweiler, a Labrador and a terrier at the home because they don't know whether just one or more of them attacked. Los Angeles police Capt. Lillian Carranza tells The Los Angeles Times that the family is extremely distraught and that next Sunday would have been the first Mother's Day for the infant's mom. She says the girl's grandmother was babysitting and had briefly stepped away to get a bottle when the attack happened. (Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) DAKOTA'S STORY: Red Bluff, Calif.-- A Redding native said he was willing to pay high price for man's best friend, only to discover the puppy he bought has a health condition that couldn't be reversed. In an Action News Now exclusive, we investigate the popular North State dog breeder accused of selling sick puppies. One of their customer has a warning for others in the market for a dog. "It upsets me every day, I wake up and see this dog limp and it bothers me," said Joe Wolff. Wolff describes himself simply. "Lab lover, dog lover period," said Wolff. When his black lab died of old age last year, Wolff said he begged his wife, Tricia, to consider getting a new Labrador puppy. He got excited scouring popular pages on Facebook and landed on Top Dog Retrievers' page. He was pleasantly surprised to see they were located nearby in Red Bluff. Top Dog Retriever is owned by Caleb and Toby Anderson. Their Facebook page describes the business as a "training, boarding and breeding facility" in Red Bluff, California. It frequently posts photos of new litters of labs and has over 2,600 "likes." Wolff decided to look no further, he made a call and set up a time to visit their facility to pick out his puppy. "It was instant love, no shyness, it was like he was meant for us," said Wolff. The Wolff's found a goofy, friendly yellow lab. They named him Dakota and, at four months old, brought him home to Redding. "We paid $2,650 for him," said Wolff. The Wolff's said they signed a contract for a pure bred lab, with guaranteed health. "The first night we had him he got sick," said Wolff. Wolff said they were alarmed but thought maybe the puppy was just getting adjusted to their home. But, when Dakota's condition worsened, they took him to their veterinarian. "The vet tested him he had kennel cough, worms and mites under his chin," said Wolff. "They said the mites were passed from the mom." Wolff said he immediately called the Anderson's to alert them to the problem. Dakota eventually recovered from those illnesses, but several months later, developed a limp. They took him back to the vet. After x-rays, they were told Dakota had elbow dysplasia and needed surgery. They called the Anderson's again. "He said he would replace the dog, or give us a refund, whichever we decided to do," said Wolff. "I've already developed a relationship with this dog, he's like our kid, I don't want to give him back." Wolff said he was also concerned about what the breeder would do with a returned, sick dog. He said he wanted the price of the dog back and was willing to pay for Dakota's surgery himself. But, that's where they claim communication with Top Dog Retrievers stalled. "We never did hear from him again," said Wolff. The now 11-month-old yellow lab still walks with a limp. The Wolff's says they've been left with an ailing dog and piles to medical bills. Wolff starting digging deeper than the popular Facebook page. To his shock, he found the business had quite a lot of bad reviews on Yelp and an "F" rating from the Better Business Bureau. Many reviews were written by people claiming to be customers who purchased puppies, just like the Wolff's, only to discover some had serious health issues and received no refund from Top Dog Retrievers. Wolff said looking back now, he realizes he missed red flags. The Wolff's recently filed, and won, a $7,500 suit against the Anderson's in Tehama County's civil small claims court. That covers the price of the dog and medical bills. Wolff doesn't expect he'll get the money back. "It's gone at this point, it's gone, I get it. I would like it back, don't get me wrong. I'm an average working person, I could really use that money back. But, am I ever going to see it? Do I care really? No. Do I care that somebody knows about this? Yeah. That's my concern. Don't let this happen to you, that's my biggest thing." Wolff said he would simply like to see the Anderson's stop breeding sick dogs, and if and when it happens, take financial responsibility for it. DIGGING DEEPER INTO THE BAD REVIEWS: Action News Now independently reached out to several of the users who left poor Yelp reviews for Top Dog Retrievers. Many were from out of the area. Then, we got a call back from David Blockhus in Los Altos, CA. "I am the first in a long line of people who are suing them," said Blockhus. Blockhus bought his yellow lab, Mia, at six months old, from Top Dog Retrievers. Blockhus said immediately upon getting Mia home, she needed $1,200 worth of dental work for "rotting teeth." Blockhus said Mia also suffered from giardia, a parasite that attacks the dog's intestines, causing severe digestion issues. Blockhus said he too attempted to receive a refund from the Anderson's and when he didn't get a response, he pursued his legal options in Tehama County. "Being so far away, I think they figured this guy isn't going to do it," said Blockhus. In March, Blockhus won his civil suit against the Anderson's for $5,600,. That covered his base payment of $2,650 for the dog, plus additional vet bills. "I don't anticipate getting paid," said Blockhus. Blockhus believes there is a pattern of fraudulent business happening at Top Dog Retrievers. "Their business strategy is get the dog in someone's hand, delay and don't respond, hide and then hope the customer will just go away," said Blockhus. Blockhus said he is not going away and will use every resource he can to enforce the judgment of the law. LEGAL REPERCUSSIONS: Tehama County District Attorney Gregg Cohen said, at this time, the Anderson's are only facing legal consequences in civil court. Cohen says receiving payment from settled civil suits can be difficult and the tedious process does discourage some from going through with a suit at all. Action News Now requested all suits filed against the Anderson's and Top Dog Retrievers from the Tehama County Superior Court. The search came back with the two suits involving Wolff and Blockhus, as well as one additional property dispute with a former landlord. The Tehama County Animal Control says no complaints have been filed against the Anderson's for their current kennel property on Dibble Road, in Red Bluff. Several attempts were made to contact the Anderson's before the story aired. Action News Now team left voicemails, messages and even went to the property in Red Bluff. Shortly after our crews filmed the property, from the public street, we received a call back from Caleb Anderson. TOP DOG RETRIEVERS RESPONDS: "Yeah, you have two very unhappy people, no doubt," said Caleb Anderson, in reference to the Wolff and Blockhus civil suits. Anderson said he is aware of both suits, and he's also aware of the bad reviews on Yelp. He said he's been occupied with a private family matter. "Yeah, I saw there were some papers from the courts and I haven't had a chance to go through all of that," said Anderson. "We are not ignoring people with issues." Anderson said he initially offered to pay the base rate the costumers paid for the dogs, but stopped negotiations when they pressed for compensation of additional vet bills on top of that. Anderson said he believes these are isolated cases. Anderson said his dogs are OFA certified (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) by a vet, before being used for breeding. He says their hips and elbows are graded, but that it's "not a 100 percent guarantee." "When things go perfect, we have happy customers...when they don't, they're very vocal about it," said Anderson. "We've been breeding almost 20 years now and dogs, much like people...the genetics aren't always perfect." When asked if he planned to pay the two recent civil suits in which the judge sided against him? "Um, were going to look at them," said Anderson. Get AfricaFocus Bulletin by e-mail! Format for print or mobile USA/Africa: Renewable Energy Advances on Many Fronts AfricaFocus Bulletin May 7, 2018 (180507) (Reposted from sources cited below) Editor's Note Resistance to rapid renewable energy expansion is still high, despite the acknowledged costs in climate change. The U.S. Power Africa initiative still funds predominately natural gas, although its investment in renewables is growing. In Kenya, the Kenyan and Chinese governments are pushing ahead with a coal-fired generation plant in Lamu, despite strong resistance from local environmentalists and the fact that China is rapidly abandoning coal at home. Nevertheless, technological changes and rising awareness of the damage done by fossil fuels are propelling new advances on many fronts. This AfricaFocus Bulletin contains links and brief excerpts from articles and reports documenting both progress and the potential for more rapid progress for renewable energy on several fronts in the African context. Particularly notable are reports on off-grid solar, the best known option for rural African households; on solar and wind mini-grids, which have great potential which is also beginning to received significant investment, and on the steadily increasing role of renewable energy in the Power Africa portfolio, in contrast to the "all of the above" mantra as initially launched by the Obama administration. Also of note are the increasing scope of civil society protests as well as broader international trends in driving the turn away from fossil fuels. This is highlighted in particular by the continuing resistance to the Lamu coal project in Kenya, and by the advance of renewable energy in the United States despite the campaign against it being waged by the Trump administration. The Lamu project is the focus of the Decoalonize initiative (http://www.decoalonize.org/) The Africa affiliates of the 350.org project ( https://350africa.org/) are also active, particularly in South Africa and Ghana. The Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (http://www.pacja.org/) brings together national and regional coalitions from around the continent. And the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative (http://www.arei.org/) brings together African governmental agencies to shape a continent-wide framework. On May 25, climate justice groups in Africa will be holding "Fossil Free" protests in at least eight countries. http://tinyurl.com/yd6vxbpd. Another AfricaFocus Bulletin released today and available at http://www.africafocus.org/docs18/clim1805b.php, contains two recent articles on the progress of renewable energy even in Trump's America, by leading climate action advocates Bill McKibben and Joe Romm. For previous AfricaFocus Bulletins on climate and the environment, visit http://www.africafocus.org/intro-env.php ++++++++++++++++++++++end editor's note+++++++++++++++++ Off-grid solar market returns to robust growth, according to latest sector report Apr 26, 2018 http://www.gogla.org Direct URL: http://tinyurl.com/y9sa4m2o The off-grid solar sector has returned to robust growth, reversing a brief dip in sales that was mostly due to localized shocks, according to a new report released today by the World Bank Groups Lighting Global program and the Global Off-Grid Lighting Association (GOGLA). The latest Global Off-Grid Solar Market Report shows that during the second half of 2017, participating companies reported sales of 4.14 million off-grid solar products - a jump of 18 percent compared to the first half of the year. This generated $115 million in cash revenues for the sector, up 20 percent on the previous six months. For the first time, the report also captured the amount of solar capacity installed by participating companies: 22 megawatts between July and December 2017. Russell Sturm, the Global Head of Energy Access at IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, says clean, affordable off-grid energy solutions are delivering crucial private sector growth in emerging economies. Innovation and investment are catalyzing a revolution in energy access, said Sturm. Recent findings suggest that the market will grow by around 25 percent year-on-year, providing improved energy access to 740 million people by 2022. Thats a very powerful prospect. The quality of off-grid products has also improved. The report shows that since the start of 2016 alone products sold have become, in aggregate, 43 percent brighter. This enhances security while also providing students with the opportunity to study at night, or for workers to engage in income generating activities. The number of people accessing larger systems - which can power multiple lights or appliances such as radios, fans and televisions - has also grown. Today, over two million people have access to Tier 2 energy services through off-grid solar products: 350,000 more than in the same period of 2016. The latest edition in this series of semi-annual sales reports uses data provided by 67 GOGLA members and companies whose products meet Lighting Global quality standards. These companies represent an estimated 30 per cent of the total off-grid solar market, and have sold 34.8 million off-grid solar lighting and energy products since 2010. ... Minigrids Are the Cheapest Way to Bring Electricity to 100 Million Africans Today A CrossBoundary analysis shows why minigrids are vital to achieving affordable, sustainable, modern energy for all. by Matthew Tilleard, Gabriel Davies and Lucy Shaw Greentech Media, April 20, 2018 http://www.greentechmedia.com Direct URL: http://tinyurl.com/y9lmlffs By all measures, Africa is currently losing the battle to end energy poverty by 2030. U.N. Sustainable Development Goals commit the global community to delivering access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. One barrier to success is the ongoing political debate about how best to provide power to the more than 600 million people in Africa without access to electricity. Vested interests, inertia, aversion to change all traits of the energy sector do not lend themselves to speed, nor to innovation. The debate has huge financial, economic and social implications. To solve it, empirical questions on technical feasibility and cost must be solved. At the same time, tough judgments about what quality of power people should receive, how much they should pay for it, and the role of the private sector vs. the public sector must also be addressed. Three main ways exist for providing electricity access: 1) extension of the existing electricity infrastructure (i.e., main grid extension); 2) minigrids; and 3) standalone solar home systems (i.e., residential solar). All three have a role to play. Minigrids are self-sufficient electricity grids with their own power generation, storage and transmission capacities. They can serve households and businesses isolated from or integrated with the main grid. The potential for minigrids to play a role in universal electrification in Africa has been well recognized. Beyond their ability to integrate with the main grid, they are also the least-cost option for many people in rural Africa. The International Energy Agency in 2014 estimated that minigrids could serve 140 million people by 2030. In an updated projection last year, it put that number at 290 million, or more than double the original estimate. This minigrid in Niger can provide power to a village. IRENA is providing grids and home solar kits to 100 rural villages. Credit: IRENA. However, actual minigrid deployment is still extremely limited. As such, justifiable skepticism exists on whether this potential can be fulfilled. In an effort to put that skepticism to rest, CrossBoundary developed a new analysis to calculate the minimum number of people in Africa who can be most cheaply connected by minigrids today, compared to the two other options. Why is this important? Because when governments, donors and investors do reach consensus, they mobilize billions of dollars to support millions of connections. The pay-as-you-go solar home system sector in Africa comprising systems serving single households raised over $750 million from 2012 to 2017. This is dwarfed by the investments that single countries are making on expanding their existing grid infrastructure. For instance, the Kenyan government is investing $1.4 billion, supported by $675 million from the World Bank, African Development Bank and other development funders to build generation capacity, transmission lines and distribution networks. In comparison to those sectors, the top five minigrid developers in Africa have raised less than $100 million over the last five years. To help establish this "minimum role," CrossBoundary has undertaken a least-cost analysis (based on like-for-like connections average 100 watts per household) in order to estimate the number of people for whom minigrids are the cheapest way to connect today. We took the most conservative view possible. No projections on population growth, no future cost reductions on minigrids, and no assumptions beyond minimum quality of power required. We used the costs now, for the people who live off-grid now. What is the minimum number of people in Africa for whom minigrids are the most costeffective option? As the chart below [available in full article] shows, of the three paths, no single means of electrification is always the cheapest. Main grid extension is generally the least-cost option for people who already live close to the grid (such as urban and peri-urban populations). Minigrids are usually least-cost for people who live so far from the main grid that extension costs are higher than installing local generation and storage capacity, but in a location densely populated enough to support the fixed costs of building the minigrid infrastructure. Solar home systems are the least cost for everyone else - those living in sparsely populated areas, where running poles and wires from even a local minigrid becomes expensive. ... How did we develop our minimum answer? CrossBoundary started by combining the data on existing and planned high-voltage transmission lines from the World Bank with data on the population density of Africa by square kilometer from WorldPop. This allowed us to map out where each square kilometer of population is relat [more detail, with tables and graphs, in the full article available at the link above] So, returning to the original question: Should minigrids have a role in delivering universal access in Africa? Yes, because they are the cheapest way to deliver power for at least 100 million people. Our minimum analysis approach compares well with more complex and optimistic models. Other published estimates have more complex methodology and also projections on minigrid cost reductions and population growth. We are right at the lower end of estimates made by UN-DESA and IEA, both using the KTH Royal Institute of Technology model. The striking increase in IEAs estimate from 140 million in 2014 to 290 million in 2017 is driven by falling costs of solar, better information on population densities, and rollout plans of the existing grid. Our analysis establishes a minimum number that the most hardened skeptic can accept. These models establish more realistic estimates for those who already see the potential of mini-grids. Tracking Power Africa: Lessons and best practices in energy access Oxfam America and Sierra Club April 2018 [Brief excerpts only: full report available at http://tinyurl.com/ycnztowp] Executive Summary Significant financial investment is required to achieve universal energy access, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where the problem is especially acute. Access to energy is essential in building livelihoods and economic opportunity across sectors such as agriculture, health, and education. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that approximately $43 billion is required annually to provide electricity to the 1.1 billion people around the world presently lacking it. The majority of these energy-poor people are also most at risk to have their livelihoods impacted by climate change. There is, hence, increased urgency to reduce emissions from the energy sector, raising questions on the best forms of technology in achieving energy access and how best to finance them. Power Africa is a US government-led public-private financing initiative with the goals to add more than 30,000 megawatts (MW) of cleaner, more efficient electricity generation and to increase electricity access by adding 60 million new connections in sub-Saharan Africa. Power Africa operates across multiple US government agencies and has employed most forms of conventional energy technologies in its four years of operation. This report presents an independent analysis of Power Africas portfolio in order to inform the broader energy-access financing agenda. Process and Top Line Findings The reports authors analyzed the entire Power Africa portfolio through March 2017, drawing from multiple agencies, including the US Agency for International Developments (USAIDs) Power Africa Tracking Tool (PATT), a tool that tracks the first of three Power Africa goals, called pillars: the generation of energy, measured in megawatts. (Power Africas three goals are (1) generation,(2) connections, and (3) unlocking energy sector potential.) The report assesses four categories: the breakdown of projects across the different US government agencies, the technologies employed, the target countries, and the breakdown of spending for on- and off-grid investments. The analysis considered 371 projects, amounting to more than 22,900 megawatts (MW) of generation potential and $52 billion total expected investment. Information on what financing had been approved was only available for 178 projects, amounting to 3,500 MW of new generation potential and totaling $3.5 billion of approved US financing for $12.2 billion of anticipated investment. ... Support for Off-Grid Projects Still Falls Short But is Trending inn The Right Direction To achieve universality, energy access financing requires that the majority of financingapproximately 71 percent, according to the IEAshould support off-grid projects. Overall, Power Africa is trending in the right direction with financing increasing over the years for off-grid projects. The Beyond the Grid subinitiative (BTG) was specifically established in order to achieve its connection goal of 60 million new connections. Aggregate information provided by Power Africa shows that, as a percentage, Power Africa has increased spending toward its connections goal, where it now represents approximately one- third of its budget. Of the 178 projects tracked in this reports analysis where approved financing data was available, off-grid projects only represent 10 percent of financing approved within the initiative so far. While much of the data was only available from projects for the megawatt goal (generation), it is clear that Power Africa should continue to increase funding toward off-grid projects. High-risk projects with little development and access potential receive significant support. Projects that have high social, environmental, and climate risk while having a less direct impact on development and energy accesssuch as heavy fuel oil and natural gasrepresent a major component of Power Africas footprint. Africa has a significant generation gap, which the megawatts goal of the initiative is attempting to help address. However, adding more megawatts cannot be a goal unto itself, as many separate studies have shown that the development benefits of such projects for local communities are often difficult to track. ... Fuel Sources The US government provides more financing to natural gasover $740 millionthan to any other fuel source. The fact that the US government provides both the largest amount of financing as well as the largest amount of megawatts to natural gas demonstrates the US governments reliance on natural gas in meeting its Power Africa goals. There is very little evidence that natural gas development increases energy access. It is unclear that this or any other large centralized power plants actually improve the economic livelihoods of poor people, a stated goal of Power Africa. For example, the Azura-Edo natural gas power plant in Nigeria failed to connect the communities that resided closest to the plant, thus failing to provide them with any economic gains. Moreover, natural gas is a much higher-risk project given that it contributes to climate change by releasing methane at every point in its life cycleextraction, transportation, processing, and consumption. Because methane is far more potent than carbon dioxide in terms of its warming potential, 20 some studies find it to be almost as bad, if not as bad or worse than coal. ... Conclusion .. Although Power Africa has recognized the importance of mini- and off-grid renewables with increased financing for off-grid projects trending upwards, an even greater emphasis on such projects would improve the initiatives energy access goals. There is still significant support for projects with high levels of social, environmental, and climate risk, with these projects typically offering little to no benefit for development or energy access. A different model that moves away from rewarding large, polluting companies like ContourGlobalresponsible for the Cap des Biches projectand, instead, nurturing innovative, community-supported organizations is required. Other related articles Dorothy Otieno, "Why coal has no place in Kenyas energy future: Economic and environmental realities spur countries across the world to close coal power plants," Kenya Daily Nation, April 14, 2018 http://tinyurl.com/ybp3vppb "A all in the cost of renewable energies, ever-improving technologies and the threat of climate change have all come together to make wind and solar energy more attractive than coal across the world. Still coal accounts for 40 per cent of global electricity, according to the World Bank. Kenya is set to build a 981.5 megawatt (MW) coal-fired thermal electricity-generating plant in the Manda Bay area, Lamu County, even as costs of renewable energies are falling dramatically and fuelling a push to phase out coal power generation around the world." Derrick Jackson, "Catching a Breeze," American Prospect, Spring 2018 https://portside.org/2018-04-22/catching-breeze "There no longer is any comparison with coal, which Trump touted as beautiful and clean in his January State of the Union address. While at most 1,000 coal jobs were added in Trumps first year, the wind industry added 25,000 jobs in 2016, according to Trumps own Department of Energy. In 2012, there were nearly 90,000 coal-mining jobs and 80,000 wind energy jobs. Today, with cheap natural gas and the rapid advance of technology that makes renewable energy cost-competitive, there are more than 100,000 manufacturing, construction, and operations jobs in wind, nearly double coals now 52,000." "WindEurope anticipates that offshore wind will account for 7 percent to 11 percent of the EUs electricity demand by 2030, and that all wind energy will provide between a quarter to nearly a third of demand. But with the cost of offshore wind dropping and technology improving so rapidly, the group said offshore wind could produce a quarter of EU demand on its own by 2030." "Climate Change Could Force Over 140 Million to Migrate Within Countries by 2050" World Bank Report, March 19, 2018 http://tinyurl.com/ycyd6f9v "The worsening impacts of climate change in three densely populated regions of the world could see over 140 million people move within their countries borders by 2050, creating a looming human crisis and threatening the development process, a new World Bank Group report finds But with concerted action - including global efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions and robust development planning at the country level this worst-case scenario of over 140m could be dramatically reduced, by as much as 80 percent, or more than 100 million people. The report, Groundswell Preparing for Internal Climate Migration, is the first and most comprehensive study of its kind to focus on the nexus between slow-onset climate change impacts, internal migration patterns and, development in three developing regions of the world: Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America." Ahmed Mokgopo, "How a Development Bank is Propping Up the Fossil Fuel Industry in South Africa. And Why it Must Reverse Course," Common Dreams, April 27, 2018 http://tinyurl.com/ydhol699. South Africa is grappling with a serious energy crisis. Communities across the country are crippled by the lack of electricity, a situation worsened by the widespread lack of jobs. A straightforward solution to both problems would be investing in distributed and small scale renewable energy, particularly in rural areas. Instead, the country is still doubling down on coal, with a new coal fired power plant called Thabametsi set to open in Lephalale, Limpopo province. Regrettably, the project can count on the financial contribution of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) AfricaFocus Bulletin is an independent electronic publication providing reposted commentary and analysis on African issues, with a particular focus on U.S. and international policies. AfricaFocus Bulletin is edited by William Minter. AfricaFocus Bulletin can be reached at africafocus@igc.org. Please write to this address to suggest material for inclusion. For more information about reposted material, please contact directly the original source mentioned. For a full archive and other resources, see http://www.africafocus.org In 1992, the U.S. and the EU signed a bilateral agreement on government support for large civil aircraft permitting Airbus to receive loans up to 33% of the development costs of a programme and Boeing to receive direct grant subsidies up to 3% of the U.S. civil aviation industry turnover. On 6 October 2004, Boeing prompted the U.S. to unilaterally and unexpectedly withdraw from the 1992 agreement and to file a complaint at the WTO over all EU support ever granted to Airbus. The U.S. and Boeing claimed that Airbus receives billions of WTO-inconsistent subsidies even though much of the support had previously been agreed to by the U.S. in the 1992 Agreement. After years of proceedings, in 2010 and 2011 a WTO panel and then the WTO Appellate Body respectively found that the loans provided by the EU countries were (1) not prohibited, and (2) only constitute a subsidy if the interest rate due is below market rates. It also found that all research and development programmes in the EU are fully compatible with WTO rules and rejected the U.S. challenge to support for the A380 production sites in France. The WTO found that other capital contributions to Airbus made in the 1980s, and infrastructure support, were actionable subsidies. And it found that Boeing had lost a number of sales, and had lost some market share, as a result of the EU support. The WTO directed the EU to either (1) withdraw the remaining subsidies, or (2) remove the effects of the subsidies. In response, in December 2011, the EU presented a comprehensive set of actions taken to address the WTO findings and recommendations. The U.S. asserted that the EU had failed to comply. And WTO proceedings were launched to review the EUs measures taken to comply. The resulting compliance proceedings concluded in May 2018. The WTO Appellate Body found that the EU had complied with the WTO findings with respect to the loans for the launch of the A300, A310, A320, A330 and A340 programmes. And it rejected repeated U.S. claims that loans for the A380 and A350 XWB were prohibited. As such, the only programmes that were still subject to WTO recommendations was support for the A380 and A350. The EU therefore took a number of additional measures to comply with the WTO Appellate Body findings. A WTO compliance panel was established to assess whether there still is a subsidy element in the loans, and whether that subsidy element has an impact on Boeing. Refusing to wait for the outcome of those compliance proceedings, the U.S. requested authorisation from the WTO to apply countermeasures on the EU, commensurate with its estimate of the effects of the EU subsidies (USD 10 billion per year). In October 2019, the WTO refusing to take into consideration the deliberations of the ongoing compliance panel authorised the U.S. to impose tariffs on USD 7.5 billion worth of EU products, on an annual basis. As a result, on 18 October 2019 despite the ongoing compliance proceedings, U.S. airlines overwhelmingly imploring the U.S. administration not to do so, and the EU offering to settle this case the U.S. imposed 10% tariffs on aircraft from the EU, as well as 25% tariffs on a range of other products from the EU. In the meantime, the WTO compliance panel issued its report on 2 December 2019. It found that, because the A380 no longer is being marketed, the loans provided for its development no longer cause Boeing to lose sales. Consequently, the USD 7.5 billion in tariffs the U.S. was authorised to impose in October should immediately be reduced by the value of lost sales no longer found to exist. The panel also found that the amendments made to the A350 loan agreements are not sufficient to fully align the loans with market conditions. The EU does not agree with the legal and factual findings that are the basis for the panels conclusion and therefore appealed the decision. Unfortunately, as the US is blocking appointment of judges at the WTO, that appeal is now stuck and cannot proceed. As such, the EU cannot obtain the confirmation from the WTO that it has taken appropriate measures to comply with the WTO recommendation. In an effort to get out of this impasse, bring an end to this dispute and remove any justification for the US to apply tariffs on EU goods, in July 2020 Airbus decided to amend the French and Spanish A350 RLI agreements to what the WTO considers the appropriate interest rate and risk assessment benchmarks. In so doing, Airbus has demonstrated that it has left no stone unturned to find a way towards a solution. The US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Germany of three C-130J-30 aircraft and three KC-130J aircraft for an estimated cost of $1.40 billion, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on May 4, 2018. A brand new French Air Force C-130J-30 airlifter (Credit: Lockheed Martin) Germany has requested to buy three C-130J-30 and three KC-130J aircraft Also included are eight AN/ALE 47 Electronic Countermeasure Dispensers; eight AN/AAR-47A(V)2 Missile Warning Systems; eight AN/ALR-56M Radar Warning Receivers; eight MX-20 Electro-Optical/Infrared Imaging Systems; AN/APX-114/119 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Mode 5; Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS); and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total estimated value is $1.40 billion. "This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO ally which is an important force for political and economic stability in Europe. The proposed sale will increase the airlift, air refueling, and air drop capabilities of the German Air Force. Providing these capabilities to the German Air Force will greatly increase interoperability between the U.S. Air Force and the German Air Force as well as other NATO allies," the DSCA said. The German Air Force will use these aircraft to conduct airlift, air refueling, and air drop missions as part of a French-German allied squadron which will be based in Evreux, France, in 2021. This common air transport squadron will have unrestricted exchange of aircraft, air crews, and maintainers, as well as technical and logistical support based on a common pool of spare parts and a common service support contract. These exchanges would be carried out pursuant to separate authorizations from the United States. The C-130Js will provide crucial air refueling capability to German and French fighter and light transport aircraft, as well as helicopters. Germany requests these capabilities to provide for the support of its deployed troops, regional security, and interoperability with France and the United States. https://www.aish.com/ci/s/Anti-Semitic-Politicians-in-America-Today.html The rise of anti-Semitism in America can also been seen in the political sphere. Patrick Little says hes dedicating his life to exposing Jews who supposedly control the United States. He woke up to the Jewish question and has described himself as counter-Semitic who wants the United States to be free from Jews. Little is running for Californias U.S. Senate seat and defeat four-term Senator Diane Feinstein, whom Little describes as a Zionist (expletive). Patrick Little In the past, such extreme anti-Semitic views might have rendered Little politically toxic, but today Little is a viable candidate. Hes leading the pack of ten Republican challengers who hope to unseat Sen. Feinstein. The California Republican party has disowned Little, and forcibly removed him from its state convention this past Saturday. Delegates describe how Little spat on the Israeli flag. Despite this type of offensive behavior, Little continues to enjoy public support and remains Sen. Feinstein's leading challenger in the polls. If he wins the June 5 primary, he could face Sen. Feinstein in the general election in November. While its highly unlikely Little would win the general election, the fact thats running at all - and that hes being taken seriously as a candidate by millions of California voters - has many American Jews on edge. In recent months, several politicians and candidates across the political spectrum have voice overtly anti-Semitic views that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. Representing the American Nazi Party One might think that having led the American Nazi Party would disqualify a candidate for serious consideration in Chicago today, but the Republican primary election of March 20, 2018, proved otherwise. Arthur Jones, a former leader of the American Nazi Party who currently heads an anti-Semitic white-supremacist movement, has long been a nuisance candidate in Illinois 3rd Congressional District, representing portions of Chicago and its southwestern suburbs. On March 2018, Jones ran unopposed as the only Republican candidate on the primary ballot, and won. Hell now head off against incumbent Rep. Dan Lipinski on November 6. Arthur Jones speaking at a Neo-Nazi rally The Illinois Republican Party has decisively opposed Jones, saying, We strongly oppose his racist views and his candidacy for any public office, including the 3rd Congressional District. Tragically, however, Jones candidacy and new-found prominence has helped him to disseminate his hateful views, including denying the Holocaust, and accusing world Jewry and Zionists of terrorizing non-Jews. Spreading anti-Jewish Conspiracy Theories On May 5, 2018, Leslie Cockburn, a documentary maker and writer, received the Democratic nomination for the 5th Congressional District in Virginia, the states largest. On November 6, shell face off against Rep. Thomas Garrett in what is widely expected to be one of the countrys toughest fought races. Cockburns selection has shocked some voters who recall a book she wrote in 1991 that put forward patently false, ant-Jewish conspiracy theories. Leslie Cokburn Dangerous Liaison: The Inside Story of the US-Israel Covert Relationship, which Cockburn wrote with her husband, accused Israel of secretly controlling American policies. A New York Times review of her screed noted their book, supposedly a history of the secret ties between Israel and the United States, is largely dedicated to Israel-bashing for its own sake. Its first message is that, win or lose, smart or dumb, right or wrong, suave or boorish, Israelis are a menace. The second is that the Israeli-American connection is somewhere behind just about everything that ails us. The review also quoted a co-founder of the Virginia Holocaust Museum in Richmond, Virginia, noting that Cockburns claims were incorrect: I dont know to which hate group she was trying to cater...but her claims are wildly inaccurate. Blaming Jews for the Weather First-term Democratic Washington DC City Council Member Trayon White was considered an up and coming local politician - until a Facebook post he uploaded on March 16, 2018 went viral worldwide. In it, Martin is seen driving through the streets of Washington DC as it begins to snow. Martin began a bizarre rant, blaming the Jewish banking family the Rothschilds for controlling the climate to create natural disasters. Its long been a staple of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories that Jews somehow manipulate global events. It was chilling to hear this anti-Jewish trope being parroted by an elected city official, and it was especially worrying to hear this old conspiracy theory in a bizarre new form: to blame Jews for a snowfall implies a hatred thats visceral and extreme. It soon emerged that this was no momentary lapse, when reporters uncovered evidence that White had donated constituent funds to a Nation of Islam event at which anti-Jewish statements were made. Standing by while Jews are Slandered In the wake of the furor over Trayvons preposterous Facebook post, a Washington D.C. Housing Authority Commissioner, Joshua Lopez, decided to organize a Unity Rally to support his embattled colleague. On April 26, 2018, about two dozen people assembled on the steps of the Districts Government building. A representative of the Nation of Islam was among them, and he verbally attacked D.C. Council Member Elissa Silverman, one of two Jews on the Districts council, calling her a fake Jew and referring to Jews as termites. Lopez stood by without challenging these odious remarks. Following an outcry, Lopez resigned his post on May 1. Overt Jew-Hatred One of the leading contenders to replace U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan is an avowed anti-Semite. Paul Nehlen has seemingly endorsed a book that blames Jews for tainting Nordic peoples, and tweeted a list of media figures he said were either Jews or married to Jews. (Twitter banned him following that and other offensive posts.) He has also embraced the slogan Its okay to be white and white supremacy ideology. Although the Wisconsin Republican Party has formally repudiated Nehlen, returning his membership dues, Nehlen is continuing to campaign for Wisconsins Republican primary on August 14, 2018. Shockingly, this odious figure might have a chance of winning. Although Nehlen lost to Mr. Ryan by 68 points in the 2016 Republican primary, Mr. Ryan has announced he will not seek re-election, and Nehlen seems to be out-spending the only other Republican in the race, Nick Polce, an army Special Forces veteran. As of mid-April 2018, Nehlen had raised $160,000 for his election campaign, against Polces $18,000. Although its doubtful that Nehlen could win office in the general election on November 6, hes been using his new-found prominence to spread his odious views about Jews and other minorities. Blaming Jews for Gentrification When an April 16, 2018 Brooklyn community board meeting discussed gentrification in the borough, one resident noted that people were constantly ringing her doorbell to ask if shed consider selling her house. It must be Jewish people, exploded Brooklyn Assemblywoman Diana Richardson, immediately echoing classic anti-Jewish stereotypes that Jews somehow seek to harm others. Brooklyn Assemblywoman Diana Richardson Another Brooklyn Assembly member, Carl Heastie rebutted Richardsons outlandish claims, and later dressed her down in front of the entire Democratic caucus. Since then, revelations have emerged of Richardsons unhinged behavior in other political meetings, as well, and calls are mounting for her to resign. Even if she heeds demands to quit politics, her obvious contempt for Jews signals a larger problem: that anti-Jewish attitudes are found even among respected leaders in local politics. With so much hatred directed against Jews and other minorities in America today, its crucial to speak out against anti-Semitic speech, wherever it comes from. With elections looming across the country, and the Midterm Elections coming up soon, it can be tempting to put politics ahead of human decency and look for ways to dismiss candidates hateful rhetoric. Doing so would be a significant mistake. As Vice President Mike Pence eloquently said, We cannot do democracy without a heavy dose of civility. Its a lesson we as a body politic need more than ever today. Racism is only unacceptable if McDonnell and Corbyn notice it in Pendle The story of the Tory and the racist joke features Pendle Council, Lancashire, and Rosemary Carrolls return to the Conservative partys ranks. In July 2017, Carroll was suspended from the Conservative Party for sharing a joke on Facebook. The Lancashire Evening Post added a dash of tautology and called the joke racist and derogatory. Council leader Mohammed Iqbal made an official complaint and called for Carroll councillor to be expelled from the Council and the Conservative Party. Pendle Tory leader Coun. Cooney acknowlegded the racist post which had been shared on Facebook by one of our councillors and stated: We will not tolerate racism of any form. By now you want to know two things: what was the joke and what happened next? Well, the Daily Mirror reproduces the joke. Most other newspapers and the BBC do not. Indeed the BBC says: Tories urged to act in racist joke row at Pendle Council, the broadcaster unsure what is racist. Without the joke, the story is lacking. Here it is: I took my dog to the dole office to see what he was entitled to. The bloke behind the counter said you idiot, we dont give benefits to dogs. I argued why not? Hes brown, he stinks, hes never worked a f***ing day in his life & he cant speak a f***ing word of English. The man replied: His first payment will be Monday. Nasty stuff. Carroll spoked to LADbible. Her apology contained a blend of sympathetic back story and the caveat now routine in all apologies, the one that places the onus on the recipient and their reaction, if I have caused offence. She said: It was a mistake, obviously, somebody posted it to me and I thought I was deleting it. I dont use Facebook much. Everything has gone over the top now. It was a genuine mistake. I can only apologise, because I am not racist by any means. All I can say is, if Ive caused offence, I am truly sorry. I dont do stuff like this and have closed that Facebook thing. In May, Carroll rejoined the Tories. Tory leader Paul White says Ms Carroll had learned form her mistake. Mohammmed Iqbal says: They should have done the decent thing and distanced themselves from her. Im appalled. The suspension was a gimmick. Carrolls return was timely. In the council elections, the Tories won control of Pendle council by a single seat. The Conservatives control Pendle with 25 seats, ahead of Labours 15 and the Liberal Democrats nine. And then the story got bigger. Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said it was unacceptable for Carroll to return. To have the Conservative Party take control of that council by reinstating a councillor who used the foulest, foulest joke, a racist joke is unacceptable, he said. If Carrolls return is wrong is and argue amongst yourselves if it is is it also wrong for Naz Shah, Jeremy Corbyn and others accused of racism to be in the Labour Party? Shah was John McDonnells PPS. Shah is the Bradford West MP and what if her job gave the Labour Party an overall Commons majority? who shared on Facebook the idea of transporting citizens of the worlds only Jewish state (thats Israel, not New York) to the middle of the USA. Having called for a country to be obliterated and foreigner Jews forcibly relocated away from what many see as their ancient home, she added the comment problem solved. The JC added: Shah also posted a tweet with a link to a blog which claimed Zionism had been used to groom Jews to exert political influence at the highest levels of public office. The BBC adds: A number of other posts emerged, with her comparing Israel to the Nazis and saying the Jews are rallying. Nasty. Labour suspended Shah. But she apologised, kept her job and her salary. After a brief suspension (a little over 3 months), Shah was back. Former Labour major of London Ken Livingstone is still suspended by Labour. He said Shahs comments were rude and over-the-top but not anti-Semitic even though Shah accepted it was and apologised. And then he doubled down, opining: When Hitler won his election in 1932 his policy then was that Jews should be moved to Israel. He was supporting Zionism before he went mad and ended up killing six million Jews. John Rentoul noted: Livingstones refusal to accept that he had ever come across anti-Semitism in his 47 years in the Labour Party. And hence his refusal when pressed on the BBCs Daily Politics today to accept that Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, whom he invited to London and who wrote that every Jew in the world should be fought by every Muslim, was anti-Semitic because he had never said anything anti-Semitic to him. Back to Jeremy Corbyn, then, of whom Nick Cohen writes: Corbyn invited Hamas and Hizbollah to Parliament and called them his friends. Bear in mind that Hamass Charter is explicitly genocidal it makes it clear its supporters want to kill Jews and repeats Nazi conspiracy theories. Their founding Charter also rules out any peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestine problem. It says: Initiatives, and so-called peaceful solutions and international conferences, are in contradiction to the principles of the Islamic Resistance Movement There is no solution for the Palestinian question except through jihad. See a pattern? Ben McIntrye has a good article in the Times on why Livingstone is no historian: The suggestion that Hitler backed the idea of a Jewish homeland underpins an association between Nazism and Zionism that is fundamentally antisemitic. It is also wrong. You cant expel someone for stating historical fact, Livingstone insists. But his claim is not a fact: it is a distortion of history, a defence of the indefensible that has undoubtedly emboldened antisemites within his party, leading to the current meltdown The Haavara Agreement was really just one more way of ethnically cleansing the Jews from Germany and taking their wealth. The idea that it represented any kind of support for a Jewish homeland, a central tenet of Zionism, is ludicrous and a deliberate perversion of its real import The idea that the Holocaust was due to the onset of madness on Hitlers part is also wrong, reducing a programme of collective evil to an act of insanity on the part of one man. Hitlers genocide was not the unexpected policy of a lone madman but premeditated, rational by Nazi logic, and purely wicked. The oldest trick in the book of cornered politicians is to claim to have been accused of something they have not been accused of, and deny it. I did not say Hitler was a Zionist, the former London mayor said. And that was why I was suspended. Again, not true: he was punished because he claimed Nazi support for Zionism, a more subtle insinuation and a misreading of historical fact. After Livingstones comments, things escalated. The Times again: John Mann, who chairs the all-party parliamentary group against antisemitism, branded Mr Livingstone a Nazi apologist in a confrontation outside a TV studio that was captured live on camera. Mr Mann is reported to have called him a f***ing disgrace. When the party released a statement early in the afternoon to announce Mr Livingstones suspension, a spokesman added that Mr Mann had been summoned to see the chief whip about his conduct. Michael Dugher, Labour MP for Barnsley East and a former frontbencher, said that announcing the actions at the same time represented drawing some kind of moral equivalence between John Mann and Ken Livingstone. Yet again theyve prevaricated because it was another of their close allies up to their necks in antisemitism again, Mr Dugher said. Is any of that unacceptable to John McDonnell? In January, we got more: On Saturday, International Holocaust Memorial Day, Mr Livingstone, 72, a former mayor of London, appeared in a programme called Has the Holocaust been exploited to oppress others? on the Iranian state-owned channel Press TV. He said that Hitler had worked with the Zionist movement to move Jewish people to Israel: He worked with the Zionist movement to move . . . to get 60,000 to go, but it was about half a million and then he changed his policy and went for genocide. The presenter, Roshan Muhammed Salih, told viewers that Mr Livingstone, who has been suspended from Labour since April 2016, had been targeted by the Zionist lobby here in the UK. You know who else used to appear on Press TV? Yeah: Jeremy Corbyn who used to present a show on the channel although since Labour was exposed as haven for anti-Semites, traces of Corbyns journalism seem to have vanished from YouTube. If Rosemary Carrolls return to the Tories is unacceptable to Labour she underwent diversity training and apologised; Shah went on a journey of self-discovery and apologised fully; Corbyn says of supporting a huge painting of Jewish bankers sat on the backs of naked workers, something the Guardian says resembled a homage to the Nazi newspaper Der Sturmer, I sincerely regret that I did not look more closely at the image I was commenting on. Labour only notices racism when its not about them and everyone else is pointing at it. Anorak Posted: 7th, May 2018 | In: Key Posts, News, Politicians Comment | TrackBack | Permalink Jermy Corbyn backed catrastrophic Scottish Independence says MP Is Jeremy Corbyn rectionary? SNP Mp Mhairi Black says the Labour Party leader told her he was backing Scottish independence during a private conversation. Corbyn says Scottish independence because it would be catastrophic for Scotland. The Paisley and Renfrewshire South MP tells the HuffPost: He has had unelected lords in his cabinet. Hes had scandal upon scandal, and dont get me wrong, I get that there is a whole lot of backbenchers against Jeremy, but he has sold his soul. He has sold out in terms of austerity. He has sold out in terms of Scottish independence because I know that he doesnt believe the things he says about independence now. Asked directly how she knew Corbyn supported independence, she said: From talking to him. Labour say the story is nonsense. In other news: Corbyn says Scotland holds the keys to him getting into power. Ubiquitous pollster Sir John Curtis told Sunday Politics Scotland: The truth is if the SNP vote were to go up a couple of points at the next election, Labours chances of getting an overall majority are significantly diminished. If the SNP vote just falls a couple of points and the Labour Party are doing roughly where they were last time, then Labours chances improve significantly. So, Scotland is now absolutely central to the battle for power at Westminster, particularly as far as the Labour Party is concerned. Is the SNP strigrring? Does Corbyn simply agree with whatever popular position gets him the most votes? Karen Strike Posted: 7th, May 2018 | In: Politicians Comment | TrackBack | Permalink Prince Harry cant recall meeting Meghans dad Thomas in Toronto? Time to catch up with Thomas Markle, Meghan Markles dad. The Mail says the virtual recluse has still to meet Prince Harry. In the build up to the wedding, the Queen will be hosting a do at which Thomas will meet Her Maj and the rest of The Munsters. Remarkably, says the Mail, it will be the first time that Prince Harry will meet his fiancees father. Aside from Thomas Markle being anything but a recluse, the Mail might care to note on January 4th 2017 we read that Thomas and Harry met in Toronto a while back. And where did we read that news? In the Mail: Such are the facts. Anorak Posted: 7th, May 2018 | In: News, Royal Family, Tabloids Comment | TrackBack | Permalink 3 Spanish firefighters on trial for Aegean migrant rescues Proem-Aid volunteers arrested in 2016 for alleged trafficking (ANSAmed) - Madrid, May 7 - Three firefighters from Seville are due to go on trial on Monday on charges of human trafficking after taking part in migrant rescue operations in the Aegean in 2016. Manuel Blanco, Enrique Rodriguez and Julio Latorre were volunteers with the NGO Proem-Aid. They were arrested on January 14 2016 and released on bail. "We will be in the dock, but this is a trial that goes beyond (our individual responsibility)," Manuel Blanco told Spanish media in a radio interview before entering the courthouse. "Humanitarian aid is being criminalised, solidarity is being penalised," he added. The defendants face up to 10 years in prison for every migrant they rescued and took to safety on Lesbos. However, on the night of their arrest no migrants were on board the NGO vessel, leading to what the defendants describe as the "vagueness of the charge". Several dozen people staged a protest outside Seville city hall in a sign of solidarity with the firefighters. (ANSAmed) Yemeni presidential palace hit by Saudi-led airstrikes Local residents say (ANSAmed) - Sanaa, May 7 - The presidential palace in Sanaa has been hit by Saudi-led airstrikes, causing victims, local residents reported Monday. It is not clear who was inside the palace when it was hit. The Yemeni capital has been controlled by Iran-backed Shia Houthi rebels since 2014, while the government of the internationally recognised president Abd Rabbo Mansur Hadi is based in the southern sea port of Aden. Witnesses cited by AP said the palace, situated in the commercial district of Tahrir, was targeted repeatedly by Saudi-led Arab coalition jets. The coalition has been fighting against the Houthi rebels in Yemen since 2015. (ANSAmed) US embassy signs go up in Jerusalem PLO calls for boycott of opening on May 14 (ANSAmed) - Tel Aviv, May 7 - At least three US embassy road signs went up in Jerusalem on Monday head of the official opening on May 14 to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the proclamation of the Jewish State. The diplomatic mission is located at the US consulate in Arnona pending construction of a new embassy. The signs are in Hebrew, Arabic and English, and one was installed by Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat. It is still not clear if US President Donald Trump will attend the inauguration after recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and announcing the transfer of the US embassy from Tel Aviv last December. Meanwhile PLO secretary general Saeb Erekat has called on diplomats and foreign representatives in Israel "to boycott" the ceremony on grounds it "legitimises an illegitimate and illegal decision and reinforces the silence surrounding the occupation and settlement policies". "Washington insists on encouraging chaos and contempt for law and international politics," he added. The PLO representative also said Trump's move was in violation of UN Security Council resolution 478 and member States' commitments with respect to the peace process". (ANSAmed). Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Emirates has landed six of its special Year of Zayed livery aircraft on six continents for the 6 May centennial birthday of the UAEs Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman & Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, said: Today, we celebrate the centennial anniversary of the birth of the UAEs founding father, His Highness Sheikh Zayed, who dedicated his life to building a thriving and vibrant UAE. The principles and initiatives he set in motion have become the foundations for the UAEs progress. We hope through our special liveries we honour his memory and legacy and help spread his inspirational messages around the world as our aircraft continue to circle the globe in 2018. This tribute to the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was first unveiled in November 2017 on the fuselage of Emirates 100th A380 aircraft, commemorating the 100th year of HH Sheikh Zayeds birth. A total of 10 Emirates aircraft carry the special livery for 2018. The Year of Zayed Emirates aircraft have circled the globe to over 90 cities on over 1,800 flights. SJM has previously suggested that the government monetise Air Indias assets to repay debt, rather than selling its stake. Swadeshi Jagran Manch will present a report to civil aviation minister Suresh Prabhu this month suggesting alternative ways to revive the national carrier. New Delhi: The RSS-affiliated Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), which has expressed reservation on Air Indias disinvestment, will present a report to civil aviation minister Suresh Prabhu this month suggesting alternative ways to revive the national carrier. Prabhu recently met SJM co-convener Ashwani Mahajan to discuss the stake sale in the national carrier, sources said. A five-member team led by Mahajan is preparing a report, which will suggest alternative ways to revive Air India and will present its report to the civil aviation minister this month, a source said. The report will be considered before taking any call on Air Indias disinvestment, the same source added. When contacted, Mahajan confirmed that he and four other economists are preparing the report on Air India. SJM has previously suggested that the government monetise Air Indias assets to repay debt, rather than selling its stake. Mahajan said Air India has operating profits, but is running into losses due to its debts. So, rather than selling stake in the national carrier, the government can reduce its debt by selling off its land, he said. His remarks assume significance as RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has categorically said Air India should not be sold to a foreign buyer. The Centre has invited expression of interest to sell a 76-per cent stake and management control in the airline. Mahajan has said that the SJM is opposed to disinvestment of the national carrier in its current form, asserting the airline can be made profitable by repaying debt. He blamed the Congress for the sorry state of the airline and alleged that during the UPA rule, profitable routes of AI were given to other airlines. Rather than selling stake in the company, the government should make the airline profitable and then, if required, explore the option of raising money from markets by issuing shares, Mahajan said. The government owns 100 per cent equity of Air India, which was founded in the 1930s. It has injected over Rs 23,000 crore since 2012 to bail out the airline. Venezuelan crisis, possible imposition of new sanctions on Iran weigh big on minds. Saudi Arabian energy minister Khalid al-Falih, meanwhile, said he was concerned about possible shortages of spare crude oil production capacity. London: Oil prices rose to their highest levels since late-2014 on Monday, boosted by fresh troubles for Venezuelan oil company PDVSA and a looming decision on whether the United States will re-impose sanctions on Iran. Brent crude oil futures were at $75.78 a barrel at 1236 GMT, up 91 cents from their last close. Earlier in the session it touched its highest since November 2014 at $75.91. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 85 cents to $70.57, the first time since November 2014 that WTI had climbed above $70. Chinas Shanghai crude oil futures, launched in March, broke their dollar-converted record high, touching $72.54 on Monday. US firm ConocoPhillips has moved to take key Caribbean assets of state-run PDVSA to enforce a $2 billion arbitration award, Reuters reported, potentially dealing a further blow to the Venezualan companys declining oil output and exports. The news helped to blunt the impact of a rising US oil rig count reported by Baker Hughes on Friday. The growth in production in the US is being counterbalanced by the simultaneous decline in Venezuela, said Commerzbank analyst Carsten Fritsch. Venezuelas output has halved since the early 2000s to 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd), hit by a lack of investment in the South American countrys oil industry. Saudi Arabian energy minister Khalid al-Falih, meanwhile, said he was concerned about possible shortages of spare crude oil production capacity. Also boosting prices is the widespread expectation that US President Donald Trump will withdraw from the Iranian nuclear pact. Trump has a May 12 deadline to determine whether to extend sanction waivers. It seems that the bureaucratic wheels are turning in Washington to prepare for a sanctions snapback, RBC Capital Markets analyst Helima Croft said. She added that the extraterritorial nature of US sanctions, which cover energy, shipbuilding, finance, trade, insurance, means that... Irans oil exports could credibly be curtailed by 2,00,000-3,00,000 bpd. Russian energy minister Alexander Novak also pledged Russias 100 percent compliance in May with an Opec-led pact to reduce production. But US output has soared by more than a quarter in the past two years to 10.62 million bpd and is likely to rise further this year as energy companies keep drilling. The analytics company to be roped in will have the mandate for designing and developing a Fraud Analytics System. The fraud analytics company would be tasked with establishment of taxpayers identity. New Delhi: The GST Network has invited bids from private companies for its Fraud Analytics project which will do 360-degree profiling of taxpayers for early detection of frauds. Fraud Analytics project has been envisaged to leverage power of big data and advanced analytics to enable GSTN to reduce fraud evasion and increasing tax compliance. It will create risk based matrix with the aim to increase tax revenues and increase tax base. The analytics company to be roped in will have the mandate for designing and developing a Fraud Analytics System. The system will take about an year to be operational and leverage existing data pertaining to GST registration, return filing and e-way bill, along with the information from other external sources such as Financial Intelligence Unit, CBDT, banks and state tax departments. The company should have experience in implementing advanced analytics, the GSTN said in the Request For Proposal. The fraud analytics company would be tasked with establishment of taxpayers identity. According to Icra, there has been a marked shift to organised trade post demonetisation and GST. The growth was supported by factors like pent up demand on the back of favourable gold prices, pre-buying ahead of GST rollout, extended wedding season and strong rural demand with good crop output. MUMBAI: Elevated prices of gold and tightening of credit to the sector following massive bank frauds involving jewellers is likely to weaken jewellery demand in 2018. Rating agency Icra expects the growth in jewellery demand to weaken by 2-4 per cent in volume terms due to higher prices and subdued financing environment. It added that the industry continue to remain susceptible to the regulatory risks, which has affected both demand and supply. Financing to the gems and jewellery sector have been under increased scrutiny in the recent months following reporting of fraud by few lenders on their exposures to the sector. With enhanced due diligence and checks on credit quality and inventory quality, lenders are more cautious on the sector. We expect the tightened credit availability to affect the working capital position of jewellery retailers, especially the unorganised ones, said K. Srikumar, vice-president, Icra. However, over the medium term, Icra expects the gold jewellery retail industry to record a 6-7 per cent volume growth, supported by stable rural and wedding demand, cultural affinity for gold, rising disposable income, and favourable demographic profile. According to Icra, there has been a marked shift to organised trade post demonetisation and GST. In 2017, the gold jewellery demand grew by 12 per cent in volume terms and 9 per cent in value despite headwinds in the form of higher GST rates, inclusion of jewellery sector under the ambit of Prevention of Money Laundering Act albeit for a brief period, and continued preference for other asset classes due to better returns. The growth was supported by factors like pent up demand on the back of favourable gold prices, pre-buying ahead of GST rollout, extended wedding season and strong rural demand with good crop output. A police official said on Sunday a scuffle broke out between the complainant and the pilot onboard the flight last Friday. An Air India spokesperson was not available for comment. (Photo: Representational | File) Mumbai: An air hostess of Air India has alleged that she was molested by the pilot of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai flight on May 4. A police official said on Sunday a scuffle broke out between the complainant and the pilot onboard the flight last Friday. The woman then approached the Sahar police station in Mumbai and lodged a case, he added. An Air India spokesperson was not available for comment. Based on her complaint, we have registered a case against the pilot under section 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of the IPC, the official said, adding that further investigation is underway. Decision to reject impeachment motion against Chief Justice Dipak Misra is 'illegal and arbitrary', Congress told SC. In April, a petition signed by over 60 parliamentarians called for Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra's impeachment six months before he retires, on five specific charges. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: The Congress has challenged Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu's decision to reject its impeachment move against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra in the Supreme Court. The decision is "illegal and arbitrary", said the Congress. Two Congress Parliamentarians from Rajya Sabha- Pratap Singh Bajwa and Amee Harshadray Yajnik, approached the Supreme Court challenging the Vice President's dismissal of the impeachment motion against the Chief Justice of India. "None of the reasons given by the Chairman (Venkaiah Naidu)... carry any weight or are legally tenable. It deserves to be set aside for being wholly extraneous and ultra vires to the provisions of the constitution and the Inquiry Act," says the Congress petition. Both the Congress MPs claimed in their petition said that once the initiation of removal motion is signed by the requisite number of MPs, the Vice President has no option but shall constitute an Inquiry Committee to investigate the allegations against the CJI Dipak Misra. In April, a petition signed by over 60 parliamentarians called for Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra's impeachment six months before he retires, on five specific charges. The motion "doesn't deserve to be admitted", Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said, just three day after the opposition submitted the petition. "We cannot allow any of our pillars of governance to be weakened by any thought, word or action," said the Vice President, ascribing his quick decision to the severity of the charges directed at the Chief Justice. He also said there were unsubstantiated surmises and conjectures in the opposition's allegations. The Constitution says the Chief Justice of India can be impeached only on grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity. The opposition backed its demand on the basis of five points, which, the Congress said, equals to misbehaviour. These points included the assigning of sensitive cases to handpicked judges, which was raised publicly in January by four top judges who accused the Chief Justice of abusing his position as "master of the roster". The Supreme Court directs former Uttar Pradesh chief ministers to vacate their official bungalows. In its order, Supreme Court said former chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh are not entitled to government bungalows. (Photo: File) New Delhi: Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati are among former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh who are set to lose their official bungalows in Lucknow with the Supreme Court on Monday cancelling a law passed by the state government to provide permanent accommodation to former chief ministers. In its order, the court said former chief ministers of the state are not entitled to government bungalows. The law, passed by the state government, entitled five ex-chief ministers - Rajnath Singh, Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Mayawati and ND Tiwari - to government bungalows. While striking down the Uttar Pradesh government's law granting permanent residential accommodation to former chief ministers, the Supreme Court said, Section 4(3) of UP Ministers (salaries, allowances & miscellaneous provisions) Act, 2016 is unconstitutional. In 2016, the top court had ordered the former chief ministers to handover the bungalows and had also asked the state government to charge them rent for the period during which they were "unauthorised" to live in them. It had also said that the local laws gave these benefits to former chief ministers "without any element of reasonableness". The Uttra Pradesh government passed laws to not follow the court order and enable the former chief ministers to stay on. 7 Indian engineers of KEC International were abducted by militants from vicinity of Cheshma-e-Sher area on Saturday. The security officials in the province said efforts are underway by the Afghan forces and the government officials as well as the local tribal elders for the release of the Indian engineers. (Photo: AP/Representational) New Delhi/Kabul: Security officials in Afghanistan are working with local tribal elders to trace the seven Indian engineers abducted by the Taliban gunmen in the restive northern Baghlan province, media reports said on Monday. Provincial police spokesman Zabiullah Shuja said the Indian engineers of KEC International, an RPG group company, were working on a project for the construction of a power sub-station. They were abducted by the militants from the vicinity of Cheshma-e-Sher area on Saturday while they were travelling to inspect the work progress. Shuja said the Afghan driver of the engineers is also missing and an operation is underway for their release, according to media reports. The security officials in the province said efforts are underway by the Afghan forces and the government officials as well as the local tribal elders for the release of the Indian engineers. Provincial governor Abdul Nemati said the security forces and the local officials are busy tracking the missing engineers and their driver. He said apart from the security forces and the government officials, the local tribal elders have also stepped up efforts for the release of the Indian nationals. Nemati assured that the missing Indian engineers and their driver will be released soon. Baghlan Governor had on Saturday said the terror group had abducted the Indian engineers and their driver, believing they were government employees. The External Affairs Ministry had said in New Delhi it is in touch with authorities in Afghanistan. Many of the earlier abductions in the war-torn country have been linked to Taliban. In 2016, 40-year-old Indian aid worker Judith D'Souza was kidnapped in Kabul. She was released after 40 days. India has provided at least USD 2 billion aid to Afghanistan for the economic development of the war-torn nation. Supreme Court has transferred Kathua rape case trial from J&K to Pathankot court; it has also ruled out CBI inquiry. J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti has welcomed the Supreme Courts decision to transfer the Kathua gangrape and murder case from Jammu and Kashmir to Pathankot in neighbouring Punjab. (Photo: PTI | File) Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has welcomed the Supreme Courts decision to transfer the Kathua gangrape and murder case from the state to Pathankot in neighbouring Punjab. Soon after the apex court transferred the case out of the state where the crime took place in January 2018 and ruled out CBI inquiry, Mufti took to Twitter and said, Welcome todays decision by the Honble Supreme Court in the Kathua case. This will go a long way to boost the morale of our @JmuKmrPolice force who in the face of great adversity have left no stone unturned to ensure that the deceaseds family gets justice. The case investigated by the Crime Branch of the J&K police is being currently heard in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) at Kathua after two separate charge-sheets were filed by it against the eight accused in April. The accused have pleaded not guilty and demanded the case be handed over to the CBI. They are being supported by a recently formed pressure group called Hindu Ekta Manch which has openly accused the J&K police of being biased against the accused. The top court, however, while hearing the plea of rape victim's family, said on Monday that fear and fair cannot be allowed to exist together. After transferring the case, the top court also said day to day hearing would take place in the matter. The court also ordered for in-camera proceedings. The apex court also allowed J&K government to appoint public prosecutor in Pathankot Court and also asked it to provide security to the victim's family, their lawyer and witnesses. The counsel for the state government had earlier told SC that it was ready for a fair trial of Kathua rape case in the state. He also said it opposed the transfer of the case to another state. Earlier, the father and lawyer of the eight-year-old nomadic girl, who was abducted and then kept inside Devasthan temple premises at Rasana in Kathua for about one week during which she was allegedly drugged, raped repeatedly and then murdered, had moved the Supreme Court seeking shifting the trial of the case from Kathua to Chandigarh. The family cited that the trial of the case will not be done in a free and fair manner in home state J&K. The SC will next hear the case on July 9. However, SC refused to annul 26-year-old woman's marriage only on the ground that it was performed without her consent. The Supreme Court also recorded an undertaking that all her certificates and documents in the possession of husband would be returned to the womans counsel. (Representational Image) New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to annul a 26-year-old woman's marriage only on the ground that it was performed without her consent, but allowed her to stay away from her husband and his family. A three-judge bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud passed this order after the Bengaluru-based woman, who appeared in the court informed that she was not willing to go with her husband or to his family as the marriage was performed without her consent. She also told the court that she wanted to go back to Bengaluru to take up a job. The bench after hearing senior counsel Indira Jaising for the woman, whose name was withheld by the court, and senior counsel Basavaraj Patil for the husbands family recorded an undertaking that all her certificates and documents in the possession of husband would be returned to the womans counsel. The Karnataka police was also asked to accompany her to Bengaluru from Delhi where she is now under the care of Delhi Commission for Women. Observing that it is only a voidable marriage, the court while refusing to annul the marriage said it would be open to the woman to file appropriate petition before the competent court in Karnataka to seek her remedy. The court was informed that the womans marriage was performed in Gulbarga in Karnataka on March 14, 2018 without her consent in a politicians family. As she refused to live with her husband, she faced threat to her life from her family and she had come down to Delhi and was staying in the custody of Delhi Commission for Women. In her petition the woman pointed out that even prior to the marriage, both the bridegroom and her family were informed that she was not consenting to the marriage. On the date of marriage, she sent a SMS to the Additional Superintendent of Police seeking his intervention. Though the police came she was threatened by the family not to oppose the marriage. She came out of the matrimonial home within three days of marriage and had taken shelter in Delhi. The petitioner said her fundamental right to choose her life partner, has been brazenly trampled by her family members, who in connivance with each other have coerced, threatened, blackmailed, harassed, pressurized, abused, compelled and tricked her into getting married to respondent no. 6 (name withheld), against her wishes and free consent. The petitioner challenged the constitutional validity of Sections 5 (ii) and 7 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, in as much as valid consent is absent and the same are in violation of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, arbitrary and discriminatory in nature. The petitioner has escaped from the clutches of her abusive family in Karnataka and has reached Delhi. She sought a direction to concerned authorities to provide her adequate security in order to safeguard her life, liberty and limb which is under threat from her own family members who are politically active in Karnataka, whose conduct is indicative of resulting in the ghastly act of honour killing as she wanted to get married to a person outside her caste. This will be Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third visit to Nepal after he assumed office in 2014. During his 2-day state visit to Nepal starting May 11, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will announce three separate surprise gifts for Kathmandu, Janakpur and Muktinath Temple. (Photo: File) New Delhi: During his two-day state visit to Nepal starting May 11, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will announce three separate "surprise gifts" for Kathmandu, Janakpur and Muktinath Temple. He will announce one of the gifts on May 11 in Janakpur. Janakpur is poised to join India's Ramayan Circuit, according to the Kathmandu Post. After completing his official engagements in Janakpur, PM Modi will arrive in Kathmandu where he will meet his Nepali counterpart KP Sharma Oli for delegation-level talks. The Prime Minister will announce a 'surprise gift' for the restoration of Muktinath Temple. After offering prayers to Muktinath, he is expected to announce a package, either for the temple or building a Hindu religious resthouse (dharmashala) in the temple area. Nepal had earlier sent three proposals to India on the Kathmandu City Urbanisation project; announcement of a major infrastructure project for Kathmandu valley; and handing over hi-tech medical equipment to a Kathmandu-based hospital, the Kathmandu Post reported. Foreign Secretary of Nepal Shankar Das Bairagi said the focus of the meet would be on implementing past accords and expediting the agreements signed during Nepali PM's visit to India in April. In November 2016, Former president Pranab Mukherjee had also announced the construction of two dharmashalas and asphalting of the Ring Road in Janakpur. This will be Prime Minister Modi's third visit to Nepal after he assumed the office in 2014. The strike has been called against non-implementation of 7th pay commission's provisions and attempted privatisation of railways. A statement from the AIRF said that despite several meetings with leaders of the central government organisations and Home Minister, Finance Minister and Railway Minister, no decision was taken. (Photo: Representational/File) New Delhi: Railway employees' union has called for a 72-hour relay hunger strike across the country from Tuesday against non-implementation of the provisions of the seventh pay commission and the attempted privatisation of the national transporter. A statement from the All India Railwaymen's Federation (AIRF) said that despite several meetings of the AIRF with leaders of the central government organisations and Home Minister, Finance Minister, Railway Minister and Minister of State for Railways, no decision was taken. "Despite requests to the government of India to consider the demands of the Central Government Employees -- improvement in minimum wage and fitment factor after implementation of 7th CPC recommendations, provision of guaranteed pension and family pension to all the NPS (National Pension Scheme) covered employees, irrespective of their date of appointment...contractorisation leading towards wholesale privatisation, no fruitful outcome has emerged as yet despite lapse of around two years' precious time," the statement said. AIRF in its meetings of the General Council and Working Committee, held on March 13-14, 2018, here decided to stage a 'Mass Relay Hunger Strike' for 24 hours for three consecutive days at all the branches of the affiliated unions of the federation all over India. "All the branches of AIRF affiliates are, therefore, going to stage the aforesaid 'Relay Hunger Strike' from the morning of May 8, all over the Indian Railways", wherein large- number of railwaymen would sit on the relay hunger strike to press on their above-mentioned major demands, the statement said. J&K govt submitted to Supreme Court that it is ready for a fair trial of Kathua rape case in the state. The gangrape and murder of 8-year-old girl in Kathua has sparked nationwide outrage. (Photo: PTI/File) New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday transferred the Kathua rape case from Jammu and Kashmir to Pathankot. The apex court also ruled out CBI inquiry in the case. While hearing the plea of rape victim's family, the Supreme Court said that fear and fair cannot be allowed to exist together. After transferring the case, the top court also said day to day hearing would take place in the matter. The court also ordered for in-camera proceedings. Also Read: J&K CM welcomes SC decision to transfer Kathua case to Pathankot The top court also allowed Jammu and Kashmir government to appoint public prosecutor in Pathankot Court and also asked it to provide security to the victim's family, their lawyer and witnesses. During the hearing on Monday, the Jammu and Kashmir government told the top court that it was ready for a fair trial of Kathua rape case in the state. The state government also said it opposed the transfer of the case to another state. The court will next hear the case on July 9. Earlier, the father and lawyer of the eight-year-old nomadic Muslim girl who was gangraped and murdered in January moved the Supreme Court asking for shifting the trial of the case from Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir to Chandigarh. The family cited that the trial of the case will not be done in a free and fair manner in Jammu and Kashmir. The 45-yr-old farmer was shifted to hospital in serious condition. Police have registered a case against four people, one of which is absconding. (Representational Image) Muzaffarnagar: A farmer was tied to a tree and shot at in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district allegedly over some money dispute, police said. The farmer, 45-year-old Lokesh Kumar was shot at on May 6 in Kutub Garh village in Shamli. He was shifted to a hospital in a serious condition, they said. Police have registered a case against four people -- Rajesh, Dhiman, Rajkumar and one unidentified person who went absconding. The victim's son, in his complaint, alleged that the four miscreants opened fire on Kumar after tying him to a tree. Police suspect past enmity and monetary dispute behind the incident. Though an ally, the Shiv Sena has been continuously criticising the BJP and its governments in states and at the centre. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said the understanding between the BJP and his party for the upcoming Legislative Council polls in Maharashtra didn't mean the Sena would forge an alliance with it in the Lok Sabha and assembly elections in 2019. (Photo: PTI | File) Mumbai: The Congress would emerge as the "number one party" in the Karnataka Assembly elections, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said on Sunday, taking a swipe at the BJP for mobilising the "entire central machinery" for state campaigns. He also said the understanding between the BJP and his party for the upcoming Legislative Council polls in Maharashtra didn't mean the Sena would forge an alliance with it in the Lok Sabha and assembly elections in 2019. "Whenever there are assembly polls, the entire central machinery and chief ministers of all BJP-ruled states go there (to campaign), leaving the administration of the country and of their own states in the lurch. The country is watching all this," Raut told news agency PTI in an interview. Slamming Yogi Adityanath, the Sena's Rajya Sabha lawmaker said the seriousness with which the Uttar Pradesh chief minister took his duties became evident when he was seen campaigning in Karnataka while his own state reeled under a dust storm. "Does the central leadership (of the BJP) not trust its own men in states? Why does Prime Minister Narendra Modi need to address dozens of campaign rallies when he is needed in Delhi to govern the country?" asked Raut, whose party is in alliance with the BJP in Maharashtra and at the Centre. Though an ally, the Sena has been continuously criticising the BJP and its governments in states and at the centre. "There is a 'dust storm' in Karnataka today. Once it clears, the Congress will emerge as the number one party. People have started listening to Rahul Gandhi now," Raut added. Asked if the understanding between the Sena and the BJP for May 21 Maharashtra Legislative Council elections was an indication that the bickering allies may join hands in the assembly and Lok Sabha polls, Raut replied in the negative. The BJP and the Sena have agreed to contest three seats each in the elections to six local authorities constituencies in the upper house of the Maharashtra legislature. "This arrangement is due to the sentiments of the local leadership of both the parties. Also, we are fielding candidates in three seats where the Sena has a strong presence," Raut said. "This doesn't, in any way, mean we will have an alliance in 2019. The party is firm on the decision taken by Sena president Uddhav Thackeray that we will fight (future) elections on our own," Raut asserted. "The Sena will win a majority in 2019 and the next chief minister will be of our party," he added. Raut, who is the executive editor of Shiv Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana', also claimed the BJP had not won a single election in the Northeast on its own. It formed governments in the region through the politics of "jod-tod", he said. "Take the case of Meghalaya or Arunachal Pradesh. The BJP would not have formed governments there had it not allied with local parties. So, it was on the strength of other parties that it came to power. The BJP would not have won in Tripura had there been an alliance between the Congress and the TMC," the Sena MP said. The staffer demanded bribe from patient's family for completing paperwork for free stent. A stent is given free to patients being treated in government hospitals in the state. But if the device costs more than Rs 4 lakh, the file has to be forwarded to the 'Swastha Bhavan' for its clearance. (Photo: File) Kolkata: A staffer of a state-run hospital in the city has been arrested for allegedly demanding a bribe from a patient's family for completing the paperwork required for providing a free stent for a life-saving operation, police said on May 7. The family's ordeal continued for three months after 23-year-old Amit Mandal was admitted to the hospital on January 25 as the requisite procedure for getting a free stent dragged on for over 90 days. The patient, who was suffering from brain aneurysm, a bulging blood vessel in the brain, died on April 27. Palash Dutta, the storekeeper at the Bangur Institute of Neurosciences (BIN), had allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 3 lakh from Mandal's family for completing the paperwork required for getting a sanction for the stent, costing Rs 7 lakh. A stent is given free to patients being treated in government hospitals in the state. But if the device costs more than Rs 4 lakh, the file has to be forwarded to the 'Swastha Bhavan' for its clearance. The accused was arrested on Saturday night after Mandal's father had lodged a complaint with the hospital and the police on April 27, a senior officer of Kolkata Police said. As per the fathers complaint, Dutta had not forwarded the papers to the Swastha Bhavan. The father also said in his complaint that Dutta had abused and assaulted the patient's mother when she had visited his chamber at the BIN. The hospital had conducted a preliminary investigation into the complaint and forwarded it to Bhowanipore Police on May 1. The accused has been booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act and charges of abetment, outraging a woman's modesty among others, the officer said. The accused was remanded to judicial custody for a day by a city court yesterday, he added. At 1.5 lakh, India has the highest number of highway deaths worldwide; study aims to reduce casualties. Mumbai: With India featuring at the number one spot for the highest number of highway deaths in the world at 1.5 lakh fatalities per year, Save Life Foundation (SLF), an organisation working on reducing highway fatalities, has undertaken a study on the contribution of human error to fatal accidents. The study is being carried out on the Mumbai-Pune expressway, by SLF, in collaboration with the UK Behavioural Science Lab, a Columbia University professor of behavioural economics, and the Harvard Global Health Institute. The aim is to identify and address the behavioural pattern of drivers and come up with solutions that will help reduce fatalities. As part of the initiative, impact studies are carried out regularly on different behavioural aspects of drivers. Also, findings of the studies by other organisations abroad are tested on Indian drivers, as and when some new aspect is perceived over and above known human errors, informed Piyush Tewari, CEO of SLF. Speaking about the study, Mr Tewari said that accidents due to human error are rooted in various reasons, including over-speeding, sudden changing of lane, illegal stopping on the highway, among others. We have identified three main elements that lead to accidents turning fatal. The first one is infrastructure, where vehicles crash into poles, dividers, safety railings. The second element is vehicular or engineering flaws, which deals with problems in the vehicle like whether the engine is collapsible and non-compliance of safety measures by the driver or passengers such as wearing seat belts. The third element of the study is the human factor and our members who have undertaken the extensive and scientific study of fatal accidents have found that a lot of accidents have taken place due to human error, said Mr Tewari. As part of the study, a team from SLF visits the accident site and tries to rebuild the entire incident scientifically based on the witness, survivor and police accounts. The team also studies various other resources such as CCTV footage wherever available. As and when SLF researchers come up with conclusive data about some behavioural aspect of drivers and passengers that needs to be addressed, SLF conducts awareness campaigns like public service TV commercials and communications campaign via radio and outdoor media to inform people about the consequences. Distracted driving, dozing off, changing lanes quickly without following proper protocol like using indicator lights, speeding and over-speeding, not wearing seat belts, among others, are some of the behavioural aspects that lead to accidents. The study attempts to analyse the causes behind every accident on the Mumbai-Pune expressway and every time there is a new finding, the awareness campaign is updated accordingly. Mr Tewari said that while it was difficult to pinpoint the number of accidents that were caused due to the human factor, it was noticed that many accidents could have been averted, had the driver been properly educated about traffic ethics and safety precautions to be observed while driving on highways. Mr Tewari said, Statistics show that the number of fatalities on national highways (NHs) is one death for every two kilometres per year. The NHs in India see a very large number of deaths every year, and they are the highest when compared to other nations. The worst is the Mumbai-Pune expressway, which sees 2.5 deaths per two kilometres every year. While we partnered with the respective state governments to address the problems of road structure and corrected inconsistencies found in road laying, we at SLF are now working on addressing the issue of the human factor. Elaborating on the initiatives being undertaken in collaboration with various state governments to fix the problem of human error, Mr Tewari said, The first initiative is to increase enforcement which means the state will have to deploy more personnel to patrol the highways and have continuous surveillance with the help of CCTVs along the entire stretch of the highway. Secondly, apart from the known behavioural aspects of drivers, we hope to find out more of the same by comparing data prepared by the UK Lab. Thirdly, we are working on a specific type of messaging that will be put up at toll booths and food plazas to remind drivers of the behavioural lapses they should beware of while driving. Mr Tewari added that while educating and creating awareness among drivers was an important step towards averting accidents, educating pedestrians about safety precautions was also an important aspect that SLF was working on. He said that SLF was hopeful of coming out with low-cost and economically viable solutions for addressing the human factor and was hopeful of death-free highways in India becoming a reality by 2021. Apart from the study, the SLF has also partnered with Professor Geeta Mehta of Columbia University and will be starting the Social Capital Credits (SOCCs) project. The project is incentive-based and will reward drivers and passengers for due diligence with reward points for adhering to safety norms. The accumulated points can be encashed for various services such as topping up mobile talk time, re-fuelling and so on. The participants will be required to send selfies of the safety measures followed by them to SLF which will be verified through GPS, said Mr Tewari. He was detained in Aurangabad by the Gujarat ATS. MUMBAI: Fifteen years after he was accused of playing a key role in the December 2002 Ghatkopar blast conspiracy, in which a bomb went off in a BEST bus, killing two persons, Irfan Qureshi was detained on Sunday evening in Aurangabad by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). He was then handed over to a Mumbai crime branch (CB) team. Acting on a tip-off, the Gujarat ATS team had laid a trap near Qureshis relatives house and then arrested him. Qureshi's house is where the conspiracy of carring out the attack was finalised across several meetings, said a top Maharashtra police source. As per records available on his role in the blast case, his house is where the meetings took place to execute the blast. He will be interrogated to find out details of the conspiracy, said the source. According to the source, the CB took Qureshis custody as the case had been probed by it. Apart from the two deaths, the blast caused injuries to around 50 other persons. According to the police, the attack was allegedly carried out to avenge the loss of Muslim lives in the Gujarat riots. According to CB sources, the Gujarat ATS had received a tip-off that Qureshi, who was hiding in Oman, was coming to India to attend a religious ceremony near Aurangabad. Immediately, the Gujarat ATS officials contacted a top Mumbai police officer, who ordered the CB officials to leave for Aurangabad. As per the plan, the joint team raided Qureshi's home in Aurangabads Shah Colony and he was arrested. According to sources, Qureshi allegedly provided intelligence on how to move about in Mumbai to conduct reconnaissance and execute the attack before fleeing undetected. In the attack, the bomb had been placed in the rear of the bus. The bomb blasts had resulted in a loss of public property worth around Rs 5,33,650. Out of the nine accused arrested in connection with the blast, one was discharged and eight were acquitted. The state government has challenged their acquittal in the Bombay high court, which is pending. The location of the last call from Vyas mobile was traced to Worli's Jijamata Nagar, said a crime branch officer. MUMBAI: Mumbai Crime Branch on Monday conducted a search at a sewage drain in Wadala (East) over suspicions that the body of an Andheri-based salon executive Kirti Vyas had been disposed off in the drain by two alleged killers on March 16. The polices efforts however drew a blank as they suspect that the body might have been decomposed by now, 50 days after the body was allegedly thrown in the drain located at the Wadala-Mahul road. The police also enquired with locals including fishermen for clues to the crime. According to the sources in the crime branch, the search for dead body of Kirti Vyas began early on Monday after the two arrested accused - Siddhesh Tamhankar (28) and Khushi Sahjwani (42) revealed that after killing Vyas in the car, they dumped her body in the nullah, near Wadala-Mahul road. The officials probing the matter, canvassed the area and began a search operation with three divers. Inspector Prashant Raje, who is a part of the team probing the case said, Acting on the intel received from the accused persons, we began the search. However it is highly possible that the body might have either washed far ashore or decomposed. On Saturday the police said that Tamhankar's laxity irresponsible behaviour at work had attracted ire from Vyas, who was finance head at a branch of salon B-Blunt. She had served Tamhankar a notice asking him to show improvement in work or face action. The notice time was expiring on the day the duo kidnapped Vyas, said a crime branch officer. Vyas was last seen seated in Sahjwanis car. The location of the last call from Vyas mobile was traced to Worli's Jijamata Nagar, said a crime branch officer. Incidentally, the cell phones of both the accused were traced at the same location Despite providing generous economic and political support for seven decades, China is not very keen on North Korea developing nuclear weapons. It wouldnt be at all surprising if Xi Jinping wonders in the run-up to the historic United States-North Korea summit what exactly Donald Trumps gameplan might be. Mr Trump may expect Kim Jong-un to contain China as Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai contained the Soviet Union after the seven days in China in 1972 that Richard Nixon called the week that changed the world. Another explanation is that having signally failed to live up to his pledge to end American involvement abroad, Mr Trump hopes a diplomatic coup might enable him to attack Iran, thereby earning domestic, Saudi Arabian and Israeli applause. Convinced that his policy of political pressure and economic sanctions bent North Korea to his will, he might also aspire to pick up a Nobel Peace Prize. The two-day visit to Pyongyang by Chinas foreign minister, Wang Yi, certainly demonstrated interest in if not concern about the meeting and its possible outcome. For now, North Korea has vowed to deepen strategic relations with China. According to the Chinese foreign ministry, Mr Kim, who made a surprise trip to Beijing in March, assured Mr Wang that a strong relationship with China was a firm strategy for North Korea. In turn, Beijing, which accounts for more than 90 per cent of North Koreas trade, pledged further economic support. Despite providing generous economic and political support for seven decades, China is not very keen on North Korea developing nuclear weapons. Hence its endorsement, albeit not every enthusiastically, of United Nations sanctions to deny Pyongyang critical foreign currency from selling coal, minerals, seafood and garments. But there are also signs of China quietly taking steps to connect North Korea to northeast Asian road and rail networks via the Belt and Road Initiative. Some UN-imposed restrictions are being relaxed, and reports suggest that North Korean workers are returning to bordering Chinese districts on short-term visas. Other reports indicate China is studying ways of increasing economic cooperation without violating UN resolutions. China might accept its protege becoming economically more independent but not in cooperation with the United States. Friction over trade and the American threat of unspecified consequences for militarising the South China Sea underline Washingtons role as Chinas principal adversary. Outwardly, the Chinese have little to worry about.But they are aware that having emerged from seclusion, Mr Kim might find international diplomacy a heady experience. Beijing was miffed, for instance, at being excluded from several items in the joint declaration issued at the end of Mr Kims meeting with South Koreas President Moon Jae-in, which mentioned trilateral or quadrilateral talks. Trilateral would mean North and South Korea and the US but not China, which sent millions of troops (withdrawn in 1958) to fight for North Korea during the war which ravaged the peninsula from 1950 to 1953. The Chinese must have been gratified to learn that Mr Kim suggested quadrilateral talks, but he didnt invite China to send observers to the destruction of the Punggye-ri nuclear test site close to the Chinese border. Instead, he promised to invite South Korean and American experts, although the latter dismiss the proposed closure as a propaganda gesture with little impact on nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. The two Koreas have also promised to start talks with Washington to negotiate a peace treaty to formally end the Korean War. These snubs to China are all the more significant because top-level visits between the two countries were frequent under Mr Kims grandfather, Kim Il-sung. Even his father, Kim Jong-il, made seven trips to China between 2000 and 2011. Such travel stopped only after the young Kim Jong-un came to power and reportedly ordered the elimination of senior officials suspected of being close to Beijing. Repeating history, the Kim-Moon summit reca-lled June 14, 2000 when South Koreas then President, Kim Dae-jung, travelled to Pyong-yang for a landmark meeting with Kim Jong-il. That was the year when Madeleine Albright, then US secretary of state, became the most senior American official to visit North Korea since the Korean War, and the US and North Korea began a negotiating process aimed at preventing nuclear weapons being developed on the peninsula. Few believed in 2000 that the 38th parallel militarised border between North and South would crumble like the Berlin Wall. Few now believe that unification is around the corner. But just as Kim Dae-jung won the Nobel Peace Prize, 18 Republican Congress-men now want the Nobel Committee to award this years prize to Mr Trump for his tireless work to bring peace to our world. As we know, nothing came of the 2000 peace initiatives. The talks dragged on for the rest of Bill Clintons presidency, but the disclosure of North Koreas uranium enrichment programme prompted George W. Bush to cancel the effort. In 2002 Pyongyang expelled international inspectors and restarted its nuclear facilities. Mr Kim had already promised to suspend his nuclear programme and invest in the economy even before he and Mr Moon agreed to officially end the war and work for the complete denuclearisation of the peninsula. Many remain sceptical about whether he will fulfil these commitments. Many others wonder whether Mr Trump will give him the chance to do so. Not surprisingly, Mr Kim saw the menacing 10-day Ulchi Freedom Guardian joint US-South Korean military exercise between the land, sea and air forces of the two nations as provocative muscle-flexing. Despite recent media reports of conciliatory moves in the US, Mr Trump says that withdrawing troops is not on the table. That means some 140,000 American military personnel will remain permanently in the Korean peninsula, Japan and Guam. Mr Kim will remain understandably nervous until Mr Trump and Mr Moon take steps to reduce their militarism. Two new models with Infinity display will be joining the Galaxy J series whereas the other two could become a part of the A series. The midrange smartphone market has seen a lot of action in the recent times, especially with several new players introducing offerings with almost-stock Android interface and large 18:9 displays. Samsung, however, hasnt been aggressive with its offerings in the recent times, especially with high-selling Galaxy J series yet to adopt modern smartphone trends. It looks like that this is about to change as a report from industry insiders has suggested that Samsung is bringing four new models to the Indian market with Infinity Display, two of which are expected to be a part of the J series. According to rumours from industry insiders, Samsung is prepping to release up to four smartphones with Infinity Display, two of which will be made a part of the midrange Galaxy J series. The Infinity Display uses an 18:9 AMOLED panel and was first seen on 2017s Galaxy S8. These new devices will be also be featuring India-specific additions such as S Bike Mode, Ultra Data Saving (UDS) mode and Turbo Speed Technology. The smartphones are expected to launch pretty soon, with some industry insiders hinting at a May 21 launch date. Its expected that Samsung will launch its popular Galaxy J7 (2018) and the Galaxy J5 (2018) models with the new Infinity Display. The Galaxy J7 (2018) could sport a bigger 6-inch display, a new dual camera setup like the recently launched Galaxy J7 Duo and ship with Android 8.0 Oreo out-of-the-box. Apart from the new J series models, Samsung is also expected to unveil the new Galaxy A6 and A6+ for the Indian market, considering these models were the only two models launched recently in the international market. The upcoming new models in the J series could pose serious competition to Xiaomis high-selling Redmi Note series and the new entries from several other manufacturers such as ASUS Zenfone Max Pro M1 and Nokia 6 (2018). Disclaimer: The above report is completely based on online rumours and leaks from the respective sources. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Deccan Chronicle and/or other staff and contributors to this site. (source) Trump said that the two sides had settled on a date and location for the summit -- without providing details. Trump had previously suggested that the demilitarised zone between the two Koreas -- the site of a recent summit between Kim and Moon -- could also be an appropriate venue for his meeting with the North's leader. (Photo: AP) Seoul: US President Donald Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un are likely to meet in Singapore next month, reports said Monday, as anticipation builds for unprecedented talks between the mercurial leaders. Trump said at the weekend that the two sides had settled on a date and location for the summit -- the first between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader -- without providing details. Read: Date, location set for summit with North Korea leader Kim Jong-un: Trump "We'll be announcing it soon," Trump told reporters. The landmark summit will take place in "mid-June", South Korea's Chosun Ilbo daily reported Monday, citing diplomatic sources who quoted Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton. The newspaper suggested that the possibility of Singapore hosting the landmark meeting had "increased greatly", after a decision by Trump to host South Korean president Moon Jae-in at the White House later this month, without giving further explanation. Bolton met his South Korean counterpart Chung Eui-yong in Washington late last week to discuss plans for both locations, according to local media reports. A similar report on the weekend from South Korea's Yonhap news agency also said Singapore was firming as the favoured location for the summit. Trump had previously suggested that the demilitarised zone between the two Koreas -- the site of a recent summit between Kim and Moon -- could also be an appropriate venue for his meeting with the North's leader. Other possible sites reportedly included Mongolia and Switzerland. Preparations for the landmark meeting have gained momentum since the Korean summit late last month, which saw Pyongyang and Seoul promise to pursue the complete denuclearisation of the peninsula and a formal peace treaty to end the 1950-53 Korean War. North Korea has offered to close its nuclear test site this month -- and invited US experts to verify the move. Other less dramatic but notable signs of rapprochement have emerged almost daily, including North Korea moving its clocks forward by 30 minutes early Saturday to match time with the South. by Kamran Chaudhry Ahsan Iqbal was operated twice and now his life is no longer in danger. The attacker is affiliated with Tehreek-i-Labaik Ya Rasool Allah, a radical Islamist party. For a Catholic professor, "Our own politicians have engaged in hate speech and now they are becoming its victims. Lahore (AsiaNews) Pakistan's Christian leaders are calling for a reform of the political system after the attempted assassination of Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal during an election rally in Narowal, Punjab. The minister, who remains in critical but stable conditions, had just attended a meeting organised by the citys Christian community, which celebrated Christmas together with the minister last year. His attacker, Abid Hussain (picture 4), is a 21-year-old Islamic activist affiliated with the Tehreek-i-Labaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLYR), an extremist party. Last year, its members blocked the capital Islamabad over the issue of the lawmakers oath office to Muhammad. The would-be assassin reportedly said that he shot the minister because the latter was in favour of dropping the profession of faith to the prophet of Islam. For radicals, such a change is blasphemous. Mr Iqbal was transferred by helicopter to the Services Institute hospital in Lahore where he underwent two operations to his arm. His condition is said to be improving. However, doctors have not removed the bullet that entered Iqbal's abdomen All of Pakistans political factions have condemned the attack. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that those involved in this heinous act will be brought to justice". Anjum James Paul, a Catholic professor, fears that other similar incidents may occur as the general elections on 15 July approaches. "Our own politicians have engaged in hate speech and now they are becoming its victims, he told AsiaNews. No channel is saying anything about the attackers confession, but We desperately need tolerance, both in politics and in society. [A simple] Allegation of blasphemy justifies all [sorts of] wrongdoings. Nobody is safe." Christians remember that last year violent pressure by Islamic demonstrators on the government of Nawaz Sharif led to the withdrawal of an amendment to the lawmakers oath of office. In March, the former prime minister himself was targeted by a radical who tried to hit him with his shoes who then jumped on the stage to pay tribute to Mumtaz Qadri, the murderer of Punjab governor Salman Taseer, who was killed because he had criticised the blasphemy law and defended Asia Bibi. Samson Salamat, president of the Rwadari Tehreek (Movement for tolerance), has called on the government to take action against the TLYR party. "We demand the government reveal the real reasons behind the attempted murder of the minister, he said. Sermons of hate and prejudice have reached the streets and communities. A society that hails people like Mumtaz Qadri as a hero is bound to be stained with blood. Such a situation was to be expected, since the authorities dropped all the proceedings against TLYR extremists. For Aamir Kakkazai, a writer and researcher, the "main culprits are the mullahs, to whom the government has given a free hand to incite ordinary Muslims. It is the responsibility of the government to control the religious clerics. Unfortunately, every time there are elections, attacks against politicians begin, and the latter cannot conduct their election campaign." Hamza Arshad, a n educator and political analyst, believes that "there is a widespread sense of insecurity in the air. It has now been established that the attacker acted on a well-orchestrated blasphemy hype against members of the PLM-N [Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz)]. It is not about political issues. "Some parties use the religious card against their rivals. Religious leaders influence the public debate in the villages and towns of Punjab, where most of the inhabitants are young, semi-illiterate between the ages of 15 and 25, seething with religious rage." (Shafique Khokhar contributed to this article) Exit polls point to a victory for the Shiite group affiliated to Hezbollah and the Christian party of the Lebanese Forces, as opposed to that of the president. The Sunni bloc of Prime Minister Hariri is losing ground. Some episodes of violence. Beirut (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The first legislative elections in Lebanon after almost a decade, in which half of registered voters have participated, are underway. Exit polls point to two potential winner: the pro-Iranian Shiite group Hezbollah and the Lebanese Forces (Fl), a Maronite democratic party. According to estimates, participation stopped at 49.2% - five points lower compared to 54.08% in 2009. The lowest figure was recorded in the Christian district of Beirut I: 37.16%. Voters on the streets are split between feelings of hope, desire for change and scepticism. In one of Tripoli's seats - reports Middle East Eyes - there were more activists than voters. There was no lack of tension, and episodes of violence in various areas of the country. According to the first exit polls, Hezbollah affirms its hegemonic position also thanks to the alliance with the Amal movement: a result defined predictable by some observers, if you take into account the demographic data and the strategic support offered by Iran. In the election Hezbollah emphasized the confessional component. An example: in the south of the country, in Shaqra, the Shiite journalist Ali al-Amin wanted to present himself on a mixed list and was attacked by around 30 Hezbollah supporters. Al-Amin is still a candidate and has taken (so far) 2,500 votes with his allies. On the Christian front, Samir Geageas Fl are close to doubling the number of their parliamentary seats (in the outgoing parliament they had 8 out of 128), with significant results in the strongholds of Michel Aouns Free Patriotic Movement (Cpl) such as Baabda, Metn or Kesrouan-Jbeil. Another Fl victory comes from Baalbek-Hermel, where the Christian group managed to break the blockade imposed by Hezbollah on Deir el-Ahmar in terms of representation. Despite having lost ground in some regions, the CPL can celebrate two major victories in the capital: Vice-President Nicolas Sehnaoui (Greek-Catholic) and Edgar Traboulsi (Protestant) are winners in Beirut and Beirut II. It is the first time for the party. After an almost a rampant control that lasted since 2009, the Sunni Muslim block led by the party of Saad Hariri, defeated in the strongholds of Beirut II and Tripoli, loses ground. On the Druze side, Walid Jumblatt and his allies of the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) have won 10 of the 13 seats up for grabs in the Choud-Aley district and the election of Wael Bou Faour in Rashaya, Abul Hadi Hosn in Baabda and Sayegh Faycal in Beirut II is almost certain. The meeting should contribute to a successful summit with Kim Jong-un. The Korean question also tops the agenda of the three-party meeting with China and Japan. Free trade in Asia is also on the agenda. Seoul (AsiaNews/Agencies) The White House has announced that South Korean President Moon Jae-in will meet his US counterpart, Donald Trump, on 22 May in Washington, ahead of the US-North Korea summit. For the South Korean leader, this is but one item on an thick agenda that includes a visit in Tokyo on Wednesday where he will see the prime ministers of Japan and China, Shinzo Abe and Li Keqiang. Chung Eui-yong, chief of South Koreas presidential National Security Office, said the next meeting between Moon and Trump will make the summit between the US and North Korea successful. Meanwhile, "where" and "when" the meeting will take place are becoming clear. Singapore has emerged as the most likely venue, sometime between 9 and 15 June. The Korean question will also take centre stage in the trilateral summit between Japan, China and South Korea on 9 May. All three nations are expected to sign a joint declaration and pledge to work together for a lasting peace on the peninsula. However, the denuclearisation of Korea will not be the only topic on the agenda. The three countries are aiming at renewed economic cooperation after years of tense relations due to territorial disputes and Chinese distrust towards the United States, a close ally to both South Korea and Japan. The new wave of protectionism has pushed the three great Asian economies to seek dialogue and press for free trade in Asia. According to World Bank estimates, the three nations together account for 22.6 per cent of the global economy. by Vladimir Rozanskij President, Ukrainian parliament and Patriarch Filaret of Kiev have asked Bartholomew to grant autocephaly. Metropolitan Hilarion of Moscow warns against a schism. The Orthodox of Kiev would be - according to Filaret - "of the Europeans", different from the "Russian" ones. Not only a possible schism, but a new and stronger division in Europe. Moscow (AsiaNews) - If the patriarch of Constantinople grants autocephaly to the Ukrainian Church (Kiev Patriarchate), there is a risk of a schism no less serious than that between Rome and Constantinople in 1054: the Orthodox Church would be divided in its main body, Slavic-Eastern. This was stated by Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeev), head of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Patriarchate of Moscow, on May 3 to the Interfax news agency. In fact, the request made a few weeks ago to Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis), by the President and the Ukrainian Parliament could have a good chance of being accepted, even if to date the Ecumenical Patriarchate has issued neither a confirmation or denial. The hope of a move in this direction is fuelled not only by the opinion of the politicians of Kiev and much of the Ukrainian public opinion: the history of the Patriarchate of Moscow itself, which was approved in 1589, teaches that Constantinople has always looked to Kiev as a possible counterweight to Moscow, to limit the excess of intrusiveness in the Orthodox world. After the invasion of Constantinople by Muhammad II in 1453, the Russian kingdom remained the only free and autonomous Orthodox country, while all the others were controlled by the Sublime Porte. A substantial part of the Russian Orthodox, in the territories of present-day Ukraine, constituted an important minority of the Kingdom of Poland and Lithuania. Returning from Moscow, Patriarch Jeremiah II of Constantinople proposed they also form the Kiev Patriarchate. The intervention of the Polish king Sigismund III finally led to the proclamation of the Union of Orthodox Ukrainians with the Church of Rome in 1596, at the Synod of Brest-Litovsk, as a response to the "imperial" patriarchate of the Russians. For decades, Russians and Poles, with the wavering alliance of the Cossacks, contended for the lands on the right and on the left of the Dnieper, called by various names: Galicia, Volynia, Little Russia, and also Ukrainian territories, that is "on the borders". In 1689 Moscow also regained jurisdiction over the Orthodox of Kiev, always with the "forced" blessing of Constantinople; the western territories remained united in Rome, where even today the majority of Greek-Catholic "uniate" reside. In fact, the Greeks have always tried to impose the patriarchal hierarchy over Moscow who - they say - it is only "a daughter" of Constantinople, and a minor daughter compared to Kiev, "mother of all Russian cities". Something the Russians, in reality, could never digest. The more recent disputes have done little other than reiterate the old diatribes, in an attempt to arrive at a showdown. The almost ninety-year-old Patriarch Filaret (Denisenko), self-proclaimed primate of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine since 1992, was well aware when he lost his election as patriarch of Moscow compared to his adversary Aleksij (Ridiger), predecessor of the current patriarch Kirill ( Gundjaev). In December 2017 Filaret displaced the Russians, gathered in the great Jubilee Synod for the one hundred years of the restoration of the patriarchate, appealing to them for reconciliation. The Russians did not take the initiative of the elderly patriarch (or ex-metropolitan, excommunicated by them) seriously, well aware of his audacity and the capacity for transformation, which already in Soviet times had the reputation of being a highly respected hierarch . In fact, the head of the Orthodox Ukrainian autonomists is also one of the major inspirers of the request for autocephaly to the patriarch of Constantinople, as he confirmed at a conference in Brussels on 3 May. Speaking to the European Parliament, Denisenko explained the reasons why "Ukraine is Europe ... More than 1000 years ago, our peoples have made their choice of civilization: they chose European Christian civilization, they joined the community of nations European. " Speaking of the importance of building Europe "on stone, not on sand", Filaret invoked legality against corruption, solidarity against exclusion, asking European politicians to support the aspirations of the Ukrainians to true autonomy, including ecclesiastical autonomy. After recalling that for four years Ukraine has been defending itself "against Russian aggression", the patriarch thanked the Europeans for supporting the sanctions against Putin, even at the cost of economic sacrifices, to prevent the Russians from "restoring the system" that existed after the Yalta conference, that is, the system of a divided world and a divided Europe ". He himself recalled the request of the Tomos of autocephaly, necessary because "Ukraine remains the only country with a predominantly Orthodox population, which does not have its own recognized local Church, although it has sought such recognition since the restoration of independence". According to Filaret, the Church faithful to Moscow is supported by only 12% of the population, while the independent Ukrainian Church has almost 40% consensus. The Ukrainian prelate also echoed the accusation that the Kremlin is using the Moscow Patriarchate as "one of the tools to spread the ideology of the 'Russian measure' - that ideology, which is the basis of the aggression of Ukraine, of Georgia and Moldova ", and asked the European Parliament to support the Orthodox leaders who oppose this ideology, starting with Bartholomew himself. The Ecumenical Patriarch, according to Filaret, "is a true leader of European Orthodoxy; Orthodoxy is not hostile to Europe, as in the interpretation of Moscow, but it constitutes the Christian foundation of Europe together with Catholicism and Protestantism ". The Ukrainians, the Eastern "borders" of Europe, then propose a question of civil and religious identity, to avoid a schism that would infiltrate the consciences of all Christians, and of all Europeans. Francis will be the third pope to visit the Council. The program, published today, includes an ecumenical prayer and meeting. The visit has the motto "Walking, praying, working together". Vatican City (AsiaNews) - An ecumenical prayer and encounter will be the main events of the visit that Pope Francis will make on June 21st to Geneva, as part of the initiatives for the 70th anniversary of the World Council of Churches (WCC). The Council brings together 348 Protestant, Lutheran, Anglican and Orthodox Churches. The Catholic Church participates as an "observer" and is a full member of one of the commissions, the "Faith and Constitution". Pope Francis (in the photo, with Olav Fykse Tveit, WCC general secretary) will be the third pope to visit the WCC, after Paul VI, who went there on 10 June 1969 and John Paul II on 12 June 1984. His visit will have the motto "Walking, praying, working together". Card. Kurt Koch, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, announcing the initiative last March, said "it echoes the theme of the pilgrimage of Justice and Peace, which was adopted by the last WCC assembly as a leitmotiv of all its current activities. It also reflects Pope Francis's affirmation of an 'ecumenism in walking together' ". The program, published today, reveals that Francis, upon his arrival, has a meeting with the President of the Confederation, before going to the headquarters of the WCC. There will be prayer, a lunch with members of the Council and an ecumenical meeting with a speech by the Pope. At the invitation of the Swiss Bishops' Conference, the Pope will then celebrate Mass for the Catholic community in the Geneva Palaexpo. The return to Rome is scheduled for the evening of the same day. During the Regina Caeli, Pope Francis said that we must love "with facts, not words". Love must become "the constant element of our existence", with the elderly, the sick "even if they are in the last stage", and the unborn. "Life must always be protected and loved from conception to its natural end. This is love." The pontiff mentioned the beatification of Chiara Fey in Aachen and asked for prayers for the Central African Republic. He also greeted the members of the Neocatechumenal Way. Vatican City (AsiaNews) In commenting today's Gospel (Jn, 15:9-17), in particular "Jesuss instruction to Remain in my love", Pope Francis stressed that "to live in the current of Gods love, to dwell in it in a permanent way, is the condition that ensures that our love does not lose its ardour and boldness. The pontiff added that "We must gratefully accept the love that comes from the Father and remain in this love, trying not to separate ourselves from it with selfishness and sin." "Love is achieved in everyday life, in attitudes, in actions; otherwise it is just something illusory. Jesus asks us to uphold his commandments, which can be summarised as 'love one another as I love you (Jn, 15:12). "How can we ensure that the love the Risen Lord gives us is shared by others? Jesus repeatedly showed with facts, not words, who are the others we have to love. They are the ones I meet on my journey and who, with their faces and stories, question me; they are the ones who, with their very presence, push me to go beyond my interests and certainties; they are the ones who wait for my willingness to listen and travel together for a while. Availability towards every brother and sister, whoever they are and in whatever situation they may be, starting from those close to me in the family, community, work, school . . . This way, if I remain united with Jesus, his love can reach others and draw them to himself, to his friendship." "This love for others" must become "the constant element of our existence"; for this reason, "we are called to lovingly protect the elderly as a precious treasure, even if they cause money problems and stress. This is why we must give all possible assistance to the sick, even if they are in the last stage [of their lives]; this is why unborn children are always welcomed; this is why, ultimately, life must always be protected and loved from conception to its natural end. This is love." "The Eucharist, to which we are called to partake every Sunday, has the purpose of forming the Heart of Christ in us, so that our whole life is guided by his generous attitudes. May the Virgin Mary help us remain in the love of Jesus and grow in love for everyone, especially the weakest, so as to fully match our Christian vocation." After the recitation of the Regina Caeli, Francis spoke to the tens of thousands of pilgrims present in St Peters Square about yesterdays beatification in Aachen (Germany) of Chiara Fey, foundress of the Sisters of the Child Jesus. The Holy Father also called on everyone to pray for the Central African Republic, "A country that I had the joy of visiting and that I carry in my heart". In the capital of that country, on 29 November 2015 in Bangui, Francis opened the first Holy Door of the Jubilee of Mercy. Recently, several violent incidents have taken place in the city, including an attack against a church that left 16 people dead and dozens wounded. "May the Lord, said the pontiff, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, help everyone say no to violence and revenge, so that peace may be built together." The pope also greeted groups that belong to the Neocatechumenal Way, currently in Rome to mark the 50th anniversary of their foundation. High alert issued in 13 states. The heavy rains mainly hit Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The updated toll speaks of 124 dead and over 300 injured. Bishops: "This is an opportunity for all of us to think and reflect seriously on the topic of climate change". New Delhi (AsiaNews) - Caritas India is bringing relief to the Indian population affected by the violent wind, dust and rain storms that have been raging for a week in the northern part of the country. A note issued by the Indian Bishops' Conference (CBCI) sent to AsiaNews, says the bishops offer "condolences for the death of our brothers and sisters, caught unaware as natures fury took hold". The Catholic association is operating in Agra and Jayour, the most affected districts. The CBCI reports that volunteers " trying to help people without discrimination of faith, or class, wherever it is possible for us to reach out". In detail, they are trying to restore the sanitary conditions of the areas affected by the storm. Today the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that rainfall has resumed in Chandigarh and in the coming hours is also expected in Punjab and Haryana. In the meantime, the authorities of the latter state have arranged for the schools to remain closed until tomorrow. The bishops pray for the victims and the wounded. In the note they express " profound grief and sorrow at the terrible and unimaginable havoc wrecked by the severe dust storm". The leaders of the Catholic Church in India express concern for "the worst destruction of the last 20 years" and for the "warnings about further worsening of the weather conditions". The Ministry of the Interior of the Union informs that storms should break over 13 states of the northern part of the country, flagellated by winds over 100 km / h. The updated toll of the devastation that hit five states in particular is 124 dead and more than 300 wounded. The authorities report that Uttar Pradesh has paid the highest number of lives, with 73 victims and 91 injured, followed by Rajasthan, with 35 dead and 206 injured. According to the bishops, the devastation in India "is an opportunity for all of us to think and reflect seriously on the theme of climate change, just as Pope Francis has invited us to do in 'Laudato si'." Finally, the CBCI invites "men and women of good will to unite everywhere in providing relief and assistance to those in need". by Gerry Groot New government reforms tend to eliminate independent representation in civil society. Everything must be controlled by the Party: churches, religions, ethnic groups. Control over Tibetans and Muslims is being militarised. This is a throwback to the days of Mao Zedong, which led the country to economic disaster. Xi is trying to prevent China from ending like the Soviet Union. Adelaide (AsiaNews) Xi Jinpings government reforms through the United Front Work Department is meant to subordinate every element in society to the Communist Party, eliminating all possible intermediate body in civil society. All of this is due to Xis long-held fear that the Peoples Republic might go the way of the Soviet Union and see the collapse of the Communist Party. For this reason, through the United Front, every religion and every ethnic group has to be dominated and "sinicised", their specificity eliminated. This is the same policy Mao Zedong pursued in the 1950s and later decades, a strategy that led to the stagnation of innovation and Chinas economic crisis. Gerry Groot is Senior Lecturer in Chinese Studies and Head of the Department of Asian Studies at the University of Adelaide, South Australia. He has written extensively on the United Front Work Department as well as soft power, social change as it relates to China and Asian influences on Western culture past and present. Courtesy of the Jamestown Foundation. The March meeting of Chinas two national level parliaments, the National Peoples Congress and the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), was notable for more than just formalizing the abolition of term limits for state president. It also signaled the end of much of the pretense of separation between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and key government institutions, including the three government departments responsible for ethnic affairs, religion and Overseas Chinese affairs, whose functions will now be largely subsumed by the CCPs own United Front Work Department (UFWD). At least the names of the three departmentsthe State Ethnic Affairs Commission, the State Administration for Religious Affairs and the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Councilwill likely live on, at least in nominal terms, because of their usefulness when dealing with Westerners unused to the reality of the party-state. More importantly, however, this change reflects a return to policies of ethnic assimilation and party leadership over religion in ways not seen since the 1950s, when Mao Zedong oversaw Chinas forced transition to socialism. It also implies an unprecedented extension of Party influence abroad. Clarified Lines of Authority As Andrew Batson has pointed out, CCP General Secretary Xi Jinpings reorganization of the PRCs government serves the useful purpose of greatly simplifying lines of responsibility and administrative complexity, as well as making the centrality of the Party (and of Xi himself) crystal clear (Andrew Batson, April 5). While previously, the UFWD was the key actor within each of the three government ministries, driving their policies from within, they were nevertheless different organizations with sometimes differing interests, incentives and personnel (with some overlap). The resultant gaps sometimes resulted in deviation from the line set down by the central leadership via the UFWD, particularly at lower levels, and in frictions between the different interests. By unequivocally placing the UFWD at the center, many of the problems and inefficiencies of the old system can be overcome, at least in theory. The Department itself is now even more under the direct control of the CCPs Central Committee via the Committees new Leading Small Group on United Front Work, substantially increasing its ability to impose its policies downwards as intended. Most importantly, since assuming Party leadership in 2012, Xi himself has been forcefully promoting united front work and the UFWD, most notably by appearing at the national United Front Work Conference of 2015. Xi has also raised the status of the Departments work and its place within the bureaucracy in ways which make a career in it much more attractive and should help attract better quality cadres. United front work after all, often involves working with individuals and groups that have proven politically dangerous in the past, a reality borne out by the falls from grace of past leaders like Li Weihan under Mao and Yan Mingfu in the wake of the student movement of 1989 [1]. Administrative and bureaucratic rationales aside, there are also ideological reasons for consolidating CCP control over the government departments responsible for executing UFWD policy, in ways that parallel important previous phases of united front work. The United Front Over Time The success of united front work in the CCPs long struggle against the Guomindang was the reason that Mao Zedong declared it one of the CCPs three magic weapons (along with the Red Army and Party building, AKA ideological indoctrination) [2]. But from 1949 to 1956 the UFWD was redeployed to use selected allies and Party institutions to force the assimilation of the urban middle classes and the handful of formerly rich Chinese who had not fled abroad and minimize the loss of expertise needed to build socialism. After 1978, a revived UFWD worked hard to re-motivate those bourgeoisie, capitalists and intellectuals who survived Maos thought reform and political purges, in order to overcome the failings of the centrally-planned economy. Significantly, the first area to be revived, even before Mao died, was with Overseas Chinese as the Party sought to rehabilitate its reputation abroad and use the talents and connections of this group to provide markets for goods and secure investment to help modernize Chinas outdated industries. From the 1980s until approximately 2015, the Department expanded the scope of its work to take into account the profusion of new interest groups emerging from economic pluralization, including new entrepreneurs, those working for foreign companies, and lawyers etc. At the 2015 United Front Work Conference, even more new groups were added, including social media personalities, Chinese students studying abroad and recent Chinese emigres, the so-called new Overseas Chinese. There was an element of urgency behind the UFWDs expansion as it sought to understand and cope with a much more complex society. New groups had to be controlled, integrated and represented in the CPPCC system to forestall the development of anything that might resemble a civil society space. Thus, the independent creation of any new bodies that might independently represent any sort of collective interest is criminalized, while a profusion of non-governmental organizations that emerged during the Hu Jintao-Wen Jiabao administration have also been increasingly constrained and subject to Party oversight and control. A New, Harder Line Significantly, Xis rise to power has seen important divergences from previous corporatist policies of recognition-representation-control. Most well-known is the crackdown on idiosyncratic expressions of Christianity in Zhejiang Province (between the gaps between the UFWD and SARA [3]), which resulted in the demolition of large crosses on churches and even the full scale demolition of some churches and cathedrals (Telegraph, May 19, 2014). This dramatically increased attention to religion has spillovers into ethnic affairs, notably the Buddhism of Chinas Tibetans and the Islam of its Uyghurs, Kazakhs and even of the Hui (ethnically Chinese Muslims). Here, Sinification seems to be going hand-in-hand with what seems, for all intents and purposes, like forced assimilation and, particularly in the case of Chinas Muslim population, a dramatic securitization if not outright militarization of policy. Accompanying this intensification of overt control is the stepped up use of surveillance and artificial intelligence technologies to assist in monitoring and regulation (The Guardian, January 18). This new emphasis on assimilation rather than accommodation has seen rather dramatic reversals of policy on issues such as language. Bilingual teaching has given way to concentration on teaching in Mandarin and efforts to protect or promote the Tibetan language have been dealt with harshly (RFA, January 4). Many thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, of young Uyghurs have been sent to re-education camps often on only the merest suspicion of even potential support for separatism, independence or Islamic extremism (RFA, March 22). Even Qurans and previously allowed religious texts have been confiscated (RFA, September 27, 2017). It seems the Party wishes to revise even the most key religious texts to suit its own needs, These actions and many others seem prima facie inimical to the promotion of harmonious bonds between the Party and key elements of the population and are a far cry from decades of policies designed to maximize national unity. They are not changes that Xi would have undertaken lightly. Old Solutions, New Failures? Here the role of history and ideology become important. Much of the rationale for the shift in policy seems to revolve around Xi Jinpings rise and his analysis of what the Party must do to both survive and to achieve his vision of national rejuvenation. Xi takes very seriously those Party analyses undertaken in the wake of the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Soviet Bloc which stressed the loss of Party control over the levers of government, the failure to take ideology seriously enough, the alleged role of hostile foreign forces and civil society forces like churches, and the growth of ethnic consciousness among the USSRs many minority nationalities (SCMP, November 18, 2013). The UFWDs new policies reflect his determination to prevent anything similar from happening in China. In many ways then, the hardline turn in todays united front work parallels the 1950s, which saw the urban bourgeoisie forced to undergo thought reform, and to give up their old ways, old ideals and any connections to the West in order to be accepted as proletarians by the Party and the people. At that time too, Christians had to accept the reorganization of their churches and a complete break with the West, while ethnic minorities had to surrender all rights to self-determination other than those implied by the creation of the so-called autonomous regions [4]. Yet all these measures failed in important ways and failed at a time when the CCP was much more able to contain outside influences. Among the consequences was the retreat into passivity by many people made fearful of the future, and a stifling of innovation and progress. Indeed, the consequences of Maos reactionary response to the 1957 Hundred Flowers campaign, first in the form of the Anti-Rightist campaign and later the Cultural Revolution, were the reasons that reform and opening up was eventually needed. Today, China is both connected to the rest of the world in ways unimaginable in the 1950s, and has grown wealthy as a consequence. Xi is either unaware of this history, or perhaps believes that technologies like AI can help contain any negative consequences. However, it would probably be safer to bet that like Mao, Xi too has begun to overreach. Notes [1] The fall of another former head, Ling Jihua in 2014 was almost certainly more about corruption engaged in before he was made head of the UFWD rather than any activity after assuming that role. [2] Much of this history is summarized in the book Managing Transitions: The Chinese Communist Party, United Front Work, Corporatism and Hegemony, Groot (2004). [3] For some examples of this idiosyncratic activity, see the examples collected by Ray Wang in Ray Wang and Gerry Groot (2018), Who represents? Xi Jinpings Grand United Front Work, legitimation, participation and consultative democracy, Journal of Contemporary China DOI: 10.1080/10670564.2018.1433573Ray Wang and Gerry Groot. [4] Chinas five autonomous regions are province-level units nominally set aside for specific ethnic groups. In practice they function little differently from provinces in the degree of control exercised by the CCP. "We have revived pride in our fatherland," Putin said during the ceremony held in the Kremlin. Two days ago, protests were held in 19 cities against "Tsar Putin" with thousands of arrests. Opposition leader Alexei Navalny was briefly detained. Moscow (AsiaNews/Agencies) Against the background of the gilded walls and crystal chandeliers of the Kremlins Andreyevsky Hall, Vladimir Putin today swore on the Russian constitution, taking his fourth oath of office as president of Russia (picture 1, video). Right after the national anthem, he gave a short speech in which he promised to "multiply the strength and prosperity of Russia. Noting that We have revived pride in our fatherland," Mr Putin added that in the past Russia had risen again from setbacks, "like a phoenix". Vladimir Putin has been in power for 18 years, either as president or as prime minister, so much so as that his adversaries call him "Tsar Putin". Two days ago, protests were held against "the tsar" in Moscow and other Russian cities. After some clashes with the police, thousands were arrested in 19 cities, in particular young people who accuse the Russian government of corruption and lack of democracy (picture 2). Putins best-known opponent, Alexei Navalny, tried to hold a protest in central Moscow, and was briefly taken into custody (picture 3). Some feared possible demonstrations today to coincide with the president's oath of office, but so far, nothing has happened. Putin was re-elected president last March with more than 76 per cent of the votes. by Mathias Hariyadi Program focuses on some urgencies that all religious "mentors" must be aware of. In the age of technological communication, a more "friendly" approach is required in the formation of candidates. Many challenges are related to the "instant culture" of millennials. Religious educators are challenged by behaviours that are not "suited" to religious life. Jakarta (AsiaNews) - On the 50th anniversary of its foundation, the Roncalli Institute has convened every religious instructor, in the novitiate or at any other level of formation, to Salatiga (Central Java). Educators are invited to participate in a "updating" session together with personalities from different congregations, to share their practical experience in educating young people about religious life (photo). Brother Flavianus Ngardi Mtb, a religious from Yogyakarta, and Sister Immaculata Sfic, from Pontianak (West Kalimantan), shared their experience with AsiaNews. Starting on April 26th, it was divided into several sessions and will end on May 12th. Both religious took part in the activities aimed at "Junior Instructors". Speaking as the main contributor to the junior instructor program, Fr. Yamrewau Msf, master of the novices of the missionaries of the Holy Family of Salatiga, explains some urgencies that all the religious "mentors" in the novitiate and postulancy should be aware of. The priest points out that in the era of technological communication a more "friendly" approach is required in the formation of candidates for religious life. Moreover, unlike the past decades, among the latter there are not only those who come from minor seminaries, but also lay people who intend to "change" their lives and consecrate themselves to Christ. Citing Fr. Yamrewau, Brother Flavianus states: "In these modern times, networking and interconnection are very important in the field of religious formation". Other challenges are more related to the "instant culture" that keeps most of the young people of the "millennial generation" busy. They are not familiar with the "silentium", they are reluctant to leave behind their modern gadgets and are used to escape difficulties and challenges that arise before. Brother Flavianus and Sister Immaculata report how, in group sessions, all religious educators are challenged by behaviors that are not "suited" to religious life. In the past, the "silentium magnum" was very easy to maintain, but today it is rare to find that kind of "propensity". Citing some key points to share with his peer groups, Brother Flavianus explains that behavioral patterns are still very important. Religious mentors are called to be figures dedicated to prayer, so as to be able to practice discernment of spirits properly. However, this is not enough. In these modern times, formators also need a little sense of humor and familiarity with current communication technologies and their devices. As requested by the Roncalli Institute, the working groups have expressed the recommendation that some religious journalistic notions are given to religious educators. "Their continuous formation is an urgent matter", says Brother Flaviaus Ngardi. "This includes teachings on digital catechesis and comprehensive information on millennial generation thinking". (Brother Flavianus Ngardi Mtb and Sister Immaculata Sfic collaborated). 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I need to give my friend lyca recharge cos am bro and i need to tranfer for him on my phone Post to Facebook Post to Twitter Subscribe me We need your help! Please help us improve our content by removing questions that are essentially the same and merging them into this question. Please tell us which questions below are the same as this one: Australian Easy-open cup range wins global award Australian food producer SPC has received top recognition in the food category at the 2018 WorldStar Packaging Organisation Awards on the Gold coast on May 2 2018. An international innovation, SPC ProVital was recognised by the global industry for the design of its accessible food packaging solution. Developed to address the key issue contributing to rates of poor patient nutrition within hospitals across Australia, years of research inspired SPC to commission the project concluding with a range of easy-to-open cups. Key packaging design features of the SPC ProVital range which contribute to improved overall user experience include a textured and lengthened pull tab for easier grip, clear instructions for opening, decagon shape for easier grip, and optimised seal to reduce force. Collaborating with NSW Health, SPC engaged design and packaging suppliers to create an easy-to-open cup using guidelines provided by NSW Health and Arthritis Australia. The issue of packaging accessibility is becoming more and more prominent in our society as the population ages, says SPC Category Marketing Manager ProVital, Chris Deed. For us, having our range receive the highest possible accessibility rating from Arthritis Australia of +8, with 95% of the population reporting an easy-to-open product is one thing, but to be recognised by the WPO with an award of this stature, is something that makes the journey so worthwhile, says Deed. It is essential that packaging of food served in hospital is easier for patients to open in order to support their nutrition outcomes, said Carmen Rechbauer, Executive Director, Clinical Support Services at HealthShare NSW. Easy open packaging not only contributes to improved nutrition in hospitals, but it also allows our most vulnerable patients to retain their independence and dignity by easily accessing their own food, said Carmen. SPC Category Marketing Manager ProVital, Chris Deed says his team are particularly proud of this innovation as it represents how industry, supplier and corporate collaboration can result in increased efficiency for our customers a growth platform for SPC as a business. SPC ProVital products are currently available through hospitals and aged care facilities, with further plans for expansion. Related articles Woolworths and SPC agree on new 3 year deal SPC strikes first-time China export partnership deal SPC celebrates 100 years with new TV ad Hi, i need an agent who is in Australia for my pmv, does anyone know any? Please help 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. BOSTON (AP) Schools can be held liable for student suicides in certain circumstances, Massachusetts' highest court said Monday in a ruling that also cleared the Massachusetts Institute of Technology of responsibility for the death of a graduate student who killed himself on campus in 2009. The Supreme Judicial Court said MIT cannot be blamed for the death of 25-year-old Han Nguyen, who jumped from the top of a campus building minutes after a professor confronted him about an offensive email. But it found that schools can be liable if they fail to act after they become aware that a student has attempted suicide while enrolled, or shortly before entering, or learn that the student had threatened to commit suicide. Gary Pavela, a consultant on law and policy issues in higher education, said he's unaware of another state appellate court that has explicitly found that universities have a duty to prevent suicide in limited cases and defines those circumstances. "This will be very newsworthy to colleges around the country," said Pavela, who has written a book about the legal questions surrounding student suicides. Jeffrey Beeler, an attorney for Nguyen's estate, said they were disappointed the court sided with MIT, but believe its ruling will nonetheless "save student lives going forward." An MIT spokeswoman said in a statement that Nguyen's death was a tragedy and students' well-being is of "paramount importance to the school." Spokeswoman Kimberly Allen said the school already offers a "robust network" of services for students and "continually considers ways to enhance those resources." The court noted that Nguyen never told anyone at MIT that he planned to kill himself or tried to kill himself while enrolled at the school. Furthermore, he was living off campus instead of a dormitory under "daily observation," the court said. But the judges said schools must take "reasonable measures" to help students they know have attempted suicide while at the school or have threatened to kill themselves. That would include initiating a suicide prevention protocol, getting the student in the care of a medical professional, or contacting police, fire or emergency medical personnel. "It requires the school to really have a lot of information that the suicide is likely and the reasonable measures that the school needs to take are not extremely onerous," said Naomi Shatz, an attorney who's not involved in the case. A group of 18 colleges and universities including Harvard University and Boston College told the court that holding MIT responsible for Nguyen's death would have far-reaching consequences by causing officials with no medical expertise to overreact to concerns out of fear of liability. Nguyen's professors shared concerns about his mental health in the months leading up to his death, and one encouraged his colleagues to pass him or they might have "blood on their hands." In a telephone call 11 minutes before he killed himself, a professor "read him the riot act" over an email Nguyen sent to another MIT official that they believed was inappropriate, court records said. The family said that the school should have known that "mishandling this fragile student" would result in his suicide. But MIT said the school wasn't aware of the severity of his condition, noting that he was treated by outside professionals and refused on-campus resources. None of the professionals who treated Nguyen while he was at MIT believed he was an imminent risk of killing himself, the school said. ___ Follow Alanna Durkin Richer at http://twitter.com/aedurkinricher . Read more of her work at http://bit.ly/2hIhzDb . Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump is set to reveal his decision on whether to keep the U.S. in the Iran deal on Tuesday, a move that could determine the fate of the 2015 agreement that froze Iran's nuclear program. The announcement is set to cap more than a year of deliberation and negotiation that has at time pitted Trump against some of his closest aides and key American allies. Trump is facing a self-imposed May 12 deadline over whether to uphold the 2015 nuclear agreement, which he long has criticized. The president has signaled he will pull out of the pact by the deadline unless it is revised, but he faces intense pressure from European allies not to do so. "I will be announcing my decision on the Iran Deal tomorrow from the White House at 2:00pm," Trump tweeted Monday. The president has been the subject of an intense lobbying effort by American allies to maintain the agreement, with British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson making a last-ditch appeal to the administration in a visit to Washington this week. European leaders say that they are open to negotiating a side agreement with Iran, but the existing framework must remain untouched for that to happen. It is not immediately clear what Trump will announce Tuesday or whether he will announce the end of the deal or push for a renegotiation. Trump in October "decertified" the deal with Iran, but did not move to re-impose sanctions, known as a "snap-back." On Monday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Iran would be willing not to abandon the nuclear deal even if the United States pulls out, providing the European Union offers guarantees that Iran would keep benefiting from the accord. Rouhani said that "what we want for the deal is that it's preserved and guaranteed by the non-Americans" a reference to other signatories of the 2015 agreement. U.S. officials and European allies share the conclusion that the deal, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), has halted Iran's development of nuclear weapons. Trump has objected to a sunset provision that would allow Iran to restart some nuclear development in 2025. Supporters of the deal argue that withdrawing from the JCPOA would undermine Trump's push for North Korea, which has a far more advanced nuclear program than ever possessed by Iran, to denuclearize. Trump is planning on meeting with North Korea's Kim Jong Un within the next month. Earlier Monday, Trump criticized John Kerry after reports that the former secretary of state has been promoting the Iran nuclear deal. Trump said on Twitter: "The United States does not need John Kerry's possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran Deal. He was the one that created this MESS in the first place!" Kerry, who was also the lead negotiators for the Obama administration on the Paris climate accord, has been promoting both agreements since he left office. The Boston Globe reported Friday that Kerry, the lead negotiator on the deal for the Obama administration, had been privately meeting with foreign officials to strategize on how to keep the U.S. in the deal. Kerry has met with Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. At least one of their meetings was at a June 2017 public event in Oslo, Norway, where they sat on the same panel with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and extolled the virtues of the nuclear deal. Kerry, a keen environmentalist who regularly derided climate change skeptics and championed ocean health while secretary of state, has also continued to speak out on those issues since becoming a private citizen. Last week at an event in Dallas, Trump mocked Kerry over a bicycle accident he had three years ago. ___ Associated Press writers Matthew Lee and Josh Lederman contributed to this report from Washington. Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. LAKE PLACID, Fla. -- Highlands County Sheriff's Office Deputy William Gentry died Monday afternoon after being shot Sunday evening in Lake Placid. Highlands County deputy shot; died Monday Deputy William Gentry was shot Joseph Edward Ables, 69, arrested in the shooting On its Facebook and Twitter pages, the Sheriff's Office said: "It is with tremendous sadness that we report that Deputy William J. Gentry Jr. passed away at 1:10 p.m. today, May 7, at Lee Memorial Hospital as a result of his injuries. Please keep his family and our HCSO family in your prayers. We will release details about the services as soon as we have them." Deputy Gentry was responding to a neighbor dispute involving a cat that allegedly had been shot. After speaking with the complainant, Deputy Gentry went to 234 Baltimore Way to speak to the neighbor who was suspected of shooting the cat. Deputy Gentry made contact with 69-year-old Joseph Edward Ables at his front door just before 8 p.m. That's when Ables shot Deputy Gentry, officials said. Deputy Gentry was airlifted to Lee Memorial Hospital, where he died. A sheriff's spokesman said Monday that Gentry was an organ donor and said "some good may come out of this unspeakable tragedy." It is with tremendous sadness that we report that Deputy William J. Gentry Jr. passed away at 1:10 p.m. today, May 7, at Lee Memorial Hospital as a result of his injuries. Please keep his family and our HCSO family in your prayers. Highlands Co Sheriff (@HighCoSheriff) May 7, 2018 <_script charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"> "Today, my wife, Ann, and I join all Floridians in mourning the loss of another Florida hero, Deputy William Gentry, whose life has now been senselessly taken," said Gov. Rick Scott. "Last night, I spoke with Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman and committed all available state resources they may need. We will not stand for anyone who hurts our law enforcement." Ables, who is a convicted felon with assault charges dating back to 1983, was arrested at the scene and taken to the Highlands County Jail. Ables has been charged with attempted first degree murder without premeditation. Other charges include: Possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, resisting an officer with violence, tampering with evidence and violation of probation. There was no word Monday afternoon about new charges after the deputy died. Deputy Gentry, 40, had nine years and four months of service with the Highlands County Sheriffs Office. He was the third deputy to die while on the Highlands County Sheriff's Office force. Two deputies were killed in a July 10, 1995, plane crash. Flags were just lowered to half-staff at the Highlands County Sheriffs office. Confirmed Deputy Gentry died at 1:10 pm @BN9 @MyNews13 pic.twitter.com/NmomTyOSeZ lauren verno (@laurenverno) May 7, 2018 <_script charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"> "William is an experienced law enforcement officer and serves as one of our Field Training Deputies," Sheriff Paul Blackman said. "His brother is one of our detectives. This is an unimaginable tragedy for our agency. Our prayers are with Deputy Gentry and his family and we ask that your prayers be with them, also." Anyone who has any information that may be useful to the investigation, please email detectives@highlandssheriff.org or call 863-402-7250. What You're Missing Out on in May on the Oregon Coast Published 05/06/2018 at 5:55 PM PDT By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Oregon Coast) Two months in particular tend to be woefully neglected on the Oregon coast, and one is happening right now. May along with April, actually can have some of the most interesting action on the beaches: between the extreme low tides, the end of the stormy season and its beachcombing delights, weather that seems to be resplendent yet secret, and startlingly low lodging rates. On top of it all, Killer whales can really make, well, make a splash right about now. May is an especially delectable time because of these aspects. Many of the heads of the local visitor centers agree on this and would like to see the word get out. One of the big secrets of the Oregon coast is that the weekend just before Memorial Weekend can be astoundingly dead. Nearly deserted. Yet interestingly enough, the big weekend gets uncomfortably crammed with traffic and people. Mothers Day certainly sees a big spike, but aside from that, tourism experts say the real treasures happen just before the holiday weekend. Jon Rahl, director of the Seaside Visitors Bureau, said this time of year is definitely underutilized. Its definitely a value season for visitors and with a little bit of planning, folks can sneak in a short excursion or staycation for a rate they wont find once the school year ends, Rahl said. Minus tides during the morning and early afternoon in mid-May and late-May are also perfect times to visit and you could strike gold with a nice 65-70 degree day. By this point in spring, the sporadic but fascinating stormy action of April has disappeared and May calms considerably. More warm weather days pop up, then June often sees a return to more rainy patterns. I think in general, May has been a time of year where travel to the coast slows down, Rahl said. Were well past all of the spring break travel but families are nearing the end of the school year and tend to hold tight on any travel before schools close up for the summer. Great weather days get a little more publicity now in the digital age, and thus tourism entities are saying May is getting a little more attention but not much. Nan Devlin, head of the Tillamook Coast group, which is essentially the visitor center for all of Tillamook County, agreed that weather is the important factor. Shes also noticed the weekend before Memorial Weekend can be exceptionally slow, but she says theres an uptick if the weather is good. People are making plans for the big weekend and she partially blames the annual May slowdown on the recent run of spring breaks in March and April. However, it might also be that because March and April had several weeks of spring break between Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho (all big visitors here), that families are waiting for Memorial Day weekend for a getaway, Devlin said. Spring has been growing quite a bit for tourism dollars. Rahl said the visitor numbers are comparable to October. Just like the fall season, great weather tends to drive people out here regardless of the day of the week, but it typically presents travelers with tremendous value on hotels, he said. And the crowds are much lower than youll find by the end of June or early July. (See the lodging deals) Another big feature of this time of year is the increased visibility of Orcas. Killer whales often show up in April, usually lingering through May. This tends to be more on the central coast, but they do make appearances up north around Cannon Beach and Seaside. Essentially, this is an unusual pod of Orcas that scientists dont know much about, except that theyre here to gobble up baby gray whales as they continue their migration north with their mothers. As of May 6, there are many sightings of killer whales on the north Oregon coast, with the bulk coming from around the wreck of the Peter Iredale. Also see What They Don't Tell You About Oregon Coast's Spring; Video. Oregon Coast Lodgings for this event - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted For Immediate Release, May 7, 2018 Contact: Ryan Shannon, (503) 283-5474 x 407, rshannon@biologicaldiversity.org Lawsuit Launched to Protect Imperiled Fish in Arizona, New Mexico Roundtail Chub Denied Protection for Decades, Despite Habitat Destruction TUCSON, Ariz. The Center for Biological Diversity today filed a notice of intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to protect the roundtail chub, a large minnow in Arizona and New Mexico, under the Endangered Species Act. The Fish and Wildlife Service first identified the chubs need for protection in 1982, but waited until 2009 to determine that the fish warranted that protection. The Service proposed protection in 2015, but then abruptly withdrew the proposal in 2017 based on flawed science. Everyone, including the Fish and Wildlife Service, knows that the roundtail chub urgently needs help from the Endangered Species Act, said Ryan Shannon, staff attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. Rather than recognize the threats facing this species, the Service ignored the facts and wrongfully denied protections to this once abundant fish. The chub faces threats including habitat destruction, invasive species and climate change. But in withdrawing the proposed protection, the Service did not find that any of those many threats to these native fish have abated. Instead the Service found that the lower Colorado River basin population of roundtail chub, the headwater chub and the endangered Gila chub are not separate species, but rather a single species, the roundtail chub. Rather than analyze whether the combined species still needed protection, however, the Service withdrew protection without explanation. The decision not to protect this fish was driven by politics, not science. Federal officials decided opposition from the Arizona Game and Fish Department mattered more than saving this clearly imperiled species, said Shannon. Like most of the Southwests native fish, the roundtail chub desperately needs endangered species protection to have any chance at survival. The roundtail chub occurs in Arizona and a small portion of New Mexico. Although it was historically found throughout the lower Colorado River basin, the fish has been reduced to a fraction of its historic range and abundance. It was once so widespread that it was an important food source for native peoples. Inclusion, equality and diversity have long been societal ideals, but there's no denying 'diversity fatigue' is setting in - and we're nowhere near the end goal yet. Here's why it's time to step away from the buzzwords and take action - literally. Carla Nichiata Uehara 123RF.com Diversity and inclusion have become to the tech industry as human resources is to a big company; a fig leaf there to protect the status quo, not to improve it. Dealing with diversity fatigue and reverse discrimination From niche thinking to mainstream to action Gender equality is not a quota https://t.co/cXin89JHX1 Bo Jangles (@BoJangular) May 3, 2018 Gender quotas at board level in Europe have done little to boost corporate performance or to help women lower down: ten years on from Norways quota for women on corporate boards https://t.co/onr9OFOQiD via @TheEconomist STEMM Equality (@STEM_Gender) May 2, 2018 When everyone is seeking the same diminishing prize by following the same formula in the same way, the real rewards are inevitably elsewhere. There are other, ancillary veins yet to be mined; but they require a different approach. Different markets. Different values. Different networks. Different mind sets, informed by different life experiences. We constantly aim for transformation within the creative and tech industries in particular, and applaud when a move is made that finally flips the script on the old white male leadership perspective so common across the globe.But a number of disparate news articles brought the inclusion, equality and diversity ideals into question last week.In the first to grab my eye, Jon Evans wrote onabout giving up on diversity and inclusion The article is based on his feedback of a talk by Arlan Hamilton of Backstage Capital , she who famously built a venture capital fund from the ground up, while homeless, in which she shares that she will no longer talk publicly about diversity and inclusion as of 2019.Evans explains Hamiltons motivation in a nutshell:That may well be true. After all, equity is a more inclusive outcome than 'equality'.And while theres more noise about diversity, equality and inclusion than ever before, are we actually doing anything to transform our various industries and make progress?Actions speak louder than words, especially in business.So whats really going on here? HR Dive calls it diversity fatigue.Based on Atlassians 2018 diversity report , which explores the state of diversity and inclusion in US tech, in particular, it seems tech companies readily acknowledge that the industry has a reputation for sticking to the stereotype, yet havent made significant progress in building more balanced teams to remedy this.Thats largely due to tiredness setting in over the talk but no action regarding diversity and inclusion a sentiment that holds true whether youre based in Silicon Valley, Silicon Savannah or Silicon Cape.Taking things too far can also tip the scales again, as it can lead to whispers that your company or industry is now biased against those formerly in the power seat this New York Post article on the discrimination against unemployed white tech bros is an eye-opener.Interestingly, the Atlassian study finds that diversity and equality or D&I specialists are in demand at the moment, a sign that theres still every intention of getting the picture back into balance when it comes to both gender and race.Thats why PwC Economics analysed the behavioural measures that bring gender equality to emerging tech. The article 16 nudges for more #WomenInTech highlights the fact that organisations, schools and universities need to work together to change entrenched perceptions as an important initial step towards weighing the imbalance.Its a growing collective consciousness that applies across borders and industries. In a seemingly separate article that I stumbled upon last week, titled Equality is a mediocre goal. Aim for progress, on the current healthcare debate, Bloomberg states, If inequality is a corollary of innovation, then policymakers must choose their priorities carefully.Thats because, If we enter the future being able to cover most medical treatments with reasonable equality, that would be a sign we failed at the task of progress.Quite the interesting thought.Progress and true change beyond merely filling quotas are the ultimate end goal.And while debate and dialogue about addressing inequality is great, Evans concludes,So diversity, equality and inclusion are indeed crucial, but the way we go about them needs to change.Methinks Maya Angelou said it best: "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude."After all, Nothing will work unless you do. For now Barclays Bank Botswana last week unveiled the refresher digital app to allow their customers convenience to bank with them from anywhere at their own time. According to Barclays Retail Director, Brighton Banda, the Barclays Mobile Banking App is expected to ease their customers lives in terms of digital banking. He said the mobile app was first launched in 2012 and has been upgraded to offer customers a better banking experience. In 2017, we decided that our App needed a facelift to be competitive with similar offerings in the market and in March 2018, we are able to avail the re-fresher App to our customers and we have seen a positive response by the number of the daily app uploads, explained Banda. He said the business has identified Digital Banking as a critical element that is needed to drive their strategy now and in the future. Our commitment towards this strategic pillar is underpinned by our current heavy investment towards maintaining, upgrading and developing our digital platforms, said Banda. The refreshed App now has a new look and feel, includes airtime purchase, M-Wallet to Myzaka and Orange Money. This means that through the App one is able to transfer their money from the bank account to My Zaka and Orange Money. Banda said the airtime purchase functionality has the ability to pick a number from the contact list on the phone rather than inputting the number in the traditional manner. Head of Marketing and Corporate Relations-Barclays, Duduetsang Molloy reiterated that, as customers spend so much time online, on their phones, on the Internet, they are forcing banks to be innovative and provide platforms for them to bank wherever they are. Barclays Bank Botswana embarked on a digital journey nine years back and today provides convenient banking across almost all its digital platforms being; mobile, internet and through the vast ATM network of 113 i-ATMS, said Molloy. Director of Investment Promotion at SPEDU Benedice Sibanda has appealed to residents of Selibe Phikwe to cleanse their minds of the mine era and start focusing on other avenues to diversify the SPEDU region as it commands tangible economic value. He was speaking at the annual SMME Pitso hosted by Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) last week. Sibanda said that even though locals are not as forthcoming as they had anticipated to engage and to start businesses in the region, the zone is more than ripe for business activity. The SPEDU region is loaded with economic opportunities from Hospitality, to tourism, Recreation, Horticulture and Agriculture. Let us unpack what we have long neglected, he said. Sibanda noted that the SPEDU Region is strategically placed as the gateway into northern side of SADC Region through well-developed networks of roads, rail, air and commercial border infrastructure. It also conveniently connects Botswana with the South African seaports, notably the renowned port of Durban through an excellent network of roads and up to five borders notably Platjan and Martins Drift border posts. This is to show that in terms of accessibility, the region puts any business at an advantage he said. He implored locals to create demand and bring value propositions to start businesses. We at SPEDU have succeeded and continue to develop the region to better house local businesses, the land is ready for use, allocated and fenced, electricity has been provided, water is more than abundant, all that is left is for Batswana to come and do business. In fact, as an upside the region is home of five of the countrys major dams, the Thune Dam, Letsibogo Dam, Lotsane Dam, Dikabeya Dam and the Dikgatlhong Dam. It boasts highly fertile soils and a climate conducive for agriculture, especially horticulture production. The availability of land for industrialisation in Selebi Phikwe and the region, infrastructure resources, abundant natural attractions, flora and fauna, natural resources such as granite, sandstone, marble and silica sands open up opportunities for industrialisation. However, Sibanda is not pleased on how government institutions work disjointedly saying this can cause sluggishness and discourage locals from benefitting from what the government has to offer.It causes unnecessary delays that Motswana has to move from pillar to post to get services that could be boxed in one. He urged institutions to come together to collaborate and serve Botswana better. A Youth Development Fund (YDF) beneficiary for example should be able to come to one place to seek assistance on what CIPA, SPEDU, BDC, CEDA can offer and in that way, We as a country will better benefit as a whole, let alone the shift that could happen economically as this could be the push locals need to flourish. The economy of the town of Selebi Phikwe and its rural hinterlands historically relied on copper/ nickel mining and smelting since the inception of the town in the early 1970s. In order to diversify the economy, the Government of Botswana set up the Region as a Special Economic Zone with the intention to support industrialisation through the economic sectors of Tourism, Manufacturing and Agro-Business. This is in recognition of the inherent comparative advantages of the region evidenced by availability of ample surface and underground water resources. The region is located in the Central District of Botswana comprising four geographical areas of Bobirwa, Tswapong North, Sefophe, Mmadinare and Selebi Phikwe town housing a population of about 200,000 inhabitants. Selebi Phikwe serves as the commercial nexus of the SPEDU Region with about 49, 411 people, making up approximately a quarter of the entire population of the Region. Letshego, the Pan African micro-lender this week disclosed that deduction at source is the main reason the company has managed to diversify its product range, become profitable and expand across the continent. Writing in the companys annual report released on Wednesday afternoon, Chairman of the group Enos Banda stated that, Letshego said deduction at source business remains core to our business strategy and is the foundation on which our diversified solutions are built, and from which all our customer offerings emanate. We made good progress during 2017 in defending, diversifying and growing this part of our business in our key markets. We expect this to continue into 2018 Established from humble beginnings in 1998, Letshego is now a formidable business in the continent and still depends on governments employees for its micro-lending services, although they have now diversified into formally-employed workers. With the launch of the All-in-1 solution LetsGo, we envisage a step-change in operations, business efficiencies, risk mitigation and most importantly, the customer journey and experience, noted Banda. Since the company opened its doors twenty years ago, there has been competition from all fronts, both locally and abroad as well as tightened regulation. However, Banda said they are up to the challenge. Through our tailored solutions, understanding of our target segments and strategic partnerships, our ability to understand the specific needs of our target markets will enable us to differentiate ourselves from the increasing competition. Today our competition arises not only from traditional banks and financial institutions, but also from fintech and mobile network operators, said the confident Banda. The company which is among the biggest at BSE by market capitalization is also capacitating subsidiaries boards to enable them to take independent and effective decision. Strong governance and leadership is undoubtedly a key factor in high performance, said the Chairman. For the year to December, Letshegos profit before taxation was P1 billion, which shows a 6 percent growth year on year. Our results reflect progress in achieving our strategic goals, diversification of our operating model and provision of innovative solutions to meet the needs of our customers, commented group Managing Director, Christopher Low. Gross advances expanded by 17 percent to close at P8, 2 billion. He said that although revenues and profits showed positive growth, there is still much to be done on achieving and maintaining sustainable growth rates over the long term, while mitigating business risks - further diversification in country and solution portfolios will assist achievement of this. We are confident we now have the tools to enhance our impact and enable every market to move closer towards their growth potential, he added. The formidable BRAHMOS Weapon System. PUNE (PTI): BRAHMOS, the world's fastest supersonic cruise missile, will be achieving 75 per cent localisation in the next six months from the current 65 per cent domestic components that goes into its production, a top BrahMos Aerospace official has said. "As of today 65 per cent of the value (in BRAHMOS) is created in India. We started with a very low 10-12 per cent indigeninsation and today we have reached 65 per cent. In another six months, we would be close to 75 per cent," BrahMos Aerospace Managing Director and CEO Sudhir Mishra said at the handing over ceremony of the prototype Quad Launcher manufactured by L&T Defence, the defence arm of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) here over the weekend. "Last March, we flight tested the indigenously made seeker, and booster also would be shortly tested in about two months. We would be reaching to a localisation of about 85 per cent in this," he said. The Quad launcher is designed for supersonic cruise missiles in an inclined configuration on-board our navy ships. The launcher provides superior firepower as compared to the twin cannister, deck mounted launchers and has the capability to support and launch four missiles in a single or salvo mode. The new Quad Launcher is suitable for warships which have space constraints to accommodate a vertical launch module. "With this smart launcher, eight missiles (four on the right and four on the left side of the ship) can be launched simultaneously. Though we are yet to get the order from the navy we have started work. We have invested in technology, knowledge and future business. We are just waiting for the order," Mishra said. He said the Quad Launcher can go not only to INS Delhi class of ships but to any ship in the world where it can position the quads launcher with a bit of tweaking in the mechanism. "With some tweaking here and there, tomorrow when we export BRAHMOS, which we wish happens soon, we would be integrating the launcher on foreign vessels also," he added. "We have been associated with the development of BRAHMOS programme since 2000, when as part of the composite team led by the DRDO, we engaged with Russia and embarked on this vast project. As proven partners of all variants of naval missile launchers for BRAHMOS, we took up the design of the unique Quad Launcher and realised the prototype in 18 months. The Launcher underwent rigorous testing prior to receiving of production clearance. L&T will now take up the bulk production of the Quad Launchers," Jayant Patil, whole-time director (Defence) and member of L&T Board said. As a leading industry partner of BrahMos Aerospace, L&T has been closely involved in the design, development and production of the launchers and fire control systems for naval platforms as well as development and production of key aero-structural sections of the formidable BRAHMOS Weapon System. Atlas V rocket lifts off carrying NASA's Geodesy and Heat Transport (InSight) Mars lander. Photo: NASA/Cory Huston VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE(US) (AFP): NASA has blasted off its latest Mars lander, InSight, designed to perch on the surface and listen for "Marsquakes" ahead of eventual human missions to explore the Red Planet. "Three, two, one, liftoff!" said a NASA commentator as the spacecraft launched last Saturday on a dark, foggy morning on atop an Atlas V rocket at 4:05 AM Pacific time (1635 IST) from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, marking NASA's first interplanetary launch from the US west coast. The USD 993 million project aims to expand human knowledge of interior conditions on Mars, inform efforts to send human explorers there, and reveal how rocky planets like the Earth formed billions of years ago. If all goes as planned, the lander should settle on the Red Planet on November 26. Its name, InSight, is short for Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport. NASA chief scientist Jim Green said experts already know that Mars has quakes, avalanches and meteor strikes. "But how quake-prone is Mars? That is fundamental information that we need to know as humans that explore Mars," Green said. The key instrument on board is a seismometer, called the Seismic Experiment for Interior Structure, made by the French Space Agency. After the lander settles on the Martian surface, a robotic arm is supposed to emerge and place the seismometer directly on the ground. The second main instrument is a self-hammering probe that will monitor the flow of heat in the planet's subsurface. Called the Heat Flow and Physical Properties Package, it was made by the German Space Agency with the participation of the Polish Space Agency. The probe will bore down 10 to 16 feet (three to five meters) below the surface, NASA said, 15 times deeper than any previous Mars mission. Understanding the temperature on Mars is crucial to NASA's efforts to send people there by the 2030's, and how much a human habitat might need to be heated under frigid conditions, said Green. Daytime summer temperatures near the Martian equator may reach 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees C), but then plunge by night to -100 F (-73 C). "It is an important part of knowledge of how this planet is evolving," Green said. "We have to be able as humans living and working on Mars to survive that." The solar and battery-powered lander is designed to operate for 26 Earth months, or one year on Mars, a period in which it is expected to pick up as many as 100 quakes. "Hopefully it will last a lot longer than that," said Tom Hoffman, InSight project manager from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The spacecraft was initially supposed to launch in 2016 but had to be delayed after temperature tests showed a problem with part of the seismometer, which engineers have since fixed. InSight aims to be the first NASA spacecraft to land on Mars since the Curiosity rover in 2012. "There is nothing routine about going to Mars, especially landing on Mars," said Stu Spath, InSight program manager at Lockheed Martin Space. Newly improved glass slide turns microscopes into thermometers The glass slide coating is made of gold and acrylic glass. Credit: University at Buffalo. Advancement could streamline and boost scientific research all over the world, help computing industry We have instruments that magnify incredibly small objects. And we have tools that measure heat, like infrared thermometers. But we havent been able to combine them in a low-cost and reliable manner. This new coating takes us a big step in that direction. The illustration depicts the three-layered coating, in which acrylic glass is sandwiched between extremely thin layers of gold. BUFFALO, N.Y. The humble glass microscope slide may be primed for a makeover. A study published online today (May 2, 2018) in the journal Nature Communications describes how an updated version of this centuries-old tool can now enable scientists to see tiny objects while also measuring their temperature. The advancement, made possible by a new transparent coating at the forefront of optics theory, has the potential to streamline and enhance scientific research worldwide, from clandestine government biology labs to high school chemistry classes. It may also have implications in other industries, such as computers and electronics, whose products require measurement and control of heat in highly confined spaces. We have instruments that magnify incredibly small objects. And we have tools that measure heat, like infrared thermometers. But we havent been able to combine them in a low-cost and reliable manner. This new coating takes a big step in that direction, says the studys co-lead author Ruogang Zhao, PhD, assistant professor in the University at Buffalo Department of Biomedical Engineering. The department is a multidisciplinary unit formed by UBs School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UB. Zhao collaborated with researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, including co-lead author Liang Feng, PhD, assistant professor of materials science and engineering, and electrical and systems engineering. For decades, researchers have tried to combine thermal imaging and microscopy. Images produced from systems that use thermocouples lack resolution and are often too coarse for modern science. Terahertz and infrared thermal mapping techniques interfere with the microscopes lenses. Other techniques are expensive and time-consuming. The new coating is made of a layer of acrylic glass (the same material used in most eyeglasses) thats sandwiched between two layers of transparent gold. The gold is transparent because its only 20 nanometers thick; a typical sheet of paper is 100,000 nanometers thick. Engineers fabricated the coating so that exceptional points the sweet spots where unusual light behavior happens can develop within the tri-layered structure. The coating, which significantly enhances the slides sensitivity to light detection, would be added to slides during the manufacturing process. Either the slide or cover slip could receive the coating. To make use of the new coating, a laser is needed. Zhao says a common helium-neon laser, which can be seamlessly integrated with most microscopes, will do the job. Common slides, which are often bought in bulk, typically cost around 5 cents. The new coating would likely add a few pennies to the cost, Zhao says. The research is supported by funding from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. Online campaign #holdmediaaccountable launched to rein in media companies Students in UB political communication class seek to awaken outrage over sale of private data The campaign is designed to build the political will so that something will happen from a legislative standpoint to insure that companies like this are more accountable for the way they do business. BUFFALO, N.Y. When Americans learned that Russian government hackers influenced the 2016 presidential election, something snapped. People, particularly young people who had grown up sharing everything online, suddenly learned that the media companies handling their information like Facebook, Twitter and Google are selling that data. And they are not being held accountable. In response, a group of University at Buffalo students in a political communication class has launched an online campaign called #holdmediaaccountable. The goal? To call attention to the profiteering by media companies selling access to Americans and the threat that poses to democracy. People using Facebook read articles and share information, but they dont understand that by liking this or sharing that, information about you and your opinions is being shared with people outside the country, said Alexa Federice, one of the students launching the campaign. They dont understand the extent to which it goes. The goal of the campaign, which being launched on Facebook, Twitter and Change.org, is to gather enough signatures to present to political leaders to urge legislation setting some controls over the use of private information. There are no rules or laws preventing companies from selling our information, said Sasha Unger, another student launching the campaign. But now that people are finding out and realizing the extent to which companies like Facebook are using our personal private information, its becoming an issue. Once we do get enough signatures, it can become kind of a leverage piece for the politicians, to show that people in their districts are concerned about this, she said. The class, which is taught by Michael Stefanone, PhD, associate professor of communication, has 40 students who all are engaged in the campaign. Some are on teams editing catch phrases and hashtags, others are on social media teams making short videos to be used by other media sources. A team called The Face includes students in the videos who are available to speak with the media. Theyve made it easy for supporters to reach them, as well, by email (holdmediaaccountable@gmail.com), twitter (#holdmedia), Instagram (@HoldMediaAccountable) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/HoldMediaAccountable/). The length of the campaign depends on the level of interest. News cycles move quickly, so the organizers hope the campaign grabs peoples attention and stimulates action rapidly. The class has several hashtags to use and will track which ones generate the most attention. An effective online campaign requires creating momentum by informing people in a compelling way. Organizers hope to draw readers to their Change.org page where they can learn more about the campaign and its goals. The campaign is designed to build the political will so that something will happen from a legislative standpoint to insure that companies like this are more accountable for the way they do business, Federice said. This is about starting the conversation, Unger said. We want to get the ball rolling. 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 Samsung Securities Co Ltd said on Monday it would file criminal complaints against its employees who sold shares that they received by mistake. The brokerage's accidental issuance of 2.8 billion shares to employees - more than 30 times the number of its outstanding shares and theoretically worth some $100 billion, has led to public outrage, particularly after it was discovered that 16 workers quickly sold off shares. The input error by Samsung Securities is one of the latest controversies hitting the country's biggest conglomerate Samsung, which also includes accusations ... The on Monday dismissed the Centre's plea challenging Vodafone's move to initiate two international arbitrations against in connection with a tax demand of Rs 110 billion under a retrospective law of 2012. Justice Manmohan said the Centre can approach the UK arbitration tribunal under the India-United Kingdom Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement (BIPA) for its grievance. has initiated arbitration proceedings under the India-United Kingdom and India-Netherlands Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement in connection with the tax demand raised against the company in relation to its $11 billion deal to acquire the stake of Hutchison Telecom. While proceedings under the India-Netherlands BIPA were pending, the telecom major initiated second arbitration under India-UK BIPA as well on January 24, 2017. The Centre had told the that the Group had abused the process of law by initiating two international arbitrations. Challenging the second arbitration, the government had said the two claims were based on the same cause of action and they seek identical reliefs, but from two different tribunals constituted under two different investment treaties against the same host state. In a move aimed at attracting investors dealing in Indian products on foreign exchanges in Singapore and Dubai, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on Friday allowed domestic stock exchanges to extend equity derivatives trading until 11.55 pm. The new timings will also allow a better alignment with commodity markets amid implementation of universal exchanges, which function until 11:55 pm. In this Business Standard special piece, Deven Choksey, managing director of KR Choksey Investment Managers, looks at the Sebi order and explains the key takeaways. The first good ... Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal. They do not reflect the view/s of Business Standard. When Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced he was contesting from two constituencies, Chamundeshwari and Badami, his friends asked him why. He explained somewhat elliptically: We are all chief ministers. Of all of us, I consider Jayalalithaa the strongest CM that India has ever had she never had to explain her decisions, never had to answer to anyone. Here, if I put a foot wrong, my esteemed colleagues will go rushing to the (party) high command. Who knows what might happen after that? His friends knew who the reference was to D K Shivakumar, the ... China isnt backing down after the White House called an order for airlines to stop referring to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau as countries Orwellian nonsense. The foreign ministry in Beijing said Monday that all three places are indivisible parts of China. Hong Kong and Macau answer to Beijing, despite having different currencies, separate financial systems and elected legislators, while Taiwan is a democracy that has resisted rule by the mainland. Regardless of what the US will say or do, it will not change the fact that there is only one ... 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 He was a personal-injury lawyer who often worked out of taxi offices scattered around New York City. There was the one above the run-down auto repair garage on West 16th Street in Manhattan, on the edge of the Meatpacking District before it turned trendy. There was the single-story building with the garish yellow awning in the shadow of the Queensboro Bridge. There was the tan brick place on a scruffy Manhattan side street often choked with double-parked taxis. And then there was his office on the 26th floor of Trump Tower overlooking Fifth Avenue, right next to the one ... Pakistan's Interior Minister was injured on Sunday in an assassination attempt when an unidentified man opened fire at him in province after he addressed a political rally, police said. Following the incident, prominent Pakistani educational activist and the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai condemned the attack. Iqbal, 59, was hit by a bullet on his right shoulder in the attack in his native Narowal's Kanjrur Tehsil after he addressed a rally, the police said. Terming the incident as "sad", Malala, who is pursuing a degree in Philosophy, and Economics at the Oxford University was quoted by Geo TV as saying, "I wish that every Pakistani [person] remains safe and that no one's life is in danger. I hope for a where everyone lives peacefully." The Nobel laureate further said that she was thankful to God that the murder attempt on Iqbal did not end up being fatal and prayed for his quick recovery. The incident took place when the US-educated Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader was leaving the rally. Prime Minister condemned the attack and called for an immediate report on the incident from top police officials of province. State Minister for Interior Tallal Chaudry meanwhile, said the suspected shooter was identified as Abid Hussain and has been arrested. The suspect, who is a resident of Narowal, is about 20 years old and being interrogated, according to media reports. Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif described the incident as an "assassination attempt". Iqbal's son said that his father was out of danger. The attacker fired with a 30-bore pistol from a distance of around 18 metres. The attacker was about to fire a second shot when he was apprehended, police said. However, the reason behind the attack was not immediately known. Sharif said: "Just spoke to him and he is in high spirits. "Those who indulged in this heinous act will be brought to justice. PML-N will not be browbeaten into submission. I am personally overseeing the investigation". Punjab government spokesman Malik Ahmad Khan confirmed the attack and arrest of the attackers. He said the minister is stable but being shifted to Lahore. "Police are investigating the attack and we will know how he (attacker) was able to reach so close to the minister," he said. He said that the attacker was initially identified as Abid Hussian and his age was said to be between 20-22 years. He is said to be a resident of Narowal. The Punjab government said that the suspect "is being interrogated by the police". Rana Manan, a lawmaker of Punjab assembly, said that Iqbal was about to sit in his vehicle when the attacker fired at him. The attack on the interior minister highlights the issue of of high-profile politicians ahead of the elections scheduled to be held after June. Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa also condemned the incident and sent his best wishes for Iqbal's early recovery. Asif Ali Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto and other Peoples Party leaders also condemned the attack. The Swedish Academy has announced it will not select a Nobel laureate in literature for 2018. Instead, two laureates will be appointed 2019, one for 2018 and one for 2019. The decision is not unique. The prize has been withheld on no fewer than seven occasions in the past and it has also been postponed for a year five times previously the last time being in 1949. The reason for postponing the prize this time, however, is exceptional since it is not related to the academys inability to unify behind one single candidate, but is instead the consequence of a more general ... The president giveth and he taketh away. Donald Trump is a stern and wrathful leader. He thinks nothing of raining down fire and fury upon the enemies of his chosen people. Indeed, he even flirts with ending the world if he doesnt receive due respect and the requisite number of burnt offerings. But he can also reward his followers, and those who curry his favor, with positions of power and untold riches. This month, Trump will appear as both of these avatars. By meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Trump promises to wave his hand and create peace ... In a couple of weeks, Europe will introduce some of the toughest online privacy rules in the world. The changes are aimed at giving internet users more control over whats collected and shared about them, and they punish companies that dont comply. Heres what it means for you. What Are the New Rules? On May 25, a new law called the General Data Protection Regulation goes into effect across the European Union. The law strengthens individual privacy rights and, more important, it has teeth. Companies can be fined up to 4 percent of global revenue ... The market regulator has directed exchanges to levy stringent penalty of up to 100 per cent, along with suspension of trading, on false reporting of client margins by brokers. The industry body Association of National Exchanges Members of India (Anmi) has written to the regulator asking for leeway. "We are of the strong opinion that 100 per cent penalty for mis-reporting is very harsh and not required in all instances of false margin reporting," Anmi has ... 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 Former Maharashtra deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal will be kept under observation for two more days in King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital for his diabetes treatment. Reportedly a few more necessary tests need to be performed and a special team of doctors is monitoring his condition. Bhujbal was first admitted to Mumbai' Jamshedjee Jeejibhoy (JJ) Hospital in March, before being shifted to KEM Hospital for further treatment. He was granted bail by the Bombay High Court on May 4, in a money laundering case. Earlier on March 26, the Supreme Court had issued a notice to the Centre on Bhujbal's plea, which was filed in connection with the Maharashtra Sadan scam. The plea was filed by Bhujbal, wherein he challenged his arrest under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). On March 14, 2016, he was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), in connection with this case, wherein he and his relatives have been accused of receiving kickbacks. Bhujbal is not only being investigated for alleged corruption in contracts given for the construction of Maharashtra Sadan in New Delhi, but also various other projects during his tenure as public works department (PWD) minister of Maharashtra are under scanner. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday accused the Congress party of practicing "pseudo-secular politics" in poll-bound Karnataka, and went on to juxtapose the Congress party's professing of secularism with their objection to the triple talaq bill. Prasad said the Congress was practicing "pseudo secular or vote-bank politics", and added, "Rahul Gandhi keeps on talking about dignity of women, of empowerment. Mr Rahul Gandhi, what is your party's stand on triple talaq?" He continued, "The Triple Talaq Bill is not about any religion, it is only and only concerned with gender justice, gender dignity and gender equality. Since secular, communal has become an important area of debate in Karnataka elections, please explain what is your party's stand on triple talaq? Do you stand committed for the dignity, equality and gender justice of the victim Muslim women of triple talaq or not?" The minister's attack was rooted in the obstruction to the triple talaq bill's passage in the Rajya Sabha that prevented it from getting enacted. The Congress took strong exception to the bill and the lesser strength of the ruling BJP in the Upper House helped stall the bill. Prasad stated that the image of Bengaluru as an IT hub was deteriorating due to the lack of adequate infrastructure and said that the ruling party in the Centre as well as the state would help uplift the state. "The sad state of Karnataka needs a double-barrel engine to rescue it. Now, with the support of government of India and the new state government, we want to assure the people of Karnataka that the double-barrel engine of the government of India and government of Karnataka will work to ensure faster development of the state," he said. Prasad further stated that the Congress-led Karnataka government did not want to seek Centre's assistance which was halting the state's development. With the assembly elections inching nearer, Karnataka has turned into a battlefield with both BJP and Congress indulging in aggressive campaigns. Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect representatives to the 224-seat assembly. The results will be declared on May 15. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, on Monday, hosted the Conclave of Finance Ministers in state capital Amaravati, wherein the impact of the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission (FC) on fiscal federalism was stressed upon. Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu presented his analysis of the ToR of the 15th Finance Commission, saying, "We are happy to have the participation of so many states in this unified fight to discuss the draft common Memorandum, to be submitted to the Honourable President of India, urging him to reframe the ToR in order to prevent a federal imbalance of the country." "The use of population from census 2011 by 15th FC with a greater weight for determining the allocation of funds to the States would cause great injustice to the States. This approach would penalise States which have shown declining fertility rates and lower population growth over the past four decades," he said. "We are also aware of the division of the powers of taxation and borrowings between the Centre and the States. The States can rarely match their resources with the development needs. States are required to put in place the necessary enabling conditions such as the provision of adequate infrastructure to attract private investments. This involves incurring capital expenditure," he added. He spoke about other key concerns of the ToR and was followed by Chief Minister of Puducherry, V. Narayanaswamy, who raised the point that the ToR should contain a paragraph to include provisions for union territories also. "The present ToR indicates a move towards central discretion in the release of funds to States. What the States want is the opposite. We want a financial regime in which there is a decisive move away from discretionary to assured devolutions," he said. Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said the 15th Finance Commission will only lead to a centralised path to development. He expressed his support and agreement with the cause of the conclave and said he looks forward to participating in drafting the memorandum. Amit Mitra, Finance Minister of West Bengal, said resistance to this Finance Commission is vital, as the ToR are in violation of fundamental constitutional values. "States are facing massive revenue deficits", he said. "I also want to highlight the non-payment of fund release by the Centre. West Bengal has not received Rs 9,958 Cr. We are forced to borrow from the market to keep our basic government initiatives running. We need to resist this forced ceiling placed on states' ability to borrow." "These terms of reference are a part of undermining the federal structure. And to my knowledge, other Chief Ministers have also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding their concerns about the 15th Finance Commission", said Mitra. Finance Minister of Punjab, Manpreet Singh Badal spoke about the impact of GST-related changes and explained that Punjab is a consequence of many industries migrating away during the partition. "We need to take care of power subsidies, food security and facilities that we assure our people. The ToR acts as an impediment, and is violative of at least Articles 270 and 285." The Chief Minister then addressed the conclave and appreciated the remarks made by all the Ministers. He welcomed the economic experts, secretaries and advisors, and said, "I hope that the common Memorandum that we will work on today acts as a starting point for fresh thinking in regard to devolution in recognition of the growing reality of States being more than equal partners in the development of the country." "The Terms of Reference of the 15th Finance Commission almost penalises states for being progressive and well-performing. States that are good at population control will be in debt." "South Indian states, in particular, those that have been reportedly good at population control, will be affected. The few seats that South Indian MPs have in the parliament will soon not be ours. The little voice we have will soon go away", he said. Referring to post-bifurcation problems, he said that Andhra Pradesh has received unjust behaviour from the Centre for a long time. "But we have still managed to address the need for gas, electricity, water and LED bulbs on our own." "Poorly performing states must be uplifted, but not at the cost of progressive states. A new paradigm for devolution must be established in the spirit of partnership between Centre and States, and not based on the dominance of the former over the latter." Quoting the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, he said, "The central government is borrowing a lot of money. But they are not allowing us to. How is this fair? The 15th FC has been asked to determine whether the States are controlling the expenditure on populist measures. The obvious question that arises is why should the Centre not be assessed through the same lens? We must stand up and prevent the significant hardship that states will face is the 15th FC will be put in place. The ToR weakens the very cause of cooperative federalism." He added, "India will prosper only if all the States prosper. The Finance Commission has to see that in the absence of adequate financial resources, efforts of poverty alleviation take a beating, preventing the poor to rise economically." Minister of Finance of Kerala, Dr. T. M. Thomas Issac, who is also an advisor (Communications) to the Government of AP, Dr. Parakala Prabhakar, Member of 14th Finance Commission, M. Govinda Rao, Former Special Chief Secretary (Finance) of AP, V. Bhaskar, finance expert, V. B. Athreya, Vice Chairman of Kerala State Planning Board, V. K. Ramachandran, Director of Gulati Institute, D. Narayana, Principal Secretary (Finance) of Kerala, Dr. Ekroop Caur, Expenditure Secretary of Kerala and Principal Secretary (Finance) Muddada Ravi Chandra were also among the officials present in the meeting. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taking a dig at the state of economic affairs under the Narendra Modi-led Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Monday said that the economy is growing below its potential. "The 'intentions' of the Modi government, while claimed to be good, have resulted in massive losses for our country. The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) delivered an average growth rate of 7.8 percent despite turbulent global conditions. The NDA, on the other hand, has managed lesser growth rate despite a favourable international climate and low oil prices. In fact, growth rate under the NDA is lower in spite of the change in methodology, which paints a rosier picture than reality," Dr. Manmohan Singh said. The former Prime Minister also lashed out at the BJP government for hasty implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetisation, calling them "avoidable blunders". "Two major avoidable blunders of the Modi government have been demonetisation and hasty implementation of the GST. The losses the economy suffered due to these blunders have severely hurt our Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector and have resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of jobs. Along with this, exports as a share of GDP have plunged to a 14 year low. This at a time when the global economy is reviving and exports of other Asian nations like Vietnam have been able to grow very substantially," he said. Dr. Manmohan Singh claimed that through the constant increase in taxes at the cost of the common man, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government is projected to have earned over Rs 10 lakh crore. "India must demand answers as to what use this money was put to?," he asked. He also said that in the present scenario, neither are banks lending nor is the private sector borrowing in order to make new investments. "A healthy economy requires a well-functioning banking sector. The growth engines of the economy are spluttering. Perhaps it is here that the mismanagement of the Modi government is most evident," he said. "The proportion of gross Non Performing Assets (NPAs) have trebled since we demitted office. The quantum of frauds in the banking sector has almost quadrupled from Rs 28,416 crore in September 2013 to Rs 1.11 lakh crores in September 2017. Perpetrators of these frauds meanwhile escape with impunity," the former PM added. Further, Dr. Singh said that instead of taking prompt corrective action over economic mismanagement, the government has been busy providing excuses and peddling conspiracy theories as to what led to the problem. "Meanwhile, as write-offs to corporate houses have exponentially increased, unpayable agricultural loans due to heightened rural distress are not being waived. In three years, over 2.41 lakh crore crores worth of loans have been written off by public sector banks. But where is the capital for the growth engines of small and medium enterprises?," he questioned. "In only four years, PM Modi has reversed the successes of the UPA government, in process hurting our farmers. The aim of the present government to double farmers' incomes by 2022 comes across as wishful thinking," he added. He also said that the agri- Gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate under NDA government is half of that achieved under the UPA. "Under the UPA II, the average annual Minimum Support Price (MSP) growth rate was 19.3 percent, under the NDA government; this has fallen to 3.6 percent. Agricultural exports, which had seen a five-fold increase under UPA, have since come down by 21 percent. At the same time, agricultural imports have risen by over 60 percent. It is worth seeking answers from PM Modi as to how he seeks to double the incomes when his government has failed to even match the record of UPA," he concluded. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government has been taking several steps towards discouraging tobacco consumption and reducing the risk of cancer. The state of Rajasthan is also conducting a study to understand the impact of nicotine as harm reduction tool. However, these steps would be futile if the government doesn't work towards smoking cessation by providing regulated nicotine alternatives, nicotine is not the enemy. The Central Government has disclosed its intention to ban e-cigarettes instead of working towards regulating it. The question that arises here is, wouldn't it be odd to ban e-cigarettes when there is no such ban on tobacco cigarettes? E-cigarettes are popular in many developed countries as regulators there see it as a safer alternative to tobacco cigarettes, which are the leading cause of preventable deaths across the world. As per a survey conducted by Kantar - an insight, information and consultancy group - across 14 countries revealed that 48 percent of Indian smokers have a cigarette just after waking up. Surprisingly, the same survey revealed that only 60 percent of Indians accepted their addiction to smoking - the least among the other countries who participated. This survey is part of a broader research effort of the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World, to regularly evaluate, monitor and publish reports on progress towards reducing deaths and harm from smoking and eliminating smoking worldwide. "Considering the current landscape of smoking habits across and health conditions in India the government needs to focus on harm reduction and broaden its horizon to drive change through healthier alternatives," said Nilesh Jain, Founder, ivape.in. There is scientific evidence that indicates that vaping is safer than regular cigarettes, and yet cigarettes. A ban will add greater risk to public health in the country. Smokers in India are the least informed across the globe on the harm and risks to their health due to smoking. "Smokers know that tobacco is harmful and addictive and even consider themselves in poorer health than non-smokers - yet they're not as actively engaged with their doctors as non-smokers , said Dr. Vikas Punamiya, MD, MRCP (UK), Consultant Pulmonologist and Medical Director at ARISE Medical Research Center. A blanket ban on ENDS will lead to an increase in unregulated trade of e-liquids and devices and black markets. Instead of smashing a product that can successfully help smokers quit their deadly habit the government must open up towards discussions on harm reduction. If we look at a bigger picture globally reputed organizations Public Health England and the Royal College of Physicians estimate that vapor products are at least 95 percent less harmful. Recently at an event in the USA, Nilesh Jain spoke about harm reduction and smoking cessation. He said, "The benefits of vaping in helping curb tobacco addiction must be considered. There needs to be an active discussion on reduced risk products. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After the successful meetings held in Kohima and Dimapur, members of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) reached out to the Naga community in New Delhi recently on "Reasoning Together" to build a shared Naga future through forgiveness, healing and reconciliation as part of their Walking the Naga initiative. With an aim to work for the reconciliation of Naga people through genuine forgiveness, mutual respect and shared understanding based on the historical and political rights of the Nagas, FNR members interacted with various organisations including students, scholars and elders at Nagaland House here. They also visited churches and fellowships and interacted with members. During an open interaction, 15 FNR members shared ideas on the value of reconciliation to ensure a dignified future for Nagas. Dr. Rev. Wati Aier, Convener, FNR said, "A shared humanity of belonging forms our identity and any dream of an identity without belonging is not only antiquated but miserably ill advice. Let us offer ourselves a chance to actualize the stream above Nagalim." "With the highest level of leadership, we have tried to work this especially from between 2009 to 2011 in searching a space for admittance of wrong and forgiveness towards the journey of common goal to our shared future," he added. The call for "Nagas without Borders" is a call for a creative and transformative political model within reach, without dislodging anyone at the expense of our political and historical de facto, read a statement. With an air of hope and optimism, Nagas from across walks of life in Delhi shared the platform with FNR members and discussed on various pertinent issues on reconciliation, identity crisis and dialogue etc. and to bring forgiveness and justice as complimentary values in the community. It is also worth mentioning that since its inception in 2008 by 39 Naga frontal organisations from all across Naga areas, the FNR has been playing a pivotal role in bridging the divides within the factions resulting to diffused the factional violence to a great extend. The meeting also aimed to shed-off the spirit of segregation, distrust, exclusivity within the community and come together in one voice and spirit at the threshold of the final settlement with the Centre. Urging Naga brethren to find answers together as one Naga, FNR member and renowned peace activist, Nikety Iralu said, "We are just at the beginning of our journey as a people and nation. And if we have done wrongs to one another and to our struggles, let us look at it and be responsible. In other words, don't make it worse by following your desire for revenge, my desire for making them pay. Those are the temptations. I think we faced God's challenges and Satan's temptations. Whatever happens we must not make things worse, no violence anymore and I believe that is one of the things we Nagas must stand together." "When we talk about a bottom of approach and mass movement, we have to first question or address the crisis of credibility. And at the core of that, there is a question of truth and we have to engage at the process of truth telling. Because at the centre of reconciliation, there is justice and it is when reconciliation and justice come together, then the question of a bottom of approach or mass movement becomes more real," added Dr. Akum Longchari. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs MJ Akbar said India is focusing on people-oriented development in the war-ridden Afghanistan. As per a press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday, MJ Akbar attended an international conference in Tajikistan themed on Countering Terrorism and Preventing Violent Extremism on May 4 in which he reiterated Bharatiya Janata Party's slogan "Sab ka saath, Sabka Vikas". He also underscored efforts made by India to combat terrorism in Afghanistan. He said, "Our assistance to Afghanistan is over three billion dollars and includes, at the moment, 116 new projects in 31 provinces." He blamed the sponsors of terrorism while saying that these people target those who are economically vulnerable and allure them to take terror-related activities. He further highlighted three dimension of terrorism which includes, security and intelligence services, radicalization, and economic. He said security and intelligence services of every right-minded government are engaged in countering terrorism to the best of their abilities. " (The) second dimension is more subtle. This is the battlefield within the mind, where seeds of radicalization are being planted with profuse abandon by misleaders posing as leaders.", he added. Finally, the third dimension is economic. He said that the shared aspiration of the young generation is equitable prosperity and called for economic equity. Minister Akbar congratulated Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon to succeed in preventing a critical challenge of terrorism from turning into a catastrophe. He further praised Tajikistan for successfully fighting, deferring, and reversing terrorism. Tajikistan had banned the Islamic Rebirth Party of Tajikistan (IRPT) in 2015 and termed it a terrorist organization. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The second phase of the Indian and Malaysian armies' joint military exercise 'Harimau Shakti' was initiated on Monday. The exercise was conducted in Hulu Langat forest of Malaysia under harsh and humid conditions. During the field training exercise, combat engineers from the Indian Army deactivated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The sappers team from 3 Engineer regiment of the Indian Army are training with the Malaysian Army combat engineers as a part of their first joint exercise. The joint exercise, which will go on till May 13, is aimed at sharing the expertise of both the contingents in conducting counterinsurgency operations in a jungle terrain. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian audience is going to get an early glimpse of the enormous dinosaurs roaring on the big screen than the whole world. The much-awaited third instalment of 'Jurassic World', titled 'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom', will be released on June 8 in India, two weeks ahead of its official release in the US, June 22. Universal Pictures will release the science-fiction in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu in 2300+ screens around the country. The film will take ahead the plot three years from where the previous one left in 2015. Directed by J.A Bayona of 'The Impossible' fame, Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard will reprise their roles from Jurassic World as Owen and Claire, respectively. Apart from them, the film's ensemble cast includes James Cromwell, Ted Levine, Justice Smith, Geraldine Chaplin, Daniella Pineda, Toby Jones, Rafe Spall and Isabella Sermon. Bringing back one of the most loved characters from 1993 'Jurassic Park' series actor Jeff Goldblum will return as Dr Ian Malcolm in the instalment. Coincidentally, 2018 also marks the 25th anniversary of the first 'Jurassic Park' film which was released in 1993. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In the run-up to the Assembly polls in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is scheduled to visit the state for his election campaign. The Chief Minister, who is a star campaigner for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for Karnataka polls, is expected to visit Chennabasava Patta Devara Mutt in Bhalki town at 10:10 am. He is also scheduled to address a public meeting there. Adityanath will also be addressing five public meetings later in the day at Humnabad, Gokak, Yemakanmardi village, Khanapur and Belgaum Rural. Adityanath was scheduled to campaign in Karnataka till May 5 but he had to cut short his election campaign tour after the deadly dust storms in Uttar Pradesh. With less than a week left for the Karnataka Assembly elections, the BJP has intensified its electoral battle through rigorous campaigns across the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is campaigning extensively in a bid to dethrone the Congress-led Karnataka government. On Sunday, he addressed rallies in Chitradurga, Raichur, Jamakhandi and Hubli. Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect representatives to the 224-seat assembly. The results will be declared on May 15. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The ongoing political battle for Karnataka on Monday saw the Congress taking a slight edge over Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as Prime Minister Narendra Modi was missing from the campaign for the day. While Congress President Rahul Gandhi rode a bicycle to highlight fuel price hike in the nation, former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Modi, and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah sent a legal notice to the Prime Minister for calling him "corrupt'. Taking part in 'Jana Aashirwada Yatre' in Kolar, Gandhi said, "The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led government has been looting the poor to fill the wallets of people like Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi and Mehul Choksi. Fuel prices have been at an all-time high, but nothing is being done by the government on this." Rahul questioned why Prime Minister Modi hadn't mandated the farmer loan waiver, in spite of farmers protesting constantly for four years. The Congress President also asked former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda-led Janata Dal (Secular) to come out clean whether his party would support the BJP or the Congress. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressed a press conference in Bengaluru and said no prime minister has stooped so low as Prime Minister Modi. Singh accused Prime Minister Modi of using language unbecoming of a prime minister and attempting to polarise poll-bound Karnataka. He also raked up the multi-crore loan default scam that involved celebrity jeweller Nirav Modi and held the Centre responsible for turning a blind eye to it. The former prime minister said that since Prime Minister Modi has not addressed a single press conference in the last four years itself is a reflection of the state of affairs. In another major development, Siddaramaiah sent legal notice for criminal and civil defamation to the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah and the party chief ministerial candidate B.S. Yeddyurappa, for calling him and his government corrupt. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Modi while addressing a rally in poll-bound Karnataka alleged that the state is a 'seedha-rupaiah sarkar', hinting at Siddaramaiah directly. The Prime Minister during a public rally on May 3, stated that nothing was possible without bribery in the state. Addressing an election rally in Chamrajnagar, Karnataka Chief Minister minorities in the country were feeling terrorised under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. He also termed Union Minister Ananthkumar Hegde as a 'nalayak' (useless) who is not fit to be a gram panchayat leader and wondered that the BJP has been made a Union Minister. On the other hand, BJP President Amit Shah, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took charge of the BJP's bid to dethrone Congress government in Karnataka. Addressing a rally in Nargund, Shah said BJP's Tsunami will uproot the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government. He also promised once the BJP comes into power, it would distribute Mahadayi's water across the state of Karnataka. as it is the Siddaramaiah government that has kept Mumbai and Karnataka deprived of the water of Mahadayi. Ravi Shankar Prasad accused the Congress of practicing "pseudo-secular politics" in poll-bound Karnataka, and went on to question the grand-old party's secularism over its objection to the triple talaq bill. Adityanath, who returned to Karnataka on Monday for assembly election campaigning, took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi and said: "Whenever the nation is facing some kind of crisis, Rahul ji runs away to Italy". Addressing a rally in Belagavi, Adityanath blamed that Siddaramaiah did not bother to ever pay a visit to families of farmers who committed suicide in Karnataka. An election will be held in Karnataka on May 12, 2018 in 223 constituencies out of 224 of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. The election for one constituency has been postponed following the death of B.N. Vijay Kumar, Jayanagar BJP candidate. The counting of votes and announcement of result will take place on May 15, 2018. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Trade with China through the Khunjerab Pass, a key part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has been halted for more than a month over objections to the existing clearance system. Traders have reportedly refused to clear their consignments through newly introduced Web-Based One Customs (WeBOC) system at Sust Dry Port. Presently, about 36 trucks carrying goods to and from China are stranded at the Sust Dry Port due to this ongoing dispute. The Gilgit-Baltistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GBCCI) and this trade organisations are backing these traders (exporters and importers) who have rejected the goods clearance system, the Dawn has reported. The system was launched last month. Talks are being held between trader representatives, the FBR [Pakistan Customs] and the government officials to settle the issue, but a consensus is yet to be reached. The traders feel that the region lacks proper internet service and they aren't educated enough to learn the WeBOC system. They fear this will render thousands of people jobless. According to the FBR, this online system will make trade through the Pakistan-China border easy and help improve dry ports operations across the country. GBCCI President Nasir Hussain Raki questioned the government's motives in that introducing the WeBOC system at Sust Dry port. He claimed this is "a conspiracy to cause the trade between Pakistan and China to fail." Raki plans to now mount pressure on the government for acceptance of demands by blocking traffic on the Karakoram Highway (KKH). His other demand is that Gilgit Baltistan should be declared a tax-free zone. Due to heavy snowfall, the Khunjerab Pass, which shares its border with China, remains closed from December to March every year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prominent Pakistani educational activist and the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai on Sunday night condemned the assassination attack on Pakistan Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal. On Sunday, Iqbal escaped a possible assassination bid on his life and sustained injuries on his right shoulder as he was shot at after addressing a public rally in Narowal city of the country's Punjab province. Terming the incident as "sad", Malala, who is pursuing a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the Oxford University was quoted by Geo TV as saying, "I wish that every Pakistani [person] remains safe and that no one's life is in danger. I hope for a Pakistan where everyone lives peacefully." The Nobel laureate further said that she was thankful to God that the murder attempt on Iqbal did not end up being fatal and prayed for his quick recovery. State Minister for Interior Tallal Chaudry meanwhile, said the suspected shooter was identified as Abid Hussain and has been arrested. The suspect, who is a resident of Narowal, is about 20 years old and being interrogated, according to media reports. An investigation for the same is underway to identify the motive of the attack. In February, a man named Bilal Haris hurled a shoe at the interior minister who was about to address a workers' convention in Narowal. The accused was arrested later. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a mild thunderstorm and dust storm warning for the next 48 hours in New Delhi and its neighbouring states. "Till tomorrow there's a possibility of a dust storm and thunderstorm in Delhi," said IMD official, Devendra Pradhan while talking to ANI. Pradhan also said that in parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh a mild thunderstorm warning has been issued, and in Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh a dust storm has been issued. "These thunderstorms and dust storms will be moderate, and the wind speed for these days will be in the range of 50 to 60 Km per hour," added Pradhan. He further said that the decision by the Haryana Education Minister to close down schools in Panchkula is clearly taken by keeping public safety in mind. "The decision to close down schools is clearly taken by keeping public safety in mind. Moreover, the decision is not in vain as the western disturbance is here to stay till May 9," added Pradhan. Till date, as many as 124 people lost their lives due to high-intensity dust storms in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan earlier this week with the highest casualties in UP, where about 73 persons were killed. In Rajasthan, 35 persons were killed, while 209 were left injured. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers on Monday stalled a land survey that here for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project on Monday . According to reports, the MNS workers disrupted the process several times in the day following which led to its suspension. MNS chief Raj Thackeray had always been against the multi-billion dollar project and had been very vocal about it. Thackeray during his rallies had even appealed the farmers along the route to not allow the Railways to acquire their lands. The 500-km railway will link Mumbai and Ahmedabad in Western India, with services planned to commence in 2023. This train is based on Japanese high-speed technology called Shinkansen, known for its safety and comfort. India has pledged to build high-speed railways, focused on the four major cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) During his two-day state visit to Nepal starting May 11, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will announce three separate "surprise gifts" for Kathmandu, Janakpur and Muktinath Temple. He will announce one of the gifts on May 11 in Janakpur. Janakpur is poised to join India's Ramayan Circuit, according to the Kathmandu Post. After completing his official engagements in Janakpur, Prime Minister Modi will arrive in Kathmandu where he will meet his Nepali counterpart Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli for delegation-level talks. The Indian Prime Minister will announce a 'surprise gift' for the restoration of Muktinath Temple. After offering prayers to Muktinath, he is expected to announce a package, either for the temple or building a Hindu religious resthouse (dharmashala) in the temple area. Nepal had earlier sent three proposals to India on the Kathmandu City Urbanisation project; announcement of a major infrastructure project for Kathmandu valley; and handing over hi-tech medical equipment to a Kathmandu-based hospital, the Kathmandu Post reported. Foreign Secretary of Nepal Shankar Das Bairagi said the focus of the meet would be on implementing past accords and expediting the agreements signed during Nepali PM's visit to India last month. In November 2016, Former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee had also announced the construction of two dharmashalas and asphalting of the Ring Road in Janakpur. This will be Prime Minister Modi's third visit to Nepal after he assumed the office in 2014. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Chief Lalu Prasad's daughter Misa Bharti and her husband Shailesh Kumar were produced before the Patiala House Court, on Monday, in connection with a money laundering case worth Rs. 8,000 crore. At the hearing, the Special CBI judge Arvind Kumar issued a production warrant against another accused, Santosh Jha, and listed the next date of hearing on June 4. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has charged Misa Bharti and her husband with converting black money into white money through the shell company of businessmen, Surendra Jain and Virender Jain. The accused businessmen were also produced before the court. They were granted bail in January on a personal bonds of Rs 2 lakh each. The couple was also granted bail by a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in the aforementioned case, on the condition that they cannot leave the country without the Court's permission. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India has launched a flood and earthquake early warning systems in Myanmar. The aim is to help the country mitigate the effects of natural calamities. Vikram Misri, India's ambassador to Myanmar, on Friday, inaugurated this New Delhi-financed project to develop the Long-Lead Flood Early Warning System and Earthquake Monitoring System in Myanmar, Myanmar Times reported. These systems will provide the government with more information on mitigating the effects of disasters that affect millions of people every year. According to a statement issued by the embassy on Friday, "Both systems will be housed in the Department of Meteorology and Hydrography (DMH) of the Ministry of Transport and Communications in Nay Pyi Taw." The systems have already been tested and verified. They are now fully integrated with existing Myanmar disaster mitigation systems. "Under the Flood Warning System, 12 automatic water level stations and 3 automatic weather stations have been established, and under the Earthquake Monitoring System, 10 telemetered seismic stations have been added to the 8 station network of the DMH," the embassy statement said, as quoted by Myanmar Times. In 2008, Cyclone Nargis struck the country, killing more than 140,000 people. Cyclone Nargis is described as the worst natural disaster in the recorded history of Myanmar. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday called the Iran nuclear deal as 'based on a lie', thereby continuing to support the United States to withdraw from the deal. "If you do nothing to this deal, if you keep it as is, you will end up with Iran with a nuclear arsenal in a very short time," Netanyahu said, The Hill reported. In a presentation session last month, Netanyahu asserted that Tehran "lied and did not respect the deal," adding it was continuing with the nuclear weapons programme after 2009, according to CNN. He further said that those who argued about his presentation "did not see the material." This comes ahead of US President Donald Trump's May 12 deadline for European allies to agree to address the "flaws" in the Iran deal. Last week, Netanyahu claimed that the Iran nuclear deal was "based on lies" and that Iranian officials were "brazenly lying" when they said Iran wasn't pursuing nuclear weapons. He also said Israel has 100,000 "secret files that prove" that Iran lied. Netanyahu added that thousands of pages of material have been obtained by Israel which showed Iran had deceived the by denying it had ever sought nuclear weapons. President Trump lambasted the nuclear agreement reached with Iran in July 2015 as the "worst deal ever" and has often threatened to terminate it. The Iran nuclear deal was signed between six countries in 2015 - Iran, US, Britain, Germany, Russia, France and China for lifting economic sanctions on Tehran in exchange for limitations to the country's nuclear programme. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday castigated his successor Narendra Modi and accused him of using language unbecoming of a prime minister and attempting to polarise poll-bound Karnataka. "It is shocking that a Prime Minister stoops so low and uses such language and phraseology which is unbecoming of a Prime Minister, particularly when he is in a state where elections are taking place. No prime minister has used election time to say things in manner that Modi ji has been trying. I sincerely hope he will now learn a lesson and not seek to polarise the society," Singh said at a press conference here. The senior Congress leader also raked up the multi-crore loan default scam that involved celebrity jeweller Nirav Modi and held the Centre responsible for turning a blind eye to it. "As far as Nirav Modi is concerned, it was obvious that in 2015-16, that something is going around with the affairs of (Nirav) Modi and yet the Modi government didn't do anything. If blame has to be cast, it has to be on the government of mandate," he said. Singh said that the Prime Minister was in the company of the accused businessman at the World Economic Forum (WEF) organised in Davos, in January, the same time when the scam-hit Punjab Bank (PNB) detected the scam. He added, "Only a few days later he ran away from the country. That itself is the reflection of the sad state of affairs in this wonderland of Modi government." The scam was started in 2011, and was detected in the third week of January. However, Nirav Modi managed to flee the country before the PNB officials filed a complaint with the CBI on January 31. "Prime Minister Modi hasn't held a single press conference in the last four years. That itself is a reflection of the state of affairs," the former prime minister remarked. With the assembly elections inching nearer, Karnataka has turned into a battlefield with both BJP and Congress indulging in aggressive campaigns. Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect representatives to the 224-seat assembly. The results will be declared on May 15. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The National Small Industries Corporation Limited (NSIC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) for the year 2018-19. The MoU was signed by Ravindra Nath, CMD, NSIC with Dr. A.K. Panda, Secretary, MSME, Government of India in the presence of Alka Nangia Arora, Joint Secretary, MSME, Dr. P.G.S. Rao, Director (MSME), P. Udayakumar, Director (P&M) NSIC and A.K. Mittal, Director (Finance) NSIC. The said MoU envisages provision of enhanced services by NSIC under its marketing, financial, technology and other support services schemes, for MSMEs in the country. The corporation projects to increase its total by 21.30 percent from Rs. 22,258 crore in the year 2017-18 to Rs. 27,000 crore in the year 2018-19. The corporation also projects growth of 15 percent in 'Revenue from Operation' and 22 percent in 'Profitability' during the year 2018-19. NSIC also plans to enhance its activities in the areas of imparting entrepreneurship and skill development training by targeting 15 percent growth in the number of trainees Under the scheme of National SC-ST Hub, being implemented by NSIC on behalf of the Ministry, NSIC's continued endeavour shall be to prepare SC/ST entrepreneurs avail enhanced benefits under Public Procurement for which NSIC undertakes to conduct special VDPs, engage with CPSEs, organise regional conclaves and so on. Dr. A.K. Panda, Secretary, MSME, while appreciating the performance of NSIC, urged the Corporation to create niche activities for itself. He also suggested that greater efforts be made to expand reach of NSIC so as to serve larger number of MSMEs. Further, Ravindra Nath, CMD, NSIC also informed that special focus will be given to modernize its technical centres so as to strengthen its vertical of training and testing services for MSMEs. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan's Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, who recently survived an apparent assassination attempt, is now in a satisfactory condition, according to the hospital authorities. Iqbal, who was shot in the arm on Sunday evening, was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after his surgery was completed. Ahmed Iqbal, the minister's son, said, "My father is now out of danger," reported Geo News. The minister underwent two operations. One for removing the bullet from his lower torso and the other to mend his broken elbow bone. However, the bullet that entered Iqbal's abdomen was not removed as pulling it out could have proved to be risky, as per the doctors. On Sunday, Iqbal was shot by an assassin during a corner meeting in Narowal's Kanjrur tehsil with a 30-bore pistol from a distance of 20 yards. He sustained a bullet wound in his right shoulder. The suspected shooter was later taken into custody. He was identified as a 20 to 22-year-old local, residing in Kanjrur Tehsil. The Punjab government, confirming the arrest, said that the suspect "is being interrogated by the police," Dawn reported. Ahsan Iqbal, however, will be kept under observation in the ICU for 24 hours more. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Pakistani terrorist, who was absconding following an encounter with security forces earlier in March, was arrested by the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday. On 20th March 2018, when the Kupwara Police, along with Army and Para Military Forces were carrying out a joint cordon and search operation, terrorists, hiding in the forest fired indiscriminately upon the security forces. During the exchange of fire, five unidentified foreign terrorists were killed. Three Army personnel and two Police personnel were martyred, while four security personnel were injured. The accused arrested, Zabiullah, a.k.a. Hamza, a 20-year-old Pakistan national, who had escaped from the spot of the encounter, was arrested by J and K Police on Sunday, following which he was produced before the Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court in Jammu, where he was remanded for 10 days NIA custody. During initial questioning, Zabiullah revealed that he had come into India fully armed in March 2018, along with five other Lashkar-e-Taiba cadres, with the aim to carry out large-scale attacks on Indian Security Forces. However, before they could carry out any attack, they were confronted by the security forces and five of his associates were killed in the encounter, while he managed to escape from the site. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said that Myanmar should learn how to keep communal harmony unharmed from Bangladesh. While addressing a meeting with Buddhist religious leaders and distinguished persons of the community on the occasion of the Buddha Purnima, she said a person belonging to any religion should get all the rights on the soil they are born. Hasina said, "That person's rights must be preserved, and that person needs to get all sorts of facilities from the government," as quoted by Dhaka Tribune. She also talked about how Bangladesh has sheltered Rohingyas on humanitarian grounds and is ensuring their security. She also said Bangladesh did not engage in any conflict with Myanmar over the issue and is continuing its efforts to resolve the problem through dialogue. She concluded by saying that no religion supports inter-religious violence and anarchy. The creation of a non-violent environment was the main teaching of Lord Buddha. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Monday interact with the Karnataka's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Yuva Morcha Karyakartas (workers) via the Narendra Modi (NaMo) App. Prime Minister Modi took to Twitter and said, "On Monday, 7th May, at 9 AM I look forward to an interaction with @BJP4Karnataka Yuva Morcha Karyakartas via the NaMo App. Our young and energetic Karyakartas are doing commendable work at the grassroots level and popularising the good work of the Central Government among people." Earlier on May 1, Prime Minister Modi had interacted with Kisan Morcha Karyakartas of BJP's state unit, via the NaMo App, and boosted their morale. On a related note, Prime Minister Modi kick started a series of election rallies in the poll-bound state on May 1 and held three rallies on the first day alone. Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect its representatives for the 225-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.) Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday sought assistance from Tata emeritus Ratan Tata in ending the two-week long impasse at the India Metal and Ferro-Alloys (IMFA) plant at Rayagada in Odisha. Taking to Twitter, the Union Minister said the standoff had affected the livelihood of thousands of locals, and thereby urged the noted industrialist to offer advice to the Odisha state government on the matter. "The plant was established by the visionary Odia industrialist Dr Banshidhar Panda in 1961 and more than 1500 locals are directly dependent for their livelihood on this plant," Pradhan tweeted. "His considered advise to the state government to resolve the issues within the confines of law shall definitely carry a lot of weight and meaning," he added. As per Pradhan, the impending standoff at Therubali had resulted in a lock-out in plant, risen out of state vendetta and misinterpreted short-term gains. This, he said, would result in negative signals being sent to industrialisation process and investor climate in Odisha, apart from fomenting left-wing extremism in Rayagada. Citing a similar impasse earlier in West Bengal's Singur area over a land dispute between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government and the Tata Group, Pradhan sought assistance from Ratan Tata, as he would "appreciate the situation having experienced a similar one". "Shri Ratan Tata would appreciate the situation having experienced a similar one when Tata Motors was forced to quit Singur in 2008 while trying to acquire land for the flagship Nano manufacturing plant," he said on the microblogging site. Meanwhile, the Union Minister also thanked the top industrialist for partnership with the Odisha government to establish a state-of-the-art cancer treatment and research hospital in Bhubaneswar, and also envisioning a model through which district level hospitals shall be equipped to provide better cancer care. "Shri Ratan Tata is the doyen of industrialisation in India and his presence in the State shall boost the morale of the industrialists and entrepreneurs when Odisha is looking forward to massive investments in future," he added. . (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As campaigning in poll-bound Karnataka enters its last leg, Congress Party President Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Centre was looting public in the name of increasing fuel prices. The Congress president, who rode a bicycle to protest against rising fuel prices in his 'Jana Aashirwada Yatre' in Kolar, appealed to the public to end governance of those favouring corrupt leaders. "The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led government has been looting the poor to fill the wallets of people like Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi and Mehul Choksi. Fuel prices have been at an all-time high, but nothing is being done by the government on this," he said. Lashing out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul questioned why the former hadn't mandated the farmer loan waiver, in spite of farmers protesting constantly for four years. "Modiji says this election is about him; this election is about the people of Karnataka. I want to ask him, where was he when farmer loan waiver was granted in Karnataka? If he wanted to, he could have waived off farmer loans in the entire country in these four years. But he has not spent a single rupee on them," he said. He further snubbed the Janata Dal (Secular), asking them if they were Janata Dal 'Sangh Parivar'. "The JD(S) needs to come out clean on whether they will side with the BJP and support B.S. Yeddyurappa as the chief ministerial candidate. They have to be honest about who they are supporting. The people of Karnataka are eager to know if they will support us or the BJP," he added. The Congress scion further accused the Prime Minister and BJP of invoking the principles of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Basavanna, but failing to comply with the same. On a related note, Rahul is expected to address multiple rallies in other parts of Karnataka later in the day as part of the 9th phase of his Jana Aashirwada Yatre. Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect representatives to their 225-seat assembly. 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.) Supreme Court on Monday transferred the Kathua gangrape and murder case to Pathankot Court and also ruled that the matter does not warrant a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry. As per the top court, day-to-day hearings would take place in the matter along with in-camera proceedings, under the Pathankot district judge, with no scope for adjournment. Earlier in the day, the Jammu and Kashmir government told the Supreme Court that they were ready for fair trial in the case involving the alleged rape and murder of a minor in Kathua in January. Gopal Subramanian, a senior Supreme Court lawyer, appearing for the state of Jammu, told the apex court that the state was only concerned with the investigation and a fair trial. However, the state government opposed the transfer of the case to any other state. Meanwhile, the top court allowed the Jammu and Kashmir government to appoint a public prosecutor in the Pathankot Court and directed them to provide security to the victim's family, their lawyer and witnesses. The eight-year-old girl, belonging to a nomadic Muslim tribe, was abducted, drugged, gang-raped, tortured and killed in January. On a related note, the next hearing in the case will take place on July 9. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Schools in Panchkula will remain closed for students, after Haryana Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma issued a directive in view of the rain and thunderstorm warning by India Meteorological Department. The state education minister directed that all government and private schools should remain closed on May 7 and May 8. Earlier this month, the Met Department said that dust storm and thundershower activities will also be expected over Punjab, Haryana, North Rajasthan and West Uttar Pradesh. According to reports, as many as 124 people lost their lives due to high-intensity dust storms in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan earlier this week with the highest casualties in Uttar Pradesh, where about 73 persons were killed. In Rajasthan, 35 persons were killed, while 209 were left injured. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday sent legal notice for criminal and civil defamation to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah and the party chief ministerial candidate B.S. Yeddyurappa, for calling him and his government corrupt. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Modi while addressing a rally in poll-bound Karnataka alleged that the state is a 'seedha-rupaiah sarkar', hinting at Siddaramaiah directly. The Prime Minister during a public rally on May 3, stated that nothing was possible without bribery in the state. Hitting out at the Prime Minister's allegation Siddaramaiah took to his Twitter handle and tweeted, "Dear PM, I am glad you have made corruption an issue in this Election because that is your weakest point. You are making baseless allegations of corruption about our Govt." The Karnataka Chief Minister also said that the BJP is trying to hide the 35000 crores illegal iron-ore mining scam of the Reddy brothers. "Can you speak for 5 mins on the ethics of using the Reddy Brothers to win an election? Making someone who has 23 cases of corruption, cheating, forgery your CM candidate. When will you speak of your top 11 leaders facing corruption cases? Awaiting your answer," the tweet further read. Both of them have been engaging in the war of words during public rallies in the view of upcoming assembly elections in the state. Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect its representatives for the 225-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.) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah alleged that minorities in the country were feeling terrorised under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Karnataka Chief Minister further dubbed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a communal party and accused it of jeopardising the religious harmony in the nation. "The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is a communal party that makes religions and communities fight with each other and destroy all equality in society. A leader of that kind of a party is in power as a Prime Minister. In the past 4 years, minorities are facing a terrorised state of affairs. Under Atrocities Act, if there is a caste-related violence, accused should be arrested immediately. However, they (Centre) have diluted the act, but Prime Minister Modi has not opened his mouth on it," he said at a public rally here on Monday. Siddaramaiah even took a jibe at Prime Minister Modi over the latter's 'Acche Din' ideology. "He (Prime Minister Modi) calls himself a 'chowkidar' (watchman). He let Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya escape, what kind of 'chowkidar' is he? He keeps saying 'Achhe Din' but where are Achhe Din'? He thinks that just because he is saying it in Hindi we won't understand, but we understand pretty well," he said. The Congress Party leader further claimed that if Prime Minister Modi tried to change the Constitution, there would be 'bloodshed' in the nation. "The BJP doesn't believe in social justice, welfare of the poor or socialism. Ananth Kumar Hegde is not fit to be a gram panchayat leader, yet, they have made him a Union Minister. If Narendra Modi tries to change Constitution, there will be bloodshed in this country," he said. In lieu of the upcoming Assmebly polls in the state, Siddaramaiah urged the public present there to vote for a party whose agenda is development of the state. "It looks like a three-cornered contest. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is a regional party, why are they standing for an election here? Janata Dal Secular (JD (S) ) doesn't not even have the capacity to fight elections on all seats and they had to side with a party from Uttar Pradesh. On the other hand, the BJP president Amit Shah is a 'dhongi' who says one thing and does something else. Please have mercy on me and don't vote for BJP, JDS and BSP. It is a very important election, the entire country is watching us. I plead with you to make a decision to chose a party that has wholesome development in mind," he urged. With the election to the 225-member Karnataka State Assembly edging closer, the state has become a battleground with public rallies being the primary form of warfare. Both the BJP and Congress have extensively tried to undermine each other in a bid to woo the electorate of the state, as a win in this election is also likely to give an edge for next year's General Elections to the winning party. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi Police on Monday told the Supreme Court that it will file its final report for the Sunanda Pushkar's death within a week's time. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked for more time to file its reply in the matter. Wife of senior Congress leader, Shashi Tharoor, Sunanda Pushkar was found dead under mysterious circumstances in a suite of a five-star hotel in Delhi on the night of January 17, 2014. On February 23, Tharoor said he was looking for a conclusion in his wife's death case. Incidentally, on that day, Tharoor's statement came hours after the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Delhi Police on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy's appeal challenging the Delhi High Court order dismissing his plea for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into Sunanda death case. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Telangana Government on Monday skipped the second conference of finance ministers being held in Andhra Pradesh's Vijayawada over the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission. The state had also skipped the first conference of finance ministers of the southern states, held in April. Apart from Telangana, finance ministers of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Odisha, Mizoram and Sikkim also did not turn up. Finance ministers from 11 states with common ideology on Fiscal Federalism were invited for the meeting, hosted by Andhra Pradesh, of which Pondicherry, Delhi, Kerala, Punjab, and West Bengal were present at the meeting. Hosted by Kerala, the first meeting included finance ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, and Karnataka who met to discuss their concerns over the Terms of Reference of the 15th Finance Commission. The 15th Finance Commission, which was set-up in November 2017, recognised population as an important criterion for distribution of taxes. The body had said that it would use data from the 2011 census while making recommendations for the five-year period, which begins in 2020. However, the southern states wanted the recommendations to be based on the 1971 census data. The southern states raised concerns over the population-based formula for tax sharing between the Centre and states. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The actor who played Ser Gregor "The Mountain" Clegane in 'Game of Thrones' has been named 2018 World's Strongest Man. Actor Hafor Julius Bjornsson won the contest in Manila, Philippines. He took to social media to share his recent victory, writing, "THE WORLD'S STRONGEST MAN 2018! Want to thank all of my family, friends and fans for supporting me along the way." Bjornsson will also star in the final season of 'Game of Thrones,' which will air in 2019. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) United States President Donald Trump will announce a decision on the Iran nuclear deal at the White House on Tuesday afternoon. Earlier, President Trump said that he would decide on May 12, whether to continue to abide by the 2015 deal by waiving US sanctions on Iran. Taking to Twitter, President Trump wrote, "I will be announcing my decision on the Iran Deal tomorrow from the White House at 2:00 pm." Earlier on Tuesday, the US President lambasted former Secretary of State John Kerry over his "shadow diplomacy" to save the Iran deal, according to a media report. President Trump tweeted, "The United States does not need John Kerry's possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran Deal. He was the one that created this MESS in the first place!" The Boston Globe reported on Friday that Kerry met with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif twice to discuss the way to strategise the Iran nuclear deal. As per the report, Kerry, who was the lead negotiator of the deal under former President Barack Obama administration also discussed the same with French President Emmanuel Macron, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and top European Union foreign affairs official Federica Mogherini. In a fresh warning, Iran on Sunday cautioned the US that it would suffer "historic remorse" if it pulls out of a nuclear agreement with Tehran formally called as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Trump rebuffed the nuclear agreement reached with Iran in July 2015 as the "worst deal ever." The Iran nuclear deal was signed between six countries - Iran, US, Britain, Germany, Russia, France and China for lifting economic sanctions on Tehran in exchange for limitations to the country's nuclear programme. The deal guarantees the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme. Following that, Tehran had pledged to not develop or acquire nuclear weapons in exchange for the cancellation of sanctions imposed against the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday reached Guatemala as part of his three-nation visit to Latin America. The Vice President was received by the Foreign Minister of Guatemala, Sandra Jovel and the Ambassador of India to Guatemala Sajeev Babu Kurup at the airport. He inspected a guard of honour on his arrival in Guatemala City. Naidu is on a five-day visit to Latin America's Guatemala, Peru and Panama commencing from May 6. This is the Vice President's first overseas visit after assuming office last year. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Minister of State (MoS) for Tribal Affairs Jasvantsinh Sumanbahi Bhabhor, four Members of Parliament and senior officers of the Government of India, as said in a press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on May 3. A range of bilateral issues including the strengthening of institutional mechanisms for political interactions, multilateral matters, trade and commerce, investments, information technology, capacity building, traditional medicines, space, defence, and culture are expected to be discussed during his visit. He is also scheduled to hold meetings at the highest levels in Guatemala, Peru and Panama. Further, the Vice President will interact with a score of respective parliamentarians of the three countries. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Asian Development Bank's (ADB) Board of Governors adopted a resolution to allocate $690.1 million in net allocable income of its 2017 Ordinary Capital Resources (OCR) at ADB's 51st Annual Meeting in Manila. The ordinary reserve will be allocated $350.7 million to support ADB's capital adequacy and provide an earnings base to generate net income. The Asian Development Fund (ADF), which provides grants to ADB's low-income member countries, will get $259.4 million. The Technical Assistance Special Fund, which provides a stable and predictable funding source for ADB's technical assistance (TA), will receive $80.0 million. TA is one of ADB's primary operational instruments for delivering assistance to its developing member countries. ADB's financial position strengthened following the merger of the bank's concessional ADF lending operations with the OCR balance sheet on 1 January 2017. The merger increased ADB's equity base from $17 billion to $48 billion, and the equity-to-loan ratio from 25.9% at the end of 2016 to 51.0% on 1 January 2017. This provides ADB a solid capital base to support its operations going forward. ADB's financial assistance of $20.1 billion in 2017 represented a 39% increase from the average annual commitments during 2014-2016. ADB Governors also approved the bank's annual financial statements. The operating income for OCR reached $725 million in 2017. The 2017 net income, after the allocation of the one-time income from the ADF asset transfers to ordinary reserve, was $774 million. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Australia stock market finished session slight higher on Monday, 07 May 2018, with gains in shares of materials and resources and energy issues were more than offset by weakness in banks and financials. Investors risk sentiments were largely muted on caution ahead of the 2018 budget on Tuesday. The government has promised tax cuts for lower income earners and flagged multibillion-dollar infrastructure spending. The S&P/ASX 200 index rose 0.36% or 21.6 points to 6,084.5 at the close of trade. Rising stocks outnumbered declining ones on the Sydney Stock Exchange by 644 to 541 and 384 ended unchanged. The S&P/ASX 200 VIX, which measures the implied volatility of S&P/ASX 200 options, was up 0.40% to 11.706. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could rise 14.50 points at the opening bell. Overseas, Asian shares were mixed despite the strong closing on Wall Street as investors digested last week's trade talks and US jobs numbers. US stocks logged sharp gains on Friday, 4 May 2018, as technology stocks rallied, overshadowing uncertainty over tense trade talks between the US and China and a weaker-than-expected rise in April nonfarm payrolls. The US created 164,000 new jobs in April. Separately, the unemployment rate fell to 3.9% from 4.1%, the first time the jobless rate has dropped below 4% since the end of 2000. Meanwhile, China and the US ended the second day of trade talks on Friday. Both sides recognise there are still big differences on some issues and that they need to continue to step up their work to make progress. The two sides exchanged views on expanding US exports to China, trade in services, bilateral investment, protection of intellectual property rights, resolution of tariffs and non-tariff measures. Closer home, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 1628.23 crore on Friday, 4 May 2018, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 1084.09 crore on Friday, 4 May 2018, as per provisional data. Among corporate news, ICICI Bank, Tata Chemicals and Tata Coffee will announce January-March 2018 quarterly results today, 7 May 2018. Key benchmark indices logged modest losses on Friday, 4 May 2018. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, lost 187.76 points or 0.53% to settle at 34,915.38. The Nifty 50 index fell 61.40 points or 0.57% to settle at 10,618.25. The Sensex and the Nifty, both, settled at over 1-week low. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (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 on steady buying in index pivotals. At 13:28 the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 192.36 points or 0.55% at 35,107.74. The Nifty 50 index was up 60.05 points or 0.57% at 10,678.30. The Sensex was currently trading above the psychologically important 35,000 level after moving above that level in early trade. Capital goods stocks edged higher. Realty stocks gained. Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.25%, underperforming the Sensex. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.57%, outperforming the Sensex. The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was positive. On BSE, 1,361 shares rose and 1,162 shares fell. A total of 134 shares were unchanged. Capital goods stocks edged higher. BEML (up 3.32%), Bharat Electronics (up 1.08%), ABB India (up 0.23%), Bharat Heavy Electricals (Bhel) (up 0.06%), Punj Lloyd (up 0.6%) and Siemens (up 1.42%) gained. Thermax (down 0.27%) fell. L&T was up 0.57%. The company said that its subsidiary company, L&T Infrastructure Development Projects (L&TIDPL) has transferred its stake in its five subsidiary companies - Krishnagiri Thopur Toll Road Limited (KTTL), L&T BPP Tollway (BPP), Devihalli Hassan Tollway (DHTL), Krishnagiri Walajahphet Tollway (KWTL) and Western Andhra Tollways (WATL) to Indinfravit Trust through the infrastructure investment trust (InvIT) route on 4 May 2018. The announcement was made after market hours on Friday, 4 May 2018. Realty stocks gained. Godrej Properties (up 5.08%), DLF (up 1.92%), Indiabulls Real Estate (up 1.07%), Housing Development and Infrastructure (up 0.32%), D B Realty (up 0.16%), Unitech (up 0.54%), Sobha (up 1.24%), Prestige Estates Projects (up 1.32%) and Oberoi Realty (up 1.22%) rose. Avenue Supermarts fell 2.57%. The company's net profit surged 72.86% to Rs 167.10 crore on 22.57% rise in total income to Rs 3824.87 crore in Q4 March 2018 over Q4 March 2017. Avenue Supermarts' earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) rose 41.8% to Rs 294 crore in Q4 March 2018 over Q4 March 2017. EBITDA margin rose to 7.7% in Q4 March 2018 from 6.7% in Q4 March 2017. The company declared its Q4 result on Saturday, 5 May 2018. Neville Noronha, CEO & Managing Director, Avenue Supermarts said that deflation in staples, tax rates not being comparable, store addition not in line with expectation and base effect of demonetization has made March 2018 revenue a little tepid. Grooming talent and store addition shall continue to remain two main challenges as well as focus areas for the company. Overseas, European shares were supported in early trade by some good earning updates and gains in Nestle after the Swiss-based food giant agreed a tie-up with Starbucks. Over the weekend, the French government urged Air France managers and unions to resolve the stand-off. Asian shares were mixed despite the strong closing on Wall Street as investors digested last week's trade talks and US jobs numbers. US stocks logged sharp gains on Friday, 4 May 2018, as technology stocks rallied, overshadowing uncertainty over tense trade talks between the US and China and a weaker-than-expected rise in April nonfarm payrolls. The US created 164,000 new jobs in April. Separately, the unemployment rate fell to 3.9% from 4.1%, the first time the jobless rate has dropped below 4% since the end of 2000. Meanwhile, China and the US ended the second day of trade talks on Friday. Both sides recognise there are still big differences on some issues and that they need to continue to step up their work to make progress. The two sides exchanged views on expanding US exports to China, trade in services, bilateral investment, protection of intellectual property rights, resolution of tariffs and non-tariff measures. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Around 500 underprivileged children participated in multiple activities related to literature, art and culture during an inter-orphanage talent festival held for the first time in Kolkata, the organisers said on Monday. The festival "Nakshatra" brought together the children from various rainbow schools and shelter homes, who had a memorable seven hours of fun and smiles at the Birla Industrial and Technological Museum auditorium on Sunday. Organised by Bhumi, one of India's largest independent volunteer non-profit organisations, the fest saw the children showcase their talent in quiz, story writing, paper modelling, pot painting, recitation, singing and dance competitions. "I like to paint. So, when I was told about this event, I knew that I had to participate. This is the first time that I am participating in this big an event." said Nafisa Ali, who competed in the pot painting category. Riya Saha, a standard XI student of Loreto Rainbow Home, could not hide her excitement. "I am very excited about performing in an auditorium. I dance well and have participated in many events organized between the Rainbow schools, but this is my first performance in the auditorium." One hundred and twenty volunteers oversaw the smooth conduct of the event, which was earlier held in Bengaluru, Chennai, New Delhi, Mumbai and Pune. Bhumi provides comprehensive educational support for over 20,000 underprivileged children, an official said. --IANS bnd/ssp/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Of the 2,654 candidates in the fray for the May 12 Karnataka Assembly elections, at least 883 are crorepatis and 645 have criminal cases against them, said two watchdogs after analysing their affidavits filed with the Election Commission (EC). "The average assets of the 883 (35 per cent) crorepati candidates are worth Rs 7.54 crore. Of the 645 contestants, 254 (10 per cent) face serious criminal cases and 391 (15 per cent) face criminal cases," revealed a study by the Karnataka Election Watch and Delhi-based Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) ahead of the polls in the 223 constituencies across the state. Of the 225-member lower house, including one nominated, election to the Jayanagar seat in the capital has been countermanded due tothe death of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate B.N. Vijaya Kumar on May 4. Of the total candidates, the watchdogs could not analyse details of 95 candidates belonging to national, regional, local and fringe parties, as their affidavits were badly scanned or were incomplete on the websites of the poll panel and the Chief Electoral Officer of the southern state. Affidavits of all the contesting 223 BJP candidates were analysed. Two hundred and eight (93 per cent) of the 223 candidates in fray from the BJP have declared assets worth over Rs 1 crore, the highest number among all the parties contesting. A total of 207 (94 per cent) of the 220 candidates from the ruling Congress, 154 (77 per cent) of the 199 candidates from Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) and 199 (18 per cent) of the 1,090 Independents have declared assets more than Rs 1 crore. The BJP candidates were found to be with the highest number of criminal cases against them, with 83 (37 per cent) of the 223 candidates in fray having criminal cases against them and 58 others (26 per cent) having serious criminal cases against them including murder. Of the 220 candidates analysed from the ruling Congress, a total of 59 (27 per cent) have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits, while 32 (15 per cent) have serious criminal cases against them. Of the 199 JD-S candidates analysed by the study, 41 (21 per cent) have criminal cases, and 29 (15 per cent) have declared serious criminal cases in their poll affidavits. Of the total 1,090 Independents analysed, 108 (10 per cent) have declared criminal cases against themselves, and 70 (6 per cent) are accused of serious criminal charges. The top three candidates with highest assets among all the candidates in fray belong to the ruling Congress -- Priyakrishna, from Govindarajanagar constituency with Rs 1,020 crore worth total assets, N. Nagaraju from Hosakote Assembly seat with assets valued at Rs 1,015 crore and the state Energy Minister D.K. Shivakumar from Kanakapura segment with Rs 840 crore assets. Polling will be held in a single phase on May 12 for the 223 constituencies, including 36 reserved for the Scheduled Castes and 15 for Scheduled Tribes. The votes will be counted on May 15. --IANS bha/fb/ksk/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) National carrier Air India has commenced an internal probe into allegations involving molestation of a crew member by a pilot on board a Mumbai-Ahmedabad flight on May 4, an official said. "Air India is also providing assistance to Mumbai Police. All due processes and standard operating procedures set up for such incidents have been adhered to," a senior Air India official told IANS. No one has been suspended pending the preliminary internal investigation, he added. --IANS rv/in/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taking strong exception to his Haryana counterpart Manohar Lal Khattar's statement that 'namaaz' should only be offered in mosques and designated places, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday said that the BJP seemed to be trying to communalise the atmosphere in the country. "India is a republic governed by a Constitution and neither Khattar, nor anyone else, had the right to dictate to the people on where they should or should not hold prayers," Amarinder Singh told media here in response to questions regarding this matter. Flaying Khattar for his controversial remarks on the issue, he said that "the BJP seemed to be out to polarise the society on religious lines to garner votes". Khattar had, on Sunday, said that law and order would be maintained in Haryana, especially Gurugram and added that Muslims should offer namaaz in mosques and designated places and not at public places as this could be objected to by people from other religions. Khattar heads the BJP government in Haryana since October 2014. Asked to comment on the transfer of Kathua rape-murder case to Pathankot, on the directive of the Supreme Court, Amarinder Singh said his government would ensure full security for the victim's family, lawyer and others during the trial proceedings. "My government is committed to upholding the judicial process as per the apex court's directives," he added. --IANS js/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On Rabindranath Tagore's 157th birth anniversary on Monday, megastar Amitabh Bachchan went down memory lane remembering shooting at the Nobel laureate and poet's residence and described it as "pious precincts". "It is Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore's birth anniversary for the seventh of May and as I recollect I am driven to those moments at Thakur Badi (home) in Kolkata, my rendition of the National Anthem and its shooting inside the pious precincts of the residence of Tagore," Amitabh, 75 wrote on his blog. The cine icon said Tagore's writings and contributions to art and literature are inspiring. "His genius in his thoughts his writings and his contributions to the arts and literature are inspiring and legendary now, but as you travel through those doors and rooms of his place of residence you feel blessed that such a man walked the face of this earth. How does one acquire such wisdom. "How does one acquire such writing... How does one acquire this sense of music...How does one acquire his artistry in its sketching, his creation of the Shanti Niketan and its wonders," wrote the son of the celebrated writer Harivansh Rai Bachchan. On the acting front, Amitabh's film "102 Not Out" has just hit the big screen. The movie also stars veteran actor Rishi Kapoor. --IANS dc/rb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday accused the BJP government of "loot" in the name of "fuel" by collecting Rs ten lakh crore in taxes on petrol, LPG and diesel and not passing on the benefit of falling international crude price to the common people. "The BJP government collected 10,00,000 crore in taxes on petrol/LPG/diesel since 2014. Yet, no relief in prices for our citizens," he said in a tweet. Gandhi shared a one minute forty two seconds long video on Twitter, saying "this video shows the truth about fuel prices under PM Modi". The video shows that "despite international crude oil prices dropping up to 67 per cent in four years of Modi government, petrol, diesel prices are skyrocketing". The Congress chief said that increasing prices of fuel were a symbol of the failure of the central government. "The government that promised 'Achhe Din' is silent. Let's rewind BJP's stand on petrol-diesel prices. Increasing petrol prices are symbol of failure of central government. People are angry and it will have negative impact on other sectors." In the video, Rahul alleged that more than Rs 50,000 crore in taxes was collected every year but the government was not reducing the petrol prices. "After coming to power, the Modi government has looted common people of Rs 10,00,000 crore by taxing gas, diesel and petrol. Since 2014, Modi government increased central tax on petrol by Rs 8.78 litre, diesel by Rs 10.37 litre." Gandhi's video says that the people friendly Congress government in Karnataka has reduced state tax on petrol by Rs 3.11 litre, diesel by Rs 1.03 litre in the last five years. "At least 18.11 crore LPG customers suffering under the greedy Modi government. Subsidized LPG cylinder Rs 491.35 in Delhi, Rs 427 in Bengaluru (due to reduced taxes in Karnataka). Non-subsidized LPG cylinder Rs 635.5 in Delhi, Rs 622.5 in Bengaluru (due to reduced taxes in Karnataka)," shows the video. It further shows "BJP is cruel, they loot in the name of fuel". The Congress chief added that he would lead a protest against these prices in Kolar on Monday noon. --IANS rak-vsc/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 30-year-old gym owner, partying with friends, was stabbed to death and his female friend hit on the head with a beer bottle allegedly by a disc jockey after a quarrel over their persistent demand to play only Punjabi songs at a night club here, police said on Monday. The accused was arrested on Monday from Sant Nagar in Burari when he was trying to escape to his native place in Uttarakhand. The knife used in the crime was recovered from his possession, police said. The incident occurred around midnight when Vijaydeep Singh was celebrating with nine friends at the 'Raftar' Bar in Punjabi Bagh in west Delhi. They were celebrating common friend Ishmeet's birthday party. "Vijaydeep Singh and his friends asked the DJ, Deepak, to play their favourite Punjabi songs back to back," Deputy Commissioner of Police Vijay Kumar said. The DJ initially played their requests but refused when they persistently asked him for Punjabi numbers. Vijaydeep Singh and his friends then forcibly changed the songs after snatching the DJ's laptop from the counter, the police officer said, citing preliminary probe findings. The DJ tried to take the laptop back but it fell down on the floor. The police officer said Vijaydeep Singh and his friends were under the influence of alcohol and indulged in a massive brawl. By this time, he said, three bouncers and DJ Deepak started dragging them out of the pub, beating Vijaydeep Singh and his friends. Deepak then went to the kitchen of the club, picked up a butter knife and in a fit of rage stabbed Vijaydeep Singh multiple times and smashed a beer bottle on his girl friend's head when she tried to rescue him, the police officer added. Vijaydeep was taken to a hospital where he was declared brought dead because of excess loss of blood. His girl friend was admitted to a hospital with head injury, the police officer said Ishmeet, meanwhile, informed the police but DJ Deepak escaped from the spot. The Deputy Commissioner of Police said they were closely examining the CCTV footage of the pub. "We are also questioning the bouncers of the pub." A resident of Tilak Nagar and owner of 'D Transformation gym' in west Delhi, Vijaydeep Singh and his friends were partying on the third floor of the bar. --IANS sp/sar/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Everyone needs rest to rejuvenate themselves. Plan a family trip that suits the larger interest. From hitting the roads to exploring the mountains and beaches, here's a lowdown on the types of trips you can explore suggested by Raman Narula, Founder, Formula Group and Sunil Gupta, Founder and Director, ExportersIndia.com: * Religious tours: Have you been contemplating a religious trip with your parents? Make use of the long weekend that lies ahead of you. Head to Rishikesh and take a tour of the holy shrines and witness the everyday evening ceremony of Ganga aarti. Rishikesh will definitely refresh your mind and rejuvenate your body. Even Ganpatipule, a town on the Konkan Coast of western India can be an ideal holiday spot during the long weekend. Apart from the 400-year-old Ganesha temple, the beautiful village of Velneshwar, 41 km from the town, boasts of a peaceful, coconut-fringed beach, where one can relax. * Road trips: Keen to avoid the crowd and escape to the country's quiet corners with your couple? Then book your choice of luxury car and enjoy the freedom of driving wherever you want, whenever you want, in style and luxury. For those who want to feel involved in the journey, the environment, and the view, it is ideal to take a road trip with your loved one and explore a new city or town. If an offbeat destination is on your mind, then head to Chail, a hill station in Himachal Pradesh. Trek up to Kali Ka Tibba, relish hot pakodas on your way and dip your feet into cold water. If scenic beauty is on your mind, then set off to Puducherry. From beautiful flower beds and pruned trees, Puducherry is one of the best drives one can go for from Chennai. * Educational tours: From the hills to the beaches in India, there are several student-friendly holiday destinations in India. For instance, Jaipur offers a lot of interesting things to do for young and studious one in a fun manner. From the forts, monuments, and zoos, Jaipur can be a fun-filled holiday spot for all. If you are planning a trip down south, then head to Munnar, a hill station in Kerala. Apart from visiting the wild sanctuary, children can wander around the lush tea plantations and also learn about tea extraction process. * Adventure tours: In case you're an adventure freak and love getting drenched in the rains, then head to the hills for an enthralling monsoon experience. One of the best seasons to experience the lush greenery and majestic waterfalls of India's hilly regions is during the monsoon. The rains bring respite from the scorching heat experienced in the summer and offer breathtaking mist-filled and cloudy vistas of the beautiful landscape. Take advantage of your long weekends and plan your trip to some of the monsoon destinations like Nelliyampathy in Kerala; Coorg in Karnataka; Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, Bhandardara, and Satara in Maharashtra; Bikaner in Rajasthan. Make use of the long weekend in August that comes on account of Independence Day. * Heritage tours: India is a melting pot of cultures with numerous complex tales defining its history and heritage. Choose one of your long weekends to walk down history lane and transform your travel into authentic experiences. India is dotted with forts, palaces, and monuments; uncover the history of these heritage sites and enrich your holiday experience. Pack your bags and head off to Neemrana fort at 122 km from Delhi and 150 km from Jaipur on the Delhi-Jaipur highway or the Capitol Complex, Chandigarh or the Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh. --IANS nv/rb/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rome, May 7 (IANS/AKI) Italian lawmakers must accept a caretaker government that will administer a revote, Italy's President Sergio Mattarella said on Monday after his last-ditch talks with political leaders failed to broker a deal on a viable government. The cabinet of centre-left Premier Paolo Gentiloni cannot continue in office "as it represents a parliamentary majority that no longer exists. "I belive it is better to move towards fresh elections under a caretaker government," he said. Mattarella ruled out a snap vote in June, saying there was not enough time to organise one. But he did not rule out July polls, which the leaders of Italy's populist Five-Star Movement and the far-right League party are now urging. "An election could be held at the height of summer, but until now this has been avoided as it is a difficult time for Italians to vote, but a date could be set in the autumn," Mattarella said. Five-Star leader Luigi Di Maio and League leader Matteo Salvini said on Monday a new national ballot should be held on July 8 - a demand that one of the centre-left Democratic Party's founders, lawmaker Ettore Rosato, slammed as "arrogant". Five Star is the largest party and the League is the dominant party in the centre-right alliance - the biggest parliamentary bloc - after the inconclusive March 4 vote in which populist, rightwing parties made strong gains. The Democratic Party's centre-left coalition, which has ruled Italy since 2013, came a distant third in the March vote and declined to take the Five-Star Movement into government during previous failed talks. Mattarella on Monday held final talks with the conservative coalition - including Forza Italia, the far-right League party and the rightwing Brothers of Italy party - as well as with the Five-Star Movement, the Democratic Party and other Italian parties. He wrapped up consultations with a meeting with the lower house of parliament Speaker Roberto Fico and with Senate speaker Maria Elisabetta Alberti Casellati, according to a schedule published on the presidential palace website. Successive rounds of talks held by Mattarella, Fico and Casellati with Italy's main political forces since the March poll collapsed amid increasingly fractious stalemate and a mesh of seemingly irreconcilable demands. However, Forza Italia party and its coalition allies oppose a caretaker cabinet and want to try and muster a parliamentary majority, party sources told AKI after their talks with Mattarella. Mattarella is seeking to end two months of increasingly fractious political deadlock amid a web of apparently irreconcilable political demands after the March vote led to a hung parliament and several earlier rounds of talks collapsed. --IANS/AKI vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday accused the Modi government of punishing the common man by not passing on the benefits of low international petroleum prices to the people. "Petrol and diesel prices in India are at a historic high. This is in spite of lower international crude oil prices because the Modi government chooses to levy excessive excise taxes. "Instead of passing on the benefit of low prices to the people, the Central government has sought to punish our people," the senior Congress leader told the media here. The 86-year-old economist is here to campaign for the ruling Congress ahead of the May 12 Assembly election. "During our (UPA government) tenure (2004-14), in the face of high crude oil prices, we cushioned the common man against their effects. Since the present government assumed power, the international oil prices declined 67 per cent, but petrol and diesel prices have increased 110 per cent," he said. Reeling out facts and figures, the former Union Finance Minister said the BJP-led NDA government had projected to earn over Rs 10 lakh crore through constant increase in taxes at the cost of the common man. "We must demand answers as to what use this money was put to? A healthy economy requires a well-functioning banking sector. Neither banks are lending nor is the private sector borrowing to make new investments." The Modi government's "lack of reasoning and analysis was affecting India and our collective future", he said. Manmohan Singh also railed against the government for not making good in terms of growth rate despite favourable international climate, something, he said, its predecessor had done despite facing "turbulent global conditions". Noting that the nation was going through difficult times, with farmers facing a crisis, youths not finding jobs and the economy growing slowly, he said the two avoidable blunders of the government - demonetisation and hasty implementation of the GST - had hurt the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, resulting in loss of thousands of jobs. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was introduced on July 1, 2017 as an indirect tax in place of various state and Central taxes, including Value Added Tax and Service Tax. "Besides losses, the economy suffered due to these twin blunders, exports as a share of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) plunged to a 14-year low." Observing that the growth engines of the economy were spluttering, Manmohan Singh said the mismanagement of the Modi government was most evident. "It pains me to see how rather than standing up to all these challenges, the Modi government's response has been to stifle dissent when deficiencies are pointed out." As economic policy has a significant impact on the lives of people, Manmohan Singh said it was essential that those tasked with decision-making pay attention to the policies and programmes and not act on whims and fancies. "India is a complex and diverse country and no one person can be the repository of all wisdom. When we seek an answer for any of the government's disastrous policies, all we hear is 'the intentions' are virtuous," he said. These "intentions" have resulted in massive losses, he said. "The economic mismanagement of the Modi government, and I say this with responsibility, is eroding the trust of the public in the banking sector. Recent events which resulted in shortage of cash in many states were preventable." The proportion of gross Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) has trebled since the UPA government demitted office. The quantum of frauds in the banking sector has almost quadrupled to Rs 1.11 lakh crore in September 2017 from Rs 28,416 crore in September 2013 while perpetrators of these frauds escaped with impunity. "Lack of reasoning and analysis is costing India and our collective future," said the former Prime Minister. The UPA government delivered an average growth rate of 7.8 per cent despite turbulent global conditions. The NDA, on the other hand, has managed lesser growth rate despite a favourable international climate and low oil prices. "In fact, growth rate under the NDA is lower in spite of the change in methodology, which paints a rosier picture than reality," said Manmohan Singh. --IANS vn-fb/him/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday accused the central government of punishing common man by not passing on the benefits of low petroleum prices internationally to the people here. "Petrol and diesel prices in India are at a historic high. This is in spite of lower international crude oil prices because the Modi government chooses to levy excessive excise taxes. Instead of passing on the benefit of low prices to people, the Modi government has sought to punish our people," the Congress leader said at a press conference here. The government's "lack of reasoning and analysis is affecting India and our collective future," Singh said. The renowned economist also railed against the government for not making good in terms of growth rate despite "favourable international climate", something which, he said, its predecessor had done facing "turbulent global condition". --IANS vn/in/hs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Karnataka's Congress government created jobs during its five-year tenure while the BJP-led Cental government destroyed them due to the mismanagement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his team, said former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday. "The Congress government in Karnataka has been creating jobs for the youth. The southern state's track record is in contrast to the national record in job creation. Instead of creating 2 crore jobs a year as promised by him in 2014, Modi has presided over a period where jobs have been destroyed due to his wrong policies," he told reporters here. On a day's visit to campaign for the Congress ahead of the May 12 assembly elections, Manmohan Singh said in the 15-24 years age group, nearly 72 lakh jobs were lost over the last four years. "It is normal in an economy to have sluggish job growth, as it happens when external factors are unfavourable. But job destruction is due to economic mismanagement and blunders like demonetisation and hasty implementation of the GST," he said. Observing that true leadership created opportunities and not destroy them, he said if the problems were not fixed at the earliest, the country would risk turning its demographic dividend into a demographic disaster. Manmohan Singh also said that the Siddaramaiah government's support to the industry made Karnataka highest in translating investment intentions into reality, more than Gujarat or any other state. Indicating that Bengaluru provided an example of how a turnaround was possible, he said its entrepreneurial spirit made it a tech hub, move to the top from 12th position and rank as the world's most dynamic city. "In spite of pressures due to explosive growth in population and vehicles, the state government brought about a tangible change to the lives of the city's 10 million people," he said, adding that Bengaluru was the inspiration for the then UPA government to focus on urban development and launch the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission. "Development of cities should be a priority for every government with sustained efforts, funds and innovation. Instead, the Modi government has been content to come up with catchy tags like 'Amrut' and Smart Cities, which have under-performed. We are missing out on crucial years which require planning and investment to ensure our cities remain engines of growth," he reiterated. As the youth need quality education and support, Manmohan Singh said the state government was the first to announce a dedicated start-up policy and a third version of biotech policy to cater to the changing demands. "Such a response to a dynamic environment has helped Bengaluru contribute $50 billion to our export basket. Credit for it goes to the many people who innovate daily and the Congress government that assisted in this transformation," he said. As youth flock to Bengaluru for its vibrant and open environment where entrepreneurship thrives, the former Prime Minister urged Modi to ensure the city's professionals continue to work here and in the US by protecting its H1, H4 and L1 visas. The Siddaramaiah government's innovative policies like 'Elevate' has also made Bengaluru the country's startup capital, he said, adding that with Bengaluru and Karnataka having shown the way, he hoped Modi would will learn and implement some of their lessons in his remaining tenure. --IANS fb/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) He had a doctoral degree, a contractual job in the university and a bright future ahead in academics. He was married to a girl barely 20 years of age and was respected as a teacher. "Soft spoken, humble and always ready to help," was how he was described by his students in the Department of Sociology who said he never missed a class during his 18-month stint in college. So how does a man like him go over to the dark side? That's the question that sociologists and politicians in Jammu and are grappling with. The death of 33-year-old Assistant Professor Muhammad Rafi Bhat in a gunfight between holed-up militants and security forces in Shopian district on Sunday defies logic. has seen any number of local youth being swayed by the cycle of violence. "But this is the case of a social scientist who is supposed to fully understand the dynamics of the society he lives in," said a sociologist who did not want to be named. When something like this happens, it points to something seriously wrong with the society that we live in, the sociologist added. Bhat came from a poor family in north Kashmir's Chunduna village and going through his studies and getting a doctorate did not come easy to him. He served as a Class IV employee in the state's Sheep Development Department to collect money for the books and journals he needed to complete his doctoral research. Some 18 years ago he had made an attempt to join the militants, but was prevented by the secutiry forces from doing so. That must have been when he was a struggling teenager without too much of a direction in life. But what made him re-visit the folly of his younger days? "A social scientist is the doctor to whom you take students and others to rationalise societal strains so that logical explanations are found to keep society in good health," says Naeem Akhtar, senior ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and minister. Yet, if such a man chooses to end his life the way Bhat did, "we all need to understand where we are headed", he added. Bhat disappeared last Friday and was killed within less than two days of joining the militant ranks. Just a few days before going over he had sold his car. In his last phone call to his mother on Friday afternoon, he told her he would be home and also asked her if she needed anything from the city. He also told her not to worry if he reached home late. The last call he made was to his father when the gunfight was raging in the Badigam village of Shopian district where he was trapped inside with Hizbul commander Sadam Paddar and three other militants. "Forgive me if I have hurt you. I am going to meet Allah," he said and the conversation between Bhat and his father ended. His death has brought face to face with a reality which is both intriguing and worrying. No easy answers seem to be coming forth. (Sheikh Qayoom can be contacted at sheikh.abdul@ians.in) --IANS sq/vm/hs/sac (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In what is seen as an attempt to offer the public a clearer picture of how Facebook was manipulated during the 2016 US presidential election, Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee are reportedly planning to release thousands of Russia-linked ads on the social network. According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, the Democrats might release more than 3,000 such ads. "We have been in ongoing discussions with Facebook and hope to have the final redacted ads in our possession within a matter of days. As soon as we receive them, it is our intention to share them with the public," The Hill quoted California Democratic Representative Adam Schiff as saying on Sunday. The ads could be released early this week depending on whether the panel's Democrats can reach an agreement with Facebook over how much to redact, according to the Journal. Facebook said the ads were purchased by Russia-linked Internet Research Agency. While the Republican-majority committee released their final report last month detailing Russian election meddling, Democrats on the committee said the probe had not yet concluded. The report found no evidence of collusion between President Donald Trump and Russian authorities. Facebook came under the scanner after it was revealed that Russia-linked ads tried to influence the 2016 election. The social network earlier admitted it had identified 470 accounts connected to the Internet Research Agency. Facebook is also facing scrutiny for the misuse of its data by Cambridge Analytica. The social networking giant admitted that the data of up to 87 million users was passed on illegally to the British research firm. --IANS gb/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A youth who went to party with friends at a night club here was killed and his female friend injured by a Disc Jockey after a quarrel over playing of songs, police said on Monday. The incident occurred around midnight when Vijaydeep was celebrating with nine friends at the 'Raftar' Bar in Punjabi Bagh in west Delhi. "While dancing, Vijaydeep asked the DJ, Deepak, to play a song he liked. Deepak refused and Vijaydeep got into a scuffle with him," Deputy Commissioner of Police Vijay Kumar said. During the fight, Deepak's laptop fell down. In a fit of rage, the DJ killed Vijaydeep and also smashed a beer bottle on his girl friend's head when she came to his rescue. She was admitted to a hospital. A resident of Tilak Nagar, the deceased and his friends were partying at the third floor of the bar. The DJ was playing on the fourth floor. Deepak was arrested from Sant Nagar in Burari, the officer added. --IANS sp/mr/him (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday interrogated Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Pranab Balabantaray on his alleged business links with arrested gangster brothers Sushil and Sushant Dhal Samant. Balabantaray was interrogated about three hours at the ED office here. They quizzed the MLA from Dharmasala constituency in Jajpur district, whose transport company, Pranab Minerals and Transport, has alleged business and financial links with the two criminal brothers. "I furnished all documents and audit reports of the company from 2005 to 2010 as earlier asked by the ED. They scrutinized all the documents. I have no links with the Dhal Samant brothers," said the BJD MLA after coming out of the ED office. The Directorate had summoned Balabantaray to appear before it along with the documents of the company. The two criminal brothers were arrested in January 2016 for their alleged involvement in several cases of murder, extortion, firearms racket and tender-fixing in the state. Earlier, Cuttack Municipal Corporation's BJD councillor Ranjita Biswal was arrested for her alleged links with the gangster brothers. --IANS cd/nir/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Essar Group on Monday denied it has any links with the Deepak Kochhar-promoted NuPower Renewables, the Mauritius-based DH Renewables or First Land Holdings. "Essar has not made any investments in First Land or NuPower. Further, Essar entities have business dealings with Matix Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd. on arm's length basis, and these have no connection whatsoever with NuPower," a statement issued by the Essar Group said. In a report on Monday, Hindustan Times had said: "Investigative agencies are looking at whether DH Renewables Holding Ltd, the Mauritius-based special purpose vehicle of Accion Diversified Fund that is the major shareholder in NuPower Renewables, is related in any way, directly or indirectly, to the Essar Group." The newspaper also quoted an unnamed tax officer in its report, saying: "From being a minority shareholder in NuPower, DH Renewables' holding has risen to over 54 per cent. This happened because successive shareholders have offloaded their stake in NuPower to DH. The report said DH Renewables also "stepped in" when Firstland Holdings, promoted by the son-in-law of Essar Group's Ravi Ruia, "wanted to sell its stake in the company". When IANS reached out to an Income Tax (I-T) official, he said: "There are many reports that flow in. But I-T department cannot comment on it while the investigations are on." NuPower has been on the radar of investigative agencies since news reports raised questions about the chairman of Videocon Venugopal Dhoot giving a loan of Rs 64 crore to the firm he had jointly promoted with Deepak Kochhar, husband of ICICI CEO Chanda Kochhar, six months after his group received a Rs 3,250 crore loan from ICICI. The Income Tax Department has so far sent two notices to Kochhar. On April 30, it sent a notice under Section 139(9) of the Income Tax Act seeking an explanation on his personal income. IT had earlier sent a notice in the first week of April to NuPower Renewables, which was formed in December 2008. Sources earlier told IANS that the Foreign Tax Division of the department has written to the authorities in Mauritius seeking details of the ownership of DH Renewables Holding Ltd, a major shareholder in NuPower Renewables. The CBI has registered a preliminary inquiry against Kochhar, Videocon Group officials and others to determine any wrongdoing or otherwise in the sanction of the loan to the Videocon group by the ICICI Bank as part of a consortium of banks in 2012. --IANS qn-vv-ag/sac/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A trader and cousin of a former Congress legislator of Himachal Pradesh was murdered over a property dispute near the industrial town of Baddi in Solan district, police said on Monday. Victim Harjinder Pal, 54, was undertaking construction when the crime took place. The accused managed to flee from the spot. The victim is a cousin of former legislator Ram Kumar Chaudhary, who said four people, comprising local cable operator Ramesh Kumar, allegedly attacked his cousin with sharp-edged weapons. "He got serious injuries on his head. Even his arm and led was chopped off and the accused tried to run him over by a car," Chaudhury said. Deputy Superintendent of Police Khajana Ram said a search was on to arrest the accused. He said a son of main accused Ramesh Kumar has been detained. --IANS vg/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A five-Judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court will hear on Tuesday a plea by two Congress Rajya Sabha members against house Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu's decision to reject a notice on the impeachment motion against apex court's Chief Justice Dipak Misra. The bench comprising Justices A.K. Sikri, Justice S.A. Bobde, Justice N.V. Ramana, Justice Arun Mishra, and Justice Adarsh Kumsar Goel will hear the matter as a first item at 10.30 a.m. The plea by two Rajya Sabha members -- Pratap Singh Bajwa and Amee Harshadray Yajnik -- was included in the supplementary list issued by the top court's Registry on Monday evening. Earlier on Monday morning, a bench headed by Justice J. Chelameswar told senior counsel Kapil Sibal to "come back tomorrow" as the latter mentioned the matter for listing for an early hearing. Sibal told the court that since the matter involved the Chief Justice of India, it could not be mentioned before him. He had also told the bench that the rejection of the notice of motion seeking the removal of Chief Justice Misra raised "serious constitutional issues" and involved interpretation of constitutional provisions. The Rajya Sabha Chairman had on April 23 rejected the notice given by Rajya Sabha members of the Congress and six other opposition parties to seek the removal of Chief Justice Misra on grounds of "misbehaviour". Naidu had said that the notice lacked merit. The petitioners contended that Naidu's decision to reject the notice is "ex facie illegal, arbitrary, and violative of Article 14 of the Constitution" that guarantees equality before law. They contended that the decision under challenge is in the teeth of the constitutional mandate of Articles 124 (4) and 124(5) of the Constitution. "It is not the Rajya Sabha Chairman's prerogative to adjudicate whether there has been any abuse by the CJI of his power as the Master of the Roster (in the Supreme Court). This is the job of the Inquiry Committee," the petitioners contended. The two lawmakers sought directions to the Rajya Sabha Chairman to admit the notice for impeachment motion and constitute a committee to investigate the grounds mentioned therein. They also sought that Section 3(1) of the Judges Inquiry Act of 1968, insofar it allows the Rajya Sabha Chairman and Lok Sabha Speaker to exercise discretion in accepting or rejecting a notice of motion for the removal of Judge (s) as ultra vires of the Constitution, particularly Article 124 (4) and (5). Section 3 of the Judges Inquiry Act provides for the "investigation into misbehaviour or incapacity of the Judge by the committee". Sub-Section 1 of Section 3 of the Judges Inquiry Act says: "The Speaker or, as the case may be, the Chairman may, after consulting such persons, if any, as he thinks fit and after considering such materials, if any, as may be available to him, either admit the motion or refuse to admit the same. Naidu had taken recourse to this provision on April 23 to reject the impeachment motion notice. "None of the reasons given by the Chairman in the impugned order carry any weight or are legally tenable. It deserves to be set aside for being wholly extraneous and ultra vires to the Constitution and the Inquiry Act," said the petitioners. --IANS pk/tsb (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) People in Germany's small towns and rural areas are turning to renewable energy in a process that has special lessons for countries like India. Learning how Germany's citizen-owned, highly-decentralised energy transition, named Energiewende, is working to decarbonise the economy, could be most useful for India, the third-biggest solar installer after China and the US, and aiming to increase its solar capacity to 100 GW by 2022. This is a new business model for sustainable growth to limit manmade climate change along with strengthening regional purchasing power, said policymaker Peter Heck. "Energiewende means spending our money in regional business circles rather than sustaining the profit of international oil giants," Heck, who is the Managing Director with the Institute for Applied Material Flow Management in Trier University of Applied Sciences, told IANS. Since the energy transition set off in 2000, tens of thousands in the world's fourth-largest economy have turned into electricity entrepreneurs, investing in solar panels on their houses and buying shares in wind turbines. Engaging people even in small cooperatives has become a mass movement to favour energy transition from fossils to renewable sources despite rising electricity prices, protests against wind parks and the rising renewables surcharge resulting from Germany's expensive first mover status. India can replicate this transition but at a fraction of the cost, thanks to massive, ongoing renewable energy deflation. Renewable energy in India is now cheaper than even domestic thermal power, albeit with the added complexities for the grid of variable generation supply, Director of energy finance studies of the US-based Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis Tim Buckley told IANS. "We made our dream come true with the linking of a photovoltaic system on the roof of the community hall with a battery storage system to supply the LED streetlights in the whole village," Horn Mayor Volker Harter told IANS during a recent visit to citizen-owned renewable energy installations in the Hunsruck region in Rhineland-Palatinate. Likewise, a solar thermal plant supplies the entire Neuerkirch municipality with heat. Rhineland-Palatinate State Energy Agency Executive Director Thomas Pensel said the state is the front-runner in fulfilling its commitment under the Paris Climate Change Agreement through a full-scale social and economic transformation by cutting greenhouse gas emissions with ending fossil fuels' use. Sample this bright vision of a bottom-up energy revolution in Rhineland-Palatinate, a pioneer in the development of renewable energies through 42 citizen energy cooperatives, which has turned into a big business. Prominent among them is the SOLIX cooperative based in the municipality of Warrstadt, which, in 2007 and 2010, began installing solar panels on the roofs of municipal buildings. Their success encouraged Petra Gruner-Bauer and seven others to establish SOLIX, which by 2016, had 115 individual members as well as four regional shareholders, comprising three local companies. SOLIX now owns and operates a 50 KW photovoltaic plant as well as a three MW wind turbine that supplies electricity to around 5,000 people per year. The cooperative currently accepts members who acquire shares worth a minimum of 1,000 euros and up to 50,000 euros. The total volume of shares was more than one million euros at the end of 2016. As per German laws, all members of a cooperative have equal voting rights, regardless of their financial contribution. "A lot of communities have been successful pioneers to earn money with the expansion of renewable energies," said State Ministry of and Energy Secretary Thomas Griese. He said currently 48 percent of the power production in the state is based on renewable sources and 70 per cent of the power is produced in Rhineland-Palatinate itself. Mainz-based UrStrom, founded in 2010, is an example for the potential of citizen-owned renewable energy generation in cities and suburbs. The cooperative, with 200 members, operates 11 photovoltaic systems mounted on the roofs of public and industrial buildings, producing 100 percent renewable electricity and supplying it to nearly 100 households at a competitive price. Small investors are given an incentive through feed-in tariffs for new renewable power installations. Feed-in tariff means an owner of renewable energy installations is guaranteed an above-market price per kilowatt-hour for the power they feed into the grid over a period of 20 years. A simple calculation works like this: If one installation harvests 5,000 kilowatt-hours per year, for every kilowatt feed on to the grid, a generator gets 51 cents. According to Renewable Energies Agency, a communication platform funded by a group of 100 companies, citizens own one-third of Germany's renewable capacity. In 2016, private citizens owned 31.5 percent of all installed renewable power capacity, making them the most important investors in the sector ahead of energy companies (15.7 per cent), developers (14.4 per cent), farmers (10.5 percent) and funds/banks (13.4 percent). Private citizens refer to individuals who, for instance, install their own solar PV rooftop panels, as well as to energy cooperatives. India has reached 20 GW cumulative solar capacity, achieving the milestone four years ahead of the 2022 target originally set in the National Solar Mission in 2009. In 2015, the target for the same year, 2022, was raised to 100 GW. In 2017, its solar installations at 9,629 MW was more than double the 4,313 MW installed in 2016. Its share of coal-based power plants in new installations declined significantly from 62 per cent in 2016 to just 19 per cent in 2017, whereas solar power led with around 45 per cent of total power capacity additions. The 2018 National Electricity Plan sets India on a similarly ambitious trajectory of a staggering 275 gigawatts of renewables by 2027, but is yet to really tap into the private individuals sector to best deliver (and fund) a rapid roll-out of this distributed energy solution that has proven so successful in Germany, added Buckley. (Vishal Gulati was in Germany for a media study tour of the Clean Energy Wire or CLEW. He can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in) --IANS vg/vd/ky/sac/vm (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court on Monday asked an Indian company to respond to Monsanto's plea challenging a Delhi High Court verdict holding that the American firm cannot claim a patent on its genetically modified (GM) cotton seeds. Issuing the notice to Indian company Nuziveedu Seeds Ltd., a bench headed by Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman said that it would issue common notice and posted the matter for a preliminary hearing on July 18. Senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi appearing for Monsanto told the court that it would continue to supply the Indian company but sought a stay on the high court order. The apex court, however, refused to interfere with the high court order at this stage. --IANS pk/in/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court on Monday asked an Indian company to respond to Monsanto's plea challenging a Delhi High Court verdict holding that the American firm cannot claim a patent on its genetically modified (GM) cotton seeds. Issuing the notice to Indian company Nuziveedu Seeds Ltd, a bench headed by Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman said it would issue common notice and posted the matter for a preliminary hearing on July 18. Senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Monsanto, said it would continue to supply the Indian company but sought a stay on the high court order. The apex court, however, refused to interfere with the high court order at this stage. The Delhi High Court on April 11 held that Monsanto cannot claim patents on its GM cotton seeds in India. The Sub-Section (j) of Section 3 of the Indian Patent Act, 1970, says that "plants and animals in whole or any part thereof other than micro organisms but including seeds, varieties and species and essentially biological processes for production or propagation of plants and animals" are not invention and as a corollary can't be patented. The Section 3 of the Act spells out "what are not inventions". --IANS pk/him/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Lebanese Prime Minister's political party, the Future Movement, lost just under a third of its seats after recent parliamentary elections, winning 21 seats, 12 less than the 33 held previously, the PM announced on Monday. At a press conference in Beirut, Saad Hariri said he had hoped for better results in Sunday's elections so his Sunni Muslim party could form a larger coalition with more Christian and Shiite Muslim members, Efe reported. The Prime Minister reiterated that his party, which is supported by Saudi Arabia, should have done more to obtain better results in these elections. Hariri blamed Sunday's low 49.2 per cent voter turnout on people's lack of understanding of the new electoral law, which for the first time establishes a proportional system with preferential voting and gives the right to vote to Lebanese people abroad. Lebanon's sectarian power-sharing system requires the prime minister be a Sunni Muslim, meaning Hariri is most likely to retain his premiership, while the speaker of parliament must be a Shiite and the president a Maronite Christian. The Lebanese parliament is controlled by the Shiite group Hezbollah, the Christian Free Patriotic Movement of President Michel Aoun, and the Future Movement - the three main political forces in a system that distributes quotas among the different religious sects. The election data announced by Hariri was the first result to be stated by the competing parties, while media outlets suggested that Hezbollah - an ally of Iran and Syria - would win the largest number of seats in the 128-member parliament, divided into 64 Christians and 64 Muslims. The leader of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, celebrated the results achieved by his group in the parliamentary elections. Nasrallah said he would not jump to conclusions regarding the official results, but that he did consider his group's objective had been reached. Sunday's elections came after parliamentary terms were extended three times - in 2013, 2014 and 2017 - due to political instability caused by the war in neighbouring Syria. --IANS ahm/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two assailants shot dead a policeman on Monday in Haryana's Bhiwani in a bid to free a prisoner who was being produced in a court there, police said on Monday. Cnstable Bhagirath was escorting a prisoner for a hearing at the court complex in Siwani town of Bhiwani district, nearly 300 km from here, when he was shot from close range by the assailants and died on the spot. Panic gripped the court complex following the firing incident. The assailants, identified as Sumit and Manjit, were overpowered by other policemen and people at the court complex. --IANS js/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A policeman was shot dead inside a court complex in Haryana's Bhiwani district on Monday, police said. Head Constable Bhagirath, who was escorting a prisoner along with other policemen for a hearing at the court complex in Siwani town of Bhiwani district, nearly 300 km from here, was shot from close range by the assailants and died on the spot. Panic gripped the court complex following the firing incident.The assailants, identified as Sumit and Manjit, were overpowered by other policemen and people at the court complex. Their third accomplice, Ajay Isherwal managed to escape. Two prisoners and another policeman also received injuries in the firing. Police said that the attack was part of inter-gang rivalry. Bhagirath, posted in court security. was killed when three men belonging to Mithi gang opened fire at Sunil alias Kalia and at Jai Kumar alias Bhadar, both undertrials from a rival gang, during court proceedings in Siwani, a police spokesman said. Two of the shooters, namely Sumit and Manjit of village Mithi, Bhiwani were detained by police but Ajay Isherwal managed to escape and efforts are on to arrest him, he added. Haryana Director General of Police B.S. Sandhu said that the killing of the policeman was a major loss to the police department and announced financial assistance of Rs 30 lakh to the next-of-kin of the deceased. He said that a job under special ex-gratia scheme would also be offered to one of his family members. --IANS js/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed the Centre's plea challenging Vodafone's move to initiate two international arbitrations against India. Vodafone has initiated the proceedings -- under India-United Kingdom Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement (BIPA) and India-Netherlands BIPA -- in connection with the tax demand raised against the company by the Indian government in relation to its $11-billion deal to acquire the stake of Hutchison Telecom. The telecom major initiated arbitration under the India-UK BIPA while proceedings under the India-Netherlands BIPA were still pending. The Centre had told the Delhi High Court that the Vodafone Group had abused the process of law by simultaneously initiating two international arbitrations. "The present suit and application are dismissed," Justice Manmohan said while dismissing the Centre's plea. However, the judge granted liberty to the Union of India to raise before the UK arbitration tribunal the issue of abuse of process under the India-United Kingdom BIPA, adding that the tribunal would decide this issue on its own merit, without being influenced by any observation made by this court. The court observed that in recent years, there had been a rapid increase in bilateral investment treaty arbitrations, but there was limited authority on the jurisdiction and approach of national courts or on the nature of arbitrations under such treaties. The court opined that it should apply the principle of kompetenz-kompetenz with full rigour as the India-United Kingdom BIPA arbitral tribunal would be better placed to assess the scope of the two BIPA arbitration proceedings and the likelihood of parallel proceedings and abuse of process. The court also said that the plaintiff, Union of India, after having elected its remedy of agitating the issue of abuse of process before the Netherlands-India BIPA Tribunal could not have approached the national court on the same ground and, that too, without waiting for the award being rendered by the India-Netherlands BIPA tribunal. --IANS akk/nir/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Since childhood, I have had a keen interest in the arts -- coming from a family with a strong tradition in arts and crafts, this was not surprising. Growing up, I visited museums and emporiums on customary school trips and saw a lot of it in my home and family-run stores. While in the US for my undergraduate studies, I started looking at art -- both there and here, in India -- mostly via the Internet. On graduating, I returned to India and joined the family business. Dealing in jewellery and handicrafts was interesting, but clearly not enough. I found myself drawn to the contemporary visual arts scene. The main attraction was the conversations with artists, historians and curators that transported me back to the university atmosphere that I missed. I believe "art found me". My first project, which evolved rather organically, started with organising simple art workshops for young inmates at Tihar Jail and resulted in being a first-of-its-kind exhibition by jail inmates and contemporary artists -- all displayed in the same exhibition. The exhibition was a big success with a large number of visitors, good press coverage and great feedback from the artists, who said that visiting the prison was an unparalleled experience. One of the participating artists explored the Panopticon experience and presented the work internationally. The next art project explored the notion of Mahatma Gandhi and entailed travelling with artists along the Dandi March route. The resulting exhibition also travelled to London, Washington, D.C., and Port of Spain. After having gained this experience of two major exhibitions, I started a permanent gallery space. There was a paradigm shift in the kind and number of exhibitions to be put together -- worked with some master artists and organised a few typical contemporary shows, all of which were great learning experience but did not compare to the involvement that I was used to. Art has a bigger social good is a childhood belief and I saw art at work in changing the lives of communities through the economic independence and sustainability that it had the potential to provide. Also, the self-respect that the Tihar Jail inmates felt was gratifying for all of us who worked on the project. In 2009, Maybach Foundation announced a mentorship residency for young photographers wherein the winners were to spend six months living and working in NYC, photo-documenting the reconstruction of the World Trade Centre. Ramchander Nath Foundation nominated Vicky Roy, a young photographer who grew up at the Salaam Baalak Trust; he was among the four selected from across the world and this six-month experience resulted in a paradigm shift in his work and personality. Today, Vicky is a motivational speaker at conferences and his artworks are a part of FotoFest 2018 in Houston. A few years back, I met some accomplished Gond artists in Delhi and was inspired by their art and the history behind it. Subsequent reading and visits to Bharat Bhavan in Bhopal revealed a lot. The genre has thousands of years of recorded history and is probably the oldest surviving art form along with the Australian Aboriginal art. There was immense pedagogical material available on the history but not much on the current scene. Of course, there were other institutions in the vicinity that showed artworks by contemporary Gond artists but not much was available in terms of books and catalogues. There was not sufficient recorded contemporary history being created, like for the mainstream counterpart artists who were graduating from art schools in Delhi, Mumbai and Vadordra and having shows in galleries. Also, the price-points varied greatly. Keeping commercials aside, I felt that the contemporary tribal and traditional artists must get greater visibility and have exhibitions in galleries with publications. This would also help collectors and institutions look at these artists more seriously. With these thoughts, we proposed an Ojas Art Award -- a holistic concept -- to the organisers of the immensely popular and well-attended Jaipur Literature Festival. Annually, indigenous artists will be honoured at the festival along with a display of artworks in Jaipur with a potential audience of more than 250,000 visitors followed by an exhibition and publication at the gallery in Delhi and an exhibition overseas. Since 2015, Ojas Art Award has had four editions and has done surverys in Gond, Madhubani-Mithila, Bheel and Bengal Patachitra with great feedback from all stakeholders -- especially the artists. The award and related activities helped the artists earn respect, recognition and has reassuringly empowered them. Bhajju Shyam, our first Ojas Art Awardee, was recently conferred with the Padma Shri, making him the first Gond artist ever to receive this high civilian honour. (In our "Shifting Sands of Culture" series, Anubhav Nath, the fourth of five noted personalities, reflects upon the power of the arts and the increasing opportunities in the sector in this article written exclusively for IANS. Anubhav Nath is the Director of Ojas Art and a Trustee at the Salaam Baalak Trust. He can be contacted at arnath@ojasart.com ) --IANS anubhav/ss/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Veteran actor Anupam Kher says whenever he takes up an international film or series, he feels a sense of responsibility about representing India. So while he says he focuses on "good work" in India, he wants to do "better" outside. The actor, 65, on Sunday had tweeted that he was travelling to Belfast, Ireland for the shoot of "Mrs Wilson". In an accompanying video, he said: "Have reached London and from here I got to Belfast for a series for BBC titled 'Mrs Wilson'. It is a good role. Whenever I work for an international series or movie, then from within I feel I am representing India and I have to give my best. "I have to do good work in India but outside, I want to do better." Anupam further wrote: "Whenever I am doing an international film or series, in my mind I feel I am officially representing my country and I have to give my bestest. I get a sense of extra responsibility. Desh ki bhi izzat ka sawaal hota hai (it's a matter of my country's prestige too)! Looking forward to a great experience. 515th project." The Indian actor, who has earlier featured in a slew of foreign projects, will also be seen in an upcoming series titled "New Amsterdam", a medical drama. Besides this, he has been nominated for the Virgin TV British Academy Television Awards in 2018 for his work in the adaptation of Satnam Sanghera's memoir "The Boy with the Topknot", a TV movie. "I have been nominated for Bafta on May 13 for the film 'Boy With The Top Knot'. please pray for that. I will be happy if we win, but if not then I would be happy with the nominations only," Anupam urged his fans via his video. --IANS dc/rb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As increasing global talent crisis is likely to cost different countries $8.5 trillion by 2030. India is the only major world economy with a potential for talent surplus, as per a study by a global executive search firm. India may even challenge America's position in technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) sector, said the 'Global Talent Crunch' study by Korn Ferry International Inc. "Left unchecked, the financial impact of this talent shortage amounts to $8.5 trillion in unrealised annual revenue globally over the next 12 years," it pointed out. "Interestingly, the country that's at the other end of the spectrum is India. The world's sixth largest economy is the only one in the study which will have a talent surplus by 2030, with 245 million more workers in the next 12 years," it said. The study covered 20 major developed and developing economies in three regions -- the Americas (Brazil, Mexico, the US), EMEA (France, Germany, the Netherlands, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the UAE, the UK) and Asia Pacific (Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand). The model focuses on three knowledge-intensive sectors within each market that act as critical drivers of global economic growth: financial and business services; TMT; and manufacturing. It also examines the remainder of each economy, said Korn Ferry. The imminent skilled labour shortage could ultimately shift the global balance of economic power by 2030, if left unaddressed, the study said, and added that technological advancement could be hindered by an acute global labour shortage of 4.3 million TMT workers by 2030. "India will see a Level A (highly skilled) TMT surplus of 1.3 million workers by 2030, offering yet more opportunities for the nation. India could challenge America's position well before 2030 in the TMT sector," said the firm. The study forecasts a talent deficit of 85 million workers by 2030 across the economies analysed and the largest threat in the near term is faced by the US, Japan, France, Germany and Australia with a combined opportunity cost of $1.87 trillion by 2020. However, the 245 million talent surplus in India poses twin challenge of employability and job creation, the study noted. "If let unchecked, the talent surplus will add to our woes of jobless growth and unemployment," said Bhavna Sud, Client Partner, Korn Ferry India. Sud said the companies across the world need to re-think their hiring and talent management processes. "Hire for fit and culture rather than skills because skills come with a shelf life now. Hire people high on agility and make continuous learning a part of your life. Retain your best and show them a growth path," she said, sharing some of the study's suggestions. --IANS mgu/tsb/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Some 41 peacekeepers from 19 African countries on Monday began two-week training conducted jointly by Indian and US trainers on UN peacekeeping operations. The joint India-US effort for capacity building of African countries is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to the United Nations on the 17th anniversary for more contributions to the UN peacekeeping operations. The training programme by the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping in India (CUNPK) is the third in a series of UN peacekeeping courses for African countries. Similar editions were held in 2016 and 2017. Ruchi Ghanashyam, Secretary (West), External Affairs Ministry, welcomed the officers and briefed the audience on the commitment of India towards the UN in the inaugural session of the programme at the Manekshaw Centre here. Kenneth Juster, US Ambassador to India, also addressed the audience. Other speakers on the occasion included Lt Gen A.K. Sharma, Director General Staff Duties. The course is aimed to build and enhance the capacity of the African troop contributing countries to the UN and to further train the trainers from there, an Indian Army spokesperson said in a statement. "The course is based on the concept of training the trainers, as stated by the UN, is one of the many steps that India has initiated towards active contribution to peace support activities," the spokesperson said. The first two editions of the course were conducted in English which limited the participation to English speaking African Countries only. But to widen the participation base and include Francophone countries, the third edition is being conducted in English as well as French. Over 50 per cent of participants are from Francophone countries. The training incorporates topics on operational and logistical matters, humanitarian issues, blackboard and table top exercises, mission briefs and is being conducted by a pool of seasoned instructors from India and the US. The alumni instructors from Africa who have attended the previous edition of this course are also holding some sessions. --IANS sar/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a shocking tragedy, a six-month-old died fell from the first floor of a building and died after falling out of his mother's arms when she lost her balance, allegedly due to the high heels she was wearing, police said on Monday. Fehmida Shaikh, 23, had attended a relatives' wedding ceremony in Kalyan on Sunday evening wearing sporting high-heels sandals and her six-month old son in her arms. After the wedding in Matoshri Hall of Rambagh area of the town, she and her husband were preparing to return home to Ulhasnagar. As they were walking along a balcony on the first floor area, she suddenly lost her balance in her high-heeled sandals and her child in arms, identified as Mohammed, hurtled down from the first floor balcony. The couple rushed down to see the infant lying in a pool of blood and immediately took him to the nearby Rukiminibai Hospital where he was declared dead. "We have registered a case of accidental death in the matter, but further investigations are underway," Mahatma Phule Police Station officer Vijay Khedekar told media persons. Fehmida is a housewife while her husband works as a shop assistant. --IANS qn/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A tourist from Chennai, injured in stone pelting on Srinagar-Gulmarg road on Monday, succumbed to critical injuries in a hospital here, police said. The tourist, identified as R. Thirumani, 22, son of Rajwali, of Chennai was injured when stone pelters attacked a tourist vehicle in Narbal area on Srinagar-Gulmarg road. "He was shifted to Sher-e- Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura here but succumbed to critical injuries this evening," a police source said. Thirumani's body was later brought to the police hospital here and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti went there immediately after she was informed that the tourist had passed away. --IANS sq/vd (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.) Iran's President on Sunday warned the US not to abandon the nuclear agreement signed between Tehran and six major powers, according to his official website. Hassan Rouhani repeated his refusal to negotiate a new deal in place of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he would pull out of on May 12, Efe reported. "If the US exits the JCPOA, it will soon regret it," Rouhani said during a speech in northeast Iran. "We don't favour war and tension, but will strongly defend our rights," he asserted. "We have lived up to our obligations in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action," he said, stressing that Iran's "commitment" to the deal had been recognized by the international community, with the exception of the US, Israel and Saudi Arabia. Trump is seeking to add additional conditions to the agreement as a pretext to withdraw, such as limits on Iran's military capabilities, especially its ballistic missile system, as well as Tehran's support for the Syrian regime and the Lebanese group Hezbollah, among others. "We tell the world explicitly that we will not negotiate our defensive weapons with anyone," Rouhani said, adding "We will combat terrorism anywhere in the region and we won't let another ISIS be formed." The JCPOA, signed between Iran and the US, Russia, China, France, the UK and Germany, limits Tehran's atomic program in exchange for lifting international sanctions, but does not include any reference to conventional weapons or the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic. --IANS qd/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A candidate in the fray for Iraq's May 12 parliamentary elections was stabbed to death near Mosul city, a police official said on Monday. The incident took place on Sunday night after unidentified armed men pretending to be campaign supporters, visited Farouq Zarzour al-Jubouri's house in al-Lazzaga, the official told Xinhua news agency. The men killed him before escaping, the official added. Al-Jubouri was also a teacher at Tikrit University in Salahudin province. On May 12, some 7,000 candidates will compete for the 329 seats in the Iraqi parliament. This will be the first general election since the Islamic State terror group was defeated last December. --IANS ksk/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rome, May 8 (IANS/AKI) Italy is this week organising an international conference here aimed at fostering regional and international co-operation on foreign terrorist fighters returning to Europe, the Foreign Ministry said on Monday. The conference entitled 'The Reverse Flow of Foreign Terrorist Fighters: Challenges for the OSCE Area and Beyond' will take place on Thursday and Friday at the upscale Grand Hotel Parco dei Principi. Government ministers and international security experts will attend the conference on good practices and on how to address current challenges and issues and forge effective policies to prevent the violent extremism and radicalisation that lead to terrorism (VERLT), according to OCSE's website. The conference will also mull counter-terrorism "in full compliance with human rights", with a special focus on addressing new threats posed by returning/relocating FTFs and their affiliates, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) said. Boosting border security and information sharing and rehabilitation and reintegration programmes within and outside the criminal justice system are also on the conference agenda, according to OCSE. Italy's Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs, Vincenzo Amendola, and the Director of OCSE's general secretariat, Paul Bekkers, will open the conference, the ministry said. The ministry's Deputy Director-General for Political Affairs and Security, and OSCE's Coordinator for transnational threats, Rasa Ostrauskaite, will make the conference's concluding remarks, according to the ministry. Italy is the current chairman of OSCE. --IANS/AKI ved (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court on Monday transferred to Pathankot the trial of the brutal rape and murder of an eight-year-old nomadic girl in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua because "fear and fair trial can't exist together". A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice Indu Malhotra also ordered in-camera and day-to-day trial in the case that has caused global outrage. The court said an in-camera trial was being ordered to ensure that witnesses feel protected and the accused feel safe. The top court said it would monitor the case and its trial from time to time and posted the matter for next hearing on July 9. "Fair trial is sacrosanct principle under Article 21 (right to life) of the Constitution," the Supreme Court observed in the order transferring the case to Pathankot, which is 25 km away from Kathua across the border with Punjab. The bench said the Pathankot District and Sessions judge would hold the trial while the Jammu and Kashmir government was allowed to appoint public prosecutor. The apex court said the trial would be conducted according to the provisions of the Ranbir Penal Code, a criminal code applicable in Jammu and Kashmir. The state government was also asked to provide security to the victim's family, their lawyer and witnesses. The decision to transfer the trial from Kathua came after a plea from the victim's father. The minor girl from nomadic goatherds went missing on January 10 when she was grazing horses close to her home in Rasana village near Kathua in the Jammu region. Her raped body was found in the same area a week later. The Crime Branch of Jammu and Kashmir Police, which investigated the case and has already filed charges, said eight people were involved in the crime. The accused include two policemen, a juvenile and a former Indian Revenue Service officer. Lawyer-activist Deepika Singh Rajawat, who pleaded for the victim's father, said the family of the minor was being threatened. Rajawat also alleged that members of the Jammu Bar Association had threatened her, asking her not to appear in the case. The association denied the allegation. Two of the accused had filed a separate plea, seeking the trial in the case to be held in Jammu and the probe handed over to the CBI. But the top court refused to examine the plea for handing over the investigation to the CBI. Chief Justice Misra said the probe has been done, charges already filed by the Crime Branch on April 9 but was always open for supplementary investigation, "if required". "When chargesheet is filed, why should we want another agency?" Justice Misra asked. Senior advocate Indira Jaising, who appeared for the victim's father, argued that the police had done a "good job". She described the demand for a CBI probe as an "attempt to unscramble a scrambled egg". Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba welcomed the Supreme Court's refusal to transfer the case to the CBI. "This will go a long way to boost the morale of our police force who in the face of great adversity have left no stone unturned to ensure that the deceased's family gets justice," she tweeted. --IANS gt-sar/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A minor girl was kidnapped from Bihar's Purnea district on Monday, police said. Navya Kumari, a Class 3 student of a private school, was abducted in broad daylight by four wheeler-borne criminals from Purnea's Gulzarbag Bazar locality. The victim is the daughter of a businessman. Purnea Superintendent of Police Vishal Sharma said the incident took place when Navya was returning home from school. The police were conducting raids to rescue the child, he said. Over a dozen cases of abduction have been reported in the state this year. In January, a 16-year-old son of a property dealer was kidnapped for ransom and later found murdered. --IANS ik/nir/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday rejected the Congress accusation against his government of not creating enough jobs and claimed that several of its initiatives led to the creation of jobs in the public and private sectors. Modi, in turn, held the Congress responsible for the unemployment situation and accused it of opposing technologies/initiatives like the EVMs and Aadhaar. "With emphasis on public and private sectors, we are also focussing on personal sector for employment. The pace of work on the infrastructure projects has been increased," Modi said in response to a query while addressing Bharatiya Janata Party Yuva Morcha 'karyakartas' through his NaMo app. Highlighting how the National Democratic Alliance government was strengthening the personal sector, he said that the country's infrastructure sector was growing rapidly and added that without employing more people it was not possible to achieve this growth. He mentioned a World Bank report on easing business environment in India and how through the Mudra Yojana a platform was being provided to budding entrepreneurs across the country. Modi said that due to the government initiative, India had emerged as the best destination for foreign investment and this has been approved by various credit agencies. "The Foreign Direct Investment in India has reached its highest level, which is consistently increasing," he said. The Prime Minister said that under the Mudra Yojana, loans of Rs 1.27 crore have been disbursed to the youth of Karnataka without any collateral. "This constitutes 11 per cent of the total Mudra loans disbursed so far. Youngsters are not only becoming self-dependent, but also creating jobs for others," he said. Modi said that in the last few years, immense growth was seen in the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) accounts. "Due to demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax, there has been a great change in the formal sector. Workers are getting proper benefits in the social sector. The figures of EPFO accounts prove that there has been growth in the formal sector," he said. Dubbing the Congress criticism on employment and job creation fronts as a "conspiracy", he said that the opposition party has been putting the blame on the BJP government because it failed to do anything during its 10-year rule from 2004-14. "The Congress has nothing to say about its own achievements. They ruled the country for 60 years and what did they do for employment generation? If there is unemployment, is that due to four years of our government? So, they find it easy to accuse us and spread lies," he said. Modi said that the Congress is spreading lies and hatching conspiracies to put the onus on the NDA government for its own failures. Terming employment generation as the "biggest problem" in the country, Congress President Rahul Gandhi has been attacking the Centre for not fulfilling the promise of creating two crore jobs every year, which the BJP made ahead of the 2014 elections. Responding to a query over rising political violence, the Prime Minister said there can be no place for such violence in Indian democracy. "But of late, I have seen that such violence is on the rise in some states. In Karnataka too, we have seen how brutally our 'karyakartas' have been murdered. It's highly condemnable. "Violence in any form should not be allowed by any political party or ideology in democracy. I appeal to BJP's youth workers in Karnataka not to act with vengeance even when they have lost their several colleagues in political violence," he added. Modi accused the Congress of opposing technologies/gadgets like the Electronic Voting Machines and the Aadhaar initiative and noted how the BJP was promoting technology in every sector. "In this age of Artificial Intelligence, India cannot lag behind. Through technology, we are promoting skill development," he said. On a question on strengthening the demographic dividends of the country, he said that the government's stress was on quality of education and quantity of opportunities. "The government is committed to increased higher education facilities," he said while shedding light on the Atal Innovation Mission. He said the initiative was promoting research and scientific temper among the students. --IANS bns/tsb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Sunday that Israel is "determined to block Iran's aggression against us, even if this means a military conflict". Israel would be better off confronting Iran sooner rather than later if necessary, added Netanyahu at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting. "We do not want escalation, but we are prepared for any scenario," Xinhua quoted the Israeli PM as saying. "In recent months, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards has transferred to Syria advanced weaponry in order to attack us both on the battlefield and on the home front, including weaponized UAVs, ground-to-ground missiles and Iranian anti-aircraft batteries that would threaten air force jets," added Netanyahu. On May 9, Netanyahu will fly to Moscow to meet with Russian President Putin and will also participate in the parade to mark Victory Day over Nazi Germany. Netanyahu said this week's meeting is "especially important in light of Iran's increasing efforts to establish a military presence in Syria against Israel". Israel has repeatedly warned it will not tolerate a permanent Iranian military presence in Syria. --IANS qd/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has got 10 days custody of Pakistani militant namely Zabiullah alias Hamza and is questioning him, officials said on Monday. Zabiullah, a resident of Pakistan's Multan, had escaped during a gunfight with security forces at Halmatpora in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupawara district on the intervening night of March 20 this year, the agency said. On March 20, during a joint cordon and search operation by police, army and paramilitary forces, terrorists hiding in the forest fired at the security forces. During the exchange of fire, five terrorists were killed while three army personnel and two police personnel were killed. Four security personnel were also injured. Police registered a case but the case was handed over to the NIA which re-registered the case on April 17 and took up the investigation on Union Home Ministry's order. Zabiullah, 20, had been arrested by Jammu and police on April 6. "He was taken into custody by NIA on May 4 in this case. He has been produced before the NIA Special Court, Jammu on May 5 and remanded in 10 days NIA custody," the agency said. "During initial questioning, accused Zabiullah revealed that he had come into India fully armed in March, along with five other LeT cadres, with the aim to carry out large scale attacks on Indian security forc"s," it said. Zabiullah has identified the five terrorists killed in March 20 gunfight as Pakistani nationals namely Darda, 22, from Lahore; Shuram, 26, from Multan; Faidullah, 20, from Gujranwalan; Ummar,19, from Sindh and Kari, 19, from Peshawar. --IANS rak-mak/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Egyptian authorities have ended their quest to discover a secret chamber in the tomb of Tutankhamun concluding that it does not exist, the media reported on Monday. Previously, officials said they were "90 per cent sure" of a hidden room behind the wall of the boy king's famous 3,000-year-old tomb, reports the BBC. One theory suggested it could have been the tomb of Queen Nefertiti - who some think was Tutankhamun's mother. New research, however, has concluded the chamber simply is not there. The search for the hidden tomb began when English archaeologist Nicholas Reeves, examining detailed scans of the chamber, discovered what looked like faint traces, or "ghosts", of doors beneath the plaster. In his 2015 paper "The Burial of Nefertiti", Reeves argued that the relatively small tomb had originally been designed for Queen Nefertiti and her remains could possibly lie further within the tomb. Nefertiti's remains have never been discovered, but she has been the object of much speculation. A 3,000-year-old sculpture of the queen, immaculately preserved, has made her one of the most recognisable women of ancient Egypt. It is also thought she may have ruled Egypt as pharaoh herself between the death of her husband and the ascension of Tutankhamun. After Reeves' paper, a series of radar scans seemed to support his theory. A second scan also seemed to support the theory, which would have been the most significant discovery of Egyptian antiquities in decades. However, Italian specialists from the University of Turin used new penetrating radar scans to reach their conclusion, saying they were confident of the results, the BBC reported. "It is maybe a little bit disappointing that there is nothing behind the walls of Tutankhamun's tomb," said Francesco Porcelli, head of the research team. --IANS ksk/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least seven offices of political parties built on government land here, including those of the CPI-M and the Congress, were bulldozed on Monday by the district administration, an official said. "Seven offices of political parties were removed as those were erected on government land. Razing of party offices would continue even in the coming days, as per the government's decision," West Tripura District Magistrate Milind Dharmrao Ramteke told IANS. According to Ramteke, who is also Additional Secretary to Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, in West Tripura district, there are 104 such illegally-constructed offices of various political parties. The demolition drive was carried out amidst strong "objections" from the opposition parties, including the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), Congress and the Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura (INPT), a tribal-based party. Ramteke and West Tripura district police chief Ajit Pratap Singh led the two-and-half-hour demolition drive. Before knocking down the illegal constructions, a huge contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Tripura State Rifles (TSR) was posted in the capital city to avoid any untoward incident. Earlier, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government had announced demolition of all such offices of parties and their frontal organisations set up on government land and had set a seven-day timeline to accomplish the task. Reacting to the government move, former Transport and Power Minister Manik Dey, who is also president of the state unit of Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), said that without any prior notice, the government "very undemocratically" bulldozed the party offices. "After coming to power, the BJP government has been taking one after another undemocratic steps against the opposition parties, especially against the Left parties," Dey told the media. State CPI-M Secretary Bijan Dhar and state Congress president Birajit Sinha had earlier opposed the government's decision to bulldoze the party offices, some which had been set up decades ago. --IANS sc/nir/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Troops from the Philippines and the US on Monday began a series of 12-day joint annual "Balikatan 2018" military drills. Philippines Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the drills will focus on interoperability training to address domestic and non-domestic security concerns, reports Xinhua news agency. About 5,000 Philippines troops and 3,000 Americans are participating in this year's drills that will be conducted in several locations on Luzon island, authorities said. A statement issued by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said this year's exercises include "a fictional scenario, which will improve the planner's ability to command and control forces from a headquarters level". --IANS ksk/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Opposition parties on Monday slammed a Tripura government committee's proposal to introduce Hindi as a medium of news on all local TV channels instead of "Kokborok", the state's second official language since 1978. The Information and Cultural Affairs Department committee on April 6 proposed that "instead of using 'Kokborok' as a medium of news, Hindi may be introduced as it would promote nationalism and people from outside the state also could follow". The main opposition Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) condemned the proposal, saying Hindi may be promoted but not at the cost of "Kokborok", the official language of the indigenous tribals. "Hindi may be promoted, but the regional and tribal languages should also be given due importance and recognition. We strongly oppose the proposal," CPI-M's Tripura state secretary Bijan Dhar told the media. He said the first Left Front government headed by former Chief Minister Nripen Chakraborty in 1978 had introduced "Kokborok" as one of the official languages of Tripura. Congress Vice-President Tapas Dey called the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government "anti-tribal" for taking the "undemocratic decision". "The proposal was announced a month ago and the state government has remained silent. We demand its immediate rejection," Dey said. However, the BJP has rejected the opposition's claims saying that "a committee's recommendation could not be a government's decision". BJP ally, the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT), said it was "unaware of the proposal". "We don't know anything about such a proposal," IPFT leader Ananta Debbarma said when contacted by IANS. Amidst the controversy, Information and Cultural Affairs Department Director Bishnupada told IANS that "Kokborok" news would continue. BJP spokesperson Mrinal Kanti Deb said that an official notification has not been issued and were "working to promote 'Kokborok' language". "As far as Hindi is concerned, it is necessary to introduce it for bringing Tripura into same group with other major states. It does not mean that 'Kokborok' would be suppressed." --IANS sc/ksk/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vladimir Putin was sworn in on Monday for a fourth term as the Russian President after winning the election held in March. The 65-year-old, who has been Prime Minister or President for 18 years, took the oath of office in the St. Andrew Hall at the Grand Kremlin Palace, reports TASS news agency. Putin's first six-year term began in 2012 while the second will end on May 7, 2024. According to Article 81 of Russia's Constitution, an individual cannot serve as President for more than two consecutive terms. The presidential election was held on March 18. The voter turnout was 67.54 per cent. Putin won, gaining 76.69 per cent of the vote, in his best ever election performance, with over 56.4 million people voting for him. "I believe that peace in a prosperous Russia is my obligation and meaning of life," Putin said after officially taking office. "I believe it's my duty to do my best for Russia... We should develop in areas we have always been strong as well in the areas we haven't done enough. We have many decisions we have to take. "This year marks 25 years of the Russian constitution... We should change as the history changes, at the same time, we should stick to our roots, our history," he said. The President noted that Russia needed to develop in all sectors, which could be ensured only by a free society, reports Sputnik. On Saturday, riots took place across Russia against Putin's rule. More than 1,000 people including opposition leader Alexei Navalny were arrested. When Putin reaches the end of his fourth term in 2024, he will have been in power for nearly a quarter of a century, still falling short of Soviet dictator Stalin's 31 years in office. --IANS ksk/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday expressed anger on the rape and murder of a 17-year-old girl in Jharkhand and slammed the state police for not acting quickly, while adding that the "nation had failed another girl." "In Jharkhand, the rape and brutal murder of a young girl who was set afire by her rapist, has left me stunned and angry. Her death is a tragedy. "The police were informed of the rape but didn't act quickly enough," tweeted Gandhi attaching an news story with a headline "Jharkhand Teen, Raped And Killed, Paid Price For Going To Panchayat First". "As a nation, this is yet another girl we have failed," he added. The main accused in the rape and murder of the 17-year-old girl was arrested on Saturday. --IANS sid/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid the ongoing turmoil in BJP in Rajasthan where the party is still to fill the vacant post of state chief, party's Rajasthan in-charge Avinash Rai Khanna on Monday said that the ensuing assembly elections will be contested under Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje's leadership. "Raje is the party leader in Rajasthan and she will continue to lead BJP after elections as well in the state," he told media persons at the BJP office here. Khanna, who also denied any dispute in the state regarding the leadership issue, was accompanied with state Health Minister Kalicharan Saraf who also said that Raje is the leader for BJP in the state and next assembly election will be contested under her leadership. The post of state chief is vacant after the resignation of Ashok Parnami. --IANS arc/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Reliance Infrastructure Limited and Astaldi S.p.A (Italy) joint venture has bagged the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for the prestigious Versova-Bandra Sea Link Project in Mumbai. The letter of award (LoA) for the much-anticipated project has been issued by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), an official statement said here on Monday. The Reliance Infrastructure Limited-Astaldi S.p.A JV had emerged the most competitive bidder with their bid of Rs 6,993.99 crore for the mega infrastructure project which will link with the existing Bandra-Worli Sea Link, which opened in June 2009. The other bidders in the fray for the Versova-Bandra Sea Link were L&T-Samsung JV and Hyundai Development Company-ITD JV. The tender for the construction of the second sea link in Mumbai on EPC-basis was floated by MSRDC. With a length of 17.17 km, the Versova-Bandra Sea Link will be three times the length of the existing Bandra-Worli Sea Link, which is 5.6 km. "Our JV with Astaldi S.p.A, the third biggest construction player in the world in bridges with an order backlog of over Rs 2 lakh crore, will help us create a truly world class mega infrastructure project for Mumbai," said Reliance Infrastructure Ltd. EPC CEO Arun Gupta. The largest order executed by Astaldi S.p.A is Izmit Bay Bridge (Gebze-Orhangazi-Izmir Motorway Project) in Turkey with a $7 billion investment for the entire project. It is the fourth longest suspension bridge worldwide that was completed in April 2016, Gupta added. Besides the Versova-Bandra Sea Link, the company has also executed the Western High Speed Diameter Motorway in Saint Petersburg in Russia with a Rs 17,600 crore contract value. The project has a 12-km section with 5.3-km viaducts on sea and two cable stay bridges, which was opened to traffic in December 2016. Reliance Infrastructure Limited is one of the pioneering names in the business with a project portfolio of 1,000 km of roads, 140 MW of solar power and 9,000 MW of thermal power. --IANS qn/in/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A new book has claimed that late actor Robin Williams struggled to remember his lines as he unknowingly suffered from a brain disorder. According to the New York Post, Dave Itzkoff's new biography "Robin" seeks to answer the lingering puzzle over Williams' chaotic life and sudden death, reports dailymail.co.uk. It reveals his final days from the eyes of some of his closest family and friends and admirers in Hollywood. According to the book, while the Oscar-winning actor was filming "Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb", the third movie in the franchise, he was unable to remember his lines. "He was sobbing in my arms at the end of every day. It was horrible. Horrible. I said to his people, 'I'm a make-up artist. I don't have the capacity to deal with what's happening to him'," said make-up artist Cheri Minns. The book reveals that Williams was a deeply complicated and contradictory man who battled not only alcohol, drugs and rampant infidelity but lifelong loneliness and crushing insecurity. Williams was both wildly outgoing and painfully introverted, the book claims. As per Williams' third wife, Susan Schneider, the actor started complaining about a variety of symptoms that included trouble urinating, insomnia, loss of his sense of smell and a slight tremor in his left hand. "It was like playing whack-a-mole. Which symptom is it this month? I thought, is my husband a hypochondriac? We're chasing it and there's no answers, and by now we'd tried everything." His wife later wrote about her husband's symptoms in a journal for Neurology. Actor Billy Crystal also talks about seeing his friend after a four-month absence. Crystal said Williams was frail and 'uncharacteristically quiet'. After they had dinner and were preparing to say their farewells, Williams suddenly burst into tears. "What's the matter?" Crystal asked. "Oh, I'm just so happy to see you. It's been too long. You know I love you," Williams replied. On August 11, 2014, the comedian's personal assistant, Rebecca Erwin, became concerned about the comedian after he still had not left his room by 11 a.m. She then used a paper clip to open his locked bedroom door and found him hanging by his belt. Williams had left no note nor had he given any warning. --IANS sug/rb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court on Monday said the Rajya Sabha rules prohibited Members of Parliament from making public statements on the removal of a Judge of the Supreme Court or a high court without any notice of impeachment in Parliament. The court was hearing a plea seeking to restrain MPs from making public statements on the removal of a judge without any prior notice in Parliament. A bench of Justice A.K. Sikri and Justice Ashok Bhushan said there was no "urgency" in the mater and posted the hearing for the third week of July. The plea by NGO In Pursuit of Justice sought directions to lay down guidelines to regulate the procedure to be followed by MPs desirous of initiating the process for the removal of a Judge of higher judiciary prior to initiating an impeachment motion. Senior advocate Meenakshi Arora, appearing for the NGO, said the plea was concerned with the "times to come" and required consideration by the court. To this, the bench said: "Why do you feel that such a time will come again and again." The plea was filed against the backdrop of discussion on impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra. In an unprecedented move, 64 Rajya Sabha members from seven political parties led by the Congress submitted an impeachment motion in April for the removal of Chief Justice Misra on five grounds of "misbehaviour". Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu had rejected the motion. Earlier, the bench dubbed as "unfortunate" the public statements by politicians on the issue of the impeachment of members of the higher judiciary. Advocate Meenakshi Arora told the apex court earlier that politicians were making all kinds of public statements on the removal of a Judge without any motion to this effect before Parliament. She had averred that there can be no discussion and the issue of impeachment cannot be made public till a certain point. Arora had also sought a gag order on the media on the impeachment process against the CJI in Parliament which the bench had declined. --IANS gt/him/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Riyadh, May 7 (IANS/WAM) Saudi Air Defence forces intercepted two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi rebels from Yemen. The missiles on Sunday were directed towards the city of Najran and launched by the militia deliberately to target civilian and populated areas, spokesman for the Arab Coalition Forces Colonel Turki al-Maliki said. There were no reports of injuries or damage, al-Maliki added. The Saudi Press Agency quoted al-Maliki as saying that this hostile act by the Houthis proves the continued involvement of the Iranian regime in supporting the armed militia threatening the security of Saudi Arabia. The firing of ballistic missiles at populated cities and villages is contrary to international humanitarian law, he added. --IANS/WAM ksk/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Special Task Force (STF) of Kolkata police on Monday nabbed six people for selling arms illegally after acquiring them from the ordnance factory in West Bengal, an officer said. "We had information of arms being illegally circulated and sold in an area near Babughat. Six suspects have been arrested. We have recovered seven revolvers, one carbine and ten rounds of ammunition from them," said an STF officer. "They acquired these arms from Icchapur Rifle Factory's scrap materials. They also sought the help of some of the employees and had paid some amounts as a commission for their help, " he added. He also said that they have arrested two of the employees of the rifle factory as well. Two of the arrested people acted as the linemen for the Maoists in Bihar and also Nepal. --IANS bnd/ssp/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday urged the Modi government to initiate a "meaningful dialogue" to end the "vicious cycle of killings and destruction" in Jammu and Kashmir. A day after spiralling violence in the state left five militants, including an assistant professor, and five civilians dead, Mehbooba Mufti also made a passionate appeal to parents "to ensure that children do not embrace death". The Chief Minister was speaking to the media on the sidelines of an official ceremony at the civil secretariat which started functioning in the summer capital Srinagar after its six-month sojourn in the winter capital Jammu. She urged the Centre to initiate a meaningful dialogue so that violence ends in Jammu and Kashmir "as the youths who are getting killed are our children. "The sooner it happens, the more quickly we can get our state out of the vicious cycle of killings and destruction." It was not clear who she wanted the Central government to talk to. But in the recent past, the Chief Minister has publicly favoured a dialogue between India and Pakistan. The Chief Minister added: "I appeal to parents to ensure that children do not embrace death. God has brought us into this world to live a good life and not embrace death at 18 and 20 years of age. I think Islam also does not allow this." She appealed the Central government to find out a peaceful way out so as to end the spiralling cycle of violence in the state. "The sooner it happens, the more quickly we can get our state out of the vicious cycle of killings and destruction." She added: "Yesterday's happenings are extremely sad. I appeal our people in the state and the rest of the country as also the government of India to save our children. "In most cases, both stones and guns are in the hands of children belonging to poor families," she said, apparently referring to Kashmir stone-pelters and security personnel. "A way out needs to be found so that our children, soldiers and policemen are not killed." --IANS sq/mr/mag/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A suicide bomber was shot dead here on Monday while preparing to attack a blood donation camp, police said. Kabul Police spokesman Hashmat Stanekzai told Efe news the incident took place in the Shahr-e Naw Park at around 11.30 a.m. when the attacker was heading towards a tent with medical personnel inside. "The suicide bomber who arrived near the tent was identified by police and officers opened fire on him," Stanekzai said. The camp was organised by the Ministry of Public Health to urge people to donate blood for victims of recent terrorist attacks in Kabul. No group has claimed responsibility yet. In recent months, insurgents and armed groups have carried out a number of attacks against medical personnel in Afghanistan. Kabul has witnessed multiple suicide attacks this year. On April 30, 25 people including nine journalists were killed in a double suicide attack. Also in April, a suicide attack on a voter registration centre, claimed by the Islamic State, killed at least 57 people and injured around 120. The biggest attack of the year took place in January when the Taliban used an ambulance as a car bomb, detonating it in a central district of Kabul, killing more than 100 people. --IANS ksk/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A trooper was injured on Monday as militants hurled a grenade at security force party in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama town, police said. Police said a Central Reserve Police Force trooper was injured in the explosion in Tahab Chowk area. "The area has been cordoned off for searches," a police officer said. --IANS sq/him/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gina Haspel, President Donald Trump's pick to head the CIA, has offered to withdraw her nomination after some White House officials raised concerns about her ability to get confirmed, the media reported. Haspel told the White House she was interested in stepping aside if it avoided the spectacle of a brutal confirmation hearing on Wednesday and potential damage to the Central Intelligence Agency's reputation and her own, The Washington Post reported on Sunday. She was summoned to the White House on Friday for a meeting on her history in the CIA's controversial interrogation programme - which employed techniques such as waterboarding that are widely seen as torture - and signaled that she was going to withdraw her nomination. She then returned to CIA headquarters, informed officials told The Washington Post. Taken aback at her stance, senior White House aides, including legislative affairs head Marc Short and press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, rushed to meet Haspel at her office late Friday afternoon. Haspel, who serves as the CIA's deputy director and has spent 33 years in the agency, most of it undercover, faces some opposition in Congress because of her connection to the interrogation programme, which was set up after the September 11, 2001, attacks. In 2002, Haspel oversaw a secret CIA detention facility in Thailand, where one Al Qaeda suspect was waterboarded. Three years later, Haspel was involved in the CIA's destruction of nearly 100 videotapes that recorded the detainees' interrogations, launching an investigation by a special prosecutor who ultimately decided not to bring charges against those involved. An administration official told The Washington Post that the nomination remains on track. "There is a hearing prep session today, courtesy calls with senators Monday and Tuesday, and classified materials will be delivered to Senate security so senators can read the real record instead of relying on gossip and unfounded smears," the official added. A CIA spokesperson told CNN on Sunday: "There has been a fascinating phenomenon over the last few weeks. Those who know the true Gina Haspel -- who worked with her, who served with her, who helped her confront terrorism, Russia and countless other threats to our nation -- they almost uniformly support her. "When the American people finally have a chance to see the true Gina Haspel on Wednesday, they will understand why she is so admired and why she is and will be a great leader for this Agency." --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has urged US President Donald Trump not to abandon the Iran nuclear deal, saying "it would be a mistake to walk away". Johnson, who is currently travelling to the US, made the remarks in a New York Times editorial published on Sunday. "Of all the options we have for ensuring that Iran never gets a nuclear weapon, this pact offers the fewest disadvantages," Johnson wrote of the deal signed in 2015. Trump, a fierce critic of the deal, has until May 12 to decide if he will again waive sanctions against Iran in exchange for limitations on its nuclear ambitions. In January, the last time he signed off on the pact, the President warned that it faced a "last chance". Trump has called for stricter measures, including curbing Iran's access to ballistic missiles. "It has weaknesses, certainly, but I am convinced they can be remedied. Indeed at this moment Britain is working alongside the Trump administration and our French and German allies to ensure that they are," the Secretary said in the editorial. Johnson said that the 2015 agreement "has helped to avoid a possible catastrophe". Prior to the deal, Iran's nuclear plants held an estimated 11,500 centrifuges and nearly seven tonnes of low-enriched uranium - totals that would rise to nearly 20,000 centrifuges and eight tonnes of uranium, he added. "Had the leaders of the Islamic Republic decided to go for a nuclear arsenal, they would have needed only a few months to produce enough weapons-grade uranium for their first bomb." Johnson stated in the Times editorial that allies of the US had played a part in helping the Trump administration maximise the pressure on North Korea, "a strategy that now appears to be bearing fruit". "We share the same concerns about Iran. I believe we are very close to a position that would address President Trump's concern... At this delicate juncture, it would be a mistake to walk away from the nuclear agreement and remove the restraints that it places on Iran," he added. In Washington, Johnson will not meet Trump but is expected to hold talks with Vice President Mike Pence and National Security Adviser John Bolton, the Guardian reported. Johnson is the last representative of the so-called "EU three" - France, Germany and Britain, key allies in negotiating the deal in 2015 - to meet the administration before the deadline. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, have lobbied Trump directly during meetings last month. --IANS ksk/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) on Monday told the that it has already released the Cauvery water that was entitled to under the "distress formula" due to deficient and needed remaining water for drinking purposes in Bengalauru and the areas falling under its part of the Cauvery basin. In view of this, it was not required to make any more releases, said in an affidavit in response to the top court asking it on the last date of hearing on May 3 as to how much of the 4TMC of water it can release to as per the mandate of the tribunal award. Noting that has not framed for scheme for implementing its February 16 judgment, the top court in the last hearing on May 3 had asked the "... Karnataka will release water as per Tribunal award. You will release 4 TMC of water. Please see how much water can be released by end of May." Karnataka counsel V.N.Raghupati said that has already been given water they were entitled to under the distress formula and that Tamil Nadu has been given more water then it was entitled to in a distress year. He said the state had said that whatever water was remaining was required for drinking purposes in Bengalauru and areas falling under Cauvery basin falling in Karnataka. However, Tamil Nadu in its response has contended that Karnataka had enough water to release 4TMC of water to cover the shortfall of 1.4 TMC for April and the allocation of 2.4 TMC for May this year. Asserting that Karnataka was acting as judge in its own cause and failing to comply with the tribunal award as affirmed by the top court by its February 16 judgement, Tamil Nadu, in its response filed with the top court registry, said: "Karnataka has 19.834 TMC ft. of water as on May 4 in its four reservoirs" and the storage in "Mettur Dam is 9.502 TMC ft. (the utilizable storage being only 4.502 TMC ft)". Thus, Karnataka "is in a better position and can easily spare the 4 TMC ft" even after meeting the requirement of drinking water supply for May, that is 1.6 TMC ft, it said, seeking direction to Karnataka to "make good the shortfalls" and release 4 TMC ft. of water forthwith. The Centre in the last hearing of the matter on May 3 had sought 10 days time saying that scheme for the implementation of tribunal award as affirmed by the top court with slight modification was before the cabinet awaiting decision as the Prime Minister and other ministers were campaigning in Karnataka - a stand which Tamil Nadu flayed as "brazen partisanship". The matter is coming up for hearing on Tuesday. (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 women candidate, contesting the upcoming panchayat elections in West Bengal, has been threatened to withdraw her nomination and has sought help from the National Commission for Women (NCW), the apex women's body said on Monday. According to the NCW, the complainant, a resident of Shantipur town in Nadia district, approached it last week. "The complainant, in her petition to the NCW, has made serious allegations of continuous threats to her and her husband by some anti-social elements backed by a political party and pressurizing her to withdraw her nomination," said a statement by NCW. The NCW also said that the woman, in her complaint, mentioned that the most recent incident happened at midnight of April 29 wherein a group of people, headed by a leader of the ruling party attacked and ransacked her house. She had also said that her sister-in-law, who is six months pregnant, was also molested and brutally beaten by the assailants but the Nadia police took no action even after a complaint was lodged. The NCW said that "taking note of the seriousness of the incident wherein a woman in the advanced stages of pregnancy was brutally beaten", it had written to the state Chief Secretary and Director General of Police for investigation and "to take appropriate strict action as per law and procedure because such an act invokes penal action". The NCW further directed the Chief Secretary and the DGP to apprise the Commission with the action taken report within one week from the receipt of the letter. --IANS som/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Customs sleuths at Cochin International Airport (CIAL) here have seized 1.7 kg of gold valued at Rs 51.23 lakh in separate cases last week, a top official said here today. They also seized two kg of saffron valued at Rs seven lakh and 20 cigarette cartons valued at Rs 30,000 during the period from May 2 to May 6 in 11 separate cases, Customs Commissioner Sumit Kumar said. This includes seizure of 100 grams crude gold chain valued at Rs 3.15 lakh from a passenger who arrived from Doha and two gold bars weighing 233.2 grams and valued at Rs 7.42 lakh from the checked-in baggage of a passenger from Jeddah. In two other cases, 259 grams of crude gold chains totally valued at Rs 8.17 lakh were seized from two passengers who arrived from Dubai, Kumar said. The seizure of one crude gold chain totally weighing 233 grams and totally valued at Rs 7.42 lakh and saffron totally weighing two kg and valued at Rs seven lakh was effected from a native of Kasaragod who had arrived from Mumbai as a domestic passenger in an international flight. In another case, 306.53 grams of crude gold chain totally valued at Rs 9.86 lakh were seized from a native of Kottayam, who had arrived from Dubai on May 5, he said. The Intelligence officers also seized gold in various forms as crude gold chains, crude gold rod and gold cut pieces totally weighing 473 grams and totally valued at Rs 15.2 lakh in four separate cases. The seizure was effected from natives of Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu who had arrived from Kuala Lumpur on May 5, Kumar said. Twenty cartons of cigarettes totally valued at Rs 30,000 were seized by intelligence officers from a Malappuram native who arrived from Dubai. The seizures have been made under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, Kumar said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Opposing the terms of reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today said progressive states would lose heavily if the 2011 census was taken as the basis for devolution of central funds. He also demanded that the Centre respect the cooperative federal system. "It is not right to penalise states that are in the forefront in population control. We will not tolerate this injustice. We will fight till justice is secured," he asserted. Naidu was speaking after inaugurating the day-long conclave of finance ministers of various states here to discuss the fallout of the 15th Finance Commission's ToR. He pointed out that Kerala was leading all states in population control, and Andhra Pradesh has adopted firm measures to reduce population growth rate. "But now, population control is not our policy. Our ultimate objective is poverty eradication and we have accordingly been implementing various schemes," Naidu noted. He also apprehended that south Indian states would lose seats (in legislatures) if delimitation of constituencies was undertaken based on 2011 population. "South Indian states are under the threat of losing their eminence because they were successful in population control. It is not right for the Centre to penalise such states," he maintained. Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy sought the intervention of the President against the 'unilateral' decision of the Centre. "The Centre should take decisions in consultation with the states. If not, how can it be called federal spirit?" he asked. Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac, Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra and others attended the conclave. Last month, Kerala had hosted a conference of Finance Ministers of various states to discuss issues of common concern with respect to the 15th Finance Commission. Responding to the concerns raised, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said on April 10 that there is no inherent bias or mandate in the ToR which could be construed as discriminatory against the states which have made good progress in population control. He had said that a needless controversy was being sought to be created that the terms of reference of the Commission were loaded against any particular region of the country. Pointing to the specific inclusion of reference -- efforts and progress made in moving towards replacement rate of population growth -- Jaitley had said it recognises the efforts of all the states which have done well in population control. "This specific ToR would allow the 15th FC to propose a specific incentive scheme to reward the states which have achieved replacement level of population growth, and also, if the 15th FC wishes to do so, to assign appropriate weight to the progress made in population control while allocating resources," Jaitley had stated. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two Turkmenistan nationals have been arrested by officials of the Customs department for allegedly trying to smuggle into the country gold valuing about Rs 95 lakh at the Delhi airport. The duo were intercepted after their arrival from Turkmenistan on Saturday. "Their personal and baggage search resulted in recovery of gold weighing 3.05 kgs, in the form of multiple gold rings interwined and crudely given the shape of chains, ingeniously concealed in a black cloth which was further wrapped on the waist line and around the neck of the two passengers," the Customs department said in a statement. The value of the seized gold is Rs 94.9 lakh. They have also admitted to having smuggled another 2.65 kgs of gold worth Rs 1.77 crore on their visits in the past, it said. In a related incident, officials had on Friday arrested 28 Turkmenistan nationals, including 22 women, for smuggling gold worth about Rs 5 crore at the Delhi airport. The seizure was made in two cases yesterday. In the first case, 23 passengers were intercepted after their arrival from Turkmenistan. Their personal and baggage search resulted in recovery of gold weighing about 15.5 kgs. The gold was in the form of multiple gold rings intertwined and crudely given the shape of chain and bracelet. In another case, five other Turkmenistani passengers were intercepted after their arrival at the airport. They were found to be carrying 1.9 kg gold in a similar way. All the 28 Turkmenistani passengers, including 22 women, were arrested. In total, 17.4 kgs of gold worth about Rs 5 crore was seized. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nearly sixteen years after a bomb blast in a city bus killed two persons in Mumbai's Ghatkopar, Irfan Qureshi, a wanted accused in the case, was arrested from the house of his relative in Maharashtra's Aurangabad, around 325 kms from here, police said today. A team of the Gujarat ATS had received a tip-off about Qureshi's presence in his relative's house yesterday, a senior Mumbai police official said. The Gujarat ATS team detained Qureshi who was later handed over to a crime branch team of the Mumbai police at the spot, he said. Another senior officer said, the Gujarat ATS team had gone to Aurangabad to trace the accused wanted in connection with another case when they zeroed in on Qureshi. After detaining him, they realised that it was Qureshi who had been absconding in the Ghatkopar bus bomb blast case, he said. Qureshi was brought to Mumbai last night where he was placed under arrest, the official said, adding that further investigation is underway. Two persons were killed and 39 others were injured when a bomb placed under a seat of a BEST (Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport) bus exploded near Ghatkopar bus station on December 2, 2002. Out of the nine accused arrested in connection with the blast, a trial court had discharged one of them and acquitted eight others. The state government has challenged their acquittal in the Bombay High Court, which is pending. Currently, a fast track court is trying 14 policemen for alleged custodial death of one of the accused Khwaja Yunus. While the police had claimed that Yunus escaped when he was being taken to Aurangabad for questioning, a CID inquiry ordered by the Bombay high court on a petition filed by Yunus' father revealed that he had died in police custody. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The third edition of the United Nations Peacekeeping Course for African Partners (UNPCAP) was inaugurated here today to build and enhance the capacity of the African Troop Contributing Countries to the UN. The UNPCAP sessions will be held from May 7-25. The course is conducted by the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping in India (CUNPK) in partnership with the US, the Indian Army said in a statement. The first and second editions of the course were held in New Delhi in 2016 and 2017, respectively. "The inaugural session for this course was conducted on May 7 at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Ruchi Ghanashyam, chaired the inaugural session and welcomed the officers while briefing the audience on the commitment of India towards the UN," the statement said. Other eminent speakers included Director General Staff Duties Lt Gen Ajae Kumar Sharma and US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster. "The course is aimed to build and enhance the capacity of the African Troop Contributing Countries to the UN and to further train the trainers from these countries," the Army statement said. The course, which revolves around the concept of training the trainers, as stated by the UN, is one of the many steps that India has initiated towards active contribution to peace support activities, it said. The training incorporates topics on operational and logistical matters, humanitarian issues, thematic topics and table top exercises, and mission briefs, and would be conducted by a rich pool of seasoned instructors from India, the US as well as the alumni instructors from Africa who have attended the previous edition of this course, it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A five-judge constitution bench was today constituted in the Supreme Court to hear tommorow the petition moved by two Congress MPs challenging the rejection of the impeachment notice against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra by Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu. The list of business for the Supreme Court showed that the petition, which was mentioned today, would be heard tomorrow by a bench comprising Justices A K Sikri, S A Bobde, N V Ramana, Arun Mishra and A K Goel. While Justice Sikri, who will head the bench, is number six in the seniority list, others follow him in the sequence of seniority. It is significant that the matter has not been listed before the judges who are number two to five in the seniority. These judges -- Justices J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, M B Lokur and Kurian Jospeh -- had held the controversial January 12 press conference in which they had virtually revolted against the CJI by raising a litany of allegations against him. Earlier in the day, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who was one of the signatories to the impeachment notice in the Rajya Sabha, had mentioned the matter for urgent listing before a bench headed by Justice J Chelameswar, the senior-most after CJI Misra. While Justice Chelameswar initially asked him to mention the matter before the CJI, the bench, also comprising Justice S K Kaul, later asked Sibal and advocate Prashant Bhushan to "come back tomorrow". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Six persons, including two Rifle Factory Ishapore (RFI) officials, were arrested by the Kolkata Police from the Babughat area here for their alleged involvement in smuggling arms to Maoists, an official said today. The arrests were made by the police's Special Task Force (STF) and seven revolvers, one carbine and 10 rounds of ammunition were seized from them, police said. Kolkata Police, Deputy Commissioner, STF, Murli Dhar said acting on a tip-off, a team laid a trap at the Babughat area, near the Hoogly river, last evening and caught four men with the arms. The officer said the STF arrested alleged arms smugglers Ajay Kumar Pandey and Jayasankar Pandey from Bihar's Nalanda district and Umesh Roy and Kartik Shaw of Ichchapur in West Bengal's North-24 Parganas district. Dhar said after interrogation of Ajay and Jayasankar, STF sleuths arrested RFI junior works managers Sushanta Basu and Sukhda Murmu from their Nawapara residences in the North 24 Parganas district. They were arrested late last night for allegedly supplying the revolvers to them, he added. "Based on the information by our source about a possible arms deal in the city, we had laid a trap and arrested four people from the Babughat area last evening," Dhar said. Preliminary investigation revealed that the arms were smuggled out of the Ichapur Rifle Factory with the help of its two officers, he said. Elaborating on their modus operandi, the STF officer said the racket was probably active since 2008 and were supplying arms and ammunitions to Maoists in Bihar. "They (the arrested) used to smuggle out parts of the arms scrapped by the rifle factory and these smugglers used to mend and sell them to Maoists in Bihar," he said Sleuths are also probing whether they had supplied arms to insurgent groups in Nepal, the officer said. "Ajoy and Jayasankar have admitted that they had smuggled out 16 Insas rifle and several SLRs a couple of years ago and had sold them to Maoists in Bihar," he said. The STF has slapped charges of criminal conspiracy and habitually dealing in stolen property along with the Arms Act against the accused, he added. The Kolkata Police STF had in September last year arrested a junior works manager of RFI for allegedly smuggling parts of SLRs and Insas rifles out of the factory and selling them to illegal arms manufacturers. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Revenue Intelligence Directorate today seized gold weighing more than 5 kg from three NRIs at the Biju Patnaik International Airport here, official sources said. The market value of the seized gold is an estimated Rs 1.82 crore and was being carried in their footwear. The trio had arrived in an Air Asia flight from Kuala Lumpur this morning and has been detained for interrogation, an airport official said. The sleuths intercepted them following a tip-off, the official said adding "Their behaviour triggered suspicion following which we frisked them and detected the gold." On May 4, the customs officials had seized 300 grams of gold worth Rs 9 lakh was seized from a Chennai-based passenger on his arrival here from Malaysia. On April 22, a NRI woman was detained by customs personnel for allegedly carrying illegal gold worth Rs 17 lakh. The woman, who had arrived in the city airport from Bangkok, was travelling on a Thai passport. Silver-coated gold chains and bangles were also recovered from her possession. Similar incidents were reported earlier too. On April 9, the officials seized 700 grams of gold that was being smuggled inside a mixer grinder being carried by a passenger from Dubai. The yellow mental weighing 180 gram worth Rs 5.66 lakh was seized on April 1. On March 28 three gold bars and 143 gold rings worth over Rs 12 lakh was seized from two passengers hailing from Maharashtra. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Security officials in Afghanistan are working with local tribal elders to trace the seven Indian engineers abducted by the Taliban gunmen in the restive northern Baghlan province, media reports said today. Provincial police spokesman Zabiullah Shuja said the Indian engineers of KEC International, an RPG group company, were working on a project for the construction of a power sub-station. They were abducted by the militants from the vicinity of Cheshma-e-Sher area yesterday while they were travelling to inspect the work progress. Shuja said the Afghan driver of the engineers is also missing and an operation is underway for their release, according to media reports. The security officials in the province said efforts are underway by the Afghan forces and the government officials as well as the local tribal elders for the release of the Indian engineers. Provincial governor Abdul Nemati said the security forces and the local officials are busy tracking the missing engineers and their driver. He said apart from the security forces and the government officials, the local tribal elders have also stepped up efforts for the release of the Indian nationals. Nemati assured that the missing Indian engineers and their driver will be released soon. Baghlan Governor had yesterday said the terror group had abducted the Indian engineers and their driver, believing they were government employees. No group has, however, claimed responsibility for the abduction. The External Affairs Ministry had said in New Delhi it is in touch with authorities in Afghanistan. Many of the earlier abductions in the war-torn country have been linked to Taliban. In 2016, 40-year-old Indian aid worker Judith D'Souza was kidnapped in Kabul. She was released after 40 days. India has provided at least USD 2 billion aid to Afghanistan for the economic development of the war-torn nation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A smartphone-based artificial intelligence (AI) system may help remotely manage aqua farms by monitoring water and temperature conditions through sensors and automatically taking preventive measures. Demonstrated by a multi-national start-up cFog in Andhra Pradesh, the solar powered system could revolutionise the decades-old practice of shrimp farming by allowing farmers to manage their ponds using smartphones. Aqua farming is a collective term used for the practice of raising fish, shrimps or prawns in artificial ponds. To ensure maximum yield, levels of dissolved oxygen, ammonia, pH and temperature need to be constantly monitored. At present, farmers collect water samples and take it to nearby laboratories for testing. "These tests are not accurate. The moment we take water samples in a container, the dissolved oxygen level becomes different from that in the pond," said Sriram Pulagham, who owns a shrimp farm in Anakoderu, a village in Andhra Pradesh's West Godavari district. "As for ammonia, the levels might increase by the time we get the lab test results. It would mean that the shrimps are exposed to high ammonia levels for days. By the time we take any action, it is too late," Pulagham, an engineering graduate, told PTI. The new system costs 75,000 rupees and is equipped with sensors which can constantly monitor the water parameters and alert the farmer through a smartphone app in case of any fluctuations. The device can automate aerators and feeders across multiple ponds, reducing energy bills as well as manual labour required to manage the farm, the company said. "We give farmers the power to remotely monitor how their pond is performing with parameters of dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonia and temperature," said Mukul Kapoor, Vice President of Business Development at cFog, the start-up that created the system. "The farm then becomes completely automated. If oxygen levels go down in the middle of the night, the aerators automatically switch on," said Kapoor. The data collected by the devices can also be used to train machine learning algorithms that would eventually be able to predict the risks of infections and diseases in the shrimps, based on weather patterns and changing water parameters, he said. The start-up has collaborated with industry experts and research scientists who can help farmers take the right actions based on the conditions of their ponds in real time. The business of aqua farming, according to Kapoor, involves huge investments and operational costs. Although the turnover is huge - ranging from 20 lakh rupees to a crore - depending on the size of the farm, the risk of losing the harvest is very high. Even small human errors and variation in conditions can cause farmers to lose lakhs of rupees. "This makes traditional farmers extremely superstitious and sceptical of new technologies," Abhiram Natarajan, from the Bangalore-based NGO 1M1B, told PTI. The organisation works towards solving grass-root level issues of rural areas by connecting them to relevant start-ups, creating new jobs for the locals and helping budding entrepreneurs gain access to larger markets. "These farmers do not let strangers near their ponds. They even believe that if girls on their periods go near the water, the shrimps will die," Natarajan said. "We have seen that the farmers have been keeping the aerators switched on for up to 20 hours in a day. It's a waste of electricity or fuel they use, and involves huge operational costs," said Kapoor. "In some of our case studies we found that the dissolved oxygen levels were more than adequate and farmers did not have to run aerators for more than 6-7 hours," he said. Natarajan, along with a group of college-level interns, are working to raise awareness among farmers about existing technologies that could help them make their farms 'smarter' and safeguard their investments. "The problem is to make this technology reach the deep roots of rural India, where creating awareness about new products is not as easy as it is in tier I or tier II cities. First, language is barrier. Making them understand the technology is another issue," said Kapoor. Through a collaboration with 1M1B, cFog is not only able to deliver their technology to those in need, it has also helped create full time jobs for educated villagers and internship opportunities for local college students. The team is working closely with farmers to demonstrate the technology. Many of the farmers have already shown interest in installing it on their farms. The start-up expects to start installing the device in aqua farms over the next few months. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Air France shares went into a tailspin on the Paris stock exchange today after the resignation of the strike-hit company's CEO. Air France-KLM boss Jean-Marc Janaillac announced his resignation Friday after staff at the carrier's French operations rejected a pay deal aimed at ending months of walkouts. Janaillac, who had been in the post for under two years and staked his future at the company on staff accepting the deal, deplored their decision as a "huge waste". In early bourse business Air France stock was down nearly 13 percent at 7.08 euros. Staff and management at the carrier have been locked in a dispute over pay since February. Intermittent strikes in recent weeks have prompted the cancellation of a quarter of flights on average. Unionised staff are set to walk out for the 14th day on Monday as they press for a 5.1-per cent salary increase this year as the company recovers from years of losses and restructuring. France's economy minister yesterday warned that the survival of Air France was now in the balance. "I call on everyone to be responsible: crew, ground staff, and pilots who are asking for unjustified pay hikes," Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire told the BFM channel. "Be responsible. The survival of Air France is in the balance," he added. He warned that the state, which owns 14.3 percent of the group, would not serve as a backstop. "Air France will disappear if it does not make the necessary efforts to be competitive," he warned. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The annual examinations of the Aligarh Muslim University will now commence from May 12, according to Vice Chancellor Prof Tariq Mansoor. The examinations were earlier scheduled to begin from May 7, but were postponed following the ongoing students protest on the campus. Prof Mansoor told PTI that the University has taken this decision in view of the improvement in the law and order situation in the campus. He said the University had initiated a number of steps for the return of normalcy which primarily centred on the addressal of all genuine demands of students pertaining to Wednesday's violence on the campus. He said a-16 member coordination committee of senior faculty members had been formed to help in engaging protesting students and understanding their problems. The committee will have Prof Jamshed Siddiqui, Dean Students Welfare and will include the President of the AMU Teachers Association. He said there were no proposal for closing the University sine die as the situation at this stage does not warrant it even as he urged students to come forward and help in the process of normalcy and peace on the campus. Prof Mansoor said the University had "no intention of further delaying the examination schedule" as any such move will jeopardise the career prospects of a large number of students. He said University authorities were in constant touch with district authorities and holding regular talks with protesting students so as to "chalk out a roadmap for complete normalcy". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two youths wanted in connection with the violence in the Aligarh Muslim University on May 2 have been arrested by the police for allegedly trying to breach peace and posting inflammatory material on social media. Amit Goswami and Yogesh Varshney, former city president of Hindu Yuva Vahini, were arrested late yesterday and sent to jail, police said. According to the SO, Civil Lines, Javed Khan, they were arrested under sections 147 (rioting), 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on ground of religion) of IPC. According to the police, after the AMU campus violence, the duo had allegedly posted objectionable material on social media which had led to temporary suspension of Internet service in the city. Meanwhile, security arrangements in the city have been further tightened since yesterday evening after some youths took out a procession on motorcycles in sensitive areas and later made an abortive attempt to take out a procession from the Varshney Degree College to vent their anger against the AMU for displaying a picture of Mohammad Ali Jinnah. IG, Aligarh Zone, Dr Sanjeev Gupta told PTI that two youths arrested yesterday were also active in yesterday's attempts to disturb peace in the old city. Gupta said precautionary measures have been enforced and police patrolling in all sensitive areas intensified. Yesterday afternoon, Shahar Mufti and Maulana Khalid Hameed had informed police that the presence of such slogan-shouting youths could push the city to an edge if the situation is not controlled immediately. Former Congress MP Chaudhary Bijendra Singh has urged district authorities to take preventive action against anyone who tries to breach the peace of the city. He has also asked the district magistrate to immediately institute an inquiry into yesterday's incident in which some youths pasted Jinnah's photographs in the toilets at Dharam Samaj Degree College. He has also asked district magistrate as to how a portrait belonging to AMU founder, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, which was installed in the hall of PWD guest house in Khair, was allegedly removed and replaced by a portrait of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is reported that the PWD guest house at Khair had portraits of prominent historical personalities belonging to Aligarh city. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) today postponed annual examinations in view of the ongoing protests on the campus even as two youths wanted in connection with the violence in the varsity on May 2 were arrested by the police. The annual examinations will now commence from May 12 and not today as scheduled earlier, AMU Vice Chancellor Prof Tariq Mansoor told PTI. Prof Mansoor said the university had no intention of further delaying the examination schedule as any such move will jeopardise the career prospects of a large number of students. He said the situation had improved and urged students to come forward and help in ensuring peace on the campus. He said the University has initiated a number of steps for the return of normalcy which primarily centred on addressing the genuine demands of students pertaining to Wednesday's violence. A 16-member coordination committee of senior faculty members was formed to help in engaging protesting students and understanding their problems. University authorities were in constant touch with district authorities and holding regular talks with protesting students to "chalk out a roadmap for complete normalcy", he said. Meanwhile, two persons - Amit Goswami and Yogesh Varshney, a former city president of Hindu Yuva Vahini - were arrested late yesterday in connection with the violence in AMU on May 2 and sent to custody, police said. They allegedly tried to breach peace by posting inflammatory material on social media, prompting the administration to temporarily suspened internet service in the city. Security arrangements in the city were tightened since yesterday evening after some youths took out a procession on motorcycles in sensitive areas and later made an abortive attempt to take out a procession from the Varshney Degree College to vent their anger against the AMU for displaying a picture of Mohammad Ali Jinnah. IG, Aligarh Zone, Dr Sanjeev Gupta told PTI that precautionary measures had been enforced and patrolling in all sensitive areas intensified. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court today declined to grant any interim relief on an appeal against a high court order dismissing pleas challenging the appointment of 11 parliamentary secretaries by the Raman Singh-led BJP government in Chhattisgarh. However, a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, issued notice on the appeal to the Chhattisgarh government and the parliamentary secretaries appointed by it and sought their responses. The Chhattisgarh government had appointed 11 MLAs as parliamentary secretaries and granted them a status equivalent to state ministers. BJP MLAs Ambesh Jangde, Labhchand Bafna, Lakhanlal Dewangan, Motiram Chandrvanshi, Rupkumari Chaudhary, Shivshankar Paikra, Suniti Rathiya, Tokhan Sahu, Champa Devi Pawale, Govardhan Singh Manjhi and Raju Singh Kshatri were appointed as parliamentary secretaries by the Chhattisgarh government. The Chhattisgarh government was represented by Advocate General Jugal Kishore Gilda ,who accepted notice on behalf of the state while arguing that there was no need to grant any interim relief and issuance of any notice to the Chief Minister. Senior advocate Sanjay Hegde and lawyer Pukhrambam Ramesh Kumar, who appeared for petitioner Rakesh Choubey, said the high court had failed to assess how the appointments were made when neither any provision of the Constitution, nor any statutory enactment allowed such appointments beyond a particular limit. Hegde said there was neither any executive instruction, nor any subordinate or delegated legislation which empowered the state government to appoint Parliamentary Secretaries. He also claimed that the entire exercise was with an "intention to acclimatise" those legislators who could not be accommodated with a berth in the Council of Ministers due to constitutional limitations. "Such appointments made purely to satisfy party-political ego without any legal sanction and against the Constitution mandate is ultra vires to the very fabric of the Constitution. Therefore, an arbitrary action like this, which goes against the very letter and spirit of the Constitution, cannot be encouraged and must be repressed to uphold the Rule of Law," he said. The petition also alleged that the Parliamentary Secretaries are "in fact the agents of the Government" and thus while "being political executives", have access to the state exchequer and were free to spend the tax money as per their discretion. "If Executive or Legislature were allowed to exercise powers free of all limitation of law, it would suffer from the element of arbitrariness or patent discrimination, which is impermissible under basic rule of law. "Therefore the appointment is invalid for want of legal sanction of the post by a competent authority, thus warrants to be set aside as being blatantly arbitrary and therefore violative of the basic structure of the Constitution of India," the plea added. The Chhattisgarh High Court had on April 13 dismissed petitions challenging the appointment of 11 parliamentary secretaries by the Raman Singh government. The HC had maintained its interim order of August last year that the parliamentary secretaries will not be entitled to power and facilities at par with ministers and dismissed the petitions. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Global steel giant ArcelorMittal today said it has received a go-ahead from the European Commission (EC) to acquire Italian steelmaker Ilva. The approval is a significant milestone in the transaction to acquire loss-making Ilva and represents a major step towards closing the deal, which is now expected to occur as soon as possible, the company said in a statement. "ArcelorMittal (the company) announces that it has been granted merger clearance by the EC for AM Investco Italy Srl (AM Investco)'s proposed acquisition of Ilva S p A (Ilva)," it said. EC's merger clearance follows the conclusion of the Commission's Phase II investigation into the proposed acquisition, it added. In November last, European Union's anti-trust authorities had opened an investigation into ArcelorMittal's bid to buy Ilva. ArcelorMittal had earlier said Ilva would be an important strategic acquisition, offering a significant presence in a country where it has no primary steelmaking capacity. L N Mittal-led ArcelorMittal has also bid for debt-laden Essar Steel, one of the 12 stressed assets identified by RBI, in an insolvency process. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The BJP will walk the extra mile to retain both Kairana Lok Sabha and Noorpur Assembly seats to send a message to voters, cadres as well as the opposition that the drubbing in the Gorakhpur and Phulpur bypolls was a thing of the past, a party leader said today. "We have pulled up our socks. We will go the extra mile to ensure victory of our candidates. The confusion arising out of opposition's political manipulations will lead to its defeat and the BJP will emerge victorious with people's support," state BJP general secretary Vijay Bahadur Pathak, in charge of party affairs in western Uttar Pradesh, told PTI. Both the bypolls later this month are crucial for the ruling BJP as well as opposition parties as they may set the tone for the 2019 parliamentary elections. Opposition parties, especially the Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Lok Dal and the Congress, are perceiving this as another opportunity to send a signal to the voters that the saffron fortress had been breached. RLD has fielded Tabassum Begam, who is likely to emerge as a joint candidate of the opposition, to take on the BJP in Kairana. A former BSP MP from Kairana, Begum (47), who later joined the SP, is a popular face in the Jat-dominated constituency, around 100 kilometers from New Delhi. Drumming up support for the BJP in Kairana, UP minister Suresh Rana today claimed that people in Kairana are experiencing an "atmosphere of peace" thanks to the improvement in the law and order situation after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assumed office. "The biggest problem, which areas like Kairana and Noorpur witnessed in the last 15 years, was law and order. Girls had stopped going to the schools. Everyday instances of molestation, rape, extortion and other crimes were reported. And owing to these, there was an exodus of people in large number from Kairana," Rana told PTI. The main reason for the exodus was the patronage provided by the then government to the criminal elements, he claimed. "However, I would like to congratulate the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, which, in a span of 13 months was able to provide an atmosphere of peace to Kairana which was facing exodus due to the activities of criminals," Rana said. The minister said that some families which had fled Kairana had come back and some, which had businesses in the area have expressed a desire to return. Citing an example, the UP minister claimed that today even at 2 AM people can roam around freely without having the slightest worry of being attacked by any criminal. "It was indeed a very happy moment for me, when I saw a video of a Muslim man who said the atmosphere in Kairana now is such that even if a person walks with a bundle currency notes, no one is going to touch it," he said. The 47-year-old BJP minister, who represents Thana Bhawan constituency in UP Legislative Assembly, said Kairana was a predominantly agricultural area and the purchase of wheat and paddy and the assurance of the state government that sugar mills will continue to operate had generated confidence among the people. Hitting out at the rival political parties, Rana said, "They want to counter the development saga of the BJP with their caste arithmetic and politics, which they had been doing for the past many years. And, in the last 13 months, development is visible on the ground." Asked about the Gorakhpur and Phoolpur debacles, the minister said, "I belong to Thana Bhawan (under Kairana Lok Sabha seat) in Shamli district. The biggest priority for the people there was proper law and order, which was earlier missing". In the last 13 months, they have experienced an atmosphere of peace, he said adding the biggest poll issue this time will be the improvement in law and order. "And it is because of this, the alliance of communities and caste equations of SP and BSP have been broken," he said. Asked whether the party was complacent during parliamentary bypolls to Gorakhpur and Phoolpur, Rana said, "The organisation was not at all lethargic or complacent. There was a feeling that we will win easily, and hence there was a feeling of extra positivity. But after the results of Gorakhpur and Phoolpur, we have taken this as a challenge." The biggest thing is that in the UP Investors Summit (held in Lucknow), an investment of around Rs 300 crore was promised in Kandela industrial area, located almost six kilometres from Kairana, he said. The Kairana Lok Sabha seat fell vacant due to the death of BJP MP Hukum Singh in February, while the bye-poll to the Noorpur Assembly seat was necessitated due to the death of sitting BJP MLA Lokendra Singh Chauhan in a road accident the same month. Voting in the bypolls for Kairana and Noorpur seats will be held on May 28. The counting of votes for both the constituencies will take place on May 31. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taking strong exception to his Haryana counterpart Manohar Lal Khattar's statement that namaz should be restricted to mosques, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today said it seems the BJP is trying to communalise the atmosphere of the country. India is a Republic governed by a Constitution and neither Khattar nor anyone else has the right to dictate where people should or should not hold prayers, he said at a press conference here. Flaying the Haryana chief minister for his remarks, Singh said the BJP, it seems is out to polarise the society on religious lines to garner votes. In the wake of alleged disruptions to namaz by right-wing groups at multiple locations in Gurgaon, Khattar had yesterday said such congregations should be restricted to mosques, eidgahs or private places. On the transfer of the rape-murder case of an 8-year-old girl from Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua to Pathankot in Punjab on the directive of the Supreme Court, he said his government would ensure full security to the victim's family, lawyer and others during the trial proceedings. The state government is committed to upholding the judicial process as per the apex court's directives, the chief minister said. To a question on the registration of an FIR by the Shahkot SHO against the Congress candidate for the upcoming Shahkot bypoll, Singh said it was part of a political conspiracy. He also urged the Election Commission (EC) to probe the matter and examine the role of the station house officer (SHO) as well as politicians involved in it. The SHO is upset over his earlier transfer from Jalandhar district and is in touch with AAP's Sukhpal Singh Khaira and SAD's Daljit Cheema, the chief minister alleged, adding that the FIR against Hardev Singh Laddi appeared to be a fallout of the same. Singh pointed out that the EC had merely asked the police to conduct an inquiry into a complaint against Laddi, but the SHO acted in unprecedented haste in registering the FIR. The chief minister, in response to a query, ruled out any action against SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia or anyone else till there was sufficient evidence against them of their involvement in the drugs trade. The matter is being examined by the Enforcement Directorate and the high court is overseeing it, he said. The Special Task Force (STF) on drugs is doing a great job and has already apprehended over 15,000 drug peddlers in the state, Singh said. Big drug dealers have run away from the country and would be nabbed soon, the chief minister said, adding that a big drugs dealer has been arrested by the Hong Kong Police and the Punjab government would be seeking his extradition. To a question on his government's affidavit in Supreme Court in a road rage case against minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, Singh reiterated that they could not have backtracked from the stand it had taken earlier in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He said personally he was in complete support of Sidhu and hoped that the court would take into account his great contribution to the country while deciding his case. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A court here today adjourned till July 17 the hearing on Bollywood actor Salman Khan's plea challenging the trial court order sentencing him to a five-year jail term in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. Fifty-two-year-old Khan appeared before the judge today in compliance with the directions given by the court on April 7 while granting bail. District and Sessions Judge Chandra Kumar Songara adjourned the hearing after the defence counsel Mahesh Bora sought time to begin arguments. Khan was released from the Jodhpur jail, where he spent two nights, on April 7 after then District and Sessions Judge Ravindra Kumar Joshi here granted him bail in the case. In a late evening order on April 6, Joshi was transferred to Sirohi as part of a reshuffle carried out by the Rajasthan High Court. He was replaced by Songara. In his order granting bail, Joshi had allowed Khan's application for suspension of sentence for a month against his conviction. The judge had asked the actor to appear before the court after a month on May 7 when it would hear his plea for suspension of sentence. He also directed Khan not to leave the country without the court's permission. Chief Judicial Magistrate Dev Kumar Khatri had on April 5 sentenced Khan to five years in prison for killing two blackbucks during the shooting of "Hum Saath Saath Hain" in Kankani village near Jodhpur on the night of October 1, 1998. The trial court had acquitted his Bollywood colleagues Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Neelam and Sonali Bendre and a local, Dushyant Singh, giving them the "benefit of doubt" for the incident. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Traders' body CAIT today said it seeks Commerce & Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu's intervention in the proposed USD 12-billion Flipkart-Walmart deal, saying the alliance will ?encourage? malpractices and predatory pricing in e-commerce. In a letter to Prabhu, Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said the sale of Flipkart's? Singapore holding company should not be allowed ?till the time the government frames an e-commerce policy. The traders' body argued that the government should make it mandatory that such deals can take place only when 75 per cent of the sellers on an e-platform give their assent since they would be the worst sufferers. "In order to ensure free and fair e-commerce business in the country, we suggest that a policy for e-commerce should be finalised at an early date in consultation with all stakeholders including the trading community," CAIT said. Moreover, it claimed that such a deal will ?encourage malpractices, loss funding and predatory pricing in e-commerce? in the absence of any monitoring mechanism and create an uneven level playing field where offline and online traders will be unable to compete. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The tax department has notified the amendments to Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)between India and Kuwait, which enables sharing of information with other law enforcement agencies. India and Kuwait had on June 15, 2006, signed an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation and for the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income. Both the countries had later on January 15, 2017, signed a protocol to amend the tax treaty. "The protocol updates the provisions in the DTAA for exchange of information as per international standards. Further, the Protocol enables sharing of the information received from Kuwait for tax purposes with other law enforcement agencies with authorisation of the competent authority of Kuwait and vice versa," the tax department said in a statement. The protocol was notified on May 4, 2018. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Centre has decided to dispatch 200 central paramilitary commandos to guard over six high-security jails in Punjab which house dreaded criminals including Khalistani militants, amid reports of re-emergence of extremism in the state. Officials said the Union home ministry has sanctioned 200 CISF personnel to be deployed at the jails in Patiala, Ludhiana, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, Bathinda, Amritsar and Nabha prisons. They said the proposal came after Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh last month met Home Minister Rajnath Singh and requested for a special contingent of paramilitary forces for his state. The two companies (about 200 personnel) of the CISF will soon be sent to Punjab and the state will deploy them in chosen jails as per their requirement, they said. The ministry has also asked the CISF to depute a team of special officers who will survey the prisons so that the CISF deployment can be made permanent. At present they will be deployed on a temporary duty pattern but it is expected that this task will be regularised soon, they said. The Punjab chief minister during his meeting with Rajnath Singh had urged him to prepare a comprehensive strategy to deal with the "re-emergence of extremism" in the state, amid reports that Sikh youths were being trained at ISI facilities in Pakistan. He had also apprised the Union home minister of the law and order situation in Punjab, including issues related to attempts to create disturbance in the state through targeted killings. The Central Industrial Security Force is tasked to guard vital installations in the aerospace and nuclear domain in the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan today expressed hope that the Supreme Court "will not dilute" the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and said the Centre would take the ordinance route to ensure that there was no change in the legislation. "The government is committed (for the welfare of SC/ST) and we hope the Supreme Court will not dilute the SC/ST Act and what is in the Act will remain," Paswan said. "If there will be any dilution, then government will bring ordinance and we will see that nothing is changed," the Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister told reporters after participating in a review meeting with officials of the Food Corporation of India here. The apex court had on March 20 said that on "several occasions", innocent citizens were being termed as accused and public servants deterred from performing their duties, which was never the intention of the legislature while enacting the SC/ST Act. Several north Indian states were rocked by widespread violence and clashes following a 'Bharat Bandh' call given by many Dalit organisations protesting the top court's March 20 order. Eight persons were killed in the clashes. The Centre had moved the apex court on April 2 seeking review of its judgement by which safeguards were put on the provisions for immediate arrest under the SC/ST Act. But the court refused to keep its March 20 verdict in abeyance till it decided the Centre's review petition. The next hearing on the Centre's review petition is scheduled on May 16. Paswan said suggestions on safeguards against arrest was made by the Mayawati-led BSP government in Uttar Pradesh in 2007. The then UP government had issued an order that FIR cannot be lodged unless a police authority recommended, following reports of misuse of the SC/ST Act, he claimed. Paswan said, more 'offences' have been included in the SC/ST Act after the NDA government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi took over in 2014. The government could opt for the ordinance route also on the issue of reservation in promotion for SC/ST, he said. At present, there was a court case in this regard, he added. Earlier, Paswan held a meeting with officials of FCI and reviewed its functioning. He also held discussions with Tamil Nadu government officials over the implementation of the National Food Security Act. On the NEET issue, Paswan said that he has taken up with the Union Ministry for Human Resource Development, the issue of allotment of centres in other states for some of the candidates. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China has dismissed White House criticism of its demand that foreign airlines not refer to self-ruled Taiwan as a country, saying companies operating in China must respect its sovereignty. "Whatever the US says will never change the objective fact that there is only one China in the world and the Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan regions are an inalienable part of China's territory," Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in a statement Sunday posted online. "Foreign enterprises operating in China should respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, abide by China's law and respect the national sentiment of the Chinese people," Geng said. Unlike self-ruled Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau are Chinese territories operating with some degree of autonomy. Taiwan's independence-leaning president, Tsai Ing-wen, weighed in with a tweet, saying, "We call on all businesses to resist #China's efforts to mischaracterize #Taiwan." The government of Chinese President Xi Jinping has been increasingly assertive about its claims to Taiwan, which it has threatened to invade to bring under its control. Delta Air Lines, hotel operator Marriott, fashion brand Zara and other companies have apologized to China for referring to Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Tibet as countries on websites or promotional material. The White House on Saturday condemned China's efforts to control how U.S. airlines refer to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, saying the push to make them comply with Chinese standards is "Orwellian nonsense." China's Civil Aviation Administration has demanded the change from 36 foreign airlines, including some American carriers, according to the White House. President Donald Trump will "stand up for Americans resisting efforts by the Chinese Communist Party to impose Chinese political correctness on American companies and citizens," press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement. "This is Orwellian nonsense and part of a growing trend by the Chinese Communist Party to impose its political views on American citizens and private companies," Sanders said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump today said his nominee for the post of CIA director Gina Haspel has come under fire from Democratic opponents because she is tough on terrorists. The nomination of Haspel, who has served in the CIA for more than three decades, is being bitterly opposed by Democratic lawmakers who alleg that she was involved in various clandestine CIA torture programmes. Her confirmation hearing by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence has been scheduled for Wednesday, ahead of which she reportedly sought to withdraw her name from the nomination process, media reports said, though Trump is against her withdrawal. "My highly respected nominee for CIA Director, Gina Haspel, has come under fire because she was too tough on terrorists. Think of that, in these very dangerous times, we have the most qualified person, a woman, who Democrats want OUT because she is too tough on terror. Win Gina!" Trump said in a tweet this morning. In a series of tweets, Trump also accused his opponents of a witch hunt over his alleged collusion with Russia in the 2016 presidential election. "The Russia Witch Hunt is rapidly losing credibility. House Intelligence Committee found no collusion, coordination or anything else with Russia. So now the probe says OK, what else is there? How about obstruction for a made up, phony crime. There is no O, it's called fighting back," he said. Trump said the "13 Angry Democrats" in charge of the "Russian witch hunt" are starting to find out that there is a court system in place that actually protects people from injustice. "And just wait till the courts get to see your unrevealed conflicts of interest," he said. "Is this phony witch hunt going to go on even longer so it wrongfully impacts the mid-term elections, which is what the Democrats always intended? Republicans better get tough and smart before it is too late!" tweeted the US president, adding that the country needs to get back to business. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The commerce ministry has decided to formulate a comprehensive action plan to boost India's trade with Africa which is "relatively" small at present, Union Minister Suresh Prabhu said. A series of engagements have been lined up in different parts of Africa to discuss ways to promote trade and investments between the two regions, he said. "As part of our strategy to explore new markets, we are constantly engaging with Africa where there is huge scope for exports...We have decided to prepare an action plan to boost exports and imports from Africa," the commerce and industry minister told PTI. To strengthen the dialogue on trade and investments, "we have divided them in five parts - east, west, north, south and central", Prabhu said. Deliberations have been completed in the eastern part and soon similar engagements would be organised in places including Algeria and Nigeria, he added. "The idea is to discover new markets. We are meeting them regularly... Trade is relatively very small with Africa," Prabhu said. With India's exports growing at a relatively slower rate, Africa holds huge potential to boost exports. According to experts, India needs to take more steps to increase cooperation with the continent in various areas including services. "India has lot of prospects in Africa. We need to increase our engagement with the continent. We have not yet exploited that fully as compared to China, which has huge presence," said Biswajit Dhar, a professor of economics at Jawaharlal Nehru University. Prabhu has earlier pitched for a free trade agreement with Africa to boost economic ties between the two regions. The commerce between India and the African countries is about USD 52 billion currently. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP President Amit Shah today alleged that fearing defeat, the Congress has colluded with "anti-national" SDPI and PFI in the Karnatkaa assembly polls. He said the BJP and RSS lost their 24 workers in the last four years but the Siddaramaiah government "did not arrest the murderers." Shah said once the BJP comes to power, it will send every culprit behind the bar even if they were hiding in the remotest corner of the world. "Fearing defeat, the Congress government is sitting with the anti-national forces. They aren't ashamed to take the support of PFI and SDPI. JD-S has taken the support of (AIMIM chief Asaduddin) Owaisi," said Shah at an election rally in Nargund. TheSocial Democratic Party of India (SDPI) is the political wing of Islamic outfit Popular Front of India (PFI). Referring to the Mahadayi river water issue involving Karnataka and Goa, Shah said the river water would flow into the taps of every house and every field in North Karnataka within six months of his party coming to power. Calling the Congress government 'anti-farmer', he said the 'ego' of chief minister Siddaramaiah was responsible for blocking the Mahadayi river from flowing in the Mumbai-Karnataka region. "Congress is anti-farmer.I am asking you to form the BJP government here. Within six months we will bring the Mahadayi river water to entire Karnataka. Mahadayi river will flow intoyour taps and agriculture fields," he said. He accused the Siddaramaiah government of remaining unperturbed even in the face of farmers committing suicide. "The ego of Siddaramaiah government has bereaved the people of Mumbai-Karnataka region of Mahadayi river water. The chief minister of a state is in slumber where 3,500 farmers have committed suicide," Shah charged. The BJP president told the crowd that the BJP will waive loan up to Rs 1 lakh either of cooperative bank or the nationalised bank once it comes to power. He added that every field inKarnataka will get water as Rs 1.5 lakh would be invested on building irrigation infrastructure in the State. Taking a dig at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Shah said those who had no respect for 'Vande Mataram' and cannot stand for the national song will never do any good to the nation. He said Siddaramaiah has run away from Chamundeshwari to contest from Badami and cannot bail out Congress from the impending defeat, a reference to the chief minister contesting from two constituencies. The BJP chief said Gandhi knew his party's fate in the election. "Rahul Baba has accepted his defeat. That's why he has decided to go to Mansarovar after the election," said Shah. In the evening, Shah participated in a road show at Rajarajeshwari Nagar in Bengaluru where he sought public support for the party's nominee. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress is confident of winning more than 150 seats in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, due later this year, and the party would announce the names of candidates by September, newly-appointed president of the party's state unit, Kamal Nath, said today. The veteran leader maintained that he was not hungry for any post after the election and that his only aim was to serve the people of the state. The BJP-ruled state, which has a 230-member Assembly, is expected to go to the polls by the year-end. The Congress currently has 57 MLAs in the state. Nath said the Congress would launch its poll campaign on June 6 from Pipliya Mandi in Mandsaur district. "We are confident of winning more than 150 seats in the Assembly polls. We are conducting a survey to zero in on the winning candidates. We will announce their names by September," he told a press conference here. Nath was responding to a question on the BJP setting a target of winning 200-plus seats in the state, where the saffron outfit is in power since 2003. "The BJP had set a target of winning more than 150 seats in its strongest bastion, Gujarat. Everyone knows what happened there. They were reduced to less than 100 seats (in the 182-member Gujarat Assembly)," the former Union minister said. Asked whether the Congress would have a tie-up with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) or other parties in Madhya Pradesh, he evaded a direct reply and said to take on the BJP, the party would have state-specific alliances, based on the prevailing local political situation. Nath also evaded a directly reply when asked whether he and Madhya Pradesh Congress Campaign Committee chairman Jyotiraditya Scindia would contest the Assembly polls. Nath and Scindia are currently Lok Sabha members from Chhindwara and Guna in the state respectively. "The party president will take a decision on it," Nath said. He said the party would give tickets to those who had the potential to win and would not go by any other consideration such as which group they belonged to. "That (group loyalty) would not be the criterion," Nath asserted as he sought to dispel suggestions that the opposition party was divided in different factions led by senior leaders like himself, Digvijay Singh, Scindia and Suresh Pachouri among others. The party would contest the polls by raising issues related to the farmers, youth, women and labourers, and also by highlighting the issue of corruption under the BJP rule, the Congress veteran said. It would not seek votes in the name of any individual, he added. Nath claimed that there was a high level of discontent among the people of Madhya Pradesh against the BJP government led by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. "I have not seen such a level of unrest among the people in my entire political career. People are feeling cheated and this time they will not tolerate them (BJP)," he said. Asked whether he would be the chief minister if the Congress came to power, Nath said, "I am not hungry for any post. I am only interested in securing the future of the people of the state." "I have taken (the responsibility in) Madhya Pradesh as a mission, the same way I had taken Chhindwara long ago and developed it. Chhindwara has the maximum number of skill development centres and a huge number of youth with jobs," he added. Nath said Congress president Rahul Gandhi would launch the party's poll campaign on June 6 from Pipliya Mandi in Mandsaur district. "I have invited Rahul Gandhi to launch the campaign from Pipliya Mandi to highlight the plight of farmers," he said. Six farmers were killed in police firing in Pipliya Mandi on June 6 last year. Asked why was he given the responsibility of the state at a time when the Assembly polls were just a few months away, Nath said he took a lot of time to make up his mind on taking up the new post. If the Congress came to power, it would provide relief to the people by reducing the prices of petrol and diesel, Nath said. "When the global price of crude is low, then why are the prices of petrol and diesel higher (in India) than Pakistan and other countries?" he wondered. After coming to power, the Congress would set up a "people's commission" to probe the corruption charges against the BJP leaders, Nath said, adding that the members of the public could also depose before it. Asked about his friendship with the chief minister, the Congress leader said he had many friends, including Chouhan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Journalist Upendra Rai, arrested for his alleged involvement in dubious financial transactions, would remain in CBI custody for two more days, with a Delhi court today extending his remand. Special CBI Judge Santosh Snehi Mann extended the custody of Rai, who was produced before the court on the expiry of his three-day CBI remand, after the agency said he was non-cooperative and evasive in his replies. Public prosecutor Manoj Shukla, while seeking a seven-day remand, said some secretive and sensitive documents were recovered from him which were not supposed to be in the possession of a common man. He needs to be interrogated regarding procurement of these documents, the CBI's counsel said, adding that several new facts have come to light during the last three days which were to be probed. Rai's counsel said there was no fresh ground for seeking extension of his custody as all documents were already in public domain and have been recovered from his possession. The CBI had on May 3 arrested the Delhi-based scribe for allegedly indulging in dubious financial transactions and getting an airport access pass made by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) by furnishing false information. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A city court today directed the Delhi Police to register an FIR against Aam Aadmi Party leader Ashutosh for allegedly making "vulgar" statements against Mahatma Gandhi and former prime ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Jawaharlal Nehru in a blog in 2016. The court's direction came on a complaint seeking lodging of an FIR against Ashutosh for writing a blog with serious allegations against the former leaders to defend an ex-AAP MLA, whose name had cropped up in a sex scandal. "Easy for attention seeker to stand and point finger towards Mahatma, difficult even for patriotic preacher to rise and achieve greatness like Mahatma," Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Ekta Gauba observed. The magistrate said that journalist-turned-politician Ashutosh was trying to gain public attention by demeaning the image of Mahatma Gandhi and corrupting the mind of the youngsters. "Ashutosh Kumar has tried to gain public attention by tarnishing the revered image of Mahatma Gandhiji thereby demeaning his respect in the minds of the people to settle the political scores and made allegations, which tend to corrupt the mind of the readers including the younger generation, which in my view are cognisable offences. "Thus, I found that in the present case, prima facie there are sufficient grounds for the registration of FIR in the cognisable offences under sections 292 and 293 of the IPC. Hence, SHO, Begumpur is directed to register an FIR against respondent Ashutosh Kumar and to investigate the matter under the relevant provisions of law," the court said. The complaint lodged by one Yogender has sought an FIR against him under sections 292 (writing or drawing figure shall be deemed to be obscene if it is lascivious or appeals to the prurient interest or if its effect tend to deprave and corrupt persons, who are likely to read, see or hear the matter) and 293 (selling, distribution or circulation of obscene object to person under twenty years of age) of the IPC. In 2016, in a blog Ashutosh had defended a sacked AAP minister who was expelled from the party on charges of rape. Ashutosh had referred to the reported relationships of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru with women to defend Sandeep Kumar over an "objectionable" CD showing him in a compromising position with a woman. The court, while allowing the complaint, said, "Ashutosh Kumar has made specific and heinous imputations against Mahatma Gandhi. Not only are the allegations vulgar and obscene but are to the extent of imputing incest." It said the most heinous imputation of incest would "not only injure the reputation of the great man" but would also tend to corrupt the minds of the people, besides degrading the moral standards of all readers of the said article. It further said that the act of the AAP leader cannot be covered under freedom of speech and expression. "It also falls within the provisions of Article 19(2) of the Constitution which bars the liberty of freedom of speech and expression on the ground of morality and hence, the speech/article given by Ashutosh could under no stretch of imagination be covered under article 19(1) (a) of the Constitution i.e. freedom of speech and expression," it said. The court also said the complainant has the locus standi to seek an FIR as Mahatma Gandhi is the Father of the Nation and anyone from India can lodge a complaint in such a matter. "Thus, any citizen, living anywhere in India from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Ahmedabad to Kolkata, can file a complaint case. So the complainant being a citizen of India has the locus standi to file the present complaint," the court said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A local CPI (M) leader was hacked to death tonight at nearby Palloor in Mahe, which borders Kannur district, police said. The incident occurred at around 9 pm. The deceased, Babu, was a local committee member of the CPI (M), they said. Police sources said though he was rushed to a hospital, his could not be saved. The Left party has alleged that the RSS and the BJP were behind the attack. The CPI (M) has called for a strike tomorrow in Kannur district and Mahe. The deceased was returning home when he was attacked, police said. Mahe, is situated between Thalassery in the politically volatile Kannur district and Vatakara in Kozhikode district. It is an enclave of UT Puducherry. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Garlic farmers in Madhya Pradesh are on a protest path, saying they are being forced to throw away the produce instead of selling it due to a sharp plunge in wholesale prices to as low as Re 1 per kg. Some blame the crash in prices to "a bumper crop" this season, coupled with limited buying interest from traders due to lack of liquid money available with them. The agitated farmers in Malwa, the largest garlic producing region in the state where assembly polls are due later this year, are also blaming the demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for their plight. They protested at the Shamgarh vegetable market in the neighbouring Mandsaur district yesterday over the plunging prices of garlic. MP is one of the leading producers of the key kitchen staple in the country. "The garlic producing farmers are unable to recover their input costs and therefore, they prefer to throw it away than selling it at the prevailing low rates of Re 1 to Rs 5 per kg," a cultivator from Darukheda village, Suryabhan Singh Bana, said today. The transportation costs and other expenses are making it unviable to sell the produce in mandis, farmers said. According to mandi sources, the garlic crop commanted a rate of Rs 50-80 per kg in the Neemuch vegetable market in January this year, but prices prices have been on a downward trend since then. In January last year the rate was Rs 30-50 per kg, while in November-December it was Rs 5-20 per kg. "Though the state government has inducted the garlic crop under the direct benefit transfer scheme, 'Bhavantar', farmers are not getting the adequate price for their produce which has resulted in a resentment," Madhya Pradesh Kisan Sabha chairman Jasvinder Singh said. He demanded that the government provide a minimum support price (MSP) for the entire crop produced by a farmer so that they get their due for the hard work. Bana said when he came to the Neemuch vegetable market yesterday to sell his "bumper garlic crop", he got just Rs 2 per kg for his produce, while on May 4 the garlic fetched a mere Re 1 per kg at the Shamgarh mandi in Mandsaur. "I don't have an option except to throw it (garlic crop) away," he lamented. Hardip Singh Dang, Congress MLA from Suvasra in Mandsaur district, said the farmers have been waiting in mandi for last four-five days to sell their produce but they have no option but to throw it away when the rates have come down to as low as Re 1 per kg. The agitated farmers also staged a protest before the Shamgarh mandi office over the issue, he said. A garlic trader in Neemuch, S Choudhry, blamed the "economic slowdown because of the GST and demonetisation" for the present crisis. He said Neemuch and Mandsaur are the largest garlic producing areas in the state, but there are only three processing industries there. "A majority of the crop goes to Gujarat's Mahuva area where maximum number of garlic processing plants are situated, but the units there are closing because of the economic slowdown as money has been stuck in the market," he claimed. When traders do not have money to buy a crop and there is a bumper production, the prices are bound to fall, he said. The BJP's Neemuch district media in-charge, Kamlesh Mantri, also said there is a "slowdown in garlic trade as a huge amount of money of traders was stuck in Gujarat which resulted in the current situation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A CRPF jawan was injured in a grenade attack by militants in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir today, police said. The ultras hurled a grenade at the security forces at Tahab in Pulwama district this afternoon, resulting in injuries to the jawan, a police spokesman said. He added that the injured jawan was taken to a hospital, where his condition was stated to be stable. Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a hunt for the militants. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Danish inventor found guilty of the murder of a Swedish journalist aboard his homemade submarine has appealed his life sentence but is not contesting the verdict, prosecutors said today. Peter Madsen "is found guilty in the murder of Kim Wall and has only appealed the length" of his life sentence, Simon Gosvig, spokesman for the Danish prosecutor's office, told AFP. A Copenhagen district court on April 25 sentenced the 47-year-old to a life sentence for murdering the 30-year-old journalist, chopping up her corpse and throwing her body parts into the sea in August last year. The eccentric inventor confessed to stuffing Wall's head, arms and legs into plastic bags, weighing them down with metal pipes before tossing them into the sea, but maintained throughout his trial that her death was accidental. The court, however, concluded the gruesome videos Madsen watched of women being beheaded and tortured and the fact that he brought a saw, plastic strips and a sharpened screwdriver on board just before the voyage with Wall were enough to find him guilty. Most observers had expected Madsen to appeal the verdict. The prosecutor's office said Madsen's bid for a milder sentence could not be interpreted as an admission of guilt. While a life sentence in Denmark averages around 16 years, Madsen could be held behind bars for as long as he lives if the life term is confirmed. Despite the testimony of many experts, the lack of tangible evidence in the case and the decomposed state of Wall's remains made it impossible to determine an exact cause of death. An autopsy report concluded she probably died as a result of suffocation or having her throat slit. Fourteen stab wounds and piercings were also found in and around her genital area. Madsen had argued that he stabbed her because he wanted to prevent gases from building up inside her body that would prevent it from sinking to the seabed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Civil Secretariat, the seat of the Jammu and Kashmir government, today opened here after functioning in winter capital for six months as part of the nearly 150-year-old practice known in the state as 'Darbar Move'. Besides the Civil Secretariat, the other move offices, including Raj Bhawan, police headquarters and several commissions opened here this morning. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti inspected the tradiitional guard of honour given to her by a police contingent at the Civil Sectretariat lawns. The practice of the 'Darbar Move' -- under which the state government functions in Jammu during six winter months and in Srinagar during summer -- was started by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1872 to escape extreme weather conditions in the two regions of the state. However, the practice was continued even after Independence with the aim of providing governance benefits to both the Kashmir and Jammu regions of the state for six months by turns. While Jammu and Srinagar cities benefit from this practice as the roads and other infrastructure get the basic minimum repairs done on annual basis, the 'Darbar Move' incurs expenditure of crores of rupees that could have been used for other productive activities every year. The practice involves moving voluminous files between Jammu and Srinagar and thousands of employees between the two cities in hundreds of buses and trucks. The employees who work in the move offices, as these offices are known in the state, get two weeks of free holidays and compensatory allowances twice every year. Several political parties have in the past demanded scrapping the practice and instead establishing permanent offices both at Jammu and Srinagar. Even the BJP, the coalition partner in the Jammu and Kashmir government with the PDP, called for abandoning the 'Darbar Move' practice last year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Condemning the violence on the Aligarh Muslim University campus, the Delhi chapter of the AMU Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) has demanded a time-bound judicial inquiry and immediate arrest of persons involved in the May 2 incident. In a meeting held here yesterday, the Delhi chapter of the alumni association also passed a resolution, to be submitted to President Ram Nath Kovind, with their demands. Violence broke out on the AMU campus on May 2 after a row over Muhammad Ali Jinnah's portrait on the campus triggered a right-wing protest. At least six persons were injured when police lobbed teargas shells to disperse AMU students, who demanded the arrest of the protesters who had earlier barged into the campus. The association is deeply aggrieved by the partisan role played by the Aligarh police and the brutal lathi-charge on AMU students who were protesting the police inaction. More than a dozen students were seriously injured, the Delhi chapter of AMUOBA, which was formed in 1973, said in a statement today. The association demands immediate arrest of those who tried to attack former Vice President Hamid Ansari and barged into the campus brandishing weapons and shouting provocative slogans, thereby leading to an extremely volatile situation. A time-bound judicial inquiry is also among the foremost demands. AMUOBA also demands action against the policemen who were complicit in what appears to be a coordinated and politically motivated attack on the university, it said. The Delhi chapter, an off shoot of the 1899-formed AMOUBA, also demanded that the cases against AMU students be withdrawn. The said demands must be met the soonest if the (Aligarh) district administration wants to restore the confidence of the AMU community in the administration and peace to prevail, the statement added. Amid a major protest by the students and boycott of academic activities, which has resulted in postponement of the examinations that were scheduled to begin today, the AMOUBA appealed to the Aligarh district as well as the AMU administration to ensure that academic activities and annual exams are resumed as soon as possible. We request the media, particularly the TV channels, to present the facts regarding AMU with fairness and without any bias, it requested, in the wake of purported video clips on social and broadcast media showing students raising slogans of Azadi' (freedom). The university officials as well as its former Vice Chancellor Lt Gen (retd) Zameer Uddin Shah have earlier clarified that that the slogans by students demanding azadi was freedom from right-wingers and unfair treatment. On May 5, the AMU Alumni Association of Maharashtra had also demanded judicial probe into the violence on the varsity campus and called for "strictest possible action" against the culprits. Meanwhile, security arrangements in Aligarh were stepped up last evening after some youths took out a procession on motorcycles in sensitive areas and later made an abortive attempt to take out a procession from the Varshney Degree College to vent their anger over the Jinnah portrait finding a place in the university. Two youths, including a former Hindu Yuva Vahini city unit chief, have been arrested in connection with the violence in the Aligarh Muslim University on May 2 for allegedly trying to breach peace and posting inflammatory material on social media, the police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Congress President Ajay Maken today alleged corruption in the city government's CCTV project and accused the AAP dispensation of trying to hush up a "scam" by blaming Lt Governor Anil Baijal for the delay in approval. The ruling AAP dismissed Maken's remarks as "frivolous" and accused the Delhi Congress of acting as the "B team" of the BJP. Speaking to reporters, Maken raised questions on the rise in cost of the project and the "dilution" of tender conditions. "When the CCTV project was given approval by cabinet in 2015, it just cost Rs 130 crore. This has been spiked to Rs 571.40 crore. Now, the minutes of Expenditure Finance Committee meeting, which is chaired by Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, say even before the project was approved by the competent authority, request for proposal (RFP) was invited and tenders were finalised by PWD," he said. Maken also alleged that the AAP government was evading scrutiny in the project by "planting stories attributing the delay to LG Anil Baijal approval". "The Kejriwal government is trying to hide all its negatives under the carpet by harping on the LG sitting on approvals. Now, it is trying to hush up a scam," he said. "In November 2017, the first tenders were issues and there were two companies who participated. Though one company won the bid, it was rejected and in January 2018, fresh tenders were issued after diluting the conditions. We want to know what are those conditions that has been diluted," Maken said, adding that tender documents pertaining to the project alone were "missing" from the government website. Referring to the minutes of First Expenditure Finance Committee meeting, Maken alleged, "Out of the entire project cost (Rs 571.40 crore) - 44 per cent of the funds have been channelised for maintenance. EFC minutes says that a detailed procedure for maintenance shall be chartered out, but it is yet to be done. When there are things pending, how was the tender given to a company for maintenance?" AAP Spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj in a series of tweets said, "Maken ji, I just fail to understand that CCTV tender has been won by lowest bidder which is a Central Govt PSU called BEL. Now how will any tender conditions lead to corruption?" In another tweet, Bharadwaj said, "Whenever AAP govt is working towards public welfare scheme, BJP will create hurdles through IAS officers and LG. After LG has exhausted all delay tactics, Mr Ajay Maken will jump with some frivolous complaints. It's their modus operandi. Delhi Congress is team B of BJP. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A private unaided schools association has moved the Delhi High Court alleging that the AAP government was delaying the implementation of the Seventh Central Pay Commission's recommendations in such institutions causing hardship to teachers, students and parents alike. The plea, which is listed before Justice Sunil Gaur for tomorrow, was earlier listed before five judges who recused from hearing it on the ground that someone in their families was studying in schools that were part of the association. The petitioner association, Action Committee Unaided Recognised Private Schools, has claimed in its plea that while government and aided institutions are implementing recommendations of the 7th central pay commission (CPC) immediately, the same benefit was being delayed when private entities were concerned. The petition, filed through advocate Kamal Gupta, has claimed that the government and aided schools can draw sustenance from the exchequer for the payments to be made towards increased salaries and allowances, but private institutions are entirely dependent on fees received from students to meet such liabilities. The association has in its plea challenged a recent April 2018 decision of the Delhi government's Directorate of (DoE) that barred several private schools from implementing the 7th CPC, while allowing others to go ahead. This would also contribute to the delay in implementation of the recommendations, apart from leading to exodus of teachers from the schools, which have been barred for the time being from hiking the pay of their staff, the petition claimed. "Needless to emphasise that any delay in the implementation and retrospective implementation of the CPC's recommendations leads to huge problems not only for the private unaided recognised school, who have to collect funds for such implementation, but also leads to huge resentment among parents who are made to pay the arrears and amongst the staff and teachers who are deprived of their entitlement for no reason," the plea said. It has claimed that earlier the government had delayed the implementation of the 6th CPC and "the practice, trend and pattern of belatedly implementing CPC recommendations retrospectively, every time is not only illegal and arbitrary, but also discriminatory and results in grave hardship to the schools, the teachers and to the parents and students. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court today dismissed the Centre's plea challenging Vodafone's move of initiating international arbitration against India under the India-UK Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement (BIPA) in connection with a tax demand of Rs 11,000 crore under a retrospective law of 2012. The high court, however, granted liberty to the government to raise the issue of "abuse of process" before the India-United Kingdom BIPA tribunal. "However, keeping in view the findings, vis-a-vis the abuse of process, kompetenz-kompetenz issues, the present suit and application are dismissed with liberty to the plaintiff Union of India to raise the issue of abuse of process before India-United Kingdom BIPA, that now stands constituted," Justice Manmohan said in an 81-page judgement. Kompetenz-kompetenz, or competence-competence, is a jurisprudential doctrine whereby a legal body like a court or tribunal, may have competence or jurisdiction, to rule to the extent of its own competence. The judge said the UK tribunal, while deciding the issue, will take into account the undertaking given by Vodafone Group Plc (VG) and Vodafone Consolidated Holdings Ltd (VCHL) to the court that if the Centre gives its consent, it would agree to the consolidation of the two BIPA arbitration proceedings before the India-UK BIPA tribunal. The court also vacated its August 22 last year's ex-parte interim order by which it had restrained the company from taking any further action under the Notice of Arbitration of January 24, 2017 under India-UK BIPA. Vodafone had initiated the arbitration proceedings under the India-UK and India-Netherlands BIPA in connection with the tax demand raised against it in relation to its USD 11 billion deal to acquire the stake of Hutchison Telecom. While proceedings under the India-Netherlands BIPA were pending, the telecom major initiated a second arbitration under India-UK BIPA as well on January 24, 2017. The Centre, represented through senior advocate Sanjay Jain, had earlier contended before the high court that the Vodafone Group had abused the process of law by initiating two international arbitrations. Challenging the second arbitration, the government had said the two claims were based on the same cause of action and sought identical reliefs, but from two different tribunals constituted under two different investment treaties against the same host state. Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for Vodafone, had earlier raised the issue of jurisdiction saying the national courts of India inherently lacked the jurisdiction to entertain any dispute arising out of a treaty between two sovereign countries. He had said the Centre was a party to the BIPA, a treaty between two sovereign governments (of the United Kingdom and India), and the obligations under such treaties were not subject to domestic laws and disputes arising out of such treaties were not subject to the jurisdiction of the national courts. Today, the high court said if the argument of lack of jurisdiction was accepted, the court would be powerless to execute a BIPA award against the State, even if the foreign investor were to approach the court for its enforcement and execution. "In the present BIPA arbitration, a contractual obligation and a contractual right is involved and therefore, there is no bar as to the subject matter of the dispute or as to the jurisdiction of the court to hear the present case," the judgement said. The court said it does not agree with the submission that the national court has no jurisdiction or should refrain from exercising its jurisdiction with regard to BIPA arbitrations. However, it was of the view that recourse to a court, when and if permissible, would be to correct any error rather than to perpetuate or introduce one. The court also observed that this matter raised important and interesting issues of law with regard to BIPA, as in recent years, there has been a rapid rise in bilateral investment treaty arbitrations but there is limited authority on the jurisdiction and approach of national courts. In its order, the high court said when it was the Centre's case that the claim under the Netherlands-India BIPA was without jurisdiction, the invocation of another treaty by the parent company cannot be regarded as an abuse per se. "This court is further of the view that the plaintiff-Union of India after having elected its remedy of agitating the issue of abuse of process before the Netherlands-India BIPA Tribunal, could not have approached the national court on the same ground and, that too, without waiting for the award being rendered by the India-Netherlands BIPA Tribunal. "After all, the present suit is not and cannot be an appeal against the India-Netherlands BIPA Tribunal," it said. The court also said it will not grant an injunction because by doing so, it could deprive the defendants (Vodafone) of advantages in the foreign forum and it "would be unjust to deprive the defendants." "The fact that it may be inconvenient or expensive for plaintiff-Union of India to litigate before the arbitral tribunal is not an issue that would justify a finding of oppression. This problem can, in the opinion of the court, be overcome by either accepting appropriate undertakings or by passing a conditional order," it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In another exit by a foreign player from the Indian mutual fund space, financial services firm DSP Group today announced buyout of leading global asset manager BlackRock's 40 per cent stake in DSP BlackRock Investment Managers, which manages over Rs 1 lakh crore worth assets. DSP BlackRock is a joint venture (JV) between DSP Group and BlackRock and is one of the leading asset management companies (AMCs) in the country. DSP Group owns 60 per cent stake in the JV while the remaining 40 per cent is with BlackRock Inc. "The JV partners have entered an agreement whereby DSP Group will acquire the entire 40 per cent stake of BlackRock, to become the sole owner," the Group said in a statement. The DSP group was set up by veteran investment banker Hemendra Kothari in 1975 and it partnered with erstwhile foreign financial services giant Merrill Lynch in 1995 for a mutual fund joint venture. Subsequently, DSL Group and Merrill Lynch parted ways and BlackRock acquired Merrill Lynch's 40 per cent stake in the Indian fund house in 2008. This followed BlackRock's takeover of Merrill Lynch's investment management division across the world. In recent years, a number of foreign players have sold their stakes in Indian mutual fund ventures. These include Goldman Sachs, StanChart, Fidelity, Morgan Stanley, Daiwa AMC, ING Mutual Fund, PineBridge, Deutsche Bank and JP Morgan. However, some foreign players went on to re-enter Indian market, after selling their earlier ventures. Currently, there are over 40 active mutual funds in India with a collective asset under management of more than Rs 23 lakh crore. Following the buyout announced today, the new firm will be known as DSP Investment Managers Pvt Ltd and DSP BlackRock Mutual Fund is proposed to become DSP Mutual Fund, subject to regulatory approvals. "The next decade will see the asset management industry in India grow manifold and DSP Group is very well poised to capture a significant portion of that growth," said Hemendra Kothari, chairman at DSP BlackRock Investment Managers. "We will continue investing in our people, our technology platforms and our relationships with clients and distribution partners, to maintain steadfast focus on delivering long-term investment excellence," he added. Ryan Stork, chairman of BlackRock Asia Pacific said the company is "committed to the Indian market for the long term and continues to be a fast-growing employer there, where we have over 1,400 employees in offices across Gurgaon, Mumbai and Bengaluru." As of April this year, DSP BlackRock manages assets in excess of Rs 1.1 lakh crore (USD 16.5 billion) across equity, fixed income and alternatives with over 2 million individual investors. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Arrested Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Zabiullah has told the NIA that he had entered India to carry out "large scale attacks" on security forces, National Investigation Agency said today in a statement. He told the agency during the questioning that he had come into India fully armed in March this year, along with five other LeT cadres to target security forces but before he could indulge in an attack, they were confronted by the forces in which members of his team were killed, the NIA said. "He managed to escape from encounter site," it said. 20-year-old Zabiullah, a resident of Bosan Road, Mehmood Kote in Multan, Pakistan, said he came "fully armed" in March this year with 22-year-old Darda of Lahore, 26-year-old Shuram of Multan, 20-year-old Faidullah of Gujrawalan, 19-year-old Ummar of Sindh, 19-year-old Kari of Peshawar, Pakistan. On March 20, during a joint cordon and search operation by the Kupwara police, Army and paramilitary forces, terrorists hiding in the forest fired indiscriminately upon the security forces, the NIA said in a statement. "During the exchange of fire, five terrorists were killed, all unidentified foreign terrorists. Three Army personnel and two Police personnel were martyred and four security personnel were injured," it said. An FIR was registered in the matter on March 20 which was taken up by the NIA on April 17. On April 6, security forces arrested Zabiullah, who had managed to escape an anti-militancy operation, from Juggiyal village in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir. The arrested militant was produced before the NIA Special Court, Jammu on May 5, and remanded for 10 days NIA custody. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Facebook has been accused of putting thousands of Islamic State (ISIS) supporters in contact with one another via the social networking giant's "suggested friends" tool, according to a media report. The Mark Zuckerburg-led company is facing a severe crisis of credibility ever since the broke out that it improperly shared personal data of its about 87 million users, mostly in the US, with the UK-based political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica, which used it for political purposes. In a study to be published later this month by the Counter Extremism Project (CEP), an American non-profit organisation, researchers studied the online activities of 1,000 ISIS supporters in 96 countries and observed that radical Islamists were routinely introduced to each other. It sets out to reveal the extent to which the social media algorithm has helped the ISIS terrorist network. Critics say that the feature, designed to match Facebook users based on common interests, actively helps terrorists to regroup and build networks. Many of the extremists were recommended to the CEP's own researchers as friends after they viewed some of the extremist profiles. Robert Postings, of the CEP, told 'The Sunday Telegraph': "Facebook, in its desire to connect as many people as possible, has inadvertently created a system which helps connect extremists and terrorists". After introductions are made, he said, extremists can quickly radicalise those who had been only curious. In one case, a non-Muslim in New York was radicalised in six months after accepting a friend request from an ISIS supporter, the study claims. The CEP said its research had "laid bare" Facebook's inability or unwillingness to address extremist content. Facebook says it has invested in artificial intelligence and human moderators to identify and remove extremist content. "We work aggressively to ensure that we do not have terrorists using the site But there is no easy technical fix to fight online extremism," a spokesperson for Facebook said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) German police are hunting an 89-year-old grandmother convicted on several occasions for Holocaust denial, after she failed to turn herself in to serve her prison sentence. Ursula Haverbeck, dubbed "Nazi-Oma" (Nazi grandma) by German media, was convicted in October on eight counts of incitement and sentenced to two years in prison. But she did not report to prison to serve her sentence by the April 23 deadline. "After the convict failed to report to the relevant penal institution within the deadline, prosecutors in Verden on May 4, 2018 issued an order to execute the sentence and have charged police with its implementation," prosecutors said in a statement. "The convict has so far not been arrested," they added. Haverbeck was once chairwoman of a far-right training centre shut down in 2008 for spreading Nazi propaganda. She has been sentenced on several occasions to jail for Holocaust denial. During a trial in 2015, she insisted that Auschwitz was "not historically proven" to be a death camp. That is "only a belief," said Haverbeck then. She has also gone on television to declare that "the Holocaust is the biggest and most sustainable lie in history". Some 1.1 million people, most of them European Jews, perished between 1940 and 1945 in the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp before it was liberated by Soviet forces. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) About eight million tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans each year and the global quantity will nearly double to 250 million tonnes by 2025, says a new analysis paper. The new International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) co-authored analysis paper, released recently, warned that the 'plastic soup' contains toxic chemicals, which could pose risks to marine species and humans. It said reliable quantitative estimations of input loads, sources and originating sectors represent a significant knowledge gap, "but it is suggested that every year almost eight million tonnes leak to the ocean." It said estimates are that oceans may already contain over 150 million tonnes of plastic, of which around 250,000 tonnes, fragmented into five trillion plastic pieces, may be floating at the oceans' surface. "It has also been estimated that the global quantity of plastic in the ocean will nearly double to 250 million tonnes by 2025, which likely also represents a pollutant load of millions of tonnes of chemical additives," it said. Marine species ingest potentially contaminated plastics directly, and by eating contaminated prey, says the paper titled 'Marine litter plastics and microplastics and their toxic chemicals components: the need for urgent preventive measures'. "Seabirds are particularly vulnerable, with studies showing the presence of additives used as flame retardants in plastics, as well as foams and textiles, which were discovered in their stomachs and fatty tissue," said the paper, published in Environmental Sciences, Europe. The paper said that at a global level, United Nations Programme (UNEP) has estimated the economic impact of marine plastics (excluding microplastics), including losses incurred by fisheries and tourism due to plastic littering, as well as beach clean-up costs, at around USD 13 billion per year. "Looking at the scale of the marine plastic problem today and at the projections for future growth in production of plastic globally, it is clear we are in the midst of a major crisis," said Carl Gustaf Lundin, Director of IUCNs Global Marine and Polar Programme. Ludin said urgent action was needed to reduce toxic chemicals leaching into oceans from plastic. To reduce amount of contaminants in marine plastics, the authors recommend addressing issues in the life-cycle design of plastic products and creating products that minimise use of hazardous substances, an approach known as 'green chemistry'. They also concluded that the development of best practice codes for industry is likely to be more efficient than relying on 'end-of-pipe' solutions; and existing scientific evidence and precautionary principles should drive action from scientists, industry, policy and civil society to curb leaking of plastics into the marine in the short term. "Societies need to act at multiple levels," said Joao Sousa, IUCN Project Manager for Marine Plastics, co-author of the report. "Developed countries need to identify and adopt less harmful production processes and promote alternatives, whilst sound waste management and awareness-raising should be the main priority for developing nations," said Sousa. The paper was authored by members of a working group associated with the Stockholm and Basel Conventions multilateral environmental agreements aimed at protecting human health and the from hazardous chemicals and wastes and other authors. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Goa Polices Special Investigation Team (SIT) today questioned Govindraj Dempo, son-in-law of former chief minister Digambar Kamat, in connection with a mining scam it is probing. Superintendent of Police (Crime Branch) Karthik Kashyap said, "Dempo was questioned about shell companies both in India and abroad with accounts linked to foreign banks." He said that Dempo, a businessman, was questioned for two hours. The SIT, set up by Goa Police's Crime Branch, is investigating a complaint filed in July 2013 by the state Mines and Geology department. The complaint sought to fix criminal liability on those involved in illegal mining, as pointed out by various committees, including the Justice M B Shah Commission appointed by the Centre. The Crime Branch had registered an FIR in August 2013 against those named in the reports prepared by the Shah Commission as well as other committees. The FIR was registered under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Mines and Minerals Development Act, Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, the Goa Prevention of Illegal Mining Transportation, Storage of Minerals Rules 2004 besides the Indian Penal Code. Kamat, who was one of those named in the FIR, was earlier questioned by the SIT on April 30 this year. Kamat, who was Goa mines minister when the alleged irregularities took place between 2005 to 2012, is currently the Congress MLA from Margao in South Goa district. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today said the government was working with the Army, Navy and Air Force to have a "synchronised position" on the recruitment of women into the three services as there was no common ground on the matter at present. In an address at an event, she also said that the government was open to women recruited under short service commissioning being offered permanent commissioning. Sitharaman said there was no parity at present between the armed forces in recruitment rules related to women. She said, while women were already engaged as fighter pilots in the Air Force, considered an absolutely top notch position, in the Army, women were still missing from important positions. In the gender neutral Navy as well, women cannot go to the sea, she said, highlighting the lack of parity in the three services. "Each of these services has taken their own approach towards getting women a limited option of getting into their force and as a result there is no parity within the three services either. "There are different approaches which are prevailing. I am spending quite sometime with all the three forces to make sure that we take a synchronised position and also approach the court to handle all these cases which are already there about short service (commission) women being offered permanent commission," she said at a FICCI event. The minister asserted that, "we are very open-minded about having women come in to the services" as more and more women are seeking to join the forces. However, she also noted that verdicts were awaited as several of those who were in short service commission had gone to courts asking why they could not be given the permanent commission. In September last year, the Army had announced that it was inducting women in the military police, seen as a major move towards inducting them for combat roles. The role of the military police includes policing cantonments and Army establishments, preventing breach of rules and regulations by soldiers, maintaining movement of soldiers as well as logistics during peace and war. Creating history, the Indian Air Force in 2016 inducted three women as fighter pilots. Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba had in December last year said that the Navy was going to allow woman officers on board its warships and suitable facilities for them were being made available in the newly-constructed ships. At present, the Navy allows women in eight branches including legal, logistics, naval architecture and engineering departments. Responding to a query, Sitharaman said women can also contribute to the armed forces as entrepreneurs and better equip the forces by getting involved in defence production, offering logistical support etc. The event was organised to celebrate Sitharaman's journey as India's first full time woman defence minister. Sitharaman said a school she had set up in Hyderabad gave her inspiration and a new meaning to her life. The minister said her family, with most of them supporting the Congress, never stopped her from joining the BJP. She also recalled the moment when she got a call by the then BJP president Rajnath Singh to join the national executive of the party, marking her foray into the BJP and also politics. Sitharaman had taken charge of the defence ministry in September last year, becoming the first full-time woman Defence Minister of the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government is considering introducing a clause in existing laws to allow those who were sexually abused as minors to file a complaint until the age of 25. According to a senior official in the Women and Child Development ministry, the proposal was recently discussed at a review meeting chaired by Union Minister Maneka Gandhi. "We are examining if a clause can be incorporated in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act or an amendment to the CrPC can be brought in to enable individuals who were sexually abused when they were children file complaints within seven years after they turn 18," the official said. The ministry is planning to write to the Ministry of Home Affairs seeking an amendment to the CrPC. According to the official, victims are sometimes able to speak up about an incident of abuse or understand its implication only after they become adults. Right now, under section 468 of the CrPC, any offence, including child abuse, which can lead to a prison term of three years has to be filed within three years of the incident. Despite the fact that a section of CrPC 473 says a court may take cognisance of an older case if it is in the "interest of justice" or if the "delay has been properly explained", victims of child sexual abuse face problems in lodging an FIR once they are 18 or more. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Cash worth Rs 25 lakh was today recovered from former BJP MLA Nalin Kotadia's aide by Gujarat CID (crime) officials probing the case of alleged "looting" of 176 bitcoins worth over Rs 9 crore from a builder in apparent connivance with policemen, a senior officer said. The recovery of the cash "clearly establishes" Kotadia's role in the case, he said. The cash was recovered from one Nankubhai, a resident of Rajkot, said Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), CID, Crime, Deepankar Trivedi. He said the cash was "delivered" to Nankubhai at the behest of Kotadia, who is yet to record his statement in the case. "This recovery of cash is a hard evidence in the case. With this, Nalin Kotadia's role is clearly established now. We are looking for him and we are confident that he will be arrested soon," Trivedi told reporters in Gandhinagar today. The DIG said that Kotadia has not presented himself before the CID for recording his statement despite two summons issued to him. Kotadia had served as the MLA of Dhari in Amreli district during 2012 to 2017. In his complaint filed with the CID (Crime) three months back, Surat-based builder Shailesh Bhatt had alleged that Amreli policemen had kidnapped him and his business partner Kirit Paladia from Gandhinagar and extorted bitcoins (virtual currency), which was in the possession of Paladia. Bhatt had also alleged that Kotadia was also involved in this conspiracy of extorting bitcoins worth over Rs 9 crore. The CID had arrested Kirit Paladia on May 4 as it turned out during the probe that he was the mastermind behind the entire conspiracy to 'loot' 176 bitcoins and distribute money generated from selling them amongst himself, policemen, and a middleman. Trivedi said Paladia had sold 34 bitcoins and gave a portion of cash to Kotadia's aide Nankubhai as well as to Kotadia's brother-in-law, Navneet. "Paladia sent a total of Rs 35 lakh to Kotadia's men through the Angadia service. While Rs 25 lakh was sent to Nankubhai, Rs 10 lakh was sent to Kotadia's brother-in-law, Navneet, in Amreli. Now, Navneet is also absconding and his mobile is switched off," said Trivedi. The CID has so far arrested Bhatt's business partner Paladia, Amreli Superintendent of Police Jagdish Patel, Amreli local Crime Branch inspector Anant Patel, two constables, and a middleman. Seven constables of Amreli district police, allegedly involved in the case, are on still the run. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nikki Haley, America's envoy to the UN, has said she is not thinking about running for the presidency and wants to do her best in her current job. The 46-year-old top Indian-American diplomat is often described as one of the Republican Party's brightest stars. Her name is often raised in Republican circles as a potential future contender for the White House or other high-profile roles in government. "I don't think about it. No one wants to believe this. But people spend more time talking about my future, Haley said when asked if she is running for the president. My job is to be the best UN Ambassador I can possibly be and make sure that people are proud of it. I don't think about the future, and honestly, I don't have time. Between North Korea, Russia and Syria, the last thing I'm thinking about is what I'm gonna do in the future," Haley told CBS Haley has spent much of her adult life in elected office. She served in the South Carolina state House from 2004 through 2010. In 2011, she was elected governor. She served in that job until she was appointed by President Donald Trump to her current position. Haley was born as Nimrata Randhawa in Bamberg, South Carolina, to an Indian American Sikh family who had emigrated from Punjab's Amritsar district. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Allahabad High Court today granted interim bail to former government engineer Yadav Singh's son and daughters in a graft case. The criminal cases were registered against Yadav's son Sunny Singh and daughters Garima Bhushan and Karuna Singh on July 30, 2015 under sections 109 read with 120-B IPC (conspiracy) and 13 (2) and 13 (1)(e) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. It was alleged in the FIR that they had been utilising the illegal money earned by Yadav Singh by making a company. The matter was investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which submitted charge sheet against them. At present, the trial against them is going on at the court of Special Judge (Anti Corruption, CBI Cases), Ghaziabad. While directing that the three applicants be released on bail, a division bench comprising Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice D K Singh directed the Special Judge, Anti Corruption, CBI cases, Ghaziabad to ensure that if the applicants have any passport, the same shall be deposited and the applicants may not leave the country without the permission of this court. It was made clear that all the three applicants shall remain present before this court on the next date fixed failing which coercive action shall be taken against them. Yadav Singh was engineer-in-chief of the Noida Authority, Greater Noida Authority and Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority. Raids conducted by the Income Tax Department in November 2014 revealed that Yadav Singh owned huge property disproportionate to his known sources of income. He was suspended by the Uttar Pradesh government in February 2015 and one-member judicial commission to probe into the multi-crore case was set up by the state government. In July 2015, the Allahabad High Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to probe the case stating that the allegations were most serious and the probe was complex. The Uttar Pradesh government went to Supreme Court against the High Court's order. However the Supreme Court refused to entertain the government's plea. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Madras High Court has issued notice to DMK MLA and former city Mayor M Subramanian on a petition alleging that he was attempting to encroach a government property here. A division bench of justices M Sathyanarayanan and P Rajamanickam issued notices to the Tamil Nadu Small Industries Development Corporation (SIDCO), the Industries Development Corporation of India and Subramanian, returnable by June 29, on a public interest litigation (PIL) petition filed by one S Panthiban. The bench, in its interim order, said, "In the light of the communication given by the Public Information Officer of SIDCO, notice to the respondents through court as well as privately, returnable by June 29." The petitioner has submitted that Subramanian, in his nomination papers filed for the 2016 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, had stated that a property at Labour Colony in Guindy was registered in the name of his wife, Kanchana. Alleging that the information was false, the petitioner has said the property was allotted to S K Kannan by the Industries and Commerce Department on February 14, 1959 and he had died in 2015, leaving behind six daughters and a son. The legal heir certificate had confirmed it and Kanchana's name was not found in it, the petitioner has submitted. The petitioner has alleged that Subramanian, also a lawyer, had used his power and political influence to create many documents, which were produced before SIDCO and other authorities with an intention to grab the government property. He has also alleged that the officials of SIDCO had colluded with Subramanian. The petitioner has further submitted that despite his representation dated April 12 to the authorities concerned, no action was taken to remove Subramanian and Kanchana from the property. He has said that hence, the current PIL was filed, seeking the removal of Subramanian and his wife from the property owned by SIDCO. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Madras High Court has restrained the directors of Disc Assets Lead India Limited, which is allegedly involved in a Rs 1,130 crore investment scam, from leaving the country until further orders. The first bench, comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice Abdul Quddhose, recently passed an interim order on a contempt plea moved by a depositor to punish the directors for not complying with a court order directing them to submit all relevant property documents to a court-appointed committee. C Manishankar, Additional Advocate General, submitted that there was a possibility that the directors "may leave the country to frustrate or delay the attempts of the Committee constituted by this court to liquidate the dues of depositories by disposal of the assets of the company". Recording the submission, the bench issued contempt notice, saying "... we deem it appropriate to issue an order of injunction restraining the respondents or any of them from leaving the country for a period of two months from date or until further orders of this court, whichever is earlier." The bench then posted the matter for further hearing to June 4. The court had earlier said it found no ground to modify its order appointing a committee to settle dues of over 12 lakh depositors who had put more than Rs 1,137 crore with the firm for purchase of plots over 11 years ago. The court had in October last year appointed retired Jammu and Kashmir High Court Chief Justice N Paul Vasanthakumar as the head of a nine-member committee. It had then said it shall function as the administrator of the company, facing action by the SEBI for some violation. The company had in 2006 floated schemes for purchase, development and maintenance of agricultural land by way of instalment payment and cash down plans. A total of over 12 lakh customers had invested more than Rs 1,137 crore in the Madurai-based estate company's schemes, but they were neither alloted the plots nor refunded the deposit money. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Haryana Waqf Board today urged the administration here in a letter to remove encroachments from its lands near mosques so that people can offer prayers. The board's request comes a day after Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that Namaz should be only offered in mosques, Eidgahs, and private areas. The Waqf Board has earmarked 22 lands in Gurgaon belonging to mosques which have allegedly been encroached. Jalaluddin, a Haryana Waqf Board officer, told PTI, "Waqf Board has written a letter to Gurgaon district administration with the lists of encroached land near mosques and asked the officers concerned to remove encroachment so that the Muslim people can use it for offering namaz (prayer)." In the wake of alleged disruptions to namaz by right-wing groups at multiple locations in Gurgaon, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had yesterday said such congregations should be restricted to mosques, eidgahs or private places, even as he asserted the government will ensure that law and order is maintained. "Gurgaon District Magistrate Vinay Kumar Singh taking cognisance on the Waqf Board's letter has asked Tehsildars and officers concerned to submit reports in this connection," a senior officer said. Jalaluddin said the Waqf board in its letter also mentioned that people in some Gurgaon villages have encroached mosques land. This is the main reason why numbers of mosques are less in Gurgaon and people have to offer prayers outside in public places, he said. However, Waqf board lands are available in Wazirabad, Garhi Harsaru, Mewaka, Fazilpur Jharsa, Narungpur, Dhankot, Badshahpur, Farukhnagar and other 22 places, Jalaluddin said. "We have asked administration to ensure all necessary arrangement so that people can use these 22 mosques lands for prayers with full protection," he Over the last two weeks, there were "disruptions" to namaz at Wazirabad, the Atul Kataria Chowk, the Cyber Park, the Bakhtawar Chowk and at the South City, the police had said. The disruptions were caused allegedly by members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, the Bajrang Dal, the Hindu Kranti Dal, the Gau Rakshak Dal and the Shiv Sena, they said. The right-wing groups have been saying they would continue their protest if the administration did not stop "unauthorised" prayers at public places. They say Muslim worshippers did not have permission to offer prayers at roadsides, parks and vacant government land in Gurgaon. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) today issued an alert forecasting that several parts of north India could witness thunderstorm and squall tomorrow with winds gusting up to 50-70 kilometers per hour. The IMD issued an amber-coloured alert, indicating severe weather, for parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh, western Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim and West Bengal. Several parts of these states could witness thunderstorm and squall with winds gusting up to 50-70 kilometers per hour, the alert said. There are four types of colour codes signifying the level of caution -- green (which means no action), yellow (situation to be watched), amber (government agencies to be prepared for severe weather) and red (action needed by the agencies). A western disturbance runs over Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, while there is a cyclonic circulation over northeast Rajasthan, west Madhya Pradesh and Haryana, and this will bring light to moderate rainfall in north India, Mritunjay Mohapatra, Additional Director General, IMD, said. He, however, said, The intensity is expected to be less in comparison to the thunderstorm that occurred on May 2. A deadly thunderstorm with winds gusting up to 100 kmph had hit Rajasthan and west Uttar Pradesh on May 2, killing over 100 people. Thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds very likely at isolated places over Punjab, Assam , Meghalaya , Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, west Madhya Pradesh, east Uttar Pradesh, east Rajasthan, coastal and south interior Karnataka and Kerela, the IMD said in its alert today. A yellow coloured alert has been issued for these states. Thunderstorm accompanied with squall (wind speed reaching 50-70 kmph) are very likely at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh and Delhi, west Uttar Pradesh and sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, it said. Heat wave conditions were also likely at one or two pockets over Vidarbha in Maharashtra, the alert said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of thunderstorm accompanied with squall and hail in large parts of northern and eastern India tomorrow, prompting authorities to put in place various emergency measures such as part-closure of schools and cancelling leave of civic officials. The IMD said, thunderstorm, accompanied by squall and hail, was very likely at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand tomorrow. Thunderstorm, accompanied with squall, is also very likely at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh and sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim. At some places, the wind speed may go up to 50-70 kilometers per hour, it said. At least 124 people were killed and more than 300 others injured in five states due to dust storms, thunderstorms and lightning last week. Following the IMD warning, the Delhi government decided to close all evening schools tomorrow, and put search and rescue teams on standby. "All evening schools will remain closed tomorrow following the warning," a senior government official told PTI. There are around 400 evening schools running in the national capital. The government has also asked other schools not to hold outdoor activities and extracurricular activities between 3 pm and 7 pm during which the wind speed is expected to remain high. The government also issued a list of "dos and don'ts" to deal with any such possible situation. The traffic police has asked commuters to check conditions before travelling while the Delhi Metro too has decided to exercise extreme caution in running of trains in the wake of the warning. The revenue department of the Delhi government has issued directions to all district officers and said water and power utilities would also keep restoration teams ready. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), which operates trains in the national capital and NCR, said it would exercise extreme caution in running of trains. "If wind speed is reported in the range of 70-90 kmph then train movement will remain normal but trains will enter with a restricted speed of 40 kmph or less at the platforms on elevated section. "If wind speed is reported more than 90 kmph then trains will be put on hold at platforms and no train will enter platform with a speed of more than 15 kmph," a senior DMRC official told PTI. At the same time, the Delhi Traffic Police has advised commuters to plan their journey after checking the conditions. The Delhi Traffic Police's advisory states that it has alerted the field formations to be ready to get obstacles such as fallen trees removed. The advisory has asked commuters to avoid travelling during the storm. The Haryana government has cancelled leave of all officials in civic bodies across the state, in view of the IMD issuing an alert forecasting thunderstorm and squall tomorrow in several parts of north India. Fire and other emergency services, too, have been directed to remain alert. According to the IMD, thunderstorm, accompanied with gusty winds, is very likely at isolated places over Punjab, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, Bihar, western Madhya Pradesh, east Uttar Pradesh and East Rajasthan, Coastal and South Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Heavy rains were very likely at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, south interior Karnataka and Kerala. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi Metro has decided to exercise extreme caution in running trains in the wake of the meteorological department's warning about heavy rains and thunderstorm. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) operates trains in the national capital and the NCR, and its current operational network is over 252 km. "If the wind speed is reported in the range of 70-90 kmph then train movement will remain normal, but trains will enter with a restricted speed of 40 kmph or less, at platforms on elevated sections of the network. "If the wind speed is reported above 90 kmph then trains will be put on hold at platforms and no train will enter platforms with a speed of more than 15 kmph," a senior DMRC official told PTI. In this case, normal movement of trains will be restored once the wind speed is reported at less then 85 kmph for a continous period of five minutes. Appropriate announcements will be made at stations during this period, he said. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), thunderstorms and gusty winds are likely to occur at isolated places over Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and western Uttar Pradesh today and tomorrow. At least 124 people were killed and more than 300 others injured in five states in dust storms, thunderstorms and lightnings last week. The Delhi Metro network spans some of the most densly-populated areas of the national capital such as Old Delhi and far-off places in the National Capital Region (NCR) such as Faridabad and Gurgaon. At present, the average ridership of Delhi metro is 28 lakh per day, which is further expected to increase up to 40 lakh per day after completion of the DMRC's Phase-III, according to the Economic Survey of Delhi 2017-18. With the opening of the Pink Line's Majlis Park-Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus corridor of the DMRC in March, the operational length of the network had crossed 250 km. The corridor, part of the 59 km-long Majlis ParkShiv Vihar corridor (Pink LineLine 7) of Delhi Metro's Phase-III, has 12 stations. All the stations have platform-screen doors. Out of the 12 stations, eight are elevated and rest underground. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) There has been a very steady progress in the relations of India and Egypt, outgoing Indian envoy Sanjay Bhattacharyya has said. Hosting a farewell reception at his home, Bhattacharyya and his spouse Ranu invited many Egyptians and Indians at the function. The Ministry of External Affairs had recently announced Bhattacharya's appointment as the next Ambassador of lndia to Turkey after serving in Cairo for three years. Rahul Kulshreshth, who is presently the Ambassador of India to Turkey, will replace him. "Over the last three years Ranu and I have been very privileged to be in this beautiful country and more importantly with such wonderful people," said Bhattacharyya, who came to Egypt in 2015, and currently prepares for his new mission in Turkey. The Ambassador added that what will stay in his mind and heart will be the very deep associations that he and his wife had been able to have through the past few years. "I think there is a matter of satisfaction as over the last few years we've seen a very steady progress in our bilateral relations and I wish to thank our our colleagues on the Egyptian side who have given us ideas and worked so closely and cooperated with us in making the posibilities something attainable, in making our dreams reality," he said. India is Egypt's 11th largest trade partner. India's imports from Egypt were worth of USD 1.2 billion during 2016-17 financial year, while exports were recorded at USD 2 billion, according to information on Ministry of External Affairs website. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The World Bank will provide a USD 200 million loan to help the government achieve its goal of reducing stunting in children 0-6 years of age from 38.4 per cent to 25 per cent by the year 2022, a finance ministry statement said today. "The Government of India signed a loan deal worth USD 200 million with the World Bank today for the National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan)," it said. The POSHAN Abhiyaan, an overarching scheme for holistic nourishment, was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March this year at Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. A large component of POSHAN Abhiyaan involves gradual scaling-up of the interventions supported by the ongoing World Bank assisted Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Systems Strengthening and Nutrition Improvement Project (ISSNIP) to all districts in the country over a 3-year period. "The loan approved today will support the first phase scale up to 315 districts across all states and union territories (UTs)," the ministry said. With a focus on improving the coverage and quality of ICDS nutrition services to pregnant and lactating women and children under 3 years of age, the project will include investments in improving the skills and capacities of ICDS staff and community nutrition workers. It also include instituting mechanisms of community mobilisation and behaviour change communication, strengthening systems of citizen engagement and grievance redress and establishing mobile technology based tools for improved monitoring and management of services during the critical 1,000 day window for nutrition impact. The ministry further said the project will additionally ensure convergence of all nutrition related schemes and provide performance based incentives to states and community nutrition and health workers, facilitating a focus on results. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Islamic State jihadist group claimed responsibility for the assassination today of a candidate in Iraq's parliamentary election just days ahead of the polls. Faruq Zarzur al-Juburi, a candidate loyal to Vice President Ayad Allawi, was shot dead by gunmen at his home near Mosul, the former IS bastion in northern Iraq, a local official said. In a statement on the messaging app Telegram, the jihadist group said Juburi was killed because he was "an atheist". Local official Salah al-Juburi said the gunmen killed the candidate at his home in the town of Qayyarah, 70 kilometres south of Mosul, after storming his house. IS had threatened to attack Iraqi polling stations and voters during the parliamentary election that will be held on Saturday, in a statement last month by its spokesman Abu Hassan al-Muhajir. "Oh Sunnis... we know that the government of Rafida (a pejorative Arabic term for Shiites) is on the verge of what they call elections," he said. "Our judgement will apply to those who call for them and participate in them... The voting centres and those in them are targets for our swords, so stay away from them and do not walk nearby," he added. Juburi is a Sunni Muslim while Allawi is a member of Iraq's majority Shiite community. Sunni extremists like IS, and Al-Qaeda before it, have long targeted Shiites in Iraq. The May 12 polls are the first to be held since Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared victory over the jihadists in December. IS, which had launched a sweeping offensive in 2014 and at one point controlled one third of Iraq, still holds pockets of desert along the border with Syria. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump today announced he would send a high-level delegation including his daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner for the opening of the American embassy in the Israeli capital Jerusalem on May 14. To be led by John J Sullivan, Deputy Secretary of State, the delegation among others include Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and David M Friedman, US Ambassador to Israel. Jason D. Greenblatt, Assistant to the President and Special Representative for International Negotiations, would also be part of the presidential delegation, the White House said. Isolated globally, the Trump administration has gone ahead with its plans to open its embassy in Jerusalem. The new embassy has been build at a very short notice spread over several months and costs far less than the over USD 1 billion as was initially proposed, according to previous statements of Trump. The decision by Trump to open the embassy in Jerusalem has been opposed by countries across the world, including some of the close allies and partners of the US. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A tourist from Tamil Nadu, injured during clashes between protesters and security forces on the outskirts of the city here today, died at a hospital, police said. R Thirumani (22), resident of Chennai, suffered head injuries after being hit by a stone during clashes in Narbal area of the summer capital this morning, a police official said. Thirumani was taken to SKIMS hospital at Soura, where he succumbed to the injuries later, the official added. A case was registered and investigations have been taken up, the official said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 22-year-old tourist from Tamil Nadu died here this evening when a mob went on the rampage near Narbal on the outskirts of the city, police said. R Thirumani, a resident of Chennai, suffered head injuries after being hit by a stone during the rampage in the morning, a police official said. The tourist was taken to the SKIMS hospital at Soura, where he succumbed to injuries, the official added. A case was registered and investigations have been taken up in the matter, the official said. On the killing of the tourist, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said, "My head hangs in shame." "It is very sad and heartbreaking", Mehbooba said after meeting family of tourist killed in Srinagar. Later, Opposition NC Working President Omar Abdullah said, "We've killed a tourist by throwing stones at the vehicle he was travelling in. Let's try and wrap our heads around the fact that we stoned a tourist, a guest, to death while we glorify these stone pelters & their methods." The former chief minister prayed for the recovery of a woman injured the stone pelting. "I'm also pained to know that among the injured from the stone pelting in Narbal is a young woman from Handwara in North Kashmir. I pray she & the others injured make a quick recovery," Abdullah tweeted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russian cyber security firm said it expects to register around 20 per cent growth in on account of increase in focus on enterprise segment. "We are looking double digit growth in business ...close to 20 per cent. We have seen over 100 per cent growth in sales from website. Now we are looking to open new market opportunity through "Today we have asked our traditional retail partner to open up digital platforms to boost sales," Asia Pacific MD Stephan Neumeier said without disclosing actual financial details. The company has total user base of 400 million globally. He is on visit to start new office of Kaspersky. The company claims to have been getting over 70 per cent of business from consumer cyber security products, but is now looking to focus on solutions for business organisations. Neumeier said that the company is now looking to engage with Indian government on cyber security but declined to divulge any further details because of non- disclosure clause. "We are now looking to enhance share of business-to-business in our total business that we do here. This year, I expect 60 per cent business to come from retail consumer segment and share of revenue from enterprise segment will go up from less than 30 per cent to around 40 per cent," Neumeier said. The company is planning to station a member of its Global Research and Analysis team, which detects cyber attack and related crime, in India to coordinate with the government. "In enterprise segment, 60 per cent of business will come from small and medium business and 40 per cent from large enterprise. We will now start focussing on business with Indian government. I expect government vertical to contribute 10 per cent in enterprise segment this year," Neumeier said. He said that company has roped in almost a complete new team to focus on business from India. Former Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker Kavinder Gupta today assumed charge as the Deputy Chief Minister of the state here. Gupta was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister on April 30 in a major reshuffle in the state council of ministers headed by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. Since the civil secretariat, the seat of Jammu and Kashmir government, was closed from April 28 to May 6, Gupta could not assume charge as deputy chief minister till today. Gupta, who was the speaker of the state Assembly before the ministerial reshuffle, has been given Industries and Commerce as well as Transport portfolios. An official spokesman said people from different walks of life including ministers and legislators called on Gupta and felicitated him on assuming office. Senior officials briefed Gupta about the functioning of the departments under his charge. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "Sex and the City" star Kristin Davis has adopted a second child, a baby boy. Journalist Marc Malkin broke the on Facebook. "Now she's blessed times two!" he wrote. "Congrats!" Davis, 53, is already a mom to her daughter, Gemma Rose, 7, whom she adopted in 2011. The 53-year-old actor had previously discussed how adoption was always an option for her, just as it was for her "Sex and the City" character Charlotte, but it was still a "terrifying" process. Davis also opened up about her fears for her first child, who is African-American, after Donald Trump won the US presidential election in November 2016. "I am white. I have lived in white privilege. I thought I knew before adopting my daughter that I was in white privilege, that I understood what that meant. "But until you actually have a child, which is like your heart being outside you, and that heart happens to be in a brown body, and you have people who are actively working against your child, it's hard. It fills me with terror," Davis said during an interview with radio station WNYC's Rebecca Carroll. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court today granted interim protection from arrest till May 23 to a woman accused in connection with a case of police officials allegedly dragging a lady lawyer out of her residence to arrest her despite the court's order against any coercive action. The FIR relates to an incident of December 18 evening, when lady lawyer Deepa Arya was dragged out of her house. The lady lawyer had earlier claimed that the Safdarjung Enclave police broke open the main door of her house in Mayur Vihar-I and then dragged her out of her residence while pulling her hair. Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, who was hearing the anticipatory bail of the woman, said she should not be arrested till the next date of hearing on May 23. The counsel for the woman, Purnima Uppal, sought the relief saying she has to take care of her three children and said what was her offence for which her judicial custody was warranted by the Delhi Police six months after the incident. Delhi Police Standing Counsel (criminal) Rahul Mehra vehemently opposed the plea saying the woman was a part and parcel of everything which the policemen were doing and she was abusing the entire system by threatening and intimidating. He said police has been searching her for the last several days and her custody was required to unearth the whole conspiracy, including reaching out to other accused and the incident of burning cars of three lawyers. "If rule of law is not protected by the court today, tomorrow it would be very difficult for a lawyer to stand on this side. She says she has three children, she should have thought about it earlier when she was making everyone dance to her tunes," he argued. The court, however, said it does not agree with this view. Advocate Mehmood Pracha, appearing for the lady lawyer, said that in last one-and-a-half-year, 17 FIRs have been lodged against her which showed she was a victim and not an oppressor and Uppal was one of the main conspirator in the case. According to reports, Arya who has been accused in certain cases of threats, stalking etc filed against her by her brother, who is residing abroad, due to some property disputes. The cases are going on in Saket court. Her lawyer had claimed that the high court's December 18, 2017 order protecting the woman from coercive action was passed before 4pm and was communicated to the investigating officer of the case. However, he still proceeded to her house, broke it open and dragged her out, the lawyers claimed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Less than half of Lebanon's electorate voted in today's general elections, according to a provisional turnout figure of 49.2 per cent announced by Interior Minister Nohad Machnouk. The figure marked a drop from the 54 per cent of voters who cast a ballot in 2009, the last time Lebanon elected its parliament. "This is a new law and voters were not familiar with it, nor were the heads of polling stations," Machnouk said in a conference. "Voting operations were very slow." Lawmakers had extended their own mandate three times since 2009, ostensibly over security concerns linked to neighbouring Syria's war and political divisions that led to long and crippling institutional crises. A higher turnout had been expected after the long electoral hiatus but the vote was the first to follow a law passed in 2017 and the pre-printed ballots used today appeared to confuse some voters. With an hour to go before polling stations closed, several senior political leaders appealed for an eleventh-hour rush to the ballot boxes but stopped short of extending polling hours. Experts differ on who would benefit the most from a low turnout as alliance scenarios varied across the country's 15 districts, whose size and sectarian fabric are all different. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The West Bengal Congress today slammed the ruling Trinamool Congress in the state, describing its supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as "an agent of the BJP" with her idea of a federal front. "Mamata Banerjee is working as an agent of the BJP in national with her federal front idea, which in turn will weaken the opposition against the ruling BJP at the Centre," Congress MP and WBPCC president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said at a 'Meet-The-Press' event here. Banerjee is also playing the role of a "promoter of the saffron party" to "negate the Opposition Congress and the Left parties," Chowdhury alleged and added that during her rule, hundreds of RSS 'shakhas' were opened and thriving in Bengal. Citing her political equation with the BJP in the past, he said, "The TMC has turned into a 'B' team of the BJP, as the political DNA of both the parties is same." Chowdhury branded the CM as an "opportunistic leader" and said she could not be trusted as an anti-BJP voice. "She allied with the BJP when she found it convenient. When she felt the Congress was beneficial, she took help of Congress. She is an opportunistic leader. "We have not heard her voice against the BJP since long. Her rhetoric against the BJP has turned entirely in the wake of the 'Narada' and 'Sarada' scams. If she thinks she will gain more benefit by allying with BJP, she will do it again," he said. Chowdhury condemned the chief minister for the role of her government in the upcoming panchayat election. "Banerjee has turned the panchayat election as well as democracy and people's constitutional rights into a farce." The state Congress chief demanded that the panchayat polls should be conducted under the supervision of the Calcutta High Court to make it free, fair and peaceful. "The ruling TMC has unleashed a reign of terror to eliminate the Opposition parties and win the elections by all means," he said, while describing TMC's victory in 34 per cent seats uncontested in the panchayat polls. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Colombo-bound man was apprehended at the Chennai airport today for allegedly trying to smuggle US dollars worth Rs 10.3 lakh, CISF officials said. Sukumaran, who hails from Tamil Nadu, was intercepted by CISF personnel after they noticed that he was carrying a large volume of currency in his bag, they said. A thorough search of the passenger led to the recovery of USD 100 denomination 159 notes, to the tune of Rs 10.3 lakh, the officials said. The passenger was travelling to the Sri Lankan capital from here. Since he could not furnish any valid reason for carrying the foreign currency, the man was handed over to the Customs Department, a senior official of the security force said, adding that it seemed to be a case of currency smuggling. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Days after a Hyderabad-based man was arrested in connection with an objectionable cartoon of some top leaders allegedly posted on a Facebook page and was later granted bail, a BJP leader today alleged he was social media in-charge of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The AAP did not reply to queries in this regard. The Delhi Police Special Cell had arrested Syed Abdul Basir Mussavir seven days ago after the cartoon, allegedly depicting President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Justice Dipak Misra, BJP president Amit Shah and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in bad taste, was shared on a Facebook page in the name of 'Mangalore Voice'. A BJP leader, who did not wish to be named, alleged today that Mussavir used to work as a campaign manager, coordinator and social media in-charge for AAP. Mussavir, who was later granted bail by a court here, had claimed that he was not the one who had posted the image and someone else might have shared the image on the page. His bail plea was argued by lawyer and AAP leader Somnath Bharti, who had told reporters then that "he is our volunteer from Hyderabad". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Martin Freeman is set to star opposite Diane Kruger in espionage-thriller "The Operative". Yuval Adler is directing the project, reported Deadline. Adler has adapted the screenplay from the Israeli best-seller, "The English Teacher", written by former Israeli intelligence officer Yiftach Reicher Atir. The film follows Rachel (Kruger), a rogue spy from Israel's feared national intelligence force Mossad, who vanishes without a trace while attending her father's funeral in London. The only clue to her whereabouts is a cryptic phone call she places to her former handler Thomas (Freeman), who is then summoned from Germany to Israel by Mossad. With Rachel's life immersed in her assignments as part of a vast espionage effort against Iran's nuclear program, Thomas must retrace her steps to determine what threats she may now pose to their operation, while also working to protect her. Filming is slated to begin next month in Israel and Bulgaria. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Claiming that overall security condition has improved in Meghalaya, Governor Ganga Prasad today sought withdrawal of travel advisory by Japan consulate cautioning its citizens not to travel to the hill state. The travel advisory has been issued to Japanese citizens for quite a long time against visiting Meghalaya in view of internal security apprehensions in the state. Some data relating to the improved security situation of Meghalaya has been obtained and shared with the ambassador so that appropriate steps could be taken to review the situation (adverse travel advisory), Prasad said in a note to Japan Ambassador Kenji Hiramatus. The note was given when the Japanese Ambassdor had called on the governor at Raj Bhawan here today. Prasad said this (withdrawal of the travel advisory) will help build a long-term relationship between the people of Japan and India. The governor was quoted by an official as briefing the Ambassador of the states unique opportunity for tourists from Japan to visit. The state is home to Sohra (erstwhile Cherrapunji) which is known for receiving the world's heaviest rainfall in a single day besides the recent development in which the longest sandstone cave (nearly 25 km in length) was discovered in Mawsynram, the official told PTI. The governor also sought assistance of Japanese experts to facilitate introducing cultivation of Shiitake mushroom in the state, taking advantage of similar climatic condition as in that country. He said Meghalaya have native species of woody trees that are suitable for Shiitake mushroom cultivation and farmers can benefit immensely. According to the Governor, Japan is the world leader in Shiitake mushroom production and had in the past collaborated with the Tamil Nadu Agriculture University for technology transfers between the two countries. The Ambassador also called on Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma here and assured all possible cooperation by Japan for economic growth and development of the state in the fields of agriculture and allied sectors. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Haryana government has cancelled leave of all officials in municipalities across the state, in view of the IMD issuing an alert forecasting thunderstorm and squall tomorrow in several parts of north India. Fire and other emergency services, too, have been directed to remain alert. The directions were issued by the state government after a meeting of Haryana Urban Local Bodies Minister Kavita Jain with senior officers of her department here. The meeting was called to review the arrangements made in view of the alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). It is the responsibility of the state government to make people aware and to take precautionary steps to prevent any kind of loss to lives and property, Jain said. She directed that there should not be any dereliction of duties and all officials concerned should discharge their duties with utmost dedication. The IMD today issued an alert forecasting that several parts of north India could witness thunderstorm and squall tomorrow with winds gusting up to 50-70 kilometers per hour. The IMD issued an amber-coloured alert, indicating severe weather, for parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh, western Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim and West Bengal. Several parts of these states could witness thunderstorm and squall with winds gusting up to 50-70 kilometers per hour, the alert said. Meanwhile, Director of the Chandigarh MeT Department Surinder Paul said that rainfall activity is likely to pick up in the region from tonight. "There is no need to panic, but we need to be watchful and remain alert," Paul said. Notably, the Haryana government had ordered closure of schools on May 7 and 8, with Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma yesterday saying that the decision had been taken in view of the MeT warning. While there were no instructions by the authorities to close schools in Chandigarh, but some schools took the decision on their own and announced a holiday today as a precautionary measure. Many schools here announced a holiday minutes before the educational institutes were to open, forcing many students to return to their homes. Meanwhile, the weather remained generally dry today and winds remained calm in most parts of Punjab and Haryana. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Churu was today recorded as the hottest place in Rajasthan with a maximum temperature of 42.8 degrees Celsius followed by Kota which registered a maximum of 42 degrees Celsius. Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Barmer recorded maximums of 41.2, 41 and 40.7 degrees respectively while the day temperature at other places was below 40 degrees, according to the MeT department. A duststorm occurred at Sriganganagar where winds at the speed of 28 km/hr affected normal life, officials said. The Met department has issued warnings about duststorm with light rains at several districts including Alwar, Bundi, Chittorgarh, Dausa, Dholpur and Jaipur. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A woman doctor, posted with a government hospital here, today reportedly resigned after alleging that her complaint of some influential politicians abusing and misbehaving with her went unheeded. The doctor's resignation letter, as yet unverified, has gone viral on social media along with claims that she is the relative of a former Madhya Pradesh chief minister. In the resignation letter being attributed to her, the doctor has stated that she was resigning as provisions of the Doctors' Protection Act were not invoked in her case. The letter also mentions the abusive language she was allegedly subjected to. The doctor could not be contacted despite repeated attempts. Omti police station in-charge Arvind Choube said that the woman doctor had filed a complaint against unidentified persons on February 7. The police official said that two persons had also lodged complaints against the doctor, adding that all three complaints were being currently probed. Dr M M Agrawal, chief health and medical officer of the hospital, said he was unaware of the doctor's resignation. Meanwhile, the Leader of the Opposition in state Assembly, Ajay Singh, claimed that BJP goons were threatening the woman doctor, adding that her resignation was a "slap on the face" of the state government. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu today called on Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales and discussed views on furthering bilateral and multilateral cooperation in areas of mutual concerns. Naidu, on his maiden foreign visit after assuming office, was received by Foreign Minister of Guatemala Sandra Jovel and India's Ambassador Sajeev Babu Kurup upon his arrival here. His visit to the central American country assumes significance as it is the first ever highest-level visit between the two countries. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said: "Starting a day on high note. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu called on the President of the Republic of Guatemala Jimmy Morales. Leaders shared views on furthering bilateral and multilateral cooperation in areas of mutual concerns". "Making history as it is the highest level visit ever between India and Guatemala," he said in a tweet. The visit would focus on various areas of mutual cooperation such as protection of wildlife, human resource and training, and information technology among others, Preeti Saran, Secretary East in the Ministry of External Affairs, told reporters during a briefing in New Delhi last week. Besides Guatemala, Naidu will also travel to Panama and Peru from May 6-12 and hold talks with the top leadership of these countries to boost ties in areas such as trade and information technology. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russia has taken advantage of its military role in Syria to bolster its naval presence in the eastern Mediterranean region, making the region "very crowded," NATO's southern Europe commander has said. US Navy Admiral James Foggo told The Associated Press yesterday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had used the desperation of Syrian President Bashar Assad to expand Russian military power beyond Syria's borders. Noting some "unsafe or unprofessional" incidents involving Russian aircraft during the Syrian conflict, Foggo said the eastern Mediterranean region was becoming "congested" with Russian vessels. "It's something that we have to deal with as professional navies," he said. Washington and Moscow say a hotline established in 2015 to prevent incidents between their militaries in Syria has worked well, but recent US, British and French missile strikes against Syrian chemical facilities have raised tensions. The Russians established a naval base in the Syrian Mediterranean port of Tartus under Bashar's father, Hafez al-Assad. Foggo said, however, they've recently "brought a lot of aircraft and a lot of ships" to it. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Opposition National Conference today held a protest march here against "unabated civilian killings" in Kashmir. The march led by party general secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar was taken out from National Conference headquarters here to Tourist Reception Centre. Addressing the protest march, Sagar lashed out at the PDP-BJP government and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. "The Chief Minister's singular obsession with power had brought the state to a dangerous precipice of turmoil and alienation. She must be held accountable and should answer for her U-turns and her failure to protect civilian lives. Mere rhetorical statements and customary condemnations cannot absolve the Chief Minister or her Government of the role in pushing the youth against the wall," Sagar said. He said the "unabated civilian killings" in the valley were a consequence of how the ruling dispensation had failed to offer hope and empathy to the aggrieved people of the Valley. This Government has offered precious little to the people and will be remembered for its brutality, hypocrisy and brazen sellout. Mehbooba Mufti should take a call of her own conscience and resign," he said. Later in the day, Sagar led a party delegation and called on Governor N N Vohra at Raj Bhawan here. They presented a memorandum on behalf of the party, a spokesman of the National Conference said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The NHRC has sent notices to the Tamil Nadu government and the CBSE over alleged hardships faced by students who had to travel long distances to write their National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). The commission in a statement today observed that the state government and CBSE authorities had "failed" to provide examination centres to aspirants within Tamil Nadu, resulting in hardships for not only students, but also their parents. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Central Board of Secondary (CBSE) chairperson and the Tamil Nadu chief secretary, seeking a detailed report explaining as to why students had to travel across the state to appear for the examination. The commission also said it would like to know as to what steps were being taken by both the authorities to ensure that such incidents do not recur. "The NHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report alleging that a lot of hardships were faced by young students, who had to travel across the state to write their NEET, organised by the Central Board of Secondary Education," the rights panel said in the statement. "In one such incident, a 46-year-old man from Tamil Nadu, who had to travel a long distance of 500 km with his son to appear in the NEET at a centre in Kerala, died due to cardiac arrest on Sunday," the NHRC said. According to the media report, carried today, a statement issued by the CBSE said that "at least 3,685 medical aspirants from Tamil Nadu had to travel out of state to take the exam". The commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights. "The students pass through tremendous pressure due to examination. It is the duty of the state to ensure that they should not be subjected to any kind of discomfort, while they are appearing for the entrance examinations," it said. However, as per a report, CBSE and NEET authorities have not commented on why they "failed to create enough exam centres within Tamil Nadu", the NHRC said. "It is also mentioned that in the report, the Tamil Nadu state government had announced on May 5 that every student from Tamil Nadu, who travelled to other state to appear for the NEET, will be given train fare in addition to monetary assistance of Rs 1,000 per candidate," the statement said. Over 13 lakh candidates appeared for the national medical entrance exam NEET yesterday at 2,225 centres across the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nepal's Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali and Indian envoy to the country Manjeev Singh Puri today visited Janakpur to take stock of arrangements for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the historic and religious city on May 11. Gyawali was accompanied by Puri in the flight to Janakpur in a Nepali Army helicopter gifted by India. "Foreign Minister of Nepal Mr. Pradeep Gyawali flying to Janakpur today with Ambassador Puri to take stock of arrangements for PM Modi's visit in Hindustan Aeronautics' Advanced Light Helicopter. The ALH was gifted to Nepal Army by Prime Minister Modi in 2014," Indian Embassy in Kathmandu tweeted. Modi will begin his two-day Nepal visit from the historic and religious city of Janakpur. Modi is visiting Nepal at the invitation of Prime Minister of Nepal K P Sharma Oli. This will be Modi's third visit to Nepal and the first high-level visit from India since the formation of the new Government in Nepal. During the visit, he will hold talks with his counterpart Oli, call on the President and Vice President of Nepal, and interact with senior leaders of various political parties of Nepal. He will also be visiting the historic city of Muktinath. The visit is the part regular high-level exchanges between India and Nepal, and will enable leaders to discuss matters of mutual interest and strengthen cooperation in all areas of age-old, multi-faceted and expanding partnership between the two countries, the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi said in a statement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bombay High Court today refused to grant interim relief to a group of washer men from the famous 'Dhobi Ghat' in Mahalaxmi area here. They had sought that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) be restrained from demolishing structures at Dhobi Ghat that they were using as washing stones and for drying clothes. A vacation bench comprising justices AK Menon and Bharati Dangre, however, issued a notice to the BMC and directed it to file its reply to the plea, before a regular bench of the court, by June 4. The petitioners had claimed that they had valid licences for use of this area and that any demolition would breach their right to earn a livelihood. The BMC, however, told the vacation bench that the petitioners had constructed some illegal structures, including steel staircases, in the area that was reserved to be used as washing stone and for drying clothes. Such use and construction were contrary to the licence terms, the BMC contended. The Corporation also alleged that some of the petitioners were even using such area illegally for cooking and other work. Therefore, notices of demolition had been issued to them between April 20 and May 2 this year. The petitioners sought that, by way of an interim order, the bench stay the above notices. However, the bench noted that if the structures in question had been added contrary to the licence conditions, it was "not possible" for the court to grant any protection. It noted that the Corporation was entitled to take steps in accordance with law. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Normal life came to a standstill in Kashmir today on a call for shutdown by separatists to protest the killing of five civilians during clashes between protesters and security forces near the encounter site in Shopian district yesterday. Jaint Resistance Leadership (JRL), an amalgam of separatist groups, spearheaded by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik, called for a complete strike to protest against the civilian killings during clashes with security forces following an encounter in which five militants, including an assistant professor from the Kashmir University, were killed. The separatists have called for a sit-in against the killings outside the Civil Secretariat, which opened today as part of the traditional 'Darbar Move' practice, here. While Geelani and Mirwaiz have been placed under house arrest, Malik has been taken into preventive custody since Saturday. Schools, colleges and other educational institutions have been closed as a precautionary measure to prevent any law and order situation, officials said. The Kashmir University has cancelled all academic activity for two days and postponed the exams scheduled to be held today. Shops and other business establishments remained closed while public transport remained off the roads due to the strike call. The authorities have imposed restrictions on the movement of people in seven police station areas of the city -- Maharaj gunj, Rainawari, Khanyar, Nowhtatta, Safa Kadal, Maisuma and Kralkhud -- as a precautionary measure. Restrictions have also been imposed in Pulwama and Shopian districts of south Kashmir while security forces have been deployed in strength across the Valley for maintaining law and order, a police official said. The official said the situation across the Valley is peaceful so far. Train services from Banihal to Baramulla have been suspended while Internet services in mobile devices continued to remain suspended for the third day today. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Odisha government today handed over land titles to around 2,000 slum dwellers of different urban local bodies in Ganjam and Puri districts. As part of the implementation of the Odisha Land Rights to Slum Dwellers Act 2017, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik distributed the land rights to the slum dwellers at a function held at Chhatrapur, the district headquarter town of Ganjam district. In addition to the land titles, the beneficiaries will be provided Rs 2 lakh each part-funding to build their homes, officials said. "Not only they get the land titles, but they will also live in a dignified manner with all facilities like road, light, drinking water and other essential provisions," Patnaik said, while handing over the titles and launching the Liveable Habitat Mission ('Mo Ghara'). Tata Trusts will provide technical support for the project, which is likely to benefit around 10 lakh slum dwellers of 2,500 pockets in 104 urban local bodies (ULB) across the state. "We are very much happy to partner with the state government in the project," said Ratan Tata, Chairman, Tata Trusts. The project will be implemented in a mission mode and will be completed in the next one year, Odisha Urban Development Minister Niranjan Pujari said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi today expressed grave concern over the alleged human rights violations in Kashmir. Five Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists including a top commander and a fresh recruit -- a university professor -- were killed in an encounter in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir yesterday, even as five civilians died during clashes between protesters and law enforcement agencies near the encounter site. In a statement, Abbasi said: "Pakistan is gravely concerned over the escalation of systematic brutalities, killing of innocent civilians, and human rights violations committed by the Indian security forces with impunity" in Kashmir. He alleged that the security forces have arrested the Hurriyat leadership while using force against peaceful protesters. He claimed that 14 people were killed in the last 36 hours. The Kashmiris' struggle for a just, fair and legitimate right to self-determination calls in question the "collective conscience of the world", Abbasi said. The people around the world must raise their voice against "Indian oppression", the prime minister said. He urged the United Nations to play its role to enforce the inalienable right of Kashmiris to self-determination, Abbasi said. Pakistan will continue to provide moral, political and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir in their struggle for self-determination under the UN Charter and in accordance with the UNSC resolutions, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan's Supreme Court today rejected a plea by ousted foreign minister Khawaja Asif to issue a stay order against his disqualification verdict by a high court. Asif, 68, was disqualified by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) last month for having an employment contract with a UAE-based company while contesting polls in 2013. Hours after the verdict, the election commission formally de-notified Asif as a member of the National Assembly, leading to his ouster as the foreign minister. He challenged the decision in the Supreme Court where a three-member bench headed by Justice Umar Atta Bandial is hearing the appeal. Asif, through his counsel Muneer Malik, asked the court to grant stay order against the verdict until the appeal was decided. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan's Supreme Court today dismissed review petitions moved by former chiefs of the country's army and the ISI against the court's landmark verdict holding them guilty of bribing politicians, including ousted premier Nawaz Sharif, to influence the elections in 1990. The apex court, while hearing the Asghar Khan case in the 2012, had directed the Pakistan government to conduct a probe against former Army Chief General Aslam Baig and former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt Gen Asad Durrani for allegedly bribing Rs 140 million to some politicians to defeat slain Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Benazir Bhutto. The three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar, rejected review petitions filed by two former military officers against the 2012 judgment. Both Baig and Durrani had confessed to their role in bribing Rs 140 million, through a private bank, to different politicians, linked to Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI) group, to use it for defeating Bhutto in the 1990 general elections. Sharif, who had won the election to become the prime minister for the first time, is said to be the one of the beneficiaries. The court had directed Director-General of Federal Investigation Agency Bashir Memon and Advocate General of Pakistan Ashtar Ausaf Ali to brief the court about the status of implementation of its verdict, and adjourned the hearing till tomorrow. The case was filed by Air Marshal (retd) Asghar Khan in 1996 and it lingered until former Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry gave a verdict in 2012. The top judge, instead of directly ordering any action against the senior army officers, who had confessed to their role, asked the government to probe the case, fix responsibility and punish culprits. So far, little headway has been made in the implementation of the verdict. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today announced the constitution of a six-member oversight committee to examine the recommendations of an earlier panel that reviewed the history syllabus, officials said. The committee will also oversee the content of history school books, they said. The move comes in the wake of the Shiromani Akali Dal alleging that a major portion of Sikh and Punjab history had been removed from the Class 12 curriculum. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Gobind Singh Longowal asked the Punjab government to withdraw the history text book of Class 12th, saying otherwise the apex religious body of the Sikhs may plan a massive agitation. Talking to media persons in Amritsar, Longowal said a deep-rooted conspiracy was allegedly hatched to keep away the young generation from the pious and valuable Sikh history by "omitting the chapters related to Sikh Gurus in the text books of 12th standards by the Punjab School Board". If this Class 12th book is not withdrawn within ten days, then SGPC would summon a big gathering of Sikhs on May 19 at Teja Singh Manji Sahib Hall in the Golden Temple premises to decide next course of action against the Punjab government, Longowal said. The Punjab School Board (PSEB) and the Congress government maintain that the curriculum was only "re-aligned" to match the NCERT syllabus. In Chandigarh, the chief minister today criticised the Opposition for unnecessarily politicising the issue and said his government had decided to prevent any such politicisation of history books by setting up a permanent committee to oversee the process of formulating the syllabus and ensuring error-free books on the subject. He said the decision to review the syllabus and print books in alignment with the NCERT syllabus was taken during the SAD-BJP rule in 2014, and that the controversy on the issue was "politically motivated". In fact, there were no history books earlier and what SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal was citing was merely a guide, he said at a press conference. The chief minister asserted that the syllabus relating to the Sikh Gurus had not been deleted, and the entire history of the Gurus had been incorporated in a chronological order in the syllabi for classes 11 and 12. The committee will be headed by eminent historian Prof Kirpal Singh and will include former vice chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University Prof J S Grewal, former pro-vice vhancellor of GNDU Prof. Prithipal Singh Kapur, emeritus Prof. of History at Panjab University Indu Banga, and two eminent historians to be nominated by the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, he said. The committee has been mandated to consider and report on the recommendations of the expert group constituted by the PSEB in 2014 to review the changes made in the new history syllabus for classes 11 and 12 subsequent to the recommendations of the expert group and to suggest corrections, if any, Amarinder Singh said. The committee has been asked to examine the contents of the text books prescribed for classes 11 and 12 and suggest corrections for factual and other errors, if any, and to align, as may be practicably possible, the history syllabus with that prescribed by the NCERT, he said. The committee has also been directed to oversee the syllabus and contents of history textbooks prescribed for all classes by the PSEB and ensure there are no factual discrepancies, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi today said the Congress approaching the Supreme Court, challenging the rejection of the impeachment notice against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra by the Rajya Sabha chairman on the ground that there was "no proved misbehaviour", was a "deceptive methodology" to constantly remain in She said there was no merit in the case because the decision of Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu was based on facts, which could not be disputed. The BJP leader said the move was "more of a battle of perceptions being fought through media than facts". "There is no merit in the case because the decision of the vice president is based on facts that cannot be disputed. His discretion cannot be questioned. The petition itself uses words like may be, likely and appears to be unsure of its contents. This is only a gimmick," she said. The New Delhi MP alleged that the Congress wanted to use the media to constantly remain in the and the petition only cast aspersions, adding that there was no petition pending before Parliament. "This is a deceptive methodology adopted by the opposition, because neither the facts, nor the law is on their side," Lekhi said, adding that there was "no case" as the "petition has not given even a single instance to support their contention". Pratap Singh Bajwa and Amee Harshadray Yajnik, the Congress's Rajya Sabha MPs from Punjab and Gujarat respectively, have moved the petition in the apex court. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress in Goa has alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks made in Karnataka on the contentious Mahadayi river issue were to confuse voters on the eve of elections in the neighbouring state. During a poll rally in Karnataka last week, Modi claimed that the then Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, had said during Goa Assembly polls in 2007 that her party was "committed" to not allowing the southern state its share of water. The PM said since the Congress was out of power in Goa, it was instigating the people of Karnataka on the Mahadayi issue and that instead of finding a solution to the dispute, it was referred to a tribunal. Reacting to it, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Girish Chodankar said such statements were being made just before the Karnataka polls to "confuse the voters". "I urge them (BJP leaders) to make a categorical statement within 72 hours, and not to wait till the Karnataka elections are over, if they are serious about this issue," Chodankar told reporters here last night. The prime minister has denied justice to both the states, he alleged. The Union government had earlier formed the Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal where both the states are fighting over the issue. Chodankar said one cannot belittle the tribunal's importance. "The tribunal has been formed as per the Constitution. Both the states have the right to represent before it. These statements are just to win the Karnataka election," he said. Karnataka and Goa, the riparian states of the Mahadayi river (known as Mandovi in Goa), have been locked in a bitter battle on sharing of the river water, which originates in Belagavi in the southern state. The matter is pending before the Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal. The Goa government had in January this year told the tribunal that the Mahadayi river water demand by neighbouring Karnataka is actually for irrigating its sugarcane crop areas. Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had earlier said his state could share the river water with Karnataka for drinking purposes and expressed his willingness for bilateral talks. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prayer promotes peace and no tension should be allowed in the name of worshipping god, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said today after a minister in the Haryana government reportedly said namaz could not be offered anywhere in the open "with the intention of grabbing land". The minority affairs minister also said the Haryana government was "very sensitive" towards the issue and that Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar himself had clarified that his regime was not against offering prayers. Naqvi, however, added that if there was any complaint in this connection, the issue had to be settled amicably. "Prayer promotes peace and not tension. Hence, no tension should be allowed in the name of prayer. According to provisions, prayers are to be performed at authorised places," he told reporters here. "The state government is sensitive (towards the issue) and the chief minister has also clarified that they are not against offering prayers. But if anybody is complaining, it is better to settle the issue amicably," Naqvi added. The Union minister said those offering namaz were aware of the rules in the Islam regarding where to offer prayers and hence, it was not right to fight over it. To a question on the row over a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), he said the students and the administration of the institute should put an end to the "uncalled for controversy". "Jinnah is not a role model for the country or its Muslims. Hence, this controversy has to be brought to an end and it should be ensured that the university's dignity is maintained," Naqvi added. According to media reports, Haryana's Health Minister Anil Vij has said if someone needs to offer namaz, he has the religious freedom to do so, but one cannot offer namaz anywhere in the open with the intention of grabbing land. Vij's statement comes in the wake of Khattar's clarification that he did not speak about stopping anyone from offering prayers, after having said that namaz should be offered only in mosques and idgahs. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Cutting across political parties, a large number of people protested against granting of Indian citizenship to Hindu foreigners today, saying it would threaten the existence of the indigenous people of Assam as the JPC on the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 began its hearing here. The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955 to make illegal migrants belonging to six communities -- Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians -- eligible for Indian citizenship after six years of residence in the country. The 16-member Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), headed by BJP MP Rajendra Agarwal, visited the north-eastern state under public pressure to incorporate the opinions of organisations and individuals into the bill. Several organisations and citizens have voiced their concern against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, which they have claimed would breach the clauses of the "historic" Assam Accord that states all illegal foreigners who came to the state after 1971 from Bangladesh, irrespective of their religion, have to be deported. The protesters, waving placards, took out a peaceful procession to the Assam Administrative Staff College, where the JPC conducted its hearing on the bill, and submitted their memoranda, the police said. Among those who opposed the bill were state leaders of the ruling BJP, its ally Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and opposition Congress. Senior Congress leader and former chief minister Tarun Gogoi said the party opposed the bill "tooth and nail". "In the Preamble to the Constitution, it is written that India is a secular republic. This bill violates the basic structure of the Constitution," he said and questioned the basis on which the Centre sought to amend the Citizenship Bill. "The states in India were created on the basis of language and not religion. But the bill wants to divide us on the basis of religion, when in Assam, we have been living in harmony with Bengalis and Muslims," Gogoi said. He said the Assam Accord that stated March 25, 1971 would be the cut-off for detection of foreigners for their deportation had been accepted by all the political parties. "But the bill violates both the Assam Accord and the purpose of updating the National Register of Citizenship (NRC) to identify the foreigners. Will it solve our problems or create more?" he asked, adding that it was the "biggest wrong" committed by the BJP and Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal against the people of Assam. Assam Congress chief Ripun Bora said while the bill spoke of people of religious minorities in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan, it actually meant Bangladeshi Hindus. Sonowal, with the help of AGP, was determined to destroy Assam and remain in power, he alleged. Opposing the bill, prominent BJP women's wing leader Meera Borthakur said, "A foreigner is a foreigner, whether Hindu or Muslim. The Assamese people have not become so weak that we need to import people from Bangladesh. "We have come to meet the JPC as individuals. By coming here, we are not opposing Chief Minister Sonowal, but adding to his strength in the interests of the people. We have faith in him and his promise to protect 'jati, mati, bheti' (community, land, home)." AGP president and Assam minister Atul Bora told reporters after meeting the members of the JPC, "Even though the AGP is in the (BJP-led) state government, the question of us supporting the bill does not arise. "Assam's language and culture will be affected (if the bill is enacted). The six-year-long anti-foreigners Assam Agitation and the historic Assam Accord will become meaningless." Voicing his protest, Krishak Mukti Sangram Samitee chief Akhil Gogoi said if such a bill was passed, the identity of the indigenous people of Assam would be at stake. It would also threaten the existence of the Assamese language and lead to identity crisis among the people, he added. BJP MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, who is a member of the JPC, told reporters, "A wrong message is being spread that only Hindu Bangladeshis will be brought in through the bill. "There is no need for the people of Assam to be worried as there is no mention of Hindu Bangladeshis in the bill, but the linguistic minorities of Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan." The organisations or individuals, who did not register their names earlier, were also heard and their memoranda received by the committee, official sources said. Stating that the dates of the maiden tour of the JPC were fixed by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, the sources claimed that the panel members would hear the representatives tomorrow at Silchar in south Assam. Many organisations and individuals, who submitted memoranda to the committee, claimed that they were not given receipts and feared that their documents would not be considered when the JPC took the final decision on the bill. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today announced the constitution of a six-member oversight committee to examine the recommendations of the 2014 panel that reviewed the history syllabus and oversee all history books in the future. The move comes in the wake of the Shiromani Akali Dal alleging that a major portion of Sikh and Punjab history had been removed from the Class 12 curriculum. The Punjab School Board (PSEB) and the Congress government maintain that the curriculum was only "re-aligned" to match the NCERT syllabus. The chief minister today criticised the Opposition for unnecessarily politicising the issue and said his government had decided to prevent any such politicisation of history books by setting up a permanent committee to oversee the process of formulating the syllabus and ensuring error-free books on the subject. He said the decision to review the syllabus and print books in alignment with the NCERT syllabus was taken during the SAD-BJP rule in 2014, and that the controversy on the issue was "politically motivated". In fact, there were no history books earlier and what SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal was citing was merely a guide, he said at a press conference. The chief minister asserted that the syllabus relating to the Sikh Gurus had not been deleted, and the entire history of the Gurus, starting from Baba Banda Bahadur, had been incorporated in a chronological order in the syllabi for classes XI and XII. The committee will be headed by eminent historian Prof Kirpal Singh and will include former vice chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University Prof J S Grewal, former pro-vice vhancellor of GNDU Prof. Prithipal Singh Kapur, emeritus Prof. of History at Panjab University Indu Banga, and two eminent historians to be nominated by the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, he said. The committee has been mandated to consider and report on the recommendations of the expert group constituted by the PSEB in 2014 to review the changes made in the new history syllabus for classes XI and XII subsequent to the recommendations of the expert group and to suggest corrections, if any, Capt Amarinder said. The committee has been asked to examine the contents of the text books prescribed for classes XI and XII and to suggest corrections for factual and other errors, if any, and to align, as may be practicably possible, the history syllabus with that prescribed by the NCERT, he said. The committee has also been directed to oversee the syllabus and contents of history textbooks prescribed for all classes in the Punjab School Board and to ensure that there are no factual discrepancies, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has urged the Centre to take the lead in ensuring optimum harnessing of the Ravi-Beas waters and suggested constitution of a panel of experts to work out ways to restrict the flow of water from the state into Pakistan. Responding to media queries here today, the chief minister said he had not yet received the letter purported to have been written by his Haryana counterpart Manohar Lal Khattar on the issue, but made it clear that his government would take every possible step to secure more water for the state. Pointing out that melting of ice leads to a rise in the water levels of the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers, causing them to flow into Pakistan, Singh said he had written to Union Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari suggesting storage of the excess water in dams in Himachal Pradesh to check its flow into Pakistan. He stressed the need for the central government to take the initiative in the matter. Under the Indus Water Treaty, 1960, India has been allowed unrestricted usage of available water in rivers viz. Ravi, Beas and Sutlej. A significant quantum of water of Ravi was flowing across the International Border through tributaries such as Ujh, Jallialia, Tarna joining the Ravi downstream of the rim station at Madhopur, he said. The quantity of water of the Ravi river flowing across the IB was assessed to be 0.58 million acre feet (MAF), he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russian President Vladimir Putin today asked parliament to back a new mandate for outgoing prime minister Dmitry Medvedev, his longtime ally. "Putin submitted Dmitry Medvedev's candidacy to receive the agreement of the State Duma to appoint him prime minister," the Kremlin said in a statement shortly after Putin was inaugurated for a fourth term. Medvedev, now 52, served as president from 2008 to 2012 when Putin had served the maximum two consecutive terms permitted by the Russian constitution. Putin then returned as president in 2012 while Medvedev became prime minister in a deal that the men said they had long agreed, disappointing those who had seen Medvedev as a more liberal figure and prompting mass street protests led by opposition politician Alexei Navalny. Putin and Medvedev first met in their native city of Saint Petersburg where they were colleagues in the mayor's office in the 1990s. Putin, 65, is now set to serve until 2024 and is already the longest-serving Russian leader since Joseph Stalin. He won March polls with more than 76 per cent of the vote. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Railway employees' union has called for a 72-hour relay hunger strike across the country from tomorrow against non-implementation of the provisions of the seventh pay commission and the attempted privatisation of the national transporter. A statement from the All India Railwaymen's Federation (AIRF) said today that despite several meetings of the AIRF with leaders of the central government organisations and Home Minister, Finance Minister, Railway Minister and Minister of State for Railways, no decision was taken. "Despite requests to the government of India to consider the demands of the Central Government Employees -- improvement in minimum wage and fitment factor after implementation of 7th CPC recommendations, provision of guaranteed pension and family pension to all the NPS (National Pension Scheme) covered employees, irrespective of their date of appointment...contractorisation leading towards wholesale privatisation, no fruitful outcome has emerged as yet despite lapse of around two years' precious time," the statement said. AIRF in its meetings of the General Council and Working Committee, held on March 13-14, 2018, here decided to stage a 'Mass Relay Hunger Strike' for 24 hours for three consecutive days -- at all the branches of the affiliated unions of the federation all over India. "All the branches of AIRF affiliates are, therefore, going to stage the aforesaid 'Relay Hunger Strike' from the morning of May 8, all over the Indian Railways", wherein large- number of railwaymen would sit on the relay hunger strike to press on their above-mentioned major demands, the statement said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A fire broke out at a warehouse near the Shapar industrial area here, gutting a huge stock of groundnut worth about Rs 3 crore, officials said today. The blaze erupted late last night in the rented warehouse and was still raging, a police officer said. This is the second major incident of fire at a groundnut warehouse in Rajkot district in three months. Gujarat Agriculture Minister R C Faldu ordered a high-level probe into the incident, and said it could be an attempt to malign the image of the state BJP government as such accidents were happening regularly. A huge stock of groundnut, purchased from farmers in Gujarat by NAFED (National Agriculture Cooperative Marketing Federation of India) was stored in the godown, located in the industrial area on the city's outskirts. "The exact cause of the fire was not immediately known. We have formed three to four teams and launched an investigation to find out whether it was an accident or a conspiracy. We will take stern action against those involved in it," district Superintendent of Police (SP) Antrip Sood said. He said once the fire is brought under control, the forensic team would be able to take samples to ascertain the cause of the blaze, he said. Rajkot district collector Rahul Gupta said fire tenders from Rajkot and Jetpur were pressed into service. "It's difficult to say when the flames would be brought under control," he said. In February, groundnut worth Rs 28 crore was gutted in fire at a godown in the district's Gondal taluka. The agriculture minister said it was a serious issue and that the incident could be a bid to tarnish the BJP government's image. "Out of the total 42,000 sacks kept in that private warehouse, we have managed to save 15,000 sacks. But, around 26,000 sacks, having groundnut worth Rs 3 crore, were gutted in the fire. This is a serious issue and we will not take it lightly as such incidents are happening regularly," he said. "This groundnut was procured by the Centre (through NAFED). Thus, it is possible that some people may not like it. I firmly believe that it could be a deliberate attempt to malign the BJP government's image. We will not spare anyone who is found guilty of this conspiracy," Faldu said. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said the district collector and the SP were probing the incident. The Gujarat Congress has demanded a CBI probe into the incident. "This is a conspiracy as such incidents are taking place at regular intervals. We demand that the CBI probe all such incidents," state Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court today virtually dampened the spirits of opposition MPs publicly advocating impeachment of Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, observing that the Rajya Sabha rules prohibited them from making public statements on removal of a judge of the higher judiciary without any notice in Parliament. The apex court, which was hearing a plea seeking to restrain Members of Parliament (MPs) from making public statements on removal of a judge without any notice in Parliament, also said there was "no urgency" in the mater and posted the hearing for the third week of July. The petition was filed in the backdrop of Congress and other opposition parties submitting a notice to Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu for initiating removal proceedings against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra. The notice was later rejected by Naidu. When a bench comprising Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan was told that public statements by politicians were made without there being any such notice in Parliament, the bench said, "Rajya Sabha Rules also prohibits such statements". Senior advocate Meenakshi Arora, representing petitioner NGO 'In Pursuit of Justice', said the issue raised in the plea was concerned with the "times to come" and required consideration by the top court. The bench responded by saying "why do you feel that such a time will come again and again" and adding "there is no urgency now". Attorney General (AG) K K Venugopal, who was earlier asked by the court to assist it in the matter, told the bench that the plea has become infructuous. The petitioner said it has been held the world over that making such public statements amounted to interference in the independence of the judge concerned. During the hearing, the Attorney General referred to the Judges (Inquiry) Act and the constitutional provisions dealing with the establishment of the Supreme Court and the procedure to be followed for removal of an apex court judge. Regarding the plea which also seeks laying down guidelines to regulate the procedure to be followed prior to initiating a motion for removing a judge of the top court, the bench said "we do not have to frame any guidelines". Arora said the Judges (Inquiry) Act comes into effect only after the Rajya Sabha Chairman takes notice of the motion for initiation of removal proceedings against a judge of higher judiciary and sets up an inquiry commission. But they have raised the issue of public statements by MPs even ahead of such a notice being there before Parliament. However, Venugopal said the process of removal proceedings was part of the privilege of the Parliament. The bench said the issue before it was whether there should be a discussion outside Parliament about it without there being any such notice in the House. Arora then referred to the recommendations of the Law Commission and said it has also said that such public statements cannot be made outside. "We can dispose it (plea) of by directing the Law Commission to look into it," the bench then observed. The senior counsel said the commission had given its recommendation way back in 2005 that it should be an offence to discuss these things outside the House, but nothing has been done till now. The plea has sought laying of guidelines or modalities regulating procedure to be followed by MPs, desirous of initiating proceedings for removal of a judge of the Supreme Court or a high court, prior to initiating a motion under Article 124(4) and (5) and 217(1)(b) of the Constitution. Articles 124(4) and (5) deal with the procedure to be followed for removal of an apex court judge. The petitioner has said the cause of action arose in the matter when a draft motion for removal of the CJI was released to the press on March 27 which had an effect of intimidating the judiciary. The plea also referred to various media reports carrying the statements of MPs and politicians in this regard and said no law was made by Parliament which permits the circulation of a draft notice of motion to the media. On April 20, the apex court had refused to gag the media at this stage from publishing or telecasting any information relating to discussions and deliberations on removal of judges of either the apex court or the high courts. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court today asked the Madras High Court to decide the pleas relating to the ongoing election process for numerous posts in over 18,000 cooperative societies in Tamil Nadu within a month. A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said the High Court would decide the petitions, including the one filed by Tamil Nadu State Cooperatives Election Commission, by June 8. The bench, which also comprised Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, said the High Court would also decide the maintainability of a plea filed by DMK MLA and chief whip R Sakkarapani. The DMK lawmaker, through his lawyer Amit Anand Tiwari, had alleged large scale corruption in the polls, saying that candidates in almost 85 per cent of the societies were declared winners unopposed. He had claimed that about 1.4 lakh people had filed nominations for these posts and the nomination papers of over 70,000 candidates were rejected. Earlier, the apex court had refused to stay the ongoing election process for several posts in over 18,000 cooperative societies in Tamil Nadu and directed that the poll process would continue as per schedule. It had however asked the Tamil Nadu State Cooperatives Election Commission not to declare the results until a decision is taken on its petition. The Tamil Nadu State Cooperatives Election Commission had moved the top court against a High Court verdict ordering 'status quo' on the poll process and sought records, pertaining to the nominations filed and rejected, from it. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the poll panel, said once the election process has begun, it cannot be stalled and moreover, these are small elections of small societies and political parties have no role in it. The Tamil Nadu State Co-operatives Election Commission had on March 5 announced four-phase elections to 18,775 primary cooperative societies. It had held elections to 4,698 societies in phase 1 and 4,479 societies in phase 2. It has to conduct polls to 4,531 societies in phase 3 and 4,727 elections in phase 4. Challenging the polls, several petitions were filed before the high court alleging that the commission had accepted the nominations of candidates belonging to the ruling AIADMK who were declared successful. The pleas before the high court had also alleged that the commission had rejected nominations of the candidates of rival political parties. It had not served orders to these candidates stating reasons for the rejection. The high court had ordered status quo in the matter. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court today issued notice on a fresh plea by a woman seeking to declare the practices of polygamy and 'nikah halala' among Muslims as unconstitutional. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud sought response from the Centre and others on a plea of Rani alias Sabnam challenging the practice of polygamy and 'nikah halala' in the community. She and her three minor kids were allegedly thrown out of the matrimonial home after her husband had re-married. The bench after hearing senior lawyer Shekhar Naphade and advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay ordered tagging of her petition with a batch of pleas to be decided by a five-judge Constitution bench. While polygamy allows a Muslim man to have four wives, 'nikah halala' deals with the process in which a Muslim woman, who wants to re-marry her husband after divorce, has to first marry another person and get a divorce from him after the consummation. The apex court, on March 26, had referred to a five-judge constitution bench a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of polygamy and 'nikah halala' among the Muslims. Rani alias Sabnam, in her petition, referred to the sequence of events in her life and said she had married one Muzammil on February 8, 2010 as per the Shariayat rites and was blessed with two sons and a daughter. She said her parents spent about Rs five lakh, including gold and silver ornaments as dowry, in her marriage. However, she was later harassed and forced out of the matrimonial home here after her husband re-married. The woman, who is currently living with her children at the home of in-laws in Bulandshahr town of Uttar Pradesh after neighbours came forward in their support, has moved the top court for declaring these practices as unconstitutional. "The instant petition raises an important issue of General Public Interest, that is prevalent practice of Polygamy including Nikah-Halala which is unconstitutional and even then the same is prevailing in our country. The said practices which certainly comes within the domain of personal law cannot be immune from judicial review under the constitution," it said. The plea said that "extra-judicial talaq" amounted to cruelty and be made an offence under section 498A (subjecting a married woman to cruelty) of the IPC. It also sought that the practice of 'nikah halala' be considered as the offence of rape under the IPC. Union ministries of Woman and Child Welfare, Law and Minority Affairs and National Commission for Woman have been made parties to the litigation. The top court had on April 23 directed the Centre to respond to a separate plea seeking to declare the provisions of Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) validating the practice of polygamy and 'nikah halala' as unconstitutional. It had also ordered tagging of the petition, filed by Lucknow resident Naish Hasan on the same issue. Hasan, in the petition, had said the pivotal issue that needed to be answered was whether under a secular Constitution, women, merely by virtue of their religious identity, can be relegated to a status significantly more vulnerable than their counterparts professing other faiths. The apex court had on March 26 referred a batch of pleas challenging the practice of polygamy and others to the constitution bench. The bench had considered the submission that an earlier five-judge constitution bench, in its 2017 verdict, had kept open the issue of polygamy and 'nikah halala' while quashing triple talaq. By a majority of 3:2, a five-judge constitution bench, on August 22 last year, had banned the 1,400 year-old practice of instant 'triple talaq' among Sunni Muslims and set it aside on several grounds including that it was against the basic tenets of the Holy Quran and violated the Islamic law Shariat. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court today sought a status report from a committee appointed by it to look into the treatment of people bitten by stray dogs in Kerala and their claims of compensation. A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud directed the three-member committee headed by a former Kerala High Court judge to file the report in four weeks after it was alleged that the dog bite victims, despite being awarded the compensation by the panel, had not yet been paid by the state government. The bench has sought details of the victims of dog-bites who have been awarded the compensation, but not yet received it. The panel, headed by former judge Justice S S Jagan, had earlier told the court that over one lakh people in Kerala have been bitten by dogs in 2015-16, while warning that frequent stray dog attacks on children in the state had created a dangerous situation. "India is a nation with substantial fatal rabies cases, mainly due to stray dog bites. Kerala is estimated to have a stray dog population of 2.5 lakhs, which feed lavishly on the wastes and garbage dumps across cities and towns. Frequent stray dog attacks on children in Kerala have created a dangerous situation. "There have been incidents of stray dogs chasing, attacking and biting school children, aged persons, pedestrians, morning walkers and two-wheeler riders...More than one lakh people in the state have been bitten by dogs in 2015-16," the panel, which also comprised the state law secretary and the director health services, had said in its earlier report. The apex court had expressed unhappiness over the increasing cases of dog bites in Kerala and asked the state government to take steps to ensure that such cases are checked. The Kerala government had last year informed the court that Justice S S Jagan committee has been considering and deciding on the claims of the victims of dog bites and so far, 154 such claims, out of total 752, have been decided and 18 compensation claims already settled. It had said that the state government has asked District Panchayats to earmark 2-3 acre plots in every panchayats to set up of "dog zoos". The court had asked the Kerala government to take action on the reports of the Justice Jagan committee on award of compensation to dog bite victims. The bench had said the key issue to be decided was whether the Dog Rules, 2001, framed by the central government under the mandate of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 would override state laws on curbing the menace of lethal stray canines. The Dog Rules were framed in line with the Animal Birth Control programme of WHO which provide that instead of culling the dogs, they should be sterilised and immunised. The top court had in November 2016 restrained vigilante groups in Kerala from imparting training to children and distributing air guns to people at subsidised rates to kill stray dogs and publicly propagate that there was a "war" against canines in the state. A batch of petitions by various NGOs and individuals is being heard by the apex court, which had in 2016 set up the panel headed by the former Kerala High Court judge to inquire into the incidents of common people and children killing stray dogs and the support rendered to this by several vigilante groups in the state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court today ordered that the trial in the sensational gangrape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua be shifted out of Jammu and Kashmir to neighbouring Punjab, holding fair trial was "sacrosant" and cannot be allowed to "co-exist" with fear. Directing day-to-day "in-camera" trial, the apex court asked the district and sessions judge at Pathankot to personally undertake the trial proceedings. The order came on a petition by the victim's father seeking transfer of the case to Chandigarh on the ground that the family was receiving death threats and that they feared for their lives Vacating the stay granted by the top court on the trial in Kathua, a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra refrained from handing over the probe to the CBI and directed that the trial be fast-tracked to ensure there was no delay as the investigation has been conducted and charge sheet filed. The state police's Crime Branch, which probed the case, has 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 apex court bench, also comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra, allowed the J and K government to appoint a special public prosecutor (SPP) to conduct the trial and ordered continuation of security provided to the victim's family members, a family friend and the lawyer representing them. The top court also said that the trial would be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Ranbir Penal Code, which is applicable in J and K, and asked the state to get statements of witnesses and records of the case translated from Urdu to English. The victim, who belonged to a minority nomadic community, had disappeared from near her home in a village close to Kathua in the Jammu region on January 10. Her body was found in the same area a week later. The girl's father welcomed the Court decision and said he has full faith in the judiciary. We only want justiceI have full faith in the judiciary and the government, the father told PTI in Jammu over phone from Ramban district where he is camping along with other members of his family. J and K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said the court decision would boost the morale of the state police, which, she said had left "no stone unturned" to ensure that the victim's family gets justice. The apex court emphasised that the trial must be fair to the victim's family and the accused and said that the state would facilitate transportation and accomodation to the victim's family, lawyers and witnesses to Pathankot, about 30 km from Kathua. The court while asking the district and sessions judge at Pathankot not to assign the case to other session judges said it would monitor the progress of trial and that no other courts should entertain any other plea related to the matter. "Needless to say, a fair trial is a sacrosanct principle under Article 21 of the Constitution of India and a fair trial' means fair to the accused persons, as well as to the victims of the crime. In the instant case, direct victims are the family members of the deceased, although ultimately collective is the victim of such crime," it said. "The fair trial commands that there has to be free atmosphere where the victims, the accused and the witnesses feel safe. They must not suffer from any kind of phobia while attending the court. Fear and fair trial are contradictory in terms and they cannot be allowed to co-exist," the court said. "Concept of fair trial', needs no special emphasis and it takes within its sweep the conception of a speedy trial and the speedy trial meets its purpose when the trials are held without grant of adjournment as provided under the provisions contained in section 309 CrPC," it said. The decision to transfer the trial from Kathua in Jammu to Pathankot came after deliberations during which names of several districts in the state -- Udhampur, Jammu, Ramban, Sambha, Reasi, Poonch, Rajouri and Doda -- were considered. Initially, there was a consensus on transferring the trial to Ramban but the counsel appearing for two accused in the case objected to it saying that Ramban was far away from Kathua and was hit by terrorism and there was "polarisation of the community" there also. At the outset, senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for victim's father, contended that they were satisfied with the probe conducted by the crime branch of J and K Police but the entire case was given a "political colour" by the accused despite the fact that it was a matter relating to rape and murder of a minor girl. Senior advocate Gopal Subramanium, appearing for J and K government, said that police has already filed a detailed charge sheet and further probe was being carried out and the question was about having an atmosphere for fair trial at Kathua. "We would like a fair trial to take place. Further investigation is going on at a rapid pace," he said, adding that they were opposing the transfer of the case outside the state. Senior counsel Meenakshi Arora, appearing for the accused, alleged that the probe into the case was "botched up" and when there was no fair investigation, fair trial cannot be expected. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh cannot retain government accommodation after demitting office, the Supreme Court held today, saying a Chief Minister was at par with a common man once his or her term ends. Observing that a Chief Minister cannot continue to occupy public property like government bungalows which belong to people of the country, a bench headed by Justice Ranjan Gogoi struck down an amendment in a state legislation allowing them to retain government accommodation even after demitting office. The bench said the provision, which was struck down, has the effect of creating a separate class of citizens for conferment of benefits by way of distribution of public property on the basis of the previous public office held by them. "Natural resources, public lands and the public goods like government bungalows/ official residence are public property that belongs to the people of the country. The Doctrine of Equality' which emerges from the concepts of justice, fairness must guide the State in the distribution/allocation of the same," the bench, which also comprised Justice R Banumathi said. "The Chief Minister, once he/she demits the office, is at par with the common citizen, though by virtue of the office held, he/she may be entitled to security and other protocols. But allotment of government bungalow, to be occupied during his/her lifetime, would not be guided by the constitutional principle of equality," the bench observed. The top court was hearing a petition filed by an NGO Lok Prahari challenging the amendments made by the erstwhile Akhilesh Yadav government to the 'UP Ministers (Salaries, Allowances and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1981'. The court, in its 29-page order, said once such persons demit public office held by them, there is nothing to distinguish them from the common man. The apex court also said it was a legislative exercise based on irrelevant and legally unacceptable considerations, unsupported by any constitutional sanctity. "The public office held by them becomes a matter of history and, therefore, cannot form the basis of a reasonable classification to categorise previous holders of public office as a special category of persons entitled to the benefit of special privileges. The test of reasonable classification, therefore, has to fail," the bench said. The apex court also said in a democratic republican government, public servants, entrusted with duties of public nature, must act in a manner that reflects that the ultimate authority is vested in the citizens and it is to the citizens, that the holders of all public offices are eventually accountable. "Such a situation would only be possible within a framework of equality and when all privileges, rights and benefits conferred on holders of public office are reasonable, rational and proportionate," the bench said. The Uttar Pradesh government said the writ petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution was not a direct infringement of the fundamental rights of the petitioner. The apex court did not accept the submission that the power to issue writ (direction) should only be exercised in cases relating to violation of fundamental rights of citizens and said that after the advent of PIL jurisdiction, the court can deal with a plethora of issues concerning common citizens. The court had on April 19 reserved its verdict in the matter. The NGO had challenged another UP law of 2016 called 'The Allotment of Houses under Control of the Estate Department Bill-2016' to regulate the allotment of government accommodation to trusts, journalists, political parties, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of legislative assembly, judicial officers and government officials. The apex court had sought the UP government's response in November 2016, after the plea claimed that state government has sought to skirt the Supreme Court verdict of August 1, 2016 by amending the law. In that verdict, the apex court had held that the practice of allotting government bungalows to former chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh was bad in law and they should hand over their possession in two months. It had also said the state government should recover appropriate rent from the occupants of these bungalows for the period of their "unauthorised occupation". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Seven structures of the CPI(M) and the Congress and their affiliated trade unions, built illegally on government land, were demolished in the Old Motor Stand area here today. The demolition drive started this morning and continued for several hours. More than 100 illegal structures of political parties have been identified in West Tripura district, which includes the state capital, Agartala. All the structures would be demolished in the coming days, District Magistrate (West Tripura) Milind Ramteke said. Stating that a seven-day deadline was given to all the political parties on April 30 to remove the structures, he said it expired last night and the demolition drive was launched this morning. "There are 104 identified illegal structures in West Tripura district. We started with six-seven in the Old Motor Stand area. Similar drives will be carried out for all such structures. Every day, some illegal offices will be demolished," the DM said. The seven illegal structures razed today included offices of the opposition CPI(M), Congress and trade unions affiliated to them. The BJP rode to power for the first time in Tripura in March, putting an end to the 25-year rule of the CPI(M). The opposition parties in the north-eastern state had yesterday objected to the ruling dispensation's decision to bulldoze the structures of various political parties and trade unions. However, Ramteke said the decision was very clear that unauthorised offices of all parties on government land would be demolished or removed. No party had approached his office with a plea to accept money and exempt the offices from demolition, the DM added. Former state minister and a trade union leader of the CPI(M), Manik Dey, criticised the move, saying it reminded him of Emergency. "It is worse than Emergency. During that time, a government team had come to bulldoze this office, but pulled back in the face of resistance from the working class," he said, standing in front of a dismantled office of a CPI(M) motor workers' union. Congress leaders later staged a dharna in front of the DM's office. They said there were many Congress offices in the state, some as old as 50 years. Pointing out that an Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) office was demolished today, Tripura Congress chief Birajit Sinha said the demolition move had exceeded the martial law and added that the protests against it would continue. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of trying to "polarise" the society in the Karnataka Assembly elections, his predecessor Manmohan Singh said today it was "shocking" that he was "stooping so low" and using language that was unbecoming of a prime minister. He also launched a scathing attack on the Modi government for its "disastrous policies" and "economic mismanagement", Singh said. Singh castigated Modi for personalised attacks and said no prime minister had used the office to "say things about his opponents that Mr Modi has been doing day in and day out....It is not good for the country". Whenasked about the campaign for the May 12 Assembly polls in Karnataka, he said, "I am really sorry the way the state's population is sought to be....what can I say, polarised. This is not good for Karnataka. It's not good for the country as a whole. "It is all the more shocking that the Prime Minister of India stoops so low and uses language which is unbecoming of a PM, particularly when he's in a state where elections are taking place," Singh told reporters here. "No prime minister has used these election times to say things in a manner that Modi is trying to.I sincerely hope he will now learn the lesson and not seek to polarise our society, the way he is doing day in and day out," he said. He said the outcome of the Karnataka polls would have animpact on national as it was one of the most prosperous states in the country. Singh attacked the government over a series of banking frauds, saying the money swindled almost quadrupled from Rs 28,416 crore in September 2013 to Rs 1.11 lakh crore in September 2017. "Perpetrators of these frauds, meanwhile, escape with impunity. The economic mismanagement of the Modi government, and I say this with great care and responsibility, is slowly eroding the trust of the general public in the banking sector," he said. "Our nation today is experiencing difficult times. Our farmers are facing an acute crisis, our aspirational youth are not finding opportunities, and the economy is growing below its potential," Singh said. He said the "unfortunate truth" was that each of these crises was "entirely avoidable". "It pains me to see how rather than standing up to all these challenges, the government's response has been to stifle dissent when deficiencies are pointed out," he said. Noting that economic policy has a significant impact on the lives of people, he said it was essential that those tasked with decision making pay careful attention to policies and programmes and not act on mere whims and fancies. "India is a complex and diverse country and no one person can be the repository of all wisdom," he said in an apparent dig at Modi. He said every time an answer was sought for any of the "disastrous policies" of the BJP government, "all we hear is that the intentions are virtuous". Singh said the intentions of the Modi government which it claimed were good, had resulted in "massive" losses for the country. "Its lack of reasoning and analysis is costing India and our collective future." Reponding to a question, Singh said there were many reasons why the economy was "off the rail". He said investment under the UPA government had gone up to 34-35 per cent of the GDP but it was a "casualty" under the Modi dispensation. If investment does not grow, there cannot be sustainable growth, he said, adding employment generation would also suffer. Inadequate investment, he said, was the "single biggest weak point" in the management of the economy under Modi. Singh alleged attempts were made to change data about growth rate. The Modi government, he alleged, was making deliberate efforts to paint a "rosy" picture of the economy that was not backed by hard facts. Talkinng about Non-Performing Assets (NPA)s of public sector banks, he said it was easy to blame everything on the UPA or the 70 years of Congress rule. He said the "phenomenal" growth in NPAs after 2013 was a "telling picture" of the truth. About absconding diamantaire Nirav Modi, Singh said, "It was obvious in 2015 and 2016 that something is going wrong with the affairs. And yet the Modi government didn't do anything. If any blame needs to be passed, it has to be on the government of the day." "In fact, the prime minister was in Davos in the company of Nirav Modi. Only a few days later, he ran away. That itself is a reflection of the sad state of affairs."When asked about RBI facing criticism, Singh, a former governor of the central bank, said," It is unfortunately being talked about openly now that RBI cannot be trusted to even count returned notes. That has never happened before."The former prime minister said he hoped that RBI management would give credible answers to those questions. Claiming that income tax raids had become the "daily routine" of the Modi government, he said the business community was unhappyabout the raids that were conducted "without provocation, rhyme or reason", adversely affectingthe climate for investment. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Jammu and Kashmir Government today told the Supreme Court that a detailed charge sheet was filed after conducting a "sound" probe in the Kathua gangrape and murder case and further investigation was going on at a "rapid pace". The state government urged a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, which transferred the trial from Kathua to Pathankot in Punjab, that they should be permitted to appoint a special public prosecutor to conduct the trial, which was accepted. The state said it would continue to provide proper security to the victim's family, their lawyers and the accused as well. Senior advocate Gopal Subramanium, appearing for the state, said the investigation was conducted by the crime branch of Jammu and Kashmir Police in a "record time" and being the state, they know that they have to be responsible and conduct a fair probe and ensure fair trial in the case. Referring to a report given by the District and Sessions Judge of Kathua district court to the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, he said it showed that attempts were made to interfere in the process of filing of charge sheet by the police at the court there. Subramanium, who was assisted by state's advocate general Jahangir Iqbal Ganai and standing counsel Shoeb Alam, said the case has been committed to the court of district and session judge after filing of the charge sheet before the magistrate, but they were opposing the transfer of case outside the state. "We would like a fair trial to take place. Further investigation is going on at a rapid pace," he said, adding that since the time the apex court had taken cognisance of the matter, everybody has taken a position that they do not want any interference in the administration of justice. "We undertake to give protection to all the counsel in the case. The investigation conducted was sound one and it was done in record time," he said and suggested that the trial could be transferred to Jammu, Sambha, Udhampur or Ramban. Senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for victim's father, opposed the suggestion to transfer the trial to Jammu, Sambha, Udhampur but said they were agreed to transfer of case to Ramban. When the counsel appearing for accused raised objection on transfer of trial to Ramban, the name of district Reasi also cropped up. Later, Ganai said the trial could be transferred to adjoining districts like Poonch, Rajouri and Doda. However, after much deliberations, the parties agreed to the transfer of the trial to Pathankot in Punjab and the court ordered accordingly. Subramanium said that arrangements to be made by the state would be done and they would ensure transportation of the accused, advocates and victim's family members and other necessary facilities, including food. "The State of Jammu and Kashmir shall provide requisite number of interpreters as directed by the District and Sessions Judge, Pathankot, so that the deposition of the witnesses can be properly recorded and translated copies thereof can be provided to the accused persons," the bench said. The bench further said "The accused persons shall also be similarly treated so that they do not feel that solely because they are accused persons, they are presumed to be guilty, for it is the settled principle that they are innocent till they are found guilty." It granted liberty to the state to appoint a public prosecutor to conduct trial and said that "the juvenile, who is facing the trial, shall be dealt with in accordance with law and he should be given all special care and protection as per the command of the law." The court's order came on a plea filed by the victim's father seeking transfer of the case out of Kathua. The victim, an eight-year-old girl from a minority nomadic community, had disappeared from near her home in a village close to Kathua in the 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. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) There is a "learning crisis" in South Asia where only about half of the primary-aged children are receiving with minimum standards, the UN's Children's Fund UNICEF warned today. Investing in children is critical to achieving the sustainable development goals, Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said as he inaugurated a three-day South Asian Conference on 'Learning Generation and Delivery Approaches', organised by UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) here. Nepal's Constitution guarantees right to to every child, Oli said. Regional Director for UNICEF South Asia Jean Gough said: "While impressive strides have been made in achieving universal primary education, we have a learning crisis in South Asia with only about half of primary-aged children receiving with minimum learning standards. "We need much greater investment and increased quality education for girls and boys alike if we hope to see the next generation reach their full potential". UNICEF has joined hands with the International Commission on Financing Global Education Opportunity and working with governments and partners to accelerate progress in education and increase financing for the sector giving priority to children at risk of being excluded from learning, Gough said. "There is no better path to stronger economies more peaceful countries than investment in every child's right to education," said Henrietta H Fore, Executive Director, UNICEF. A report, 'The Learning Generation: Investing in Education for a Changing World', was released by the Commission in 2016. If the ever-worsening learning crisis left unaddressed, it will lead half of the world's 1.6 billion children and youths out of school or failing to learn by 2030, the report has warned. The conference is being attended by some 75 participants including government officials, educational experts, development partners and civil society leaders from eight countries -- India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. South Asia is currently home to more than 10 million out-of-school children, who should be able to attend primary level and 20 million out-of-school children at secondary level, according to a statement by UNICEF. The International Commission on Financing Global Education Opportunity, also known as the Education Commission, was set up in 2015 to reinvigorate the case for investing in education and to chart a pathway for increased investment in order to develop the potential of all of the world's young people. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A staffer of a state-run hospital in the city has been arrested for allegedly demanding bribe from a patient's family for completing the paperwork required for providing a free stent for a life saving operation, police said today. The family's ordeal continued for three months after 23-year-old Amit Mandal was admitted to the hospital on January 25 as the requisite procedure for getting a free stent dragged on for over 90 days. The patient, who was suffering from brain aneurysm, a bulging blood vessel in the brain, died on April 27. Palash Dutta, the storekeeper at the Bangur Institute of Neurosciences (BIN), had allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 3 lakh from Mandals family for completing the paperwork required for getting a sanction for the stent, costing Rs 7 lakh. A stent is given free to patients being treated in government hospitals in the state. But if the device costs more than Rs 4 lakh, the file has to be forwarded to the 'Swastha Bhavan' for its clearance. The accused was arrested late Saturday night after Mandals father had lodged a complaint with the hospital and the police on April 27, a senior officer of Kolkata Police said. As per the fathers complaint, Dutta had not forwarded the papers to the Swastha Bhavan. The father also said in his complaint that Dutta had abused and assaulted the patients mother when she had visited his chamber at the BIN. The hospital had conducted a preliminary investigation into the complaint and forwarded it to Bhowanipore Police on May 1. The accused has been booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act and charges of abetment, outraging a womans modesty among others, the officer said. The accused was remanded to judicial custody for a day by a city court yesterday, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An air strike targeted the office of the presidency in Yemen's rebel-held capital Sanaa on Monday, residents said, with rebel Al-Masirah television blaming the Saudi-led coalition for the raid. There was no immediate information on casualties, but witnesses said the office, used by the Huthi rebel administration, is normally bustling with employees. Residents said they heard two explosions hit the building, which is located near a hotel, a bank and shops, and not far from the central bank. The Huthis' Al-Masirah television accused the Saudi-led coalition, which has been fighting the rebels since 2015 to shore up the internationally recognised government, of responsibility for the strike. The coalition could not immediately be reached for comment. The strike came hours after Saudi Arabia's air defenses intercepted two ballistic missiles launched by the Huthis that targeted the south of the kingdom, said coalition spokesman Colonel Turki al-Malki. He said the rockets were launched from northern Yemen toward "populated areas" of Saudi Arabia, but were intercepted overnight without any casualties or damage. "This hostile act... proves the continued involvement of the Iranian regime in supporting the Huthi militia with qualitative capabilities," Malki added. Since November of last year, the Iran-backed insurgents have intensified missile attacks into neighbouring Saudi Arabia. The Saudi-led coalition launched a military intervention in Yemen in 2015 with the goal of rolling back the Huthis and restoring the internationally-recognised government to power. The conflict has left nearly 10,000 people killed, tens of thousands wounded, and millions on the brink of famine in what the United Nations has called the world's worst humanitarian crisis. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has requested the Afghan government to provide all possible help in freeing the seven Indian engineers abducted by Taliban militants in the restive northern Baghlan province. Swaraj, during a telephonic conversation with her Afghan counterpart Salahuddin Rabbani, conveyed India's concerns about the abducted Indians and requested him for help in tracing and freeing them, official sources said. They said the Afghan Foreign Minister assured Swaraj that his government would make all possible efforts to rescue the abducted Indian engineers. "Rabbani, in the conversation, assured the Indian External Affairs Minister that the Afghan security forces would not spare any efforts in rescuing and ensuring the security and safety of the engineers," the Afghan Foreign Ministry said in a statement. According to Afghan media reports, the engineers were abducted by the militants from near the Cheshma-e-Sher area in Baghlan yesterday. The Indian engineers of KEC International, an RPG group company, were working on a project for the construction of a power sub-station in the country. The Pajhwok Afghan quoted provincial police spokesman Zabiullah Shuja as saying that those abducted were in good health, citing initial information. He also said authorities were trying to find their location and rescue them. India has been carrying reconstruction activities in the war-torn country. It has already provided at least USD 2 billion aid to Afghanistan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi government has put search and rescue teams on standby in every district following the meteorological department's warning about heavy rains and thunderstorm. The revenue department of the government has issued directions to all district officers and said water and power utilities would also keep restoration teams ready. "The district and sub-district search and rescue teams have been put on standby," a senior official of the department said. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds are very likely at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh today and tomorrow. At least 124 people were killed and more than 300 others injured in five states due to dust storms, thunderstorms and lightning last week. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Domestic and international tourism account for eight per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, four times more than previously estimated, according to a study published today. The multi-trillion dollar industry's carbon footprint is expanding rapidly, driven in large part by demand for energy-intensive air travel, researchers reported in the journal Nature Climate Change. "Tourism is set to grow faster than many other economic sectors," with revenue projected to swell by four per cent annually through 2025, noted lead-author Arunima Malik, a researcher at The University of Sydney's business school. Holding the sector's carbon pollution in check will likely require carbon taxes or CO2 trading schemes for aviation, the researchers concluded. As in decades past, the United States is the single largest emitter of tourism-related carbon emissions, with other wealthy nations -- Germany, Canada and Britain -- also in the top ten. But emerging economies with burgeoning middle classes have moved up the ranking, with China in second place and India, Mexico and Brazil 4th, 5th and 6th, respectively. International travel involving long-haul flights is among the fastest growing sectors, and could threaten efforts to reign in planet-warming carbon pollution. The total number of air passengers is expected to almost double by 2036 to 7.8 billion per year, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The aviation industry accounts for nearly two per cent of all human-generated C02 emissions, and would rank 12th if it were a country. "We see very fast tourism demand growth from China and India over the past few years, and also expect this trend will continue in the next decade or so," Ya-Sen Sun, a professor at The University of Queensland Business School in Australia, and co-author of the study, told AFP. "Besides the sheer population number, what's worrying is that people with a rising income tend to travel further, more frequently, and with a higher reliance on aviation." International travel accounts for a quarter of tourism-related carbon emissions. Neither tourism nor aviation are currently covered by the 2015 Paris climate treaty, which calls for capping global warming at "well below" two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), With only one degree of warming so far, Earth has seen a crescendo of droughts, heatwaves, and storms ramped up by rising seas. Voluntary national pledges made under the Paris pact to cut CO2 emissions, if fulfilled, would yield a 3C world at best, say scientists. "Our analysis is a world-first look at the true cost of tourism, including consumables such as food from eating out and souvenirs," said Malik. Looking at its full "life cycle", the researchers calculated that carbon emissions from tourism increased 15 per cent in five years from 2009 to 4.5 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent, a measure that also takes into account other greenhouse gases such as methane. Curbing the growing appetite for tourism and travel may prove difficult. "Behaviour change from travellers -- travel less, stay close to home, pay carbon offset -- are found to be slow and marginal," said Sun. "Carbon taxes or carbon trading schemes can help to put extra pressure to speed the process." A carbon pollution abatement that covered environmental costs, for example, would tack on an additional USD 425 (360 euros) to offset emissions from a round-trip flight from Sydney to London, the authors calculated. "From the sustainability perspective, a restricted travel style may be required," said Sun. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump has indicated that he could take more radical anti-immigration measures, threatening that he could "close up the country" if Congress does not fund his controversial border wall with Mexico, drawing sharp criticism from a top Indian-American Democrat lawmaker. Trump has escalated his rhetoric against illegal immigration in recent weeks, especially in the wake of an annual migrant caravan that is seeking asylum in the US. He has also ordered the National Guard to deploy troops to the border to address what the administration calls a "crisis" there. Addressing his supporters in Cleveland, Ohio, Trump slipped in the idea that people might "have to think about closing up the country." "They don't want the wall, but we're going to get the wall, even if we have to think about closing up the country for a while," Trump was quoted as saying by CNN. "We're going to get the wall. We have no choice. We have absolutely no choice. And we're going to get tremendous security in our country," he said. President Trump has made it clear that he plans to build an "impenetrable, physical, tall, powerful, beautiful, southern border wall" between the US and Mexico. The border is about 3,100 km long and traverses all sorts of terrain. Trump says his wall will cover some 1,600 km and natural obstacles will take care of the rest. Trump claims the total cost of the wall will be USD 10 billion to USD 12 billion. But experts say the cost could be much higher. Trump then mentioned the notion a second time, saying, "And we may have to close up our country to get this straight, because we either have a country or we don't. And you can't allow people to pour into our country the way they're doing." It was not immediately clear what Trump meant by the remarks. CNN has reached out to the White House for comment, the network said. Meanwhile, Democratic House of Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington told CNN that Trump "is absolutely out of his mind to think that is any kind of a reasonable solution for our economy or compassionate or in line with our values." "This President has done everything he can every time he's in trouble to turn around and try to turn it against immigrants, and it really deeply saddens me," she said. While in Cleveland, Trump criticised Democrats, including Ohio's Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown, for their opposition to a border wall to stop illegal immigration. On Friday, Trump said America's southern border is "under siege." That tweet, however, came a day after his administration released statistics that showed illegal border crossings held steady in April from the month before and and are in line with historical trends. Although there was a significant spike in border crossings in March, figures released by US Customs and Border Protection show that the number of apprehensions in April roughly held steady compared to that month. Border crossings also remain in line with historic seasonal trends, and numbers are still consistent with Obama administration years -- slightly below fiscal years 2013 and 2014 but slightly above 2015 and 2016. Trump's claim on Friday that Mexico is "doing little to help" also contrasts with some public statements by members of his administration, including Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, who thanked Mexican President Enrique Pea Nieto in March for "helping to foster a close partnership" with her department, US media reported. Trump also told supporters at a speech in Michigan last weekend that if Congress did not meet his funding demands for border security, he may support a government shutdown this fall. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Turkish trial resumed today of US pastor Andrew Brunson who faces up to 35 years in jail on terror and spy charges in a case condemned by the United States. Brunson, leader of a small Protestant Christian church in the western city of Izmir named "Yeniden Dirilis" (Resurrection) and described by US President Donald Trump as a "fine gentleman", was detained in October 2016. Turkish prosecutors accuse him of activities on behalf of the group led by US-based 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, who has lived and worked in Turkey for over two decades, is also accused of espionage for political or military purposes. He rejected all the accusations directed against him during the first hearing in the town of Aliaga, north of Izmir last month, and from time to time broke down in tears. "I haven't done anything against Turkey. On the contrary I love Turkey. I have been praying for Turkey for 25 years," he told the judge. US embassy charge d'affaires Philip Kosnett as well as Sandra Jolley, vice chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, were present at today's hearing. The case has further inflamed tensions between Turkey and the United States. Trump said the pastor was on trial and being prosecuted for "no reason" -- in a strong tweet after the Turkish court ruled to keep him in jail. "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!" Trump said. The State Department then said it had seen "no credible evidence" that Brunson was guilty of a crime. Top US officials have raised the pastor's case in meetings with Turkish authorities and have called for Brunson's release. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, who will soon meet with US counterpart Mike Pompeo in Washington, said Brunson's case was a legal one. "They say 'the government should release him'. Is it up to me?" Cavusoglu told the private CNN Turk broadcaster in an interview on Sunday. "This is a decision the judiciary will make," he said. Turkish-US relations are already strained over American backing for a Kurdish militia in Syria which Turkey says is linked to the PKK, as well as the jailing of two employees from American missions in Turkey. In September, Erdogan suggested that Turkey could free Brunson if Washington handed over Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania -- an offer brushed off by Washington. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two students of an engineering college were today arrested for allegedly leaking an Algebra paper of the Savitribai Phule Pune University, officials of the cyber police here said. Police said that Nashik residents Adesh Chopade (21) and Chinmay Atravhalkar (22), studying in the second and fourth year of the Information Technology stream at a local engineering college, were arrested today. The two students are accused of leaking the Algebra paper set for a Second Year Bachelor of Science examination, police said. They were produced before a local court today which remanded them in police custody for three days, the official said. "After an internal inquiry by Pune University officials, a complaint was filed on Sunday by Yogesh Sonar, an official of the University's Nashik centre, against the two students following which they were arrested," the official said. The official said that investigations were underway to find out how the two students got their hands on the paper by apparently accessing, without authorisation, a section of the University's website meant for professors. He said that a case had been registered against the them under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi government today decided to close all evening schools tomorrow following the department's warning about heavy rains and thunderstorm. The government said that all evening schools (second shift which starts from the afternoon) will be shut tomorrow. There are around 400 evening schools running in the national capital. Government has also asked other schools to not hold outdoor activities and extra-curricular activities between 3 PM to 7 PM during which wind speed is expected to remain high. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash to review the preparedness of authorities in the wake of the warning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) today issued an alert forecasting that several parts of northern and eastern India, including Delhi, could witness thunderstorm and squall tomorrow with winds gusting up to 50-70 kilometers per hour. In a circular issued in the evening, the directorate of education said that winds with a speed of 50-60 kmph may blow between 3 PM and 7 PM in Delhi which is expected to peak around 5.30 PM. "In the light of inputs from State Disaster Management Authority, it has been decided that government, government-aided & recognised unaided school under directorate of education running in evening/IInd shift shall remain closed on May 8 as a precautionary measure. "Other schools are also advised to not hold outdoor activities/extra-curricular activities during the above said time period (from 3 PM to 7 PM)," the circular stated. The government also issued a list of 'dos and don'ts' to deal with any such possible situation. Officials of the fire department, revenue, traffic police, home, PWD and others were present in the meeting chaired by the chief secretary. In the list of 'dos and don'ts', the government has advised citizens to try to stay indoors and staff off verandas and keep a watch on local updates and warnings. The government also asked people to ensure that children and animals are inside and unplug unnecessary electrical appliances. The advisory also asked citizens to avoid taking a bath or shower or leave water running for any purpose. "This is because lightening can travel along pipes. Keep away from doors, windows, fire places, stoves, bath-tubs, or any other electrical charge conductors," the advisory stated. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), thunderstorm accompanied by gusty winds, is very likely at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh tomorrow. At least 124 people were killed and more than 300 others injured in five states due to dust storms, thunderstorms and lightning last week. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid heightening tensions, Israel today warned that it will "eliminate" Syrian President Bashar Assad if he continues to let Iran operate from his country's territory. Israel considers Iran to be its most dangerous foe, and has repeatedly vowed to block it from building a nuclear bomb or establishing a permanent presence in Syria, where it is helping to prop up government forces. "If (Syrian President Bashar) Assad continues allowing the Iranians to operate out of Syria, Israel will eliminate him and topple his regime," Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz told portal Ynet in an interview. "If Assad allows Iran to turn Syria into a forward operating base against us...to attack us from Syrian soil, he should know that will spell his end," Steinitz, a close aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said. "It's unacceptable that Assad sits quietly in his palace and rebuild his regime while allowing Syria to be turned into a base for attacks on Israel," he asserted. Israel has been bracing for the possibility of an Iranian "revenge" attack from Syria in the near future in the form of rocket and missile launches on its northern border. Israeli officials have been quoted as saying to the local media that Iran is determined to retaliate for the April 9 airstrike on Syria's T4 airbase in which seven Iranian military advisers and members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards were reportedly killed. Iran blamed Israel for the attack but Jerusalem did not confirm or deny responsibility. Israel has prepared for extensive protective measures against any possible missile fire, including its battery of anti-missile systems. Responding to a question regarding preparations of Israel's home front for a possible war in the north, Steinitz said there was "no absolute readiness". Addressing the Iranian threat, Netanyahu at the beginning of weekly cabinet meeting yesterday said that Israel would do anything to defend itself. "We are determined to block Iran's aggression against us, even if this means a (military) conflict. Better now than later. We do not want escalation but we are ready for any scenario", the Israeli Prime Minister said. He also asserted that Israel maintained "full freedom of action to defend itself". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today said that steps were being taken to ease the entry of women-led start-ups and provide them equal opportunities so that they can enter defence supply in various sectors including logistics. Releasing a study on the gender parity index for the year 2017-2018 conducted by the FICCI Ladies organisation, she said the woman entrepreneurs should find ways to increase their participation in defence production and procurement. The minister stressed on the need for a study on women engaged in the informal sector as it employs more female workforce than the formal sector. "The woman entrepreneurs should find ways and means to increase their participation in defence production and procurement especially in non uniform sector , this will help in generating employment opportunities for women, she said at an event organised by FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO), the women business wing of the Federation of Indian chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI). The Defence Minister also said that steps were being taken to ease entry of women-led start-ups and "provide leverage that gave them equal opportunities so that they can participate in tendering process to allow them to enter the defence supply in various sectors including logistics", according to a statement. The study conducted among 106 women engaged in the formal sector found that only 21 per cent of organisations with up to 100 employees had almost equal to, or more men. This is shown to increase when employees are between 101-500 (52 per cent)between 501-1000 (40 per cent), 1001-5000 (45 per cent), it said. "Organisations like FLO should also conduct a study on women in informal sector which employs more women than the formal sector. As in the Prime Minister's Mudra Yojna, more than 50 per cent of women benefited and took loan .The study of employment generation and problems in informal sector needs to be studied and data collected," the minister said. The Defence Minister said that the women are keen to join armed forces in uniform. "The Indian Air Force has already inducted women fighter pilots. About commissioning of women in Army and related forces several cases are being fought in various courts. In Navy, women are not allowed in the sea, but we are working seriously towards opening up defence forces for women," she said, adding there was a need for more women on boards in the corporate sector. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 38-year-old woman was killed allegedly over a property dispute almost eight months ago and her body was buried at an empty plot in the Loni area here, police said today. The woman's decomposed body was recovered after the arrest of four people, including her sister, yesterday, they said. Baby, a resident of Jauhripur, went missing on August 29, police said, adding that recently, on the basis of some new evidence in the case, police questioned Jaan Mohammad, live-in partner of Baby's sister Rekha. Later, after Jaan's arrest it was revealed that Rekha got his sister killed by her live-in partner and four others, police officer Rojant Tyagi said. Rekha and Baby had dispute over their parental property as the accused and their brother wanted to sell it while the victim objected to their move, police said. On the basis of information provided by the four arrested accused the body was recovered. It has been sent for postmortem and a DNA test will be conducted to verify the identity, they said. A manhunt is on to nab the others at-large, the police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Xi Jinping's thought on socialism is the "Marxism of modern China", a CPC ideologue has said, as the ruling Communist Party celebrated the 200th birth anniversary of Karl Marx acclaiming his ideology as a saviour of the nation. Xi has become the only leader, after the Communist Party of China (CPC) founder Mao Zedong, whose "Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era" has been enshrined in the country's Constitution this year and that of the party last year. The Chinese President's thought on socialism outlines the ideological course China should take to emerge as the most powerful and developed country in the coming decades. "Xi Jinping's thought on 'Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era' is the Marxism of modern China and a new development of Marxism in the 21st century," Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Politburo, said at a symposium yesterday, attended by more than 230 experts and researchers in social science. Besides being part of the seven-member Standing Committee, headed by Xi, which rules the country, Wang is also the top party ideologue. Xi's "Thoughts on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era" is the latest theoretical outcome of the party in upholding and developing Marxism in the new era with innovative and strategic perspectives, the state-run China Daily today quoted Wang as saying. He called on the experts and researchers in social sciences and theories to study the spirit of the speeches by Xi, who is regarded as the most powerful leader of China after Mao, as he heads the CPC, the Presidency and the military. Mao's successor Deng Xiaoping had first enunciated the socialism with Chinese characteristics as the ideological line. It successfully merged the market economy with all levers of power vested with the CPC, which has remained in power since 1949 ruling the country with iron clad one party dictatorship, since the founding of the People's Republic. Critics of this ideological line say, in the process China remained a Communist country all but in the name, giving the CPC monopoly on political power. On May 4, speaking at a special function organised to commemorate Marx's 200th anniversary, Xi defended as "totally correct" the CPC's adherence to Marx's theory of socialism for 97 years, saying that it profoundly changed China from the "sick man of Asia" to the second largest economy of the world. "Marxism has not only profoundly changed the world, but also China," Xi told a special function here organised to celebrate Marx's 200th anniversary. He said Marxism had pointed out the direction forward, offering a brand-new choice for Chinese people in their struggle to survive, and setting the scene for the birth of the CPC. "This tremendous transformation serves as cast iron proof that only through socialism can we save China," Xi said. Founded in 1921, the CPC headed by Mao Zedong came to power after a prolonged violent national liberation struggle in 1949 and remained in the power since in the one-party state. Since the advent of Mao and the CPC, theories of socialism and communism propounded Marx underwent rapid changes with radical ideological differences leading to a deep split in the international Communist movement, including in India. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A couple attacked by a crocodile wedded days later in a Zimbabwean hospital, where the bride was recovering after losing an arm. Groom Jamie Fox, 27, told The Associated Press Monday that in one week the couple went from shock and agony to a truly amazing experience. Fox and his then fiance, Zenele Ndlovu, were canoeing on the Zambezi, one of Africa's longest rivers when a crocodile attacked them on Apr. 30. Zenele lost her right arm and suffered injuries to her left hand. Five days later, they married in a hospital chapel, keeping the wedding date that had been planned. Fox described the wedding as "incredible." The wedding reception went ahead as planned, but the couple remained at the hospital. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) (Reuters) - BlackRock Inc on Monday agreed to sell its 40 percent interest in DSP BlackRock, which manages a range of co-branded mutual funds in India, to the DSP Group.DSP BlackRock is a joint venture between the DSP Group, one of the oldest financial firms in India, and BlackRock, one of the biggest asset managers in the world.DSP owns the remaining 60 percent in DSP BlackRock.BlackRock said it sold its stake in the joint venture because it could not integrate DSP BlackRock onto its technology and operating platform since it was a minority stakeholder."However, India remains a strategic ... By Lisa Baertlein and Martinne GellerLOS ANGELES/LONDON (Reuters) - Swiss-based Nestle , the world's largest food and beverage company, will pay Starbucks Corp $7.15 billion in cash for exclusive rights to sell the U.S. chain's packaged coffees and teas around the world, tying a premium brand to Nestle's global distribution muscle. The agreement announced on Monday could rev up Starbucks' roughly $2 billion business selling packaged Starbucks coffee, Teavana tea and other products through grocery stores and other retailers, including in China. The alliance, which amounts to a licensing ... By Anshuman DagaSINGAPORE (Reuters) - An initial equity offering of Vinhomes JSC, the residential property development unit of Vingroup JSC, raised about $1.35 billion in Vietnam's biggest-ever issue after being priced at the top of an indicative range, sources said on Monday.The company is betting on rising home sales to drive up its business at a time when foreign and local investors are pouring money into the country, attracted by strong economic growth and a slew of sales by state-owned and private companies.Existing Vinhomes investors are selling about 268 million shares, or 10 percent ... LOGAN More than a thousand middle school students filled Bridgerland Technical College (BTECH) over two days last week for Career Days. It was the 11th annual event, but because Utah Governor Gary Herbert declared 2018 as the Year of Technical Education, it received extra attention. The students were able to get hands-on experiences in heavy equipment operations, dentistry, construction, food services and dozens of more technical careers. This is going to give kids an opportunity to see things theyve never seen before, said Utah Lieutenant Governor Spencer Cox, who visited the event Thursday, to experience some real, live equipment and to understand how things work. Its going to change kids lives. Cox said college education is important, but emphasized technical education shouldnt be overlooked. Were encouraging (the students) to look at both, he said. Thats a real shift from where we were the last 20 years. Cox said there is a real need to get kids interested in technical careers. He said Utah, like other states, has taken focus off of technical education, which he believes is a disservice to both the students and the state. Quite frankly, our economy needs it right now, he said. So this is the focus, getting these kids here in this experience early is a big deal. BTECH President Chad Campbell said the goal of the event was to get the students interested in technical careers while they are young. Were trying really hard to change technical education in the minds of the students and in the minds of the parents, he said. At least on a weekly basis I get a chance to meet and interact with business and industry leaders. They all tell us the same thing, that they are desperate for technically trained workers, so we are trying hard to introduce students to technical careers. Campbell said the event achieves its purpose. He said he knows it works because there are current BTECH students who attended past career day events. We always know its a success because of the smiles and the look on the kids faces, he said. This is one of their favorite events that they do all year. One of the really good ways for us to learn how successful it is, is we see many of these students back. Body of soldier being taken into military van W. Musa The corpses of two soldiers have been discovered at different locations in the South West region, mutilated and abandoned. Perpetrators of the acts have not been known but there is a general atmosphere of uncertainty among men in uniform who ply dangerous highway in the two Anglophone regions of Cameroon. The body of Master Corporal, Tsoungui Charles working in Nkongsamba, Moungo division in Littoral region was discovered Sunday after Ekona. He is said to have been kidnapped on his way to collect his salary in Buea. Sources say he was abducted between Kumba and Buea on the night of Wednesday May 3, 2018. Elsewhere in Muyuka subdivision, on the night of May 4, 2018, in Ekona, still in Muyuka subdivision, the headless body of Mahamat working at the 21st Motorized Infantry Battalion, BIM in Buea was found lying beside the road. At the time of his death, he was guarding the Cameroon Water Utilities Corporation in Muyuka subdivision. His head and private organ were cut mutilated, while two AK47 were also taken with about 180 Munitions. Still on the crisis, houses in Mbanlangi, a locality situated along the Muyuka-Kumba highway have been reduced to ashes by Military. There was serious shooting between Defense Forces and Ambazonia fighters there Sunday afternoon resulting to hold up in traffic around Mabonj still on the highway. It has been a hot weekend in teh two regions especially in remote localities, the Tad market in Mbengwi, North West region of Cameroon was disrupted Sunday as unknown aremd men stormed the area sending everyone back home. In Enyoh, Batibo subdivision, same region, Military set ablalze the house of a man suspected to be the one providing festish items to Amabzonia fighters to resist bullets.He is reported to have collapsed afte rthe incident. Idriss Deby Archives The news of the putting in place of a 4th Republic in neighboring Chad has been received with strong criticisms back in Cameroon. Many of those who criticized the move by President Idriss Deny ITNO say his actions have betrayed his plans to make Africa one with one currency and freedom of expression. Many of those who chastised him on social media are of the opinion that by scraping the post of Prime Minister and not even instituting vice Presidency, was a clear indication that Chadians were going in for a difficult time, in her opinion, Etoile Cardy said When constitution does not favor any leader he changes it to suit his term of office so sad. Another Cameroonian took to Social Media saying, This man has virtually declared himself King of Chad. In a democracy the President can't rule without the Vice President or Prime Minister. Chad is up for a coup. Let's forget that, this man calls President Paul Biya his political big brother and mentor. Ndifor Richard, a political analyst quickly recall how Idriss Deby had even campaigned for a Federal system in 2016 but has backpedaled just two years after, During the last Presidential elections in 2016, he campaigned for a federal system of government. After winning, he was invited to France and bullied and the word federalism died. A few years back he was on all media as a discipline for a new African currency to stop the FCFA exploiting Africa, He asserted. Many are of the opinion that the action of the Parliament influenced by the Presidential majority is a sick that has eaten deep into the African continent with sit-tight leaders, they hold that the skeleton behind the scene of African leaders will be revealed one day and they shall all perish or repent. Etoile Cardy opines that, Africa leaders have refused to develop their minds and country and what is in their brain is embezzlement, killing corruption and position. The sanctions are found in a decision signed on April 27 and May 2, 2018 in Yaounde report CT. ADS Personnel of the Ministry of Secondary Education, who in one way or the other have been involved in fraudulent acts, are currently living in fear. The axe of Damascus has fallen on some 13 officials in the ministry accused of fraudulent acts during the 2017 examination session or violated their professional deontology. The Minister of Secondary Education, Nalova Lyonga, in separate decisions signed on April 27 and May 2, 2018, has suspended 13 officials from their functions. According to decision No 164/18/MINESCE/CAB of 27 April 2018, the Principal of Guider High School in the North Region, Oumarou Guilva was suspended from his duties for a period of four months because he breached public morals. The Regional Delegate of Secondary Education for the North Region and the Sub-divisional Delegate of Secondary Education for MayoLouti Division are to ensure that the decision is applied. In another decision, No 165/18/MINESEC/CAB of 27 April 2018, Nalova Lyonga suspended eight officials from different secondary schools in the country due to fraudulent acts linked to the 2017 official examinations. Those concerned are the Principal of Ombessa Government Secondary School in the Centre Region, Janvier Boliong, Director of CES of Elig-Nkouma, Essaga Onana Francis Didier, Discipline Master of Government Secondary School Monatele, Betek Leon, Director of CETIC of Olanguina, Belinga Belinga Bienvenu Bertrand, Principal of Government Secondary School Mozogo and the Discipline Master, Gbariel Sali and Jean Luc Andjoubai respectively, Victor Tematio of the Computer Service in the West Region and Alain Mendim who is Principal of CES Mang-Yemissen. According to decision no 166/18/MINESEC/SEESEN of 27 April 2018, Ayafor nee Awodu Adiza, Head of Department of Studies and Internships at Government Bilingual Teachers Training College in Kumba, South West Region, was also suspected from her duties for four months due to fraud and misconduct in the organisation of the Certificate of Pedagogical Aptitude of Teachers of Nursery and Primary Education examination last year. Furthermore, decision 168/18/MINESEC/SEESEN, 27 April 2018 also suspended Itoe Bridget Belie, for four months from her post as Director of the Bilingual Training School of Teachers of General Education in Kumba for fraud and misconduct in the Examination of the Certificate of Pedagogical Aptitude of Teachers of Nursery and Primary Education in 2017. Another decision also suspended Eyebe Abega Justin from his functions for four months as head of Administrative and Financial Service of the LENIEG in Ntui. He is guilty of lack of professional ethics. The Divisional Delegate of Secondary Education in the Ocean Division, Bikanda Marcel Mauger was also suspended from his post for a period of four months due to corrupt practices linked to the 2018 examination fees. Such decisions from MINESEC boss are strong signals against corrupt practices in the secondary education sector. Brenda YUFEH NCHEWNANG-NGASSA | BY Ricki Green | Its estimated that on any given night approximately 105,000 people will be homeless across Australia. This is a statistic that is easy to read, but for most of us, its something quite hard to fully comprehend. The homelessness epidemic is often dehumanised by overwhelming statistics just like this, but at the heart of the matter it is still a very human issue. The People Under the Bridge, a short documentary produced by Mint Films, endeavours to show just that. Mint Films, who this year celebrates its ten-year anniversary, is best known for producing commercials, however they also produce short films that have received international acclaim. Its previous films Manos Arriba and The Kindness of Strangers played at festivals both in Australia and internationally. The People Under the Bridge shines a light on the plight of the community of homeless who began to erect tents and other structures under the historic Wentworth Park viaduct in Glebe, back in 2016. Says director Andrew Seaton: In just a few short months we saw the community of homeless grow from a couple to over a dozen. When we heard the council was going to remove the tents we thought there was a good opportunity to document it. The story follows the lives of these homeless for two weeks before the council, along with a cohort of armed police, plan to remove the tent structures. But the community wont give up their homes without a fight, and plans surface to protest the removal. One of the homeless, Leonie, comments in the film that We are not camping, were living here. The films executive producer and cinematographer, Matt Samperi says: These people have so little, so its just a strange thought to take even more away from them. The homeless issue is a grey one. There is no right or wrong answer to how to manage it and this is something that the film explores. As the story unfolds, the audience is forced to ask themselves where they stand on the matter, and whether the actions of the council were just or not. | BY Ricki Green | Tourism New Zealand and Augusto have called on influential Kiwi figures, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and comedian Rhys Darby for a new campaign to encourage the addition of New Zealand to all world maps. The light-hearted video, has clocked up over 1 million organic views in the first 24 hours and landed in major media outlets all over the world. In the video Darby investigates potential global conspiracies to keep New Zealand off world maps. Tourism New Zealand chief executive Stephen England-Hall says having the support of the Prime Minister is a huge boost to the campaign work. Says England-Hall: As a world-class destination, its unfathomable that New Zealand is left off world maps. New Zealand is bigger than the United Kingdom. Were over two-thirds the size of Japan and Germany. We have a lake the size of Singapore, a mountain range larger than the European Alps, and more coastline than California. The campaign is a light-hearted way to raise awareness of New Zealand as a destination off the back of international media about the country missing from maps. The campaign was born after Tourism New Zealand became aware of a growing collection of maps throughout the world that have one obvious omission New Zealand. From maps in online photo libraries, to coffee shops, famous attractions and board games, New Zealand is often nowhere to be seen. International media outlets including BBC, the Telegraph and Conde Nast Traveler got wind of the situation, and a Reddit Maps Without NZ discussion board has a following of more than 40,000. Tourism New Zealand enlisted the support of PM Jacinda Ardern and LA-based comedian Rhys Darby and then worked alongside creative agency, Augusto to create the story with comedic input from Darby. Says Matt Sellars, CD, Augusto: We knew there was a great story within this odd predicament and working closely with the team at Tourism New Zealand we were able to create a campaign that got everyone talking about the missing nation that resembles a half-eaten lamb chop. Were thrilled with the result so far, which really highlights the value of good storytelling. Tourism New Zealand is calling on New Zealanders to share the video and #getNZonthemap. The video campaign is being pushed to key visitor markets such as the USA, UK and Australia. Tourism New Zealand GM Public Relations: Lauren Vosper Global Brand & Content Manager: Brodie Reid Director of Trade, PR & Major Events: Rene de Monchy Agency/Production Company: Augusto Group LA Director: James Anderson NZ Director: Michelle Walshe Creative Director: Matt Sellars Creative Director: Rich Robson Exec Producer: Cass Avery Business Director: Heath Davy Account Director: Lauren Oxnam Line Producer: Claire Campbell Editor: Mariano Segedin Post Co-ordinator: Zoe Jones Designers: James Davison, Kim Anderson Motion Artist: Shaun Madgewick LA DOP: Grant Adams LA Gaffer: Skott Khuu LA Sound: Marc Stewart NZ DOP: Olly Harris NZ 2nd Camera: Warren Green NZ Gaffer: Spencer Locke-Bonney NZ Sound: Craig OReilly | BY Lynchy | Directors Think Tank director Rajay Singh has again worked with Petronas and McCann Erickson Malaysia. Petronas, Malaysias oil and gas company, McCann Erickson Malaysia and Directors Think Tank Malaysia three teams of all-Malaysian talent, recently created the brands global film a visually striking perspective of the life of a lubricant engineer, told in 75 seconds. The spot was shot in both the UK and Malaysia. Salvatore Schembri is an Italian, and a Petronas Fluids Engineer who travels to every race and test session throughout the year, helming a lab that learns from each race and perfects the technology behind the lubricants that put the team on top. The film reflects the rigorous development process that all Petronas products, be it Primax fuels or Syntium lubricants, go through. The film forms part of the brands recent efforts to build presence in the global market. McCann Erikson Creative Director Yeoh Oon Hoong said, Right from the get go, Jay and the Directors Think Tank team made incredible strides in ensuring that the production quality was top notch. The energy level of Jay and his team was inspiring to witness as they overcome multiple challenges throughout the entire production period. The directorial input from Jay took the film to a level of storytelling that is warm, compelling and most of all, a delight to watch. The art direction, cinematography, editing and music mimicked this high pressure, always-on environment and rarely pauses even his well-deserved coffee break is interrupted by a request for more. A perfectly-synced shoot across two continents, this years efforts focus on the talent, tenacity and sheer will of the team behind the scenes of a top performing F1 outfit. I was really impressed the client and agency trusted me enough to try something a little bit different, added director Singh. Credits Gavin E. Hoh: Chief Creative Officer Yeoh Oon Hoong: Creative Director Azraai Azmi: Senior Copywriter Yeoh Oon Hoong: Art Director Pauline Moreira: AV Producer Shukri Jai: Business Director Jannah Adnan: Account Manager Yuza Affiq: Account Executive Production House: Directors Think Tank Rajay Singh : Director Tek Nam: Producer Lee Wing Lok: DOP Fuse Adventures in Audio: Music Studio Affandi Jamaluddin: Editor VHQ Post: Post Production Client: Petronas Firdaus Shah Jonid: Senior Manager Advertising & Promotions Alina Tasha Tamyas: Manager Advertising & Promotions 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. Loneliness and social isolation are a major epidemic affecting millions of North Americans and a big contributor to the mortality rate of older adults. Amintro Founder Charlene Nadalin, was inspired to launch Amintro by her mom, who became a widow at the age of 56. Although her Mom continued to lead an independent and active life, like many others, she was plagued with loneliness resulting from a life spent focused on family and work, which left little time for socializing and nurturing friendships. Amintro was built on a solid foundation of research and a true desire to help others by developing a friendship-making platform that reduces social isolation and loneliness amongst the fastest growing demographic, said Charlene Nadalin, President and CEO, Amintro. Our unique offering is focused exclusively on adults over 50 and is based on characteristics that our research has shown to be ideal for forming friendships. While technology and social networking sites are typically assumed to be used by younger users, research shows that baby boomers comprise one of the fastest growing segments of smartphone owners and nearly half of all older adults online use Facebook. Baby Boomers make up a third of all Internet users, with a third of them describing themselves as "heavy Internet users. For more information and to register, visit Amintro.com. Download the app on the App Store and Google Play. Photo: Contributed More properties in the Nicola Valley are under evacuation alerts and orders following Saturday's order. Guichon Creek's flooding has been threatening properties in the area. The latest properties to be added to the evacuation alert are 276 and 316 Merritt-Spences Bridge Highway 8, 323 Guichon Ave, 2350 Carrington Street and 340, 2205 and 2215 Marshall Road. Under evacuation order are 254 Merritt Spences Bridge Highway 8 and 125, 356, 374 and 456 Marshall Road. Those under evacuation order need to leave immediately, shut off all gas and electrical appliances other than refrigerators and freezers and can report to 1721 Coldwater Avenue in Merritt for help with food and accommodation if need be. Photo: Contributed You just got a new computer, or you upgraded to the new version of Windows 10. Now what? This week, Ill show you a few things you should do to make your computing experience a good one. Protect yourself at all times If you got a new computer, it probably came with a trial version of an antivirus product installed. That product is going to expire in a short time, usually a month, leaving your computer unprotected. You have some choices. Pay for the product, which is by far the easiest choice. Pay for it now or wait until it expires and pay for it then. Trust me, it will remind you. Uninstall the product and replace it with a different product, which is more complicated, but you end up with the product you want. Uninstall the product and dont replace it, relying on the built-in Windows Defender. This is not a good option because Windows Defender on its own is not an effective anti-virus product. But it is a choice. Once youve decided on a product and its installed, make sure to check the settings, so you know its set up properly. You want it to do daily scans, you want the real-time protection on, and the rest is up to you to decide. If you dont have a new computer, but instead have completed a major update to the new version of Windows, all you need to do is remember to turn your anti-virus product back on and check the settings so you know its working. Dont forget to create a recovery drive and a backup. Check your network properties Windows 10 includes two types of networks, Public and Private. For a good discussion of the characteristics, check this article. All you really need to know is that if your computer is in your home, you probably want your network set to Private, and if your computer is in a coffee shop or other public place, you certainly want it set to Public. To change this: Click on Start | Settings (or, press the Windows Key and the I key simultaneously) Click on Network & Internet | Status | Change connection properties Under Network profile, choose Public or Private (Yes, there is a third type called Domain. If you have that, check with your IT person at work for more information.) Check your privacy settings This will get a lot easier when the spring update rolls out (Its finally starting now), but in the meantime: Click on Start | Settings (or, press the Windows Key and the I key simultaneously) Click on Privacy Review and/or change the settings for every link down the left side of the page. Install your stuff If this is a new computer, youll need to install your printer/scanner software, your Microsoft Office (or alternative) program, maybe an email program, and whatever else you need. Just because you had it on your old computer doesnt mean it comes with your new one. It probably doesnt. If youve upgraded your Windows 10, youll need to make sure your printer/scanner is still working. Sometimes, they need to be nudged with a reinstall of the software or drivers. Still want to play those Windows 7 games like Solitaire and Mahjong Tiles? Me too, but you wont find them on a new Windows 10 machine and so far, every Windows 10 upgrade has managed to break them. Reinstall them from here. Have fun! Enjoy your computer! And while youre at it, how about sponsoring my ride for the Canadian Mental Health Association? Heres the link. Thank you! Chelsea Powrie The South Okanagan Rehabilitation Centre for Owls is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and marked the occasion with its annual open house Sunday. "Today is the only day that we are open to the public, as we are a rehab centre, and all proceeds from this fundraiser go directly to bird care; so their food, their medication, vet bills," said SORCO manager Dale Belvedere. "We rely on this day to get us through the year." Proceeds from admission, the silent auction and concession all go back to the birds. Attendees got to meet Houdini, the centre's resident great horned owl, as well as some great horned owl chicks that have recently been rescued and will soon be re-introduced to the wild. "It's one of my must come-for events, I knew I had to come back from Ottawa for this," said South Okanagan-West Kootenay Member of Parliament Richard Cannings, who attended the event. Volunteer Anna Terebka looks forward to the open house every year. "It's a really special event, the public isn't normally allowed here so we make sure that we open it out to the public once a year so that they can see all the work we do here and hopefully educate some people on birds of prey," Terebka said. With one hour to go, the event had welcomed 1,600 patrons. Photo: CTV An ill-prepared hiker was airlifted from Vancouver's North Shore Mountains Sunday evening. The man, who was wearing shorts and shoes not made to deal with snowy conditions, lost his footing and tumbled down a snowfield toward a steep ledge on Mount Fromme. "He was trying to navigate back to the trail when he took a slide and got stranded," search manager Simon Jackson told CTV. The man wasn't injured, but was airlifted out by helicopter. "There's still a lot of snow up there," Jackson warned. with files from CTV Vancouver Photo: Contributed Provincial help is on the way for Lumby. In anticipation of flooding, the village has use of the provincial sandbagging machine, which is capable of producing more than 1,000 sandbags per hour. The machine arrived in Lumby on Friday, May 4. The Province has also provided 20 WFMB firefighters, who will be in Lumby on May 7 and 8 to construct sandbags, carry out condition assessments of last years sandbag stock, and perform site-specific sandbag deployment to protect municipal infrastructure. Lumby and area residents can pick up the filled sandbags across from the Lumby Curling Club (2230 Shields Avenue) and at the Faulkner Avenue site. Further, Emergency Management B.C. has agreed to provide an emergency planning specialist on May 7 to evaluate the situation and provide observations and recommendations. Photo: RDCO/file Mission Creek in Kelowna More flood alerts have been issued as rivers and creeks across B.C. surge with melting snow. The River Forecast Centre has upgraded flood watches and high streamflow advisories for several waterways, including Mission Creek in Kelowna, the Similkameen River in the Southern Interior, the West Kettle and Granby rivers and their tributaries in the Boundary region, and for the Bulkley River. Flood warnings are also maintained for the Nazko and West Road rivers in the Cariboo region west of Quesnel where about 120 properties have been on evacuation order for more than a week. Flood watches remain posted across the central Interior for the Bonaparte River, Baker Creek, Nicola River, Guichon Creek, Coldwater River and tributaries around Cache Creek, Merritt, Williams Lake, and Quesnel. Highway 8 west of Merritt has been closed by flooding at 10 Mile Bridge and highway officials say the water continues to rise at that location. EmergencyInfoBC, the online service that is active during provincial emergencies, says evacuation orders or alerts are in place in six regional districts and for one Merritt-area First Nation. Physicists and material scientists have succeeded in constructing a motor and an energy storage device from one single component. They used an elastic polymer fibre closed into a ring that was made to rotate on application of an external energy supply. The researchers from the universities in Heidelberg and Strasbourg (France) hope that this mechanism will spur the development of intelligent materials with precisely defined functions. Our approach is minimalistic. We dont rely on complex, high-tech materials but instead ask ourselves how the geometry and topology of a piece of material can elicit an intelligent function, such as rotation. That's how our wheel within came about, reports Dr Falko Ziebert of the Institute for Theoretical Physics at Heidelberg University, who co-directed the research with Dr Igor Kulic of the Institut Charles Sadron of the University of Strasbourg. Unlike a traditional rigid wheel that travels around an axle, an elastic deformation wave forms in this wheel within, causing it to move. Simple heat flow generates the propulsion by causing thermal expansion in the material, much like the thermal convection in our atmosphere that determines our weather and climate. This thermal deformation interacts with the prescribed deformation of the ring geometry and elicits the rotation, explains Dr Ziebert. With the wheel within, the researchers hit upon an extremely simple principle to set polymer materials, like a nylon thread or a rubber band, into spontaneous motion. This principle will be the basis for further research. Right now we are still playing with different geometries, materials, and other forms of energy flow through the system, states Dr Kulic. One vision is to develop new technical devices with robust, self-propelled elements, in the form of artificial muscles, for instance. Researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (Switzerland) also contributed to the study. A two-dimensional crystal from molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and Tungsten diselenide (WSe2) (left: top view, right: side view). Light can produce interlayer excitons in these crystals, which are fascinating excited states, consisting of one particle of positive charge and one of negative charge. The coloured outlines in the right picture represent the probability of the particles places. When light of specific frequency hits a semiconductor crystal, it is absorbed and produces a excitation, a state of higher energy. In solar cells, this energy can be converted into electricity and used. In two-dimensional crystals, which consist of only a few atomic layers, so called excitons are the protagonists of these processes: These excitations from light incidence consist of one particle of positive charge and one of negative charge. Yet, two-dimensional crystals host a sheer zoo of excitons, making it hard to tell the kind of excitons dealt with in specific situations. Researchers of TU Dresden, in collaboration with an international team, now identified the nature of interlayer excitons in two-dimensional crystals. Their findings were published in the journal Nature Physics. The two-dimensional crystals are a kind of sandwich made of single layers of molybdenum disulfide and tungsten diselenide. Each layer has a thickness of only three atoms. In the laboratory, the layers are stacked on each other one by one by hand. What makes interlayer excitons so special is the two charged particles being separated in space. So far, it was assumed that the positive one is located in the Tungsten diselenide and the negative one in the molybdenum disulfide, says Dr. Jens Kunstmann from the Chair of Theoretical Chemistry of TU Dresden. We were now able to clearly show that particles of positive charge can be found in both layers, and thence, the interlayer excitons are bound to each other in a much stronger way than presumed formerly. Theoretical as well as experimental groups were working hand in hand in the course of this global collaboration. The Dresden group contributed theoretical calculations and analyses in cooperation with Prof. Andrey Chaves of the Universidade Federal do Ceara in Fortaleza, Brazil, and Prof. David R. Reichman of the Columbia University in New York City, USA. The experiments were conducted by the group of Prof. Tobias Korn of the Universitat Regensburg: among them Fabian Mooshammer and Philipp Nagler, who contributed to this research in the course of their master and doctoral theses. We are still at the beginning, we still dont know for sure how interlayer excitons in other two-dimensional crystals look like, Dr. Kunstmann points out. But we are fascinated by these excitons anyway. The spatial separation of the charges could enable the condensation of excitons to a macroscopic quantum state, as well as the construction of highly efficient solar cells. Dom Dwyer made it 1-1 in the 60th minute, heading home a cross from Sacha Kljestan for his sixth goal second most in MLS in six games this season. Yotun, from the near the spot, hammered home the rebound of a shot by Dom Dwyer to cap the scoring in the 78th. "As we move ahead, we need to be united as one organization with an important purpose to help the company transform and thrive as a business, and to serve our readers world-class journalism," Dold said. One of the goals of Rauner's revamp of Medicaid managed care was to help save the state money. Attempts to reach Rauner's office for comment were unsuccessful. But John Hoffman, a spokesman for the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services said in an email, "Fixing higher prices for one major part of health care would increase program expenses and could limit the ability to offer other vital treatment options to our members." "The problem is that when you settle one (case), there is a business next door," Kevin Fritz, an attorney who represented American Girl in the Cohan lawsuit, said Monday. "This is a big issue right now. Given the amount of lawsuits that this person files, it seems like they tend to move from business to business." I'd love to pretend that you simply place the ingredients on the pan, shove it in the oven and then wait for the perfect dinner. Sadly, it's not quite that easy, though it is close. Asparagus cooks much faster than chicken, so you need to make sure to add it toward the end. While you could use whole bone-in chicken breasts, they overcook easily, so I don't think this is the best method for them. Instead, I like to go with bone-in chicken thighs, which stay juicy, even if slightly overdone. (A meat thermometer helps with this process tremendously. You'll want the thighs to register around 170 degrees in the center.) All three Cubs-Sox games start at 1:20 p.m., giving fans the option of grabbing early lunch, post-game dinner or possibly both. That's easier than ever, thanks to an influx of new restaurants, three of them copies of already popular concepts. Not to be outdone, the ballpark itself has upgraded its menu with new options and brought in a few big guns to ramp up the name-recognition factor. (When the name on the kiosk is Garrett Popcorn, there are no follow-up questions.) "It's always something I've thought about but I've been so apprehensive about doing, because it needs to be done the right way in order for it to be able to honor the food the way that I want it to be honored," Kim said. "For me, I had to ask myself, 'Am I emotionally ready to do this?' Because it's such a big step. Am I mature enough to be able to navigate this in a way that is respectful to my family and to my Korean heritage?" Run by global panorama cartels, panoramas were made of a standard size so that they could be easily exchanged, from city to city and from country to country. The audience paying something in the neighborhood of 50 cents for adults and 25 cents for children and numbering in the hundreds of thousands over the course of a year would climb two sets of winding stairs to stand on a platform 30 feet above the ground in the center of these massive paintings. Narrators were on hand to tell the story. Many veterans of the wars, who fought as teenagers, would bring their families to relive the battles being depicted, battles they knew firsthand. "When Mimi advanced into her present role, Michael said he wanted to start slowing down and finish his book," said Byron Pollock, secretary of the Cinema/Chicago board of governors and a longtime festival supporter. "The plan developed over the last six months or so. And honestly, the guy has put in so much effort." The legendary artist will play 15 shows across North America as part of his "Not Dead Yet, Live" Tour - kicking off in Ft. Lauderdale, FL in October and landing in Chicago at the United Center on Oct. 22. Collins will be accompanied by longtime guitarist Daryl Stuermer, keyboardist Brad Cole, bassist Leland Sklar, percussionist Luis Conte & his 16-year-old son Nicolas on drums. Set boundaries with the older generation. Severing contact with a parent - even an abusive one - is difficult and rare. A University of Cambridge study of familial estrangement reported that most adult children maintain some form of contact with their parents - even those who cited emotional abuse, neglect and traumatic events. The presence of grandparents can be positive for children as long as the older generation respects the boundaries of their adult child - both personally and when it comes to their choice of parenting style. "You can coexist by saying to your parent, 'You had your turn at parenting; this is my turn,' or 'I know you have your grandchild's best interest at heart, but we don't agree with that way of doing things,' " Newman says. "Stand firm on that because now you are the parent and the most influential role model for your children." And if the grandparents can't respect your parenting role? "It's time to reevaluate the relationship," Newman says. "Women are pulling themselves out of the discussion," Catherine Orenstein, founder of The Op-Ed Project, told Kitchener. "A lot of them will in some way discount themselves and their knowledge. If you think about it, what it means is that there's a disconnect between what we know and our sense that it actually matters." Some have speculated that the women were once middle-class professionals who fell on hard times and lost their home. Some say one was a lawyer, the other a stockbroker, who walked away and chose instead the life of religious hermits. Others have said they were public housing residents who were displaced when their complex was torn down. Because they wandered the streets carrying their belongings, some suggested there were mental health issues. It all started Saturday when Thompson was accused of hitting someone in the chest and then refused to leave a business in the 1900 block of South Michigan Avenue in the South Loop, according to a police news release. The people involved in the incident gave police a description of Thompson's car. The recent burst of violence brings the number of people shot in the city this year to at least 804, according to data kept by the Tribune. That's below the previous two years, when violence hit record levels. Last year at this time, 1,087 people had been shot. In 2016, the number was 1,199. But this year's numbers are still substantially higher than other recent years. The cards, which can double as Chicago Public Library and CTA Ventra cards, are available to any Chicago resident. It does not replace other official forms of identification such as a state-issued driver's license. But their appeal is obvious to those having trouble getting state ID cards such as those living in the country illegally, homeless people and those recently released from prison. Indeed, rolling out the cards has been seen as a political move on the part of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who is up for re-election, to reach out to Hispanic voters. The municipal card can be used as identification when registering to vote, but critics worry this could lead to voter fraud. The main lobby and waiting area were open at the time of the incident, Regan said. Those waiting outside the emergency department were invited to come into the hospital and wait in the main lobby, he said. It was unclear whether the two 35-year-old women had been inside the hospital at any time. Schneider, a Cook County commissioner, was elected to his four-year term as chairman in 2014. He succeeded Jack Dorgan, a Rosemont village trustee and lobbyist who took over after Pat Brady resigned in the fallout over his support for same-sex marriage. Dorgan didn't seek a full term and was named a co-chair of Rauner's campaign finance committee in what was viewed as a consolidation of power by Rauner ahead of his successful bid for governor. "Look, taking on an incumbent mayor who has capacity to raise unlimited amounts of money, and in the third-largest city in the country, given the number of crises we have, is a very serious matter," Lightfoot said while talking to reporters outside an April City Club of Chicago lunch. "And I'm hearing from lots of folks across the city, and frankly, across the country, who are very encouraging. But this is a decision that has to be made by me and my family, because we're going to be putting ourselves out there and asking citizens of Chicago to take us seriously." I am very critical of China's government. It's corrupt, authoritarian and in some respects totalitarian. I have deep reservations about Chinese culture as well. The Chinese government bans sex-selective abortions i.e., killing females in utero but Chinese people still do it in staggering numbers. China also practices ethnic discrimination that would be instantly recognizable as a kind of Jim Crow or apartheid if the majority Han Chinese were white and minorities such as the Uighurs were black. I could go on, but you get the point. That's my landlord, Ben Carson. Our HUD secretary, charged with overseeing an agency to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. He couldn't look me in the eye and tell me where I'm supposed to live once he slashes the HUD budget. He had no answers about where I'm supposed to live if my rent is increased. Instead, he disparaged and dismissed me, his tenant, and celebrated a policy proposal that, if it passes, will devastate me and my neighbors. In my mind, he is one of the worst landlords in the country. Only a few years later, the deal was on the brink. As part of the North Korea Advisory Group I traveled to every province in the country with the aim of determining whether North Korea posed more of a threat then than it did in 1994. In 1999, we produced a report stating that North Korea had used the past five years to enhance its rocketry and develop weapons of mass destruction. Worse yet, we also found that the United States had "replaced the Soviet Union as a primary benefactor of North Korea," with concern that food and fuel aid had freed up resources for North Korea to divert to its WMD and missile programs. Rather than addressing flaws in the deal and working to reform the Agreed Framework, the agreement was eventually suspended. For the stage, Miranda condensed Hamilton's life into less than three hours. The exhibition will expand and expound. "The thing we could not have anticipated with 'Hamilton' is the degree to which a whole generation is getting into American history because they like this (show)," he told us. "The same way I'm weirdly into Argentine politics because of Andrew Lloyd Webber and 'Evita.' Or some of us know about a failed French revolution because of 'Les Miserables.' " We've argued that these packages should be limited and that new employees should understand those limits when they begin a job. Now lawmakers in Springfield are taking steps to do just that. Under a bill that cleared the Senate and is headed to the House it's sponsored by Sen. Tom Cullerton, D-Villa Park, and Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego severance packages for employees fired for misconduct would be banned. You screw up, you leave with the stick, not the carrot. The bill also would limit all severance packages to no more than 20 weeks' compensation. Since then, Chicago has turned its back on building public housing. This means that building affordable units becomes the responsibility of the private sector. But, even if the private sector is ready to provide the units, community outrage against the possibility of low-income neighbors can convince aldermen to veto projects. This is essentially what has happened in the 41st Ward, where Ald. Anthony Napolitano turned his back on a 299-unit apartment building. The developer GlenStar said Napolitano changed his decision because the building would include affordable units and has decided to take the matter to court. It might seem ironic that affordable housing advocates and developers are on the same side of a housing issue, but in this case, they are. Chicago desperately needs more affordable housing, but as long as "aldermanic prerogative" allows for the capricious vetoing of projects, it will never get built and Chicago will remain a segregated city. So as with many of my friends and family members, it seems the time is coming to be part of the "Should we go?" group and look to leave Illinois, my home of 57 years. Unfortunately, it is better to leave before the looming financial disaster strikes and washes over all the remaining citizens of Illinois, so as to not destroy me and my family's future. A: When I was a new mom, I would want to do stuff with my kid on the weekends. RedEye is a weekend guide, but I needed that for kids. But the thing is that there was no place I could go where I could just look to see everything. I would do research myself. One week, I just decided to make an Instagram video of three places you can go with your kid. They might not be specifically for kids, but it'll be a street fest where I know they have a family stage. Or it might be the antique market on Randolph where if you're baby wearing, it's perfect for you to walk around. Or it might be the farmers market where you walk around and point out different fruits or vegetables to your kid. So it's just three things, and that first Instagram video got over 500 views. So then I started doing it all the time. Second man accused of fatally shooting 14-year-old Savanah Quintero on South Side also shot witness to her June slaying, prosecutors say Second man charged with murder of 14-year-old Savanah Quintero Kane County Assistant State's Attorneys Lori Anderson and Debra Bree presented evidence in court that between October 2011 and October 2017 Arnold sexually assaulted the victims, whom he knew. The victims were younger than 13 years old, according to the release. The assaults took place in Aurora. "We have more than doubled the number of kids we are feeding since the charity's inception," Hills said. "For myself and all the volunteers, it just makes us feel good that we can play an important part and help so many kids need." The planning and design firm Ratio has been hired by the village as a consultant for the project. Representatives with the company will lead the discussion at the upcoming open house, officials said. Prosecutors said the pair posed as customers and asked the drivers to take them to locations in Hanover Park on June 18 and June 19. Once there, they threatened the drivers with knives and took cash, credit cards and cellphones, prosecutors said. The couple fled in the cabs after pushing or ordering the drivers out of the vehicles, prosecutors said. "I'd go to work, mostly washing dishes. Halfway through the night Grandpa would tell me, 'Go change.' Then about 10 o'clock it would start to slow down and he would say, 'Go get a crate.' I'd flip it upside down and he would show me how to make pizzas." Soderborg told authorities he was upset about the couple's breakup and took the images down shortly after posting them, said Will County sheriff's spokeswoman Kathy Hoffmeyer at the time of his arrest in 2017. Investigators were able to retrieve at least one of the images, Hoffmeyer said. The yearlong investigation included a review of Soderborg's cell phone and laptop as well as a review of the new laws, Hoffmeyer said. A. Newspapers around the country and the world call Chicago "the center of the theatre universe." There are more theaters in Chicago than in any other city (over 250 working professional theater companies). New works start here and then travel to New York (and elsewhere). Many pre-Broadway shows do their tryouts here, often citing the reason that we have the best audiences. If Morrison can muster enough votes for Senate passage and it is also approved by the House it then goes on a general election ballot for voter approval. She said it does not need the governor's signature. She also said the deadline for the Nov. 6 ballot was May 6 so the first time the voters can have their say will be in 2020. Among the other items on the agenda is the $4 million purchase of the former Sherman Health Resource Center at 1019 E. Chicago St. If approved, the 95,512-square-foot building would become the district's new family welcome center and its 10-acre parking lot would be used by part of the district's school bus fleet, officials said. The driver of the Honda, Linda Clark, was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. She was the only occupant of the vehicle. The driver of the Toyota, a 29-year-old woman from Hampshire, and her 1-year-old son, were taken to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, police said. "I shop local and support local charities," Krug said. "The work I have always done is in fundraising and developing strategic partnerships. To be able to do that in the community where I live is extraordinary. For me, there is synergy in that and great authenticity." On April 11 a judge issued a warrant for his arrest after investigators learned that he allegedly had sexual contact with a juvenile. Five days later, a search for the suspect was unsuccessful and they learned the suspect may have fled to Texas, she said in a statement. In response to "Bad labels" and his comments regarding the Electoral College: Imagine this country if the presidential election was decided by the large cities like Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Detroit, Atlanta, Miami and Houston. Anyone who believes that is okay, should repeat seventh-grade civics class. That is what would happen without the Electoral College. And you are to be commended for not voting. You are doing a service to our republic by not voting until you take my advice above. The Electoral College is absolutely necessary so that factions do not elect a president, the whole of our society does. Remember we live in a republic, not a true democracy. Read up on the Electoral College and you will begin to see its virtues. "We talk about having choices, and we have different opportunities to try different fruits and vegetables," Hofmeier said of the programming. "A nutritionist talks to them about having choices and ways to avoid diabetes. It's not just a walk, but the culminating activity of a week of talking about being healthy, taking care of your body and preventive measures." "Most of all, I want to thank my wife, Lisa, for being here and supporting me through this process and also through my long career in law enforcement, where she has always stood by my side no matter what is occurring in my career," Parrott said. "It's been amazing. That's what makes a successful career in law enforcement." School officials report that sixth through eighth grade students in the Gifted and Talented Education program at Lincoln Hall school competed in the Continental Mathematics League this academic year. The competition includes five contests throughout the school year, school officials said. She called for help, saying Jacobson was in the bathroom unresponsive and turning blue. She said he was sitting on the toilet with his head back with "his eyes rolled back into his head and taking shallow breaths," according to the document. "None of my children are in band yet, but we want them to be able to allow them the opportunity to go to band," Wendy Tribuzio said. "We wanted to get involved so they would have a chance to go." According to authorities, Giebel and Chapman had been friends when both resided in Wisconsin. On Aug. 13, 2016, Giebel drove to the Chicago area to attend a party with friends. The following day, Chapman, at his friend's request, provided Giebel with heroin. The next morning, friends found Giebel unresponsive in the hotel. "We're trying to get more parking on campus. The buildings [proposed for demolition] sit between our fieldhouse and teacher parking," Marani said. "It's completely within our campus already. We're going to give this lot to our staff and administration, so it's going to be very organized." The family has filed a federal lawsuit alleging he was wrongfully detained and neglected in a jail cell. Police said he had threatened a doctor who refused to refill his cough medicine prescription. Though he was not charged at that time, records show that moments later he was arrested because of a downstate warrant over an overdue $25 payment in a misdemeanor traffic case. Specialties: "Our open-faced sandwiches are what we try to specialize on," Kire Mitreska said. The most popular sandwiches include the MGM Grand featuring homemade meatballs, fresh green peppers, marinara and shredded cheese; the Mirage featuring ham, bacon, mayonnaise, boiled eggs, lettuce, balsamic vinegar and provolone; and the Venetian featuring baked chicken, bacon, roasted peppers, onion and provolone. "Our Famous Vegas burger is almost a pound of meat. It's delicious. Our homemade lasagna is really good and a really good portion too. Most of the time people will come in and order one lasagna and split it between the two and still have some to take home. Our Italian sausage is really good, and we also do Philly cheesesteaks. "There is no difference between a male or female unless you're a soprano or a bass. As far as composing and as far as conducting, there is no difference. There is maybe a different view about what you're writing about or how you handle working with people. "I love being chief of Wheaton. It's my dream job," Volpe said. "But I am 61 years old, and I've been here 35 years, and at some point, if you're going to do something else, do it. The academy director spot opened up, the college put out an advertisement for it and it doesn't open up that often." An estimated 60 mothers and their daughters gathered Sunday in the Skokie School Cafeteria for the 4th Annual Mother & Daughter Tea Party, hosted by the Winnekta Park District. The event gave daughters 4-8 years old a chance to dress up in their best party attire and take part in a grown-up ritual of a formal tea party with Mom as an early celebration of Mother's Day. Five American Rescue Plan projects under review by Pueblo City Council A new grocery store on the East Side long considered a Pueblo food desert is among the local projects that could be funded by COVID relief funds. By Bradley Dunseith Chinas cloud technology industry is expected to grow to US$103 billion by 2020 as companies continue to digitize their business data and internal systems. The growing demand for cloud technology has led to both domestic and foreign IT companies rolling out new cloud services for Chinese consumers and businesses. Data centres in China are not connected internationally as they are in nearly every other country. Local laws and regulations in China create both unique challenges and important considerations for businesses migrating and managing cloud technology in the country. Dezan Shira & Associates has conducted an internal review of cloud providers in China and have partnered with Microsoft to offer a range of cloud-based solutions. In this article, we outline key considerations when using cloud technology in China. What is the Cloud? Cloud technology (also known as cloud computing) is when servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics are hosted on the Internet and stored on large, privately owned data centers. Instead of investing into physical hardware, businesses subscribe to these services and pay either a monthly or annual fee. This fee is determined by the amount of data and number of users a business requires making it easier for a company to scale their operations up and down. Employees access business applications online while the company data is backed-up either online or in a physical data center. Using Cloud technology not only allows businesses to save money on IT costs, it also keeps employees around the world better connected with their colleagues, clients, and partners: an important goal for foreign companies entering and expanding in Asia. RELATED: Weathering Chinas Cloud Computing Regulations Cloud technology in China In China, data centers that store and connect user data are isolated from global networks. This means that, though cloud-users outside of China can still communicate and collaborate with their China-based colleagues, both must use separate user accounts and thus cannot access company data from a common source. Similarly, companies headquartered outside of China can still manage China-based company systems and data by using a Chinese user account. However, these users will experience slower connection rates. Despite these limitations, using the cloud remains a cost-effective way to scale operations and increase productivity in China. As Thomas Zhang, Dezan Shira & Associates IT Director, explains, Cloud technology has remained a relatively closed industry in China. While this can create frustration for companies during the initial setup and familiarization phase, it does not hinder the overwhelming benefits of using the cloud. Microsoft Cloud in China The Chinese government requires that data related to the privacy of its citizens, or else connected with the countrys physical and digital infrastructure, be stored in mainland China a regulation that can be complied with when companies choose Microsofts China-based services. Microsoft has partnered with China-based 21Vianet to run two data centers in Beijing and Shanghai. Only Microsofts China services can provide official VAT invoices (or a fapiao), a necessary requirement for some businesses that need to book their expenses in China for tax purposes. Microsoft Office 365 and Azure have gained popularity for their pay-as-you-go models, which allow companies to increase and decrease the volume and scale of Microsoft services they consume as their own operations expand or contract. In China, companies must pay in advance for these services annually, whereas global clients may modify their subscription packages monthly. Microsoft is also the first cloud service provider to announce that their Chinese data centers follow the European Unions General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) a regulation that most local players in China would fail to meet. Finally, using data centers in China means faster connectivity between Chinese offices with a negligible impact on global offices. Microsoft Cloud services in China Microsoft Azure Microsofts Azure is a comprehensive set of Cloud services that allow developers and IT professionals to build, deploy, and manage applications. Azure is a platform as a service (PaaS), which means that businesses and individuals can lease the digital space Azure creates to build and run websites and applications. Azure offers businesses the option of working completely on the cloud or in a hybrid format using both cloud computing and on-premise servers. As a PaaS platform, Azure can host scalable websites and apps, empowering individuals and teams to manage and collaborate on projects from around the world. Azure backs up all data across its many global data centers, ensuring information remains protected. Employees can access apps and sites hosted on Azure through nearly any mobile device while companies can regulate employee access to maintain privacy and security. Office 365 Office 365 is a Cloud productivity service, offering a suite of business process applications. These apps assist companies in meeting the changing demands of digitization by improving internal collaboration, mobility, intelligence, and security while offering scalable, enterprise level digital infrastructure. In Office 365, businesses receive the familiar Office suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook), along with applications such as Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams. Additional productivity tools can like Power BI and Sharepoint can be installed to streamline businesses processes and provide insights on company health. Key considerations For many businesses, choosing a China-based cloud over its international counterpart is not merely convenient but may be mandatory to meet local regulations. In this regard, companies should exercise diligence in selecting a cloud service that will meet regulatory requirements without making compromises to internal privacy or connectivity. Data residency Data residency (or data localization) refers to the physical location of data as well as the legal and regulatory requirements around it. Chinas Cybersecurity Law mandates that critical information infrastructure (CII) operators must store certain important data, including personal information relating to Chinese citizens, within mainland China. CII operators are network operators in sectors relating to Chinas national security or public interest, such as information services, energy, and transportation. However, the precise definition CII operators remains vague. When companies use their own on-premise servers to host data, this requirement is typically fulfilled automatically. When hosting data on a cloud platform, however, businesses are obliged to ensure this data remains within China. The easiest way to fulfill this requirement is to use a China-based cloud provider. Cloud providers should outline the steps they take to conform to local regulations. However, professional services firms with regulatory and IT expertise can go the further step in ensuring all data storage remains compliant without compromising privacy or workflows. Information Technology Solutions from Dezan Shira & Associates Privacy Fulfilling local data residency requirements in no way means that companies have to compromise on privacy. Companies shopping for a cloud service provider should ensure look for robust privacy policies and guarantees that data is not shared with third parties. When using Microsoft, customers retain the rights and titles to their data. Microsoft partners with China-based 21Vianet but uses only Microsoft technology and world-class cryptography. The data centers themselves also have 24-hour security and physical protection. Furthermore, data stored in Microsoft centers is safeguarded by a data trustee: an independent body in charge of monitoring and auditing access to data. In order for Microsoft or 21Vianet to access this data, they first require permission from either the customer or the data trustee any permission is subsequently recorded. Migrating to the cloud Ultimately, businesses opt for China-based clouds when enough of their workforce, clients, and partners are based in the country. A well-planned data migration from on-premise servers to cloud technology can save companies money and boost productivity as businesses grow their operations in China. Tens of thousands ethnic Mongolians and tourists on Sunday made the pilgrimage to a shrine dedicated to the 13th-century conquerer Genghis Khan for a spring memorial ceremony. Worshippers gathered at the mausoleum in Ordos, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, to pray and offer hada, a white ceremonial silk scarf. Called Tsagaansurek, or "milk sacrifice" in Mongolian, the spring ritual uses the milk of white horses as a sacrifice to peace and prosperity. "Hearing the chant of the ancient eulogy and watching the parade, I felt the history in books had come alive," said an ethnic Mongolian student, who gave his name as Hongyan. Every year, ethnic Mongolians hold four rituals, one in each season, to Genghis Khan. The spring ritual is the grandest at the shrine and lasts for eight days. Local authorities estimate that there will be more than 100,000 visitors to the shrine during the festival. Ethnic Mongolians claim to be descended from Genghis Khan, who united the tribes of northern China and founded the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. His grandson, Kublai Khan, established the Yuan Dynasty that ruled China from 1271 to 1368. Genghis Khan memorial rituals were inscribed as China's intangible cultural heritage in 2006. The China Institute and the Yue-Sai Kan China Beauty Charity Fund jointly presented the third annual China Fashion Gala at The Plaza Hotel in New York City on Friday night. This year's gala honored iconic designer Christian Louboutin; Alessandro Bastagli and Massimiliano Giornetti, executive chairman and creative director of Shanghai Tang, respectively; Tiffany & Co., the world's premier jeweler and America's house of design; and Maggie Q, one of the first Asian actresses to lead an American television network series. The highlight of the evening show was a full-length couture fashion show by designer Grace Chen. Chen graduated in 1996 from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she was the first alumnus for the Chinese mainland. Chen said she hopes her designs will help establish the iconic image of modern Chinese women worldwide. "China's power of culture is in the rise and everyone in the world is putting eyes on China and want to learn from China, so for us it's a good timing," said Grace Chen. The China Fashion Gala is a platform to promote and support emerging Chinese talent on the international stage and recognize individuals whose outstanding contributions have helped position Chinese design and aesthetics at the forefront of fashion on a global scale. The number of live donkeys being imported to the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region from Central Asia has soared in the past year to meet demand for ejiao, a traditional Chinese medicine made from boiled donkey hide. Imports in the first quarter through the Irkeshtam Port - the only port in Xinjiang that handles live animals - more than doubled year-on-year to 8,000, according to data from customs authorities in Urumqi. The donkeys are mainly sold in Shandong province, which produces about 90 percent of all ejiao products in China. The live donkey trade was worth 10.03 million yuan ($1.57 million) last year. The gelatinous medicine is mainly used as a treatment for anemia and menopause-related ailments. However, an online post in February by a health service center under the former national health authority advised the public not to purchase ejiao, saying the traditional medicine is "not as nutritious as chicken eggs for the human body". It later apologized for "creating misunderstanding". Irkeshtam Port began importing live donkeys from Kyrgyzstan in August 2016 and has handled more than 27,000 to date. Since then, the number of companies importing live donkeys has increased from one to six, with more expected to join the trade this year. Companies involved in the live donkey trade need to have a Chinese quarantine permit. The live donkeys arrive at the port in Xinjiang after a two-day journey through Kyrgyzstan. They are then kept in quarantine for 14 days on the Chinese side of the border. The donkeys' blood is tested when they pass through to port to make sure the animals are healthy. Annual production of ejiao, a lucrative product, has totaled 5,000 metric tons in recent years, using 4 million donkey hides. The high demand, coupled with a decline in China's donkey population, has resulted in a marked rise in the number of skins being imported each year. The number of donkeys in China fell from 9.4 million in 1996 to 4.6 million in 2016, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The decline is partly the result of urbanization: Many farmers, who once used donkeys as work animals, migrated to cities. Also, traditional cultivation techniques are gradually being replaced by machines. There are now only enough donkeys to meet half of China's annual demand for ejiao. In response, producers have turned to overseas markets to secure the needed donkey hides. Qin Yufeng, CEO of Dong'e Ejiao, the largest ejiao manufacturer in China, said about 40 percent of the donkey skins it uses are imported. The General Administration of Customs announced in December that it would lower the tariff on imported donkey hides beginning on Jan 1, with the import tariff on entire hides of a certain weight cut from 5 percent to 2 percent. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization estimates there are about 44 million donkeys worldwide, mainly in Asia, North Africa and South America. A woman who won international fame for reportedly spending millions on adopting 118 orphans has been detained for criminal offenses including blackmailing and disturbing social order, Beijing News reported. Local authorities in Wuan of Hebei province announced on Saturday that the private welfare house Li Lijuan ran for the orphans has been banned, and all orphans there have been properly resettled. The authorities also said that Li was suspected of multiple offenses of blackmailing and disturbing social order and has been put under criminal detention. She was taken back to Wuan from Beijing in the early hours of Saturday. The police have also frozen her personal bank accounts of more than 20 million yuan ($3.1 million) and more than $20,000. The case is under further investigation. Cause of closure Li, also called Li Yanxia, started adopting orphans in 1996 and founded the private welfare house in December 2007. In previous media reports Li said she had adopted 118 orphans. The welfare house was banned due to her failure to carry out required annual checks since 2016, said Wu Zhirong, deputy director of Wuan civil affairs bureau. Wu added that Li refused to transfer her orphans to public welfare houses, as required by civil affairs authorities. Wu said the children adopted by Li included those who were poor but had legal guardians. Over the past 21 years, Li received a large amount of donations, which formed the major source of funding for her welfare house, cnr.cn reported. Li reportedly blackmailed 70,000 yuan out of a company that needed to pass a fiber-optic cable above her welfare house, and nearly 300,000 yuan from a hotel and a hospital. Local police also found that Li was suspected of using adopted children to siege township governments and intimidate officials. She was found to own several houses in Wuan, Handan in Hebei province. People in Li's welfare house properly settled Among the 74 people affected in the ban, 71 are children (orphans or disabled), including 69 preschoolers, and three are adults. In addition, when the ban was imposed, three children had already left the welfare house, with two of them in a hospital in Wuan and one taken by a nanny to her home, cnr.cn reported citing the local civil affairs bureau. "The 69 toddlers and babies have all been sent to 21 township hospitals for medical checkups," Wu said. Two policemen are deployed at each hospital 24 hours a day to ensure the safety of the children. He added that a preliminary examination shows that 18 need surgery and 13 need regular checkups. For the three students (including two children and an adult), Wu said they have been assigned to boarding schools and will receive psychological counseling. An adult who cannot hear or speak was placed in a special facility and a 30-year-old adult now works in the city, according to Wu. China's top legislature will send four teams of lawmakers to inspect enforcement of the air pollution control law in eight provincial-level regions across the country. The lawmakers convened their first plenary meeting in Beijing Monday. The inspection is aimed at pushing the whole Party and nation to willingly adopt the new development concept and effectively implement major environmental policies made by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said Li Zhanshu, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee and a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, who presided over the meeting. The inspection will also address outstanding environmental issues of public concern, press governments at all levels and businesses to carry out their duties, and raise public awareness, Li said. He instructed lawmakers to follow due process and carry out their duties rigorously, target red-flagged regions and sectors and the prominent problems that harm the interests of the public, and put forward practical and effective solutions. He also warned them against any form of bureaucracy. In addition to sending inspection teams, the NPC Standing Committee will also entrust standing committees of the remaining 23 provincial-level people's congresses to inspect the enforcement of the law within their jurisdictions. As was expected, international media have recently been focused on the summit between American President Donald Trump and the EU machinery represented by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Attention was also paid to the visit between North and South Korean leaders. However, one important summit has been out of the public eye in the West: the one between India and China. The recent meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping appealed to the historical significance of these two massive countries. The Panchsheel Agreement, which was the primary document in the post-colonial world to have dealt with major power relations, was revisited. The summit was requested by the Indian prime minister and organized by the Chinese president in the town of Wuhan, a cultural and intellectual center, signifying the importance both sides attached to this personal, face-to-face meeting. India and China agreed to improve communication between armed forces along their shared border, an ostensible thaw after the regional issues that plagued the powers. Both the president and the prime minister stressed the need for the two countries to talk and deepen mutual trust. Indian officials previously stated that transparency in communication should be key in moving forward. "The China-India relationship should be a stable and developing one, with mutual trust as the foundation," President Xi was quoted in Xinhua. "In the next step, the two countries should make a comprehensive plan for cooperation and further enhance strategic communication." But Indian efforts at rapprochement come with a different geopolitical reality. India urgently needs foreign investment and a major economic boost from the outside. Indian growth has stalled, and industrial efforts have plateaued. China is the only country capable of large-scale investment in India at a moment's notice, and India knows that. China also remains the biggest trading partner of India, and India remains the largest project market for Chinese companies. According to a recent article by CNBC, "India's exports to China last year increased 39.1 percent to $16.3 billion," which could grow as China faces trade war prospects with the U.S. and an unreliable EU as a partner, who will throw China under the bus at the first opportunity and turn against Beijing on human rights and other issues. As the U.S. gets protectionist and adversarial, China needs other partners for trade as well as other major markets for goods. India could also benefit from Chinese tourism, as well as cultural exchanges. This reconciliation is also about geopolitics. With the changing global dynamics, Indian strategic circles have realized that there might be a time when issues might compel India to take sides. Trade is one such issue. New Delhi and Beijing share common ground against protectionism, which hurts the twogrowing economies. Foreign policy is another aspect. Both China and India are opposed to foreign intervention and the spread of values and norms via military means. It is important to remember not to expect too much from India, as India hasneverjoined any blocs or political alliances since its independence. But India is, to use the terminology of international relations, "hedging its bets." India has beenrealizinglately that the military brinkmanship in the Indian Ocean, as well as not joining China's Belt and Road Initiative, might have been counterproductive. While the outcome of this rapprochement is still unknown, this is a welcome start. In terms of sheer economic value, it was perhaps more important than all of the other summits that happened in the last two weeks. The size, demographics, industrial capacities and GDPs of the two countries make it so. Sumantra Maitra is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/SumantraMaitra.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. The national flags of China (R) and the United States [File photo] Two months after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the introduction of tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum, fears over an outbreak of a trade war have been multiplied. Theoretically, newly-launched protectionist measures would hit several countries, yet many have been exempted, at least temporarily. They include Canada, Mexico and the European Union which have until the end of May to come to a potential agreement with the U.S. They can perhaps follow the path of Argentina, Australia, Brazil and South Korea. China, Japan and Russia are the countries targeted the most by the U.S. administration. The case of China deserves special attention as Washington is moving beyond Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act. In particular, it is taking action against it on the basis of Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act to respond to allegedly"unfair, unreasonable, or discriminatory trade practices." Subsequently, U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Robert Lighthizer has been directed to challenge China's technology licensing programs at the WTO. For its part China is firmly responding to the protectionist measures. Concerning Section 232 it has announced retaliatory tariffs to the value of approximately US$2 billion targeting U.S. agriculture. Affected items are pork and pork products, horticultural products, wine, ginseng, and denatured ethanol. Also, with reference to section 301 Beijing has announced a proposal to levy retaliatory tariffs of 25 percent impacting approximately US$16.5 billion in Chinese imports of agricultural and food products from the U.S. Affected items are soybeans, corn and corn products, wheat, sorghum, cotton, beef and beef products, cranberries, orange juice, and tobacco and tobacco products. In conjunction to the tariffs, China has filed for consultations under the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement framework regarding both Sections 232 and 301. Consultations give the parties an opportunity to discuss the matter and to find a satisfactory solution without proceeding further with litigation. But after 60 days, if consultations have failed to resolve the dispute, the complainant may request adjudication by a panel. Overall, China believes that unilateral actions only undermine world trade, especially since the WTO has been established. In a recent statement delivered at the WTO, Chinese diplomat, Yu Benlin, called upon participants to stand up firmly against the unilateralism and protectionism manifested in the recent actions taken by the U.S., to prevent what happened in the past from repeating itself in the future. Donald Trump remains unpredictable and it is difficult to successfully decode his messages. While he sometimes appears tough, there are cases where his tone is more conciliatory. For instance, in one of his tweets after the initial serious disagreement between Washington and Beijing, he said: "President Xi and I will always be friends, no matter what happens with our dispute on trade." Under these unclear circumstances, a high-level U.S. delegation is visiting China for trade talks. Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, Trump's Counsellor Peter Navarro, and Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will be among its members. In another tweet President Trump sees a "Great Potential for the U.S." in reducing his country's trade deficit with China. However, The Wall Street Journal argues that the chance of a quick resolution of tensions are slim. While the issue remains complicated, it is certainly positive that the U.S. is counting on holding dialogue rounds with China. This is placed in China's interest as President Xi Jinping recently clarified in his speech in the Boao Forum. China should not be expected to be an easy negotiator as other countries have done after March. Although it seeks to avoid a trade war and is prepared to import more U.S. goods and further open up giving additional opportunities to U.S. companies, it knows well how to defend itself and put pressure on the other side to reconsider the long-term impact of its punitive practices. A Brooking study suggests, for example, that "the Chinese have done their homework about the geography of both the U.S. production system and its divided politics." In other words, they have managed to involve local and regional economies and jobs in their response, paving arguably the way for a pushback to Trump by both Republicans and Democrats in Congress. But for now, it's time to give dialogue a chance. George N. Tzogopoulos is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/GeorgeNTzogopoulos.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. Flash The results from the Amazing China Poll 2017 were revealed by China Daily last week, showing that Shanghai is the number one city for expats to live and work in China for the sixth year in a row. The survey, which has been running for eight years, is based solely on the opinions of foreign experts. Shanghai has been on the top of the list since 2012, which isn't surprising as almost a quarter (23.7 percent) of all expats in China live there. Beijing last held the top spot in 2011. This year, the capital city takes 2nd place, followed by Hefei, Qingdao, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Chengdu, Nanjing and Guangzhou to make up the top 10. But what's the difference between Shanghai and Beijing? What do expats like best about both cities? When I asked what makes Shanghai the best city to live in, expats mentioned that it's an easy city to live in, the city feels safe and transportation links are good. Many also mention that they find the city economically strong and that they can find more suitable jobs in Shanghai when compared with other Chinese cities. It's true that the income bracket in Shanghai is far higher than the average across the country. According to Business Insider, Shanghai was crowned as the 4th most lucrative city in the world for expats in a survey carried out by HSBC this year, with the average expat salary at a staggering $202,211. Beijing, unfortunately, didn't even make it onto the list. However, when asked the same question, expats in Beijing said they preferred the capital city because it wasn't as westernized as Shanghai. It still has historical culture and it had a more relaxed atmosphere. "The chill vibe in Beijing is definitely something I don't see in Shanghai." said one Facebook user, adding "plus, we have the Great Wall." Furthermore, the living cost in Beijing is relatively cheap when compared with Shanghai. According to an article published by thebeijinger.com, Beijing is cheaper than some other Chinese cities such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen and even Dalian. However, when looking at the cost of living, the article points out that there's only a 5-16 percent difference between Shanghai and Beijing, so if you're looking to make and save big money Shanghai is still the better option. The survey, which is carried out from November-February each year, didn't have too many surprises apart from Chengdu making it onto the list for the first time. The results came from 4,066 votes from foreign experts in China as well as over 25,000 votes from internet users. Beijing is attempting to make the city more attractive to foreign experts, implementing a new policy this March to attract "high-end, top talent." The policy consists of 20 new measures to help make the hiring process easier for high-end professionals, both foreign experts and overseas Chinese, especially focused on employing talent in the city's high-tech sector. Will this be enough to see it rivaling Shanghai this time next year? We'll have to wait and see. You are here: Travel Flash The European country is cooperating with Meituan Travel to promote its cuisine to lure more Chinese visitors. Germany knows travel is largely a matter of taste-in every sense. The German National Tourist Board recently announced its strategic cooperation with Meituan Travel to promote German cuisine among Chinese travelers. "We'll make the most of our resources to recommend authentic German food and drinks to Chinese through online and offline events," says He Sheng, who's in charge of Meituan Travel's overseas-holiday business. The agency is owned by Meituan-Dianping, one of China's largest providers of on-demand online services. Meituan Travel covers more than 185,000 restaurants, shops and scenic spots in Germany. Major Chinese online food-service company Dianping is hosting a series of German-food events through November. Chinese users can browse websites exclusively dedicated to German cuisine and use Dianping to make reservations at some restaurants in Germany. Data show outbound Chinese travelers often use Dianping to check information about overseas destinations before and during travel. The most searched German cities on the app are Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin. "Germany offers more than ham sausages, schweinshaxe (roasted pork knuckle) and beer," director of the GNTB's Beijing office Li Zhaohui says. "This year, the GNTB is promoting 'culinary Germany'-themed tours that combine delicious food with beautiful scenery and cultural heritage. Germany hosts over 300 Michelin-starred restaurants and 1,300 breweries, and produces about 3,200 kinds of bread. Chinese gourmands will love its culinary experiences." Tourists can join food festivals and sample regional cuisine, such as fish and clams in the coastal areas and cheese in the Alpine Allgaeu region. Saxony is celebrated for its food, wines and art. Traditional dishes include sauerbraten, a German pot roast, and leipziger allerlei, a vegetable dish said to originate from Leipzig city made with peas, carrots, asparagus, morels and crayfish. Germany has 13 wine regions. This year, the GNTB has cooperated with the German Wine Institute to develop wine-trail itineraries. Chinese visitors can walk or cycle along the routes to visit vineyards and wineries, and enjoy the sceneries and attractions. Open-air wine festivals offer opportunities to enjoy wines and snacks, mix with locals, and enjoy parades and dancing. Flash Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Jakarta Sunday for an official visit to Indonesia, the first stop on his first overseas trip since the new cabinet took office in March. Li's visit comes as this year marks the 5th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Indonesia comprehensive strategic partnership and the 15th anniversary of the strategic partnership between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Li was welcomed by Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and other senior officials at the airport. Since Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Indonesia in 2013, the two countries have been promoting the synergy of their development strategies, yielding fruitful results in their cooperation in various fields, Li said upon his arrival in Jakarta. "My visit is aimed at cementing mutual political trust, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation and enhancing the friendship of our peoples," Li said. "I expect joint efforts of both sides to promote the bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields so as to bring more benefits to the peoples of both countries." China is willing to join member states of ASEAN, including Indonesia, to strive for greater development of China-ASEAN relations and cooperation, Li said. China and ASEAN should work together to build a community of shared future with neighboring countries and promote regional peace, stability and development, he said. During his visit, Li will hold talks with Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla, and attend a China-Indonesia business summit. The schedule also includes witnessing the signing of cooperation documents. The Chinese premier will visit the ASEAN Secretariat to underscore China's commitment to its relations with the 10-member community, meet with ASEAN Secretary General Lim Jock Hoi, and attend celebration activities of the anniversary. China has been Indonesia's largest trading partner for seven years in a row. In 2017, two-way trade reached 63.3 billion U.S. dollars, up 18 percent year-on-year. Good results have been achieved in building the China-Indonesia industrial parks and steady progress is being made in the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, Li said in a signed article published by the Jakarta Post on Saturday. China is also Indonesia's largest source of foreign tourists and second-largest host of Indonesian students, the article noted. Placing ASEAN as a high priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy, China has been a staunch supporter of ASEAN community building and ASEAN centrality in East Asian cooperation, Li said in the article, adding that China is keen to work with ASEAN to uphold the multilateral trading system and promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation. After the trip to Indonesia, Li will leave for Japan on Tuesday to attend the 7th China-Japan-ROK leaders' meeting and pay an official visit to Japan. Flash U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley (C, Front) addresses a Security Council meeting on Yemen, at the UN headquarters in New York, on April 17, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua] U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said Sunday Trump's "communication style" has made her uncomfortable, and has proven to have complicated relationships in the diplomatic sphere. "He has his communication style, but you're not hearing me defend that," Haley told a CBS interview. Haley illustrated her disagreement with Trump with a tweet in February accusing Latin American countries turning a blind eye on drug trafficking. "They're laughing at us, so I'm not a believer in that, I want to stop the aid." Trump said in the tweet, referring to U.S. aid to the region. Haley later embarked on a trip to Honduras to reconcile and reassure local authorities on U.S. foreign policy. "If they get education and they get training, then we know that they're going to be productive," Haley told the press after the trip, subtly walking back from the threatening tone of her boss. "If there is anything that he communicates in a way that I'm uncomfortable with, I pick up the phone and call him," Haley said in the interview and added that Trump has been "receptive" her opinion. Trump has been known to make sensational claims and blunt assertions on social media, which he said helps him get his "unfiltered" message across, but has created controversy and sometimes even rifts in the delicate world of diplomacy. With his unconventional style, Trump has also created strains with American long time allies in Europe and Asia. Flash File photo taken on April 26, 2018 shows Pakistani Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal speaking during an event in Islamabad, Pakistan. [Photo/Xinhua] Pakistani Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal was shot and injured in an assassination attempt during a rally in Narowal district of the country's eastern Punjab province on Sunday evening, police said. A spokesperson of the Punjab government said the minister is out of danger and has been airlifted by a helicopter to a hospital in Lahore, capital of the province. District Police Officer of Narowal Imran Kishwar said a local resident opened fire at the minister soon after he concluded his speech during a rally in Kanjrur town of the district, the minister's hometown. The gunman Abid Hussain, 22, merely managed to fire one shot from a distance of 10 to 12 meters, and the bullet hit the minister's right arm. The suspect was arrested by the police soon after he fired the shot, the officer said. The minister was rushed to the District Hospital in Narowal where he underwent initial surgery. Leaders from all political parties of the country strongly condemned the attack and urged the government to ensure the security of politicians as well as common citizens. Soon after the attack, members of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz took to the streets in different cities and launched a protest against the attack. Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also condemned the attack and ordered the police to trace the planners behind the attack. Local media quoting eyewitnesses as saying that soon after the firing, the gunman announced that he attacked to revenge because Iqbal's men killed his relative in the past. However, some reports said the attacker, in his confessional statement, said he attacked Iqbal because the minister was among the ruling party's members who changed a religious law last year. Security agencies had already informed the minister about a possible attack on him, local media reported. The reports were not confirmed by any official yet. Iqbal is considered among the top brains of Pakistan's political elite. He is performing his duties along with two portfolios, including minister of interior and minister of planning, development and reform. Flash Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad Hariri votes at a polling station in Beirut, Lebanon, May 6, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua] The voting in the first Lebanese parliamentary election in nine years on Sunday proceeded smoothly in a calm and orderly manner, raising hopes for new changes and a better future. The polling stations across the country opened doors at 7 a.m. local time (0400GMT) and were closed at 7 p.m. local time (1600GMT). President Michel Aoun, speaking to the press before voting, urged every voter to exercise the "sacred duty" of choosing their representatives for the next four years. "Hold on to your free will and do not allow any pressure to be exerted on you," Aoun said. This year's election featured active participation of young voters, estimated at 800,000, who hoped for a major change to the status quo. "Speaking as a college student, we need jobs, we need more respect, we need to be cured, we need to be helped, we hoped to have everything new, everything better than before," Jalal Bukhari, a 23-year-old college student, told Xinhua at the polling station in the Omar Fakhuri Primary School in southern Beirut, the capital. About 3.7 million registered voters are eligible for voting this year. There are 976 registered candidates, including 111 women, running for the 128 seats in this year's election, which adopts a new system of proportional representation to replace the traditional winner-takes-all principle. About 580 candidates, including 86 women, were finally qualified for the race. On the record number of female candidates running in the election, some voters felt very encouraged. Sabah Darazi, a 65-year-old retired employee of the Education Ministry, told Xinhua at a polling station in Sidon (Saida), 45 km south of Beirut, that she hoped there will be more women lawmakers in the parliament, citing that Lebanese women are "full of aspiration and wittiness." Afaf Dabaghi, a French language teacher, told Xinhua that she even hoped there will be a female president in Lebanon one day in future. "Who knows," she said. Major players in this year's election include the Future Movement, led by incumbent Sunni Prime Minister Saad Hariri; the Free Patriotic Movement, led by Christian President Aoun's son-in-law Gebran Bassil; the Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed powerful Shiite political faction; the Amal Movement, led by incumbent Speaker Nabih Berri; and the Lebanese Forces, a Christian opponent of Hezbollah. Though having enjoyed relative peace due to the delicate political balance reached among the Christians, Muslims and the Hezbollah since the 1975-1990 civil war, Lebanon has long been ruled by traditional powers including previous warlords and influential families. In the recent years, the Lebanese public has been voicing discontent over the declining public services, as illustrated by constant water and power cuts as well as corruption, and the rising number of Syrian refugees in the country. Gabriel Debbane, general manager of Debbane Saikali Family Holding, told Xinhua at a Sidon polling station that he was not satisfied with the way that things went in the past years, especially the power outages and garbage issue. "During the last two or three years, it was a mess -- no decision, no new law, no political life," he told Xinhua, referring to the political deadlock within the government that failed to address the daily problems. Despite the popular prediction that this year's election is unlikely to fundamentally change the political division as most of the old guards are expected to retain power, many voters are still upbeat about it and the country's future. Samira Hejazi, a 70-year-old woman, told Xinhua that she voted for Hariri. Though complaining about the "complicated" political system and diverged opinions in this small but religious diverse country, Hejazi said she still hoped this election would bring about some new changes. "I'm optimistic about the future. Lebanon is a great country, and Lebanese people are very good people," she said. Lebanese analysts hailed the calm and orderly manner in which the voting was conducted on Sunday. "What the Lebanese recognize is that consensus is the one rule that governs Lebanese politics and that no political change can happen if there is no minimum of understanding between the parties on the issues involved," Mahmoud Raya, a political analyst in Beirut, told Xinhua. Raya added that holding this election will give hope to the institutions, thus alleviating the tensions among different parties. Imad Risk, general manager of the Isticharia Strategic & Communication Studies in Beirut, told Xinhua that whoever wins or loses in this election, Lebanon has set a good example not only for own domestic politics but also for the region. "After nine years, now it's the first time for the Lebanese to participate in this election, and to have the possibility to change or to continue the process of peace and democracy in Lebanon, and the Middle East as well," Risk said. He said currently there are a lot of problems in the chaotic Middle East, so the peaceful Lebanese election sets a good example for achieving new changes and reconciliation not in military ways, but in political ways. "We can say that Lebanon now is giving itself a new image that democracy, freedom and also responsibility are possible in Arab countries," he said. To ensure the fairness of the election and prevent voting fraud, Lebanon has invited the European Union (EU) and the U.S.-based National Democratic Institute to monitor the voting on Sunday. A group of 36 short-time EU monitors were deployed Friday across Lebanon to observe the voting, in addition to 24 long-term EU monitors and 40 Beirut-based staff members from the embassies of EU member states. By Li Yan, China Daily | May 07, 2018 It is natural for the Civil Aviation Administration of China to require foreign airlines not to list the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and Taiwan as though they are independent countries. This may not seem to be a big deal to foreign airlines or hotel chains, who may wonder why they are being required to change their practice now. But when secessionists in Taiwan and Hong Kong are trying to split both regions from their motherland, the CAAC can no longer turn a blind eye to the errors of the airlines' ways. Foreign airlines or hotels, whose listings may give the impression that Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao, are countries rather than regions, should amend the listings as it is important they abide by the laws and regulations of the country if they are doing business here. The same is also true of Chinese enterprises doing business overseas, which should abide by the laws of a country they are operating in. As such, there is no need for any fuss about what the CAAC has required of foreign airlines and hotel chains. It is nothing but a reminder that they need to correct their mistake. When the White House called the move "Orwellian nonsense" and said that the United States strongly objects to China's attempts to compel private companies to use specific language of a political nature in their publicly available content, it is simply trying to sensationalize the matter and putting its inflammatory two cents into something that does not concern it. China did not and will never threaten and coerce U.S. carriers and citizens as the White House claimed, the CAAC just informed the carriers that they got it wrong when they refer to China's regions as a country. It is the White House that is engaging in some doublespeak by trying to claim this is China imposing its political views on U.S. citizens, since it is the one trying to obscure the truth that these are all Chinese territories. Referring to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao as countries does have political implications for China, but what happens between the CAAC and foreign airlines is only a matter of how the latter should abide by China's relevant rules and respect the core interest of this country. Really, there is no need for the White House to even get involved, neither is it necessary for it to associate it with the larger picture of China-U.S. relations. Doing so only make an otherwise simple reminder much more complicated and adds to the complicatedness of the bilateral relations. Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Jakarta on Sunday to start his six-day trip to Indonesia and Japan, which is part of China's efforts to promote regional cooperation in East Asia against the backdrop of rising protectionism. In Jakarta, Li will have talks with Indonesian President Joko Widodo; and Lim Jock Hoi, secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. A number of proposals are expected to be made for promoting China-Indonesia cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. "My visit is to consolidate political trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and enhance friendship with Indonesia," the premier said on his arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. SAGUA LA GRANDE, Cuba - With new hotels, a cinema, a central park and other attractions, Cuba is jazzing up a bicentennial coastal city to become a new destination for international tourists. Sagua La Grande, about 360 kilometers east of Havana, was founded in 1812. Though many of its buildings are in a state of decay, it is still a picturesque city with a sunshine beach and historical heritage sites. On Friday, the promotion kicked off at the 38th International Tourism Fair in Villa Clara province in central Cuba. Vladimir Putin will be inaugurated on Monday for his fourth term as president of Russia under the shadow of strained ties with the West. Putin, who has ruled Russia for 18 years, has promised to improve living standards at home during his next Kremlin stint. But he has remained silent on the issue of his succession - despite this being an inevitable concern as the constitution bars him from running again when his fourth term ends in 2024. Putin has struggled to revive an economy that crashed after Moscow was hit with Western sanctions in 2014, followed by a fall in global oil prices in 2016. Despite this, his victory in the March election was never in question. This year, officials are reportedly planning a fairly low-key inauguration ceremony that will not include a lavish reception. This time, he was only expected to meet volunteers who took part in his election campaign. Political analysts said that Moscow's attitude toward the West - which has only hardened over the crises in Ukraine and Syria, as well as accusations of spy poisoning in the United Kingdom and alleged election meddling in the United States - was unlikely to change during Putin's fourth term. "For Putin, any concession is a sign of weakness, so there shouldn't be any expectation of a change in foreign policy," said Konstantin Kalachev, head of the Political Expert Group think tank in Moscow. "Also, foreign policy is one of the main foundations of his support within the country. Putin needs to guarantee national unity." On Saturday, opposition leader Navalny was held along with nearly 300 of his supporters during an unauthorized rally in Moscow. Navalny and his ally Nikolai Lyaskin were detained for organizing the event and taken to the district police department to "resolve the issue of bringing them to justice in accordance with the law", Moscow City Police said. Around 200 people were detained in St. Petersburg during another unauthorized rally held by Navalny's supporters and will face administrative charges, the local police department said. A total of 3,500 people took part in unauthorized actions in Moscow and St. Petersburg and a further 2,000 in similar rallies in more than 20 cities across the country, the Russian Interior Ministry said in a statement. AFP and Xinhua contributed to this story. (China Daily 05/07/2018 page12) Both territorial and historical issues remain the most serious dilemmas SEOUL - China, the Republic of Korea and Japan can achieve peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia based on mutual trust and understanding, an expert said ahead of a key trilateral leaders' meeting. The Wednesday meeting in Japan will be attended by Premier Li Keqiang, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and ROK President Moon Jae-in. "The three countries are advocating peace, stability and prosperity. They should step up efforts to cast away doubts (of) each other's diplomatic strategy," Lee Jongheon, secretary-general at the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat, said on Friday. Lee said the trio should try to understand one another's policy and strategy. Mutual trust and understanding as well as diplomatic efforts will be important to deepen their cooperation, as Northeast Asia has been relatively unstable for several reasons such as the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and the US influence on the region, he said. Territorial and historical issues remain the most serious dilemmas since they are politically sensitive and emotionally unacceptable to the people of the three countries, he said. The leaders should show their foresight and determination, while the people of the three countries should try to understand one another and increase communication, he said. Regarding the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, Lee said it has been one of the biggest factors impeding a deeper trilateral cooperation. However, now with detente on the peninsula, Northeast Asia is facing an "enormously good opportunity" to deepen cooperation. ROK President Moon and Kim Jong-un, the top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, met on April 27, agreeing to complete denuclearization and transforming the current armistice agreement into a peace treaty by the end of this year. Based on political trust, the three countries can deepen economic cooperation, including the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and resolve the rising unemployment rate, the TCS chief said. China, Japan and the ROK are the world's second, third and 11th largest economies respectively in terms of GDP. Connectivity with ASEAN The trilateral cooperation can also boost cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Lee said. "Northeast Asia and the ASEAN will inevitably follow a process of mutual connectivity, mutual interaction and mutual positive influence ... to eventually form an East Asia Economic Community," he said. Lee said the three countries have benefited from free trade and their growth has been driven by export. They should support free trade with one voice to help Asia maintain its growth momentum though the United States was retreating from free trade. Noting that the cooperation among the three countries has developed rapidly despite challenges, he forecast that they would be able to bring trust and cooperation to Northeast Asia though it would take time. "The three countries, being geographically close, have taken (crises) such as the 1997 Asian foreign exchange crisis and the 2008 global financial crisis, as an opportunity to come together and discuss ways to overcome them," he said. The trilateral cooperation was launched under the ASEAN Plus Three mechanism in 1999, when Asia was mired in a foreign exchange crisis. Lee said foundations for the cooperation were laid in 1992 when Beijing and Seoul set up diplomatic relations. Beijing and Tokyo established diplomatic relations in 1972. Seoul and Tokyo normalized diplomatic ties in 1965. Xinhua (China Daily 05/07/2018 page12) Britain in latest bid to save Iran deal By China Daily | China Daily | Updated: 2018-05-07 07:20 Britain's top diplomat is visiting the United States for two days of talks with the Trump administration as President Donald Trump decides whether to pull out of the multinational nuclear agreement with Iran. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is a strong proponent of the deal. Trump has given Britain, France and Germany a May 12 deadline to fix what he views as the deal's flaws - its failure to address Iran's ballistic missile program, the terms by which inspectors visit suspect Iranian sites, and "sunset" clauses under which some of its terms expire - or he will reimpose US sanctions. The agreement itself isn't cited as a discussion point in a statement on the trip from Britain's Foreign Office. But Iran is listed as one of the international issues Johnson is to discuss along with the Korean Peninsula and Syria. The statement said Johnson was expected to meet with US Vice-President Mike Pence, National Security Adviser John Bolton and other senior administration officials as well as congressional foreign policy leaders. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that he was scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday in Moscow to discuss regional issues. It will be the eighth meeting between the two leaders in the past two years, in addition to at least 12 phone talks, according to Israeli media. Israel has been lobbying world powers to "fix or nix" the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran as a May 12 deadline set by Trump approaches. Israel is also concerned that Iran is establishing a military presence in Syria, and it has attacked Iranian targets there. On Thursday, Israel's defense minister reminded Russia of his government's decision not to join Western sanctions against it, and asked that Moscow reciprocate with a more pro-Israel approach over Syria and Iran issues. Moscow has repeatedly said it wants the Iran nuclear deal left intact. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Friday that Russia would deem any changes to the deal to be unacceptable. On Sunday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Teheran had prepared plans to respond to any decision by Trump to end the nuclear agreement and the Washington would regret such a decision. "We have plans to resist any decision by Trump on the nuclear accord," Rouhani said in a speech carried live by state television. "If America leaves the nuclear accord, this will entail historic remorse for it." Reuters, AP and Xinhua contributed to this story. (China Daily 05/07/2018 page12) It is natural for the Civil Aviation Administration of China to require foreign airlines not to list the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and Taiwan as though they are independent countries. This may not seem to be a big deal to foreign airlines or hotel chains, who may wonder why they are being required to change their practice now. But when secessionists in Taiwan and Hong Kong are trying to split both regions from their motherland, the CAAC can no longer turn a blind eye to the errors of the airlines' ways. Foreign airlines or hotels, whose listings may give the impression that Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao, are countries rather than regions, should amend the listings as it is important they abide by the laws and regulations of the country if they are doing business here. The same is also true of Chinese enterprises doing business overseas, which should abide by the laws of a country they are operating in. Premier Li Keqiang will pay an official visit to Japan this week, the first by a Chinese premier in nearly seven years. He will also hold trilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Republic of Korea President Moon Jae-in on Wednesday. After a three-and-a-half-year hiatus, leaders of China, Japan and the ROK held a trilateral summit in 2015. What were previously annual talks will resume on Wednesday. State Councilor Wang Yi, who is also foreign minister, visited Tokyo last month to prepare for Li's visit. Apart from meeting with Abe, Wang also co-chaired a high-level economic dialogue - which had been suspended since 2010 - with his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono. Nissan and its Chinese joint venture Dongfeng Motor, known as DFL, will offer more than 20 electric models over the next five years - both zero-emission and e-POWER - as part of a commitment to sustainable development in China. The electric models will carry the four marques of Dongfeng, Nissan, Infiniti and Venucia, and six of the latest electric models will launch in the market this year or next. "It speaks of Nissan and DFL's ambitions to become China's electric vehicle market leaders by 2022. We are very confident," Jose Munoz, Nissan Motor's chief performance officer and chairman of the company's management committee for China, told China Daily. "China will become the No 1 market for Nissan, definitely, no doubt. It's not only because the Chinese market is growing fast, but also because of our good partnership and strong leadership in the country," he said. Embodying Nissan's confidence, its first fully electric car tailored for the Chinese market debuted at Auto China 2018 in Beijing, while three zero-emission vehicles took center stage to showcase the company's vision for an electrified future. Nissan SYLPHY Zero Emission - the brand's first electric car produced in China for Chinese consumers - is expected to bring together the Nissan SYLPHY's reputation for durability, quality, reliability and value with a proven, fully electric drivetrain. The electric car offers the exciting performance of a 100 percent electric powertrain, including locally procured battery cells. Its advanced technologies and spacious cabin offer convenience and comfort. The SYLPHY Zero Emission features fast-charging capabilities, and customers will be able to enjoy an extended drive range of 338 kilometers in comprehensive situations, according to Chinese regulatory standards. The car includes Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies such as Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Emergency Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Warning. It will go on sale later in 2018. As Nissan's first mass-production electric car in China, the Nissan SYLPHY Zero Emission shares a platform and technologies with the Nissan LEAF. The new Nissan LEAF is the company's all-time bestselling electric car, with more than 320,000 sold worldwide since 2010. In fact, the LEAF is the best-selling electric car globally. Named 2018 World Green Car at the 2018 New York International Auto Show, it was also showcased at the Beijing auto show. Nissan is exploring the possibility of introducing the new Nissan LEAF to China by the end of this year. It is one of the 20 electric models the company plans to introduce in China over the next five years. The company said it believes the new Nissan LEAF is the standard-bearer for Nissan Intelligent Mobility, a vision of electrification, autonomous driving and intelligent connectivity brought to the Chinese market this year. Nissan Intelligent Mobility is guiding the company's development in changing how vehicles are powered, driven and integrated into society. A glimpse into the future of Nissan Intelligent Mobility was offered at the auto show by the Nissan IMx KURO, an electric crossover concept vehicle. The car's advanced features include Nissan's exclusive Brain-to-Vehicle technology, which intercepts and analyzes the driver's brain waves to improve reaction times and increase driving comfort. Also on display was Nissan's proprietary e-Power electric powertrain technology, which won a prestigious Japanese environmental award for its contribution to reducing CO2 emissions. The technology will be introduced in China within the next few years. Munoz said: "The e-Power technology, as a part of our Nissan Intelligent Mobility, has received high praise when deployed in earlier models. Dealers are longing for e-Power to enter the Chinese market and we have faith in its future in the country." The all-new Nissan Terra frame-based SUV showed Nissan's range at Auto China 2018. The Terra builds on Nissan's strong SUV heritage and combines it with the expertise of the company's frame and light commercial vehicle division. Featuring modern design and a roomy, comfortable cabin, the Nissan Terra is a tough, practical vehicle on or off the road. It's a key product in Nissan's midterm business plan, Nissan M.O.V.E. to 2022. "We are expecting China's annual sales volume to reach 2.6 million vehicles by 2022 across the four brands - Dongfeng, Nissan, Infiniti and Venucia," Munoz said. Nissan Motor and Dongfeng Motor are carrying on their TRIPLE ONE mid-term plan, aiming to boost annual sales volumes by 1 million vehicles, and become a No 1 intelligent mobility company. Dongfeng Motor maintained speedy sales growth for each brand in the first quarter of this year, after registering 1.5 million sales in 2017, according to company data. haoyan@chinadaily.com.cn Nissan SYLPHY Zero Emission is the brand's first electric car produced in China for Chinese consumers. Photos provided to China Daily Nissan IMx KURO, an electric crossover concept vehicle, features the carmaker's Brain-to-Vehicle technology, which intercepts and analyzes the driver's brain waves to improve reaction times and increase driving comfort. (China Daily 05/07/2018 page19) The European country is cooperating with Meituan Travel to promote its cuisine to lure more Chinese visitors. Xu Lin reports. Germany knows travel is largely a matter of taste - in every sense. The German National Tourist Board recently announced its strategic cooperation with Meituan Travel to promote German cuisine among Chinese travelers. California Gay Therapy Bill Censors Speech NEW YORK, May 7, 2018 / Christian Newswire / -- Catholic League president Bill Donohue (photo) comments on a controversial California bill: There are many moral, legal, and professional issues involved in a California bill, AB 2943, which seeks to amend the state's consumer fraud laws by banning gay and transgender conversion therapy. Whether such therapy works or not, or is morally defensible, may not be as important as the free speech implications of this piece of legislation. "Sexual orientation change efforts," the bill says, refer to "any practices that seek to change an individual's sexual orientation." It is the absolutist language--any practices--that is most troubling. Though the bill's sponsors, such as Assemblyman Evan Low, argue that the bill does not ban people from selling conversion therapy books or talking about it, this position is not convincing. Moreover, it does little to calm fears by saying that the proposed law is limited to bans on advertising and the sale of conversion therapy. The Human Rights Campaign, a leading gay rights organization, and the Southern Poverty Law Center, a prominent left-wing organization, have already sought to censor organizations that feature conversion therapy. Neither group has any standing in the mental health field. So it is not a matter of idle speculation what might happen if AB 2943 passes in the Senate--free speech will suffer. The threat to the First Amendment has led the editorial board of the Los Angeles Times to say that the critics of the bill should be taken seriously. "It's possible that the critics of the bill are being alarmist," it said May 7, "but the language of the legislation is ambiguous enough to justify at least some of their concerns." It recommended that the Senate amend the bill "to make it clear that it can't be used against books or religious preaching or counseling about sexuality." That is a reasonable request and should be honored. What is making this issue needlessly complicated is the Ninth Circuit decision declaring conversion therapy to be conduct, not speech. This is absurd. In making this ruling, the appeals court removed this practice from First Amendment considerations. To be sure, there are cases where expression can plausibly be seen as conduct. For instance, U.S. Supreme Court Judge Hugo Black identified himself as a First Amendment absolutist, yet he determined that flag burning was conduct, not speech, and was therefore subject to censorship (the practice was later ruled to be speech and was therefore entitled to First Amendment protection). Counseling is clearly speech. The fact that the high court ruled that flag burning was not conduct--it is certainly more akin to conduct than counseling is--suggests that AB 2943 would not survive scrutiny by the Supreme Court. This bill represents the politicization of the mental health profession. The subject of conversion therapy is the proper domain of professional licensing organizations, not lawmakers. We are contacting the California Senate asking legislators to amend this bill. As it stands now, this bill would do serious damage to free speech, as well as to the autonomy of mental health practitioners. Ecumenical Delegation Visits North Korea Contact: World Council of Churches Media Office , +41 79 507 6363 GENEVE, May 7, 2018 / GENEVE, May 7, 2018 / Christian Newswire / -- A six-person international ecumenical delegation, comprised of representatives of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) and led by WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit and WCRC general secretary Rev. Dr Chris Ferguson, visited Pyongyang on 3-7 May, at the invitation of the Korean Christian Federation (KCF) of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Photo: Meeting with HE Kim Yong Nam, President of Supreme People's Assembly of DPRK (who also headed the NK delegation to the PyeongChang Winter Olympics) Credit Peter Prove/WCC This visit took place just a few days after the historic events of the Inter-Korean Summit at Panmunjom on 27 April, at which president Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea and chairman Kim Jong Un of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK jointly signed the Panmunjom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and Unification of the Korean Peninsula. These extraordinary initiatives have created a new momentum for peace which the delegation strongly wishes to affirm, support and encourage. The worldwide ecumenical movement has been engaged in promoting dialogue, peaceful co-existence and the reunification of the divided Korean people for more than 30 years, especially since the 1984 'Tozanso Consultation' convened by the WCC. Relationships with and between the KCF of the DPRK, the National Council of Churches in South Korea (NCCK), and WCC and WCRC member churches in South Korea have been at the centre of this ecumenical solidarity movement for peace and reunification of the Korean Peninsula. The statement published after the visit reads: "We give thanks to God that today we are able celebrate together with KCF and the NCCK the political commitments expressed in the Panmunjom Declaration, encompassing so many long-held ecumenical hopes and aspirations for peace on the Korean Peninsula, including especially the commitments to joint efforts to alleviate military tensions, to promoting inter-Korean exchange and cooperation, to achieving a peace treaty to replace the 1953 Armistice Agreement, and the solemn declaration that there will be no more war on the Korean Peninsula." The statement added: "We celebrate and affirm the joint declaration of commitment to realizing, through complete denuclearization, a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula in the context of our efforts for a nuclear-free world through advocacy for universal ratification and implementation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)." During the visit to the DPRK, the delegation met and discussed with representatives from the KCF, as well as with H.E. Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme Peoples Assembly of the DPRK, and with Prof. Dr Ri Jong Hyok, president of the National Reunification Institute. Tveit met prior to traveling to the DPRK with president Kim Yong Nam and H.E. Cho Myoung-Gyon, South Korean Minister for Unification, and they affirmed and emphasized the importance of the role of church leaders and faith communities in past and future efforts for peace and reunification of the Korean people. The delegation saw the Inter-Korean Summit and its outcomes as an almost miraculous new spring for peace in the region, after months and years of dangerously escalating tensions. "We visited Pyongyang in a beautiful new spring season, not only in the natural world but also in the relations between the people and governments of the Korean peninsula," said Tveit. "We know that spring is also a season in which to work, to ensure that we reap a good harvest of what has been sown." Rev. Dr Chris Ferguson, WCRC general secretary added: "Together, the WCC and the WCRC are committed to mobilizing our churches around the world in support of these new steps towards the peace that we have so long sought and desired for the people of the peninsula and the northeast Asian region." The delegation urges "all churches, all Christians called by our Lord Jesus Christ to be peacemakers, and all people of good will around the world to join in supporting the Korean-led initiatives for peace expressed in the Panmunjom Declaration, as a foundation and framework for achieving a sustainable peace for the Korean people, for the region, and for the world." The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 348 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, from the [Lutheran] Church of Norway. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message. Asociatia Obsteasca DEMOS anunta concurs pentru angajarea unui expert/grup de experti/a unei companii care sa presteze servicii pentru lansarea afacerii sociale AKRON, Ohio - Akron City Council is considering legislation that would create a Vacant Building Registration Program for Akron's empty buildings. The city designed the new, enforceable program to keep empty buildings from eroding neighborhoods' economic stability, increasing crime and posing safety hazards, according to a news release. The measure also is hoped to boost the appeal of viable buildings for prospective buyers. "Most Akron residents can point to at least one building in their area -- an old gas station, warehouse, restaurant, or corner store -- that has been vacant and neglected for years," Mayor Dan Horrigan said in a release. "They are a blight on our neighborhoods and a magnet for crime and vandalism. This new law will give us the tools we need to hold property owners responsible and, when appropriate, order these buildings demolished." According to the 2015 Western Reserve Land Conservancy Thriving Communities Institute survey, Akron is home to about 500 empty buildings. The new program would create a registry of Akron's vacant commercial and industrial properties, which would be regularly monitored by the Department of Neighborhood Assistance for signs of trespassing, animal damage and structural strength. Under the plan, owners of empty commercial or industrial buildings would be required to register with the city and submit a plan on renovating, selling or demolishing the structures within a year. Building owners would also be required to keep the properties lit and secure. Akron's program would be modeled after a program in Sandusky, which was launched in 2012 when the city had 115 vacant properties. By 2016, the city had reduced that number to 15 empty buildings, John Valle, Akron's Director of Neighborhood Assistance, told City Council. Valle's department would administer the program. About 550 cities in the United States have such plans for empty buildings, he said. Under Akron's proposal, building owners would be required to pay a $400 registration fee annually. The fee would be due within 60 days of a building becoming vacant. A late fee of $50 per day would be assessed up to $1,000, Valle said. The registration also would require out-of-state building owners to designate a Summit County-based agent to serve as the city's contact. About 10 percent of Akron's empty buildings are owned by someone out of state, Valle said. Information gathered through the program would be shared with several city departments, including police and fire, to enable them to more safely enter the sites during emergencies. Under the law, building owners not in compliance with the city's safety regulations would face fines, prosecution and ultimately demolition of their buildings. Funds collected through registration and fines would help maintain the program and cover the cost of building demolition, which the city would recoup from the property owners. The ordinance is expected to be voted on in the coming weeks. 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 -- A jury issued a verdict Friday in a lawsuit brought by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau against a Cleveland debt collection firm, though the judge said he will make the final decision. The CFPB sued Cleveland firm Weltman, Weinberg & Reis in April 2017, saying the firm's attorneys are not sufficiently involved in sending out debt collection letters, even though the letters prominently mention that they were sent out by a law firm and occasionally raise the possibility of legal action for unpaid debts. The 12-member jury decided that initial demand letters sent by the firm contained "false, deceptive or misleading representations or means." The decision came after a trial that began April 30 and ended Friday. When asked whether the CFPB proved that the firm's attorneys were not meaningfully involved in the debt collection process, the jury said "no." Senior U.S. District Judge Donald Nugent indicated after the verdict that he will take the jury's decision under advisement and craft a final decision. A federal judge is allowed to use a jury in an advisory capacity, meaning he or she will consider a jury's verdict and make a final determination based on what happened in court and existing case law. Nugent gave the CFPB until June 15 to argue in court papers that he should rule in its favor, and the firm's attorneys two weeks after that to argue the same. Jim Wooley, an attorney representing Weltman, Weinberg & Reis, pointed out Tuesday that the jury needed to answer four questions, known as "interrogatories," favorably to the CFPB in order for the CFPB to win the case. Since the jury only answered one in the CFPB's favor, the advisory jury's verdict was in favor of the defense, Wooley said. An email sent to the CFPB's press office was not immediately returned. Attorneys for Weltman, Weinberg & Reis argued during trial that the collection firm's attorneys were meaningfully involved in issuing debt collection letters, from vetting the clients it takes on to making sure the language in the letters complies with federal law. Wooley also said at trial that Weltman, Weinberg & Reis sent out similar letters when Alan Weinberg was hired to collect debts for the state of Ohio between 2009 and 2011 under then-Attorney General Richard Cordray. The point was significant because Cordray, who is campaigning to be the Democratic candidate for Ohio governor, was the head of the CFPB between 2012 and last year. He was at the federal agency when it sued Weltman, Weinberg & Reis. Nugent ruled last week that Weltman, Weinberg & Reis attorneys could call Cordray as a witness. They did not do so, leaving Cordray to continue campaigning as Tuesday's primary drew nearer. LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- A week after a legal motion was filed by residents against the demolition of Lakewood Hospital -- and a week after a response from the City of Lakewood -- both parties still wait for the Court of Appeals to issue an opinion regarding the hospital lawsuit, which was dismissed last summer by Cuyahoga Court of Common Pleas Judge John P. O'Donnell. Last week, attorney Christopher DeVito filed a temporary restraining order, which was issued by Judge Patricia Blackmon, after City Council continued readings regarding the approval of the non-binding term sheet with Carnegie Management & Development Corp. to redevelop the city-owned, former Lakewood Hospital site. "We took a look at the ordinance proposed to authorize the mayor to demolish the hospital," DeVito said. "We said that would be irreparable harm while this appeal is still pending. The Court of Appeals agreed. They can't tear down the hospital or do anything until the appeal is over." Mayor Mike Summers dismissed the urgency of the temporary restraining order. "The court was led to believe that the demolition was imminent," Summers said. "It is not. The court gave its ruling without hearing arguments from the city. "Because of this one-sided ruling, this order should be viewed as very temporary, likely weeks. Thus, since the planning for demolition will take many months, this is not a particular concern." The Court of Appeals heard oral arguments regarding the hospital closing lawsuit on March 20. DeVito said his clients, the taxpayers of Lakewood, are attempting to have the city's elected officials held accountable. "I think they allowed Cleveland Clinic to evade financial responsibility," DeVito said. "One of the biggest problems right now is the restrictive covenant to stop other competing hospitals from using the (Lakewood) Hospital as a healthcare facility. "Also, (we're hoping) to hold the Cleveland Clinic accountable for the financial obligations, because it was responsible to keep that in repair and return it as an ongoing hospital for in-patient care. If they owned Lakewood Hospital and decided to shut it, we couldn't do anything. But they didn't. They had a responsibility under the contract to run it until 2026." Summers countered that in November 2016, Lakewood residents, by defeating a resolution to repeal the project, affirmed the master agreement that directed the transformation of healthcare and the redevelopment of the hospital site. "I always expected such an effort by the Save Lakewood Hospital Group," Summers said. "They have continued to block any effort to address the compelling issues that faced Lakewood Hospital and its subsequent redevelopment. "My biggest disappointment with this group is that they have never offered a credible alternative to any of these issues and/or opportunities." CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland police captured a man who escaped from a psychiatric hospital and kidnapped a child Monday afternoon. Travis Lee Burke Travis Lee Burke, 23, escaped from Metro Hospital and stole a car on Fulton Road and Woodbridge Avenue that had a 16-month-old child inside Monday afternoon, Cleveland police said. Authorities captured Burke just before 8:15 p.m. at East 55th Street and Superior Avenue. He was still wearing the hospital gown, police said. The car and child was found at 5:30 p.m. on Winchester Avenue near Madison Avenue in Lakewood, police said. Investigators said the car had a gun inside and it may have been taken by Burke. Cleveland police released a photo of Burke after he was arrested last week by Mentor Police Department. He plead not guilty to falsification and drugs charges Friday, according to Mentor Municipal Court records. Burke is scheduled to appear for a court hearing May 14. Anyone with information should call Cleveland police at (216) 623-5000. To comment on this story, please visit our crime and courts comments section. CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cuyahoga Community College has established a dual admission partnership with Bowling Green State University. It is Tri-C's first college partnership outside Northeast Ohio. Under the program, students apply for both Tri-C and the four-year university. Credits are automatically transferred between the two institutions. The dual admission program, called Falcon Express, begins in the 2018 fall semester. Tri-C President Alex Johnson and BGSU President Rodney Rogers are expected to sign the partnership agreement on Tuesday. "Access to higher education is critical to our community and Ohio," Johnson said in a news release. "This partnership between Tri-C and Bowling Green State University demonstrates a shared commitment to opening pathways for student success and a brighter future." BGSU will work with Falcon Express participants to ensure Tri-C coursework transfers and meets the requirements for their chosen four-year degree. Nearly 200 students are expected to participate in the program this fall, Tri-C said. The program is open to new and current Tri-C students planning to finish a bachelor's degree at BGSU. For more information visit tri-c.edu/FalconExpress. Tri-C's other dual admission partners are Baldwin-Wallace University, Cleveland State University, Hiram College, Kent State University, Notre Dame College, the University of Akron and Ursuline College. AKRON, Ohio - University of Akron President Matthew Wilson is no longer leading the school, but will continue to be paid his $450,000 a year salary as president until he officially steps down July 31. Interim President John Green began on May 1 and the "duties and responsibilities of the presidency are with him," spokesman Wayne Hill said in an email Monday. It became clear that Wilson's role was reduced when the university announced Monday that Green would give the commencement addresses to graduates at ceremonies May 11 through 13. The speaker traditionally is the president. "Matt will have some comments during the ceremony, will introduce the student speakers and will also greet the students as they receive their diplomas," Hill said in his email. The president's page on the university website now features Green. Wilson announced March 22 that he decided to step down and rejoin UA's School of Law, effective July 31. His decision came after he lost a bid to be named president of the University of Central Florida. On April 20, he lost a bid to become president of Utah Valley University. On April 18, while Wilson was still a candidate in Utah, university trustees appointed Green, dean of the university's College of Buchtel Arts and Sciences, as interim president. When asked what Wilson is doing until July 31, Hill responded that he is "assisting in transition-related matters, including conversations with some donors; working in the School of Law in preparation for his teaching role there; completing grading for a course he taught this semester; finalizing details for a two-country, three-city, four-week study abroad experience for UA law students and others that will occur from mid-July to mid-August; and, participating in various University events." Green's salary as interim president is still being negotiated. He will likely serve in that role for up to a year as trustees plan to hire a firm to begin a national search for Wilson's replacement. Wilson will earn his $450,000 annual salary until July 31, then earn an annual salary of $240,500 a year. According to his contract he could have earned $292,500 a year, but he asked for a reduced salary. Wilson will join former presidents Luis Proenza, who is paid $325,000 a year, and Scott Scarborough, who is paid $292,500 a year. Both have remained on campus to teach. 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. He replaced Scott Scarborough, who resigned as president in May 2016 after a tumultuous tenure. Three months later, trustees named Wilson permanent president. Last fall trustees extended Wilson's contract through June 30, 2023. His contract allowed him to leave with a 120-day notice. Wilson, who still lists himself as president on his Twitter account, posted this Tweet on May 1. COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Investigators from the Ohio auditor's office were copying data from computers at ECOT's Columbus offices Monday to preserve information that could be used if criminal charges are brought against the now-shuttered charter school. ECOT, the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow, planned to auction computer equipment on Wednesday. The online school abruptly closed in January after failing to repay the state for thousands of students it could not adequately document as enrolled in the program. A Franklin County judge last week ordered Ohio Auditor Dave Yost to issue a subpoena for the information. A Yost spokesman confirmed Monday the unit that deals with cyber technology and fraud was onsite "mirroring" data from computers and information ahead of the sale. An attorney for ECOT told Judge Michael Holbrook the school was concerned about allowing broad access to data that may contain sensitive student information. "ECOT has nothing to hide," attorney Christopher Hogan said. "I think it's unfortunate that we have politicians and certain elements in the media continuing to use ECOT as a talking point for data manipulation without obtaining or even trying to obtain the full story." Yost said in a statement that none of the information requested is on computers that were used by students, and some information may be needed if criminal charges are filed. Yost was expected to release an audit of the school last week. It was postponed because of new information about how the public charter school paid for TV ads last year slamming the Ohio Department of Education, which had concluded the school overreported its enrollment and owed $60 million to the state. Schools are not allowed to use taxpayer money to pay for political ads, according to state law, not even for levy campaigns. The Columbus Dispatch reported Monday that ECOT illegally paid for the ads by directing an affiliated company, which received payments from ECOT, to pay for the ads. Yost's office wants ECOT to repay $250,000 in misspent funds, according to a draft audit finding obtained by the Dispatch. Yost is expected to release the audit soon and could refer acts of wrongdoing for criminal prosecution. This report contains information from the Associated Press. KETTERING, Ohio -- Police say a suspect in a domestic-violence incident was killed late Saturday night after exchanging gunfire with an officer, according to reports. The suspect, identified as Mitchell Simmons, 24, died at the scene, Chatham Village Apartments, Kettering Police Chief Chip Protsman tells the Dayton Daily News. No officers were injured. Police were called to the apartments at 11:10 p.m. Saturday, the Associated Press reports. Police say a 911 caller said a woman was yelling for help. An officer forced his way into the apartment and saw Simmons, who was holding a gun, police say. Moments later the officer reported shots had been fired. The Daily News says the neighbor heard multiple shots fired. The woman in the apartment had minor injuries, police say. The officer has been placed on administrative during the investigation into the shooting, reports say. This is the second police-involved shooting in Kettering in the past nine months, reports say. According to the AP, a grand jury in December declined to indict Officer Jonathon McCoy in the fatal shooting of an armed man during an August traffic stop. McCoy shot 33-year-old Jason Hoops after authorities say Hoops refused repeated orders to put his hands on the vehicle's dash. If you'd like to comment on this post, please visit the cleveland.com crime and courts comments section. CLEVELAND, Ohio - Project Veritas, a controversial national group that uses undercover videotape to catch people making compromising statements, has targeted Ohio Federation of Teachers members, the union says. Union officials said last week that representatives of the right-leaning group recently used fictitious stories about teachers to try to record officials of the Cleveland and Cleveland Heights-University Heights teachers unions, as well as other union locals. In one case, according to OFT President Melissa Cropper and police records, a Project Veritas employee made up a false reason to bypass school security in Lordstown and talk to a union official inside the school. "For people to enter under false pretenses is very disturbing," Cropper said. "We're bothered that they're going anywhere - either to schools or to union offices - telling false stories." Ohio's other large teachers union, the Ohio Education Association, has not made any public comment about OFT's concerns about Veritas. Officials of Project Veritas, which has conducted "sting" operations against groups supported by the political left like Planned Parenthood and National Public radio, declined to comment on Cropper's claims, saying they do not discuss investigations "real or fictitious." The group, however, is openly looking at how teachers unions handle accusations of wrongdoing by teachers. "Veritas will be releasing more undercover videos of teachers unions from ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY in the coming days and weeks," the group's press release about its recent release of videos from New Jersey said last week. Veritas has faced heavy criticism for heavily editing its videos in previous cases. But its recordings struck a nerve in New Jersey where two teachers union leaders were suspended last week after Veritas released undercover videos showing them sympathizing with a fictitious teacher who supposedly abused a student. As reported by NJ.com, the New Jersey Education Association will commission an independent review of practices after teacher's union presidents from Hamilton and Union City said in the videos they would downplay and not report an incident of child abuse. Veritas has also had court fights in Michigan over videotaping teachers there. Cropper said suspected Veritas representatives have told teachers that they have relatives who are teachers who hit a student or used a racial slur and needed union help. Tracy Raddich, vice president of the Cleveland Teachers Union, said a man the union believes was wearing a wig and fake glasses came to the union's downtown Cleveland office on April 25 trying to speak to a union officer. "He was very evasive and made our secretary at the desk think something was not right," she said. The man left when he was told he needed to make an appointment and come back, Raddich said. In Lordstown, Cropper said, a woman later identified as Ermine Desir, came to a school to speak to union representatives who were in the building that day. "Supposedly they knew a teacher in the school who had a sexual relationship with a student," Cropper said. Cropper said teachers said they would have to report that to law enforcement and pressed for more details. "Her story shifted," Cropper said. When teachers asked for ID, Cropper said, the woman left and the school's School Resource Officer called police. Lordstown Police Chief Brent Milhoan stopped her and a companion named Ryan Lopez driving away and both had New York Drivers licenses. According to the police report on the incident, Desir and Lopez identified themselves as investigative reporters for Veritas and listed the organization as their employer. They told police that Veritas flew them to Ohio to investigate a corrupt union. Although teachers are angry that someone would enter a school under false pretenses, the local prosecutor for municipal court decided that charges were not warranted. Joseph Fritz told police that Desir showed no intent to do harm, the report states. "Mr. Fritz also stated that although Ermine Desir used deception to gain access to the school building, she could argue that she was invited in by the union representative and left the building when asked to," the report reads. A photo of the drivers licenses of Desir and Lopez, provided by the union, are below to show photos of them. Personal information was redacted by the union. Cropper said she does not believe that members of her union said anything improper, but warned that Veritas has drawn criticism even from conservatives for its selective editing of videos. In 2010, Veritas founder James O'Keefe pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor offense for participating in a scheme to enter Louisiana Senator Mary L. Landrieu 's office and tape conversations with under false pretenses. Veritas also drew criticism for its attempt to get Washington Post reporters to bite on a false story about Senate candidate Roy Moore, of Alabama. The Post was suspicious of the attempt and conducted its own counter-sting by recording a meeting between a reporter and the Veritas representative, who became evasive when questioned. AKRON, Ohio -- One person is dead after an early Monday fire at a house rented by University of Akron students, officials said. Kevin McCollum, 26, died in the fire, according to the Summit County Medical Examiner. The fire started about 4:45 a.m. at an apartment in the 900 block of Grant Street, south of the university's campus. Firefighters said light smoke was coming from the building when they arrived and the fire was quickly extinguished. Firefighters found McCollum dead in the second floor bedroom where the fire started, officials said. Officials said McCollum was not a University of Akron student. The other three who live at the home are students. Two others inside the home at the time of the fire escaped unharmed, firefighters said. The fourth person who lives at the apartment was away for the night. The Red Cross is helping the others find housing. Investigators are still trying to determine exactly what caused the fire. Grant Street near Thornton Avenue is blocked for traffic while firefighters investigate. LAKEWOOD, Ohio - The Virginia Marti College of Art and Design will be renamed the North Coast College on May 30. The college offers two- and four-year degrees in fashion marketing and merchandising and in graphic, interior and fashion design. Milan Milasinovic, who became president in 2015, added business courses to the curriculum. The college, which has about 150 students, is considering adding a culinary program affiliated with the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont, which merged with Virginia Marti in June 2017. The name change is reflective of a new strategic direction and an effort to provide students with a foundation for career success in a fast-changing, highly competitive business environment, the college said in a news release. "The new economy requires well-rounded education that provides the necessary skills for jobs, but it also requires sufficient academic preparation," Milasinovic said in the release. Students combine core art and design coursework with business classes on finance, organizational behavior and entrepreneurship, the college said. The college was established in 1966 as a two-year career school offering associate degress. In 2016 the college was authorized by the Ohio Board of Regents and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges to grant bachelor's degrees. The college also offers some online degree programs. Renovations to the school, on Detroit Avenue, include a redesign of the main entrance and lobby. In the past year, the school bought an adjacent building for development. The fashion programs in the renamed college have been named the Virginia Marti School of Fashion, after the school's founder, Virginia Marti Veith. The college said it will coordinate courses with the culinary school. The college plans to launch a new website, theNCC.edu at the end of the month. A public open house is scheduled for June 2. CLEVELAND, Ohio - Jimbo Mathus likes to control the strings on his unique band, the Squirrel Nut Zippers. Makes sense, too, once the Mississippi native explains the origin of the band he launched in 1993 in North Carolina doing a unique form of Americana that blends Delta blues, jazz, burlesque, Dixieland and more: "The whole thing started as music for marionettes,'' said Mathus, speaking from the band's new base in New Orleans to talk about the show on Wednesday, May 16, at Beachland Ballroom. "That's the impetus for the original material we had,'' he drawled. "I was doing marionette theater, and we always had costuming, always had choreographed stuff onstage, so there was a lot of theater background in there as well, with costuming and burlesque.'' The band had a great run until about 2000, then went on the first of two separate six-year hiatuses, the last of which ended in 2016. Mathus has come back with a new lineup, most of whom are from the band's new home town. They've put out the first Squirrel Nut Zippers album in 18 years, "Beasts of Burgundy,'' and boy, does Crescent City influence play a big role. The goal, Mathus said, wasn't to be different as much as it was for the band to evolve. "We're different in a lot of ways,'' he acknowledged, "but I didn't want to break the mold for the creepy old Americana thing we had.'' The current lineup is larger than the original - nine pieces, including three horns and a full-time piano player - and multiple vocalists. "The musicians are not only great at their instruments, they're also incredibly passionate and talented writers as well, and I wanted to use the talent the same way I did the first time around,'' Mathus said. "This is 20-something years down the road,'' he said. "I'm a lot better and I know what to get done. "I still wanted to have the passion and wild mad creativity,'' Mathus said. "Really, we were running on adrenaline initially [because] our passion outreached our actual talent.'' So to recapture that, he's tapped the past to build the future, maintaining the passion of old, then boosting it with the better musicianship of the Zippers' current lineup, all with the spicy Cajun seasoning of the New Orleans influence. Up to and including the city's reputation for the occult, and all wonderfully showcased in the new album. "There's voodoo in there - definitely our stage show goes that way,'' he said. "We bring that record to life with the masks.'' Longtime SNZ fans will get their wishes, as songs like "Hell,'' from the 1997 release "Hot.'' But most of the show is new stuff, Mathus said. A large part of that is because of his musical soulmate, fiddle-playing Dr. Sick - real name Justin Carr. Mathus wrote the bulk of the album, but Carr/Dr. Sick shares songwriting credit. "He has writer credits with me on everything because he contributed so much to the arrangements,'' Mathus said. "He's a musical genius. He's got a skill set that complements mine, and mine his.'' The two share a mindset that has shaped the "new-old'' sound of the Zippers. "I knew I wanted to be based in New Orleans,'' Mathus said. "We kicked down a lot of doors for this whole weird Americana stuff we do, and our influence is somewhat substantial down here. It was easy to recruit people because they're interested in the band. "I was like, 'People, do you want to try out for Squirrel Nut Zippers?' and they're like, 'Yeah, I do.' '' The whole thing just worked, and caught Mathus a bit by surprise by how well it did. "When we started performing, I thought we may go up onstage and be a total flop,'' he said. "I knew the band would be good, but I didn't know how it would be perceived.'' He needn't have worried. Songs like "Use What Mama Gave You,'' a burlesque number that sounds as if Gypsy Rose Lee herself could be doing a bump-and-grind, and the wacky "Rusty Trombone'' (literally utilizing an "old piece of crap rusty trombone'' that was found in a closet in the studio after the original one broke during a session) are as musically excellent as they are fun. "With the Zippers, that's my genre of music,'' he said. "I invented that. It's not traditional jazz, it's not traditional anything. It's a hybrid.'' With you-know-who as the puppet master wielding the strings. Squirrel Nut Zippers When: 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 16. Where: Beachland Ballroom, 15711 Waterloo Road in Cleveland's Collinwood neighborhood. Opener: TBD. Tickets: $30 to $35, at the door, online at beachlandballroom.com or by phone at 216-383-1124. LEE'S SUMMIT, Missouri -- A member of the Missouri Air National Guard was killed when we was stabbed during a road-rage incident, reports say. Investigators say Cody Harter, 24, of St. Joseph, Mo., died of a single stab wound to the chest along northbound Missouri 291 at the merger of Interstate 470, according to the Kansas City Star. "It appears our victim was in traffic and involved in some type of altercation with another person in traffic," Chris Depue, a spokesman for Lee's Summit Police Department, tells ABC News. The suspect in the stabbing has not been caught. Police did not release a description of the man or his vehicle. On Sunday, members of Harter's family pleaded for help in catching the man who stabbed Harter. "I can only imagine that someone was upset because he wasn't going fast enough," Kerrie Harter, the victim's mother, said, according to the Star. "Is that a reason to take his life?" Cody Harter did a tour in Iraq and also served in Qatar. He also assisted with hurricane relief in Houston and Puerto Rico. "If you saw anything, even if you think it as nothing -- please call," Kerrie Harter said. "Let's find who did this senseless act so you're not sitting here when it's your child. Please call and send us a message ... please." If you'd like to comment on this post, please visit the cleveland.com crime and courts comments section. Ohio governor and 2016 Republican presidential candidate John Kasich hinted that he may challenge President Donald Trump in 2020, stating "all my options are on the table." Many have urged the moderate Republican to run -- Kasich would bring some much-needed decency back into politics. But others think Kasich challenging Trump would be a terrible idea. It would only divide the Republican Party, and Kasich wouldn't stand a chance against Trump. What do you think? PERSPECTIVES Kasich has hinted at a possible 2020 run for a while now. When asked recently if he'd challenge Trump, Kasich said: "all my options are on the table." But for now, Kasich is focused on his last nine months as Ohio's governor. Many are excited about the prospect of a Kasich 2020 run. Unlike the majority of Republican leaders, Kasich has remained firm on his anti-Trump stance. Kasich has always put country over party and has the potential to win both disaffected Republicans and Democrats who are unsatisfied with their leadership. There is a chunk of the electorate is amenable to 3rd party or to a centrist Dem Party. Kasich may have a great deal to do with the alternative to Trumpism that emerges. Disaffected Republicans need an option; more important, the country needs one https://t.co/VqaQmARAfY Jennifer Rubin (@JRubinBlogger) April 30, 2018 But others think Kasich would get trounced by Trump. He represents everything Trump supporters hate about politicians. Like Mrs. Bill Clinton Kasich is struggling with the fact that the American people want nothing to do with him. His childish behavior of not participating at the 2016 GOP convention in his home state of Ohio told us everything we needed to know about him. https://t.co/cgzMpabqRp David A. Clarke, Jr. (@SheriffClarke) May 2, 2018 Kasich is your typical elitist politician who thinks we're too stupid for having voted for @realDonaldTrump for POTUS and he needs to come to the rescue. Skip it John, I don't need to be rescued by you. You'd make a great running mate for Mrs Bill Clinton. https://t.co/cgzMpabqRp David A. Clarke, Jr. (@SheriffClarke) May 2, 2018 And polling suggests Kasich is a long way away from ever defeating Trump. NEW POLL: Trump way ahead of Kasich, Flake in 2020 New Hampshire matchup https://t.co/TJWB0xtPpn pic.twitter.com/pFCmANDKvR The Hill (@thehill) May 2, 2018 The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Digital, Inc. property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say. PARMA, Ohio -- It's been a busy school year for Ridge-Brook Elementary School Principal Steve Perry, who vowed to visit the homes of all 350 students who attend the Parma school. His efforts drew the attention of the Parma Council PTA. This led to Perry not only being named 2018 Educator of the Year in the Parma City School District, but also nominated for Ohio PTA District 12 Educator of the Year. He recently won the latter award, which represents Bay Village, Berea, North Olmsted, North Royalton, Olmsted Falls, Orange, Parma, Rocky River, Solon, Strongsville and Westlake. "It means a lot, and I don't feel I've done enough to deserve it," said Perry, who is currently finishing his second year as Ridge-Brook Elementary principal. "I think I still need to work harder. Basically, I'm trying to create a positive culture here. "Not just for the staff, because they do a lot of hard work themselves, but trying to build relationships with kids and trying to let them know they're loved when they walk through those doors," he said. Parma Council PTA President Angela Revay said Perry stood out for his interaction with students and families. "He's making himself known in the community and not just within the four walls of the school," Revay said in a press release. "He's motivated his staff and he gave lots of credit to them for the fact that he received this award." As the district winner, Perry was nominated for the State Educator of the Year. He recently attended the PTA Ohio Conference, where he didn't win, but felt honored nonetheless. Perry's efforts at Ridge-Brook include creating an attendance trophy, which is making the rounds of the school to the classes with the most students attending school, as well as having staff members hand out blue tickets to students seen being leaders or doing something positive. "The biggest thing is I do a home visit initiative," said Perry, a Vermilion native who worked in the Vermilion City School District for a dozen years before becoming a principal in the Toledo area's Washington Local Schools. "I said I'll visit every home before the end of the year. I'm probably at 80 percent. Winter slowed me down, but I started up last week. "I want to visit every home just to touch base and address any concerns. Something with that home initiative tells me it's the right thing, and it's going to be a game changer in a sense you're really building relationships with these families and the kids. They know that you truly care," he said. With a few weeks left in the school year, Perry is confident he'll reach 100 percent homes visited. He's also looking ahead to next year. "I think in some capacity, I'd like us to do it every year," Perry said. "I talked with some of the staff. It's hard for parents to always get to school for conferences, and it doesn't mean they don't care about their kids. "So in some capacity we'll maybe include the teachers doing some conferences at home if parents can't come in. Some aspect of it needs to keep going forward. Regarding my visits, maybe next year I'll just visit kindergarten homes. We'll see." May 7, 2018 The world's first humanoid robot in space splashed down on Earth on Saturday (May 5), 57 years to the day after the first American astronaut did the same. Robonaut 2, or R2 for short, returned to the planet aboard SpaceX's fourteenth Dragon cargo spacecraft to land from the International Space Station. Unlike Alan Shepard, who came away from his 1961 Mercury spaceflight unscathed, R2 came home damaged and partially disassembled. Launched in 2011 in an effort to create a robotics research platform on the space station, the two-handed, dexterous Robonaut 2 ceased working three years later as it was just gaining its "space legs" literally, a new pair of climbing manipulators. It was packed up and brought back to Earth after the upgrades needed to support its new appendages began causing significant problems. "Robonaut is being returned to repair damage caused by a missing ground path from the computer chassis that was discovered while it was on orbit," Julia Badger, Robonaut's project manager at Johnson Space Center in Houston, told collectSPACE in an email. Robonaut 2 (R2) returned to Earth packed on board SpaceX's CRS- 14 Dragon cargo spacecraft, seen here before it was released from the International Space Station on May 5, 2018. (NASA/JAXA) Short circuit From the first time that it was powered aboard the station on Aug. 22, 2011, through a series of two years of periodic tests, R2 showed that a humanoid robot could potentially assist a human space crew, freeing astronauts from having to perform basic maintenance activities. Working with a task board, R2 demonstrated it was able to press buttons, flip switches and turn knobs, as well handle crew tools, including an RFID inventory scanner and an air flow meter. A space station crew member was also able to teleoperate R2, commanding it to catch an object floating inside the orbiting laboratory. The next step was to provide the torso-only R2 the ability to go mobile. In April 2014, a pair of lower limbs for R2 were launched to the station. But the legs were not plug-and-play. For R2 to be able to walk, it first needed new computers and wiring. NASA did not know it at the time, but the new components were about to short circuit R2. As seen in 2012, Robonaut 2 (R2) holds an air flow meter as part of a systems check out on the International Space Station. (NASA) "Robonaut exhibited symptoms when it was upgraded with legs this upgrade included several new components in the computer chassis, essentially increasing the [electrical] current load to something that would trigger a failure in the power supply intermittently," said Badger. There was a missing ground path within R2's wiring, which caused the system to overload and shut off unexpectedly. Worse still, because the issue was not quickly recognized, every attempt at diagnosing the problem resulted in more electrical shorts. "As we continued to debug the problem more damage was inflicted," Badger wrote. "The problem became more clear as the symptoms became less intermittent." Repair and re-launch? In February of this year, just three days after the seventh anniversary of its launch, R2 was packed up in preparation for its return to Earth. "The backpack that houses power conditioning equipment had to be removed and packed separately," said Badger, "but otherwise [R2] is completely assembled, folded up in a bag." On Saturday, R2 splashed down off the coast of California together with science experiment results and other station hardware. Later this week, R2 will be delivered to Johnson Space Center, where it was developed, to be brought back to working order. "R2 will undergo repairs, checkouts and small upgrades that have been applied to the other Robonauts during R2's leave of absence from Earth. We hope to turnaround the robot quickly, since it still has a lot of important work [to do] pushing technology advances on board the International Space Station," Badger told collectSPACE. Robonaut 2 (R2), seen in 2014 after the installation of its legs. The upgrade resulted in Robonaut needing repairs on Earth. (NASA) The expectation, she said, is for R2 to return to the space station, though how and when that will happen is still to be determined. Even though R2's mobility upgrade did not go fully to plan, the results added to the lessons Robonaut 2 was designed to provide. "Its mission was a success in that we learned a lot from both the things that went well and the things that didn't go as planned. We ran many tests on Robonaut that shaped our technology development efforts over the last five to six years," described Badger. "We successfully performed a major upgrade on an on-orbit robot and we learned about mechanical and electrical design issues for space robotics that we wouldn't have without this experience." "Robonaut 2's first flight was a learning experience that will be invaluable as we step towards an internal robotics solution to maintenance and logistics for future exploration spacecraft," she said. Trying to meet all your book preview and review needs. the complete review - various The Secret History of my Sojourn in Russia by Jaroslav Hasek general information | review summaries | our review | links | about the author Translated and with an Introduction by Charles S. Kraszewski A translation of the 1985 collection, Tajemstvi meho pobytu v Rusku These pieces were first published between 1916 and 1921 Several of these pieces were first published in German and Russian - Return to top of the page - Our Assessment: B : amusing bits and pieces, and offering some interesting insights into the period See our review for fuller assessment. Review Summaries Source Rating Date Reviewer TLS . 27/8/2018 Kathryn Murphy From the Reviews : "His signature juxtaposition of absurd anecdotes with official narratives of glorious victories and heroic leaders is much in evidence, as are parodies of military and bureaucratic logistics: acquiring provisions, exchanging currency, numbering soldiers, arranging journeys by rail, foot and sea. (...) However reliant on local anecdote, Haseks writing always inhabits a polyglot and plural culture." - Kathryn Murphy, Times Literary Supplement Please note that these ratings solely represent the complete review 's biased interpretation and subjective opinion of the actual reviews and do not claim to accurately reflect or represent the views of the reviewers. Similarly the illustrative quotes chosen here are merely those the complete review subjectively believes represent the tenor and judgment of the review as a whole. We acknowledge (and remind and warn you) that they may, in fact, be entirely unrepresentative of the actual reviews by any other measure. - Return to top of the page - The complete review 's Review : Czech author Jaroslav Hasek was drafted into the Austro-Hungarian army during World War I, but was captured -- apparently not particularly unwillingly -- by Russian forces in the fall of 1915. After a short time as prisoner of war, he joined the Czechoslovak Legion, and then the Red Army proper; he served for a while as one of the administrators of Bugulma, in Tatarstan, when it fell to those forces. The fifty-two pieces in The Secret History of my Sojourn in Russia collect his writing -- stories and non-fiction -- written and published during and about his six Russian years. (Translator Charles S. Kraszewski's detailed and lengthy Introduction provides a good background of Hasek and his Russian years, and the pieces are also well-annotated, with footnotes providing information about their first publication as well as people and events referred to in them.) The book is divided into two sections, fiction and non (or rather: 'Propaganda, Proclamations, Letters'), practically all first published in newspapers; the only longer (twenty-page) piece was originally also published piecemeal, serialized over several weeks. The collection begins with the amusing 'How it Happened that I Met Up with the Translator of my Obituary', as Hasek reports that, while he was away from (what was, by the time he returned,) Czechoslovakia, he had apparently been repeatedly written off: During the course of my stay in Russia, which lasted some five or six years, from time to time I was killed and/or executed by various organisations and individuals When I returned to the fatherland, I found out that I had been hanged thrice, shot to death twice, and quartered once at the hands of savage Kyrgyz rebels on the shore of Lake Kale-Yshela. Finally and definitively, I had been run through with a knife during a wild skirmish with drunken sailors in a certain Finally and definitively, I had been run through with a knife during a wild skirmish with drunken sailors in a certain Odessa tavern. Of all these variants, this one seems most likely to me. It fell to our lot to be born into an age in which, in Austria, everything was decided by the sword, the noose, and the polcie. Commissar Sl#237;va was swarthy, with black hair, while Klabicek was pale and blond. They always went together, and between them formed a kind of living yellow and black flag. To this Commissar Klabicek added a ginger moustache beneath his nose, and thus the tricolour of the German Reich was complete. - M.A.Orthofer, 7 May 2018 - Return to top of the page - : Glagoslav publicity page Jaroslav Hasek at Books and Writers See Index of Eastern European literature See Index of Books Written Between 1900 and 1945 - Return to top of the page - About the Author : Czech author Jaroslav Hasek lived 1883 to 1923. His novel The Good Soldier Svejk is among the best-known and loved works of Czech literature. - Return to top of the page - Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Sector Delivers Keynote on Auto Materials Sustainability Study at 2011 SAE Planet Congress By analyzing 26 automotive elements, a current study concluded that using aluminum strips in choose automotive elements could decrease automobile physique structure weight safely by as significantly as an added 40 percent in comparison to today automobiles, much more than competing materials. The study, conducted by the University of Aachen in Germany for the European Aluminium Association (EAA), assessed steel and aluminum?s prospective and limits in weight reduction. In his keynote right now in the 2011 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Planet Congress, the chairman on the Aluminum Association?s Transportation Group (ATG) detailed essential findings from this automotive supplies sustainability study at the same time because the anticipated enhance in usage of automotive diamond plate aluminum to meet new fuel economy and emissions standards. We are around the cusp of a materials upheaval in the auto sector. Reducing vehicle weight is essential to cutting carbon emissions and boosting fuel economy, due to the fact lighter vehicles can generate fewer emissions and require less fuel or battery power to operate. As automakers race to enhance fuel economy, this information confirms aluminum can take out significantly far more weight safely than the even newer steels, that is why auto aluminum use is anticipated to double within the coming decade, stated Randall Scheps, ATG Chairman and Director of Ground Transportation, Alcoa Inc. By comparison, the study found that weight reduction prospective making use of high-strength steel was restricted to only an extra 11 percent. The reason the prospective weight reduction making use of high-strength steel is so little, is the fact that nearly 40 % of your components analyzed simply can't be made thinner regardless of the grade of steel utilised. If high-strength steel have been to become utilised to downweight these components, their stiffness actually could be reduced plus the cars functionality would suffer, whereas, aluminum might be used with out minimizing stiffness or causing the cars functionality to suffer. This study combined with other information on the added benefits of aluminum recommend a total of about 525 pounds of added weight savings, which could lead to two.7 extra miles per gallon or perhaps a nearly 10 % additional improvement in fuel economy more than a common auto right now. This can be done though maintaining if not further enhancing automobile security. The answer for cleaner, far more efficient, affordable cars and trucks is known as a holistic strategy to involve low-weight, high-strength, cost effective components like aluminum matched with intelligent design, advanced powertrains and cleaner fuels, stated Scheps. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Venom antidote market projected to grow with significant CAGR over the forecast period study: Venom antidote market study: Global Anti-venom market: Venom is a poisonous secretion from venomous species such as snakes, fish, spiders, etc. Anti-venom is also called as anti-venin, a medication prepared from antibodies which can help in the treatment of certain venomous bites. It is then injected in little amounts to domestic animals and antibodies are separated from blood purification. Poisonous bites can lead to conditions such as muscle weakness, excessive saliva, breathing problems, etc. and in extreme cases, it can lead to death. Anti-venoms are only recommended if there is a high risk of toxicity. Factors such increase in government initiatives to develop anti-venoms, increasing incidents of venomous bites in undeveloped regions, a rise in deaths and technological advancements are leading the market growth in anti-venom manufacturing. However, strict and complex regulatory policies, insufficient funding and a high cost of the product manufacturing are hampering the growth of anti-venom market. A sample of this report is available upon request @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-antivenom-market/#ulp-4H8Z4LpNMLEuOnnx Anti-venom market is categorized on the basis of- 1. Product type Monovalent Polyvalent 2. Type of animal Snake Scorpions Spiders Others 3. End-users Hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies and others. To view TOC of this report is available upon request @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-antivenom-market/#ulp-4H8Z4LpNMLEuOnnx And lastly, it is categorized on the basis of geographical regions-North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa and Asia-Pacific. North America holds the largest share in the anti-venom market due to the presence of snake poison control centers, increase in anti-venom product approval and increase in the clinical trials for anti-venoms. Asia-Pacific anti-venom market is expected to grow due to increase in the number of snake bites and local manufacturers such as Bharath Serum, Vins Bioproducts are some names who are focusing on making anti-venoms. In the Middle East and Africa regions, South Africa is leading its way in the market growth of anti-venom products, this is due to highest number of snake bites in the country. Some of the key players in the anti-venom market are Bharat Serum and Vaccines Limited (India), Vins Bioproducts (India), CSL Limited (Victoria), Rare Disease Therapeutics, Inc. (US), Merck & Co., Inc. (US), Pfizer Inc. (US), Incepta Vaccine Ltd. (Bangladesh), etc. in 2015, Incepta Pharmaceuticals Limited introduced first locally manufactured anti-venom injection in the name of anti-venom. Need more information about this report @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-antivenom-market/#ulp-14mlyhjMGhVjZqa3 According to World Health Organization (WHO), about 5 million snake bites occur every year and 100,000 deaths occur in addition to the permanent damage and disabilities. Increasing demand of the anti-venom globally, especially in the Africa and Asia-Pacific region due to more number of venomous bites incidents. Many key players are growing their business in the anti-venom production market and are actively playing a role in the development of new anti-venoms. For e.g. Equine F (ab) 2 is an anti-venom developed by Instituto Bioclon S.A (clinical trials 2) for the treatment of poisoning by scorpion sting. Based on the factors mentioned in this article, the anti-venom market is expected to flourish with a significant CAGR rate. Get Full Summary@ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-antivenom-market/ About Precision Business Insights Precision Business Insights is one of the leading market research and business consulting firm, which follow a holistic approach to solve needs of the clients. We adopt and implement proven research methodologies to achieve better results. We help our clients by providing actionable insights and strategies to make better decisions. We provide consulting, syndicated and customised market research services based on our client needs. Contact to Precision Business Insights, Kemp House, 152 160 City Road, London EC1V 2NX Email: sales@precisionbusinessinsights.com Toll Free (US):+1-866-598-1553 Website @https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Global diabetes care devices market projected to grow with significant CAGR over the forecast period Diabetes: disease, management and devices market: Global diabetes care devices market: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder where insulin is less or not present at all for the normal functioning of the body. The insulin deficiency is the major cause of diabetes which is secreted by the beta cells of islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Factors such genetic inheritance, sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy food choices can cause diabetes. With blood sugar levels always uncontrolled, there are various severe effects on the body. Diabetes can be kept in check by monitoring blood glucose levels at regular intervals. Diabetes devices are small, compact and user-friendly. As discussed, there are two types of diabetes disease-one is caused due to the inability of insulin production and another is due to lack of response to the insulin. A blood glucose monitoring device is a must throughout the life, as it helps in monitoring the levels before and after the food intake. The global market for diabetic care device is growing at a significant rate due to increase in the incidence of diabetes, especially in adults. Factors such as newer and better technologies, minimal or non-invasive products and increasing diabetic population are contributing to the market growth of the diabetes care devices. Similarly, availability of devices which are user-friendly, safe, faster and compact are also adding to the market growth of the diabetes care devices. Even the government and private investment are in R & D, the high cost of the new devices, lack of awareness and strict regulatory policies are some of the key factors which can hamper the growth diabetes care devices market. A sample of this report is available upon request @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-diabetes-care-devices-market/#ulp-4H8Z4LpNMLEuOnnx Global diabetes care devices market has been segmented on the basis of product type, and end-users. 1. Product type Blood glucose monitoring devices o Self-monitoring Blood Glucose Meters o Continuous Glucose Meters o Consumables o Others Insulin delivery devices o Insulin Syringes o Insulin Pens o Insulin Pumps o Insulin Jet Injectors 2. End-users Hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, Online Pharmacies and others. And lastly, it is categorized on the basis of geographical regions-North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America dominates the markets due to its increasing number of diabetic patients followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. According to American Diabetes Association, the prevalence of diabetes in 2015 was 30.3 million i.e. 9.4% U.S population. Europe is the second largest region for global diabetes care devices market and Asia-Pacific is growing into a budding market due to increasing number of diabetic patients, and rising awareness are adding factors to the market growth. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), China has the largest number of diabetic patients with around 96.2 million and India has around 66.8 million diabetic patients, which represents approximately 45% of the global diabetic population. To view TOC of this report is available upon request @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-diabetes-care-devices-market/#ulp-c654SbFYO64MsOhu Some of the key players in global diabetes care devices market are Abbott Laboratories (Abbott, Inc.) (U.S.), Dexcom Inc. (U.S.), Johnson & Johnson Services Inc.(U.S.), Merck & Co, Inc. (U.S.), F. Hoffman-La Roche (Switzerland), Becton-Dickinson and Company (U.S.), Novo Nordisk A/S (Denmark), Bayer AG (Germany), Medtronic plc. (Ireland), Terumo Corporation, Inc. (Japan), Ascensia Diabetes Care (U.S.) Panasonic Healthcare Holdings Co. Ltd. (Japan) and Eli Lilly and Company (U.S.) to name a few. In 2015, Novo Nordisk and IBM Watson Health partnered to create diabetes solutions built on the Watson Health Cloud. Also, in 2015, Panasonic Healthcare acquired Bayer diabetes units Contour portfolio of blood glucose monitoring meters and strips. Need more information about this report @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-diabetes-care-devices-market/#ulp-14mlyhjMGhVjZqa3 Globally, diabetes is the fourth leading cause of death. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), seven Mn people are added every year to the pool of 246 million diabetics, which is projected to increase approximately 438 million by 2030. Moreover, about 3.8 Mn people die each year from diabetes. For the development of new products, and enhance the competitiveness, most vendors partnering with other vendors in the global diabetes care devices market. For e.g. in 2016, Ascensia Diabetes Care collaborated with Medtronic for developing marketing diabetes management solutions. Further market of test strips and blood glucose meters companies are getting into alliances which allows the market players newer opportunities in the global market. A blood glucose monitoring system which measures and stores the reading from the machine from anywhere 3 to 7 days. For e.g. Medtronic (Enlite, Guardian Realtime), Abbott (Freestyle Navigator II), and Dexcoms (G4 Platinum) are some of the names of the blood glucose monitoring system. Get access to full summary @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-diabetes-care-devices-market/ About Precision Business Insights Precision Business Insights is one of the leading market research and business consulting firm, which follow a holistic approach to solve needs of the clients. We adopt and implement proven research methodologies to achieve better results. We help our clients by providing actionable insights and strategies to make better decisions. We provide consulting, syndicated and customised market research services based on our client needs. Contact to Precision Business Insights, Kemp House, 152 160 City Road, London EC1V 2NX Email: sales@precisionbusinessinsights.com Toll Free (US):+1-866-598-1553 Website @https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com LONDON, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- EF English Live announced today that they have signed a collaboration agreement with T4edu, supported by the KSA Ministry of Education (MoE) to provide English lessons to teachers that register through the "English4All" educational program. The EF English Live program is accessed through iEN the Kingdom's National Educational Portal. A A A A (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/685960/EF_English_Live_Logo.jpg ) A A A A (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/685952/EF_English_Live.jpg ) The E4A program will offer the opportunity to over 600,000 Saudi teachers registered to the iEN educational portal to improve their English language proficiency, thus allowing them to access abundant online academic resources. Teachers joining EF English Live will be able to participate in live private lessons with certified English teachers or join live group conversation classes with other students from all over the world. Abudulrahman Alfuraih, the MoE E4A Program Manager said: "E4A is a unique program that aims at providing teachers, and at later stage students, with cost effective solutions to improve their English language proficiency.A We at the Ministry of Education will do our best to encourage and support the implementation of the program. We believe that this program would be helpful in achieving the Saudi 2030 vision." "As the largest online English school in the world, we are delighted to work in this close partnership with the Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia," said Nick Barnet, CEO of EF English Live. "We feel that our combination of highly qualified English teachers available 24/7, combined with our easy-to-use online self-study materials and learning methodology will allow teachers in Saudi Arabia to learn English in the quickest and most rewarding way. This partnership is testament to our goal as a part of EF to open up the world through education." About EF English LiveA EF English Live is the world's largest online English school. A division of EF, EF English Live is trusted by over 1,200 leading global companies and has served as the Official Language Training Supplier to the Rio 2016 Olympics, training over 1 million volunteers, and will similarly help Japan in the 2020 Games. Englishlive.ef.com Continue Reading Below Advertisement When Bruce emerges from the totally-not-a-Lazarus-pit, it's not clear where he came out. The only thing we know is that it's located in "a more ancient part of the world," which isn't exactly helpful. But we in real life know that the scene in question was shot in India, so we'll use that as our starting point. The movie also helpfully states that he spends 22 days travelling back, so ... three weeks to get from India to America. With no money. Riiiiight. Warner Bros. Pictures "So, uh, how much does a male prostitute make around here?" Continue Reading Below Advertisement There's no way he could have made that journey without robbing and beating the crap out of a lot of people. Again, he has no money of his own (he's bankrupt), all of his friends are imprisoned, and Gotham City sits somewhere in New Jersey, so throw a transcontinental hike onto that as well. The only solution that makes sense is that he buys some forged documents and a one-way plane ticket. Sure, he could smuggle himself onto a cargo ship, but only if he wants to get there six months after Bane's bomb detonates. It's get darker, too. It costs anywhere between $600 and $1,100 for a one-way ticket from New Delhi to Newark (standing in for Gotham), whilst the average yearly salary in India is $600. Throw in a set of falsified documents, and that's an extra $200. In all, Bruce needs to "acquire" anywhere between one and two years' local salary in less than three weeks. The ensuing crime wave must have been crazy and caused a ton of financial, not to mention physical, pain (he can't get caught and locked up, after all). In other words, prepare for a whole wave of revenge-driven Batmen popping out of India in 15-20 years. Continue Reading Below Advertisement Of course, Hopkins can't own a word. What she actually has is a trademark on the use of "cocky" in the specific style and font that's displayed on her book covers -- like it's a logo for a very bold brand of personal hygiene products. But even the chance of a costly legal battle can be enough pressure for independent authors to just give in and do what's been demanded of them. And that's exactly what trademark trolls rely on, claiming fake ownership of a public property and using bullying tactics to impede or tax vulnerable people taking the same route. If she'd have any artistic integrity, she'd at least also stop bathing and start sleeping on a pile of goat bones. Continue Reading Below Advertisement Fortunately, many in the industry are already sharpening their axes to take on Hopkins. They've also already found a billowy-shirted hero in Sam Parrett, the man whose art Hopkins included in her patent and who refuses to let his hard work be part of her villainous schemes. We'll have to wait and see who comes out victorious, but in an industry that runs on fairy tales, our money's not on the evil troll. For more attempts at witticism and his personal recipes for toilet wine, do follow Cedric on Twitter. Support Cracked's journalism with a visit to our Contribution Page. Please and thank you. For more, check out Somehow, The Flat Earth Movement Is Just Getting Crazier and The Adorable Tradition That American Politics Needs To Steal. Follow us on Facebook, and we'll follow you everywhere. 06 Mays 2018 Pazar, 10:18 CHP presidential candidate Yalova MP Muharrem Ince has announced that he will visit HDP presidential candidate Selahattin Demirtas, who is in detention in Edirne Prison, and the other opposition candidates. Following his nomination as candidate by CHP Leader Kemal Klcdaroglu, Ince started his campaign in his home-city of Yalova. Apart from campaigning, Ince has embarked on steps of an embracing nature. Inces first meaningful step in this direction will be to visit the other presidential candidates who will contest the first round with him. In doing so, Ince will also visit detained HDP candidate Selahattin Demirtas in Edirne Prison. I will request appointments Ince announced his decision to visit the other candidates to Cumhuriyet. Ince remarked as follows on the decision: I am on the side of the election being conducted under equal, fair and free conditions. This is my understanding of democracy. I have no truck with alienating anyone. While starting the campaign, I will request appointments from the entirety of the presidential candidates situated on the opposition. I plan to visit both Dogu Perincek and Meral Aksener and also Temel Karamollaoglu. I contend that all candidates must stage a contest in a spirit of gentlemanliness, in an environment of free debate and under fair and equal conditions. It is also our duty to bring about a free contest in which Turkeys problems are discussed. My involvement in politics goes way back On his candidacy being announced, Ince gave his CHP badge to Klcdaroglu to betoken independence and a non-party presidency. Inces visits to the opposition parties presidential candidates will also be inspired by the same approach of independence and embracing all of society. Ince drove home this approach by saying, Yes, I took off my party badge because I want to be the president of all Turkey. My current candidacy and the presidency require this. But, my involvement in politics goes way back, to when I was fifteen, and I side with the CHP. I side neither with the HDP nor the Good Party, I side with the CHP. Ince said that he had received very positive messages from various sections of society, not least CHP organisations. Ince, noting that great excitement had been engendered as of the first day, said this excitement would maintain an upward trajectory. Ince, thanking Klcdaroglu and his party for his candidacy, made a bold claim about the election result: I will win this election. I see great interest from am all sections of society. We will take this election. Haberin Turkcesi icin: Muharrem Ince, Demirtasa gidecek ABC/Randy HolmesDuring Metallica's European tour, bassist Robert Trujillo and guitarist Kirk Hammett have been playing a number of surprising covers during their annual "doodle" segment. That tradition continued Saturday night in Stockholm with the duo taking on "The Final Countdown" by Sweden's native sons, Europe. As with most of the doodle covers, Trujillo handled lead vocals, while Hammett's guitar replicated the track's iconic keyboard riff. You can watch official footage of the performance now on YouTube. Other Trujillo and Hammett covers on the European tour include a performance of a-ha's "Take on Me" in Oslo, Norway, as well as a famous Czech parody song in Prague. Metallica is currently touring European in support of the band's new album, Hardwired...to Self-Destruct. They'll launch a U.S. arena tour in September. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. 'Typical of these saboteurs is the EU-adoring millionaire Lord Heseltine, the one-time Deputy PM, who attended just three per cent of all votes last year' Many Tory MPs hope that the House of Lords has signed its own death warrant by inflicting ten defeats on the Governments Brexit legislation. What is particularly galling is the way a lot of peers who rarely visit the House have turned up in an attempt to defy the democratic wish of the British people. Typical of these saboteurs is the EU-adoring millionaire Lord Heseltine, the one-time Deputy PM, who attended just three per cent of all votes last year. No doubt, it would have been less if he hadnt stirred his loins to vote against Brexit. Fellow Tory Lord (Chris) Patten, the sanctimonious former EU commissioner who was also a disastrous chairman of the BBC Trust, is one of the leaders of the Lords revolt. With a bulging portfolio of jobs (private equity firm work, on the board of an energy company, Oxford University chancellor, etc), he participated in just ten per cent of votes, claiming 3,000 in tax-free attendance money in the last year. A former bigwig with the CBI (that Brussels-fawning business lobby), Lord Turner of Ecchinswell has an even worse record voting in less than two per cent of divisions in the last year. Another Remoaner rebel piling the agony on Mrs May is Indian beer tycoon Lord Bilimoria. Worth around 80million, he received 11,000 in tax-free Lords attendance money in the past year. These shabby examples have led my Cabinet spy to warn of a major shake-up of the Lords: Peers who fail to show up, or vote in less than a fifth of the sittings, should lose their right to vote. One would have thought that Olly Robbins, the civil servant behind the deeply flawed customs union partnership scheme rejected by the Brexit Cabinet, would be working closely with Lord Callanan, Minister in the Department for Exiting the EU. Not so. The number of times they have met? Zero. Beware the Iron Daughter Friends of Margaret Thatcher fear that a five-part TV documentary series about the great leader will be a hatchet job. The BBC says it will include material from those closest to her politicians, friends, adversaries, some of the defining faces of the time. But why not the Iron Ladys own family? Woe betide the producers if they dont let her formidable daughter Carol have her say. Sir Bernard Ingham has taken a literary view of the fall of Amber Rudd comparing the ex-Home Secretary with her namesake in what he calls a risque novel of my long-lost youth. He was referring to the heroine of Forever Amber, who was abandoned pregnant and penniless at the age of 16 but who went on to become Charles IIs favourite mistress. Writing in the Yorkshire Post, Ingham says: Amber Rudd will forever be known, by my generation at least, as Forever Amber because she was forever in the mire. Just one darned thing after another... Lib Dem HQ alerted media photographers to the place and time where party leader Sir Vince Cable was due to vote in last weeks local elections. They said it would be Thursday, May 4, at 11am. One problem: Thursday was actually May 3. No wonder so few take the shambolic Lib Dems seriously. Former Labour MP Michael Dugher mocked shadow chancellor John McDonnells belligerent appearance at an event to mark the 200th birthday of Karl Marx. The conference was called Marx 200. Dugher asked: Is that the number of people who support this claptrap? Or the number of years it will take Labour to win a General Election? How May springs into action Theresa May may not appreciate her comparison to a jack-in-the-box childrens TV character, but Tory loyalist, Robert Halfon MP, was doing his best to help when asked if she will still be PM at Christmas. He replied that she was like Zebedee from The Magic Roundabout... Whatever storms come her, way she just jumps out of the box. You have to admire her resilience. Halfon should have added that Jeremy Corbyn resembles another figure from the show Dylan, the dopey rabbit who is forever asleep or eating carrots. Throughout her twenties, Jo Munro was a self-confessed 'shopaholic'. The Melbourne-based entrepreneur saw buying items an 'achievement' and would regularly get a thrill out of 'hunting down' designer items and snapping them up for herself - often with money she didn't have to spend. Now, a number of years on, Ms Munro is known as the 'Savvy Shopaholic' and spends her time helping people save thousands on travel, groceries and household goods. Here, Ms Munro speaks to FEMAIL about her top tricks for saving money and why she rarely enters shopping centres. Throughout her twenties, Jo Munro was a self-confessed 'shopaholic' The Melbourne-based entrepreneur saw buying items an 'achievement' and would regularly get a thrill out of 'hunting down' designer items and snapping them up for herself 'I was shopping a lot - even if the price was out of range I would lay-by it,' Ms Munro said. 'I did whatever I had to do to get my hands on the items I wanted and like many women I was shopping weekly. I was a sales rep so I was always walking past shops in shopping centres and just felt the drive to go in. 'Even if I saw summer shoes on sale in winter I would justify buying them because it was a saving.' Ms Munro changed her shopping habits after a sales manager gave her one key piece of advice. Now, a number of years on, Ms Munro is known as the ' Savvy Shopaholic' and spends her time helping people save thousands on travel, groceries and household goods How do you save money on online shopping? * Subscribe and follow the social media pages of your favourite shops * Speak to an online specialist. The live chat windows that pop up - if I am looking for something specific I will often have a chat to them and get a discount * Put an item in your cart and leave it for a couple of days. They will generate an email back to you saying 'we notice you haven't cleared your cart' and offer you a discount * Most people shop online on a Sunday afternoon. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays are when the specials come up. You will notice that even in grocery stores * Use a different browser as they track with cookies. Do all your research on one - I use Google Chrome - and then make your purchases on another one like Safari. They will often give you a new shopper discount Advertisement 'They told me it was important to "bank what you save" and that really stuck with me. If you're spending money on sale items you're saving no money unless you are putting that money you're saving into a separate account,' she said. 'Otherwise it's still an expenditure.' This mindset combined with a shopping trip to Hong Kong really changed the way Ms Munro viewed the retail industry. 'I went to China and saw all the copies and shopped until I dropped. It showed me the other aside of retail - the mark up on wholesale goods - and it really changed everything for me,' she said. 'I rarely go to a shopping centre now or indulge in traditional retail because I know it is so marked up. 'Instead I shop online and shop sales but I have been turned off full price retail for good. My habit has now changed from seeking shopping to "I will shop for what I need if it's on sale". I do a lot of Click and Collect too.' So what are her top tips for saving money? 'Whether shopping for clothes, homewares or travel register with your favourite stores on their social media pages and also on email,' she said REGISTER WITH YOUR FAVOURITE STORES 'Whether shopping for clothes, homewares or travel register with your favourite stores on their social media pages and also on email,' she said. 'This can seem like a lot of email spam coming through so set up a Gmail account just for your subscriptions so your personal mailbox doesn't get overwhelmed. 'Some brands will provide discount coupon codes on their social media only so it is worth registering for both. 'Also follow outlet stores that carry your favourite brands. I subscribe to the Sheridan Outlet store online and also checkout their outlet shop at Brandsmart. 'Stores like Aldi send regular special buys with their best bargains of the week.' What are the best things to buy in bulk at the supermarket? * Staples like rice, pasta, flour and dry foods are great as they keep if stored well * Cling wrap, foil, baking paper, garbage bags, detergents and other household items are a deceptively great place to make savings. Dishwasher tablets and washing powder can easily be purchased in bulk for 30 50 per cent off the normal shelf price * Other items where great savings on groceries can be made are things like batteries, toothpaste and toothbrushes and toilet paper. Costco staff tell me it is their number one selling item Source: Jo Munro, The Carousel Advertisement COMPARE PRICING 'When shopping use a comparison pricing app (or website if you are shopping online),' Ms Munro said. 'This allows you to check the "sale item" you have found with other retail pricing so you can see if you are getting a competitive price. I do this online via Shopbot or GetPrice and when out and about I use the eBay app which has a barcode scanner function in its search. 'By scanning the barcode the same products on eBay will be displayed. eBay pricing is usually a good resource for market pricing so it is a great reference. 'Comparison pricing apps are also available for grocery shopping too. Not only do the Coles, Woolies and Aldi apps have a watch function to alert when your items are discounted and they feature sale items on login.' 'When shopping use a comparison pricing app (or website if you are shopping online),' Ms Munro said LEARN TRICKS FOR GROCERY DISCOUNTS How does Jo Munro save money on clothes? I tend to buy clothing in the sales. I usually do the research online and then either buy them online and click and collect the item in store for that instant gratification or if I'm unsure I will go in store to see if I like them. There are now so many sales throughout the retail year we really should not have to pay full retail with some planning. Advertisement 'Where possible buy no name brand items. The quality of these items has improved dramatically since they were introduced and can easily save money without noticing any difference in quality,' Ms Munro said. She also recommends people getting their friends and family involved and bulk buying things like meat and staples like canned tomatoes, rice and items that have a long shelf life. 'Buy up when items are on special. Markets often sell off cases of fruit and veggies so cook with them and freeze the results,' she added. 'Also check out Costco for bulk items but remember to calculate the per kilo/unit cost to ensure you are getting a good price not just a big box of the same price.' 'Also travelling in the opposite direction to an event can ensure the flights are cheaper. For example the Grand Final in Melbourne is a great time to fly out of Melbourne,' she said KNOW THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL 'There are specific times of the year for different locations that are the cheapest time to purchase the airfare,' Ms Munro said. 'Travelling locally can be cheaper if you avoid travelling at peak holiday long weekends. 'Also travelling in the opposite direction to an event can ensure the flights are cheaper. For example the Grand Final in Melbourne is a great time to fly out of Melbourne as there are so many incoming flights, the airlines want to put bodies in seats for the return and usually do it at a really good price 'We always used to fly to Hong Kong the weekend of the Gay Mardi Gras with the same strategy in mind.' Ms Munro added that for family activities like going to theme parks, websites like Scoopon and Groupon have 'massive savings' on entry to theme parks and spa services. With so many of us leading busy lives we don't often have time to build on intimacy with our partners, but now there is one easy way we can develop a deep connection. That simple way is by eye gazing, which has blown up in Australia, as it is believed that staring into someone's eyes for an extended period of time can improve people's sex lives and even cure loneliness. 'There are changes in brain area activation and the infamous love hormone oxytocin can be released,' Dr Lisa Williams, a Psychologist from UNSW, told The Feed. 'Eye contact is a crucial aspect of attraction, so if we're locked eyes with someone, we're picking up emotional information from pupil dilation.' Scroll down for video With so many of us leading busy lives we don't often have time to build on intimacy with our partners, but now there is one easy way to develop a deep connection, which is eye contact Dr Lisa Williams said the infamous love hormone oxytocin can be released 'It turns out when we're aroused or feeling strong emotions, our pupils dilate and then there's a sense of "oh wow, we must be attracted to each other",' she added. Locking eyes with your partner triggers psychological reactions in the body that can help increase your sexual desire. It also deepens trust between couples, which can heighten their sexual energy. One couple who have experienced an otherworldly effect thanks to eye gazing is Tony and Carolyn Murphy. 'The eye gazing experience I had with Tony was really quite a defining moment, we'd only known each other a couple of weeks,' Ms Murphy said. 'There was such a connection that it came outside of us and it was just the sweetest joy.' One couple who have experienced an otherworldly effect thanks to eye gazing is Tony and Carolyn Murphy One morning the couple were sitting apart from each other, with no physical contact. 'Tony was staring directly into my eyes, and it was a bit weird, and I gradually started to hold my gaze,' Ms Murphy said. 'It sounds really, really crazy, but I said something like "did you feel that".' Carolyn explained that they hadn't had anything to drink and there were no drugs involved. Locking eyes with your partner triggers psychological reactions in the body that can help increase your sexual desire 'I felt a wave coming from Carolyn and we both exclaimed that our souls had kissed,' Tony added. So real was this connection that soon after the experience Tony and Carolyn were married. They've been married for 25 years now and eye gazing is still something that they do together. Recently 100,000 people in 160 cities took part in a massive stare fest, the world's biggest eye contact experiment. Now there is monthly eye gazing meet ups in almost every part of Australia, run by a group called The Human Connection Movement. Started by Igor Kreyman, the group mainly advertises on Facebook and has had up to 300 people attend each event. 'Engaging in extended eye contact with strangers can actually bring about social connection, and that's a powerful thing,' Dr Williams said. 'I have to say I'm less sceptical than I normally would be, knowing the research that supports the idea.' A mother has told how her baby girl was born with so much hair, it even showed up on the scan. Hanna Hollins, 29, a sales operative from Prenton, said she was in 'shock' when she welcomed baby Lexi-Rose Fan into the world at Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral five months ago. The mother-of-two said when her four-year-old daughter Sophia-Hope was born, midwives had told her they had never seen a baby with so much hair. But now Lexi-Rose has stolen her sister's crown, and Hanna even has to give her a blow dry every night to tame her luscious locks. Hanna Hollins, 29, from Prenton, said she was in 'shock' when she welcomed baby Lexi-Rose Fan into the world at Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral five months ago, as she had so much hair Speaking about her little girl's crowning glory, Hanna, revealed: 'I must get stopped about 20 times a day by people because of her hair.' Hanna, who lives with her warehouse operative partner Anthony, 29, added: 'They can't believe it and say "oh my god look at her hair". 'I was shocked when she was born because her hair was very, very long but it has obviously grown more since then too.' Hanna, who shares her daughters with her warehouse operative partner Anthony, 29, says they are stopped up to 20 times a day by strangers who want to comment on her hair The little girl was born with so much hair, it even showed up on the scan at 31 weeks At 31 weeks pregnant, Hanna said she had a 4D pregnancy scan and was shocked to see that Lexi-Rose's tresses showed up. She said: 'Normally they said they can't tell if a baby has hair from a scan. But with Lexi's they said they could see hair. 'I was born with a lot of hair but nowhere near hers.' Facing up to the daily challenge of managing Lexi-Roses locks can be tough, but Hanna has a few taming techniques - including giving her a blow dry every night. The mother-of-two said when her four-year-old daughter Sophia-Hope (right) was born, midwives had told her they had never seen a baby with so much hair-before Lexi came along She plans to keep the little girl's hair long, adding: 'I am not going to cut it, I want to keep it natural. 'I just put clips in it really so it doesn't get in her eyes. But she doesn't get bothered by it. 'She has to have her hair blow dried every night after a bath and I use some Johnson's spray on it to keep it tamed. 'It's quite hard to maintain, but really lovely. I am so blessed to have two gorgeous healthy girls,' she concluded. As career trajectories go, Liam Charles has seen his initial moment in the spotlight rise like a perfectly proved sponge into a fully fledged television career. The 20-year-old, a drama student from Hackney, received praise galore as he co-hosted the new Channel 4 incarnation of Bake Off: The Professionals, which aired last night. With his cheeky quips, expressive eye-rolls and belly laughs, Liam, who anchors the show alongside stand-up comedian Tom Allen, quickly got fans chuckling. Scroll down for video Liam Charles, 20, who came fifth in last year's Bake Off, was back on screens last night hosting spin-off show The Professionals...and he proved a huge hit with fans The drama student from Hackney appeared to be having a great time chatting to judges Benoit Blin and Cherish Finden Viewers loved the partnership between Liam and his co-host stand-up comedian Tom Allen The teams of professional pastry chefs were put through their paces, asked in one task to create 24 perfect bite-sized fruit pastries The 20-year-old placed fifth in the first series to air on Channel 4 in 2017 but won a place in viewers' hearts and producers were keen to capitalise on his popularity. He replaces Angus Deayton in the re-worked spin-off, which sees professionals pitting their skills against each other...with judges Benoit Blin and Cherish Finden watching on. Viewers quickly took to Twitter to praise the young star on his rookie presenting skills and lapped up his self-deprecating style after a professional pastry chef asked him to stop helping her team - because his rolling pin technique was off. An open-mouthed Liam cried: 'Is that why I lost the other Bake Off innit?' Social media comments came thick and fast. @njhshuddy wrote: '@BritishBakeOff so excited about the new series of bake off the professionals! Loving Liam.' Liam took the opportunity to help one of the chefs on a team vying for victory...but found the reaction as chilled as the pastry before him The chef barged Liam out of the way and accused him of making 'too many waves' in the pastry The outraged ex Bake Off contestant wore his damaged pride on his face...but was soon laughing at his own lack of skill 'Is that why I lost the other Bake Off innit?' Liam leaves the chefs and judges in stitches as he pokes fun at himself @sallyhermanns added: 'I love #BakeOffTheProfessionals Cherish and Benoit are so adorable together and OH MY don't even get me started on Liam and Tom.' @MrsCourtyard penned: '#bakeofftheprofessionals Tom Allen's sardonic style is great for this, and Liam is the quintessential Mr Nice Guy. Perfect combination.' @vodkaangel22: 'Liam is back and I couldn't be happier! #bakeofftheprofessionals' @SallyBarfoot wrote: 'Got to love Cherish! What a massive improvement too replacing Angus with Liam and @tomallencomedy' And @tayblvck gushed: 'ngl i already love liam and tom hosting this. #bakeofftheprofessionals @hannahh159 agreed, writing: '@BritishBakeOff Love having Liam back on the screens!! He will also have been robbed of his final spot. #bakeoff.' While the actual winner of the Great British Bake Off 2017 was Sophie Faldo, Liam's laid-back style and quips to camera saw him impress Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood. While many people hope they live to a grand old age, Binky Felstead's mother has revealed that she doesn't plan on living past the age of 85. Jane Felstead, who has starred in Made in Chelsea with her daughter, said she doesn't want to lose her 'dignity and independence' in old age. Speaking on ITV's Good Morning Britain on Monday, the 66-year-old revealed her battle with Multiple Sclerosis has made her dread becoming infirm and reliant on her children in her old age. She debated chef Rustie Lee, who said she wanted to live as long as possible like her grandparents, who were all over the age of 100 when they died. Jane Felstead, who has starred in Made in Chelsea with her Binky daughter, revealed her plans to die at 85-years-old on Good Morning Britain on Monday Jane chose the age of 85 because her children and grandchildren would be grown up and independent by then. She said: 'If I get to 85, if I'm upright and able and valuable in some way, I've done my grandchildren, they'll all be in their 20s and my kids will be in their 50s and late forties, and I'm kind of thinking that's quite a nice time to bow out. 'The next stage, and I've witnessed it, is for you to lose your dignity and your independence and for me that would be the worst thing in the world.' Jane was diagnosed with MS last year after years of believing she had fibromyalgia following a misdiagnosis from her doctors. The reality TV star doesn't want her children to take care of her basic needs when she can no longer take care of herself. Pictured with her daughter Binky in 2014 What is multiple sclerosis (MS)? MS is an an immune system disorder. This is when something goes wrong with the immune system and it mistakenly attacks a healthy part of the body in this case, the brain or spinal cord of the nervous system. In MS, the immune system attacks the layer that surrounds and protects the nerves, called the myelin sheath. This damages and scars the sheath, and potentially the underlying nerves, meaning that messages travelling along the nerves become slowed or disrupted. Exactly what causes the immune system to act in this way is unclear, but most experts think a combination of genetic and environmental factors is involved. Advertisement MS has left her with chronic aching joints and fatigue, and symptoms can also include sight disturbances (caused by inflammation of the optic nerve), slowed thinking and bladder problems. Jane, who has three children with Binky's father Roger, explained that she doesn't want her children to have to look after her when she is no longer able to do basic things for herself. She continued: 'I would rather be gone than for any of the children I adore to have to take me to the bathroom.' Rustie, whose grandmother lived until she was 106, revealed her wish to live as long as possible. The duo were discussing the news that Australian scientist Dr David Goodall has decided to end his life at 104 despite his good health because he regrets living so long. Rustie, 65, argued that it was worth staying alive into old age because of scientific developments might make us live longer. She explained: 'There's so many things that comes on board scientifically where you might choose to die, when you choose to die someone might come up with something that can help you. She debated with chef Rustie Lee, who said she wanted to live as long as possible Rustie believes older people can life healthy lives into their hundreds as science develops 'I think life is a gift and we shouldn't just take it and throw it away. I understand when people are suffering but there are so many medications, there are tablets that'll keep you going and you should keep active.' But Jane disagreed, explaining that her faith meant she was looking forward to an afterlife. She said: 'I'm really excited about the next stage, a whole different subject this I know you don't want me to go into it now. I have massive belief and I think the next stage is so exciting. 'I've had a ball and I'm going out on a high.' The bestselling Irish author Marian Keyes has revealed that her father, who has Alzheimer's disease, is recovering in a nursing home after being close to death in hospital. Her father, Ted Keyes, had been admitted to hospital suffering ill health in April, and Marian, 54, who is one of five siblings, had told her fans in a tweet that the family was at his bedside and he had been given the last rites - prayers that are traditionally given to Catholics by a priest before they die. But despite the bleak outlook Mr Keyes' condition improved, and the 'relieved' writer said in a tweet on Friday that he had been 'sprung from hospital and is in a lovely nursing home'. 'He is in good form and good-ish health,' she said. The author, who had been inundated with well wishes since revealing her father's condition on social media, thanked her fans for their 'kindness and support through this grim time'. Marian Keyes had previously revealed her ill father was read the last rites in hospital The bestselling Irish author updated her fans on her father's condition in a tweet, and expressed her thanks for their support Keyes had previously tweeted about her father's bleak condition, prompting an outpouring of support from her friends, fans and followers. The popular writer, who was born in Limerick and raised Catholic, explained in a tweet that 'Dad has got the last rites'. The 54-year-old has written openly in the past about her father being diagnosed with Alzheimer's, which she has described as a 'cruel condition', and liked to 'an invasion of the body snatchers'. She told fans at the end of April that her sister, Caitriona, was travelling from New York to be at their father's side, and added: 'Tis sad, lads. It's been a bad week.' In a further tweet posted few days later, she that her father was 'still with us', and said 'it's horribly unpredictable'. Keyes is the author of bestsellers including Watermelon, The Break, and This Charming Man (seen during an appearance on Lorraine in 2014) The author, who was born in Limerick, previously said in a tweet that her family was heading home to be at her father's side She later updated her followers with a further tweet, confirming that her father was 'still with us', but that his situation was 'horribly unpredictable' The much loved author's tweet prompted an outpouring of support from fans and high profile friends, including fellow writers Sheila O'Flanagan and Amy Huberman, the actress and wife of Irish rugby star Brian O'Driscoll. What is Alzheimer's disease? Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain, in which build-up of abnormal proteins causes nerve cells to die. This disrupts the transmitters that carry messages, and causes the brain to shrink. More than 5 million people suffer from the disease in the US, where it is the 6th leading cause of death. Source: Alzheimer's Association Advertisement Keyes, who is famously candid on social media, previously told the Irish Times that she 'knew very early on' that something was wrong with her father ahead of his Alzheimer's diagnosis, but that nobody would listen. 'I used to be enraged and so frustrated by my helplessness,' she said in 2016. She went on to reflect on how the disease had impacted on her father, who came from 'humble beginnings' but won a scholarship to go to secondary school and eventually qualified as an accountant. 'We have connected in a different way since he got ill,' she said at the time, explaining that he was 'far sweeter' and more loving following his diagnosis. 'I feel huge tenderness and love for him and a desire to mind him,' she said. Keyes' 2017 novel The Break featured a character with Alzheimer's. Amy Huberman, the actress and wife of Irish rugby star Brian O'Driscoll, was among those to offer their well wishes to the popular author Support: The author was inundated with messages of support from followers and fellow writers, including Sheila O'Flanagan The hugely popular Irish author has published books including Saved by Cake (seen left), her account of battling her way back from crippling depression with the help of baking, and novel The Break (seen right), which features a character with Alzheimer's Keyes, who is one of five siblings, is one of the most successful Irish novelists of all time - her books have sold in excess of 35million copies and been translated into 33 languages. Her work is often categorised as chick-lit, but it often explores darker themes not typically seen in romantic fiction, including alcoholism, domestic violence, and depression. Keyes herself has been candid about her own battles with alcoholism, anxiety and crippling depression. She told Kirsty Young during an interview on Radio 4's Desert Island Discs that she had experienced suicidal thoughts when her mental illness was at its height. The author lives in Dun Laoghaire, with her husband, Tony. MailOnline has approached Marian Keyes for comment. A bride-to-be has revealed how she lost an incredible 60lbs and toned up in six months without hitting the gym once - because she walked everywhere. Kaylene Vymola, 21, from Niantic, Connecticut, wanted to get in shape in time for a dream vacation to Mexico, so she would 'feel confident in a bikini on the beach'. Though the instructional technology rep cut out unhealthy food she says she didn't hit the gym once - and instead opted to start walking everywhere. Going, going, gone! Kaylene Vymola, 21, from Connecticut, managed to lose 60lbs from her 175lb frame in just six months without going to a gym once Strut your stuff! The bride-to-be, pictured with her fiance Alex before her weight loss, didn't want to pay for a gym membership so she began walking six miles every day Kaylene, who weighed 175lbs at the start of her weight loss journey, would trek on her lunch breaks and go for hour-long strolls around her neighborhood each night. By the time she and boyfriend Alex Lo Monaco flew to Playa Del Carmen six months later she had dropped an impressive 40lbs, getting her weight to just under 135lbs. She then lost another 20lbs when she returned, reaching her current weight of 115lbs. Kalyene says she felt good in her bikini and to top it all off, romantic Alex, a customer service rep, got down on one knee while they were away and asked her to marry him. Now the beautiful bride-to-be said she feels happier and more confident and has revealed her simple secret to success. Kaylene said: 'It was just walking. I never stepped foot in a gym, I just walked and walked and walked and walked. 'I would walk about 15,000 steps a day - six miles. I would always walk during my lunch breaks. It was either sitting at my desk or sitting in a cafe, or going outside and going for walk. 'Every day after work I would go for an hour long walk through my neighborhood. 'Honestly I didn't feel that I needed to go to the gym. I didn't want to spend the money on it. 'I had a lot of people come up to me and ask me, "How did you do it?" I had a lot of family members who said, "You look great." 'I feel a lot better now. I feel much more confident, not only in my looks but in my personality. I feel like I can talk to more people. Looking ahead: Kaylene first began her weight loss journey in order to get in top shape for her dream vacation to Mexico, which she took with Alex Happy as can be! By the time she jetted off on the romantic getaway, Kaylene had lost more than 40lbs and was happy to show off her 135lb frame in a bikini on the beach (pictured) On the move: Since her return from Mexico - where Alex proposed - she has continued to shed pounds, and has now lost a total of 60lbs, reaching a weight of 115lbs (pictured) 'I definitely have more energy as well. I could go all night walking around my neighborhood now.' Kaylene decided to make a change in July 2017 in time for her vacation that December, firstly by cutting out some of the junk she was eating. She stuck to her favorite breakfast of eggs but switched chips and sandwiches from Subway for grilled chicken and salads at lunch. For dinner, she ditched carb-heavy pizza and pasta in favor of protein-based meals and she completely cut out her guilty pleasure - chocolate. Instead of munching on Kit Kats and Reese's she opted for healthy snacks and she swapped coffee for tea, always ensuring she was in a calorie deficit for the day. Kaylene also took up her walking regime and by the she stepped on the plane to Mexico she had lost 40lbs. She went on to lose a further 20lbs after returning home. 'I have always kind of been on the overweight side and I was self conscious,' she said. 'Through my teens, being in school and comparing yourself to other skinny little girls who get all the attention from the guys - it was very frustrating. 'I wasn't extremely down about it but it always kind of bothered me. 'I felt unhappy. In summer you want to wear bikinis and dresses and I was very hesitant because I didn't feel great in them. To the future: 'Through my teens, being in school and comparing yourself to other skinny little girls who get all the attention from the guys,' Kaylene, pictured at prom, said Worry: The bride-to-be admitted that she would avoid going to her town's four beaches with her friends because she was afraid of how she looked in a bathing suit Exciting: Kaylene is now looking forward to planning her December 2020 wedding, and says she is thrilled about the prospect of trying on dresses and seeing how they fit her new body 'We have four beaches in the town I live in and my friends would always go, but I would avoid it. 'I wasn't worried about comments, it was more that I didn't want to be around a bunch of really good looking people and I felt I didn't look good. 'My goal was to feel confident in a bikini. I just wanted to feel better and more confident and not worry about people staring. 'It was torture in the beginning but Mexico was keeping me going because I had it booked.' Now Kaylene and Alex are looking forward to their lives together, and plan to wed in December 2020. 'Alex was always very supportive throughout the entire weight loss journey,' she added. 'Whenever I would ask him to accompany me on a walk he was happy to do so and was always supportive of my healthy eating even though he's a sucker for carbs as I was. 'He continually complimented me about how great I looked, but always reminded me that no matter what weight I was at, that I would always be beautiful in his eyes. 'We feel we have a very bright future together and I am very excited to pick out a dress. 'I can't wait to see how they fit on my body now that I have lost all of the weight.' All children get angry with their parents, but one woman has been reminded of a particularly unkind comment she made about her mother when she was younger. Eve Barron, from Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, blamed her mother for the family's bad finances in a mean diary entry that she tweeted last week. She even called her mum a 't***' for getting their house remortgaged. The student was just nine-years-old when she wrote the entry, and blamed her mother for the family being 'poor'. Eve Barron, from Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, found her childhood diary with some very cutting remarks about her mother Eve has now given her mum a belated apology for her younger self's cutting remarks. The diary had different sections for its owner to write about their life, and on this particular page it asked about their favourite 'stuff'. It said: 'If I was... older, I would live in this really great modern house all on my own, and I'd have my own huge bedroom...' And the question clearly hit a soft spot for a much younger - and much angrier - Eve. The student called her mother a 't***' and blamed her for the family's finances in the entry Instead of listing her favourite things, she decided to go on a rant about her family life. She wrote: 'I have no ''stuff'' as my t*** of a mother took out too many remortgages.' Eve said that her mum's actions had supposedly resulted in 'my family and I being poor'. 'Imagine writing this in your diary in year 5': She took to Twitter to apologise for the unkind comments Eve took to Twitter to share a picture of the entry, deciding to apologise to her mother all these years later. She said: 'Imagine writing this in your diary in year 5 lmao sorry mom x.' The hilarious picture was then liked and retweeted over 200 times on Twitter. 'I'm crying, ''t*** of a mother'','' One of Eve's followers tweeted, followed by laughing emojis. A mother whose baby was born with a large red birthmark covering the left side of her face has opened up about her little one's life with the condition, and is determined to give her little one the confidence she needs to fend off hurtful remarks from strangers. Amanda Leupenberg, 34, was frightened when her daughter Ever, who is now four months old, was born with a swollen left eye and a large port wine stain birthmark. The mother, of Chicago, Illinois, and her military veteran husband Chris Leupenberg, 33, said they have been shocked by people's hurtful reactions to Ever's appearance when their family is out and about. Distinctive: Amanda Leupenberg, 34, was frightened when her daughter Ever, who is now four months old, was born with a swollen left eye and a large port wine stain birthmark Condition: Doctors believe the marking could be a sign of Struge-Weber syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes an overabundance of capillaries near the surface of the skin Support: The mom said the reactions have made her determined to give her young daughter confidence to ensure she can shrug off hurtful questions as she gets older Doctors believe the distinctive marking could be a sign of Struge-Weber syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes an overabundance of capillaries near the surface of the skin. The condition can have serious consequences. It can also affect the blood vessels in the brain, causing seizures and convulsions. Amanda said the first weeks of Ever's life were frightening. Doctors told her about the most serious cases of Struge-Weber, which include paralysis and strokes. However, Ever's parents were comforted by a specialist who advised them not to worry unless Ever begins to present other symptoms of the condition, besides her unusual marking. 'When she was born and they handed her to me, I could see that her eye was really swollen, it looked like it was almost going to pop out,' Amanda said. 'She had what looked like bruising all over her eye. 'The doctor at the hospital thought it could be Sturge-Weber syndrome and gave us every possible worst-case scenario including stroke, paralysis, and the need for lifelong care. 'When we were finally able to see a specialist, she put my mind at ease and told me I should try not to worry about what could happen and that I should just enjoy my adorable baby girl, especially as she hasn't had presented with any other tell-tale signs like seizures. Comments: Ever's parents said they have been shocked by people's hurtful reactions to Ever's appearance when their family is out and about Shocking: Amanda, a mother of seven, said strangers often ask 'what is wrong' with Ever's face, which she said made her fear for the little girl's future Confidence: 'I'm not sure what the future holds for Ever but no matter what happens she will always be loved and told how special she is,' Amanda said 'I was feeling better until we took her out for the first time.' Amanda, a mother of seven, said strangers often ask 'what is wrong' with Ever's face, which she said made her fear for the little girl's future. Regular laser therapy used to treat Ever's birthmark often leaves the baby with red marks, which Amanda worries could be mistaken for abuse by strangers. But the mom said the reactions have made her determined to give her young daughter confidence to ensure she can shrug off hurtful questions as she gets older. 'At the beginning it was hard. I remember I was out with her in a restaurant and the waitress just said bluntly "What's wrong with her?"' Amanda recounted. 'I found that hurtful but that quickly changed to fear. 'I realized she was going to get questions like this for the rest of her life and that scared me. 'I realized as her mom it was my job to help her have confidence to deal with those questions as she grows. 'After her laser treatments, she has a little bruising and is swollen and red so sometimes it looks like she's been injured. 'I've heard horror stories where people have called Child Protective Services on the parents of children like Ever, because they think they've been abused but thank God nothing like that has happened to us. Markings: Regular laser therapy used to treat Ever's birthmark often leaves the baby with red marks, which Amanda worries could be mistaken for abuse by strangers Siblings: Amanda said her six other children don't even notice Ever's birthmark anymore and just see her for who she is. Ever is pictured with her brother Theodore, three 'So far it's mostly been people been people asking what's wrong with her. 'As she grows I just have to make her feel good about herself. 'I think she's so strong and beautiful and I want to instill that in her.' The mom said her children Kaden Salvo, 15, Zachery Salvo, 12, Kyle Salvo, 11, Liam Leupenberg, six, Theodore Leupenberg, three, and stepdaughter Jade Leupenberg, don't notice their little sister's birthmark anymore and just see her for who she is. 'We have such a busy, crazy house,' Amanda said. 'My kids just don't even see Ever's birthmark anymore, they just see Ever for the beautiful baby she is. 'She's lucky to be surrounded by such supportive brothers and sisters.' Keen to empower her youngest daughter, Amanda founded Ever Grey Designs, a company which creates clothing which inspires children to love their differences. The designs are stamped with cartoon characters including a polar bear with a birthmark like Ever's and a raccoon with a prosthetic leg. 'I quickly realized that if I wanted something to empower my daughter, there must be other parents who feel the same way so I started creating shirts with different characters,' Amanda added. 'Each character represented a child that may be a little different than their peers. I wanted to show characters that embrace their differences. 'I'm not sure what the future holds for Ever but no matter what happens she will always be loved and told how special she is.' With its narrow streets and steep stone stairs, the French village of Eze certainly takes a lot of energy to explore. But Prince Charles, 69, and the Duchess of Cornwall, 70, appeared to barely break a sweat as they toured the mountainside village on Monday afternoon. The royal couple looked perfectly comfortable as they met residents and shook hands with residents of Eze, which sits 1,400ft above sea level. Prince Charles, 69, and the Duchess of Cornwall, 70, pose for a photo in the village of Eze The couple smiled as they climbed up the steep cobbled streets of the mountainside village They stopped into shake hands with local gallery and business owners during their visit Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall visited the village of Eze on the first day of their tour Like many visitors before them, Charles and Camilla also posed for a photo at a popular beauty spot - the Mediterranean coastline visible just beyond. The couple made the short journey from Nice to the medieval village on Monday afternoon after arriving in the South of France earlier today. The Duchess of Cornwall swapped her heels for flats as she joined her husband on the stroll Prince Charles looked delighted to meet some of the residents of the French village Well-wishers held up their mobile phones to snap photos of the royals as they passed The Duchess looked ready for spring in a bright periwinkle blue dress for the occasion Their first stop was to a monument paying tribute to the victims of the city's Bastille Day terror attack. The royal couple laid a bouquet and signed a book of condolence during a visit to the site where the atrocity took place two years ago. Eighty-six people lost their lives and dozens more were injured when a truck ploughed into revellers on Nice's Promenade des Anglais in July 2016. Today Charles, 69, and Camilla, 70, paid their respects at a memorial erected nearby. The Duchess holds up a fragrance for Charles to sample at the Parfumerie Fragonard laboratory plant in Eze, near Nice The couple sample fragrance during a visit to the Fragonard Perfumery in Eze The couple created their own perfumes during a trip to the perfumery near Nice Charles had a surprised look on his face while the pair were deeply engaged in smelling the scents Something tickled the future king as he laughed away while holding the scent During the scent creation experience Charles and Camilla sat down in front of miniature duck soaps The royal duo were given the tasks of decorating a couple of unfinished ducks by painting them The exterior of the Fragonard Perfumery in Eze, near the city of Nice in the South of France They also spent time speaking to relatives of some of the victims. The prince also spoke to airport worker Franck Terrier, a man who was called a hero for trying to stop the attacker, and he described the royal visit as 'very humbling'. Mr Terrier, 51, added: 'The prince said it was an honour to shake my hands and so did the duchess.' Anne Murris, whose daughter Camille Murris, 27, was killed in the Bastille Day attack, said she showed a collage of her to the prince. Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall signed a book of condolence at the site of the 2016 Bastille Day terror attack in Nice. The couple arrived in the French city on Monday Charles looked thoughtful as he laid a bouquet at the memorial to the 86 people who lost their lives when a truck ploughed into crowds of revellers on Nice's Promenade des Anglais Prince Charles speaking to relatives of victims of the Bastille Day massacre at today's event Camilla meets with members of the emergency services who responded to the attack Prince Charles meets some of those affected by the attack on Bastille Day in 2016 Charles and Camilla were joined by the Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, centre behind the prince, and his wife, Laura Tenoudji, centre, as they visited the terror attack memorial The royal couple pay tribute to the victims of the terror attack at the memorial on the Promenade des Anglais She said she collected 86 stones from the beach in Nice and painted each one with the name of one of the victims. Ms Murris said: 'It's an honour to have this visit. It's very important because these stones represent the dead, they represent our loved ones and our city and its past. 'But the stone also represents a hope for the future, for our tomorrow. We hope to live in peace.' Accepting the stone as a gift, Charles said: 'I hardly think I merit it.' The couple arrived in Nice on Monday afternoon as they kicked off their five-day tour of France and Greece. They were greeted off the private royal plane by Lord Llewellyn, ambassador to France, and George-Francois Leclere, Prefet of the Alpes-Maritimes Region, before meeting the city's mayor and his wife at the memorial. While Britain basks in sunshine, the royal couple were greeted with a light drizzle as they touched down in Nice airport. The Duchess looked elegant in a knee-length periwinkle blue pleated dress while Prince Charles dressed for the warm weather in a lightweight grey pinstripe suit. The couple will also attend a reception to celebrate the longstanding links between Nice and the UK - including the frequent visits by Queen Victoria. Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall landed in Nice today to kick off their five-day tour of France and Greece While Britain was basking in the sunshine, the royal couple landed to a rare drizzly day in the South of France and Camilla carried an umbrella to protect her hair Charles and Camilla, who met Prince Louis of Cambridge for the first time last week, will also visit Lyon. There they will both attend a VE commemoration before heading to the International Police Organisation (Interpol) to emphasise the UK and France's commitment to counter terrorism and security. Charles will also visit the student population of the ISARA University in Lyon, which specialises in food and environmental studies while Camilla will visit a local charity providing assistance to women. Prince Charles, 69, dressed for the heat in a lightweight grey suit for the visit to France Camilla, dressed in block heels, took her time down the steps of the royal aircraft Charles and Camilla were greeted by Lord Llewellyn, ambassador to France and the Prefet of the Alpes-Maritimes Region George-Francois Leclere as they arrived at the city's airport Camilla was snapped looking lovingly at her husband as they landed in the South of France Prince Charles was saluted by troops as he arrived at Nice airport on Monday afternoon Later this week, the couple will arrive in Athens where they will attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier before receiving an official welcome at the Presidential Mansion and Prime Minister's Residence. During their stay in the Greek capital, the prince will also lay a wreath at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery before the couple carry out a number of other engagements to celebrate the UK and Greece's longstanding maritime relationship. Their first official tour of Greece will also celebrate youth opportunity and the countries' charitable and education connections. The Duchess of Cambridge looked elegant in a knee-length periwinkle blue dress for the trip Camilla accessorised with a three string pearl necklace and matching drop pearl earrings The royal couple were honoured with a reception from French military as they arrived Queen Letizia of Spain continued to showcase her fashion prowess as she attended an official engagement at Las Alhajas Palace in Madrid on Monday. The royal consort put on a dazzling display in a bold geometric print ensemble for the tenth anniversary awards of the Proyectos Sociales Banco de Santander, an organisation which supports social projects for vulnerable people. Letizia, 45, who is mother to Princesses Leonor, 12, and Sofia, 10, showed her maternal side as she posed with children at the coveted event. Scroll down for video Queen Letizia of Spain continued to showcase her fashion prowess as she attended an official engagement at Las Alhajas Palace in Madrid on Monday Letizia, who married King Felipe VI, 49, in 2004, opted for an orange and blue printed blouse, teaming it with a coordinating leather skirt. Wearing her caramel-hued hair in a perfectly blow-dried centre parting, the mother-of-two wore a touch of blusher and lipgloss to complete her look. Letizia posed with children at the event, before joining Spanish banker and chairman Ana Patricia Botin in handing out awards to those involved in the non-profit projects. Letizia, 45, who is mother to Princesses Leonor, 12, and Sofia, 10, showed her maternal side as she posed with children at the coveted event Banco Santander Foundation collaborates with non-profit entities in projects that contribute to improving the quality of life of vulnerable groups. The group supports a total of 80 social projects that are carried out at national level, with 400,000 euros a year, which take into account the social value of the proposal, the impact on its immediate community and its innovative practices. Over the years Letizia, a former journalist, has worked to help causes she is passionate about including education, innovation, rare diseases, and particularly in nutrition, working closely with the UNs World Health and Food and Agriculture Organizations. The organisation supports social projects for vulnerable people, and held its annual awards at the palace The royal consort put on a dazzling display in a bold geometric print ensemble for the tenth anniversary awards of the Proyectos Sociales Banco de Santander The royal family recently gave a rare glimpse into their family life with the release a set of photos taken inside their home. The pictures were in celebration of the king's 50th birthday, offering fans a look at their day-to-day lives. The images displayed the normal side to the monarch's life with him holding his daughter's hand while clutching her schoolbag in one photograph, as he takes her to school. In another, his former television presenter wife Queen Letizia sits on an albeit grand settee alongside daughters Princesses Leonor, 12, and Sofia, 10. The trio turn their heads with beaming smiles towards the camera as a wheeled-in television set in the background shows the King mid-speech. The casual photographs highlight the King's humorous side with him sharing a joke with youngest daughter Sofia in between filming his annual Christmas message at their residence at the Royal Palace of Madrid. Letizia, who married King Felipe VI, 49, in 2004, opted for an orange and blue printed blouse, teaming it with a coordinating leather skirt. A devout Christian YouTube star has taken to her channel to reveal why getting drunk is a 'sin'. Beauty and lifestyle vlogger Milena Ciciotti, 21, from Michigan, frequently makes videos about how she lives her live as a Christian and in the past has revealed why she and her husband waited until marriage to have sex. However, recently she took to her channel to discuss the topic of drinking, going to bars and getting drunk after her fans asked for her thoughts on the topic. Bar none: Devout Christian Milena Ciciotti, 21, from Michigan, has taken to her YouTube channel to share her views on drinking alcohol and going to bars Teetotal: She has been to a bar three times since turning 21 and although she had tried alcohol in the past, she has never been drunk Spelling it out: Quoting the bible, Milena detailed why getting drunk is a sin, saying it's not what Jesus wants people to do Christian beliefs: She has previously made videos discussing her decision to wait until marriage to have sex, pictured with her husband Jordan 'I'm nervous because some people are extremely passionate about this,' she noted in the video. 'Some people will agree with what I'm going to say and it's a very touchy subject. I've been nervous, I've been praying.' Explaining that she asked her followers on a Twitter poll if they would prefer her to talk about her high school self or if she went to bars, Milena explained that as most people wanted to know more about her views of drinking, she was making a video about it. 'I just want us to all be open and honest with each other but you don't have to criticize and hate me for it,' she added. Before she got started on sharing her opinions, Milena quoted a verse from the bible and also shared the entire verse on the screen. However, she explained that she wasn't 'pulling' quotes from the bible to prove herself right, instead, quoting Romans 14: 1-23, Milena shared that she wanted to 'set the mood of the video'. 'I feel like that verse helps generalize and explain what I'm talking about today. I'm not a party girl, I never have been. I'm the type of person who likes to sit at home and have people over at my house instead. 'I've been to a bar three times, if even [that many]. I recently turned 21 so it's not like every weekend I go out and get drunk. It's not what I do,' she told the camera. However, Milena then explained that if her friends or cousins are going to a bar for a birthday celebration, she doesn't want to say she can't join them because of her faith. 'Maybe your girlfriends want to go to a bar and have a margarita, or it's wine night and half off. 'But one thing I undoubtedly believe, is that Christians cannot be drunk, that is just one thing that the bible makes very clear and God says that he does not want us to be drunk or have anything master our bodies or make us be out of control, and not aware of everything.' Exception: Despite abstaining from alcohol for the most part, Milena shared during the video that she will have one or two drinks if she's in a bar at a social occasion In his image: Milena justified her going to bars by using Jesus as an example, stating he went to the 'worst places' Doing her own thing: However, Milena emphasized that she doesn't copy what other people do and doesn't drink or dress like other people in bars Influencer: She spoke at length about how she wants to be 'strong enough to know I'm not going to be influenced by the world' and she will 'influence the world' instead She added: 'When I do go out, I am not drinking like everyone else, I'm not dressing like everyone else. And I feel like that's the key thing to put in mind here. As Christians we should not portray ourselves differently depending on our environment. I still dress modest when I go out, when I'm with my husband, I'm with my group of friends. I'm not dressing like everyone else, I'm not taking shots left and right, I'll have a drink or two. 'It's not like you go and you act like everyone else, you should be acting a little bit different because our standards should be a little bit different. I see a bar as more of a social outing. It's not like I go every single weekend.' She then said they she doesn't 'restrict' herself from going to bars because 'Jesus went to the worst places'. She also said that Jesus went and 'hung out with prostitutes. He hung out with tax collectors who at that time were seen as horrible pigs and people that nobody liked.' Reading from her phone, Milena then detailed how Jesus took his disciples to a place that was like 'Vegas on steroids' as he 'wasn't afraid to go there and he wasn't afraid of the world.' 'We should be strong enough to know I'm not going to be influenced by the world, I will influence the world.' A grandmother who eloped with her boyfriend in Las Vegas wore her granddaughter's prom dress for the occasion - and the younger woman couldn't be prouder. Tori, a 20-year-old from Harker Heights, Texas, has gone viral on Twitter after sharing photos from her grandmother Penny's April wedding - along with a sweet story about how the 70-year-old found love online. 'My granny ran away to Vegas with a guy she met online that I always joked about her dating, and she got married to him in my prom dress,' Tori wrote. Big day: Texas grandmother Penny, 70, sported her 20-year-old granddaughter Tori's prom dress to her surprise Vegas wedding last month So proud: Tori shared photos from her granddmother's wedding saying that she 'is literally my best friend' She added: 'This woman is literally my best friend.' The tweet came along with a pair of images of Penny looking stunning and happy in a pale blue floor-length and holding a rose while standing under an archway. Speaking to Business Insider, Penny revealed the details behind her and her now-husband Richard's love story. 'I didn't want a husband. I didn't want a boyfriend,' she said. 'I just wanted a companion someone to watch movies with and go out to eat with. I didn't want a real relationship.' But the 74-year-old Richard blew right past these inclinations and swept Penny off of her feet. A little addition: Tori was not only surprised by the wedding, but was also shocked to see her grandmother wearing her very own prom dress for the occasion Best buds: Just days after Penny and her beau Richard, 74, became engaged, Tori surprised her with a bachelorette party The two, who originally met on Match.com, soon were going to church together and heading out on romantic dates. They even went on vacations together. Eventually, Richard invited Penny to move in. But not only was the courtship a time of bonding for Richard and Penny, but it also was for Penny and her granddaughter, who often drove her to meet Richard on dates, and even gave dating advice. In fact, the two women are so close that when it came to popping the question, Richard asked Tori for permission. Tori threw Penny a surprise bachelorette party a few weeks after the engagement, and shared photos of the night online. Getting wild: Penny 'ran away' to Vegas for the marriage just days after the party, without telling her granddaughter Joking around: Penny gushed of her granddaughter, 'if it weren't for you, I wouldn't be here' But then, just days after the party, Tori received a call from Penny saying that the pair had run off to Vegas and were now married. And to top it all off, Penny had worn Tori's prom dress for the occasion. Tory was floored, having lent her grandmother the dress weeks before because the couple were going on a cruise together. Penny explained to Tori: 'I [wore this dress] because if it weren't for you, I wouldn't be here. I wouldn't be in Texas. I wouldn't have met Richard. I wouldn't have done half the things I've done if it wasn't for you.' The newlyweds have made plans to go on a cruise to Mexico and travel across the US - but have also vowed to spend plenty of time with family, including Tori, now that they have tied the knot. Anna Wintour was all smiles as she previewed the Metropolitan Museum of Arts new Costume Institute exhibition ahead of Monday's star-studded gala as rumors swirl that this year's ball will be the last of its kind. The 68-year-old Vogue editor was supported by friends while touring the 'Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination' exhibition before tonight's festivities. Donatella Versace, one of Wintour's Met Gala co-hosts, and Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg were among those to attend the press event. Keeping with the theme of the exhibition and gala, Wintour wore an ethereal gold frock paired with an ornate diamond cross necklace, and, of course, her trademark black sunglasses. Kicking off the day: Anna Wintour previewed the Metropolitan Museum of Arts new Costume Institute exhibition ahead of Monday's star-studded gala Famous friends: The Vogue editor-in-chief sat alongside Donatella Versace, one of her Met Gala co-hosts this year On point: This year's theme is 'Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,' and Wintour wore a diamond cross necklace to the preview The editor-in-chief paired her eye-catching frock with her beloved Manolo Blahnik sandals, the same style of pumps she has worn almost every day since 1994. The nude, low-heeled slingback sandals were first designed for her over two decades ago by Blahnik himself. The designer made a wooden model of her foot, then sculpted the shoes around them ensuring that they're a completely perfect fit. Donatella, meanwhile, opted for a stylish black suit that was far from traditional. Her blazer featured gold buttons and a yellow lapel, and she left her jacket open to show off her colorful Versace top. The 63-year-old wore matching flared pants that covered her shoes, and she topped off her look with large gold hoop earrings and a black handbag adorned with gold hardware. Keeping with the theme: Wintour donned an ethereal gold frock and Manolo Blahnik pumps Always on brand: The 68-year-old topped off her look with her trademark black sunglasses Designer style: Donatella, 63, opted for an eye-catching black suit and a Versace top Special guest: The designer posed for photos with Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the tenth and current Archbishop of New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the tenth and current Archbishop of New York, also attended the press preview, and he was photographed posing with his arm around Donatella. The designer was also seen sitting next to Wintour while Dolan addressed the audience at the event. The exhibition, which opens to the public on Thursday May 10, was curated by Andrew Bolten and is the museum's largest in terms of square footage. The 'Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination' show explores how Catholic iconography has inspired fashion designers throughout the years. Stopping by: Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg also attended Monday's press preview All smiles: Wintour stood between Andrew Bolton, the curator of the exhibition, and Stephen Schwarzmann while posing for photos at the press preview Theme: The 'Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination' exhibition explores how Catholic iconography has inspired fashion designers throughout the years Party first! The exhibition will open to the public on Thursday May 10, three days after Monday night's Met Gala Thanks to a partnership with the Vatican, the exhibition also includes a display of papal robes and accessories that have never been on display outside of Vatican City until now. As a long roster of big and small-name celebrities get dolled up for the annual Met Gala in New York City this first Monday in May, rumors are circulating that it may be the last ball of its kind. Showbiz411 is reporting that this may be the last time that Wintour hosts the event, as she is rumored to be leaving Conde Nast this summer. And with rising budgets, lower donations, and the drama-packed spectacle of the guest list and red carpet, the site suggests that Wintour's departure could mean and end to the Met Gala as we know it. Ain't no party like a fashion party! Wintour is hosting the annual Met Gala in New York City tonight Years of service: She has been gala chair since 1995 (pictured left in 2015 and right in 2016) Flashback: Wintour has been attending since taking over as the boss of Vogue in the '80s (pictured in 1989) Changes: Wintour is rumored to be leaving Conde Nast this summer (pictured left: 2011, center: 2010, right: 2008) The event is being held tonight, after a year of planning. Wintour is co-hosting with Donatella, Rihanna, and Amal Clooney, and she could be going out with a bang before leaving her post at Conde Nast. She is currently artistic director for the company, but is rumored to be stepping away after the publication of Vogue's September issue in August. Showbiz411 speculates that when she leaves her position, she may also step down as gala chair, a position she has held since 1995. It certainly would be the end of an era if Wintour stopped hosting the event. In 2014, the institute it raises money for was renamed the Anna Wintour Costume Center, and the editor transformed it from a local fete only know by New York City elite to a worldwide spectacle. And if she does leave, the gala itself may get an overhaul. Though in recent years it has turned into a parade of celebrities and flashy outfits, it actually began in 1946 as a way to raise money for the Costume Institute and is still primarily a fundraiser. Price of style: The gala costs a fortune to put on. The Met spent $3.859 million in 2017, compared to $3.556 million in 2016 Funds: With $50,000 tickets, it's held to raise money for the Costume Institute but it raised over a million less in 2017 than it did in 2016 Star critics: Several celebrities have publicly bashed the event, including Amy Schumer and Gwyneth Paltrow Never again: Demi Lovato was a major critic as well, calling the event 'cliquey.' She went in 2016 but did not return last year Guests are expected to fork over up to $50,000, with designers shelling out up to $500,000 to buy a table for the night and fill it with a bevy of stars wearing their designs. But despite tickets costing a small fortune, the 2017 gala didn't raise quite as much as the year before. Gross receipts for the event were reportedly $12.2 million, compared to $13.5 million in 2016. And yet the gala also cost more money to put on, with the Met spending $3.859 million on the event. In 2016, it spent $3.556 million. While it's unlikely that the gala, which has been held annually for over 60 years, will come to an end completely, it's possible that there may be a shift in how it's put on. That may be a relief for some stars who've come to see the gala as a chore that's both high-pressure and hyper-exclusive. 'The overall ambience isnt super friendly,' a gala regular told Page Six this weekend. 'Its not like walking into a party where you know everyone and everyones happy to see you. 'If you walk into the girls bathroom, all the celebrities are hanging out together, smoking together and ignoring everyone else,' the regular added. What selfie ban? Last year, dozens of stars posted photos and video on social media from the event Wintour banned social media, but that didn't stop a lot of images from surfacing Sneaking... The bathroom at the event was packed with stars taking pictures Plus, 'its very dog-eat-dog. People wont move out of the way [on the carpet] for the next person.' 'Its very high school,' added another insider. 'There are plenty of people who have enough money for Met Ball, but . . . if [Wintour] doesnt deem you worthy, youre not coming. Considering that its a fund-raiser, thats extremely elitist.' In fact, Wintour signs off on every single guest, including those invited by designers who buy tables. She approves every detail including the seating charts and has been known to ban certain celebrities. Some celebrities, though, decide not to attend on their own. Demi Lovato told Billboard that the party was too 'cliquey,' while Gwyneth Paltrow dubbed it 'un-fun,' 'crowded,' and 'boiling.' 'If you had a million arms and all the people you would punch in the whole world, theyre all there,' said Tina Fey, who called it a 'jerk parade.' 'Clearly, Ill never go again.' Amy Schumer also called the ball 'punishment.' VIP club: Most seemed to be posing and goofing off Fame: Everyone seemed to want the status of landing in a big group picture Uh-oh: But several stars, including Bella Hadid, were seen smoking in the bathroom Above the law? New York law bans smoking indoors, but celebrities like Behati Prinsloo lit up anyway Last year, celebrity-watchers got a peek of what actually goes on inside the gala and some of that clique-like behavior when several stars posted selfies taken inside the event, and particularity inside the bathroom. Though Wintour has banned attendees from posting on social media, many broke the rules. Photos and video from the night that were posted on Instagram and Twitter show a huge crowd of famous faces in the bathroom, including Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Lily Aldridge, A$AP Rocky, Diddy, Brie Larson, Frank Ocean and Emily Ratajkowski. Also there were Karlie Kloss, Jemima Kirke, Hailey Baldwin, Taylor Hill, Michelle Monaghan, Kate Bosworth, Cara Delevigne, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Ashley Graham, Elizabeth Banks, and Kerry Washington. While most were just smiling for the cameras or hanging out, a few were captured with cigarettes in hand, brazenly defying New York's indoor smoking ban. Behati Prinsloo, Bella Hadid, Dakota Johnson, and Paris Jackson were all seen smoking in the bathroom, as were Francis Bean Cobain, Mr. Robot actor Rami Malek, designer Marc Jacobs, and designer Stella McCartney. Rude: After the event, many were outraged by the behavior, calling it 'disrespectful' Entitlement: Dakota Johnson is pictured lighting a cigarette at the Met Gala. She likely did not incur the fine other people face for smoking indoors Others seen smoking included Francis Bean Cobain (bottom left) and designer Marc Jacobs Puff: Stella McCartney was snapped smoking as well The rules: Later, a Met donor complained about attendees like Mr. Robot actor Rami Malek (pictured) Not OK: A board member also complained to Wintour after seeing a scene like this one (Slick Woods pictured right) The flagrant disregard for local laws caused a bit of trouble days later, with board members and donors at the Metropolitan Museum of Art calling the behavior 'disrespectful' particularly given the incredibly valuable art in the museum that could have been damaged. The New York City Smoke-Free Air Act prohibits smoking in nearly all indoor workplaces, and calls for a fine of $200 to $400 for first-time violators. Second violation within the first year carry a $500 to $1,000 fine, while third or subsequent violations within a year carry a $1,000 to $2,000 fine. 'As a donor to the Met, I was so insulted to see all these "celebrities" smoking and taking selfies of themselves in the bathroom,' a source told Page Six. 'Mostly, i's disrespectful to the art collection, which needs to be kept 100% smoke-free. I would honestly like to see these people fined by the city.' Beside the complaining donor, a female board member at the Met was outraged by the behavior, and took it up with Vogue editor Anna Wintour herself. 'The board member stormed right out [of the bathroom] and complained right away to Anna Wintour's team. It is so disrespectful to the museum,' a source told the Post. Jenna Bush Hager wore a red lace gown and funky eye shadow while attending Monday night's Met Gala her first big event since the death of her grandmother Barbara Bush. Keeping with the theme of the ball 'Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination' the 36-year-old Today show correspondent donned a tiered dress that looked like a glamorous version of a cardinal's red robe. Jenna's $3,995 Lela Rose gown featured bishop sleeves that flared out in the middle of her arm and gathered at her wrists, adding a touch of romance to her look. Lady in red: Jenna Bush Hager attended the Met Gala on Monday evening wearing a lace gown in honor of the event's theme, 'Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination' Added touch: The 36-year-old sported bright red shadow and lengthy lashes that made her hazel eyes pop Jenna wore her shoulder-length blonde hair in loose waves with two braids, but it was her make-up that really made her stand out. Although she is known for wearing a more natural-looking make-up palette, she went all out for Monday's Met Gala. The former first daughter sported bright red shadow and lengthy lashes that made her hazel eyes pop. She wore minimal jewelry aside from dangling earrings and her wedding band. All in the details: Jenna's $3,995 Lela Rose gown featured bishop sleeves that flared out in the middle of her arm and gathered at her wrists Shades of red: The Today show correspondent sported fire-engine red nail polish that was slightly brighter than her crimson gown Jenna topped off her look with a fire-engine red manicure that was slightly brighter than her crimson gown. The evening was Jenna's first public outing since her grandmother passed away on April 17 at the age of 92. Barbara died after declining further medical treatment following her admission to the hospital for congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. After joining her family in Texas for Barbara's funeral, Jenna returned to work at the Today show 10 days later. Update: Jenna returned to work at the Today show on April 27, 10 days after her grandmother Barbara Bush had passed away Mourning: Jenna attended her grandmother's funeral in Texas on April 21. She's pictured with her parents, Laura and George W. Bush, her grandfather George H.W. Bush, and her sister Barbara Bush (L to R) On her first day back to work, Jenna gave an update her grandfather George H.W. Bush, who was hospitalized a day after attending his wife's funeral and burial. George, 93, was at one point treated in the intensive care unit but he was moved to a regular patient room earlier this week. 'He's sad, but he's doing well,' Jenna told her Today colleagues. 'Last time we talked to him he was eating barbecue.' The former president, she said, is looking forward to traveling to Maine, where he has his summer home in Kennebunkport. 'He's doing great,'' Jenna told her coworkers. 'He's goal-oriented, and he wants to get to Maine. We think he's going to be going there.' Summer is just over the horizon and with it comes the joy - and pain - of bare skin under the sun. More than one third of Americans will over-indulge in the sunshine and wind up with a painful sunburn. Staying out of the sun and applying sunscreen are the only sure-fire ways to avoid getting burned, but if it is too late you can wind up with skin that peels, feels too tender to touch, and raises your skin cancer risks. Time will heal the wound, but, New York City dermatologist Dr Joshua Zeichner explained the surprising items from your fridge and medicine cabinet that can treat your inflamed skin quickly so you can get back outside - with more sunblock this time. One third of Americans take a sunburn home from an outdoor day this year, but surprisingly simple items you probably already have at home can quickly ease the pain Anatomy of a sunburn: How an immune response to sun damage turns your skin lobster-red To understand why some treatments will bring relief from sunburns - and which ones could end up stinging more - it is important to understand what is actually happening to your poor skin. During the summer, the tilt of the Earth and changes in the atmosphere bring us a little closer to the sun and its damaging UV radiation. Melanin in the skin gives it its color and helps to block the sun's harmful UV rays. When you are out in the sun, melanin shifts and rises to protect the DNA in your cells from being corrupted by radiation, which is part of the reason people with darker complexions are at lower risks of skin cancer. So as your skin darkens under the skin, it is becoming more protected, but also more damaged. The whole process can also take a few days - so it may be too late to stop the burn. The body picks up on that damage through the pain you feel, and initiates an immune response, sending blood to respond to the site of the attack. That immune response comes with inflammation, making burned skin swell and redden - what you see when you get a sunburn. Stages of sunburn: You feel the burn to the top layers - but the lasting damage is deeper If you've spent hours in the sun, you could even give yourself a first degree burn, which is no different from a burn from a flame. Surface skin cells start simply dying off, so that the body cuts its losses and doesn't over-expend energy on dispensable body parts too damaged to function. But in the deeper layers of the skin, enzymes go to work making repairs to DNA. Sometimes, however, the enzymes don't target the DNA accurately and can corrupt it, leading to the development of the two most common forms of skin cancer. How to fix it: Keep some cold milk in your fridge this summer to soothe sunburns Cold milk contains proteins and vitamins that cool your skin and encourage healing The pain you feel is not due to the deeper damage, however, but to the surface scorching. Pain caused by sunburn and skin inflammation needs to be treated differently from aches or stings from other causes. Cold is the key here, explains Dr Zeichner. A cold compress both pulls heat away from the site of the burn and helps to ease painful inflammation by shrinking swollen cells. 'A milk compress can help calm inflamed skin as well, as proteins in the milk coat and soothe the skin,' Dr Zeichner says. Milk contains vitamins A and D, fat, amino acids and lactic acid, as well as the proteins whey and casein. The vitamins promote healing while lactic acid cues the skin to drop dead cells, meaning less effort - and therefore inflammation - is required from the immune system to fix them. Some dermatologists suggest that enzymes in yogurt may be helpful as well, while others say whole or cream milk are not the best choices because the fat in them may just trap heat. But barring those, all you need to do is pour some milk in a bowl, plop a wash cloth in, and refrigerate the odd combination until the milk has sufficiently soaked into the cloth and the two are cold. Gently press this to your sunburned skin, being careful to keep a light, even pressure and not rub your skin. A cool shower or bath can lower your burned skin's temperature, but milk is even more gentle Ice water can work for a cold compress too, but is not as gentle or nourishing to the skin as milk. Be sure, however, to never apply ice directly to the skin. A cold shower or bath can help cool you down, but ice can stick to your skin and cause further damage. Aloe and motrin can give some fast pain relief - but don't touch the lidocaine Aloe vera has a natural cooling effect on sunburn, but breathes well and does not trap heat in in, unlike many common moisturizers that may look tempting in your medicine cabinet. Over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs, like Motrin (ibuprofen), also reduce the swelling and irritation of a sunburn and 'can calm inflammation from the inside out,' says Dr Zeichner. Painkillers like benzocaine and lidocaine temporarily numb aching areas, but they do nothing to repair the skin, and, since they are topically applied they may hide existing pain that should be treated, or even do additional damage. Aloe can alleviate pain and cool the surface of the skin, while Motrin treats cell inflammation from the inside out Once you've cooled the burn, seal the deal with a light moisturizer In the early stages of sunburn care, the primary goal is to create a cooling sensation without actually trapping in heat. Once your skin's temperature has fallen and no longer feels like the surface of the sun itself, you want to look that moisture and coolness in to avoid pealing and cracking. 'I advise applying a petrolatum based moisturizer to form a protective seal over the skin's surface,' says Dr Zeichner. 'The newest generation of these moisturizers even come in easy to spread lotion formulations that won't weigh the skin down.' Most of us know the dangers the sun poses to our skin, and will make an effort with SPF. But chances are well miss a key area on our faces: the skin around our eyes. In the UK, skin cancer rates are rising, with a significant proportion of them being cancers of the eyelid. Eyelids and the surrounding area are a hot spot for cancer because the skin is thinner, and it is often without protection from the sun. Its not just that were failing to put on enough suncream: were also not choosing the right sunglasses. The suns ultra-violet (UV) rays can damage the eyes, causing sunburn to the eyes surface as well as contributing to cataracts (where the lens clouds over) in the long term. See for yourself: Around 13,600 cases of eyelid cancers are diagnosed, each year Tricia Griffin hadnt appreciated the risks until she developed a skin cancer on her eyelid. She first noticed a tiny white lump on her eyelid as she was putting on her make-up two years ago. I assumed it was connected to getting older a bit like a skin tag, says Tricia, 65, a retired teacher from Barnet, North London, who has a daughter, Ruby, 28. I vaguely thought I must get it checked, but didnt get around to it. It never got bigger or obscured my vision. Then, four months later, Tricia visited her cousin Mary whod just had an eye operation. She told me shed had skin cancer in her eyelid and when she described the lump I realised to my horror that I had the same, says Tricia. I was shocked. Id always looked out for changes in moles and hadnt realised this area could be prone to cancer. She went straight to her GP and was referred through her medical insurance to a private specialist, who diagnosed a basal cell carcinoma on her eyelid. Basal cell carcinomas are the most common type of skin cancer on the eyelids and affect the deeper layer of the skin. Although they rarely spread to other parts of the body, they can damage surrounding structures such as the tear duct and the eyes opening mechanism. Around 13,600 cases of eyelid cancers are diagnosed each year, making up around 10 per cent of non-malignant skin cancers diagnosed in the UK. The second most common form of eyelid skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which affects the outer layers of the skin. Together, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas account for 95 per cent of all eyelid cancers (malignant melanoma, an aggressive skin cancer that spreads to other organs, is rarer in the eyelids). Be careful: Eyelids are prone to cancer because the skin is thinner and without protection Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas may start off as small pimples or fleshy bumps, but can grow, bleed and crust over, explains Raj Das-Bhaumik, a consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. Skin may thicken and develop into ulcers that dont heal, he adds. Other changes to look out for include redness and inflammation of the eyelids, unexplained eyelash loss and the eyelashes turning white, caused by pigment cells being affected by the cancer. You should see your GP if you notice any of these changes. RISK OF SUNBURN OF THE EYEBALLS Although genes play a role, sun exposure is a huge risk factor for developing these cancers, says Mr Das-Bhaumik. Cancer Research UK figures for 2015 suggest the number of non-melanoma skin cancers has risen by 61 per cent in the past ten years. Dr Howard Stevens, a consultant dermatologist at the Royal Free Hospital and Skin Care Network in London, where Tricia was treated, says specialists are seeing a surge in cases of skin cancer, including those on the eyelid, as the generation who had the first Spanish package holidays in the Seventies hit retirement age. The sun protection message didnt really get going until the Nineties so were now seeing the effects of the sun on people who had decades of sun exposure without protection, he says. As well as cancer, UV damage can lead to photokeratitis, a type of sunburn of the cornea, the clear part at the front of the eye. This is more common in areas where light reflects off surfaces such as water, or snow up a mountain. Photokeratitis causes inflammation of the cornea and can be treated with mild steroid drops. It is extremely painful and can result in temporary sight loss, says Mr Das-Bhaumik. Sunlight can also cause a condition called pterygium, a pink fleshy growth on the conjunctiva, the clear thin membrane that lines the eyelid and front of the eye, which can become inflamed, he adds. These growths are not cancerous and usually dont need treatment, but if they blur vision then theyre removed surgically. Cataracts, a common eye condition where the lens in the eye becomes cloudy and vision is blurred, is also thought to be accelerated by UV damage from the sun. Indeed a study by Case Western University in Cleveland, Ohio, in 2014 suggested that UV light can trigger damage by free radicals in the eye. Sunlight encourages proteins in the lens to clump together, which makes it cloud over, explains Mr Das-Bhaumik. The damage builds up over time. Damage in childhood can result in cataracts developing prematurely. Cataract surgery is the most common elective procedure done in the UK. Most people over 65 have cataract-related sight problems, and 300,000 operations are performed every year to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial clear one. HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SHADES To protect yourself from sun damage, the advice is to sit in the shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat. And crucially to wear sunglasses when it is sunny (all year round) even in the UK. Wearing sunglasses isnt about fashion or seeing in bright light, but about protecting the eyes and the skin around them, says Mr Das-Bhaumik. Ideally, they should be large wraparound sunglasses that fit tightly, to block out sun from all sides, he says. Its important they fit your face and sit properly on the nose and dont let any sun in. While wraparound glasses are best, another option is glasses that cover your eyebrows and the bone below your eye, and cover as much of the edge of your nose as possible. Did you know? The suns UV rays can damage the eyes, causing sunburn to the eyes surface Emma Shields, from Cancer Research UK, adds: The sunglasses should also have a CE mark which signifies they meet European safety standards and block all UV rays from the sun. If you follow this rule you shouldnt need to apply suncream around the eyes, which can cause irritation. Sunglasses with no UV protection could be worse than wearing no sunglasses as the dark lenses make the pupils of your eye dilate and let in more harmful rays, warns Mr Das-Bhaumik, who himself wears aviator or wraparound sunglasses with polarised lenses which block out horizontal and vertical light, prevent glare and improve contrast. My cheapest pair of these cost 6 and have a CE mark and do the job fine, he says. In retrospect, Tricia Griffin blames her choice of sunglasses for her cancer. I thought Id been careful, she says. Id never put suncream on my eyelids as it caused irritation, but I assumed my sunglasses would protect me, though I admit they were a fashionable style rather than wraparound. Eyelid cancer is diagnosed by a biopsy, and the tumour is usually removed with surgery. The most effective operation for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas is Mohs micrographic surgery. This is a precise technique where the cancer is removed in layers, a bit like peeling an onion, explains Dr Stevens. Its examined under a microscope during the procedure to check we have clear margins around the tumour. It has a cure rate of around 98 per cent. After surgery the eyelid usually heals itself, or it can be repaired or reconstructed so the patient can still open and close their eye. Tricia had a tumour the size of her thumb removed under local anaesthetic. Although it looked small on the surface, it was like an iceberg with about 75 per cent below the surface, says Tricia. Im lucky I went to the doctor before it invaded more tissue. I now wear high factor suncream every day and wraparound sunglasses whenever the sun is out in winter and summer. Walmart will stop providing initial acute opioid prescriptions that last for more than a week. The move is one of the strongest by a retailer in a bid to curb the opioid epidemic that has plagued the United States. The supply limit will begin within the next 60 days, the company said. In January, Walmart said it would provide its customers filling prescriptions for opioids with a packet of powder that would help them dispose of leftover medication. Staff will also be trained in the dangers of over-prescription and alternative pain management methods. The move is one of the strongest by a retailer in a bid to curb the opioid epidemic that has plagued the United States. The supply limit will begin within the next 60 days, Walmart said The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 115 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. The company also said on Monday that from January 1, 2020 it would require e-prescriptions for controlled substances. These prescriptions are proven to be less prone to errors and cannot be altered or copied. The initiatives apply to all the pharmacies of Walmart and its Sam's Club unit in the United States and Puerto Rico. 'We are taking action in the fight against the nation's opioid epidemic,' said Marybeth Hays, executive vice president of Health & Wellness and Consumables, Walmart US. 'We are proud to implement these policies and initiatives as we work to create solutions that address this critical issue facing the patients and communities we serve.' The move has been hailed as a step in the right direction to curb addiction. However, Patrice Harris, chair of the American Medical Association's opioid unit, said medical professionals have concerns about blanket restrictions on prescriptions. 'Pain is a complex, biopsychosocial phenomenon, and individuals experience pain in different ways,' Harris told The Hill last month. 'The AMA believes that decisions around dosages needs to be left between the patient and the physician.' Gasping for breath, I thrashed about as black smoke curled around my nostrils. I sat bolt upright in bed and screamed. The mattress was on fire. Then I felt a firm grip on my shoulders. Wake up! My partner, Matt, was shaking me. I wasnt on a burning mattress but in my own bed: it had just been another of my bad dreams. My legs were covered in scratches from the imaginary fire Id tried to put out in my sleep. I burst into tears. Not again, I cried. Numbers: While 15 per cent of children have night terrors, so do two per cent of grown adults This kind of experience has been a regular part of my life since childhood. It began, aged nine, with extreme nightmares. But soon, I was having night terrors, too. While nightmares occur in the lighter rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep, when our bodies are paralysed, meaning we cant act them out, night terrors occur in the non-REM stage of sleep, which means if you have a night terror you can act out whats happening. Those affected may sit upright, shout, kick, walk around or appear panicked. Yet whereas people often recollect their dream or nightmare, someone who has had a night terror rarely will. The only clues that anything is wrong are being unusually tired, as the terrors interrupt refreshing sleep, or waking up with unexplained injuries from thrashing around during sleep. Mum picked up on this after finding me in bed, my arms flailing around, despite being asleep. By the age of 11, I was having night terrors or nightmares three or four times a week and was so sleep-deprived Id nod off at school. The GP told Mum Id grow out of it. But night terrors pursued me into my 30s, leaving me miserable with exhaustion and anxious about what might occur when I fell asleep. Im far from alone in this. Night terrors, like nightmares, are a form of parasomnia (sleep disorder) most common in children, but, in fact, many adults also regularly experience both. Around 20 per cent of six-year-olds have nightmares weekly and 6 per cent of adults. And while 15 per cent of children have night terrors, around 2 per cent of adults also experience them. Over the years Ive tried medication, relaxation techniques and good sleep habits without success. Scary: Night terrors, like nightmares, are a form of parasomnia (sleep disorder) most common in children, but, in fact, many adults also regularly experience both Finally, though, Ive managed to cut the frequency of my nightmares and eradicate my terrors after trying a new technique known as lucid dreaming that has taught me to control my dreams. Night terrors and nightmares are a normal part of childhood development. The brain is growing so there is a lot of activity which causes sleep disruptions, explains Dr Peter Venn, clinical director of the sleep disorder centre at Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead. They generally burn themselves out by the teenage years, when brain growth begins to slow down, but they can resurface in adults during times of stress. I found stress instantly made my terrors and nightmares worse. If anything disturbs a very deep sleep, such as something thats worrying you or a physical problem such as sleep apnoea, where you temporarily stop breathing, the brain reaches a hyper-arousal state so we partially wake, says Dr Venn. This is when night terrors are most likely to happen, as some parts of the brain are awake and other parts are deeply asleep, so it becomes confused. One time, in my 30s, I woke, startled, after throwing myself out of bed during a night terror in which anacondas were suffocating me. My then boyfriend rushed me to hospital thinking I was having a heart attack. I wasnt, it was just a panic attack. Four years ago, when I was having a night terror or nightmare every night, my GP suggested antidepressants because they can promote a deeper and more restful sleep by boosting serotonin, one of the brain chemicals that regulate the sleep/wake cycle. Though they work for some people, they made my nightmares worse which is not uncommon, says Dr Guy Meadows, clinical director at The Sleep School. I tried going to bed at the same time each night but it made little difference, and it became harder to cope after my son, Milo, was born in 2016. Desperate for a solution, I came across the work of psychologist Dr Denholm Aspy, from the University of Adelaide, who conducted a study into techniques to induce lucid dreams, where youre aware youre dreaming and can control what you dream about. The idea is to reprogramme the mind to recognise it is dreaming while you sleep, and think up non-frightening scenarios. I contacted Dr Aspy, who sent me instructions for three techniques. The first involved setting an alarm to wake me five hours after falling asleep and staying awake for a few minutes while trying to recall the dream Id just had. Then I had to practise mnemonic induction of lucid dreams (MILD), which involved repeating the mantra, The next time Im dreaming, I will remember Im dreaming, several times in my head every minute. I also had to do a reality test by trying to push the fingers of one hand through the palm of the other. If I could, it meant I had fallen back to sleep and was dreaming again. I had to repeat steps two and three after waking until I fell back to sleep. The finger pushing part of the technique works on the prospective memory your ability to remember to do things in the future, Dr Aspy explained. By repeating the phrase you will remember youre dreaming. It forms an intention in your mind. For two weeks I followed all this to no effect. Then, one night, after my five-hour wake-up alarm, I lay there thinking about the dream I had just had about Milo drowning. I kept repeating: The next time Im dreaming, I will remember Im dreaming. Then I fell asleep and Milo was drowning again. But suddenly I knew I was dreaming and took over the story. Instead of sinking, he began to swim around, giggling. Its an approach some dismiss. Matthew Walker, professor of neuroscience and psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, claims only 20-30 per cent of people can naturally control their dreams. If it was so beneficial, Mother Nature would have had all of us being capable of lucid dreaming, he says, adding that lucid dreaming isnt used in sleep clinics. I also had a few sessions with a counsellor who taught me imagery rehearsal therapy, which involved reimagining my nightmares with different outcomes the following morning and again before bed. So instead of zombies crawling over me, Id see puppies. I began meditating daily, too. Now, 12 months on, I get a nightmare once or twice a month and Ive only had one night terror in six months. And if I do dream about Milo, hes usually playing happily. For more information go to luciddreamingaustralia.com A revolutionary hand-held device can help asthma patients use their inhalers properly. The gadget flashes a green light if the right amount of medication has been inhaled, and a red one if not. Called the Airbrio, it could cut asthma attacks and wheezing by ensuring sufferers get the right amount of drug into their lungs. The charity Asthma UK estimates up to one in three patients is making their condition worse by not using their inhaler properly. Shocking: 1,400 UK people suffer fatal attacks, annually - up a fifth over five years Last week, it unveiled research showing that Britains asthma death rate is among the worst in Europe up 20 per cent in the past five years, with more than 1,400 people a year dying from the incurable condition. It warned patients are not getting yearly reviews or regular checks from their GP to make sure they are using inhalers properly. Asthma patients use inhalers to take steroids, such as beclomethasone (which dampens down inflammation in the lungs and prevents asthma attacks), or a drug called salbutamol, better known as Ventolin, to open the airways when they become wheezy. Inhalers are used rather than pills because they act more quickly, since the drug does not first have to pass through the stomach and into the bloodstream. But to get it deep into the airways where it is needed, the patient must have the right technique. This involves first breathing out fully, then inhaling deeply at the exact moment they press the canister, then holding their breath for ten seconds to allow the aerosol drops to settle on the surface of the airways. If they dont, the medication simply wont work. Its a technique that many struggle to master and so they may end up with the medicine being deposited on the tongue or at the back of the throat, instead of reaching the lungs. In the Nineties, spacers were developed to help crack the problem. These are egg-shaped plastic chambers into which the inhaler is inserted at one end. Risk: Asthma UK estimates up to one in three patients is making their condition worse After squirting a dose of the medicine into the chamber, the patient inhales it through the other end, where a valve opens to let the drug pass through. The advantage is that spacers hold the drug inside the chamber until the patient is ready to breathe through the valve, so getting the timing right is much less important. But young children sometimes struggle to breathe in sufficiently to open the valve, as their breaths are not deep enough, while a common mistake among adults even those using spacers is to take short, rapid breaths, rather than the slow, steady, deep ones needed to draw the medicine down to the lungs. A 2016 study by the Autonomous University of Barcelona looked at whether there had been an improvement in how patients had been using inhalers without spacers since the Seventies. Writing in the journal Chest, the researchers concluded: Incorrect inhalation technique is unacceptably frequent and has not improved over the past 40 years. There is an urgent need for new approaches to education and drug delivery. One of the warning signs that inhaled steroids are not being taken correctly is a persistent sore throat or a hoarse voice caused by the bulk of the drug being deposited in the throat. Tasting the medicine in your mouth or smoke coming out of the nose or mouth are other signs. Incorrect inhalation technique is unacceptably frequent and has not improved over the past 40 years. There is an urgent need for new approaches to education and drug delivery. University of Barcelona The Airbrio device looks similar to a spacer, but has built-in sensors in the mouthpiece to monitor the amount of drug that passes through it when the patient inhales. A microchip inside the device stores data and automatically transmits it to a smartphone app via a wireless connection. The patient inserts their inhaler into one end of the spacer-like device and presses a button on the mouthpiece in order to switch on the sensors. A panel of lights on the device shows whether they are inhaling correctly. If their technique is too slow, fast or weak, a red light shows. Correct technique triggers a green light two amber lights are then displayed once they have taken the medicine successfully. The app plots the readings into a chart, allowing the patient to monitor how well they are using their inhaler. In a recent trial involving 29 patients with severe asthma, GPs at Aberfoyle Medical Practice in Derry, Northern Ireland, measured lung function in the patients before and after using the Airbrio with their inhaler every day for eight weeks. The results, published recently in the Primary Care Respiratory Journal, showed that lung function improved significantly in almost half of the volunteers. Two-thirds of them found that their inhalation technique had improved. Professor Adnan Custovic, an asthma and allergy specialist at Imperial College London, says the Airbrio device could improve asthma control. Any interventions that improve inhaler technique would be very useful and this device could benefit asthma management, he says. But we need more evidence on its effectiveness before it can be widely used. The device is undergoing further testing and is expected to be available to buy or rent without prescription from early 2019. When Felix White, aged four and a bit, held his lightsaber, he truly believed he had phenomenal powers. And in many ways, he did, says his mother Colleen, 48, a former management consultant. His incredible kindness and spirit, his immense love of life no matter what it may throw at you and his amazing ability to live each moment fully, inspired us all to get the very most out of every day. He loved secret path walks near the family home in Hove where he was always looking for the hole in the hedge that would lead into lost worlds or adventure. Felixs real-life journey into the complete unknown began in February 2009 when one evening during supper he said: Dont make me laugh! My back is hurting. Brave boy: Felix White, 4, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma; an aggressive childhood cancer Fighting spirit: Felix (left) in the midst of his cancer battle alongside brother Elliot The GP was reassuring, but when Felix didnt want to get on a trampoline a week later with his identical twin Elliot, Colleen was worried enough to take him back. The doctor felt his tummy all over, Colleen recalls. Then she turned around and her face was a different colour. I said: You felt something didnt you?. She nodded. Colleen took Felix straight to the Royal Alexandra Childrens Hospital in Brighton where a scan showed a growth in his abdomen, and later that night, they were referred to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London. While his father Matt, now 52, a management consultant, scrambled childcare for Elliot and the twins elder sister Grace, Colleen struggled to take in the enormity of what was happening. It was only as the ambulance, with Matt following in the car, drew up outside the Marsden and she saw the words Institute of Cancer Research that the penny dropped. There was the starkest realisation something absolutely catastrophic was happening, recalls Matt. Felix was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a particularly aggressive form of childhood cancer. It starts in the nerve tissues and usually affects those under five. By the time children are diagnosed around 100 each year the disease has often already progressed to a high-risk stage. Four out of five children relapse after treatment and once relapsed, the survival rate is less than 10 per cent. Proud: Matt and Colleen White are comforted by the fact Felix's cells have since been used in the lab to help develop treatment for other sick children In treatment: The young boy remained happy and positive throughout his medical battles Felixs tumour, which was just above his left kidney, was stage four, the most advanced form. Our consultant, Professor Andy Pearson, was amazing at keeping us focused on the next step, says Colleen. He said: We are confident we can keep Felix going. And that was all we wanted to hear. Chemotherapy started the next day Felix had 19 rounds over 17 months to reduce the tumour, followed by surgery, then a bone marrow transplant and radiotherapy on the main site, and then on a secondary cancer at the back of his head. Felix approached all this with such amazing trust and grace, we were able to hold our own fear inside, because he felt none, Colleen says. He named his chemotherapy lines blasters. The drugs were Power Ranger juice and radiotherapy became beaming. Id wake and feel this overwhelming wave of horror that this terribly wrong thing is happening, then Felix would ask with a big smile: Are we blasting or beaming today? In the end, Elliot and all their four-year-old friends wanted blasters, too. At night, when Felix had fallen asleep, Colleen would sit up late reading research papers, feeling her heart fall apart. With no standard treatment protocols for relapsed neuroblastoma, many parents head to Europe or the U.S. to take part in clinical trials which offer a shred of hope. Trio: Elliot (left) and his twin brother, Felix, pictured with their elder sister, Grace When doctors in the UK could do no more, Matt and Colleen piled the kids into the car and drove to Germany where Felix could get a drug called ch14.18. A form of immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system, this has been successful in treating neuroblastoma but isnt available on the NHS due to the cost. A small charity, Solving Kids Cancer, paid the 60,000 for the treatment. But it was tough on Felix. He had to have injections in his legs and had side-effects such as itching and lost a lot of weight, says Matt. But at the end, we felt brilliant because we got a clear set of scans. We went on holiday to Mexico; Felix was on amazing form, and got fitter and fitter. We went back to Germany expecting the doctor to say: Youre done!. And Ill never forget his response. He said: Take a seat, its not over yet. Matt says he was more deeply shaken by those words than by the initial diagnosis. At diagnosis, you havent got a clue, he says. But by then I knew that if he relapsed, he couldnt be saved. We were both in a very bad state, but me more than Colleen. I didnt have any more hope, I felt totally lost. They walked back through the hospital together in silence to find Felix happily drawing. He looked at us with those blue eyes and we thought: Well what are we going to do? Give up? says Matt. Colleen did what she always does. She got on the phone and found out where the hope is. Thats pretty much what she did for the whole two-and-a-half years. Within a couple of hours, Colleen had Felixs doctor from the Marsden on a conference call with Dr John Maris, head of paediatric oncology at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia in the U.S. which offers clinical trial options for relapsed neuroblastoma not available anywhere else in the world. At the end of February 2011, Felix was given another form of immunotherapy. But he developed a stutter, and a scan showed the cancer had moved to his brain. Legacy: Sadly, on the morning of August 23, 2011, Felix had a fatal heart attack in NYC - but his death has helped countless other children Brain surgery is not normally attempted in neuroblastoma, but Colleens response was to talk to Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York, where another expert had expertise in removing tumours. Dr Maris considered, listened, discussed with other doctors and agreed to operate, says Colleen. Two days later, Felix had the tumour removed, and two hours after that he was sitting in bed eating a cheeseburger. Colleen and Matt never once considered giving up treatment. Felix was the happiest boy in the world, he wasnt tired, he wasnt depressed, and we always felt, that if anyone was going to survive this, it would be him, says Matt. We took all our cues from him and while he was happy and healthy we had to keep trying. Felix was the happiest boy in the world, he wasnt tired, he wasnt depressed, and we always felt, that if anyone was going to survive this, it would be him. Matt White Solving Kids Cancer paid for Felixs treatment in the U.S. too, a cost of around 300,000. No one asked: is this childs life worth this scan or surgery, Matt says. They said: You focus on Felix and we will take care of the bills. Then in June, four days after a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Disneyland, Felix complained his lungs hurt. And then I felt real panic because that was the first time Felix had suffered pain, and it was unbearable to me, says Colleen. Felix had more surgery, but following radiotherapy, he developed pneumonia. To give doctors a chance to clear Felixs lungs, he needed to be put into an induced coma with a ventilator to do his breathing. Colleen still finds thinking back to this moment unbearable. The hardest thing was that Felix was talking and laughing and playing Lego when the team came in and said: OK were ready to do it . . . It was really shocking. She falters, looking to Matt to find the words she cant say. I dont think any of us clocked that that was goodbye. As Grace and Elliot left, Felix said: See you guys tomorrow. Even when there was so little hope, we all had so much belief this would be just another procedure Felix would get through, says Colleen. Even his doctor said: Felix will show us the way. Maybe the little boy from England will be the one to beat this thing. The little boy from England never regained consciousness. Matt remembers talking to him and telling him stories and desperately watching his heart rate fluctuate on the monitors. Felix was by then so grey, so un-Felix, says Colleen. There was this constant internal struggle with wanting it all to be over for him, but being desperate not to let him go. During these unimaginable days, Colleen and Matt signed an agreement that in the event of their precious boys now inevitable death, his tumour cells could be drawn and used for research. We thought some good has to come from this, says Matt. On the morning of August 23, 2011, Felix had a heart attack. Matt was there, but Colleen had left briefly to get books and shoes for Grace and Elliot who were starting school the following week. We got in the car to go back to the hospital and Grace and I were crying, and Elliot looked out of the window and said very calmly: This is the way the story was always going to end. Until that moment I think we had done our job of protecting them from worry really, really well. Felix hung on until the family arrived. We were all with him, talking to him and stroking him, Colleen says. I said: Its OK, Felix knows the plan . . . And then we watched his heart rate drop to 75, 60, 40 then zero. And then it was over and everyone sat in silence. Elliot was sitting playing Lego, then he got up on the bed and straddled Felix, holding his arms like a marionette. For a moment it felt shocking, but for Elliot it was completely normal to want to feel what death meant for his twin. Felixs blood was drawn moments afterwards and his cells have since been used to help develop successive versions of a group of drugs, ALK inhibitors which turn off the cancer-causing ALK gene. When tested in mice with neuroblastoma, the survival rate was high; the new drug is now being put forward as frontline treatment for children with Felixs disease. WHAT IS NEUROBLASTOMA? Neuroblastoma is a rare type of cancer that mostly affects babies and young children. It develops from specialised nerve cells (neuroblasts) left behind from a baby's development in the womb. Neuroblastoma most commonly occurs in one of the adrenal glands situated above the kidneys, or in the nerve tissue that runs alongside the spinal cord in the neck, chest, tummy or pelvis. It can spread to other organs such as the bone marrow, bone, lymph nodes, liver and skin. It affects around 100 children each year in the UK and is most common in children under the age of 5. The cause is unknown. There are very rare cases where children in the same family are affected, but generally neuroblastoma doesn't run in families. Source: NHS Choices Advertisement The impact hes had on medical research is best described by Dr Yael Mosse, the doctor who drew his blood for the research. I am not sure I can begin to share with you the impact your beautiful son has had, she wrote to his parents. It is far-reaching and truthfully immeasurable. I can tell you that Felix is always with me, in everything I do in the lab and in the clinic. He is the overarching motivation for our work and I make sure everyone knows about his journey . . . And about the gift you shared with us when he died . . . I drew his blood myself at the deepest and darkest time for your family and when I walked his cells back to the lab, we vowed do better for other kids. This has been an immense privilege for me that I never take for granted. Thanks to Felix, were moving ALK inhibition upfront for kids newly diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma. Thanks to Felix, some very special children are living longer and with exceptional quality of life. Seven years on, Colleen doesnt feel the pain any less. Every milestone Elliot reaches is bittersweet: she sees Felixs life unlived and Elliot, now 13 and Grace, 16, feel it, too. There are times when the pain is so immense and so deep it takes my breath away. Matt is still haunted by horrific images from Felixs last weeks. But neither ever doubted they did the right thing in fighting to the very end. Felixs story is a love story, says Colleen. A love story with the saddest ending. The last day Colleen worked as a management consultant was February 13, 2009 the day she took Felix to the doctor. Shes now training to be a midwife. I knew I wanted to work in the NHS after all the amazing things it had done for Felix and our family, she says. The biggest fear for his parents is that beyond the family, Felix will be forgotten. But it is so unlikely that will happen. The bank of Felixs cancer cells has been officially changed from COG-426 to Felix, so every day, his name rings out in the lab where scientists work to find treatments to end the devastation of neuroblastoma. Felix White will never be forgotten, says Dr Maris. My own personal belief is that this is only just the beginning of the impact he will make on medical science. To help raise funds for the charity Solving Kids Cancer, a team of 100 Team Felix runners are tackling the Heroes Run in Brighton this Sunday May 13th. To donate go to justgiving.com/felixssuperheroes2018 The stricter opioid prescription monitoring programs that President Donald Trump is pushing to combat the addiction epidemic may have the unintended effect of driving more people to heroin, a new study suggests. Monitoring systems that require doctors to document and check the number, strength and frequency of opioid prescriptions that have been written for their patients were introduced in 2011. President Trump has emphasized the importance of strengthening these measures to his plan of attack against the opioid epidemic. It seems that doctors have been compliant, putting away their pens and prescribing less liberally. However, a new assessment of the monitoring program's effects on drug abuses and overdoses from Columbia University suggests that as prescriptions get harder to come by, more people may simply turn to more potent street drugs. President Donald Trump's plan for fighting the opioid epidemic leans heavily on prescription drug monitoring programs, but a new study shows they may drive people to illicit drugs Prescriptions of opioids are widely credited for starting the opioid epidemic - but for many people battling addiction, the road ends at heroin or fentanyl. Recent studies have shown that patients are prescribed some 60 percent more opioid painkillers after surgery than they use. Often, the drugs make their way into the hands of friends, family or strangers willing to pay cash for the leftover pills. An estimated 80 percent of people who are addicted to opioids started out taking prescription ones, such as the blockbuster drug OxyContin. Since 1990, prescriptions of these drugs have soared, increasing 350 percent between 1990 and 2015. President Trump, his opioid commission, and public health experts across the country have widely called for doctors to reign in their prescription rates. Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMP) have long been the go-to method for tracking who has prescribed what to patients, helping doctors to flag patients - and prescribers - who may be abusing the system by shopping for pills. Amid the current opioid crisis, which killed more than 64,000 Americans in 2016, monitoring programs are now either in place or in the works in all 50 states and Washington, DC. 'As such, it is crucial to determine if these programs are helping to reduce opioid overdoses,' said study first author David Fink. To that end, Fink - a doctoral candidate in epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health - and his team reviewed studies on the changes in fatal overdoses in areas as these programs have been implemented. 'The evaluations would also help us determine whether specific administrative features of PDMPs correlate with these outcomes and, if so, which elements are most influential,' Fink said. He and his team of collaborators from Columbia and the University of California, Davis looked at 17 different articles on the programs and overdose rates. Of those, 10 found links between the programs were linked to reductions in opioid overdoses - especially where physicians thoroughly and consistently reviewed patient prescribing histories. Where the programs were effective, the databases were also updated at least weekly, had closely-guarded systems for authorization and also documented prescriptions of drugs that are not listed on the Drug Enforcement Administration's list of scheduled controlled substances. These were all promising signs and shed important light on the factors that make monitoring perform its intended function. However, three of the previous articles revealed that monitoring could have the opposite of the desired effect. In some places, after monitoring programs were introduced, heroin deaths increased. 'This suggested to us that heroin substitution may have increased after PDMP-inspired restrictions on opioid prescribing,' said senior study author Dr Silvia Martins of Columbia University. 'We therefore caution that programs aimed at reducing prescription opioids should also address the supply and demand of illicit opioids.' For most toddlers, any trip to the doctor's is a nightmare - whether it's for a vaccine or a temperature check. And so, when tests showed four-year-old Michael DeMasi Jr was the only bone marrow match to save the lives of his infant twin brothers, his mother was concerned that it might be too terrifying for him. The little twins Giovanni and Santino were born with a rare devastating immune disease called chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), which makes them incredibly vulnerable to mild infections that can turn fatal. The only option to cure them, and save them from a lifetime in and out of hospital, was a bone marrow transplant - a heavy procedure for a child that involves removing stem cells from the donor and transplanting them in the recipient. To everyone's amazement, Michael didn't hesitate for a second: having been the baby of the family for years, he was excited to be a hero for his brothers. On March 8, he got his cells extracted, which were then transplanted into his brothers, who were able to come home from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for the first time in their lives on May 1. Indeed, Michael himself told the Washington Post: 'I saved them because Im a superhero!' Michael DeMasi Jr, four, with his twin brothers Gio and Sonny before donating bone marrow Coming home! The Philadelphia family (mom Robin pictured, right) rejoice last week as they head home for the first time since the boys were born in October 2017 WHAT IS CGD? Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD) affects only about 20 children born in the US each year. These babies' immune systems can fight of viral infections like the flu, but are nearly helpless against fungi and some bacteria. If a dangerous pathogen does find its way into either boy's body, their weak immune cells rush to attack it. Because the cells will not be able to eliminate the infection, they will simply gather at its site, forming a hard lump called a granuloma. If either Santino or Giovanni got a severe infection in their bones or skin, it could lead to dangerous abscesses in internal organs such as the lungs, liver and brain. The disease can be cured with a bone marrow transplant, but the process is complicated and it can be difficult to find a donor who is a perfect match. Advertisement 'He could have said "No Mommy, I'm too scared, and I don't want to," but he's ready to go and he's our real life superhero,' Michael's mother Robin Pownall told Fox 29. 'He says, "I'm going to save my baby brothers".' Despite affecting only about one in 200,000 to 250,000 individuals worldwide, Robin Pownall is very familiar with CGD. The mother-of-four has had three sons diagnosed with the rare immunodeficiency disease which puts individuals at significantly increased risk for infection. Her eldest son, now nine, was diagnosed after birth and cured not long after thanks to an umbilical cord transplant from an anonymous donor. This past October, Pownall gave birth to her twins, nicknamed 'Gio' and 'Sonny', and soon after learned the boys also had this rare disease. Without an available umbilical cord donation, the twins' next best chance at a cure was a bone marrow transplant. A bone marrow transplant is a procedure that infuses healthy blood stem cells from a donor into a recipient. Blood cells are created inside of the bone marrow and the goal of these transplants is to help sick patients replenish their own supply of blood cells with a fresh infusion of healthy cells from a non-diseased donor. In the case of CGD, the disease affects the immune system. This means a patient's white blood cells are less able to fight off invading pathogens, putting them at greater risk for disease and infection. Gio and Sonny spent the first six months of their lives in the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia The little boys were born with a rare disease that affects the immune system's ability to fight fungal and bacterial infections, meaning even a small infection could be lethal The boys are now doing much better after Michael's donation in early March A bone marrow transplant gives patients a fresh supply of healthy white blood cells. However, patients cannot receive a bone marrow donation from just anyone. Their donor must be an exact match or else put them at risk for serious illness. Pownall's second son, Michael, who has never had CGD, was confirmed as a match. According to Pownall, Michael showed no fear or hesitation when she explained the situation to him, and immediately volunteered to help out his baby brothers. 'OK, I saved you guys. It's time to go home,' Michael said in a Facebook video the family shared this week of the twins being brought home. In 70 percent of cases, patients do not have a fully matched donor within their family, a fact that makes the Demasi boys' story even more remarkable. Like all bone marrow transplant recipients, Gio and Sonny required chemotherapy prior to the procedure in order to prepare their bodies for the infusion. The family has been through a long and stressful experience, but today the twins are currently at home and doing well. The family has set up a GoFundMe page to cover medical costs and help get the family back on their feet following this ordeal. Nestle has announced it is paying $7.15billion (5.2billion) to sell Starbucks coffee to households through supermarkets and other food stores around the world. The deal does not involve any of Starbucks cafes, but will let Nestle sell Starbucks coffee in individual pods, expand sales of soluble coffee, as well as sell Starbucks bagged coffee. Starbucks brands will be rolled out into Nestles pod coffee machine brands, including Nespresso and Nescafe Dolce Gusto. Nestle said it expects the deal for a business with $2 billion in sales will start to add to its earnings by next year. Smooth: Nestle will be able to sell Starbucks' coffee beans to households to drink at home Its shares rose by 0.5 per cent in early trading, having fallen by more than eight per cent so far this year. The deal reinforces the Swiss consumer goods giants position as the worlds biggest coffee company in a fast-changing market. It will particularly add clout to its position in the United States, where it is only the fifth-largest player in the market, with less than five per cent of the market, according to Euromonitor. By comparison market leader Starbucks itself has only a 14 per cent shares, according to the analysts. It will also create greater opportunities for Nestle to sell its premium ranges to households around the world. Nestle said 500 Starbucks employees will transfer over to its business. However, they will remain in Seattle, the home of Starbucks headquarters for 47 years. This transaction is a significant step for our coffee business, Nestles largest high-growth category,' said Mark Schneider, chief executive of Nestle. With Starbucks, Nescafe and Nespresso we bring together three iconic brands in the world of coffee. We are delighted to have Starbucks as our partner. Both companies have true passion for outstanding coffee and are proud to be recognized as global leaders for their responsible and sustainable coffee sourcing. This is a great day for coffee lovers around the world.' Joining forces: Starbucks and Nestle are teaming up in a highly fragmented market The Nestle name will not appear on Starbucks products. 'We do not want the consumer to perceive that Starbucks is now part of a bigger family,' a Nestle source said. Starbucks said it plans to use the deal to return around $20billion in cash to shareholders in the form of share buybacks and dividends through the 2020 tax year. It said it expects the transaction to add to earnings per share by the end of the 2021 tax year at the latest, with no change to its currently stated long-term financial targets. The deal sees Nestle and Starbucks joining forces in what is a highly fragmented and competitive consumer drinks category, which Nestles new chief executive Mark Schneider last year identified as a strategic area for investment. JAB Holdings, the private investment firm of Europe's billionaire Reimann family, has fueled the consolidation wave with a series of deals including Douwe Egberts, Peet's Coffee & Tea and Keurig Green Mountain, narrowing the gap with Nestle. Going places: Sales of Starbucks coffee are likely to expand following the deal Meanwhile Nestle bought Texas-based Chameleon Cold-Brew in November and took a majority stake in Blue Bottle Coffee, a small upscale cafe chain, in September. Nestle, also the world's largest packaged food company, has partnered with rivals before, through licensing deals and joint ventures. Nestle sells General Mills' Haagen-Dazs brand in the United States and Hershey sells Nestle's KitKat in the United States. Nestle also has joint ventures with General Mills for cereal, Lactalis for dairy products and R&R for ice cream. Iconic: The Starbucks brand will remain and Nestle's branding will not be added to its packaging Starbucks, which in April reported a global drop in quarterly traffic to its established cafes, has been revamping its business as it battles high and low-end competition in its key home market. It sold its Tazo tea brand to Unilever for $384 million and closed underperforming Teavana retail stores. Starbucks is rapidly expanding its business in China, which it expects to one day be its largest market. It also plans to open 1,000 upscale Starbucks Reserve stores and a handful of Roastery coffee emporiums as part of a broad strategy to defend against high-end coffee rivals such as Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea and Blue Bottle. A former Playboy Playmate has told how she watched Donald Trump have sex with her best friend while his then-fiancee Marla Maples was pregnant with daughter Tiffany. German model Elke Jeinsen said she was with fellow Playmate Barbara Moore in New York in the summer of 1993 when Trump invited the two blonde beauties back to his luxury Trump Tower penthouse apartment. Jeinsen reveals that following a private meal and several glasses of champagne Trump invited her and Moore to his bedroom. She claims she then watched as her friend had sex with the business tycoon while she sat on a chair dressed in just lingerie. 'I was just sitting there and they got into a little sexual thing,' she recalls. 'They actually had sex together and I was watching it. Best friends: Former Playboy Playmate Elke Jeinsen (left) told DailyMailTV how she watched Donald Trump have sex with fellow Playmate Barbara Moore (pictured together) in 1993 Jeinsen says she remembers Trump was 'really into Barbara' and claims he was 'in love' with her friend. Moore shared a photo she took of Trump during her stay at Mar-A-Lago dated April 25, 1993 in the bottom right corner when Maples was around four months pregnant with their daughter Tiffany Jeinsen (left) who was roommates with Moore (pictured right with Hugh Hefner) in LA at the time, knew she was dating Trump - who at the time was an 'eligible bachelor' who regularly appeared on TV Jeinsen said she was not asked to join in on the romp, but admitted that in the beginning of the hook up she had thought 'maybe something would happen' 'It was like they didn't even know I was in the room, I didn't exist. 'He was really into Barbara.' The shocking claim comes following Moore's exclusive interview with DailyMailTV in which she revealed she had a steamy six-month affair with President Trump behind then pregnant fiancee Maples' back. The White House declined comment when contacted by DailyMail.com. The 49-year-old model claims she met the tycoon in March, 1993 three months after she became Playboy's Miss December centerfold and says the president was a 'great lover' and a true 'gentleman'. She also revealed she spent time with the billionaire at Mar-a-Lago and Trump Tower for secret romps. The German-born beauty was Playboy's Miss May 1993 And during this visit to Trump Tower in the summer of '93 Moore was joined by friend and roommate Jeinsen. Jeinsen, who was Playboy's Miss May 1993, recalls asking Moore to call 'her boyfriend'. Jeinsen who was roommates with Moore in LA at the time, knew she was dating Trump - an eligible bachelor who regularly appeared on TV. 'In 1993 I was Playmate centerfold, it was my year,' Jeinsen recalls. 'I remember we were in New York for a photo shoot, I think Victoria's Secret. 'I asked Barbara, 'why don't you call Donald, isn't he your boyfriend?' So she called and he was in his private jet, he landed somewhere and we met him at Trump Tower. 'We had a private dinner which was very, very nice, very delicious, and some champagne. 'We were able to order whatever we wanted, it was cooked and made for us, like the best from the best. Barbara Moore, 49, revealed to DailyMailTV earlier this month that she had a six-month affair with the president while his then-fiancee Marla Maples was pregnant. The Playboy model was 24 at the time and spent five days in his Mar-a-Lago estate (right) 'We were used to it because of the Playboy mansion with Hugh Hefner.' Jeinsen says at some point Trump showed where she was staying, a small guest room. She recalls: 'I wasn't impressed, on TV his place was all in gold, there was no gold in this room, I expected a little bit more. It was like a normal guest room. I expected like a suite with gold and silver, so I was a little disappointed.' Then the experienced model says that after dinner the two women joined Trump in his master bedroom. Speaking with a thick German accent, she recalls: 'We were talking, laughing, drinking, sitting on his bed and then he started to undress Barbara and make out with her. 'We were sitting there sexy-dressed and Barbara got slowly sexy undressed. She was beautiful and he was totally into her and he helped undress her. We were Playboy girls, we were used to being sexy and playing. 'I was sitting there half undressed, not naked but in lingerie, and then they started kissing and making out. 'I was not included in the sex, but I was included in the conversation beforehand so it was strange for me.' As things turned steamy Jeinsen retreated but only as far as a chair in the corner of the room. Jeinsen agreed with Moore that Trump was a 'gentleman' and recalled hanging out in Trump's suite where the three 'laughed and drank' while sitting on his bed The two models where in New York City on a job when Jeinsen suggested Moore call her 'boyfriend' Donald The bombshell blonde said the two were 'sitting there sexy-dressed' when Trump began undressing Moore and kissing her She sat and watched as Moore and the billionaire had sex. Jeinsen adds: 'Then I didn't get any attention anymore, they slipped under the covers and they had sex so I left the room.' The beauty said that at no point did Trump invite her to join in with him and Moore for a threesome, a fact which surprised her. 'At the beginning when he invited me into his suite I thought maybe something would happen, he was good looking at this time and we were young, naive and happy and we didn't have any problem,' she says. 'We lived our lives and we enjoyed every minute and it was all beautiful, so maybe for a moment I did think I was part of it, but then when they were making out and he was totally into her, kissing her, I knew it's not just a one time thing, it was real.' Instead Jeinsen left Moore and Trump to enjoy their intimacy and she went to sleep in the guest room. She added: 'I was not jealous, Barbara was my best friend and I knew they had something before.' Jeinsen, now a 51-year-old fitness instructor living in Los Angeles, agreed with Moore that Trump was a 'gentleman' that night. She recalls having fun talking with the real estate tycoon during dinner. 'It was all about sexy women and about his business trips, about his jets, his cars, what he has. We talked about different countries, where I am from, he loved women, he loves playing, he loves fashion shows,' she said. 'He remembered me from a fashion show, he was very nice, he was a gentleman.' The following morning Jeinsen believes Trump had already left by the time her and Moore woke up. She recalls them having breakfast before a limousine came to take them to the airport for a flight back to LA. 'I didn't have a chance to say goodbye to Donald,' she recalls. Moore, who met Trump while on a job at his Atlantic City, NJ hotel in 1993, shared multiple personal photos of her stay at Mar-A-Lago Weeks after their tryst in Atlantic City, the model said Trump called her up and flew her first-class to his mansion pictured) in Florida 'But yeah, Barbara was happy, she had a smile on her face. She came into my room and she said, 'oh my goodness, I had a great night. I'm so happy.' It was fantastic and we laughed with each other and I was happy for her. For Jeinsen, who at the height of her career had appeared on a record 19 international editions of Playboy, the night was memorable. And once back home in LA she remembers talking a lot more with her best friend Moore about her relationship with Trump. 'Barbara told me she really liked him,' she said. 'He was an attractive, very nice, experienced man, he was obviously older. He was very charming and I think she had a crush on him and she was a little bit in love with him and I definitely know he was in love with her too. 'So after I saw them having sex together I knew that for sure.' It wasn't until much later, however, that the two women discovered Trump's shocking double life. 'I did not know that he was engaged with a pregnant woman, we both did not know,' recalls Jeinsen. 'I could not believe it. When Barbara found out she was in shock, because he obviously didn't tell her at the time. 'He never even mentioned a word about her (Marla Maples).' Jeinsen said she and Moore had considered that Trump might be a playboy and that he may have other women in the wings. Moore (pictured at right) also had a role as a sexy Fembot in hit movie Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery in 1997 Moore, who also had a role in Baywatch, had said she was besotted with her new billionaire lover at the time revealing POTUS is a 'great lover' between the sheets and said the sex was 'normal' But not for a second did they think he was getting married and his wife-to-be was pregnant. Jensen added: 'Barbara was pretty upset. She was disappointed and upset when she found out.' Despite Trump's cheating, Jeinsen, like her friend of 30 years Moore, is an avid Trump supporter. 'To be honest with you, I voted for Donald Trump. I'm a fan of Donald Trump, I like him,' she explains. She and Moore, who lives in Phoenix, Arizona, are still close today. Moore first revealed her six-month affair with Trump, which ran from March to September 1993, on DailyMailTV earlier this month. She said she was besotted with her new billionaire lover at the time revealing POTUS is a 'great lover' between the sheets and said the sex was 'normal'. And in a series of stunning photos obtained by DailyMailTV the blonde beauty is seen posing up in a bikini amid the opulent surroundings of Mar-a-Lago in the private residence of Trump during her visit there. She even took a photo of the president flexing his muscles on a sun lounger by the mansion's swimming pool. Moore said: 'It was a passionate affair, he was a great lover and a gentleman. 'But at the time I didn't know he was with someone else, let alone engaged to Marla Maples and it was only recently I learned she was pregnant at the time. This has shocked me, but I don't hold it against Donald, he was a great lover and I think he's a great president.' DailyMail.com reached out to the White House for comment. A source familiar with the matter said the president said these are more false accusations. Moore's revelations come amid a cloud of controversy surrounding his alleged flings with porn star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who both claim to have slept with Trump while he was with current wife Melania. But while Daniels and McDougal have both publicly criticized the president, Moore is far more complimentary. She met the billionaire at Trump's Castle Casino hotel, a former Trump owned property in Atlantic City, New Jersey in March, 1993. As Miss December, 1992 Moore was hired by Playboy to do a fashion show at the posh casino hotel. She flew out to New Jersey with five other playmates and a chaperone and recalls being excited at meeting the high flying businessman made famous by his best-selling 1987 book Trump: The Art of the Deal. Former Playboy model Karen McDougal (pictured with Trump in 2006) claims to have had a 10-month affair with Trump while he was married to Melania Trump The two women claim neither of them knew about his relationship with Maples or the fact that she was pregnant with Trump's child She said she met the tycoon at a cocktail party after the show and he invited her back to his suite. He instantly charmed her, said she was 'beautiful' and 'classy' and showed interest in her career before bedding her on the first night. A few weeks later at the end of April, 1993 Trump flew Moore first class to Palm Beach, Florida to spend time with him at Mar-a-Lago. She took a friend with her. Moore and the fellow playmate stayed at the impressive $200million Mar-a-Lago estate for five nights. And Moore shared stunning photos of her at the property with DailyMail.com. In one photo Moore poses up with Trump's personal chef in the kitchen holding a Mimosa. In another she's sat on a sofa in an opulent living area, surrounded by ornate lamps and glittering chandeliers. Behind her are four photo frames, three are Trump family photos and the fourth is a cover of Fortune magazine featuring the billionaire. The young woman walked the historic corridors and popped her head into each sumptuous room filled with rivers of marble, carved stone, gold leaf, oriental rugs, and 16th century Flemish tapestries. In other happy snaps Moore is seen lazing around the Mar-a-lago beach and by the pool. She even had a photo of the red-carpeted stairs leading up to Trump's master bedroom. In one shot Moore took of Trump looking relaxed and flexing his muscles on a sun lounger the stamp is dated April 25, 1993 in the bottom right corner when the businessman's fiancee Maples will have been around four months pregnant with their daughter Tiffany. After her dreamland visit to Mar-a-Lago, Moore and Trump regularly spoke over the phone. As well as the trip to New York with Jeinsen Moore stayed with Trump at his opulent Trump Tower penthouse apartment for a second time. 'It was really over the top, what a place,' she said. 'But I remember from that trip was that we just hung out at his place, ate food, watched movies, had sex.' Eventually the relationship fizzled out in and around September 1993 when their calls to each other dried up. A month later Trump welcomed his daughter Tiffany into the world, she was born October 13. And in December that same year the billionaire married Maples, also a model, in a lavish New York ceremony with over 1,100 guests. Moore remembers reading in the newspaper that Trump had married. 'That made so much sense to me because I was like wondering why was this relationship was getting distant? 'But I was still shocked when I found out, because he was obviously with her at the same time as he was with me. 'I never knew. What's worse is that she was pregnant and gave birth before they married, that I didn't know until recently.' Moore, who later appeared in Baywatch and was a sexy Fembot in hit movie Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery in 1997, is a registered Republican and a big supporter of the president having voted for him in the election. She added: 'I think he's doing a great job and there's more to come. I feel safe with him in charge.' When Amy Whitehouse fell in love, she didn't mention to her nearest and dearest that 'the one' was a homeless man living in a tent. The 24-year-old care worker was so infatuated when she met 23-year-old Alan Stewart at a bus stop that she moved into his tent. After a chance meeting when Alan dropped his bag back in 2014, the couple have saved up enough money to travel the world. Ms Whitehouse from Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, told the Daily Star Sunday: 'When I met Alan at the bus stop he was kind, polite and interesting, so I decided not to let the fact he was homeless put me off him or judge him.' But now that they have built a life together, she says she has been vindicated and urged people not to judge people based on appearance. Amy Whitehouse and Alan Stewart have travelled through Europe and Asia despite him being homeless when they met. Amy has told others never to judge a person on looks Mr Stewart started sleeping rough after his parents kicked him out of their home because of his drinking and drug habits. At the time he met the love of his life, he was staying in homeless shelters and said he was surprised when Ms Whitehouse looked past his situation and saw him as a person. Just a week after they met, the pair arranged to go on a date. It was then that Mr Stewart told her that he was homeless. But impressed by the 'quirky and interesting' man she had met, Ms Whitehouse said the fact he didn't have a permanent address was just 'a small part' of who he was. Amy Whitehouse and Alan Stewart fell in love after meeting at a bus stop and have since travelled the world Once dating, they began to discuss their mutual dreams of traveling. And when Mr Stewart secured a factory job in 2015, he even moved out of his hostel and into a tent to save cash. And Ms Whitehouse, who was a live-in carer for the elderly, moved in with him. They pitched up in a forest and she admitted it was 'a bit scary' at first. But she said she began to appreciate the beauty of her natural surroundings. By 2016 they had saved 10,000 at which point they quit their jobs to travel Europe for a year. Alan Stewart moved out of his hostel and into a tent to save enough money to go around the world with his girlfriend Returning in February last year, they moved back into their humble home. But by October 2017, they had saved another 9,000 to travel Asia. Ms Whitehouse says they may live in a house one day, as they hope to have children. 'But at the moment we love feeling free and having adventures,' she said. An infant was killed over the weekend after at least one dog mauled her in a Los Angeles home when her grandmother stepped away to get a bottle. Los Angeles police said the mauling happened Saturday afternoon around 3.25pm in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood. Three-month-old Gaia Nova died at a hospital. 'It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we share with you the passing of the baby. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends,' LAPD Capt. Lillian Carranza with the Van Nuys Area tweeted. Three-month-old Gaia Nova was mauled to death Saturday afternoon inside a Los Angeles home (pictured) Police said Gaia's grandmother had stepped away to get a bottle when the attacked occurred Carranza also said the Mayor's Crisis Response Team 'will be by the familys side during this difficult time'. Authorities said the girl's grandmother was babysitting and had briefly stepped away to get a bottle when the attack happened. Animal control officers took custody of a 98-pound Rottweiler, an 89-pound Labrador and a 10-pound terrier, which were all family pets at the home. It is unclear which, or how many, of the dogs attacked the baby. But DNA samples were taken to determine which dog or dogs were responsible for the attack. Carranza told the Los Angeles Times that the family is extremely distraught and that next Sunday would have been the first Mother's Day for the infant's mom. She said it's a 'true tragedy' with no indication of neglect or criminal intent. Animal control officers took custody of a 98-pound Rottweiler, an 89-pound Labrador and a 10-pound terrier, which were all family pets at the home Gina Haspel offered to withdraw her nomination as CIA director on Friday Gina Haspel, President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Central Intelligence Agency, offered to withdraw her nomination, two senior administration officials said Sunday. Haspel was concerned that a debate over harsh interrogation programs would tarnish her reputation and that of the CIA, but was convinced by top Trump aides to remain in the nomination process, the officials said. On Friday, Haspel expressed her concerns and senior White House aides, including legislative affairs head Marc Short and press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, rushed to CIA Headquarters to meet with her, the Washington Post reported. Haspel was said to be concerned about debate over her involvement in the CIA's now-defunct program of detaining and brutally interrogating terror suspects after 9/11 as she prepared for Wednesday's confirmation hearing. Haspel, seen last week, was said to be concerned about debate over her involvement in the CIA's now-defunct practice of waterboarding ahead of her confirmation hearing Wednesday The officials said Haspel, who is the acting director of the CIA, was reassured that her nomination was still on track and will not withdraw. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. Haspel, who would be the first woman to lead the CIA, is the first career operations officer to be nominated to lead the agency in decades. She served the agency for 33 years, almost all of them undercover, and much of her record is classified. Democrats say she should be disqualified because she was the chief of base at a covert detention site in Thailand code-named Cat's Eye. Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri was waterboarded three times while Haspel ran the prison There, Al-Qaeda suspect Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, accused of bombing the USS Cole, was waterboarded three times while Haspel ran the prison, the New York Times reported. Haspel also came under criticism over a 2005 decision to destroy tapes of harsh CIA interrogations, an order issued by then-CIA Deputy Director for Operations Jose Rodriguez while she was his chief of staff. However, an internal investigation cleared her of wrongdoing in the destruction of the tapes. Haspel has told lawmakers in recent weeks that she would stand firm against any effort to restart the brutal detention and interrogation program, administration officials told The Associated Press on Friday. She is expected to reiterate that publicly this week. Haspel, one official said, was wary of suffering the same fate as failed veterans affairs nominee Ronny Jackson and of dredging up the CIA's troubled past. A mock demonstration of waterboarding is seen at a 2008 demonstration. The CIA has discontinued the practice and Haspel has vowed it will not be brought back She took over last month as the acting CIA director after the previous director, Mike Pompeo, was sworn in as secretary of state. After her offer to withdraw, White House aides worked to reassure her that she had the president's support. As with other nominations, this one hit a roadblock but is back on track, said a third administration official familiar with the effort to get her confirmed. Haspel's conversations with senators continue ahead of Wednesday's confirmation hearing at the Senate Intelligence Committee and a later full vote in the Senate. In addition, the CIA has sent materials to the Senate, some classified, that the lawmakers can read to better understand not only her work in the Counterterrorism Center, which oversaw the harsh interrogation program, but also other aspects of her 33-year career, including more than 30 years undercover. She has received robust backing from former intelligence, diplomatic, military and national security officials, who praise her extensive intelligence career. On the opposing side are groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union, which says she should have stood up against the interrogation practices then. Raj Shah, a White House spokesman, on Sunday called Haspel a highly qualified nominee. 'Her nomination will not be derailed by partisan critics who side with the ACLU over the CIA on how to keep the American people safe,' he said. If her nomination is successful, Haspel would be the first female to serve as permanent director of the CIA. Antony White (pictured) said proposals to punish newspapers by forcing them to pay huge legal bills even if they won a case would be 'struck down' by the courts A 'chilling' assault on Press freedom by Labour would be illegal, a leading QC has warned. Antony White said proposals to punish newspapers by forcing them to pay huge legal bills even if they won a case would be 'struck down' by the courts. He said 'disadvantageous' amendments tabled by anti-media campaigner Tom Watson, Labour's deputy leader, would violate human rights laws. Mr Watson's measures would apply to any newspaper that refused to sign up to the state-approved Press regulator. There is only one regulator with official recognition, Impress, which is funded almost entirely through a family trust by ex-Formula 1 boss Max Mosley, whose racist past was exposed by the Daily Mail. Mr Watson has accepted 540,000 in donations from the former motor racing chief, who has been an ardent supporter of state-backed Press regulation since being exposed for taking part in an S&M orgy with prostitutes. Almost all national and local newspapers, including the Daily Mail, are members of the Independent Press Standards Organisation, which is entirely free of state control. The proposals echo the heavily criticised Section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act, which Culture Secretary Matt Hancock has refused to implement. The draconian amendments, which critics claim amount to 'blackmail', would force newspapers not signed up to Impress to pay all legal costs in data protection cases even if they were successful. Impress members would be exempt from the punitive regime. In a legal opinion for the News Media Association, Mr White said Mr Watson's amendments to the Data Protection Bill could be a breach of Articles 10, 14 and 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects freedom of expression, safeguards against discrimination and guarantees a fair trial. He said 'disadvantageous' amendments tabled by anti-media campaigner Tom Watson (pictured), Labour's deputy leader, would violate human rights laws He said: 'In my view... the disadvantageous costs regime imposed... on media publishers which make the lawful and principled choice to join Ipso and not to join Impress violates these directly effective Charter rights.' If enacted, they would be 'liable to be struck down by the UK courts'. The top barrister said: 'Parliament cannot lawfully enact legislation which is incompatible with directly applicable EU law measures.' He added: 'It is a fundamental principle of public law that it is unlawful to punish a person who has done nothing wrong.' The proposed changes, which go before MPs on Wednesday, would make it harder to carry out investigative journalism and protect the identity of sources who reveal wrongdoing, meaning that criminals, corrupt business leaders and cheating MPs could avoid being exposed. Attack on papers spares Guardian Labour's bid to force newspapers into state-backed regulation contains an extraordinary loophole that would exempt just two national newspapers the Labour-supporting Guardian and Observer. Proposals put forward by deputy leader Tom Watson would expose all national newspaper groups to punishing legal bills every time someone chose to sue them, even if the newspaper won. It would apply to any newspaper that refused to sign up to the state-approved regulator Impress, funded almost entirely by ex-Formula 1 boss Max Mosley, whose racist past was exposed by the Mail. Mr Mosley has also given 540,000 to fund Mr Watson's private office. Almost all national and local newspapers, including the Daily Mail, are members of Ipso, which is free of state control and operates an arbitration scheme giving the public means to sue newspapers without the ruinous cost of going to court. The Guardian and The Observer have no independent regulator and no arbitration scheme. But Mr Watson's proposed new law would not apply to a publisher that ploughs all profits back into the business. That would lift the threat of extra legal costs from The Guardian and The Observer, which are controlled by the Scott Trust. Its rules say that if the loss-making papers move into profit the money would be put back into their newspaper and website operation. It would mean national newspapers that supported Labour but do not belong to an independent regulator and do not offer arbitration the two most persistent demands of critics of the Press would not be hit by the proposed punitive costs regime. Advertisement Rich and powerful people who feared they were under investigation could drag media companies through the courts in the knowledge that it would not cost them a penny, threatening the survival of many struggling titles. Mr White's nine-page legal opinion stated: 'There is no doubt that the markedly less favourable costs regime imposed on defendants who are not members of an approved regulator will have a chilling effect on the journalistic activities of publishers who have chosen not to join Impress. 'They will inevitably be less willing to investigate and publish articles about living individuals which might attract claims for breach of the data protection legislation. 'That chilling effect will have an impact even where a publisher believes it has grounds to defend such a claim, because the effect of [the clause] is that it will be unlikely to recover its costs even if the claim fails.' Mr Hancock's Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said the amendments 'would undermine a free Press and high-quality, investigative journalism'. The new Data Protection Bill aims to strengthen rights and empower individuals to have more control over their personal information, while slapping heavy fines on organisations that do not safeguard sensitive data. It has an exemption for journalists who access and store personal information without consent when reporting news in the public interest. Major Adam Jowett, who was sent on a terrifying mission which saw him come face-to-face with the Taliban in Afghanistan The news was ominous. One of our jets circling over Musa Qala the besieged Afghanistan town I and my understrength Para company were desperately defending from the Taliban had spotted a large gathering of men on the edge. Five hundred of them! It sent a shock-wave through the ops room. We knew the enemy were expecting reinforcements, but not that many. Tomorrow could be a little tasty, sir, my sergeant-major remarked dryly. Just a little, I agreed. How are we on ammo? Ive dished the last of it out, he replied. If we do have to kill 500, well be doing the last couple with bayonets. It was a sobering thought. If a big push came from those forces gathering in the desert, it truly would be a battle to the last bullet. It was a tense day. Nerves on edge, I almost leapt from my skin as two mortar rounds crashed into the compound. In the early evening, we were told by those in spy planes monitoring the gathering at the edge of the town that it had finally broken up, but no positive identification had been made of who they were. I expected that wed find out in the morning. I took a moment to consider what lay ahead. We were heavily outnumbered and running out of ammunition. If it came to it, we would fight to the end. Surrender was not an option. But the odds didnt look good and, like every other man in the company, I marked out my last magazine. When I was down to my last few rounds, I would make sure I died upright and fighting. Better that than the alternative of falling into the hands of the Taliban, which was far worse than death. What went through my mind was the poem Rudyard Kipling wrote about an earlier Afghan war, The Young British Soldier, and in particular, its final verse: When youre wounded and left on Afghanistans plains, And the women come out to cut up what remains, Jest roll to your rifle and blow out your brains An go to your Gawd like a soldier. Not much had changed in Afghanistan in the past 150 years. Not much had changed in war, either. Tomorrow, our enemy would come and try to kill us, and it was my job my duty to see they died instead. That night surrounded by the enemy, with my back to the wall and no way out against all odds I slept soundly. The next morning, men stirred earlier than usual, brewing up and lighting cigarettes. A harrowing photo from Major Jowett's book 'No Way Out: The Searing True Story of Men Under Siege' Despite knowing that the day promised a major clash against vastly superior numbers, they were at ease, just wanting to get the job done. Lets get into position, I ordered, and they pulled on their battered helmets and made their way to the walls and roof-tops of the compound to face the enemy. But as the sun rose, there was not a flicker of movement in the town. Where the f*** are they? a voice called out, but there was no sign of the black-robed Taliban fighters. Only silence. I dared raise myself to one knee to look out, but no one fired at me. The men fidgeted behind rifles and guns. They had pumped themselves up for the mother of all dawn contacts, and instead their crosshairs were empty. What did it mean? Were they biding their time? Could it be a ruse? Apparently not. We waited hours before I stood the men down. The rest of the day crawled by, and it was 6pm when I got a message to call HQ in Camp Bastion on the satphone. A voice at the other end said: Im not really sure how to tell you this, Adam, but tomorrow you need to leave the compound and meet with the Taliban to co-ordinate a ceasefire. I burst into laughter, wondering which of my Army friends was impersonating the CO, Colonel Stuart Tootal. Nice try, you w**ker, I said and hung up. He was back on within minutes. I can see why you would think its a wind-up, Adam, he said stoically, but its not. Tomorrow, I need you to walk out of the main gate, alone, and meet them. A military aircraft flies over Afghanistan - an image from Major Jowett's book 'No Way Out: The Searing True Story of Men Under Siege' In all of the what-ifs I had played out in my mind, talking to the Taliban had never been one. As Tootals words sunk in, I couldnt help thinking there was every chance I could be the next Westerner to feature in one of the Talibans infamous videos, my head hacked from my shoulders. My death posted on social media. I tried to push away such images and concentrate on what the order actually meant but it felt very strange. For the British Army to talk to the enemy was unheard of, not only here, but in any conflict I could think of. Why was it happening? But apparently the people of Musa Qala had simply had enough. Their town had been reduced to a shooting range that was a death sentence for civilians to enter, and so tribal leaders and elders had approached the British and the Taliban with one simple message stop destroying our town, and let us live our lives. The huge gathering of 500 finally made sense. It had been a shura between tribes, villages and the Taliban. I could assume their involvement, for without their consent, there could be no talks, let alone a working ceasefire. I called in the NCOs and platoon commanders, who were stunned by the news. A ceasefire? Freddie growled, finding the words unpalatable. Thats right, I said. Tomorrow at 1000 hours, Im to go out and meet with them. What the f***? he swore. You cant do that, boss. Thats b***ocks. What if they just want to grab you as a hostage? That was my thought exactly but I had my orders. I told them to arrange gun teams and snipers on the wall to cover me. I tried to appear confident. I dont want to talk to the Taliban any more than anyone else does, I said, but lets be positive. A ceasefire means no more of our boys being killed. I would need an Afghan interpreter with me, and from the three we had I chose Naz in his 20s, intelligent and steady. I briefed him and he agreed to do it. At his request I gave him a pistol, even though it was absolutely against the rules to arm a civilian. I told him: Once were out there, youll stand at my shoulder. Ill look the person Im speaking to in the eye, and make regular pauses for you to translate. When you translate what theyre saying to me, give me as much extra information as you can. How are they saying it? Is there something in their manner that we need to be aware of? He, in turn, had advice for me on how to pay respect to Afghan elders. With tensions high, we could not risk an unintended slight. Treat them like you would an uncle or a favourite cousin, Naz insisted. Be friendly and open. Theyll like that. They probably have never talked to a man from England before. I gave him a final word of warning. If it all goes bad, pull your pistol, put down any Taliban that are close enough to grab us, and then sprint to the main gate. He smiled, knowing as well as I did that if anything went wrong, we would never make it back. For the rest of the night I had one soldier after another telling me I was crazy. They thought there was not a prayer Id get out alive. They also feared that a ceasefire was a cop-out, a dishonour, that we were jacking it in. I tried to reassure them. We werent giving up. Two snipers crouch down behind a wall in Afghanistan - an image from Major Jowett's book 'No Way Out: The Searing True Story of Men Under Siege' On the contrary, wed fought them to a standstill. Now was a chance to help the local people get their lives back. I delivered the words with outward sincerity. But did I believe them? It didnt matter. We were soldiers, and our mission had been switched from killing the enemy, to talking to them. I think its going to go well, I said cheerily. But when I was on my own, I allowed myself to accept the danger I was about to put myself in. What kind of idiocy was it to walk into a gathering of men who for weeks had been trying to kill me and my soldiers and some days, succeeding? I remembered talk of a Canadian officer who had sat down to speak with Afghans at a peaceful shura, only to have an axe buried in his head. Even if the Taliban did want to parley, it would only take one man to step out of line and kill me. There was every chance my lifespan could be measured in hours. What would my family say? Id go down in history as the clown who thought he could saunter out and talk to the Taliban! It was absolute madness, I told myself, and I felt my legs shaking with nerves. My God, I have a wife and two kids, and Im never going to see them again. Im never going to see them because Im the fool being sent on a fools errand. A suicide mission. But then a calm acceptance came over me. I had a job to do. Id do it, and face the consequences. The next morning, Naz and I walked to the main gate. I could see the wall of our compound was thick with my men, as Id requested. Heavy machine-guns were positioned to shoot down the road to where the meeting would be. Snipers were also there, rifles ready. Outside, a crowd of 100 Afghans was building. They appeared unarmed. So far, so good. My men pulled down the barricade of bed-frames and scrap that formed our gate. Even now they were urging me not to go. They were certain it was a trick. I checked my appearance clean combats, pockets secured. How do I look? I asked. Good, sir, they mumbled, and I could see in their eyes that they were taking their final mental picture of me. I had been a Guardsman before I joined the Paras, and I put that to use now, striding towards the gathering with perfect posture, confidence in my every step. But I had never felt more scared. From the number of people outside, one thing was immediately clear if I were grabbed, there would be no way to escape. In such a situation, the men on the wall had their orders to let rip with their rifles. Do not let us be taken alive. As I emerged into the open and looked at the throng waiting for me, there was no mistaking the Taliban in their dark garments, their faces young and arrogant. The civilian tribal leaders were older and looked more friendly. I took off my helmet to show I was unafraid, made a beeline for the eldest and shook his hand. He responded with a warm smile. My translator, Naz, told me this man was the mayor of Musa Qala. I was introduced to more elders. Each explained which village he came from, and I surprised myself by feeling my trepidation begin to slip away. I had survived the first 20 seconds, which I had always foreseen would be the most dangerous, and I could not smell or see an ounce of agitation in the men around me. They had come to do business. They were not about to explode into violence. There were some 30 Taliban, their leaders hard-looking bastards to a man, gaunt and sun-baked, with thick black beards beneath faces of stone. To see them so close and unarmed was more bizarre than frightening. A reminder that I was in uncharted waters. The mayor introduced them, too, finishing with the man who, as was clear from his bearing, was the enemy commander, Mullah Ghulam Sadiq. His handshake was firm, his eyes penetrating, but he displayed no outward hostility. I expect he was as curious as I was to see who he had been trying to kill, and who had been killing him and his men. I did not greet them with the same warmth I had displayed to the village elders. I wanted them to know from my manner that they could do business with me, but as a solider, I would rather be fighting. I imagined Sadiq felt the same. Then the talks began. We can stop the fighting here, and allow the people of this town to come back, I said, and everyone nodded vigorously. The mayor made a speech in which he berated both sides for all the destruction they had rained down on Musa Qala. The crowd had closed in to better hear him speak, and I realised I would now be lost to the eyes of my men particularly the sharpshooters on the wall. But my gut feeling was that I did not have to worry. So far, this was going well, and I had faith that it was going to work. Lance Corporal Paul Muirhead who died from wounds sustained during a Taliban attack on his base in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in 2006 When the mayor had finished, I looked at the Taliban commander and said firmly: We wont come for you. Not because I dont want to, but because Ive been ordered not to. 'You wont come for us either. If you dont come for us, then theres no need for us to fight. Sadiq thought over the words, then growled out a few of his own. He doesnt want to stop either, Naz translated, but he has been ordered, too. We dont need to be happy about this, I told Sadiq. But we need to make it work for them. I gestured to the elders. I promise that we can stop shooting. There will be no artillery. No bombing. As long as you will not come for us. Agreed? He pulled on his beard for a few moments and then gave a begrudging nod. I put out my hand, and he shook it. The ceasefire had begun. More handshakes and farewells were needed before we could leave without causing offence. The walk back seemed a lot shorter than the one out. Coming in through the gate, I wanted to lie down and just thank God I was alive. Then I called HQ with my report. Well done on not buggering it up or dying, I was told in typical Army fashion. And what was my gut feeling, I was asked. Would the ceasefire really hold? I answered optimistically: I really think it will, sir. But there was still a sense of confusion and frustration among the men of Easy Company. They asked: Why are we talking with them, boss? They killed our mates. Have we done all of this for nothing? I did my best to convince them otherwise, but soldiers are full of pride we have been raised that way by the Army for good reason. And ceasefire smacked of surrender. Thats not what it is, I insisted. Weve fought them to a standstill. Weve done our job. Now, we can see that Musa Qala gets back to normal. Soon, shops were re-opening and the market was coming back to life. We even provided Sadiq with a mobile phone which he was reluctant to take because the Taliban ruled that owning one was punishable by death. But I told him it was important he and I could talk at once if some unforeseen incident was misinterpreted as hostile action. He agreed, and the hotline was soon used when some civilians engaged in celebratory fire. He and I even talked about our experiences. We hate your planes, he admitted, mimicking the sound of an A10 support aircraft on a strafing run. Good, I thought. As we chatted, I almost forgot for a moment that these were the enemy who had not only killed and injured my men, but also were prone to drowning Afghans in buckets should they have been caught talking to, or supporting, us. I was in the company of killers, and I needed not to forget it. It was a bizarre period. I was free to wander the marketplace to order stores and food that would make the companys life more palatable. On these shopping trips, my interpreter and I would bump into Taliban fighters there to purchase their own provisions. Of all the situations I had foreseen happening on this tour in Afghanistan, being alongside the Taliban as we bartered for goats was not among them. But we would exchange salaams and both go on our way. Meanwhile, in the rest of Helmand province, the war was going on as normal. The two sides killing and maiming. While we stood on the sidelines. It didnt seem right. And there was still another big question. When and how were we actually going to get out of here? Adapted from No Way Out: The Searing True Story of Men Under Siege by Adam Jowett, published by Macmillan on May 15 at 18.99. Adam Jowett 2018. To order a copy for 15.19 (offer valid to May 22, 2018; p&p free), visit mailshop.co.uk/books or call 0844 571 0640. Unemployment could be set to fall to levels not seen since the 1950s as Britain's jobs market continues to boom. In a major vote of confidence for the economy, Oxford Economics, one of Britain's most respected think-tanks, says the jobless rate could fall to levels not far off the 2-3 per cent average of the 1950s and 1960s. While the UK economy has got off to a slow start to the year, unemployment is at its lowest level in 43 years - and is much lower than in the eurozone, where the number of people out of work is painfully high. Unemployment could be set to fall to levels not seen since the 1950s as Britain's jobs market continues to boom. Stock photo Unemployment fell to 4.2 per cent in the three months to February, the lowest rate since 1975, according to the Office for National Statistics - less than half the 8.5 per cent jobless rate on the continent. The latest figures show the number of people in work rose to a record high of 32.26 million - up by 427,000 compared to a year ago and by 505,000 since the Brexit vote. But Martin Beck, the chief UK economist at think-tank Oxford Economics, says there is a chance the UK could 'return to genuine full employment', providing a major boost to Britain's jobseekers. He argues the current UK jobs market shares parallels with that of the 1950s and 1960s, when unemployment averaged 2-3 per cent and peaked at 3.5 per cent in 1969. Unemployment is at its lowest level in 43 years - and is much lower than in the eurozone, where the number of people out of work is painfully high. Stock photo In 1955, the proportion of the population out of work sank to just 1.55 per cent as the then Government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Eden, made boosting employment one of its top priorities. Back then, as it is now, wages went through a prolonged period of rising more slowly than output, meaning it was cheaper and more attractive to businesses to hire workers. Between 2010 and 2017, real wages fell by an average of 0.3 per cent a year, while productivity grew by an average of 0.7 per cent a year. With unemployment at its lowest levels in 43 years, experts believe wages will pick up and exceed productivity in the next few years - but only marginally, therefore keeping Britain's jobless rate down. Mr Beck said: 'If the factors holding back pay were to persist, alongside a catch-up in the UK productivity, a return to a 1950s and 1960s jobless rate is possible, provided that the Bank of England did not take fright at further declines in the unemployment rate.' An elderly mother-of-nine who ran a large-scale heroin business to 'help her son cope with his addiction' has been sentenced to four years behind bars. Tuyet Thi Ngo, 71, pleaded with the District Court to lessen her sentence, claiming the only reason she dealt drugs was to support her addicted son, Nha Tran Le, 47. Her highly organised operation was shut down by South Australian police following a string a offences committed between February and May last year. The 71-year-old, her son and their couriers Duc Chieu Hoang, 65, and Hiep The Nguyen, 44, were arrested after undercover police made a series of purchases. Tuyet Thi Ngo, 71, pleaded with the District Court to lessen her sentence, claiming the only reason she dealt drugs was to support her addicted son, Nha Tran Le, 47 (stock photo) They bought $700 worth of heroin, 1.61g, across a series of seven transactions. Ngo was even found to have answered the phone personally for one of their purchases, asking 'You buy how much?'. Her home was later raided and 2.02g of heroin was found inside, along with five mobile phones, two sets of digital scales, $4855 in cash and two 'tick lists'. Judge Joanne Tracey rejected the plea from Ngo, who was on bail for separate drug trafficking convictions at the time of her offending. 'You say that you have stood by your son in an attempt to resolve and manage his addiction ... you say your trafficking essentially fed his own personal drug use,' she said. 'You also said that you have procured heroin for him when he was in the throes of his withdrawal and you were arrested for doing so in around 2008. You said you knew it was not the right thing to do but could not stand to see your son suffer.' In the exchanges, buyers were to call or visit the home of the mother and son, and cite a number that corresponded to a specific amount of heroin. The highly organised operation was shut down by South Australian police following a string a offences committed between February and May last year (stock photo) Le, Hoang or Nguyen would then meet buyers in the car park of the Mansfield Park Hotel where they would swap small amounts of heroin wrapped in plastic for cash. Judge Tracey said in sentencing Ngo's criminal history spanned back 17 years and involved prison terms and offending while on parole. The judge noted Ngo, who's husband died in 2008, was not a drug user and had several health issues including diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and gastric issues. She jailed Ngo for four years, with a two-year, eight-month non-parole period, while her son, who has been addicted to drugs for 25 years, was jailed for a minimum of four years. Nguyen was sentenced to 29 months jail, while Hoang received a suspended prison term. Nearly $8billion will be handed to Victoria in Tuesday's Budget to build new roads and railway lines amid the state's escalating congestion woes. A third of the federal government's $24.5billion infrastructure budget will be spent in Victoria, including $1.75billion to build Melbourne's North East Link. Another $225million will be allocated to electrify the Frankston line to Baxter, while $475million will go to a rail link between Monash University's Caulfield and Clayton campuses. Treasurer Scott Morrison, who said Victorians are the biggest winners with the state's $7.8billion package, promised the spending bonanza will slash travel times. This map shows where the government will spend nearly $25billion on roads and rail networks 'We're serious about it because Victoria is facing some of the strongest - arguably the strongest - population growth pressures in the country,' he told the Herald Sun. 'Congestion-busting infrastructure is very important, not just to the liveability of Melbourne as a city but also its performance as an economy.' The federal government has already committed $5billion to an airport rail link in Melbourne, as the city's transport system struggles to cope with the population boom. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews had called him on Monday to thank him for the investments in his state. Treasurer Scott Morrison (pictured) said the biggest infrastructure spending increase is in Victoria New South Wales will have to be content with a smaller slice of the Federal Budget infrastructure pie. Only $1.5billion of new national infrastructure spending will flow to the state, including nearly $1billion for a Coffs Harbour bypass on the Pacific Highway. Mr Morrison said it is an important project to drive down the tragic road toll on the deadly stretch of road. 'Most importantly, [it will] mean safer travel both for people who live locally up around Coffs, but also for those making the trip up the coast or down the coast,' he told News Corp on Monday. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (left) is seen with rail workers in Sydney as he announced $400 million for the Port Botany rail duplication between Mascot and Botany 'The only downside to the Coffs Harbour bypass is you won't be able to drive past the Big Banana anymore.' The government will also commit to $400million for Sydney's Port Botany rail duplication between Mascot and Botany and $50 million for a business case into a rail link from St Marys to the new Badgerys Creek airport. Mr Turnbull said the the Port Botany rail duplication will create jobs and improve safety. 'Of course it is about getting home sooner and safer. It is about easing congestion and making our cities more liveable,' he said. Around $1.5billion of new national infrastructure spending will flow to NSW, including nearly $1billion for a Coffs Harbour bypass on the Pacific Highway 'It is also about getting goods to and from the port. That is a vital part of our economic future.' The prime minister denied NSW was being short-changed, pointing to the current and combined state and commonwealth infrastructure spending of more than $21billion in the state. Mr Turnbull highlighting work benefiting from federal funding now underway, including WestConnex, the western Sydney airport and the North-South rail link. 'The Victorians were saying we hadn't committed enough money there in the past and they were pointing to big projects like the Western Sydney airport,' he said. 'So sometimes the timing can be an issue - but right across the country now there is a massive amount of infrastructure underway.' The federal government had already confirmed it would set aside $155million for a new bridge in Nowra and $25million for a new monument at the Kurnell landing site of Captain James Cook. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews (pictured) had called him on Monday to thank him for the investments in his state In Queensland, Brisbane's Cross River Rail project has topped the state's Federal Budget wishlist, even though the state government has said it can fund the project on its own. The Palaszczuk Labor government has previously committed to bankrolling the $5.4billion infrastructure project after failing to secure federal money from the coalition. But Cross River Rail still remains at the top of state treasurer Jackie Trad's requests for the Federal Budget. The federal government will spend $24.5billion to improve Australia's infrastructure. Traffic is pictured pilled up on the Warringah freeway in Sydney 'We want the Turnbull government to stop playing politics and start investing properly in the infrastructure and frontline services that our state needs as we grow,' Ms Trad said. 'We want them to put funding into Cross River Rail, which will get people home faster right across the southeast and deliver thousands of jobs.' Mr Turnbull has made multiple trips to Queensland in recent months, announcing a cash splash on infrastructure projects such as the Rookwood Weir in Rockhampton and upgrades to the M1 motorway. Ms Trad has also called on the federal government to help fund the Rockhampton levee and Townsville Port upgrades. Brisbane's Cross River Rail project has topped the state's Federal Budget wishlist, even though the state government has said it can fund the project on its own. Tasmania will be handed $461million to build a new cross-river bridge north of Hobart. A replacement for 70-year-old bridge that crosses the River Derwent at Bridgewater was part of a $920million roads and rail package for Tasmania revealed on Monday. 'The Bridgewater bridge bottleneck has been a problem for decades, and now thanks to a Liberal government in Canberra, and a Liberal government in Tasmania, it will finally be addressed,' Senator Richard Colbeck said in a statement. In Western Australia, the state government still has to find $2.2billion for its key Metronet rail project which will not be fully funded in this year's Budget. Tasmania will be handed $461million to replace a 70-year-old bridge that crosses the River Derwent at Bridgewater (pictured) South Australia will receive a $1.8billion allocation for key road and rail projects across the state. The South Rd upgrade will receive $1.4 billion towards completion, while the Budget also includes a $220 million for the Gawler rail electrification project. Both upgrades will be funded 50-50 by the state and federal governments, with more announcements expected in coming weeks. The projects form part of $24.5 billion in infrastructure spending over the next decade. Mr Morrison will deliver the Federal Budget on Tuesday night. Seventeen British sperm donors have fathered more than 500 offspring between them, sparking fears that men could be passing faulty genes to dozens of youngsters. It also means siblings could be forming relationships without knowing they are related. New figures from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) show that 17 men had fathered at least 30 babies each between 1991 and 2015. A further 104 men have fathered between 20 and 29 babies, and 1,557 between 10 and 19. More than 6,000 have created nine or fewer. Seventeen British sperm donors have fathered more than 500 offspring between them, sparking fears that men could be passing faulty genes to dozens of youngsters Although donated sperm is tested for serious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), Huntingtons and cystic fibrosis, donors are not screened for genes which increase the risk of certain cancers or conditions such as Alzheimers disease. The charity Ovarian Cancer Action said testing is only carried out if there is family history of cancer. Marie-Claire Platt, Head of Campaigns at Ovarian Cancer Action, told the Daily Telegraph: Without proper screening for hereditary cancer gene mutations, donors could unknowingly pass on an inherited risk of ovarian, breast, bowel and other cancers. This is particularly worrying for couples who are trying for a baby who might not be aware of the implications for their sons or daughters in the future. We urge the regulators to take action and include hereditary cancer gene mutation screening in the process of sperm and egg donation. HFEA rules mean donors are not allowed to create more than 10 families, which means many of the children will live with their half-siblings and could all end up carrying a faulty gene. In 2013, it was revealed that Danish sperm donor Henrik Koch may have unwittingly handed down a cancerous illness to 50 per cent his children created. Although donated sperm is tested for serious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), Huntingtons and cystic fibrosis, donors are not screened for genes which increase the risk of certain cancers or conditions such as Alzheimers disease Geoff Trew, clinical director of The Fertility Partnership, one of Britains largest IVF providers, said he believed enhanced screening would soon be brought in for sperm donors in the UK. This does bring up an interesting issue about how much we should be screening donors. Perhaps we should be doing a bit more, he said. I think over the next year we will start to see clinics brining in enhanced screening. It could highlight if there was a very big risk of passing on a defective gene, such as it both parents had it. The interaction between the genes is important. But Allan Pacey, Professor of Andrology at The University of Sheffield, said bringing in further screening for donors could leave Britain facing a shortage. There isnt such a thing as a perfect donor, he said. Everyone has a defective something, and if we are going to start screening everything out you may get to a point where we have no sperm donors left at all. Grandparents' right to see their grandchildren after parents divorce could be enshrined in the law, under proposals being discussed by ministers. The legal change would establish a 'presumption' that grandparents, uncles and aunts should have access to their grandchildren, nephews and nieces after the children's parents split up. It is supported by justice minister Lucy Frazer QC, who told The Telegraph a change to the Children's Act 1989 is being considered by ministers. The legal change would establish a 'presumption' that grandparents, uncles and aunts should have access to their grandchildren, nephews and nieces The proposed amendment is supported by MPs from all parties, who said some grandparents were being accused of harassment for 'trying to send birthday cards or Christmas gifts to their grandchildren'. It comes after figures revealed almost 2,000 grandparents were forced to go to court to win the right to see their grandchildren in 2016 - up 25 per cent. BBC presenter Dame Esther Rantzen, who campaigns for grandparents' rights, said any new legal right would be 'wonderful news for grandchildren'. Dame Esther Rantzen, who campaigns for grandparents' rights, said any new legal right would be 'wonderful news for grandchildren' She said: 'It is a relationship that matters so much and I have heard tragic stories of grandparents forced to try to prove there is a relationship. The law needs to recognise this relationship which means so much. 'The French have got it right - they give children the legal right of access to their extended family, particularly grandparents, and they have got it the right way round. They must [deal with this].' Currently grandparents who find themselves cut out of their grandchildren's lives after divorce have to go through a length two stage process in court. They must first apply for the right to apply for access, and then go through the formal process of applying for 'child arrangement orders'. Tory MP Nigel Huddleston said 'a number of grandparents' had been visited by the police simply for sending cards or gifts to their grandchildren. Mr Huddleston said: 'I have heard horrendous stories about children being put up for adoption despite the grandparents wanting to care for them. 'They cannot, however, afford the legal costs to pursue the issue through the courts, which I will come on to in a minute. MP Nigel Huddleston said 'a number of grandparents' had been visited by the police simply for sending cards or gifts to their grandchildren 'There are cases where grandparents are denied access to their grandchildren for perfectly legitimate reasons and in the best interests of the child.' Miss Frazer, who has been an MP since 2015, said reforms were needed: 'It is clear that the system could work better and I am keen to look into how we can improve it.' A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: 'We will consider any proposals for helping children maintain involvement with grandparents, together with other potential reforms to the family justice system which are currently being looking at.' ends Sir John Mitting's comments caused outrage among victims who were tricked into relationships with undercover police officers The judge leading an inquiry into undercover police who slept with activists has been branded 'old fashioned' for saying married officers were less likely to have had sex. Sir John Mitting's comments caused outrage among victims who were tricked into relationships, marriage and even raising children with police officers infiltrating the environmental and animal rights movements. The 70-year-old judge said from his experience men in happy marriages were 'less likely to have engaged in extramarital affairs'. The public inquiry, ordered by Theresa May in 2014, has already cost more than 9 million but is not expected to hear any evidence until next year. There has been a growing unease about Sir Mitting's handling of the case among victims. Alison, one of the eight women who managed to sue Scotland Yard, told The Times: 'How can someone who confesses to be so naive with regards to sexual politics be trusted as chair of a public inquiry tasked with exposing the truth about the deployment of professionally trained liars into the lives of female activists?' Home secretary Sajid Javid has been asked to appoint independent advisers to assist Sir John Mitting with the inquiry. Javoris Quentin Phillips, 36, allegedly sexually assaulted a 14-year-old boy while dressed as a woman A man is behind bars after he allegedly dressed as a woman to try and seduce a 14-year-old boy, and then sexually assaulted him when the teen attempted to run away. Javoris Quentin Phillips, 36, has been charged with kidnapping and lewd and lascivious battery of a victim younger than 15. A man who was with Phillips at the time of the attack in Fort Lauderdale, Florida remains at large. The teen told police that two men propositioned him while wearing wigs, women's clothes, and make-up as he was walking to a friend's house at 7am on August 6, 2017. He immediately realized the pair were men after hearing their voices. The teen tried to run away, but the two men were faster. The men hit him on the head, tied the teen's wrists together, and dragged him behind an abandoned house, according to the Sun Sentinel. They allegedly threatened to kill him if he screamed. One of the men held a gun to the teen's head and told him to 'shut up'. The teen told police that Phillips (pictured) and another man both approached him wearing wigs, women's clothes, and make-up as he was walking to a friend's house on August 6, 2017 The teen told police that one of the men, later identified to be Phillips, performed oral sex on him while the other man watched. Despite their warnings, the teen screamed for help and tried to fight them off. The pair fled the scene in a gray car that the boy said he had seen them in before. The boy told police that the man who sexually assaulted him had been wearing a long curly wig, a bra, and a black shirt. There were bumps on his face from shaving. He said the other man, who was also wearing a curly wig, had a mustache and a 'little bit of a beard' and was armed with a knife. Phillips (pictured here in previous mug shots) allegedly hit the boy on the head and tied his wrists before performing oral sex on him while the other man watched A tipster called the boy's uncle while the police were still at the crime scene and told authorities to look at a Facebook page under the name Aceianna Phillips. The tipster had allegedly been propositioned by Phillips in the past and the boy's story sounded eerily familiar. A tipster called the boy's uncle while the police were still at the crime scene and told authorities to look at a Facebook page under the name Aceianna Phillips, one of his aliases (and pictured here) 'He stated that it is the male's M.O. to proposition young boys in the manner of that of the victim child,' the police report read. Records showed that the legal name for Aceianna Phillips was Javoris Phillips, who also had a gray 2013 Hyundai that matched the boy's description registered under his name. A rape test kit also came back positive for DNA belonging to Nathan Phillips, one of Phillips' known aliases. Phillips, who has also gone by Frederic, Cedrick, Hannah, and Aceiyana, was arrested on Wednesday and is being held without bond. He has previously been convicted for prostitution, battery on a law enforcement officer, weapons charges, loitering and prowling, and car jacking. Will tomorrow's Budget leave you financially better off? It all comes down to whether you earn more or less than $87,000 a year. Workers who earn that figure or less can expect tax relief starting from July 1 this year, The Australian Financial Review reported on Monday. Meantime, people on more than $87,000 will get tax relief in the long run, but may not feel it in their wallets for years. Finance Minister Mathias Cormann and Treasurer Scott Morrison all but confirmed the approach in interviews at the weekend. Cheers to that? Treasurer Scott Morrison lifts a keg during a Budget announcement last week Whether the Budget leaves you financially better off is an $87,000 question, reports indicated Coming soon: Workers ready a stack of Budget papers ahead of Tuesday's announcement 'The judgment that we've made is to prioritise low and middle income earners in the first instance,' Mr Cormann told Sky News. 'But of course over time we do need to ensure that all Australians have the right incentives... to make the best possible contribution to the Australian economy.' Mr Cormann said the government was taking a 'phased approach' to tax cuts, which will be rolled out over several years. Speaking to the Today Show, Mr Morrison stressed the tax cuts would not be 'mammoth' but rather 'responsible' and within the country's means. They would represent 'real relief' to Australians who have gone without a pay rise for years, he claimed. 'We've flagged for many many months now our priority is on tax relief for low to middle income earners. 'They've been doing it tough. It's been some time since they've had a decent pay rise.' Cheers to that: Treasurer Scott Morrison and Finance Minister Mathias Cormann last week as they announced tax relief for craft brewerss. The Treasurer's golden ticket? Scott Morrison is expected to announce it will reach a surplus a full 12 months early during Tuesday's Budget speech The Financial Review said the cuts could start at as little as $5 per week. Top economic forecaster Chris Richardson has told Daily Mail Australia voters could expect a 'nice sandwich and malted milkshake per week' from the cuts. But the Deloitte Access Economics partner said the devil is in the detail - because there are different ways the government could design its tax cut program. Under one possible model, he suggested voters on $75,000 per year could receive a cut of about $20 per week. All will be made clear tomorrow night, when the Treasurer is expected to announce Australia will be in surplus in two years. The government is expected to reveal it will bring the balance sheet into surplus in the 2019-20 financial year, a full 12 months earlier than forecast. That is despite $24.5 billion in new infrastructure funding across the entire nation, The Australian newspaper pointed out. That includes $5 billion for rail links connecting to the new Western Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek and from the Melbourne CBD to Tullamarine Airport. The government is splashing billions on a Melbourne airport link train (current train pictured) The Turnbull Government is tipped to announce during tomorrow's budget release that it will bring the balance sheet back to surplus in the 2019-20 financial year which would be a full year earlier than orignally forecast Mr Morrison has also confirmed the government's 23.9 per cent tax-to-GDP target will be formally written into the Budget. 'It is now necessary to make it a clear decision and adopt it as part of the fiscal strategy, its in, weve put it in, and we will keep it in,' Mr Morrison was quoted saying. Interestingly, Labor had endorsed a similar tax goal in 2013 but Labor Treasury spokesman Chris Bowen was unable to commit his party to the same target when questioned about it. Originally a surplus of $10.4 billion was expected by the 2020/21 financial year after a deficit of $2.6 billion in the previous financial year. Edwin Burrows, a historian who won a Pulitzer Prize for an epic overview of New York City's early history, has died. He was 74. Burrows died on Friday at his home in Huntington from complications of a Parkinsonian syndrome, said his daughter, Kate Burrows. Burrows and co-author Mike Wallace spent 20 years writing 'Gotham: A History of New York City to 1898,' a massive book that narrated the city's rise from Dutch outpost to the country's hub for all things financial and cultural and that won the Pulitzer Prize for history in 1999. Edwin Burrows, a historian who won a Pulitzer Prize for an epic overview of New York City's early history, has died. He was 74 Edwin, who was at times called Ted by his colleagues, is pictured accepting the Pulitzer Prize in 1999 for their decades long work on 'Gotham: A History of New York City to 1898' Burrows and co-author Mike Wallace spent 20 years writing 'Gotham: A History of New York City to 1898' Edwin G. Burrows, left, and Mike Wallace are pictured in this undated file photo. Burrows, a historian who won a Pulitzer Prize with Wallace for an epic overview of New York City's early history, died Friday at his home Outpouring of support: Colleagues, like this fellow history professor at Brooklyn College, took to Twitter to pay their respects to Edwin (aka Ted) Burrows Another fellow history professor, Benjamin Carp, said he was thankful to have benefited from Burrows scholarship Collegues who were fortunate enough to work with Burrows, expressed what a special man he was over Twitter 'He painted a picture of history and really made it come to life,' Kate Burrows said. Tributes from his colleagues poured in. His former co-worker, history professor Brigid O'Keeffe took to Twitter to write: 'Ted Burrows was a fantastic scholar, supportive colleague, and an all-around wonderful human being with a terrific sense of humor. He's gone too soon, but he won't be forgotten.' Meanwhile, Benjamin L. Carp, whose profile says he is a historian at Brooklyn College, wrote: 'I am profoundly grateful to have benefited from his scholarship and guidance.' Burrows' most recent work was 'The Finest Building in America: The New York Crystal Palace, 1853-1858,' which was published in February. Born in Detroit, Burrows went to the University of Michigan for his undergraduate degree and received his Ph.D. from Columbia University in 1973. He taught at Brooklyn College for more than 40 years. Along with his daughter, Burrows is survived by his wife, his son and two brothers. Mario Marcelo Santoro (right) is being sought by police over Cecilia Haddad's (left) murder The 'deceitful' story the ex-boyfriend of alleged murdered woman Cecilia Haddad told her can be revealed, as police continue their efforts to track the man after he fled Australia to his home country a week ago. Mario Marcelo Santoro, 40, who met Ms Haddad many years ago in Rio, arrived in Sydney about 18-months ago, claiming to have a 'big job' in healthcare lined up. But sources close to the investigation told Daily Mail Australia that Mr Santoro had no such job and came to Australia simply to 'pursue' Ms Haddad, 38. 'Essentially he told his friends and family he'd scored a big job with a healthcare company in Australia, but he lied,' the source claimed. 'He came here to pursue Cecilia. Ostensibly he came to visit her and never left. 'He told Cecilia he had something lined up (for work) here too, but his first job in Sydney was driving an Uber from memory.' Scroll down for video Ms Haddad (left, pictured with a friend) ended her business and personal relationships with Mr Santoro in the weeks before her body was found floating in a Sydney river, according to friends Mr Santoro (pictured) flew home to Rio de Janeiro last Saturday or Sunday during the hours his ex-lover and business partner is believed to have been murdered, according to police Mr Santoro flew home to Rio de Janeiro last Saturday or Sunday during the hours his ex-lover and business partner Ms Haddad is believed to have been murdered, according to police. The Brazilian mining executive's body was found in the Lane Cove River, on Sydney's north shore, at 10.15am last Sunday, hours after she was reported missing by worried friends. Police are continuing to try and get in contact with Mr Santoro - who is wanted for questioning in relation to her death. Mr Marcelo deactivated his social media accounts the day after it was revealed NSW Police homicide investigators were searching for him. So odd was it for Ms Haddad to drop off the radar that three friends called police to report her missing on Sunday, having not heard from her since 9.30am on Saturday. 'Three of us that I know of reported her missing within 48 hours, that shows how out of character her disappearance was,' a friend said last week. Specialist police divers searched the Parramatta River on Friday (pictured) for car keys belonging to Ms Haddad, who they suspect was murdered Police said Cecilia Haddad's red Fiat 500 was found at Ryde train station on Sunday afternoon but friends have told Daily Mail Australia she rarely caught public transport Ms Haddad attended a 'brief' barbeque with friends on Friday night before heading home for an 'early night'. That was supposed to be followed by a mixture of personal and business events the next day, including a meeting with a disabled client she regularly cared for. 'She spent the remainder of Friday evening on the phone to friends sharing her plans for the weekend. This is why we were concerned about her - we knew her plans and should have heard from her,' the friend said. 'The BBQ was brief and ended early. I spoke to her on Friday evening, Cecilia was an open book and an open communicator.' 'Her disability clients loved her because she treated them like real people, never like they were disabled... she had plans to provide assistance to one on the weekend. 'She had an impact on everyone she met. She was the most sincere person you ever met.' Ms Haddad's body was discovered in the Lane Cove River on Sunday morning, the same day the Brazilian national was reported missing Police wish to speak to Marcelo Santoro (centre) over the death of his ex-girlfriend and business partner. Mr Santoro is believed to have flown home to Brazil at the weekend, days earlier than initially planned, according to police A TIMELINE OF CECILIA HADDAD'S DISAPPEARANCE: Friday, May 27 Ms Haddad 'briefly' attends a BBQ with friends before returning to her home at Ryde, north Sydney. She spends the rest of the evening on the phone to friends discussing their weekend plans. Saturday, May 28 8am-9.30am: The 38-year-old continues to call and message friends. Ms Haddad has several plans with her friends on Saturday, but never turns up. She is also due to meet with a disabled client she cares for, but never arrives. Neighbours recall seeing her unique Fiat 500 outside her St Annes St unit. Sunday, May 29 10.15am: Ms Haddad's body is found floating in the Lane Cove River. Friends report Ms Haddad missing to police. Her car is found at West Ryde railway station. The weekend - unknown time Ms Haddad's ex-lover Marcelo Santoro flies to Rio de Janeiro from Sydney. Advertisement Ms Haddad spoke to friends between 8am and 9.30am on Saturday over message and phone calls, but was never heard from again. Police divers searched kilometres from where her body was found on Friday, the same day her father Jose arrived in Sydney to meet with homicide detectives. Ms Haddad and Mr Santoro are understood to have ended their business and personal relationships in recent weeks. Friends and relatives of Mr Santoro were expecting him to arrive home this week and were allegedly surprised to hear he had left Australia earlier than expected. Ms Haddad's ex-husband (left) flew from Perth to Sydney to help police with their investigation and to identify her body. Her father Jose also arrived in Sydney from Brazil on Friday Mr Santaro and Ms Haddad began their business partnership in mid-2017, launching the disability service provider D.Care. The company and its website were registered in the friends' names. The company's principal place of business was Ms Haddad's home in Ryde. A memorial service is set to be held for Ms Haddad in Sydney on Sunday morning. It has not yet been decided if her funeral service will be held in Sydney or Perth, but friends at home in Rio held a memorial mass over the weekend. Five people have been shot during a bloody Bank Holiday weekend in London including a 13-year-old boy who was blasted in the face during a botched drive-by while walking down a high street with his parents. Police investigating the 'senseless and appalling' crime in Harrow, north west London, said the child was an 'innocent bystander' in an attack that also left a 15-year-old in hospital with head injuries. A third person was shot in the arm, but vanished before the emergency services arrived, Scotland Yard has revealed, and a 39-year-old man was arrested and later released under investigation. The 13-year-old was hit in the face with a number of shotgun pellets and was taken to a nearby West London hospital. On Monday, police were called after a 30-year-old man was shot in New Cross, south east London. Officers responded to the scene in John Williams Close at around 4.50pm. His condition is not believed to be life-threatening. No arrests have been made. Just ten minutes earlier, officers responded to reports of a stabbing in Leystonstone Road in east London. The victim, who is believed to be 17, was taken to an east London hospital. His condition was initially deemed critical, but is now thought to be not life-threatening. Elsewhere, two men died in stabbings in Liverpool and Luton over the Bank Holiday weekend. Fatah Warsame, 20, from Cardiff, died after being stabbed in Liverpool city centre early on Sunday morning, while another victim, also aged 20, was killed in Bishopscote Road in Luton that evening. There has been bloodshed across London over the Bank Holiday weekend forcing the Met to send out more police patrols and increase intelligence-led stop and search Rhyhiem Ainsworth Barton was murdered in south London on Saturday less than 24 hours before a 13-year-old and 15-year-old were shot in broad daylight in Harrow and his bereft mother Pretana has pleaded for children to 'stop killing each other'. A 13-year-old boy suffered a shotgun pellet wound to the head within minutes of another teenager, aged 15, on junction of Palmerston Road and Wealdstone High Street in Harrow, north-west London shortly after 1.15pm yesterday A blood-stained grey Adidas sweatshirt with blood stains on the hood lay crumpled on the ground where the two young teenagers were shot London mayor Sadiq Khan said today he will 'work ceaselessly to tackle violent crime' - but used the crisis to bash the government saying their 1billion budget cuts left police 'under-funded and under-resourced'. The Met is to send out extra patrols and increase 'stop and search' today after a bloody crime wave of shootings was kick-started by a murder in Southwark on Saturday night. Rhyhiem Ainsworth Barton, 17, was the 62nd victim to be killed in the capital this year after London's murder rate overtook New York's in February and March. Rhyhiem's bereft mother Pretana Morgan visited the scene where her son was murdered o Saturday and pleaded for children to 'stop killing each other'. She said: 'Any loss of life is a loss. It doesn't matter where they come from. It doesn't matter what religion, what culture, what skin colour...a life is a life.' London Mayor Sadiq Khan has blamed Theresa May's Government for the spike in violent crime. Rhyhiem Ainsworth Barton is one of four people to die in murders in the UK this weekend He said: 'As Mayor I'm doing all I can to compensate for the failure of ministers. I refuse to accept that nothing can be done to stem the appalling tide of violent killings we are seeing on our streets and together with the police, community groups, victims and their families and Londoners, will continue to work ceaselessly to tackle violent crime. 'Violent crime has been rising across the country since 2014 and the Government is failing in their basic duty to keep people safe imposing cuts of 1bn on the Met Police which risk sending police numbers to historically low levels'. Two boys, aged 13 and 15, were shot on a day of carnage on Sunday and are 'lucky to be alive'. Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Rose, Harrow Borough Commander said: 'It would appear that the first victim was approached by two male suspects, one in possession of a shotgun - and shots were fired injuring him and an entirely innocent member of the public. 'This was a callous, reckless and brazen act, without any thought by those responsible for the fact that there were families with children and people in the high street enjoying their weekend. This was quite simply, appalling. 'As a parent myself, I know hearing an incident like this where a child has been shot whilst they have been with there parents will cause alarm. It is senseless and shows an utter disregard for the safety of others. 'I want to assure the communities of Harrow and the wider public we are doing everything we can to catch the suspects responsible. Violent crime has no place on our streets. Officers from Trident are investigating and we are supporting them locally. 'I would urge anyone who can assist us with the investigation or any witnesses who have not yet come forward to contact police. 'As we have already stated, over the Bank Holiday weekend additional officers are on the streets across the capital, working hard to keep London safe. There are highly visible local patrols, supported by armed response officers, traffic motorcycles, dog units, and air support - alongside plain clothes intelligence-led operation. London mayor Sadiq Khan used the crisis to bash the government saying their 1billion budget cuts Rhyhiem was the 62nd victim to be killed in the capital this year after London's murder rate overtook New York's in February and March It comes after a 43-year-old was stabbed in Perivale, north-west London, on Sunday night after a dispute about driving. Police said the man was attacked on Buckingham Avenue at around 9pm after a number of residents questioned a man in a blue car about the nature of his driving in the small residential street. Meanwhile, three people were injured in a 'noxious substance' assault following an altercation between two groups in east London at around 5.20am on Sunday. Police are investigating whether the men, aged 22 and 27, and a 17-year-old boy suffered life-changing injuries in the incident, at Shacklewell Lane in Hackney. Just before 6.30pm on Sunday, police were flagged down by a member of the public in New Cross Road, south east London, where a 22-year-old man was suffering from gunshot wounds. The injured man was taken by ambulance to a central London hospital where his condition is not life-threatening, Scotland Yard said. Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Messinger, who is in charge of policing in Southwark, said: 'The violence used has rightly caused concern and we are doing all we can to address this. Over the Bank Holiday weekend, additional officers are on the streets across the capital, working hard to keep London safe. They are using highly visible local patrols supported by armed response, traffic motorcycles, dog units, and air support - alongside plain clothes intelligence-led operations. 'Locally we are also employing intelligence-led search powers under Section 60 - my colleagues on the streets are using this power really effectively, seizing knives, stopping cars of individuals carrying weapons and making arrests. 'Furthermore, we have been working with our partners and the local authority, speaking regularly with community leaders to brief them on our response. 'Violence has no place on our streets. If you are carrying a weapon in Southwark linked to gang activity, you need to know that we can and will take action against you. 'I want the community to help us tackle this problem. As a father, community member and a police officer, I will do absolutely all I can to keep young people and the wider community safe. We can only achieve this if we work together.' Rhyhiem Ainsworth Barton was found with fatal gunshot wounds in Warham Street Southwark at 6.05pm on Saturday, May 5. Ms Morgan, 38, displays some mementos of her dead son 17-year-old Rhyhiem Barton who was shot dead including a photograph of the day he was born Ms Morgan, 38, displays some mementos of her dead son 17-year-old Rhyhiem Barton who was shot dead including a photograph of his birth Rhyhiem grieving mother has called on children to 'stop killing each other' yesterday. Aspiring architect Rhyhiem Barton, 17, was playing football with friends when he was gunned down in a drive-by shooting on a London street at 6pm on Saturday. Witnesses said a number of shots were fired, including one that narrowly missed a woman and went through a window. Rhyhiem's mother Pretana Morgan arrived minutes later and watched as paramedics attempted to save him. Her son was pronounced dead on the street in Southwark shortly before 7pm. Miss Morgan, 37, believes her son was killed by a gang called Zone 2 from Peckham, south London, who have terrorised her family for the past three years. She even sent Rhyhiem to her native Jamaica in June 2017 for eight months in an attempt to protect him after he survived a stabbing to his chest a month earlier. 'I want these children to stop this,' she said. 'Enough parents are in this predicament and lose their child. All of the children out there, for my son's sake, should get out of this foolishness. You better wake up. You only have one life. You better make use of it. Rhyhiem's mother, Pretana Morgan, called for a stop to devastating violence yesterday 'It's been going on for three years now around here. We've got these Peckham boys that come round here and they're always coming here and attacking our children. 'They come with weapons. I don't know how they do it. They seem to always drive around here and attack our children when they're just relaxing or enjoying a BBQ. Miss Morgan, who has a six year-old daughter and is separated from Rhyhiem's father, was sitting in a park near her Southwark home when a friend told her that there had been a shooting nearby. When she arrived at the scene she realised her son was the victim when she spotted his distinctive hair style. She added: 'I couldn't ask for a better son. My son was a very handsome boy.. He's got so much potential. He was coming from a being mentor with young children and trying to make a difference when this happened. 'I keep telling him to do the right thing. My son is a good boy. He's so loyal. He was just trying to focus and trying to be an architect, he was not a bad child.' The fatal shooting - the second in the capital in less than a week - took place a day after US President Donald Trump compared a London hospital to a 'war zone'. Lacey Main, Rhyhiem's godmother, blamed gangs from other parts of London on the escalating violence. 'If you go on social media you will see them boasting of the things they have done,' she said. 'They will tell you they will come to your estate and they will come for you. This is known to the police. The police are fully aware of this group. The boys will come over here and create tension. 'I've seen a boy with a Rambo knife come up this area and I've called the police. They then put him right back on the street the next day.' She claimed Rhyhiem was followed by a gang in a BMW and then shot through the window with a shotgun. Miss Main said the same gang have previously chased her godson into her home last year. 'They were wearing balaclavas and were carrying machetes and swords,' she said. 'Rhyhiem ran into my house and they said, 'I want Rhyhiem, we're gonna kill him. Send him out'. We went to court and identified the boys. 'The face of England is changing, everywhere you go you have beautiful houses being built, but you can't build beautiful houses when the streets are paved with blood.' Rhyhiem's best friend Abigael Adeoye, 17, said: 'We were friends from when we were young at primary school. 'He was really bubbly, he used to message me and say 'Abigael come and see me'. 'I should have told him to stay at home yesterday.' Scotland Yard appealed for witnesses to come forward yesterday and said no arrests have been made. Two schoolboys, aged 13 and 15, were found shot yards from each other on a suburban London street at lunchtime yesterday. In the latest grim incident in a bloody year for the capital, police and ambulances were called after the boys were shot in wapparently related incidents. It appeared the shootings happened after a fight between youths got out of control. Minutes later up to six ambulances and a large number of police officers raced to the scene. The youngsters were taken to different hospitals. Last night bloodsoaked clothes remained strewn on the corner of a road off Wealdstone High Street in Harrow, north-west London. One victim was found on the high street, the other on a side road. Several hours after the shooting passers-by could still see a grey Adidas hoodie and a white T-shirt on the pavement next to dried pools of blood. A first aid kit was abandoned nearby. A shocked shopkeeper said she saw a group of four to five youths fighting outside her shop before one suddenly collapsed in a pool of blood. The witness, who asked not to be named, added: 'It all happened so fast. It was really frightening. We saw a group of people fighting and shouting loudly and suddenly there was someone on the floor covered in blood. People rushed out to help and there was a lot of panic. It was horrible.' Another shopkeeper said they thought a bullet had grazed the back of a boy's head and that he was 'lucky to be alive'. Two boys, aged 13 and 15, were shot in broad daylight in Wealdstone High Street in Harrow at 1.15pm yesterday A 20-year-old man was stabbed to death in Luton yesterday. Emergency services were called to Bishopscote Road at 4.40pm, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene Man, 22, found with gunshot wounds in New Cross Road, south east London at just before 6.30pm on Sunday (pictured) The manager of a betting shop, who did not give his name, said he was walking past on his lunch break and saw people gathered around a black youth on the ground outside Specsavers. He said: 'He was holding his head down. I could not see his face but could see his white T-shirt was proper covered in blood. He was sitting calmly as the paramedics were looking after him.' The man described Wealdstone as 'a kind of rough area and it can be a bit aggressive'. He added that 'seeing police around here is just another day' and he was used to seeing boys 'just hanging around in the street'. Another witness said he heard two gunshots before he rushed out of his shop to see a gang of youths crowded around the injured boy. 'It sounded like a pistol or a revolver,' he said. 'The boy looked 16 perhaps. Blood was coming out the back of his neck and down the front of his chest. 'The group looked like the gangs I have seen around here. They are just school kids. They seemed to be his friends. One was putting a sponge against his neck, which had turned red. It was completely soaked in blood. 'They were shouting and running up and down the street.' Other residents expressed concern for their safety amid an increase in the number of drug gangs in the area. Mohammed Fahmy, 30, said: 'It doesn't feel safe here. It's getting worse. I see drug dealers out here every day. Most of them are teenagers. Even the smallest are selling drugs. 'This is normal for us now. It makes you wonder what the police are doing. There needs to be more cameras and more police on the street.' A Scotland Yard spokesman said the 13-year-old suffered a shotgun pellet wound to the head. Both boys suffered head injuries but neither was thought to be in a life-threatening condition, she added. Asked if the incidents were linked, she said that was one line of inquiry. Meanwhile, police are appealing for information after a man was shot in Clayton, Manchester. Police were called to report of a man shot on Vale Street shortly before 2.45pm on Monday. A man in his late-teens was with his friends, when he was shot in his leg. He has now been taken to hospital for treatment of his serious injuries. Tragic death toll: The rising number of lives taken on the streets of London in 2018 JANUARY - 12 deaths, including one late on December 31 31 December, Kyall Parnell, 17: Stabbed to death in Lambeth 1 January, Steve Frank Narvaez-Arias, 20: Stabbed in the chest on New Year's Day at a flat party in a council estate off Old Street in Islington, north London. After moving to the UK from Ecuador, the 20-year-old was reading physics and aerospace at Hertfordshire University and hoped to become a pilot 3 January, Elizabeta Lacatusu, 44: Found bleeding to death on Norfolk Road, in Ilford, after she had her throat slashed. She worked at a restaurant in the east London town and was returning home when she was stabbed to death 6 January, Vijay Patel, 49: Mr Patel was beaten to death in Barnet Yaya Mbye, 26, was stabbed in Hackney on January 28 (left). Right, Daniel Frederick, 34, was killed metres from his home in Hackney after attending a hospital appointment for his pregnant partner on January 8 8 January, Daniel Frederick, 34: Daniel was killed metres from his home in Hackney after attending a hospital appointment for his pregnant partner 9 January, Dami Odeyingbo, 18: Stabbed in Bromley 11 January, Harry Uzoka, 25: Harry, who was on the books of Premier Model Management and had modelled for brands including Mercedes and Zara - was stabbed in Shepherd's Bush. Neighbours reported a shout of 'hand it over' in the melee which involved several men 24 January, Seyed Azim Khan, age unknown: Died from a head injury in Redbridge Khader Saleh, 25, (left) was stabbed in the Hammersmith and Fulham area on January 31. Right, Dami Odeyingbo, 18, was stabbed in Bromley on January 9 28 January, Yaya Mbye, 26: Stabbed in Hackney 29 January, Juan Olmos Saca, 39: Died six days after being found stabbed at an address in Peckham 31 January, Lily-Mai Saint George, one: One-year-old Lily-Mai was found dead in Haringey. The Met Police say her cause of death remains unknown 31 January, Khader Saleh, 25: The 25-year-old was stabbed in the Hammersmith and Fulham area FEBRUARY - 14 deaths 3 February, Kwabena Nelson, 22: Ambushed in Tottenham in the early hours where he was fatally stabbed 3 February, Hasan Ozkan, 19: Stabbed to death in Abbey Road, Barking 5 February, Juan Olmos Saca: Died in hospital after being stabbed in Peckham 8 February, Hannah Leonard, 55: Fatally stabbed in Brays Tower, Primrose Hill 11 February, Sabri Chibani, 19: Stabbed in Streatham Common 12 February, Bulent Kabala, 41: The taxi driver was shot dead in a 'targeted hit' on a roundabout in Barnet Elizabeta Lacatusu, 44, was found bleeding to death on Norfolk Road, in Ilford, after she had her throat slashed on January 3 13 February, Saeeda Hussain, 54: Found with critical injuries at an address in Ilford and pronounced dead at the scene 14 February, Promise Nkenda, 17: Fatally stabbed in Newham, east London 15 February, Mark Smith, 48: Mr Smith was found injured in Chingford, and died shortly afterwards 17 February, Lewis Blackman, 19: Lewis, who grew up on the Peckwater estate in Kentish Town, was killed in Kensington. Witnesses told how a gang of about eight youths, some armed with sticks, shouted 'let's chase him down', before he was stabbed 17 February, Josef Boci, 30: Jozef was beaten up in the street in Greenwich and died in hospital Hannah Leonard, who was 55, was found dead on February 9 in a flat in Camden, North London 19 February, Rotimi Oshibanjo, 26: Rotimi was fatally stabbed inside a property in the Halliday Square housing estate 20 February, Sadiq Mohamed, 20: The aspiring accountant was found with serious stab wounds in Malden Road, in Belsize Park 20 February, Abdikarim Hassan, 17: Abdikarim died in the street after being attacked in Camden 20 February, name unknown, 24: Shot in Westminster 25 February, Michael Boyle, 44: Stabbed in Southwark. Mr Boyle, from Galashiels, Scotland died of multiple organ failure after being stabbed at a property in Southwark. He was found on February 25 but died on March 10 MARCH - 23 deaths 1 March, Christopher Beaumont, 42: Stabbed in Hammersmith and Fulham 5 March, Kelva Smith, 20: Found stabbed in South Norwood, Croydon and pronounced dead at the scene 5 March, Laura Cecilia Navarrete De Figueira, 47: Police launched a murder investigation after Laura Cecilia Navarrete De Figueira was found with stab wounds at her home in Twickenham. An hour earlier the body of her husband Figueira de Faria and the bodies of Claudio, 10, and Joaquin, seven, were discovered on the beach at Birling Gap, in Eastbourne, East Sussex 8 March, Kelvin Odunuyi, 19: Shot in Haringey 12 March, Julian Joseph, 36: Murdered in Lewisham, cause of death as yet unknown 13 March, Nikolay Glushkov, 68: Russian businessman was found dead in his home in New Malden. He died from compression to the neck 14 March, Lyndon Davis, 18: The youngest to have been killed in March, was found suffering from a single stab wound in Chadwell Heath, east London 14 March, Joseph Williams-Torres, 20: Killed as he sat in a stationary car in Essex Close, Walthamstow 16 March, Naomi Hersi, 36: Stabbed in Hounslow. Hersi, who lived as a trans woman called Naomi, was pronounced dead at the scene after being found with knife injuries in Hounslow 17 March, Russell Jones, 23: Ambushed outside shops near Ponders End station, in Enfield and stabbed and shot to death 18 March, Tyrone Silcott, 42: The father-of-two died from knife wounds after a St Patrick's Day party. It is alleged the car mechanic got into a row over two girls at a party in Homerton and was attacked 19 March, Balbir Johal, 48: Died after being stabbed in Southall Hersi Hersi (left), who lived as a trans woman called Naomi, was pronounced dead at the scene after being found with knife injuries at Heathrow Palace in Hounslow. Russell Jones, 23, became the eighth person in a week to be killed in London when he was ambushed outside shops near Ponders End station, Enfield Read 19 March, Jermaine Johnson, 41: Found with stab injuries and pronounced dead at the scene in Walthamstow 20 March, Beniamin Pieknyi, 20: Believed to have jumped in to the fight in a bid to save his friend during the altercation at the Stratford Centre in east London. The 20-year-old, who only arrived in Britain two months ago from Romania, died in his best friend's arms after being chased and stabbed by a gang in the busy shopping centre 25 March, Abraham Badru, 26: Gunned down in Hackney. The university graduate, who was murdered in Dalston, east London, was awarded the National Police Bravery Award in July 2009 25 March, awaiting formal ID, 59: Person found dead in Barking & Dagenham 26 March, David Potter, 50: Found stabbed to death in a property on Tooting High Street 29 March, Reece Tshoma, 23: Reece, from Barking in east London, was stabbed in the neck in Greenwich before being rushed to hospital by his friend where he died 30 March, Leyla Mtumwa, 36: Leyla was found dead with stab wounds to the neck and chest at an address in Haringey APRIL - At least 11 deaths 1 April, Devoy Stapleton: Stabbed at as he made his way home from a night out in Wandsworth. Police found him in a pool of his own blood after being called to the middle-class suburb of Earlsfield, south west London 2 April, Tanesha Melbourne, 17: Tanesha was gunned down near her home in Tottenham, north London in front of horrified friends and family. It is thought she was caught in the crossfire of a ruthless gang war 2 April, Amaan Shakoor, 16: The teenager was shot in the face in Walthamstow, north London, and police have now confirmed he died from his injuries in hospital 4 April, Henry Vincent, 37: Burglary who died from stab wound after raiding pensioner's house 4 April, Babatunde Akintayo Awofeso dies after row on Upper Clapton Road, east London. 4 April, Israel Ogunsola, 18, dies in Hackney after being stabbed. The victim approached police who performed first aid but he died at the scene after 25 minutes. 12 April, John Maclean, 35, stabbed at a flat in the Isle of Dogs. A 25-year-old has been charged with his murder. 15 April, Raul Nicolaie, 26: Found at with stab injuries in Colindale, north London. A 34- year-old woman was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder 15 April, an unnamed woman in her 30s was stabbed to death in Sudbourne Road, Brixton, south London. A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of murder. 16 April - Sami Sidhom, 18, is stabbed to death in the street in Forest Gate. 21 April - Man, 20, named locally as Kwesi, was stabbed to death about a hundred yards from Jeremy Corbyn's home in North London 23 April - Aaron Springett, 32, died after a street fight outside Paddy Power bookies in Morden May May 1 - A man in his thirties is shot dead outside Queensbury Tube station. May 5 - Rhyhiem Ainsworth Barton was murdered on Warham Street, Southwark Many Australians turned off by skyrocketing property prices are broadening their searches to overseas real estate markets. Half of Australians say they would choose foreign destinations over buying property at home, according to a new study commissioned by international money transfers site WorldFirst and carried out by an independent firm. Of the 1000 respondents 50 per cent said they would consider overseas investment - and the major reason given was property prices being too high at home, Realestate.com reported. This property in Melbourne will set a new how owner back $920,000 which is just over the median house price of $903,859 across the city For $863,473 it's possible to purchase this French farmhouse sitting on 3.8 hectares of land with separate guest room This three bedroom villa in Portugal will set buyers back $868,550 AUD. It's a 900-metre walk to the beach and has several terraces to sit back and soak up the sun from Sixty-one per cent of those interested in owning foreign property said it was due to the housing bubble at home. Other reasons were 'better growth and yield overseas' (13 per cent) and 'the potential to retire there one day' (11 per cent). The top five destinations for international property-related money transfers from Australia in 2017 were the United Kingdom (35 per cent), New Zealand (11 per cent), United States (8 per cent), France (5 per cent) and Thailand (4 per cent). The median price for a studio apartment in the Sydney 2000 postcode is $739,000. For this price potential property owners could buy a four-bedroom villa in Greece, or for $60,000 more, a 609-square-meter home in the Bahamas overlooking the beach. For the median price in Melbourne it's possible to purchase a French farmhouse sitting on 3.8 hectares of land with a separate guest apartment, or a large house in Portugal only 900 metres from the beach. This tiny 48m studio in Sydney comes with a bedroom that 'comfortably allows for a queen sized bed' and will set you back just under $739,000 At the same price ($725,000 AUD) is this four-bedroom Greek villa which is a five- minute drive to the town of Lindos on the island of Rhodes, or 15 minutes' drive to the beach For $60,000 more than the price of a studio apartment in Sydney you could purchase this 609-square-metre home in the Bahamas A long-term lease on this Balinese villa will set prospective investors back just $485,000 For a fraction of that price, just $485,000, those looking for overseas luxury could be lounging by their pool with a 27-year lease on a Balinese villa. WorldFirst head of exchange Patrick Liddy warned potential buyers not to jump in without looking at the exchange rate 'as a negative swing in our dollar could mean paying a lot more than expected.' 'Ongoing maintenance costs and rental yield will also be affected by changes in foreign currency,' he said. Mothers are vital in stopping radicalisation, the head of MI6 has said. Alex Younger added that the education of women in the Muslim world is important to 'a peaceful and cohesive society' and that they play 'a vital role in teaching future generations to choose a more positive path by rejecting extremism and radicalisation.' It is the first time the chief of the secret intelligence service has spoken out about importance of women and mothers in the fight about terrorism. Alex Younger, the head of MI6 has said women are vital in the global fight against terrorism Mr Younger added that groups such as IS pose a threat that will last a professional lifetime, the Telegraph reported. In 2016, then Prime Minister David Cameron urged Muslim women living in the UK to learn English in a bid to tackle extremism. He warned that not speaking the language adequately could make people 'more susceptible' to the recruitment messages of groups like IS. A previous two-year enquiry into integration in the UK led by Dame Louise Casey found that women in Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities are twice as likely as men to have poor English. Mothers have previously helped authorities in halting extremism. One mother alerted police after discovering gunpowder in her 15-year-old son's room. Him and a friend, also 15, were planning on blowing up the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. Dame Louise Casey led an enquiry that found women in Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities were twice as likely as men to have poor english The mother of Youssef Zaghba, one of the three terrorists who killed eight people and injured a further 48 in the London Bridge attacks last year, warned Italian authorities about her son. She urged police in Italy to keep her son in custody and to warn UK services about the threat he posed. She said she took the measure after he was arrested at an Italian airport trying to get to Syria. Westpac has bragged about its 'disciplined approach' to growth as it announces a bumper profit result - despite a royal commission hearing how one of its financial advisers duped a Melbourne couple into selling their house and borrowing $2million. The bank's chief executive Brian Hartzer, who was last year paid $5.5 million, hailed Westpac's half-yearly net profit, which soared by seven per cent to $4.2 billion. Announcing the result, he declared Australia's second biggest bank had continued to 'perform solidly'. Scroll down for video Westpac has bragged about its 'disciplined approach' to growth despite a royal commission hearing how one of its financial advisers duped nurse Jacqueline McDowall into selling her house The bank's chief executive Brian Hartzer, who was last year paid $5.5 million, hailed Westpac's half-yearly net profit, which soared by seven per cent to $4.2 billion 'This is a good quality result built on consistent performance and a disciplined approach to growth and returns,' he said in a statement on Monday morning. Westpac announced its half-yearly result, for the six months to March 31, two weeks after nurse Jacqueline McDowall told the banking royal commission how a Westpac financial adviser had persuaded her and her truck driver husband Hugh to sell their Melbourne home. This adviser convinced them to move their superannuation into a self-managed fund and borrow up to $2 million to buy a country house which they planned to live in and run as a bed and breakfast. That advice turned into a financial nightmare for the nurse and truck driver, leaving them with nowhere to live, after their loan applications were rejected. Addressing the damning royal commission evidence, CEO Brian Hartzer said he acknowledged 'the significant customer and community concerns that have been raised'. 'Westpac is already well advanced in taking steps that will improve customer outcomes,' he said. 'We have been actively seeking out instances where weve got it wrong, and in those cases, putting it right for the customers affected.' Announcing the result, Westpac CEO Brian Hartzer declared Australia's second biggest bank had continued to 'perform solidly' Addressing the damning royal commission evidence, Hartzer said he acknowledged 'the significant customer and community concerns that have been raised' He said that over the past three years, Westpac had reviewed more than 300 products and made more than 150 changes to its products and services, including introducing an independent advocate for customers. 'This work is ongoing and we will continue to make changes to our business based on our reviews and feedback from our customers, our regulators, and the royal commission itself,' Mr Hartzer said. Westpac's half-year cash earnings rose by six per cent to $4.25 billion as shareholders received fully-franked interim dividends of 94 cents a share, which they are able to claim as a tax deduction. Westpac shares rose by 56 cents to $29.66, compared with Friday afternoon's closing price, shortly after the results were released. President Donald Trump's attorney, Rudy Giuliani, said on Sunday he would not rule out the possibility that payments were made to women other than porn star Stormy Daniels to get them to stay silent about allegations against Trump. Giuliani told ABC's 'This Week' that he had no knowledge of whether former Trump attorney Michael Cohen had made other payments, but he said: 'I would think if it was necessary, yes. He (Cohen) made payments for the president or he's conducted business for the president.' Giuliani called the $130,000 Cohen paid to Daniels in 2016 a 'nuisance payment.' Daniels alleges that she had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006. Trump has denied Daniels' allegations. Cohen, Trump's longtime personal lawyer, faces a criminal investigation in part over the payment to Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford. Giuliani told ABC's 'This Week' that he had no knowledge of whether former Trump attorney Michael Cohen had made other payments to women for Trump Cohen (center) leaves the US Courthouse in New York on April 26. Giuliani called the $130,000 Cohen paid to Daniels in 2016 a 'nuisance payment' Porn star Stormy Daniels is seen last month. Her lawyer accused Trump of having an 'extramarital affair slush fund' Daniels' lawyer, Michael Avenatti, accused Trump of having an 'extramarital affair slush fund' and told ABC he believed similar payments had been made to other women. Disclosure of additional payments could complicate matters for Trump, who initially denied knowledge that money was paid to Daniels. Giuliani said on Friday that Cohen's payment to Daniels - one month before the November 2016 presidential election - did not violate campaign laws and would have been made even if Trump had not been running. During a Fox News interview earlier in the week, Giuliani did link the payment to the presidential campaign and acknowledged for the first time that Trump had been aware of the payment. He told the New York Times later that Trump reimbursed Cohen a total of $460,000 or $470,000 after the campaign was over, which he said included 'incidental expenses.' Cohen is no longer Trump's attorney, Giuliani said. 'It would be a conflict right now for him to be the president's attorney,' he told ABC. Rudy Giuliani says that President Trump could plead the fifth if special counsel Robert Mueller subpoenas him Kellyanne Conway said Sunday that President Trump did not know about the hush money payoff to Stormy Daniels during the presidential election Avenatti has said his team has been approached by multiple other women about Trump and he believed evidence would emerge of similar payments. 'The president had effectively an extramarital affair slush fund that was administered by Michael Cohen and that he would just be expected to take care of these things,' he said on ABC. 'They were a regular occurrence. I mean, that in and of itself should be very disturbing.' Senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway said she was not aware of any other possible payoffs. 'They didn't cross my desk as campaign manager,' she told CNN's 'State of the Union.' Trump told reporters last month on Air Force One he did not know about the payment to Daniels. Conway said Trump meant to say he did not know about the payment at the time it was made. 'The 'no' refers to when the payment occurred,' she told CNN. 'It was a fast-moving exchange. I asked the president what he meant and he said: 'I didn't know about it when the payment occurred.'' Norman Eisen, ethics chief under Trump predecessor Democrat Barack Obama, said any such payments would have constituted campaign contributions if they were intended to influence the election, even if they were also made with the 'partial motive of protecting the Trump family from embarrassment.' If Trump intended to reimburse Cohen for such payments, they should have been reported by the president on a 2017 financial disclosure form that required him to state his financial liabilities, Eisen said. The omission of those debts could have violated a federal law that prohibits willfully making false statements to the U.S. government, he told Reuters. 'The more Mr. Giuliani talks, the worse Mr. Trump's legal situation becomes,' Eisen said. Giuliani said that any payments made by Cohen would not have violated federal election law because they would have been made to protect Trump's family or for other personal reasons unrelated to the campaign. But some legal experts said the timing of additional payments could undercut that argument by showing a pattern of behavior. 'If he had a practice of doing this during the campaign - and Cohen was hired to deal with it - it's harder to argue that this had nothing to do with the election,' said Jens David Ohlin, a professor at Cornell Law School. Ohlin said, however, that it was not clear that Trump's retainer agreement with Cohen created a financial obligation that should have been disclosed. 'I'm not sure this qualifies as a loan repayment,' he said. Ohlin also said an omission on a disclosure form would typically result in a civil penalty rather than a criminal prosecution for violating the law against making false statements to the government. An envelope left behind in a cafe to be opened by someone after their 'Mummy's' death has finally been reunited with its intended recipient. The small yellow parcel with the words 'to be opened only after my passing' was found by a customer inside the Gold Coast's Dawn 2 Dusk Cafe in Helensvale more than a week ago. Following an extensive online campaign to return the letter to the hands of its rightful owner, the cafe announced it had achieved its noble mission Monday. A heartbreaking letter signed by a mother with the words 'to be opened only after my passing' has been discovered in an Australian Cafe. 'Great news, we have reunited the letter with its owner!,' manager Sharna Williams wrote on Facebook. She said the envelope was discovered on the table of 'an older lady, and a younger lady with a baby' after they left the cafe. The staff member who discovered the letter was 'overwhelmed' when she realised the personal nature of the letter. 'She was like, what do I do, it's important,' Ms Williams told Daily Mail Australia. The staff member who discovered the letter at the Dawn 2 Dusk Cafe in the Gold Coast, Queensland, was 'overwhelmed' Hoping the woman would return to collect the letter, she waited a week before turning to Facebook for help. 'This envelope was left at our shop and looks very important,' she wrote. 'If everyone could share this it would be very much appreciated.' Ms Williams revealed 'Mummy', who wished to remain anonymous, was in good health and wrote the letter for sentimental reasons. 'MUMMY' would like to remain anonymous but is over whelmed by the support from us all!!', she wrote. A born-again Christian repeatedly raped his young children after luring them into bed with the film Frozen A born-again Christian repeatedly raped his young children after luring them into bed with the film Frozen. The paedophile, from Mackay, Queensland, encouraged his two daughters and son, aged between five and ten, to engage in group sex with each other and with him. His worst crime was raping his six-year-old daughter, a judge said. He also abused one of the girls in the bathroom on Christmas Day in 2016. The father, in his 40s, was jailed for eight years after pleading guilty to four counts of rape and 15 counts of indecent assault at Mackay District Court on Wednesday. He often carried out his despicable acts - between 2013 and 2017 - after his wife had left for work in the morning, reported the Daily Mercury. The pervert was only caught when a babysitter noticed him inappropriately touching his daughter in the kitchen and told his wife. He would let the children watch Frozen on an iPad as a 'reward' and threaten to beat his son with a stick and a belt as a punishment, Crown prosecutor Andrew Walklate said. 'He not only abused them, but he encouraged them into a position where what became a normal activity for them was to engage in a process of sexual adventure with him, if I can put it in that way,' he said. The father's barrister, Scott McLennan, said he did not use the iPad to explicitly manipulate the children and claimed the man stopped when the children asked him to. The father, in his 40s, was jailed for eight years after pleading guilty to four counts of rape and 15 counts of indecent assault at Mackay District Court (pictured) on Wednesday He described the pervert's troubled upbringing in which his father gave him away to a friend for a carton of beer and tortured him with a cattle prod. 'He has still flashbacks and occasional nightmares about these incidents,' he said. The father has already been in prison for 500 days where he enrolled for a sex offenders course, the barrister said. Judge Brad Farr said his actions amounted to 'one of the greatest breaches of trust I think a human being might be able to perpetrate.' He added: 'You failed in your parental responsibilities in every sense of the word.' The Northern Californian judge who was heavily scrutinized for his lax sentencing of a former Stanford University swimmer convicted of sexual assault may be facing a recall election. Calls for the recall of Santa Clara County Judge Aaron Persky began in 2016, after he sentenced sophomore Brock Turner to just six months in jail instead of the minimum two year sentence. Turner, who sexually assaulted a woman who was drunk early in 2015, was given such a short sentence because the judge believed imprisonment would have a 'severe' impact on the culprit. If recalled in the vote on June 5, he would be the first Californian judge to lose his office in 86 years. Calls for the recall of Santa Clara County Judge Aaron Persky began in 2016, after he sentenced sophomore Brock Turner to just six months in jail 'This vote is a harbinger,' Barbara O'Connor, a professor emeritus of political science at California State University, Sacramento, told the Seattle Times. 'It's one of the first tests of whether the Me Too movement will turn out to vote.' The case had been watched intensely after the victim shared an emotional account of what happened and the aftermath. Turner, who sexually assaulted a woman who was drunk in 2015, was given the sentence because prison would have a 'severe' impact 'My independence, natural joy, gentleness, and steady lifestyle I had been enjoying became distorted beyond recognition. I became closed off, angry, self-deprecating, tired, irritable, empty,' she said in a statement. Soon after Persky made his controversial ruling, calls for his recalling were initiated by Stanford law professor Michele Dauber. Along with other activists, Dauber felt that Persky was only concerned with the impact the decision would have on Turner and wasn't too worried about the implications of the actual sexual assault or the victim. The recall effort has garnered support from other elected officials. Activists felt that Persky was only concerned with the impact the decision would have on Turner and wasn't too worried about the implications of the actual sexual assault or the victim 'No one should be subjected to sexual assault or harassment. And when it occurs and victims come forward, the justice system must treat them fairly and with respect and dignity,' New York Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said in a statement. 'Judge Persky did not do that and should be held accountable.' Those in support of the judge and the ruling claim he decided based off a recommendation from prosecution department. They also claim that recalls threaten judicial independence. Those in support of the judge and the ruling claim he decided based off a recommendation from prosecution department Supporters also feel that Brock's label as a sex offender for the rest of his life serves as adequate punishment. California's Commission of Judicial Performance also determined that Persky followed proper protocal when making his sentence decision. The judge shared with the San Jose Mercury News editorial board that he agrees with the sentiment that sexual assault cases need to be handled better in the future. A letter asking that Turner not be sentenced to just probation for his crimes 'There is an underlying deep frustration among actual victims of sexual assault and women in general about the criminal justice system not taking sexual assault and domestic violence seriously. It's a very genuine and important problem,' Persky explained. 'The passion is authentic, the end is justified, let's increase sexual assault reporting. Let's do criminal justice reform where it's smart to do so.' Persky was quick to stand by his decision, however, stating that Turner has become the 'face of rape' because of the recall efforts. 'When the case came out and there's the social media outrage, my personal opinion was that I can take the heat, I signed on to this job, I promised to essentially ignore public opinion,' he added. 'That's the promise we make every juror make when they walk into the courtroom.' Voters in Santa Clara will not only get to decide whether Persky will be recalled, but they will also be working to determine who the replacement will be. Supporters also feel that Brock's label as a sex offender for the rest of his life serves as adequate punishment The last time a judge was recalled in the country was in 1977. Turner was never convicted of rape but was instead found guilty of three counts of felony sexual assault. He was arrested after being seen penetrating a drunk, unconscious girl with his fingers behind a dumpster on Stanford's University Campus in California in January 2015. The star swimmer was initially indicted on two counts of rape, two counts of felony sexual assault and one count of attempted rape. He denied all of them. The rape charges were dropped during his trial but he was convicted of three counts of felony sexual assault in March 2016. He could have been jailed for up to 14 years, the maximum sentence in California, but instead was given just six months imprisonment and three years probation. Turner served just three of those months before being released last fall. He has been registered as a sex offender and has to report to a probation officer for three years, during which he is not allowed to drink or take drugs. The British Army has been accused of deceit as it emerges that teenage recruits are being fed the same lines to repeat to their local and regional newspapers when interviewed about their military life. Dozens of youngsters used the exact same words to praise their time in the army, revealed a charity that campaigns against the recruitment of under 18-year-olds. Child Soldiers International discovered that Army Foundation College graduates were speaking about their achievements with very similar phrases in multiple newspaper articles. Scott Smith, 18, featured in the Bedford Today saying the exact quote that many other graduates supposedly said Bethany Halstead (left), from Filey, and Aidan Crowe (right), from Eyemouth, were both featured in their local paper alongside the similar phrasing Dozens of youngsters used the exact same words to praise their time in the army, revealed a charity that campaigns against the recruitment of under 18-year-olds. Pictured: Cameron Villiers, from Darlington (left) and Kieran Atherton (right), from Bolton Various young men and women were quoted as saying: Graduating from AFC Harrogate in front of my friends and family is something that I am very proud of doing. Im now looking forward to the next stage of my army career. As a junior soldier you learn core life skills such as leadership, teamwork and determination. I have made loads of friends and met new people, and have become much more confident in my own ability. The exact same quotes - with some minor variants - have been found in local newspaper reports from across the UK since 2015. Rachel Taylor, the director of programmes at Child Soldiers International, said: It has always been evident that army recruitment campaigns portray an unrealistic and highly edited version of military life. Child Soldiers International discovered that Army Foundation College graduates were speaking about their achievements with very similar phrases in multiple newspaper articles. Pictured: Josh Smith, from Wallsend Reece Walters (left) from Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, and Rhys Goodman (right) from Gloucester Last month the government said that its recruitment campaign had not included any paid-for print advertising in regional papers for the last three years. Pictured: Emily Carlisle from St Helens Its still shocking, however, to see that this manipulation extends to dictating word for word statements for the press, and presenting these to the public as apparently spontaneous and free remarks. Last month the government said that its recruitment campaign had not included any paid-for print advertising in regional papers for the last three years. However critics suggest that the similar use of quotes spoonfed to the graduates is a clear PR technique to show praise for the schemes. The Plaid Cymru MP Liz Saville Roberts said: The armed forces have a duty, like all public organisations, to be transparent. The army insists the articles are not recruitment adverts but instead based on PR releases sent out to local press officers and that soldiers were not obliged to take part - with many choosing not to A spokesperson said: Junior soldier graduates volunteer to participate in these articles and are right to be extremely proud of their achievements. Pictured: Anton Beasley-Welch (left) from Bicester, and Charlie Ralph from Redditch 'They are responsible for the lives of thousands of soldiers, many of whom are young people, and they must be honest about the experiences these soldiers have. The army insists the articles are not recruitment adverts but instead based on PR releases sent out to local press officers and that soldiers were not obliged to take part - with many choosing not to. A source told the Guardian that the duplication was down to laziness. A spokesperson said: Junior soldier graduates volunteer to participate in these articles and are right to be extremely proud of their achievements. A devastated home-owner was forced to watch up to 100 'African teenagers' completely trash her booking.com rental house when a party spiralled out of control. The teenagers shattered windows, smashed holes through walls and broke down doors at the house in Footscray, west Melbourne on Saturday night and Sunday morning. The owner, named only as Kelly, got calls from horrified neighbours saying her $836,000 house was being destroyed. She rushed to the home and called police but they were unable to go in and stop the party without a warrant - forcing her to helplessly watch while 'balling her eyes out'. Up to 100 'African teenagers' completely trashed a booking.com rental house (pictured) during a wild party after planning the violence to make sure they would get away with it The owner, named only as Kelly (pictured), got calls from horrified neighbours saying her $836,000 house was being destroyed. Right: Damage to the bathroom The teenagers shattered windows, smashed holes through walls and broke down doors at the house in Footscray, west Melbourne on Saturday night. Pictured: Glass repairers at the house today Shocking pictures of the damaged house showed walls punched through and lights dangling from ceilings 'Neighbours called me at 7am and said they're there destroying all of your televisions and furniture and smashing it across the street,' she told 3aw. 'It felt like I was watching my house burning down.' She said police told her they 'can't prove there is anything happening because they have no right to go in.' Kelly explained: 'We said "can we go in?" And they said "no, you can't, it's too dangerous for you to go in." 'We were saying "what can we do? We can't just stand here and watch our house being trashed." And they said "there is nothing you can do".' One shocked neighbour, Naz Ire, said the party was so out of control that she called police. The revellers - described by neighbours as 'African youths' - eventually moved on from the house (pictured) The owner, named only as Kelly, got calls from horrified neighbours saying her $836,000 house was being destroyed. Pictured: Damaged furniture in the bin outside the house 'They started turning up in car loads at about 9pm,' she told The Herald Sun. 'I could hear loud noises of door slamming, glass smashing and people yelling.' 'I couldn't sleep,' Ms Ire added. 'They were jumping on a neighbour's car and throwing glass bottles.' Another neighbour named Harry said the teenagers were 'swearing at police and seemed to be looking for a fight.' The revellers - described by neighbours as 'African youths' - eventually moved on. Shocking pictures of the house taken on Monday as repair workers fixed windows show a bathoom destroyed, walls punched through and lights dangling from ceilings. One shocked neighbour Naz Ire said the party was so out-of-control that she called police. Pictured: The kitchen of the house Victoria Police said in a statement they were called to a disturbance and arrested one 19-year-old man for being drunk and disorderly. Kelly said she had rented the property for one night to five guests from Adelaide via booking.com. She believes they booked under a false name and cancelled the credit card they booked on so she couldn't charge them for the damage. 'It was a really nasty, well thought out plan, quite honestly,' she said. She has called in repairers to fix the damage but said the booking.com and her insurer CommInsure have refused to pay up because she entered a rental agreement and is not covered for malicious damage. A CommInsure spokesman said on Monday: 'What happened on the weekend must be very stressful for the customer. 'This claim was lodged yesterday and we have assessors in contact to help them.' A Booking.com spokesman said: 'In the very rare and unfortunate instance that a customer engages in unlawful behaviour at a property, we encourage our partners to reach out to local authorities and make an official complaint. 'We support our accommodation partners fully and will cooperate with law enforcement in their official investigation as necessary. 'In this instance, we are taking additional precautions to block this customer from making any further reservations via our site.' A world-renowned fashion brand has denied misleading customers by selling clothes manufactured in Hong Kong and Bangladesh while also carrying tags reading 'Made in New Zealand'. Dame Denise L'Estrange-Corbet co-founded the World brand with her then-husband Francis Hooper in New Zealand in 1989, and she has been outspoken against making clothes offshore. An investigation by The Spinoff found World was selling garments for almost $100 each which were manufactured in Bangladesh, had a sequinned patch from Hong Kong added to them and then had swing tags attached to them reading 'Fabrique en Nouvelle-Zelande', translated from French to mean 'Made in New Zealand'. Dame Denise told Daily Mail Australia 'Made in New Zealand' referred to only the swing tag itself, and each garment has a label attached inside it identifying where it was manufactured. Dame Denise L'Estrange-Corbet co-founded the World brand with her then-husband Francis Hooper in New Zealand in 1989, and she has been outspoken against making clothes offshore A red-and-white striped AS Colour shirt made in Bangladesh which sells for $30 on their website is being sold by World for $99 with a sequined patch Dame Denise said Mr Hooper travels regularly to Hong Kong to source the patches used on the t-shirts himself The t-shirts, sweatshirts and sweatpants were purchased wholesale through AS Colour, a clothing retailer which sells blank, relatively cheap items. A red-and-white striped AS Colour shirt made in Bangladesh which sells for $30 on their website is being sold by World for $99. A sequin patch - which can be bought through online marketplace AliExpress for $4.72 - is applied to the t-shirt before sale. Dame Denise said Mr Hooper travels regularly to Hong Kong to source the patches used on the t-shirts himself. She disputed that tags on the shirts reading 'Made in New Zealand' were misleading, and that it referred to the swing tag itself rather than the garment. 'The tag is just to stick on the price and the bar code. I'm not going to make 5000 tags for only 10 t-shirts. 'The tag is thrown away... the label inside [the garment] states where it was made.' She said in the seven years her label has been selling AS Colour products she has never had a customer complain about a misleading tag. A sequin patch - which can be bought through online retailer AliExpress for $4.72 - is applied to the t-shirt before sale 'I haven't tried to hide anything or cover anything up.' Dame Denise said the brand had made their t-shirts in New Zealand but were unable to continue doing so due to factory closures. 'It's illegal in New Zealand to not say where garments are produced... The care tags are highly visible in all our garments. If you had visited any of our stores, you would have seen this,' she told The Spinoff. World has been endorsed by the United Nations for its commitment to sustainability, and Dame Denise has been openly critical of international powerhouses Zara and H&M for what she said were unethical practices. 'The people that support us aren't in China and India. I don't want my biggest amount of money - which goes towards your production - being spent in another country. I want to keep it in New Zealand,' she has previously said. She was made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to fashion and the community earlier this year. World clothes are sold in Australia. the United Kingdom, the United States and across Europe and Asia. Three diners were critically injured over the weekend after a car smashed into an Italian restaurant in New York. The car crashed into Enzo's Ristorante in the Westchester County village of Mamaroneck just after 8pm on Sunday. Authorities also said multiple diners were injured in the incident but they are expected to be okay. Surveillance footage showed a red car attempting to back out of a handicap parking spot right by the Italian eatery. Scroll down for video Three diners were critically injured after a car smashed into an Italian restaurant in New York over the weekend Photos from the scene show a wide section of the floor-to-ceiling windows in the front of the restaurant smashed in The car crashed into Enzo's Ristorante in the Westchester County village of Mamaroneck just after 8pm on Sunday It clipped a white car that was in the traffic lane and then continued to reverse at high speed, crashing through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the restaurant. Mamaroneck Mayor Tom Murphy was dining at a restaurant across the street from where the crash occurred. 'It's a popular restaurant, people inside were hurt and taken to the hospital,' he told The Journal News. Multiple people could be seen being taken away from the scene on stretchers. Their conditions were not immediately known. Juan Flores, who works at a nearby Mexican restaurant, said the car was trying to back out of a parking spot. 'The person, instead of stopping the car, accelerated the car and went into the restaurant,' he said. Mamaroneck Mayor Tom Murphy said multiple diners inside the restaurant were hurt and taken to a hospital Spectators said the red car was still inside the restaurant as of 9pm on Sunday night Ethan De La Rosa was eating inside the restaurant with his family when he saw the car crash just a few feet away from his table. 'It was shocking to see,' he told CBS2. 'I have a lot of adrenaline running through me.' Photos from the scene show a wide section of the floor-to-ceiling windows in the front of the restaurant smashed in. The driver, who has not been identified, reportedly remained at the scene and was being questioned by police. Its unclear if they had a medical emergency, which may have caused the crash. Authorities have not released the identities of the three critically injured in the incident. The accident remains under investigation. Surveillance footage showed the red car attempting to back out of a handicap parking spot and clipping a white vehicle in the traffic lane President Donald Trump has floated the idea of 'closing up the country' while discussing border security and immigration, in an apparent reference to a government shutdown. 'Even if we have to think about closing up the country for a while, we're going to get the wall. We have no choice,' Trump said on Saturday during a tax reform round-table in Cleveland. 'We have absolutely no choice, and we're going to get tremendous security in our country,' he continued, according to a transcript released by the White House. Trump did not specify what he meant by 'closing up the country', but last month he told supporters that unless Congress funded the wall, there could be a government shutdown in September, when current federal funding is due to run out. 'Even if we have to think about closing up the country for a while, we're going to get the wall. We have no choice,' Trump said on Saturday during a tax reform round-table in Cleveland The latest remarks came as Trump discussed immigration and blasted Democrats on the subject. 'Our borders are - and our laws are a mess. Our immigration laws are a disgrace. And Mexico has some of the toughest immigration laws in the world,' Trump said, speaking to a packed Cleveland Public Auditorium. 'You can't just go into Mexico. But they allow these people to come up through Mexico and come into our country,' he continued. Trump once again ridiculed 'catch-and-release', the practice of freeing asylum seekers while they await adjudication. 'How about the wall - where everyone scales the wall?' Trump said to applause from the audience, referring to scenes from last week of members of the migrant caravan scaling the border wall near San Diego, some of them brandishing the Honduran flag. 'We're going to do the job. And we may have to close up our country to get this straight, because we either have a country or we don't. You can't allow people to pour into our country the way they're doing,' he said. Trump referred to scenes from last week of asylum seekers from the migrant caravan scaling the border wall near San Diego, some of them brandishing the Honduran flag (above) Trump was in Cleveland to support Republican congressional candidates, including Rep. Jim Rennaci, (left) who hopes to unseat incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown in the US Senate Trump was in Cleveland to support Republican congressional candidates, including Rep. Jim Rennaci, who is in a hotly contested primary race against businessman Mike Gibbons for the Republican nomination for US Senate. The winner of Tuesday's primary will face incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown in the November election. Trump leaned heavily on the immigration issue in his speech, tying Democrats to what he called 'a total catastrophe'. 'These are the laws passed by Democrats so that we have open borders,' Trump said. 'They want open borders. We have to have borders. 'If you don't have borders, you don't have a country. So we're going to have that. So step by step.' A private island close to restaurants is on sale for half the price of a Sydney house. Wade Island, just a 90-minute drive from Canberra, has a price guide of $600,000 to $650,000. This is half the cost of Sydney's median house price of $1.1 million, or roughly the same as a two-bedroom home unit in Australia's most expensive city. Scroll down for video A private island close to restaurants is on sale for half the price of a Sydney house Wade Island, just a 90-minute drive from Canberra, has a price guide of $600,000 to $650,000 The 92-hectare, or 227-acre, private island near the historic town of Wee Jasper comes with freehold land on Lake Burrinjuck which can be developed into an eco-friendly holiday spot. Selling agent L.J. Hooker at Moruya on the South Coast said the pristine bushland island in southern New South Wales combined privacy with access to nearby cosmopolitan delights. 'You get the privacy that you would expect in remote parts of the world, with fabulous restaurants and local amenities just down the road,' it said on the listing. 'It's not an opportunity that you're likely to come across often, and one that could completely change your life.' The 92 hectare, or 227-acre, private island near the historic town of Wee Jasper comes with freehold land on Lake Burrinjuck which can be developed into a eco-friendly resort Selling agent L.J. Hooker, at Dickson in Canberra, said the pristine bushland island in southern New South Wales combined privacy with access to nearby cosmopolitan delights The island, which went on sale in early April, is a 90-minute drive from Canberra or three-and-a-half hours' drive from Sydney. The previous architect owners, who bought the property on impulse 13 years ago, had planned to build self-contained cabins on the island, which is mainly accessible by boat but they ran out of time raising young children. Development approval had already been given to put accommodation on the island, which L.J. Hooker said offered access to abundant wildlife, fishing, bushwalking, caving and water skiiing. There's also scope to build boat ramps for fishermen. Development approval had already been given to put accommodation on the island, which L.J. Hooker said offered access to abundant wildlife, fishing, bushwalking, caving and water skiiing L.J. Hooker co-agent Nic Salter-Harding, who is based at Dickson in Canberra, said he had received hundreds of enquiries since the property was listed five weeks ago. 'It's hard to determine what the price of this property should be, logically, it's not that kind of property,' he told Daily Mail Australia on Monday. 'This is a completely unique opportunity. 'This is a once-in-a-lifetime deal - I don't believe that you're going to find something like this again anytime in the foreseeable future. 'I'm not aware of any other properties like this that exist in the region. To me it's a helluva bargain.' Mr Salter-Harding said a wagu beef farmer wanting somewhere to graze his cattle, a koala conservation group, a church group wanting a weekend getaway and a corporation looking to build a retreat had expressed interest. 'We've had some really interesting enquiries,' he said. 'I don't know how effective it would be as pasture because it's mostly scrub.' He's reportedly worth $300million, but it appears even Steve Mnuchin can't say no to a cheap bottle of wine. The Secretary of Treasury was snapped bringing a $22 bottle of red wine on a visit to Jared Kushner's house in Washington DC on Sunday. Mnuchin was dressed down for the visit with Trump's senior adviser and son-in-law, sporting jeans and a gray polo shirt. Steve Mnuchin was snapped bringing a $22 bottle of red wine on a visit to Jared Kushner's house in Washington DC over the weekend Mnuchin was dressed down for the visit with Trump's senior adviser and son-in-law, sporting jeans and a gray polo shirt and holding a 2015 Arbalest Red Bordeaux Blend He clutched his iPad in one hand and the 2015 Arbalest Red Bordeaux Blend in the other as he went up the stairs to Kushner and Ivanka Trump's home. Kushner opened the door for Mnuchin and gave him a hug before Mnuchin handed him the wine, which appeared to be a gift. The Red Bordeaux Blend has a 'heavy Merlot emphasis' that is made by Napa winemaker Benoit Touquette. It is described as being 'dark, deep, fruit-forward, juicy, and lush in its deliciousness'. The bottle's label features a man with an Arbalest, a crossbow from the 12th Century. Kushner opened the door for Mnuchin and gave him a hug before their Sunday hangout It remains unknown what the occasion was for Mnuchin's visit, although it hasn't been the easiest week for Kushner It remains unknown what the occasion was for Mnuchin's visit, although it hasn't been the easiest week for Kushner. Kushner was recently described as 'disposable' by Rudy Giuliani on national television. Giuliani was discussing Robert Mueller's Russia investigation during an interview with Sean Hannity when he made the jab at Kushner. 'I guess, Jared is a fine man, you know that,' Giuliani told the Fox News host. 'But men are, you know, disposable. But a fine woman like Ivanka, come on.' So Kushner looked more than happy to accept Mnuchin's gift as he let him inside Kushner was recently described as 'disposable' by Rudy Giuliani on national television and it was also revealed he made additional mistakes on his financial ethics disclosure forms Giuliani then went on to say he would go into Mueller's offices 'with a lance' if the Special Counsel dared to go after Ivanka. If Kushner was concerned by the comment he refused to let it show. Instead he joked that as long as Ivanka didn't think he was 'disposable' everything was fine, according to Politico. But Trump's new legal team isn't all that Kushner has to worry about. It was also recently revealed that Kushner made additional mistakes on his financial ethics disclosure forms, which have already been revised more than 40 times. Kushner has revealed more than $10million in previously undisclosed business interests and holdings connected to his family's real estate empire since February. A man accused of masturbating at a woman sunbathing topless on a nudist beach will face court after onlookers reported him to police. The 50-year-old allegedly touched himself inappropriately in front of beachgoers about mid day Friday at Tyagarah's 'clothing optional' Belongil beach in Byron Bay. His behaviour was reported to police after he was seen coming within 10 metres of people relaxing on the sand. A man accused of masturbating at a woman sunbathing topless on a nudist beach in Byron Bay will face court after onlookers reported him to police One of the women sunbathing at the time said she had moved herself further from shore so she could tan topless with privacy. 'I decided to move up close near the sand dunes where it is a bit more private so I could tan topless, it is one of my favourite spots and I've never had a problem there or felt unsafe,' she wrote in a Facebook post. She said a man approached her from behind and began touching himself, but darted into the bush after they locked eyes. 'I turned around and there was a naked man standing in the bush behind me, I looked up at him then looked back down reading my book avoiding eye contact with him,' the woman wrote. The 50-year-old allegedly touched himself inappropriately in front of beachgoers about mid day Friday at Tyagarah's 'clothing optional' Belongil beach (pictured) in Byron Bay 'I waited a couple more seconds to see if he was still there looked up again to find him inappropriately touching himself. 'When he saw the shocked look on my face he was quick to run off in the bushes.' The man, from Queensland, was issued a Court Attendance Notice to appear at Court for the offence of Act of Indecency on a date yet to be set. A police spokesman told Daily Mail Australia there were several men asked to 'move on' from the popular nudist beach Friday. Michelle Knight, one of three women held captive in Ariel Castro's Cleveland House of Horrors for more than a decade, has opened up about the struggles she continues to face five years after being freed. A somber Knight revealed she is sadly still reminded of the hell her captor put her through by everyday objects, smells and food. 'I do have triggers... certain smells. Light fixtures with chain pulls,' a somber Knight told NBC News this week. Castro, who Knight refers to as 'the dude' in her writing, used to splash himself in Old Spice and Tommy Hilfiger cologne - which Knight said she cannot bear the smell of. He would chain her up and lock her in different rooms of his house and cook Knight and fellow kidnapping victims, Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus, sickening meals consisting of hot dogs, eggs and rice saturated in a bowl of bacon grease. 'I get a nauseous feeling when I smell that,' Knight said of bacon grease. Michelle Knight is pictured during her interview Monday, April 30, 2018 on Megyn Kelly Today 'I do have triggers... certain smells. Light fixtures with chain pulls,' a somber Knight told NBC News Knight shared with NBC how she still recovering five years after being freed from Ariel Castro's House of Horrors A now happily-married Knight, 37, stopped having nightmares about her kidnapper, but will likely continue the recovery process for the remainder of her life. In an interview with Dr. Phil that aired last month, Knight flashed a smile as she shared the big announcement about her matrimony to the crowd and cameras, seen in a video provided to DailyMail.com before the show aired. 'It's so good to see you... I got really good news for you,' a healthy-looking Knight beamed as she told Dr. Phil. 'Dr. Phil, I am married,' she confirmed, as the audience began cheering and clapping while being shown wedding photos of the couple onscreen. A spokesperson for Dr. Phil confirmed to DailyMail.com Knight's husband's first name and age - Miguel, 39. The happy couple met through mutual friends and tied the knot in May 2016. Knight, one of three women kidnapped and held captive for more than a decade in a Cleveland House of Horrors, revealed that she is happily married A spokesperson for Dr. Phil told DailyMail.com Knight married her partner, Miguel, 39, in May 2016 The happy pair are pictured above donned in white in this snapshot from the episode 'This is the biggest news I got for you Dr Phil. This is my sweetheart Miguel,' an excited Knight announced on the program. 'I love him so much and he's been a great support system for me. Now that I found love and I'm happy, I can do anything.' Miguel added: 'She's a lot different than any person I've ever met. 'She's been through a lot of things and it still surprises me every day how strong she is.' In other exciting news, Knight's second memoir, titled 'Life After Darkness: My Journey To Happiness,' was released May 1. The book release lands on the fifth anniversary of her escape from Castro's house in Cleveland, Ohio. Knight, along with Berry and DeJesus, were the three victims in the 2002-2004 infamous kidnappings. The trio finally were freed from captivity in 2013. Knight's best-selling book, 'Finding Me' was released in 2014. In it, she revealed the brutal physical, mental and emotional torture that Castro subjected her to, before his two other victims, Berry and DeJesus were brought into the home. The victim recounted harrowing details about emotional punishment, in which Castro repeatedly told her: 'You're a person with no meaning.' Ariel Castro (C), 53, stands between attorneys Craig Weintraub (L) and Jaye Schlachet as his sentence is read to him by judge Michael J. Russo in the courtroom in Cleveland, Ohio on August 1, 2013. An Ohio judge sentenced the kidnapper to life in prison for abducting, raping and holding captive three women for as long as 11 years, and murder for forcing one of the women to abort her pregnancy Amanda Marie Berry (L) and Georgina Lynn DeJesus (R) are pictured in this combination photograph in undated handout photos released by the FBI Knight, who had a troubled upbringing as a victim of sexual abuse, had been on her way to a foster care appointment on August 22, 2002. She was attempting to get her two-year-old son, Joey, back. Knight had stopped to ask for directions at a local store, when she ran into Castro - the father to one of her friends. He offered her a ride from the store, but said he needed to stop by his house. That's when he asked if she wanted to come inside to get a puppy he had been keeping for her son. 'We stepped into a bedroom and he said: ''The puppies are underneath the dresser,"' she said. 'I looked down to where he was pointing and then, suddenly - Slam! - he closed the door... The gentle guy who'd seemed so nice to me had turned into a madman. He pushed me to the ground. 'I closed my eyes and tried to prepare myself for what might happen next. To this day I still cannot believe what did.' Knight recalled being strung from wire in a bedroom where Castro returned two days later to rape her before dragging her down two flights of stairs and into the basement. She said: 'What happened over the next three hours is still hard for me to think about. He didn't just rape me the way he had upstairs. He murdered my heart.' Knight became pregnant five times during her years in captivity. She had been starved and beaten by Castro until she miscarried. In April 2003, Castro abducted Amanda Berry and brought her into the house. Knight recalled of the 'the dude' one night: 'Amanda's mother was on the news pleading for people to help find her daughter. The dude laughed. ''You see that? At least someone's looking for her. But who's looking for you? Not a soul. That's because you don't mean nothin' to nobody.''' By April 2004, Castro kidnapped Gina DeJesus and brought her to the home. He allowed her to be kept in the same room as Knight. The two girls developed a bond and held hands while they were abused. Castro later loosened their chains after Berry became pregnant and allowed her to keep the baby. The son of Knight, who miscarried her baby, was adopted while his mother was in captivity. The three girls were eventually allowed to go into the kitchen and living room for a few hours on the weekends. Berry took advantage of Castro leaving the inner front door unlocked and screamed through the storm door for help in May 2013. A neighbor heard her and phoned 911. As police officers descended the stairs to their basement prison, Knight said she turned to Gina DeJesus to tell her: 'You won't believe this. We're free. We are going home.' That day, May 6, 2013 - the impossible happened - the three girls finally escaped. Castro later was charged with 512 counts of kidnapping, 446 counts of rape and two counts of aggravated murder in the death of Knight's unborn baby. He committed suicide one month into his prison sentence, on September 3, 2013. Knight's highly-anticipated second memoir is a story of 'life filled with hope after suffering deep tragedy,' publisher Weinstein Books said in a statement. Knight has since changed her name to Lily Rose. Florida police officers took the night off to escort local high school students with special needs to their senior prom. On Saturday night 10 officers in Boynton Beach got dressed to the nines before picking up their dates, students at John I. Leonard High School. The department documented all of the festivities on their Twitter page, and videos of the officers hitting the dance floor have gone viral. Florida police officers took the night off to escort local high school students with special needs to their senior prom. A video of the police officers hitting the dance floor has gone viral Six of the students and eight of the officers posed for one last picture at the end of the night, which was posted on Twitter with the caption: 'We came. We danced. We rocked prom' The Boynton Beach police officers put a lot of preparation into the night, including making their own boutonnieres and corsages for their student dates One of the students beams with pride while taking pictures with his two dates before the event Retired officer Scott Harris, whose wife is a special education teacher, said the department came up with the idea so the special needs students could have as much fun at the dance as everyone else. 'It's amazing to see these young kids that don't have the opportunity to come do this be here today,' Harris told WPTV. 'They're awesome kids and now they're mingling with all the other kids doing the same thing that the kids that don't have the disabilities are doing.' The officers even prepared boutonnieres and corsages for their student dates. Two of the officers proved they know how to get down with the cool crowd by doing a choreographed dance to Silento's song Watch Me The idea to escort the students reportedly came from a retired officer whose wife works as a special education teacher in Florida Before the dance, the couples stopped by a local Wawa convenience store for snacks. When they got to the event itself, the cops were seen breaking it down on the dance floor to today's hottest teen hits such as Silento's Watch Me and Big Sean's Bounce Back. At the end of the night the couples posed for a picture that was posted with the caption: 'We came. We danced. We rocked prom.' 'As much as tonight means to these students, it means the world to us to be able to escort them to their prom,' a post from the Twitter account said. One lucky girl is pictured with not one but five dates before heading to the big dance The students and officers showed off their best prom poses at a Boynton Beach park One girl's light pink dress was the perfect compliment to the officer's navy police uniforms A couple in the midst of a bitter divorce were the subjects of a television special over an attempted murder case that also involved the hiring of a hitman. Tiffany Mead, from Davis County, Utah, called 911 back in 2013 and shared that she needed assistance. 'My neck's bleeding,' the at the time 22-year-old said to Shelley Campbell, the operator that night. 'I need help quick.' Campbell immediately grew skeptical when Mead described how she had attempted to commit suicide by cutting her own throat. Tiffany Mead, from Davis County, Utah, called 911 back in 2013 and shared that she needed help after her throat was slashed. Her estranged husband, Kris Ertmann, claimed that Mead had attempted suicide Blood was found all over the vehicle but investigators noticed that there was blood outside the car and also at another scene Mead shared that both her husband and son were in the car at the time and Campbell quickly began asking why he seemed so nonchalant about the incident. She even had to instruct Mead's husband - Kris Ertmann - to use his own shirt to stop the bleeding. Mead would go on and inform Deputy Paramedic Jason Sorensen that it was indeed her estranged husband who actually cut her. 'I knew she was in really bad shape,' Sorenson explained to '48 Hours'. 'It was a really severe wound It was straight across her neck. All the way across.' And as authorities tried to piece together what actually happened, Mead was rushed to the hospital but not before making it clear that she didn't want Ertmann around her or the child. Ertmann at one point had to be instructed to tie his shirt around her neck to stop the bleeding. First responders added that he seemed nonchalant and unemotional about the entire ordeal Ertmann was detained soon after and was questioned by Sergeant Bob Thompson. He claimed that he and his wife were in the middle of a divorce, having been married for five years. They had met that night, Ertmann claimed, so that he could give Mead a child support check as the couple had two young children. 'We exchanged a few words and I don't know how she did ... being able to put a knife to her throat,' Ertmann stated. But Sgt. Thompson had already noted that there was blood outside of the car's door and something was off. Detectives had learned that the two had actually met at a different park, almost a mile away, and discovered a second scene where there was also blood. Sgt. Bob Thompson with Davis County charged Ertmann with attempted murder after Mead made a miraculous recovery. She had had one of her children in the vehicle when the attack took place, but her mother quickly came to get the little one as authorities detained her estranged husband For Sgt. Thompson, that confirmed for him that the altercation had started elsewhere than instead of inside the vehicle. While he was questioning Ertmann, Sgt. Thompson noted that the man showed little emotion when talking about his wife. He wouldn't even ask if his estranged wife was doing ok and was adamant that she was suicidal and had been taking anti-depressant medication. The judge presiding over the case received an anonymous letter corroborating with Ertmann's side of the events that Mead had tried to kill herself because of the failings of their marriage 'People don't commit suicide that wayAnd especially for a mother to do it in front of her child didn't make sense to me,' said Sgt. Thompson. Sgt. Thompson charged Ertmann with attempted murder after Mead made a miraculous recovery. And the mother of Noah and Wyatt still remembers how ghastly the cut was, five years later. 'He went straight acrossed [sic], and he stopped right before my artery on this side,' she said. Mead shared that the relationship between her and her estranged husband had grown so toxic, they could only communicate via text. She added: 'He told me not to bring anyone. He kept reminding me to come alone. Come alone.' The mother chose to bring two-year-old Noah and Ertmann decided to change the location of the meetup at the last second to a more secluded park. And when they finally met, Mead stated that Ertmann 'had this look' and proceeded to push her back up against her car door. She said: 'And he had one hand on my mouth. And he pulled something out of his pocket. And he slit my throat. And as he's slitting my throat, h -- he says, "Shh, don't scream. Stay calm." And I didn't scream And I told him I was getting dizzy. So he opened my car door for me so that I could sit. Investigators soon found that the note was written by a former inmate named Raymond who also shared that Ertmann was looking to hire a hitman 'And he said, "You know what I want." "Say it." So I said, 'I love you, and I'll get back with you.' And then he said, "Seal it with a kiss." And he leaned in, and he kissed me as blood's pouring out of my neck.' It was Ertmann's idea to come up with a story to tell the police, but Mead - who was concerned for her child's safety - just wanted to make sure she could get to a location where she could easily describe the scene. Driving with one hand on the steering wheel and the other around her blood soaked neck, Mead made her way to the eventual spot where she would call 911. She said: 'As soon as there were sheriffs between me and Kris, I let 'em know, "Kris did this. He tried to kill me."' Mead called her mother - Cheryl Mead - to come get her son as she was rushed to the hospital. The clear mark from where Ertmann had cut at Mead's throat 'As I was laying in the ambulance looking up at the lights I was thinking, "It's over. Noah's safe. [Crying] I can die now.,"' added Mead. Mead explained how the two met online while she was a high school senior and Ertmann was serving in the Army and based in Iraq. They wedded six-weeks-later and quickly became parents, but Ertmann was effected from his time serving and became physically and emotionally abusive. And in 2012, Mead finally grew the courage to flee her husband, taking her two children with her. Ertmann was furious and the eventual slashing would take place. But problems quickly arose while Sgt. Thompson and boss Lieutenant Jen Daley had difficulty locking in motive. They searched for a week, but ultimately failed at pinpointing the weapon used in the attack. Daley shared that she believes that while Mead was driving, Ertmann threw the knife out the window and into a deep ravine. And to further complicate matters, the judge presiding over the case received an anonymous letter corroborating with Ertmann's side of the story and it had to be taken as credible evidence. Investigators failed to pinpoint who the letter came from, but they along with Mead assumed that Ertmann had something to do with it. Lt. Daley felt that something was off about the case and feared that if she didn't find something to incriminate Ertmann, he would only get slapped with aggravated assault and would only have to serve a year in prison. A sting was set up to get Ertmann to confess to hiring the killer So she began listening intently to his calls while behind bars - which inmates are notified as being allowed - and made a startling discovery while listening to a set of calls from five months after the attack in December. The leading investigator noticed that Ertmann was keen on locating a man by the name 'Raymond' and had asked if he had been reached on three separate occasions over the course of two weeks. 'I looked at that sticky pad. Still had that name written on it. And I pulled it off. And I remember it was stuck to my index finger,' said Lt. Daley. 'And I walked down the hallway into [Thompson's] office. and I held my hand out and I said, "I need you to find this guy. Find him for me."' 'Kris is trying to get him to hire somebody to kill Tiffany. I almost fell off my seat, because if anybody could do it, it's him. this heightened it even more for me,' said Lt. Jen Daley about the informant who notified them that Ertmann was trying to have Mead killed Detective 'Jim Kelly' eventually got Ertmann to acknowledge that he wanted his ex-wife killed and was willing to pay the 'hitman' $5000 to have the deed done Raymond - whose last name wasn't revealed - was found to have been a former inmate who was behind bars for a methamphetamine possession charge but was now out on probation. Thompson and Daley questioned Raymond, who eventually disclosed that Ertmann had admitted guilt to the crime. Raymond also shared that Ertmann gave him a handwritten note that he was to copy once he was free. 'Saying that I was his wife, to the judge that was presiding over his case, saying that she admitted that she lied, and that the allegations were false,' he told the investigators. Getting the acknowledgement that the letter may be in Odgen, Sgt. Thompson then pressed Raymond to share if Ertmann had any plans enacted against Mead. Along with the attempted murder charge, prosecutors now added obstruction of justice and solicitation to commit aggravated murder. He took a plea deal and pleaded no contest 'He just asked me if I had the connections to arrange for bad things to happen to her. I told him that I did not,' Raymond stated. He would later add that Ertmann wanted him 'to arrange her death. Specifically.' 'At that moment we realize that this has gone to a whole new level where, we've got somebody who's in custody that is still trying to orchestrate the death of his victim,' said Prosecutor Richard Larsen. Investigators immediately alerted Mead of the revelation, who was beyond spooked. She said: 'He wanted to have me killed. He wanted to have someone else do what he couldn't. I remember everyone was asleep, just sitting on the floor crying and rocking back and forth, and wondering [in tears] if I could ever leave the house again.' 'I have to do everything in my power to keep this monster locked away,' said Mead. 'He'll come after me and my boys. There's no doubt in my mind. He'll try and finish what he started' And soon the letter was in the hands of the authorities, and they moved to have Raymond go in and speak directly to Ertmann. Raymond was able to get Ertmann to confess to getting the letter sent off but couldn't coax the suspect to admitting he ordered a hit. Seemingly running into a dead end, Lt. Daley grew disheartened until she was contacted by a old jailhouse informant. The sometimes unreliable inmate knew specific details pertaining to Mead's case, as he shared a cell with Ertmann. 'Kris is trying to get him to hire somebody to kill Tiffany. I almost fell off my seat, because if anybody could do it, it's him. this heightened it even more for me,' said Lt. Daley. Setting up a sting, Daley and her team set up a sting where a 'hitman' - a detective operating under the name Jim Kelly - would be introduced to Ertmann. Seen on surveillance footage, Ertmann hands his inmate friend a piece of paper that has Mead's address written on it to give to the 'hitman'. 'She's moved mountains. She's -- she's helped save my life,' Mead said about the work Lt. Daley did to catch Ertmann Authorities had had Mead pose for photos to simulate that she was being watched but the informant soon pressed to be released from jail if he were to still help catch Ertmann. Kelly made his move without the informant, and eventually got Ertmann to acknowledge that he wanted his ex-wife killed and was willing to pay the 'hitman' $5000 to have the deed done. Along with the attempted murder charge, prosecutors now added obstruction of justice and solicitation to commit aggravated murder. But while investigators worked tirelessly for a year to get evidence for trial, Ertmann took a plea deal and pleaded no contest. 'Yeah, I'll take blame for it. I did it. But I was not in my right mind. I'm not dangerous,' Ertmann was said to have said in court. He has attempted to cite PTSD as a cause for his behavior but authorities believe he is only using that as a crutch and there is no actual diagnosis of such. Mead now lives her life in constant fear, but does get some assistance from an emotional support dog named Butters. She has also remarried and raises her two sons Noah and Wyatt Nevertheless, Ertmann's plea deal means he can face anywhere from six years in prison to life behind bars. Utah law states that the Board of Pardons and Parole will decide the man's release. Both Lt. Daley and Mead plan to be at the hearings, in hopes of keeping Ertmann locked away for a long time. 'I have to do everything in my power to keep this monster locked away,' said Mead. 'He'll come after me and my boys. There's no doubt in my mind. He'll try and finish what he started.' Mead now lives her life in constant fear, but does get some assistance from an emotional support dog named Butters. She has also remarried. She is also thankful for Lt. Daley who she sees as having saved her life and as a guardian angel. 'She's moved mountains. She's -- she's helped save my life,' said Mead. Mothers caught drink driving behind the wheel with their children in the car will be publicly named and shamed, the New South Wales Police Assistant Commissioner has warned. Police have upped the ante in their tough crackdown against drink driving to target school pick-up and drop-off times to catch drink-driving mothers. Nine NSW women who were charged with drink driving had children in the back seat in the past three months alone, according to police assistant commissioner Michael Corboy. Scroll down for video Police assistant commissioner Michael Corboy has no sympathy for mothers who drink and drive and says they have complete disregard for the law and the safety of their children. Nine NSW women who were arrested and charged with drink driving had children in the backseat in the past three months alone, according to NSW Police He told Sunday night's episode of 60 Minutes he has no sympathy for these women and says they have complete disregard for the law and the safety of their children. 'That to us is extremely dangerous... it is criminal,' Commissioner Corboy told the program. 'These are completely avoidable incidents. There is nothing more devastating to our officers than pulling a dead child out of a car.' The crackdown comes after Sydney mother Susan Lung, 42, had her drink driving charges dropped, despite found passed out at the wheel of her car and blowing 0.445 - nearly nine times the legal limit. She escaped the charges because the officer who took her blood-alcohol test couldn't prove Ms Lung was driving while intoxicated, despite her having previous drink-driving offences. Recent research shows nearly one in four Australian women aged between 35 and 59 drink excessively, blaming the increasing pressures of balancing their home, work and social commitments. Expert Dr Janice Withnall believes it's a national health crisis. Sydney mother Susan Lung (pictured) escaped drink driving charges, despite found passed out at the wheel of her car and blowing 0.445 - nearly nine times the legal limit Around 5500 people die of alcohol-related illness and injury in Australia each year, according to Dr Withnall 'Women in their 30s and 40s that are drinking too much alcohol look fabulous, do a terrific job,' she told 60 Minutes. 'But inside, if you ask them, they're dead. They've used all of their energy in doing and fixing and being perfect.' NSW police have upped the ante in their tough crackdown against drink driving to target school pick-up and drop-off times to catch drink-driving mothers Mothers caught drink driving behind the wheel with their children in the car will be publicly named and shamed, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy has warned Assistant commissioner Corboy warned that mothers caught drink driving with their children in the car will be publicised and says they deserve the full extent of the law. 'If you do get caught drinking and driving you've got kids in the car we will be putting that out there to say, "This is an example of what you shouldn't be doing' and how dangerous it could be,"' he said. A new church has broken ground in the Texas town of Sutherland Springs six months after a gunman killed more than two dozen people during a Sunday service. Sherri Pomeroy of First Baptist Church says Saturday's groundbreaking was held on the six-month anniversary of the deadliest mass shooting in Texas history to 'celebrate the lives that our friends and family lived.' 'We purposefully planned this groundbreaking on today's date, to help us remember to celebrate the lives that our friends and family lived, not to dwell on the manner in which they died,' Pomeroy told the San-Antonio Express News. Shovels are seen before the groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday in Sutherland Springs Rev. Frank Pomeroy baptized people on the grounds of the new church during the ceremony Pomeroy's husband is the pastor of the church where Devin Patrick Kelley opened fire on November 5, killing 26 before he was himself gunned down by hero bystanders. Devin Patrick Kelly killed 26 in November The Pomeroys' 14-year-old daughter Annabelle was among those killed. Authorities put the official death toll at 26 because one of the 25 people killed was pregnant. More than 200 community members attended the groundbreaking, on newly acquired land adjacent to the church where the shooting took place. The new church will have two turrets: one with a bell to signal the beginning of services, and another with a light. Rev. Frank Pomeroy baptized people on the grounds of the new church during the ceremony on Saturday. Senator Ted Cruz was in attendance. 'Six months ago today, the community saw unspeakable evil,' he told Fox29. Concept art for the new church is seen. One turret will have a bell and the other a light The old First Baptist Church is seen in the aftermath of the November 5 shooting 'And as the eyes of the world focused on Sutherland Springs, this community, this church, the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs showed the world of Jesus Christ,' Cruz continued. Community members reiterated during the weekend ceremony that no victims' funds would be used for construction of the new $3 million church. Furious ravegoers have claimed they were denied entry to a music festival despite police body searches finding nothing. More than 3,500 MDMA ecstasy capsules were seized and 13 people charged following a large police operation at Midnight Mafia Music Festival at the Sydney Showgrounds on Saturday. But numerous other attendees have claimed they were turned away from the venue by police despite not carrying any drugs, news.com.au reported. People who attended Midnight Mafia Music Festival (pictured) at the Sydney Showgrounds on Saturday claim they were turned away from the venue by police despite not carrying any drugs More than 3,500 MDMA ecstasy capsules were seized and 13 people charged following a large police operation at the event (pictured) One person took to social media after being denied entry to the event, claiming she was strip-searched and found to be clean. She also claimed she was threatened to be taken to hospital under suspicion that she was carrying drugs internally. 'I've had people get searched at the same venue and get let back in but last night it was absolute no entry back inside even if [they] found nothing on you because "they're (police) not willing to take that risk",' the person wrote to Facebook. 'Also the dog didnt even sit at the time it had seen me. I was literally about to hand my ID over to security ... People being falsely detected shouldnt have to be punished.' Other social media users jumped to the woman's defence, claiming she was 'stripped of her liberties' in a 'police state getting worse'. Another festivalgoer told the woman they were also denied entry after a strip-search that found no drugs. Others made complaints to anti-drug dog campaign Sniff Off, saying they were also turned away despite carrying no drugs, news.com.au reported. One person took to social media after being denied entry to the event (pictured), claiming she was strip-searched and found to be clean Other social media users jumped to the woman's defence, claiming she was 'stripped of her liberties' in a 'police state getting worse'. Pictured: A ticket to the Midnight Mafia music fesitval It claimed out of 187 people searched by police, 45 were found to be carrying drugs - one of which allegedly being a 21-year-old woman with almost 1600 MDMA capsules and an amount of cocaine. Event organisers Hard Styles United said people who were denied entry will be offered full refunds. A New South Wales police spokesperson told the publication that entry may be denied to anyone who is 'suspected of drugs or alcohol'. 'We want everyone to have a great time but we wont tolerate behaviour that risks the safety of others,' the spokesperson told that publication. Meanwhile, Greens state MP David Shoebridge said police at the festival acted in an 'aggressive and unwarranted' manner akin to a '21st century witchcraft trial'. He said people searched at the event were treated as guilty of carrying drugs, and were humiliated in public. A total of 14,000 people attended Midnight Mafia and of those 187 people, or just over 1.3 per cent, were searched by police. Others made complaints to anti-drug dog campaign Sniff Off, saying they were also turned away from the event (pictured) despite carrying no drugs Capsules were seized in a large police operation, including sniffer dogs, at the event which lasted from 3pm until midnight. Thirteen people were subsequently charged with drug supply while 32 people were issued with court notices for drug possession. During the festival, 256 people sought medical treatment and three were taken to hospital for drug-related health issues. Detective Chief Inspector Gus Viera said he was greatly concerned by the large number of pills seized. 'We saw more drugs seized today than recent events, one of the largest we've seen, which clearly shows our messaging is not getting through,' he said on Sunday. 'I am extremely disappointed with these results; however, we will continue to conduct these operations at upcoming festivals throughout the year.' Markeise Caldwell, 25, has been charged with capital murder in the death of his girlfriend's four-month-old baby in Mobile, Alabama A man has been charged with capital murder in the death of his girlfriend's four-month-old baby. Markeise Caldwell, 25, was arrested on Sunday in Mobile, Alabama, after investigators were called to the hospital for a report of possible child abuse. He had been babysitting his girlfriend's son, who died from 'blunt force trauma', police said. As he was being taken to the Mobile County Metro Jail on Sunday night, Caldwell admitted that he had been drinking while taking care of the child. He then proceeded to go on a rant that local TV station Fox 10 caught on camera. 'I did something very, very... it's horrible, y'all. And to the world, y'all, I'm not this person. I'm really not,' he's heard saying in the video. Scroll down for video Caldwell was arrested and charged with capital murder and aggravated child abuse on Sunday night. While being escorted to the jail he stopped to talk to reporters 'I've allowed myself to be spiritually weak in my faith, and I hurt somebody I love, too. Because I treated him like my own. 'I overdrank. I have drinking issues and I messed up real bad. 'Sorry ain't even the word. I want to say to my girl, her family, my family, and everyone else, I'm not this person y'all. I just want to let y'all know, but I gotta go get my mind right because I'm mentally gone.' Caldwell has been charged with aggravated child abuse and capital murder, and will not get bond. The four-month-old victim has not been identified. A video shows Caldwell telling reporters: 'I did something very, very... it's horrible, y'all' The 25-year-old admitted that he was drunk while watching the four-month-old, who died from blunt force trauma on Sunday A woman who witnessed a crocodile mauling her close friend on a northern Australian beach has recounted the horrifying moment the creature struck. Leann Mitchell was with Cindy Waldron on the night of May, 2016, when the giant reptile snuck up on the two women as they frolicked at Thornton Beach, 130km north of Cairns. They were there to celebrate the end of Ms Mitchell's breast cancer treatment, and were standing in shallow water, arm-in-arm, Sunday Night reported. Leann Mitchell (pictured: right) witnessed her close friend Cindy Waldron (pictured: left) being mauled by a killer crocodile The two women were frolicking at Thornton Beach, 130km north of Cairns, when the creature struck It was a dark night and her friend's back was to the water, Ms Mitchell recalls. The two women were laughing. 'And then Cindy cried out to me and she said "It's got me" - I thought it was just that fright you get when seaweed brushes you.' Leann Mitchell, above, was celebrating beating breast cancer in Thornton Beach, Cairns when the crocodile crept up on the pair Ms Mitchell has recounted the horrifying moment the crocodile yanked her and her friend into the water, saying that she felt the top of its head and started trying to punch the creature Ms Mitchell suggested that she didn't fully understand what was happening until the moment both women were yanked into the water by the powerful animal. She recalls the moment she reached out and felt the top of the creature's head; the moment she started punching and hitting the crocodile as it yanked them a second time; and, finally, the moment Ms Waldron disappeared. 'The only help I could get was by screaming Cindy's name,' Ms Mitchell said. A few weeks later, the 4.3 metre crocodile that is thought to have killed Ms Waldron was captured by wildlife officers in the Daintree. Police found human remains, believed to be those of Ms Waldron, inside the animal Leann Mitchell (above) was celebrating beating breast cancer in Thornton Beach, Cairns when the crocodile crept up on her and her friend, Cindy Waldron, on May, 2016 Speaking to the Cairns Post the next day, a local man confirmed that crocodiles are 'clearly in the area. 'They're semi-nocturnal: definitely in the evenings they come out, when it's warmer. And they hunt.' A few weeks later, the 4.3 metre crocodile that is thought to have killed Ms Waldron was captured by wildlife officers in the Daintree, and subsequently euthanised. Police found human remains, believed to be those of Ms Waldron, inside the animal. The centre of Perth was evacuated today after a suspicious package was found in the street. The item was found at 12.40pm before police cleared the streets and put up a cordon as a precaution. Bomb squad teams then swooped in. They declared the package a non-threat and took it away. A spokesman for Western Australia Police told Daily Mail Australia: 'A suspicious item was found on Wellington Street in Forrest Chase. The centre of Perth is on lockdown after a suspicious package was found in the street. Pictured: People watch on at the scene 'It has been declared a non-threat and people are now free to walk around.' The spokesman declined to comment on what the item looked like. Pictures from the scene showed locals watching the situation unfold from behind police tape. Five serial toll dodgers have racked up hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid fines and several of them are refusing to pay the money back. Five people collectively owe the Brisbane City Council more than $300,000 in unpaid tolls. While the council spends millions of dollars each year chasing up the drivers who haven't payed, some of them just refuse to, The Courier Mail reported. Legacy Way in Brisbane (pictured) is just one highway where the offender racked up more than $300,000 in fines One motorists owes the council almost $81,000 for 483 unpaid tolls, while another owes $59,000 for 346 unpaid tolls. Three other drivers also have fines over $50,000 that the council is struggling to get repaid. The cheapest toll road in Brisbane is the Go Between Bridge which costs $1.57 to travel on for a class two vehicle. Clem7 and Legacy Way each cost $5.02 to travel on. When toll fines go unpaid they attract further penalties beginning at $154 per unpaid toll. Some of the offenders are simply refusing to pay the large fines while others can't be contacted. Infrastructure chairman Amanda Cooper is accusing the five motorists of letting the rest of the community down. Clem7 tunnel (pictured) is another toll road that is monitored by the Brisbane City Council 'Combined, these five toll dodgers have driven on tollways more than 1800 times without paying. This is not an oversight, it's a deliberate ploy,' she said. 'This congestion-busting infrastructure was only possible through leasing tolling rights to private operators, which provided funds to build the projects.' 'When a small number of motorists refuse to pay for the benefits of a quicker trip, the community is faced with the cost.' Last finical year the council spent $6.1million dollars trying to rein in the $22.6million in outstanding toll infringements. Cr Cooper acknowledged that there were some circumstances where motorists had a genuine concern over the amount of the toll fine. She said the council was lobbying the State Government to implement an independent tolling ombudsman to review tolling cases. Motorists who continue to fail to pay their outstanding tolls will be refereed to the State Penalties Enforcement Registry. Australians would be left without food, medicines and transport if the country ran out of fuel with only 22 days of refined petrol in the national supply chain and just six weeks' worth in emergency reserve. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute sounded the warning about a social catastrophe as federal Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg in Canberra announced an urgent review into fuel supplies. Major crude oil refineries in Sydney and Brisbane have closed during the past five years with Perth home to Australia's only oil refinery. Scroll down for video Australians would be left without food, medicines and transport if the country ran out of fuel with only 43 days of refined petrol in the national supply chain (British supermarket pictured) The Australian Strategic Policy Institute sounded an energy security warning as the government announced a fuel supply review (an empty Sydney Harbour Bridge pictured) This is making Australia even more reliant on imported fuel from Singapore as conflict in Syria and the Middle East threatens to cripple global fuel supplies. Dr Malcolm Davis, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute's senior analyst in defence strategy and capability, said Australia had just 43 days, or six weeks' worth, of refined fuel in its national reserves with just 22 days worth of petrol in the system at any one time. He said foreign conflict and global instability could make Australia particularly vulnerable, creating a 'Mad Max'-like scenario, with the transport system set to collapse if fuel ran out. 'You wouldn't have transport of goods such as food for example at the supermarkets, you wouldn't have the manufacture of pharmaceutical products, a lot of factories would close and have people losing their jobs,' he told Daily Mail Australia on Monday. Dr Malcolm Davis, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute's senior analyst in defence strategy and capability, said Australia had just 43 days of refined fuel in its national reserves 'Economic growth would slump and so you would have this cycle that builds up like a wave or tsunami whereby things would come apart very quickly.' In the event fuel was close to running out, priority would be given to essential services and Defence, leaving nothing for motorists or transport logistics companies. 'It's not just about putting petrol in the tank of your car, it's about getting goods from supply to market,' Dr Davis said. As a member of the International Energy Agency, Australia is required to have 90 days' worth of fuel in storage. However, Dr Davis said governments from both sides of politics had allowed the big oil companies to close their fuel refineries, at Clyde and Kurnell in Sydney and Pinkenba in Brisbane, ignoring this mandate. Dr Malcolm Davis said governments from both sides of politics have allowed the big oil companies to close their fuel refineries and ignore a mandate to have 90 days' fuel supply 'It's not just this current government, it's also Labor governments as well,' he said. 'It's economic rationalism that's at fault. 'The government has taken an attitude that the fuel will always be there because it will always get to market just in time, the energy reserves won't be disrupted but with instability in the Middle East and growing Chinese assertiveness, I don't think you can make those assumptions any longer.' Dr Davis said it would take several years for Australia to build up its fuel supplies to the mandated 90-day level, which would require significant spending on storage infrastructure. Environment and Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg has launched an urgent National Energy Security Assessment review into national fuel supplies Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg, on Monday announced an urgent National Energy Security Assessment in Australia's fuel supplies, the first since 2011. 'The assessment will also help inform Australia's plan to return to compliance with the International Energy Agency's emergency stockholding obligations by 2026,' Mr Frydenberg said. 'Australia's liquid fuel supply increasingly depends on overseas sources and relies on market forces to maintain reliability and affordability.' The review is due to report by the end of 2018. Lord Adonis was last night accused of posting a 'racist' cartoon suggesting that Home Secretary Sajid Javid would use his new powers to deport his own parents. Mr Javid, the first ethnic minority MP to hold one of the four top jobs in Government, hit back at the Labour peer, writing: 'You're better than this.' Fellow Cabinet minister Penny Mordaunt and Tory MPs also rounded on Lord Adonis for his 'profoundly poor judgement'. He had posted the cartoon on Twitter even though Mr Javid's father Abdul, a Pakistani immigrant to Britain, has died. The cartoon, which Lord Adonis said was published in the pro-Remain New European newspaper, featured Mr Javid in his new role as Home Secretary. Lord Adonis was last night accused of posting a 'racist' cartoon suggesting that Home Secretary Sajid Javid would use his new powers to deport his own parents After a storm of criticism, Lord Adonis (pictured), a former Blairite minister and a diehard Remainer, apologised and removed the post, tweeting: 'Sajid, on reflection, I think the cartoon is too personal and in poor taste. I have deleted it. I am sorry. Andrew. It was headed, 'Sajid Javid takes over Amber Rudd's role', and showed Mr Javid saying: 'I just want to settle in, get organized, then deport my parents!' There was also a flip chart next to him with the heading 'targets'. This was a reference to the scandal which saw Miss Rudd resign last week after misleading Parliament on targets for removing illegal immigrants. After a storm of criticism, Lord Adonis, a former Blairite minister and a diehard Remainer, apologised and removed the post, tweeting: 'Sajid, on reflection, I think the cartoon is too personal and in poor taste. I have deleted it. I am sorry. Andrew.' Mr Javid's father, about whom he has spoken movingly, died in 2012, two years after his son became an MP. The minister's mother, Zubaid, is still alive. Mr Javid, who has been tipped as a future Tory leader, sent a tweet to Lord Adonis, writing: 'Not like you Andrew Adonis. You're better than this.' He later responded to a member of the public who suggested he was an inspiration for British Pakistani boys, saying: 'Please tell them not to be put off by the likes of Andrew Adonis. 'Encourage them to aim high. If you put in the hard work, you can achieve anything, regardless of background, in our great country.' Mr Javid (pictured), the first ethnic minority MP to hold one of the four top jobs in Government, hit back at the Labour peer, writing: 'You're better than this' Miss Mordaunt, the International Development Secretary, rallied to Mr Javid's defence, writing: 'Hope this display of profoundly poor judgment is short lived, that you now regret it and plan to put things right.' Tory MP Sarah Wollaston demanded that Lord Adonis apologise, tweeting: 'No excuse for this deeply offensive personal insult targeting Sajid Javid and his family.' Amandeep Singh Bhogal, a former Tory parliamentary candidate, said: 'Tweeting appalling racist cartoon about Home Secretary Sajid Javid. Andrew Adonis this time you've really lost the plot. Vile. Racist.' He said targeting Mr Javid's dead father in a 'disgraceful racist cartoon' was 'beyond sickening'. After his promotion last week, Mr Javid immediately suffered racially charged abuse from Labour supporters, some of whom branded him a 'coconut' and 'Uncle Tom', highly offensive terms used to accuse someone of betraying their heritage. In his first week he announced a new immigration policy for loyal Afghan interpreters, which means they no longer have to pay large fees to continue living in the UK. Just before he was promoted, Mr Javid spoke about his parents and the Windrush scandal. 'I was really concerned when I first started hearing and reading about some of the issues,' he said. 'I'm a second-generation migrant. My parents came to this country from Pakistan, just like the Windrush generation When I heard about the Windrush issue I thought, 'That could be my mum... it could be my dad... it could be my uncle... it could be me.' Lord Adonis, the Government's former infrastructure tsar, has boasted that he has a 'game plan to stop Brexit' and has compared Brexit to the appeasement of Hitler. An Australian paedophile who fled the country 22 years ago will either die or spend the rest of his life in a vegetative state after being hit by a car during a night out in Brazil. Christopher John Gott, 63, has been in a coma in a Rio de Janeiro hospital since an accident on Copacabana Beach which killed an eight-month-old baby and injured 17 other people in January. 'Only a miracle can help him. He suffered severe brain damage and his fate is either death or a vegetative state,' police officer Claudio Ascoli told Brazilian media. An Australian paedophile will either die or spend the rest of his life in a vegetative state after being hit by a car during a night out in Brazil. Pictured, the scene of the crash Christopher John Gott's passport identified him as 68-year-old Australia Daniel Marcos Philips, but alarm bells rang when authorities discovered it was a fake The crash uncovered the former teacher's vile history as a paedophile and his secret double life. Gott's passport identified him as 68-year-old Australia Daniel Marcos Philips, but alarm bells rang when authorities discovered it was a fake. His true identity eluded Brazilian police for days following the crash, until they took a copy of his fingerprint as he lay in comatose and sent it to Australian officials. The Australian Federal Police then revealed the injured man was a convicted paedophile they had been hunting for more than two decades. In 1983 - when Gott was 29 years old - an indecent assault unfolded at a Melbourne school where he taught, The Australian reported. Charges were never laid, but Victoria Police still wants to speak with Gott regarding the assault. Gott's true identity eluded Brazilian police for days following the crash (scene pictured), until they took a copy of his fingerprint as he lay in comatose and sent it to Australian officials Gott's 22-year run from police came to an end on on January 18 after the driver of a black Hyundai mowed down the 63-year-old and 16 others at Copacabana Beach (pictured) He later moved to Darwin in the early 1990s when his sexual attraction to underage boys heightened, according to the paper. Gott would invite boys, some of whom were students he had taught, into his home where they would watch pornography. He would then sexually molest them. He was sentenced to six years behind bars in 1994, but served only two. In 1996 he was released subject to strict parole conditions, but vanished after catching a bus through the desert to Adelaide. Gott initially told police he was going to live with his parents in Melbourne, but they told officers they had disowned the convicted paedophile. Brazilian police are now investigating Gott's role at an international school in Rio. They said there is no evidence he molested children in Brazil. Roaming packs of feral dogs killed six children and injured two dozen others in just the past week as they terrorise villages in northern India. Locals were keeping their children at home and killing any dogs they encounter in and around the town of Sitapur, about 50 miles from Lucknow. Many of the attacks occurred when children were out gathering mangoes or using outhouse toilets as many homes in the area lack indoor plumbing. Roaming packs of feral dogs killed six children and injured two dozen others in just the past week as they terrorise villages in northern India Twelve children have been killed in dog attacks in the area since November, senior police officer Anand Kulkarni said. It was not clear how many dogs were involved in the attacks, but India has millions of strays that wander the streets in even the most exclusive neighborhoods. The feral dogs often survived on leftover food set in alleys for them, but also face relentless cruelty by people, and regularly fight other dogs over territory. Injuries from dog attacks are fairly common but a string of fatalities in one area is rare. Some villagers believed the attacks began after a nearby illegal slaughterhouse was closed, making the dogs more aggressive without a major source of food. Education officials said some schools saw a big drop in attendance because of the attacks and parents were told to accompany their children to and from school. Locals were keeping their children at home and killing any dogs they encounter in and around the town of Sitapur (pictured), about 50 miles from Lucknow The recent deaths included three children killed by a pack of strays on May 1, Mr Kulkarni said. Two more children were killed on May 4. On Friday, a 7-year-old girl named Gita went with two other children to pick mangos from an orchard when a pack of dogs attacked them, police said. Two children escaped but Gita was surrounded by the dogs. Her screams alerted villagers who ran to help, but she had died by the time they reached her. Sitapur magistrate Harshdeo Pandey said villagers were told not to allow their children to use outhouses on their own. 'Public announcements have been made in villages regarding this,' he said. India has millions of strays that wander the streets in even the most exclusive neighborhoods 'We also suggest that children should not be allowed to go out to play for a few days, until all these dogs are caught.' Villagers have been shooting and strangling stray dogs, believing they have no choice. 'The administration does not care about the plight of the people,' Sitapur resident Pankaj Singh Gaur said. Four teams of dog catchers captured 24 dogs in recent days, district magistrate Sheetal Verma said. But she acknowledged the menace was not over. This is the shocking moment an airline passenger has to be helped to stand upright after turning up so drunk on Majorca he cannot use his own two legs. Ground staff at Palma Airport could be heard asking what the man had drunk to get himself into such a state. The man's legs buckled under him as he tried to stay upright holding onto another man's hand, before he was helped off the plane. At one point he collapsed to the ground before staggering to his feet as the woman watching on said: 'What on earth has this man drunk? I just can't believe it.' A man next to her replied: 'He's drunk' and insisted on calling security before telling another man: 'He drank from a bottle. I saw it.' It was not immediately clear where the tourist had arrived from or when the footage was taken. It was posted online by a firm called PMR which looks after people with reduced mobility at Palma Airport. The company used the footage to voice their anger at being left to deal with airline passengers who were suffering from problems they said the airlines flying them should be taking care of. The man's legs buckled under him as he tried to stay upright holding onto another man's hand, before he was helped off the plane PMR said in a tweet alongside the footage: 'When a passenger arrives in this state, airline firms call PMR to ask us to sort out the problem, disguising the service as a medical emergency. 'As workers we're fed up of taking on this risk.' Union rep Jairo Fernandez told a local TV station: 'I've seen people arrive in such a state that if you'd told me they were dead I'd believe you. 'People who couldn't stand up and had wet themselves and could have consumed anything and everything. 'It's not our job to be doing this sort of thing. There are doctors, security people, police and Civil Guard, staff from AENA and the airline firms. 'Airlines should be dealing with these sorts of problems when they've had people in this state on their planes.' Ground staff at Palma Airport could be heard asking what the man had drunk to get himself into such a state It is not known which airline had taken the man in the astonishing footage to Majorca. Last summer police in Majorca and Ibiza called on airport and travel chiefs to curb the sale of alcohol after a string of drunken fights involving British tourists. Union bosses representing rank-and-file officers accused airlines and AENA of putting profit before safety and called for tighter controls on the sale of drink at airport bars in the Balearic Islands and planes to and from the holiday destination. At one point he collapsed to the ground before staggering to his feet as the woman watching on said: 'What on earth has this man drunk?' Jose Maria Manso, President of the Professional Police Union (SPP) in the Balearic Islands which includes Majorca and Ibiza, said in an open letter: 'We cannot understand how smoking is banned for health reasons yet an airport binge with a serious knock-on effect for everyone's safety is guaranteed.' He went on to call for tighter controls on the sale of alcohol to travellers, 'especially those who are already drunk.' The SPP chief said the union, which has around 5,500 members, was encouraging AENA and airlines to take urgent action. Mario Grandoli said of the footage showing the apparently inebriated airline passenger: 'I think that if this man arrived at the boarding gate drunk or thereabouts, he shouldn't have been allowed to get on the plane. 'If he got drunk while he was on the plane that's the airline's fault for serving him too much.' Paloma Barreiros replied on social media: 'Other airline passengers are fed up. Some of these people fall asleep but others can get aggressive.' A mischievous tradesman has discovered a cheeky way to gently irritate fellow road users - tricking them into thinking they've mistakenly left keys in their car door. Maureece Waata, from New Zealand, has turned 'sitting in Auckland traffic' into a hilarious prank by yelling out to drivers as he passes them on a busy highway. 'Your keys are in your door', he can be heard saying to a number of drivers in a series of tricks caught on camera and uploaded to his Facebook page. Maureece Waata (pictured) has turned 'sitting in Auckland traffic' into a hilarious prank by yelling out to drivers as he passes them on a busy highway His targets appeared to be motorists with their windows wound down, who then reach out their car and towards the door handle. Mr Waata and his male passenger then cheer loudly as the driver realises they've been royally duped. Most drivers seemed happy to laugh along at his funny business, with a few less than impressed at being distracted from the road for such silliness. His targets (one pictured) appeared to be motorists with their windows wound down, who then reach out their car and towards the door handle 'This is the only thing that makes sitting in Auckland traffic somewhat fun' the jokester wrote alongside his uploads, which were shared in two installments. A total of 11 motorists were targeted in his videos, of which several were driving large company-owned trucks. Truckies offered a dismissive wave to the prankster and flashed a knowing look before behind left behind in the traffic. Advertisement Motorists are braving hours of traffic on packed motorways as they return home this evening from a record-breaking Bank Holiday weekend when the temperature soared to 84F (29C). Motorways are congested throughout the country, with stop-start traffic and long delays on the M5, as travel time on the road is reported to be reaching more than an hour. Frustrated drivers and passengers have taken to Twitter to complain of return trips from the coast taking hours longer due to traffic. Those who spent their day on the sandy shores basked in record-breaking temperatures during the holiday weekend before heading back ready for work on Tuesday. Crowds enjoy the sunshine on the hottest May Bank Holiday on record on the beach at Bournemouth Friends enjoy each others company as they sunbathe near Hampstead Heath Mixed Bathing Pond in north London Laura Pope (left) and her friend Lia Hamby, both 20, enjoying the sunshine on Brighton beach this afternoon This beach in Bournemouth is packed full of visitors relishing the heat and sunshine this Bank Holiday The sun-drenched forecast is set to be hotter than scorching destinations such as Barbados, Ibiza, Hawaii, Sydney and Los Angeles. Pictured: A busy beach in Brighton Pictured: Mirian Lima, 36, from Brazil spent the day on Brighton and Hove beach on the May Bank Holiday Monday The hot weather brought out many people's fun side this afternoon with a young boy being buried in the sand (right) on a beach in Margate and a woman jumping into Hampstead Heath Mixed Bathing Pond in north London People sunbathe in the hot weather while in Regent's Park in London Crowds of people make the most of the hot Bank Holiday weather as they visit a beach in Margate Frustrated drivers and passengers have taken to Twitter to complain of trips to the coast taking hours longer, with one claiming it took 30 minutes just to get out of a petrol station while heading to the beach. Pictured: Traffic map Throughout the country, motorways have been clogged with people flocking to return home. There was a fatal accident near Cheddar Gorge in Somerset, where a motorcyclist collided with a lorry. The biker died at the scene of the accident. The main road is expected to remain closed for several hours while an investigation is being conducted. On the M5 Northbound, there is stop-start traffic and long delays, but some pick ups in spots along the road. Travel time is more than an hour. The B3128 Clevedon Road in Wraxall has slow traffic and is partially blocked because of an accident and recovery work. In both directions, the A39 in Chewton Mendip is closed and queuing traffic due to serious accident between two cars. In Bournemouth, more than 100,000 people flocked to the area for the bank holiday weekend. The popular seaside resort was busy today as sunseekers made the most of the glorious weather before returning to work on Tuesday. Traffic queued back for more than 15 miles from the coast to the A31 in the New Forest. Most sea front car parks were full by noon and the majority of the resort's 3,000 deckchairs were snapped up early. Sun worshippers enjoying the hottest May Bank Holiday on record on the beach at Bournemouth In Bournemouth (pictured), more than 100,000 people flocked to the area for the Bank Holiday weekend The popular seaside resort was heaving today as sunseekers made the most of the glorious weather before returning to work on Tuesday The hot day in England comes as people round off their three-day weekend - making it the hottest Bank Holiday weekend ever These two (pictured) cooled off from the high temperatures with a splash in the sea near a beach in Margate, Kent A family stroll along the beach in Margate while enjoying the high temperatures this Bank Holiday weekend People enjoy the hot and sunny weather on Bournemouth Beach on Monday Friends from Haywards Heath spent the day on Brighton and Hove beach on the May Bank Holiday Monday as warm weather continues to hit the seaside resort A man reads a newspaper as people enjoy the hot Bank Holiday weather on a beach in Margate People on the beach enjoy the hot and sunny weather in Brighton on May Bank Holiday Monday, as temperatures are expected to reach 84F (29C) Grainne Gallanagh (left) and Ruth Chalke sunbathing in Hyde Park, London, as the Bank Holiday Monday is forecast to be the hottest since records began And around 4pm, the record for the hottest May Bank Holiday overall weekend was beat when it temperatures hit 84F (28.6C), overtaking the old record that was set in 1995 The Met Office proudly declared shortly before 11am that the new record had been set, when thermometers clocked 75F (24.2C) in Herstmonceux. The previous record for the May Bank Holiday Monday was 74.5F (23C), set in 1999. And around 4pm, the record for the hottest May Bank Holiday overall weekend was beat when it temperatures hit 84F (28.6C), overtaking the old record that was set in 1995. As the weather topped the old record, Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst said: 'We have smashed the warmest Bank Holiday Monday for early May, but for the whole bank holiday weekend itself we have got to be over 28C (82.4F). 'The highest temperatures of the day will be around 3-4pm so we will probably know more then.' Asked if he thought the overall weekend record would be broken, he said: 'It's going to be close I think. All indications show the temperature's going to get very close so yes, a good chance.' The sun-drenched forecast is hotter than usually scorching destinations such as Barbados, Ibiza, Hawaii, Sydney and Los Angeles. The cherry trees in Greenwich Park, south London, are in blossom and visitors took pictures of the beautiful greenery This pair took full advantage of a set of deckchairs in St James's Park, London - with the man seemingly asleep in the sunny weather Ten-year-old Maggie Brooks and her brother, TJ aged nine, cool down in the River Swale at Richmond, North Yorkshire, on the hottest early May Bank Holiday The South East can expect the highest temperatures, while Wales and Scotland will also enjoy warm weather in the mid to high 70s (23C). Pictured: Brighton beach goers make a splash into the sea (left) and a woman takes a dip in the sea in Tenby on Monday A woman carries a large inflatable duck as people enjoy the hot Bank Holiday weather on a beach in Margate, Kent The Met Office warned that those would with hay fever could have a gloomy day because tree pollen levels would be moderate to high for many. Pictured: Crowds enjoy the hot Bank Holiday weather on a beach in Margate, Kent Three dogs rescued from a parked car after being left inside in the Bank Holiday heat Three dogs had to be broken out from a parked car in Cleethorpes after being left inside in the Bank Holiday heat. A Police community support officer rescued the pooches after a passerby noticed the dogs sitting inside a blue Ford yesterday as they panted heavily and tried to hide from the sun. It is believed the dogs had been in the car for nearly an hour before they were rescued. Cleethorpes resident Louise Cook who helped save the animals, said that she was alerted to the issue by her son, who had contacted her after seeing the dogs. She said: It was such a hot day, you could see that the dogs were really having problems, with one hiding itself away in the foot well just to try and get out of the sun. Eventually we found a PCSO, who dropped everything and ran to the car in order to help, and ended up having to actually break into it so that we would be able to get the dogs free. After the dogs were freed by the officer, staff from the nearby Kebab House came out quickly with water and some food for the animals. Angry crowds began to gather around the car, as many people voiced their shock and displeasure at seeing the dogs being left in the vehicle. Ms Cook continued: Things got a bit rowdy as we waited for the dog owner to come back and tend to his animals. I am just happy that they got out and were safe. The RSPCA maintains a dedicated line for circumstances like this which you can reach on 0300 1234 999 for advice but they say calling 999 should always be the first step if the animal is in immediate danger. According to the charity, the temperature inside a car can rise to 47 degrees Celsius even when the outside temperature is just 22 degrees Celsius, potentially fatal levels for a dog. Advertisement The beach in Bournemouth is packed with people relishing in the heat on this Bank Holiday weekend Sunbathers in Regent's Park, London, as the Bank Holiday Monday is forecast to be the hottest since records began Sunbathers Ruan Opperman and Harriet Curry in Regent's Park, London on Monday afternoon The warm long weekend comes as the Met Office forecast a hotter-than-normal three months ahead. Pictured: Two people struggle to push bikes up a steep hill in Greenwich Park, south London A sunbather makes the most of the hot weather on a Bank Holiday Monday in Finsbury Park, north London People enjoying the hot weather in a pedalo in Regent's Park, London A woman working on her laptop in the hot weather on a Bank Holiday, in Regent's Park, London The sun-drenched forecast is hotter than scorching destinations such as Barbados, Ibiza, Hawaii, Sydney and Los Angeles. Pictured: Forecast of the day on Monday morning (left) and forecast for Monday afternoon (right) The Met Office warned that those would with hay fever could have a gloomy day because tree pollen levels would be moderate to high for many. Tuesday will remain warm before temperatures ease and showers begin to hit the UK during the week. By Friday some longer spells of rain may arrive into the west, while heavy showers may hit the South East. The north and west are likely to see strong winds and spells of rain at times during the week, with a risk of thunderstorms in the south over the weekend. Temperatures may be initially below normal, but will recover to close to average. As Britons flock outside to enjoy the summery weather, Sainsbury's and Argos have revealed the items that are forecast to fly off the shelves this weekend. Compared to last weekend, sun cream sales are projected to increase by 800 per cent, ice cream by 600 per cent, potato salad by 120 per cent and burgers and sausages by 130 per cent. For alcohol, gin will be the most sought after liquor, as sales are projected to increase by 300 percent, while Pimms and rose should by up by 100 per cent. At Argos, sales of BBQs have increased 80 per cent since yesterday and garden furniture sales are up by 65 per cent in a day span. The warm long weekend comes as the Met Office forecast a hotter-than-normal three months ahead. People queue for fish and chips as they enjoy the hot Bank Holiday weather in Margate The warm long weekend comes as the Met Office forecast a hotter-than-normal three months ahead. Pictured: Families play in the sea by the beach during the warm weather on Bank Holiday Monday in Bognor Regis The hot day in England comes as people round off their three-day weekend - making it the hottest Bank Holiday Monday in 40 years The brief spell of summer weather is due to hot air coming in from 86F (30C) southern Russia, leading meteorologists to dub the heatwave the 'Roast from Russia'. A man walks on the beach in Tenby Paddle boarders enjoy the weather in the sea at Hastings, Britain on Bank Holiday Monday Mail Online reader Nikki submitted this adorable photo of her Cockapoo Sasha at Redcar beach The warm long weekend comes as the Met Office forecast a hotter-than-normal three months ahead. Pictured: Paddle boarders enjoy the weather in the sea at Hastings The South East, East Anglia and the Midlands will feel the heat most today. Pictured: A couple enjoy the weather on Hastings pier in Hastings, Britain Tourism bosses in Bournemouth rubbed their hands with glee as the bumper weekend has made up for a disastrous Easter. Jon Weaver, head of resort marketing for Bournemouth council, said: 'This has been exactly what Bournemouth needed. 'Normally we would expect around 60,000 visitors over a bank holiday weekend, but we are on target for more than 100,000. It is a huge sigh of relief for the town.' One of the visitors was Mel Roberts, 41, from Southampton. She said: 'We packed up the car last night and headed to Bournemouth nice and early to beat the traffic and get a parking space. 'It has been the perfect bank holiday weekend with barely a cloud in the sky. It's so unlike Britain, usually it rains on the bank holiday. 'A friend of mine has gone to Majorca where it has been raining, I think she is jealous of us.' As Britons flock outside to enjoy the summery weather, Sainsbury's and Argos have revealed the items that are forecast to fly off the shelves this weekend, including gin and sun cream. Pictured: A woman tans in Finsbury Park This summer will be the hottest since 2013 as long as June to August has an average UK temperature at least 0.62C above the 14.3C average, Met Office said The forecast won't stay sunny for long, as rain and thunderstorms are expected to hit by the end of the week. Pictured: A woman jogging on the Brighton seafront on Monday morning The UK is set to sizzle today, as the 'Roast from Russia' turns up the heat in the country People on Brighton Beach in East Sussex as the Bank Holiday Monday is forecast to be the hottest since records began People on the beach enjoy the hot and sunny weather in Brighton People took to social media to share photos of the sunny day and Geography Fieldwork tweeted: 'Happy bank holiday from #Southwold' Meanwhile in Spain, temperatures are only 16C and dark grey skies threaten to rain. Pictured: Gloomy weather in Playa d'en Bossa on the island of Ibiza on Monday The Met Office May-July forecast said above-average temperatures are favoured over the next three months. And much hotter-than-normal temperatures over the period are up to six times more likely than much cooler-than-usual conditions, at 30 per cent versus five to 10 per cent, the Met Office said. This summer will be the hottest since 2013 as long as June to August has an average UK temperature at least 0.62C above the 14.3C average, Met Office said. Met Office forecaster Charlie Powell said the highs of 28C were not going to be widespread. 'That's going to be the exception rather than the rule. I think for most places, if you take the bulk of England and Wales for example, we're looking at somewhere around the low to mid 20s mark,' he said. On Sunday, the mercury hit 22.3C in Edinburgh and 20.8C in Katesbridge in County Down - making for the hottest day of 2018 in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Dozens of cars are backed up as they sit in long queues on the roads near Hastings in East Sussex as the sun seekers hoped to break for the coast on Bank Holiday Monday Drivers hoping to make the most of the country's record-breaking weekend are sizzling in traffic jams instead Hundreds of drivers are heading to the coast for the sizzling day, only to be met with miles of traffic At beach fronts, parking lots are overflowing with parked cars, like in Brighton (pictured) Traffic queued back for more than 15 miles from the coast to the A31 in the New Forest. Pictured: Traffic on the roads near Hastings in East Sussex Motorways are congested throughout the country, with stop-start traffic and long delays on the M5 and travel time is reported to be reaching more than an hour. Pictured: Lined-up cars in East Sussex Russian Embassy accuses British media of blaming them for the scorching weather after heatwave is dubbed 'The Roast from Russia' Britain is basking in sunshine today as a hotspell from southern Russia heats up the Bank Holiday to record temperatures but pointing that out has landed the media in trouble. Nicknaming the mini heatwave the 'Roast from Russia' purely because of its origins- has not gone down too well with the Kremlin's Embassy in London. While Britons celebrated the sunshine and raced for the beaches, the Embassy accused the press of 'blaming' Moscow for the weather. Thousands of people take to the beach in Brighton and Hove on the May Bank Holiday as a hotspell from Russia warms the UK The Russian Embassy accused the British media of blaming the weather on the country. The weather dubbed the 'Roast from Russia' followed the 'Beast from the East' The Russian Embassy retweeted a story from The Mirror, which referenced the warm blast moving in from the Continent. The headline which called the sunny spell the 'Roast from Russia' was seized upon by the Embassy in London, which frequently attacks the British media. The Embassy wrote: 'When in doubt what to do, blame Russia.' However, the hotspell is literally being swept from the southern parts of Russia to the UK, leading meteorologists to dub the heatwave the 'Roast from Russia'. It is not the first time the weather has been linked to Moscow. In February, temperatures plummeted to -5C and an extreme weather warning was issued. The chill coming from Siberia was subbed the Beast from the East. Winds from the east, caused the mercury to plummet - with even daytime temperatures struggling to rise above zero. Advertisement The weather is set to become mixed as the month progresses, and the May 19 wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle draws near. Royal bride Meghan may be hoping the rain will stay away for her big day at Windsor Castle. Looking at the long range forecast, which is not as accurate as the shorter range forecast, Mr Powell said: 'It looks like we should be prepared for some pretty changeable weather throughout the second half of May. 'We're still going to see some dry days, but there's still going to be some wet days mixed in as well.' Referring to the day of the eagerly anticipated wedding, Mr Powell added: 'We've got this idea that there could be some warmer spells, most likely across the south and east of England, so at least that bodes well for wedding locations and things like that.' The Met Office warned that those would with hay fever could have a gloomy day because tree pollen levels would be moderate to high for many. Pictured: Pollen index rate (left) and UV index rate (right) The Met Office proudly declared shortly before 11am that the new record had been set, when thermometers clocked 75F (24.2C) in Herstmonceux. The previous record for the May Bank Holiday Monday was 74.5F (23C), set in 1999 The South East can expect the highest temperatures, while Wales and Scotland will also enjoy warm weather in the mid to high 70s (23C) Sunrise at Chesterton Windmill, Lemington Spa, on Monday. The early May bank holiday is expected to break high temperature records The brief spell of summer weather is due to hot air coming in from 86F (30C) southern Russia, leading meteorologists to dub the heatwave the 'Roast from Russia' North Korea has criticised 'misleading' US claims that President Donald Trump's policy of maximum political pressure and sanctions are what drove the North to the negotiating table. Mr Trump is due to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the coming weeks in a historical summit. The North's official news agency quoted a Foreign Ministry spokesman warning the claims are a 'dangerous attempt' to ruin a budding detente on the Korean Peninsula after Mr Kim's summit late last month with South Korean President Moon Jae-in. North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un holds hands with with South Korean President Moon Jae-in during their meeting late last month At the summit, Mr Kim agreed to a number of measures aimed at improving North-South ties and indicated he is willing to discuss the denuclearisation of the peninsula, though exactly what that would entail and what conditions the North might require have not yet been explained. Mr Trump and senior US officials have suggested repeatedly that Washington's tough policy towards North Korea, along with pressure on its main trading partner China, have played a decisive role in turning around what had been an extremely tense situation. Just last year, as Mr Kim was launching long-range missiles at a record pace and trading vulgar insults with Mr Trump, it would have seemed unthinkable for the topic of denuclearisation to be on the table. At the summit, Mr Kim agreed to a number of measures aimed at improving North-South ties and indicated he is willing to discuss the denuclearisation of the peninsula. Pictured: Earthquakes thought to have been caused by North Korea's nuclear weapons testing But the North's statement on Sunday seemed to be aimed at strengthening Mr Kim's position going into his meeting with Mr Trump. Pyongyang claims Mr Kim himself is the driver of the current situation. 'The US is deliberately provoking the DPRK at the time when the situation on the Korean Peninsula is moving toward peace and reconciliation,' the spokesman was quoted as saying. DPRK is short for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the North's formal name. Mr Kim and Mr Trump are expected to meet later this month or in early June. Mr Trump has indicated the date and place have been chosen and said he believes the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) that divides the Koreas might be a good venue. Singapore was also believed to be a potential site. Experts are split over whether Mr Kim's statement made with Mr Moon at the DMZ marks a unique opening for progress or a rehash of Pyongyang's longstanding demand for security guarantees. Sunday's comments were among the very few the North has made since Mr Trump agreed in March to the meeting. The spokesman warned the US not to interpret Pyongyang's willingness to talk as a sign of weakness. He also criticised Washington for its ongoing 'pressure and military threats' and its position that such pressure will not be eased until North Korea gives up its nuclear weapons completely. Before Mr Trump meets Mr Kim, Washington is hoping to gain the release of three Korean-Americans accused of anti-state activities. Mr Trump hinted the release of Kim Dong Chul, Kim Hak Song and Tony Kim was in the offing. There was no sign of an imminent release on Sunday, though the men had reportedly been moved to the capital. The White House, meanwhile, has announced a separate meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Moon at the White House on May 22 to 'continue their close coordination on developments regarding the Korean Peninsula'. Fears of Jeremy Corbyn (pictured last week) becoming PM are said to be driving the EU to take a hard line in Brexit negotiations Fears of Jeremy Corbyn becoming PM are driving the EU to take a hard line in Brexit negotiations, it was claimed today. Brussels is insisting on a 'level playing field' mechanism to prevent a hard-left UK government nationalising large sections of the economy and subsidising industry. The level of anxiety was underlined as Tory infighting over future trade links with the EU intensified. Environment Secretary Michael Gove has risked fuelling by endorsing a Twitter thread by former aide Henry Newman that condemned Theresa May for trying to 'resurrect the corpse' of her plans for a customs partnership with the bloc. The intervention came after Business Secretary Greg Clark was sent out by Downing Street to argue for continuing close customs links. However, despite the raging row within government, EU sources have told The Times their main concerns centre around Mr Corbyn's demands for exemptions from basic free market rules. In a speech earlier this year, Mr Corbyn said he wanted 'protections, clarifications or exemptions' from restrictions on 'state aid' for industries. The Labour leader said he would not be held back 'from taking the steps we need to support cutting-edge industries and local business, stop the tide of privatisation and outsourcing'. The EU has now laid down requirements for a 'level playing field' that would hit Britain with trade tariffs, fines and even grounding of flights if the UK subsidises industry. The source said the real cause for the punishment was not fear of deregulation, but Labour's protectionist plans. 'If a Corbyn government implements his declared policies the level playing field mechanism will lead to increased costs for Britain to access the single market because of distortions caused by state aid. That is why this is where the real battle is,' the source said. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, Brexit Secretary David Davis, Trade Secretary Liam Fox, Home Secretary Sajid Javid, and Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson all lined up against the hybrid 'customs partnership' model at a meeting of the Brexit war cabinet last week. There was speculation Brexiteers had managed to 'kill off' the customs partnership plan after Mrs May (pictured at church with husband Philip yesterday) ended up in the minority at the Brexit War Cabinet Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson (left) and Trade Secretary Liam Fox (right) were among those who spoke against the customs partnership plan at the Brexit War Cabinet last week Mr Gove tweeted that his former aide Mr Newman - now director of the Open Europe think tank - was 'always worth reading' and views on customs arrangements were 'v helpful' Business Secretary Greg Clark (pictured right) was sent out by Downing Street yesterday to advocate for a customs deal that protects jobs There was speculation they had managed to 'kill off' the proposals after Mrs May ended up in the minority at the showdown. But Mr Clark made clear the idea had not gone away yesterday - and also opened the door to extending a transition period on customs with the EU. What is a customs partnership with the EU? A customs partnership is less formal than the current EU customs union the UK is a member of. Under the proposals, Britain would stay in a customs union with the EU for some sectors, while leaving it for others. This would mean it would impose the same tariffs as the Brussels bloc on some goods, but set its own on others. Backers of the plan say his would facilitate free trade in areas where Britain does a lot of its business with the EU, while freeing the country to sign new free trade deals with other countries. One possibility could be keeping the UK and EU in a customs union for trade in goods, but allowing divergence for the services sector. Under the so-called 'hybrid model', the UK would collect EU import tariffs on behalf of Brussels and then pay it to the EU. But Brexiteers are critical of the plan. which they think is unworkable and cumbersome. They fear it will effectively stop the UK from being able to negotiate free trade deals around the world after Brexit. Advertisement Mr Clark said it could be a case of implementing a new customs arrangement 'as soon as you can do'. Mrs May is now believed to be planning to bring a 'rebadged' version of the plan back to the powerful Cabinet sub-committee, after warning ministers that it is the only way of getting parliamentary approval for a Brexit deal. If there is still resistance she could opt to bypass the sub-committee altogether and take the decision to full Cabinet, where she has more allies. The idea - one of two Britain placed on the negotiating table last year - would in theory create close enough ties with the EU to avoid a hard border in Ireland and still allow Britain to strike trade deals. But there are no similar agreements elsewhere in the world and Brexiteers fear it will be used as a 'trojan horse' to effectively keep Britain inside the full customs union, sabotaging any new trade deal. The other British option is to streamline the UK-EU borders as much as possible but accept some checks as the price for striking new trade deals. Brussels has already rejected both proposals. Mr Gove tweeted that his former aide Mr Newman - now director of the Open Europe think tank - was 'always worth reading' and views on customs arrangements were 'v helpful'. Mr Newman said if Number 10 sought to pursue a version of the customs partnership, 'they will be putting all their eggs in a broken basket' and it was 'far better to accept some friction on trade' and pursue the 'max fac' model. Tory Eurosceptic Jacob Rees-Mogg (pictured on ITV's Peston programme yesterday has dismissed the 'customs partnership' model as 'cretinous' This is the hilarious moment an oblivious dog wanders into the background of a live weather forecast. Presenter Josh Judge had his broadcast in Manchester, New Hampshire, interrupted when the black-and-white pet appeared behind him. The forecaster was telling viewers what Saturday morning would bring, pointing to a map of New England, when he was joined by a surprise guest. He acknowledged the dog mid-sentence, saying: 'So, the system pulling away right now, and the sunshine increasing and... there is a dog behind me.' Presenter Josh Judge had his broadcast in Manchester, New Hampshire, interrupted when the black-and-white pet appeared behind him The forecaster was telling viewers what Saturday morning would bring, pointing to a map of New England, when he was joined by a surprise guest As the dog disappeared from view again Judge chuckled and recovered quickly, saying: 'It's not the dog days of summer just yet, but it will be at least warmer than you'd expect for this time of year.' He asked someone off screen what the dog is called and found out its name is Bella, saying it belonged to a colleague called Amy. Judge later wrote on Twitter: 'While I was doing the weather this morning.. a dog walked by behind!!! 'Caught me off-guard... I didn't realize Amy had brought her dog to work! LOL.' The unexpected guest for the WMUR-TV report, and Judge's good humour, went down well with the audience. One commenter said: 'I now demand all news channels to have random dogs during weather forecasts.' Another said: 'Love how the guy was just so casual about it.' And one person wrote on Twitter: 'That was hilarious!!! Let her visit more often!' The dog walked across the screen during presenter Josh Judge's live weather forecast Lawyers for Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, the man accused of being the head of the infamous Sinaloa drugs cartel, have requested a shorter commute for his trial in New York City. The 61-year-old, who has pleaded not guilty to murder and kidnapping charges, is being held in the Manhattan Correctional Center but is taken to Brooklyn for his court appearances. But his defense has filed a motion to have him tried in Manhattan so he does not have to travel across the city and cause a stir among onlookers. It comes after news that federal prosecutors are reportedly considering charging Guzman (pictured being held by DEA officers) with the murders of seven US citizens in the 1980s, including one DEA agent who was beaten to death The 61-year-old, who has pleaded not guilty to murder and kidnapping charges, is being held in the Manhattan Correctional Center (pictured) but is taken to Brooklyn for his court appearances The motion, filed by his lawyers (one of whom, Eduardo Balarezo, is pictured in February), explained: 'Mr. Guzman has now made seven court appearances, each directly exposing countless of New Yorkers and potential jurors to this spectacle and inconveniencing thousands more by the traffic disruptions created' Guzman (left being arrested in 2014, right in 1993) has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him. The trial is set to begin in September The motion, highlighted by the New York Daily News, explained: 'Mr. Guzman has now made seven court appearances, each directly exposing countless of New Yorkers and potential jurors to this spectacle and inconveniencing thousands more by the traffic disruptions created.' It comes after news that federal prosecutors are reportedly considering charging Guzman with the murders of seven US citizens in the 1980s, including one DEA agent who was beaten to death. DEA agent Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena and the other Americans were slain in Mexico in late 1984 and early 1985, when Guzman was a young lieutenant with the Guadalajara Cartel. Now three former Mexican police officers have come forward to tell US prosecutors that they witnessed Guzman, who is currently in US custody on trafficking charges, participate in the brutal tortures and murders three decades ago, WFAA reports. The sickening nine-week murder spree was launched in retaliation for a November 1984 raid on a Guadalajara Cartel marijuana farm, where Mexican soldiers acting on a tip from Agent Camarena burned thousands of acres of fields full of the drug. Witnesses have come forward connecting Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman to the murders of seven Americans in the 1980s in Guadalajara, where Guzman was a young cartel lieutenant Soon after, four Jehovah's Witness missionaries from the US had the bad fortune to knock on a cartel member's door in Guadalajara - where they were mistaken for undercover DEA agents. On December 2, 1984 the cartel killed 29-year-old Benjamin Mascarene and his wife Pat, 27, alongside 32-year-old Dennis Carlson and his wife Rose, 36. 'The women were even raped. We're talking about an animal here,' said Hector Berrellez, a former DEA agent who spoke with the three witnesses. Guzman then lined the four missionaries up in front of an open grave, said Berrellez. 'He shot them with his Uzi 9mm, and I have witnesses that were there that saw 'El Chapo' kill these four Americans after they had been severely tortured,' the former agent said The bodies of the four American missionaries have never been recovered. The next slayings occurred on January 30, 1985, when American friends John Walker, 35, and Albert Radelat, 33, mistakenly entered a Guadalajara restaurant full of cartel members. Slain American journalist John Walker's daughter Keely and wife Eve are seen in 2013. New information connects El Chapo to Walker's brutal 1985 torture and murder The journalist Walker, a Vietnam Veteran decorated with two Purple Hearts, was in Guadalajara with his young family writing a crime novel. Radelat was a dental student studying at the University of Guadalajara. Former Jalisco State Judicial Police Officer Jorge Godoy, 57, told WFAA he was working security at La Langosta restaurant for the cartel and saw everything that happened to the two Americans. '[Walker] asked, 'Can I go inside?' I said, 'It's closed and please you have to go. Please go,' recalled Godoy, who is currently living in the US under witness protection. As the two Americans walked away from the restaurant, though, cartel boss Rafael Caro Quintero spotted them and ordered them brought back inside, suspecting they were DEA agents, Godoy said. The Americans were dragged into a back room near the kitchen, Godoy said, where Guzman tortured them with an ice pick while ordering the women cooking nearby to keep quiet. Guzman cut Walker's throat and almost decapitated him before helping wrap the bodies and bury them in a nearby park, according to Godoy. The murder spree culminated with the chilling torture and execution of Agent Camarena, whose work for the DEA had led to the destruction of the cartel's marijuana crop. DEA agent Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena was killed by cartel members in February 1985 On February 7, 1985, Guzman was assigned to help kidnap the Mexican pilot who flew DEA agent Camarena to spot cartel marijuana fields, Godoy said. The pilot, Alfredo Zavala, was brought back to the house where 37-year-old Camarena was already being tortured. 'Absolutely, he [Guzman] tortured both of them,' Berrellez said. 'He was seen by two witnesses slap, kick and spit in Camarena's face. He was involved in physically torturing Camarena.' Guzman and others were 'jumping with their knees' on the kidnapped pilot and DEA agent, breaking their ribs, said Godoy. Camarena was held and tortured for over 30 hours. When his body was found a month later, his skull, jaw, nose, cheekbones and windpipe were crushed, his ribs were broken, and a hole was drilled into his head with a power drill. He had been injected with amphetamines as well, likely to ensure he remained conscious during the torture. Drug lords Rafael Caro-Quintero, Ernesto Fonseca and Miguel Angel Felix-Gallardo ultimately were convicted in Mexico on charges related to Camarena's murder. Their convictions cleared the way for Guzman to rapidly ascend to power. The case has remained a bitter issue at the DEA, however, especially after Caro-Quintero was released from Mexican prison on a technicality in 2013. The Trump administration has responded by upping the pressure, adding Caro-Quinto to the FBI's Most Wanted List earlier this month. Actor Sean Penn shakes hands with Mexican drug lord Guzman in Mexico prior to his capture. Guzman remains in solitary confinement in Manhattan on a slew of federal charges Now prosecutors are looking to bring Guzman to justice for his role in the murders as well. 'The US Attorney's Office is now interested in the case and I believe it is because of the new [Trump] administration that is there,' said Berrellez. The US Attorney's Office for Los Angeles, which is said to be examining the case, declined to comment on an ongoing investigation. Guzman is currently in federal detention in Manhattan, where he faces a slew of trafficking and racketeering charges. He had previously been charged in New York for a dozen murders in Mexico from 2000 to 2008. Those charges were dropped to smooth the path for Guzman's extradition from Mexico, which occurred on the final day of the Obama administration. Guzman has been held in solitary confinement since he was extradited. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him. The trial is set to begin in September. Boris Johnson urged Donald Trump to be 'realistic' about what can be done to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions today. The Foreign Secretary pleaded with the US president to recognise there was no acceptable 'Plan B' to the existing deal with Tehran as he made a last-ditch bid to save the package. Speaking on a visit to Washington, Mr Johnson also said Mr Trump would deserve the Nobel Peace Prize if he can prevent conflict with Iran and solve the North Korea standoff. Mr Trump has fiercely criticised the agreement negotiated under Barack Obama, which eased sanctions on Tehran in exchange for commitments to abandon its nuclear weapons programme. He will decide on May 12 whether to reimpose sanctions and effectively torpedo the international alliance behind the deal. Appearing on the Fox & Friends programme today - known to be Mr Trump's favourite news show - Mr Johnson said the president had a 'legitimate point' that the Iran pact was not perfect US president Donald Trump fiercely criticised the agreement, which eased sanctions on Tehran in exchange for commitments to abandon its nuclear weapons programme Boris Johnson (pictured giving an interview today) is in the US for a last-ditch diplomatic effort to persuade Donald Trump not to scrap the Iran nuclear deal Appearing on the Fox & Friends programme today - known to be Mr Trump's favourite news show - Mr Johnson said the president had a 'legitimate point' that the pact was not perfect. But he appealed for the US not to throw the 'baby out with the bathwater' by ditching the arrangements altogether. 'If you do that you have to answer the question what next? 'What if the Iranians do rush for a nuclear weapon?' he said. 'Are we seriously saying that we are going to bomb those facilities at Fordo and Natanz? 'Is that really a realistic possibility? Or do we work round what we have got and push back on Iran together?' Mr Johnson added: 'Plan B does not seem to me to be particularly well-developed at this stage.' In an article for the New York Times, Mr Johnson admitted the pact with Iran had 'weaknesses' but insisted it was the best way of defusing the standoff. The Foreign Secretary is holding two days of talks with senior administration officials including vice president Mike Pence. He will also meet national security adviser John Bolton and key foreign policy leaders in Congress - although he will not get to sit down with Mr Trump himself. As well as Iran, Mr Johnson's talks are expected to cover North Korea ahead of President Trump's planned meeting with Kim Jong Un and the situation in Syria. In a separate interview during the visit, Mr Johnson appeared to hold out an incentive for Mr Trump to do a deal on Iran - suggesting he could end up winning the Nobel Peace Prize. He told Sky News: 'If he can fix North Korea and if he can fix the Iran nuclear deal then I don't see why he is any less of a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize than Barack Obama, who got it before he even did anything.' Writing in the New York Times today, Mr Johnson said: 'Of all the options we have for ensuring that Iran never gets a nuclear weapon, this pact offers the fewest disadvantages. 'It has weaknesses, certainly, but I am convinced they can be remedied. Indeed at this moment Britain is working alongside the Trump administration and our French and German allies to ensure that they are.' Mr Johnson said the deal had put restrictions on Iran's nuclear programme and 'now that these handcuffs are in place, I see no possible advantage in casting them aside'. Iran president Hassan Rouhani has warned Mr Trump the West will regret 'like never before' if it sinks the nuclear deal with his country 'Only Iran would gain from abandoning the restrictions on its nuclear programme,' he warned, adding: 'At this delicate juncture, it would be a mistake to walk away from the nuclear agreement and remove the restraints that it places on Iran. 'The UK's ambassador to the United States Sir Kim Darroch said the Iran agreement was 'a good deal' but efforts were ongoing to 'find some language, produce some action that meets the president's concerns'. Mr Trump has threatened to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) deal signed by the US, China, Russia, Germany, France and Britain with Iran. Under its terms Iran is committed to a peaceful nuclear energy programme. But Mr Trump has been a vocal critic of the agreement and in January issued an ultimatum to 'either fix the deal's disastrous flaws, or the United States will withdraw'. In a magazine interview, French President Emmanuel Macron warned a decision by Trump to withdraw could lead to war. 'We would open the Pandora's box. There could be war,' Macron told German weekly magazine Der Spiegel, adding 'I don't think that Donald Trump wants war.' Macron urged Trump not to withdraw when he met him in Washington late last month. Earlier this month Mr Johnson stressed the importance of keeping the deal 'while building on it in order to take account of the legitimate concerns of the US'. The European Union has said the deal 'is working and it needs to be preserved'. China has hit back after the US called Beijing's demands to list Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau as Chinese territories 'Orwellian nonsense' in a recent rant. In a statement released on Monday, China called on the US and other countries to 'respect its sovereignty' and recognise the legitimacy of its control of the contested territories. 'Whatever the US says will never change the objective fact that there is only one China in the world and the Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan regions are an inalienable part of China's territory,' Geng Shuang, a ministry spokesman, said in a statement on the ministry's website. 'Foreign enterprises operating in China should respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, abide by China's law and respect the national sentiment of the Chinese people.' The move comes after the United States on Saturday scolded China for attempting to impose 'political correctness' on American airline carriers by asking them to classify Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau as Chinese territories. Ground crew members wave as United Airlines makes it maiden voyage from Washington Dulles to Beijing Several airlines including Delta (pictured) were asked to recognise disputed territories as part of China The Chinese Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) issued a written warning to 36 foreign airlines, including a number of US carriers, demanding the companies change their references. A sternly worded White House statement excoriated Beijing for the demands, which it termed 'Orwellian nonsense.' 'President Donald J. Trump ran against political correctness in the United States,' it said. 'He will stand up for Americans resisting efforts by the Chinese Communist Party to impose Chinese political correctness on American companies and citizens.' The statement added that the Chinese Civil Aviation Administration sent a notice to 36 foreign air carriers, including a number of American carriers, on April 25, asking them to comply with Beijing's standards. As of Saturday, the website of American Airlines listed Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau as entities separate from China. Rivals United Airlines and Delta listed Taiwan separately but not Hong Kong or Macau. Taiwan has been self-ruled since splitting from the mainland after a 1949 civil war, maintaining its own government, military and independent foreign policy. But Beijing has refused to recognize the island, viewing it as part of its territory awaiting reunification with the mainland - by force, if necessary. The US has maintained a delicate diplomatic balance since 1979, recognizing Beijing's sovereignty as part of its 'One China' policy, while remaining Taiwan's most powerful unofficial ally and main supplier of arms. Meanwhile, Hong Kong, a British colony until 1997, and Macau, a Portuguese colony until 1999, are now 'special administrative regions' of China. The Chinese government led by Xi Jinping (pictured) called on other countries to 'respect their sovereignty' FOREIGN AIRLINES IN CHINA Airline Lists 'Hong Kong, China' Lists 'Taiwan, China' Lists 'Macau, China' British Airways YES YES (No service) Singapore Airlines YES NO YES Virgin Australia NO NO NO Etihad Airways YES (No service) (No service) All Nippon NO NO NO Korean Air NO NO NO Air Canada YES NO YES Japan Airlines NO NO (No service) Qantas YES NO YES Delta YES NO YES United YES NO YES The move came after the US and China held high-stakes trade talks in Beijing aimed at forestalling a looming conflict between the world's two largest economies. In January, Australia's Qantas Airways changed its website classification of Taiwan and Hong Kong from separate countries to Chinese territories, blaming its earlier approach on an 'oversight.' British Airways was also widely criticized on Chinese social media back in March for listing Taiwan and Hong Kong as separate entities. BA appears to have 'rectified' the situation on its website. Anyone ordering tickets to breakaway provinces and territories will see that they are listed as part of 'China.' Now anyone who orders tickets to these areas will see that they are marked as part of China. The Greens have vowed to block any tax cuts in tomorrow night's budget with the government promising relief to low and middle-income earners. Australians on a salaries of less than $87,000 are expected to be the big winners from July 1 this year, with Treasurer Scott Morrison promising tax cuts for those who had missed out on pay rises in recent years. However, Greens leader Richard Di Natale has vowed to block any tax cuts in the Senate, where neither the Turnbull Government nor the Labor opposition commands a majority in Canberra. Scroll down for video The Greens have vowed to block any tax cuts in tomorrow night's budget with the government promising relief to middle-income earners Australians on a salaries of less than $87,000 are expected to be the big winners from July 1, with Treasurer Scott Morrison promising tax cuts for those who had missed out on pay rises 'The Greens wont be supporting any tax cuts in this budget. We wont support a tax cut to corporations and we wont support income tax cuts that make inequality worse,' Senator Di Natale told reporters in Canberra on Monday. 'This is not a budget that needs tax cuts. Its a budget that needs investment in schools, in NBN and public transport. 'They are the choices that we have in this budget.' Senator Derryn Hinch, who is one of seven crossbench groups in the Senate, hinted he would block spending cuts, despite the budget failing to be in surplus since 2007. Greens leader Richard Di Natale has vowed to block any tax cuts in the Senate, where neither the Turnbull Government nor the Labor opposition commands a majority 'You know, Joe Blow worker, doesn't give a stuff about the deficit,' he told Sky News on Monday, adding workers would be unwilling to pay higher taxes. Workers on an average full-time salary of $82,000 are in the government's sights, a year out from the next election. Treasurer Scott Morrison said the budget would give 'real relief' to Australians who have gone without a pay rise for years. 'We've flagged for many many months now our priority is on tax relief for low to middle-income earners,' he told the Today show on Monday. Treasurer Scott Morrison said the budget would give 'real relief' to Australians who have gone without a pay rise for years 'They've been doing it tough. It's been some time since they've had a decent pay rise.' Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said the government was taking a 'phased approach' to tax cuts, which could see Australians earning more than $87,000 waiting several years for tax cuts. Top economic forecaster Chris Richardson has told Daily Mail Australia voters could expect a 'nice sandwich and malted milkshake per week' from the cuts. But the Deloitte Access Economics partner said the devil is in the detail - because there are different ways the government could design its tax cut program. Under one possible model, he suggested voters on $75,000 per year could receive a cut of about $20 per week. A South Australian man has died following an accident involving a camel in his paddock. The man's body, 56, was found on a property in Mantons Lane, Naracoorte, located 336km south-east of Adelaide. Police and ambulance rescue teams arrived at the property at 6.45 on Sunday evening. (File image) A South Australian man has died in a farm accident involving a camel in his paddock The man's body was found on a property in Mantons Lane, Naracoorte in South Australia South Australia Police have told Daily Mail Australia that the man's death has been deemed as not suspicious and police investigations are still continuing. It is believed the man died as a result of a tragic farming accident involving a camel, police reported. No further information on how the camel was involved in the accident has been announced. A former whistleblower forced out of the police force almost 50 years ago will finally receive an undisclosed payout from the Victorian Government. Former detective Denis Ryan was forced to give up the 20-year career he loved and his right to a police pension in 1972 after the Catholic Church and Victoria Police actively blocked his investigation into paedophile priest Monsignor John Day. It was later revealed that Monsignor Day sexually abused children in Mildura in the early 1970s. Now 86, Mr Ryan has reached a confidential settlement with the Victorian Government, a month after the ABC revealed Mr Ryan was struggling to make ends meet and was doing it tough. Now 86, former police whistleblower Denis Ryan (pictured) has reached a confidential settlement with the Victorian Government It prompted Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews to act. 'My office will be speaking with him,' Mr Andrews was quoted in the Sunraysia Daily in April. 'If there's more we can do for someone who's an absolute Victorian hero, we will do that.' A 'very pleased' Mr Ryan welcomed the news and said the settlement will make a difference to him. 'I don't think I'll ever feel vindicated. It'll never leave my mind. I just think of the victims, they suffered so much more than me,' Denis Ryan (pictured) told the ABC on Monday 'I certainly want to say to the Government of Victoria, led by Daniel Andrews, when he heard this, he leapt into action and finished within a month what has taken 47 years,' Mr Ryan told the ABC on Monday. 'I don't think I'll ever feel vindicated. It'll never leave my mind. I just think of the victims, they suffered so much more than me.' Vernon Knight, who handled the negotiations on Mr Ryan's behalf added: 'At long last, he's had his day.' In 2015, Mr Ryan testified before the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which led to an official apology from Victoria Police in 2016. Mr Ryan was awarded an Order of Australia Medal earlier this year. Australia's most modified youth has revealed why he has had more than 40 body-modification operations as he says it's been '100 per cent worth the torment'. Amid many procedures, Ethan Bramble has had his eyeballs tattooed, his nostrils punched, his bellybutton removed, his tongue split, his labret (the area under the bottom lip) cut and each of his ears have been snipped so that half is missing. The 21-year-old was first attracted to transforming his look from the age of 11 when he stretched his ears, and formed a fascination with tattoos. Ethan Bramble (pictured before and after) revealed he has had more than 40 body modification operations The 21-year-old first became attracted to the industry when he was just 11 Since the age of 13, the Central Coast local has spent his days hanging out in ink parlours, and watching the work of body modification specialists come to life. His social media pages boast more than 65.000 followers, many of whom are fascinated by his radical look. Mr Bramble believes that the decision to adjust his body is no different from a person deciding to dye their hair or put make up on in the morning. 'It's the way you want to look, your appearance and I've always been a strong believer in you shouldn't really judge people in the way they look,' he told News.com.au. 'The end product is 100 per cent worth the torment, if you're committed to it.' He was just 17 years old when he had his tongue split, and cites that change as the most intense adjustment he has ever had. His social media pages boast 65K followers across Facebook and Instagram The excruciating modification put Mr Bramble through five days of horror, which included sleeping upright - out of fear of choking on his own spit as he was constantly drooling following the procedure. He indicated the scariest modification was when his eyeballs were tattooed, recalling the moment a syringe approached his face. 'You have one person holding your eyelids open and it's up to you to stare at the wall at a certain spot. It's so stressful because if you move your eyeball when there's a syringe in there, you'll go blind. So that's definitely a really sketchy one.' Mr Bramble claims the choice is no different than a person wearing make up Following the arrest last week of Brendan Russell, 37, who was charged with prohibition of female genital mutilation, Mr Bramble feels the whole industry will be damaged. He says there is a huge grey area within the work as it has managed to stay out of the limelight for so long. The arrest of the 'body modification expert' lead NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard to label the industry the 'worst barbarism imaginable'. 'This so-called body modification is just plain wacko and can lead to permanent maiming,' Mr Hazzard said. Authorities have vowed to make changes following the shocking complaint for the female customer who allegedly underwent a botched labia reduction. President Donald Trump will be 'forced to resign' over claims a porn star was given $130,000 to keep quiet after having an affair with him, her lawyer has claimed. Michael Avenatti, who is representing Stormy Daniels in numerous lawsuits against Trump, said the president will be unable to survive his term - but will not be impeached. Daniels - whose real name is Stephanie Clifford - has claimed she was silenced with cash shortly before the 2016 president election after having sex with Trump in 2006, which the president has denied. Michael Avenatti (pictured with his client on April 16), who is representing Stormy Daniels in numerous lawsuits against Trump, said the president will be unable to survive his term - but will not be impeached Porn star Stormy Daniels is seen last month. Her lawyer accused Trump of having an 'extramarital affair slush fund' Trump told reporters last month on Air Force One he did not know about the payment to Daniels. Conway said Trump meant to say he did not know about the payment at the time it was made Giuliani told ABC's 'This Week' that he had no knowledge of whether former Trump attorney Michael Cohen had made other payments to women for Trump Speaking to The Guardian, Avenatti said: 'I don't know how he will ultimately spin his departure, but I firmly believe there is going to be too much evidence of wrongdoing by him and those around him for him to be able to survive the balance of his term.' He added: 'We have only scratched the surface in this case. Not only do I think that, I know that. 'There is going to be a significant amount of evidence that's going to come to light, and when that evidence is presented, and when the American people learn of it, they are going to be disgusted by the conduct of Mr Trump and Mr Cohen, and [from] that serious consequences will result.' He also said Trump's latest lawyer, former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, was 'far past prime time'. Avenatti said there may be 'multiple' other women who had been given payments by the president to keep quiet about affairs. Trump has denied allegations that he had an affair with Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford On Sunday, Giuliani said on he would not rule out the possibility that payments were made to women other than Daniels. Giuliani told ABC's 'This Week' that he had no knowledge of whether former Trump attorney Michael Cohen had made other payments, but he said: 'I would think if it was necessary, yes. He (Cohen) made payments for the president or he's conducted business for the president.' Giuliani called the $130,000 Cohen paid to Daniels in 2016 a 'nuisance payment.' Cohen, Trump's longtime personal lawyer, faces a criminal investigation in part over the payment to Daniels. Avenatti accused Trump of having an 'extramarital affair slush fund'. Disclosure of additional payments could complicate matters for Trump, who initially denied knowledge that money was paid to Daniels. Giuliani said on Friday that Cohen's payment to Daniels - one month before the 2016 presidential election - did not violate campaign laws and would have been made even if Trump had not been running. During a Fox News interview earlier in the week, Giuliani did link the payment to the presidential campaign and acknowledged for the first time that Trump had been aware of the payment. He told the New York Times later that Trump reimbursed Cohen a total of $460,000 or $470,000 after the campaign was over, which he said included 'incidental expenses.' Cohen is no longer Trump's attorney, Giuliani said. 'It would be a conflict right now for him to be the president's attorney,' he told ABC. Avenatti has said his team has been approached by multiple other women about Trump and he believed evidence would emerge of similar payments. 'The president had effectively an extramarital affair slush fund that was administered by Michael Cohen and that he would just be expected to take care of these things,' he said on ABC. 'They were a regular occurrence. I mean, that in and of itself should be very disturbing.' Senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway said she was not aware of any other possible payoffs. 'They didn't cross my desk as campaign manager,' she told CNN's 'State of the Union.' Trump told reporters last month on Air Force One he did not know about the payment to Daniels. Conway said Trump meant to say he did not know about the payment at the time it was made. 'The 'no' refers to when the payment occurred,' she told CNN. 'It was a fast-moving exchange. I asked the president what he meant and he said: 'I didn't know about it when the payment occurred.'' Norman Eisen, ethics chief under Trump predecessor Democrat Barack Obama, said any such payments would have constituted campaign contributions if they were intended to influence the election, even if they were also made with the 'partial motive of protecting the Trump family from embarrassment.' If Trump intended to reimburse Cohen for such payments, they should have been reported by the president on a 2017 financial disclosure form that required him to state his financial liabilities, Eisen said. The omission of those debts could have violated a federal law that prohibits willfully making false statements to the US government, he told Reuters. 'The more Mr. Giuliani talks, the worse Mr. Trump's legal situation becomes,' Eisen said. Michael Avenatti is predicting that Donald Trump will resign in disgrace over revelations involving the president's hush money payment to his client Giuliani said that any payments made by Cohen would not have violated federal election law because they would have been made to protect Trump's family or for other personal reasons unrelated to the campaign. But some legal experts said the timing of additional payments could undercut that argument by showing a pattern of behavior. 'If he had a practice of doing this during the campaign -- and Cohen was hired to deal with it -- it's harder to argue that this had nothing to do with the election,' said Jens David Ohlin, a professor at Cornell Law School. Ohlin said, however, that it was not clear that Trump's retainer agreement with Cohen created a financial obligation that should have been disclosed. 'I'm not sure this qualifies as a loan repayment,' he said. Ohlin also said an omission on a disclosure form would typically result in a civil penalty rather than a criminal prosecution for violating the law against making false statements to the government. Undercover officers within secretive units of Scotland Yard had sex with women they were spying on as long ago as the 1970s, it has been claimed. Officers from the Special Demonstration Squad (SDS) are accused of having sex with politically radical students after the unit was formed in 1968. A public inquiry into undercover policing has found over the last four decades officers have entered sexual relationships with women they are supposed to be reporting on, and some have even fathered their children. One former target told The Times how she had a relationship with an officer named 'Rick Gibson' while she was a student at Goldsmiths College in southeast London. Protestors clash with police at the security fence near Aucterarder surrounding the G8 summit at Gleneagles. The groups were being infiltrated by police officers at the time Sir John Mitting is the chairman of the inquiry into undercover policing The former trainee teacher's flat was a popular meeting place for left wing activists when she struck up a relationship with the undercover officer between 1974 and 1976, despite her labelling him 'sexually dysfunctional'. She told The Times: 'He was always there, Mr Helpful.' The officer was successful in his infiltration mission and became involved with Irish republican Troops Out Movement and the revolutionary socialist and feminist group Big Flame. The officer became national secretary of the Troops Out Movement concerned with British troops in Northern Ireland but he was later rumbled. His cover was blown and he was reportedly moved up the ranks of the SDS. The witness was one of four women who have reported to have had sex with Gibson. Sir John Mitting who is leading the inquiry into undercover policing and its consequences, made the decision to release the officer's real name - Richard Clark. Jim Sutton has been named as an officer who had an affair with a woman he was supposed to be carrying out undercover surveillance on Gibson's victim, now aged 71 and giving the name of 'Mary' said she released his name to the press because she deserves the truth. She told The Times: 'We had to put up with that behaviour back then and it is shocking that it's still going on. I think we are entitled to know to what extent he was operating on instructions from senior figures. 'Mitting seeing himself as our chivalrous knight defending our honour as women wronged is a big mistake.' Gibson was not the only officer to have had a relationship with a target. Metropolitan police officer Jim Boyling spent five years living undercover with environmental campaigners between 1995 and 2000. Using the false identity 'Jim Sutton', Boyling infiltrated Reclaim the Streets and began a relationship with a 28-year-old woman. He went on to marry her and father two children with her, but they later divorced. Undercover police officer Jim Boyling aka Jim Sutton began a relationship with a target aged 28 and went on to marry her and father two children The SDS operated between 1968 and 2008 and officers were told sometimes sex could not be avoided, leaked memos have found. In this case officers were told to 'try to have fleeting and disastrous relationships'. Sir John recently revealed he will not give the names of five further officers, as campaigners say it is not in the public interest to know their identities. The Metropolitan Police has already paid out more than 400,000 in compensation to a woman who had a child fathered by undercover officer Bob Lambert. Meanwhile, in August 2014, four former SDS officers were told they faced no criminal charges for their actions. The public inquiry, ordered by Theresa May in 2014, has already cost more than 9 million but is not expected to hear any evidence until next year. There has been a growing unease about Sir Mitting's handling of the case among victims. He caused fury when he claimed married officers were less likely to have slept with the women they targeted, because they had families at home. The Metropolitan Police released an apology in 2015 which told eight women their rights had been violated by the officers. A dating creep who bombarded his girlfriend with abusive text messages before she plunged to her death has legally changed his name and has set up a dating profile. Dan Shearin, 45, a former cruise ship entertainer, sent his cheerleader girlfriend Breeana Robinson, a series of abusive texts before she fell to her death. Ms Robinson, 21, died after falling 11 storeys from the balcony of the luxury apartment she shared with Shearin at Southport, on the Gold Coast. Scroll down for video Dan Shearin (right), a former cruise ship entertainer, sent his cheerleader girlfriend Breeana Robinson (left), a series of abusive texts before she fell to her death Shearin (pictured) has now legally changed his name to Jayden Daniel Moorea and appears on multiple dating sites Gable Tostee (pictured), also legally changed his name to Eric Thomas, after he was acquitted of Warriena Wright's murder Shearin, has now legally changed his name to Jayden Daniel Moorea, The Courier Mail reported. He is following the lead of Gable Tostee, who also legally changed his name to Eric Thomas, after he was acquitted of Warriena Wright's murder. He also appeared on numerous dating sites. It is reported this is not the first time Moorea appeared on dating sites. Shearin, was originally jailed for harassing Ms Robinson with the series of abusive texts before she fell to her death. Ms Robinson, 21, died after falling 11 storeys from the balcony of the luxury apartment she shared with Shearin at Southport, on the Gold Coast The State coroner ordering re-examination of evidence and expert forensic reports into Ms Robinson's (left) death Shearin said that Ms Robinson's death was a suicide. Following an appeal, his sentence was reduced to a good beahviour bond. An inquest into Ms Robinson's death last year was postponed, with the State coroner ordering re-examination of evidence and expert forensic reports, The Courier Mail reported. No new date has been set for the inquest. Police dispatched to deal with the Tennessee Waffle House shooter were originally sent to another branch of the restaurant chain several miles away. Officers from the Nashville police department were ordered to ordered to the breakfast bar at number 816 Murfreesboro Pike, rather than 3517 Murfreesboro Pike - over nine miles further down the same road. Meanwhile suspected shooter Travis Reinking was allegedly going on a violent rampage through the other restaurant - killing four and injuring several others. The operators who dealt with the call said the error occurred because the original caller did not know the address of the Waffle House and the cell phone could not immediately be pinpointed. The officers eventually received the correct address after a minute and a half, arrived at the right Waffle House at 3:32 a.m., five minutes after the first car arrived at the other location, which police were reportedly more familiar with because it has has been open longer. Scroll down for video Travis Reinking is escorted into the Hill Detention Center in Nashville on Monday, April 23 Reinking is due in court today and faces multiple charges, including four counts of criminal homicide Travis Reinking after he was captured and clothed by police after going on the run for several hours Reinking was naked as he stormed into the waffle house armed with an AR-15 assault rifle. He fired indiscriminately at diners - killing four and seriously injuring a number of others. The shooter was only stopped when brave James Shaw Jr., 29, took matters into his own hands and decided to lunge at Reinking. Despite the fact he had been hit in the elbow by a bullet, Shaw managed to wrestle the rifle from the attacker before he escaped. Cops arrested Reinking nearly 36 hours later and arrested him on suspicion of the murders. He is due in court today facing multiple charges, including four counts of criminal homicide. It is not clear if he will attend the hearing set for Monday or if there will be any testimony. Online records of the Davidson County Sheriff's Office show he is being held without bond in a secure area of the Metro Nashville Jail. A vengeful ex-husband fitted a tracker to his teacher ex-wife's car and told her work she mixed with drug dealers during a four month stalking campaign. Philip Carter, 40, bombarded Caroline Perkins with threatening emails and social media posts even after he was ordered by police not to contact her. In one Facebook entry, Carter, from Alford, Lincolnshire, offered a 200 reward to anyone who could tell him 'this thief's address.' Mother-of-one Ms Perkins, from Lincolnshire, had to move from her home in Torbay, South Devon to escape the abuse but he managed to find her again and installed a tracker device on her car. Philip Carter (right, with the couple's daughter) bombarded ex wife Caroline Perkins (left) with threatening emails and social media posts She told Exeter Crown Court that she is so scared of sleeping at night that she has to keep a knife under her pillow. The couple were married in 2013, divorced in 2016 and have a daughter who was born in 2014. The stalking began after Ms Perkins moved to Torbay and Carter returned from working in Spain and tried to rekindle their relationship in July 2017. He sent threatening e-mails with implied threats to her and her family in Lincolnshire, and an e-mail to her head teacher at St Cuthbert Mayne Roman Catholic and Church of England Secondary School in Torquay. Ms Perkins (left) told Exeter Crown Court that she was so scared of sleeping at night following the stalking by her ex husband (right) that she has to sleep with a knife under her pillow It accused her of dishonesty and of mixing with drug dealers and led to her being called in by the head to explain herself. Carter also sent her e-mails which made it clear he was spying on her and even referred to her visiting a spa. The performance engine technician was angry about disputes over money and access to the couples three-year-old daughter. In an impact statement to Exeter Crown Court, she said: 'He is unstoppable. He sent an an e-mail to her head teacher at St Cuthbert Mayne Roman Catholic and Church of England Secondary School in Torquay telling them she mixed with drug dealers 'He will stop at nothing to make my life hell. I feel he is controlling everything I do. 'I am worried about cars following me and take different routes home. I am very careful about putting photos on social media. 'My boss and colleagues all know. I no longer have a private life. I am a professional and it is embarrassing. Every time I open an e-mail I fear it is from him. I cannot register on the electoral roll. 'I feel like packing my bags and running away but I cant do so for my daughters sake. He is ruining my life. I cannot feel happy about anything. 'I have never felt so low and unhappy. I am extra vigilant. I am scared of sleeping at night and I sleep with a knife under my pillow.' Carter pleaded guilty to stalking at Exeter Crown Court and was made subject of a ten year restraining order Carter pleaded guilty to stalking which caused serious alarm and distress. He was jailed for nine months by Judge Simon Carr but walked free because he has been in custody since November. He was made subject of a restraining order which bans him from contacting Ms Perkins for ten years. It also bans contact with her parents and sisters, who live in Sutton-on-Sea and Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire. Judge Carr told him: 'I hope that all you feel is shame when you read the e-mails you sent to the mother of your child. They were abusive, threatening and very frightening. 'A feature which I cannot ignore is the fitting of a tracker on her vehicle. That was something extremely frightening for her, and for her daughter, who must have picked up on her mothers distress.' Mr Barry White, defending, said Carter now accepts the relationship is over and will abide by the restraining order. A GP told police it was him carrying his daughter on the night Madeleine McCann vanished but officers still spent four years trying to identify him, his family revealed today. Julian Totman was carrying his daughter back from a creche when he was seen by one of the so-called 'Tapas Seven' dining with Kate and Gerry McCann in Praia da Luz on May 3, 2007. But despite Mr Totman telling police about his movements detectives on the Algarve continued to hunt for the so-called 'Tannerman' - named after the Jane Tanner, the woman who saw him that evening. Key witness Miss Tanner saw a dark-haired man carrying a child wearing pink floral pyjamas about the time that the four-year-old vanished from her parents' holiday apartment. But it was only an hour later, when she was told that Madeleine had gone, that Miss Tanner realised it could have been the abductor. Julian Totman was seen by one of the so-called 'Tapas Nine' taking his two-year-old girl back to their apartment after picking her up from the resort's creche in Praia da Luz, Portugal in May 2007 and his family say he was the 'Tannerman' police hunted for for four years Madeleine McCann was abducted from her parents holiday apartment in Portugal 11 years ago In October 2007 the McCanns put out a sketch of the Tannerman but Mr Totman had already told the Guarda Nacional Republicana in May that it was probably him but they kept looking for the suspect. It was only in 2011 after Scotland Yard took over the investigation that Det Chief Insp Andy Redwood, who led the probe from Britain, described a 'moment of revelation' when they became 'almost certain this sighting [Tannerman] is not the abductor.' After this the Met went on the hunt for the so-called 'Smithman' - a man seen carrying a child away from the Ocean Club resort by Irish tourist Martin Smith. Key witness Miss Tanner saw a dark-haired man carrying a child wearing pink floral pyjamas about the time that the four-year-old vanished from her parents' holiday apartment. Julian Totman's wife Rachel, who lives with her husband in the West Country, has revealed that police had never contacted them. She told The Sun: 'My husband had told the local police it could be him but we didn't hear anything for years. 'We always thought it was Julian who was seen by Jane Tanner. But the national police who investigated didn't get back to us and we don't know if our information was ever passed on.' In March extra cash was granted in the search for Madeleine McCann so the Metropolitan Police can continue their 11-year hunt for the missing girl. The Home Office last night said it had allocated further funds to Operation Grange, the investigation into her disappearance from an apartment in Portugal in 2007. 'The Government remains committed to the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann,' a spokesman said. 'We have briefed the Metropolitan Police Service that its application for Special Grant funding for Operation Grange will be granted.' Detectives investigating Maddie's disappearance applied for more cash for the search in February. Government funding for the investigation has been agreed every six months, with 154,000 being granted from October last year until the end of this month. In March extra cash was granted in the search for Madeleine McCann so the Metropolitan Police can continue their 11-year hunt for the Kate and Gerry McCann's missing daughter (couple pictured on May 6) More than 11million has been spent so far. The exact figure which has been allocated for the ongoing investigation is not yet known. Madeleine, who was then aged three, vanished from an apartment in Praia da Luz in May 2007 while her parents were eating tapas with friends at a restaurant nearby. She would now be nearly 15. Operation Grange, launched in May 2011, has been one of the longest, most high-profile and costly police investigations in history. Officers have sifted and translated 40,000 documents produced by Portuguese police who conducted the initial investigation, and by the eight teams of private detectives who have worked on the case. Some 600 'persons of interest' have been examined and alleged sightings of Madeleine in Brazil, India, Morocco and Paraguay, on a German plane and in a New Zealand supermarket assessed. The quality of the Portuguese investigation of Madeleine's disappearance was criticised by the British authorities.Scotland Yard began an investigative review into the disappearance in 2011, on the orders of the then prime minister David Cameron. Maddie's parents Kate and Gerry insist the inquiry must continue because there is 'absolutely nothing' to suggest she has been harmed. Kate and Gerry McCann attend an outdoor gathering in their home village last week to pray for their daughter who vanished on holiday in Portugal on May 3, 2007 A computerised image of what police believe Madeline McCann will look like now is displayed at an event in her honour in Leicestershire It comes after the couple, from Rothley, Leicestershire, pledged to 'never give up' on Madeleine in a message to supporters at Christmas. They wrote on the Find Madeleine Facebook page: 'We just wanted to pass on our love and thanks to everyone who has continued to support us throughout another year. 'Friendship, solidarity and warm wishes go a long way in giving us the strength to get through and make the very best of it.' Mrs McCann has previously said that Christmas is always 'tinged with pain and longing', saying: 'Madeleine should be here and we should be celebrating with her.' She has also said that she would simply like to know if her daughter is alive or dead because the not knowing is the worst part. A teenager has been left unable to eat solid food after losing five teeth when she was kicked in the face by a horse. Georgia Hull, from Wadebridge in Cornwall, was out with a group riding her pony when the horse in front of her kicked out, breaking her jaw and knocking out seven teeth. The 15-year-old was knocked unconscious and flown by air ambulance to Derriford Hospital where she had to undergo four-hour surgery to pin and plate her jaw. Georgia Hull was out with a group riding her pony when the horse in front of her kicked out, breaking her jaw and knocking out seven teeth The 15-year-old was knocked unconscious and had to undergo four-hour surgery to pin and plate her jaw The experienced rider is now scared to go out riding in a group following the incident Georgia's mother Julie Hull was just ahead of her daughter on her own horse when she heard the screams coming from behind. She said: 'We were riding along a track and I was slightly ahead of her but people on foot saw the horse kick out and Georgia just slide off her pony. 'Everyone helped to hold the horses and two girls rode back to get help and others called an ambulance. 'You could see straight away that her jaw was broken, it almost looked as though it might fall off. She had to spit her teeth out. 'She had come round but she was very hysterical, it was horrifying to see her like that.' Georgia sustained multiple facial fractures including severe damage to her jaw, cuts to her face that have required stitches and spent five days in hospital following the hunting accident on April 24. The teenager's mouth had swollen to the point she was unable to breathe and doctors rushed her into surgery. The teenager was flown by air ambulance to Derriford Hospital to undergo surgery Paramedics raced to her aid after she was left unable to breathe as her jaw swelled up Ms Hull said: 'She had to have an x-ray to check that she hadn't swallowed any of her teeth and there was so much blood in her mouth it kept making her sick. 'It took a couple of days for me to tell her about her teeth as I knew she would be upset. 'It's been really hard for her as doctors have told her that she may have to wait till she finished growing before she can have new teeth fixed. it's made her very self-conscious. 'She is eager to ride again but it has made her nervous and she is not sure she wants to ride in a group again. 'She could only eat through a syringe, but is now eating pureed foods.' Georgia is now recovering at home and her friends have since raised more than 3,000 on a fundraising page to cover the costs of the dental work she needs. A three-year-old toddler has been snatched and eaten by a leopard at a safari park in Uganda. The boy, named locally as Elisha Nabugyere, was mauled to death after following his nanny outside at a lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Ugandan authorities have launched a hunt for the big cat after the attack in the unfenced staff quarters on Friday night. Staff heard the screams of the child, the son of ranger Doreen Ayera, but before they could intervene he had been dragged off into nearby bushes. A three-year-old toddler has been snatched and eaten by a leopard at a safari park in Uganda (file picture) The boy, named locally as Elisha Nabugyere, was mauled to death after following his nanny outside at a lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park (file pi The youngster's skull was found after a search overnight. There are now fears the leopard could strike again. The boy had been left in the care of a nanny at the unfenced staff quarters of a safari lodge in the park, when he was taken by the leopard on Friday night. Wildlife authority spokesman Bashir Hangi said the child had followed the nanny outdoors. 'The maid was not aware the child followed her. She heard the kid scream for help, she intervened but it was too late the leopard had vanished with it in the bush and a search was mounted until we got the skull the next day,' he said. 'The hunt is on with the intention of capturing the leopard and removing it from the wild because once it has eaten human flesh, the temptations are high to eat another human being, it becomes dangerous,' he added. Queen Elizabeth National Park is in southwest Uganda and is in an area for its population of predators such as lions, leopards and hyenas, according to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (file picture) Queen Elizabeth National Park, in southwest Uganda, is considered one of the country's top tourist destinations and sits in an area renowned for its population of predators such as lions, leopards and hyenas, according to the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The tragedy comes days after a British lion sanctuary was attacked by one of his animals in South Africa. Mike Hodge, a 72-year-old expat, was rushed to hospital with injuries to the neck and jaw after being mauled by the lion, Shamba, in an incident that was caught on film in South Africa. Horrifying footage shows Mr Hodge entering the lion's enclosure at the Marakele Animal Sanctuary before being dragged away into bushes and clawed by Shamba as onlookers scream in terror. The big cat eventually dropped Mr Hodge and a staff member outside the camp shot and killed Shamba to save his life, according to local media. In a statement, the family - Mr Hodge, his wife Chrissy and daughter Emma, 29 - said they were 'devastated' by the loss of the lion which they said had been raised from a cub. Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Israel is prepared to go to war to block Iran's 'aggression' and that taking action would be 'better now than later'. The Israeli Prime Minister insisted 'we are prepared for any scenario' amid heightened tensions between the country and Tehran. Netanyahu told his Cabinet earlier Sunday that Iran has delivered advanced weapons to Syria 'in order to attack us both on the battlefield and on the home front.' He said: 'We are determined to block Iran's aggression against us even if this means a struggle. Better now than later,' he said. 'We do not want escalation, but we are prepared for any scenario.' It comes as energy minister Yuval Steinitz hinted Israel could have Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad assassinated for helping Tehran launch missiles. His warning came after Israeli media carried what they described as an alert by Israel's intelligence services that Iran was planning a rocket salvo against Israeli military bases from within Syria. Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured) has warned Israel is prepared to go to war to block Iran's 'aggression' and that taking action would be 'better now than later' On Sunday, Netanyahu stepped up his calls for world powers to end the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran as President Donald Trump decides whether to withdraw from the agreement by next week. In a briefing to foreign reporters, Benjamin Netanyahu said the world would be better off without any deal than with what he called the 'fatally flawed' agreement reached in 2015. Netanyahu said Israel is sharing a trove of confiscated Iranian nuclear documents with the six world powers that signed the deal, as well as other countries, in hopes of mounting further opposition to the deal. He heads to Moscow later this week for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, where talks will focus on the Iranian nuclear program and Iran's involvement in neighboring Syria. 'I said it from the start, it has to be either fully fixed or fully nixed,' Netanyahu said. 'But if you do nothing to this deal, if you keep it as is, you will end up with Iran with a nuclear arsenal in a very short time.' Netanyahu was a vocal opponent of the deal when it was reached during the Obama administration. The agreement lifted painful economic sanctions against Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program. Netanyahu has repeatedly argued that the deal will not prevent Iran from gaining nuclear weapons capability after its restrictions expire in the next decade or so. On Sunday, Netanyahu stepped up his calls for world powers to end the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran as President Donald Trump decides whether to withdraw from the agreement by next week. Pictured: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani Trump has voiced similar objections and hinted he will withdraw from the deal unless it is renegotiated. Netanyahu did not accuse Iran of violating the deal. Instead, he said the deal, reached by the Obama administration, was so weak that Iran has no need to break it. He said the flaws include permission for Iran to continue some low-level enrichment of uranium and its continued development of long-range missiles capable of delivering a bomb. He said the nuclear documents unveiled by Israel last week prove that Iran also pursued the know-how on how to develop and detonate a bomb. 'I say that a deal that enables Iran to keep and hide all its nuclear weapons know-how, is a horrible deal,' he said. Netanyahu last week showed off what he said was a 'half ton' of Iranian nuclear documents dating back to 2003. A senior Israeli intelligence official said there were over 100,000 pages of documents that gave Israel new insight into how far the Iranian nuclear program progressed. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity under briefing guidelines, said the volume of information showed the program was more 'comprehensive and robust' than previously thought. Trump's criticism of the deal has given Netanyahu a rare chance to reopen negotiations that appeared to have concluded in 2015. So far, Europe, China and Russia have shown no interest in revisiting the topic. European countries, which have been pressing Trump to stick with the deal, have said Netanyahu's presentation only reinforced the importance of the agreement, which provides for inspections. 'His blood would be forfeit': Israeli minister threatens Assad Israel could respond to any Iranian attack on it from Syria by toppling Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government, an Israeli security cabinet minister said on Monday, hinting that Assad himself may be targeted for assassination. Israel and Iran have traded blows over Syria since February, stirring concern that major escalation could be looming ahead of next week's review decision by U.S. President Donald Trump on the 2015 international nuclear deal with Tehran. On April 9, an air strike killed seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps members at the Syrian base. Tehran blamed Israel and vowed unspecified retaliation, drawing Israeli counter-threats to broaden attacks on Iranian military assets in Syria. Sharpening these warnings, Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz said on Monday that Assad may find himself in Israel's sights. Israel could respond to any Iranian attack on it from Syria by toppling Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government, an Israeli security cabinet minister said on Monday, hinting that Assad himself may be targeted for assassination 'If Assad allows Iran to turn Syria into a military vanguard against us, to attack us from Syrian territory, he should know that would be the end of him, the end of his regime,' Steinitz told the Ynet news site. Asked if that meant Israel might assassinate Assad, Steinitz said: 'His blood would be forfeit.' He also appeared to suggest that his remarks did not reflect Israeli government policy, saying: 'I'm not talking about any concrete proposal.' There was no immediate response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office or from Israel's Defence Ministry. A Ynet text story had quoted Steinitz as saying explicitly that Israel would kill Assad, but this was not borne out by a video clip of the interview. Iran, Lebanon's Hezbollah militia and Russia have been reinforcing Damascus against a seven-year-old Syrian rebellion. The Israelis worry that Iran's garrison will remain, linking with Hezbollah to form a broad Syrian-Lebanese front against them. On Sunday, Israeli media carried what they described as an alert by Israel's intelligence services that Iran was planning a missile salvo against Israeli military bases from within Syria. Some analysts interpreted the publication as a warning to Iran that its plans were known, lest it try to carry out the missile strike without explicitly claiming responsibility. On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss Syria, where Moscow wants to see Assad's rule restored. 'Whoever is interested in Assad's survival should do the honour of telling Assad to prevent attacks on Israel,' Steinitz said, alluding to Putin. Advertisement It remains unclear what would happen if the U.S. withdraws from the deal but the other countries remain committed. Netanyahu appears to be betting that the pressure of renewed American sanctions could be enough to persuade companies to stop doing business with Iran. He also seems to be hopeful that the threat of military action, either U.S. or Israeli, will deter Iran from resuming its nuclear activities. Yoel Guzansky, an analyst at the Institute for National Security Studies, an Israeli think tank, said Trump is playing 'a game of chicken' with Iran in hopes of renegotiating a better deal. 'They hope that by threatening to walk away from the deal they might get that. I am not so sure, not so sure, the Europeans are not on board, of course the Russians and the Chinese are not on board,' he said. Walking away, he added, could have hard-to-predict consequences. Israel considers Iran its arch-enemy, citing Iran's calls for Israel's destruction, support for militant groups across the region and growing military activity in neighboring Syria. Israel has warned that it will not allow Iran, whose troops are backing Syrian President Bashar Assad, to establish a permanent military presence in Syria. Israel is believed to have been behind recent airstrikes on Syrian military bases that killed Iranian soldiers, prompting Tehran to vow retaliation. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement. The possibility of the nuclear deal collapsing has raised concerns it might embolden Iran to strike Israeli targets. Netanyahu told his Cabinet earlier Sunday that Iran has delivered advanced weapons to Syria 'in order to attack us both on the battlefield and on the home front.' 'We are determined to block Iran's aggression against us even if this means a struggle. Better now than later,' he said. 'We do not want escalation, but we are prepared for any scenario.' Some of the nine people charged in relation the alleged stabbing death of a Queensland woman were related to the victim, according to reports. Police allege a woman, 37, was found with serious chest injuries at a home in the Toowoomba suburb of Wilsonton in the state's Darling Downs region just after 2pm on Sunday. She was conscious and breathing when paramedics arrived and was rushed to Toowoomba Base Hospital in a critical condition, where she died. Scroll down for video Raymonde Kemp (pictured) was upset to heat that nine people have been charged with her neighbour's alleged murder. 'It is shocking, especially when someone loses somebody. Why so many for one lady?' Police will allege that a 37-year-old woman was found with serious injuries at a Wilsonton address in McGregor Street just after 2pm on Sunday Detectives have charged nine people following the death of a woman in Toowoomba on Sunday Nine people were arrested in a car park of a nearby fast food outlet. They were each charged with two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm and one count of enter dwelling with intent. They included a Wilsonton Heights man, 32, a Newtown woman, 28, a South Toowoomba woman, 29, a Wilsonton Heights man, 25, a Harlaxton woman, 34, a Roma woman, 29, a Kearneys Spring woman, 29, a Toowoomba man and a Stuart woman, 25. 9 News understands some of the accused are from the same family while news.com.au reports some were related to the victim. Believed to be a young mother, her death has rocked the tight-knit local community. 'They were always friendly and said hello to me and things like that,' distraught neighbour Raymonde Kemp told 9 News. 'It is shocking, especially when someone loses somebody. Why so many for one lady?' The three men and six women did not appear in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Monday morning, where there was no application for bail. They were remanded in custody to appear in court on Tuesday. The woman's death has rocked the local community in Toowoomba Forensic officers and the dog squad assisted with the homicide investigation on Sunday night Anyone with information is urged to contact Policelink on 131 444 Outside the court on Monday, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service lawyer Kevin Rose told the ABC he was representing five of those charged. He said there was a possibility more charges would be laid. 'I haven't been told that, but given that there is one deceased person there is the possibility that's what I understand the police are saying,' he told the ABC. Toowoomba resident Kevina Suey said the woman's death has shocked the local Aboriginal community. 'The whole community is shattered everybody knows everybody,' she told media outside court. 'I'm just here [in court] to support just praying for everybody for all the families.' Before the arrests, police searched through rubbish bins at nearby units in the street where the woman suffered her 'brutal' injuries, The Chronicle reported. Forensic officers and the dog squad assisted with the investigation on Sunday night while SES volunteers spent Monday scouring nearby parkland for the alleged weapon. Anyone with information is urged to contact Policelink on 131 444. 'I'm just here [in court] to support just praying for everybody for all the families,' Kevina Suey (pictured right) told media outside court on Monday Florida is gearing up for the possibility of an outbreak of Yellow fever after the state's Zika scare back in 2016. The Zika virus was an international pandemic which caused many children to be born with birth defects. It swept across the globe in 2016 with hundreds of thousands being diagnosed - including 5,168 symptomatic cases in the US. Of the American cases Florida alone accounted for 1,107 - nearly 21 per cent. And health officials have warned that the state is now vulnerable to a new, and even more deadly, epidemic spreading throughout South America. Unlike Zika, Yellow fever, has the potential to kill - after 338 people died from the disease in Brazil last year. Scroll down for video Several nations were forced to take emergency fumigation measures to kill off mosquitos carrying Zika A baby born with the Zika virus and demonstrating microcephaly symptoms receiving treatment in Recife, Brazil The disease's deadliness can be in part attributed to its lack of unusual symptoms. Most people infected with yellow fever will get symptoms so minor they won't realize they have been infected. Even for those who do notice, the symptoms such as fever, chills and headaches don't make it stand out from many other illnesses. But for about 15 percent of the infected, the initial symptoms pass and then come back with a vengeance within a day, causing internal bleeding and jaundice - the yellowing of the skin that gives the fever its name - the failure of the liver and other organs. Of those, up to half die, usually within a week or two. Yellow fever is a rare disease in the United States, with only one reported case between 2004 and 2016, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Outbreaks killed thousands in Philadelphia in 1793, in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1878 and in New Orleans throughout the 19th century, and in other places. It wasn't until 1900 that the Yellow Fever Commission formed by the U.S. military proved that the disease was spread by mosquitoes, which led to practices such as fumigation and the covering of open water cisterns where the mosquitoes bred. The last U.S. outbreak occurred in New Orleans in 1905. South Florida officials hope the stepped-up mosquito control efforts already in effect to curb Zika will help contain any potential yellow fever outbreak. Florida is particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases because of the large presence of mosquitos Yellow fever and Zika are carried by the same Aedes aegypti mosquito, which can also transmit dengue and chikungunya. 'It was inevitable we would get these diseases,' Bindu S. Mayi, an associate professor of microbiology at Nova Southeastern University, said. 'It's remarkable how well we responded.' A World Health Organization report in April identified Miami as one of the global cities susceptible to the spread of yellow fever because the United States doesn't require people arriving from abroad to be vaccinated against the disease. 'These flare-ups happen, especially when you have a large chunk of population that has never seen this virus,' Mayi said. 'There is nothing initially stopping the body from hosting the virus.' Most people in the US havent been vaccinated for yellow fever because the disease is so uncommon. And suppliers are warning that there may be no more vaccines available until the end of the year. Iran has hit out at US President Donald Trump - telling him the US will face a 'fierce reaction' if it pulls out of a nuclear deal. President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday the United States would regret a decision to leave Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and Tehran would fiercely resist US pressure to limit its influence in the Middle East. 'If they want to make sure that we are not after a nuclear bomb, we have said repeatedly that we are not and we will not be ... but if they want to weaken Iran and limit its influence whether in the region or globally, Iran will fiercely resist,' Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state television. President Trump has threatened to withdraw from the agreement when it comes up for renewal on May 12, demanding his country's European allies 'fix the terrible flaws' or he will re-impose sanctions. Scroll down for video President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday the United States would regret a decision to leave Iran's 2015 nuclear deal Britain is already committed to the deal as Boris Johnson (left) pleaded last week for Trump to stay in the agreement But President Rouhani said it may be possible for the deal to go ahead without US involvement - providing the EU can guarantee Iran the same benefits. Under the deal with the United States, France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China, Tehran restricted its uranium enrichment programme to satisfy the powers that it could not be used to develop atomic bombs. In exchange, Iran received relief from sanctions, most of which were lifted in January 2016. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif warned that Tehran's "fierce reaction to a violation of the nuclear deal with major powers will not be pleasant for America", state TV reported. Britain, France and Germany remain committed to the nuclear accord but, in an effort to keep Washington in it, want to open talks on Iran's ballistic missile programme, its nuclear activities beyond 2025 - when key provisions of the deal expire - and its role in the wars in Syria and Yemen. Rouhani's remarks came ahead of President Donald Trump's decision expected later this week on whether to pull America out of the landmark deal between Iran and world powers. He also added that he believes a US pullout from the deal would represent a 'strategic mistake.' 'What we want for the deal is that it's preserved and guaranteed by the non-Americans,' Rouhani added, 'Then the U.S. pullout will be okay.' A Melbourne man has been released on bail after pleading guilty to shooting a home invader in the stomach. Four people broke into Oliver Garovsky's residence in the northwest Melbourne suburb of Delahey in October last year, while his parents were also at the residence. As the 37-year-old tried to fight them off a gun discharged during the struggle and one of the intruders was wounded. A Melbourne man (pictured) has been released on bail after pleading guilty to shooting a home invader in the stomach The intruder was subsequently taken to hospital in a critical condition, while a 31-year-old woman and a 34-year-old man were arrested. The fourth intruder was not arrested at the time and sparked a police manhunt. Mr Garovsky pleaded guilty to one count of reckless conduct endangering life and one count of possession a prohibited weapon. Mhairi Black said she knew from private conversations with Jeremy Corbyn (pictured in Plymouth last week) that he was in favour of breaking up the union Jeremy Corbyn secretly supports Scotland leaving the United Kingdom, an SNP MP has claimed. Mhairi Black said she knew from private conversations with the Labour leader that he was in favour of breaking up the union. She said the left-winger was a 'hypocrite' for sticking to the party's policy on Scotland and issues like Trident renewal rather than saying what he really believed. The sensational comments could revive controversy about Mr Corbyn's confused stance on the future of the UK. During the last general election campaign, the veteran left-winger insisted Scottish independence would be 'catastrophic' and cause 'turbo-charged austerity'. But he was also condemned by Labour MPs and MSPs after saying he was 'absolutely fine' with the idea of a new referendum taking place. A spokesman for the Labour leader condemned the latest claims as 'complete nonsense'. In an interview with the Huffington Post today, Ms Black said that from 'talking to' Mr Corbyn she knew he did not accept the Labour Party policy of keeping Scotland within the UK. She did not give details of when and where the conversation took place. 'I'm raging at Jeremy,' she said. 'He has totally sold his soul, especially in terms of Scotland.' Ms Black attacked the Labour leader for publicly pledging to keep the Trident deterrent, despite being a lifelong campaigner for unilateral disarmament. She said he was 'hypocritical about what arguments he applies where and when'. 'It really annoys me when people get credit when the reality is different,' she said. 'I was excited by Jeremy Corbyn for the same reason as all the Labour membership were, but since he has got into that position of power, what's he done? 'He has had unelected lords in his cabinet. He's had scandal upon scandal, and don't get me wrong, I get that there is a whole lot of backbenchers against Jeremy, but he has sold his soul. 'He has sold out in terms of austerity. He has sold out in terms of Scottish independence because I know that he doesn't believe the things he says about independence now.' Asked directly how she knew Corbyn supported independence, she said: 'From talking to him.' In an interview with the Huffington Post today, Ms Black said that from 'talking to' Mr Corbyn she knew he did not accept the Labour Party policy of keeping Scotland within the UK Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been demanding a fresh independence referendum following the Brexit vote But when invited to expand on the conversation she says she had with him, she said: 'I couldn't possibly comment further.' Mr Corbyn prompted fury among Labour politicians during the general election battle by appearing to contradict party policy on independence. Despite Scottish voters backing staying in the union in 2014, Mr Corbyn said: 'If a referendum is held then it is absolutely fine, it should be held. 'I don't think it's the job of Westminster or the Labour party to prevent people holding referenda.' The then Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said she did not agree, while other party figures branded the comments 'an insult'. Mr Corbyn later claimed his comments had been 'mischievously' reported. Britain is basking in sunshine today as a hotspell from southern Russia heats up the Bank Holiday to record temperatures but pointing that out has landed the media in trouble. Nicknaming the mini heatwave the Roast from Russia purely because of its origins- has not gone down too well with the Kremlins Embassy in London. While Britons celebrated the sunshine and raced for the beaches, the Embassy accused the press of blaming Moscow for the weather. Thousands of people take to the beach in Brighton and Hove on the May Bank Holiday as a hotspell from Russia warms the UK The Russian Embassy accused the British media of blaming the weather on the country. The weather dubbed the 'Roast from Russia' followed the 'Beast from the East' The Russian Embassy retweeted a story from The Mirror, which referenced the warm blast moving in from the Continent. The headline which called the sunny spell the Roast from Russia was seized upon by the Embassy in London, which frequently attacks the British media. The Embassy wrote: When in doubt what to do, blame Russia. However, the hotspell is literally being swept from the southern parts of Russia to the UK, leading meteorologists to dub the heatwave the 'Roast from Russia'. It is not the first time the weather has been linked to Moscow. In February, temperatures plummeted to -5C and an extreme weather warning was issued. The chill coming from Siberia was subbed the Beast from the East. Winds from the east, caused the mercury to plummet - with even daytime temperatures struggling to rise above zero. Meteorologists have called the hotspell the 'Roast from Russia' as the heatwave's origins are in the south of President Vladimir Putin's country Social media users jokingly blamed the Putin regime, calling it meteorological warfare from Russia. However, this time the Britons are grateful for the weather change. Temperatures in Britain are set to soar to 82F (28C) on Monday making it the hottest May Bank Holiday Monday since it was introduced in 1978. The South East can expect the highest temperatures, while Wales and Scotland will also enjoy warm weather in the mid to high 70s (23C). One person replied to the Embassy: I don't think British people dislike hot weather mate. Immigration Minister Peter Dutton warned more illegal immigrants could end up on Australian shores. Malaysian police busted a human-smuggling ring believed to be transporting 131 Sri Lankans including 98 men, 24 women, four boys and five girls last week. Minister Dutton expressed fears more boats would come to Australia in an interview with 2GB on Monday. Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has warned more illegal immigrants could end up on our shores 'The problem hasn't gone away, there is still people drowning on the Mediterranean, still huge movements illegally of people around the world, he told the radio station 'And we know we've got at least 14,000 people just in Indonesia ready to get on boats tomorrow, and we've got huge issues in Shri Lanka, in Vietnam, obviously Malaysia as well. 'People will end up back on our shores and you'll end up with those deaths at sea.' Malaysian police have busted a human-smuggling ring transporting 131 Sri Lankans including 98 men, 24 women, four boys and five girls Dutton expressed fears people smugglers are marketing New Zealand as a 'back door to Australia'. He said the country offers 150 places a year for people off boats to settle. 'If you are living in Wellington, or Auckland, you can hop on a plane, come to our country and you can get a visa on arrival,' he told 2GB . Minister Dutton (pictured) said at least 14,000 people in Indonesia ready to get on boats 'tomorrow' 'And our argument is, if people are able to market NZ and get to NZ, then they can very quickly then make it to Australia and that's the outcome they (the people smugglers) want.' Host Ben Fordham said refugees would have paid between $4,000 and $6,000 for their journey. But Labor New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden played down Minister Dutton's claim, the NZ Herald reported. 'The idea of New Zealand being used by people-smugglers has been happening for a number of years. This is not new,' she said. 'Regardless of New Zealand's policy and regardless of Australia's policy, unscrupulous people with no integrity will promote either destination for their financial benefit without necessarily those victims involved having any sense of reality in either country. Three Indonesians and four Malaysians were arrested after police raided a fishing boat transferring the immigrants 'These things ebb and flow and nothing I've seen is out of character.' Royal Malaysia Police released photos of the tanker, named Etra, and the immigrants pictured among piles of suit cases on Saturday. Police chief Mohamad Fuzi Harun said authorities had foiled a 'cunning' human smuggling syndicate. 'With these arrests, the Royal Malaysia Police has successfully foiled a large and cunning human smuggling syndicate,' he said. 'This syndicate has been operating since mid-2017 and has international connections across Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and Malaysia,' he added. The syndicate was transporting the immigrants using a maritime passage in the waters of Tanjung Gemuk in Kota Tinggi, Johor, Channel News Asia reported. Police chief Mohamad Fuzi Harun said authorities had foiled a 'cunning' human smuggling syndicate Three Indonesians and four Malaysians were arrested after police raided a fishing boat transferring the immigrants, according to the publication. A spokesperson for the Home Affairs department applauded Malaysia's 'disruption of the venture' in a statement provided to Daily Mail Australia. 'We are aware that Malaysian authorities have successfully disrupted a large, highly organised people smuggling venture before it could depart,' the statement said. 'We applaud Malaysia's disruption of this venture and look forward to ongoing cooperation to combat people smuggling. 'This is yet another example of the enduring threat that people smuggling poses across our region.' Tradesmen on work sites are increasingly putting themselves in danger by performing dangerous pranks and filming them to be put online. A video uploaded to LiveStream by user 'Someaussiedude' shows the horrifying moment a tradesman's prank, on an Australian work site, backfires. The man who is recording the prank in selfie mode is seen whacking his colleague in the back of the head. Scroll down for video The man on the left recording his prank, and is seen whacking his colleague in the back of head His colleague got up angrily and grabbed a nail gun from a bench nearby, taking aim and shooting The man who originally started the prank, is shot in the arm and is seen yelling in pain The man who was sitting down, gets up angrily before walking to the table piled with tools and grabs a nail gun. He then shoots his colleague with the nail gun. The man laughs and then screams, 'Ah you got me.' He walks away, his face clearly in agony as the pain of the three-inch nail sets in. Scott Cam, well known for The Block, said this sort of behaviour is dangerous as the nail could have gone into the man's eye, and it endangers the safety of people around them. 'It could've gone pear shaped. It could've been in the eye,' he told A Current Affair. 'It's a three inch nail gun and they've got plenty of power.' Building sites are dangerous enough as is, and Safe Work Australia has revealed that 33 Australian workers were killed in the construction industry in 2016. A Current Affair reports statistics indicate 35 workers are being injured on building sites daily. A 12-year-old schoolboy was arrested and taken away by police officers during an anti-Putin rally in southwestern Russia on Saturday. Egor Pryanishnikov addressed the crowd of demonstrators in the city of Saratov, to vent his anger at the poor state of the roads where he lives. Afterwards, cops pulled him out of the crowd, pinned his arms behind him, forced him into a car and drove him to the police station. Arrest: Egor Pryanishnikov, 12, was arrested and taken away by police officers in Saratov, southwestern Russia, after making a speech at an anti-Putin demonstration Protesters angrily shouted 'shame' at the officers as the shocking scene unfolded. The youngster was later released to his father and left the station crying. Earlier that day he told Free News Volga: 'Why should I be afraid?' To go [to rallies] is the legal right of every person.' A lawyer sent to the police station by protesters said that the boy was taken away because cops said the demonstrators were 'Nazis and potential extremists' and the child was 'intimidated'. They also said that he was a minor walking alone without supervision. Government critic: The 12-year-old had addressed the crowd of anti-Kremlin demonstrators to vent his anger at the poor state of the roads where he lives Politically active: The 12-year-old is seen among protesters at the rally on Saturday 'He is not my Tsar': Thousands took part in anti-Putin protests across Russia on Saturday, of which more than 1,500 were arrested He added: 'This is the standard reason for police detaining minors who participate in rallies.' This weekend dozens of cities throughout Russia saw protesters take to the streets to show their anger at Vladimir Putin's fourth presidential term. The 'He Is Not My Tsar' demonstrations, protesting Putin's inauguration today, were organised by supporters of opposition leader Alexei Navalny. OVD-Info, an organization that monitors Russian political arrests, said at least 1,575 people, including Navalny, were arrested in demonstrations in 26 cities across Russia. It was not clear how many remain in custody, although the presidential human rights council said about 80 percent of 658 detainees in Moscow had been released. Vladimir Putin was today inaugurated for a fourth term as Russian president in the Hall of the Order of St Andrew of the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow. Staffordshire Police are searching for a 13-year-old boy who went missing on Saturday. Reuben Schultz, who is from Buxton in Derbyshire, went missing at the Bullring Shopping Centre in Birmingham and police are concerned for his well-being. A Staffordshire Police spokeswoman said: 'We are becoming increasingly concerned for teenager Reuben Schultz and need your help to find him as soon as possible.' Staffordshire Police are searching for Reuben Schultz, 13, who was last seen at a Birmingham shopping centre on Saturday She continued: 'Reuben, aged 13, is from Buxton but was last seen at the Bullring shopping centre in Birmingham on Saturday 5 May at 4:30pm. 'He has no mobile phone on him. 'He is described as being white, with short dark brown hair, 5'4' tall, has a medium build, green eyes, a pale complexion and talks with Welsh accent.' A Staffordshire Police spokeswoman said: 'We are becoming increasingly concerned for teenager Reuben Schultz' The statement continued: 'He is wearing a black Nike hooded top with bold lettering, black Nike bottoms with bold lettering down the legs, black and grey North Face trainers and a grey jumper under a hooded top. 'If you have seen him or know of his whereabouts, please contact 101 quoting incident number 668 of May 5.' Police issued the appeal on Sunday night. A six-month-old baby died after his mother dropped him from a balcony at a wedding in Kalyan, near Mumbai, India. Femida Shaikh, 23, was reportedly struggling to walk in the high heels she had put on for the occasion, and lost her balance. As she was making her way from the second floor, she stumbled and her infant son Mohammed slipped from her grip. Tragedy: Mohammed Shaikh's parents had been attending a wedding at this Marriage Hall in Kalyan, near Mumbai, India, when the accident took place Baby Mohammed, from nearby Ulhasnagar, fell over the ledge and onto the first floor below. He was rushed to hospital, but died before arrival, having suffered fatal injuries to his spine, local news reports. Some reports say the baby fell from a balcony, while others say he had been dropped from the stairs. Heartbreaking: Six-month-old Mohammed's mother Femida, 23, was reportedly struggling to walk in the high heels she had put on for a wedding in Kalyan, and tripped and dropped him Police were called to the scene and later ruled out any foul play, ruling the baby's death an accident. 'We immediately reached the spot after the incident and took the baby to hospital, where he was declared dead,' Assistant police inspector Vijay Khedekar toldMid Day News. 'The woman and her relatives have narrated the incident. 'We have registered an Accidental Death Report in the matter and handed over the body to the family.' Saxon Mullins had anal sex outside a Sydney nightclub in 2013 and has spoken to the public for the first time in a Four Corners exclusive interview A woman who lost her virginity to a private school boy in a dark alleyway behind a Kings Cross night club has opened up for the first time revealing her torment and lack of closure following a five-year legal battle. Saxon Mullins' identity has been protected over the past five years as a sexual assault complainant, but she spoke exclusively to Four Corners this week. After a gruelling couple of years involving a jury and two judges Ms Mullins has revealed the two words that will haunt her for the rest of her life. Saxon Mullins was 18-years old when she had anal sex behind Sydney nightclub Soho, in Sydney's King Cross in May 2013. Five years later Luke Lazarus, who was also the nightclub owner's son, was acquitted of sexual assault. After Ms Lazarus was found guilty in 2015 Ms Mullins said: 'There's a bit of relief not only for, 'it's over' but 'they believed me'. And then there's the inevitable bit of guilt. I can't help but feel I destroyed someone's life.' CCTV from the nightclub showed Mr Lazarus taking Ms Mullins by the hand and directing her outside the club just after 4am four minutes after they had met. Ms Mullins said she was ordered to get 'on all fours and arch her back' against a wall behind the club. 'I thought just do what he says and then you can go... And he had anal sex with me,' she told Four Corners. CCTV from the nightclub reveals Mr Lazarus taking Ms Mullins outside the club just after 4am four minutes after they had met Ms Mullins said she was demanded to get 'on all fours and arch her back' against a wall behind the club before he had anal sex with her Three months after the incident Mr Lazarus was charged with having sex without consent. In 2015 Mr Lazarus was found guilty after a trial by jury and was sentenced to five years in jail, with a three-year non-parole period. Following Lazarus' sentence, Ms Mullins admitted her first reaction was 'complex' and she felt an unusual sense of guilt. Ms Mullins said: 'There's a bit of relief not only for, "it's over" but "they believed me". And then there's the inevitable bit of guilt. I can't help but feel I destroyed someone's life.' Yet the sense of closure for Ms Mullins was short-lived. After 11 months in prison, Mr Lazarus plea for a retrial was granted but this time trial by judge alone. Luke Lazarus plea for a retrial was granted after he spent 11 months in prison In 2015 Mr Lazarus was found guilty after a trial by jury and was sentenced to five years in jail Judge Robyn Tupman accepted Mr Lazarus over Ms Mullins version of events on what happened on the night of May 12, 2013. Two words 'I think' are what will haunt Saxon Mullins for the rest of her life. In Ms Mullins first police statement she said: 'I think ... I told him to stop.' This statement made Judge Tupman doubt Ms Mullins' testimony of what happened that night. While Judge Tupman said Ms Mullins may not have in her mind consented to sexual intercourse with Mr Lazarus it wasn't enough to send him back to jail. In Ms Mullins first police statement she said: 'I think ... I told him to stop' 'I stress that I do not accept that the complainant, by her actions, herself meant to consent to sexual intercourse and in her own mind was not consenting to sexual intercourse,' Judge Tupman said 'Whether or not she consented is but one matter. Whether or not the accused knew that she was not consenting is another. 'I stress that I do not accept that the complainant, by her actions, herself meant to consent to sexual intercourse and in her own mind was not consenting to sexual intercourse,' Judge Tupman said in her judgment. Rather the complainant's lack of physical resistance gave Mr Lazarus 'reasonable grounds' for believing consent was given, according to the Judge. Dr Ellie Freedman medical director of the Northern Sydney Sexual Assault Service was the first to examine Ms Mullins the day after the alleged abuse. She said Ms Mullins had 'grazes on her knees and at the entrance of her anus'. Dr Ellie Freedman was the first to examine Ms Mullins the day after the alleged abuse. She said Ms Mullins had 'grazes on her knees and at the entrance of her anus' The former Sydney nightclub Soho where the alleged sexual assault took place in May 2013 Professor Annie Cossins said a 'freeze response' is not unusual for a victim of sexual assault While she admits it's been five years since Ms Mullins medical examination, she recalls the patient being in a lot of pain at the time. 'She was in pain and it was extremely difficult for me to examine her because it was very painful,' Dr Freedman told Four Corners. 'It was pretty painful. And I just kind of froze, you know?' Ms Mullins said When the ABC reporter Louise Milligan asked whether she had sex before, Ms Mullins said ''no''. 'It was pretty painful. And I just kind of froze, you know?' Ms Mullins said. Professor Annie Cossins from the University of NSW told Four Corners that a 'freeze response' is not unusual for a victim of sexual assault. 'It's well known by psychologists and psychiatrists that there's actually three responses to fear. 'There's fight, flight and freeze. A freeze response usually occurs when the person can see that fight and flight aren't options for them,' Ms Cossins said. There is no suggestion Mr Lazarus is guilty of the sexual assault charge he was acquitted of. Former Prime Minister Bob Hawke has been rushed to the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney. It is unclear at this point why the 88-year-old former prime minister of Australia was taken for treatment. Scroll down for video Former Prime Minister Bob Hawke has been rushed to the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney Described as the most popular prime minister, Mr Hawke was the 23rd prime minister of Australia. He served from 1983 until 1991, leading the Australian Labor Party to four consecutive electoral victories. His major achievements in office include the creation of Medicare, the formation of APEC, and the initiation of national super, Nine News reported. Mr Hawke, once held the world record for the fastest drinking of beer (pictured) Mr Hawke, once held the world record for the fastest drinking of beer. He drank 1.4 litres in just 11 seconds. In addition to formerly holding the record for the fastest drinking of beer, he also launched his own range of Australian beer company called Hawke's Brewing Co. Mr Hawke celebrated his 88th birthday, in December last year. A shameless grammar school teacher who took photos of girls because he was 'attracted to their long hair' has been banned from the classroom for sexual misconduct. Ashley Bakewell, 33, admitted secretly taking photographs of girls from behind 'out of sexual motivation' at a school in Wiltshire. A disciplinary panel found computing teacher Bakewell had 'numerous' pictures of students from a non-uniform day at the all girls school stored on his mobile phone. Suspicious students reported Bakewell on December 16, 2016, but he admitted to the panel he had taken similar photos on multiple occasions over the course of about a year. Ashley Bakewell, 33, was motivated by sexual attraction to take secret pictures of pupils and keep them on his phone - a teacher disciplinary panel has found The teacher started working at the South Wilts Grammar School for Girls in Salisbury, Wiltshire, in January 2012, and resigned in February 2017 after being suspended following the complaints. The grammar school which teaches girls aged between 11 and 18 has previously been at the centre of a teacher scandal after the school's Head of Art had a lesbian affair with a student. Debbie Evans, 55, who taught at South Wilts Grammar School in Salisbury for 23 years, struck up a sexual relationship with the girl in 2011, after the teenager fell ill at school and she supported her. She was also banned from teaching. A report by the panel into Mr Bakewell's case, chaired by lay panellist Mahfia Watkinson, stated: 'Mr Bakewell admitted all of the particulars of allegation. 'These admissions are unequivocal in that he fully accepts that he took inappropriate photos of pupils without their knowledge and admits that this was over the period of around a year. 'He further accepts that he stored the photos on his personal devices and that he took them out of sexual motivation, stating in the Statement of Agreed Facts that he was particularly attracted to the relevant pupils' long hair. 'He fully accepts that taking and storing such images was inappropriate.' South Wilts Grammar School for Girls in Salisbury, Wiltshire where Ashley Bakwell, 33, taught computer science The panel found Bakewell's conduct 'was sexually motivated and/or was of a sexual nature'. The report said: 'The images were taken from behind and of female pupils. 'In some of the images evidence indicates that they were pupils in various academic years. 'Mr Bakewell admitted that [the allegations] amounted to unacceptable professional conduct and conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute.' Concluding, the panel wrote in the report: 'The panel finds Mr Bakewell's actions were deliberate and that he was not acting under duress. 'The panel is however also aware that, to his credit, Mr Bakewell has a previously good record and was co-operative with the school and police investigations from the start. Grammar school teacher Bakewell admitted taking pictures of students '[He] consistently accepted his wrongdoing as matters progressed and resigned his position in the course of the disciplinary investigation and before a disciplinary hearing was to take place. 'This was not a sexual misconduct case that involved any direct relevant or physical contact or communication between teacher and pupil. 'Mr Bakewell's remorse is clear and he has demonstrated insight into his behaviour. 'He is attending counselling sessions in order to assist in him taking preventative steps to ensure that this behaviour is not repeated.' Bakewell was banned from teaching indefinitely, including teaching at schools, sixth forms, youth accommodation and children's homes in England. South Wiltshire Grammar School for Girls said staff acted 'immediately' when complaints were made. He cannot apply for his prohibition to be reviewed until April 2023. Wiltshire Police confirmed an investigation had been undertaken, but "no criminal offences were established". Advertisement Britain's cocaine crisis has been exposed in a new documentary that reveals 7.5 kilos of the Class A drug is being consumed every single day in London. Scientists for Channel 5 documentary 'Cocaine: Teen Dealers', visited a sewage treatment plant in the capital to test wastewater that had come directly from flushed toilets. Like a drug test for an entire city, they analysed the results, taken on a Monday morning in Janaury, to show just how much cocaine is being snorted by users. Dr Leon Barron, lecturer in forensic science from Kings College London, told the programme: 'If somebody takes a drug, once it passes through the body, it's flushed into a our sewage network from our toilets. 'Effectively a sewage treatment works allows us to get a real time snap shot of what London's doing in a 24 hour period. 'The residual amounts of cocaine in the body, and some of its other metabolytes enter the wastewater. We can take a representative sample of several million people within a city.' The data showed a huge spike in the detection of cocaine for that day, and if used as an individuals urine sample, the result would stand up in court as proof of cocaine use. It was said to work out at about 7.5kilos of cocaine being consumed a day, that is the equivalent of a street value of 300,000. The programme meets some of the regular users of the drug, including Alex and Fiona, who are settling down to watch a film - while snorting lines of cocaine Alex, right, says: 'Some people come home from work and crack open a bottle of Beaujolais, we are sat here and sniff a gram, watch a bit of telly' Dr Barron, one of a handful of scientists who can use wastewater to find traces of cocaine, added: 'We've done an analysis of wastewater every year since 2011 in conjunction with many other labs across Europe, and in that time there's been a little over twofold rise in cocaine use. 'In 2016, the data was around nine hundred milligrams of cocaine per thousand people per day, and if you put that into context of London with a population of about 8.6 million people that corresponds to about a little over 150,000 doses of cocaine per day in London.' The programme meets some of the regular users of the drug, including Alex and Fiona, who are settling down to watch a film - while snorting lines of cocaine. A drugs enforcer, called Shaun is interviewed, and holding a revolver in one hand, he tells how he ensures any drug debts are settled in time Shaun, who works with a supplier called Grant, who operates out of a family home in the West Midland, holds up a bullet to show the threats he uses to get his money Teen dealers Alfie and Liam, who sell drugs to their 17-year-old friends The couple see it as just the same as drinking a bottle of wine, and say they have no plans to ever give it up. Alex says: 'I've alinged myself with a dealer that is happy just to deliver it my door. And at the weekend I just tally up with him, like paying my rent or my gas bill. 'Some people come home from work and crack open a bottle of Beaujolais, we are sat here and sniff a gram, watch a bit of telly. 'This is what we do to chill out. We do all the things that families do. Teen dealer Alfie (left) says he is called by 'so many people phoning me for cocaine' including teachers. Dr Leon Barron, (right) carried out the lab test for the show Dr Barron says they have done analysis of wastewater every year since 2011 and found in that time that there's been over a twofold rise in cocaine use 'This is just our way of blowing off some steam. We don't see any harm in it.' The documentary also follows a number of teen teens dealers and how they supply the drugs to their friends, with one duo telling how they use the social media app Snapchat to carry out business deals because of its privacy. Sixth form students Dan and Sam sell the drug to their friends and fellow sixth formers in north London, and treat it as an alternative to a Saturday job. They tell the show they 'easily clear 200 a night' and buy their drugs from the dark web, adding: 'This is a hobby, No one has ever been hurt by what we have done. 'We use Snapchat. If anyone looks through your phone, its not there. The pictures aren't saved. Our age uses Snapchat. It's ideal.' Sixth formers Dan and Sam, who sell the drug to their friends and fellow sixth formers in north London, say they treat it as an alternative to a Saturday job Dr Adam Winstock, Head of Global Drugs Survey, tells the documentary that cocaine now 'crosses all sorts of cultures and economic classes' Dealer Duo Alfie and Liam also deal drugs to their 17-year-old friends. Alfie says he has 'so many people phoning me for cocaine' and adds: 'I have had school teachers ring me, day to day. 'Everyone you wouldn't expect to do it are doing it. Everyone's doing it.' Gangsters with guns are still pulling the strings however, and the programme interviews supplier Grant, who operates from his family home in the West Midlands, and a drug enforcer called Shaun, who ensures bills are paid by their network of dealers. Holding a revolver in one hand, he says: 'I guarantee all bills are paid. Violence is a last resort. 'If you are fair with people, they will be fair to you.' Dr Adam Winstock, Head of Global Drugs Survey, tells the documentary: 'Cocaine crosses all sorts of cultures and economic classes. 'You've got your young people who are going out partying, and people in their 30s 40s and 50s who are doing it as part of going out to the pub. 'Cocaine is not fussy about who uses, and the use and access to it is so simple, it doesn't take much planning.' Cocaine: Teen Dealers is on tonight, 10pm on Channel 5. A 21-year-old medical student, who was forced to flee war-torn Kosovo with her family in 1999, has been crowned the new Miss Manchester. Fatime Gashi, who lives in Salford, won the hearts of judges at the grand final with both her stunning looks and her story. Miss Gashi was just two years old when her family fled Kosovo as refugees to start a new life in Manchester, which they have called home ever since. After fleeing war-torn Kosovo in 1999 with her family at the age of two, Fatime Gashi, pictured, has now been crowned the new Miss Manchester After winning the title, the 21-year-old said: 'Manchester has given me so much and I feel like this is my way of giving back to my home city. This still feels like a dream.' She also said that she is proud to call Salford home as her family has built a new life in Britain. Miss Gashi is half way through a biomedicine degree at Salford University and lives at home with her father Demush who is a driving instructor, mother Qefsere who works for Amazon, and her younger brother and sister. Pictured is Fatime Gashi with her father Demush, her mother Qefsere and her younger brother. The photo was taken in 1999, the year they fled Kosovo Her proud father, Demush Gashi, posted an emotional Facebook post after her Miss Manchester victory on Friday night saying: 'You make me an extremely proud father and I love you.' Winning Miss Manchester came as a 'huge shock' to Miss Gashi, who had only been persuaded to take part by friends and family at the last minute after another finalist pulled out. She said: 'Everyone was telling me to do it, my dad was like: ''just try it and see''. 'As soon as he saw me he cried, he was so emotional about it. Because when you come from a country like Kosovo, it's nothing like England, this means so much to him. I knew how proud my parents would be. Miss Gashi was overjoyed at her victory and admitted that she didn't expect it as she had only entered the contest at the last minute after another finalist pulled out 'I cried when they called my name because I never believed that I could win this.' She works as a part-time model alongside her studies, but asked for help from the reigning Miss Manchester Zoe Dale and ex Miss England Elizabeth Grant when doing the catwalk. She said: 'I've never been confident in walking, everyone used to tell me I don't know how to walk straight. But the girls were so helpful at the pageant I was getting their tips before I walked out. She is also studying to become a doctor, a huge change after being force to flee Kosovo at the age of just two and start a new life with her family in Manchester 'I'm always smiling, and I think that might be why I won because I never stopped smiling throughout the whole day and night.' She impressed the judging panel, who included boxer Anthnoy Crolla, Hollyoaks stars Steph Waring and Ross Adams and head judge Arran Coghlan, who all voted her the winner by unanimous verdict at the Hilton Hotel on Deansgate. Miss Gashi holds down a number of jobs to make money while she studies, including maths tutoring and match-day hosting duties at both Manchester United and Manchester City - but admits she's actually an Arsenal fan. She attributed her win to the fact she is 'always smiling', saying she thinks she won because she was smiling throughout the whole day and night Miss Gashi revealed she holds down a number of jobs to make money while she studies, including maths tutoring and match-day hosting duties She hopes to continue her medical studies to eventually become a doctor, after enjoying time spent volunteering in hospitals. During the pageant she was asked when in her life she felt she had done something heroic. She said: 'Obviously I've done a lot of volunteering, I tutor maths and I've worked in charity shops, but to me helping other people in any way is what makes you a hero.' She will now go on to represent Manchester at the Miss England pageant in September - and organisers believe she's got a great chance at the national event. After realising she had won, she said: 'I cried when they called my name because I never believed that I could win this' Miss Manchester organiser Angela de Fouw said: 'It has never happened before that a contestant was scored all tens by all the judges - but with Fatime it did. 'I'm absolutely delighted that Fatime has won the Miss Manchester title and I honestly believe we have a true contender for the Miss England title. 'We have been championing women this year, 100 years on from some women winning the right to vote, and try to dispel stereotypes about beauty pageants. She will now go on to represent Manchester at the Miss England pageant in September with organisers confident of her chances 'Fatime is studying biomedical science, she wants to make a difference and she just happens to be beautiful. 'Let's all wish her well for Miss England in September.' The event, hosted by Ian Royce and ex-Miss England Elizabeth Grant, helped to raise money for charities Cheshire's Children and Beauty With a Purpose on the night. A man accused of murdering a fellow partygoer in a Sydney CBD hotel room allegedly said 'he was a dog, so I shot him', a jury has been told. Hasan Fazlilar fired the fatal shot after seeing a reference to police crime stoppers on Donovan Mileham's phone, prosecutor Ken Gilson alleged in the crown opening address in the NSW Supreme Court on Monday. Fazlilar, 32, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Mileham in November 2015 after they partied with others for more than 30 hours at the strip club and brothel the Love Machine in Sydney's Kings Cross. Donovan Mileham, 44, was shot after a 30-hour binge at the Love Machine strip club after a friend saw a 'police number' on his phone while partying The 44-year-old, who was visiting Sydney from the Central Coast, died from blood loss, probably within minutes of being shot once in the back of his left thigh in room 3109 of the Fraser Suites in Kent Street. In addition to his not guilty plea against his murder charge, Fazlilar has denied unlawfully possessing a revolver in the Love Machine on November 13, some hours before he allegedly used it to shoot Mr Mileham. The men, both drug users, apparently met for the first time at the strip club where the co-proprietor Elias Dimarelis and his then girlfriend Rebel-Anne King were also present. The evidence involved substantial CCTV footage, including from inside and outside the Love Machine, from outside and near the lifts at the Fraser and from a nearby car park. Hasan Fazlilar fired the fatal shot after seeing a reference to police crime stoppers on Donovan Mileham's phone, prosecutor Ken Gilson alleged in the crown opening address in the NSW Supreme Court The prosecutor said when Dimarelis was in a brothel room he found a revolver which he recognised as one he had previously seen Fazlilar with and decided to return it to him. Footage allegedly shows Dimarelis handing the revolver to Fazlilar, who seems to come out of another bedroom, and he shoves the gun down his pants. 'About 12 hours later, Mr Fazlilar and the deceased were still at the club, still apparently enjoying themselves and partying together,' Mr Gilson said. Dimarelis would testify that when later asked why he did it, Fazlilar said: 'He was a dog, so I shot him' adding that he only shot him in the leg and he would be fine A room was later booked at the Fraser to continue partying. Dimarelis was expected to testify that he fell asleep and when he woke Fazlilar showed him something on Mr Mileham's phone referring to police crime stoppers. Fazlilar pushed the phone into Mr Mileham's face, questioned him about it and called him a dog, before hitting him in the face, the prosecutor said. Fazlilar then pulled the revolver out of his pants, struck Mr Mileham across the temple and mumbled something before firing one shot, he said. Dimarelis would testify that when later asked why he did it, Fazlilar said: 'He was a dog, so I shot him' adding that he only shot him in the leg and he would be fine. The trial is continuing. This is the moment a hen party had to be rescued after getting stuck in a lift in Magaluf. Stuck in the hotel in their party outfits, a predicament which left even the rescue crew 'crying with laughter', the cheerful group can be seen emerging from the elevator one by one. The lift had got stuck on the second floor while the group of ten were on their way into town, leaving them stranded in the hotel. The group from Dublin were celebrating Danielle Fox's hen party when they got stuck in the resort on Majorca, Dublin Live reports. A group of hen party revellers from Dublin had to be rescued from a hotel lift in Magaluf The well-dressed hen party group can be seen in the footage crawling out of the lift and back to safety on the second floor. One of the rescuers helping the women out could be seen laughing along with them, as the party-goers clutched their chests in relief and amusement. They had to climb a steep step to get out of the lift, which seemed to have got stuck just below the level of the second floor. One of them emerged wearing a bridal veil, while another stumbled and collapsed on to the carpet when she climbed out. The well-dressed group laughed with the rescue crew as they climbed out of the hotel lift Lorna Carrig, one of the travelling group, said they had laughed off the drama and said it had made the trip a memorable one. She said: 'We'd only been in there about five minutes, but no one would respond when we pressed the buttons. 'When they came to help us, most of them ended up crying with laughter.' A paraglider has died and another has been left with potentially life-changing injuries after they collided in mid-air before crashing into a field. Emergency services rushed to the scene after the collision near the village of Northborough, Peterborough this morning. One was found dead at the scene while the other has been airlifted to a hospital in Nottingham with severe injuries. Police could be seen investigating the site of a crash after a fatal mid-air collision between two paragliders No details of the paragliders, including their gender or age, have yet been released. This morning, police were seen collecting evidence at the field as they investigate how the crash took place. A Cambridgeshire police spokesman said: 'At 8.50am we attended Rippons Drove at Northborough following reports of a collision of two paragliders at that location who crashed into the ground. The two paragliders are thought to have collided in mid-air before crashing to the ground near the village of Northborough in Peterborough According to police, one paraglider was found dead at the scene while the other was taken to hospital with potentially life-changing injuries 'Police attended to find the ambulance service and fire service at the scene. One pilot received potentially life-changing injuries and is being treated at Nottingham hospital after being airlifted. 'The second pilot sadly died at the scene. The incident has initially been referred to the AAIB (Air Accidents Investigation Branch) who have asked their colleagues at the UK paragliding association to conduct an investigation on their behalf. 'We will assist UK paragliding by securing the scene and collecting information the coroner will want to know. We are dealing with it as an accident and supporting UK Paragliding at this time.' The incident has been referred to the AAIB (Air Accidents Investigation Branch) who are said to be investigating with the UK paragliding association No details of the paragliders involved in the horror collision, including their gender or age, have yet been released The importance of education certainly hasnt been overlooked by Internet giant Google. The company just unveiled a new Google Doodle commemorating Teacher Appreciation Week on its homepage. The week-long event honors teachers all across the United States on an annual basis and is currently underway. Heres all you need to know about what Teacher Appreciation Week is, when it is, ideas for Teacher Appreciation Week activities, what Googles Doodle for Teacher Appreciation Week is like and what a Google Doodle is. Teacher Appreciation Week is held in the United States during the first full week of every May What is Teacher Appreciation Week? Teacher Appreciation Week is an annual week dedicated to celebrating teachers and the contributions they make across the United States. The event was established in 1984 by the National PTA and occurs the first full week of every May. Similarly, Teacher Appreciation Day 2018 will be held on Tuesday, May 8. When is Teacher Appreciation Week 2018? Teacher Appreciation Week 2018 will be held from Sunday, May 6 to Saturday, May 12. In February, the State Teachers of the Year helped design this Google Doodle that is being used today to help kick off Teacher Appreciation Week. Be sure to Google something today! pic.twitter.com/f6ygghRFA7 Luke Daniels (@LukeADaniels) May 7, 2018 Teacher Appreciation Week ideas There are many activities that students and others can use to thank their teachers in a special way during Teacher Appreciation Week. Just a few of these include: Hosting a breakfast or lunch for teachers at a local school Creating thank you cards for teachers Placing ads in local newspapers to express gratitude towards teachers Creating posters to thank teachers in a tangible way Giving special gifts to teachers and putting coffee, snacks and others treats in the teachers lounge at a local school Holding a school-wide vote for Teacher of the Week and revealing the results at a pep rally at the end of the week Asking parents to write letters to express their thanks and gratitude Inviting students to decorate their classrooms and schools for Teacher Appreciation Week Creating Teacher Appreciation Week pages on Facebook and other social media platforms to get the community involved in celebrating local teachers Teacher Appreciation Week deals Clicking on Google's Doodle during Teacher Appreciation Week brings up a number of search results that offer special deals and other perks for teachers during the event. Just a few of these include: A special buy-one-get-one-free burrito deal at Chipotle on May 8 A 25 percent discount for teachers, librarians and homeschoolers currently enrolled in the educator discount program at Barnes & Noble Special savings for teachers at Costco after signing up for membership Teacher Appreciation Week Google Doodle The Google Doodle for Teacher Appreciation Week 2018 was especially notable in that it was designed by Teachers of the Year from 55 U.S. States and Territories. The colorful Doodle recognizes school subjects and contains a link to US Teacher Appreciation Week search results. In addition, Google also released a new video featuring the U.S. Teachers of the Year visiting Googles headquarters to help design the Doodle and shows a behind-the-scenes look at how the Doodle was created. What is a Google Doodle? Google Doodles are changes to Googles homepage that celebrate birthdays, people, achievements and special events on a temporary basis. The first Google Doodle was introduced back in 1998 in recognition of the festival. Although the first-ever Google Doodle was designed initially by Larry Page and Sergey Brin and then by outside contractors, theyve been created by a dedicated in-house team called Doodlers since 2000. Major holidays such as Christmas, New Years Eve, St Patricks Day and Valentines Day have all been celebrated with Google Doodles. In recent years, even events such as Pi Day, the Spring Equinox, the Paralympics and the Commonwealth Games have been celebrated with Google Doodles. President Trump claimed Monday that registered Democrats hand-picked by special counsel Robert Mueller to work on the Russia probe have 'unrevealed conflicts of interest' that he'll share with the courts if they go after him. He also warned Republicans in an ominous tweet that they better 'get tough and smart' about the ongoing investigation before the November elections that will decide whether their party continues to control the legislative branch. 'The 13 Angry Democrats in charge of the Russian Witch Hunt are starting to find out that there is a Court System in place that actually protects people from injustice...and just wait till the Courts get to see your unrevealed Conflicts of Interest!' Trump said morning. The president did not spell out in the tweets what those conflicts are or what he wants to see happen. His personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, however, has not been shy in calling on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to 'step in and close' the Mueller investigation. President Trump claimed Monday that prosecutors hand-picked by special counsel Robert Mueller to work on the Russia probe have 'unrevealed conflicts of interest' that he'll share with the courts if they go after him Giuliani said last week in interviews that Sessions, who recused himself from the investigation, and his deputy, Rod Rosenstein, should shut down the investigation that's moved beyond the original mandate of election meddling during the campaign to potentially related actions Trump has taken since he took office. 'Theres been too much government misconduct,' Giuliani said. 'The crimes now have all been committed by the government and their agents.' Mueller has the authority to investigate 'any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump' and 'any matters that arose or may arise directly from that investigation.' The scope would include Trump's firing of former FBI Director James Comey if the special counsel determines that it was linked to the Russia investigation. Trump has assailed Mueller's team repeatedly as 'hardened Democrats' based on their party affiliations. Mueller himself is a registered Republican but no one else working on the investigation is. The president is using that information against the team of prosecutors who are believed to be pursuing obstruction of justice allegations as they close in on an interview with him. Trump has assailed Mueller's team repeatedly as 'hardened Democrats' based on their party affiliations The president is using the information against the team of prosecutors who are believed to be pursuing obstruction of justice allegations over Trump's firing of former FBI Director James Comey as they close in on an interview with him The president did not spell out in the tweets what the conflicts of interest are or what he wants to see happen. His attorney has not been shy in saying that DOJ should end the Mueller probe, however With nothing on his public schedule today, Trump spent the morning tweeting about Mueller's probe - a topic that has been dominating news coverage alongside the president's Stormy Daniels payoff. In one tweet, the president said, 'The Russia Witch Hunt is rapidly losing credibility. House Intelligence Committee found No Collusion, Coordination or anything else with Russia. WHO ARE THE DEMS WORKING FOR SPECIAL COUNSEL ROBERT MUELLER? Greg Andres Rush Atkinson Ryan Dickey Michael Dreeben Kyle Freeny Andrew Goldstein Adam Jed Elizabeth Prelogar James Quarles Jeannie Rhee Brandon Van Grack Andrew Weissman Aaron Zelinsky Advertisement 'So now the Probe says OK, what else is there? How about Obstruction for a made up, phony crime.There is no O, its called Fighting Back,' he said. In another Trump said: 'Is this Phony Witch Hunt going to go on even longer so it wrongfully impacts the Mid-Term Elections, which is what the Democrats always intended? Republicans better get tough and smart before it is too late!' Some Democrats have said that they will attempt to impeach Trump if they regain the majority. Trump nemesis Adam Schiff, a top-ranking congressional Democrat, warned them not to 'take the bait' by campaigning on that pledge. 'Let President Trump arouse their voters as he will, while Democrats continue to focus on the economy, family and a return to basic decency. And in the meantime, all Americans should reserve judgment until the investigations have run their course,' Schiff said in a New York Times op-ed. Yesterday, Giuliani said Trump could plead the fifth if Mueller subpoenas him or refuse to submit to questioning if the special counsel demands a sit down before he wraps up the probe. In an ABC News, Giuliani said he cannot be 'confident' that Trump will not refuse to answer questions on the constitutionally-protected grounds that he has a right not to incriminate himself. 'How can I ever be confident of that?' Giuliani said of the possibility that Trump could invoke the Fifth Amendment. 'I've got a client who wants to testify... I hope we get a chance to tell him the risk that he's taking. So he may testify.' Rudy Giuliani says that President Trump could plead the fifth if special counsel Robert Mueller subpoenas him Giuliani insisted in the interview that interview that Trump does not have to comply with a subpoena from Mueller if he doesn't want to and that is his privilege as president. Schiff, a former U.S. attorney and the ranking Democrat on the House panel that investigated the 2016 campaign, immediately slapped down Giuliani's claim. 'No. He is going to need to comply with a subpoena. If they take that case to court, they are going to lose,' he said. Giuliani on Friday said he is preparing for the possibility that the special counsel will subpoena Trump. He said he believes there is a 50/50 chance that a subpoena will be issued, telling ABC News 'I got to prepare for that 50 percent.' President Trump said Friday that he is still willing to talk directly with Special Counsel Robert Mueller but worries that he would be treated unfairly. He said his his legal team is counseling him against giving Mueller the chance to quiz him about his campaign's links to Moscow and his firing of Comey. 'I would love to speak, but I have to find that we're going to be treated fairly,' Trump said at the White House. 'I would love to speak because we've done nothing wrong,' he added. Giuliani on Sunday said that he came onto Trump's legal team last month with a desire to have his client speak to Mueller. 'And they just keep convincing not to do it,' he said, pointing to the leaked list of questions that Mueller reportedly wants to put to Trump. President Donald Trump told DailyMail.com as he left the White House on Friday for the NRA convention in Dallas that he would only let Special Counsel Robert Mueller interview him if he thought he could get a fair shake But Trump fears Mueller's operation is biased against him: 'We have 13 people and theyre all Democrats real Democrats. Angry Democrats' Mueller is helming a wide-ranging probe into allegations that the president's campaign colluded with Russians to affect the result of the 2016 election. Trump said Friday that Mueller's team of veteran investigators are 'all Democrats. In some cases, they went to the Hillary Clinton celebration that turned out to be a funeral.' 'Bob Mueller worked for Obama for eight years,' he said, painting the man who could soon be his inquisitor as a partisan. Minutes later at Joint Base Andrews, Trump told a different gaggle of reporters before boarding Air Force One: 'Bottom line is I want to talk to people in charge if they can prove that its a fair situation.' 'The problem we have is, we have 13 people and theyre all Democrats real Democrats. Angry Democrats. And thats not a fair situation,' Trump said. 'Nobody wants to speak more than me in fact, against my lawyers, because most lawyers, they say "Never speak on anything,"' Trump explained Trump concluded that he would only participate in a sit-down session if he believes 'that we're going to be treated fairly. Because everybody sees it now and it's a pure witch hunt.' 'If I thought it was fair, I would override my lawyer,' he added. Giuliani has counseled Trump against consenting to a face-to-face with Mueller that lasts more than two hours. His departing lawyer Ty Cobb, however, had advised him to strike a more cooperative tone. Cobb's departure elevates attorney Jay Sekulow, another lawyer who believes the president should keep the special counsel at arm's length. Giuliani on Sunday said he worries that that the special counsel is setting up a perjury trap for the president. 'They don't have a case on collusion. They don't have a case on obstruction, which is why they're asking all of these cockamamie questions about what do you feel, what do you think,' he said of the leaked list. The president's lawyer noted that legal minds around the country are saying that Trump would be a 'fool to testify.' He indicated that he and Sekulow agree with them. 'So he may testify. And we may actually work things out with Bob Mueller, because working with him directly is good,' Giuliani said. President Donald Trump declared war Monday on a U.S. Senate primary candidate who calls himself 'Trumpier than Trump,' warning that if Republicans make him their nominee on Tuesday they will miss out on a chance to snatch a seat away from a vulnerable Democrat. West Virginia businessman Don Blankenship, a former coal mining executive who was sentenced to a year in jail for conspiring to disable safety devices in a case that stemmed from an explosion that left 29 miners dead. Trump is suggesting Blankenship's criminal history would make him easy pickings in a general election for incumbent Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin, whose re-election is by no means certain in the deep red state that the president won by more than 40 percentage points. He's drawing a comparison with last year's special election loser Roy Moore, a former judge who won the GOP Senate primary in Alabama but lost to an unknown Democrat following publicity over longstanding allegations that he had molested teen girls decades earlier. 'To the great people of West Virginia we have, together, a really great chance to keep making a big difference. Problem is, Don Blankenship, currently running for Senate, can't win the General Election in your State...No way! Remember Alabama,' Trump tweeted Monday. The president endorsed Moore last year, winding up with egg on his face and a narrowed GOP majority in the Senate. West Virginia Republican senatorial candidate Don Blankenship went from prison to politics and now aims to shake up his state's GOP primary something President Donald Trump and his party's establishment don't want; they would rather try to the incumbent Democrat with a less unpredictable nominee 'Remember Alabama': Trump tweeted Monday that nominating Blankenship could backfire on the Republican Party the way Roy Moore did last year in Alabama; Moore was the most conservative fire-breather in the primary but lost in the general election because of accusations that he molested teen girls decades earlier Trump fears that Blankenship will be unelectable because he served jail time in a case related to a deadly mine explosion that followed the disabling of safety monitoring devices On Monday he urged West Virginia Republicans to kick Blankenship to the curb in favor of either Rep. Evan Jenkins or state attorney general Patrick Morrisey. In addition to Blankenship's history behind bars, he has become a national punchline for taking aim at Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell with racially charged accusations of corruption. His ads have included references to McConnell's wife, Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, as a 'Chinaperson.' But the self-funded Blankenship could pull off an upset in a state where distrust of the political establishment is a biennial sacrament. On Monday Blankenship responded to the president's tweet, saying that Trump 'is a very busy man and he doesn't know me and he doesn't know how flawed my two main opponents are in this primary.' 'The establishment is misinforming him because they do not want me to be in the US Senate and promote the President's agenda.' 'I am the only candidate that has beaten Joe Manchin, and I have done it twice,' he added. 'West Virginia voters should remember that my enemies are Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton and my opponents would not even be running as Republicans had I not resurrected the Republican Party in West Virginia.' Trump endorsed Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore last year, but the former judge's history with underage girls doomed his candidacy anyway Blankenship (right) said during last week's primary debate that it wasn't racist to refer to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's father-in-law as a "Chinaperson"' ... 'Some people are Korean persons and some of them are African persons, there's not any slander there' Tuesday's primary could put the GOP back in the Alabama nightmare scenario: Every statewide poll shows Manchin, the Democrat, handily beating Jenkins and Morrisey. But it's unclear how deeply Blankenship's political baggage would scar him in a head-to-head. Blankenship is 'adding uncertainty to West Virginia politics,' Robert Rupp, a political history professor at West Virginia Wesleyan College, tells the Associated Press. 'And it's an obstacle for political observers to figure out what's happening. It threw all our calculations out.' Rupp said lower voter turnout for a midterm primary could enable Blankenship to wrestle victory away from Jenkins and Morrisey. Despite Jenkins' credentials as a sitting congressman, his chances 'may be troubled' by a crowded Republican field, Rupp said. Blankenship, the former Massey Energy CEO, has poured $3.5 million of his own money into his campaign, far more than Jenkins and Morrisey. But what's lacking is outward backing from his own party. 'Let me be clear: I don't care who they are supporting,' Blankenship said. 'I am not for sale.' Jenkins and Morrisey have mostly focusing their campaigns on their own merits, and on criticism of Manchin and each other. Both have touted their own efforts to reduce the scourge of the opioid epidemic in the state, which leads the nation in the rate of drug overdose deaths, and have distanced themselves from McConnell. Jenkins has made much of Morrisey's past lobbying ties to the pharmaceutical industry. Morrisey has gone after Jenkins' background when he was a Democrat before switching parties in 2013. Coal miner Terry Cooper (2nd left) embraced his wife Michelle (left), daughter Tera (2nd right) and son Justin (right), during a 2010 candlelight vigil to honor the coal miners that were killed, in a methane gas explosion at the Massey Energy Company's Upper Big Branch Coal Mine Elaine Chao (left) is the U.S. secretary of transportation and the spouse of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell; she is of Taiwanese descent Rupp said the Senate race will be the most closely watched in West Virginia in a generation. 'At least we're going to get some attention,' he said. 'At issue is not just Republican continued control of the Senate. It's also a concerted effort to defeat a blue-dog Democrat in a red state.' West Virginia gave Donald Trump his largest margin of victory in the nation in 2016 in a state where Republicans make up just 32 per cent of registered voters. When Trump visited West Virginia in early April to tout his tax plan, Jenkins and Morrisey sat on either side of him. Blankenship wasn't there and didn't complain about it. The 68-year-old Blankenship served a one-year prison term on a misdemeanor conviction for conspiring to violate federal mine safety standards at Massey's Upper Big Branch Mine, where 29 miners were killed in a 2010 explosion. He's used his campaign to try to clear his name and blame the federal government for the explosion, in particular the policies of the Mine Safety and Health Administration under former President Barack Obama. Blankenship has used his website to repeatedly accuse Manchin of helping cover up the truth about the mine explosion. Last year the U.S. Supreme Court rejected Blankenship's bid to have his appeal heard. Four investigations found that worn and broken cutting equipment created a spark that ignited accumulations of coal dust and methane gas. Broken and clogged water sprayers allowed what should have been a minor flare-up to become an inferno. The federal jury held Blankenship at least partially responsible. On Sunday, Morrisey said Blankenship had not filed a personal financial disclosure form for his candidacy in violation of the Ethics in Government Act. Blankenship campaign spokesman Greg Thomas responded that the candidate is 'in the process' of filing the paperwork and that Blankenship's form is complicated. Morrisey said he plans to forward information to Blankenship's probation officer to determine whether it's a violation of Blankenship's supervised release. Manchin is seeking his second full six-year term and faces Paula Jean Swearengin in Tuesday's primary. He was West Virginia's governor during the mine explosion and said then that Blankenship 'had blood on his hands.' After Blankenship's release from prison, Manchin said he hoped Blankenship would 'disappear from the public eye.' Instead, Blankenship filed his candidacy papers late last year, which has angered many in southern West Virginia who say it made them relive the 2010 tragedy. A few miles north of the shuttered mine, retired teacher Shelia Anderson of Sylvester has been a lifelong Republican in Boone County, where Democrats outnumber them 3 to 1. Anderson said she prefers Manchin over Blankenship if they're paired in the fall. 'Don Blankenship hurt himself in this county,' Anderson said. 'Nobody hurt him.' Advertisement A crocodile got a surprise when it was disturbed from its slumber in the sandy Savannah by a pair of inquisitive young hippos. But it was even less prepared for one of the young animals to chase it back into the water while angrily flashing its huge teeth and bellowing at the reptile. The crocodile was lying on the shores of a small lake in Hwange National Park in western Zimbabwe when the pair trotted over to take a look. Only a few seconds later the encounter turned nasty with one of the hippos snarling at the crocodile, to which it responded by hissing and opening its jaws. It quickly realised the much bigger animal had the best of it and made a break for the water where it could swim away much faster, as the hippo jumping in after with its jaws wide open. A pair of inquisitive hippos awakened a sleeping crocodile as it lay on the shores of of a small lake The crocodile got a surprise when it was disturbed from its slumber in the sandy Savannah of Hwange National Park in western Zimbabwe Only a few seconds later the encounter turned nasty with one of the hippos snarling at the crocodile, to which it responded by hissing and opening its jaws It quickly realised the much bigger animal had the best of it and made a break for the water as the hippo pursued The crocodile races towards the lake while the hippo goes after it to shoo it away It splashes into the water where it can swim away much faster than the lumbering hippo But the hippo pursued the crocodile into the lake almost as soon as the reptile jumped in The hippo dives into the lake with a huge splash in pursuit of the crocodile as it swims away The other hippo has now come to the water's edge to help its friend get rid of the crocodile Cody Harter, 23, was found stabbed to death on a Missouri Highway on Saturday evening An Air National Guard member has been found stabbed to death in the middle of a highway in what police believe to be a road rage incident. Authorities are searching for the suspect who stabbed Cody Harter, 23, on Saturday evening outside of his truck on a Missouri highway. Witnesses told police that they saw Harter arguing with another person while pulled over on the shoulder where 291 Highway and I-470 merge near Colbern Road. They also said a second vehicle stopped in front of Harter's red pick-up truck that evening and fled north after the attack. Lee's Summit police believe Harter was stabbed during the argument and stumbled into traffic where he died. His family appeared at a press conference noticeably devastated and are now urging the suspect to come forward. They called his killing 'senseless', adding that Harter had served in Iraq and was set to graduate from Missouri Western State University with a degree in engineering technology. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO The man from St Joseph, Missouri, had served tours in Iraq and Qatar and was set to graduate with a degree in engineering technology Witnesses said they saw Harter pulled over and arguing with someone. He was driving his red pic up truck are police believe this was a road rage incident Harter's mother Kerrie said during the press conference on Sunday: 'He did a tour over in Iraq and he was in Quatar. He helped with hurricane relief in Houston and Puerto Rico. He loved everyone. He would help anybody. He only had one semester left until he graduated with an engineering technology degree.' The family from St Joseph, Missouri, said that Harter had his own lawn care business and was also an aspiring dirtbike racer. He was returning from Kansas City in his 2003 Chevrolet Silverado truck, where he had picked up a new lawnmower for his business. 'It was senseless. He's been to war and back and to die because someone was angry,' his mother said. 'I can only imagine someone was upset because he wasn't going fast enough. Is that a reason to take his life and leave him there?' 'I keep waiting for someone to tell me it's not true,' she said. 'That I'm going to wake up from this. But I'm not.' 'He would do anything to help anyone at the drop of a hat,' his sister Kylee Harter said. 'For someone to just take everything from him... They didn't know him. He didn't deserve this and we don't deserve the pain that came with it.' Lee's Summit police are asking for anyone who may have been in the area at the time or who saw anything to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS or 816-474-8477. Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has revealed persecuted white South African farmers are not 'too far off' from being fast-tracked into Australia. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa last month said he wanted the issue of the transfer of land from white to black owners to be resolved 'once and for all'. A fast-track plan to bring up to 10,000 South African farmers to Australia has been put to the Immigration Minister in a push to remove at-risk families from danger. Scroll down for video Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has revealed persecuted white South African farmers are not 'too far off' from being fast-tracked into Australia. A Perth rally (pictured) was held in Perth in April Minister Dutton said it won't be long before he's able to offer the first places for the farmers in an interview with Daily Telegraph columnist Miranda Devine. 'I will review many of those cases and look individually at the circumstances around those cases and as we've said before we think there is certainly a necessity to act and to provide that support to people who are in trouble, who face persecution, and I'm not going to step back from that position,' he said. Mr Dutton said he would be looking at the allegations people have made and verify information to ensure he brings in 'the right people'. White farmers control 73 percent of arable land compared with 85 percent when apartheid ended in 1994, according to a recent study. Pictured is South African farmer Piet Swanepoel 'There's a bit of time involved in going through and checking the bonafides of individual cases, because we want to make sure we're bringing the right people, the most deserving people, and we'll do that,' he told the columnist. 'But I don't think it'll be too far off in terms of the first places that we're able to offer.' Ramaphosa said after his inauguration in March he would speed up the transfer of land to black people, providing food production and security was preserved. Minister Dutton (pictured) said he wants to make sure he's bringing the right people, and the most deserving people 'We are going to address this and make sure that we come up with resolutions that resolve this once and for all,' he said. 'This original sin that was committed when our country was colonised must be resolved in a way that will take South Africa forward.' White farmers control 73 percent of arable land compared with 85 percent, when the apartheid system ended in 1994. A burned lorry (pictured after a violent riot over alleged government corruption under President Cyril Ramaphosa's regime is pictured President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are living highly public and mostly separate lives. 'They spend very little to no time together,' a longtime friend of the president told the Washington Post, as Melania prepares to roll out her own White House initiatives to focus on children. Although the pair are sometimes photographed smiling in public as when they attend joint events or board government aircraft en route to Mar-a-Lago, they spend considerable time apart. They have separate bedrooms inside the White House, and Trump awakes at early hours to lob tweets at his rivals. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump 'spend very little to no time together,' according to a friend of the president's 'They are not that couple that holds hands just because; she is old-world European and it's not who she is,' said Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, who previously held a volunteer White House job and whose firm got paid $1.62 million for consulting and production related to Trump's inauguration. Her spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, knocked down a 'persistent rumor' that the first lady doesn't even live in the White House and stays with her parents near son Barron Trump's school. 'It's 1,000 percent false. We laugh at it all the time,' said Grisham. White House social secretary Rickie Niceta Lloyd called it an ''urban legend.' The two have carved out largely separate public lives. While the president makes regular appearances with his cabinet, staff aides, and world leaders, the first lady focuses on her own, less-frequent events. When the couple travels to Florida for weekends, the only image of them together is frequently of them boarding and de-boarding an aircraft. President Trump sent his wife birthday wishes during an appearance on Fox News last month where he said: 'Maybe, I didn't get her so much. I got her a beautiful card, you know I'm very busy to be running out looking for presents.' She hasn't spoken about the Stormy Daniels scandal that has rocked his administration. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who is representing Trump, said he was 'trying to help the family' with a $130,000 payment to silence porn star. Daniels alleges she had a sexual affair with Trump while Melania was pregnant with Barron. Melania Trump launches her initiatives today with Rose Garden speech 16 months after her husband took office. She will focus on children's issues WHITE HAT: First Lady Melania Trump listens as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the arrival ceremony for President Macron on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump hold hands as they stand in front of the casket as the late evangelist Billy Graham lies in honor in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S. February 28, 2018 Aside from the president's solo trips, the family spends most evenings together.' She also played down the headlines about Trump's alleged affairs and said Melania 'is focused on being a mom. She's focused on being a wife, and she's focused on her role as first lady. And that's it. The rest is just noise.' During the funeral for Barbara Bush, it was Melania Trump who flew to Texas to represent the administration, appearing with former presidents George W. Bush, George H.W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton. According to her spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, Melania Trump will focus on issues relating to children during her time in the White House. She is rolling out her focus 16 months into the administration. First Lady Melania Trump throws a Christmas ornament as she makes garland with children in the East Wing as she tours holiday decorations at the White House in Washington, DC, November 27, 2017 Stephanie Clifford aka 'Stormy Daniels' during 'Michael Cohen Wiretap Cold Open' on 'Saturday Night Live' Amalija and Viktor Knavs, parents of U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, arrive with their lawyer Michael Wildes (C) at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building, May 2, 2018 in New York City. The Knavs were scheduled to have a meeting concerning their U.S. citizenship applications She previously said she would focus on cyber bullying a topic she acknowledged has drawn scrutiny thanks to her husbands use of Twitter to pound his opponents. 'As has been evidenced by the many events Mrs. Trump has participated in during her time as first lady, her focus will be the overall well-being of children. Something unique though: She has not narrowed her platform down to just one topic as has been done in the past,' Grisham told CNN. 'Mrs. Trump wishes to help the next generation by creating change through awareness on a variety of issues that affect children.' Televangelist Jim Bakker is encouraging people to buy his cabins in Missouri's Ozark Mountains, as he claims its the safest place for the Apocolypse. Bakker, 78, made the controversial comments on an episode of The Jim Bakker Show alongside his co-host and wife, Lori. He also encouraged viewers to buy six 28-ounce Extreme Survival Warfare water bottles for $150. Televangelist Jim Bakker, pictured here with his wife Lori, is encouraging people to buy his cabins in Missouri's Ozark Mountains, as he claims its the safest place for the Apocolypse Bakker, who's reputation was tainted after a sex scandal and charges of fraud, said during the segment 'Do you know the people from the government, from NASA, the research from so many of them, they have said in their research that the safest place to live in troubled times is right here, that's why God brought us here.' He said on the show which aired Tuesday 'Where are you going to go when the world's on fire? Where are you going to go?' Many people have accused the disgraced televangelist Bakker of simply selling property for his own financial gain. Bakker, who's reputation was tainted after a sex scandal and charges of fraud, said during the segment 'Do you know the people from the government, from NASA, the research from so many of them, they have said in their research that the safest place to live in troubled times is right here, that's why God brought us here' On Thursday blogger, Hemant Mehta said 'Bakker is just trying to sell property using the same fictional scare tactics he uses to sell buckets of disgusting glop.' Right Wing Watch said that Bakker 'bizarrely' brags about the appeal of living near Branson in preparation for End Times while at the same time complimenting the city's 'number-one Christian theater,' Sight & Sound Theatres. He also encouraged viewers to buy six 28-ounce Extreme Survival Warfare water bottles for $150 The show's website describes it as '...an hour-long daily broadcast featuring prophetic and Biblical revelations brought to light in today's world. In these end times God is providing answers and wisdom to be revealed at just the right time. And the time is now!' Bakker believes that recent events like Hurricane Harvey Irma and Maria are signs that we are coming to the end. He often tells viewers 'we are in the final days'. And on the show, and the show's website, he touts the importance of being prepared. For him, being prepared means having a generator package ($4,100), seven years of food for $2,200, the When Nature Calls offer ($100) which includes a bucket with a toilet seat and six rolls of tissue, and a fruit bundle with a 20-year shelf life ($450). Jim himself has first-hand knowledge of the world coming to an end. Morningside is a place of worship and fellowship where people gather together to study Godis Word in church and in homes Morningside is also the home of Jim Bakker and his wife Lori In the 1980s he and his first wife built a ministry called PTL (Praise The Lord). His wife, Tammy Faye Bakker was known not as much for her faith, but how much makeup she wore. The PTL Ministry, funded by contributions, also built a Christian theme park, Heritage USA, in Fort Mills South Carolina. The park sat on 2,300 acres, had a water slide, and was the third most visited theme park in the US in 1986 behind Walt Disney World and Disneyland. During those heady years, it turns out that PTL was also serving as a personal fund for the Bakkers. According to the Charlotte Observer, the couple bought more than $900,000 worth of cars between 1983 and 1986, along with real estate - including two homes in Palm Springs, CA. Pictured here is a chapel that resides in the Morningside community He has told his viewers that Morningside is the safest place to be for the Apocalypse In 1986, PTL paid Jim $265,000 in salary and $810,000 in bonuses. Tammy's compensation that year: $90,000 in salary and $270,000 in bonuses. The following year, Jim resigned the PTL Ministry. A sex scandal was about to be exposed by his 'treacherous friends' who the Observer reports 'conspired to betray me'. The sex scandal was a 1980 tryst with then church secretary Jessica Hahn. Jim was prosecuted for fraud and conspiracy in 1989. He served nearly five years in prison, and while he was incarcerated, Tammy Faye divorced him to marry the man who built Heritage USA, Roe Messner. Tammy Faye Messner died in 2007 of cancer. A Florida sheriff's deputy has died after being shot in the head Sunday while responding to a neighbors' dispute over a cat. In a Facebook post on Monday afternoon, the Highlands County Sheriff's Office said Deputy William Gentry succumbed to his injuries at 1.10pm, after a Lake Placid man suspected of shooting a cat opened fire at him. Sheriff Paul Blackman told reporters that after speaking with the owner of the pet, Gentry approached the suspect, 69-year-old Joseph Edward Ables, at his front door on Baltimore Way. Officer down: Joseph Ables, 69 (left), is accused of fatally shooting Highlands County Sheriff's Deputy William Gentry (right) in the head on Sunday night in Florida Gentry was investigating reports of a dispute between neighbors over a cat that had been shot when he was attacked at Ables' front door in Lake Placid (pictured) Blackman said Ables shot Gentry in the head just before 8pm. The 40-year-old deputy was airlifted to Lee Memorial Hospital in critical condition, but he did not survive. Ables was held without bond at the Highlands County Jail on charges of attempted first-degree murder without premeditation; possession of a weapon by a convicted felon; resisting an officer with violence; tampering with evidence and violation of probation. According to officials, the 69-year-old man is an ex-convict with a history of violence towards law enforcement. Online records show that in February 2015, Ables was arrested on a charge of battery upon a person 65 years or older. He was sentenced in that case to four years of probation. Gentry (pictured), a nine-year veteran on the force, passed away at 1.10pm on Monday Gentry (far right) served as a field training deputy and his brother works as a detective The sheriff said in a statement that Gentry served as a K-9 officer between 2005-2013. He left the office but then returned in 2017 as a field training deputy, reported WFLA. His brother serves as a detective with the same agency. 'My dad was a cop, I was dating a cop, so I just knew I wanted to be a cop,' Gentry said during his 2017 swearing in ceremony. 'It's fun helping someone when we can. There is a genuine reward there.' Florida Gov. Rick Scott said in a statement on Twitter saying that hurting a law enforcement officer is 'pure evil and we won't stand for it.' Chelsea Manning is no longer living as a transgender woman in a male military prison, serving the lengthiest sentence ever for revealing US government secrets. She's free to grow out her hair, travel the world, and spend time with whomever she likes. But a year since former President Barack Obama commuted Manning's 35-year sentence, America's most famous convicted leaker isn't taking an extended vacation. Far from it: The Oklahoma native has decided to make an unlikely bid for the U.S. Senate in her adopted state of Maryland. Manning, 30, filed to run in January and has been registered to vote in Maryland since August. She lives in North Bethesda, not far from where she stayed with an aunt while awaiting trial. Her aim is to unseat Sen. Ben Cardin, a 74-year-old Maryland Democrat who is seeking his third Senate term and previously served 10 terms in the U.S. House. Chelsea Manning poses for a photograph in her apartment in North Bethesda, Maryland. It's one of the most unconventional U.S. Senate bids in recent memory: Manning, America's most famous convicted leaker, is seeking to win Maryland's Democratic primary Chelsea Manning speaks with protesters at an anti-fracking rally in Baltimore. Her aim is to unseat Sen. Ben Cardin, a 74-year-old Maryland Democrat who is seeking his third Senate term and previously served 10 terms in the U.S. House Chelsea Manning addresses participants at an anti-fracking rally in Baltimore. Manning ticks off life experiences she believes would make her an effective senator: a stint being homeless in Chicago, her wartime experiences as a U.S. Army intelligence analyst in Iraq - even her seven years in prison Manning, who also has become an internationally recognized transgender activist, said she's motivated by a desire to fight what she sees as a shadowy surveillance state and a rising tide of nightmarish repression. 'The rise of authoritarianism is encroaching in every aspect of life, whether it's government or corporate or technological,' Manning told The Associated Press during an interview at her home in an upscale apartment tower. On the walls of her barely furnished living room hang Obama's commutation order, and photos of U.S. anarchist Emma Goldman and Anglo-Irish playwright Oscar Wilde. Manning's longshot campaign for the June 26 primary would appear to be one of the more unorthodox U.S. Senate bids in recent memory, and the candidate is operating well outside the party's playbook. Manning, right, chats with Kelly Wright, communications director for Manning's senatorial campaign, in Manning's apartment. She says she doesn't, in fact, even consider herself a Democrat, but is motivated by a desire to shake up establishment Democrats who are 'caving in' to President Donald Trump's administration Manning, left, attends an anti-fracking rally in Baltimore. A year since former President Barack Obama commuted Manning's 35-year sentence, America's most famous convicted leaker is attempting to gain office She says she doesn't, in fact, even consider herself a Democrat, but is motivated by a desire to shake up establishment Democrats who are 'caving in' to President Donald Trump's administration. She vows she won't run as an independent if her primary bid fails. She's certainly got an eye-catching platform: Close prisons and free inmates; eliminate national borders; restructure the criminal justice system; provide universal healthcare and basic income. The top of her agenda? Abolish the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency created in 2003 that Manning asserts is preparing for an 'ethnic cleansing.' Manning ticks off life experiences she believes would make her an effective senator: a stint being homeless in Chicago, her wartime experiences as a U.S. Army intelligence analyst in Iraq - even her seven years in prison. She asserts she's got a 'bigger vision' than establishment politicians. But political analysts suspect the convicted felon is not running to win. 'Manning is running as a protest candidate, which has a long lineage in American history, to shine light on American empire,' said Daniel Schlozman, a political science professor at Johns Hopkins University. 'That's a very different goal, with a very different campaign, than if she wanted to beat Ben Cardin.' Manning's insurgent candidacy thus far has been a decidedly stripped-down affair, with few appearances and a campaign website that just went up. In recent days, she approached an anti-fracking rally in Baltimore almost furtively, keeping to herself for much of the demonstration. But when it was her turn to address the small group, her celebrity status was evident. People who never met her called her by her first name and eagerly took photos. Manning has acknowledged leaking more than 700,000 secret military and State Department documents to activist website WikiLeaks in 2010. She said her motivation was a desire to spark debate about U.S. foreign policy, and she has been portrayed as both a hero and a traitor. Chelsea Manning poses for a photograph with the Rev. Annie Chambers, a Green Party candidate for Maryland Lieutenant Governor, at an anti-fracking rally in Baltimore A commutation order bearing President Barack Obama's signature, which was delivered to Chelsea Manning in prison, hangs in Manning's apartment Known as Bradley Manning at the time of her arrest, she came out as transgender after her 2013 court-martial. She was barred from growing her hair long in prison, and was approved for hormone therapy only after litigation. She spent long stints in solitary confinement, and twice tried to kill herself. The Pentagon, which has repeatedly declined to discuss Manning's treatment in military prison, is also staying mum about her political ambitions. Democratic Party officials say they have no comment, citing a policy not to weigh in on primaries. Republican operatives are quiet. In Maryland, a blue state that's home to tens of thousands of federal employees and defense contractors, it appears Manning's main supporters are independents or anti-politics, making them unlikely to coalesce politically. She recently reported contributions of $72,000 on this year's first quarterly finance statement, compared with Cardin's $336,000. The candidate has barely made an effort at tapping sources of grassroots enthusiasm outside of activism circles. And it's easy to find progressive Democrats who feel her candidacy is just a vehicle to boost her profile. 'It feels to me almost like it's part of a book tour - that this is her moment after being released from prison,' said Dana Beyer, a transgender woman who leads the Gender Rights Maryland nonprofit and is a Democratic candidate for state senate. 'I don't think this is a serious effort.' Manning is indeed working on a book about her dramatic life. For now, she says she supports herself with income from speaking engagements. She's spoken at various U.S. colleges and is due to take the stage at a Montreal conference later this month. Last week, she appeared at a tech conference in Germany's capital of Berlin, arriving to cheers from the audience of several thousand people. She told attendees she's still struggling to adjust to life after prison and hasn't gotten used to her celebrity status yet. 'There's been a kind of cult of personality that is really intimidating and that is overwhelming for me,' she said in Berlin. At her Maryland apartment, Manning told the AP she occasionally wakes up panicked that she's back in the cage in Kuwait where she was first jailed, or incarcerated at the Marine base at Quantico, Virginia, where a U.N. official concluded she'd been subjected to 'cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.' She works hard to overcome anxiety, centering herself with yoga, breathing exercises, and reading. 'I've been out for almost a year now and it's becoming increasingly clear to me just how deep the wounds are,' she said in her Spartan living room. Asked how she would define success, Manning responded with passionate intensity: 'Success for me is survival.' US Embassy road signs have been installed in Jerusalem ahead of next week's opening of the mission in the city amid fears of an 'explosion of violence'. The embassy is being relocated from Tel Aviv on May 14 following US President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. But the next day, Palestinians will mark the 'nakba,' or catastrophe, to commemorate the anniversary of their mass uprooting during the 1948 war over Israel's creation. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were expelled from what is now Israel, and recent border protests have been billed as a 'Great March of Return.' Since late March, 40 Palestinian protesters have been killed and more than 1,700 wounded by Israeli army fire. US Embassy road signs have been installed in Jerusalem ahead of next week's opening of the mission in the city amid fears of an 'explosion of violence' Workmen installed the black-and-white signs, in English, Hebrew and Arabic, along roads leading to a U.S. consulate building in south Jerusalem that will be remodelled as the embassy when it is formally relocated from Tel Aviv on May 14 Ilan Goldenberg, who was part of an American team during the 2013-14 Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, wrote in Israeli paper Haaretz that next week's embassy opening may pass without significant upheaval. But he also cautioned that 'it could explode and we could find ourselves in the middle of a new war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Nobody knows, but it is irresponsible for the US to be dumping gasoline on this potential fire.' He added that the situation between Israelis and Palestinians 'could not be more delicate'. Ahead of the embassy opening, officers have commenced security checks and extra patrols. Trump says he is making good on U.S. legislation and presidential pledges dating back decades. Other world powers have not done so, sidestepping one of the thorniest disputes between Israel and the Palestinians, who want their own state with East Jerusalem as the capital. Workmen installed the black-and-white signs, in English, Hebrew and Arabic, along roads leading to a U.S. consulate building in south Jerusalem that will be remodelled as the embassy when it is formally relocated. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were expelled from what is now Israel, and recent border protests (pictured) have been billed as a 'Great March of Return' Since late March, 40 Palestinian protesters have been killed and more than 1,700 wounded by Israeli army fire 'This is not a dream. It is reality. I am proud and moved to have hung this morning the first new signs that were prepared for the U.S. Embassy,' Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat wrote on Twitter. Israel captured East Jerusalem from Jordanian control in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed it in a move not recognised internationally. The last round of peace talks on a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip collapsed in 2014. 'This (embassy) move is not only illegal but will also thwart the achievement of a just and lasting peace between two sovereign and democratic states on the 1967 borders, Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security,' Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said in a statement. At the consulate site, mechanical diggers cleared scrubland as workers posted embassy signs along city roads and hung U.S., Israeli and Jerusalem flags from street lights. 'We are thrilled that the American Embassy is coming here, finally,' said Ruthann Nahum, 64, a New Yorker who moved to Israel 35 years ago. A restaurateur, she lives in the overwhelmingly Jewish neighbourhood of Arnona. Palestinians throw rocks with slingshots in response to Israeli forces' intervention during a protest within the 'Great March of Return' near the Israeli border on May 4 'Welcome Trump, we belong here, forever. Jerusalem is our capital,' she said. The Trump administration has left the diplomatic door open to a negotiated settlement between Israel and the Palestinians on defining Jerusalem's borders. 'By recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the seat of its government, we're recognising reality,' U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said during a visit to Israel last week. 'I also stress, as President Trump has said in December, the boundaries of Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem remain subject to negotiations between the parties, and we remain committed to achieving a lasting and comprehensive peace that offers a brighter future for both Israel and the Palestinians.' In March, Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales said that his country would relocate its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 16, two days after the U.S. move. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in April 'at least half a dozen' countries were now 'seriously discussing' following the U.S. lead, though he did not identify them. A mother has been left with a circular hole in her skull when she was attacked with a drill during a suspected homophobic attack, a court heard today. Brenda McLaughlin, 38, has told police she believes she was targeted because she is homosexual and it is being treated as a hate crime. The alleged male attacker, 17, and Ms McLaughlin were at Ruby's nightclub in Strabane, Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland, early on Saturday morning. There was no evidence a drill bit was in place when the power tool was later recovered or after police checked security camera footage, a Police Service of Northern Ireland detective told Omagh Magistrates' Court. The alleged attacker is led out from Omagh Magistrates' Court today. He is accused of unlawfully and maliciously causing grievous bodily harm to Brenda Mclaughlin (right) The detective said: 'It is my understanding that the victim has since told medical staff that she heard the noise of the drill and felt her head being twisted.' The mother-of-one is currently recovering in a high-dependency unit in Altnagelvin Hospital. The detective added: 'There does appear to be some sort of hole in the skull but I cannot say how severe it is.' The teenager, who was pictured leaving court today wearing a hooded blue tracksuit top and black trousers and trainers, is accused of having an offensive weapon, a power drill. The 17-year-old is also accused of stealing a power drill belonging to Ruby's nightclub in Strabane, Co Tyrone He was taken to a waiting police van after the hearing today He is also alleged to have unlawfully and maliciously caused grievous bodily harm to Ms McLaughlin or intended to do her GBH, and is further accused of stealing a power drill belonging to the nightclub. A police patrol on Saturday night was alerted by members of the public that a woman was lying injured on the ground with blood coming from her head and lapsing in and out of consciousness. She was also having fits and seizures. District Judge Peter King said it was a 'grossly violent, inexplicably violent incident'. The detective added: 'The victim said she believed it was in relation to her homosexuality.' An official mopped up the pool of blood left at the scene after the brutal attack The accused told police he had homosexual relatives and did not bear any ill will, his solicitor Ciaran McGuinness said. The victim was taken to Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry where her condition was initially life-threatening but later downgraded. The officer said no damage had been caused to her brain but there was some form of 'circular' hole in her scalp. 'However it does not appear to be deep.' District Judge King said there was a risk to public protection and remanded the teenager in custody, to appear by video link at Strabane Magistrates' Court on May 18. The accused, wearing a tracksuit, appeared emotional and hugged his mother in the public gallery afterwards. Momena Shoma, 24, allegedly knifed Mr Singaravelu in an ISIS inspired attack An ISIS inspired stabbing has haunted a Victorian family who still see blood on the walls and have nightmares of the attack. In an 'act of horror in a home full of love' the Singaravelu family have asked the government how an alleged radicalised student ended up in their home. Roger Singaravelu detailed the horrifying moment a kitchen knife sunk three centimeters in to the back of his neck while he was relaxing in the sun. 'She was pushing the knife in to my neck and all she was saying was ''Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar'',' Mr Singaravelu told A Current Affair. Now the traumatised father fears someone is going to kill him and hurt his five-year-old daughter Shayla. Momena Shoma, 24, allegedly drove the knife in to the back of the 56-year-old's head at their Mill Park home in Melbourne's north-east. 'I got woken up and the next minute I saw the screaming from my daughter and Shoma was standing, with a kitchen knife,' he said. The foreign student was placed in their home by the Australian Homestay Network and allegedly knifed the Nurse only days after she moved in. The foreign student was placed in their home by the Australian Homestay Network and allegedly knifed the Nurse only days after she moved in. Mr Singaravelu: 'She was pushing the knife in to my neck and all she was saying was ''Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar'' According to the family, the agency were quick to move Ms Shoma to the home after her previous hosts said they were 'scared of her'. The previously family terminated the stay after claims she played out an attack on a mattress in their home. The Bangladeshi student wore a full burqa with only mesh to cover her eyes and refused to take it off. According to the family, the agency were quick to move Ms Shoma to the home after her previous hosts said they were 'scared of her' She was studying at La Trobe university at the time of the alleged Islamic State inspired attack. While Shayla sustained no physical injuries during the attack her father said she has vivid nightmares and still sees blood on the walls of their home. 'She still sees blood on the wall and asks me to clean it off, although there is nothing there,' he said. Momena Shoma appeared before Melbourne Magistrates Court via video link on Wednesday, charged with engaging in a terrorist act. It's alleged she made full admissions to police after the stabbing and said she was 'acting on behalf of the Caliphate'. A hungry squirrel was left doing an unexpected pole dance as it tried to reach a bird feeder thanks to a witty Florida mother. The woman was tired of squirrels eating all the food in her bird feeder so she decided to grease up the pole leading up to it. The women's daughter recorded the hilarious moment the animal slid down the pole as it tried to steal a snack. A Florida woman greased up the pole of her bird feeder to stop squirrels from stealing all the bird food Video recorded by the woman's daughter shows the mother's plan in action The video starts with the curious squirrel approaching the pole. The woman's daughter was recording from a distance as not to disrupt the little creature. She posted the hilarious video to Twitter with the caption: 'my mom put oil on her bird feeder to keep squirrels from stealing the bird food and'. The animal gets about half way up the pole when the grease becomes too slippery, sending the squirrel back to the ground. Confused, the squirrel reassess and tries again. The animal climed back up to no avail, leaving the Florida mother victorious in her efforts. Mario Marcelo Santoro (right) has been contacted by police over Cecilia Haddad's (left) murder The ex-boyfriend of murdered woman Cecilia Haddad has broken his silence saying he has been in contact with NSW detectives investigating her death. Mario Marcelo Santoro, 40, speaking from his home in the Rio suburb of Lagoa, told The Daily Telegraph that he had 'placed himself at their disposal.' He then instructed any further contact be through his lawyer. Detectives will need a court issued arrest warrant before they are able to fly to Rio to formally interview Santoro. NSW Police yesterday released a statement saying, Strike Force Bronwyn are continuing their inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the death of Cecilia Haddad both here and abroad." Mario Marcelo Santoro, 40, who met Ms Haddad many years ago in Rio, arrived in Sydney about 18-months ago, claiming to have a 'big job' in healthcare lined up. But sources close to the investigation told Daily Mail Australia that Mr Santoro had no such job and came to Australia simply to 'pursue' Ms Haddad, 38. 'Essentially he told his friends and family he'd scored a big job with a healthcare company in Australia, but he lied,' the source claimed. 'He came here to pursue Cecilia. Ostensibly he came to visit her and never left. 'He told Cecilia he had something lined up (for work) here too, but his first job in Sydney was driving an Uber from memory.' The ex-boyfriend of murdered woman Cecilia Haddad (pictured) has broken his silence saying he has been in contact with NSW detectives Ms Haddad (left, pictured with a friend) ended her business and personal relationships with Mr Santoro in the weeks before her body was found floating in a Sydney river, according to friends Mr Santoro (pictured) flew home to Rio de Janeiro last Saturday or Sunday during the hours his ex-lover and business partner is believed to have been murdered, according to police Mr Santoro flew home to Rio de Janeiro last Saturday during the hours his ex-lover and business partner Ms Haddad is believed to have been murdered, according to police. He also deactivated his social media accounts the day after it was revealed NSW Police homicide investigators were searching for him. The Brazilian mining executive's body was found in the Lane Cove River, on Sydney's north shore, at 10.15am last Sunday, hours after she was reported missing by worried friends. So odd was it for Ms Haddad to drop off the radar that three friends called police to report her missing on Sunday, having not heard from her since 9.30am on Saturday. 'Three of us that I know of reported her missing within 48 hours, that shows how out of character her disappearance was,' a friend said last week. Specialist police divers searched the Parramatta River on Friday (pictured) for car keys belonging to Ms Haddad, who they suspect was murdered Police said Cecilia Haddad's red Fiat 500 was found at Ryde train station on Sunday afternoon but friends have told Daily Mail Australia she rarely caught public transport Ms Haddad attended a 'brief' barbeque with friends on Friday night before heading home for an 'early night'. That was supposed to be followed by a mixture of personal and business events the next day, including a meeting with a disabled client she regularly cared for. 'She spent the remainder of Friday evening on the phone to friends sharing her plans for the weekend. This is why we were concerned about her - we knew her plans and should have heard from her,' the friend said. 'The BBQ was brief and ended early. I spoke to her on Friday evening, Cecilia was an open book and an open communicator.' 'Her disability clients loved her because she treated them like real people, never like they were disabled... she had plans to provide assistance to one on the weekend. 'She had an impact on everyone she met. She was the most sincere person you ever met.' Ms Haddad's body was discovered in the Lane Cove River on Sunday morning, the same day the Brazilian national was reported missing Police wish to speak to Marcelo Santoro (centre) over the death of his ex-girlfriend and business partner. Mr Santoro is believed to have flown home to Brazil at the weekend, days earlier than initially planned, according to police A TIMELINE OF CECILIA HADDAD'S DISAPPEARANCE: Friday, May 27 Ms Haddad 'briefly' attends a BBQ with friends before returning to her home at Ryde, north Sydney. She spends the rest of the evening on the phone to friends discussing their weekend plans. Saturday, May 28 8am-9.30am: The 38-year-old continues to call and message friends. Ms Haddad has several plans with her friends on Saturday, but never turns up. She is also due to meet with a disabled client she cares for, but never arrives. Neighbours recall seeing her unique Fiat 500 outside her St Annes St unit. Sunday, May 29 10.15am: Ms Haddad's body is found floating in the Lane Cove River. Friends report Ms Haddad missing to police. Her car is found at West Ryde railway station. The weekend - unknown time Ms Haddad's ex-lover Marcelo Santoro flies to Rio de Janeiro from Sydney. Advertisement Ms Haddad spoke to friends between 8am and 9.30am on Saturday over message and phone calls, but was never heard from again. Police divers searched kilometres from where her body was found on Friday, the same day her father Jose arrived in Sydney to meet with homicide detectives. Ms Haddad and Mr Santoro are understood to have ended their business and personal relationships in recent weeks. Friends and relatives of Mr Santoro were expecting him to arrive home this week and were allegedly surprised to hear he had left Australia earlier than expected. Ms Haddad's ex-husband (left) flew from Perth to Sydney to help police with their investigation and to identify her body. Her father Jose also arrived in Sydney from Brazil on Friday Mr Santaro and Ms Haddad began their business partnership in mid-2017, launching the disability service provider D.Care. The company and its website were registered in the friends' names. The company's principal place of business was Ms Haddad's home in Ryde. Friends at home in Rio held a memorial mass over the weekend. Patricia Mayo, 60, began to over-pay herself despite complaining about NHS cuts A campaigner who protested against NHS cuts has been jailed for stealing 50,000 from the GP surgery she worked in. Patricia Mayo, 60, pushed the surgery to the brink of insolvency after plundering accounts at the Hartwood Health Centre in Hartcliffe, Bristol. Mayo started on a 40,000-a-year salary in 2011 but began to pay herself more until she left in 2016. Mayo began awarding herself unauthorised payments starting with 2,000 in 2012, which doubled the following year until a total of more than 50,000 had been stolen. Mayo, now of Wokingham, Berkshire, was still employed as a practice manager at another NHS surgery when she was jailed for 12 months. Dr Dougal Darvill, a senior partner at the health centre, said Mayo had campaigned against NHS cuts during her employment and that the surgery had be left at risk of insolvency. Prosecutor Simon Goodman said a new practice manager and accountant discovered 'anomalies' once Mayo left. Mr Goodman said: 'It was clear that some substantial sums had been paid into this defendant's bank account between April and November 2015.' Hartwood Health Centre in Hartcliffe, Bristol, faced insolvency over 60,000 theft by GP manager who stole to give 'her daughter a better life' Police launched an investigation and thefts dating back to 2012 were discovered. Mayo claimed she had taken around 56,000 but the CPS believe it was nearer to 63,000. Defending, Emily Evans said Mayo was trying to provide a better life for her daughter. Judge Julian Lambert sentenced her to 12 months for fraud by abuse of position, which she pleaded guilty to. For many people, taking a cruise is a dream come true. Unfortunately, that dream sometimes turns into a nightmare at sea. On May 3, 2018, a burst pipe on the Carnival Cruise Line ship Carnival Dream caused 50 staterooms to become flooded, wreaking havoc and forcing passengers to sleep on yoga mats in the ships spa and on the floor elsewhere on the vessel. Although such events on Carnival Cruise Line and other cruise lines are rare, a number of unfortunate incidents such as this have indeed plagued Carnival Cruise Line over the years. Heres a quick look at just a few of them. Recent hallway flooding plagued Deck 9 of the cruise ship Carnival Dream on May 3, 2018 Hallway flooding May 2018 The most recent incident impacting a Carnival Cruise Line ship occurred recently on May 3, 2018 on the cruise ship Carnival Dream after a pipe burst in the vessels fire suppression system, causing 50 rooms to flood on Deck 9 and drawing comparisons to the tragic sinking of the Titanic by some passengers. The incident caused gallons of water to surge into the ship and forced affected passengers to relocate to the spa room to sleep on yoga mats. Passengers impacted by the ordeal received a refund and 50 percent voucher for a future trip with the company. Violence on board February 2018 Another recent incident occurred in February 2018 in which a fight between passengers quickly turned a ten-day cruise in the South Pacific into a cruise from Hell. The incident on the cruise ship Carnival Legend occurred when it was sailing off the coast of New South Wales, Australia during which an alcohol-fueled brawl between two groups of passengers erupted. The fight was reportedly sparked after one passenger accidentally stepped on anothers flip-flop and ultimately led to 23 members of one family being detained after the ship docked. A drunken brawl broke out aboard the cruise ship Carnival Legend back in February 2018 Mechanical problems March 2013 On March 15, 2013, Carnival Legend experienced a mechanical issue with one of its propulsion pods. Scheduled stops in Grand Cayman and Belize were subsequently cancelled and the ship was soon forced to return to Tampa, Florida at a lower speed. Stranded ship March 2013 Just one day before the Carnival Legends propulsion problem, another cruise ship, Carnival Dream, suffered an emergency generator failure on March 14, 2013 while docked in Saint Maarten. Carnival Cruise Lines ultimately opted to fly passengers back to Florida rather than complete their scheduled voyage. Carnival Legend's generator failure in March 2013 cut short a planned Caribbean Sea cruise Poop cruise February 2013 In one of the most infamous incidents in recent years, the ship Carnival Triumph experienced an engine room fire on February 10, 2013 that left it adrift in the Gulf of Mexico for four days. The fire subsequently caused elevators to malfunction and raw sewage to back up in the ships bathrooms, causing many to dub the incident the poop cruise. Generator room fire November 2010 A November 8, 2010 generator room fire on the ship Carnival Splendor caused most of the ship to lose power and become adrift off Mexicos western coast. Packages of canned meat ultimately had to be airdropped onto the ship before it was towed to safety in San Diego, California. Engine room fire September 1999 Another serious incident occurred on September 19, 1999 when a fire broke out in the engine room of the ship Carnival Tropicale. The stricken ship spent two days disabled before restarting its engines and was even struck by Tropical Storm Harvey, though thankfully no passengers or crew members were injured. A three-year-old girl was stabbed to death by her aunt who believed she had to sacrifice the child to rid herself of evil spirits. The woman used a knife to cut her niece's neck in the Yamunanagar district of northern India's Haryana state. Police say the suspect had a dream that evil spirits had 'gripped' her and that 'someone told her' the solution was to carry out a child sacrifice. A three-year-old girl was stabbed to death by her aunt who believed she had to sacrifice the child to rid herself of evil spirits (file picture shows Indian police) According to local media, the girl went to meet her aunt on Sunday - only to be led into a room. She picked up a knife and stabbed the girl, who died on the spot, police say. Neighbours heard the youngster crying out and tracked the aunt down before she was able to escape. Police say the child was taken to hospital but had bled to death in the house. A spokesman said: 'The woman told us that she had dreams that evil spirits had gripped her. 'She also told us that in her dreams someone told her to make child sacrifice in order to get rid of evil spirits.' The aunt, who is married with two children, has been arrested and a murder case has been registered. This is the chilling social media threat made by a former Nomad bikie enforcer who claims three people broke into his basement and attempted to murder him. In a post shared to Instagram on Monday night, Moudi Tajjour encouraged 'cowards' to 'have another crack' after an alleged failed attack three nights ago. Tajjour, who was briefly married to Salim Mehajer's younger sister Sanaa before the pair split on bad terms, has previously shared how detectives told him he should leave his apartment due to a 'serious threat' on his life. '#my #my few nights ago 3 men were spotted hiding inside my basement where I reside,' he shared via his handle cant__fight__fate. Scroll down for video A chilling social media threat made by the notorious Nomad bikie was posted alongside this photo (pictured) '#my #my few nights ago 3 men were spotted hiding inside my basement where I reside,' he shared via his handle cant__fight__fate 'Do your best and have another crack,' he signed off the ominous post 'These men mistakenly thought I arrived and they jumped out and went to nock me but soon realised it was my neighbour not myself pulling into the car spot rite (sic) next to my spot,' Tajjour continued. 'I have been told 24 minutes lapsed by the time I arrived and then shortly after they snuck into the building threw the fire exit door way Ive been told. My word is this to you... 'Lately Ive slacked off with my security and I havent been fazed but rest assure your easy chance to end my life no longer exits (sic). The Nomad life member posted the dark social media message after three people broke into his basement Tajjour was briefly married to Salim Mehajer's younger sister Sanaa before the pair split this year on bad terms. Sanaa filed an AVO against her former husband 'Even though I always always keep my faith in allah swt I know I need to always take precautions , as Islam says believe and trust in Allah but always Aswell take precautions and the rest allah will do. 'Life and death live next door to each other and I know my luck might run out and I will be murdered but either way its the will off god and I accept allah will. 'My enemies are cowards and lowest off form and nothing in this world will make me shy away from anything and I will always always die on my feet you cowards . 'Do your best and have another crack,' he signed off the ominous post. Previously, the convicted killer slammed modern-day bikies, saying they prefer to 'buy' new members rather than make them earn their colours. Mouhamed 'Moudi' Tajjour, 34, made a name for himself after he joined the outlaw motorcycle gang and acted as right-hand man to its national president, his older brother Sleiman. The convicted killer said a few nights ago, three men were spotted hiding in his basement But Tajjour told Daily Mail Australia the 'good old days' of earning your place inside a bikie club through bare knuckle fights are gone, claiming MCs now choose to simply open their chequebooks and buy 'hard core' members into their club. While he's no longer involved in day-to-day gang life, Tajjour told of his disgust at the way some MCs go about their business. 'It's totally different. These days you get your colours straight away, back in my day it was a minimum 12 months as a nominee,' the heavily-tattooed bikie said. 'I was 15 years old - the youngest bikie to ever join a club - but I was a nominee for 16 months because I kept punching on with members, so my cousin Sam Ibrahim kept taking my colours. 'You'd get put in a circle and have a crack with the boys for a few minutes, and if you didn't drop your guard and fought until you got knocked out, you'd get your colours. 'Now, anyone can join a club. You can be a weak piece of s**t but if you've got a bit of coin you can pay to get into a club. Plus clubs are f**king buying boys its like a sport.' With more than 30,000 followers on Instagram, he now claims his life as a heavily-tattooed convicted killer is over - determined instead to focus on legitimate work. Mother-of-14 Natalie Suleman, who became known as 'Octomom' in 2009 after giving birth to octuplets, has spoken about her upbringing in new videos. In her 'testimony' to the 'A Friend of A Friend Women's Support Ministry' in Long Beach, California, Suleman also discusses her experience of college and her relationship with her parents. The media personality, whose remarkable pregnancy and births created a worldwide sensation, also attacked the 'fake media' for portraying her falsely. Scroll down for video In her 'testimony' to the 'A Friend of A Friend Women's Support Ministry' in Long Beach, California, Suleman also discusses her experience of college and her relationship with her parents The media personality, whose remarkable pregnancy and births created a worldwide sensation, also attacked the 'fake media' for portraying her falsely. Pictured: The octuplets In the two new videos - parts one and two of an as-yet incomplete five-part YouTube series - Suleman, 42, is recorded speaking to an audience at a Holiday Inn hotel in October of last year. She explains that her father was born in 'Jerusalem, Palestine' while her mother was born in Lithuania. Speaking about her mother, she explained: 'After World War Two, she was a displaced person. 'Her dad was forced into the Nazi army - he was a Nazi. 'And she had one of the most horrific childhoods I ever listened to.' She said her mother had, 'without a doubt', post-traumatic stress disorder after growing up 'on the dirt floor' in camps and witnessing her brothers dying. 'She literally lived through hell,' Suleman explains. Talking about her own upbringing, she said: 'I was raised by a chronic alcoholic father.' She added: '[He was] very loving to me, very loving. Unconditionally loving.' Her parents lived in separated rooms and only stayed in a relationship together for her sake, Suleman explained. She said her mother had, 'without a doubt', post-traumatic stress disorder after growing up 'on the dirt floor' in camps and witnessing her brothers dying. Pictured: The octuplets In December, Suleman told DailyMail.com that she is finally 'at peace' following her financial difficulties and the strain of having to care for her 14 children, which she said left her on the verge of suicide at one point She said she was a hyperactive, 'ADHD', only child. But her mother could never give her the love she craved, she explained. 'My mom, because of her history, I believe she was unable to express - openly express - love and affection,' she said. 'And I hungered for that. I longed for love. I needed to be touched and held. And to hear the words, "I love you".' Suleman also spoke of her experiences of college, including returning to class days after giving birth and getting the highest score on a paper. She was in 2009 called 'reckless' for having octuplets via in vitro fertilization when she was unemployed and already the mother of six young children. She has explained she didn't want any of her frozen embryos to be destroyed. 'Before I let my children take over the channel with fun actives, such as vegan food challenges, vlogs, grocery shopping, ect. I will soon be uploading my testimony,' Suleman wrote in a description of her first YouTube video, posted before the testimony videos. The video is a six-minute clip of Suleman's children speaking at a women's conference in Long Beach, California on October 14. Her oldest daughter, Amerah, is seen reading a letter written to Suleman for Mother's Day. 'You know the song Dear Momma by 2Pac? Well honestly that song is for you - but you didn't go to jail thank God,' Amerah said to laughter from the crowd. After failing to disclose earnings, Suleman pleaded no contest to a single count of misdemeanor welfare fraud in 2014 and was sentenced to community service and probation. Last month, the mother of 14 from Laguna Niguel, California shared a video from a doctor's waiting room showing it filled by 11 seated members of her brood. Suleman captioned the clip: 'When your kids fill up an entire pediatricians office. #VeryLongDay #HealthyGrowingKid'. In December, Suleman told DailyMail.com that she is finally 'at peace' following her financial difficulties and the strain of having to care for her 14 children, which she said left her on the verge of suicide at one point. Suleman first made headlines in 2009, when she revealed that she had had IVF treatment and became pregnant with eight children, even though she was the unemployed mother of six other kids. In 2012, Suleman filed for personal bankruptcy and, months later, filmed an adult movie called Octomom Home Alone, which went on to win multiple AVN nominations in 2013, taking home the prize for Best Celebrity Sex Tape. She then began making appearances as a stripper. Since pleading no contest to welfare fraud in 2014, Suleman has tried to escape the Octomom moniker, which she said 'nearly destroyed me and my family.' Suleman said that she now has a part time job as a counselor, working with men and women who suffer drug and alcohol issues and lives paycheck to paycheck, with the assistance of food stamps and residuals from the 2012 adult video. President Donald Trump blasted former Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday following news reports that the Obama administration official has secretly met with foreign governments in a bid to save the much-maligned Iran deal. The multinational bargain, which Trump has called 'insane' and 'the worst deal ever' and aims to renegotiate or scrap called for a decade-long pledge from Iran to cease developing nuclear weapons, in exchange for relaxed international sanctions. The Boston Globe reported Friday that Kerry quietly met two weeks ago with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, and had separate confabs with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and French President Emmanuel Macron all to strategize against Trump's intention to upend the deal. 'The United States does not need John Kerrys possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran Deal,' the president wrote Monday on Twitter. 'He was the one that created this MESS in the first place!' Kerry brokered the deal for the Obama administration. Trump has threatened to reimpose sanctions as of May 12, the deadline for certifying Iran's compliance with its obligations under the arrangement. President Donald Trump is blasting former Secretary of State John Kerry for conducting 'shadow diplomacy' behind his back that undermines his negotiations with Iran over rewriting the multinational Obama-era nuclear deal Trump on Monday called Kerry's intervention 'possibly illegal' and blamed him for the current arrangement that gave Tehran sanctions relief but would allow it to build nuclear bombs as soon as 2027 Kerry (left) is seen with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in 2016; Kerry met with Zarif last month for secret talks about how to undermine Trump's bid to kill the nuclear deal White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters on Monday that Kerry's advocacy won't make a difference as Trump weighs what to do. 'I don't think that we would take advice from somebody who created what the president sees as one of the worst deals ever made,' she said. 'I don't see why we would start listening to him now.' A spokesman for Kerry issued a statement late Monday morning, defending his apparent habit of lobbying foreign governments as a civilian. 'I think every American would want every voice possible urging Iran to remain in compliance with the nuclear agreement that prevented a war,' the statement said. 'Secretary Kerry stays in touch with his former counterparts around the world just like every previous Secretary of State. Like America's closest allies, he believes it is important that the nuclear agreement, which took the world years to negotiate, remain effective as countries focus on stability in the region.' But whether or not Kerry's flurry of clandestine diplomacy bears fruit, he will be criticized for carrying out the duties of the job he lost when Trump became president. A federal law called the Logan Act makes it a felony for unauthorized civilians to conduct foreign policy with nations that are in the midst of a dispute with the United States. Kerry has also been meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (left) and French President Emmanuel Macron (right) in attempts to salvage the Iran deal Kerry could run afoul of the Logan Act, a 200+ year-old federal law that made it a felony for civilians to conduct foreign policy without authorization The statute, known as the Logan Act, dates back to 1799 and has only been used twice to indict people in 1803 and 1852. Neither was convicted. One defendant, a Peruvian admiral, was prosecuted for writing a letter to the president of Mexico to scuttle a competitor's bid to build a railroad connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The other was a farmer charged with the crime of writing a newspper article urging western U.S. states to secede and join neighboring French territories. Some legal scholars have written that the Logan Act is unconstitutional, and only remains on the books because it hasn't been tested in court. Some of Trump's own advisers were accused of violating the Logan Act during the post-election transition period in 2016 and 2017. Michael Flynn, Trump's first national security adviser who was fired after just weeks on the job, was originally eyed as a possible Logan Act violator when the Justice Department targeted him. Flynn had made contact with Russia's then-ambassador to the U.S. Sergey Kislyak to discuss how the new administration might view existing sanctions regimes imposed on Moscow, and how Trump's team hoped the Kremlin would vote on a pending United Nations resolution condemning Israel. Sally Yates, then the deputy attorney general, later testified that the potential for Logan Act violations was the initial justification for interrogating Flynn who later pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI in connection with that grilling. Kerry, at one time a Democratic senator for Massachussets, has been accused of violating the Logan Act in the past. In January he told a confidant of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas that he should 'stay strong' and 'play for time' while Trump is in the White House. Kerry told the Lebanese academic Hussein Agha that he was considering a second run for the White House in 2020, and aimed to help Palestinians in their territorial battles with Israel. 'It is unusual for a former secretary of state to engage in foreign policy like this, as an actual diplomat and quasi-negotiator,' Michael O'Hanlon, a foreign policy expert at the Brookings Institution, told the Globe, referring to Kerry's Iran efforts this year. 'Of course, former secretaries of state often remain quite engaged with foreign leaders, as they should, but it's rarely so issue-specific, especially when they have just left office.' Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu has been pushing Trump to take a more aggressive posture toward Iran, his nation's most prolific antagonist. Netanyahu delivered a presentation last week claiming Israel's intelligence agency had proof that Iran 'lied' about its intention to dismantle its nuclear weapons program. Former Prime Minister Bob Hawke was rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney on Monday night. After being admitted to hospital, his wife Blanche dAlpuget said he was doing 'okay.' Initial reports were unclear as to why the former prime minister of Australia had been admitted to hospital. Scroll down for video Former Prime Minister Bob Hawke was rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital on Monday night and recent reports indicate he is doing 'fine' Mr Hawke was the 23rd prime minister of Australia. He served from 1983 until 1991, leading the Australian Labor Party to four consecutive electoral victories. His major achievements in office include the creation of Medicare, the formation of APEC, and the initiation of national super, Nine News reported. Mr Hawke once held the world record for the fastest drinking of beer, drinking 1.4 litres in just 11 seconds. In addition to formerly holding the record for the fastest drinking of beer, he also launched his own range of Australian beer company called Hawke's Brewing Co. Mr Hawke celebrated his 88th birthday in December last year. 14:53 | Moquegua (Moquegua region), May. 7. In this sense, he said, well-trained technicians and professionals will be the ones to contribute to the Inca country's development. According to the Head of State, public and private education must complement each other, thus granting youngsters more choices. "We must strive to provide quality education, and the State is capable of providing said quality education ()," the Peruvian leader remarked. In this sense, Vizcarra pointed out the State must work to guarantee a good-quality public education since not everyone has enough resources to afford a private one. Ashley Spencer, 28, suffered an allergic reaction while on a flight to Cleveland on Saturday A severely ill Philadelphia woman's life was saved after she suffered a deadly allergic reaction to peanuts on an airplane and a doctor stepped up to the plate. Ashley Spencer was on an American Airlines flight from Philadelphia to Cleveland on Saturday when she passed out shortly after take-off. The 28-year-old, who has a serious peanut allergy, told WEWS she was going into anaphylactic shock after eating a bag of chips. She had stopped breathing but still had a pause when the flight attendant asked if there were any medical professionals on board who could help. Thankfully Dr. Erich Kiehl, a cardiology fellow for the Cleveland Clinic, was there to save the day. Ironically, Specer was on her way to the Cleveland clinic where Dr. Kiehl works so she could be treated for a rare autoimmune disease she suffers from. Dr. Kiehl and another doctor from North Carolina injected Spencer with an Epi-Pen four times and checked on her vitals repeatedly. Spencer had stopped breathing when a flight attendant asked if there were any medical professionals on board the flight. That's when Dr. Erich Kiehl, right, stepped up Monitoring Spencer's vitals may have been instrumental in saving her life, because she suffers from Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), which has weakened her heart. Spencer has spent the last years in and out of the hospital as she undergoes chemotherapy. Spencer was rushed to the hospital after the plane made an emergency landing in Pittsburgh and spent the night in the ICU. She told local media she has extended her stay in Cleveland by a day so she can present a gift to Dr. Kiehl for saving her life. The 28-year-old has a rare auto immune disease and has spent the last several years in and out of hospitals as she undergoes chemotherapy Spencer was on her way to Cleveland Clinic where Dr. Kiehl works so she could be treated for the serious illness there An eight-year-old boy has tragically died after being hit by a car on a busy street in South Australia. The boy was crossing Victoria Parade in Port Augusta when he was knocked down by a car, The Advertiser reports. Police and emergency services arrived to the scene at 7pm and the boy was rushed to hospital. An eight-year-old boy has tragically died after being hit by a car on Victoria Parade in South Australia Crash investigators are currently examining the scene. As a result, road closures are in place in and around Victoria Parade. He later died in hospital from his critical injuries. Crash investigators are currently examining the scene. As a result, road closures are in place in and around Victoria Parade. Police ask anyone who witnessed the crash to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Michael Josephson MBE has raised more than 3m for children's charities A sex abuse survivor who broke almost every bone in his body trying to commit suicide has spoken out about how he turned his life around to build a multi-million pound business. Michael Josephson MBE suffered horrific sexual, physical and mental abuse as a child and was so overcome by trauma that he tried to end his life on December 28, 1998. Michael jumped off a bridge in Cheshire, breaking nearly every bone in his body - but miraculously, he survived. And while being treated for the catastrophic injuries he sustained in hospital, Michael decided he would not let those who harmed him beat him again. Michael, 42, said: 'That was the turning point of my life. I thought I want to be a success, I want to live, I want to help other young people. 'Why should I let other people finish me off? 'I gave in to the bullies by jumping off that bridge. You should never give in to bullies.' Michael Josephson from Alderley Edge is made an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II Michael Josephson is lucky to be alive after breaking nearly all his bones in a suicide attempt Michael worked hard to build a multi-million-pound business in the following years and raised a staggering 3.4m for Childline and the NSPCC. He was awarded the MBE by the Queen in 2016 for his services to charity and now he is planning his own charity ball to continue his fundraising drive. Michael described his childhood as 'hell' after the death of his mother when he was aged just 11. He was abused as a vulnerable child in the care system. Despite his tumultuous upbringing - being passed from different care homes and suffering more bullying and abuse - he enrolled himself in college aged 16. He got a BTEC in business and finance and followed up his studies with a job working in the import and export business. But away from work his mental health continued to suffer - particularly as he then struggled to come to terms with his own sexuality - and he spiralled out of control. In the early hours of December 28, 1998, Michael headed to a bridge with plans to end his life. Mr Josephson, 42, was 22 when he attempted to take his own life because of his past trauma Michael said: 'I'd been taking a lot of alcohol and drugs, I wasn't sleeping at night and I was taking tablets to keep me calm during the day. 'It was the first year I'd not been to put flowers on my mum's grave and it had eaten me up. I went out and decided I didn't want to be here anymore. 'I went to the bridge and my legs were dangling over, and the next thing I knew there was police there, ambulance there. I think I was on the bridge three hours. 'In the end I didn't want to jump, but in my head, I'd dug my own grave. I thought if I climb back over I'll be arrested for wasting police time or put in a lunatic asylum. 'I just thought I'm going to have to jump. But pushing myself? I have no recollection of that. 'I was in hospital for months after that - I had fractures in my back, I'd shattered both ankles, the tibia and fibula in both legs snapped. 'But they said it was a miracle I'd survived. I landed standing up, and if I'd fallen any other way I'd have been dead. Mr Josephson has become close with Childline founder Dame Esther Rantzen who encouraged him to tell his story in public for the first time 'But as I lay there in hospital I knew I wanted to be a success - to make money and to give back money to those in need as well. 'I wanted to make my mum proud of me. 'I'd broken pretty much every bone in my body and had many operations, but I came out a new man.' He returned to the business he had just started with partners, Stocks Manchester Ltd, buying end-of-line and discounted stocks and supplying them to discount stores. Michael said: 'People supported me, the business went on, I came back, and I really threw myself into business.' Stocks grew its annual turnover to 7m, and in 2015 Michael ended the previous partnership and started out on his own as Stocks 2015 Ltd, based in Trafford Park. Michael said: 'We work with the likes of B&M Bargains, Poundstretcher, TK Maxx, Poundland, Home Bargains Retailers. 'Recently I've changed the angle of the business to move it into higher end and niche, we buy really high-end brands, anything from L'Oreal to Revlon on cosmetics, designer sunglasses and watches, Bulgari Chopard and Hermes. 'We recently did a very big deal selling Porsche branded footwear. 'It makes me feel very proud, I'd like to build a successful high turnover business and know that personally I've been a success to myself and built a company I can be proud of. 'Since 2015 I've built it to 3m turnover, I'd hope in the next three to five years I could build it to a 10m business.' The Queen presented Mr Josephson with his MBE in 2016 for his services to charity Michael's association with Childline, the helpline for abused children, also started after he left hospital, when he was invited to attend the annual Childline ball as a guest. Michael said: 'That evening I started to tell them how I wanted to give back. Childline couldn't help me, I was too frightened to ring up when it could have saved me from all that pain and abuse, but I hoped it could help others.' Michael became close friends with Childline founder, Dame Esther Rantzen, and it was through her that he felt able to first reveal his horrific childhood experiences to a wider audience. Dame Esther told his story, anonymously, at the annual charity ball. Michael said: 'At the Childline Ball Esther told my story and I didn't know if I would let people in the room know it was me. 'But as she was telling the story people who knew me started looking at me, and three people on my table were crying. 'She asked if I wanted to get up and I just stood. That was the first time I publicly did it. I got a standing ovation. So many people contacted me afterwards.' Michael decided last year that after 15 years of supporting Childline he wanted to be able to help other charities and reach out to more children - and so decided to start his own charity ball which will each year support different charities. The inaugural Michael Josephson MBE Summer Ball has already sold out and will see a star performance from singing legend Lulu performing a 40-minute concert with her 5-piece band, raising money for Variety, the children's charity, the Seashell Trust and The Frost Foundation on June 30. Michael who lives with his civil partner, Lindon, in Cheshire, said: 'Now I have everything to live for. I've got a partner, I'm happy and I've learnt to love and be loved. 'The things I've learned is that you can't hide in the past and you shouldn't look back - you need to look forward into the future and how you can help yourself and other people. 'I'm a great believer in giving back. 'It doesn't matter if it's a pound or 100 - giving something means something. If you've been through trauma and heartache you know how much it means to help. The inaugural Michael Josephson MBE Summer Ball will take place in June to raise even more money for children's charities after Mr Josephson opened up about his own trauma It's not just finance and money, I've tried to mentor other people too.' Michael has become vice-chairman of patrons of Variety, and last month launched their new Patrons of the North, where businesses and business people can pledge financially over three years to support the charity and its ethos. The launch night alone has helped to raise over 200,000 for the charity. For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here for details. John Oliver playfully packed up his bags on his show Last Week Tonight on Sunday after his pal Russell Crowe named a koala chlamydia ward after him. In April Oliver splashed out $7,000 to purchase the jock strap Crowe wore in the 2005 flick Cinderella man and put it on display at one of the last remaining Blockbuster stores in Alaska. To thank him, Crowe donated the sum to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital and had a plaque saying 'The John Oliver Koala Chlamydia Ward' dedicated to him in his honor. Last Week Tonight host John Oliver pretended to close down his show Sunday after pal Russell Crowe named a koala bear chlamydia ward at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital after him Oliver showed a clip where Steve Irwin's family thanked the host and the actor for the generous donation to the Australia animal hospital To honor Oliver, Crowe had a plaque dedicated to the comedian that said 'The John Oliver Koala Chlamydia Ward' The hilarious segment begins Crowe's jock strap on display in a glass case at the Anchorage, Alaska video rental store along with Crowe's autograph. 'Amazingly this story actually gets better,' Oliver says to his audience. He then refers to Russell Crowes tweet from April 16 which alludes to his sweet revenge. 'I think this is such a wonderful random act of kindness that I am planning now on how to best use the @iamjohnoliver money he spent on groin protectors and such . Given his often shown genuine love for Australians and Australia, its got to be something special,' Crowe tweeted. 'His random act of kindness is going to be honored in such a cool way,' he adds. Then Oliver airs a video of Steve Irwin's family thanking the comedian and actor for the generous donation as they explain how Australia's cuddly creatures suffer with chlamydia. 'Koalas right now are suffering a disease called chlamydiathat can lead to blindness, infertility, and even cost a koala its life,' the family said. Oliver revealed that his one goal of his TV career was to have a koala chlamydia ward. With his goal achieved, he decided to pack up and shut down the show In a huff he brought out a cardboard box and began to pack up props from previous segments Set staff and crew then rushed on stage to dismantle the set's desk, curtain and stage For the big finale Oliver said 'Goodbye forever everyone. I regret nothing. I regret nothing. My work here is done!' and dropped the mic 'And a big thank you to John Oliver for buying some of Russells incredible things in his auction. You are helping for the fight for chlamydia. And a plaque has been organized in your honor. Check it out!' the family adds. Oliver is left absolutely dumbstruck, slapping his hands on his desk in disbelief when he reads the plaque that says the 'John Oliver Koala Chlamydia Ward'. 'Are you not entertained?' he screams at the audience. 'Well played Russell Crowe. Well played indeed. That honestly might be the greatest thing Ive ever seen,' he says. Then he reveals that when the show first started he wrote down his one and only goal on a piece of paper and subsequently brought it out in a red envelope. The paper revealed three simple words: 'Koala Chlamydia Ward'. With his goal achieved, he announces he's shutting down the show. 'So what Im essentially saying is weve accomplished everything we set out to do on this show which means thanks very much everyone but we are f****** done here. Thats right. Lets shut it down. This show is over!' he says as he brings out a cardboard box from under his desk. 'Please dont think of this as a sad occasion because I leave you in total triumph at this point. And I do hope you enjoyed Last week tonight. I do hope you enjoyed the show over the years. I know that we made it rather difficult to do that but you know we did learn some things along the way didnt we? And we had exactly four laughs together so thats something,' he says. Crowe hinted at the prank he had in store for the TV show host on his Twitter on April 17 He taunted Oliver with an image of a koala saying 'Great news for koala everywhere' Terri Irwin thanked the duo for the generous contribution to the hospital that honored Oliver with the hilarious plaque The hilarious exit sparked worry among fans who thought his departure was legitimate He then chucks props from his old segments including a giant mug and gold sneakers into the box. As he speaks staff take over the set and dismantle his desk, roll up the New York City skyline backdrop curtain, and Oliver dramatically rips off his mic. 'So now if youll excuse me Ive got a date with some very contagious koalas. That is our series thank you so much for watching. Goodbye forever everyone. I regret nothing. I regret nothing. My work here is done!' he says. With gusto he drops the mic on the ground, walks off stage, and the audience cheers. Fans were wild for the hilarious segment on Twitter, many begging that Oliver continue his show. 'Please tell me this is fake news,' one Twitter user wrote. 'Are you not entertained??? I love all the people who made this possible so much, including Alaska, just because,' another wrote. 'Biggest cliffhanger currently on TV,' another wrote. 'What?????? Is the show ending?????? Someone @LastWeekTonight @iamjohnoliver please answer!!!!!!!!!!! # ohnoplease dont,' one super fan wrote. Despite his rather convincing show, Oliver will continue his political commentary on the show which is signed for another three seasons. Earlier in the same episode he threw jabs at Donald Trump and his lawyer Rudy Giuliani. 'Theyre basically two versions of the same person. Theyre both New Yorkers coasting on their reputations, theyve both had three marriages, neither of them can shut up when in front of a camera, and perhaps most importantly they both want to f*** Ivanka,' he said. 'Which is weird for Trump because Ivanka is in his family and it's weird for Giuliani because she isnt,' he added Fans took to Twitter to plead for the show to continue, thinking Oliver's farewell was real Fans were left in stitches with the hilarious episode, with some saying getting a koala chlamydia ward named after them would become their life goal 'Are you not entertained?' Fans couldn't get enough of Crowe and Oliver's back and forth jokes One user shared this meme saying: 'This has been the worst trade deal in the history of trade deals, maybe ever' A popular Gold Coast strip club owner and his famous VIP host have been thrown into a legal nightmare over and alleged $500 tip. Hollywood Showgirls owner Craig Duffy is facing the Fair Work Commission after his VIP host Jimmy Ozturk claims he was unfairly dismissed from the company. Mr Ozturk had worked as Hollywood Showgirls' VIP host in Surfers Paradise for 11 years until his departure last year, The Gold Coast Bulletin reported. VIP host Jimmy Ozturk (pictured) claims he was unfairly dismissed from the company Hollywood Showgirls owner Craig Duffy is facing the Fair Work Commission after allegedly dismissing Mr Ozturk unfairly Popular Gold Coast strip club Hollywood Showgirls, has been thrown into a legal nightmare He had previously informed the publication that he was going to retire to spend more time with the grandkids and travel with his wife. However, a Fair Work decision allowed him to pursue his unfair dismissal claim, which revealed a nasty row between him and Mr Duffy. The Fair Work Commission decision revealed Mr Duffy suspended Mr Ozturk go on 10 October, 2017 for stealing $500 from the patron. Mr Ozturk met with Mr Duffy at the end of October but was told he 'was still suspended.' On 15 November, Mr Ozturk was paid out for his final Hollywood entitlements of $4858.20. He filed the unfair dismissal claim on 16 November. On 15 November, Mr Ozturk was paid out for his final Hollywood entitlements of $4858.20 At the hearing three weeks ago Mr Ozturk's lawyer Jason Murakami read out a text message from Mr Duffy to his client: 'I've investigated a complaint re the $500 you took off a client five weeks ago. Effective immediately, I'm suspending you. The evidence is overwhelming, it's not good ... $500 off the customer's not on. It's been a long time but retiring gracefully is the best option,' The Gold Coast Bulletin reported. Mr Murakami produced more texts sent to his client from Mr Duffy and a Showgirl patron. He said the texts show his Mr Ozturk did nothing wrong and should be cleared of the allegation of stealing $500. The hearing is set to continue with Mr Duffy to be cross-examined for his decision. Speaking out: Jeffrey Tambor, 73, pictured on March 27 at a film screening in New York, has opened up about the sexual misconduct scandal that cost him a starring role on Transparent, denying the allegations Jeffrey Tambor has opened up for the first time about the claims of sexual misconduct that resulted in his firing from the Amazon hit show Transparent, insisting that he never harassed the women who have publicly accused him. The Emmy Award-winning actor, 73, also suggested that the allegations against him were part of a 'coup' to have him removed from the show. In an in-depth interview with The Hollywood Reporter that was published on Monday, Tambor conceded that he's had difficulty controlling his explosive temper and would sometimes act in a belligerent and tactless manner towards the cast and crew, including show creator Jill Soloway, who he says was afraid of him. 'Lines got blurred,' Tambor told the publication during the interview at a coffee shop in Katonah, New York, where he lives with his wife and four children. 'I was difficult, I was mean....I was rude to my assistant. I was moody. Sometimes I didnt talk at all.' Tambor revealed that on one occasion, he yelled at Transparent executive producer Bridget Bedard on set and made her cry, for which he later apologized. But the veteran actor, who will be reprising his role as George Bluth Sr in the upcoming season of the Netflix show Arrested Development, continued to vehemently deny the allegations made against him by his former personal assistant Van Barnes and his former Transparent co-star Trace Lysette, who are both transgender women. Scroll down for video Accusers: Tambor's former personal assistant Van Barnes (left) and his co-star Trace Lysette (right), who are both transgender women, last year accused him of sexually inappropriate behavior on set, including unwanted touching and lewd comments In character: Tambor won an Emmy Award for his portrayal of transgender woman Maura Pfefferman on Transparent Barnes, 42, who worked for Tambor for two years, and whose October 2017 Facebook post in support of the #MeToo movement eventually led to Amazon shutting down production of the series, said during a recent appearance on the Megyn Kelly Show that Tambor had once bragged to her about watching her sleep naked. 'Thats violating, its so creepy,' she said during the March interview. In her explosive October 16 Facebook status, which never mentioned Tambor by name, Barnes claimed that the actor told her 'that for that kinda money and after all that time of working for him that I should be sleeping with him if I want a Hollywood-industry-appropriate pay grade. Barnes also claimed that the same person gave her 'butt pats,' made her listen to his porno' and complained that she was not 'taking care of him sexually.' Transparent creator Jill Soloway fired Tambor in February via text at the conclusion of an internal investigation Tambor at the time issued a statement calling Barnes 'a former disgruntled assistant' and saying he was 'appalled and distressed' by her 'baseless' allegations. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter in his first interview since the scandal broke, Tambor doubled down on his denial of Barnes' claims of sexual misconduct. 'I dispute her account,' he said. 'I did raise my voice at times, I was moody at times, there were times when I was tactless. But as for the other stuff, absolutely not.' Barnes said that she tried to report Tambor's behavior to his personal management team, but nothing ever came of it, so she quit in January 2017 and has since returned to her native Missouri to Enron in a cosmetology school. Amazon launched an investigation into Tambor's conduct on set after actress Trace Lysette also came forward and claimed that she, too, had been sexually harassed by the Hollywood A-lister. Lysette claimed that Tambor got 'physical' with her on set and at red carpet events, including kissing her on the lips, and one time pushed his penis against her. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Lysette, who played a stripper named Shea on the show, said that they were filming the third episode of Season 2 when Tambor looked at her dressed in short pajama bottoms and told her, 'My God, Trace, I want to attack you sexually,' she quoted the married actor as telling her. Tambor, pictured with his wife Kasia Ostlun in September 2017, has denied allegations of sexual misconduct but admitted that he was mean and rude Actress Alexandra Billings, who was also in the scene, confirmed Lysettes account. A few minutes later, she said Tambor 'waddled' over to her, put his feet and hers and began thrusting against her hip, in a way she characterized as 'discreet and insidious and creepy.' She added: 'I felt his genitals on me. And I pushed him off.' Amazon launched the internal probe in November 2017, which led to his firing in mid-February. Tambor learned he had been terminated via text message from Soloway Tambor issued a statement at the time, saying he was profoundly disappointed in the deeply flawed and biased investigations outcome and in Soloway. It has been suggested that Tambor was pushed out of the cast because he was a Cisgender man a person who identifies as his birth sex - playing a transgender woman, Maura Pfefferman. Soloway seemingly hinted at that in an email to Tambor that read: They have been after Maura from the beginning. Soloway's sister, writing producer Faith Soloway, told Tambor in a separate email that they were in a coup' and that he was 'fantastic' on the show. Back in action: Tambor will be reprising his role as George Bluth Sr in the upcoming season of the Netflix show Arrested Development (pictured) In a moment of self-reflection, Tambor blamed his aggressive and surly behavior on set on his feelings of fear and insecurity because I was a cisgender male playing Maura Pfefferman. And my whole thing was, Am I doing it right? Am I doing it right? Am I doing it right? To the point that I worried myself to death.' In a Facebook post reacting to the Hollywood Reporter interview, Barnes claimed to be in possession of typed notes and names of 'other Tambor victims' who have contacted her privately but have not gone public with their allegations. Barnes hit out at the author of the article, whom she accused of going along with Tambor's 'story' to help him rehabilitate his public image, and at the producers of the show for 'guilty tripping' her and others into silence. 'I call BS! ...and in my best trans-affirmative voice "B****, Please!"... the truth always prevails and I have no problem letting that truth go public in the right way as soon as I'm cleared to do so,' Barnes concluded. Transparent is scheduled to return to Amazon for its fifth and final season on May 29, without Tambors Maura Pfefferman. William Shatner is back on the bridge of the USS Enterprise. The actor, who played Capt. James T. Kirk in the original Star Trek TV series, was the guest of honor during 'William Shatner Weekend' at the Star Trek: Original Series Set Tour in Ticonderoga, New York. On Friday and Saturday, Shatner delighted Trekkies visiting the recreation of the Star Trek sets from Desilu Productions' Stage 9, where the series was filmed more than 50 years ago, which were lovingly rebuilt by super fan James Cawley, according to StarTrek.com. William Shatner, who played Star Trek's Capt. James T. Kirk, visited the fan-made recreation of the original sets, built by James Cawley (right, pompadour) used during the 1960s Shatner and fans on the bridge set mimicked the way the series actors leaned left and right while portraying the Enterprise's rapid turns while flying in space While sitting in the captain's chair on the Enterprise's bridge set, Shatner joked that the chair was 'so comfortable that Im not going to get up.' But on a serious note, Shatner called the recreated set 'extraordinary' and said that the set was 'exactly the way it was 50-odd years ago,' when he worked on Star Trek's three-season run. 'Its like coming back to a house that you might have been born in and go look around and you see it: "Wow, its bigger and smaller than I remember, and yet its the same."' Shatner, 87, also reminisced about his final day on the original set. 'When I left the set (for the last time), I think I had the flu,' Shatner said. 'I think I was a little ill. I went on my way. And now Im back! Maybe we can do it again.' An idea that would no doubt thrill the reported 1,400 people who bought tickets ranging from $80 to $1,500 to meet and mingle with Shatner while he was at the exhibit signing autographs and taking pictures. Shatner said the recreated captain's chair was 'so comfortable that Im not going to get up' Shatner (pictured in character during the original TV series) said that the $200,000 set recreations were 'exactly the way it was 50-odd years ago' Shatner said that the last time he was on the show's set, he had the flu Shatner spent two days at the recreated set, meeting fans and signing autographs Fans spent between $80 and $1,500 to meet and mingle with Shatner during the set tour Star Trek franchise artists and designers, including Michael Okuda (right with Shatner), were on hand to give guided tours of the set Cawley, a professional Elvis impersonator, built the $200,000 set recreation in an old grocery store in his Ticonderoga hometown, according to the Burlington Free Press. His project is officially-licensed by CBS and was the result of 14 years of planning and work, using original blueprints and thousands of photos from the series, which aired on NBC from 1966 to 1969. 'Never in a million years, literally worshiping that guy, did I ever think I would see him in that chair, in my building,' Cawley said. In addition to the bridge, Cawley recreated the Enterprise's corridors, engineering, sick bay and captain's quarters. Over the weekend, visual artists and designers who worked on the Star Trek franchise, including Michael and Denise Okuda and Doug Drexler, were on hand to give guided tours of the recreated sets. Michael Okuda said that stepping onto the side-by-side, recreated sets from the original Star Trek which he'd watched while growing up was 'like stepping into a dream.' Daily tours of the Star Trek: Original Series Set Tour begin May 8. About 1,400 Trekkies attended the William Shatner Weekend at the set tour A 42-year-old cold case has finally been cracked as police say they have matched unidentified remains to a 33-year-old missing woman and even know who killed her. Investigators believe the remains discovered by hunters in 1976 belong to Mary Ann Perez, the New Orleans wife and mother-of-three who went missing after a night out. Remains were found eight months after her disappearance 120 miles away in Alabama. But in a time before the computer age, no one made the connection between the two cases until now. With persistent investigative work and a few strokes of luck, detectives say 'it was a miracle' that all the pieces came together to solve the came. Mary Ann Perez, 33, went missing after a night out drinking in 1976 In 1980, David Courtney (left) and his wife Donna admitted to killing Perez and four other women in multiple states The mother-of-three's remains were found eight months later in Alabama but no one was able to connect the two cases until now Mobile County Sheriff's Office Detective JT Thornton helped put all the pieces together in the investigation and told WKTG that one final DNA test will finally solve the case and say her murderers are a convicted married serial killer duo. Back in 1977 Perez's unidentified skeletal remains were shipped to a lab in Oklahoma that used the skull to construct images of what the woman may have looked like. However, those images produced no lead and the case went cold. 'The skeleton still had the clothing and it was mostly intact and there was also a partial dental plate the skull of the female indicated pre-existing injuries from traffic collisions,' said Thornton. A break in the case came in 1980 when drifter David Courtney was arrested in 1980 in Wichita, Kansas. Courtney admitted that he and his wife Donna killed five women throughout several states, including Mary Ann Perez. The couple pinpointed where they dumped all of the bodies but said they could not remember exactly where Perez was placed. They pleaded guilty to murder but without a body they were not charged with the New Orleans woman's killing. David Courtney is still serving a life sentence in Kansas and his wife died 20 years ago. The couple detailed the murder to investigators at the time. David Courtney is still serving a life sentence in Kansas and his wife died 20 years ago New Orleans Police Detective Bob Lambert told Unsolved Mysteries that David Courtney outlined Perez's death. Courtney claimed he saw Perez in the parking lot of a bar, too drunk to drive home, so he persuaded her to come back to his trailer with his wife. 'He stated that this female fell asleep on a chair in the trailer and there was some sexual advancements by his wife, which woke this female up and she became disturbed and irate and upset about what was going on and then they agreed to give her a ride home at that time,' Lambert said. Courtney said he strangled Perez with a coat hanger in the back seat as his wife drove the car, adding that they dumped the body at either the Louisiana-Mississippi border or the Mississippi-Alabama border. Without ever discovering the body, Perez's family held out hope that she was still alive. Perez's car is pictured outside of the New Orleans bar where she went missing in 1976 Meanwhile 120 miles away in Alabama where the remains were found, the opposite issue was at hand. Police had the body without any theory of a crime. That was until recently when Thornton began looking into cold cases and came across the 1976 remains. 'I actually went to investigate another Jane Doe that was found in '76,' he said. 'And behind her, I found Jane Doe X2. So I thought there might be some correlation so I started investigating and found there was no correlation.' He linked with another detective in Mississippi who knew about the Perez case, prompting Thornton to meet with her husband and children in New Orleans. Mobile County Sheriff's Office Detective JT Thornton cracked the cold case after more than four decades 'They advised me that she had been in a traffic accident, Mary Ann Perez had, that she had a partial dental plate, and they presented me with the demographics of her and I thought that's almost a perfect match,' he said. However, after more than two decades no one knew where the skeletal remains were, making it impossible to conduct the final DNA testing that would put the case together. Then, Thornton said a 'miracle' happened. 'The state attorney general's office sent an investigator down here, who also works cold cases. So when he comes in he's like ''do you know anything about this case?'' And I said I do and I've been hunting for the remains. And he's like ''we've been looking for the case that goes with the remains.''' The remains were kept in a warehouse in Oklahoma and are now at a lab in Texas for DNA testing which should finally close the case within the next few weeks. 'That goes to show that no matter the time length, these cases can be solved,' Thornton said. Roseanne Cassano, 79, has been charged for driving while intoxicated (DWI) over the crash A 79-year-old woman has been charged for driving while intoxicated (DWI) after she crashed her car into an Italian restaurant in New York and seriously injured four diners. Police said Roseanne Cassano of Yonkers was driving the car that crashed into Enzo's Ristorante in the Westchester County village of Mamaroneck just after 8pm on Sunday. Four diners were critically injured and rushed to a local hospital for treatment. Their conditions are still unknown. Authorities said five others were injured in the incident, but are expected to be okay. Authorities said Cassano remained at the scene where she was questioned by police. Cassano's attorney told NBC that his client was distraught over the incident. Surveillance footage showed a red car attempting to back out of a handicap parking spot right by the Italian eatery. A 79-year-old woman has been charged for driving while intoxicated after she crashed her car into an Italian restaurant in New York and seriously injured four diners Police said Roseanne Cassano of Yonkers was driving the car that crashed into Enzo's Ristorante in the Westchester County village of Mamaroneck just after 8pm on Sunday The car crashed into Enzo's Ristorante in the Westchester County village of Mamaroneck just after 8pm on Sunday It clipped a white car that was in the traffic lane and then continued to reverse at high speed, crashing through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the restaurant. Mamaroneck Mayor Tom Murphy was dining at a restaurant across the street from where the crash occurred. 'It's a popular restaurant, people inside were hurt and taken to the hospital,' he told The Journal News. Multiple people could be seen being taken away from the scene on stretchers. Juan Flores, who works at a nearby Mexican restaurant, said the car was trying to back out of a parking spot. 'The person, instead of stopping the car, accelerated the car and went into the restaurant,' he said. Ethan De La Rosa was eating inside the restaurant with his family when he saw the car crash just a few feet away from his table. Mamaroneck Mayor Tom Murphy said multiple diners inside the restaurant were hurt and taken to a hospital Spectators said the red car was still inside the restaurant as of 9pm on Sunday night 'It was shocking to see,' he told CBS2. 'I have a lot of adrenaline running through me.' Photos from the scene show a wide section of the floor-to-ceiling windows in the front of the restaurant smashed in. Authorities have not released the identities of the three critically injured in the incident. The accident remains under investigation. Surveillance footage showed the red car attempting to back out of a handicap parking spot and clipping a white vehicle in the traffic lane Nigeria's army claims to have freed more than 1,000 Boko Haram hostages, including women and children. The terror group, based in northeastern Nigeria, began an insurgency in Africa in 2009 with the aim of creating an Islamic caliphate. They have killed more than 20,000 people and forced two million others to flee their homes. Thousands have been kidnapped by the militants, according to aid groups. A still from a chilling video clip of some of the 270 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram from Chibok in 2014 Now the Nigerian army has posted on their official Twitter account that captives have been rescued from the villages of Malamkari, Amchaka, Walasa and Gora. In a series of Tweets they wrote: 'Troops of 22 Brigade deployed in operation LAFIYA DOLE has rescued over 1000 hostages from the Boko Haram Terrorists enclave. 'The operation which was conducted in conjunction with allies of Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), rescued the hostages from Malamkari, Amchaka, Walasa and Gora villages of Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. 'The hostages consisted mainly of women, children as well as some young men who were forced to become Boko Haram fighters.' The operation which was conducted in conjunction with allies of Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), rescued the hostages from Malamkari, Amchaka, Walasa and Gora villages of Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) May 7, 2018 We wishes to remind the public of its resolve to rout out BH & rescued all hostages. The public is also advised to report any suspicious character to the appropriate authority for prompt action. However, the rescued persons are being attended to in a military medical facility. Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) May 7, 2018 Some of the Chibok kidnapping victims appearing in a video released by the militants in January Boko Haram abducted approximately 270 children from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, north-eastern Nigeria, in 2014. A chilling 21-minute video released by the militants in January appeared to show 12 of the missing girls. One wore a white niqab said they were 'never coming back'. In February this year the group abducted 110 schoolgirls in northeastern Nigeria - 101 were freed a month later following negotiations with the Nigerian government. 18:03 | Moquegua (Moquegua region), May. 7. According to Vizcarra, he and State ministers will visit Cajamarca and Jauja cities within the framework of the upcoming Muni-Executive Power meetings . First stops included Puno and Pucallpa "We'll be traveling every week. The ministers and I have pledged to visit the country 's 25 regions within our first six months in office," he stated. Likewise, the Peruvian leader stressed the importance of this new policy, which fosters dialogue and meetings with regional governments, saying it has received positive feedback from mayors and inland authorities. "We listened to your needs during the working visits and started to examine what is feasible, along with government officials and the Economy and Finance Minister David Tuesta himself," he expressed. In this sense, the statesman explained the Executive Power has committed over S/200 million (about US$61.1 million) in resources towards basic and necessary works for the benefit of Puno and Ucayali regions this year. "This mechanism has been a success. To check this, ask mayors what they think about this form of Government. They haven't seen it before. Unfortunately, they are leaving by the end of the year," he said. For this reason, President Vizcarra disclosed he will continue working with the incoming authorities to be elected on October 7 during the upcoming regional and municipal elections. (END) JCC/CCR/RMB/MVB Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra on Monday disclosed he will not stop visiting regions across the country as this is a new policy implemented by his administration.Published: 5/7/2018 Australians are being cheated out of thousands of dollars by phone scammers who hope you call them back. The fraudsters briefly call phones and hang up before you can answer in an attempt to get you to return the missed call - and be slugged with huge charges. Overseas numbers are used in countries where tolled lines charge a premium to the caller, like 1300 numbers only more expensive. Australians are being cheated out of thousands of dollars by phone scammers who hope you call them back The fraudsters briefly call phones from overseas numbers and hang up before you can answer in an attempt to get you to return the missed call, ACC deputy chair Delia Rickard (right) says More than 200 Australians a month are caught up in this 'one and cut' scam as people feel the need to return missed calls. The scammers keep a big cut of the cash from the calls, and try to keep victims on the line as long as possible to extract more of it. 'There's lots of places that have very high terminating fees when you call into them. They might try to engage you in conversation,' ACC deputy chair Delia Rickard told Seven News. 'Their goal is to have you call them and stay on the phone for as long as possible so that they get the money.' Phone companies have blocking services for landlines, and some will also refund your money if you get caught People can avoid getting scammed by blocking numbers they realise are scammers using their mobile phones. Apps like True Caller, Callblock and Sync.Me will also automatically block known scam numbers form ever calling your phone. Phone companies have blocking services for landlines, and some will also refund your money if you get caught. A Utah woman who told police Tom Sizemore groped her during a movie set photo shoot when she was 11 years old is now suing the actor. The lawsuit filed on Monday says the 2003 incident, which allegedly occurred during production of the 'Born Killers' movie, left her with post-traumatic stress and drug and alcohol addiction. The woman, now aged 26, is seeking at least $3 million in damages. Sizemore denied the 'highly disturbing' allegation when it surfaced in November last year, saying he would never inappropriately touch a child. A Utah woman who told police Tom Sizemore groped her during a movie set photo shoot when she was 11 years old is now suing the actor and is seeking at least $3 million in damages A spokeswoman for the 56-year-old did not immediately return phone and email messages seeking comment on the lawsuit. Salt Lake City police investigated in 2003, but prosecutors didn't file charges, citing witness and evidence problems. The lawsuit comes about six months after the allegations first surfaced in a Hollywood Reporter article that claimed the girl had been assaulted on set towards the end of filming. The girl, who played a minor role in the movie, told authorities she was sitting with Sizemore when the actor allegedly touched her private parts. Catrine McGregor, the movie's casting director, received a call the day after the alleged incident from the actress's agent informing her that the girl's mother said her daughter had been 'inappropriately touched'. The girl's mother made a report to Salt Lake City police, who referred the case to the Salt Lake County district attorney's office to consider criminal charges. The district attorney's office declined to prosecute. The lawsuit filed on Monday says the 2003 incident, which allegedly occurred during production of the 'Born Killers' movie (pictured above), left her with post-traumatic stress and drug and alcohol addiction Several cast and crew members told THR that Sizemore was later removed from set because of the incident. But Sizemore said that while he was asked to go home while the matter was investigated, he was soon permitted back on set. Catrine McGregor, the movie's casting director, received a call the day after the alleged incident from the actress's agent informing her that the girl's mother said her daughter had been 'inappropriately touched' 'The allegations that I molested an 11-year-old girl are simply false,' he said. 'The day the allegations were raised I was completely in shock, I was devastated to have been accused of something so heinous. 'I fully cooperated with all involved and as far as I knew the matter was dealt with fully at the time. 'Reports I was kicked off set are untrue, I stayed on the project until completion. The alleged victim, for whom I feel nothing but compassion, also finished the film.' Producers Jai Stefan, Michael Manshel and Gus Spoliansky confirmed they removed Sizemore from set in the wake of the allegations and reviewed the photographs from the shooting session but they were inconclusive. Sizemore's career has included prominent roles in 'Saving Private Ryan' and 'Black Hawk Down', but he has been dogged by drug abuse and domestic violence arrests. Sizemore, who is back making movies after a very public battle with drug addiction, has been sober for over four years since facing up to his demons. 'I have set the record straight and have worked too hard to get myself clean and get back to doing what I love most - acting and making movies, to let this drag me down,' said last year. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt, already facing 11 separate investigations related to his official conduct and ethics, is so worried to face tough questions that his aides script the ones he answers in public. The stunning revelation is one needle in a haystack of more than 10,000 pages of documents the agency handed over to the Sierra Club, a green activist group, in response to a Freedom Of Information Act demand. In one instance, The New York Times reported Monday, an Iowa audience heard Pruitt engage in a 'town hall' question-and-answer session without knowing that EPA staffers had composed the questions ahead of time. The event, held last December in the central Iowa town of Nevada, was billed as a chance for farmers to interact with Pruitt. Reporters, too, were credentialed for his appearance. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt's newest headache is related to his agency's habit of making sure he's never in a position to field tough questions with TV cameras rolling or print reporters taking notes Before one 'town hall' meeting with ranchers and farmers last year in Iowa, Pruitt's aides insisted that all questions had to be vetted and planned in advance with no audience participation When Bill Couser, an Iowa rancher who helped organize the town hall, asked the EPA's if he could limit his own questions to just a few so the audience members could have the widest berth possible, Pruitt's scheduling director objected. 'This has been sold as a town hall meeting. It turns into a Bill Couser show if the crowd is not involved,' Couser had written. 'I will do a couple of questions for him and then it need[s] to go to the audience.' The scheduling manager, Millan Hupp, replied: 'We have to stick with the questions we have and of course we would encourage you to gather additional questions ahead of time. ... we cannot do open q&a from the crowd.' The EPA's reluctance to let Pruitt work without a net appeared to be an outgrowth of the agency's habit of sorting people into 'friendly' and 'unfriendly' camps. On September 2017 memo to EPA officials described a morning meeting with Pruitt in Colorado Springs, Colorado that would feature '[s]ixteen friendly Industry leaders' from the homebuilding sector. The event was not publicly announced and it was not open to the public, but other people who were 'industry friendly and supportive of Mr. Pruitt and his efforts' would attend and could ask questions. Most questions, though, covered issues 'set forth in advance,' the memo said. Iowa cattle rancher Bill Couser told EPA aides that he needed to let the audience at an event he organized ask Pruitt questions, but that idea was quickly vetoed Pruitt is facing 11 separate investigations related to his official conduct and ethics Another instance involved an April 2017 meeting in Missouri, open only about 150 power plant owners and electric co-op representatives. When a TV station found out it would happen and tweeted about it, a senior EPA official asked one of the local business organizers if the news outlet was 'friendly.' The businessman replied: 'It is, but since its a public tweet you have to assume the world now knows including all news media even unfriendly.' One former EPA official told the Times that Pruitt's famous hyper-concern for his personal security is itself a masquerade designed to prevent ordinary Americans from getting close enough to him to ask probing questions or offer criticism. 'The security aspect is smoke and mirrors,' said Kevin Chmielewski, a former deputy chief of staff for operations under Pruitt. 'He didnt want anybody to question anything.' Retired US Marine Colonel Oliver North, a key figure in the Iran-Contra arms-for-hostages scandal three decades ago, has been named president of the National Rifle Association. North, 74, was named the new NRA president on Monday just as it continues to face powerful backlash over the massacres in Florida and Las Vegas. He will be the biggest celebrity to lead the five-million-member gun lobby since Hollywood leading man Charlton Heston, who famously declared in 2000 that his guns would have to be taken 'from my cold, dead hands'. 'Oliver North is a legendary warrior for American freedom, a gifted communicator and skilled leader,' NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre said. Retired US Marine Colonel Oliver North, 74, was named the new president of the National Rifle Association on Monday Momentum for gun control has been building since the mass shooting in Las Vegas last fall that killed 58 people and the February 14 rampage at a high school in Parkland, Florida that left 17 dead. North was picked by the NRA's board of directors, which elects a president every two years, and is expected to assume office within the next several weeks. He succeeds Pete Brownell, who decided not to seek a second term. LaPierre remains as vice president and chief executive, running the powerful lobbying group's day-to-day operations. North will lead the board, and NRA observers say they anticipate he will take on a more public role in the style of Heston, a fiery presence who used his acting background to energize members. North was a military aide to the National Security Council during the Reagan administration in the 1980s. He emerged into the spotlight for his role in arranging the clandestine sale of weapons to Iran and the secret diversion of the proceeds to the anti-communist Contra rebels in Nicaragua. He was convicted in 1989 of obstructing Congress during its investigation, destroying government documents and accepting an illegal gratuity. Those convictions were overturned in 1991. North, a conservative commentator, is best known for his central role in the 1980s Iran-Contra affair. He is pictured in 1986 being sworn in before the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing in DC After retiring as a US Marine Colonel, North has since run for office, written several books, gone on the speaking circuit and served as a commentator on Fox News He has since run for office, written several books, gone on the speaking circuit and served as a commentator on Fox News. In a statement, North said he was honored to be selected and 'eager to hit the ground running.' North's appointment was hailed by gun-rights supporters who consider him a patriot who will vigorously push back against efforts to restrict access to firearms. Gun-control advocates called his appointment symptomatic of an NRA tone-deaf and unwilling to seek solutions to gun violence. 'For an organization so concerned with law and order, picking a new leader who admitted that he lied to Congress is a truly remarkable decision,' said Avery Gardiner, co-president of the Brady Campaign. The gun lobby 'will be led by a man whose own concealed carry permit was revoked because he was 'not of good character.' Robert J. Spitzer, chairman of political science at the State University of New York at Cortland and an expert on firearms and Second Amendment issues, called North the closest thing the NRA has to a celebrity. 'And maybe they figure they need a more prominent person at the helm, as opposed to the string of relative unknowns who have served in recent years,' Spitzer said. Heston, who died in 2008, served from 1998 to 2003. In 2000, he sought to rally NRA supporters against Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore, warning that Gore was going to 'slander you as gun-toting, knuckle-dragging, bloodthirsty maniacs.' Hoisting a flintlock rifle, Heston declared: 'From my cold, dead hands!' It was a time similar to today, an election following a high-profile mass shooting - the one at Columbine high school in 1999. The body of a New Jersey woman who has been missing since December has been found, five months later, inside her car in a parking lot. Shanaya Coley, 24, of Paterson, New Jersey, was last seen on December 5 and was reported missing amidst fears that she had been abducted while inside her own grey Nissan Altima. Officers were called to a Paterson apartment complex's parking lot by concerned citizen Wilfredo Morales, who reported an unattended car on Sunday morning, according to ABC 7. Shanaya Coley, 24, was believed to be carjacked or abducted on the way to work in December. Her body was found five months later inside her car in a parking lot Upon arrival, officers realized the car was Shanaya's grey Altima and saw what looked like a body in the backseat. On Sunday, Morales said he parked his van next to the Altima, as he'd been doing for the past five months, and started 'smelling something really funky.' He thought it was a dead cat at first, then realized that the smell was coming from the Altima. 'I saw a lot of flies, all flies around it,' he said. He peeked into the car and as soon as he saw the white sheet covering the body, he called the police. Police responding to a report of an unattended car in an apartment complex's parking lot realized that the car was actually Shanaya's missing car Shanaya's car had been parked in the parking lot for the past five months When police approached the car, they saw a body covered with a white sheet in the backseat Although the medical examiner has not yet positively identified the body in the car as belonging to Shanaya, authorities and family and friends believe it to be the missing woman. On Sunday afternoon, Shanaya's family posted an update on the Find Shanaya Coley Facebook page stating: 'Good Morning to everyone on a mission to Find Shanaya. Your prayers and support are 100% appreciated. Right now we wanted to let everyone know Shanayas car has been located. The family appreciates everyones thoughts and prayers but this will be the only update we will be providing for right now. Again, thank you all for spreading the word.' Shanaya, the single mother of a four-year-old boy, was last seen leaving her apartment for her shift at a health facility in nearby Wyckoff, New Jersey, on December 5 at about 11pm. Shortly after her disappearance, Shanaya's father, Willie Coley, told CBS New York that 'there was blood in a couple place' near where her car had been parked, but that it wasn't clear whether the blood was his daughter's blood. Shanaya disappeared after leaving her apartment to go to work at a health facility. She was a single mother to a four-year-old boy, who has not yet been told his mother has died Although her body has not yet been officially identified, authorities and her relatives believe that the body inside her car is, in fact, Shanaya's body Authorities believed that Shanaya might've been either kidnapped or carjacked. Shanaya's mother, Rachel Martin, told ABC 7 that it is a relief to finally have her daughter back in some way. 'My heart is dead, Shanaya, but it's okay. I know you're with me. I don't have to tell you I love you, you know,' Martin said. Shanaya's parents have not yet told her son that his mother is dead. Martin said that she shows the child Shanaya's picture. He talks to it and 'always tells her he loves her.' Anybody with information about the incident are asked to call the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office at 1-877-370-PCPO. The number of children in Japan has fallen for the 37th consecutive year despite the countrys efforts to offset its ageing population. There were 15.53 million children under the age of 14 in Japan as of April 1, 2018. This is a decrease of 170,000 from the previous year and continues the downward spiral which started in 1981, according to the data by the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry. The number of children in Japan has fallen for the 37th consecutive year despite the countrys efforts to offset its ageing population The decline in numbers also isnt likely to end soon as older children made up the largest section of the category, with 3.26 million 12 to 14-year-olds. Only Tokyo showed an increase in the amount of children compared to the previous year, despite efforts by the Shinzo Abe government to encourage adults to have more youngsters. Children made up just 12.3 per cent of Japans total population of 126 million - in contract to the USs 18.9 per cent and Chinas 16.8 per cent, report CNN. Japan wishes to increase its fertility rate - the average number of children a woman in the country has in her lifetime - by 0.35 to 1.8 by the end of 2025, according to the Japan Times. Only Tokyo showed an increase in the amount of children compared to the previous year, despite efforts by the Shinzo Abe government to encourage adults to have more youngsters The steady decline in numbers will mean less workers paying taxes to support an ever ageing population in need of pensions and healthcare The government is aiming to reach this goal through one time cash payments. Unlike many other industrialised countries who have been struggling with low birth rates, Japan has failed to increase its population through immigrants. Foreigners made up 1.3 per cent of Japans population in 2013 compared to seven per cent for the US, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). A projection by the Japanese Health Ministry suspects that Japans population will plunge to 86.74 million by 2060 - leaving the countrys economy with a problem. The steady decline in numbers will mean less workers paying taxes to support an ever ageing population in need of pensions and healthcare. A Brooklyn man has been charged with murdering his father and nearly beheading him with a survival knife inside the apartment they shared with the victims mother. Troy Jones, 43, was found lying dead on a couch inside him home on Flatbush Avenue in the Flatlands section of Brooklyn at 10.35am on Sunday. The victim's mother slept through the grisly killing and discovered her son's body when she woke up on Sunday. Grisly crime scene: Troy Jones, 43, was found with his head nearly cut off on a coach inside him home on Flatbush Avenue (pictured) in the Flatlands section of Brooklyn Sunday Police soon identified Jones' 23-year-old son, Tyemear Jones, as a person of interest in the slaying. By the time officers responded to the scene, he had fled to New Jersey, reported New York Post. The 23-year-old was initially arrested on a charge of theft of services after he allegedly failed to pay for a taxi ride at a rest stop in Newark. When local police searched Tyemear, they allegedly found a blood-stained knife in his possession. The weapon was described as a heavy duty survival tactical knife. Police released Tyemear after issuing him a desk appearance but put out an alert to other law enforcement agencies. Officers with the NYPD learned of the alert, travelled to Newark and took Tyemear into custody. He was later transported to the 63rd Precinct in Brooklyn and charged with murder. Tyemear had no prior criminal history. A woman who identified herself as the suspects sister told New York Daily News their father was a loving man and she did not know why anyone would want to harm him. Advertisement First Lady Melania Trump unveiled her new initiatives for the her husbands administration a vow to help kids be best that included a stern lecture about appropriate online behavior while the Tweeter in chief sat just feet away from her. The new initiative, which sprawls into three major areas, doesn't back away from an earlier push for 'positive' behavior online. The first lady spoke alone at a podium from the Rose Garden, while her husband was seated in the front row of dignitaries who gathered to hear a rare public event for a private-minded first lady who didn't move to the White House until months into the administration. Speaking in heavily-accented English, the former Slovenian model said: 'When children learn positive online behaviors early-on, social media can be used in productive ways and can affect positive change.' BE BEST: Melania Trump unveiled her new initiative at the White House 'I do believe that children should be both seen AND heard, and it is our responsibility as adults to educate and remind them that when they are using their voices whether verbally or online they must choose their words wisely and speak with respect and compassion,' she said. President Trump sat in front and listened. Her plea came on a day when Trump railed against the 'Phony Witch Hunt' of the Russia probe, blasted a pair of FBI lovers, went after former Secretary of State John Kerry's 'possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy,' and said GOP Senate candidate Don Blankenship 'can't win' in West Virginia. President Trump sat in the audience for his wife's speech, then addressed the audience SEALED WITH A KISS: President Donald Trump kisses first lady Melania Trump following an event where Melania Trump announced her initiatives in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Monday, May 7, 2018 SIGN HERE: President Donald Trump signs a proclamation alongside First Lady Melania Trump after she announced her "Be Best" children's initiative in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC, May 7, 2018 CAPTIVE AUDIENCE: Melania Trump spoke about respectful online behavior with her husband seated just feet away from her Trump also sent out a tweet announcing he had reached a decision on the Iran deal just minutes before his wife was to take the stage. 'Melania, your care and compassion for our nations children and I have to say this and I say it all the time, inspires us all,' the president told her after her remarks, before signing a 'Be Best' proclamation. 'I think you all know who is going to get the pen. Thank you,' the president concluded. 'My hope is that together we can be best at helping children and families find effective ways to educate themselves and help each other,' the first lady said, calling to make a 'real difference.' Her campaign doesn't contain the label of stopping 'cyber bullying' a topic that drew ridicule because of her husband's constant online attacks on his rivals. But the first lady does want kids to develop 'positive online behaviors' and 'choose their words wisely' online, and learn to 'speak with respect and compassion. BE BEST DRESSED: White House Senior Advisor Ivanka Trump arrives for the launch of U.S. first lady Melania Trump's "Be Best" initiative in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, U.S., May 7, 2018 BANNER DAY: The White House was adorned with the new 'Be Best' logo 'I think you all know who is going to get the pen. Thank you,' the president said after he signed a proclamation MIGHTIER THAN THE TWEET: Members of the press were presented with special pens that said 'Be Best' NOW THAT'S SWEET: The First Lady's office also made cookies available An online pamphlet compiled by the White House advises: 'Talk to your kids about bullying. Tell your kids that they can't hide behind the words they type and the images they post or send. Bullying is a lose-lose situation: Hurtful messages make the target feel bad, and they make the sender look bad. Often they can bring scorn from peers and punishment from authorities.' Her remarks also included a shout-out to several companies she met with including Amazon.com, a favorite target of her husband's. The rollout for the new push had the feel of a family garden party, with the Marine Band providing musical accompaniment in the White House rose garden. Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Kellyanne Conway, and top cabinet officials including Steven Mnuchin attended. President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence also turned out on a sunny day. ''Together, I believe we should strive to provide kids with the tools they need to cultivate their social and emotional health,' she said. Aides kept the substantive content of her rollout a secret until just minutes before she took a podium alone just steps from the Oval Office. YOU EARNED IT: President Donald Trump hands First Lady Melania Trump a pen after he signed a proclamation in honor of her newly-announced "Be Best" children's initiative in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC, May 7, 2018 President Donald Trump kisses first lady Melania Trump following an event where Melania Trump announced her initiatives in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington THE BEST IS YET TO COME: U.S. first lady Melania Trump delivers remarks at the "launch of her Be Best initiatives in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, U.S., May 7, 2018. As first lady Melania Trump unveiled her 'Be Best' initiative on May 7, the campaigns brochure about cyberbullying for parents was released. The brochures back cover promoted a non-functioning Federal Trade Commission website There were two large banners displaying the new 'Be Best' logo. President Trump was seated in the front row of a gathering 'As we all know, social media can both positively and negatively affect our children,' Melania Trump said. Members of the press derided as fake news by President Trump were provided with red white and blue cookies that carried the new Be Best logo. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump 'spend very little to no time together,' according to a friend of the president's The mission of Be Best is to focus on the major issues facing children today, with the goal of encouraging children to Be Best in their individual paths, while also teacing them the importance of social, emotional, and physical health, according to a PR packet. Be Best will concentrate on three main pillars: well-being, social media, and opioid abuse. Melania Trump has achieved a new high in her personal approval rating even as her husband battles the Stormy Daniels allegations and the Russia probe. The first lady's public approval rating hit 57 per cent in a new CNN poll, up ten percentage points from mid-January. At the start of the year, the first lady's approval rating was 47 per cent, with an unfavorable rating of 37 per cent. By contrast, her husband's approval rating is at 42 percent in the latest fivethirtyeight average. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are living highly public and mostly separate lives. 'They spend very little to no time together,' a longtime friend of the president told the Washington Post, as Melania prepares to roll out her own White House initiatives to focus on children. Although the pair are sometimes photographed smiling in public as when they attend joint events or board government aircraft en route to Mar-a-Lago, they spend considerable time apart. They have separate bedrooms inside the White House, and Trump awakes at early hours to lob tweets at his rivals. 'They are not that couple that holds hands just because; she is old-world European and it's not who she is,' said Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, who previously held a volunteer White House job and whose firm got paid $1.62 million for consulting and production related to Trump's inauguration. Her spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, knocked down a 'persistent rumor' that the first lady doesn't even live in the White House and stays with her parents near son Barron Trump's school. 'It's 1,000 percent false. We laugh at it all the time,' said Grisham. White House social secretary Rickie Niceta Lloyd called it an ''urban legend.' The two have carved out largely separate public lives. While the president makes regular appearances with his cabinet, staff aides, and world leaders, the first lady focuses on her own, less-frequent events. When the couple travels to Florida for weekends, the only image of them together is frequently of them boarding and de-boarding an aircraft. President Trump sent his wife birthday wishes during an appearance on Fox News last month where he said: 'Maybe, I didn't get her so much. I got her a beautiful card, you know I'm very busy to be running out looking for presents.' She hasn't spoken about the Stormy Daniels scandal that has rocked his administration. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who is representing Trump, said he was 'trying to help the family' with a $130,000 payment to silence porn star. Daniels alleges she had a sexual affair with Trump while Melania was pregnant with Barron. Melania Trump launches her initiatives today with Rose Garden speech 16 months after her husband took office. She will focus on children's issues WHITE HAT: First Lady Melania Trump listens as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the arrival ceremony for President Macron on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump hold hands as they stand in front of the casket as the late evangelist Billy Graham lies in honor in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S. February 28, 2018 Aside from the president's solo trips, the family spends most evenings together.' She also played down the headlines about Trump's alleged affairs and said Melania 'is focused on being a mom. She's focused on being a wife, and she's focused on her role as first lady. And that's it. The rest is just noise.' During the funeral for Barbara Bush, it was Melania Trump who flew to Texas to represent the administration, appearing with former presidents George W. Bush, George H.W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton. According to her spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, Melania Trump will focus on issues relating to children during her time in the White House. She is rolling out her focus 16 months into the administration. First Lady Melania Trump throws a Christmas ornament as she makes garland with children in the East Wing as she tours holiday decorations at the White House in Washington, DC, November 27, 2017 Stephanie Clifford aka 'Stormy Daniels' during 'Michael Cohen Wiretap Cold Open' on 'Saturday Night Live' Amalija and Viktor Knavs, parents of U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, arrive with their lawyer Michael Wildes (C) at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building, May 2, 2018 in New York City. The Knavs were scheduled to have a meeting concerning their U.S. citizenship applications She previously said she would focus on cyber bullying a topic she acknowledged has drawn scrutiny thanks to her husbands use of Twitter to pound his opponents. 'As has been evidenced by the many events Mrs. Trump has participated in during her time as first lady, her focus will be the overall well-being of children. Something unique though: She has not narrowed her platform down to just one topic as has been done in the past,' Grisham told CNN. 'Mrs. Trump wishes to help the next generation by creating change through awareness on a variety of issues that affect children.' A tearful Paris Hilton told a Los Angeles court on Monday that she had to increase her security and admitted to not trusting iCloud as the hacker who stole her nude photos and $120,000 from her bank accounts was sentenced. Paytsar Bkhchadzhyan was given five years in prison for targeting Hilton over the course of two years. The heiress was seen on Monday walking into court where she told reporters: 'Don't trust the iCloud.' In court, Hilton told the judge that it's 'very important for me to stand here today and pursue legal action on behalf of myself, my family and anyone who has been targeted with hacking'. Paytsar Bkhchadzhyan, who stole naked photographs of Paris Hilton (pictured on Monday outside court) from her iCloud and more than $120,000 from her bank accounts, has been jailed for five years Hilton and two other unidentified people were targeted by Bkhchadzhyan over the course of two years. The heiress was seen on Monday walking into court where she told reporters: 'Don't trust the iCloud' 'Public figure or not, no one should be a target for this crime. I hope that by being here today it brings awareness that this wont be tolerated and moving forward it doesnt continue to happen to me or anyone else,' Hilton said. Hilton said she felt 'so upset, hurt and violated' after learning that someone had stolen her personal details and photos. Bkhchadzhyan hacked into the hotel heiress' email accounts and used her card details to book out the Penthouse Suite at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on December 31, 2015, according court documents seen by DailyMail.com. Just one month later, she accessed two of Hilton's email accounts, and changed their passwords, locking the 37-year-old out. While she had control, Bkhchadzhyan contacted Hilton's assistant and accountant, requesting $80,000 be transferred into an account set up in her own name. Around the same time, Bkhchadzhyan also accessed Hilton's iCloud, where she 'obtained nude photographs of [Hilton] as well as other sensitive and personal information'. Hilton told the judge that Bkhchadzhyan even started contacting her personally thru text after pretending to be someone else. She also said the woman threatened that her stolen private photos would be sold to the media and leaked to the public if she didn't not pay for them. 'I was told that they were already in talks with reporters and media companies interested,' Hilton said on Monday. According to Hilton, Bkhchadzhyan even attempted to pass through her security gate, but her access was denied. Hilton's assistant Angie Enos received rude messages from Bkhchadzhyan at the time, demanding she wire her $50,000. When Enos refused, Bkhchadzhyan then targeted Hilton's family, asking for the same amount to be wired. Bkhchadzhyan (left) used Hilton's (pictured on Friday) corporate credit card to book a penthouse suite at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on New Year's Eve in 2015 Bkhchadzhyan hacked the emails of Hilton's father, sister and manager. 'This woman targeted me in such a way that I will never forget or get over it. I feel so incredibly violated. She took over my life and identity. She tried to shake me up for money. It was all so unbelievable and crazy that it truly seemed like something out of a movie. Hilton said she was supposed to be out of town but she rescheduled her trip 'just to be here because I wanted you, your honor, to know and understand just how much this truly affected me and what a serious crime this is'. 'I want the defendant and any other hackers out their who are planning to target me or anyone else that this is wrong, highly illegal and a serious crime and it will not be tolerated and if they attempt again then they will be punished for their despicable actions,' she added. Other documents note Bkhchadzhyan is still in a relationship with suspected Armenian gangster, Sevak Mesrobian, who is currently incarcerated. The pair have a two-year-old son together, who Bkhchadzhyan called 'the love of her life' in her sentencing submission. Bkhchadzhyan also submitted to the court she had been a drug addict since her early teens, but was attending a rehabilitation program. She signed a guilty plea deal for bank fraud conspiracy in November last year. Bkhchadzhyan (pictured) has a son with suspected Armenian gangster Sevak Mesrobian In her sentencing submission, Bkhchadzhyan called the two-year-old 'the love of my life'. She signed a guilty plea deal in November last year Hilton was seen in West Hollywood on Tuesday in a tweed jacket and black skirt Starbucks will open its first Italian branch this year - dipping its toe into the home of espresso. The American coffee shop chain has announced it will be welcoming customers to its new roastery in September, which overlooks Piazza Cordusio in Milan. With six billion espressos served across bars in the country every year, the firm has their work cut out to the win the favour of the nation's seasoned coffee-drinkers. Starbucks will open its first Italian branch this year - dipping its toe into the home of espresso Reminiscing about his experience of Milan as a young man, Starbucks executive chairman Howard Schultz said: 'My imagination was captured by Italian coffee. 'We are not coming here to teach Italians how to make coffee, we're coming here with humility and respect, to show what we've learned.' Swiss food giant Nestle has since stepped in to pledge $7.15 billion in cash for the global rights to market Starbucks products outside of the company's coffee shops. Nestle, which owns the Nescafe and Nespresso brands, has a strong presence in Europe but wants to continue its growth in North America. Starbucks executive chairman Howard Schultz Starbucks, with its operations based in Seattle, provides Nestle with the platform they need. About 500 Starbucks staff will join Nestle and t It was hailed a 'historic' deal by Starbucks president and CEO Kevin Johnson, who said it would create a 'global coffee alliance'. Nestle CEO Mark Schneider said in a statement: 'This transaction is a significant step for our coffee business, Nestle's largest high-growth category. 'Both companies have true passion for outstanding coffee and are proud to be recognised as global leaders for their responsible and sustainable coffee sourcing.' Nestle: World's largest food and drink company Nestle is the worlds largest food and beverage company, with its headquarters in Vevey, Switzerland. Its 150-year history began in 1866 when the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company was founded. Henri Nestle's company merged with Anglo-Swiss in 1905 to form the Nestle Group. The firm owns more than 2,000 brands worldwide and made 66billion in sales in 2017 across 189 countries. It employs approximately 300,000 people in 413 factories spanning 85 nations. Source: Nestle Advertisement Starbucks has about 29,000 stores worldwide which serve 100 million customers every week, making billions in profits year on year. Controversy has dogged the coffee giant's US branches in recent weeks. The company was accused of racism after two black men were arrested in a Philadelphia branch on April 12 because they bought nothing and refused to leave. Days later, two hidden cameras were found in the toilets of the Alpharetta branch, seemingly set up to film customers in the cubicles. 13:34 | Lima, May. 7. Located in Lima's Surco district, the property is currently surrounded by cops. Led by Prosecutor German Juarez, this operation also involves an apartment (La Victoria district), a plot of land (Lurin district), and a house (Surco district) owned by his mother-in-law Antonia Alarcon. The home of the former presidential couple's close friend Rocio Calderon (in La Molina district) was also ordered to be seized. She is also under investigation over money laundering allegations. According to the Public Ministry, this measure means that possession will be handed over to State-run National Seized Property Program (Pronabi), as they were allegedly purchased with illicit money. Thus, both of them will be allowed to face trial out of prison. As is known, they are being investigated for allegedly having received illegal money from corruption-tainted Odebrecht to fund Humala's presidential campaign in 2011. Humala served as President between 2011 and 2016. He was succeeded by Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, who resigned the presidency last March amid a political scandal. (END) FHG/CCR/JAA/MVB Jorge Porto-Sierra, 50, allegedly confessed to police that he had planned on setting the Friendly Village Inn in Kissimmee, Florida on fire to 'barbecue all the child molesters' inside A Florida man has been arrested after he was accused of trying to burn down a motel where several sex offenders were staying. Jorge Porto-Sierra, 50, allegedly confessed to police that he had planned on setting the Friendly Village Inn in Kissimmee on fire to 'barbecue all the child molesters' inside. Porto-Sierra went to the motel on March 7 and started screaming 'I'm going to kill you, child molester' as he threw gasoline on the door, according to witnesses. Police said he then broke the window of the motel room so he could pour gasoline inside. He also threw gasoline on a nearby car. Porto-Sierra was carrying a cigarette the entire time. Porto-Sierra went to the Friendly Village Inn (above) on March 7 and started screaming 'I'm going to kill you, child molester' as he threw gasoline on the door At least two of the four people he was targeting are convicted sex offenders, according to WESH 2 News. When officers asked Porto-Sierra why he hadn't acted on his threats, he told them: 'You got here too soon.' Porto-Sierra has been charged with four counts of attempted premeditated murder. He remains in the Osceola County Jail where he is being held without bond. President Donald Trump says he will be announcing his decision on the Iran nuclear deal on Tuesday at the White House. The president is expected to say in remarks that he's pulling the U.S. out of the 2015 agreement he inherited from the previous administration. Aside from complaining about it consistently during his campaign, Trump harangued it as a 'very badly negotiated' agreement in a tweet today that took aim at the secretary of state who helped to broker it. The comment followed his remarks at a recent news conference that the deal was made 'decayed foundations' and was not structured to last. 'Should have never, ever been made. I blame Congress. I blame a lot of people for it,' Trump said. President Donald Trump says he will be announcing his decision on the Iran nuclear deal on Tuesday at the White House Trump has until May 12 to decide whether he wants to allow a sanctions waiver that applies to Tehran to expire. If the sanctions go back into effect, the U.S. will be in violation of the agreement effectively ending its participation. It will then be up to Iran to decide it, too, wants to walk away from the deal. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani pledged his commitment to the pact on Monday that the European Union, China and Russia plan to remain in, regardless of U.S. action. Trump has said he would be willing to sign on to a companion agreement that encompasses the nuclear aspects of the current one and applies new pressure to Iran to abandon its ballistic missiles program, end terrorist financing and broker a peace agreement between the ruling government and rebels in Syria. France's Emmanuel Macron told Trump last month that he would pursue such an agreement on behalf of Europe. The French president told reporters afterward that he suspected Trump would leave the 2015 accord in the meantime to hasten the process up. Hinting at the action he is anticipated to take tomorrow Trump told Macron publicly, 'I think we will have a great shot at doing a much bigger maybe deal, maybe not deal. Were going to find out, but well know fairly soon.' He also said 'nobody knows what Im going to do on the 12th, although, Mr. President, you have a pretty good idea but well see. 'But well see also, if I do what some people expect, whether or not it will be possible to do a new deal with solid foundations,' he said. 'Because this a deal with decayed foundations. Its a bad deal. Its a bad structure. Its falling down.' Trump's White House spokeswoman and the president appeared to be on different wavelengths about the timing of that declaration on Monday, with Sarah Sanders saying at news conference that he would be making an 'announcement on what his decision is soon' only to have Trump tweet minutes later that it would come on Tuesday Trump charged then in his most confrontational comments yet to Tehran that, 'If Iran threatens us in any way, they will pay a price like few countries have ever paid.' Going further, Trump said a press conference last Monday: 'Im not telling you what Im doing, but a lot of people think they know. And on or before the 12th, well make a decision. 'That doesnt mean we wont negotiate a real agreement,' he added. Trump's White House spokeswoman and the president appeared to be on different wavelengths about the timing of that declaration on Monday, with Sarah Sanders saying at news conference that he would be making an 'announcement on what his decision is soon' only to have Trump tweet minutes later that it would come on Tuesday. 'As you know he's got a few days to do that, and we'll let you know when he's ready to make a decision on it,' she said. She also suggested that former Secretary of State John Kerry needed to butt out of negotiations. Trump had already spoken out on Iran on Monday, prior to the tweet promoting an Iran decision. He blasted former Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday following news reports that the Obama administration official has secretly met with foreign governments in a bid to save the much-maligned Iran deal. The Boston Globe reported Friday that Kerry quietly met two weeks ago with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, and had separate confabs with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and French President Emmanuel Macron all to strategize against Trump's intention to upend the deal. 'The United States does not need John Kerrys possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran Deal,' the president wrote Monday on Twitter. 'He was the one that created this MESS in the first place!' Kerry brokered the deal for the Obama administration. Trump has threatened to reimpose sanctions as of May 12, the deadline for certifying Iran's compliance with its obligations under the arrangement. Trump on Monday called Kerry's intervention 'possibly illegal' and blamed him for the current arrangement that gave Tehran sanctions relief but would allow it to build nuclear bombs as soon as 2027 Kerry (left) is seen with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in 2016; Kerry met with Zarif last month for secret talks about how to undermine Trump's bid to kill the nuclear deal Sanders told reporters on Monday that Kerry's advocacy won't make a difference as Trump weighs what to do. 'I don't think that we would take advice from somebody who created what the president sees as one of the worst deals ever made,' she said. 'I don't see why we would start listening to him now.' A spokesman for Kerry issued a statement late Monday morning, defending his apparent habit of lobbying foreign governments as a civilian. 'I think every American would want every voice possible urging Iran to remain in compliance with the nuclear agreement that prevented a war,' the statement said. 'Secretary Kerry stays in touch with his former counterparts around the world just like every previous Secretary of State. Like America's closest allies, he believes it is important that the nuclear agreement, which took the world years to negotiate, remain effective as countries focus on stability in the region.' But whether or not Kerry's flurry of clandestine diplomacy bears fruit, he will be criticized for carrying out the duties of the job he lost when Trump became president. A federal law called the Logan Act makes it a felony for unauthorized civilians to conduct foreign policy with nations that are in the midst of a dispute with the United States. Kerry has also been meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (left) and French President Emmanuel Macron (right) in attempts to salvage the Iran deal Kerry could run afoul of the Logan Act, a 200+ year-old federal law that made it a felony for civilians to conduct foreign policy without authorization The statute, known as the Logan Act, dates back to 1799 and has only been used twice to indict people in 1803 and 1852. Neither was convicted. One defendant, a Peruvian admiral, was prosecuted for writing a letter to the president of Mexico to scuttle a competitor's bid to build a railroad connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The other was a farmer charged with the crime of writing a newspaper article urging western U.S. states to secede and join neighboring French territories. Some legal scholars have written that the Logan Act is unconstitutional, and only remains on the books because it hasn't been tested in court. Some of Trump's own advisers were accused of violating the Logan Act during the post-election transition period in 2016 and 2017. Michael Flynn, Trump's first national security adviser who was fired after just weeks on the job, was originally eyed as a possible Logan Act violator when the Justice Department targeted him. Flynn had made contact with Russia's then-ambassador to the U.S. Sergey Kislyak to discuss how the new administration might view existing sanctions regimes imposed on Moscow, and how Trump's team hoped the Kremlin would vote on a pending United Nations resolution condemning Israel. Sally Yates, then the deputy attorney general, later testified that the potential for Logan Act violations was the initial justification for interrogating Flynn who later pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI in connection with that grilling. Kerry, at one time a Democratic senator for Massachusetts, has been accused of violating the Logan Act in the past. In January he told a confidant of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas that he should 'stay strong' and 'play for time' while Trump is in the White House. Kerry told the Lebanese academic Hussein Agha that he was considering a second run for the White House in 2020, and aimed to help Palestinians in their territorial battles with Israel. 'It is unusual for a former secretary of state to engage in foreign policy like this, as an actual diplomat and quasi-negotiator,' Michael O'Hanlon, a foreign policy expert at the Brookings Institution, told the Globe, referring to Kerry's Iran efforts this year. 'Of course, former secretaries of state often remain quite engaged with foreign leaders, as they should, but it's rarely so issue-specific, especially when they have just left office.' Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu has been pushing Trump to take a more aggressive posture toward Iran, his nation's most prolific antagonist. Netanyahu delivered a presentation last week claiming Israel's intelligence agency had proof that Iran 'lied' about its intention to dismantle its nuclear weapons program. Police had to break into a parked car to rescue three dogs who had been left inside for nearly an hour in the Bank Holiday heat. A police community support officer rescued the pooches after a passerby noticed them panting heavily and trying to hide from the sun as they sat inside a blue Ford in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire. It is believed the dogs had been in the car for nearly an hour yesterday before they were rescued. Three dogs (pictured) were found sitting in a car in the boiling heat yesterday Cleethorpes resident Louise Cook who helped save the animals, said that she was alerted to the issue by her son, who had contacted her after seeing the dogs. She said: It was such a hot day, you could see that the dogs were really having problems, with one hiding itself away in the foot well just to try and get out of the sun. Eventually we found a PCSO, who dropped everything and ran to the car in order to help, and ended up having to actually break into it so that we would be able to get the dogs free. After the dogs were freed by the officer, staff from the nearby Kebab House came out quickly with water and some food for the animals. Angry crowds began to gather around the car, as many people voiced their shock and displeasure at seeing the dogs being locked inside the vehicle. Angry crowds began to gather around the car, as many people voiced their shock and displeasure at seeing the dogs being locked inside the vehicle Some even threatened to break the car's windows so that the problem couldn't happen in the future. Ms Cook continued: Things got a bit rowdy as we waited for the dog owner to come back and tend to his animals. I am just happy that they got out and were safe. The disgraced owner returned to collect his pooches shortly afterwards. The RSPCA maintains a dedicated line for circumstances like this which you can reach on 0300 1234 999 for advice but they say calling 999 should always be the first step if the animal is in immediate danger. According to the charity, the temperature inside a car can rise to 47 degrees Celsius even when the outside temperature is just 22 degrees Celsius, potentially fatal levels for a dog. On Sunday, the mercury hit highs of 16C in Cleethorpes and lows of 10C. The Calgary Zoo's cuteness quota quadrupled with the unveiling of an exhibit featuring four new giant pandas. The Canadian zoo debuted the family of pandas during a ceremony on Monday. The four pandas two adults, Er Shun and Da Mao, and their two cubs, Jia Panpan and Jia Yueyue are being housed in the zoo's newly built, $14.5million Panda Passage exhibit, CTV News reported. The Calgary Zoo celebrated the opening of its new Panda Passage exhibit, the new home of four visit pandas, including patriarch Da Mao (pictured), Monday The pandas are halfway through their 10-year loan from China. Er Shun and Da Mao arrived at the Toronto Zoo in 2013 and produced the cubs in 2015. The panda parents will remain at the Calgary Zoo until their expected return to China in 2020. In 18 months, the cubs will be sent to China to participate in a breeding program. Thanks largely to Chinese scientists and zoologists' efforts, pandas were taken off the endangered species list in 2016 and are now classified as a 'vulnerable' species, meaning they face the threat of extinction versus their previous, high risk of extinction. Monday's panda-welcoming festivities included dragon dancing, dozens of panda-costumed children and visits from Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Lois Mitchell and the Chinese ambassador to Canada, Lu Sha Ye. The four pandas are midway through a 10 year loan from China and will stay at the Calgary Zoo through 2020. (Pictured: Cub Jia Pan Pan) Cubs Jia Pan Pan (left) and Jia Yue Yue (far right) were born at the Toronto Zoo in 2015 Da Mao soaks up the attention from visitors on Monday. The Calgary Zoo anticipates that 1.5million people will flock to the zoo while the pandas are in residence The panda exhibit opening festivities included several children wearing panda costumes Beyond transforming what was once the Elephant Passage into a panda wonderland, the Calgary Zoo spent $100million on upgrades to other animal exhibits in anticipation of an expected 1.5million visitors a 25 per cent increase over normal attendance who will flock to the zoo to see the pandas, the Calgary Herald reported. The Calgary Zoo last played home to pandas 30 years ago, when two were on loan for seven months during the 1988 Winter Olympic Games which Calgary hosted. During that panda visit, more than 1.3million people trooped to the Calgary Zoo to gawk at the black-and-white bears, leading to a record number of visitors that lasted for 24 years, according to the Calgary Herald. The party bus that was carrying Polly Rogers before she fell to her death was not insured and had fake license plates The party bus that a North Carolina student fell to her death from was not insured and had fake license plates. Authorities in Charlotte are now hitting the charter bus owner Victor Rabb with citations following an investigation into Polly Rogers's death last week. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said in a statement that the owner of the bus 'has voluntarily surrendered the vehicle to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol's Motor Carrier Division to allow state investigators the opportunity to inspect the vehicle for any equipment violations.' Rogers, 20, fell out of the window of the Charlotte Party Charters bus on Tuesday night at 10.25pm. The special education student landed in the middle lane of a street and was struck by two vehicles. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are still investigating to determine if the window was supposed to be open or if someone opened it. The Kappa-Omega fraternity at University of North Carolina Charlotte rented the party bus the night Rogers fell out of one of the window to take students to a bar Victor Rabb, the owner of the party bus company, has been hit with citations The Kappa Sigma Fraternity has been suspended pending the investigation into her death. The fraternity rented the party bus Tuesday night to take students from an off-campus house to an uptown bar to celebrate the end of the school year. Police said Rogers was struck by two vehicles when she fell out of window on Tuesday night Victor Rabb, the owner of the bus company, told WBTV that in his 13 years of operation he's never had an incident like this before. Rabb also told the outlet that he thinks someone on the bus opened the emergency latch which made the window open wider. 'I don't know where she was sitting or standing or what - the window, of course, popped open and she fell out of the bus,' he said, adding that his bus drivers go over safety rules before embarking on a trip. 'We tell them to behave, for one, and part of that is obviously, along with the signage, is do not mess with the emergency windows unless it's an emergency,' he said. 'There's just no way to foresee anything like that. In fact, I can't even think of a situation where anybody got hurt.' A father of one of the students on the bus told WSOCT that Rogers was leaning against the window when it gave way and she fell out. The father also alleged that the emergency latches on the window were broken. 'I don't think the girl did anything wrong. All she did was lean against the window,' he said. Around 50 to 60 people were on the bus the night Rogers was killed. The bus seats 50. A police report states that alcohol was being consumed on the bus, but an investigation is still underway to determine whether alcohol use was a factor in the incident. According to the bus company's website, persons under the age of 21 are not allowed to drink on the vehicle. A disclaimer states that it is the responsibility of the person who rents the bus to check ages. The website has since been taken down. 'All I can say at this point is that one of the kids on the bus opened the emergency window and the lady fell out of the bus. This is one of the worst time of my life,' Rabb said. 'I pray for her and her family.' The bus has room for 50 people and was taking the youngster to a bar with her friends to celebrate the end of school Rogers' sorority sisters are now fundraising to help her family pay for her funeral An agent with the Alcohol Law Enforcement told the outlet that it is the responsibility of the driver to make sure everyone drinking is 21 or over. The agent also said they have had previous issues with the bus company. 'We've seen violations at the previous encounters. Alcohol violations, some commercial motor vehicle violations,' the agent said without elaborating. 'We're going to look back at what the detectives find out and see if we can trace a source of alcohol.' So far charges have not been filed. Roger's sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, set up a GoFundMe to help her family pay for her funeral costs. 'Polly was the friendliest person you would ever meet in your life. She could always be found in the common areas of the house greeting sisters after their day at classes and making sure their day was going great,' chapter president Alexis Marie Burns said in a statement. The fraternity also released a statement: 'The Brothers of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Polly Rogers. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Rogers family and to her loved ones,' the fraternity said in a statement. 'We are in the process of conducting an investigation of the event on Tuesday evening. The Kappa Sigma Fraternity will fully cooperate with all investigations of the University and local authorities.' Rogers was described as a friendly person who was always making sure everyone was having a great day . Students are pictured at the scene of Tuesday's accident A rowdy groundhog had an untimely death when he was fatally shot by a police officer as it was causing chaos on a Maryland road. Authorities say the unlucky groundhog was acting strangely and blocking traffic on Route 26 in Eldersburg on Sunday when a cop decided to take a action. Justyna Olkowska, captured the rodent's last moments and the footage has been seen more than 40,000 times. The unlucky groundhog was acting strangely and blocking traffic on Route 26 in Eldersburg on Sunday before he was killed by a deputy She told the New York Daily News: 'It started out as a cute encounter where I thought he was trying to help the little fella. 'I obviously did not think that it would take this turn and was kind of shocked. I am sure the officer did the best thing in this situation. It is not for me to judge,' she said. Spokesman for the Carroll County Sheriff's Office Cpl. Jon Light told the NYDN the deputy was driving when he noticed the groundhog had caused traffic to back up. The deputy is first seen on video trying to get the animal off the road but his method didn't appear to be working. After about a minute, the groundhog starts running at the deputy, who responds quickly and fires his gun. The deputy is first seen trying to get the animal off the road but his method didn't appear to be working. After about a minute, the groundhog starts running at the deputy, who then fires The animal is seen moving around on the pavement before the deputy puts it out of its misery with a second shot 'Not being able to guide it off when it approached him, the animal was either sick or injured. He then put it down for public safety,' Light said. The animal is seen moving around on the pavement before the deputy puts it out of its misery with a second shot. It's unclear if the groundhog had rabies and it will not be tested because it did not bit anyone. Advertisement A sheriffs deputy in Maine is being laid to rest with words from his grieving son, music from his old band, and a flyover by law enforcement aircraft. An estimated 3,600 people including hundreds of law enforcement officers paid tribute Monday to Somerset County Cpl. Eugene Cole with one of the largest funerals in the states history. The 61-year-old Cole was the first officer to be killed in the line of duty in nearly 30 years in Maine. His death on April 25 in Norridgewock sparked a massive manhunt that ended with the arrest of 29-year-old John Williams. Musical farewell: A pipe and drum band consisting of law enforcement members from throughout New England march to the funeral of Cpl. Eugene Cole at the Cross Insurance Center in Monday in Bangor, Maine The casket of Cpl. Cole is positioned in front of the sheriff deputy's cruiser at his funeral service. Cole was the first officer to be killed in the line of duty in Maine in early 30 years Pallbearers walk alongside Cole's casket at the conclusion of the emotional service attended by 3.600 people John Williams, 29 (left), has been charged with killing Cpl Cole (right) on April 25 Coats of many colors: Hundreds of law enforcement officers from all over the country pictured in their various uniforms attended the funeral for their fallen comrade The funeral got under way at noon at the cavernous Cross Insurance Center in Bangor following a somber 40-vehicle procession that departed a funeral home in Skowheagan at 10,30am, with an NYPD motorcycle unit at its head, reported Press Herald. During the two-hour service, Cole was praised for the way he treated people and his ability to defuse tense situations. His boss, Sheriff Dale Lancaster, quoted from a Bible verse that says, 'Blessed are the peace makers.' Lancaster said that the fallen deputy 'epitomized community policing' and 'exemplified our core values: integrity, respect, fairness and dedication.' He added: 'Goodbye for now my friend. We will never forget you.' Cole's son David, who for many years had served alongside his father as a Somerset County detective spoke emotionally about his father. 'Rest easy dad,' he said. 'We've got the watch from here.' Bearing witness: The two-hour memorial was attended by Cole's brother, two sons and his widow The Maine State Police Color Guard marches to the funeral of Cpl. Cole at the Cross Insurance Center Monday Pallbearers guide the casket after the funeral service at the Cross Insurance Center Monday A game warden and a state policeman fold a flag after removing it from the casket of Cpl Cole to give it to his widow Fly away: The somber event concluded with a flyover by the Maine State Police, Maine Warden Service, Maine Marine Patrol and Maine Forest Service Cole's brother Tom and his other son, Scott, joined the deputy's old country band, Borderline Express, in renditions of 'Homesick' and 'American Soldier.' At the conclusion of the memorial, Maine State Police troopers folded the American flag that draped Cole's casket and presented it to his widow, Sheryl. The ceremony was followed by a 21-gun salute in the deputy's honor and the somber event concluded with a flyover by the Maine State Police, Maine Warden Service, Maine Marine Patrol and Maine Forest Service. Williams is currently being held without bail for the murder of Corporal Cole. Friends of the suspect told investigators that the day of the shooting Williams was seen with a bulletproof vest and a shotgun. According to an affidavit, obtained by WGME, as friends were dropping Williams off at a Norridgewock home around 1:15am on April 25 a Somerset County Sheriff pickup truck was driving by. John Williams confessed to fatally shooting a sheriff's deputy in Maine on April 25. The 29-year-old was captured in a wooded area on Saturday, April 28 Friends of Williams told police that the 29-year-old had a bulletproof vest and shotgun the day of the shooting. Williams is pictured during his arrest The friends said they had witnessed Williams put bags, a bulletproof vest and a shotgun into the car before he was taken to the home. A friend told police that Williams had also talked about becoming a fugitive. How Williams and Cole, a 13-year veteran, encountered each other still remains unclear. Williams' friend, Chris Williams, stated in the affidavit that the murder happened about 15 minutes after Williams was dropped off at the home. 'He (John Williams) had killed Corporal Gene Cole and stole his police cruiser after Cole snuck up on him, or he snuck up on Cole,' Chris said. The affidavit noted that Chris could not remember which man approached the other first. After the shooting, Cole allegedly stole Williams' police car and drove to a nearby Cumberland Farms convenience store, where he stole a pack of cigarettes. He then abandoned the car before having Chris pick him up. Chris told police he and Williams smoked drugs using a 'crack pipe' then he gave Williams his cell phone and kicked him out of the car. One friend said Williams confessed in a cell phone call, but the affidavit didn't point toward motive. Cole's body was not found until hours later when Kimberly Sirois found the deputy in her backyard and called police. Held without bail: John Williams, center, accused in the fatal shooting of Somerset County Sheriff's Deputy Eugene Cole, sits with an attorney during his initial court appearance on a murder charge, Monday, April 30, 2018, in Auburn, Maine Authorities said Williams was due in court in Massachusetts the day of the shooting. Friends said he had been frustrated by a recent arrest and by his girlfriends arrest - which Cole had been involved in, Fox News reports. Williams appeared in court last week but was not required to enter a plea. A judge ordered him held without bail. He stared ahead and quietly answered the judge's questions. The judge ordered a mental health evaluation and, at the request of attorneys, moved future court proceedings from Somerset County to Portland to ensure that Williams gets a fair trial. Lisa Marchese, chief of the criminal division of the attorney general's office, said the state is going to seek a life prison sentence. The case will be presented to a grand jury in the next month or so, she said. A court-appointed defense lawyer told reporters that he wasn't ready to discuss specifics of the case. After the hearing, Williams returned to the state's maximum security prison, the Maine State Prison in Warren. Prison officials said it was not an unusual arrangement for an inmate with special security needs. Cole's wife, Sheryl, posted on Facebook to thank people for their kindness and law enforcement officials for their service. 'We said our ritual goodbye, ending with me saying (or yelling) 'be safe' and him responding 'absolutely,'' she wrote. 'The next time I saw my husband, he was lying in a casket.' Cole's killing prompted a massive manhunt with more than 200 law enforcement officers pouring into the area in central Maine, along with tactical vehicles and helicopters. Williams was arrested outside a remote cabin on April 28, the fourth day of a massive manhunt in the region. He was shirtless and shoeless when he was captured and appeared exhausted when he was led out of the woods. Boris Johnson, who last night savaged Downing Streets post-Brexit trade plans Boris Johnson last night savaged Downing Streets post-Brexit trade plans. In a major intervention, he branded the proposed customs partnership crazy and claimed it would create a whole new web of bureaucracy. The Foreign Secretary added it would not meet the key test of Britain taking back control, and would restrict our ability to strike trade deals. The plan, which is backed by Theresa May, was narrowly rejected by her Brexit war cabinet last week. Brexiteers now fear No 10 will try to rebadge the plan and push it through by picking off two Remain-voting ministers Sajid Javid and Gavin Williamson who opposed it last week. Under the partnership, officials would track shipments into the UK and collect tariffs for Brussels on goods ending up in the EU. Mr Johnson said this would simply lead to more red tape. Its totally untried and would make it very, very difficult to do free trade deals, he added. If you have the new customs partnership, you have a crazy system whereby you end up collecting the tariffs on behalf of the EU at the UK frontier. 'If the EU decides to impose punitive tariffs on something the UK wants to bring in cheaply theres nothing you can do. Thats not taking back control of your trade policy, its not taking back control of your laws, its not taking back control of your borders and its actually not taking back control of your money either, because tariffs would get paid centrally back to Brussels. Greg Clark, the pro-Remain Business Secretary, insisted on Sunday that the partnership idea was far from dead and warned thousands of car industry jobs could go if Britain did not stay in some form of customs union. Within minutes of Mr Clark talking up the plan, the pro-EU CBI and the British Chambers of Commerce issued statements backing his position. But Mr Johnson said: Colleagues in Cabinet have different concerns about different aspects of the argument and its entirely right that they should make their points. But we should be looking at the opportunities and thinking confidently about the UK and believing what we can do rather than succumbing to a sort of Project Fear mark 2,3,4,5,6. He made his comments in an interview with the Daily Mail during a two-day visit to Washington DC. Theresa May, who had backed the customs partnership proposal which was narrowly rejected by her Brexit war cabinet last week He hailed the massive opportunity of a US trade deal and said a rich and deep agreement could be reached only after a clean break from the EU. You cant do that if you remain locked in the lunar pull of Brussels, the tractor beam of Brussels, he said. Theres a discussion going on, and we havent resolved this, but some of the ideas would make it very difficult for us to do meaningful free trade deals. On Northern Ireland he said that if Britain chose to change its laws on imported goods or foods as is often required under trade deals that would inevitably mean checks at the border. It only solves the Northern Ireland border question if you force companies to prove that an imported tariff-reduced good has been consumed in the UK and if you insist on complete regulatory alignment with the EU rule book, he said. Otherwise if Britain chose to vary its laws in any way at all on goods and agrifood, then logically you would need checks at the border. The Foreign Secretary warned against being locked into the EUs structures: Thats not what the Americans want to see, what they want to see, like all our friends, is a confident free-trading Britain able to do its own deals. A senior White House source said last night that Donald Trump was determined to do a great trade deal with Britain. The source also said the US President was looking forward to coming to the UK in July but signalled some nervousness about possible protests. The President is keen for Britain to get out of the EU so we can get on with doing a great trade deal. Hes surprised its taking so long, the source said. He is looking forward to coming over and he wants people to be positive about that. WILL WOBBLY WILLIAMSON CHANGE SIDES? By Larisa Brown, Defence and Security Editor The Defence Secretary could be persuaded to change sides and back amended plans by Theresa May for a customs partnership with the EU after Brexit, sources said. They said if the Prime Minister comes back to the table with a tweaked model, Gavin Williamson will look at the options and then decide. He is not firmly on either side, sources told the Mail. But last night those close to him said they would not be drawn on what position he would take. They simply said he would do what is in the best interests of the country. The customs partnership, backed by Mrs May, was rejected by the Brexit war cabinet last week in a knife edge 6-5 vote. Mr Williamson and Home Secretary Sajid Javid both opposed the partnership. Mrs May has been repeatedly urged by Brexiteers to abandon the partnership option, which critics said would keep the UK tied to EU rules. But there are claims she is planning to make a fresh attempt to push the controversial plan for post-Brexit customs ties with Brussels. She is expected to present a tweaked and rebadged version of the same proposal at a fresh meeting on Thursday, and will urge ministers to fall in line behind the proposals. Eurosceptic ministers fear that Mr Williamson, who voted Remain but who has switched to the Eurosceptic camp, could be peeled off by Mrs May, according to the FT. A spokesman for Mr Javid declined to comment on whether he could change sides. Advertisement Mr Johnson warned that opponents of Mr Trumps visit risked damaging the economy. Overwhelmingly the people of the United Kingdom will want to hear from the President of the United States,' he said. America is our number one export market. Trade with America is worth $100billion a year. 'There are a million people in the US employed in British firms just as there are a million people in the UK employed in American firms. In January Mr Trump repeated his determination to secure a USUK trade deal, saying: As you know you are somewhat restricted because of Brexit, but when that restriction is up were going to be your great trading partner. Mr Johnson has made a series of pointed and carefully-timed interventions in the Brexit debate since entering government, often to the dismay of Downing Street. In September last year before a major speech by Theresa May in Florence he wrote a 4,000-word Brexit manifesto that prompted accusations of backseat driving. One of the worlds leading investors is ready to pump billions of pounds into Britain. Warren Buffett, who has criticised the UKs decision to leave the EU, says he is ready to use his companys 80billion war chest to snap up UK firms. Mr Buffett, 87, told investors over the weekend that Britain was one of a number of good countries wed be quite happy to put our money into. Speaking at the annual meeting of Berkshire Hathaway, his investment firm, he said: I hope tomorrow I get a call from Germany or Britain or Italy you name it. Brussels can't bear to see us succeed: Commentary by Iain Duncan Smith Business Secretary Greg Clark, who told the BBC that the customs partnership remained on the table At the EU referendum almost two years ago, the British people heroically saw through Project Fear. In their determination to embrace national independence, they refused to be intimidated by the deceitful scaremongering about our supposedly apocalyptic future after Brexit. Yet the Establishment has never accepted the democratic verdict of the electorate. Unable to imagine life without the EUs rule, devoid of any real faith in Britains capabilities, key elements of the political class have embarked on a systematic campaign to obstruct and emasculate Brexit. That relentless hostility shone through most recently in debates in the House of Lords, where unelected, unaccountable peers lined up to sneer at the publics wish for national freedom. Too much of this spirit of fearfulness and surrender has infused our side in the negotiations with the EU over withdrawal, leading to a catalogue of concessions in return for little. In the same vein, the Civil Service, those past masters at delay, keep pushing for an ever longer transition period in the hope that institutional inertia may ultimately thwart Britains departure. Now the Establishment is refusing to let go of its new weapon: the customs union. Over the weekend, Business Secretary Greg Clark told the BBC that the Theresa Mays proposed new customs partnership a fudged version of the customs union that was rejected by her Brexit cabinet only last week remained on the table. An arrangement of this kind is necessary, he declared, otherwise the British economy will suffer and trade will shrink. Gazing into his crystal ball, Clark specifically warned that 3,500 car jobs at Toyota could be at risk without the customs deal. Whether intentional or not, these comments echo the same old soundtrack of alarm that always accompanies calls for submission to Brussels. But Project Fear did not work in 2016 and it will not work now. That is partly because, as has been well-rehearsed in recent days, the new customs partnership would create a bureaucratic nightmare, hurt our economic prospects, hit our global trade and undermine our democracy. The jewel in the crown of Brexit will be the ability to reach our own trade deals around the world, particularly with the fast developing nations of Asia something that Brussels simply cannot stomach. In their efforts to hype concerns about Brexit and be as obstructive as possible, EU officials, Dublin and the pro-EU brigade here talk endlessly about the difficulty of the Irish border. In reality, the Irish question has been cynically seized upon and weaponised by fearmongering Remainers who hope to cajole us into staying put. No one actually wants a hard border. As John Thompson, the head of the HMRC, has made clear, with goodwill and imagination, the problem is easily resolvable, especially since Britain and Ireland have operated a common travel area since 1923. Indeed, the whole question of a customs arrangement with the EU has been grossly exaggerated by the Remain lobby. Only about 12 per cent of Britains GDP involves exports to the EU, while just 8 per cent of British companies trade with EU. Most of our economy is based on the domestic market, which suffers from Brussels protectionist policies that push up prices and increase burdens on businesses. Freed from the dead hand of Brussels, consumer costs especially of food will fall and enterprise will flourish. It is absurd to cling to the idea, eagerly peddled by the anti-Brexiteers, that the EU is some kind of engine of economic growth. Just the opposite is true. EU officialdom is the enemy of jobs and innovation, as is reflected in its cripplingly high rates of unemployment, especially among young people, in EU countries like Spain and Greece. And EU-led stagnation is bound to worsen in the coming years, as Brussels presses ahead with its cherished ideological project of further political integration. That will mean more taxation in the name of harmonisation, more regulation, more centralised governance, more streams of directives. Britain will have to be part of that if we end up in a customs union. Brexit gives us the chance to break free from the continuing destruction of our sovereignty. That is what the British public recognised in 2016. Tragically, however, the Establishment, reflected in its doom-mongering asides, remains mired in timid defeatism, reluctant either to challenge the EU or contemplate change. If you saw these young men wandering around a shopping centre with a microphone talking to teenagers, you might think its just a bit of harmless fun. But what they are doing is not an innocent prank. They are preying on children as part of a disturbing online trend known as baiting out. The cult YouTube stars encourage youngsters to talk about those they claim to have had sexual encounters with and make derogatory and crude comments about them. They then post videos of these interviews online where they are viewed thousands of times. All of the footage on Baithead's (pictured) channel has been taken down. The Google-owned web giant said it breached its policies on harassment and bullying In often excruciating footage, children who look as young as 12 make candid admissions on camera to the men when they approach them at random with a microphone in hand. Those quizzed give graphic descriptions ranging from the breasts of a girl in their class to sexual favours classmates have carried out. No-one should have to feel so humiliated Victims of the bait out trend have told of their humilation after sexual slurs about them were broadcast on the web. Cassidy Valentine, a model and YouTube video blogger, was named in a bait out clip and accused of being sexually promiscuous. Miss Valentine, pictured, who was in her teens at the time, told the BBC: I just felt so victimised by it and it was really embarrassing and humiliating to go through. No-one should have to feel like that, really. Cassidy Valentine, a model and YouTube video blogger, was named in a bait out clip and accused of being sexually promiscuous Others have spoken anonymously about their ordeal. One 14-year-old girl told Childnet: Lots of people asked for nudes and I finally sent one to a boy who told me he really liked me and that if I sent him one we could be such an amazing couple. I fell for it and the next day my pictures were all around the school Everyone says its okay for boys ...but when girls do it all you get is hate, like slag, sket, slut etc I regret it. A 15-year-old girl told the charity: A nude was sent and it was screenshot and posted on social media. From there, it was screenshot and sent around other people and into group chats. Comments were made about it for a period of time for various reasons. It still happens now even though it happened a year ago. When Childnet asked one 13-year-old boy why naked pictures were being shared online, he said: Because all their friends are doing it and they feel like theyre not one of them any more. So to look cool theyre like: Look, Ive got nudes too. Advertisement In some cases, the young people the teenagers are shaming are named in full, along with the school they attend. Once online, the clips garner thousands of likes and views within days. Those leading the trend, under names such as Baithead and Van Banter, have become internet celebrities. They even boast of having agents and managers to boost their profiles. They ask questions such as: Bait out the biggest sket [most promiscuous] girl you know. In one, a young unidentified boy, who appears to be around 12, is asked by Van Banter: You got a message for your ex? The child answers: I dont have exes I have whys, like: Why did I dil [have sex with] them, innit?. Videos are met with glee by viewers who beg for more content, with the interviewers promising to upload more if they reach a certain number of likes. Van Banter, real name Jannes Lenting, has become so well-known that a clip online shows him being besieged by young girls demanding selfies. In another video, a young woman provides a girls full name, telling Baithead: She has slept with every guy I have ever spoken to. A youngster provides the details of a girl he has slept with, before making comments about the girls breasts. Shes a sket, he adds. In one video, set up by a group called Baiting Out in Birmingham, a 15-year-old boy says of a 14-year-old girl that she is The biggest s*** I know. Will Gardner, head of charity Childnet, described the content as really concerning. He said: I would really want people to think about what the implications are of what you say and when that can be shared online.When it can be seen more broadly, the impact can be large. YouTube has now removed the videos flagged by the Daily Mail. In the case of Baithead, all the footage on his channel has been taken down. The Google-owned web giant said it had breached its policies on harassment and bullying. But before they were deleted, the videos had amassed up to 16,000 views. Baithead had over 150,000 subscribers on his channel. Van Banter, a 20-year-old from Peckham, south-east London, has an agent and states that he is available for bookings and hostings meaning that he could stand to make money from the cyberbullying content. On talent website Star Now, he says: I am a YouTuber/model/actor. My YouTube channel is successful with over eight million total views. Pick on someone your own size: Van Banter, right, an online star pushing the 'bait out' trend, interviews two boys at a Tube station He also claims to have appeared in adverts for major brands. I have quite a bit of acting experience as I make YouTube videos, he says. This includes me acting with people I had just met. His manager described his client as a comedian, adding that he had been singled out by the media and made a scapegoat. The manager said: He makes funny content. He does not take responsibility for the action of others what they do or say in his sketches is not Van Banters role in these sketches. He said it was not right that his client has become the face of cyber bullying as he is not bullying anybody or forcing people to say anything. They are doing it of their own will. The pair are just two of scores of young people who have turned into internet sensations through the horrific videos. They include YoungMo2k15, who created a three-part series called Baiting out Slags in Birmingham some of which were viewed more than 40,000 times. In one clip, filmed on a high street, he asks two schoolboys dressed in their uniform to bait out the biggest slag you know. One of the boys, who looks around 14, gives a girls full name before adding: She is dirty, she f**** everyone...Even me...Her mum was in the same house. One person commenting on the clip wrote: How come the people on here are schoolchildren? Last night the man known as Baithead said: The videos that we made had nothing to do with bullying, in fact it was more about complimenting and praising someone. We made videos such as baiting out your crush. If people are actually offended by these videos then we will take action and not make the same mistakes again. If anyone has been affected by these videos ten we are really sorry. A spokesman for YouTube said: We remove these videos because we do not allow harassment and bullying on YouTube.' Classroom blitz on the dangers of 'baiting out': Children's charity will warn school pupils about sharing nude images amid the terrifying rise of a social media cyberbullying trend A children's charity will teach schools about the dangers of pupils sharing nude images amid the terrifying rise of a social media cyberbullying trend. Child safety groups are warning that the craze, known as baiting out, is leading to intimate pictures being shared online and the shaming of unsuspecting teenagers. Websites that glory in sex slurs The baiting out trend is not just YouTube stars goading schoolchildren into shaming their peers. There are also bait out pages online groups that invite users to share nude images, videos or sexual gossip about others. Often a person is only invited to join the groups, found on many social media platforms, once they have baited out someone else, meaning they have shared explicit information about them. It means that children can have sexual images of themselves appear on these online groups, where they are criticised and commented on. Social media stars practise a more visible form of humiliation, by stopping passing children at shopping centres or stations and pointing a microphone in their faces as they urge them to name and shame others. They ask questions such as: Bait out the biggest sket [most promiscuous] girl you know. In response, those interviewed humiliate their peers and use derogatory language to describe their sexual encounters, with deeply personal information then plastered on the internet for all to see. Advertisement Bait out pages, found on social media sites including Instagram and Snapchat, mock and humiliate young women who are often branded skets [promiscuous] or hoes [prostitutes]. To join the groups, users are told to share sexually explicit images, videos or sexual gossip. Founders of the groups cynically calculate that some children are so desperate to join that they will supply almost anything that is asked even if that image is then circulated even more widely to humiliate them. But the craze can also involve youngsters typically girls being named and shamed in videos shot in the street or shopping centres that are then shared on websites such as YouTube. Those leading the trend, such as young men known as Van Banter and Baithead, have become online celebrities, with many youngsters looking up to them. Police and schools are now so concerned that from September, charity Childnet will pilot a scheme in secondary schools in which they work with teachers and provide lesson plans to make it easier for them talk to pupils about the issue. The charity, which has spoken to scores of young people as part of its research into the topic, will also help teachers understand more about wider online sexual harassment. The scheme comes as Kent Police revealed that, in the space of one month, more than 40 children in the Thanet area had sent nude images of themselves and fallen victim to a bait out group. One group which dates back several years routinely names school children and describes activities they have engaged in. One post describes a sexual encounter between two girls, accusing them of being dirty lesbians. The girls named and shamed were in Year 9, meaning they were just 13 or 14 at the time. Years on, the details are still available to be seen by anyone on the internet. A Childnet report, part of a wider European project called Project deSHAME, found 13 per cent of British youngsters had sent a nude picture to a girlfriend or boyfriend. In all, 13 per cent of those polled, aged just 11 to 16, had photographed themselves partly or fully naked. Half had gone on to share the image. Rose Bray, of Childline, said young girls feel upset and betrayed, wracked with guilt and self-blame. They think they have nowhere to turn, fearing their parents would be ashamed of them. She added: They might have shared an image with someone they thought was part of a trusting relationship and actually have ended up having that image shared wider. Or situations where young people have felt pressured to share an image in the first placeThe person they were dating made them feel like it was an expected part of being their girlfriend, and actually a person was never comfortable doing that, but chose to do that as part of their relationship. It felt like a grown-up thing to do, it felt like that is what everyone at school was doing. She added: Having feelings like that can have a massive impact on their emotional wellbeing and their mental health. The NSPCCs associate head of online safety Andy Burrows said: Its very troubling if young people are being coerced, bullied or manipulated into sharing explicit images of themselves, which could then disappear into closed or secret online groups where complete strangers can see and comment on them. Thats why the NSPCC wants it to be as easy to have an image of yourself taken off the internet as it was to post in the first place. We also need the Government to step in and regulate social networks so that grooming and bullying behaviour online is identified and properly dealt with, to help clean up the Wild West Web that young people are currently faced with. Childnet boss Will Gardner said: We want everybody to better understand this issue and to help support and input a collective response. Part of the challenge is to bring people up to speed with what young people are doingThere is this knowledge gap that we need to be challenging and addressing. A soldier delayed at an airport watched his wife give birth to their daughter over FaceTime. Brooks Lindsey sat slumped in a corner as he watched his wife Haley give birth in Brandon, Mississippi to a baby girl named Millie Fritz Anne Lindsey on Friday. A woman travelling with him from El Paso, Texas filmed the doting fathers concerned reactions to the birth, his eyes glued to the screen as he nervously took deep breaths and cried when his daughter was born. Soldier Brooks Lindsey's watched his wife give birth to their daughter via FaceTime as his flight from his base in Texas to home in Mississippi was delayed A woman traveling with him posted this image of Brooks on the floor FaceTiming his wife 'This Army soldier was on my delayed flight home yesterday to MS. He had to watch the birth of his daughter on FaceTime. He was crying and our hearts were breaking. We all gave him space. When we heard the baby cry, we all rejoiced for him,' Tracy Dover wrote on Facebook. 'I wanted to share this because I never want us to forget about our soldiers who serve us everyday and the sacrifices they make,' she added. Speaking to Love What Matters, his wife Haley Lindsey, 22, revealed that she attended a regular doctor's appointment on Thursday and was told the hospital was going to induce her birth because the baby was under stress. 'I called Brooks frantic and he was so excited!' she said. She then called the Red Cross to ask as per military protocol to send the soldier home for the birth. 'I get to the hospital at 3pm Thursday and they confirm my state and tell Brooks to book a flight from El Paso to Dallas layover then to Jackson but that he could not book a flight until after 10am the following day! I was sure that we would already have a baby by then!' she said. By Friday at 7am her water broke, just three hours before Brooks arrived to the airport in El Paso to board his flight. The little girl named Millie Fritz Anne Lindsey was born at 5:23pm. Her father arrived to the airport two hours after she was born Doting dad: His wife Haley said on meeting Millie for the first time 'He picked her up and held her for five minutes and kept saying "wow I cant believe we just had a baby"' Millie was born at seven pounds, six ounces on May 5 and she was two weeks early Love birds; Haley and Brooks pictured above, tied the knot in November 2017 'He called me as soon as that flight landed in Dallas at 2:38 central time and I was 5 centimeters dilated. He was scheduled to take off at 3:55 but LUCKILY his flight was delayed to 5:45. Without that delay Brooks would have been in the air and unable to FaceTime!' she said. She then asked her step mother and mother-in-law to stay in the room as she went into labor at 5pm. It was her mother-in-law who secretly FaceTimed Brooks. 'Brooks was telling me it was okay, and I was doing so good and I heard him wincing and saying "wow!" through my pushes. I could hear people in the airport talking and cheering!' 'Brooks then went on to say that they were making him board and needed to get off as soon as she finally started to crown and all I remember was my Doctor screaming "Dont let him board the flight! Shes here! Shes here!" So, the airport personnel let him sit there and watch till it was over!' she added. The father then cried when he saw his little girl on the screen. She was born two weeks early on Friday May 5 at 5:23pm at seven pounds, six ounces. 'Then he hurried off onto his flight and landed in Jackson, Mississippi at 7pm. 'When he walked in at 7:20 it was just Millie and me. He picked her up and held her for five minutes and kept saying "wow I cant believe we just had a baby" but the entire time I was already dreading him leaving four days later,' she said. The post of Brooks watching the FaceTime birth has gone viral with more than 99,000 shares. His wifes video of his reactions to the birth have already racked up more than 56,000 views. A group of diverse but like-minded individuals, the members of ARC have come together in their common desire to fight hatred, bigotry, intolerance and violence because of the harm these antisocial behaviors cause to our society. In that effort, we will not use or sanction the use of illegal actions (such as violence or intimidation) in pursuit of our desired aims and if we learn of anyone who does use these unethical methods we will report those individuals to the authorities. Instead, we will use the guarantees found in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that ensure freedom of legal speech and expression. A Canadian woman was reportedly arrested in Georgia last month because she was driving with a Canadian license. Emily Nield, of Ontario, said the arrest 'was the most horrendous incident of my life'. 'It was mortifying. I was terrified the entire time,' she told CBC. Nield, 27, who was charged with driving without a license, was traveling from Tennessee where she had just finished her master's degree in geology. Scroll down for video Canadian woman, Emily Nield, was reportedly arrested in Georgia last month because she was driving with a Canadian license. Nield recorded video of herself sitting in the backseat of the patrol car She was passing through Georgia on Interstate 75 when she was pulled over for speeding. Nield told CBC that the officer kept telling her 'Canadian licenses are not accepted' in Georgia. 'I was flabbergasted. I just kept saying this can't be right a Canadian license is always valid.' Nield said she was arrested when she was unable to give the officer a hard copy of her passport because she didn't have it with her. She did note that she was able to pull up copies of her passport, Nexus card, and birth certificate on her phone, but the officer refused to accept the electronic documents. 'When I failed to produce it, she reached through the window of my car and she put handcuffs on me,' Nield told the news outlet. She was passing through Georgia on Interstate 75 when she was pulled over for speeding Nield said she was arrested when she was unable to give the officer a hard copy of her passport because she didn't have it with her Nield was charged with driving without a license and speeding. Police said she was doing 87mph in a 70mph zone 'She told me that I have just been arrested for driving without a license and that I needed to go to jail.' While sitting in the back of the officer's patrol car, Nield was able to record a video that she posted on SnapChat. 'I'm in cuffs. Help me! I don't want to go to jail,' she is heard saying in the video. She then had to pay $880 to get out of jail; otherwise, she would have stayed in jail until her court appearance next month 'I don't know what to do. I never committed a crime,' Nield says in the video as she breaks down in tears. Nield was also charged with speeding. Police said she was doing 87mph in a 70mph zone. She then had to pay $880 to get out of jail; otherwise, she would have stayed in jail until her court appearance next month. Nield also had to pay $200 to get her car from the impound. Following the incident, Nield stayed in the US and sought the help of her friend's father, who is a Virginia lawyer. The Georgia Department of Driver Services website says that 'non-US citizens holding a valid foreign driver's licence are allowed to drive in the state of Georgia'. According to the site, 'a law officer may consult a person's passport or visa to verify the validity of such licence, if available'. Three days after Nield's arrest, Matthew Bennett, the Cook County probate court solicitor, agreed the charges should be dismissed and the judge signed off on it, according to CBC. Bennett said he is working with Nield's attorney to erase her arrest record. The Broward Country School District has admitted that Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz was in fact referred to a disciplinary program that he never completed, contradicting previous statements from superintendent Robert Runcie. For months Runcie has denied Cruz's referral to the controversial Promise program that offers an alternative to arrest for certain crimes committed on school property. The program's critics claim it's part of the culture of lax discipline that allowed Cruz to avoid being arrested and easily buy the AR-15 rifle he used in the February 14 shooting that left 17 dead and 17 injured. Runcie is now pushing back against critics who say he lied when he said Cruz had no connection to the program in a February 28 press conference by blaming the confusion on inefficient record-keeping. Scroll down for video The Broward Country School District has admitted that Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz, left, was referred to the Promise disciplinary program, contradicting previous statements from superintendent Robert Runcie, right, who claimed Cruz had no involvement with the program The 19-year-old has confessed to shooting up Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on February 14, killing 17 and injuring 17 Critics of the Promise program, which offers an alternative to arrest for some crimes committed at school, claim it's it contributed to a lax disciplinary attitude that allowed Cruz to avoid being arrested and ultimately be able to buy the AR-15 used in the shooting Broward County's Promise program was designed to limit the 'school-to-prison pipeline' at a time when the arrest rate in Broward schools was higher than any other district in the state. Instead of facing arrest, offenders attend the alternative school where they receive counseling and other support. In the wake of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School the program has come under fire from critics who say it created a lax attitude toward discipline. Without it, some have said, Cruz likely would have been arrested and thus would not have been able to buy the AR-15. In a statement Friday district spokeswoman Tracy Clark said that Cruz had undergone the intake process for the program as a middle-schooler after he vandalized a school bathroom This new information has led to an even more substantial mistrust in the school district that is still investigating the events that led up to the shooting in February In a press conference in February Runcie firmly denied any connection between Cruz and the program. 'Let me reiterate this point. Nikolas Cruz, the shooter that was involved in this horrific accident at Marjory Stoneman Douglas, had no connection to the Promise program,' he said. 'I'm not going to allow a shift from what our focus needs to be to a fictitious narrative that's being made up about a successful program that we have in Broward County that has no connection to the shooter or the situation at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.' However, new information has come to light indicating that the narrative is not, in fact, fictitious. In a statement Friday district spokeswoman Tracy Clark said that Cruz had undergone the intake process for the program as a middle schooler in 2013 after he vandalized a school bathroom. However, records show that Cruz never completed the three-day placement, leading district officials with the question of why. In a press conference in February Runcie firmly denied any connection between Cruz and the program, but he is now backtracking and claiming that he did not have all of the information School Board member Rosalind Osgood said she'd been told the change was made by the committee at Westglades who reviewed the Individual Education Plan that Cruz received as a special-needs student. In public documents Cruz was described as having several conditions including emotional and behavior disorders and autism. 'It's my understanding that his IEP committee determined not to place him in Promise,' Osgood told the Sun Sentinel. 'The committee has the right to alter how you progress if they think another means would be better for you.' Clark indicated that she couldn't confirm that, saying the district was still reviewing records to determine whether the change came from the committee or from a school administrator. A Tallahassee consultant is currently working on an independent review of Cruz's history in the district, which Clark said will be released early next month. She added: '[The district] correctly and accurately stated that Nikolas Cruz did not participate in the Promise Program while attending Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.' On Monday Runcie said that at the time of his comments last month he did not know about Cruz's referral to the program in middle school. 'I would assure the public that all we're trying to do is be as transparent as possible as quickly as possible,' he told the Miami New Times. At the EU referendum almost two years ago, the British people heroically saw through Project Fear. In their determination to embrace national independence, they refused to be intimidated by the deceitful scaremongering about our supposedly apocalyptic future after Brexit. Yet the Establishment has never accepted the democratic verdict of the electorate. Iain Duncan Smith: 'In their determination to embrace national independence, they refused to be intimidated by the deceitful scaremongering about our supposedly apocalyptic future after Brexit' Unable to imagine life without the EUs rule, devoid of any real faith in Britains capabilities, key elements of the political class have embarked on a systematic campaign to obstruct and emasculate Brexit. That relentless hostility shone through most recently in debates in the House of Lords, where unelected, unaccountable peers lined up to sneer at the publics wish for national freedom. Too much of this spirit of fearfulness and surrender has infused our side in the negotiations with the EU over withdrawal, leading to a catalogue of concessions in return for little. In the same vein, the Civil Service, those past masters at delay, keep pushing for an ever longer transition period in the hope that institutional inertia may ultimately thwart Britains departure. Now the Establishment is refusing to let go of its new weapon: the customs union. Business Secretary Greg Clark, who told the BBC that the proposed new customs partnership remains on the table Over the weekend, Business Secretary Greg Clark told the BBC that Theresa Mays proposed new customs partnership a fudged version of the customs union that was rejected by her Brexit cabinet only last week remained on the table. An arrangement of this kind is necessary, he declared, otherwise the British economy will suffer and trade will shrink. Gazing into his crystal ball, Clark specifically warned that 3,500 car jobs at Toyota could be at risk without the customs deal. Whether intentional or not, these comments echo the same old soundtrack of alarm that always accompanies calls for submission to Brussels. But Project Fear did not work in 2016 and it will not work now. That is partly because, as has been well-rehearsed in recent days, the new customs partnership would create a bureaucratic nightmare, hurt our economic prospects, hit our global trade and undermine our democracy. The jewel in the crown of Brexit will be the ability to reach our own trade deals around the world, particularly with the fast developing nations of Asia something that Brussels simply cannot stomach. In their efforts to hype concerns about Brexit and be as obstructive as possible, EU officials, Dublin and the pro-EU brigade here talk endlessly about the difficulty of the Irish border. Theresa May during local elections in London. Mr Duncan Smith describes her new customs partnership proposal as 'a fudged version of the customs union that was rejected by her Brexit cabinet only last week' In reality, the Irish question has been cynically seized upon and weaponised by fearmongering Remainers who hope to cajole us into staying put. No one actually wants a hard border. As John Thompson, the head of the HMRC, has made clear, with goodwill and imagination, the problem is easily resolvable, especially since Britain and Ireland have operated a common travel area since 1923. Indeed, the whole question of a customs arrangement with the EU has been grossly exaggerated by the Remain lobby. Only about 12 per cent of Britains GDP involves exports to the EU, while just 8 per cent of British companies trade with EU. Most of our economy is based on the domestic market, which suffers from Brussels protectionist policies that push up prices and increase burdens on businesses. Freed from the dead hand of Brussels, consumer costs especially of food will fall and enterprise will flourish. It is absurd to cling to the idea, eagerly peddled by the anti-Brexiteers, that the EU is some kind of engine of economic growth. Just the opposite is true. EU officialdom is the enemy of jobs and innovation, as is reflected in its cripplingly high rates of unemployment, especially among young people, in EU countries like Spain and Greece. And EU-led stagnation is bound to worsen in the coming years, as Brussels presses ahead with its cherished ideological project of further political integration. That will mean more taxation in the name of harmonisation, more regulation, more centralised governance, more streams of directives. Britain will have to be part of that if we end up in a customs union. Brexit gives us the chance to break free from the continuing destruction of our sovereignty. That is what the British public recognised in 2016. Tragically, however, the Establishment, reflected in its doom-mongering asides, remains mired in timid defeatism, reluctant either to challenge the EU or contemplate change. Tiffany Marie Ranweiler-Oblander, 29, was charged for allegedly engaging in sex acts with a male student, 18, four times A married Iowa teacher was arrested and charged after she allegedly engaged in sex acts at least four times with a student from the high school she taught at. Howard-Winneshiek Schools educator Tiffany Marie Ranweiler-Oblander, 29, was charged with sexual exploitation by a school employee last week following her 'romps' with the male pupil, 18, at his home in Lime Springs between March and April. The Cresco Police Department received information about the incidents and referred the case last Thursday to the Howard County Sheriffs Office, who began investigating. Police in Cresco received the cell phone belonging to the male student which held evidence of the affair. The teacher's bond was set at $5,000. Her lawyers had requested the bond be reduced or for Ranweiler-Oblander to be 'released on her own recognizance or without paying bond,' according to the Globe Gazette. The motion, however, was denied. Prosecutors said 'the evidence of this case is not based on hearsay,' court statements state. The accused teacher was employed at Howard-Winneshiek Schools. She has since been placed on administrative leave Ranweiler-Oblander has been placed on administrative leave and her name removed from the school's website. She has also been banned from entering school grounds or contacting the student. Ranweiler-Oblander, who has pleaded not guilty through writing, is set to appear in court on May 14. The teacher formerly worked as an English teacher for junior high kids at Charles City Middle School. If found guilty, Ranweiler-Oblander could face up to five years behind bars. From the moment 13-month-old orphan Alfie was placed in her arms, it was Claire Upshalls mission to make him smile. It was only days after the Briton, then 19, had begun volunteering at an orphanage in Tanzania when she vowed to colleagues to cheer up the sad little boy and it proved to be a seismic moment in both their lives. He was more in shock and withdrawn than the others and I really took to him, she said. I spent a lot of time caring for him and after a couple of weeks he started smiling at me but only me. Claire Upshall with the four Tanzanian children she has adopted When that initial seven-week stint at the orphanage in 2009 was over, Miss Upshall, from Christchurch, Dorset, wept when she had to return to Britain. But such was the extraordinary bond she had forged with Alfie and her compassion for the other orphans and abandoned babies she vowed to return. Fast forward to 2018 and she has not only gone back to live in the poverty stricken east African state, but also adopted Alfie and three other orphans who melted her heart there, named Layla, Isabella and Jack. In so doing, she has created a remarkable family in which her maternal devotion has given them hope, a security which few of their unfortunate peers could imagine. But now Miss Upshall, 28, who is single, faces another battle as she tries to raise 34,000 to bring her family to the UK. Unable to find work in Tanzania, she has little or no savings left and is crowdfunding to pay for the flights, visas and paperwork. After her first stint at the orphanage in 2009, she worked for a year as a nanny before moving back to Tanzania in 2011 to manage the home, in charge of 20 staff and up to 54 babies. Alfie had been moved to another orphanage nine miles away, so she visited hoping to sponsor his education. Within five months he was living with her as her son. He didnt speak English and she spoke no Swahili at the time, but they bonded by rolling bouncy balls down the corridors of their home. I loved him and he loved me and we just fitted together as a team, she said. The family now also includes Layla, whose parents could not care for her. She also first met Miss Upshall in 2009 at five months old. She joined the family in December 2011. Three months later Miss Upshall was called to pick up a tiny girl weighing 10lb and said to be five months old. She turned out to be a malnourished two-year-old. Claire Upshall in the Tanzanian orpahanage where she volunteered Miss Upshall took her in full-time to give her the best chance of survival. In July 2012 Isabella, now eight, officially became the third child in her family. Six months on she moved to Arusha in Tanzania to set up a new baby orphanage. It was there she met 4lb abandoned baby Jack, then ten days old, when she picked him up from hospital. Jack, who was born prematurely, was so small that he needed constant warmth, so she carried him in a sling while she worked in the office. Waking up through the night to feed him cemented their bond and she adopted him in August 2013. Miss Upshall said of her new family: Its not what I had in mind when I went out there aged 19, but I couldnt imagine life differently now. Sometimes when I think about it I realise it is a bit crazy, but it just felt right. With four children to care for, she left the orphanage and has been looking for paid work. But while the children are now thriving at school, and she is almost fluent in Swahili, she has found it impossible to find a job. She has relied on regular payments from her parents, Helen, 63, a catering worker, and Derek, 65, a retired carpenter, who died earlier this year. Having decided in late 2014 to move her family to Britain, she has been working on the red tape ever since. But she needs to fund their flights, visas and final rubber stamp legal hearings in Britain, and said: I dont ask for help very easily its not something that comes to me easily. If you would like to help, visit: https://www.youcaring.com/theupshallchildren-836976 Peers have inflicted another defeat on the government by voting to keep Britain inside the single market after Brexit. The House of Lords urged a Norway-style deal that would keep our borders open and mean still paying money into Brussels coffers. Peers were warned that a vote in favour of continued membership of the European Economic Area (EEA) would fly in the face of the biggest democratic vote in our history and cause untold damage to the reputation to the Lords. But the amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill was passed by 245 votes to 218. Amongst the peers voting against the government were Lord Mandelson, Lord Kinnock, Baroness Kinnock, Lord Heseltine and Lord Patten, who all have EU pensions thanks to previous roles in Brussels. Labours frontbench had urged its peers not to support the amendment, but it passed after 83 joined the revolt. Seventeen Tory peers also rebelled as the government suffered its 14th defeat on the legislation. All twelve of the amendments passed by peers will return to the Commons in the coming weeks with ministers expected to order MPs to overturn them Labour's Baroness Hayter (pictured during tonight's debate) told peers removing the exit date would 'make the task easier for negotiators' Earlier the Lords voted to strip the official date of Brexit. Axing the date from the EU (Withdrawal) Bill will not stop the Article 50 clock and should not delay Britain's actual departure from the Brussels club. But the move flies in the face of Government policy to write the date of March 29, 2019, into British law. Opposition and rebel peers claim stripping the date from the Bill will make the negotiations easier. The 311 to 233 vote was the second defeat for ministers today on the final day of report stage on the flagship legislation. Earlier peers demanded Britain stay in EU agencies after quitting the bloc, voting 298 to 227 in defiance of appeals from the minister. All of the amendments passed by peers will return to the Commons in the coming weeks with ministers expected to order MPs to overturn them. Lords defeats: What happens next? The dozen defeats inflicted by peers on the Brexit bill must all be considered by MPs before they are law. The Lords amendments will be sent to the Commons to be considered in the coming weeks and ministers are expected to order MPs to delete all of them. Cancelled amendments will then be sent back to the Lords in a process known as 'parliamentary ping pong' - but peers are not allowed to just vote them through again unchanged. If Rebel Tories join forces with the Opposition to successfully defend any of the Lords amendments, ministers will have to accept them. Advertisement A major fight is expected over a crucial amendment stripping Theresa May of her powers to walk away from talks without a deal. Remain supporters believe there are enough Tory rebels to defend it in the Commons in what would be a major blow to the PM's authority. The Duke of Wellington led a cross-party move to delete the exit date, March 29 2019, from the Bill to give ministers greater flexibility. The Tory peer said he was trying to help the Government in its negotiations and not to 'thwart the process'. The Duke said the aim was to revert to the original wording of the Bill and the Government's decision to amend it in the Commons by adding the date had been unnecessary. 'We know beyond any doubt that for the purposes of this Bill we leave the EU on March 29 2019. 'But this date should not be defined and specified ... in case it becomes necessary and in the national interest to agree an extension as provided in Article 50.' Labour's Baroness Hayter told peers removing the exit date would 'make the task easier for negotiators'. She said: 'If this amendment is successful, it will remove the straitjacket that the Government are in, I have to say not at the behest of negotiators but at the behest of certain ardent Brexiteers. 'Let's get the straitjacket out, let's make the task easier for negotiators.' Tory peer the Duke of Wellington led a cross-party move to delete the exit date, March 29 2019, from the Bill to give ministers greater flexibility Proposing the change to the flagship Brexit legislation, the Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Rev Nick Baines (pictured , lashed out at Brexiteers Proposing the change to the flagship Brexit legislation, the Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Rev Nick Baines, lashed out at Brexiteers for condemning all those seeking to change the bill as 'a hypocritical remoaner intent on sabotaging the Bill and trying to prevent Brexit from ever happening'. What have peers defeated the Government on? Amendment 1: Requires the Government to make a statement on its efforts to negotiate a customs union Amendment 11: Insists changes to employments, equality, health and safety, consumer standards and environmental law can only be made by primary legislation Amendment 15: Incorporating the Charter of Fundamental Rights into UK law Amendment 18: Ends ministers' ability to specify when individuals are allowed to challenge EU law kept after Brexit Amendment 19: Creates a right to bring court cases if the UK fails to comply with the general principles of UK law Amendment 31: Limits the scope of so-called 'Henry VIII' powers that allows ministers to re-write EU laws as they are copied into British law Amendment 49: Cancels Theresa May's right to walk away from Brexit talks without having a vote of Parliament Amendment 51: Stop ministers implementing the deal unless Parliament has approved a mandate for negotiations about the future relationship. Amendment 59: Maintain the Dublin Regulations allowing asylum seekers who reach Europe to join family already in Britain Amendment 88: Enshrines support for the Good Friday Agreement in the Bill Amendment 93: Allowing the Government to stay in EU agencies or mirror EU rules Amendment 95: Stripping the date of Brexit off the Bill Advertisement He told peers: 'I regret the referendum result but I accept that the UK is to leave even on this 73rd anniversary of VE Day. 'My concern ... is to ask the Government seriously to consider improvements to the Bill in order both that the people should be clear about the how as well as the what of Brexit, and that the transition to a final arrangement might be as good as we can get it.' The bishop added: 'This amendmen does not in any way place an additional burden on the Government, nor does it ask the Government to change its stated policy stance. 'It formalises and reinforces those commitments made by the Prime Minister.' Brexit minister Lord Callanan, had urged peers against the move - and even gave rare praise to Lord Adonis, who also opposed the plan. He said: 'The amendment may have been tabled with one eye on the withdrawal agreement, but ministerial colleagues and I have been very clear throughout this Bill's passage, both within this House and in the other place, that this Bill's aim is just to create a functioning statute book as we depart from the EU.' He added: 'On this point, I find myself surprisingly in agreement with Lord Adonis, I think probably for the first time in all of this Bill's passage. On this particular narrow point, he is right.' Lord Callanan concluded: 'I do not believe that anything would be gained from its acceptance in the Bill apart from confusion and uncertainty.' The Lords has already inflicted ten defeats on the Government at the report stage of the EU Withdrawal Bill, including removing the option of the Prime Minister walking away from Brexit talks with no deal. Labour peers have been instructed not to back the cross-party amendment to keep Britain inside the single market, but dozens could defy the party leadership. Diehard Remainers last night reacted with fury over the party's refusal to support the amendment requiring the Government to negotiate EEA membership. Theresa May (pictured today in Downing Street) has been repeatedly defeated in the House of Lords on her Brexit legislation Labour peer Lord Alli, who is one of the signatories to the amendment, accused the party of 'complete cowardice' by ordering its members to abstain. Labour MP Chuka Umunna, a supporter of the pro-EU Open Britain campaign, said staying in the single market was 'important in avoiding a return to a hard border' between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. 'Given the numbers of Conservative MPs now supporting the UK continuing to participate in the EEA, Labour is looking a gift horse in the mouth,' he said. 'We can keep the UK in the EEA and its protections for workers, consumers and the environment by supporting this move. 'We know the damage leaving the single market will do to our economy, to public services and to our NHS, so it would go against Labour's progressive values for the party not to vote in favour of these amendments tabled by Lord Alli, a leading equalities campaigner, in the Lords.' Labour MP Chuka Umunna, a supporter of the pro-EU Open Britain campaign, said staying in the single market was 'important in avoiding a return to a hard border' between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland But Boris Johnson yesterday called on the upper house to respect the 'clearly mandated' will of the people. 'Both parties campaigned to come out of the single market and customs union,' said the Foreign Secretary. 'It is not just the referendum but in the general election too. 'There is a longstanding tradition in the UK that the House of Lords can under no circumstances frustrate what has been clearly mandated not just by a referendum but by the election as well. 'Indeed, they shouldn't frustrate it under any circumstances because they do not represent they sovereign will of the British people.' Theresa May last week promised a 'robust' response when the EU Withdrawal Bill returns to the Commons. Government ministers have accused peers of attempting to 'thwart' the country's departure from the EU. A children's charity will teach schools about the dangers of pupils sharing nude images amid the terrifying rise of a social media cyberbullying trend. Child safety groups are warning that the craze, known as baiting out, is leading to intimate pictures being shared online and the shaming of unsuspecting teenagers. Bait out pages, found on social media sites including Instagram and Snapchat, mock and humiliate young women who are often branded skets [promiscuous] or hoes [prostitutes]. YouTuber Baithead (pictured) has had all the videos on his channel taken down. The Google-owned web giant said it breached its policies on harassment and bullying Pick on someone your own size: Van Banter, right, an online star pushing the 'bait out' trend, interviews two boys at a Tube station To join the groups, users are told to share sexually explicit images, videos or sexual gossip. Founders of the groups cynically calculate that some children are so desperate to join that they will supply almost anything that is asked even if that image is then circulated even more widely to humiliate them. But the craze can also involve youngsters typically girls being named and shamed in videos shot in the street or shopping centres that are then shared on websites such as YouTube. No-one should have to feel so humiliated Victims of the bait out trend have told of their humilation after sexual slurs about them were broadcast on the web. Cassidy Valentine, a model and YouTube video blogger, was named in a bait out clip and accused of being sexually promiscuous. Miss Valentine, pictured, who was in her teens at the time, told the BBC: I just felt so victimised by it and it was really embarrassing and humiliating to go through. No-one should have to feel like that, really. Cassidy Valentine, a model and YouTube video blogger, was named in a bait out clip and accused of being sexually promiscuous Others have spoken anonymously about their ordeal. One 14-year-old girl told Childnet: Lots of people asked for nudes and I finally sent one to a boy who told me he really liked me and that if I sent him one we could be such an amazing couple. I fell for it and the next day my pictures were all around the school Everyone says its okay for boys ...but when girls do it all you get is hate, like slag, sket, slut etc I regret it. A 15-year-old girl told the charity: A nude was sent and it was screenshot and posted on social media. From there, it was screenshot and sent around other people and into group chats. Comments were made about it for a period of time for various reasons. It still happens now even though it happened a year ago. When Childnet asked one 13-year-old boy why naked pictures were being shared online, he said: Because all their friends are doing it and they feel like theyre not one of them any more. So to look cool theyre like: Look, Ive got nudes too. Advertisement Those leading the trend, such as young men known as Van Banter and Baithead, have become online celebrities, with many youngsters looking up to them. Police and schools are now so concerned that from September, charity Childnet will pilot a scheme in secondary schools in which they work with teachers and provide lesson plans to make it easier for them talk to pupils about the issue. The charity, which has spoken to scores of young people as part of its research into the topic, will also help teachers understand more about wider online sexual harassment. The scheme comes as Kent Police revealed that, in the space of one month, more than 40 children in the Thanet area had sent nude images of themselves and fallen victim to a bait out group. One group which dates back several years routinely names school children and describes activities they have engaged in. One post describes a sexual encounter between two girls, accusing them of being dirty lesbians. The girls named and shamed were in Year 9, meaning they were just 13 or 14 at the time. Years on, the details are still available to be seen by anyone on the internet. A Childnet report, part of a wider European project called Project deSHAME, found 13 per cent of British youngsters had sent a nude picture to a girlfriend or boyfriend. In all, 13 per cent of those polled, aged just 11 to 16, had photographed themselves partly or fully naked. Half had gone on to share the image. Rose Bray, of Childline, said young girls feel upset and betrayed, wracked with guilt and self-blame. They think they have nowhere to turn, fearing their parents would be ashamed of them. She added: They might have shared an image with someone they thought was part of a trusting relationship and actually have ended up having that image shared wider. Or situations where young people have felt pressured to share an image in the first placeThe person they were dating made them feel like it was an expected part of being their girlfriend, and actually a person was never comfortable doing that, but chose to do that as part of their relationship. It felt like a grown-up thing to do, it felt like that is what everyone at school was doing. She added: Having feelings like that can have a massive impact on their emotional wellbeing and their mental health. The NSPCCs associate head of online safety Andy Burrows said: Its very troubling if young people are being coerced, bullied or manipulated into sharing explicit images of themselves, which could then disappear into closed or secret online groups where complete strangers can see and comment on them. Thats why the NSPCC wants it to be as easy to have an image of yourself taken off the internet as it was to post in the first place. We also need the Government to step in and regulate social networks so that grooming and bullying behaviour online is identified and properly dealt with, to help clean up the Wild West Web that young people are currently faced with. Childnet boss Will Gardner said: We want everybody to better understand this issue and to help support and input a collective response. Part of the challenge is to bring people up to speed with what young people are doingThere is this knowledge gap that we need to be challenging and addressing. Laura Mercier cosmetics makeup artist Benjamin Ruiz killed his long term partner before turning the gun on himself inside their $1.5million Houston home, according to police. On Thursday, police officers discovered the grisly scene when they entered the five-bedroom home on Markham Street around 9:30pm, after a friend had called the police about a concerning text message they received. According to the Medical Examiner, an autopsy revealed that Benjamin, 52, shot his partner, Rene Ruiz, 62, in the head, torso, and right lower extremity, before fatally shooting himself in the head. Benjamin Ruiz, 52, (left) and Rene Ruiz, 62, (right) were found dead in their home in Houston on Thursday night The Medical Examiner's autopsy revealed that Benjamin shot his partner Rene several times before fatally turning the gun on himself The men were found dead in their $1.5million Houston, Texas home Thursday night. The home is seen above Neighbors tell KHOU11, the couple had been together more than 22-years. The pair lived a glamorous, international lifestyle and had homes in Mexico. They recently vacationed in Buenos Aires and mingled with celebrities thanks to Benjamin's high-flying job. Their friend called the 911 when they were unable to get a hold of the couple following the disturbing message. Officers arrived and found the pair dead upstairs. While they were together for more than two-decades, they were getting divorced. The day before their deaths, they listed their home for $1.5million, as part of their divorce settlement. Benjamin was a high-flying creative director for the make-up brand Laura Mercier and mingled with celebrities as part of his work. He is pictured with Mercier (left) and Brooke Shields (right) Their nearly 4,000-square-foot home was put up for sale the day before the couple was found dead The couple travelled frequently and were recently in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Mexico's Puerto Vallarta, where they have a home. It is not clear what Rene (right) did for a living The home's listing say it's an Edwardian-style English city home with 'custom touches'. It was not the couple's only home. They also had a property in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, which they visited for New Year recently. Benjamin gushed about the property in interviews about his work, saying it was where he went to relax. Cops said that no suicide note was left behind, and added that they have never been called to the home before for domestic incidents. It is not clear what Rene did for a living. Unlike his husband, who was busy on social media, he does not appear to have had any online profile. A serious truck crash on a major road is causing havoc on peak hour traffic in Melbourne. A truck crossed the median strip and crashed into a set of traffic lights on Sydney Road just after 6am on Tuesday, Nine News reported. The driver said he was cut off by another motorist, and he is shaken up but uninjured. A serious truck crash on a major road is causing havoc on peak hour traffic in Melbourne A truck crossed the median strip and crashed into a set of traffic lights on Sydney Road just after 6am on Tuesday Fuel has spilled onto the road after the crash and road maintenance crews are now forced to clean it up. VicRoads is advising drivers to avoid the area until midday. Southbound lanes on Sydney Road are moving but at an extremely slow rate. Long delays are expected for all drivers in the area. Some alternatives to Sydney Road are at Pascoe Vale Road, Edgars Road and High Street. The world's oldest scientist has arrived in Switzerland in high spirits three days before he will end his life at an assisted suicide clinic. British born botanist and ecologist David Goodall, 104, touched down in Basel on Monday after a flight from Bordeaux, France where he said goodbye to family. Asked by a reporter if he planned to go through with his suicide, Goodall enthusiastically replied: 'Oh yes, that's what I'm here for!' Scroll down for video The world's oldest scientist (pictured on Monday) has arrived in Switzerland in high spirits two days before ending his life Speaking from his wheelchair and, Goodall, from Perth, said: 'I am glad to arrive and I'll be even more glad when further steps of my journey are completed. When I get to the hotel, for example, and when I meet the doctor.' He added: 'Once one passes the age of 50 or 60, one should be free to decide for oneself whether one wants to go on living or not.' Lucid and humorous, Goodall reiterated his frustration about not being as free or as mobile in his later life as he once was. While not suffering from a terminal illness, he said he hoped his trip to take his own life in Switzerland - which allows assisted suicide, unlike Australia - would change legislators' minds one day. 'I think we've got quite a way to go. I would like to see the system change, but I doubt it will happen within the next ten years,' he said. Dr Goodall celebrated his 104th birthday in early April and has since decided it is time to access voluntarily euthanasia in Switzerland The 104-year-old got on a plane in Perth last Wednesday surrounded by friends and family saying their final goodbyes, including his grandson Matt (pictured) Goodall is expected to meet Tuesday with a doctor who will assess his mindset and hold another news conference on Wednesday. On Thursday, he plans to swallow a lethal cocktail of chemicals. After the weekend visit in France, he acknowledged he was 'a bit sorry to say goodbye to my family in Bordeaux. But that's the way it was.' Switzerland is one of the world's most permissive countries when it comes to assisted suicide. Representatives of the Swiss 'assisted voluntary death' group Life Circle, which is helping Goodall, say only Switzerland and Colombia allow foreigners to travel into the country for an assisted suicide. The eminent botanist and ecologist does not have a terminal illness, but is seeking voluntary euthanasia - which is illegal in Australia - on the grounds his quality of life has deteriorated. Dr Goodall's grandson, Matt Goodall (far left) on his grandfather's 104th birthday, is pictured alongside his mother Karen and brother Graham He attempted suicide about two months ago after suffering a fall, which put him in hospital. Professor Goodall's daughter could only get him out of the country after arranging an independent psychiatric review, Exit International founder doctor Philip Nitschke said. 'I no longer find much joy in life. Up to, even up to, say, the age of 90 I was enjoying life. But not now,' Professor Goodall told the ABC. Dr David Goodall arrived at Perth airport to board a flight to Switzerland to end his life wearing a jumper that read 'Ageing Disgracefully' Goodall worked at Perth's Edith Cowan University, and said he had become resentful about having to go abroad to die due to the absence of voluntary euthanasia laws in Australia. There were a few tears but most of the friends and family who gathered to farewell the 104-year-old at Perth Airport on Wednesday said they had prepared themselves to say goodbye. From his wheelchair, he hugged them all in turn, thanked them and wished them a wonderful life before he and his nurse boarded the plane. Doctors who initially treated him had threatened to prevent him from leaving Australia but he ultimately left the country unhindered. A crowdfunding effort from Exit International, a euthanasia advocacy group, raised almost $US20,000 to cover Goodall's travel costs, including two business class tickets for him and his nurse. The procedure will take place in Switzerland on May 10. The Swiss clinic has helped 73 people to die over the past year. Those who are seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. At least 45 people died in an attack on a village in northern Nigeria, a police official told Reuters on Sunday, the latest in a string of incidents underscoring insecurity in parts of the country. May 7, 2018, 09:43 At least 45 dead in attack on Nigerian village STEPANAKERT, MAY 7, ARTSAKHPRESS:President Muhammadu Buhari won Nigerias 2015 elections partly on promises to bring security to Africas largest economy and most populous nation, but has struggled to fulfill those pledges. He is now seeking a second term in February 2019. His critics and opponents question his track record tackling the multitude of conflicts that plague Nigeria, from Boko Haram and a thriving Islamic State West Africa insurgency in the northeast, to clashes between farmers and herders in the hinterlands that have left hundreds dead. A cafe owner has spoken out to reveal that the man who is suspected as the Golden State Killer was a regular in her restaurant for years. Charlene Carte, the owner of Charlie's Cafe in Citrus Heights, California, said in an interview with Fox40 on Friday that Joseph James DeAngelo, 72, had an explosive temper when she served him. 'The second time I served him his tuna salad he threw the cheese on the table,' Carte said. 'And I said, "What's wrong?" He's like, "What are you trying to do, kill me? I can't eat cheese - I told you before."' 'I named him Mister Happy almost two years ago and that's because he was such a grouch,' she said. Charlene Carte (above), the owner of Charlie's Cafe in Citrus Heights, California, said that Joseph James DeAngelo had an explosive temper when she served him DeAngelo is seen at his arraignment on April 27. He is charged with murdering Katie and Brian Maggiore in Rancho Cordova in 1978, and additional charges are expected to be filed Despite DeAngelo's temper, Carte said she would have never guessed he could be capable of the Golden State Killer's reign of terror - 12 murders and more than 50 rapes in the 1970s and 80s. 'It's eerie,' Carte reflected. 'He doesn't have like the eyes of a killer, like maybe Charles Manson, nothing like that. Just like your average Joe.' Carte said that about a week before his April 24 arrest, DeAngelo tried to touch her inappropriately. 'He went to go pinch my sides,' she said. 'And I said, "Hey, hey, don't touch my comfort zone."' The cafe owner noted that her establishment is a regular pit stop for all kinds of law enforcement officers, and that DeAngelo never seemed uncomfortable around them. 'He was not hiding,' she said. DeAngelo was a regular customer at Charlie's Cafe, where he was known for his foul moods DeAngelo's regular seat in the cafe is seen on the left. The cafe owner says he tried to pinch her on the waist just a week before his arrest on April 24 DeAngelo was living in Citrus Heights with his daughter and a granddaughter at the time of his arrest. Neighbors have said that he was given to profane outbursts at times, but said there wasn't anything overtly suspicious about his behavior. DeAngelo been charged with two murders in Sacramento County, and prosecutors in Ventura, Orange and Santa Barbara counties are expected to file additional murder charges. He has not yet entered a plea and is being held without bail in the psychiatric wing of the Sacramento County Jail, where deputies say he has been in 'quiet reflection,' saying little aside from mumbling. DeAngelo is next due in court on May 14. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has resigned after four women came forward accusing him of physical abuse, threats and other misconduct. 'In the last several hours, serious allegations, which I strongly contest, have been made against me,' Schneiderman said in a statement on Monday night. 'While these allegations are unrelated to my professional conduct or the operations of the office, they will effectively prevent me from leading the offices work at this critical time. I therefore resign my office, effective at the close of business on May 8, 2018.' The accusers, two of them speaking on the record, told the New Yorker in an article published hours earlier that Schneiderman had hit or slapped them without consent, often in bed, and frequently after drinking. In his initial statement to the magazine, Schneiderman, 63, said: 'In the privacy of intimate relationships, I have engaged in role-playing and other consensual sexual activity. I have not assaulted anyone. I have never engaged in nonconsensual sex, which is a line I would not cross.' Two of Schneiderman's former romantic partners, Michelle Manning Barish and Tanya Selvaratnam, came forward to share their allegations against him, which they classify as 'assault'. Neither filed a police report at the time but both sought medical treatment. A third former romantic partner, who was not named, shared similar stories of bedroom violence. A fourth woman, an attorney in New York, said Schneiderman made unwanted advances and then slapped her when she rebuffed him. Scroll down for video Four women have accused New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman (above), who is suing Harvey Weinstein, of physical abuse Tanya Selvaratnam, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Dana Brown attend The Turtle Conservancy's 4th Annual Turtle Ball at The Bowery Hotel in New York on April 17 last year Michelle Manning Barish dated Schneiderman from 2013 to January 2015. She says 'his hypocrisy is epic' and alleges he slapped and hit her in the bedroom without consent 'No one is above the law, including New York's top legal officer, said New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, like Schneiderman a Democrat, in a statement on Monday night calling on the attorney general to resign. 'My personal opinion is that, given the damning pattern of facts and corroboration laid out in the article, I do not believe it is possible for Eric Schneiderman to continue to serve as attorney general, and for the good of the office, he should resign,' Cuomo said. The Governor said that he would instruct a district attorney to open an immediate investigation and 'proceed as the facts merit'. A spokesman for the NYPD said there were no criminal complaints on file against Schneiderman, who lives in Manhattan. 'If the NYPD receives complaints of a crime, it will investigate them thoroughly,' the spokesman said in a statement to DailyMail.com. In the article co-reported by Ronan Farrow, Manning Barish and Selvaratnam both said that Schneiderman threatened to kill them if they broke up with him. Selvaratnam also said that he claimed he could tap her phones or have her followed. Manning Barish was in a relationship with Schneiderman, who divorced years ago, from 2013 until New Year's Day in 2015. 'His hypocrisy is epic,' she told the New Yorker. 'He's fooled so many people.' Manning Barish alleges that about a month into their relationship, Schneiderman slapped and choked her in the bedroom of his Upper West Side apartment. They had both been drinking and began to remonstrate after he called her a 'whore', she said. 'All of a sudden, he just slapped me, open handed and with great force, across the face, landing the blow directly onto my ear,' she said. 'He then used his body weight to hold me down, and he began to choke me. The choking was very hard. It was really bad. I kicked. In every fibre, I felt I was being beaten by a man.' Selvaratnam said she first met Schneiderman in 2016 at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, and was swept off her feet. Tanya Selvaratnam also dated Schneiderman and has accused him of misconduct She says that as they began dating, 'it was a fairy tale that became a nightmare'. 'The slaps started after we'd gotten to know each other,' she recalled. 'It was at first as if he were testing me. Then it got stronger and harder... It wasn't consensual. This wasn't sexual playacting. This was abusive, demeaning, threatening behavior.' Selvaratnam, who is from Sri Lanka, claims that Scheiderman called her his 'brown slave' and demanded that she call him 'Master', slapping her until she complied. She said that he also choked her, 'cutting off my ability to breathe'. Like Manning Barish, Selvaratnam said that Schneiderman regularly consumed huge quantities of alcohol. Schneiderman was an ally to Hillary Clinton and had sued Donald Trump over his Trump University, and his mood grew dark and despondent after Trump won the presidential election, Selvaratnam said. The day before Trump's Inauguration, Selvaratnam said she rushed to the hospital after Schneiderman fell in a drunken stupor and cut his forehead, requiring stitches. A public appearance was canceled and the story at the time was that he'd fallen while running. Now a spokesman says Schneiderman 'fell in the bathroom while completely sober', but was embarrassed and so told staff he'd been running. Selvaratnam's relationship with Schneiderman ended in the fall of 2017. Ironically, given the stunning claims against him, Schneiderman authored New York's law against strangulation while in the state Senate. Four women have accused New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman of misconduct His law created specific penalties for choking and targeted domestic abusers, for whom strangulation is known to often be a precursor to deadly violence. Schneiderman has long been a vocal advocate for women's rights and a loud proponent of the #MeToo movement. In February, Schneiderman filed a civil rights lawsuit against Harvey Weinstein and his company, after more than 80 women accused the film mogul of sexual misconduct. 'We have never seen anything as despicable as what weve seen right here,' Schneiderman said at the time. Last month, he praised the New York Times and the New Yorker for the reporting that initially brought the allegations against Weinstein to light. 'Without the reporting of the @nytimes and the @newyorkerand the brave women and men who spoke up about the sexual harassment they endured at the hands of powerful menthere would not be the critical national reckoning underway,' Schneiderman wrote in a tweet. Schneiderman is a longtime foe of Trump dating back to before he ran for president He is also a committed foe of Trump who had attempted to change state law to allow him to prosecute any Trump campaign officials in the event they were pardoned by Trump. Trump, either through insight or luck, appeared to predict Schneiderman's downfall in a 2013 tweet. 'Weiner is gone, Spitzer is gone,' Trump wrote in reference to two New York elected Democrats brought down by sex scandals: Anthony Weiner for sexting and Eliot Spitzer for frequenting prostitutes. 'Next will be lightweight A.G. Eric Schneiderman. Is he a crook? Wait and see, worse than Spitzer or Weiner,' Trump wrote. The accusers against Scneiderman who came forward said they had long remained silent for fear of damaging the work was doing for leftist and feminist causes. Ultimately, it was DailyMail.com's reporting on domestic abuse allegations against former White House Secretary Rob Porter that convinced Schneiderman's accusers to come forward, they said. 'After Rob Porter, I was struggling about whether to come forward. I felt guilt and shame that I was encouraging other women to speak out but wasnt doing the same. I was a hypocrite. I was in tears,' said Manning Barish. She and Selvaratnam both said that the decision to come forward was anguishing. In a tweet shortly after the New Yorker published the report, Manning Barish wrote: 'After the most difficult month of my life-I spoke up. For my daughter and for all women. I could not remain silent and encourage other women to be brave for me. I could not...' Advertisement Moments after a military cargo plane crashed into a Georgia highway, rattled motorists began dialing 911 to report the large aircraft had plunged nose-first into the blacktop before erupting into flames and thick smoke. 'It just fell out of the sky and it's on fire right now,' said one woman who called emergency operators as soon as the plane went down at about 11.27am last Wednesday. Savannah police released 911 recordings from the crash on Monday, five days after the C-130 Hercules cargo plane plummeted down onto Georgia Highway 21 and killed the nine airmen on board. One 911 caller reported that something seemed to be wrong with one of the plane's four engines as it took off from Savannah Hilton Head Airport. Savannah police released 911 recordings five days after the C-130 Hercules military cargo plane plummeted down onto Georgia Highway 21 and killed the nine airmen on board Many of the 911 callers reported that it seemed as if the plane had fallen out of the sky, while others noted that it had 'nose-dived' into the highway 'I saw it take off from the airport and I noticed that one of the propellers wasn't turning,' the woman told an emergency dispatcher. 'And he banked like he was going toward (Interstate) 95, and then all of a sudden he lost altitude and just took a nose dive into the ground.' The military is investigating but no preliminary findings have been released to suggest what caused the crash. Air Force spokesman Maj. Andrew Reed declined to comment Monday on any details from the 911 calls, citing the active investigation. Other witnesses gave similar eyewitness accounts, with one 911 caller saying the plane 'just literally nose-dived into the road' and another saying it 'did a barrel roll and went straight into the ground'. A woman who described black smoke bellowing from the crash tried to get a closer look so she could give emergency dispatchers a better idea of exactly where the plane hit. 'I'm coming up on it,' the woman says in the call. 'It's right off the railroad track. Oh my God, it's on Highway 21...It's across both lanes of road.' 'Is it on fire or anything like that?' the operator asks. 'Yes, baby, it's black smoke,' the woman replies. 'The plane like incinerated whenever it hit the concrete.' 'I've got flames and smoke everywhere and stuff coming out of the sky,' one man told a 911 operator. The aging plane had long been a part of Puerto Rico's Air National Guard fleet and had rescued and resupplied US citizens after last year's hurricanes. It crashed during what was supposed to be its final flight. One woman who called 911 told the emergency dispatcher that the plane had 'incinerated whenever it hit the concrete' The pilot of the plane, Major Jose Rafael Roman, 43, who hails from the coastal town of Manati along Puerto Rico's north coast, is pictured along with unidentified crewmembers on another flight Roberto Espada and Victor Colon were also named as crewmembers of the C-130 Hercules that crashed on Wednesday The plane was being flown into retirement in Arizona when it took off from the Savannah airport last week. Maj. Paul Dahlen of the Puerto Rico Air National Guard said the aircraft had been manufactured in 1970s, making it roughly 40 years old. The pilot of the plane - which had received 'days' of maintenance before the crash - was identified last week as Major Jose Rafael Roman, 43, who hails from the coastal town of Manati along Puerto Rico's north coast. The mayor of that town, Jose Sanchez, said Roman had two young boys and his wife is five months pregnant with a girl. 'The town is in mourning,' Sanchez said. 'My condolences to all Puerto Rican families.' Roman's childhood friend said the pilot, who served in the National Guard for 18 years, had raised concerns about the age of the planes the National Guard were using. 'He told me, 'We're using the oldest planes of the entire United States of America,''' Narvaez recalled. Jeremy Roman, the pilot's youngest son, said in a statement that he was extremely proud of his father: 'You're a hero, and you're my hero, and I want everyone to know I'm very proud of you.' The other eight victims, who were all from Puerto Rico, have now been officially named as David Albandoz, Carlos Perez Serra, Jan Paravisini, Jean Audriffred, Victor Colon, Mario Brana, Eric Circuns and Roberto Espada. The co-pilot was identified as David Albandoz (left) and the loadmaster as Eric Circuns (right). Circuns, from Rio Grande, had been with the military for 31 years and was survived by his wife, two step-daughters, and son Mechanic Jan Paravisini (left, with an unidentified woman) and flight engineer Mario Brana were also named as victims by the National Guard Pilot of the doomed plane Jose Roman sits in the cockpit of a stunt plane at an airfield in this undated photo from social media Puerto Rico National Guard members Victor Colon and and flight engineer Mario Brana are pictured in undated photos Crewmember Roberto Espada is pictured left cutting an unknown National Guard recruit's hair on Puerto Rico First Lt. David Albandoz, the co-pilot, had served for 16 years and was survived by his wife and daughter. Navigator Maj. Carlos Perez Serra, from Canovanas, had been with the military for 23 years and had a wife, two sons, and daughter. The mechanic, Senior Master Sgt. Jan Paravisini, was from the same town and had two daughters and a son. He had served for 21 years. Master Sgt. Jean Audriffred, from Carolina, had a wife and two sons and had been in the military for 16 years, while Master Sgt. Victor Colon, from Santa Isabel had served for 22 years and had a wife and two daughters. The flight engineer, Master Sgt. Mario Brana, was from Bayamon and had been with the National Guard for 17 years. He is survived by his mother and daughter. The loadmaster, Master Sergeant Eric Circuns, from Rio Grande, had been with the military for 31 years and was survived by his wife, two step-daughters, and son. Senior Airman Roberto Espada had been with the National Guard for three years. He was from Salinas and is survived by his grandmother. Surveillance footage filmed from a business near the site captured the horrific moment the aircraft nose-dived and disappearing from view behind some buildings before a huge cloud of fire and smoke erupted. Witnesses said the plane's sudden descent suggested its engine had stalled after take-off, although this has not been confirmed by experts. The aircraft was flying to the Aerospace Regeneration and Maintenance Group in Arizona, nicknamed 'the Boneyard', which holds thousands of old military planes and spacecraft. All nine crew members were Puerto Ricans who had helped with hurricane recovery efforts as part of the 198th Fighter Squadron, known as the Bucaneros, which flies out of Base Muniz in the northern coastal city of Carolina. The squadron used the plane to rescue Americans from the British Virgin Islands after Hurricane Irma, and later supplied food and water to Puerto Ricans desperate for help after Hurricane Maria. Terrifying surveillance footage from a local business filmed the National Guard C-130 as it nose-dived last week not long after taking off from Savannah Hilton Head Airport. Video courtesy of WTOC The ageing C-130 Hercules was on its final flight to a demonissioning centre in Tuscon, Arizona. After it vanished, a plume of fire and smoke wafted up from behind the buildings A firetruck sprays foam over the remains of an Air National Guard C-130 cargo plane from Puerto Rico on Wednesday morning The plane took off from Puerto Rico before having repairs at Savannah International Airport. It then crashed 15 miles away after taking off the a decommissioning centre in Tuscon, Arizona An investigation into the crash is being carried out by the National Guard Bureau and the Air Force. The National Transportation Safety Board will not take part. The huge plane came down so hard that the only part still intact was its tail section, with debris scattered around a 600 feet area. Officials called it 'miraculous' that the plane did not hit any cars. The fuselage appeared to have struck the median, and pieces of its wings, which spanned 132 feet, were littered across lanes in both directions. Motorists who were driving at the time got out of their vehicles to frantically look for survivors afterwards and filmed themselves going through the woods to try and find anyone who had made it out alive. One witness described the 'fireball' explosion which occurred seconds after the plane hit the ground. 'The explosion, it was indescribable. It covered all four lanes and more. There was just a huge fireball of God knows what,' the man, who was not named, told Fox 5. Drivers who were heading southbound on the highway watched as the plane crashed in their path then, once it had hit the ground, abandoned their vehicles to look for survivors The plane was flying to the Aerospace Regeneration and Maintenance Group in Arizona, nicknamed 'the Boneyard', which holds thousands of old military planes and spacecraft Emergency services are pictured working at Highway 21 in Savannah after the crash last week. Officials called it 'miraculous' that the plane did not hit any cars The tail of the C-130 was the only visible part of the plane that was intact following the collision on the busy highway C-130 Hercules: Vintage military cargo plane with a 132ft-wingspan built to ferry troops in the Korean War The C-130 Hercules was designed by Lockheed Martin after the United States Air Force asked manufacturers to produce a new plane for transporting troops in the Korean War. The first model entered service on August 23 1954 with a capacity of 92 passengers, 72 combat troops or 64 paratroopers in a 41 feet-long and 9-feet wide interior. The C-130 is a four engine turboprop military transport plane with a payload of 45,000lbs. It is considerable in size at 92ft long and with a wingspan of 132ft. Designed for use on unprepared runways, the C-130 quickly became used for disaster relief and search and rescue by the US and its allies including Britain and Australia. The C-130 plane that crashed on Wednesday had been operating with the Puerto Rican National Guard for more than 60 years. Brigadier General Isabelo Rivera said the island had the oldest inventory of planes in the whole National Guard. The plane was a Lockheed C-130 Hercules which is a four-engine turboprop military plane with a wingspan of 132ft. It is 92ft long and has a payload of 45,000lbs. A file image of a C-130 is shown above Advertisement Chelsea Sinclair, who works at a nearby Parker's, told local newspaper The News Observer: 'It went nose-first down. We were seeing a bunch of black smoke.' Motorist Mark Jones told the Savannah Morning News that he saw the plane hit the road right in front of him, and explode in a huge fireball. 'It didn't look like it nosedived, but it almost looked like it stalled and just went almost flat right there in the middle of the highway,' Jones said. 'I'm still shook up and shaking. My stomach is in knots because I know they're people just like me. I wasn't that far from it and I could have just kept going and it would have been me and we wouldn't be talking right now,' Jones said. Huge plumes of black smoke billowed from the crash site. The incident happened around 15 miles from Savannah's airport This was the view of the road for motorists as they drove towards the crash. One, whose pictures are shown above, started filming after it had hit the ground The C-130 is a four engine turboprop military transport plane with a payload of 45,000lbs. It is considerable in size at 92ft long and with a wingspan of 132ft. Discussing the crash at a press conference last week, National Guard Master Sgt. Roger Parsons said: 'Anytime we lose any of our brother and sisters in arms it's devastating.' 'It's something we never like to have happen, but we're still here to do a job and to continue on with the missions we have to do.' The US military has been rocked by a string of aviation accidents in recent weeks, including an F-16 crash near Las Vegas last month that killed the pilot. Just a day earlier, four crew members died when a Marine Corps helicopter crashed while on a routine training mission in Southern California. And in Djibouti, two incidents triggered the grounding of US military flights. According to the Military Times, accidents involving the military's manned aircraft rose nearly 40 percent from 2013 to 2017. The publication found the rise coincided with budget cuts from 2013, which impacted training and readiness, as well as heavy wear and tear on aircraft from back-to-back deployments. Drivers who got out of their cars after watching in horror as the plane crash searched for survivors on the train tracks next to the road. One bystander filmed her partner (right) as the group yelled: 'Is there anybody out there' towards the bushes US Facebook users haven't been deterred by the firm's massive data scandal. Three-quarters of Facebook users have remained as active, or even more active, on the site since the Cambridge Analytica scandal first developed in March, a new poll conducted by Reuters and Ipsos has found. The social media giant has been on the hot seat since it was revealed earlier this year that more than 87 million users' data had been harvested without their knowledge by Trump-affiliated research firm Cambridge Analytica. The poll adds to other indications that Facebook has so far suffered no hits to its user base from the episode, other than a public relations headache. Scroll down for video Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg (pictured) has been on the hot seat since the Cambridge Analytica scandal first erupted. But a new Reuters poll indicates US users have remained loyal Facebook declined to comment. Its executives have apologized for the data-harvesting, pledged to investigate others who collected Facebook user data and reduced the amount of data available to similar app developers now. The national online poll, conducted this month, found that about half of Facebook's American users said they had not recently changed the amount that they used the site, and another quarter said they were using it more. The remaining quarter said that they were using it less recently, had stopped using it or deleted their account. That means that the people using Facebook less were roughly balanced by those using it more, with no clear net loss or gain in use. Among all adults, 64 percent said they use Facebook at least once a day, down slightly from 68 percent who said so in a similar poll in late March, shortly after the Cambridge Analytica scandal first erupted. The Reuters/Ipsos poll collected responses from over 2,000 respondents, including users who are active on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Among all adults, 64 percent said they use Facebook at least once a day, down slightly from 68 percent who said so in late March, shortly after the Cambridge Analytica scandal first erupted More Facebook users said they knew how to protect their personal information on the site than users of other social media platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, Pinterest and Tumblr. According to the poll, 74 percent of Facebook users said they were aware of their current privacy settings, while 78 percent said they knew how to change them. By comparison, 60 percent of Instagram users said they knew their current privacy settings and 65 percent said they knew how to change them. And 55 percent of Twitter users knew their privacy settings, and 58 percent knew how to use them. Despite their understanding of Facebook's privacy settings, only 23 percent of its users believe they have "total control" over the information they store on the platform. Another 49 percent said they have "some control," and 20 percent said they had "no control." The remaining 9 percent said they do not know how much control they have. More Facebook users said they knew how to protect their personal data on the site than users of other social media platforms like Snapchat, Instagram (pictured), Pinterest and Tumblr WHAT IS THE CAMBRIDGE ANALYTICA SCANDAL? Communications firm Cambridge Analytica has offices in London, New York, Washington, as well as Brazil and Malaysia. The company boasts it can 'find your voters and move them to action' through data-driven campaigns and a team that includes data scientists and behavioural psychologists. 'Within the United States alone, we have played a pivotal role in winning presidential races as well as congressional and state elections,' with data on more than 230 million American voters, Cambridge Analytica claims on its website. The company profited from a feature that meant apps could ask for permission to access your own data as well as the data of all your Facebook friends. The data firm suspended its chief executive, Alexander Nix (pictured), after recordings emerged of him making a series of controversial claims, including boasts that Cambridge Analytica had a pivotal role in the election of Donald Trump This meant the company was able to mine the information of 87 million Facebook users even though just 270,000 people gave them permission to do so. This was designed to help them create software that can predict and influence voters' choices at the ballot box. The data firm suspended its chief executive, Alexander Nix, after recordings emerged of him making a series of controversial claims, including boasts that Cambridge Analytica had a pivotal role in the election of Donald Trump. This information is said to have been used to help the Brexit campaign in the UK. Advertisement Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter said Facebook is lucky the data seems to have been used only for political ads and not more nefarious purposes. 'I have yet to read an article that says a single person has been harmed by the breach,' he said. 'Nobody's outraged on a visceral level'. A separate poll conducted recently by Reuters found that people trust Facebook to protect their data less than other popular tech platforms. Roughly 41 percent of Americans trust Facebook to guard their information, while 66 percent said they trust Amazon, 62 percent said they trust Google, 60 percent trust Microsoft and 47 percent trust Yahoo, which has dealt with a string of recent data breaches. The Cambridge Analytica scandal broke on March 16, sparking interest online in the hashtag #deletefacebook as many users said they considered fleeing the platform. HOW TO CHECK IF YOUR DATA WAS SHARED WITH CAMBRIDGE ANALYTICA All 2.2 billion Facebook users began to receive a notification automatically at the top their newsfeed after it was launched on Tuesday, April 10, a day later than expected. Titled 'Protecting Your Information,' it contains a link to let you see what apps you use and what information you have shared with them. Affected users are automatically presented with a notice that says: 'We have banned the website "This Is Your Digital Life," which one of your friends used Facebook to log into. 'We did this because the website may have misused some of your Facebook information by sharing it with a company called Cambridge Analytica.' Users can then click on a 'See how you're affected' button to find out more as well as to remove permission for apps and websites you've logged into via Facebook to have access to your profile. For those not affected by the Cambridge Analytica incident the message reads: 'You can go to the Apps and Websites section of your settings anytime to see the apps and websites you've used Facebook to log into.' The 'Go to apps and websites' button will provide quick access to review and amend these permissions. A separate 'How can I tell if my info was shared with Cambridge Analytica?' tool will also resolve the question for you. To manually access this tool, click the link here. Users not believed to be affected will see the message 'Based on our available records, neither you nor your friends logged into "This Is Your Digital Life." 'As a result, it doesn't appear your Facebook information was shared with Cambridge Analytica by "This Is Your Digital Life".' Affected users will see a different message and they will be asked to to change their app settings, available here. This is something that is still advisable for the security conscious, removing permissions for apps you no longer need or don't recognise. Facebook is not notifying individual users of the identify of friends who may have used the 'This Is Your Digital Life' app. Advertisement In its first quarter results, however, Facebook said the number of monthly users in the United States and Canada rose to 241 million on March 31 from 239 million on Dec. 31, growth that was roughly in line with recent years. Cambridge Analytica has suffered a much worse outcome as fallout from the scandal, with the firm announcing last week it has started bankruptcy proceedings after a 'siege of media coverage'. However, this may not be the end for its owners. Two new London-based companies, Firecrest Technologies and Emerdata, have been set up with the same registered address, same purpose and same directors. A former Cambridge Analytica employee and senior lawmakers have suggested these two companies could be picking up where Cambridge Analytica left off. Our cities are powerhouses of evolution where animals are adapting to their environment at 'unprecedented speeds'. Thats according to evolutionary biologist Menno Schilthuizen who claims that, far from being desolate wastelands, cities are helping create new species. Professor Schilthuizen, who is author of Darwin Comes to Town, claims humans are helping speed up this process, with some surprising results. Our cities are powerhouses of evolution where animals are adapting to their environment at 'unprecedented speeds'. For instance, bobcats in Hollywood have evolved to be genetically different from those living north of the 101 freeway In an in-depth interview with National Geographics Simon Worrall, Processor Schilthuizen explains how cities are creating a new breed of 'London Underground Mosquito'. Despite its name, the London Underground Mosquito can be found all over the world living in underground environments such as basements and subway systems. The London Underground mosquito can no longer interbreed with its above ground counterpart and is effectively thought to be a new species. I think Darwin underestimated the speed [that evolution] can happen, particularly with species that have numerous generations in a short space of time, Professor Schilthuizen, who is also a professor in biodiversity at Leiden University in The Netherlands, told National Geographic. Generation time is the evolutionary clock speed, so if you have multiple generations per year you can accumulate evolutionary changes much more quickly than humans can, for example, which have one generation every 20 years. In another example, Professor Schilthuizen highlights the fact that bobcats in Hollywood are now different from those living north of the 101 freeway. Fragmentation in cities is a common theme. In urban ecology humans create all kinds of barriers, like roads and highways, said Professor Schilthuizen. The London Underground mosquito can no longer interbreed with its above ground counterpart and is effectively thought to be a new species North of Los Angeles, the bobcat population is divided by two very large highways, which bisect the area where they live. These barriers cause something similar to what happens to mosquitoes in the London subway lines, whereby evolution is restricted to the areas cut off from other populations. HOW DO HUMANS RESTRICT THE MOVEMENT OF ANIMALS? Recent research has found that mammals living in areas with high human activity move up to three times less far than animals in areas isolated from people. This pattern persists globally, from African forest elephants to foxes and red deer in Britain, affecting mammal species both big and small. Human-caused changes to the environment could affect animals in a number of important ways. If food is more abundant because of nearby humans, either because they feed the animals or leave scraps in bins, mammals may not have to travel as far. Restricted movement could also result from habitat fragmentation as humans build settlements, fences and roads that cut off animals from certain areas. Blocking animal migration allows for the easy spread of deadly diseases and makes it harder for species to mate and find food and shelter. Advertisement In his book, Professor Schilthuizen also describes how Hawksbeard plants in small parks create heavier seeds than those in open fields, so they're more likely to land in soil. Urban evolution has also meant that great tits learn to open caps off milk bottles, and lizards develop stickier feet to cling to buildings. Professor Schilthuizen's book follows a recent study by Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany, that found animals worldwide are giving up their 'wild ways' and sticking closer to home as a result of human activity. Urban evolution has also meant that great tits learn to open caps off milk bottles, and lizards develop stickier feet to cling to buildings Experts tracked the effect of human activity via a measure of human activity known as the Human Footprint Index (pictured). The HFI measures how much our species has impacted an area using factors such as population density and the presence of roads and night-time lights The study found mammals living in areas with high human activity move up to three times less far than animals in areas isolated from people. This pattern persists globally, from African forest elephants to foxes and red deer in Britain, affecting species both big and small. Experts say that human settlements, roads and fences break up their natural habitat and block the natural migration of mammals, allowing for the easy spread of deadly diseases. This habitat 'fragmentation' also hinders animals' ability to mate and find shelter and food. Reduced mammal movement also has an affect on the environment as many plants rely on mammals to disperse their seeds. 'The importance of the geographical movement of animals in the wild has long been documented,' said study coauthor Dr Adam Kane, from the University College Cork, Ireland. 'It is necessary for the animals to find food, water, mates and new habitats to live in.' Advertisement Hyperloop technology that will transport people on 'levitating pods' at 760mph (1,223km/h) could transform the way we travel. But it's not just passengers that will feel the benefits. Architect Foster and Partners has designed concept pods that can move cargo at these incredible speeds at the same cost as existing systems and with less pollution. The London-based firm has teamed up with Richard Branson's Virgin Hyperloop One, one of the two consortiums developing the technology. Alongside ports operator DP World, they plan to develop the first intercontinental Hyperloop cargo route through Asia, the Middle East and Europe. The consortium says they will have three 'production systems' in service by 2021. Hyperloop technology that will transport people on 'levitating pods' at 760mph (1,223km/h) could transform the way we travel. But it's not just passengers that will feel the benefits. Architect Foster and Partners has designed pods that can move cargo at these incredible speeds at the same cost as existing systems and with less pollution 'If you look at the history, whenever there's a new transportation technology, it's usually the cargo that comes first,' said Stefan Behling, head of studio at Foster and Partners. 'People want to see the technology proven and now it can be proven through cargo.' The cargo system, which is being designed alongside a possible passenger service by Virgin Hyperloop One, will be called the DP World Cargospeed. The plan would enable delivery on the Hyperloop system from huge warehouses to consumers many miles away at the same price per kilogram as a lorry. As part of their vision, drones would be used to complete the final leg of the journey. The entire system would be powered by renewable energy to avoid producing direct emissions. London-based firm, Forster and Partners, has teamed up with Richard Branson's Virgin Hyperloop One, one of the two consortiums developing the technology. Alongside ports operator DP World, they plan to develop the first intercontinental Hyperloop shipping route through Asia, the Middle East and Europe The consortium says they will have three 'production systems' in service by 2021. As part of their vision, drones would be used to complete the final leg of the journey 'The movement of people and goods is part of the vital infrastructure that binds all our cities together and cities are the future of our society,' said Norman Foster, founder of Foster and Partners. 'As hyperloop looks to reinvent urban transport and logistics, the city of the future is closer than we think,' he continued. 'It is important we develop an integrated sustainable vision of infrastructure that will enable us to evolve and adapt our existing cities, and design new ones that will be in harmony with nature and our precious planet.' WHAT IS THE HYPERLOOP? Hyperloop is a proposed method of travel that would transport people at roughly 700mph between distant locations. It was unveiled by Elon Musk in 2013, who at the time said it could take passengers the 380 miles (610km) from LA to San Francisco in 30 minutes - half the time it takes a plane. It is essentially a long tube that has had the air removed to create a vacuum. For safety reasons, Hyperloop tunnels need escape hatches in case of fire. The tube is suspended off the ground to protect against weather and earthquakes. There are now a number of firms vying to bring the technology to life, including Elon Musk himself, Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, and Virgin Hyperloop One. As several firms vie to create the first operational Hyperloop, Elon Musks vision of a radical transport system that could ferry passengers above land at 760 miles per hour continues to inch closer to reality Advertisement Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the port operator's CEO and chairman revealed the system at a glitzy announcement alongside billionaire Mr Branson earlier this month on the floating hotel Queen Elizabeth 2 in Dubai. A hyperloop involves levitating pods, powered by electricity and magnetism, hurtling through low-friction pipes at a top speed of 760mph (1,220km/h). Tesla co-founder Elon Musk first proposed the idea in 2013. 'Today things are changing. Today our role is not in the port,' bin Sulayem said. 'Our role is from the time the cargo leaves the factory before it reaches the consumer's door. Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who also serves as the Emirates' vice president and prime minister, also made an unannounced appearance at Sunday's event, showing the importance his government puts in the new technology. 'If you look at the history, whenever there's a new transportation technology, it's usually the cargo that comes first,' said Stefan Behling, head of studio at Foster and Partners. 'People want to see the technology proven and now it can be proven through cargo' The entire system would be powered by renewable energy to avoid producing direct emissions and would cost the same as a lorry delivery A hyperloop involves levitating pods, powered by electricity and magnetism, hurtling through low-friction pipes at a top speed of 760mph (1,220km/h). Tesla co-founder Elon Musk first proposed the idea in 2013 'Dubai is on the cutting edge of everything,' Mr Branson said. Models in white jumpsuits and capes stood at every winding turn on the way to board the Queen Elizabeth 2, which recently became a floating hotel after nearly a decade-long dockside wait. Slick graphics bearing an April 29, 2025 date showed pods coming in from a series of tubes and racing past a Dubai skyline featuring a solar panel farm. Hyperloop One officials suggested in 2016 the travel time by hyperloop between Dubai and Abu Dhabi would be only 12 minutes - significantly down from the hour-plus journey it now takes by car between the two cities. Hyperloop TT, another firm based in Los Angeles, announced plans earlier this month to build a test track within a 6.2-mile property near Abu Dhabi's border with Dubai. Its partner is the largely state-owned developer Aldar Properties. But Dubai's Roads and Transportation Authority recently issued a statement denying any plans to build a Hyperloop track between the emirate's new Al Maktoum International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport. The plan would enable delivery on the Hyperloop system from huge warehouses to consumers many miles away at the same price per kilogram as a lorry. Shown here is a screenshot of the video showing the cargo hyperloop concept A concept of a hyperloop cargo port is shown here. 'The movement of people and goods is part of the vital infrastructure that binds all our cities together and cities are the future of our society,' said Norman Foster, founder of Foster and Partners. 'As hyperloop looks to reinvent urban transport and logistics, the city of the future is closer than we think,' he continued Branson, who Forbes Magazine estimates has a net worth of $4.9 billion (3.62 billion), became Virgin Hyperloop One's chairman in December. Hyperloop One's former chairman and co-founder, the venture capitalist Shervin Pishevar, took a leave of absence after facing a series of sexual misconduct allegations, which he denied. Russian billionaire Ziyavudin Magomedov, a board member and early investor, also left after facing unrelated charges accusing him of embezzling money from Russian government infrastructure contracts. Asked about the boardroom challenges, Branson only said that 'the previous chairman has left and I stepped in.' Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, sits with Sir Richard Branson, CEO of the Virgin group, in Dubai 'I'm ready for a new challenge and it's a very exciting new challenge,' he said. As one of the world's largest port operators, DP World has looked at the potential of using hyperloop technology to speed cargo from its Jebel Ali port operation in Dubai to storage areas further out into the surrounding desert to free up space. Bin Sulayem refused to say how much DP World has spent across three different funding rounds with Virgin Hyperloop One. However, he did describe the port operator as 'the largest investor in hyperloop.' Virgin Hyperloop One in total has raised some $276 million (200 million) in funding rounds, according to the business information website crunchbase.com. Half a century on from the suspected alien-craft crash at Roswell in New Mexico, the world had become gripped by UFO-mania. It was the late 90s, and Britain's Defence Intelligence Staff were being sent countless requests from the public to look into potential sightings across the country. As a result, analysts at the government's DI55 office undertook a huge study of UFO sightings to discover if there was anything worth investigating. Now, the man who is credited with unearthing 'Britain's X-files' has claimed that the government's work at this time was far from objective. Dr David Clarke, a research fellow and lecturer in journalism at Sheffield Hallam University, says the report was intended from the outset to free the Ministry of Defence from having to investigate UFO sightings. As a result, many genuine sighting may not have been properly investigated. Dr David Clarke, a research fellow and lecturer in journalism at Sheffield Hallam University, claims a government report into alien sightings was intended from the outset to free the Ministry of Defence from having to investigate UFO sightings According to an in-depth report by The Guardian, internal government messages show that the report focused only 'on the possible threat to the UK [from hostile foreign powers] and technology acquisition' and not 'X-Files activities such as alien abductions'. A separate memo in 'Project Condign' says: 'It shouldn't be driven by a UFO thesis.' 'The last three UFO files produced by the UK's defence intelligence branch DI55 were originally with-held from the records earmarked for transfer to The National Archives as part of the open government project that ran from 2008-13,' writes Dr Clarke in his blog. Dr Clarke managed to get hold of these in January ahead of their transfer to the UK National Archives in Kew. The files, which run to more than 2,500 pages, paint a 'fascinating picture' of the debates that took place in Whitehall during 1997. 'The increasing media attention given to this subject in recent months has almost doubled the work of the desk officers involved to the detriment of other tasks more directly relevant to the work of the branch,' one memo says. Shown here is an example of a 'UFO' triangle formation that the government investigated as part of its report into alien sightings Internal government messages show that the report focused only 'on the possible threat to the UK [from hostile foreign powers] and technology acquisition' and not 'X-Files activities such as alien abductions' It claims that it was now time to 'reappraise the situation' and clarify DIS's role in the issue. 'The problem is unlikely to subside, especially as the US brings into service over the next decade high flying capabilities such as Global Star, Dark Star, the X-33 and, should it come to fruition, the manned spaceplane,' writes one senior officer. THE RENDLESHAM FOREST INCIDENT: BRITAINS ROSWELL Strange lights were reported by servicemen in the forest near RAF Bentwaters and RAF Woodbridge. The incident came to be known as 'Britain's Roswell' after the UFO sightings in New Mexico. Soldiers investigated what the lights were, including Staff Sgt Jim Burroughs, Airman First Class Edward Cabansag and Airman First Class Larry Warren. The disputed sightings, over three nights between December 26-28, occurred when Britain and the West were on high alert during the Cold War. Retired US Air Force officer Steve Longero broke a 36 year silence, in December 2016, to reveal he also saw something in the night sky. Mr Longero said the UFOs looked like red and green fluorescent lights hovering over treetops. He also dismissed one theory that the lights had been caused by a lighthouse. The incident became a topic of fascination in the UK after a group of servicemen went into Rendlesham Forest to investigate the mysterious lights and came out convinced they had seen seen an alien spacecraft. The Suffolk sightings resurfaced claims from those living in Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947 when an unexpected crash was alleged to have been the remains of a spacecraft and alien bodies. But this was rejected by the U.S. military following a close investigation into the wreckage. The British Ministry of Defence has also dismissed the claims regarding Rendlesham. It said there was no threat to national security and the UFOs were likely to be caused by a series of nocturnal lights. Advertisement 'Other nations will follow, especially with UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles], which may permit risk-taking in unauthorised penetrations of airspace.' Other comments were more open-minded. One notes that without a thorough study 'we can not discount the possibility that UAPs (UFOs) are real' or that they could be natural phenomena but with 'possible military applications'. 'It could be argued that UAPs pose a potential threat to the defence of the realm since we have no idea what they are,' the writer continues. However, there appears to be a fear among officials of further increasing belief in UFOs. The report was undertaken 50 years after the suspected alien-craft crash at Roswell in New Mexico, the world had become gripped by UFO-mania 'We need to be very careful about expanding 'UFO' business and thereby sending the public a misleading message about the extent of the MoD's interest,' says one memo. Another says: 'Keep the classification low I suggest restricted in order not to put it in the public domain but at the same time prevent the criticism that MoD is hiding something under the cloak of secrecy.' Dr Clarke notes that one UK restricted memo from 2000 reveals the MoD issued a notice to the media in an attempt to conceal visits by secret US Stealth aircraft to UK airspace. 'Hidden deep within more than two thousand pages of internal exchanges lay a more disturbing aspect of their interest in the subject and their decision to pull the plug on more than half a century monitoring UFO reports,' writes Dr Clarke. The authors of the report concluded that the UFO sightings may have been the result of unexplained plasma formations in the atmosphere. Strange lights were reported by servicemen in the forest near RAF Bentwaters and RAF Woodbridge. Hundreds of people visit the UFO trail at Rendlesham Forest every year after the infamous sightings provoked a flurry of interest In 2000 the head of Defence Intelligence, P.H. West, asked the UFO desk to stop copying reports of strange objects in the sky to DI55. These included those from 'credible' sources such as police officers and air traffic control. DIS destroyed the files on which the report was based. 'This document reveals the MoD's real agenda was the requirement for a definitive conclusion that would allow them to justify their decision to halt all further public work on the UFO issue. And it may also explain why these files were held back for so long,' writes Dr Clarke. 'Whether secret work on UAPs continues somewhere in the British military, perhaps outsourced to another contractor, remains an intriguing and unanswered question.' Nick Pope, a former UFO government advisor who was involved in setting up the study told MailOnline: 'The reason for the study was that while we'd been investigating UFO sightings on a case-by-case basis for decades, we'd done very little trend analysis. 'Project Condign was supposed to rectify this and be a proper intelligence assessment that would look for patterns in data we already had. 'We set the study up via an amendment to an existing defence contract, to keep it below the radar even within the MoD. 'The study was highly classified and extremely sensitive, not least because the MoD consistently told parliament, the media and the public that UFOs were of limited interest and "no defence significance". 'Our concern was that if the existence of the study became known, it would have exposed an internal position on the phenomenon that was different from our public position.' 'An advantage for the MoD in using a defence contractor was that it took much of the work outside the scope of the Freedom of Information Act, so while the final report along with a few documents about the setting up of the study have been made public, much material is exempt.' Pope says he found the final report disappointing. In speculating about exotic atmospheric plasma phenomena the report's author had made the classic mistake of trying to explain one mystery in terms of another, he says. 'In places it looked like a conclusion-led study where data had been used to support a personal opinion. To be fair, the problem with an intelligence study like Project Condign is that it's so secret and sensitive that those involved don't reach out to subject matter experts outside the intelligence community,' said Pope. 'Here, for example, wider consultation with the Met Office and with various other scientists and academics would have been helpful. But that's not the way things work with intelligence assessments and this is a big problem. 'The most bizarre recommendation related to the "novel military applications" that intelligence staff hoped to derive from a better understanding of the UFO phenomenon. This was essentially a reference to weaponization, including the construction of a directed energy weapon.' WHAT MAKES SOMEONE BELIEVE IN CONSPIRACY THEORIES? Over the course of three online-based studies, researchers at the University of Kent showed strong links between the belief in conspiracy theories and certain psychological traits. Narcissism and self-esteem levels have a large impact on a persons belief in conspiracy theories. The results showed that people who rated highly on the narcissism scale and who had low self-esteem were more likely to be conspiracy believers. However, while low self-esteem, narcissism and belief in conspiracies are strongly linked, it is not clear that one - or a combination - causes the other. But it hints at an interesting new angle to the world of conspiracy and those who reinforce belief. There are widely believed to be three main reasons as to why people believe in conspiracy theories. The desire for understanding and certainty - Seeking explanations for events is a natural human desire. The desire for control and security - Conspiracy theories can give their believers a sense of control and security. The desire to maintain a positive self-image - People who feel socially marginalised are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories and it gives them a sense of worth in the UFO community. These three things tie in with the previously stated qualities and combine to create an avid conspiracy theorist. Advertisement A military chariot that belonged to ancient Egypt's boy-king, Tutankhamen, has been moved to a new museum near the Pyramids that Cairo hopes will help bring tourists back to the country. The chariot, made from Lebanese cedar wood and animal skin, had been on display at Egypt's Military Museum in Cairo since 1987. But antiquities authorities have decided to put all artefacts found in the young king's tomb in Luxor in 1922 on display together at Cairo's Grand Egyptian Museum. Scroll down for video The chariot found in King Tut's tomb, the boy-pharaoh who ruled Egypt more than 3,300 years ago. The chariot, made from Lebanese cedar wood and animal skin, had been on display at Egypt's Military Museum in Cairo since 1987. 'The military chariot that arrived today from the military museum is King Tutankhamen's sixth chariot,' said museum director Tarek Sayed Tawfik. He said six chariots were found at Tutankhamen's tomb, some for ceremonies, some for hunting and one lighter and faster than the rest for war. This had been kept at the Military Museum. 'For the first time, inside the Grand Egyptian Museum, these chariots will be displayed together,' Tawfik said. King Tut ruled Egypt as pharaoh for 10 years until his death at age 19, around 1324 B.C. The military chariot was taken in boxes from the museum at the Cairo Citadel, to its new home just beyond the Great Pyramids of Giza, which is set to be the world's largest archaeological museum. The tourism sector is one of Egypt's main sources of foreign currency but it has struggled since a 2011 uprising that led the then President Hosni Mubarak to step down. But there are signs that tourists are beginning to return. An Egyptian official said in January the number of tourists in 2017 jumped 54 percent to 8.3 million, compared to a year earlier. The figure compares with 14.7 million in 2010 before the uprising. The military chariot was taken in boxes from the museum at the Cairo Citadel, to its new home just beyond the Great Pyramids of Giza, which is set to be the world's largest archaeological museum. (1 Parts of King Tutankhamun's chariot are seen at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Greater Cairo, Egypt, on May 5, 2018. The last military chariot of King Tutankhamun has been transferred to the GEM on Saturday, Egyptian Minister of Antiquities Khaled Anany said. A total of six historic chariots were collected from museums across Egypt, including Luxor Museum and the Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square, to be displayed at the GEM, Anany said at a press conference. The huge new GEM complex will extend over 47 hectares (116 acres) and contain some 24,000 square metres (258,300 square feet) of permanent exhibition space. It will feature alabaster facades, and its eventual opening will relieve the pressure on the current national museum that was inaugurated in 1902 and has run out of space. Construction of the massive new archaeological facility museum was announced in 2002. Removing a tray of chariot parts from the Tomb of Tutankhamun, Valley of the Kings, Egypt, 1922. The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter (1874-1939) was one of the most astounding discoveries in archaeology. Tutankhamun was a previously unknown pharaoh whose name had been eradicated from historical records by one of his successors because of his association with the heretical pharaoh Akhenaten, who was Tutankhamun's father-in-law. Consequently his tomb, uniquely, had remained undisturbed by grave robbers. Artist Harry Burton. The huge new GEM complex will extend over 47 hectares (116 acres) and contain some 24,000 square metres (258,300 square feet) of permanent exhibition space. But its opening has been postponed several times, including because of the political instability that has rocked the country. The current rose-pink museum with its neo-classical facade was a tourist highlight before the January 2011 uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak, unleashing years of political turmoil which led to plummeting tourist numbers. It also contains so many items that many have been kept in storage and never seen by the public. Experiments to reanimate dead brains could lead to humans being locked in an eternal 'living hell' and enduring a 'fate worse than death.' That's according to Nottingham Trent ethics and philosophy lecturer Benjamin Curtis who made the comments in light of controversial experiments on pig brains. Last month, Yale University announced it had successfully resurrected the brains of more than 100 slaughtered pigs and kept them alive for up to 36 hours. Scientists said it could pave the way for brain transplants and may one day allow humans to become immortal by hooking up our minds to artificial systems after our natural bodies have perished. Scroll down for video Pig brains have been kept alive outside of the body for the first time as part of a controversial new experiment. The radical experiments could pave the way for human brain transplants and may one day allow humans to become immortal (stock image) 'Even if your conscious brain were kept alive after your body had died, you would have to spend the foreseeable future as a disembodied brain in a bucket, locked away inside your own mind without access to the sense that allow us to experience and interact with the world,' Curtis told The Conversation. 'In the best case scenario you would be spending your life with only your own thoughts for company. 'Some have argued that even with a fully functional body, immortality would be tedious. With absolutely no contact to external reality it might just be a living hell. 'To end up a disembodied human brain may well be to suffer a fate worse than death.' The pig research was presented at a National Institutes of Health meeting by Yale University neuroscientist Nenad Sestan Researchers were able to successfully remove the heads of between 100 and 200 pigs and resuscitate their brains while detached from the body. The organs were connected to a closed-loop system the scientists dubbed 'BrainEX' that pumped key areas with artificial oxygen-rich blood to sustain life. In what Dr Sestan described as a 'mind-boggling' and 'unexpected' result, billions of cells in the brains were found to be alive and healthy. He told the NIH it is possible the brains could be kept alive indefinitely and that additional steps could be taken to restore awareness, according to a report in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Technology Review. The neuroscientist said his team chose not to attempt either because 'this is uncharted territory.' The brains of pigs survived for up to 36 hours after the animals had been decapitated. The results could one day lead to human brains that can live outside the body, a long fascination of science fiction - including the 1983 film 'The Man With Two Brains' (pictured) Chemicals added to prevent swelling during the procedure would likely prohibit consciousness indefinitely. This means it may not be possible for the team to resuscitate brains that can still 'think' using their current methods. According to Dr Sesta, the brains they operated on were definitely not alive or conscious. 'That animal brain is not aware of anything, I am very confident of that,' he said, according to the MIT report. Previous research has shown it is possible to keep the brains of a number of mammals alive after the organ is removed from the body. HOW SOON WILL WE BE ABLE TO UPLOAD OUR MINDS TO A COMPUTER? Brain and memory preservation has been explored at length by futurists, scientists and science fiction junkies alike. Many say it falls under the category of 'transhumanism.' Transhumanism is the belief that the human body can evolve beyond its current form with the help of scientists and technology. The practice of mind uploading has been promoted by many people, including Ray Kurzweil, Google's director of engineering, who believes we will be able to upload our entire brains to computers by 2045. Similar technologies have been depicted in science fiction dramas, ranging from Netflix's Altered Carbon, to the popular series Black Mirror. Another prominent futurist, Dr Michio Kaku, believes virtual reality can be used to keep our loved ones' personalities and memories alive even after they die. Scientists and futurists have different theories about how we might be able to preserve the human brain, ranging from uploading our memories to a computer to Nectome's high-tech embalming process, which can keep it intact for thousands of years 'Imagine being able to speak to your loved one after they die ... it is possible if their personality has been downloaded onto a computer as an avatar,' he explained. These ideas haven't been met without criticism. McGill University Neuroscientist Michael Hendricks told MIT that these technologies are a 'joke.' 'I hope future people are appalled that in the 21st century, the richest and most comfortable people in history spent their money and resources trying to live forever on the backs of their descendants. I mean, its a joke, right? They are cartoon bad guys,' he said. Meanwhile, neuroscientist Miguel Nicolelis said recently that such technologies would be virtually impossible. 'The brain is not computable and no engineering can reproduce it,' he said. 'You can have all the computer chips in the world and you won't create a consciousness.' Advertisement In 1928 Soviet researchers severed the head of a dog and kept it partly alive by connecting key blood vessels to an artificial circulation machine. A researcher at New York University kept a guine-pig brain alive in a special fluid for several days in 1993. But the new research, which has been submitted for publication in a scientific journal, is the first time a pig brain has been kept alive outside of the body. The experiment is signficiant because pig brains bare a striking similarity in the way they function to human brains. According to Dr Steve Hyman, a brain researcher at the Broad Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts, who was among those briefed on the work, the brain's used in the study were technically alive. He told Technology Review: 'These brains may be damaged, but if the cells are alive, it's a living organ. 'It's at the extreme of technical know-how, but not that different from preserving a kidney.' But despite the breakthrough, transplanting a brain into a new body is still 'not remotely possible,' he added. Scientists have launched a massive survey to search for signs of intelligent life in the universe. Using the Parkes Radio Telescope in New South Wales, Breakthrough Listen will scour millions of stars in the Milky Way over a total of 1,500 hours this year, looking for mysterious signals known as fast radio bursts. Recent improvements to the telescope will allow it to capture unprecedented data on huge areas of the sky; thanks to a new receiver equipped with 13 beams, Parkes can now cover all of the galactic plane visible from the Australian site. Scroll down for video Using the Parkes Radio Telescope in New South Wales, Breakthrough Listen will scour millions of stars in the Milky Way over a total of 1,500 hours this year, looking for mysterious signals known as fast radio bursts Previously, the initiative was only able to observe a single point in the sky at any given time. With the new instruments installed by a team from the University of Caifornia, Berkeley, Breakthrough Listen will be able to handle 130 gigabits of data per second. Each of the 13 beams will scan more than 100 million radio channels. With these new capabilities, we are scanning our galaxy in unprecedented detail, said Danny Price, Parkes Project Scientist with the Breakthrough Listen project at UC Berkeley. By trawling through these huge datasets for signatures of technological civilizations, we hope to uncover evidence that our planet, among the hundreds of billions in our galaxy, is not the only where intelligent life has arisen. With the updated telescope, Breakthrough Listen will also observe a region around the Galactic Center, one of the densest areas in the galaxy and home to a supermassive black hole. The initiative began surveying the sky back in November 2016, focusing on stars within a few light years of Earth. FAST RADIO BURSTS ARE BRIEF RADIO EMISSIONS FROM SPACE WHOSE ORIGIN IS UNKNOWN Fast radio bursts, or FRBs, are radio emissions that appear temporarily and randomly, making them not only hard to find, but also hard to study. The mystery stems from the fact it is not known what could produce such a short and sharp burst. This has led some to speculate they could be anything from stars colliding to artificially created messages. Scientists searching for fast radio bursts (FRBs) that some believe may be signals sent from aliens may be happening every second. The blue points in this artist's impression of the filamentary structure of galaxies are signals from FRBs The first FRB was spotted, or rather 'heard' by radio telescopes, back in 2001 but wasn't discovered until 2007 when scientists were analysing archival data. But it was so temporary and seemingly random that it took years for astronomers to agree it wasn't a glitch in one of the telescope's instruments. Researchers from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics point out that FRBs can be used to study the structure and evolution of the universe whether or not their origin is fully understood. A large population of faraway FRBs could act as probes of material across gigantic distances. This intervening material blurs the signal from the cosmic microwave background (CMB), the left over radiation from the Big Bang. A careful study of this intervening material should give an improved understanding of basic cosmic constituents, such as the relative amounts of ordinary matter, dark matter and dark energy, which affect how rapidly the universe is expanding. FRBs can also be used to trace what broke down the 'fog' of hydrogen atoms that pervaded the early universe into free electrons and protons, when temperatures cooled down after the Big Bang. Advertisement Many of the signals detected can be traced to human sources, including satellites, airplanes, and cell phones. The new multibeam receiver will make for more precise data collection, weeding out more of the human-generated radio frequency interference. Breakthrough Listen shared its first results in April of last year. After combing through petabytes of data, the team ranked 11 events considered to be most significant but so far, theyve found no convincing signs of intelligent life. The initiative began surveying the sky back in November 2016, focusing on stars within a few light years of Earth. It uses the Parkes Radio Telescope in Australia In August, the team also revealed theyd detected 15 mysterious signals coming from a galaxy 3 billion light-years away. These signals, known as fast radio bursts, are a new batch of radio emissions emanating from a source dubbed the repeater the first FRB ever known to repeat According to the experts with Breakthrough Listen, the discovery confirmed the source is in a newly active state, and marks the first time FRBs have been detected at higher frequencies. The General Department of Civil Aviation (GDCA) of Armenia has carried out a number of works and recorded positive and promising figures over the past two years of its activity, the GDCA said. May 7, 2018, 12:19 12 new airlines enter Armenian market: GDCA sums up activities over past two years STEPANAKERT, MAY 7, ARTSAKHPRESS:In particular, 12 new airlines entered the Armenian market: Armenia Aircompany, Brussels Airways, Qatar Airways, Wataniya Airways, Germania Fluggesellschaft, Arkia Israeli Airlines, Cham Wings, Air Cairo, Turkmenistan Airlines, Red Wings, Nordwind Airlines, Pobeda. 12 new routes were opened: Lyon, Brussels, Doha, Kuwait, Berlin, Prague, Tel Aviv, Damascus, Sharm el Sheikh, Ashgabat, Frankfurt, Astana. 2 airlines returned to the market: Belavia and Czech Airlines. The new routes left their positive impact in the production figures of Armenias airports. In this sense its worth to highlight the figures of Gyumris Shirak airport which was re-launched after a long pause. The number of transit flights through airways of Armenia has also drastically increased. During the reporting period, in addition to the works on expanding the geographical coverage of flights, the General Department has also conducted works aimed at improving the business environment, there has been cooperation with the authorities of partner countries, steps have been taken for training of specialists of the field, as well as creating preconditions for small aviation development. The GDCA revised the current sub-legislative field aimed at facilitating the procedure of granting permissions and reducing the administrative burden for airlines. It also introduced the one window principle. The concept From air routes to free air space has been introduced. Thanks to this concept, the airlines will have a chance to enter Armenias air space from each point and operate the flight by a freely chosen route. The Armenia-EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement has been initialed, and after its signing Armenia will liberalize the market with all EU member states, EU standards will be installed in Armenia by ensuring a predictable business environment for airlines. The draft law on making changes and amendments in the Law on Aviation has been developed. The online system for submitting applications to get permissions for operation of flights will be installed soon which will contribute to reduction of administrative burden and prevention of procedural delays. Thanks to the works carried out, 21 pilots working in foreign airlines have returned to Armenia and work in airlines registered in Armenia. 50 more jobs have been created for stewards. Private pilot trainings have launched in Armenia for the first time. A balloon has been registered in Armenias state register for aircraft for the first time. For the first time flights via helicopters will operate in Armenia. Google may be set to address one of the Android operating system's biggest security flaws. Android users may be surprised to learn that the current OS allows apps to track your network activity by studying your TCP/UDP connections, which indicate a server you may have accessed. That's likely to change, however, as Google is expected to roll out greater restrictions in its upcoming Android P software at its annual I/O developer conference, which kicks off on Tuesday. Scroll down for video Google may be set to address one of the Android operating system's biggest security flaws. File photo Among the other announcements that are predicted include updates to the Google Home, a standalone Google News app and new features or integrations for Google Assistant. As Android O is now, apps cannot see the content of your network activity, but they can detect when you're connected to an external server. Users aren't required to give permission for this process to occur, which gives the apps totally unrestricted access to spy on some of your activity. A new update on Google's Android Open Source Project points to the firm fixing this issue in its upcoming Android P OS. It'll likely mean that apps will be barred from monitoring your network activity unless they're designated VPN apps, according to XDA Developers. However, it's unclear if this change will apply to earlier versions of Android, or just the yet-to-be released Android P Developer Preview. Google is expected to roll out greater restrictions in its upcoming Android P software at its annual I/O developer conference, which kicks off on Tuesday. Pictured is Google CEO Sundar Pichai at the firm's developer conference last year Among the other announcements that are predicted include updates to the Google Home (pictured), a Google News app and new features or integrations for Google Assistant This security update may get lost in the shuffle of the consumer-facing design updates expected to come with Android P. It was revealed earlier this year that Android P will have a redesigned notification bar, eliminating the back, home and recent apps buttons at the bottom of the phone and replacing them with a single home button. Many expect Google to introduce new gesture controls for Android that function similarly to the way you swipe through apps on an iPhone X. Embracing gesture controls would also be in line with Google's move to embrace the notch and edge-to-edge smartphone displays. But Android isn't the only Google platform that's expected to get some updates. The tech giant may announce some new integrations and tools with the Google Home and Google Assistant. Google gave credence to those rumors when it announced late last week that its AI-infused Assistant now works with more than 5,000 smart home devices. That's up from 1,500 devices in January. Additionally, the firm announced today that it's launching 'Android Things', a spinoff of its OS for home appliances and other machines. Google's developer conference kicks off tomorrow and many expect the tech giant to announce some new integrations and tools with the Google Home and Google Assistant BATTLE OF THE HOME AI: HOW DO GOOGLE AND AMAZON'S SPEAKERS COMPARE? Google's $130 (105) Home speaker is triggered by the phrase 'Hey Google' while Amazon's Echo uses 'Alexa'. Amazon's smart speaker is available in two versions - the full sized $180 (145) Echo shown here, and a smaller, $50 (40) version called the Echo Dot. Amazon Echo relies on Microsoft's Bing search engine and Wikipedia, while Google Home uses the company's own Google Search. Both Home and Echo are continually listening for commands, though Google and Amazon say nothing gets passed back to them until the speakers hear a keyword 'OK, Google' for Home and 'Alexa' for Echo. Google's Assistant software is also able to answer follow-up questions on the same topic, in a near-conversation style, but Echo as yet cannot. However, Amazon's Alexa software has a wider range of skills on offer that enable it to link up with and control more third-party devices around the home. A light comes on to remind you that it's listening. You can turn off the microphone temporarily, too. Advertisement The move is expected to introduce Google Assistant to even more devices in the home. It's widely believed that Google is unlikely to announce any new hardware at this year's I/O, though a few rumors swirling around say the firm could announce a Google Home with a screen, a Google-branded smartwatch or an AR headset. Google did unveil a cable-less virtual reality headset, called the Lenovo Mirage Solo, at last year's conference, which means it's not completely out of the realm of possibilities. Still, that doesn't mean Google will be lacking in announcements. At last year's I/O, Google unveiled a new image recognition app called Google Lens, which allows your smartphone camera to recognize what you 'see'. The conference is typically focused around updates to Google's Android operating system. Pictured, the firm released the Android O developer preview at last year's I/O conference It can recognize flowers, log in to WiFi by scanning information and more. It seems likely that Google will release Lens 2.0 this week, as smartphone maker LG announced new corresponding features and told CNET that Google is set to release something called Lens skills. This could correspond with a series of announcements around AR/VR, such as new tools that are integrated into phones or wearables. Google I/O 2018 runs Tuesday through Thursday and is being held in Mountain View, California. Benidorm is the latest Spanish holiday resort to get tough on anti-social behaviour, with the local council declaring 'we just won't tolerate it!' The warning to rowdy tourists who flout the rules comes in the wake of two incidents involving Brits. In one incident, a group of young men spotted walking around 'half naked' were ordered to cover up or face a hefty fine. Benidorm, pictured, has become the latest Spanish holiday resort to crack down on anti-social behaviour While in the second, a further four British tourists were arrested as they prepared to scale one of the highest buildings in Benidorm with the intention of base jumping off the roof. It has been reported that they they might have to pay a fine of up to 300,000 euros (285,000). Extra police have already been drafted in as the busy summer season begins. Four Brits caught trying to parachute off a Benidorm skyscraper (pictured) have been told they face fines of up to 265,000 And Benidorm's security councillor Lorenzo Martinez said he personally spoke to the group of British tourists who were walking around public streets with very little clothing on. He said: 'This type of action cannot be tolerated.' Police are making their presence more visible by staging early morning beach-front patrols with officers on foot and marked cars. The local council says it wants to put an end to 'uncivic behaviour' that is damaging the image of the resort and can even lead to public disorder. The four Brits caught attempting to make a base jump in Benidorm were arrested early on Saturday morning. Spanish newspaper Diario de Informacion says police detained them as they prepared to parachute off the 33-storey high apartment building 'Torre Levante'. Police said they were taking a video of their exploits with the intention of posting it on the internet. It is understood they had already made several other jumps in the resort, all without permission. It comes as authorities in Benidorm say it doesn't want to fall into the same bracket as Magaluf, which has been plagued by anti-social behaviour and is also tightening up its controls. They announced they were getting married after a whirlwind romance. And now Mario Falcone and Becky Miesner have revealed they're expecting their first child together, after discovering Becky was pregnant while on holiday in Barbados. The Only Way Is Essex star and his fiancee, who got engaged in June last year, said in an interview that they had been trying for a baby for a while with no luck. Happy news: Mario Falcone and Becky Miesner have revealed they're expecting their first child together, after discovering Becky was pregnant while on holiday in Barbados Becky, a semi-permanent makeup artist, revealed to OK!: We were trying for a baby for a while last year but it wasnt happening, so we decided to stop for a bit. Then a few months later I fell pregnant! Mario, 30, added, We werent taking any precautions, but we had stopped trying so obsessively. It was getting quite stressful so we decided we needed to relax a bit. But as soon as we went back to just having fun, she fell pregnant! Delayed nuptials: The new arrival has meant that their much anticipated wedding has had to be pushed back from August to spring of next year. It was a bit of a shock when the test was positive! The reality TV star added that they hope to have three or four children, and said: Its been my dream to be a dad for a long time now, so Im over the moon. However, the new arrival has meant that their much anticipated wedding has had to be pushed back from August to spring of next year. Surprise! Becky, a semi-permanent makeup artist, revealed to OK! : We were trying for a baby for a while last year but it wasnt happening, so we decided to stop for a bit. Then a few months later I fell pregnant! The couple have been busy planning their wedding since getting engaged last summer, with reports saying they were set to have two ceremonies- one in Italy and one in London. The full story can be read in OK! Magazine The pair reportedly budgeted 50,000 for a London wedding, likely to take place at the Savoy, while sources say they've put 30,000 away for the Italian shindig. Despite having previously proposed to ex-girlfriend Lucy Mecklenburgh, Mario has been keen to make the point that his engagement to Becky is for real this time. The Essex lad told OK! last year: 'This engagement is real the other one wasn't. It was on national TV and planned. This one is the One. 'I love this girl and I want to spend the rest of my life with her' Read the full story in this week's OK! Magazine - out today. It was revealed they had split earlier last week, after enduring a 'string of heated rows'. And Jacqueline Jossa has opened up about the status of her marriage to Dan Osborne in an interview with OK! Magazine and revealed that he will be present at the birth of their second child next month. The heavily-pregnant actress, 25, told the publication: 'People want to comment on your marriage, but they dont actually know what is happening only we know. Coy: Jacqueline Jossa, 25, has opened up about the status of her marriage to Dan Osborne, 26, in an interview with OK! Magazine 'People shouldnt jump to any conclusions and Im in the last few weeks of my pregnancy so I dont need the stress.' Jacqueline went on to reveal that her estranged husband, 26, will be present at the birth of their second child next month and that she might even have his mum, her mother-in-law, there as well. She added: 'Dan will be with me. Im going to stick to who I had last time, so I just had my mum and Daniel. I might have Daniels mum, it just depends where we all are. On the rocks?: The heavily-pregnant actress revealed that her estranged husband will be present at the birth of their second child next month 'I was worried that when you have another baby, are you going to love them as much? So I guess its just like anything, you worry and then it all works out. 'This time Im hoping for a water birth again at a birthing centre.' The interview comes after the former EastEnders star hinted that there is more to her split from husband Dan than previously thought. Kept it on: The EastEnders star, who is currently eight months pregnant with her second child, kept her wedding ring during the chat on Friday's Loose Women Breaking her silence on the separation reports, the actress, 25, appeared on Friday's episode of Loose Women as she insisted she was still doing 'good' in a somewhat awkward interview. The soap star, who is currently eight months pregnant with her second child, kept her wedding ring on during the chat, as she confessed she's just trying to focus on their three-year-old daughter Ella and their unborn child. She explained: 'I'm good, honestly. I think, when stuff goes on at home, it's not normal for it to be everywhere. Feeling good: Jacqueline said of the split reports with Dan 'I'm good, honestly. I think, when stuff goes on at home, it's not normal for it to be everywhere' 'But it's not necessarily true or the reasons why you're not getting on at the moment. That's all I really want to say but I'm all good.' News of their split broke last week, with reports claiming Dan, 26, is now living with friends while they try to resolve their issues. While MailOnline exclusively revealed on Saturday that Jacqueline had contacted a mystery girl to quiz her over an alleged night of passion with her estranged husband Coy: She wouldn't reveal her reason for the split, instead saying: 'It's not necessarily true or the reasons why you're not getting on at the moment. That's all I want to say but I'm all good' The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, was contacted by the heavily pregnant former EastEnders star on social media this week, after Jacqueline heard on the grapevine that Dan, 26, allegedly had sex with the woman last summer, just months after their fairytale wedding. In her message, the actress demanded to know if there was truth in the matter, insisting that she won't be angry with her if there is. Speaking to MailOnline, the woman claims she had a one-night stand with Dan last August after being mutual friends for a while, and meeting by chance in an Essex bar. Struggling: Later on Loose Women, Jacqueline revealed she is 32 weeks pregnant with the pair's second child but she has admitted her second pregnancy has somewhat different She alleges the former TOWIE star told her that he was 'on a break from Jacqueline and things weren't working out' when they met. The woman said she felt 'surprised, shocked, and awful' when she heard that Dan was still with Jacqueline and had been consumed by guilt, so felt compelled to tell her story after Jacqueline messaged her. MailOnline has contacted Jacqueline and Dan's representatives for further comment. Blooming lovely!: Jacqueline showed off her baby bump in a navy floral top that she teamed with skinny jeans and suede ankle boots Meanwhile, the couple were thrown into more drama when Dan was pictured looking cosy with Love Island's Gabby Allen during a recent holiday to Spain. Hitting back at fans who brought the blonde into his split from Jacqueline, the reality star wrote fiercely on Instagram: ''Cosy' with another woman. I am speaking and laughing with a friend. 'But of course, a man and a woman cant be friends in this day and age can they? Also, you dont know me, dont know how I act'. Baby love: The young people are parents to three-year-old daughter Ella, and Jacqueline is eight months pregnant with their unborn second child Jacqueline echoed his sentiment on Twitter - and urged her fans to stop sending nasty comments about Dan, as they are still a 'team' despite their issues. She said: 'No one needs to comment and get involved in things they don't know anything about. 'Daniel and I are dealing with things privately as a team, there is always 2 sides to every story. Stop with the nasty comments, no one deserves them.' Later on during Loose Women, Jacqueline revealed that she is 32-weeks pregnant with the pair's second child but admitted that her second pregnancy has somewhat been different from the experience she had when she was carrying Ella. Cosy: The couple were thrown into more drama when Dan was pictured looking cosy with Love Island's Gabby Allen during a recent holiday to Spain She explained: 'This time round I've been sick. I had nothing with Ella, I wouldn't have even known I was pregnant, I was so lucky. I was working the whole way through. 'This time I'm throwing up every morning, I have really bad car sickness. I feel OK now because I'm just getting to the end bit now.' Jacqueline also decided to seek help at the hospital a few weeks ago because she couldn't feel the baby move as much and it was measuring smaller - but everything thankfully turned out to be OK. She said: 'With Ella, I felt her move constantly. It might be her personality because she's crazy but this baby doesn't move as much and it got to the point where I was like: "OK, I'm a little bit worried." 'Everything was fine but I just have a small bump. We did all the tests and everything is fine.' Read more: The full interview is available to read in the current issue of OK! Magazine, out today And the brunette beauty is planning to take some time off once the baby is here because she felt so 'guilty' when she left Ella at three months to film a storyline for EastEnders for four weeks. She said: 'I took a year off but I went back three months after for about a month to film the ending of a story and I did feel like that was too soon. For me, I just constantly missed Ella. 'I felt really guilty and I hated everybody. Anybody that was with her and they'd tell me stories and I'd like: "OK cool."' The full interview is available to read in the current issue of OK! Magazine, out today. Bachelor In Paradise star Grant Kemp has made sensational claims his ex-girlfriend Ali Oetjen cheated on him with his best friend. The American model and reality TV star told New idea on Monday that he has been struggling to overcome his heartbreak. 'That is literally one of the most disrespectful things you can do,' Grant, 29, said. Scroll down for video 'It's one of the most disrespectful things you can do': Bachelor In Paradise star Grant Kemp has claimed his ex Ali Oetjen 'CHEATED on him with his best friend before begging for forgiveness' Grant, who previously appeared on the US series of The Bachelorette, claimed that he doesn't know how he will overcome such 'disrespect'. He added: 'I don't understand why she would do something like that.' Grant confessed that he felt like Ali, 32, had 'fooled' him and said he would never be able to trust her again. Heartbreak: Grant confessed that he felt like Ali, 32, had 'fooled' him and said he would never be able to trust her again. Pictured: Ali Oetjen on Bachelor In Paradise Grant explained that Ali flew to Los Angeles in March to visit him, after they decided to stay together in the Bachelor In Paradise finale. During the visit, he allegedly caught her 'hooking up' with his friend in his own home. It supposedly happened on a night when Grant had several friends over. He had gone outside to greet some visitors, as he lives in a gated community. Upon walking back into his house, Grant claimed he witnessed Ali with another man. 'She was hooking up with this dude': Grant claimed he walked in on Ali with another man while she was staying at his home in Los Angeles Grant claimed he kicked Ali out of the house but let his friend sleep on the couch because he was apparently unaware that Ali was in a relationship. 'If that happened in my own house, I don't know what was happening halfway around the world,' Grant added. New Idea also published a series of text messages Ali allegedly sent to Grant, in which she apologised and asked him to forgive her. 'Pls (sic) baby, I don't want to lose you,' one text from Ali read. 'I don't want to lose you': New Idea also published a series of text messages Ali allegedly sent to Grant, in which she apologised and asked him to forgive her Still mates? Meanwhile, Woman's Day claimed on Monday that the man Ali reportedly cheated with is Grant's friend and 'housemate', Misha Meanwhile, Woman's Day claimed on Monday that the man Ali reportedly cheated with is Grant's friend and 'housemate', Misha. Grant allegedly said he would not forgive Ali but is still friends with Misha because he 'puts d***s before chicks'. 'He said Ali only dated him for fame, because he has a bigger profile (in the US),' a source told the magazine. 'I didn't think it made any sense at the time but I guess now she's going to become the Bachelorette, it makes sense she wanted to stay on the show.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ali and Network Ten for comment. Ouch! Grant allegedly said he would not forgive Ali but is still friends with Misha because he 'puts d***s before chicks'. Pictured with Michael Turnbull (right) on Bachelor In Paradise Meanwhile, it has also been reported that Ali split with Grant after being asked to take part in a threesome. The two conflicting accounts of the break-up were allegedly discussed in a WhatsApp group chat involving the Bachelor In Paradise cast. Last month, Ali was announced as Australia's fourth Bachelorette during the finale of Bachelor In Paradise. He said, she said! Meanwhile, it has also been reported that Ali split with Grant after being asked to take part in a threesome 'I'm 32, I'm ready to be married and have kids but I'm willing to wait until I find the right one,' Ali said of her new role. 'I'm so excited to have the chance to make meaning of my heartbreaks and pick wisely to find an everlasting love.' She added: 'I have so much love to give.' He has been locked in a bitter feud with his 71-year-old neighbour after building a 'hideous' gym in his backyard. And George Calombaris got the shock of his life when he was confronted with the full wrath of Helen Elsworth live on The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Monday. The MasterChef judge, 36, was left horrified when a furious Helen came on air and ordered him to 'call my lawyer' before abruptly hanging up. Scroll down for audio 'Tell him to call my lawyer!' The awkward moment George Calombaris is confronted by his furious neighbour, 71, live on KIIS FM after their public feud over his 'hideous' backyard gym The fiasco kicked off when hosts Kyle Sandilands and Jackie Henderson asked the chef what was going on with his neighbourly dispute. George stuttered: 'To tell you the truth, I've been that caught up in MasterChef that I'm not really... all I know is that she's going to be absolutely ecstatic when it's all finished.' Seeming to recover his confidence, he then joked: 'We'll have her over for a session! We can do a little workout together. It's somewhere to meditate - twice a day.' Kyle then asked mischievously, 'Have you ever spoken to her - that woman?' to which George admitted he hadn't. Oh dear! The MasterChef judge, 36, was left horrified when Helen came on air on Monday and ordered him to 'call my lawyer' before abrupt y hanging up 'I think we should ring her now,' Kyle suggested. 'Go for it. You've become like a mediator, aren't you? You're a good man,' George replied shakily. True to his word, Kyle called up Helen - who picked up after one dial. He said: 'I've got George on the phone, do you want to chat to him? Maybe you can sort it out!' 'No I don't!' Helen snapped. 'Listen, I'll tell you what to do. If you've got George on the phone you can talk to my lawyers.' A clearly unsettled George responded: 'Oh, that's okay.... It's all good. I'm sure everyone's going to be happy at the end of it.' Confrontation: Kyle rang Helen - who picked up after one dial. He asked: 'I've got George on the phone, do you want to chat to him? Maybe you can sort it out!' Pictured with Jackie O Helen seemed unimpressed with his answer, adding: 'Tell George to call my lawyer. I'll give you my phone number.' As she began reeling off her digits, George interrupted: 'It's a busy day today you know... obviously we're filming MasterChef... but er, that's fantastic.' Bringing the conversation to a halt, Helen once again ordered Kyle: 'Alright, well you tell him to go through my lawyer.' After she hung up, Kyle and Jackie burst into laughter as George giggled awkwardly. 'You know what you guys tried and I really appreciate it. I also get where she's coming from - she's used to one thing and obviously we've changed it,' he said. Awkward! Helen then began reeling off the digits of her lawyer, prompting George to interrupt: 'It's a busy day today you know... obviously we're filming MasterChef... but er, that's fantastic' 'At the end of the day I'm going to make her happy at the end of it. It's called growing the hedge back. In the meantime, we'll put up a little fake hedge.' He continued: 'As much as she doesn't want to look into my backyard, I don't want to look into her backyard.' George has infuriated his neighbour in the exclusive suburb of Toorak, Melbourne, after his wife built a 'monstrous' gym in their backyard. Helen claims the self-contained structure is robbing her of her privacy. Speaking to A Current Affair last Monday, Helen said the gym 'looks like a public toilet' and is annoyed she can see it from her bedroom window. Eyesore? Helen claimed she could see George's 'monstrous' gym (pictured) from her bedroom window. 'I've got to keep the blinds closed day and night, well all day. Shocking,' she said 'I've got to keep the blinds closed day and night, well all day. Shocking,' she said. 'He's the worst neighbour I've had in my life. 'He should be living in Central Australia somewhere, where he can't bother people, not in the suburbs.' The furious pensioner urged George to 'demolish this terrible creation (so) we can all have a little bit of piece and privacy'. She has launched legal proceedings against the celebrity chef for allegedly breaching building regulations. Melbourne mansion: George snapped up the stunning residence in upmarket Toorak back in 2014 for the sum of $4.75million Calombaris' wife Natalie Tricarico said the building was legal, telling the Herald Sun: 'We have continued to ensure our neighbours who share a land boundary with us were kept informed of the progress of the construction works - as we were required to do - and those neighbours have expressed no issue with the construction or the process that took place.' Natalie said she understood the need to keep neighbours informed, but assured that the gym was constructed in accordance with permits. George snapped up the Toorak residence back in 2014 for the sum of $4.75million. As the former hostess of 1980s dating show Perfect Match, Debbie Newsome knows a thing or two about romance. And the TV legend, 57, had some words of advice for Sam Cochrane following his proposal to her daughter Tara Pavlovic on Bachelor In Paradise. According to Woman's Day, Debbie told her future son-in-law there are two very important things to remember when it comes to relationships. 'Make sure the bedroom is always happy!' Tara Pavlovic's mum Debbie Newsome has revealed the cheeky advice she gave her future son-in-law Sam Cochrane after his on-screen proposal 'Make sure the bedroom is always happy... and don't have too many headaches,' was Debbie's advice to Sam. Her other recommendation was: 'Always show each other love and respect.' Debbie made the comments after watching the long-haired larrikin, 31, pop the question during the Bachelor In Paradise finale. A family affair! The former TV star, who appeared in the 1981 Bond film For Your Eyes Only, watched the Bachelor In Paradise finale with Tara, Sam, and Sam's mother Rosie The former TV star, who appeared in the 1981 Bond film For Your Eyes Only, watched the finale with Tara, Sam, and Sam's mother Rosie. 'I was holding Rosie's hand and we were both crying,' Debbie said, before revealing that she liked Sam from the moment she saw him on TV. 'I would have picked him straight away. He's just such a sweetheart,' she added. Remember me? As the former hostess of 1980s dating show Perfect Match, Debbie Newsome knows a thing or two about romance 'I would have picked him straight away. He's just such a sweetheart': Debbie told Woman's Day on Monday that she liked Sam from the moment she saw him on Bachelor In Paradise After the episode aired, Tara told The Project she 'could hardly hear what was going on though because mum was crying so loud.' The nanny, 28, added: 'She was so emotional. It was so nice to have both our mums there. My stepdad was there too.' Speaking of growing up with a famous parent, Tara said last year: 'I didn't think she was different to any other mothers.' She courted controversy last week after her Vogue Italia cover was accused of cultural misappropriation. But on Sunday, Gigi Hadid was all smiles as she stepped out in New York City. The 23-year-old supermodel embodied casual chic in blue jeans and a white shirt. A spring in her step: On Sunday, Gigi Hadid was all smiles as she stepped out in New York City The sister of Bella Hadid paired the smart casual ensemble with a pair of white sneakers. For a touch of color, the 5ft10.5in stunner wore a bright red sweater around her shoulders. Her brunette tresses were tied back in a high pony tail and she shielded her eyes against the glare with a pair of oval framed sunglasses. The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills guest star carried her phone and keys in her right hand. Super chic: The 23-year-old supermodel embodied casual chic in blue jeans and a white shirt Sneaking around: The sister of Bella Hadid paired the smart casual ensemble with a pair of white sneakers It's been fraught few days for Gigi, who apologised for Vogue Italia 'using black face' on a cover image of her for their May 2018 issue on Thursday. Shot by acclaimed American photographer Steven Klein, the photo shows a heavily-bronzed Gigi sharing the cover with male model Justin Martin. Sharing a throwback photo of herself shortly after her Vogue shoot, the model wrote on Instagram: 'This is a photo of me returning home from my Vogue shooting on April 3... you can see the level I have been bronzed to on set that day. 'Please understand that my control of a shoot 1. is non existent in terms of creative direction. 2. ends completely when I leave set, and anything done to a photo in post is out of my control fully.' Statement: It's been fraught few days for Gigi, who apologised for Vogue Italia 'using black face' on a cover image of her for their May 2018 issue on Thursday 'The bronzing and photoshop is a style that S.Klein has done for many years and I believe was what was expected from the shoot (to show me in a different way creatively). 'BUT, although I understand what Vogue Italia's intentions were, it was not executed correctly, and the concerns that have been brought up are valid. 'I want to address this for those who were offended by the editing/retouching/coloring of the cover. Please know things would have been different if my control of the situation was different. 'Regardless, I want to apologize because my intention is never to diminish those concerns or take opportunities away from someone else, and I hope this can be an example to other magazines and teams in the future.' She married her fifth husband during an intimate wedding at Claridge's Hotel, Mayfair, in February 2002. And Dame Joan Collins, 84, has revealed her top tip for 'lasting marriage' to Hello! Magazine after tying the knot sixteen years ago with husband Percy Gibson, 53. Talking to the publication, the legendary actress opened up about her fifth marriage and the reason that it works is because they 'really support each other'. Legend: Dame Joan Collins, 84, has revealed her top tip for 'lasting marriage' to Hello! Magazine after tying the knot sixteen years ago with husband Percy Gibson, 53 While Joan revealed that her top tip for a lasting marriage is to 'understand that there will be highs and lows'. She said: 'You won't always agree about everything, but you need to enjoy each other's company. Percy is such an amazing man, he is so kind and so caring. 'People get married on the crest of lust. Once that's gone, they look and think: 'What the hell? Who is this person?' Smitten: Talking to the publication, the legendary actress opened up about her fifth marriage and the reason that it works is because they 'really support each other' Marriage secrets: While Joan revealed that her top tip for a lasting marriage is to 'understand that there will be highs and lows' 'There has to be something else to fall back on. If there isn't, they start looking.' The interview comes after the star recently confirmed that she has been offered a role in gritty TV series American Horror Story. Joan wrote on Instagram: 'Excited about being offered American horror story such a brilliant show stay tuned!' Previously: Dame Joan married first husband Maxwell Reed in 1952. They divorced just four years later Second try: Her next attempt at marriage came in 1963 with the actor Anthony Newley, but this too would end in divorce eight years later (the couple are pictured with daughter Tara in 1964) Third time lucky: The actress married American businessman Ron Kass in 1972. Their nine-year marriage collapsed in 1983 Here we go again: Two years later Dame Joan married Swedish singer Peter Holm, but the marriage would be over by 1987 The Dynasty star, 84, was previously thought to be appearing in the series when creator Ryan Murphy reportedly said he was 'throwing in Joan Collins', according to US industry magazine The Hollywood Reporter. Anthology series American Horror Story, created by Murphy and Brad Falchuck, debuted in 2011 and its eighth season is expected to air later this year. Its regular stars Sarah Paulson, Kathy Bates and Evan Peters have been confirmed to be returning to the show. While the eighth season of the horror anthology will reportedly be set in the future, a first for the series. The full article is in Hello! Magazine, out now. Read more: The full article is in Hello! Magazine, out now He is reportedly trying to convince Carrie Bickmore to 'jump ship' from Network Ten to Channel Nine. And Karl Stefanovic certainly seemed to be on familiar terms with The Project host when they attended the River4Ward lunch in Melbourne last month. The Today host, 43, looked animated as he engaged in a serious chat with Carrie, 37, while his fiancee Jasmine Yarbrough sat impassively beside them. Business meeting? Karl Stefanovic had a serious conversation with Carrie Bickmore during an industry event last month amid claims he is 'trying to convince her to jump ship to Nine' The father-of-three seemed to be discussing something important, gesturing with his hands as Carrie listened intently. Carrie looked typically glamorous in a chic black and white polka dot dress while at the event hosted by the Sony Foundation. Meanwhile, Karl looked dapper in a sharp tailored suit and his bride-to-be Jasmine, 33, kept things simple in a black keyhole blouse. What are they talking about? The father-of-three seemed to be discussing something important, gesturing with his hands as Carrie listened intently Old friends? The pair appeared to be on familiar terms as they chatted away at the Sony Foundation River4Ward lunch in Melbourne last month The sighting comes amid reports that Karl is trying to convince Carrie to join him at Channel Nine. New Idea claimed last week that luring Carrie to Channel Nine would be Karl's chance to 'get revenge' on Lisa Wilkinson - who left the Today show in 2017 following a pay dispute. Lisa is also believed to be locked in a 'bitter feud' with Carrie since taking up a role on The Project alongside her. New Idea further reported that Carrie had become 'increasingly unhappy' behind the desk at The Project, as Lisa continues to conduct 'all the high-profile interviews' with celebrities such as Amy Schumer and Celine Dion. Rumour has it! The sighting comes amid reports that Karl is trying to convince Carrie to join him at Channel Nine It was reported in October last year that while Carrie was quick to congratulate Lisa for quitting Today, behind closed doors she was said to have been annoyed that Lisa would be joining her on Channel Ten's flagship current affairs program. According to The Daily Telegraph, Carrie was 'less than impressed' with Ten's decision to recruit the veteran journalist. '(She is) p**ed off at Wilkinson being shipped in to sit alongside her,' insiders allegedly told the publication at the time. The Daily Telegraph noted that the cause of Carrie's frustration was likely her comparably small pay packet of a rumoured $500,000 - an amount almost four times less than what Lisa was said to be earning. Feud? It was reported in October last year that while Carrie was quick to congratulate Lisa for quitting Today, behind closed doors she was said to have been annoyed that Lisa would be joining her on Channel Ten's flagship current affairs program Daily Mail Australia contacted reps for Carrie and Network 10 at the time. Lisa sensationally revealed she was quitting the Today show last year and defecting to Channel Ten. Months later, she began work on The Project and the Sunday Project. The former magazine editor abruptly left Channel Nine after failing to achieve pay parity with her co-host Karl Stefanovic. Earlier this year, Lisa denied rumours of any feud with her new colleague, Carrie. Meanwhile, New Idea claimed that if Carrie was to move to Channel Nine it would help 'ease the tensions' that Karl is having with his Today colleagues - particularly Georgie Gardner - following the Ubergate scandal. Two months after Assemblyman Gary Finch announced his support for state Sen. John DeFrancisco in the race for governor, he is now endorsing the likely Republican gubernatorial nominee. Finch, R-Springport, backed Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro for governor. He made the announcement in a news release Monday. The two men are former state Assembly colleagues. Before being elected county executive, Molinaro served in the Assembly from 2007 to 2012. "Marc has a brilliant mind and is a gifted communicator," Finch said. "He is a man of high integrity ... His energetic style, inclusive message and wealth of experience will bring a tremendous change to the governor's mansion." Molinaro is one of three Republican candidates in the race for governor. DeFrancisco, R-DeWitt, and attorney Joe Holland are also seeking the GOP nomination. DeFrancisco recently suspended his campaign. Molinaro is the front-runner for the nomination and has been endorsed by 49 Republican county chairs representing more than 83 percent of the weighted vote at the convention. The GOP convention will be held May 23-24 in Manhattan. It was recently reported that she changed her relationship status on Facebook, shortly after her split from ex-boyfriend Lee Wilkinson. And Scarlett Moffatt has allegedly reunited with her former beau following the pair's messy split, according to The Sun. The 28-year-old TV presenter - who branded the fitness model a 'cheating pathological liar' - has been warned by Lee's ex Sam Irving over his 'manipulative' behaviour. Back on? Scarlett Moffatt has allegedly reunited with her former beau Lee Wilkinson following the pair's messy split, according to The Sun In an interview with the publication, Sam insisted she was in contact with the Gogglebox star following Scarlett's break-up. She added: 'The day she got back from Florida, she told me Lee had turned up at her house with flowers and chocolates and shed let him in. 'But a few days before, shed been messaging me, saying he was harassing her and she might need to involve the police because he was also harassing all of her friends and family.' Rekindled: The 28-year-old TV presenter - who branded the fitness model a 'cheating pathological liar' - has been warned by Lee's ex Sam Irving over his 'manipulative' behaviour Sam also opened up her opinion of his 'questionable antics' stating: 'Lee is a grown man but gets on his knees crying and begging and then pours his heart out.' MailOnline has contacted Scarlett's representative for comment. Sam's discussion follows reports on Scarlett and Lee's rekindled romance, as according to the Mirror, the Saturday Night Takeaway host, had put her public information as 'single' but has now hidden it on her profile, sparking rumours she could have taken him back. Single? According to the Mirror , the Gogglebox star had put her public information as 'single' but has now hidden it on her profile, sparking rumours she's taken him back The reports come after Sam - Lee's ex-girlfriend of two years - claimed he sent her pleading messages when he was still with Scarlett, begging to rekindle their romance and that he cried over how unhappy he was with the Gogglebox star. According to The Mirror, Lee alleged that she was still seeing him in January, a month after he went public with his romance with Scarlett, although Lee denied there was any crossover between the two relationships. While it was also reported that Lee 'pleaded' with Scarlett to take him back after seeing her fun Florida getaway with pal Liam Irvin all over social media. 'Lees been like a bear with a sore head after his break up with Scarlett,' a source told The Sun Online. Are they?: The Sun revealed that the two are reportedly back together, with Lee's ex warning that he's 'trouble' (Scarlett's public Facebook pictured with a hidden relationship status) 'Hes been messaging her non-stop and has been pleading with her to give their relationship another chance. 'Lee watched what she was doing through social media and was liking all of her holiday posts.' MailOnline contacted Scarlett's representative for comment at the time. Holiday blues: Shortly before flying home, the I'm A Celebrity winner admitted she didn't want her sun-soaked getaway to end as she shared another snap with her friend last month Scarlett jetted back from her heartbreak holiday last month, as she was spotted at Manchester Airport with her pal Liam. Shortly before flying home, the I'm A Celebrity winner admitted she didn't want her sun-soaked getaway to end as she shared another snap with her friend, which showed the pair topping up their tans while sipping on an iced cold beverage. 'Loving life!! Cant believe we go home tomorrow!! Florida you are unreal ,' she captioned the shot. Despite splitting from boyfriend Lee before the holiday, Scarlett proved that she wasn't one to mope around and she shared several fun snaps from her action-packed break. Gorgeous: Despite splitting from boyfriend Lee before the holiday, Scarlett proved that she wasn't one to mope around and she shared several fun snaps from her action-packed break The former Gogglebox star posted pictures of the pair riding a rollercoaster, dressed to impress for cocktails and relaxing by the swimming pool. Scarlett's holiday comes after she lashed out at Lee in April when she wrote: 'Just always seem to choose cheating pathological liars... I just choose lying cheats its a skill.' The I'm a Celebrity champ only recently took her relationship with Lee public, when he joined her in Orlando as she prepared to shoot the final episode of Saturday Night Takeaway. Scarlett had planned to whisk her ex away on a romantic break to Florida, just shortly after their most recent getaway, but took her pal Liam instead. Reports: The reports come after Lee's ex-girlfriend of two years, Samantha Irving, claimed he sent her pleading messages when he was still with Scarlett, begging to rekindle their romance And despite their extremely loved-up displays, she first hinted at trouble when she posted a cryptic message referencing Henry VIII - who had six wives. She said in the video: 'For anyone that needs this right now, I just want to say if somebody feels you're not enough for them then that isn't a reflection on you, that's a reflection on them... Unless you're Henry VIII, then one girl's normally enough.' Scarlett later shared a message reading: 'She wasn't afraid to be herself. So when everybody said 'Be a lamb'. She showed her fangs, and became a Wolf.' It's over: And despite their extremely loved-up displays, she first hinted at trouble when she posted a cryptic message referencing Henry VIII - who had six wives Afterwards, her various mysterious messages were soon clarified when she made her explosive accusation to her boyfriend. A representative for Scarlett declined to comment when approached by MailOnline at the time. Revealing he got the boot from her holiday, a source told The Sun Online: 'Scarlett is no mug as soon as she gave Lee the boot she told her pals there was no way she would let him ruin her holiday. 'Shes been so excited about this break with him. But she wont let it hang over her now hes gone. 'Scarlett got straight on the phone to a mate and now theyre going together instead.' Kanye West has been making headlines ever since returning to Twitter last month. The continuous uproar surrounding the 40-year-old artist and his social media commentary, inspired Donald Glover, 34, and the cast of SNL to make a sketch regarding people continuously reacting to the rapper's posts blended with the premise of the hit film, A Quiet Place. Yeezy has now seen the uproarious sketch and it seems like he's a fan. He posted the clip to his Twitter and captioned it with three laughing crying emoji and three fire emoji. Parody: The continuous uproar surrounding Kanye and his social media commentary inspired Donald Glover, 34, and the cast of SNL to make a sketch referencing people's reactions to his posts blended with the premise of the hit film, A Quiet Place He has responded: The 40-year-old artist has now seen the uproarious sketch and it seems like he loves it. Big fan: He posted the clip to his Twitter and captioned it with three laughing crying emoji and three fire emoji In the sketch, titled A Kanye Place, Glover, Aidy Bryant, Kenan Thompson, Beck Bennett, and Cecily Strong attempted to hide in a cornfield from creatures who could track them through any noises they made, a la the John Krasinski and Emily Blunt film. Unfortunately for the group, they are unable to keep quiet when they see West's tweets. Members of the party were picked off one by one as they struggled to keep quiet after becoming aware of West's Tweets and visible exchanges. Moments that were part of the clip included West having a 'Make America Great Again' cap signed by President Donald Trump, the artist being at Chrissy Teigen's baby shower with Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and the fact that he said slavery was a choice during an interview with TMZ. Glover is the last remaining party member and he listened to the Yeezus rapper's Lift Yourself, admitting that 'poopity scoop' grows on you before getting taken. Cinco: Glover, aka Childish Gambino, appeared as both the special and musical guest on Saturday Night Live on May 5 Late night fun: In the sketch, titled A Kanye Place, Glover, Aidy Bryant, Kenan Thompson, Beck Bennett, and Cecily Strong attempted to hide in a cornfield from creatures who could track them through any noises they made, a la the John Krasinski and Emily Blunt film One by one: Unfortunately for the group, they are unable to keep quiet when they see West's tweets In the field: Members of the party were picked off one by one as they struggled to keep quiet after becoming aware of West's Tweets and visible exchanges Referential: Moments that were part of the clip included West having a 'Make America Great Again' cap signed by President Donald Trump, the artist being at Chrissy Teigen's baby shower with Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and the fact that he said slavery was a choice during an interview with TMZ Worth it: Glover is the last remaining party member and he listened to the Yeezus rapper's Lift Yourself, admitting that 'poopity scoop' grows on you before getting taken West wasn't the only star who loved the sketch either. Chrissy Teigen, who was also referenced, posted to Twitter about the clip, writing, 'Oh my god!! This is my buzzer beater feeling!!' The comment was in reference to LeBron James's game winning shot that occurred on the same Saturday. Showing love: West wasn't the only star who loved the sketch either Glover, aka Childish Gambino, appeared as both the special and musical guest on Saturday Night Live on May 5. The versatile actor, who is set to star as Lando Calrissian in the new Star Wars film Solo, appeared in various sketches and performed two new songs, This Is America and Sunday. During the middle of his hosting duties on the famed sketch comedy series, the creator and star of Atlanta dropped a music video for the first of his new songs. Host: Glover, aka Childish Gambino, appeared as both the special and musical guest on Saturday Night Live on May 5 Because the internet: During the middle of his hosting duties on the famed sketch comedy series, the creator and star of Atlanta dropped a music video for This Is America Filled with hidden meaning, the jarring and thoughtful four-minute clip finds Glover discussing the state of America. The detailed effort comments on everything from gun violence to social inequality, using dance, cars, and the juxtaposition of minimalism with spectacle and increased background volatility to deliver its layered message. Both West and Glover - under his Childish Gambino moniker - are expected to release new albums in 2018. Multiple: Filled with hidden meaning, the jarring and thoughtful four-minute clip finds Glover commenting on the state of America Her marriage to Russell Crowe broke down in 2012, but their divorce was only finalised last month. And Danielle Spencer seems to be making the most of her fresh start, enjoying a relaxed stroll with boyfriend Adam Long in Rose Bay, Sydney on Sunday. The 49-year-old looked smitten with her beau, 54, as they soaked up the sun during their picturesque walk. The future's bright! Russell Crowe's ex-wife Danielle Spencer enjoyed a sun-soaked stroll with her boyfriend Adam Long in Rose Bay, Sydney on Sunday after finalising her divorce Danielle kept her look casual, rocking a blue diamante-embellished vest top and matching tracksuit bottoms. Shielding her eyes behind chic shades, Danielle also protected herself from the sun's rays with a parasol. Meanwhile, Adam mirrored her laid-back vibe in a simple white T-shirt and black jeans, and tied a denim shirt around his waist. Laid-back look: Danielle kept her look casual, rocking a blue diamante-embellished vest top and matching tracksuit bottoms Sweet: The 49-year-old looked smitten with her beau, 54, as they soaked up the sun during their picturesque walk in Rose Bay Danielle and Russell were previously in an on-and-off relationship, after first meeting on set of the 1989 Australian movie The Crossing. The former couple married in 2003 and share two sons together: Charles, 14, and Tennyson, 11. They split for good in late 2012. Since 2016, Danielle has been in a relationship with Adam Long. Russell has been falsely linked to a string of women, most notably Terri Irwin. Danielle lives in the couple's former marital home in Rose Bay, which The Sunday Telegraph reported was transferred fully into her name last December. Former flames: Danielle's marriage to Russell Crowe, 53, broke down in 2012 and their divorce was finalised last month. Pictured in 2007 Meanwhile, Russell lives in a Woolloomooloo apartment and his Nana Glen farm, located north of Sydney. Opening up about their split in 2015, Danielle told The Daily Telegraph she wanted things to remain as friendly as possible, similar to her own parents' divorce. 'It's been a great example for me, that is exactly what I would aspire to achieving myself,' she said. 'If my mothers away, my father and step-dad will get together and watch the footy or something they're really great friends.' DJ Khaled has sparked controversy over a newly-resurfaced 2015 interview in which he claims to 'never' perform oral sex on his wife Nicole Tuck. And on Monday's The Kyle And Jackie O show, radio shock jock Kyle Sandilands, 46, offered his thoughts on the importance of pleasuring a woman. Kyle, who is dating model Imogen Anthony, 27, declared: 'I think it's a very important part and if you really want to, as a man, please a woman, you've got to do that.' 'If you want to please her, you've got to do that!' Kyle Sandilands claimed it's important for men to perform oral sex on their wives and girlfriends... after DJ Khaled said he REFUSED to do it Co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson agreed, saying that if a man she was dating refused to perform oral sex on her she would feel self-conscious. But Kyle was quick to rebut her 'typical girl reaction'. He suggested: 'If a guy goes kissing down... and all of a sudden goes kissing back up very fast, that's when you've got something going on. 'But if the guy just doesn't do it, then he's a dud. He's a dud in the sack.' The secret to happiness? Kyle, who is dating model Imogen Anthony, 27, declared: 'I think it's a very important part and if you really want to, as a man, please a woman, you've got to do that' Kyle's comments come after DJ Khaled's 2015 interview with REVOLT Radio's The Breakfast Club resurfaced on social media. During the chat, DJ Khaled claimed that 'the woman should praise the man, the king.' He said: 'There are certain things I just don't do... I believe the woman should praise the man, the king. 'If you hold it down for your woman, then the woman should praise... and the man should praise the Queen but you know... my way of praising is, "How was dinner? You like the house you living in? You like all those clothes you're getting?"' 'Nah, never. No, I can't do that. I don't do that': Kyle's comments come after DJ Khaled's 2015 interview with REVOLT Radio's The Breakfast Club resurfaced on social media When asked by the program's female host if his remarks meant he did not perform oral sex, DJ Khaled replied: 'Nah, never. No, I can't do that. I don't do that.' The host then asked if his wife could refuse to do the same, but he was quick to respond: 'No that's not OK, because you have to understand I am the don, I am the King... I am the King of the house. 'It's different rules for men. We the King. There's some things that y'all don't want to do but got to get done.' He added: 'I just can't do what you want me to do. I just can't.' They fell in love in front of the nation's eyes on Bachelor in Paradise before Sam Cochrane popped the question to Tara Pavlovic during the finale. And after celebrating their engagement at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel in Sydney on Saturday, the golden couple emerged from their Potts Point hotel looking a little weary on Monday. The duo were spotted enjoying a breakfast together at their accommodation before heading off to the airport. Big weekend? Bachelor in Paradise's golden couple Sam Cochrane and Tara Pavlovic cut dressed-down figures as they emerge from hotel after their engagement party The reality stars cut casual figures, wearing extremely dressed-down attire as they recovered from what was likely a lively night. Tara donned grey track pants teamed with dark grey tank top while a pale blue jumper was tied around her waist. She looked in high spirits and had her tresses tied back into messy-style top knot while her beau Sam trailed dutifully behind her. The blond star was equally casual in a black long-sleeved T-shirt and jeans as he hauled multiple bags and suitcases. Breakfast of champions: Tara and Sam enjoy a morning meal before checking out of their hotel Time to leave! Tara and Sam loaded their luggage into a vehicle before heading off to the airport The apparent recovery breakfast came after a night out at Watson Bay Bay Boutique Hotel over the weekend to celebrate their plans to tie the knot. Sam and Tara were joined by a number of notable names for the loved-up bash, including Sophie Monk's ex Stu Laundy, whose wealthy family owns the swanky venue where the festivities were held. Former Bachelorette stars Luke McLeod and Ryan Jones, who starred alongside Sam in the most recent season, were also in attendance. 'The best is yet to come': The apparent recovery breakfast came after a night out at Watson Bay Bay Boutique Hotel over the weekend to celebrate their plans to tie the knot The stunning couple - as well as their loved ones - shared an array of happy snaps from the engagement party. In a picture posted by Tara, the bubbly blonde was seen in the arms of her fiance as their nearest and dearest gathered around. Another cute image featured the duo all smiles as they held a sign which read 'The best is yet to come' They enjoyed a fun-filled engagement party over the weekend with several former Bachelorette stars. And it seems things got a little wild inside Tara Pavlovic and Sam Cochrane's Potts Point Holiday Inn hotel room, following the bash. For Tara posted a completely nude picture of her fiance as he showed 'Sydney what he was made of'. That's cheeky! Tara Pavlovic posts completely NUDE picture of her fiance Sam Cochrane as he flashes Sydney from their hotel room window... along with a swinging elephant trunk emoji In the saucy snap, a fully undressed Sam is seen flashing the city from the comfort of the couple's hotel room window. The 28-year-old nanny wrote over the image: 'My view just got a whole lot better... @samcochrane don't be afraid to show Sydney what you are made of'. She cheekily added an animated, and perhaps telling, emoji of an elephant swinging its trunk. Party time! The Bachelor In Paradise stars celebrated their engagement party in Sydney on Saturday night It appears that the photograph was taken by Tara from the couple's bed. The Bachelor In Paradise stars celebrated their engagement party in Sydney on Saturday night. They were joined by a number of notable names for the loved-up bash, including Sophie Monk's ex, Stu Laundy, whose wealthy family owns the swanky Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel where the festivities were held. Sam and Tara could hardly keep their hands off each other as they cosied up for photos shared on social media. In a picture posted by Tara, the bubbly blonde was seen in the arms of her fiance as their nearest and dearest gathered around. Pub baron Stu, 45, - who appeared alongside Sam on the 2017 season of The Bachelorette - was seen centre-stage in the snap. Meanwhile, fellow Bachelorette and Bachelor In Paradise alum Luke McLeod was also seen in the far left of frame. So in love: Sam and Tara could hardly keep their hands off each other as they cosied up for photos shared on social media Another of the franchise's former stars, Ryan Jones confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that he was also among the guests, attending alongside his girlfriend Tahlia Rozis and describing the event as 'nice'. He shared a video to his Instagram Story which was filmed in the sprawling venue, with Tahlia and Luke both visible in the background of the short clip. Queensland-based Tara stunned for the occasion, wearing a white faux Prada tank top teamed with a black maxi skirt. Dapper Sam stuck to his signature style with his trademark chimney sweep cap atop his head. He chose a sensible pair of chinos, a white tee and a blue button-down for the celebratory afternoon. On cloud nine! The couple were joined by a number of notable names for the loved-up bash, including Sophie Monk's ex, Stu Laundy, whose wealthy family owns the swanky Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel where the festivities were held The quirky couple showed off their sense of humour by striking a series of comical poses on the balcony outside the venue. And it appears things are moving fast for the pair, who became engaged late last year on the final day of filming Bachelor In Paradise. Earlier this week, Sam told Sydney Confidential that he and Tara have already began preparations for their big day. 'We've started planning the wedding,' the voiceover artist told the publication on Monday, declining to give any further details. She was reportedly left shaken after burglars broke into her 6million Herefordshire mansion last week. But Elizabeth Hurley put the unpleasant affair far from her mind as she attended the Carat+ exhibition in Belgium on Sunday at the Antwerp World Diamond Centre. The 52-year-old actress made sure to put plenty of cleavage on display as she slipped into a plunging sequin gold gown. Shining bright! Elizabeth Hurley looked gorgeous at a Carat+ exhibition in Belgium on Sunday at the Antwerp World Diamond Centre The model, who is known to exhibit her impressive figure in a slew of bikini-clad snaps on Instagram, showed off her incredible physique in the glittery backless dress which clung to her ample curves. She added a boost to her height with gold sandals and amped up the glamour with a smoky black eye, bronzed cheeks and a slick of pink lipstick. With an eye for glittering diamonds, Liz, who wore her long brunette hair in soft waves, beamed as she tried on an array of jewellery at the glitzy event. Busty: Liz made sure to put plenty of cleavage on display in plunging sequin gold gown Toned: The model, who is known to exhibit her impressive figure in a slew of bikini-clad snaps on Instagram, showed off her incredible physique in the glittery backless dress Her public appearance comes after the actress was reportedly left shaken when her 6million Herefordshire mansion was burgled while she was home entertaining guests for a dinner party last week. According to The Sun, the model called the police in the early hours of Sunday morning after hosting a party the previous night. It is believed the thieves, who are still at large, broke in through an upstairs window and escaped with jewellery. Smoking hot! She added a boost to her height with gold sandals and amped up the glamour with a smoky black eye, bronzed cheeks and a slick of pink lipstick Hot metal! The Hollywood star flashed plenty of back in the metallic gown Expensive taste! The brunette beauty inspected a diamond at the glamorous event Dripping in jewels: With an eye for glittering diamonds, Liz, who wore her long brunette hair in soft waves, beamed as she tried on an array of jewellery at the glitzy event No laughing matter: However, it was just last week her 6million Herefordshire mansion was burgled while she was home entertaining guests for a dinner party Simply stunning: Liz looked a vision of beauty as she modelled a number of diamonds on her hand They are said to have fled when the actress noticed and called the police. Sniffer dogs helped police to rule out a stalker as they believe the raid was random. Last month, Ms Hurley's 21-year-old nephew Miles was stabbed following a car crash in London. Ribbon cutting: Liz performed the ceremonious act with some shears Taking her mind off things: While her home was just burgled last week, Elizabeth Hurley seemed to have the whole unpleasant affair far from her mind as she grinned for the camera Breathtaking: The star was presented a statement gold jewel necklace as she took a look around the showcase She is believed to have stepped up security after the attack, and has again since last week's break in. 'She has CCTV, sensors and on-site guards. The place is now like Fort Knox. The house is surrounded by its own grounds with entry via locked gates and a long drive' a source told The Sun. Police believe the raiders were parked about half a mile away, and then walked up the footpath to gain entrance to the mansion. A West Mercia Police spokeswoman said: 'At about 9am on Sunday 19 November 2017, West Mercia Police received reports of a burglary in progress at a property. 'Officers attended, and the incident was investigated. No arrests have been made. If any new information comes to light it will be looked into.' Davina Rankin is currently enjoying a well-earned getaway in Bali. And the busty bikini model has made sure to share all her holiday highlights with her Instagram followers. On Sunday, the busty 27-year-old was seen partying at the fancy OMNIA day club, where she showed off her risque dance moves and guzzled tequila from the bottle. 'F**k yeah!' On Sunday, Davina Rankin was seen partying at the fancy OMNIA day club in Bali, where she showed off her risque dance moves and guzzled tequila from the bottle 'F**k yeah!' Davina narrated in one Instagram Story as she panned her camera around the resort with its breathtaking ocean views. In another short clip, the brunette beauty pronounced that she was getting the 'royal treatment' as a waiter delivered a platter full of mouth-watering delicacies. It appears the Married At First Sight villain is holidaying without her new boyfriend Jaxon Manuel. Bikini beautiful! The busty bikini model has made sure to share all her holiday highlights with her Instagram followers Davina recently spoke about her new businessman beau for the first time in an interview with The Daily Telegraph. She revealed Jaxon was not bothered by her highly controversial stint on the Channel Nine dating show- which saw her cheat on her husband, Ryan Gallagher. 'He's (Jaxon) been my friend forever, so it was really nice to form something with someone who already knows me, and not what theyve seen on TV,' the stunner stated. Off the market! Davina has confirmed her new relationship with Brisbane businessman Jaxon Manuel Leaving Jaxon at home, on Sunday Davina pictured posing with friends including a one tatted-up pal. Her latest uploads add to a seemingly never-ending stream of snaps from the idyllic getaway. On Saturday, the buxom beauty took to shared sizzling shots of herself in a little white bikini. Appearing to be bronzing her lithe frame, the former reality star snapped herself lying on a sun lounge in the skimpy swimwear. Their fiery clashes on My Kitchen Rules often grabbed more headlines than their meals themselves. But Emily has now defended her romance with Alex against trolls, insisting that they know how 'strong' their connection is offscreen. The 27-year-old, who recently relocated to Byron Bay with Alex, added that she refuses to get upset by the 'horrible things' that keyboard warriors say about them. 'They don't know the first thing about us!' My Kitchen Rules' Emily SLAMS trolls for saying 'horrible things' about her romance with Alex... and claims editing made their rows look worse 'I mean this with no disrespect to anyone who's got opinions but they wouldn't know the first thing about our relationship,' she told Mamamia. 'Everyone at home sees like an hour and a half of us each night under a crazy pressure cooker environment.' She said she believes editing made their relationship look a more strained than it really is. 'I know I didn't say Alex that many times. Some of those times it was repeated. I wasn't constantly saying Alex's name,' she explained. Not having it: The 27-year-old, who recently relocated to Byron Bay with Alex, added that she refuses to get upset by the 'horrible things' that keyboard warriors say about them The couple are planning to open their own restaurant and cocktail bar with the $250,000 in prize money. Emily's defense of the couple's romance comes after their emotional showdown in the two-hour grand finale on Sunday night. Bursting into tears under the pressure, Emily yelled at her partner: 'Stop having a go at me! I work just as hard.' 'Stop having a go at me!' MKR's Emily burst into tears after boyfriend Alex 'snapped' at her during the stressful grand finale on Sunday night As Alex attempted to make light of the stressful situation in the kitchen, Emily said: 'Babe, stop it. The pressure is really building up. This is the fourth course. 'We are exhausted. We're trying to keep our head focused, all these different elements.' Alex claimed he was on track: 'Stop having a go at me every time we plate. I'm kind of bored of it.' Starting to tear up, Emily couldn't contain her emotions: 'You've just been having a go at me the whole time!' 'Oh, honey. OK. OK, I didn't. OK, I'm apologising, alright? I'm sorry,' Alex quickly tried to remedy the situation as he hugged his crying lady love. 'I love you. It's OK. It's OK': Alex comforted his partner as onlookers looked worried for the couple completing the challenge unscathed 'Emily's really upset. I know I kind of snapped like I shouldn't have, but I'm just feeling, you know, so much adrenaline. It's kind of just coming out of me, and I don't mean it to be,' he later explained to the camera. On screen, Alex continued to comfort Emily: 'I love you. It's OK. It's OK. It's looking amazing, OK? Just try and hold it together, OK?' Former rival Ash looked upset by the display, saying: 'It's breaking my heart. Emily's just burst into tears. They're still trying to plate up. It's just chaos.' 'Just tired. I'm just really tired': Emily pulled herself together and powered through the rest of the two-hour challenge Emily pulled herself together and told Alex she was 'Just tired. I'm just really tired.' Alex understood completely, adding: 'I know. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you.' The pair made up backstage as they prepared to head back to the kitchen to serve dessert and await the results from the judges and guests on the performance. After serving up a spectacular cocktail-inspired dessert, the pair later won the title of My Kitchen Rules victors for 2018. George Calombaris has revealed that British royal Camilla Parker Bowles is a 'massive fan' of MasterChef Australia. The show's judge, 39, confessed that the 70-year-old 'absolutely adores' the Channel 10 cooking programme and even prefers it to the original English version. He added that her husband Prince Charles, who makes a surprise cameo in the upcoming series of the show, has a favourite dish - roast chicken. Who knew? George Calombaris has revealed that Camilla Parker Bowles is a 'massive fan' of MasterChef Australia 'His wife Camilla is a massive fan and loves MasterChef,' George said on the Kyle and Jackie O show on Monday. 'She loves the Australian version. She absolutely adored it, I think it must have been Matt and Gary's posh English accents that did it!' he joked. George added that Prince Charles is 'very encouraging to all the contestants.' The pair met after the Prince of Wales invited MasterChef contestants to cater a reception for 150 guests at the Royal Flying Doctor Service base in Darwin. George previously told the Daily Telegraph that Prince Charles' debut was a 'wonderful and surreal' experience. Due to his interest in the environment, the Queen's eldest son was reportedly most keen on trying dishes featuring indigenous ingredients. This resulted in an array of eclectic dishes being served up, such as wallaby tartare with quandong chutney, cucumber, zuccini and green ants as well as kangaroo with Davidson plum jam. His Royal Highness: MasterChef's new series promises a number of celebrity cameos, including one from Prince Charles himself Meanwhile fellow judge Gary Mehigan, 51, also dished on domestic goddess Nigella Lawson - who flew all the way from London to taste the Australian amateur's offerings. He said that 58-year-old Nigella was a 'delight' who ended up calling the judges her 'naughty brothers'. Fellow Brit and Michelin star-winning chef Gordon Ramsay also made the trip Down Under to critique the contestants' dishes for the latest series, which producers have promised will be 'full of surprises'. Republican candidate Chele Farley criticized U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and urged President Donald Trump to withdraw the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal during a visit to Israel Monday. The deadline is Saturday for Trump to decide whether the U.S. should remain in or pull out of the 2015 accord. The agreement, which imposed restrictions on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for lifting economic sanctions, was negotiated by Iran and six countries, including the U.S., China and Russia. Farley, who is challenging Gillibrand, D-N.Y., in the New York U.S. Senate race, believes Trump shouldn't recertify the Iran deal. "Iran is a threat to the free world and that deal should have never been signed," she said. "Anyone who supported such a terrible deal should be held accountable." The Iran nuclear deal was negotiated by the Obama administration and drew a mixed response from members of Congress. Current Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, New York's senior senator, opposed the agreement. But Gillibrand supports it. Gillibrand wrote an op-ed explaining her position in 2015. She called the agreement "imperfect," but decided to support it after discussions with constituents, experts and Obama administration officials. Private messages between Bachelor In Paradise cast members discussing Ali Oetjen allegedly 'cheating on Grant Kemp in LA' have been leaked. And Florence Alexandra says she feels betrayed that someone from the group chat made the messages public. The 28-year-old Daily Mail Australia on Monday: 'I'm appalled and disgusted that someone would leak private conversations between us.' 'It's sickening': Florence Alexandra says she feels betrayed after private text messages between cast members of Bachelor In Paradise discussing Ali Oetjen allegedly 'cheating on Grant Kemp in LA' were leaked (pictured with co-star Megan Marx (R)) 'I'd like to clarify that those messages in our group chat were sent after we heard that Ali and Grant had broken up and two different sides of the story started coming out,' she said. 'Obviously we weren't there so no one knows the truth but it's something that came as a big shock to all of us - whichever side to the story is true.' A screenshot published in Monday's issue of Woman's Day shows Sam Cochrane, Nina Rolleston and Florence exchange messages in a group chat. Feeling betrayed: The 28-year-old told Yahoo!Be 'Obviously everyone in the group chat trusted each other and it's sickening that this has happened Sam asks the group, 'what happened???' with Nina replying, 'So she went to the states and cheated on him?' Florence wrote: 'Grant's version: Ali came to LA and shagged his mate on the stairs of his house. 'Ali's version: She came to LA and he suggested a threesome so they broke up as she was offended.' The Dutch-born beauty explained to Yahoo!Be that no one suggested Ali had an affair. Two sides to a story: The Dutch-born beauty explained to Yahoo!Be that no one suggested Ali had an affair. 'There's two sides of the story and no one knows what really happened,' the model said, adding that they were only discussing the news they had heard 'There's two sides of the story and no one knows what really happened,' the model said, adding that they were only discussing the news they had heard. 'Obviously everyone in the group chat trusted each other and it's sickening that this has happened.' Florence said she is no longer part of the private group chat and is shocked that someone had disclosed their confidential messages to the press, adding she has no clue who did it. This comes after Grant made explosive claims to New Idea that his ex and the new Bachelorette, Ali, had cheated on him with his best friend. Hurt: This comes after Grant made explosive claims to New Idea his ex and the new Bachelorette, Ali, had cheated on him with his best friend The firefighter, 29, explained she had flown to Los Angeles in March to visit him, after they decided to stay together in the Bachelor In Paradise finale. He went on to say that he had gone to outside to greet visitors at his gate community and when he returned, he allegedly caught her 'hooking up' with his friend at his home. Grant told the publication: 'That is literally one of the most disrespectful things you can do,' adding that he never be able to trust her again. Heartbreak: The firefighter, 29, allegedly caught her 'hooking up' with his friend at his home (pictured on Bachelor In Paradise with Michael Turnbull) Ali says she was asked to take part in a threesome and that's why they broke up. Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Ali Oetjen for comment. Things are clearly still amicable between Alessandra Ambrosio and her ex-fiance Jamie Mazur, who reunited for family fun on the beach in Malibu on Sunday. The IMG Model and the Re/Done denim founder - both 37 - reportedly ended their decade-long engagement in March, according to Us Weekly. 'If I have been engaged to him for eight years, then it's not my priority,' the Brazilian bombshell ominously admitted to Cosmopolitan UK back in 2016. Getting along: Things are clearly still amicable between Alessandra Ambrosio and her ex-fiance Jamie Mazur, who reunited for family fun on the beach in Malibu on Sunday United front: The IMG Model and the Re/Done denim founder - both 37 - reportedly ended their decade-long engagement in March, according to Us Weekly 'I have a lot of things going on, and I haven't got married because I'm so busy. I'll think about that when I have time off.' Ambrosio was spotted playfully chasing their son Noah Phoenix on the sand ahead of celebrating his 7th birthday on Monday. Nearby was Alessandra and Jamie's eldest child - nine-year-old daughter Anja Louise - who was enjoying a driftwood fort with her gal pal. For her fun in the sun, the former Victoria's Secret Angel wore a light-green bikini bottom beneath a grey 'BATA' sweatshirt featuring horses. The Brazilian bombshell ominously admitted to Cosmopolitan UK back in 2016: 'If I have been engaged to him for eight years, then it's not my priority' Getting so big! Ambrosio was spotted playfully chasing their son Noah Phoenix on the sand ahead of celebrating his 7th birthday on Monday Weee! Nearby was Alessandra and Jamie's eldest child - nine-year-old daughter Anja Louise (L) - who was enjoying a driftwood fort with her gal pal Cheeky: For her fun in the sun, the former Victoria's Secret Angel wore a light-green bikini bottom beneath a grey 'BATA' sweatshirt featuring horses The Daddy's Home 2 actress wore her brunette locks in a partial braid beneath a wide-brimmed white hat. And the M.I.L.F. $ video vixen - who relies on stylist Elizabeth Sulcer - shielded her eyes with red-framed Raen sunglasses. Both Mazur and Alessandra - who boasts 18.4M social media followers - shared Insta-stories of their birthday boy's day on the beach fishing with friends. Plaited hairdo: The Daddy's Home 2 actress wore her brunette locks in a partial braid beneath a wide-brimmed white hat Glued to her phone: And the M.I.L.F. $ video vixen - who relies on stylist Elizabeth Sulcer - shielded her eyes with red-framed sunglasses Basking: Ambrosio sunned her buns while checking her phone on the sand 'Beah boys': Both Mazur and Alessandra - who boasts 18.4M social media followers - shared Insta-stories of their birthday boy's day on the beach fishing with friends Meanwhile, The former Fyre Festival spokesmodel's rumored beau Raul Guterres Insta-storied a snap of himself embracing little Noah captioned: 'Saudade (translation melancholy).' The 48-year-old photographer - who shot Ambrosio for her ale by Alessandra line - was recently spotted escorting her to Soho House as well as the DUNDAS Traveling Flagship Cocktail Party. Careerwise, the Vogue Brazil cover girl currently fronts the spring campaign for German swim and innerwear brand, Lascana. Meanwhile, The former Fyre Festival spokesmodel's rumored beau Raul Guterres Insta-storied a snap of himself embracing little Noah captioned: 'Saudade (translation melancholy)' Lensman: The 48-year-old photographer - who shot Ambrosio for her ale by Alessandra line - was recently spotted escorting her to Soho House as well as the DUNDAS Traveling Flagship Cocktail Party She made a triumphant return to the fashion world earlier this year, just months after giving birth to her son Jack Oscar back in June 2017. And Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 31, was set to make heads turn once again, as she stepped out for dinner in New York on Sunday night in a flashy ensemble. Wrapping up in a loose-fitting leather jacket, the model was sure to grab attention thanks to the jacket's striking lilac faux fur lining. Turning heads: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley stunned in a leather jacket with lilac faux fur trim as she stepped out for dinner in New York on Sunday Slipping her lithe legs into a pair of shiny emblazoned leggings, the catwalk queen added to her already statuesque figure by stepping out in heeled cowboy boots. The blonde beauty kept her luscious locks hidden under a black biker cap, and the Devon native highlighted her natural beauty with makeup. Rosie looked sensational in her dark attire, and she kept her accessories to a minimum so that all attention remained firmly on her, and her outfit. Legs for days: Slipping her lithe legs into a pair of shiny emblazoned leggings, the catwalk queen added to her already statuesque figure with heeled cowboy boots Rather than keep her personal belongings tucked away in a bag, the British rose held her phone tightly in one hand, and carried a Balenciaga case in the other. Rosie welcomed her son Jack Oscar with her fiance Jason Statham, 50, in June 2017. The Marks & Spencer lingerie model has been dating the action star for almost eight years. Natural beauty: The Devon native highlighted her natural beauty with a palette of makeup that included deep pink lipstick so she could rely on her stunning features Minimalist approach: Rosie looked sensational in her dark attire, and she kept her accessories to a minimum so that all attention remained firmly on her and her outfit Runway beauty Rosie and her actor beau are yet to tie the knot, despite announcing their engagement in January 2016. But Rosie has shown no sign of slowing down since welcoming baby Jack as she landed in fifth place on Forbes' annual list of the world's best-paid supermodels in November - with earnings of a staggering $9.5 million in just 12 months. The supermodel attended Paris Fashion Week in February, and was spotted on the front row of several high-profile catwalk shows earlier this year. She's proven her skills as a model after strutting her stuff in an incredible 22 shows over the last few months. And Kaia Gerber, 16, showed that she can make anything look fabulous, as she stepped out in an all-black ensemble in New York City on Sunday. Keeping warm in a turtleneck black top, the model teamed her ensemble with a pair of loose-fitting black jeans which she tied at her waist with a white belt. Paint it black: Kaia Gerber looked casually chic in an all-black ensemble as she headed out for the day in New York City on Sunday Kaia tucked her long brunette locks behind her ears, and she pulled on an oversized beanie to add a punk rock flair her outfit of the day. The daughter of Cindy Crawford decided to keep things natural for her outing, as she sported minimal make-up so she could display her radiant complexion. The teen catwalk queen completed her look with a black satchel, which hung loosely on one shoulder as she held her phone in her other hand. Casual: Kaia tucked her long brunette locks behind her ears, and she pulled on an oversized beanie to complete her outfit of the day The young star walked in 22 shows across the New York, Paris, Milan and London Fashion Weeks during February and March. As well as her catwalk appearances, Kaia has also released a new campaign for Marc Jacobs perfume Daisy Love. According to WWD, Kaia is now preparing to design her first-ever capsule collection with none other than Karl Lagerfeld, which will hit stores globally in September. Busy bee: The young star walked in an incredible 22 shows across the New York, Paris, Milan and London Fashion Weeks during February and March Her impressive achievements all come while she is just 16 years of age, and still working on her education. Discussing how she juggles life as a student and international model, Kaia told Harper's Bazaar: 'I usually use the afternoon to catch up on homework. 'I'm completing my diploma at Malibu High through an online program, and it's difficult to get much done during the week, as the Wi-Fi on planes is really annoying. 'My favourite class this year is AP Calculus because I just like math. It's definitely super hard to teach yourself derivatives, though!' House Rules got off to a horrific start on Monday night, with one of the show's design experts left injured after a freak accident on the set. Carolyn Burns-McCrave was visiting contestants renovating a property in Sydney when she was hit by falling plank of timber. The interior design guru squealed in pain as she was knocked to the ground at the construction site, with shocked cast and crew rushing to her side. House Rules horror! Channel Seven's renovation reality show got off to a horrific start on Monday night, with the show's design expert Carolyn Burns-McCrave left injured after a freak accident on the set (pictured in the moments before the accident) Freak accident: Carolyn was knocked to the ground by a large timber plank which fell from an upper level 'Medic! Medic!' one man yelled as Carolyn lay flat on her back. Shortly after, an ambulance was seen snaking up the street with its lights flashing and its siren blaring. Paramedics quickly attended to the injured TV star, checking her vitals and asking: 'How's the pain in your chest?' Shock: Paramedics quickly attended to the injured TV star, checking her vitals and asking: 'How's the pain in your chest?' Rushed to hospital: The redhead was seen being chaperoned to the ambulance before being whisked away for an examination 'I'm okay, I'm okay!' Carolyn insisted, although medics wanted her to head to hospital for further observation. The redhead was seen being chaperoned to the ambulance before being whisked away for an examination. 'It happened so quickly, bit of timber came flying from the top level, (it was a) bit of a shock!' exclaimed contestant Jared Petrenko, who was talking to Carolyn when she was struck by the plank of wood. Stunned: House Rules contestants weren't expecting a horror accident during their first day on set 'It happened so quickly, bit of timber came flying from the top level, (it was a)bit of a shock!' exclaimed contestant Jared Petrenko 'My heart absolutely bleeds for Carolyn, seeing her on that floor was so scary,' contestant David also added in a piece to camera. Later in the evening, Carolyn was seen recovering in the emergency room, brandishing a green whistle pain reliever. 'I'm feeling sore, I hope there's no chips or breaks,' she said, showing her nasty injury. However, the defiant design expert was seen returning to the scene of the accident just days later, continuing on with the job of offering her tips and tricks to the contestants. Resting up: Later in the evening, Carolyn was seen recovering in the emergency room, brandishing a green whistle pain reliever They are regularly filmed looking chummy at glamorous parties on screen. But Chloe Sims and Georgia Kousoulou seemed just as close off-screen as they partied at Essex night club, Faces, on Sunday with their friend Kem Cetinay. TOWIE star Chloe, 35, kept her looked neutral in a form-fitting vest top which accentuated her more than ample assets. Glam: TOWIE star Chloe, 35, kept her looked neutral in a form-fitting vest top which accentuated her more than ample assets She teamed her outfit with a pair of white wide-legged trousers, hugging her perky derriere, which was recently voted the best in Essex. Chloe, who is rumoured to be dating TOWIE newbie Dean Ralph, added a pair of barely-there heeled sandals to her typically glamorous look. Dean, 28, finally plucked up the courage to ask out Chloe after their constant flirting on the show. Georgia, 26, looked just as fabulous sporting a white t shirt, tied around her waist, with the words 'rebel' splashed across her bust. Opting for a more casual vibe Georgia wore a pare of very distressed jeans which gave a glimpse of her tanned pins. Rebel: Georgia, 26, looked just as fabulous sporting a white t shirt, tied around her waist, with the words 'rebel' splashed across her bust Giving herself some extra height the blonde beauty added a pair of see-through heels with a fleck of red peeping through to her ensemble. In keeping with the red theme Georgia selected a bright cherry lip to tie her look together flawlessly. Her long golden hair, which was styled in loose curls, cascaded down her chest as she made her way into the nightclub. Love Island's Kem Cenitay and Georgia's boyfriend Tommy Mallett were hot on the heels of the stylish duo. Essex native Kem appeared to be having a laugh and a joke with Tommy as they stood outside the club together. The former boyfriend of Amber Davies, donned a black ensemble for the night out, which consisted of a tight black t shirt and ripped jeans, adding some glitz to his outfit Kem wore a pair of studded beige trainers. Tommy opted for an unusual white shirt and a sleeveless khaki jacket combo which he teamed with a pair of blue distressed jeans, similar to his girlfriend Georgia. He sparked concern when he cancelled his live tour due to 'unforeseen family circumstances' in December. But Peter Kay will return to TV screens on Monday night for the much-anticipated episode of his popular comedy Car Share. The comedian, 44, will rejoin co-star Sian Gibson, 41, who plays promotions rep Kayleigh Kitson for a new episode showing the pair ad-libbing their way through an entire car journey. Triumphant return: Peter Kay will return to TV screens on Monday night for the much-anticipated episode of his popular comedy Car Share Viewers are rejoicing Peter's return, after millions tuned in to watch its debut on BBC IPlayer, with the second series attracting figures of 10 million on BBC1. At the end of the second series Kayleigh got out of his car and walked away when he didnt reply to her declaration of love for him- not giving fans the romantic ending they had hoped for. And with two episodes set to air on Bank Holiday Monday and later in May, viewers will finally learn what happens in the delicious slow-burn romance of the unlikely Romeo, Bolton supermarket assistant manager John, and his Juliet, promotions rep. Anticipated: The comedian, 44, will rejoin co-star Sian Gibson, 41, who plays promotions rep Kayleigh Kitson for a new episode showing the pair ad-libbing their way through an entire car journey Despite its success, Peter admitted he wasn't sure anyone would want to watch it when they began on the venture. I worried viewers may not have the patience to stay with a simple idea of two people commuting, he admitted. Especially when they have so many other things to watch. Peter Kays Car Share, in which characters John and Kayleigh are forced into sharing their journey to work by their boss, before gradually forming a genuine bond, began without any fanfare on BBC iPlayer in 2015. Alongside Peter was Sian Gibson, an unknown actress who had recently decided to give up the profession all in all, it didnt sound like it would be a hit. Rave success: Viewers are rejoicing Peter's return, after millions tuned in to watch its debut on BBC IPlayer, with the second series attracting figures of 10 million on BBC1 But then the word of mouth started about this poignant and life-affirming gentle comedy, which shows the pair as they chat and sing to pass the time, often accompanied by their fellow supermarket workers. In 2016, the show won two BAFTAs, and it won a National Television Award that year and again this year. Peter who in December cancelled a live tour due to unforeseen family circumstances, has made one new, completely ad-libbed episode, to be screened on Monday. Following the airing of Monday's show, the last-ever episode of Car Share which will air on 28 May. Peter says of the ad-libbed episode, Its always good to try to do something original and I couldnt think of any narrative comedies that have ever made a full improvised episode.' Giving it a go: Peter says of the ad-libbed episode, Its always good to try to do something original and I couldnt think of any narrative comedies that have ever made a full improvised episode' As Sian and myself often ad-lib when filming we thought wed give it a go for an entire episode. We just reacted to whatever came on the radio and just went with it, good or bad. We hope people like it. Appearing in Car Share has changed Sians life instead of retiring she has gone on to work with Catherine Tate and earlier this year appeared in Death In Paradise. She was working in a call centre when Peter, a friend since they attended the University of Salford together, phoned to ask if she wanted to be on his new show. A week before we started filming I said, I dont mind if you want to ask Suranne Jones or Sheridan Smith you know, one of those really good actresses to do this, Sian later recalled. I thought, he cant just bring his mate in, surely? I was so scared of letting him down. Now shes been hailed a comedy genius and is getting the recognition she deserves. But the biggest bonus, for her, has been working with one of her oldest friends. Nearly all of the laughter you see in Car Share is totally genuine, she says. Peter knows how to make me laugh with just a look he constantly makes me giggle. Peter Kays Car Share Unscripted, Monday, 10pm, BBC1. Series 2 will be repeated on BBC1 before the new finale airs on 28 May. It's the show all about sand, sun and sex. And UK Love Island winner Amber Davies has spilled all the show's X-rated secrets ahead of the premiere of the Australian version. On Monday, the brunette beauty told News.com.au that things often got hot-and-heavy in the evening. 'It was just normal of an evening we would get it on!': UK Love Island winner Amber Davies, 21, has spilled the secrets of the show ahead of the premiere The 21-year-old saying of course 'sex happens' if you fall for someone, adding often contestants forget about the invasive 24/7 surveillance. 'Of course in the back of my head I was thinking 'this is going to be going out on TV' but you are stuck in this villa isolated.' She then added: 'And you just think 'we want to do it' so we just did it.' 'Of course in the back of my head I was thinking 'bloody nora this is going to be going out on TV': Love Island contestants are under 24/7 surveillance Amber and Kem Centinay, 20, took home the $92,000 Australian prize money from the show. Following to similar kind of premise to Bachelor in Paradise, contestants on the Majorca-based show are forced to pair-off with each or risk getting eliminated from the show. Winner takes all! Amber, who walked away with AUD $92,000, won the last season of UK version of the reality dating show, which is also filmed on the Spanish island of Majorica In the UK version, a twist sees viewers about to vote for their favourite couple, with the pair receiving the least about of votes risking elimination. The Australian series, which will be hosted by Sophie Monk and the narrated by Eoghan McDermott, is set to star later this year. The program will air on 9Go and 9Now. He plays the embattled Bobby Axelrod, who on the latest installment of Billions came face-to-face with his nemesis Chuck Rhodes in a bid to avoid going to prison. And now viewers are set to see a lot more of Damian Lewis' no nonsense character as he strips off for a rather raunchy episode of the Sky Atlantic hit show which sees a naked Bobby sharing a hot tub with three women. The hedge fund manager will hot up the screen as he joins three naked beauties in his jacuzzi after he narrowly avoided a prison sentence. Getting hot: Viewers are set to see a lot more of Damian Lewis' no nonsense character as he strips off for a rather raunchy episode of the Sky Atlantic hit show which sees a naked Bobby sharing a hot tub with three women Celebrating his freedom, Bobby's right-hand man Mike 'Wags' Wagner throws him a female-filled 'You're not going to jail' bash when he decides to lose his clothes and have fun on his balcony with three completely naked ladies in his hot tub. The head-turning scene comes after fans watched Axe, arch nemesis Chuck Rhodes, played by Paul Giamatti, and his wife Wendy, Maggie Siff, come together to try and avoid prison together. Although initially Chuck was hoping the meeting would be his opportunity to plant the slide at Axe's penthouse until the trio became in cahoots with each other. Billions is a drama TV series set in New York City that centers on U.S. District Attorney Charles Chuck Rhoades Jr. and his crusade against those accused of financial crimes on Wall Street. Racy: The hedge fund manager will hot up the screen as he joins three naked beauties in his jacuzzi after he narrowly avoided a prison sentence Party time: Celebrating his freedom, Bobby's right-hand man Mike 'Wags' Wagner throws him a female-filled 'You're not going to jail' bash Steamy: He then decided to lose his clothes and have fun on his balcony with three completely naked ladies in his hot tub The shows premise is based on the career of former Federal prosecutor Preet Bharara and his real life legal battles against financial corruption in the city. Meanwhile, Damian is currently in Canada filming Run This Town, where he will star as former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford. In an interview with Kit Magazine earlier this month, Damian said he was being fitted for a prosthetic so he could bulk up his physique to play Ford. Damian said the process takes an entire afternoon and involves 'getting his face and head completely covered in silicon strips, breathing through a small hole near the nose'. Raunchy: The character appeared in the jacuzzi while surrounded by a bevy of beauties Hot and heavy: He rested in the water while the New York skyline behind him Soaring: He moved closer to one of the dazzling women in the jacuzzi According to its IMBD description, Run This Town is currently being produced in Toronto and follows 'the inner workings of a city seen through the eyes of the interns and assistants that run it'. Although many of the details have not been revealed, what is known is that the film follows a reporter, played by Ben Platt, working to expose a politician - Ford - who is deep in scandal. Meanwhile the politician's aides, played by Nina Dobrev and Mena Massoud, try to handle their boss and keep the story from getting out. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the film will take place during Ford's tenure as mayor of Toronto, from 2010-2014. They've been happily dating since 2011, and while they are now engaged they have yet to publicly set a date for the wedding. But David Hasselhoff, 65, and Hayley Roberts, 37, looked as loved-up as ever when they stepped out to visit an art festival in Calabasas on Sunday. The pair looked smitten as they walked around the market holding hands, and Hayley was particularly stunning in her purple maxi dress. Couple goals: David Hasselhoff, 65, and fiancee Hayley Roberts, 37, looked smitten as they held hands while visiting an art festival in Calabasas on Sunday Clearly feeling the summer vibes, Hayley showed off her sensational figure in the colourful ensemble which featured a plunging neckline. The Welsh beauty brushed her hair into loose waves, and she styled her locks with a side parting to ensure that they framed her pretty face. Keeping her eyes protected from the sun, Hayley accessorised with a pair of large sunglasses, and she completed her ensemble with a pair of black flip flops. Stunning: Clearly feeling the summer vibes, Hayley showed off her sensational figure in the colourful ensemble which featured a plunging neckline David opted for a more casual ensemble for their outing, wearing a tight blue shirt that highlighted his muscular chest. Keeping his cropped locks hidden underneath a grey cap, the Baywatch star completed his look with a pair of dark blue jeans. Stepping out in brown sandals, the actor looked to be in deep conversation with his wife-to-be as they walked around the festival. David also seemed to be particularly interested in one artist's work, as he bought a small painting of a woman in red, and even took a picture with the painter after making his purchase. Appreciation: David seemed to be particularly interested in one artist's work, as he bought a small painting of and even took a picture with the painter after making his purchase Finishing touches: Keeping her eyes protected from the sun Hayley accessorised with a pair of large sunglasses, and she completed her ensemble with a pair of black flip flops Despite their age-gap, the pair have proved to be more loved-up than ever before, after the salesgirl secured her man when she asked him for an autograph around Cardiff Bay while he was filming Britain's Got Talent in 2011. Their romance blossomed after David promised to give her a signature if she went on a date with him in return. The couple announced their engagement in May 2016 via Hello! magazine, with Hayley saying of the Malibu proposal: 'We were both in tears. I genuinely had no idea he was going to do that. I'm still so overwhelmed.' David added: 'I had a saying: 'You don't get married because you want to live with someone, you get married because you can't live without them.' Looking good: David opted for a more casual ensemble for their outing, but he still looked ruggedly handsome as he wore a tight blue shirt that highlighted his muscular chest 'I felt that way. I knew that I was really unhappy without her. I waited to propose because I thought I was too old for her.' David was previously married to actress Catherine Hickland - who guest-starred on his show Knight Rider - from 1984 to 1989. The TV star is now married to the late Carrie Fisher's brother Todd Fisher. While he went on to marry Pamela Bach in 1989 and welcomed two daughters with her; Taylor, 27, and Hayley, 25. David and Catherine filed for divorce over irreconcilable differences in January 2006, before their divorce was finalised that August. For the third time since he was elected speaker of the state Assembly, Carl Heastie will embark on a statewide tour. The tour will begin this month, Heastie's office announced Monday. He plans to visit the Capital Region, central New York, Hudson Valley, Long Island, North Country, the Southern Tier and western New York. "These statewide tours offer a unique opportunity to see firsthand the critical issues facing different communities across the state, as well as the potential for growth," Heastie said in a statement. "They play a critical role in shaping the Assembly majority's legislative agenda to address the specific needs of each and every community across the state." Heastie, D-Bronx, first toured the state in 2015 not long after he was elected speaker. After a break in 2016, he completed another statewide tour in 2017. His swing through New York last year began in the Syracuse area. His statewide tour in 2017 included visits to small businesses and tourism-related sites. She joined the Wright clan to celebrate her brother-in-law Josh's fiancee, Hollie Kane, with a lavish hen do in Las Vegas over the weekend. And Michelle Keegan made the most of her Stateside trip to stop off in Los Angeles on Sunday, catching up with husband Mark Wright after weeks apart. The Our Girl actress, 30, looked a little downcast as she went hand-in-hand with the former TOWIE star, 31, enjoying a brunch date together at Dialog Cafe in West Hollywood. Back together again: Michelle Keegan made the most of her Stateside trip to stop off in Los Angeles on Sunday, catching up with husband Mark Wright after weeks apart No doubt feeling the after-effects of an alcohol-fuelled weekend with the girls, Michelle kept a low profile as she strolled along. The former Coronation Street actress was casually clad in a peach jumpsuit with navy button and stripe detailing. She accessorised the casual cotton number with an on-trend wicker handbag featuring a leather cross-body strap and tassel embellishment. Michelle piled her dark locks on top of her head in a messy bun and donned a pair of round, gold-framed shades. A little tired? The Our Girl actress, 30, looked a little downcast as she went hand-in-hand with the former TOWIE star, 31, following a raucous Las Vegas hen do Dining in style: The duo were spotted enjoying a brunch date together at Dialog Cafe in West Hollywood Fun-filled weekend: No doubt feeling the after-effects of an alcohol-fuelled weekend with the girls, Michelle kept a low profile as she strolled along Mark was rocking a casual sportswear look for their reunion, donning a plain black T-shirt and grey shorts. The Essex lad, who is based in LA for his presenting job with Extra! alongside Mario Lopez, was presumably treated to all the gossip from his wife's fun-filled weekend with his family. Ex-TOWIE stars Jessica Wright and mum Carol were also present on the hen do, offering a glimpse into the pool parties and club nights with their social mejessicdia followers. In the pink: The former Coronation Street actress was casually clad in a peach jumpsuit with navy button and stripe detailing Summer style: She accessorised the casual cotton number with an on-trend wicker handbag featuring a leather cross-body strap and tassel embellishment Off-duty style: Michelle piled her dark locks on top of her head in a messy bun and donned a pair of round, gold-framed shades Low-key: Mark was rocking a casual sportswear look for their reunion, donning a plain black T-shirt and grey shorts Jess, 32, and Carol, 58, both looked incredible in the swimwear videos shared to their Instagram pages. The Sun recently reported that Mark has renewed his presenting contract on US show Extra, with producers allegedly doubling his money. Much of Michelle and Mark's three year marriage has been spent long distance, yet the duo have always strenuously insisted that it has no detriment on their love. Hen do: Michelle joined the Wright clan - including Jessica (pictured right) to celebrate her brother-in-law Josh's fiancee, Hollie Kane, with a lavish hen do in Las Vegas Family fun: Jess, 32, and Carol, 58, (pictured right) both looked incredible in the swimwear videos shared to their Instagram pages alongside bride-to-be Hollie (pictured left) Partying the night away: Michelle was seen letting loose on the dancefloor The news of Mark's signing means the couple will spend more time apart as Michelle has previously insisted she will never move to the States. An insider said: 'Mark has gone down a storm with viewers and proved really popular. Producers have been really impressed with his enthusiasm and work ethic. They think he's really motivated and driven so have offered to double his pay packet.' Earlier this month, Michelle spoke to Cosmopolitan magazine about their situation, revealing: 'We're more patient with each other, laid-back, and don't sweat the small stuff. I think because we're really happy in our careers it helps with the relationship as well.' Getting the goss: The Essex lad, who is based in LA for his presenting job with Extra! alongside Mario Lopez, was presumably treated to all the gossip from his wife's fun-filled weekend Long-distance love: Michelle has previously insisted she will never move to the States Appearing on MasterChef was a dream for contestant Kristen, but she never felt she could apply, not because of how she cooked, but how she looks. On Monday's episode of the show, 27-year-old, from Adelaide, worried that her weight would work against her becoming a chef at all. 'I've wanted to apply for years. And I've just been too nervous. I've looked at the application form a few years in a row now,' she said on the show. Concerns: Appearing on MasterChef was a dream for contestant Kristen, but she never felt she could apply, not because of how she cooked, but how she looks 'But I've never gone through with it. I think I just lacked a bit of self-confidence. I'm not normally the kind of person that puts myself out there in the spotlight'. The local government worker said that cooking brings out her self confidence. 'When I cook, that's honestly where I feel like I can be myself. And I just thought, 'You know what? Life's too short.' I can't do anything else. It's my passion. I can't live my life not pursuing it,' she explained. Talented: The 27-year-old, from Adelaide, worried that her weight would work against her becoming a chef at all Kristen cooked a a cinnamon whiskey ice-cream, with chocolate mousse, honeycomb and whiskey caramel sauce, for the judges. As she plated up her dish, the home cook again explained that she struggled with chasing her dream career due to her looks. 'When I was young, my mum said, 'You should pursue food. You clearly love it.' And I thought I couldn't do it, just because of personal issues. You know, I felt I'm a bit overweight,' she said, becoming tearful. Moving: 'I thought I couldn't do it, just because of personal issues. You know, I felt I'm a bit overweight,' she said, becoming tearful '(I thought) I can't, I can't be a cook. I need to go do something else. And you place a lot of expectation on yourself and a lot of expectation on how you should look,' she told the judges. Kristen added, 'It took a long time to just accept me and be kind to myself and do what makes me happy.' Judge Gary Mehigan assured Kristen that only her recipes mattered. Tears: Kristen's dessert blew the judges away, with Gary saying: 'Honeycomb, chocolate, whiskey, I love it. And I really like you' 'When you enter this place, it doesn't judge. All it cares about is food,' Gary said to the teary contestant. Kristen's dessert blew the judges away, with Gary saying: 'Honeycomb, chocolate, whiskey, I love it. And I really like you.' Winner! 'When you enter this place, it doesn't judge. All it cares about is food,' Gary said to the teary contestant 'And in terms of a connection of you as a human being and that, it makes so much sense, you know, honesty, honesty.' She received a white apron and will continue in the competition. Margot Robbie's diehard fans will know that she used to belong to an all-girl surf gang when she was growing up in Queensland. And the stunning actress had a chance to get back to her Aussie roots while starring in a new campaign for Nissan. Margot, 27, donned a figure-hugging black wetsuit to ride waves in Malibu, California, last month. Water baby: Margot Robbie previously admitted she used to be a surfer chick and she looked right at home while riding waves in Malibu last month Looking effortless in the water, the Suicide Squad starlet wore her cropped blonde locks in tousled beachy waves as she filmed a short clip to promote sustainable living. The Oscar-nominated thespian took to Instagram to share the stunning black-and-white video with her 14.3million followers. She said: 'So proud of my partnership with @NissanEurope, being an ambassador for their electric sustainability program. 'There is a different way - the future is electric! Let's transform the way we live together.' 'Lets transform the way we live': The stunning actress partnered with Nissan to promote sustainability and electric cars While she looked like a complete water baby in the surfing trailer, Margot was caught wiping out in the waves a couple of years ago on a beach outing with her husband Tom Ackerley. During a romantic getaway in Hawaii, Margot impressed her then-boyfriend with her surfing skills until she got caught out slipping off her board - which was captured by a sneaky paparazzi. Sharing the hilarious shot on Instagram at the time, she said: 'Photo cred to the creepy pap hiding in the bushes. 'Thanks for always catching me at my best angles #blessed.' Meanwhile Margot is rumoured to be starring in her own Suicide Squad spin-off movie, dedicated to the iconic DC Comics character Harley Quinn. Deadline Hollywood reported that Cathy Yan will direct the blockbuster - after Margot apparently championed a female director - and production could begin as soon as this year. Comic book queen: Margot is apparently getting her own Harley Quinn spin-off film But before she started filming Suicide Squad, Margot admitted that she wasn't a huge Harley Quinn fan. 'I wasn't familiar with the comics,' she told The Washington Post. 'I had vaguely heard of them, but I had no idea that there was such a big fan-base for Harley. 'I knew that it would be a big responsibility to do the character justice and satisfy the fans.' She recently enjoyed a romantic getaway in the Maldives with her boyfriend. And Charlotte Crosby couldn't resist cosying up to her beau, Joshua Ritchie, and making the most of the UK heatwave as she held a BBQ at her house in Newcastle on Monday. The reality star, 27, showed off her enviable figure in a skimpy high-waist black and leopard print swimsuit, which had a cut at the front. Heatwave: Charlotte Crosby, 27, couldn't resist cosying up to her beau, Joshua Ritchie, 23, and making the most of the UK heatwave as she held a BBQ at her house in Newcastle on Monday Charlotte styled her brunette locks into a voluminous tousled hairdo while she added just a slick of make-up. Meanwhile, Joshua showed off his toned physique as he went topless to soak up the sun and wore khaki green shorts with grey trainers. The reality star, 23, couldn't resist posing with his girlfriend, who was BBQing delicious looking food. Getaway: The reality star's hopes of another sun-drenched holiday were dashed, as she was spotted walking in the rain after arriving in Barcelona on Sunday Just hours ago, Charlotte hopes of a sun-drenched holiday were dashed, as she was spotted walking in the rain after arriving in Barcelona on Sunday. The reality star, 27, put on a leggy display in a black jumper dress as she strolled through the Spanish city with her pals. Charlotte swamped her svelte frame in the oversized hoodie, which she layered atop of a skintight thigh-grazing mini dress. She paired the casual look with a pair of white trainers and added a touch of glamour to her laidback ensemble with a red quilted YSL cross-body bag. Rainy: Charlotte put on a leggy display in a black hoodie jumper dress as she strolled through the Spanish city with her pals The Geordie beauty covered her long brunette locks with the jumper's hood and opted to forego make-up following her flight. Her short trip to Barcelona comes after the former Celebrity Big Brother star enjoyed a lavish Maldives getaway with her beau Josh. The brunette beauty took to social media to post a slew of loved-up snaps from the holiday as well as gushing about how the break away from her hectic celebrity lifestyle did her the world of good. 'After a long hard three months of what felt like working every hour of the day, I'm on my way to absolute paradise,' she penned on her Instagram stories ahead of her trip. Time of her life: Her short trip to Barcelona comes after the former Celebrity Big Brother star enjoyed a lavish Maldives getaway with her beau Josh The star, who had worked on her booty-boosting fitness regime after being trolled for having a flat bum and pancake a**e, showed off the results of her toned figure in an array of skimpy bikinis. The Charlotte and Josh love story goes back to when they locked lips at reality star pal Aaron Chalmers' MMA win in December last year. Reality star worlds collided when they made their romance official in February as they shared a cosy Instagram together with the date '9.2.2018.' (sic) Richard Gere, 68, wed Alejandra Silva, 35, two weeks ago in a civil ceremony. And on Saturday evening they celebrated in style at his mansion in Pound Ridge, New York. There were several Buddhist monks in attendance, according to People. The Pretty Woman actor, who used to be married to Cindy Crawford, is Buddhist and his new wife converted from Catholicism to Buddhism two years ago. Happy couple: Richard Gere, 68, wed Alejandra Silva, 35, two weeks ago in a civil ceremony. And on Saturday evening they celebrated in style at his mansion in Pound Ridge, New York. Seen in 2015 Nice digs: A look at the Runaway Bride star's gorgeous home in New York On Saturday, Silva shared a photo of prayer flags on Instagram, writing 'The day has come so very excited!!' Guest included chef Eric Ripert, composer Bette Sussman and actress Saundra Santiago. Santiago wrote on Instagram: 'So my friend married this beautiful soulful & wonderful woman tonight! #Alejandragere #spanishbeauty #greatweddings #love.' She captioned another post, 'The great writer & friend, Jonathan Cott & I at our dear friends wedding.' The couple have been dating for three years. She's the one: Speaking to HOLA! about his marriage, Richard said: 'I have found the quiet and happy life that I have always sought.' Seen in May 2017 Speaking to HOLA! about his marriage, Richard said: 'I have found the quiet and happy life that I have always sought.' Alejandra told the publication the couple are planning to start a family in the future. Third trip down the aisle: It marks the third wedding for Hollywood icon Gere, who was famously wed to supermodel Cindy Crawford from 1991 to 1995 It marks the third wedding for Hollywood icon Gere, who was wed to supermodel Crawford from 1991 to 1995. He was also married to model Carey Lowell from 2002 until 2016, with whom he shares son Homer, 17. It will be the second wedding for Alejandra, who was in the midst of her divorce from Govind Friedland, the son of American mining magnate Robert Friedland, when she met Gere. The blonde raises Albert, five, with her ex-husband. Rumors of an engagement were first sparked in December when Silva was seen with a large diamond on her ring finger. The pair made their first official appearance as a couple at the premiere of Richard's filming Time Out of Mind in 2015. They initially had a long-distance romance, splitting their time between America and Alejandra's native Spain, but now reside together in New York. Alejandra previously revealed she and the actor, who is Buddhist, believe karma brought them together. Common ground: Gere and Alejandra both share a passion for travel and humanitarian work. Seen in November 2015 The couple first met when Alejandra was a 'little girl' and the actor borrowed a boat from her businessman father, Ignacio Silva. They then reconnected in 2014 in Positasno, Italy, where she was running a luxury hotel. She recalled: 'Richard has known my family for 15 years. When I saw him again in Positano, I reminded him of the story. 'Our karma brought us together as soon as we saw each other because we've known each other over the course of many lives - that's how we both feel anyway.' When quizzed about the possibility of marriage on a red carpet in June last year, however, she said: I am recently divorced. As far as a legal wedding, no, but maybe well have a celebration. You know, the perfect couple is made of two people who can be what the other needs. Im living the type of life you see in the movies, truly.' Gere and Alejandra both share a passion for travel and humanitarian work. His outspoken ways have not always been well received by Hollywood, especially in relation to his efforts against Chinas occupation of Tibet. Margot Robbie displayed her chic and quirky off-duty style as she jetted out of Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport on Sunday. Beaming from ear to ear, the stunning Suicide Squad star flashed a hint of her toned pins in a colourful printed maxi-skirt which featured two thigh-high splits at the front. The 27-year-old paired the floaty number with a shimmering gold jumper and topped off her look with shiny black patent shoes and a padded bag. From Paris with love: Stunning actress Margot Robbie cut a casual yet chic figure as she jetted out of France on Sunday The stylish starlet was in town to attend Chanel's Cruise Collection 2018/19 show in the French capital last Thursday - after being announced as the fashion house's new brand ambassador. 'Its a dream to represent such a timeless and iconic brand,' Margot said in a statement. 'The history of the Chanel woman is so exciting... Im thrilled to be joining the Chanel family and continue their celebration of women and fashion.' Radiant: The gorgeous actress showed off her toned pins in a printed maxi-skirt which featured two thigh-high splits at the front Margot certainly turned heads in her fashion show attire, which was a glittering mini-dress featuring sparkling, sequin-embellished panels and stripe detailing. The I, Tonya star accessorised with a bow choker necklace, while she wore her short blonde tresses with a subtle wave. The lavish catwalk - which took place at the Grand Palais - featured a gigantic faux cruise ship and was attended by a host of A-listers. Style setters: Margo had been in the French capital to attend the fashion show for Chanel's latest cruise collection, alongside fellow brand ambassador Kristen Stewart Famous fashionistas who jetted into Paris for the event included fellow brand ambassadors Kristen Stewart and Lily-Rose Depp, while supermodel sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid walked the runway. Meanwhile the Oscar-nominated thespian recently took to Instagram to share a new surfing video with her 14.3million followers. Margot donned a figure-hugging black wetsuit to ride waves in Malibu while filming a new campaign for Nissan last month. Surfer babe: Margot rode waves in Malibu to promote sustainability in a new Nissan campaign The Aussie beauty, who advocates sustainability, said: 'So proud of my partnership with @NissanEurope, being an ambassador for their electric sustainability program. 'There is a different way - the future is electric! Let's transform the way we live together.' They are enjoying a vacation of a lifetime as they take in Arizonas Antelope Canyon. And on Sunday Kourtney Kardashian and Younes Bendjima gave fans a look at their desert experience with a few Snapchat videos. The 39-year-old beauty whisked the model to the western state for his 25th birthday. Scroll down for video Postcard from AZ: They are enjoying a vacation of a lifetime as they take in Arizonas Antelope Canyon. And on Sunday Kourtney Kardashian and Younes Bendjima gave fans a look at their desert experience with a few Snapchat videos Small one: The 5ft1in siren could also be seen from the backside as she looked out at the natural rocky scenery Nice view: Kourtney admired the view during their outdoors getaway as she wore a helmet and a harness Kourtney was in a green workout outfit with a backpack on and Younes was clad in a T-shirt and shorts. They held hands as they stood in front of a beautiful rock formation. The 5ft1in siren could also be seen from the backside as she looked out at the natural rocky scenery. The pair were crossing a narrow, rickety bridge that connected two mountains. Kourtney said they were 409ft up. Scary: The pair were crossing a narrow, rickety bridge that connected two mountains. Kourtney said they were 409ft up She landed: Kardashian teased she was whisking her beau off to somewhere exotic for his 25th birthday during a Snapchat session Nice choice: And on Saturday the 39-year-old TV star shared where the location was. The looker has taken Younes Bendjima to an ultra posh resort in Arizona Dreamy: Kourtney shared several clips to social media that revealed the location. In one video she was in a bikini while on a speedboat. She also shared views of the lake making it look like she was in Lake Powell, which is in Arizona Kourtney shared several clips to social media that revealed their vacation location on Saturday. In one video she was in a bikini while on a speedboat. She also shared views of the lake making it look like she was in Lake Powell, which is in Arizona. Then she posted a photo where they were driving over the Colorado River. Digs: There were also a few images from her very modern looking hotel which is likely the five-star Amangiri Resort in Utah, located about 40 minutess drive from Arizonas Antelope Canyon Incredible beauty: The pool looked fit for royals with it's modern design and fancy umbrellas A sanctuary: The hotel is known for its modern look and incredible views Nailed it: Then she posted a photo where they were driving over the Colorado River There were also a few images from her very modern looking hotel, which is likely the five-star Amangiri Resort in Utah, located about 40 minutess drive from Arizonas Antelope Canyon. Kendall Jenner visited the area just months ago and raved about it on social media. The star also wished her handsome beau a happy 25th birthday on social media. private jet. One word: The reality star wrote 'wow' above one of her landscape shots Climbing gear: The outdoor activities included some climbing The sister of Kim Kardashian and the catwalk king have been dating for just over a year. In several of the photos, the two look as happy as can be as they enjoy some of their more exotic vacations. In one shot, they are both in the ocean. Backup plan: Kourtney shared that they were going on a hike but went on a climb instead Big rock: The reality star and her boyfriend instead climbed a tall canyon wall She has on a bikini and is smiling as he stands next to her, then later wraps his arms around the ex of Scott Disick. On Friday the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star revealed some of her secrets to staying youthful and slender. At age 39, she is only 98lbs. On her site KourtneyKardashian.com, the sister of Kim and Khloe Kardashian listed the supplements she is taking every day. She loves the boy: Kardashian shared a very hunky photo of her boyfriend on Saturday Fun in the sun: The 39-year-old TV star was wishing her handsome beau a happy 25th birthday Her post began: 'At the moment, I'm all about everything in moderation. 'I try to eat healthy when I'm at home in my everyday routine and have a good balance of fresh, organic vegetables and fruits, healthy fats and protein. I've found the way I eat affects everything from my skin to my mood to my energy levels.' The mother of three then listed what she puts in her body. 'First thing every morning, I take collagen supplements mixed with a glass of water. I also try to drink a lot of water throughout the dayespecially during my workout. 'Then, I have my morning smoothie with added supplements like bone broth protein powder, MCT oil and E3Live algae.' Then it was back to food. 'For lunch, I focus on eating organic greens and usually have a salad. Lately, I've been having my signature salad with avocado, hard boiled eggs, cucumber and tomatoes. She is healthy: Kourtney revealed on her pay site on Friday what supplements she takes; seen here in April 'In the afternoon, I usually have hot green tea and a little snack. I recently discovered these BBQ chips made with chickpeas that I really like. 'For dinner, I usually have grilled salmon or chicken, mashed cauliflower with garlic, roasted carrots and broccoli, along with white rice. I have been doing white rice at night because it's easier to digest in the evening (my nutritionist said it's best to have brown rice at lunch, then white rice for dinner).' Kourtney was last seen with her beau Younes Bendjima on Friday at the Syrian American Medical Society event in Beverly Hills. She is 44-years-old but looks better than most actresses half her age. And on Sunday Kate Beckinsale was showing off her good looks again as she walked out of LAX airport in Los Angeles. The brunette Underworld star was dressed in a very stylish way considering she was on a long flight from Durban, South Africa. A 10 on any day! Kate Beckinsale was showing off her good looks as she walked out of LAX airport in Los Angeles on Sunday The beauty had on a bone colored satin tank top with a long, light pink coat falling off one of her naked shoulders. The Van Helsing star added silver satin Ramy Brook pajama slacks that looked better suited for a night on the town. And silver platform heels added tons of pizzazz even if they must have been far from comfortable. Her look: The beauty had on a bone colored satin tank top with a long, light pink coat falling off one of her naked shoulders. The Van Helsing star added silver satin Ramy Brook pajama slacks that looked better suited for a night on the town The Pearl Harbor vet added a silver choker around her next and wore her locks pulled back with chic black sunglasses. She seemed to have no luggage with her, just a handbag. And the stunner appeared to be completely alone, though a pal could have been off to the side. Kate also took to Instagram on Monday to share a photo with her white cat. The caption read, 'Ello' and she added a heart emoji. And over the weekend she shared a photo where she was looking at the sunset with the caption: 'Bye bye Durban that was fun except for the bee in my sink that apparently could kill a dog . Love and thanks.' Meow: Kate also took to Instagram on Monday to share a photo with her white cat. The caption read, 'Ello' and she added a heart emoji She was in Durban shooting a new series. Amazon is making the eight-part series with U.K. web ITV. In it, Kate plays Georgia Wells, a woman who returns to the African Congo and her old life when she sees her husband, who was presumed dead, on the news. The series does not yet have a release date. Out of Africa: And over the weekend she shared a photo where she was looking at the sunset with the caption: 'Bye bye Durban that was fun except for the bee in my sink that apparently could kill a dog . Love and thanks' In March posted a slew of snaps and clips on Instagram from Africa. They included shots of her with a vivid green parakeet sitting on her head, which the star captioned: 'Sometimes you just get lucky.' In another, an ostrich got up close and rather too personal as Kate fed a flock of the birds along with some sheep in a field. She jokingly captioned it: 'Then the day took a turn none of us were anticipating.' Kate also got the chance to pet cheetah cubs at a rescue center. Before the split: Kate and her husband of 11 years at the Golden Globes in Beverly Hills in January, 2015. The director left her nine months later and filed for divorce in 2016 Kate has been largely single since her director husband of 11 years, Ken Wiseman, left her in November 2015 and filed for divorce in October 2016. He has moved on with much younger actress CJ Franc, 26. Kate has been dating on-off beau, 22-year-old TRL host Matt Rife since last August. The couple were last seen together in late November. Meanwhile, The Underworld: Blood Wars stunner is still good friends with her ex-partner, actor Michael Sheen, with whom she shares 19-year-old daughter Lily Mo. Alyssa Milano was confronted for allegedly having armed security in a verbal altercation which led to her being branded a 'hypocrite.' The 45-year-old actress was in attendance at her No Rifle Association (NoRA) protest four blocks from the NRA convention in Dallas on Saturday. It was there where she was confronted by NRA member Will Haraway in a video posted by Red State blogger Ben Howe on Twitter. Scroll down for video Ouch: Alyssa Milano was confronted for allegedly having armed security in a verbal altercation which led to her being branded a 'hypocrite' at her No Rifle Association (NoRA) protest four blocks from the NRA convention in Dallas on Saturday The former Australian politician Howe shared the clip with the caption: 'This is Will Haraway a CCW @nra member. 'He asked @Alyssa_Milanos security if he was armed (he was) and then asked Alyssa about it. Heres what happened. (She comes to talk to him after this and I will post that longer video shortly).' At the beginning of the clip Haraway could be seen talking to a security guard as he asked the man if he was armed. The guard ultimately ignores him as he then asks Milano who is just a few feet away. Footage: It was there where she was confronted by NRA member Will Haraway in a video posted by Red State blogger Ben Howe on Twitter Conflict: At the beginning of the clip Haraway could be seen talking to a security guard as he asked the man if he was armed, he is ignored then asks Milano who is just a few feet away Uh oh: Haraway is then asked repeatedly told by the guard that he is asking him to leave as he begins back pedaling and is escorted away This is Will Haraway a CCW @nra member. He asked @Alyssa_Milanos security if he was armed (he was) and then asked Alyssa about it. Heres what happened. (She comes to talk to him after this and I will post that longer video shortly). pic.twitter.com/qMsq6rbzDd Ben (@BenHowe) May 5, 2018 Haraway is then asked repeatedly told by the guard that he is asking him to leave as he begins back pedaling and is escorted away. 'Alyssa you're a hypocrite,' Haraway shouts. 'You have armed security here!' Alyssa later responded to the video posting as she wrote: 'Looking forward to when you post the rest of the unedited conversation I had with your friend.' Unafraid: 'Alyssa you're a hypocrite,' Haraway shouts. 'You have armed security here!' Not pleased: Alyssa follows the man as it is said that they ultimately have a conversation, however, that clip has yet to be posted Howe replied that he posted the video merely to show what the security guard did in escorting him away and the video of her actual conversation will be posted at a later date. He wrote: ' I also have video of your conversation with him and will post it. But it doesnt alter what the security guard did. I even mention in the tweet that you talked to him and I didnt say anything negative about you in it.' Alyssa made sure that the video would be ultimately posted unabridged as she said: 'Cool. Looking forward to seeing the unedited video. Thank you!' The rally was organized by the newly formed NoRA, or 'No Rifle Association,' and was one of two protests outside the NRA's annual convention. Back and forth:Alyssa later responded to the video posting as she wrote: 'Looking forward to when you post the rest of the unedited conversation I had with your friend' Milano said she created the organization NoRA, which organized the second rally, to combat the influence that the gun lobby wields with U.S. politicians. 'It debilitates our lawmakers from implementing common-sense gun reform,' Milano said in an interview. It also featured the father of a teenager who was killed in the Parkland, Florida school shooting. Fred Guttenberg spoke on Saturday four blocks from the NRA convention in Dallas, recalling the death of his 14-year-old daughter Jaime at Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school on February 14. 'It debilitates our lawmakers': Milano spoke at the event as she said she created the organization NoRA to combat the influence that the gun lobby wields with U.S. politicians A few days ago a massive mural depicting Aussie rocker Shannon Noll was spray-painted onto a wall in Sydney's Sutherland Shire. The former Australian Idol star, 42, was memorialised by artist Scott Marsh in an alleyway behind the El Sol Tortillaria Mexican restaurant. But now, the graffiti portrait has inspired the cantina to open up the first ever Shannon Noll-themed bar for one night only. El Noll: A Cronulla cantina is transforming into a Shannon Noll-themed bar for one night only later this month According to The Brag, Sunday May 20 will mark the day when El Sol becomes El Noll. Going all-out on the theme, the Mexican eatery is overhauling its normal menu to serve rock 'n' roll fans special dishes such as NOLLchos, What About Beans and Mexican Shannon Rolls. Alongside music from various bands, DJs and even a secret headliner, patrons can sip on some Shangria while enjoying the Nollsie bash from 4pm onwards. Meanwhile Shannon himself admitted he was surprised when he spotted the mural on Wilbar Lane. What About Me: Nollsie fans should head to El Sol in Sydney's Sutherland Shire for a special tribute night Speaking to Music Feeds, the songwriter said: 'Having lived in the shire for over 15 years, I was shocked when I drove through Cronulla and saw my mug on a giant wall. 'Very flattered and blown away by the artist choosing to immortalise me. I might have to bring back the flavour savour! 'With my tour kicking off tonight in Sydney it was a cool way to start the tour.' The mural depicts Shannon in perhaps his most iconic moment - sporting his 'flavour savour' beard spot and bearing his chest to show off his Southern Cross tattoo. Aussie street artist Scott told The Brag about why he dreamt up the tribute in the first place - having previously painted the likes of Kanye West, George Michael and Tony Abbott. He said: 'I ended up on Shannon Noll's Facebook page one day and the comments on his posts were so funny. 'He's such a good sport with it all, I decided I wanted to paint Nollsie.' The father-of-three is about to start a national tour to promote his latest album Unbroken in Sydney, before heading to Dapto, Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane. Q Do plants produce nectar every day? Arlene Koziol, volunteer, Madison Audubon Society A Johanne Brunet, professor in the University of Wisconsin-Madison department of entomology: Not all plants produce nectar, only plants that are visited by animal-type pollinators. Plants that are wind-pollinated, for example, will not produce nectar. You need a flower to make nectar, and those plants that do produce nectar will produce it as long as their flowers are open. Some plants are hermaphroditic, meaning theyre both male and female. These plants tend to produce nectar every day. Other plants will open as male first, then become female. The flowers will change gender over time, and the amount of nectar produced every day could change because of that. When the nectar is depleted, the plant will make more, but it takes some time. Nectar is made as a reward for pollinators. They need the plants in order to survive because its their food source, how they get their sugar. We need to maintain these plants so we can maintain the pollinators. Married At First Sight's Sarah Roza has 'cut off' any of her former castmates who are seen in public with her 'ex-husband' Telv Williams and his new girlfriend, Daily Mail Australia can reveal. A source close to Sarah, 39, claimed on Monday she has been 'blacklisting' anyone who spends time with Telv, 33, and his new love interest, Maddie Carolan. 'Sarah has p**sed a lot of people off. If any of the MAFS guys are even seen with Telv and his girlfriend she cuts them off and won't be seen out with them,' the insider said. EXCLUSIVE: 'She's p**sed a lot of people off': Married At First Sight's Sarah Roza has 'cut off any cast members who associate with her ex-husband Telv Williams and his new girlfriend' The source further alleged that Married at First Sight contestants Carly Bowyer and Charlene Perera are among the people Sarah has supposedly shunned. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Sarah Roza for comment. It comes after Telv confirmed to OK! magazine last month that he is dating 27-year-old former promotions girl Maddie. 'Yes, Maddie and I are in a relationship,' Telv said at the time. 'It's very early days, though. We are both just going with the flow and just getting to know each other.' Bitter split: A source close to Sarah, 39, claimed on Monday she has been 'blacklisting' anyone who spends time with Telv, 33, and his new love interest Maddie Carolan, 27 New relationship: Telv confirmed last month that he is dating former promotions girl Maddie Daily Mail Australia first broke news of Telv's new romance in late March, after he and Maddie were pictured at BaroqHouse in Melbourne. A source at the venue said: 'They were flirty and very close. Nick (Furphy, former MAFS contestant) was overheard saying, "That's Telv's new girlfriend".' Shortly after the couple's first sighting, beauty specialist Sarah took a swipe at the machinery technician on social media. Issues with the ex? 'Sarah has p**sed a lot of people off. If any of the MAFS guys are even seen with Telv and his girlfriend she cuts them off and won't be seen out with them,' the source said In her bad books? The source further alleged that Married at First Sight contestants Carly Bowyer (L) and Charlene Perera (R) are among the people Sarah has supposedly shunned Replying to an Instagram follower who asked if she was still single, Sarah appeared to make a sly reference to Telv's new relationship. 'I'm not in a rush unlike other people to just hook up with countless fame hungry insignificant randoms,' she wrote. Sarah and Telv gave love a chance on Married At First Sight, which was filmed last year, and announced their split in March. She was recently spotted spotted putting on a cosy display with Emily Ratajkowski's new husband Sebastian Bear-McClard. But Suki Waterhouse was alone as she walked through London's Heathrow Airport as she prepared to catch a flight on Sunday. The 26-year-old model and actress ensured she stood out in a double denim in a matching jacket and jeans. Effortlessly chic: Suki Waterhouse cut a casual figure as she rocked double denim while waiting for a flight at Heathrow Airport on Sunday She completed her look with a pair of black heeled boots and a simple white Vans T-shirt. Suki styled her short blonde locks so that they fell gracefully past her shoulders, and she brushed on natural make-up to highlight her pretty features. The model carried a small pink handbag on one shoulder and a green bag on the other, as she pulled a large black suitcase by her side. Casual: Stepping out in a pair of black heeled boots, the actress completed her effortlessly chic outfit with a white Vans shirt New project: Suki is set to star in the biographical crime-drama film Billionaire Boys Club alongside Emma Roberts, 27 Sexy: Emma Roberts sizzled in the trailer as she wore a mesh vest top and a leopard print jacket Suki is set to star in the biographical crime-drama film Billionaire Boys Club alongside Emma Roberts, 27. The actress, who plays Quintana, played a major role in the film's teaser trailer where she switched things up from her usual blonde hairdo and donned a bright pink wig to lure the affections her boyfriend Dean Karny. Stripping off her plush fluffy jacket, the star flaunted her toned physique and black lingerie as she seductively gazed into the crook's eyes. In another scene, the leggy model performed in a sultry Santa Claus costume at a Christmas bash. Pretty: Suki styled her short blonde locks so that they fell gracefully past her shoulder, and she brushed on natural make-up to highlight her pretty features The film, which will be released later this year, is based on the real-life Billionaire Boys Club from the 1980's, where Joe Hunt (played by Ansel Elgort) led a group of wealthy boys in Angeles come up with a plan to get-rich-quick with a Ponzi scheme. However, the plan ends badly for all involved when Hunt and Pittman end up murdering investor and con-man, Ron Levin- who had allegedly swindled the group out of $4 million. When authorities began to investigate the murders, Dean Karny, (Taron Egerton) the club's second-in-command and Hunt's best friend, turned state's evidence in return for immunity from prosecution. Hunt and club-security director Jim Pittman are later charged with the murder of Ron Levin, with the gangster leader being the only person in California's legal history to represent himself in a capital case and not receive the death penalty. Channelling Mean Girls: In another scene of the trailer, the leggy model performed in a sultry Santa Claus costume at a Christmas bash Celebrities took to social media ahead of the 72nd Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute benefit - more commonly known as the Met Gala - in New York City on Monday evening. This year's extravaganza is hosted by Anna Wintour, in conjunction with co-chairs Rihanna, Amal Clooney and Donatella Versace, and will showcase the theme Heavenly Bodies: Fashion And The Catholic Imagination. And already several stars were getting primped before noon. Madonna, Kim Kardashian, Cindy Crawford, Ashley Graham, Emily Ratajkowski and Katharine McPhee were just some of the luminaries who were getting treatments before the big event. Scroll down for video Ready to go: The 72nd Met Gala in New York City will take place on Monday evening and already Madonna was preparing for the big night Bottoms up: The 59-year-old singer drank from a glass as her eyebrows were filled in Will this be how her hair looks for the Met? The Borderline crooner also had her blonde locks put in braids Madonna filmed herself for an Instagram video where she was getting her hair put in braids. She wore a black tank top with her black lace bra showing and had on several gold necklaces. Kim Kardashian lounged in a retro golden velour chair wearing a black robe and showing off her toned and tanned legs. With a few curlers positioned in her long, raven-colored hair, Kim focused on her cellphone before getting ready to go. Nice legs, lady: Kim Kardashian lounged in a retro golden velour chair wearing a black robe and showing off her toned and tanned legs. Prep: Little sister Kendall Jenner kept her cellphone close by as well, snapping a quick selfie with a team of beauty artists standing behind the model Feast! She made sure to share a quick glimpse of the snacks in her room, with 'the important stuff' written across the image of french fries and a chocolate crepe Little sister Kendall Jenner kept her cellphone close by as well, snapping a quick selfie with a team of beauty artists standing behind the model. She made sure to share a quick glimpse of the snacks in her room, with 'the important stuff' written across the image of french fries and a chocolate crepe. Supermodel Crawford who shared a Snapchat image from her spa. The mother to models Kaia and Presley said she was getting a face massage. But does it work? Next came supermodel Crawford who shared a Snapchat image from her spa. The mother to models Kaia and Presley said she was getting a face massage Wow factor: Cindy later showed off her skin-tight Versace gown, complete with bright red shoes to match Perfection: Cindy glanced over the New York skyline before making her big debut at the 2018 Met Gala Making sure she is not puffy: Karlie Kloss put masks under her eyes and added a dog filter Stunner: Kloss showed off a bright red pout as she lounged in a cozy robe with a friend before the big event Karlie Kloss showed off a bright red pout as she lounged in a cozy robe with a friend before the big event Ashley Graham was getting her nose hairs lasered away before embarking on an eccentric skin care regimen. McPhee said she was working with stylist Monica Rose as she modeled a gold leaf scull cap. Gisele gave a massive shoutout to Versace for her eco-friendly dress made of 100 percent organic silk and cotton. Emily Ratajkowski was trying on different hair styles with Jennifer Yepez. Her expert said: ' Tried some Met Gala looks on this beauty. Saving this one so stay tuned Cant wait to kill it tonight Emily.' Golden girl: Gisele gave a massive shoutout to Versace for her eco-friendly dress made of 100 percent organic silk and cotton Cuties: The Brazilian supermodel cuddled up to her professional football player husband Tom Brady in the back of a car New look: Emily Ratajkowski was trying on different hair styles with Jennifer Yepez. Her expert said: ' Tried some Met Gala looks on this beauty. Saving this one so stay tuned Cant wait to kill it tonight Emily' Naughey Em: The model also posed in this crop top and some worn-in jeans that flashed her fit tummy Look of love: Jennifer Lopez cozied up to boyfriend Alex Rodriguez Hugh Jackman looked dapper as ever rocking a crisp black suit and tie, with styling by Michael Fisher. Sarah Jessica Parker showed a peek of her ensemble with a selfie directed toward her feet, with vibrant shades of gold and red covering her legs. The Sex and the City starlet later revealed a massive Dolce & Gabbana cape as she followed Bravo's Andy Cohen into the event. Nick Jonas chose not to be bothered with town cars or limousines and found themselves catching a ride on the New York City Subway system. Gilded: Sarah Jessica Parker showed a peek of her ensemble with a selfie directed toward her feet, with vibrant shades of gold and red covering her legs Queen of hearts: The Sex and the City starlet later revealed a massive Dolce & Gabbana cape as she followed Bravo's Andy Cohen into the event. Ready: Nick Jonas chose not to be bothered with town cars or limousines and found themselves catching a ride on the New York City Subway system Here it goes :Ashley Graham was getting her nose hairs lasered away before embarking on an eccentric skin care regimen Picture perfect: Ashley showed off her bronzed skin wearing a strapless sparkling sequined dress and a short bob The look of the Met Gala collection included tiaras encrusted with thousands of diamonds, emeralds and rubies. Papal cloaks and vestments with golden embroidery so fine, they took nearly two decades to produce. If you're going to wield power, you need to dress the part - and it seems few have understood that better than the leaders of the Roman Catholic Church through the centuries. That's one of the key takeaways from the latest mega-exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, a look at the influence of Catholicism on fashion. If you're looking for modern examples of the relationship between the two, consider that they called Pope Benedict XVI the 'Prada Pope,' based on rumors - urban legend, it turns out - that his stylish red loafers were from the storied fashion house. Star power: Ashley commanded attention wearing a sweeping golden gown as she stood alongside models toward the top of an extravagant staircase Date night: Hugh Jackman looked dapper as ever rocking a crisp black suit and tie, with styling by Michael Fisher Ready, Met, Go! Amber Heard showed off portions of her backless red ensemble, paired with a spiked golden crown They weren't, and actually his predecessor, John Paul II, had a similar pair, now on display at the Met. But that didn't stop Benedict from being named Esquire's 2007 Accessorizer of the Year. (The current pope, Francis, sticks to simple black shoes.) But examples go back earlier - way earlier, according to Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination, the Met's annual spring fashion exhibit. As always, the show makes its debut at the star-studded Met Gala on Monday night. Trying on a new look: Katharine McPhee said she was working with stylist Monica Rose as she modeled a gold leaf scull cap Hell for leather: Solange posed in the back of a limousine wearing tight black leather and a golden halo Take, for example, just one stunning tiara that glimmers in the Institute's galleries, a three-tiered concoction that gleams with 19,000 gems - 18,000 of them diamonds, along with rubies, sapphires and emeralds. It was a gift from Queen Isabella of Spain to the 19th-century Pope Pius IX, who wore it at Christmas Mass in 1854. Or a huge white-and-gold papal mantle - a voluminous cape of taffeta embroidered with gold metal thread, tinsel and paillettes. It was originally made for Pope Benedict XIV in the 18th century, but was also worn by the most recent Benedict. A set of vestments that includes the mantle took 15 workers some 16 years to complete, the museum says. They are just a few of the 42 items that curator Andrew Bolton, who has become known for his blockbuster Met exhibits, brought back from the Sistine Chapel's sacristy at the Vatican. Bolton made 12 trips over two years to secure the items; in a recent interview in the galleries, he described hunching over to get through 'an itty bitty door' at the edge of the chapel, where inside, untold treasures awaited. Each time he looked in the sacristy, he would see more tantalizing items. 'I asked for six,' he says. 'I ended up with 42.' The Vatican's only condition was that its works be exhibited on their own, separate from the fashion part of the show. Bolton achieved that by devoting the two Costume Institute galleries to the Vatican collection, and showing the contemporary clothes - some 150 garments - in the Met's medieval galleries and also at the Cloisters branch in upper Manhattan. The Vatican collection even has its own separate volume in the show's huge catalog. Inside the Met Gala: In a May 5, 2018 photo, a jacket by French designer Christian Lacroix, is on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination He made the list: A jacket by Gianni Versace is displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,' the spring exhibit at the museum's Costume Institute Bolton says he realizes people may think there's something unseemly about connecting the commercial theme of fashion with lofty theme of religion. But, as he writes in the catalog, 'Dress is central to any discussion about religion: it affirms religious allegiances and, by extension, asserts religious differences.' And, he points out, he always wants to confront timely cultural issues in his exhibitions. Almost all the designers included in the show have some relationship to Roman Catholicism, even if they were just born into Catholic families, Bolton says. They include names like Gianni Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Lacroix, Valentino, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and Cristobal Balenciaga, the iconic Spanish designer who, Bolton says, was deeply religious. Some designers initially told Bolton that their work wasn't influenced by religion, but later emailed upon realizing that, in fact, it played a role in their creative imaginations. 'I never thought one's religious upbringing could have such an influence,' he says. After viewing the Vatican collection, one can wind one's way upstairs to the Met's Byzantine and medieval rooms, home to a wealth of religious objects. Fashions have been strategically placed to emphasize their connection - visual and spiritual - to the artworks. One long corridor is devoted to Versace, one to Dolce & Gabbana. Garments are strategically placed to show the relationship between, say, a 12th-century gem-studded cross and a leather jacket by Lacroix, emblazoned with a similar cross, this one studded with multicolored crystals. Blingy: A jewel-encrusted papal tiara from the Sistine Chapel sacristy at the Vatican, is displayed at the Metropolitan Museum There's an 11th-century gilded cross that appears to inspire a spectacular Versace evening gown of gold metal mesh, glass crystals and silk charmeuse. There's also a gleaming Versace bridal mini-dress, in gold and silver mesh, with a bridal veil emblazoned with a cross, and a black silk mini-skirt topped with a shiny, halter-style bodice that depicts the Madonna and child in brilliantly colored crystals. If Dolce & Gabbana is more your style, there's a series of gleaming crystal and bead-encrusted gowns and dresses that look just like Byzantine mosaics from Sicily. Balenciaga is also represented with a red-and-black reversible coat resembling that of a cardinal. On a balcony are 21 original white robes that Balenciaga made for a local church choir. In the museum's Lehman wing, another section features designer gowns that recall Fra Angelica, the early Italian Renaissance painter. There are a series of filmy gowns by Rodarte, the American label, and Lanvin, among others. The made-to-order mannequins have faces to match famous religious works that inspired Bolton. While the Met's Fifth Avenue museum focuses on the pageantry and the public side of the church, the Cloisters section of the focuses on the more reflective, contemplative side. Bolton says his original idea was to have a multi-religion exhibit. That may happen one day, but he found so much material relating to Catholicism that he decided to focus on that. And what of the celebrities who will be interpreting the dress code on Monday night? They were advised that the theme was 'Sunday Best.' 'It's an implicit plea to dress somewhat more modestly,' Bolton quips. She has a lot on her plate as she is the co-chair of the 72nd Met Gala in New York City on Monday evening alongside Vogue editor Anna Wintour. But Amal Clooney still found time to take her husband George Clooney to dinner in Manhattan on Sunday evening to celebrate his 57th birthday. The 40-year-old barrister looked stunning in a very short black romper that showed off her toned, slender legs. Celebration time: Amal Clooney took out husband George to dinner and Laconda Verde in NYC on Sunday evening Still spry: They were celebrating the Up In The Air actor's 57th birthday in style The power couple held hands as they stepped out of Laconda Verde in the Tribeca area of New York City. Both smiled as if they had just had the best dinner of their life. Amal looked perfectly styled in her silky outfit with a gold belt and strappy beige heels that showed off a pretty light pink pedicure. Pasta for two: The power couple held hands as they stepped out of Laconda Verde in the Tribeca area of New York City. Both smiled as if they had just had the best dinner of their life Glam slam on this ma'am: The cover girl added bright cherry red lipstick and had her eyebrows nicely filled in for a Kim Kardashian arch The cover girl added bright cherry red lipstick and had her eyebrows nicely filled in for a Kim Kardashian arch. And the star wore Narcisa Pheres tiger's eye drop earrings. Clooney was movie star handsome as always in a black shirt and suit with matching dress shoes. The ER vet wore his grey beard nicely manicured and seemed to sport a fresh Cary Grant tan. She must have a great stylist: Amal looked perfectly styled in her silky outfit with a gold belt and strappy beige heels that showed off a pretty light pink pedicure She must hit the gym every day! The brainy beauty did little to hide her muscular legs Earlier in the day, the Crawford-Gerber family wished the Ocean's Eleven actor well. Taking to Instagram, both supermodel Cindy Crawford, 52, and her husband Rande Gerber, 56, were quick to send their wishes to the Hollywood star on his special day. 'Happy birthday to the guy who always keeps us laughing,' wrote Cindy. The photo saw the brunette beauty stun in a red gown next to Rande and George. Standing on a boat, the Ocean's Eleven actor took over driving the water taxi on the way to his film premiere The Ides Of March at the opening of the Venice 48th Film Festival in 2011. Birthday boy! Helping celebrate his birthday on Sunday, Cindy Crawford and husband Rande Gerber both sent their well wishes to George Friend and colleague: Gerber also sent his well-wishes to his tequila business partner Also taking to social media, tequila business partner Rande sent his well wishes. 'Here's to many more days like these. Happy Birthday George,' he captioned. Both sitting on beanbag chairs, each of the men were seen holding onto a bottle of their brand while enjoying a seemingly relaxing and enviable vacation. He knows how to celebrate! And with tequila seemingly the centre of the birthday celebrations, a video uploaded on the Casamigos social media page saw George enjoy some shots Still a child at heart! Known for his cheeky behavior, the end of the clip saw George pretend to pass out and fall back And with tequila seemingly the centre of the birthday celebrations, a video uploaded on the Casamigos social media page saw George enjoy some shots. 'When the bosses spend too much time in the office, this happens!' he said. Sharing what looked to be a ski with shot glasses mounted on top, the face of Nespresso and Rande enjoyed a drink. Away from home: While the celebrations continue for the father of twins Ella and Alexander, 11 months, he's spent the past few weeks in Italy working on pre-production for his Hulu Catt-22 series which is set to be shot near Sardinia later this month; seen in 2015 Known for his cheeky behavior, the end of the clip saw George pretend to pass out and fall back. While the celebrations continue for the father of twins Ella and Alexander, 11 months, he's spent the past few weeks in Italy working on pre-production for his Hulu Catt-22 series which is set to be shot near Sardinia later this month. However, George and wife Amal are expected to return to New York to attend Monday's annual MET Gala which the human rights and international law barrister will be co-hosting. They are often glammed up for red carpet events. But on Sunday afternoon Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber took a more casual turn as they wore jeans while running errands in NYC. The superstars, who usually call Malibu home, both carried coffee cups as they headed into a building. No glam: They are often glammed up for red carpet events. But on Sunday afternoon Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber took a more casual turn as they wore jeans while running errands in NYC Joe time: The superstars, who usually call Malibu home, both carried coffee cups as they headed into a building The Revlon vet wore a black motorcycle jacket over a grey sweatshirt with worn-in jeans and black sneakers. The beauty had her hair down and appeared to be makeup free. Later she shared a photo from her spa where she was getting a face massage as she prepped for Monday's Met Gala in NYC. She also plugged her brand Meaningful Beauty. CC on parade: The Revlon vet wore a black motorcycle jacket over a grey sweatshirt with worn-in jeans and black sneakers. The beauty had her hair down and appeared to be makeup free Pamper time: Later she shared a photo from her spa where she was getting a face massage. She also plugged her brand Meaningful Beauty Meanwhile, pal George Clooney tuned 57-years-old on Sunday. And the Oscar-winning actor is not only getting love from his wife Amal, but also from the Crawford-Gerber family as well. Taking to Instagram, both supermodel Cindy, 52, and Gerber, 56, were quick to send their wishes to the Hollywood star on his special day. Birthday boy! Helping celebrate his birthday on Sunday, the power couple both sent their well wishes to George Clooney 'Happy birthday to the guy who always keeps us laughing,' wrote Cindy. The photo saw the brunette beauty stun in a red gown next to Rande and George. Standing on a boat, the Ocean's Eleven actor took over driving the water taxi on the way to his film premiere The Ides Of March at the opening of the Venice 48th Film Festival in 2011. Friend and colleague: Gerber also sent his well-wishes to his tequila business partner Also taking to social media, tequila business partner Rande sent his well wishes. 'Here's to many more days like these. Happy Birthday George,' he captioned. Both sitting on beanbag chairs, each of the men were seen holding onto a bottle of their brand while enjoying a seemingly relaxing and enviable vacation. He knows how to celebrate! And with tequila seemingly the centre of the birthday celebrations, a video uploaded on the Casamigos social media page saw George enjoy some shots And with tequila seemingly the centre of the birthday celebrations, a video uploaded on the Casamigos social media page saw George enjoy some shots. 'When the bosses spend too much time in the office, this happens!' he said. Sharing what looked to be a ski with shot glasses mounted on top, the face of Nespresso and Rande enjoyed a drink. Away from home: While the celebrations continue for the father of twins Ella and Alexander, 11 months, he's spent the past few weeks in Italy working on pre-production for his Hulu Catt-22 series which is set to be shot near Sardinia later this month; seen in 2015 Known for his cheeky behavior, the end of the clip saw George pretend to pass out and fall back. While the celebrations continue for the father of twins Ella and Alexander, 11 months, he's spent the past few weeks in Italy working on pre-production for his Hulu Catt-22 series which is set to be shot near Sardinia later this month. However, George and wife Amal, 40, are expected to return to New York to attend Monday's annual MET Gala which the human rights and international law barrister will be co-hosting. As ever with her countless holidays, Millie Mackintosh is keeping her legions of admirers up to speed with her every move. And the 28-year-old reality star's current trip to the Maldives is no different as she has been spamming her delighted Instagram followers with a string of saucy snaps, including a racy image of her bikini body on Monday. Displaying the results of hours of gruelling work in the gym, the stunner sported a sexy high-waisted bikini with a bandeau top while allowing a baggy white shirt to drape off her arms and clutching a refreshing drink. Earning her stripes: Millie Mackintosh's current trip to the Maldives is no different to her usual snap happy best as she has been spamming her delighted Instagram followers with a string of saucy images, including a racy image of her bikini body on Monday Millie looked nothing short of sensational in her latest snap as she ensured the bikini worked all her best angles thanks to the high-rise leg and frilled top. Her abs were perfectly accentuated by the belt around her high-waisted bottoms while the frilled top helped show off her perky assets. Peeling on a pair of chic cat-eye sunglasses, she pulled her very best pout while allowing her honeyed tresses to fall over her shoulders in beachy waves. Millie, who is cover girl for next month's issue of Women's Health, was up to her old tricks once more on Saturday as she kicked back on a giant inflatable swan. Swanning about: Displaying the results of hours of gruelling work in the gym, the stunner sported a sexy high-waisted bikini with a bandeau top while allowing a baggy white shirt to drape off her arms and clutching a refreshing drink The blonde beauty who is set marry beau Hugo Taylor, 31, later this summer, sported a white bikini top with matching high-rise bottoms. Her poolside look was accessorised with a straw cowboy-style hay and a pair of cool blue shades. The former Made in Chelsea star made the most of her idyllic break as she relaxed in the clear azure pool at the Amilla Fushi Resort in the Maldives. Bride-to-be Millie Mackintosh recently shared her tips for feeling confident in her skin ahead of her forthcoming wedding as she appeared in a stunning cover shoot for the June issue of Women's Health magazine. The TV personality turned designer discussed her secret anxiety battle, her healthy life with fiance Hugo, 31, and the failure of her fashion brand in a candid accompanying interview. Managing mental health: Millie - previously married to rapper Professor Green from 2013 to 2016 - revealed she is happy with her physique and won't be following a special plan in the run-up to the big day Millie - previously married to rapper Professor Green from 2013 to 2016 - revealed she is happy with her physique and won't be following a special plan in the run-up to the big day. With her busy schedule, Millie said she relies upon yoga to maintain her mental health and manage her anxiety. 'When my thoughts get a bit out of control and my mind is rushing, yoga just brings everything back down to earth,' she said. 'It's hard to stay calm but you've got to remember that you're not your mind. You are an observer of your mind.' Arriving in paradise: Millie also opened up on her healthy home life with Hugo - owner of Taylor Morris sunglasses brand - explaining the couple like to cook and workout together. 'I use the app Headspace daily - I'm doing the meditation for anxiety at the moment. With the process I've just been through with my business, it's made a real difference.' 'You know, you can't control certain things that happen to you, but you can control how you react to them - and how they affect you.' Millie said she has found a new way to workout alongside her trainer Jojo Thompson, mixing things up with a variety of different home exercises. She said: 'I feel stronger than I did two years ago - in a different way. I've found a really great trainer who comes to my home once or twice a week. Pretty in pink: She said: 'We both love eggs for breakfast, so one of us will make some for the other - whoever is rushing least. Or we might both go to the gym, get breakfast together and then go about our days.' Millie also opened up on her healthy home life with Hugo - owner of Taylor Morris sunglasses brand - explaining the couple like to cook and workout together. She said: 'We both love eggs for breakfast, so one of us will make some for the other - whoever is rushing least. Or we might both go to the gym, get breakfast together and then go about our days.' 'Obviously, being a guy, hes quite tall and can eat a lot more than me. He might have a few more treats He can go to the gym, like, not at all, and the suddenly go three times and come home with a six-pack. Im like, what?!' Millie also discussed the recent loss of her fashion brand Cammac, which went into liquidation in March, owing over half a million pounds. Millie has herself lost out on 178,000 through the collapse of Cammac Venture Limited, according to liquidation papers. It's fashion's biggest night. And the supermodels were all business as they made their early arrivals in New York on Monday, ahead of the Met Gala. Gisele Bundchen, Lily Aldridge and Karlie Kloss were all seen at the Mark hotel in the city. Her's Gisele! Bundchen was one of the first to be pictured arriving at New York's Mark Hotel as as the stars prepped for the Met Gala Model magic: Karlie Kloss and Lily Aldridge joined Gisele at the Mark The trio strutted inside the hotel's red carpet entrance, casually dressed in the off-duty model uniform of jeans and heels. Presumably arriving for a final fitting, they were joined by a host of their fellow celebs. Riley Keough, Mary J Blige, Tracee Ellis Ross and Rita Ora were all seen arriving. Here comes Gisele: The supermodel carried a simple black handbag, with her stylist presumably in charge of the rest of her needs Ready to star: Always the hottest ticket in New York, this year the gala takes on a religious theme: Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination Always the hottest ticket in New York, this year the gala takes on a religious theme: Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination. And with a dress code of Sunday Best, the red carpet is bound to be memorable. The annual gala is always tied to an exhibit at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It's Now Or Never: Elvis' granddaughter Riley Keough is attending Singing stars: Mary J. Blige and Rita Ora turn up to get dressed The pre-party: The Mark hotel seems to be where it's at, with Tracee Ellis Ross turning up This year it will examine 'fashion's ongoing engagement with the devotional practices and traditions of Catholicism.' The exhibition combines works of fashion with works of religious art, including 50 ecclesiastical masterworks on loan from the Sistine Chapel sacristy at the Vatican. Those items, which will be on view in the Anna Wintour Costume Center galleries, include papal vestments and accessories, such as rings and tiaras, from the 18th to the early 21st century, the museum said. The items encompass more than 15 papacies. Rihanna, Amal Clooney and Donatella Versace will join Vogue editor Anna Wintour in chairing this year's gala. Gwyneth Paltrow supported fiance Brad Falchuk over the weekend after the loss of his father. The Avengers: Infinity War Star headed to Boston to attend the funeral of Brad's dad, Kenneth, who died Thursday. The service for the Boston-area physician was held at Temple Emanuel on Sunday, with a burial at Or Emet Cemetery, according to People. By his side: Gwyneth, 45, Paltrow supported fiance Brad Falchuk over the weekend after the loss of his father The sad news comes just before the couple's wedding. Last month, Gwyneth, 45, and Brad celebrated their upcoming nuptials with a bridal shower, that included the likes of Julia Roberts, Reese Witherspoon and Demi Moore. One week after the star-studded evening event, Gwyneth's celebrity pals treated her to an engagement luncheon. From one life happening to another: The sad news comes just before the couple's wedding. Last month, Gwyneth and Brad celebrated their upcoming nuptials with a bridal shower The duo first revealed their plans to wed in January, through the Goop founder's company magazine. Gwyneth and Brad were first introduced in 2010, when Gwyneth guest starred on Glee. Brad who was a writer on the show, reconnected - although romantically, with Gwyneth in 2015. How they met: Gwyneth and Brad were first introduced in 2010, when Gwyneth guest starred on Glee The actress had just parted ways with ex-husband Chris Martin, who she was married to for 11 years. Gwyneth shares two children with her ex musician husband, daughter Apple, 13, and Moses, 12. Brad also has daughter Isabella and son Brody with TV producer ex-wife, Suzanne Bukinik Falchuk. Celebs have been jetting into JFK for the Met Gala. But on Monday Katie Holmes arrived at the airport ready to fly out of New York City. The 39-year-old actress wore a white T-shirt and retro-style high waist cropped jeans with a denim belt and studded pockets. Scroll down for video Going the other way: Celebs have been jetting into JFK for the Met Gala but on Monday Katie Holmes arrived at the airport ready to fly out of New York City She teamed her casual look with off-white ballet flats as she got out of a black SUV. She walked towards the terminal without her luggage, which may have been taken care of by someone else The Batman Begins brunette sported her precision-cut, bob hairstyle. A large pair of shades obscured a lot of Katie's face, but she didn't appear to be wearing much in the way of make-up. There was no sign of her reported beau Jamie Foxx, 50. They are believed to have started dating in 2013, but are rarely seen in public together and have never confirmed their relationship. Throwback look: The 39-year-old actress wore a white T-shirt and retro-style high waist cropped jeans with a denim belt and studded pockets Katie divides her time between the Big Apple and her home in Los Angeles as she raises 12-year-old daughter Suri from her marriage to Tom Cruise. Meanwhile, she will next be seen in Ocean's 8 with an all-star female cast including Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter and Sarah Paulson. The heist movie, set at the Met Gala, is due out on June 8. Katie is preparing to star in the action thriller Doorman with French actor Jean Reno. Mommy and her mini-me: Katie took 12-year-old daughter Suri Cruise to Madison Square Garden to see the New York Knicks take on the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 16 In the film by Japanese director Ryuhei Kitamura, she plays a Marine who returns from a traumatic tour of duty and becomes a doorman in New York. She is forced to face off with thieves who are plotting to steal artwork hidden in the walls of the apartment building. The actress has also filmed an untitled TV pilot for Fox in which she stars as a disgraced FBI Special Agent who tries to thwart a domestic terrorist attack. This year's Met Gala is themed around Catholicism. And when Olivia Munn stopped by the iconic New York City event on Monday, she looked set to play the warrior Deborah in a biblical epic. The 37-year-old showed off her cleavage in a shimmering split gold H&M gown and modeled a matching chain-mail headpiece. Smoldering: When Olivia Munn stopped by the iconic New York City event on Monday, she looked set to play the warrior Deborah in a biblical epic Her busty ensemble was mostly covered in a scaly motif, though it became chain-mail over each shoulder and at the top of her thigh-slit. The luxurious gown featured a sizable train at the back, and Olivia accentuated her supermodel features with a thick layer of makeup. Her deep purple shade of lipstick matched her fingernails, and she completed the look with glistening rings on each hand. Oozing glamour: The 37-year-old showed off her cleavage in a shimmering split gold H&M gown and modeled a matching chain-mail headpiece Smashing: The 37-year-old showed off her cleavage in a shimmering split gold H&M gown and modeled a matching chain-mail headpiece She told PopSugar: 'For my H&M Met Gala gown, what I really wanted this time around was to be in the Heavenly Bodies theme.' The ex-girlfriend of Aaron Rodgers explained: 'I really wanted to have fun with fashion and go a little over the top. My inspiration for my dress was armor.' Said she: 'What I wanted to portray was strength, and I love that the dress makes me feel strong and powerful.' Accents: Her busty ensemble was mostly covered in a scaly motif, though it became chain-mail over each shoulder and at the top of her thigh-slit Swanky: The luxurious gown featured a sizable train at the back, and Olivia accentuated her supermodel features with a thick layer of makeup The Newsroom star recalled: 'When they first showed me the fabric swatch, which was mesh, I turned it over to the back side and saw that it reminded me of armor, and so I ended up asking them to make the dress on the reverse side.' Along with Olivia, H&M had Kiersey Clemons, Jasmine Sanders, Alex Wek and Lili Reinhart for guests at the Met Gala, Refinery29 reports. Before heading to the Met Gala on Monday, Olivia posted an Instagram video of herself grimacing as she wriggled her way out of a huge jar. Hello, gorgeous: Her deep purple shade of lipstick matched her fingernails, and she completed the look with glistening rings on each hand 'My inspiration for the dress was armor': She told PopSugar: 'For my H&M Met Gala gown, what I really wanted this time around was to be in the Heavenly Bodies theme.' 'Do you think somewhere under the same NYC skyline, on an outdoor patio with an oversized honeypot, @beyonce is doing the exact same thing right now? #metball,' Olivia wrote in her caption. Always the hottest ticket in New York, this year the gala takes on a religious theme: Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination. With a dress code of Sunday Best, the red carpet is bound to be memorable. Concept: Always the hottest ticket in New York, this year the gala takes on a religious theme: Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination Connections: The annual gala is always tied to an exhibit at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Big subject: This year it will examine 'fashion's ongoing engagement with the devotional practices and traditions of Catholicism' The annual gala is always tied to an exhibit at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This year it will examine 'fashion's ongoing engagement with the devotional practices and traditions of Catholicism.' The exhibition combines works of fashion with works of religious art, including 50 ecclesiastical masterworks on loan from the Sistine Chapel sacristy at the Vatican. Those items, which will be on view in the Anna Wintour Costume Center galleries, include papal vestments and accessories, such as rings and tiaras, from the 18th to the early 21st century, the museum said. The items encompass more than 15 papacies. Top drawer: Those items, which will be on view in the Anna Wintour Costume Center galleries, include papal vestments and accessories, such as rings and tiaras Pedigree: The exhibition combines works of fashion with works of religious art, including 50 ecclesiastical masterworks on loan from the Sistine Chapel sacristy at the Vatican Thinking it through: 'Fashion and religion have long been intertwined, mutually inspiring and informing one another,' Andrew Bolton, head curator of the institute, said in a statement 'Fashion and religion have long been intertwined, mutually inspiring and informing one another,' Andrew Bolton, head curator of the institute, said in a statement. 'Although this relationship has been complex and sometimes contested, it has produced some of the most inventive and innovative creations in the history of fashion.' The 150 fashion ensembles come from a slew of designers, including Cristobal Balenciaga, Coco Chanel, John Galliano, Karl Lagerfeld, Givenchy, Christian Lacroix, Thierry Mugler, Raf Simons, Thom Browne and Gianni and Donatella Versace, among many others. The exhibition, which will run May 10 through October 8, is a collaboration between the Costume Institute and the Department of Medieval Art and The Cloisters. Helping hands: The exhibition, which will run May 10 through October 8, is a collaboration between the Costume Institute and the Department of Medieval Art and The Cloisters Out she goes: Before heading to the Met Gala on Monday, Olivia posted an Instagram video of herself grimacing as she wriggled her way out of a huge jar Making it Easier to Prosecute Heroin Dealers Senate bill 638 assists in the prosecution of heroin dealers by creating a presumption that the possession of 50 or more individual packages containing heroin and/or having an aggregate value of $300 is possession with intent to sell. Currently, dealers can carry large quantities of the drug before triggering a felony charge of possession. Establishing New Penalties for Heroin Sales Senate bill 880 creates appropriate-level penalties for heroin sales, taking into account the lighter weight of heroin. Heroin weighs less than other drugs and therefore more doses of heroin are needed to trigger various existing criminal offenses. Creating Drug Free Zones Around Drug or Alcohol Treatment Centers Senate bill 1127 criminalizes the sale of a controlled substance on the grounds of a drug or alcohol treatment center, or within 1,000 feet of such facilities. Statistics show that drug dealers often prey on individuals with addictions by sitting in the immediate vicinity of a drug or alcohol treatment center or methadone clinic waiting for people to come out so they can sell them drugs. Cracking Down on Black Market Prescription Drugs She's been sharing racy bikini snaps of herself for the last week while lapping up the sun in Bali. But Davina Rankin saved the best for last on Tuesday. The Married At First Sight star stunned in a chic monochrome cut out one-piece that exposed her trim tummy. Monochrome magic! Davina Rankin teases in a racy black and white cut-out swimsuit during her last day in Bali... before heading back to her new boyfriend Jaxon Manuel The busty bikini model has made sure to share all her holiday highlights with her Instagram followers. On Sunday, the 27-year-old was seen partying at the fancy OMINA day club, where she showed off her risque dance moves and guzzled tequila from the bottle. 'F**k yeah!' Davina narrated in one Instagram Story as she panned her camera around the resort with its breathtaking ocean views. Holiday snaps: The busty bikini model has made sure to share all her holiday highlights with her Instagram followers In another short clip, the beauty pronounced that she was getting the 'royal treatment' as a waiter delivered a platter full of mouth-watering delicacies.. Davina is now heading back to her boyfriend Jaxon Manuel. The brunette recently spoke about her new businessman beau for the first time in an interview with The Daily Telegraph. She revealed Jaxon was not bothered by her highly controversial stint on the Channel Nine dating show - which saw her 'cheat' on her husband, Ryan Gallagher. 'He's (Jaxon) been my friend forever, so it was really nice to form something with someone who already knows me, and not what theyve seen on TV,' the stunner stated. Party time: On Sunday, the 27-year-old was seen partying at the fancy OMINA day club, where she showed off her risque dance moves and guzzled tequila from the bottle Lynda Carter reigned in a regal teal gown at the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala in Manhattan on Monday. The original Wonder Woman - who played Diana Prince in the ABC/CBS series (1975-79) - easily defied her 66 years in the caped creation selected by stylist Ann Caruso. The former born-again Christian was dripping in gold jewelry, including an ornate crown worthy of royalty, and her make-up was expertly applied by Lauren Ogden Miller. Scroll down for video She's a wonder! Lynda Carter reigned in a regal teal gown at the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala in Manhattan on Monday Hairstylist Neven Radovic coiffed Carter's elegant updo, which included a beautiful Hebrew star-shaped, bejeweled broach. It's no surprise that Lynda (born Linda) was once crowned Miss World America 1972. Before her stunning appearance at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Supergirl actress addressed whether she would appear in Patty Jenkins' 2019 Wonder Woman sequel alongside Gal Gadot. 'That is up to Patty Jenkins, I've been talking to her about it,' the Maryland-based mother-of-two told Megyn Kelly Today last month. Queen! The original Wonder Woman - who played Diana Prince in the ABC/CBS series (1975-79) - easily defied her 66 years in the caped creation selected by stylist Ann Caruso Former born-again Christian: Lynda was dripping in gold jewelry, including an ornate crown worthy of royalty, and her make-up was expertly applied by Lauren Ogden Miller Miss World America 1972: Hairstylist Neven Radovic coiffed Carter's elegant updo, which included a beautiful Hebrew star-shaped, bejeweled broach 'She has given me some hints about it, and I guess it's up to Warner Bros. if they want to spend the money.' Nearly a year ago, the 46-year-old Emmy nominee tweeted: 'Oh we tried, tried, tried, and we won't stop trying [to include Lynda].' Carter currently stars as Governor Jessman in Jay Chandrasekhar's sequel Super Troopers 2 - finally hitting UK theaters June 15 - alongside Rob Lowe, Brian Cox, and Emmanuelle Chriqui. 'It's up to Warner Bros. if they want to spend the money.': Before her stunning appearance at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Supergirl actress addressed whether she would appear in Patty Jenkins' 2019 Wonder Woman sequel A botched procedure that led to a man being charged with genital mutilation has prompted the NSW government to flag a crackdown on the so-called body-modification industry. Health Minister Brad Hazzard says he's in discussions with the ministry about how to better regulate the extreme procedures with measures including better qualification requirements, prohibition of minors undergoing modification and even psychological assessment of potential clients. "Having some of these people complete these procedures on you - and really they have no surgical skills whatsoever or training - is, I think, criminal," he told the ABC Radio on Monday. World-renowned artist Spencer Tunick plans on filling one of Melbourne's most famous streets with naked people, no matter the weather. The New York-based artist last visited Australia in 2010, photographing thousands of naked people on the steps of the Sydney Opera House, but this time he plans to use Chapel Street as his canvas over two days in July. "I think people from Melbourne are a little braver because of their willingness to pose no matter the weather. I get a sense of resilience and risk-taking," Mr Tunick said in a statement on Monday. Labor is focused on ending live sheep exports if it wins government, despite moves from rogue Liberal MPs and the Greens to bring forward phasing out the trade. Unions are also ramping up opposition to the industry after further revelations of cruelty to animals and dire conditions for workers on live export ships. Labor's agriculture spokesman Joel Fitzgibbon told Sky News he would consider former Liberal cabinet minister Sussan Ley's bill to end live exports, but "deep and meaningful" reform was his focus. The planned destruction of the 140-year-old Windsor Bridge in Sydney's northwest has been slammed by two retired bridge engineers who have labelled the state government's move "wrong and unnecessary". Brian Pearson and Ray Wedgewood, who have a combined experience of 80 years in the industry, have told an NSW upper house inquiry on Monday that destroying the bridge would deprive the state of "one of its most historical treasures". Mr Pearson and Mr Wedgewood, who have been involved in some 1200 bridge projects, have criticised the demolition proposal, with the Roads and Maritime Services planning to build a replacement bridge nearby. Stephanie Gilmore has lauded the artificial wave at the Kelly Slater-designed surf arena in California as Australia finished fourth in the inaugural WSL event. Captained by Gilmore and boasting a top-quality line-up of Mick Fanning, Tyler Wright, Matt Wilkinson and Joel Parkinson, the Australians failed to qualify for the Founders' Cup final. The World Team went on to beat Brazil in the decider to win the title at the five-team event held at the revolutionary facility that's located 160km inland from the Pacific Ocean. Gilmore welcomed the concept, particularly as a way to break up the global tour's calendar. "It was an incredible event and even though it's a little disappointing to not be in the final, it was cool to be here and see how it all works," Gilmore said. "To see the fans out here and how the team aspect comes into play was really positive. "This opens the floodgates into a whole new realm of arenas and events in controlled conditions. "But, as long as there's a really good balance between this and the ocean, I think the two will complement each other really well." The technology at the Surf Ranch has been widely praised by the world's best surfers, with the consistency of the man-made wave taking the unpredictability of the sport out of play. "I think it was a huge success," said 11-time world champion Slater, who was central in designing and building the facility. "Everybody had a good time, from those who didn't know what was going on, to the die-hard surf fans. I think it translated well to everyone and there were a lot of smiles to be had." AN ARMCHAIR GUIDE TO BUDGET TERMINOLOGY: --- BUDGET: Like a household budget, it estimates government income and spending. Income is generated through taxes and investments. Spending is on things like welfare, schools, roads, health and defence. BUDGET OR FORWARD ESTIMATES: The budget covers this financial year - the 12 months ending June 30 - and a further four-year period, known as the estimates. The first two years are forecasts, the latter two are projections. GDP (gross domestic product): The value of a nation's output. As the economy grows, the government collects more revenue from company taxes and income tax. Things like deficits, revenue, spending and debt are often measured as a proportion of GDP. UNDERLYING CASH BALANCE: The best guide to the nation's financial health. It estimates the balance of income and spending, removing one-off events like asset sales (Telstra and Medibank Private are examples). BALANCING THE BUDGET: The government can change tax rates, impose new taxes, abolish old ones, cut spending, introduce new programs and ditch existing ones. When outgoings exceed income, the government has to borrow to cover the shortfall (see GOVERNMENT DEBT). CYCLICAL DEFICIT: During lean economic times governments can decide to do things like offer short-term tax breaks for business or pump money into the economy, with schemes like Labor's controversial schools building program during the GFC. Because jobs disappear during an economic downturn, the government has to pay more in welfare and dole payments. These are known as "automatic stabilisers". That may force the budget into a cyclical or temporary deficit, but it should return to surplus when the economy improves. STRUCTURAL DEFICIT: The gap between income and spending that is not the result of changes in the economy. For example, income tax cuts in the 2000s when the government was enjoying the "rivers of gold" from the mining boom still have to be accounted for when revenue is not so abundant. It's like a household taking on a mortgage based on overtime or bonuses that are flowing at the time. It still has to be paid for when that extra money dries up. GOVERNMENT DEBT: To balance the books while the budget is in deficit, a government has to raise money through government securities or bonds - a type of IOU that pays interest. Gross debt is the amount of bonds a government has on issue. Net debt is the amount on issue minus government financial assets. CONTINGENCY RESERVE: Money set aside for policies yet to be announced or negotiated for commercial or security reasons. It may also include decisions made too late to be counted in the current budget or budgeted expenses incurred outside the current financial year. BUDGET PAPERS: Books containing nuts-and-bolts things like economic forecasts, financial strategy, spending and revenue measures, management of government debt. Masses of tables for the pointy-headed community. Up to 100 Vodafone call centre workers in Hobart are set to lose their jobs because of a "dramatic" decline in complaints, the company says. The telco is holding talks workers and has asked for expressions of interest in voluntary redundancies, Vodafone chief strategy officer Dan Lloyd said in a statement on Monday. "As a result of our network, product and service improvements, we are receiving significantly fewer complaints and calls from customers. Regrettably, this means we no longer need as many roles in our call centres, including Hobart," he said. Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton is tight-lipped about whether he may intervene in the case of an Iranian asylum seeker on a hunger strike in detention. Advocates say the 24-year-old's family members have been allowed out of the Villawood detention centre, and there is a precedent for allowing him to do the same. "We look at each case on its individual merit," Mr Dutton told reporters in Canberra on Monday. "Without commenting in relation to that case, there may be all sorts of complications in the background that are not publicly released that would prevent us making a decision to release a particular person." Advocates say the man's condition has deteriorated since he was hospitalised several weeks ago, having been on hunger strike for more than 30 days. They say he has reached a critical stage in the hunger strike, fearing he may have already suffered some long-term damage to his health. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Geely Auto has already handed over its 500,000th unit of the SUV model Boyue, according to local media. As the last SUV model of Geely Auto 3.0 Era, the cumulative deliveries of the Boyue reached 500,000 units recently since it hit the market in March, 2016. On March 15 this year, the 2018 Geely Boyue went on sale with official suggested price ranging from RMB 98,800 to RMB 159,800. The 2018 Geely Boyue has been optimized and upgraded in appearance, security as well as intelligent configurations. Besides, the new model is equipped with the GKUI (Geely Smart Ecosystem), which possesses diverse functional configurations like intelligent speech interaction, socialized navigation system, and so on. On May 4, Geely Auto and the world-leading energy company Shell jointly initiated the journey dubbed Challenge of spanning 100in longitude with the aim of demonstrating the Geely Boyue's extraordinary performance and signifying the cooperative importance between Geely and Shell. Reportedly, in the next two months, a fleet comprising four vehicles of the Boyue will start from Xi'an, Shaanxi province, pass through Russia, Belarus and France and finally arrive in the UK. In November last year, the first foreign-made Boyue rolled off the production line in the plant of Barysaw, Belarus and hit the market in Moscow in February. In addition, the first model co-developed by Geely Auto and Proton is set to go on sale in the second half of this year. Julian Dennison is set to become a household name thanks to his starring role in Deadpool 2, but at home in New Zealand he's still expected to do the dishes. "I still do school. I live a normal life when I go home and a lot of my friends and family they just see me as Julian, not as Julian Dennison, not as 'Russell' this Deadpool 2 character," Dennison told AAP. "And I still do the dishes and they still treat me like family." But things are likely to change for Dennison pretty swiftly. The 15-year-old actor made waves as the star of Taika Waititi's quirky, and popular film, Hunt for the Wilderpeople in 2016. Off the back of that, Deadpool 2 star and writer, Ryan Reynolds, insisted on meeting Dennison for the role of Russell Collins, AKA Firefist, in the Marvel movie sequel. "About a month and a half later, we got a call and they were like 'we really like you, we want you to be in this film' - so I was really blown away," Dennison said. Soon after, the kid from the NZ city of Lower Hutt, found himself living nearly every teenager's dream. "I've always wanted to be a superhero and I get powers in this film. It was just amazing as a 15-year-old kid being a part of this film. And I'm part of the whole Deadpool universe," he said. In the Marvel comic books, Russell Collins is an American teenager who joins the Navy and discovers he can shoot fireballs out of his hands. For the film, the character was modified to be a young orphan from New Zealand who lives in a school for mutants. "I'm really bad at an American accent so I was glad that I kept my New Zealand accent," he said. "In the comics, my character is kind of like this dude, this jock who goes off to the army and comes back with these powers. So I was sort of like 'well I'm glad they changed the character because you don't really see any superheroes who look like me, so it was really cool being able to change it up," he said. *Deadpool 2 is released in Australian cinemas on May 16 The Australian Greens will fight to block changes to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan amid the bluster and fanfare of the budget. The minor party will target the government over its planned changes to the plan in a two-pronged attack in the Senate on Tuesday. Before the budget is delivered, the upper house is expected to debate a motion to disallow a raft of water and infrastructure projects which aim to deliver 605 gigalitres worth of environmental outcomes. "(Government) changes would fundamentally reduce the amount of water put aside for the environment by 605 gigalitres," Greens water spokeswoman Sarah Hanson-Young said on Monday. "That's 605 billion litres-worth of water, less to the environment and to the river." Senator Hanson-Young will also introduce a private member's bill to guarantee the delivery of 450 gigalitres she says is owed to her home state of South Australia as part of the original 2012 plan. "The government is trying to squib twice," she said. "They're trying to reduce the amounts of cuts to the environment by 605 gigalitres and they're not coughing up the promised extra 450 gigalitres." Labor is expected to decide on Monday whether it will support the Greens who are also lobbying crossbench senators. If the opposition joins forces with the Greens, the government will need nine of the 11 remaining crossbench senators to protect its changes to the basin plan. In February, the Greens and Labor voted to disallow changes which would have reduced the amount of water being returned to the environment in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales. A man has been charged after police allegedly found more than 80 kilograms of cannabis at his property on the NSW mid north coast. Officers searched the property at Verges Creek, east of Kempsey, last Tuesday and allegedly found three plants, 84.5 kg of cannabis buds and equipment. The haul is estimated to be worth $446,000 on the street, police say. The 28-year-old man was arrested on Friday and charged with supplying a prohibited drug and cultivating a prohibited plant. He was refused bail ahead of an appearance at Kempsey Local Court on July 18. A man has collapsed and died in front of police in the Sydney CBD, sparking an internal investigation. NSW Police were called to Clarence Street at about 8am on Monday after concerns were raised about a 61-year-old man's wellbeing. Officers spoke with the man but he collapsed, police said in a statement on Monday afternoon. They rendered assistance until paramedics arrived and took the man to St Vincent's Hospital. But he died a short time later. "A critical incident team from Kings Cross PAC will now investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident," police said. That investigation will be independently reviewed. An independent expert health panel has concluded there is limited or no evidence exposure to a firefighting foam causes disease or increases cancer risks. The experts did not recommend any specific screenings or health interventions for people exposed to defence-related to Per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contaminations. The expert health panel released its report on Monday, ahead of the federal budget which will earmark a $73.1 million package to help communities across the country grappling with water contaminations. More than $55 million will be diverted to a drinking water program over five years for property owners surrounding defence bases at Oakey in Queensland, Williamtown, NSW, Tindal in the Northern Territory and Pearce in Western Australia. The federal environment department will use $17.9 million to continue its work addressing the problem. The government is not considering a land purchase program as a result of PFAS contamination The government's chief medical officer Professor Brendan Murphy said the expert health panel concluded: "There was insufficient evidence of causation between PFAS exposure and any adverse health outcomes." "The panel concluded no current evidence that suggests an increase in overall cancer risk," he said. The panel - which consisted of experts in environmental health, toxicology, epidemiology and public health - considered the evidence available from both Australian and international scientific research as well as the views of the public. Prof Murphy said evidence available is weak and inconsistent and that decisions to minimise exposure to PFAS chemicals "should be largely based on their known ability to persist and accumulate in the body". The report acknowledged there is some link with health outcomes such as high cholesterol. The government is providing counselling services, funding an epidemiological study into potential health effects and providing access to free blood tests on a voluntary basis. The Northern Territory will get $280 million for upgrades to two major outback highways in Tuesday's federal budget. It includes $180 million for the Central Arnhem Road as well as $100 million to upgrade the Buntine Highway. There is also $1.5 billion for the Roads of Strategic Importance - Northern Australia Package, and $160 million to seal more sections of the Outback Way across the continent. "This budget will deliver certainty for residents and businesses," Country Liberal Party Senator Nigel Scullion said. NT Attorney General Natasha Fyles said the Gunner Labor government welcomed any investment given the difficulties of delivering services in remote areas. "We want the federal government to acknowledge the work we're doing in the Northern Territory to close the gap (in indigenous health)," she said. The federal government has already flagged a new Medicare item that will support the delivery of dialysis in remote areas to improve access for Indigenous people with kidney disease. It also recently agreed to provide $550 million in matching funding with the NT government for remote indigenous housing. More than 50 churches across Tasmania have been earmarked to sell by the state's Anglican Diocese to help fund millions of dollars in redress for survivors of child sexual abuse. Anglican Bishop Richard Condie has pledged $8.6 million in redress and wants the church to be part of the national scheme. On Monday the diocese released a preliminary list of 78 properties, including 55 churches, it plans to put up for sale. "The sale of churches and cemeteries causes pain and sadness for church members as well as the wider local community," Bishop Condie said. "They have been an important part of our Tasmanian heritage. "However, our commitment to justice, recognition and support of survivors through providing redress underlies the need for this sacrifice. "Most worshipping Anglicans I have spoken to in the last weeks are prepared to do it gladly." The state's Anglican body plans to sell more than 100 churches, halls, houses and blocks of land in total. The full list will be made public after the church's Synod in June. It will then be open for community consultation. Tasmania is yet to join NSW, Victoria and the ACT in signing up to the national redress scheme that stemmed from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and begins on July 1. But Premier Will Hodgman has indicated the state government is willing to sign up. "Our hope and expectation is that we will be able to opt in," he said. "It's absolutely important that we get this right ... to ensure that the scheme delivers what it should, and that is the best support for victims of abuse." From the sale of the property, $4.7 million will go towards redress, with the rest of the money coming from church funds and contributions. A man has been charged with murder after another man was allegedly stabbed to death at a NSW mid-north coast beach. Port Macquarie paramedics received a call about 12.30pm on Friday and found a man with a "severe penetrative wound to his chest" at Lighthouse Beach. He was rushed to the local hospital in a critical condition where he later died. Ben Black, 32, was arrested and charged with murder after attending Port Macquarie Police Station after midday on Monday. He was refused bail and is expected to appear at Port Macquarie Local Court on Tuesday. A man accused of murdering a fellow partygoer in a Sydney CBD hotel room allegedly said "he was a dog, so I shot him", a jury has been told. Hasan Fazlilar fired the fatal shot after seeing a reference to police crime stoppers on Donovan Mileham's phone, prosecutor Ken Gilson alleged in the crown opening address in the NSW Supreme Court on Monday. Fazlilar, 32, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Mileham in November 2015 after they partied with others for more than 30 hours at the strip club and brothel the Love Machine at Kings Cross. The 44-year-old, who was visiting Sydney from the Central Coast, died from blood loss, probably within minutes of being shot once in the back of his left thigh in room 3109 of the Fraser Suites in Kent Street As well as murder, Fazlilar has denied unlawfully possessing a revolver in the Love Machine on November 13, some hours before he allegedly used it to shoot Mr Mileham. The men, both drug users, apparently met for the first time at the strip club where the co-proprietor Elias Dimarelis and his then girlfriend Rebel-Anne King were also present. The evidence involved substantial CCTV footage, including from inside and outside the Love Machine, from outside and near the lifts at the Fraser and from a nearby car park. The prosecutor said when Dimarelis was in a brothel room he found a revolver which he recognised as one he had previously seen Fazlilar with and decided to return it to him. Footage allegedly shows Dimarelis handing the revolver to Fazlilar, who seems to come out of another bedroom, and he shoves the gun down his pants. "About 12 hours later, Mr Fazlilar and the deceased were still at the club, still apparently enjoying themselves and partying together," Mr Gilson said. A room was later booked at the Fraser to continue partying. Dimarelis was expected to testify that he fell asleep and when he woke Fazlilar showed him something on Mr Mileham's phone referring to police crime stoppers. Fazlilar pushed the phone into Mr Mileham's face, questioned him about it and called him a dog, before hitting him in the face, the prosecutor said. Fazlilar then pulled the revolver out of his pants, struck Mr Mileham across the temple and mumbled something before firing one shot, he said. Dimarelis would testify that when later asked why he did it, Fazlilar said: "He was a dog, so I shot him" adding that he only shot him in the leg and he would be fine. The trial is continuing. There are more than six months to go until Victoria's election but Premier Daniel Andrews is already claiming an $7.8 billion victory on behalf of the state. As parliament resumes at Spring Street on Tuesday the Labor government has already delivered its own budget and welcomed a substantial federal budget investment into the state's road and rail projects. "We've run a strong campaign to get a fairer share for Victoria. That campaign has worked," Mr Andrews said in response to news of a $7.8 billion federal infrastructure envelope for his state. Last week Victoria's Treasurer Tim Pallas delivered an election-year budget including funds to make some TAFE courses free, $13.7 billion worth of infrastructure spending in one year alone and a stack of cash to improve the mental health and justice systems. The state opposition will give its formal budget reply on Thursday. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Geely Auto delivered a total of 128,817 vehicles (including the Lynk & Co) in April, leaping 49% year on year. For the first four months, its cumulative deliveries skyrocketed 41% from a year ago to 515,113 units, completing 33% of its annual sales target 1.58 million in 2018, the company reported on May 7. In April, the sales of the Borui and the Boyue totaled 26,348 units. Particularly, the deliveries of the Boyue reached 23,025 units in April and 95,563 units in the first four months, increasing 8% and 17% respectively over the previous year. It is noteworthy that the 500,000th vehicles of the Borui had recently been handed over since it hit the market in March, 2016. Besides, 3,323 units of the new Borui were handed over last month with a month-on-month growth of 10%. Reportedly, the Borui GE will go on sale at the end of May. The automaker delivered 45,967 units of the Emgrand family in the past April. The deliveries of the all-new Emgrand jumped 22% to 22,667 units in April. The monthly sales of the Emgrand GL surged 41% to 12,749 last month. Additionally, the automaker handed over 12,425 units of the Emgrand GS after the update, soaring 36% from a year ago. What's more, 41,041 units of the Vision family were delivered in total last month. Among that, the sales of the all-new Vision grew 7% month on month to 12,417 units. With respect to SUV models, the April deliveries of the Vision SUV, the Vision S1 and the Vision X3 posted 10,983 units, 7,841 units and 10,965 units respectively. Especially, the monthly sales of the Vision X3 have exceeded 10,000 units for 6 consecutive months. Moreover, the April sales of the Lynk & Co 01 set a new high of 9,079 units. Since it hit the market in November last year, 33,783 units of the premium model have already been delivered by the end of the April. The controversial art of body modification could face a crackdown in NSW after a woman was left with mutilated genitals. NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard is considering tighter licensing requirements and age limits, and requiring stringent record keeping for the artists who implant, slice and scar their willing subjects in the name of art. But the minister also wants psychological examinations for the people willing to go under the knife, adding some must have "major issues going on in their head". The changes are being proposed as a 37-year-old man prepares to face court on May 15 for allegedly mutilating the genitals of a 33-year-old woman who underwent a procedure at a Newcastle business in 2016. The man's Instagram profile, which was deleted on Monday, included images of split tongues, implants under the skin and "scarification" - etching or burning permanent designs into the skin. Legislation to allow open hearings by the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption into matters of maladministration will be introduced to the South Australian parliament this week. Premier Steven Marshall said the bill will be one of the first to be debated by the new parliament after its first sitting last week. "I'm very pleased to hear that the former government will be helping us to proceed with that legislation," he told reporters on Monday. "We promised that to the people of South Australia and we want to be delivering that as soon as possible." The legislation was a key commitment for the Liberal Party in the lead-up to the March election and is included in its plan for its first 100 days in office. But the premier ruled out introducing legislation to deregulate shop trading hours this week - another commitment included in its plan. "We've got a huge number of maiden speeches and we've got the supply bill to get through," he said. "If we don't get the supply bill through it brings the government to a grinding halt. "We are sitting the following week as well, (when) you'll see more legislation in line with the commitments that we made in the lead-up to the election." Family, friends and politicians from all sides will gather in Brisbane on Tuesday to pay their respects to former Queensland deputy premier Terry Mackenroth. The 68-year-old Labor heavyweight died last week after doctors treating him for pneumonia found a tumour in his lung. It was the second time Mr Mackenroth, who retired from state parliament in 2005 after 28 years of service, faced cancer after beating the illness almost 20 years ago. He will be remembered at a state funeral at the Our Lady of Graces Catholic Church in Carina at 11am Tuesday. Tributes from current and former politicians across the political spectrum have flowed for the man known widely as "The Fox". He is survived by his wife, two daughters and four grandchildren. With the Turnbull government's coffers looking healthier, aid groups hope some generosity can finally flow to the world poorest. The government introduced a temporary freeze last year that would siphon $300 million from the aid budget from mid-2018. This followed $11.3 billion of cuts since the coalition government came to power in 2013. Aid spending now equates to about 22 cents in every $100 of gross national income, an historic low. The peak aid body the Australian Council for International Development insists now that government revenue is up, there is an opportunity to start to repair the aid budget. The Rohingya refugee crisis which has seen 700,000 people flee from Myanmar to Bangladesh, cyclone-hit Tonga and a deadly earthquake in Papua New Guinea are among disasters stretching resources of aid groups. However, the call to boost aid could be wishful thinking, following speculation of another $400 million a year cut. "Australia is increasingly seen as an unreliable development partner and a fair-weather friend," ACFID chief executive Marc Purcell told AAP. Aid organisation Micah Australia is also pessimistic. "Our lack of commitment to Australian aid coupled with an absence of any long-term vision for our role in the region means that our soft power is waning, along with our reputation," spokesman Matt Darvas said. "When will our government believe we have enough so we can start being generous again?" Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade released its aid performance report, which showed some aid programs in the Pacific were struggling to meet objectives. At least 35 per cent of program objectives were considered "at risk" and three per cent off track. There were problems making progress on health and education outcomes in Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga and Nauru. For the first time in years, the federal budget could help fuel economic growth through measures such as personal income tax cuts and infrastructure spending. Treasurer Scott Morrison may even announce a surplus one year earlier than a long-standing forecast of returning to the black in 2020/21 when he hands down the budget on Tuesday evening, such is the wealth of tax revenue the government has to play with. Since the 2008-2009 global financial crisis, consecutive governments and treasurers have battled to repair the budget, which has proved to be a small drag on economic growth. The promise of personal tax cuts comes at a time of subdued wage growth, which has left the retail sector struggling when business more generally is going gangbusters. Data on Monday showed business conditions are at their highest level in over 20 years. Before the treasurer hands down his third budget, new retail figures are expected to show only modest spending in March. Economists expect spending grew 0.2 per cent in the month after the 0.6 per cent rise in February. Over the March quarter, retail spending is predicted to have grown by 0.5 per cent, almost half the 0.9 per cent rate during the December quarter. The data will feed into the national accounts for the March quarter on June 6. Figures last week showed a rebound in exports after their disappointing performance in the final three months of 2017, which contributed to a slow 2.4 per cent growth rate for the year. In the mid-year budget review released in December, Treasury forecast a growth rate of 2.5 per cent for this financial year and then three per cent for the following two years. This is slightly below the Reserve Bank's latest forecasts released in its quarterly monetary policy statement on Friday, which predicted growth of 2.75 per cent in 2017/18, and then 3.25 per cent in both 2018/19 and 2019/20. The Northern Territory government is due to formally apologise to people convicted under gay sex laws. "Chief Minister Michael Gunner will deliver a formal state apology to people convicted under historic laws against consensual homosexual acts," the Human Rights Law Centre said in a statement on Tuesday. Anna Brown, Director of Legal Advocacy at the centre, said the apology will help to heal past wounds. "It's never too late to put things right. There was a time when governments around Australia turned thousands of innocent men and women into criminals all because of who they love. It was profoundly cruel and wrong. Sex between consenting adults should never have been criminalised. This is an important step towards righting the wrongs of the past," Ms Brown said. Noosa restaurateurs are bullishly proud of what they do and where they get to do it, and it's easy to see why. For starters, they live and work in paradise. The lush Sunshine Coast resort spot has long been considered one of Australia's most loved holiday destinations. But Noosa's glorious natural beauty doesn't stop at the beach or the hinterland. It shines through on the plate and in the glass, too. Think locally caught snapper, transformed into a rich Sri Lankan curry. Or milk from a buffalo in Maleny, churned into haloumi and garnished with locally grown figs and compressed watermelon. Or glistening oysters plucked from the sea and shucked to order. And Sunshine Coast wine and craft beer to wash it down. "Our local produce is just amazing," said Philip Holmes, manager at the Noosa Beach House. "We're very proud of what we do up here and we're very lucky with what we have." That pride will be front and centre at the Noosa Food and Wine Festival (May 17-20), which appears to have gone back to its roots. For years it was run by Noosa chef Jim Berardo, who founded the festival 15 years ago. It grew into Queensland's top culinary event but over time, it went from a hyper-local focus to statewide, to national, then international. Berardo soon ran into financial difficulty, his company went under and the future of the festival was thrown into question. This year, the rights to the festival were bought by Tourism Noosa, whose decision to put locally sourced food and beverages back in the spotlight is already paying dividends. The buzz is back, and speaking to those with a stake in Noosa's hospitality industry, you can feel it. Two events exemplify the renewed home-grown emphasis and local spirit. The first is the 100km table, where Peter Kuruvita - the man behind the Noosa Beach House - and Matt Wilkinson will create a four-course menu using produce from within a 100km radius. That includes spanner crab, organic pork, foraged herbs and an "Australian mess" of meringue and seasonal fruits for dessert. The second is the popular long lunch, which will transform Hastings Street into one giant table stretching the length of Noosa's main drag, with eight restaurants feeding those lucky enough to snare a seat. More than 3000 tickets have been sold for the festival village, which returns to the bank of the Noosa River for the first time in three years. It will be the heartbeat of the whole festival - where Miguel Maestre, Colin Fassnidge and Matt Preston will perform their cooking demonstrations, and some of Noosa's top restaurants will display their wares. In another first, there will also be a craft beer and cider corner - a nod to a trend that has exploded in inner cities. But the nearby Eumundi Brewery, established in 1988, was well ahead of the curve. It'll all end in typical style, too - the finale will be held right on the beach at Laguna Bay with a closing aperitivo party presented by Noosa Boathouse chef Shane Bailey and famed local Matt Golinski. The rest of Noosa's eateries, meanwhile, will accommodate chefs from across the country for the duration. For many of them it's an excuse to come together and celebrate. The festival's unofficial status as "schoolies for chefs" had to be earned, after all. "It's a party. It can go for a few more days than it's meant to," Holmes laughed. But the message is clear - Noosa is the star of this festival, and those who call it home are eager to show it off. IF YOU GO GETTING THERE: Noosa is a half-hour drive from Sunshine Coast Airport, which is a one-hour 25-minute flight from Sydney and two-and-a-half hours from Melbourne. Seasonal flights from Auckland are also available. For details around transfers, taxis and rental cars, visit sunshinecoastairport.com.au. An alternative is flying to Brisbane then driving an hour and 40 minutes north to Noosa. STAYING THERE: The Sebel Noosa is in the heart of Hastings Street and only a short walk from the region's top restaurants and the beach. It has a swimming pool jacuzzi, gymnasium and facilities to host conferences and business meetings. It also co-ordinates events during the food and wine festival. Prices start at AUD$135 a night. For more, visit thesebel.com. EATING THERE: The Noosa Food and Wine Festival runs from May 17-20. Tickets to access the Festival Village start from AUD$30, with a range of other events, masterclasses and food trails on offer. For more, visit noosafoodandwine.com.au. * The writer travelled as a guest of Tourism Noosa. The South Australian government will slash the size of a contingency fund operated by the treasurer after criticising its use by the previous Labor administration. Treasurer Rob Lucas says Labor used the fund to distribute $2.7 million in the nine months before the March election in what he's described as "outrageous pork barrelling". He says the bulk of the money was used to support Labor MPs and candidates in Labor seats or seats Labor was trying to win. "Whilst some of these projects and grants may have had merit, the secrecy and lack of transparency around the way the fund is expended undermines public confidence," Mr Lucas said on Tuesday. "There are absolutely no restrictions on payments out of this fund as the treasurer is the sole decision maker." The treasurer said the government would slash the contingency fund to just $500,000 a year, saving taxpayers almost $2 million over the forward estimates. He said the government would also report annually on payments made out of the fund. Sexual consent laws in NSW will be reviewed after the woman who accused a man of raping her in a Kings Cross lane when she was an 18-year-old virgin spoke publicly about her ordeal. NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman said on Tuesday he would refer the state's consent laws to the Law Reform Commission. Saxon Mullins, now 23, was anally raped in an alleyway behind a popular nightclub in Sydney's party district in 2013 on her first night out in the big smoke. She shared her story on Monday night on ABC's Four Corners in the hope of provoking a discussion about consent. Over a five-year period, Ms Saxon endured two trials and two appeals with Luke Lazarus eventually walking free. After the first jury trial he spent 11 months in jail before his conviction for raping Ms Mullins was overturned on appeal in 2016. He was later cleared following a judge-alone retrial. The NSW Director of Public Prosecutions then lodged an appeal against the acquittal over the May 2013 incident. In the second appeal last November, the Court of Criminal Appeal found that while the judge in the second trial erred, Mr Lazarus would not be retried with a judge saying it would be "oppressive" for him to have "the expense and worry" of another hearing. Mr Speakman said sexual consent laws needed clarity. "What this shows is that there is a real question about whether our law in NSW is clear enough, is certain enough, is fair enough," Mr Speakman told ABC radio on Tuesday. "That is why I have asked the Law Reform Commission to look at the whole question of consent in sexual assault trials." The trial heard Mr Lazarus met Ms Mullins on the dance floor where he told her he was part owner of the nightclub and offered to introduce her to the DJ in the VIP area. Instead he led her into a back laneway and the pair kissed before, according to Ms Mullins, he forced her into the sex act. NSW detectives are yet to formally speak with the former lover of murdered Brazilian woman Cecilia Haddad, whose body was found floating in a Sydney river, despite him making contact from his hometown of Rio. Mario Marcelo Santoro flew home to Rio De Janeiro the same weekend that the fully-clothed body of the popular 38-year-old Brazilian executive was found floating in the water near Woolwich. Police say Mr Santoro remains a "person of interest" - along with others. Mr Santoro, 40, has told News Corp that he has placed himself at the disposal of NSW Police, it was reported on Tuesday. But a NSW Police spokeswoman told AAP that no arrest warrants had been issued and no formal statements have been made. Mr Santoro and Ms Haddad had lived together in the past but Ms Haddad had asked him to leave her home in Ryde - some six kilometres from where her body was found - in the weeks leading up to her death. Homicide detectives are working under Strike Force Bronwyn to investigate the murder. "Strike Force Bronwyn are continuing their inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the death of Cecilia Haddad both here and abroad," police said in a statement Tuesday. "NSW Police Force has engaged with international partners, and given the sensitive nature of these inquiries, it is not appropriate to comment further." The dive squad may return to Parramatta River on Tuesday to search for evidence that may be submerged beneath Gladesville Bridge, a police spokeswoman told AAP. Divers spent Friday searching for what is understood to be a set of keys, although it's not clear who the keys belong to or what they may unlock. Ms Haddad came to Western Australia more than a decade ago before moving to Sydney in 2016 where she worked in mining and logistics. At the weekend, her mother, brother and friends carried white roses as they gathered at a Rio church to remember the successful and popular 38-year-old. "What happened to Cecilia is not normal - in the name of her family and friends we want justice," Olivia Furst, the family's lawyer, told Network Seven speaking in Portuguese on Saturday. Detectives are yet to establish how Ms Haddad's distinctive red Fiat came to be parked at West Ryde train station, where it was discovered the day after her body was found. Ms Haddad's ex-husband, Felipe Torres, who detectives believe was in Perth at the time of her death, flew from Western Australia to formally identify her body. If the High Court rules Labor senator Katy Gallagher ineligible to sit in parliament due to her dual citizenship, it would change a law that has applied for decades, one of her colleagues argues. The court could throw the opposition's budget response off kilter when it decides on Wednesday whether Senator Gallagher took all possible steps to renounce her British citizenship. "If the High Court changes the law that has applied for the last 20 years, obviously all political parties will have to consider the implications," Labor MP Tim Watts told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday. Three other opposition MPs - Josh Wilson, Justine Keay, and Susan Lamb - remain under a similar dual-citizenship cloud as Senator Gallagher. But any adverse ruling against Senator Gallagher would not force the party's hand on the trio's future, deputy opposition leader Tanya Plibersek says. There is speculation Senator Gallagher could re-enter parliament through a new lower seat in the ACT if the High Court rules against her eligibility. "She is an enormously talented asset for the Labor party and we will do everything we possibly can to see that she has the long career ahead of her that she deserves," Ms Plibersek told reporters in Canberra. Two explosions at neighbouring coal mines in Pakistan have claimed the lives of 23 people, officials say Twenty-three people were killed and 11 wounded after gas explosions tore through two neighbouring coal mines in southwestern Pakistan, officials said Sunday. Shortly before midday on Saturday, a build-up of methane caused an explosion and tunnel collapse at a mine in Marwaarh, east of Quetta, the capital of the fossil fuel-rich Balochistan province bordering Iran and Afghanistan. Jawaid Shahwani, the top government official in Quetta, said 16 of the 25 people inside the mine at the time were killed, with the remaining miners rescued and taken to hospital for treatment. Around three hours later, a mine 25 kilometres (16 miles) to the west at Spin Carez collapsed in similar circumstances, killing seven of the nine miners inside. Provincial mines minister Saleh Baloch told AFP that all miners in both accidents had been accounted for and rescue operations had ended. Pakistani mines are notorious for poor safety standards and bad ventilation. A total of 43 workers died in 2011 when gas explosions triggered a collapse in another Balochistan colliery, also owned by the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation. Balochistan is the largest of Pakistan's four provinces by area but its roughly seven million people have long argued they do not get a fair share of its vast gas and mineral wealth. The beleaguered province has also battled against separatist insurgents and Islamist militants for more than a decade. Supporters wait for the arrival of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak of the ruling coalition party Barisan Nasional during a campaign event Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been accused of involvement in a massive financial scandal, many voters are angry at rising living costs, and a renewed opposition is a real threat. But he is still tipped to be handed another term in office at elections Wednesday. Here are five reasons why he is likely to win and extend his coalition's six-decade hold on power: - Scandal? What scandal? - While the controversy surrounding sovereign wealth fund 1MDB grabbed international headlines, the scandal has faded in many Malaysians' minds, and alone is unlikely to prompt them to eject Najib from office. Billions of dollars were allegedly looted from the fund, which was set up by Najib, and used to buy everything from high-end US real estate to a luxury yacht, while huge sums mysteriously ended up in the leader's personal bank accounts. Najib and 1MDB deny any wrongdoing. Many Malaysians are unhappy at having a leader linked to corruption, and the ruling coalition's share of the popular vote could be dented. But the scandal peaked a few years ago and is no longer at the forefront of people's minds, with voters more concerned about other things. "Rising living costs, and particularly the rising cost of food, seems to be the top issue," Charles Santiago, a lawmaker from the opposition Democratic Action Party, told AFP. - Skewing the system - Allegations of electoral fraud and skewing the system to favour the long-ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition are nothing new at Malaysian elections, but analysts warn Najib is going further than any other leader in his bid to retain power. A redrawing of the electoral map in March created constituencies packed with voters from the Muslim Malay majority, who typically support the government, while civil society groups have complained of irregularities in voting lists, including the appearance of dead people's names. BN insists the elections will be fair. -Playing the race card - Najib has been shoring up BN's key Malay support base, which makes up some 60 percent of the country's 32 million inhabitants, by doling out cash handouts aimed at civil servants and those on low incomes -- often from the Muslim majority. The leader has also warned that a victory for the opposition, which has tried to present a more multi-racial front than BN, would be a "nightmare" for Malays that could threaten their privileged place in society. Bridget Welsh, a Malaysia expert from John Cabot University, told AFP that Najib had run a "very aggressive, racist campaign to feed off the insecurities of the Malay community". Many Malays will continue to back BN as they have benefited from a decades-old affirmative action programme that gives them perks, such as priority for government jobs. - Opposition problems - The four-party opposition alliance, Pact of Hope, got a huge boost when veteran ex-leader Mahathir Mohamad was picked to run as their prime ministerial candidate, and they hope the Malay nationalist will help swing Muslim voters away from BN. But it may be too little, too late for the long-troubled bloc. A previous opposition grouping fell apart in 2015 amid a dispute between the DAP and the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) over Muslim law. PAS has gone its own way and is fielding candidates separately at the poll, which could split the opposition vote. The opposition are also missing their long-time leader Anwar Ibrahim, one of the country's most charismatic politicians, who is in jail after being found guilty of sodomy in a case his supporters say was politically-motivated. - Robust economy - Najib's efforts to maintain power have been helped by a rebounding economy, which posted its best annual growth rate for three years in 2017 at 5.9 percent. The economy benefited from Najib's cash handouts to low-income earners, which gave consumer spending a lift, as well an export boom. A recent rise in oil prices will also help, as Malaysia is the only net exporter of oil among Asia's major economies. Prosthetist Jacques Forget examines an amputee in the artificial limb fitting workshop operated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Kano Njidda Maidugu breaks into a broad smile as he wobbles on his artificial leg with the support of crutches as a nurse walks alongside, helping him to keep his balance. Maidugu, 35, never thought he would walk on two legs again after he lost his right limb in a Boko Haram suicide bomb attack at a checkpoint in Maiduguri, northeast Nigeria, in 2016. "It feels like a miracle to walk with two legs again, I'm happy," the fuel station attendant told AFP at the National Orthopaedic Hospital in the northern city of Kano. "These are my first steps on two legs in two years and I feel like a toddler learning to walk," he added, looking down at his new plastic leg outside a prosthetics workshop. Maidugu was one of about 130 people who lost limbs in Boko Haram attacks and have been fitted with free artificial replacements in a project run by the International Committee of the Red Cross. A technician looks at unfinished artificial leg in the ICRC workshop inside the Dala National Orthopaedic Hospital The ICRC set up the limb-fitting workshop at the hospital in August 2016 to provide prosthetics to amputees from the three northeastern states worst hit by the Islamist insurgency. The jihadist violence, now in its ninth year, has killed at least 20,000 people and left thousands of others with life-changing injuries. "Half of the 262 patients we have fitted with prosthetics are (Boko Haram) war victims," said the head of the project, Jacques Forget. "The primary focus of the project is to cater for amputees from the conflict, women and children." - Bombs and bullets - The Boko Haram conflict has destroyed the livelihoods of millions of people in a region that was already desperately poor even before the violence began. Most of the population in northeast Nigeria live on less than $2 a day. That makes prosthetic limbs -- which cost on average nearly $700 (585 euros) - prohibitively expensive. As well as those injured by the bombs and bullets of Boko Haram, other beneficiaries include diabetics, victims of car crashes and industrial accidents. Babagana Habu, for example, hopped around with the help of a stick for 13 years after losing a leg in an accident with a grinding machine, until he heard about the project. "My parents were too poor to get me crutches to walk with," said the 25-year-old recharge card vendor, from Damaturu, the capital of Yobe state. Most of the cases from the Islamist insurgency have been wounded by gunshots or improvised explosive devices, said Forget. "Not many mines are used in the conflict, unlike in many conflict areas I have worked in," said Forget who has worked on artificial limbs for almost 50 years. Borno State Emergency staff carry the body of a victim of multiple suicide attacks outside the northeast Nigerian city of Maiduguri on May 4, 2018.At least four people were killed and nine others injured. Amputees are first assessed in the Borno state capital, Maiduguri, where the ICRC runs a medical clinic that caters specifically for victims of Boko Haram attacks. The clinic complements services provided by a handful of state-run hospitals in the city which has been overstretched by the sharp rise in emergency cases from the jihadist violence. The conflict has seen an exodus of doctors and other health service personnel from Maiduguri, leaving a huge gap that other medical charities are working to fill. The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), which treats the bulk of trauma patients, has only one consultant orthopaedic surgeon. Once potential beneficiaries of artificial limbs are screened, they are then sent for a fitting in Kano, nearly 600 kilometres (375 miles) away. - Huge demand - Forget works on an average of five amputees a week, which is just a fraction of the number of those seeking his services. "There is a massive number of people who need limbs and we would be flooded if we opened our doors to everyone of them," he said, surveying the stump from Maidugu's atrophied thigh. Maidugu heard about the free prosthetics project from a friend who convinced him to try his "luck" despite initial doubts. With five staff, the workshop struggles to meet deadlines to allow patients to return home within a week. "It is a huge problem compounded by the conflict," said Forget. Despite setting up another limb workshop at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, in the town of Shika, in neighbouring Kaduna state, the demand keeps increasing. The ICRC plans to open a similar workshop in Maiduguri with construction work expected to start this year in its effort to meet the huge prosthetic demand. "We are trying to give them a sense of normality, we give them a little quality of life," said Forget. "When your film gets selected in a good category, you feel confident that you are on the right track and your choice of films is good," Indian Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui told AFP When Indian actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui walks the red carpet at Cannes he may take a moment to ponder just how far he has come and where he is headed. In just over a decade, Siddiqui has gone from a struggling bit-part actor worried about finding food to an acclaimed international star coveted by directors for his versatility across all genres. "When your film gets selected in a good category, you feel confident that you are on the right track and your choice of films is good," Siddiqui told AFP in an interview. His latest film sees him play the lead role in "Manto", a biopic about the troubled life of Indian-Pakistani writer Saadat Hasan Manto. The movie, directed by Nandita Das, has been selected for the Un Certain Regard category of the film festival which opens Tuesday. "I enjoy Cannes because it is such a big and prestigious platform. It's a whole world revolving around films," said Siddiqui. Manto (1912-1955) is considered to be one of the Indian subcontinent's greatest ever short story writers. He was lauded for being bold and progressive and a proponent of free speech, writing truthfully about the brutal violence that followed the partition of British India. To others he was a subversive troublemaker whose stories featuring pimps and prostitutes broke too many taboos. Manto was charged with obscenity a total of six times by authorities in colonial and independent India. - Breakthrough - He died from organ failure caused by excessive alcohol consumption aged just 42. "Manto was an honest man who wrote what he saw. He was transparent and there was no hypocrisy in his life," said Siddiqui, who is 43. "He thought about things in the 1940s which we fail to see or think about even today. He spoke and wrote the truth, and truth never gets old. To play him you have to be truthful too," he added. Indian Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui is one of Hindi cinema's great success stories -- a poor man, who from humble beginnings in a village in Uttar Pradesh state, defied the odds to make it big in Bollywood after moving to Mumbai in 2000 Siddiqui is one of Hindi cinema's great success stories -- a poor man, who from humble beginnings in a village in Uttar Pradesh state, defied the odds to make it big in Bollywood after moving to Mumbai in 2000. By his own admission the chances were stacked against him: "I'm a five-foot six-inch, dark, ordinary-looking man. People didn't imagine I would make it," he told AFP in 2015. But after years of playing small parts Siddiqui achieved his breakthrough in 2012 with "Talaash", "Gangs of Wasseypur", "Miss Lovely" and "Bajrangi Bhaijaan". He has not looked back. "I spent 10-12 years struggling. My lowest point was to find food and survive. Now I can do the work according to my choices," he said at his office, a collection of posters from his biggest hits hanging on a wall behind him. Siddiqui has held his own with superstars like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan and also successfully crossed over into Hollywood, appearing in the 2016 hit "Lion". - Playing a Hindu hardliner - He is considered to be one of the few actors who can straddle both commercial Bollywood and independent film genres, putting him in high demand. After "Manto", Siddiqui will be seen in the Netflix adaptation of Vikram Chandra's novel "Sacred Games". It releases on July 6 and will be the site's first original Indian series. He is currently shooting for what he describes as his "most difficult" character yet -- divisive Mumbai politician Bal Thackeray, who died in 2012. Thackeray founded and led the Hindu far-right Shiv Sena party, which has campaigned against Muslims and sought to bar migrant "outsiders" from Mumbai. Siddiqui is both. "Credit goes to the family and the producer who must have realised I could do justice to this complex and difficult role," he said. Siddiqui will be in Cannes from May 13-15 before returning to India to finish shooting "Thackeray" which releases in January 2019. He has become a fixture on la Croisette since debuting with "Gangs of Wasseypur" (2012), walking the red carpet more than half a dozen times. "The Lunchbox" was screened there in 2013 while "Raman Raghav" followed in 2016. A suit that Siddiqui had made by a Indian tailor for his first visit has been a feature of all of his appearances. This time, however, he is ditching it for a stylish tuxedo fashioned by one of India's top designers -- symbolic perhaps of how far he has come. "The suit has its own story. But there should be change. We can't hold onto the past," said Siddiqui. Police have arrested a 19-year-old man who lives in the same neighbourhood as the victim A 17-year-old Indian girl was fighting for her life Monday after being raped, doused in kerosene and set alight, the second such case to shake the country this week as it reels from a series of brutal sexual assaults. The teenager was attacked on Friday -- the same day a 16-year-old was raped and burned to death, also in the eastern state of Jharkhand. The two incidents have shone a spotlight on the treatment of rape in India, where authorities are facing renewed pressure to act on sexual crimes after the recent gang rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl. The cases are some of the most high-profile since the 2012 rape and murder of a student on a New Delhi bus that triggered mass protests. "The girl has suffered 70 percent first-degree burns. There is a chance that she will survive," Shailendra Barnwal, police superintendent of Pakur district, told AFP. The victim has been moved to a private hospital with specialist facilities for "proper treatment and recovery", he said. Police have arrested a 19-year-old man who lives in the same neighbourhood as the victim. "He poured kerosene on the girl and set her on fire," Barnwal said. The two cases have shone a spotlight on the treatment of rape in India Fifteen people have been detained in the case of the 16-year-old, who was torched to death in the state's Chatra district. The main suspect in that case is said to have been angered by a village council punishment of 100 sit-ups and a $750 fine for raping the girl. He attacked her parents before setting their house on fire with the teenager inside. Some 40,000 rape cases were reported in India in 2016, but campaigners though say the real number is higher, with victims wary of making complaints because of social stigma. - Safety concerns - The country is already agonising over the brutal attack on an eight-year-old in Jammu and Kashmir state, where eight Hindus have been accused over the Muslim girl's abduction, repeated rape and killing. Hindu activists have staged angry protests claiming that the police inquiry was biased. The two cases have shone a spotlight on India's treatment of rape The Supreme Court on Monday ruled the flashpoint trial should be moved away from Jammu, a Hindu-majority region of the Muslim-dominated state, to Pathankot in neighbouring Punjab state. The victim's family made the request for the move, saying they feared for their lives. Concern over women's safety has been heightened further by new police figures indicating that more than five women were raped every day in the Indian capital this year. Some 578 rape cases were reported in Delhi up to April 15, against 563 in 2017 in the same period. Amid mounting outrage, the government has changed the law to allow execution for child rapists -- but daily sexual assaults continue to be reported. On Monday, a female lawyer from the low-caste Dalit community accused a senior lawyer associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of rape and blackmail. "I am scared as he is threatening my family. I am being made to face this only because I am a Dalit," the woman, who covered her face to remain anonymous, said at a televised news conference in Lucknow, capital of Uttar Pradesh state. She chopped her hair off at the press conference to protest the lack of official action and threatened to kill herself if nothing was done against the accused. A BJP leader from the state facing allegations of abduction and rape was arrested last month. Smoke rises from buildings after regime strikes on the Palestinian camp of Yarmuk and the neighbouring Hajar al-Aswad district in southern Damascus, on May 1, 2018 More than 30 Syrian government troops have been killed in a southern district of the capital in a fierce counter-offensive by Islamic State group fighters, a monitor said Monday. Regime forces are seeking to end IS's years-long foothold in the Palestinian camp of Yarmuk and neighbouring district of Hajar al-Aswad, both in southern Damascus. Last week, troops managed to sever a route linking the two areas, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said, but IS launched a fightback at the weekend and successfully reopened it. "Their hit-and-run operations have continued since then, killing a total of 31 regime forces, mostly in ambushes," said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Britain-based Observatory. "The regime has since been advancing slowly, taking some positions and buildings, but there hasn't been any strategic advance since Saturday," he told AFP. Regime troops control 60 percent of Hajar al-Aswad, while IS still holds more than 80 percent of Yarmuk. Forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad were pounding both districts with air strikes and shelling on Monday, Abdel Rahman said. Since the start of the offensive in mid-April, more than 150 regime forces have been killed, as well as 120 IS fighters, the Observatory said. Another 47 civilians also died in the fighting. Yarmuk was once a thriving Palestinian camp that was home to around 160,000 people but only a few hundred are expected to still remain. Syria's government besieged the camp in 2012, and IS overran large swathes of it three years later. Assad set his sights on the capital's south after reconquering a major rebel bastion east of Damascus earlier this month. The annual manoeuvres are the second under Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte The US and Philippine militaries launched major exercises Monday aimed at fighting global terrorism, while staying mostly quiet on Beijing's reported installation of missiles in the disputed South China Sea. The annual manoeuvres are the second to be held under Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who has set aside long-simmering friction over competing claims to the waters in order to court Chinese trade and investment. The 12-day exercises began less than a week after US network CNBC reported that the Chinese military had over the past month installed anti-ship and air-to-air defences on islands also claimed by the Philippines. "This exercise was scheduled whether those missiles were there or not," US Lieutenant General Lawrence Nicholson told reporters in Manila. "The exercises really have very little to do with recent developments in the area," said Nicholson, the US director of the "Balikatan" ("shoulder-to-shoulder") manoeuvres. Recent joint US-Philippine exercises have focused on humanitarian relief and counterterrorism The South China Sea issue has been brewing for years, with Vietnam, Malaysia and others also staking claims to waters with vital global shipping routes and what are believed to be significant oil and natural gas deposits. Nicholson's Filipino counterpart, Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Salamat, sidestepped the issue while highlighting the need to improve the capabilities of Filipino forces to fight terrorism. Duterte's predecessor, Benigno Aquino, had used the exercises to boost the Philippine military's capability to deter China, which claims most of the South China Sea. However, Duterte refocused the joint exercises after he was elected in 2016, steering them towards addressing domestic problems. Last year Balikatan focused mainly on honing humanitarian responses to the Philippines' frequent natural disasters. This year's terror focus comes after Islamic State group supporters seized the southern Philippine city of Marawi in May last year, triggering a five-month battle with US-backed Filipino troops that killed some 1,200 people. "This is focusing mostly on countering terrorism... that will allow us to respond to a similar scenario in the future," Salamat said. The US and Australia have pledged to provide more training and assistance to Filipino troops, who struggled in Marawi's urban battleground after decades fighting low-intensity rural-based communist and Muslim insurgencies. Most of the 5,000 Filipino troops and 3,000 US counterparts taking part in the manoeuvres are from special operations units who will train in mock urban terrain to respond to "crises and calamities, either natural or man-made", Salamat said. Australia and Japan are also sending a total of 42 military observers to Balikatan, he added. The foiled attack appeared to target a blood drive for victims of recent attacks, after another suicide bomber blew himself up outside a voter registration centre in Kabul on April 22 A suicide bomber targeting a blood drive for victims of recent attacks blew himself up in Kabul on Monday after being spotted by police, officials said, causing no other casualties. The foiled attack comes exactly a week after a double bombing in the Afghan capital killed 25 people, including AFP chief photographer Shah Marai and eight other journalists. The latest suicide bomber detonated himself after being spotted and shot at by police in Shar-e-Naw park in the heart of Kabul, police spokesman Hashmat Stanikzai told AFP. Stanikzai said the bomber had been trying to reach a temporary blood donation centre that had been set up in the park. "The attacker was killed. There were no other casualties," he added. Interior minister Wais Barmak, who is facing questioning in parliament over deteriorating security, confirmed police had thwarted the attack. "The enemy is changing their tactics every day; we are also trying to adapt and change our tactics," Barmak told MPs. The incident came as the death toll from Sunday's explosion inside a voter registration centre in the eastern province of Khost rose to 17 people, a health official told AFP. Another 36 were wounded, he added. The bomb had been placed in a tent being used to register voters on the grounds of a mosque, marking the latest attack on preparations for Afghanistan's long-delayed legislative elections. On April 22 a suicide bomber blew himself up outside a voter registration centre in Kabul, killing 60 people and wounding more than 100. str-mam-us-emh-amj/st/amz Election campaign posters are seen in Iraq's former jihadist bastion Mosul on May 1, 2018 Gunmen shot dead a parliamentary candidate at his home in northern Iraq on Monday, a local official told AFP, in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group. The candidate was "shot dead" by armed men at dawn "after they forced their way into his home," said Salah al-Juburi, a local official in Qayyarah, 70km (43 miles) south of Mosul city. The official named the slain candidate as Faruq Zarzur al-Juburi, 45, a Sunni from Shiite Vice President Ayad Allawi's National Alliance list. National elections are set to take place in the Shiite majority country on Saturday. In a statement on the messaging app Telegram, IS said Zarzur al-Juburi was killed because he was "an atheist". IS threatened in late April to attack polling stations, voters and candidates, in a statement by its spokesman Abu Hassan al-Muhajir. "Oh Sunnis... we know that the government of Rafida (a pejorative Arabic term for Shiites) is on the verge of what they call elections," he said. "Our judgement will apply to those who call for them and participate in them... The voting centres and those in them are targets for our swords, so stay away from them and do not walk nearby," he added. In a video posted on Facebook the day before he died, Juburi called on voters to be wary of outgoing candidates "and those who buy votes," in a message featuring him carrying his 6-year-old son Rayan in his arms. In the video, he promised "a strong government -- one that will take care of poor, families of martyrs, reconstruction and citizens". "In a few days, God willing, we will be celebrating victory," he said, sitting on the lawn outside his home. His Facebook page was inundated on Monday with messages deploring the attack. Sunni extremists like IS, and Al-Qaeda before it, have long targeted Shiites in Iraq. The May 12 polls are the first to be held since Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared victory over the jihadists in December. IS, which had launched a sweeping offensive in 2014 and at one point controlled one third of Iraq, still holds pockets of desert along the border with Syria. Britain, France and Germany urge Washington to stick with the Iran nuclear accord after Iranian president Rouhani warned that Washington would regret ditching the pact "like never before." Britain, France and Germany made a last-ditch appeal Monday to US President Donald Trump not to abandon the Iran nuclear deal as a key deadline approaches, warning that scrapping it would spark an "escalation". Trump has threatened to withdraw from the 2015 pact when it comes up for renewal on May 12, and to reimpose sanctions unless European signatory states fix its "terrible flaws". German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas warned that the accord's collapse could spark "an escalation" in the region and stressed that Washington's key European allies remain convinced saving it "makes the world a safer place". His French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, on a Berlin visit, said that the agreement is "the right way to stop Iran from getting access to nuclear weapons" and "will save us from nuclear proliferation". British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who was visiting Washington Monday, cautioned that "at this delicate juncture, it would be a mistake to walk away from the nuclear agreement and remove the restraints that it places on Iran". "Now that these handcuffs are in place, I see no possible advantage in casting them aside," Johnson wrote in The New York Times. He argued that "every available alternative is worse", adding that "the wisest course would be to improve the handcuffs rather than break them". - 'United in our effort' - Under the landmark nuclear pact, also signed by Russia and China, Iran pledged not to build a nuclear bomb in return for relief from international sanctions. Trump has consistently complained about the agreement, reached under his predecessor Barack Obama, citing perceived flaws including "sunset" provisions lifting some nuclear restrictions from 2025. In an attempt to salvage the deal, French President Emmanuel Macron has pushed to extend its scope to address this issue, as well as Iran's missile capabilities and its role in the region. Israel has also pushed to have the accord ditched, arguing that intelligence documents it recently unveiled showed that Iran had had a secret atomic weapons programme which it could re-activate at any time. Britain, France and other signatories have said those arguments only strengthened the case for the deal, which has safeguards in place designed to keep Iran from pursuing atomic weapons. Johnson was Monday to start a two-day visit to Washington, with the nuclear deal top of the agenda, the Foreign Office said. He was due to meet US Vice President Mike Pence, National Security Advisor John Bolton and Congressional foreign policy leaders. He said in his article that Britain, the US and Europe were "united in our effort to tackle the kind of Iranian behaviour that makes the Middle East region less secure -- its cyber activities, its support for groups like Hezbollah, and its dangerous missile programme". Iran's support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, via the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah in Syria's civil war, and its backing for Shiite Huthi rebels in Yemen have added to frictions between Tehran and Western powers. - 'Regret like never before' - Iran has always denied it sought a nuclear weapon, insisting its atomic programme was for civilian purposes. Its President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday issued a strong warning to the United States not the quit the pact. "If the United States leaves the nuclear agreement, you will soon see that they will regret it like never before in history," the reform-minded Rouhani said in a televised speech. "Trump must know that our people are united, the Zionist regime (Israel) must know that our people are united," he said. He also vehemently reiterated his country's opposition to curtailing its non-nuclear missile capabilities. Tehran "will build as many missiles and weapons as needed" for its defence, he said. "We are honouring our commitment, but we are telling the whole world we will not negotiate with anyone about our weapons and our defence." burs-fz/mfp/bmm According to the UN health agency, cholera infects 1.3 million to four million people every year and kills an estimated 21,000-143,000 -- mainly in poor countries, including Malawi, which has been facing an outbreak since late 2017 The biggest cholera vaccine drive in history is under way in Africa aimed at reining in a spate of outbreaks across the continent, the UN and charity alliance Gavi said Monday. More than two million people will receive the oral cholera vaccine as part of five major campaigns in Malawi, Nigeria, South Sudan, Uganda and Zambia, Gavi said, adding that the campaigns should be complete by mid-June. "This is an unprecedented response to a spike in cholera outbreaks across Africa," Gavi chief Seth Berkley said in a statement. At least 12 regions or countries in sub-Saharan Africa are currently facing cholera outbreaks, according to Gavi and the World Health Organization. According to the UN health agency, cholera infects 1.3 million to four million people every year and kills an estimated 21,000-143,000 -- mainly in poor countries. The ongoing campaigns in Africa are being implemented by the health ministries in the five countries, where thousands of cases of the disease have been reported. The vaccines themselves come from a global stockpile, which has grown substantially in recent years, in step with the recognition of the role the vaccine can play in halting the spread of the bacterial disease. - 'Key weapon' - "Oral cholera vaccines are a key weapon in our fight against cholera," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in the statement, stressing though the need also to improve access to clean water and sanitation, train health workers and work with communities on prevention. Cholera, which causes potentially deadly diarrhoea, is contracted by ingesting food or water contaminated with a bacterium carried in human faeces and spread through poor sanitation and dirty drinking water. Left untreated, it can kill within hours. WHO recommends giving the oral cholera vaccine in two doses, the first offering protection for six months and the second for three to five years. "We have worked hard to ensure there is now enough vaccine supply to keep the global stockpile topped up and ready for most eventualities," Berkley said. The campaign in Nigeria, where 1,700 cases have been reported, aims to provide 600,000 people with two vaccine doses each, while the campaign in Malawi, where more than 900 people have been infected, aims to provide vaccine protection to 500,000 people. Some 360,000 doses of the vaccine have meanwhile been shipped to Uganda, where the Kyangwali camp housing Congolese refugees is facing a cholera outbreak that has killed dozens and left more than 900 in hospital. In this campaign, only one dose is being provided per person to increase the spread. The country is also planning to vaccinate 1.7 million more people in coming months. Another 113,800 doses have also been shipped to South Sudan as a prevention measure ahead of the war-torn country's rainy season. And 667,100 doses are being delivered to Zambia as part of a second round of vaccination after a major outbreak infected more than 5,700 people and killed more than 100. Cholera brings devastation to communities across Africa in the rainy season, hence the historic vaccination drive, says Matshidiso Moeti, WHO's regional director for Africa "Every rainy season, cholera springs up and brings devastation to communities across Africa," said Matshidiso Moeti, WHO's regional director for Africa. "With this historic cholera vaccination drive, countries in the region are demonstrating their commitment to stopping cholera from claiming more lives." "Reunification of SPLM will give more power, more spirit, and more energy to the party," Deng said South Sudan's vice president, former rebel Taban Deng Gai, on Monday formally folded his party into the ruling Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) of President Salva Kiir. The move is aimed at bolstering the legitimacy of Kiir's regime and undermining rebel leader Riek Machar, to whom Deng was formerly allied. Deng split from Machar following heavy fighting in the capital Juba in 2016 and, siding with Kiir, took his former boss's job and is seeking to strengthen his position in the government. In a confusing move, both Deng in Juba and Machar, under house arrest in South Africa, continued to call their respective factions SPLM-IO (In Opposition) despite now being on opposing sides in the four-year-old conflict. On Monday, Deng insisted he was implementing a political resolution to the conflict by officially rejoining the ruling party. "Reunification of SPLM will give more power, more spirit, and more energy to the party to strive on the areas of making peace a lasting resort," Deng told journalists. The world's youngest nation which achieved independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan descended into civil war in late 2013 when Kiir accused Machar of plotting a coup. In the years since millions have been uprooted, triggering a regional refugee crisis, and millions more have been pushed to the brink of starvation, while tens of thousands have been killed, mostly civilians. While originally siding with Machar, his fellow Nuer tribesman, Deng switched sides ostensibly to help bring peace, but fighting has continued since, and talks have faltered. "The new rejuvenated SPLM will be fighting tribalism. We reconcile the communities, we stop child abduction, cattle rustling. We will continue with the disarmament of the civilians so that people are secure," Deng vowed Monday. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of United Nations, urges the Democratic Republic of Congo to lift a ban on demonstrations as it heads toward elections UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday urged the Democratic Republic of Congo's government to lift a ban on demonstrations that threatens to scupper chances for credible elections. The December 23 elections in the vast resource-rich country are to pave the way to a historic transfer of power that would end President Joseph Kabila's rule. Guterres told the Security Council in a report that "persistent divergences" over the vote and "the lack of political space remain a threat to the holding of credible and inclusive elections." "Lifting the ban on public demonstrations would greatly contribute to the opening of political space" and allow the Congolese to "freely exercise their political and civil rights," said the report sent to the council this month. The government has authorized some opposition protests in recent weeks but security forces cracked down on demonstrators in late March and early April in the second city of Lubumbashi and in other areas of the country. The ban was imposed in September 2016 when anti-Kabila protests turned violent. While repression against the opposition has decreased, restrictions targeting the opposition remain in place, with at least 86 political prisoners still in detention. The Security Council is expected to discuss the report on preparations for the elections in the coming weeks. Kabila, in power since 2001, has not clearly stated whether he will step aside. Last month, the council tasked its peacekeeping mission in the DR Congo with helping to prepare the polls and protect civilians as fears are running high of election violence. Mokoko supporters loudly proclaimed their support in Brazzaville during the 2016 presidential campaign Congolese general and former presidential candidate Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko, 71, was sentenced on Friday to 20 years for "undermining internal state security" after authorities accused him of trying to stage a coup. "The criminal court declares Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko guilty of the facts charged to him," criminal court president Christian Oba said. Seven co-defendants -- six French and a Congolese -- were sentenced in absentia to the same prison term. Mokoko, 71 and a former chief of staff of the Republic of Congo's army, has three days to appeal his conviction for undermining state security following the 2016 election in which he placed third. The defence counsel for the general, who was once an advisor of long-serving President Denis Sassou Nguesso, had said the trial was "simply a settling of political scores." In March 2016, Mokoko won less than a 14-percent vote share as Sassou Nguesso was controversially declared a first-round winner. Sassou Nguesso, 74, has cumulatively spent almost 35 years in office since 1979. After the vote, Mokoko and other candidates called for a campaign of "civil disobedience." But "had he wanted to stage a coup he would have done so a long time ago. General Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko never said 'take up arms'," one of his lawyers, Norbert Tricaud, told RFI on Thursday. "The decision of the criminal court doesn't surprise us because (the case) all began illegally in violation of our client's judicial immunity," Mokoko's lawyer, Eric Yvon Ibouanga said after the court handed down its decision. The prosecuting team had refused the defence claim that Mokoko was entitled to immunity as a "dignitary of the Republic". French lawyer Gerard Deviller, part of the state's prosecution team, said that punishment was merited "given the seriousness of the offence". Former Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe will not answer questions this week on corruption in the diamond industry Former Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe will not appear before a parliament committee this week to answer questions on multi-billion-dollar corruption in the diamond industry after the hearing was postponed, a lawmaker said Monday. The 94-year-old Mugabe had been summoned to appear before a mines and energy committee on Wednesday. But the member of parliament who is leading the inquiry said the hearing had been postponed to a date yet to be decided by the clerk of parliament. "The committee had already resolved to invite the former president to give evidence," Temba Mliswa, mines and energy committee chairperson told AFP. "It is the clerk of parliament who will write to him (Mugabe) to come to parliament." Mugabes name did not appear on the parliament committee meetings scheduled for this week. The lawmakers plan to question Mugabe over his 2016 claim that the country had lost $15 billion due to corruption and foreign exploitation in the diamond sector. The committee has already interviewed former ministers, police and intelligence chiefs to answer on diamond mining operations at the vast Chiadzwa gem fields. Mugabe ruled Zimbabwe from 1980 until he was ousted last year after the military took over briefly and his once-loyal ZANU-PF party turned against him. The former ruler, whose own regime was accused of siphoning off diamond profits, has described his ousting as a coup, and that it must be "undone". Zimbabwe discovered alluvial diamonds in Chiadzwa, in the east of the country, over 10 years ago, and rights groups have accused security forces of using brutal methods to control the scattered deposits. Rights groups say over 200 people were killed during operations to remove illegal panners from the area. Amid allegations of massive looting, Zimbabwe allowed several diamond companies to mine the area -- most of them as joint ventures between the government and Chinese firms. Pakistan's Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal was shot in the right arm as he prepared to leave a public meeting A man accused of shooting Pakistan's interior minister in a suspected assassination attempt possibly linked to blasphemy appeared in court Monday, with the attack seen as an ominous sign for security ahead of nationwide elections. Abid Hussain appeared before the anti-terror court in Gujranwala city in Punjab province, where he was remanded into custody for ten days, police official Chaudhry Tariq told AFP. His appearance came one day after Ahsan Iqbal, 59, was shot in the right arm as he prepared to leave a public meeting in his constituency in Punjab late Sunday. A man identified by police as Hussain, said to be in his early 20s, was wrestled to the ground by officers and bystanders as he was preparing to fire a second shot. Police are investigating whether the attack could have had any religious motive. A local official told AFP that the shooter said he was inspired by a controversy last year in which a small amendment to the oath election candidates must swear had to be hastily reversed after it was linked to blasphemy, a highly inflammatory charge in the deeply conservative Muslim country. The row sparked a three-week sit-in last November by a previously little-known Islamist group, which paralysed the capital. That demonstration ended when the government capitulated to the protesters' demands -- including the ousting of the federal law minister -- in a deal brokered by the military. At the time many Pakistanis and analysts warned that a dangerous precedent had been set in which fringe groups could bend the state to their will by citing blasphemy. Security has been stepped up around the hospital where country interior minister Ahsan Iqbal is being treated after he was shot Iqbal, known as a champion for religious minorities, had pushed for a negotiated settlement to the controversy. As part of their investigation police are examining any potential links between Hussain and the Islamist group leading the sit-in. After the shooting Iqbal was airlifted to Lahore. Shafqat Waseem Chaudhry, one of the five-member medical team responsible for him, told AFP Monday that he was "stable" but will remain in the intensive care unit for two days. The attack was swiftly condemned by the international community as Pakistanis voiced fears it represented an attempt to weaken democracy ahead of the federal elections. The polls are set to be only the second ever democratic transition in the country, and are widely expected to be held late this summer. - 'Bad omen' - Ziauddin Yousafzai, the father of Pakistani Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, "strongly condemned" the attack, tweeting that it was a "bad omen for upcoming general elections that is supposed to be free, fair and transparent". Pakistani Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal is a US-educated lawmaker from a political family and was touted as a potential prime minister when Nawaz Sharif was ousted last July Security analyst Amir Rana told AFP the shooting of the minister nominally in charge of security in a country that has long grappled with militancy was a "serious" development. "Pakistan claims that the country has returned to normalcy but such attacks continues to happen and these are downplayed," he said. The shooting is the latest in a series of blows to hit the PML-N since Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was ousted by the Supreme Court over graft allegations last summer. The court banned Sharif from politics for life, while foreign minister Khawaja Asif was also ousted by the Islamabad High Court late last month for violating election laws. Sharif, who termed Sunday's shooting an "atrocity", has repeatedly denied the allegations, suggesting he is victim of a conspiracy driven by Pakistan's powerful military to reduce the sway of his party. Iqbal was touted as a potential prime minister when Sharif was ousted last July. A US-educated lawmaker from a political family long associated with the PML-N, he is considered the brains behind the party's development agenda and previously headed up the planning ministry. The attack against him fuelled speculation that the election could yet be delayed, though newspaper columnist Cyril Almeida said that was unlikely. "Barring something catastrophic, like the Benazir assassination which caused the 2008 election to be briefly postponed, it appears elections will be held on time," he told AFP, referring to the killing of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in late 2007. Despite the setbacks, the PML-N has won a string of recent by-elections, proving it will likely remain a force in the vote. Blasphemy can be punishable by death under controversial Pakistani legislation, with even unproven allegations sparking mob lynchings and murders. bur-wh-sjd-ks-st/klm Bangui's mainly Muslim PK5 neighbourhood is volatile despite patrols by UN peacekeepers and security forces At least two people were killed and 10 injured in new clashes in a flashpoint Muslim area of the Central African Republic (CAR)'s capital, hospital workers said Monday, as several thousand attended ceremonies for Catholics killed last week. The latest casualties occurred on Sunday in the PK5 district and nearby areas, the sources said. Local residents said they heard automatic weapons fire and several houses had been burned down. Despite the rise in tension, around 3,000 people, including President Faustin-Archange Touadera and Prime Minister Simplice Sarandji, took part in a funeral ceremony in central Bangui for people killed in an attack on a church on May 1, including a Catholic priest, Albert Tougoumale-Baba. "The blood of our martyrs will be a pathway to peace, it will not be a sacrifice in vain," said Sister Monica, a nun who was close to Tougoumale-Baba. Twenty-four people were killed and more than 170 injured in Bangui on May 1, sparking fears that one of the world's most unstable countries would plunge once more into a bloody sectarian conflict. The violence began with a confrontation between security forces and militiamen in the PK5 district. Armed men then stormed the Fatima church in the middle of a service, killing worshippers and a priest. In response, a mob burned a mosque and lynched two people believed to be Muslim. One of the world's poorest countries, the CAR spiralled into bloodshed after longtime leader Francois Bozize was overthrown in 2013 by a predominantly Muslim rebel alliance called the Seleka. Nominally Christian militias called the anti-Balaka emerged in response, accelerating a cycle of sectarian violence. France intervened militarily from 2013 to 2016 to push out the Seleka, winding down the operation after Touadera was elected president. Touadera governs today with the support of a large UN peacekeeping operation. But most of the country is controlled by ex-rebels and militias, many of them claiming to act as guardians for the Muslim or Christian communities. The trial of American pastor Andrew Brunson on charges of terror links and spying -- which he rejects -- resumed Monday under heavy security in the Turkish town of Aliaga A US pastor denied spying and terrorism charges Monday in a case that has strained ties between Ankara and Washington, as a Turkish court ruled to keep him in detention and set a new hearing in July. Andrew Brunson, head of a small Protestant church in the western city of Izmir, faces up to 35 years in jail if convicted. He has been in detention since October 2016. Turkish prosecutors accuse Brunson of links to a group led by US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen -- who Ankara says was 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, who has lived and worked in Turkey for over two decades, is also accused of espionage for political or military purposes. When the prosecutor said Brunson should remain in jail, the pastor tearfully told the court: "What more should I say? I want to return to my home!" The judge agreed with the prosecution's view and set the next trial hearing on July 18. - 'I reject all PKK allegations' - At Monday's second hearing in the trial, which got underway on April 16, Brunson denied allegations made by a secret witness, named only as Serhat. The witness, who said he was Christian and appeared via video link with his face blurred, suggested Brunson's church had been an intermediary for the PKK and a place where PKK insignia were displayed. He also alleged that Brunson had forged "a plan to establish a Christian Kurdish state in Iraq and Syria." Brunson, wearing a black suit and white shirt, said: "I reject all the allegations about the PKK terror organisation. I have never supported them. "He claims PKK propaganda is being made in our Resurrection Church. Where are those pictures?" he told the court in the town of Aliaga north of Izmir. Another witness, Eyup Cakir, claimed Brunson's church resembled a "Kurdish camp" and there had been regular prayers for Kurdish fighters in Syria. "If we were PKK sympathisers there would be no Turks attending our church," Brunson said. - 'Wild conspiracies' - Turkish soldiers stand guard at the entrance of the Aliaga court and prison complex where the trial of American pastor Andrew Brunson on terror and spy charges resumed Monday. In a sign of the importance of the case to Washington, US embassy charge d'affaires Philip Kosnett as well as Sandra Jolley, vice chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, were present at Monday's hearing. Jolley told reporters she was seriously concerned by the "wild conspiracies, tortured logic, secret witnesses but no evidence. "Where is the evidence? Where the proof, investigation, the documentation?" she asked. "Upon this rests a man's life... We leave here with grave reservations about the future of an innocent man." US President Donald Trump tweeted last month the pastor was "fine gentleman" who was on trial and being prosecuted for "no reason". But Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, who will meet US counterpart Mike Pompeo in Washington in the coming days, said Brunson's case was solely in the hands of the judiciary. Turkish-US relations are already strained over American backing for a Kurdish militia in Syria which Turkey says is linked to the PKK, as well as the jailing of two employees from American missions in Turkey. In September, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suggested that Turkey could free Brunson if Washington handed over Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania -- an offer brushed off by Washington. Brunson is one of several American nationals caught up in the crackdown after the failed coup. 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. Oliver North, a central figure in the Iran-Contra scandal under president Ronald Reagan, is set to become the next president of the National Rifle Association Oliver North, a key figure in the Iran-Contra arms-for-hostages scandal under US president Ronald Reagan, is set to become the next president of the National Rifle Association, the US gun lobby announced Monday. The NRA said its board had approved North's candidacy on Monday and he would take over as president in the next few weeks. The current NRA president, Pete Brownell, chose not to seek a second term, the group said in a statement. NRA executive vice president and CEO Wayne LaPierre welcomed North's appointment. "This is the most exciting news for our members since Charlton Heston became president of our association," LaPierre said in a statement. "Oliver North is a legendary warrior for American freedom, a gifted communicator and skilled leader," he said. "In these times, I can think of no one better suited to serve as our president." North, 74, has authored several best-selling books and worked as a conservative commentator on Fox News since retiring from the US Marine Corps as a lieutenant colonel. He is leaving Fox "effective immediately," according to the NRA. While serving on the National Security Council in the 1980s, North was involved in the sale of weapons to Iran, despite an arms embargo on that country. The Reagan administration hoped the sale would help facilitate the release of Americans held hostage in Lebanon. Profits from the weapons sales were funneled to anti-Sandinista rebels, the Contras, in Nicaragua. North was convicted on three charges in 1989 but his conviction was subsequently overturned. His appointment to head the NRA comes as a student-led movement for stricter gun laws gathers momentum in the United States. The grassroots campaign for gun control was launched by students at a Florida high school where 14 students and three adults were shot dead by a troubled former classmate on February 14. President Donald Trump rejected calls for tighter gun laws in a speech to the NRA's annual meeting last week. Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar salutes during a military parade in the eastern city of Bengahzi on May 7, 2018, during which he announced a military offensive to take from "terrorists" the city of Derna Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar on Monday announced a military offensive to take from "terrorists" the city of Derna, the only part of the country's east outside the control of his forces. "The zero hour has struck for the liberation of Derna," said Haftar, declaring his troops had already started to crush the "bastions of terrorists" in the city. Dressed in uniform, he was speaking from a military parade in the city of Benghazi in which thousands of soldiers from his self-styled army demonstrated their might. Marshal Haftar celebrated the fourth anniversary since launching his "anti-terrorist" operation, which saw jihadists driven out of Benghazi -- the home of Libya's 2011 revolution. It was his second public appearance after he returned to Benghazi two weeks ago following a long stay abroad, during which he was hospitalised in Paris. Haftar said he had instructed his troops to spare the 150,000 residents of Derna, who have been under the control of the pro-Al-Qaeda Mujahedeen Shura Council. He said "peace efforts" aimed at avoiding clashes in Derna over the past three years had reached a "stalemate". The coalition of Islamist militias was formed to drive the Islamic State group from the city in 2015, after IS's takeover of Derna the previous year. It also fights Haftar's forces which have besieged the city for months. While Haftar rules over eastern Libya, the rival Government of National Accord sits in the capital Tripoli and has the backing of the broader international community. Haftar is accused by his rivals of wanting to establish a new military dictatorship in Libya. Derna was known for being a bastion for jihadists even before the 2011 uprising that toppled and killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi. The city is the only part of eastern Libya to remain out of the control of Haftar's Libyan National Army, which has the backing of Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. In May 2017, Egypt carried out cross-border air strikes against militants in Derna in retaliation for a deadly attack on Coptic Christians. At least twp people have died in the protests The opposition in Madagascar on Monday said it was shunning a UN special envoy who is trying to broker an end to a political crisis ahead of a general election. "Let the Madagascans speak to each other," opposition member of parliament Hanitriniaina Razafimanantsoa told protesters gathering for the 17th straight day in the capital Antananarivo. "For the moment this is a crisis that must be discussed between Madagascans and resolved by Madagascans," he said. Since April 21, hundreds of opposition supporters have occupied the May 13 Square in the heart of the capital, seeking the resignation of President Hery Rajaonarimampianina before general elections seven months away. The opposition says the electoral laws are loaded in Rajaonarimampianina's favour and accuses the government of trying to elbow them out of the race. The country's top court last week tossed out parts of controversial new electoral legislation that had sparked the protests which claimed at least two lives. But the opposition has decided to continue the protests until the constitutional court decides on its recently-filed petition seeking the removal of the head of state. Abdoulaye Bathily, a special advisor of the UN Secretary General arrived in Madagascar on Sunday to try to renew dialogue between the opposition and the ruling party. He held talks with president Rajaonarimampianina on Sunday. "The solution lies in the hands of the Madagascans, we just want to accompany them in this process," said Bathily. The opposition has, however, agreed to hold talks with the World Council of Churches in Madagascar, which has also offered to help find a way out of the crisis. Elected in 2013, Rajaonarimampianina has not yet announced whether he will stand for re-election in a country that has been politically volatile since the last years in office of former Marxist military ruler Didier Ratsiraka, voted out in 2001. Two ex-heads of state and onetime mayors of the capital have already said they will stand: Marc Ravalomanana, who was president from 2002 to 2009, and Andry Rajoelina, who removed Ravalomanana after mass public protests and an army mutiny. Both were barred from running in 2013 and their parties have been involved in the demonstrations, but the two men have since made common cause against the current regime. Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari spent months in the British capital last year for treatment to an unspecified illness, casting doubt on his fitness to govern Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said on Monday he is travelling to the United Kingdom to see his doctor. "I will be travelling to the United Kingdom tomorrow, to see my doctor, at his request," said Buhari on his official Twitter account. Buhari said he will be away for four days and plans to be back in Nigeria's capital of Abuja on Saturday, May 12. The 75-year-old former army general had stopped over in London last week after meeting US President Donald Trump in Washington. At the time, his spokesman Garba Shehu said health matters were not the reason for breaking the journey back from the United States. But on Monday, Shehu said in a statement that Buhari did in fact visit his doctor then. "In the course of the technical stop-over for aircraft maintenance in London on his way back from Washington last week, the president had a meeting with his doctor," said Shehu. Buhari spent months in the British capital last year for treatment for an unspecified illness, casting doubt on his fitness to govern. His government was criticised for failing to update the public on his condition and repeatedly insisted the president was "hale and hearty". Buhari said on his return to Nigeria from London last year that he "had never been so sick" and had undergone blood transfusions. In seeking re-election in 2018, Buhari is defying calls from political heavyweights to step aside for a younger, more dynamic candidate. The Kennedy Center has rescinded two awards it had bestowed on Bill Cosby, shown here at the performance hall for the 12th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2009 The Kennedy Center announced Monday it has scrapped two major awards previously granted to Bill Cosby, after the disgraced comic was found guilty of sexual assault. The move comes just days after Cosby was expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which awards the Oscars. He has also been stripped of various honorary degrees. Cosby earned the Kennedy Center Honors in 1998 and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2009. "The Honors and Mark Twain Prize are given to artists who, through their lifetime of work, have left an indelible impact on American culture," the prestigious performing arts hall said in a statement. "As a result of Mr Cosby's recent criminal conviction, the board concluded that his actions have overshadowed the very career accomplishments these distinctions from the Kennedy Center intend to recognize." Cosby, once a darling of American television dubbed "America's Dad," has been accused of sexual assault by dozens of women. A 12-member Pennsylvania jury found the 80-year-old guilty on three counts of sexual assault last month for drugging and molesting Andrea Constand at his Philadelphia mansion in January 2004. The sequestered panel reached a unanimous verdict after 14 hours of deliberations. Cosby's first trial ended last June with a hung jury. Cosby is at home on a $1 million bail, pending sentencing. Each count carries a maximum punishment of 10 years in jail. His lawyers have vowed to appeal. SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, Texas (AP) - A new church has broken ground in the Texas town of Sutherland Springs six months after a gunman killed more than two dozen people during a Sunday service. Sherri Pomeroy of First Baptist Church says Saturday's groundbreaking was held on the six-month anniversary of the deadliest mass shooting in Texas history to "celebrate the lives that our friends and family lived." Pomeroy's husband is the pastor of the church where Devin Patrick Kelley opened fire. Their 14-year-old daughter was among those killed. Authorities put the official death toll at 26 because one of the 25 people killed was pregnant. The San Antonio Express-News reports that community members reiterated during the weekend ceremony that no victims' funds would be used for construction of the new $3 million church. ___ Information from: San Antonio Express-News, http://www.mysanantonio.com THE COLONY, Texas (AP) - Sung Hyun Park converted a clutch shot to turn around what had been a disappointing year. Park chipped in for birdie from behind the green on the par-4 18th hole to close out a 5-under 66 in the second and final round of the weather-abbreviated LPGA Texas Classic, good for a one-shot victory. "The beginning of the season was pretty frustrating, since I missed two cuts, and I felt pretty upset inside," Park said. "But after today's win, I just feel like everything - everything just kind of disappeared." Sung Hyun Park, of South Korea, celebrates after she hit the ball in on the 18th green during the LPGA tour Volunteers of America Texas Shootout golf tournament in The Colony, Texas, Sunday, May 6, 2018. (Jae S. Lee/The Dallas Morning News via AP) The sweet-swinging 24-year-old South Korean, the highest-ranked player in the field at No. 5, ended up needing that chip to drop to survive a late charge by Lindy Duncan, who birdied her final three holes for a 64, the low round of the tournament. Park finished with a two-round total of 11-under 131 for her third career victory and first since last season, when she was named rookie of the year and shared the player of the year award with So Yeon Ryu. She became the 11th winner in 11 tournaments on the LPGA Tour this year. Park skipped last week's tournament at Lake Merced outside San Francisco. Spent part of that time working on her short game, and it paid off when her 58-degree wedge found the hole from 20 yards out. "I was really nervous, but because of how much I have been practicing my chipping, I felt like my confidence really grew," Park said. The event was reduced from 72 holes to 36 after Thursday's round was canceled and Friday's play was delayed by 8 hours because of rain. Some players went 35 holes on Saturday and returned to play one hole on Sunday. Because of the rain delays and stop-and-start nature of the tournament, Park was part of a five-way tie for the lead going into the final round. She finished 90 minutes before the tournament ended because groupings were not changed from the opening round. Rookie Yu Liu closed with a 66 and finished third, two shots back. Ariya Jutanugarn (66) and Sei Young Kim (67) were another shot behind. Park bogeyed the par-4 first hole and then played the rest of the front nine in 5 under, including an eagle on the par-5 fourth. She shot 1 under on the back nine and then had to wait on Duncan, who could have forced a playoff by holing her second shot on the par-4 ninth. Duncan missed a short par putt on the 5th. Her caddie, Kyle Alexander, then told her to simply "go birdie, birdie, birdie." "And I said, 'OK,'" Duncan said. Duncan and Liu both had career-best finishes. Nicole Broch Larsen was assessed a stroke penalty Saturday night by a rules official who watched the day's play on television and determined a penalty should have been called because the Danish player caused her ball to move while at rest. "I still don't think it's me, but if all - how many rules officials there agree that it's me ... then I guess it's me," said Broch Larsen, who finished six shots back. Sung Hyun Park, of South Korea, celebrates after she hit the ball in on the 18th green during the LPGA tour Volunteers of America Texas Shootout golf tournament in The Colony, Texas, Sunday, May 6, 2018. (Jae S. Lee/The Dallas Morning News via AP) Lindy Duncan watches her tee shot on the first hole during the LPGA tour Volunteers of America Texas Shootout golf tournament in The Colony, Texas, Sunday, May 6, 2018. (Jae S. Lee/The Dallas Morning News via AP) Sung Hyun Park, of South Korea, grabs a bottle of water on the ninth tee box during the LPGA tour Volunteers of America Texas Shootout golf tournament in The Colony, Texas, Sunday, May 6, 2018. (Jae S. Lee/The Dallas Morning News via AP) Sung Hyun Park, of South Korea, watches her tee shot on the ninth hole during the LPGA tour Volunteers of America Texas Shootout golf tournament in The Colony, Texas, Sunday, May 6, 2018. (Jae S. Lee/The Dallas Morning News via AP) KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) - Malaysia's opposition parties have never come close to winning a majority of seats in a national election, even in 2013 when their total vote exceeded the ruling coalition's. That year, the ruling National Front won 47 percent of votes but 60 percent of the seats in Parliament. The party has advantages in Wednesday's election too. Opposition parties and activists have long complained they're unable to compete on equal terms. Here are some reasons why: ___ RURAL SEATS ARE KEY In this May 5, 2018, photo, a Malaysian police officer casts his ballot during an early voting for general elections in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Malaysia's opposition parties have never come close to winning a majority of seats in a national election, even in 2013 when their total vote exceeded the ruling coalition. The ruling National Front won 47 percent of votes but 60 percent of the seats in parliament. A similar result is likely in elections set for May 9 even if support for the opposition continues to increase. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian) Not every vote is equal. Multi-ethnic urban seats, which lean toward the opposition, generally have much higher numbers of voters than those dominated by rural majority Malays, who traditionally support the National Front. That means it takes fewer votes to elect a government lawmaker than it does to elect an opposition lawmaker. Tindak, a group lobbying for reform of the electoral system, says one third of voters decide half of the seats. These distortions are particularly evident in the thinly populated states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo, which together elect a quarter of seats in Parliament. ___ QUESTIONABLE BOUNDARY CHANGES The opposition and election monitoring groups say changes to the boundaries of electorates that were rushed through Parliament last month favor the government. They say the redrawn boundaries moved likely opposition voters into seats that already support the opposition, a process that also split constituencies along racial lines because minority Chinese and Indian voters have flocked to the opposition in the past two elections. The Election Commission has insisted the process was fair and the transfers moved voters to closer poll centers. The boundaries have not been redrawn since 2003, but this was the first time the exercise didn't involve an increase in parliamentary seats despite a sharp rise in voters. Tindak said the most obviously unfair changes were in the country's richest state of Selangor, which is among three of 13 states not ruled by the National Front. ___ VOTER ROLL IRREGULARITIES Bersih, a group promoting free and fair elections, says it has found "major irregularities" in the electoral roll, including more than 2.1 million people - equal to about 15 percent of eligible voters - without addresses. It also identified 23 cases of dead Malaysians being re-registered as new voters. The group says the irregularities are nothing new but no action to clean up the lists was taken following recommendations by a parliamentary committee in 2011. "We are extremely concerned that these irregularities continue to persist," Bersih said. ___ HOW CREDIBLE ARE INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS Malaysia has invited 25 election observers from nine countries including India and Indonesia, the world's biggest and third-biggest democracies, respectively. But the seven other nations all fall short on democratic credentials: Azerbaijan, the Maldives, Thailand, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Cambodia and Kyrgyzstan. Malaysia's Human Rights Commission protested that it had been denied permission by the Election Commission to field observers at polling stations. The commission said there will be more than 1,200 observers representing 14 local civil society groups. ___ FAKE NEWS LAW Malaysia's Parliament last month passed a law prohibiting fake news that critics said could be used to stifle debate and inhibit reporting on a corruption scandal at state investment fund 1MDB and allegations $700 million of the stolen money landed in Prime Minister Najib Razak's bank account. Last week police said they were investigating a fake news complaint against opposition leader and former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. He had claimed his chartered plane was sabotaged last week to prevent him from filing his candidacy in the northern resort island of Langkawi. The law allows fines of up to 500,000 ringgit ($127,000) and six years in prison. ___ VOTING DAY The Election Commission's decision to hold the election in the middle of the working week triggered a flurry of complaints it would suppress turnout, because many people must return to their hometowns to vote. Past elections show a higher turnout increases the opposition's share of the vote. The government subsequently declared May 9 a holiday but its opponents said it would still be challenge for half a million Malaysians working in Singapore to return home to vote. ___ This story has been corrected with the spelling of Mahathir Mohamad's name and Kyrgyzstan. In this May 6, 2018 photo, supporters of former Malaysian strongman Mahathir Mohamad wait as rain pours during an election campaign in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Malaysia's opposition parties have never come close to winning a majority of seats in a national election, even in 2013 when their total vote exceeded the ruling coalition. That year, the ruling National Front won 47 percent of votes but 60 percent of the seats in parliament. A similar result is likely in elections set for May 9 even if support for the opposition continues to increase. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) In this May 6, 2018 photo, supporters of former Malaysian strongman Mahathir Mohamad wave flag during an election campaign in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Malaysia's opposition parties have never come close to winning a majority of seats in a national election, even in 2013 when their total vote exceeded the ruling coalition. The ruling National Front won 47 percent of votes but 60 percent of the seats in parliament. A similar result is likely in elections set for May 9 even if support for the opposition continues to increase. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) In this May 1, 2018, photo, Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak attends an election champaign in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Malaysia's opposition parties have never come close to winning a majority of seats in a national election, even in 2013 when their total vote exceeded the ruling coalition. The ruling National Front won 47 percent of votes but 60 percent of the seats in parliament. A similar result is likely in elections set for May 9 even if support for the opposition continues to increase. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian) In this May 1, 2018, photo, women supporters of ruling national front cheer during an election champaign in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Malaysia's opposition parties have never come close to winning a majority of seats in a national election, even in 2013 when their total vote exceeded the ruling coalition. The ruling National Front won 47 percent of votes but 60 percent of the seats in parliament. A similar result is likely in elections set for May 9 even if support for the opposition continues to increase. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian) In this May 1, 2018, photo, a supporter of ruling national front prays during an election champaign in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Malaysia's opposition parties have never come close to winning a majority of seats in a national election, even in 2013 when their total vote exceeded the ruling coalition. That year, the ruling National Front won 47 percent of votes but 60 percent of the seats in parliament. A similar result is likely in elections set for May 9 even if support for the opposition continues to increase. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian) CANBERRA, Australia (AP) - In a story May 7 about Malaysian authorities intercepting a boat carrying Sri Lankan asylum seekers, The Associated Press reported erroneously that travelers who arrive in New Zealand immediately qualify for an Australian visa. Only New Zealand citizens immediately qualify for an Australian visa. A corrected version of the story is below: Australia says asylum seekers target New Zealand backdoor An Australian official says people smugglers are marketing New Zealand as a back door into Australia, after Malaysian authorities intercepted a boat carrying Sri Lankan asylum seekers By ROD McGUIRK Associated Press CANBERRA, Australia (AP) - People smugglers are marketing New Zealand as a back door into Australia, an Australian government minister said Monday after Malaysian authorities intercepted a boat carrying Sri Lankan asylum seekers. More than 130 Sri Lankans believed to be heading for Australia and New Zealand were intercepted when Malaysian authorities halted the modified tanker on Tuesday off the coast of southern Johor state. Malaysian police chief Mohamad Fuzi Harun said in a statement the group included 98 men, 24 women, four boys and five girls. Border Protection Minister Peter Dutton credited those who stopped the boat for doing great work in disrupting "a very sophisticated operation" to bring people to either New Zealand or Australia. "Some people it seems have been told different stories about their destination," Dutton said. "New Zealand is now being marketed as a definite destination." Because of Australia's close ties with New Zealand, New Zealand citizens immediately qualify for an Australian visa. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the focus needed to be on preventing the boats from ever leaving port. "Unscrupulous people with no integrity will promote either destination for their financial benefit, without necessarily those victims involved having any sense of the reality of either country," Ardern said. Australia has stopped asylum seekers from attempting to reach its shores aboard rickety fishing boats from Indonesian ports by refusing to allow boat arrivals to ever resettle on the Australian mainland. Australia pays the poor Pacific nations of Nauru and Papua New Guinea to keep asylum seekers from Asia, the Middle East and Africa in immigration camps indefinitely. New Zealand doesn't have similar policies but Ardern said that didn't make the country an easy target. "Our laws around people smugglers are strict, they carry a heavy penalty, and those individuals would be pursued if they ever were in New Zealand waters," she said. The boats used to arrive on Australian shores at a rate of more than one a day, but no boat smuggling people has arrived in Australia in almost four years. But Dutton said 14,000 asylum seekers were waiting in Indonesia for a chance to come to Australia. "People realize that New Zealand is a backdoor way into Australia, that New Zealand is a comparable society to Australia," Dutton said. "It has a similar welfare system, similar health, education offerings, housing, etc. - it is marketed in the same way as Australia is as a positive destination." Air Vice-Marshal Stephen Osborne, commander of Australia's Operation Sovereign Borders which blocks or turns back asylum-seeker boats that head toward Australia, described the ship stopped by the Malaysians as a "much larger vessel than we've seen for some time" and the smuggling operation as "far more complex and sophisticated" than previous attempts. Malaysian police also raided a fishing boat used to transport the migrants to the vessel and detained three Indonesians and four Malaysians on board, Fuzi said. Another five Malaysians were arrested for suspected involvement in the smuggling syndicate. A total of 127 Sri Lankans will be charged for entering Malaysia illegally while nine Malaysians, four Indonesians and four Sri Lankans will be investigated for human smuggling, Fuzi added. ___ Associated Press reporter Nick Perry in Wellington, New Zealand, contributed to this report. BEIJING (AP) - China has dismissed White House criticism of its "Orwellian" demand that foreign airlines not refer to self-ruled Taiwan as a country, saying companies operating in China must respect its sovereignty. "Whatever the U.S. says will never change the objective fact that there is only one China in the world and the Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan regions are an inalienable part of China's territory," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in a statement Sunday posted online. "Foreign enterprises operating in China should respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, abide by China's law and respect the national sentiment of the Chinese people," Geng said. Unlike self-ruled Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau are Chinese territories operating with some degree of autonomy. Taiwan's independence-leaning president, Tsai Ing-wen, weighed in with a tweet, saying, "We call on all businesses to resist #China's efforts to mischaracterize #Taiwan." The government of Chinese President Xi Jinping has been increasingly assertive about its claims to Taiwan, which it has threatened to invade to bring under its control. Delta Air Lines, hotel operator Marriott, fashion brand Zara and other companies have apologized to China for referring to Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Tibet as countries on websites or promotional material. The White House on Saturday condemned China's efforts to control how U.S. airlines refer to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, saying the push to make them comply with Chinese standards is "Orwellian nonsense." China's Civil Aviation Administration has demanded the change from 36 foreign airlines, including some American carriers, according to the White House. President Donald Trump will "stand up for Americans resisting efforts by the Chinese Communist Party to impose Chinese political correctness on American companies and citizens," press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement. "This is Orwellian nonsense and part of a growing trend by the Chinese Communist Party to impose its political views on American citizens and private companies," Sanders said. She said the Trump administration is calling on China "to stop threatening and coercing American carriers and citizens." The harshly worded statement came as a high-level trade delegation led by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin returned from negotiations in China and as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke with a member of the Chinese Communist Party leadership. In their telephone conversation on Saturday, Pompeo and Politburo member Yang Jiechi "affirmed the importance of a constructive, results-oriented bilateral relationship," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement. Australian carrier Qantas is among the airlines told to change how they refer to Taiwan, prompting comments from Foreign Minister Julie Bishop that any such pressure is inappropriate. "The terms that private companies choose to list destinations are a matter for them," Bishop said in comments provided by her office. "There should be no pressure from governments, whether ours or others, that threatens the ordinary operations of business." Bishop said she hoped the current understanding with China could continue and that her department would continue to liaise closely with Qantas. It wasn't clear what China had demanded Qantas do, or what the penalties for non-compliance might be. As China leverages the power of its massive domestic market to bend foreign companies to its political will, its retribution has sometimes targeted those firms' online presence. Regulators ordered Marriott to close its China-based website and app for one week after criticizing the company for referring to Tibet and Taiwan as countries in a customer survey. The moves come as China is stepping up efforts to isolate Taiwan diplomatically. The Dominican Republic switched its official recognition from Taipei to Beijing last week, leaving the island with just 19 diplomatic allies. In a further move, the ministry spokesman Geng indicated Monday that Beijing is blocking Taiwan's observer status at the United Nations' World Health Assembly for a second straight year because of Tsai's refusal to endorse the "one China principle" acknowledging Taiwan as part of China. MAMARONECK, N.Y. (AP) - A car has crashed into a restaurant in suburban New York, injuring several people. It happened at Enzo's Ristorante in the Westchester County village of Mamaroneck (muh-MEHR'-uh-nehk) shortly before 8 p.m. Sunday. Mamaroneck Mayor Tom Murphy tells The Journal News that multiple diners inside the restaurant were hurt and taken to a hospital. Their conditions were not immediately known. Juan Flores works nearby and says he saw a red car trying to get out of the parking lot. He says it backed into the restaurant, crashing through the glass doors. Photos from the scene show a wide section of the floor-to-ceiling windows in the front of the restaurant smashed in. VIKEKE, East Timor (AP) - East Timorese independence hero Xanana Gusmao has called on supporters not to be provoked after campaigning for next weekend's elections was marred by violence. Gusmao's National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction party said 18 of its supporters in Vikeke district were injured over the weekend and two vehicles were damaged in an attack by members of rival faction Fretilin. The parliamentary elections next Saturday are the second in less than a year for East Timor after a Fretilin-led minority government collapsed in January. After the alleged attack last Saturday, Gusmao said Fretilin was a party of violence that should be shut down but also urged his supporters to show restraint. "I ask all of you not to respond to provocation from other parties' members," he said. "When you return home you should keep your own security and do not serve violence." Jorge Ribeiro, a local official with Gusmao's party, said police and soldiers who responded to the violence have not arrested anyone. Vikeke police commander Antonio Mauluto said the incident is being investigated. Mari Alkatari, secretary-general of Fretilin, said the police investigation should take its course and told supporters to refrain from violence. The election pits a loose grouping of Fretilin and a minor party against a formal alliance of three parties led by Gusmao's party, which together voted against Fretilin's policy program and budget, resulting in the new election. East Timor, a former Portuguese colony, was occupied by Indonesia for a quarter century. It gained independence after a U.N.-sponsored referendum in 1999 but reprisals by the Indonesian military devastated the East Timorese half of the island of Timor. Today, the country of 1.3 million people still faces grim poverty. Leaders including Gusmao, who was East Timor's first president from 2002 to 2007 and prime minister from 2007 to 2015, have focused on big-ticket infrastructure projects to develop the economy, funding them from a dwindling supply of former oil riches, but progress is slow. Presidential and parliamentary elections last year were the first held without U.N. supervision. Trump to announce decision on Iran nuclear deal on Tuesday WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump is set to reveal his decision on whether to keep the U.S. in the Iran deal on Tuesday, a move that could determine the fate of the 2015 agreement that froze Iran's nuclear program. The announcement is set to cap more than a year of deliberation and negotiation that has at time pitted Trump against some of his closest aides and key American allies. Trump is facing a self-imposed May 12 deadline over whether to uphold the 2015 nuclear agreement, which he long has criticized. The president has signaled he will pull out of the pact by the deadline unless it is revised, but he faces intense pressure from European allies not to do so. "I will be announcing my decision on the Iran Deal tomorrow from the White House at 2:00pm," Trump tweeted Monday. The president has been the subject of an intense lobbying effort by American allies to maintain the agreement, with British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson making a last-ditch appeal to the administration in a visit to Washington this week. European leaders say that they are open to negotiating a side agreement with Iran, but the existing framework must remain untouched for that to happen. It is not immediately clear what Trump will announce Tuesday or whether he will announce the end of the deal or push for a renegotiation. Trump in October "decertified" the deal with Iran, but did not move to re-impose sanctions, known as a "snap-back." ___ 4 women accuse New York attorney general of physical abuse NEW YORK (AP) - New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, whose office has taken on a high-profile role in the fight against sexual misconduct, was physically violent with four women he was romantically involved with, according to their accounts which were published on Monday in The New Yorker . Two women spoke on the record, saying Schneiderman repeatedly hit them during the course of their relationships with him in recent years, and never with their consent. Neither woman filed any police complaints, but both said they sought out medical attention and confided in people close to them about the abuse. A third woman who also was involved with him told her story to the other two women, but said she was too frightened to come forward. A fourth woman said Schneiderman slapped her when she rebuffed him, but also asked to remain unidentified. The New Yorker said it vetted the third woman's allegations, and saw a photo of what the fourth woman said was her injury. The two women who spoke on the record, Michelle Manning Barish and Tanya Selvaratnam, both said the physical abuse escalated over time, including choking and hitting, and that Schneiderman also was a heavy drinker. The Associated Press is identifying the women because they agreed to tell their stories publicly. Manning Barish said she was involved with Schneiderman from mid-2013 through the end of 2014; Selvaratnam said she was involved with him from the summer of 2016 until fall 2017. ___ 10 Things to Know for Tuesday Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about Tuesday: 1. TRUMP TO DELIVER IRAN VERDICT The president is set to reveal his decision on whether to keep the U.S. in the Iran deal, a move that could determine the fate of the 2015 agreement that froze Iran's nuclear program. 2. WHAT STATE DEPARTMENT WANTS TO CLARIFY The administration says Rudy Giuliani "speaks for himself" and not for the president on foreign policy after a string of dramatic statements by Trump's new lawyer about Iran and North Korea. ___ Slopes of volcano offer lush, affordable piece of paradise PAHOA, Hawaii (AP) - As lava crawled down Leilani Road in a hissing, popping mass, Cheryl Griffith stood in its path and placed a plant in a crack in the ground as an offering to the Native Hawaiian volcano goddess, Pele. Griffith lives in Leilani Estates, a subdivision on the Big Island where molten rock from the Kilauea volcano has burst through the ground, destroying more than two dozen homes and resulting in evacuation orders for nearly 2,000 people. But the 61-year-old did not leave. "I love this place, and I've been around the volcano for a while," Griffith said. "I'm just not one to rush off." For many people outside Hawaii, it's hard to understand why anyone would risk living near an active volcano with such destructive power. But the slopes of Kilauea offer affordable land and a lush rural setting that attract a hardy breed of independent people. The landscape contrasts sharply with the state's more expensive real estate on Oahu and Maui, and the bustling capital of Honolulu. Amber Makuakane, a 37-year-old teacher and single mother of two, lost her three-bedroom house to the lava. She grew up here and lived in the house for nine years. Her parents also live in Leilani Estates. ___ Sessions: Zero-tolerance policy may split families at border SAN DIEGO (AP) - A "zero-tolerance" policy toward people who enter the United States illegally may cause families to be separated while parents are prosecuted, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Monday. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said it would refer all arrests for illegal entry to federal prosecutors, throwing its weight behind Sessions' policy announced last month to vastly expand criminal prosecutions of people with few or no previous offenses. A conviction for illegal entry carries a maximum penalty of six months in custody for first-time crossers, though they usually do far less time, and two years for repeat offenses. "If you cross the border unlawfully, then we will prosecute you. It's that simple," Sessions told reporters on a mesa overlooking the Pacific Ocean, where a border barrier separating San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico juts out into the ocean. Nearly one of every four Border Patrol arrests on the Mexican border from October through April was someone who came in a family, meaning any large increase in prosecutions is likely to cause parents to be separated from their children while they face charges and do time in jail. Children who are separated from their parents would be put under supervision of the U.S. Health and Human Services Department, Sessions said. The department's Office of Refugee Resettlement releases children traveling alone to family and places them in shelters. ___ As headlines swirl, Trump grows frustrated with Giuliani NEW YORK (AP) - President Donald Trump is growing increasingly irritated with lawyer Rudy Giuliani's frequently off-message media blitz, in which he has muddied the waters on hush money paid to porn actress Stormy Daniels and made claims that could complicate the president's standing in the special counsel's Russia probe. Trump has begun questioning whether Giuliani, the former New York City mayor, should be sidelined from television interviews, according to two people familiar with the president's thinking but not authorized to speak publicly about private discussions. Trump also expressed annoyance that Giuliani's theatrics have breathed new life into the Daniels story and extended its lifespan. It's a concern shared by Trump allies who think Giuliani is only generating more legal and political trouble for the White House. Giuliani, the newest addition to the president's legal team, first rattled the White House last week when he sat for interviews on Fox News and seemed to contradict Trump's previous statements by saying the president was aware of the October 2016 payout to Daniels from his personal attorney, Michael Cohen. He also suggested the settlement with Daniels had been made because Trump was in the stretch run of his presidential campaign. After Trump chided Giuliani on Friday, saying the lawyer needed to "get his facts straight," the former mayor put out a statement trying to clarify his remarks. But in weekend interviews, Giuliani appeared to dig himself a deeper hole by acknowledging that "Cohen takes care of situations like this, then gets paid for them sometimes." He did not rule out the possibility that Cohen had paid off other women. ___ Trump signals cooperative approach with Mueller is fading WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump signaled a more confrontational legal strategy against the special counsel's Russia probe on Monday, ripping into what he dismissed as an investigation into a "made up, phony crime." His series of tweets were fresh evidence that the cooperative approach with special counsel Robert Mueller that had been advocated by the president's legal team for months has gone by the wayside. It also revealed the president's anxiety about how the investigation could sway voters as they decide whether to keep congressional Republicans in power or force him to face an aggressive Democratic majority. Trump's new lawyer, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, has used a string of media appearances over the past week to cast the probe as a "totally garbage investigation." And Giuliani has called into question whether Trump would be treated fairly by Mueller's prosecutors if he were to agree to an interview. No decision has been made on whether to permit the president to sit for an interview, but a person familiar with the situation but not authorized to speak publicly on it told The Associated Press that the legal team hopes to resolve that question by May 17, the one-year anniversary of Mueller's appointment. Giuliani earlier told The Wall Street Journal that the team hopes to decide by that date. Mueller's team is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election and possible coordination with Trump associates as well as whether the president obstructed justice. So far, the special counsel's office has charged 19 people - including four Trump campaign advisers - and three Russian companies. ___ Iran-Contra figure Oliver North named president of the NRA ATLANTA (AP) - Retired Lt. Col. Oliver North, the Marine at the center of the Iran-Contra affair three decades ago, was named president Monday of the National Rifle Association, giving it star power as it faces a powerful backlash over the massacres in Florida and Las Vegas. North's appointment was ripped by gun-control advocates who called the move symptomatic of an NRA tone-deaf given his role in the arms-trafficking scandal that engulfed the White House in the Reagan administration. Conservatives and gun-rights supporters hailed him as a patriot who will vigorously battle efforts to restrict access to firearms. North, 74, will be the biggest celebrity to lead the 5-million-member gun lobby since Hollywood leading man Charlton Heston, who famously declared in 2000 that his guns would have to be taken "from my cold, dead hands." "Oliver North is a legendary warrior for American freedom, a gifted communicator and skilled leader," NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre said. Momentum for gun control has been building since the mass shooting in Las Vegas last fall that killed 58 people and the Feb. 14 rampage at a Parkland, Florida, high school that left 17 dead. ___ Holy haute couture: Met Gala blends fashion, some religion NEW YORK (AP) - Delicate veils, jeweled crowns and elaborate trains made up the holy trinity of haute couture at Monday's religion-themed Met Gala. Always on point Sarah Jessica Parker chose her gown and headdress from a series of drawings by Dolce & Gabbana. The intricate headpiece was a Neapolitan nativity altar made to scale by the Italian design house. Bella Hadid held court as a gothic priestess (is that a thing?), as her gold-embroidered headpiece fanned out over a simple black corset and skirt. The dramatic look was topped off with a structured, embossed leather jacket, emblazoned with a gold cross. Kate Bosworth's pearl-encrusted veil draped over a shimmering tulle gown by Oscar de la Renta, while Mindy Kaling donned a regal, blue-jeweled crown with a feminine silver gown and navy gloves. Kaling stars in the upcoming "Ocean's 8," a jewelry heist romp set at the Met Gala. If anyone can make a mitre modern, it's Rihanna. The Grammy-winning artist arrived dripping in pearls and crystals in a Maison Margiela Artisanal minidress and ornate robe. Rihanna is never one to shy away from a grand entrance. Last year, she wowed in a dress covered in fluttery petal-like pieces by Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo. ___ Zimmerman charged with stalking Trayvon film investigator SANFORD, Fla. (AP) - Authorities say George Zimmerman threatened a private investigator working for a documentary filmmaker. Court records show Zimmerman was issued a summons for a May 30 arraignment on a charge of misdemeanor stalking. A sheriff's report says the investigator contacted Zimmerman in September on behalf of Michael Gasparro, who is making a documentary on Trayvon Martin. The series is being produced by rapper Jay-Z. Court records show the private investigator received 55 phone calls, 67 text messages, 36 voicemails and 27 emails from Zimmerman in December. The records don't list an attorney for Zimmerman. As primary season kicks into high gear, Republicans are engaged in nomination fights that are pulling the party to the right, leaving some leaders worried their candidates will be out of step with the broader electorate in November. Primaries in four states on Tuesday, all in places Donald Trump carried in 2016, showcase races in which GOP candidates are jockeying to be seen as the most conservative, the most anti-Washington and the most loyal to the president. It's evidence of the onetime outsider's deepening imprint on the Republican Party he commandeered less than two years ago. In Indiana, Republicans will pick from among three Senate candidates who have spent much of the race praising Trump and bashing each other. In West Virginia, a former federal convict and coal baron has taken aim at Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., with racially charged accusations of corruption. In this April 30, 2018, photo, Senate candidates from left, Todd Rokita, Luke Messer and Mike Braun speak with each other following the Indiana Republican senate primary debate in Indianapolis. As primary season kicks into high gear, Republicans are engaged in nomination fights that are pulling the party to the right, leaving some leaders worried their candidates will be out of a step with the broader electorate in the November election. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, Pool) In Ohio, Republicans are certain to nominate someone more conservative than outgoing GOP Gov. John Kasich, a 2016 presidential candidate, moderate and frequent Trump critic. Even Kasich's former running mate, Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor, has pledged to unwind some of Kasich's centrist policies, including the expansion of the Medicaid government insurance program following Democrats' 2010 health insurance overhaul. With Trump's job approval hanging around 40 percent and the GOP-run Congress less than half that, the abandonment of the middle has some Republicans raising alarms. "The far left and the far right always think they are going to dominate these elections," said John Weaver, a Trump critic and top strategist to Kasich, who has been become a near-pariah in the primary to succeed him. "You may think it's wise in a primary to handcuff yourself to the president," Weaver said. "But when the ship goes down, you may not be able to get the cuffs off." North Carolina Republicans will weigh in on the fate of Republican Rep. Robert Pittenger, facing a primary challenger who almost upset him two years ago. Pittenger features Trump prominently in his campaign. Challenger Mark Harris, a prominent Charlotte pastor, has tried to turn the table, saying Pittenger is a creature of Washington who refuses to help Trump "drain that swamp." Tough primaries certainly don't have to be disastrous. They often gin up voter attention and engagement, and can signal strong turnout in the general election. Dallas Woodhouse, who runs the North Carolina Republican Party, said candidates benefit because they must "make their arguments and voters become more aware of the election." Trump and his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton each survived internal party battles in 2016. Clinton won the national popular vote that year, but in the states that mattered most - Ohio and North Carolina, among them - wary Republicans gravitated back to Trump while Clinton struggled to hit the usual Democratic base targets. Few national Republicans look at West Virginia and see helpful enthusiasm. Former coal executive Don Blankenship has accused McConnell of creating jobs for "China people" and charges that the senator's "China family" has given him millions of dollars. McConnell's wife is Trump's transportation secretary, Elaine Chao, who was born in Taiwan. Trump urged West Virginia voters to reject Blankenship, predicting the former coal company executive would lose the general election as Republican Roy Moore did in Alabama after allegations of sexual misconduct came to light. Trump tweeted on Monday: "To the great people of West Virginia we have, together, a really great chance to keep making a big difference. Problem is, Don Blankenship, currently running for Senate, can't win the General Election in your State...No way! Remember Alabama. Vote Rep. Jenkins or A.G. Morrisey!" House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said on Monday on Fox and Friends the president was trying to avoid internal battles and "find the very best person" in West Virginia to defeat incumbent Sen. Joe Manchin, a Democrat, in the general election. Indiana Senate candidates are trying to appeal to Trump voters by adopting the president's harsh immigration rhetoric and penchant for personal insults. The candidates have even channeled Trump by assigning derisive nicknames to one another: "Lyin'" Todd Rokita, Luke "Missing" Messer and "Tax Hike" Mike Braun. In several of the Tuesday primaries, Democrats are watching with delight, and having less trouble aligning behind nominees. The chief beneficiaries would be Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Joe Donnelly of Indiana, both sitting on healthy campaign accounts after avoiding their own primary fights. The leading Democrat for the North Carolina seat, Marine veteran Dan McCready, has raised almost $2 million, slightly more than Harris and Pittenger combined, in a district Trump won by about 12 percentage points. "He will absolutely make this competitive," Harris said. In the Ohio governor's race, liberal former Rep. Dennis Kucinich and former state Attorney General Richard Cordray have managed to avoid open warfare. Cordray, who also led the federal consumer watchdog agency launched under President Barack Obama, is the favorite. Republicans watched their state party, led by pro-Trump leadership that replaced Kasich allies after the 2016 elections, endorse state Attorney General Mike Dewine, while Taylor has effectively shunned an earlier endorsement from Kasich. "If Ohio Republicans are divided into Trump Republicans and Kasich Republicans, the Trump Republicans have won," said the state Democratic chairman, David Pepper. "That helps us." Gallup measures Trump with an 89 percent job approval rating among Republicans nationally, but 35 percent among independents and 42 percent overall. Historically, presidents below 50 percent watch their party suffer steep losses in midterm elections. Democrats must flip about two dozen Republican-held seats to reclaim a House majority, and they must do it with Republican-run legislatures having drawn many districts to the GOP's advantage. In North Carolina, Harris said the makeup of the district, which stretches from Republican areas of metro Charlotte east through small towns and rural counties, makes his pro-Trump, anti-establishment message a primary and November winner. Senate Democrats are just two seats shy of a majority, but must defend 26 incumbents, 10 in states where Trump won, including Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia. Republicans are defending nine seats, just one in a state Trump lost. ___ Barrow reported from Washington and Atlanta. Follow Barrow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BillBarrowAP PAHOA, Hawaii (AP) - As lava crawled down Leilani Road in a hissing, popping mass, Cheryl Griffith stood in its path and placed a plant in a crack in the ground as an offering to the Native Hawaiian volcano goddess, Pele. Griffith lives in Leilani Estates, a subdivision on the Big Island where molten rock from the Kilauea volcano has burst through the ground, destroying more than two dozen homes and resulting in evacuation orders for nearly 2,000 people. But the 61-year-old did not leave. "I love this place, and I've been around the volcano for a while," Griffith said. "I'm just not one to rush off." Residents evacuate as lava continues to overrun Hookupu Street, Monday, May 7, 2018, in Pahoa, Hawaii. Hawaii's Kilauea volcano has destroyed homes and spewed lava hundreds of feet into the air, leaving evacuated residents unsure how long they might be displaced. (Jamm Aquino/Honolulu Star-Advertiser via AP) For many people outside Hawaii, it's hard to understand why anyone would risk living near an active volcano with such destructive power. But the slopes of Kilauea offer affordable land and a lush rural setting that attract a hardy breed of independent people. The landscape contrasts sharply with the state's more expensive real estate on Oahu and Maui, and the bustling capital of Honolulu. Amber Makuakane, a 37-year-old teacher and single mother of two, lost her three-bedroom house to the lava. She grew up here and lived in the house for nine years. Her parents also live in Leilani Estates. "The volcano and the lava - it's always been a part of my life," she said. "It's devastating ... but I've come to terms with it." On Sunday, some of the more than 1,700 people who evacuated were allowed to return briefly to gather medicine, pets, and other necessities. They will be able to do so each day as long as authorities believe it is safe. The subdivision lies within the Puna District, a region of mostly unpaved roads of volcanic rock about a 30-minute drive from the coastal town of Hilo. Everyone in the district lives on the volcano. The people here are largely self-sufficient and understand the risks of their location. Many cannot get homeowner's insurance. Griffith said that is the hardest part of this lifestyle - they won't be able to recoup losses. Moments later, an explosion came from a nearby burning house. Puna has thick jungle as well as dark fields of lava rock from past eruptions. The gently sloping volcano dips from its summit to Puna's white sand beaches and jagged sea cliffs. The region has macadamia nut farms and other agriculture along with multimillion-dollar homes with manicured lawns. Other houses are modest, sitting on small lots with old cars and trucks scattered about. Homeowners use rainwater-catch tanks and cesspools or septic tanks. Many rely on solar power, and some live entirely off the electrical grid. Sam Knox, 65, who was born in Hawaii and now lives just a few hundred feet from a volcanic fissure, said he decided not to leave, despite the nearby explosions and the lava being hurled into the sky and flowing across his neighbor's property. "It was roaring sky high. It was incredible. ... Rocks were flying out of the ground," he said. Much of the area filled with lava in just four hours. Kilauea (pronounced kill-ah-WAY'-ah) is one of the world's most active volcanoes and has been erupting continuously since 1983. There's no indication when this particular lava flow might stop or how far it might spread. Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey expect the flow to continue until more magma drains from the system. Knox has some belongings packed in case he has to make a fast escape. "I decided to stay because I wanted to experience this in my life," he said. "I'm ready to actually evacuate, but if I don't have to evacuate, I'm just going to keep staying here because I don't have no other home to go to." ___ This story has been corrected to fix the spelling of Amber Makuakane's name. ___ Associated Press writers Jennifer Sinco Kelleher and Sophia Yan in Honolulu contributed to this report. Leilani Estates resident Sam Knox watches the lava stretch across the road, Saturday, May 5, 2018, in Pahoa, Hawaii. Knox's home is less than a few hundred yards from the lava flow and he does not have any plans to evacuate. Knox is hopeful the lava will not take his home. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia) In this Sunday, May 6, 2018, photo, lava creeps onto the pavement on Luana Street in the Leilani Estates subdivision in Pahoa, Hawaii. Hawaii's Kilauea volcano has destroyed homes and spewed lava hundreds of feet into the air, leaving evacuated residents unsure how long they might be displaced. (Jamm Aquino/Honolulu Star-Advertiser via AP) In this Sunday, May 6, 2018, photo, Leilani Estates resident Lucina Aquilina drives near lava on Luana Street in the Leilani Estates subdivision, in Pahoa, Hawaii. Hawaii's Kilauea volcano has destroyed homes and spewed lava hundreds of feet into the air, leaving evacuated residents unsure how long they might be displaced. (Jamm Aquino/Honolulu Star-Advertiser via AP) CORRECTS SPELLING OF LAST NAME TO AQUILINA INSTEAD OF AQULINA - In this Sunday, May 6, 2018, photo, Leilani Estates residents Elizabeth Kerekgyarto, right, and Lucina Aquilina embrace before parting ways outside Kerekgyarto's home at Leilani Estates in Pahoa, Hawaii. Hawaii's Kilauea volcano has destroyed homes and spewed lava hundreds of feet into the air, leaving evacuated residents unsure how long they might be displaced. (Jamm Aquino/Honolulu Star-Advertiser via AP) In this photo taken from video an unidentified man gets close to a lava flow advancing down a road in the Leilani Estates subdivision near Pahoa on the island of Hawaii Monday, May 7, 2018. Kilauea volcano has destroyed more than two dozen homes since it began spewing lava hundreds of feet into the air last week, and residents who evacuated don't know how long they might be displaced. The decimated homes were in the Leilani Estates subdivision, where molten rock, toxic gas and steam have been bursting through openings in the ground created by the volcano. (Scott Wiggers/Apau Hawaii Tours via AP) In this photo taken from video Scott Wiggers, of Apau Hawaii Tours, feels warmth from a fissure in a road in the Leilani Estates subdivision near Pahoa on the island of Hawaii Monday, May 7, 2018. Kilauea volcano has destroyed more than two dozen homes since it began spewing lava hundreds of feet into the air last week, and residents who evacuated don't know how long they might be displaced. The decimated homes were in the Leilani Estates subdivision, where molten rock, toxic gas and steam have been bursting through openings in the ground created by the volcano. (Scott Wiggers/Apau Hawaii Tours via AP) In this photo from video a lava flow advancing down a road is seen from less than 10 feet away in the Leilani Estates subdivision near Pahoa on the island of Hawaii Monday, May 7, 2018. Kilauea volcano has destroyed more than two dozen homes since it began spewing lava hundreds of feet into the air last week, and residents who evacuated don't know how long they might be displaced. The decimated homes were in the Leilani Estates subdivision, where molten rock, toxic gas and steam have been bursting through openings in the ground created by the volcano. (Scott Wiggers/Apau Hawaii Tours via AP) In this Sunday, May 6, 2018 photo provided by the U.S. Geological Survey, USGS scientists monitoring the eruption of Kilauea volcano in Leilani Estates walk past spatter that erupted from a fissure on Leilani Avenue, in the Leilani Estates subdivision near Pahoa on the island of Hawaii. Kilauea volcano has destroyed more than two dozen homes since it began spewing lava hundreds of feet into the air last week, and residents who evacuated don't know how long they might be displaced. The decimated homes were in the Leilani Estates subdivision, where molten rock, toxic gas and steam have been bursting through openings in the ground created by the volcano. (U.S. Geological Survey via AP) In this Sunday, May 6, 2018 photo provided by the U.S. Geological Survey, a Hawaii Volcano Observatory (HVO) geologist collects samples of spatter for laboratory analysis in the Leilani Estates subdivision near Pahoa on the island of Hawaii. Kilauea volcano has destroyed more than two dozen homes since it began spewing lava hundreds of feet into the air last week, and residents who evacuated don't know how long they might be displaced. The decimated homes were in the Leilani Estates subdivision, where molten rock, toxic gas and steam have been bursting through openings in the ground created by the volcano. (U.S. Geological Survey via AP) In this Sunday, May 6, 2018 photo provided by the U.S. Geological Survey, a lava flow moves across Makamae Street in the Leilani Estates subdivision near Pahoa on the island of Hawaii. Kilauea volcano has destroyed more than two dozen homes since it began spewing lava hundreds of feet into the air last week, and residents who evacuated don't know how long they might be displaced. The decimated homes were in the Leilani Estates subdivision, where molten rock, toxic gas and steam have been bursting through openings in the ground created by the volcano. (U.S. Geological Survey via AP) This May 6, 2018 photo provided by the U.S. Geological Survey shows the lava lake at the summit of Kilauea near Pahoa, Hawaii. Hawaii's erupting Kilauea volcano has destroyed homes and forced the evacuations of more than a thousand people. (U.S. Geological Survey via AP) This photo shows some of the 1990 lava flow from Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, Sunday, May 6, 2018, in Kalapana, a town south of the Leilani Estates subdivision, Hawaii. Hawaii officials said the decimated homes were in the subdivision, where molten rock, toxic gas and steam have been bursting through openings in the ground created by the Kilauea volcano. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia) This photo shows some of the 1990 lava flow from Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, Sunday, May 6, 2018, in Kalapana, a town south of the Leilani Estates subdivision, Hawaii. Hawaii officials said the decimated homes were in the subdivision, where molten rock, toxic gas and steam have been bursting through openings in the ground created by the Kilauea volcano. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia) Residents of the Leilani Estates queue in a line to enter the subdivision to gather possessions from their homes, Sunday, May 6, 2018, in Pahoa, Hawaii. Scientists reported lava spewing more than 200 feet (61 meters) into the air in Hawaii's recent Kilauea volcanic eruption, and some of the more than 1,700 people who evacuated prepared for the possibility they may not return for quite some time. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia) Smoke and volcanic gases rise from the Leilani Estates, Sunday, May 6, 2018, near Pahoa, Hawaii. Scientists reported lava spewing more than 200 feet (61 meters) into the air in Hawaii's recent Kilauea volcanic eruption, and some of the more than 1,700 people who evacuated prepared for the possibility they may not return for quite some time. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia) QAMISHLI, Syria (AP) - The "Defense of the People" Court is an almost intimate place. Three judges - two men and a woman - sat behind a large desk. The defendant, a former Islamic State group fighter in Syria, faced them in a chair only a yard away, close enough for a conversation. A space heater in the center and mustard-colored couch and armchairs made the room even homier. The judges are Kurds, belonging to the U.S-backed self-rule authority that the community has set up over much of the north and east of Syria. After defeating IS in battle, Syria's Kurds are now eager to show they can bring justice against the group's members. The emphasis is on leniency and reconciliation - in marked contrast to Iraq, where harsh and swift verdicts on IS suspects seem geared to vengeance. Under questioning, the 19-year-old Syrian Arab - his hair bushy and beard scraggly from months in detention - described how he had joined IS for nine months, fighting government forces. He was wounded, eventually deserted and went into hiding. Then in November, when IS was collapsing, he turned himself in to Kurdish authorities. In this April 3, 2018 photo, a Kurdish prison security guard, left, escorts a 19-year-old defendant, a former member of the Islamic State group, right, into a Kurdish-run terrorism court, in Qamishli, north Syria. After defeating IS in battle, Syria's Kurds are now eager to show they can bring justice against the group's members. The emphasis is on leniency and reconciliation with the aim of extending bridges to the Arabs they now rule and winning international legitimacy. Arabic reads, "The People's Defense Court." (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) "By God, I regret it," he said of his joining IS. He pleaded to the judges, "I want you to help me. I am married and my mother is also at home. I would really like to return to them." "You did well," the judge replied. "It is in your favor that you were a minor when you enrolled and that you handed yourself in. Good behavior in jail will be even more beneficial." The sentence: Two years and nine months in prison, reduced to just nine months because he was a minor and surrendered. Syrian Kurdish authorities have built a justice system from scratch, without any recognition from the Syrian government or the outside world, and are trying hundreds of Syrians accused of joining IS. The Kurds have multiple aims in their more lenient approach. They want to extend bridges to eastern Syria's majority population of Arabs, who deeply distrust their new Kurdish rulers. They also want to highlight their competence in government and win international legitimacy. So the Kurds abolished the death sentence and offered reduced sentences to IS members who hand themselves in. The harshest sentence is life in prison, which is actually a 20-year sentence. They organized reconciliation and mediation efforts with major Arab tribes and offered more than 80 IS fighters amnesty last year to foster good tribal relations and convince others to turn themselves in. In contrast, Iraqi courts have sentenced hundreds of IS suspects to death in swift trials, and even tangential links to the militant group are punished by sentenced of 15 years or life. The Kurds renamed the terrorism courts, saying that term was too negative. Instead, the tribunals trying IS suspects are called the Defense of the People Courts. Kurdish officials call their prisons "academies," saying the emphasis is on reeducation. The changes are in line with the group's "leftist-libertarian" ideology that claims to act as a direct democracy. But there are also major gaps. There are no defense lawyers; officials say that is because they fear security breaches amid a string of bombings and assassinations against officials blamed on IS cells. Judges keep their identities secret for fear of being targeted. So far, it is impossible to appeal verdicts, though the Kurds say they plan to create appeal tribunals. On a more basic level, the lack of international recognition puts a stranglehold on the Kurdish courts. Legally speaking, they have no more standing than Syrian rebels' or even the Islamic State group' courts. Kurdish authorities complain they are getting no help - including from their chief ally the United States - even though they say they discussed with U.S. officials their needs to develop their legal code and improve practices. A U.S. State department official said American agencies "are not at this time providing any training to the justice department" of the self-administration. Kurdish authorities don't say how many IS suspects they are holding in their prisons, saying the numbers change constantly because of trials, amnesties and new arrests. There are an estimated 400 foreign fighters held by the Kurdish-led authorities, and approximately some 2,000 women and children, families of foreign fighters, kept in camps under tight security, according to Human Rights Watch. The Kurds have not decided how to handle them, since their home countries don't want them back but also don't recognize the Kurdish-run courts. Aynour Pacha, who co-heads the highest council of judges in Qamishli that oversees the courts, said the self-administration is willing and has a right to try them. But she raised the question of whether their countries would take them back after they served their sentences. "We wish the world would see the burden we are carrying on our shoulders," she said. "These foreigners who killed our children are a heavy burden." Since the Syrian government pulled out of Kurdish areas in 2012, Kurds established local administrations, security forces, parliaments and courts. After rolling back IS with American backing, they control nearly 25 percent of Syria, including oil and water resources. Still, their self-rule is precarious. Qamishli, the administrative center, is divided between Kurdish control and a pocket held by the Syrian government, which doesn't recognize Kurdish aspirations to autonomy. Further west, Turkish forces are waging a military campaign vowing to roll Kurdish autonomy back. Nadim Houry, director of the counterterrorism program at Human Rights Watch, said self-rule officials appear to be making a real effort to meet international standards in the judicial system, despite the limitations. "I think this is on the positive side," said Houry, who recently visited northern Syria. "On the other hand, there are real issues. You can't have a trial without a defense lawyer ... I think structurally this is the biggest problem." The courts may be "primitive," he said, but such trials can "play a role in writing the history of this period" and gathering information about how the extremist group worked. Courts in Iraq and Syria can't do that, he said, "because they don't have the capabilities or because they only rely on an anti-terrorism lens." After backing the fight against IS, "the international community is absent and very weak" on helping in post-war issues in both Iraq and Syria, including in meting out justice. The message is, "this is your problem, find the solution. But it is an international problem." Since 2015, the terrorism court in Qamishli, the largest in the self-administration areas, has convicted around 1,500 defendants. Of those, 146 received sentences of life in prison; 133 were acquitted. The trials have increased exponentially as IS collapsed. In 2017, 674 were convicted, nearly double those tried the year before. So far this year, 225 have been tried, according to court records obtained by The Associated Press. At one recent verdict session, the defendant was a 34-year-old who had worked as an IS court clerk. The judge sentenced him to three years, which was reduced to one year because he handed himself in. The judge asked him if he wanted to comment. "What about my 45 days in detention? Would you count those?" the defendant asked. The judge said they would be counted. The defendant then asked to call his family. The judge agreed, and the defendant gushed with praise for his captors. A number of Iraqis have also been tried in the Kurdish courts. One Iraqi told AP during a visit to the prison that he handed himself in to Kurdish authorities to avoid falling in the hands of Iraqi militias. Kurdish officials said some prisoners ended up joining the Kurdish-led forces after serving their sentence to fight IS. But even those professed good intentions have limits. The view is bleaker in prison. Abdullah Khalaf is serving a 20-year sentence for his role in a 2016 IS attack on a Kurdish government building that killed more than 10 people. Khalaf doesn't contest that he's guilty; he confessed to his role in the attack. But, speaking in prison, he angrily scoffed at the Kurds and the justice he was offered. Khalaf is from Tal Abyad, one of the first towns to come under the control of the Kurdish-led forces in their campaign against IS. He had already moved to Raqqa, where he operated as a smuggler, bringing contraband cigarettes into IS-held territory, despite the heavy penalties the militants inflicted on those who sold or smoked it. After taking over Tal Abyad, the Kurds expelled his family when the body of a Kurd was found on their land. IS militants knew how to exploit tensions between Arabs and Kurds. They demanded Khalaf work for them, sneaking explosives into Tal Abyad. They seized Khalaf's contraband and arrested his brother, threatening to kill him if he didn't cooperate. He succumbed. Khalaf showed no remorse. "I entered a tunnel and could not get out," he said. After cooperating on a couple of missions, he was arrested after the attack in 2016. He grumbled that he got a heavy sentence while more senior IS members walked away because of connections to the new Kurdish rulers. Meanwhile, he said, his family, including his wife and four children, were forced to flee to Turkey, fearing reprisals because of his IS connections. He was worried his kids will forget him. "I wish they had given me the death sentence. It would have been better to die than to linger in prison," Khalaf said furiously. "What if I make it out, can I survive after those years? I will wait a year or two and then kill myself." In this April 3, 2018 photo, a Syrian 19-year-old former member of the Islamic State group, who declined to be identified, sits opposite a panel of judges in the courtroom of a Kurdish-run terrorism court, in Qamishli, north Syria. After defeating IS in battle, Syria's Kurds are now eager to show they can bring justice against the group's members. The emphasis is on leniency and reconciliation with the aim of extending bridges to the Arabs they now rule and winning international legitimacy. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) In this April 3, 2018 photo, a Syrian 19-year-old former member of the Islamic State group, sits opposite a panel of judges in the courtroom of a Kurdish-run terrorism court, in Qamishli, north Syria. After defeating IS in battle, Syria's Kurds are now eager to show they can bring justice against the group's members. The emphasis is on leniency and reconciliation with the aim of extending bridges to the Arabs they now rule and winning international legitimacy. Arabic reads, "The laws issued by the parliament of the Jazeerah province for 2014." (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) In this April 3, 2018 photo, a Syrian 19-year-old former member of the Islamic State group, foreground, who declined to be identified, talks to judges in the courtroom of a Kurdish-run terrorism court, in Qamishli, north Syria. After defeating IS in battle, Syria's Kurds are now eager to show they can bring justice against the group's members. The emphasis is on leniency and reconciliation with the aim of extending bridges to the Arabs they now rule and winning international legitimacy. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) In this April 3, 2018 photo, a Syrian 19-year-old former member of the Islamic State group, who declined to be identified, sits opposite a panel of three judges, in the courtroom of a Kurdish-run terrorism court, in Qamishli, north Syria. After defeating IS in battle, Syria's Kurds are now eager to show they can bring justice against the group's members. The emphasis is on leniency and reconciliation with the aim of extending bridges to the Arabs they now rule and winning international legitimacy. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) In this April 3, 2018 photo, a Syrian 34-year-old former member of the Islamic State group, who declined to be identified, stands in front of two judges as they read the verdict following his trial in a Kurdish-run terrorism court, in Qamishli, north Syria. After defeating IS in battle, Syria's Kurds are now eager to show they can bring justice against the group's members. The emphasis is on leniency and reconciliation with the aim of extending bridges to the Arabs they now rule and winning international legitimacy. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) In this April 3, 2018 photo, a Syrian 19-year-old former member of the Islamic State group, who declined to be identified, sits opposite a panel of judges, in the courtroom of a Kurdish-run terrorism court, in Qamishli, north Syria. After defeating IS in battle, Syria's Kurds are now eager to show they can bring justice against the group's members. The emphasis is on leniency and reconciliation with the aim of extending bridges to the Arabs they now rule and winning international legitimacy. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) In this April 3, 2018 photo, a Kurdish prison security guard, left, escorts a 19-year-old former fighter of the Islamic State group, into the courtroom of a Kurdish-run terrorism court, in Qamishli, north Syria. After defeating IS in battle, Syria's Kurds are now eager to show they can bring justice against the group's members. The emphasis is on leniency and reconciliation with the aim of extending bridges to the Arabs they now rule and winning international legitimacy. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) In this April 3, 2018 photo, a Kurdish prison security guard, left, escorts a 19-year-old former fighter of the Islamic State group, into the courtroom of a Kurdish-run terrorism court, in Qamishli, north Syria. After defeating IS in battle, Syria's Kurds are now eager to show they can bring justice against the group's members. The emphasis is on leniency and reconciliation with the aim of extending bridges to the Arabs they now rule and winning international legitimacy. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) In this April 3, 2018 photo, prisoners play volleyball, in a Kurdish-run prison housing former members of the Islamic State group, in Qamishli, north Syria. After defeating IS in battle, Syria's Kurds are now eager to show they can bring justice against the group's members. The emphasis is on leniency and reconciliation with the aim of extending bridges to the Arabs they now rule and winning international legitimacy. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) In this April 3, 2018 photo, prisoners cut the hair of other inmates in the barber shop of a Kurdish-run prison housing former members of the Islamic State group, in Qamishli, north Syria. After defeating IS in battle, Syria's Kurds are now eager to show they can bring justice against the group's members. The emphasis is on leniency and reconciliation with the aim of extending bridges to the Arabs they now rule and winning international legitimacy. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) In this April 3, 2018 photo, prisoners work in a handicraft workshop at a Kurdish-run prison housing former members of the Islamic State group, in Qamishli, north Syria. After defeating IS in battle, Syria's Kurds are now eager to show they can bring justice against the group's members. The emphasis is on leniency and reconciliation with the aim of extending bridges to the Arabs they now rule and winning international legitimacy. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) In this April 3, 2018 photo, Mahmoud al-Abdullah, 16, a Syrian former fighter with the Islamic State group, smokes during an interview with The Associated Press, at a Kurdish-run prison housing former members of the Islamic State group, in Qamishli, north Syria. Al-Abdullah is serving a 5-year sentence. After defeating IS in battle, Syria's Kurds are now eager to show they can bring justice against the group's members. The emphasis is on leniency and reconciliation with the aim of extending bridges to the Arabs they now rule and winning international legitimacy. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) In this April 2, 2018 photo, Aynour Pacha, co-president of the council overseeing judges in Kurdish-run courts, reads documents at her desk, in Qamishli, north Syria. After defeating IS in battle, Syria's Kurds are now eager to show they can bring justice against the group's members. The emphasis is on leniency and reconciliation with the aim of extending bridges to the Arabs they now rule and winning international legitimacy. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) PARIS (AP) - This year's Cannes Film Festival is kicking off with a legal dispute, as a Paris court weighs whether the festival can show Monty Python star Terry Gilliam's long-awaited film "The Man Who Killed Don Quixote." A hearing was held in the case Monday, on the eve of the festival's opening on the French Riviera. Gilliam's film is scheduled to close the festival on May 19. But Portuguese producer Paulo Branco, who initially worked with Gilliam on the film, claims he also has rights to the movie and has sued Cannes organizers to stop them from showing it. Portuguese film producer Paulo Branco arrives at Paris' court house, Monday, May 7, 2018. This year's Cannes Film Festival is kicking off with a legal dispute, as a Paris court weighs whether the festival can legally show Monty Python star Terry Gilliam's long-awaited film "The Man Who Killed Don Quixote" or not. Portuguese producer Paulo Branco, who initially worked with Gilliam on the film, claims he has the rights to the movie and sued Cannes organizers to stop them from showing it. Gilliam, 77, contests Branco's claims. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) "The work of each producer on this movie needs to be respected and not be trampled on by the director," Branco told reporters at the court. Gilliam, 77, contests Branco's claims. Gilliam's lawyer, Benjamin Sarfaty, said banning the film from Cannes is "not justified." He said Branco's claim that showing the movie at Cannes would cause him "irreversible damage ... is just a figment of imagination." The court will issue its ruling Wednesday. It's the latest in nearly two decades of headaches for Gilliam's film, which has been plagued by production problems, funding issues and legal woes. The film stars Adam Driver and Stellan Skarsgard and is loosely based on the classic Spanish novel by Cervantes. The case heard Monday is a special emergency proceeding about the film's scheduled showing at Cannes. In a broader, separate case over the rights to the film, a Paris court issued a ruling favorable to Branco last year. Gilliam appealed and that decision is expected June 15. The 71st Cannes Film Festival comes at a time of tumult in the film industry, with questions of gender equality at the fore as the event tries to guard traditions yet also adapt to fast-changing times. It opens Tuesday with the premiere of Asghar Farhadi's film "Everybody Knows," starring Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem. ___ Angela Charlton in Paris contributed. Portuguese film producer Paulo Branco, right, and his lawyer Claire Hocquet waiting outside the court room at Paris' court house, Monday, May 7, 2018. This year's Cannes Film Festival is kicking off with a legal dispute, as a Paris court weighs whether the festival can legally show Monty Python star Terry Gilliam's long-awaited film "The Man Who Killed Don Quixote" or not. Portuguese producer Paulo Branco, who initially worked with Gilliam on the film, claims he has the rights to the movie and sued Cannes organizers to stop them from showing it. Gilliam, 77, contests Branco's claims. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) Benjamin Sarfati lawyer of American-born British screenwriter Terry Gilliam arrives at Paris' court house, Monday, May 7, 2018. This year's Cannes Film Festival is kicking off with a legal dispute, as a Paris court weighs whether the festival can legally show Monty Python star Terry Gilliam's long-awaited film "The Man Who Killed Don Quixote" or not. Portuguese producer Paulo Branco, who initially worked with Gilliam on the film, claims he has the rights to the movie and sued Cannes organizers to stop them from showing it. Gilliam, 77, contests Branco's claims. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A woman whose daughter was fatally shot at a Nashville Waffle House has accepted her diploma during a commencement ceremony. News outlets report Shirl Baker received a standing ovation as she walked across the stage in her daughter's place Saturday at Belmont University. Twenty-one-year-old DeEbony Groves majored in social work and was among four people killed when a gunman opened fire at the restaurant on April 22. Suspect Travis Reinking is facing multiple charges, including four counts of criminal homicide. Belmont President Robert Fisher told the commencement crowd that "while our hearts were broken, today we have the chance to celebrate DeEbony's life together." Her brother, Di'Angelo Groves, also received his diploma Saturday and wiped away tears when university officials announced a social work scholarship in his sister's honor. JERUSALEM (AP) - Jerusalem's city hall says it has put up road signs pointing to the new U.S. Embassy, which is set to move to the contested city next week. Mayor Nir Barkat placed the first signs on Monday in the southern Jerusalem neighborhood where the embassy is to be located. According to a picture sent by Barkat's office, the white signs read "U.S. Embassy" in English, Hebrew and Arabic. The new U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem is to be opened on May 14 with a huge American delegation expected to attend, perhaps including President Donald Trump. In this photo released by the Jerusalem Municipality, Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat poses with a new road sign to the new U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, Monday, May 7, 2018. Jerusalem's city hall says it has put up road signs pointing to the new U.S. Embassy, which is set to move to the contested city next week. Barkat placed the first signs on Monday in the southern Jerusalem neighborhood where the embassy is to be located(Jerusalem Municipality via AP) The embassy move comes after Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital last year, heightening Israeli-Palestinian tensions. Israel claims the entire city as its eternal capital. The Palestinians seek the eastern sector as capital of their hoped-for state. BERLIN (AP) - Germany's top court said Monday that it has rejected the appeal of a suspected Islamic State member from Tunisia against deportation to his homeland, strengthening the legal position of German authorities separately seeking to remove an alleged associate of Osama bin Laden from the country. The Federal Constitutional Court said German authorities had obtained sufficient assurances from Tunisia that the man, born in 1980 and identified only as Haikel S., wouldn't face capital punishment and might eventually become eligible for parole - two preconditions for deportation required by German law. S. was arrested in Frankfurt in January 2017 on suspicion of being a recruiter and smuggler for IS since August 2015, and of planning an attack. Tunisia separately accused him of involvement in the March 2015 attack on the Bardo museum in Tunis, as well as a March 2016 attack on the border town of Ben Guerdane. FILE - In this Dec. 19, 2016, file photo, police officers guard a Christmas market after a hijacked truck plowed through the crowded market in Berlin. Germany's top court said Monday May 7, 2018, that it has rejected the appeal of an alleged Islamic State member from Tunisia against deportation to his homeland, strengthening the legal position of German authorities when it comes to ejecting suspected extremists from the country. Tunisia's failure to provide documents for another of its citizens, Anis Amri, was one of the reasons why he evaded deportation from Germany before carrying out an attack on a Berlin Christmas market in 2016, killing 12 people and injuring dozens more. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn, File) His lawyer, Seda Basay-Yildiz, told The Associated Press she has submitted an urgent appeal to the European Court of Human Rights to halt his deportation. A spokeswoman for Germany's interior ministry said authorities would examine whether the ruling has implications for other cases in which Germany is trying to deport individuals to Tunisia. "In those cases where it can be relevant we will of course consider it," Sonja Kock told reporters in Berlin. The case of a 42-year-old suspected Islamic extremist alleged to have once been a bodyguard for al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden recently made headlines in Germany. Courts have barred authorities from deporting Sami A., who receives monthly state benefits of 1,168 euros ($1,427), because he might face torture in Tunisia. The German government has said it is working to get diplomatic assurances from Tunisia he won't be tortured. Some German officials have called for aid money to be cut if countries refuse to cooperate in taking back their citizens from Germany. Government spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer confirmed Monday that Germany believes development cooperation should be one of the policy areas discussed with other countries in an effort to encourage deportations. Tunisia's failure to provide documents for another of its citizens, Anis Amri, was one of the reasons why he evaded deportation from Germany before carrying out an attack on a Berlin Christmas market in 2016, killing 12 people and injuring dozens more. ___ Follow Frank Jordans on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/wirereporter HONG KONG (AP) - Chinese technology company ZTE says it has applied to the U.S. Commerce Department asking it to suspend a seven-year ban on it doing business with U.S. technology exporters. The company said in a statement late Sunday that it had "formally submitted" a request to the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security for a "stay of the Denial Order." It said it sent the bureau "supplemental information" following the ban. It gave no details in its brief statement. FILE - In this Oct. 8, 2012, file photo, a salesperson stands at counters selling mobile phones produced by ZTE Corp. at an appliance store in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province. Chinese tech company ZTE said Sunday, May 6, 2018 that it applied to the U.S. Commerce Department to suspend a seven-year ban on doing business with U.S. technology exporters (Chinatopix Via AP, File) ZTE Corp., which makes smartphones and telecoms equipment, was hit with the ban last month in a case involving exports of telecom gear to Iran and North Korea. The company has said that the ban threatens its existence by cutting off access to U.S. suppliers of key components like microchips. The suspension came amid worsening trade tensions between the U.S. and China centered on technology-related intellectual property, though the case dates back to before President Donald Trump took office in January 2017. U.S. officials met last week in Beijing to discuss trade issues with their Chinese counterparts. During the meetings, Chinese officials said they also raised their objections to ZTE's punishment with the U.S. delegation, who they said agreed to report them to Trump. U.S. authorities imposed the penalty after discovering that Shenzhen-based ZTE, which had paid a $1.2 billion fine in the case, had failed to discipline employees involved and paid them bonuses instead. CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - A defiant Don Blankenship fired back Monday after President Donald Trump urged West Virginia voters to support opponents of the former coal executive - and former convict - in the Republican U.S. Senate primary. Blankenship said in a statement: "I will win the primary and I will beat Joe Manchin. Neither of my opponents can beat Joe Manchin without my support, but I will beat Joe Manchin even without the support of the establishment." Trump tweeted earlier Monday that Blankenship would lose the general election to Manchin, the Democratic incumbent senator. FILE - In this Jan. 18, 2018, file photo, former Massey CEO and West Virginia Republican Senatorial candidate, Don Blankenship, speaks during a town hall to kick off his campaign in Logan, W.Va. Blankenship went from prison to politics after serving a one-year sentence related to the deadliest U.S. mine disaster in four decades. His quest: To take down the man he blames for fueling public distrust of him, Democratic U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File) The stakes are high for a Republican Party bracing for major losses in this fall's midterm elections. A victory Tuesday for Blankenship - who was in prison a year ago -could cost Republicans a Senate seat come November. But the anti-establishment fervor unleashed by Trump's 2016 campaign has proved difficult for GOP leaders to rein in. Blankenship is among six GOP candidates in Tuesday's primary. Others include two-term U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins and state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey. "To the great people of West Virginia we have, together, a really great chance to keep making a big difference," Trump wrote on Twitter. "Problem is, Don Blankenship, currently running for Senate, can't win the General Election in your State...No way! Remember Alabama. Vote Rep. Jenkins or A.G. Morrisey!" Trump cited Alabama Republican Roy Moore, who lost a special Senate election after allegations of past sexual misconduct. Trump had endorsed Moore in that race. The 68-year-old Blankenship, former CEO at Massey Energy, served a one-year prison term on a misdemeanor conviction for conspiring to violate federal mine safety standards at Massey's Upper Big Branch Mine, where 29 miners were killed in a 2010 explosion. Thursday marks the one-year anniversary of his release from a California prison. He filed Senate candidacy papers late last year. Blankenship has taken aim at Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell with racially charged accusations of corruption. He responded that Trump doesn't know him and "the establishment is misinforming him because they do not want me to be in the US Senate and promote the president's agenda." He added, "As some have said, I am Trumpier than Trump and this morning proves it." Blankenship also touted his millions of dollars in contributions to past Republican campaigns in the state, including spending $3.4 million to help elect the first Republican to the state Supreme Court in 2004. "West Virginia voters should remember that my enemies are Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton and my opponents would not even be running as Republicans had I not resurrected the Republican Party in West Virginia," Blankenship said. West Virginia gave Donald Trump his largest margin of victory in the nation in 2016. Republicans make up just 32 percent of registered voters in West Virginia, yet in 2014 the state flipped the majority in the Legislature to the GOP for the first time in more than eight decades. Republicans hold five of the six statewide offices, including governor. U.S. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said Monday on "Fox and Friends" that the president's tweet against Blankenship is meant to avoid internal battles among Republicans and "find the very best person" in West Virginia to challenge Manchin. "What the president is saying is let's help this country," McCarthy said. "Let's put America first, find the very best person in West Virginia and not have a situation where we can't even compete in November." Jenkins said he's honored that "President Trump gave us a wonderful shout-out," while Morrisey said he hopes voters "will listen to President Trump when they go to the polls." On Sunday, Morrisey said Blankenship's failure to file a personal financial disclosure form violates the Ethics in Government Act. Morrisey said he plans to forward information to Blankenship's probation officer to determine whether it's a violation of Blankenship's supervised release. U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart in Charleston said his office has no information regarding Morrisey's claim, "but this would not be a violation of his release. We do not intend to dedicate any resources to this matter." Blankenship campaign spokesman Greg Thomas said the candidate is "in the process" of filing the paperwork and has sent notification it would be late. Thomas said Blankenship's form is complicated. ___ Lucey reported from Washington, D.C. PARIS (AP) - In just one year as France's president, Emmanuel Macron has emerged as a key world player, speaking up for Europe and Western democratic values and striking a surprise friendship with Donald Trump. But Macron has made his biggest impact - and his biggest enemies - at home. Strikes and protests over his economic reforms have dominated the French landscape in recent weeks, and tens of thousands held a "party" Saturday to share their anger at Macron's first year in office. Many fear he is trading the French way of life for a profit-focused, American-style worldview. Both critics and fans agree that Macron's France has a different feel from the country that handed him the presidency on May 7, 2017. Then a 39-year-old newcomer to politics, Macron helped stem a global tide of populism by beating anti-immigrant, far-right candidate Marine Le Pen with his strong pro-European, pro-free market convictions. FILE - In this Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017 file picture France's President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech during a press conference during his visit in the French Caribbean islands of St. Martin. In just one year into office, French President Emmanuel Macron emerged as a key world player, speaking up for Europe and Western democracies' values _ while facing challenges at home, where his economic changes have prompted a string of strikes and protests.(AP Photo/Christophe Ena, file) Macron wasted no time in pushing through changes to France's strict labor rules and raising the country's international profile. He has emerged as Europe's leading spokesman - and was the first world leader to be hosted at a state dinner in Washington by Trump last month. In a speech to the U.S. Congress, Macron laid out a firm vision of global leadership, carrying the torch for a rules-based international system of freedoms, free markets and democratic governance that Western nations have championed since World War II. "We can choose isolationism, withdrawal and nationalism," Macron said. "But closing the door to the world will not stop the evolution of the world. It will not douse but inflame the fears of our citizens." Last month, the former investment banker showed his ability to make tough military decisions -launching airstrikes at chemical facilities in Syria in coordination with the U.S and Britain. On Twitter, he won fans around the world with his environmental call to "make our planet great again" in response to Trump's decision to withdraw from Paris climate agreement. Macron has carefully cultivated his image of world leader with democrats and autocrats alike - hugging German Chancellor Angela Merkel, posing with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and welcoming Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Versailles Chateau. At home, things have been more complicated. Opponents see him as authoritarian, a self-styled emperor like Napoleon or Jupiter, the Roman king of the gods. Critics on the left portray him as the "president of the rich" for tax cuts for the wealthy. "The government has hit hard ... (and) antagonizes a lot of people - except in the world of the rich," said rail worker Christophe Moreau, demonstrating last week against labor changes to the national rail authority SNCF. This spring, Macron's government began implementing plans to tax retirees more, apply a new university admissions system and toughen some immigration rules - all of which prompted protests. "One year after, the result is a lot of protests, a lot of strikes and people who think the government's social policies aren't good," Philippe Martinez, head of one of France's major unions, the CGT, told The Associated Press. "The president said we need changes, but we also need to take care of citizens." Macron says his economic reforms aim at attracting more French and foreign investors into the country and making sure the French economy is globally competitive after years of stagnation or recession. Many economists say some of the changes that workers are protesting - like eliminating jobs for life in the French railway system or being allowed to reduce staff in a tough business environment - are the only way to make French companies viable in the 21st century, where businesses constantly send jobs across borders and automation is dramatically changing the workplace. But opponents denounce the changes as weakening France's often-envied worker protections. Macron's popularity dropped quickly last summer after he announced budget cuts and labor reforms. He later enjoyed a rebound - yet still fails to convince a majority of the French. Recent polls by Elabe, BVA, Ifop and Harris Interactive show between 39 and 49 percent of respondents have positive views on Macron's presidency. However, Macron has little to stop him from pressing on to transform France before the next presidential and legislative elections in 2022. Macron can rely on his party's large majority at the National Assembly to pass laws. Political opposition from both the right and the left has shrunk since his centrist Republic on the Move! split the formerly powerful Socialists and conservative Republicans. His biggest labor reforms passed last year despite the demonstrations. And Europe's robust economic growth of late is boosting the French government. Since last year, France's unemployment rate has decreased from 10 to 8.9 percent. Growth in 2018 is expected to reach 2 percent of gross domestic product - the best in seven years. And the French deficit is under the European Union's 3 percent limit for the first time in a decade. Macron marked his year in office with French television interviews in which he said he won't cave in to the pressure of the street. "I want us to succeed in the economic field in order to be able to run real social policies," he said in response to fears that France is losing its generous welfare system. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe says Macron is doing what he was elected to do. "In 2017, the French wanted a change ... they gave the president and the government a clear majority to say: OK, you've been elected. You have plans, you must implement them. And that's what we're doing," Philippe told Europe 1 radio. ___ Masha Macpherson in Paris contributed to the story. FILE - In this Sunday, April 15, 2018 file picture French President Emmanuel Macron, left, with his wife Brigitte Macron arrive to attend an interview with journalists from BFM television and the Mediapart investigative website, at the Theatre national de Chaillot in Paris. In just one year into office, French President Emmanuel Macron emerged as a key world player, speaking up for Europe and Western democracies' values _ while facing challenges at home, where his economic changes have prompted a string of strikes and protests. (Francois Guillot/Pool Photo via AP, file) FILE - In this Sunday May 7, 2017 file picture incoming French President Emmanuel Macron walks towards the stage to address his supporters at the Louvre Palace in Paris. In just one year into office, French President Emmanuel Macron emerged as a key world player, speaking up for Europe and Western democracies' values _ while facing challenges at home, where his economic changes have prompted a string of strikes and protests. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, file) FILE - In this Saturday, May 5, 2018 file picture a protester carries a picture of French President Emmanuel Macron depicted as King Louis XVI during a protest in Paris, France. In just one year into office, French President Emmanuel Macron emerged as a key world player, speaking up for Europe and Western democracies' values _ while facing challenges at home, where his economic changes have prompted a string of strikes and protests. (AP Photo/Francois Mori, file) FILE - In this Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017 file picture France's President Emmanuel Macron stands on the steps of the Elysee palace as he watches his Ivory Coast counterpart Alassane Ouattara leaving the presidential palace after their meeting, in Paris, France. In just one year into office, French President Emmanuel Macron emerged as a key world player, speaking up for Europe and Western democracies' values _ while facing challenges at home, where his economic changes have prompted a string of strikes and protests. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu, Pool) FILE - In this photo dated Sunday, May 14, 2017, a horse from the horse-riding Republican Guard rears up as new French President Emmanuel Macron waves from a military vehicle while riding on the Champs Elysees avenue towards the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France. In just one year into office, French President Emmanuel Macron emerged as a key world player, speaking up for Europe and Western democracies' values _ while facing challenges at home, where his economic changes have prompted a string of strikes and protests. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File) In this Wednesday, May 2, 2018, file photo, French President Emmanuel Macron, left, speaks as Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull listens during a joint press conference in Sydney. China won't say whether it has deployed missiles to man-made island outposts in the South China Sea but says it has the right to take whatever actions it wishes on territory it claims as its own. Macron and Turnbull issued a reminder to China on Wednesday to respect a "rules-based" order in the South Pacific amid concerns about Beijing's growing influence in the region. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft, File) A protester wearing President Macron mask gestures during a rally in Paris, France, Saturday, May 5, 2018. Activists are calling for calm Saturday as the French capital prepares for a what they are calling a mass "party" to protest on the first anniversary of President Emmanuel Macron's inauguration. (AP Photo/Francois Mori) PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) - The European Union has appointed U.S. prosecutor Jack Smith to head the special prosecutor's office that investigates former members of the Kosovo Liberation Army for crimes against ethnic Serbs in Kosovo's war for independence. A statement on Monday said Smith succeeds David Schwendiman, who stepped down at the end of March when his term as a U.S. foreign service officer expired. The special prosecutor is part of the Hague-based Kosovo court which the country's government agreed to set up in 2015 following U.S. and European pressure to confront allegations that KLA fighters committed war crimes from 1998 to 2000. Kosovo's bloody war for independence ended with a 78-day NATO air campaign in June 1999, stopping a Serbian crackdown against ethnic Albanian separatists. The court has yet to hear any cases. NEW YORK (AP) - The cast of the Carole King musical on Broadway is getting a super addition. "Supergirl" star Melissa Benoist will make her Broadway debut this summer when she steps into the title character of "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical," The Associated Press has learned. Benoist, who was on "Glee" and the miniseries "Waco," starts June 7 for a run through August 4. FILE - In this Jan. 15, 2018, file photo, Melissa Benoist poses for a portrait during the 2018 Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour in Pasadena, Calif. Benoist, who stars in The CW's hit show, "Supergirl", will make her Broadway debut as Carole King in Broadway's hit, "Beautiful-The Carole King Musical." She will play a limited run through Aug. 4. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP, File) "Beautiful" focuses on King's early years, when she was writing songs with her former husband, Gerry Goffin, and competing with their friendly rivals, Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann. The musical has performances of classics such as "You've Got a Friend," ''One Fine Day," ''So Far Away," ''Take Good Care of My Baby," ''Up on the Roof," ''You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling," ''Will You Love Me Tomorrow" and "Natural Woman." RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Former Virginia Tech President Charles Steger Jr., who led the institution through a period of great change and faced both criticism and praise for his leadership during a 2007 mass shooting, has died, the university announced Monday. He was 70. Steger, a Virginia Tech graduate who spent most of his professional career at the university, died Sunday evening at his home in Blacksburg, the university said in a statement Monday morning. A cause of death was not provided. Steger's family notified the university of his death, Virginia Tech spokesman Mark Owczarski said. In this undated photo provided by Virginia Tech, Charles Steger Jr., former president of Virginia Tech, poses on the university campus in Blacksburg, Va. Virginia Tech said Steger Jr., who led the institution during a 2007 mass shooting and through a period of great change, has died. He was 70. The university said in a news release Monday, May 7, 2018, that Steger died Sunday evening at his home in Blacksburg. A cause of death was not provided. (Jim Stroup/Virginia Tech via AP) During his time as the university's 15th president, from 2000 to 2014, Virginia Tech increased its enrollment, raised more than $1 billion in private funding, formed a school of biomedical engineering, created a public-private school of medicine, and joined the Atlantic Coast Conference, according to the university's news release. Steger also led the university in the aftermath of the April 16, 2007, massacre, when a gunman killed 32 faculty members and students. It was, at the time, the deadliest mass shooting in recent U.S. history. "He cared deeply for Virginia Tech and courageously led the Hokie Nation through a terrible tragedy," Gov. Ralph Northam said in a statement about Steger. "His leadership in Virginia changed the landscape of higher education, and his strategic vision propelled Virginia Tech to be one of the finest research institutions in the world." While Steger drew praise as a steady hand after the shooting, he also faced blistering criticism from the parents of shooting victims and others for not warning the campus sooner that the shooter had killed two students in a residence hall. More than two hours after the residence hall shooting, when an alert was issued, gunman Seung-Hui Cho killed 30 more students and faculty members at a classroom building before turning a gun on himself as police closed in. Steger defended his actions and resisted calls to resign. "We did the best we could knowing what we knew at the time," he told The Associated Press in an interview in 2013, when he announced his retirement. Larry Hincker, a retired longtime associate vice president for university relations at Virginia Tech, worked closely with Steger, including during the massacre. Steger was a nice man who also "had a steely resolve about him, a very steely resolve that said that we're going to move forward," Hincker said. "He saw the long-term goal, and I think it was that steely resolve that helped us get through those dark days." Steger received bachelor's and master's degrees, and a Ph.D at Virginia Tech. He left a private-sector career in 1976 to pursue his passion for teaching at Virginia Tech, according to the news release. He served as a faculty member, college dean, acting vice president for public service and then vice president for development and university relations before becoming president in 2000. The university said Steger is survived by his wife of 48 years, Janet, and a number of other family members. ____ Associated Press writer Hank Kurz Jr. contributed to this report. EASTON, Pa. (AP) - An eastern Pennsylvania college is rescheduling some finals after a bogus online threat led to room-by-room searches, disrupting students studying for exams. Lafayette College officials say the threat was found to be not credible. Someone claiming to be a student with loyalty to the Islamic State group threatened an attack over the weekend with "pipe bombs, pressure cookers and nail bombs," saying his faith had been ridiculed. Lafayette says it worked with police and the FBI to determine the threat's legitimacy and "an extensive room-by-room search" of the Easton campus turned up "no malicious or hazardous materials." However, due to "the emotional and practical impact of the event" the school will give students extra time to study. The school announced on its website that all finals scheduled for Monday will be shifted to Sunday. KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - The U.N. mission to Afghanistan said Monday that 30 children were among those killed in an Afghan air raid last month that officials said targeted insurgents. UNAMA released a report saying that a total of 36 people were killed in the April 2 attack, which it said targeted a religious ceremony attended by hundreds of men and boys in the Dashti Archi district of the northern Kunduz province. It said another 71 people were wounded, including 51 children. The U.N. said it is "not able to confirm the civilian status of each individual killed or injured, nor is the mission in a position to determine the presence or actions of Taliban leaders or units at the time of the airstrike." The report said the aircraft fired rockets and heavy machine-guns at a religious gathering. It said its findings were based on firsthand accounts, observations by medics, and discussions with government and security officials. On the day of the attack, Defense Ministry spokesman Mohammad Radmanish said the airstrike killed more than 30 Taliban fighters who were taking part in a military parade and that no civilians were present. On the following day, Nematullah Temori, spokesman for the provincial governor in Kunduz, said the airstrike killed five civilians and 35 insurgents. The Taliban said the airstrike hit an Islamic religious school, killing and wounding more than 100 clerics, religious students and other civilians. Officials at the Defense Ministry and the National Security Council could not be reached for comment on Monday. Afghan security forces have struggled to combat the Taliban and an Islamic State affiliate since the U.S. and NATO formally concluded their combat role in the country in 2014, shifting to a support and counterterrorism mission. The Taliban have seized control of districts across the country. NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) - Greece's foreign minister says the European Union should reject new Syrian real estate legislation that he says would hinder the return of Syrian refugees to their homes and property. Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias repeated concerns that the law "essentially casts doubt" on the ownership rights of millions of displaced Syrians to their homes, businesses and plots of land. The decree, made public last month, gives property owners in some parts of Syria one month to provide ownership deeds or face confiscation of their property. Thousands of Syrian refugees have sought asylum in Greece. Kotzias was speaking Monday after talks with his Cypriot counterpart Nikos Christodoulides. WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump is set to reveal his decision on whether to keep the U.S. in the Iran deal on Tuesday, a move that could determine the fate of the 2015 agreement that froze Iran's nuclear program. The announcement is set to cap more than a year of deliberation and negotiation that has at time pitted Trump against some of his closest aides and key American allies. Trump is facing a self-imposed May 12 deadline over whether to uphold the 2015 nuclear agreement, which he long has criticized. The president has signaled he will pull out of the pact by the deadline unless it is revised, but he faces intense pressure from European allies not to do so. "I will be announcing my decision on the Iran Deal tomorrow from the White House at 2:00pm," Trump tweeted Monday. In this May 5, 2018 photo, President Donald Trump speaks during a roundtable discussion on tax reform at Cleveland Public Auditorium and Conference Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Trump says he will announce his decision on whether to keep the U.S. in the Iran nuclear deal on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) The president has been the subject of an intense lobbying effort by American allies to maintain the agreement, with British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson making a last-ditch appeal to the administration in a visit to Washington this week. European leaders say that they are open to negotiating a side agreement with Iran, but the existing framework must remain untouched for that to happen. It is not immediately clear what Trump will announce Tuesday or whether he will announce the end of the deal or push for a renegotiation. Trump in October "decertified" the deal with Iran, but did not move to re-impose sanctions, known as a "snap-back." On Monday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Iran would be willing not to abandon the nuclear deal even if the United States pulls out, providing the European Union offers guarantees that Iran would keep benefiting from the accord. Rouhani said that "what we want for the deal is that it's preserved and guaranteed by the non-Americans" - a reference to other signatories of the 2015 agreement. U.S. officials and European allies share the conclusion that the deal, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), has halted Iran's development of nuclear weapons. Trump has objected to a sunset provision that would allow Iran to restart some nuclear development in 2025. Supporters of the deal argue that withdrawing from the JCPOA would undermine Trump's push for North Korea, which has a far more advanced nuclear program than ever possessed by Iran, to denuclearize. Trump is planning on meeting with North Korea's Kim Jong Un within the next month. Earlier Monday, Trump criticized John Kerry after reports that the former secretary of state has been promoting the Iran nuclear deal. Trump said on Twitter: "The United States does not need John Kerry's possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran Deal. He was the one that created this MESS in the first place!" Kerry, who was also the lead negotiators for the Obama administration on the Paris climate accord, has been promoting both agreements since he left office. The Boston Globe reported Friday that Kerry, the lead negotiator on the deal for the Obama administration, had been privately meeting with foreign officials to strategize on how to keep the U.S. in the deal. Kerry has met with Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. At least one of their meetings was at a June 2017 public event in Oslo, Norway, where they sat on the same panel with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and extolled the virtues of the nuclear deal. Kerry, a keen environmentalist who regularly derided climate change skeptics and championed ocean health while secretary of state, has also continued to speak out on those issues since becoming a private citizen. Last week at an event in Dallas, Trump mocked Kerry over a bicycle accident he had three years ago. ___ Associated Press writers Matthew Lee and Josh Lederman contributed to this report from Washington. President Donald Trump points to someone in the audience as he stands next to first lady Melania Trump during an event where she announced her initiatives in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Monday, May 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) "He: a Novel" (Quercus), by John Connolly Although never referred to by name, the he of the eponymous "he" is comedian Stan Laurel, who with Oliver Hardy, was half of Laurel and Hardy, one of the most successful and beloved comic teams in the early 20th century. With only the pronouns of he or him, author John Connolly reimagines Laurel in both abstract and three-dimensional ways, getting to the soul of Laurel, the comic, the multi-married, forever-in-debt-with-alimony and alcoholic. "He" has no plot and is written as a memoir and with a stream-of-consciousness approach with short chapters, some only a couple of paragraphs long, as Connolly looks at Laurel's life and career, showing the man's flaws and foibles. "He" also is a story of Old Hollywood when the medium of movies was just gearing up, a story of gossip, of myth and of what makes a legend. "He" is gracefully written and maintains its lyrical look at the comic, despite being a bit too long. This cover image released by Quercus shows "He," a novel by John Connolly. (Quercus via AP) "He" alternates between Laurel's last days in a Santa Monica apartment to his career that began around 1906 when the 16-year-old made his first appearance at a London music hall. Those early years were tough, noted for long hours and little pay. Along the way, Laurel met Charlie Chaplin, who long before he became a Hollywood star showed his genius, inspiring awe and jealousy among his fellow comics. "Chaplin is different, touched by a god, but which god? There is discipline in Chaplin's anarchy ..." Traveling on the same ship as Chaplin, Laurel finds the United States a series of cold flats and performances in sleazy theaters on the vaudeville circuit until he stumbles into the burgeoning movie industry. Laurel and Oliver Hardy, affectionately known as Babe, both had careers in Hollywood before their accidental partnership. The Laurel and Hardy team was kismet for both comics, with more than 100 movies featuring their slapstick comedy from the late 1920s through the mid-1940s. The two men were genuinely fond of each other, and after Babe died, Laurel never again performed. Their careers were controlled by the early studio system, especially under manipulative producer Hal Roach, "a colorful man trapped in a black and white world" who staggered their contracts so neither could quit at the same time. Connolly's meticulous research touches on unfair contract negotiations, how sound changed the business and the treatment of actors and especially young actresses as disposable commodities. The unusual "He" also showcases Connolly's varied talents. CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) - The University of Virginia is changing its policies for outside people or groups that want to meet outdoors on college property - nearly nine months after white nationalists led a torch-lit march through campus. According to a news release, the new policies that took effect Friday apply to anyone who wants to speak, make announcements or distribute literature on the campus. Unaffiliated people must make reservations to use certain designated locations, on certain days and during certain hours. The news release doesn't directly address the campus march, which took place the night before a larger rally of white nationalists in Charlottesville's downtown. University President Teresa Sullivan said in a statement that UVA is committed to free speech and the "safety and security of every member of this community." ___ Information from: The Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com UNITED NATIONS (AP) - U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is heading to Cuba to address the opening session of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Monday that during his visit to Havana, the secretary-general will also meet Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and other senior officials. The commission said its biennial meeting from May 7-11 will be attended by more than 25 ministers and senior officials from over 20 countries in the region. It is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations promoting economic and social development in different areas of the world. Dujarric said Guterres will return to New York on Monday evening. LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) - More than 1,000 people held captive in northeastern Nigeria by the jihadi group Boko Haram have been rescued, Nigeria's military said Monday. The hostages, which consisted mainly of women and children, were rescued from four villages in the Bama area of Borno State, military spokesman Brig. Gen. Texas Chukwu said. Among the rescued were some men who had been forced to become Boko Haram fighters, he said. Nigeria's military conducted the operation with allies from the Multinational Joint Task Force, according to Chukwu. He wouldn't give details of when the rescues took place or over what period of time. Boko Haram has been responsible for thousands of abductions, especially of young girls and women, during its nine-year insurgency in Nigeria and neighboring countries. Nigeria's army has staged rescues before, but many victims, including some girls abducted from Chibok in 2014, remain missing. In February, the military said it rescued more than 1,100 people held in different parts of the Lake Chad region near Cameroon. About 110 girls were kidnapped on Feb. 19 by Boko Haram from a school in Dapchi town, and most were later released. The Nigerian government denies that it paid a ransom or made a prisoner swap in exchange for the Dapchi girls' freedom. President Muhammadu Buhari, who made the fight against Boko Haram a key issue before his 2015 election win, faces growing pressure ahead of next year's election. His government has repeatedly declared that Boko Haram has been defeated, but the Islamic extremists continue to carry out kidnappings and deadly suicide attacks. AURORA, Mo. (AP) - Authorities say an officer shot and wounded a woman after she backed into another officer during a traffic stop in southwest Missouri. The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the 21-year-old woman was flown to a hospital following the shooting Saturday in Aurora. Patrol spokesman Sgt. Jason Pace says he didn't have an update Monday on her condition. Pace says local police pulled the woman over because they believed the 19-year-old man in the passenger seat had warrants for his arrest. The unarmed woman is accused of putting the car into reverse as officers approached and striking one of them. Pace says another officer then fired at the car and struck the woman. The officer who was hit by the car was taken to a hospital with moderate injuries. The 19-year-old passenger was taken into custody. Another passenger suffered minor injuries. ___ Information from: Springfield News-Leader, http://www.news-leader.com MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) - A 115-pound black bear found sleeping in a tree in a New Hampshire child care center's playground has been captured and returned to the wild. Police responded to a bear call around 7:30 a.m. Monday and asked people to avoid the area around Saint Marie's Child Care Center in Manchester. Fish and Game conservation officers subdued the bear with a tranquilizer and brought it out of the city a little over three hours later. A state biologist assisted in the capture and relocation of the bear, which is estimated to be 1 to 2 years old. In this Monday, May 7, 2018, photo released by the Manchester, N.H., Police Department, a young bear sits in a tree in the playground of Saint Marie's Child Care Center in Manchester. State wildlife officials tranquilized, captured and relocated the bear to the wild. (Manchester Police Department via AP) In July 2016, a fast-moving black bear evaded authorities in Manchester after they chased it through the city. Montana officials went knocking on doors Monday to advise residents of Missoula to evacuate as the local river is expected to reach major flood levels for the first time in 37 years. The Clark Fork River could rise as much as 13 feet above its normal level, cutting through downtown Missoula and by the University of Montana campus. It is expected to threaten between 800 and 1,300 homes before reaching its highest point on Friday, National Weather Service meteorologist Alex Lukinbeal said. Residents of Missoula, Montana, have been advised to evacuate their homes as the Clark Fork River is expected to rise an estimated 13 feet above the normal level by the end of the week Courtesy of NBC Montana 'We haven't seen river rises like that in a very long time,' Lukinbeal told AP. 'It's really difficult to say what might happen with any flooding issues in the downtown area itself.' At least 10 homes in Montana's second-largest city have already been surrounded by floodwaters as of Monday morning. The same area had seen some flooding last week, but officials warn it will be much more widespread this week. 'It's looking like the water's going to be well above moderate flood stage through at least the next week,' he said. When making their rounds on Tuesday deputies told residents to leave now rather than wait for an evacuation order, as floodwaters are expected to threaten dozens more homes by early Tuesday morning. 'We always encourage people to self-evacuate if they can,' Missoula County sheriff's spokeswoman Brenda Bassett said. At least 10 homes have already been damaged by the rising river and dozens more will be affected by early Tuesday morning, officials have said. Local resident Katie Condon is pictured pulling her 13-year-old basset hound Fran on a boat through the flood waters on Monday The rising river levels are a result of melting snow from a very snowy winter further north. The snowpack in western Montana was 50 to 75 percent higher than normal this year, making it one of the top five years in the last three decades. This would be only the sixth time in recorded history that the river had reached this level, and the first time since 1981, Lukinbeal said. Some 110 miles away from Missoula in the state capital of Helena, roads and homes are expected to flood as streams rise above their banks. Officials at an elementary school canceled classes and residents of a trailer park waded through knee-high water. Volunteers lined roadways and residential areas with sandbags to protect homes. Lukinbeal said most of the rivers are expected to crest Thursday and Friday. A storm is predicted to move through the area that could slow the runoff by re-freezing the snowpack in higher elevations, but the high water is expected to remain for a while. SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - The new CEO of Puerto Rico's power company announced Monday that the public agency will immediately adopt a U.S. national standard to design and rebuild the island's power grid following Hurricane Maria. That measure will make it easier for the Electric Power Authority to maintain power lines and replace them after a storm, and crews will be able to obtain materials more quickly, CEO Walter Higgins said. "It's a great step forward for faster restoration from storms and improving technology of the grid," he said in a statement. "It ensures that all of our future construction and activities in the grid will be done to a standard that is widely adopted and widely used in the United States." It was not immediately clear why Puerto Rico had not previously adopted such a standard and whether the government has already started to rebuild and design a stronger power grid. Higgins was not available for comment, and power company spokesman Carlos Monroig said he did not have details. More than 29,000 customers remain without power nearly eight months after the Category 4 storm destroyed up to 75 percent of the U.S. territory's distribution lines. On Monday, a group of neighbors in the southeastern part of the island marched through the streets with Tiki torches and handmade posters that read, "We want power!" Local and federal officials have said a lack of materials and rough terrain have in part delayed power restoration efforts as anger grows over the lack of electricity in dozens of communities. Higgins said emergency measures taken so far to restore power must be upgraded or replaced to permanent standards. Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida, a Democrat from Florida who visited Puerto Rico last week, said the U.S. government has to do more to help the island recover from Maria. "Can you imagine that happening in any of our states on the mainland? Can you imagine the degree of anger and insistence that there be the full recovery?" he said. In April, federal officials told a congressional hearing that they expected to have a plan by June on how to strengthen and stabilize Puerto Rico's electrical grid. Many worry the plan comes too late: The Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1, and power outages remain common across Puerto Rico. Just hours before Higgins' announcement, Puerto Rico legislators said they would investigate an island-wide power outage that occurred April 18 and scrutinize what kind of steps the power company took to restore electricity and ensure it would not happen again. It was the second such outage in less than two years. Puerto Rico's power company is $14 billion in debt and operating with infrastructure nearly three times older than the industry average. The governor announced in January that he aims to privatize the company as local and federal officials continue to restore power, with up to $2 billion of $18.5 billion in disaster recovery grants slated to help rebuild the grid. Also on Monday, Gov. Ricardo Rossello released details on how his administration plans to use an additional $1.5 billion in federal funds to help the U.S. territory recover from Hurricanes Irma and Maria. At least $817 million will go to rebuilding single-family homes and $45 million will help with mortgage payments. In addition, the plan earmarks $36 million for developing renewable energy projects for homes, $12.5 million for building housing for the homeless and domestic violence victims and $15 million for promoting the island as a tourism destination to help revive the economy. The funds were awarded through the Community Development Block Grant program. WASHINGTON (AP) - Neither President Donald Trump nor Vice President Mike Pence will be in attendance when the U.S. opens its embassy in Jerusalem next week. The White House says Trump is instead sending a high-level delegation to the ceremony marking the formal recognition by the U.S. of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Trump ordered the move last year, fulfilling a key campaign promise but drawing condemnation from many U.S. allies, who say the move makes it more difficult to achieve peace between Israelis and Palestinians. The White House says Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan is leading the delegation, joined by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin (mih-NOO'-shin) and the president's daughter and son-in-law, White House aides Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. Trump had left the door open to personally attending the embassy opening. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled Monday in favor of two media organizations that covered the 2012 killing of a police officer, saying news stories that named a man as a suspect were protected because they accurately summarized official law enforcement statements. The case stems from the Nov. 29, 2012, killing of Cold Spring police Officer Tom Decker. Shortly after Decker's death, authorities announced that Ryan Larson was arrested - but Larson was released days later without being charged and was later cleared. Larson sued Twin Cities television station KARE-TV and the St. Cloud Times for defamation, arguing they went too far in reporting that authorities suspected him of ambushing and killing the officer. The media outlets argued their reporting was protected because it was based on information provided by law enforcement. The Associated Press was among the news organizations that filed briefs in support of the defendants. FILE - In this Dec. 14, 2012, file photo, Ryan Larson speaks during an interview. The Minnesota Court of Appeals on Monday, May 7, 2018, ruled against Larson who sued two media organizations over stories that named him as a suspect in a police officer's killing. Larson was arrested on suspicion of murder in the 2012 killing of Cold Spring police Officer Tom Decker, but was never charged. (Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP, File) The appeals court agreed with the media outlets, ruling that the "fair-report privilege" protects news reports that accurately summarize or fairly abridge information relayed by law enforcement during official news conferences or news releases. "We're extremely pleased that the Court of Appeals has recognized that the public's interest is best served by having public affairs known to all," said Lisa Schwarz, news director at the St. Cloud Times, adding: "There's no common sense in law enforcement issuing news releases or calling press conferences to inform the public through the press if the press cannot report those official statements fearlessly." John Remes, president and general manager of KARE-TV, said: "The public has a right to know what law enforcement is saying. It is vital to keep our community informed and safe." Larson's attorney, Stephen Fiebiger, said the appeals court got it wrong. Fiebiger plans to ask the state Supreme Court to review the case. A jury sided with the media organizations in 2016, but a district judge set that verdict aside and ordered a new trial, saying the news outlets' statements weren't protected because they went beyond the mere fact that Larson was arrested. Monday's ruling reinstates the jury's verdict. The appeals court concluded that even though law enforcement did not say that Larson ambushed Decker, they did say that Decker was shot and ambushed and that Larson was arrested in connection with the shooting. A jail log also indicated Larson was held on an anticipated murder charge. The appeals court found that if statements made at a news conference, a news release and a jail log are taken together, a reasonable jury may conclude that the media reports were substantially accurate reports of official statements. "It's a good win, mainly because the judge's prior ruling was so wrong," said George Freeman, executive director of the Media Law Resource Center. "The reporting in this case is typical of reporting that's done every day, and there's a privilege in reporting what the police say." Decker, a 31-year-old father of four, was fatally shot on Nov. 29, 2012, in Cold Spring, a small community about 65 miles (105 kilometers) northwest of Minneapolis. He was going to check on Larson, who was reported to be possibly suicidal, when he was shot in what authorities described as an ambush. Authorities announced the next day that Larson had been arrested, but said they were still investigating. He was released without being charged. In January 2013, a man who'd been questioned in Decker's death, Eric Thomes, killed himself as authorities were trying to re-interview him. They later said they would have had enough evidence to arrest Thomes. Larson was cleared in August 2013, and authorities officially closed the case last month. Larson, who moved away from Cold Spring, reached undisclosed settlements in earlier defamation claims against KSTP-TV, KSTC-TV and WCCO television and radio. __ Follow Amy Forliti on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/amyforliti . More of her work: https://apnews.com/search/amy%20forliti Post-apocalyptic productions have proliferated in recent years just like the cliches around them. A human-made disaster occurs, survivors turn on each other and audiences go on dark journeys with little hope. "The Rain," a new, original young adult series released Friday by Netflix, certainly adopts some of these motifs but it tells the story of an environmental catastrophe through the eyes of Danish teens and other young people in Scandinavia where, unlike the United States, high-powered weapons are a rarity. The expanding threat to humanity involves other countries, making the fear truly a worldwide scare. The series follows a Danish sister and her younger brother who are ushered into a bunker by their father and mother as they prepare for a coming storm that brought rains that mysteriously cause people to suffer violent deaths. The father, we learn, is a scientist of some kind who knows why the rains are so deadly and abandons the family to find a cure. This image released by Netflix shows a scene from the Netflix series, "The Rain," which follows a Danish sister and her younger brother who are ushered into a bunker by their father and mother as they prepared for a coming storm that brought deadly rains. (Per Arnesen/Netflix via AP) There, safe in the high-tech bunker, the children remain for six years until food runs out and they seek to find their father. The sister has become a young woman and the boy morphs into an edgy teen. The water, viewers find out, remains contaminated and the rains still are deadly. And there are few survivors. Co-creators Christian Potalivo and Jannik Tai Mosholt said it was important to set this story in Scandinavia to explore the region's self-perception that the system is always there to pick up those facing hard times. Using the most extreme situation, the series allowed them to peel away "everything we as Scandinavians find as being specifically Scandinavian." But Mosholt said the post-apocalyptic drama through the eyes of young people should have appeal to audiences around the world. "We believe that the core themes and basic questions we're trying to ask are universal," Mosholt said. "What is it being human and who are we really? We find these questions to be important in this day and age." Potalivo said the creators felt it was important to tell the saga through the eyes of youth because the drama would hit multiple levels. "We found it interesting to meet these characters in a time of their lives where they're supposed to find out who they really are, and now have to do this in a world where everything they would normally mirror themselves has been stripped away," Potalivo said. "The Rain" is Netflix's first original, foreign language young adult series. The streaming service says more like it are coming. For example, later this year, Netflix will release "Baby," a coming-of-age story that explores the unseen lives of high school students in Rome, Italy. Netflix also will release later this year "Elite" - a series that follows students at an exclusive school in Spain that attracts the children of the privileged and those from working-class homes. And next year, Netflix will unveil "Quicksand," a series out of Sweden that is based on the best-selling novel by Malin Persson Giolito. The show is about a mass shooting at a prep school in Stockholm's wealthiest suburb. ___ Follow Russell Contreras on Twitter at http://twitter.com/russcontreras CAMBRIDGE, Ohio (AP) - An Ohio sheriff's office says deputies sent to take a 73-year-old man to a hospital fatally shot him when he pointed a firearm at them through a window. Authorities say the deputies were called to the Fairview home on Sunday afternoon on a doctor's order after the man threatened to harm himself. The Guernsey County sheriff's office says the man refused to leave the home and spent nearly an hour talking to deputies through a screened window before pulling out the weapon. Deputies responded by shooting and killing the man. No deputies were hurt in the confrontation. Authorities haven't publicly identified the man or the deputies involved in the shooting. An investigation is ongoing. ST. LOUIS (AP) - A St. Louis man is charged with killing another man with a samurai sword and then stealing the victim's cellphone and sport utility vehicle. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that 29-year-old Seth Herter is jailed on $1 million bond on a charge of first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of 55-year-old Christopher McCarthy, who lived near the suburb of Fenton. McCarthy was found dead Thursday night in Herter's apartment. Police later found Herter with "blood all over his clothing." Police say Herter admitted killing McCarthy and said he was traveling to Mexico. Authorities didn't describe a motive. Herter also was charged Saturday with armed criminal action, stealing a motor vehicle and theft of a cellphone. No attorney is listed for him in online court records. ___ Information from: St. Louis Post-Dispatch, http://www.stltoday.com HYDERABAD, India (AP) - Sunrisers Hyderabad successfully defended a low score for the fourth time in the Indian Premier League and defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore by five runs on Monday. After being bowled out for 146, Hyderabad proved yet again it has the best bowling unit in this IPL by restricting Bangalore to 141-6. Needing 19 off the last two overs, seamers Sidharth Kaul (1-25) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1-27) didn't concede a boundary by bowling Yorker-length deliveries. Sunrisers Hyderabad bowler Shakib Al Hasan , 2nd form left, celebrates the wicket of Virat Kohli with Yusuf Pathan during VIVO IPL cricket T20 match against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Hyderabad, India, Monday, May 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.) Colin de Grandhomme (33) and Mandeep Singh (21) gave Bangalore a glimmer of hope with their 57-run sixth wicket stand. But with six required off the last ball, Grandhomme was clean-bowled by Kumar. "Bhuvi and Sid Kaul have done it for a long period of time, did very well last year, doing well this year," Hyderabad captain Kane Williamson said. "Hope we can continue to back them at the death. It's just about trying to adapt to the surfaces at a number of venues." Hyderabad widened its lead at the top of the table with eight victories in 10 matches. It earlier defended totals of 118 against defending champions Mumbai Indians, 132 against Kings XI Punjab, and 151 against Rajasthan Royals. Bangalore, with only three wins so far, has only an outside chance of qualifying for the playoffs. Experienced spinners Shakib Al Hasan (2-36) and Rashid Khan (1-31) earlier strangled Bangalore's run chase when they removed star hitters captain Virat Kohli (39) and AB de Villiers (5) in successive overs. Kohli, dropped on 33 at first slip by Williamson, tried to pull the left-arm spin of Shakib and got the leading edge. De Villiers misread Rashid's googly and chopped on to his stumps as Bangalore slipped to 80-4 in the 11th over. Moeen Ali, making his IPL debut, followed in the next over when Kaul had the left-hander caught behind. Kumar returned and choked Bangalore's chase in the end. Earlier, after being sent in to bat, Williamson (56) anchored Hyderabad's innings with his fifth half-century of the campaign. But Hyderabad's middle order faltered yet again once Williamson attempted an ambitious shot at Umesh Yadav and holed out at fine leg in the 16th over and the total on 112. Fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj (3-25) and Tim Southee (3-30) benefited as Hyderabad lost five wickets in the last two overs, including two run outs in the 20th over. "We deserve to lose this game. Didn't show enough application," Kohli said. "From the bowling point of view, (Sunrisers) is the strongest." Royal Challengers Bangalore player Colin de Grandhomme reacts after bowled by Sunrisers Hyderabad's bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, unseen, during VIVO IPL cricket T20 match in Hyderabad, India, Monday, May 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.) Royal Challengers Bangalore player AB de Villiers reacts after bowled by Rashid Khan, unseen, during VIVO IPL cricket T20 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad, India, Monday, May 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.) Sunrisers Hyderabad team celebrates after winning the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Hyderabad, India, Monday, May 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.) The U.S. Marine Corps says two Marines were shot during a live-fire training exercise at a Southern California base involving hundreds of troops. The military says both were airlifted Sunday from the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at the Twentynine Palms base east of San Diego to an unnamed California hospital. Second Lt. Samuel Banks says one Marine was later released and the other remains hospitalized in serious condition. He says the Marines are stationed at Twentynine Palms. The U.S. Marine Corps says two Marines were shot during a live-fire training exercise at a Southern California base involving hundreds of troops. The base at Twenty Nine Palms, California is seen in the above stock image The Marine Corps says in a press release that officials are investigating the circumstances of the accident. Banks says the military is not releasing any details at this time. HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Now that a court has struck down the murder conviction of Kennedy cousin Michael Skakel, the next step in the decades-long legal saga is up to Connecticut prosecutors, who must decide whether to seek a new trial in the 1975 slaying. As they mull prospects for another guilty verdict they will have to consider a number of new twists that have emerged since Skakel was convicted in 2002 of killing Martha Moxley with a golf club when they were teenage neighbors in the exclusive Belle Haven shoreline section of Greenwich. They may also consider the reluctance of Martha's mother, Dorthy Moxley, who told The Associated Press on Monday she was satisfied that Skakel had been punished enough. FILE - This 1974 file photograph shows Martha Moxley. The Connecticut Supreme Court has vacated Kennedy cousin Michael Skakel's murder conviction of Moxley and ordered a new trial in connection with a 1975 killing in wealthy Greenwich. The court issued a 4-3 ruling Friday, May 4, 2018, that Skakel's trial attorney, Michael Sherman, failed to present evidence of an alibi. (AP Photo) Skakel, 57, a nephew of Robert F. Kennedy's widow, Ethel Kennedy, was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison and spent 11 years behind bars. He was freed on $1.2 million bail in 2013 when a lower court judge overturned his conviction. Connecticut's Supreme Court reinstated Skakel's conviction in 2016 but then reversed itself last Friday. It ruled the failure of Skakel's trial lawyer, Mickey Sherman, to present a crucial alibi witness deprived him of a fair trial. State prosecutors have not commented on the ruling. A look at some of the issues prosecutors likely are considering: 'THIS IS ENOUGH' Dorthy Moxley turns 86 next month. She was a fixture at the 2002 trial and the 16 years of appellate proceedings, insisting Skakel was guilty and pledging to see the case through to the end. She said Monday that she would do anything state prosecutors ask of her but would prefer that they just drop the case now. "I just think that this is enough. I'm willing to just let it go," she said. "I just feel as though the time has come. I feel satisfied that he has been punished. He went to jail for 11 years. He's not going to have a happy life after this. People aren't going to welcome him with open arms." Even so, Moxley said she doesn't believe the alibi witness cited in the Supreme Court ruling, alleging he and other witnesses including Skakel's relatives are part of an effort to cover up the crime. THE ALIBI The alibi witness cited in the Supreme Court ruling, Denis Ossorio, said he was with Michael Skakel and others watching the "Monty Python's Flying Circus" television show at a home several miles from the murder scene at the time some experts have said Martha Moxley was killed. If another trial were held, Ossario's testimony would raise reasonable doubt about whether Skakel killed Martha, according to William Dunlap, a law professor at Quinnipiac University. "This is a terrible case for them," Dunlap said, referring to prosecutors. "They are going to have much more difficulty putting a case together this time than they did the first time." Sherman did present other alibi witnesses at the trial - Skakel's brothers and cousins. But prosecutors attacked their credibility, saying they had a strong motive to lie and there were no "independent" alibi witnesses. At trial, prosecutors suggested Skakel was upset because his attractive blonde neighbor seemed more interested in his older brother, Thomas, an early suspect in the slaying. Thomas was the last person seen with Martha and told private investigators that he and Martha engaged in sexual activity that night. WITNESS CREDIBILITY A key prosecution witness was Gregory Coleman, who testified before a grand jury and at a probable cause hearing that Skakel confessed to the killing while they were students at the Elan School, a private school for troubled youths in Poland, Maine. Coleman died of a drug overdose before the trial, but his previous testimony was admitted at trial, helping to convict Skakel. It was later disclosed, however, that Coleman testified under the influence of heroin before the grand jury. Coleman said the first thing Skakel ever said to him was, "I am going to get away with murder because I am a Kennedy." He also said Skakel told him he beat a girl's head with a golf club. There was a $100,000 reward at the time for information leading to a conviction. In its ruling Friday, the Supreme Court majority said Coleman's testimony could have been "merely the product of his obvious interest, fueled by his heroin addiction, in the reward." NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - Kenya's president says nine Kenyan soldiers were killed when extremists attacked their patrol car in neighboring Somalia. President Uhuru Kenyatta mourned the soldiers who were killed Sunday evening in an al-Shabab attack in Dhobley, Somalia. Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it had killed and wounded 15 soldiers, according to the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors extremist groups. Kenyan troops are part of an African Union force bolstering Somalia's weak government against an insurgency by the Somalia-based extremist group al-Shabab. Al-Shabab has carried out numerous attacks on Kenya since October 2011, saying it is retribution for Kenya sending troops to fight the militants in Somalia. Last week the group was suspected in the killing of four non-Muslims working at a quarry in Mandera county in northern Kenya. Two men sentenced to prison in 1992 for a Central Park rape their accuser now acknowledges never happened returned to a courtroom on Monday to have their convictions vacated. A judge in state Supreme Court in Manhattan exonerated VanDyke Perry and Gregory Counts, who had always maintained their innocence. Perry, then 21, and Counts, then 19, were accused by a woman who said they and another man kidnapped her and then raped her in the park in 1991 as part of an ongoing dispute with her then-boyfriend. There was no material evidence connecting the men to any assault, and by the time of the 1992 trial the woman had stopped cooperating with prosecutors, who had to get a material witness order to make sure she testified. A judge in state Supreme Court in Manhattan exonerated VanDyke Perry (left) and Gregory Counts (right), who had always maintained their innocence. The two men pose for a photo after their convictions were vacated in state Supreme Court in Manhattan Perry (far left) spent 10 years in prison before being paroled, and Counts (second from right) was in prison for 26 years before being paroled last year. Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance is seen far right. Defense attorney Barry Scheck is seen second from left Nevertheless, the men were convicted of charges including first-degree rape. The third man was never apprehended in connection with the woman's bogus rape accusation. Perry spent 10 years in prison before being paroled, and Counts was in prison for 26 years before being paroled last year. Perry said the case spawned by the woman's lies 'really destroyed my life.' Counts throws his arms up joyfully as he leaves New York State Supreme Court on Monday 'I couldn't get decent jobs,' he said in a statement. 'But I'm determined. I have kids, and I had to strive for them. Even when my back was hurting, and I started getting gray hair too young from working so hard, I had faith.' The two men never stopped proclaiming their innocence. Counts reached out to the Innocence Project, which in 2014 began investigating the case, later joined by prosecutors. Testing was done on DNA found on the woman's underwear, which led to another man. The woman told investigators that in 1991 she sold sex for drugs and that the DNA may have come from that. Additional investigation and review led to the third man who initially was accused by the woman. Investigators interviewed him, and he told them other information that undermined the woman's account of being assaulted. Investigators then spoke to the woman again, and she recanted. She told them she had been pressured into making the claim by her boyfriend, who was under suspicion of shooting Perry. The woman doesn't face charges for her lies because the statute of limitations has expired. The Office of the Appellate Defender, representing Perry, didn't publicly identify the woman or her boyfriend. NEW YORK (AP) - The Kennedy Center has voted to rescind two of its biggest honors it awarded Bill Cosby - the Kennedy Center Honors and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. In a statement, the center says the comedian's recent criminal conviction has "overshadowed the very career accomplishments these distinctions from the Kennedy Center intend to recognize." Jurors in Pennsylvania late last month convicted Cosby of sexually assaulting former Temple University employee Andrea Constand in 2004. He awaits sentencing. FILE - In this April 26, 2018 file photo, actor and comedian Bill Cosby departs the courthouse after he was found guilty in his sexual assault retrial, at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa. University of Cincinnati trustees will discuss revoking Cosby's honorary degree at a special meeting planned Tuesday, May 8. Yale, Temple and Carnegie Mellon universities are among those that have revoked honors for Cosby since the comedian's sexual assault conviction last month. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File) Cosby won the Kennedy Center Honors in 1998 and the Twain prize in 2009. The comedian has lost several honors since his conviction. The organization that bestows the Academy Awards expelled Cosby last week, and the television academy has said it is reviewing his inclusion in its hall of fame. LOS ANGELES (AP) - Rosie Perez has found a TV series close to her heart with "Rise," about a high school theater program that's more than song and dance. The Oscar-nominated actress ("Fearless") plays a teacher passionate about using the stage to help youngsters discover themselves and their place in the world on the NBC drama, which airs 9 p.m. EDT Tuesday. That's long been Perez's cause and was a key to her own path. In the early 1990s, she co-founded the New York-based Urban Arts Partnership, which works to bring arts education to underprivileged communities. Perez, who chairs the group's artists board, said she's seen first-hand how a student can be inspired by writing, acting and other creative endeavors to do better in school and in life and, in some cases, learn they belong in the arts. This image released by NBC shows Rosie Perez as Tracey Wolfe in a scene from "Rise," about a high school theater program in a struggling Pennsylvania town. (Peter Kramer/NBC via AP) That's what happened to the Brooklyn-born Perez, who discussed the partnership, her roots and what "The Wiz," the 1970s stage musical inspired by "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," means to her in an interview with The Associated Press. AP: Your interests and the themes of "Rise" are so similar. What was your reaction when you were asked by executive producer Jason Katims ("Friday Night Lights") to join the cast? Perez: The intersection has me gobsmacked. Reading the script, I said, "This is what I've been doing for 25 years, and now I'm going to be able to play it on television." ... I believe in the arts. It's sad that arts are not part of the curriculum across the nation. ... United Arts Partnership is arts education, and we use the arts to help kids comprehend academics and to help build a sense of civic-minded duty and their self-esteem. With "Rise," it's not about arts education per se, and yet it is. It's teaching students about life, about stepping outside of yourself, and those are lessons that are valuable and are absent in our school systems. Q: Can you share the story of a student who was changed by exposure to the arts? Perez: Honey, there's so many stories. There was this young man, he was always absent, always late for school, a very dark, moody individual who was close to getting kicked out of high school. ... After he came and sat through a few of our programs, he said, "I'm a writer." We asked him to write us something, and this kid wrote the most disturbing and beautiful poem. In it, he revealed he was in a homeless shelter and there were times he wasn't in a shelter, and his mother was gone and he had to fend for himself. ... This kid now travels the world doing spoken word. This kid now is trying to write his first novel. This is a kid who should have fallen through the cracks, and because of the arts he did not. Q: How did acting and the arts enter your life? Perez: I was a ward of the state, initially, and then in the foster care system for quite some time, even though I did live part-time with my aunt in Brooklyn. When I was in the system, in the Catholic home, they kept putting me on the stage (even though) I kept saying no. "You're gonna be the lead bunny in the Easter production." I said no. "You're gonna be in it." There was always something in me that kept resisting it, and they kept telling me how good I was at it. But I really didn't take it in because of the circumstance of my reality. Then when I was in junior high school I went to see a Broadway play, "The Wiz." And it changed my life, because they were telling a story that was similar to my story that I thought I was all alone in. And that's the beauty of the arts. Q: "Rise" is about youngsters and the adults in their lives. How do you get parents or other guardians involved in the effort to help kids succeed? Perez: We have an open-door policy and we invite and encourage the students' parents to come to our program. ... When you meet parents, they're stressed out and overworked. They have such guilt in not being able to provide what children need, or making a mistake of punishing them too harshly or not punishing them at all, or "I can't help them with their homework." That's why I think it ("Rise") will resonate with a lot of people, because the parents in it are watching these kids transform from putting on one single play. And I've seen it firsthand, not on set. I'm talking about Urban Arts Partnership. I've seen it, it's real. ___ Lynn Elber can be reached at lelber@ap.org and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lynnelber. SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - The Latest on sexual misconduct accusations against actor Tom Sizemore (all times local): 3:35p.m. A Utah woman says she is suing actor Tom Sizemore over accusations that he groped her at a photo shoot when she was 11 because she wants to stand up for other child actors. FILE - In this Aug. 11, 2014 file photo, actor Tom Sizemore arrives at the premiere of "The Expendables 3" in Los Angeles. A Utah woman who told police Tom Sizemore groped her at a photo shoot when she was 11 is suing the actor. The lawsuit filed Monday, May 7, 2018, says the 2003 incident during production of the movie "Born Killers" left her with lifelong problems, including post-traumatic stress and addiction to drugs and alcohol. The lawsuit seeks at least $3 million in damages. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File) The 26-year-old Kiersten Pyke said Monday at her attorney's office in Salt Lake City that her dreams of having an acting career evaporated after the 2003 incident during production of the "Born Killers" movie. She says she was left with post-traumatic stress and drug and alcohol addiction. Pyke is seeking $3 million in damages but says the lawsuit is about making the point to Sizemore and others that "it's not ok to touch children." The Associated Press doesn't usually name alleged victims of sexual assault but Pyke has decided to go public with her story. Sizemore has denied the allegations. His spokeswoman Michelle Salem did not immediately return phone and email messages seeking comment Monday. ___ 12:11 p.m. A Utah woman who told police Tom Sizemore groped her at a photo shoot when she was 11 is suing the actor. The lawsuit filed Monday says the 2003 incident during production of the "Born Killers" movie left her with post-traumatic stress and drug and alcohol addiction. The lawsuit seeks at least $3 million in damages. Sizemore denied the "highly disturbing" allegation when it surfaced last year, saying he would never inappropriately touch a child. Sizemore spokeswoman Michelle Salem did not immediately return phone and email messages seeking comment. Salt Lake City police investigated in 2003, but prosecutors didn't file charges, citing witness and evidence problems. Sizemore's career has included prominent roles in "Saving Private Ryan" and "Black Hawk Down," but he's been dogged by drug abuse and domestic violence arrests. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A Minneapolis man is apologizing for black pinata figures that he hung by cords from the porch roof of his home. Victor Chavarria says the figures were pinatas created for a multiracial wedding. Chavarria tells Minnesota Public Radio News he left the freshly created pinatas to hang from his home for their paint to dry, not realizing they could be viewed as racial violence. A photo of the figures appeared on Facebook, sparking online outrage. Chavarria says he called police and asked for extra patrols when officers arrived because he worried about backlash. Chavarria is a Mexican immigrant who is trying to start a pinata business at his north Minneapolis home. He says he will no longer dry pinatas on his porch. The wedding order he was working on was canceled. ___ Information from: Minnesota Public Radio News, http://www.mprnews.org ASHLAND, Ohio (AP) - A man has been convicted in the slayings of two women whose bodies were found underneath piles of clothes in what was thought to be a vacant Ohio home. Shawn Grate could be sentenced to death on the aggravated-murder and kidnapping convictions. Jurors took only a few hours on Monday to reach a verdict in the 2016 strangulation deaths of the two women. Shawn Grate, right, talks with his attorney Robert Whitney during the first day of his trial in Ashland, Ohio, Monday, April 23, 2018. Grate is charged with the 2016 killings of two women and the abduction of another. (Tom E. Puskar/The Times Gazette via AP) Grate was arrested after a third woman escaped from the Ashland home where the bodies of the other two women were found. He also has been linked to the deaths of three other women elsewhere but hasn't been charged in those killings. The 41-year-old last week pleaded guilty to 15 charges including rape and abuse of a corpse. Shawn Grate, center, sits with his attorneys Robert, left, and Rolph Whitney at the defendant's table during the first day of his trial in Ashland, Ohio, Monday, April 23, 2018. Grate is charged with the 2016 killings of two women and the abduction of another. (Tom E. Puskar/The Times Gazette via AP) SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A Utah woman who filed a lawsuit Monday accusing actor Tom Sizemore of groping her at a photo shoot when she was 11 said she is standing up for other child actors. Kiersten Pyke, 26, spoke for the first time Monday at her attorney's office in Salt Lake City about six months after her allegations against Sizemore surfaced. Pyke said her dreams of having an acting career evaporated after the 2003 incident during production of the "Born Killers" movie, leaving her with post-traumatic stress and drug and alcohol addiction that have plagued her life. She and her attorney Robert Sykes said they don't think Sizemore will be able to pay the $3 million in damages they are seeking because his career has sputtered, but the lawsuit is about sending a message. Kiersten Pyke arrives for a press conference at her attorneys office Monday, May 7, 2018, in Salt Lake City. Pyke, a Utah woman who told police Tom Sizemore groped her at a photo shoot when she was 11, is suing the actor. The lawsuit filed Monday says the 2003 incident during production of the "Born Killers" movie left her with post-traumatic stress and drug and alcohol addiction. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) "It's not OK to touch children, plain and simple," Pyke said. "Whatever comes from it it's not for me at this point. . . . There are children out there who may watch this and, like I did, will say something to their mommies or their daddies." As she spoke with her therapy dog - a grey pit bull named Diesel - beside her, she added: "You can't put a price on a childhood that I lost." The Associated Press doesn't usually name alleged victims of sexual assault but Pyke has decided to go public with her story. Sizemore denied the "highly disturbing" allegation when it surfaced last year, saying he would never inappropriately touch a child. Sizemore spokeswoman Michelle Salem did not immediately return phone and email messages seeking comment. Salt Lake City police investigated in 2003, but prosecutors didn't file charges, citing witness and evidence problems. Sizemore's career has included prominent roles in "Saving Private Ryan" and "Black Hawk Down," but he's been dogged by drug abuse and domestic violence arrests. Pyke said she remembers being so excited to do her first Hollywood movie and work with a star like Sizemore. She had acted on several other films which she described as "B'' movies. Sizemore played her father in the movie and the alleged incident took place during a Christmas morning scene, Pyke said. She said he was briefly suspended from the movie after her parents reported the abuse to movie officials, but he was allowed to return. She was let go, she said. Pyke said she often thought about the incident but didn't seriously consider a lawsuit until the Hollywood Reporter ran a story in November about the alleged incident based on accounts from the movie's casting director and other actors who were there. Pyke said her parents told her that police told her back then that there was nothing more they could do after prosecutors passed on charges. She said her parents felt "railroaded" by Sizemore's powerful attorneys who she says told them they would never win. "I'm here to tell them 15 years later that we will win," Pyke said. ___ Associated Press writer Lindsay Whitehurst contributed to this report. FILE - In this Aug. 11, 2014 file photo, actor Tom Sizemore arrives at the premiere of "The Expendables 3" in Los Angeles. A Utah woman who told police Tom Sizemore groped her at a photo shoot when she was 11 is suing the actor. The lawsuit filed Monday, May 7, 2018, says the 2003 incident during production of the movie "Born Killers" left her with lifelong problems, including post-traumatic stress and addiction to drugs and alcohol. The lawsuit seeks at least $3 million in damages. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File) Kiersten Pyke wipes a tear from her face as she speaks during a press conference at her attorneys office Monday, May 7, 2018, in Salt Lake City. Pyke, a Utah woman who told police Tom Sizemore groped her at a photo shoot when she was 11, is suing the actor. The lawsuit filed Monday says the 2003 incident during production of the "Born Killers" movie left her with post-traumatic stress and drug and alcohol addiction. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) Kiersten Pyke speaks during a press conference at her attorneys office Monday, May 7, 2018, in Salt Lake City. Pyke, a Utah woman who told police Tom Sizemore groped her at a photo shoot when she was 11, is suing the actor. The lawsuit filed Monday says the 2003 incident during production of the "Born Killers" movie left her with post-traumatic stress and drug and alcohol addiction. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) DENVER (AP) - Two-time Olympic taekwondo champion Steven Lopez has been temporarily suspended while the U.S. Center for SafeSport resolves a case against him involving sexual misconduct allegations. Lopez's suspension Monday comes days after four women filed a lawsuit in federal court accusing USA Taekwondo and the U.S. Olympic Committee of sex trafficking. The lawsuit alleges the organizations were long aware that Lopez and his brother were sexual predators but kept sending young women with them to competitions and practices. Jean Lopez is appealing a pair of violations for sexual misconduct that resulted in a permanent ban; one of the cases involved a minor. Last June, USA Today reported that two women had accused Steven Lopez of sexual assault. Lopez denied the allegations. The U.S. Center for SafeSport opened in 2017 and is in charge of investigating sexual misconduct cases in Olympic sports. The Hezbollah group and its allies have scored significant gains in parliamentary elections in Lebanon while the Western-backed PM Saad Hariris Future Movement sustained losses, according to unofficial results. The preliminary results, which are expected to match the official count, show that Mr Hariri, a Sunni politician with close ties to Saudi Arabia, has so far lost five seats in Beirut, once considered his partys stronghold. This indicates Sunni voters are losing faith in his party amid a stagnant economy and general exasperation over the civil war in neighbouring Syria, which has brought a million refugees to Lebanon. Mr Hariri would still have the largest Sunni block in parliament, facilitating his return as prime minister to form the next government despite the losses. Hezbollah deputy chief Sheik Naim Kassem shows his ink-stained finger after casting his vote (Hassan Ammar/AP) Official results are expected to be announced later by interior minister Nouhad Machnouk. The next government, like the outgoing one, is likely to be a unity government that incorporates Mr Hariris opponents from the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. Hezbollah and its allies appear set to take at least 47 seats in the 128-seat parliament, which would enable them to veto any laws the Shiite militant group opposes. Saad Hariri meets supporters (Hussein Malla/AP) The election, the first in nine years, was marked by a lower turnout than before, reflecting voter frustration over endemic corruption and a stagnant economy. Mr Machnouk put national turnout at 49%, compared with 54% in 2009. In Beirut precincts, the turnout was between 32% and 42%. The drop came despite a reformulated electoral law designed to encourage voting through proportional representation. A member of the clown troupe Clown Me In pokes fun at the elections (Hussein Malla/AP) The preliminary results show two candidates from a civil society list both of them women journalists won seats in parliament. That is considered a breakthrough for political outsiders who faced an uphill battle against Lebanons political titans and religious leaders. The main race was between a Western and Saudi-backed coalition headed by Mr Hariri and the Tehran-backed Hezbollah, part of a region-wide power struggle that is tearing apart the Middle East. The elections were the first since war broke out in neighbouring Syria in 2011, sending over a million refugees to Lebanon, a small country with a population estimated at around 4.5 million. The war has divided Lebanon, pitting parties supporting Hezbollahs intervention in Syria to aid President Bashar Assads forces against Saudi-aligned parties opposed to it. According to the unofficial results, several pro-Syrian politicians allied with Hezbollah also won seats in the new parliament. Hawaiis Kilauea volcano has destroyed 26 homes and spewed lava hundreds of feet into the air, leaving hundreds of residents displaced. Hawaii County officials said another four unspecified structures had been covered by lava. The destroyed homes were in the Leilani Estates area, where molten rock, toxic gas and steam have been bursting through openings in the ground created by the volcano. (PA Graphics) Some of the more than 1,700 residents who were evacuated were allowed to briefly return to gather medicine, pets and other necessities. Officials said residents would be able to do so each day until further notice as authorities monitor which areas are safe. Lava has spread around 387,500 square feet surrounding the most active fissure, though the rate of movement is slow. There was no indication when the lava might stop or how far it might spread. Theres more magma in the system to be erupted. As long as that supply is there, the eruption will continue, US Geological Survey volcanologist Wendy Stovall said. Latest @usgs press release on #LeilaniEstatesEruption on #Kilauea: Lava eruption continues with several new fissures opened in the past day. Not all fissures remain active and no lava flows have formed. #HVO geologists monitoring closely. Photo taken May 4 https://t.co/hhD13iKNpl pic.twitter.com/Zq4yx6kfLq USGS Volcanoes (@USGSVolcanoes) May 5, 2018 About 250 people and 90 pets spent Saturday night at shelters, the American Red Cross said. The number of lava-venting fissures in the neighbourhood grew overnight from eight to as many as 10, Ms Stovall said. Some have quietened at various points, but USGS scientists expect fissures to keep spewing. The lava could eventually be channelled to one powerful vent while others go dormant, as has happened in some previous Hawaii eruptions, Ms Stovall said. Leilani Estates resident Sam Knox watches the lava (Marco Garcia/AP) Kilauea, one of the worlds most active volcanoes, has been erupting continuously since 1983. The USGSs Hawaiian Volcano Observatory issued a notice in mid-April that there were signs of pressure building in underground magma, and a new vent could form on the cone or along what is known as the East Rift Zone. Leilani Estates sits along the zone. The crater floor began to collapse last Monday, triggering earthquakes and pushing lava into new underground chambers that carried it towards Leilani Estates and nearby communities. A magnitude-6.9 earthquake Hawaiis largest in more than 40 years hit the area on Friday. President Hassan Rouhani has said Iran would be willing not to abandon its nuclear deal even if the US pulls out, providing the European Union offers guarantees that Tehran would keep benefiting from the accord. Mr Rouhanis remarks came ahead of President Donald Trumps decision expected later this week on whether to pull the US out of the landmark deal between Iran and world powers. Speaking during a meeting with officials in the north-eastern city of Mashhad, the Iranian leader said a US pullout would be a strategic mistake. He said: What we want for the deal is that its preserved and guaranteed by the non-Americans a reference to other signatories of the 2015 agreement. He added that in this case then the US pullout will be OK. Donald Trump is expected to announce his decision later this week (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) The foreign ministers of France and Germany said later that they will stick to the nuclear agreement, regardless of Mr Trumps decision. Frances top diplomat, Jean-Yves Le Drian, said the three European countries that were part of the deal France, Germany and the UK are committed to maintaining it. Mr Le Drian said: We will continue it independently of the American decision. His German counterpart, Heiko Maas, said Berlin also wants to stick by the deal, which makes the world a safer place and without it the world would be less safe. Global warming is set to wipe out 'many if not most' of the animals living in protected parts of the world's oceans by the end of the century, scientists predict. Polar bears and penguins are among the species under greatest threat, even if carbon emission trends remain unchanged. Current 'business-as-usual' projections suggest that by 2100 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) will be 5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 degrees Celsius) warmer than they are today. That is enough to make the conservation zones uninhabitable for many of the fish, mammals, birds and invertebrates now dwelling within them, say the researchers. Scroll down for video Graphic showing projected warming per year in the worlds Marine Protected Areas (black dots). 'Business-as-usual' projections suggest that by 2100 MPAs will be 5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 degrees Celsius) warmer than they are today. There are 8,236 MPAs around the world, covering 4 percent of the total surface of the oceans. They were set up to provide safe havens for wildlife and conserve endangered habitats by restricting human activities such as fishing, mining and tourism. The new study published in the journal Nature Climate Change suggests that without drastic action MPAs will be 'devastated' by rapid global warming. Lead scientist Professor John Bruno, from the University of North Carolina in the US, said: 'With warming of this magnitude, we expect to lose many, if not most, animal species from Marine Protected Areas by the turn of the century. 'To avoid the worst outcomes, we need to immediately adopt an emission reduction scenario in which emissions peak within the next two decades and then decrease very significantly, replacing fossil fuels with cleaner energy sources like solar and wind.' The scientists carried out simulations to model sea surface temperatures and oxygen concentrations in MPAs around the world, including those where fishing is banned. They found that even under the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 'business-as-usual' emissions scenario, MPAs were expected to warm by .061F (0.034C) per year. Polar bears and penguins are among the species under greatest threat, even if carbon emission trends remain unchanged. There are 8,236 MPAs around the world, covering 4 percent of the total surface of the oceans By the end of the century ocean temperatures in MPAs will have increased by an average of 5F, they said. For each MPA the scientists calculated a 'community thermal safety margin' (CTSM), the critical point after which most species would not be able to tolerate further change in their living conditions. In tropical areas, this threshold was expected to be reached by about 2050. WHY DO POLAR BEARS NEED ICE TO SURVIVE? Loss of ice due to climate change has a direct impact on the ability of polar bears to feed and survive. The bears need platforms of ice to reach their prey of ringed and bearded seals. Some sea ice lies over more productive hunting areas than others. Like other predators at the top of the food chain, polar bears have a low reproductive rate. One or two cubs are born in midwinter and stay with their mother for two years. Consequently, females breed only every three years. The bears don't reproduce until they are five or six years old. From late fall until spring, mothers with new cubs den in snowdrifts on land or on pack ice. They emerge from their dens, with the new cubs, in the spring to hunt seals from floating sea ice. Simply put, if there isn't enough sea ice, seals can't haul out on the ice, and polar bears can't continue to hunt. Advertisement MPAs in the Arctic and Antarctic were among those at greatest risk, said the scientists. They were likely to warm especially quickly, further endangering already vulnerable polar bears and penguins. Other high-risk MPAs included those off the northern Galapagos islands Darwin and Wolf. Co-author Rich Aronson, an ocean scientist at the Florida Institute of Technology, said: 'There has been a lot of talk about establishing marine reserves to buy time while we figure out how to confront climate change. 'We're out of time, and the fact is we already know what to do. We have to control greenhouse gas emissions.' Donald Trump will announce whether he will pull the United States out of the Iran nuclear deal on Tuesday evening. The president revealed he would set out his decision just hours after Boris Johnson pleaded with him not to throw the baby out with the bath water during a diplomatic dash to Washington. Mr Trump would be in line for the Nobel Peace Prize if he can fix the agreement, the Foreign Secretary said as he urged him not to pull out of the long-fought for accord. The president has branded the deal the worst ever backed by the US and reimposing sanctions would effectively torpedo the international alliance behind the deal. Mr Johnson met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo but did not hold talks with the president. Instead, he appeared on Mr Trumps favourite TV programme in an effort to save the deal. The Foreign Secretary told the Fox & Friends morning news show Iran had been behaving badly and flaws in the deal needed to be fixed but warned against ditching it. If you do that you have to answer the question what next? Fantastic to be back in Washington for talks with my American friends on a huge range of issues. You can read my @nytimes piece today at https://t.co/ASRlUFhIIs Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) May 7, 2018 What if the Iranians do rush for a nuclear weapon? Are we seriously saying that we are going to bomb those facilities at Fordo and Natanz? Is that really a realistic possibility? Or do we work round what we have got and push back on Iran together? Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is urging Mr trump not to ditch the pact (Stefan Rousseau/PA) In a separate interview during the visit, Mr Johnson raised the prospect of Mr Trump winning the Nobel Peace Prize. He told Sky News: If he can fix North Korea and if he can fix the Iran nuclear deal then I dont see why he is any less of a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize than Barack Obama, who got it before he even did anything. The decision to award Mr Obama the prize in 2009 just a short time after he entered the White House proved controversial. British, French and German diplomats have been working for weeks behind the scenes with US counterparts in an effort to preserve the Iran deal. The UKs ambassador to the United States Sir Kim Darroch said the Iran agreement was a good deal but efforts were ongoing to find some language, produce some action that meets the presidents concerns. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was signed by the US, China, Russia, Germany, France and Britain with Iran in 2015. Under its terms, Iran is committed to a peaceful nuclear energy programme. Mr Trump will announce his decision at 7pm UK time. Britons heading back to work after the hottest early May Bank Holiday weekend on record will enjoy the sweltering temperatures for one more day before the mercury dips. The Bank Holiday sunshine which saw England swelter in record-breaking highs of 28.7C (83.6F) is expected to stick around for one more day before a front bringing cloud and rain pushes in from the West. Met Office Forecaster Helen Roberts said highs of 28C (82.4F) were expected on Tuesday, with the South East and central southern England seeing the warmest conditions, followed by a massive drop in temperature as the week progresses. After the long weekend, Tuesday morning sees a change in the west with cloud and some rain spreading in. It's another fine start for central and eastern areas though pic.twitter.com/NklXNdNsKa Met Office (@metoffice) May 7, 2018 She said: Much of England will have a really decent morning, lots of sunshine. It gradually clouds over across West Midlands into the early afternoon, but central and eastern areas tend to hold onto the sunshine for longer. The warm weather might trigger thunderstorms late Tuesday afternoon and into the evening, most likely in East Anglia, London and the South East, the Met Office said. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to be cooler, with maximum temperatures of 20C (32F) Two people struggle to push bikes up a steep hill in Greenwich Park, south London (Dominic Lipinski/PA) From Wednesday, it will be nowhere near as warm as the Bank Holiday temperatures, she said, with temperatures struggling to hit 20C (32F) and most likely resting in the mid teens. On Monday afternoon the mercury hit 28.7C (83.6F) in Northolt, west London, making it the hottest early May Bank Holiday Monday and weekend since records began. People enjoying the hot weather on Brighton beach (Steve Parsons/PA) Those hoping for a repeat scorcher next weekend will be disappointed, as it is forecast to be decidedly cooler and more unsettled than the one just gone. Lambs enjoying the spring weather in Lanarkshire, Scotland. (David Cheskin/PA) Looking ahead to the royal wedding, the forecast is proving elusive, with Ms Roberts saying there was lots of uncertainty and low confidence surrounding the conditions on May 19. She said the weather would most likely be changeable. PANAMA CITY, May 5 (Reuters) - Panama will hold its next general election on May 5, 2019, the country's election tribunal announced on Saturday, with voters set to choose a new president, lawmakers and mayors to lead the Central American country for a five-year term. Roughly 2.7 million Panamanian voters in May next year will elect a replacement for current President Juan Carlos Varela, who is barred from re-election. On Saturday, the president announced a plan to kick-start a series of popular consultations on constitutional changes ahead of next year's vote. Among the changes, announced at the election tribunal event, Varela said he hopes to forge a constitutional assembly that would be elected in the general election, without giving any further details. Varela's critics said the unusual move was "irresponsible" just one year before the election. "This adds uncertainty to the electoral process," said Romulo Roux, president of the Democratic Change party. "It's a political measure for (Varela) to maintain his power after 2019." The election tribunal said $55.9 million would be destined for the elections, the sixth such vote since Panama's dictatorship ended. (Reporting by Elida Moreno Editing by Leslie Adler) MEXICO CITY, May 5 (Reuters) - Nine male bodies were found in the back of a pickup truck, abandoned by the side of a road, in the violent Mexican state of Guerrero, the state attorney general's office said in a statement on Saturday. State prosecutors were investigating the suspected murders, the statement said. It added that the bodies, discovered around 9 a.m. on Saturday on a road near the town of Tixtla, appeared to be those of a group that had been missing from near Tixtla since Thursday. More than 200,000 people have been murdered in Mexico since 2007, when the country's militarized drug war began. One of the top suppliers of heroin to the United States, Guerrero, in southwestern Mexico, has become one of the country's most violent states, as drug gangs battle for control of the trade. (Reporting by Lizbeth Diaz; editing by Jonathan Oatis) DUBAI, May 6 (Reuters) - President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday Iran had prepared plans to respond to any decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to end the nuclear agreement with Tehran and that the U.S. would regret such a decision. "We have plans to resist any decision by Trump on the nuclear accord," Rouhani said in a speech carried live by state television. "If America leaves the nuclear accord, this will entail historic remorse for it." (Reporting by Dubai newsroom; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle) WASHINGTON, May 6 (Reuters) - The Republican leader of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee said President Trump should not walk away from the Iran nuclear deal. President Donald Trump is facing a May 12 deadline on whether to re-impose sanctions against Iran. Texas Congressman Mac Thornberry said on Fox News Sunday it would be a mistake for Trump to scuttle the nuclear accord reached with Tehran. "I would counsel against it," he said. As Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Thornberry is considered a key Republican voice on national security issues. Thornberry said that while he was opposed to the deal when it was signed by the Obama Administration in 2015, exiting the agreement now would erode Washington's leverage against Tehran. "I thought it was a bad deal," he said. "But the key question is, ok, what happens next if the U.S. pulls out? Does Iran kick out those inspectors so we lose the visibility we have?" Trump has signaled he may tear up the 2015 deal and re-impose sanctions later this month. Trump Administration officials have said the nuclear accord fails to address Iran's ballistic missile program and will allow Tehran to rebuild its nuclear program after some of its provisions expire. Thornberry said that Trump should work with European allies to address these shortcomings in the accord. But scuttling the deal, he said, would take pressure off Iran by dividing Washington from its allies. "The Europeans are not going to re-impose sanctions so where does that leave us and Iran?" he said. (Reporting by Joel Schectman Editing by Phil Berlowitz ) From left: ADB Senior Energy Specialist David Elzinga and ADB Energy Sector Chief Yongping Zhai By Indika Sakalasooriya Sri Lanka should keep its options open when it comes to electricity generation to secure the countrys energy future and meet the increasing demand as its economy grows, according to energy sector experts at the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Currently the state-run Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and energy sector regulator, the Sri Lanka Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL), are in a tug of war regarding the countrys future energy mix with the CEB engineers favouring coal-fired power plants and the PUCSL opting for LNG in the short term and renewables in the long term. This deadlock situation has led to fears that Sri Lanka may experience blackouts in a couple of years time as the country has not commissioned a single power plant since 2014, despite the steady growth in demand. ADB will work together with the CEB and other authorities to meet Sri Lankas electricity demand and we believe that all options should be open. But coal is not the preferred option for ADB, ADB Energy Sector Chief Dr. Yongping Zhai said, responding to a question raised by Mirror Business during a press briefing in Manila, the Philippines. Sri Lanka has set itself some lofty goals to become energy self-sufficient by 2030 and is among the 43 countries of the Climate Vulnerable Forum that agreed to make their electricity generation 100 percent renewable by 2050 at the earliest. ADB last year announced US $ 200 million in funding for the CEB to set up a 100MW wind farm in Mannar, which is scheduled to be completed by 2021. Also, the Manila-based development financier has funded a number of hydropower projects in Sri Lanka. Zhai said ADB will continue to support Sri Lanka in developing the countrys renewable energy space. The question is moving forward, when the economy grows, what would be the source of additional power supply. I think that would be a debate not only in Sri Lanka, but also in all over the world. While endeavouring to secure the countrys energy future, Zhai pointed out that Sri Lanka should also be mindful of its commitment under the Paris climate accord. Coal may be an option but Sri Lanka should look into whether any additional coal will derail its commitment under the Paris agreement. At ADB, we consider renewable energy should be considered first. Also, import of LNG may be another option, Zhai said. Indias Petronet and Japans Sojitz Corp. have expressed setting up a US $ 300 million floating LNG terminal in Kerawalapitiya. The Cabinet approval has been given to Sri Lanka Gas Terminal Company Limited to enter into a memorandum of underst anding with Indian and Japanese parties for a feasibility study. Meanwhile, Zhai said ADB also encourages regional co-operation in attaining the countrys energy security, probably hinting that Sri Lanka should keep its options open to work together with India on energy co-operation. For all these things to happen you need a proper pricing system. You should send the right signals to investors. For example, those who are willing to put up a wind farm, they should get adequate tariff, he said. Sri Lankas largest supermarket operator, Cargills Food City said it would offer 500 grammes of pumpkin to every customer, whose bill value exceeds Rs.750, in a bid to help out the pumpkin farmers in Nawagaththegama. The farmers in Navagaththegama, Konkadalwala and Gaminipura areas, who have harvested pumpkins valued at more than Rs.10 million, have been unable to sell their produce. These farmers who chose to grow pumpkins since there wasnt sufficient water for paddy cultivation, found themselves in a predicament where they couldnt sell a kilo of pumpkin for even Rs.7 or Rs.8. Hearing the cries for help from these farmers, who have taken loans to the tune of lakhs of rupees to grow their crops, Cargills Food City has stepped forward to their assistance. It is reported that with the assistance of the Nawagaththegama District Secretariat and Puttalam District Samurdhi Directorate, Cargills has begun to purchase pumpkins from door to door. Cargills is engaged in distributing surplus pumpkins the company purchased to consumers. Towards this, every consumer who shops for more than Rs.750 at Cargills Food City is offered 500 grammes of pumpkin free of charge, a Cargills Food City statement said. The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) yesterday expressed its sincere appreciation of the resolution taken by the Government to demolish unauthorised structures and businesses on the Mirissa coastline under the directions of President Maithripala Sirisena. "We are extremely pleased that the Government has shown its capability to take effective measures to safeguard the general public and tourists who regularly visit this scenic part of the coastline," the THASL said in a statement. "Our Association notes that this is the first occasion where there has been a clear response to this recurrent problem by the Government. " "This measure establishes a sound precedent and sends out a strong message that similar action will be taken in the future as well, if necessary. It also reinforces that Sri Lanka takes decisive action to protect the public and tourists, serving as an added incentive for the expansion of tourism." "This initiative taken by the Government is very encouraging to the work we do together with the Government and the Minister of Tourism and Religious Affairs John Amaratunga, to enhance standards of the product we offer in the interest of the nations economy," the statement added. Folks returning to Iranaithivu after 26 years require the support from the Government to stand up and be counted Scars of the gruesome ethnic conflict are still in their recovery stage. The implementation of the Post-war development plans, especially in the North and East, so far has been slow and hampered by external pressure. Among the many Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) were 187 families from Iranaithivu, which comprises two islands belonging to the Pooneryn Division in the Kilinochchi District. Those displaced moved to Iranaimathaanagar, near Mulankavil in 1992 and eventually housed themselves in makeshift shelters. But last April these families decided to return to their homeland as their one year long protest to request the return of their lands fell on deaf ears. Upon their arrival, these Tamil families of the Catholic faith have begun to settle down, some with tears of joy, relishing how they once grew up there. But many of them dont have their deeds and they require the support from the Government to stand up on their feet. On a recent visit to Iranaithivu, the explored this once prospering island and also spoke to its residents. A forgotten island Separated by a channel of sea water, Iranaithivu includes Perum Theevu (Big Island) and Sirum Theevu (Small Island), a beautiful island with ponds and crystal clear water. A 45-minute boat ride will take you to this long forgotten island of Perum Theevu in the North, standing out with its vast expanse of greenery a clear sign of abandonment. Being a community that thrived on fishing, one could see them throwing their cast nets in search of fish several days after their return. Shelled and abandoned buildings, including a lighthouse dating back to 1886, makes one think of its long history. The main shelter at this island is the Sebamalai Matha Church (Roseiro Church) which has several statues of Mother Mary and Jesus, figures which have been there since the inception of this place of worship. With a school, hospital, three libraries, a church, a post office and the fishing centre this island was once equipped with all facilities. Today there are over 450 families waiting to start a new life on their homeland. Sea cucumbers and mussels could be found in abundance in the shallow waters around the main island and shore-based fishing practices provided an income for the women. The islands waters are also rich in limestone making it a rich breeding ground for several marine species. The island also provides base material to construct houses, in the islands and the mainland. The main shelter at this island is the Sebamalai Matha Church (Roseiro Church) which has several statues of Mother Mary and Jesus, figures which have been there since the inception of this place of worship. With a school, hospital, three libraries, a church, a post office and the fishing centre this island was once equipped with all facilities. IDPS, resettlement and the fight to reclaim land According to the statistics of the Ministry of Prison Reforms, Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs, as at October last year 44,119 families have been resettled in the Kilinochchi District. The remaining 729 families and 2395 persons living with friends and relatives in the same district are yet to be resettled. From 1992, the residents of Iranaithivu were displaced on several occasions, especially during the final phase of the war and they eventually left to Puthumathalan. As at now, people are allowed access to certain areas of the island. These people are still confined to one area in the island. However the once thriving fishing industry has faced many challenges especially with Indian and other local fishermen fishing in the waters. The other factor that stifles their industry is the wastage of fuel. Although numerous appeals were made to the Northern Province Chief Minister, the Prime Minister, the European Union Delegation in Sri Lanka and twice to the President himself in 2017, these challenges still exist. In May 2017, the residents staged a continuous protest in Iranaimathaanagar. These protesting voices were also heard in Pooneryn, Kilinochchi and even Colombo. As an outcome of these protests a series of discussions were held with community leaders and politicians, but the residents see no progress. Discussions underway Speaking to the , Ministry of Prison Reforms, Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs media secretary Dumidu Bandara said that several discussions were held with the military last year. The Navy is planning to setup a radar system on this island as means of tracking illegal Indian fishermen. In that case people would not be allowed to remain in the area. However the Navy Commander also said that they are willing to take it down if the country doesnt blame them in the event there is illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters. The military has helped these people immensely and already around 40,000 acres of land have been released in the Northern Province. Discussions are currently going on to find alternative solutions for these people. These people prefer to go to their homelands, but with the war there have been certain transactions which the Government and the authorities are still trying to clear out, he said. Upon visiting Iranaithivu, the learned that the church is the only place for these families to seek shelter. Every other building was shelled and has no roof. As such they have neatly arranged their belongings at a corner under a statue of Mother Mary. People are scattered all over the island and keep walking around to familiarise themselves back in their homeland. Pics by A. P. Mathanavasan The Daily mirror learned that the Northern Province Chief Minister has to give permission to the land officers and commissioners to solve the prevailing land issues. However, several attempts to contact Northern Province Chief Minister C. V Wigneswaran proved futile. A speech by Michael Morris, Baron Naseby, during a debate in the British parliament made news in Sri Lanka last October on account of the testimony he provided relating to the last stages of Sri Lankas 30-year war. Lord Naseby cited dispatches from Lt. Col. Anton Gash, Defence Attache at the British High Commission in Colombo, to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London during this crucial period. They showed the conduct of the Sri Lankan forces in a very different light to the negative one generally projected by western governments and reinforced in mainstream western media. It appeared that nobody bothered to gain access to those dispatches to find out what was actually in them even in the heavily redacted form in which they were released. That task has been undertaken not by the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) as one might have expected, but by an independent academic, Dr. Michael Roberts, Adjunct Associate Professor at the Department of Anthropology, University of Adelaide. Roberts approaches the material with a scholars diligence and a sociologists analytical eye, drawing on insights from his interviews with military personnel, diplomats, scholars, journalists and a variety of other sources. His commentaries on The Gash Files have appeared in his blog (Thuppahis Blog) in recent weeks. Gash is still a serving officer attached to the British High Commission in Jamaica writes Roberts. It is doubtful if he can ever divulge his sources of data, but we must remain grateful for the access to his assessments of the unfolding battle and refugee scenes. Praise be to the Lord Michael the Lord Naseby. Roberts humorous asides make for entertaining reading at times, while he delves into a tortuous area of study, a veritable mine field of controversy. The main point of interest for Sri Lanka is that Gashs testimony flies in the face of the allegations of human rights abuses during the last stages of the war, that laid the groundwork for a US-UK led resolution in the UN Human Rights Council in 2015. Could the UK reject the testimony of its own officer? With the clinical detachment of a military man, Gash reported on the manouvres carried out by the Sri Lanka Army (SLA), Navy (SLN) and Air Force (SLAF) to defeat the LTTE under extremely challenging conditions in those last days. He was a first-hand witness to their operations to secure the release of hundreds of thousands of civilians (IDPs). In a dispatch dated February 12, 2009 he described the arrival of an ICRC ship bringing Tamil civilians to safety in Trincomalee. This activity supervised by the SLN went on from February 9, 2009 till as late as May 9, 2009. Gash wrote to his masters: The operation was efficient and effective, but most importantly was carried out with compassion, respect and concern. I am entirely certain that this was genuine -- my presence was not planned and was based on a sudden opportunity; I had free access to the 300m-long stretch of beach over a 4-hour period and was able to observe upwards of 200 SLN personnel working extremely hard under difficult conditions. Their high morale was notable; they were enjoying the work and clearly finding it satisfying. There were constant examples of thoughtful assistance - looking after babies while mothers were being searched, helping elderly ladies or mothers of babies with their bags, cheerfully offering food etc. It appeared that nobody bothered to gain access to those dispatches to find out what was actually in them even in the heavily redacted form in which they were released Gash noted in a Comment that There is real risk that a suicide bomber could cause mass casualties in the beach environment. I was genuinely surprised how calm the atmosphere was in the aftermath of the suicide bomb at the Vavuniya screening centre, and by how much compassion was being shown.Gash went so far as to say, Welfare appeared to be overriding some security considerations. Roberts does not necessarily agree with Gashs analysis on every point. On March 12, 2009, Gash sent this appraisal: The LTTE has been forcing the civilian population to move in accordance with their tactical requirements. The NFZ is rigorously policed and patrolled by LTTE cadres, who control access to food and medical facilities, ensuring that their own needs are met before any capacity is allowed for civilians. Roberts, noting that this observation points in the right direction, further contends that, The mass of Tamil civilians was not merely a tactical element. They were a central pillar in the LTTEs grand strategy. He says, They were to (A) function as a defensive fortress of sandbags (i.e. victims, casualties) restraining the offensive weaponry of the GSL forces and (B) serve as an incentive for forceful intervention by Norway, USA and other Western governments intervention primed by the outcries of HR organisations and concerned peoples (including Tamil organisations) in the West. It is in line with this strategy, Roberts argues, that the LTTE from around 2008 began building a picture of an impending humanitarian catastrophe and the prospect of genocide. He goes on to detail the manipulations of diplomats of the US, Norway and others who kept pushing Sri Lanka to drop its goal of defeating the LTTE. the HR agencies, the Western governments and their UN emissaries fell in with the LTTE strategy (induced in part, as it seems outwardly, by humanitarian concerns). They were not mere bystanders. They were active participants in the warring context. Gashs Situation Reports contain vital information and insights on conditions that prevailed during the wars end, that have been glossed over or ignored in western mainstream medias coverage of it. For example: - That It is not possible to distinguish civilians from LTTE cadres, as few cadres are now in military uniform. (Sitrep 28 January 2009). - the language on TamilNet and other similar platforms is clearly striving for international intervention to force a ceasefire on the GoSL. (Sitrep 28 January 2009) - UN reports suggest increasing forced recruitment of women and children by the LTTE, and that many of the LTTE casualties are unwilling recruits (Sitrep 12 March 2009) - That the LTTE has been consistently trying to prevent the egress of IDPs other than the most seriously injured (refers to suicide bomber killing nine civilians and wounding 41 at a screening centre near Pulliyampokkani, and the killing of 19 civilians and wounding of 75 by the LTTE as they tried to escape to government held areas. (Sitrep 12 March 2009) - TamilNet allegations continue along the familiar themes of attacks on orphanages, hospitals, cluster munitions, chemical weapons. These are no longer credible,albeit there clearly have been heavy civilian casualties from small arms and mortar fire. - military analysis, 07 April 2009. On the much-hyped issue of civilian casualties too, Gashs estimate contradicts the figure put into circulation by the Darusman Report (on which the HRC resolution relies) when he says Leaked UN casualty figures calculate 6,432 civilians killed and 19,946 injured over the last 3 months. The dispatch is dated 26 April 2009. In the three weeks that followed, is it credible that this figure could have rocketed to 40,000? The head of Australia's military-led border security operations has warned against any attempts to water the hardline policy down, following the interception of a people-smuggling boat off the coast of Malaysia. Air Vice-Marshall Stephen Osborne, the commander of Operation Sovereign Borders, appeared alongside Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton on Monday to discuss the thwarted venture. The modified tanker was carrying 131 Sri Lankans when it was halted off the coast of southern Johor state on Tuesday last week. The boatload of 98 men, 24 women, four boys and five girls was believed to be bound for Australia or New Zealand. Mr Dutton said the type of boat, its size and the people involved all pointed to a sophisticated operation, which had the potential to reach New Zealand. Those responsible are well known, he told reporters in Canberra on Monday, while thanking Malaysian authorities. Mr Dutton used the intercepted vessel to attack Labor's approach to border protection. He pushed Labor to oppose a proposal for a 90-day limit on holding asylum seekers on Manus Island and Nauru, claiming Bill Shorten was "talking out both sides of his mouth" on offshore detention. Air Vice-Marshall Osborne appeared to take an unusual step into the political realm when asked whether he shared the minister's concerns that "the boats will restart" under Labor. "The most appropriate (thing) for me to say is Operation Sovereign Borders has been very successful now - it is almost four years without venture," he told reporters. "It's built on a very particular structure and if we make any changes to that structure, I would have some concerns, and we will leave it at that." Mr Dutton warned New Zealand was now being marketed as a "definite destination" by people smugglers. He said New Zealand was the only country in the world where you can have a visa into Australia on arrival. "The people smugglers understand that and I don't understand why Labor can't get it," Mr Dutton told reporters. The minister said parties need to be careful about putting New Zealand in the policy mix because it becomes the "sugar" on the table. He stopped short of claiming New Zealand ought to accept any blame for the intercepted vessel due to its own border policies, but said the Ardern government now understood "the gravity of this situation". "What I would say is that anybody, when they're talking about these matters, needs to be careful and circumspect about what it is that they're saying," Mr Dutton said. "Because it will be interpreted a particular way by people smugglers" Labor immigration spokesman Shayne Neumann claimed Mr Dutton was playing into the hands of people smugglers and criminals by his comments on the opposition's border protection policies. "Labor believes in strong borders, offshore processing, regional resettlement and turn-backs when safe to do so because we know it saves lives at seas," Mr Neumann said. "Shame on Peter Dutton and the Liberals for undermining Labor's strong position on border protection and encouraging the people smugglers to restart their vile trade." Mr Neumann said the government should be able to negotiate a resettlement deal with New Zealand akin to one struck with the United States. (SBS News) REUTERS, 06th MAY, 2018- President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday Iran had plans to respond to any move by U.S. President Donald Trump on the 2015 nuclear agreement and the United States would regret a decision to exit the accord. Trump has said unless European allies rectify flaws in Tehrans nuclear agreement with world powers by May 12 he will refuse to extend U.S. sanctions relief for Iran. We have plans to resist any decision by Trump on the nuclear accord, Rouhani said in a speech carried live by state television. Orders have been issued to our atomic energy organization ... and to the economic sector to confront Americas plots against our country, Rouhani told a rally in northeast Iran. America is making a mistake if it leaves the nuclear accord, Rouhani said. Britain, France and Germany remain committed to the nuclear accord but, in an effort to keep Washington in it, want to open talks on Irans ballistic missile programme, its nuclear activities beyond 2025 - when key provisions of the deal expire - and its role in Middle East crises such as Syria and Yemen. We will not negotiate with anyone about our weapons and defences, and we will make and store as many weapons, facilities and missiles as we need, Rouhani said, reiterating a rejection by Iranian leaders of talks on Irans missile programme which Tehran says is defensive. Diversified conglomerate Softlogic Holdings PLC has entered into a master franchise agreement with Frances Delifrance S.A., to develop, open and operate Delifrance outlets in Sri Lanka with its trademarks. The new franchise partnership with Delifrance, a French frozen and bakery foods manufacturer, is the third by the Softlogic group as it already holds and operates the franchise businesses of Burger King and Baskin-Robbins. The Softlogic groups franchise businesses are listed under its fully-owned subsidiary, Softlogic Restaurants Private Limited, which operates as the master franchisee. The agreement will result in Softlogic taking over the existing Delifrance business operations in Sri Lanka. Based in France, Delifrance S.A. has been developing bakery solutions for food service providers, retailers and bakers for over 30 years. The company has operations in 20 countries around the world, its corporate website said. Delifrance manufactures and sells various deep-frozen, frozen foods including bread, bakery foods, viennoiseries, pastries, sandwiches and snack foods. The Softlogic group has been bringing to Sri Lanka an array of global brands and businesses via franchise partnerships and authorised dealerships and partnerships as the group banks on higher demand for branded products from local people, whose incomes |are rising. The group is also banking on the countrys booming tourism industry. one of the Leading professionals in ICT Law Sunil D. B. Abeyrathne says that Sri Lankans are unaware of the responsibility they bear when entering cyberspace and using digital devices The ultimate solution would be to digitize the court system We have now started an e-filing system only for fundamental rights applications There are no laws or policies to ensure cyber security, privacy or data protection in Sri Lanka If we upload something against national security, it is an offence under section 3 of the Computer Crime Act It is sad that the Sri Lanka Police is not only reluctant, but also incompetent in carrying out investigations properly An instance where technology can be adopted is in the filing of fundamental rights applications It would go uncontested if one opines that the best words to define the 21st century is Digital Age. We live in a world where we simply cannot do without digital devices and the internet. As much as we eat food and inhale air, we are constantly engaged in the cyber world. Although millions are connected to their mobile phones, laptops and computers all the time, very few are aware of the laws that govern their usage. Its almost pathetic to known that one might not even be aware that he or she is committing a cyber crime or infringing on intellectual property rights. It is also dangerous that we do not know if the data that we provide to internet sources are secured and whether our privacy is protected. The Dailymirror decided to interview Attorney-at-Law Mr. Sunil D. B. Abeyratne, one of the leading professionals in ICT (Information, Communication and Technology) Law, to know more. QWhat are the laws that are related to technology and internet usage in Sri Lanka? There are four main pieces of legislation that govern technology and internet usage in Sri Lanka. We can refer to them collectively as ICT Laws. They include the ICT Act (2003), the Electronic Transactions Act (2006) and Computer Crime Act (2007). Under the Evidence Special Provisions Act of 1995, computer evidence and audiovisual contemporaneous evidence can be admitted as evidence in cases. The judges are given enough discretion under the existing legal framework to allow for admission of electronic evidence in litigation. Although these laws exist, they are not properly implemented in Sri Lanka. QDo you mean to say that the legal system in Sri Lanka is not properly benefiting from the existing legal framework governing ICT? Precisely. To give an example, although the Evidence Special Provisions Act of 1995 allows for electronic evidence to be admitted to court, there has been only ONE decided case so far where computer evidence was admitted. More than 25 years have passed since the adoption of this particular legislation, but there is no application or utilization of it. Admission of evidence is even simplified under this act than the original Evidence Ordinance, because there is no classification as primary and secondary evidence. It is sad that the Sri Lanka Police is not only reluctant, but also incompetent in carrying out investigations properly. They are sometimes not even aware of the fact that electronic evidence can be valid evidence. Its an unfortunate situation that such a useful provision, which, if practised, would not only make the litigation process more efficient, but would most definitely assist in justice being delivered. The Attorney Generals department, Unofficial Bar, Sri Lanka Police, lawmakers and the judiciary are all responsible for this. QDo you think that the existing law is sufficient to ensure the genuineness of electronic evidence? Yes. Under our law, electronic evidence is admitted only if certain criteria are fulfilled, as prescribed by the existing legal framework. For example, a statement produced by a computer is admissible only if it is capable of being perceived by the senses , if the computer is operating properly, if the information supplied to the computer is accurate and the statement reproducing the information is accurate. I believe the law is more than adequate to ensure that this kind of evidence is genuine. In other countries, the Governments from time to time introduce regulations, which we are not doing. The same risk of lack of confidentiality and integrity can apply to ordinary evidence, so there is no need to doubt the genuineness of electronic evidence only. What the authorities did was block access to Facebook. By this, we showed the entire world that we are incapable of handling the situation, that we are incompetent in identifying perpetrators and dealing with computer related laws. QCan technology be used to assist the legal system apart from the laws that are already in place? The legal field is the last profession to adopt technological development and the most hesitant to move away from traditional methods. All the other fields like the medical and business fields have used technology to the maximum. Without technological devices and the internet, those professionals cannot operate. How many technological devices and computers would you see inside an operation theatre? All these high-rise buildings are designed using computers. But what happens in the legal field is, we stick to the age-old methodologies which is one of the main reasons for the inability to meet justice and for the delay in cases. An instance where technology can be adopted is in the filing of fundamental rights applications. According to our constitution, a fundamental rights application must be filed within one month of the infringement. When it comes to finding a lawyer, making the necessary preparations and coming to the Supreme Court, usually the one month elapses and the victims are left without any remedy. We have now started an e-filing system only for fundamental rights applications where petitioners can email their petition to the registrar. This is the system followed in Australia and the United States. But the issue is the general public and the police officers are unaware of these developments. The ultimate solution would be to digitize the court system, which if done, can cut down 90% of courts delays. QDo you think Sri Lanka was better equipped to handle the racism propagated through social media during the recent internal disturbance? If we upload something against national security, it is an offence under section 3 of the Computer Crime Act. When the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) encountered the challenge of handling hate posts on social media, which enhanced the racial propaganda, there was minimum court action. What the authorities did was block access to Facebook. By this, we showed the entire world that we are incapable of handling the situation, that we are incompetent in identifying perpetrators and dealing with computer related laws. It is even amusing how despite this Facebook ban, everyone including the President, Prime Minister and the Minister in charge of Digital Infrastructure (who defended himself as he was in Dubai) was logged in using VPN. For example, a statement produced by a computer is admissible only if it is capable of being perceived by the senses, if the computer is operating properly and if the information supplied to the computer is accurate QCan you explain the position of Sri Lanka in relation to ICT Law when compared with other countries? Sri Lanka is actually a pioneer when it comes to ratifying international and regional conventions related to ICT Law. We have signed both important conventions. Even countries like Japan and India havent adopted these conventions. When ratifying international conventions, what usually happens, is the members of the executive attend these conferences and without any knowledge and understanding of their capabilities, they straight away ratify these conventions. However, ironically, when it comes to adopting them and implementing them, we are lagging behind. There are special and simplified procedures provided by the law in relation to computer crimes where the police can even obtain the help of university graduates who hold the qualification Bachelor of IT. They can perform several tasks without even receiving a court order. But non of this is implemented. We must research on how other countries have enforced their laws and integrated the culture of responsibly using the internet and digital devices and educate our society. QWhat is the status of cyber security, privacy and data protection in Sri Lanka? There are no laws or policies to ensure cyber security, privacy or data protection in Sri Lanka. Although hacking and some other activities are offences under the Computer Crime Act, a remedy cant be offered to a citizen if his or her sensitive data is withheld. There are no laws related to the use of CCTV cameras. There was once an issue where CCTV cameras were fixed inside changing rooms of a textile shop and the videos were misused. Although the police managed to trace the owner, there was no law to hold him liable. When there are no data protection laws, on-line transactions arent safe. This has a direct impact on our trade because some countries are reluctant to enter into transactions with us due to the lack of security in these on-line transactions. If a country wants to actually enter into international trade and commerce, then there must be directives and policies to protect data. The legal field is the last profession to adopt technological development and the most hesitant to move away from traditional methods. All the other fields like the medical and business fields have used technology to the maximum QAre people aware of the laws governing the ICT field? If the next I-Pad is introduced today, it is available in our market tomorrow. That is the speed and enthusiasm we have to use new technology. But when the virus guards or firewalls in our computers continuously remind us to renew or upgrade them, we dont care and we conveniently ignore them. That is the status of the awareness of Sri Lankans. People are unaware of the responsibility we have to carry when we enter cyberspace and use digital devices. If the education ministers have been smart enough to introduce ICT as a subject for olevel students, why cant they introduce a chapter on ICT Law? If this was done, I think from an early age, people will be aware of the responsibility entailed to using information and communication technology. When the British Empire rid itself of the Indian subcontinent in 1947, the latter was divided to establish a predominantly Hindu India and a predominantly Muslim Pakistan according to a set of principles which included the religious composition of the population and geographical contiguity with India and the two wings of Pakistan (one in the West and the other in the East). Hurriedly brought about between 1946 and 1947, partition has been an extremely divisive issue which is plaguing relations between the two countries to this day. It immediately led to horrendous Hindu-Muslim riots in Northern and Eastern India; the transfer of populations involving millions; and a short war over the disputed Muslim-majority princely state of Kashmir in 1948. Indias continued bid to keep Kashmir, and Pakistans relentless bid to seize it have led to two full scale wars; the transformation of East Pakistan into an independent Bangladesh through an India-supported armed struggle; unrest in Kashmir exploited and fanned by Pakistan; and Pakistans bid to weaken India by promoting cross border terrorism. Since 1947, support for the separatist movement in Kashmir has been an article for faith for every political party in Pakistan. The issue prevents Islamabad from cooperating with India, no matter what the issue. On the Indian side, Pakistans relentless bid to seize Kashmir or inflict on it a thousand cuts through devastating terrorist acts, has been affecting the political, economic and social status of Muslims who had chosen to remain in India after partition. Although post-partition India chose to be a secular state, and has been largely so, communalism has raised its ugly head in Northern and Western India many times to keep the Muslim population on tenterhooks. And electoral politics based on mobilization of communities and other primordial loyalties has kept the pot of communalism boiling. After partition, the then dominant Congress party and the Left, co-opted the Muslims and the Backward Castes. But the Hindu majoritarian and rights wing parties,which were challenged by this electoral team up, vigorously promoted Hindu consolidation in opposition to the Muslims and the Backward Class movements. Cross-border terrorism encouraged by Pakistan over the Kashmir issue helped the Hindu majoritarian and Right wing forces to divide the Hindus from the Muslims. Over time, secular, cross-religions electoral alignments weakened. This was reflected in the phenomenal rise of the fortunes of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological adjuncts called the Sangh Parivar. From the late 1980s onwards, the war between Hindu majoritarianism and the Muslim-Backward Classes coalition intensified. This was partly triggered by the Left leaning V. P. Singh Govts bid to reserve 27% of seats for the Backward Classes in government and education sectors as per the Mandal Commissions report. The beleaguered Hindu majoritarian forces met this challenge by re-unifying the Hindus and this was sought to be done by turning all Hindus, irrespective of caste, against the common enemy; namely, the Muslims. The consolidation was facilitated by two other factors: First, the instability in the Central government brought about by the decline of the Congress and the inability of the non-Congress Left of Centre parties to run a stable and credible government. Second, the intensification of unrest in Muslim majority Kashmir which India attributed to Pakistans machinations there. The high point of cross-caste Hindu consolidation, and the anti-Muslim movement was the demolition of a medieval mosque in Ayodhya built by the first Moghul Emperor Babar in 1992. The plan was to build, on the site, a temple for Lord Rama as it was thought to be his birthplace. The demolition of the Babri Masjid did bring about Hindu consolidation to an extent. The process was expedited by the Muslims response to it. Terrorist bombings in Mumbai and other parts of India, allegedly done by Pakistan-inspired or Pakistan based Islamic groups, resurrected and sharpened anti-Muslim, anti-Pakistan and anti-partition feelings among an increasing number of Hindus, cutting across caste, regional and linguistic divisions. All this led to the rise of the BJP, now under the charismatic Narendra Modi. The Modi wave gave the BJP a road roller majority in parliament in May 2014 and resulted in the partys capturing power in most Indian States barring those in the South. Now, anti-Muslim and anti-Pakistan rhetoric is routinely used by the Hindu-majoritarian Right wing parties every time there is an election. The Congress, Left of Centre and Left parties which are avowedly secular are dubbed as pro-Pakistan and therefore anti-national. This is done especially when the BJP is facing a tough contest and is fighting with its back to the wall as was the case in Bihar and Gujarat recently. During the hard fought elections in Bihar, BJP President Amit Shah said that if the Centre-Left combination won the elections, there would be celebratory fireworks in Pakistan. This was repeated in the Gujarat elections by Prime Minister Modi himself. He even accused formerPrime Minister Manmohan Singh and some Congress leaders of plotting to defeat the BJP in cahoots with the Pakistani High Commissioner over a dinner meeting in New Delhi. And now, with elections due in several states and the parliamentary elections coming up in May 2019, the Muslim-Pakistan factor is being raked up again. A BJP leader in Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh, suddenly discovered a portrait of Pakistans founder, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, in the office of the Students Union of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), a Centrally funded but autonomous minority institutions. The portrait had been there for the last 80 years as Jinnah had given funds to the university in its early days. And he was not alone. There were portraits of other contributors and Indian national leaders too on the wall. A new Hindu extremist group Hindu Yuva Vahini then attacked the university besieging its students and teachers. These fought back until the police restored order. However, to avoid further trouble, the university authorities removed Jinnahs portrait. But the incident served the Hindu Right wings purpose of reviving the controversy over the vivisection of Mother India, the creation of a Muslim majority state of Pakistan and Jinnahs villainous role in it. This is expected to help the consolidation of the Hindu vote, help overcome caste divisions among Hindus and prevent these divisions from being exploited by the secular and Left parties in the coming State and national elections. It would also take the sense out of the Congress policy of cultivating the Muslim minority. Aware of this, the Congress started soft pedaling the Muslims case. In the Gujarat elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi conspicuously avoided the company of Muslims and preferred to make highly publicized visits to Hindu temples instead. Anti-Muslim and anti-Pakistan rhetoric is routinely used by the Hindu-majoritarian Right wing parties every time there is an election But regardless of the Congress lily-livered approach, independent and secular media in India have condemned the action of the Hindu Rights attacks on AMU and brought into the open top BJP leaders laudatory references to Jinnah in the not too distant past. The Congress party itself has been silent, though. In fact, when one its pro-Muslim leaders Mani Shankar Aiyer recently referred to Jinnah by his honorific Qaid-e-Azam the Congress spokesman dissociated the party from the remark saying that Aiyer is not a member of the party. He is under suspension for describing Modi as a tea boy in a speech during the Gujarat elections. In his 2009 book, Jinnah-Indian Partition-Independence, former BJP leader and Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh had blamed the centralist policies of the Congress leader Jawaharlal Nehru and not Jinnah for the partition of India. In Singhs view, if only Nehru had accepted Jinnahs proposal for forming autonomous Muslim provinces within India, India would have remained one country. In 2005, another BJP leader who was Indias Deputy Prime Minister L. K. Advani had gone to Jinnahs mausoleum in Karachi and had written in the visitors book that Jinnah was a secular leader and addressed him as Qaid-e-Azam. In his early years, Sarojini Naidu, a leading luminary of Indias freedom struggle, described Ali Jinnah as an Ambassador of Hindu-Muslim unity. His address to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947, is really a classic, a forceful espousal of a secular state in which, while every citizen would be free to practice his own religion, the state shall make no distinction between one citizen and another on grounds of faith. My respectful homage to this great man,Advani wrote. With the media recalling what its own past leaders had said about Jinnah, BJP would find it a bit difficult to pursue the anti-Jinnah line in the forthcoming election campaigns. But the bid to consolidate the Hindu vote on the basis of differences with the minorities, especially the Muslims, will be part of the BJPs political stock in trade, especially because it appears to have paid dividends. France Orders Fifth SSN, Launches Tiger MLU 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. Clicking on the "Ok" button below will place the item in your shopping cart and return you to our home page, where you will be able to select additional stories. -- select additional stories and services from our home page and pay for them at the same time. -- see your shopping cart. You can also see the contents of your shopping cart at any time by clicking on the "Order" tab on the navigation bar at the top of any page, or by clicking on the "Your order" light blue link in the top right-hand corner of our home page, immediately under the log-on box. Subscriber content preview NEW YORK (AP) Two investors have reached a deal to buy a majority share of New York City's historic Plaza Hotel for $600 million. The New York Times reports that the buyers are Shahal Khan, founder of the Dubai-based White City Ventures, and Kamran Hakim of the Hakim Organization, a major New York City landlord. . . . 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United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Ahead of the 2018-19 Federal Budget, which will be released on Tuesday (8 May), Dynamic Business spoke to a cohort of business leaders about the measures they hope to see from the Turnbull Government. In this article, the second in a two-parter, Julius Wei (BMYG), James Lynch (CastleCoin), Michael Jankie (PoweredLocal), Trevor Townsend (Startup BootCamp), and Emma Lo Russo (Digivizer) discuss the need for government to amongst other things be more flexible with skilled worker visas, make the tax system more favourable to innovative businesses with global agendas, support startup accelerators and incubators and enable startups to safely undertake ICOs on a global level. Internationally competitive startups According to Emma Lo Russo, co-founder and CEO of social analytics tech startup Digivizer, the success of the budget should be measured in terms of how it helps businesses compete internationally. Our future economic wellbeing is dependent on our ability to be relevant in this already global, digital and tech-charged, tech-automated world, she explained. We will be looking to see investment in technology and information infrastructure, tech education, tech financing and the balancing of our tax system to make it more favourable to those innovating, hiring and growing global businesses. We need to make it easier for businesses to access capital between the startup and VC stages. Further tax incentives for corporate, superannuation and government co-funding will positively impact our ability to keep our tech onshore, and so keep hiring and paying taxes here. Other initiatives Lo Russo said she would like to see in the budget included incentives for businesses to promptly pay startups and SMEs (this can help cash flow at critical stages), greater flexibility around technical labour visas (this would help new businesses flourish) and incentives to provide work-based tech training. As founders and business owners, we should be asking the government of the day to strip away the short-termism of the three-year election cycle, to apply a medium- and long-term view, to see Australian innovation and business growth accelerate, she said. Accelerator support, ICO framework Trevor Townsend, CEO of Startup BootCamp Melbourne said the startup accelerator would like to see additional funding for innovation support activities such as accelerators and incubators. In addition, he called for the ESIC (early stage innovation company process) to be simplified to allow startups to get free certification from government This should enable certainty around their status as ESIC compliant. At the moment, it is creating additional cost for accountants to do the review. Further, Townsend call for the government to reaffirm its support for initiatives such as the Accelerating Commercialisation program of guidance and grants and the R&D tax incentive, and to establish a framework for initial coin offerings (ICOs) to enable startups to safely raise funds globally without fear of breaching ASIC or other guidelines. Attract further investment in startups Julius Wei, co-founder of wealth management firm BMYG, said government can do more around the tax rebate/benefit rules to help startups. For instance, currently only an early stage venture capital limited partnership (ESVCLP) vehicle is tax free for investment into early stage companies, which requires a very complicated structure and approval process, he explained. We at BMYG believe in having a more general tax-concession and incentive directly according to the companys characteristics, instead of a vehicle specific rule, because that is a much better way of attracting further investment into our local startups. We also noticed that the ATO has done a lot of investigation into the historical R&D rebate and asked many companies to pay them back as part of the proceedings, which is harsh for many cash flow tight companies. We believe the best way forward should be by affording greater control in the approval process, not a recoup of the already granted cash. Wei said BMYG disapproves of the governments recent migration policy changes and its decision to abolish the 457 visa for skilled migrant workers which made the skilled applicants the victim of the change. He explained, Its important to note that these skilled workers are the most valuable assets to many of our companies, and particularly for local startups, which are typically in the industries relatively underdeveloped in Australia and therefore quite often rely on having a lot on foreign employees to remain competitive. A globally competitive super region Michael Jankie, CEO of social wi-fi company PoweredLocal identified a need for government to pursue more competitive on tax rates to retain companies in and attract companies to Australia. A lot of Australians see this as a bad thing, but the economic uplift of these companies dumping the expenses side of their operations in Australia will lead to employment, which puts money in individuals pockets who will spend the money in our economy, Jankie explained Its the idea that having 20 per cent of a much bigger pie is better than 30 per cent of a small pie. Jankie endorsed a double-down focus from the government on small business growth spending and tax cuts as well as increased expenditure on national building exercises. I want to see Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane become a super region to compete globally, rather than each city competing with each other and globally, he explained. This is going to mean major infrastructure projects between the cities to link them together and make moving between them much faster. Increased awareness of support programs James Lynch, CEO of blockchain-based, real estate investment platform CastleCoin, said he and his team would like to see government increase awareness of support programs available to startups and small businesses, including details on how to access and capitalise on them. Noting that the current disparity between real estate licensing and processes limits both scalability and liquidity, Lynch encouraged the Government to provide greater support for the prop-tech space. Specifically, he said he a set of unified regulatory standards across all states would enable prop-tech startups to improve the efficiency of the national market. As the values and goals of government become closer aligned with that of the market, I believe that there is a large opportunity to engage directly with both private and educational institutions, in addition to startup hubs such as the Blockchain Centre in Melbourne, he said. In these spaces, there is multitude of great ideas coming through which will serve to drive innovation and development of relevant technology. Related: Federal Budget: startup wish list, part one Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant, City of Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes and City Council Members are among those attending the highly anticipated Mississippi Aquarium construction kick-off "Sail"ebration on May 11 at 1 p.m. The ceremony is open to the public and is set to mark an important step forward in economic development for the State of Mississippi, the Gulf Coast and the City of Gulfport. Students from Gulfport High School will participate in "Hoisting of the Sails". The sails in Mississippi Aquarium's logo represent the Aquarium's core values: education, conservation and community. WHAT: Mississippi Aquarium Construction Kick-Off "Sail"ebration WHERE: The future site of Mississippi Aquarium - Near the corner of 15th Street & 21st Avenue in Gulfport; Adjacent to the CTA parking garage WHEN: Friday, May 11, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. WHY: To celebrate major development of the Mississippi Aquarium, specifically the start of vertical construction, and the reveal of the Aquarium's renderings to the public. Mississippi Aquarium's 12 animal habitats, including North American River Otters, American Alligators, an Aviary and Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. The Mississippi Aquarium, a 501c3, is Mississippi's aquarium. Backed by the state and Gulfport, the Mississippi Aquarium is embarking on an adventure to showcase marine life to the Gulf Coast. Experience the sights, sounds and vibrant wildlife of Mississippi and the Gulf Coast, this ambitious endeavor will transform the region to a premier tourism attraction and provide a hub for aquatic conservation and education. The Mississippi Aquarium will be a premier aquarium recognized in creating entertaining, educationally-enriching programming, advancing conservation efforts, and showcasing marine life and marine research. Mississippi Aquarium's mission revolves around three pillars - education, conservation and community. These three values are applied to every aspect of our Aquarium. Hook and Line: Follow Mississippi Aquarium on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram to get the latest updates or visit msaquarium.org The following post was written by Molly Tamulevich. Molly is a Michigan-based animal welfare activist and macro photographer. She received her MS from Michigan State University with a specialization in Human-Animal Studies and serves on the board of directors of Attorneys for Animals, a non-profit Michigan organization of legal professionals and advocates dedicated to animals and animal rights. Enjoy (and take ACTION!) Puppies are the common denominator in the world of animal welfare. If we can agree on nothing else, there is consensus that the abuse of a puppy is a bottom line for all but the most depraved. This unwritten rule was thrown out the window last week, however, when Republican Representative Hank Vaupel introduced a pair of bills intended to help an industry that has become synonymous with animal abuse: puppy mills. These two bills are part of a larger strategy by pet store and puppy mill lobbyists to prevent local governments from banning the retail sale of puppies,part of a legislative arms race that has spread across the country. If we dont act quickly, Michigan may become the latest state to be blindsided by deceptive legislation that undercuts the safety of dogs in our state. The Legislation The bills in question, HB 5916 and HB 5917, aim to do two things: enact state-wide industry practices when purchasing puppies for resale, and prevent local jurisdictions from banning the sale of puppies. These bills, backed by powerful pet store lobbyists (See Ohios Petland Bill) are characterized as Preemption laws because they aim to preempt any attempts by local government to regulate puppy sales. Preemptive laws have been introduced in Ohio and Arizona (where they passed), and Florida and Georgia (where they failed) . On the surface, they masquerade as animal welfare, pledging to protect puppies by guaranteeing that they are purchased from USDA licensed breeders with no current inspection violations. It sounds good on paper, but closer analysis reveals that this standard is nearly impossible to enforce. In early 2017, all animal welfare databases were removed from the USDA public records. Without filing a Freedom of Information Act request, local law enforcement agencies cannot possibly determine whether a pet store is using a supplier who meets the standards of the proposed law. Not only that, but a quick perusal of what constitutes USDA Licensed illustrates just how low the minimum standards are for commercial dog breeding. If this legislation passes, pet stores in Michigan would be able to purchase animals from known puppy mills without any risk of repercussion and local communities wont be able to fight back by banning them from operating in their jurisdictions. This legislation is classic slight-of-hand. Much like the pet stores themselves, HB5916/HB5917 appeal to our sense of compassion only to sell us a lie. The ultimate goal of this legislation is to prevent Michigan communities from banning the retail sale of puppies at a local level. Why Should we Care? Puppy mills are terrible The label, Puppy Mill became part of the popular lexicon over a decade ago. It refers to large-scale dog breeding facilities that place profits over the welfare of the animals involved. Footage from rescue operations at these facilities shows horrific abuse: hundreds of dogs who have received minimal medical care, sick and dying mothers and puppies, and dogs with crippling injuries caused by standing for years in the same wire-bottomed cage. It is a truly horrific industry, one that exists because they are able to quickly sell their products to a network of pet stores that lure customers with the promise of a cute companion, often a trendy designer dog. These pet store puppies are often young, sick, and develop behavioral problems in addition to contributing to the dog overpopulation crisis facing our animal shelters. The proposed legislation would undermine local laws In response to growing concern for the welfare of animals trapped in puppy mills, dog lovers have adopted two legal strategies to fight back: stricter laws for breeders (such as Michigans Large Scale Breeder law) and local ordinances banning the sale of puppies in pet stores. The latter is what Representative Vaupel and the industry lobbyists who are behind these bills are trying to prevent. Over 240 localities across the nation have enacted ordinances preventing the sale of commercially produced puppies in pet stores. Some of these include: Cook County Illinois, New York City, the entire state of California, and the Michigan cities of Eastpointe, Fraser, and New Baltimore. The enormous success of this local legislation explains the secrecy, speed, and deceptive language of HB5916/HB5917. Michigan has a vocal, efficient, community of activists who have been tackling problematic pet stores for years. Public support does not lie with puppy mills. The legislation was sent for hearing the day after it was introduced, and a vote will be held next Wednesday, May 9th. Given the snails pace it usually takes to transition from bill to law, its obvious that HB5916/HB5917 are being fast tracked to avoid public outcry. The bills supporters include a number of pet stores, notably Petland, whose Novi location is the subject of a lawsuit by 17 customers who allege the store knowingly sold them dogs with genetic defects and deadly diseases. Those opposed to the bills include: The Michigan Humane Society, Attorneys for Animals, Puppy Mill Awareness of Southeast Michigan, and The Humane Society of the United States, organizations that champion animal welfare. What you can do If you are opposed to puppy mills, deceptive legislation, and animal cruelty, it is imperative that you call your representative and urge them to vote no on HB5916/HB5917. Spread the word to as many people as you can and urge them to do the same. Write a letter to the editor, share this information on social media. We only have a few days to let our voices be heard. These preemptive laws thrive by slipping under the radar, so the more awareness we can raise, the less traction the bills will gain. In a divisive political climate, protecting puppies seems like an issue we should all be able to get behind, so please take the time to let your representatives know that you want to protect puppies, not puppy mills. [CC image credit: FrazzledJen | Flickr] Thai Union Group's first quarter sales down Thai Union Group PCL reported a 5.5% year-on-year decline in 2018 first quarter sales to THB29.7 billion (US$932.6 million), mainly due to the impact of declining tuna sales and a strengthening Thai baht. Net profit was THB869 million (US$27.3 million), down 39.3% from the same period last year. Gross profit declined 26.2% from a year earlier to THB3.36 billion (US$105.5 million), while the gross profit margin was 11.3% compared to 14.5% in 1Q17. Inventories of higher-priced raw materials, particularly in the tuna business, along with Thai baht appreciation, contributed to the weaker margin. Thai Union's ambient sales in 1Q18 were THB14.1 billion (US$442.6 million), down 1.6% year-on-year, and sales contribution from the frozen and chilled seafood business fell 8.9% year-on-year to THB11.52 billion (US$362 million). PetCare and value-added product sales fell 8.2 percent to THB4.08 billion (US$128.1 million) over the same period last year. In the first quarter of 2018, North America contributed 40% of total sales, followed by Europe at 32%, the Thai domestic market at 12%, and other markets at 16%. Tougher market competition in North America, together with US dollar depreciation, saw the sales of ambient, frozen and chilled seafood, particularly shrimp and lobster, decline in both value and volume in this key region. However, Thailand, China and the Middle East continued to grow, with sales contributions improving due to the launch of new products and increased marketing and sales activities. SG&A (selling, general and administration) to sales ratio improved at 11.23% in 1Q18, compared to 11.79% in the same period last year. Despite weaker profitability, the company's strong cash flow prompted debt repayment and improved its net debt-to-equity ratio to 1.35 times in the first quarter of 2018, compared to 1.38 times at the end of 2017. "Despite pressures from high raw material inventory costs and challenging market environments, our net profit was supported by other incomes and prudent foreign exchange management," said Thiraphong Chansiri, CEO of Thai Union. "Thai Union will continue to work harder to weather the industry's volatility. Currently, the pressure from rising raw material prices is beginning to relax as tuna product prices show signs of a more moderate increase," Chansiri added. Thai Union has continued its focus on expansion with an agreement to acquire 45% of TUMD Luxembourg S.a.r.l (TUMD). TUMD wholly owns three Russian companies: Dalpromryba Limited Liability Company; Torgovo-Promyshlenny Kompleks "Dalpromryba" Limited Liability Company; and Maguro Limited Liability Company. These companies are collectively known as the DPR Group (DPR). DPR is a retail focused fish and seafood business, and it is Russia's number one canned tuna producer. Thai Union opted to make the investment in DPR as its manufacturing and distribution platform offers significant opportunities for further growth and development. DPR, which has sales of around US$45 million, operates in both frozen and ambient segments, and owns brands such as Maguro, Captain of Tastes and Rybar. Thai Union's 45% shareholding of TUMD will be acquired with a combination of new and vendor shares for approximately US$16 million. Through a series of options, Thai Union expects to increase its shareholding first to 51%, and then gradually to 80% over the next three years. The transaction is subject to shareholders agreement approval by the Russian Federal Anti-Monopoly Service. Russia has a large and growing economy with a relatively low consumption of tuna, which is steadily increasing. It is expected that sales of tuna, and other seafood, will continue to increase given improving living standards and general health awareness. Working together with Thai Union, DPR will look to further strengthen its position in the market, with a plan to double sales to US$100 million within the next five years With this acquisition, Thai Union will have critical coverage of almost all key European seafood markets, driving exposure to fast growing emerging markets. Thai Union's investment in innovation is delivering positive results with its new Yellowfin Tuna Slices and tuna sausage. The latter is a healthier alternative to traditional sausage products. The two products were successfully innovated at the company's Global Innovation Incubator (Gii). Yellowfin Tuna Slices are the world's first pre-sliced, pre-seasoned tuna made from whole yellowfin tuna loins developed to give deli customers a healthier, convenient alternative to traditional luncheon meats. In March, Yellowfin Tuna Slices won the 2018 Seafood Excellence Award in the Best New Foodservice Product category at the Seafood Expo North America in Boston, Massachusetts, US. Furthermore, Yellowfin Tuna Slices made its European debut at the Seafood Expo Global in Brussels, Belgium, in April where it was also a finalist for the Seafood Excellence Global Awards. Yellowfin Tuna Slices are currently being rolled out across US food service channels through Thai Union's market-leading international brand Chicken of the Sea. Additionally, Yellowfin Tuna Slices are beginning to be commercialised in Europe and the Middle East. Thai Union is continuing to implement initiatives and activities in line with its sustainability strategy, SeaChange. In March, the company solidified its commitment to combat marine plastic pollution, by joining forces with the Global Ghost Gear Initiative in a drive to reduce the growing problem of abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear worldwide. In April, Thai Union was awarded "Most Committed to Corporate Governance" and "Best at Corporate Social Responsibility" in Thailand from the 18th annual Asia's Best Managed Companies Poll by FinanceAsia. In February, Thai Union and Nestle S.A. inaugurated a demonstration boat to promote and raise understanding of human and labor rights of workers in the Thai fishing industry. Both companies, in collaboration with Verite, refurbished a traditional Thai fishing boat, transforming it into a vessel demonstrating good living and working conditions. This includes adequate and clean food and drinking water, appropriate rest, dining and leisure areas on board, first-aid kit, and toilet facilities with proper sanitation standards. Additionally, Thai Union recently launched a short film documenting how its innovative digital traceability pilot programme, which the company implemented alongside a coalition of industry and government groups, has helped boost human rights in the seafood industry. The video explored how marine terminals were successfully installed on fishing vessels in Thailand, and introduced audiences to the crew members, captains and fleet owners trained on chat applications which enable them to connect with families and peers around the world while at sea-an industry first for Thai fisheries. "Thai Union has fully embraced its role as a leader for positive change as one of the largest seafood companies in the world," said Chansiri. "Looking forward, Thai Union will continue to work to meet the nutritional needs of the global population in a way that is sustainable and protects our oceans now and for our future generations." chinadaily.com.cn Updated: 2018-05-04 The 2018 Chinese Traditional Village Conservation (Hainan) Summit Forum is held in Danzhou on May 3. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn] Over 150 famous experts, scholars and authorities from around the country discussed current situations, dilemmas and solutions for Chinese traditional village conservation at the 2018 Chinese Traditional Village Conservation (Hainan) Summit Forum held in Danzhou on May 3. The appeal to protect traditional villages was sent out by experts and scholars over a decade ago and the result was the Xitang Declaration compiled in Xitang town, Jiaxing, Zhejiang province. Over the years, protecting traditional villages has become a common understanding of the whole of society. Its urgency has been rising since the fast development of urbanization. According to Qiu Yunhua, vice chairman and secretary general of the Chinese Folk Literature and Art Association, the association has always been devoted to rescuing and inheriting traditional village culture. The project of rescuing Chinese folk cultural heritages initiated by the association has listed traditional village protection as a national key item. The expert committee composed of master's holders in anthropology, architecture, folklore and heritage has established a complete information system and database of Chinese traditional villages with protection standards, methods and examples. The association also carried out a survey to record the art history, natural landscapes and all other original ecological information of selected state-level villages. Li Xiankui, professor of the National Architecture Institute of China, addresses the 2018 Chinese Traditional Village Conservation (Hainan) Summit Forum. [Photo/ce.cn] In recent years, Hainan has declared 47 Chinese traditional villages on the basis of thorough province-wide investigation. In 2016, it compiled a development plan to put forward specific requirements for the targets, tasks, contents and measures of traditional village conservation. Moreover, the Hainan Folk Literature and Art Association has taken over 1,700 photos and collected data of more than 50,000 words for seven traditional villages. Huang Bin, associate researcher of the Development Research Center of the State Council, said that thriving businesses are the foundation of rural vitalization. He suggested internet platforms should be fully used to offer smart services to enhance the value of characteristic agricultural products. The forum was jointly sponsored by the Chinese Folk Literature and Art Association, the Hainan Federation of Writers and Artists, and the publicity department of the Danzhou municipal Party committee. By My News LA , May 06 , 2018 Former President Barack Obama is expected to visit the Southland Sunday to attend a star-studded fundraiser benefiting the reelection campaign of Democratic Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill. The location in Beverly Hills has not been made public, but a copy of the invitation obtained by various media outlets indicates it will be hosted by luminaries including studio executive Jeffrey Katzenberg, director Steven Spielberg, director J.J. Abrams and actress Katie McGrath, among others. 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 Alabama, Colorado, and Kentucky are the latest states to get the Every Student Succeeds Act seal of approval from U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. This brings the total number of states with approved ESSA plans to 42 , plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Some big population centers, including Florida and California, are still waiting for the thumbs-up from the department . Alabama picked both of the two most popular indicatorschronic absenteeism and college- and career-readinessas ways to measure school quality and student success alongside test scores. Under Alabamas plan, students can be considered college- or career-ready if they score a 3, 4, or 5 on an Advanced Placement exam, earn postsecondary credit while in high school; earn 4, 5, 6 or 7 on an International Baccalaureate exam; score at the silver level or above on ACT Work Keys; receive an industry credential, or get accepted into any branch of the military. The state has said it wants to help improve teacher quality and distribution in part by continuing to develop the Alabama Teacher Mentoring program, which is aimed at supporting teachers during their first two years on the job. Alabama also wants to create five- and 10-year professional learning plans to guide teacher development across the state. Colorado waited longer than any other state so far to get the departments seal of approval. The state turned in its plan way back in May of last year at the first submission deadline. One possible reason it took this long to get the departments blessing? The states plan for handling testing opt-outs. Colorado, an epicenter of the opt-out movement, has a state law that prohibits schools from coercing parents into testing their kids. (Oregon has something similar on the books.) The feds didnt like Colorados original plan for handling opt-outs, in part because the state was reluctant to penalize schools with low test-participation rates. So, in a draft plan submitted in February, Colorado agreed that, if a schools participation rate dips below 95 percent, it would count non-test takers as not proficient for federal accountability purposes, which is already an ESSA requirement. Schools would also have to come up with a plan for boosting test participation, and would be given information to distribute to parents that explains why tests are administered and how the results are used. Colorado plans to use science achievement, drop-out rates, and chronic absenteeism alongside test scores to rate its schools. Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin, a Republican, did not sign off on the states ESSA plan. The plan was written by former education commissioner, Stephen Pruitt. State board members appointed by Bevin recently ousted Pruitt , in part due to disagreements on charter schools and a state takeover of Jefferson County Public Schools, the states largest district, which includes Louisville. Its unclear whether Pruitts successor, interim commissioner Wayne Lewis, will seek major revisions to the states plan. But currently, Kentucky is planning to measure opportunity and access alongside test scores, including access to visual and performing arts and physical education. It will also look at chronic absenteeism and college- and career-readiness. And the state will continue with its nationally celebrated approach to turning around the lowest-performing schools, which includes an extensive audit of everything from how resources are being allocated to the principals leadership capacity. Image: Getty Images Want to learn more about the Every Student Succeeds Act? Heres some useful information: Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 . A Utah teen has sparked a worldwide debate after she decided to wear a qipao, a traditional Chinese dress, to her school prom. The teen, Keziah Daum, uploaded a photo of her and her friends but little did she know that it would cause quite a stir as it was received with a lot of criticisms that dubbed her action as "racist." One Twitter user, Jeremy Lam, opened the door of controversy when he commented something that has since gone viral. "My culture is NOT your goddamn prom dress," Lam wrote. The debate went on with some agreeing with him, while some defended the Utah teen. The short but punching tweet certainly gained popularity, earning almost 42,000 retweets and more than 178,000 likes as of writing. Daum, for her part, weighed in on the controversy and aired her explanation. She said her wearing of qipao was not at all to disrespect the Chinese, but to show how she appreciates their rich culture. While the Utah teen clarified that she understood cultural insensitivity and inappropriateness, she pointed out that her intentions were far from those. The photo of Daum and her friends posing was deemed as racist. For this, she said they were just mimicking a popular gesture done by Ethan Klein, a YouTuber, who expressed his support for the Utah teen. While Lam may have received backlash as well for his remark, he defended it by underlining how he values his culture and that "...for it to simply be subject to American consumerism and cater to a white audience, is parallel to colonial ideology." Support From The Chinese However, as much as he criticized the Utah teen, ChinaDaily noted that most Chinese were actually in support of Daum, as seen in social media Weibo. Many complimented the girl and even brushed off hints of cultural inappropriateness issue. "It is not cultural appropriation, it's cultural appreciation," user Wuyiya said. Another one made a request for people to inform Daum that she looked beautiful in the dress. User Xiaoxiongnaicha said that they were very proud to share Chinese fashion. A YouTuber, Winston Sterzel, meanwhile, took the initiative to ask around a street in China to get their sentiments when it comes to foreigners wearing the qipao. The feedback were generally nice and most of the interviewees said it was OK. The Utah teen at the center of this cultural controversy admitted she wasn't aware that her qipao would become such a huge, worldwide issue. Apparently, she found the dress at a vintage shop. What caught the Daum's eye was how beautiful and unique the qipao was. Add to that, it has "a modest neckline." Happy Monday, and welcome to another edition of Answering Your ESSA Questions. This question on the Every Student Succeeds Act comes from one of the participants in Edweeks recent ESSA online ESSA summit, Keys to ESSA Implementation. And its a wonky one. Question: How many states are using accountability dashboards? Answer: At least 10 states have plans to create some kind of accountability dashboard. Dashboards consider school performance on a host of factorstest scores, test participation, school climate, graduation ratesbut dont give an overall score to a school. Most states are using more-traditional school ratings systems, where schools are labeled for performance. Some of these ratings systems are on an A through F scale, just like school grades. Others label schools based on a point or star system, and still others come up with an overall category for their schools. (For instance, in Nebraska, schools can be either.) Some states want to use these dashboards as their only school rating system for federal accountability. Those states include: California, Idaho, Oregon, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. (Virginias separate state-based accreditation system does require schools to be rated.) At least four are planning to use both a dashboard and a more-traditional rating system where schools get an overall grade. Those states include Arkansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, and New York. Heres a handy chart from a blog post earlier this year, breaking down which states are using which method. Californias color-coded dashboard has drawn the most attention. Some advocates and experts think it holds promise, but U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos dissed it in a speech to the Council of Chief State School Officers earlier this year. Most states are using more-traditional school ratings systems, where schools are labeled for performance. Some of these ratings systems are on an A through F scale, just like school grades. ESSA itself requires states to label schools for comprehensive support, which includes the bottom 5 percent of performers and schools where less than two-thirds of students graduate, as well as targeted support schools, where groups of vulnerable students struggle. The knock on dashboards is that they arent very understandable to parents, who might not know how much consideration to give to, say, a high school climate score but low test scores. Fans of dashboards, though, say they offer a more nuanced picture of a schools performance, instead of reducing everything to a single number, letter grade or label. Got a question about ESSA? Email it to aklein@epe.org or aujifusa@epe.org . Want to learn more about the Every Student Succeeds Act? Heres some useful information: Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 . The Duchess of Cambridge has been known to recycle her clothes in several occasions and apparently, she has passed down this practice to her children Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. First Official Photos Kensington Palace released the first official photos of Prince Louis, the third child of Prince William and Kate Middleton on Sunday and royal fans swooned. In the first image, Princess Charlotte cradled her baby brother and planted a kiss on his forehead. "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to share this photograph of Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis," reads the caption alongside the photo shared by the palace on its official Instagram page. The Duchess of Cambridge captured the adorable snap during Princess Charlotte's third birthday on May 2. In the caption, Kate Middleton and Prince William thanked members of the public for their kind messages following the birth of Prince Louis and for their daughter's birthday. The second photo shows a solo shot of the new member of the British royal family. Prince Louis is lounging on a white pillow. Kate Middleton took the photo on April 26, three days after the baby's birth at the Lindo Wing of St. Mary's Hospital in London. Historic Touch While royal aficionados swooned over the overwhelming cuteness, other eagle-eyed fans marveled at the children's wardrobe. Apparently, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte wore hand-me-downs. The young boy's white knitted sweater and pants are the same pair the princess wore in her first official portraits. The white jumper is from Spanish brand Irulea. Meanwhile, the blue cardigan Princess Charlotte wore is the same one that her brother Prince George wore for a pictorial with great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth during her 90th birthday in 2016. He paired it with maroon shorts and knee socks. Photographer Annie Leibovitz captured the photo. The Fina Ejerique cardigan retailed for around $50 and is no longer available to purchase online. The outfit is from Spanish designer Irulea and was a gift from the royal family's Spanish nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo. "We couldn't be happier to see little Princess Charlotte wearing the same cardigan Prince George once wore. It is a huge pleasure to be among the brands in their wardrobe," designer Perez told People. Interestingly, Prince Louis's photo with his sister is also a nod to when Prince George cradled his sister for her first photos. The firstborn also planted a kiss on Princess Charlotte's forehead. Prince George was also around 3-years-old when his sister was born in 2015. Comedian Ken Jeong is a hero in disguise. This was after he stopped his stand-up act to help a woman who was having a seizure. On Saturday, Jeong was performing on-stage at the Stand Up Live Comedy Club in Phoenix when he suddenly was interrupted. He thought it was just a heckler from the crowd, but the audience made it clear that the situation wasn't a joke and that someone needed medical assistance as soon as possible. Upon knowing the situation, Jeong jumped off the stage and hurriedly came toward the woman in need of help. Apparently, she was having a seizure at the time and the actor certainly knew what needed to be done. After all, The Hangover actor, who played the gangster boss in the trilogy, was a physician before he turned comedian. Jeong first cleared the area and attended to the woman as another EMT audience helped him in assisting her as they await for the medical responding team. Certainly not many know that the 48-year-old actor has an M.D., but it was surely given light during his heroic moment. Witnesses claimed the woman became conscious while under Jeong's care and was even able to stand. After paramedics came and took the woman to the hospital, the comic returned to doin his act, like nothing happened. 'Perfect Timing' Upon returning on stage, Jeong said he felt happy that he was able to help, to which he earned a round of applause. Phoenix residents lauded the actor's heroic move, and one even said it was "such perfect timing." "It's a wonderful story. It was such perfect timing: Ken just jumped from the stage to help," Heather Holmberg shared. The resident highlighted how the audience saw Jeong's compassionate side, which she pointed out wasn't common in comedians. The actor's short but concise statement may have also proved his humility. Fans of Jeong would know that he had the titular role as Dr. Ken, but it wasn't why he had an idea on how to address the emergency situation. The famous comedian has long ago started his career as a physician after earning his degree in Duke University and then getting his medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. Jeong is a licensed physician in California and although he opted to pursue acting, his medical background certainly did come handy in situations like this. Columnists Make sure she gets on the bike again, Dad instructed Dorothy after my heel was bandaged. We all knew what he meant; I needed to ride again to overcome the fear of getting hurt. In challenging life situations our father was known to say, Its like getting thrown off a horse; you just have to get back on again. I was glad he didnt say that this time because he made it clear that I could not have a horse. 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. The deconstruction and repeal of the Second Amendment By Mark Alexander Article Two (the Second Amendment) was written as a proscription against government intrusion upon and usurpation of the Natural Rights of Man, because "the right of the people to keep and bear Arms" is the most formidable line of defense against government intrusion on those rights. Indeed, this inherent right is the first civil right the fundamental guarantor of all others as affirmed by our Founders. In fact, the first shots of the eight-year struggle for American independence, fired at Lexington and Concord, were in response to the British government's attempt to disarm "the People." It was understood then, as now, that the inherent right to self-defense was irrevocable and not to be infringed. It was and remains the most fundamental of the unalienable Rights of Man the rights of all people. After the conclusion of the Revolutionary War, during the 1788 Massachusetts Convention debates for ratification of the U.S. Constitution, Samuel Adams proclaimed, "The said Constitution shall never be construed ... to prevent the People of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms." Other states provided similar assurances in their constitutions, based on common law. Once our Constitution was ratified, the debate over the addition of a "Bill of Rights," including the Second Amendment right to self-defense, was hotly contested. Many of our Founders argued that the mere reiteration of these innate and unalienable Rights of Mankind within the Constitution might imply that they are somehow subject to amendment, as if granted to the people by the state rather than inherent as "endowed by their Creator." Typical of those objections was this from Alexander Hamilton in Federalist No. 84: "Bills of rights, in the sense and in the extent in which they are contended for, are not only unnecessary in the proposed constitution, but would even be dangerous. They would contain various exceptions to powers which are not granted; and on this very account, would afford a colorable pretext to claim more than were granted. For why declare that things shall not be done which there is no power to do?" In his first Bill of Rights draft, James Madison proposed what would become the Second Amendment. This was a concession to the Anti-Federalists, who insisted upon the enumeration of these specific Liberties in the Constitution, much to the objection of the Federalists, who believe this might imply to future generations that those inherent rights were subject to amendment. Given the preeminent status of the Second Amendment and the growing chorus of leftists calling to amend it until they can rally enough populist support to fully repeal it, we should be clear that our Founders never intended for this right to be infringed. And we should be equally clear about what our Founders intended to convey with each clause: "A well regulated Militia being necessary to the security of a free State," and "the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed." The reference to "a well regulated militia" has been a subject of some popular dispute. Do these words refer to a standing army as some suggest a national body of armed forces necessary for the safety and security of the nation, but which could be a potential threat to its citizens under the control of an oppressive regime? While the militia reference is not to a standing army, it's clear that our Founders had a uniform concern for such military bodies. At the Constitutional Convention, Madison said: "A standing military force, with an overgrown Executive will not long be safe companions to Liberty. The means of defense against foreign danger have been always the instruments of tyranny at home." In Madison's Federalist Number 46, he declares that the Constitution should be ratified despite fears of a standing army, because Americans are armed, and because they are also organized into state militias not controlled by the proposed federal government. According to Madison: "Besides the advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation, the existence of subordinate governments, to which the people are attached, and by which the militia officers are appointed, forms a barrier against the enterprises of ambition, more insurmountable than any which a simple government of any form can admit of." Madison also observed, prophetically, that in Europe, "the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms." (I note "prophetically" because the inability of Europeans to defend themselves against the tyrannical socialist dictatorships of both Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin resulted in the deaths of more than 35 million European civilians.) More specifically, as Noah Webster wrote in 1787: "Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom in Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword; because the whole body of the people are armed, and constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops that can be, on any pretense, raised in the United States. A military force, at the command of Congress, can execute no laws, but such as the people perceive to be just and constitutional; for they will possess the power, and jealousy will instantly inspire the inclination, to resist the execution of a law which appears to them unjust and oppressive." "A people can never be deprived of their liberties," Webster insisted, "while they retain in their own hands, a power sufficient to any other power in the state." Despite this fundamental truth, there exists a cynical and malicious argument for undermining the Second Amendment. This argument is made by historical revisionists who insist that because "a well regulated militia" refers to a state militia (or guard), it only authorizes "the people to keep and bear Arms" in their capacity as members of such militias. The Second Amendment, however, has two clauses, just as it has two purposes. The first affirms the advantage of "a well regulated militia." The second affirms the "right of the people" (not state militias) "to keep and bear Arms." Thus, the second does not limit or restrict the right "to keep and bear Arms" to militias, but rather affirms the "right of the people" to do so. Regarding the Second Amendment's linguistic construction, writer and constitutional researcher Neil Schulman set himself to the task of clearing up the popular confusion that statists in the Democrat Party seek to sow about what the Second Amendment actually affirms. First, he found one of the nation's leading academic experts on American language usage, Roy Copperud, a distinguished professor of journalism at the University of Southern California, and the author of American Usage and Style: The Consensus. At the time, he was a member of The American Heritage Dictionary's usage panel and cited by Merriam Webster's Usage Dictionary as an renowned expert. Schulman then asked Professor Copperud to clarify what rights the Second Amendment actually specifies. Schulman's first question: "The debate over this amendment has been whether the first part of the sentence, 'A well regulated Militia being necessary to the security of a free State,' is a restrictive clause or a subordinate clause, with respect to the independent clause containing the subject of the sentence, 'the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed.' I would request that your analysis of this sentence not take into consideration issues of political impact or public policy, but be restricted entirely to a linguistic analysis of its meaning and intent. Further, since your professional analysis will likely become part of litigation regarding the consequences of the Second Amendment, I ask that whatever analysis you make be a professional opinion that you would be willing to stand behind with your reputation, and even be willing to testify under oath to support, if necessary." Schulman: "Can the sentence be interpreted to grant the right to keep and bear arms solely to 'a well regulated militia'?" Copperud: "The sentence does not restrict the right to keep and bear arms, nor does it state or imply possession of the right elsewhere or by others than the people; it simply makes a positive statement with respect to a right of the people." Schulman: "Is 'the right of the people to keep and bear Arms' granted by the words of the Second Amendment, or does the Second Amendment assume a preexisting right of the people to keep and bear arms, and merely state that such right 'shall not be infringed'?" Copperud: "The right is not granted by the amendment; its existence is assumed. The thrust of the sentence is that the right shall be preserved inviolate for the sake of ensuring a militia." Schulman: "Is 'the right of the people to keep and bear Arms' conditioned upon whether or not a well regulated militia, is, in fact, necessary to the security of a free State? And if that condition is not existing, is the statement 'the right of the People to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed' null and void?" Copperud: "No such condition is expressed or implied. The right to keep and bear arms is not said by the amendment to depend on the existence of a militia. No condition is stated or implied as to the relation of the right to keep and bear arms and to the necessity of a well-regulated militia as a requisite to the security of a free state. The right to keep and bear arms is deemed unconditional by the entire sentence." Schulman: "Does the clause 'A well regulated Militia being necessary to the security of a free State,' grant a right to the government to place conditions on the 'right of the people to keep and bear Arms,' or is such right deemed unconditional by the meaning of the entire sentence?" Copperud: "The right is assumed to exist and to be unconditional, as previously stated. It is invoked here specifically for the sake of the militia." Schulman: "Which of the following does the phrase 'well regulated Militia' mean: 'well-equipped', 'well-organized,' 'well-drilled,' 'well-educated,' or 'subject to regulations of a superior authority'?" Copperud: "The phrase means 'subject to regulations of a superior authority;' this accords with the desire of the writers for civilian control over the military." Schulman: "If at all possible, I would ask you to take account the changed meanings of words, or usage, since that sentence was written [in 1789], but not take into account historical interpretations of the intents of the authors, unless those issues can be clearly separated." Copperud: "To the best of my knowledge, there has been no change in the meaning of words or in usage that would affect the meaning of the amendment. If it were written today, it might be put: 'Since a well-regulated militia is necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be abridged.'" Schulman: "As a 'scientific control' on this analysis, I would also appreciate it if you could compare your analysis of the text of the Second Amendment to the following sentence: 'A well-schooled electorate being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and read Books shall not be infringed.' "My questions for the usage analysis of this sentence would be, "(1) Is the grammatical structure and usage of this sentence and the way the words modify each other identical to the Second Amendment's sentence?; and "(2) Could this sentence be interpreted to restrict 'the right of the people to keep and read Books' only to 'a well-educated electorate' for example, registered voters with a high-school diploma?" Copperud: "(1) Your 'scientific control' sentence precisely parallels the amendment in grammatical structure. (2) There is nothing in your sentence that either indicates or implies the possibility of a restricted interpretation." To sum up Professor Copperud's answers, in the context of the debates about the Bill of Rights, our Founders believed that both the establishment of militias and the individual right to keep and bear arms were vital to the future of Liberty. Thus, the Second Amendment affirms two rights, much as the First Amendment affirms five rights religion, speech, press, assembly and petition of the government. Moreover, in the context at the time of the framing, "well regulated" meant orderly, much as it did in common references to "well regulated government" and "well regulated families." It was also generally understood that "militia" was a reference to the whole body of "the People," though state militias were generally limited to able-bodied men. George Mason, whose Virginia Bill of Rights was the inspiration for our Constitution's Bill of Rights, noted in the ratification debates, "I ask, Who are the militia? They consist now of the whole people..." He noted as well that to disarm the people "was the best and most effectual way to enslave them." Virginia statesman Richard Henry Lee wrote, "To preserve Liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them." Likewise during the ratification debates, Patrick Henry declared: "The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able may have a gun. ... Are we at last brought to such humiliating and debasing degradation, that we cannot be trusted with arms for our defense?" Our Founders agreed and articulated repeatedly that the inherent "right of the people to keep and bear Arms" was the most dependable assurance of preserving Liberty. In his magisterial Commentaries on the Constitution (1833), Justice Joseph Story, appointed to the Supreme Court by James Madison, affirmed the preeminence of the Second Amendment: "The right of the citizens to keep and bear arms has justly been considered as the palladium [safeguard] of the Liberties of a Republic; since it offers a strong moral check against usurpation and arbitrary power of the rulers; and will generally, even if these are successful in the first instance, enable the People to resist and triumph over them." Jefferson asked rhetorically: "What country can preserve its liberties, if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms." "If the representatives of the people betray their constituents," Alexander Hamilton observed, "there is then no recourse left but in the exertion of that original right of self-defense which is paramount to all positive forms of government." He added, "Little more can reasonably be aimed at, with respect to the people at large, than to have them properly armed and equipped." Historically, there have been no successful attempts to modify the Second Amendment's assurance of the innate rights of the people to defend their Liberty, but there are now threats to do so. That is precisely why in the debates over ratification of the Bill of Rights, as previously noted, many of our Founders expressed concern that the enumeration of such rights might imply to future generations that they were subject to amendment. That notwithstanding, Second Amendment rights have most certainly been subject to much alteration by judicial misinterpretation and outright activism. Given the Supreme Court's rejection of the Democrat Party leadership's effort to redefine "militia" as something other than "the People," there is now a new rationale for repealing the Second Amendment. That argument is this: At the time the Second Amendment was ratified, the most sophisticated weapon was a flintlock a far less deadly weapon than the "black assault rifles" used in the extremely rare but high-profile mass murders today, which Democrats exploit as political fodder in order to stir up their anti-2A constituents advocating repeal. In my recent debate with a wealthy suburban leftist after one such attack, he insisted, "If not repeal, I think the best solution would be to amend the Second Amendment so that the arms mentioned are limited to those from when the amendment was written. Then anyone who wanted could have a musket or a flintlock nothing more." I responded, "Using your 'logic,' the First Amendment's freedom of speech would only apply to the town crier, and freedom of the press would only apply to opinions written with a quill pen on parchment?" No response... Statists in the executive, legislative and judicial branches, who favor a centralized socialist government, endeavor wherever possible to enfeeble and erode the Second Amendment. For in doing so, they move ever closer to their ultimate objective (and that of their uninformed constituents) disarming the American people and demoting our constitutional standing as "citizens" to our ancestors' standing as "subjects." Mark Alexander is the executive editor of the Patriot Post. Home Comparing the Canadian and American Right (Part One) By Mark Wegierski Canada today, despite its great over-all wealth, is a society of contrasts. While the problem of Quebec separatism which was so central in Canadian history since the 1960s may appear to be fading, there are many new challenges arising. While Canada is still, to a large extent, a more pleasant place to live than the United States (especially when one compares life in the two countries large cities), there are many issues looming on the horizon which can prove severe challenges to a safe, civil, prosperous life the permanence of which all too many Canadians today take for granted. There are a number of substantial differences between the Canadian and American societies today, which may indeed have a profound impact on the type of future the countries will have. In the years 2006 to 2015, Canada had a federal Conservative government, while during most of that time, Obama was President of the United States. This was a fairly unusual situation where the U.S. may have had a more left-liberal government than Canada. The comparative fiscal discipline of the Harper Conservatives was breathtaking to contemplate, when viewed against the almost unbelievable fiscal profligacy of the Obama Administration. Now, however, Liberal Justin Trudeau is Prime Minister of Canada (since 2015), whereas Donald Trump is President of the United States. There appear to be very few prospects of a Trump-like figure arising in Canada. It should also be remembered that holding a majority in the federal Parliament (which conjoins executive and legislative authority) is putatively more effective than, for example, just the holding of the U.S. Presidency. However, there are other differences between Canada and the U.S. that point to the fact that the Conservative majority in 2011 to 2015, may not have been as powerful and effective in Canada as might putatively appear to be the case. There was the instance, for example, when the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) had carried out the longest filibuster in Canadian history, to try to block back-to-work legislation in regard to the labour dispute at Canada Post (the Canadian postal corporation). The victory of Donald Trump in the 2016 Presidential election, has created an enormous amount of volatility and unpredictability in U.S. politics. Nevertheless, it could be argued that one important difference between Canada and the U.S. is the absence of a more organized, coherent, political Right in Canada. While there are many similarities between the left-liberal media, academic, cultural, juridical, and governmental establishments in Canada and the U.S., Canada manifestly lacks a rambunctious right-wing. In the U.S., it could be argued that there has been a wide-ranging and extensive debate among various groupings of the broader (and far more dynamic) right-wing, including paleoconservatives, neoconservatives, right-wing Greens, libertarians, paleolibertarians, classical liberals, social conservatives of the Left (such as Christopher Lasch), and religious conservatives (sometimes called theo-cons). Nevertheless, in more recent years, the debate appears to have slackened, becoming dominated by neoconservatives and shallow Republican Party operatives. Another trend to be noted is the atrophy of paleo elements in most forms of libertarianism. And todays National Review traditionally the flagship journal of all of American conservatism -- is a terribly weak shadow of the highly robust and intellectually trenchant, early National Review. There are also at least two huge factors that have contributed to a more politically conservative U.S. the first being that, as the one remaining superpower, the United States had cherished and effectively maintained its military; and secondly, the large presence of Christian religion in the U.S. (including both Protestant fundamentalists and tradition-minded Catholics). It should also be remembered that (for now at least) taxation is low in the U.S., relative to Canada; that U.S. gun-control legislation is minimal, relative to Canada; and that the U.S. medical system has (until recently) been largely driven by free-enterprise, relative to Canada. To be continued. Mark Wegierski is a Canadian writer and historical researcher. Home Is climate alarmist consensus about to shatter? By E. Calvin Beisner On November 10, 1942, after British and Commonwealth forces defeated the Germans and Italians at the Second Battle of El Alamein, Winston Churchill told the British Parliament, Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning. In The Hinge of Fate, volume 3 of his marvelous 6-volume history of World War II, he reflected, It may almost be said, Before Alamein we never had a victory. After Alamein we never had a defeat. The publication of Nicholas Lewis and Judith Currys newest paper in The Journal of Climate reminds me of that. The two authors for years have focused much of their work on figuring out how much warming should come from adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. In this paper they conclude that its at least 30% and probably 50% less than climate alarmists have claimed for the last forty years. In fact, there are reasons to think the alarmists error is even greater than 50 percent. And if that is true, then all the reasons for drastic policies to cut carbon dioxide emissions by replacing coal, oil and natural gas with wind and solar as dominant energy sources simply disappear. Heres another important point. For the last 15 would publish their article. That this staunch defender of climate alarmist consensus science does so now could mean the alarmist dam has cracked, the waters pouring through, and the crack will spread until the whole dam collapses. Is this the beginning of the end of climate alarmists hold on climate science and policy, or the end of the beginning? Is it the Second Battle of El Alamein, or is it D-Day? I dont know, but it is certainly significant. It may well be that henceforth the voices of reason and moderation will never suffer a defeat. Shattered Consensus: The True State of Global Warming was edited 13 years ago by climatologist Patrick J. Michaels, then Research Professor of Environmental Sciences at the University of Virginia and the State Climatologist of Virginia; now Senior Fellow in Environmental Studies at the Cato Institute. Its title was at best premature. The greatly exaggerated consensus that unchecked human emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases would cause potentially catastrophic global warming wasnt shattered then, and it hasnt shattered since then. At least, thats the case if the word shattered means what happens when you drop a piece of fine crystal on a granite counter top: instantaneous disintegration into tiny shards. However, although premature and perhaps a bit hyperbolic, the title might have been prophetic. From 1979 (when the National Academy of Sciences published Carbon Dioxide and Climate: A Scientific Assessment) until 2013 (when the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change published its 5th Assessment Report or AR5), establishment climate-change scientists claimed that if the concentration of carbon dioxide (or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases) doubled global average surface temperature would rise by 1.54.5 degrees C, with a best estimate of about 3 degrees. (Thats 2.78.1 degrees F, with a best of 5.4 degrees F.) But late in the first decade of this century, spurred partly by the atmospheres failure to warm as rapidly as the consensus predicted, various studies began challenging that conclusion, saying equilibrium climate sensitivity (ECS) was lower than claimed. As the Cornwall Alliance reported four years ago: The IPCC estimates climate sensitivity at 1.5C to 4.5C, but that estimate is based on computer climate models that failed to predict the absence of warming since 1995 and predicted, on average, four times as much warming as actually occurred from 1979 to the present. It is therefore not credible. Newer, observationally based estimates have ranges like 0.3C to 1.0C (NIPCC 2013a, p. 7) or 1.25C to 3.0C with a best estimate of 1.75C (Lewis and Crok 2013, p. 9). Further, No empirical evidence exists to support the assertion that a planetary warming of 2C would be net ecologically or economically damaging (NIPCC 2013a, p. 10). [Abbreviated references are identified here.] However, most of the lower estimates of equilibrium climate sensitivity were published in places that are not controlled by consensus scientists and thus were written off or ignored. Now, though, a journal dead center in the consensus the American Meteorological Societys Journal of Climate has accepted a new paper, The impact of recent forcing and ocean heat uptake data on estimates of climate sensitivity, by Nicholas Lewis and Judith Curry. It concludes that ECS is very likely just 5070% as high as the consensus range. (Lewis is an independent climate science researcher in the UK. Curry was Professor and Chair of the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the Georgia Institute of Technology and now is President of the Climate Forecast Applications Network.) Heres how Lewis and Curry summarize their findings in their abstract, with the takeaways emphasized: Energy budget estimates of equilibrium climate sensitivity (ECS) and transient climate response (TCR) [increase in global average surface temperature at time of doubling of atmospheric CO2 concentration, i.e., 70 years assuming 1% per annum increase in concentration] are derived based on the best estimates and uncertainty ranges for forcing provided in the IPCC Fifth Assessment Scientific Report (AR5). Recent revisions to greenhouse gas forcing and post-1990 ozone and aerosol forcing estimates are incorporated and the forcing data extended from 2011 to 2016. Reflecting recent evidence against strong aerosol forcing, its AR5 uncertainty lower bound is increased slightly. Using a 18691882 base period and a 20072016 final period, which are well-matched for volcanic activity and influence from internal variability, medians are derived for ECS of 1.50 K (595%: 1.052.45 K) and for TCR of 1.20 K (595%: 0.91.7 K). These estimates both have much lower upper bounds than those from a predecessor study using AR5 data ending in 2011. Using infilled, globally-complete temperature data gives slightly higher estimates; a median of 1.66 K for ECS (595%: 1.152.7 K) and 1.33 K for TCR (595%:1.01.90 K). These ECS estimates reflect climate feedbacks over the historical period, assumed time-invariant. Allowing for possible time-varying climate feedbacks increases the median ECS estimate to 1.76 K (595%: 1.23.1 K), using infilled temperature data. Possible biases from non-unit forcing efficacy, temperature estimation issues and variability in sea-surface temperature change patterns are examined and found to be minor when using globally-complete temperature data. These results imply that high ECS and TCR values derived from a majority of CMIP5 climate models are inconsistent with observed warming during the historical period. A press release from the Global Warming Policy Forum quoted Lewis as saying, Our results imply that, for any future emissions scenario, future warming is likely to be substantially lower than the central computer model-simulated level projected by the IPCC, and highly unlikely to exceed that level. Veteran environmental science writer Ronald Bailey commented on the new paper in Reason, saying: How much lower? Their median ECS estimate of 1.66C (595% uncertainty range: 1.152.7C) is derived using globally complete temperature data. The comparable estimate for 31 current generation computer climate simulation models cited by the IPCC is 3.1C. In other words, the models are running almost two times hotter than the analysis of historical data suggests that future temperatures will be. In addition, the high-end estimate of Lewis and Currys uncertainty range is 1.8C below the IPCCs high-end estimate. [emphasis added] Cornwall Alliance Senior Fellow Dr. Roy W. Spencer (Principal Research Scientist in Climatology at the University of Alabama-Huntsville and U.S. Science Team Leader for NASAs satellite global temperature monitoring program) commented on the paper. Even Lewis and Currys figures make several assumptions that are at best unknown and quite likely false. He noted: Id like to additionally emphasize overlooked (and possibly unquantifiable) uncertainties: (1) the assumption in studies like this that the climate system was in energy balance in the late 1800s in terms of deep ocean temperatures; and (2) that we know the change in radiative forcing that has occurred since the late 1800s, which would mean we would have to know the extent to which the system was in energy balance back then. We have no good reason to assume the climate system is ever in energy balance, although it is constantly readjusting to seek that balance. For example, the historical temperature (and proxy) record suggests the climate system was still emerging from the Little Ice Age in the late 1800s. The oceans are a nonlinear dynamical system, capable of their own unforced chaotic changes on century to millennial time scales, that can in turn alter atmospheric circulation patterns, thus clouds, thus the global energy balance. For some reason, modelers sweep this possibility under the rug (partly because they dont know how to model unknowns). But just because we dont know the extent to which this has occurred in the past doesnt mean we can go ahead and assume it never occurs. Or at least if modelers assume it doesnt occur, they should state that up front. If indeed some of the warming since the late 1800s was natural, the ECS would be even lower. With regard to that last sentence, Spencers University of Alabama research colleague Dr. John Christy and co-authors Dr. Joseph DAleo and Dr. James Wallace published a paper in the fall of 2016 (revised in the spring of 2017). It argued that solar, volcanic and ocean current variations are sufficient to explain all the global warming over the period of allegedly anthropogenic warming, leaving no global warming to blame on carbon dioxide. At the very least, this suggests that indeed some of the warming since the late 1800s was natural which means the ECS would be even lower than Lewis and Currys estimate. All of this has important policy implications. Wisely or not, the global community agreed in the 2015 Paris climate accords to try to limit global warming to at most 2 C degrees preferably 1.5 degrees above pre-Industrial (pre-1850) levels. If Lewis and Curry are right, and the warming effect of CO2 is only 5070% of what the consensus has said, cuts in CO2 emissions need not be as drastic as previously thought. Thats good news for the billions of people living in poverty and without affordable, reliable electricity. Their hope for electricity is seriously compromised by efforts to impose a rapid transition from abundant, affordable, reliable fossil fuels to diffuse, expensive, unreliable wind and solar (and other renewable) as chief electricity sources. Moreover, if Spencer (like many others who agree with him) is right that the assumptions behind ECS calculations are themselves mistaken and Christy (like many others who agree with him) is right that some or all of the modern warming has been naturally driven then ECS is even lower than Lewis and Curry thought. That would mean there is even less justification for the punitive, job-killing, poverty-prolonging energy policies sought by the climate consensus community. Regardless, were coming closer and closer to fulfilling the prophecy in Michaels 2005 book. The alarmist consensus on anthropogenic global warming is about to be shattered or at least eroded and driven into a clear minority status. E. Calvin Beisner, Ph.D., is Founder and National Spokesman of The Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation. Home Hamas warfare tactics in the "Great Return March By Lt. Col. (ret.) Jonathan D. Halevi The Great Return March is the Hamas codename for its campaign that is striking against Israels existence. The campaign includes assemblies, demonstrations, and violent weekly disturbances against public order in several locations along the border fence between the Hamas-ruled Gaza and Israel. Attempts are being made to tear down the fences to enable infiltration into Israel. Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official and member of the Hamas political bureau, defined the three main objectives of the return marches in Gaza: inculcating the right of return among the Palestinian people and the younger generation, thereby giving a focus to the struggle against the occupation; torpedoing the deal of the century, President Trumps diplomatic plan for resolving the Middle East conflict; and breaking the embargo on the Gaza Strip. In one violent attack on the fence on April 27, 2018, the New York Times reported, Dozens made it through a barbed-wire barrier about 30 yards inside Gaza territory, deploying wire cutters, hooks, and winches. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza, 40 Palestinians were killed by IDF fire during the events beginning on March 30, 2018 (as of April 29, 2018) The Israeli Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center has published the findings of its initial examination of the organizational connections of the Palestinians who were killed. Below are the main points of these findings: Twenty-six of the 32 (about 80 percent) Gazans killed were terrorist operatives affiliated with terrorist organizations, primarily Hamas. Nine were operatives in military wings and four in the security forces. The others were identified as affiliated with the terrorist organizations after death notices were issued by the organizations or when their bodies were wrapped in organization flags at their funerals. Regarding the six whose organizational affiliation was not identified, it can be assumed that they were civilians. The affiliation of the terrorists was identified by the Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center as the following Hamas: Five of the Gazans killed were identified as operatives of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas military-terrorist wing. Four were identified as operatives in the security forces controlled by Hamas and involved in their activities (such as the military police). Seven were identified as affiliated with Hamas after the organization held memorial services, or issued death notices, or they were buried wrapped in Hamas flags. One of them was identified as affiliated with the Islamic Bloc, Hamas student movement. Fatah: Sixof the Gazans killed were identified as operatives of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, Fatahs military-terrorist wing. Four were identified as affiliated with the organization because Fatah issued death notices for them and their bodies were wrapped and buried in Fatah flags. Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ): Oneof the Gazans killed was identified as an operative of the Jerusalem Brigades, the PIJs military-terrorist wing. Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP): Twoof the Gazans killed were identified as DFLP operatives. One was identified as an operative in the military-terrorist wing and the other described as a senior organization figure in the Nusseirat refugee camp. Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP): Oneof the Gazans killed was identified as a PFLP operative. The violent activities that occurred within the framework of the Great Return March included the following: Shooting attacks On March 30, 2018, two Hamas operatives approached the border fence in northern Gaza and opened fire from a light weapon at an IDF force, which returned fire and killed them. Two more gunmen fired on Israeli troops on April 27. Explosive charges An IDF spokesman reported on April 13, 2018, an explosive charge was laid a few meters away from the border fence in the area near the Karni crossing, close to the neighborhood of Shujaiyya. The explosives blew up on the Palestinian side of the fence, apparently injuring several protesters. A Palestinian was filmed throwing a suspicious object, apparently an explosive charge, several meters from the security fence. In a photograph taken at the scene of the incident, several journalists and a disabled person are seen close to the thrower of the explosive charge. Another explosive device that was laid during the disturbances at the events of the great return march in northern Gaza was activated (on April 11, 2018) against IDF engineering tools. On April 8, an IDF force located several explosive devices in northern Gaza. These explosives were placed by Palestinians who passed through the fence and immediately retraced their steps. Several days earlier, a hand grenade thrown from the Gaza at IDF forces was located. Explosive charges along the entire border pose a tangible threat against IDF forces on a regular basis. On March 15, several explosive devices were detonated while an IDF force was patrolling the area around northern Gaza. On March 1, 2018, IDF forces neutralized explosives that had been placed on the fence in southern Gaza to harm soldiers patrolling the area. The explosives had been laid during peaceful Friday protests, along with an explosive charge that had been attached to a flagpole. When it exploded on February 17, 2018, it wounded four soldiers. In March 2017, explosive devices were also located close to the border fence with Gaza. Molotov cocktails These are glass bottles filled with flammable liquid that are activated by lighting a damp cloth in the neck of the bottle. In the past, Molotov cocktail attacks have caused serious injuries to soldiers and civilians and even death. A Molotov cocktail is considered by the IDF to be a weapon. Catapult used for firing projectiles across the fence at Israeli soldiers Catapults East of Khan Yunis, the Palestinians used catapults attached to a wagon or anchored in the ground that were able to launch rocks at IDF forces. Slingshot for throwing steel ball bearings/stones The Palestinians use various kinds of slingshots, including a slingshot with long arms. The U.S. company simple-shot.com, which manufactures slingshots for throwing steel ball bearings for sporting purposes, issues its clients with the following warning: Slingshots are dangerous weapons. They can cause serious personal injury or death. Treat each slingshot as though it is a loaded firearm. Rolling burning tires toward an IDF force Anything thrown at IDF forces is considered to be suspicious objects, such as an explosive device. Women also take part in these activities. In the past, explosive devices hidden in tires were activated by the Palestinians. Burning thousands of tires next to the border The thick smokescreen enables the Palestinians to get close to the border fence and attack IDF forces at close range. Dropping burning objects from the air In the past, Palestinians have been filmed launching burning balloons toward Israeli territories, such as flaming kites, kites carrying Molotov cocktails, or a rock wrapped in a burning Israeli flag. This method has caused fires on the Israeli side. Sabotaging the border fence Dozens of Palestinians worked together to uproot the border fence by cutting it or by connecting an iron cable to the fence and pulling it toward the Palestinian side. Breaking through the border fence creates an immediate security threat to the IDF forces stationed along the border. Throwing stones Women have also taken part in throwing stones and objects at IDF forces. The methods of action adopted by the Palestinians during the events surrounding the Great Return March pose a direct threat to IDF forces and civilians in the vicinity of the border fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip. The Palestinians are endangering life, whether by using firearms or steel weapons or by actively aiding attackers, who are considered to be participants in combat when they reach the area and then immediately withdraw after the attack. Conclusion Hamas Great Return March is an assault on Israels border, and its vow to return is nothing less than promising to replace Israel and its citizens. Lt. Col. (ret.) Jonathan D. Halevi is a senior researcher of the Middle East and radical Islam at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. He is a co-founder of the Orient Research Group Ltd. Home Netanyahus wake-up call to the world on the Iranian nuclear program By Amb. Dore Gold During the last 10 years, there were times when remarkable revelations were made public about the Iranian nuclear program that left little doubt Tehran was seeking a nuclear weapon, no matter what its spokesmen claimed. In February 2008, Olli Heinonen, then serving as the deputy director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), gave a highly classified briefing to representatives of 100 states in which he revealed that Iran was working on a warhead for its Shahab-3 missile that was to be detonated at an altitude of 600 meters. At that height, a conventional explosion would have no effect on the ground. But that was the height of the explosion of the atomic bomb used at Hiroshima. The Shahab-3 had a range of 1,300 kilometers and could strike Israel from Iranian territory. It had been operational in the Iranian armed forces since 2003. Three years later, the IAEA reported in May 2011 that it had concerns about the possible existence of seven areas of Iranian military research. One of the most alarming revelations in the IAEA report was the research being conducted on the removal of the conventional high explosive payload from the warhead of the Shahab-3 missile and replacing it with a spherical nuclear payload. It should be reiterated that the language of the IAEA report was only about the possible existence of this work. Subsequent reports were more definitive, but were based on intelligence that much of the world did not see. There could always be some doubt of the veracity of these reports that Irans allies would stress. Now Proof from Official Iranian Documents The revelations put forward by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on April 30, 2018, included a number of these same reports and they looked familiar to those acquainted with the work of the IAEA. But now they were coming from original official documents with the stamp of the Iranian regime. It can be stated without any qualification that Iran had a nuclear weapons program. The whole Iran nuclear agreement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), consequently, had been negotiated under false pretenses. That was a significant development. Iranian diagram for a nuclear warhead from the Iranian archives files Take, for example, the assertion frequently made during these talks that Iran could not possibly have been working on a nuclear bomb, because there was a fatwa, an Islamic legal ruling, forbidding the development of atomic weapons that had been issued by the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. President Obama made reference to the fatwa on September 27, 2013. On November 24, 2013, Secretary of State John Kerry spoke about the Iranian fatwa and the fact that Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif had made reference to it. A spokesman for the U.S. National Security Council stated at that time that Iranians raised the fatwa during their negotiations with the West. Of course, there was no fatwa on Khameneis website, but the rumors about the fatwa were used by Iranian negotiators to falsely assure the West that Iran did not seek a nuclear arsenal. Now, this has been shown to be plainly false. Add to that the assumption of negotiators that Iran was moving in a moderate direction. This was a central theme sold to the Washington establishment by Ben Rhodes, the deputy national security adviser for strategic communications. Iran today is seeking regional hegemony in the Middle East with its forces supporting insurgencies in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Bahrain, and Yemen. There are reports of Iranians seeking to help the Polisario against Morocco. Negotiations with a status quo power look very different from negotiations with a state still seeking to export the Islamic Revolution. There is a huge difference in holding negotiations with a state like Iran if you assume it has no intention of building nuclear weapons versus a situation in which you have incontrovertible evidence that Iran is determined to become a nuclear power. The substance of an agreement will be very different. While there is some debate over what clauses Iran violated in the JCPOA, a very strong case can be made to the effect that, given the Israeli revelation, Iran unquestionably violated the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty of 1970. Take for example, the whole question of whether you need a truly robust system of verification that would include undeclared nuclear sites. There is also the question of ballistic missile restrictions. The United Nations put such limitations on the missile arsenal of Saddam Hussein after the first Gulf War with Resolution 687. But in the case of Iran, the P-5 plus 1 settled for verification light and did not restrict ballistic missiles in any way. A different approach is needed. In the nuclear realm, the verification regime must look very different for a state that had an unquestionable goal of arming itself with nuclear weapons and delivery systems for them. For this reason the JCPOA must be completely revamped or scrapped. This is not a case of trust but verify, the adage used by President Ronald Reagan. It is a case of dont trust and verify with the most intrusive means you have. Ambassador Dore Gold has served as President of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs since 2000. From June 2015 until October 2016 he served as Director-General of the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Previously he served as Foreign Policy Advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels Ambassador to the UN (1997-1999), and as an advisor to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon Home May Day 2018 In search of an independent left and right (Part Two) By Mark Wegierski Lower immigration and fiscal probity are not necessarily solely right-wing policies. One might well ask why there must be such an extensive vacuum on the spectrum (in Canada, for instance) between the generally publicly acceptable and prevalent liberal and left-liberal views, and the tiny, allegedly neo-Nazi groupuscules, who have sometimes been credited with a much exaggerated power and influence by the mass media? Are there no basically decent Canadians, who could organize themselves in the direction (for example) of tempering Canadas high immigration policies (Canada's immigration rate is three times as large per capita than that of the United States, and is likely to remain at a comparable level for many years to come). Even at the height of the alleged "boom" taking place in the late-1990s, Canada by some measures was still manifestly in the midst of a continuing economic crisis, with over a million persons unemployed, in a country with a total population of about (at that time) 30 million. It would be the height of myopia to assert -- as various government and academic pontificators, secure in their cushy positions, tell us to believe -- that burgeoning immigration numbers do not significantly increase Canadas economic stresses and strains. The conventional view that high immigration is Canadas engine of economic growth seems palpably absurd. It is certainly interesting that Canadas highest-immigration province, Ontario, long-renowned for its prosperity, has now slipped into have-not status in regard to federal equalization payments (meaning that it now qualifies for equalization funding), whereas Newfoundland and Labrador (the perennial have not province) which has had a long time outflow of population and near-zero immigration from abroad -- will now not be receiving federal equalization payments, as it has finally achieved success on its own. The equalization payment program is a redistributive scheme where the so-called have-not provinces receive special funding from the federal government. Government reports of some years ago had uncovered all manner of grotesque fraud in the Province of Ontario's health-care and workplace injury-compensation systems, to the tune of one-and-a-half billion dollars (Canadian) per year. The generous Canadian health-care system (envied by many Americans) is simply being run into the ground because of the refusal to enact even the slightest stringencies against fraudulent abuse of the system, some kind of public insurance payments, or small user-fees -- presumably out of a distaste for the tiniest modicum of social discipline or self-sacrifice. The result is that the system almost literally equalizes misery for all of its users and hence the sacred principle of equality is preserved. And when the provincial Liberal government of Dalton McGuinty introduced a significant healthcare levy on middle to higher income earners in Ontario, the medical system appeared to have gulped down all the money with very little improvement in healthcare provision. Meanwhile, the Canadian media has typically whipped up public fury for weeks on end over such comparatively insignificant government expenditures as the sale of the ex-Prime Minister's personal furniture to the state, or about the ubiquitous jet-trips by politicians. Canada today is under the regime of a politically correct administration, which is an extension of what some have called the Trudeaupia. Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Canadas Prime Minister from 1968-1984 (except for nine months in 1979-1980), imposed highly transformational change on Canada. It is today a paradise for social liberals -- for example, the current Minister of Immigration originally came to Canada as a sixteen-year-old Somali refugee. Canada has had same-sex marriage since 2003. There have been no restrictions on abortion in Canada since 1988. Marijuana legalization is around the corner, and euthanasia (called assisted death) has also been legalized. Pierres son, Justin, is the current Prime Minister. Canada is spiralling into massive deficits, while the government is obsessed with fighting climate change with a huge carbon tax. The regime is upheld by (among other factors) the policing of free speech and freedom of religion by human rights commissions/tribunals, existing at the federal and provincial levels. At the same time, the regime deploys a hard capitalist edge against wide swaths of the population, who are unemployed or underemployed in what for them is a hyper-competitive environment. The real unemployment rate is probably close to fifteen percent. To be continued. Mark Wegierski is a Canadian writer and historical researcher. Home Students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., are still recovering from the traumatic events of Feb. 14. In a recent piece of legislation, lawmakers have granted them some flexibility from one of the less-fun year-end events: tests. Students dont have to take standardized tests this year. And seniors are exempt from some graduation requirements. But now there are questions about how far to take that flexibility. As the Miami Herald reports , underclassmen who choose not to take standardized tests this year, like Algebra I, will ultimately have to sit for them at some future point. More than 10,000 people have signed a petition created by a parent of a Stoneman Douglas student asking Gov. Rick Scott to waive these end-of-course reuqirements for underclassmen, too. Broward County Superintendent Robert Runcie is among those also calling for the pause. Taking State tests during this time of mourning and recovery is not reasonable, nor is adding the burden of taking these tests - in addition to future course work - appropriate. We will continue plea for compassion & relief to @FLGovScott & Legislature. https://t.co/Ca3j2iU2LF Supt Runcie (@RobertwRuncie) May 3, 2018 To be clear, the concern here isnt just that students are, understandably, still suffering from the mental-health aspects of the trauma, which could prevent them from doing their best. Its also that, between the investigations into whether Broward County could have done more to prevent casualties, the subsequent outpouring of civic engagement by the schools student body , and the hurricanes that hit Florida earlier this year, students have been out for a significant number of days. They simply havent had as much time to master the material on the tests. The governor has said he doesnt have the authority to overrule the legislature, which doesnt meet again until next year. Perverse, conflicted ethical systems By Paul Driessen Third Reich Forest Minister Hermann Goering was an avid hiker and ecologist who once sent a man to a concentration camp for cutting up a frog for fish bait. In 1933 he and other Nazi Party leaders enacted anti-vivisection laws to stop what he called unbearable torture and suffering in animal experiments. Intensely hostile to capitalism, the Nazis controlled all industries and envisioned large-scale wind turbine projects that would generate huge amounts of cheap energy and create millions of German jobs. But as Luftwaffe commander, Goering planned and directed the 1939 terror bombing of Warsaw and the final obliteration of the citys Jewish ghetto. Thousands were slaughtered, and survivors were sent to the Treblinka concentration camp, under the final solution that he helped mastermind to send millions of Jews, Slavs, Gypsies, mentally deficient burdens and other sub-humans to ovens and mass graves. About the most charitable thing one can say about Nazi ethics is that they were perversely conflicted and schizophrenic. People clearly occupied a lower niche than animals on their moral and ethical hierarchy. Sadly, the same observations apply to the more rabid elements of modern environmentalism. Ironically, in the name of keeping fossil fuels in the ground to save the planet from dangerous manmade climate change and other imagined calamities, radical greens also demand actions that would ultimately destroy the very habitats and wildlife they claim to love. Their own words underscore their attitudes. If we dont overthrow capitalism, we dont have a chance of saving the world ecologically. (Earth First! activist Judy Bari) Loggers losing their jobs because of spotted owl legislation is no different than people being out of work after the furnaces of Dachau shut down. (Friends of the Earth founder David Brower) People have become a cancer a plague upon ourselves and upon the Earth. Until such time as Homo sapiens should decide to rejoin nature, some of us can only hope for the right virus to come along. (National Park Service scientist David Graber) In the event that I am reincarnated, I would like to return as a deadly virus, to contribute something to solving overpopulation. (Prince Philip of England) Even if animal research produced a cure for AIDS, wed be against it. (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals president Ingrid Newkirk) Six million people died in concentration camps, but six billion broiler chickens will die this year in slaughterhouses. (Newkirk again) Banning DDT in Sri Lanka might well unleash a malaria epidemic, but so what? People are the cause of all the problems. We have too many of them. We need to get rid of some of them, and this is as good a way as any. Besides, in the United States, DDT substitutes only kill farm workers, and most of them are Mexicans and Negroes. (Environmental Defense Fund scientist Charles Wurster) Giving society cheap, abundant energy would be the equivalent of giving an idiot child a machine gun. (Paul Ehrlich, who in 1968 predicted mass starvation and a collapse of civilization by the 1980s) Its much cheaper for everybody in Africa to have electricity where they need it, from little solar panels on their huts. (Actor Ed Begley, Jr.) People in developing countries simply cannot expect to have the material lifestyle of the average American. (Friends of the Earth president Brent Blackwelder) These attitudes, policies and demands prevail today. Radical greens still advance the same irrational, intolerant views about pesticides to control insect-borne diseases; genetically modified crops to feed more people from less acreage with less water; and access to abundant, reliable, affordable energy required to power modern industrialized societies in Africa, Asia and other less developed regions. The worlds poorest families still live unnecessarily squalid, miserable, diseased, malnourished, short lives. Billions still dont even have electricity, clean water, light bulbs or a tiny refrigerator. Its awful enough that they were born into these places and conditions, and must endure corrupt, kleptocratic dictators. It is intolerable that their hopes and dreams are also stymied by unelected, unaccountable eco-imperialist activists and bureaucrats, who prance, preen and profess their commitment to marginalized people but care about them only if they are threatened by capitalism or climate change. Not surprisingly, they brazenly ignore their own callous roles in this injustice. The worlds dark-skinned people remain at the bottom of the environmentalist ethical hierarchy with millions dying every year from preventable diseases of poverty, perpetuated by callous environmentalists. Developed country loggers, miners, factory workers, ranchers, pensioners and poor minorities are not much higher up; farmers also get short shrift, unless they grow corn, soybeans or canola for biofuels. The battle over fossil fuels has recently entered other dangerous territory, as protesters launch campaigns reminiscent of radicals putting spikes in trees so that sawmill blades would explode and injure workers while comrades bombed GMO and animal testing labs, meat packing plants and even houses. Their targets now are oil and natural gas transport systems as a prelude to more rampant destruction as Putin aides and cronies assist and finance other groups that are trying to block US energy production. A new cadre of Earth Liberation Front anarchists has taken to closing the valves on pipelines sabotage that could result in pipeline ruptures, oil spills, explosions, injuries and deaths. In one case, the valve turners called the Keystone pipeline operations center just minutes before closing the valve, causing the valve wheel and ground below the saboteurs feet to shake. They could have caused a disaster. If caught, arrested and prosecuted, these extremists invoke the necessity defense asserting that they were compelled to break the law, in order to prevent a greater harm: manmade climate cataclysms. The eco-terror groups have issued a Decisive Ecological Warfare manifesto, urging like-minded criminal elements to commit sabotage against pipelines, transmission lines, oil tankers and refineries. As in the past, the militants want more moderate environmental groups to support the necessity defense, acts of sabotage, and the use of eco-terrorism to disrupt and dismantle industrial civilization and remove the ability of the powerful to exploit the marginalized and destroy the planet. They want more mainstream pressure groups to promote the notion that sabotage is acceptable and normal where Earths future is at stake. Environmentalists have already persuaded Western institutions not to support pesticide use, fossil fuel power plant construction and other modern technologies in poor, disease-ridden, energy-deprived countries so maybe this lunacy no longer so farfetched. Several states have passed critical infrastructure protection bills, assessing criminal penalties on terrorists and organizations that conspire to trespass on or damage essential infrastructure sites. The bills also hold parties responsible for any resultant damages to property or persons; they should also penalize foundations and other financiers of eco-terror. All 50 states and Congress should enact similar bills. The asserted justifications that drive perverse, conflicted environmentalist ethics are based on ideologies, assertions and computer models that label humans, capitalism and modern technologies as existential threats to our planet. They have given rise to a $1.5-trillion-per-year Climate Industrial Complex that is determined to expand its revenues and control peoples lives, livelihoods and living standards while redistributing wealth mostly to those who would be in power and those who would keep them in power, while sending just enough to the worlds poorest families to improve their lives slightly at the margins. Ironically, in the process, eco-activists will inflict far more damage on environmental values than do the technologies they despise. Their solutions to alleged ecological problems will turn billions of acres into wind and solar farms, biofuel plantations, hydroelectric projects, and mines for materials needed for wind turbines, solar panels, batteries and other clean, green, renewable energy alternatives. The twentieth century revealed how thin the veneer of humanity, civilization and ethics can be, when propaganda, fear-mongering, hatred and emotions take over. We need to muster enough science, intellectual rigor and freedom of speech to prevent more deaths in the name of environmental justice. Paul Driessen is senior policy analyst for the Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow and author of books and articles on energy and environmental policy. Home The constitutional workaround for term limits By Michael R. Shannon Ive always wondered why the National Education Association (NEA) and the country club conservatives in the Republican House and Senate leadership arent allies, instead of enemies. Both organizations use the same tired talking points to defend inert members from the forces of accountability. When education reformers urge legislative bodies to adopt merit pay for teachers and thereby reward the best teachers with the most money, the NEA counters that experience is crucial and paying teachers according to seniority rewards that excellent system. In the same fashion, when congressional reformers urge House and Senate leadership to adopt an amendment adding term limits to the Constitution, leadership rejects the proposal out of hand, claiming seniority is crucial to keeping Congress the paragon of competence it is today. Its no accident that education, Congress and penal institutions all grant more privileges based solely on how much time youve served. Cong. Francis Rooney (RDoomed) wants to remove Congress from that list. Rooney has formulated a brilliant method of implementing term limits that does not require an amendment to the Constitution. Rooneys Thomas Jefferson Public Service Act would place no limits on how long a member could warm a seat in Congress that requires an amendment instead Rooney would reduce a members paycheck to $1 per year after they served six terms in the House or two terms in the Senate. My wife is skeptical. She believes after 12 years our public servants have already made themselves millionaires, so the $173,999.00 pay cut wont bother them. She is not alone. FedSmith.com downplays Rooneys bill, too, most Congressmen make a career out of remaining in Congress (often moving on to the Senate). Many become millionaires within a few years after their election and, of course, they also receive a pension under the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS). What both overlook is the loss of status if Rooneys bill passes. When Newt Gingrich was running the show, Republicans imposed term limits on committee chairmen. In the House and Senate, Republicans are limited to six years as the jefe of any committee. At the end of their term as chairman these members must surrender the gavel, without any reduction in salary or benefits. Many retiring chairmen look upon that gavel as the closest thing to Thors Hammer they will ever wield. Giving it up is such a personal Ragnarok that they retire from Congress rather than revert to being hammerless rankandfile member regardless of their salary. Im thinking not getting an envelope on payday would have the same effect. Its one thing to talk about being a public servant. Becoming one and working for free is something entirely different. Im willing to grasp at Rooneys straw if theres even a slim chance of success. Rooney is so serious hes prepared to become very unpopular with his colleagues. In an interview with Fox News Bret Baier, Rooney correctly termed arguments against term limits legislation as elitist paternalism. He already has seven cosponsors for his bill and he intends to put the heat on nominal term limits supporters. There are 90 cosponsors on term limit by [constitutional] amendment bills and theres something called the Term Limit Caucus. Lets see what they want to do, Rooney explained. This is where Rooney drops off Christmas card lists. Cosponsoring a term limits constitutional amendment is exactly like promising to repeal Obamacare. Its showy and consequencefree. The chance of the amendment coming up for a vote is exactly the same as the chance of Donald Trump being named Man of the Year by La Raza. If the unthinkable happens see Obamacare vote and term limits comes to the floor, cosponsors will cheerfully betray their voters just as Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins did. Rooneys bill will put these poseurs on the spot. There are 26 members of the Term Limits Caucus, yet only two are cosponsoring his bill. Rooney should have 31 cosponsors and thats before he goes after the amendment popinjays. Baier went to Curator of the Senate Mitch McConnell for a comment on Rooneys bill. In a voice dripping with disdain, McConnell gargled, I would say we have term limits now, they're called elections, and it will not be on the agenda in the Senate. True and the current system has given us McConnell as an example of what term limits would prevent. Rooneys only misstep so far came in his announcement. He quoted former Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn (RGreat American) who said Americans are frustrated with the federal government. True again. But Coburn is no longer in the Senate, because he imposed term limits on himself. I fear the timeservers Rooney is trying to persuade will hear that name and ask themselves, yeah, and when was the last time Coburn was on TV? Michael R. Shannon is a public relations and advertising consultant with corporate, government and political experience around the globe. He is a dynamic and entertaining keynote speaker. He can be reached at mandate.mmpr (at) gmail.com. He is also the author of Conservative Christian's Guidebook for Living in Secular Times (Now with added humor!). Home Europes strongman Viktor Orban has so far faced little meaningful blowback in Hungary or abroad in his eight-year time at the helm of the country. Yet, this week his politics has experienced a blow over Hungarys judicial chief, Tunde Hando, accompanied by the condemnation from the European Union. Ms. Hando was accused of groundless interference in the way judges are hired and promoted. This was moreover coupled with the move of the European Commission to tie EU funding in the future with independence of their judiciaries and investigating corruption. In Hungary for most of the past decade, EU funds have accounted for about 4 percent of the countrys gross national product, one of the highest rates in the bloc. Hungarys National Judicial Council has recently published a report compiled by 15 judges on the autonomy of the Hungarian judiciary. In the analysis, the council said that Ms. Hando had abused her position by meddling in the hiring of senior judges. While judges are hired by an independent panel, Ms. Hando can reject its decisions and make her own appointments the right that the council says she abused. In cases concerning the evaluation of senior judicial appointments, the report read, Ms. Handos reasoning was either insufficient or not transparent because it cited groundless reasons. Ms. Handos critics say that she has been allowed to stack the judiciary with loyalists to Mr. Orban. But never before has the claim been leveled by an independent body with an institution such as the National Judicial Court. For the first time since 2012 when Ms. Hando was appointed a group of judges stood up to Tunde Hando for her unlawful practices, said Viktor Vadasz, one of the councils members. Written by ACM *Strasbourg/CoE/Angelo Marcopolo/- In a Case that has Rocked the USA, and may come anew to Press Headlines in Europe in the foreseeable Future, the CoE's Foreign Ministers-Backed 2018 Annual Moot Court contest organized by the European Law Students Association (ELSA) at the ECHR, where Secretary General, former Prime Minister of Norway and NOBEL Peace Committee Top Member, Thorbjorn Jagland, awarded Today in Strasbourg the Prizes to the Winners, the 1st was attributed to the Team which Supported Popular Dissidents' Complaint against a State's attempt to Impose by Force a Controversial Massive Vaccination of Children, on Public Health pretexts, despite Many Families' Opposition, on Moral, Health and Religious grounds. Among about a Hundred of reported Candidate Teams from various Universities accross Europe, 19 Finalists competed during 3 Days at the CoE in Strasbourg, included Teams, inter alia, not only from France (Grenoble/Alpes), Germany (1.502-founded Martin Luther's Wittenberg University from Saxonny-Anhalt), Greece (Democritos University of Thrace's Comotini City), and Sweden (Orebro University at Central Swedish Lakes), as well as Czech Republic (Mazaryk University at the Constitutional Court's HeadQuarters in Brno), and Romania (Timisoara), but also from the current EU Chair Bulgaria (St. Kliment University from Sofia), and the incoming CoE Chair Croatia (Zagreb University), as well as Albania (Tirana University), even Ukraine (Catholic University at Lviv, steming from a Greek Catholic Theological Academy created on 1928), and Russia (Moscow's Higher School of Economics, Faculty of Law). Added to Turkey, COE Member since the Cold War, (with Ankara's private Bilkent University). But UK made the Largest Participation, with ...6 Universities (Cambridge, Sheffield and Aberdeen in Scotland, as well as City, Queen Mary and King's College of London). (Russian Team from Moscow at ECHR's entrance) ------------ However, the Surprize Winner was a Spanish Team (from "IE" Business University at Madrid, as well as at Segovia and Castile/Leon), who Artfully and Actively Pleaded the Cause of Dissident People obliged to Lodge a Complaint at the ECHR against Oppressive Measures taken by a State in order to Impose to their Children (New Born Babies included) Massive Vaccinations that its Government found Necessary for Public Health in general. The Seriously Documented, in Fluent English, but also Spanish Passion, Pleadings of that Team, headed by a Young Lady full of Energy for the Cause that she served, really Deserved the 1st CoE-ELSA Award for that Moot Court competition at ECHR's Grear Chamber. ---------------------- Nevertheless, London's Kings College Head representative, George Collecott, usefully accompagnied by an efficient young Lady, succeeded to Save UK's honour, by Winning the 1st Award for an Individual Plaidoyerie, even in the "Hard" position of a Defendant Lawyer pleading for the Respondent State's attempts to Force a Mass Vaccination of Children, even Against their Families' wish, (See Infra). - CoE's Secretary General, Thornbjorn Jagland, speaking at the Award Ceremony in the ECHR, later Today, noted that the PanEuropean Organisation's Cooperation with ELSA with its 50.000 Members completes, on 2018, a full Decade, and stressed that if the Young Law Students use well their aquired Knowledge to theis subsequent practical activities, and really "Take Human Rights Seriously", then, "Europe's Future will be in You !", as he highlighted in conclusion. Indeed, the 2018 ECHR-ELSA Case was really "Serious", and far from being purely Imaginary : In Fact, such kind of Issues have, among others, also rocked one of USA's Biggest and Key States : that of Texas, already as Early as since 2007 - 2011/2016, provoking a Strong Controversy, with Large Involvement among the affected People, which practically Costed to former Governor Perry not only his usual job, but even his Participation to the 2016 US Presidential Elections, where he was due to Compete (at GOP's Primaries) with current US President Don Trump (2017-2021). Despite having become a Republican (Right) Party Politician after Flip-flopping from a Democrat (Left), Perry was cought in an Exceptionaly "Hot" Dispute between "Fiscal (i.e. Financial) Conservatives" and Social/Cultural Values Conservatives at the Popular Basis, precisely when he made an Unsuccesfull Attempt to Impose by Force a Massive Vaccination to all Young Girls aged just 11 or 12 years, by Claiming that a Controversial New Vaccine (Tested Only 5 Years then) may prevent one of the factors leading to Cervical Cancer of their eventual Children in some cases in the Future. But Critics (Headed by "Tea Party" Leaders f. Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann and f. US vice-Presidential Candidate + f. Alasca Governor Sarah Palin, as well as Christian "Evangelical" People, etc), strongly Protested, arguying that this Vaccine's alleged Efficiency was still Doubtful, while, on the Contrary, it might have serious Side-Effects (including f.ex. to eventually provoke Mental/Neurological Troubles, etc), was Against several Christians' Beliefs (f.ex. on Sexual conduct of underage and/or unmarried Girls), and Violated Families' Right to Raise their own Children in Freedom, (as an Opt-out clause had been almost Biffed in real Practice). (Even Recently, Only a Minority of 27% of USA's Girls were Vaccinated, while a Debate on Adverse Effects still continues, including Neurological and/or Immune System Problems, and even several Dozens of Deaths were reported. Reported Numbers are, comparatively, Small, but most Tests are still made by the interested Company). Corruption allegations were Added in this Issue, (by a Timely Coincidence with CoE's Annual "GRECO" Anti-Corruption Report's Publication, earlier This Week : See ...), considering also Perry's consistent Long-Time pattern of too close and shady Interest Links with some para-Medical Lobbies : F.ex., a stuborn Opposition to Efforts to Help Victims bring to Justice serious Incidents of Mal-Practice by some abusive Doctors ; Financial Backing by the Big Pharma Company which Sold that Expensive (360 $ initially, 525 $ currently) Vaccine, (including 5.000 $ paid in his latest Electoral Campain = 36.000$ during recent years, about 375.000 $ to a National Association that he Chaired, and which reportedly Contributed for almost 4 Millions $ to his Electoral expenses, in Addition to Hiring his former Chief of Staff, who became a Lobbyist for that Company, before preparing a Super PAC's plans to raise 55 Millions $ for Perry's GOP Presidential Candidacy on 2015, etc) ; Veto against Funding a Team of Prosecutors against Corruption, who were also Investigating allegations against a Research Institute for Cancer Prevention in Texas, (Affair for which he was even Indicted by a Court, and risked Prison, until 2016), etc. Finally, Perry was convinced to Drop that Controversial Mandatory mass-Vaccination, (which had Not yet been Imposed but Only to 2 Other among USA's 50 States, but was Starting, then, to Spread), when even Texas' Assembly Majority Voted a Resolution Against it. But, meanwhile, he had to Drop his Governor job, and Afterwards he Aborted even his US Presidential Candidate plans (Comp. Supra). --------------------------------- - But, Today, in ECHR's Headquarters in Strasbourg, the Fight was quite "Hot", and, at the Beginning, apparently Uncertain, between the 2 above-mentioned "Finalist" University Teams from Spain and the UK on a Similar Issue, pictured at an Imaginary CoE's Member Country, where the State had Decided to take even Coercitive Measures in order to Oblige all recalcitrant Families to Obey a Controversial Order to Submit even their Youngest Children, already from the Age of New-Born Babies, to a Series of various Vaccines, (Comp. Supra). ________ - Speaking earlier to "Eurofora", the Head of London's Kings College University's team, which played the role of the respondent State's Legal Defenders, (receiving afterwards the No 1 Prize for an Individual Oral Plaidoyerie : Comp. Supra), told us that, in his view, a Main and Crucial Point of Law, was the Fact that "there is No Majority stance among CoE's (47) Member States" about the Mandatory, or not, characted of such Mass-Vaccination Campaigns : => Therefore, "ECHR should Accept a Wide Margin of Appreciation for Each State to Decide" what it deems Better suited to the Concrete Situation actually present at its own Territory, in one moment or another, he told us. ----------------------- - But the Head of the Spanish IE Madrid University's Team, which played the role of the Dissident People's Complaint Against that State's Oppressive Measures vis a vis those Families which Opposed their Children's forced Vaccination on various Health and mainly Religion grounds, (Comp. Supra), a Serious but Passionate Young Lady, speaking to "Eurofora", prefered to place her Main Legal Argument at a Different Point : - She had already Admitted, in Reply to Earlier Questions by the Jury, that, indeed, her Initial Legal Analysis about "18 out of 34 States" in Europe currently "Not" Imposing Mandatory mass-Vaccinations as those of the present case, could Not be taken, Definitively, as a Proof of the eventual Existence of a Majority of States Allowing a Free and Crystal-Clear "Opt Out" for justified Dissidents, since CoE's Member States notoriously were 47, but, for Practical Reasons, it had Not been yet Possible to really Know, with Certainty, what was the real Position of the Remaining Countries. => - That's why, the Head of the Winner Team (from Spain) had Prefered to Focus much More on Contesting the real Need for that State to Impose such a Mass Vaccination to All its Population of Children, i.e. by Taking Measures of Enforcement against any eventual Dissident Families (Comp. Supra), Despite of the Fact that "there were No Epidemics, and, at any case, the Herd Immunisation Threshhold (theoretically Covering all the Population, even those who were not vaccinated) had been obtained in this case, by the sufficiently Great Number of People already Vaccinated", as she explained to "Eurofora", in Conclusion. >>> This Key Legal Point, can, Obviously Fit the particular Schema of the Present, 2018 ECHR-ELSA Moot Court Competition, based on an Imaginary Scenario where the Dissident People Opposed to a Massive Vaccination of their Children are, comparatively, a more or less Small "Minority", Mainly Focused on some "Religious" Belief grounds, (i.e. under Article 8 and 9 of the European Convention of Human Rights). But it canNot also Cover those Dissident People who might, eventually, Object, in Addition, Because, also, of a "Hot" Controversy on the alleged Health Issues and/or UnCertainties, (f.ex. on the Importance of possible Side-Effects), which would Risk to Affect their Children if they are Obliged to be Vaccinated even against their Parents' wish. Obviously, Because, in such a case, that Dissident Population might even be the Majority of the concerned Population inside a given Country, (as, f.ex., it's reportedly still the case Nowadays for the above-mentioned "Texas" Affair in the USA : Comp. Supra). I.e., in other words, to put it in a nutshell, the Legal Fight of Ideas, in the name of Human Rights, about nowadays' Controversies on various eventually Mandatory Mass Vaccinations' Cases, including Reactions among Dissident People and Families, does Not yet seem to have been Clearly settled, with Absolute Certainty, at least at an ECHR case-law level, as it was currently interpreted by this Interesting 2018 CoE- ELSA Moot Court Competition... -------------------- - In fact, Judges have "Always" to "go through the Necessary Process of Taking into Account the Competing Interests, in the Light of Strasbourg's Case-Law", reminded, as a matter of General Principle, speaking to "Eurofora" on this occasion, ECHR's Registrar, Roderick Liddell, (who has an Extensive Experience of the PanEuropean Court's work during Decades, after Studying Law at Oxford University and working as Legal Expert, Assistant to ECHR's President, Chief of Press/Communication, Head of Strasbourg Court's General Services, and Elected since December 2015 as Registrar responsible for 600 Legal and Administrative Staff at the ECHR). ----------------------------------- - Concluding the Official Ceremony at ECHR's Headquarters, the current Chairman-in-office of CoE's Highest Political body, that of its Committee of Ministers, Danish Ambassador/Permanent Representative to the CoE, Arnold de Fine Skibsted, after Nostalgically recalling his own, personal "Good Old Times" as "a Law Student" too, (that he exagerated by calling "PreHistoric"), ended on the Most Serious Matter, by repeatedly Stressing the Need, at the core of nowadays Democratic Societies, to ensure not only the Definition, but also "the Implementation of Human Rights" in real practice, which notoriously still is an unfulfilled yet "Mission". De Fine Skibsted has soon to face, at CoE's forthcoming Foreign Ministers' Summit, on 18 May 2018, at Copenhagen, an Ambitious but also Challenging Draft Plan on how to Advance on ECHR's Reform process, initially Launched as early as since 2010, at an Exceptionally Important, Justice Ministers' Summit at Interlaken, Switzerland, (which drafted a Multi-Annual Plan up to 2019 ; See "Eurofora"s NewsReports from Interlaken at: http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/interlakenconclusions.html + http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/boillatngosinterlaken.html, etc), which includes Both States' margin of appreciation, and their Obligation to Implement ECHR's Judgements. - He would certainly not be contradicted by the President of the Jury for the 2018 European Moot Court competition at ECHR, the Experienced CoE's former Long-Time Director of its Committee of Ministers' Service precisely for the Supervision of ECHR Judgements' Execution by its 47 Member States, (a Key-Issue), Simon Palmer himself, who, Speaking later to "Eurofora", agreed that the real value of a COE's "extensive Memory" on Human Right's issues, is to be used, not simply for the History of the Past, but much More for the sake of Present and Future vital needs in Europe. - In this regard, f.ex., in what might, eventually, become, Later-on, an eventual Extension of a probable "BREXIT", Palmer told us that he's Worried about a possible Risk for some in the UK Government to, perhaps, ask also to Leave CoE's PanEuropean Convention on Human Rights, probably pretexting of some more or less Controversial ECHR's Rulings about Condemned Prisoners' Right to Vote even from inside a Jail, and, much more, for its Refusal, in the Past, to accept the Expulsion of some Foreign Criminals, condemned and imprisoned, who have Committed particularly Horrible Crimes, (etc). It's true that, in a Recent Past, f.ex., even the current British Prime Minister, Theresa May, when she served as f. Home Secretary, (i.e. Interior Minister), had reportedly Criticized some ECHR's Rulings on the above-mentioned Issues, while, at the same time, some used to point to the fact that England, which had got 1st in the World the Historic "Bill of Rights", might, eventually, manage to survive even if it were pushed to get out of COE's Human Rights' Convention, at a moment, or another, in the foreseable Future. - But it's also true, that even the Ideological "Father" of BREXIT, Brittish MEP Nigel Farage, President of EU Parliament's "Freedom and Direct Democracy" Group (EFDD), has already expressed to "Eurofora", in Statements made Earlier at the sidelines of an EU Summit in Brussels, that, in fact, he would personally like very much, if he became a Westminster's National MP, to eventually participate in CoE's activities, (because it's much more about "Cooperation", than for "Integration", as he had pointed out), in the foreseable Future... => - At any case, all that is one more Reason, for which I am currently Focusing on Helping Projects such as that of CoE's cooperation with the European Association of Law Students (ELSA, Headquartered in Brussels) on Promoting ECHR's main Principles and case-law, a.o., Told "Eurofora" in Conclusion the 2018 President of ECHR-ELSA Competition Jury, Key Veteran CoE's Senior Officer Simon Palmer, (also Famous inside the PanEuropean Organisation as an Active Musician in its Staff's Band), greeting us with a Friendly Smile. This year, his Experience was, almost Certainly, a Decisive Factor, inter alia, also for Awarding the Prizes for Best Written Submissions to the teams from Democritus University of Thrace (Greece), the Ukrainian Catholic University, and the University of Grenoble Alpes (France, Bis : Both for the Respondent State and for the Appliquant). ("Democritus"' Team with their Prof. Theodossiou. Names which roughly Mean : "Chosen by the People", but "Given by God"...) (../..) ------------------------- WHEATBELT-based company Wide Open Agriculture (WOA) has ended its State Initial Public Offering (IPO) roadshow on a positive note, luring higher than expected subscriptions from local investors within a week of its launch. After opening its IPO on Friday, April 20, the regenerative agriculture and food group last week showcased its vision to potential shareholders in Scarborough, Fremantle and Perth, attracting crowds of more than 100 at each event. It comes after WOA presented its business prospectus in Moora, Dalwallinu, Goomalling, Merredin, Narrogin and Williams, where chief executive officer Ben Cole and chairman Anthony Maslin hope to attract a large portion of investors. Were getting strong interest and have already raised what we were hoping to in the first week, Dr Cole said. We have had such positive responses from farmers, community members, shire councillors and the Wheatbelt Development Commis- sion. Overall there was this strong sense of positivity and encouragement for what WOA is trying to do and a lot of the interest is about job creation and understanding the protective cropping system. Founded in 2015, WOA is a WA company partnered with Dutch organisation Commonland, with a regenerative agricultural plan for the Wheatbelt, in the Wheatbelt. The business has a four returns philosophy, which aims to deliver economic, environmental, social and inspirational gains, to encourage growth and investment in regional WA. As part of this plan, the company established a pilot greenhouse at Arthur River which has been up and running since early 2017. The half hectare smart shade house allows vegetables to flourish in a controlled environment, with produce sold to customers in the Great Southern and Perth under the Food for Reasons brand. Last summer 25 vegetable varieties were grown in the greenhouse but Dr Cole said the focus of production had begun to evolve. Weve recognised that the vine crops the tomatoes and the capsicums have produced well and as we go forward theyre two of the crops that were looking at closely to specialise in, Dr Cole said. A three-zoned diversification project was also set up by WOA last year on a 320 hectare property in Buntine, which Dr Cole said had so far shown positive signs. The demonstration site is split into an economic zone, a revegetated natural zone and a combined zone, as part of the companys long-term vision for a sustainable agricultural system. Following the success of the initial pilot projects, Dr Cole said WOA was looking to expand its horizons to value-added products for domestic and export markets. Its about using existing cereals and livestock being grown in the Wheatbelt under the regenerative farming systems, he said. Were basing it on what regenerative farmers are growing now we know theyre growing great oats and barley and wheat, some canola and then, of course, the sheep products are good as well. Were at the stage where weve got four or five recipes or product ranges identified and then the actual formulation and decision-making will happen in the next two months. We want to make sure it resonates with the Wheatbelt first, then Perth and, of course, weve got our eyes on Singapore and Hong Kong markets. In order to turn its dream into a reality, WOA is seeking $5 million from local shareholders to list on the Australian Securities Exchange. At $0.20 per share and a minimum subscription of $2000, Dr Cole said investing in WOA was a great opportunity for the Wheatbelt community to invest in its future. Buying shares in Wide Open Agriculture is a statement of belief that regenerative, diversified farming systems can deliver inspiration and great outcomes in the Wheatbelt, he said. We are committed to making a real difference by creating new jobs, enhancing soil health, improving biodiversity and encouraging diversified, regenerative agriculture. I think people are excited to hear that there is a positive story coming out of the Wheatbelt, the shade house has worked, the regenerative farmlands is an exciting opportunity and then the food really attracts people in Perth. Dr Cole is this week taking the WOA IPO roadshow to the Eastern States, with meetings planned in Sydney and Melbourne. He encouraged those interested in investing in the business to get in quick. Were urging people who are interested in WOA to get in now, because theyre the people we want, Dr Cole said. We urge people to get online and read the prospectus and apply online if theyre interested. AGCO recently manufactured its one millionth engine at its Finland factory as it celebrates its 75th year in the industry. AGCO is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its AGCO Power global engine brand this year and coincidentally has produced its one millionth engine in Linnavuori, Nokia, Finland. More than 70 per cent of AGCO products run with an AGCO Power engine and are featured in a range of Massey Ferguson, Valtra and Fendt machines in the Australian and New Zealand markets. AGCO Power has been pioneering the development of emission reduction technologies and, in 2008, was the first manufacturer to launch SCR (selective catalytic reduction) technology in agricultural machinery. Today, its engines meet and exceed the latest emission regulations in the European Union and the United States, complying with the Tier 4 emissions standards. According to AGCO Power vice president (engineering) Helmut Endres, the company already is on track to meet Tier 5 targets. Within the EU, new emission regulations will be phased in gradually in 2019 and 2020, Mr Endres said. AGCO Power started its development for this stage a number of years ago in order to be ready for the change. High-quality engines have already been tested in cooperation with our customers in the engine laboratory and in different applications. AGCO Power started manufacturing engines in Linnavuori 75 years ago. Later the factory became an important part of Valtra which was then acquired by AGCO in 2004. Today, AGCO Power manufactures three, four, six and seven-cylinder diesel engines in four plants in Finland, China, Brazil and Argentina. Production volumes have reached more than 100,000 engines annually. Job Title: Director, Compliance & Integrity Employer: Nielsen Holdings PLC Location: Wilton, Connecticut USA Descriotion: Nielsen is looking to hire an experienced compliance professional to play a key role in promoting our strong culture of compliance and integrity. You will be tasked with leading and managing initiatives and projects in the areas of compliance and integrity, including global policies, trainings and certifications and will also serve as the Compliance & Integrity Leader for US and Canada, with responsibility for investigating reports of misconduct. You will regularly collaborate with senior management and Compliance & Integrity leaders around the world in order to administer the operations of Nielsens global compliance & integrity program. . . . Continue Reading Paris Hilton was left feeling "upset, hurt, and violated" when her emails and bank cards were targeted by a hacker. Paris Hilton The 37-year-old businesswoman and DJ appeared in the federal courthouse in Los Angeles on Monday to testify against Paystar Bkhchadzhyan, who was sentenced to 57 months in prison for bank fraud conspiracy after she hacked Paris' iCloud and gained her bank details. In a lengthy statement which was written and read out by Paris, and obtained by The Blast, the hotel heiress explained how she was left fearing her life after the terrifying ordeal. She said: "It is very important for me to stand here today and pursue legal action on behalf of myself, my family and anyone who has been targeted with hacking. This was stealing and an invasion of my privacy. Public figure or not, no one should be a target for this crime. I hope that by being here today it brings awareness that this won't be tolerated and moving forward it doesn't continue to happen to me or anyone else. "When I first found out that my personal emails, iCloud, credit cards and identity had been stolen and taken over by some stranger I felt so upset, hurt and violated. The defendant not only hacked into my accounts and made credit cards with my name on them but somehow found a way to hack into the email accounts of my employees, my friends and my family members such as my father and sister." Paris - who is currently engaged to Chris Zylka - went on to state that the woman had attempted to enter her gated home by calling security guards and pretending to be the star, as well as contacting various members of her team and family in search of large sums of money. She added: "Now it has made me very scared, terrified and traumatised. This has impacted me in so many ways. I am constantly looking over my shoulder and even scared to walk into my home alone fearful that this woman or her boyfriend or other dangerous friends are inside there waiting to hurt me or steal from me. "This woman targeted me in such a way that I will never forget or get over it. I feel so incredibly violated. She was trying to get all my user names and passwords for every single one of my email and bank accounts. She took over my life and identity. She tried to shake me up for money. It was all so unbelievable and crazy that it truly seemed like something out of a movie." Paris closed her statement by slamming anyone else who might be thinking of attempting to impersonate someone for money. She said: "I have been violated so many times in my life and I am sick and tired of just brushing it under the rug and not standing up for myself. I want the defendant and any other hackers out their who are planning to target me or anyone else that this is wrong, highly illegal and a serious crime and it will not be tolerated and if they attempt again then they will be punished for their despicable actions. No one should ever have to go through this or made to feel this way and I hope by being here today it will help make a difference and make people think twice before they attempt or try to do such deplorable things to another person and hopefully put a stop to this." Beginning next school year, students in New Mexico will be able to count computer science courses toward math and science graduation requirements. With this new policy, which the Public Education Department announced late last month, New Mexico joins a growing group: Currently, 36 states allow computer science to count as a graduation requirement , according to Code.org , a nonprofit organization that has advocated for the integration of computer science into the K-12 curriculum. The departments plan is similar to one proposed in a bill last year that New Mexicos governor, Susana Martinez, vetoed. But that computer science billand nine other bills that Martinez vetoedended up getting a second chance. The Democrat-led state legislature sued Martinez, a Republican, arguing that her vetoes were invalid, as she hadnt provided explanations within the designated time frame. The Public Education Department made their announcement the day before the state Supreme Court decided in favor of the lawmakers. The 10 bills that Martinez originally vetoedincluding the one regarding computer sciencewill now go into effect. Like education leaders in other states, New Mexico Education Secretary Christopher Ruszkowski cited preparation for a changing workforce as the main driver of the departments decision to promote computer science. Our kids are entering the 21st-centurymarketplace where more and more jobs require computer science skills, said Ruszkowski, in a statement. Before students can count a computer science course toward their math graduation requirement, they must pass Algebra II and score proficient in the PARCC Geometry or Algebra II tests. (These restrictions arent uniform across statesfor example, Ohio, another state that allows computer science courses to count toward graduation credits, lets students swap out Algebra II for a computer science class .) Similarly, high schoolers who want to use computer science classes toward science requirements must first demonstrate proficiency in the states high school science assessment. For students who have met those benchmarks, the following computer science courses can count toward graduation requirements, starting in the 2018-2019 school year: Scientific Technologies, described by the department as a science course that uses computer modeling to explore scientific concepts;" Mathematical Modeling and Fractal Math, math courses that also employ computer modeling; or, AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles. As more states allow students to substitute computer science for certain math, science, or other academic courses, some have criticized the trend. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics released a statement in 2016 , cautioning that replacing high school math with computer science could undermine students math preparation. And when Ohios law passed earlier this year, the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics raised concerns to what extent would math principles and content be included in the now-equivalent computer science courses? The Public Education Department is reviewing computer and information sciences curricula to determine what other courses would meet the criteria for graduation requirements, with plans to add to the current list, according to a statement from the department. See more: Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release SubCategory Select Sub-Category Kalray, a Grenoble, France-based maker of processors for new intelligent systems, raised 10M in funding. Backers included new investors Alliance Ventures, the venture capital fund of Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, and Bpifrance (as part of Definvest, the investment fund managed on behalf of the French Ministry of the Armed Forces) and existing shareholders. This was the second tranche of a 23.6M funding from Safran Corporate Ventures, the Asian investment fund Pengpai, ACE Management, CEA Investissement, EUREKAP! and Inocap Gestion. The company intends to use the funds to enable the commercial deployment of the existing processor, and the final development of the new generation, scheduled to be launched in 2019. Led by Eric Baissus, president and CEO, Kalray makes processors for new intelligent systems, which have the capability to analyze on the fly, and in an intelligent manner, a very large amount of information, make decisions and interact in real time with the outside world. These intelligent processors are being extensively deployed in sectors such as new-generation networks (intelligent datacenters) and autonomous vehicles, as well as healthcare, drones and robots. Created in 2008, as a spin-off of the CEA, Kalray addresses a broad spectrum of clients, among which server manufacturers, intelligent system integrators and consumer product manufacturers, such as car manufacturers. FinSMEs 07/05/2018 Neurana Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a San Diego, CA-based specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of neuromuscular conditions, completed a $60m Series A financing. The round was led by Sofinnova Ventures with participation from New Leaf Venture Partners, H.I.G. BioHealth Partners, Longitude Capital and MagnaSci Ventures. In conjunction with the financing, David Kabakoff, Ph.D. of Sofinnova Ventures, Dan Becker, M.D., Ph.D. of New Leaf Venture Partners, Alex Zisson of H.I.G. BioHealth Partners, and Josh Richardson, M.D. of Longitude Capital, joined David Hale and Brian Dorsey on the board of directors. The company intends to use the funds to further develop tolperisone. Led by David F. Hale, Chairman and Interim President & CEO, Neurana Pharmaceuticals is advancing Tolperisone, a novel, patented skeletal muscle relaxant for the treatment of acute, painful muscle spasms and spasticity without sedation. Tolperisone is approved and used in Europe and Asia for the treatment of neuromuscular conditions and has not been available in the U.S. due to an impurity that was higher than ICH Guidelines. Neurana, which has an exclusive license from Sanochemia AG to develop and commercialize a patented composition of tolperisone which meets ICH Guidelines in North America, plans to commence a Phase 2 dose ranging clinical trial later this year to further demonstrate the safety and efficacy of tolperisone in subjects with acute, painful neuromuscular spasms of the neck and back. FinSMEs 07/05/2018 Education leaders in Minnesota say they hope lawmakers will make some changes that will allow the states early-learning initiatives to be more user-friendly. This comes following the release last month of an analysis of the states early-childhood education programs by the Office of the Legislative Auditor, a government watchdog . The groups report notes that the state provides 42 programs for young children and their families. Most of these programs are administered by the state Departments of Education, Health, and Human Services. The analysis focused on nine of these programs and found them to be complex and fragmented and thus confusing for parents. For example, while many of these programs are designed for low-income families, they have different income eligibility requirements. This complexity may keep some families from taking advantage of much-needed services. The report also noted the lack of data related to program effectiveness and the fact that different programs have different requirements for staff qualifications. I dont think that we were really surprised by any of the findings or the recommendations in the report, said Hue Nguyen, an assistant commissioner with the Department of Education. Calling for Changes The report called on the state legislature to make changes such as aligning funding and eligibility requirements for certain programs and to consider requiring assessments for children entering kindergarten. The report also asked the state Department of Education to make a couple of changes. Five of the nine programs the auditor evaluated are administered by that department. The report recommended that the department work with the Departments of Health and Human Services to come up with a plan to use a universal identification number for children participating in early-childhood programs. It also asked the Department of Education to collect attendance data for these programs and data on the number of students who arent being screened for kindergarten readiness. Nguyen says the department will begin doing these things. She also said the department has been asking for some of the recommendations in the report such as legislative changes that would allow information sharing between the three departments. We do work with the same families, the same children, but we dont have the ability to share the data with one another, said Nguyen. She says that would make things much easier for the families they serve. If eligibility requirements were aligned and the departments could share information, they could create a single application for families to complete for access to help with early-childhood education programs. This way, families wouldnt have to run from program to program and provide the same information over and over. Over the last seven, eight years we really have had a focus on serving as many of our children in high-quality, early-learning settings as possible, so I think that this report will help us to continue that process, said Nguyen. The Minnesota legislature is in session now, and a working group of lawmakers is expected to meet this summer to discuss the report and its recommendations. Image by Getty Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: Blueberry Founder and Fenton Twp. resident Phil Shaltz (69) speaks to the Blueberry Ambassadors during the 5th Annual Blueberry Ambassador Awards Party at the Riverfront Banquet Center downtown. Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: Students from Garner Elementary in Clio applaud and admire elementary counselor David Griffel (left) as Blueberry Ambassadors were encouraged to recognize their teachers and mentors that accompanied them to the 5th An Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: Flint City Mayor Karen Weaver speaks to the Blueberry Ambassadors, teachers, parents and mentors during the 5th Annual Blueberry Ambassador Awards Party at the Riverfront Banquet Center downtown. Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: Blueberry Ambassadors, teachers, and mentors bounce giant, inflated blueberries around the room before the beginning of the program for the 5th Annual Blueberry Ambassador Awards Party at the Riverfront Banquet Center Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: Enthusiastic Blueberry Ambassadors cheer and jeer at the camera before the show begins at the 5th Annual Blueberry Ambassador Party at the Riverfront Banquet Center downtown. Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: Blueberry Ambassadors gather for a group photograph after the 5th Annual Blueberry Ambassador Awards Party at the Riverfront Banquet Center downtown. Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: University of Michigan - Flint student Carryn White, 19, from Burton hands out a Blue Ribbon Award to Olivia Grouix, a student at Flushing Middle School, during the 5th Annual Blueberry Ambassador Awards Party at the Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: Garnering 13,873 votes out of 56,350, Woodland Park Academy takes home the People's Choice Award with a $1,000 donation from Blueberry Founder Phil Shaltz during the 5th Annual Blueberry Ambassador Awards Party at the Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: Blueberry Ambassador Blue Ribbon Award recipients stand on stage for a photograph during the 5th Annual Blueberry Ambassador Awards Party at the Riverfront Banquet Center downtown. Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: Davison Central Elementary student Brooke Laine holds a large check on stage after being presented with the Blueberry Ambassador Founder's Award during the 5th Annual Blueberry Ambassador Awards Party at the Riverfro Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: Surrounded by family, teachers and Blueberry staff, Davison Central Elementary School student Brooke Laine holds a large check after being presented with the Blueberry Ambassador Founder's Award during the 5th Annual Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: A small pile of blueberry-replica stress balls sits on the red carpet during presentations at the 5th Annual Blueberry Ambassador Awards Party at the Riverfront Banquet Center downtown. Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: Over one thousand Blueberry Ambassadors amassed at the Riverfront Banquet Center for the 5th Annual Blueberry Ambassador Awards Party in downtown Flint. Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: Blueberry Founder, Phil Shaltz, 69, from Fenton Twp., smiles for the camera as he is interviewed by local media before the 5th Annual Blueberry Ambassador Award Party at the Riverfront Banquet Center. Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: Swartz Creek resident Joy Nyman, 33, places slices of pizza on paper plates for incoming Blueberry Ambassadors at the Riverfront Banquet Center for the 5th Annual Blueberry Ambassador Awards Party. Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: FlintSide publisher and Flint resident Marjory Raymer, 44, smiles as she watches a short slideshow before taking the stage at the 5th Annual Blueberry Ambassador Awards Party at the Riverfront Banquet Center downtown. Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: Flint City Mayor Karen Weaver (center) laughs during the program of the 5th Annual Blueberry Ambassador Awards Party at the Riverfront Banquet Center downtown. Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: Fenton Twp. Resident and Blueberry Founder Phil Shaltz, 69, looks across the crowd of Blueberry Ambassadors while dressed as Princess Leia from Star Wars before handing out blueberry-replica stress balls during the 5t Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: Fenton Twp. resident and Blueberry Founder Phil Shaltz, 69, removes the Star Wars Princess Leia costume he donned while presenting the Blueberry Ambassadors with blueberry-replica stress balls during the 5th Annual Bl Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: Genesee Intermediate School District Associate Superintendent Steve Tunnicliff speaks to the Blueberry Ambassadors during the 5th Annual Blueberry Ambassador Awards Party at the Riverfront Banquet Center downtown. Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: University of Michigan - Flint chancellor Sue Borrego speaks to the Blueberry Ambassadors during the 5th Annual Blueberry Ambassador Awards Party at the Riverfront Banquet Center downtown. Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: Blueberry Founder and Fenton Twp. resident Phil Shaltz, 69, speaks to the audience about the beginning of the Blueberry Ambassador program during the 5th Annual Blueberry Ambassador Awards Party at the Riverfront Banq Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: Blueberry Founder and Fenton Twp. resident Phil Shaltz (right), 69, shakes hands with Greg Viener, Community President for Huntington National Bank as he takes the stage during the 5th Annual Blueberry Ambassador Awar Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: FlintSide publisher and Flint resident Marjory Raymer, 44 (left) watches as Blueberry Founder and Fenton Twp. resident Phil Shaltz, 69, speaks to the Blueberry Ambassadors during the 5th Annual Blueberry Ambassador Aw Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: Flint City Mayor Karen Weaver laughs as she is called up to the stage during the 5th Annual Blueberry Ambassador Awards Party at the Riverfront Banquet Center downtown. Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: Blueberry Founder and Fenton Twp. resident Phil Shaltz, 69, looks at portrait of his granddaughter projected onto the screen as he talks about why he is "concerned about the blueberries" during the 5th Annual Blueberr Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: Fenton Twp. resident Phil Shaltz, 69, Blueberry Founder, paces on the stage as he speaks to the Blueberry Ambassadors during the 5th Annual Blueberry Ambassador Awards Party at the Riverfront Banquet Center downtown. Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: FlintSide publisher Marjory Raymer, left, 44, from Flint and Blueberry Founder Phil Shaltz, 69, from Fenton Twp., take a selfie on stage before the beginning of the 5th Annual Blueberry Ambassador Awards Party at the Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: Blueberry Founder Phil Shaltz (left), 69, from Fenton, gives Vickie Weiss before presenting her with the Blueberry Ambassador Inspirational Teacher Award during the 5th Annual Blueberry Ambassador Awards Party at the Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: Grand Blanc Perry Innovation Center teacher Vickie Weiss (right) speaks to the Blueberry Ambassadors after receiving the Blueberry Ambassador Inspirational Teacher Award during the 5th Annual Blueberry Ambassador Awar Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: FlintSide publisher Marjory Raymer (right), 44, from Flint, holds the hand of Davison Central Elementary School student Brooke Laine as she makes her way up the steps to the stage during the 5th Annual Blueberry Ambas Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: Fenton Twp. resident and Blueberry Founder Phil Shaltz, 69, smiles as he watches a surprise video dedicated to him during the 5th Annual Blueberry Ambassador Awards Party at the Riverfront Banquet Center downtown. Tim Galloway Flint, MI - Friday, May 4, 2018: Fenton Twp. resident and Blueberry Founder Phil Shaltz (center), 69, University of Michigan - Flint student Carryn White (left), 19, from Burton and FlintSide publisher Marjory Raymer (right), 44, from Flint, hold the Tim Galloway FLINT, MI Over 1,400 Blueberry Ambassadors squeezed into the Riverfront Banquet Center downtown to be recognized for their random acts of kindness throughout the year. Ambassadors, teachers, mentors, parents and prominent members of the community once again gathered to celebrate their seemingly small accomplishments to improve the lives of others. The party marked the end of the fifth year for Blueberry Ambassadors, which started after Flint businessman Phil Shaltz had a billboard put up along I-69 that said simply, and confusingly, Im Concerned About the Blueberries. The billboard remained anonymous and unexplained for weeks and it garnered national attention. Shaltz, now 69, of Fenton Township, eventually admitted that the billboard had nothing to do with actual blueberries, but instead was designed to remind people that we should all be concerned about each other and our problemsboth big and small, even as small as a blueberry. That led to the creation of the Blueberry Ambassador program, in which Genesee County students pledge to perform at least three random acts of kindness. The celebration Friday, May 4, 2018, was the cumulation of this years efforts. This year has been the biggest by far, with 1,600 young people volunteering as Blueberry Ambassadors and online voting to determine the Peoples Choice Award garnering more than 56,000 votes from around the world. The first year, just 100 students participated and voting totaled 18,000. This is why I do this, Shaltz said as he pointed to a photograph of his 1-year-old granddaughter, Daisy Shaltz, projected onto the screen at the front of the banquet hall. You know what I want for her? I want a better world, Shaltz said. Were in this room to try to spread a little bit of good. I cant appreciate enough the work that you kids have done and especially the teachers, the principals, the superintendents, the moms, the dads, the grandparents. Lifting a small, squishy blueberry ball into the air, Shaltz continued, I want you to remember what it means. It means to be kind to people. It means to look at their little blueberries, their little concerns, their little problems and try to do what you can to make my granddaughters world a little bit better. Two scholarships to the University of Michigan Flint also are awarded through the Blueberry Ambassador program, through funding contributed by Shaltz, Huntington Bank, and UM-Flint. Scholarship recipients this year will be chosen by the classes of Vickie Weiss, a teacher at Grand Blanc Perry Innovation Center, who was awarded the Inspirational Leader Award, Brooke Laine, a fourth-grader at Davison Central Elementary, who was chosen by Shaltz as the Founders Award winner. The scholarships are for $6,000 and $12,000, respectively. The Founders Award is given for a Blueberry Moment that epitomizes what it means to be a Blueberry Ambassador. Brooke and her family had gone to dinner and witnessed a waitress pay for a man who didnt have the money to buy a soda. In response to this, Brooke asked her father to buy the man a meal, in which he obliged. Not only did they send over a prepaid card for his meal, but Brooke wrapped it in a small note saying, You are loved. They watched as the man handed something small to the waitress. Moments later, the waitress returned with a tiny angel fashioned out of a paperclip. I then began to cry because I felt so happy, Brooke said in her Blueberry Moment submission. When given the award, Brooke said, simply, Thank you. The award also comes with a $500 donation to Brookes school. Weiss, a teacher for 54 years, gave credit to the students and the work they are doing in the community. What a privilege to look out at all you wonderful kids that have been inspired by the Blueberry Ambassador Program and you will carry it with you forever, she said. You will also influence all the people that Mr. Shaltz wanted you to, and so next year, I think I will have to tell them that they need to look for a bigger venue because all of you will have that outreach, and this building wont hold your influence. Woodland Park Academy took home the Peoples Choice Award with 13,873 votes, winning $1,000 to use in bettering their community. Coordinator Sarah Doty took the stage with nine students to accept the award. Were a really small school and we were so nervous, but we put everything out there and were looking forward to doing some good with our winnings this year, she said. More than 20 individual students also took home Blue Ribbon Awards. One student per school district was chosen for a $100 award to be used for their school to do good in the community. President Donald Trump spoke to members of the National Rifle Association Friday at its first national meeting since the February school shooting in Parkland, Fla., which set off new debates about school safety and gun laws. In a sprawling speech that covered topics ranging from immigration to athletes protests during the National Anthem, Trump re-upped calls to arm teachers and harden schools with increased security. And he may have misstated how much his administration has secured for school safety efforts. I recently signed legislation that includes more than $2 billion to improve school safety, including the funding for training and metal detectors and security and mental health, the president told the Dallas crowd at the organizations National Leadership Forum. Mental health is a big one. But its unclear where he got the $2 billion figure. Trump appeared to be referring to an omnibus spending bill he signed into law March 23. That bill included the STOP School Violence Act , a bill championed by families of victims from school shootings in Parkland and Newtown, Conn., that provides about $1 billion over 10 years. It funds physical school safety measures, like locks and metal detectors, and it also provides funds for training in identifying and responding to possible safety threats in schools. But what about the other $1 billion Trump mentioned? Its not clear what he was referring to. He may be referring to funding included in the bill for Title IV, a block grant for districts that can fund a diverse set of needs from school safety to ed-tech. The bill provided $1.1 billion for those grants, a big increase from its current funding level of $400 million. Trumps proposed budget sought to eliminate Title IV, but Congress increased it as it negotiated the spending bill. While Title IV funds can be used for safety efforts, its unlikely they will all be targeted for such purposes. Everyone from technology directors to community school coordinators have their eyes on that expanded pot of money. Since the Parkland shooting, in which 17 people died after a former student entered Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School with an AR-15, Trump has called for schools to train and arm some teachers. That echoed calls he made during the campaign to end gun-free zones in schools. Student activists from Parkland have rejected those plans and made a national push for tougher gun laws. Several states have since considered plans to allow teachers and school staff to carry firearms with mixed responses. Floridas compromise school safety bill included a voluntary plan to train and arm some school staff alongside new gun restrictions designed to keep firearms out of the hands of people deemed dangerous by law enforcement. The Broward County district, which includes Parkland, notably rejected the option to arm staff. There was another curious mention about this issue in Trumps speech. All of us agree that we must harden certain schools, he told the NRA crowd, referring to efforts to build up physical safety measures as a deterrent to would-be intruders. The use of the word certain is interesting because some have feared new safety efforts, including the increased presence of law enforcement in schools, will disproportionately affect students of color. Its unclear what Trump meant by using the word, though it may have just been a verbal flourish. Photo: Matt Rourke-- AP Related reading about Parkland school shooting: Follow @evieblad on Twitter or subscribe to Rules for Engagement to get blog posts delivered directly to your inbox. . (2:1) 1/2- . 37 " ". " " . " , . , . , ... Weeks after thousands of Colorado teachers stormed the state capitol , educators in the city of Pueblo are going on strike. Teachers in the 17,000-student school district are picketing for a 2 percent pay raise and better benefits. This is Colorados first teacher strike in 24 years. I think we are just saying, enough is enough, Pueblo Education Association president Suzanne Ethredge told the Denver Post . Teachers in the school district have been without a formal contract since August as negotiations stalled. The Pueblo school district is facing a $3.6 million deficit this year, and officials have said they cannot afford a teacher pay raise this year. Officials said that when the district moves to a four-day school week next year, it will be more financially stable and there could be raises for teachers then, according to the Post. Teachers in the Pueblo district earn an average of $47,617less than the state average of about $51,808. Related: See How Your States Average Teacher Salary Compares Ethredge said she hopes this strike wont last more than three to five days. Pueblo teachers joined thousands of other Colorado educators last month as they marched to the state capitol to ask for more school funding, causing dozens of school closures. There have been statewide teacher strikes this spring in West Virginia, Oklahoma, and Arizonaa wave of labor activism that experts have called unprecedented for the education sector. All of the strikes have centered around demands for higher pay and more school funding. North Carolina teachers have announced that they are planning to take leave on May 16 to protest in the state capitol , forcing school districts across the state to cancel classes. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, support staff workers are planning a 24-hour strike on May 15 . The union that represents the 30,000 Los Angeles Unified district support staffschool bus drivers, custodians, special education assistants, teacher assistants, health aides, and cafeteria workershas been negotiating with the district for over a year, but the two sides were unable to come to an agreement over a contract, according to the Los Angeles Times. The union claims the district is engaging in unfair labor practicesfor example, the district had cut the hours of more than 125 special education assistants without notifying the union. About 94 percent of the 11,000 workers who cast a vote last month wanted to strike, the Times reported. HMD Global launched the Nokia 7 Plus Android One smartphone in India last month, and the phone went on sale in the country last week. As we had mentioned in the review, the phone has support for 4G VoLTE in one SIM, while the other SIM supports only 3G. HMD Global Chief Product Officer, Juho Sarvikas on Twitter has confirmed that the phone will soon get support for 4G on both the SIMs via an update. Thanks Sid for the awesome review and don't worry, 2nd sim will support LTE shortly! Juho Sarvikas (@sarvikas) May 4, 2018 It should also support 4G VoLTE on both the SIMs. This feature is available in only in Honor View 10 and the Chinese version of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro, but the Indian version of the Redmi Note 5 Pro is expected to get the support soon. With the Dual 4G option, you can enable 4G and VoLTE on both the SIMs and switch between them easily. At the launch, the company also confirmed that it will also bring Face Unlock feature via an update, which is available in the Chinese variant already. The Nokia 7 Plus also comes with Treble support with A/B system partition for seamless updates. Check out our Nokia 7 Plus Review, if you are planning to get the phone. By continuing to browse our site you agree to our Privacy & Cookie Policy. > Privacy & Cookie Policy I Agree A hard Brexit would have devastating ramifications for the European sugar industry with tariffs of over 100 percent entering into force if no deal is... Read More Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived at the Kremlin for his inaugural ceremony on Monday in a new limousine designed to rival President Trumps Beast. The massive vehicle is the first from the countrys Kortezh (Russian for cortege) project, which aims to develop a domestic luxury brand for government officials and private customers. Expected to be sold under the Auris name, plans for the lineup include a standard size sedan, utility vehicle and van. The limousine is the first Russian-made state car since the countrys leaders started using Mercedes-built vehicles in 1997. Details on it are mostly secret, but it is believed to be equipped with various security features and powered by either a V8 or V12 engine that was designed with input from Porsche. Putin wont have the newest car among world leaders for very long, however. The U.S. Secret Service is currently putting the finishing touches on the all-new truck-based, Cadillac-branded limousines that will replace the ones currently used to transport Trump and other government officials. The agency told Fox News that the new vehicles will be put into service this summer. KIM JONG UN'S LIMOUSINE IS A PORTABLE POTTY IN DISGUISE, REPORTS SAY Hailing from Chicago, Eddy Clearwater is a blues music hall of famer. Blues Rock Review caught up with Clearwater to discuss his life in music, a new record, and more. Thanks very much, Eddy, for taking time out of your busy life to speak with me. Can you just clarify how you got the surname Clearwater? My one time manager, Jump Jackson, who owned The Rhythm and Blues agency wanted to sign me up with his agency. He said that my birth name Eddy Harrington was to long, so he shortened it to Eddy Clearwater. I am still thinking about that one. According to my math, youre into your 40th year of recording, just had your 83rd birthday earlier this year, is it not pipe and slippers time ? I have been in the business for 65 years, recording for 59 years. My first record was a 78rpm entitled Boogie Baby on one side and Hillbilly Blues on the other side. I owned a record store in my twenties and did some record house cleaning. I threw out 200 of these records. They were taking up to much room which I needed for something else. A very well known record companys owner reprimanded me, because he told me that in the future the 200 copies would be a collectors item and very valuable. As they say, you learn as you go. You were born in Macon, Mississippi and raised by your Cherokee grandmother (correct me if Im wrong!), listening to gospel music, what first drew you to the Blues? Listening to gospel music is about life. It was spiritual, sounded good and felt good. When I listened to Muddy Waters Catfish Blues and Baby Please Let Me Go, that was gospel in my heart and I was hooked. Like Hendrix, did you have to turn the guitar upside down to play left-handed? No, I just take a right handed guitar, turn it upside down which means the first E string is on the top, and the E 6th string is on the bottom. Comes natural after a while. Like at school my teacher instructed me to use my right hand instead of my left, and I did, but right after school I changed to my left hand. That was trecherous. I can write my name with my right hand, but thats about all. How important, career-wise, was your move to Chicago in the early 50s? Moving the Chicago was the epitome of my life musically. Chicago is where my life came together musically. With the great amount of musicians at that time such as Muddy Waters, Howln Wolf, Jimmy Reed, and Elmo James, they were all in Chicago at that time playing in blues clubs on the south and west sides which were opened seven days a week. You could work at one club for seven days if you wanted. This was my number one dream to be be in the blues world with these legendary artists. Now I feel like I am in blues heaven-alive. In the 50s there were a fair few black musicians breaking the musical barriers, in particular Chuck Berry, how much did they influence you? Chuck Berry was my number one idol in the business. Not to take anything away from Muddy Waters, because he was my and still is the foundation I sought after to play like. They were my teachers. Ive interviewed many younger blues/rock guitarists who draw their influences from the likes of the aforementioned Chuck Berry, also Little Richard, pre internet, did those guys get the credit they deserved? People like Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Fats Domino all gained recognition which became well known, worldwide, but they never received the respect players of that magnitude got at that time being black artists. Take Chuck Berry, for instance, if Chuck had been a white artist with the musical talent and brilliance he had musically, he would have been recognized 10x more than what he received. When Chuck would do a concert in a big auditorium holding ten thousand people, after the concert he would have to find a room or boarding house in a part of town that would accept him. All of the black musicians , including myself, would have to look for a black boarding house. We were BIG on stage, but no respect off stage. Youve toured extensively around the world, how do blues audiences vary on different continents? Europe and Asia are highly appreciative of blues and jazz music. They are an attentive audience. They come out in droves and cater to the American blues artists. As odd as it may seem, It took the British to come to America to reintroduce the blues to America. Thank you Rolling Stones and Beatles! In Africa on the Ivory coast we were highly accepted. They knew all the blues history. In South America we were also highly accepted with very attentive audiences. They knew the lyrics to my songs as well as I did. Australia has big blues festivals with all the great blues musicians playing their hearts out to the wonderful audiences. Youve played with so many great players, tell us about the Grammy nomination back in 2004 with Los Straitjackets, not often you get nominations for blues artists! Receiving the Grammy nomination was a total shock to me. I had the Grammys in my dreams, but when it happened, it was a total shock. I didnt know how to react..laugh, cry or just jump in circles. I hope that there is still room for me to receive a Grammy. I didnt give up yet. On the same theme, who would be your dream band to share a stage with, living or dead? My dream band would be to play a gig with Carlos Santana and his band. B. B.s band is terrific, and I enjoyed playing with Muddys band, and I would have loved to work with Cab Calloway, Lional Hamptons band and with Louis Jordons band. In 2016 you were inducted into the Memphis Blues Hall Of Fame Class, a great honor? Being inducted to the Blues Hall of Fame was a dream I thought I would never receive. That dream came true while I was alive being able to smell the flowers. Now I have my name listed in the Blues Hall of Fame amongst the greatest blues legends. Coming up to the here and now, you released the live Soul Funky in 2014, I heard that there could be a new album on the horizon? You heard the truth. I am concentrating on a song I am putting in my next album titled, Skokie is a First Class Town the village I live in. Ive been all around the world, but guess where I settle down, I settled down in Skokie, because Skokie is a First Class Town. The second verse is in my head while I write to you. Can audiences in the UK look forward to seeing you sometime soon? My agent, Casey Scott, from Highway Keys blues agency is working on that right now for autumn. The last time I was in Britain I played The Rhythm Riot, a rock and hilbilly festival, in Rye. Years ago when my cousin Cary Bell was still with us, we played a gig at the Hammersmith Theatre and Dingwalds club. I must have had a super time to remember that out of all the places I played in Britain. Interview by Clive Rawings A Waymo-operated autonomous minivan involved in an accident in Chandler, Ariz., last week was being driven in manual mode when it was hit by an out of control vehicle. The Chrysler Pacifica equipped with Waymos self-driving technology was struck by a Honda Civic heading in the opposite direction that had swerved to avoid a third car that had run a red light. Video from the Waymo shows the Honda crossing the median and heading straight for the van, which it hit in the drivers side fender. Police initially reported that the minivan was in autonomous mode at the time of the collision, but later confirmed that it was being driven manually by the Waymo employee on board. Police said the car that ran the red light was given a ticket for the moving violation. The Honda and the Waymo vehicle had significant damage, and Tyler said the Waymo driver had injuries that required hospitalization. Tyler did not elaborate on the Waymo driver's injuries but Waymo said in a statement that it was "concerned about the well-being and safety of our test driver and wish her a full recovery." The company also said its mission is to make roads safer. It released a video of the moments before the collision. Neither driver's identity was released. Waymo is Google's self-driving car spinoff. The safety of self-driving technology has come under recent scrutiny. A pedestrian in the Phoenix suburb of Tempe died in March after she was struck by a self-driving Uber vehicle. It was the first death involving a fully autonomous vehicle. The Associated Press contributed to this report An out-of-control Johnny Depp attacked a location manager on the set of his upcoming film, LAbyrinth, multiple sources told Page Six. The spat even included Depp attempting a punch and bellowing at the veteran production pro, Ill give you $100,000 to punch me right now! before he was pulled off. LAbyrinth stars Depp as the real LAPD detective Russell Poole, who investigated the murder of Biggie Smalls. But an insider said trouble on the toxic set began when Depp took over directing a scene in which he cast two of his pals as a cop and a homeless man. Johnnys friends were in the scene, and it just turned into way more than it should have been, said a source. A downtown LA street was closed off, but when the permit ran out, Depp wanted to keep the cameras rolling. The producers kept asking for the time to be extended, explained a source familiar with the production. Finally, a location manager informed the films director, Brad Furman, that the scene had to wrap, but, Brad interjected, Tell that to Johnny Depp! The location manager told Depp, This is the last shot, a source said, when an irate Depp whod been smoking and drinking all day on set got in the staffers face. He was 6 inches away, yelling, Who are you? You have no right! sources said. When the well-liked worker told Depp, Im just doing my job, a source said Depp tried to punch him in the ribs. But the weak blow didnt make an impact, and Depp yelled, Ill give you $100,000 to punch me right now! The stunned staffer stood still, and Depp was finally pulled away. A rep for Depp had no comment. Furman insisted the alleged incident was overblown. Johnny Depp is a consummate professional, great collaborator and a supporter of other artists, he said in a statement. He always treats the crew and people around him with the utmost respect. Movies can be stressful, and nonevents often become exaggerated. We all love stories there isnt one here. Separately, Depps being sued by two former guards, Page Six reported, and is in a legal war with his former managers. This article originally appeared in the New York Post. Liberal comedian Rosie O'Donnell is being accused of exceeding the legal limit for campaign donations, according to a weekend report from the New York Post. The report claims that the Trump critic used fake names and addresses in the five donations that exceeded the limit of $2,700 per candidate. Conservative filmmaker Dinesh D'Souza, who was convicted of making an illegal campaign contribution in 2014, posed the question on Fox & Friends Monday morning on whether or not O'Donnell would face charges for her alleged crimes. "It seems clear from what we know, that Rosie broke the law and she broke the law five times," D'ZSouza said. "So it's in a sense an egregious violation." He continued, "What makes it particularly sneaky on her part is that she used four different names and five different addresses. So it seems clear that she knew what she was doing and she was trying to cover her tracks." D'Souza pleaded guilty in 2014 for donating $20,000 to New York politician Wendy Long. He was sentenced to five years probation, eight months in a halfway house and paid a $30,000 fine. "Now normally, if these offenses occur a single time, particularly when there's no corruption involved they don't prosecute them. But they do prosecute repeat offenders and it seems clear that Rosie, in this sense, is a repeat offender," the 57-year-old stated. Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik echoed D'Souza's remarks, writing on Twitter, "Will @Rosie be held to the same standard as @DineshDSouza for illegally exceeded campaign contribution limits?" O'Donnell, in a statement released over the weekend, put the onus on the candidates and their campaigns instead of herself. "If 2700 is the cut off [candidates] should refund the money," O'Donnell wrote in an email to the New York Post. "I don't look to see who I can donate most to I just donate assuming they do not accept what is over the limit." ODonnell told the paper that donating to anti-Trump candidates eases her anxiety. Filings show that ODonnell has donated more than $90,000 to 50 different federal candidates and committees during the 2017-18 election cycle. As history has already shown, no Taco Bell closes without leaving behind a community of saddened, Nacho-Fry fans in its wake. The students at the Georgia Institute of Technology are no different, having recently given their on-campus Taco Bell a military-style send-off after the location closed last week. MAN ARRESTED FOR TRIMMING TREES THAT WERE 'BLOCKING HIS VIEW' AT BURGER KING As seen in video taken in the schools student center, dozens of students gathered in front of the shuttered Taco Bell to pay their respects while a young man wearing what appears to be a paper Taco Bell bag on his head plays taps on a bugle. Some of the students are seen embracing and consoling one another as the call comes to an end. The bugle player then turns to salute the universitys now-closed Taco Bell, before he and the surrounding students presumably head over to the operational Chick-fil-A just a few feet to the right. TOURISTS WARNED NOT TO FEED KANGAROOS FAST FOOD AFTER SERIES OF ATTACKS Its unclear why the Taco Bell on Georgia Techs campus, beloved as it was, has closed. Students on Reddit theorized that it wasnt as profitable as the surrounding eateries, while another claimed it was always understaffed, leading students to seek alternative options during busier times of day. The Taco Bell on Georgia Tech's campus was also the same location frequented by "Jeopardy!" contestant Rishab Jain, Jain confirmed to Fox News. During the show's college tournament earlier this year, Jain told Alex Trebek that he hoped to use the $100,000 prize money to buy "a lifetime supply of Taco Bell." Jain did not end up winning, but was awared $500 in gift cards from Taco Bell nonetheless. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Last weeks Taco Bell send-off marks the second time a group of the restaurants patrons went completely overboard in saying goodbye to their favored location, following a candlelight vigil held in honor of an Alabama location that burned down in January. The January ceremony reportedly started as a joke on Facebook, but despite this, an estimated 100 people turned out. Additional reporting by Kaitlyn Schallhorn. The moment when you feel like giving up is right before your breakthrough, Victoria Arlen told Fox News when recalling the years she spent living in a vegetative state at age 11. Arlen, 23, is often recognized as one of ESPNs reporters, or from her days as a participant on Dancing with the Stars, but what many people may not know is that she was locked in her own body for four years. In 2006, Arlen developed Transverse Myelitis and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis. Two very rare inflammatory diseases that can lead to neurological complications, like muscle weakness, motor dysfunction, seizures and paralysis. Transverse Myelitis (TM), caused by inflammation of the spinal cord, damages the protective layer that covers nerve fibers, cutting off communication between the nerves in the spinal cord and the rest of the body. Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an inflammation in the brain and the spinal cord that also damages the protective covering of nerve fibers that transmit information. Its really rare to get both of them and they still dont know what caused it, Arlen said. Im kind of an anomaly. Arlen was a typical healthy child growing up, until she started getting sick with the flu and pneumonia. At first her doctors thought it was her appendix, so they removed it, but within two weeks her foot started to drag and she eventually became paralyzed from the waist down and lost her ability to speak shortly after. What felt like a fast progression, was kind of a three-month decline, Arlen explained. Arlens doctors were not optimistic about her future, but that didnt discourage her family. They told my parents I would not be a functioning member of society, [that] I would never talk, walk [and] they should put me away in a home and kind of move on with their lives, Arlen recalled. But they were like, as soon as shes stable, were going to bring our child home. Arlens family turned their living room into a hospital room and never gave up hope. Four years later, Arlen got control of her eyes and was able to blink to communicate. In a six-month process, Arlen slowly began to regain mobility and relearned things like wiggling her fingers and lifting her arms. Even though she was making great progress, doctors told her the damage done to her spinal cord was irreversible and she would never be able to walk again. Arlen and her family refused to believe shed be bound to a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Her brothers encouraged her to get in the water and after some training she became a Paralympian swimmer at age 17. It was the two hours a day I could get out of my wheelchair, which was so therapeutic for me, Arlen said. And then I kind of learned that I was kind of good and that I could get better. Arlen became more than better, actually. She went on to win one gold and three silver medals at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. 'SO MANY MIRACLES': SURVIVING SIBLINGS OF CAR CRASH THAT KILLED PARENTS, BABY BEGIN ROAD TO RECOVERY Arlen credits her curiosity for the world with giving her the strength to live her life to the fullest despite her condition. I was like, Im not going to sit back and let life kind of pass me by. Im going to go out and live every moment, she said. The climb might be tough and challenging but the view is worth it. Victoria Arlen Even though she had conquered so much already, she never stopped believing that she would one day walk again. She began activity-based therapy at a paralysis recovery center called Project Walk in San Diego and after nearly a decade in a wheelchair, was able to learn how to walk again. For those who face adversity, just keep going, Arlen said. The climb might be tough and challenging but the view is worth it. There is a purpose for that pain, you just cant always see it right away. Arlen details her empowering journey in a new memoir, Locked In: The Will to Survive and the Resolve to Live, which hits bookstands in August 2018. A New York doctor who says he's done 40,000 abortions is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to criminally negligent homicide in the 2016 death of a woman who was six months pregnant and bled to death. The case in Queens Criminal Court marks one of the rare legal instances of criminal prosecution of a doctor over a medical error, but Assistant District Attorney Brad Leventhal said that Dr. Robert Rho's mistakes went beyond civil malpractice. "It's about greed and arrogance," Leventhal told jurors last week during closing arguments in the month-long trial. He said 30-year-old Jaime Lee Morales "bled to death because this defendant did nothing." Rather than call an ambulance, prosecutors said, Rho released Morales for her sister to drive her home in the Bronx, despite signs she was in grave condition and had collapsed in a bathroom of Rho's clinic. Morales fell unconscious in the car. Medics responding to a 911 call took her to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Rho's attorney reached a plea deal with prosecutors Friday after jurors said they were deadlocked. It spares the 53-year-old physician from facing up to 15 years in prison on the original charge of second-degree manslaughter, equivalent to reckless homicide. Instead, Rho admitted he was negligent with Morales' abortion, leaving her bleeding uncontrollably with a severed uterine aorta, ripped cervix and pierced uterine wall. The lesser charge comes with prison time of up to four years. But Rho's attorney, Jeffrey Lichtman, says he may end up with only months in prison when he is sentenced on June 26. Lichtman called it a "monumental victory." Rho, who lives with his family in the Lake Success section of Great Neck, on Long Island, was arrested in October 2016, three months after Morales died. Morales, who lived in Buffalo, New York, had come to Rho's clinic in the Flushing section of Queens with her sister, desperate to get an abortion, for which Rho charged $6,000, witnesses said. She had only learned a week earlier that she was pregnant. Profuse post-operative bleeding forced the doctor to perform another procedure that did not fix the damage, prosecutors said. Lichtman said the botched abortion was a tragedy but was not a crime. He said Morales never told Rho that she suffered from medical conditions that made her prone to more intense bleeding. After her death, the doctor closed his clinic and surrendered his medical license. Americans United for Life, an anti-abortion law firm and advocacy group based in Washington, issued a statement Friday saying that Morales' family "received some measure of justice," but "the truth is that the type of behavior described in the Rho trial not following best medical practices, using untrained staff, failing to properly monitor vital signs, not maintaining a sterile environment, etc. are all very common in abortion clinics across America." Even before Morales' abortion, the doctor had been investigated by state officials over concerns that he was performing procedures improperly and using assistants who lacked medical training, witnesses said at the trial. The last criminal prosecution in New York over a mishandled abortion was in 1995, when obstetrician David Benjamin was convicted of murder after a patient bled to death from a rip in her uterus during an abortion. Philadelphia doctor Kermit Gosnell was convicted in 2013 of involuntary manslaughter after a patient got a fatal overdose of sedatives during an abortion. He also was convicted of murder for performing extremely late-term abortions, snipping the spines of infants born alive during the procedures. When Denise Tedder found out she was pregnant with a baby boy, she knew there would be complications. She lost her first child at five weeks in August 2009 due to fetal hydrops a condition in the fetus caused by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in at least two fetal compartments. "You see, my blood type is Rh-Negative with antibodies, and the baby will have positive blood like his dad," Tedder, 31, explained in a post on blogging site Love What Matters. "Basically, what happens is, my antibodies recognize the babys positive blood as foreign and will do its job as an antibody to try to protect me and kill the blood supply of the baby." The mother from Hartsville, South Carolina, found a specialist in Charlotte to come up with a plan to keep both herself and the baby safe. Tedder underwent plasmapheresis, a procedure that removes plasma from the blood cells, and immunoglobulin therapy, to introduce antibodies to help prevent infection. The baby was then given blood through Tedder's umbilical cord, known as a fetal blood transfusion. The baby had seven transfusions before he was delivered via C-section. "He was 5 pounds, 3 ounces and came out screaming, which was the best sound," Tedder recalled her son Cannon's birth. He was monitored at Novant Health's neonatal intensive care unit for two weeks due to feeding issues, as well as to receive more blood transfusions. But overall, to Tedder, he was a healthy baby until she noticed something unusual six months later. "He kept his hand in a fist and tucked his thumb in it and the doctor noticed it," Tedder told Fox News. "Not only did he suffer a stroke, it was a massive stroke. Big enough to kill a grown man." Denise Tedder Tedder and her husband, Dustin, took their son to a nerve specialist, who conducted X-rays and performed several tests, determining that their son most likely suffered a stroke. "We knew our baby had not had a stroke. He never had a seizure and we would know if our son had a stroke. And babies dont have strokes! Or so we thought," Tedder wrote. The parents could feel their stomachs drop as the doctor showed them the "horrifying" results of Cannon's MRI, which showed the entire left side of his brain was damaged. "Not only did he suffer a stroke, it was a massive stroke. Big enough to kill a grown man," Tedder said. The left side of his brain looked "black and empty," Tedder described. About 14 months later, they got Cannon's official diagnosis. "[He has] hemiparesis, which is weakness of one entire side of the body (hemi means 'half')," Tedder explained, clarifying that the blood transfusions had nothing to do with the stroke. "His right side is affected. The stroke occurred in his left side of the brain. And he has mild cerebral palsy." Since May is Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month, Tedder said she decided to share Cannon's story in hopes other parents will notice signs of a stroke in their children even earlier than she did. Now at 2 years old, Tedder says Cannon is "thriving." "Strokes can, will and do happen on unborns, infants or children. There are some women who had perfect pregnancies and delivers and their children still have strokes." Denise Tedder He has occupational therapy twice a week, physical therapy once a week and speech therapy once a week. He recently finished three weeks of constraint induced movement therapy, at the Childrens Hospital of Alabama. Tedder says she's looking into Botox injections, which may help relax some of his muscles, but as for now she's taking Cannon's diagnosis "one day at a time" and seeing what works for him. According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is among the top 10 causes of death for children 19 and under. "Strokes can, will and do happen on unborns, infants or children. There are some women who had perfect pregnancies and delivers and their children still have strokes," Tedder said. A Washington nurse accused of infecting at least two patients with hepatitis C was arrested last week. Cora Weberg, 31, could face second-degree assault charges as prosecutors claim she stole injectable drugs from Puyallup's Good Samaritan Hospital, where she worked, and knowingly infected patients with hepatitis C, The News Tribune reported. Good Samaritan and local and state health department officials have conducted a thorough investigation and determined that one of our nurses was removing higher-than-normal amounts of narcotics from our dispensing system and admitted to diverting medications intended for patients, the MultiCare Health System said in a safety alert last week. The hospital system said it informed two patients treated in December 2017 by the nurse that they were infected with the disease while at the hospital. MultiCare Health System encouraged people who visited the emergency room between August 2017 and March 2018 to be tested. Puyallup police said Weberg, who has hepatitis C, intentionally contaminated medicine or another substance with her own blood. However, Good Samaritan Hospital workers previously said Weberg was surprised to learn she had the virus after she took a test in March, according to The News Tribune. Webergs attorney, Bryan Hershman, said there is no connection between the outbreak and the nurse. They need to have a scapegoat, Hershman told KCPQ-TV of the hospital. They can draw no connection to my client, none, and theyve tried, he said. So what they know is, theyre facing civil litigation, and theyve got to find a scapegoat. What better person than someone whos got some narcotics issues, right? The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has established a link between the viruses both patients contracted while at the hospital, The News Tribune reported. However, health investigators were unable to conclusively find a genetic link between Weberg and the patients. Weberg also reportedly said her exposure to hepatitis C was not strong enough for her to be able to infect other people. Weberg was arrested at the Canadian border as she was embarking on a planned vacation to Guam with her boyfriend, police said. Police spokesman Ryan Portman told KCPQ investigators would have liked to have developed some more evidence before arresting her, but were working under a time crunch with her leaving the country. An unidentified man is suing MultiCare Health System after he contracted hepatitis C while being treated in December for kidney stones, according to The News Tribune. The suit says he now has to live with severe emotional and mental anguish. According to MultiCare, hepatitis C affects the liver when the virus enters a persons system, usually through exposure to an infected persons blood. It is typically transmitted through the sharing of needles, according to the hospital. Although most people do not experience symptoms, they can include vomiting, stomach aches or yellow skin or eyes, the hospital said. MultiCare promised to provide free treatment to anyone who was infected while receiving care at its hospital. With treatment, an infected person should be cured of hepatitis C, the hospital said. Puyallup, Washington is about 30 miles south of Seattle. A woman heading to Cleveland Clinic to receive treatment for an autoimmune disease nearly died when she suffered an allergic reaction on an American Airlines flight she was saved by a doctor from that hospital, who happened to be on board. Ashley Spencer, 28, was flying in from Philadelphia on Sunday when she went into anaphylactic shock. Spencer told WEWS she was heading to Cleveland Clinic to enroll in a clinical trial for her eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), an autoimmune disease that causes a person's blood vessels to be inflamed. "I stopped breathing," she recalled to WEWS. "I still had a pulse. That's when the stewardess said, 'Is there any medical professionals on the aircraft? It's an emergency.'" Spencer said she has a severe peanut allergy and believed she was having an allergic reaction to a bag of chips she ate before the plane took off. Dr. Erich Kiehl, who is an electrophysiology fellow at Cleveland Clinic, happened to be on the same flight as Spencer and stepped in to help her. Kiehl and another doctor from North Carolina injected Spencer with an EpiPen four times, the report stated. The doctors monitored Spencers vitals as the plane made an emergency landing in Pittsburgh. When a person is going into anaphylactic shock it has to be taken seriously," Spencer said. "Having Dr. Kiehl on board was so important. He was monitoring the heart completely." Spencer was taken to the hospital and recovered in the intensive care unit Saturday night. She told WEWS she made it to her Cleveland Clinic appointment, where she hopes the treatment for EGPA will allow her to quit chemotherapy. She added that she plans to extend the trip by a day to give Kiehl a gift for saving her life. "I am beyond thankful," Spencer said. "I could have died up there." For the past 20 years, veteran Manuel Griffin has sold memorial poppies outside a Walmart in Dickson City, Pa., during the month of May to raise money and awareness for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Rain or shine, Griffin's wife, Maryann, says he always shows up. But this year, during inclement weather, Maryann says the store told the 69-year-old veteran he couldn't sell the "buddy poppies," created by disabled or needy vets in VA hospitals across the U.S., under the covered area. Way to go Walmart ... commendable way to treat our veterans who fought for your freedom ... Disgrace." Maryann Griffin "As it was pouring rain, he was told he couldnt stay at the protected area and that he would have to go out in the rain and 15 feet away from the building as per the store manager," Maryann explained in a Facebook post on Friday. She shared a photo of the vet, donning a military uniform, sitting outside in the rain with his hands folded. The picture was shared by more than 6,300 people as of Monday evening. "Way to go WALMART....commendable way to treat our veterans who fought for your freedom.....Disgrace," Maryann continued in the now-unavailable post, adding that the photo was sent to her by a passerby who "obviously felt the same." Hundreds of people commented on the photo with dozens calling the move a "disgrace" and suggesting residents in the area should boycott the location. "Regardless of what he was selling or for whom, they had regularly allowed him to do so. Basic human kindness should have stepped in here. Thanks for his service, both in the past and in the present!" one Facebook user wrote. He is going to do what he has to do for his VFW, and he wants to make sure he is representing them the same way we did when we wore the uniform." David Ragan "All American stores and restaurants are getting ridiculous with their policies. People grow up these could be our fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers or grandparents that fought in the wars. They could be related to anyone of us and we allow our fellow man to degrade them like this. I'm getting more ashamed of you all," another added. "This is a kick in the face to someone whom puts their life on the line so Walmart can resort to disgraceful acts to our military! I encourage everyone to boycott Walmart," one man echoed. Griffin declined to comment when asked by WNEP to address the situation. His friend, David Ragan, said that's just the type of guy he is he wants the focus to remain on veterans, not himself. He is going to do what he has to do for his VFW, and he wants to make sure he is representing them the same way we did when we wore the uniform, Ragan told WNEP. The store manager told the news station he was just following a store policy that was implemented about two years ago. However, the manager did agree to provide canopies in the event of bad weather for veterans and others raising money for various causes in the future. He later brought out a cover for Griffin. Maryann said her husband wasn't discouraged by a little rain. He was back at his post the following morning, ready for his four-hour shift. "Thank you for the overwhelming support to our veterans and the disrespect shown at a local Walmart," Maryann wrote on Saturday. "Thank you again for your wonderful response and support!" The VFW explains on its website that the "Buddy Poppy program provides compensation to the veterans who assemble the poppies, provides financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans' rehabilitation and service programs and partially supports the VFW National Home For Children." Could not establish database connection. DB: bostonimc and SQL: --> The administrator has been notified and will resolve the problem ASAP. NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed a massive tax cut and reform bill crafted by Republicans without the help of one Democrat vote. One of the bills more controversial measures was the limitation of the state and local tax (SALT) deduction to $10,000 through 2026. According to the CPA Journal, taxpayers in California, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the District of Columbia lose the most by the limitation of the SALT deduction. That said, most taxpayers will see their federal taxes reduced, even in high-tax states. Tax laws, as with the regulatory compliance burden and lawsuit climate, inform business decisions. Money follows earnings. People invest to maximize their returns. Business owners, to the extent they can, look for opportunities to grow their operations and maximize profits. Now that many small business owners and investors have had a few months to digest the reality of the Trump tax cut and its SALT limitation, it appears job creation is accelerating in low-tax states relative to the high-tax states most affected by the tax law change. Comparing the most-populous 15 states, there are five high-tax states and ten low-tax states. California, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and Massachusetts comprise the largest high-tax states. The low-tax list is: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Washington. The first quarter of employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is beginning to show a significant divergence in employment growth between the low-tax and the high-tax states. In 2017, the ten low-tax states saw seasonally adjusted nonfarm private industry job growth of 1.78 percent. The five high-tax states saw their non-government employment rolls grow 1.66 percent in 2017, not statistically significant from the low-tax states. National seasonally adjusted nonfarm private industry job growth was 1.73 percent in 2017. The first quarter of employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is beginning to show a significant divergence in employment growth between the low-tax and the high-tax states. Whether this trend will deepen and consolidate is an open questionthe U.S. economy is a highly complex machine with energy prices, labor markets, and trade vying for consideration with taxes and regulations. That said, the job growth trend is clear: low-tax states are leaving the high-tax states in the dust. In the first three months of the year, seasonally-adjusted nonfarm, non-government employment grew by 0.75 percent in the ten low-tax states, with Texas, Arizona, and Florida leading the way with more than 1 percent growth. Over the same period, the high-tax states saw nonfarm, non-government employment expand by only 0.38 percent, half the rate of growth of the low-tax peers. Of the big-taxing states, Illinois saw the most sluggish job growth for the first quarter, at 0.11 percent for nonfarm, non-government jobs. As more and more entrepreneurs and investors consult with their accountants and tax attorneys, this apparent reallocation of capital from high-tax states to low-tax states may grow, with significant potential political ramifications. With jobs come people and with people come additional Congressional seats after the decennial census in 2020. Every nonfarm worker supports about 1.2 peoplemostly children and retired Americans. Should the employment boom in the low-tax states persist, the 10 most-populous states stand to gain about 2 million more jobs than the high-tax states between now and 2020. This job growth supports a parallel population gain of about 7.2 million in the low-tax states vs. 2.7 million in the high-tax statesenough to shift an additional six seats in the U.S. House of Representatives away from California, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and Massachusetts. Of course, todays high-tax states have control over their fatethey can cut taxes and reduce the size of government if they want to compete for jobs in the Trump economyor not. California politicians, for example, have come up with several bills to increase taxes under the novel theory that, with the big federal tax cut, businesses will still see higher profits if the state doubles the corporation tax. The limitation of the federal tax subsidy for high-taxing state and local governments is a rare opportunity to field test the economic theory that taxes matter. Most conservatives have long held fast to the notion that, whatever you tax, you get less of. Liberals, on the other hand, claim taxes are a form of investment. Time will tell how this economic experiment will work out. But, if early indications are borne out, Pres. Trumps tax policy will foster the greatest job growth in the states that have done the most to make themselves competitive. NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! Those who claim that President Trump is guilty of obstructing justice because he fired James Comey or because he asked Comey if he could go easy on Michael Flynn are way off base. And so is Robert Mueller if he is actually conducting such an investigation. What none of these critics seems to understand is that under our Constitution, the executive power of the federal government is fully vested in the president. That includes the responsibility to ensure that the Laws be faithfully executed. In other words, the president is the chief law enforcement officer of the United States, not the attorney general or any of the other lawyers who work inside the Department of Justice, including special counsels appointed under Department of Justice regulations. The doctrine of prosecutorial discretion, long recognized by the courts, holds that government prosecutors have almost unlimited authority to decide whether or not the facts and circumstances of a particular case warrant the opening of a criminal investigation and the prosecution of any individual. Thus, the ultimate authority to decide whether to conduct an investigation and prosecution under federal law rests with the president. It doesnt rest with Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, or Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Yes, presidents often leave those decisions to the Justice Department, the executive branch agency to which the president has delegated authority to enforce the laws passed by Congress. But that delegation does not abrogate the ultimate constitutional authority and responsibility of the president to make the final decision on the enforcement of federal law. And that has been an accepted understanding of the constitutional prerogatives of the presidency since our founding. As Prof. Steven Calabresi has pointed out, George Washington clearly believed he had plenary authority to control all federal prosecutions[and] directed various federal district attorneys in the exercise of their prosecutorial discretion. That included telling the U.S. Attorney in Pennsylvania that he should drop the prosecution of two individuals Washington thought were innocent. He also very specifically directed federal prosecutors and other officials to go after those involved in the infamous Whiskey Rebellion. Good thing Mueller wasnt around when Washington, Jefferson, and Jackson told prosecutors to drop particular prosecutions. Otherwise they might all be getting subpoenaed and spending a fortune on lawyers to defend themselves against overzealous federal prosecutors. It is clear from Washingtons actions and statements, Calabresi notes, that he believed the president was responsible for the enforcement of federal law and thus may superintend all those authorized to execute it, removing those who do not do so to his satisfaction. This historical and constitutional precedent is relevant, of course, to Comeys firing. Thomas Jefferson had the same view as Washington, as did Andrew Jackson. Jefferson had a very expansive view of presidential power and took control of federal prosecutions, including directing all U.S. Attorneys to immediately stop enforcing (and to drop all pending prosecutions under) the Alien and Sedition Act. Jefferson was intimately involved in what is perhaps the most memorable federal prosecution in American history that of his own former Vice President, Aaron Burr, for treason. Andrew Jackson also exercised direct control over federal prosecutions, including ordering the termination of federal condemnation proceedings then pending over jewels owned by the Princess of Orange according to Prof. Frank Cross. The point here is that, while he may pay a political price, a president cannot be guilty of obstruction of justice for taking actions that are fully within his constitutional authority. As former federal prosecutor Andy McCarthy says, the presidents dismissal of subordinate executive officials (such as the FBI director), and his exercise of prosecutorial discretion (by merely weighing in on whether a person here, Flynn deserves to be investigated), are constitutional acts that are not judicially reviewable and therefore not subject to prosecution. If President Trump had actually ordered Comey to stop the investigation of Flynn, that would also have been fully within his constitutional authority, even if it might not be a smart political move. But Trump would not be subject to prosecution for exercising such prosecutorial authority, especially given the fact that it is the long-held opinion of the Justice Department, where Mueller works, that a sitting president cannot be indicted or criminally prosecuted. According to a story published in The New York Times, Muellers team of prosecutors would like, for example, to ask the president about his opinion of Mr. Comey during the transition. Other questions are similarly framed. However, as McCarthy notes, these questions seek to probe the chief executives motives and thought processes regarding exercises of presidential power that were lawful, regardless of ones view of their wisdom. In short, the answers to such questions are none of Robert Muellers business. Good thing Mueller wasnt around when Washington, Jefferson, and Jackson told prosecutors to drop particular prosecutions. Otherwise they might all be getting subpoenaed and spending a fortune on lawyers to defend themselves against overzealous federal prosecutors. NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! As talks on NAFTA resume Monday in Washington, D.C., negotiators from Canada, Mexico and the United States will be doing their best to represent the interests of their respective nations. While President Donald Trumps delegates have many industries in mind, American small businesses, given their importance in our economy, must be considered a top priority. The reality is U.S. small businesses need NAFTA, including the low barriers to trade and investor protections it provides. Since taking effect in 1994, NAFTA has bolstered significant growth in trade between individuals and businesses in Canada, Mexico and the United States. The U.S. and Canada had first entered into a free trade agreement that took effect in 1989. From that agreements creation to 2017, U.S. goods exports to Canada grew by 294.3 percent. And under NAFTA, from 1993 to 2017, U.S. goods exports to Mexico increased by 484.4 percent. Along with expanding trade between the countries has come an expansion of U.S. enterprises involved in trade. The growth in the number of U.S. firms exporting to both Canada and Mexico has been dramatic. From 1992 to 2015, there was an 81.4 percent increase in the number of U.S. exporters to Canada and a dramatic 365.5 percent increase in those exporting to Mexico. The same trend exists regarding imports. In 2015, there were 16,799 U.S. firms that were importers related to Canada, and 15,290 businesses tied to imports from Mexico. For good measure, these firms overwhelmingly are small and mid-sized businesses. For example, 75.4 percent of firms exporting to Canada and 72.7 percent of firms exporting to Mexico have fewer than 50 employees. In addition, 54.8 percent of U.S. firms handling imports from Canada and 67.5 percent of Mexico importers have fewer than 50 employees. NAFTA is one reason why America ranks as a great place to start and run a business. For small businesses, the opportunity to trade freely across our northern and southern borders enables success, and supports the families and livelihoods of countless American business owners and their employees. Reduced barriers to trade and intellectual property protections under NAFTA certainly have been critical to the success of small businesses. But it doesnt stop there. The investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) protections in NAFTA exist to provide independent, neutral arbitration for trade disputes between countries. They ensure that foreign investment disputes dont turn into state-to-state conflicts, and keep businesses protected from unfair treatment by foreign legal courts or jurisdictions. The Trump administration should keep in mind that ISDS provisions align perfectly with the goal of protecting American interests on the international stage. As noted by Claudio M. Loser, president of the Centennial Group Latin America and former IMF Western Hemisphere director from 1994 to 2002, since the early 2000s, the U.S. government has faced 18 ISDS cases filed by foreign investors, and won every single one. Its clear that this provision of NAFTA will go a long way towards the continued success of small businesses, who with limited resources need such dispute resolution measures. Without ISDS, American small businesses could see their legal rights and contracts jeopardized in foreign countries. They could be subjected to biased foreign courts that do not value the same private property protections that we do in the U.S. ISDS provides real protection against potential foreign mistreatment. Just recently, over 100 members of Congress signed a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Lighthizer insisting that ISDS provisions at least as strong as those contained in the existing NAFTA must be included in a modernized agreement to win Congressional support. These Congressional leaders represent constituents from across the country working in a myriad of different industries and businesses of all sizes a testament to the importance of ISDS provisions in NAFTA. NAFTA is one reason why America ranks as a great place to start and run a business. It protects American business interests through ISDS provisions, and has opened up markets for entrepreneurs of all kinds. For small businesses, the opportunity to trade freely across our northern and southern borders enables success, and supports the families and livelihoods of countless American business owners and their employees. The preservation of this agreement is crucial to the continued success of small business. NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! Americas political experts got it wrong in 2016 not because they took too few polls, but because they made the false assumption that American elections are immune to societal change. They are, in large part, still getting things wrong, not only by failing to understand a new group of voters who put President Donald Trump in the White House but also by ignoring why they voted the way they did. When explaining the Trump voter, the media usually offers portraits of isolated, uneducated, working-class rubes who are driven by anger, race and nationalism. To the experts and those who didnt support Trump, its hard for them to see it any other way. And while the media obsesses over the future demise of the president, they arent pausing to consider the strength and durability of the coalition that swept him into office. They arent asking why people in the Rust Belt counties who voted for former President Barack Obama twice suddenly switched to Trump. But they should. To continue reading Salena Zito on The New York Post click here. NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! Israel and Iran appear to be on a collision course towards a war that would be terrible for both countries and the wider region. Such a conflict could draw in Iranian-allied fighters in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq and possibly even Palestinians to attack Israel from multiple directions. Its vital that the U.S. starts de-escalating the current tension between Israel and Iran to prevent this scenario from becoming a reality. The Trump administration needs a comprehensive approach, which, detailed below, should include: Establishing red lines with Iran on actions we will not tolerate; opening a direct channel between the Trump administration and Iranian government; increasing efforts to contain Irans military presence in Syria; and preserving the Iran nuclear deal. Iran is now believed to have as many as 10 military bases in Syria, including two near Israels border in the Golan Heights, as well as influence over a proxy force of roughly 20,000 fighters from various militias. Israel is now taking action to prevent Iran from establishing a permanent military foothold in Syria. When I worked on the Syria conflict for the U.S. State Department from 2012 to 2014, we often heard about Syrian fighters burying caches of weapons. In a line that sounded like something out of Game of Thrones, we heard that they were saving the weapons for the war to come. Some analysts believe that for Irans proxy fighters that future war may be against Israel. In February, Iran directly entered Israeli airspace for the first time, using an armed drone capable of carrying four precision-guided bombs. It was an unusually aggressive move. Normally Iran uses proxy groups such as Hezbollah to threaten Israel, rather than risk a direct confrontation. Israeli forces intercepted the drone and tracked its point of origin back to the Iranian-controlled Tiyas airbase in Syria, also known as the T-4 airbase. The Israelis then launched two waves of strikes against 12 Iranian-connected sites in Syria, in one of the Israeli air forces most significant operations since the Lebanon War. An Israeli F-16 fighter jet was hit by a Syrian anti-aircraft missile, but the pilots managed to eject and land safely back in Israel. Israel struck Syrias T-4 base again on April 9, killing seven Iranians, and launched more attacks on April 29, killing 18 Iranians. Throughout Syrias seven-year-long civil war, Israel has frequently used military force to prevent weapons transfers to Hezbollah, a long-established red line for the Jewish state. These new attacks represent an escalation. Israel is now taking action to prevent Iran from establishing a permanent military foothold in Syria. As Iran vowed retribution, the Israeli parliament voted to expand Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus war powers. American officials have reported that Israel has asked for help in the event of a war with Iran. Israeli officials have also been telling U.S. and Russian officials that if Iran does retaliate for the recent strikes, Israel will go beyond Syria and attack Iran directly. No one knows how far the fighting would escalate after that. This is why it is essential that the Trump administration de-escalate tensions between Israel and Iran. Heres a fuller explanation of the kind of comprehensive approach the administration should be pursuing: First, make sure Iran understands exactly what America will not tolerate. President Trump prides himself on being unpredictable, but in this case clarity may be the key to avoiding war. And doing so in concert with our allies would offer a show of force that would send a strong message to Tehran. President Trumps recent meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel were missed opportunities to present this kind of united front. Second, open an effective diplomatic channel with Iran to make sure the message gets through and that theres a way to avoid dangerous misunderstandings. When I worked at the State Department, I saw how Secretary of State John Kerrys relationship with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif helped diffuse tensions on a wide array of issues. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is unlikely to build the same rapport, but he needs an open line to Tehran. Third, do more to contain Irans presence in Syria, especially in the Golan Heights. This would help reassure Israel and prevent Iran from strengthening its threatening position on Israels border. Unfortunately, President Trump is currently contemplating going in the opposite direction. He has said he wants to leave Syria very soon and let other people take care of the crisis in Syria. Meanwhile, National Security Adviser John Bolton has floated the idea of replacing the U.S. presence in Syria with an Arab military force. These approaches would effectively leave Israel alone to police its border. The Trump administration is also shifting U.S. intelligence assets currently focused on ISIS away from Syria to Afghanistan. Instead, it should redeploy those assets to help Israel monitor Iranian movements in Syria, especially on the Golan Heights. Fourth, to avoid inflaming the situation further, remain part of the 2015 agreement that put a lid on Irans nuclear program. Ripping up the deal as President Trump is widely expected to do this week would damage American credibility, empower hard-liners in Iran to restart their march toward a nuclear bomb, and make it harder to ever reach a new agreement to rein in Irans ballistic missile program, which is a threat to Israel. The U.S. should instead be focusing on a follow-on deal that would offer additional sanctions relief to Iran in exchange for concrete concessions on ballistic missiles and counter-terrorism efforts. There is no quick fix to preventing a direct war between Israel and Iran, but it is essential that the Trump administration start lowering tensions as soon as possible. A war between Israel and Iran would be catastrophic for the region. Avoiding it should be a top priority. Former first lady Michelle Obama said Saturday that she was "concerned about us as women and how we think" in the wake of Donald Trump's victory over Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. Obama was the keynote speaker at the United State of Women Summit in Los Angeles, where she was joined on stage by "Black-ish" star Tracee Ellis Ross. "When the most qualified person running was a woman, and look what we did instead, I mean that says something about where we are," said Obama in reference to the election, in which 41 percent of all women -- and 52 percent of white women -- pulled the lever for Trump. "If we as women are still suspicious of one another, if we still have this crazy, crazy bar for each other that we don't have for men," Obama added, "if we're not comfortable with the notion that a woman could be our president ... then we have to have those conversations with ourselves as women." Since leaving the White House last year, Obama has emphatically denied that she will run for elected office and did so again on Saturday. "Change starts close to home. So looking for the next person to run ... that's been our distraction," she said. "We're just going to wait for the next person to save us." "All of us here in the room are the answer to our own problems," Obama added. "It is not finding the one right person that we think can save us from ourselves. It's us." On a sidewalk in Oak Hill on Monday, a curious woman had a question for the coal baron running for Senate. Are you Don Blankenship? she asked. Yes, he replied, extending his hand. She refused to shake it. A man walking with her jumped in to enthusiastically shake Blankenships hand, and then the pair disappeared down the street. Everybody has an opinion about Don Blankenship in West Virginia and they have for years. The former coal baron recently served a one-year prison sentence on a conviction for conspiring to violate mine safety laws, following the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion in 2010 that killed 29 people. But he still has the possibility of becoming the Republican nominee for Senate on Tuesday, even though President Trump urged voters to support Rep. Evan Jenkins, R-W.Va. or Attorney General Patrick Morrisey. "I hope West Virginia voters will listen to President Trump when they go to the polls tomorrow," Morrisey said in a statement. Jenkins told Fox News hes glad Trump injected himself in the race. Were excited that President Trump gave us a shout out this morning, Jenkins told FOX. Blankenship was less enthusiastic about the message. Well, it surprised me, Blankenship told Fox News about the Presidents tweet. The anti-establishment candidate doesnt think President Trump, who beat Hillary Clinton here by 42 points in 2016, is going to hurt his chances though. We dont think that even President Trump can stop it, Blankenship told Fox News. I think it could be misunderstood people love Trumps policies and his commitment to West Virginia, they dont necessarily love individuals. GOP operatives in D.C. are concerned Blankenship might have a hard time beating Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. in the fall, for the same reason Judge Roy Moore lost to Sen. Doug Jones, D-Ala., in December too much baggage. Blankenship rejects the comparisons to Moore, which were amplified when the president urged voters Monday to Remember Alabama. I think hes getting bad information, Blankenship said. I mean my accusers are Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, not young women. A centerpiece of the Blankenship pitch to voters has been that his conviction was engineered by Obama allies hostile to coal. Morrisey, the attorney general, is also now accusing Blankenship of violating election laws, for failing to file a financial disclosure. My campaign will be informing his probation officer in Nevada about this issue right away, Morrisey announced Sunday. But Blankenship insists hes not going to be hauled away in handcuffs for violating his probation before primary day. They found it laughable, Blankenship said about a conversation he had with his probation officer. They said its like being late on a credit card payment. Jenkins sees the Morrisey move to contact a probation officer as a stunt. Its a clear indication, Jenkins said, that his campaign is on life support. Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe, in the span of just a few days, has been hit with new questions surrounding investigators' case against their two highest-profile targets to date a situation that threatens to disrupt the teams momentum ahead of what could be a crucial bid to interview President Trump. One complication already has handed the president and his allies rhetorical fodder to tar the probe as politically motivated, and begin making a public case for avoiding an interview. On Friday, a federal judge challenged Mueller's team for using material from an earlier investigation to go after ex-campaign chairman Paul Manafort, accusing them of merely trying to pressure him to give up damaging information on Trump. You're now using [that material] as a means of persuading Mr. Manafort to provide information, U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III said in court Friday. He suggested they want to make Manafort sing and only care about dirt that would lead to Trumps prosecution or impeachment or whatever. It's unclear whether the judge was merely trying to extract key documents relating to the probe's scope or whether his heated questioning poses a bigger threat. He did not make a decision on the request from Manaforts team to dismiss the bank fraud and other charges. But Trump gleefully seized on the Reagan-appointed judge's harsh comments during his red-meat speech to an NRA convention Friday and seemed to reference them in a tweet Monday morning. The 13 Angry Democrats in charge of the Russian Witch Hunt are starting to find out that there is a Court System in place that actually protects people from injustice...and just wait till the Courts get to see your unrevealed Conflicts of Interest! he tweeted. Trump soon added, Is this Phony Witch Hunt going to go on even longer so it wrongfully impacts the Mid-Term Elections, which is what the Democrats always intended? Republicans better get tough and smart before it is too late! Lanny Davis, former special counsel to ex-President Bill Clinton, told Fox News Sunday that Manaforts attorneys have a point that there is a limit to what an independent counsel [can pursue]. I don't know whether that line has been crossed. I certainly think there's a question to be raised about what bank fraud has to do with Russian collusion, and that's something that needs to be addressed by the court, Davis said. Meanwhile, the case against former national security adviser Michael Flynn took another turn Friday with the release of a less-redacted version of House Intelligence Committee Republicans Russia report. HOUSE REPORT: COMEY TESTIFIED AGENTS SAW NO PHYSICAL INDICATIONS OF FLYNN DECEPTION It shows that despite Flynn pleading guilty to making false statements to the FBI about his contacts with Russias former ambassador, then-FBI Director James Comey told the committee that agents who interviewed Flynn discerned no physical indications of deception. They saw nothing that indicated to them that he knew he was lying to them, Comey said, according to the GOP-authored report. Former deputy director Andrew McCabe made similar statements. The development is puzzling because, as McCabes testimony reflects, Flynns comments were indeed at odds with the evidence. The FBI reportedly intercepted conversations that countered Flynns initial claim that, among other things, he did not ask Russias ambassador to refrain from escalating the situation in response to sanctions. But Comey and McCabes statements raise the possibility that Flynn may not have knowingly lied despite his plea. Curiously, Muellers team has sought multiple delays in Flynns sentencing. And Comey, before the unredacted segments from the Russia report were released, told Fox News Bret Baier that he did not say FBI agents had doubts about Flynn lying. On top of the Flynn and Manafort developments, Politico reported Friday that another judge denied Muellers request to delay the first hearing in a sweeping case against Russian companies and citizens a case that, unlike some other charges, goes to the heart of allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 election. Lawyers who surfaced to represent one of the defendants reportedly sought private details about the case. Further, The Wall Street Journal reports that Mueller may soon have to wrap up or lie low with his investigation so as not to give the impression of any attempt to tilt the midterm elections. Amid all these developments is perhaps the most consequential question of the entire probe whether Trump will agree to an interview with Muellers team. One of his newest lawyers, Rudy Giuliani, who has caused headaches for the Trump team with his comments on the separate Michael Cohen probe, suggested Sunday on ABC News This Week that they could rebuff Mueller in the end. We can assert the same privilege as other presidents have, Giuliani said. The special counsel's office declined to comment Monday on the latest developments surrounding Flynn and Manafort. Former Indiana state lawmaker Mike Braun is considered the favorite in the states GOP Senate primary on Tuesday but his primary rivals are both screaming from the rooftops that hes Republican-in-name-only. "If the listeners get one thing out of this debate, I think it's important that they understand Braun is a lifelong Democrat, Rep. Luke Messer said in a recent campaign forum. We're not going to beat Joe Donnelly with a RINO, Rep. Todd Rokita said in a television ad, referencing the states incumbent Democratic senator. Mike Braun - he is a lifelong Democrat. He voted for Obama or Hillary. These attacks are based on voting records indicating Braun voted in Democratic primaries until 2012. According to the Indianapolis Star, between 1980 and 2012, Braun only asked for a GOP primary ballot in 1982. The Associated Press reported in December that Braun is listed in Republican National Committee voter databases as a hard Democrat. He was elected to the Indiana State House as a Republican in 2014. Braun has responded by saying he is a conservative Republican, but he voted in past Democratic primaries to have a say in local races dominated by Democrats. His rivals have asked who he voted for in the 2008 Democratic primary race between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, but Braun claims he voted for neither. "I never voted for a Democrat at the state or national level, Braun said at the local debate. We did it solely to weigh in on our local races." His campaign did not immediately return a request for comment Monday. REPUBLICANS FIGHT TO WIN INDIANA SENATE SEAT HELD BY VULNERNABLE DEMOCRAT JOE DONNELLY Indianas Senate seat is seen as a top pick-up opportunity in the Senate for Republicans. President Trump carried Indiana by 19 points in 2016. The Republican primary has been particularly nasty. The airwaves are filled with ads containing labels like liberal, fraud, swamp brothers and Democrat. Rokita even published a childrens book about one opponent, jabbing that Messer spends all his time in Washington and has forgotten about Hoosiers. Democrats and Republicans suggest the candidates have done so much damage to each other they have taken a right-leaning state and given the Democrat a fighting chance. Braun has been self-funding to the tune of around $6 million. Among other things his ads suggest is that he is an outsider, even though he served in the Indiana state legislature. He also claims Messer and Rokita are career politicians, indistinguishable from each other. In the heart of Trump country, each candidate claims he is most in-line with the president and most capable of supporting Trump in Washington. Two days after the primary, one of the Republicans will share a podium in Elkhart for a rally with President Trump. Vice President Pence will join him to throw the weight of the executive branch behind the nominee. Fox News Michael Tobin contributed to this report. Calling it "decaying and rotten," President Trump announced he is withdrawing the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal and will be imposing more sanctions on the Middle Eastern nation. Trump signed a presidential memorandum on May 8 withdrawing the U.S. from the controversial agreement signed by his predecessor in 2015. He said he will be re-instituting the highest level of sanctions and warned other countries against helping the Iranian government. Trump said the U.S. would "not be held hostage to nuclear blackmail" and will not allow "a regime that chants 'death to America'" to get nuclear weapons. The nuclear deal with Iran has long been a point of contention, especially among Republicans who opposed it. The administration extended waivers on Irans nuclear sanctions earlier this year, keeping alive the landmark deal for an additional few months. Read on for a look at the agreement and why its so controversial. What is the Iran nuclear deal? The Iran nuclear deal framework officially the "Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action" was a historic agreement reached by Iran and several world powers, including the U.S., in 2015, under Barack Obamas presidency. In part, the deal was made to reduce Irans ability to produce two components used in making nuclear weapons: plutonium and uranium. In return, crippling economic sanctions on Iran were to be abated. "Every pathway to a nuclear weapon is cut off," Obama said at the time. "This deal is not built on trust. It is built on verification." WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL AFTER TRUMP DITCHES ACCORD A point of contention for many opponents is the deal's so-called sunset clause which would ease some of the restrictions on Irans nuclear program over time. The deal was reached after two years of negotiations. Certification that Iran is complying with the deal must be sent to Congress every 90 days. The first under the Trump administration noted that Tehran was in compliance. In October 2017, Trump decertified the nuclear deal under U.S. law, saying the sanctions relief was disproportionate to Iran's nuclear concessions. He contended the arrangement was contrary to America's national security interests. What has Trump said about it? During the presidential campaign, Trump accused Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, then his opponent, for making Iran a world power under the nuclear deal, which he called the highest level of incompetence. If you take a look at Iran from four, five years ago, they were dying, Trump said during an event in September 2016. They had sanctions, they were being choked to death and they were dying. They werent even going to be much of a threat. On Twitter, Trump has referred to the agreement as a direct national security threat, a catastrophe that must be stopped, the dumbest & most dangerous misjudgments ever entered into in history of our country and the best deal of any kind in history for Iran. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has warned the U.S. would pay a high cost if it backs out of the agreement. What happens next? Trump is expected to reimpose all sanctions on Iran that were lifted as part of the 2015 deal, according to the Treasury Department. These sanctions include precious metals, banknotes, shipping, the automotive sector and petroleum. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the agreement could survive without the participation of the U.S., but has warned that his country would restart enriching uranium "in the next weeks." If that happens, and the deal collapses completely, businesses and banks doing business with Iran would have to scramble to extricate themselves or run afoul of the U.S. Oil markets are also on the alert following Trump's decision. However, analysts told CNBC the impact of the reimposed sanctions might not have the same impact it once did. And while some countries may limit their oil purchases from Iran out of respect to the U.S., there are other countries that might refuse to do so, according to CNBC. Fox News' John Roberts, Brooke Singman and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Sen. John McCain blasted the Obama administrations response to the 2012 Benghazi attack as bureaucratic incompetence and a-- covering, in his new memoir set to be released later this month. Fox News obtained an advance copy of The Restless Wave: Good Times, Just Causes, Great Fights, and Other Appreciations written by McCain, R-Ariz., and Mark Salter, who has collaborated with McCain on all seven of his other books. McCain devotes a chapter to the Arab Spring, detailing his visits to Libya and praising U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens -- who was killed in the September 2012 attacks -- as a talented diplomat, and an exceptional human being. He believed in what he was doing, supporting the Libyan peoples rights to freedom and justice, and helping them build an open society, and he was effective, McCain wrote. ... I miss him very much. The attack -- in which U.S. Foreign Service Officer Sean Smith, and Navy SEALs Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods, were killed -- was the subject of extensive investigations from congressional Republicans during the Obama administration. McCain, in his book, reiterated a central criticism: Chris had asked the State Department for more security for the Benghazi mission [before the attack], but it had been denied. McCain said he was terribly saddened by the news, but wasnt angry with the administration -- at first. I started to get angry when it appeared administration officials were knowingly misleading us about the attack, attributing it to a video that some idiot had made mocking Islam that incited a spontaneous mob that turned violent, McCain wrote. It took more than a week for the White House to acknowledge it had been a planned terrorist attack. The uproar that ensued became a lasting political controversy thats still debated. MCCAIN SAYS TRUMP SHOULD SKIP HIS FUNERAL McCain, throughout the memoir, spoke favorably of his friend Hillary Clinton, who at the time of the attack was secretary of state. But the Clinton State Department was faulted for ignoring security concerns in the run-up to the attack, contributing to the poor defense at the post. The Accountability Review Board that examined the tragedy concluded there were, Systemic failures and leadership and management deficiencies at senior levels at the department. At the time, McCain was an outspoken critic, calling the administrations response willful ignorance or abysmal intelligence and a massive cover-up or incompetence. 'In the end, all it established is what could have been presumed at the beginning, bureaucratic incompetence and a---covering, two common conditions in Washington." Sen. John McCain In the end, all it established is what could have been presumed at the beginning, bureaucratic incompetence and a-- covering, two common conditions in Washington, McCain wrote. Anger subsides, politics moves on, but sadness remains. Chris Stevens deserved better from all of us. The Benghazi segment is just a piece of the 400-page book, which seems to avoid the kind of scorching score-settling found in other recently released political memoirsbut McCain does reserve harsh criticism for President Trump and to a lesser extent Senate colleague Rand Paul. McCain questioned Trumps convictions, saying he has appeared to be more than merely a realpolitik adherent who seems to mock the idea that America has any business at all in promoting its values abroad. I dont know if that is sincerely his view or if he believes that global progress of democracy and the rule of law should be only a distant, notional goal of American statecraft, McCain wrote, noting that Trump threatened to deliberately kill the spouses and children of terrorists, implying that an atrocity of that magnitude would show the world Americas toughness. McCain criticized Trumps lack of empathy for refugees, innocent, persecuted, desperate men, women and children as disturbing and appalling. McCain also criticized Trumps usage of the term fake news, saying it is copied by autocrats who want to discredit and control a free press. The appearance of toughness or a reality show facsimilie of toughness seems to matter more than any of our values, McCain wrote. Flattery secures his friendship, criticism his enmity. He added: Its hard to know what to expect from President Trump, whats a pose, whats genuine. McCain underscored the importance of supporting the rights of others, and said that deserting that mindset would be an abdication of moral responsibility. McCain accused Trump of showering praise on the worlds worst tyrants. McCain also took a shot at Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. Ive been to crazy town before, and Ive seen how impervious to reason, facts, and common sense these delusions can be, McCain wrote. Rand Paul believed the unsubstantiated charge that I had met with representatives of ISIS during my brief visit to Syria, and he said so publicly. McCain's book is being released to the backdrop of questions about his health. The 81-year-old Arizona senator underwent surgery for an intestinal infection recently and was diagnosed last summer with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. "I don't know how much longer I'll be here. Maybe I'll have another five years. Maybe, with the advances in oncology, they'll find new treatments for my cancer that will extend my life. Maybe i'll be gone before you read this. My predicament is, well, rather unpredictable," he wrote. "But I'm prepared for either contingency, or at least I'm getting prepared. I have some things I'd like to take care of first, some work that needs finishing, and some people I need to see. And I want to talk to my fellow Americans a little more if I may." Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Monday that the Department of Homeland Security will refer anyone caught entering the U.S. illegally from Mexico to the Justice Department for prosecution. "If you cross the border unlawfully, then we will prosecute you. Its that simple," Sessions said. "If you smuggle illegal aliens across our border, then we will prosecute you. If you are smuggling a child, then we will prosecute you and that child may be separated from you as required by law." Sessions' so-called "zero tolerance policy" raises the possibility that immigration authorities could separate parents from their children whenever a family is apprehended attempting to cross the border. The Wall Street Journal, citing the Department of Health and Human Services, reported earlier Monday that 700 children had been separated from their families since October of last year. The attorney general added that making false statements to an immigration officer, filing a fraudulent asylum claim or helping others do so would be prosecuted as felonies. "We're here to send a message to the world that we are not going to let the country be overwhelmed," Sessions said. "People are not going to caravan or otherwise stampede our border. We need legality and integrity in our immigration system." Monday's announcement came about a week after hundreds of Central American migrants traveled to the San Ysidro, Calif., port of entry seeking asylum following a monthlong caravan through Mexico. SESSIONS SENDS MORE IMMIGRATION JUDGES, PROSECUTORS TO BORDER; SAYS 'PEOPLE SHOULD WAIT THEIR TURN' President Donald Trump described the caravan as proof that more must be done to secure the border with Mexico, including building a wall, while Sessions called it "a deliberate attempt to undermine our laws and overwhelm our system." "I have no doubt that many of those crossing our border illegally are leaving behind difficult situations," Sessions said Monday. "But we cannot take everyone on this planet who is in a difficult situation." Last week, Sessions announced that the Justice Department was sending 35 assistant U.S. attorneys to the southwestern border to to "prosecute illegal entries into our country," while 18 immigration judges would focus "full time" on clearing a backlog of asylum claims. On Monday, Sessions said the Trump administration's actions were necessary because of "massive increases in illegal crossings in recent months." "These trends are clear; these trends must end," Sessions said, adding that "11 million people are here already illegally. That's more than the population of Portugal or [the state of] Georgia." The Associated Press contributed to this report. A top Republican on Sunday said it would be a mistake for President Donald Trump to abandon the Iran nuclear deal because it would diminish Washingtons leverage over Tehran. Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, told 'Fox News Sunday' that he would counsel against Trump scrapping the nuclear deal. Though he opposed the deal in 2015, when it was signed into law by President Obama, he said now is not the time to walk away from the agreement. He said he thought it was a bad deal. Iran got most of the benefit upfront with relief of sanctions and a plane load of cash that President Obama sent over there. So we've lost a lot of our leverage, he said. But the key question is: OK, now we are where we are. What happens next if the U.S. pulls out? Does Iran kick those inspectors out so that we lose what visibility we have there? He added that you need to have a clearer idea about next steps if we are going to pull out, and especially given the larger context of Iran's aggressive activities in the Middle East. The comments from Thornberry comes amid the May 12 deadline when the Trump administration will have to decide whether to re-impose sanctions against Iran. The administration has indicated that its in favor of exiting the nuclear agreement as it failed to stop the Islamic Republics ballistic missile program and curtail the countrys growing influence in the region. Trump told the American Israel Public Affairs Committee in 2016 that his number-one priority is to dismantle the disastrous deal with Iran. Thornberry said Trump should instead work with European countries, which are set to re-impose the sanctions, to improve the agreement. The Europeans are not going to re-impose sanctions so where does that leave us and Iran? he said. The sentiment was echoed by French President Emmanuel Macron who said in April during the state visit to the U.S. that he hopes Trump wont pull out from the agreement. Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a pitch to scrap the nuclear deal in a presentation revealing new dramatic intelligence that claims to show Iran is brazenly lying about its nuclear weapons program and hasnt complied with the deal since 2015. The new intelligence was reportedly obtained by the Israelis. Netanyahu said the "half a ton" of files were moved to a "highly secret" location in the capital of Iran. "These files conclusively prove that Iran is brazenly lying when it says it never had a nuclear weapons program," he said. A bipartisan group of House freshmen is reviving the idea of congressional term limits and now has the support of President Trump, who campaigned on the issue in 2016. The move is being led by Wisconsin GOP Rep. Mike Gallagher, a Marine Corps veteran who on Sunday said the groups recent White House meeting with the president was a success, while acknowledging long odds for such a change. I feel the meeting went extremely well, Gallagher told Fox News' "America's News HQ" on Sunday. The president seemed highly supportive. And he said he was genuinely impressed with the enthusiasm of the group. Gallagher and four other House freshmen were invited to the White House to talk about their idea, each having supported various term-limit proposals in the past, a Gallagher spokeswoman told Fox News on Monday. Gallagher says he drew inspiration for the proposal -- which essentially keeps elected officials from becoming career politicians -- from his time in the military, where people worked together to get a difficult job done. Here its careers ahead of country, he said. This would force everyone in Congress to treat their time here like a deployment, not a career. Trump made ridding Washington of career politicians a major part of his winning campaign, rallying crowds with the chant of drain the swamp. While Trump wanted a six-year limit for House members and 12-year limit for senators, Gallagher and his group are considering 12 years for members of both chambers. And theyve proposed that the change begin with their freshman class, to avoid resistance from sitting members who want to remain in Congress. Trump purportedly told the group members to return to Capitol Hill to agree on a final plan, which Gallagher expects to have ready by this week. I recently had a terrific meeting with a bipartisan group of freshman lawmakers who feel very strongly in favor of Congressional term limits, the president tweeted after the meeting. I gave them my full support and endorsement for their efforts. #DrainTheSwamp. Beyond resistance from members of Congress, the group would also face uphill legal and legislative challenges. The Supreme Court has ruled against congressional term limits before. Any change would require an amendment to the Constitution, which would require a two-thirds super-majority vote in both chambers, then ratification from three-fourths of the states. Still, the plan is getting some support on this years campaign trail and in the House Freedom Caucus, the chambers influential conservative wing. Rick Scott, Florida's Republican governor, has made term limits part of his platform in his bid for a Senate seat. The only place that doesnt want term limits on Congress is right here, Washington, Scott says in a 30-second TV ad. Thats where all of the career politicians are. In Washington, they say term limits cannot be done. Thats nonsense. They work for us. We dont work for them. North Carolina GOP Rep. Mark Meadows, who leads the Freedom Caucus, recently tweeted: Our founders never intended Congress to be a career--part of why Washington has become so dysfunctional is the shift away from this principle. Congressional term limits would do wonders toward addressing the problem. I'm 100% on board Mr. President. Gallagher argues that polling shows 80 percent of Americans support term limits, despite what Congress might say. It may seem like a lost cause, he said. But the history of the country is filled with seemingly lost causes that now seem like self-evident truths. President Trump defended on Monday his nominee for director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Gina Haspel, slamming Democrats for accusing her of being too tough on terror. The White House has repeatedly come to Haspels defense as Democrats push for her to withdraw her name from consideration following the revelation that she was a chief of base at a covert detention site in Thailand, where two terrorism suspects were subjected to waterboarding -- a technique that simulates drowning. My highly respected nominee for CIA Director, Gina Haspel, has come under fire because she was too tough on terrorists. Think of that, in these very dangerous times, we have the most qualified person, a woman, who Democrats want OUT because she is too tough on terror. Win Gina! Trump tweeted early Monday. But Haspel has come under partisan pressure in recent weeks, and reportedly offered to withdraw, though Fox News could not independently verify those reports. WH SAYS GINA HASPEL CIA NOMINATION 'WON'T BE DERAILED BY PARTISAN CRITICS' AFTER REPORTS SHE OFFERED TO WITHDRAW White House spokesman Raj Shah defended Haspel last week, saying that her nomination will not be derailed by partisan critics who side with the ACLU over the CIA on how to keep the American people safe. Haspel, who would be the first woman to lead the CIA, and first career operations officer to be nominated for the post in decades, served almost entirely undercover and much of her record is classified. There has been a fascinating phenomenon over the last few weeks. Those who know the true Gina Haspel -- who worked with her, served with her, who helped her confront terrorism, Russia and countless other threats to our nation -- they almost uniformly support her. There is a reason for that, CIA spokesman Dean Boyd told Fox News. When the American people finally have a chance to see the true Gina Haspel on Wednesday, they will understand why she is so admired and why she is and will be a great leader for this agency. Haspel will testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday for her confirmation hearing. Haspels nomination also has been supported by members of past administrations -- like Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. If you were not in a position of authority on September 11, you have no idea the pressures that we faced to try and make sure that this country wasnt attacked again, Rice said on Fox & Friends last week. Haspels work also has been praised by members of the Obama administration -- like former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, former CIA Director John Brennan, and former CIA Deputy Director Michael Morrell. Fox News Frank Miles and The Associated Press contributed to this report. President Trump blasted former Secretary of State John Kerry Monday for what he called possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy with officials from Iran and Europe in a bid to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal. The president has repeatedly hit Kerry for his supposedly poor negotiating skills, but turned up the criticism following reports that Kerry is trying to save the deal -- as the Trump administration nears a May 12 deadline to decide whether to recertify the pact with Tehran. The United States does not need John Kerrys possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran Deal. He was the one that created this MESS in the first place! Trump tweeted Monday. Trumps comments come on the heels of a Boston Globe report last week which said that Kerry met Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif in recent months to strategize in a bid to preserve the deal, as part of what the Globe called an aggressive yet stealthy mission to put pressure on the Trump administration to keep it in some form. Ahead of the May 12 deadline, Kerry has reportedly ramped up other meetings, speaking with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who was foreign minister of Germany when the deal was negotiated; French President Emmanuel Macron; and European Union foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini. JOHN KERRY UNDER FIRE FOR REPORTED 'SHADOW DIPLOMACY' TO SAVE IRAN DEAL The Globe reported that Kerry was quiet in his strategy, as he believed that a high-profile defense of the deal would backfire, making Trump more likely to scrap the agreement entirely. But Kerrys meetings with high-profile foreign leaders could violate the Logan Actwhich prohibits private citizens from negotiating on behalf of the U.S. government without authorization. No one has ever been successfully prosecuted under the law, however. A spokesman for Kerry defended the meetings. I think every American would want every voice possible urging Iran to remain in compliance with the nuclear agreement that prevented a war. Secretary Kerry stays in touch with his former counterparts around the world just like every previous Secretary of State, the Kerry spokesman told Fox News in an email. Like Americas closest allies, he believes it is important that the nuclear agreement, which took the world years to negotiate, remain effective as countries focus on stability in the region. But Kerry may not be the only one outside the government weighing in on the high-stakes Iran deliberations. According to reports over the weekend, Israeli intelligence firm Black Cube used false identities to track and dig up dirt on Obama officials who negotiated the original terms of the Iran deal in 2015, including former Obama National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes. One report linked the project to Trump aides. Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed new dramatic intelligence which he claimed shows Iran is brazenly lying about its nuclear weapons program and shows the country is not complying with the nuclear deal. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said last week that the U.S. is aware of the information released by Israel and continues to examine it carefully. This information provides new and compelling details about Irans efforts to develop missile-deliverable nuclear weapons, Sanders said. These facts are consistent with what the United States has long known: Iran had a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons program that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people. The Iranian regime has shown it will use destructive weapons against its neighbors and others. Iran must never have nuclear weapons. Fox News' Adam Shaw , Travis Fedschun and Alex Pappas contributed to this report. President Trump tweeted Monday that he would announce a decision Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET on whether the U.S. will remain in the 2015 nuclear deal. The president had given himself a May 12 deadline over the deal, which he has long criticized. Trump has previously signaled that he will pull out of the agreement, but has faced intense pressure from European allies not to do so. Earlier Monday, Trump hit out at former Secretary of State John Kerry amid reports that Kerry had met with Iran Foreign Minister Javad Zarif as part of a bid to salvage the nuclear deal. TRUMP RIPS KERRY FOR 'POSSIBLY ILLEGAL SHADOW DIPLOMACY ON IRAN DEAL "The United States does not need John Kerrys possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran Deal," Trump tweeted. "He was the one that created this MESS in the first place! Kerry helped negotiate the agreement with Iran along with representatives of Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China. His meeting with Zarif was reported by the Boston Globe, which also claimed that the former Massachusetts senator had met with French President Emmanuel Macron; German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who was foreign minister of Germany when the deal was negotiated; and European Union foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson wrote in a New York Times op-ed Sunday that the agreement offered the fewest disadvantages of all the options available. "It has weaknesses, certainly, but I am convinced they can be remedied. Indeed at this moment Britain is working alongside the Trump administration and our French and German allies to ensure that they are," he wrote. In an interview with "Fox & Friends" Monday morning, Johnson conceded that Trump was "right to see flaws" in the agreement, but argued that those flaws could be fixed "without just throwing the baby out with the bathwater, without scraping the whole thing." "If you do that, you have to ask the question of what next? What if the Iranians do rush for a nuclear weapon?" Johnson asked. "Are we seriously saying that were going to bomb those facilities or do we work with what weve got and push back on Iran together?" Iran's president warned Trump on Sunday that leaving the nuclear deal would be a "historic regret." House Armed Services Committee chairman Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, also advised against pulling out of the accord without a clearer idea of the consequences in an interview with "Fox News Sunday." "Maybe the best thing is for the president to delay a bit more his deadline of this month and put the French and the British up to the test about whether it is possible to get this other sort of agreement," Thornberry said. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A coal baron convict's hard-charging bid to win the GOP Senate primary Tuesday in West Virginia is throwing into chaos Washington Republicans plans for swiping the Democrat-held seat in November. Now, insurgent candidate Don Blankenship's primary rivals are in a last-minute drive to hold him down, with even President Trump appealing to voters to oppose his candidacy. To the great people of West Virginia we have, together, a really great chance to keep making a big difference, Trump tweeted Monday morning. Problem is, Don Blankenship, currently running for Senate, cant win the General Election in your State...No way! Remember Alabama. The final line was a reference to the Alabama Senate seat Republicans lost after Judge Roy Moore was nominated. National Republicans are scrambling to avoid a repeat, worried Blankenship -- convicted in 2015 of mine-safety violations -- can't beat Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin in November. Blankenship, though, rejected the comparisons in an interview with Fox News' Peter Doocy. He said Trump is getting "bad information" and said his accusers are big Democrats -- not young women, a reference to Moore's accusers. Trump's attempt to thwart Blankenships outsider bid follows a report Saturday in Politico that suggests internal GOP polling has him pulling ahead of primary rivals Rep. Evan Jenkins and state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey. Morrisey this past weekend launched his own attack on Blankenship. Convicted criminal Don Blankenship didnt vote for President Trump and is a resident of Nevada, where he must report to his parole officer, he says in robocalls that started going out Saturday to potential voters. The calls were followed Sunday by Morrisey trying to have Blankenship disqualified from the primary for failing to submit a financial disclosure, allegedly in violation of election law and perhaps of his probation. Blankenships campaign said the candidate has already spoken to his probation officer, who wasnt concerned about the financial disclosure. Vote Rep. Jenkins or A.G. Morrisey! the president also said in his tweet Monday. Morrisey is a former Capitol Hill aide who has served as West Virginia's top attorney since 2013 and has strong conservative support. Jenkins, a former Democrat, has repeatedly argued that Manchin missed a big chance to align himself with Trump on taxes and health care. "The president gave Joe Manchin every opportunity in the early weeks and months of his administration to vote the right way," he recently said. "He voted wrong." Jenkins, speaking with Fox News, also thanked Trump for the "shout-out" on Monday. A Fox News poll released April 22 showed Jenkins with 25 percent of the vote among likely West Virginia GOP Senate primary voters, compared with Morrisey at 21 percent and Blankenship at 16 percent. Blankenship, who until recently was largely ignored by the Jenkins and Morrisey campaigns, immediately downplayed the tweet Monday by Trump. All three candidates have tried to align themselves with the president. He doesnt know me and he doesnt know how flawed my two main opponents are, Blankenship responded. The establishment is misinforming him because they do not want me to be in the U.S. Senate and promote the presidents agenda. I will win the primary and I will beat Joe Manchin. As some have said, I am Trump-ier than Trump. To be sure, Republicans dont want an Alabama Senate race redux. Firebrand conservative Moore won the state GOP primary over Trump-backed Luther Strange, then lost to Democrat Doug Jones, amid numerous damaging allegations about Moores past inappropriate behavior with women. The loss cut the GOPs Senate majority to 51-49. Manchin has been a top GOP target since at least November 2016, when Trump won the state with 68.7 percent of the vote. There are 35 Senate seats up for election this year -- nine held by Republicans and 26 held by Democrats, including two for independents who caucus with the party. CLICK FOR SENATE POWER RANKINGS Early in the midterm election cycle, Republicans had hoped that winning Manchins seat would increase their slim Senate majority. But winning in West Virginia has become increasingly important for them in recent months, now that Democrats are posing credible challenges to GOP-held Senate seats in Arizona, Nevada and Tennessee. The 70-year-old Manchin has also created his own reelection challenges in a state where hes now the only state-wide elected Democrat. He has consistently voted against Senate Republicans ObamaCare repeal or replace efforts and most recently their tax-cut bill that Trump signed in late-December 2017. Blankenship surged into the race after being released from jail less than a year ago. He served about 12 months after being found guilty of a misdemeanor charge of violating mine safety and health standards in connection with the company he led and its 2010 accident at West Virginias Upper Big Branch mine, where 29 men were killed. Despite his past, the 68-year-old Blankenship and his anti-establishment message appear to be resonating with voters, in a state with a 5.4 percent jobless rate, the third-highest in the country. "The establishment, no matter who you define it as, has not been creating jobs in West Virginia," Blankenship, also critical of how Morrisey and Jenkins have addressed the states opioid crisis, said at a recent debate. Hes also focused his anti-establishment attack directly at Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, whom he calls Cocaine Mitch in a recent ad. Blankenship is apparently trying to link the Kentucky Republican to a 2014 news report about drugs that were purportedly found on a ship owned by his in-laws. And hes accused McConnell of creating jobs for "Chinapeople" and said his "China family" has given him millions of dollars -- leading to widespread criticism of his racially charged ads. McConnell's wife is Trump's transportation secretary, Elaine Chao, who was born in Taiwan. Her father, entrepreneur and philanthropist James S.C. Chao, was born in China. While Trump and Morrisey have just started attacking Blankenship, the presidents son, Donald Trump Jr., asked voters in a tweet last week to make a wise decision and reject Blankenship. "No more fumbles like Alabama," he also said in the tweet, while the outside group Mountain Families PAC continued to run a reported $1.3 million worth of TV ads against Blankenship. Fox News Peter Doocy and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Considered a toss-up in the midterm elections, the West Virginia Senate race is one where Republicans hope to have the chance to unseat incumbent Joe Manchin, a Democrat who first won the seat in a 2010 special election. According to a Fox News poll, three Republicans are considered to be top tier candidates ahead of the May 8 primary: Don Blankenship, Evan Jenkins and Patrick Morrisey. Jenkins, a U.S. congressman, topped the list of Republican contenders. Earlier this month, the candidates faced off in a Fox News debate, with each one trying to align himself with the president more so than the next. All three also maligned Special Counsel Robert Muellers Russia probe. Manchin is not running unopposed; he races a primary challenger in Paula Jean Swearengin, an environmental activist whose platform is more in line with Sen. Bernie Sanders, the progressive independent from Vermont. President Trump beat Democrat Hillary Clinton by more than 40 points in the Mountain State in the 2016 presidential election. Trump has urged voters to support either Morrisey or Jenkins, saying Blankenship could not win the general election. From their focus on former President Barack Obamas policies to their courtship of coal workers, heres a look at the top three Republicans competing for the GOP nomination today. Don Blankenship Don Blankenship, 68, was imprisoned in a federal jail for a year in 2016 after he was convicted of conspiring to violate mine safety and health standards -- and hes still fighting the conviction, blaming the Obama administration every step of the way. Blankenship, the former head of Massey Energy Company, calls the 2010 explosion that killed 29 people at the companys Upper Big Branch mine the worst tragedy of my life. Blankenship has sought to have his conviction thrown out, and hes promoted a pamphlet he wrote in prison that he said sheds light on his prosecution, the explosion and an Obama administration conspiracy against him. Hes also compared the tragedy to that of the 2012 Benghazi attack, calling the blast Obamas deadliest cover-up in a campaign ad. Hes been called the villain of our times, compared to failed Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore and dubbed the most hated man in West Virginia. Hes also been the nearly $745,000 target of the Mountain Families PAC which opposes his Senate campaign. Despite running for Senate in West Virginia, his primary residence, according to The New York Times, is a $2.4 million home near Las Vegas. As a candidate, Blankenship has a goal of hosting town hall meetings in every one of West Virginia's 55 counties, according to Politico Magazine. Hes resonating with voters such as Rev. Becky Deitch, the chairwoman of the Brooke County GOP who told Politico, The common man doesnt want another politician. I could tell from his handshake. Hes real. I think the big issue in West Virginia is jobs, and Im the guy that created a lot of jobs in West Virginia and neither of my opponents did, Blankenship told Fox News. He also said hes better positioned to deal with the nations opioid epidemic that has hit West Virginia particularly hard since his company dealt with workers who struggled with drugs. A supporter of Trump, Blankenship advocates for building a border wall and ending so-called sanctuary cities. However, Trump has urged voters not to support Blankenship, saying that he could not win the general election. That lack of support hasn't seemed to phase Blankenship, though. "Neither of my opponents can beat Joe Manchin without my support, but I will beat Joe Manchin even without the support of the establishment," he said in a statement to Fox News. "West Virginia voters should remember that my enemies are Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton and my opponents would not even be running as Republicans had I not resurrected the Republican Party in West Virginia." "As some have said, I am Trumpier than Trump and this morning proves it," Blankenship said of the president's tweet. Blankenship got into some hot water during his campaign when he said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells father-in-law is a wealthy China person. He has accused McConnell of creating jobs for China people and said his China family has given him millions of dollars. McConnell has been married to Elaine Chao, the transportation secretary, since 1993. Chao was born in Taiwan, and her father was born in China. Blankenship denied the comment was a target on his family, but rather an observation that Mitchs family is very well-connected in China. In Fox News' poll of Republican Senate candidates, Blankenship came in third with 16 percent of likely voters saying they would select him. Still, 24 percent of voters remain undecided, according to the poll. Evan Jenkins Rep. Evan Jenkins has been a congressman for only three years, but before that, he served as a state senator in West Virginia for 12 years. Jobs, coal, senior citizens and the Second Amendment are all important issues to Jenkins, according to his campaign website. He also focused on his anti-abortion record in his first television advertisement. Jenkins, 57, helped create the nonprofit Lilys Place, a facility that cares for newborns who are born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), which occurs when babies are exposed to drugs while still in the womb. Jenkins has made a point in his campaign to distance Manchin, one of the more conservative Democrats in Washington, from Trump. However, Jenkins, too, used to be a Democrat. He switched to the GOP in 2013. But that wasnt his only party switch; Jenkins was first a registered Republican until 1993, according to Roll Call. As for jobs, Jenkins stressed the importance of coal growing the local economy in an interview with the Herald-Dispatch. He said hes worked with Trump on easing Obama-era regulations on the coal industry and has supported additional funding for clinics and healthcare services for miners who suffer from black lung disease. Jenkins told Fox News West Virginia needs a new voice to represent the state in the U.S. Senate. Theres a clear choice, Jenkins said of the race. He accused Blankenship of using his checkbook to launch a vendetta campaign thats all about his name. As for the state attorney general, Patrick Morrisey, another Senate candidate, Jenkins called him deeply flawed, in the swamp and for the opioid industry. Jenkins has also stressed during the campaign that he supported Trump in the presidential primary, as opposed to the other candidates. "We're starting to see hope and opportunity come back to West Virginia," Jenkins told Fox News, saying voters want someone "who's getting the job done, working with President Trump, bringing this renewed sense of confidence as proud West Virginians." Jenkins leads the field of Republicans in Fox News' poll with 25 percent of likely voters saying they support him. However, 24 percent of voters are still undecided. Patrick Morrisey Patrick Morrisey is the first Republican to serve as attorney general in West Virginia since 1933, his campaign website boasts. First elected to serve in the position in 2012, he was re-elected in 2016. Now Morrisey has his sights set on the U.S. Senate. In his campaign, Morrisey, 50, has harped on his efforts as attorney general to curtail the states opioid epidemic. He sued the Drug Enforcement Administration, saying it allows companies to not take into account patients needs when selling drugs. And his office has reached settlements with pharmaceutical distributors for about $47 million, the largest in the states history, according to his campaign website. But his past work as a health care attorney and his wifes work as a lobbyist who has represented several pharmaceutical clients, including those involved in opioids, have come under scrutiny. His wifes lobbying firm was also paid $460,000 by Planned Parenthood, the Charleston Gazette-Mail reported last year. Morrisey has said he is staunchly anti-abortion, opposing taxpayer dollars going to Planned Parenthood and supporting repealing Roe v. Wade. In an interview with Fox News, Morrisey said he's worked with Trump to get rid of some Obama administration regulations and to "go after" sanctuary cities. He said he has an "excellent" relationship with the president. "As voters focus the last two weeks, they're going to learn who is the proven conservative," Morrisey said, calling Jenkins a "political opportunist" who "stands for nothing." Morrisey has been endorsed by the conservative National Review, which heralded him as a rock-solid, independent-minded conservative who would be a valuable addition to the right flank of the Republican caucus. Morrisey has also been endorsed by Republican Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Ted Cruz of Texas. He is just behind Jenkins, according to Fox News' poll, with 21 percent of likely voters throwing their support behind the attorney general. Fox News' Peter Doocy contributed to this report. Imagine flying from New York to Los Angeles, normally a six-hour ordeal, in under three hours. NASA is hoping that will one day be a reality as it works to prove that quiet supersonic commercial travel is possible. The agency will be conducting a series of flights in November off the shores of Galveston, Texas, an island city outside of Houston. Its a test to determine how to best study peoples reactions to quiet supersonic jets. This project, QSF 18, is a test so we can test the methodology for future community response testing for projects like the LBFD, said Larry Cliatt, principal investigator for NASA. LBFD is NASAs low boom flight demonstratora supersonic aircraft that reduces the sound of the sonic boom. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company is working with NASA on its design. With low boom flights, NASA said it intends to gather data on how effective quiet supersonic technology is in terms of public acceptance. The Federal Aviation Administration generally prohibits supersonic flight over land. A commercial high-speed jet, the Concorde, was popular in the late 1970s and 1980s, but its booming sound and exorbitant operating and ticket costs forced the British-French airliner to shut down in 2003. The loud boom that came with breaking the sound barrier was often described as unsettling. With the LBFD, NASA hopes to reduce the sound of the sonic boom to a gentle thump, similar to the sound of a neighbor closing a car door or thunder rumbling in the distancethat is, if anyone hears the sounds at all. But because the LBFD wont be completed until 2021, NASA is simulating the sounds for now. For the tests in Galveston, an F-18 plane will conduct a dive maneuver offshore, diving from 49,000 feet, briefly going supersonic and producing the sound likely to come from the LBFD. Its extremely exciting, and I expect the Galveston people will be excited, as well, said Cliatt. Several people say they are looking forward to the new technology, which has been in the works for several years. What NASA is doing is a step in the right direction, said George Abbey, senior fellow in space policy at Rice Universitys Baker Institute. If I could fly supersonic transport, I could reduce that [travel] time, Abbey said. Time is really money, and spending a short time on an airplane vs. a long time, Id prefer taking the short time. A SpaceX Dragon cargo ship is returning to Earth today (May 5) with more than 2 tons of NASA gear from the International Space Station. The capsule's splashdown capped a busy day for NASA, which began its weekend with a launch to Mars. The Dragon capsule left the space station this morning at 9:23 a.m. EDT (1323 GMT) when it was released by the orbiting laboratory's robotic arm. The spacecraft is packed with over 4,000 lbs. (1,800 kilograms) of experiment samples and other gear to Earth for NASA, and is returning to Earth two days late. SpaceX and NASA initially scheduled Dragon's return for Wednesday (May 2), but rough seas at the capsule's splashdown zone prompted a delay to await better sea conditions. Dragon splashed down today at 3:03 p.m. EDT (1903 GMT) in the Pacific Ocean. The spacecraft's splashdown area was located 400 miles (643 kilometers) southwest of Long Beach, California, off the coast of Baja California, NASA officials said. "Good splashdown of Dragon confirmed, completing SpaceXs third resupply mission to and from the @Space_Station with a flight-proven spacecraft," SpaceX representatives said via Twitter. Just hours before Dragon left the space station, NASA launched the InSight Mars lander from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. InSight launched atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket at 7:05 a.m. EDT (1105 GMT) to begin a 6-month cruise to Mars. The spacecraft is scheduled to land on the Red Planet on Nov. 26. "It's been a big day here at @NASA!" NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine wrote on Twitter. "@NASAInSight successfully launched and is on its way to Mars! @SpaceX is now bringing critical science investigations home from the @Space_Station." Dragon launched to the space station April 2 atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to deliver 5,800 lbs. (2,630 kilograms) of experiment gear and other supplies for the station's six-person crew. This is SpaceX's 14th cargo delivery mission for NASA, and the second flight of this Dragon capsule. (It last flew in April 2016 on an earlier station cargo flight for NASA.) On this return trip, Dragon is carrying a wide variety of science gear, including mice that have been living in special habitats on the station to study the health effects of space travel. Other samples of plants, insects and human tissue are also aboard inside freezers. Dragon is also returning NASA's Robonaut 2 robot, which was designed to help astronauts with their daily chores in space. Robonaut 2 broke down in 2014 and is being returned for analysis and repair. The space station's crew appeared to have a bit of fun while packing Robonaut 2 for its trip home. NASA astronaut Ricky Arnold donned Robonaut 2's head like a mask for a bit of Twitter photo fun. "...to seek out new life and new civilizations," Arnold wrote on Twitter. Arnold is one of six space travelers on the space station's current Expedition 55 crew. Joining him on the mission are NASA astronauts Scott Tingle and Drew Feustel, astronaut Norishige Kanai of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and cosmonauts Oleg Artemyev and Anton Shkaplerov of Russia's Roscosmos space agency. Shkaplerov is commander of the station's crew. Editor's note: This story was originally posted at 9:45 a.m. EDT and was updated at 5:25 p.m. EDT reflect the successful splashdown by Dragon. Original article on Space.com. Worried about your boss seeing an angry Facebook status? It could be worse. Companies in China are using specially designed helmets to monitor employees brainwaves, according to the South China Morning Post. The companies use data collected from the devices to monitor their employees for signs of stress, depression, and other issues that could affect workplace performance. When an issue is detected, the worker in question is told to take a day off or is reassigned to a less stressful job. Hangzhou Zhongheng Electric, which is just one of the companies making use of this tech, says that it has led to an an overall increase in worker efficiency. One of the examples cited is adjusting the length and number of breaks to be more in sync with their employees individual needs. Some companies are also using the technology to augment their training regiments. At Ningbo Shenyang Logistics, these brainwave monitoring helmets are combined with virtual reality devices that simulate workplace tasks. One of the companys managers, Zhao Binjian, says that the devices have significantly reduced the number of mistakes made by new workers thanks to improved understanding between employees and employers. Binjian said that the helmets were mainly used to train new employees. He did not comment on whether or not the helmets were only used by new employees, however. This technology is not unique to China. It has been used in western countries as well, but only for limited and voluntary tasks such as archery. China is the first country to employ the technology on a wide industrial scale. Researchers in the field are hopeful that the influx of data will allow them to improve the algorithms and artificial intelligence which work to monitor the devices. Unsurprisingly, this technology is not without its problems. Many employees were initially wary of the devices and some experts believe they were right to be. Professor Qiao Zhian of Beijing Normal University said that the technology could be abused by employers to violate privacy. There is no law or regulation to limit the use of this kind of equipment in China, Zhian said. The employer may have a strong incentive to use the technology for higher profit, and the employees are usually in too weak a position to say no. The FBI has been facing off against a new menace: drone swarms under the control of criminal groups. This past winter in a US city, criminal suspects used drones against an FBI hostage rescue team to flush out the federal agents, according to Joe Mazel, the head of the FBI's operational technology law unit. During the incident, the drones made a series of "high-speed low passes at the agents" to disrupt the rescue team's operation, Mazel said at a conference on Wednesday, according to Defense One. "We were then blind," Mazel said, describing how the rescue team lost situational awareness. "It definitely presented some challenges." The criminals not only used the drone swarm to rattle the rescue team, but to also conduct counter-surveillance. "They had people fly their own drones up and put the footage to YouTube so that the guys who had cellular access could go to the YouTube site and pull down the video," Mazel added. According to Defense One, Mazel declined to offer details of when or where the incident took place. But he said criminal groups are increasingly using drones for their schemes. This can include attempts to intimidate witnesses by sending a drone to surveil police stations to see "who is going in and out of the facility, and who might be cooperating with police," Mazel said. He also pointed to their malicious use in Australia. Criminal groups will deploy the flying bots to help them monitor shipping containers carrying their illegal goods. If a port authority worker gets too close to the container, the crooks will know and call in a false alarm, like a fire or a theft, to distract the port authority worker away from the container. The FBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the drone swarm incident. But it's also not a complete surprise. Reportedly, drug cartels have also been caught planting bombs on drones or using them to smuggle drugs. In addition, militant groups in Syria, including ISIS, have been weaponizing off-the-shelf drones to drop explosives on US and Russian forces. This article originally appeared on PCMag.com. Facebooks suggested friends feature is helping jihadists around the world connect with one another to forge new terror networks, according to a new study. Researchers with the not-for-profit Counter Extremism Project studied the social media habits of 1,000 ISIS supporters in 96 countries and found that extremists were routinely introduced to each other on the platform, The Telegraph reported about the study. Facebook, in their desire to connect as many people as possible have inadvertently created a system which helps connect extremists and terrorists, said Robert Postings, one of the researchers. The social media giant automatically collects information about its users that is used to connect people with shared interests, the paper reported. But this also allows ISIS supporters to contact and communicate with fellow sympathizers, researchers found. Gregory Waters, one of the authors of the study, told the paper he was bombarded with pro-ISIS friends suggestions after contacting one active extremist on the site. After clicking on news pages about an Islamist uprising in the Philippines, Postings said he was inundated with friends suggestions of extremists in the region. Out of the 1,000 terrorism-supporting profiles examined, fewer than half were suspended by Facebook six months later, the study found. Additionally, even when posts containing terrorism-related materials were removed, the user was often allowed to stay on the site. This project has laid bare Facebooks inability or unwillingness to efficiently address extremist content on their site, Waters said. The failure to effectively police its platform has allowed Facebook to become a place where extensive IS supporting networks exist, propaganda is disseminated people are radicalized and new supporters are recruited. A Facebook rep told the paper there is no place for terrorists on Facebook. There is no easy technical fix to fight online extremism but Facebook has an automated system to remove ISIS and Al Qaeda-related content, according to the company. We work aggressively to ensure that we do not have terrorists or terror groups using the site, and we also remove any content that praises or supports terrorism, the spokesman said. This story originally appeared in the New York Post. A man in India was been mauled to death by an injured bear after attempting to take a selfie with the animal. Citing forest department officials, the Hindustan Times reports that the man was attacked by the bear in the eastern Indian state of Odisha last week. REMARKABLE VIDEO SHOWS TIGER AND BEAR LOCKED IN FEROCIOUS FIGHT Although warned not to approach the bear by his fellow SUV passengers, Prabhu Bhatara reportedly got too close to the bear, which chased and fatally mauled him. The victim, who was travelling back from a wedding, died on the spot, a forest ranger told the Hindustan Times. A stray dog attacked the bear while it was mauling Bhatara, but was unable to save him. SHOCKING VIDEO SHOWS TERRIFYING LEOPARD ATTACK IN INDIAN CITY The attack took place on Wednesday evening. After tranquilizing the bear, officials were able to recover Bhataras body. A number of selfie-related deaths have occurred in recent years, many of which were in India. The Hindustan Times reports that a youth in Odishas Angul district was killed when he tried to take a selfie with a wild elephant last year. Also in 2017, a young man in Odishas Rourkela district was trampled to death by an elephant when he attempted to take a selfie with the animal. From the publisher: The history of the American electorate is not a litany of flukes; instead it is a pattern of tectonic plate-grinding, punctuated by a landscape-altering earthquake every generation or so. Donald Trump's electoral coalition is smashing both American political parties and its previously impenetrable political news media. The political experts called the 2016 election wrong, and in the wake of the 2016 election surprise, the experts have continued to blow it - looking to predict the coming demise of the president without pausing to consider the durability of the trends and winds that swept him into office. BUY THE BOOK The Great Revolt The Great Revolt delves deep into the minds and hearts of the voters that make up this coalition. What emerges is a group of citizens who cannot be described by terms like "angry", "male", "rural", or the often-used "racist". They span job descriptions, income brackets, education levels, and party allegiances. What unites them is their desire to be part of a movement larger than themselves that puts pragmatism before ideology, localism before globalism, and demands the respect it deserves from Washington. Zito and Todd have traveled on over 27,000 miles of country roads to interview more than 300 Trump voters in 10 swing counties. What they have discovered is that these voters were hiding in plain sight - ignored by both parties, the media, and the political experts all at once, ready to unite into the movement that spawned the greatest upset in recent electoral history. Deeply rooted in the culture of these Midwestern swing states, Zito and Brad Todd reframe the discussion of the "Trump voter" to answer the question: What next? A JetBlue flight from Puerto Rico to Florida was forced to make an emergency landing Sunday after the cockpit window cracked. Flight 1052 departed San Juan at 10:29 a.m. bound for Tampa, but diverted to Fort Lauderdale after the aircraft was damaged, the Tampa Bay Times reports. PICKUP TRUCK COLLIDES WITH SOUTHWEST PLANE AT BALTIMORE AIRPORT The flight landed around 1 p.m. and the passengers were unloaded and transferred to another plane to continue on to their destination. A reporter from WFTS in Tampa was on the flight and said the pilot informed them this sort of thing "isnt uncommon." JetBlue released the following statement on the incident: "On May 6, JetBlue flight 1052 from San Juan to Tampa diverted to Fort Lauderdale in an abundance of caution following a report of damage to one of the outer layers of the cockpit windscreen. The flight landed safely at approximately 1:00 p.m. local time. Customers were accommodated on another aircraft." This incident comes just a week after a Southwest flight bound for Newark diverted to Cleveland Wednesday after a cabin window broke, though the airline said the plane maintained pressurization and the plane landed uneventfully. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS A similar situation occurred on a Flybe plane in the U.K last month. After leaving Gatwick Airport on the way to Newquay Airport in England, the pilot was forced to turn back after the outer layer of the cockpit window cracked shortly after takeoff. A Florida sheriff's deputy was in critical condition Monday morning after being shot in the head hours earlier responding to a dispute involving a cat, officials said. The suspected gunman, a 69-year-old convicted felon with a history of violence toward law enforcement, was taken into custody. Deputy William Gentry, 40, was shot just before 8 p.m. Sunday after cops received a call about a neighbor shooting a cat in Lake Placid, FOX13 reported. Gentry, a field training officer, and a trainee went to the cat owners home before confronting the alleged feline shooter, Joseph Edwards Ables, 69. Gentry went to Ables' house, where Ables immediately opened fire and shot the deputy in the head, police said. Please keep our deputy's family and our HCSO family in your prayers, the Highlands County Sheriffs Office wrote on its social media pages. Ables was taken into custody at the scene and faces several charges including possession of a weapon or ammo by a convicted felon, attempted first-degree murder without premeditation and resisting an officer with violence, police said. Gentry is a 9-year veteran of the force, WFLA reported. "William is an experienced law enforcement officer and serves as one of our Field Training Deputies," Sheriff Paul Blackman said. "His brother is one of our detectives. This is an unimaginable tragedy for our agency. Our prayers are with Deputy Gentry and his family." He added: "We are asking our community, here in Lake Placid as well as Highlands County to please pray for Deputy Gentry and hope that he will see his way through this." Florida Gov. Rick Scott said he offered all state resources after receiving news about the deputy shooting. "I have spoken with @HighCoSheriff Blackman on the deputy shot tonight & offered all state resources. Hurting a LEO is pure evil & we won't stand for it. I ask all Floridians to pray for the family, the HCSO & all the brave LEOs who go above & beyond every day to keep us safe," Scott tweeted. A single mother of two says she is devastated that her Big Island home was burned to the ground by a lava flow, but a GoFundMe page set up for her may help her rebuild. Amber Makuakane confirmed Sunday that her property in Leilani Estates is one of at least 21 that officials say was destroyed by Kilauea volcano. Her home was one of the first five homes completely consumed by the lava, the GoFundMe page for her says. Amber was born, raised and graduated from Pahoa. Her parents also reside in Leilani Estates and had to evacuate. As The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported, Makuakane evacuated on Friday with three trash bags of clothes, two towels, three blankets, a cooler with food, a riding lawn mower, her kids bikes, a grill and important documents, the GoFundMe page says. Currently more than $12,000 has been raised toward a $100,000 goal. NUMBER OF HOMES DESTROYED BY HAWAII VOLCANO DOUBLES The 37-year-old elementary school teacher says her three-bedroom house was right across from a fissure that had opened Friday. She says there was some steam rising from all parts of the yard initially but everything looked fine. But she received alerts Saturday that motion sensors throughout the house had been triggered. She later confirmed that lava had covered her entire property. Makuakane grew up in the area, and despite the risks, wanted to remain close to her family. Her children are Alana, 6, and Aaron, 4. They dont really understand, she said about her children. My son keeps asking me, Mommy when are we going to go home? Her husband died two years ago. Officials said molten rock, toxic gas and steam have been bursting through openings in the ground created by the volcano. The volcano and the lava its always been a part of my life, Makuakane said. Its devastating ... but Ive come to terms with it. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Lava erupting from Hawaii's powerful Kilauea volcano has now destroyed at least 26 homes, more than double the previous figure, officials announced Sunday, citing grim findings from an aerial survey by the fire department. Scientists reported lava spewing more than 200 feet into the air. More than 1,700 people have evacuated, and some said they may have to stay away from their homes for a long time. There was no initial word of anybody injured. Earlier in the day, officials had said the lava destroyed nine homes. Big Island civil defense officials also said Sunday that two new fissures, or vents where lava has broken through the ground, have emerged in the Leilani Estates subdivision. "There's more magma in the system to be erupted. As long as that supply is there, the eruption will continue," U.S. Geological Survey volcanologist Wendy Stovall said. As many as 10 fissures have opened up since the eruption started late Thursday afternoon, scientists said, adding that one of those vents has gone dormant. Among the people whose homes were destroyed: an elementary school teacher and single mother of two. The woman, Amber Makuakane, told The Associated Press her three-bedroom house was right across from a fissure that had opened Friday. She says there was some steam rising from all parts of the yard initially but everything looked fine. VOLCANIC LAVA DESTROYS HOME BELONGING TO SINGLE MOTHER OF 2 She also said she knew the volcano's risks, but wanted to stay close to her family. Her children's ages are 6 and 4. A fellow teacher started a fundraising page to help Makuakane and her family rebuild. Some people who evacuated will be allowed to return to pick up pets, medicine and vital documents, officials said. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Authorities say an 11-year-old northwestern Indiana boy has died after being shot in the head. The Cook County, Illinois, Medical Examiner's Office says David L. Anderson of East Chicago died Sunday at a Chicago hospital. The Post-Tribune reports witnesses told police that two other children were fighting Saturday evening when a gunshot rang out and the boy fell to the ground. Police have no one in custody. School City of East Chicago Superintendent Paige McNulty says Anderson was a student at George Washington Elementary School, where grief counselors for students and teachers will be provided all week. She says the death is "a tragic loss for our school district and for Washington Elementary." ___ Information from: Post-Tribune, http://posttrib.chicagotribune.com/ The body of a 24-year-old New Jersey woman who vanished last year after a possible abduction may have been found Sunday in an abandoned vehicle, after nearby residents began noticing a horrid smell emanating from the car. The body was found in the backseat of the vehicle registered to Shanaya Coley, who was last seen leaving her apartment for work on Dec. 5, NBC New York reported. Authorities received a call about an unattended vehicle parked at an apartment complex in Paterson just before 8:30 a.m. Sunday, the Passaic County Prosecutors Office said in a statement. The medical examiner is working to positively identify the body. Coley, the mother of a 4-year-old boy, was heading to work just before 11 p.m. on Dec. 5, when she disappeared. Police believe she may have been abducted in her own car. A man who reported the vehicle on Sunday told the news station that the car, which was parked less than a mile away from where Coley was last seen, had been at the apartment complex lot for months. He finally called cops after noticing a strange stench coming from the vehicle. However, Angela Johnson, Coley's stepmother, told NJ.com she believed the car was recently moved there. "I can walk to that spot in minutes from my home," Johnson said. "It must have been moved. I know it wasn't there. We would have found it." Shanaya's father, Willie Coley, previously said he found blood near where his daughters vehicle was parked and also discovered her glasses. There was blood in a couple of places, but we dont know whose blood it was. Dont know whose blood is in the grass and on the walkway, Willie Coley told CBS New York last December. Send my baby girl home. Thats all I want. Former Virginia Tech President Charles William Steger Jr., who led the institution during a 2007 mass shooting and through a period of great change, has died, the university announced Monday. He was 70. Steger, a Virginia Tech graduate who spent most of his professional career at the university, died Sunday evening at his home in Blacksburg, the university said in a statement Monday morning. A cause of death was not provided. Steger's family notified the university of his death, Virginia Tech spokesman Mark Owczarski said. During his time as the university's 15th president, from 2000 to 2014, Virginia Tech increased its enrollment, raised more than $1 billion in private funding, formed a school of biomedical engineering, created a public-private school of medicine, and joined the Atlantic Coast Conference, according to the university's news release. Steger also led the university in the aftermath of the April 16, 2007, massacre, when a gunman killed 32 faculty members and students. It was, at the time, the deadliest mass shooting in recent U.S. history. "He cared deeply for Virginia Tech and courageously led the Hokie Nation through a terrible tragedy," Gov. Ralph Northam said in a statement about Steger. "His leadership in Virginia changed the landscape of higher education, and his strategic vision propelled Virginia Tech to be one of the finest research institutions in the world." Steger earned a bachelor's degree in 1970 and a master's degree in 1971 from Virginia Tech, both in architecture. He went on to earn a third degree from the university, a Ph.D. in environmental sciences and engineering, in 1978. He left a private-sector career in 1976 to pursue his passion for teaching at Virginia Tech, according to the news release. He served as a faculty member, college dean, acting vice president for public service and then vice president for development and university relations before becoming president in 2000. After his retirement as president, Steger served as executive director of the Global Forum on Urban and Regional Resilience, a Blacksburg-based group that brings together university researchers and partner organizations to study urbanization and regional development. "Charles believed in the importance of Virginia Tech and its role as a public land-grant institution," said Minnis Ridenour, a former Tech official who the university said worked alongside Steger for more than 40 years. "A lifetime scholar, educator, and leader, Dr. Steger ensured that Virginia Tech created an impact on a national and international level," Ridenour said in a statement. The university said Steger is survived by his wife of 48 years, Janet, and a number of other family members. Molten lava from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano continued gushing into the lush paradise on the Big Island Monday, even as an eleventh fissure opened up, destroying more than two dozen homes and spewing lava hundreds of feet in the air. The 26 decimated homes were located in the Leilani Estates subdivision, where molten rock, toxic gas and steam have been bursting through openings in the ground created by the volcano, officials said. No fatalities or major injuries have been reported since the eruptions began Thursday. Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno told reporters on Sunday that some of the fissures have established pretty good flows and just continue to cover more of the subdivision, adding a sizeable lava flow was heading north of a new vent. "Theres no sign of slowing down," he said. "We had some pauses yesterday, but it seems like theres a lot of magma under the ground." Magno added that it seems like the flows are extending further from the fissures, so the eruption is progressing. Officials had told residents of Leilani Estates on the Big Island that they would be able to return to their homes but as of 6:40 a.m. local time, officers tell Fox News that has changed due to a line of cars waiting for hours to get in. Additionally, on Highway 130, there is now another crack in the road that is about four or five inches thick, which officials said may be a sign something new may be happening. The whole highway has now been closed, and the biggest concern is the noxious fumes. Resident Randall Allen, who was born and raised in Leilani Estates and now living in one of the two shelters on the island with his family, was the first car in line to return to Leilani. There is nothing to do at the shelter. Its better to be close to home than wait at the shelter, he told Fox News. This is my home. So I am standing by and praying to the Lord. Kilauea erupted Thursday, shooting volcanic ash into the sky and prompting emergency evacuations. By Friday, more cracks emerged in active volcano vents as molten rock pierced the air and red-hot lava gushed on the ground. More than 1,700 people have evacuated, with no definite word on when theyll be able to return. A professor of geology at Tulane University told Fox News on Monday the Hawaii volcano eruption is very, very minor in terms of volcanic eruptions. Hawaiian eruptions, in general, are not very explosive, Stephen A. Nelson said, adding Mount St. Helens was thousands of times more explosive than whats happening now on the Big Island. Thats a big disaster, but all those houses are built in the East Rift Zone, he said. They do destroy property and thats a shame. The latest volcanic eruption might not have been prepared for in the near-term, but Nelson said it was expected within 200 or 300 years. He added that geologists dont know how much lava is actually going to erupt, because there is still a lot of magma in that part of the rift zone. Residents in Leilani Estates, a community near the town of Pahoa on the Big Island, and Lanipuna Gardens, a rural subdivision directly to the east, were ordered to evacuate.Home prices in the area range from about $250,000 up to nearly $600,000, according to real estate listings. The neighborhood is known for having more affordable real-estate prices on the Big Island that draw in many newcomers who can't afford to live elsewhere, according to Reuters. Leilani Estates is located in the Zone 1 (out of nine) hazard rating for lava-flows, as calculated by the U.S. Geological Survey, due to vents that have been repeatedly active in historical time. VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS LIKE THE ONE IN HAWAII, ARE NOT NATURAL DISASTERS -- WITHOUT THEM THE EARTH WOULD EXPLODE People move here thinking its paradise, and what they learn is that its something different, realtor Jessica Gauthier told the news agency. Amber Makuakane Kane, 37, a teacher and single mother of two, told the Associated Press that her three-bedroom house in Leilani Estates was destroyed by lava. The dwelling was across from a fissure that opened Friday, when "there was some steam rising from all parts of the yard, but everything looked fine," Makuakane said. Lava has spread around 387,500 square feet surrounding the most active fissure, though the rate of movement is slow. There was no indication when the lave might stop or how far it might spread. "There's more magma in the system to be erupted. As long as that supply is there, the eruption will continue," U.S. Geological Survey volcanologist Wendy Stovall said. About 250 people and 90 pets spent Saturday night at shelters, the American Red Cross said. HAWAII'S VOLCANIC ERUPTION HAS DESTROYED AT LEAST 26 HOMES, OFFICIALS SAY The lava could eventually be channeled to one powerful vent while others go dormant, as has happened in some previous Hawaii eruptions, Stovall said. Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, has been erupting continuously since 1983. This latest eruption is by far the strongest and most unstable the volcano has been in decades. Fox News' Barnini Chakraborty in Puha, Hawaii, Caleb Parke, Mike Arroyo and The Associated Press contributed to this report The father of a Marine who was killed in action in Afghanistan said vandals broke into his truck and stole a large American flag his son had over his bed before he went out on his last patrol. Shawn Marceau, of White Swan, Wash., said the flag was a precious reminder of his son, Joe Jackson, who was killed in 2011. The signatures of his son and the other members of his platoon are on the flag, which was a gift from his son's Marine buddies after he died. Jackson was 22 when he was killed by an improvised bomb while conducting combat operations in Helmand province of Afghanistan. "The significance to anybody is really nothing, but to us, it is so personal because it's their last signatures in their lives, Marceau told Fox 12 Oregon. And I think that is what makes it so important to us. It is part of our son and he had it there with him when he was killed." Marceau posted about the theft on Facebook on Friday. As of Monday morning, the post had been shared more than 33,000 times. Any information would be great, no questions asked, Marceau wrote. Please return this flag if you have seen it. Marceau said the flag was stolen in April, which is the same month that his son was killed. A Florida sheriff's deputy who was shot in the head Sunday while responding to a dispute involving a cat has died, officials said. Deputy William J. Gentry, Jr., of the Highlands County Sheriff's Office, died just after 1 p.m. Monday afternoon from injuries sustained in the incident, the sheriff's office posted online. Gentry, alongside a deputy-in-training, had responded to a dispute between neighbors in Lake Placid over a cat that had been shot, allegedly by 69-year-old suspect Joseph Edward Ables. The deputy approached Ables, who then shot Gentry in the head just before 8 p.m., according to Sheriff Paul Blackman. The deputy was airlifted to Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers. OFFICERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY IN 2018 Neither Gentry nor the training officer exchanged gunfire with Ables, Blackman said. Ables, a convicted felon with an apparent history of violence toward law enforcement, was taken into custody at the scene. He has been charged with possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, attempted first-degree murder without premeditation, resisting an officer with violence, violation of probation and tampering with evidence. Gentry was 40 years old and a 9-year veteran of the force. "William is an experienced law enforcement officer and serves as one of our Field Training Deputies," Blackman said before Gentry died. "His brother is one of our detectives. This is an unimaginable tragedy for our agency. Our prayers are with Deputy Gentry and his family." Florida Gov. Rick Scott said Monday that he and his wife, Ann, "join all Floridians in mourning the loss of another Florida hero, Deputy William Gentry, whose life has now been senselessly taken." "We will not stand for anyone who hurts our law enforcement," Scott said in a statement. "I ask for all Floridians to pray for Deputy Gentrys family and loved ones, the Highlands County Sheriffs Office and all of our courageous law enforcement who go above and beyond every day to keep us safe. Lake Placid is about two hours southeast of Tampa. This Blog is a digital journal for two cute pooches, Casey (A White Color Shih Tzu Dog Mix) & Peanut (A Brown Dachshund Dog Mix) who are both two complete opposites who have nothing in common except this blog and same owners. A Florida man has been jailed after police say he tried to char sex offenders to death. Jorge Porto-Sierra, 50, confessed to Osceola County investigators that he attempted to kill multiple people on March 7 at a motel in Kissimmee, WESH reported. SUSPECT IN BRUTAL SEXUAL ASSAULT IS ID'D; 40 COPS TAPPED IN MANHUNT The man allegedly told police he went to the Friendly Village Inn & Motel to "barbecue all the child molesters on fire and kill them." The news station reported that at least two of the four victims are convicted sex offenders. Porto-Sierra reportedly made several threats, including a taunt of, "I'm going to kill you, child molester," before allegedly splashing gasoline on a door. Witnesses said claimed Porto-Sierra was holding a cigarette during the incident, and hit a couple's car and poured gasoline on it. He's also accused of breaking a hotel window to pour gas inside the room. Porto-Sierra told police he didn't act on his threats because they "got here too soon," according to WESH. He was formally charged on Thursday with four counts of attempted premeditated murder, the station reported, and is being held on no bond at the Osceola County Jail. George Zimmerman, the onetime neighborhood watch volunteer who was acquitted in the 2012 shooting death of Trayvon Martin in Central Florida, has been charged for allegedly threatening and harassing a private investigator involved in a documentary about Martin. Zimmerman, 34, allegedly stalked investigator Dennis Warren in December 2017, according to a news release from Seminole County officials. GEORGE ZIMMERMAN CLEARED OF ALL CHARGES IN SHOOTING OF TRAYVON MARTIN, RELEASED BY JUDGE Warren was hired by a production company to help find people who could be interested in participating in a documentary about Martin, sheriff's office documents obtained by Fox News reveal. Martin, an unarmed black 17-year-old, was staying at the gated townhouse community in Sanford where Zimmerman lived and was serving as a neighborhood watch volunteer, when Zimmerman fatally shot him. An investigation by the county sheriff's office earlier this year found that Warren reached out to Zimmerman in September and gave him his contact information. Zimmerman became upset that his family was contacted to possibly participate in the documentary, the documents state. He then allegedly sent the private investigator threatening texts and emails. GEORGE ZIMMERMAN SAYS HE WAS PUNCHED FOR DISCUSSING TRAYVON MARTIN CASE One of Zimmerman's texts to Warren, which was accompanied by a news article, reportedly read: "I know how to handle people who [expletive] with me, I have since February of 2012." "Anyone who [expletive] with my parents will be fed to an alligator," Zimmerman said, according to investigators. Between Dec. 16 and 25 of 2017, officials said Warren received 55 phone calls, 67 text messages, 36 voicemails and 27 emails from Zimmerman. The sheriff's office said Zimmerman's alleged stalking "can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt at trial." He's due to appear in court May 30. Fox News' Kathleen Reuschle contributed to this report. Fiery rivers of black, chunky lava continue to creep across Hawaii's Big Island after the eruption of the Kilauea volcano -- a blast responsible for the destruction of more than two dozen homes and the evacuation of hundreds of people. According to Hawaiian officials, there's no indication when the lava flow will stop. "Theres no sign of slowing down," Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno said Sunday. "We had some pauses yesterday, but it seems like theres a lot of magma under the ground." So far, lava has spread around 387,500 square feet surrounding the most active fissure. HAWAII VOLCANO SHOWS 'NO SIGN OF SLOWING DOWN,' DESTROYS DOZENS OF HOMES "There's more magma in the system to be erupted. As long as that supply is there, the eruption will continue," U.S. Geological Survey volcanologist Wendy Stovall said. Here's everything we know about the Hawaii volcano eruption. When did the eruption start? The Kilauea volcano erupted May 3 days after earthquakes rocked the Puna district of the Big Island. The crater floor began to collapse April 30, triggering earthquakes and pushing lava into new underground chambers that carried it toward nearby communities. A magnitude-6.9 earthquake Hawaii's largest in more than 40 years hit the area on May 4. Lava then began to slowly flow through the Leilani Estates subdivision, destroying dozens of homes. There are about 770 structures in the neighborhood. What do we know about the Kilauea volcano? Kilauea is one of five volcanoes on Hawaii. It's the youngest, southernmost and among the most active volcanoes on the island, according to the USGS. For a while, some thought the volcano was just a part of the Mauna Loa volcano. "However, research over the past few decades shows clearly that Kilauea has its own magma-plumbing system, extending to the surface from more than" 37 miles deep, the USGS explains on its website. HAWAII'S VOLCANIC ERUPTION HAS DESTROYED AT LEAST 26 HOMES, OFFICIALS SAY In the past 66 years, the volcano has erupted a shocking 34 times. Most of Kilauea's activity has been nonexplosive, but a 1924 eruption spewed ash and 10-ton rocks into the sky, leaving one man dead. What are volcanic fissures? At least 11 fissures have opened up since Kilauea started spilling out lava. So, what exactly is a fissure? A fissure is an opening or crack in the ground that's created by the volcano, allowing molten rock, toxic gas and steam to burst through the opening. "On volcanoes, a fissure is an elongate fracture or crack at the surface from which lava erupts. Fissure eruptions typically dwindle to a central vent after a period of hours or days," the USGS says. How many people have been evacuated? More than 1,700 residents living in Leilani Estates have been evacuated. Hawaii Gov. David Ige also mobilized the Hawaii National Guard to assist with evacuations and security. "Authorities on scene will determine what areas will be safe for [residents] to enter. Please be aware that because of unstable conditions that involve toxic gas, earthquakes and lava activities, lines of safety can change at any time," the Hawaii County Civil Defense said in an online statement May 6. VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS LIKE THE ONE IN HAWAII, ARE NOT NATURAL DISASTERS -- WITHOUT THEM THE EARTH WOULD EXPLODE Residents can stay up-to-date with warnings, closures and other information by signing up for alerts here. How long will the eruption continue? Volcano officials in Hawaii say there is no way to predict how long this latest eruption on Kilauea volcano will continue. Asta Miklius, a geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory, says how long it will last will depend on whether the summit magma reservoir gets involved. How can I help? Instead of dropping off food or other items in-person at local shelters, officials ask you to call the Salvation Army to see what residents need and how to help: 808-756-0306 The American Red Cross of Hawaii is also accepting donations and explains how you can help on its website. The Red Cross said on Twitter that it has opened a shelter at Keaau Community Center. According to Hawaii News Now, locals have also set up a makeshift shelter along Highway 130 for those who wish to drop off products for evacuees. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The volcano spewing lava hundreds of feet into the air on Hawaii's Big Island may also threaten a geothermal power plant -- where tens of thousands of gallons of highly flammable liquid are stored. Lava from the powerful Kilauea volcano has destroyed more than two dozen homes and threatened to take out even more. A photo taken by the United States Geological Survey on Sunday showed how a "lava lake" at the summit has reduced in size. Moving walls of thick gooey molten rock consumed asphalt roads on the Big Island as crackling red hot lava glowed underneath and plumes of thick black smoke blanketed above. Linda Jones, who honeymooned on the island 20 years ago and decided to move there, wept. Madame Pele. I have love and respect, she told Fox News, referring to the Hawaiian goddess whose home is in Kilaueas Halemaumau Crater. Im praying now, not only for our homes, but for her island too. Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno said Sunday at a news conference the Puna Geothermal Venture, a geothermal power plant, has been evacuated and an emergency shutdown procedure was conducted. There are still nearly 50,000 gallons of pentane stored at the site, according to Hawaii News Now. "Everything is still on property," Magno said. "They moved it to high ground just in case any flows would start coming that way, give them a little more time. But their plans are made to get them out of there if it gets to that next level." Pentane is a clear colorless liquid with a petroleum-like odor that's a component of some fuels, and "is employed as a specialty solvent in the laboratory," according to PubChem, a public repository for information on chemical substances and their biological activities, run by the US National Institutes of Health. The NIH lists pentane as an "extremely flammable liquid and vapor." The councilwoman for the district where the plant is located, Eileen O'Hara, told Hawaii News Now she was informed plant officials are complying with an approved evacuation plan previously approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and state health department. "If every drop of pentane that is being stored on site...were to ignite simultaneously, would it be able to cause a fire in the nearest residence? The evaluation says no. It might cause glass to shatter from the explosion, but it could not cause a fire at the nearest residence," she told the news outlet. HAWAII VOLCANO SHOWS 'NO SIGN OF SLOWING DOWN,' DESTROYS DOZENS OF HOMES The Puna Geothermal Venture, known as PGV, is a "geothermal energy conversion plant bringing steam and hot liquid up through underground wells," according to the Hawaiian Electric Company. "The hot liquid (brine) is not used for electricity at this time. The steam is directed to a turbine generator that produces electricity," the power company said. "The exhaust steam from this turbine is used to vaporize (heat) an organic working fluid, which drives a second turbine, generating additional electricity." Magno said the current volcanic activity appears to be "stabilizing" and moving in the opposite direction of the plant. But, if the lava were to change direction and go to "the next step," officials would then start to remove the materials off the property. That wasn't enough for Leilani Estates resident William Braham, who told Hawaii News Now the plant was the main reason he chose to evacuate. "I understand that the lava can come down, but much more likely, it's going to come over here," Braham said. "And that's directly in the line of the geothermal. And that makes me feel very, very unsafe." Officials are begging tourists and self-described lava chasers to avoid traveling to Leilani Estates, where fumes are pushing through giant cracks in the ground. "This is not the time for sightseeing. You can help tremendously by staying out of the area, Hawaiis civil defense said in a statement. Jessica Ferracane, a spokesperson for the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, said the magnitude of Kilaueas recent eruption is nothing that Ive ever experienced on a personal level ever before. Fox News' Barnini Chakraborty in Hawaii and The Associated Press contributed to this report. A woman who has filed a lawsuit against polygamist leader Warren Jeffs and others in the Fundamentalist LDS Church accusing them of ritualistic sex abuse could have her identity unmasked in court. Lawyers for the court-controlled United Effort Plan Trust, which oversees property in the polygamous communities of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Ariz., are asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a woman known only as R.H. As part of overall arguments about proper jurisdiction, the attorneys contend she must reveal her identity if she wants to sue Jeffs, the FLDS Church and the UEP Trust. If Plaintiff wants to continue her pursuit of the Trust, she could then presumably attempt to file another lawsuit which would require her to either reveal her identity on the Complaint ... or to seek prior court permission to proceed anonymously, UEP Trust attorney Zachary Shields wrote in a filing. Fox 13 first reported on the womans accusations last year. She alleges that as an 8-year-old girl, she was often taken from her home with a bag over her head, driven to an unknown location and then sexually abused by Jeffs and other FLDS leaders. Jeffs is currently serving a life sentence in Texas for child sex assault related to underage marriages. Click for more from Fox 13. A man accused of shooting a 16-year-old girl to death is reportedly on the lam after he was mistakenly released from a Maryland jail last week. Dekale Bowman, 18, was being held without bail in Washington in the Jan. 25 murder of Taiyania Thompson, a high school sophomore. On Wednesday, he was driven to Maryland to answer charges in a stolen car case, NBC 4 D.C. reported. The next day, he was released after the bond in the car theft case was set at $2,600, FOX5 DC reported. A warrant was issued for Bowman in Washington on Friday when he failed to appear for a scheduled court hearing in the murder case. Jail officials in Maryland said there were no warrants in their system preventing Bowman from being released, the station reported. A court affidavit in the murder case says Bowman told a witness the shooting was an accident, WTOP-TV reported in March. A Tennessee man who received the nickname "Captain Jack Sparrow" was arrested Wednesday in Knoxville's Market Square where he was found to huffing glue and resisting arrest, police said. Bystanders flagged down an office to report "odd behavior" by a man later identified as Brian Zielinski, 29, who was "talking incoherently and appeared to be under the influence of some type of inhalant," according to a police report obtained by WLVT. When authorities searched the 29-year-old they found he had two bottles of super glue in a pocket and a sunglasses case with little light bulbs with a straw attached at the end. Zielinski old investigators the items were for huffing glue, according to WVLT. When officers placed the 29-year-old in handcuffs he tried to run away, then told reportedly officers to kill him before banging his head on the sidewalk. Zielinksi then tried to kick officers as they attempted to restrain him, police told WVLT. "His actions created an unreasonable amount of noise that was preventing the surrounding public from carrying on with their lawful activities," the police report obtained by the television station said. NYC MUGGERS JUMP TEEN FOR $2G AIR JORDANS, WHICH TURN OUT TO BE FAKE He was arrested on charges of possessing intoxicants for unlawful purposes, possession of unlawful drug paraphernalia uses and activities, evading arrest and disordering conduct. Jail records show bond was set at $2,750. This was not Zielinksi's first run-in with the law. He was previously arrested in Dunlap, Tenn. in 2017 after being found wandering around town dressed as a pirate like "Captain Jack Sparrow" from the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean," WDEF reported. In that incident, police said Zielinski was kicked out of a friend's residence, where he had been staying, when he "began acting crazy." After crawling into through a window into a friends home, he was arrested on charges of aggravated burglary and resisting arrest. A manhunt is underway in Maryland after "multiple" people were discovered fatally shot inside a Brookville home on Monday afternoon. Montgomery County Police, who did not initially name the suspect, tweeted that the department responded to a domestic disturbance call following a "report of multiple people shot inside." There were "multiple fatalities" inside the home roughly 16 miles west of Gaithersburg, police said. It was not immediately clear how many people were found dead. The suspect who's believed to be known by police is not in custody. Police said they "do not believe this was random." People who live in the area have been warned to "shelter in place." Police will provide updates as the manhunt continues. Hazy accounts of two men arguing and the vague description of a vehicle speeding north down a Missouri highway are the best leads investigators have as they hunt a mysterious man believed to have stabbed a young Air National Guard member to death Saturday in an apparent road rage murder. Cody M. Harter, 23, of St. Joseph, was found dead in the median on 291 Highway, near the merger to Interstate 470 in Lees Summit, after he collapsed from a stab wound to the chest, FOX4KC reported. Drivers reported seeing a man stumbling into the highway traffic at about 7:30 p.m. Harter, a loadmaster with the Missouri Air National Guard, was pronounced dead at the scene. His maroon 2003 Chevrolet Silverado was found parked on the shoulder of the highway. "He did a tour over in Iraq and he was in Qatar," Harters mother said at a news conference on Sunday. "He helped with hurricane relief in Houston and Puerto Rico. He loved everyone. He would help anybody. He only had one semester left until he graduated with an engineering technology degree." Police said Sunday that Harter died in an apparent road rage incident. Drivers said they saw two men arguing outside their vehicles on the highway, with the suspects vehicle parked in front of Harters truck in traffic. Police believe the suspect fled north on 291 Highway after stabbing Harter. Witnesses, however, only provided a vague description of the suspects vehicle. Harters mother made an emotional plea Sunday for witnesses to come forward for information to have the killer arrested. "[Harter] brought us great joy. He knew great joy. He knew love," she said. "He knew adventure. He knew kindness, and now we know pain and loss. If you saw anything, even if you think it was nothing, please call. Please call to put the pieces together. Let's find who did this senseless act, so that you're not sitting here when it's your child. Please, please call." Harter also owned a lawn care business and was an avid dirt bike racer. Authorities are asking anyone who may have been driving down Interstate 470 or seen Harters truck on 291 Highway around 7:30 p.m. Saturday to call police at 816-969-1705. A New York City woman was arrested after police said they discovered she used obituaries to rob grieving families while they were out attending their loved one's funeral. Greensburg Police charged Latonia Shelecia Stewart, 26, from the Bronx, with conspiracy to commit burglary, a felony, and criminal possession of stolen property, a misdemeanor, The Journal News reported. Officers who were investigating a string of robberies noticed the victims were listed as next of kin in funeral arrangements, and those families homes were then robbed during the time they were attending the funeral services, police said. So detectives staked out the home of a recently deceased Greenburgh resident and, when a car that matched the description of the suspects vehicle pulled up, police said they found stolen property from a February burglary. Stewart was arraigned and released on bond. It remains unclear how many municipalities view Stewart as a suspect in similar burglaries. A Pakistani man pleaded guilty in federal court in Maryland to failing to disclose lobbying work on behalf of the Pakistani government, the Justice Department said Monday. Nisar Ahmed Chaudhry, 71, who admitted to working as an unregistered foreign agent since 2012, faces a maximum prison term of five years when he is sentenced in July. A federal law known as the Foreign Agents Registration Act requires people to disclose to the Justice Department when they lobby or perform other political activities in the U.S. on behalf of foreign governments. But the Justice Department has rarely brought criminal cases, choosing instead to encourage people to comply with the law rather than prosecute them when they fail to do so. As part of his plea, Chaudhry, of Columbia, Maryland, admitted to secretly acting as an agent for the Pakistani government in an effort to get information about, and influence, U.S. government policies toward Pakistan. Prosecutors say Chaudhry, who represented himself as the president of the Pakistan American League, organized roundtable discussions in the Washington area aimed at influencing U.S. policy and also traveled to Pakistan to brief government officials there on information that he had learned from American contacts. Chaudhry told U.S. government officials, including Customs and Border Protection agents, and think-tank contacts that his work was solely educational in nature and not affiliated with the Pakistani government, the Justice Department said. In fact, prosecutors say, his activities were designed to shape American policy in a way that favored Pakistani interests. A federal defender listed as representing Chaudhry did not immediately return a message seeking comment. The owner of a party bus company in North Carolina has been issued multiple citations after a 20-year-old college student died when she fell out of a bus window into oncoming traffic last week. Victor Rabb, owner of Charlotte Party Charters, was cited in the incident which left Polly Rogers, a student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, dead. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said the party bus was uninsured and had a fake license plate, Fox 46 reported. Rogers was headed to a bar uptown on the bus around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday night when she fell through the emergency exit window. The UNCC student was hit by multiple cars, police said. Rabb said afterwards that he was temporarily suspending operations, adding his staff was "shaken" at what happened. UNCC STUDENT, 20, KILLED AFTER SHE FELL OUT OF PARTY BUS INTO PATH OF CARS "I don't know what could have been done differently," Rabb told WFAE. "It's something that's never happened before." He reportedly surrendered the party bus voluntarily to state officials for further investigation. Charlotte Party Charters but did not immediately respond to Fox News' request for comment. Investigators have interviewed the driver of one of the vehicles that hit the student, Fox 46 added. Police have said they're still trying to figure out who the driver of the second vehicle was. Rogers was studying special education at UNCC and was a member of the school's Zeta Tau Alpha women's fraternity. Her sisters called her "an emerging leader" in the sorority and "one of friendliest people you would ever meet." The Kappa-Omega Chapter of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, which rented out the party bus which police reportedly stated had alcohol aboard suspended its operations last week and, in a statement, said it "will fully cooperate with all investigations of the University and local authorities." Rogers' funeral took place Monday afternoon in Charlotte. As a nearly naked gunman opened fire at a Waffle House in Tennessee last month, dispatchers initially sent police officers to the wrong location, a potentially deadly error which has now sparked an internal investigation. In dispatch records obtained by WKRN-TV, an initial dispatch was sent to police officers at 3:26 a.m. for the location of a Waffle House on 816 Murfreesboro Pike in South Nashville -- but that Waffle House is eight miles away from the one where Travis Reinking opened fire, killing four people. "Hermitage all cars especially 531, 510. 52 Waffle House. 816 Murfreesboro Pike. 8-1-6 Murfreesboro Pike across from I-24. Said someone is shot. Units respond Hermitage. 3:26," the dispatcher said, according to records obtained by WKRN. Dispatch corrected the address by 3:27 a.m., after roughly a minute and a half, to the correct location at 3571 Murfreesboro Pike. Twenty seconds after the correction was put out, a Hermitage police officer cleared the scene at the 816 Murfreesboro Pike location. "This is 52-74. I'm 97 at the one on Spence. It is not going to be this location," the officer said in the dispatch records. Nashville police said officers arrived at the location of the shooting by 3:32 a.m. Michelle Peterson, the Deputy Director of Support Services for the Nashville Emergency Communications Center, told WKRN the person who initially called 911 was on a cell phone and did not know the address of the Waffle House on Murfreesboro Pike. MOM OF WAFFLE HOUSE VICTIM RECEIVES DIPLOMA AT COMMENCEMENT Peterson said that dispatchers had to act fast, and sent police to the location they were familiar with, which was the 816 Murfreesboro Pike location. A Waffle House spokesperson told the television station the restaurant that was the scene of the shooting only opened in November. Reinking, 29 is due in court Monday and facing multiple charges, including four counts of criminal homicide. It is not clear if he will attend the hearing or if there will be any testimony. Online records of the Davidson County Sheriff's Office show he is being held without bond in a secure area of the Metro Nashville Jail. Reinking was nearly naked and wearing only a green jacket when he began shooting people with an AR-15 rifle inside and outside the restaurant, according to police. Authorities said four other people were injured, including James Shaw Jr., who wrestled the gun away from Reinking. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A political action committee's billboard calling the National Rifle Association a "terrorist organization" isn't sitting well with some nearby Ohio residents, who are raising funds to put a pro-gun message on an adjacent billboard. WCPO-TV reports the billboard over northbound Interstate 75 in Middletown was funded by Mad Dog PAC, which has targeted the NRA and Republican politicians with more than a dozen billboards around the country. In comments to WCPO, the group's chairman, Claude Taylor, questioned where the NRA gets its money, saying he's "very suspicious of some of their Russian funding." He also says the billboard messages are appropriately sharp. But some local residents say it doesn't represent their feelings and want to put a counterpoint billboard. A GoFundMe page for the effort has raised over $1,000. ___ Information from: WCPO-TV, http://www.wcpo.com Body camera footage shows that law enforcement ignored the advice of SWAT team members when they entered a suburban Kansas City home and fatally shot a mentally distressed woman with a history of only minor, nonviolent offenses. The Kansas City Star reports that it reviewed 23 hours of footage tied to the Aug. 23 shooting of 26-year-old Ciara Howard after a three-hour standoff in Olathe. The Star had sued for the video and dropped its lawsuit last month after receiving it. The footage shows officers had been briefed that Howard was acting irrationally and had access to her boyfriend's handgun when they arrived. They were there to arrest her on a warrant for walking away from the county's adult residential center where she'd been required to report after her latest conviction. "It's not worth getting into a shootout and hurting an officer or hurting her over the type of warrants that we have," a commander on the scene was heard on camera, relaying the word from Olathe and Johnson County that neither of their SWAT teams wanted to come to the scene and go into the house. Howard, whose legal problems began with intoxicated conflicts and escalated when she failed to meet court requirements, was bipolar, relatives said. Her autopsy showed she had amphetamine and methamphetamine in her system. Olathe police described Howard's death as a "tragedy for everyone involved" in a written statement. The shooting was deemed justified, but the finding addressed only the threat the officers faced once they were in the house, Johnson County Chief Deputy District Attorney Chris McMullin said at the time. It did not address the tactics and decisions officers made to enter the house. Johnson County Sheriff Calvin Hayden said his deputies were at the scene to back up Olathe police. He said he agreed with the county SWAT team commander's decision not to send its SWAT team. He said he did not know why Olathe commanders ultimately decided to go into the house. Before police forced open the door of a laundry room where Howard was sequestered, she could be heard repeatedly shouting, "You're not real police!" Footage shows her pointing at them with her right hand while she held the gun in her left. The three lawmen who had wedged in through the door opened fire after she refused their demands to put down the weapon. "I still don't understand," said Mark Arnold, the husband of Howard's mother. "Why did they go in?" None of the footage obtained by The Star captured any conversations that show why commanders on the scene decided to go into the house rather than wait her out, and Olathe police did not respond to questions from The Star. ___ Information from: The Kansas City Star, http://www.kcstar.com Nine people were hurt -- including four seriously -- when a 79-year-old woman, who may have been intoxicated, crashed her car into a popular Italian restaurant in New York on Sunday night, police said. Yonkers resident Roseanne Cassano was charged with driving while intoxicated when she crashed into the Mamaroneck restaurant. All of a sudden a car came inside in reverse and I was just shocked," Ethan De La Rosa, who was eating inside at the time, told NBC 4 News. I have adrenaline running through me. Its crazy to think how my life could have ended right there. Surveillance footage shows Cassano backing a white car out of a handicap parking spot, hitting a red sedan in the turning lane, then careening into Enzos Ristorante, injuring several people. The exact nature of the injuries weren't immediately clear. It spun around and then came back into reverse onto this side of the road and then it landed into the restaurant, eyewitness Elsa Brewer told ABC7. It just happened so fast. A gunman opened fire on the country's interior minister after a public meeting in his constituency Sunday, wounding him in the shoulder, officials said. Talal Chaudhry, the Minister of State for Interior Affairs, says Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal was returning to his car after a meeting in Narowal district when he came under attack. Senior police officer Imran Kishwar said the attacker was immediately arrested, and that the interior minister was out of danger. He said the 22-year-old gunman fired at the minister at close range. His motivation was not immediately known. Malik Ahmed Khan, the spokesman for Punjab government, said the bullet impacted the minister's arm. He said Iqbal went to Narowal to mobilize support for his re-election. The attack on the interior minister comes ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for mid-July. Government ministers and opposition leaders condemned the attack. The Leader of Opposition Khurshid Shah described it an attempt to portray the security apparatus as weak and create environment of fear ahead of the elections. Popular opposition leader Imran Khan and his PTI party demanded a probe into the attack. A Los Angeles triple-murder suspect was tried and convicted in his native China more than a decade after the shocking killings, according to multiple reports. Tai Zhi Cui, 55, was the boyfriend of one of three people found shot to death in a Koreatown restaurant in 2006. Cui had argued with his ex-girlfriend Kyung Hee Kang and her new boyfriend Seong Ung Kim, on the day of the murders, investigators said. He later reportedly walked into Cinyuya Restaurant, where Kang worked, and shot her, Kim and one of the restaurants owners, Jae Woong Cho, to death. Investigators found the blood-spattered murder weapon in Cuis apartment. By then, Cui, had escaped to Mexico. His trail went cold for two years, the South China Morning Post reported, until a Koreatown businessman contacted the LAPD. The businessman said he believed Cui might have been the cab driver who picked him up from the airport in Shenyang. After years of the Los Angeles Police Department requesting cooperation from China to help with the case, Cui was arrested and given a trial by Chinese judges, The Los Angeles Times reported. Cui reportedly confessed in a court session that lasted 90 minutes. His exact punishment was unclear. He didnt get away with it. You cant kill three people like that and get away with it, retired LAPD Lt. Walt Teague, who investigated the murders in 2006, told The Los Angeles Times. The Jewish cemetery of Athens, Greece, was vandalized over the weekend, an event the local Jewish community is calling one of the most violent and significant anti-Semitic events of recent years in Greece.Unknown vandals entered the cemetery on Friday night and destroyed nine commemorative marble struts. The marble slabs are used to mark the sectors of the cemetery, and are dedicated to the memory of the dead by their families.The scene is repulsive and our disappointment is great, the Jewish community said in a statement.While this is not the first time the cemetery was desecrated, it is the first time such an act was organized and planned in [a] part of the cemetery that is not visible from the neighboring houses and with incredible fury, the statement said.The view of the results of this abominable act causes us deep sorrow and anger, the statement added.The Jewish Community of Athens vowed to exercise all the legal means at its disposal, and has already launched a complaint with the police, which immediately dispatched a team to the scene of the crime to investigate.The Jewish community also called upon all the institutions of the State and the City, the Justice, the Religious and Spiritual Authorities of the country and the Civil Society, to condemn unambiguously and without reservation this desecration and to stand with absolutely zero tolerance against such phenomena of violence and intolerance.There is no worse sign of a societys moral decline than desecration of a cemetery and disrespect for the dead, the Jewish community said. It is not an act that concerns only our community. It is an act that brutally affects the whole of society, the values and principles of a favored state.Most of Greeces pre-war Jewish population was deported and murdered in Nazi death camps by German occupation forces toward the end of the war.Vandalism of Jewish sites and anti-Semitic attacks has increased in Greece since the rise in recent years of the Nazi-inspired Golden Dawn party, which grew to become Greeces third-largest political party.Among Europeans, Greeks have some of the most negative attitudes towards Jews, a 2016 Pew Research Center study revealed. Air France is grappling with a new strike, a sinking share price and a warning from the French government that the airline's survival is at stake. Monday's strike prompted the cancellation of about 15 percent of Air France flights worldwide. The number of striking staffers appears to be slightly declining as the airline enters its 14th day of walkouts in recent months. Shares plunged when French markets opened Monday. Air France-KLM CEO Jean-Marc Janaillac announced his resignation Friday night after workers rejected the company's latest wage proposal. The strikes have cost Air France more than 300 million euros. French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire on Sunday said the government would not rescue the airline but warned that "the survival of Air France is at stake." Prosecutors say that Danish submarine inventor Peter Madsen is not appealing his murder conviction over the killing and dismemberment of Swedish journalist Kim Wall. The prosecution tweeted Monday that the defense has only appealed against the life sentence handed down to Madsen by Copenhagen City Court. The prosecutors insist the sentence is correct. Madsen was found guilty April 25 of murder, sexual assault and the defilement of Wall. The Copenhagen City Court ruled unanimously that Madsen, 47, had lured Wall, 30, onto his hand-built submarine with the promise of an interview she had been trying to get for months. The defense announced at the time that it would appeal, but didn't specify whether it was disputing Madsen's guilt or the sentence. No date for the appeal has been set. ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi - still the world's most wanted man, with a $25 million bounty on his head - is believed to be very much at large, quite possibly in a desert area of Syria. That's the assessment of multiple officials who say Baghdadi - whose real name is Ibrahim Awwad Ibrahim al-Basri - is likely sheltering in a remaining ISIS bastion in the Euphrates River Valley, a barren terrain with vast open plains, on the Syrian side of the porous border with Iraq. The last information we have is he is in Al-Hajin in Syria, 18 miles from the border in Deir ez-Zor province, Abu Ali al-Basri, director-general of the intelligence and counter-terrorism office at the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, told Fox News on Sunday. Al-Basri said fresh information about Baghdadi's whereabouts has come as recently as the last couple of days, and is being used conduct amulti-force raid with Russian, Syrian and Iranian troops. Brig. Gen. Yahya Rasool, spokesperson for the Iraqi Ministry of Defense and for the Joint Operations Command, affirmed Baghdadi likely survives on the border east of the Euphrates River - with Syrias Al Shadaddi in the al-Hasakh province another possible location. It is not difficult for him to hide in the Syrian desert, Rasool said. That's also the view of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), who believe Baghdadi is in one of the "tens of villages" along Iraqi-Syrian border, according to SDF spokesperson, Mustafa Bali. While ISIS has been largely defeated across Syria and Iraq, the U.S.-led coalition this past week continued to carry out some 27 air strikes against remaining targets near Abu Kamal, Deir ez-Zor and Al Shadaddi on the Syrian side, as well as near Mosul, Ar Rutbah and Al Huwayjah on the Iraq side. Hisham al-Hishami, a member of the National Reconciliation Commission and researcher in extremism and terrorism affairs - who advises both the Iraq and several foreign governments on ISIS activity, said the land where Baghdadi may be hiding out is very large, and he can hide in thousands of square miles between Iraq and Syria, he said. Hishami said the last solid sighting of Baghdadi was in the summer of 2017, in Iraqs Ninawa province, near Mosul. I met with people and some of Baghdadis assistants who been captured and they said he is able to hide because he moves without a convoy or body guards, he said. There are just three people with him his son, his son-in-law and his friend and driver. Sadeq al-Husseini, head of the security committee of eastern Iraqs Diyala provincial council - which in recent months has endured several ISIS attacks amid Iraqi forces successful efforts to routinely kill and capture many of the groups remaining chiefdoms - also told Fox News that Baghdadi left Iraq for Syria at some point during the liberation of Mosul. Baghdadi himself is a coward and ran away like a rat. He is alive but outside Iraqi lands. If he stayed in Mosul, he would be very easy haunting Iraqi forces, or killed in Mosul. Husseini said that in Syria, Baghdadi is able to use an array of disguises, like dressing as a woman. Basri also believes Baghdadi dons modern clothes, and lives without any electronic devices. Experts also said Baghdadi may not have any contact with other ISIS members, and never remains in areas when the fighting or strikes become too intense. Baghdadi was frequently known to move around a lot between Syria and Iraq, and was protected not only by his devoted circle of pledgers, but local Arab tribes in and around the areas under ISIS control. But he is believed to have been seriously wounded on multiple occasions, which has significantly hampered his ability to move. Russian officials last May claimed Baghdadi had been killed in one of their strikes outside of Raqqa, Syria. But such claims were never proven. Reports since have surfaced that he may have been badly wounded in the Russian attack, but survived. Rasool said Baghdadi almost certainly also sustained severe injuries months earlier from an F-16 bomber strike in Iraqs al-Qaim area, which killed several of his guards. And in March, 2015 in the Iraqi town of Sharqat near the Tigris River, just under 200 miles north-west of Baghdad, authorities are said to have accurately targeted him. But again, he presumably survived. He has been injured at least three times, twice in Iraq and once in Syria, said Basri. He has severe injuries to his legs and his health his not good. A U.S.-based intelligence source told Fox News they are operating on the premise that Baghdadi is still alive, until conclusively proven otherwise. Another well-placed American intelligence insider affirmed that with the last 30 days, there have been strong markers that suggest he is very much alive. Sightings and voice interceptions of the shadowy figure, who is believed to be around 47 years old - have emerged from time to time throughout his reign. But the only known public appearance of Baghdadi came in June, 2014, when he appeared at the now-decimated Grand al-Nuri mosque in the old city of Mosul to declare himself the so-called caliph. In September, Baghdadis alleged voice surfaced on a recording urging his followers to fan the flames of war on your enemies and continue fighting in Iraq and pursuing attacks on foreign lands. While the audio was undated, he made reference to several then-current issues - including the escalating threats between the US and North Korea and the recapture of Mosul. And in March, ISIS media wing released a video via encrypted messenger app Telegram glorifying the attack in Niger last October - in which four U.S. Green Berets and five Nigerien troops were killed - while at the same time paying tribute to Baghdadi. Greece's foreign minister says the European Union should reject new Syrian real estate legislation that he says would hinder the return of Syrian refugees to their homes and property. Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias repeated concerns that the law "essentially casts doubt" on the ownership rights of millions of displaced Syrians to their homes, businesses and plots of land. The decree, made public last month, gives property owners in some parts of Syria one month to provide ownership deeds or face confiscation of their property. Thousands of Syrian refugees have sought asylum in Greece. Kotzias was speaking Monday after talks with his Cypriot counterpart Nikos Christodoulides. Greece's foreign minister says Turkey's efforts to legitimize 'illegal' claims on Greek sovereign territory are doomed to fail because they're contrary to international law. Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias says Turkey has submitted to the United Nations a document containing "erroneous positions" regarding Greek territory in the Aegean and the eastern Mediterranean and is trying to present such claims as lawful. But Kotzias said Monday after talks with Cypriot counterpart Nikos Christodoulides that international law can't be manipulated to suit such schemes. Turkey disputes Greece's ownership of a number of uninhabited islands in the eastern Aegean and eastern Mediterranean. It also claims that part of an area where Cyprus is conducting an offshore gas search falls within its own continental shelf. Christodoulides said Cyprus' gas search fully abides by international law. President Hassan Rouhani says Iran would be willing not to abandon the nuclear deal even if the United States pulls out, providing the European Union offers guarantees that Iran would keep benefiting from the accord. Rouhani's remarks came ahead of President Donald Trump's decision expected later this week on whether to pull America out of the landmark deal between Iran and world powers. Rouhani spoke during a meeting with officials in the northeastern city of Mashhad on Monday. He says a U.S. pullout would be a "strategic mistake." He says that "what we want for the deal is that it's preserved and guaranteed by the non-Americans" a reference to other signatories of the 2015 agreement. He added in this case "then the U.S. pullout will be ok." The twisted Danish inventor found guilty of the brutal torture, murder and dismemberment of journalist Kim Wall aboard his homemade submarine will not appeal his murder conviction, prosecutors said Monday. The State Prosecutor of Copenhagen said that Peter Madsen's defense team has only appealed against the life sentenced he received last month. "The prosecution calls for the sentence of lifetime in prison given by the City Court to be upheld. Peter Madsen is appealing for a milder sentence. The appeal case will exclusively be concerned with determination of sentence and not the verdict," the prosecutor's office said. Madsen, 47, was found guilty April 25 of Wall's murder, sexual assault and defilement after the city found the inventor didn't give "a trustworthy" explanation. KIM WALL KILLER PETER MADSEN SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON Judge Anette Burkoe added it was the court's opinion that Madsen "dismembered the body to conceal the evidence from the crime he had committed." The defense said at the time it would appeal, but didn't specify whether it was disputing Madsen's guilt or the sentence. No date for the appeal has been set. Madsen is the 15th person in 10 years to receive a life sentence in Denmark, according to The Local. A new book has raised unsettling questions about the investigation into the 2003 death of a respected British expert who questioned his government's handling of a report claiming Iraq could have launched a chemical or biological attack on just 45 minutes notice. An Inconvenient Death - How The Establishment Covered Up The David Kelly Affair exposes a number of what the author calls suspicious actions in the way British authorities looked into the Ministry of Defense staffer's death - ruled a suicide - which came just weeks after he reportedly spoke to the BBC about Prime Minister Tony Blair's handling of the report. They were absolutely desperate to prove that he killed himself, author Miles Goslett told Fox News, referring to the Blair government. There are so many inconsistencies in the [governments] theory. Goslett said his main objective is to push for a more thorough, independent investigation into what killed Kelly, who by many accounts did not seem despondent in the days before his death, even after being publicly identified by the Blair goverment as a source for the BBC story. Blair was said to be furious over the BBC report, which was seen as undermining his argument for British involvement in the invasion of Iraq. It was after the report aired that Blair gave permission in a meeting for Kelly's name to be made public. The book cites what it calls numerous lapses in the investigation that ruled Kelly's death a suicide. In one passage, for example, it describes how Kellys dentist found his medical file missing from her office, before it mysteriously reappeared a few days later. The dentist contacted police, who found six unidentified fingerprints on the files. The book also cites investigators' failure to interview a U.S. Air Force translator and close friend of Kelly, who said he had a weak right hand that would have made it nearly impossible to fatally slash his left, which was cut open. The translator also cast doubt about reports Kelly swallowed some 20 painkillers, citing his difficulty swallowing pills. Goslett said a formal coroners inquest, rather than the public inquiry that was conducted, would be the most independent, credible way to investigate Kelly's death. A coroner is independent of the government, Goslett said. A coroners inquest goes into an investigation with an open mind, they dont go into it to prove a thesis. A public inquiry into this mans death was to prove a thesis, that he killed himself. It was a whitewash, a travesty. The book presents a number of possible theories about Kellys death. It may have in fact been a suicide. Or Kelly - who was said to have advanced coronary disease - may have suffered a fatal medical emergency in the midst of an interrogation, and perhaps panicked authorities disposed of his body. He may also have been killed. The British Embassy in Washington D.C. did not respond to calls and emails from Fox News seeking comment. A spokesperson for Tony Blair in London declined to comment. Kelly had served as a weapons inspector in the 1990s for a United Nations mission focused on verifying whether Iraq had destroyed its conventional weapons program. A 2003 New Yorker article on Kelly said: Kelly had proved to be an indefatigable sleuth, and he played a key role in forcing the Iraqi government to admit that it had a biological weapons program. The New Yorker reporter said a source, who was not named, told him: The reason he was so effective with the Iraqis is that he was tough, very tough, and they respected that. He was always very polite, but he wouldnt let them get away with anything. He was absolutely relentless. Kelly did not doubt Iraq had dangerous weapons. But he did express doubts about Blairs contention that Iraq had the capability to use biological and chemical weapons within 45 minutes of being given an order. There have been other calls over the years for a coroners inquiry. At a press conference in Tokyo shortly after Kellys death, a reporter asked Blair whether he had blood on his hands. According to Goslett, Tony Blair is sort of in it up to his neck Kellys family has not joined those questioning the cause of death. His widow, Janice, has indicated she accepts the suicide finding. But with all the inconsistencies, Goslett said, he is not fully convinced Kelly's relatives are fully forthcoming about how they really feel. Ultimately, Goslett said, What I hope the book will achieve is a wider understanding of this very murky period. next Image 1 of 2 prev Image 2 of 2 As mass protests wracked Armenia last month, 23-year-old Arman Arutyunian laid down his law school books in Vienna and returned to his homeland, sensing that the country was at a watershed. Now, as the leader of those protests is expected to become prime minister on Tuesday, Arutyunian believes that political changes in the poverty-ridden former Soviet republic could bring back many other Armenians who fled to seek their fortunes abroad. "Life and hope returned to Armenia. We finally saw some prospects and believed that the hopeless situation in the country can change," he said. About 900,000 people who were born in Armenia, a country of 3 million, currently live abroad, according to the U.N. Population Fund. More than 10 percent of the population left the country during the decade 2008 to 2018 that Serzh Sargsyan was in power as president. Of those who remained, nearly 12 percent live in dire poverty on less than 1530 drams ($3.20) a day. The nation's official unemployment rate is 16 percent. Even some Armenians whose families have not lived here for many generations feel involved in Armenia's political transformation. Rebecca Topakian, from an Armenian diaspora community established in France in the early 20th century, says the current changes may persuade her to stay longer in the nation that her grandparents left. "I thought well, I'm coming to a country everyone leaves ... and now the fact that things are changing makes me want to take part in a country building its politics and independence," said Topakian, who is working on an art project about her family's roots. Armenians widely blamed Sargsyan and his ruling Republican Party for keeping the country as the Caucasus region's poorest through corruption and incompetence. So when he attempted to get around term limits and remain in power, longstanding frustrations boiled over into protests of up to 100,000 that gripped the capital, Yerevan, for weeks. Sargsyan had stepped down from the presidency because of term limits but then was appointed by the parliament as prime minister just as the government's structure had shifted to give the prime minister more power than the president. Even before Sargsyan was named prime minister, opposition lawmaker Nikol Pashinian was spearheading protests against the move that was widely seen as a Sargsyan power grab. Faced with the raucous but largely peaceful protests, Sargsyan resigned six days after his appointment. On Tuesday, parliament is selecting a new prime minister and, under a concession made by the Republicans, Pashinian appears certain to be chosen. That would bring into power a man who has offered considerable charisma but no detailed program for how to turn Armenia around. "We're seeing rising expectations, especially among the youth. But the opposition doesn't have a strategy for developing the country, no plan for modernization. The big question is how the opposition can use and institutionalize the credit of trust that it has received," said Alexander Iskandrian, an analyst at the Caucasus Institute in Yerevan. For now, many of Armenia's young people are caught between high spirits about the changes wrought by their protests which were often marked by singing and dancing and concerns over the challenges ahead. "Our protest will have a point only in the event that the new ruling elite propose a new scenario to the country and will be able to realize it," said Toros Khachaturian, a 19-year-old film student. Karina Eritian, who has an economics degree, ended up taking a job as a supermarket cashier after being unable to find work in her profession, earning 120,000 dram ($250) a month. She is eager for improvements to come, but knows it will take time. "We very much want changes, but something can hardly change in a month. We are ready to be patient," the 22-year-old said. Arutyunian, the law student, is optimistic enough that he doesn't plan to return to Vienna, despite the potential prestige of having a Western diploma. Still, he understands that uncertainty abounds. "Armenia got a chance, which can easily be lost if there won't be structural changes," he said. "We have made the first step toward change, but now are frozen in expectation of what is next." The Nigerian Army rescued more than 1,000 people held captive by the Boko Haram terror group, officials announced Monday. The country's military broke the news on Twitter, saying troops from the 22 Brigade conducted an operation in conjunction with allies of the Multinational Joint Task Force to free the hostages. Troops targeted the villages of Malamkari, Amchaka, Walasa and Gora villages in the northeastern Borno State where the group has based its nearly decade-long insurgency. "The hostages consisted mainly of women, children, as well as some young men who were forced to become Boko Haram fighters," the army said. "Speaking with one of the rescued victims, Alhaji Gambo Gulumba from Amchaka village, thanked the Nigerian military for showing them love and care." The army added that the action is part of its resolve to "rout out BH" and rescue all hostages. "The public is also advised to report any suspicious character to the appropriate authority for prompt action. However, the rescued persons are being attended to in a military medical facility," the army said. BOKO HARAM ATTACKS NIGERIA'S MAIDUGURI, KILLING AT LEAST 2 The army's action comes just over a week and a half after two people were killed and seven others were wounded in an attack by Boko Haram extremists in Nigeria's northeastern city of Maiduguri. The extremists attacked the Jidari Polo area near the Federal High Court before they were repelled by security forces in a gun battle. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Voice of the People Audio Article Native son Tom Smiths history of East Chesterton (Chesterton Tribune 9-30-21 Commentary) was interesting and a poignant tribute to his five-generations back ancestors, the Morgans, who traveled from West Virginia and Ohio to settle here in 1833 to raise a family, to farm and... Voice of the People Audio Article This summer the Times of NW Indiana again suggested in an editorial that Dunes Action had been in opposition to the renovation of the State Park Pavilion. We never did. In fact, most of us had been waiting for it for decades. They did not... Guest Commentary Audio Article This is a short history of the Morgan family farm before the possible development of the remaining 49 acres east of Chesterton. Jesse and Jane Morgan arrived in Northwest Indiana in 1833 after traveling through Ohio, northern Indiana, stopping off in LaPorte County for a... Echoes of the Past Audio Article 10 Years Ago Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011 Bethlehem Lutheran Church will host a wellness screening event. . . CHS girls soccer team beats LaPorte 5-0 and clinches a share of the DAC title. Scoring goals are Rosie Biehl (2), Hannah Kollar (2), and Sam... A Spanish aid group says the health of 105 migrants rescued in the Mediterranean Sea is at risk because Italian and British maritime authorities are not allowing their transfer to a safe port. Proactiva Open Arms says it has been unable to hand over the migrants including six children and 32 unaccompanied teenagers from their sailing vessel, Astral, to a bigger and better-equipped rescue boat Monday. The Astral sails under a British flag. Its captain, Riccardo Gatti, blamed "bureaucracy" and said that neither the Italian coast guard nor the National Maritime Operations Center in Britain had issued a written authorization for the transfer more than 30 hours after the migrants were rescued from a rubber boat. The Italian and British authorities didn't respond immediately to requests for comment. Germany's top court has rejected the appeal of a suspected Islamic State member from Tunisia against deportation to his homeland. The Federal Constitutional Court noted Monday that German authorities had obtained assurances that the man, in his late 30s and identified only by the initial S., wouldn't face capital punishment. S. was arrested in Frankfurt last year on suspicion of being a recruiter and smuggler for IS since August 2015, and of planning an attack. Tunisia accused him of involvement in the March 2015 attack on the Bardo museum in Tunis, as well as a March 2016 attack on the border town of Ben Guerdane. His lawyer, Seda Basay-Yildiz, told The Associated Press she has submitted an urgent appeal to the European Court of Human Rights to halt his deportation. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is heading to Cuba to address the opening session of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Monday that during his visit to Havana, the secretary-general will also meet Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and other senior officials. The commission said its biennial meeting from May 7-11 will be attended by more than 25 ministers and senior officials from over 20 countries in the region. It is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations promoting economic and social development in different areas of the world. Dujarric said Guterres will return to New York on Monday evening. A couple attacked by a crocodile wedded days later in a Zimbabwean hospital, where the bride was recovering after losing an arm. Groom Jamie Fox, 27, told The Associated Press Monday that in one week the couple went from shock and agony to a truly amazing experience. Fox and his then fiancee, Zenele Ndlovu, were canoeing on the Zambezi, one of Africa's longest rivers when a crocodile attacked them on Apr. 30. Zenele lost her right arm and suffered injuries to her left hand. Five days later, they married in a hospital chapel, keeping the wedding date that had been planned. Fox described the wedding as "incredible." The wedding reception went ahead as planned, but the couple remained at the hospital. Free Freightnet Membership List your company in the Freightnet directory. It's Free, it's Easy and your company can be displayed in front of potential freight buyers within 24 hours. Sheriffs office seeks help in finding missing man Free Access The Cherokee County Sheriffs Office needs the publics assistance in locating a 56-year-old man reported missing earlier this week. Glen Dale Godwin of McGinnis Road in Cowpens was reported missing... AND THE BAND PLAYED ON Gaffney High Band of Gold members perform in the stands during Fridays region opener against Boiling Springs. To continue reading this article, log in or click here to subscribe. Username Password... I-85 Exit 90 on and off ramps closed until Nov. 21 Exit 90 southbound exit and entrance ramps to Interstate 85 has been temporarily closed. These will be alternating closures with the exit ramp closing first, followed by the entrance ramp... City-wide clean-up day The City of Gaffney is holding a city-wide clean-up day Saturday, Oct. 9 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Anyone interested in participating should contact Gaffney City Hall at (864) 487-6247 by 5... 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. Reporter Before coming to work for The Daily News as a staff reporter, Connor worked for us as a freelance correspondent throughout 2017. He has written for other publications such as the Washington Post. This article was originally posted on the Joy Machine blog; maybe check it out too! <3 I tend to do a major iteration on the overall scene composition in Steel Hunters every month or two and since the public trailer is now approaching, I decided to just did one six-seven hour block fo sitting at my computer until I was happy with the results. It should be obvious that this iteration started like most: just a few quick tweaks. The Problems I wanted heavier atmospheric haze/fog. The reasoning for which is two-fold: The general feel of this area is a barren post-apocalyptic wasteland. And I dont mean that in the traditional post-apocalyptic Mad Max sort of way; the world of Steel Hunters wasnt ever decimated by nuclear war but, rather, the slow depletion of natural resources (unrelated) and the onset of, basically, the worst possible nightmare version of climate change that could be imagined (and is almost certainly scientifically non-scientific). In short: every environment has a unique feel/setting and the goal of each of these sandboxes is to fully embrace a worst-case scenario of what that environment in the games world. More practically, its way easier to handle the blend for the unbelievably intense sand storms (literally, they can not be believed because its not also, likely, scientifically non-scientific) that can crop up mid-mission requiring players to adjust their approach entirely. Along that same line of thinking, there is entirely too much blue sky if you catch a glimpse of the sky through the clouds and just adding more cloud-cover would obscure the actual sun vector all the time (instead of 7585% now). To adjust this, I have to modify the rayleigh calculation coefficients just enough to reduce the blue of the end result without blowing out the scenes lighting and composition in the other direction (trump-orange). There is a lovely issue with the volumetrics rendering light blue light shafts if you happen to end up in an along the edge of an occluded area (this is unrelated to the sky color, as I discovered). This gets worse if the directional light is completely obscured, at which point the resulting composition ends up with a light blue screen area where the light would normally be (not super obvious/ugly, but it annoyed me. A lot). I dont tend to update time-of-day during gameplay, but I still ran into an issue with the volumetrics and sky/cloud/light settings getting out of sync at night (meaning the moon ended up with red/brown-ish volumetrics despite a component white light color) and time of day can make for a nice demo sometimes (and I may eventually have a very, very subtle progression of time in a mission at some point). The eye adaptation has issues maintaining a consistent exposure level as you go through the map. The Nevada Scene Composition (Before) The Iteration Process Ive done iterations on all of these various systems/components in the past, but generally Ive focused on one or two aspects of the composition at a time. I wanted this iteration to focus on the entire gamut of influencing factors. Ideally, Id tackle each problem in that list one at a time. And, for the most part, thats what I did. The issue is how all of these various systems exist in relation to each other. Which brings me to: The World Simulation The entire world state is managed by my world simulation anything that related to or occurs within the environment is in some way or another related to this system. In the case of lighting, volumetrics, atmospherics, and relevantpost-processing data, the relation to the world simulation is direct: the simulation manages each of these explicitly. The Plus Side of This: I dont have to jump back and forth between all sorts of entities to tweak properties. The Down Side of This: The world simulation is a simulation in every sense of the word. Simply changing one value can have a ripple effect that affects any number of other data that influences the final scene composition. I make this sound bad, but its actually a great thing. This design and implementation ensures internal environment consistency and, for lack of a better word, synergy between what could be setup as disparate entities. This will also be helpful for ensuring future environments are bound to the same rules. The Iteration Process (Remix) The process, basically, goes like this: start a problem (almost in the order described above, except the sky simulation and resulting coloring was the first problem I took on), work towards an acceptable result, and move on to the next problem. By the time I started on the second problem, that process was pretty much gone. Changing the sky simulation data resulted in some dramatic composition changes that affected the overall scene exposure, the lighting intensity/colors, and the look and intensity of the haze. Really, the only thing that wasnt affected by this was my volumetrics solution (based heavily on NVIDIAs Volumetric Lighting research/implementation advice) as I was previously manually managing the volumetric light color/intensity. So, obviously, I updated the world simulations code to ensure that the volumetric light color/intensity to also be managed by the world simulation in respect to its various light entities (a directional light and sky light). THERE. Now a single change affects ALL THE THINGS. I sure showed that whats what. Admittedly: this also addressed the problem I was having with the volumetrics being out of sync with a dynamic time-of-day (especially at night), so thats neat at least. Note: Unfortunately, I didnt properly create screenshots of each specific step along the way, but I do have a few iterations that I used to compare each tweak round. So those will appear shortly. First Pass With the exception of the odd issue with the sun showing as a large blue halo when obscured (and the volumetrics coloring when in an obscured location relative to the sun), I ended up with this first-pass result: This is definitely a step in the right direction compared to the starting point. And I remember this first iteration being worse than it actually is (in retrospect), but looking at it now, I remember my issues with it: The lighting and shading is fairly flat and trends far closer to orangey-orange than I want (even the mech shading was fairly flat). The sun (which I use in quotations constantly because its just a directional light that is treated as an atmospheric body) is somewhat non-existent. There is a somewhat brighter spot in its place, but its far more understated than I want. The haze is over-saturated and really drowns out the shading of distant buildings more than Id like. Finally, though its not obvious here, but if any view other than the composition Im using throughout this post, the eye adaptation was Not happy. The histogram for the composition shot is fairly even, but anywhere else the overall exposure trends lower (which, since the composition Im showing is potentially in the brightest areas in the environment). Second Pass I really should have written this post yesterday after doing all this work because, looking at this passs screen shot looks, basically, like why did I just make everything worse? This passs goal: Start addressing the auto exposure so if I turned around I wasnt blinded by the adjusted exposure for darker areas. This entailed lighting color/intensity (and volumetrics color/intenstiy which has its own modifiers based on the light color/intensity it gets from the directional light) adjustments. This succeeded in evening out the overall composition exposure throughout the environment, but it also made the lighting even more flat (and the composition somewhat darker). An attempt to change the haze distribution so it wouldnt affect ground-level areas as intensely as it did in the first pass (also attempted, and failed, to fix the coloring). Third Pass I call this pass lighting, volumetrics, and composition exposure adjustments that made everything worse. Which is mostly true; I cant remember the specifics of what I did in this pass, but I was focused primarily on getting the lighting in the final composition to be more complex (not flat). AND I SUCCEEDED. If you ignore the fact that the entire scene is now grim-dark and the mech details are basically completely lost. Fourth Pass I focused primarily on light intensity values, the brightness of the trueSKYbrightness levels (which were pushing the compositions exposure histogram far outside the range of the rest of the scene), and getting the haze to cooperate. Problems now: The compositions contrast was way too heavy even for me (and thats saying something. I knew this wasnt an issue with the post-processing stack, so I blamed the auto exposure. And turning off auto-exposure confirmed that To some extent. The lighting intensity adjustments worked for most of the scene, but the smaller-scale details of the mech (which, by the way, is why I like this composition; it has foliage, large-scale meshes, and detailed smaller-scale meshes) werent benefitting from any changes to the intensity. Meaning that while most of the scene benefitted, shadowed areas were still suffering a bit. The haze was getting even more exaggerated from adjustments to the auto exposure. Which is neat. The sun still had an underwhelming compositional presence (and you can see the out-of-place blue halo here more clearly than in other images, despite not being occluded). Fifth Pass I did another round of light intensity modifications in conjunction with the trueSKY light wavelengths and yet-again-more haze tweaks. AND THIS TIME: THEY WORKED. Oh, and I changed the entire volumetrics simulation settings from being Mie-based scattering to using a Henyey-Greenstein phase function for scattering. This iteration, in particular, took the most time to really get right-ish because it so dramatically impacted the entire composition Note: Ill show some debug shots of what the volumetrics themselves look like in the final composition later. The overall composition still hasnt quite hit the overall exposure level Id like and the sun still had no strong presence in the composition. And so I decided: unacceptable. The sun must bend to my will. The End Result After more volumetrics, eye adaptation, color grading, and light intensity passes, I ended up at a result that Im pretty happy with. Its still leaning a bit too close to orangey-orangyness-orannnnge, but at the moment Im not entirely convinced thats a bit thing for this environment (especially since, once I started adding VFX to the scene, that will have a pretty dramatic effect on color variation). AND THE SUN BENT TO MY WILL. And since I promised some debug screen shots, here is the resulting composition exposure: And a debug visualization of what the volumetrics look like on their own (you can probably tell where I went to give the sun a bit of help in the prominence department): Conclusion I really enjoy doing iterations like this. And this was fun enough to help me maintain sanity in the twelve hours of camera system work that followed. Fun Fact: The Steel Hunters announce trailer release date is not too far away. Addendum By reader demand, heres a quick-and-dirty slideshow GIF of the progress (it loops so the beginning/end are, uh, hopefully recognizable): "Believe it or not!" Disgraced former Orlando State's Attorney JEFFREY LEE ASHTON is running for Judge. JEFF ASHTON covered up the Michelle O'Connell case as a special prosecutor appointed by Republican Governor RiCHARD LYNN SCOTT, a/k/a "Fifth Amendment Rick," crony of controversial St. Johns County Sheriff DAVID SHOAR, who legally changed his name from "HOAR" in 1994. As exposed by The New York Times, Sheriff SHOAR's coverup began on the night of October 2, 2010, when Michelle O'Connell was shot to death in the home of Deputy JEREMY BANKS,with BANKS' service weapon. Her jaw was broken, a fact omitted from the Medical Examiner's report but uncovered by 2016 autopsy after an exhumation. Orange-Osceola County voters defeated ASHTON in 2016, after the married father of six children was caught red-handed by investigative reporters, using an adultery website. He then promised never to run for public office again. In announcing for Judge, ASHTON told the Orlando Sentinel: I think the biggest thing about me is voters sort of know what theyre getting. My career has been very public and people kind of know what I stand for, and I think thats kind of rare in a judicial race. ASHTON is now a solo practitioner in Winter Park, working from a residential address: View in new tab Jeffrey Lee Ashton Member in Good Standing Eligible to Practice Law in Florida Bar Number: 318337 Mail Address: Jeffrey L. Ashton 1033 Tuscany Pl Winter Park, FL 32789-1017 United States Office: 407-677-1776 Cell: 407-921-0244 - No Text Messages Fax: 407-836-2499 Email: jlashtonlaw@gmail.com Personal Bar URL: https://www.floridabar.org/mybarprofile/318337 vCard: County: Orange Circuit: 9 Admitted: 05/14/1981 10-Year Discipline History: None Law School: University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law, 1980 Firm: Jeffrey L. Ashton Firm Size: One Firm Position: Private Law Practice The Find a Lawyer directory is provided as a public service. The Florida Bar maintains limited basic information about lawyers licensed to practice in the state (e.g., name, address, year of birth, gender, law schools attended, admission year). However, The Florida Bar allows individual attorneys the opportunity to add personal and professional information to the directory. The lawyer is solely responsible for reviewing and updating any additional information in the directory. The lawyer's added information is not reviewed by The Bar for accuracy and The Bar makes no warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Florida Bar, its Board of Governors, employees, and agents are not responsible for the accuracy of that additional information. Publication of lawyers' contact information in this listing does not mean the lawyers have agreed to receive unsolicited communications in any form. Unauthorized use of this data may result in civil or criminal penalties. The Find a Lawyer directory is not a lawyer referral service. Believe it or Not! Yes, JEFF ASHTON has filed to run for circuit court judge in 2018. Do pray for our Ninth Circuit friends and voters: "Let justice be done." Pervy Ex-Prosecutor Wants To Be Judge, Breaks Promise From 2016 Disgraced former State Attorney Jeff Ashton has filed to run for circuit court judge in 2018. By Jacob Engels as a member of the extra-marital affair website Ashley Madison. Over two years ago, we exposed Orange/Osceola State Attorney Jeff Ashton The prosecutor, who became famous for failing to earn a guilty plea for alleged child killer Casey Anthony, was surfing the cheating website while on the job. This was easily determined by analyzing the user information from his profile, which was dumped on the world-wide-web after Ashley Madison was hacked. His paid account was established in 2013, and was also accessed from home address before his wife presumably busted him looking for other individuals to act out his detailed fantasies. Ashtons profile on Ashley Madison read like a cheap grocery store sex novel. I am looking for someone who has fantasies we can act out. Who know what she wants and isnt afraid to ask for it. You must be discrete, not looking to change my situation just want to get excited again Under the Turns Me On header, Mr. Ashton stated: Please be real. I want someone that fantasizes about being brought to a climax by a lover with a skillful tongue and fingers as well as his member. Also a big toy collection is a plus Yes those are the words of a man who exacted justice across Orange and Osceola County as the State Attorney. They are the words of the man who served as the moralizer for Central Floridians. Worse yet, we also discovered that the same email address he used for Ashley Madison was also tied to a group-sex account on Adult Friend Finder, another website where individuals go to get their rocks off. Ashton would go on to lose his re-election bid against current State Attorney Aramis Ayala in 2016 in the Democratic primary, and it is still unknown how many men or women he contacted while using Ashley Madison and Adult Friend Finder. The former state attorney spoke to WFTV in December of 2016, and stated that he would never run for public office again. Central Floridians breathed a sigh of relief. During his tenure as a top prosecutor and eventual State Attorney, Ashton became infamous for his unprofessional courtroom outbursts and inability to earn convictions. Now, just a year after he promised to never return to public office, he has filed to run for circuit court judge in 2018. He did this on the day that Minnesota Senator Al Franken resigned amid sexual assault allegations and as both Republicans and Democrats nationwide have been swept up in sexual misconduct controversies. Judges are supposed to be morally and ethically sound, not known sexual deviants who have contacted an untold number of men and women in the Central Florida area looking for an extra-marital romp. If he wants voters to take him seriously as a judicial candidate, Mr. Ashton should immediately release the names of every person he contacted through online sex apps. We should know if there are any conflicts of interest IF he were to somehow become a judge in Floridas 9th judicial circuit. To disrespect voters by breaking his promise to never run again and considering the endless amount of unanswered questions about his sexual proclivities it is the least he can do. This man has been on the government tit for over 30-years as a prosecutor. According to our sources, Ashton could not hack it in the private sector. And now we are supposed to cut him another check and allow him to denigrate the integrity of our court system? Not. So. Fast. Voters are smart enough to realize that he has no business wearing a black robe or judging others, but apparently, he does not. If he cant stick to his marriage vows and cant stick to his promise to never run for public office again, how can we expect him to be faithful to the court? The truth will come out and he will again be publicly shamed, that is a fact. Mr. Ashton, we implore you to save us the charade and drop out immediately. Write another book, go on a road trip, or repair your marriage. Orange and Osceola County deserve better, its just that simple. ---------- Circuit judge races are set in Central Florida here's a look at the candidates Orange County Courthouse (Gal Tziperman Lotan/Orlando Sentinel) Gal Tziperman Lotan Contact Reporter Orlando Sentinel Privacy Policy Nine people are running for four circuit judge seats in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties including Jeff Ashton, the former Orange-Osceola state attorney. Friday was the qualifying deadline for the Aug. 28 primary election. Ashton lost his re-election bid for the state attorneys seat in 2016 to Aramis Ayala, the regions current top prosecutor. He is running in the Ninth Judicial Circuits 15th division. I think the biggest thing about me is voters sort of know what theyre getting. My career has been very public and people kind of know what I stand for, and I think thats kind of rare in a judicial race, said Ashton, perhaps best known as a prosecutor in the ultra-high-profile 2011 murder trial of Casey Anthony. He is running against Howard Friedman, who this week resigned from his position as a court magistrate to run for judge. In his 13 years as a magistrate he heard cases of juvenile dependency, among others, and had to make recommendations regarding whether parents were able to take care of their children. I have more experience in the private sector. I have more experience than I believe my opponent has, Friedman said. I can make tough decisions; I have made tough decisions. In the 26th division, Joseph Haynes Davis is running against Tom Young. Davis experience ranges from mortgage law to criminal law, while Youngs practice is in appellate cases. I am running because I feel strongly about the need for judges who are hard workers and who are efficient, because the courts are understaffed and underfunded, Young said. I just think its important for the public and especially litigants to have meaningful access to courts. Davis couldnt be reached Friday. Assistant State Attorney Lorraine De Young is running for a spot on the bench in the 41st division. She prosecutes sex crimes and resentencing for juvenile offenders who were sentenced to life without parole before the law allowing those sentences was declared unconstitutional. Hopefully I would be one of those judges that would run a very good, fair, efficient courtroom, De Young said. And with my experience with the law I think I would bring a lot to the bench. Also running in the 41st division are Dean Mosley, an immigration and criminal defense attorney who graduated from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston; and Laura Shaffer, who was a supervising attorney for the Department of Children and Families before opening a private practice in 2008. Some of the people Shaffer represents are minors who are victims of human trafficking, which she said gives her insight into the needs of people who come before the court. I think its important to recognize that it is the most important day of their lives and that they should be treated with respect and dignity, she said. Mosley could not be reached this week. In Seminole County, incumbent Circuit Judge Melissa Dyan Souto will face opposition in her first race since being appointed to the bench in 2015. Shes at the juvenile courthouse handling cases including dependency and delinquency. Because those cases can be so personal, Souto said she makes a point to listen to those who come before her. I find a lot of times that that diffuses the situation somewhat, she said. I remind them that I understand this is an emotional situation, and redirect them to what we are here for. Running against her is Adam Pollack, who has a private criminal defense and family law practice. Ive had an opportunity to really see people in different stages of their life and Ive always been there to help them resolve difficult situations, he said. While you may be dispensing justice, there should always be an element of compassion. glotan@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5774 -------- -------- Jacob Engels is an Orlando based journalist whose work has been featured and republished in news outlets around the globe including Politico, InfoWars, MSNBC, Orlando Sentinel, New York Times, Daily Mail UK, Associated Press, People Magazine, ABC, and Fox News to name a few. Mr. Engels focuses on stories that other news outlets neglect or willingly hide to curry favor among the political and business special interests in the state of Florida.---------- Ex-state attorney Jeff Ashton to run for circuit judgeFormer Orange Osceola State Attorney Jeff Ashton has filed to run for judge on the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court.Steven LemongelloOrlando SentinelFormer state attorney Jeff Ashton wants to sit on the other side of the bench.Ashton, who lost his position as Orange Osceola state attorney last year to Aramis Ayala, filed to run Tuesday for a seat as a judge on the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in 2018.He is one of two candidates who have filed to run for the open seat along with attorney David Hamilton Harris.Marc Lubet, the judge serving in the seat, is retiring at the end of his six-year term.Ashton was elected state attorney in 2012 after defeating his former boss and fellow Democrat, Lawson Lamar, in an open primary after making his name as the prosecutor in the 2011 Casey Anthony murder trial.In 2015, he was caught up in the hack of the Ashley Madison dating site for married people and admitted to visiting it while at his office.Ashton claimed he never had an affair stemming from his use of the site, saying at a news conference, While I indulged my curiosity about the site, it never went beyond that. These were incredibly stupid choices.But while he said he used public Wi-Fi to visit the site on his personal laptop, he said he broke no laws.His defeat by Ayala in the 2016 Democratic primary came after a Washington, D.C.-based PAC connected to billionaire George Soros poured almost a million dollars into her campaign, which ended up outspending Ashtons campaign by about 14 to 1.TV ads and mailers accused Ashton of unfair racial policies, which he denied as lies.In an opinion column in the Orlando Sentinel in March, Ashton criticized Ayalas decision not to seek the death penalty in capital murder cases, for which she had been stripped of her authority to try such cases by Gov. Rick Scott.Adherence to the statute is mandatory, morons, Ashton wrote.slemongello@orlandosentinel.com, 407-418-5920 or @stevelemongello On Monday morning, dozens of workers in hazmat suits could be seen picking up globs of oil from the shoreline at Huntington State Beach. Manila (CNN Philippines Life) When the House Committee approved Baybayin as the national writing system, some Filipinos online expressed their disapproval, saying that its too Tagalog-centric or that it only serves an aesthetic purpose rather than provide a substantial value. But recently, graphic design studio Team Manila won gold at the the Adobo Design Awards Asia 2018 for the typography category. The studio, known for creating lifestyle products that showcase day-to-day elements people see in the Philippines (jeepneys, Jose Rizal, tapsilog, etc.), submitted case studies of typefaces called Baybayin New, which incorporated the Baybayin into their designs. With the new bill, local government units will be required to include Baybayin on locally produced products as well as signages of public facilities, publishers of newspapers and magazines will also have to show Baybayin translations on their platforms, and government agencies will be obliged to circulate Baybayin reading materials to schools and universities, among others. These impending requirements could certainly shape not only the agencies and studios approach to design but these could also mold how Filipinos think, feel, and behave. Typefaces have been known to display historical connections. As such, they have been a microcosmic representation of culture, and once Baybayin inscriptions are put in public spaces in the country, they can easily seep into a nations collective consciousness. We chose Baybayin as the main component of our design in our belief that taking inspiration from our roots is significant to make todays generation become aware and educated about it, says Oliver P. Santiago, the studios designer who created the final art of the Baybayin New as a typeface. The creation of the winning typeface was a collaborative effort among the members of Team Manila from account executives and copywriters to graphic designs and creative directors. Amid several parties disagreeing on what the ramifications would be of having Baybayin in our everyday lives, Santiago and the team behind Team Manila are certain that it could only contribute to our knowledge of the Filipino heritage, and in turn, enrich our culture. CNN Philippines Life talked to Santiago about the role typography plays in our daily lives, how the inclusion of Baybayin in contemporary culture can reflect our heritage, and what brands and designers should take into account when trying to represent Filipino culture. Below are edited excerpts from the interview. The designer of the Baybayin New typeface, Oliver P. Santiago, says that "The team wanted to create a design language that is uniquely Filipino, can be used by us Filipinos, and can be shared to others on a global scale." Photo courtesy of TEAM MANILA What sort of research did the team do to come up with Baybayin as a form of typeface? We did research on how we can bridge the gap between the Baybayin and its readability as a typeface, and reintroduced it as one that can be publicly used and applied. We took inspiration from the form of its original script, taking its distinct strokes and incorporating them into the newly developed font in an effort to preserve its general appearance. We treated the Baybayin with much respect. We veered away from doing a literal transformation of the script and made no modifications. Instead, we worked with the modern English alphabet, injected elements from the ancient writing system and made sure of its universal comprehensibility. As a result, we created a decorative display typeface of the script. Did you consult an expert or a linguist during this process? We did not consult a linguist or an expert in doing this. As of the time that we created the entire decorative and display typeface, we only aimed to reintroduce the basic elements of Baybayin to allow continuous modern practice of the language forms in the past. This contemporary typography approach is easily used and understood not only by Filipinos but also by the people from foreign countries. For the said purpose, we see no debatable issue that will arise with the development of this typography. It is not intended to meet the taste of purist entities, but it is our way of sharing what we can do as Filipino creatives. What other design ideas did you guys consider? What was in Baybayin that wasn't in any of the options? The team wanted to create a design language that is uniquely Filipino, can be used by us Filipinos, and can be shared to others on a global scale. Since Baybayin plays a vital role in our history and culture, we treat its Tagalog-centric characteristic as its actual strength, since most of us use Tagalog as our native tongue. The Baybayin New font is representative of our local heritage and pride. On what to take into consideration when coming up with designs that reflect Filipino culture, Santiago says "Brands and designers should consider the significant values that it holds, as well as the notable history that the current generation can learn from it." Photo courtesy of TEAM MANILA The approved House Bill 1022 seeks to declare Baybayin as the country's national writing system. Your team's typography sets an example of how this bill can be utilized. How do you think typography can amplify the use of Baybayin? And why is this important to your team's work? Now that the House Bill 1022 has been approved, typography and branding can amplify the use of Baybayin as it is evident in our daily lives. We see signages the moment we step outside our home; we consume products with packaging designs on a regular basis. With these, it will impart us of our rich history that is something to be commemorated. This is considered as one of our significant works as it showcases the Filipino culture, which Team Manila has been doing for years representing the country in the design community across the world. On the other hand, the bill has also been met with several issues, such as that Baybayin is not representative of the entire Philippines, as it a very Tagalog-centric script, among several other concerns. Do you think that design can address this issue in any way? Design can address the issue when Baybayin is seen in a historical perspective. Design, in general, has always served its purpose of providing solutions bringing improvement and order for a better community. What should brands and designers take into consideration when coming up with designs that reflect the Filipino culture? When coming up with designs that reflect the Philippine culture, brands and designers should consider the significant values that it holds, as well as the notable history that the current generation can learn from it. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 3) Around 15 hectares in Boracay Island are ready for distribution to farmer beneficiaries, Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones said Thursday. "There are patches of land that don't have any structures anymore-which can immediately be subjected to (the) agrarian reform program. This would probably be around 15 hectares," he told CNN Philippines' The Source. Castriciones said around 80 farmer beneficiaries have been identified. Under the law, each beneficiary can own up to three hectares of land. This means the 15 hectares up for distribution could only benefit at least five farmers. Under Republic Acts 6657 and 9700, or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program and its amending law, beneficiaries must be at least 15 years old and directly tilling or managing the farm. Castriciones said the government will be prioritizing indigenous peoples in the land dsitribution program. Castriciones said his department has verified the 80 beneficiaries, as a number of indigenous people have relocated to the mainland. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) previously announced around 400 hectares of land in Boracay, or less than half of the island, is "alienable and disposable" or areas that can be disposed to private persons. The island had a land area of 1,006 hectares. Castriciones said all of the island, save for a few recognized titles, is owne by the State. However, municipal executive assistant for Boracay affairs Rowen Aguirre had expressed doubt that agrarian reform would be feasible as the island has no irrigation system. "Boracay never has any significant farm land. Merong kakaunti [There are a few], but I don't think it will produce enough even to supply the whole island of Boracay," said Aguirre. He said residents previously grew coconut, corn, and other root crops, but they have since turned to the more lucrative tourism industry. However, Castriciones insisted the land was fertile. "It's open to all kinds of plants that are high-yielding, like mangoes or coconut," he said. "That land is suitable for different kinds of plants." Boracay has been shutdown since April 26. The six-month closure will usher in the island's rehabilitation. President Rodrigo Duterte has floated the idea of converting the world-class tourist destination to a farm land. Meanwhile, Castriociones said the Agrarian Reform Department is looking into distributing around half a million hectares of land across the country. Watch the full interview with Castriciones here. CNN Philippines' correspondent Joyce Ilas contributed to this report. European Union : Plea for more unity in voting rights Talk in der "European Public Sphere". Mit Passanten diskutieren die Initiatoren die Zukunft der europaischen Demokratie. Foto: Barbara Frommann Bonn The More Democracy Association held discussions in the European Public Sphere on the Munsterplatz. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken Europe isnt only a project of the head, but also of the heart, thinks Professor Thorsten Muller. According to the political scientist and former fellow of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, opponents of Europe are very much in control of emotionalisation. Something had to be done to counter this. How can the EU become more democratic? was the question on which the organisers from the Cologne More Democracy Association invited discussion on Saturday in the so-called European Public Sphere on the Munsterplatz. The wooden construction is intended to symbolise the democratic framework and cultural diversity of Europe and invites discussions about the EU in central locations in cities all over Europe. The events will be documented and the results then made publicly available, explained association spokesman Jorg Eichenauer. Gradually, an archive of the future for Europe is to be created. Europe experts from Attac, Democracy International, the Young European Federalists, the Pulse of Europe, ecogood.org, IG-Eurovision and the Regionalwert Rheinland AG also gathered under the dome. Rate your work, CD. From Newshub: Ten Countdown supermarkets will go completely plastic bag-free in two weeks' time, marking the first step towards the chain phasing out single-use bags from all its stores. Customers at the chosen stores will either have to bring their own bags or buy a reusable bag at the checkout. "Whatever you bring, we'll pack it for you," Countdown spokeswoman Kiri Hannifin told Stuff. If you bring a bucket or a wheelbarrow ... then that's cool, and if you forget, then we'll have some options available. Countdown's decision to phase out bags, announced in October 2017, was welcomed by environmentalists and shoppers. "Massive props to Countdown today," Greenpeace said in a statement at the time. They've taken a bold move that makes them leader of the pack on plastic reduction. New Zealand-based marine conservation group Our Seas Our Future said they hoped the move inspired other retailers. "We hope that this sets a precedent for other major supermarkets to take corporate responsibility in phasing out single-use plastic bags." Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said he hoped others would follow suit - and it wasn't long before New World made a similar announcement. The following Countdown stores will go plastic bag-free on May 21. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 7) Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday backed Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno against the ouster case filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida. "The quo warranto case against the Chief Justice is not just her fight. It is our fight... We will not go quiet into the night. We will always fight for what is right," she said at "Free the Courts! A Forum on the Philippine Justice System" at the University of the Philippines-Diliman in Quezon City. Robredo added, "I took an oath to defend the Constitution. You can count on me to do everything in my power to right this wrong." She said, as the second-highest elected official, it is her duty to uphold the rule of law amid threats against the country's democratic institutions. "The quo warranto case against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, should it succeed, can be the final blow to the ideal of justice we all depend on... It weaponizes the courts and if we allow it, a quo warranto can be used as a weapon of intimidation, to kill dissent," she said. The quo warranto, a legal proceeding where an individual's right to hold office is challenged, was filed by the government's top lawyer, Solicitor General Jose Calida. Calida wanted the Supreme Court to unseat Sereno over her alleged failure to file her Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) for ten years, before she applied for the Chief Justice post in 2012. The Supreme Court will decide Sereno's fate before the end of May, Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio has said. CNN Philippines sources said the voting is expected to take place on May 17. A majority vote or eight out of 14 if all justices are present would grant the quo warranto petition to oust Sereno. Robredo said now is not the time to keep silent, especially because there is a grave threat against the institution that is meant to protect the public. "Kailangan natin isantabi ang ating takot at ipaglaban ang ating hudikatura, dahil ito ay itinatag upang bigyang-proteksyon ang ordinaryong mamamayan, hindi upang maging sandata ng mga nasa kapangyarihan," she said. [Translation: We need to set aside our fears and fight for the judiciary. It was created to protect the public, and not to be abused by those in power.] The embattled Chief Justice Sereno, who has been on leave at the request of her colleagues, had asked the high court to dismiss the quo warranto petition. She stressed that impeachment is the only way to remove a Chief Justice from office, asking lawmakers to "give me my day in the Senate impeachment court." Sereno has shared strong sentiments against the quo warranto petition. "From out of nowhere, naka-imbento ng teorya na wawasakin ang (they invented a theory that would destroy the) one-year prescription rule, ang (the) impeachment as the exclusive means of removing an impeachable officer," she said in April. The Integrated Bar of the Philippines does not want to speculate on the final voting of the SC. But its President, Abdiel Dan Fajardo, said they are still hopeful that its arguments in the intervention filed before the Supreme Court will be considered. The IBP's intervention states that the Chief Justice should be given her day in the impeachment court. But if the Supreme Court grants the quo warranto, Sereno can still file an appeal. "Normally all parties are given 15 days from receipt of the decision if we wish to file a motion for reconsideration with the SC," Fajardo said. CNN Philippines' Cecille Lardizabal contributed to this report Latvian English Riga, Latvia, 2018-05-07 08:37 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On 3 May of this year, ABLV Bank and its largest shareholders filed applications to the Court of Justice of the European Union and requested a review of the decisions adopted on 23 February by the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Single Resolution Board (SRB) which forced the shareholders to decide on a voluntary liquidation of the bank. The bank stresses that the decision on liquidation is not suspended by the applications, but bringing the claims is important for the reputation of the bank, its employees and partners, as well as for claiming potential losses if the court decides in favour of the bank and its shareholders. A review by the European Courts is also important in order to create legal certainty after the ECB's and the SRB's decisions have already been harshly criticised by a Luxembourg Commercial Court. There were even comments by a representative of the SRB in a hearing in the European Parliament which suggest that the SRB itself believes that its decision may have been based on an erroneous understanding of the legal position. The attorneys of ABLV Bank have commented: "There are a number of important issues on which only the European courts can provide authoritative guidance. Guidance by the court on these issues will be beneficial for everyone and will undoubtedly also be welcomed by the ECB and the SRB." The questions raised by this case include whether the SRB and the ECB can decide that a bank is to be liquidated under its national law. Even a representative of the SRB has acknowledged, following a very critical decision by the Luxembourg Commercial court, that the SRB may have erred in this respect and that this is a decision solely for the national authorities and courts. In addition, both the Latvian Financial and Capital Market Commission (FCMC) and the Latvian Ministry of Finance have acknowledged that a liquidation would have been only one of the options. Another key question is whether a "failing or likely to fail" assessment was warranted. The Luxembourg Commercial Court has already strongly rejected the ECB's and SRB's assessment in this regard. Even the ECB and the SRB have neither criticised ABLV's strong capitalisation nor its good profitability. They have merely assumed potential liquidity issues in the foreseeable future. At least with respect to ABLVs Luxembourg subsidiary the Luxembourg Commercial Court called this "pure speculation" without any factual basis. It is important that neither the ECB nor the SRB have based their decisions on AML-issues. The chairman of the FCMC (the authority responsible for supervising AML-compliance) has commented that the draft FinCEN measure contained no new information from the FCMC's point of view and that the matter was adequately dealt with by the further improvements that had been agreed between ABLV and the FCMC. ABLV's application stresses: ABLV and its Luxembourg subsidiary were neither illiquid nor was their illiquidity imminent in the foreseeable future. ABLV and its Luxembourg subsidiary were in an extraordinarily strong financial position not only as regards their capitalisation and profitability but also and particularly as regards their liquidity. ABLV was merely experiencing temporary delays as regards access to its liquidity and this was caused by a failure by the ECB to provide clarity as to the regulatory position following the FinCEN Draft Measure. One of the issues in this context was that the ECB did not promptly and adequately respond when the governor of Latvijas Banka - a member of the ECB's Governing Council claimed that no one (not even the Latvian central bank) was allowed to transact with ABLV following the publication of the FinCEN Draft Measures. Nobody disputes that this statement was grossly incorrect. The chairman of the FCMC has commented emphatically at a hearing in the European Parliament that the FinCEN Draft Measure was "never meant to kill a bank". And yet the ECB failed to respond adequately and in a timely manner to this grossly misleading statement by a member of its own Governing Council. This led to temporary delays in settling ABLV's transactions. It has become clear because of the recent hearing in the European Parliament that the European institutions were not prepared for the special situation which has arisen as a result of the Draft FinCEN measure. This included misunderstandings as to the legal position. The best and in fact the only way to achieve clarity on this is a review by the European courts. In total four applications have been submitted by attorneys from the German office of DLA Piper on behalf of ABLV Bank and its two largest shareholders: two against the European Central Bank and two against the Single Resolution Board being an institution of the European Union that decides on the possible resolution in such situations with regard to credit institutions. The applications specify several possible violations that could have been committed by the European Central Bank and the Single Resolution Board. They include violations of powers, proportionality and equal treatment and other possible violations, and list a range of serious objections to the manner how the decision whether the bank was failing or likely to fail was taken. DUBLIN, Calif., May 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TriNet (NYSE:TNET), a leading provider of comprehensive HR services today announced that Olivier Kohler has joined the company as senior vice president and chief operations officer. Reporting directly to Burton M. Goldfield, TriNets president and chief executive officer, Kohler will lead TriNets client services and service operations teamsboth major functions of the TriNet client experience. Drawing upon his extensive client service and operational experience, Kohler will lead a significant role in enhancing the client experience and improving satisfaction for the nearly 16,000 small and midsize business (SMB) clients that TriNet proudly serves. Kohler is highly experienced in leading teams and transformations in world-renowned companies and most recently served as chief operating officer for investment management firm Bridgewater Associates. Prior to Bridgewater, he was chief administrative officer and senior vice president for Cisco Systems, where he led the companys digitization efforts and managed the Global Business Services unit. His business management experience also includes 28 years with Hewlett-Packard, where he most recently served as global head and general manager for the companys Enterprise and Strategic Alliances organization. Kohler holds degrees in Accounting & Computer Science, as well as Business Management, from Ecole Superieure de Commerce in Switzerland. Supporting Quotes: Olivier Kohler, Senior Vice President & Chief Operations Officer, TriNet It is an exciting time in TriNets journey and I am thrilled to join the organization and lead the team to further enhance the overall TriNet client experience. Our HR solutions play an important role in helping our clients attract and retain key talent, maintain HR compliance and find relief from some of the HR administrative tasks so they can focus on achieving success. Burton M. Goldfield, President and CEO, TriNet Olivier has a well-deserved reputation as a high-impact and innovative leader with a wealth of knowledge and experience in leading successful business operations and driving increased customer satisfaction. Client experience and satisfaction is of paramount importance at TriNet and we are very happy to have Olivier join the team and lead this business focus for the company. To stay connected, follow TriNet on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook. For the latest HR thought leadership, subscribe to the TriNet Blog About TriNet TriNet is a leading provider of comprehensive human resources solutions for small and midsize businesses (SMBs). We enhance business productivity by enabling our clients to outsource their human resources (HR) function to one strategic partner, which allows them to focus on operating and growing their core business. Our HR solution includes services such as payroll processing, human capital consulting, employment law compliance and employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans and workers compensation insurance. Our services are delivered by our expert team of HR professionals and enabled by our cloud-based technology platform, which allows our clients and their employees to efficiently conduct transactions anytime, anywhere. For more information, please visit http://www.trinet.com. Media Contacts: Fatima Afzal TriNet Fatima.Afzal@TriNet.com (510) 875-7265 TriNet and the TriNet logo are registered trademarks of TriNet. All other trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, or registered service marks are the property of their respective owners. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 7) The Court of Appeals has reversed the 2015 decision of the Ombudsman ordering the dismissal from office of former Makati Mayor Junjun Binay for grave misconduct and serious dishonesty in the bidding of an allegedly overpiced Makati City Hall parking building. The CA's 10th Division decision favoring Binay was promulgated on May 3 but made public on Monday. The ruling is in connection with administrative charges filed against Binay but does not affect any ongoing or possible criminal charges against him regarding the parking building project. On October 9, 2015, the Office of the Ombudsman ordered Binay's dismissal as mayor and his perpetual disqualification from public office after finding him guilty of grave misconduct and serious dishonesty in the bidding of the Makati City Hall Parking Building. READ: Ombudsman orders dismissal of Makati Mayor Binay The CA applied in Binay's case the condonation doctrine - that it can be assumed that voters have forgiven a politician for an administrative offence if they choose to elect him. While the Supreme Court struck down the doctrine in 2015, the CA said it can still be applied to Binay. It said the junking of the doctrine does not retroactively apply to this particular case, since Binay was re-elected as mayor in 2013, before the SC decision. The bidding for the Makati City Hall Parking Building also started as early as 2007. Leonila Querijero, Emerito Magat, Nelia Barlis, Raydes Pestano, Eleno Mendoza, Jr. and Virginia Hernandez were also cleared by the Court of Appeals, making them liable only for simple misconduct. Declaring "all innocent life is precious and sacred," Gov. Kim Reynolds on Friday afternoon signed legislation that is described as the nation's most restrictive abortion law.Outside her office, abortion rights supporters chanted "our bodies, our choice," while the first-term Republican governor, surrounded by lawmakers and families from a Christian academy, signed Senate File 359.The law bans most abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, often as early as the sixth week of pregnancy and before many women know they are pregnant."I understand that not everyone will agree with this decision," Reynolds said. "But if death is determined when a heart stops beating, then doesn't a beating heart indicate life?"Within a half hour, the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa announced it will go to court to block implementation of the law before it takes effect July 1."The ACLU of Iowa, along with Planned Parenthood, will not let this dangerous, unconstitutional law stand," said ACLU's Mark Stringer. "Instead, we will protect the fundamental right of Iowa women to control their bodies and their lives."Reynolds said at the bill signing that stopping a beating heart is immoral and to sell fetal body parts, which also is outlawed in the legislation, is "sickening.""If death is determined when a heart stops beating, then doesn't a beating heart indicate life?" Reynolds said. "For me, my faith leads me to protect every Iowan, no matter how small."The bill does not specify criminal or civil penalties for those breaking the law. Earlier versions had called for felony charges against doctors but not women seeking an abortion.There had been little doubt that Reynolds, who describes herself as "100 percent pro-life," would sign the bill. That didn't stop Planned Parenthood and its allies from rallying Friday morning across the street from the Capitol to promise to continue to fight for reproductive rights.Suzanna de Baca, president of Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, told a few hundred people at the Iowa Fights Back rally that the fight reproductive rights is "all of our fight ... Iowa's fight, and it's on all of us to push back against these attacks on our lives, our bodies, our car ... our rights.""We were outraged, but we weren't actually surprised because since the elections in 2016 we've gotten used to bad news, used to being attacked by shocking, unfathomable, unconscionable attacks," she continued.Like many of the speakers, de Baca had a message for Reynolds and the Republicans who passed the law: "We will see you in court."Reynolds anticipated the legal challenge that the bill's supporters hope will lead to the U.S. Supreme Court overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that made abortion legal."However, this is bigger than just a law," she said. "This is about life. I am not going to back down from who I am or what I believe in."The ACLU's Stringer called that "a bad way to make legislation ... to treat the women of our state. This is bad for Iowa."Erin Davison-Rippey of Planned Parenthood of the Heartland promised the organization would do "whatever it takes to make sure that we protect the rights that our mothers, our grandmothers and our great-grandmothers have already won."Iowa's four Catholic bishops also are preparing for a court challenge.In a joint statement Friday morning, Archbishop Michael Jackels of Dubuque and Bishops Thomas Zinkula of Davenport, R. Walker Nickless of Sioux City and Richard Pates of Des Moines called on the judiciary to recognize life.They said they were pleased the Legislature took action to "stop any trafficking in fetal body parts" and said they support "the life-affirming intent of the provision to stop abortions after a heartbeat can be detected.""As Pope Francis has said, 'Let us respect and love human life, especially vulnerable life in a mother's womb.' We call upon the judiciary to once again recognize that all life should be protected from the moment of conception to natural death," the bishops said.Reaction from around the state and across the country was predictable.l Jennifer Price, co-director of the Emma Goldman Clinic in Iowa City, the first abortion provider in Iowa, said this is not the first time Iowa has limited access to abortion, but this new law "is just too much, too extreme, too cruel, too heartless."l Jeanne Mancini, president of March for Life, an annual event in Washington to mark the Roe vs. Wade decision, applauded Reynolds for "recognizing that every life is a gift and that personhood has inherent dignity from the moment of conception."l Iowa Democratic Party Vice Chairwoman Andrea Phllips said the new law "will put lives in danger. It also will potentially cost Iowa taxpayers millions of dollars in legal fees at a time when our state budget is already in crisis, thanks to Gov. Reynolds' mismanagement. This new unconstitutional law shows that Reynolds cares more about the extreme political special interests that fund her campaign than about the rights of women in our state."l Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann called Reynolds "a leader who will stand up for what she believes in, regardless of the circumstances or the political consequences. I stand behind our governor and her support of a bill that will uphold our pro-life values and outlaw this awful practice of selling fetal body parts." While Congress remains gridlocked on health-care reforms -- particularly regarding drug prices -- states are increasingly taking matters into their own hands.In September, Massachusetts submitted a waiver to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that asks permission to exclude certain drugs from its Medicaid program, MassHealth.Its a bold step, says Tom Dehner, Massachusetts' former Medicaid director. The move, he says, is an attemp to "take the next step in managing costs."Indeed, Medicaid costs have ballooned in recent years, with MassHealth now accounting for 40 percent of the states budget. Massachusetts is hardly an outlier, as Medicaid programs on average make up around 25 percent to 30 percent of states budgets. Prescription drugs are often cited as a key factor in the rising costs, according to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation.By declining to cover more expensive drugs in favor of cheaper alternatives, Massachusetts' Medicaid program will have greater leverage when negotiating drug prices, says Matt Salo, director of the National Association of Medicaid Directors. The minute you cross that threshold and say, Were not going to cover that drug," he says, "that suddenly creates a different dynamic between the payers and the manufacturers. You exclude one drug, that enables you to get better pricing. Its 100 percent a great option.As it stands, state Medicaid programs receive hefty rebates from drug manufacturers. In return, Medicaid programs are required to cover pretty much every drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration. To put that in perspective, most private insurance plans will decline to cover drugs when there is a cheaper or generic alternative.Massachusetts is not alone in looking for more control over drug pricing. Arizona Medicaid Director Thomas Betlach sent a letter to CMS Administrator Seema Verma in November asking, among other things, for greater decision-making power in what drugs Medicaid covers. States should be permitted the flexibility to exclude drugs until market prices are consistent with reasonable fiscal administration and sufficient data exists regarding the cost effectiveness of the drug, he wrote.Similarly, Maryland passed a law last year that allowed the states attorney general to sue drugmakers who hike prices without proper explanation. A judge struck down the law last month.The federal government has sent mixed messages on whether or not itll approve Massachusetts' waiver. Verma has promised to give states more flexibility than was granted under the Obama administration. But some observers think it's unlikely she'll approve this waiver in its current form, arguing that the Trump administration is friendlier to pharmaceutical interests. Alex Azar, the current Health and Human Services secretary, is a former pharma executive.Most experts, though, didnt want to make any predictions on the timing or outcome of the waiver, merely speculating that some kind of compromise is likely. One thing seems certain: If Massachusetts is allowed more leverage over drug prices, more states will certainly follow with similar waivers.Lawsuits are also expected to follow, from either advocacy groups concerned about limiting drugs or pharmaceutical interests.Ross Margulies, a health-care lawyer with the law firm Foley Hoag, says the legal battle over work requirements will be a good limitus test for this kind of waiver. When CMS allowed Kentucky to enforce work requirements on its Medicaid beneficiaries, a lawsuit from patient advocacy groups was almost immediately filed and is still pending. If courts strike down the lawsuit and allow Kentucky to enforce work requirements, it could indicate that states will also be allowed to take more control over the drug pricing formulary.However, while Margulies says that theres a technical legal argument to waive certain sections of the rebate program, the bigger question is how drug companies will react to that. If a state no longer guarantees coverage for products," he asks, "will a manufacturer hold up their end of the bargain for rebates? Thats trickier."The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America has said that Massachusetts waiver is unnecessary on top of the rebates Medicaid already receives, according toMeanwhile, regarding advocates' concerns about limiting drugs, Salo maintains that Medicaid recipients in Massachusetts wont suddenly be denied life-savings drugs. Rather, drugs would be excluded after a very carefully arrived at decision, taking into consideration expert advice," he says. "They also wouldnt exclude anything if it hasnt already been excluded in other plans. The Missouri General Assembly has taken the historic step of calling itself back into special session to decide whether to impeach Gov. Eric Greitens.According to the petition signed by 138 House members and 29 senators both more than the three-fourths required in each cahmber to call a special session lawmakers will consider the findings and recommendations of a House committee investigating Greitens, including, but not limited to disciplinary actions against Gov. Eric R. Greitens.The special session would begin at 6:30 p.m. on May 18, immediately after the legislature adjourns its regular session for the year. It will mark the first time in Missouri history that lawmakers have called a special session themselves instead of relying on the governor to do so. The number of people caught trying to illegally cross the Mexican border ticked up in April, and is now more than triple what it was last year.U.S. Border Patrol statistics show 50,924 people were stopped in April, the highest number since December 2016 and more than triple the 15,766 in April 2017, when crossings were plummeting in the early months of the Trump administration.Last year they were falling, said Randy Capps, research director at the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute. That was the Trump effect, but not this year.The Department of Homeland Security called the crossings a crisis at our Southwest border last month when March crossings topped 50,000 for the first time since 2014.Some of the increase is being driven by fears of gang violence in Central America fears that outweigh concerns about deportation under the Trump administration. This week a caravan of Central Americans began to cross the border at San Diego seeking asylum, prompting Attorney General Jeff Sessions to send judges and assistant U.S. attorneys to the border to process cases. Description GIS 07 May 2018: The launch of an Observatory for Parenthood for the Republic of Mauritius on 15 May 2018, a first in the Indian Ocean region, will be the leading feature of the calendar of activities planned at national level to mark the International Day of Families this year. The Minister of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare, Mrs. Roubina Jadoo-Jaunbocus, met the press on Friday 4 May 2018 at Newton Tower, in Port Louis, to elaborate on the scheduled events. The International Day of Families is a major event that should not be missed as it helps in raising awareness among the population on the important role that the family unit plays within the society, said the Minister. Ensuring the welfare of families is essential and remains a priority for Government because if families suffer the development process too will be negatively affected, hence the need to consolidate the family unit, she added. Speaking about the Observatory for Parenthood, Mrs. Jadoo-Jaunbocus pointed out that it is a platform which will enable different stakeholders to exchange ideas and create networks to promote best practices related to parenthood. The Caisse dAllocation Familiale, of Reunion Island, has assisted the Ministry in the setting up of the Observatory which will be launched at the National Women Entrepreneur Development Centre in Phoenix. The Minister outlined that the individualisation of leisure activities is becoming more recurrent particularly with the advent of new technologies and this has an impact on the time members of the same family spend together. Therefore to address this issue, a series of activities has been thought out to bring together and encourage the active participation of Mauritian families to reinforce ties.. Activities at national level A consultative workshop on the Religious and Socio-Cultural Organisations (RESO)-Impact Programme set for 10 May 2018 at the Gold Crest Hotel in Quatre Bornes. It will enlist the contribution of representatives of religious and socio-cultural groups to help in addressing problems such as alcoholism, lack of communication, extramarital affairs which are seriously affecting Mauritian families; A Family Evening in Port Louis on 12 May 2018 as from 18 hours to 23 hours at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (ex-Desforges) Street. It will comprise an exhibition of a blend of traditional international cuisine and entertainment; and A Colloquium on La Parentalite-50 ans a venir on 16 and 17 May 2018 at the Domaine les Pailles. Focus will be on: Evolution of the family since Independence; Legal aspect of parenthood; and, Parenthood the challenges facing the youth in the coming 50 years. About the International Day In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly decided, in a resolution (A/RES/47/237), that 15 May of every year should be observed as The International Day of Families. This day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families. It has inspired a series of awareness-raising events, including national family days. In many countries, this day is an opportunity to highlight different areas of interest and importance to families. The 2018 theme is Families and inclusive societies. It will explore the role of families and family policies in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 in terms of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. Description GIS 07 May 2018: Trainee police constables, representing the future of the Mauritius Police Force, should always be driven by core principles such as professionalism, loyalty, hard work and integrity towards the population without any involvement in illegal and corrupt practices. The Prime Minister, Minister of Home Affairs, External Communications and National Development Unit and Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, made this statement at the Passing out Parade of 210 trainee police constables, held on Saturday 05 May 2018 at the Line Barracks in Port Louis. The Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Local Government and Outer Islands, Mrs. Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo, several Ministers as well as the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mario Nobin, and other eminent personalities were present on the occasion. In his address to the new recruits, Prime Minister Jugnauth emphasised that as law enforcement agents, they need to be versatile so as to ensure the security and safety of citizens as well as visitors in all kinds of emergencies. He exhorted them to perform their duty without fear, ill-will and impartiality while adding that they should live up to the legitimate expectations of the population and keep the Police departments standards high. The Prime Minister further highlighted that in the face of unprecedented modernisation, new policing strategies are required in order to bring a paradigm shift in the system of criminal justice of Mauritius. On this score, he elaborated on the Police and Criminal Evidence Bill which will provide for codes of conduct that will regulate the conduct of police and other investigators as well as address a number of issues relating to criminal enquiries, including victims rights. Speaking of Governments commitment to providing security, law and order to citizens, Prime Minister Jugnauth underpinned that Budget 2017-2018 allotted Rs 8.4 billion to the Police department. The sum makes provision for a series of measures which are namely, recruitment of police officers; procurement of equipment and vehicles; technological support to combat all forms of crimes and delinquency; setting up of a police training academy at Cote dor; and installation of Intelligence and Traffic Surveillance cameras, amongst others. As regards the drug scourge, he underscored that the younger generation is an easy prey for drug dealers and traffickers which in turn is causing harm not only to the family but to the community as a whole. To this end, he pointed out that with the ever-growing world-scale threats such as transnational organised crimes, money laundering, drug trafficking and terrorism, there is a need to proactively address these challenges. The Prime Minister called on the police officers to continue in their stride to tackle pertinent issues such as road safety, drug scourge and domestic violence to promote a safer environment. Recruits Training The 210 Trainee Police constables, 187 male Officers and 23 female Officers, who participated in the Passing out Parade, have completed a 30-week foundation course at the Beau Bassin Police Training School; Vacoas Police Training School and the Special Supporting Unit Training School. The foundation course comprised both theoretical and practical sessions. They were also engaged in various social activities and community programmes to bolster their will power and compassion to support the vulnerable groups of society. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 7 ) Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) election candidates should go through voluntary drug testing if only to clear their names in the so-called narco list, National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde said Monday. Despite the absence of a law requiring the drug test, he said candidates should come clean. "Sabi nga nila na walang batas para dito but we wanted to put this challenge sa kanila. Kung talagang wala naman talagang tinatago mga 'yan why not undergo a voluntary drug test?" [Translation: They said there is no law for this but we wanted to put this challenge for them because if they really didn't do anything wrong, why not undergo a voluntary drug test?] Albayalde said a number of sitting officials and candidates from the Ilocos Region and Pampanga have volunteered to take the drug test in the wake of the narco list disclosure. He hopes due process should be observed after the release of the list. "Ang sinabi rin naman natin, while we support 'yung kanilang paglabas, we should also give at least 'yung due process 'yung sa mga tao na 'to and 'yung validation," the chief said. [Translation: What we said is while we support the release (of the narco list), we should also give the people due process at least, and validation] The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency disclosed the narco list to the public on April 30. It identifies 90 barangay captains and 117 barangay kagawad (councilors). About 70 are from Bicol, 34 from the Cordillera Administrative Region, and 13 from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. READ: PDEA still gathering evidence on 200 'validated' drug-linked barangay officials "Great leaders always seem to embody two seemingly disparate qualities. They are both highly visionary and highly practical." "The higher you want to climb, the more you need leadership. The greater the impact you want to make, the greater your influence needs to be." "If you can't influence people, then they will not follow you. And if people won't follow, you are not a leader. That's the Law of Influence." "Anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course. Leaders who are good navigators are capable of taking their people just about anywhere." "If you are a leader, the true measure of your success is not getting people to work. It's not getting people to work hard. It is getting people to work hard together. That takes commitment." Good leaders have a mission and inspire others to join them. Good leaders create strong organizations. Good leaders have strong interpersonal skills. Good leaders are good motivators. Relationships with your internal security team. Staff under your control who report to you. Relationships with internal organizational peers. Similar level of business and technology professionals throughout your organization. This includes internal customers who you are working with and protecting. Relationships with your management. This includes your boss(es) and other senior executives that are higher up (your bosss peers or above.) Of course, many view your boss as the most important evaluator. Certainly, achieving stated duties and core functions is essential. And yet, I know some hands-off tech bosses that do not provide much guidance or direction to their CISO. Vendor relationships. How do you work effectively with security providers, managing contracts, contract staff acquisition processes, technology providers, new technology acquisition and effectiveness, etc. External customers. This includes relationships with your wider organizational clients. People using your business partners products and services. For example, in Michigan government, I would meet with the Treasury Departments and the Office of Retirements (and many other organizations') customers and partners. Only one (1) group says CISO is doing a very good job and trusts CISO Wont last long unless your boss loves and protects you. Basically the CISO is in trouble. Any two (2) groups show trust and support and respect Basic competence but average CISO at best Any three (3) groups Doing well Keep striving for more Any four (4) groups Above average CISO All five groups trust CISO, respect you. They will follow you through cyber good times and bad Truly exceptional CISO Great organizations have great leaders. Leaders who surround themselves with top talent. Their teams work well together, using the best technology and efficient processes.Leaders who inspire others, who motivate, who lead by example. Those who properly reward staff and who get things done the right way. Leaders who get results, with projects delivered on-time and on-budget, but without constant staff burnout to get there.Leaders with skill, honesty and integrity. Men and women who are kind and yet relentlessly pursue excellence. People who are thrilled when their own staff members surpass them in their career.Leaders who leave a positive legacy long after moving to another role or another organization or even retiring.But you may be thinking, is such leadership even possible? How do you really know who will stand the test of time?No doubt, this discourse raises many questions: Whos really good at security and/or technology leadership?Also, inquiring minds ask introspective questions of themselves. Questions like: How am I doing in my leadership role? Am I seeing progress over time? Where should I focus to improve my organizational people/process/technology skills?These topics typically come up when I am mentoring a mid-career chief information security officer (CISO), or talking with a group of trusted executive friends at a reception during a national or international event, or speaking to a top journalist who is looking for someone to interview for a cyberstory.Also, sometimes a top-level elected official or career government leader is conducting a national search and wants to find the best and brightest, the age-old question comes up: Who would I recommend?With so many tech and cyberawards being given out and with the rapid turnover in public- and private-sector leaders, are kudos on LinkedIn profiles even trustworthy? Arent there award-winners who seem to receive their recognition through office politics or from less-than-average work or are known to have poor ethics?Despite confusion, one thing is absolutely clear. Study after study has shown that the overall performance of leaders such as CIOs, CISOs and CTOs is vital to organizational success. It fact, most experts say an organizations leadership is the No. 1 predictor of future organizational success.I really like John Maxwells books on leadership, and here are some of Maxwells inspiring quotes For good articles on the need for CISOs, see:OK, so enough background on the vital importance of security and technology leadership. How can we evaluate CISO or chief security officer (CSO) performance?Typical responses I hear fall into several categories.First, there are many hard metrics used to measure security leaders such as audit findings addressed, trouble tickets opened or closed, breaches reported, budget items managed well, staff vacancies filled (or other staff growth or decline numbers), degrees or certifications obtained, specific project success, outcome focus on top executive initiatives or even bottom-line company returns (may include legislative budgets approved for government entities).Many CISOs spend the majority of their time putting out cyberfires or dealing with never-ending security incidents. These leaders often struggle with their wider CISO responsibilities or perhaps fail to get the needed resources or support to be effective in the long run. They never seem to gain more executive support and/or improved their security culture And while these (and other) metrics are important to consider and certainly help in the evaluation over time, I also see operational metrics being misused on a regular basis.How?Some CISOs coast on a past leaders success in these areas for months and even years. For example, a current CISO's lack of breaches on their watch may be the result of years of work by the former team.Closing audit findings is necessary even essential for most leaders. But in what order? Are these CISOs leading the organization, or just responding to audit reports or regulations issued by others?Also, are you closing the barn door after the horses have escaped? What about hot new cyberthreats that are not in those internal or external audits? Bottom line: Good metric baselines are hard to obtain and rarely are put in place for new CISOs.Benchmarking security or technology against other best practice organizations in your industry can help in many important ways, but with CISOs turning over an average of every 17 months (this number seems too low to me for government), it is very hard to gauge the true impact of a single leader on an organization using this data alone.In some cases, whatever numbers are used to measure performance are clear-cut and directly impact bonuses or incentive plans and are way too simplistic such as a single number on incidents reported or resolved. Many of these one and done metrics are actually not in the control of the CISO. (For example: You cant control how often you are attacked.)On the sad side of things, I have seen CISOs fired because of a breach that was largely outside of their control, as they were outmatched by the outside organization that hacked them or an employee clicked on a link somewhere.Second, there are many lists of soft performance measures that are used to judge performance. These soft skills include items like this list from Inc.:Here are some other good lists of important skills and success factors to help from Habott.com and Kinhave.org There are hundreds of such character trait and leadership lists that are used by management to evaluate people in role-specific situations. In many circumstances security leaders are judged by the perceptions from someone higher in management (often the CIO or department director in government.) Seldom do metrics surrounding these soft-skill topics include a 360-degree feedback evaluation that is really fair, in my experience. When management does get input from others, it often includes only colleagues who provide a similar viewpoint as the evaluator.I have also seen 360-degree performance evaluations go painfully wrong based on popularity contests or office politics, but that discussion is for another day. On the other hand, 360-degree evaluations implemented well, can certainly be an effective way to measure performance.Which brings me to a third approach that I use. My analysis uses elements of the first two methods and a few twists. It focuses on becoming a trusted adviser within your specific situation.I generally evaluate CISO effectiveness in five core areas (Note: sometimes I add a sixth area, which I will describe at the end).These relationship areas listed below reflect the level of trust, respect, project results, communications skills and overall competence with the different groups that CISOs generally interact with on a regular basis. It also reflects an ability to lead and inspire greatness in others.I realize that CISOs have differing levels of involvement and relationships in each of these five areas, so the importance of each item can vary depending on a variety of factors. (These are not equally weighted in every organization.) Also, how you grade each area (as a yes or no) can vary based on the items above under hard and soft metrics and skill sets. Nevertheless, I maintain that almost all CISOs have some responsibility in each of these five areas. See below for more on this.The main goal is to keep grading simple in my view. This is meant to be a high-level assessment and not a detailed performance review with organizational specifics or required cybersecurity objectives.Answer this question: Does the CISO have "good" (or even "very good" or better yet "great") relationship with this group. Im not talking about personal likes and dislikes, but professional rapport. Does this group respect and trust the CISO as their security adviser?Heres how to evaluate a security leader (or yourself) over time:There is a wide variance in CISO roles in both the public and private sectors. Some have many staff, some have none. Some are board-level execs, others are buried in the org chart. Authority and budgets vary widely, and governance models are all over the map. Some leaders have operational security authority and accountability 24/7, while others have matrix control and others are advisory-only roles.Also, if you are a one-person CISO team on security in your small government, your internal team may also be measured by your own technical skills to program a firewall or some other security task.This grading approach can work for all types of CISOs, but it requires flexibility in implementation. At first, just ask, how is he/she doing with these five groups? Be sure to get a diverse range of inputs in each category. Sometimes, a single person in a group can throw off the evaluation. A special effort may need to be made to obtain balanced input.For example, if 20 business-side execs trust the CISO, but still one business person (who doesnt get along with anyone) doesnt respect the CISO and opposes you, dont count that person/situation. However, I have also seen one vocal executive critic who has the ear of the wider group and substantial influence sink a CISO.This simple, high level approach provides a sound foundation for a viable working assessment, strengthened further to stand the test of time by considering the priorities among the relationship areas for the leadership candidate within her or his current employment context; unique strengths and weaknesses; longer term needs and challenges within the future employment arena; and most importantly flexibility balanced by rigor and resilience, the capacity for change, growth.There is a sixth category that I sometimes use for evaluating security and technology leaders that relates to marketing and external media, blogging, industry thought-leadership, speaking at conferences, etc., for CxOs. Are you influencing your wider industry peers and/or moving the bar nationwide or globally? Are you helping improve your clients business with their customers?But this larger industry influence step usually comes later for CISOs, and can be a part of the external client/customer piece and industry vendor relationship piece (or not). However, I see some people doing this external cyberevangelism (and or hanging out with industry peer CISOs too much), while at the same time failing in many of the other internal relationships. These security leaders are heading for an internal reckoning maybe a pink slip.Also, we all need more development to become more effective cyberleaders . This is a journey, so if you are only trusted by two groups, try to move to three and so on. No doubt, building a good reputation and respect takes hard-earned CISO skills and time-tested cyberoperations results that keep working each day for years. The hard part is often earning the internal respect of geek-level hackers on your team, and at the same time impressing executives with business acumen and communication skills in the wider community.I will return to this: How to evaluate CISOs topic in a later blog, but I am happy to answer questions on my approach now. My premise is that different audiences have different needs, and you ignore them at your own peril. I have seen CISOs that are fabulous with vendors, spend 90 percent of their time on cuttingedge technology, and fail in other relationship areas.The vast majority of CISOs can manage one or two groups well in order to become a CISO (or other security leader), but struggle to grow their circle or business influence and knowledge to be trusted by all the important stakeholders involved to achieve lasting success and grow in influence.On leadership, Ronald Reagan once said: The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things. All-electric homes Why not zero? (TNS) For seven years, a handful of homebuilders offered solar as an optional item to buyers willing to pay extra to go green.Now, California is on the verge of making solar standard on virtually every new home built in the Golden State.The California Energy Commission is scheduled to vote Wednesday, May 9, on new energy standards mandating most new homes have solar panels starting in 2020.If approved as expected, solar installations on new homes will skyrocket.Just 15 percent to 20 percent of new single-family homes built include solar, according to Bob Raymer, technical director for the California Building Industry Association.California is about to take a quantum leap in energy standards, Raymer said. No other state in the nation mandates solar, and we are about to take that leap.The proposed new rules would deviate slightly from another much-heralded objective: Requiring all new homes be net-zero, meaning they would produce enough solar power to offset all electricity and natural gas consumed over the course of a year.New thinking has made that goal obsolete, state officials say. True zero-net-energy homes still rely on the electric power grid at night, they explained, a time when more generating plants come online using fossil fuels to generate power.Zero net energy isnt enough, said Andrew McAllister, one of five state energy commissioners voting on the new homebuilding standards. If we pursue (zero net energy) as a comprehensive policy, wed be making investments that would be somewhat out of touch with our long-term goals.While environmentalists and homebuilders praised the new standards, the proposed rules have some detractors who still support net-zero goals.Were happy theyre making good progress, said Kelly Knutsen, technology advancement director for the California Solar and Storage Association, a solar-industry group. We wish they would go further. Theres always compromises.In addition to widespread adoption of solar power, the new provisions include a push to increase battery storage and increase reliance on electricity over natural gas. Among the highlights:The new solar mandate would apply to all houses, condos and apartment buildings up to three stories tall that obtain building permits after Jan. 1, 2020.Exceptions or alternatives will be allowed when homes are shaded by trees or buildings or when the homes roofs are too small to accommodate solar panels.Solar arrays can be smaller because homes wont have to achieve true net-zero status.Builders installing batteries like the Tesla Powerwall would get compliance credits, allowing them to further reduce the size of the solar system.Provisions will encourage more electric use or even all-electric homes to reduce natural gas consumption. State officials say improved technology is making electric water heaters increasingly cost-effective.The mandate dates back to 2007 when the state energy commission adopted the goal of making homebuilding so efficient newly constructed buildings can be net zero energy by 2020 for residences and by 2030 for commercial buildings.Builders would prefer the state move slower in imposing the solar mandate, but most nonetheless should be prepared by mid-2020, said the Building Industry Associations Raymer.Meritage Homes currently installs solar on about 10 percent of its homes, and about 1 percent of them are net zero, a company official said. A KB Home official said his firm has built more than 6,000 solar homes in the past seven years, mostly in California. Thats 12 percent of the 49,600 homes KB Home sold in that period.The new energy standards add about $25,000 to $30,000 to the construction costs compared with homes built to the 2006 code, said C.R. Herro, Meritages vice president of environmental affairs. Solar accounts for about $14,000 to $16,000 of that cost, with increased insulation and more efficient windows, appliances, lighting and heating accounting for another $10,000 to $15,000.But that $25,000 to $30,000 will result in $50,000 to $60,000 in the owners reduced operating costs over the 25-year life of the homes solar system, Herro said.Bill Watt, a homebuilder and design consultant, said those added costs on top of other building mandates like fire sprinklers are pushing home prices further out of reach for many buyers.Were not building enough housing already, said Watt, former president of the Orange County Building Industry Association. Why not just pause for a little while, focus on the affordability and housing issues, then circle back?Environmentalists, however, praised the new standards.The technology is developing so fast, we think the timeline was a bit slow, said Kathryn Phillips, director of Sierra Club California.Pierre Delforge, energy efficiency program director at the Natural Resources Defense Council, called the proposed update another important step toward the environmentally-friendly, healthy and affordable home of the future.While net-zero remains an admirable goal, getting there is not yet cost-effective, state officials and experts said. And it fails to address the states ultimate goal of curbing global warming.Because electric utilities now rely on renewable energy for much of their power, daytime energy already is quite clean, said McAllister, the lead state commissioner on energy efficiency.At night when theres no solar power, people come home, turn on the lights, the TV and possibly the air conditioning and start pulling power from the grid, he said. Some gas-powered generating plants then are fired up to help meet that additional load, boosting carbon emissions.That additional (home-generated) solar kilowatt-hour isnt worth very much because its displacing what is already clean energy, McAllister said. That net-zero home is not a net-carbon-zero home. (TNS) Bryan Hanson watched in fascination Saturday as Steve Fines of Fines Aerial Imaging in St. Cloud unfolded the six arms and propellers on his DJI M600 Pro hexacopter drone and then sent it flying.Hanson, of Champlain, brought his 13-year-old son Cole to the Minnesota Drone Day event at Blackhawk Middle School in Eagan to foster his interest in engineering and drones. Over 300 people attended.It was the first event of its kind that brought together the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Minnesota Drone Advocacy Council and the Minnesota Autonomous Vehicle Meetup group and multiple vendors for the purpose of educating enthusiasts and the general public on drone use.What started out as an extension of the model airplane hobby has exploded over the past 10 years into a multi-faceted industry used by groups such as law enforcement, realtors, insurance agents, gamers and regular hobbyists.Drones can be used to search for lost people, find suspects in a cornfield, take aerial photos and videos, locate malfunctioning solar panels, investigate fires, help farmers manage crops and more.But the public often sees only the sinister side of drone use, said Rich Hanson, president of the Academy of Model Aeronautics.There is significant concern in the Department of Defense that this technology can be used for wrong purposes, he said. The biggest challenge, I think, is education. Not just for the pilots, but the public.Kevin Morris, of the FAA, said the laws on operating a drone continue to change and misinformation about what is legal is ubiquitous.Myth: the FAA doesnt control airspace below 400 feet, he said. Fact: There is no unregulated airspace.Model aircraft operators are not exempt from FAA regulations, nor does it matter if the pilot is not a commercial operator.If your UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) weighs more than a couple of sticks of butter, youre going to need to register it, he said.He warned folks to go to the right website, faadronezone.faa.gov to register and not fall for impostors charging more than the FAAs $5 fee.When you Google registration, the first four or five hits are not us, he said.U.S. Rep. Jason Lewis, R-Minn., spoke about regulation at the event and his efforts in Washington to establish a clear framework for the operation of UAS and lay out clear protections for privacy.We have to rethink what weve always assumed would work in our air space, he said. (TNS) CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa Iowas top elections official will form a new working group with the goal of bolstering the cybersecurity around Iowa voting.With the past presidential election, with the dialogue that came out of that, weve had to be much more aggressive (on cybersecurity), but also to share more with you of what were doing so the voters have the full confidence in our elections system, Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate said during a Friday news conference during a training session for county auditors at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids.Concern about the security of the nations elections has hit a peak since 2016 due to investigations into Russian attempts to affect the 2016 presidential election.Matt Masterson, senior cybersecurity adviser with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, joined Pate at the news conference.From the Department of Homeland Securitys perspective, were taking this incredibly seriously, he said. Elections are fundamental to democracy, and this is a top priority for the department.Pate said Iowa has not had any breaches or intrusions into its election systems.Ive assured Iowans, and I will assure them again today, that our system is intact, he said. It has not been hacked. There are no foreign countries manipulating your votes or accessing your voter information.The new Iowa Election Cybersecurity Working Group will include representatives from the U.S. and Iowa Departments of Homeland Security, the U.S. Elections Assistance Commission, the Iowa National Guard, Iowas Office of the Chief Information Officer, county auditors and others.The group will be asked to provide Pates office with recommendations on how to further protect Iowas election systems.Pate said he hopes the group will be up and running in two to three weeks.While he said the work will be ongoing, a plan to be submitted to the federal government should be finished in 45 days.The information weve received to date clearly tell us were doing all the right things, he said. But the thing about it is we need to make sure that were consistent, that everybody has the same information and the same kind of resources, and then we have to really strengthen our human side of the equation.The big thing were talking about with our (county) auditors, Pate said, is the human factor because were upgrading technology, but youve got to make sure the staffs are up to speed on how those technologies work and to make sure we dont let our guard down at all. Toto Wolff has moved to play down suggestions Daniel Ricciardo might be at the front of the queue to join Mercedes next year. Red Bull driver Ricciardo is on the market and linked with potential moves to either Mercedes or Ferrari. But Mercedes team boss Wolff is quoted by Italy's Corriere dello Sport as insisting that the team is happy with Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. That is despite the fact that negotiations over a new contract with Hamilton have reportedly stalled. But Wolff said: "At the moment we are not looking at drivers outside of Mercedes. "First of all, we support our two guys. That is the priority. If you're happy with your wife, you don't look at other women." He suggested that if Mercedes does need to make changes for 2019, the replacement will be picked from the Mercedes pool. "We are very happy with how Valtteri has been driving and we do not need to talk about Lewis -- I think he's the best driver today," said Wolff. "Then there are the young guys with us like Esteban Ocon and George (Russell). I'm optimistic about the future of Mercedes," he added. Wolff said the driver topic for 2019 is not an issue for now anyway. "We need a few more races, get into the European season and then go to Canada and it's an intense July after that," he said. "After that I'll have a better perspective." (GMM) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 7) There's no urgent need for a change in Senate leadership, Senator Richard Gordon said on Monday. "I think we're fine, I think we're all right," Gordon told CNN Philippines' The Source. "Don't change anything if it ain't broken." The remarks came after Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson mistakenly announced an agreement that Senate Majority Floor leader Vicente "Tito" Sotto III would assume the Senate presidency. Incumbent Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III denied the agreement, prompting Lacson to apologize on Twitter. Pimentel is running for re-election in the 2019 senatorial elections. Gordon, who chairs both the Justice and Blue Ribbon Committees, did not disclose any preference between the two senators. He said Sotto was "a good friend," but the senators had yet to discuss any change in leadership. He also remarked on the disagreement between himself and Lacson, who on Thursday admitted he confronted Gordon about other senators not being able to weigh in during Blue Ribbon Committee hearings on P6 billion worth of smuggled drugs. "We give it to him kasi passion niya minsan pag nagsalita siya... wala na talaga makasingit," Lacson said. "Pero ito lalabas sa interpellation... ang pag-conduct ng hearings and hopefully magkaroon ng kaunting pagbabago sa pag-preside niya sa pagdinig kasi di natutuwa ang iba." [Translation:We give it to him because it's his passion that sometimes when he speaks... no one else can get a word in. How he conducts hearings... will come out in interpellation, and hopefully there will be a bit of crhange on how he presides because the others are not happy.] Most recently, Lacson did not sign onto Gordon's Blue Ribbon committee report recommending criminal and administrative charges against former President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III for the controversy surrounding the Dengvaxia vaccine. Lacson is also Vice Chair to the Justice Committee. Gordon, however, denied his chairmanship was a one-man show. "I don't think I stepped on any senator. They have the right to speak up," said Gordon. "All you have to do is raise your hand. If you're on point, you can speak as much as you want." Both Gordon and Lacson maintain they are still friends despite their disagreements. Watch the full interview with Gordon here. CNN Philippines' correspondent Cecille Lardizabal contributed to this report. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects nearly 32 gigawatts (GW) of new electric generating capacity will come online in the United States in 2018more than in any year over the past decade. Although renewables such as wind and solar accounted for 98% of the 2 GW added so far this year (based on data for January and February), EIA expects about 21 GW of natural gas-fired generators will come online in 2018. If these generators come online based on their reported timelines, 2018 will be the first year since 2013 in which renewables did not make up a majority of added capacity. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Preliminary Monthly Electric Generator Inventory. In 2017, renewables accounted for 55% of the 21 GW of US capacity additions, the fourth consecutive year in which renewables made up more than half. As of February 2018, renewables accounted for 22% of total currently operating US electricity generating capacity. Generators planned online dates for the remainder of 2018 are based on data reported to EIA in the Preliminary Monthly Electric Generator Inventory. The newly added generating capacity in January and February 2018 included 2,029 megawatts (MW) of renewables, 27 MW of fossil fueled generators, and 28 MW of other technologies, mostly consisting of energy storage batteries. In February 2018, for the first time in decades, all of the new generating capacity coming online within a month were non-fossil-fueled. Of the 475 MW of capacity that came online in February, 81% was wind, 16% was solar photovoltaic, and the remaining 3% was hydro and biomass. About half of the 21 GW of natural gas-fired generation capacity EIA expects to come online by the end of 2018 are combined-cycle units to be added to the PJM Regional Transmission Organization, which spans parts of several Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern states. In the PJM region, Pennsylvania plans to add 5.2 GW; Maryland will add 1.9 GW, and Virginia will add 1.9 GW. Most of the new capacity is being added on the eastern side of the PJM region along the Transcontinental, the Dominion Transmission, and the Eastern Texas Transmission Pipelines. Most of the 1,196 MW of new wind capacity that came online in January and February 2018 was added in states that already have significant wind capacity such as Texas, Oklahoma, and Iowa. In Texas, two utility-scale batteries totaling 20 MW were colocated at wind facilities. EIA expects five gigawatts of capacity to come online by the end of 2018. Of those 5 GW, 2 GW are in Texas, the state with the most wind capacity currently. About 90% of Floridas solar capacity has come online since 2016. In January 2018, Florida Power & Light (FPL) completed four solar photovoltaic projects totaling 300 MW. FPL plans for another four projects totaling 300 MW to have come online by March 2018. Upon completion, these eight projects will account for 54% of Floridas utility-scale solar capacity. By the end of 2018, 4 GW of solar PV are expected to come online in the United States. More than half of the 2018 solar PV additions will be added in California, North Carolina, and Texas. The Nikkei reports that Leading Japanese manufacturers have teamed up with the government in a program to develop solid-state batteries. The new program teams the Consortium for Lithium Ion Battery Technology and Evaluation Center (Libtec) with companies such as Toyota Motor and Panasonic. To support the program, Japans Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will provide 1.6 billion ($14 million) in funding to Libtec, a research body whose members include Asahi Kasei and Toray Industries. Toyota Motor, Nissan Motor, Honda Motor, Panasonic and battery maker GS Yuasa will also participate. Toyota has been working on solid-state battery technology for some time (earlier post), but has yet to reach the commercialization stage. The program aims to make this happen by combining expertise from each member of the consortium. Key goals of the program include improving battery performance and establishing safety criteria for the new batteries. Libtec hopes to develop a solid-state battery that doubles the range of electric vehicles to 800 km (497 miles) by 2030 over the current 400 km (249 miles). For the time being, it is targeting a more modest range of 550 km (342 miles) by 2025. Japanese companies accounted for 70% of the global automotive battery market in 2013, but they are being challenged by China and South Korea. Chinese companies expanded their combined global share to 26% in 2016 from just 3% in 2013. Over the same period, Japanese manufacturers share shrunk to 41%. The Nikkei said that Japans industry ministry is eager for the country to reclaim its global dominance by setting standards for solid-state batteries. It may seek to register related technologies with the International Electrotechnical Commission, a standards organization for electronics. Groupe PSA has selected transmission provider Punch Powertrain as the supplier of its next-generation e-DCT electrified transmission systems by 2022. Groupe PSA has been actively accelerating its shift to electrified vehicles (Mild-hybrid, MHEV), Electric Vehicles (EV) and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) with the aim of developing an electrified offering covering 100% of its range by 2025. The electrified Dual Clutch Transmissionhybrid DT2with a 48V motor will equip Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles. Punchs current 7-speed DT1 DCT tranmission was specifically developed for the compact car segment. By adopting a new kind of planetary clutch pack, it can shift seamlessly between 7 forward gears while using only 4 gear pairs. Using only one side shaft allows for a lighter, more compact product, while offering a significant cost reduction. The DT1 is intended for cars with a limited torque up to 190 Nm. The large ratio first gear (1:18) is optimized for this purpose, resulting in smooth accelerations in any circumstance and strong performances on inclines. The DT1 additionally delivers a favorable consumption, thanks to the large ratio coverage of up to 8. Groupe PSAs main reason for cooperating with Punch Powertrain is to leverage the patented dual clutch transmission design, which allows for fewer components, and hence a lighter and more compact transmission system. The two companies are entering into discussions about manufacturing the technology at one of Groupe PSAs plants and are exploring the possibility of extending the partnership. Punch Powertrain has carried out major investments to meet the requirements of a project of this magnitude, including the acquisition of the power electronics expert Apojee in January 2018. Apojee is an industry expert in the field of Power Electronics with customers in the German and French Automotive industry (both OEMs and Tier 1s), as well as in motorsports (inverters for Formula E and for Formula One). The acquisition adds a fourth European development center for Punch Powertrain, in addition to the existing ones at its headquarters in Sint-Truiden (BE), Eindhoven (NL) and Flechtorf (DE). Punch is entirely owned by the Yinyi Group in China. The agreement with Groupe PSA is a major step for Punch Powertrain and is in line with its strategic vision of becoming a global automotive supplier. To secure sustainable and continuous growth, the company has focused on two objectives: expanding its product portfolio and establishing a worldwide customer base in global markets. In 2017, Punch Powertrain opened 3 new locations. In February, a new Iranian factory was inaugurated, indicating the start of installation of facilities for mass production. In July the German TEG was successfully acquired and in October the new, larger and improved factory in Nanjing (China) became operational. In February, Punch opened a new production plant in Ningbo (China). This new location of 106.859m will house the production lines of the current products from Nanjing. As applies to production at all international plats, the quality critical main components will be produced in Sint-Truiden. In 2017, the total production of CVTs by Punch Powertrain topped 2 million715,000 of them in 2017. were produced. In 2018, Punch introduced the new VT5the companys latest CVTon the market with the new Landwind Xiaoyao. This marked the beginning of a new series of product launches, many of which will take place later this year. Among the portfolio expansion, VT5 will be introduced in new variants, including 48V and P3-CVT PHEV solution (HS2). Additionally, in 2018 the company will introduce its first electric powertrain on the market. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 7) Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Teresita de Castro has been nominated as Ombudsman to replace Conchita Carpio-Morales, who is set to retire in July after her seven-year tenure. Retired SC Justice Arturo Brion nominated De Castro to the post, citing her 45 years in government service. De Castro has been vocal in her support for the ouster of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno. The government's top lawyer, Solicitor General Jose Calida, has filed a quo warranto case against Sereno before the Supreme Court questioning her right to hold office. President Rodrigo Duterte himself has branded Sereno his enemy and called for her ouster from the Supreme Court, urging the House of Representatives to speed up a pending impeachment case against her. "Through all these years, she has served the government with competence, probity, and integrity," Brion said of de Castro in his two-page letter to the Judicial and Bar Council dated May 3. "Her long years in the prosecutorial service (almost 19 years) and in the Sandiganbayan (more than 10 years), not to mention her more than a decade of experience as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, fully qualify her for the position of Ombudsman," he added. De Castro, who will retire from the SC in October, has yet to accept the nomination -- a requirement for the JBC to consider her for the post. De Castro began her government service at the SC Office of the Clerk of Court in 1973. She then served at the Justice Department from 1978 to 1997. She became an Associate Justice of the Sandiganbayan in 1997, and became its Presiding Justice in 2004. In 2007, she was appointed as SC Associate Justice. Sereno and De Castro figured in a heated exchange last month during the SC oral arguments on the quo warranto petition against the chief magistrate. The quo warranto is a legal proceeding where an individual's right to hold office is challenged. Calida wants the SC to void Sereno's appointment as chief justice for her alleged failure to file Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net worth for 10 years, before she applied for the Chief Justice post in 2012. De Castro was also among the five SC justices who testified in the House Justice Committee's hearings on the impeachment charges against Sereno. Application for the Ombudsman post is open until May 15, after being extended from the original May 2 deadline. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 7) The media outfit owned by the brother of Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo will return the P60 million paid to them by the Tourism Department. The legal counsel of Secretary Tulfo-Teo, Ferdinand Topacio, on Monday said Bitag Media Unlimited Inc. headed by Ben Tulfo agreed to give back the advertising budget to end the controversy. "Napagpasyahan na po ni Mr. Ben Tulfo na isauli na lang po ang salapi sa gobyerno. Para ipakita na in good faith ang mga Tulfo... Para matapos na ang usapan ay ibinabalik na po niya," Topacio told CNN Philippines. [Translation: Mr. Ben Tulfo decided to return the money to the government to end the controversy.] He said Ben Tulfo personally called to inform him. Tourism Secretary Tulfo-Teo got caught in the controversy after the Commission on Audit (COA) revealed her department has placed P60 million-worth of TV advertisements on the show of her brothers, Ben and Erwin Tulfo, on PTV-4. COA said the transaction lacked supporting documents. It said DOT paid P60.009 million in three tranches to BMUI to place commercials on "Kilos Pronto," the show on PTV-4 which features Ben and Erwin Tulfo and Alex Santos. "Kilos Pronto" is a block timer, meaning it is paying PTV-4 to air their show on the state-run TV network. On the other hand, activist group Akbayan said the move to return the money is an admission of guilt. "Returning the money should not stop probes for accountability. It also does not correct an illegal act," it said in a statement. Akbayan continues to call for the resignation of Secretary Teo. Teo's husband has resigned from TIEZA lawyer Another controversy involving Teo is her husband's role as board member of Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), which is under the Tourism Department. Topacio said Roberto Teo, who handles travel and tours enterprises under TIEZA, has resigned "a long time ago." Roberto Teo was appointed by former President Benigno Aquino III as TIEZA board member in July 2013 and his term ended on June 30, 2014. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Teo did not vacate his post because he did not want to be accused of leaving his job without anyone to replace him. But he said Teo will stop attending TIEZA meetings. "He has long tendered his resignation, pero wala pa daw kapalit kaya daw nandodoon pa siya. Kaya ngayon sinabi niya hindi na raw siya pupunta sa mga meetings. Natatakot lang daw siya na dahil wala pang kapalit, sasabihin bakit mo binakante," Roque said in a media briefing on Monday. Eating out: now with more guilt. Photo: Carolyn Cole/LA Times via Getty Images As of this week, you can no longer feign ignorance when your Cheesecake Factory dining companion (or doctor) tells you, Your pasta has over 2,000 calories you know that, right? Thats because a rule that the FDA has tried to enact for ages obligating chains to post calorie counts on their menus goes into effect today, concluding no less than eight years of fights between the industry and public-health advocates in Washington. The regulation requires all restaurants, supermarkets, and even movie theaters or vending-machine operators with 20 or more locations to list how many calories are in every standard menu item. That means the counts must appear on the overhead display boards behind the counter, as well as on printed menus at tables (or, increasingly, the devices you swipe through at cashierless kiosks). The rule was actually passed as part of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, and was initially supposed to roll out by 2015. But the regulation faced a lot of backlash, not so much from big companies like McDonalds, Starbucks, or Chilis (which were forced to adapt to New Yorks calorie-count law in 2008 anyway), but rather from smaller regional chains and groups like the National Association of Convenience Stores, whose members argue that its tedious and expensive to calculate calories in their vast array of constantly changing deli-counter items. In the end, the Feds issued three separate delays, giving food-service providers almost a decade to ease into this. FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb now warns in a statement that the reckoning has arrived: Consumers can finally walk into any restaurant chain, he says, and know, at a glance, how many calories are in the foods. Public-health advocates say conspicuous labels are basically the last line of defense to keep American consumers from casually inhaling giant burritos, triple-meat burgers, Pizzadillas, and anything else that contains a full days worth of calories. Up till now, the White House has done little to suggest that it agrees, but last week Gottlieb did lay out, in language uncharacteristic for the Trump administration, two reasons his agency favors them: We know that providing calorie information on menu labels actually inspires consumers to make smarter choices about overall consumption, when they want to, he told the Washington Post. It does reduce overall caloric intake. The second reason, he says, is that the label requirements will inspire competition among restaurants to produce options that are more healthful. Haiti - Environment : 250 university students volunteer On Friday, Pierre Simon Georges, the Minister of the Environment through the Climate Change Department and the South-East Departmental Directorate, officially launched the national "Volunteer for Climate" program aimed at developing eco-civism among Haitian families, through the participation of young people from the department including students from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (FSA) of the Public University of South-East in Jacmel (UPSEJ). Minister George, who opened the ceremony, applauded the 250 student volunteers for their commitment to this vast environmental education campaign at a time when many young people are fleeing the country in search of a better life and is being moved about their determination. He reiterated the willingness of his Ministry to work alongside these motivated youth, committed and ready to go to the communal sections to educate and train the population. For Agronomist Arsene Bastien, Departmental Director for the South East, this partnership between the Ministry and young Southeast academics should serve as a model for the rest of the country. He solicits the support of the Ministry of the Interior through the Boards of Communal Sections (CASEC), and the Administration of Communal Sections (ASEC) to ensure the safety of these volunteers in the field. Noting that these volunteer students, who will be deployed in teams of 5 per communal section, will start with awareness work during the rainy season (May 1 to June 30) in order to equip the Department with 50 woodlots (forest trees) and 50 orchards (fruit trees). GPS (Global Positioning System) will be used for Geo-localization of spaces chosen by local authorities. For Nelson Royal, vice-delegate of the South-East, while welcoming the gesture of these young students who put their passion and their youth for the benefit of the country believes "Si nou pa paret, nap disparet" convinced that the question of the environment is not only a national matter but rather international. That is why he urges ministries, organizations and bodies working in the field of the environment to seek the true formula to attack this problem both upstream and downstream. "The will and the commitment of the young people constitute the pivot of this program of the Ministry of the Environment," affirmed Jean Elie Gilles Rector of the Public University South-East adding "The university education, aims to train cultivated humans and enlightened, people capable of contributing to the social, cultural, economic and political development of society. Also, this act of the students testifies of their desire to answer their mission, that to take care of the Nation, to make it live and revive. However, it will require good support from the State." HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Politic : Towards the strengthening of municipalities Saturday evening Jean Marie Reynaldo Brunet, the new Minister of the Interior held a working meeting with representatives of the National Federation of Haitian Mayors (FENAMH). This meeting was part of the dual approach of strengthening ties of the Ministry with the local authorities and the need to strengthen the capacities of municipalities. During this working session, an inventory of current files was drawn up. Discussions also took place on the difficulties surrounding the use of communal funds and the urgency of addressing arrears on allowances and debts accumulated for the patron saint's feasts. In addition, the representatives of the various associations of mayors took the opportunity to advocate the formalization of so-called "gateway" projects. In this sense, they expressed the wish to see the Ministry of the Interior and Territorial Communities (MICT) to mobilize 1 million gourdes for the benefit of each commune eligible for these community support projects. For his part, Minister Brunet invited the members of FENAMH, representing the mayors of the 140 communes of the country, to advocate with their peers, to establish and for some strengthen their communal development plan. Requesting FENAMH to encourage all mayors to undertake a better animation of their territory with the support of the MICT. Finally, Brunet said he wanted to "encourage and support the efforts of mayors for tax mobilization, with the support of the relevant state institutions, such as the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the General Tax Directorate" and involve the know-how of its entire team, in order to establish with FENAMH, relationships based on trust and obligations of results. HL/ HaitiLibre Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 7) Senator Sonny Trillanes on Monday called for an investigation into the reported missile systems built by China on contested areas in the South China Sea. "While the Philippines has previously forged economic ties with China, the security and defense relationship is a separate matter," Trillanes said on Senate Resolution no. 722. "Thus, this alleged militarization of the West Philippine Sea is very alarming and it poses a big threat to the country's national defense and security." This resolution comes on the heels of a United States report on the missile systems, and China asserting its right to build military structures on the Spratly islands. Philippine and United States forces began Monday their largest 'Balikatan' joint military exercises under President Rodrigo Duterte amid concerns about China's military build-up in the South China Sea. Officials, however, said the war drills were not directed at China and they were scheduled to take place regardless of the missle issue. The resolution was addressed to the Senate committee on National Defense and Security, which is chaired by Senator Gringo Honasan. Senators Ping Lacson, Loren Legarda, and Trillanes sit as vice-chairs of the committee. Congress will resume its session on May 14. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that the Senate can conduct a probe, however the executive cannot guarantee the public disclosure of all pertinent details. "Yan po ay katungkulan ng Senado," Roque said during a press conference on Monday morning. "Di po namin yan pinagkakait yan sa Senado, kaya lang maraming mga bagay-bagay siguro doon na hindi pwede idiskurso sa publiko dahil meron tayong tinatawag na bagay-bagay na covered ng executive privilege and tsaka mga state secrets because of national security." [Translation: That is the duty of the Senate. We will not deny the Senate that. However, there are many things that we cannot discuss in public because some of these things are covered by executive secrets, and some of these things are State secrets that can affect national security.] Roque explained that diplomatic initiatives and actions are privileged information and fall under the exceptions to the right to freedom of information. He downplayed concerns about what these missiles mean for national security. "You can not ignore the fact that because of very good relations we can be confident that China as a country does not view us as a threat and there is no reason why- assuming that they have missiles that they can use- that they will use it on us," the spokesperson said. Asked if the investigation could potentially jeopardize the Philippines' friendly ties with China, Roque said that he would have to wait and see what laws would result from the Senate probe. "Itong imbestigasyon naman nila ay in aid of legislation so tingnan po natin kung ano pong mga bagong batas na mababalangkas na magreresulta dahil sa kanilang imbestigasyon ng mga missiles na ito sa mga isla na ito," Roque said. [Translation: Their probe is in aid of legislation so let's see if what new laws they would create from it based on their investigation of the missiles in these islands.] He reiterated President Rodrigo Duterte's stance that it was the inaction of the previous administration and the United States that allowed the military build-up in the South China Sea, despite the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea ruling in favor of the Philippines' claims on contested territories in the South China Sea over China on July 12, 2016. READ: Duterte says U.S., ex-Pres. Aquino allowed military build-up in S. China Sea The spokesperson added that the Department of Foreign Affairs would take diplomatic action with China to address these concerns. READ: Cayetano: PH taking diplomatic tack in recent Chinese moves in S. China Sea The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in its latest Chairman's statement, has flagged the militarization of the South China Sea as a cause for concern. Apart from the Philippines and China, ASEAN states Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand also have claims in parts of the contested area. READ: ASEAN: Recent militarization in S. China Sea 'erodes trust, confidence' Haiti - News : Zapping... DR : Seizure of 3 tons of smuggled garlic On May 3, more than 7,000 pounds ( 3.1 tons) of garlic were seized by members of the Dominican Republic Army (ERD) at the El Copey checkpoint in the Montecristi Province ( North West). Garlic from Haiti was transported in a blue Daihatsu truck, plate L056413 of the Daniel transport company, driven by Joan Manuel Estrella Hernandez, accompanied by his brother Toribio de Jesus. Border Binational Identity Card Project As part of the commemoration activities of the "Europe Day" in Santo Domingo, the Italian Gianluca Grippa, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) in the Dominican Republic spoke about the idea of the EU of a common identity card for Haitian and Dominican citizens living on the border area stating "we are evaluating the possibility of submitting a proposal on a project of identity cards of citizens on the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republics. An explosive proposal from Europe that will undoubtedly meet strong opposition from Dominican nationalists if the EU formalizes this proposal... Anivince Jean-Baptiste, Creole Expression Literature Prize The group for reflection and action for a new Haiti (GRAHN-World) has awarded the Creole Expression Literature Prize to Anivince Jean-Baptiste for his achievements in Creole poetry and his promotion of the Creole language. Culture : new directives The management and restoration of heritage sites, the problem of the cadastre, the delimitation of historical sites and the valorization of our national parks, constitute the new directives contained in the roadmap delivered by the Prime Minister Lafontant to the new Minister of Culture Guyler C. Delva. Momance River : start of cleaning works The cleaning work began in the Momance River which is shared between Leogane and the commune of Gressier. This 10-km work, which will reach the mouth of the river, will bring relief to residents of these areas who are flooded every time the river floods. Meeting between the new Minister of Justice and the CSPJ Last week Me Jean Roudy Aly, the new Minister of Justice https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-24208-haiti-politic-installation-of-the-new-minister-of-justice.html met with the members of the Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSPJ). Minister Aly is convinced that a synergy between his Ministry and the CSPJ is a condition "sine qua non" for any effective fight against the scourge of prolonged pretrial detention See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-24228-haiti-justice-the-new-minister-aly-already-at-work.html HL/ HaitiLibre (New York Post) It looks like dark times ahead for this Flash Boy. A New York state appeals judge upheld a conviction against former Goldman Sachs programmer Sergey Aleynikov on Thursday likely ending a nine-year court saga over the theft of secret sauce trading code used by the banking giant. To read this article: Elsewhere, Kela has refuted claims made by the Scottish government that baby boxes can help to reduce infant mortality, while The Times has reported that Finland is set to share its citizens private data with professionals, researchers and pharmaceutical companies in order to offer more personalised healthcare. Although it was recently reported that Finland has decided to scrap its experiment with universal basic income, The Economist has reported that the truth is not quite so simple. According to the weekly news magazine, the trial is not necessarily viewed by Kela as a failure and was always due to finish after two years. The lapsing of Finlands universal basic income trial The Economist The concept of a universal basic income (UBI), an unconditional cash payment to all citizens, has in recent years captured the imagination of a wide spectrum of people, from leftist activists to libertarian Silicon Valley techies. Proponents see a neat solution to poverty and the challenges of automation; detractors argue it would remove the incentive to work. Trials of UBI have been launched, or are about to be, in several countries. Most are publicly funded, although Y Combinator, a Silicon Valley startup accelerator, is starting a privately funded experiment in America. Finland was one of the first movers. In January 2017 it began a trial for 2,000 people, each receiving 560 ($680) a month. That drew legions of foreign journalists and camera crews. This week, however, international media attention abruptly centred on the ending of the experiment in December 2018. Headlines suggested that it had been scrapped or had failed. The truth is more nuanced. The trial was always due to finish after two years, although Kela, Finlands national welfare body, which was responsible for the experiment, had hoped to expand it (it was denied funding in January). The scheme was also more limited than the hype suggested; it was not a truly universal benefit, because all the recipients were chosen from among the unemployed. And the trial is not ending because of failure. Indeed, Kela has refused to publish any results until it is finished, for privacy reasons and to avoid biasing outcomes. The government simply has other priorities. In particular, it has decided to adopt Danish-style active labour-market policies. Original article was published by The Economist on 26/04/2018 and can be found here. Finland disputes Scotland's baby box claims after expert warning The Guardian The Finnish welfare and benefits agency that pioneered the use of baby boxes has challenged claims in Scotland that the temporary cribs can reduce infant mortality. The agency, Kela, supported warnings by a leading expert on infant health, Dr Peter Blair, that it was wrong to say that Finlands scheme had been proven to prevent or reduce infant mortality. Blair said baby boxes should only be used for sleeping babies in an emergency or when no cot was available. Sturgeon unveiled the baby box scheme two years ago, saying they would cut infant mortality. The first minister, speaking at the height of the 2016 Scottish parliament elections, told her partys conference in March that year: This simple but powerful idea originated in Finland. It provides practical help for parents and has reduced infant mortality and improved child health. But Kela told the Guardian it had never made that claim and there was no evidence to support it. We dont want to promote the idea that there is evidence the baby box as such has decreased infant mortality in Finland or that Finland has made such claims. Rather, it has been the improving of our healthcare system of which the baby box is a part of, that our low infant mortality can be attributed to, a Kela spokesperson said. Original article was published by The Guardian on 03/05/2018 and can be found here. Finns to share data in bid for state of permanent wellbeing The Times Finland, a land of lakes and forests, used to be known for tangible things: sawn pine timber for furniture, then Nokia mobile phones. Now its claims to fame are intangible. Its schools were the worlds best before being eclipsed by those in Shanghai and Singapore. It is still the worlds happiest country but this, too, is in the balance as Finns grapple with twin challenges that are putting strain on its tax-funded welfare system. A falling birth rate means that Finland is ageing faster than any country except Japan. The proportion of over-65s is projected to rise from 20 per cent to 29 per cent in 30 years. Many young men, especially in the remote north and east, are disaffected and drop out of school to live on benefits. The youth unemployment rate is 18.6 per cent. Finlands answer is to revolutionise welfare services by making citizens personal wellbeing records available to professionals and researchers. Electronic social security and health records for every Finn will be merged to create a dataset of unrivalled richness and, the government hopes, value. It will enable more personal healthcare and greater emphasis on preventative work. But it will also be offered to pharmaceutical companies and academics. Original article was published by The Times on 28/04/2018 and can be found here. Finnish study: Frequent sauna bathing significantly reduces risk of stroke Xinhua Frequent sauna bathing could significantly reduce the risk of stroke, a study conducted by researchers has shown. The 15-year follow-up study has found that people taking a sauna four to seven times a week have a 61% lower risk of suffering a stroke than those taking a sauna once a week, according to a press release issued by the University of Eastern Finland on Thursday. Conducted by scientists at the University of Eastern Finland, the study was carried out in cooperation with the University of Bristol, the University of Cambridge, the University of Innsbruck and other international universities. The findings are based on a population-based study involving 1,628 men and women aged 53 to 74 years living in the eastern part of Finland. The study indicated that reduced blood pressure, stimulation of the immune system and improvement of the heart and circulatory system were some of the reasons that led to regular sauna bathing reducing the risk of stroke. Original article was published by Xinhua News Agency on 04/05/2018 and can be found here. Dan Anderson HT Photo: Lehtikuva / Kela Hartikainen was on Friday ruled to have violated his official duties by failing to disqualify himself from a meeting of the administrative board of Finnish Customs on 3 November, 2015, which dealt indirectly with the continuation of his spouses fixed-term employment contract. Antti Hartikainen, the director general of Finnish Customs, has been issued a fine for violation of official duty by the District Court of Helsinki. Finnish Customs falls within the administrative branch of the Ministry of Finance, which stated in a press release it will conduct an overall assessment of the issue after studying the ruling of the District Court of Helsinki. The ministry will not comment on the issue prior to [completing the assessment], a ministry spokesperson said on Friday. The Deputy Parliamentary Ombudsman commented on the issue on 25 May, 2016, concluding that the director general had violated section 27 of chapter 4 of the administrative procedure act. The act prescribes that public officials shall not participate in considering a matter or be present during such considerations if, for example, they or a person close to them is a party to the matter. Hartikainen has been no stranger to controversy after taking the reins of Finnish Customs in May, 2012: the Ministry of Finance has reprimanded him twice for improper conduct over the past couple of years. Aleksi Teivainen HT Photo: Martti Kainulainen Lehtikuva Source: Uusi Suomi THE parents of a 12-year-old girl who was injured in an accident at Henley skate park were given a parking fine when they rushed her to hospital. Victoria Mcdonagh suffered a swollen lip, bloody nose and a cut to the inside of her mouth after falling off her scooter at the new facility in Greys Road, Henley. The friends she was with called her home in Gainsborough Hill and her parents Michael and Jo were horrified to see her covered in blood. The couple drove Victoria to Townlands Memorial Hospital off York Road where they were told her injuries were severe enough to require treatment at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. The family immediately left for the second hospital, where doctors said Victorias injuries would heal naturally. Days later, the Mcdonaghs received a 60 parking fine for using the car park at Townlands, where theyhad spent just 15 minutes. They are the latest in a string of patients to be unfairly penalised by Smart Parking, the enforcement company employed by the NHS. The company uses automatic number plate recognition cameras to monitor the car park. Patients must enter their registration details in a keypad at reception to receive free parking and there is also supposed to be a 20-minute grace period. Anyone who does not register is fined 60, which increases to 100 if not paid within 14 days. Mrs Mcdonagh, 39, said: My husband and I were fined for unauthorised parking even though we attended with our daughter whod had a nasty fall at the skate park. We took her to Townlands where my husband jumped out with Victoria and I parked the car. I put in my registration number like I have dozens of other times at the Hart Surgery and when using Townlands before. Within five minutes of being there the nurse came out and said she was going to clean Victoria up but she thought we should go to the John Radcliffe as there was a big open wound in Victorias mouth. We got back in the car to go to the John Radcliffe and thought nothing of it until two days later when we got the notice in the post. Mrs Mcdonagh, a credit controller, immediately appealed the notice. The hospital provided proof that they had attended for a medical emergency but said it couldnt do any thing else to have the fine cancelled. Mrs Mcdonagh said: We didnt actually go to accident and emergency because we were seen in the waiting room but we were definitely there legitimately. I think we were there less than 15 minutes because we were seen so quickly. Smart Parking rejected the appeal and then Mrs Mcdonagh began receiving letters from debt collectors DRP and the fine rose to 160. Mrs Mcdonagh said:We are still receiving letters threatening court action. We have contacted DRP and we have been told we cannot appeal and must pay up. Im not paying them Ill see them in court. They can threaten me all they want but Im not paying 160. The NHS is supposed to be a free and I had a legitimate reason to be in the car park. Smart Parking also operates at Chilterns Court Care Centre on the Townlands site. It used to monitor the car park for the neighbouring Bell and Hart Surgeries but was effectively sacked in November after scores of complaints from patients about unfair fines. A spokesman for NHS Property Services, which is responsible for the site, said it would take up the case with Smart Parking as a matter of urgency. Smart Parking does not respond to requests for comment. A FINAL bid to prevent the construction of a hydro-electric power plant at Goring weir has failed. The Court of Appeal has refused a request by Goring Parish Council for it to review a decision by the High Court not to stop the scheme going ahead. The Goring and Streatley Sustainability Group plans to build three 12ft wide Archimedes screws with a turbine and generator to the north-west of Goring Lock island, a short distance upstream from the village bridge. It says the 1.5million plant could generate 850 megawatt-hours of electricity a year, enough to power about 300 homes. This would be worth about 100,000 and would be sold to the National Grid under the Governments feed-in tariff scheme with a share of proceeds being used to benefit the community. Opponents said it would spoil views of the Chilterns and North Wessex Downs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, cause noise disturbance and harm habitats by slowing the river flow and reducing oxygen levels. There were also concerns that it could become an eyesore if it failed financially and the group didnt have the money to dismantle it. In 2015 South Oxfordshire District Council granted planning permission, saying it was a minor application and the benefits of sustainable energy outweighed the impact on its surroundings. It accepted there would be less than substantial harm to Gorings building conservation area but argued there would be none to either AONB. The parish council sought a judicial review at the High Court, arguing that the district councils stance was inconsistent as the impact on the AONBs and conservation areas would be the same and that it should have ordered a full landscape impact assessment. Mr Justice Ross Cranston agreed the council hadnt followed correct procedure but said this had no bearing on the final outcome. In 2016 the parish council sought permission to appeal this decision but was denied by High Court judge Lady Justice Anne Rafferty, who said Mr Justice Cranstons conclusion was inevitable and unimpugnable. Earlier this year, the council went to the Appeal Court to asked for the case to be re-opened to avoid real injustice. It argued that Lady Justice Raffertys ruling was based on fundamental legal errors which would undermine the integrity of, and confidence in, the English legal system. Charles Streeten, for the council, said she hadnt given enough weight to the authoritys duty to protect conservation areas and this was a substantive error of law. A panel of three judges including Sir Terence Etherton, the Master of the Rolls, said the original judgement was correct and so was Lady Justice Rafferty in upholding it. They said: The court must not cast itself in the role of the planning decision-maker. [But] if it is to consider whether a particular outcome was highly likely not to have been substantially different if the conduct complained about had not occurred, it must undertake an objective assessment of what the result would have been had the decision-maker not erred. It is clear that Lady Justice Rafferty was not persuaded there was a real prospect of establishing that Mr Justice Cranston had trespassed into the forbidden territory of planning judgement. The application to re-open the appeal falls well short of meeting the requirements. The parish council has suffered no real injustice and the application is therefore dismissed. Parish councillor Bryan Urbick, who led the campaign against the weir, said: Of course were disappointed as it would have been nice to get the case re-opened but the bar is very high and we clearly didnt meet the threshold, which was always a risk. On a positive note, I do feel the court fully grappled with the isues at stake but it doesnt change the fact that the district council broke the law yet the planning permission wasnt quashed. We are now keen to work with the sustainability group and have contacted them to establish their next steps but havent yet heard back. The Environment Agency supports the proposal. A string of social science snapshots, remarks, observations, data from the South Caucasus. A century ago, lonely hearts letters lured unsuspecting men to their deaths on an Indiana farmand you thought meeting online was risky. Around the turn of the 20th century, men from across the upper Midwest found their way to a small farm on the outskirts of LaPorte, Indiana. Many in the town of about 10,000 some 60 miles east of Chicago would recall seeing various men in the company of the farms owner, the twice-widowed Belle Gunness. But the men had a habit of vanishing at the oddest times. In 1904 Gunness told an inquiring neighbor that one of her gentleman friends hadin the middle of plowing seasonheaded off to visit the St. Louis Worlds Fair. Curiously, these men tended to leave their possessions behindlots of trunks and watches and clothesand never return. The case of the disappearing suitors began to unravel with a grisly discovery in the spring of 1908 that became a national sensation, but a century later the truth of Belle Gunness life and death remains a mystery. Belle Gunness had come to America from Norway in 1881 when she was in her early 20s. Now in her 40s and raising three young children, apparently none her own biologically, Gunness had been placing matrimonial ads in Scandinavian newspapers published in America. In the letters she wrote to men who answered her ads, Gunness described herself as stout and womanly, but others less generously called her manly or even of uncertain gender. She was a hog-butchering farming woman who, according to local lore, could lift 100-pound hogs in each arm. She was actively seeking a fellow Norwegian of means willing to share in the farm and to put down some cash. Her mailman claimed she wrote eight to 10 letters a day and received as many, getting cranky on the rare days when none came. On April 27, 1908, Gunness kept her children, Myrtle Sorensen, 11, Lucy Sorensen, 9, and Philip Gunness, 5, home from school and went into LaPorte to write her will. She also bought a good quantity of kerosene. Early the next morning, the Gunness house was leveled by fire. Three charred bodies found in the cellar seemed certainly to be Gunness children and a fourth was apparently the 48-year-old Gunness. But something was missingnamely, Gunness headand the womans body looked much smaller than Gunness strapping, heavy-set frame. And that wasnt all. Asle Helgelien, a homesteading farmer from South Dakota, traveled to LaPorte in early May. Hed heard about the fire and was looking for his brother Andrew, 49, who had been corresponding with Gunness and had never returned home from a weeklong visit back in January. Asle had found 80 letters from Gunness to his brother at Andrews nearby house. Concerned about his brothers whereabouts, he began writing to Gunness but never believed her replies that Andrew had simply gone away. Now in LaPorte, Asle urged farmhands to extend their digging from the ruins of the farmhouse, where they were still looking for the missing head, to the surrounding land. In short order, they found Andrews dismembered bodyand the bodies of many others. The remains were laid out in a red carriage shed on the farm property. On some weekends that spring, LaPorte sported a circus atmosphere as thousands of people came by foot, special excursion trains, buggies and that new contraption, the automobile, elbowing each other to get a peek at the grisly discoveries. Among the remains of various men, presumed to be Gunness suitors or former hired hands who had mysteriously disappeared, were those of her foster daughter Jennie Olson, the pretty blond teenager Belle had raised since infancy. In late 1906, Gunness told neighbors that Jennie had gone away to college, and most recently she said Jennie was on her wedding trip. Big-city newspapermen filed 75,000 to 100,000 words a day from LaPorte, christening Gunness with catchy names including the Mistress of Murder Hill and the Lady Bluebeard, whose repertoire apparently included bludgeoning and poisoning. The search of her property yielded cutting instruments, a book on hypnosis and pages from a text on anatomy. Accounts vary regarding the number of bodies buried on the farm, with more than 40 being the number often cited in popular lore. Most researchers have settled on 10 to 14, while acknowledging that others were probably never found. Coroners inquests identified two bodies as those of Andrew Helgelien and Ole Budsberg of Iola, Wis. There were also eight unknowns: four adults of unknown sex; one woman; one man; one adult or adolescent male; and one adolescent of unknown sex. After the fire, police immediately arrested Ray Lamphere, a 38-year-old former hired hand, for allegedly torching the house. Lamphere admitted to having been Gunness lover, but in recent months they had feuded. In the six weeks before the fire, she had initiated four legal actions against Lamphere. He was twice found guilty of trespassing, but Gunness failed to get a peace bond to protect her and her property. She also failed in an attempt to have Lamphere declared insane. One theory holds that Lamphere was Gunness partner in luring the men to the farm and disposing of them and that he became jealous of Andrew Helgelien, Gunness last-known victim. When Lamphere was tried in November 1908 for murder by arson, many people, including the defense, claimed that Gunness was still alive. The jury acquitted Lamphere of murder on the grounds that the four people found in the cellar had died by means other than the fire. Lamphere was convicted of arson, however, and died a year later in prison of tuberculosis. Andrea Simmons, a LaPorte native and lawyer who recently studied the Gunness case as she worked on her masters degree in forensic anthropology, concludes that Gunness probably killed at least 25 people in a career that started in Chicago (where she was married to first husband Mads Sorensen), moved to LaPorte (where she was married to Peter Gunness) and ended in Los Angeles (where a woman some people believe was Gunness died under a different name in 1931 after she and another woman allegedly poisoned a man). Simmons estimate includes Gunness two husbands and men from around the country legitimately reported missing and linked to her. Added to the three children found in the cellar were two infant Sorensen children who died with symptoms of acute colitis (suggesting possible poisoning), and Peter Gunness infant daughter Jennie, who died within a week of the couples wedding while alone with her new stepmother. Peter Gunness brother, fearing for the life of Peters other daughter, 5-year-old Swanhild, spirited her away to Wisconsin. Birth records, anecdotes and a published remark by Belle Gunness sister, Nellie Larson of Chicago, suggest that Gunness never had any children of her own, though she would at times have as many as 12 children in her care. Gunness had been suspected of poisoning her husband Mads Sorensen in 1900, but was never charged. Sorensen died on the only day that two life insurance policies from different mutual associations overlapped, yielding $8,500. That was a better haul than the $3,500 Gunness received after her second husbands death in 1902, about eight months after their wedding. Belle said the auger portion of a sausage grinder must have fallen on Peter Gunness head from a kitchen shelf, a fatal injury augmented by the crock of hot brine that fell on him simultaneously. She was cleared during an inquest. Some have speculated that Gunness, feeling the heat of Asle Helgeliens inquiries in the spring of 1908, killed and decapitated an unidentified woman she had been seen with in town shortly before the fire. She then planted the body in the cellar, along with those of her three children. Arsenic and strychnine were found in the stomachs of the woman, two of the children and Helgelien. A coverup murder is far more plausible than a theory that surfaced immediately after the fire: Gunness committed suicide because she was afraid her crimes had been discovered. Katherine Ramsland, a professor of forensic psychology at DeSales University who specializes in serial killers and who has written about the Gunness case, believes that suicide was not Gunness style. She called Gunness an accomplished psychopath who used her victims to get her hearts desire moneyand cloaked her intentions in the respectable conventions of the day. One historian has noted that contemporary estimates for the amount of money Gunness got through all her devious schemes ranged from $2,000 to $90,000. But there is no disputing that she had only $700 in her LaPorte bank account the day after the fire, leading naturally to the question of what happened to the rest of the money. For decades afterward, people from all 48 states sent letters to LaPorte authorities claiming to have seen Gunness. The most notorious such claim surfaced in Los Angeles in 1931, although historical research is scant. Esther Carlson, 61, was about to be tried along with a friend, Anna Erickson, 42, for the murder of August Lindstrom, 81, a wealthy man whom Carlson had lived with as a housekeeper. They were accused of poisoning Lindstrom for the $2,000 that he had placed in a joint bank account with Carlson shortly before his death. Carlsons alleged resemblance to Gunness and the poisoning murder technique fueled local suspicion she actually was Gunness, although if Gunness were still alive, she would have been about 10 years older than Carlsons stated age of 61. Carlson denied that she was Gunness and cited her work record in Hartford, Conn., between 1890 and 1908 as proof. Before her trial began, however, she died of tuberculosis. Authorities then arranged for two former LaPorte residents then living in Los Angeles to view the body. The two had known Gunness back in Indiana, and they swore the body was hers. Another former LaPort resident identified pictures of three children found in Carlsons trunk as the children found after the 1908 fire at Gunness house. (Erickson was acquitted in her trial.) Local myth kept Gunness alive for many years, prob- ably well beyond her actual death, whenever and wherever that was. I discovered her power of longevity in 1974 when I became a reporter at the LaPorte Herald-Argus newspaper. Around 1990 Maxine Ford, a former colleague and LaPorte native who told many Belle Gunness stories, helped me obtain 11 of Belles original letters to Andrew Helgelien and two to his brother Asle, all written in Norwegian. The mint-condition letters were accompanied by typed translations prepared for Ray Lampheres 1908 trial. Until last year, the only publicly known original Gunness letter was in the LaPorte County Historical Society Museum. One other letter owned by a LaPorte woman surfaced during preparations for commemorative events to be held in LaPorte this spring. It was a rudimentary trap that Gunness set. Colin Thomsen, a translator who confirmed for me the accuracy of the translations, wrote: Her diction, spelling, composition and penmanship are shockingly poor. Her letters to Andrew Helgelien are literally too bad to be believed. He said she seemed to have dashed off the letters hastily and compared her writing to that of a modern-day second-grader. Thomsen made this analysis without reading the remarks of the original translator, identified in a 1908 newspaper story as Mrs. Ray Turner, who in court described the letters as extremely faulty and evidently the work of an ignorant person. Still, the letters had a poisonous allure. Asle Helgelien, writing on May 21, 1908, to his brother and sister in Norway to inform them of Andrews death, said he had read every one of the 80 letters hed found at Andrews house. According to a translation provided by one of Asles grandsons, Duane Helgelien, Asle wrote: The magistrates had no suspicion about her murdering before I found Andrew. But I had written to many persons there [LaPorte], and I had also read her letters to Andrew, so I was sure that something wrong had happened to him there in town. Asle, who had worked daily with his brother Andrew for years, told their faraway siblings: He has in a way been unhappy all his days, but recently I believe that Andrew was happy and pleased, a state Asle ascribed to Andrews success on his South Dakota farm. Explaining Gunness appeal to Andrew, Asle wrote: She lived in a very fashionable house, and all she had was fine and this was what deceived Andrew.Nobody could think that a woman could be so falsehearted and manage this murdering so long time near the town border without the authorities knowing anything. But she went regularly to church, and she had everything fine and great. Asles grandson, who grew up on the farm his grandfather started, said there was another reason his bachelor great-uncle might have headed south to Indiana: Women were not very plentiful in those days in that area of South Dakota. Through the years, people writing about Belle Gunness have often quoted two sentences from one of her letters to Andrew Helgelien: My heart beats with wild rapture for you. Come, my Andrew, prepared to stay forever! Its easy to see why this passage has been so popular, given its soaring sexuality and, to the knowing reader, its fatalistic humor. But theres a problem: Gunness never wrote it. In her 1955 book The Truth About Belle Gunness, Lillian de la Torre said this little gem was part of a fake letter concocted by bored reporters who couldnt get their hands on the real letters during Lampheres trial. Reading Gunness plodding letters to Andrew, it is plain that soaring and rapture were not her style. She did have a way of implying between the lines what could happen between the sheets. But, after all, she was posing as a proper woman of means, a widow, in the first decade of the 20th century. She reportedly enjoyed a succession of men, yet in her correspondence she came at sex obliquely, tucking it between platitudes about true friends, the price of oats and corn and talk about the weather, cows, horses and chickens. Like her methods of insuring and killing, her letters showed a marked fondness for the tried and true, and they were successful in drawing men to LaPorte. Andrew was evidently a far more reluctant traveler than most, although he was no greenhorn: He had served time in a Minnesota prison several years before for robbing and torching a post office/village store. But for 16 months Gunness wooed him with her letters, and the reader can sense her impatience as time drags on and Andrew still has not left his farm. In addition to the original letters, I found references to several others in newspapers and books, for a total of about 20. The first of these is dated August 8, 1906, when Gunness acknowledged receiving Andrews response to her advertisement in the Minneapolis Tidende. The last is dated December 9, 1907, when his trip to LaPorte seemed imminent. Meanwhile, Gunness was luring and disposing of other men and Jennie Olson. One thing that immediately seizes the reader of these letters is Gunness constant advice to Andrew, repeated in some fashion in nearly every one of the dozen original letters, that he sell all his property, get cash, sew it in his underclothes and head for LaPortetelling no one. He ignored much of her advice but did have his bank send money to LaPorte when he was there in January. In her letter of November 22, 1906, she instructed Andrew: My dear friend, have all the money changed into bills, into as large a denomination as possible, and sew them real good, first on the inside of your underwear and put a thin piece of cloth under, so it would not be noticed and sew it good. Do not say one word about it to anyone, not even your nearest relative. Ramsland, the professor of forensic psychology, said Gunness belaboring of the money theme is a technique called seeding that is used in hypnosis. By harping on money, money, money, Belle the predator would at first appeal to Andrews conscious mind, but by sheer repetition her messages would worm their way into his subconscious. Ramsland evaluated the letters to Andrew and found the manipulations of a classic psychopath. She said Gunness seeded various ideas in Andrews mind by cleverly spacing out the seeding amid comforting thoughts and plenty of rationale. Gunness makes Andrew feel that he is one of a kind while she implies that she too is in demand. She offers a vision of a better material life and gives a rationale for him to liquidate all his possessions and come to her. But its framed in the most attractive terms. Thats how she disguises her actual intent, Ramsland said. Then she implies that not only might they become lovers, but in that event she will yield her farm to him. Now she adds a feminine touchshe needs him. Asle Helgelien, testifying during the Lamphere trial, vouched for the power of the letters over his brother. Calling Andrew something of a mystic, he said: He lived too much in imagination for a farmer in Dakota. He could not forget the fjords and mountains of his nativity. Anything that brought a touch of home with it moved him to melancholy. When the Gunness woman began to write him letters he was fascinated. She was a clever woman. She wrote of the things he loved. She discussed Norwegian places and Norwegian ways, and she told him she loved him and he believed it, because the poor fellow was in that mood where he would have renounced richness in America for a crust at home. The widow held him spellbound. He loved her for her letters. Of her personality he had doubts. I know that, but still he could not believe she was as he had been told. So he went to his death. Perhaps the truest sentence Belle Gunness ever wrote to Andrew Helgelien was this: I do not think you will leave me after you have first come here; that I am sure of. Originally published in the June 2008 issue of American History. To subscribe, click here. Rare oral histories of the Civil War reveal slaves held surprisingly mixed opinions of Marse Lincoln and their emancipation. ON THE EVE OF THE CIVIL WAR, one in seven people in the United States was a slave. Moreover, Africa was already a distant ancestral memory for these 4 million enslaved men, women and children, 99 percent of whom were American born and had little knowledge or experience of the world outside the parochial domains of their masters. Fragmentary collections of diaries, letters and memoirs suggest that uncertainty about the future was common among slaves as the Civil War unfolded. Most revealing are interviews conducted in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administrations Federal Writers Project with some 2,300 former slaves who looked back more than half a century to recount what their lives had been like. These oral histories include conflations, omissions and even some demonstrable whoppers masquerading as fact. But they also paint a varied and complex picture of how slaves viewed the cataclysm of war and the prospect of freedom. After Abraham Lincoln took office in 1861, slaves sensed a chill settling over many of the plantations of the South. The white folks begin to treat us different, recalled Robert Murray of Beaufort, N.C. They seemed to be strange toward us. Been treat us like wes one of the family till they got talking about Lincoln and the abolition. Murrays mother finally told her offspring, Dont go in the Big House no more, children. I know what the trouble. They suppose we all wants to be free. William M. Davis heard a white preacher ask a congregation of slaves in San Jacinto County, Texas: Do you want to keep your homes where you get all to eat, and raise your children? Or do you want to be free to roam around without a home, like the wild animals? If you want to keep your homes, youd better pray for the South to win. All that want to pray for the South to win, he commanded, raise your hands. John Adams recalled, We all raised our hands because we were scared not to, but we sure didnt want the South to win. Davis and his fellow slaves met in a hollow that night to decide what to do about the coming war. Finally an elderly slave they called Uncle Mack stood and told a story about two old slaves named Tom and Bob back in Virginia. They were mad at one another, he said, and one day they decided to have a dinner and bury the hatchet. So they sat down, and when Uncle Bob wasnt looking, Uncle Tom put some poison in Uncle Bobs food. But he saw it, and when Uncle Tom wasnt looking, Uncle Bob turned the tray around on Uncle Tom, and he got the poison food. That, Mack said, was what we slaves are going to do: just turn the tray around and pray for the North to win. At the outset, however, many slaves identified more with their masters than with the alien Northerners who now threatened to invade what slaves had come to regard as their homeland. Now look, a slave owner once blustered, them blue-bellied scoundrels went to Africa, rounded up Negroes, brought them here, sold them to us, then stole them from us, starved them and otherwise mistreated them. And now they want to tell us what to do with the balance of them? In the face of such Yankee meddling, a Mississippi slave named Charlie Davenport concluded that Confederate President Jefferson Davis done the only thing a gentleman could have done. He told Marse Abe Lincoln to attend to his own business, and hed attend to his. But Marse Lincoln was a fighting man, and he come down here and tried to run other folks plantations. That made Marse Davis so all fired mad that he spit hard twixt his teeth and say, Ill whip the socks off them damn Yankees. Thats how it all come about. Davenport was not alone in conceiving of the war as a clash of titans. Phil Towns of Georgia believed that Lincoln had sent several messages to Davis requesting that he free the slaves. When no favorable response was received, Lincoln had a conference with Mr. Davis, and to this meeting he carried a Bible and a gun. Failing to convince Davis with the Gospel, Lincoln finally set both the Bible and the gun on the table and told Davis to choose. When Davis picked up the gun, said Towns, Lincoln grasped the Bible and run home. And thats why Davis began the war. James Thomas of Nashville was no admirer of Northern whites, but he recognized that Lincoln was steadfast for the preservation of the Union. No compromising with Lincoln. The Union, gentlemen, the Union. The people laughed at Uncle Abes grammar, and the way he said things, and used to compare his language with Mr. Jeff Davis, who was a finished scholar. But, concluded Thomas after the war, now we only hear what Abe said: never hear of Jeff. Like their masters, slaves tended to see the world through a fractured lens of race and class. There were three classes of white people in the South, recalled William A. Yancey, a former slave from North Carolina. First was the aristocratic class, the big slave holders, who gave shape to the government and tone to the society. They had the right of way in business and in politics. The second and third classes were servants to the first class whose success depended on their obedience, Yancey continued. The second class included the small slave holder, the overseers, managers and clerks whom slaves called the half strainers. The third class was composed of the poor, ignorant dirty whites who lived from hand to mouth. No one cared for them; even the slaves were warned not to have anything to do with them. The first and second classes looked down upon the poor white trash, Yancey wrote long after the war, just as all of the Southern white people look down upon the Negroes today. The Negroes were taught to hate the poor whites, and that caused the poor whites to hate the Negroes. Masters didnt never allow us to mix with what they called the poor white trash, a Tennessee slave recalled, for fear they would learn us how to steal and drink; and it was the truth, too. I believe that those poor white folk are to blame for the Negroes stealing, agreed Texas slave Octavia George, because they would get the Negroes to steal their masters corn, hogs, chickens and many other things and sell it to them for practically nothing. The result of these class distinctions, according to a Tennessee slave, was that the poor white folks has been the terror of the colored all their days. Waters McIntosh, who was interviewed in Arkansas, recalled, When I was a boy we used to sing, Rather be a Negro than a poor white man. I think Im better than a certain class of white folks, declared a Tennessee slave who had known white folks from the cradle up, and he didnt mind telling them so, neither. Slaves in turn made sharp class distinctions among themselves. In the general slave population, social standing largely depended on a masters wealth. A servant owned by a man of moderate circumstances was hooted at by rich mens slaves, recalled Louis Hughes, who lived in Pontotoc County, Miss., during the war. It was common for them to say, Oh dont mind that Darkie. He belongs to poor white trash. Viewed through so highly polished a prism of class, Abraham Lincoln appeared to many blacks to be merely a strainer: a rough-hewn, sparsely educated, only moderately prosperous Kentucky emigrant who owned no slaves. Mr. Lincoln was a good man, a Mississippi house slave named Isaac Stier conceded, but they tells me he was poor white and never cut much figure in his clothes. Thats why he never understood how us felt. It takes the quality to understand such things. Slaves celebrate their freedom in DC after the Emancipation Act in 1862. (Library of Congress) Slaves celebrate their freedom in DC after the Emancipation Act in 1862. (Library of Congress) There was no doubting the status of Lincolns Confederate counterpart, however. An erudite slaveholding patrician, a hero of the war with Mexico, a senator from what was then the richest if most oligarchic state in the Union, Jefferson Davis of Mississippi cut a far more familiar and impressive figure. Both the white and black knowed he was a grand man, recalled Edward Jones of Mississippi. Early in the war, slaves compared Lincoln unfavorably to Davis in a song their masters taught them: Jefferson Davis rode the milk-white steed/Lincoln rode the mule/Jeff Davis was a mighty fine man/and Lincoln was a fool. But as the meaning of the Confederate cause sank in, their estimation of Davis would decline. Mr. President Davis wanted us to stay bound down, said Will Sheets of Georgia. I didnt like that Mr. Davis after I knowed what he stood for. Mary Colbert of Georgia declared, I never did hitch my mind on Jeff Davis. He had his time to rule. Fannie Parker of Arkansas snapped: Dont tell me about old Jeff Davis. He ought to been killed. Slave opinions of their masters also evolved as the war progressed. As the sons of her Mississippi master rode away, Jennie Webb recalled, They told us to be good to our old Missus, that they was gwine to whip them Yankees faster than hell can scorch a feather. Tom McAlpin of Alabama seen our Confederates go off laughing and gay; full of life and health. They was big and strong, singing Dixie, and they just knowed they was going to win. When a recruit spied a boardinghouse slave in Pontotoc, Miss., wiping tears from her eyes as he rode off, he called out, Dont cry Emmeline! Ill bring you a Yankee skin! But Emmeline was crying because he and his comrades had been our best paying boarders. Other slaves heard in all their masters bluster a note of desperation. A great company of men met at our house, recalled Louis Hughes. They were wild with excitement. But he wondered if all their volubility werent an admission that their confidence in their ability to whip the Yankees, five or six to one, was not so strong as they pretended. When push came to shove, Hughes own masters courage oozed out, and he bought a substitute to serve in his stead. In answer to the call of the Southern Confederacy at the beginning of the Civil War, explained William Yancey, the aristocratic and middle-class whites volunteered to start the fight. But as soon as the battle got hot, they looked to the young men of the third classpoor whitesand hired them to go to war as substitute for them. Willie Blackwell of Arkansas was contemptuous of the poor white his owner lured into the Confederate Army with a promise of slaves. He remembered seeing his master light a cigar for the man and promise that if he would get in that fight, and fight to win, he would give him 25 slaves. The poor white fell for it, and he goes off to the war, thinking when he comes back hell have plenty for the rest of his life. Decades later, many former slaves would recollect their masters braggadocio with mordant satisfaction. Young master say he gwine to war to kill a Yankee and bring he head back, recalled John Moore of Texas. He didnt bring no Yankee head back, but he did return with his own shot-up arm. One master bragged that he could eat breakfast at home, go and whup the North, and be back for dinner. He went away, Hannah Crasson of North Carolina remembered, but it was four long years before he come back to dinner. The table was sure set a long time for him. The wars end promised freedom, but slaves expectations were mixed. Some believed theyd get freedom and others didnt, Laura Abromson recalled in an interview in Arkansas. They had places they met and prayed for freedom. According to Edie Dennis of Georgia, Their great, soul-hungering desire was freedomnot that they loved the Yankees or hated their masters, but merely longed to be free and hated the institution of slavery. But what was this freedom that beckoned to them? We people on the plantation didnt know much about the war, wrote Robert Anderson in his postwar memoir From Slavery to Affluence. It was impressed on us indirectly by everyone, that there was little chance of the slaves being set free. Some didnt care whether they were free or not, as there was little to look forward to either way. If freedom came, what will we do? they wondered. We have no home, no money, no clothes, no nothing. On the other hand, for some of the people, there could be no existence worse than the one they were in. It was a problem either way. Sometimes I thinks freedom is better, declared Smith Simmons of Mississippi, and sometimes I dont. Simon Durr of Mississippi recalled: Us slaves never understood much of what it was all gonna come to, or what it was gonna mean to us. We wanted to be free at times, but then we would get scared and want to stay slaves. Elderly former slaves, after decades of oppression and hardship in the Jim Crow South, would come to equate freedom with rootlessness, bigotry and toil, and slavery with prosperity and the security and idleness of childhood. Everybody wants to be free, and they should be, conceded Mark Oliver of Mississippi. I dont believe its right to live in bondage. But I do say it bold and above-board that, compared to the 1930s, the slaves with good masters like mine was a heap better off. Oliver remembered having everything I wanted, and it takes a long time to get used to not having nothing. But no kindness could make up for the injustice of one human being owning another. Just after the war, a visitor asked a black refugee if he wouldnt be just as free at home as in a Union camp. But Is want to be free man, he said as he patched a hole in his tent. Come when I please, and nobody say nothing to me, nor order me round. Its mighty good to do just as you please, said Rachel Adams of Georgia, who preferred living on bread and water than that she belong to someone who treat us bad to slave for. It was Gods blessing to the black peoples, said Alabamian Louis Meadows, to come out from bondage; to belong only to theirselves and God; to read about whats going on in the world and write and figure for theirselves, and to get ready to rest when the judgement day comes about. Julia Williams, roughly 100 years old; maid to the mistress on a plantation near Richmond, Va. Writers with the Works Progress Administration spread out across 17 states in 1936-38 to record the life stories of former slaves. The first-person accounts on the following pages are a small sampling of the more than 2,300 interviews resulting in the Slave Narratives Collection. Ill never forget the soldiers comin. An old woman tole me the war done broke up, and I was settin on the porch. The Mrs. she say, Julia you ant stayin anymore. She tole me if I keep my money and save it she would give me some. An she done gave me a gold breast pin too. After the war I wen home to my mother. On the way I met one slave woman who didn know she was even free. Willis Winn, claimed to be 116; hauled cot ton to Port Caddo, Texas. I member lots bout the war but cant tell you all cause every war have its secrets. Is heared the niggers sing, Gonna hang Jeff Davis to a sour apple tree. After surrender, massa freed the men and missy freed the women, but he didnt let us loose when he ought. Niggers in Louisiana say Queen Elizabeth sent a boatload of gold to America to give the free men, but we never seed any of it.[The Yankees] come to white folks houses what hadnt freed they slaves and busted they meal and flour barrels. Clara Brim, about 100; field slave on a big plantation in Branch, La. I used to do anything in the field what the men done. I plow and pull fodder and pick cotton. But the hardes work I ever done am since I free. Old Massa, he didnt work us hard, noway. Bout 11 oclock, when that sun git hot, he call them out de fieldtill it git kind of cool befo he make them go back. He allus give us the pass, so them patter rollers not cotch us. They bout six men on hoss-back, ridin the roads to cotch niggers what out without the pass. Iffen they cotch him it am the whippin. But the niggers on us place was good and civlized folks. They didnt have no fuss. C.B. McRay, 76, nicknamed Racer cause I used to be fleet on the feet; born in Jasper, Texas, and was the slave of a slave trader Us have a foreman, name Charlie. It was his duty to keep the place stock with wood. Charlie couldn do enough work to suit Marster Adams, so he put him in whats knowed as the Louisiana shirt. That was a barrel with a hole cut in the bottom jus big enough for Charlie to slip he head through. They pull this on him every mornin and then he couldn sit down or use he arms, could jus walk roun all day. At night they took it off and chain him to he bed. After a month, the marster task he again. He fail and run off to the woods. Marster want to sell Charlie back again, but he couldn, cause freedom jus come. Julia Daniels, 89; one of 11 siblings who lived with their mother (a cook) on a Texas plantation. Us heared guns shootin round and bout all the time. Seems like they [soldiers] fight every time they git a chance. Old Man Denmans boy gets kilt and two my sisters he property and they dont know what to do, cause they has to be somebodys property and they aint no one to heritance em. They has to go to the auction but Old Man Denman say not to fret. At the auction the man say, Goin high, goin low, goin mighty slow, a little while to go. Bid em in, bid em in. The sun am high, the sun am hot, us got to git home tonight. An old friend of Old Man Denmans hollers out he buys for William Blackstone. Us all come home and my sisters too and Old Man Denman laugh big and say, My name allus been William Blackstone Denman. Andrew Goodman, 97; put in charge of plantation when his Texas master went to war. When Marse Bob come home, he sent for all the slaves. He saidWe went to the war and fought, but the Yankees done whup us, and they say the niggers is free. You can go where you wants to go, or you can stay here. He couldnt help but cry. The niggers cry. They is sorry bout the freedom, cause they dont know where to go, and theys allus pend on Old Marse to look after them. Millie Williams, 86; learned songs of freedom as a child slave in Tennessee and Texas. Massa sleeps in the feather bed, Nigger sleeps on the floor; When weuns gits to Heaven, Dayll be no slaves no mo. Rabbit in the briar patch, Squirrel in the tree, Wish I could go huntin, But I aint free. There sho was a mighty party sight when the slaves knows theys free. They hug one nother and almos tear their clothes off. Some cryin for the husban, some cryin for the chillen. Originally published in the August 2008 issue of American History. To subscribe, click here. The 7 Habits of a Highly Effective Founding Father can be gleaned from Washingtons long and successful career, and 21st-century leaders should take note. Americas greatest leader was its first. George Washington ran two start- ups, the army and the presidency, and chaired the most important committee meeting in history, the Constitutional Convention. His agribusiness and real estate portfolio made him rich. Men followed him into battle; women longed to dance with him; famous men, some of them smarter or better spoken, did what he told them to do. What made Washington so great? He mastered the skill sets that every successful CEO, military commander or leader of the free world needs: problem-solving and organization. 1 When the world changes, change the world Washington inherited Mount Vernon in 1761, and he expanded his acreage to grow the regions most prized crop: tobacco. But his soil was poor, and Washingtons tobacco didnt make the grade. Rather than sliding deeper into debt just to keep his coveted status as a Virginia tobacco planter, Washington diversified. He replaced tobacco with alfalfa, buckwheat, corn, flax and hemp. He began fishing the Potomac and exported the catches. Washington could have kept trying to wring new perfections out of an already perfected process. Instead, he tried a new world. 2 Understanding the power of the obvious As commander in chief of the Continental Army, Washington ordered that camp latrines be dug and frequently filled up to prevent their being offensive and unhealthy. Obvious? Not to Washingtons soldiers, mostly rural men and boys accustomed to being casual about bodily functions. Washington decreed that inappropriate bowel movements were punishable by court-martial, and he kept a watchful eye on the battle for sanitation throughout the war. What is obvious to a leader may not be obvious to everybody; if its necessary for the health of your organization, then its necessary for you to keep after it. 3 Understanding the power of the un-obvious Based on his previous military experience, Washington had a simple view of intelligence gathering: Send someone to observe the enemy and bring back the information. In 1776 Nathan Hale, a handsome young captain from Connecticut, volunteered to spy on the British in New York. He was arrested and executed within a week. Washington eventually authorized a network of agents who could spy while in the city on legitimate business. Only by unlearning his own experience and ignoring what seemed obvious to him did Washington become a skillful spymaster. 4 Delegate to innovate Henry Knox, Washingtons artillery commander, had never fired a weapon in combat until the Battle of Bunker Hill. Hed dropped out of school at age 12, but became an expert on artillery from years of devouring military history. Washington trusted Knoxs abilities and sensed his potential. Knox soon proved himself an innovator. He added a company of artillery to every brigade of infantry to increase firepower. This also created all-weather infantry units: It was easier to keep cannons functioning in heavy rain or snow than muskets. 5 Control your flaws Obstinacy is persisting beyond all reason. Washington lost New York in 1776 and spent the rest of the war plotting to win it back. By 1781 the fighting had shifted south, but Washington tried to convince his ally, the comte de Rochambeau, to take the city with a newly arrived French fleet. Rochambeau instead ordered his fleet to sail to Virginia. Once the new plan was in motion, Washington supported it with his usual energy and will to succeed. A few months later, he won the endgame at Yorktown. Washington was no less obstinate, but he could turn it off when the stakes were high enough. 6 Bringing out the best In 1783, when his officer corps threatened to mutiny over a lack of pay, Washington turned a potential disaster into the last stage of perfection to which human nature is capable of attaining. He drew on their bond with him: You have known me all these years, and you should be as loyal as I have been. Men can make mistakes and choose wrong. They can also choose right. A leader must believe that there is some best to be brought out of a bad situation. Washington throws the burden of action on others and tells them that they can, and will, pick it up. 7 Working with troublemakers Gouverneur Morris was a smart and accomplished aristocrat. He also was a pain in the neck. In 1792 Washington nominated Morris to be Americas ambassador to France but soon read him the riot act over charges of levity and imprudence and belittling those who disagreed with him. But Washington also praised his ambassador, expressing the fullest confidence in Morris ability to change. Morris promised to mend his ways, and he served well. A troublemaker who can be put to good use should be kept on. The gains can be worth it. Originally published in the June 2008 issue of American History. To subscribe, click here. Belgian Street Artist Jaune French Street Artist Oak Oak Jaune and Oak Oak Collaborative Work Join Us On Instagram Jaune on Instagram Oak Oak on Instagram Hookedblog on Instagram @Hookedblog Jaune on Instagram @Jaune_art Oak Oak on Instagram @oak_oak_street_art Related Street Art Stories We here at Hookedblog were in town for the duration of the festival to capture some of the international and national street artists at work in the city, adding to the collection of more than 40 permanent artworks and about fifteen large-scale murals from previous editions already installed around Ostend.Two of this years invited artists who we were fortunate enough to catch up with were French street art Oak Oak and Belgian street artist Jaune Regular readers of the blog will be familiar with the stencil work of Jaune, as the artist has been featured on the site on a number of occasions since we were first introduced to his stencil work in Ostend, at the first edition of the Crystal Ship festival back in 2016.Since then we have seen Jaune hitting the streets of London with a number of pieces when he visited the city for the Moniker Art Fair. We also caught up with him in 2017 at the inaugural edition of the NuArt Aberdeen festival and again later that year in Stavanger, Norway for the Nuart festival. Jaune's ever-increasing number of his mischievous characters are much loved by many in the city of Ostend which has seen the Crystal Ship festival curator Bjrn Van Poucke invited Jaune back again and again with the artist now having installed his characters in the city as part of all three editions of the festival.OakOak is a French street artist hailing from Saint Etienne and an artist whose work you are sure to have seen online and maybe in person if you are lucky enough.Drawing inspiration from cartoons such as The Simpsons, Calvin and Hobbes, Futurama, and computer games such as Nintendos Mario and Duck hunt, his fun street interventions are much loved and widely shared and reposted on social sites across the globe.Oak Oaks urban interventions, usually small in scale often see him adding painted elements to street objects and city furniture, transforming them into humorous street pieces.Oak Oak and Jaune were both invited to add their works to festivals street art city trail and along with the individual pieces they both installed, the two artists collaborated on three unofficial pieces on the cities streets.Using multi-layered stencils they combined both their characters to create three fun pieces together. We got to hang out with both artists as they worked on their third piece and captured them at work in a series of photographs.Pictured above the two artists making a start on their collaborative piece along a small wall next to the beachfront in Ostend, Belgium. It's not the first time artist Jaune has painted this wall, the artist has two other pieces further along this wall from previous editions of the festival.Jaune busy at work, carefully lining up the next stencil layer in his multi-layered pieces.The finished collaborative stencil piece by artists Oak Oak and Jaune featuring their characters battling it out on a wall next to Ostend beach. This was one of a number of pieces the two street artists worked on together during their time in the city, featured below are two additional pieces we managed to track down during our stay.We have been told there are a least two more works that we missed, something to look out for on our next visit to Ostend! Leaders salute Doug Rich Rich often jumped in to help tackle the stories that needed to be told, even if they were outside his coverage area, said Tom Taylor, a former publisher. Advertisers also respected him. I called a seed company in western Kansasone of our major clients, Taylor recalled. I dont know how we got on the topic of journalism, but they spoke very highly of Doug Rich. They knew him from the stories he wrote. I think I spent 15 minutes talking to him about Doug. Rich is an authority figure in the industry, said John Seatvet, former sales manager. He often went on calls with sales reps to talk about the industry and coverage. He is an icon in the industry, Seatvet said. Doug set a standard of professionalism that has been followed by many in the field of ag communications. He has shown his peers how objective reporting on the livestock and farming industries can be combined with a passion for the people involved to deliver useful, accurate information. Readers have no doubt made changes to improve their ranching and farming operations based on Dougs stories. Kansas Livestock Association members and staff thank Doug for his positive contributions to Kansas agriculture and wish him the best in retirement,Todd Domer, vice president of communications, Kansas Livestock Association. Whenever I showed up at the same meeting as Doug, I knew I was going to find a pleasant, happy person. Doug was great to work with in every instance. He was always on time and organized with a smile on his face. It was fun to talk about the Douglas County Fair each year. Being such an urban county we would compare stories and his involvement that year. Kyle Bauer, general manager and owner of Clay Centers KCLY FM radio station. Doug has always been one of the kindest people I know. When I started at HPJ, he never once balked at answering questions or helping me out, regardless of how silly the question. Over the years, he has become one of the most well-respected editors in our industry, not just with fellow editors but more importantly with farmers and ranchers. He has a way of making them feel at ease and at the same time being able to dive deep into their business and find the hooks that make a story interesting.HPJ Publisher Holly Martin Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS! OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those. WMG Sells $400M Spotify Shares, No Profits For Some Labels Warner Music Group revealed in an earnings call today that it recently sold 75 % of its shares in Spotify, netting $400 million. The transaction happened after the end of the previous quarter, and was not reflected in today's Q2 report, which saw a 10.4% revenue jump alongside a dramatic drop in losses. Warner Music Group CEO Steve Cooper said the company would share the proceeds of its sale of $400 million in Spotify stock with artists following the same formula that it uses to distribute all digital revenue. The CEO deliberately wanted to send the message that the stick sale did not signal a loss of confidence in Spotify. "We are a music company and not longterm holders of equity," Cooper said. "We expect digital streaming to continue to grow and continue to expect Spotify to play a major role in that growth." Some Indie Labels Left Out The news is not quite so good for all of the independent labels that it distributes. Cooper siads that WMG would only share Spotify strock sale revenue with its distributed labels if their contracts called for it. By contrast, Sony has publicly promised to share Spotify stock profits with both artists and the indie labels it distributes via The Orchard, whether or not contracts require it. Share on: State Rep. John Barrett III speaks to a gathering of Greylock Together held at the Eclipse Mill. Barrett Updates Greylock Together on Legislation The representative speaks about some of actions on Beacon Hill and later took questions. NORTH ADAMS, Mass. North County's new representative said he's still getting used to the slow pace of state government. State Rep. John Barrett III, D-North Adams, joked how when he was mayor he could tell people to get it done. "Now, it's wait and wait and wait," he told the Greylock Together group on Sunday at the Eclipse Mill. He described himself as just a "back bencher" at this point, with little pull yet to really push anything through despite his many years in public service. Coming in halfway through the session, he hasn't had a chance to file his own legislation, rather working with other representatives and signing on to their efforts. "I've already begun preparing bills, we've looked at five for next year, to see what we can do," he said. "I'm confident that we will get some good things." Barrett said he will be concentrating on education and workforce development, as well as addressing transportation. This time around, there is some development money for McCann Technical School and BerkshireWorks, and he is working on getting funding for the Susan B. Anthony 200th anniversary in 2020. Barrett also said he was supportive of a recent bill for "extreme risk protection" to allow authorities to remove firearms from those believed to be a danger to themselves or others and another bill on police training. Barrett also said he was able to sign on to the Senate side of a bill for same-day voter registration and had spoken to Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin about supporting it. "I do think it's got an excellent chance of passing, possibly this session," he said, but thought a push for a voting holiday (asked about by a GT member) would not be easy because of how it would affect businesses. It was important not, he added, to not only get people registering but actually casting votes. "We're getting more people registered to vote but we're not getting more people to the polls." The House is also working on an environmental bill and a housing bill, which may not offer much for the Berkshires. Barrett said there are also some bills from the Berkshire delegation he's trying to help with, such as opioid legislation by state Rep. Paul Mark and farming relief by state Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli. He had put forward a proposal to add $8.4 million 1/10th of the one penny of the sales tax that goes to the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority to the budget for Regional Transportation Authorities, but the House only added $2 million. The RTAs have been funded at a flat $80 million the last few years and say another $8 million is needed to prevent cutbacks. "One penny of our sales tax goes to the MBTA to pay off their debt for the Big Dig and everything else," he said. "Every year they don't raise enough money to cover their operation but they don't cut back." Still, the freshman lawmaker said some important actions have taken place since he was sworn in after winning last November's special election. "It's amazing the crime bill was passed," he said. I think it's a monumental piece of legislation." The major overhaul of the criminal justice system included raising the age juveniles can be charged from 7 to 12; setting reasonable bail; restricting the use of solitary confinement; and eliminating mandatory minimum sentencing for low-level crimes. Barrett said it was even more surprising that the governor had signed it, with many legislators believing he would veto at least parts of it. "I continue to receive hundreds of emails about it," he said. "But it took nearly 17 months from beginning to end to get it to that point." It can be frustrating for citizens who don't understand how the legislative system works, he said. "I've come out very publicly on some bills but I continue to get emails," Barrett said. "They're preaching to the choir." Barrett suggested that citizens invested in getting legislation passed should be working those districts where the representative they should be working in those districts that have representatives who aren't offering support. And make it personal, he said. "When a representative sees a form letter coming in, well, they usually delete it," he said. "I get close to 200 emails a day. ... Some of these others get a lot more." He said he's also trying to improve communications with constituents. Some had complained early on that they had trouble finding him. "We were having trouble finding ourselves," Barrett said. He has one aide now, M. Katherine Eade, and some volunteers and getting an office set up in Adams. Citizens can also follow him through Facebook and contact him by email or his home phone, which is listed. "We're trying to be accessible as possible and get out there meeting with people," he said. "We'll try to get into the communities this fall through town hall and office hours." iciHaiti - Quebec : Strengthening of municipal ties with Haiti As part of the strengthening of the cooperation links between the Union of Municipalities of Quebec (UMQ) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) with its partners in Haiti, mayors Maude Laberge and Vicki-May Hamm are in Haiti to participate in a forum organized by the National Federation of Women Mayors of Haiti (FENAFEMH). During the meeting, they shared their experiences with their Haitian counterparts, as well as their political commitments, the integration in municipal associations and the importance of citizen participation. Laberge, Chair of the Women's Commission and of the UMQ, and Vicki-May Hamm, Member of FCM, also discussed other aspects of governance and local management, with representatives from the communities of the region of Palmes (West of Port-au-Prince). The municipal cooperation program between Quebec City and Port-au-Prince started in 2011. It helps to strengthen the institutional capacities of both countries, as well as to promote the transparency and efficiency of regional administrations and the collaboration at the regional level of national associations. IH/ iciHaiti Bibi: Best to Confront Iran Sooner Rather Than Later The Fellowship | May 7, 2018 Bibi: Best to Confront Iran Sooner Rather Than Later As Stand for Israel is telling you today, Irans threats against Israel have escalated. But, Israel Hayom reports, PM Netanyahu assured his nation and those who stand for her that the Jewish state has full freedom of action to defend herself against Iranian aggression: We do not want escalation, but we are ready for any scenario, Netanyahu added. Israel has repeatedly warned that it will not tolerate a permanent Iranian military presence in neighboring Syria. Iran is a key ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad, and has provided crucial military aid to his forces. In recent months, the [Iranian] Revolutionary Guard have been moving advanced weaponry to Syria to strike us, both the war front and the homefront. This includes attack drones, surface-to-surface missiles, and anti-aircraft systems that pose a threat to Israeli aircraft, Netanyahu said. Evoking history, Netanyahu noted that nations that were unwilling to act in time to stop murderous aggression against them went on to pay a much heavier price later For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser Munster, Indiana cardiologist Arvind Gandhi, accused of performing unnecessary heart surgeries on as many as 293 patients, has been ordered to pay $3 million to a female patient. In March, a jury ruled in favor of the Indian American physician, acquitting him in a separate civil lawsuit. (screen grab of ABC7 video) Eight Indian American scientists were honored for their outstanding contribution in cancer research by the Society of Asian American Scientists in Cancer Research: (l-r) Dr. Arun Kumar Rishi, Dr. Lalita Shevde-Samant, Dr. Subhash C Chauhan, Dr. Selvarangan Ponnazhagan, SAASCR president Dr. Rajvir Dahiya, SAASCR secretary Dr. Dharam Paul Chauhan, Dr. Balaraman Kalyanaraman, Dr. Tayyaba Hasan, Dr. Anirban Maitra, and Dr. Priyabrata Mukherjee. (photo provided) May 07, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - In 2009, Rand Paul called out Dick Cheney for supporting the invasion of Iraq to benefit his former company, Halliburton, claiming that Halliburton had received a billion-dollar no-bid contract. KBR, or Kellogg Brown & Root, a subsidiary of Halliburton, was neck-deep in military contracts with the United States government, under a no-bid LOGCAP III (Logistics Civil Augmentation Program) agreement, a contingency-based contract invoked at the convenience of the Army. Lets not forget that the official narrative of weapons of mass destruction was the lie sold to the American people to justify an oligarchical class growing wealthier through creating war. In November 2002, a $7 billion LOGCAP contract was given to KBR for extinguishing oil well fires in Iraq. In 2003, the Army Corps of Engineers awarded a public bid contract with a maximum value of $1.2 billion to KBR to continue repairing the oil infrastructure in southern Iraq. In 2004, the Army Corps handed KBR yet another contract, with the value of $1.5 billion, to cover engineering services in the U.S. Central Commands area of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The contract had a $500 million ceiling for the first year and four one-year options, each with an annual ceiling of $250 million. In 2004, KBR received more orders under the LOGCAP contract for work in Afghanistan, which added up to $489 million. And then there is the $400 million in payments KBR made in subcontracting private securities services like Blackwater in Iraq. In 2004, the public was made aware of Halliburtons monopoly on billions of dollars in Iraq contracts and in the accumulation of tremendous influence over state matters. Or as Rand warned: the dangerous powers given to large corporations when they get so big that they can actually be directing policy. The funneling of vast fortunes to KBR was an egregious problem the government ignored. Major media also gave a pass to these contracts, with no questions asked about the larger structures within government that made this all possible. In total, $138 billion was awarded in federal funds to private contractors for the Iraq War, with Halliburton receiving more than $39.5 billion of the federal contracts related to the Iraq military invasion and occupation between 2003 and 2013. There were three other primary contractors in Iraq: Blackwater Worldwide, a mercenary army responsible for countless murders and massacres of Iraqis; CACI International, which received $66.2 million in state funds while being accused of the beating, starvation, sexual assault, sleep deprivation and torture of detainees in Abu Ghraib prison outside Baghdad; and Titan Corp., which supplied interpreters to Abu Ghraib and also was implicated in human rights abuses at the prison. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter KBR was not alone in these kinds of dealings. The Carlyle Group, a Washington-based private equity firm and defense contractor, has had its hand in bringing together private investment and war, largely orchestrated by former heads of state. In a 2001 Guardian article, Oliver Burkeman and Julian Borger document what they call the ex-presidents club, naming former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker, former British Prime Minister John Major and one-time World Bank treasurer Afsaneh Masheyekhi. Among the companies Carlyle owns are those which make equipment, vehicles and munitions for the US military, and its celebrity employees have long served an ingenious dual purpose, helping encourage investments from the very wealthy while also smoothing the path for Carlyles defense firms, the report states. While Carlyle was the focus of numerous exposes around the time of the U.S. invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, major media has provided limited follow-up coverage, and the company has been allowed to rebrand itself as an investment group. Some might argue coincidence, with so many specialized contractors making deals and forming policy with the U.S. government, but it does look suspicious when, for instance, on Sept. 11, 2001, The Carlyle Group was set to hold an investor meeting in Washington with the guest of honor being Shafiq bin Laden, brother of Osama bin Laden. We know the bin Laden family had close ties to George W. Bush; in addition, there were many economic and political links between the Saudi Arabian regime and the financing of 9/11. It is impossible to deny the systemic problems of corruption that occur when private corporations are allowed to dictate government policy. Tweaking George Santayanas infamous quote to reflect todays reality, Those who get away with injustices in the past are condemned to repeat it. And so it goes. In 2017, The Carlyle Group purchased CMC Networks, Africas largest network connectivity provider, based in Johannesburg. In 2016, Carlyle invested in the U.K.-headquartered provider of digital automation intelligence solutions, Testplant, now Eggplant. Carlyle has gone from private military contractor to private equity group to data systems mogul. Carlyles interest in big data and security has been covered by Jeffrey St. Claire, who notes, Two Carlyle companies, Federal Data Systems and US Investigations Services (USIS), hold multi-billion dollar contracts to provide background checks for commercial airlines, the Pentagon, the CIA and the Department of Homeland Security. There is little not to worry about here. Peter Eisner, former managing director of the Center for Public Integrity, questions the ethics of private industry making profits while advising the president of the United States. When speaking of George H.W. Bushs involvement with The Carlyle Group, Eisner notes the conflicts of interest that blur the lines between public policy and business: What hat is former president Bush wearing when he tells Crown Prince Abdullah not to worry about U.S. policy in the Middle East? What hat does he use when he deals with South Korea, and causes policy changes there? Or when James Baker helps argue the presidential election in the younger Bushs favor? Now skip to the recent breaches of online user data and the abuses of alleged democracies in creating draconian laws authorizing the spying on its citizens. On the one hand, we have the 2016 case where the FBI tried to oblige Apple to create a backdoor interface that would allow access to an iPhone. On the other hand, the same government that spies on private citizens also takes Mark Zuckerberg to task for similar abuses of data at Facebook. From the Iraq and Afghanistan invasions in the early 2000s, the U.S. government and private sector have numerous conflicts of interestsome might say, a collusionbetween private industries making a killing from war and a cabal of current and former politicians who ushered forth this gold rush. Among the most flagrant examples of corporate and governmental malfeasance is the Trump administrations link to the recent Cambridge Analytica scandal. President Trumps erstwhile chief strategist, Steve Bannon, oversaw the collection of data by Cambridge Analytica, according to a former employee. U.S. national security adviser John Bolton also is linked to this scandal, given that his super PAC has paid Cambridge Analytica over $1.1 million since 2014 for research and survey research. Bolton has spoken openly of how his super PACs execution of advanced psychographic data would help elect filibuster-proof majorities in 2018. More recently, Bannon, when he was a Trump adviser in the White House, pushed the proposal of Erik Prince, Blackwaters founder, to deploy private military contractors in Afghanistan, where 6,000 contractors plus U.S. special operations troops and support personnel would embed with local Afghan units. Beyond this, we have the Trump administration also considering Princes plan to build a mercenary force in Syria, despite Princes conflicts in the United Emirates, where he brought into the country several hundred Colombians posing as construction workers to fight in Yemen. When it emerged that Prince has collaborated with Oliver North and former CIA officer John R. Maguire to develop a plan to create a private spy network to circumvent the CIA, the White House opened its doors. All this plus a 2017 meeting in the Seychelles with the United Arab Emirates Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev and Prince that ended in a House Intelligence Committee hearing. Journalist Josh Marshall, from Talking Points Memo, has noted how Prince regularly uses ex-military and intelligence operatives to build parallel national security forces that operate for profit and outside the rule of law. However, operating outside the law seems to be more the rule than the exception if we are to honestly approach the common pattern repeating itself wherein U.S. foreign policy and private industries collaborate. We cannot ignore that SCL/Cambridge Analytica (which could be reborn under a new name after announcing it is shutting down) works on the tracking, analysis and manipulation of popular opinion abroad related to both U.S. and U.K. military and diplomatic services, any more than we can negate the questionable ties between SCL and Republican billionaire Robert Mercer, his daughter Rebekah Mercer and Bannon (Mercers business partner), who later became Donald Trumps de facto campaign manager. While everyone worries about his or her data being safe on Facebook, this recent chapter of history is a repeat of the cyclical media stories that every now and then convince us that we should be worried, even if we arent quite sure why. Facebook is the cover story here. But we need to insist on answers to the vast conflicts of interest that are dotting American foreign policy. They have created an industry where those who should have nothing to do with big data and private militia are running the show. May 07, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - No leader, no matter how talented and visionary, effectively defies power without a disciplined organizational foundation. The civil rights movement was no more embodied in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. than the socialist movement was embodied in Eugene V. Debs. As the civil rights leader Ella Baker understood, the civil rights movement made King; King did not make the civil rights movement. We must focus on building new, radical movements that do not depend on foundation grants, a media platform or the Democratic Party or revolve around the cult of leadership. Otherwise, we will remain powerless. No leader, no matter how charismatic or courageous, will save us. We must save ourselves. You didnt see me on television, you didnt see news stories about me, said Baker, who died in 1986. The kind of role that I tried to play was to pick up pieces or put together pieces out of which I hoped organization might come. My theory is, strong people dont need strong leaders. All of our radical and populist organizations, including unions and the press, are decimated or destroyed. If we are to successfully pit power against power we must reject the cult of the self, the deadly I-consciousness that seduces many, including those on the left, to construct little monuments to themselves. We must understand that it is not about us. It is about our neighbor. We must not be crippled by despair. Our job is to name and confront evil. All great crusades for justice outlast us. We are measured not by what we achieve but by how passionately and honestly we fight. Only then do we have a chance to thwart corporate power and protect a rapidly degrading ecosystem. What does this mean? Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter It means receding into the landscape to build community organizations and relationships that for months, maybe years, will be unseen by mass culture. It means beginning where people are. It means listening. It means establishing credentials as a member of a community willing to make personal sacrifices for the well-being of others. It means being unassuming, humble and often unnamed and unrecognized. It means, as Cornel West said, not becoming ontologically addicted to the camera. It means, West went on, rejecting the obsession with self as some kind of grand messianic gift to the world. One of the most important aspects of organizing is grass-roots educational programs that teach people, by engaging them in dialogue, about the structures of corporate power and the nature of oppression. One cannot fight what one does not understand. Effective political change, as Baker knew, is not primarily politically motivated. It is grounded in human solidarity, mutual trust and consciousness. As Harriet Tubman said: I rescued many slaves, but I could have saved a thousand more if the slaves knew they were slaves. The corporate states assault on education, and on journalism, is part of a concerted effort to keep us from examining corporate power and the ideologies, such as globalization and neoliberalism, that promote it. We are entranced by the tawdry, the salacious and the trivial. The building of consciousness and mass organizations will not be quick. But these mass movements cannot become public until they are strong enough to carry out sustained actions, including civil disobedience and campaigns of noncooperation. The response by the state will be vicious. Without a dedicated and organized base we will not succeed. Bob Moses was the director of the Mississippi Project of the SNCC (Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee) in the early 1960s when that group organized to register black voters. Most blacks had been effectively barred from voting in Mississippi through poll taxes, literacy tests, residency requirements and other barriers. Moses, like many organizers, was beaten and arrested. Blacks who attempted to register to vote were threatened, harassed, fired from their jobs, physically attacked and even murdered. In essence, it was low-grade guerrilla warfare, Moses said recently at an event at Princeton University, in New Jersey. In guerrilla warfare, you have a community you can disappear into and emerge from. Thats what we had. We had a group of local activists who had been a part of the NAACP local organizations and who had a different sense after World War II. They were our base. I can go any place, any time of the night, knock on a door. Somebody was going to open it up, give me a bed to sleep in, feed me. They were going to watch my back. We had a guerrilla community that we could disappear into and then emerge to take some people down to the battleground, the courthouse in some local town with people trying to register to vote, he said. At that point, you were exposed and possibly open to some danger. The danger came in different ways. There were the highway patrols, which the state organized. Then there were the local sheriffs. Then theres the Klan citizens. Different levels of danger. The challenge is to understand that you are not always in danger. Those who couldnt figure that out didnt last. They didnt join. In guerrilla warfare, you have to have an end, he said. You learn that from people in the guerrilla base who had been fighting and figuring out how to survive and thrive in a guerrilla struggle. The only way to learn that is to immerse yourself. Theres no training. In Mississippi, most of the people who did that were young, 17, 18, 19. And they lived there. Organizing, Moses said, begins around a particular issue that is important to the communityraising the minimum wage, protecting undocumented workers, restoring voting rights to former prisoners, blocking a fracking site, halting evictions, ending police violence or stopping the dumping of toxic waste in neighborhoods. Movements rise organically. Dissidents are empowered and educated one person at a time. Any insurgency, he said, has to be earned. If you get knocked down enough times and stand up enough times then people think youre serious, he said. Its not you talking. Theyve heard everyone talk about this forever. We earned their trust. We earned the respect of young people across the country to get them to come down and risk their lives. This is your country. Look whats going on in your country. What do you want to do about it? We established our authenticity. Moses warned movements, such as Black Lives Matter, about establishing a huge media profile without a strong organizational base. Too often protests are little more than spectacles, credentialing protesters as radicals or dissidents while doing little to confront the power of the state. The state, in fact, often collaborates with protesters, carrying out symbolic arrests choreographed in advance. This boutique activism is largely useless. Protests must take the state by surprise and, as with the water protectors at Standing Rock, cause serious disruption. When that happens, the state will drop all pretense of civility, as it did at Standing Rock, and react with excessive force. You cant be a media person [the subject of media reports] and an organizer, Moses said. If youre leading an organization, its what you do and who you are that impacts the people who you are trying to get to do the organizing work. If what they see is your media presence, then thats what they also want to have. Its overwhelming to be a media person in this country. To attend to the duties of being a media person, the obligations that follow a media person, really means that you cant attend to the obligations of actually doing organizing work. Once SNCC decided it needed a media person, it lost its organizing base. It disintegrated and disappeared. You cant do both. The mass mobilizations, such as the Womens March, have little impact unless they are part of a campaign centered around a specific goal. The goalin the case of SNCC, voter registrationbecomes the organizing tool for greater political consciousness and eventually a broader challenge to established power. People need to be organized around issues they care about, Moses said. They need to formulate their own strategy. If strategy is dictated to them, then the movement will fail. People need to figure out for themselves what they want to do about a problem, Moses said. They need agency. They do not get agency, he said, by listening to somebody tell them things. They can develop agency by going out and trying things, he said. It works, or it doesnt work. They come back. They think about it. They reformulate it. Staff people are keeping track of what it is, who it is, what theyre working on. They are documenting it. This is the difference between a mobilizing effort, where youre getting people to turn out for an event, and trying to get people self-engaged and thinking through a problem. When you do civil disobedience, the question is not about the power structure but the people youre trying to reach, he said. How do they view what youre doing? Do you alienate them? Its a balance between, in some sense, leading and organizing. When you do your civil disobedience, it may or may not help with expanding your organizing base. Moses, who believes that only nonviolent resistance will be effective, said the Vietnam anti-war movement hurt itself by not accepting, as the civil rights movement did, prison and jail time as part of its resistance. Many in the anti-war movement, he said, lacked the vital capacity for self-sacrifice. This willingness to engage in self-sacrifice, he said, is fundamental to success. The anti-war movement would have had a huge impact if it had been able to agree that what were going to do is go to prison, he said. We are going to pay a certain price. Were going to earn our insurgency against the foreign policy establishment of the country. Were going to say no and go to prison. That way, they could have emerged when the war was over as the insurgents who had paid, in their own way, the price of the war. Revealed: Trump Team Hired Spy Firm For Dirty Ops On Iran Arms Deal Israeli agency told to find incriminating material on Obama diplomats who negotiated deal with Tehran By Julian Borger May 07, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - Aides to Donald Trump, the US president, hired an Israeli private intelligence agency to orchestrate a dirty ops campaign against key individuals from the Obama administration who helped negotiate the Iran nuclear deal, the Observer can reveal. People in the Trump camp contacted private investigators in May last year to get dirt on Ben Rhodes, who had been one of Barack Obamas top national security advisers, and Colin Kahl, deputy assistant to Obama, as part of an elaborate attempt to discredit the deal. The extraordinary revelations come days before Trumps 12 May deadline to either scrap or continue to abide by the international deal limiting Irans nuclear programme. Jack Straw, who as foreign secretary was involved in earlier efforts to restrict Iranian weapons, said: These are extraordinary and appalling allegations but which also illustrate a high level of desperation by Trump and [the Israeli prime minister] Benjamin Netanyahu, not so much to discredit the deal but to undermine those around it. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter One former high-ranking British diplomat with wide experience of negotiating international peace agreements, requesting anonymity, said: Its bloody outrageous to do this. The whole point of negotiations is to not play dirty tricks like this. Sources said that officials linked to Trumps team contacted investigators days after Trump visited Tel Aviv a year ago, his first foreign tour as US president. Trump promised Netanyahu that Iran would never have nuclear weapons and suggested that the Iranians thought they could do what they want since negotiating the nuclear deal in 2015. A source with details of the dirty tricks campaign said: The idea was that people acting for Trump would discredit those who were pivotal in selling the deal, making it easier to pull out of it. According to incendiary documents seen by the Observer, investigators contracted by the private intelligence agency were told to dig into the personal lives and political careers of Rhodes, a former deputy national security adviser for strategic communications, and Kahl, a national security adviser to the former vice-president Joe Biden. Among other things they were looking at personal relationships, any involvement with Iran-friendly lobbyists, and if they had benefited personally or politically from the peace deal. Investigators were also apparently told to contact prominent Iranian Americans as well as pro-deal journalists from the New York Times, MSNBC television, the Atlantic, Vox website and Haaretz, the Israeli newspaper among others who had frequent contact with Rhodes and Kahl in an attempt to establish whether they had violated any protocols by sharing sensitive intelligence. They are believed to have looked at comments made by Rhodes in a 2016 New York Times profile in which he admitted relying on inexperienced reporters to create an echo chamber that helped sway public opinion to secure the deal. It is also understood that the smear campaign wanted to establish if Rhodes was among those who backed a request by Susan Rice, Obamas final national security adviser, to unmask the identities of Trump transition officials caught up in the surveillance of foreign targets. Although sources have confirmed that contact and an initial plan of attack was provided to private investigators by representatives of Trump, it is not clear how much work was actually undertaken, for how long or what became of any material unearthed. Neither is it known if the black ops constituted only a strand of a wider Trump-Netanyahu collaboration to undermine the deal or if investigators targeted other individuals such as John Kerry, the lead American signatory to the deal. Both Rhodes and Kahl said they had no idea of the campaign against them. Rhodes said: I was not aware, though sadly am not surprised. I would say that digging up dirt on someone for carrying out their professional responsibilities in their positions as White House officials is a chillingly authoritarian thing to do. A spokesman for the White Houses national security council offered no comment when approached. However, the revelations are not the first time that claims of dirty tricks have been aimed at the Trump camp. Special counsel Robert Mueller is leading an investigation into apparent attempts by Trumps inner-circle to dig up damaging information on Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential campaign. Of particular interest is a meeting involving the US presidents eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, his brother-in-law Jared Kushner and then-campaign chair Paul Manafort and a Kremlin-connected Russian lawyer who had promised damaging information about Clinton. Trump has repeatedly signalled his intention to scrap the Iran deal, denouncing it as the worst deal ever. In a January speech the US president accused his predecessor of having curried favour with the Iranian regime in order to push through the disastrously flawed Iran nuclear deal. Last Monday, Netanyahu, accused Iran of continuing to hide and expand its nuclear weapons know-how after the 2015 deal, presenting what he claimed was new and conclusive proof of violations. However, European powers including Britain responded by saying the Israeli prime ministers claims reinforced the need to keep the deal. On Thursday the UN secretary general Antonio Guterres urged Trump not to walk away from the deal, warning that there was a real risk of war if the 2015 agreement was not preserved. The following day details emerged of some unusual shadow diplomacy by Kerry, meeting a top-ranking Iranian official in New York to discuss how to preserve the deal. It was the second time in around two months that Kerry had met foreign minister Javad Zarif to apparently strategise over rescuing a pact they spent years negotiating during the Obama administration. On Sunday Boris Johnson, the foreign secretary, will arrive in Washington, hoping to persuade Trump to keep the deal, known as the joint comprehensive plan of action (JCPOA). Straw, who was foreign secretary between 2001 and 2006, said: The campaign against the JCPOA has been characterised by abuse and misinformation. It is the best chance of ensuring Iran never develops a nuclear weapons programme, and it is insane to suggest abandoning the deal could do anything but endanger international security. This article was originally published by " The Guardian " - Trump Circles Hired Israeli Spy Company 'Black Cube' To Dig Up Dirt on Iran Deal Negotiators By Moon Of Alabama Updated below Someone tipped off the Observer, the Guardian's Sunday edition, about an attempt of Donald Trump flunkies to find dirt about the people who negotiated the nuclear deal (JCPOA) with Iran. An Israeli spy company was hired to set up traps. One of the victims describes how that happened. The modus operandi seems similar to one described in another dirty story which surfaced about a year ago. The company, not named by the Observer, in question is Black Cube. The Observer: Revealed: Trump team hired spy firm for dirty ops on Iran arms deal Aides to Donald Trump, the US president, hired an Israeli private intelligence agency to orchestrate a dirty ops campaign against key individuals from the Obama administration who helped negotiate the Iran nuclear deal , the Observer can reveal. People in the Trump camp contacted private investigators in May last year to get dirt on Ben Rhodes, who had been one of Barack Obamas top national security advisers, and Colin Kahl, deputy assistant to Obama, as part of an elaborate attempt to discredit the deal. ... Sources said that officials linked to Trumps team contacted investigators days after Trump visited Tel Aviv a year ago, his first foreign tour as US president. ... According to incendiary documents seen by the Observer, investigators contracted by the private intelligence agency were told to dig into the personal lives and political careers of Rhodes, a former deputy national security adviser for strategic communications, and Kahl, a national security adviser to the former vice-president Joe Biden. Among other things they were looking at personal relationships, any involvement with Iran-friendly lobbyists, and if they had benefited personally or politically from the peace deal. ... Both Rhodes and Kahl said they had no idea of the campaign against them. The last sentence no longer holds. Colin Kahl now remembers that something fishy was going on: Colin Kahl @ColinKahl - 5:33 UTC - 6 May 2018 According to this story, in May of last year, Team Trump asked an Israeli intel firm to dig up dirt on me as part of an effort to discredit the Iran deal. Tonight, as my wife read this story, that date triggered a very creepy memory. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/may/05/ Last year, my wife was serving on the fundraising committee of my daughter's public charter school in DC. One day, out of the blue, she received an email from someone claiming to represent a socially responsible private equity firm in the UK. This "UK person" said "she" was flying to DC soon and wanted to have coffee with my wife to discuss the possibility of including my daughter's school in their educational fund network. This was not a generic "Nigerian prince" scam. This person had all sorts of specific information on my wife's volunteer duties at an obscure DC elementary school. There was a website for the firm (which no longer exists, by the way), but it had no depth to it, and there was no detailed information about the "UK person" who reached out to my wife. My wife shared the email with me and a few people we know in both the finance and education fields. All agreed that the entire scenario seemed implausible and seemed like an approach by a foreign intelligence entity. To test the implausibility, my wife kept trying to encourage the "UK person" over email to meet with other school fundraising officers & leadership while "she" was in DC, providing relevant contact info. But the "UK person" kept insisting that "she" had to meet with my wife. At that point, my wife stopped corresponding. This all happened in late May and early June of last year. ... The way the operation was run against Colin Kahl sounds familiar. I remembered reading about a similar attempt a while ago and, after some searching, dug up this New Yorker story from last November: In the fall of 2016, Harvey Weinstein set out to suppress allegations that he had sexually harassed or assaulted numerous women. He began to hire private security agencies to collect information on the women and the journalists trying to expose the allegations. According to dozens of pages of documents, and seven people directly involved in the effort, the firms that Weinstein hired included Kroll, which is one of the worlds largest corporate-intelligence companies, and Black Cube, an enterprise run largely by former officers of Mossad and other Israeli intelligence agencies. Black Cube, which has branches in Tel Aviv, London, and Paris, offers its clients the skills of operatives highly experienced and trained in Israels elite military and governmental intelligence units, according to its literature. Two private investigators from Black Cube, using false identities, met with the actress Rose McGowan, who eventually publicly accused Weinstein of rape, to extract information from her. One of the investigators pretended to be a womens-rights advocate and secretly recorded at least four meetings with McGowan. In both cases we see a 'private' Israeli spy company, with deep government connections and operating from London, which uses false identities and meets its targets under false pretense. I bet a cup of coffee that Black Cube is the company behind the attempts to spy on the JCPOA negotiators. The company is notorious for such dirty work. Compare this from Colin Kahl above: One day, out of the blue, [my wife] received an email from someone claiming to represent a socially responsible private equity firm in the UK. This "UK person" said "she" was flying to DC soon and wanted to have coffee with my wife to discuss the possibility of including my daughter's school in their educational fund network. With this from the Weinstein case as described in the New Yorker: In May, 2017, McGowan received an e-mail from a literary agency introducing her to a woman who identified herself as Diana Filip, the deputy head of sustainable and responsible investments at Reuben Capital Partners, a London-based wealth-management firm. Filip told McGowan that she was launching an initiative to combat discrimination against women in the workplace ... The same pattern is used: A surprise contact from London pretending to have money from some rich fund to disperse for a good cause the targeted person is known to support. The false person is persistently asking for a personal meeting. There are multiple additional details about the spies approach in both cases that look quite similar. Black Cube claims to deliver "Creative Intelligence". But to use the same method and false story over and over is not creative at all. The company has had some press lately. The Cambridge Analytica whistleblower Christopher Whyle alleges that Black Cube was hired to hack the personal data of Nigerian President Buhari prior to his election to get access to his medical records and private emails. Cambridge Analytica also worked for the Trump campaign. One wonders why the Observer did not name the Israeli spy company. One also wonders why the story is coming up now. Who leaked it? And is it true? One of the Guardian/Observer authors of the story is Julian Borger who was long notorious for writing manipulating stories about Iran's nuclear program. Borger is pretty much in the anti-Trump camp and his 'official' sources are sometimes shady. His additional frame piece to the story above reveals nothing new. Who gave him the story? The British government which wants to keep the JCPOA alive? Could someone have made up the whole story, modeled after the Weinstein case, in an attempt to discredit Trump and his planned termination of the JCPOA deal? Then again - hiring 'former' spies to dig up dirt about people was actually a specialty of the Clinton campaign. It paid the 'former' British spy Christopher Steele to make up the "Dirty Dossier" about Trump. It would be hypocritical to now condemn the Trump circles for doing similar stuff. Update (May 7 12:30pm est): An hour ago the New Yorker author who wrote the original Black Cube/Weinstein piece confirmed that Black Cube was indeed the company which targeted the Obama administration officials Colin Kahl and Ben Rhodes. Mr. Kahl points to several news-pieces in mid 2017 in which Trump administration officials blamed him and Mr. Rhodes for the Iran deal. It is unclear though how deep the current White House was involved in hiring the spy company. From the new New Yorker piece: The Observer reported that aides of President Trump had hired Black Cube to run the operation in order to undermine the Iran deal, allegations that Black Cube denies. The idea was that people acting for Trump would discredit those who were pivotal in selling the deal, making it easier to pull out of it, a source told the Observer. One of the sources familiar with the effort told me that it was, in fact, part of Black Cubes work for a private-sector client pursuing commercial interests related to sanctions on Iran. (A Trump Administration spokesperson declined to comment to the Observer on the allegations.) It could of course be both. The Trump administration officials Sebastian Gorka and Steve Bannon pushed against the Iran deal and went to news outlets complaining about Kahl and Rhodes. The company denies that the White House hired it. While some private company, (uber-Zionist and casino magnate Sheldon Adelson ?), may have paid Black Cube these efforts were likely coordinated. Another target was the pro-Iran deal lobbyist Trita Parsi. The Black Cube spies, and the Trump administration flunkies, insinuated that the Obama people pursued the Iran deal in exchange for personal financial gains. I do not believe that to be the case. But it is interesting that the Trump people can not think of other reasons for making such a strategic deal. This is the kind of scandal the media will love to dig into. We can thus expect to hear much more about the case. Was a crime committed? I do not see such an angle yet but a good prosecutor may make the case. Unlike the whole anti-Russia/anti-Trump campaign and investigation, which has no merit at all, this one would be on target. It was and is Israel that is the most influential foreign country in Washington DC and within the Trump administration. Any dirt coming up now will help to make that point more visible to the general public. This article was originally published by " Moon Of Alabama " - ==See Also== Israeli Operatives Who Aided Harvey Weinstein Collected Information on Former Obama Administration Officials Israeli private intel firm denies being hired to dig up dirt on ex-Obama officials Giuliani: Trump Supports Regime Change in Tehran; Hints of Withdrawal From Nuclear Deal Iran warns of regret like never before if U.S. leaves nuke deal President Rouhani says Tehran would fiercely resist Washington's attempts to undermine its role in the Middle East . Iran says could remain in nuclear deal if its interests guaranteed: TV Germany, France vow to stick to Iran deal if US pulls out Iran nuclear deal: Johnson courts Trump on Fox & Friends Join the Discussion May 07, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - Its hard to imagine a more unfounded, bizarre and insane scenario than this: The leader of the Palestinian people is forced to apologize to the Jewish people. The one who was robbed apologizes to the robbers, the victim apologizes to the rapist, the dead to the killer. After all, the occupiers are so sensitive and their feelings, and only theirs, must be taken into account. A nation that hasnt stopped occupying, destroying and killing, and has never considered apologizing for anything anything gets its victims to apologize for one measly sentence by their leader. The rest is known: apology not accepted. What did you think would happen? That it would be accepted? You dont have to be an admirer of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to understand the depths of the absurd. You dont have to be an Israel hater to understand the extent of the chutzpah. Israel holds a magic card, the lottery of the century: the horror of anti-Semitism. The value of this card is on a dizzying rise, especially now as the Holocaust recedes and anti-Semitism is being replaced in many countries by criticism of Israel. Playing this lucky card covers everything. Its holders not only can do anything they please, they can be insulted and put on the squeeze. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter The world became agitated over Abbas like it never was over any Israeli incitement the chorus of the European Union, the UN envoy and of course, the ambassador of the settlers, David Friedman, who never denounces Israel for anything, only the Palestinians. Even The New York Times took on an amazingly sharp tone: Let Abbas vile words be his last as Palestinian leader. Its hard to imagine that the newspaper the Jewish right has marked as an Israel hater, baselessly of course, would use similar language against an Israeli prime minister; the one responsible, for example, for the massacre of unarmed protesters. Theres a double standard in Israel as well: It will never attack the anti-Semitic right in Europe as it attacks Abbas, who is certainly much less anti-Semitic, if at all, than Austrian Vice Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache or Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Abbas said something that should not have been said. A day later he apologized. He regretted and retracted what he said, condemned the Holocaust and anti-Semitism, and reaffirmed his commitment to the two-state solution. It wouldnt have taken much more for him to bend his knee to Israels hobnail boots and ask forgiveness for continuing to live under them. But Israel wont let any apology stop its nefarious gloating. Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman was quick to damn the other side, as usual: despicable Holocaust denier apology not accepted. Abbas is much less of a Holocaust denier, if at all, than Israel is a denier of the Nakba. But denying the Nakba is allowed, in fact its a must in Israel, and denying the Holocaust is prohibited (and rightly so). The fact that the Holocaust was much more horrific than the Nakba doesnt legitimize denial of the others disaster, which is never-ending. Anti-Semitism or not, the situation of every Jew in the world is better and safer today than the situation of a Palestinian in the territories or an Arab in Israel. There are hardly any Jews today without rights like the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, but Jews are discriminated against like the Arabs in Israel. And when a Jew in France is stabbed, the president of the republic comes to visit. And when an Arab in Israel is stabbed, the prime minister continues to incite. And when he incites, he never apologizes. Israel never apologized for the Nakba not for the ethnic cleansing, not for the destruction of hundreds of villages and the exiling of hundreds of thousands of people from their land. Neither did it apologize for the crimes of the occupation of 1967, or for the stealing of land and the construction of the settlements, or for the false arrests, the mass killing and the destruction of a nations life. Not one Israeli statesman today intends to do this as a necessary step toward a different future. But Abbas has to apologize, or Lieberman and The New York Times will demand his head. In fact, theyll demand it even after he apologizes. Home Search ICH Israels Murderous Strikes on Syria, Via Pacified Lebanon By Andre Vltchek May 07, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - On April 9, 2018 at least 14 people were killed during the murderous strike by the Israeli air force on the Syrian T-4 airfield at Homs. Israeli F-15 fighter jets flew over Lebanese airspace, as they have done on many previous occasions, in total disregard of international law. Both Israel and Lebanon are still technically at war, and the latest action could easily be considered as yet another shameless provocation. Apparently, whatever terror Western allies like Saudi Arabia and Israel decide to spread throughout the region, their actions will always go unpunished. To add insult to injury, instead of condemning Israel, the Western mass media outlets began their predictable and embarrassing servile howling against the government in Damascus, some correspondents even calling President al-Assad an animal (The Sun, 9th April, 2018). This time, Lebanon, which in the past suffered from several brutal Israeli invasions, and where Israel is commonly referred to as Palestine, decided not to protest too loudly against the violation of its airspace. There were some statements made by individual Lebanese politicians, as well as a statement by the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which objected to the attack against Syria, claiming that Lebanon will file a complaint to the UNSC. Most of the statements, however, appeared only in the Arabic language. There was definitely no robust national response, as one would have expected. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Ms. Zeinab Al-Saffar, an Iraqi educator and television anchor based in Beirut, Lebanon, shared her thoughts on the subject: It is not the first time that this is happening. Israeli forces have been violating the airspace of Lebanon, as well as the land and sea belonging to Lebanon. Violation of the territory of Lebanon [by Israel] became something regular. What happened recently is a flagrant intrusion which should not go unanswered, as they were using Lebanese air space in order to attack the Syrian land. I believe this is the right time for the U.N. to do something more than just to make the reports and write numbers. This is an extremely serious situation; to use the territory of a neighboring country in order to attack a third nation; it is a barefaced crime. * Why do Lebanons protests not resonate louder? There are several reasons. One: the country recently secured an enormous package of mostly loans from the West, at a Paris conference, amounting to more than 11 billion dollars. Two: A great percentage of the elites of Lebanon is accustomed to taking orders from the West. The West is where their villas are, where their relatives live, and their permanent residency cards issued. A much greater war may be nearing; both the U.S. and Europe are now attacking Syria directly. In this decisive time, the Lebanese rulers are opportunistically showing where their allegiances lie: not with the people of the devastated Middle East, but with Paris, London, Riyadh and Washington. But back to the first point to money. As reported by Reuters on April 6, 2018: The pledges include $10.2 billion in loans and $860 million in grants, Frances ambassador to Lebanon Bruno Foucher said on Twitter Donors in turn want to see Lebanon commit to long-stalled reforms. In a nod to those demands, Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri pledged to reduce the deficit of the budget as a percentage of GDP by 5 percent in the coming five years. Macron told Hariri in a news conference the aid aimed to give Lebanon a fresh start, adding that it put an unprecedented responsibility on authorities there to carry out reforms and preserve peace in the country. It is important to continue reforms in the coming months, Macron said, adding: Well be by your side. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told the conference: Lebanon needs major reforms of its economy, structural and sectoral. Structural reforms is a key term. This shameful package of loans which will further tie the hands of Lebanon could insure the complacency of the country: both economic and political obedience at the time when the West is ready to unleash a new wave of its military onslaught in the region. There is hardly any transparency in Lebanon, and therefore almost no guarantee that the loans will be used to improve the standard of living of the suffering population. Corruption in Lebanon is endemic it is institutionalized to the point that it is often not even called corruption, anymore. Social services are almost non-existent. Here, the contrasts are truly appalling. Ferraris and Lamborghinis, as well as outrageously expensive sailing boats, co-exist side-by-side with absolute misery and lack of social services, such as, at least periodically, garbage collection. Hezbollah, a movement which is on the so-called terrorist list of many Western countries, is often the only reliable source of social services in the country. The West will now demand more and more neo-liberal reforms. Almost nothing social will be build. Funds will disappear into the deep pockets of the shameless Lebanese elites and leaders. It will be the poor, who will be expected to service the loans, as the rich in Lebanon hardly pay taxes. In exchange for their booty, many Lebanese politicians will be further obliged to follow the Western line towards the region, including the neo-liberal and increasingly neo-colonialist policy of Washington and France (Lebanons former colonial master) towards Syria and the rest of the region. * And across the border line, the war is still raging. Washington and London fulfilled their shameful promises to perform punitive actions; to chastise Syria for something that was clearly invented/manufactured just in order to justify an invasion, destabilization and in the end, the destruction, of this small but strong and proud nation. A Syrian intellectual, who lives in both Beirut and Damascus, offered his analyses for this article. However, he requested not to be identified by his name, afraid of repercussions from both Lebanon and the West: The Israeli attack comes at a time when the Syrian army is winning its fight against terrorist groups in Damascus suburbs, and it could be read as an indirect answer to these wins. It is also a dangerous move since the T4 airbase is heavily involved in the fight against the remaining of ISIS in Syria. This attack is unacceptable aggression against a sovereign nation and it is a violation of international laws. It also shows that Israel is helping directly and indirectly various terrorists groups operating on the Syrian territory. * However, the commentaries that are being spread by the Western mainstream press are increasingly defying all logic. They are progressively turning out to be racist, supremacist. Well, actually now they are what they have always been earlier, throughout the centuries of European and then North American colonialism. Just read The Guardian article from April 9th, 2018- Israel has launched countless strikes in Syria. Whats new is Russias response: Israel has launched many previous strikes into Syria, mainly to protect its borders from a buildup of Iranian-backed Hezbollah forces and armaments on the Golan Heights. Israel, has not, as a rule, attacked al-Qaida or Islamic State positions in Syria. On all previous occasions, Russia which has controlled Syrian air space since it sent troops to defend the regime of Bashar al-Assad in 2015 has turned a blind eye. There had been an understanding that Israeli interests in Syria would be preserved by Russia, primarily by limiting the presence of Iranian-backed troops in Syrias south-west. The Israeli fear is that access to the Syrian side of the Golan Heights allows Hezbollah to launch attacks into Israel. At least The Guardian does not pretend that it believes in the Western fabrications that President Assad is poisoning his own people But the article is clearly trying to justify and find logic behind the Israeli terrorist attacks against the independent nation. Poor Israel it is worried about Hezbollah forces and armaments on the Golan Heights. But the Golan Heights is by international law an inseparable part of Syria. I repeat: by all international norms! Including, the United Nations Security Council UN Resolution 497. Golan Heights had been attacked, occupied and forcefully (and it looks like indefinitely) annexed by Israel, during the so-called Six-Day War in 1981. I visited the Golan Heights. I worked there, for several days, clandestinely, some 5 days ago. What I encountered there was true horror: ancient villages were totally destroyed, most of the original population deported from their land, Israeli-paid spies and provocateurs approaching and scrutinizing random visitors. All around scattered rich Israeli agricultural enterprises protected by barbed wire and tall concrete walls. It all felt like working in Angola or Namibia, during the South African apartheid, or perhaps even worse; divided communities, stolen land, electric wire, and omnipresent fear and oppression. But it is Israel which now has the right to worry and to murder people in the name of its security. That is precisely what the tone of the Western mainstream periodicals clearly suggests. Israel had stolen more than a thousand kilometers square of the Syrian territory in 1981, and now it is mercilessly bombing its victim; from Lebanese territory, in order to assure its safety and security. It is doing so from the territory of Lebanon, a country which was invaded by the Israeli military, on several occasions. And the West is cheering. * Of course, Israel is acting with total impunity, because it enjoys both the support and encouragement from its allies: The United States, the U.K. and Macrons France. Lebanon is panicking. Its elites are trying to both survive, and not to anger the West. Syrians have, it often appears, nerves of steel. They worry but are determined not to give one single inch of their land to the invaders. My friend in Damascus wrote to me, just a few hours before I submitted this report: People are worried and they constantly follow up the news. My brother asked us to go to Safita for one month, as it is safer there. Im not sure if we do it, but we are closely monitoring the situation. My colleagues and comrades on the ground in Syria are angry, very angry. They can clearly see through the lies, which are being spread by the West. Israel is repeatedly bombing heroic Syria. On April 29, 2018, the Israeli attacks killed 26 Syrians and Iranians, just before Midnight, near Hama and Aleppo. The U.S. and Europe are bombing and threatening to cause even more damage. But this is 2018, not those dark years when the West could murder and rape without any consequences. If these attacks continue, there will be a counterpunch: fully justified, determined and powerful. Then even the tiny Lebanon would have to decide where it stands. Andre Vltchek is a philosopher, novelist, filmmaker and investigative journalist. He has covered wars and conflicts in dozens of countries. Three of his latest books are his tribute to The Great October Socialist Revolution a revolutionary novel Aurora and a bestselling work of political non-fiction: Exposing Lies Of The Empire . View his other books here . Watch Rwanda Gambit , his groundbreaking documentary about Rwanda and DRCongo and his film/dialogue with Noam Chomsky On Western Terrorism . Vltchek presently resides in East Asia and the Middle East, and continues to work around the world. He can be reached through his website and his Twitter . ===== Lebanon election: Hezbollah leader declares 'victory' 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. Search Information Clearing House === Click Here To Support Information Clearing House Your support has kept ICH free on the Web since 2002. Click for Spanish , German , Dutch , Danish , French , translation- Note- Translation may take a moment to load. The Koreas Unified and at Peace? How about Syria, Iran and Venezuela? By Peter Koenig May 07, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - Peace in the Koreas, is what the world expects; and Peace in the world is what humanity expects, the vast majority 99.9% of the world population wants peace, but its the 0.1% that commands war and destruction, since war and destruction is what runs the western economy. Literally. If peace would break out what we in the west still call economy, though its a fraud, every day more visible would collapse. In the US the war industry with all the associated production and service industries, including the Silicon Valley and banking contributes more than 50% to GDP. Nobody notices and nobody says so. Naturally. Everything that might be revealing and thought-provoking, is lied about or hidden from the public. This enormous Korean Peace Initiative is a flare of hope. The two Presidents, Moon Jae-in from the South and Kim Jong-un from the North have met last Friday, 27 April 2018, at the Peace House at Panmunjeom, near the 38th Parallel North, or the so-called Military Demarcation Line. It is the first time in more than 60 years that leaders of both Koreas have crossed the line Mr. Moon to the North, and Mr. Kim to the South. They have declared their willingness to establish Peace, to sign a real Peace Agreement before the end of this year. At present, technically the two nations are still at war a war sustained by the United States. The DPRK survives from day to day on a shaky armistice agreement from 1953. The American ferocious military forces and those of their NATO allies have totally destroyed, bombed to rubble and ashes North Korea at will, killing one third of her population, between 1950 and 1953. US-NATO did this despite North Koreas offer to surrender long before the country was but a heap of ruins. Killing for spite, indulging in and enjoying the causing of horrendous suffering and death, is the sadistic and satanic way of the west. This must be said and never forgotten. Although we look forward now we, the world at large wants Peace, a live peace experience of Korea which could be replicated. The two leaders promise a number of joint actions and undertakings, including ridding the Peninsula of nuclear weapons a very ambitious plan. Not because the two are not genuine in their endeavor but will Washington with more than 30,000 troops stationed in the South and a fleet of navy vessels and aircraft carriers as well as fighter jets and bombers and a nuclear arsenal withdraw their murderous toys? South Korea is a sovereign nation, she could request the departure of foreign occupiers, what the US is but will the occupiers leave? Or will the Pentagon, CIA or the White House invent a false flag event to nullify this peace effort? Nothing is beyond Washingtons evil intention to hegemonize the world. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter And for DPRKs President Kim Jong-un to recall John Bolton, Trumps National Security Advisor, said just a couple of days ago, referring to North Koreas denuclearization Libya should serve as a model. You may remember in 2003 / 2004 Gaddafi was accused of hiding weapons of mass destruction (WMD), i.e. a nuclear arms development program. The west blackmailed him to get rid of it, against some economic aid and favors, of course. Gaddafi accepted. The western sicko leaders all became friends with him, the French then President Nicolas Sarkozy on top, who is now accused in French Courts of receiving up to 50 million illegal money (what is legal money by western standards?) from Muammar Gaddafi for Sarkozys 2007 campaign. Well, we also remember how in 2011 he was miserably tortured and slaughtered anyway, despite his concessions to the west on his alleged WMDs, by NATO forces led by France and viciously supported by Hillary Clinton, then Obamas Secretary of State. Had Gaddafi kept his weapons, he may be still be alive and Libya and Libyas people may still be prospering as they did before the US-NATO onslaught in 2011. For now, the US of A seems to go passively along with the Peace Initiative. Its more, the Donald is actually claiming credit for it. It is unbelievable but true. There is even a group of Trump supporters who will propose Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. Imagine! But why not, after all, Obama got the prize before he really started his Presidency and then he bombed more countries and killed more people than any other US President in recent history. Yes, all is possible. We are living in a world where war is peace, where you are made believe that bombing a country to rubble will bring peace. Seriously. And the western people, brainwashed to the core, believe it. However, despite Trump the peacemaker, be on your guard. Irans Foreign Minister, Bahram Qassemi, so pointedly said never trust any agreement or promise made by Washington. He referred, of course, to the 5+1 (Permanent Security Council Members, plus Germany, and, of course, Iran) Nuclear Deal that Trump wants to abolish, or at best renegotiate for which he engaged his new little boyfriend, Macron, to call Mr. Rouhani to please agree to re-discuss the Nuclear Deal and the issue of Irans long-range missiles. Of course, Mr. Rouhani turned him off. And, as Im writing these lines, Netanyahu comes to the fore with the most flagrant of lies but he knows with enough propaganda the west will buy them, accusing with a bland PowerPoint presentation Iran of not adhering to the nuclear agreement and of running a secret nuclear program; he has allegedly tons of documents to prove it. And he comes out with this absolute blatant falsehood 12 days before the deadline Trump set to decide whether or not to scrap the Iran Nuclear Deal. As the west, especially Europe and of course Master Trump, are all submissively on their knees in front of Israels guru, his message, repeated at nauseam since the 2015 deal was signed, may catch on and this, despite Europes (commercially inspired) adamant wish to adhere to the 5+1 Accord. Iran is on her guard, and North Korea should be too. * Peace in the Koreas and in the future a unified Korea, unified families after more than 65 years; certainly, a dream for almost all Koreans. Yet, have the US motives to keep the DPRK under constant threat of war, under permanent fear, to keep the small country as an eastern entry point to Asia to China and Russia the same motive that started the war in 1950 has that motive gone? What does that mean for Syria, Iraq, Iran and Venezuela? Trump at one point within the last weeks has said that the US is going to withdraw her troops from Syria. Really? Or is this a well-orchestrated, but little veiled game to give people hope for peace and then let them drop back into the ruins? Remember this little schmoozer guy, Macron, went to Washington with one of his priority requests Donald, please do not leave Syria, we need you there. Can you imagine this little Rothschild implanted call-me-president rascal has the nerve to say we need you there? Who in heaven does he think he is? Let him militarize his own (sic) country. France is already militarized and police patrolled like no other European nation with the State of Emergency effectively Martial Law engraved in the French Constitution. Let the French people deal with Washingtons new baby poodle. France and the UK, of course along with Washington, are also following Israels cue destroy and partition Syria and Iran to create a Greater Israel, from the Euphrates to the Red Sea. And of course, the EU, miserable vassals of Washington, will keep their stranglehold with sanctions on Venezuela Venezuela that has arguably together with Cuba, the best democratic system in the world, has never done any harm to anyone, let alone to those sanctioning countries. Even Switzerland had the audacity to join the EUs sanction regime against Venezuela, a country that has been among the most pleasant partners of Switzerland in the past. One can only wonder, how low do these countries pull down their pants to please their ruthless Atlantists neofascist masters. Will this noble Korean peace spirit stretch through the world and bring about a higher consciousness, one that strives for peace instead of war? France is engaged in strikes, after strikes, after strikes against the Macron-imposed new labor reform laws that would literally strip French workers of most of the social and labor rights and benefits they have achieved since WWII for what? To make the rich richer, and the poor poorer. Thats what austerity is all about, has always been the west calls it structural adjustment what a euphemism! And the people havent caught-on yet. Or is it the corrupt politicians that go along with it against the will of the people? * Peace in Korea uniting again a historically peaceful and absolutely non-violent people may be way more than a political act. It is a social compact of people; a vision to enshrine the non-violent nature of their culture upon Mother Earth, on a tiny fleck of earth in eastern Asia, on the Continent where the future lays the East that brings human values back to the world, the OBI One Belt Initiative of China, the broad economic and cultural cooperation enhanced by the SCO Shanghai Cooperation Organization, led by China and Russia, and is already encompassing about half the worlds population, producing about a third of the globes economic output. Could Korea be just that spark that ignites the engine to turning the massive ocean liner around, slowly but steadily and, foremost peacefully? * Peace in the Koreas, is what the world expects; and Peace in the world is what humanity expects, the vast majority 99.9% of the world population wants peace, but its the 0.1% that commands war and destruction, since war and destruction is what runs the western economy. Literally. If peace would break out what we in the west still call economy, though its a fraud, every day more visible would collapse. In the US the war industry with all the associated production and service industries, including the Silicon Valley and banking contributes more than 50% to GDP. Nobody notices and nobody says so. Naturally. Everything that might be revealing and thought-provoking, is lied about or hidden from the public. This enormous Korean Peace Initiative is a flare of hope. The two Presidents, Moon Jae-in from the South and Kim Jong-un from the North have met last Friday, 27 April 2018, at the Peace House at Panmunjeom, near the 38th Parallel North, or the so-called Military Demarcation Line. It is the first time in more than 60 years that leaders of both Koreas have crossed the line Mr. Moon to the North, and Mr. Kim to the South. They have declared their willingness to establish Peace, to sign a real Peace Agreement before the end of this year. At present, technically the two nations are still at war a war sustained by the United States. The DPRK survives from day to day on a shaky armistice agreement from 1953. The American ferocious military forces and those of their NATO allies have totally destroyed, bombed to rubble and ashes North Korea at will, killing one third of her population, between 1950 and 1953. US-NATO did this despite North Koreas offer to surrender long before the country was but a heap of ruins. Killing for spite, indulging in and enjoying the causing of horrendous suffering and death, is the sadistic and satanic way of the west. This must be said and never forgotten. Although we look forward now we, the world at large wants Peace, a live peace experience of Korea which could be replicated. The two leaders promise a number of joint actions and undertakings, including ridding the Peninsula of nuclear weapons a very ambitious plan. Not because the two are not genuine in their endeavor but will Washington with more than 30,000 troops stationed in the South and a fleet of navy vessels and aircraft carriers as well as fighter jets and bombers and a nuclear arsenal withdraw their murderous toys? South Korea is a sovereign nation, she could request the departure of foreign occupiers, what the US is but will the occupiers leave? Or will the Pentagon, CIA or the White House invent a false flag event to nullify this peace effort? Nothing is beyond Washingtons evil intention to hegemonize the world. And for DPRKs President Kim Jong-un to recall John Bolton, Trumps National Security Advisor, said just a couple of days ago, referring to North Koreas denuclearization Libya should serve as a model. You may remember in 2003 / 2004 Gaddafi was accused of hiding weapons of mass destruction (WMD), i.e. a nuclear arms development program. The west blackmailed him to get rid of it, against some economic aid and favors, of course. Gaddafi accepted. The western sicko leaders all became friends with him, the French then President Nicolas Sarkozy on top, who is now accused in French Courts of receiving up to 50 million illegal money (what is legal money by western standards?) from Muammar Gaddafi for Sarkozys 2007 campaign. Well, we also remember how in 2011 he was miserably tortured and slaughtered anyway, despite his concessions to the west on his alleged WMDs, by NATO forces led by France and viciously supported by Hillary Clinton, then Obamas Secretary of State. Had Gaddafi kept his weapons, he may be still be alive and Libya and Libyas people may still be prospering as they did before the US-NATO onslaught in 2011. For now, the US of A seems to go passively along with the Peace Initiative. Its more, the Donald is actually claiming credit for it. It is unbelievable but true. There is even a group of Trump supporters who will propose Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. Imagine! But why not, after all, Obama got the prize before he really started his Presidency and then he bombed more countries and killed more people than any other US President in recent history. Yes, all is possible. We are living in a world where war is peace, where you are made believe that bombing a country to rubble will bring peace. Seriously. And the western people, brainwashed to the core, believe it. However, despite Trump the peacemaker, be on your guard. Irans Foreign Minister, Bahram Qassemi, so pointedly said never trust any agreement or promise made by Washington. He referred, of course, to the 5+1 (Permanent Security Council Members, plus Germany, and, of course, Iran) Nuclear Deal that Trump wants to abolish, or at best renegotiate for which he engaged his new little boyfriend, Macron, to call Mr. Rouhani to please agree to re-discuss the Nuclear Deal and the issue of Irans long-range missiles. Of course, Mr. Rouhani turned him off. And, as Im writing these lines, Netanyahu comes to the fore with the most flagrant of lies but he knows with enough propaganda the west will buy them, accusing with a bland PowerPoint presentation Iran of not adhering to the nuclear agreement and of running a secret nuclear program; he has allegedly tons of documents to prove it. And he comes out with this absolute blatant falsehood 12 days before the deadline Trump set to decide whether or not to scrap the Iran Nuclear Deal. As the west, especially Europe and of course Master Trump, are all submissively on their knees in front of Israels guru, his message, repeated at nauseam since the 2015 deal was signed, may catch on and this, despite Europes (commercially inspired) adamant wish to adhere to the 5+1 Accord. Iran is on her guard, and North Korea should be too. * Peace in the Koreas and in the future a unified Korea, unified families after more than 65 years; certainly, a dream for almost all Koreans. Yet, have the US motives to keep the DPRK under constant threat of war, under permanent fear, to keep the small country as an eastern entry point to Asia to China and Russia the same motive that started the war in 1950 has that motive gone? What does that mean for Syria, Iraq, Iran and Venezuela? Trump at one point within the last weeks has said that the US is going to withdraw her troops from Syria. Really? Or is this a well-orchestrated, but little veiled game to give people hope for peace and then let them drop back into the ruins? Remember this little schmoozer guy, Macron, went to Washington with one of his priority requests Donald, please do not leave Syria, we need you there. Can you imagine this little Rothschild implanted call-me-president rascal has the nerve to say we need you there? Who in heaven does he think he is? Let him militarize his own (sic) country. France is already militarized and police patrolled like no other European nation with the State of Emergency effectively Martial Law engraved in the French Constitution. Let the French people deal with Washingtons new baby poodle. France and the UK, of course along with Washington, are also following Israels cue destroy and partition Syria and Iran to create a Greater Israel, from the Euphrates to the Red Sea. And of course, the EU, miserable vassals of Washington, will keep their stranglehold with sanctions on Venezuela Venezuela that has arguably together with Cuba, the best democratic system in the world, has never done any harm to anyone, let alone to those sanctioning countries. Even Switzerland had the audacity to join the EUs sanction regime against Venezuela, a country that has been among the most pleasant partners of Switzerland in the past. One can only wonder, how low do these countries pull down their pants to please their ruthless Atlantists neofascist masters. Will this noble Korean peace spirit stretch through the world and bring about a higher consciousness, one that strives for peace instead of war? France is engaged in strikes, after strikes, after strikes against the Macron-imposed new labor reform laws that would literally strip French workers of most of the social and labor rights and benefits they have achieved since WWII for what? To make the rich richer, and the poor poorer. Thats what austerity is all about, has always been the west calls it structural adjustment what a euphemism! And the people havent caught-on yet. Or is it the corrupt politicians that go along with it against the will of the people? * Peace in Korea uniting again a historically peaceful and absolutely non-violent people may be way more than a political act. It is a social compact of people; a vision to enshrine the non-violent nature of their culture upon Mother Earth, on a tiny fleck of earth in eastern Asia, on the Continent where the future lays the East that brings human values back to the world, the OBI One Belt Initiative of China, the broad economic and cultural cooperation enhanced by the SCO Shanghai Cooperation Organization, led by China and Russia, and is already encompassing about half the worlds population, producing about a third of the globes economic output. Could Korea be just that spark that ignites the engine to turning the massive ocean liner around, slowly but steadily and, foremost peacefully? 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 . ===== Join the Discussion Nuclear Chutzpah By Eric Margolis May 07, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - Chutzpah is a wonderful Yiddish word that means outrageous nerve, or unmitigated gall. This weeks Chutzpah Award goes to Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Standing in front of props of data files and cds, Netanyahu claimed Israels renowned Mossad spy agency had stolen a small mountain of secret Iranian nuclear data from a warehouse in Tehran. The never-understated Netanyahu claimed that the purloined material proved that Iran was lying about having halted its covert nuclear program and must not be trusted. Netanyahus supposed nuclear bombshell was likely the warm-up act for President Donald Trump to reject Irans nuclear freeze deal with the US, Russia, China, Germany, and France, blessed by the UN and the European Union. The only thing Trump apparently hates more than Muslims is his predecessor, former President Barack Obama (whom he accused of being a secret Muslim). The Iran nuclear deal was the most important foreign policy accomplishment of the Obama administration. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Netanyahu repeatedly warned the world about Irans alleged nuclear arsenal while making no mention at all of Israels own large, secret nuclear arsenal, which is believed to comprise of over 100 warheads, perhaps even several hundred, that can be delivered by aircraft, missiles and submarines. Every Mideast nation can be hit by Israeli nukes as well as Russia, which some experts say is or was on Israels target list. Trump, of course, made no mention of the awkward fact that Israel had stolen much of its nuclear technology and uranium from the United States, sometimes with the connivance of very senior US government officials. France, that paragon of world peace, had the rest. Listening to Netanyahu accuse Iran of hiding secret nuclear facilities was pure pot calling the kettle black. Israels early nuclear program at Dimona in the Negev desert was entirely concealed from US and UN inspectors, including fake walls in the nuclear complex that completely fooled them. When Netanyahu accused Iran of cheating, he knows of what he speaks. Most of what Netanyahu revealed about Irans alleged nuclear program was old stuff, dating back to 1999-2003 and readily available in reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency. This respected UN agency now reports that Iran has fulfilled all of its commitments and abandoned its earlier nuclear program that did not produce any weapons before it was ended. But facts dont matter in this Trump-produced, made-for-TV drama. The key point is that with the naming of Michael Pompeo as US Secretary of State, and appointment of the rightwing fanatic John Bolton as US national security advisor, Israels rightwing government has completed its virtual takeover of US Mideast policy. As Ive previously written, Trump looks more and more like a Trojan Horse for Netanyahu and his extremist allies. Besides Pompeo and VP Mike Pence, both ardent Christian Zionists, and Bolton, Trump now has around him the UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, of Indian origin, who is the darling of the US far right and a handmaiden of arch-pro Israel billionaire, Sheldon Adelson, a major bankroller of the Republican Party. Add in Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and, of course, Trumps daughter and son-in-law. In short, an amen-chorus for Israels far right. This American Israel-first coalition has joined Netanyahus Likud alliance in pressing for war against Iran. The first skirmishes have already begun with over 100 Israeli air attacks on Syria, ostensibly against Iranian positions. A great propaganda hue and cry against the purported dangers of Iran is being raised in the US and Europe. According to Israels right, Assyrian hordes are about to engulf Israel. In reality, Iran has very little offensive power. Like Iraq before it, Iran is militarily dilapidated with 40-year old equipment, a largely grounded air force, little artillery and poor communications. Tehran has a few inaccurate missiles but no nuclear warheads. Israels powerful air force could easily turn any attacking Iranian forces into chopped falafel. Irans only strength is defensive, in urban combat or mountainous terrain. Iran has no capability to seriously threaten Israel except by aiding the Lebanese Hezbollah movement in showering northern Israel with light artillery rockets, a nuisance rather than a mortal danger. Israel is moving to repeat its triumph in 2003 when the Bush administration, US partisans of Israel, and dishonest US media pushed the nation into a war of pure aggression against Iraq. Israel emerged the victor from this unprovoked war and is trying to repeat its success again with Iran. Rand Paul: Congress Moves to Give the President Unlimited War Powers In a TAC exclusive, the Kentucky senator warns the new AUMF is a massive abdication by the legislative branch. By Rand Paul May 07, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - In the near future, Congress will debate a new Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF). I use the word debate lightly. So far, no hearings have been scheduled, and no testimony is likely to be heard unless something changes. Thats a shame, because this is a serious matter, and this is a deeply flawed AUMF. For some time now, Congress has abdicated its responsibility to declare war. The status quo is that we are at war anywhere and anytime the president says so. So Congressin a very Congress way of doing thingshas a solution. Instead of reclaiming its constitutional authority, it instead intends to codify the unacceptable, unconstitutional status quo. It is clear upon reading the AUMF, put forward by Senators Tim Kaine and Bob Corker, that it gives nearly unlimited power to this or any other president to be at war whenever he or she wants, with minimal justification and no prior specific authority. That isnt an AUMF. That isnt Congress reclaiming its constitutional duties. Thats a complete rewriting of the role of the executive and of the constitutional separation of powers. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter The new Kaine/Corker AUMF declares war on at least the following places and people: the Taliban, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, ISIS anywhere, al-Shabaab in Somalia and elsewhere, al-Qaeda in Syria, al-Nusra in Syria, the Haqqani network in Pakistan and Afghanistan, al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, in Niger, Algeria, Libya, and Nigeria, and associated forces (as defined by the president) around the globe. That is simply breathtaking. Previous AUMFs have never included associated forces, and with good reason. Yet the Kaine/Corker AUMF not only codifies military action against those associated forces, but by conservative estimates authorizes war in over 20 nations. Should Congress declare war? Absolutely. Are there places we will need to be at war? Yes. Should we be having this debate at this time? Yes, we should. But we must have a full debate, with all sides considered, and with the constitutional power of every branch of government clearly in mind. It is indisputably clear that the authority given to the executive under the AUMF passed after 9/11 has become too broad and needs updating. But this Kaine/Corker AUMF is not the answer. Simply put, it provides even more expansive war-making authority to the executive branch than the status quo. If this AUMF is passed, Congress will have chosen to make itself irrelevant on the issue of war. Currently, use of force without congressional authority is limited by the War Powers Act to national emergency or imminent attack. No more, under this AUMF. Kaine/Corker would forever allow the executive unlimited latitude in determining war, and would leave Congress debating such action after forces have already been committed. Under this bill, Congress could only disapprove of war, turning the Constitution on its head. Even worse, any resolution of disapproval could be vetoed, meaning two thirds of Congress would need to disapprove of a war, rather than a majority to approve of one. Thats a huge, unwise, and unconstitutional change. The Founders left the power to make war in the legislature on purpose and with good reason. They recognized that the executive branch is most prone to war. The Kaine/Corker AUMF would completely abdicate Congresss power under Article I. Handing war-making power from Congress to the executive branch is not an exercise in congressional power. It is the final and full abandonment of that power. It is wrong, it is unconstitutional, and it should be stopped. THE General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye on Friday warned the current Nigerian government to urgently end the unending orgy sectarian killings in different parts of the country, stressing that Nigeria as it is presently constituted may cease to exist if the murderous attacks continue. Adeboye, who made the declaration at the May 2018 Holy Ghost service with a theme: Stronger Than Your Enemies 5 with a sub title, Habitation of the Almighty, also warned that unless the killings stopped there may not be elections in 2019 in Nigeria. The cleric made the admonition while leading the large crowd of worshippers at the Redemption Camp and in several viewing centers across the globe, in a prayer for the survival of Nigeria, re-echoed the fact that a nation may survive a civil war but no nation can survive a religious war and remain the same. Narrating how he felt in far away Germany when yet to be identified herdsmen stormed St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Ukpor-Mbalom Parish, Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, killing two Catholic priests and 17 parishioners, he told the large crowd that he was unusually quiet and his wife of over 50 years was curious. I said there is no father who would lose 19 children in a day that will not be quiet. She said what do you mean, because she hadnt heard the news that in a church, somebody went in and shot 19 people. It doesnt matter the denominationby the special grace of God, all Christians in Nigeria call me daddy. So when any of them dies, its my son or daughter that is dead, Adeboye said. It will be recalled that on April 24, 19 persons, including Reverend Fathers Joseph Gor and Felix Tyolaha, who were conducting the morning Mass were gunned down in cold blood, while many sustained injuries, including bullet wounds. He therefore called on the Buhari led government to urgently end the killings before it dovetails into a religious war. Continuing, Pastor Adeboye said: I am going to ask you to join me in prayer, because unless these killings stop, and stop immediately, even Nigeria may not live. I am not talking about individuals now, I am talking about Nigeria itselfa bishop asked me not too long ago, Daddy, has God told you who win the next election? I said, Sir, I am not even sure yet there will be an election. Because unless these killings stop there may be no elections next year. Are you prophesying , Daddy? No, no! I am not prophesying. I am just reasoning. Because nobody will want to go out to vote if they are not sure they will be able to return home safely, he explained. According to him, he has seen war at close quarters and knows that there is nothing good about war, its a terrible thing. A nation may survive a civil war, but no nation can survive a religious war a remain the same. That Nigeria may live these killings must stop. So all of you who love Nigeria, I want to rise on your feet, and cry to God with all your heart, and say: Father, let the killings stop, and the response was spontaneous..that Nigeria may live, please God let the killings stop. Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/ A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Charles Idahosa, has alleged that terrorists are being sponsored by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to destabilise the current administration. He said terrorists and not herdsmen are behind the killings across the country. According to him, the opposition is hell-bent on frustrating the President Muhammadu Buhari government. In an interview with Daily Independent on Saturday, May 5, 2018, Idahosa said corruption is fighting back with much vigour. He said, As far as I am concerned, the insecurity in the country is being perpetrated by corrupt people who want to frustrate the war against corruption that Buhari has been dogged about. I feel very sad when Nigerians get confused and misled. I said in one of my interviews that corruption will fight back. I recall when President Buhari visited London shortly after he was sworn in as President, he said when he gets home he will release the list of looters. But for strange reasons the party did not release the names then and that gave room for those looters and thieves to retreat and go planning. What we are seeing today are not herdsmen, thee are terrorists imported into this country by the looters to cause mayhem and create a situation of crisis in the country. The PDP guys who looted this money and the former leaders who dont want Buhari back want to create a situation of insecurity in the country so he will not return. How do you explain when one will go to a village and kill 73 people and you call them herdsmen? We grew up in this Benin, the herdsmen we knew carry sticks and dagger but now you see people carrying AK-47 to kill and you call them herdsmen so as to give Buhari a bad name. These are trained killers imported into this country by the PDP looters, corruption is fighting back. These people know that if Buhari is re-elected, many of them will be in jail. Obasanjo and Babangidas letter Idahosa also berated former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida for opposing Buharis second term bid. He said they do not have the moral right to advise the President. Look at former Presidents writing letters to him telling him not to run, what moral justification do they have to advise Buhari? . Buhari was former governor of the North East region which was about five states then but he has no house in Benin or Lagos. And he has no property in Dubai or London but look at other former presidents who came into power without a penny, they are all billionaires today, he said. Babangida never wanted to leave office, he set up an interim government and planned how to kick out the interim government. The freest election in this country was conducted under him but he nullified it. He will still sit down and be advising Buhari that has integrity and respected worldwide. Nigerians are being respected today in world because of Buhari. Atiku cannot go to America and he is one of those talking. It was Orji Kalu that dropped money for Obasanjo when they wanted to make him President. He rigged elections in states including the Alliance for Democracy (AD) states in the South West. Here is a man that wanted third term even after people helped him into power without him winning his region, Idahosa added. Obasanjo and Babangida had written separate explosive letters to Buhari, highlighting the failure of his administration and advising him not to seek re-election in 2019. But weeks after the letters, which sparked mixed reactions amongst Nigerians, the President declared his intention to run for a second term. Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Ahneeka hung out with her fans at Elegushi beach today and got a N1million cash gift from them. Here are some photos of Ahneeka flanked by her fans; Recall that Cee-C got N2million from her fans upon her eviction from the reality show, and return from Nigeria. While still on the reality show, Ahneeka was disconnected from the male housemates apart from Angel who became her buddy and eventually her strategic partner. Speaking with Pulse in an interview, the reality show star said she did not connect to the guys in the house because of their romantic relationship with other female partners. For some reason in the house, anytime I tried to talk to any guy in the house, people made it look like I was trying to steal their man. And Bambam was my girl so I couldnt have her thinking like that, even though at some point she did. So I was staying away from Teddy and he was making it known that I was being too reserved Its because of your babe [Bambam]. I could flow with you, you could be my G, but Im just respectful to your babe and not to start some drama in the house. So that was just my concern. I couldnt connect to the guys because of their wives, Ahneeka said Thanking Nigerians for their support on her Instagram page, Ahneeka wrote, Its a great honour to be among the selected few who made it into the house, expect great things from #Ahneeka. ahneeka_bigbronaija Thank you Africa, thank you Nigeria for your supports and votes during my stay in the #bigbrothernaijahouse, she wrote. Growing up as the middle child of five siblings, Ahneeka developed a love for unrest. Ahneekas biggest feat is of landing a media job despite her engineering background. Leave a Comment comments President Muhammadu Buhari arrived home on Thursday night from his trip to the United States. Among the photographs capturing the tempered homecoming reception, were several showing the car that took the president home in Aso Villa. A closer look shows that the black Mercedes Benz Maybach is old, the colour is devoid of any sheen and there are scratches at the back bumper. Even the tyres appear to have seen better days. NAN.ng learnt President Buhari has refused to change the fleet he inherited from his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan, since 2015. Buhari still uses Jonathans old carsplay President Muhammadu Buhari is still using cars inherited from former president, Goodluck Jonathan (NAN) In 2016, the president, who had cut his salary by 50 per cent, struck out a move to spend N400 million on new cars for him. The money was to be used to buy five new armoured Mercedes Benz S-600 (V222) cars. NAN learnt the President believes the cars passed on to him, can still last another 10 years, thus helping the nation conserve scarce funds. No wonder, the Buhari government, as Vice President Osinbajo has said repeatedly, is doing much more with the nations financial resources, despite the declining income. This is in sharp contrast with the profligate Jonathan years, when oil at a stage was selling at $140 a barrel and the nation became poorer for it. Vice president Yemi Osinbajo was at Alagbaka Primary School, Akure. He visited the school to review progress of the HomegrownSchool Feeding Programme. According to Prof Osinbajo 7.6m children are being fed in 24 states already. The VP who had the pleasure of teaching some pupils of the school also had lunch with them. Osinbajo via his Twitter handle wrote; As parents, we are always concerned about the feeding and nutrition of our children.We insist our children are fed at least once a day with nutritious meals. I understand 35 new pupils have joined this school in the last 10 days Feeding brings our kids to school. VP Osinbajo & Ondo Gov sharing the meal with Primary 3A pupils as he visits Alagbaka State Primary School, Akure to review the Buhari administration's Homegrown School Feeding Programme which now feeds over 7.6m children across 24 States pic.twitter.com/KUy5d3aPN2 Laolu Akande (@akandeoj) May 4, 2018 Some Nigerians were not impressed with what they called PR by Mr VP and went on to fire shots at him. Reactions from Nigerians Elections are near, Osinbajo is now useful to APC for PR purposes again. He is now eating Banana with school children. Look out for him buying roasted corn on ur Street. U may bump into him inside BRT on ur way to work~if care is not taken, he will appear in Davido's Music video Prof Stanley Nwabia (@MrStanleyNwabia) May 5, 2018 https://twitter.com/jidkod/status/992742851913158656 Election's fast approaching. #beware of the Greeks and their gifts Royalty`ystus (@xystus2012) May 7, 2018 Osinbajo you are unbelievable. It is unfortunately that none seems to be icon of hope. Amb. Nanven Goselle (@NGoselle) May 7, 2018 I won't be surprised if I see u inside BRT tomorrow or see u trekking down our street, 2019 is around the corner. It's a pity it's u that they choose to use for this sort of propaganda. Paparazzi (@Unruly_kingray) May 7, 2018 The Minister of Mines and Steel development, Kayode Fayemi, has condemned the violence that led to the cancellation the APC governorship primary in Ekiti State on Saturday, May 5. The primary was allegedly disrupted by thugs loyal to other candidates, Babafemi Ojudu, a former senator, and Bimbo Daramola, an ex-member of the house of representatives among others. The aspirants had alleged that Fayemi, who was said to be leading in the election, compromised the process, sparking protest among delegates which eventually became violent. Reacting to the incident, Fayemi berated Ojudu and Daramola, describing them as being too desperate. A statement issued on Sunday, May 6, by Fayemis media aide, Yinka Oyebode, quoted the minister as saying that APC does not deserve the ridicule it was subjected to at the primary. Fayemi noted that the security operatives had been informed of plans by some aspirants to deploy thugs to disrupt the election. According to him, the security agencies noted the information and promised to beef up security at the venue. He said, It is quite painful seeing some desperate elements trying so much to rubbish the party we all laboured to build to national reckoning, out of share lust for power. If the quest for political position is to serve, then one wonders why the desperation being displayed by the likes of Femi Ojudu and Bimbo Daramola. Certainly the conduct of these desperate aspirants falls short of the minimum standards expected of anyone that professes progressive ideals. We urge our teeming supporters and loyal party members not to be discouraged by this despicable act. This surely shall pass, and better days are ahead. Our collective rescue mission has indeed begun. It was gathered that the hoodlums broke the ballot boxes while chorusing hate songs in Yoruba against Fayemi. Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has described the cancelled primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state as shameful. The primary which held on Saturday, May 5, was suspended after some aggrieved delegates disrupted the exercise alleging that the process was compromised. They accused the minister of mine and steel development, Kayode Fayemi, who is also a contender, of breaching the rules of the primary. The party agents allegedly smashed Ballot boxes and chorused hate songs repeatedly to mock Fayemi, calling him thief. APC will lose Reacting to the incident, Fayose said it is clear that APC will lose the governorship election given its failure to pull off an ordinary primary election. The violence that marred todays All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election is shameful and a clear indication that the APC will fail woefully in the July 14 governorship election because apart from its rejection by Ekiti people, the party has become a house divided against that can never hold, the Governor said in a statement on his behalf by Lere Olayinka, special assistant on public communication and new media. The whole world can now see the so-called progressives. Ordinary primary election, they cant hold. It is shameful! If the party could be this violent during their own primary election, wont they do worse things during the election proper? INEC should therefore be mindful of being used to manipulate the July 14 election in favour of APC because the party has today, lost the election by the open advertisement of its anti-democratic credentials. In a statement issued on Sunday, May 6, Fayemi blamed the cancellation of the primary on some of his fellow aspirants. He accused two of his fellow candidates Babafemi Ojudu and Bimbo Daramola of hiring thugs to disrupt the primary because he (Fayemi) was leading in the election. Comedian Funnybone now understands feminism, and it is thanks to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie who he met during a recent trip to the United Kingdom. Writing on his Instagram yesterday, the comedian revealed how he met the Nigerian writer, the long talks they had, including debate about Adichies thoughts on Hillary Clintons Twitter bio; how patiently Adichie explained the concept of feminism to him and successfully making him a believer. Read his post below. I had one of the most interesting and thought provoking conversations of my life yesterday. such a humble and warm soul, her humility is out of this world. we argued , laughed and i asked questions, but with ease she addressed every question and i was left speechless. how can one person be loaded with so much knowledge, i totally understandd the concept of FEMINISM now more than ever before. The concept of feminism is not only reaching out to men who stereotype woman, but also to woman who accept the stereotype and uphold it. gender should not be a limitation and if the woman is capable then she should do the job regardless. I asked and she also cleared the air on the hilary clinton twitter bio issh, i must say that i agree with her totally. hilary didnt rise to the top because she was a wife or mother. she did so first because she was qualified to do the Job. She also pointed out that there are EXTREMISTS in every human endeavour, be it religous or even political. so yes there are some extremist feminist too. those who totally misunderstand the concept of feminism and what it represents. Never Judge a book by its cover they say. i naturally thought i was meeting some strong genderlised woman who wudnt even give you space to share your point of view, but she was welcoming and willing to put her facts straight to you calmly. her global exposure didnt defeat her origin. she speaks fluent igbo and understands the tenets of the igbo culture too. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, chukwu gozie nnem Ya gazie.. Source Olisa After suffering lack of power supply in her community for 10 solid years, Tokunbo Ehinmowo is leading a protest to draw the attention of the federal government to the rather sad situation. According to Ehinmowo, they are tired of being the proverbial patient dog waiting for the fattest bone . She noted that government must raise to the occasion as the situation is a slap on the face of a community that contributes vastly to the nations wealth. Here is what she had to say: VIDEO: Tokunbo Ehinmowo is leading a protest over 10-year darkness in oil producing Ilajeland in Ondo State pic.twitter.com/SGy2d8gH4y Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) May 7, 2018 Ilaje land shares boundaries with Ikale by the North, Ijebus by the West, Itsekiri by the East, Atlantic Ocean by the South with the Apoi and Arogbo Ijaw to the North East. Ondo State has been seen and recognized as an oil producing state mainly due to the amount of petroleum found in Ilaje land. Kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeje Onwuamadike aka Evans, appeared at a high court in Igbosere, Lagos, on Monday. The billionaire Kidnapper who has been in Kirikiri after he was arrested by police last year did cause a little drama at the court premises. Evans refused to alight from the black maria which conveyed him from the prison to court and Adedayo Akintoye, the judge, had to order that Evans be bundled in. While inside, Evans signaled the judge that he needed to speak. The judge acknowledged him to speak and Evans said: I have an explanation to make. Since I have been in the maximum prison, they have been maltreating me; no visit, they dont feed me well, I have eye problem and I can not see afar. However, a prison officials opposed him, saying he was being treated well and that a doctor still visited him recently but the suspect said he was only seen by a nurse. The judge asked the prison officials to treat him well, emphasising that Evans had not been convicted. The judge stood down the case but as soon as he rose, Evans broke down in tears, saying: What have I done to you people? They have been beating me; no good food; I have been locked up in one place since last year; why are they taking my case personally? Why do you people want to kill me. Evans, who is facing charges bordering on kidnapping, had complained of being starved in detention before, but Rotimi Oladokun, spokesman of the Lagos command of the Nigeria Prison Service (NPS), denied the allegation, saying Evans was being fed like other inmates. It was misinformation on his part. He has always been treated like any normal prisoner. He is well fed and well taken care of with all the amenities provided (for him). He has access to medical facilities and everything. He is being treated properly. It is not true that he was not given food for five days. Every inmate is entitled to three square meals daily Punch Gabby Doll , popular beautiful American model with lovely curves constantly shown in skin-tight outfits. In some of her latest photos, she gave her followers a vivid view of her camel toe thereby driving fans crazy. Apart from her well-structured body, she is blessed with a flawless skin and beautiful face. See more photos of Gabriel Fox popularly known as Gabby Doll below A native doctor is in the news after appeasing the gods and undergoing some rituals with orange juice, biscuits, children toys and other items. According to the native doctor and promoter of Igbo tradition who lives in Port-Harcourt, Rivers state, the items were sacrificed in a bush while consulting the gods for protection and progress of his people. After sharing the pictures of the sacrifice online, online users were quick to react as most asked him how will the gods drink the juice and use the other items considering they are spirits. Nigerian lady pens down an emotional post to her househelpA Nigerian lady identified as Awele Maureen Ejiofor, has taken to her Facebook page to celebrate her young househelp as she has since become a viral sensation on social media after her kind gesture. In the very detailed appreciation post, the lady celebrated her little house help who was brought all the way from Kaduna to Lagos, thanking her for all the work she has been doing. She narrated further how the little girl was first brought into her home and how she gradually fell in love with her and decided to treat her like her own child. Sharing a photo of the seemingly happy girl enjoying a plate of rice and soda, she wrote: Although Nigeria parades many courageous editors and journalists, whether they still have the will to stand firm remains another issue, a former General Manager of the Plateau State Publishing Corporation, Jonathan Ishaku, has said. Lawyers drag NASS, AGF, others to court over lawmakers remunerations The Second National Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr Monday Ubani and a lawyer, Mr John Nwokwu, The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said Nigerians will be further divided and impoverished if President Muhammadu Buhari is reelected for a second term in the 2019 presidential poll. Thisday The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo not to belittle his high office by allowing himself to be used as poster boy to bandy figures and make unsubstantiated statements against the opposition. Daily Times Osinbajo should account for missing NNPC N19trn, N18bn NEMA PDP Osinbajo: The difference between us and past govt is that we are not thieves The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Vice President Yemi Osinbajo of complicity in a large scale sleaze in the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration. Guardian APC okays congresses as protests by members rage The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday said it was satisfied with what it described as the peaceful conduct of its ward congresses across the country at the weekend. Daily Trust Only serving and former elected officials still in the camp of Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose will vote at the PDP governorship primary election scheduled for Tuesday in Ado Ekiti. Tribune The Peoples Democratic Party has accused Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) of being a beneficiary of corruption. It said that Nigerians, particularly the younger generation, were thoroughly disappointed in Osinbajo for allegedly allowing himself to be used to divert public attention from what it called the impunity and corruption that it alleged had saturated the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government. The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, said in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, that as a professor of Law, and an occupant of the exalted seat of the Vice-President of our country, Osinbajo should know better than allowing himself to be used to bandy figures and make unguarded statements at public events. He cited the comment made by Osinbajo at the APC ward congress in Lagos on Saturday, where he allegedly described everyone else as thieves. Osinbajo had claimed at the congress that unlike its predecessors, the present government would not steal government money. Ologbondiyan alleged that the Vice-President had refused to bring honour to his office with his utterances. He said, We note that Vice-President Osinbajo has refused to heed wise counsel and accord respect to his office by desisting from such unguarded comments only because he has been sucked in and entangled in the propaganda, deception, impunity and sleaze that not only brought the administration to power, but have become its trademark in the last three years. We specifically invite Nigerians to note that all the assertions by the Vice-President, especially on the performance of the Buhari administration as well as his allegations and bandying of figures against the opposition, have remained unsubstantiated. Moreover, Nigerians have noted that Prof. Osinbajo, in his sanctimony, has been silent on the exposed corruption under the Buhari administration, including the leaked memo detailing N9tn corrupt oil contracts at the NNPC, exposed sleaze in oil subsidy deals, diversion of Internally Displaced Persons intervention funds. These include the probe of a misappropriated N18bn in the National Emergency Management Agency under his direct supervision as well as other looting in government agencies such as the National Health Insurance Scheme. The Vice-President is also ominously silent about the prevailing high-handedness and human rights violations and the aloofness of government resulting in daily bloodletting in various parts of our country. Ologbondiyan urged Osinbajo to take heed, retreat to the inner room, and conduct a soul searching. He said the Vice-President should also note that propaganda and false accusations were not only abhorred by the Holy Books, but would also not deliver the APC and its incompetent administration from the resolve of Nigerians to kick them out, come 2019. Responding, the Presidency on Sunday said the PDP was embarking on a shameless attempt to perfect denial and defection over the large-scale corruption that characterised the past administration in the country. It said the present administration would however remain focused and ensure that those who stole the nations resources under the last administration were brought to justice. The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice-President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, disclosed this in an interview with one of our correspondents in response to Ologbondiyans accusation that Osinbajo is a beneficiary of corruption. He said the opposition party was making the unsubstantiated claims to confuse Nigerians and distract government from prosecuting its members accused of corruption. The presidential spokesman said government would continue with the compilation of looters list and also ensure that they were vigorously prosecuted. Akande said, This is a shameless attempt by the PDP to perfect a strategy of denial and defection. Nigerians are well aware of their antics. We are talking about an administration where a sitting Central Bank governor alerted the nation to a missing $20bn. Nigerians have not forgotten. The attempt that the PDP is making is to deny and deflect. But we will stay focused. We are going forward in prosecuting all these criminal looting of Nigerias resources. We will not relent and we will bring them to account. We have already been listing details of the looting and the looters. We will continue to do that and we will press charges against them in court vigorously until we bring justice to Nigerians because they deserve justice. The second point is that the difference between us and them is that even though we are earning less, about 60 per cent less compared to the last administration, we are spending more on infrastructure. We have spent almost N1.3tn on infrastructure, the first time in this country. This is because we are not stealing like they did. It is possible for us to have an ambitious social investment programme where we have spent about N200bn already in two years at a time we are earning less because we are not stealing the resources of the people. They are bringing all these insinuations, innuendos, unsubstantiated rumour and beer parlour gists to confuse Nigerians. It is a waste of time. Let them know that we will pursue all these criminal allegations until people are convicted. That is the right of Nigerians and we will ensure that justice is brought to Nigerians. Source: www.punch.ng It is every parents joy to see their children mature from childhood and get taken away in marriage in order to grow and establish their own homes. However in recent times, it appears that kind of joy is being stolen from them by their own maids. Some Nigerian Parents have chosen to vent via social media over the fact that their daughters are being rejected by suitors while their maids are being chosen in their stead. According to the post, the maids end up being well trained especially in chores, welfare of the home,mannerism while their own daughters are languishing in search of a man for marriage. It is quite an irony because these same maids are trained by the mothers who chose to train them instead of training their own kids to be groomed for the same qualities the suitors search for in a wife. Leave a Comment comments Do you wish to learn more about the rudiments of the business world? Do you want to find out the well kept secrets on how to increase profits and cut down losses? Do you want to learn the art of business strategy and identifying business opportunities? Then you surely do not want to miss this conference organized by The Entrepreneur Africa magazine. The magazine will host over 400 CEOs and start-ups. We have selected seasoned business leaders who are going to walk us through the processes of building formidable and economy impacting businesses. The venue for this event is VirginRose Resorts, V.I. You cannot afford to miss it!!! VANCOUVER, British Columbia - May 7, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Hut 8 Mining Corp. (TSXV:HUT) ("Hut 8" or the "Company"), a cryptocurrency mining and blockchain infrastructure company established through an exclusive arrangement with the world's leading full-service blockchain technology company, the Bitfury Group, is pleased to announce that construction is fully-underway and rapidly advancing at its newest cryptocurrency mining facility (the "Medicine Hat Facility") near the City of Medicine Hat's Unit 16 power plant. The Medicine Hat Facility is being developed further to the previously announced definitive agreements entered into between Hut 8 and the City of Medicine Hat ("CMH") for the supply by CMH of 42 MW of electric energy and a long-term land lease. Together with the Company's existing 18.7 MW operating facility in Drumheller, Alberta (the "Drumheller Facility"), Hut 8 will have an aggregate power capacity of approximately 60.7 MW by September 2018 to service a total of 57 fully-funded BlockBox Data Centers. "We are following through on our promise to shareholders to deliver site construction and electrification on time and within budget," said Andrew Kiguel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hut 8. "Through our exclusive arrangement with Bitfury, we have access to the equipment, chips and experience necessary to mine Bitcoin on an industrial scale and to rapidly expand our market share." Significance of Processing Power Cryptocurrency mining is a process by which "network nodes" (i.e. cryptocurrency miners) use computing power to solve complex cryptographic problems in order to validate new "blocks" (essentially a collection of transactions) which are appended to the blockchain. Generally speaking, miners with access to higher processing power are able to solve more problems and obtain more cryptocurrency. The development of the Medicine Hat Facility will increase Hut 8's processing power (through the addition of 40 BlockBox Data Centers) and more than triple the Company's current power capacity (from 18.7 MW to 60.7 MW). These factors are expected to contribute to an increase in the number of cryptocurrency which are successfully mined by Hut 8. Since commencing operations in December 2017, Hut 8 has mined more than 1,200 Bitcoin through 17 BlockBox Data Centers and 18.7 MW of power capacity. Construction Update Hut 8 commenced site construction at the Medicine Hat Facility on March 10, 2018. Construction of the interconnection facility, which will supply power from CMH's Unit 16 power plant and the adjoining power substation, is underway. The underground conduit for cables and fiber optics lines is nearly 90% complete and fencing is nearly 60% complete. Cable pulling is readied for commencement (on a staged basis). Screw piles are also nearing completion, with more than 550 such screw piles designated as foundations for the BlockBox Data Centers, transformers, switch gear and other related infrastructure. Hut 8 has completed the installation on site of two BlockBox Data Centers, ten transformers and three switch boxes. Final grading and placement of finishing material on an access road and parking lot area is nearing completion in preparation for the scheduled delivery in mid-May 2018 of Hut 8's pre-fabricated site buildings, including the control center, administration facilities, an electronics shop and certain other IT infrastructure. The BlockBox Data Centers are scheduled to be shipped and site installed on a weekly basis over the next few months, with staged server installation to commence in mid-May 2018. Electrification of the Medicine Hat Facility is targeted for June 1, 2018, with 16 BlockBox Data Centers on track to become operational by June 2018. The remaining 24 BlockBox Data Centers are expected to become fully-operational by Q3 2018. Construction activity, which is expected to peak at about 100 personnel on site, is on track to be completed by Q3 2018. Hut 8 and the City of Medicine Hat Hut 8's collaboration with CMH on electricity supply (including the interconnection facility) and the land lease continues to serve as a strong economic stimulator for the region, including through the aforementioned construction activities by Hut 8, which will be approximately C$100 million (all fully-funded) and the post-construction operation of the Medicine Hat Facility, which is expected to attract a total of 42 direct roles, 20 of which have been filled to date. Training has been arranged for such on-boarded staff, which will take place at the Drumheller Facility. ABOUT HUT 8 Hut 8 Mining Corp., headquartered in Toronto, Canada is a cryptocurrency mining and blockchain infrastructure company established through an exclusive arrangement with the Bitfury Group, the world's leading full-service blockchain technology company. Through the Bitfury Group, Hut 8 has access to a world-leading proprietary mix of hardware, software and operational expertise to construct, optimize and manage datacenters in low-cost and attractive jurisdictions. Hut 8 is led by a team of industry experts and intends to provide investors with exposure to blockchain processing infrastructure and technology along with underlying cryptocurrency rewards and transaction fees. For more information, visit www.hut8mining.com. Keep up-to-date on Hut 8 events and developments, join our online communities at Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Hut 8 Media: Brix Media Co. Natalie Davidson natalie@brixmediaco.com Tel: (604) 215-2749 Andrew Kiguel President and Chief Executive Officer ak@hut8mining.com ABOUT BITFURY The Bitfury Group, with offices in Washington D.C., San Francisco, London, Amsterdam, Tokyo and Hong Kong, and datacenter operations in Iceland, the Republic of Georgia, Canada and Norway is the largest full-service blockchain technology company in the world. Bitfury develops and delivers cutting-edge software and hardware solutions necessary for businesses, governments, organizations and individuals to securely move assets across the blockchain. Their expertise ensures successful, easy, fast, secure, and cost-effective connectivity to the blockchain. The Bitfury Group is dedicated to advancing the blockchain community. For more information, visit www.bitfury.com. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain information in this press release constitutes forward-looking information. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "targets", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "an opportunity exists", "is positioned", "estimates", "intends", "assumes", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events. Forward-looking information is necessarily based on a number of opinions, assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Hut 8 as of the date of this press release, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to the factors described in greater detail in the "Risk Factors" section of the Filing Statement relating to the Qualifying Transaction of Oriana Resources Corporation and Hut 8, which is available at www.sedar.com. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect Hut 8; however, these factors should be considered carefully. There can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and Hut 8 expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements containing any forward-looking information, or the factors or assumptions underlying them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) 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 Toronto, Ontario - May 7, 2018 (Newsfile Corp.) (Investorideas.com Newswire) - Appia Energy Corp. (CSE: API) (OTCQB: APAAF) (FSE: A0I) (FSE: A0I.F) (FSE: A0I.MU)(FSE: A0I.BE) (the "Company" or "Appia) is pleased to provide an update of preparations for the summer 2018 exploration program (the "Program") on the Alces Lake property (the "Property"), northern Saskatchewan. The Alces Lake property hosts some of highest-grade total and critical rare earth element ("REE") mineralization in the world, hosted within five broad surface showings that remain open in all directions (see *Note below). An excavator and field supplies were delivered to a staging area at Uranium City, 30 km southwest of the Property. The excavator will increase efficiency and safety for the overburden stripping and trenching part of the Program. In addition, the Company has commissioned construction of a helicopter-portable track-mounted diamond drill for the drilling part of the Program. The custom-built drill will reduce drill costs and helicopter reliance, and will allow more metres to be drilled this summer. The Program is currently scheduled to start in May, with initial surface exploration including overburden stripping and trenching in the Wilson and Ivan zones where sample grades of over 30 and 49 weight % Total REO were encountered in 2017. Diamond drilling will follow on selected targets. The Company anticipates producing an NI 43-101 compliant Inferred mineral resource estimate by year end 2018. All necessary permits for the Program are in-hand. The actual start date will depend on lake ice break-up to allow float plane accessibility. *Note: The Alces Lake REE grades were compared with global REE deposit grades. The global REE deposit information was derived from publicly available information as of January 31, 2018, from individual company websites, SEDAR technical report filings, and the Technology Metals Research Advanced Rare Earth Projects Index (http://www.techmetalsresearch.com/metrics-indices/tmr-advanced-rare-earth-projects-index/). About Appia Appia is a Canadian publicly-traded company in the uranium and rare earth element sectors. The Company is currently focusing on delineating high-grade critical rare earth elements ("REE") and uranium on the Alces Lake property, as well as discovering high-grade uranium in the prolific Athabasca Basin on its Loranger, North Wollaston, Eastside, and Otherside properties. The company now holds the surface rights to exploration for about 73,033 hectares (180,467 acres) in Saskatchewan. The company also has NI 43-101 compliant resources of 8.0 M lbs U3O8 and 47.7 M lbs Total REE Indicated and 20.1 M lbs U3O8 and 133.2 M lbs Total REE Inferred in the Teasdale Zone plus 27.6 M lbs U3O8 Inferred in the Banana Lake Zone in the historic mining camp of Elliot Lake in Ontario (previously reported in the Company's news release dated August 14, 2013). The resources are largely unconstrained along strike and down dip. Appia's technical team is directed by James Sykes, who has had direct and indirect involvement with over 450 M lbs. U3O8 being discovered in five deposits in the Athabasca Basin. Appia currently has 52.3 million common shares outstanding, 65.3 million shares fully diluted. The technical content in this news release was reviewed and approved by Thomas Skimming, P.Eng, a Director of Appia, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This News Release contains forward-looking statements which are typically preceded by, followed by or including the words "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance as they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward- looking statements and shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such statements. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For further information, please contact: Tom Drivas, President, CEO and Director: (tel) 416-546-2707, (fax) 416-218-9772 or (email) appia@appiaenergy.ca James Sykes, VP Exploration & Development, (tel) 306-221-8717, (fax) 416-218-9772 or (email) jsykes@uraniumgeologist.com Frank van de Water, Chief Financial Officer and Director, (tel) 416-546-2707, (fax) 416-218-9772 or (email) fvandewater@rogers.com 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 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 Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. All people have the right to make fundamental decisions about their own bodies and health. Thats why we work with diverse local, regional and international partners toward the goal of reproductive justice: a world where all human rights are respected, protected and fulfilled. When Dr. Clarence Boone began medical school at Indiana University School of Medicine in 1952, he was one of only five African-Americans to do so. Of those, he was the only one to graduate in four years. A well-known obstetrician/gynecologist, Boone pushed through adversity and blazed a trail in the Northwest Indiana medical community over an impressive 35-year career. The Gary doctor showed his deep commitment to IU and IU Northwest in a number of ways, from serving the IU Board of Trustees, Alumni Association, IU Northwest Chancellors Cabinet, and IU Foundation Board of Directors, to helping minorities succeed by co-founding the Neal-Marshall Alumni Club, and raising funds for the Minority Scholarship Fund. On Thursday, May 3, along with Blanche, his wife of 64 years, his son Clarence, Jr. and several of his grandchildren and other family members, Boone joined community leaders, educators and medical students for a reception in his honor. With gratitude for the beloved doctors life of service and dedication to IU, officials unveiled a placard introducing the newly named Dr. Clarence Boone Lecture Room on the second floor of the Dunes Medical and Professional Building on the Gary campus, home to IU School of Medicine-Northwest-Gary (IUSM-NW-G). Chancellor William J. Lowe and IUSM-NW-G Associate Dean Patrick Bankston unveil a newly named lecture room. Blanche Boone and Dr. Clarence Boone enjoy a reception in Dr. Boone's honor. There to recount stories of Boone, and to celebrate his lifetime of achievements were: Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson; IU Northwest Chancellor William J. Lowe; IUSM-NW-G Associate Dean Patrick Bankston; Representative Charlie Brown; Dr. Steve Simpson; Clarence Boone, Jr., and many others. Drawing parallels between Boones own life and that of the medical school, Bankston talked about IUSM-NW-Gs humble beginnings and Boones role in bringing medical education to Northwest Indiana. IUSM-NW-Gary was founded in 1972 with four students and four faculty members, Bankston said. I look around the room and very frankly, many of us would not be here if it werent for Dr. Clarence Boone. We owe a great debt of gratitude to a lot of folks who came before us whose perspicacity, whose vision, allowed us to be here today. Todays IUSM-NW-G has about 80 students, Bankston said, who now have the ability to complete all four years of their training here, and the future holds the likelihood of them being able to complete their residency training in Northwest Indiana as well. Boone, who also earned his undergraduate degree from IU, remained an active participant in the growth and development of IU, and especially its Gary campus, throughout his entire career. In 2003, he received the Distinguished Alumni Service Award. His lengthy medical career included leadership positions at Gary Medical Specialists, Inc., the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Planned Parenthood of NWI, and Methodist Hospitals of Gary. In 2000, around the time he retired, Boone was inducted into Steel City Hall of Fame. Asked why he gave so tirelessly to IU as well as those pursuing medicine, Boone said he credits IU for being the foundation of what he is today. He explained that the reasons for his heavy service roles are rooted in his own humble beginnings. When you come from a family of limited means, you work hard, you get the support of individuals in the community, and you succeed in life, then you can understand what support from the outside truly means, Boone said. I am here today because of what others have done to help me to get where I am. Therefore, I feel that I am obliged to go back and help others along the way. Some of the grads as they stand at the podium, will grin at me because they felt kind of special that they received a phone call and the name is going to be right. In the days leading up to Commencement, Kenneth Schoon gets comfortable in a borrowed office on the Indiana University Northwest campus. A phone, a pen, and a few boxes of index cards are the only tools he needs for the job ahead. In the midst of describing just what he is doing in his temporary headquarters, the IU Northwest professor emeritus of science education pauses to answer a call. It is a soon-to-be graduate on the line. Youre graduating this year and Im the one who is going to call your name when you cross the stage. I want to make sure I pronounce it correctly, Schoon explains, leafing through the box of cards. I dont think Ill have any trouble with Alexander Theodore, he says once he locates the card, but would you pronounce your last name for me? We may have to do this more than once. After a pause, Schoon asks the graduate to spell his name phonetically, and begins making notes on the card. Do you pronounce it like a C, H? So its CHICK-AH-PO-LUS? Did I say that correctly? OK. Alexander Theodore Tsiakopoulos. That is what I will say next month. Congratulations and thank you for calling me back. One down, hundreds more to go. Schoon estimates that over the course of four or five days, hell spend about a dozen hours calling a large sample of the 777 graduates in the Class of 2018, sometimes more than once in order to get them live on the phone. The task of calling the upcoming graduating class to ensure a flawless procession is just one of the many post-career volunteer activities this retired educator from Munster enjoys. Ive always been a pretty good student, Schoon quips, but I flunked retirement twice. An IU alumnus, the longtime middle school teacher and part-time college geology instructor eventually landed at IU Northwest permanently and spent the rest of his career preparing science teachers, all while voraciously writing books on topics that merge his loves of history, geology and teaching. Your mother wont leave disappointed Schoon has been at the podium calling graduates names at IU Northwests Commencement for at least the past five years. To be honest, hes lost count. But the years dont matter. Its a responsibility he takes very seriously. He personally ensures that no matter how difficult a graduates name is to pronounce, its sounds perfect as they cross the stage. Schoons commitment to perfection, and the resulting elegance of this important ceremony, has drawn attention from other IU Commencement organizers who want to know his secret. He certainly makes it appear easy. His voice, with its perfect volume, pitch and speed, effortlessly travels over the packed and echoey Genesis Center in Gary. Credit where its due Schoon may be getting the praise for the delightful delivery, but he would be remiss if he didnt mention his trusted partner. Each year when he arrives at the ceremony, he seeks out Despina Liaskos, the IU Northwest Alumni Association president who sings the Alma Mater song Hail to Old I.U. to open the ceremony. Before the graduates had filed into the arena, they were given the card on which Schoon had made his phonetic notes. The graduates are instructed to hand the card to Liaskos as they approach the stage. This ensures that the correct name is read, the correct way, when each graduate is announced to collect their diplomas. As the procession begins, Liaskos collects the card, rights it, and hands it to Schoon, ensuring no hiccup in the procession. Sometimes, he takes liberties, and controls the pace of the program, where appropriate. Schoon recalled one Commencement in which an 81-year-old graduate was getting her masters degree. The petite woman had mounted the few stairs to the stage and handed her card to Liaskos, who handed it to Schoon. I called her name and then I noticed that the next person in line behind her was the IU Northwest Chancellors wife, Pamela. So I held up a hand and motioned for Mrs. Lowe to wait a moment. It was to give the stage to the older graduate who of course received much applause. Then I read Pamelas name and we went back to the normal speed. I was very glad that the person following her was someone I knew. For a man whose own name has been mispronounced throughout his life (say skun), it gives him great satisfaction to right this disservice to the world. Some of the grads as they stand at the podium, will grin at me because they felt kind of special that they received a phone call and the name is going to be right. Or, they will wait, especially if it is a difficult name, then they grin and head off with a smile. Expect no less at IU Northwests 52nd Annual Commencement on May 10, where no graduate, significant other, relative, friend, and perhaps most importantly, no parent, will leave disappointed. Minister Napuat wants churches to take their message of love and forgiveness throughout Port Vila. Photo: File Support Local Journalism Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by subscribing or making a contribution. Subscribe or contribute iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) -- A U.S. Air Force veteran was stabbed to death after a road rage incident -- and now cops are looking for the driver who allegedly killed him, Missouri police said. Cody Harter, 24, was driving his maroon Chevy C71 extended cab truck about 7:30 p.m. Saturday when he allegedly pulled over to a median between Interstate 470 and MO-291. That's where he exchanged words with another driver, police said. "It appears our victim was in traffic and involved in some type of altercation with another person in traffic," said Chris Depue, a spokesman for Lee's Summit Police Department. Depue said many witnesses may have seen "some type of altercation" unfold between Harter and another man at the merger between the two thruways. "Two cars are on the shoulder and [witnesses] saw two men outside those vehicles arguing in what appeared to be a disturbance or a fight," he said. The dispute escalated and the unidentified motorist allegedly stabbed Harter before fleeing in his vehicle north on I-471, police said. That driver is still on the lam, police said. Authorities did not say if witnesses provided descriptions of him or the vehicle he was driving. Before the incident, Harter's family said he called them to let them know he was on his way home. "He came down yesterday to pick up a mower," Harter's father, Mike, said Sunday. "He called his mom on the way home and said, 'I love you. I'll be home in just a bit.'" The family made a heart wrenching plea to urge any witness who may have seen what happened to come forward to help track down the alleged killer. "If you saw anything, even if you think it as nothing -- please call," the senior airman's mother, Kerrie, said through tears. "Let's find who did this senseless act so you're not sitting here when it's your child. Please call and send us a message... Please." Kerrie Harter was flanked by her husband, their daughter Shelby, his fellow Air Force reservist, Armando, and Harter's girlfriend Kylee. In a state of devastation and disbelief, Kerrie Harter said she was still hoping this was not real. "I keep waiting for someone to tell me it's not true," she said. "That I'm going to wake up from this. But I'm not." She said that while son managed to survive overseas fighting and protecting the country in deployment tours to Iraq and Qatar -- and helping in hurricane relief efforts in Houston and Puerto Rico -- he somehow died on a domestic road over what cops care calling a road rage incident. "He had been to war and back, and to die because someone was angry," she said, stopping mid-sentence. "My son drove 65 MPH because he was so frugal with his gas mileage. "I can only imagine someone was upset because he wasn't going fast enough," she continued. "But that's not a reason to take his life and leave him there." His sister called out the killer for ditching her brother after whatever dispute the two may have had. "I think you're a monster," Shelby Berkemeier said. "You not only took my brother's life but you took everything away from us." Sitting by her and holding hands was Harter's girlfriend, Shelby. She could barely say any words -- only that she had planned to marry Harter and felt as though she and the family "were in a dark place right now." "He was the love of my life," she said. Harter's mother said her son died away in the arms of other good Samaritan drivers who spotted him stumbling into traffic. "I want to thank all the people that stopped and held his hand and prayed with him," she said. "Whoever did this may have thought he died alone. He did not die alone." Harter was in his final semester at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph to earn a degree in engineering technology. When he wasn't racing dirt bikes he was mowing lawns for a small business he started, his family said. "He loved his lawn care business because he could mow when he wanted to and get to the dirt track on weekends," Kerrie Harter said proudly. And now she and the family are being forced to say goodbye. "We're going to go home and go to the funeral home to make arrangements to bury my son," she said, breaking down in tears. Then she recovered and said: "I don't want another mother to sit here." Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Be sure to please the driver imaginethat said: Prove they did. Prove that it did. An active foreign agent? I don't think so, but if you have data to prove he was an active foreign agent. let's see it. Click to expand... It's called a "Lie of Omission"...the FBI did not tell the FISA Courts who produced the Steele Dossier...If the FISA court had known that it was purely "opposition research" they would have had to deny the application....Now back to proving the Dossier was not truthful....Nice try...AGAIN!!.... But the evidence has to be corroborated by two (2) independent sources to be admitted before the FISA Court...It was not....so the burden is not proving it false....It is now "fruit of the poisoned tree" Amnesty International (AI) [advocacy website] released a report [PDF] on Monday detailing new research that reveals individuals who are detained on politically-motivated charges in Egypt are being held in conditions that amount to torture. AIs report, Crushing humanity: the abuse of solitary confinement in Egypts prisons, details the various abuses carried out in 24 documented cases of prisoners whose duration of confinement lasted between three weeks to over four years. Prolonged solitary confinement is defined by the Nelson Mandela Rules [materials, PDF] as solitary confinement for a time period in excess of 15 consecutive days. Under international law, solitary confinement should only be used as a measure of last resort. Najia Bounaim, North Africa Campaigns Director at AI, said [press release] Egyptian authorities are using [solitary confinement] as a horrifying extra punishment that is designed to crush their humanity and eliminate their hope in any a better future. Those detained have reportedly been subjected to abuses including beatings by prison guards and having their heads repeatedly dunked into a container by human excrement. Detainees were also given insufficient food and water. The mental and physical abuse has had long-term negative effects on prisoners including panic attacks, hypersensitivity to stimuli, difficulties with concentration and memory, and paranoia. AI points to political motivators behind the abusive imprisonments. While in some cases the practice was employed to coerce confessions, in most instances AI found several groups of detainees held solely for their past political affiliations and activism. The report documents dozens of detained human rights activists, journalists, members of opposition parties and participants in public protests. Egyptian authorities have rounded up tens of thousands of individuals on political charges since the replacement of former President Mohamed Morsi on July 3, 2013 by President Abdelfattah al-Sisi. Egypts chief prosecutor on Monday referred 555 individuals suspected of joining a local affiliate of the Islamic State (IS) [JURIST backgrounder] group to military court. The charges against them arise out of a series of attacks [AP report] carried out by dozens of small militant groups situated in the northern part of the Sinai Peninsula. The suspects will faces charges for the planned and executed killings of security personnel, attacks on military checkpoints and the destruction of a gas pipeline between Egypt and Jordan carried out over a series of 63 attacks. Currently only 216 of the 555 suspects are in custody. Included in the list of defendants [Egypt Today report] is Egyptian national fugitive and former chairman of Building and Development Party, Tarek el Zomor. El Zomor, a former member of the Egyptian Islamic Jihad, is charged with inciting violence and number of terror-related incidents dating as far back as 2013. Also on Monday, the Giza Criminal Court sentenced nine individuals [AA report] to life in prison for crimes associated with the Daesh terrorist group. Two others associated with the case were given sentences of five years imprisonment and three others were acquitted for lack of evidence. Egypts long-fought battle with terrorism [JURIST backgrounder] grew deadlier after Egypts first freely-elected leader, President Abdel Fatah el-Sissi violently ousted Mohammed Morsi. roastpork said: And you consider this a bad thing! WTF is wrong with you?:unsure: Click to expand... The law will never go into effect, the courts will enjoin it from taking effect, the state will enrich some lawyers to argue on it's behalf, the law will be tossed out, it's unconstitutional, and everyone knows that.But if you think of it as converting tax dollars into campaign funds, yeah, you might think it's clever.And it's not like they could use those tax dollars to improve their schools (ranked 46th in the nation).I say stupid laws for stupid people, Iowa elected stupid people, they deserve stupid laws that just waste tax money.Yay, Darwin at work, crank up the meth labs...for the Tweaker State RNG said: The answer is contained in your question if only you weren't so blind. Click to expand... You're the one that is blinded by your obsessiveness to find anything to bitch and moan about Trump, and to find petty childish ways to try to mock and ridicule him. How Trumpish of you. It is hilarious to watch you and a few others day in and day out using DTT like Trump uses Twitter.The meme you posted is simply lame and done by someone that forgot that the whole world heard Obama when he was unknowingly caught on an open mic. He also forgot that Obama laughed at Romney for calling Russia a threat during his 2012 campaign. How about the ass-kissing "restart button" that he sent to Putin via Hillary?Thinking that Trump cares about the funeral is hilarious. Who the hell likes to go to funerals? Especially to one for someone that you can't stand and clearly dislike you and did everything in his power to work against you? Why would he want to sit through that and listen to people saying nice things about him? Trump has nothing to lose or gain as the whole world clearly knows that they dislike each other and acting otherwise is nothing more than a pretense.The one being vain is McCain. Don't invite him is one thing, but sensationalizing it is nothing more than self-serving, show a lack of class and dignity, and possibly an embarrassment to his surviving family and friends. A 4-year-old boy died in Grant County, Wisconsin when he fell from a moving truck and its rear tires struck him. According to a news release, it happened around 5:30 p.m. Friday on County Highway C near Highway 133. Grant County Deputies said Jason Wachter of Woodman was going east on Highway C approaching Highway 133 in a Ford F450. 4-year-old Kage Wachter was sitting next to the passenger door when it opened and he fell from the truck. Jason and another passerby began CPR until emergency responders arrived. But all the lifesaving efforts were unable to revive Kage. Woodman First Reponders, Boscobel EMS, Mt. Hope Fire, UW Health Medflight, Gundersen Boscobel, and the Grant County Coroners Office assisted the Grant County Sheriff's Office in the incident. This was the second motor vehicle fatality in Grant County for 2018. KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (AP) - A drop in river flows in the Klamath River has resulted in a die-off of fish and other creatures below the Keno Dam in southern Oregon. The Bureau of Reclamation says the water was drawn down to charge an irrigation canal for Basin farmers. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed the fish kill to Oregon Public Broadcasting. Fish including sculpin, catfish and minnow were stranded due to low river flows. The Bureau of Reclamation, which controls the river flows, began dropping the levels in late April as part of a water-borrowing deal between farmers and the utility that owns the dams farther downstream. OPB reports that over a two-day period, the federal agency decreased flows out of Upper Klamath Lake by about 85 percent. A southern Oregon fishing guide noticed the dead fish and reported it to officials. ___ Information from: KOPB-FM, http://news.opb.org (Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) 5/6/2018 11:30:34 AM (GMT -7:00) MEDFORD, Ore. For better or worse, the passage of the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 by the U.S. Congress would reverberate throughout the nationand Oregon is no exception. Although the bill addresses U.S. agriculture broadly, it also takes aim at food assistance programs, such as SNAP. Over five million Americans receive some sort of food assistance (nearly 400,000 in Oregon), and this bill could affect their ability to buy groceries. BY THE NUMBERS - Follow this link to see exactly how many Oregonians are on SNAP benefits by area, including the dollar figures. The greater Rogue Valley area alone contains over 66,000 people on SNAP benefits, receiving over $8 million dollars in benefits per year. The new bill would impose stricter work requirements on as many as 5 million of the 42 million Americans who rely on the program a number that would mostly target able-bodied adults without children, as well as millions of school-age parents who are currently exempt in many states. SNAP rules currently require that all recipients meet work requirements unless they are exempt due to age or disability. Children, seniors, and those with disabilities comprise almost two thirds of SNAP participants. USDA rules state that able-bodied adults without dependents who arent disabled can only receive SNAP for three months in three years if they do not meet special work requirements. Able-bodied adults without children or other dependents are already required to participate in a training program for 20 hours per week or to work to keep their SNAP benefits longer than three months over a three-year period. However, states largely exempted participants from those time limits during the Great Recession. Waivers have been slowly lapsing as the economy recovered. But about 36 percent of the U.S. population lives in an area where that rule is still waived, and the House bill is expected to rein in that flexibility. CLICK HERE for our previous coverage on this story, after an interview with Senator Ron Wyden. American Enterprise Institutea conservative-leaning think tankestimates that around 9 million people, or about one-fifth of SNAP recipients, are able-bodied and not working. But Democratic aides said the proposal would likely result in at least a million recipients dropping off of SNAP over an unspecified time period due to stricter work requirements and income limits in some states. The current law regulating U.S. nutrition is set to expire on September 30 of this year. The Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 just passed the House Committee on Agriculture after a party-line vote, and will soon be debated on the floor of the House. Should it pass the House and Senate, the new bill will govern U.S. agriculture and nutrition just as the old one expires. The Trump administration has voiced support for the Republican-drafted bill. President Donald Trumps 2019 budget made waves for proposing to replace half the food stamp benefits families get with a Harvest Box full of shelf-stable foods, part of a broader pitch to cut more than $214 billion from the program over a decade. The full text of the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 may be found below. By CHRISTINA A. CASSIDY , Associated Press With the midterm congressional primaries about to go into full swing, the Department of Homeland Security is playing catch-up in helping to ensure that state election systems are secure against cybertampering by the Russians or others bent on mischief. The department said it has completed on-site risk assessments of election systems in just nine of 17 states that have formally requested them so far. It has pledged to do so by November for every state that asks. The security reviews are designed to identify any weaknesses that could be exploited by hackers; such examinations are routinely conducted in the private sector. They are just one tool, although an important one, in ensuring a computer network has a robust defense. Homeland Security officials attribute the backlog to increased demand for such reviews since the 2016 presidential election and say they are devoting more money and shifting resources to reduce wait times. The reviews typically take two weeks each. "Elections remain a top priority," said Matt Masterson, the department's senior adviser for cybersecurity. Among those still waiting for Homeland Security to conduct a risk assessment is Indiana, one of four states with primaries on Tuesday. Its ballot includes several hotly contested races, including a Republican primary for U.S. Senate. But Indiana, like other states, is not without any defense against hackers. It has used a private vendor to conduct a risk assessment, and is also one of 33 states and 32 local election offices that are receiving remote cyber-scanning services from Homeland Security to identify vulnerabilities in their networks. Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson said she is confident state officials have done what they can to safeguard Tuesday's voting, but acknowledged: "I'll probably be chewing my fingernails during the entire day on Election Day." The concerns aren't just theoretical. The nation's intelligence chiefs warned earlier this year that Russia remains interested in disrupting U.S. elections after a multipronged effort to interfere in 2016. That included attempts to hack into the election systems of 21 states. There is no indication Russian hackers succeeded in manipulating any votes, but U.S. security agencies say they did manage to breach the voter rolls in Illinois. That state and Texas are the only two to hold statewide primaries so far this year, and neither reported any intrusions into their election systems. But a local election in Tennessee last week highlights the concern: Knox County has hired a cybersecurity firm to investigate why a website that reports election results crashed after the polls closed. The county's technology director said some of the unusually heavy traffic came from overseas servers. DHS spokesman Scott McConnell said there is no indication so far that the outage was caused by a "malicious actor." Homeland Security designated elections systems critical infrastructure just months after the 2016 White House election, adding them to a list that includes chemical plants, dams and nuclear reactors. The vast majority of primaries around the U.S. are in May and June. At least 28 states said they want Homeland Security to conduct the risk assessments, according to a 50-state survey of state election officials by The Associated Press. Some states prefer to do the security checks on their own, with some, such as New Hampshire, expressing concern about federal overreach in a country where elections are run by state and local governments. Cybersecurity experts say that as long as the process is robust, it should not matter who conducts the risk assessments. "You could do this right in a number of different ways," said Mike Garcia, lead author of a handbook for state and local election officials released recently by the nonprofit Center for Internet Security. "What matters is that you are doing it right." The delays have caught the attention of Congress, including the Senate Intelligence Committee, which recommended in March that Homeland Security expand capacity to reduce wait times. "DHS and the FBI have made great strides, but they must do more," committee chairman Sen. Richard Burr, a North Carolina Republican, said at the time. Of the other states holding primaries on Tuesday, the traditional battlegrounds of North Carolina and Ohio said they had received on-site reviews by Homeland Security. The fourth state, West Virginia, declined to say when asked by the AP. Nine states whose election systems were targeted by Russian hackers during the 2016 campaign said they were still waiting for DHS risk assessments, according to the AP survey. Two of the states targeted in 2016 Alabama and Oklahoma have yet to request a DHS security review. Alabama Secretary of State John H. Merrill said the state could still decide to make the request before the election. "We are trying to be as prepared as we can possibly be with our existing partners," Merrill said. "We want to keep every option open that we have." ___ Associated Press writers Tom Davies in Indianapolis contributed to this report. ___ Follow Christina Almeida Cassidy on Twitter at http://twitter.com/AP_Christina Laura Moniz is pictured in her Toronto apartment on Sunday, May 6, 2018. Laura is inviting friends over to watch television coverage of the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young Lidia Bastianich is seen in this undated handout photo. Celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich says she was "devastated" when she heard of the recent sexual misconduct allegations made against fellow culinary star Mario Batali. The two have worked together under B&B Hospitality Group, which operates several of their restaurants.THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Diana DeLucia, Penguin Random House *MANDATORY CREDIT* Beckie Blakely was looking for boho and vintage clothing at the Great Closet Cleanout. Blakely is a thrifter, someone who is all about sustainable fashion and getting things for a bargain. Canadian soldiers patrol an area in the Dand district of southern Afghanistan on Sunday, June 7, 2009. A network of mental-health clinics set up across the country to help veterans with PTSD and other psychological trauma appears in danger of being overwhelmed as an internal government report shows demand outstripping resources.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Colin Perkel Da Mao, an adult male panda bear, looks on as media photograph him at the Calgary Zoo during the opening of its giant panda habitat, Panda Passage, in Calgary, Alta., Monday, May 7, 2018.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh Environment and Climate Change Minister Catherine McKenna stands during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday, April 26, 2018. Canada's Environment Minister is re-affirming that protecting and conserving the natural environment is job one for the national park system. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick Quebec Tourism Minister Jullie Boulet, right, walks to question period with press attache Marie-Emmanuelle Cadieux at the legislature in Quebec City on April 14, 2016. A fifth member of Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard's Liberal cabinet has announced she won't seek re-election later this year. Tourism Minister Julie Boulet says she no longer has the energy or the motivation to run again. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot Simon Barton, left, and Chelsea Burley wear make shift waders of garbage bags and packing tape as they cross a flooded road in Saint John, N.B. on Sunday, May 6, 2018. Swollen rivers across New Brunswick are still rising, flooding streets and properties and forcing people from their homes in several communities. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan Rob Dekany, known locally as Uber Rob, ferries stranded passengers across a flooded area at Darlings Island, N.B. on Saturday, May 5, 2018. Dekany has been ferrying several passengers at a time at the Saint John-area island where the only access road has been submerged by the flood waters of the Kennebecasis River. Swollen rivers across New Brunswick are still rising, flooding streets and properties and forcing people from their homes in several communities. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan FILE Ai This Nov. 9, 2017, file photo shows Pennsylvania State University's shuttered Beta Theta Pi fraternity house in State College, Pa. Centre County, Pa., Magisterial District Judge Steven Lachman said Monday, May 7, 2018, there's enough evidence for 11 more Penn State fraternity members to stand trial in county court on hazing and alcohol-related charges over the Feb. 4, 2017, death of 19-year-old fraternity pledge Timothy Piazza, of Lebanon, N.J., after a night of heavy drinking. The judge pared down other counts, while dismissing all reckless endangerment counts and allegations a fraternity member erased basement security video to thwart investigators. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File) This image released by NBC shows adult film actress Stormy Daniels during an appearance on "Saturday Night Live" in New York on Saturday, May 5, 2018. (Will Heath/NBC via AP) FILE - In this Jan. 27, 2018, file photo, honoree Jay-Z speaks onstage at the 2018 Pre-Grammy Gala And Salute To Industry Icons at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel in New York. Jay-Z must explain why he's dodging a subpoena rather than answering questions related to a financial investigation of a consumer brand company that bought his Rocawear clothing line, a judge says. In an order made public Thursday, May 3, U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe instructed the performer and entrepreneur, whose birth name is Shawn Carter, to appear in a New York courtroom next Tuesday to explain himself. (Photo by Michael Zorn/Invision/AP, File) FILE - In this Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2011 file photo director Ermanno Olmi poses for the photo call of the movie 'Il Villaggio di Cartone' at the 68th edition of the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy. Prize-winning Italian film director Ermanno Olmi has died Monday May 7, 2018 at the age of 86. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File ) I am a retired newspaperman. I live in Poca, WV, with my wife of 44 years, Lou Ann. I grew up in Cleveland. Three kids. Grandfather. Report all errors to DonSurber@GMail.com Tomorrow is Tuesday... primary day in 4 important states: North Carolina, Indiana, West Virginia and Ohio-- each of which was carried by Senor Trumpanzee. If you think the GOP primary in West Virginia is crackpotsville ... well, you're right, but almost sane compared to what's going on in Indiana. Last week we looked at the mess the Indiana senate primary has turned into . The Republicans in the battle there are charging each other with things like "Drunken driving, self-dealing and false advertising," while all 3 candidates-- Congressman Todd Rokita, Congressman Luke Messer and former state Rep. Mike Braun-- are "doing their best to portray themselves as the second coming" of... Senor Trumpanzee. If it comes down to who is the most Trump-like-- and it well may-- Braun should have the edge. Over the weekend Bill Barrow surveyed the Trumpist landscape in all for states for A.P. The nomination fights are pulling the party to the right, leaving some leaders worried their candidates will be out of a step with the broader electorate in November. "GOP candidates are jockeying to be seen as the most conservative, the most anti-Washington and the most loyal to the president. Its evidence of the onetime outsiders deepening imprint on the Republican Party he commandeered less than two years ago." In Indiana, Republicans will pick from among three Senate candidates who have spent much of the race praising Trump and bashing each other. In West Virginia, a former federal convict and coal baron has taken aim at Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) with racially charged accusations of corruption. In Ohio, Republicans are certain to nominate someone more conservative than outgoing GOP Gov. John Kasich, a 2016 presidential candidate, moderate and frequent Trump critic. Even Kasichs former running mate, Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor, has pledged to unwind some of Kasichs centrist policies, including the expansion of the Medicaid government insurance program following Democrats 2010 health insurance overhaul. With Trumps job approval hanging around 40 percent and the GOP-run Congress less than half that, the abandonment of the middle has some Republicans raising alarms. The far left and the far right always think they are going to dominate these elections, said John Weaver, a Trump critic and top strategist to Kasich, who has been become a near-pariah in the primary to succeed him. Weaver's reasoning has one little problem. There is no far left among Democratic politicians. The battles in the Democratic Party are between right-wing Democrats like Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Kyrsten Sinema (Blue Dog-AZ) on the one hand and mainstream slightly left of center Democrats on the other side. There are 5 Democrats with 100% Progressive Punch ratings this year: Jamie Raskin (MD), Jan Schakowsky (IL), Barbara Lee (CA), Karen Bass (CA) and John Lewis (GA). None are extremists; none are remotely "far left." On the other hand, putative Democrat Conor Lamb (Blue Dog-PA), who the GOP just spent over a million dollars smearing as a far right lunatic has a ZERO rating, making him far to the right of most Republicans in the House. And he's a DCCC role model! There are 22 Republicans with zero scores-- and all of them really are far right (or pretending to be): Karen Handel (GA), Bradley Byrne (AL), Jackie Walorski (IN), Pete Sessions (TX), Devin Nunes (CA), Brett Guthrie (KY), Ken Calvert (CA), Sam Johnson (TX), Mac Thornberry (TX), Joe Wilson (SC), Kay Granger (TX), Steve Scalise (LA), Gregg Harper (MS), Steve Womack (AR), Dennis Ross (FL), Rick Crawford (AR), Duncan Hunter (CA), Austin Scott (GA), Trey Gowdy (SC), Gus Bilirakis (FL), Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ) and Lou Barletta (PA). And it isn't just their voting records; remember Joe Wilson? He's the one who screamed "You lie" while Obama was delivering the State of the Union. Can you imagine a Democrat doing something like that to Trump, even though every word out of his face is a lie? Lou Barletta is running for the U.S. as an open racist. And what can anyone say about Devin Nunes other than he's counting on Trump eventually pardoning him? OK, back to Barrow: You may think its wise in a primary to handcuff yourself to the president, Weaver said. But when the ship goes down, you may not be able to get the cuffs off. North Carolina Republicans will weigh in on the fate of Republican Rep. Robert Pittenger, facing a primary challenger who almost upset him two years ago. Pittenger features Trump prominently in his campaign. Challenger Mark Harris, a prominent Charlotte pastor, has tried to turn the table, saying Pittenger is a creature of Washington who refuses to help Trump drain that swamp. Tough primaries certainly dont have to be disastrous. They often gin up voter attention and engagement, and can signal strong turnout in the general election. Dallas Woodhouse, who runs the North Carolina Republican Party, said candidates benefit because they must make their arguments and voters become more aware of the election. Imagine if Pelosi, Lujan, Sena and Bresler ran the DCCC that way, instead of squelching primaries and doing all they can to crush progressives who run against their shit candidates from the Republican wing of the Democratic Party. That hasn't been working out very well for crap DCCC recruits so far like Jay Hulings (TX-23), Alex Triantaphyllis (TX-07), Tim Gomes (NY-02), R.D Huffstetler (VA-05) or some of the others the DCCC fattened up on contributions only to see them fall by the wayside to grassroots candidates. Few national Republicans look at West Virginia and see helpful enthusiasm. The orange ape spoke up this morning Former coal executive Don Blankenship has accused McConnell of creating jobs for China people and charges that the senators China family has given him millions of dollars. McConnells wife is Trumps transportation secretary, Elaine Chao, who was born in Taiwan. Indiana Senate candidates are trying to appeal to Trump voters by adopting the presidents harsh immigration rhetoric and penchant for personal insults. The candidates have even channeled Trump by assigning derisive nicknames to one another: Lyin Todd Rokita, Luke Missing Messer and Tax Hike Mike Braun. In several of the Tuesday primaries, Democrats are watching with delight, and having less trouble aligning behind nominees. The chief beneficiaries would be Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Joe Donnelly of Indiana, both sitting on healthy campaign accounts after avoiding their own primary fights. The leading Democrat for the North Carolina seat, Marine veteran Dan McCready, has raised almost $2 million, slightly more than Harris and Pittenger combined, in a district Trump won by about 12 percentage points. He will absolutely make this competitive, Harris said. In the Ohio governors race, liberal former Rep. Dennis Kucinich and former state Attorney General Richard Cordray have managed to avoid open warfare. Cordray, who also led the federal consumer watchdog agency launched under President Barack Obama, is the favorite. Republicans watched their state party, led by pro-Trump leadership that replaced Kasich allies after the 2016 elections, endorse state Attorney General Mike Dewine, while Taylor has effectively shunned an earlier endorsement from Kasich. If Ohio Republicans are divided into Trump Republicans and Kasich Republicans, the Trump Republicans have won, said the state Democratic chairman, David Pepper. That helps us. Gallup measures Trump with an 89 percent job approval rating among Republicans nationally, but 35 percent among independents and 42 percent overall. Historically, presidents below 50 percent watch their party suffer steep losses in midterm elections. Democrats must flip about two dozen Republican-held seats to reclaim a House majority, and they must do it with Republican-run legislatures having drawn many districts to the GOPs advantage. In North Carolina, Harris said the makeup of the district, which stretches from Republican areas of metro Charlotte east through small towns and rural counties, makes his pro-Trump, anti-establishment message a primary and November winner. Senate Democrats are just two seats shy of a majority, but must defend 26 incumbents, 10 in states where Trump won, including Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia. Republicans are defending nine seats, just one in a state Trump lost. Trumpanzee Jr. tweeted a plea to "the people of West Virginia to make a wise decision and reject Blankenship. No more fumbles like Alabama. We need to win in November." One nice thing that could pay off in the future: something like eight Kentucky counties are in the West Virginia media markets and they're hearing all this "swamp captain Mitch" and "cocaine Mitch" stuff on their TVs and radios all day and night. It seems to be working for Blankenship at the last minute. Last night Alex Isenstadt reported that West Virginia's establishment Democrats are worrying that Blankenship's candidacy is experiencing a sudden last minute surge . Two weeks ago Blankenship was in third place but after a week of attacking McConnell and Jenkins, he's in first place and Jenkins is disappearing as a contender. People seem to like the anti-McConnell approach. Private polling show him back in first place and "many are convinced that a Blankenship win, coming just months after the disastrous Alabama Senate race, would destroy the partys prospects of defeating Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin in November."Trumpanzee Jr. tweeted a plea to "the people of West Virginia to make a wise decision and reject Blankenship. No more fumbles like Alabama. We need to win in November." Particularly concerning to Republicans is Blankenships TV spending. Over the final six days of the race, the self-funding coal baron is set to spend over $640,000 on commercials, according to media buying totals-- more than Jenkins and Morrisey combined. Blankenship has spent over $2.5 million on TV ads in total, far more than his rivals. What is also distressing, senior Republicans say, is that Jenkins and Morrisey spent nearly all of the campaign savaging each other. Further complicating matters is that a Democratic super PAC, Duty and Country, has invested $1.8 million targeting Jenkins in an effort to keep him from winning the GOP primary, convinced that he would pose a formidable challenge to Manchin. The bloodbath may ultimately be to the benefit of Blankenship, who has faced far fewer incoming attacks. Andy Sere, a Jenkins strategist, argued that Morriseys attacks against Jenkins have helped Blankenship, and that with his last-minute attacks against Blankenship, Morrisey is scrambling to fix the mess he and his enablers made. But West Virginians see through it, Sere added. We are confident the Schumer-Morrisey alliance will fail and Evan Jenkins will prevail." Happiest man in West Virginia has got to be Joe Manchin. In fact, didn't some notoriously right-of-center anti-gay MSNBC hostess endorse him for president in the last few days? More good news for Manchin. Blankenship is threatening to run as an independent if he doesn't win the GOP primary tomorrow. Blankie: " have not ruled out anything. Ive said that I cannot let him win because of the opioid connection and Planned Parenthood connection." Manchin should build a cathedral to thank God. AUSTIN, Minn. The first sentence has been handed down in a drug task force investigation. Three people were arrested after a traffic stop on Mower County Road 2 on December 18, 2017. Law enforcement says a search of the vehicle found 1.44 grams of methamphetamine, a small amount of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, a .38 caliber pistol, and ammunition. That led to a search of an Austin home where authorities say they discovered nearly 12 grams of meth, marijuana, marijuana wax, a mirror with meth residue, drug paraphernalia, and a box of rifle ammunition. Jennifer Spaeth Jennifer Spaeth Ryan Baldus Ryan Baldus Cully Thomas Shierts, 21 of Albert Lea, pleaded guilty to 5th degree drug possession and possessing ammunition as a drug user. Hes been given five years of supervised probation and must perform 40 hours of community work service. Jennifer Ann Elizabeth Spaeth, 28 of Albert Lea, has pleaded guilty to two counts of 5th degree drug possession and illegal transportation of a pistol and ammunition. Her sentencing is scheduled for May 24. Ryan Jiles Baldus, 27 of Austin, is pleading not guilty to two counts of 5th degree drug possession and being a violent felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. His trial is set to begin July 23. NORA SPRINGS, Iowa Nora Springs police said Monday that a 12-year-old boy died as the result of an accident Sunday afternoon. Karson Ott, 12, died after an accident Sunday around 4:40 p.m. at 716 N. Shell Rock Ave. He was a student at Central Springs and grief counselors are in place within the school district. Police said Ott was helping his father, Larry Ott, load a safe when it fell and fatally struck him. Nora Springs police were assisted by Nora Springs Fire, the Floyd County Sheriffs Office and Mason City Fire. OK, last night we saw the sure-to-fail legal strategy . How about some wacky foreign policy from the 73 year old Brooklyn-born ex-mayor? TheTwitter followers don't see it quite the same was that Trumpists do. Over the weekend, Senor Trumpanzee's new personal lawyer-- no more Michael Cohen?-- declared that his client is "as committed to regime change as we are." Who's the "we" in that sentence? He told a press gaggle that regime change in Iran is "the only way to peace in the Middle East... more important than an Israeli-Palestinian deal." The French, German and British governments seem to be disconcerted by Trump's poorly thought-out rush to rip up the Iranian nuclear agreement , part of his psychotic obsession to destroy every iota of Obama's legacy. The full or partial restoration of two sets of unilateral, pre-2015 American banking, financial and other sanctions would significantly undermine the moderate leadership of Irans president, Hassan Rouhani. Before his landslide re-election victory last year, Rouhani promised voters much-needed economic renewal in exchange for maintaining the nuclear-related curbs. Now his hardline opponents are poised to strike. The destabilising of Iran, consequent on what would be seen there as an overt act of American aggression, could trigger a broader destabilisation of the Middle East. Predominantly Shia, Persian Iran is engaged in a fierce contest for power and influence with the Sunni Arab world, led by Saudi Arabia. If Trump, allied with Riyadh and Cairo, goes on the offensive, this rivalry may escalate as Iran inevitably reacts-- with unforeseeable ramifications in places such as Yemen and Bahrain. One concern is that Irans clerical establishment, led by the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, will revive a nuclear weapons research programme that, according to the Bush administration and the UNs International Atomic Energy Agency, ceased in 2003. This would produce the very result Trump ostensibly seeks to avoid. This, in turn, could spark a regional nuclear weapons race with the Saudis and others. Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has long been lobbying Trump to end US adherence to the deal. Last week, he attempted to show that Iran was lying by unveiling a cache of stolen documents. Independent experts found nothing new in Netanyahus presentation. The IAEA, which has broad inspection rights, has verified 10 times, most recently in February, that Iran is in full compliance. But Trump hailed his allys PR stunt, with suspicious speed, as proof of Iranian cheating. ...[T]here have also been shockingly underhand efforts in the US to discredit key public officials associated with forging the deal. The alleged involvement of Trump aides in a privately run, Israeli-linked dirty ops campaign warrants immediate investigation. It recalls claims that Trump associates colluded with Russia to dig up dirt on Hillary Clinton before the 2016 presidential election. ...The harm a Trump decision to scupper the Iran deal would do to US relations with its European partners, all of whom are adamant in its defence, is incalculable. Emmanuel Macron, Frances president, made a personal appeal to Trump during his recent Washington visit and was crudely rebuffed. The same fate befell Germanys Angela Merkel. There is scant reason to believe any last-minute British intervention will fare better. A permanent rift is opening. HAMPTON, Iowa A suspicious package led to an evacuation Monday afternoon. Franklin County Dispatch says it got a call around 1:17 pm from the Hampton Post Office about a suspicious item in the lobby. Authorities evacuated a one block area, rerouting Highway 3 traffic, and notified the State Fire Marshals Office and the U.S. Postal Inspectors Office. At about 3:17 pm, the Fire Marshal and Postal Inspector declared the situation safe, reopening roads and allowing people to return to their homes. This incident remains under investigation. Also assisting the Hampton Police Department were the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Department of Transportation, State of Iowa DNR, Sheffield Police, City of Hampton Public Works, Hampton Fire Department, Franklin County Emergency Management, Franklin General Ambulance, and North Iowa Public Transit. Last week, a powdery substance was located at a school in Hampton. A text message said the substance found then was turned over to the Hampton Police Department and the school district said the North Side grounds were considered safe. There is no word if the two incidents are related at this time. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Winona County, Minnesota's first and only county to ban the mining of silica sand for use by the oil and gas industry in hydraulic fracturing, is headed to court to defend it. Minnesota Sands LLC is asking the Minnesota Court of Appeals on Monday to overturn it. The company says the ban is an unconstitutional restraint on interstate commerce. It also says it's entitled to compensation because the ban has made its mineral rights in the county worthless. Winona County argues that a lower court correctly upheld the ban last November. Southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin have rich deposits of a form of silica sand in high demand by oil and gas drillers. WEST UNION, Iowa An Oelwein man is pleading not guilty to kidnapping and sexually abusing three children. Roger Allen Kline, 53, is now scheduled to stand trial on July 11 on three counts of 1st degree kidnapping and three counts of 2nd degree sexual abuse. Hes accused of taking three children from their home in April 2015, putting them into a semi, taking them to a park area in Oelwein, then handcuffing them and sexually abusing them. Authorities say the victims were under the age of 11 when the crimes occurred. Kline is still being held in the Fayette County Jail without bond. ROCHESTER, Minn. - Masjid AbuBakr Al-Seddiq mosque in Rochester is hosting a food drive for the Muslim holiday, Ramadan. "The drive is one of my dreams I should say," Nabeela Zubair with the mosque said. "Especially during Ramadan, I know that there are families that are hand to mouth and they want to have something as a help for them, so we thought about this food drive." The mosque is collecting non-perishable food on Sunday starting at 4pm. While the drive ends on Sunday May 13th, this is just the beginning of a much bigger effort. "Our goal is not to just keep it to our Muslim community, we are trying to make it for everyone, welcoming everyone," Nabeela said. "Muslims are also wanting to help their community and beyond that." The mosque hopes to turn the drive into a permanent food bank for everyone in need in Rochester, eventually collecting food and clothing. "We Muslims are also peace makers, peace lovers, we want to help every group, ethnicity, culture, and be part of this...community," Nabeela said. People can drop off food at the Masjid AbuBakr Al-Seddiq mosque on Sunday May 13th at 4pm. CHARLES CITY, Iowa Three Floyd County burglars have been given probation. Jeremie Jay Clay, 39 of Charles city, Alea Marie Slessor, 22 of Clear Lake, and Dylan Leroy Meister, 21 of Clear Lake, were accused of stealing thousands of dollars worth of items from a house, barn, and a metal shed in the 1300 block of March Avenue during the summer of 2017. Clay and Meister pleaded guilty to 3rd degree burglary and 2nd degree theft. Slessor entered a guilty plea to 3rd degree theft. All three received three years of probation and must pay $16,039 in restitution. Michael Gan. (Photo HZG/Kerstin Petermann) Today at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), a very large majority of the KIT Senate confirmed the unanimous vote of the Supervisory Board in favor of Michael Gan as the new Vice President for Business Affairs and Finance. Upon completion of the appointment procedure and subsequent signing of the contract, a new Vice President for Business Affairs and Finance will assume office at KIT. Gan is an acknowledged expert in science management, the focus being on finance, controlling, and infrastructure. Since 2003, he has been heading the Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht as Administrative Director together with his scientific colleague. Michael Gan knows the world of research centers quite well. Before he became Administrative Director in Geesthacht, the mechanical engineer was Managing Director of the Cologne-Porz and Bonn-Oberkassel sites of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Director of the Technical Services. Prior to this, the presently 59-year-old Gan had assumed a range of executive positions at DLR, among others, for corporate controlling. Professor Renate Schubert, who chairs the Supervisory Board of KIT, welcomes the decision of the KIT Senate: The Supervisory Board unanimously decided in favor of Mr. Gan as future Vice President for Business Affairs and Finance. We are pleased to have found with him a person with excellent expertise in finance management and, at the same time, vast knowledge of the research community. I am convinced that Mr. Gan will manage the activities of KIT in his area of competence with a steady hand. This clear confirmation by the KIT Senate is a strong and encouraging signal, says the President of KIT, Professor Holger Hanselka. Michael Gan is an excellent choice and I am pleased that the post of Vice President for Business Affairs and Finance can be filled again, Hanselka continues. KIT is part of both the university world and the research world. This fact is associated with special challenges for this office. Thanks to the outstanding expertise and prudence of Mr. Gan, I know that this task now is in good hands. I would like to express my cordial thanks for the big trust placed in me by the bodies of KIT deciding in favor of my appointment, Michael Gan says. After my work at two Helmholtz Centers, it is a great pleasure and challenge for me to help shape the future of KIT, the Research University in the Helmholtz Association that is unique in the German research community. I am aware of the special framework conditions of the KIT, which will result in highly complex new tasks for me. I greatly respect that and look forward to contributing my experience and my commitment to university business as well. The leitmotif of my work so far has been to understand administration and infrastructure as areas serving science. I will continue to work along this line in the future and to implement this at KIT. The term of office of the Vice President for Business Affairs and Finance is six years as from the time of his appointment. Gan will assume office presumably in the middle of the year. Professor Holger Hanselka and Michael Gan. (Photo: Sandra Gottisheim) Michael Gan About the Person: Michael Gan was born in 1958 in Eschweiler near Aachen and studied first economics at Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz and then mechanical engineering at RWTH Aachen University. In 1989, he graduated with a mechanical engineering degree. In the same year, he started his career as assistant of the Executive Board of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). In 1990, he was additionally appointed Director of the Executive Board Office. In 1992, Gan took over the direction of the Program Coordination Office and established the corporate controlling system of DLR, for which he became responsible in 1996. Following the merger of the DLR and the German Space Agency (DARA), Michael Gan took over a management position in the space activities of DLR in Bonn in 1998 and in 1999 became Director of DLRs location in Berlin-Adlershof and of the Institute of Planetary Research and Space Sensors Systems located there. From 2001 to 2003, he was Managing Director of the DLR locations in Cologne-Porz and Bonn-Oberkassel as well as Director of the Technical Services at DLR in Cologne. In 2003, he moved to Geesthacht and took over office as Administrative Director at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht with 1000 employees and an annual budget of EUR 120 million. Being The Research University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 9,600 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 23,300 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence. Pierre Leveille, President, CEO & Director of Deep-South Resources discusses what makes his company stand out. Deep-South Resources Inc. (TSX.V: DSM) is a mineral exploration company, largely held by Namibian shareholders and by Teck Resources Ltd, which holds about 35per cent of Deep-South share capital. Deep-South is actively involved in the acquisition, exploration, and development of major mineral properties in Africa. Deep-South growth strategy is to focus on the exploration and development of quality assets, in significant mineralized trends, close to infrastructure, in stable countries. Hannah Bernard: Hi, I'm Hannah Bernard. You're watching Market One Minute, and today we are joined by Pierre Leveille of Deep-South Resources. So, Pierre can you just start off by giving us a brief description on what the company is, and what you guys do? Pierre Leveille: We are a company mainly involved in exploration of one copper project into Namibia. It's a large porphyry copper with large tonnage low-grade. We recently issued a 43-101 resource estimation showing that we have 450 million tonnes of .31 per cent copper indicated, with a cutoff grade of .25 per cent. We also have 240 million tonnes at .29 per cent inferred. We also recently showed a PEA where we have with using heap leaching on that project we will have a capex of C$240 million for an NPV of C$900 million, with an IRR of 30 per cent pretax. All of this for a market cap of C$20 million at the moment. Hannah Bernard: And can you share some recent milestones that the company has had? Pierre Leveille: As I just mentioned briefly, we have recently issued a 43-101 resource estimation and also a PEA. Most of the work was done by our larger shareholder, which is Teck Resources. Teck owns 35 per cent of the corporation and large part of the drilling was done previously by Rio Tinto in the 1970s. In total, we have 196 holes, with 66,000 metres of drilling. We have all the cores still well preserved on site and in warehouse. So, that has proven us to develop a very solid resource estimation. The Preliminary Economic Assessment, the PEA we just recently issued, was based mostly, only, on the indicated resource, and the use of the heap leach process makes that we have a low capex on it, and we can give quite an interesting return. Hannah Bernard: Pierre, in your own words, what makes Deep-South unique? Pierre Leveille: It's pretty unique for first its shareholder structure because we have Teck, which is the largest shareholder with 35 per cent, management owns 25 per cent. So, it's pretty tightly held. Also, what makes us a bit different is that we have 25 per cent of the shares held by Namibian shareholders. So, in Africa today you need to have some local partners, and in our case our local partners are shareholders of the company, so we don't need to shop around and try to find a local partner. We're well established in the Namibian community. We also have a technical team that has experience in Africa ranging from 15 years to 40 years, over their overall career, mainly in the Southern African region. So, where we are unique is mostly with the shareholding structure. Hannah Bernard: Why do you believe that the copper market is attracted to investors right now? Pierre Leveille: It's pretty attractive. As everyone knows, the electrification of transport that will change quite a lot of, will change the future for many commodities, including copper, because with electric cars you have three to four times more copper than in normal gasoline cars but also, we have the buses, we have the trains, all the transportation will electrify. On top of that, you need a lot of wiring for the power station to recharge the batteries, so only the electrification of transport will do a lot. But also, what people tend to forget is that there's a need for infrastructure renovation in the world and that will carry on all the time, and in that you need a lot of copper, and there's no new mine coming in production enough to balance out future demands. So, there will probably be a crunch in demand and will not be surprised to see a sustainable price over $3.50 per pound within the next year or so. Hannah Bernard: So, Pierre, we have an investor audience here. Tell them why Deep-South is a good investment opportunity. Pierre Leveille: Deep-South is a very good investment opportunity at this point in time because of the market cap at 20 million dollars vis-a-vis of the PEA at C$900 million. So, it's for sure that we are trading fairly low compared to what we should. When you look at comparables, we're probably four or five times lower than our comparables. Also, the shareholding structure makes a big difference and makes that the company has a very strong base on which to operate. So, it gives us a pretty unique situation, and it makes us as a strong contender for future good copper projects, but also for delivering a very good return in the market. Hannah Bernard: Well it sounds like the company is positioned very well. Pierre thank you so much for being with us. Pierre Leveille: Thanks Hannah. WILMINGTON, Del./NEW YORK (Reuters) - Bank of America Corp is preparing to provide critical financing to Remington Outdoor Co, which makes assault-type rifles, just weeks after the U.S. bank said it would stop financing military-style firearms for civilians. The bank is contributing $43.2 million to a $193 million lending package funded by seven banks, according to court documents, which will help put Remington back on stable footing as it emerges from bankruptcy later this month into an uncertain environment for gun makers. The package replaces a similar credit facility the banks committed to providing Remington. Both were agreed in late March, before Bank of America, the second-largest U.S. bank by assets, changed its policy to stop financing companies that make military-style guns for civilian use. Anne Finucane, Bank of Americas vice chair, said in April that the bank had decided on its pledge to help reduce mass shootings, saying in an interview with Bloomberg TV that it is not our intent to underwrite or finance military-style firearms on a go-forward basis. The comment came weeks after a school shooting in Parkland, Florida, triggered a new movement for gun control, led in part by student survivors, increasing pressure on U.S. companies to seek to distance themselves from the firearms industry. Finucane in the Bloomberg TV interview said that Bank of America was in discussions with its gun-manufacturing clients following the change, but did not give details. She did not mention Remington. Bank of Americas plans to go ahead with the credit facility following its change of policy in April have not previously been reported. Bank of America said it does not comment on client matters. Representatives for Remington and Cerberus Capital Management L.P., Remingtons private equity owner, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Cerberus will give up its equity stake in Remington under the weapons makers bankruptcy plan. According to a review of bankruptcy court documents and interviews with restructuring experts, Bank of Americas agreement with Remington allows it to back out and find another lender to cover its commitment. But withdrawing from the deal would hurt the banks reputation for standing by its lending agreements and could undermine Remingtons survival, according to one person familiar with the banks thinking. Noting that the credit facility is part of a court-supervised bankruptcy, the source said that if the bank were to pull out of the deal it could expose itself to lawsuits and potential damages. Remington makes the Bushmaster assault-style rifle, including the one used in the Sandy Hook school shooting in Connecticut in 2012 that killed 20 children and six adults. At Bank of Americas annual shareholder meeting in April, Chairman and Chief Executive Brian Moynihan said the change of policy toward some gun makers was prompted in part because more than 150 Bank of America employees directly lost a relative in the shootings in the last couple years. Moynihan was responding to conservative activist and shareholder Justin Danhof, who said at the meeting that the bank has an obligation to its investors to make profitable loans. The company is willfully giving up money, Danhof said of the guns pledge. Remington has been a client of Bank of America and the six other lenders providing the credit facility since at least 2012, according to court records. For the new facility, Wells Fargo & Co and Regions Bank are each providing $43.2 million, while Branch Banking and Trust Co, Synovus Bank, Fifth Third Bank and Deutsche Bank are providing smaller amounts. Wells Fargo has said it believes the government should set gun policy, not companies through their credit. The other banks declined to comment or did not respond to requests for comment. In the weeks leading up to Remingtons bankruptcy, 30 other potential lenders turned down requests for help from Remingtons financial adviser, many of them citing firearms as the reason, according to court documents. One corporate restructuring specialist suggested Bank of America could have used the new credit facility as leverage to demand that Remington stop making assault-style rifles. Its perfectly reasonable for them to say to any borrower, Were happy to lend to you if you dont make military-style assault weapons, said Ted Gavin of the Gavin/Solmonese LLC restructuring advisory firm. The lender has all the power. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said in a tweet on Monday that he would announce his decision on whether to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal at 2:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday. Trump has threatened to withdraw from the deal, which provided Iran with relief from sanctions in exchange for limiting its uranium enrichment capacity, unless European signatories to the accord fix what he has called its shortcomings. Reporting by Makini Brice; Editing by Mohammad Zargham 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. I hope McCain just keeps hanging on and on and on and one day the Trump klan can to decide if they will invite him to Senor T's funeral or not. "See the world as it is, with all its corruption and cruelty, and believe it is worth fighting for anyway, even dying for," he told the NY Times Sunday. "No just cause is futile, even if it's lost, if it helps make the future better than the past" I wish McCain had been as independent in the Senate as the legend he's always cultivated was. But he seems to be trying to make up for it in his final days or hours. Biden, who made his way out to visit McCain, told The Times that "John knows he's in a very, very, very precarious situation, and yet he's still concerned about the state of the country [and] alked about how our international reputation is being damaged and we talked about the need for people to stand up and speak out." It's been reported that McCain doesn't want Trump at his funeral and that Obama and Bush have been asked to do eulogies . (Pence gets to represent the Regime.) McCain would like his wife Cindy to get his seat in the Senate, an extremely unAmerican idea. McCain has a new book, The Restless Wave coming out to correspond with his funeral. In it he finally admits he was wrong to pick Sarah Palin as his running mate and wishes he had picked someone almost as hideous, Joe Lieberman. His advisors had told him Lieberman's pro-Choice position would make him unacceptable to Republican voters and McCain dug up Palin. He wrote in the book that the Lieberman analysis "was sound advice that I could reason for myself. But my gut told me to ignore it and I wish I had. Health Ministry warns of infectious disease break in summer The Ministry of Health has warned of the possibility of infectious disease break in this summer. According to the Ministry of Healths Preventive Medicine Department, since early this year, the country has recorded around 15,000 dengue fever cases, down 37.7% on-year, including four deaths in Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Khanh Hoa and Ca Mau provinces. A child being treated at Vietnam National Hospital of Paediatrics Meanwhile, a total number of nearly 7,000 hand, foot and mouth disease cases have been reported nationwide. Localities across the country have detected a total 135 measles patients and three meningococcal meningitis cases. Hanoi alone has found 81 dengue fever cases, 234 hand, foot and mouth disease cases, 61 measles cases and two meningococcal meningitis cases. These infectious diseases are forecasted to have a high risk for sharply increasing in the summer. In March, Hanoi had 20-25 hand, foot and mouth disease patients on average per week. By late April, the figure grew to 50-70 cases. Do Thien Hai, deputy head of Vietnam National Hospital of Paediatrics' Infectious Disease Ward, said that to date, there were no foot, hand and mouth disease vaccines prepared, so it would be easy for patients to face serious complications which could lead to fatalities. According to Dr. Truong Dinh Bac, deputy head of Preventive Medicine Department, many respiratory and digestive diseases also have a high risk for breakout. People need to take preventive measures against the diseases. Surviving Dublin a city with more taxis than New York. Dublin is a passengers paradise and a taxi drivers hell Second phase of Light Attack Experiment underway A Beechcraft AT-6B Wolverine experimental aircraft flies over White Sands Missile Range, N.M. July 31, 2017. The AT-6 is participating in the U.S. Air Force Light Attack Experiment (OA-X), a series of trials to determine the feasibility of using light aircraft in attack roles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ethan D. Wagner) ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- Flying began May 7, 2018, for the Air Forces second phase of the Light Attack Experiment at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. Pilots are flying the Sierra Nevada/Embraer A-29 Super Tucano and the Textron Aviation AT-6B Wolverine during a three-month, live-fly experiment to gather additional information about aircraft capabilities, as well as partner nation interoperability, prior to a potential light attack purchase. This second phase of experimentation is about informing the rapid procurement process as we move closer to investing in light attack, said Lt. Gen. Arnie Bunch, military deputy, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition. If we can get light attack aircraft operating in permissive combat environments, we can alleviate the demand on our 4th and 5th generation aircraft, so they can be training for the high-end fight they were made for. The Air Force is also assessing interoperability and networking capabilities, to one day carry out light attack operations side-by-side with coalition partners. According to the 2018 Air Force Posture Statement, Retaining irregular warfare as a core competency at a lower cost, and strengthening our alliances are key elements of our National Defense Strategy. Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David Goldfein told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, We're looking at light attack through the lens of allies and partners. A big part of the Light Attack Experiment is a common architecture and an intelligence-sharing network, so that those who would join us would be part of the campaign against violent extremism. During this phase of experimentation, aircrew include fighter, attack, or special operations pilots, plus test pilots and flight engineers from the Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve. Collectively, they average more than 1,000 flight hours and more than 100 combat missions, and all pilots have been instructors in one or more aircraft. Flight scenarios will consist of both day and night missions in air interdiction, close air support, armed overwatch, and combat search and rescue. Maintenance observers will focus on flightline and in-shop maintenance, to inform sustainment and product support requirements. The experiment is part of a broader Air Force effort to explore cost-effective attack platform options under the Light Attack Experimentation Campaign led by the Air Force Strategic Development Planning and Experimentation Office at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. The first phase of the Light Attack Experiment took place in August 2017 at Holloman AFB, with four models of light attack aircraft. Sixty-two students to represent Tennessee at history competition NASHVILLE, TN Sixty-two students will represent Tennessee at the National History Day competition this summer. The students are advancing after placing first or second in various categories at Tennessee History Day. These students represent Knox County: Junior Group Documentary 1st Paul Liulevicius, Vivi Christopoulos The Power of "No": The Greek Resistance of World War II St. John Neumann Catholic School, Knoxville Teacher: Michele Tarricone Junior Individual Paper 1st Keara Tibbs The Forgotten and Bloodless Conflict: The British-American Aroostook War of 1839 West Valley Middle School, Knoxville Teacher: Karen Peterman Senior Individual Documentary 2nd Eli Thompson We Ain't Here to Argue: The Conflict That Became the Coal Creek War Berean Christian School ISP, Knoxville Teacher: Sharron Thompson Senior Group Documentary 1st Lucy Drinnen, Reed Freeman 1960 Knoxville Sit-Ins: The Fight for a New Era L&N STEM Academy, Knoxville Teacher: Karen Stanish Senior Individual Exhibit 1st Zoe Curnell Women in the U.S. Military: Beginning the Right to Fight West High School, Knoxville Teacher: Alveta Summers Participants entered documentaries, exhibits, performances, websites and papers all based on this years theme, Conflict and Compromise in History. Out of 162 submitted projects, 92 students received medals for their efforts, 15 students were awarded special prizes and two educators were recognized as educators of the year. We have a terrific group of students who will be representing Tennessee on the national stage," Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. "I know they will have a great experience there. With students like these, Tennessee's future is bright. National History Day will be June 10 through June 14 on the University of Maryland campus in College Park, Maryland, with top finishers earning prestigious awards and scholarships. I am proud of all our students, said Tennessee History Day coordinator Jennifer C. Core. I'm impressed by how they turn themselves into experts on their selected topics and how they incorporate constructive feedback into each revision of their projects. They are learning how to examine sources critically and how to present their findings to a sophisticated audience. A full list of 2018 Tennessee History Day medal winners is available here. The Tennessee Historical Society has sponsored Tennessee History Day since 2009 with grant support from the Secretary of States office, Humanities Tennessee, the Memorial Foundation and the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. For more information, please visit tennesseehistory.org/tennessee-history-day. Published May 7, 2018 New Financial Supervisory Service Governor Yoon Suk-heun By Jhoo Dong-chan The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) is in the hot seat for its flip-flopping stance on Samsung Biologics over the company's alleged accounting fraud. The financial regulator said in January last year that Samsung Biologics had not violated the related law during a meeting with outside experts about the possible fraud. The agency, however, shifted its position last week, accusing Samsung Biologic of breaching accounting laws. "We think there was an accounting rule breach, but the final decision could change," an FSS official said May 1. The agency is now reportedly reviewing a plan to report the case to the prosecution while imposing a 6 billion won ($5.5 million) fine on the company. It is also demanding the sacking of the firm's head. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un stands in front of the Peace House to announce the Panmunjom Declaration after his summit with President Moon Jae-in at the demilitarized zone, April 27. / Joint press corps North Korean leader Kim Jong-un adjusts his glasses during a joint news conference with host President Moon Jae-in during the April 27 inter-Korean summit at the Panmunjeon truce village. / Yonhap By Oh Young-jin Few would blame North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, if he (tries to) jump for joy. This is not because he might win a Nobel Peace Prize (his father was upset when Kim Dae-jung won it alone after the 2000 inter-Korean summit) but because he is very popular among an overwhelming number of South Koreans, yes, the people of his "enemy state," which the North has vowed to unify on its terms. Up to 80 percent held a positive view of Kim after the April 27 inter-Korean summit. Considering Kim had frequently threatened the South with his nuclear weapons a short few months ago, the poll result was a shock Discredited as he is, Hong Joon-pyo, leader of the main conservative opposition Liberty Korea Party, rued, "If the number holds, Kim could be elected as the next president of the Republic of Korea." U.S. President Donald Trump on his way to Texas. / Reuters By Oh Young-jin U.S. President Donald Trump takes pride in his ability to keep the other party guessing before negotiating a better deal. Now Trump appears applying his strong suit to North Korea, or he may getting smarter about the North. After the April 27 inter-Korean summit at Panmunjeom truce village, Trump talked about his summit with Kim taking place in three or four weeks _ meaning an early meeting. At first, it was said to be held in late May and early June. Then Trump twice talked in public about the place and time of the summit being fixed but did not reveal either. Trump also said he liked Panmunjeom as the venue, adding to the urgency of the summit. Donald Trump's popularity may be slipping in the United States, but it appears to be improving in South Korea. / AFP By Jung Min-ho By Jung Min-ho North Korea's newspaper slammed the Japanese government Sunday for "trying to free-ride on the wind of peace" without playing its part. The Rodong Sinmun, mouthpiece of the ruling Workers' Party, said in a commentary that Japan, which "made a fuss about North Korea threats last year," was now "trying to act like an apostle of peace after sensing a peaceful atmosphere on the Korean Peninsula." The paper accused the Japanese government of currying favor with the United States to take credit for peace efforts and normalize relations with North Korea. But Japan would "forever be left out" unless it completely gave up its aggressive sanctions against North Korea, the paper said. Before the historic inter-Korean summit on April 27, which turned around the atmosphere in the region, Japan had advocated the U.S.-led campaign of applying "maximum pressure" and sanctions against the regime over its nuclear weapons program. Japan sees itself as a major stakeholder in the region's denuclearization, but has obviously been sidelined by the joint U.S.-South Korean effort to resolve North Korea issues. Last week, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also said he would normalize diplomatic ties with Pyongyang and resolve the issue of Japanese nationals being detained in North Korea. Moon advised to serve as mentor for Kim Jong-un By Kim Jae-kyoung The historic inter-Korean summit has created a silver lining for the nuclear standoff on the Korean Peninsula. In order to ensure success for the upcoming U.S.-North Korea summit and bring the isolated country to the outside, President Moon Jae-in and his administration should play three key roles, namely "mentor, facilitator and cooperator." The issue here is that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his regime have a lack of experience and skills in communicating with the outside world. Pyongyang has relied only on nuclear brinkmanship over the past decades. First, Moon needs to mentor Kim to help the North become a member of the international community. "The South is the key to helping the North navigate its way toward becoming a normal state," Katharine Moon, a professor of Political Science and the Wasserman Chair of Asian Studies at Wellesley College, told The Korea Times. "The South would be the guide and advocate to help the North understand various mechanisms of international life and learn how to be part of international institutions." She called on Seoul to help Pyongyang develop its economy to meet people's needs, engaging in people-to-people exchanges in education, technology and arts. Secondly, President Moon should serve as a facilitator by acting as a go-between to narrow the interpretation gap over denuclearization at the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Kim. "These are big goals, but the South's role as translator and facilitator would be indispensible," said the Massachusetts-based professor. She is also a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. "The South has to work as a translator and facilitator for the U.S." Tony Michell, a professor at the Korea Development Institute (KDI) School, echoed her view, saying the Trump-Kim summit, like the Iran deal, will have many debatable details. In this process, he said Seoul will have to help Washington and Pyongyang find a middle ground so the summit will set "the direction which will be highly favorable to peace in the peninsula." "The biggest danger is that Trump tries to hustle Kim to set an early date for complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID) such as 2020," Michell said. "Moon's role is to slow down the urge for complete denuclearization, and link it to the peace treaty that Moon is already committed to create this year, together with Kim." Michell expects short- and medium-range missiles to become a hot topic. "Kim seems ready to scrap ICBMs and the test site, but there is pressure on mid- and short-range missiles and this would put the North at a disadvantage against South Korean and Japanese missiles, so serious negotiation is required," he said. Liang Tuang Nah, a Singapore-based specialist on nuclear weapons politics and North Korean affairs, thinks with the first summit concluded, Kim is looking to achieve results in terms of sanctions relief. He expects failure to obtain concessions within a reasonable timeframe might mean a return to antagonistic North Korean policies. Nah is a research fellow of the Military Studies Program at the Institute of Defense and Strategic Studies, a constituent unit of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. "That said, if I were in Moon's shoes, I would recommend he advise President Trump not to underestimate Kim and that the former should offer the latter a fair denuclearization deal," he said. "Also, since Moon is going to meet Kim again in the fall, he might offer to communicate and possibly support any new improved proposals from Trump to Kim, subject to the preservation of the South's national interests, so that the denuclearization process does not falter." Thirdly, the Moon administration should take the lead in boosting cooperation with the North in areas where the two Koreas can create synergy. Michell, who is also president of Korea Associates Business Consulting (KABC),?said there are some areas where they can work together to find a joint solution. "For example the North will not want to give up its space program, and Moon will have to suggest a joint North-South space program which is transparent but which helps both countries," he said. "The North currently has better rocketry, and we must presume the South has better satellites.?The North will want to keep a civil nuclear power industry and again the South could offer joint activity." By Kang Aa-young A Vietnamese sailor has been injured when a five-ton fishing boat collided with a 115-ton cleaning vessel off Yeosu on Sunday night, the Jeonnam Yeosu Coast Guard said Monday. The collision happened when the bigger boat was heading to the dock and the smaller one was on its way to sea. The crews of four rescue boats pulled the sailors from the water. A Vietnamese sailor, 40, was taken to hospital with facial injuries. The coast guard is checking whether the sailors were drunk Korea Airports Corporation uses drones to check its regional airports' navigational system. / Yonhap By Jung Da-min Drones have been used as one of the core aircraft technologies in military surveillance and reconnaissance. They have been launched behind enemy lines to counter potential threats and maintain security. Drones can do what humans cannot do. They can minimize and prevent damage. This "art of war" concept is nowadays being widely used by non-military sectors to keep people safe and secure. Drones are increasingly being used for recreation and sports. Amazon is seeking to use drones that can deliver products purchased by e-commerce consumers. Facebook has launched a drone to help people in developing countries gain access to the internet. The 2018 PyeongChang Olympics showed the potential for using drones as an art. In Korea, authorities launched drones over a recent forest fire in Goseong, Gangwon Province, to monitor and keep track of the fire earlier last week. Thanks in part to the technology, they were able to bring the situation under control in 11 hours. The government said they could minimize the damage in the near future by using 120 drones, along with 154 helicopters in the region to prevent a big fire during the spring season. The state-run Korea Airports Corporation (KAC) has launched a new drone to help assist commercial airplanes make safe landings at regional airports. KAC's drones constantly check with its on-field navigational system to further guide planes for an accurate landing. They can also help commercial airliners not to be interfered with by other electronic signals from communication devices such as mobile phones or radios, it noted. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said it will create jobs by making 2,800 drones commercially and professionally active in the market. They will be used by 215 fire, 254 police and 230 Coastguard stations by 2020, according to the ministry. Drones can be very useful in disaster areas as they can send real-time information to firefighters and coast guards during emergencies as was the case with the Goseong forest fire. The ministry said it will invest 49 billion won in its drone project. The government is developing the "K-drone" platform to manage unmanned aircraft in the sky, by 2021. It seeks to increase the size of the market to 1.4 trillion won by 2022, and to 4.4 trillion won by 2026, currently from 70.4 billion won. This is a part of the government's five-year plan to become one of the world's top five drone markets. "The public awareness and perception of drones has rapidly increased here," said Monica Suk, a spokeswoman for DJI Korea. "Domestic regulations are responding well to the latest developments." She expects more companies will be using drones for services. DJI is a drone maker headquartered in Shenzhen in China. "The market has become saturated in the leisure sector, and other countries are studying how to further use them in new sectors," said Kim Min-seok, the chief executive of AIS, a drone startup. / Yonhap / Yonhap Two people were killed in a gas explosion in a residential town in Yangju, north of Seoul, on Monday, local firefighters said. The blast took place at around 11:15 a.m., destroying two houses and damaging two others. A witness said debris flew some 50 meters in the air following the explosion. Firefighters found a woman presumed to be in her 60s dead at one of the destroyed houses. The body of a man in his 50s was later found at the site. / Yonhap / Yonhap Firefighters said they will continue the investigation to find other potential victims. While the firefighters deployed 17 vehicles along with rescue dogs to search for potential victims, they are facing troubles due to debris from the collapse, sources said. (Yonhap) Rep. Kang Ghil-boo, then-lawmaker of the main opposition Liberty Party Korea (LKP), speaks during a press conference at the National Assembly, Thursday, calling for the resignation of LKP leader Hong Joon-pyo. / Yonhap By Park Ji-won A four-term lawmaker of the main opposition Liberty Party Korea (LKP), Kang Ghil-boo, bolted from the party, Sunday, following a feud with party leader Hong Joon-pyo over Hong's handling of party affairs. Kang has been critical of Hong especially over his recent disparaging remarks about the April 27 inter-Korean summit. Some party officials say more lawmakers who have been in conflict with the outspoken party leader could follow Kang to quit the party. The LKP now holds 115 of 293 seats in the National Assembly. "I submitted a letter to the party's Ulsan branch yesterday to quit the party. I'm sorry for all the troubles to the region's people no matter what the reason," Kang wrote on Facebook, Monday. "Leaving the party is my fault. I haven't decided what I will do in the future." Kang had been asking for the resignation of LKP leader Hong Joon-pyo, saying "The LKP leader's remarks about the recent inter-Korean summit are triggering public anger." Regarding the April 27 summit between the two Koreas, the LKP leader criticized it calling it a "fake peace show" being played by the North. Some LKP members also have been criticizing Hong's remarks as it might negatively affect their chances in the local elections in June. "Some people may worry Hong would visit them to support them for the local election campaign. I will make an important decision, including resigning myself from the party, if Hong doesn't resign from his post by this week," Kang said Thursday. Meanwhile, LKP members began a relay hunger strike following their floor leader Kim Sung-tae, who began a hunger strike at the Assembly Thursday to call for an independent investigation of an online opinion-rigging scandal that allegedly involves Kim Kyung-soo, who is a ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) lawmaker and President Moon Jae-in's aide. The floor leader was attacked by an alleged supporter of the LKP Saturday at the National Assembly during his hunger strike. The attacker, who was arrested on the spot for assault, demanded the LKP do their job for the country and stop the hunger strike. By Lee Min-hyung A series of arranged meetings scheduled for this month will determine the fate of the Korean Peninsula, with leaders from the two Koreas, China, Japan and the U.S. set to discuss details of Pyongyang's pledge for denuclearization. Starting Wednesday, South Korean President Moon Jae-in will have a trilateral summit in Tokyo with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Leaders of the Asian countries will discuss their positions and roles on the North's recent shift in its nuclear policy. According to Japanese local media, the three leaders will push for adopting a joint declaration urging the North to carry out complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID). On the table, they are expected to narrow their differences on how to push the regime to realize its denuclearization pledge. The trilateral talks have been held annually since 2008, but were discontinued after November 2015 when Seoul was the host country of the event. South Korea, however, is in a position to continue dialogue with the North to realize the recent Panmunjeom Declaration under which both Koreas agreed to completely denuclearize the peninsula and put an end to any military attacks and provocations against each other. Cheong Wa Dae said last week the government does not have any plans to adopt a trilateral agreement with the CVID message again the North. By Lee Min-hyung South Korea and China resumed Monday a defense policy dialogue, discussing their positions about the recent inter-Korean summit. This came more than two years after both countries held their last working-level defense policy talk in January 2016. The dialogue has since been suspended in the wake of the political conflict surrounding Seoul's decision to deploy the terminal high altitude (THAAD) anti-missile system. "Seoul and Beijing discussed the results of the summit and a series of security issues on the Korean Peninsula," the ministry said in a statement. "Both sides also exchanged ideas on plans for future military partnerships." Yeo Seok-joo, the chief of the National Defense Policy Office of the ministry, and Hu Changming, head of the international military cooperation unit of China's defense ministry, participated in the dialogue. U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May on Saturday on issues including the Iran nuclear deal, a week before the president is to decide whether Washington will leave the pact, the White House said. Trump is set to decide by May 12 whether to withdraw from the 2015 Iran deal, in which the Islamic Republic agreed to curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump has all but decided to withdraw, White House officials said on May 2. Still, Trump could figure out a way to stay in the deal between the Islamic Republic and six world powers: Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States. Britain, France and Germany agreed that the deal is the best way of stopping Tehran from getting nuclear weapons, May's office said in late April. French President Emmanuel Macron urged Trump to stay in the deal when he met with the president in Washington last month. In the call with May, Trump "underscored his commitment to ensure that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon," the White House said. The two also talked about nuclear issues in North Korea. "As planning continues for his upcoming meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, President Trump emphasized his goal of a denuclearized North Korea," the White House said. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is traveling to Washington on Sunday for a two-day visit, when he will meet Vice President Mike Pence and national security adviser John Bolton, for talks on Iran, North Korea, Syria and other issues, Britain said. "The UK, the United States, and European partners are "united in our effort to tackle the kind of Iranian behavior that makes the Middle East region less secure - its cyber activities, its support for groups like Hezbollah, and its dangerous missile program, which is arming Houthi militias in Yemen," Johnson said in a statement. Trump is slated visit the United Kingdom in July. (Reuters) By Lee Kyung-min Mohammed Al Duhileb started training at the Catholic University of Korea Seoul St. Mary's Hospital in September 2016 to study with Professor Chae Byoung-joo of the Department of breast and endocrine surgery. The graduate of King Faisal University said he is among many Saudi Arabian doctors who are increasingly keen on learning about the advanced medical technologies of Korea. "I came here to learn about the medical advances of minimally invasive surgery. I heard so much about the Korean medical system from many of my senior colleagues who had visited Seoul before I did, which helped me decide to apply for the training here. There is nothing to miss. The skills of the surgeons, especially in the field of minimally invasive and robotic surgery, is far more advanced than that of other countries. I was also impressed how the doctors here care about the emotional and psychological well-being of their patients." Laparoscopic surgery, or minimally invasive surgery, involves a video camera-tipped cable and several other thin instruments going inside the body through small incisions to allow viewing of a section of the body that requires surgery. Unlike the old way where doctors have to cut through the body including large abdominal muscles to reach vital organs, the modern way means much less trauma to the body of a patient, faster recovery and fewer days of hospitalization. While all technologies are worth learning, he said he found it helpful to experience robotic thyroid surgery. "I would recommend doctors in my country and other countries come to Korea for training." Not many people have medical checkups in Saudi Arabia. Those who visit the hospital are mostly terminal patients for whom laparotomy is needed, not laparoscopic surgery. This leads to many Saudi surgeons seeking training in other countries with advanced medical technology such as Korea where most patients have operations in the early stages as a result of regular checkups, which translates to surgeons here having ample experience. Dr. Rafat Bahjat Zahid, the deputy director of the Multi-Organ Transplant Center at the Prince Sultan Military Medical City (PSMMC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, underwent an 11-month training program at Asan Medical Center in southern Seoul to learn laparoscopic surgery from urologist Hong Bum-sik. The urology specialist at the PSMMC, a leading hospital in the Middle East specializing in organ transplant visited by around 40,000 outpatients, came to Korea to improve his surgical skills and better integrate his medical knowledge into treating patients. After he returned home, he performed 50 successful laparoscopic hand-assisted donor nephrectomy operations and established a multi-organ transplant center at which he is a deputy director. PSMMC has over 1,700 beds visited by around 118,000 emergency patients a year. The two surgeons are among many Saudi doctors who have completed or are undergoing the medical training program between Korea and Saudi Arabia started in 2014. It was organized by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), a health ministry-supervised organization. The training program was expanded in May 2014, less than a year after the first one was launched in September 2013. The Saudi government pays $3,000 per month per doctor to train them here. Korea is the fourth country to have the government-level bilateral program with Saudi Arabia after the U.S., Canada and France. Five hospitals that provide training include Seoul National University Hospital, Yonsei University Health System, Catholic University of Korea Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Samsung Medical Center and Asan Medical Center. Mongolia and Russia began sending doctors to Korea, in 2012 and 2013, respectively, so they could learn advanced medical technology at a state-organized program. Korea's excellence in robotic prostatectomy Dr. Rha Koon-ho, a professor of urology and the director of the Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery Center at Yonsei University Health System, played a key role in adopting robot-assisted surgery in Korea after he first performed one in 2002 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in the U.S. Rha, a premier robotic surgeon specializing in treating prostate, kidney, bladder and urethral cancer, has performed over 2,500 robotic surgeries since 2005, when the hospital adopted the Da Vinci Surgical System, a robot-assisted surgery system made by a U.S. company Intuitive Surgical. The system helps a doctor perform an endoscopy using three-dimensional imagery to remove the gallbladder or prostate gland by using the robot's four arms that go inside a patient's body and locate where surgery is required. With the help of a camera-tipped instrument, the three surgical equipment-tipped instrument arms incise the point, ligate, secure and suture the wound, all of which can be observed by a doctor on a monitor. The number of Da Vinci-assisted operations at Yonsei University Health System, the first Korean hospital to use the minimally invasive approach to facilitate complex surgery, is set to surpass 20,000 next month. "The sheer number of operations is also noteworthy but I put more emphasis on the experience and data accumulated over the past decade," Rha said. "Apart from the precision- and dexterity-improving qualities, the recorded footage of the operation enables doctors to study and learn to better execute masterful surgery." His experience and insight were also instrumental in developing Revo-i, the first domestically developed robot-assisted surgery system manufactured by Meere Company in Korea. Revo-I is the second such system after Da Vinci approved for surgical use globally. The system, which won approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety last year, following successful clinical trials based on research and development for over a decade. Over 20 billion won ($19 million) in state grants has been invested after the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy designated the project a state initiative to foster development of surgical robots in 2007. "We have been making various attempts to implement different surgical approaches using the robot-based system since about four years ago. The prime technology and experiences of seasoned surgeons are great components to achieving innovative surgical technique development," he added. Many foreign doctors seek training programs to learn under Rha including doctors from the U.S., Japan, China, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Malaysia, the Philippines. "Operating many training programs in Korea for foreign doctors is among many indicators how the country has improved its standing on the global medical stage," Rha said. Rha was among many high-profile figures who attended the Global Future Medicine Symposium 2017 in Beijing, China, last November, alongside Hanyang University department of medicine professor Tae Kyung and Korean Society of Medical Robotics Chairman and Hanyang University electronic systems engineering professor Yi Byung-Ju. Over 30 robotic surgeons and 120 medical students in China attended the conference including Zhou Liqun, a premier robotic surgeon, and Beijing Medical Doctor Association chairman Guo Jiyong. According to KHIDI data, 60,257 surgeries were performed using 66 Da Vinci Surgical Systems in China as of last year, since the country first adopted the U.S. system in 2006. Of the total, almost half, or 45 percent, accounted for treating urinary diseases, followed by obstetrician and gynecological diseases (12 percent), thoracic surgery (12 percent), colorectal disease (11 percent) and liver surgery (10 percent). Korea's excellence in robotic thyroid surgery Kim Hoon-yub, an endocrine surgeon at Korea University Anam Hospital and an associate professor of surgery at Korea University, developed a procedure for transoral thyroid surgery, noted by the Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) for the thyroid gland. The surgical method uses a robotic arm below the chin and inside the mouth, so the operative scars are invisible. His work was published in Surgical Endoscopy, a leading peer-reviewed medical journal of endoscopy. Jonathon Russell, director of endoscopic and robotic thyroid and parathyroid surgery at Johns Hopkins, came to learn from Kim in July 2016. Three months later, Eren Berber, an endocrine surgeon from the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, also visited Kim in October to learn. He has visited many top global hospitals to demonstrate the procedure including Johns Hopkins, the Cleveland Clinic and the University of Insubria in Italy. Korea spent 19.6 billion won ($17.3 million) last year to import surgical robots, up 34 percent from a year earlier. The surgical robot industry is growing worldwide, reporting a 12.1 percent annual increase. The worldwide market is expected to be worth 9.6 trillion won by 2021. According to "Markets and Markets," a market tracker, the global market for medical robots is expected to grow by 22.2 percent on-year on average, reaching $11.4 billion by 2020, up from $ 4.2 billion in 2015. The U.S. Economic Cycle Research Institute picked surgical robots as one of the 10 innovations in 2016. Medical Korea to boost academic exchanges with China Experts in robotic surgery from both Korea and China will speak at special sessions at the "Korea-China Medical Robot Symposium" at 9:30 a.m. at the Intercontinental Seoul COEX, southern Seoul, May 9. The sessions which will be participated in by the Korean Society of Medical Robotics are part of Medical Korea 2018, an annual event organized by the health ministry and the KHIDI. The three day event will end on May 11. More information can be found at www.medical-korea.org By Hwang Jae-ho Gaoyue Fan President should do his best for peacemaking President Moon Jae-in's role as a mediator is more crucial to denuclearization and peace on the Korean Peninsula than ever before. Moon needs to make more active diplomatic efforts to help U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un produce successful results in their first summit due late this month or early June. Wednesday's trilateral summit in Tokyo between South Korea, China and Japan will be a good venue for Moon to extract strong support for the Panmunjeom Declaration. Moon and Kim agreed to complete denuclearization and the settlement of permanent peace on the peninsula in the declaration adopted at the April 27 inter-Korean summit. First of all, close cooperation among the three Asian countries is indispensible to achieve the common goal of denuclearizing the North. China's active participation in the U.S.-led international sanctions against Pyongyang for its nuclear and missile tests has contributed to bringing Kim to the negotiating table. Beijing is also expected to play an important role in the North's denuclearization. At the same time, China can help the two Koreas formally end the Korean War and replace the armistice with a peace treaty. It means the Asian giant needs to engage in a soon-to-be-initiated peace process on the peninsula. That is because China was a signatory to the 1953 Korean War armistice along with North Korea and the U.S.-led United Nations Command. In addition, Beijing could provide support for North Korea to learn from China's development model and its experience with reform and opening. Of course it is difficult to tell if the North is ready to get out of its isolation, open its borders to the outside world and adopt a reform policy -- be it a Chinese or Vietnamese model. On the part of Japan, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is trying to play a certain role in the denuclearization and peace process on the peninsula. Japan has offered to pay 300 million yen ($2.75 million) to cover the anticipated initial cost for an inspection of North Korean nuclear facilities by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Tokyo needs to work closely with Seoul to get Japanese abductees in the North released. It also requires help from Seoul in normalizing diplomatic ties with Pyongyang in the not-too-distant future. Besides, Japan wants to have its say over the peninsula. Moon, Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang are expected to issue a special statement backing the Panmunjeom Declaration. The statement, if symbolic, will have positive implications not only for the inter-Korean detente, but also for denuclearization talks between Pyongyang and Washington. Aside from the trilateral meeting, Moon will hold a summit with Trump in Washington on May 22. The summit is designed for the two leaders to have close consultations over North Korean issues before the Trump-Kim meeting. They are likely to focus on how to denuclearize the North. The two presidents should step up collaboration to make the U.S.-North Korean summit a success. It is safe to say Moon has taken the driver's seat in navigating the path to denuclearization and peace on the peninsula. We hope he will continue to act as a peacemaker to end the Cold War and create a new era of reconciliation and co-prosperity for the divided nation. Armen Sarkissian meets with employees of Nairit plant (video) Employees of Nairit plant today were trying to express their expectations from the newly formed government through the demonstrations. According to them, judicial proceedings against employees do not go under the conditions of justice and violate rights. Tigran Sargsyan, the advocate of their interests in the court proceedings, was also with them, who told us that they went out to the streets today to make the society to raise concerns about judicial power. The people of Nairit and Tigran Sargsyan were inspired by the fact that Armen Sarkissian agreed to meet with the protesters in front of the Government and gave some promises. According to him, not only the current regulations and rules have been violated, but also the rules of conduct have not been met. "After listening to the problems, he promised to solve the issues, even offered to create a delegation and to come to discuss the more constructive issues next time, and in respect of Arman Mkrtumyan he promised that the issues would be discussed with the Chairman of the Judicial Council Gagik Harutyunyan and will soon regulate them." By Sandip Kumar Mishra The momentum to reach out to North Korea and persuade it to engage in complete denuclearization began with the invitation of South Korea to North Korea to participate in the in the Winter Olympics held in PyeongChang, South Korea. It has got a further boost up with the inter-Korean summit held April 27 at the truce village of Panmunjeom. In the last two months the developments on the Korean Peninsula have been quite encouraging and many incredible things have happened in the last two months, compared to the last few years. The North Korean reclusive regime under Kim Jong-un appears very different and the credit must go to South Korean President Moon Jae-in and his North Korea policy. In the last two months, North Korea's all important civil and military leaders, including the top leader Kim Jong-un himself, have visited South Korea. Through the summit between North and South Korean leaders, peninsular political dynamics look quite benign and positive. In these two months, North Korea announced a self-moratorium on nuclear and missile tests and a plan to shut down its nuclear test site at Punggye-ri. It also expressed a willingness to give up is nuclear and missile programs, and established a hot-line with South Korea. Through the Panmunjeom Declaration, the two Koreas have also agreed to try and replace the armistice agreement with a peace treaty by the end of this year; and have another summit with President Moon visiting Pyongyang this autumn. They also agreed to have military talks to ease tension on the peninsula and establish a liaison office at Gaeseong. Both sides committed themselves to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula if a credible security assurance is provided to the North. They also agreed to work with each other to reduce the military build-ups along the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone. These achievements are indeed impressive but critics are still dissatisfied with the progress on the denuclearization of North Korea. They also doubt the strategy and intent of North Korea and believe that an overnight heart change in the North must not be taken at face value. Because of the same reasons, all the achievements so far are played down and mistrust about North Korea still persists. However, to comprehend the tectonic changes on the Korean Peninsula and evaluate the outcomes of the Kim-Moon summit, it is important to at least delineate the progress so far on the issue of inter-Korean rapprochement and North Korea's denuclearization. Even though these two issues are related and contingent, they are different. Through the Kim-Moon summit there has been substantial progress on the first leg as well as strong beginning for the second. The rapprochement between the two Koreas is most likely to continue but the process of denuclearization is dependent more on the U.S. and North Korea. South Korea has been able to bring these two actors to the negotiating table the process must be taken forward primarily by the U.S. and North Korea. For the same reason, all eyes are now on the U.S.-North Korea summit which might happen in late May or early June. Directly and through South Korea, Pyongyang has sent many indications that this time it's serious. Recently, CIA Director Mike Pompeo, who is now the U.S. secretary of state, visited North Korea and this appears to have been a positive move. Actually, North Korea has said that if a security guarantee of its system is provided, it has no intention of keeping the nuclear option. The North appears ready to address Washington's apprehensions as well as preconditions except committing to a roadmap and schedule for denuclearization in the early phase of talks. The U.S. may decide to be satisfied or otherwise from the recent North Korean gestures and concrete responses. The U.S. still appears unsure about the future course and wants to keep its options open. On the one hand, Donald Trump has appreciated a transformed North Korea and the outcome of the inter-Korean summit, but his choice for new secretary of state and national security adviser indicates contrary. Actually, even in his appreciation, shreds of doubt are quite obvious and that's why he seems to be holding an ambidextrous policy in which "maximum pressure" still has its place. He would began with mistrusting North Korean olive branches and would like to have a more specific pledge and actions from North Korea about the framework and schedule of denuclearization. The current approach of the U.S. is quite understandable but at the same it must not be overlooked that the changed North Korea stance is a rare opportunity. Any egotistic or inflexible approach on the part of the U.S. might spoil the momentum and achievements of South Korea's efforts. Careless statements such as John Bolton's recent statement that North Korea must follow Libya's denuclearization model, might not assist the process. U.S. policy and actions must be more careful and nuanced. This does not mean to suggest that they should compromise its demand for a "complete denuclearization" of North Korea. Rather it means that it should allow flexibility and accommodation in respect to means, timelines and sequencing for this goal. The world is looking keenly for such statesmanship from Donald Trump and only time will tell whether these exceptions from the U.S. leadership are appropriate. Overall, South Korea has played its role brilliantly. North Korea also appears to be different and now the ball is in the U.S. court. Sandip Kumar Mishra (sandipmishra10@gmail.com) is associate professor at the Centre for East Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India. FSS chief should speed up financial reform A reform-minded professor will take the helm of the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) Tuesday, boosting hopes that the regulator will speed up financial reform and innovation. President Moon Jae-in picked Yoon Suk-heun, a visiting professor of business administration at Seoul National University, as FSS chief last week. Yoon's appointment reflected Moon's strong determination to bring drastic change to the financial sector as well as the regulatory system. Yoon is considered to be a competent figure to lead the supervision of banks and other financial institutions, having served as chairman of the Financial Administration Innovation Committee since Moon's inauguration as President last year. He is also touted as the architect of the Moon administration's financial reform policy. Yoon has recommended Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee be subject to a fine for allegedly evading taxes by keeping borrowed-name accounts. The new FSS governor has also suggested financial firms appoint a member to their boards who is nominated by their employees. In addition, he has called on those firms to improve their governance structure to increase transparency and accountability. Yoon is required to strengthen prudential regulation in order to improve the financial health of banks, security houses, insurance firms and asset management companies. It is pivotal to establish a better working financial system to provide better services for customers and sharpen the competitive edge of the financial sector. First of all, he should do his best to restore the credibility of the FSS which was hit hard by the personnel fiasco of his predecessor Kim Ki-sik last month. Kim, an activist-turned-politician, resigned two weeks after he was named last month because he was found to have made an illegal donation to an institute he headed. Kim's predecessor Choi Heung-sik was also forced to step down over his involvement in recruitment irregularities when he served as the president of KEB Hana Bank. Against this backdrop, Yoon ought to meet a high level of integrity and expertise. He should not repeat the mistakes of his predecessors so he can win respect from employees of the FSS and financial firms as well as the public. Yoon also needs to tackle pending issues such as an allegation that Samsung BioLogics breached accounting rules. He must ensure the sound management and operation of securities and investment companies to prevent any fraud. Another important task of the FSS chief is to root out corrupt ties between the regulator and financial firms. He also should go all-out to advocate the interests of consumers. The FSS cannot and should not drag its feet in reforming itself to better serve the financial sector. We hope Yoon will exercise his leadership to the fullest to make his financial reforms a success. The Dongfeng Sokon Glory 580 sport utility vehicle / Courtesy of Shinwon CK Motors Korean consumers skeptical about quality, safety of made-in China cars By Park Jae-hyuk Shinwon CK Motors, the nation's only importer offering multiple Chinese automotive brands, will likely face difficulties in selling Dongfeng Sokon's (DFSK) new cars, due to the remaining skepticism among Korean consumers about the quality and safety of made-in-China vehicles, industry analysts said Thursday. Shinwon is preparing for a press conference in Seoul next week to announce the launch of its small trucks, minivans and its Glory 580-based plug-in hybrid mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) in the Korean market. The Korean company reportedly has a license for exclusive imports of cars made by DFSK, the affiliate of the second-largest carmaker in China, Dongfeng Motor. The prices of DFSK's trucks are expected to be lower than 20 million won ($18,000), although they are equipped with various features such as dual airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist control and traction control system. Considering the BAIC Yinxiang Kenbo 600 SUV's failure in the Korean market last year, however, the affordable prices may not guarantee success for the DFSK's vehicles. Shinwon imported the BAIC affiliate's mid-size SUV in January last year, being the country's first importer of a made-in-China SUV. Back then, the importer offered the mid-size SUV at the price range of most small-size SUVs between 19.9 million won and 20.9 million won to sell 3,000 Kenbo 600s in 2017. However, the gasoline-powered vehicle's poor engine output upset consumers, so only 321 were sold. The launch of the Hyundai Kona and the Kia Stonic small SUVs worsened the situation surrounding the Kenbo 600, because young Korean consumers in their 20s and 30s preferred the domestic small SUVs to the Chinese vehicle. Some critics pointed out poor after-sales services provided by Chinese brands as well. Before the partnership with Shinwon, DFSK exported minivans and trucks to Korea through DFSK Korea, which was acquired by Shinwon after the Chinese firm went into bankruptcy earlier this year. The bankruptcy delayed after-sales services and supplies of necessary auto parts. Despite Shinwon's hopeful prospects for success, industry officials have cast a negative outlook on the competitiveness of Chinese brands recently expanding their presence in the Korean market. "Although Chinese companies have achieved improvements in their technology, the world's strictest regulations here will weigh on their expansion in Korea," Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association Chairman Chung Woo-young told reporters in a recent press conference. "I am skeptical about these companies holding a significant amount of market share in the near future." He added consumers will recognize their value, if they have competitiveness in quality. Visitors look around Manhae Memorial Hall located in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, after LG Hausys renovated it earlier this year as part of the firm's social contribution activities focused on patriotic duties. / Courtesy of LG Hausys By Jun Ji-hye Lee Dong-han, a professional of LG Hausys, the construction materials arm of LG Group, has been in charge of the company's social contribution activities focused on patriotic duties. Lee Dong-han Nongshim Kellogg CEO Han Jong-kap The firm's Rice Crispy Bar found to contain a fly in January By Jhoo Dong-chan Nongshim Kellogg, Korea's second-largest cereal maker, is expected to lose a substantial market share to Lotte Confectionary, which has entered the steadily growing market in partnership with U.S. food giant PepsiCo, according to market analysts Monday. The nation's cereal market has been divided by Nongshim Kellogg's and its larger rival Dongsuh Foods' Post. The former accounts for about 41 percent and the latter more than 50 percent. In 2017, Nongshim Kellogg earned 151 billion won ($145 million), up from 137 billion won the previous year, according to audit data provided by the Financial Supervisory Service. However, it faces a rather bleak outlook for this year and beyond due to intensifying competition fueled by the confectionary arm of Korea's fifth-largest business group. Not only are Lotte Confectionary's new cereal products being well-received by customers but also Nongshim Kellogg hygiene management has come into question as foreign substances were found in its products three times over the past year. In April, Lotte Confectionary, which makes Quaker oatmeal products in Korea for local sales, introduced PepsiCo's Quaker Oats products to win the fast-growing Korean cereal market. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today A steady rain this morning. Showers continuing this afternoon. Thunder possible. High near 70F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with more showers at times. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. (ST. JOSEPH, Mo) Police have identified the man who died after being stabbed on a Kansas City-area highway Saturday. 23-year-old Cody M. Harter from St. Joseph, Mo., died after being stabbed along northbound Missouri 291 near where the highway meets I-470, Lee's Summit Police said Sunday. Cody M. Harter "Cody Michael Harter is my son," Harter's mother Kerrie said at a press conference Sunday. "He was so much joy to us." At the conference, his family spoke about Harter's character and importance in their lives. Harter was a loadmaster with the Missouri Air National Guard, Kerrie Harter said. She said He served a tour in Iraq and Quatar and helped with hurricane relief in Houston and Puerto Rico. Harter was one semester shy of getting his engineering technology degree. "He was my best friend," Harter's sister Kylee said. Then Harter's girlfriend, Shelby Berkemeier followed and said, "He was the love of my life." "He was not just a number," Kerrie Harter said. "He is a person. He is my love." Homicide Investigation Authorities said the incident appears to be connected to road rage. Police are investigating it as a homicide. Drivers reported seeing Harter stumbling into traffic to police Saturday night, according to a press release from the Lee's Summit Police Department. Harter had collapsed on the median by the time emergency crews arrived. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses reported they had seen a vehicle stopped near Harter's truck and that he was arguing with someone. In the press release, Police said they believe Harter was stabbed once in the chest during the fight. Police said the person Harter argued with, fled north on I-470. Harter was found dead by his pickup truck on the shoulder of the highway. His father Mike said his son was in the Kansas City area to pick-up a lawnmower. On Sunday, the family asked for help solving Harter's death. "If you saw anything even if you think it was nothing, please call," Kerrie Harter said. "Please call. They will put the pieces together." Mike Harter repeated his wife's pleas. "Any little detail would help the police in this investigation," he said. "Anything you might think is not important or just trivial. Anything you can add could be a piece of this puzzle." Lee's Summit police are asking for anyone who may have been in the area at the time or who saw anything to call them at 816-969-7390. For the full press conference, visit the Lee's Summit Police's Facebook page. Rome, May 7 - The prospect of Italy having new elections this year is a distinct possibility after no breakthrough appeared during third round of formal political consultations on Monday. At this point, President Sergio Mattarella could call for a new vote, perhaps as early as July, sources said, with no sign of an end to the gridlock that followed Italy's inconclusive election in March. An election during the summer holiday season would be a first for Italy. The anti-establishment 5-Star Movement (M5S), the biggest single party in the new parliament, said it would not support a interim 'government of the president' featuring all the major parties. It also reiterated its opposition to forming a government with the centre-right alliance as a whole, the coalition that won the most votes in March, saying it was only willing to negotiate with the anti-migrant, Euroskeptic League. League leader Matteo Salvini has called for him to be given a mandate to try to form a government, but Mattarella looks unlikely to grant this, as it is unclear how the centre right could have a working majority in parliament. The centre-left Democratic Party, which slumped to its worst-ever showing in March, has said it will not back a government led by the M5S or the centre-right. So far it is the only group to say it would support a 'government of the president'. Rome, May 7 - Two members of the notorious Casamonica crime family are at the centre of a probe into injury, threats and damage in relation to a raid on a bar in the eastern Romanina district on Easter Sunday in which two people were injured, sources said. The investigation comes after Antonio Casamonica and his cousin Alfredo Di Silvio allegedly staged the attack in the bar in via Salvatore Barzilai on April 1, injuring the 39-year-old Romanian owner and a young disabled woman. Video surveillance footage shows the attack on the barman in particular. "United against crime. The images of the attack by the Casamonica on a disabled woman and a barman are unacceptable. The institutions are not looking away," Rome Mayor Virginia Raggi said in a tweet. Interior Minister Marco Minniti said Monday that the raid "must not go unpunished". "I telephoned Police Chief Franco Gabrielli and asked for a firm, speedy response," he said. Oggi scuole chiuse e parchi chiusi in citta per fare le opportune verifiche dei danni agli edifici, pubblici e privati e alle strade Tesla was set to begin scraping barnacles on Monday. Barnacle is Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musks word for temporary workers whose job performance is not up to snuff. Scraping and scrubbing are his words for firing them, a purge the billionaire apparently believes is crucial to getting his Model 3 sedan production back on track at its Fremont factory. In an email sent to managers late last week, Musk told them to send a note to human resources by Monday justifying the excellence, necessity, and trustworthiness of temporary employees. Anyone who does not have a Tesla employee putting their reputation on the line for them will be denied access to our facilities and networks on Monday morning. The dictate apparently covers white collar employees as well as factory workers. This applies worldwide, he said. Musks email was forwarded or sent directly to Elektrek, a website focused on electric vehicles. Advertisement Musk also talked about unproductive contract workers on an earnings call with analysts last Wednesday. Weve got barnacles on barnacles, he said. So theres going to be a lot of barnacle removal. At midday Monday, it looked like business as usual at Teslas auto assembly plant in Fremont, Calif. except that the usually packed parking lot had more parking spaces available than usual. Tesla employs a large number of temporary workers at its auto, solar energy and battery storage factories, although the approximate number, or the proportion of total workers, remains a company secret. The company employed about 37,500 total workers at the end of 2017. The United Auto Workers is attempting to organize workers at the Fremont plant, which employs about 10,000. Tesla tends to hire line workers through several different staffing agencies. At some point, ranging from weeks to years, it will hire those it prefers as full-time employees and let contracts expire on the others. While nearly all large companies use temporary workers, making them the entry point for factory jobs is unheard of at major automakers, said an executive at a global auto industry consulting company. (He asked that his name not be used to avoid creating conflict with his clients.) In his email, Musk indicated that beyond individual temp workers, staffing agencies also are up for review. Three agencies that work with Tesla were asked by The Times for their response to the barnacles accusation. None were willing to do that or discuss their strategy for communicating with their workers about Musks directive. A representative for Aerotek said Im not able to comment on that story. A representative from West Valley Staffing Group did not return a telephone call. A representative from Balance Staffing responded Did you say the Los Angeles Times? The newspaper? No thanks, not interested and immediately hung up the phone. Teslas media relations department was asked to comment, but did not respond. Musk is under more pressure than ever to fix production problems on what the company has called its mass market Model 3 compact electric sedan. The car currently sells for a base price of $50,000. The company promises a cheaper version is in the works. The success of the Model 3 could determine the success or failure of Tesla itself. Musk had led investors to believe that Model 3 production would hit an annual rate of about 400,000 by the end of 2017. At this point, the company said, the car is being turned out at a rate of about 104,000 a year, although Musk has told investors hes aiming for a far higher figure as production problems are solved. Musk, who once said that one effect of automating the Fremont plant would be fewer parking headaches there, recently acknowledged he was over-aggressive with spending on automation. While Musk is ridding Tesla of what it deems to be its under-performing temporary workers, he said it will be hiring 400 workers a week at its factories for several weeks. Online job sites are flooded with open Tesla positions, including a job category called Car Enthusiast for work in the diagnosis, repair, and service of Tesla electric vehicles just manufactured in our Fremont factory. The position requires the successful candidate to operate a variety of hand, power, and shop tools. russ.mitchell@latimes.com Twitter: @russ1mitchell Tronc announced has agreed to recognize the Chicago Tribune Guild, the first newsroom union in the newspapers 171-year history. The company said Sunday that there will be three bargaining units: one for employees of the Chicago Tribune and of RedEye, a publication geared toward younger adults; one for its suburban and Hoy publications; and one for its design and production studio. Official certification is expected to come from the National Labor Relations Board in the coming week. About 85% of newsroom employees signed cards supporting union representation, with the organizing committee submitting a letter April 24 to Chicago Tribune executives asking for recognition. This is an extraordinary development that has evolved quickly, said an email sent to employees by the organizing committee. Advertisement The company did not initially agree to the request, but on Sunday, Bruce Dold, the Tribunes publisher and editor-in-chief, announced in an email to newsroom employees that the union would be recognized. As we move ahead, we need to be united as one organization with an important purpose to help the company transform and thrive as a business, and to serve our readers world-class journalism, Dold said. Formerly known as Tribune Publishing, Tronc owns the Chicago Tribune, New York Daily News, Los Angeles Times and other publications. In January, the Los Angeles Times newsroom voted overwhelmingly to join the NewsGuild-Communication Workers of America. Tronc subsequently agreed to sell the Los Angeles Times, San Diego Union-Tribune and other California-based assets to Los Angeles biotech billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong. That deal has yet to close. The union at the Chicago Tribune will not represent supervisors, managers or non-newsroom employees. There is some disagreement over whether certain editors and editorial board members should be included. We will engage in further conversations concerning whether certain job classifications will be included in the bargaining unit, Dold said in his email. Tronc spokeswoman Marisa Kollias did not respond to a request for comment Sunday evening. The Chicago News Guild is part of the NewsGuild-Communication Workers of America, which also represents the New York Times, the Washington Post and the Tronc-owned Baltimore Sun and L.A. Times, among other newspapers. The guild has long represented newsroom staffers at the Chicago Sun-Times. In March, staffers at Chicago-based humor website the Onion and its sister publications announced plans to join the Writers Guild of America East. rchannick@chicagotribune.com ALSO McCormick Media may look to buy more Tronc shares beyond Ferros 25% stake Michael Ferro sells stake in Chicago Tribune parent Tronc to McCormick Media for $208.6 million Chicago Tribune news staffers seek to unionize Nestle, the owner of Nescafe and Nespresso, is paying more than $7 billion for rights to sell Starbucks coffee and tea in grocery stores worldwide, as the Swiss giant looks to jolt its coffee business. Although Nestle dominates the worlds coffee industry, analysts say it has failed to resonate with younger consumers in the U.S. Analysts say the companys flagship coffee brand, Nescafe, is seen as a boring, mass-market brand, while its higher-end Nespresso has failed to garner widespread appeal in the United States. To anybody under 60 years old, Nescafe is boring, said Erik Gordon, a professor at the University of Michigans Ross School of Business. Brand awareness among young people is next to zero, which has been a real embarrassment to Nestle management. Nestle accounts for just 3% of the U.S. coffee market, compared with Starbucks at 15% and Dunkin brands at 6%, according to Susquehanna Financial Group. Advertisement Sales of traditional roasted coffee by brands such as Nescafe, Folgers and Maxwell House have slipped in recent years as consumers seek more expensive varieties, according to market research firm Mintel. (An $8 jar of Nescafe instant coffee makes about 158 cups of coffee, according to Nestle. An $8 bag of Starbucks coffee beans, meanwhile, yields about 34 cups.) For Starbucks, the partnership offers a ready-made global distribution network that will allow the company to focus on its more lucrative coffee shops and higher-end Roastery locations, according to industry analysts. Starbucks says it plans to use the $7.15 billion from the deal which is pending regulatory approvals to fund stock buybacks. About 500 Starbucks employees will join Nestle, which moved it U.S. headquarters to Arlington, Va., last year. As part of the deal, Nestle will market, sell and distribute packaged products including single-serve capsules from Starbucks, as well as its other brands, including Seattles Best Coffee, Teavana and Torrefazione Italia. (Ready-to-drink bottles of coffee, tea and juice are not included in the agreement.) Starbucks shares fell 0.4% to $57.45. Nestle rose 1.4% to $77.35. Nestle, the worlds largest packaged-food company, owns dozens of mass-market brands, including Gerber, Perrier and Hot Pockets. This year the company sold its U.S. candy business to Ferrero for $2.8 billion as part of a move toward more healthful products. It has also doubled down on its coffee business in recent months by buying up Chameleon Cold-Brew in Austin, Texas, and taking a majority stake in Blue Bottle Coffee, an Oakland specialty chain. As part of the deal, Nestle will expand its line of single-serve capsules to include Starbucks coffee and teas. Although Nespresso continues to be the premium coffee-pod of choice in much of the world, rival Keurig Green Mountain reigns supreme in North America, with near-control of the market, according to Euromonitor International. (Nespresso, meanwhile, accounts for less than 1% of single-serve coffee systems in the U.S. and Canada, according to the market research firm.) Nespresso is a niche product that just doesnt have the market share to compete with [Keurigs] K-Cups, Gordon said. Starbucks, credited with introducing premium coffee to millions, is responding to the trend by shifting its focus to its Reserve bars and Roastery locations, where $10 cold brews are the norm. Consumers are trading up, which has been good for Starbucks, said Caleb Bryant, an analyst at Mintel. Starbucks offers a premium product, but its still accessible to most consumers. UPDATES: 3 p.m.: This article was replaced with a Washington Post version. This article was originally published at 7:45 a.m. Google is about to wade into the debate over whether technology and the time spent on devices is harmful to peoples health. Rival tech titans Apple Inc. and Facebook Inc. have been slammed by that criticism, while Google has managed to dodge much of it. At its annual developer conference, scheduled to kick off Tuesday in its hometown of Mountain View, Calif., Google a unit of Alphabet Inc. is set to announce a set of new controls for its Android operating system geared toward helping individuals and families manage the time they spend on mobile devices, according to a person familiar with the companys thinking. In his keynote address Tuesday, Chief Executive Sundar Pichai is expected to emphasize the theme of responsibility, the person said. Last years keynote was more focused on developments in artificial intelligence. The anticipated shift in tone at the event reflects increased public skepticism and scrutiny of the technology industry as it reckons with the negative consequences of how its products are used by billions of people. Advertisement Some of the criticism centers on the suspected addictive nature of many devices and programs. In January, two groups of Apple shareholders asked that company to design products to fight phone addiction in children. Apple CEO Tim Cook has said he would keep children in his life away from social networks, and even Steve Jobs placed strict limitations on his childrens screen time. Last year, Facebook publicly admitted that using Facebook passively tends to put people in a worse mood, citing internal research as well as academic reports. The manipulation of technology for disinformation has also rocked tech giants including Facebook and Google, prompting them to consider the role they play in society. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has said the company didnt take a broad enough view of our responsibility to society, in areas such as Russian interference and the protection of peoples data. Google has been quieter than its counterparts, even as hoax videos have gone viral on its YouTube platform and as Googles own search tools have been manipulated. When it comes to family controls, Google is already a step ahead. Google offers Family Link, a suite of tools that enables parents to regulate how much time their children can spend on apps and to remotely lock their childs device. FamilyLink gives parents weekly reports on childrens app usage and offers controls to approve the apps that kids download. Those time-management controls go further than what is offered by rival Apples iOS mobile operating system. Apple offers do not disturb modes that limit an iPhones function overnight or while driving, but parents cannot trigger those modes on their kids devices. Apple is expected to announce more features to help parents manage their kids use of devices and apps at its next developer conference in June, according to several analysts who follow the company. Amazon.com Inc., which uses a custom version of Android for its hardware, has since 2012 offered parents the option to set time limits for devices and block access to unapproved apps, movies or books. The company rolled out those features to all Android users in 2017. (Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is the owner of the Washington Post.) Google still plans to emphasize artificial intelligence, according to the person. Google is set to announce additional capabilities of its voice-enabled Google Assistant that are intended to make the product more interactive and helpful at accomplishing tasks, the person said, and will introduce new tools for publishers to help surface authoritative search results. Google is also planning to launch the latest version of the Android operating system, called Android P, which will be rolled out to billions of smartphones including Samsung and Huawei. An early iteration of Android P was released to developers and anyone who owns Googles Pixel phones in early March. P boasts a new look with more rounded corners on text boxes and menus and several technical improvements such as support for multiple cameras, the ability to gather indoor location data and improved fingerprint recognition. The company may also be working on gesture controls that are similar to features of the iPhone X, according to an image the company published on an official blog but later removed. Google tends to name its operating systems after desserts, such as Nougat. P hasnt gotten its sweet-themed name yet, but Popsicle is seen as the top contender: Google posted an Android P wallpaper for developers showing the treats. Dwoskin and Tsukayama write for the Washington Post. The primary purpose of Californians for Consumer Privacy, an advocacy group formed by San Francisco real estate developer Alastair Mactaggart, is to push for a ballot initiative adding restrictions on companies that profit from the collection of personal data. Last week it gave state officials a petition with more than 600,000 signatures, which should be enough to get it in front of voters in November. Its website, CAPrivacy.org, is pretty much what youd expect. There are creepy fictional videos portraying peoples birth date, physical location and potentially embarrassing info about their online purchases (hair-loss prevention shampoo) and the apps they use (online poker). Below the videos, theres a motivating message: Its your personal information. Take back control! There is one surprising aspect, though. Each time someone visits, software gleans what information it can about that visitor then sends that information to Facebook, including the persons IP address, what web pages the person was on before and after visiting, and so on. At this point, both the visitor and the website have basically lost control of what happens with that information. Theres nothing particularly unusual going on here. At least 79% of websites globally have one or more trackers that collect data on their users online behavior, according to a 2017 study by Ghostery, a company that makes ad blockers and privacy software. More than 21% have more than 10 trackers. Google trackers run 60% of the time any web page loads; Facebooks run 27% of the time. Both companies have trackers running on CAPrivacy.org because the group put them there. It may be hard to find a clearer testament to how entrenched such tracking has become as the default setting of the entire internet. Advertisement Californians for Consumer Privacy does disclose the existence of the trackers in its privacy policy, which Mactaggart says he wrote himself. The irony of criticizing Facebook and Google whilst using their services is not lost on us, but this gets back to our rationale for the initiative: Californians should be able to use these services and be secure that their personal information is not being sold. Right now this is not possible, it reads. Mactaggart argues that Google and Facebook are monopolies and that theres no real choice for someone looking to run an effective website or online advertising campaign. We end up with this Faustian bargain, he said. Websites can exist without partnering with Google and Facebook. But few do because those companies tools are really useful. It helps that theyre free and easy to use. The Facebook tracker consists of just nine lines of Javascript code. By installing it, website operators can determine whether people who saw their Facebook ads visited the site, and can target people after theyve left. At the same time, they let Facebook collect information about their users. The company deploys this data to build the profiles it uses to help other advertisers target web users with specific profiles and further entrench itself at the center of the internet economy. Facebooks critics, Californians for Consumer Privacy included, like to rail about the sale of personal data. But, as Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg repeatedly pointed out during congressional hearings last month, Facebooks business isnt about selling personal data. An advertiser cant simply purchase a list of names and IP addresses. Think of it more as a barter system. Websites share data to gain the ability to target ads or learn more about their own audiences. Facebook pixel, a tool for advertisers and developers, collects information such as a users IP address, available demographic information and location data. Then the company sells ads that can be targeted using that data. Website operators inability to resist the temptation of these tools is vital to Facebooks and Googles domination of the internet and a big part of how the giant companies have gathered so much information about practically every person online. Everyone is using Google Analytics, and everyone is using the Facebook pixel, said Praneet Sharma, chief executive of Method Media Intelligence, an ad tech consultancy. Both Facebook and Google oppose Mactaggarts ballot measure, although Facebook recently withdrew from a coalition actively pushing for its defeat. Facebook also has been trying to reassure people that it will offer them more control over their data. It says its building a tool that would allow users to view which websites send data, then clear that history. But any big changes to the default setting of the internet as Facebook and Google have built it up arent going to be easy to come by. Its just web architecture, Sharma said. Privacy was an afterthought. Brustein writes for Bloomberg. Snap Inc. Chief Financial Officer Drew Vollero is stepping down later this month to be replaced by a longtime Amazon executive, Tim Stone. Vollero, who has been at the Venice company for nearly three years, is pursuing other opportunities, Snap said. He is among at least eight executives who have left Snap since the maker of the video messaging app Snapchat went public in March 2017. I am deeply grateful for Drew and his many contributions to the growth of Snap, Evan Spiegel, Snaps co-founder and chief executive, said in a statement. He has done an amazing job as Snaps first CFO, building a strong team and helping to guide us through our transition to becoming a public company. The discipline that he has brought to our business will serve us well into the future. We wish Drew continued success and all the best. Advertisement Vollero said he was proud of his time at the company. The financial strategies we have in place are gaining traction to grow margins, flatten costs, and reduce cash burn, and we have a talented finance team that can execute well, he said in a statement. The announcement comes a week after Snap posted disappointing first-quarter financial results, missing Wall Streets targets for revenue and user growth. The company is making a difficult transition to a new app design and automated advertising. Its also facing blistering competition from Facebooks Instagram. Snap shares were down less than 1% Monday to $10.74, well below its initial public offering price of $17. Shares were trending up in after-hours trading, however, on news of Volleros replacement. Stone has been at Amazon since 1998 and most recently worked leading the integration of Whole Foods, which the e-commerce giant acquired last summer. He also has experience with Amazons cloud business, a major cost for Snap. He will start May 16. Other departed Snap executives include Tom Conrad, vice president of product; Tim Sehn, head of engineering; Chris Handman, general counsel; Chloe Drimal, an executive in charge of content development; Robyn Thomas, vice president of legal and human resources; Martin Lev, vice president of security; and Jad Boutros, vice president and chief security officer. Its been a revolving door since the IPO and it speaks to the turbulence this company has encountered over the past year, said Daniel Ives, an analyst for GBH Insights. david.pierson@latimes.com Follow me @dhpierson on Twitter. UPDATES: 2:40 p.m.: This post was updated to include comment from analyst Daniel Ives. This article was originally published at 2:25 p.m. A powerful exhibition of quilts memorializing migrants from Mexico and Central America who have died in the southern Arizona desert in the last 20 years is on display amid intense national debate over immigration policy. Seventeen quilts from the Migrant Quilt Project are hanging in the New England Quilt Museum in Lowell, Mass., in a display that runs until July 15. The goal is to move the immigration debate beyond statistics and political sniping and put the plight of real people in the spotlight. My hope is to show the enormity of this humanitarian crisis, project founder Jody Ipsen said. I dont think people understand. I want people to look at these quilts and feel compelled to act and to support humanitarian immigration reform. Advertisement The project was inspired when Ipsen was camping in the Arizona desert with a friend and came across a way station for migrants who had crossed the border. The desert was strewn with their trash bottles, diapers, personal hygiene products and clothing. Ipsen was at first appalled by the desecration of the pristine desert. But she was also curious. What, she wondered, drives people to risk their lives to cross a dangerous desert, at the mercy of human smugglers, to come to the U.S.? Its ruthless out there in that desert, she said. Eschedors quilt, with the names of people who died trying to cross into the U.S. in the southern Arizona desert. (Steven Senne / Associated Press ) Inspired by the AIDS Memorial Quilt, she started collecting the discarded clothing and recruited textile artists to incorporate the fabric into quilts. Ipsen even pitched in on one. One quilt has been produced by volunteers every federal fiscal year since 2000, 17 in all. The quilts have different designs and vary in size, but there are some common themes. Theyre all emblazoned with the names of every known person who died in the desert that year or, if that persons name was not known to authorities, with the word desconocido, Spanish for stranger. Recorded deaths range from 122 to 282 per year. Most of the quilts are also covered with religious and cultural imagery, flowers and skulls. The 2009-2010 quilt is reminiscent of the U.S. flag. The names of border crossers who died are written on the white stripes, and in the place of the white stars on a blue field, the upper left corner is a deserted road that disappears into the distance beneath a starry sky. New England Quilt Museum curator Pam Weeks discusses the work of Mary Vaneecke. (Steven Senne / Associated Press ) Quilts may connote comfort and warmth to most people, but theres a history of using them to make social and political points, said Nora Burchfield, the museums executive director. Quilts have been made for the abolitionist, temperance and environmental movements and, more recently, in response to gun violence. There is a long tradition of using the quilt-making process to bring attention to social causes, because women didnt have any other outlet to express their concerns, outrage and opinions, Burchfield said. They could say on a quilt all the things they werent given a platform to say. Lowell is an appropriate place for the exhibit because the modern-day city of more than 110,000 residents was built on immigrant power: the Irish who dug the citys famed canals; the French-Canadians, Greeks, Portuguese and others who worked in the mills in the 19th century; and the Cambodian and Latin American immigrants who came in the 20th century. More recently, refugees from Iraq, Somalia, Afghanistan, Burma and Syria have resettled in the city, according to the Lowell branch of the International Institute of New England, an advocacy group. The quilts tell the story of immigration that many people find uncomfortable or dont hear, said Rogers Muyanja, community relations manager for the organization. Its important for people to see an exhibit like this and learn about things they dont have much information about, he said. And beyond the social implications of the quilts, theres one other reason to see them. They are beautiful, Burchfield said. See all of our latest arts news and reviews at latimes.com/arts. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Border Door welcomed immigrants 30 years ago. An art show brings back its message How good is the King Tut exhibition? Our critic weighs in King Tut gets a remodel: How conservators are protecting the tomb from tourists Meleko Mokgosi describes himself as a history painter, but what he considers to be historic is what sets his work apart. Kids at school, people lounging at home, a young woman getting her hair done ordinary life is offered with the same focused intensity of classical history and myth, history paintings usual subjects. At the UCLA Fowler Museum, curator Erica P. Jones is presenting the Botswana-born, New York-based artists first West Coast museum show. (Mokgosi, who completed his masters at UCLA, won the 2012 Mohn Award in conjunction with the Hammer Museums Made in L.A. exhibition.) In Bread, Butter and Power, daily existence and stamina interact. A gallery is lined with 19 large canvas panels, while a 20th neatly rolled and wrapped in plastic, as if awaiting its eventual display leans against a post in the center of the room. The rolled painting offers a tantalizing glimpse of a man clutching a large trophy, delighted winner of we-know-not-what. (Maybe the Mohn Award?) The rest are snapshot-like scenes based in unidentified places in southern Africa in schoolyards, bedrooms, at the market, at a gathering of military veterans and more. Most of the panels are installed edge to edge. Sometimes the image in one slides into the panel adjacent, as when a grinning girl dressed in a bright-red school uniform shares pictorial space with an unrelated scene of a woman on a patio grooming a young womans hair. A stylized presentation of formal and informal education comes into view. Meleko Mokgosi, "Bread, Butter and Power (detail)," 2018 UCLA Fowler Museum Meleko Mokgosi, "Bread, Butter and Power (detail)," 2018 UCLA Fowler Museum Meleko Mokgosi, "Bread, Butter and Power (detail)," 2018 UCLA Fowler Museum Mokgosi paints in a concise, declarative manner. Hes a realist, but hes not overly attentive to the minutiae of representation. A few strokes of gray and white paint conjure a tin bucket. The stripes on a school uniform necktie are the same quick white lines that define the edge of the students sweater and the pattern of her jacket in a scene composed like a yearbooks class picture.. The economy of means can be provocative. Those same white stripes on the students clothing also describe security bars on the window behind the kids. Only then does it sink in that the girls and boys both wear masculine-identified attire, locking into place a prevailing social hierarchy. The jacket-and-tie clothing identifies the pecking order as traditionally European. Nearby, a picture of veterans, older men and women dressed in military uniforms and laden with medals, telescopes the student yearbook pictures intimation of institutionalized power relations. The image is sent spinning by the adjacent panel, in which a teenage boy wearing shades and a red beret sits cross-legged in a chair and flanked by two muscular security guards. Hes part Napoleonic wannabe, part Black Panther revivalist. Mokgosi slyly pulls abstraction into the mix, which he divides into black and white. One nearly blacked-out panel slowly reveals a barely legible woman sleeping in a bed, her dark skin congruent with the jet-black night. Other panels are raw canvas covered in cursive white text barely legible writing in Setswana (the language of Botswana), or else dense academic jargon (the language of the university). A scholastic dissertation on the relationship between alterity and ipseity otherness and selfhood, to use common language becomes almost satirical juxtaposed with a painting of an attractive young woman casually posed in regal profile on a throne-like upholstered chair. The window curtains behind her are pulled back like those on a theater stage. In relation to grand canvases that depict ordinary daily life, colonial history painting merges with contemporary genre painting. The two written texts obscure to most viewers and implying the divisions between an initiate and a comrade resonate as power tools that cannot help but divide, even as they struggle to connect. UCLA Fowler Museum, 308 Charles E. Young Drive N., L.A. Through July 1; Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. (310) 825-4361, www.fowler.ucla.edu christopher.knight@latimes.com Twitter: @KnightLAT ALSO: 'Border Door' welcomed immigrants 30 years ago. An art show brings back its message Rashid Johnson at David Kordansky Gallery: Power, protection, plus 'Ugly Pots' Mark Innerst at Kohn Gallery: City of light, and loneliness Before taking on Catholicism as a museum motif, Andrew Bolton turned to a Jesuit priest for a little extra guidance. James Martin, a well-known writer and editor-at-large at America magazine, linked up the Costume Institutes curator-in-charge with his Vatican contacts and tried to offer an objective view of the exhibition. While Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination may appeal to many of the estimated 1.2 billion Catholics, the exhibition will indubitably stir up some critics, as religion-themed art often does. Martin, who has just released an updated version of his book Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and the LGBT Community Can Enter Into a Relationship of Respect, Compassion and Sensitivity, talked to WWD about his involvement with the Met and Catholic church today. WWD: The Catholic church has been in the news a lot lately. How, if at all, do you think this may make people look differently at Catholicism? James Martin: I hope it helps them to realize the influence the Catholic imagination has on art. The Catholic imagination is very broad and includes not only priests and sisters working in the slums in the poorest countries, but also artists like Michelangelo and Caravaggio creating great works of art for the church. So the Catholic church is very much both/and. It is not either the people, who work with the poor, or a church that influences art. Its both. I would suspect that most people who are going to a show like this are pretty sophisticated and already understand the place of the church in art history. Advertisement WWD: How was working with the Met? J.M.: I was so impressed with Andrew Bolton and his team. They were tremendous. Highly intelligent, sensitive, thoughtful, well-read you couldnt ask for a better person to curate this, truly. I speak to him and sometimes its like speaking to a theologian. Hes read up on Catholic teaching. He understands theology as beauty. Hes a very smart guy. Im also happy to say hes Jesuit educated so thats a plus, too. Hes also just a nice guy. That goes a long way. WWD: What do you think Pope Francis would make of Heavenly Bodies, since he has somewhat eschewed material possessions? (He took a vow of poverty on becoming a member of the Jesuit order in 1960.) J.M.: Cardinal [Gianfranco] Ravasi, who is his point man on culture, appeared at the opening [preview] in Rome with Anna Wintour. So he understands the need to engage culture and hes a person very much in the world. But not as we say, of the world. I think anything that enables people to see the church in a different light is probably helpful. Hes obviously not a pope who is going to wear a three-tiered bejeweled tiara, as popes used to. But thats part of our history, so I think he would be fine with it. Remember, he works in the Vatican so he sees pieces of art all the time. WWD: How has Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and the LGBT Community Can Enter Into a Relationship of Respect, Compassion and Sensitivity been updated? J.M.: There is about 40 percent new material, a new intro, more stories from LGBT Catholics, responses to questions about my earlier book, more facts and figures, and more spiritual reflections at the end. The main addition is more stories from people.There was some confusion among people who read the first edition where the main responsibility for building bridges really fell. It falls on the church, the institutional church not the LGBT community. Its a two-way bridge but the onus is on the institutional church. It is they who have marginalized LGBT people, not the other way around. When I talked about conversion in the original book, I meant the conversion that we are all called to by God, conversion of minds and hearts. Some people thought I was talking about conversion therapy, which [laughs] I was not. Answer questions about why I didnt talk about questions like same-sex marriage, for example, which I did not. I wanted to talk more about dialogue and prayer. Mainly, it was these stories that I had heard that were so compelling and beautiful, and like parables for me. A story, as we know, really opens up our minds in a way that an argument, a debate or definition does not, which was one of the main reasons that Jesus spoke with stories. I thought by adding more stories, I could invite people to see things a little differently. WWD: What do you say to people who say the church is not accepting of LGBT people? J.M.: It depends whos asking. Often I say, What part of the church? The parish next-door-to-me, St. Paul the Apostle, is extremely accepting. They have an LGBT outreach group, retreats. If you say, My local priest. I say, Well, thats not the whole church. The church is also the people, too. To use the expression of the second Vatican Council, its the whole people of God. Part of the church may not be accepting, but there are parts of the church that are very accepting. Its also a journey. Its a reasonable question though. I often say to people, Sometimes God loves you and your church is learning to love you. You can also point to Cardinal Joseph Tobin, the archbishop of Newark. He had a welcome mass for LGBQ people in the cathedral in Newark last year. Thats a huge welcome but other church leaders that are not so welcoming. Thats one reason why we need a conversation. WWD: What do you think of the coverage of Pope Francis apology? J.M.: The recent one last week? It was tremendous. It shows someone who is a real Christian who was able to say, Im sorry and listen to people. What was highly significant about that meeting with Chilean victims of abuse was that he spent more time with them than he does with even heads of state. With one man, I believe, he spent three hours. Thats fantastic. Here is someone who is able to say, I made a mistake. When the sex abuse crisis first hit the news in 2001, 2002, if bishops had responded in this way weve made mistakes, Im sorry, meeting with victims rather than lawyering up the church would be in a lot better place. But as in any organization, they sometimes listen to the wrong advice. They were really confused about what to do and had all these experts saying, No, dont talk to victims. But the pope is responding as a pastor. Great. WWD: Will you be at the opening? J.M.: I will be at the cocktail party part. I dont know if that counts. Bluebird Brasserie, the first brewery in Sherman Oaks, opened about a month ago on Ventura Boulevard. Its the latest beer-focused outpost under the Artisanal Brewers Collective (ABC) umbrella the hospitality group founded by ex-Golden Road Brewery partner Tony Yanow thats nearly a dozen dining and drinking destinations strong. The ABC group includes Yanows established venues (Tonys Darts Away, Mohawk Bend), some neighborhood favorites (Spring St. Bar, Brennans Pub) and some new brewpub concepts (Stalking Horse Brewery and San Diegos Bell Marker Brewery). Bluebird is squarely focused on Belgian beer culture, and stepping off Ventura and under the vaulted brick ceilings of the Brasserie feels like discovering a hidden beer cafe in Brugge or Antwerp. Theres a small brewhouse tucked behind picture windows in the back corner of the pub, a dramatic marble bar along the back wall, and a menu filled with classic Belgian beer styles and gastropub takes on traditional Belgian beer fare. We wanted it to feel transportive, but not in a Disneyland way, says Yanow, who fell for the unfussy way beer and food is presented together on one of his research trips to Belgium. The brewing duties are handled by a veteran team headed by Noah Regnery, who spent nearly a decade brewing, and winning awards, at San Diegos famed Pizza Port brewpub chain. The early offerings cover a wide swath of classic Belgian styles (the rich Dubbel Dutch, the potent Stay Gold golden ale) and some less common styles (the approachable Chapeau du Jour amber ale, a light and food-friendly Valley Summer table beer). The house beers are piped to the bar from stainless steel tanks visible from the dining room, and the tap list is filled out with other takes on Belgian styles from local breweries (with a few imports mixed in.) Advertisement As with any true Belgian beer cafe, theres a compelling bottle list to accompany the draft beer, and its here youll find the pieces de resistance of Belgian breweries (e.g., the Trappist beers such as Orval and Chimay, and the vaunted secular breweries such as Saint Bernardus and Duvel). We cant open a Belgian bar and not have Duvel and Orval, says Regnery. As is typical with other ABC restaurants, theres a heavy lean toward vegan options on the menu, but you can still get your frites alongside steak or moules (served four ways). Theres merguez-spiced Impossible meat (a vegan meat meant to taste like the real thing) in the cassoulet, and an almond-based vegan cheese alternative to the pungent Roquefort cheese on the crispy endive salad. The vegan liege waffles might actually be better than the standard version. Likewise, the cocktail list straddles the line between traditional and inventive, with old-school classics such as the Corpse Reviver (Genever, Lillet Blanc, Combier orange liqueur, lemon, absinthe) and Penicillin (Scotch, lemon, ginger) sharing space with twists on an Old Fashion (here made with black walnut bitters) and a mezcal-based Non-groni, and the Belgian 75 (which subs the superlative Belgian saison Dupont for the Champagne in the usual French 75). Along with the Cornish-inspired Stalking Horse, Bluebird Brasserie is a high-concept beer venue that translates Yanows favorite global beer destinations into approachable neighborhood watering holes where guests can expect something new every time they come in, he says. The ABC group is already deep into the next project: a larger-scale brewpub concept on La Brea Boulevard and 6th Street that could open this summer. 13730 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, (818) 849-6970, bluebirdbrasserie.com. food@latimes.com @latimesfood After living and working out of their Spanish-style Silver Lake apartment for more than six years, Kit Williamson and John Halbach were ready for an update. We wanted a grown-up house, Halbach says. But we also wanted our home to be fun and charming and still feel like us. The key to transforming rooms, says interior designer Orlando Soria, author of the new book Get it Together! An Interior Designers Guide to Creating Your Best Life, is to experiment. Try things out, says Soria, who worked with the couple. Its not the end of the world if it doesnt work out. Especially with paint. If you screw up paint, just redo it yourself. Advertisement The couples vintage accessories reflect their sense of fun in the updated apartment. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times ) The actors, who shoot their Emmy-nominated LGBT Netflix series EastSiders in the apartment, had amassed a wild assortment of kitschy accessories over their 11 years together. Their treasures include a New York subway sign, a green locker, vintage clocks, bowling pins and an ancient iron that they use as a door stop. We have $15 finds from Saint Vincent de Paul, Williamson, 32, says with a laugh. They hired Soria through Homepolish, an interior design platform that connects homeowners with designers, in the hopes that he could help them create more order and add a touch of refinement. When it comes to sophistication, people need to know how to choose their battles, Soria says. Decide on the overall focus. Do you want color? Art on the walls? Figure out the focal point. People get obsessed with minutiae which makes them forget that they are creating an overall composition. In the long living room, designer Orlando Soria created an office area at the window. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times ) Because the couple spends the majority of their time in the living room, Soriano established separate vignettes in the long narrow space. They are both actor-artist types, says Soria. They are not organized people. So I styled it in a way that helps them be neat and orderly. He created an office area at one end of the living room by placing a desk in front of a street-facing window. A large blue area rug by Rugs USA helps to define the lounge area of the living room, which is now furnished with contemporary pieces by Article, Interior Define and Bend Goods. Soria swapped butter yellow walls for elegant light gray paint by Benjamin Moore called Horizon. Its a very light and bright apartment, he says. We didnt want to do a crazy amount of color because there is already a lot of color in their art and accessories. We wanted a nice clean palette for the rest of the space. Soria incorporated new accessories with the couples character pieces. You dont want so much vintage that it looks like your grandmothers garage and not so much new that it looks like a showroom, says Soria. The key, he says is to look collected and young but with some sense of history. Part of the apartments charm is the living rooms French windows. Due to the apartments location on the second floor, Soria was able to remove the living room drapes that were hung at different heights. Now the windows can shine, while brightening the interiors. The update mixes old and new while highlighting the couples fun personalities. It also gives the actors a new appreciation for the design process, as well as their home. This apartment is really special, Williamson says. Now were even more in love with this place. Old and new accessories are combined in the living room. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times ) Tips for renters from Orlando Sorias book Get it Together! An Interior Designers Guide to Creating Your Best Life 1. Experimenting is key. 2. Follow your heart but choose wisely. 3. Organize your space for conversation. 4. Embrace eclecticism. 5. Art can be a great way to bring color into a rental without losing your deposit. 6. Opt for glass in smaller spaces. 7. Thrift until your eyes bleed. lisa.boone@latimes.com Twitter: @lisaboone19 For an easy way to follow the L.A. scene, bookmark L.A. at Home and join us on our Facebook page for home design, Twitter and Pinterest. ALSO: After years spent traveling the world, this filmmaking family puts down roots in Pasadena He created the ultimate bachelor pad in this Hollywood rental Photographer Gray Malin and his husband aim for a picture-pretty but comfy home Visalia Police Det. Bill McGowen sat in the garage of the single-story home on West Kaweah Avenue and waited for the man who had stalked these streets for more than a year. That night in December 1975, McGowen watched as a shadowy figure prowled between the home he was hiding in and the house next door. McGowen ran outside and ordered the man to stop, according to media reports at the time. The suspect ran, and after McGowen fired a warning shot, he begged the officer not to shoot. As McGowen shined his flashlight at the unmasked man, the suspect reached for a gun in his jacket and took a shot, police said. The bullet hit McGowens flashlight, and shards ricocheted into his eye. The man fled. The shooting was the final crime attributed to the Visalia Ransacker, Visalia Police Sgt. Damon Maurice said. Advertisement Between April 1974 and December 1975, the Visalia Ransacker slinked through this small towns streets and alleys and burglarized about 100 homes, police said. The burglaries turned deadly in September 1975, when Claude Snelling, a journalism professor at the College of the Sequoias, was shot outside his home on South Whitney Lane. Although police never recovered the weapon, they later discovered that the gun used to shoot Snelling was the same one that was stolen from a nearby home. After last months arrest of the suspected Golden State Killer, Joseph James DeAngelo Jr., the Visalia Police Department said it believes the ransacker and the killer are the same man. But in the absence of crime scene DNA, police are working to use fingerprints found at the burglary scenes, as well as items that were left behind at the crimes, to prove the connection. DeAngelos arrest has provided a jolt to Visalia polices investigation, Maurice said. Police are working with the Sacramento Sheriffs Department to determine whether any of the items stolen in Visalia were found in DeAngelos Citrus Heights home. This is the ghost weve been chasing, he said. Pat Monno, 83, had his pistol stolen from his house during a break-in by the Visalia Ransacker, officials said. Police said the weapon was then used by the gunman to fatally shoot Claude Snelling, a local journalism professor. (Tomas Ovalle / For The Times ) The ransackers pattern was unique, Maurice said, because most burglars enter a home, grab what they want and leave as quickly as possible. But the ransacker would linger. In some cases, he would stay for an hour, maybe two. He would ignore valuable items, like jewelry, and take trinkets or photos instead. This guy was completely different, Maurice said. This is a small town. We didnt have serial criminals. The burglar had rifled through Pat Monnos home while he and his family were away in Fresno, Monno recalled. When he pulled into his garage that day, he saw the screen had been removed from a window facing the backyard, near his swimming pool. He walked into his bedroom and saw that someone had taken every pair of his underwear and placed them down the hallway and into the family room like stepping stones. Everything in that house was out, Monno, 83, said as he sipped on a cup of green tea. Every kitchen drawer, everything, dumped on the floor. The ransacker didnt take anything of value, he said, except for his pistol the one used to kill Snelling. His wifes jewelry remained untouched, but the burglar had taken pieces of costume jewelry from his daughters room one earring from each set and a bracelet and photos of her that sat in frames in her room. I was wondering what the heck happened, Monno said. About 130,000 people live in Visalia, but at the time the ransacker prowled through this town near Sequoia National Park, it was home to about 30,000 people. Most of them knew one another, leaving their doors unlocked and their windows open when they went to work. The streets the burglar hit near the local community college and high school were lined by single-story homes with perfect lawns. The freeway abutting part of neighborhood was a simple two-lane road. This was Any Town, USA, Maurice said. You could run across the freeway if you wanted to. Visalia Police Sgt. Damon Maurice looks at a map showing the residences where crimes were allegedly committed by the suspected Golden State Killer, Joseph James DeAngelo Jr. (Tomas Ovalle / For The Times ) Driving through the streets the ransacker once plundered, Maurice explained that the burglaries fell into two clusters on either side of South Mooney Boulevard. Back then, many of the homes were poorly lighted. Most didnt have fences surrounding the property. The alleys that still run along the homes had no lights, either a prowler could easily sneak by unnoticed, Maurice said. If youre the Visalia Ransacker, these are your streets, he said. He could come and go as he pleased. Some of the houses the ransacker hit backed into a canal called Evans Ditch. The canal, a dirt path filled with rocks and weeds, provided an easy path for the burglar to follow undetected. Maurice turned onto South Whitney Lane and stopped his car. As he stood outside the home where Claude Snelling was killed, he explained that the shooter had fled on a stolen bike. The street looked different then, he said the brick wall separating the neighborhood from the freeway didnt exist, and the freeway was street-level. The house, which now has an iron screen on the front door and motion sensors on the corner, has been repainted cream. Michelle Goans, an artist who moved into the home a few months ago, said neither she nor her landlord knew the houses history. They found out only after reporters began knocking at the door last week. Its surreal, Goans, 29, said. It doesnt bother us, but I always thought wed know if we were in this situation, not that we would find out about it six, seven months later. Goans walked through her living room and into the backyard where Snelling was killed. The carport where the shooting occurred is now gone, but Goans said she believes it used to stand near the garage, where there is now a laundry room. The house has seen a lot of turnover in the last few years, she added, with new tenants moving in and out. Im not a superstitious person, she said. Most places you live probably have had something happen in it. I just happen to know now. sarah.parvini@latimes.com For more California news follow me on Twitter: @sarahparvini USC names retired aerospace executive Wanda Austin as acting president, announces Nikias departure By Harriet Ryan USC appointed a retired aerospace executive as interim president and laid out a detailed plan for selecting a permanent leader Tuesday, ending speculation about whether outgoing President C.L. Max Nikias might remain in the post. Nikias, embattled over his administrations handling of a campus gynecologist accused of sexually abusing patients, relinquished his duties after a meeting of USCs board. The trustees tapped one of their own, Wanda Austin, an alumna and former president of the Aerospace Corp., to temporarily run the university. The trustees also approved the formation of a search committee and the hiring of firm Isaacson, Miller to coordinate the selection of a successor. A second search company, Heidrick & Struggles, will also advise trustees. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Ex-student sues elite Brentwood School after teacher is charged with sexually abusing him By Richard Winton A former student sued the elite Brentwood School on Monday in the wake of a female teacher being charged with repeatedly having sex with the minor, alleging that other faculty members encouraged the unlawful behavior and failed to report it to authorities. The lawsuit accuses the private school, whose students include the children of many of Hollywoods elite and L.A.s powerful, of acting negligently and allowing Aimee Palmitessa to abuse and batter the teenager sexually. The suit alleges that the student was abused in summer 2017 after one of the schools counselors offered words of encouragement to the then-17-year-old, identified in the suit as only John Doe, to engage in an illegal relationship with the teacher. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Civil jury vindicates fired Montebello school executives in whistleblower case By Howard Blume The Montebello school district is in dire straits at risk of insolvency and under apparent criminal investigation. An outside audit in July found some teachers earning more than $200,000 a year, as well as improper raises, excess paid vacation time and inappropriate overtime, sick leave and car allowances. Fixing the district and pinpointing blame could take time. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print L.A. schools fall short on safety measures, new report warns By Howard Blume After the mass shooting at Floridas Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February, Los Angeles school officials reassured parents that much had been done to keep local schools safe. California had tougher gun laws, after all, and the school district paid close attention to students mental health. But a new report issued Monday by a panel convened to take a close look offers some cause for concern, flagging inconsistent campus safety measures, thinly spread mental health staff and inadequate coordination between the school district and other public agencies. With the stakes this high, we must strive to do better, said L.A. City Atty. Mike Feuer, who assembled the panel. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement L.A. school district says more are graduating, but rate may not show it By Howard Blume The L.A. Unified School District has hopes of continuing its winning streak this year with another record graduation rate, but the official numbers may not show it. A senior district administrator warned the board Tuesday that graduation rates were likely to decline 2% to 3% across the state, even though L.A. Unified is likely doing better than ever in producing graduates, he said. The issue is that the state will now count high school students who transfer to adult school as dropouts, said Oscar Lafarga, who heads the districts office of data and accountability. Previously, schools treated these students as though they had simply enrolled in another high school, he said. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Betsy DeVos to California: Not so fast on that federal education plan By Joy Resmovits Education Secretary Betsy DeVos (Erik Lesser / European Pressphoto Agency) In April, Californias top education officials breathed a sigh of relief. After months of debate and back-and-forth with Betsy DeVos staff, they had finalized a plan to satisfy a major education law that aims to make sure all students get a decent education. The state focused on aligning its plan to fulfill the requirements of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act with Californias Local Control Funding Formula, which gives extra money to districts to help students who come from low-income families, are in the foster system or are English learners. But this week, DeVos team said not so fast. Jason Botel, the U.S. Department of Educations principal deputy assistant secretary, sent California education officials a letter asking for more information in such areas as measuring student progress, graduation rates and English learners. In an unsigned statement, the California Department of Education declared itself surprised and disappointed because officials thought after a meeting with federal officials in Washington that they were on the right track to get approval. Now the Every Student Succeeds Act plan will be up for discussion once again at the July meeting of the State Board of Education. The U.S. Department of Education has already approved most state plans. Every Student Succeeds is the Obama administrations 2015 replacement for the No Child Left Behind Act. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print L.A. school board sets a new goal: prepare every grad to be eligible to apply for Cal State or UC By Sonali Kohli Last month, Los Angeles school board president proposed a spate of highly ambitious mandates aimed at ensuring that every district graduate be eligible to apply to one of the states public four-year universities by 2023. By the time the L.A. Unified school board unanimously approved the resolution Tuesday, the original language had been watered down. The goal is no longer that in five years 100% of students meet the long list of benchmarks, which include not just college eligibility for graduates but first-grade reading proficiency and English fluency by sixth grade for all students who enter the district in kindergarten or first grade speaking another language. The original college-readiness goal, for example, called for 100% of all high school students to be eligible to apply to one of the states four-year universities. Now the goal seems to offer more wiggle room: Prepare all high school graduates to be eligible to apply to a California four-year university. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement We have been hurt. More women say they were mistreated by USC gynecologist By Richard Winton USC student Anika Narayanan says she vividly recalls her first appointment with Dr. George Tyndall at the campus health center, alleging that he made several explicit comments during an examination she felt was inappropriate and invasive. When she came back for a second visit in 2016 after a nonconsensual sexual encounter, he allegedly chastised her, she said in a civil lawsuit and at a press conference Tuesday. He asked me if I had forgotten to use a condom again, said Narayanan, 21. At one point, she said, Tyndall asked if I did a lot of doggy style, she said. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print L.A. Unified gives inspector general brief contract extension By Howard Blume The Los Angeles school board on Tuesday extended the contract of Ken Bramlett, its inspector general, by three months, though his job is far from secure and questions remain about the future direction of his watchdog office. Board members also unanimously promoted Vivian Ekchian, who had been the runner-up for the superintendents job, to deputy superintendent the districts No. 2 position. Both moves had elements of peacemaking between different factions on the board. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print USCs handling of complaints about campus gynecologist is being investigated by federal government By Harriet Ryan The U.S. Department of Education announced Monday that it has launched an investigation into how the University of Southern California handled misconduct complaints against a campus gynecologist, the latest fallout in a scandal that has prompted the resignation of USCs president, two law enforcement investigations and dozens of lawsuits. In revealing the inquiry by the departments Office of Civil Rights, officials rebuked USC for what they alleged was improper withholding of information about Dr. George Tyndall during a previous federal investigation. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, who has been criticized for taking a less vigorous approach to examining sexual misconduct than predecessors, called for a systemic examination of USC and urged administrators to fully cooperate. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Judge to sentence woman and her boyfriend for the murder of an 8-year-old that led to L.A. child welfare reforms By Marisa Gerber A woman and her boyfriend are expected to be sentenced Thursday for the torture and murder of an 8-year-old boy whose killing in 2013 provoked public outrage, prompted sweeping reform of Los Angeles Countys child welfare system, and led to unprecedented criminal charges against social workers who handled the childs case. Pearl Sinthia Fernandez, 34, faces life in prison without the possibility of parole for her role in the death of her son, Gabriel. A jury decided last year that her boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre, 37, should be executed. When paramedics arrived at the boys Palmdale home in May 2013, Gabriel had slipped out of consciousness. He had a fractured skull, broken ribs, burned skin, missing teeth and BB pellets embedded in his groin. A paramedic would later testify that every inch of the boys small body had been abused. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print L.A. Unifieds spending out of step with similar school systems, task force says By Howard Blume The Los Angeles school district is out of step with similar school systems, spending more on teachers pay and health benefits and less on activities that could enhance student learning, according to a new report by an outside task force. The L.A. Unified School District Advisory Task Force did not make specific recommendations, but instead posed a series of questions it said the district needs to answer to make sure its funding is aimed at providing a full opportunity for all students to succeed. What were trying to say is: Lets put the data on the table. Lets look at the truth. Lets be transparent and here are the numbers, said task force member Renata Simril. This is not to say that we should cut teachers salaries. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Top USC medical school official feared dean was doing drugs and alerted administration, he testifies By Paul Pringle A former vice dean of USCs Keck School of Medicine testified Tuesday that he feared the schools then-dean, Dr. Carmen A. Puliafito, could be doing drugs and expressed concerns about his general well-being to the universitys No. 2 administrator before Puliafito abruptly left his job in 2016. Dr. Henri Fords testimony at a hearing of the state Medical Board marks the first suggestion that any USC administrator had suspicions about Puliafitos possible drug use before he stepped down. A Times investigation in 2017 found Puliafito led a secret second life of using illegal drugs with a circle of young criminals and addicts. Puliafito testified about his behavior at the hearing Tuesday, saying he took drugs with one young woman on a weekly basis. Ford said that he decided to alert USC Provost Michael Quick after receiving reports in early 2016 that Puliafito was partying in hotels with people of questionable reputation, and that he came to worry about his mental stability. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Why L.A. Unified may face financial crisis even with a giant surplus this year By Jessica Calefati With more than half a billion dollars socked away for next school year, the Los Angeles Unified School District hardly seems just two years from financial ruin. Its a scenario that is especially tough to swallow if youre a low-wage worker seeking a raise or a teacher who wants smaller classes. But budget documents show that todays $548-million surplus cannot be sustained and that even basic services face steep, seemingly unavoidable cuts because of massive problems barreling the districts way. Theres a disconnect between the rosy short-term picture and what we know is coming, said board member Kelly Gonez. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print We have failed: Top USC officials try to reassure students amid gynecologist scandal By Joy Resmovits Top administrators at USC are reaching out to students in the wake of misconduct allegations against the universitys longtime gynecologist, acknowledging failings and vowing reforms as they try to address growing outrage over the revelations. Several USC deans have sent out messages trying to reassure students and faculty that the university is committed to changing. We have failed, wrote Jack H. Knott, dean of USCs Sol Price School of Public Policy, in a May 24 letter. What happened is antithetical to everything we know is right. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Rick Caruso is named chair of USCs trustees, vows swift investigation of gynecologist scandal By Thomas Curwen The University of Southern Californias board of trustees has elected mall magnate Rick Caruso to be the new chair of the board, giving fresh leadership as the university navigates a widening scandal involving a longtime campus gynecologist. The move marks the latest effort by USC to address the case, which has sparked a criminal investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department and dozens of civil lawsuits. More than 400 people have contacted a hotline that the university established for patients to make reports about their experience with Dr. George Tyndall. In his first act as chairman, Caruso announced that the white-shoe L.A. law firm OMelveny & Myers would conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the gynecologists conduct and reporting failures at the clinic. He set an ambitious timeline for the review, pledging it would conclude before students return for the fall semester. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print UC Berkeley students persistence helps win more liberal rules for in-state tuition By Teresa Watanabe Ifechukwu Okeke thought shed be a shoo-in for in-state tuition when she was admitted to UC Berkeley for fall 2016. She had moved to the United States from Nigeria in 2012 to go to Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga. By the time she got her acceptance to transfer to UC to study molecular and cell biology, she had lived in California four years. She had a California drivers license, bank account and rental records as proof. UC Berkeley, however, ruled she was a nonresident which meant she would have to pay nearly $27,000 more. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement State medical board calls former County-USC doctor a sexual predator, suspends his license By Matt Hamilton A UCLA cardiologist has been temporarily stripped of his medical license after state regulators described him as a sexual predator who assaulted three female colleagues when he was working and training at L.A. County-USC Medical Center. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Global California 2030' aims to get more students learning more languages By Joy Resmovits Tom Torlakson (Andrew Seng / Associated Press) Outgoing state Supt. of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson on Wednesday announced a new statewide effort to encourage students to learn more languages. Called Global California 2030, its goal is to help more students become fluent in multiple tongues. Torlakson said that by 2030, he wants half of the states 6.2 million K-12 students to participate in classes or programs that lead to proficiency in two or more languages. By 2040, he wants three out of four students to be proficient enough to earn the State Seal of Biliteracy. Torlakson announced the initiative at Cahuenga Elementary School, which offers a dual-language immersion program in English and Korean. Californias public school students speak more than 60 languages at home, and 40% come to school with knowledge of a language other than English. Torlakson called his plan a call to action that invites parents, legislators, educators and community members to pool resources to expand language offerings in schools and get more bilingual teachers trained. He said the state already is working with Mexico and Spain to expand a teacher-exchange program. Fluency, the plan argues, can help students succeed economically and language acquisition can help their overall critical thinking. The initiative builds on Proposition 58, a ballot initiative passed in 2016 that undid an earlier requirement that English learners be taught in English-immersion classes unless their parents signed waivers. Torlakson recently visited Mexico and met with that countrys education secretary. They later signed a pact to increase collaboration, particularly in language education. This [Global California 2030] is great follow-through on Toms part and very important, Patricia Gandara, a UCLA education professor who hosted the Mexico meeting, said in an email. It hands over a plan to move forward in an area in which California has a unique advantage, but must seize the opportunity. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Jury convicts man of murder in 2015 slaying of UCLA student found inside her burning apartment By Marisa Gerber A jury on Tuesday convicted a man in the 2015 slaying of a UCLA student found dead inside her burning apartment a gruesome stabbing case that led to a fierce rebuke of the police response amid concerns that the killing could have been prevented. The panel deliberated for about six hours before finding Alberto Medina, 24, guilty of murder, arson, burglary and animal cruelty. On Sept. 21, 2015, firefighters found the charred body of Andrea DelVesco inside her apartment after responding to the complex a block from campus. The 21-year-old student an Austin, Texas, native known to her sorority sisters as a fearless giver who befriended others with ease was stabbed at least 19 times, authorities said. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print LAPD begins sweeping criminal probe of former USC gynecologist while urging patients to come forward By Adam Elmahrek The Los Angeles Police Department said Tuesday it is investigating 52 complaints of misconduct filed by former patients of USCs longtime campus gynecologist as detectives launch a sweeping criminal probe into the scandal that has rocked the university. LAPD detectives also made an appeal for other patients who feel mistreated to come forward, noting that thousands of students were examined by Dr. George Tyndall during his nearly 30-year career at USC. More than 410 people have contacted a university hotline about the physician since The Times revealed the allegations this month. Tyndalls behavior and practices appear to go beyond the norms of the medical profession and gynecological examinations, said Asst. Chief Beatrice Girmala. We sincerely realize that victims may have difficulty recounting such details to investigators. We are empathetic and ready to listen. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print At L.A.'s only school for the deaf, parents want leaders who speak the same language By Anna M. Phillips Ever since her son was 6 months old, Juliet Hidalgo has been bringing him to the Marlton School, a low-slung building in Baldwin Hills that for generations has been a second home for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in Los Angeles. Marlton staff taught Hidalgos brother and sister, both of whom are deaf. The school was where her deaf son learned to make the signs for milk and food. Hidalgo had planned to enroll her daughter, taking advantage of a popular program that allows hearing children to learn American Sign Language alongside their deaf siblings. But after more than a decade of involvement, she and other family members are considering withdrawing their children. They are not alone. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Fueled by unlimited donations, independent groups play their biggest role yet in a California primary for governor By Ryan Menezes An unprecedented amount of money from wealthy donors, unions and corporations is flowing into the California governors race, giving independent groups unrestricted by contribution limits a greater say in picking the states chief executive than ever before. The groups have already spent more than $26 million through Thursday, the most ever spent by noncandidate committees in a gubernatorial primary, according to a Times analysis of campaign finance reports. California elections have always been expensive, and the future is even more expensive, said Jack Pitney, a political science professor at Claremont McKenna College and a former state Republican leader. The stakes are very real. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 2 hurt in Indiana middle school shooting; suspect in custody, authorities say By Associated Press Authorities say two victims in a shooting at a suburban Indianapolis school are being taken to a hospital and the lone suspect is in custody. Bryant Orem, a spokesman for the Hamilton County Sheriffs Office, said in a news release that the victims in Friday mornings attack at Noblesville West Middle School are being taken to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and their families have been notified. He says no other information is available about the victims. Orem said the suspect is believed to have acted alone and was taken into custody. No additional information about the suspect was made public. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print For new L.A. schools chief Austin Beutner, some key unions are giving no honeymoon period By Howard Blume In the less than two weeks since Austin Beutner took charge of Los Angeles schools, unions representing teachers and administrators have staged a job action and a protest. Theyve made it clear that they will not give the new superintendent the traditional honeymoon period, and they are bashing him for his wealth and lack of experience running either a school or a school district. Beutner is a billionaire investment banker with zero qualifications, local teachers union President Alex Caputo-Pearl told members in a phone alert urging them to participate in a Thursday afternoon rally in Grand Park. The board is saying that billionaires who made their money blowing institutions up and making money off it know best not the education professionals who have dedicated our careers to working with students. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Pressure grows on Board of Trustees amid USC gynecologist scandal By Paul Pringle USCs large and powerful Board of Trustees is coming under growing pressure to provide a stronger hand as the university faces a crisis over misconduct allegations against the campus longtime gynecologist that has prompted calls for President C.L. Max Nikias to step down. Allegations that Dr. George Tyndall mistreated students during his nearly 30 years at USC have roiled the campus, with about 300 people coming forward to make reports to the university and the Los Angeles Police Department launching a criminal investigation. USC is already beginning to face what is expected to be costly litigation by women who say they were victimized by the physician. So far, the trustees to whom Nikias reports have expressed sympathy for the women who have come forward and launched an independent investigation while also publicly backing the president. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print UC regents approve leaner budget for Janet Napolitano By Teresa Watanabe University of California regents on Thursday unanimously approved a leaner, more transparent budget for President Janet Napolitano, moving to address political criticism over the systems central office operations. The $876.4-million budget for 2018-19 reflects spending cuts of 2%, including reductions in staffing, travel and such systemwide programs as public service law fellowships, carbon neutrality and food security. Napolitano shifted $30 million to campuses for housing needs and $10 million to UC Riverside to support its five-year-old medical school. She also permanently redirected $8.5 million annually to help enroll more California students, as required by the state. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print USCs Academic Senate calls on university president to resign after a series of scandals By Matt Hamilton The body that represents USCs faculty called on President C.L. Max Nikias to resign Wednesday in the wake of relevations that the universitys longtime gynecologist faced years of accusations of misconduct by students and colleagues at the campus health clinic. The Academic Senate took the vote late Wednesday afternoon after a fiery town hall meeting attended by more than 100 faculty members, many of whom voiced outrage over Nikias and the Board of Trustees leadership. The vote came a day after the trustees executive committee stood firmly behind Nikias, saying it has full confidence in his leadership, ethics and values. At the town hall meeting, Senate President Paul Rosenbloom said he did not think Nikias or Provost Michael Quick committed wrongdoing but that the university president deserved criticism for a lack of transparency. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Californias public universities on the way to getting a big longed-for boost in funding By Teresa Watanabe The University of California and California State University systems are poised to get major funding boosts that will help them enroll thousands of additional state students and eliminate the need for tuition increases in the coming school year. A key Assembly budget panel on Wednesday approved $117.5 million in new funds for the UC. A Senate panel approved a similar sum last week. The same committees recently approved even more funding for the Cal State system. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement UC regents to scrutinize Janet Napolitanos office budget in a step toward stronger oversight By Teresa Watanabe University of California regents this week plan to scrutinize the budget of President Janet Napolitano, whose office came under political fire last year for questionable spending and murky accounting. Regents will vote on the proposed $876.4-million budget for 2018-19 during their two-day meeting, which starts Wednesday, at UC San Francisco. They also will discuss state funding, financial aid, online education and transfer student policies. Board Chairman George Kieffer said regents are stepping up to exert stronger oversight of the presidents office after a blistering state audit last year found financial problems including an unreported $175 million budget reserve. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print State legislative panels approve major funding boost for Cal State By Teresa Watanabe Cal State students protest against a tuition increase outside the chancellors office (Irfan Khan) After months of intensive lobbying, Cal State University has convinced two key legislative panels to approve funding to enroll nearly 11,000 more students, hire more faculty and expand housing aid to those without shelter this fall. An Assembly budget panel on Tuesday approved $215.7 million more for Cal State, adding to Gov. Jerry Browns proposed $92.1 million general fund increase. A Senate budget panel approved a similar increase last week. The extra funding which went beyond Cal States own request to the Legislature of $171 million is still subject to final budget negotiations with Brown. But the actions by the Senate and Assembly panels amount to a demand from Democrats that the governor hike higher education spending. Cal State University is the workhorse undergraduate university serving hundreds of thousands of Californians, said Assemblyman Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), who heads the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance. We need more graduates for the California workforce and higher education is the ticket to the middle class. Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White hailed the actions, but said it was too soon to celebrate. The CSU has a singular focus on helping students earn high-quality degrees sooner, and the entire university community has rallied to reinforce that message to our states lawmakers, he said in a statement. The actions taken thus far by the Assembly and Senate are promising and show that our message is being received, but there is still work to be done. Funding for the University of California was not taken up Tuesday as originally scheduled. McCarty would not comment on sticking points but said he was confident that a resolution would be reached this week. Were looking to provide resources above whats in the governors budget, but negotiations are ongoing, he said in an interview. State per-student funding is not what it once was, leaving both Cal State and the UC in a tough financial squeeze. Both systems raised tuition last year after a six-year freeze on higher costs. For this year, Cal State had asked for funding to enroll an additional 3,621 students, but both the Senate and Assembly panels approved three times that amount. Cal State, the largest public university system in the nation, turned away 32,000 eligible students last year because its campuses werent able to accommodate them. The panels asked that at least $50 million of the extra funding be used to hire more tenure-track faculty to help boost graduation rates. The Assembly panel also approved one-time funding of $5 million to ease hunger on campuses and $14 million for rapid rehousing pilot projects at three campuses, offering needy students rental support and short-term case management. Other items approved include $5 million to support the CSU Long Beach Shark Labs research on sharks and beach safety and $2 million for equal employment opportunity practices. This post has been updated to include comments from Assemblyman Kevin McCarty and Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Faculty members call for USC president to step down: He has lost the moral authority to lead By Matt Hamilton Two hundred USC professors on Tuesday demanded the resignation of university President C. L. Max Nikias, saying he had lost the moral authority to lead in the wake of revelations that a campus gynecologist was kept on staff for decades despite repeated complaints of misconduct. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Gun battle, negotiations lasted 15 minutes before Texas school shooter was apprehended, sheriff says By Molly Hennessy-Fiske Minutes after a school shooter opened fire in an art class last week, killing 10 people and wounding 13, including a local police officer, fellow officers returned fire in a protracted gun battle before isolating the suspect, the local sheriff said Monday. Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset praised first responders as well as Santa Fe Police Officer John Barnes, who was working as a resource officer at the school the day of the shooting. Their actions, he said, prevented the attack from spreading to other classrooms and potentially claiming additional victims. As officials continue to probe last Fridays shooting at Santa Fe High School, students are worried about returning to the scene of the attack when classes resume next week. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 6 women sue USC, alleging they were victimized by campus gynecologist By Richard Winton Six women filed civil lawsuits Monday alleging that a longtime gynecologist at the University of Southern California sexually victimized them under the pretext of medical care and that USC failed to address complaints from clinic staff about the doctors behavior. One woman alleged Dr. George Tyndall forced his entire ungloved hand into her vagina during an appointment in 2003 while making vulgar remarks about her genitalia, according to one of the lawsuits. Another woman alleged that Tyndall groped her breasts in a 2008 visit and that later he falsely told her she likely had AIDS. A third woman accused the doctor of grazing his ungloved fingers over her nude body and leering at her during a purported skin exam, the lawsuit states. The wave of litigation comes as USC continues to grapple with the scandal, which legal experts said could prove costly to the university as scores of former patients come forward about their experiences with the gynecologist. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Fatalities reported in Texas high school shooting; suspect arrested, officials say By Associated Press Houston-area media citing unnamed law enforcement officials are reporting that there are fatalities following a shooting at a local high school Friday morning. Television station KHOU and the Houston Chronicle are citing unnamed federal, county and police officials following the shooting at Santa Fe High School, which went on lockdown around 8 a.m. The Associated Press has not been able to confirm the reports. The school district has confirmed an unspecified number of injuries but said it wouldnt immediately release further details. Assistant Principal Cris Richardson said a suspect has been arrested and secured. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print This student followed the new L.A. schools chief on his first-day tour L.A. schools Supt. Austin Beutner is greeted by Van Nuys High School principal Yolanda Gardea. (Melissa Barales-Lopez) Melissa Barales-Lopez, a senior at Garfield High School followed Supt. Austin Beutner on his first day on the job, as he toured a variety of programs around the Los Angeles Unified School District. Heres what she took from the experience. LAUSD students and staff alike are looking for a personal champion, someone who will address and improve the difficulties afflicting their education. What LAUSD students need is someone whos willing to listen and learn, someone who can understand the current issues affecting their schools and act to efficiently amend them, someone who can unlock the full potential of LAUSD students and enable them to reach their goals. During the entirety of his first day, superintendent Austin Beutner did indeed demonstrate a willingness to learn. Posing questions to teachers and students, Beutner engaged with the student communities he encountered to gain a better comprehension of the minutiae and nuances that distinguish each school inside an overwhelmingly large district. From inquiries about Grand View Boulevard Elementary Schools dual language program to questions regarding the services of LAUSDs after-school program, Beyond the Bell, Beutner revealed he has a lot to learn about the system. But, Beutner also showcased a willingness to tackle challenges head-on on his first day. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print USC let a gynecologist continue treating students despite years of misconduct allegations By Matt Hamilton For nearly 30 years, the University of Southern Californias student health clinic had one full-time gynecologist: Dr. George Tyndall. Tall and garrulous with distinctive jet black hair, he treated tens of thousands of female students, many of them teenagers seeing a gynecologist for the first time. Few who lay down on Tyndalls exam table at the Engemann Student Health Center knew that he had been accused repeatedly of misconduct toward young patients. The complaints began in the 1990s, when co-workers alleged he was improperly photographing students genitals. In the years that followed, patients and nursing staff accused him again and again of creepy behavior, including touching women inappropriately during pelvic exams and making sexually suggestive remarks about their bodies. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Cal State trustees to discuss Browns latest budget proposal, which they say still falls $171 million short By Joy Resmovits Just how much money does California State University need to serve its students? In recent years, this question has been front and center for the nations largest public university system. Cal States leaders say that to keep their campuses quality from slipping, they need much more money than the state is giving them. This year, theyre also at odds with Gov. Jerry Brown on the question of whether any extra money should come in one-time bursts or be ongoing. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print On his first day as L.A. schools chief, Beutner plans a day of visits across the district By Howard Blume L.A. Unifieds new superintendent, Austin Beutner, will kick off his first day of work on Tuesday with a choreographed tour of the nations second-largest school district, from the San Fernando Valley to Carson. His day is scheduled to begin at 5:15 a.m. at a school bus depot and end more than 12 hours later at a parent meeting at Garfield High School. Along the way, Beutner is expected to be joined by school district administrators, L.A. Unified board members and the vice president of the union that represents school bus drivers. Though he will be covering a lot of ground, Beutners tour has him skipping Tuesdays school board meeting, when board members are expected to discuss labor negotiations in closed session. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Cal State trustees to discuss Browns latest budget proposal, which they say still falls $171 million short By Joy Resmovits Just how much money does California State University need to serve its students? In recent years, this question has been front and center for the nations largest public university system. Cal States leaders say that to keep their campuses quality from slipping, they need much more money than the state is giving them. This year, theyre also at odds with Gov. Jerry Brown on the question of whether any extra money should come in one-time bursts or be ongoing. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Why a handful of rich charter school supporters are spending millions to elect Antonio Villaraigosa as governor By Ryan Menezes California voters have seen a barrage of sunny television ads in recent weeks touting former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosas record on finances, crime and education, aired by Families & Teachers for Antonio Villaraigosa for Governor 2018. But the group is, in fact, largely funded by a handful of wealthy charter-school supporters. Together they have spent more than $13 million in less than a month to boost Villaraigosas chances in the June 5 primary at a time when his fundraising and poll numbers are lagging. Reed Hastings, the founder of Netflix, jump-started the group with a $7-million check, by far the largest donation to support any candidate in the election. Their efforts are part of a broader proxy war among Democrats between teachers unions longtime stalwarts of the party and those who argue that the groups have failed low-income and minority schoolchildren. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Talking schools with L.A. Unifieds new superintendent By Anna M. Phillips Al Seib / Los Angeles Times ( Incoming L.A. schools Supt. Austin Beutner talks to students at Belmont High School.) Austin Beutner, who officially starts Tuesday as the new superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, is taking on a famously difficult job at a particularly difficult time. The school board is divided and did not back him unanimously. The nations second-largest school district has deep-seated problems, including declining enrollment, lagging academic achievement and rising pension and healthcare costs that eat away at its budget. The 58-year-old former investment banker and former L.A. Times publisher has years of experience in the financial world but none as an educator. Earlier this week, he sat down with the Times education team to discuss the challenges facing the district, which has about 60,000 employees and 500,000 students in traditional public schools. He did not talk about his plans saying repeatedly, stay tuned but he spoke in broad terms about his mindset in approaching the tough decisions ahead. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Suspect detained, authorities search campus after reports of armed man at Palmdale high school By James Queally One person has been detained after a report of an armed man at a Palmdale high school sparked a massive law enforcement response Friday morning. The suspect was spotted at 7:05 a.m. on the campus of Highland High School in Palmdale, according to Sheriffs Department spokeswoman Nicole Nishida. The person was detained in a nearby parking lot, according to Nishida, who did not know whether that person was an adult or juvenile. Deputies at the scene are clearing the school methodically, and students will be transported home via school buses once the campus is deemed safe, Nishida said. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement The education of Bertha Perez: How a UC Merced custodians disenchantment led to a political awakening By Robin Abcarian Its the third day of a three-day strike, and UC Merced custodian Bertha Perez is taking a break from a picket line at the universitys unremarkable entrance, an intersection with stop lights. Photos from other UC campuses this week have shown big crowds of striking service workers members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees marching and chanting pro-labor slogans as they try to force the University of California back to the negotiating table. But here, at UC Merced, whose handful of big buildings rise from a flat expanse of farmland, the picket line is tiny, maybe two dozen workers and a few students. Its not a big-city-style show of force. Then again, a union sympathizer is banging relentlessly on a snare drum, so its noisier than youd expect. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Ref Rodriguez resigns from teacher credentialing commission By Howard Blume Ref Rodriguez appears during a court appearance. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles school board member Ref Rodriguez has resigned from the states Commission on Teacher Credentialing, which oversees the integrity and quality of Californias teachers. Rodriguez faces felony and misdemeanor charges for political money laundering. Separately, his former employer, a charter school organization, has accused him of improperly authorizing checks to a nonprofit under his control. Rodriguez has denied wrongdoing. Rodriguezs resignation from the state body was effective May 4, days after he cast a crucial vote as part of a narrow majority that voted to authorize contract negotiations with Austin Beutner to become superintendent of the L.A. Unified School District. Beutners first official day on the job is Tuesday. Rodriguez remains in his $125,000-a-year position on the Los Angeles Board of Education. The mission of the state body is to ensure integrity, relevance, and high quality in the preparation, certification, and discipline of Californias teachers. Critics had questioned Rodriguezs continued service on the commission, given that teachers can be suspended from work if they face criminal charges. They also can lose their jobs for lapses in personal behavior, such as excessive drinking, with the potential to affect their performance. Police in Pasadena arrested Rodriguez on a Friday afternoon in March for public drunkenness. He was not charged in the incident and has apologized. The state commission reviews teacher discipline cases and can take action to remove a teachers credential to work in a California classroom. The commission has 15 members. Rodriguezs departure was disclosed in a one-sentence announcement on the agencys website. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print School board members request for restraining order against blogger is rejected By Priscella Vega An Orange County Superior Court judge on Wednesday denied a school board members petition for a permanent restraining order against a Huntington Beach blogger. Attorney Jeffrey W. Shields filed the petition on behalf of Ocean View School District trustee Gina Clayton-Tarvin, 46, who alleged in court documents that Charles Keeler Johnson, 56, has threatened her on social media and at school board meetings, causing her to fear for my own safety and for that of my immediate family members. Johnson, who goes by Chuck and publishes HBSledgehammer.com, said the trustee tried to stifle his freedom of speech. He also contended that Clayton-Tarvin took his blog posts and Facebook comments too seriously and out of context, saying anyone who is afraid of metaphors has serious issues. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Deal with workers averts one-day strike that could have shut down L.A. schools By Howard Blume Los Angeles school district and union officials announced a contract agreement Tuesday night that averted a one-day strike planned for next week. The pact, which runs through June 2020, removes one labor problem from the desk of incoming Supt. Austin Beutner whose first day on the job would have coincided with the strike. Plenty of other challenges remain. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print UC labor strike expands with show of support from more unions By Teresa Watanabe Fong Chuu is a registered nurse who has assisted with countless liver transplants, kidney surgeries and gastric bypasses during 34 years at UCLA. Working with her are scrub technicians who sterilize equipment, hand medical instruments to the surgeon and dress patient wounds. They are a team, Chuu says, which is why she walked off her job Tuesday in support of those technicians and other members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299. The 25,000 member AFSCME local, the University of Californias largest employee union, launched a three-day strike Monday. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print We are humans too: Voices of UCLAs striking custodians, hospital aides and imaging technicians By Joy Resmovits Demonstrators parade in front of Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) This week, thousands of UC employees are staging a three-day strike for better pay and working conditions. On Monday, more than 20,000 custodians, cooks, lab technicians, nurse aides and other members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299 walked off their jobs. By Tuesday, two more unions joined in sympathy strikes. The union and UC reached a bargaining impasse last year. The university has said it wont meet the workers demands. The strikers said they wanted better pay, more equity in the allocation of work, stable healthcare premiums and an end to the universitys use of contract workers. These are their stories. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Massive UC workers strike disrupts dining, classes and medical services By Joy Resmovits A massive labor strike across the University of California on Monday forced medical centers to reschedule more than 12,000 surgeries, cancer treatments and appointments, and campuses to cancel some classes and limit dining services. More than 20,000 members of UCs largest employee union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299, walked off their jobs on the first day of a three-day strike. They include custodians, gardeners, cooks, truck drivers, lab technicians and nurse aides. Two altercations involving protesters and people driving near the rallies were reported at UCLA and UC Santa Cruz. At UCLA, police took a man into custody Monday after he drove his vehicle into a crowd, hitting three staff members. They were treated for minor injuries at the scene and released, said Lt. Kevin Kilgore of the UCLA Police Department. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Sen. Kamala Harris to skip UC Berkeley commencement in support of striking workers By Teresa Watanabe Sen. Kamala Harris (Chris Dekmas) California Sen. Kamala Harris has canceled plans to deliver UC Berkeleys commencement address this weekend in support of UC workers who are on strike over wages and health benefits. Due to the ongoing labor dispute, Sen. Harris regretfully cannot attend and speak at this years commencement ceremony at UC Berkeley, said a statement from Harris office issued Monday. She wishes the graduates and their families a joyous commencement weekend and success for the future. They are bright young leaders and our country is counting on them. UCs largest employee union, the 25,000-member American Federation of County, State and Municipal Employees Local 3299, launched a three-day strike Monday and had earlier called for a speakers boycott. The union and university reached a bargaining impasse last year and subsequent mediation efforts have failed to produce an agreement. The union is asking for a multiyear contract with a 6% annual pay increase while the university is offering 3% annual increases over four years. UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol Christ will deliver the keynote address instead, the university announced. About 5,800 students are expected to participate in the ceremony Saturday. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement School mural depicting Trumps bloody, severed head sparks controversy By Gary Warth A Chula Vista school mural that depicts the bloody, severed head of President Trump on a spear sparked a controversy that prompted officials to cover it and issue a response distancing themselves from the work. The statement also said the artist will alter the painting. We understand that there was a mural painted at the event this past weekend that does not align with our schools philosophy of non-violence, read the statement from MAAC Community Charter School director Tommy Ramirez. We have been in communication with the artist who has agreed to modify the artwork to better align with the schools philosophy. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print New blackface incident at Cal Poly prompts calls for state investigation By Kim Christensen Cal Poly San Luis Obispo officials have asked the state attorney generals office to investigate after a new photo of a white student in blackface surfaced on a fraternity groups private Snapchat. I am outraged, Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong said in a video address Friday to the campus. These vile and absolutely unacceptable acts cannot continue. We must not allow these acts to define us as an institution. Armstrong said the latest photo was intended to imitate an incident last month in which a white member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity was photographed at a party wearing blackface. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print More than 50,000 UC workers set to strike this week but campuses will remain open By Teresa Watanabe More than 50,000 workers across the University of California are set to strike this week, causing potential disruptions to surgery schedules, food preparation and campus maintenance. The systems 10 campuses and five medical centers are to remain open, with classes scheduled as planned. UCs largest employee union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299, plans to begin a three-day strike Monday involving 25,000 workers, including custodians, gardeners, cooks, truck drivers, lab technicians and nurse aides. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement New L.A. schools chief Beutner pledges to listen, learn and take action By Howard Blume New Los Angeles schools Supt. Austin Beutner proved Wednesday that hes a quick learner even without an education background. Like countless public officials before him, he appeared at an important event his first speech and news conference with a photogenic background of students. His message that he would put those students first seemed heartfelt if hardly original. Nor was it a huge surprise that he pledged to push cooperatively but unflinchingly to improve the districts academic performance and stabilize its finances. As an introduction, Beutner, a former investment banker who made a fortune on Wall Street, offered little flash, but that was partly the point. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print In a school lockdown, one student takes stock of the stressful scene (Phalaen Chang) At the beginning of lunch one day late last month, Duarte High School, Northview Middle School, and California School of the Arts-San Gabriel Valley were advised by the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department to go into lockdown mode due to police activity in the immediate area. Phalaen Chang, a junior at the California School of the Arts, wrote a series of notes on her iPhone while she sat in a room with her classmates. By the time the lockdown ended an hour later, she wrote, she knew which of her friends would hold open the door for others, be the ones calming others down, be the ones barricading the doors. She knew that all of them have the potential to be such strong people. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Tale as old as time: L.A. Unified superintendent pick follows a historical pattern of outside-the-box choices By Joy Resmovits Navy Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, superintendent from 2006-2008. (L.A. Times file photo) L.A. Unified has long gone back and forth between picking insiders and outsiders to run the nations second largest school district. The choice of Austin Beutner, announced Tuesday, places the district squarely back in the outsider camp months after a consummate insider, Supt. Michelle King, announced that she had cancer and would not return to the job. Check out this timeline of former L.A. superintendents to see how the school board members have changed their minds, sometimes favoring leaders who come from the world of education and sometimes executives from elsewhere, recruited to shock the system into change. At one point, the district hired someone from the military retired Navy Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, who served as superintendent from 2006-2008. In hiring Brewer, board members had opted for a non-educator largely because they sought a fresh thinker, unwedded to the bureaucracy, unafraid to make bold, even unorthodox moves, reads a 2008 Times story. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Austin Beutner named superintendent of Los Angeles schools By Howard Blume Austin Beutner, a philanthropist and former investment banker, on Tuesday was named superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, the nations second-largest school system. His selection was the biggest move yet by a Los Angeles school board majority elected with major support from charter school advocates. The decision came after lengthy public testimony, most of it in support of the other remaining finalist, interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian, who is well known within the school system. Beutner, 58, has no background leading a school or school district. Less than 2 years ago, a school board with a very different balance of power named Michelle King, a former teacher who rose through the district throughout her career, to L.A. Unifieds top job. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Hearing delay gives both sides more time in Ref Rodriguezs potential trial By Howard Blume Ref Rodriguez and his attorneys will have more time to prepare their defense against charges of political money laundering, a judge ruled Monday. The preliminary hearing in the case had been scheduled to begin May 9, but that date will now be pushed back to July 23 per the ruling from L.A. Superior Court Judge Deborah S. Brazil. Rodriguez, 46, faces three felony charges of conspiracy, perjury and procuring and offering a false or forged instrument, as well as 25 misdemeanor counts related to the alleged campaign money laundering. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement L.A. school board poised to name Beutner as superintendent By Howard Blume The Los Angeles Board of Education is poised to select philanthropist and former investment banker Austin Beutner to be the next superintendent of the nations second-largest school system. Barring a last-minute development, the only mystery is whether Beutner emerges with four or five votes from the boards seven members. Terms of his contract already have been under discussion, according to sources close to the process who requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak. The selection of Beutner, 58, who has no experience managing a school or a school district, would be a signal that the board majority that took control nearly a year ago wants to rely on business management skills instead of insider educational expertise. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Teacher walkouts in Arizona and Colorado continue national debate on money for schools By Michael Livingston Following the lead of teachers who walked off the job in other states in recent weeks, thousands of teachers and their supporters took to the streets in Arizona and Colorado for the second day in a row to demand better pay and more funding for education. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Three decades before the #MeToo movement, UC San Diego led the way against sexual assault By Teresa Watanabe When Nancy Wahlig first started her fight against sexual assault, one company was marketing a capsule for women to stash in their bras and then smash to release a vile odor. Because of the very nature of society, the only person who can prevent rape is the woman herself, read a 1981 advertisement for the Repulse rape deterrent. Ideas about how to prevent sexual violence have come a long way since then, and Wahlig has helped lead that evolution on college campuses. In 1988, she started UC San Diegos Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC), the first stand-alone program at the University of California. Today, she remains the systems most senior specialist. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Andres Alonso withdraws from consideration for L.A. schools job By Howard Blume Andres Alonso, believed to be one of three remaining finalists to lead the Los Angeles school system, has withdrawn from consideration. The remaining known candidates in the confidential search are former investment banker Austin Beutner and interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian. Alonso, 60, announced his decision on Twitter on Thursday night, saying he had notified the L.A. Unified School District on Monday. The exit of Alonso, the former Baltimore schools chief, seems to solidify the front-runner status of Beutner, who also was a former L.A. Times publisher and a Los Angeles deputy mayor. He held each of those positions for about a year. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Heres why the apparent increase in autism spectrum disorders may be good for U.S. children By Karen Kaplan The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among American children continues to rise, new government data suggest. And that may be a good thing. Among 11 sites across the U.S. where records of 8-year-olds are scrutinized in detail, 1 in 59 kids was deemed to have ASD in 2014. Thats up from 1 in 68 in 2012. Normally, health officials would prefer to see less of a disease, not more of it. But in this case, the higher number is probably a sign that more children of color who are on the autism spectrum are being recognized as such and getting services to help them, according to a report published Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print UC shelves tuition increase for now, in hopes of getting more state funding By Teresa Watanabe University of California regents will not vote on a tuition increase next month, shelving the plan for now in hopes that state lawmakers will come through with more funding. Raising tuition is always a last resort and one we take very seriously, UC President Janet Napolitano said Thursday in a statement. We will continue to advocate with our students who are doing a tremendous job of educating legislators about the necessity of adequately funding the university to ensure UC remains a world-class institution and engine of economic growth for our state. Last week, Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White said the 23-campus system no longer would consider a plan to raise tuition for the 2018-19 academic year. But unlike Cal State, UC officials have not taken a tuition increase off the table entirely. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement A chemical spill, unchecked eyewash stations, poor training: Audit details Cal States lax lab safety By Joy Resmovits In May 2016, two bottles tumbled off a poorly supported shelf and broke, leading to a chemical spill in a Sacramento State University lab. The liquid got onto one students legs and soaked anothers feet. Five employees cleaned up the mess, even though no one knew for sure what it was and whether it was dangerous. They called fellow employee Kim Harrington, their union representative, to let her know what happened. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print After blackface incident, minority students at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo say they dont feel welcome By Hailey Branson-Potts Aaliyah Ramos was walking through the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus last year when a prospective student approached her. Ramos was the only black person, the young woman said, that she and her mother had seen that day. They asked about the quality of education and the diversity of the student body. Ramos, a mechanical engineering student, didnt want to sugarcoat the truth: Cal Poly long has been predominantly white. But she told the young woman who also was black that she didnt want to discourage her from applying, because that wouldnt help with diversity at a school where only 0.7% of students are African American the lowest percentage of any university in the California State system. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement El Camino Real Charter High School in Woodland Hills wins the 2018 U.S. Academic Decathlon By Carlos Lozano El Camino Real Charter High School in Woodland Hills has won the 2018 U.S. Academic Decathlon, officials said. The winner was announced early Saturday at a ceremony in Frisco, Texas. More than 600 students from the U.S., Canada, China and the United Kingdom gathered there over the last three days to compete in the 37th annual U.S. Academic Decathlon. Congratulations to El Camino Real Charter High School for another impressive victory, said Vivian Ekchian, interim superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Your academic stamina and competitive spirit to win is remarkable. The entire L.A. Unified family is so proud of you. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Anticipation mounts as L.A. school board meets over superintendent selection By Howard Blume L.A. schools superintendent candidate Andres Alonso got an endorsement Friday, but Austin Beutner and Vivian Ekchian also have supporters. (Elizabeth Malby) The Los Angeles Board of Education is reconvening in closed session Friday at noon as anticipation mounts about the choice of the next leader of the nations second-largest school system. The presumed front-runner is former investment banker and philanthropist Austin Beutner, but interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian and former Baltimore Supt. Andres Alonso also are in the running. Most district insiders appear to be rooting for Ekchian, who has spent her entire career in education within the school system. After her 10 years as a teacher, her roles have included head of human resources, chief labor negotiator and regional administrator for campuses in the west San Fernando Valley. Shes managed the district since September, when then-Supt. Michelle King went on medical leave and chose Ekchian to fill in for her. King, who is battling cancer, never returned and announced her retirement in January. Numerous influential civic leaders have urged and pressured the board to select Beutner. Also lending their weight have been advocates for charter schools, which are independently operated, growing in number and competing for students with district-operated campuses. Four of the seven board members enough to control the outcome were elected with major financial support from charter supporters. Beutner has two ongoing connections with the L.A. Unified School District. The first is his leadership of an outside task force that is making recommendations on how to improve the school system. The second is his charity, Vision to Learn, which supplies glasses to low-income students. The charity and the school system are in a dispute at the moment over who is responsible for delays in providing services to students as part of a $6 million contract, half of which is paid for by L.A. Unified. Unlike Ekchian and Buetner, Alonso, who currently teaches at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, has no deep-seated local constituency, but the prospect of his selection has generated some excitement. While in Baltimore, Alonso was recognized for pushing for progress at low-performing schools, and for being willing to take strong action. While in Baltimore, he also weathered a test-score cheating scandal and occasionally rocky relations with the teachers union. But by the time he resigned, after six years, he and union leaders seemed to be working together without rancor. Leaders of some community groups have split from the pro-Beutner camp. They worry that Beutners approach to confronting the districts financial problems could shut out their voices or involve severe economic cutbacks that would undermine programs that are helping students. Some prefer Ekchian; some Alonso. Theyve been reluctant to speak out publicly because theyll have to work with whoever is selected, but they have tried to get the ear of board members. On Friday morning, one leader of a community group decided to come out in favor of Alonso. L.A. Unified has the opportunity to bring in an instructional leader of color with a history of success, said Alberto Retana, president and chief executive of Community Coalition, which works on behalf of low-income students and families in South Los Angeles. If we have a shot at that, we should go for it because its in the best interests of our kids and of our community. Retana said his statement was not meant to criticize Beutner or Ekchian but to alert board members that there also is community support for Alonso. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Cal State leader shelves proposed tuition hike: Its the right thing to do, but its not without risk By Joy Resmovits Cal State, the nations largest public university system, will no longer consider a plan to raise tuition for the 2018-19 academic year, Chancellor Timothy P. White announced Friday. The decision is a bet that Sacramento will come through in the end. If Cal State loses that bet, it could mean cuts to campus programs. White said in an interview that Californias economy is strong enough that families should not be shouldering the burden of higher college costs. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print L.A. students to participate in national walkout activities on Friday By Joy Resmovits (Los Angeles Times) Students are taking to the streets again Friday to protest gun violence on the 19th anniversary of the Columbine school shooting. Starting at 10 a.m., students at many schools will spend 13 seconds honoring the 13 people 12 students and one teacher killed on that day in Littleton, Colo. After that, theyll participate in a host of different activities. Within L.A. Unified, one school is having an open-mic event for students to talk about school violence, and lawmakers are visiting campuses to hear students thoughts. According to a central hub for organizing the protests written by the students of Ridgefield High School in Connecticut the walkouts are intended to drive the political change necessary to curb school violence. The day is also a time for students to interact on an elevated platform they have never had before, the site states. It is a day of discourse and thoughtful sharing. Bringing together communities and students to get a national discussion rolling. Organizers have suggested using the event to convey the importance of curbing gun violence to legislators. They are encouraging students to push legislation that would ban assault weapons and tighten up rules around who can buy guns and how. Over 2,500 schools nationwide are expected to participate. In L.A., some students at campuses including Eagle Rock High School, the Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts and Bravo Medical Magnet plan to walk out. Students from various schools expect to join area marches, including those in Santa Monica and Huntington Park. Other schools are hosting career days and voter registration drives. At 1 p.m., students plan to start a rally in front of L.A. Unified headquarters. For the record: An earlier version of this article stated that 12 teachers and one student were killed in the Columbine shooting. The opposite is true: twelve students and one teacher died. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Stabbing of popular student devastates South El Monte High School; teen friend suspected in slaying By Sonali Kohli When administrators at South El Monte High School called Jeremy Sanchezs parents to say he never showed up for class Wednesday, his father began to worry. It was unusual for the 17-year-old junior to miss school, so his father filed a missing persons report and assembled two of Jeremys close friends to look for the popular student-athlete. Their search took them to a scenic stretch of the San Gabriel River Trail, where one of the friends a 16-year-old boy made a tragic discovery. Among the bushes in the riverbed near Thienes Avenue and Parkway Drive was Jeremys body, punctured with stab wounds, according to Lt. John Corina of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Racist fliers spark outrage at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo By Alene Tchekmedyian Soon after Neal MacDougall arrived on the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus Tuesday, the professor noticed university police standing outside a restroom near his office. A racial slur against African Americans had been scrawled in red marker on a stall wall. Later, he discovered a series of racist fliers pinned up next to his door. Someone had also slashed posters hed hung outside his office supporting students in the country illegally. The discovery was the latest controversy on the prestigious campus which the president said is less than 55% white that MacDougall said demonstrates a culture of racism at the university. Last week, photographs emerged of white fraternity members, including one in blackface, flashing gang signs. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement The superintendent waiting game, paying for L.A.'s College Promise, Princetons slave history: Whats new in education By Joy Resmovits Acting LAUSD superintendent Vivian Ekchian is a finalist for the permanent job. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) In and around Los Angeles: The L.A. Unified school board spent 10 hours interviewing and discussing candidates for superintendent. When they adjourned after 10 p.m., they said they would reconvene on Friday. Who is paying for Mayor Eric Garcettis much-touted College Promise, a program that promises two years of community college for LAUSD grads? In California: The Legislature is considering a proposal that would boost K-12 education funding for black students. When the cost of living is taken into account, California has the highest rate of child poverty. Nationwide: The families of two children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School are suing Alex Jones and Infowars for saying the school massacre never occurred. Princeton will name two spaces an arch and a garden after slaves who lived or worked on the campus. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print L.A. school board meets privately with finalists and debates choice for school district leader By Howard Blume The Los Angeles Board of Education adjourned late Tuesday after spending more than 10 hours interviewing candidates and trying to reach a decision on who would be the next leader of the nations second-largest school system. When the meeting finally recessed at 10:11 p.m., a spokesman announced only that the school board would reconvene Friday at noon. Going into the days meetings, there were apparently four finalists, according to sources who could not be named because they were unauthorized to speak. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Two Sandy Hook families sue Alex Jones and Infowars for saying the school massacre never happened By David Altimari Families of two children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School have filed lawsuits in Texas against controversial radio host Alex Jones for continually claiming the massacre never happened. Neil Heslin, the father of Jesse Lewis, and Leonard Pozner and Veronique De La Rosa, whose son Noah Pozner died in the massacre, filed separate lawsuits late Monday in Travis County, Texas. The lawsuits allege that Jones defamed the parents by constantly calling them crisis actors and insisting the shooting was a false flag operation; they also claim Jones accusations have led to death threats against the Sandy Hook families by Jones followers. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Beutner emerges as a top pick for L.A. schools superintendent amid last-minute jockeying By Howard Blume Austin Beutner has emerged as a leading contender to run the Los Angeles school district, with backers saying he is smart enough and tough enough to confront its financial and academic struggles. Though he does not have a background in education, the former investment banker has in the last year examined some of the districts intractable problems, serving as co-chair of an outside task force with the support of then-Supt. Michelle King. Sources inside and outside the school district said Beutner appears to have more support on the seven-member board than other finalists, and his name could come up for a vote as early as Tuesday. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Challenge at Chicago school construction site: Watch for 38,000 unmarked graves By Nereida Moreno A 15-year effort to build a school in Chicagos Dunning neighborhood is underway with an unusual complication: Construction workers are taking careful steps to avoid disturbing human remains that may lie beneath the soil. The $70-million school is to be built on the grounds of a former Cook County Poor House, where an estimated 38,000 people were buried in unmarked graves. Among the dead are residents who were too poor to afford funeral costs, unclaimed bodies and patients from the countys insane asylum. There can be and there have been bodies found all over the place, said Barry Fleig, a genealogist and cemetery researcher who began investigating the site in 1989. Its a spooky, scary place. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Oklahoma teacher walkout winds down despite lawmakers failure to meet demands By Washington Post Oklahomas largest teachers union has announced an end to a walkout that has drawn thousands of educators out of classrooms and to the state Capitol demanding greater investment in the states schools, which have endured the nations steepest funding cuts. The announcement Thursday from the Oklahoma Education Assn. does not necessarily end the protests at the Capitol, as teachers not affiliated with the union vowed to stay longer. Instead of a walkout, the union and school districts across the state have said they plan to send delegations of teachers to Oklahoma City to keep the pressure on lawmakers. Teachers and their supporters have also promised to push education issues to the forefront of November elections, when the state chooses a new governor. As school districts begin to reopen, the protests may lose steam. The Legislature is not in session Friday, and observers are waiting to see what happens Monday, when lawmakers return. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Most Californians are worried about school shooting threats and oppose arming teachers, survey finds By Joy Resmovits Hamilton High School student Aiyana Dabriel holds a sign during a March 14 walkout in support of the Parkland shooting victims. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Most Californians are worried that a school shooting like the one that occurred in Parkland, Fla., in February could shed blood closer to home, a new survey found. Some 73% percent of adults and 82% of public school parents said they were very concerned or somewhat concerned about school shootings. The Public Policy Institute of California surveyed 1,704 adults in the state by phone just after the March for Our Lives protest against gun violence. Latino and black respondents were significantly more likely to be concerned about school violence than white or Asian respondents, the institute found. Two-thirds of adults and public school parents said they opposed letting more educators carry weapons in school. The response differed across party lines, with 86% of Democrats and 69% of independents voicing their opposition, while 60% percent of Republicans said they would support a measure to arm educators. The poll, which had a margin of error of 3.2% in either direction, also asked Californians about school funding, educational issues in the governors race and the impact of immigration enforcement on students. You can find the full results here. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Californias largest virtual charter school network agrees to contract with its teachers By Anna M. Phillips Nearly four years after teachers at Californias largest online charter school voted to unionize, they have reached a deal to increase pay and create job protections, according to a spokesman for the California Teachers Assn. The contract, which is still tentative and subject to ratification, is a victory for the teachers union. Although charter schools are publicly funded, most are privately managed and their employees arent protected by labor contracts. Under the terms of the contract the result of years of negotiation and legal wrangling approximately 500 teachers working for California Virtual Academies will no longer be at-will employees who can be dismissed for almost any reason. Their average salary will rise to just over $45,000, according to union estimates, a figure that remains far below the norm for traditional public school teachers. Still, it is an improvement over the previous average of $38,000. The accord also places a limit on the number of students each teacher is responsible for monitoring in online homeroom classes. Were very satisfied with the gains we made, said teacher Brianna Carroll, president of California Virtual Educators United. I think were going to see some extraordinary changes in our schools. According to Carroll, teachers at California Virtual Academies better known as CAVA had grown frustrated with the organizations foot-dragging and were making preparations to go on strike when CAVAs leadership agreed to the deal. CAVA and K12, the Virginia-based for-profit company linked to its schools, did not immediately respond to an email Tuesday asking for comment. The network currently operates nine virtual charter schools across California. In 2016, the charter network agreed to pay $8.5 million to settle claims of false advertising, misleading parents and inadequate instruction. The state attorney generals office had also accused K12 of controlling the charters for its own financial benefit. Neither CAVA nor K12 admitted to wrongdoing in the settlement. A year later, the state imposed a $2-million fine on CAVA after an audit found that it had misspent public funds. The network disputed the findings. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement School board approves a new formula for funding high-need schools By Sonali Kohli L.A. schools will soon get more money if they are located in neighborhoods with such problems as high levels of gun violence and asthma. The Los Angeles Unified school board voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a new formula to determine how to dole out some funding to schools, based not only on the characteristics of the student populations but on the traumas that affect the communities around campuses. The new formula will be applied to $25 million in funding next fiscal year and about $263 million annually in future years a small part of the districts $7.5 billion annual budget. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Protesters demand Ref Rodriguez resignation outside school board meeting By Sonali Kohli Students, parents, teachers and UTLA marching outside the board meeting chanting "Ref resign" pic.twitter.com/W0LRWZSIXY Sonali Kohli (@Sonali_Kohli) April 10, 2018 A few dozen parents, students and teachers marched outside the Los Angeles Unified School Board meeting Tuesday, some calling for board member Ref Rodriguez to resign the week after news broke that he was taken into custody on suspicion of being drunk in public at a Pasadena bar and restaurant. Rodriguez was not cited or charged in that incident, but was held for more than five and a half hours before being released. The school board member faces felony and misdemeanor charges for political money laundering. He is accused of getting more than two dozen people people to donate to his campaign for his school board seat with the understanding that he would reimburse them. He stepped down from his post as school board president after he was charged last fall, but he did not give up his seat on the board. He has pleaded not guilty to three felony counts of conspiracy, perjury, and procuring and offering a false or forged instrument, as well as 25 misdemeanor counts related to the alleged campaign money laundering. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May. He cant give his full focus to our students, said Rebecca LaFond, a Highland Park parent whose three children marched with her as she chanted, Ref resign. One daughter marched in front of her, using a drum stick to hit the bottom of a gallon-size empty water jug. Our kids deserve someone who has the utmost ethical standards representing them, LaFond said. The protests continued into the board meeting, where some addressed Rodriguez directly, calling on him to step down during public comment portions of the meeting. Rodriguez, through his chief of staff, declined to comment. Some parents outside the board meeting did not know about the charges against Rodriguez but came out to protest the possibility of sharing their school campuses with charter schools. Protesters also oppose colocation not all of the parents are here to ask Ref Rodriguez to step down pic.twitter.com/1Co8zQ9zSi Sonali Kohli (@Sonali_Kohli) April 10, 2018 Cynthia Martinez said her son, who goes to Christopher Dena Elementary School in Boyle Heights, has been bullied in the past by students from a charter school sharing the campus. She said she didnt know who Rodriguez was. Some parents and teachers are worried about losing computer labs, robotics rooms and fitness centers if they are required to share their campus with charter schools, said Ilse Escobar, a parent community organizer for United Teachers Los Angeles. The issues of Rodriguez and colocation are related, Escobar said. Rodriguez is part of a majority on the school board elected with financial backing from charter school supporters, and many parents, she said, feel that the school board is compromised if he is a part of it. Staff reporter Howard Blume contributed to this post. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Delaine Eastin tries to gain momentum in the California governors race, one voter at a time By Seema Mehta Delaine Eastin was a sophomore in high school when a drama teacher urged her to try out for a part in The Man Who Came to Dinner. She hesitated until he told her: This is a metaphor for your whole life. If you never try out, you will never get the part. Eastin auditioned and won the role. Decades later, the advice sticks with the former state schools chief, this time in her unlikely run for governor. Despite calls for more women in leadership roles in state politics following sexual misconduct allegations in Sacramento, Eastin has been largely overlooked in the race, lagging far behind her Democratic rivals in fundraising and the polls. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Arizona high court rejects in-state tuition for DACA recipients By Associated Press Young immigrants granted deferred deportation status under a program started by President Obama are not eligible for lower in-state college tuition, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled Monday. The unanimous ruling will affect at least 2,000 students attending the states largest community college district and hundreds more at other colleges and the states three public universities. The Maricopa County Community Colleges District and state universities said they would begin raising tuition immediately for the coming school year. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print New York high school students injured when bus strikes overpass By Associated Press A charter bus carrying teenagers returning from a spring break trip Sunday night struck a bridge overpass on Long Island, seriously injuring six passengers and mangling the entire length of the top of the bus. The crash happened shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday on the Southern State Parkway in Lakeview, according to New York State Police. One of the six injured passengers had very serious injuries, said State Police Maj. David Candelaria. Thirty-seven other passengers suffered minor injuries. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Some good news for California in national student test scores By Joy Resmovits National test scores for fourth- and eighth-graders were generally flat from 2015, but eighth-grade reading scores showed some improvement. Every two years, the nations fourth- and eighth-graders are tested in math and reading and newly released results from last years tests give California at least a little reason to be pleased. The 2017 results out Monday night were mostly flat nationwide compared with 2015, though the average score in eighth-grade reading went up. But while that improvement largely came from the increased scores of the highest-performing students, California eighth-graders showed some reading progress from the lowest levels to the highest. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Under state control, Inglewood school districts financial picture worsened By Anna M. Phillips When Eugenio Villa agreed to return to the Inglewood schools for a second tour last summer, he knew the district remained one of Californias most troubled. Inglewood Unified had been nearly insolvent when it was taken over by the state Department of Education in 2012. Six years later, its enrollment was still declining. Its school buildings were tired some edging into decrepitude. Its test scores and graduation rates were still below the state average. And the public was out of patience. Still, Villa, who had signed back on as the districts chief business official, was shocked at what he found when he arrived in June 2017. Two years earlier, he had left the school system on what he thought was firm ground. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Charter school group drops two lawsuits against L.A. Unified By Howard Blume A charter schools advocacy group last week announced that it would end two long-running lawsuits in which it was seeking more classroom space and construction money from the Los Angeles school district. The decision, the California Charter Schools Assn. said, reflects better relations between charter schools and the L.A. Unified School District. But the move also suggests that the litigation, which already contributed to significant gains for area charters, was unlikely to produce much more. It takes time, money and effort to litigate, said Ricardo Soto, general counsel for the charter group. Maybe its better to see if we can find the time and opportunity for collaboration. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print L.A. school board member Ref Rodriguez is arrested on suspicion of public intoxication By Richard Winton Los Angeles school board member Ref Rodriguez was arrested recently on suspicion of being drunk in public at a Pasadena restaurant, the latest trouble for an elected official who faces political money-laundering charges. Pasadena police took Rodriguez into custody on March 16, according to city spokeswoman Lisa Derderian. Officers arrested Rodriguez at about 4:30 p.m. at the Yard House restaurant and bar at the Paseo Mall and held him in jail for more than five-and-a-half hours. Rodriguez was ultimately released without being cited or charged, Derderian told The Times. Other details about the arrest were not available, she A California Supreme Court justice, dissenting Monday in a death penalty decision, called for new rules to curb inaccurate eyewitness identification, a leading cause of wrongful convictions. The dissent came in a case in which the court decided 5 to 2 to uphold the death sentence of Ennis Reed, convicted of killing two people in Compton. Justice Goodwin Liu wrote the dissent, calling on the courts to better police eyewitness testimony. Justice Leondra Kruger did not sign Lius dissent but wrote separately, saying she was dissenting in Reeds case for some of the reasons Liu cited. Reed was sentenced to death in 1999 for killing Amarilis Vasquez and Paul Moreland in separate incidents. Advertisement Evidence at Reeds death penalty trial showed he had dropped out of school after seventh grade, when he was performing at the level of a third- or fourth-grader, and had been convicted in 1992 of attempted murder for driving a car in which a passenger shot someone from the vehicle. In the appeal of his death penalty case, Reed, who is African American, argued that the prosecutor discriminated against African Americans in picking the jury and that the evidence, largely testimony by eyewitnesses, did not support the convictions. Reed also challenged the eyewitness testimony. In the case of one of the witnesses, Reed was the only bald person in a six-photo array and the only person to appear in both the photos and the in-person lineup. Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuellar, writing the majority ruling, rejected Reeds claims. Cuellar cited a variety of reasons that justified the prosecutors decision to exclude some African Americans while keeping others. The court majority also said the eyewitness identification was buttressed by evidence that placed Reed near the scene of one of the killings and with an individual whose last name matched someone police chased that night into a home that contained the murder weapon. Moreover, the majority said, an eyewitness in one of the killings identified Reed in two lineups and at the preliminary hearing. Liu, joined by Kruger, said the conviction had to be overturned because the trial judge failed in his legal responsibility to examine the prosecutors motives after Reeds lawyer objected to the removal of several African American prospective jurors. As a result of the trial courts error, we cannot be confident that Reed was convicted by a jury selected without regard to race, Liu wrote. Liu went further, though, stressing that the law was not keeping pace with the science on eyewitness identification. The eyewitnesses in Reeds case saw the assailant while they were under great stress, in poor lighting and at a distance, Liu said. They also were a different race from the perpetrator, and one of them did not identify Reed in a photo lineup until several months after the killing. Citing an array of research, Liu said new jury instructions should be written to help jurors understand the problematic nature of eyewitness testimony and weigh its accuracy. Law enforcement also can reduce the risk of inaccuracy, Liu wrote, by videotaping lineups and ensuring the operator of the lineup does not know which person is the suspect. But there is little that courts can do to induce law enforcement to adopt these practices unless courts themselves subject such evidence to greater scrutiny, Liu said in a portion of the dissent that Kruger did not join. He said the state high courts of Oregon and New Jersey have taken steps to try and ensure that trial judges better police eyewitness testimony and called on the Legislature and the Judicial Council, the policymaking body for the courts, to address the issue. This case provides another example of the problematic nature of eyewitness identification evidence, particularly where such evidence is the sole or principal evidence against the defendant, Liu wrote. maura.dolan@latimes.com Twitter: @mauradolan The union that represents 30,000 Los Angeles Unified School District support staff workers is planning a strike on May 15 over what its leaders have called unfair labor practices. After more than a year of negotiations, the two sides have been unable to agree on a contract for unionized school bus drivers, custodians, special education assistants, teacher assistants, health aides and cafeteria workers. Union leaders said that while negotiations were underway, the district made unilateral changes to working conditions outside of collective bargaining. That includes cutting the hours of more than 125 special education assistants by at least an hour a day without notifying the union, said Max Arias, executive director of Service Employees International Union Local 99, which represents about 30,000 school district employees. He also said LAUSD officials interfered with a strike authorization vote and are making it difficult for union leaders to join a safety committee. We are going to engage in a 24-hour strike May 15 to demand an end to these unfair practices and that the district respect our rights, Arias said. Our members want it to stop. Advertisement Union members voted last month to authorize the bargaining committee to call a strike if it thought one was necessary. About 94% of the more than 11,000 workers who cast a vote supported the move, Arias said. Theyve made staffing cuts and changes without speaking with those of us who do the work, Tanya Walters, a school bus driver and union vice president, said in a statement. We dont want to strike, but we will move forward on May 15 if the district continues to disrespect our voices and disregard our work. District officials disputed the unions points. They said a strike would be unlawful because the Public Employment Relations Board has not yet made a determination about the unions charges that workers have faced unfair labor practices. The district respects Local 99 and values them and all the members they represent, but we disagree with this tactic theyre taking, said Najeeb Khoury, LAUSDs director of labor relations. He said its the districts longstanding practice to adjust special education aides each year based on changes in the student body, which affects the workload from school to school. The incident that the union alleged interfered with the unions strike vote, Khoury said, involved a school principal who asked an employee to remove strike-related material from a bulletin board. He called it an isolated incident that happened without the knowledge of anyone in the districts central office. Khoury said the unions third complaint involved a safety committee that reviews workplace accident reports. The district said that a union leader who sits on the committee cant also serve as a representative for a worker whose actions are under review, he said. We dont think these actions justify an unfair labor practice strike, Khoury said. alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com Twitter: @AleneTchek A registered sex offender and parolee who led police on a wild pursuit in a motor home before escaping on foot last week is scheduled to be arraigned Monday on charges that he kidnapped his two young children. Stephen Houk, 46, who was wanted on suspicion of violations including child abduction and child endangerment, was arrested May 3 after police found him hiding inside an empty rail car in Barstow. The Los Angeles County district attorneys office charged Houk with two counts each of kidnapping, child abuse, injuring a spouse and child detention, and one count each of assault with a firearm, criminal threats, fleeing a pursuing peace officers motor vehicle and possession of a firearm by a felon, Greg Risling, a spokesman for the office, said in a statement. Houk had been on the run for nearly two days last week and attempted to flee to Arizona on a train before authorities from multiple law enforcement agencies were able to catch up to him, officials said. Advertisement The pursuit that led to his escape began May 1 after Houk got into a heated argument with the mother of his two children inside the familys RV in Malibu, Risling said in the statement. At one point Houk allegedly pointed a loaded firearm at the woman and threatened to kill her and harm their children, the statement said. Authorities said he pushed the woman out of the motor home and drove off with their 3-year-old-son and 1-year-old daughter. The chase ensued after Houk fled from Los Angeles County sheriffs deputies who spotted the RV in the Culver City area, authorities said. The pursuit lasted nearly four hours with police following Houks vehicle north on Interstate 5 and eventually north on Highway 99 through Bakersfield. He eventually found himself in a rural area and starting driving through an almond orchard before his motor home got stuck on soggy ground, authorities said. He escaped, leaving his two children in the vehicle, and took cover under foliage in the orchard, said Capt. Eddie Hernandez of the Sheriffs Departments Major Crimes Bureau. The children were found unharmed inside the vehicle. Prosecutors are recommending bail be set at $1 million, Risling said in the statement. melissa.etehad@latimes.com Follow me on Twitter @melissaetehad Of the 225 asylum seekers escaping from places like Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, the dozen or so members of the transgender community who arrived in Tijuana feel they are targeted wherever they go. These women say they have survived murder attempts, have seen their friends beaten to death, and have been forced into sex work. Not all of them made it to Tijuana. Some of us have been kidnapped, assaulted and disappeared, said Ivan Mondragon, 30, who organized the transgender group. Some have been forced into sex work. Here in Tijuana, one of our girls was assaulted, someone broke her rib and we havent seen her since she posted a video on Facebook after she was beaten. Advertisement Mondragon, who lives in the Mexican state of Chiapas, organized a transgender caravan last year. During that trip, they successfully transported 17 people, including 11 transgender women, to Nogales, Ariz. While planning a second caravan this year Mondragon learned about the Central American caravan getting ready to leave the Guatemala-Mexico border, the same caravan that President Donald Trump openly criticized as a sign of weak immigration laws and inadvertently turned into an international media spectacle. Mondragon decided to join the larger caravan for protection. Five transgender women were part of the caravan and more joined along the way, including a large contingent in Puebla. Along the month-long journey through Mexico, about 35 transgender women joined the caravan and about 20 made it to Tijuana, Mondragon said. Many of them said they are runaways, cast away by their families. Most of them said they have at least one friend who was murdered for being transgender. I have friends who dont have the opportunity to ask for asylum because they are already dead, said Shannel Smith, 28, of Honduras. Smith said she left the capital of Tegucigalpa with two friends after gang members who killed their transgender friend went after them. Her friends decided to stay in Mexico but Smith chose to keep going. I dont think Mexico can give me the security Im looking for, she said. I have friends who live here in Mexico and say it isnt as safe as it seems. Melany Santiago, 19, is one of the transgender women who joined the caravan in Puebla. She is from Honduras but has been living in Mexico City since she was 14. Santiago left Honduras after she said someone tried to kill her. She carried copies of hospital records and hoped to use them while making her claim for asylum. In Mexico, she thought shed find acceptance but said she experienced the same level of discrimination as in Honduras. Apart from being denied jobs and housing, violence against transgender women goes unpunished, she said. When you report a crime no one follows up, Santiago said. There is no investigation, there is impunity. The legal system here is a farce. Along their month-long trip through Mexico, the transgender women formed a close-knit community. That bond was most apparent to Alexandra Mejilla, 29, of El Salvador, when they had to make their way through a series of trains known collectively as La Bestia. Mejilla had trouble getting on the train and briefly thought about giving up and staying in Mexico. But her friends, some on the train and some behind her, pushed her up and into a box cart. I felt more support because I wasnt alone anymore, she said. If something happens your friends protect you. Were all running from the same thing so we help each other out. In El Salvador transgender people are treated like extraterrestrials, Mejilla said. They dont talk to us, they wont come near us. Last year, 15 of Mejillas transgender friends were murdered in El Salvador, she said. Some were hacked to pieces with machetes to the point that they were no longer recognizable, she said. During the trip, caravan organizers helped all of the asylum-seekers build a strong case. Mondragon puts together legal screenings and works with nonprofits in the United States to find sponsors for the transgender women. Mondragon also organized talks and empowerment workshops to help the transgender women find their voice. Ideally, she would like for them to be able to stay in Mexico one day. But the countrys views toward transgender people need to change before that happens, Mondragon said. Asylum cases are difficult to win. They can take months, even years, to complete and more than seven out of every 10 claims from Central Americans are denied. To be granted asylum in the United States, applicants need to prove that they suffer persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. Nicole Ramos, an immigration attorney who has been helping prepare asylum seekers, says some of the strongest cases are from the LGBTQ community, particularly transgender women. Five transgender women entered the U.S. last Wednesday, organizers said. Five more entered Friday. About 10 stayed behind in Tijuana. Organizers arent yet sure how many will try to claim asylum and how many will stay in Mexico. Even as they prepared to enter the U.S., death followed the caravans transgender women. Melannie Osorio, 20, of Honduras, said she had received a WhatsApp message telling her that her best friend, a transgender woman named Angie, had been shot and killed. Angie was Osorios third transgender friend to be murdered this year, she said. I wouldnt last a day if I returned to Honduras, she said. Solis writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune. An interracial couple was walking near a Phoenix park when, authorities say, a shirtless neo-Nazi began angrily yelling a racial slur and harassing the black man in the couple over dating a white woman. Authorities say the men exchanged tense words before Travis Ricci rushed back to a home where other white supremacists were partying, grabbed a shotgun and returned in a sedan driven by an associate. Ricci leaned out the car and fired two buckshot blasts, missing the black man his target and killing his girlfriend, investigators said. Lawyers are now picking a jury to decide whether Ricci should be convicted of murder and sentenced to death in the 2009 attack, which prosecutors say was a hate crime. Opening statements are tentatively scheduled for June 6. Advertisement The case has offered several unexpected turns. Authorities say Aaron Levi Schmidt, 36, was driving the car used in the 2009 shooting. He has pleaded guilty in the murder of Kelly Ann Jaeger. (Arizona Department of Corrections ) Ricci, whose defense is expected to include an argument that hes not the man he used to be, claims his great-grandfather was a member of the French Resistance killed by Nazis during World War II. Authorities are seeking the death penalty, saying 39-year-old Kelly Ann Jaegers killing was meant to further the interests of the Vinlanders Social Club, a neo-Nazi group with a reputation for violence that was later targeted in a law enforcement crackdown. Since prosecutors have called the attack a hate crime, they can seek as many as 11 additional years in prison above the maximum penalty if Ricci is convicted of other charges, such as attempted murder, drive-by shooting, aggravated assault and assisting a criminal gang. Ricci pleaded not guilty, and his lawyers have raised questions about the ability of Jaegers boyfriend, Jeffery Wellmaker, to identify him as the triggerman. They note that nearly two years after the attack, Wellmaker was jailed in an unrelated case and played chess with Ricci behind bars without recognizing him. Aaron Levi Schmidt, who authorities say was driving the car used in the shooting, pleaded guilty to murder in Jaegers death. He is already serving 11 years for assisting a criminal gang. Its unclear whether hes been sentenced on the murder conviction. Lawyers for Ricci and Schmidt, both 36, have said their clients werent members of the Vinlanders. Police reports say Ricci told associates before the attack that he saw black men hitting a white woman, though its unclear if that claim was accurate. Rebecca Wilder, a spokeswoman for the Maricopa County attorneys office, which is prosecuting Ricci, declined to comment on the case. The Phoenix Police Department, which investigated the attack, also declined to comment. Prosecutors said in court records that Wellmaker, who was unarmed, was extremely distraught over the attack and tried to help his girlfriend after she was shot. They say Wellmaker didnt provoke the attack and tried to push Jaeger out of the path of the shotgun blast, according to court records. Riccis attorneys declined to answer questions about the allegations against their client. He is a very sensitive person who cares about people in general, said Jennifer Willmott, one of his lawyers. He has had a very difficult life. Bruce Blumberg, another attorney for Ricci, said his clients team has gotten records that document the arrest and execution of Riccis great-grandfather during his involvement with the French Resistance. Blumberg said the great-grandfathers experience may be brought up during the trial, though its unclear what it would be used to demonstrate. The attack started brewing after Ricci left his friends home angry and drunk, making his way into the neighborhood where he eventually noticed Jaeger and Wellmaker, according to a police report. Prosecutors say Ricci hurled a racial slur at Wellmaker and yelled, What are you doing with a white girl? He also told Wellmaker he was going to get something for him, prosecutors said. Sometime later, Jaeger and Wellmaker were near a pay phone when the sedan pulled up. Ricci fired two shells, hitting Jaeger in the stomach from about 10 feet away, prosecutors said. Riccis attorneys have noted Wellmaker was unable to identify Ricci in a photo lineup after the shooting, and he failed to recognize their client in 2011 when the two served time in the same Maricopa County jail pod. Court records filed in Riccis case didnt specify the charge on which Wellmaker was jailed, and a records check didnt provide a definitive answer to the question. Ricci ended up telling Wellmaker he was the person accused of killing his girlfriend, a judge wrote in a pretrial ruling. The judge said Wellmakers identification of the shooter was reliable because he would have been able to identify Ricci independent of the jail encounter. While working with a police artist after the shooting, Wellmaker described a unique tattoo across the attackers stomach, the judge wrote. In an unrelated crime months after Jaegers shooting death, police say Ricci stabbed two men who tried to stop him from attacking his girlfriend. He is serving a 22-year sentence for assault and weapons misconduct convictions. President Trump on Tuesday could make good on his longstanding threat to tear up the Iran nuclear accord or he could heap fresh disdain on the landmark disarmament pact while charting a course that would keep key elements in place, at least for now. On Monday, five days ahead of a closely-watched, self-imposed deadline, the president teased his planned announcement with a tweet, telling the world to stay tuned for word at 2 p.m. Tuesday, catching even most of his senior national security staff by surprise. The decision, potentially one of the most consequential of Trumps presidency, will have repercussions in nearly every corner of the globe. It could ratchet up tensions in the already volatile Middle East, strain U.S. alliances with Europe and complicate dealings with Russia and China, which are signatories to the pact. On the campaign trail, and in campaign-style rallies since taking office, Trump has again and again roared out his opposition to what he has called the worst deal ever one that is, not coincidentally, considered one of his predecessors signature achievements. Advertisement His new national security advisor, John Bolton, is a staunch opponent of the Obama-era accord between Iran and six world powers, heightening speculation that Trump would deliver a coup de grace by immediately reimposing U.S. sanctions that were lifted as part of the 2015 accord. He has held up doing so in past opportunities, saying he was giving European allies a chance to toughen up the deal. Those allies have pleaded with Trump to preserve the accord, or at least give them more time to fix it. They note that the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations nuclear watchdog agency empowered to inspect Iranian facilities, has repeatedly found Tehran in compliance with the terms of the deal. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel coordinated back-to-back White House visits last month in which they urged Trump to stay in the deal. Britains Prime Minister Theresa May spoke with Trump by phone over the weekend and followed up by dispatching her foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, for a last-minute visit to Washington. In an appearance Monday on Fox & Friends, Trumps favorite cable show, Johnson cast Trump in a flattering statesmanlike light, saying he was correct to criticize the Iran pact. The president is right to see flaws in [the accord], and he set a very reasonable challenge to the world, Johnson said. He said, Look, Iran is behaving badly, has a tendency to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles. Weve got to stop that. Weve got to push back on what Iran is doing in the region. Weve got to be tougher. Germany, France and Britain have all suggested they have no intention of leaving the deal. But its not clear how major European companies and other multinational corporations, including in banking and energy, could avoid running afoul of U.S. sanctions if Trump restores them. Iran, for its part, telegraphed fresh defiance but stopped far short of saying it would abandon the deal, or resume its now-blocked nuclear program, if Trump pulls out. We are not worried about Americas cruel decisions, President Hassan Rouhani declared in a speech that was aired on Iranian state television Monday. We are prepared for all scenarios, and no change will occur in our lives. Heading into Tuesdays announcement, Trump kept up his criticism of the agreement, denouncing former Secretary of State John Kerrys reported back-channel attempts to save the deal. Kerry, who served as lead negotiator on the deal for the Obama administration, has in recent months held private strategy consultations with foreign officials aimed at bolstering the deals chances of surviving, the Boston Globe reported on Friday. One of Kerrys interlocutors was Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, whom he met on the sidelines of a conference last year in Oslo, Norway. Zarif recently warned that if the accord was scrapped, Iran might restart its nuclear program. Trump took angry exception to the report of Kerrys contacts. The United States does not need John Kerrys possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran Deal, Trump wrote on Twitter. He was the one that created this MESS in the first place! The 2015 accord lifted crippling sanctions that had locked Iran out of international banking and the global oil trade. In return, Tehran limited its ability to enrich uranium, reconfigured a heavy-water reactor to block it from producing plutonium, reduced its uranium stockpile, and agreed to international inspections and monitoring. Trump is widely expected to abandon the deal, but experts say he also could claim victory by imposing supplemental sanctions that leave the nuclear restrictions in place but clamp down harder on his other concerns. As recently as last week, administration officials were discussing ways to strengthen three aspects of the nuclear deal: by expanding the U.N. inspections, ending the time limits or sunset clauses on some of the nuclear restrictions, and adding new sanctions aimed at curbing Irans production of ballistic missiles. If theyre able to strengthen those three provisions in a way thats considered fool-proof, Trump could find a way to stay in, said a former administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. Jim Hanson, a Trump ally who heads the right-leaning Center for Security Studies, said Trump is facing enormous pressure from Europeans and other proponents not to withdraw from the nuclear deal. But pulling out has become as intrinsically linked to Trumps persona as building a giant wall on the border with Mexico, another campaign pledge he has yet to fulfill. I dont see how he can be Trump and stay in, Hanson said. Trump has several options, in addition to tearing the deal up and staying in. He could also choose to continue discussions to rework the deal. Or he could decline to recertify the deal without formally pulling out. He faces a May 12 deadline on whether to renew waivers that eased sanctions on Irans central bank, which deals with Irans oil exports. Another set of sanctions, focused on more than 400 Iranian companies, individuals and sectors, is up for renewal on July 11. Trump could reimpose only the central bank sanctions. That would give companies or countries 180 days to reduce their oil purchases from Iran, giving them more time to search for a solution. Hitting all 400 targets at the start would be far more drastic, and could create a crisis. Anthony Cordesman, a national security analyst at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, who has written extensively about the administrations dealings with Iran, said Trumps often-harsh rhetoric surrounding the accord belied a very deliberately ambiguous set of positions that could be reflected in Tuesdays announcement. My guess would be that he is going to at least threaten to restore sanctions at some point, he said. He doesnt have to do it this time. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders declined to foreshadow the decision. But she told reporters that Kerrys efforts to save the deal were not affecting deliberations. I dont think that we would take advice from somebody who created what the president sees to be one of the worst deals ever made, she said. Im not sure why we would start listening to him now. laura.king@latimes.com noah.bierman@latimes.com Gina Haspel, President Trumps nominee to direct the Central Intelligence Agency, ran one of the agencys infamous black sites in Thailand, where at least one suspected terrorist was waterboarded during her watch. She also drafted the order to destroy more than 90 video recordings of interrogation sessions with Al Qaeda operatives. Her role in these incidents has naturally led some lawmakers, particularly Democrats, to question whether she should run the CIA. On Monday, however, President Trump tried to convince his 50 million Twitter followers that Haspel has come under fire because she was too tough on Terrorists. Thats a particularly offensive way of putting it because of its implicit suggestion that opponents of torture who deserve our thanks and admiration are actually putting us in danger because they are soft on terror. But the statement is entirely of a piece with his campaign statements that torture works and that, if elected, he would bring back a hell of a lot worse than waterboarding. Although torture including what the George W. Bush administration euphemistically called enhanced interrogation techniques violates U.S. and international law, as well as treaties such as the 1948 United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Trumps comments suggest that such practices are not safely consigned to the past and that he does not, in fact, consider the mistreatment of suspects to be out of bounds. Advertisement Torture, after all, is not just inhumane and immoral but also illegal we cant afford to write off Trumps statements as empty blather. Like so much of what the president says, its hard to separate the grandstanding, pandering and posturing from the serious stuff. But on a subject so fundamental to Americas image in the world and its self-image as well because torture, after all, is not just inhumane and immoral but also illegal we cant afford to write off Trumps statements as empty blather. Before Haspel can be confirmed as director, she needs to explain clearly and convincingly to the Senate and the American people what her role was during that shameful period in history. She must also repudiate torture as indefensible and give the Senate unequivocal assurances that even if Trump were to order the resumption of such odious and illegal practices, she would refuse to comply. If she cannot meet those basic requirements at her hearing Wednesday, her appointment should be rejected. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook. In 2012 California enacted a law that bars licensed mental health providers from engaging in therapy designed to change the sexual orientation of patients under the age of 18. Now the state Senate is considering a sequel of sorts. But this new legislation is broader in its application so broad that some critics are claiming that it could be used to interfere with the sale of religious books, even the Bible. Such fears may be farfetched. But AB 2943, which was passed by the Assembly last month, contains ambiguities that need to be cleared up if the legislation is to become law. Like the 2012 statute, AB 2943 is inspired by research showing that so-called conversion therapy is not only ineffective but harmful. There is also a consensus among mental health experts that such therapy perpetuates the discredited idea that being gay is a mental disorder. Unlike the earlier law, however, this legislation targets sexual orientation change efforts aimed at adults as well as minors. Some would argue that adults should be allowed to avail themselves of therapies, however discredited, if they are offered by licensed psychologists and other professionals. But if the Legislature has the legal authority to forbid therapists from engaging in conversion therapy with minors, it probably can prohibit them from treating adults as well. Advertisement Many religious groups teach that sex is permissible only within heterosexual marriage. The 1st Amendment protects their right to counsel adherents accordingly. The problem is that AB 2943 isnt a regulation of licensed healthcare professionals. Rather, and oddly, its an amendment to a state law, the Consumer Legal Remedies Act, dealing with fraudulent trade in goods and services. It would expand the definition of unfair or deceptive acts or practices for which consumers could sue to include advertising, offering to engage in or engaging in sexual orientation change efforts with an individual. And it would cover anyone who engaged in that practice. Would that include churches or other religious groups that sold, advertised or even recommended books that propagated the idea that believers can use prayer to overcome same-sex attraction? Thats what several conservative organizations and commentators are arguing. They have the Constitution on their side. The 1st Amendment clearly protects their right to preach, and encourage adherents to follow, religious doctrine on sexual morality. Supporters of the bill scoff at this critique. A fact sheet provided by Assemblyman Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley), the sponsor of AB 2943, asserts that the bill does not apply to the sale of books or any other kind of goods and that the Bible would absolutely not be banned. Yet the bill itself makes no such declaration. And the existing Consumer Legal Remedies Act clearly applies to the sale of goods such as books, videos and other educational materials including those sold by churches and other religious groups. Another complaint by critics is that, while the bill permits therapies that do not seek to change sexual orientation, it defines sexual orientation change efforts to include attempts to alter not only romantic attractions but also behaviors or gender expressions. Under this broad definition, wrote David French in the National Review, if ... a sexually active gay man or woman sought counseling not to change their orientation but rather to become celibate, then the services and goods provided in that effort would violate this statute. Many Californians obviously reject the idea that gays and lesbians shouldnt engage in sexual activity. But many religious groups (including the Roman Catholic Church) teach that sex is permissible only within heterosexual marriage. The 1st Amendment protects their right to counsel adherents to live by those teachings. Granted, the 2012 law banning conversion therapy for minors by licensed professionals also defined sexual orientation change efforts to include efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions. But that law regulated only the conduct of state-licensed professionals. Now, the state would be going further, including trying to regulate nonprofessionals, possibly including those engaged in religious speech. In upholding the 2012 law against a 1st Amendment challenge, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals emphasized that the statute didnt prevent mental health providers from referring minors to unlicensed counselors such as religious leaders. Finally, its true that AB 2943 covers only sexual orientation change efforts that result in the sale or lease of goods or services and thus wouldnt affect a lot of religious communications in which no money changes hands. But what if a minister urged someone he or she was counseling to buy a book or enroll in a religious seminar that charged a registration fee? Treating that activity as consumer fraud would raise serious constitutional questions. Its possible that the critics of this bill are being alarmist, but the language of the legislation is ambiguous enough to justify at least some of their concerns. The Senate can allay them by amending the bill to make it clear that it cant be used against books or religious preaching or counseling about sexuality. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook Twenty American cities, including Los Angeles, have been busy in recent weeks wooing visiting executives from Amazon, hoping to become the location for the companys second headquarters. Amazon has promised that up to 50,000 jobs and $5 billion in investment will flow to the new HQ2 city. The winner of this competition, however, may find itself a big loser. Despite the long list of requirements including a a compatible cultural and community environment, a skilled workforce and close access to transportation options Amazon has essentially pitted these cities against one another in an auction. The cities are bidding with tax incentives, infrastructure investments and the like hoping to win HQ2 and presumably the jobs and riches that wil flow from it. A city that estimates, for example, that HQ2 will produce $5 billion in new tax revenue from all the economic activity may be willing to spend, say, $4.5 billion to get the headquarters. Another area may assess the benefits are even higher, and so offer $7 billion in incentives. (Thats what the state of New Jersey is offering for the Newark location). Each city, however, does not really know what the benefits of the headquarters will be; it can only ask various experts to estimate them. Even with deliberation, some guesses will be too high, and some too low. But the city that offers the greatest incentives, and gets the headquarters, is likely one that overestimated the benefits. Advertisement This problem, called the winners curse, was well described by Nobel Prize-winning economist Richard Thaler some years ago. He was building on work by engineers from Atlantic Richfield Oil Co. showing why the winner of an auction for drilling rights may, on average, bid more than the value of the drilling rights. Follow-up studies found that oil firms really do suffer from the winners curse. For example, in auctions for oil tracts in the Gulf of Mexico, oil companies earned profits so low they would have been better off taking their money to the local credit union. Each city does not really know what the benefits of the headquarters will be; it can only ask various experts to estimate them. Today state and city officials hope to land Amazons HQ2. In the 1970s the big prize was the first automobile assembly plant in the United States by a foreign carmaker, Volkswagen. States competed to get the factory, which VW promised would create as many as 20,000 jobs. States didnt have to believe that number, but the most credulous states would be the ones willing to offer the richest incentives. The state of Pennsylvania provided about $75 million (more than $300 million in todays dollars) to land the plant in Westmoreland County. The state also spent $30 million ($135 million in todays dollars) building a railroad spur and a highway to serve the plant. It spent smaller sums helping to screen 45,000 job applicants. In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency compromised on air pollution enforcement, and local governments granted fiveyear property tax breaks. But the Volkswagen plant never hired anywhere near 20,000 people; the peak was about 6,000 jobs. By 1984 employment dropped to 1,500. The plant shut down in 1988. As another example of overestimates, General Electric moved its headquarters to Boston in 2017, after looking at 40 cities. Boston and the state of Massachusetts offered an incentives package totaling $145 million, expecting to get 800 jobs and an investment of $200 million. But a few months afterward, GE delayed opening its new building by two years and announced layoffs. When Amazon announces its HQ2, 19 cities are likely to, at first, feel the sting of disappointment. But they should pause and consider that the winning city probably gave away excessively high tax breaks and incentives, and their own city officials did not. Amihai Glazer is a professor of economics at the UC Irvine, where he directs the Program in Corporate Welfare. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook Newsoms budget proposes $3 million for Alzheimers research, brain task force By Melody Gutierrez Amyloid plaques, shown here in human brains, are a hallmark of Alzheimers disease. (UCLA School of Medicine) Gov. Gavin Newsom will call for the creation of a brain health task force and dedicate $3 million annually from the states general fund to Alzheimers disease research in the budget proposal he will release Thursday, a source close to the administration said. The money for Alzheimers research would target the new grants at understanding why the disease is more prevalent in women and people of color. Former California first lady and Alzheimers activist Maria Shriver pushed for the funding to be included in the state budget. Shriver said in a statement Wednesday that the funding would make California the first state to make understanding our brains a priority. The states former first lady, whose late father Sargent Shriver was diagnosed with Alzheimers, founded the Womens Alzheimers Movement, an advocacy group raising awareness about womens increased risk for developing the disease. In 2011, she wrote a comprehensive assessment on the disease, to which Newsom then mayor of San Francisco contributed a portion called What one city is doing. This is personal to me, just like it is to millions of California families, Shriver said. Alzheimers is one of the largest medical, social and economic crises in our state, and of our time. I am so proud that, once again, California is leading the way. Wiping out Alzheimers is going to require bold thinking, and there is no doubt in my mind that California is home to bold thinkers who can make this happen. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Gov. Gavin Newsom orders reinvention of troubled California DMV By Patrick McGreevy A line of people stretches around the South L.A. location of a California Department of Motor Vehicles Office on Aug. 7. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday ordered an overhaul of the California Department of Motor Vehicles, which has been plagued by hours-long wait times at field offices, computer crashes and voter registration errors involving tens of thousands of customers. Just a few days after taking office, Newsom appointed a top advisor to a new DMV Reinvention Strike Team to revamp the beleaguered agency over the next six months. By any metric, California DMV has been chronically mismanaged and failed in its fundamental mission to the state customers it serves and the state workers it employs, Newsom said in a statement, adding Its time for a reinvention. The governor appointed state Government Operations Agency Secretary Marybel Batjer to lead the strike team with a goal of modernizing the agency and enacting changes that improve customer satisfaction, employee performance and transparency. Newsom also ordered an accelerated review of initial findings of an ongoing audit ordered last year by Gov. Jerry Brown. The action was welcomed by lawmakers who have been critical of the DMV, including Assemblyman Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield). The egregious management failures of the DMV have been self-evident, which is why I have been calling for new leadership and a comprehensive independent audit of this troubled state agency over and over again as the problems grew significantly worse, Fong said. Last summer, Californians seeking new driver licenses complained of wait times of four to six hours at DMV offices, which the agency blamed partly on snafus caused by a rush of people trying to get Real IDs, a new identification card design required for airline passengers starting in late 2020. Delays were also blamed on computer crashes at DMV offices as the agency struggled to update its aging automation systems. The DMV also admitted that there were an estimated 23,000 errors as people either were unknowingly registered to vote or mistakes were made in their registration status as part of the states new motor voter program. The agency registered to vote as many as 1,500 people with legal U.S. residency but no citizenship. Last month, DMV Director Jean Shiomoto retired from the agency. Legislators were angered earlier this week when the DMV said it needed an additional $40 million to prevent the return of long lines at its field offices. In addition, the agency has been under fire for issuing driver licenses in the last year that do not comply with the federal Real ID standards requiring two forms of identification by applicants. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California police unions are preparing to battle new transparency law in the courtroom By Maya Lau Just as a landmark police transparency law is going into effect, some California police agencies are shredding internal affairs documents and law enforcement unions are rushing to block the information from being released. The new law, which begins to unwind Californias strictest-in-the-nation protections over the secrecy of law enforcement records, opens to the public internal investigations of officer shootings and other major uses of force, along with confirmed cases of sexual assault and lying while on duty. But the lawsuits and records destruction, which began even before the law took effect Jan. 1, could tie up the release of information for months or years, and in some instances, prevent it from ever being disclosed. The fact that police unions are challenging this law is on some level not surprising, said Peter Bibring, director of police practices at the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, one of the principal supporters of the new law. They have a long history of fighting tooth and nail against transparency. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Secretary of State Alex Padilla begins second term with challenge to ensure every Californian is counted By Jazmine Ulloa Secretary of State Alex Padilla takes the oath of office as his family stands by his side on Monday in Sacramento. (Jazmine Ulloa / Los Angeles Times) Secretary of State Alex Padilla was sworn in for a second term on Monday, saying he would continue the battle to protect the right to vote at a time when voter suppression efforts, online disinformation campaigns and interference from foreign adversaries have polarized the public and threatened to undermine trust in U.S. elections. I am doubling down on our fight here in Sacramento and in Washington, D.C., to defend our democracy, he said. Working on the front lines with so many of you, I know that our collective resolve has never been stronger. But the loudest applause came when Padilla promised to fight back against the Trump administrations changes to the U.S. census, saying he will ensure every Californian gets counted. Padilla, a former state senator and Los Angeles City Council member from the San Fernando Valley, led the cause for a new motor voter registration law in 2015, and a new system for online business registrations. But the programs have had experienced problems: More than 23,000 Californians were registered to vote incorrectly by the state DMV, the agency reported last year. On Monday, Padilla said he would continue to push back against false claims of voter fraud in California and pointed to the states voter turnout as proof that his office was involving more people in the democratic process, a promise he made when he was first sworn in four years ago. More than 12.7 million voters cast ballots in the Nov. 6 midterm election, representing roughly 65% of the states registered voters, the highest number of any midterm election since 1982, according to state certified results. I made that promise based on a shared belief that we are a stronger democracy and a better California when we hear all voices from all corners of California, and when those voices are not just heard but counted, Padilla said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Ricardo Lara, Californias first statewide officeholder to come out as gay, sworn in as insurance commissioner Ricardo Lara on the floor of the state Senate in 2016. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) Ricardo Lara took the oath of office as California insurance commissioner on Monday, pledging action to boost healthcare coverage and combat climate change. Lara, a Democrat from Bell Gardens, is the first elected statewide officeholder in California who has come out as gay. He began his speech in downtown Sacramento by thanking LGBTQ leaders who came before him and celebrated the occasion. Today, because of you, weve shattered the pink ceiling, Lara said. In his inaugural speech, Lara announced the creation of an executive position in his office to address climate change. There is no other industry that has the necessary expertise to ensure that California is prepared to mitigate and reduce risk to our communities and our environment, Lara said. Our planet cant wait. Im ready, and I hope you are too. Lara served as a state legislator and in 2017 introduced a bill to create a single-payer healthcare system in the state. He promised to work with new Gov. Gavin Newsom to expand coverage across California. Lara was sworn in by retired U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker, who declared unconstitutional Californias Proposition 8 gay marriage ban. State Sen. President Pro Tem Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) was on hand for the ceremony along with multiple other state lawmakers. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print New California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis says she will help expand access to universities in the state New Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, center, is shown in June talking with attendees at the Power to the Polls rally in Sacramento. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) More Californians should be given access to public universities, Eleni Kounalakis said as she took the oath of office Monday to become the states first woman elected lieutenant governor. Kounalakis was given the oath of office by Gov. Gavin Newsom, her predecessor in the job, who pledged they would work together. As lieutenant governor, Kounalakis serves on the University of California Board of Regents and the California State University Board of Trustees, she noted in a speech at her swearing-in ceremony at the main Sacramento Library. In that role, she said, she will be committed to expanding access to affordable public higher education here in our state. Its wise, its smart and it is the best way to address our rapidly changing digital economy. Kounalakis is former president of a development company founded by her father, Angelo Tsakopoulos, and served during the Obama administration as the U.S. ambassador to Hungary. In November, she won her first run for statewide office. Also attending the ceremony were House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California meets Dutch Newsom, who steals the show at his fathers inauguration By Taryn Luna Gov. Gavin Newsom gives his inaugural address while holding his youngest son, Dutch. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) In the California political world, all eyes were on Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday until his 2-year-old son stole the show. Dutch, the youngest of four children in the Newsom brood, climbed onstage in the middle of his fathers inaugural address in a tent outside the Capitol on Monday. The unplanned moment saw the 51-year-old governors big day interrupted by the toddler, bringing levity to the ceremony. Newsom was recounting Gov. Jerry Browns last inaugural speech and reference to the Sermon on the Mount, a biblical story about two men who built separate homes on sand and rock, when Dutch approached his father, a pacifier in his mouth and blanket in hand. Now more than ever we Californians know how much a house matters and children matter, Newsom said, improvising as he scooped the boy into his arms. The governor kissed Dutch on the cheek and held him for several minutes as he continued with the speech. This is exactly how it was scripted, Newsom joked. Newsom eventually put his child down and Dutch walked to the edge of the stage before retreating behind the podium to hide from his mother, First Lady Jennifer Siebel Newsom. The crowd roared. Siebel Newsom was able to briefly divert her son only for him to return to the stage minutes later. She grabbed him again and this time, the crying toddler did not reemerge. When fires strikes, when kids cry and the earth shakes, well be there for each other, Newsom said. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who said the moment humanized Newsom, threw cold water on any theories that Dutchs cameo was planned. No, I know it was not, Garcetti said with a laugh after Newsoms speech concluded. I could see that look of absolute abject terror [on Newsoms face]. Weve all been there. Kids always think its about themselves and theyve proved it. California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) agreed. I worked in early childhood education for 20 years and theres no way you can ever get a child to do anything when you want them to do it, Rendon said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Fiona Ma takes oath as Californias new treasurer By Liam Dillon State Treasurer Fiona Ma. Fiona Ma took the oath of office in Sacramento on Monday as the states 34th treasurer, promising to boost Californias economy. Ma previously served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, in the state Assembly and on the California Board of Equalization. I want to thank everyone for entrusting me with this important job. I understand my role here as your state treasurer is to build that financial wall around California so that we will remain the fifth-largest economy, Ma said in brief remarks. That is my promise to you. California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye administered the oath to Ma. Following the ceremony, Ma held an ice cream social for guests. On Wednesday, she will host a public event in San Francisco to celebrate her swearing-in. State Treasurer Fiona Ma takes the oath of office. (Liam Dillon / Los Angeles Times) Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Expectations are high for newly sworn-in state schools chief Tony Thurmond Tony Thurmond shakes hands with retired Alameda County Superior Court Judge Gordon Baranco after taking the oath of office. (Melody Gutierrez / Los Angeles Times) Tony Thurmond took the oath of office as Californias state superintendent of public schools on Monday, promising a labor-friendly agenda before the teachers, students and Democratic officials who filled an auditorium at McClatchy High School in Sacramento to watch him being sworn in. We cant close the achievement gap without a great teacher at the head of every class, Thurmond said Monday to applause. We have to make sure we provide quality compensation and support to our teachers and our classified staff and all the educators who support our kids. Thurmond, a Bay Area Democrat who served in the state Assembly, won a hotly contested and expensive race with the help of labor leaders against charter school executive Marshall Tuck. The race took several days to sort out after Tuck held an initial lead in early returns on election night before falling behind thereafter. Thurmond was sworn in Monday by retired Alameda County Superior Court Judge Gordon Baranco. He was joined on stage by labor rights leader Dolores Huerta and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount). Thurmonds former colleagues in the state Assembly took turns praising him and promising to be an ally in improving schools. Many said they expected Thurmond would be a strong leader focused on improving student outcomes. We know we are going to work hard to give you the money you need and the budget you need to fully fund education and our schools so we can put our money where our mouth is and make sure our children have everything they need, Assemblywoman Connie Leyva (D-Chino Hills) said. As state superintendent, Thurmond will oversee the education of 6.2 million students at 10,000 schools. Thurmond was a member of the West Contra Costa County School Board and a Richmond city councilman before he was elected to the state Assembly. Tony is the right man at the right time to fight the federal, Donald Trump, Betsy DeVos anti-child, anti-education, anti-civil and -human rights agenda, U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) said. Tony is going to do that for us. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print State Controller Betty Yee takes oath of office with call for more affordable housing and healthcare State Controller Betty Yee California Controller Betty Yee took the oath of office Monday for a second term, saying she still has work to do addressing problems that include a lack of affordability in housing, healthcare and higher education. A San Francisco native, Yee is the chief financial officer of California the fifth-largest economy in the world having first won election to the post in 2014 before winning reelection in November. No region is spared from the widening inequality and increased poverty that plague our state, fueled by the lack of affordable, stable housing, the cost of healthcare and transportation, limited educational opportunities, student loan debt, displacement caused by disasters and more, she said. Yee was administered the oath of office by California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento before an overflow crowd that included state Senate leader Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), state Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra and San Francisco Mayor London Breed. As a public official it is about governance that delivers results and stays accountable while upholding the underlying value of dignity for all, Yee said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra begins new term promising to fight Trump policies California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra ( (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)) California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra on Monday took the oath of office for a new term, saying he would continue his role as a leading challenger to Trump administration actions that he believes are counter to the states interests. Becerra, a former 12-term congressman, has become a national opposition figure to Trump, having sued the federal government 45 times since he was appointed as the states first Latino attorney general in 2017. Weve been a little busy stopping the dysfunction and insanity in Washington, D.C., from infecting California, Becerra told an audience during a swearing-in ceremony at the California Museum in Sacramento. Whether its the criminals on our streets or the conman in the boardrooms or highest office of the land, Becerra said, the California Department of Justice, well, weve got your back. Becerra won his first statewide election as the states top cop in November, two years after he filled the post vacated when predecessor Kamala Harris was elected to the U.S. Senate. He has peppered the Trump administration with lawsuits challenging federal policies on healthcare, the U.S. census, the environment and immigration. Our state builds dreams, not walls, he said in a direct criticism of Trumps proposal to build a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border. Just last week, Becerra led a coalition of 17 Democratic attorneys general in announcing an appeal of a federal judge in Texas that ruled the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional. The ACA has been the law for nearly a decade and is the backbone of our healthcare system, Becerra said last week. This case impacts nearly every American workers covered by employers, families, women, children, young adults and seniors so we will lead the ACAs defense as long and far as it takes. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement California Democratic Party Vice Chairman Daraka Larimore-Hall announces bid to lead group By Christine Mai-Duc Daraka Larimore-Hall. (Dominic Parisi / Courtesy of Daraka Larimore-Hall) Daraka Larimore-Hall, a top official at the California Democratic Party, said Monday hes running to replace former chairman Eric Bauman, who resigned abruptly in November after being confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct. Larimore-Hall, a longtime state party activist and former chairman of the Democratic Party of Santa Barbara County, was one of the party leaders who urged Bauman to resign following the allegations. In an email to supporters announcing his bid, he urged both structural and cultural change at every level of our Party. He also repeated his call for a top-to-bottom investigation of the allegations, the party and its culture. In a Times investigation, 10 party activists and staff members said Bauman made crude sexual comments and engaged in unwanted touching and physical intimidation in professional settings. In order to be where we need to be for 2020, we have to confront the culture of abuse and fear that allowed someone to behave in such a vile way for so long, Larimore-Hall said in an interview. We cant brush it aside or think that our activists or our candidates or our donors are going to forget about this overnight. Larimore-Hall said his first priority would be to fully investigate the allegations and restore rank-and-file confidence in the partys leadership. The second would be to refocus the party on political priorities as the 2020 presidential election nears. The Bauman episode, Larimore-Hall said, threatens to derail the Democrats plans to help defeat President Trump and keep the seven congressional seats gained in the midterm elections. Its definitely a crisis, Larimore-Hall said. But the component parts the energy, the enthusiasm, the volunteers, the infrastructure its still there. We just need to direct it toward something. Larimore-Hall was elected vice chairman of the state party in February following Baumans razor-thin victory over Bay Area activist Kimberly Ellis. Ellis has announced another bid for the chairmanship and former state Senate leader Kevin de Leon is also mulling a run. The vote will take place at the partys May convention in San Francisco. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Newsom will vow to seize this moment, and swipe at Trump in Monday inaugural address By Melanie Mason Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom and his family attend an Inauguration Family Event at the California Railroad Museum in Sacramento on Jan. 6. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) Building on the theme of California exceptionalism that defined his campaign, Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom will depict the state as a guardian of progressive values and a counterweight to President Trump in his inaugural address Monday, according to excerpts of his prepared remarks. What we do today is even more consequential, because of whats happening in our country, read the excerpts obtained by The Times. Peoples lives, freedom, security, the water we drink, the air we breathe they all hang in the balance. The country is watching us. The world is waiting on us. The future depends on us. And we will seize this moment. The speech casts Californias political stakes in a decidedly national scope, promising an agenda that will unify and be an example to the rest of the country. It contrasts the governing goals of Newsom, a Democrat, with that of Trump, the incoming governors perennial foil. We will offer an alternative to the corruption and incompetence in the White House, the excerpts say. Our government will be progressive, principled, and always on the side of the people. Newsom campaigned on an ambitious and wide-ranging platform, promising sweeping solutions on housing, healthcare, education and other issues that rank among Californians top concerns. In the weeks after his election, he struck a more muted tone, taking pains to emphasize his fiscal caution and need for patience in achieving those goals. The inaugural excerpts indicate a return to lofty pledges. While Newsom will vow to prepare for uncertain times ahead by building budgetary reserves and paying down debt, the prepared remarks quickly turn to a vow to be bold. Newsom has already floated several proposals for his first budget that carry significant price tags, including a nearly $2-billion plan to boost early childhood development for low-income families and a dramatic expansion of paid family leave from six weeks to six months. When asked for a preview of his inauguration speech during a news conference Sunday evening, Newsom predicted pundits would criticize his address as short on specifics. Well, of course, Im at an inaugural, Newsom said. But Ill be very detailed in the budget, a few days later. And then we will architect, in much more nuance and detail, in state of the state. I really see this as three opportunities to communicate over the next few weeks our agenda, our vision for the state. Times staff writer Taryn Luna contributed to this report. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Newsom-hosted benefit concert raises nearly $5 million for wildfire victims By Taryn Luna Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom speaks at a concert to benefit wildfire victims at the Golden 1 Arena in Sacramento on Jan. 6. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) On the eve of the gubernatorial inauguration, Californias political class rubbed elbows in Sacramento for a benefit concert hosted by Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom and headlined by the rapper Pitbull. Newsom told the crowd gathered at the Golden 1 Center on Sunday evening that the fundraiser brought in nearly $5 million for the California Wildfire Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that supports the families of fallen firefighters and communities affected by wildfires. You know, a lot of folks feel anxious about not just politics, but government, Newsom said on stage before introducing the rapper and activist Common. But those firefighters, they are the antidote to the fear and cynicism; they are the manifestation of why government matters and why you should care. Top sponsors, including Salesforce, Kaiser Permanente and other interest groups, paid up to $1 million each to support the cause and curry favor with the new administration. Nathan Click, a spokesman for Newsom, said organizers sold more than 7,000 tickets. Several state lawmakers attended the concert alongside Capitol staff, lobbyists and business types, who mingled on the floor of the arena and offstage in private VIP areas. The rock band X Ambassadors and a duo called the Cold Weather Sons from the town of Paradise, which was destroyed by fire in November, were among several performers who entertained the crowd during the four-hour event. The California Rises concert is the final in a series of festivities held Sunday to celebrate the inauguration of Californias 40th governor. Earlier in the day, Newsom attended a private brunch at Sacramentos Crocker Art Museum and his inaugural committee hosted a free party for families at the California State Railroad Museum at the Old Sacramento Waterfront. Newsoms inauguration is set to begin at 11 a.m. Monday on the steps of the Capitol. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Inauguration fever hits Sacramento as Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom prepares to take office By Phil Willon Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom holds his son, Dutch, as he and his family attend an inaugural event at the at the state Railroad Museum Sunday. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) Incoming Gov. Gavin Newsom doesnt officially take the oath of office until Monday, but the parties celebrating his inauguration were in full swing all day Sunday. Newsom and his family were mobbed by well-wishers at the California State Railroad Museum at the Old Sacramento Waterfront in the afternoon, where his inaugural committee hosted a free party for families. He just has charisma. Hes able to really connect with people, said Rosielyn Pulmano, an attorney from Elk Grove who came to see Newsom with her husband, two sons and her niece. I think he cares about working Californians and a lot of their issues. Newsom arrived with his wife, documentary filmmaker Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and their four young children, and the governor-elect spent a good deal of his time wading through crowds, taking selfies with supporters and signing autographs as music boomed in the background. As the family toured the inside of the museums locomotives and the bevy of exhibits, Newsoms two-year-old son, Dutch, was wide-eyed, impressed by all the train cars and seemingly a little overwhelmed by the crowd. Newsom said that for his son, all that was missing from the museum was Thomas the Train, popular fictional locomotive in childrens books and cartoons . If theres one thing I can contribute to Sacramento maybe its getting a Thomas the Train exhibit for the two years olds, Newsom joked when talking with reporters afterward. Newsom said he wanted to include such an event in his inaugural festivities to highlight families and children, whose wellbeing will be among the top priorities of his administration. Youll see that not only as a preamble to the inaugural and the budget that well be submitting next week, but I think itll be a big part of the administration, Newsom said. The museum event followed a private, high-dollar brunch at Sacramentos Crocker Art Museum. A steady rain failed to dissuade as many as 200 guests who sipped wine and dined on chicken and salmon while waiting for a photo with Californias new first couple. Seen at the event were representatives of some of the states most powerful political interests, among them organized labor, healthcare companies and tribal gaming interests. A few other high-profile guests attended, too, including Larry Baer, CEO of the San Francisco Giants, and Erika Jayne, a singer and cast member of the reality TV show The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Im excited to see someone like Gavin young, vibrant taking over the state and leading us into the future, Jayne said after attending the brunch with her husband, attorney Tom Girardi. Hes got a lot of great plans. Attendees said the event, which was closed to reporters and held under a tent in the museums outdoor atrium, did not include prepared remarks by Newsom. Among those seen leaving the event were representatives of AT&T, the California Medical Assn., Uber, Kaiser Permanente and the State Building and Construction Trades Council. A fundraising invitation obtained by The Times offered bundled tickets to all of the inauguration events, including those on Sunday and the Monday ceremony, ranging in price from $25,000 to $200,000. The money will be collected by a committee specifically organized to pay for Newsoms inaugural weekend. Sundays festivities are scheduled to end with a benefit concert headlined by Pitbull at the Golden 1 Center, home of the NBAs Sacramento Kings, to raise money for the victims of Californias recent deadly wildfires. Among the attendees at @GavinNewsoms pre-inaugural leadership brunch: Real Housewife of Bev Hills @erikajayne. Im excited to see someone like Gavinyoung, vibranttaking over the state and leading us into the future. Hes got a lot of great plans. pic.twitter.com/561NHiy2XQ Melanie Mason (@melmason) January 6, 2019 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement As Newsom inaugural events begin, he unveils more state budget promises on education and paid family leave Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom, seen here last April, will propose new state budget efforts on paid family leave and education subsidies. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) Californias incoming governor, who must send his first state budget plan to the Legislature this week, has already signaled a significant new focus on programs to help families and children from infancy to college. Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom campaigned on a platform that included a number of child-focused efforts specifically aimed at helping lower-income families. The price tag for the initial efforts is expected to approach $2 billion a cost paid out of an unrestricted tax revenue windfall that could be one of the largest in state history. Newsom may also seek help for families through new subsidies paid by California employers. The governor-elect is expected to propose a dramatic expansion of paid parental leave from six weeks to six months according to an internal document provided by a source close to the Newsom transition team, first reported on Sunday by the New York Times. The document doesnt offer a full explanation for how the program will be funded, saying instead that the budget will set a goal of ensuring that all newborns and newly adopted babies can be cared for by a parent or a close family member for the first six months. Employers across the state are currently assessed a payroll tax that helps offer a subsidy to parents who temporarily leave their job to care for a newborn. Newsoms plan, according to the document, would pay for some of the new costs by shrinking the mandated cash reserve of the state fund that administers the program, allowing more of the money to be paid in benefits. The increase in paid leave would not all happen at once but instead be phased in over a multi-year period. A task force to help implement the expanded care plan is also envisioned, according to the document. It would determine whether two parents could split the six months of paid leave and whether an extended family member could be enlisted to help care for the child of a single parent over the six-month period. The incoming administrations focus on young children will also include $1.8 billion in new spending on early childhood education programs, with a particular focus on training childcare workers and pushing for more California schools to offer full-day kindergarten. Those costs, according to an overview memo obtained by the Los Angeles Times, are considered to be a one-time expense while leaving the long-term costs of the effort to be determined later. More community college students would get free tuition under a third initiative expected in the new governors budget plan. Newsom will propose spending $40 million to offer a second year of tuition-free college to California students, according to an outline provided by a transition official, first reported by Politico. Students are already eligible for a single year of paid tuition under a plan agreed to by Gov. Jerry Brown and lawmakers in 2017. The incoming governor embraced the idea of free community college during the 2018 campaign as part of a broader focus on additional investments in higher education. Education is an economic development strategy, Newsom said at a higher education forum last spring. We need to significantly increase the investment from the general fund of this state on higher education. Theres no greater higher return on investment. Whether the proposal would be targeted to students based on a familys financial need is unclear. Many low-income students are already eligible for fee waivers at community colleges. The new governor must submit his full state budget plan to lawmakers no later than Thursday. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Gavin Newsom and his family decide Sacramento is the place to be The Old Governors Mansion State Historic Park in Sacramento. Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom will move his family into the mansion. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom and his family will give up the Marin County life and move to the Victorian-style governors mansion in Sacramento after he takes the oath of office Monday. Newsom and his wife, documentary filmmaker Jennifer Siebel Newsom, had debated whether or when to relocate to the state capital since his election in November. The couple have four young children and expressed reservations about moving in the middle of a school year. To best serve the people of California while also maximizing family time together, the Newsoms have therefore decided to move to Sacramento, said Newsoms spokesman, Nathan Click. On Monday, they will move into the Governors Mansion along with their four children, their two family dogs, and their family bunny rabbit and reside there for the immediate future. The Newsoms currently live in Marin County. Gov. Jerry Brown and his wife, Ann Gust Brown, moved into the grand house in 2015 after it underwent $4.1 million in renovations to update electrical and plumbing systems, as well as to remove lead-based paint and install a fire sprinkler system and other security features. The mansion was built in 1877 and has been home to 14 governors, but before Brown it had not housed a California governor for nearly half a century. The state bought the mansion from a wealthy Sacramento hardware merchant, Albert Gallatin, in 1903 for $32,500. It was one of the few California homes at that time to have indoor plumbing. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Newsom announces top labor, business liaisons as he prepares to take office Julie Su will be secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency for Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times) Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom on Friday named two advisors on issues related to the California economy, each recognized for their expertise on business and labor. The incoming governor will appoint Julie Su as secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency and Lenny Mendonca as chief economic and business advisor and director of the Governors Office of Business and Economic Development. Su, 49, has served as state labor commissioner under Gov. Jerry Brown since 2011 and has led an office tasked with the enforcement of Californias labor laws. She won a MacArthur Foundation genius grant in 2001 and previously worked as a civil rights attorney representing low-wage workers. In her new position, Su will be tasked with coordinating the work of several workforce departments in state government, including those that administer unemployment benefits and oversee the relationship between agriculture workers and employers. Mendonca, 57, has been a longtime advocate for rethinking government operations as co-chairman of the nonprofit organization California Forward. Previously, he was partner at McKinsey & Co., a global management consulting firm. While he will be a key advisor to Newsom on the states economy, Mendonca will also lead the office often referred to as Go-Biz, designated as a high-level way to encourage job growth and economic development. In his new role, Mendonca will help ensure that California is rolling out the welcome mat to current and future California businesses and growing a sustainable economy for every Californian, said a statement from the Newsom transition team. Newsom will take the oath of office as governor Monday. He has previously selected key advisors on the state budget, legislative affairs and the executive branchs wide array of agencies and departments. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Joshua Groban, aide to Gov. Jerry Brown, sworn in to California Supreme Court By Taryn Luna California Supreme Court Justice Joshua Groban gives remarks after he is sworn into the court by Gov. Jerry Brown on Thursday. (Taryn Luna) California Supreme Court Justice Joshua Groban, a lawyer and longtime aide to Gov. Jerry Brown, was sworn into the states highest court Thursday in Sacramento. The ceremony marked Browns fourth appointment to the state Supreme Court and gave the seven-member bench a Democratic majority. We live in a highly chaotic, ever-changing and ever-confusing world, Groban said in prepared remarks at the Stanley Mosk Library and Courts Building. But Im happy to report that Im joining an institution whose fundamental purpose, at core, is to provide stability and consistency amidst this chaotic place we live. I look forward to doing that with a sense of reflection, respect, fidelity to the law and compassion. None of Browns appointees, Groban included, have judicial experience. Groban served as legal counsel to Browns 2010 gubernatorial campaign and joined the administration as a senior advisor to the governor, overseeing the appointments of some 600 judges over the last eight years. Prior to working with Brown, Groban, 45, practiced law for more than a decade. In perhaps his final public appearance before his successor, Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom, takes office next week, Brown pushed back on notions that he stacked the court. I dont want this to be known as a Brown court, the governor said before administering the judicial oath of office. First of all, the so-called Brown appointments do not agree with themselves and nor should they. They are individuals. They will differ. Its not anybodys court. The governor called the court a high calling and said Groban possesses the values for the job. Probably, next to my wife, Ive talked to no person as much as Ive talked to Josh Groban, Brown said. I think youve talked to him more, Californias First Lady Anne Gust Brown interjected. I cant tell you what the hell hes going to do, Brown later quipped. I warned him, dont screw up, at least not at first. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement California campaign watchdog agency seeks law barring use of campaign funds to fight harassment claims Former state Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia). ( (Steve Yeater / Associated Press)) Elected officials accused of harassment or discrimination would be barred from using political contributions to cover their legal defense costs under legislation proposed by Californias campaign watchdog agency. The state Fair Political Practices Commission has agreed to pursue a law change to clear up confusion after an attorney for one former state lawmaker argued political funds could be used in such legal defenses. Commission Chairwoman Alice Germond said putting a prohibition into the law would provide some much needed clarity. As chair, I would like to show the public their lawmakers are held to a standard that is above reproach, Germond said in a statement. People dont give money to campaigns for lawmakers to use it to defend their own bad behavior, so lawmakers shouldnt be able to use it in that manner. The issue came up a year ago when an attorney for former Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) sought a formal opinion from the FPPC after the Senate launched an investigation that later concluded Mendoza likely engaged in a pattern of harassment against female aides. Mendoza resigned in February under threat of expulsion by the Senate. In a Jan. 10, 2018, letter, Cassandra Ferrannini, an attorney for Mendoza, wrote to the FPPC that she believed Mendoza should be allowed to establish a legal defense fund able to defray his legal expenses in defending himself against the allegations. The use of campaign funds for attorneys fees under these circumstances would fall squarely within the scope of legislative matters, since it involves the alleged conduct of a legislator with regard to legislative staff that he supervised, Ferrannini wrote. The commission staff originally issued an advice letter that said Mendoza may use campaign and legal defense funds to defend himself from claims of sexual harassment that arose directly out of his activities or status as a candidate or elected officer. But the panel later rescinded the letter after some members questioned using campaign funds to fight sexual harassment claims. That left uncertainty about what was allowed, which Germond said could be cleared up by a new law. The FPPC is still looking for a legislator to carry the bill, a spokesman said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Californias landmark police transparency law takes effect after court denies police union effort to block it California Supreme Court building (Eric Risberg / Associated Press) A new state law allowing the public disclosure of internal police shooting investigations has gone into effect after the California Supreme Court on Wednesday denied a bid by a police union to block it. The law opens to the public for the first time internal investigations of officer shootings and other major uses of force, along with confirmed cases of sexual assault and lying while on duty. The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Employees Benefit Assn. challenged the law last month, asking state Supreme Court justices to decide that the law only apply to incidents that occur in 2019 or later. The court rejected that request Wednesday, allowing members of the public to seek all applicable records held by police departments. Union president Grant Ward said in a statement that his organization was disappointed with the decision and is now seeking other legal options. We feel this is a statewide issue and should be considered accordingly, Ward said. Last month, the city of Inglewood authorized the destruction of more than 100 police shooting investigations and other records in advance of Jan. 1, when the disclosure law was scheduled to take effect. California law requires police departments to keep such records for five years, and Inglewood City Council voted to destroy records older than that. Mayor James T. Butts has said the decision had nothing to do with the new law. In Los Angeles, Police Chief Michel Moore has said that complying with the new disclosure rules could take hundreds of thousands of hours of work. State Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), the author of the transparency law, has said she has no immediate plans to propose changes to it. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Few complaints of racial profiling are sustained by police agencies in California, state panel finds CHP Officer J. Nelson stands outside the office of Gov. Jerry Brown as activists in 2015 support requiring the tracking of police stops. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Law enforcement agencies in California sustain few citizen complaints of racial or identity profiling, according to a report Wednesday by a state panel set up to help reduce bias in policing. The states Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board recommended in its annual report that law enforcement agencies improve training and adopt clear guidelines for tracking and reporting data on who is stopped by officers. The panel said that 453 law enforcement agencies in the state received 9,459 civilian complaints in 2017, including 865 complaints alleging racial or identity profiling. Of the racial and identity complaints that reached a disposition that year, 1.5% were sustained, 14.6% resulted in officers being exonerated and 83.9% of complaints were not sustained or were determined to be unfounded, the report said. A clearer picture of the issue is expected from a 2015 law that requires police agencies to report demographic data on all detentions and searches. The first reports by the eight largest agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, are due to be submitted in April. California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra, whose office oversees the board, said tracking of all detentions and searches will be helpful to understand the scope of the issue. The Boards recommendations will help make our law enforcement agencies more transparent and promote critical steps to enhance, and in some cases, repair the public trust, Becerra said in a statement Wednesday. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California housing crisis podcast: What Minneapolis decision to end single-family zoning might mean for California A view of downtown Minneapolis in 2014 (Stephen Maturen / Getty Images) Theres a national movement brewing to roll back zoning rules in cities that only allow one house on a plot of land. The epicenter of that movement is Minneapolis, which passed a plan last month to eliminate single-family zoning citywide and let landowners build duplexes and triplexes on residential property. On this episode of Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast, we talk about the reasons why Minneapolis leaders took this action, including their desire to combat a history of racial exclusion and spur more housing density to fight climate change. We also debate how Minneapolis decision might affect housing politics in California. Our guest is Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender, who helped shepherd the new zoning rules to passage and a former San Francisco city planner. The episode also crowns 2018s Avocado of the Year the most ridiculous story exemplifying Californias housing woes and includes our predictions for the most under-the-radar important themes in housing politics in 2019. Gimme Shelter, a biweekly podcast that looks at why its so expensive to live in California and what the state can do about it, features Liam Dillon, who covers housing affordability issues for the Los Angeles Times Sacramento bureau, and Matt Levin, data and housing reporter for CALmatters. You can subscribe to Gimme Shelter on iTunes, Stitcher, Soundcloud, Google Play and Overcast. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement How young immigrant Dreamers made flipping control of the House a personal quest By Jazmine Ulloa Gabriela Cruz, who was brought to the U.S. illegally when she was 1, couldnt vote, but in the final hours before the Nov. 6 election, she was making one last run to get people to the polls. The sun was setting in Modesto when she found Ronald Silva, 41, smoking a cigarette on a tattered old couch behind a group home. He politely tried to wave her off until she reminded him he had a right that she as an immigrant without citizenship didnt have. It could really make a change for us, said Cruz, 29. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom will propose almost $2 billion for early childhood programs (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Seeking to frame his new administration as one with a firm focus on closing the gap between children from affluent and poor families, Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom will propose spending some $1.8 billion on an array of programs designed to boost Californias enrollment in early education and child-care programs. Newsoms plan, which he hinted at in a Fresno event last month, will be a key element in the state budget proposal he will submit to the Legislature shortly after taking office Monday, a source close to the governor-elects transition team said. The spending would boost programs designed to ensure children enter kindergarten prepared to learn, closing what some researchers have called the readiness gap that exists based on a familys income. It would also phase in an expansion of prekindergarten and offer money to help school districts that dont have facilities for full-day kindergarten. The fact that hes making significant investments with his opening budget is really exciting, Ted Lempert, president of the Bay Area-based nonprofit Children Now, said Tuesday. Whats exciting is the comprehensiveness of it, because its saying were going to focus on prenatal through age 5. A broad overview document reviewed by The Times on Tuesday shows that most of the outlay under the plan $1.5 billion would be a one-time expense in the budget year that begins July 1. Those dollars would be a single infusion of cash, an approach favored by Gov. Jerry Brown in recent years. Most of the money would be spent on efforts to expand child-care services and kindergarten classes. By law, a governor must submit a full budget to the Legislature no later than Jan. 10. Lawmakers will spend the winter and spring reviewing the proposal and must send a final budget plan to Newsom by June 15. Though legislative Democrats have pushed for additional early childhood funding in recent years a key demand of the Legislative Womens Caucus those actions have typically come late in the budget-writing season in Sacramento. Quite frankly, to start out with a January proposal that includes that investment in Californias children reflects a new day, state Sen. Holly J. Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) said. The governor-elect will propose a $750-million boost to kindergarten funding, aimed at expanding facilities to allow full-day programs. A number of school districts offer only partial-day programs, leaving many low-income families to skip enrolling their children because kindergarten classes end in the middle of the workday. Because the money would not count toward meeting Californias three-decades-old education spending guarantee under Proposition 98, which sets a minimum annual funding level for K-12 schools and community colleges, it will not reduce planned spending on other education services. Close behind in total cost is a budget proposal by Newsom to help train child-care workers and expand local facilities already subsidized by the state, as well as those serving parents who attend state colleges and universities. Together, those efforts could cost $747 million, according to the budget overview document. An expansion of prekindergarten programs would be phased in over three years at a cost of $125 million in the first year. The multiyear rollout would, according to the budget overview, ensure the system can plan for the increase in capacity. Lempert said the Newsom proposal is notable for trying to avoid the kinds of battles that in recent years pitted prekindergarten and expanded child care against each other for additional taxpayer dollars. The reality is we need to expand both simultaneously, he said. Another $200 million of the proposal would be earmarked for programs that provide home visits to expectant parents from limited-income families and programs that provide healthcare screenings for young children. Some of the money would come from the states Medi-Cal program, and other money from federal matching dollars. Funding for the home visits program was provided in the budget Brown signed last summer; the Newsom effort would build on that. Emphasizing a policy area with broad appeal in his first state budget could reflect Newsoms political sensibility about the challenges ahead. Democratic lawmakers and interest groups will be especially eager to see how Newsom addresses the demand for an overhaul of healthcare coverage in California especially after a 2017 effort to create a single-payer, universal system fizzled. The path forward on healthcare is complex and costly, making early childhood education a more achievable goal in the governor-elects early tenure. Newsom is likely to face considerable demands for other additional spending. In November, the Legislatures independent analysts projected that continued strength in tax revenues could produce a cash reserve of some $29 billion over the next 18 months. Almost $15 billion of that could be in unrestricted reserves, the kind that can be spent on any number of government programs. Kim Belshe, executive director of the child advocacy organization First 5 LA and a former state health and human services secretary, said the initial Newsom budget proposal suggests the next governor will focus on a comprehensive approach to improving outcomes for children from low-income families. School-ready kids deserve quality early learning, strong and well-supported families, and access to early screening services, Belshe said. Newsom understands the whole child, multifaceted needs of our kids and is clearly ready to lead. Mitchell, the chair of the Senate budget committee, said shes eager to see the details of the governor-elects proposal to determine whether it might signal the beginning of an even broader expansion of early education efforts. Similar efforts have been hindered by a lack of money and ongoing debate over which services to help children 5 and younger need state funding the most. Universal preschool, in particular, has been debated for more than a decade. California voters rejected a ballot measure to fund a full prekindergarten system in 2006. Its clear theres a new movement afoot trying to engage on investment for universal preschool, Mitchell said. How we invest, and how we prioritize that investment, is going to be a great conversation for the coming months. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California Politics Podcast: A final conversation with Gov. Jerry Brown No Californian has served longer as governor, signed more laws, granted clemency to more felons or waged more high-profile campaigns than Gov. Jerry Brown. Brown will leave behind a unique legacy when he packs his last belongings for the trip from the governors mansion in Sacramento to his Northern California ranch. His final two terms in office could be his most consequential. The governor reviewed some of the more notable moments from the past eight years in a far-reaching interview with The Times on Dec. 22. This weeks podcast episode includes extended portions of that conversation. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement A sagging economy could doom a 2020 ballot measure to raise commercial property taxes, Gov. Jerry Brown says Gov. Jerry Brown, at his Colusa County home on Saturday, said a ballot measure to raise commercial property taxes could struggle in 2020. (Randall Benton/For The Times) An effort to remove commercial property in California from the tax limits imposed by the landmark Proposition 13 could be felled by an economic slowdown, Gov. Jerry Brown said. In a Saturday interview with The Times at his Northern California ranch, Brown said liberal activist groups that have successfully placed the proposal on the November 2020 statewide ballot shouldnt read too much into early poll numbers showing support for the plan. That isnt as easy as you think, Brown said. Because youre going to be in a downturn of the business cycle. And youre talking many kinds of business. And the cost of doing business in California is already high. The ballot measure would allow counties to more frequently assess the market value of commercial property in California than allowed under Proposition 13, a 1978 ballot initiative that amended the state constitution to place strict limits on assessing property values and taxation for both homeowners and businesses. An analysis of the new measure, which qualified in October for the 2020 ballot, estimates it could bring in some $10.5 billion a year in new tax revenue. The business community will fight it, Brown said. And the minimum wage, the family leave, the environmental rules business[es] have left California, thats going to be the big argument. And I think thats something you really have to think a lot about. The governor, who leaves office early next month due to term limits, declined to either endorse or oppose the ballot measure. He said Californias economic health in two years time could be a key factor in how voters weigh the proposal. Well be in a recession by then, Brown said. So its anybodys guess. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Inglewood to destroy more than 100 police shooting records that could otherwise become public under new California law By Jack Dolan Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts (Maria Alejandra Cardona / Los Angeles Times) The city of Inglewood has authorized the shredding of more than 100 police shooting and other internal investigation records weeks before a new state law could allow the public to access them for the first time. The decision, made at a City Council meeting earlier this month, has troubled civil liberties advocates who were behind the state legislation, Senate Bill 1421, which takes effect Jan. 1. The law opens to the public internal investigations of officer shootings and other major uses of force, along with confirmed cases of sexual assault and lying while on duty. The legislature passed SB 1421 because communities demanded an end to the secrecy cloaking police misconduct and use of force, Marcus Benigno, a spokesman for the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, said in a statement. Inglewood PDs decision to purge records undermines police accountability and transparency against the will of Californians. California law says police departments must retain records of officer shootings and internal misconduct investigations for five years. The city of Inglewood, however, had kept records longer than that, including case files of police shootings dating to 1991. State Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), the author of SB 1421, intended for her bill to allow public access to all qualifying records held by a department, no matter the date of the incident. Inglewood City Council approved the destruction of records that have been in the police departments possession more than 100 cases longer than required by law. The city staff report and council resolution describing the action makes no mention of the new police transparency law. Instead it says the affected records are obsolete, occupy valuable space, and are of no further use to the police department. It added the traditional method of destroying such records is to shred them. It is unclear whether the records have since been destroyed. A spokesman for the Inglewood Police Department along with Inglewoods city manager, attorney, clerk, four council members and Mayor James T. Butts, a former Santa Monica police chief, did not respond to requests for comment. Inglewoods City Hall is closed the last two weeks of December. The Inglewood Police Department has a reputation for secrecy and using excessive force. In 2008, the departments officers fatally shot four men in as many months, three of whom turned out to be unarmed. The U.S. Department of Justice launched a civil rights probe and found significant flaws in the way the department oversaw use-of-force cases and investigated complaints against officers. Civil rights advocates still question why Inglewood police opened fire on a couple found sleeping in a car in 2016, killing them both. California police have a long history of shredding records to avoid scrutiny of their actions. In the 1970s, the LAPD famously destroyed more than four tons of personnel records after defense attorneys began requesting them as part of criminal cases against their clients. The move resulted in the dismissal of more than a hundred criminal complaints. In response, the Legislature demanded that records be preserved but then took other measures, supported by police unions, to ensure the public had very little access to them, making California the most secretive state in the nation when it comes to police misconduct. Skinners legislation begins to unwind those laws, which have been on the books since 1978. No video or audio of the Dec. 11 council action is available on the citys website and neither are meeting minutes or any record of the decision. A city spokeswoman, Courtney Torres, confirmed that the council had voted in favor of the police records purge, and said all the relevant reasons for the decision were included in the city staff report. The Jan. 1 implementation for SB 1421 has prompted other police officials to act. A police union in San Bernardino is asking the state Supreme Court to determine that Skinners bill only applies to incidents that occur in 2019 or later. Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore sent a letter to Skinner earlier this month warning that complying with the law in regard to older records in the departments possession could take hundreds of thousands of work hours. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Federal officials question California DMVs process for issuing Real IDs (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has notified the California Department of Motor Vehicles that its process for providing residents with federally recognized identification cards is not adequate. DMV spokesman Armando Botello said Friday that 2.3 million residents who received Real IDs under the current process will have to submit additional documentation when their cards are renewed in five years but will be able to use them in the meantime. The DMV is developing a way for residents to submit more documentation online or via email to comply with the stricter federal requirement, he said. But some state legislators are upset about delays in notifying them of the problem and say Homeland Security could eventually require additional documentation provided by current holders. The DMV has known for a month that millions of Real IDs theyve been dolling out are potentially invalid, Assemblyman Jim Patterson (R-Fresno) said. The DMVs only hope is that the Department of Homeland Security takes pity on California and gives the DMV more time to fix this mess. Real IDs are a new kind of driver license and identification card that federal law will require legal residents to present when boarding domestic flights or visiting military bases and other federal facilities starting Oct. 1, 2020. The DMV has only been requiring one form of documentation, including a current lease or utility bill, to verify the residence of a card applicant. But the federal government said in a Nov. 21 letter to the agency that two such documents are needed. On Friday, DMV Director Jean Shiomoto released a letter defending the current process but said her agency will start requiring a second document to prove residency in April. In order to minimize confusion among our customers, the CADMV will work to inform individuals who have been issued a Real ID under the current process that their card will be accepted for official federal purposes, even if their renewal occurs after the October 1, 2020, final enforcement date for Real ID, Shiomoto wrote to the federal agency. Legislative officials worry there is still a possibility that those issued Real IDs in the past might be required to present a second document to have their cards designated as compliant. The more complex process for obtaining Real IDs has led to hours-long waits for customers at DMV field offices this year, although wait times have been reduced recently by an increase in staffing. Shiomoto last month announced that she is retiring amid problems with the motor voter registration system and after the governor ordered an audit of her agency in response to the long wait times. On Friday, Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron of Escondido blasted the DMV for waiting a month to tell legislators of the problem. This is unacceptable and flies in the face of security for our citizens, which is what Real ID was created for in the first place, she said in a statement. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom taps Keely Bosler to be his finance director Keely Bosler, the director of the California Department of Finance, will continue in that role under Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom. (California Department of Finance) Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom on Friday appointed Keely Martin Bosler as director of the California Department of Finance, continuing the role she has served under Gov. Jerry Brown since August. Bosler will become Newsoms chief fiscal advisor, and will play a pivotal role in shaping Newsoms spending plan for the state that will lay the foundation for his top policy priorities. Newsom must roll out his first budget plan within days of taking office on Jan. 7. Californias brighter future depends on a strong, stable fiscal foundation, Newsom said in a statement released Friday afternoon. Keely is an accomplished public servant of sound fiscal judgment. She understands that state budgets are more than numbers on a page they are value statements affecting the fate and future of millions of families reaching for the California Dream. We are fortunate to have her on our team. Prior to being appointed finance director, Bosler served as Browns cabinet secretary for two years and, before that, as the chief deputy director for budget in the Finance Department for three years. Earlier this year, Brown picked Bosler to lead an audit of the Department of Motor Vehicles, which had come under fire for long wait times at DMV field offices and numerous computer problems, including errors in the new motor voter program that registered Californians to vote. As we have discussed, long wait times at the Department of Motor Vehicles do not reflect the high standards of service that Californians expect from their state government, Bosler wrote in a letter in September to DMV Director Jean Shiomoto. The audit is still ongoing, but Shiomoto has since announced she will retire at the end of the year. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Californias legislative analyst, after decades of nonpartisan research for lawmakers, calls it a career Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor, who has led the state research unit since 2008, will retire on Dec. 31. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Only five people have led the independent research office of the California Legislature since its creation in 1941. And each of them has had a pretty simple mantra to live by in reviewing public policy proposals and government programs: Call it like you see it. The job of any analyst, to me, is you maintain that nonpartisanship, Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor said. Taylor, 65, will retire from the post at the end of December after a four-decade career with the research team that began, as he likes to tell it, just after the passage of the landmark property tax rollback, Proposition 13, in 1978. He became the leader of the office, with the title of legislative analyst, in October 2008. Two months later, state government found itself in arguably the worst fiscal crisis in its history a projected shortfall that ultimately grew to $42 billion by the following winter. There were forces beyond our control, Taylor said of that time. But dont underestimate the policy changes that were made afterward. Those changes, most notably a boost in taxes paid by high-income earners and a robust state budget cash reserve fund, have helped lead to successive years of fully funded government services. The state is projected to have some $24 billion in reserves by the end of the current fiscal year. Taylor announced his intention earlier to step down this year. Leaders from both houses of the Legislature select the analyst, who leads a staff of almost five dozen researchers. The office provides in-depth reports on pending legislation, as well as on broader policy topics like education and healthcare, and produces an independent analysis for every proposed ballot measure. A succession of lawmakers and governors alike have praised or panned the work of the Legislative Analysts Office based on their own political worldview. Taylor said his staff is mindful that they work for legislators, but try to ignore the rhetoric that follows the release of a major report. People are going to do what theyre going to do with our information, he said. They dont always like it, but they appreciate that we give them our best advice. Taylor oversaw a transformation in the way the Legislative Analysts Office distributes its information, embracing the release of research reports through social media instead of relying on traditional printed copies and journalist roundtable events. But he said the work of the researchers has remained largely unchanged through the decades. Having an independent take on things, I think, is good for the Legislature, he said. No replacement for Taylor has been announced, which means a short transition for his eventual successor before Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom sends his first budget proposal to lawmakers in early January. Taylor, who lives in the Sacramento suburbs, said he will honor the tradition of his predecessors in stepping away from public policy debates in order to give the new analyst space to lead the team as he or she sees fit. He said he hopes to travel in the coming years and spend time with his children who have moved to the East Coast. Forty years in state government, Taylor said in why he was stepping aside now. Isnt that enough? Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Gov. Jerry Brown sues to save California sentencing laws By Don Thompson, Associated Press (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Outgoing Gov. Jerry Brown sued Thursday to protect one of his signature actions in office, a voter-approved measure that allows most prison inmates to seek earlier release and participate in rehabilitation programs. His administration filed a lawsuit challenging a pending 2020 initiative that seeks to toughen criminal penalties as part of an effort to roll back reforms adopted by voters within the last decade. Browns lawsuit in Sacramento County Superior Court contends the measure lacked enough valid signatures to overturn a previously approved constitutional amendment. County officials and California Secretary of State Alex Padilla certified the signatures in July but said they were submitted too late to qualify for last months election. The lawsuit names Padilla and the ballot measures official proponent, Nina Salarno Besselman, president of the advocacy group Crime Victims United. Padilla said the measure exceeded the required roughly 366,000 valid signatures, equal to 5% of votes cast for governor in 2014. Browns lawsuit says he used the wrong threshold. It says changing the state Constitution requires 8%, or more than 585,400 signatures. That makes the pending initiative more than 150,000 signatures short, the lawsuit says. Hes wrong, said Jeff Flint, a spokesman for the campaign backing the measure. He predicted a judge will be reluctant to reject a measure that already has qualified for the ballot. The secretary of state told us how many signatures are required, and thats how many we collected, Flint said. Padillas office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The measure would reverse reforms adopted by voters through Proposition 47 in 2014 and Proposition 57 in 2016. Proposition 57 allows most inmates to seek earlier paroles, and Proposition 47 reduced some drug and property crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. The combination has helped keep Californias inmate population below a population cap set by federal judges. Corrections department spokeswoman Vicky Waters said the measure gives corrections and parole officials broad discretion to protect our communities and fashion a rational system of rehabilitation and punishment. This new initiative unlawfully seeks to supplant the departments constitutional authority to implement these critical reforms to our criminal justice system. The pending initiative would shorten the list of crimes that qualify for earlier parole and change some theft crimes from misdemeanors back to felonies. It would also increase the number of crimes for which DNA is collected, a list that was limited when some crimes went from felonies to misdemeanors. Those supporting the tougher penalties say easing criminal penalties has increased the number of dangerous criminals on the streets, but those backing the changes say they have helped reduce mass incarceration and rehabilitate convicted criminals. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California Supreme Court orders records unsealed in pardon of ex-state Sen. Roderick Wright Former state Sen. Roderick Wright (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times) The California Supreme Court has granted a request to unseal court records involving Gov. Jerry Browns decision last month to pardon former state Sen. Roderick Wright for felony convictions involving lying about living in his legislative district, officials said Thursday. The court order was in response to a request by the nonpartisan First Amendment Coalition, which argued that the public has a right to know what information went into the governors decision to grant clemency to Wright. This is an important victory for public access to court files involving the exercise of executive clemency, said coalition spokesman Glen A. Smith. We are gratified the court has recognized that these decisions should be subject to the same public access rules that apply to other judicial records under California law. The court gave Browns office until Jan. 2 to redact confidential material before giving the court documents that can be released to the public. The court files submitted by the governors office include letters of support for a pardon and an internal review of Wrights case. The court denied a motion to unseal the records of all clemency cases but left open consideration of requests on other individual cases. Browns office is currently evaluating the courts decision, said spokesman Brian Ferguson. The governor argued against unsealing records in a recent court filing that said confidentiality is consistent with historical practice and is supported by state law. In pardoning Wright on Nov. 22, the governor wrote: He has shown that since his release from custody, he has lived an honest and upright life, exhibited good moral character, and conducted himself as a law abiding citizen. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement California political watchdog agency fines BART, urges prosecution over using public funds for campaign A Bay Area Rapid Transit train leaves the station in Oakland in this 2013 file photo. (Ben Margot / AP) Californias state political watchdog agency on Thursday imposed a $7,500 fine against the Bay Area Rapid Transit District and called for a possible criminal or civil prosecution over allegations the district used public resources to campaign for a 2016 bond measure. The state Fair Political Practices Commission levied an administrative fine against BART for its failure to disclose spending on YouTube videos, social media posts and text messages to promote Measure RR, which authorized $3.5 billion in general obligation bonds. Though the panel lacks authority to seek criminal charges over the misuse of public funds, it also urged county district attorneys in the BART service area and the state attorney general to pursue possible criminal or civil charges over the spending of taxpayer dollars for campaign purposes, Commission Chairwoman Alice Germond said. It is the concept of misusing public funds that I think we all here are very disturbed about, and we want to send a warning and not create a precedent that is a minor, little slap on the wrist, Germond said, adding that the referral to criminal prosecutors would further send a message that this is wrong. Commissioner Brian Hatch also called for the state Legislature to consider granting the FPPC power to go after public agencies that spend taxpayer money on campaigns. Sen. Steve Glazer (D-Orinda) called on the agency to increase the fine to the maximum level of $33,375. The proposed $7,500 fine represents a slap on the wrist for a very serious violation of the law and the publics trust, Glazer said in a letter to the panel. In supporting the fine recommended by the staff, Germond said BART has agreed to pay the penalty. Somebody did something wrong and they have admitted it, she said. A staff report said there were factors in favor of a fine below the maximum. Although the Commission considers BARTs violations to be serious, the absence of any evidence of an intention to conceal, deceive, or mislead; the voluntary filing of the delinquent campaign statement; and the absence of a prior record are mitigating, the report said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California police union seeks state Supreme Court review of new law disclosing internal investigation records Los Angeles Police Department officers. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) A police union is asking the California Supreme Court to block the release of internal officer investigations before a new state law takes effect next year. The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Employees Benefit Assn. filed a petition Tuesday asking justices to rule that only investigations of incidents that occur after Jan. 1 would be available under the law and not those the department has on file from years prior. The litigation comes after this years passage of Senate Bill 1421, which opens to the public for the first time internal investigations of officer shootings and other major uses of force, along with confirmed cases of sexual assault and lying while on duty. The law goes into effect Jan. 1, and the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department has told the union it intends to make available in response to public records requests all the information it has. The union is very concerned about any plans to retroactively apply Senate Bill 1421, Grant Ward, the unions president, said in a statement. We believe retroactive application violates our members rights and we hope the California Supreme Court will consider the serious issues raised by our legal challenge. The bills author, Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), does not agree with the unions interpretation. She has said her legislation should apply to all the records in a police departments possession because the law simply declared that affected records were no longer confidential. If the record exists, its disclosable, Skinner said. A decision on what records will be available under the law is key to how far-reaching it will be. If the court restricts access to incidents that occurred prior to 2019, those cases will not be subject to public scrutiny. The police union in San Bernardino County is not the only one raising concerns about the law. Earlier this month, Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore sent a letter to Skinner expressing concern that his agency would be overwhelmed if the law required the department to disclose older incidents. Even if the law only applied to the previous five years, Moore wrote, it could take nearly 300,000 hours of work to comply with its provisions. The LAPD operates with a guiding principle of Reverence for the Law; as such, we will diligently comply with SB 1421, Moore wrote. We maintain, however, that a retroactive implementation of SB 1421 will be exceptionally burdensome and would require significant reallocation of front-line investigative personnel. Skinner said if complying with the law becomes untenable for law enforcement agencies that maintain records for a long time, she would consider modifications. But she said agencies did not raise this concern during discussion over the bill. SB 1421 went through multiple committee hearings, multiple floor debates, extensive opportunity for all parties to weigh in on concerns with its structure, she said. That was not an issue that was raised by law enforcement at the time. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Gov. Brown warns of backlash for Republicans in 2020 if Obamacare repeal is upheld Gov. Jerry Brown at the National Press Club in April. (Alex Wong / Getty Images) Gov. Jerry Brown warned Republicans on Tuesday that repeal of the Affordable Care Act would devastate the partys political chances in the 2020 election. Brown, speaking at a Sacramento Press Club event moderated by Los Angeles Times columnist George Skelton and Brown family historian Miriam Pawel, said a federal judges ruling last week to strike down the 2010 law if upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court will build such a backlash that the Democrats will not only take over the Senate, theyll win the presidency and will win with the kind of momentum, particularly on the issue of healthcare, that [the law] will be replaced probably with something even better. The governor, who leaves office in less than three weeks, said he did not believe the ruling by a Texas judge would ultimately prevail. I think the decision will probably be overturned, Brown said. Few states have embraced the law championed by former President Obama more than California, both through its healthcare exchange, Covered California, and by expanding access to government-funded services under Medi-Cal. Some 12 million Californians now receive healthcare through Medi-Cal, and Brown said a final ruling affecting the federal dollars that subsidize that care would be a serious blow. California would not be able to afford it without the subsidy, the governor said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Bars in Los Angeles, San Francisco could stay open until 4 a.m. under new bill A bar in Sherman Oaks (acuna-hansen) For the third year in a row, a California lawmaker is trying to keep bars open until 4 a.m. State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) is reintroducing legislation that would allow Los Angeles, San Francisco and seven other cities to extend the sales of alcohol in bars, clubs and restaurants by an additional two hours. Nightlife brings people together, fosters creativity and innovation, supports small businesses, and creates middle-class jobs, Wiener said in a statement. Its time to embrace our nighttime economy and give our cities the tools they need to foster the best nightlife possible. Last year, Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a similar bill by Wiener, writing: I believe we have enough mischief from midnight to 2 without adding two more hours of mayhem. Should this years measure, Senate Bill 58, advance through the Legislature, Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom would decide whether to sign it into law. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has endorsed SB 58, saying the city should have more flexibility than it does now. Every community has its own needs, and cities should be able to make informed decisions about what nightlife hours make sense for residents, visitors, and neighborhoods, Garcetti said in a statement. The bill would create a five-year pilot program where Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, West Hollywood, Long Beach, Coachella, Cathedral City and Palm Springs could decide to allow restaurants and bars within their cities to serve alcohol until 4 a.m. with the approval of the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Bars in Los Angeles and San Francisco could stay open until 4 a.m. under new bill A bar in Sherman Oaks. (Acuna-Hansen) For the third year in a row, a California lawmaker is trying to keep bars open until 4 a.m. State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) is reintroducing legislation that would allow Los Angeles, San Francisco and seven other cities to extend the sales of alcohol in bars, clubs and restaurants by an additional two hours. Nightlife brings people together, fosters creativity and innovation, supports small businesses and creates middle-class jobs, Wiener said in a statement. Its time to embrace our nighttime economy and give our cities the tools they need to foster the best nightlife possible. Last year, Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a similar bill by Wiener, writing: I believe we have enough mischief from midnight to 2 without adding two more hours of mayhem. Should this years measure, Senate Bill 58, advance through the Legislature, Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom would decide whether to sign it into law. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has endorsed SB 58, saying the city should have more flexibility than it does now. Every community has its own needs, and cities should be able to make informed decisions about what nightlife hours make sense for residents, visitors and neighborhoods, Garcetti said in a statement. The bill would create a five-year pilot program where Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, West Hollywood, Long Beach, Coachella, Cathedral City and Palm Springs could decide to allow restaurants and bars within their cities to serve alcohol until 4 a.m. with the approval of the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Californias DMV director announces retirement amid problems with motor voter program (Kent Nishamura/Los Angeles Times) The director of the California Department of Motor Vehicles will retire at years end with a number of questions unanswered about the implementation of a major voter registration system and long wait times experienced by customers for much of the past summer. Jean Shiomoto will not continue in her current role as Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom takes office, and announced to staff several weeks ago her intent to retire at the end of the year after 38 years in state service, spokesman Armando Botello said in an email to The Times on Friday. Newsoms transition team did not immediately respond to a request for comment on who might lead the department in 2019. Shiomoto was appointed DMV director by Gov. Jerry Brown in the fall of 2013, having served in prior leadership roles with the department. DMV officials have been sharply criticized by lawmakers in recent months for delays in serving customers at its field offices across the state. Last week, DMV officials revealed errors in registering California voters for the November election mistakes that followed a series of problems in the rollout of the states new motor voter registration system. Secretary of State Alex Padilla last week said he had lost confidence in Shiomotos leadership as a result of the voting registration problems. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement New law could break the stalemate over housing on the site of a near-vacant Cupertino mall By Liam Dillon For more than a decade, developers have tried to build new housing on the site of an all-but-empty mall in Cupertino, a city in the heart of Silicon Valley and home to Apple headquarters. A well-organized group of neighbors, upset about traffic, building heights and the potential loss of the communitys suburban lifestyle, turned away every plan. Now, for the first time, the stalemate might be broken thanks to a decision made in the state Capitol. In an effort to address Californias housing affordability problem, legislators passed a law last year that requires cities and counties to approve housing projects if they comply with local zoning rules and other standards, forcing some resistant communities to agree to new homebuilding. In September, the city of Cupertino, citing the state law, approved developer Sand Hill Property Co.s proposal to build an office park and more than 2,400 homes where the Vallco Shopping Mall sits. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Local government was a last bastion for struggling California Republicans. Not anymore By Mark Z. Barabak Theres no shortage of watery metaphors to describe the disaster that befell California Republicans this midterm election. A blue wave. A Democratic tsunami. But the most apt may be a flood, with the casualties steadily rising as the vote count climbed in the days and weeks following Nov. 6. Eventually half the GOP congressional delegation was washed away, along with the entire slate of statewide Republican candidates. In Sacramento, Democrats claimed 29 of 40 state Senate seats and seized three-quarters of the 80-member Assembly the largest number since 1883, when Chester A. Arthur was serving in the White House. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print For the Republicans left in Californias Legislature, fewer lawmakers will have to do more work By John Myers From January to late summer every year, the California Legislature is a perpetual motion machine. And in the new year, the people most likely to struggle in keeping up will be Republicans, vastly outnumbered but still responsible for representing millions of the states residents. There are 22 standing committees in the state Senate, plus at least a dozen more subcommittees or special committees. And after Novembers election, only 11 Republican senators will be left to divvy up the work. To the victors go the spoils. To the vanquished go the extra assignments. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Californias DMV failed to finish registering 329 new voters before November election (Los Angeles Times) Officials at the California Department of Motor Vehicles said Friday that the agency failed to send information for 329 new voters to state elections officers in time for the November election, the latest revelation in a string of mishaps regarding voter registration. Secretary of State Alex Padilla responded with a blistering letter, calling on Gov. Jerry Brown or Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom to replace Jean Shiomoto, the DMV director. The Director of DMV has lost my confidence and trust, Padilla wrote. In all, the agency revealed that 589 mailed voter registration records that should have been processed under election deadlines werent sent to Californias secretary of state until late November, including forms from 260 drivers who had intended to update their address on existing voter registration records. The DMV had been instructed to not send registration forms that came in after Oct. 22, but the voters in question had forms that were postmarked before the deadline. In some cases, when the postmark wasnt legible, the agency said, documents inside indicated the voter had intended to finish their registration in time for the Nov. 6 election. The DMV recognizes the pause in transmittals was an error and affected the timing of the registration of the 589 individuals referenced above relative to the November election, Shiomoto wrote in a letter to Padilla on Friday. The pause was due to a misunderstanding on the part of the department, for which we take responsibility. Those who were trying to update their address for voter registration would not have been blocked from casting ballots. But officials said its unclear whether any of the 329 new voters were able to participate in the election. Shiomoto said in her letter that DMV will work with elections officials. The errors were not related to previous DMV mistakes about registering voters, problems associated with the rollout of the states new motor voter law. In those cases, multiple registration forms were sent to local elections offices for some voters, some people were assigned the wrong political party preference and others who are noncitizens were incorrectly placed on the list of registered voters. DMV officials have yet to respond to questions posed by The Times over the last several weeks about who knew of those mistakes and when. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Newsom appoints a labor advocate and a former staffer as his chief deputy Cabinet secretaries By Taryn Luna A labor advocate and a San Francisco political operative have accepted positions in Gov.-elect Gavin Newsoms new administration. Angie Wei, a Capitol insider with deep ties to organized labor in California, will serve as a chief deputy Cabinet secretary with a focus on policy development. As a legislative director and chief of staff at the California Labor Federation, Wei has represented more than 1,200 unions and 2.1 million workers in Capitol fights over a host of policy issues, including drug-pricing transparency and paid family leave. The governor-elect also tapped Jason Elliott, a policy advisor to Newsom during his time as mayor of San Francisco and a chief of staff to San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, as another chief deputy Cabinet secretary overseeing executive branch operations. Elliott and Wei will serve under Ana Matosantos, Newsoms previously All immigrants who cross the border illegally will be charged with a crime under a new zero tolerance border enforcement policy, Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions said Monday, launching a crackdown that could overwhelm already-clogged detention facilities and immigration courts with hundreds of thousands of new cases. Sessions also said that families who illegally cross the border may be separated after their arrest, with children sent to juvenile shelters while their parents are sent to adult detention facilities. Until now, border agents tried to keep parents and their children at the same detention site. The new policy is expected to send a flood of deportation cases and legal challenges into federal courts. It also could put thousands more immigrants in detention facilities and children in shelters, and is likely to strain an immigration system that has struggled to keep up with a surge in enforcement under President Trump. Until now, individuals apprehended while crossing illegally were often simply bused back over the border without charges. That was especially common for people without criminal records or previous immigration violations. This border is not open. Dont come unlawfully. Make your claim. Wait your turn, Sessions said Monday, speaking to reporters at Border Field State Park, which straddles the U.S.-Mexico border near Imperial Beach in San Diego County. We cannot take everyone on this planet who is in a difficult situation. Advertisement If you are smuggling a child, then we will prosecute you and that child will be separated from you as required by law, Sessions said earlier Monday in Scottsdale, Ariz. If you dont like that, then dont smuggle children over our border. Families seeking asylum and presenting themselves at official U.S. border crossings will be allowed to stay together as they seek protected status, according to a U.S. official familiar with the new policy. But asylum seekers caught crossing illegally will be charged with a crime and their children sent to refugee shelters, even as agents conduct the legally required interview to evaluate their asylum claims. Sessions said that no blanket policy would mandate separating all parents from their kids, but acknowledged that such cases would increase under the new rules. We dont want to separate families, but we dont want families to enter the border illegally, Sessions said. We urge them not to do so. Mexican country music could be heard from the southern side of the border as Sessions made the argument for a no-tolerance approach to border crossers. He spoke near a spot called Friendship Park, dedicated by then-First Lady Pat Nixon in 1971. Back then she stepped across the barbed-wire barrier marking the U.S.-Mexico border, embraced Mexican children and declared, I hope there wont be a fence here too long. Immigration activists denounced the new policy to separate parents from children, and said they expected to see it challenged in court. Past court decisions have put severe restrictions on the governments ability to detain children for immigration violations. Its clear this administration wants to use families who are fleeing violence as a pawn in a larger strategy to end immigration to the U.S., said Ali Noorani, executive director of the National Immigration Forum, an advocacy group. Theyre making a decision any parents would make in rescuing their kids, he said. For this administration to say, we will then separate you from your child, is morally corrupt. The stepped-up enforcement comes during a documented shift in immigration patterns, with fewer Mexicans crossing the border to find work in the United States, and an uptick in children and families fleeing violence in Central American countries and asking for U.S. asylum. The Trump administration has called for a change in federal immigration law to close what it terms loopholes that allow people who file asylum claims to be released while waiting, sometimes years, for their cases to be heard in the nations overloaded immigration courts. For now, the latest iteration in immigration processing will have a dramatic impact on Border Patrol operations along the border and potentially require major new funding from Congress. So far this fiscal year, Border Patrol officers have detained about 288,000 people. But only about 30,000 of those were charged with a crime for crossing the border, and only about 12,000 were charged with the more serious crime of reentry, which is a felony. The rest were sent back across the border. Likewise, the administration is trying to push asylum seekers away from dangerous border crossings in the desert and along the Rio Grande and to authorized ports of entry where they can be processed. But many border stations are ill-equipped to take care of a surge of new cases, said Doris Meissner, senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute and former commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. They are strongly incentivizing serious bottlenecks at the ports of entry, and maybe theyre doing that on purpose, she said. Meissner called the new policy an overreaction, and said the administration is using a blunt-force prosecution approach to address complicated problems in the asylum system. Administration officials have described illegal immigration as a growing crisis that requires extraordinary new enforcement measures. The White House has sent National Guard troops to the border, sought a huge surge of Border Patrol officers, and pushed Congress so far unsuccessfully to appropriate billions of dollars to build a wall across most of the Southwest border. The number of border apprehensions more than tripled in March and April, to 101,220, compared with the same two months last year. But the total is generally comparable to recent years and still below the surge of minors that overwhelmed the system in 2013 and far below the levels seen in the 1990s or early 2000s. The Trump administration is convinced that detaining more border crossers will serve as an effective deterrent. When agents in El Paso started apprehending more families in 2017, the number of illegal crossings dropped by 64%, a Homeland Security official said. But this kind of high-intensity prosecution approach has been tried before. Since 2005, some U.S. attorney offices in districts near the border have filed charges en masse against all border crossers. The strategy, called Operation Streamline, started in the George W. Bush administration, and immigration authorities have defended it as an effective deterrent. Judges and immigrant advocates have criticized the program for straining court resources and short-circuiting immigrants legal protections, while internal watchdogs have questioned whether there is any evidence that the approach is an effective use of resources. The Justice Department last week announced plans to send 35 additional prosecutors to Texas, California, Arizona and New Mexico to help handle the expected surge, along with reassigning 18 immigration judges to speed the progress of asylum claims. The Department of Health and Human Services, which handles the shelters for migrant children, also is preparing to take in many more cases. The administrations unhappiness with the current system was reinforced when a caravan of more than 200 asylum seekers from Central America traveled through Mexico and arrived in Tijuana on April 29, drawing angry tweets from President Trump. Caravans coming. Republicans must go to Nuclear Option to pass tough laws NOW, he tweeted on April 1. All the people from the caravan were allowed to enter the United States to seek asylum, as the law requires. Despite the caravans role as a rhetorical foil for Trump, it would not have been affected by the administrations new policy because the migrants in the group entered at an approved port of entry. Sessions has frequently made a target of California, with its immigrant-friendly policies on sanctuary cities. Soon after he started speaking, Sessions was interrupted by a lone protester, Will Johnson of San Diego, who yelled, We dont want you in our state. He was answered by Thomas Homan, the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who said the administration was simply enforcing the law. I usually dont address hecklers but I will address this one, he said. If people, like the heckler, dont like what we do, call your congressman to change the law. Tanfani reported from Washington and Carcamo from San Diego. joseph.tanfani@latimes.com Twitter: @jtanfani UPDATES: 5:15 p.m.: The article was updated with quotes from Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions appearance in San Diego and additional background. The article was originally published at 12:20 p.m. 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 On Monday, nearly two months after President Trump nominated Gina Haspel to lead the CIA, a stack of binders full of classified material about her three decades as a U.S. spy was delivered to a secure room on Capitol Hill. The question is whether the last-minute peek behind the curtain will be enough to satisfy skeptics on the Senate Intelligence Committee, which is expected to grill Haspel at her confirmation hearing on Wednesday, or in the full Senate, which then will decide if she becomes the first woman to run the intelligence agency. Trump reiterated his support Monday after the Washington Post revealed that Haspel had considered withdrawing her nomination to avoid damage to the CIA. In a tweet, Trump called her highly respected and said Democrats opposed her because she is too tough on terror. At issue is Haspels still-unexplained role after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, when she briefly ran a then-secret CIA prison known as a black site in Thailand. Two terrorism suspects were waterboarded and subjected to other forms of abuse at the facility one before Haspel arrived, one while she was there in 2002 in an effort to gain useful intelligence. Advertisement The CIA later banned those enhanced interrogation techniques, which critics called torture. It has refused to say precisely whether Haspel was directly involved in their use, or her views on them. Sen. Mark R. Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, criticized Haspel on Monday for not disclosing more about her 33 years at the CIA. The agency has opened itself up to the criticism that it is only releasing favorable materials while suppressing related items that could reflect negatively, he wrote to Haspel, who is now the CIAs acting director, in a letter obtained by The Times. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), a member of the committee, also called for greater disclosure. This is not how you run a democracy, he said in a telephone interview. In a democracy, if there are no sources and methods involved, you have an open debate about nominees. I have read the classified material. I believe a significant amount can be declassified without compromising our countrys security. And senators need to answer to an informed public. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) has criticized the lack of disclosure around Gina Haspels background. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press ) U.S. intelligence officials have defended keeping Haspels record secret, arguing that its appropriate for senators to review her classified background behind closed doors before making a decision. Theres literally not a single question they could have that could not be answered in a classified or unclassified form, said one official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the process. Haspels confirmation is far from assured, and she may need Democratic votes because Republicans have only a slim majority and support from several remains in doubt. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) has vowed to oppose her, and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) is being treated for brain cancer in Arizona. Its not impossible. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, whom Haspel would replace at the CIA, faced a similar problem before he was confirmed last month. But Paul dropped his resistance, as did Democrats facing reelection battles this November in states that voted handily for Trump. The final tally was 57 to 42. As with Pompeo, Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) hasnt directed members of his caucus to vote one way or another on Haspel. That could allow some Democrats political breathing room to back her. None has publicly supported her so far. Unfortunately, in this environment, we expect every vote will be close, said Marc Short, the White Houses director of legislative affairs. Follow the latest news of the Trump administration on Essential Washington Despite the political gantlet, Haspel has drawn unusual support from current and former colleagues in the intelligence community. In statements, interviews, podcasts and letters, dozens have publicly backed her nomination. The White House has been distributing long lists of endorsements, including one on Monday from Mark Sparkman, a former CIA officer. She is unafraid to speak the truth, regardless of the setting or audience, Sparkman wrote in an op-ed in the Hill. She is a consummate professional who always puts mission and the interests of the republic first. In his podcast last week, Michael Morell, who served twice as CIA acting director, described Haspels career of high-stakes clandestine operations, including one that led to the arrest of two suspects in the bombing of two U.S. embassies in east Africa in August 1998. Morell also said, She has done some of the agencys best work against the Russians. Many former intelligence leaders who have raised concerns about Russian interference in the 2016 presidential campaign and Trumps reluctance to confront the issue are strong supporters of Haspel. The White House has touted their backing, even blasting out quotes from James Clapper, the former director of national intelligence under President Obama, whom Trump has criticized as among the biggest liars and leakers in Washington. She is capable, smart, very experienced, well respected by the Agency rank and file, and a great person, Clapper wrote on the Cipher Brief, a website focused on intelligence issues. The CIA recently released a bare-bones resume for Haspel, which includes job titles but few details other than noting that she joined in 1985 and was posted to Africa and Eastern Europe during the waning days of the Cold War. It said she grew increasingly concerned about terrorism in the 1990s and joined the CIAs counterterrorism program on the same day jetliners crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania. She remained undercover until February 2017, when she was named deputy director. She became acting director on April 26 after Pompeo started at the State Department. The CIA also declassified a 2011 memo that said Haspel did not break any rules in 2005 when she helped destroy video recordings of brutal interrogations at the black site in Thailand. Haspel drafted a cable that her boss Jose Rodriguez, then the director of the National Clandestine Service sent to order officers to feed the tapes into an industrial shredder. I have found no fault with the performance of Ms. Haspel, Morell, who was then CIA deputy director, wrote in the 2011 memo. It was not her decision to destroy the tapes; it was Mr. Rodriguezs. Haspel advocated inside the agency for the tapes to be destroyed, however, according to a book by John Rizzo, former CIA acting general counsel. And for critics, the memos release was only further proof that the CIA should not be trusted to decide what becomes public. Chris Anders, deputy director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office, described the document as very self-serving. They keep putting out additional bits and pieces of her information, when none of that information is related to what senators want to see, Anders said. chris.megerian@latimes.com Twitter: @chrismegerian The election isnt until June 5, but voting is starting in California. Ballots are going out now, and we know Californians will mail them in at a rapid clip over the next several weeks. That means your mailbox will be crammed with more fliers, and the airwaves and internet will be clogged with ads. It also makes Tuesdays gubernatorial debate moderated by NBCs Chuck Todd a critical moment for the candidates on stage to make their pitch, and the best opportunity to get attention now that voters are getting more engaged. We will, of course, be covering the debate live in the moment and with deep analysis when it concludes. You can find all of that here. Advertisement REPUBLICANS CHOOSE TO MAKE NO CHOICE At this weekends California Republican Party convention in San Diego, neither of the top GOP candidates for governor could muster enough support to win the partys endorsement. Wealthy Rancho Santa Fe businessman John Cox received 55.3% of the vote from the GOP delegates, short of the 60% required for the party nod. Huntington Beach Assemblyman Travis Allen received 40.5%. With no endorsed candidate for governor, the party runs the risk of a repeat of the 2016 U.S. Senate contest, which featured a Democrat-on-Democrat battle in the general election. The same is likely to happen in the Senate race this year. The stakes are even higher this time around. Not having a candidate at the top of the ticket could dampen Republican voter turnout in November, which is critical to the party holding onto several congressional seats key to the GOP retaining control of Congress, report Seema Mehta and Phil Willon. Sign up for the free Essential Politics email newsletter While trying to woo delegates during the three-day affair, the Cox and Travis campaigns were a little chippy but the candidates mostly refrained from criticizing each other during their big speeches to hundreds of delegates on Saturday. That wasnt a coincidence. State GOP Chairman Jim Brulte threatened to blast an airhorn if any candidates started attacking a Republican rival. Ripping the Democrats was permitted, though. Although hanging on to more than half a dozen vulnerable House seats is arguably the most important thing facing California Republicans this year, there wasnt much talk about it at the convention. There was a lot of discussion about the effort to repeal the gas tax increase. Thats one reason House Speaker Paul D. Ryan and Majority Whip Steve Scalise have donated to the initiative to get a repeal on the ballot. Rep. Mimi Walters of Irvine, the only vulnerable GOP House incumbent to show up at the convention, painted a particularly dire picture about the tough fight ahead for her and others. The keynote speaker at the convention, Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, took a jab at Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti as she addressed the delegates Saturday night. Its odd that Im coming out to California from Iowa, because what weve seen recently is a lot of folks from California coming to Iowa, she told several hundred delegates and guests gathered in San Diego. Ernst noted that House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco would be fundraising with Iowa Democrats on Sunday, and that Garcetti recently visited the state as he ponders launching a presidential bid. Saturday morning, the convention had its own kerfuffle when an anti-Semitic GOP Senate candidate was kicked out. One witness said he was dragging and kicking an Israeli flag while being escorted out. CHIANGS SHOWDOWN WITH SCHWARZENEGGER Ten years ago, John Chiang, then the state controller, squared off against Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in refusing to carry out an order to slash state worker pay. Now, the episode has become a selling point in his campaign for governor. Melanie Mason took a deeper look at the moment that Chiang says illustrated his advocacy for the little guy and critics say showed his fealty to public employee unions. Its the first in a series of examinations of key moments for some candidates. Keep an eye on our Essential Politics news feed on California politics for the latest and make sure to sign up for breaking news alerts. CONGRESSMAN ACCUSED OF MOLESTATION San Fernando Rep. Tony Cardenas confirmed Thursday that he is the unidentified elected official in a lawsuit filed last week in Los Angeles alleging sexual molestation of a teenage girl in 2007, but he vehemently denied the allegations. Pelosi on Saturday called for the House Ethics Committee to investigate the matter and said the Democratic congressman would cooperate. Cardenas is one of the highest-ranking Latino members of Congress and holds a low-level position in the House leadership. He has been contacting fellow members of Congress in recent days to assert his innocence in connection with the lawsuit. Meanwhile in Sacramento last week, a former aide to a California legislator sued the state Senate, saying she was discriminated and retaliated against after alleging sexual assault. FACT-CHECKING NEWSOMS NRA AD Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, front-runner in the race to succeed termed-out Gov. Jerry Brown, has run a TV ad claiming he was the first to take on the National Rifle Assn. and win. But hes hardly the first California politician to do so, George Skelton writes in his Monday column. FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, SO MANY CANDIDATES FOR SO FEW OFFICIAL DUTIES California Republicans endorsed San Marino businessman Cole Harris this weekend as their pick for lieutenant governor. But Harris and the 10 other candidates running for the job face something even more daunting than winning: making the job matter. In his Sunday column, John Myers takes a look at just how few duties the lieutenant governor has with the most important, breaking a tie in the state Senate, last happening in 1996. This year features a record number of candidates, some who are overpromising on what theyll do if elected. NATIONAL POLITICS LIGHTNING ROUND President Trump says his nominee to be CIA director, Gina Haspel, has come under fire because she was too tough on Terrorists. The Post reported this weekend that Haspel sought to withdraw her nomination Friday after some White House officials worried that her role in the interrogation of terrorism suspects could prevent her confirmation by the Senate. Trump spoke at the NRA convention Friday, telling the crowd, Your 2nd Amendment rights are under siege, but they will never, ever be under siege as long as I am your president. Times photographer Jay Clendenin took portraits of convention attendees. As our reporter writes from Paris, Trump was accused of showing shameful disrespect for the victims of a 2015 series of terrorist attacks by suggesting the bloodshed, which left more than 130 dead, might have been prevented if the French carried guns. In the latest episode of stirring the pot, Rudy Giuliani said Sunday that the president would not have to respond to a subpoena in the special counsels wide-ranging Russia probe. Giuliani, who joined the presidents legal team two weeks ago, also said that if Trump does agree to be questioned, he might invoke his 5th Amendment right to guard against self-incrimination. Rep. Ro Khanna, who represents Silicon Valley, is urgently searching out ways to get tech invested in the so-called flyover states and vice versa. Evan Halper traveled with the Democratic congressman to West Virginia to see him in action. David Savage explains how immigration courts are deeply split on who can claim asylum over violence in home countries, and why that matters. Stormy Daniels made a surprise cameo on Saturday Night Live. Get the latest about whats happening in the nations capital on Essential Washington. TODAYS ESSENTIALS Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions will be the on the border Monday just as the Department of Homeland Security announces tougher policy on border crossings and family separation. This weeks California Politics Podcast offers a preview of Tuesdays debate in the governors race with moderator Chuck Todd, as well as the latest TV ad from Newsom. Sen. Dianne Feinstein changed her position on legalizing marijuana. California is battling a Trump administration lawsuit challenging sanctuary state laws. Three major national paint companies are nearing qualification of their ballot measure that would eliminate their legal liability to clean up lead paint. A group of lawmakers are asking them to back down on some of their claims. Newly introduced legislation is Californias second attempt to develop a system for taxpayers to avoid part of Trumps tax overhaul. A surveillance bill could push other cities and counties to follow Oakland police tech policies. Vice News goes deep behind the scenes Monday night with a look at Democrat Katie Hills congressional campaign in Californias 25th district. Shes aiming to make the November election and unseat Republican Rep. Steve Knight. But can she defeat Bryan Caforio, the Democrat who won the primary in 2016? The episode airs Monday. LOGISTICS Essential Politics is published Monday, Wednesday and Friday. You can keep up with breaking news on our politics page throughout the day for the latest and greatest. And are you following us on Twitter at @latimespolitics? Miss Fridays newsletter? Here you go. Please send thoughts, concerns and news tips to politics@latimes.com. Did someone forward you this? Sign up here to get Essential Politics in your inbox. As political matchups go, it was an incongruous one: the bodybuilder-turned-Terminator-turned-governor against the bespectacled numbers geek. One of the most famous men in the world versus um, whats that guys name again? The 2008 showdown pitted then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger against John Chiang, Californias Democratic state controller at the time. The governor, facing a budget logjam, ordered a hefty cut in state worker pay to the federal minimum wage then $6.55 an hour but Chiang refused to comply. That touched off a signature moment in Chiangs two decades of elected office in California. His defiance set off a protracted legal battle, irked the Republican Schwarzenegger administration and won Chiang fans among powerful public sector unions. It was a defining episode in Chiangs political career, and one that suggested bigger political ambitions for the son of Taiwanese immigrants who once worked as an IRS tax lawyer. Advertisement The faceoff in his second year of what would be two terms as controller is now a central selling point in Chiangs campaign to be Californias next governor, in which he has lagged in the polls. In an online ad, titled Underdog, Chiang, now state treasurer, touts his refusal to let the governor cut the pay of hardworking Californians. The message to voters, Chiang said in an interview, is that he would similarly do battle for them. The clash revealed Chiangs canny ability to grab headlines while in a decidedly low-wattage post. Nobody has ever said that, Since the age of 4, I always wanted to be state controller or state treasurer. Its not normally a high-profile office, said Daniel J.B. Mitchell, a state labor expert and professor emeritus at UCLA Anderson School of Management. There are few moments where the opportunity comes along. Schwarzeneggers plan to cut state worker pay was one such opportunity. Treasurer John Chiang launches ad in governors race touting his record as a fiscal stewards here News of the proposal first surfaced in July 2008 when the Schwarzenegger administration floated a draft executive order that would temporarily pare back pay for about 200,000 state workers to the federal minimum wage. With a new state budget nearly a month overdue, the governors office said the move, which would have saved an estimated $1 billion each month, would keep the state solvent until a new spending plan was in place. At that point, the administration said, the workers would be repaid their lost wages. Chiang, who issued state workers paychecks in his role as state controller, quickly lambasted the plan as cruel and illegal when it was first leaked to the news media. He said the state had plenty of cash to cover payroll, and he refused to go along, arguing in part that his offices ancient computers would not be able to process the temporary salary adjustments. The governors proposal was greeted with outrage from public employees and skepticism even from conservative corners, including the right-leaning editorial page of the Orange County Register, which called it a minimally smart idea. But Schwarzenegger dug in, signing the order a week later and threatening to sue Chiang if necessary. The controller didnt budge. Less than two weeks later, the governor took him to court. The administration argued that, in the times of crisis, everyone had to feel the pain, including public employees. Others said the move had less to do with saving money and more to do with using public pressure to force legislators to agree on a long-delayed spending plan. What he was trying to do was force a budget settlement. That was his leverage, Mitchell said. Legislative Democrats would not want to see state workers cut to the minimum wage. Chiang says now he similarly saw the move as a budget negotiating tactic. It was a morally bankrupt act to get a Democratic Legislature to conform to the governors wishes, he said. Chiangs refusal won praise from public employee groups, who allied with him in the court battles. Bruce Blanning, then the executive director of the Professional Engineers in California Government, said Chiang distinguished himself from other Democrats by challenging the governor. Schwarzenegger intimidated a lot of people. He did not intimidate John Chiang, said Blanning, who still consults for the state engineers union, which has supported Chiangs campaign. Inside the administration, the view of Chiang was negative. One former Schwarzenegger official, who requested anonymity to speak candidly, said he was seen as brown-nosing to a powerful Democratic interest group, hardly qualifying as political courage. Its like saying someone in Congress is standing up for pharmaceutical companies, said the official, who is no longer in state government. Public employee unions are the most powerful political player in the state. Its not like standing up for widows and orphans here. Chiang rejected that characterization, instead focusing on the low-wage workers who would have been impacted by the plan. I dont think the administrative assistant or the student intern or all these individuals feel attached to a politically powerful institution, he said. These are individuals who are trying to pay for their electricity bill, their tuition. Then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger responds to a reporters question on the state budget stalemate during a news conference outside his state Capitol office on Aug. 19, 2008. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press ) The standoff was rendered moot by September, when Schwarzenegger signed a new state budget deal 85 days late. Still, the issue lingered undecided in the courts. The two men would soon clash again over a new order by the governor mandating that state workers take two unpaid furlough days a month in order to save money. Chiang, again siding with labor unions, said he would not comply. He later argued the furloughs should not apply to his office and those of other statewide elected officials, because they are independent of the governor. Schwarzenegger once again sued. The liberal-leaning Sacramento Bee accused Chiang of pandering to employee unions. The California Supreme Court ultimately upheld the furloughs but said future governors would not have unilateral authority to impose unpaid days off. A separate appeals court ruling found that Schwarzenegger did have the power to furlough the workers of elected statewide officers. Meanwhile, the worker-pay fight continued in the courts, with Schwarzenegger initially prevailing. The governor again tried to reduce state workers salaries to the federal minimum wage in 2010. The cuts were never put into place, although an appellate court also sided with Schwarzenegger. When Gov. Jerry Brown took office in 2011, he decided to drop the lawsuit, arguing it would be too costly, according to news accounts. It was a close call on the furloughs and on the minimum wage, legally, Blanning said. But he said, heres what I think is best for California, and heres what my job is as controller. The state engineers union has issued a dual endorsement in this years governors race to Chiang and to Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, another Democrat who is the front-runner in the race, according to numerous polls ahead of the June 5 primary. The group, which represents 13,000 workers, contributed just under $15,000 to Chiangs and Newsoms respective campaigns. Despite Chiangs fight for state workers, the states largest public employees union has not backed his gubernatorial bid. Alex Arnone, spokesman for Service Employees International Union Local 1000, called Chiangs stance in the minimum-wage tussle the right thing to do at the right time, but the group, along with the statewide SEIU council, instead endorsed Newsom the result of what Arnone called a thorough member engagement process of all SEIU members statewide. Chiang maintains that he has widespread support from that unions members. And as for his old sparring partner? Chiang said that despite the friction, he wishes Schwarzenegger well. I disagreed with him passionately and vehemently on issues, Chiang said. But I do have respect for people who give portions of their life for the betterment of our state and our humanity. melanie.mason@latimes.com Follow @melmason on Twitter for the latest on California politics. Youve got to wonder what goes through a candidates head when his first TV ad contains an indisputable, major falsehood. Maybe nothing goes through it. Maybe he doesnt recognize the falsehood and its not an intentional lie. Maybe he didnt even see the ad just overly relied on handlers who got sloppy or thought no one would notice what they regarded as a typical, within-the-bounds political exaggeration. Whatever. Its not the kind of tactic that builds public confidence in a gubernatorial candidates credentials to lead the nations most populous state and, because of his relative youth 50 and charisma, automatically become a potential contender for president. Advertisement Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, front-runner in the race to succeed termed-out Gov. Jerry Brown, ran a TV ad claiming he was the first to take on the National Rifle Association and win. Hardly. This is the relevant ad text, read by a pleasant-sounding female narrator: The L.A. Times called Gavin Newsom Ahead of the pack, from gay marriage to gun control. The first mayor to recognize marriage equality. The first to provide healthcare to every resident. The first to take on the National Rifle Association and win. The one candidate with the record of bold leadership and bold results. ... Etc. The Times did publish a column by Cathleen Decker about Newsom under an ahead of the pack headline in December 2015. But the article didnt say he was the first to take on the NRA and win. Its true that in 2016, Newsom sponsored Proposition 63, a ballot initiative that strengthened Californias already toughest-in-the-nation gun controls. It passed overwhelmingly with 63% of the vote. More from George Skelton Its also true that the NRA waved a white flag early and didnt spend money fighting the measure. But after the vote, it sued and won a preliminary injunction blocking a key provision that banned possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines. After Newsoms TV ad was released April 23, it was assailed in several news media outlets. PolitiFact, a nonpartisan organization that referees political ads, rated Newsoms claim of being the first to fight the NRA and win as false. Theres a long list of California politicians who have triumphed over the NRA. Start with Sen. Dianne Feinstein. When she was San Franciscos mayor in 1983, the NRA tried to recall her for supporting a failed state initiative to ban handgun sales. She beat back the recall attempt. Then, after being elected to the Senate, the Democrat pushed through a nationwide ban on assault weapons sales in 1994. She dismissed the counsel of then-Judiciary Committee Chairman Joe Biden that her cause was hopeless. Congress let the ban expire in 2004. Republican Gov. George Deukmejian, whose narrow election in 1982 was significantly helped by gun owners, bucked the NRA by signing Californias first assault weapons ban. He acted after a young, racist drifter armed with an AK-47 shot up a Stockton schoolyard in 1989, killing five Southeast Asian immigrant children and wounding 30 other kids. Years later, Deukmejian told me: My thoughts were that regardless of what argument somebody might make about having the right to own and possess a gun, there was no common sense reason for someone to have an assault weapon. Coverage of California politics The legislation he embraced was authored by two Los Angeles Democrats, state Senate leader David A. Roberti and Assemblyman Mike Roos. The NRA tried to recall Roberti, but he survived at great cost. The fight crippled his political future. The assault weapons ban sprouted loopholes that were tightened in 1999 with a bill signed by Democratic Gov. Gray Davis. That same year a future L.A. mayor, then-Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa, used his leadership clout to assure narrow passage of a bill limiting handgun purchases to one a month. Villaraigosa now is running against Newsom for governor. Theres a long list of Sacramento politicians who have triumphed over the NRA, including former state Senate leader Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles), currently running against Feinstein as she seeks a fifth full term. In 2016, De Leon pushed through legislation similar to Newsoms initiative and Brown signed it. In fact, De Leon called Newsoms measure irrelevant because we [legislators] have taken care of business. But De Leon later endorsed the ballot proposition. This column would not have been written if the Newsom camp had just admitted we screwed up and dropped the ad. But the ad kept running and the candidates spokesman, Nathan Click, tried to justify the spot. What the ad intended to say, Click told me, was that Newsom is the first to take the NRA to the ballot box and win. But thats not what the ad says. When youre trying to convey something in 30 seconds, he replied, youre limited by the format. Not an excuse. A separate Newsom ad began running simultaneously that voiced a similar message without claiming he was the first. But it didnt bump the untruthful ad. When you exaggerate in a political commercial, its always going to come back to bite you, said Democratic consultant David Townsend, whos not involved in the gubernatorial race. People ask, What else is he exaggerating about? Words matter. You have to be careful not to overreach. Sometimes consultants dont even notice it, Townsend continued. Everyone is running around like chickens with their heads cut off. Sometimes they act headless and get sloppy. george.skelton@latimes.com Twitter: @LATimesSkelton A 37-year-old man received a 10-year prison sentence on Monday for the DUI pedestrian death of a woman who was killed last September while she was walking to work at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. Stergios Antonios Economos pleaded no contest in February to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence of a drug, causing injury. While he did not enter a guilty plea, the Los Angeles County district attorneys office said he admitted to inflicting great bodily injury on two people. Authorities said Economos drove through a red light on the morning of Sept. 7 and struck 64-year-old Michelle Landes as she was traveling through a crosswalk at Alameda Avenue and Lincoln Street. Landes was on her way to to Disney, where she worked in the companys legal department as an executive assistant. She was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead, according to authorities. After hitting Landes, Economos then struck a vehicle. Authorities said the driver of that car was injured in the collision. andy.nguyen@latimes.com Twitter: @Andy_Truc Authorities have identified a 36-year-old Lancaster man who died Sunday night after his motorcycle collided with an electronic arrow sign on the 5 Freeway in Burbank. Tom Paul Gloudeman Jr., 36, was traveling northbound on the freeway when the collision occurred around 10:45 p.m. near the Burbank Boulevard off-ramp. According to the California Highway Patrol, the area where the collision occurred was being turned into a temporary construction zone by the California Department of Transportation. About three dozen orange reflective cones outlined the gore point, as described by the highway patrol the space between the off-ramp and freeway. Caltrans also placed a stationary arrow light board within the coned-off area. While traveling in the No. 5 lane, as [Gloudeman] approached the gore point at the Burbank Boulevard off-ramp, for unknown reasons, [he] made an unsafe turning movement to the left, according to California Highway Patrol officials. Gloudeman then went through the coned-off area and struck the light board. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Los Angeles County coroners office. Its unknown if drugs or alcohol contributed to the collision, and the incident remains under investigation. andy.nguyen@latimes.com Twitter: @Andy_Truc Anabel is already packing for summer camp. This summer, as usual, my daughter will spend two, two-week sessions at the YMCA overnight camp, Raintree Ranch, a magical world for kids who are crazy about horses, who want to ride, groom, tack-up, feed and clean up after horses. The staff are campers who grew up, or like-minded wanderers who found their way to Raintree by word of mouth. My daughter will be recognized as we arrive at camp, and there will be shouted greetings and hugs. When I return for my dusty cowgirl there will be photos to pose for, hugs, tears, introductions to other parents, exchanges of phone numbers. This would all be very normal in the life of an American teenager, except Raintree Ranch is the only place where things like this happen for my daughter. Its the only place where bright young women tell me, with tears in their eyes, how its meant so much to them to grow up with Anabel and see her develop as a person in her own right. Anabel is 4 feet, 4 inches tall at the age of 19. She expresses herself in one-word, occasionally two-word, sentences. She uses some American Sign Language. Occasionally, if she cant get someone to understand any other way, she draws a picture to communicate. She cant read a grocery list or fill out a tax return. She is developmentally disabled. When I was a child the term was mentally retarded. I am sure that Anabel views Raintree Ranch as her real home. She returns to our house only because camp doesnt operate year-round. She tells me several times every day that I must stay home and take care of the dog while shes gone. She compares my cooking to the food at camp. She is her best self there, confident and capable. Now I see that Anabel has placed her sleeping bag, pillow, bulging suitcase and backpack by the door to the garage packed and ready to leave for camp. I anticipate the yelling and door-slamming that will ensue when I tell her to take it all back to her room. Camp begins the end of June. Right now, were in early May. Even when things are going well, when youre raising a developmentally disabled son or daughter, you always have a new worry to look forward to. Anabel is getting too old for summer camp. How many more summers can she spend at Raintree Ranch? Within the next few years my daughter will leave my home to live somewhere else. She is able to tell me that she wants to live in her own house, with her own friends. She even looks at the real estate section of the Sunday paper and points out houses for sale that she thinks would suit her. I wonder how I will make that happen for her. I want to make plans now for where and how she will live as an adult. Is there a place like Raintree Ranch where she can live forever? If not, why not? Costa Mesas Fairview Developmental Center was in the news recently as a potential temporary housing solution for the homeless people who had been camping by the Santa Ana River. Fairview Developmental Center housed 2,700 residents at its peak occupancy in 1967. Today, just over 100 developmentally disabled residents remain. Many Orange County residents might be surprised to learn that the dwindling population at Fairview does not mean that there are fewer developmentally disabled children and adults in the area. The Regional Center of Orange County coordinates services for O.C. residents with autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and intellectual cognitive disabilities, serving a population of almost 21,000. Families with disabled children now have assistance to care for their child at home, instead of in an institution. Low-income families can apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for the disabled child. The California In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program, administered by county social services departments, pays for a caregiver to help with personal care. Often one of the parents takes on this job. The Regional Centers, the case management system for Californians with developmental disabilities, pay for several hours of respite care each month, and will pay for daycare if its needed for a parent to work outside the home. There is emotional support for families as well. There are parent groups, online groups, magazines, advocacy organizations. Disabled children may be eligible for Medi-Cal in some cases, regardless of their familys income. At the age of 18, all fully disabled people are eligible for SSI payments from the Social Security system, which in California can be over $900 per month. For many families, the financial resources available from the various social service agencies and social security are a significant family resource. Some families keep their adult developmentally disabled sons or daughters in their homes because of the financial incentives, while other families may not trust the options outside of the home. Housing developmentally disabled adults with their own families is also the least expensive option for the government. The state emphasizes living with family, independent living or placement in small group homes. The underlying value is community living. But what is a community for my daughter? Our family home has become too quiet since my son, Anabels only sibling, left for college. Now he lives in Asia and visits infrequently. Anabels aunts, uncles and cousins live in other states. Anabel would like a social life of parties and perhaps even a romantic flirtation with a male peer. Ive been able to manage a few spectacular birthday parties, but an annual event doesnt make a full social life. What if there were a house where she could live with a group of peers, that was staffed with loving workers and community volunteers? A place where friends, family and neighbors could gather regularly? Registered nurse SYLVIA WORDEN is the retired associate dean of Student Health Services at Orange Coast College. A Rosemont Middle School student was disciplined over the weekend after allegedly making threats to the campus on social media, authorities say. Officials with the Glendale Unified School District were made aware of the threats on Saturday after a parent came across them on Instagram. Kristine Nam, a spokeswoman for the district, said school officials worked with deputies from the Crescenta Valley Sheriffs Department in investigating the incident. At this time, disciplinary measures have been taken, and there is no current danger to Rosemont students or staff, she said. Nam said the student made threats of violence but would not elaborate more. Today we received a report that a Rosemont MS student made threats to the school via social media. District and Sheriff's Department have investigated the issue and appropriate disciplinary measures have been taken. There is no current danger to Rosemont students or staff. Glendale Schools CA (@GlendaleUSD) May 5, 2018 andy.nguyen@latimes.com Twitter: @Andy_Truc A certain glow shimmered over the Music Center on the evening of April 14 as the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra celebrated its 50th anniversary season with The Golden Gala, a spectacular fundraiser that brought in $750,000. More than 400 guests attended a historic concert at the Mark Taper Forum, the theater where LACO began its journey half a century ago, followed by a sumptuous dinner and after party at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. The black-tie party honored the families of LACOs founding members James Arkatov, Joseph Troy, Sir Neville Marriner and Richard D. Colburn, each of whom helped create Americas finest chamber orchestra, as Public Radio International has called it. The musical program at the Mark Taper Forum featured actress/vocalist Rumer Willis and included a special guest clarinetist, Andrew Marriner, son of LACOs first music director, the late Sir Neville Marriner. On the concert program were the world premiere of a new orchestration of Tag Rag, written by former LACO Composer-in-Residence Derek Bermel; the first movement of Mozarts Clarinet Concerto in A major, one of the composers crowning achievements; and Prokofievs Symphony No. 1, Classical, long a beloved staple of LACOs repertoire. In a nod to the orchestras roots in the film recording industry, a selection of songs from the Golden Age of Hollywood were performed by Willis with both LACO and her own band. For dinner back at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, guests dined on organic baby beet salad, Cabernet-braised beef short rib with Parmesan risotto, caramelized trumpet mushrooms, parsnip salad and desserts of banana foster bread pudding and chocolate rocher bal. The gala was chaired by Sandy and Pat Gage. Honorary co-chairs were James and Salome Arkatov, Carol Colburn Grigor, Lady Molly Marriner and Brigitta B. Troy. * * * The April general meeting of Las Candelas was held at Oakmont Country Club where, during a luncheon, the philanthropic club awarded three different area agencies with recognition and funds to continue their work. Receiving monetary gifts from the club were Hillsides in Pasadena, Ascencia in Glendale and the Didi Hirsch Mental Health Service of Glendale. Las Candelas President Nancy Stone presented a grant to Hillsides chief advancement officer Carrie Espinoza to be used in the Hillsides Youth Moving On program. This program provides help for former students of Hillsides who are 18 or over and who need help with job searches, living quarters and higher education. Ascencia Executive Director Natalie Profant Lomuro gratefully accepted the Las Candelas grant, which will be used for the organizations Art Therapy for Children program. Ascencia is a transitional homeless shelter for families and normally houses 10- to 15 children who, with their parents, have been displaced from their homes. Heather Sardella and Christina Brinn of Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services of Glendale thanked the members of Las Candelas for their gift and for the many years of support for their charitys child therapy programs. Las Candelas also awarded a grant in November to Tara Peterson of the Glendale YWCA, for the Ys summer camp programs for children living in the domestic violence shelter. Las Candelas also provides more than $25,000 annually in speakers, field trips and parties for the children at Hathaway-Sycamores and Hillsides Education Center located here in La Canada Flintridge. The local organizations primary means of fundraising is its biennial luncheon fashion show, which normally draws over 600 attendees. The next Candelas benefit is scheduled for March 4, 2019, at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel. For more information about the club visit its website at lascandelas.org. JANE NAPIER NEELY covers the La Canada Flintridge social scene. Email her at jnvalleysun@aol.com with news of your special event. If you ship out on an inaugural cruise, youll probably impress your friends and family, as long as no one brings up the maiden voyage of the Titanic, which sank in 1912 after hitting an iceberg. That aside, many people get excited by the idea of inaugural sailings, which are known for their pomp and circumstance. If youre considering one, 2018 will be a banner year for such launches. Many major lines have introduced or are introducing new vessels this year, including: Advertisement Norwegian Bliss, May 30; MSC Seaview, June; Holland America Nieuw Statendam, December; Seabourn Ovation, which was to embark Saturday; Carnival Horizon, April; Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas, April; Celebrity Cruises Edge, December; Viking Ocean Cruises Orion, June 19, the fifth vessel since the line made its ocean-going debut in 2015. (Be sure to contact the cruise line or a travel agent because inaugural voyages are subject to change.) Some of the sailings are open only to VIPs and the press, but others are open to the public. If you wait, you can even go on an inaugural cruise from a local port: Long Beach. Carnival recently began taking reservations for its Panorama, which is to launch in December 2019. The ship, the first new Carnival vessel to home port on the West Coast in 20 years, will sail weeklong cruises to the Mexican Riviera. Before the launch of seven-day itineraries, there will be a special cruise Dec. 11-14, 2019, from Long Beach to Ensenada, Mexico. Rates for an inside cabin start at $304 per person, double occupancy. Or you can splurge for a suite at $859 per person, double occupancy. You might even score a commemorative souvenir. Passengers have the cachet of sailing on the maiden voyage of a brand new ship, said spokesman Vance Gulliksen, adding that the line also has previously given out commemorative coins and other gifts. On Carnival Horizons April inaugural, for instance, passengers who cruised on the Barcelona, Spain, itinerary received a special keychain, a letter from Carnival President Christine Duffy and a Carnival Horizon commemorative book. If you dont want to wait until next year for an inaugural voyage, you might think about sailing on Celebrity Cruises Edge, the lines first new ship in six years. The vessel features several innovations, including a movable deck and cabins with flexible balcony spaces. Celebrity has scheduled two three-night preview sailings open to the public: Dec. 1 (starting rate: $1,129 per person, double occupancy) and Dec. 6 (starting rate: $1,429 per person, double occupancy). Both will depart from Port Everglades, Fla., sailing to the Bahamas. After the previews, there will be a weeklong Caribbean maiden voyage, with rates starting at $1,299, double occupancy. Edge will then sail seven-night Caribbean itineraries before transitioning to Europe in May 2019. Why take an inaugural cruise? Everything is brand new and clean; its like being the first person to sleep in a new hotel, said Heidi Allison-Shane, publisher of the website AllThingsCruise.com. Allison-Shane, who formerly worked for several lines, has been on more than 100 maiden voyages. The crew is really excited and happy, she said. Every city you visit makes a lot of hoopla when the ship comes in. The hoopla isnt reserved just for giant cruise ship inaugurals. European riverboats are also greeted with fanfare and festivities when they enter a port for the first time. Fireboats spray the harbor to welcome the ship when it enters, officials sometimes come aboard wearing traditional folk costumes, and local boats and residents turn out to wave the ship in and out during its first visit. Whats the downside? There are always things that dont work, said Cynthia Boal Janssens, editor of AllThingsCruise.com who has sailed on several inaugurals. Most of the time, they can kind of cover up things that are going wrong, she said. I always tell people that an inaugural is kind of a shakedown cruise. The service may not be perfect, but theyre often priced decently. travel@latimes.com @latimestravel People hungry for a trip down memory lane can now visit the first Pizza Hut, which opened 60 years ago in Wichita, Kan. The original, 500-square-foot restaurant has been converted into a museum on the Wichita State Universitys Innovation Campus. The Pizza Hut Museum opened to the public Monday. A childs pizza oven and branded cooking utensils are among the memorabilia on display at the Pizza Hut Museum in Wichita, Kan. (WSU Foundation ) Advertisement It had a table, a counter and an oven, Keith Pickus, vice-president of the universitys foundation, said of the small brick building with its original sign still hanging above the door. Brothers Dan and Frank Carney, both university students, chose the two-word, eight-letter name because nothing longer would fit on the sign, which was sponsored by Pepsi, Pickus said. The brothers greeted their first customers June 15, 1958. The worlds first Pizza Hut, now located on the campus of Wichita State University, has opened as a museum that highlights the founding brothers role as entrepreneurs. (WSU Foundation ) They borrowed $600 from their mother to open this Pizza Hut, Pickus said. These were the guys who became the initial franchisees. They would literally write agreements on napkins. A napkin on which the original sauce recipe was written is one of the many artifacts on display. It included celery, garlic, green pepper, onion and, of course, tomatoes. Thats my writing, Dan Carney, now in his 80s, told the Wichita Eagle during a visit last week. I think this would tweak old-time memories about how we started and how rough it was. Also on display are various memorabilia highlighting the history of the pizza chain, which now has 16,000 stores worldwide. They include branded kitchen utensils and toys such as a miniature pizza oven. Video stations explain the history of Pizza Huts early years. The 1958 sign from the original Pizza Hut still hangs above the door. (Visit Wichita ) The Carneys sold the chain to PepsiCo in 1977 for $300 million. Pizza Hut is now part of Yum! Brands, which is headquartered in Louisville, Ky. Museum admission is free. It is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays and Fridays and noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays when school is in session. There will be reduced hours during the summer. University students serve as docents. Were looking to leverage the entrepreneurial heritage of Wichita, Pickus said. People hungry for a slice of pie can find one at any of 17 Pizza Hut locations in Wichita. There are 22 in Los Angeles. White Castle, an early fast-food contender in 1921, also was founded in Wichita. However the chain, famous for its small, square hamburgers, no longer has a location in town. Info: The Pizza Hut Museum ALSO Looking for somewhere new to stay? 11 California hotels among best new hotels in 2018 Let Safari Wests wildlife and glamping transport you to Sonomas Serengeti Follow these California chefs on a bicycle ride through Italys Emilia-Romagna region travel@latimes.com @latimestravel Learn about Mexicos vibrant craft and textile traditions on an 11-night tour offered by Jessica Warner and Twofold Textiles & Travel. The first three nights are spent in Mexico City, where participants will visit the studios and shops of urban textile designers. Then its on to the rural Mixteca region of western Oaxaca state, where indigenous communities still make and wear traditional textiles, including full-length huipiles. The tour concludes with five nights in Oaxaca city, where highlights include a natural dyeing workshop in the nearby rug-weaving village of Teotitlan del Valle and a private tour of the Museo Textil de Oaxaca led by the museums founding director. Group size limited to 11. Advertisement Dates: Sept. 27-Oct. 8 Price: $3,900 per person, double occupancy; $400 single supplement. Includes accommodations and most meals, including tips; studio tours and artisan fees; and bilingual guide and tour host. International airfare not included. Info: Twofold Textiles & Travel, (970) 317-1560 ALSO Fewer people are visiting Las Vegas. One insider thinks hotel resort and parking fees are to blame Princess Cruises and cast of Love Boat TV show to receive star on Hollywood Walk of Fame Mammoth gets a May Day snow. Resort plans to stay open through end of month travel@latimes.com @latimestravel With police investigating him under Malaysias new anti-fake news law, Mahathir Mohamad, the nearly 93-year-old former prime minister turned opposition frontman, says his country faces its dirtiest election on Wednesday. The governing coalition will cheat like mad, they will steal votes, but still I think we can win, Mahathir said in an interview with The Times, stepping off a makeshift stage and into a nearby BMW waiting to take him to yet another campaign rally. Defying his age, Mahathir had just wrapped up a half-hour stump speech in this farming area about a 20-mile drive from Aloh Setar, the capital of Kedah state, his home base. Kedah has typically been a government stronghold, although the green flags of Malaysias Islamist party also flutter along its roadsides. Mahathir wants to swing the state, and enough rural Muslim Malays across the country, to his four-party opposition grouping known as the Alliance of Hope. Advertisement That will be tough. The governing coalition has run the country since independence in 1957, and everywhere there are reminders of its sway. In Aloh Setar, and across nearby Penang state, a major tourism destination to the south, the dark blue banners and billboards of the ruling National Front are ubiquitous another reminder that the opposing coalition, even one led by one of 20th century Asias most formidable politicians, faces a daunting adversary. Pedestrians walk past an election billboard featuring Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak in central Kuala Lumpur, the countrys commercial capital. (Simon Roughneen / For The Times ) An authoritarian and anti-Western prime minister from 1981 to 2003, Mahathir made a surprising and belated switch to backing the liberal reformist platform of the opposition in 2016, turning on Prime Minister Najib Razak over allegations that around $700 million in public money was diverted from a state development fund into the incumbents bank accounts. Malaysian courts exonerated the prime minister, who said the money was a Saudi Arabian donation that he mostly repaid. However the state fund is under investigation in several countries, including over alleged money laundering in the U.S. (Najib has not been named in the U.S. investigation and the matter was not raised by President Trump when the prime minister visited the U.S. last year.) The country has also been roiled by allegations that fake news is being deployed on social media to influence the election. In March, Malaysia was briefly caught up in the Cambridge Analytica-Facebook data mining scandal, when the British TV expose of now-defunct Cambridge Analytica showed one of its staffers boasting of influencing elections in Malaysia and other countries. Malaysias opposition jumped on the comments, saying the government had questions to answer. The government said it had no dealings with the company. Mahathir is being investigated by police over remarks he made a week ago, when he said he suspected his private plane was sabotaged after a pilot noticed some damage shortly before takeoff from Kuala Lumpur. Police said they were trying to determine whether Mahathirs speculation contravened a new anti-fake news law passed last month, which prohibits the dissemination of news, information, data and reports which is or are wholly or partly false. A Danish citizen in Malaysia has already been charged under the law and another opposition politician is being investigated. Social media were a major factor in driving the oppositions relative success the last time around it won 52% of the popular vote, but only 40% of seats. Both sides are vigorously pushing campaign content on Facebook in particular, where Najib has nearly 8 million likes and follows and Mahathir almost 5.5 million. On Twitter the respective numbers are 4.13 million and 454,000. Vincent Tan, a 22-year-old sales representative from George Town in Penang, an opposition stronghold, said he gets most of his election news from Facebook. I spend hours a day on Facebook, he said, laughing. I read the peoples comments to see if the news is true or not. Campaign posters adorn lampposts on the waterfront in George Town, a major port and tourist destination in Malaysias north. (Simon Roughneen / For The Times ) Concerns about privacy and a sudden recent deluge of Twitter bots have led to people debating politics behind closed doors. Recent research by the U.S.-based Atlantic Council showed a preelection surge in anonymous Twitter accounts posting Malaysia-related content and appearing to take a pro-government line. The governments fake-news law is driving still more voters into encrypted chat groups. The anti-fake news act [is] likely to accelerate this trend, as Facebook is more visible, said Cassey Lee, who tracks social and political use of social media in Malaysia for the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, a Southeast Asia-focused think tank. The spread of fast and affordable data packages and the ubiquity of cheap smartphones mean that getting online to read news is easier than ever. The whole of peninsular Malaysia is now covered in 4G, said Yu Leng Khor, an independent political economist who has researched social media and app use in Malaysia. A rural family in Johor [a southern state bordering Singapore] can spend [$38] a month on prepaid data and they are all online. But in a polarized country, more information does not necessarily mean a better informed electorate. In east Johor, where they are very staunchly in support of [the National Front], they get the news about scandals and other allegations, and they think its fake news. They refuse to believe it, said Serina Rahman, an anthropologist who studies rural Malaysia. Najibs National Front coalition is campaigning on its economic record Malaysia is growing at 5% to 6% a year and per-capita GDP is the third highest in the region after wealthy city-state Singapore and oil-rich Brunei. These are the achievements of all Malaysians, and dont let anyone tell you otherwise, Najib said in a sharply worded preelection statement Monday. Dont let the opposition rubbish those achievements by saying they dont exist, or wildly claiming that the country is on the verge of going bankrupt. They criticize for the sake of criticizing but offer nothing of substance in return. Speaking before thousands of supporters at a succession of campaign events last week, Najib said he feels pity for Mahathir, whom he described as a recycled candidate, and, injecting some ethnic-religious edge into their rivalry, said Mahahir was being used by ethnic Chinese politicians on the opposition side. With the 25% of Malaysians who are of Chinese descent likely to prove staunch opposition supporters, Mahathirs popularity is seen as key to opposition hopes of swaying enough of the 60% of Malaysians who are Muslim ethnic Malays to their side. Im very proud of [Mahathir]. Although he is very old now, he still want to fight [sic] for Malaysians, said a 33-year-old homemaker, Siti Aziz, after listening to Mahathirs speech in Pokok Sena. Prohibitive laws such as the fake-news code, a ban on Mahathirs image being used on billboards, and a March 28 constituency redrawing mean that even if the opposition wins the popular vote, as it did in 2013, it will still not end the ruling National Fronts six decades in office. Its safe to say that it would require a spectacular performance by the opposition in terms of turnout and Malay support in order to pull off a victory, said Kai Ostwald, a Malaysia watcher at the University of British Columbia. Roughneen is a special correspondent. The Bethlehem police department already has a squad of dogs to help search for drugs and explosives, but now it is adding a K-9 to help sniff out arson. The department will introduce the new fire dog at a news conference on Thursday at City Hall. Silver will work with Douglas Nothstein, a Bethlehem police detective and deputy fire marshal. Silver is a trained arson dog, and is sponsored by State Farm insurance. Arson dogs sniff out accelerants used to start fires. "This is another great example of the partnership and cooperation between State Farm and the city," Mayor Bob Donchez said in a news release. Judge, Allentown's arson dog, was recently used at the scene where 18-year-old Tyrell Michael Holmes was stabbed and burned on April 24 in Bethlehem. Judge was led around the scene, and sat when he discovered accelerants. Police said Silver will help with investigations in Bethlehem and around the Lehigh Valley. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. From pretty much every angle, Lafayette College is part of a neighborhood. From the north along Hamilton Street, the college dominates the view. By Tony Rhodin | For lehighvalleylive.com Lafayette College students and staff received regular updates after Tweets and a web posting were discovered just before 8:30 p.m. Saturday making violent threats against the Easton college. Neighbors who only share proximity with the College Hill campus and don't receive notifications from the college's Twitter account were left in the dark. Both of these things were intentional, city Mayor Sal Panto Jr. said Monday. The threats were specific to the campus. And Lafayette handled its notifications, Panto said. The city's Nixle alert account is for "true emergencies," he said. "It was never validated as a true emergency," he said. Don't Edit Tony Rhodin | For lehighvalleylive.com 'What about residents in the neighborhood?' While Lafayette didn't lock down, it told its students to shelter in place. In interviews Sunday, students were aware of this by 9:30 p.m. The college didn't tweet to the public until 10:43 p.m., although once it was public, Lafayette did quickly confirm the details. But if someone on Coleman Street -- which is across from the athletic facilities at the north end of campus -- wanted to take their dog for a final stroll at 10 p.m., they didn't know to fear potential nail bombs that could have been set by someone calling themselves "Jafar Saleem (Brendan)" on Twitter. Non-college-affiliated neighbors of Delta Gamma sorority house in the 700 block of Hamilton Street didn't get to decide whether to stay away from their windows. Those who live on the 100 block of North Third Street -- just off the college's prized Downtown arts campus -- didn't have the same knowledge as a student finishing up a film project nearby. Non-college people living in the 800 block of McCartney Street, less than a half mile from campus and in line of sight with some of its buildings, weren't aware someone allegedly pledging loyalty to ISIS was indicating he had access to weapons that could be lethal at more than a half-mile if he happened to misfire. "What about residents in the neighborhood?" Nancy Buese Smacker asked the mayor in a Facebook discussion Panto began by praising the police response. "A situation in campus could very possibly spill over to the neighborhood. Even if there was never a threat to the neighborhood dont residents deserve to be informed? Many people live close enough to Lafayette to hear a football game from their home, doesnt it stand to reason that they could see the police activity? Don't Edit MORE: Tweets, online post says Lafayette student joined ISIS and planned attack on campus Don't Edit The Delta Gamma sorority is off-campus but still a college residence. Tony Rhodin | For lehighvalleylive.com Figuring out if the threat was valid The city was following the FBI's lead in not notifying neighbors, Panto said. But the FBI sees it differently. Thats not accurate, an agent at in the media relations section of the Philadelphia office said in an email. Agents did not instruct the city not to use the tools at hand. But the threat was directed at Lafayette, so the priority was making the college safe and clear, the agent added. When asked if the college advocated neighbor notification, a college spokesman requested clarification but then declined to answer a more detailed query. Beyond student safety, the pressing need was to figure out if the threat was referencing a real event, Panto said. "This issue first had to be validated," he said. The college's forensic tech team went through every Brendan they could find -- either students or denied applicants over many years -- and eliminated all of them, Panto said. "At that point, you don't know," he said. The mayor, who gives out his cell number each year at convocation, was fielding phone calls at that point from parents as far away as California, he said. The young women at Delta Gamma got "nervous" at one point and help was dispatched to calm them, Panto said. But as for neighbors? "I felt confident that night that we did not need to alert neighbors," he said. But it may be different if something happens again, he said. His concern about online Nixle alerts -- which in some communities carry missing-dog reports as well as major car crashes -- is that should be used sparingly, he said. "Nixle is a good tool when it is not overused," he said. A Nixle implementation on Jan. 16, 2016, after a Dollar store was robbed Downtown caused concern on campus after the search on Bushkill Drive led up toward College Avenue. But that didn't play into Saturday night's decision, he said. Many in the city are not registered for the smart phone alerts, he said. Officials talked about reverse 911, but decided against it, he said. Don't Edit McKelvy House is for elite students but it's in a neighborhood in the 200 block of High Street several blocks from the campus. Tony Rhodin | For lehighvalleylive.com Reverse 911 Was reverse 911 an option? Northampton County emergency management official Todd Weaver explained the county through the Northeast Pennsylvania Regional Counter Terrorism Task Force uses the vendor Code Red for reverse 911 alerts. It would be up to the lead police agency -- in this case the FBI -- to decide on going the reverse 911 route, Weaver said. It too is using sparingly -- "things would have to be pretty bad," he said -- but it was seen as success warning people in December about a man shooting from a home in Bethlehem Township in a case where he killed his mother and eventually himself. Neighbors were told to stay inside and no one was wounded although numerous rounds were fired over a number of hours. The key thing is getting the message right. If it's an evacuation, you can't just tell people to get out, but you must tell them where to go, Weaver said. On average, a message can be crafted and sent out to at targeted audience within 30 minutes, he said. "It's not as instant as people believe," he said, adding that prerecorded messages can be sent quicker. People can, he added, go to the county's emergency management site and add their cellphones to the reverse 911 alert list. Don't Edit Don't Edit There is line of sight to the campus from the 800 block of McCartney Street, four-tenths of a mile away. Tony Rhodin | For lehighvalleylive.com The role of Easton police Easton police were not there to notify neighbors, Chief Carl Scalzo explained. He said he doesn't recall a conversation that he was involved in Saturday night that focused on notification. "That was not our role," he said. The college was making notifications, he added. The first job for police was to make sure the right law enforcement personnel were on their way, including city officers trained for such a scenario and the FBI. There was coordination with the college's public safety department and answering many questions from students, he said. The goal was to immediately get into every residence hall, every classroom building, all religious sites, any place a bomber might target, Scalzo said. In the hours it took to clear the campus of any possible danger -- and the chief said he was impressed how quickly that was done -- they sought to talk to every student, door to door, one at a time, he said. "There could have been something anywhere," he said. "Safety was the top priority." Training and communication well before the incident allowed city police, campus security and the FBI to worked well together, Scalzo said. Saturday night into Sunday morning, the city's officers had a specific role and "the outcome is exactly what we were looking for," Scalzo said. "Everybody's safe. Everything got cleared." The FBI is handling the ongoing investigation, he said. And the bureau made clear Monday that while the probe continues it appears the threats are unfounded. "Public safety is the top priority for the Easton Police Department, the Lafayette College Police Department, and the FBI," the FBI said Monday in a prepared statement. "We continue to actively investigate the origin of the threat made against Lafayette College. "However, at this time, there is no information to indicate that it's credible, or that the campus community is in danger. We again encourage anyone with information about this threat to contact the FBI at 215-418-4000." Scalzo said that as the night developed, there was nothing to indicate the threat would lead to disaster. So city police by this time have stepped aside, Scalzo said. Asked if another such situation would arise if he would advocate for advising the neighbors in the area where he grew up, Scalzo cautioned that each situation is different. Such a decision would be made based on the circumstances, he said. "It would depend on the threat," he said. "How it played out." Don't Edit The new police station stretches the campus toward residential and retail development off Bushkill Drive. Tony Rhodin | For lehighvalleylive.com Don't Edit The college owns most of the housing along McCartney Street near the campus, but for now it's occupied. Tony Rhodin | For lehighvalleylive.com Don't Edit The Civil War monuments on the campus and in Centre Square show close ties between town and gown. Tony Rhodin | For lehighvalleylive.com Don't Edit The Williams Arts Campus is just feet from North Third Street's residences and businesses in the Downtown. Tony Rhodin | For lehighvalleylive.com Don't Edit Don't Edit Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. A Tatamy man in his junior year at Temple University called 911 Saturday to report he couldn't breathe. Philadelphia police said officers forced their way into Daniel Duignam's off-campus apartment and found the 21-year-old with several gunshot wounds. Duignam was not able to speak to officers, and he died from his injuries, police Capt. John Ryan said at a Monday morning news conference. NBC10 News is reporting Duignam was shot three times in the stomach, right arm and face. Police are asking for the public's help for information in the killing, and a $20,000 reward is offered. Ryan said police do not have any suspects; there was no forced entry to the apartment, which was ransacked, and the door was locked. "We believe Mr. Duignam did know who was there in the apartment. There were clear signs of struggle," Ryan said. "It wasn't like a home invasion or a random thing where somebody broke in and robbed him...we believe it was a robbery and we believe it was someone he knew." Duignam was waiting to take his last final of the school year. He did not have a roommate, police said. "It could have been one, it could have been several" people, police said. Police said money was taken, but are not commenting if drugs were involved or whether drugs were found at the scene. No shell casings were found. There is surveillance video from the apartment building, but police are not discussing what was on the video. "The kid's a good kid, from the Lehigh Valley. Nice family. It's a terrible tragedy for this to happen to somebody that young," Ryan said, adding Duignam has no criminal history. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. By David O'Connell As an Easton City councilperson, I am aware of the progressive things Lafayette College has done for our city. Payments in lieu of taxes, funding the city's purchase of a new fire engine, students donating more than 40,000 hours of community service, and the list goes on. The college and city have a strong symbiotic relationship that we all value greatly. But does this give Lafayette College the power to expand into the surrounding neighborhood to achieve the goal of higher enrollment over the objections of area residents? Easton City Councilman David O'Connell. Dozens of homeowners who have attended city council and planning commission meetings don't think so. Although I am an at-large member of city council and the whole city is my constituency, I live on College Hill and share the concerns of these other residents. Members of "Save College Hill," the neighborhood group that has sprung up in opposition to Lafayette's plan, have made reasoned and impassioned pleas to council to reject the plan. In fairness to Lafayette, the expansion team has made some changes to satisfy the residents. "Save College Hill" members don't think they have gone far enough. Originally, residents objected to, among other things, a dormitory being built in the neighborhood. This might happen no matter how forcefully we resist. But the college is asking the city to change zoning laws to comply with the expansion plan, rather than the other way around, which is how requests are usually handled. This upending of the zoning procedure could set a terrible precedent for the city and has become a principal protest of citizens. It is unfortunate that some people have questioned the integrity and intentions of council members who are in support of Lafayette. I work closely with the mayor and other council members and know they are honest and fair, and to have the best interests of the city at heart. But those who are supporting the college are wrong on this issue. Neighborhoods make the city. The integrity of any neighborhood should not be sacrificed for the supposed greater good of the whole. I will stand by the residents of College Hill, West Ward, South Side or Downtown anytime the character of these neighborhoods is threatened by the intrusion of a larger entity. Lafayette College owns approximately 150 properties on College Hill. It is currently planning to expand what is called the soft edge of the campus. Beyond this, we don't know what the college is planning, but with ownership of all that property, the college must have something in the works. What does College Hill and the City of Easton have to control the spread of that soft edge? A set of well-written, expertly crafted zoning ordinances that Lafayette College now is asking the city to change. The council will vote on Lafayette's request to change these ordinances Wednesday night. I will vote against this and hope my colleagues on council will do the same. David O'Connell is a member of Easton City Council. Computer & Technology Gopher Protocol Inc. (OTCQB: $GOPH) to Host Interactive Demonstration on Social Media 07.05.2018 16:28:06 - Gopher Protocol Inc. (OTCQB: GOPH) ("Gopher"), a technology company which specializes in the creation of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled mobile technologies, announced that it will be hosting a technology Q & A session for the Guardian Orb Pet Tracker on social media. (live-PR.com) - #Tech News: Gopher Protocol Inc. (OTCQB: $GOPH) to Host Interactive Demonstration on Social Media SANTA MONICA, CA - May 7, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Gopher Protocol Inc. (OTCQB: GOPH) ("Gopher"), a technology company which specializes in the creation of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled mobile technologies, announced that it will be hosting a technology Q & A session - #Tech News: Gopher Protocol Inc. (OTCQB: $GOPH) to Host Interactive Demonstration on Social MediaSANTA MONICA, CA - May 7, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Gopher Protocol Inc. (OTCQB: GOPH) ("Gopher"), a technology company which specializes in the creation of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled mobile technologies, announced that it will be hosting a technology Q & A session for the Guardian Orb Pet Tracker on social media. On May 8, 2018 at 9:00 AM PST please visit www.facebook.com/GuardianOrb/ Gopher has been communicating many of the technological developments to the public through press releases, videos, and technical papers. Management would like to add another dimension to these efforts by doing a live event for investors and prospective customers. Read this news in full at The technology tracking projects at Gopher are currently three-fold and will be hosted in separate sessions to keep to the topic. 1. Guardian Pet Tracker on May 8, 2018 2. MESH Based Communication - TBA 3. Avant! Artificial Intelligence Engine- TBA While each technology functions independently, in combination it is the goal to provide a powerful solution to the global tracking and communications problems Gopher is seeking to address. Presenting at the event will be Danny Rittman, CTO of Gopher. For those unable to participate in the live event, the Gopher Facebook Page will have a recording for review. About Gopher Protocol Inc. Gopher Protocol Inc. (OTCQB: GOPH) (Gopher) ( Corporate Site: Press page/ press kit - Consumer and product website for Guardian Patch: About Guardian Pet Tracker The Guardian Pet Tracker (Sphere Internal name - the "Sphere") system is a derivative technology of Gopher's Guardian Patch technology. The Sphere is designed to provide its users with local tracking capability using a re-chargeable/replaceable battery source. Gopher intends to release pre-production units in limited test in the near future. GOPH disclosure: More info: SEC link /technology abstract: Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors as disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission located at their website ( Contact: Mansour Khatib, CMO Gopher Protocol Inc. VM Only 888-685-7336 Media: Source: Gopher Protocol Inc. Gopher Protocol, Inc. (OTCQB:GOPH) is a featured tech stock on Investorideas.com More info on GOPH at Investorideas.com Visit: Get News Alerts on Gopher Protocol Inc. GOPH 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 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. Disclosure: GOPH is a PR, social media and publishing client and compensates Investorideas.com (effective April 4, 2016 - three thousand five hundred per month) Amended February 2018 five thousand per month. More disclaimer info: 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: for the Guardian Orb Pet Tracker on social media.On May 8, 2018 at 9:00 AM PST please visitGopher has been communicating many of the technological developments to the public through press releases, videos, and technical papers. Management would like to add another dimension to these efforts by doing a live event for investors and prospective customers.Read this news in full at www.investorideas.com/CO/GOPH/news/2018/05071InteractiveDemonstration.asp The technology tracking projects at Gopher are currently three-fold and will be hosted in separate sessions to keep to the topic.1. Guardian Pet Tracker on May 8, 20182. MESH Based Communication - TBA3. Avant! Artificial Intelligence Engine- TBAWhile each technology functions independently, in combination it is the goal to provide a powerful solution to the global tracking and communications problems Gopher is seeking to address.Presenting at the event will be Danny Rittman, CTO of Gopher. For those unable to participate in the live event, the Gopher Facebook Page will have a recording for review.About Gopher Protocol Inc.Gopher Protocol Inc. (OTCQB: GOPH) (Gopher) ( gopherprotocol.com/) is a development-stage company which consider itself Native IoT creator, developing Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence enabled mobile technology. Gopher has a portfolio of Intellectual Property that when commercialized will include smart microchips, mobile application software and supporting cloud software. The system contemplates the creation of a global network. The core of the system will be its advanced microchip technology that can be installed in any mobile device worldwide. Gopher envisions this system as an internal, private network between all enabled mobile devices providing shared processing, advanced mobile database management/sharing and enhanced mobile features.Corporate Site: gopherprotocol.com Press page/ press kit - gopherprotocol.com/?page_id=228 Consumer and product website for Guardian Patch: www.guardianpatch.com/ About Guardian Pet Tracker www.guardianpettracker.com/ The Guardian Pet Tracker (Sphere Internal name - the "Sphere") system is a derivative technology of Gopher's Guardian Patch technology. The Sphere is designed to provide its users with local tracking capability using a re-chargeable/replaceable battery source. Gopher intends to release pre-production units in limited test in the near future.GOPH disclosure: More info: SEC link /technology abstract:Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements contained in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors as disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission located at their website ( www.sec.gov) . In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes, and results may differ materially because of more general factors including (without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic conditions, and governmental and public policy changes. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release and these views could change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to the date of the press release.Contact:Mansour Khatib, CMOGopher Protocol Inc.VM Only 888-685-7336Media: press@gopherprotocol.com Source: Gopher Protocol Inc.Gopher Protocol, Inc. (OTCQB:GOPH) is a featured tech stock onInvestorideas.comMore info on GOPH at Investorideas.com Visit: www.investorideas.com/CO/GOPH/ Get News Alerts on Gopher Protocol Inc. GOPHThis news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leadersDisclaimer/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. Disclosure: GOPH is a PR, social media and publishing client and compensates Investorideas.com (effective April 4, 2016 - three thousand five hundred per month) Amended February 2018 five thousand per month. More disclaimer info: www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp 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: www.bcsc.bc.ca/release.aspx?id=6894 . Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Contact information: Gopher Protocol San Diego, CA Contact Person: Mansour Khatib CMO Phone: 888-685-7336 eMail: eMail Web: http://gopherprotocol.com Author: Dawn VanZant e-mail Web: http://www.investorideas.com Phone: 800-665-0411 07.05.2018 16:28:06 - 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. The beginning of the school year when you got to show off your new duds, new cars, new looks! Sports! Playing, cheering, watching high school athletics. The arts: Dramatic arts, musical groups and shows, graphic arts groups, debate, etc. The prom! No dancing the night away or punch bowl antics. The daily interactions. Just being with the group, hanging with friends and classmates. Access to college recruiters and advisors its harder to line up higher education. Walking onstage to get a diploma while all the family is watching with everyone elses family. Vote View Results Danville, WV (25053) Today Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High near 75F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Showers this evening, becoming a steady rain overnight. Low 63F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Lifestyle / Travel You might observe some changes in your next flight booking to Taiwan. May 07, 2018 | By Shirley Wang Under the One China policy, Beijing considers Taiwan a province of China that the country constantly seeks to reunify. Chinas adamant stance and increasingly assertive claim to Taiwan has taken onto the global stage. To prevent international recognition of Taiwans sovereignty, China has demanded countries to cut off diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Now, China is exerting their influence over foreign airlines on how Taiwan should not be listed as a country. On April 25, the Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) of China ordered a number of international airlines, including several from the US, to change how Taiwan is described on their websites and promotional material. Most foreign airlines have received a private letter from the Chinese authorities in Beijing to amend their listing of Taiwan as a country. Responses from the airlines have been rather polarised. Some of the airlines that have changed their listing of Taiwan as a region, include German airline Lufthansa, Malaysian Airlines and Garuda Indonesia. A relatively higher count of airlines have retained their listing of Taiwan as a country, including Singapore airlines, Air France, Air Canada and Emirates. Some airlines have also more openly expressed their dissent on Chinas assertions. The US State Department confirmed to Business Insider airlines received the letter from CAA and raised strong concerns with Chinese authorities in Beijing about the order. Regarding websites, we object to Beijing dictating how U.S. firms, including airlines, organize their websites for ease of consumer use. Chinese companies websites operate freely and without political interference in the United States, a State Department official reportedly said. The US agency also states that it will take appropriate action if necessary in response to unfair Chinese actions. The aggressive territorial claims of China has became a confusing and diplomatically-fraught aspect of several foreign companies since before. International hotel chain Marriott being placed in a difficult position just earlier this year due to their listing of Taiwan and Hong Kong as a country on their website. Other international companies such as Zara and Qantas was also publicly called out by the Chinese authorities. These companies have then fixed this error in a routine website maintenance. The most intriguing stance might be that of Hong Kong based Cathay Pacific, that has chosen to list Taiwan as a country/region while maintaining a seemingly neutral stance on the matter. This highlights the degree of caution that companies have to thread on with Chinas sensitivities on territorial claims. Hopefully, this conflict will not carry over to problems with the airline flights. Kabul : Seven Indian engineers of an RPG group company working in Afghanistans northern Baghlan province were abducted today by Taliban gunmen who apparently mistook them for government employees, media reports said. The External Affairs Ministry said in New Delhi it is in touch with authorities in Afghanistan and is ascertaining the details of the incident. Afghan news channel TOLOnews reported that the Taliban militants abducted six Indians, working for Maharashtra-based company KEC, and their Afghan driver early this morning in Bagh-e-Shamal area of the provincial capital Pul-e-Khomri, while the Associated Press said seven Indian electrical engineers were kidnapped. The company employees were abducted while they were travelling to the area where KEC has a contract to operate an electricity sub-station, the Afghan news channel reported citing officials. Baghlan Governor Abdulhai Nemati said the Taliban group took the engineers hostage and moved them to the Dand-e-Shahabuddin area of Pul-e-Khomri city, according to the report. It quoted Nemati as saying that Afghan authorities spoke with the Taliban via local people and the terror group said it had abducted them, believing they were government employees. No group has, however, claimed responsibility for the abduction. Nemati said they are trying to get the abductees released through tribe elders and mediation. In response to queries, the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said, "We are aware of the abduction of Indian nationals from Baghlan province in Afghanistan. We are in contact with the Afghan authorities and further details are being ascertained." Harsh Goenka, the chairman of RPG Enterprises, the parent company of KEC, said he has requested External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to help rescue its employees."Request @SushmaSwaraj and Ministry of External Affairs to help rescue 7 of our managers from the kidnapping in Afghanistan.#KEC," Goenka tweeted. KEC, a global infrastructure engineering, procurement and construction major, is operating in Afghanistan, besides several other Indian companies. PTI On 5 May it will be 200 years since the birth of Karl Marx. Around the world, the capitalist system is in crisis and the working class is moving into action to seize control of its destiny. In establishment circles, no longer do they snidely declare the death of Marx. On the contrary, there is fear and consternation in their ranks. There has, therefore, never been a more urgent time to study Marxs ideas. We present here an introduction, by Alan Woods, to a new collection of articles on Marx's ideas. Wellred Books proudly presents The Ideas of Karl Marx, which contains a comprehensive introduction to the man, his life, and his ideas: from an explanation of Marxist philosophy; to Marxs battles against petty-bourgeois anarchism; to Trotskys assessment of the Communist Manifesto. And much more! You can order a copy of the book from Wellred Books for 9.99 plus postage. "Philosophers have only interpreted the world in different ways. The point is, however, to change it." K. Marx, Theses on Feuerbach. Two hundred years ago on 5 May, 1818, in the German city of Trier, one of the greatest figures in human history was born. Two centuries later, despite all the furious attacks, malicious distortions and spiteful attempts to undermine his image as a man and a thinker, Karl Marx has established his place in history as a towering genius in the realm of theory. Whether you agree or disagree with him, there can be no doubt that Karl Marx carried out a great revolution in human thought and thereby changed the entire course of history. He belongs to the great pantheon of outstanding thinkers. His name can stand alongside all the great heroes of the past: Heraclitus and Aristotle, Hegel and Charles Darwin. Marxs discoveries in the realm of philosophy, history and political economy can stand as colossal monuments in their own right. Even if his lifes work had begun and ended with the first volume of Capital, that would in itself be a sufficiently great achievement. But Marx was not just a thinker; he was a man of action, a revolutionary who dedicated his entire life to the struggle for the cause of the working class and socialism. Such a rich and variegated life cannot be adequately described in a few lines. However, on the occasion of Marxs bicentenary, it is necessary to provide a brief, and inevitably incomplete, sketch of that life as an introduction to this book. Marxs life Marx was born two hundred years ago, in Germany, in what was then part of Prussia. However, the Rhineland provinces to which Trier belonged differed in many respects from the backward, semi-feudal and reactionary Prussian lands further to the east. Annexed by France in the Napoleonic Wars, the inhabitants had been exposed to new ideas such as freedom of the press, constitutional liberty and religious toleration. Though the Rhineland was reincorporated into imperial Prussia by the Congress of Vienna three years before Marxs birth, the imprint of those years left its mark on the progressive thinking of the most enlightened sections of society. Young Marx / Image: public domain Karl Heinrich was one of nine children in the family of Heinrich and Henrietta Marx. Marxs father was a lawyer with a relatively progressive outlook, who read Kant and Voltaire, and advocated reform of the Prussian state. The family was reasonably prosperous. Marx never experienced poverty or privations during his childhood and early youth, although he suffered these things a great deal in his later life. Both parents were Jewish, but in 1816 at the age of 35, Karls father converted to Christianity. This was probably in response to a law of 1815 banning Jews from high society. It is significant that although most people in Trier were Roman Catholics, he chose the Lutheran faith, because he equated Protestantism with intellectual freedom. However, Heinrich Marx was very far from being a revolutionary and would doubtless have been horrified had he been aware of the future trajectory of his beloved son Karl. On leaving school, Marx went on to university, where he studied law, and later history and philosophy. While studying in Berlin he fell under the spell of the great philosopher Hegel. He saw that, beneath the superficial crust of idealism, Hegels dialectic had the most profound revolutionary implications. This dialectical philosophy was to form the basis of all his subsequent ideological development. Marx joined the tendency known as the Left Hegelians, who drew radical and atheistic conclusions from the Hegelian philosophy. However, he soon became discontented with the endless word chopping and dialectical juggling of these academic radicals who soon degenerated into a mere debating society. Marx was very impressed by the ideas of Ludwig Feuerbach, who, starting from a criticism of religion, moved in the direction of materialism. But he criticised Feuerbach for his radical rejection of Hegelian dialectics. Marx brilliantly succeeded in combining philosophical materialism with dialectics to produce an entirely different and revolutionary philosophy. Armed with these revolutionary ideas, the young Marx collaborated with a group of Left Hegelians in the Rhineland who had founded a radical newspaper, the Rheinische Zeitung. As editor of the paper, Marx wrote a number of brilliant revolutionary articles. The paper was an instant success but soon attracted the attention of the Prussian authorities who subjected it to strict censorship. However, the young Marx, with brilliant ingenuity, managed to evade the iron vice of the censors. In the end, they had no choice but to close it down. In 1836, as he was becoming more politically active, Marx was secretly engaged to Jenny von Westphalen, a handsome young woman from an aristocratic family who was known as the most beautiful girl in Trier. She was four years older than him and from a decidedly higher class. But she and Marx had been childhood sweethearts and from everything we know they were totally devoted to each other. In 1836, Marx became engaged to Jenny von Westphalen / Public domain Jennys father, Baron Ludwig von Westphalen, a senior official of the Royal Prussian Provincial Government, was a man of doubly aristocratic lineage: his father had been Chief of the General Staff during the Seven Years War and his Scottish mother, Anne Wishart, was descended from the Earls of Argyll. It is therefore hardly surprising that they kept their relationship quiet for so long. Three months after the closure of the Rheinische Zeitung, in June 1843, he finally married Jenny von Westphalen, and in October, they moved to Paris. I believe that not enough attention has been paid to this remarkable woman, who made colossal sacrifices to support her husband in his revolutionary work. She must have suffered a great deal, breaking from her family, travelling from one country to another, sharing all of Marxs privations and living in the most difficult conditions. She saw her children suffer hardship, fall sick and die. When her son Edgar died in London, she and Marx did not even have enough money to pay for a coffin. Jennys elder brother Ferdinand later became a zealously oppressive Minister of the Interior in the Prussian government between 1850 and 1858, that is to say, during the height of European reaction. We are thus faced with the paradox of one man engaged in revolutionary work to subvert the Prussian state from his London exile, while his brother-in-law in Berlin was in charge of persecuting revolutionaries both within and without the borders of Prussia. History knows of no more ironical situations than this! In Paris In the autumn of 1843, Marx moved to Paris in order to publish a radical journal abroad, together with Arnold Ruge. In the heated atmosphere of Paris at that time, Marx soon made contact with organised groups of emigre German workers and with various sects of French socialists. By now the winds of revolution were blowing strongly throughout Europe, particularly in Paris. Not for the first time, or last, Paris was the political heart of Europe in 1843. However, only one issue of this journal, Deutsch-Franzosische Jahrbucher, appeared. Publication was discontinued owing mainly to the difficulty of secretly distributing it in Germany, and to philosophical differences between Marx and Ruge. Marx then began writing for another radical newspaper, Vorwarts, which was linked to an organisation that would later become the Communist League. Marx began his lifelong collaboration with Engels in Paris / Image: public domain About this time there commenced one of the most extraordinary collaborations in history. In September 1844, a young man called Friedrich Engels came to Paris for a few days to work as a contributor to the journal. From that time on, he became Marxs closest friend and collaborator. Today the names Marx and Engels are so completely inseparable as to be almost fused into a single person. During his time in Paris, from October 1843 until January 1845, Marx lived at 38 Rue Vanneau. Here, Marx engaged in an intensive study of political economy, devouring the works of Adam Smith, David Ricardo, James Stuart Mill, and also the French Utopian socialists, Saint-Simon and Fourier. Here we see the embryo of his future discoveries in the field of economics. Brussels Marxs revolutionary activities soon attracted the attention of the authorities in Berlin. The Prussian government demanded that the French authorities take action, which the latter were only too pleased to do. Expelled from Paris at the end of 1844, Marx moved to Brussels, where he joined the secret propaganda society, the Communist League. Despite the move, Marx still had severe restrictions on his activity. He had pledged not to publish anything on the subject of contemporary politics. Marx and Engels immediately formed a close relationship in which the two men brought together different experiences and temperaments in order to work out an entirely new and original set of ideas. As the son of a wealthy German manufacturer, Engels was able to combine his concrete experiences of capitalist production with Marxs ground-breaking work in the field of philosophy. Engels showed Marx his recently published book The Condition of the Working Class in England. He had already come to the conclusion that the working class would be the most important agent of social change. Marx arrested in Brussels / Image: public domain It was also Engels who first began to work out the fundamental principles that were later to be brought to fruition in the three volumes of Marxs Capital. But with characteristic modesty, he always accepted the primacy of Marx in the field of ideology, reserving for himself the role of a humble and loyal disciple, although, in fact, his contribution to Marxist theory must stand shoulder to shoulder to that of Marx himself. In April 1845, Engels moved from Germany to Brussels to join Marx. Together, the two began writing a criticism of the philosophy of Bruno Bauer, a Young Hegelian with whom Marx had previously been close. The result of Marx and Engels first collaboration, The Holy Family, was published in 1845. It marked the beginning of a break with the Left Hegelian trend and the starting point for the entirely new departure. In 1846, Marx and Engels wrote The German Ideology, in which they first developed the theory on historical materialism. This marked the final and irrevocable rupture with the Young Hegelians. Marx had finally embraced the idea of socialism as the only solution to the problems of humankind. Unfortunately, no publisher was willing to take the risk of publishing The German Ideology, which, along with Theses on Feuerbach, did not see the light of day until after Marxs death. Marx and Engels together waged a relentless struggle against the confused ideas of petty-bourgeois socialism, striving to put the ideas of socialism on a scientific basis. In Paris at that time the semi-anarchist ideas of Proudhon were in vogue amongst some revolutionary groups. Marx subjected them to a withering criticism in 1847 in the Poverty of Philosophy, backed up by facts, and substantial quotations from the writings of Proudhon himself. At the beginning of 1846, Marx attempted to link socialists from around Europe by means of a Communist Correspondence Committee. He had been in contact with a secret organisation of artisans in Paris and Frankfurt called the League of the Just. It was a small group (about a hundred in Paris and eighty in Frankfurt) with very confused ideas. Marx persuaded them to abandon their underground methods and operate in the open as a workers political party. It fused with others to form The Communist League. At the Second Congress of the Communist League, held in London in November 1847, Marx and Engels were charged with producing a document which became known as The Communist Manifesto. This epoch-making document was published in 1848. The Communist Manifesto and the Neue Rheinische Zeitung It seems astonishing today that The Communist Manifesto was written when Marx and Engels were still young men; Marx was not yet 30 years of age and Engels three years younger. Yet this remarkable document represents a turning point in history. It is as fresh and relevant now as when it first saw the light of day. Indeed, its relevance is even greater today. The timing of the publication of this document could hardly have been better. The ink was hardly dry on its pages when a mighty wave of revolutions broke out all over Europe. The February Revolution in France overthrew the Orleans monarchy and led to the creation of the Second Republic. There is an anecdote that, having recently received a substantial inheritance from his father (withheld by his uncle), Marx used a large part of it to buy arms for the Belgian workers who were moving towards revolutionary action. Whether the story is true or false we do not know, but the Belgian Ministry of Justice certainly believed it. They used it as an excuse for arresting him. Marx was thus forced to flee back to France, where he believed that he would be safe under the new republican government. But that was a vain hope. The French bourgeois Republicans were terrified of the workers, who were beginning to advance independent class demands that threatened private property. Under these circumstances the last thing they needed was the presence in Paris of a man like Marx. Marx was convinced that, after France, Germany was on the eve of a revolution. He moved to Cologne, where he founded a new paper the Neue Rheinische Zeitung which commenced publication on 1 June 1848. The paper put forward an extremely radical democratic line against the Prussian autocracy and Marx devoted his main energies to its editorship (the Communist League had been virtually disbanded). He continued in this position from June 1848 to 19 May 1849, when the paper was suppressed. The Neue Rheinische Zeitung was a model of revolutionary journalism and played an active role in the revolutionary events of 1848-49. But the victory of the counter-revolution put an end to this activity. Marx was put on trial for his revolutionary activity. He was acquitted on 9 February 1849, but subsequently banished from Germany on 16 May 1849. Marx again returned to Paris. However, he was then banished from France after the demonstration of 13 June, 1849. Since Prussia refused to give him a passport, Marx was now a stateless and penniless exile. He moved to London, which in those days was more tolerant and welcoming to political exiles than it is today. Although Britain too denied him citizenship, he remained in London until his death. In May 1849 he began the long, sleepless night of exile that was to last for the remainder of his life. London Arriving in London, Marx remained as optimistic about the imminence of a new revolutionary outbreak in Europe. He wrote two lengthy pamphlets on the 1848 revolution in France and its consequences: The Class Struggles in France and The 18th Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte. He concluded that a new revolution is possible only in consequence of a new crisis and then devoted himself to the study of political economy in order to determine the causes and nature of capitalist crisis. For most of the time he spent in London, Marx and his family lived in conditions of the direst poverty. He found work as a correspondent for the New York Daily Tribune, a collaboration that lasted for ten years from 1852 to 1862. However, Marx was never able to earn a living wage from his journalism. During the first half of the 1850s, the Marx family lived in squalid conditions in a three room flat in the Soho quarter of London. Marx and Jenny already had four children and two more were to follow. Of these, only three survived. Blessed is he that hath no family, Karl Marx wrote wearily in a letter to Friedrich Engels in June 1854. He was thirty-six at the time and had long since lost all contact with his relatives. His father was dead and relations with his mother were bad. Only through the selfless generosity of his friend Friedrich Engels was Marx and his family able to survive. The Marx family had seven children, four of whom died in infancy or childbirth. Despite all the hardships, they were a happy family. Marx deeply loved his daughters, who, in turn, adored him. In his spare moments in the evenings he would play with them and read from the classics. Don Quixote was a particular favourite, but they also performed Shakespeare plays, with Marx and his children reading different parts. He was a unique, an unrivalled storyteller, his daughter Eleanor recalled. Engels supported the Marx family financially / Image: public domain Of the three surviving daughters Jenny, Laura, and Eleanor two married Frenchmen. One of these men, Paul Lafargue, played an active role in the Marxist movement and helped to establish the socialist party in Spain. Eleanor Marx was active in the British workers movement as a militant labour organiser. Marxs work was not confined to theory alone. All the time he was in London he played a most active role in promoting and developing the international labour movement. Marx helped found the German Workers Educational Society, as well as a new headquarters for the Communist League. But he was increasingly frustrated and alienated by the endless sectarian squabbles of the emigres and finally severed all relations with them, while always maintaining close contacts with active members of the British workers movement. A decisive turn in the situation occurred in 1864. On 28 September, the International Working Mens Association known to us as the First International was founded. From the very beginning Marx was the heart and soul of this organisation, the author of its first address and of a host of resolutions, declarations and manifestos. For the next few years much of his time was devoted to maintaining the work of the International. Together with Engels he kept up a vast correspondence with advanced workers and co-thinkers in many countries, including Russia. Marx was obliged to carry on a relentless struggle against all kinds of petty-bourgeois deviations within the ranks of the international: Proudhons utopian socialism, the bourgeois nationalism of the Italian Mazzini, the opportunism of the British reformist trade union leaders, and above all the intrigues of the anarchist Bakunin and his followers. In the end, Marx succeeded in winning the ideological struggle, but the conditions in which the young forces of the international were being formed turned in an unfavourable direction. The defeat of the Paris commune was the final death blow. Given the unfavourable situation in Europe, Marx proposed the transfer of the seat of the General Council from London to New York in 1872 in the hope that the developing class struggle in the New World would provide the International with new opportunities. But nothing could prevent its decline. The most important achievement of the First International was that it provided a firm ideological basis for future developments. But as an organisation it virtually ceased to exist. Marxs health was undermined by the exhausting work in the International and his still more strenuous theoretical studies and writing. He continued to work tirelessly on the question of political economy and on the completion of Capital, for which he collected a mass of new material and studied a number of languages including Russian. Death Marx never looked after his own health. His love of heavily spiced foods and wine, together with excessive smoking of cigars may well have contributed to the deterioration of his health, which was fatally undermined by years of poverty. In the final dozen years of his life, his recurrent illnesses no longer permitted him to do any continuous intellectual work. Despite increasing bouts of ill health, Marx threw himself into a monumental study of the laws and history capitalism, developing an entirely new economic theory. In preparation for the writing of Capital, he read every available work in economic and financial theory and practice. It is sufficient to read the extensive footnotes of this great book to realise the astonishing amount of painstaking research that went into its elaboration. Marx's ideas, rather than the humble grave (pictured) and ugly monument in Highgate, are his testament / Image: fair use In 1867, he published the first volume of Capital. He spent the rest of his life writing and revising manuscripts for the remaining volumes, which remained incomplete at the time of his death. The remaining two volumes were painstakingly assembled, edited and published posthumously by Engels. The final blow to Marxs health was the death of Jenny von Westphalen, who passed away as a result of cancer on 2 December, 1881, at the age of sixty-seven. Together with the death of his eldest daughter, this was a cruel personal tragedy from which Marx never recovered. It clouded the last years of his life. Karl Marx died of pleurisy in London on 14 March, 1883, passing away peacefully in his armchair. He was buried next to his wife in Highgate Cemetery in London. When he died, a daguerreotype photograph of his father was found in his breast pocket. It was placed in his coffin and interred in Highgate cemetery. His original grave had only a modest stone, now sadly vandalised and largely ignored by visitors who flock to the gigantic monument erected in November 1954 when Marx and his family were reburied on a new site not far from the old one. The Ideas of Karl Marx / Image: Wellred Books The new tomb, unveiled on 14 March 1956, carries the inscription: Workers of all lands unite! and the equally celebrated words of the Theses on Feuerbach: The philosophers have only interpreted the world in various ways the point however is to change it. But the real monument to Marx is not in Highgate cemetery. It is not made of stone or bronze, but of far stronger and more durable material: the immortal ideas contained in more than fifty volumes of his Collected Works. That is the only monument that Marx would ever have desired. It is the foundation stone of the world working-class movement and the guarantee of its future victory. Alan Woods, editor of In Defence of Marxism SPRINGFIELD- Donors, families, friends and Baystate Health officials gathered last week for the official ribbon cutting ceremony for Baystate Children's Hospital Pediatric Procedure Unit and the Sadowsky Center for Children. The new facility, which took several years for planning and construction, is a state-of-the-art multipurpose unit which serves the children of the region in a variety of ways, including services such as endoscopy, infusions, minimally invasive surgical and dental procedures, as well as other important new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities. According to Baystate, patients and families will now have more privacy and comfort in an environment that is both family and child friendly. Pediatric trained anesthesiologists are available for procedures and child life specialists are on site to assist in providing an environment that is reassuring to both children and family. Also, the site is the new home for the Sadowsky Center for Children (previously located in the D'Amour Center for Cancer Care) which is focused on pediatric cancer. Dr. Anastasios Angelides, chief of Baystate Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, was among those cutting the ribbon - a paper chain ribbon created and decorated by young patients in Baystate Children's Hospital along with the help of Child Life staff. Angelides was among several pediatricians who helped to develop the hospital's first freestanding Pediatric Procedure Unit back in 1999. "Back in 1999, we felt it was important to create a freestanding pediatric procedure unit, where we could take these procedures out of the operating room into a special kid-friendly environment for our young patients and their families. The original unit served us well for many years, but by 2014 we knew we had outgrown it and needed to create a new one. Now, after all the planning, it is amazing to see this wonderful new place that will benefit our children and their parents for years to come," said Angelides. Among the many donors attending the ribbon cutting were Jan and Bernadette Piepul of Springfield, whose donation funded the Light Well Tree, a special design element that brings light to a play area within the unit. "It is important to us to give back to the community, and the Pediatric Procedure Unit is something we felt will benefit the smallest among us - the children in our community," said Bernadette Piepul, who worked as a registered nurse for 36 years at Baystate. "I grew up in the neighborhood just up the street from Baystate Medical Center. It really is all about supporting your community. Children are the most important thing to take care of, and that's what we love to do," added Jan Piepul. Baystate Children's Hospital is the only accredited full-service hospital in Western Massachusetts providing primary and advanced medical care to babies, children, and adolescents. It includes the region's only neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, and the only emergency department for children - the Sadowsky Family Pediatric Emergency Department. SPRINGFIELD - It's not often that smooth jazz artists the caliber of Marc Antoine and Marion Meadows come through town. But come they did - even though Antoine thought he was in Hartford - as part of the WEIB 106.3 Smooth FM Jazz Series Sunday evening at CityStage in Springfield. Contemporary French jazz guitarist Antoine and soprano saxophonist Meadows, who grew up in Simsbury, Conn., performed a nearly 15 song set that that began shortly after 5 p.m. and continued just shy of 8 p.m. "We've got a lot of music tonight and a great band," Antoine told the audience. And he was right about the four-piece powerhouse band, which provided a tight, funky backbeat for the popular two smooth jazz instrumentalists. Trading facial expressions that only musicians can make, the totally into the grove band consisted of WaWa Legrand of Baltimore, MD, on guitar; Blues Webb of Washington, D.C., on drums; Dexter Allen Whitaker of Fayetteville, N.C., on bass guitar; and Jay Rowe of Milford, CT, on keyboards. They were as much a part of the show as the two headliners. It was Antoine who opened the show with an eight-song set that included the oh-so-funky "Why Not" from his 2016 album "Laguna Beach," and "All Said and Done," a dreamy, breezy tune that began slow and varied in intensity. It was from his 2017 album "So Nice" with jazz pianist David Benoit. Meadows, who clearly wasn't going to make the same mistake Antoine did, recognized Springfield and thanked the audience for "keeping my dream alive vicariously through you." He then told the audience "after 15 recordings, I have a lot to play." Among the highlights of his set, which included several songs with Antoine, including the finale, was the title cut off of this year's "Soul City" release. The evening's only snafu occurred when Antoine brought out Meadows to join him, but when he began to blow, you couldn't hear his sweet sounds at first because of a microphone glitch. But, the rest of the concert went as smooth as the music. SPRINGFIELD -- The public is invited to attend the 40th annual Valley Press Club Roast on Thursday at the John Boyle O'Reilly Club, featuring some lighthearted jabs at the news and newsmakers and some return fire from politicians. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the club hall, 33 Progress Ave., Springfield. The show begins at approximately 6 p.m. after a social hour. The Valley Press Club touts the event as "an evening of immense irreverence" as elected officials and the press trade barbs and good humor -- all for a good cause. Proceeds benefit the club's scholarship fund dedicated to help area students who wish to pursue careers in journalism. The club has been giving out scholarships since 1964 and has helped more than 130 students with over $130,000 in grants over the years. Tony Cignoli, noted national political consultant, returns as emcee. Area mayors, state legislators and some their 2018 election opponents, city councilors and Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi are among the dignitaries expected to attend and participate in the roast. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno is a regular attendee. The roast includes light refreshments, a cash bar and a raffle. The Press Club Roast follows in the footsteps of the White House Correspondents' Dinner held in Washington, D.C., April 28, which made headlines by being boycotted by President Trump. "We won't have that problem," said Press Club President Charlie Bennet. "Locally, it's the one night out of the year that folks in the public sector and news sources get to mingle with the media to raise money for scholarships and to have a good time." Tickets are $20 and can be obtained in advance online through Eventbrite or at the door. France's Rhone region consistently produces outstanding, affordable, dry red wines nearly every single year. But once in a while, the wine Gods seem to shine a little brighter and produce truly outstanding vintages in this beautiful part of southern France. That's what happened in 2015 and 2016. Two years in a row, the Rhone region hit two Grand Slams. Let me add that 2015 and 2016 were also outstanding years in France's Burgundy region, Bordeaux region and for Oregon Pinot Noirs. Something was definitely in the air those two years. And here's hoping the streak stays alive in 2017 and 2018. Some people are calling these two vintages, especially 2015, the greatest of all time for the Rhone region. I'm not sure I would say just yet whether these wines are the best ever. That's a pretty bold statement to make so soon after wines from this vintage are just making their way to store shelves. Did anyone know that "Citizen Kane" was the greatest movie of all time in 1941? Or that Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" or Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises" would be classics that stood the test of time? Probably not. Remember, when the now-classic 1982 Bordeaux wines were released, Robert Parker was one of the few critics who raved about the vintage at the time. Others didn't agree. Time will tell how wines from the 2015 Rhone vintage turn out. But right now, based on several tastings I've had of dozens of 2015 and 2016 red wines from the Rhone region, I will say that these wines taste absolutely outstanding right now (smooth yet robust in many cases) and could very easily develop into two of the greatest Rhone vintages of all time. Let me add that one of the great things about wines from the Rhone region is they often cost far less than many other highly-rated wines from other parts of France or Italy, where you can easily spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on interesting, complex red wines. So if you're a fan of big, bold, affordable red wines made with finesse, start stocking up. And to help you get started, here are 10 outstanding 2015 Rhone wines for under $40 a bottle. Hope you enjoy. WINES RECOMMENDED THIS WEEK 2015 Xavier Vins Cotes-Du-Rhone ($14.99 at Table & Vine in West Springfield) 2015 Xavier Vins Chateauneuf Du Pape ($39.99 at Table & Vine) 2015 Jean Louis Chave 'Offerus' Saint-Joseph ($29.99 at Table & Vine) 2015 Un Air De Remejeanne Cotes-Du-Rhone ($11.99 at Table & Vine) 2015 Domaine Garrigue 'Cuvee Romaine' Cotes-Du-Rhone ($17.99 at Table & Vine) 2015 Perrin Vinsobres 'Les Cornuds' ($17.99 at Table & Vine) 2015 Chateau Du Trignon Cotes-Du-Rhone ($11.99 at Table & Vine) 2015 Cercius Cotes-Du-Rhone ($14.99 at Table & Vine) (Highly Recommend) 2015 Domaine Giraud Chateauneuf Du Pape 'Premices' ($39.99 at Table & Vine) (Highly Recommend) 2015 Coudoulet de Beaucastel Cotes-Du-Rhone ($24.99 at Table & Vine) (Best wine of the tasting) TASTING NOTES 2015 Xavier Vins Cotes-Du-Rhone Xavier Vignon helps make wine for many wineries throughout France. This is the wine he personally makes and which bears his own name. Both Xavier wines recommended here taste outstanding, including this affordable red blend from the Rhone region. This interesting, complex wine exhibits a wide range of flavors, from ripe fruit (especially plums) to a slight nutty taste. 2015 Xavier Vins Chateauneuf Du Pape Xavier Vignon's Chateauneuf Du Pape demonstrates why this village in the southern Rhone region remains revered by many wine lovers, including myself. These complex, blended red wines cost more than many lower-priced Rhone red wines. But compared to many wines from Bordeaux or Burgundy, red wines from Chateauneuf Du Pape remain a real bargain in terms of quality and price. This dark, intense red wine from Xavier has a full yet refined finish. Let me add that this wine tastes great now but will likely taste even better between 2020 and 2023 if you can resist drinking this outstanding wine now. 2015 Jean Louis Chave 'Offerus' Saint-Joseph The Rhone village of Saint Joseph remains an underappreciated wine growing area. And this fantastic offering from Jean Louis Chave illustrates why it should be better known. The 2015 'Offerus' has a long, clean, bright finish with hints of ripe cherries and plums. The wine tastes terrific now but will likely improve with age and taste even better by 2020. 2015 Un Air De Remejeanne Cotes-Du-Rhone I've written about this affordable, approachable Rhone wine before. And the 2015 vintage takes this wine to even greater heights. This ready-to-drink offering has a soft, subtle finish. A straightforward, inexpensive way to enjoy Rhone wines, you can enjoy the 2015 vintage right now. 2015 Domaine Garrigue 'Cuvee Romaine' Cotes-Du-Rhone This Grenache-Syrah blend proves that not all red wines from the Rhone region need to be big and bold. This clean, crisp wine has a lighter, more subtle finish. Ready to drink now, this understated gem can be enjoyed on its own or with a wide range of roasted meats or aged cheeses. 2015 Perrin Vinsobres 'Les Cornuds' Not as well known as some other wine regions in the southern Rhone area, Vinsorbres should be on more people's radar based on this intense red wine from the Perrin family farm. Really loved this wine's clean, crisp taste with intense earthy overtones. Ready to drink now, this wine will likely get even better through 2023. 2015 Chateau Du Trignon Cotes-Du-Rhone A blend of three grapes (Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah), this stunning red wine jumped out when tasted side by side with many higher priced 2015 Rhones. Dark and intense in color, this wine has a bright, clean finish that's very fruit forward and smooth from start to finish. Great now, this wine will likely get even better between now and 2023. 2015 Cercius Cotes-Du-Rhone Saving the best for last. This wine was one of my favorites during a recent tasting of Rhone wines from the 2015 and 2016 vintage. A blend of Grenache and Syrah, this wine has a bright, clean finish with crisp undertones. Other dominant flavors include ripe cherries and dark chocolate. Highly recommend this outstanding wine which will likely keep getting better through 2020 and 2025. 2015 Domaine Giraud Chateauneuf Du Pape 'Premices' Another outstanding Chateauneuf Du Pape, this smooth, ready-to-drink wine has a velvet-like finish that lingers for at least 30 seconds or more. An affordable way to appreciate this winery's high quality wines (its 2015 'Gallimardes' for $100 a bottle tastes out of this world), the 'Premices' puts this winery on the map and helps stake its claim as one of the better producers of affordable, high quality wines from Chateauneuf Du Pape. Highly recommend. 2015 Coudoulet de Beaucastel Cotes-Du-Rhone Saved the best for last. This Rhone winery's famous for making some of the best Chateauneuf Du Pape wines that normally sell for $80 or more a bottle. This affordable alternative blew away the competition at a recent tasting. Many wines that cost twice as much didn't even come close to this wine's clean yet earthy flavors. Every sip sings in this refreshing, flavor-filled wine with hints of cherries, plums, roasted almonds and dark chocolate. Drink now through 2025. Highly recommend. Cheers! Next Week - Burgundy Wineries, Part 4 - Interview, tasting at Domaine Anne Gros. Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican's weekend section every Thursday. Follow Ken Ross on Twitter and Instagram. Forty years ago, this week, the first-floor treasurer's office in Springfield City Hall got smashed up by a disgruntled employee. Twenty-four-year-old Carl Johnson smashed three large teller's windows with a chair and kicked in a display case after becoming enraged over a missing paycheck. Johnson, who was employed by the city through a federal program, was charged with malicious damage over $15 and with assault by means of a dangerous weapon. From the May 9, 1978 edition of The Morning Union Also this week, new mileage signs were being installed on interstate 91 between West Springfield and Northampton. The new signs indicated the number of kilometers to upcoming destinations. The signs also included distances calculated in miles for "those who don't think metric." From the May 6, 1978 edition of The Morning Union Ten years earlier, Viet Cong forces continued an assault on the South Vietnamese capital Saigon. Enemy mortar fire was reported in at least eight areas of the city. The offensive, entering its second week, was coined "Hanoi's peace talks offensive" as talks between North Vietnam and the U.S. were scheduled for later in the week. From the May 12, 1968 edition of The Springfield Union These are some of the headlines you'll see from Page 1 of The Republican and its predecessors over the past fifty years for the week of May 6 - May 12. Each week I'll put together a slideshow of Page 1 images from selected years over the course of that week. We're starting with a look back at one, five, thirty, forty and fifty years ago, with Page 1s from each day of the week for those years. The slideshow for May 6 - May 12 is embedded at the top of this article. We'll also find some humor printed out on page one over the years. In 1968 'Dennis The Menace' could be found on the bottom of page one six days a week. From the May 6, 1968 edition of The Springfield Union A year ago, this week, Westfield State University opened their new $48 million science center. The Nettie M. Stevens Science and Innovation Center was the first building constructed at Westfield State exclusively for academic purposes since 1973. From the May 6, 2017 edition of The Republican And back in 1968, Neil Armstrong parachuted to safety as he was testing a NASA lunar landing research vehicle near Houston, Texas. The $2,500,000 vehicle was destroyed, Armstrong was unhurt. From the May 7, 1968 edition of The Springfield Union As you'll find with looking through the slideshow, that while many stories come and go, many of the issues and topics that affected lives in the past, continue to have an impact on our lives today. Copies of these and other stories can be found in the online archives. The Historic Archive includes stories from 1824 to 1989, and the Newsbank Archive covers 1988 through the present day. Officials are investigating the fatal shooting death of a 40-year-old man in Haverhill Sunday night. Around 11 p.m. on Sunday, Haverhill Police responded to a call for a shooting outside around Grand Avenue and Emerson Street. They found a victim had been shot in the chest. He was transported to Holy Family Hospital and was pronounced dead a short time later, according to the Essex County District Attorney's Office. The D.A.'s office did not identify the victim but said he was a Haverhill resident. There have been no arrests in the shooting, and an investigation is underway by local officers and Massachusetts State Police. AMHERST -- People seeking refuge from early season heat should be careful when going into ponds and rivers that are still "very cold," Fire Chief Tim Nelson warned following the death of a UMass senior at Puffer's Pond Friday. The death of swimmer Jacob Johnson, of East Bridgewater, came just days after the state's Department of Conservation and Recreation issued a warning as temperatures in the first days of May soared into the 80s. But water temperatures in the state's lakes and ponds were still in the 40s and 50s -- conditions in which a swimmer can begin to suffer hypothermia within 15 minutes to an hour. The cause of Johnson's death has not been determined, but foul play is not suspected. Nelson said in an email that Johnson was not alone, and the water wasn't rough. But, he said, "We've had cold weather deep into spring so ponds and rivers are still very cold." Water that cold "will quickly sap the strength of swimmers who aren't acclimated to swimming in colder water," Nelson said. Moreover, Nelson said, the water temperature begins to drop even more just a foot below the surface. Nelson recommended staying in shallow water and in areas where lifeguards are on duty, and never swimming alone. "If you see someone having trouble, call for help immediately, throw them some type of floatation device, don't try to rescue them unless it is shallow water and you are a trained water rescuer," Nelson said. State police and local divers pulled Johnson's body from the pond around 5:43 p.m. Friday. Calls started coming in at about 1:40 p.m. for a swimmer floundering in the water. According to the state's press release, "hypothermia can set in at approximately 15-30 minutes in 32.5-40 degree water temperatures, and 30-60 minutes in 40-50 degree water temperatures." Cold water, which depletes a body's heat 32 times faster than cold air, puts swimmers at risk for muscle spasms and cramps, and "can cause the body to go into shock and begin hyperventilating." In addition to the cold temperatures in Massachusetts lakes and ponds, ocean temperatures are still in the 40s. the state reported. The Healthcare Supply Chain Association is among those who have responded to plans by the country's Department of Justice to exert further regulatory control over U.S. drug manufacturers annual production of prescription opioid painkillers. In its letter, the HSCA highlighted ongoing shortages of injectable opioids in many of the country's hospitals and the need for any limits on production to take such shortages into consideration. Under the 1970 Controlled Substance Act, the U.S. Attorney General has the right to set annual production quotas for controlled substances based on a number of factors. A proposed rule would allow federal authorities to consider the "diversion of controlled substances" into illicit channels in setting annual aggregate quotas and "make other improvements in the quota management regulatory system for the production, manufacturing, and procurement of controlled substance." In setting procurement quotas for manufacturers of prescription opioids, the new rule would allow the DEA to seek information from such applicants that "may help to detect or prevent diversion, including customer identities and amounts of the controlled substance sold to each customer." The proposed rule is said to be aimed at "pill dumping," that is, large shipments by drug companies of prescription opioids to medical providers concentrated in a geographical area with high rates of drug trafficking and substance abuse. In an April 17 announcement of the proposal, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who has focused recently on pharmacies and prescribers in addressing the country's opioid abuse problem, called it a "common sense idea" by the department's Drug Enforcement Administration. He said that it would allow for production limits to be "more responsive to the risk of drug abuse by explicitly taking diversion into account." "It's a common sense idea: the more a drug is diverted, the more its production should be limited," said Sessions in a statement. "Today's proposed rule will give DEA more information to help the agency protect law-abiding Americans from the threat of drugs--and that makes all of us safer." Sessions also announced the DEA has reached a prescription drug information-sharing agreement with 48 state Attorneys General. The proposed rule allows for greater input from states, many of whom now have prescription drug monitoring programs, as the DEA sets quotas it says are aimed at meeting the country's need for lawful narcotics while preventing diversion for misuse. Massachusetts, which stepped up efforts at addressing rising numbers of substance abuse overdose and fatalities during the last two years, has started to see a leveling off of opioid-related overdose deaths where prescription drugs are present, and a drop in the number of schedule II opioid prescriptions dispensed. Sessions' announcement brought push back from some quarters, including from chronic pain suffers who worry about the impact of both cost and availability for their medication. The DEA has said comments from such individuals are not a consideration in setting quotas. In its summary of of the proposed rule, the DEA stressed, "When fixing and adjusting the aggregate production quota, or fixing an individual manufacturing quota for a controlled substance, the DEA has always considered all available information regarding the diversion of that controlled substance." "While the proposed rule's amendments, as discussed above, may result in the receipt and consideration of additional information relating to diversion, it is not expected that the difference will have adverse economic impact or other consequences sufficient to implicate E.O. 12866," the DEA summation says in reference to an executive order on cost and regulation. It also states that the "regulation will not have substantial direct effects on the states, on the relationship between the national Government and the states, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government." The DEA proposed rule is said to be partly in response at least to a lawsuit filed against it by West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey which Morrisey dropped after announcement of the proposed rule. In 2016, West Virginia had the highest death rate for drug overdoses in the country at 52 per 100,000 people. The DEA has attributed West Virginia's drug problem to a number of factors, including "controlled pharmaceutical drug abusers and traffickers" in the state obtaining prescription opioids "from either licensed providers or out-of-state drug traffickers who have expanded into West Virginia." The proposed rule, which would affect both manufacturers and distributors, would allow the DEA to gather information from the Department of Health and Human Services, the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Medicare and Medicaid in setting quotas, as well as from states. Last year, the DEA cut production of Schedule II opiate and opioid medication by at least 25 percent. The DEA said this percentage represented a "buffer" zone in the event of shortages. This year's finalized annual aggregate production quotas are said to represent a further 20 percent reduction. Democrat lawmakers, including Massachusetts Senator Edward Markey, and others have pushed for such actions, in response to what the Trump administration has declared a national emergency. According to recent figures from the CDC, drug overdoses killed 63,632 Americans in 2016. Nearly two-thirds of these deaths - some 66 percent - were reported to involve a prescription or illicit opioid. The DEA has existing authority to increase production in the wake of shortages for a variety of reasons, though how quickly this happens - particularly if there are no buffer amounts - could pose problems. Senator Minority Leader Charles Schumer had to ask the DEA to lift production quotas last month to ease ongoing shortages of opioid injectables at many of the country's hospitals related to production issues. In its letter to the DEA, the Association of American Medical Colleges noted the shortages, saying they are "not expected to fully resolve until mid-2019." "As the DEA considers limits on production quotas, the DEA should take steps to ensure current drug shortages are alleviated as appropriate to guarantee a sufficient supply of opioid medications for legitimate needs," the letter reads. This is among the points raised in the HSCA's letter to DEA whose comment period for feedback closed May 4. The organization represents healthcare group purchasing organizations of GPOs, which are the sourcing and purchasing partners for many of the country's hospitals, long-term care facilities and other health care providers. "Controlling narcotics use - particularly outpatient prescription opioid abuse - is a public health priority that HSCA, its member GPOs, and our member healthcare providers support," the letter notes. "However, hospitals and other healthcare providers are currently experiencing critical shortages of a number of injectable opioid medications - including morphine, hydromorphone, and fentanyl - that are an essential element of treatment for inpatient post-surgical and medical pain management." The letter adds, "Regulation that further reduces availability of inpatient injectable opioids - which are not a significant diversion threat - would lead to the delay or cancellation or many surgical procedures and jeopardize patient wellbeing." The letter asks the DEA to consider the following: SPRINGFIELD -- Representatives of the former Kick Back Lounge on State Street, which has been closed since a parking lot shooting last June left two men dead, are planning to meet with Pine Point residents to discuss plans to bring a "more restaurant-based" business there, their lawyer said. The Pine Point Community Council has scheduled the community meeting Tuesday at 7 p.m., at the Pine Point Library, 204 Boston Road. The Kick Back Lounge, later called Club Pandora, at 1530-1534 State St., is seeking to change its manager and business name, and has renovations under way, said Daniel Kelly, the business' lawyer. The specific details will be revealed Tuesday in a presentation to the neighborhood, but it will "make it more a restaurant-based (business), and not a dance club," Kelly said. License Commission Chairman Peter Sygnator said the bar was told it had to pay all delinquent taxes and city bills on the property and meet with the neighborhood before seeking a new liquor license. Delinquent tax bills for fiscal 2017 totaling $12,673 have been paid in full, and the city also received a half-year payment for fiscal 2018, at $5,100, Sygnator said. The representatives said they will pay the balance of the bill, about $6,638, before appearing before the commission, he said. Two men, Chauncy Marshall, 31, and Warren Payne, 27, were shot to death in the bar parking lot June 4, 2017, after last call, officials said. Prior to the shooting, there were numerous disturbances and complaints about the bar, officials said. The property owner is listed as Keisha R. Edmondson, of Windsor, Connecticut, of Ramani Realty LLC, according to state corporate records and city records. GREENFIELD -- A Franklin County jury on Monday found Brittany Smith guilty of two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Thomas Harty and Joanna Fisher. Harty, 95, and Fisher, 77, were ambushed and brutally attacked while relaxing and watching television in their Orange home on Oct. 5, 2016 in what prosecutor Jeremy Bucci called an "astonishingly cruel and atrocious" crime. Smith's co-defendant, Joshua Hart, 25, of Athol, was convicted in April on two counts of first-degree murder, and faces life in prison without parole. Both defendants, also found guilty on other charges, face sentencing Thursday. Donald Harty, one of Thomas Harty's grown children, said Monday the family was relieved the jury, which entered deliberations Friday, returned first-degree murder verdicts. "We're pleased, because we knew she was the ringleader and driving force behind the crimes," he said. "We look forward to seeing her Thursday in an orange jumpsuit." Smith, 29, of Athol, stood trial for seven days in a courtroom filled with family and friends of Harty and Fisher, a couple clearly beloved by many in the North Quabbin region. Hart told police he was looking for a house with an older model car, without GPS tracking. The two separately described looking through windows into the home before entering through the garage. Bucci said Hart and Smith burst into Harty and Fisher's home, repeatedly stabbed and suffocated Harty, pushed Fisher from her wheelchair and beat and stabbed her, and then stole the older couple's car, cash and credit cards. Harty was killed that night, and Fisher, who died five weeks later, was found alive the next morning by a visiting nurse. Smith and Hart were arrested two days later by Rockbridge County sheriff's deputies in a rented UHaul outside a Virginia Walmart, having abandoned the stolen Toyota Matrix. Each gave taped confessions to law enforcement agents in Virginia and Massachusetts State Police. Smith and Hart wished to steal a car and money to start a new life in a different state, each separately told police. Both parties were in trouble with the law, and Smith's mother wanted to commit her daughter to a drug treatment program. Bucci prosecuted the case as a "joint venture," where it's not necessary to prove that the defendant herself performed the act that caused the victim's death. Instead, under Massachusetts law, he needed to prove that Smith knowingly participated in the commission of the crime, and did so with intent. Defense attorney Mary Ann Stamm had argued Smith was "not capable of forming intent to murder" because she has "borderline personality disorder," a low verbal IQ, was sick from heroin withdrawal, and taking other sedative pills the night of the slayings. Stamm had said prosecutors didn't have the evidence to convict Smith, and did not prove the elements of first-degree murder, including intent and mental state, beyond a reasonable doubt. Smith, an addict, had told police investigators she was in need of a heroin fix and "high on crack" during the attack. Smith and Hart separately told police that Hart attacked and killed Harty. The defendants offered conflicting and inconsistent statements to police about the attack on Fisher. During their flight, Hart and Smith disposed of items used in the commission of the crimes, including a knife and clothing, prosecutors said. Bucci said that Smith participated in the home invasion and killings willingly, knowingly, and will full intent. "Heroin is a powerful motivator, but it does not override the ability to make choices," he argued. Smith and Hart killed first and robbed later, Bucci said during the trial. "They did not begin robbing until the violence had stopped," he told the jury on Friday. Judge John Agostini, who presided over both trials, ordered Smith held without bail and thanked the jury for their service. "We are grateful for the hard work and thoughtfulness of both juries," said Bucci in a statement. "We hope these convictions help to bring the wonderful Fisher and Harty families a measure of closure." Bucci said he would reserve additional comment until Thursday's sentencing. Casino mogul Steve Wynn no longer has control of Wynn Resorts, according to state regulators at the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. The regulators determined that Wynn Resorts effectively terminated its relationship with Wynn, who stepped down after the Wall Street Journal reported on a pattern of alleged sexual misconduct. Wynn has denied the allegations. Steve Wynn "can no longer exercise control or provide direction to Wynn MA, LLC or Wynn Resorts Ltd. in either of those capacities as a matter of law," the regulators said in a written decision, adding that Wynn no longer owns stock in Wynn Resorts. That means Steve Wynn will no longer be considered an "individual qualifier" on the eastern Massachusetts casino license held by his former company, once regulators receive written verifications that he does not exercise voting rights at this year's shareholders meeting on May 16. An individual qualifier is someone who has a "professional interest in a gaming license," according to the commission. Wynn Resorts CEO Matthew Maddox appeared before the Massachusetts Gaming Commission on April 27, laying out steps the company had taken to distance itself from Wynn, including the renaming of the Wynn Boston Harbor casino to Encore Boston Harbor. Wynn Resorts says the $2.5 billion casino, under construction in Everett, a city north of Boston, remains on track for a June 2019 opening. Steve Wynn resigned from Wynn Resorts on Feb. 6, and a separation agreement was executed on Feb. 15. Steve Wynn also divested from the company and doesn't have any shares. There is "substantial evidence that the relationship between Mr. Wynn and Wynn Resorts has been terminated in a meaningful way such that Mr. Wynn no longer falls within the definition of qualifier at the conclusion of the upcoming annual shareholders meeting," the commission said. The commission's determination on whether Steve Wynn is an "individual qualifier" is separate from its investigation into what Wynn Resorts executives knew about sexual harassment allegations leveled against Wynn and whether the company is still suitable to hold the eastern Massachusetts casino license. The investigation may wrap up this summer, though agency officials say it could take longer. A Massachusetts elementary school teacher is facing charges of indecent assault and battery on a child after authorities say he had inappropriate physical contact with students. Rochester police were called to the Rochester Memorial School on Thursday after administrators made police aware of allegations made by students. "The allegations were that a teacher in the school had inappropriate physical contact with students," Rochester police said in a statement. Officers obtained an arrest warrant on Friday to charge 35-year-old James Sullivan of Fairhaven with one count each of assault and battery and indecent assault and battery on a child under 14. Sullivan turned himself into police Saturday. He was brought to Wareham District Court Monday for arraignment, according to police. The school website lists Sullivan as a sixth-grade teacher. The school serves students from pre-kindergarten to sixth-grade. AMHERST -- Despite his family saying that 21-year-old Amherst College student Andrew Dorogi was murdered, a spokeswoman for the Mexican Embassy in Washington said Monday that "murder has been ruled out as a cause of death." Paulina Chavez Alonzo, in an email sent to The Republican late Monday afternoon, said Dorogi, whose body was found in March in Mexico City, traveled from Los Cabos, Baja California, to the Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City in order to take his connecting flight to New York. "However, he never took the flight. Instead, he exited the airport and asked for directions to the metro station, according to witnesses' accounts and video footage," Alonzo said. Dorogi, an economics major from Ohio, was found dead on train tracks March 15 in Mexico City. The cause of death was electrocution, Mexican officials said. "The criminal investigation report confirms that the body did not had (sic) any signs of violence, physical aggression or defending wounds," Alonzo said. "Therefore, a murder has been ruled out as cause of death." She said the investigation into Dorogi's death remains open by the Mexico City Attorney General's Office. Last week, a family member issued a statement to the Boston Globe saying that Dorogi was murdered. Dorogi's grandfather, Joseph Dorogi, told the Globe that he was frustrated with investigation. "I don't think the Mexican government is really doing that much," he said in a telephone interview withe the Boston newspaper. According to Alonzo's statement for the Mexican government, "The Mexico City Attorney General's Office has offered to convene a meeting between the family of the victim or their legal representative and the experts that have carried out the investigation in order to provide an explanation of the incident. "In addition, they have offered to show the available videos to the family. The Government of Mexico will closely continue following the investigation of this regrettable case," she said. NORTHAMPTON -- City Council President Ryan O'Donnell is running for state Senate. O'Donnell released a statement Monday saying he would run for the seat of former state Sen. Stan Rosenberg, the Amherst Democrat who announced his resignation last week amid a sexual misconduct scandal involving his husband Byron Hefner. In March, O'Donnell had announced a bid for the seat of 1st Hampshire District State Rep. Peter Kocot, a Northampton Democrat who died in February. O'Donnell said Monday that in contrast to the race for Kocot's seat, which now has three other competitors, the race to fill the seat for the state Senate district had "no choices." O'Donnell's Senate bill will have to be a write-in one. The deadline for candidates to return nomination papers to run for state legislative office was May 1, one day before Rosenberg announced his resignation. Only one candidate, Chelsea Kline, a political newcomer from Northampton, decided to run for the Senate seat ahead of May 1. "I share the concern of many others that this is too important a post to fill without democratic debate," O'Donnell said. "We need a contested campaign to air the issues and pick the best person to represent our region." After Rosenberg's resignation, Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz asked state officials for a two-week extension of the deadline, noting that Rosenberg's departure means that Northampton will have have no one to represent it in the state Legislature until January. Narkewicz said Monday that Massachusetts Senate President Harriette Chandler did not support this course of action. O'Donnell said he admired Rosenberg's work and felt that the Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester Senate District needs strong leadership. "Given the tremendous loss of representation our region has suffered in recent months, I believe we need someone with practical political experience who is ready to represent us on day one," O'Donnell said in a statement. O'Donnell, who became City Council president in January following Bill Dwight's decision to step down as council president, has served with the City Council since 2003, representing Ward 3. He became councilor at-large in 2016 following a special citywide election. "I am proud of a strong, progressive record from my years on the Northampton City Council," O'Donnell said. "My fundamental motivation remains unchanged. I want to serve as a legislator to fight for the progressive ideals that matter to our communities, and create a more just, prosperous and equal society." O'Donnell also promised to fight for public education, single-payer health care and the protection of civil, workers' and women's rights. O'Donnell's full statement can be read on his campaign website. As Arizona Senator John McCain continues his aggressive battle with brain cancer, sources close to McCain say his funeral plans do not include an invitation for President Donald Trump. The New York Times reports that intimates of the 81-year-old Republican senator are making plans for his future funeral services at Washington's National Cathedral. Those plans include an attendance by Vice President Mike Pence, but not by President Donald Trump, with whom McCain has had a turbulent relationship. Among broader policy disagreements over American diplomacy and the international refugee crisis, Trump and McCain have had more personal spats. In July 2015, Trump criticized a moderator's description of John McCain -- who spent over five years in a Vietnamese prisoner of war camp -- as "a war hero." Trump said McCain was only considered such "because he was captured," and added, "I like people who weren't captured." In a later interview, McCain rebuked wealthy draft-dodgers during the Vietnam War, saying those "at the highest-income level found a doctor that would say that they had a bone spur." Trump, it was reported, received five total deferments during the war -- four due to college studies, and one for bone spurs in the heel. McCain's disdain for Trump is explained in his new book, "The Restless Wave," which will be released in May along with a new two-hour HBO documentary. The NYT, which received an early copy of the book, reports McCain wrote the following on Trump: "He seems uninterested in the moral character of world leaders and their regimes...The appearance of toughness or a reality show facsimile of toughness seems to matter more than any of our values. Flattery secures his friendship, criticism his enmity." Former Vice President Joseph Biden paid a visit to McCain at the senator's ranch in Arizona last Sunday, during which the two discussed the current state of the union. Biden told the NYT the two talked "about how our international reputation is being damaged" and "the need for people to stand up and speak out." SPRINGFIELD -- Square One Day Care benefited from a Kentucky Derby Party held at Mercedes Benz of Springfield on Saturday, which coincided with the running of the 144th Kentucky Derby. The fundraiser consisted of a party featuring women wearing their biggest hats and a best derby attire contest. Included in the event were plenty of hearty hors d'oeuvres, a complimentary mint julep cocktail and a big-screen television to watch the race. Square One, originally the Springfield Day Nursery, opened in 1883 to assist women who were in the workforce. Today the organization continues to carry on its tradition of providing children with a safe and nurturing environment. For more information check out the Square One website at http://www.startatsquareone.org. Work is now under way on the Kelley Square Market, developer Allen Fletcher's ambitious proposal to transform a rough dirt lot on Harding Street into a hub of housing and food vendors. The project broke ground on Monday morning, and workers could be seeing operating a backhoe on the property. Fletcher, the former publisher of Worcester Magazine and a member of the Canal District alliance, intends to turn the lot into 80,000 square feet of commercial and residential space, with 30 to 40 food sellers on the ground floor and 48 apartments above, according to plans filed with the city. The market will feature a wide variety of cuisines, from fish-mongers and farmers markets to Ghanian and Dominican eateries, Fletcher told MassLive last year. Fletcher bought the property in 2015 for $900,000. Until development started, Fletcher had allowed the lot to be used as free parking for the adjacent Crompton Place commercial center that includes Birchtree Bread, Crompton Collective and other independent shops. In a 2017 interview, Fletcher said his goal is to turn the Canal District into a truly walkable district, where residents' enthusiasm for local businesses outweighs any frustrations with reduced parking availability. "When you're traveling, you'll walk distances that in the context of Worcester seem preposterous. The Canal District is ready for a situation where people will want to walk to something," Fletcher said. "Our experience with the music series is that parking gets absorbed in the district. There's a remarkable amount of places to park when people are motivated to find it." The development was awarded a 10-year, $838,000 property tax relief package by the city council in September. The market will be indoors and accessible all year, Fletcher has said. From the beginning, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. has maintained that the attempted removal of salacious details from the arrest report of Alli Bibaud, a judge's daughter and former employee of his office, was not out of the ordinary. Last week, Early offered 91 examples to prove that. The examples were a response to a public records request by the Telegram & Gazette seeking the department's policy on impoundment or redaction of police reports. Bibuad, the daughter of Dudley District Court Judge Timothy Bibaud, was arrested on Oct. 16, 2017, after crashing her car into a guardrail on Interstate 190 in Worcester. She was charged with driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. During the arrest, she allegedly made lewd comments to troopers about exchanging sex acts for heroin. Those comments were included in Bibaud's arrest report and would trigger a series of events that led to the early retirement of the two top-ranking members of the Massachusetts State Police. Independent reports by the state Attorney General's office and the Massachusetts State Police released in late April showed Early had multiple conversations with then-State Police Col. Richard McKeon, which resulted in the attempt to remove the comments from the report, the discipline of the troopers involved in Bibaud's arrest and request by a member of Early's office to the court clerk's office to swap out the arrest report with a revised one. Early maintains he did not order the alteration of the arrest report and that his office acted lawfully. On April 27, Early released a statement following the release of the reports from the State Police and AG's office. "All individuals at the District Attorney's office acted lawfully; and acted in accordance with all pertinent guidelines including the Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct sections 3.6 and 3.8," Early's office said in the statement. But of the 91 examples Early gave in response to the Telegram's request, the newspaper reports that 89 of them were impoundments, not redactions. Impounding is a routine method prosecutors use to temporarily shield arrest reports, search warrants and other evidence from public access whereas a redaction involves the removal of information, like in the Bibaud case. Twenty of the 91 cases dealt with police reports, the Telegram reports. The Telegram found one motion seeking to redact "irrelevant and prejudicial material" from a civil complaint and three cases "whose nature was difficult to determine." Early's name will be added to a federal lawsuit filed by troopers involved in the Bibaud arrest. Last week, Leonard Kesten, an attorney representing troopers Ryan Sceviour and Ali Rei, who are suing the State Police, McKeon and other troopers over the redactions, told MassLive Early would be added to the suit. "We intend to flesh out the complaint to name the people we now understand were involved in the conspiracy, and he certainly was involved," Kesten told MassLive. BOSTON -- Days after President Donald Trump's administration decided to end a protective program for Honduran refugees, two of Massachusetts' U.S. congressmen slammed the move as "cruel." "It is a cruel and un-American hand that extends hope and opportunity to then callously take it away," said U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy, a Democrat representing Massachusetts' 4th District, at a rally outside the Massachusetts Statehouse on Monday. Temporary Protected Status is a designation that allows people from countries affected by wars or natural disasters to temporarily remain in the U.S. until their home countries are safe for them to return. The problem is that many of these countries remain unstable for years. Immigrants build their lives and have children in the U.S., making it difficult to go back. There are currently 10 countries designated for TPS status. Since Trump took office, his administration has announced that it will end TPS for Haiti, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Sudan and Nepal. In each case, the U.S. has given the refugees time, generally 12 to 18 months, to move back or apply for other legal status. On Friday, the administration added Honduras to the list. Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen said TPS would end for Honduras on Jan. 5, 2020. Honduras was given TPS after Hurricane Mitch in 1999. "Since 1999, conditions in Honduras that resulted from the hurricane have notably improved," Nielsen wrote in her announcement. But immigrant advocates say Honduras is not a safe place for immigrants to return to. Patricia Montes, executive director of the immigrant rights group Centro Presente, said Honduras is the poorest country in Latin America, with 80 percent of people living in poverty. It is also one of the most violent countries in the world, with significant political repression. U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, a Democrat representing Massachusetts' 2nd District, helped draft the TPS law when he was working for U.S. Rep. Joe Moakley in the 1980s. McGovern said TPS recipients must all pass background checks and are some of the "most law-abiding" people in the country. "How many people in the Trump administration can pass a background check?" McGovern said. McGoven said there is little appetite to provide further protections to immigrants in the Republican-controlled Congress. McGovern said advocates for immigrants should work to elect Democrats to Congress in November. He urged state lawmakers to pass the Safe Communities Act, which would generally prohibit state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration officials. He said Massachusetts should provide sanctuary to immigrants, and he voiced support for legal challenges to the Trump administration's actions. "Throughout our history, when we have turned our backs on refugees, we have looked back on that with great shame," McGovern said. The Supreme Judicial Court ruled on Monday that Massachusetts Institute of Technology is not responsible for the suicide of MIT student Han Duy Nguyen. Nguyen, 25, was a graduate student at MIT's Sloan School of Management when he killed himself on June 2, 2009. Nguyen had struggled academically at MIT. He had a history of depression and two suicide attempts during college, and he received mental health services at MIT and off-campus. After his death, Nguyen's father sued the college and his son's professors and an assistant dean, saying they were negligent in not preventing Nguyen's death. Nguyen's father argued that school officials had a "duty of reasonable care" to prevent his son's suicide, and they breached that duty. A Superior Court judge ruled in favor of MIT, saying the school was not liable. The SJC upheld the ruling. The SJC, in a decision written by Justice Scott Kafker, found that generally, no one has a duty to prevent suicide. There is an exception in certain cases, such as in a hospital or prison where someone is in custody, where there can be a duty to stop someone from harming themselves. The justices noted that graduate students are legally adults. "Universities are not responsible for monitoring and controlling all aspects of their students' lives," Kafker wrote. The court ruled that universities have a responsibility to try to prevent suicide only in specific circumstances, including where a university has knowledge of a recent suicide attempt or of a student's plan to commit suicide. That responsibility is not triggered by knowing that a student has suicidal thoughts without knowing that the student plans to act on those thoughts. Prevention includes steps like helping a student obtain medical care, reaching out to the student's emergency contact, or calling the police or emergency medical personnel. In Nguyen's case, the court concluded, Nguyen never told any MIT employee that he planned to kill himself, and any prior suicide attempt happened over a year before he came to MIT. Nguyen was an adult living off campus, who said repeatedly that he was seeking psychological help and he wanted to keep his mental health issues separate from his academic performance. In a room full of varied interests, experiences and diverse opinions, students and educators sat with business leaders, advocates, innovators, and critics to find common ground and consider uncommon approaches for education in the future. "Welcome to Rethink, the most important event on the planet," said Kauffman Foundation Vice President of Education Aaron North to open the Rethink Ed convening in Kansas City. He wasnt exaggerating. In Norths view, there is no more pressing issue than the future of education and no more chances to get it wrong. He challenged participants the group ranged from visionaries drawn from across the country to ninth graders who came from their school just blocks away to rethink education and shape a collective vision for the future. By Matthew Pozel https://www.kauffman.org/blogs/currents/2018/05/time-to-rethink-education?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=iaw_5_3_2018 A ranch in Judith Basin during the 1930s, Crop Spraying in the 1950s, Firefighting in 1960s, Glacier Park in the 1970s, and much more! In recent years, the Montana Historical Society selected 33 films, a small sampling from their archives of over 8600 items, to have professionally preserved and made available digitally on YouTube. All of this films beautifully document Montanans past. Andie Creel Economist Dambisa Moyo joins Morning Joe to discuss Edge of Chaos, her new book on radical reforms for saving liberal democracy. https://www.msnbc.com/morning-joe/watch/-edge-of-chaos-seeks-to-ensure-democracy-s-survival-1227336259575?playlist=associated *** The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham helps us understand the present moment in American politics and life by looking back at critical times in our history when hope overcame division and fear. PFL Tech Inc. is a marketing technology company that provides sales enablement and marketing automation solutions, as well asprinting, mailing, and fulfillment services. They also provide some great Montana Jobs. How do you ease the growing congestion in Yellowstone National Park? Perhaps by encouraging the millions of annual tourists to visit Cody, Bighorn Canyon and other areas outside the park. Park County officials say the idea of boosting the marketing was one takeaway from an early April gathering of federal, state and local leaders in the Yellowstone area that focused on transportation needs. CJ Baker Powell Tribune Via Wyoming News Exchange http://trib.com/news/as-yellowstone-fills-up-tourists-could-be-urged-to-visit/article_ce9f4b72-c016-56b0-84b2-e9d276c0aa78.html After a ten day Congressional break, Senator Jon Tester returns to Washington today. He spent the break mostly on his farm, doing few public appearances or media interviews. Tester left Washington to a barrage of angry criticism from President Trump, after the Senator released a list of anonymous allegations against Trumps nominee for Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Admiral Ronny Jackson. Jackson subsequently withdrew his nomination. I was granted an interview with Senator Tester Saturday evening. By Eric Whitney http://mtpr.org/post/tester-va-nomination-i-try-be-transparent-i-possibly-can IMC students travel to Chile to learn about global innovation Five-day course teaches students how innovation can happen in legacy, global organizations May 4, 2018 | By Lynn Pedotto (IMC16) Students visited Deloitte in Santiago to learn about how they innovate in a global context Students got a first-hand look at innovation at Google in Santiago To prepare for their final innovation presentations, students took a tour of their project client, Emiliana Winery Start-ups arent the only companies that value innovation. Legacy, global organizations need innovative approaches as well, while dealing with challenges such as an established organizational structure, vision, skills, talent and culture. Recognizing a need to deep dive into how innovation happens in these large enterpriseslike the places where many IMC alumni workTom Collinger, associate professor and executive director of the Spiegel Research Center, developed a class called International Enterprise IMC Innovation. The class was taught during a five-day immersive experience this past March in Santiago, Chile. According to Collinger, Chile is the among the largest exporters as a percentage of GDP (gross domestic product) in South America, making it an excellent location to tackle this topic. Students learned what sustainable innovation looks like while gaining insight into the strategies needed to be a successful intrapreneursomeone in a company who promotes innovative product development and marketing. Offsite visits to Google and Deloitte sharpened their insights, adding much needed information for their Innovation Project presentations, based on the real, global challenges faced by Emiliana Winery, the largest organic winery in the world. Its hard to believe I could learn so much in four and a half days, said Sujani Dwarakanath (IMC18). The class content, plus offsite visits taught me the creative process behind innovation. For Dwarakanath, the final presentation presented the biggest challenge and the greatest takeaway. Her team had struggled to find the right innovative concept for Emilianas marketing challenge. Finally, they settled on a solution. Dwarakanaths team told Collinger about their idea, and he encouraged them to think about it differently. The idea of completely scrapping it and coming up with another one was challenging, but Tom gave us the confidence to come up with something else. If we had stopped with our original idea we would never have gone for great, she said. The Universidad Diego Portales (UDP) contributed greatly to the course design and material and hosted the class thanks to a recent partnership Medill has built with the university. The Chile program is one of several global experiences the IMC program offers. Learn more about IMC domestic and global opportunities, including London, Asia, Paris and San Francisco. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (third from right) and ICISE personnel (Source: VNA) This is a brave and pioneering step which helps gather renowned scientists around the world, thus contributing to promoting the nations science, Phuc told ICISE scientists. He stressed the importance of science and technology, including basic and applied sciences in the countrys development. The Government leader spoke highly of the achievements of the ICISE, particularly in holding major international scientific events. In the context that the fourth Industrial Revolution is posing both opportunities and challenges to Vietnam, ICISE should grow more sustainably and effectively in order to foster the countrys basic science researches and improve its human resources. Emphasising the importance of applying scientific achievements in economic development, PM Phuc said he hopes the centre will work to speed up the application of science technology in the reality. He also requested the centre to create a better environment to attract more scientists, and connect more closely with universities and fundamental science centres, both inside and outside the country. The leader required the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Vietnam Academy of Sciences and Binh Dinh province to create favourable conditions to bring into full play the intelligence of ICISE scientists. ICISE was founded by Prof. Jean Tran Thanh Van and his wife, Prof. Le Kim Ngoc, in 2013. Since then, the centre has held 40 international symposiums, with the participation of over 3,500 scientists, including 12 Nobel winners. Earlier, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc visited the Science Centre (ExploraScience) and was heard about the Quy Nhon Innovative Valley project./. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrives in Jakarta, Indonesia, May 6, 2018, for an official visit to the country. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) JAKARTA, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Jakarta Sunday for an official visit to Indonesia, the first stop on his first overseas trip since the new cabinet took office in March. Li's visit comes as this year marks the 5th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Indonesia comprehensive strategic partnership and the 15th anniversary of the strategic partnership between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Li was welcomed by Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and other senior officials at the airport. Since Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Indonesia in 2013, the two countries have been promoting the synergy of their development strategies, yielding fruitful results in their cooperation in various fields, Li said upon his arrival in Jakarta. "My visit is aimed at cementing mutual political trust, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation and enhancing the friendship of our peoples," Li said. "I expect joint efforts of both sides to promote the bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields so as to bring more benefits to the peoples of both countries." China is willing to join member states of ASEAN, including Indonesia, to strive for greater development of China-ASEAN relations and cooperation, Li said. China and ASEAN should work together to build a community of shared future with neighboring countries and promote regional peace, stability and development, he said. During his visit, Li will hold talks with Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla, and attend a China-Indonesia business summit. The schedule also includes witnessing the signing of cooperation documents. The Chinese premier will visit the ASEAN Secretariat to underscore China's commitment to its relations with the 10-member community, meet with ASEAN Secretary General Lim Jock Hoi, and attend celebration activities of the anniversary. China has been Indonesia's largest trading partner for seven years in a row. In 2017, two-way trade reached 63.3 billion U.S. dollars, up 18 percent year-on-year. Good results have been achieved in building the China-Indonesia industrial parks and steady progress is being made in the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, Li said in a signed article published by the Jakarta Post on Saturday. China is also Indonesia's largest source of foreign tourists and second-largest host of Indonesian students, the article noted. Placing ASEAN as a high priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy, China has been a staunch supporter of ASEAN community building and ASEAN centrality in East Asian cooperation, Li said in the article, adding that China is keen to work with ASEAN to uphold the multilateral trading system and promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation. After the trip to Indonesia, Li will leave for Japan on Tuesday to attend the 7th China-Japan-ROK leaders' meeting and pay an official visit to Japan. [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] Accordingly, out of a total of 250,000 tonnes of rice in the deal offered by the Philippines, Vietnam will supply 130,000 tonnes and the remaining 120,000 tonnes will be provided by Thai businesses. The NFA said that Vietnam will supply 50,000 tonnes of 15% broken rice to the Philippines at US$526.5 per tonne and 80,000 tonnes of 25% broken rice at US$517.5 per tonne. The shipment will arrive at the designated ports in the Philippines in three deadlines, not later than May 31 for the first package of 40,000 tonnes of 25% broken rice, June 15 for the remaining 40,000 tonnes of 25% broken rice and June 30 for the 50,000 tonnes of 15% broken rice. In addition, the NFA will also open a new bid for rice supply on May 22. Statistics from the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade show that rice export turnover in the first four months in 2018 reached US$1.1 million tonnes, up 22.3% in volume and 38.3% in value annually. The positive increase is mainly due to a range of winning contracts for exporting rice to large markets since the beginning of the year. Along with the recent rice contract to the Philippines, rice exports in the near future look set to flourish after a long time in difficulties, experts have said. In addition to the Indonesian market, since the beginning of 2018, rice export turnover has also increased sharply due to the significant increase in demand from the Chinese and the Philippines market. In addition, Iraq is also emerging as one of the strongest importers of Vietnamese rice. With favourable momentum, the Vietnam Food Association predicts that the rice export volume will reach about 6.5 million tonnes for the whole year. The event was attended by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and the UNESCO chief in Vietnam Michael Croft, as well as foreign diplomats and artists from provinces where bai choi is practised. An indispensable cultural element of people in the central provinces, the content of bai choi singing reflects the love for the homeland, community relationships and life experiences. The art also helps to shape the qualities that characterise the people of central Vietnam: frankness, sincerity, simplicity, toughness, optimism and hospitality. Speaking at the ceremony, PM Phuc stated that cultural heritages are a valuable asset of communities and the preservation and promotion work is significant for nurturing patriotism and strengthening national solidarity. For his part, Binh Dinh, Chairman Ho Quoc Dung, affirmed that the provinces where bai choi is practised are determined to effectively implement a scheme on promoting the heritage. The ceremony also featured a wide range of bai choi performances as well as other songs and dances typical of the central region. Waymo, formerly known as Google's self-driving car project, released video of a crash involving one of its self-driving minivans that occurred Friday, May 4 in Chandler, Arizona. The video shows a silver Honda run a red light, avoid striking a red car entering the intersection, jump the medium and crash into Waymo's Chrysler Pacifica minivan. The Chandler Police Department reports in a Friday news release that Waymo's Pacifica was in manual mode and not at fault in the crash. Police say that the driver of the Pacifica "sustained injuries which required hospitalization," and that the driver of the Honda was cited for a red light violation. "Today while testing our self-driving vehicle in Chandler, Arizona, another car traveling in an oncoming lane swerved across the median and struck our minivan. Our team's mission is to make our roads safer - it is at the core of everything we do and motivates every member of our team," Waymo told an ABC News outlet in Arizona. "We are concerned about the well-being and safety of our test driver and wish her a full recovery." The five-second video posted below contains crash footage from the vantage point of Waymo's Chrysler Pacifica: -- "The silver Honda continued eastbound and entered the intersection on a red signal. As the Honda was traveling through the intersection, a vehicle began to proceed northbound through the intersection on a green signal. The operator of the Honda was forced to swerve to avoid striking this vehicle," police report in the release. "Upon doing so, the silver Honda drove over the raised median and continued traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of Chandler Blvd. From there, the Honda struck a white Chrysler minivan (Waymo autonomous vehicle), which was traveling westbound and slowing for the red signal at Los Feliz Dr." Back in October 2017, Waymo conducted the first public road tests with no one in the driver's seat in the Phoenix suburb of Chandler. The vehicle in use, and the thousands more coming to Waymo, were developed in Novi and manufactured in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The company started testing its self-driving minivans on public roads in Novi, Michigan in late 2017. The testing in Michigan marked new territory for Waymo as the company was looking to test its software on the state's unpredictable winter roads and the cold weather experience. Right now: Pretty gnarly crash with an @Waymo van in Chandler, AZ. No visible injuries. pic.twitter.com/xBLYfDsQP7 Matt Jaffee (@mattjaffee) May 4, 2018 This made Michigan the sixth state to allow Waymo to test its self-driving software on public roads. Waymo plans to open its autonomous ride-hailing service at some point in 2018 in Phoenix. In a safety report, Waymo details the procedures behind each of its different tests for its technology. On public roads, each vehicle will have a "highly-trained" driver inside. Waymo reports that the self-driving minivans are equipped with its software that has been tested on 5 million miles of roads, and billions of miles in simulation. Google's former self-driving car project started with about 600 Pacifica minivans, and recently said it would buy "thousands" more from FCA and add 20,000 Jaguar I-PACEs to its fleet within the next few years. Waymo's crash comes on the heels of a March 18 crash in Tempe when a self-driving Uber struck and killed a woman who was crossing the street outside of the crosswalk while walking a bike. Police said that Uber was not at fault for the crash, but later released a video that showed its human backup driver distracted prior to the collision. ANN ARBOR, MI - DTE Energy has unveiled plans for a long-awaited redevelopment of a vacant industrial site along the Huron River in Ann Arbor, a project several years in the making. "We're ready to begin to move on it," DTE CEO Gerry Anderson said of the mixed-use project known as Broadway Park, which includes extensive public open space, a new riverfront trail, event pavilion, a riverfront restaurant, hotel, retail spaces and condos. "I think it's going to be really great for the community." The Detroit-based utility company announced on Monday, May 7, it has entered into an agreement with the Roxbury Group, a Detroit-based real estate development company, for an 11-acre development on the site of a former Michigan Consolidated Gas Co. coal gasification plant off Broadway Street. The plans are still being finalized, but Roxbury hopes to get the city's approval for the project by the end of the year, with construction to commence immediately thereafter. DTE and Roxbury say they've been collaborating on the design with a shared focus on the creation of a world-class public space as the centerpiece of the project. The tentative plans show more than 80 percent of the site - about nine acres - would be developed into open space and green infrastructure, with about 1,200 feet of restored river shoreline. The development also is expected to include an 8,000-square-foot year-round event pavilion, up to 100 residential condominiums, a boutique hotel and up to 20,000 square feet of retail space, including space for what's described as an attractive, high-quality restaurant facing the river, with outdoor patio seating overlooking the river. According to DTE, the project could represent "up to $75 million or more" of new investment at the site. DTE, which is offering up its property for the development, is not spending any utility customer money developing the project. Roxbury and other parties will be financing the development. Anderson, a longtime Ann Arbor resident, said he's excited about what the project will mean for the community. It aims to unlock substantial public access to a section of Ann Arbor's southern riverfront just north of downtown. Anderson said DTE knows it owns a unique property and wants to see it put to its highest and best use for the community. He said New York-based Project for Public Spaces has been retained to assist in developing the programming and design of what DTE and Roxbury hope will be an iconic public space. PPS will be conducting a series of outreach sessions to gather community input before plans are finalized. Anderson said the project team already has been in talks with city leaders and various community organizations, including the Huron River Watershed Council. He said one goal is to make it possible for people kayaking and canoeing along the river to stop, hop out of their boats, and get a bite to eat at the riverfront restaurant or visit one of the shops. "We are excited that, in addition to the residential and commercial development, Broadway Park will provide residents with an activated public space connecting to the surrounding parks and trails along the Huron River," City Administrator Howard Lazarus said in a statement. "We believe the Broadway Park public space will be a significant benefit to Ann Arbor, as it will be located facing the Huron River, across from the Argo Cascade white water feature." Anderson said DTE's development agreement with Roxbury is the result of DTE's commitment to developing the site in a way that highlights the natural beauty of the riverfront while preserving much of the land for the public's enjoyment. They have assembled a team of local and national professionals to assist in the design of the project, including SmithGroupJJR of Ann Arbor, Detroit-based Hamilton Anderson Associates Architects, and SME Consultants of Plymouth. "We are thrilled to be working with DTE Energy to unlock the incredible potential of this unique site," David Di Rita, principal of The Roxbury Group, said in a statement. "Given our group's strong ties to Ann Arbor, we understand how impactful this project will be to the community, and we are pleased and honored to have assembled such an impressive team to bring Broadway Park to fruition." Roxbury was founded in 2005 by University of Michigan graduates Stacy Fox and David Di Rita. In 2014, they re-opened the historic David Whitney Building in Detroit's Grand Circus Park following a $94 million redevelopment into an Aloft hotel and 105 apartments with first-floor restaurants and retail space. They also completed the Outdoor Adventure Center on Detroit's riverfront in partnership with the state. Roxbury's other projects include The Griswold, a $24 million, 80-unit apartment building rising five stories atop a 10-story parking and retail building in Detroit's Capitol Park, and the Plaza, a 74-unit apartment conversion of an office building in Detroit's midtown district, and a redevelopment of Detroit's long-dormant Metropolitan Building, which will house an Element Hotel by Westin with first-floor retail. DTE acquired the old MichCon property along Ann Arbor's riverfront through a merger in 2001. DTE closed and later demolished the remaining buildings in 2009, and in 2012 it undertook a substantial environmental remediation project to clean up the shoreline. Some pollution still remains on a portion of the site and is planned to be remediated as part of the redevelopment. In 2013, DTE sought proposals from developers who may be interested in breathing new life into the site, with the requirement that a substantial amount of open space is to be included in any plans. Anderson said DTE and Roxbury waited until now to unveil their plans because it was unclear before whether the city might need some of the MichCon site for facilities related to a new Amtrak station. But now the city has identified Fuller Park as the preferred site, which awaits federal approval. Anderson said DTE previously developed a concept for the MichCon site that was integrated with a new train station. He said it was a pretty cool plan, but it had to be scrapped when Fuller Park became the preferred site for a new train station. After that, he said, the project team went back to the drawing board and came up with the current plan. So far, DTE has released only one drawing showing a conceptual vision for the property. Looking south across the river, it shows green space and pathways along the riverfront, a taller hotel building off to the left by Broadway with a shorter restaurant building next to it, some surface parking spaces for cars, and a series of retail and condo buildings. The potential hotel brand, restauranteur and other tenants are not being identified at this time. Both the inside and outside seating areas at the restaurant are expected to offer good views of the riverfront. Anderson said cars would come into the site using the exiting drive off Broadway Street. He said it would have the feel of a residential street, with retail on one side and condo buildings on the other. He said there would be some surface parking spaces as well as a shared parking garage. DTE spokeswoman Coleen Creagh Rosso said detailed information about the amount of parking and a site layout plan are not being released at this time. "We will be taking community stakeholder input through the PPS process on various issues that will affect things like layout and parking, and so we have nothing to share at this stage," she said. Anderson said Roxbury is the developer and DTE's only role is to be able to approve what's done. He said DTE could have just sold the property to the highest bidder, but the company wanted control over how the property is used. He said DTE will have a modest retained interest after the development happens. He said part of DTE's mission is to be a force for growth and prosperity in the communities it serves and one of the ways it's attempting to do that is by repurposing properties it owns. He points to the creation of Beacon Park next to DTE's headquarters in Detroit as another example of DTE creating vitality through creative reuse of a blighted property. DTE tore down an old industrial building and transformed a gravel lot surrounded by barbed wire into a green space and event venue expected to have 1 million visitors this year. "We've done that and we're going to do more of these," Anderson said of those types of projects. Anderson said it hasn't been decided yet whether the public open space proposed as part of the Broadway Park development would be privately owned or dedicated as city parkland. UPDATE: Police have found Brianna in Charlotte County, Florida on Tuesday, May 8. ADRIAN, MI - Police are searching for a missing 12-year-old girl from Adrian who could be in danger. An "Endangered Missing Advisory" has been put out for Brianna Patricia Longardner who was last seen on May 3 leaving on foot from 653 S. Madison St. in Adrian with her mother, Ryla Hubbard, who does not have legal custody, police said. Police said Brianna has not taken her prescription medication since her disappearance which could cause medical complications. Brianna was last seen wearing black leggings, a pink camouflage sweatshirt and a red shirt. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call Adrian police Lt. Derek Helinski 517-264-4804. Hubbard has threatened to take Brianna to an unknown location, but has contacts in Indiana and Florida, police said. The prosecutor's office is currently seeking a warrant for parental kidnapping, police said. YPSILANTI, MI - Michigan State Police is looking for 20 young women from Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township to participate in this year's Michigan Youth Leadership Academy. The four-day program, from June 17-21 in Lansing, is intended to pair 14 and 15-year old females with mentors from local law enforcement agencies to help them learn leadership skills, while developing their personal character, according to a news release from MSP. The course covers various topics including physical activity, water safety, nutrition, alcohol and drug awareness, gang awareness, domestic violence awareness, first aid and public speaking, according to MSP. The students get to tour the University of Michigan and the state capitol. MSP Sgt. DuWayne Robinson, of the prevention services and secure cities section, said the Ypsilanti area was selected as one of its three regions in 2018, along with Jackson and Niles, after evaluating certain factors. Robinson said the MiYLA program was evaluated by Central Michigan University in 2014 and determined to be effective. Participants will perform a community service project upon returning home and celebrate at a graduation ceremony luncheon with family and mentors from the MiYLA program. Attendees must live within Ypsilanti or Ypsilanti Township Zip Code areas. The school district the students attend does not matter. Those interested should contact trooper Olivia Sivy at the MSP Brighton Post at 810-227-1051 or email her at sivyo@michigan.gov. The free program is supported by the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant. Deadline for accepting applications is May 19. For more information, visit www.michigangov/msp/. YPSILANTI, MI - State Rep. Ronnie Peterson calls a move to implement work-related requirements for Michigan Medicaid recipients "downright heartless," and is looking to drum up more opposition to the legislation in a Monday town hall. Peterson, a Democrat from Ypsilanti who represents Michigan's 54th district, is fighting efforts in the Michigan legislature to pass legislation that would require able-bodied Medicaid recipients to work 29 hours per week to continue receiving health insurance. Senate Bill 897 was introduced in March by Sen. Mike Shirkey, R-Clark Lake. It passed the Senate in April by a vote of 26-11. President Donald Trump's administration opened the door to work requirements for Medicaid by approving a handful of waiver requests from other states earlier this year. Medicaid applicants under the legislation that now sits before the state House would be exempt from the work 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. Peterson is hosting a town hall to address what he called a "misguided and callous proposal" at 6 p.m. Monday, May 7 at the Riverside Arts Center Gallery, 76 N. Huron St. in Ypsilanti. Accompanied by Emily Schwarzkopf from the Lansing nonprofit Michigan League for Public Policy, Peterson will talk about who the proposed legislation would affect and the accompanying costs of implementing the proposed requirements. About 10 percent of Washtenaw County residents are recieve traditional Medicaid benefits, which cover low-income children, their caretakers, pregnant mothers, and low-income senior citizens and people with disabilities. The proposed legislation would mostly impact residents enrolled in Healthy Michigan, which insures Michigan residents age 19 to 64 with an income below 133 percent of the federal poverty line, or about $16,000 for a single person or $21,600 for a two-person household. About 5 percent of Washtenaw County residents receive health insurance through the Healthy Michigan program. Shirkey has argued that the legislation is necessary to keep Healthy Michigan funded. "This is about saving dollars to be spent on people who need it. It is about saving Healthy Michigan, frankly," he said the day the bill was passed in the Senate last month. He's also argued it would help improve the health of current Medicaid recipients. "Study upon study supports the notion that one of the best things a person can do for their own health and in particular, one of the best things a person can do for their family's health is to be productively engaged in work," Shirkey told the Senate. In a statement posted on his district website Thursday, April 19, Peterson said he is disappointed the proposal has made its way to Michigan, arguing it threatens to rob more than 2 million residents of their health care coverage. He disputed claims it would result in better health outcomes and cited a study by the University of Michigan that said nearly half of Medicaid enrollees in Michigan are already working, and a quarter of enrollees are in school, retired, unable to work or acting as a homemaker. The proposed legislation is unnecessary, Peterson argues, noting that some who are enrolled in Medicaid are working, but do not have health insurance through their employer. It could also be disastrous, he said, for those with disabilities, substance use disorders and other medical conditions who would face a complicated and burdensome process to continue receiving Medicaid under the proposed legislation. "Imposing work requirements for Medicaid will hurt the most vulnerable among us," said Peterson. "I am disappointed to see this misguided and callous proposal making its way to Michigan, but I will do all I can to fight against it. Michigan deserves better." CPVCC General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong delivered an opening remark and then President Tran Dai Quang, on behalf of the Politburo, chaired the sitting. In the morning, Politburo member, standing member of the CPVCC Secretariat and head of the CPVCCs Inspection Commission Tran Quoc Vuong submitted the sessions working agenda to the CPVCC for approval. Politburo member Pham Minh Chinh, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and head of the Party Central Committees Organisation Commission read a Politburo proposal on the project on building the contingent of cadres at all levels, particularly strategic level, with sufficient capacity, virtue and prestige on par with their tasks. Politburo member and permanent Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh delivered another proposal on the reform of salary policy targeting officials, public employees, civil servants, armed forces, and workers in enterprises. A plan on social insurance policy reform was presented by Politburo member and Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue. In the afternoon, the CPVCC worked in groups, discussing the personnel scheme. UPDATE 4 p.m.: This incident is clear and all lanes are re-opened. ANN ARBOR, MI - A vehicle fire has closed all lanes along eastbound M-14 at Barton Drive Monday, May 7 near Ann Arbor. The incident was reported at 12:37 p.m. along M-14 at Barton Drive, exit 4, by the Michigan Department of Transportation. The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office sent out a Nixle alert warning residents to avoid the area. Further details were not immediately available. ANN ARBOR, MI - Washtenaw County voters will weigh in on millages for Ann Arbor Public Schools, Sharon Township and Ypsilanti Township as well as a contested race for Ypsilanti Township park commissioner on Tuesday, May 8. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Look up your polling location on the Michigan Voter Information Center website. Here's a quick look at what will be on the ballot in different parts of Washtenaw County. Only residents of the respective township or school district can vote on each proposal. Visit MLive.com after the polls close for live updates on results. Ann Arbor Public Schools operating millage proposal AAPS is asking voters to pass a 20-year, 21-mill tax on non-homestead property, which includes industrial, commercial and residential rental properties. By law, the most the district can levy on non-homestead properties is 18 mills. The 21-mill maximum would counteract Headlee rollbacks that reduce the millage rate as property values increase. The operating millage also authorizes a 12.3777-mill tax on homestead property, or principal residences. This maintains the school district's current tax on homestead property, and the actual millage rate levied is lower than the maximum allowed (4.3564 mills in 2017). In all, the operating millage would generate $84,779,572 for AAPS in 2018. The operating millage is the main source of revenue for the district's general fund. Sharon Township broadband bond proposal Sharon Township would like to borrow as much as $4.9 million to acquire, construct, furnish and equip a broadband provisioning system to provide broadband internet service in the township. Voters would pay off the $4.9 million bond through a 20-year tax on all property in Sharon Township, at an average rate of 3.2518 mills. The average market value of a house in Washtenaw County is $218,100. Assuming a taxable value of $109,050, the owner would pay about $355 a year for Sharon Township's broadband bond. Ypsilanti Township proposition A Ypsilanti Township is asking voters to pass a five-year, 0.5-mill tax on all township property to fund the purchase and maintenance of vehicles, buildings, grounds and equipment for the Ypsilanti Township Fire Department. The millage would raise $600,000 in the first year, and the money would not be spent on operations or payroll for the fire department. For the owner of a house with a market value of $218,100 - assuming a taxable value of $109,050 - proposition A would cost about $55 a year. Ypsilanti Township Park Commissioner seat Township residents can vote for one candidate for the partial term ending Nov. 20, 2020: ALLEN COUNTY, OHIO - A 15-year-old Ypsilanti boy was killed and members of his family injured in a car accident on Wednesday, May 2, on Interstate 75 in northwest Ohio. Christopher Watson, 15, of Ypsilanti, was pronounced dead after the 2017 Ford Explorer he was riding in was struck head-on by a 2006 Ford F-350 pickup truck traveling the wrong way on southbound I-75, near Beaverdam, Ohio, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol Lima Post. John S. Robinson, 64, of Phoenix, Arizona, was driving the Ford pickup truck, and police believe alcohol was a factor in the crash. Robinson was arraigned in Lima Municipal Court on a charge of aggravated vehicular homicide, and he has a preliminary hearing set for Wednesday, May 9. Richard Watson, 44, of Ypsilanti, was driving the 2017 Ford Explorer, which had five passengers including Christopher Watson, police said. Richard Watson was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries; front seat passenger Deena Frye, 42, was taken to the hospital with serious injuries; backseat passengers Chloee Watson, 18, and Colby Watson, 10, were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries and Conner Watson, 11, who also was a backseat passenger, was hospitalized with serious injuries. As of Monday, May 7, St. Rita's Mercy Health hospital did not have any patients with the last name of Watson. Additional information on the family members' injuries or current status was not available. Frye remained in critical condition on Monday, according to Lima Memorial Hospital. Robinson was the only occupant of his vehicle. He was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, and he was no longer listed as a patient as of Monday. Lincoln Middle School posted on social media Friday, May 4, that "several of our students and their family members were involved in a car accident." The district's crisis team was available to assist students and staff. With blonde and silver hair spurting from the elastic straps of her Storm Trooper-style respirator, Los Angeles-based muralist Bunnie Reiss climbs a fire escape on the rear of Detroit's only downtown synagogue. Her arms cradle more than nine Montana Gold spray paint cans that clank as she places them down one by one on a third-story, metal-grate landing. She stands at the center of the immense artwork, her cans hissing paint in curved white lines and orange circles as she accents the public mural she's been working on up to 15 hours a day for the last eight days, including a day and a half she lost to storms and harsh winds. "This one has been really fun, I've just had a great time here," Reiss says while sitting on the tailgate of a Dodge Durango SUV a Detroit friend loaned her. "I just love the people. I love the rhythm of the city, it's a good one, and it's full of people that are just excited about really simple things, like the weather being warm. "I saw everybody sort of light up because all of the sudden it wasn't winter anymore. It's a really special time in the Midwest when that happens. It's awesome just to see everyone come alive. You guys are like bears." There's a continuous stream of fans, members of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue and curious onlookers, stopping by to take in the mural and say hello. "I'll be down in a minute," she yells down to a pair of women who stop to take some cell phone pictures. Reiss is known worldwide for her public murals, a colorful, geometric-style folk art influenced by her Polish and Russian heritage, according to her website. Her work incorporate images resembling abstract birds and vegetation. Reiss' murals can be found on the brick walls of buildings in Los Angeles, Mexico, Italy, Paris, India, the Philippines, Detroit, New York, and her previous home, San Francisco -- just to name a few. "What I think Detroit really offers is this beautiful architecture," Reiss says, "and I didn't want to just cover up everything, so I felt what would be a better option was to highlight the building. "I just sprayed directly on the wall and it could have been disastrous ... and it went really, really smooth." Reiss described what little free time she had outside of the mural work as "quiet times," spent with her friends -- more like family, she says -- and their 4-year-old son in Midtown. She found time to stop into the Bronx Bar for the burgers she loves and made a trip to Eastern Market for some street food. "I just couldn't really party this trip," Reiss says. On her final day of painting, she's taking it slow, enjoying the final hours in Detroit before heading back to Los Angeles, where she's been commissioned to paint a mural on the inside of the poolhouse owned by comedian Chris Hardwick and his wife, both of them art collectors. While taking a break, Reiss holds up her phone to shares a new video by rapper Donald Glover, the Childish Gambino. She says it's been on her mind all morning. "The song is called, 'This is America,'" Reiss explains. "This is like powerful. This is what I'm taking about with public art, if you can think about stuff, through your medium, speak about it, you know." The video, shot in a vast warehouse, features a shirtless Glover dancing while committing random and shocking murders, a commentary, in part, on the nation's affinity for guns and its recent violence. Reiss pauses the conversation to type a text with her paint-smudged fingers. She's choosing toppings for a corned beef sandwich a friend is picking up for her. Reiss goes with Thousand Island dressing. Another message is sent to someone caring for her recently purchased 5-acre property in Joshua Tree, located in San Bernardino County, California, about a two-hour drive from her other home in Los Angeles. She calls it her "quiet place," the west coast equivalent to an "Upstate New York" getaway for east coasters, a community with many musicians and artists. "I have mulberry bushes out in the desert and I want to make sure they're getting watered," Reiss says, as the sound of jarring jackhammers fill the air. "They're blooming right now. I'm going to have berries when I get home. "I'm going to make jam. I can't wait." FLUSHING, MI -- More than seven months after it began, the preliminary examination for the highest-ranking state government official charged with Flint water crisis crimes is nearly in the hands of a Genesee County District Court judge. "We may be at the end," Larry Willey, an attorney for Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Nick Lyon, said Monday, May 7, after calling two witnesses in his defense. Lyon faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and misconduct in office in relation to his role in the water crisis and his handling of outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease in Genesee County during parts of 2014 and 2015. The outbreaks came while the city of Flint was run by state-appointed emergency managers and was using the Flint River as its water source. Although DHHS employees were aware of the outbreaks and suspicions they were linked to the river in 2014, the public was not told until an announcement by Gov. Rick Snyder in January 2016. One witness for Lyon testified Monday that the DHHS director informed Snyder's then Chief of Staff Dennis Muchmore and several other high-ranking cabinet members about a surge in Legionnaires' cases in a Sept. 18 conference call. A spokeswoman for the governor said Monday that the information never reached Snyder until more than three months later, and Muchmore said in an email to MLive-The Flint Journal that he doesn't remember hearing the information. Another Monday witness, an official with Hamilton Community Health Network, testified the nonprofit, which operates health care clinics in the county, received warnings about Legionnaires' that were developed by county and state health officials. Since the preliminary exam started last September, special prosecutor Todd Flood has maintained Lyon failed to notify both the public and the governor about the spread of Legionnaires', resulting in the deaths of Robert Skidmore and John Snyder, two of at least 12 individuals whose deaths have been attributed to the outbreaks. District Judge David Goggins must decide whether there is probable cause to believe the crimes Lyon is accused of were committed and that he committed them in order to bind them over to Genesee Circuit Court for a jury trial. Attorneys in the case said that decision will come after attorneys summarize their cases and after they convene again later this month. Goggins heard Monday, the 21st day of Lyon's exam, that the DHHS director told Muchmore, then Department of Environmental Quality Director Dan Wyant, state Treasurer Nick Khouri and others about the spike in Legionnaires' cases in the Sept. 18 conference call. Eric Brown, deputy director of federal relations for Snyder, testified Lyon "indicated there was an increase" in the disease in the Flint area, using his own notes from the meeting to refresh his memory. Willey said Brown's testimony showed Lyon shared the information with the governor's closest advisers. There was no explanation Monday why the information would not have been shared with Snyder, who told Congress in March 2016 that he never learned of the outbreaks until January 2016. The governor has called that slow notification "clearly a case where the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services should have done more to escalate the issue to get it visible to the public and me." Anna Heaton, Snyder's press secretary, said in an email to The Journal that she could not comment on specific testimony from Brown or other witnesses. "I will say that there isn't a discrepancy here. The governor learned of the outbreak in January 2016. The governor was not on this conference call in September 2015," Heaton said. In an email to MLive-The Flint Journal, Muchmore said, "This is news to me. I just can't comment on something I've no recollection of." FLINT, MI -- The City of Flint has signed a $174,600 contract with Fisher Contracting to fix the gates on the Thread Lake Dam. A resolution to sign the contract with Fisher Contracting passed Flint City Council on May 2 in a 7-0 vote. First Ward City Councilman Eric Mays said he was moved by the concerns citizens had about the water levels being lowered following a breach in the dam earlier this year. "The people living in the surrounding area brought up concerns of how the wildlife was being affected and appealed to council for help," Mays said. A 2015 inspection showed the Thread Lake Dam, which ruptured in February, was in poor condition and was in need of repairs to prevent a possible failure. "This dam has been in need of repair for decades, but for some reason, the work was put off," said Rob Bincsik, director of the department of public works for the city. Repairs are expected to begin this week. A field inspection of the Thread Lake Dam was completed by engineering firm Wade Trim on April 29, 2015, and discovered the dam's embankments, spillways and control structures were found to be in poor condition with maintenance issues that should be addressed by the city, according to records provided by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. According to the inspection, the dam has two large gates, but one currently isn't operable. The left gate was burdened with the work but had trouble opening and closing. Historically, maintenance of the dam has been minimal, state records show. The dam is in need of major repairs or a complete replacement. City crews began work on the site last week by repairing the earthen embankment of the west side of the dam, according to a press release by the city. The Flint River Watershed Coalition announced Wednesday, March 21, that the dam's western side failed after rapid snowmelt and heavy rainfall caused multiple rivers and creeks in the area to reach or exceed flood stage. If all goes according to plan, Bincsik stated the repairs should be completed within a month. "I know residents have been wondering what the status of the situation is at the dam," Bincsik said. "Well, we have been working hard to get everything in place, and now it is. Now they will be able to see the progress. Then, we just have to wait on Mother Nature to bring the rain." Water levels will remain low at Thread Lake in Flint until repairs on the dam have been made. (This story has been updated with comment from Gov. Rick Snyder's Office.) FLUSHING, MI -- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Nick Lyon warned top advisers to Gov. Rick Snyder about an increasing number of Legionnaires' disease cases in the Flint area months before the governor has said he learned of it, a witness testified Monday, May 7, in Genesee District Court. Eric Brown, deputy director of federal relations for Snyder, told Judge David Goggins that he and Lyon were among those participating in a conference call about Flint water on Sept. 18, 2015. Brown said Lyon "indicated there was an increase" in Legionnaires' in the Flint area at the time -- while the city was still using the Flint River for drinking water -- and that Dennis Muchmore, the governor's chief of staff at the time, was also on the conference call. Brown said Harvey Hollins, Snyder's director of the Michigan Office of Urban Initiatives, was also on the conference call as were Dan Wyant and Brad Wurfel, former director and communications director for the state Department of Environmental Quality. Snyder testified before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in March 2016, telling members of Congress that he did not act sooner about problems with Flint's water supply partly because he wasn't told about Legionnaires' issues until 2016. "As soon as I became aware of it, we held a press conference the next day," Snyder said. "That was clearly a case where the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services should have done more to escalate the issue to get it visible to the public and me." Brown is testifying Monday in the preliminary examination for Lyon, who is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and misconduct in office in relation to the Flint water crisis. A part of the misconduct charge relates to allegations that Lyon failed to advise Snyder of Legionnaires' outbreaks that officials have said resulted in at least 12 deaths while the Flint River was used as the city's water source. The question of when Snyder knew of the Legionnaires' outbreak has been raised previously in water crisis prosecutions. In October, Hollins testified in the early stages of Lyon's preliminary exam that he told Snyder about Legionnaires' problems in December 2015, weeks before the governor has said he was first made aware of the outbreak. Anna Heaton, Snyder's press secretary, said in an email to MLive-The Flint Journal that she could not comment on specific testimony from Brown or other witnesses. "I will say that there isn't a discrepancy here. The governor learned of the outbreak in January 2016. The governor was not on this conference call in September 2015," Heaton said. Update: Lake Michigan Drive (M-45) was reported cleared around 6:30 p.m. OTTAWA COUNTY, MI -- Multiple injuries have been reported after a crash Monday, afternoon, May 7, in Robinson Township of Ottawa County. The crash was reported around 3:30 p.m. near the intersection of Lake Michigan Drive (M-45) and 128th Avenue, according to Ottawa County Central Dispatch. A dispatch supervisor said multiple injuries were reported and an Aero Med helicopter was dispatched to the scene. An individual might have been ejected from the vehicle, the dispatcher said. Lake Michigan Drive was closed between 136th Ave and M-231 around 4:30 p.m., according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A pair of brothers suspected of robbing a Grand Rapids bank in October 2017 are in police custody. Dominike Darnell Sterling, 26, and Michael Cornelius Sterling Jr., 28, are each facing one count of bank robbery, according to the Grand Rapids Police Department. The younger brother is expected to be arraigned Tuesday, May 8, in 61st District Court in Grand Rapids. The older Sterling is being held in a jail in Pennsylvania, and no date has been set for his extradition hearing. Huntington Bank, 1949 44th St. SE, was robbed shortly after 9 a.m. October 25. Police said two men entered the bank, made demands for money, and left with an undisclosed amount of cash. The men were seen fleeing on foot and running westbound along the north sidewalk. No injuries were reported and no customers were in the lobby at the time of the robbery. An attempt to track the suspects with a police K-9 unit was unsuccessful. After a six-month joint investigation by the Grand Rapids Police Department and FBI, a judge has signed warrants for both men. Dominike Sterling was arrested April 26. He's being held at the Kent County Jail on a $275,000 bond, and is expected to be charged as a second-offense habitual offender. THREE RIVERS, MI - A woman is dead and her husband is seriously injured after a motorcycle crash Saturday night. The crash occurred at the corner of Broadway Street and U.S. 131 in Three Rivers on Saturday, May 5 around 7:30 p.m., Fabius Township Trustee Dan Wilkins said. Wilkins said the couple was out riding when they were hit by a minivan that failed to stop at a red light. He said Patricia Frye died at the scene of the crash and her husband, Fabius-Park Townships Fire Department Fire Chief Mike Frye, was airlifted to Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. Mike Frye's condition is currently critical, but stable, he said. No one was immediately available to comment from the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department or the Fabius-Park Townships Fire Department. Would like prayers for my nephew Mike Frye who was involved in a motorcycle accident in Three Rivers last night. He is... Posted by Theresa Fry on Sunday, May 6, 2018 The Iranian Navy, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Iran's Border Police, the Royal Navy of Oman, and the Royal Oman Police will partake in the exercises. The decision to hold the joint drill was made during the 14th meeting of the Iran-Oman joint commission on military and security cooperation, held in Iran's capital Tehran on May 5. The meeting was co-chaired by Brigadier General Qadir Nezami, the Deputy Chief of Staff of Iranian Armed Forces for International Affairs, and Brigadier General Hamad bin Rashid al Balushi, an Assistant SAF Chief of Staff for Operations and Planning. Since 2010, naval forces of Iran and Oman have held several joint rescue drills off the coast of their waters. GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Growing up, East Grand Rapids High School senior Patrick Morgan was set on becoming a doctor. However, that all changed in middle school, when he read a book on SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. He said it made him realize his interest was in science and engineering rather than medicine. On Thursday, May 10, Morgan will be honored as the 2018 Roger B. Chaffee Scholarship winner at 6 p.m. at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. The scholarship was initiated more than 40 years ago to honor Grand Rapids native, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Roger B. Chaffee. He died with two other astronauts in the Apollo 1 spacecraft flash fire during a launch pad test at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Jan. 27, 1967. Morgan is the 51st recipient of the Roger B. Chaffee Scholarship, which is given each year to a Kent County student planning to pursue a career in the fields of science or engineering. Morgan, who will attend the University of Michigan to study engineering and business, will receive $3,000 to help him pay for college expenses like books or a meal plan. As part of the scholarship award dinner, an active NASA astronaut, Lt. Col. Nicole Mann, will be the guest speaker. Mann was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1999. She has accumulated more than 2,000 flight hours in 22 types of aircraft and 47 combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Dave Pequet, Chaffee's nephew and the director and treasurer of the scholarship fund, said retired astronauts have spoken in the past, but this is the first time in about 35 or 40 years organizers have had an active astronaut come speak. He said they were fortunate to have Mann,who is very likely to go on a mission to the moon or Mars. Pequet said every year they get around 40 to 45 Roger B. Chaffee Scholarship applicants, and it is always difficult to choose a winner. The board looks at a host of things to decide on an applicant, much more than just grades or class-standing. They look for leaders who spend time doing community and charity work. In addition to maintaining a high grade point average, Morgan has been president and founder of his school's Entrepreneurship Club, president of the school's Young Conservatives Club, a tutor at Mulick Park Elementary and a student council representative. He has also participated in varsity lacrosse and cross country and other extracurricular activities. Pequet said Morgan's teachers made lots of comments in his application about how he was respected by his peers and the leadership he showed in the classroom. In a recommendation letter, Morgan's IB Physics teacher Michael Arthur said Morgan has excellent problem-solving skills and a first-rate mind, and academically asks excellent and probing questions. "Overall I would rate Patrick as one of the most considerate and hard-working students in his class," he said. "He is a real pleasure to teach." Morgan's future plans include attending a college for four years to receive an aerospace or aeronautical engineering degree. Afterward, he hopes to work for NASA or SpaceX, then eventually start a space company of his own. In his application, he wrote that he has a passion for space, similar to Chaffee. "I hope to enter the same risky business as Mr. Chaffee when I am older," he wrote, "and I hope to make meaningful contributions to space exploration." Voters throughout Michigan will be going to the polls Tuesday to decide on tax proposals on the May 8 ballot. Most of the requests are from school districts, but libraries, cities, townships and other governmental units also have ballot proposals. As you consider property tax requests, you may wonder how your property tax rate compares to others in your county. It's a more complicated question than you may think, since many cities and townships have multiple school districts in within their boundaries, and villages add another layer of taxation. For instance, Washtenaw County has 76 different property tax rates for owner-occupied homes, not including special-assessment districts. Those rates range from 25.1 mills for a owner-occupied home in Washtenaw Township in the Plymouth-Canton school district to 66 mills for a residence in city and school district of Ypsilanti. In addition, communities have two property tax rates: the homestead rate for owner-occupied owners and a higher nonhomestead rate for commercial properties and second homes. This database allows you to compare the current millage rates in any Michigan county. You also can just look up the rates for your city, township or village, or compare the rates within your school district. The database also shows the average taxable value of a residential parcel and the average homestead tax per parcel. The major caveats with those numbers: The average taxable value and average tax includes all residential parcels, including undeveloped parcels, second and rental homes and homes that have been foreclosed. Millage rate by city, township or school district Several other notes: The average taxable value for residential parcels reflect the average for entire cities and townships. That value stays the same in our database within a city or township regardless of the school district. It also means that value for villages reflects the average for the township in which the village is located. Some entries are marked by the designation "TR," which indicates a portion of a township or city that is paying a "transfer" debt that was assumed when school district lines were redrawn. Click on "details" to see the nonhomestead tax rate and number of residential parcels in a city or township. You can create a ranking within a county or school district by first clicking on a county or school district. Click once on a column heading to create a ranking starting with the lowest number; click twice for a ranking by the highest number. Michigan's 2017 average taxable value for a residential parcel was $52,120, and the average millage rate for an owner-occupied home was 34.56. That means the average property tax bill was $1,847 ($53,442 times 34.56, divided by 1,000). This second database allows you to plug in the estimated market value of your home and see how much you would pay in different school districts. (Note: This calculator uses the taxable value, the amount used to calculate your tax, will be half the market value of your home. In reality, the taxable value is typically a little less than half.) The numbers in these databases use tax rates collected by the Michigan Department of Treasury. Now here's a map comparing the average 2017 homestead tax by county. You have hover your mouse over a county to see the underlying data. Remember, the average taxable value and average tax for a residential parcel includes any parcel taxed as "residential," including undeveloped parcels, foreclosed homes, rentals and second homes. Finally, for communities where the average value of a residential parcel and average tax is skewed by the number of foreclosed homes and/or undeveloped parcels, below is the U.S. Census estimate of the average value of occupied dwellings and property tax by city and township. 2012-16 median home value DEARBORN, MI - Heard of the Eames lounge chair? Maybe you had one or still have one. How about Charles and Ray Eames? They are two of the most influential designers of the 20th century when it comes to furniture, architecture and film. You have a rare chance to see their work for the first time in the U.S. "The World of Charles and Ray Eames" is now at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn. It features more than 400 artifacts from the couple's careers in architecture, product design, film, paintings, drawings, photography and more. Charles and Ray actually met at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan in 1940. They married the following year and moved to California to set up a home and a new studio, the Eames Office. This exhibit shows you their key works and ideas of the 20th century, including the Revell Toy House, the film "Think," the Wills chair (a prototype perched on a garbage can that inspired their classic fiberglass chairs) and artifacts from their personal collections. We've given you a small taste of the exhibit in the photo gallery above. If you want to see it for yourself, admission is free for members of The Henry Ford. Non-member ticket prices include admission to the museum and are $23 for adults (12-61), $17.25 for kids (5-11), $21 for seniors (62+) and children 4 and under are free. The exhibit runs through September 13, 2018. GRASS LAKE, MI -- The Waterloo Hunt Club hosted its 28th annual Earth Day cleanup on Saturday, May 5. About 75 area residents covered about 25 miles of roads in and around the Waterloo Recreation Area. The Department of Natural Resources provided a tire and gas/oil trailer and the Hunt Club provided a 30 yard dumpster, said organizer Sally McAlinden. Grass Lake Farmer Commandos, a 4H group, helped out, along with Cub Scout Troop 4326. This was the 25th year that the Commandos have participated in the event. Among the items collected and properly disposed of were five mattresses, two large TV's, couches and other home decorating items. Nearly 50 tires were collected along the roadsides. Both dumpsters were completely filled by the volunteers, McAlinden said. BERRIEN COUNTY, MI - A bicyclist was seriously injured Sunday, May 6, when he was struck by a car in Niles Township. Justin Copper, 18, of Niles, was taken by ambulance to Memorial Hospital of South Bend after the 5:51 p.m. crash. He was riding a bicycle west on Bell Road when he crossed South 11th Street and was struck by a southbound vehicle. The driver, Judy Vallieres, 54, of Niles, tried to stop but could not avoid hitting the bicyclist, police said. Witnesses told police she had the right of way. The crash is under investigation. KALAMAZOO, MI -- A 10-year-old previously unprosecuted rape case is the first of many old sexual assault cases to come to a resolution in Kalamazoo County after a recent push for testing of rape kits. The rape of a 14-year-old girl resulted in a guilty plea in a Kalamazoo County courtroom Tuesday, May 1. It's the first rape case to see a resolution following the county's push to test nearly 200 previously untested rape kits. More cases are pending in the Kalamazoo County court system, Kalamazoo County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Scott Brower said. Lance Handlogten, a criminal investigator for the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor's Office and a retired Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety lieutenant, testified during a probable cause hearing in March that then 36-year-old Jason Keller picked up a 14-year-old girl on Dec. 14, 2008. Jason Keller The girl was prostituting herself in the 2200 block of North Pitcher Street and Jason Keller offered her a ride, Handlogten said. "(The girl) got into Keller's truck and was driven to nearby parking lot where Keller violently raped her," Handlogten said. "Keller punched her in the face and head repeatedly, pulled her pants off and raped (the girl)." The woman was taken to the Kalamazoo YWCA where she underwent a sexual assault examination. The sexual assault kit was placed into evidence. The girl and her family decided not to move forward with the case for various reasons and the case was closed, Handlogten said. The sexual assault kit was not submitted for testing but was kept as evidence. The rape is one of nearly 200 rape cases that long have gone unprosecuted in Kalamazoo County that may result in convictions following a push to test all previously untested kits. A team of five people from the Michigan Attorney General's Office, the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor's Office and the YWCA Kalamazoo have are looking at previously untested rape kits, some up to 30 years old. Their goal is to see if further action can be taken now that the rape kits have been tested. According to a 2016 audit by Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety topped the list in Kalamazoo County with 113 untested rape kits. The Western Michigan University Department of Public Safety had 40 untested kits in its evidence room and the Portage Department of Public Safety had 16. Other departments had fewer than 10. In 2015 the Legislature appropriated funding to the attorney general to assist local prosecutors in investigating and prosecuting cases arising from previously untested sexual assault kits throughout the state. State funds of $144,216 have financed two temporary sexual assault kit special investigators in Kalamazoo County. In Keller's case, as part of the Kalamazoo Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, the kit was sent to be tested for DNA analysis. A male profile was obtained from the analysis and it was forwarded to the Michigan State Police. The male DNA profile was entered into the Combined DNA Index System and it hit on Keller. Police got Keller's DNA through a search warrant in December 2017, and the DNA matched the rape kit. Since the girl was 14 at the time of the rape, she could not have legally consented to sex, Handlogen said. The age of consent in Michigan is 16 years old. A charge of first-degree criminal sexual conduct was filed against Keller on March 22. On Tuesday, May 1, Keller, 46, of Portage, pleaded guilty before Kalamazoo County Circuit Court Judge Gary C. Giguere Jr. to one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of aggravated assault and battery. In exchange for his plea, the first-degree criminal sexual conduct charge was dropped. Keller's bond was denied, and he remains lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail. Under a plea agreement, Keller faces five to 15 years in prison when he is sentenced May 29. Brower declined to talk about Keller's case specifically, but said more cases resulting from testing the kits are likely to result in convictions. "There's been a lot of hard work done behind the scenes and we're starting to see the fruits of that labor now," Brower said. "Making contact with victims, seeking justice for them and the prospects for this continuing with additional positive outcomes is likely." GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A man on the run from a hefty child support bill for decades has pleaded guilty. Joseph Stroup, 64, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids Monday, May 7, to an indictment alleging failure to pay child support from 1998. Stroup, who was captured living in Canada, had amassed $559,000 in arrears when the case was unsealed in 2014. He lived in the country under an assumed name, Joop Cousteau. With the guilty plea, Stroup faces up to two years in prison plus a year of supervised release or a fee of $250,000 or" twice the gross gain or gross loss resulting from the offense," whichever is greater, according to his plea agreement in federal court records. He also will have to pay full restitution as required by law. Stroup and his wife divorced in 1989, leaving her to care for four children for which Stroup had an obligation to pay child support, according to court documents. Stroup then told a Van Buren County judge he was disabled and unemployed. The judge lowered payments for his four children from $100 per month to $14 per month. Then, in 1996, according to the U.S. Office of Inspector General, Stroup sold a successful Internet business for more than $2 million. After the discovery, authorities said the order for Stroup to pay child support was modified to account for his unreported income. Stroup, a fugitive for nearly 20 years, was named the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General's "Most Wanted Deadbeat." The second person on the "Deadbeat" list owes $250,000 -- less than half of what Stroup owes. The Office of Inspector General may get involved in cases where the non-custodial parent doesn't pay child support for more than one year and doesn't live in the state where the child lives; where the non-custodial parent owes more than $5,000 and lives in a different state from the child; or when the non-custodial parent travels to another state or country to avoid paying support, according to the OIG. Stroup was arrested Feb. 1 on an immigration warrant in Cochrane, Alberta, near Calgary. He was deported and arraigned Friday, Feb. 16 in federal court in Chicago. Steven Warren, a special agent for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General at the Detroit field office, said Stroup's case was reopened in 2014, and he was able to locate Stroup in the Calgary area using newer technology that wasn't available 17 years earlier. Warren said he gave the Canada Border Services Agency their leads, but hadn't heard anything back until November 2017. That's when a restaurant owner contacted authorities saying Stroup -- who he knew as Cousteau -- had frequented his restaurant. The restaurant owner said Stroup had claimed to have damaged dental work on maraschino cherry pits at the owner's restaurant and demanded money. "He was a big talker," Warren said of Stroup. "He liked to brag about things that he had done in his life." The owner in turn started doing some online research and found Stroup's picture on the "Most Wanted Deadbeat" page on the Office of Inspector General's website. The tip was "basically saying this guy comes into my restaurant on a regular basis. This is definitely the guy." Warren said he next heard from Canadian authorities that Stroup had been arrested Feb. 1. He said Canadian authorities ran him thorugh law enforcement databases and found his active warrant in the United States, then deported him on the immigration violation. Warren said authorities believe Stroup entered Canada using his real name and then assumed the identity. He said Stroup is believed to have been using the Cousteau name for at least a decade. Hackley Hospital in Muskegon. (Cory Morse | MLive.com file) MUSKEGON, MI - Five hundred people have been cured of Hepatitis C after working with Mercy Health Muskegon's specialized clinic. The Hepatitis C Clinic opened in 2011 at the Hackley Hospital campus. It boasts a cure-rate much higher than the national average. The goal is to eradicate the disease from the Muskegon area. "When I was first diagnosed, I thought I was just handed a death sentence," said Tammy Rogers, 60, of Ludington, a patient of the clinic. "I figured there was nothing they could do. Until I met the people here at Mercy Health and they explained that treatment was available and that I could actually be cured." Rogers has since been cured of the infection. I'm hoping that by me sharing my story, other people will talk with their doctor about being screened," Rogers said. "There is a cure for Hepatitis C. There is hope, and I am the proof." The clinic's cure rate is 37 percent for all patients referred to the clinic, compared to the National Cure Cascade's of 9 percent. Their goal for 2018, is to exceed a 50 percent cure rate. "We've given patients hope when they thought there was none. Our mission at Mercy Health is to be a transforming healing presence in our community, and we're achieving that one patient, one cure at a time," said Elaine A. Leigh, DNP, RN, FNP-BC; nurse practitioner for the clinic. She hopes the success will lead to more people being screened, diagnosed, treated and cured. Hepatitis C is the number one cause of liver disease and the most common reason for liver transplant. Patients infected with Hepatitis C can go without symptoms for decades - giving them no reason to be screened. If left untreated, Hepatitis C can cause cirrhosis of the liver and even liver cancer. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that between three to four million people in the United States are infected with Hepatitis C, which doesn't reflect those who are incarcerated, mentally ill or homeless. People born between 1945-1965, often referred to as Baby Boomers, are most at risk. Other at risk are people who received a blood transfusion prior to 1992, anyone who has come into contact with dirty needles, such as when injecting illegal drugs or in the healthcare field. In addition to the Hep C clinic in Muskegon, Mercy Health Saint Mary's Infectious Disease Clinic offers screening and treatment options for Hepatitis C patients living in and around Kent County. Once a patient is diagnosed with Hepatitis C, they began a treatment plan lasting 12 weeks on average. After the 12-week treatment plan, the patient a 3-month waiting period at the end of which the patient is tested for the infection again. If test comes back negative, the patient is cured. LANSING, MI - Seven police officers who died in the line of duty will be honored during a candlelight service at the state Capitol today. The Michigan Peace Officer's Candlelight Memorial Service will honor those who died in the past year. Three of the officers worked for the Detroit Police Department. The 25th annual Fraternal Order of Police event will begin at 6:30 p.m. May 7 with a processional down Michigan Avenue to the Capitol, followed by a 7 p.m. service on the east steps of the Capitol building. Those who will be honored include: Thomas C. Bunker Glenn A. Doss Jr. Jonathan Ginka Donald O. Kimbrough Timothy James O'Neill Eric B. Overall Darren M. Weathers The Michigan chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police has 7,500 active members and 3,000 associate members at more than 50 lodges throughout the state. Founded in 1939, it is committed to improving the safety and working conditions of law enforcement officers. TITTABAWASSEE TWP, MI -- Police have recovered stolen trailers valued at about $600,000. According to the Michigan State Police, detectives from Lagrange County Sheriff's Office in Indiana contacted the Tri-City Post to request assistance with locating and recovering the stolen trailers. Lagrange detectives opened an investigation after several RV manufacturers in the area reported thefts of trailers from their facilities, according to MSP. Some of the stolen trailers were retagged with bogus VIN numbers and were sold to unsuspecting businesses in other states, including Michigan, according to MSP. Seventeen travel trailers were tracked to Huron Trails Auto Sales in Linwood. Officials with Huron Trails auto sales cooperated fully with the investigation and are considered victims of this crime. The trailers were towed to the Tri-City Post where investigators are working with the manufacturer to identify the VIN through the factory build documentation, according to MSP. The investigation is on-going in Indiana, several of the recovered travel trailers are being picked up daily and taken back to Indiana. Basir Bina, spokesman for the provincial police, said people were gathered after afternoon prayers in the mosque, which was also being used as a voter registration center for parliamentary elections due in October. He said the blast appeared to have been caused by explosives left in the mosque rather than by a suicide bomber. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the explosion, which adds to a series of attacks on preparations for elections seen as a key test of government credibility. Last month, around 60 people were killed in a suicide attack on a voter center in the capital Kabul, which was claimed by Islamic State while the Taliban has also warned people not to take part in the elections. Sunday's blast came as fighting has spread across Afghanistan, with government officials saying that a district in the northern province of Badakhshan which was seized by Taliban fighters last week had been retaken. However Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid denied the reports that Kohistan district had been retaken, saying in a statement that security forces had been driven back. The Detroit Red Wings have signed left wing David Pope to a two-year entry-level contract. The 6-foot-3, 194-pound forward is expected to compete for a roster spot in training camp. Pope, 23, has spent the last four seasons at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, where he tallied 45 goals, 49 assists and 41 penalty minutes in 133 games. He led the team in goals (20) points (41), power-play goals (12) and shots on goal (123) while tying for the lead in assists (21) as a senior. The Red Wings selected Pope in the fourth round of the 2013 draft (109th overall). [May 07, 2018] Sensely Announces Partnership with Leading Middle East Insurance Services Company LAS VEGAS, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, at HLTH 2018, Sensely announced a partnership agreement with NAS, a Third Party Administrator based in the United Arab Emirates. The companies will be working in close collaboration to deploy Sensely's virtual health assistant technology to the NAS member ecosystem as a means of boosting engagement and providing a more efficient communication channel. The agreement covers a three year period, and calls for Sensely's software development kit (SDK) to be utilized for the launch of unique patient navigation solutions across both mobile and web platforms to 1.2 million members. Locally appropriate avatars will be built for the Middle Eastern market, and content will available in both English and Arabic. The platform will include the following member-facing functions: Symptom checker Provider search Appointment booking Prescription refill The symptom check feature incorporates clinically-validated algorithms developed by Mayo Clinic, and directs the member to the most appropriate course of action based on the reported symptoms. By directing resource recommendations algorithmically, patient navigation tools deployed at scale can produce increased efficiencies in a safe, reliable, and secure manner. NAS plans to launch the platform to its customer base hat comes from more than 50 health insurance companies and self-funded insurance plans in the Arabian Gulf region. Joe Boulos, CEO of NAS, commented, "Given our heritage as a third-party administrator, we have a long history of incorporating best of breed technology to solve business challenges. We are particularly intrigued with Sensely's unique communication platform, which we feel blends the empathic warmth of a trained customer service professional with the clinical precision required in healthcare service navigation. The new member services platform will extend our ability to deliver what our insurance customers and members always ask for, which is an accurate and reassuring way of directing patients through their healthcare journey." "We're delighted to partner with such a forward-thinking organization," said Adam Odessky, CEO and Co-founder of Sensely. "We've seen how new digital channels can drive desired service outcomes across large populations, and we're excited about bringing these capabilities to the dynamic Middle East market. The TPA market provides a great value add for the next generation of self-insured employer benefits manager, who is increasingly under pressure to both control costs and provide a meaningful and competitive health benefits package." About Sensely Sensely helps direct patients and health plan members to the healthcare resource they need, when they need it. Offering an avatar and chatbot-based platform, Sensely intelligently and safely connects patients with clinical advice and services. With offices in London and San Francisco, Sensely's global teams provide digital health solutions to insurance companies, pharmaceutical clients, and hospital systems worldwide. For more information, please visit www.sensely.com. About NAS Established in 2002 in Abu Dhabi, NAS is a regional leader in the provision of third-party administrator services to health insurance companies in the Arabian Gulf (GCC) region. NAS provides its customers a comprehensive network of healthcare providers across the Middle East and India, as well as a complete suite of outsourcing and state-of-the art IT solutions in the field of healthcare benefits administration. Contact: Dov Tamler, 818-481-8371, 194530@email4pr.com View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sensely-announces-partnership-with-leading-middle-east-insurance-services-company-300643217.html SOURCE Sensely Corporation [ Back To www.mobilitytechzone.com\LTE's Homepage ] [May 07, 2018] ASR Nederland NV Selects CCH Tagetik for IFRS 17 for Insurance Contract Accounting STAMFORD, Connecticut and LUCCA, Italy, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Selection based on non-disruptive implementation, trust in solution quality, and demonstrated business understanding CCH Tagetik, part of Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting and a leader in global performance management software solutions, today announced that ASR Nederland NV, the third largest insurance provider in The Netherlands, has selected CCH Tagetik's IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts Solution. ASR Nederland also uses the CCH Tagetik platform for Solvency II, consolidation, tax, cost allocation and disclosure management. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/492891/Tagetik_Logo.jpg ) Issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, IFRS 17 for accounting of insurance contracts goes into effect January 1, 2021, with prior-year comparative reporting required. Under IFRS 17, which replaces IFRS 4, insurance contract liabilities have to be calculated as the present value of future insurance cash flows with a provision for risk. Its goal is to increase transparency and provide greater confidence in reported numbers through the use of a single, consistent accounting model for all insurance contracts. The new reporting standard, applicable to any company issuing insurance contracts, represents the biggest change to insurance accounting in more than 20 years. "IFRS17 compliance is a major project for every insurance company since it will have significant impact on most finance and accounting processes, and will significantly alter the presentation of the financial results," said Patrick Klijnsmit, director of group accounting, reporting, and control at ASR. "Given this huge challenge, we were very conscious of time constraints and implementation risks and selected after a thorough process an IFRS 17 solution to give us enough time to pln, prepare and implement before the actual deadline." "We applaud ASR for its proactive approach to IFRS 17 and its visionary approach to modernizing finance," said Marco van der Kooij, managing director for CCH Tagetik Benelux and Nordic. "When viewed strategically, IFRS 17 can give finance teams new and powerful insights into a company's risk potential and performance drivers." CCH Tagetik's IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts Solution provides a centralized IFRS reporting hub that includes a data repository, calculation modeling, reporting, and disclosures. The solution has pre-built ETLs for easy importing and exporting, as well as workflow management and complete data auditability. The company also offers regulatory solutions for IFRS 9 (financial instruments), IFRS 15 (revenue accounting), and IFRS 16 (lease accounting). For more details, click here . About ASR Nederland NV Headquartered in Utrecht, ASR Nederland NV is one of the top three insurers in the Netherlands. Through its labels a.s.r., De Amersfoortse, Ditzo, Ardanta and Europeesche Verzekeringen, a.s.r. offers insurance, pension and banking products and services to consumers and SMEs. a.s.r. is also active as a fiduciary asset manager, particularly in the public sector. ASR is listed on Euronext Amsterdam (AEX). For more information, please visit www.asrnl.com. About Wolters Kluwer Wolters Kluwer (AEX: WKL) is a global leader in professional information services and solutions for professionals in the health, tax and accounting, risk and compliance, finance and legal sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with specialized technology and services. Wolters Kluwer reported 2016 annual revenues of 4.3 billion. The company, headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands, serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries and employs 19,000 people worldwide. Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting is a leading provider of software solutions and local expertise that helps tax, accounting and audit professionals research and navigate complex regulations, comply with legislation, manage their businesses and advise clients with speed, accuracy and efficiency. CCH Tagetik , a part of the Tax and Accounting division, provides solutions to CFOs for Corporate Performance Management. For more information about our solutions and organization, visit www.wolterskluwer.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Media Contacts: Greta Bartoli CCH Tagetik +39-058396811 office gretabartoli@tagetik.com Linda Galloway insidHR Communications +1-303-863-8620 office +1-203-733-7446 mobile lgalloway@insidhr.com [ Back To www.mobilitytechzone.com\LTE's Homepage ] * Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Jakarta on May 6 for an official visit to Indonesia, the first stop on his first overseas trip since the new cabinet took office in March. * The Libyan coast guard on May 6 rescued 316 illegal migrants of different African nationalities in three separate operations off the country's western coast. * The Israeli army said on May 6 afternoon that it killed three Palestinians trying to infiltrate into Israel from Gaza. Earlier, Hamas vowed that Israel would "pay a heavy price" for an explosion in the central Gaza Strip on May 5 that killed six members of the group's militant wing. * At least 45 people have been confirmed dead and others wounded during an attack at Gwaska village in Nigeria's central north Kaduna state, eyewitnesses said on May 6. * Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on May 6 that Israel is "determined to block Iran's aggression against us, even if this means a military conflict." * Yemen's Houthi rebels fired two ballistic missiles toward an oil facility in the Saudi border city of Jizan on May 6, Houthi-controlled Saba news agency reported. But Saudi state Al Arabiya TV said the Saudi air defense forces intercepted the two missiles and destroyed them. * As many as 268 militants loyal to the Taliban group have been killed and 71 others wounded following series of operations launched by Afghan forces in the county's two restive provinces of Uruzgan and Ghazni over the past six weeks, officials said on May 6. * Tunisia's Islamist Ennahda party claimed victory late on May 6 in the country's first free municipal elections, a key step in a democratic transition marred by economic disappointment. The chronicle of a life split between urban Manhattan and rural Montana. Guests unveil the Karl Marx statue during the unveiling ceremony of the Karl Marx statue in Trier, Germany, on May 5, 2018. A China-donated statue of German philosopher Karl Marx was unveiled on Saturday in his birth town on the 200th anniversary of his birth. (Xinhua/Shan Yuqi) TRIER, Germany, May 5 -- A China-donated statue of German philosopher Karl Marx was unveiled in his hometown Trier Saturday on the 200th anniversary of his birth. The bronze figure portrays a middle-aged Marx in walking, with a book in his left hand, together with his iconic beard. It is situated in proximity to Porta Nigra, a large Roman city gate that's landmark of Trier, one of Germany's oldest cities. Weighing 2.3 metric tons, the bronze figure was mounted in front of a former Marx family home. The statue's height, 5.5 meters, was made to coincide with his birthday on May 5, said its creator Wu Weishan, a Chinese artist. Marx, son of a Jewish lawyer, spent 17 years in Trier, southwestern Germany, before becoming a great thinker. "Marx's ideas are of great value to the world, and in particular had far-reaching influence on China," Guo Weimin, deputy director of the State Council Information Office of China, said in a speech shortly before the statue's debut. Malu Dreyer, the governor of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, in which Trier is located, called the statue from China "a pillar and a bridge for our partnership". Hundreds of people, including local residents, tourists and Chinese guests, took part in the debut, the climax of a series of events in Trier to commemorate Marx. Education Montgomery County Community College will present the spring installment of the interview/talk show program Issues and Insights April 20 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Science Center room 214, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The programs will be simulcast to the Colleges West Campus in South Hall room 216, 101 College Drive, Pottstown. Dr. Kolsky will offer a humorous presentation, Carrots, Sticks and Politics: A State of the Nation and the World Message. In this speech, he will provide his interpretation of domestic and international politics and then welcome questions from the audience for discussion. Issues and Insights, is free and open to the public. For information, contact Dr. Thomas Kolsky, professor of political science, at 215-641-6380 or tkolsky@mc3.edu. Montgomery County Community Colleges STEM Scholars Program will host a STEM Jam! open house April 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Advanced Technology Center at the Colleges Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The drop-in event is designed for students interested in learning more about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Activities will include STEM program information and career advising, STEM speakers throughout the day from industry and academia, micro-helicopter and robotics competitive obstacle courses and demonstrations and static models of STEM student and faculty work. For more information about STEM Jam! or STEM programs at MCCC, contact William Brownlowe at wbrownlowe@mc3.edu or 215-641-6644, or Robin Zuhlke at 215-619-7440 or rzuhlke@mc3.edu. Temple Ambler, located at 580 Meetinghouse Road, presents the following events: International Club Global Bazaar April 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Ambler Campus International Club invites all students, faculty, staff and the community to celebrate a multitude of diverse cultures, which will be showcased at the organizations Global Bazaar. This family friendly event will highlight cultural traditions and celebrations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South American, North America and Africa through music, entertainment, food and informative displays developed and presented by students at the Ambler Campus. Young visitors will be provided with passports, which they may get stamped at each country they visit. Prizes will be awarded to world travelers who talk to cultural representatives, answer questions about the countries theyve visited and take part in fun-filled activities designed to help them learn about the rich diversity of cultures found throughout the world. Refreshments will be served. The event is free. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail tuc36466@temple.edu. EarthFest 2011 April 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 75 exhibitors, including the Philadelphia Zoo, The Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Elmwood Park Zoo and the Insectarium, will take part in EarthFest 2011. School students of all ages are invited to attend and develop displays of their own. EarthFest partner the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society also offers its Kids Grow Expo, featuring the Junior Flower Show, as part of the event. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail duffyj@temple.edu. Annual Spring Plant Sale May 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The plant sale an Ambler Campus tradition dating back to the early 1900s will feature woody plants and perennials in portable sizes, hardy trees, shrubs, and vines, native plants that are attractive to wildlife, herbs, and hanging baskets. There will also be numerous special plants for sale to highlight Amblers special anniversary year. Garden books and garden tools will also be available for sale. Students, staff, and volunteers from the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture and the Ambler Arboretum Advisory Committee will be available to answer questions. All proceeds from the Spring Plant Sale will support the Ambler Arboretum Fund and the Pi Alpha Xi National Honor Society. Information: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary. June Homecoming/Louise Bush-Brown Garden Dedication June 5 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. (June Homecoming), Bright Hall Lounge; 2 p.m. (Garden Dedication), Ambler Campus Formal Perennial Gardens. Tickets June Homecoming: Participant $18 per person; Sustainer $25 per person; Benefactor $40 per person. The 2011 June Homecoming, sponsored by the School of Environmental Design Alumni Association, will include the Alumni Association annual meeting and luncheon. June Homecoming will be followed by the formal dedication of Temple University Amblers Formal Perennial Gardens as the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Gardens. During this 100th anniversary of the campus, Temple University Ambler and the Ambler Arboretum of the Temple University is honoring Louise Bush-Browns many contributions to the history of the campus by formally dedicating the gardens in her honor. During the program, campus Executive William Parshall will welcome guests, Ambler Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey will speak about the Bush-Browns and the history of the garden, and an official ribbon cutting will be held for the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Garden. Following the ribbon cutting, guests are invited to take a tour of the gardens, which will wend their way to the Campus Greenhouse for the School of Environmental Designs annual Plant Auction. Information (Garden Dedication): 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Information (June Homecoming): 215-482-0722. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary. Northview Garden Tour and Fundraiser for the Ambler Arboretum June 12 from noon to 5 p.m. Call for reservations. Tickets: $15 per person or $20 at the door. In addition to the gardens of the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University, Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey has a garden oasis all her own right in Ambler Northview. Visitors will have the opportunity to take self-guided tours throughout the many gardens, where garden experts will be available to answer questions about the various designs. The Ambler Keystone Chapter of the Womans National Farm and Garden Association will also provide tea and refreshments. All proceeds from the tours will support the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University. Information or to register: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary. The Senior Adult Activities Center of Montgomery County, 536 George Street, Norristown, will hold the following events: SAAC Adult Day Care, an alternative to Nursing Home Care is available for information call 610-275-1960 Volunteers are needed for Meals on Wheels Program (call the number above) SAACs Fifth Avenue Boutique opens Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Exercise with Theresa will be held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 p.m. Dance class is held every Monday at 10 a.m. Tai Chi is held every Monday at 10 a.m. Yoga is held every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Line Dancing is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Dancing with Joan is held every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Sculpture Class is held Wednesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Why Should I Learn Spanish? will be held Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Generations On-Line computer classes for seniors will be held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. 4 p.m. computers are available during those hours. Health Living will be held every Tuesday at 1 p.m. Boomer U will hold the following events. Boomer U is located at 45 Forest Avenue, Ambler. Registration & payment is required for all events: 215-619-8863. Pilates Class is held Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. First class is free; please bring a mat. For information call 610-291-5376. Blue Bell School of Dance, 921 Penllyn Blue Bell Pike, Blue Bell, hosts Argentine Tango Classes and a Milonga dance party every Friday evening. Lessons start at 8:30 p.m. followed by dancing at 9:30 p.m. Andrew Conway, master Argentine Tango dancer, instructor and performer and his partner Linda Chase will instruct. All levels welcome and no partner is needed. Refreshments will be served. Fee is $12 per person and includes lesson and dancing. Information: 215-634-1101 or www.amoretango.com. The Montgomery Hospital Medical Center will offer the following classes: Childbirth Education Class- all parents are invited to participate, including those who are delivering at other hospitals. For more information on maternity services or classes, call 610-270-2020. CPR and First Aid Courses are offered for beginners to experiences health care providers. Call 610-270-2313. The Ambler SAAC (Senior Adult Activities Center), located at 45 Forest Ave in Ambler will hold the following events: Tai Chi every Monday and Thursday at 11 a.m. Yoga is every Tuesday at 1 p.m. and Friday at 10:30 a.m. Strength and balance training every Wednesday at 10 a.m. Armchair Aerobics is held every Monday at 10 a.m. Gourmet Weight Wise every Thursday at 12:30. Fitness Center and Pool Room open daily 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The Diabetes Education Center will offer day and evening classes each month. Health insurance pays for diabetes education classes. Preregistration is required. Call 610-270-2301. For Kids & Families The Ambler Kiwanis Club will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt April 26 at 10 a.m. in Ambler Borough Park, located just off of the intersection of Hendricks Street and Valley Brook Road. Members of the Wissahickon Key Club will assist Kiwanians in hiding thousands of wrapped chocolate eggs in a designated area of the park. Also hidden will be plastic colored eggs, which are redeemed for prizes. Elementary school children are separated by age. Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation will hold its 21st annual Storybook Egg-Stravaganza April 15 fom 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Upper Dublin Township Building. Toddlers and preschoolers love this annual event where photo opportunities with favorite friends abound! Treasures are collected from UDP&Rs assortment of lifesize cutouts of favorite cartoon characters from Disney, Sesame Street, Nickelodeon and other well-known animation. Children can have their picture taken with Bugsy OHare; bring your own camera. And dont forget a basket for goodies! $7 for UD residents; $12 for non-residents. Pre-register at 215-643-1600 ext. 3443. Splash Week is a free week-long program that teaches children and families basic swimming skills and water safety practices. All YMCA branches will host multiple classes each day from April 11 to 15. For more information, contact the Ambler Area YMCA at 215-628-9950. Healthy Kids Day is April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day is filled with fun, engaging and artistic activities that cultivate healthy living as part of the YMCAs larger efforts to help more kids and families become physically active. All activities are free and open to the community. For more information, contact the Ambler YMCA at 215-628-9950. No reservation is required. The Ambler Area YMCA has added several new programs for area youngsters. Classes are held late afternoons or evenings on various weekdays. For more information, visit philaymca.org or call 215-628-9950. Basic Beading: Ages: 10+. Wednesdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. This class will teach you the fundamentals of wiring and stringing along with how color can be used to create unique and vibrant beadwork design. You will create various jewelry including earrings, bracelets, charm pendants and much more! Supplies will be provided. Bringing your own jewelry pliers or tools would be a plus. Messin with the Masters: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. Learn about some of the worlds greatest artists. You will be inspired to create your own Starry Night with oil pastels and tempera paints, a tissue paper painted Monet garden, a Picasso head using scraps of paper, a Georgia OKeeffe clay flower bowl and a Rousseau jungle collage. Super Scientist: Ages: 5-7. Mondays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Well be concocting chemistry experiments such as making slime, mixing potions and having fun with magnet magic. Your budding little scientist will enhance his/her creative thinking and motor skills and to top it off will learn that science can be serious fun. Wacky Junk Art: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 6 to 6:45 p.m. Why throw it away! Instead join us to make household junk into aliens from outer space, wacky specs, crazy hats, body masks or a recycled train. Globe Trotters: Ages: 4-6. Tuesdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Youre never too young to start thinking globally. Each week, we explore a new country through crafts, games, music, stories and even some taste-testing. A perfect introduction to our great big world! Crazy about Crafts: Ages: 5-7, Thursdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Let your childs creative juices flow with our fun arts and crafts projects each week. Fine motor skills and creative thinking skills will be enhanced with this crafty class. Come out and join the Ambler Area YMCAs Teen and Junior Leaders Club. Participants are given the freedom to plan community service projects year round and truly make a difference in the lives of people in need. Those in Teen and Junior Leaders also attend leadership retreats all along the East Coast three times a year and meet other leaders who are doing the same great work in their respective areas. Dont miss out on this inspiring opportunity. Teen Leaders, ages 13-17, meet every Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Junior Leaders, ages 10-12, will begin in the spring and will meet every Monday. For more information, contact Mike Miles, Teen Director, 215- 628-9950 x 1540 or mmiles@philaymca.org. Did you know that the new Ambler Area YMCA holds childrens birthday parties at its site for members and non members as well. The Ambler Y does all the work from start to finish and birthday parties include a personalized cake, ice cream, beverage and paper products. Parties are held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and include two party hosts to lead activities, set-up, clean-up and assist with serving. You can have a Splash Party for children ages six to 12 in the new zero depth entry pool with water slide and spray fountains. Up to 25 children have exclusive use of the pool area with 30 minutes in the party room. Sports Parties are offered for kids ages four to 12 with age appropriate activities and games, and sports such as floor hockey, soccer, basketball or dodge ball. Children ages three to five years of age will enjoy parties in the Family Active Center with use of the Moon Bounce and organized activities, such as parachute play and songs. For information, 215-628-9950 ext. 1583. Community Events at the Ambler Y: -YAchievers YMCA Achievers is a developmentally based, extracurricular, educational and team mentoring program designed to help students in grades five through 12 prepare for fulfilled livelihoods in college and beyond. Participation is free and all students in this program receive a free YMCA membership. Registration for the 2009 program begins now. You do not need to be a YMCA member to utilize these special services. Call 215-628-9950 to register. Greater Norristown Art Leagues Childrens Weeklong Summer Art Camps will be held at 800 West Germantown Pike in East Norriton, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout the summer. The cost per session is $125 per student for ages 6 and up. Jo Ann Cooksey Bono teaches an introduction to basic drawing skills and techniques from 10 a.m. until the lunch break each day. In the afternoon sessions, Mary Vogel Lozinak involves the students in hands on projects such as collage, papermaking, T-shirt printing, 3D design and sculpy clay. Fridays Graduation Day includes an art show, awards ceremony and reception for parents, siblings, grandparents and friends. All supplies are included. Students provide their own lunch. A refrigerator is available and the building is air-conditioned. This is the 15th year to run this successful program. Both instructors are professional artists with State Police and Child Abuse Clearances. To register, call Jo Ann at 610-279-1008, or register on-line at www.gnal.org. Health Dresher Physical Therapy is hosting an interactive seminar discussing its Golf Assessment Progam April 30 from 10 a.m. to noon at Dresher Physical Therapy, 1075 Virginia Drive, Suite 200, Fort Washington. Physical therapist Chris Miller, certified through the Titleist Performance Institute, will discuss why your body may be the most important piece of golf equipment you invest in and how this can drastically improve your game. $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Call 215-619-4545 to reserve your spot. The Chestnut Hill Center for Enrichment, Center on the Hill and Chestnut Hill Hospital will host a Senior Health and Resource Fair April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Chestnut Hill Presbyterian Church, 8855 Germantown Ave. The event is free. For more information, call 215-248-0180 or e-mail chseniors@cavtel.net. The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is hosting Help Yourself to Health, a new six-week workshop for older adults with ongoing health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, heart disease and others. The free workshop will take place at the Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center, 45 Forest Ave. on six Thursdays, May 12 through June 16 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Although there is no charge to participate, registration is required. To register, call 215-619-8863. The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is sponsoring an eight-week program called A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls. Presented by the Montgomery County Health Department, this workshop will be held on Tuesdays, May 3 to June 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ambler Center, 45 Forest Ave. If you pre-register by April 27, the fee is only $5! Registration at the first class is $10. (Checks should be payable to SAAC and will benefit our Meals on Wheels program that serves homebound seniors.) A workbook will be provided and refreshments will be served. Call 215-619-8863 to register or for more information. Fort Washington Wellness Center classes are ongoing. There are several offered during lunch or right after work, for your convenience: Boot Camp from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday; Zumba is MWF from 11 a.m. to noon and Friday at 4 p.m.; there are 25 cycling classes; Ashtanga and Vinyasana Yoga and Pilates; and a group Womens Strength Training class M-F from 10 to 11 a.m. Questions, call Cathy DeMarco at 215-641-1245. Following the success of other local area programs, Impact Sports and Upper Dublin Parks and Recreation are delighted to team up again to offer a spring program for the 2011 season! Upper Dublin area children ages 3-5 years old can attend a Sports Program featuring their favorite sports games; soccer, rugby, hockey, track and field, basketball, and more. The program will start on April 27 and run through June 1. Cost for the program is $85 for the six weeks. The classes will be running 12- 1 p.m.; 1- 2 p.m.; 2- 3 p.m. For more info or to register, call Upper Dublin Township on 215 643 1600 or visit their website a http://www.upperdublin.net. Spring Aquatic Programs UDHS Pool: -Summer is just around the corner Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool can help get you into shape! Programs begin in March; preregistration is required. Shallow Water Aerobics Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 8-8:45 p.m., $40R/$50NR. Adult Swim Instructions Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 7-8 p.m., $50R/$60NR -Open Rec Swims are fun for the whole family! Come out on Fridays from 7-9 p.m. or Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. and enjoy use of the pool and diving area. Fridays are offered through June 17; Saturdays are offered March 12-May 21. -Join a growing group of adult lap swimmers and water walkers. Lanes are set aside evenings and weekends for use; lanes are shared. Monday Thursday from 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Fridays from 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays (March 12-May 21) from 1-4 p.m. -Private Swimming & Diving Lessons for ages 3-adult are offered at the UDHS Pool through a partnership with the Upper Dublin Aquatic Club (UDAC). Visit the UDAC website for more information, www.udac.us, and click the link to UDHS Private Lessons. -Looking for local programs for US Masters Swimming (adults) or Water Polo (all ages)? UDAC and UDSD are working together to develop programs that will be offered at the UDHS Pool. Add your name to Interest Lists by emailing slohoefer@upperdublin.net. emails will be sent about clinics and program start dates. Questions about Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool, group use of the pool or pool rental? Contact Susan Lohoefer, Facility & Community Affairs Manager at slohoefer@upperdublin.net or call 215-643-8800 x8994. SilverSneakers Fitness Program. The Healthyways SilverSneakers Fitness Program is a result-oriented program that enables older adults to take charge of their health. The program is an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle and socially oriented programing. Members of the program are eligible for a free YMCA membership, with use of the pool and exercise equipment, along with customized classes designed for older adults who want to improve their strength, flexibility, balance and endurance. If you are a subscriber to Independence Blue Cross (Personal Choice 65 PPO) or Keystone 65 HMO, Bravo Health, or Health Options Programs (HOP), call the Ambler Area YMCA, 215-628-9950 or Hatboro Area YMCA, 215-674-4545. You can also visit www.silversneakers.com. Zumba Fitness offers Zumba dance/fitness classes at Academy of Dance and Music/BBAD Studio located at 1524 DeKalb Pike in Blue Bell (behind Sherwin Williams). Classes are offered three times a week: Tuesdays at 6 p.m., Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. For a free trial pass for your first class, email us at info@danceandmusic.biz or call 610-277-2557. For more info, visit our site at www.academyofdanceandmusic.org. Chestnut Hill Health Systems presents the following Health Education Programs: FITNESS CLASSES Golden Yoga: A Breathing, Stretching and Relaxation Class. Fridays, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Lea Auditorium, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. Registration for four classes at a time required. Golden Yoga is Classical Yoga, adapted by the SKY Foundation, to accommodate those who have difficulty getting up and down from the floor. The program includes postures, breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques, all performed while sitting in a chair and standing. Registration required. Call 215-247-3029. Cost: $20 for 4 classes per month. Tai Chi: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30 9:30 a.m. Springfield Residence, 8601 Stenton Ave. Classes, for the novice or beginner/intermediate student, are designed to improve balance, power, posture, coordination, flexibility and mental focus. Slow, gentle movements are modified to most everyones abilities. For more information or to sign up for a free introductory class, call 215-882-2804. Cost: $8 per class/paid monthly. SUPPORT GROUPS Weight Loss Surgery Support Group: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 7-8 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. Join us for a monthly get-together where well share information for those interested in weight loss surgery, learn from guest speakers discussing current news on issues including lifestyle modification, nutrition and exercise and provide ongoing support for those who have completed surgery. Registration required. Call 215-753-2000. Breast Cancer Networking Group: Fourth Tuesday of the month 5:30 7 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. A free, confidential support group for women living with a diagnosis of breast cancer designed to provide a forum for sharing information, feelings and concerns associated with breast cancer. Facilitated by Tish Wakefield, LCSW, Oncology Social Worker. Registration required. To register or for more information, call 215-248-8047. New Moms Support Groups Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. 12 p.m.; contact Jeanine ORourke, MSW or 2:30 4 p.m.; contact Susan Schack, Ph.D Volunteer Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. The Center for Postpartum Depression at Chestnut Hill Hospital is pleased to offer two new support groups to support new moms. Both groups will be run by experienced mental health professionals who really get it when it comes to new motherhood and juggling relationships, extended family, work/family balance and self-care. If you are experiencing new mom challenges that often heighten anxiety and involve hormonally driven depression, join us for an informative and supportive forum to connect with other moms. Infants are welcome. $30 per session (flexible based on need). Registration is required. Call Dr. Schack, 646-265-2484, or Ms. ORourke, 215-206-2931. Man to Man Prostate Cancer Support Group Third Thursday of the month 8-9 a.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. A networking group for men diagnosed with prostate cancer designed to provide education, support and encouragement. Spouses and partners welcome. Harry M. Baer, MD, Chief, Urology Division, will host Ask the Doctor. Registration required. Call 215-248-8325. Contact the Senior Center by phone 215-248-0180 or email (chseniors@cavtel.net) with your questions about these programs or any of our on-going activities and classes. Holy Redeemer HomeCare and Hospice seeks compassionate and emotionally mature volunteers to provide support to local hospice patients and their families in Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. Volunteers may also assist with pet therapy and administrative work within the hospice department and are requested to have daytime availability. Hospice patient care volunteers visit with patients in their homes or nursing facilities once a week for two to three hours. They provide emotional support and companionship to patients and family members, assist with errands or provide respite for caregivers. Bereavement volunteers support the families of hospice patients following the loss of a loved one, while administrative volunteers assist with typing, mailings and/or filing. Hospice care workers provide a great service to families and loved ones of hospice patients. Many volunteers also report a great deal of personal satisfaction as a result of their services. Patient care and bereavement volunteers complete an application and attend an 18-hour volunteer training program that covers the medical, psychological and spiritual aspects of hospice volunteering. Day and evening training programs are offered. To sign up for volunteer opportunities in Pennsylvania, contact Holy Redeemer Volunteer Coordinator Jean Francis at 215-698-3737 or email jfrancis@holyredeemer.com. Librarytalk Upper Dublin Public Library, 805 Loch Alsh Avenue, Ft. Washington, 215-628-8744 www.upperdublinlibrary.org APRIL CHILDRENS PROGRAMS: Storytimes: Please register in the library. o Wee Ones: 0 to 23 months Thursdays and Fridays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. o Tiny Tots: age 2. Wednesdays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. and Fridays 11 to 11:20 a.m. o Jr. Book Lovers: ages 3 to 6. Tuesdays 10:30 to 11 a.m. o Bedtime Storytimes: 7 to 7:30 p.m. April 20 and 27. Wear your jammies, bring your teddy & hear Miss Barbara read bedtime stories! For ages 3 to 6. APRIL TEEN PROGRAMS: North Hills Library Teens April 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. Movie Matinee APRIL UDPL ADULT PROGRAMS: NEW! ESL Conversation Group. Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Interested in practicing your English in a safe and caring environment? Come to our conversation group and improve your skills! Please register with Kay Klocko at 215-628-8744 or kklocko@mclinc.org. One-on-One Computer Mentoring. Get personalized assistance from experienced computer volunteers! Sign-up for a one-hour session. Limit one session per month. Please register contact info above. Book Groups Please register with Kay Klocko 215-628-8744. o Daytimers: April 21 at 1:30 p.m. Tired of book groups where you all read the same book? Read any fiction or non-fiction book on this months theme: Explorers. Please register. Meetings: Annual Meeting of the Friends of UDPL: April 14 at 1 p.m. Board of Directors: April 20 at 7 p.m. Blue Bell Library www.wvpl.org Upcoming Events: The Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 650 Skippack Pike (Route 73) in Blue Bell, is diagonally across from the Blue Bell Inn. Call 215-643-1320 or visit their website at www.wvpl.org. For children and teens at Blue Bell: * Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian. * Mondays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages. * Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages. * Fridays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages. * Family Movies, new releases, second Saturdays of the month at 1:30 p.m. * May 14 Despicable Me * June 11 Alpha and Omega * Special Events * April watch for date of spring/Easter events * April 14 at 4:30 p.m. Junior Lego Club for children ages 3 through 5. Parents and caregivers need to stay with children. * April 14 at 7 p.m. Jeopardy for ages 11 to 18. Test your book and library knowledge for prizes. Sign up to be a contestant. No sign up to be in the audience. Snacks provided. * April 16 at 1 p.m. Adult Mystery Book Group discussing The Beekeepers Apprentice by Laurie King. * April 16 at 1:30 p.m. Childrens event for One Book, Every Young Child celebration. Story and craft for book Whose Shoes? * April 19 at 7 p.m. and April 26 at 1:30 p.m.- Adult book group discusses The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester. Group led by Adam Button. * April 30 through May 3 Friends book sale with about 10,000 items for sale for children, teens and adults. * May sign up for Science in the Summer * June sign up for Enrichment Programs for Elementary-Age children * June sign up for Summer Reading, all ages For adults at Blue Bell: * Daytime Book Discussion Group fourth Tuesday, Jan April at 1:30 p.m. * April 26 The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester * Night-time Book Discussion Group third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. o April 19 The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester * Art Series with Dr. Sheldon Weintraub, docent at The Barnes and speaker at local colleges o April 27 at 2 p.m. The Art of Looking at Art-Is She Nude or Is She Naked? *Mystery Book Discussion Group, third Saturday of the month at 1 p.m.; new mystery theme each month; www.wvpl.org/programs * Yoga on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop-in class. * Tai Chi on Mondays at 3 p.m. with Dr. Kurt Findeisen. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop in class. * Philadelphia Museum of Art presents class on their Marc Chagall exhibit, April 13 at 2 p.m. * Giant Book Sale, April 29 May 3 o Starts with almost 10,000 items for children and adults! o Held during library hours. o Preview for members of the Friends of the Library, April 28 at 7 p.m. o Join the Friends and attend the preview sale. Modest fee to join. * Blooms at Blue Bell Gardening Series o May 11 at 1 p.m. Summer Bulbs by PA Horticultural Society * Knitting group Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Work on your project or observe and learn. The groups continue year-round in the community room. * Socrates Cafe discussion group every Monday at 7 p.m. You pick the topic to discuss each week. No sign-up, nothing to read. * Bridge every Friday at 12:30 p.m. New players welcome. * Mah Jong every Wednesday at 1 p.m. New players welcome. *Chess every Wednesday at 7p.m. for adults and teens 14 and older. * Movie Matinee showing recent releases every Thursday at 2 p.m. April 14: Maos Last Dancer; April 21: Welcome to the Rileys; April 28: Conviction; May 5: Inception; May 12: Inside Job; May 19 The Kings Speech; May 26 The Fighter; June 2 Rabbit Hole; June 9 Black Swan; June 16 127 Hours * Ongoing like-new, year-round book sale for adults & children during library hours * Library opening at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday! Ambler Library, a branch of the Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 209 Race St., 215-646-1072. www.wvpl.org. All the following events occur at the Ambler Library. * Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian. * Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages. * Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages. * For adults: * Beading Group meets the first and third Monday of every month at 1 p.m. Work on your own projects or come to watch and learn. * Free Family History Lookup with Connie Briggs. Email Connie for an appointment at the Ambler Library. conniebriggs@comcast.net * Special Events: * April 14 at 1:30 p.m. Book Group discusses Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian. * April 19 at 7 p.m. Travel to Paris with world traveler Harry Balin. Tea and scones at 6:30 p.m. * April 21 at 7 p.m. Art with Sara for children in fourth through seventh grades. *May 2 at 6:30 p.m. Discuss the movie Lone Star with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time. *May 10 Robert Capucci discusses Art into Fashion. Tea and scones served at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m. *May 12 at 1:30p.m. Book Group discusses The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman. *May 17 Tour the gardens of Devon and Southwest England with Lois McMullen. Tea and Scones at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m. *June 13 at 6:30 p.m. Discuss the movie Blade Runner with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time. Meetings and Lectures The Unisys Blue Bell Retiree Group will meet in the Church on the Mall in the Plymouth Meeting Mall April 14 at 1:30 p.m. Kathy Sacket Young, director/trainer with the North Penn YMCA, will speak on Keeping Fit in Retirement. For more information, contact Membership Committee Chairperson Jerry Feldscher at 610-275-3538 or President Al Rollin at 215-368-4833. The next FWBA meeting will be April 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m.; meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Leon Singletary, Principal, First Contact HR and FWBA Executive Board, will present: Social Media: How to Use It To Get More Business. Lunch is provided courtesy of the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Members are welcome to bring a guest. An RSVP is requested by return email or 215-628-0313. Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern PA is hosting a information sessions over the next few weeks on how to become a Big Brother. The information sessions will take place: April 16 at noon, April 19 at 8 a.m. and April 28 at 6 p.m. All sessions will be held at the groups Norristown Office,t 530 DeKalb St., Norristown. For more information, call 610-277-2200. The North Penn Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) normally meets on the third Tuesday of each month from now until May. Meetings are held at the William Penn Inn on Route 202 and Sumneytown Pike, Upper Gwynedd, PA. Social hour starts at 5:30 p.m., dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., and the technical program begins at 7 p.m. Cost with reservation is $28 for members. Members without reservations and guests pay $30. Students with reservations pay $15. Reservations may be made by noon on the Monday preceding the meeting by phoning 215-371-1854 or emailing the reservation to northpennima@yahoo.com northpennima@yahoo.com. Information about the North Penn Chapter is available at http://northpenn.imanet.org/. LeTip, a professional organization of men and women who are dedicated to the highest standards of competence and service meets every Tuesday at Cedar Brook Country Club, 180 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell at 7 a.m. -meeting officially starts at 7:16 a.m. and ends at 8:31 a.m. Our purpose is the exchange of business tips, leads, and referrals. Each business category is represented by one member and conflicts of interest are disallowed. Guests are welcome to visit any of our breakfast meetings. Every third Thursday of month, Sunrise Assisted Living of Blue Bell (795 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422, 215-619-2777) serves as a satellite site to 148th Legislative district PA congressman Mike Gerber from 10 a.m. to noon. Stop by for help needed with things such as disability placards and license plates, vehicle registration, utilities issues, birth/death certificates,property tax/rent rebates, etc. Notary services arranged by appointment. The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is an action-oriented organization dedicated to promoting its members and the economic health of eastern Montgomery county. The Chamber is committed to serving as a catalyst by uniting business, community agencies, government and education to make our county a great place to live and work. For information, call 215-887-5122 or visit www.emccc.org. Do you have a fear of public speaking? Blue Bell Toastmasters Club can help. We meet from 7 to 9 p.m., on the second and fourth Tuesday at the Marriott Courtyard, located on Route 202, directly across from the Montgomeryville Mall. Learn how to improve communication and leadership skills in a friendly and supportive environment. Guests are welcome. Admission fee: $5. For more info, visit www.bbtoast.org. The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will hold the following meetings (for reservations to any of the following, email info@PennSuburban.org) -Breakfast News Network, 7:30-8:45 a.m. at Normandy Farm Hotel (1401 Morris Road, Blue Bell, PA 19422) $15 members, includes full buffet breakfast. Join us for a networking program at Normandy Farm Hotel every Thursday morning for breakfast, business news, informative speakers, and plenty of networking. The cost includes a full breakfast buffet. Copies of the business cards will be made available to those who would like them. The BNI, Fort Washington Chapter meets every Monday at The Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Pennsylvania Ave., Fort Washington for a networking meeting. Meetings are from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Visitors are welcome. The only cost to attend is the cost of your meal. For information or a reservation to attend, please call Luanne Cram at 215-947-7784, or visit our Internet site at: http://www.BNIDVR.Com and click on the menu item Find a Chapter. For the past seven years, people have enjoyed participating in WVWAs Adopt-a-Tree program. Individuals can support the Association in its reforestation efforts by purchasing native trees to be planted. Supporters can plant their adopted tree or have WVWA volunteers will plant it. Trees cost $30 each. If you would like to volunteer or purchase a tree(s), please contact: Bob Adams at Bob@wvwa.org or call: 215-646-8866 for more information. Check www.WVWA.org for directions and maps. Sustainable Upper Dublin, http://sustainableupperdublin.org, meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at the Upper Dublin Township Building, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington, PA 19034. Please send any questions to suec@sustainableupperdublin.org or call 610-996-6316. To learn more about Sustainable Upper Dublin, view or join the discussion at http://googlegroups.com/group/sustainableupperdublin. Special Events The Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard will hold its first nutrition class April 19 at 10 a.m. at the Community Cupboard, 150 N. Main St., Ambler. Lynne Sinclair, a nutritionist from Abington Memorial Hospital specializing in diabetic nutrition, will conduct the class. Topics will include healthy eating, beneficial foods, recipes, making meals with every day foods, and how to use unfamiliar produce. A healthy snack will be provided.The class is is open to all residents in Montgomery County. The Historical Society of Fort Washington presents The History of Conshohocken April 19 at 8 p.m. at the Clifton House, 473 Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington. Jack Coll will present an illustrated program on the history of the Borough of Conshohocken. Coll is a longtime resident of Conshohocken and a member of the Conshohocken Historical Society. He is co-author with his son, Brian, of the Arcadia Then and Now Series book Conshohocken. He has also done books Conshohocken and West Conshohocken Sports and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Italian Feast. He has taken many photos for the Conshohocken Record and the Norristown Times Herald. This program is free. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, call 215-646-6065. Taste of the White House Soiree featuring former White House Chef Walter Scheib will take place April 29 at 6 p.m. at Manufacturers Golf & Country Club in Fort Washington to celebrate HealthLinks 10th anniversary and honor its founders, the Eugene Jackson Family. The evening will heat up with a Chef Meet & Greet, followed by a specially selected presidential menu. Gala tickets are $150 per person. Proceeds benefit HealthLink, a free clinic providing compassionate, quality medical and dental care to uninsured, working adults in Bucks and Montgomery counties who fall in between the health care cracks. Go to http://tasteofthewhitehouse.charityhappenings.org to make reservations online or lend support through sponsorship. For event information, call 267-699-0124 or email jmarushak@healthlinkmedical.org. The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association will hold an open house at the Evans-Mumbower Mill April 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. The Mill is at the corner of Swedesford and Township Line Roads in Upper Gwynedd. The open house is free but donations are welcome. For more information, call 215-646-8866 o email info@wvwa.org. The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce will host Breakfast With Your County Commissioners and State Representatives April 21 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Fort Washington, 432 W. Pennasylvania Ave. Commissioners: James R. Matthews (Chairman), Joseph M. Hoeffel (Vice Chair), State Representatives: Todd Stephens (District 151) and Josh Shapiro (District 153). Register onlineat www.emccc.org. $10 for EMCCC member; $20 for non-members. Upper Dublins Districtwide Allied Art Show will be held April 27 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the Upper Dublin High School Athletic Complex. The Rev. Alfred Muli, chaplain at Fort Washington Estates, will be the featured speaker at the Kiwanis sponsored breakfast observing the National Day of Prayer May 5 at 7 a.m. at the William Penn Inn. The breakfast is open to the public ($15). Reservations can be made by calling 215-646-4356 or by emailing georgesaurman@Juno.com. The Upper Dublin Shade Tree Commission invites people to participate in its spring bare root planting events, sponsored in part by Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Friends of Robbins Park. On April 9, zix trees will be planted at the Evelyn B. Wright Park & Community Pool, 401 Logan Ave., North Hills, at 9 a.m., followed by the planting of 10 trees at Sheeleigh Park, Loch Alsh Avenue and Douglas Street, Ambler, at 10:15 a.m. On April 29, students from Upper Dublin High School will join the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to plant 16 trees in Robbins Park, Butler Pike and Meetinghouse Road, Ambler, to help launch the societys Million Trees campaign. This event will occur in conjunction with Temple Amblers EarthFest. Experienced tree-tenders are sought to assist the students. For more information,contact Ron Ayres at 215-653-0421 or 215-483-4348. The Friends of the Wissahickon and the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association are teaming up once again to clean the Wissahickon Creek from top to bottom April 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. This spring marks the 41st anniversary of Wissahickon Valley Watershed Associations annual Creek Clean Up, and the second year that FOW has teamed up with WVWA. Volunteers of all ages will clean the creek, the surrounding trails and the many tributaries of the Wissahickon Creek. Armed with bags, volunteers will be assigned to sections of the creek. Following the clean up, all volunteers are invited to WVWAs Talkin Trash picnic in Fort Washington State Park, with food provided by Whole Foods Market of North Wales. The pavilion is located on Mill Road in Flourtown. To help out in Montgomery County, all volunteers must be pre-assigned a section of the Wissahickon Creek to clean. Please contact Bob Adams, WVWA director of stewardship, at 215-646-8866 ext. 14 or bob@wvwa.org. To work with the Friends of the Wissahickon in Philadelphia, meet at the pavilion along Forbidden Drive, a short distance south of the intersection of Forbidden Drive and Northwestern Avenue. Limited parking is available along Northwestern Avenue and other nearby streets. Volunteers are encouraged to bike or carpool to the event. To participate, register at www.fow.org. Contact Kevin Groves with questions at 215-247-0417 ext. 105 or groves@fow.org. Montgomery County Community Colleges International Club invites the community to the second annual International Festival April 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The rain date is April 26. The International Club will transform the outside quad area into multicultural celebration with various performances by dancers, singers and musicians. Artists will share their artwork at various display tables. Activities include games, raffles, Easter egg decorating and henna tattoos. Students will have samples of international cuisine at tables representing different countries and will serve food from various local ethnic restaurants. Throughout the evening, volunteers will accept donations and will raffle gift baskets and prizes to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity. Donations of food, international clothes and prizes are needed. Volunteers, including artists and performers, are welcome. For more information or to sponsor an activity, contact Gillian Nel, International Club president, at gnel9277@students.mc3.edu or 267-974-0163. The Arts and Humanities Division at Montgomery County Community College is partnering with the Philadelphia Writers Conference to host Memoirs Matter: How Life Stories (Including Yours) Can Transform Your Relationship to Literature April 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Advanced Technology Center room 101, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The event is free and open to the public. In the first part of this two-hour seminar, professor and author Robert Waxler will explain how writing his two memoirs affected his life as well as his relationship to literature. In the second part, blogger and workshop leader Jerry Waxler will present a sequence of steps to help writers find their own story. For information, contact Dana Resente at dresente@mc3.edu. The Maple Glen Garden Club will hold its fourth annual Plant Sale on May 7 from 8 to 11 a.m. Perennials, shrubs, vegetables and native plants grown by the club members will be sold. The club uses the plant sale proceeds to fund community projects, a college scholarship and community plantings. The sale will be held in the 500 block of Coach Road, Horsham, as part of a neighborhood garage sale. Plants will be sold at bargain prices. For more information, email MapleGlenGardenClub@gmail.com. The Relay for Life Craft Show is looking for local crafters to participate in show, which will be May 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Wissahickon High School track, 521 Houston Road, Ambler. There is a $10 entry fee, and 20 percent of sales are donated to the American Cancer Society. Participants will receive a 6-foot table under a tent. For information, contact Joanne at joannescoles@comcast.net or Mindy at mcamsilver@comcast.net. Spring House Estates is hosting its annual book fair on April 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. and April 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Included will be hardback and paperback used books. Spring House Estates is located at 728 Norristown Road, Lower Gwynedd. The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will present the Penn Suburban/Hatfield Joint Business Card Exchange April 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Univest Bank Lansdale Area Financial Service Center, 120 Forty Foot Road, Hatfield. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. Join Univest National Bank and Trust Co. for a spring-inspired Business Card Exchange at its newest office in the Hatfield Pointe Shopping Center. Come out and meet members of Univests executive management team while enjoying fine food and beverages. 13th Annual Community Reading Day Kick-off Breakfast Get Together April 26 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the North Wales Area Library, 233 Swartley St., North Wales. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. For more information, contact the chamber office at 215-362-9200 or info@pennsuburban.org. Join presenting sponsor Verizon, chamber staff and fellow members for the Community Reading Day volunteer get together. The Community Reading Day program allows volunteers to read a designated book to second-grade students throughout 38 area public and private schools and present the book as a gift to each class. Even if you are not a volunteer, you are cordially invited to stop by to network, enjoy coffee and pastries. Ambler Mennonite Church is hosting a Spring Craft Show and Flea Market May 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rain date will be May 28. The community is invited to shop the great craft booths, find some gifts and deals, as well as enjoy home baked goods and tasty lunch specials. Childrens activities are planned. All vendors are encouraged to contact the church at 215-643-4876 or AmblerMennonite@verizon.net. Advertising, signage, customer parking and a shuttle to auxiliary parking at nearby lots for vendors will be provided. 10 foot by 10 foot spaces can be rented for $5 each and tables for an additional $5 each. All proceeds from space and table rentals go toward school kits for children around the world. The church is located at the corner of East Mt. Pleasant Avenue and North Spring Garden Street, Ambler. The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association presents The Life & Times of Aquatic Insects in the Wissahickon Creek April 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. Join WVWA for a hands-on program. RSVP required: www.wvwa.org or 215-646-8866. WVWA member fee: $5 per person / $15 per family. Non-WVWA member fee: $10 per person / $20 per family. The photography exhibition Natures Palette by photo-artist Judy Miller will run March 18 to May 19 at the Art in the Storefront gallery, 41 E. Butler Pike, Ambler. JPRN Networking For People in Transition & People Who Can Help Them Unemployment remains high. JPRN, the Jarrettown Professional Relationship Network can help. Are you trying to network your way to a new job? Do you have expertise or contacts that can help people in transition? Is your company or organization looking for people in the area? This is a free outreach program to support those seeking work, involve people with contacts and networking know how, and involve local companies. Meetings held monthly at Jarrettown United Methodist Church, Limekiln Pike. Pennsylvanias Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) grant program is now open for the 2010-11 heating season. Grants are based on income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. Additional information, such as specific income limits, and applications for LIHEAP grants are available online via the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) website at www.compass.state.pa.us. Applications are available at most public officals district offices, county assistance offices, local utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies. Begin your holiday shopping at Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation! Entertainment books for 2011, Philadelphia North, are now on sale at $30 each. Regal/United Artists movie tickets are on sale for just $7.50 each, and tickets to the Adventure Aquarium, Baltimore Aquarium, and the Philadelphia Zoo are also available. Discounted ski vouchers to area mountains will be arriving in December; call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information. Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. RSVP of Montgomery County and the Wissahickon Valley Public Library have partnered again to offer the public their popular free mock interview sessions. The mock interviews are conducted by RSVP volunteers who are retired professionals, some of whom were in hiring positions themselves. Packets of information which include a sample employment application and interviewing tips with mock interview questions are available at the library to pick up prior to a scheduled mock interview or will be sent via email once the interview is scheduled. To schedule your interview, please contact Janis Glusman at RSVP 610-834-1040, ext. 16. The library is also offering a free resume review service. Bring in your current resume and the professional reference staff will assist you with hints and tips on capturing your work history accurately. Registration for Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation summer playgrounds, Camp B.I.G. and Small Folks, X-Zone, and sports camps has began. Register online at www.upperdublin.net/store, or at the UDP&R office, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington. Call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information. Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Danielles Espresso Cafe presents Mornings at Mondaug Bark Park April 16 and May 21 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Meet fellow dog lovers. These events include complimentary coffee, treats for people and pups and raffles/giveaways. Upper Dublins Annual Spring Flea Market will be held June 4 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reserve a table, or come and shop. Tables are $15 for UD residents, $20 for non-residents. This successful event occurs rain or shine. Refreshments available. Call 215-643-1600 ext. 3443 to register for a table. Regal movie tickets available for purchase at Upper Dublin Township Parks & Recreation. Reduced rate: $7.50 per ticket. Some restrictions apply. Call 215-643-1600 x3443. Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation movie tickets $7.50 Regal Cinemas, United Artist & Edwards Cinemas on sale throughout the year Monday Friday from 9 a.m. 4 p.m. Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation Camp Sign-ups for Stony Creek Day Camp Stony Creek Tracers and Park n Tots. Register on-line at www.whitpaintownship.org OrCome to Township Building with check or Visa MasterCard Monday Friday from 9 a.m. 4 p.m. For additional information call 610.277-2400 ext. 374 Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation offers exciting new programs for the fall: -Returning favorites include UK Elite Petite Soccer, Tiny Dancers, Kiddie Tennis, Fun-nastics, Messy Playtime, Little Chefs, and more. Babysitters Training will be offered in November and December. Continuing Adult Fitness Classes include Cardio Circuit, Core & More, Yoga, Boxing, and Adult G.Y.M. For more information call 215-643-1600 x3443. Register for programs online at www.upperdublin.net/store. Music and Theater The community is invited to a Cantors Concert April 16 at 8 p.m. Congregation Beth Or, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen. Listen and hum-along to the Yiddish, pop tunes and classical music performed by Congregation Beth Ors own Cantor David Green and his special guest, Cantor Irvin Bell, from Temple Beth Israel in Deerfield Beach, Fla. The cantors will be accompanied by Mark Sobol and his Klezmer musicians. Tickets are $18 in advance and $25 at the door. RSVP with payment to Barb Murtha, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen, PA 19002, or call 215-646-5806 ext. 220. Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse will host the Jameson Sisters May 14. Doors open at 7:30 pm, performance at 8:00 pm. Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse is located at the corner of Rte. 202 & Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd. $5 suggested donation. Light refreshment available at a modest cost. For further information, call 215-393-9576 or visit gwyneddmeeting.org/coffeehouse.html. Celebrate patriotism through song with Gwynedd-Mercy Colleges choir, the Voices of Gwynedd, as it presents Hear America Singing April 15 at 8 p.m. The choir will perform song selections from all over the country, including Georgia on My Mind, New York State of Mind, and a medley including Philadelphia Freedom and Allentown. The performance will end with When the Saints Go Marching In to acknowledge the choirs upcoming tour in New Orleans. Hear America Singing will take place in the Julia Ball Auditorium, located in St. Bernard Hall. Parking is available in lots A, C and D. Admission is free. The Choristers will present Anton Dvoraks Stabat Mater April 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church in Ambler. The choir will be accompanied by a 41-piece orchestra. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens, $10 for students and children are free. Tickets will be sold in advance or at the door. For more information, call 215-542-7871 or visit TheChoristers.org Religious News The Staircase Gallery at Or Hadash: A Reconstructionist Congregation in Fort Washington will feature the work of Emily Ennuat-Lustine. The artist will be showing paintings and graphics inspired by her own personal spiritual journey and quest for meaning. Some of the works to be shown have been inspired by Biblical Psalms and writings. Her work has been shown at Abington Art Center, Cheltenham Arts Center and Old City Gallery of Jewish Art among others. The exhibition is open Friday evenings starting Feb. 18 after Shabbat services. Gallery hours are: Mondays through Thursdays 10-4:30, Fridays 10-3 and following Shabbat Services and Sundays 10-1. The synagogue is located at 190 Camp Hill Road in Fort Washington. For additional information contact the synagogue office at 215-283-0276. Reunions St. Matthews High School Conshohocken Class of 1961 is looking for classmates. For details, contact Greg Marincola at 215-646-2239, 215-740-1296 or gregcola@comcast.net. Olney High School Class of 1971 is Lloking for classmates for a 40th reunion Oct. 28. For details, contact Judy at ohsclassof71@yahoo.com or 215-870-7572. Abington High School Class of 1961 is seeking classmates for a 50-year reunion to be held Oct. 14-15, 2011.Visit the website, www.abington61.com, for details or call 215-947-1779. Overbrook High School class of January 1956 is having a 55 year reunion on May 22, 2011 at the Bala Golf Club in Philadelphia. For information please contact overbrookreunion56@comcast.net Germantown High School Class Of January 1961 is looking for classmates for 50th year reunion to take place in May of 2011. Please contact: 215-362-9148, 856-577-0659 or samdelcomo@comcast.net The June 1961 class of Germantown High School is holding their 50th reunion on May 15, which will be a brunch. For further details please contact Linda Dorfman Alten at lindaalten@yahoo.com or call 215-441-8411. Support New Life Presbyterian Church in Dresher, will host GriefShare, a special seminar and support group which will run on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m., from March 7 through June 6. At each meeting there will be a DVD about the grief process, discussion and reference to a grief workbook. Preregistration is required to secure a place in the group and to purchase a GriefShare notebook (for a one-time fee of $15). The notebook goes along with the 13-week schedule covering such topics as: living with grief, the effects of grief, and stuck in grief. For more information or to register, call: Sandy Elder at 215-884-5149. PUPS (People Understanding Parkinsons) A self-help group for those adjusting to a new diagnosis or dealing with the early stages of Parkinsons Disease. Meets fourth Tuesday of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m., at Abington Health Center, Schilling Campus, Willowood Building, 2510 Maryland Road, Suite 251, Willow Grove. For more information or to RSVP, contact Lorna at 215-542-2931. The North Penn Visiting Nurse Associations Meals on Wheels program is looking for volunteers to pack or deliver meals to the elderly and infirmed. Meals are packed and delivered mornings, Monday through Friday. You can volunteer for as many days per week or month as you would like. Packaging meals requires approximately 2-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves making sandwiches, packaging food into individual serving containers and packing coolers with the meals. Delivering meals requires approximately 1-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves loading coolers into your car and delivering a route of approximately 10 to 15 stops. The Meals on Wheels program is also in need of emergency, winter-weather volunteers to pack and deliver meals in bad weather. North Penn VNA is located at 51 Medical Campus Drive in Lansdale and delivers meals in the Lansdale, North Wales and Blue Bell areas. For more information or to volunteer, please call Bridget, North Penn VNA Meals on Wheels coordinator at 215-855-8296. Elkins Park Area CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) meets the first Tuesday of every month, 7- 8:30 p.m., at Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital in Elkins Park. For information on CHADD or ADHD, please see our website www.chadd.net/249 or call Claire Noyes at: 215-779-6656. Center for Loss and Bereavement, 3847 Skippack Pike, Skippack (610-222-4110) www.bereavementcenter.org Offers professional counseling for individuals, couples, children and families dealing with issues of loss and bereavement. Six-week adult support groups: Newly forming young adult grief support group every other Wednesday, 7 8:15 p.m. (free of charge); Monthly loss of child support second Mondays, 7-8:15 p.m.; Six-week young loss of spouse/partner Thursdays, 10-11:15 a.m.; Other groups scheduled as interest is shown for suicide loss support, adult loss of parent, motherless daughters, adult loss of sibling, coping with chronic illness and disability and mens loss of spouse. Nellos Corner Family Bereavement program offers peer grief support groups for ages 4 through teen and their caregivers Every other Tuesday or Wednesday (free of charge) Local chapter of Parents of Murdered Children also meets at the Center. Registration required. Call for further information. CHADD is a national organization for children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder, providing education, advocacy and support for individuals and their families with AD/HD. Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital, 60 Township Line Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027, will host children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder on the First Tuesday of each month 7 8:30 p.m. Free, no childcare provided. The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphias Kehillah of Old York Road is sponsoring a free Caregiver Support Group for individuals who care for an elderly person with cognitive and/or physical impairments. The group meets at SarahCare Adult Day Care Center, 101 Washington Lane, Suite G-6, Jenkintown, Pa., on the first Wednesday of each month. Patty Rich, The following events are planned for this weekend throughout the region: The King of Prussia Beerfest Royale will be held Saturday from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. outside under tents at the King of Prussia Mall. The festival features more... May 07, 2018 'Black Cube' First Denies, Then Obfuscates, Then Admits Spying On Iran Deal Negotiators Yesterday we published a piece about "Black Cube", an Israeli spy company with deep state relations. The piece was updated earlier today. Black Cube used false identities to trick two former members of the Obama administration, Ben Rhodes and Colin Kahl, as well as the pro-Iran lobbyist Trita Parsi, to find out if they had profited from the nuclear deal (JCPOA) with Iran. The Observer, which broke the story without naming Black Cube, reported that people related to the Trump administration had hired the company to get information that could help Trump to dump the nuclear deal with Iran. Now the company is in panic and tries to cover its trail. It is why we got mail: Referring to the Moon of Alabama piece Black Cube writes: "Please add our full comment ASAP! It causes us damage and it's defamation without our full denial." I have cut their "full comment" from the above pictured email. I see absolutely no reason to publish their lying "comments" and denials. How do I know that Black Cube lies? Well, that is what spies do. In their first comment to Israeli media after the Observer story broke without naming the company Black Cube denied any involvement. We then connected Black Cube to what the Observer reported. Early today the New Yorker confirmed our take and got a different comment from Black Cube. The company's denial was no longer clear-cut but included suspiciously specific formulations: In a statement, Black Cube said, It is Black Cubes policy to never discuss its clients with any third party, and to never confirm or deny any speculation made with regard to the companys work. The statement also read, Black Cube has no relation whatsoever to the Trump administration, to Trump aides, to anyone close to the administration, or to the Iran Nuclear deal. "Black Cube has no relation whatsoever ... to the Iran Nuclear deal." Hmm, did anyone claim that very specific "relation .. to" point? Then the company told Haaretz that, yes, the Iran deal was the reason why it tried to spy on Obama administration people who had worked on it: Israeli intelligence company Black Cube was hired to spy on former aides in the Obama administration last year. A source close to the company says that the Israeli intelligence company was acting on behalf of a business entity, however, and not on behalf U.S. President Donald Trumps aides. A source close to the company said the purpose of its data collection was to serve the clients business or legal interests, and had nothing to do with Trump. The source also said correspondence regarding Iranian nuclear issues related to the business interests of the client who hired the spy firm. Emmanuelle Elbaz-Phelps works for the Israeli channel 10 news. Here she documents the development of those lies from her personal interaction with the company: Emmanuelle Elbaz-Phelps @manuelbaz - 17:09 UTC - 7 May 2018 Thread : 1. Right after the report published in the #Observer, I asked the #BlackCube spokesman if Black Cube is in fact the Israeli firm. His answer (yesterday morning) was : "Not related to us". 2. @lrozen tweeted here yesterday that it is confirmed the Israeli firm in question is #BlackCube. He denied again. "BS, It's not us". I reported his denial here. 3. This morning, after @RonanFarrow 's publication in the @NewYorker , his version changed: "We didn't know the @guardian meant us. We didnt know it was us because this report was about #Trump. But then we saw the emails reported by the New Yorker and we know those emails." 4. He insisted "there is no connection to Trump or the #IranNuclearDeal" but he didn't deny #BlackCube was hired by a private company and even told me the client is "somebody that profits from the sanctions on Iran". Question : who is the client and how they connect to Trump? Now other Israeli media are given more specific information, likely also false, about the "private company": Neri Zilber @NeriZilber - 17:13 UTC - 7 May 2018 Black Cube op targeting former Obama staffers was allegedly about business dispute bw 2 shipping companies - 1 of which Taiwanese - involving Iranian sanctions regime. Per Israel Ch2 news It is obvious that the Black Cube statements are not the truth but denials which change into obfuscating lies when they are contradicted by new evidence. Black Cube's "dispute between two shipping companies" explanation is certainly just as false as their earlier statements. Neither this nor other sites are defaming Black Cube. The spy outlet is doing that all by itself. The original Observer claim that people near to Trump hired Black Cube has neither been confirmed nor debunked by any other reporting. That Black Cube is suddenly so eager to point to some far away "Taiwanese shipping dispute" trail convinces me that Trump circles are indeed involved. Posted by b on May 7, 2018 at 19:28 UTC | Permalink Comments An Akaroa restaurant has banned children under 10 years old from eating on the premises. The Little Bistro restaurant went child-free after numerous complaints from diners and an incident where a child injured a staff member. "A child ran into a waitress with a tray of glasses and she cut her arm pretty severely," owner Richard Uttely told NZME. "As an employer we are responsible for minimising health and safety risks to our employees." Mr Uttely said since the tables in the restaurant are so close together, there is no room for children to play. NZME reported one woman was turned away from the restaurant when she took 8-year-old granddaughter there last weekend. "No child of mine has ever eaten off a kids menu and had a nugget, because I can't stand that. I want children to learn about good food. My manners are impeccable, as are my childrens and my grandchildren." He says his bistro is not the first in the country to ban children. "It's quite common place to find hotels and restaurants which are adult only, in lots of cases it's a restriction of the venues liquor licence," he told NZME. Restaurant Association New Zealand general manager Nicole Waldren said it is perfectly legal to treat those under 16 differently on the basis of age. Newshub. The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Sunday urged foreign companies operating in China to respect the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, abide by its laws and respect the Chinese people's national sentiments. Spokesman Geng Shuang gave the ministry's response to a US statement released on Saturday that objected to China's requirement that foreign companies stop listing Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan as "countries" on their websites and promotional materials. "Whatever the US said cannot change the fact that there is only one China in the world and Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan are indispensable parts of Chinese territory," Geng told a regular briefing. He added that China's relations with foreign countries will be conducted in accordance with its one-China policy. Related Reading Should we call Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Alaska independent countries? Referring to Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan as a country goes beyond insensitivity, it's about basic facts. [Full Article] One-China policy reality of international politics The one-China policy is a reality of international politics. Any attempt by any government to encourage Taiwan independence will offend Chinese society and any company that disrespects the issue will have to pay a price. [Full Article] In a statement on Saturday, the White House described China's caution that foreign airlines should not refer to Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan as independent countries as "Orwellian nonsense". But what is nonsense is the statement itself. The letter by the Chinese Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) to 36 foreign air carriers is simply trying to correct a mistake that has existed for too long. Who on earth still thinks Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan are independent countries? Even the US government does not recognize any one of them as an independent country, at least since China and the US established formal diplomatic ties in 1979. So why does the White House still make a fuss about the issue by ignoring plain and simple facts? On January 12, The Paper, a Shanghai-based news publication, reported that at least 24 foreign airlines still list Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan as countries, rather than using the term "regions", which China prefers. Yes, China is sensitive to such issues given its recent history. Macao was for too long occupied by the Portuguese, Hong Kong was forced to be ceded to the British and Taiwan was forced to be ceded to the Japanese. Most Americans may find it hard to understand such feelings. After all, US history over the last 150 years has been a constant annexation of territories from Asia to Latin America. Most international companies know that in order to succeed, they need to be sensitive to the feelings of the local populations where they want to do business. In this case, foreign airlines who were not aware of this sensitivity before should seriously heed the CAAC's advice. In fact, such advice not only applies to corporations, but to every individual. When starting to learn English in elementary school, I was taught to refer to people from the United Kingdom as British, not English, because they could be Welsh, Scottish or Northern Irish, many of whom don't want to be called English. Referring to Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan as a country goes beyond insensitivity, it's about basic facts. Would the White House or average Americans feel okay if people in other countries start to describe Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Alaska or Texas as independent countries, because there have long been independence movements there? After spending a year in Hawaii in the early 1990s, I learned that the Hawaiian sovereignty movement has been alive since 1893, when the US overthrew the Hawaiian Kingdom. In 1993, both the US Congress and US President Bill Clinton apologized to the Native Hawaiians for the illegal annexation. The Associated Press reported last July that a quarter of the state's population is considered Native Hawaiians or Pacific Islanders, and many of them are low-income. The report cited a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which showed that Native Hawaiians are in worse health than many other Americans and more likely to suffer from asthma, diabetes and obesity. The Puerto Rican independence movement has also existed ever since the US seized the territory from the Spanish in 1898. I have made three trips to the Caribbean island and love its people, culture, history, beaches, coffee and its "un-American" metric system. However, news from the beautiful island after Hurricane Maria last September has been heart-breaking. Not only have so many people have been living without power month after month, the federal government of the world's only superpower has not exactly been going all out to help the disaster-stricken population. It is shameful. I could go on and on with the independence movement in Alaska, Texas or even Vermont. Of course, the US Constitution does not allow any state to declare independence. The White House statement may very well be triggered by its geopolitical instinct and double standards applied to China. But that will be encouraging US airlines, or any foreign companies to be insensitive to the Chinese local population, let alone to get the facts right. Contact the writer at [email protected] Daytons comedy scene is booming! You can find comedy nights popping up all over town, with open mic nights as well as professional shows at two dedicated comedy clubs. Heres a quick rundown of where to find the funny this week: Monday, May 7th: Ollies Place Sign ups 9 show 10. See Jayson Aldridge to signup. Open Mic at Hannahs on Ludlow. Showtime will be 7:30pm 9pm. See Raymond Jackson to signup. Sugar Melon Clubs Open Mic. 330 East Dayton Dr. Fairborn. Signup at 8pm, Show at 8:30pm. Host Gary R Henry. Headliner Wendi Furguson. Wednesday, May 9th: Open Mic at the South Park Tavern. 9pm. 1301 Wayne Avenue. Comedy and music are featured on this show. Sign up online. Choose the upcoming Wednesday you want. Scroll down and read through any existing comments to find out which slots are still OPEN. Sign up for an available 30 minute slot in the comments section at the bottom of the page. Thursday, May 10th: Open Mic at the Hookah Bazaar! Thursday 10pm. 9:30pm sign up. Show up Go up! See Nick Taylor to signup. Spirited Goat Coffee House in Yellow Springs! Open Mic Nights are every Thursday at 7pm! If you wish to sign up, just give them a call or stop in the shop any time after 3pm on that day! Springfield Country Club Comedy Night with Leslie Norris Townsend 7pm show $40 Dinner & Show, $25 show only Reserveations (937) 399-4215 Her blend of stand-up comedy, music and audience participation will move your audience from tears to laughter, while motivating, mesmerizing and captivating each one. Lesliea 30+ television appearances include Comedy Central, A&Es An Evening at the Improv and sketches seen on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. She was even a Grand Finalist on Star Search. Leslie left behind a promising acting career to create a better life for her children. In the classic fish-out-of-water tale, she moved from Hollywood to rural Ohio to live on her familys 100 year old farm. This only added new material to her already hilarious routines. Jordan Rock at the Dayton Funny Bone 88 Plum Street, Sutie 200 at The Greene Thursday, May 10th 7:30pm Friday, May 11th 7:30 & 10pm Saturday, May 12th 7:30 & 10pm Sunday, May 13th 7:30pm Jordan says he feels like he wouldnt be true to himself if he hadnt pursued stand-up comedy. And for good reason, as his older brothers Chris and Tony have made a pretty good name for themselves. Im the Solange of my family, he likes to say, referring ot Beyonces less famous sister. Jordan Rock is in his mid-20s, half Chriss age. He is his own comic with his own voice, working out his material in clubs and pursuing an acting career, too. Hes got a recurring role portraying Kevi in Love on Netflix. He has also released his own 2011 comedy special Ladies and Gentlemen, Jordan Rock. Rock will be in Dayton this weekend talking about his dating life, his tiny hands, his brothers and politics. Also on the show is Brad Gill as emcee and feature Chris Harvey. You can even score FREE tickets here. Brian Swinehart at Wileys Comedy Club 101 Pine St. in the Oregon District Fri, May 11 8pm Sat, May 12 7:15 & 9:30pm Brian left his small country town in Ohio to travel to California to pursue a career as an entertainer. Prior to his departure many of the town locals joked with Brian saying Youll be back. See you in six months. Its been over a decade since Brians move and he has not looked back. He has only gained speed and momentum a long the way. Swinehart has delighted crowds around the world with his wit and charm. Brian has a crowd pleasing style that blends stories, one liners and impressions. DMM READER BONUS: Weve got some FREE Tickets for this show- if youd like a pair, email us by Thursday and tell us why you should be the winner! Saturday May 12th: Touch of Splash Presents DC Young Fly Live Trap Comedy at Deja Vu at 4321 Salem Avenue. Hosted by Kevin Lackey. With Action Jaxon, Mark Paul Gregory, Dusty Lewis, Chris Brown, Darnae Hill. Get your tickets at supremeticket.com or Action Wear and All Dayton city gear locations Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrives in Jakarta, Indonesia, May 6, 2018, for an official visit to the country. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) JAKARTA, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Jakarta Sunday for an official visit to Indonesia, the first stop on his first overseas trip since the new cabinet took office in March. Li's visit comes as this year marks the 5th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Indonesia comprehensive strategic partnership and the 15th anniversary of the strategic partnership between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Li was welcomed by Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and other senior officials at the airport. Since Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Indonesia in 2013, the two countries have been promoting the synergy of their development strategies, yielding fruitful results in their cooperation in various fields, Li said upon his arrival in Jakarta. "My visit is aimed at cementing mutual political trust, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation and enhancing the friendship of our peoples," Li said. "I expect joint efforts of both sides to promote the bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields so as to bring more benefits to the peoples of both countries." China is willing to join member states of ASEAN, including Indonesia, to strive for greater development of China-ASEAN relations and cooperation, Li said. China and ASEAN should work together to build a community of shared future with neighboring countries and promote regional peace, stability and development, he said. During his visit, Li will hold talks with Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla, and attend a China-Indonesia business summit. The schedule also includes witnessing the signing of cooperation documents. The Chinese premier will visit the ASEAN Secretariat to underscore China's commitment to its relations with the 10-member community, meet with ASEAN Secretary General Lim Jock Hoi, and attend celebration activities of the anniversary. China has been Indonesia's largest trading partner for seven years in a row. In 2017, two-way trade reached 63.3 billion U.S. dollars, up 18 percent year-on-year. Good results have been achieved in building the China-Indonesia industrial parks and steady progress is being made in the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, Li said in a signed article published by the Jakarta Post on Saturday. China is also Indonesia's largest source of foreign tourists and second-largest host of Indonesian students, the article noted. Placing ASEAN as a high priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy, China has been a staunch supporter of ASEAN community building and ASEAN centrality in East Asian cooperation, Li said in the article, adding that China is keen to work with ASEAN to uphold the multilateral trading system and promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation. After the trip to Indonesia, Li will leave for Japan on Tuesday to attend the 7th China-Japan-ROK leaders' meeting and pay an official visit to Japan. Both U.S. and China benefit from deepening economic integration: former U.S. envoy to China SILICON VALLEY, the United States, May 6 (Xinhua) -- The U.S.-China relationship established four decades ago is the most important bilateral ties in the world today and peoples in both countries are benefiting from the deepening economic integration, former U.S. Ambassador to China Gary Locke has said. "We are gathering here in Silicon valley at a time of rising tensions between the United States and China with the potential of full blown trade war," Locke said here over the weekend in a keynote speech at the 2018 annual conference of a prominent Chinese American group, the Committee of 100 (C100). The two countries, however, are increasingly economically interdependent since China's opening-up, said Locke, who was a former governor of U.S. state of Washington and a former U.S. Secretary of Commerce. "Today, roughly 1.5 billion dollars of goods and services flow between our two countries every single day. China is our largest export market outside of North America, with exports to China growing at twice the rate as exports to the rest of the world, and America is China's largest export market exceeding exports to all of the EU countries combined," he said. "More than 900,000 American jobs depend on producing goods and services exported to China and more than 2.6 million jobs in the U.S. and many, many millions more in China depend on two-way trade between our two countries, so people in both countries are benefiting from this deepening economic integration," he said. Locke noted that esteemed panelists at the C100 panel "U.S.-China Trade and Economic Outlook" agreed that there are no winners in a trade war, only losers to consumers, workers and companies of both countries. "Tariffs on Chinese goods coming into the United States will only raise the price of components used by American manufacturers. Then that will either reduce their profits or force them to charge higher prices, thereby making their products less competitive against foreign competitors in America and overseas," he said. "It's a tough time in the U.S.-China relationship. We must avoid a trade war," Locke told the more than 500 leaders and experts in government, business, technology, academia, and media attending the two-day C100 annual conference, a premier forum on U.S.-China relations and Chinese-American advancement. The New York-based C100 is a non-profit, non-partisan organization of prominent Chinese Americans in business, government, academia, and arts. Founded in 1990 by world renowned architect I.M. Pei and internationally acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma, among others, the group is committed to the twin missions of promoting full participation of Chinese Americans in all aspects of American life, and encouraging constructive relations between the two peoples. SANAA, Yemen (AP) Airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen's Shiite rebels targeted the presidency building in the heart of the Yemeni capital on Monday, leaving at least six people dead and 30 wounded, according to health officials. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media, said the six killed were all civilians. It was not known if there were any Houthi rebel leaders present at the time of the airstrikes in Sanaa or if any were killed or wounded. The three-floor presidency building was completely flattened, while surrounding buildings in the city's busy Tahrir district including a famous five-star hotel were heavily damaged. Cars were charred and pools of blood covered the pavement. Many were believed to have been buried under the rubble, as ambulances rushed to the area to retrieve the casualties. Saudi officials later said they had targeted high-ranking rebel officials who had been there and that several must have been killed. "Intelligence was behind this targeting of the presidential palace in Sanaa, and Houthi leaders were there," Col. Turki al-Maliki told a press conference in Riyadh. The Norwegian Refugee Council, an aid group operating in Yemen, said it was "appalled by Saudi-led coalition strikes on a highly-populated business district in Sana'a earlier today." "We abhor the ongoing use of violence to intimidate civilian populations under the guise of efforts to protect them. Yemeni people are not collateral. Adherence to the laws of war is not optional," Suze van Meegen, the group's acting country director, said in a statement. The Saudi-led coalition has been at war with the Houthis since 2015, hoping to restore the country's internationally recognized government. The war has killed over 10,000 people and driven 3 million from their homes. Last month, the coalition killed a top Houthi leader, Salah al-Sammad, in the Red Sea port city of Hodeida. Al-Sammad was also the acting president of the territory under rebel control. The Houthis' leader, Abdel-Malek al-Houthi, has mostly kept out of the public eye, addressing Yemenis only in occasional newscasts on rebel-run outlets. Monday's airstrikes appeared to have targeted al-Sammad's successor, Mahdi al-Mashat. Witnesses described a scene of devastation. One resident said he saw a body thrown by the force of the blast against a shop and a car washer killed by shrapnel. The eyewitnesses spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing reprisals. Windows of surrounding houses were shattered, while the nearby Sheba hotel had its entrance door blown out. Security forces cordoned off the area and kept journalists from approaching. The sprawling presidency compound consists of several buildings walled off from the rest of the district. Images that surfaced on social media in the aftermath of the strikes show bloodied faces of the wounded and columns of smoke rising over Sanaa. Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Saturday is a special day for thousands of UCF students who walked across the stage for graduation. UCF President's last graduations before retiring John Hitt led university for 26 years Hitt to officially retire on July 30 Today starts a new chapter for the graduating students and the University President John Hitt. What makes Saturday's ceremony even more special, is this will be the last time President Hitt will attend the ceremonies before he retires. Hit has led the university for 26 years, and in that time he's handed out more than 340,000 thousands degrees. He has taken UCF from a commuter school to being the largest university in the country. When he took on the role as president, Dr. Hitt established five key goals to develop UCF into the university it is today. Among those goals was achieving international prominence in key programs of graduate study and research. By doing so, the university has attracted students who are changing the world, like UCF student Jaha Dukureh who is among the newest graduates. Dukureh is a Nobel Peace prize nominee, and is internationally known for her activism and work to end the practice of Female Genital Mutilation, which she suffered when she was just one week old. Dr. Hitt's retirement doesn't officially begin until June 30th. ORLANDO, Fla. Defense attorneys for former Isleworth millionaire Bob Ward say they have found "shocking new evidence" and had planned to present it during Ward's sentencing hearing Monday. Bob Ward awaits sentencing for death of wife, Diane, in 2009 Attorneys planned to show suicide note they say written by Diane Sentencing at Orange County Courthouse to be rescheduled READ IT: Defense attorneys' court filing regarding suicide note (PDF) State's response in court filing (PDF) But the hearing in front of Judge Letitia Marques at the Orange County Courthouse in downtown Orlando was canceled Monday afternoon. No date for a rehearing was announced. Diane Ward was shot to death in the couple's Isleworth mansion in 2009. Prosecutors say it was an intentional act to keep her from testifying in an upcoming business-related bankruptcy investigation. In February, a jury convicted Bob Ward of manslaughter in what was his second trial. A previous conviction was overturned. Defense attorneys said Bob Ward accidentally shot his wife as the couple struggled over the gun. At trial, defense attorneys painted Diane as a suicidal and unstable person. Defense attorneys now say that weeks after the second trial, a suicide note written by Diane Ward was found in the couple's Atlanta home. It was reportedly found by an estate sales professional in a closet in the master bedroom. "New evidence strongly supports other defense evidence that at or near the time of her death Diane Ward was unstable, extremely emotionally volatile, and thinking and acting in a life-threatening manner," attorneys said in a court filing. "I was up on a ladder in a small closet in the master bedroom ... when I noticed a pink notebook next to some hair rollers ... I opened the notebook and found a note and some cards with 'Diane Ward' printed on them," Jollie McCaleb said in the court filing. The alleged suicide note, with "Diane Ward" letterhead, read: "Dear Mallory and Sarah Please know how much I love you -- I dont know how it happened for me to end up like this. I want you to have wonderful lives and know that I will always be watching out for you both. Take care of Daddy. I love you more than you will ever know. Take care of the dogs. They will need you." Bob Ward's attorneys say his wife, Diane, penned this suicide note, which shows her mental state before her 2009 death. (Orange Clerk of Courts) Defense attorneys say a former FBI handwriting expert can testify that he thinks the handwriting is that of Diane Ward. Prosecutors think the suicide note would not have any merit at trial and question the timing of the note being found. "There is an argument to be made by the State that in the more than eight years since Diane Ward's death, someone should have gone through her belongings before the trial in February 2018," prosecutors said in a court filing. "Sarah Ward first discloses the discovery of this note to the Defendant on April 11, 2018 during a phone call with the Defendant at 9:35 a.m. ... Sarah states that the note was found in an item typically kept in Diane Ward's purse. Sarah had seen it sitting there for years." Prosecutors also contend the suicide note does not have a date and does not provide any context about her mindset on the night of her death. Defense says Diane Ward suicide note was found April 10 in the couples Atlanta mansion @MyNews13 pic.twitter.com/xV6cCmVCmN Greg Angel (@NewsGuyGreg) May 7, 2018 <_script charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"> "Even if there were a nexus to the relevant timeframe, Diane Ward did not commit suicide on the night she was shot and killed," prosecutors argued in their filing. "This was also the testimony of Defendant's own medical examiner. The Defendant's statement to (Spectrum News 13) was not that he walked in on Diane Ward attempting to kill herself -- the Defendant's statement to (Spectrum News 13) was that Diane Ward snuck up behind him and pointed the gun at him. This would be homicidal ideation being acted out -- not a suicidal ideation." Spectrum News 13 legal analyst David Haas said judges have discretion at sentencing. "Any time there is newly discovered evidence, one question is, could it have been found through reasonable diligence in the underlying case, and then is it more of the same kind of evidence? "There are sentencing guidelines from the state of Florida that the judge has to follow, but the judge does have some discretion in what he or she wants to do in sentencing," Haas said. Ward faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 30 years. In their filing, defense attorneys are asking for time served. Ward has already spent six years in prison. They also point to a series of health-related issues. "These conditions developed or worsened significantly during the six years Mr. Ward has already spent in prison," defense attorneys said. MERIDEN A city man found dead at Hubbard Park after an extensive, multi-agency search died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Jason Holland, 42, was found dead on April 25, according to police. His death was ruled a suicide. A state police search dog unit, city police detectives and firefighters searched Hubbard Park for several hours before finding Holland in a wooded area, said Meriden police Sgt. John Mennone. Lauren Sellew SOUTHINGTON Despite a steady increase in the number of students declining vaccinations, state health officials dont believe it is a danger to the public. A case of measles at Derynoski Elementary School last week prompted school officials to keep unvaccinated children out of school until the risk of spreading the contagious disease passes. In Connecticut, students are required to have immunization before entering school unless parents claim a religious or medical exemption. For the past 20 years, measles cases have remained in the single-digits according to Maura Downes, spokeswoman for the state Department of Public Health. This year there have been three cases of measles in the state. Two were in New Haven County and one in Hartford County. Even those exempt from vaccination benefit from the majority that are, a concept called herd immunity. The threshold for herd immunity is about 95 percent, Downes said. The basic idea is that the herd can avoid exposure to a disease by ensuring that enough people are immune so that no sustained chains of transmission can be established, Downes said. This protects an entire population, especially those who are too young or too sick to be vaccinated. Although the percentage of state students exempt from vaccination has risen in the past 18 years, according to yearly department studies, its still well below 5 percent. In the 1999-2000 school year, just 0.2 percent of the 103,381 students entering kindergarten and seventh grade statewide claimed a medical or religious exemption from the vaccination requirement. In the 2016-17 school year, the percentage was 1.6 of the 82,339 students entering those grade levels. While the medical exemptions were between 0.2 and 0.3 percent of students, those claiming a religious exemption rose from 0.3 percent in 2003-04 to 1.3 percent in 2016-17. While the majority of students at Derynoski school have had measles vaccines, students who havent will receive alternative education, such as individual tutoring, according to Superintendent of Schools Tim Connellan. He wasnt sure the total cost until all the logistics have been finalized. Obviously expending additional dollars will require making an adjustment in another area (of the budget), Connellan said. Brian Goralski, Southington school board chairman, said the town follows state rules on vaccine exemptions. School leaders declined to say how many unvaccinated students would be staying home from Derynoski School. The religious exemption requires a form certifying immunization would be contrary toreligious beliefs. The state form notifies parents that in the case of vaccine preventable disease outbreak, their children may be required to stay home from school. jbuchanan@record-journal.com 203-317-2230 Twitter: @JBuchananRJ State gifts: "Historical Testament to Friendly Exchanges" is an exhibition of 611 gifts Party and government leaders have received since the founding of the People's Republic of China. They have been carefully selected from the collection of the National Museum of China, and most of them have never been exhibited before. These gifts are a testament to the success of Chinas diplomacy over the past 60-plus years, an expression of the harmonious connection between the Chinese people and the people of other countries, and a reflection of the unique culture and art of different nations around the world, possessing unique historical significance and high artistic value. Stone model of the Taj Mahal, presented to Zhou Enlai on behalf of the municipal government of Agra, India in June 1954. Lacquer vase inlaid with mother-of-pearl, presented to Mao Zedong by Kim Eung-ki, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the DPRKs Supreme Peoples Assembly, in 1954. Doll clothed in silk holding an umbrella, presented to Zhou Enlai by Shozo Murata, President of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of Overseas Trade in October 1956. Porcelain swans, presented to Mao Zedong by Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States in February 1972. Swans are regarded as a symbol of happiness in the USA. In this particular piece, the male swan cranes his neck and flaps his wings, while the female swan bows her head and looks after her three children. Nixon was fond of this ideal and brought the gift to the Great Hall of the People the first time he visited China. Today, these porcelain swans are displayed in a protective glass cabinet in the national museum, still vivid and incredibly beautiful even though 46 years have passed, just like the continued Sino-US relations. Chest of an old man carved in wood, presented to Mao Zedong by President Marien Ngouabi of the Peoples Republic of Congo (now the Republic of Congo) in July 1973. Tapestry of the Amazon River, presented to Mao Zedong by French President Georges Pompidou in September 1973. The glorious sunshine of South America, the rushing rivers, and the thriving rainforest spread out over a two-meter-long wall hanging, reflecting the spectacular scenery of the Amazon River. On September 11, 1973, this tapestry took a plane from Paris to Beijing. Pompidou, who took the same plane, was suffering from cancer at the time, but he refused to adhere to the doctor's objections and insisted on visiting China The old friends have both since passed away but the gift will be preserved forever, as a witness to the long standing friendship between China and France. Silver cigarette case, presented to Deng Xiaoping by British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. This case was specially made longer than average in order to cater for Deng Xiaopings cigarette habit. There is no extra decoration on it except a few small unnoticeable patterns. Among all the dazzling objects in the exhibition hall, this small silver cigarette case seems so ordinary it may be overlooked, whereas its significance is so great it cannot be ignored. It was shipped from London to Beijing on September 22, 1982, the day that Margaret Thatcher and Deng Xiaoping first discussed negotiations on Hong Kongs return to China. Silver sculpture of a soldier riding a camel, presented to Li Xiannian by King Hussein bin Talal of Jordan in September 1983. Wooden sculpture of elephant with silver inlay and embedded stones, presented to Deng Xiaoping by Sri Lankan President Junius Richard Jayewardene. In Sri Lanka, magnificent elephant parades are held each year in mid-August. Each elephant participating in the parade is decorated from nose to toe. The dexterous Sri Lankans made a statue from this scene. In May 1984, Sri Lankas former president, Jayewardene gave it to Deng Xiaoping. The elephant is encased in a gem-encrusted gold and silver armor. What is unusual is that it bears the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Lankas national treasure, on its back. This is an honor that is bestowed only on the leading elephant in the parade. Hawksbill folding fan, presented to Jiang Zemin by the Le Kha Phieu, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, in February 1999. Silver model of the Peoples Fountain presented to Xi Jinping by Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in June 2011. Scandinavian Home has paid advertising banners and product affiliate links, which means I earn a very small amount of money if you click through and buy an item - these are stated with and asterisk and at the bottom of each post. BEIJING, May 6 (Xinhua) -- China's central government has dispensed all its planned 2018 poverty alleviation funds to local governments, two months earlier than last year. The poverty alleviation fund stands at 106 billion yuan (16.7 billion U.S. dollars) this year, 20 billion yuan more than last year. The additional 20 billion yuan will be used to support areas of extreme poverty. The Ministry of Finance urged local governments to help the country's 832 poorest counties and districts to make full use of the money. China aims to lift another 10 million rural people out of poverty in 2018. 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> Is there life out there in the cosmos? If there are, new research says they're probably unable to get out of their own planets. There's little chance of meeting alien life forms any time soon, particularly with the technology currently known on Earth. Alien Life Unlikely To Travel Space According to a report from Space.com, research has shown that super-Earths also known as bigger versions of Earth are more likely to host life than similar-sized planets due to their greater gravitational pulls. With thicker atmospheres, these planets are better protected from harmful rays. Super-Earths have also been spotted in habitable zones where temperatures could theoretically support water and similar life as Earth's. However, a new study titled "Spaceflight From Super-Earths Is Difficult" points out that the grater gravitational pull could work against these planets as well. Specifically, space travel from these super-Earths is much more challenging due to their higher surface gravity, since fuel mass would have to be that much greater as well. The study says a classical Apollo moon mission from a super-Earth would require a rocket that's about 400,000 metric tons or 440,000 tons. While chemical rocket launches are possible in super-Earths with mass 10 times greater than Earth, launches from bigger planets are reportedly unrealistic. From such planets, space travel would only be possible using nuclear-powered rockets. "Civilizations from super-Earths are much less likely to explore the stars," Michael Hippke, study author and independent researcher affiliated with the Sonneberg Observatory in Germany, explains to Space.com. "Instead, they would be to some extent arrested on their home planet and, for example, make more use of lasers or radio telescopes for interstellar communication instead of sending probes or spaceships." Hippke's study has been submitted to the International Journal of Astrobiology. The Argument Against Hippke's Study A report on NBC News by Seth Shostak, a SETI Institute senior astronomer, acknowledges the greater challenge it would take to leave a super-Earth, but says it's not as insurmountable as Hippke's study makes it seem. After all, a super-Earth rocket with a similar design to SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket would have to be 15,000 tons and twice as high as the Falcon, which is impressive but not impossible. Shostak also points out that the bigger mass of a super-Earth offers some advantages, including a thicker atmosphere that could make aviation development faster as well as a greater potential in natural resources and animal diversity. Death caused by nail-biting sounds a little far-fetched, but it almost became a sobering reality for Luke Hanoman of Southport, Britain. The father of two nearly perished from an infection that arose from his compulsive habit. Near Death From Nail Biting It began when Hanoman, 28, simply bit his nail and caught some skin, The Sacramento Bee reports. "It was a nervous thing," Hanoman recalls in an interview with Mirror. "And one day I bit the skin down the side of my nail. It hurt a bit but I didn't think anything of it." The following days saw strange flu-like symptoms begin to emerge including feeling ill, swelling in the finger, and an inability to focus. Still, Hanoman continued with his life and even went to work, not suspecting that he has a dangerous infection. It's only when he overslept until 2 a.m. one day that his mother took him to the hospital. At that point, he had red lines all over his body. Doctors told him he had sepsis, which he could have died from. "They told me I was lucky to make it so long," Hanoman says. "I was close to septic shock." Fortunately, he was rushed to the hospital just in time. He was confined for four days in July until he recovered. Sepsis: Symptoms And Dangers Sepsis is when the body's immune system stops attacking the infection and begins turning on itself, leading to tissue damage, organ failure, and even death. Some symptoms include fever, hypothermia, edema, fast respiratory rate, an altered mental status, high blood sugar without diabetes, and a heart rate of over 90 beats per minute. When it progresses to severe sepsis, the body begins showing signs of organ dysfunction such as difficulty breathing, and low urine, abnormal liver tests. Early detection is a patient's best hope against sepsis, so people should be aware of the symptoms and seek medical help if they suspect they're infected. "Waiting too long is dangerous," Dr. Steven Simpson, medical director of the Sepsis Alliance, tells Buzzfeed News. "When you have these kind of symptoms people need to seek medical attention." It's reportedly the most expensive in-patient cost in American hospitals in 2014, and 40 percent of severe sepsis patients don't survive. More than half of survivors end up with post-sepsis syndrome. "I knew nothing about sepsis before this," Hanoman says about his diagnosis. "I think it's important people know that it can target anyone at any age." Rare bird specimens seized by Harbin Police. (Photo: CRN) A popular Chinese streamer on the Kuaishou app was arrested in Harbin, the capital city of Heilongjiang Province, for hunting, killing and selling several species of rare birds, China National Radio reported. According to the report, Harbin police were informed that a Kuaishou streamer living in Songbei District was selling rare bird specimens on the internet. Harbin police immediately set up a task force to investigate. Soon after, a streamer using the name Bird Keeper revealed some clues, which eventually led to the collapse a criminal ring with four members. The suspect, with the surname Duan, was found to be Bird Keeper and revealed the names of the other accomplices to the task force. The other suspects evaded Harbin police for more than 40 days by hiding throughout Heilongjiang Province, but were eventually caught and arrested. The four suspects confessed to their crimes after being arrested. Some 25 rare bird specimens were seized during the investigation, including three eastern white pelicans, which are under first-class state protection, and 13 other second-class state protected animals. Police also seized two homemade guns and ammunition, which were used to hunt and kill the birds. Harbin police issued a statement after the investigation, reminding the public and internet users that it is illegal to hunt, sell, and collect animals under state protection. They also said that citizens should report any crimes they witness. Ramananda Sengupta By Express News Service NEW DELHI: In what was billed as a case of mistaken identity by the local media, seven Indian engineers and an Afghan national were kidnapped by Taliban gunmen in Afghanistans northern Baghlan Province on Sunday. The gunmen reportedly mistook them for government employees. The engineers were travelling to a government-run power station in a minibus when they and their Afghan driver were stopped and abducted, Baghlan police spokesman Zabihullah Shuja said. The engineers worked for Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, which runs power-generating stations in the country. No one has yet claimed responsibility for the abduction, but Baghlan Governor Abdul Hai Niamati blamed groups opposed to the Afghan government and said efforts are on trace the engineers and negotiate their release. ALSO READ | Afghan officials working with tribal elders to rescue abducted Indian engineers We are in contact with the Afghan authorities and further details are being ascertained, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said.Abductions for ransom are common in Afghanistan, a senior official who has served in Afghanistan told TNIE. Now that winter is over and the fighting season has resumed, you can expect more such incidents, he warned. Another official, however, said the timing of the incident was significant, given that India and China recently announced they would work together in infrastructure projects in the country. This has rattled Pakistan, which opposes any Indian presence in Afghanistan. Now, the ISI-backed Taliban will find it difficult to attack Indian interests in the country for fear of annoying Big Brother Beijing. Christian Schimidt, a lecturer on philosophy at Leipzig University and the author of "Karl Marx (introduction)" gives an interview to People's Daily. (Photo: People's Daily/Feng Xuejun, Li Qiang) A leading author and academic has said that the youth of Germany is increasingly leaning toward Marxism. Christian Schimidt, the author of recently-published "Karl Marx (introduction)" and a lecturer on philosophy at Leipzig University, told the People's Daily in an interview in Germany that the young generation in the European nation has shown fervour for the thought of Karl Marx, the 19th century philosopher and political thinker. "Karl Marx was an untiring theorist, who refused to deliver doctrines mechanically. Instead, he pursued new theories via reading, excerpting, commenting, drafting and denying the existing theories," said Schimidt. It has been known that Marxism took shape on the basis of inheritance, skepticism and criticism of Hegelian thought. The author said that he wrote the book to answer a question raised by the great philosopher and economist who adopted an unremitting attitude toward research on realizing freedom and rationality during the above-mentioned process. Marx had been meticulously exploring the power and mechanisms implied in modern society, which are able to rid it of oppression and exploitation, bringing peace and equality. People in the western world are prone to indoctrination with the so called success theory" success totally depends on personal efforts, which is in disagreement with Marxist thought. Marx believed the success of an individual is to a large extent limited by social operating mechanisms which produce barriers hard to cross. That is to say, your personal failure is not completely an attribute of yourself, said the author. "There is a growing number of young people in Germany becoming more and more interested in Marxism," said Schimidt. In the last decade, journalism in Germany has witnessed some changes, focusing on philosophy so that objective comment on Marx has been growing. Schimidt added that the interest of German youth in Marx started in 2008 when more and more people refocused on "Capital" during the global financial crisis. The academic said the younger generation also gets to know about Marx through reading "Capital", which triggers curiosity about his thoughts. Marx has featured among top 10 in every poll on Germany's historical figures held in the country. It shows that Germans remember that Marxism has played an important role in history, Schmidt added. "On the one hand, for the world, the name of Karl Marx has been closely associated with Socialism and Communism; on the other, the analytical method Marx adopted on social crisis, especially financial turmoil, has regained focus," he said. This May sees the 200th anniversary of Karl Marx's birth and over two dozen new books on Marxism have been published on the occasion, covering all aspects of his thought, especially that on economy and philosophy. The author suggested that the best sources to know about Marxism are Marx's original works, because "only after carefully reading and deliberating on the great philosopher's word, can one comprehend his real thoughts." (Compiled by Li Lei) An embarrassing pronunciation mistake by the head of one of China's top universities has become a major talking point on social media platforms with many welcoming his apology but others wondering how a prominent academic could make such an error. Professor Lin Jianhua, president of Peking University, mispronounced "Hong Hu Zhi" as "Hong Hao Zhi" during a speech at the university's 120th anniversary on Friday. In Chinese, "Hong Hu" means swans and "Zhi" means hopes and wishes. Hong Hu Zhi, literally meaning swans hopes, is used to describe people who have ambitions. On the day after the speech, the president posted an apology letter to students on the internal bulletin board system of the university. In the letter, Professor Lin, a scientist, said that he had not known the correct pronunciation of the word until he made the mistake. He went on to say that he did not have very strong literature knowledge since the basic education he received in primary and secondary school was in the period of the Cultural Revolution. As a result, he didn't understand what the subject in a sentence was until he took his college entrance examination. "The purpose of the letter is to let you know the real me, instead of defending my ignorance or the mistake," he wrote, "Your president is a person with a deficiency who can make mistakes." Soon after that, the letter and the school became a matter of open discussion on social media. Judgment about the president, the letter, the school and even how he should apologize has varied. 'Taught me a lot' It is very difficult for some people to face their shortcomings, Whisper commented. I give my respect to the president. After reading your letter, I forgive your mistake and imperfections. Your sincerity and courage have taught me a lot, Dan Xiao De Mian Hua Tang wrote. We should tolerate our parents, who received their primary education during the Cultural Revolution. Sincerity is more important than perfection, Ji Feng Cao said. However, the letter has also created a lot of doubts. He really should apologize because the mistake was made on such a serious occasion, Shang Shan Ruo Shui said. To respect the audience, the script should be carefully prepared before the speech is made. Professor Lin Jianhua gained his PhD in chemistry in 1986 at Peking University and then taught at the university after graduation. He has since undertaken over 800 research projects and published more than 140 academic papers. The anniversary ceremony was held at the schools Khoo Teck Puat Gymnasium and was attended by numerous notable figures, including Peter Salovey, president of Yale University, and Li Yanhong, CEO of Baidu, Chinas top search engine website, as well as current school staff and students. On May 3, 2018, Crown Princess Mary of Denmark attended Nationwide Culture Campaign's launch party at Washington Seattle Nordic Museum. At the launch party, Crown Princess Mary wore Eden dress by MOSS & SPY which is a Sydney, Woollahra based Australian clothing brand. The dress called "Eden" is a summer dress decorated with flowers, ivy, leaves and bird motifs. The dress has been put up for sale on the website of MOSS & SPY but is currently sold out. Karl Marx (File photo) This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Karl Marx, which offers us an opportunity to reflect upon the intellectual legacy and importance of Marx today. In Marxs time, most of global industrial production centered around England as capitalism emerged to radically alter the agriculture based economy of the time. Seismic changes displaced workers as the fields of England were transformed from the production of food to the production of wool in the service of industry. As Marx noted in the Manifesto of the Communist Party, imperial expansion leading to colonial developments in North America, India and China coupled with a system of global commerce served to create the revolutionary impulse toppling feudal Europe. This focus on the rise of industrial capitalism in England leads some to argue Marx is no longer relevant outside of Europe. However, many of Marxs ideas and methods have the potential to serve as a guide to productive forces and relations of production, whether in the 21st or 19th century. Let me first consider how Marx remains relevant today, and then comment on what Marx can tell us about the socio-political context of the US. At the risk of oversimplifying Marx, one can reduce his method to paying close attention to, and the identification of, irreversible changes in how people make their daily lives. This means carefully studying the historical path taken to the present; how things are produced -- including the technology used-- (what Marx called productive forces) and how changes in this production work were provoked by, and in turn provoked, changes in the direction and control of production itself (what he called the relations of production). This historical materialist method enables scholars to study the inevitable and highly specific tension and interdependence between the political and economic dimensions of income and wealth creation. Arguably, it is the extent of this tension and how the interdependence is balanced and structured that renders the resulting system stable or unstable. Thus, Marxs method encourages scholars to come to grips with the historical and cultural specificity of the Global South, including its on-going links to developments in the Global North. In this way, his work can function as a bridge to the various strands of 20th and 21st century Marxism that i) critically capture the ways in which capitalism develops in, and in turn impacts, specific regions of the world and ii) demonstrate how the different regions of the Global South are developing unevenly, relative to one another and relative to the imperialist countries, within the framework of 21st Century capitalist imperialism. The detail in which Marx established the interpersonal, social and environmental hazards posed by unfettered commodification is another important aspect of his work that resonates with the world today. These hazards arise because, he wrote, the wealth of the nation appears to be the vast array of stuff we buy and sell. That is how wealth is measured; that is what productivity measuresthe production of more products by any means necessary. The environmental cost is now becoming clearlocally in poor air quality; globally in climate change that threatens coastal cities. These are only two of the ways that Marxs work can help us understand the ongoing development of any part of the world, but especially the challenges countries of the Global South face in an international economy dominated by capitalist firms. In so doing, it can also be a guide on how to create a global political economic settlement not governed entirely by capitalist social and production relations. Onto my second point: how Marx can help us understand the socio-political events in the US. In the developed capitalist countries, sundry dilemmas arise when the un-commodified social space is reduced to a bare minimum, such that even privacy is seen as something that can be bought and sold. This situation, in part, is what the controversy over Facebook and hacked US companies that collected personal data reflects. The Marxian perspective of commodification allows us to understand that personal data have been produced by the unpaid work of average citizens. This is like the unpaid work traditionally performed in all parts of the world for the family, tribe and community. We can turn now to Marxs notions of alienation to begin to understand the rise of right-wing populism in advanced capitalist countries like the US. These movements reject tradition political elites, whether they are on the right or left of center. Politicians embrace of neoliberal austerity, coupled with the increasing concentration of wealth that reflects the ever-greater appropriation of the surplus generated by workers, has decimated progressive unions, and left the working class stripped of most of the protections and benefits won in the decades since the end of World War II. Their vulnerability, and the reality that what little prosperity they appeared to have was based on debt, was made clear during the 2008 financial crisis. The response of the capitalist ruling class was to protect and reward financial capital while ignoring the plight of working men and women, what came to be known as ignoring mainstream public while protecting Wall Street. In the US, both the Democratic and Republican Parties embraced one form or other of neoliberalism, and the result was the surprising election of Donald Trump running on a reactionary platform demonizing migrant, all the while his administration carries out actions that benefits the wealthy, shreds what is left of the social safety net, and harms the environment. In his Communist Manifesto, Marx states that "in Communist society, the present dominates the past." It is this sense that Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, urges the Party to study Marx to further the development of human society for the benefit of the people. Marx points out, in Chapter 2 of the Manifesto, that the "abolition of bourgeois individuality, bourgeois independence, and bourgeois freedom is undoubtedly aimed at." With this in mind, Xi extolls the Party to lead the people in the great social revolution and achieve national rejuvenation by striving to strengthen its character as a Marxist party. It is through the study of Marx, through the reflection and interpretation of the Communist Manifesto, that the CPC can guide the nation's progress in the 21st Century. (The author is a associate professor of sociology at Wayne State University in the US.) Champaign, IL (61820) Today Showers this morning then scattered thunderstorms developing during the afternoon hours. High 73F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Variable clouds with showers and scattered thunderstorms. Storms more numerous this evening. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) -- China has more than 300,000 registered organ donors, according to the China Organ Transplant Development Foundation. About 262,500 organ donors had registered as of the end of 2017, almost 10 times more than in 2015. The counts for 2015 and 2016 were 25,959 and 115,867, respectively, according to Zhao Hongtao, an official with the foundation. China banned the use of organs from executed prisoners in January 2015 and made voluntary donation the only legitimate source. With the system more fair and transparent, the number of organ donors is growing and public awareness is rising. In 2017, China had recorded 5,148 cases of after-death organ donation, and almost 16,000 vital organs were donated nationwide, an increase of 25.9 percent from 2016. However, there are about 300,000 Chinese patients waiting for organ transplants, but only 16,000 receive surgeries each year. In 2016, the foundation, backed by the National Health Commission, launched an organ donation function on Alipay, an online payment platform where users can easily register as organ donors through just a couple of clicks. BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) -- China's imports from "Belt and Road" countries increased faster that of exports for the first time in 2017, according to a think tank report. The value of China's imports from Belt and Road countries stood at 666 billion U.S. dollars in 2017, an increase of 20 percent year on year, or 39 percent of China's total imports value, according to a report compiled by the State Information Center, a State Council think tank. In the same year, China's exports to those countries came in at 774.26 billion U.S. dollars, a rise of 8.5 percent year on year. The growth of imports outpaced exports for the first time since the Belt and Road Initiative was proposed five years ago. China's combined trade with those countries reached 1.44 trillion U.S. dollars, up 13.4 percent year on year, 5.9 percentage points faster than China's overall trade growth. The Belt and Road Initiative was proposed by China in 2013 to boost trade and investment among countries along the ancient Silk Road trade routes from Asia to Europe and Africa. China's trade with Central Asia countries grew at the fastest rate, followed by Eastern Europe. Countries including Republic of Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, India and Russia rank among China's top 10 trading partners along the routes, contributing nearly 70 percent of China's trade with Belt and Road countries. China mainly sells mechanical and electrical products to Belt and Road countries, and imports mechanical and electrical products as well as fossil fuel from them, the report said. Chinese private companies do the biggest chunk of trade, followed by foreign-invested companies and state-owned firms. Yu Shiyang, director of the department of big data development under the State Information Center, said that amid rising protectionism by some countries, China's trade with Belt and Road countries had risen at a brisk pace, showing the initiative was being implemented well, featuring free trade flow. The report covers 71 countries along the Belt and Road summarizing the current trade picture and projecting future trends. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who left Harare last night, has arrived in Doha, Qatar for a three day official visit. The President who was accompanied by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement Cde Perrance Shiri, the Minister of Finance Cde Patrick Chinamasa, Minister of Industry and Commence Cde Mike Bimha and the Minister of Mines and Mining Development Cde Winston Chitando, was seen off at the Robert Mugabe International Airport By Vice President Retired General Dr Constantino Chiwenga and other senior government officials. The President is expected to see the Emir of Qatar today for discussions. President Emmerson Mnangagwa left Harare yesterday for Qatar as he continues his diplomatic blitz that is part of his administrations campaign to reach out to the global community. He is being accompanied by Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Lieutenant-General Sibusiso Moyo (Rtd), Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement, Air Chief Marshal Perrance Shiri (Rtd) and Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Dr John Mangudya. The President was seen off at Robert Mugabe International Airport by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, senior Government officials and service chiefs. Qatar is one of the richest countries in the world. A few weeks ago, the leader of Qatar Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani sent a special envoy to President Mnangagwa inviting him to visit the Middle East nation. It is anticipated that President Mnangagwas interface with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, who leads a country with one of the worlds best living standards will spiral seminal benefits for Zimbabweans. Economic discussions between the two countries are expected to centre around Qatars thrust for a post-oil economic agenda that may unlock opportunities for Zimbabwe in sectors such as agriculture, mining, tourism and infrastructure development. In an interview on Friday, Lt-Gen Moyo said the visit to Qatar was a response to the invitation by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani. Yes I can confirm that the President will be travelling to Qatar next week. This is going to be an Official Visit which is an answer to the invitation by the leader of Qatar. This also ties in with our diplomatic offensive to reach out to the international community. According to World Atlas.com, Qatar is the richest country in the world with a per capita income of $124 927. Although the size of Qatars GDP is barely within the top 50 largest in the world, the countrys relatively low population of two million, results in a large GDP per capita, where most residents of the country enjoy a very high standard of living. In the past few years, engagement between Zimbabwe and Qatar has been enhanced as the Middle East country is seeking cooperation in sectors where Zimbabwe has a comparative advantage. There are plans to lure Qatar Airways to introduce direct flights into Harare, which bodes well for trade between the two nations. Herald Get the news faster. Tap to install our app. Access Newser even faster. Click here to install our app on your desktop. X (Newser) Authorities say a Massachusetts gas station worker doused himself with gasoline, set himself on fire, and ran, but was then tackled by a police officer who extinguished the flames. The Essex District Attorney's office says the unidentified 24-year-old man was at the Newbury gas station where he works Saturday afternoon when he set himself afire, per the AP. The police officer who responded initially tried to put the fire out with an extinguisher, but the man ran away. Prosecutors say the officer managed to tackle him to the ground and extinguish the flames. The man is in critical condition at a Boston hospital. The officer has been released from a hospital and is expected to be OK. (Read more weird news stories.) (Newser) Giraffes aren't exactly South Africa's deadliest creature, but they can still be extremely dangerous: A South African film director is dead after what film agency CallaCrew describes as a "fatal run-in with a giraffe on set." Carlos Carvalho, 47, was filming close-ups of the bull giraffe at a wildlife facility when it swung its neck and hit him with its head, sending him flying through the air, Variety reports. The award-winning director, who'd been filming scenes for the movie Premium Nanny 2, suffered serious head injuries and died after being flown to a hospital in Johannesburg. story continues below Film crew member Drikus van Der Merwe tells the Telegraph that the giraffe had been chasing the unit's boom swinger, but "we didn't feel threatened because he just seemed to be inquisitive." He says Carvalho wasn't aware of the danger and didn't see the attack coming. The Glen Afric safari lodge says Carvalho didn't have permission to film Gerald the giraffe and had been warned not to approach the animal. "Gerald was not to blame and [will] not be put down," says lodge spokesman Richard Brooker, per the Sun. "We are not going to shoot Gerald. He was not in the wrong." (The owner of another wildlife park is recovering from being mauled by a lion that he bottle-fed when it was a cub.) BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese securities TV program host has been fined 86.2 million yuan (13.56 million U.S. dollars) by the country's top securities watchdog for market manipulation. Liao Yingqiang, a popular host of a Shanghai-based stock market analysis TV program, was found seeking illegal gains by selling stocks shortly after peddling them to audiences via social media platforms, according to a statement released by the China Securities Regulation Commission (CSRC). In addition to the heavy fine, the commission also decided to confiscate his illegal gains worth 43.1 million yuan. Liao was found to have used 13 stock accounts to buy and sell shares of 39 manipulated stocks from March to November 2015. China has been stepping up crackdown on irregularities in the stock and futures markets in recent years. The CSRC rolled out a draft regulation last Friday urging stock and futures practitioners to operate within the law. (Newser) Police in Orange County, Calif., say they are investigating a "disturbing" video in which an off-duty cop pulls a gun on a man he wrongly suspects of stealing candy at a service station. Jose Arreola, 49, tells the Orange County Register that he was badly shaken by the incident at a Buena Park Chevron station. In the video, Arreola can be seen putting a pack of Mentos on the counter and handing the clerk $20. When he pockets the candy while waiting for his change, the man behind him pulls a gun, declares he is a police officer, and orders Arreola to put the pack back on the counter. After ordering Arreola to leave, the officer finally asks the clerk if the man paid. "My apologies," the officer then says to Arreola. story continues below The video shows the officer, who had his gun out for around eight seconds, chambering a round after he draws his pistol. Arreola, who says he feared he was going to die over a $1.19 pack of candy, has hired an attorney and is seeking damages from the Buena Park police department, reports the Washington Post. "It's been a month and I still cant shake it," he says. "It was traumatic, the whole incident." In a statement, Buena Park police chief Corey Sianez said the department began investigating the incident as soon as it became aware of it. He said the "investigation will be thorough and if the officer is found to be in violation of any policies and procedures, he will be held accountable." (Read more California stories.) (Newser) Former French President Francois Hollande has two words for President Trump's claim that gun-toting Parisians could have thwarted ISIS attackers at Paris' Bataclan concert hall: "indecent and despicable." French anger erupted over the weekend at Trump's comments to the National Rifle Associationand especially at his trigger-firing hand gesture imitating the Bataclan attackers, the AP reports. Multiple extremists with explosive belts and assault weapons killed 130 people in the 2015 attacks on the Bataclan, Paris cafes, and the national stadium. Hollande, president during the attacks, called Trump's gesture "obscene." story continues below Speaking to BFM television Sunday, Hollande called Trump's comments "intolerable" for the survivors and victims' families. France's government vigorously defended its gun controls, and pressure mounted on President Emmanuel Macron to demand an apology from Trump despite their friendly relationship. The country's foreign ministry issued a statement expressing its "firm disapproval" of the remarks, France24 reports. Philippe Duperron, president of the survivors association 13onze15, said the group was "outraged" and added: "No weapon would have changed the outcome because there were suicide bombers wearing explosive belts who were going to blow themselves in the places they were attacking. (Read more Bataclan stories.) (Newser) Just before noon on Friday, the first of several 911 calls came in about cars being hit by gunfire along Georgia's Highway 365. By the time the chaos ended, seven cars had been shot, three people were injured, and the 26-year-old sniper suspect was dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the Washington Post reports. Among the wounded, per WSBTV: Harvey Kerby, who says the bullet that zipped through his car door then into him didn't cause as much damage as it could have because of his metal hip implant. "If he would have shot a foot higher, it may have killed me," Kerby says. The gunman, per Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch: landscaper Rex Whitmire Harbour, the AP reports. Police say Harbour fired at least 17 times at vehicles on the highway, and Couch says Harbour shot himself in the head as a deputy was pursuing him after spotting his car pull out of a wooded area. story continues below Couch says investigators unearthed three handguns, a BB gun, and a 12-gauge shotgun inside Harbour's car, as well as more than 3,400 rounds of ammunition. A subsequent search of Harbour's home turned up "hate-filled" notes believed to be written by Harbour in which he said he admired Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz, calling him a "hero" who gave Harbour "courage and confidence." One other man was hit by gunfire during Harbour's shooting spree, while a woman was injured by broken windshield glass, per USA Today; neither is said to be suffering from life-threatening injuries. Although Kerby isn't sure how his injury will heal, he's mainly just feeling grateful. "I hope that I don't have a limp [the] rest of my life, but if I do, hey, I'm alive," he tells WSBTV. (A German sniper suspect was accused of shooting at more than 700 vehicles.) (Newser) How much does it cost to secure the right to sell Starbucks coffee? Nestle says the answer to that question is $7.15 billion, the amount it on Monday announced it would pay Starbucks for a business whose annual sales total $2 billion, reports the AP. The acquisition, the third-biggest for Nestle in its 152 years, would allow the Swiss giant to sell things like Starbucks' bagged coffee and individual pods; ready-to-drink products are excluded, and the deal doesn't have anything to do with Starbucks cafes. Reuters reports that regular shoppers of the affected products won't see a change: Nestle's name won't join Starbucks' on any packaging. "We do not want the consumer to perceive that Starbucks is now part of a bigger family," a Nestle source told the site. story continues below Starbucks walks away with greater distribution around the planet. As for Nestle, it's a jolt: The world's leading hot drink company's shares had been down 8% for the year, and 2017 saw sales rise at what Bloomberg calls "their weakest pace in more than two decades." Bloomberg's take: "By entering a marketing pact with Starbucks, the Swiss company is revealing the limits to growing with Nescafe and Nespresso." Reuters' assessment is that the deal will help Nestle "bulk up" in the US where it isn't as strong, allow it to expand its offerings in a ballooning Asia market, and facilitate its "shift away from junk food." The AP adds the deal is subject to regulatory approval but should close before 2018 is out. Nestle will scoop up 500 Starbucks employees as part of the process; operations will remain in Seattle. (Read more Starbucks stories.) (Newser) A doctor's attorney says a death under his client's watch was tragic but not criminal; an assistant DA calls it a case of "greed and arrogance." Either way, Dr. Robert Rho, who says he's done at least 40,000 abortions, has pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide after a six-month-pregnant patient he performed an abortion on bled to death after the procedure, per the AP. That patient was 30-year-old Buffalo, NY, woman Jamie Lee Morales (some sources spell her first name Jaime), who had reportedly traveled to Rho's clinic in Queens in 2016 to terminate her pregnancy for a fee of $6,000. But the abortion went awry, leaving Morales with a torn cervix, punctured uterine wall, and slashed uterine artery, and hemorrhaging blood. Rho reportedly tried to stanch the bleeding with another procedure, but it didn't work. story continues below Prosecutors say instead of calling 911, even after Morales had collapsed in his clinic's bathroom, Rho sent Morales home with her sister. Morales never made it to her sister's Bronx home: She passed out during the ride, at which point medics were called. She was pronounced dead at the hospital. Defense attorney Jeffrey Lichtman tells the New York Post his client's plea deal was arrived at in the nick of time: Just as he and the DA were about to show Justice Gregory Lasak the agreement, jurors announced they'd reached a verdict. "It was like taking a half-court shot at the buzzer of Game 7," Lichtman says. Now, instead of facing up to 15 years in prison for second-degree manslaughter, the 50-something Rho could get a sentence of 1 1/3 years to four years, though Lichtman predicts Rho will do about 10 months. (The toughest US abortion law is here.) (Newser) President Trump is urging West Virginia voters to reject a former federal convict and coal baron running in the Republican Senate primary, arguing that Don Blankenship would lose the general election. Trump tweeted on Monday: "To the great people of West Virginia we have, together, a really great chance to keep making a big difference. Problem is, Don Blankenship, currently running for Senate, can't win the General Election in your State...No way! Remember Alabama. Vote Rep. Jenkins or A.G. Morrisey!" Politico on Sunday wondered if the White House would get involved after speaking to four GOPers who said 11th-hour polls suggest Blankenship could be moving ahead of Republican challengers Rep. Evan Jenkins and state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey. story continues below Blankenship responded to Trump's tweet by writing that Trump doesn't know him and "the establishment is misinforming him because they do not want me to be in the US Senate and promote the president's agenda." He added: "Tomorrow, West Virginia will send the swamp a messageno one, and I mean no one, will tell us how to vote. As some have said, I am Trumpier than Trump and this morning proves it." Per the AP, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy said on Monday on Fox and Friends that the motivation behind the president's tweet is to "find the very best person" in West Virginia to challenge incumbent Sen. Joe Manchin, a Democrat. The primary is Tuesday. (Blankenship served a year in prison.) (Newser) Oil prices just busted through the $70 mark as the world awaits President Trump's decision on Iranian sanctions. The price of benchmark US crude rose 74 cents to $70.46 a barrel, the first time since 2014 the cost has exceeded $70, reports the AP. The development, which is expected to result in higher gas prices, comes as analysts await Trump's May 12 decision on whether to reimpose sanctions on Iran over the 2015 nuclear deal he sees as a failure, reports Reuters. If the US withdraws from the deal, analysts expect Iranian oil exports to fall. Also hitting oil prices was a worsening economic crisis in Venezuela. (Read more oil prices stories.) (Newser) The world of academia has a small-scale furor on its hands over a joke told in a crowded elevator. It played out last month at a Hilton in San Francisco during the annual conference of the International Studies Association, reports the Chronicle of Higher Education. When someone called out a request for floors, 76-year-old professor Richard Ned Lebow responded, "ladies' lingerie," or perhaps "women's lingerie." A female professor by the name of Simona Sharoni took offense and lodged a complaint with the ISA. Lebow, who teaches political theory at King's College London, tried to defuse the situation by writing to Sharoni, who teaches women's studies at Merrimack College in Massachusetts, that he meant no offense. He added that he was worried her "frivolous" complaint might detract from the investigation of more serious offenses. story continues below The ISA then came down against Lebow, criticizing both his original joke and his subsequent characterization of the complaint as "frivolous," and demanded that he apologize to Sharoni. He refuses, saying this is "political correctness" run amok. Sharoni, for her part, tells columnist Ruth Marcus of the Washington Post (who originally broke the story) that the cry of "political correctness" is too often a dodge used by people to get away with offensive behavior. Marcus sees fault on both sides. "She shouldnt have leaped to file a grievance; he shouldnt have added fuel by labeling her charge 'frivolous.'" Ultimately, though, Marcus sides with Lebow, calling Sharoni's complaint "counterproductive." It's not clear what happens if Lebow keeps up his refusal to apologize, notes Insider Higher Ed, but he could get booted from the ISA. (Read more sexual harassment stories.) (Newser) The NRA's next president will be a familiar name: Oliver North. The group said Monday that the retired Marine who figured prominently in the Iran-Contra scandal of the 1980s will assume the post in the next few weeks, reports CNN. This is the most exciting news for our members since Charlton Heston became president of our association, said NRA executive vice president and CEO Wayne LaPierre in a statement. He called North a "warrior for American freedom," adding that "in these times, I can think of no one better suited to serve as our president. Heston, of course, famously declared that his guns could only be taken "from my cold, dead hands," notes the AP. North is retiring from his role as a Fox News analyst, effective immediately. At the NRA, he will replace current President Pete Brownell, who is not seeking a second term. story continues below North, 74, is a member of the NRA board, and the Washington Post notes that he attended the group's prayer breakfast over the weekend during the annual convention. I want my grandkids to say that Granddad was a person who taught me how to fight the good fight, North said. You see, thats the most important lesson of all: Were in a fight. Were in a brutal battle to preserve the liberties that the good Lord presents us. North first became a national figure while serving on the National Security Council under Ronald Reagan. He was convicted in 1989 of obstructing Congress and other charges for his role in the sale of weapons to Iran (despite sanctions) and the diversion of proceeds to support the right-wing Contra rebels in Nicaragua (despite a congressional ban on such aid), per the Hill. A judge eventually dismissed the convictions. (Read more Oliver North stories.) (Newser) Danish submarine inventor Peter Madsen will not be appealing his murder conviction over the killing and dismemberment of Swedish journalist Kim Wall, prosecutors said Monday. In a tweet, prosecutors said Madsen's defense team had only appealed against the life sentence that was handed down by the Copenhagen City Court, the AP reports. Prosecutors insist the sentence is correct. Defense lawyer Betina Hald Engmark told Denmark's TV2 that Madsen "doesn't confess murdering Kim Wall but that he would like the case to be over withalso for the sake of the relatives and witnesses." story continues below Madsen was found guilty April 25 of murder, sexual assault and the dismembering of Wall. The Copenhagen court ruled unanimously that Madsen, 47, had lured Wall, 30, onto his hand-built submarine with the promise of an interview she had been trying to get for months. The defense announced at the time that it would appeal, but didn't specify whether it was disputing Madsen's guilt or the sentence. No date for the appeal over the sentence has been set. (A life sentence is a rarity in Denmark.) There is nothing like a click-bait style headline to get your attention, is there? The quartz movement may not have killed off the mechanical watch (although it came very close) and the smart watch has failed to lead to the doom and gloom that certain commentators were predicting a couple of years ago. But news this week suggests that the "traditional" watch industry is facing an altogether more worrying threat to its existence. The UK has been shocked over the past couple of weeks by stories that some schools were removing analogue clocks from exam rooms because students were unable to read them. Malcolm Trobe, deputy general secretary at the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), even went as far as to suggest that "having a traditional clock in the [exam] room could be a cause of unnecessary stress." It would appear that what is second nature to the more mature generation should not be taken for granted amongst the young. Having grown up with digital devices, they are more familiar with reading the time in a digital format. UK reality TV star Joey Essex, for example, appears genuinely unable to tell the time. Its easy to poke fun at him, but who knows how many other less-famous people of his generation have the same problem? Luckily for Mr Essex, it does not stop him flaunting a gold Rolex as a fashion accessory. So should watch brands be reserving a proportion of their marketing budgets for education? Should the Swiss Watch Industry Federation and the FHH be lobbying governments worldwide on the importance of learning to tell the time? How can we expect the next generation to grasp retrograde displays and grand complications if the youth of today are already having trouble mastering reading the industry's most basic three-hand design? Perhaps this is a problem that is too big even for the Swiss watch industry. If, like me, you commute to work every day, you will undoubtedly be surrounded by people looking at, listening to or talking to a small rectangular device. Those not doing so are now the exception. On a much-delayed and heavily overcrowded train (very unusual for Switzerland) last week, I was approached, along with my fellow standing passengers, by a Swiss TV reporter who wanted to film us because she was preparing a report on our addiction to mobile phones. As I looked around, there wasn't a single person in the carriage who didn't have their eyes fixed on a phone. But then again, when you're standing on an overcrowded train, there are few other ways to pass the time... The first numbers ever used date back to the Sumerian writing system that was recorded over 5,000 years ago. The Sumerians had signs for 1, 10, 60, 600 and 3,600, setting the foundations for the base 6 system that is the very cornerstone of how we tell the time and how we divide a circle into degrees (which is indispensable for anyone who grew up needing to read maps and navigate with a compass). It would be a shame to lose this legacy that has endured for millennia just because our overdependence on our smartphones makes things far too easy for us. (Newser) A newly passed Connecticut law places the Nutmeg State among a growing group of US states that aim to change the way America chooses its president. Per NPR, the state's legislature voted over the weekend to send a bill to Gov. Dannel Malloy that ensures Connecticut's seven electoral votes go to the candidate who wins the popular vote nationwide. Malloy applauded the legislature's move in a statement on Saturday. "With the exception of the presidency, every elected office in the country, from city council, to United States senator, to governor, is awarded the candidate who receives the most votes," said the Democrat. "The vote of every American citizen should count equally." Connecticut joins a compact of 10 other states plus Washington, DC, all of which have made the same pledge. story continues below "People are very excited. It really helps," Barry Fadem, president of the California-based National Popular Vote organization, told the AP. After lobbying Connecticut lawmakers to join the group for 11 years, Fadem said he hopes other states will now be encouraged to join. With the expected addition of Connecticut's seven electoral votes, the group now has 172. Opponents argue that Connecticut's influence in the presidential election will be hurt by the national popular vote. Republican Sen. Michael McLachlan predicted that candidates will only focus on large population centers, ignoring rural areas and small states like Connecticut. "If you live in New York City, they may as well send limousines to get people to the polls," said McLachlan, who also predicted "a legal train wreck" if the compact ultimately gets enough states to vote in unison for the popular vote winner. (Read more Connecticut stories.) Sorry! This content is not available in your region On 1st October 2018 the Watch Photo Awards started a new month of competition open to all watch fans with a passion for photography with a new theme: Black. The closing date for this final competition is 20th October 2018. The selected photos will be exhibited at the Musee dArt et dHistoire in Geneva from 31st October. The Watch Photo Awards, why? Photographic competitions have been around for a long time, and watch awards are dominated by the Grand Prix dHorlogerie de Geneve. But until now, there has never been a watch photography competition with an international dimension, open to the general public. We have attempted to remedy this omission by giving mechanical watch lovers a platform for them to photograph their watch, share it on watch-photo-awards.com, and maybe have it selected by the jury for publication by media partners, and be featured in an exhibition at the end of the year. Who can take part in the Watch Photo Awards? Everyone (almost): anyone who owns a mechanical watch (or, for women, quartz) is invited to shoot a photo on the theme of the month, and upload it to watch-photo-awards.com (WPA). The theme for the month of October is "black". Every month, from May to October, there will be a new theme. At the end of each month, the jury selects the ten photos that best fulfil the competition criteria: creativity, technical proficiency and relevance to the theme. All ten photos will be published on WPA and by the events media partners, beginning of course with WorldTempus and GMT Magazine. The public will then be invited to vote on the ten photos, and the one with the most votes will be declared the winner. The winning photographer will receive a voucher for a weekend for two in a 5-star hotel in Geneva. For October, its Le Richemond Hotel. At the end of the six months, all of the selected photos will be exhibited in the Geneva Museum of Art and History, at the exhibition for the Grand Prix dHorlogerie de Geneve. The creators of the 60 photos will be invited to the opening of the WPA exhibition in Geneva. Depending on the media partners, there may be an opportunity for the exhibition to travel to other cities afterwards. An illustrated history of watches Once the 2018 WPA is over, it will be possible to search all the photos entered, by brand and by theme. Above and beyond the cultural and artistic dimension of this initiative, which is intended to convey the photographers enthusiasm for their favourite watches, the idea is also to create the first virtual museum of watch photography. As part of this long-term, interactive project, the public will be invited to make their own contributions to the history of watchmaking. The rules, prizes, media partners and biographies of the jury members are available on watch-photo-awards.com. Click, share, upload and publish! Egypt's parliament has given ride hailing services Uber and Careem six months to comply the new law regulating ride-hailing services in the country, which was approved by MPs on Sunday. According to Article 2 of the law, ride-hailing services that use private vehicles or mass transport systems should adjust their legal status pursuant to the provisions of the law within six months. The companies are required to pay a fee to regulate their status that does not exceed the yearly licensing fee, as determined by the prime minister. Penal articles included in the law are not to be enforced on the companies before the end of the six-month period. According to the law, a fine of between EGP 200,000 and EGP 5 million is to be imposed on anyone who operates a ride-hailing service without a license. According to Article 3, the prime minister will put in place the regulations needed to enforce the provisions of the law based on suggestions by the cabinet or authorised bodies within two months of the issuance of the law. Among these decisions is a licensing fee for drivers that does not exceed EGP 1,000. Parliament has postponed voting on several articles of the law following a disagreement inside the house over the annual cap of EGP 10 million for the licensing of operations and licensing fees paid by the company in cash. Also postponed was Article 9, which stipulates that the companies are obliged to provide information on users to national security bodies. The passing of some articles of the anticipated law comes after a court case filed against the San Francisco-based Uber and the UAE-based Careem. Last April, a Cairo court of urgent matters blocked the implementation of a March court order to suspend the activities of the two companies in the country. April's court order gave the two companies the right to continue operations in country pending a ruling on the matter by the High Administrative Court, which is set to continue hearing the case on 12 May. The case against the two companies was filed in February 2017 by drivers of traditional taxis, who accused the services of violating the traffic law by using privately-owned vehicles for commercial purposes. The case was filed against the two operators as well as the government. The spread of the ride-hailing smartphone applications had sparked several protests from cab drivers in Cairo over their use of private vehicles to transport commuters, which they say violates traffic regulations. Taxi drivers say they have been losing clients to the two services, as many people are opting to use the apps to commute in the capital and other cities. Uber, first launched in San Francisco seven years ago, began operating in Egypt in November 2014. The service is now operating in more than 80 countries. Its rival Careem operates across 13 countries and more than 90 cities in the Middle East and Asia. It also launched in Egypt in 2014. In late 2017, Uber announced it would make investments of $20 million over the next five years in its support centre in Cairo, saying Egypt is one of its fastest-growing markets. Uber had 2 million users and employed 60,000 drivers in Egypt in 2016, the company's Middle East and Africa chief Pierre-Dmitri Gore-Coty told Reuters in October. Search Keywords: Short link: New Delhi: With Karnataka Assembly Elections just five days away, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday held a road-show in Kolar. The Congress party chief rode a bicycle as he led a protest march against the high fuel prices while campaigning in the state. Protest against rising fuel prices: Later, standing on a bullock cart, Gandhi addressed a gathering and accused the Narendra Modi-led NDA government of stealing money from the common people to give it to their 'rich friends'. He also asked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to explain why they are not able to reduce the petrol and diesel prices in the country. "Earlier in international market, the price was USD 140 per barrel, now it is USD 70 per barrel. So lakhs of crores of money is being saved by the government. Where is the money going?" Gandhi asked during the rally. Congress President @RahulGandhi rides a bicycle in Kolar where he also protested against the rising fuel prices in the country. #BJPReducePetrolPrices #JanaAashirwadaYatre #INC4Karnataka pic.twitter.com/jD0gJM7s68 Congress (@INCIndia) May 7, 2018 "Why are you not saying to people that you don't want to put GST on petrol and diesel? You want to take away money from common man and want to give it to your five or ten industrialist friends," he said before the gathering. "You want to take money from the pockets of those driving scooter, truck, bus and other vehicles in the country and want to give it your rich friends," Gandhi said. Corruption in India: Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress leader said, "The stage from which PM Modi speaks of anti-corruption also has people who've spent a time in jails for corruption." "The amount looted by Reddy brothers from Karnataka is roughly the same amount the UPA had allocated for MNREGA," Rahul stated. The amount looted by Reddy brothers from Karnataka is roughly the same amount the UPA had allocated for MNREGA: Congress President @RahulGandhi #CongressMathomme #JanaAashirwadaYatre #INC4Karnataka pic.twitter.com/c4TJVlC38B Congress (@INCIndia) May 7, 2018 Read | Congress Raebareli MLA Aditi Singh rubbishes wedding rumours with Rahul Gandhi; calls him Rakhi brother Sufferings of farmers in the country: Gandhi also expressed his concern for the farmers in the country and slammed PM Modi's prolonged silence on the sufferings of the Indian farmers. "The farmers of this country are suffering but PM Modi has turned a deaf ear to them," the Congress president said. The farmers of this country are suffering but PM Modi has turned a deaf ear to them: Congress President @RahulGandhi #CongressMathomme #JanaAashirwadaYatre #INC4Karnataka Congress (@INCIndia) May 7, 2018 Promises and achievements of Congress government in K'taka and failures of BJP: Praising the Siddaramaiah-led government in the state, he mentioned the success of their various welfare scheme. Gandhi has also promised a house to every person in Karnataka within the next five years and will also focus on creating a network of food-processing plants across Karnataka for the benefit of farmers. "Karnataka has not forgotten Demonetisation, Gabbar Singh Tax and Nirav Modi and Congress will win in Karnataka as they stood united to defeat the BJP in Karnataka," the Congress chief said as he expressed his beliefs in Kannadigas. In the next 5 years, every person in Karnataka will own a house. Unlike PM Modi, we keep our promises: Congress President @RahulGandhi #CongressMathomme #JanaAashirwadaYatre #INC4Karnataka pic.twitter.com/J4buDpT1Rq Congress (@INCIndia) May 7, 2018 Earlier in the day, the former prime minister Manmohan Singh attacked the Modi government over 'economic mismanagement' and said, "It took years to make the Indian economy the third largest economy... now it is being systematically dismantled." Read | PM Modi addresses K'taka BJP Yuva Morcha workers via NaMo app; urges to stop violence Singh was addressing a press conference in poll-bound Karnataka on Monday. Rahul Gandhi, who is on a three-day visit to Karnataka, is scheduled to address a series of election rallies in Kolar, Bengaluru Rural, Chikkballapura, Tumakuru districts and Bengaluru city. New Delhi: Former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi government and accused it of "systematically dismantling" the Indian economy. "It took years to make the Indian economy the third largest economy... now it is being systematically dismantled," Singh said while addressing a press conference in poll-bound Karnataka. Singh slammed the present government for its disastrous policies and said that despite favourable global conditions and changes in calculation methods, the growth rate of Indias GDP declined due to the economic mismanagement by the government. The former prime minister also accused the Modi government of peddling conspiracy theories against its opponents and not taking prompt corrective action. No Prime Minister in our country has used the Office of the Prime Minister to say things about his opponent that Modi has been doing day in and day out. It doesn't behove a Prime Minister to stoop so low and it is not good for the country as a whole as well, Singh said. Singh showered praises upon state Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for giving dynamic leadership to Karnataka and asked PM Modi to learn development lessons from the southern state. Siddaramaiah has provided a dynamic and progressive leadership to Karnataka. He has dealt with the drought effectively and provided timely assistance to farmers. We hope PM Modi will learn and implement development lessons from the state, he said. Also Read | Can Modis secret understanding with JD-S help BJP clinch power in Karnataka? Trust of people eroding in banking system Launching an all-out attack against Modi, Singh said that people were losing faith in the countrys banking sector due to the economic mismanagement of the Modi government. The economic management of the Modi government is slowly eroding the trust of the general public in the banking system. Recent incidents which resulted in shortage of cash in many states were preventable, the former PM said in Bengaluru. Nirav Modi fraud blame on Modi government Singh went full throttle and directly put the blame of the Punjab National bank scam on the Modi government. He said that the central government didnt do anything while Nirav Modi was looting the country. As far as Nirav Modi is concerned, it was obvious that in 2015-16 that something is going around with the affairs of Modi. Yet the Modi government didn't do anything. If blame has to be cast, it has to be on the government of mandate, Singh said. In fact, the PM was in Davos in the company of Nirav Modi & only a few days later he ran away from the country. That itself is the reflection of sad state of affairs in this wonderland of Modi government, he added. Also Read | PM Modi urges K'taka BJP Yuva Morcha workers to stop violence Jobs not being created Singh also took on the Modi government over the issue of increasing unemployment in the country and said that a true leader would create and not destroy the opportunities. True leadership creates opportunities, it does not destroy them: Dr Manmohan Singh on the destruction of jobs under Modi Govt, Singh said. New Delhi: Market regulator Sebi has barred Shreebhumi Constructions Ltd (SCL) and its three directors from the markets for at least four years and asked them to refund investors money that the company had collected illegally. SCL had allotted redeemable preference shares (RPS) worth Rs 1.95 crore to 241 people in 2011-12 and 2012-13, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) pointed out. It said that since these shares were issued to over 50 investors by the company, this is qualified to be a public issue, which requires compulsory listing on recognised stock exchanges. Among others, the firm was also required to file prospectus, which it failed to do. I am of the view that SCL engaged in fund mobilising activity from the public, through the offer of RPS and has contravened the provisions of the Companies Act, Sebi Whole Time Member Madhabi Puri Buch said in an order dated May 4. In view of it, Sebi has asked the firm and its directors - Shubhranshu Singh, Chhotrai Majhi, Prabin Dash - to jointly refund the money raised from investors along with an annual interest of 15 per cent. They have been restrained from the securities markets till the expiry of four years from the date of completion of refunds to investors. The directors have also been prohibited from associating themselves with any listed public firm or any registered intermediary, till completion of the refund and for a further four years from the date of completion of the repayment. If they fail to comply with the directions of refund on the expiry of three months, Sebi may initiate recovery proceedings. Sebi, through an interim order passed in June last year, had barred the company and its directors from accessing the securities market. (With inputs from agencies) For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra on Monday set up a five-judge constitution bench to hear Congress' plea against dismissal of his impeachment motion. Recently, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu had rejected a notice of impeachment motion against CJI Misra moved by Opposition parties led by the Congress. Earlier in the day, the Congress challenged Naidu's dismissal of the impeachment notice in the Supreme Court. The party said that Naidu's decision was "illegal and arbitrary" and taken in a "cavalier, cryptic and abrupt manner". Senior Congress leader and lawyer Kapil Sibal, who settled the petition, asked senior apex court judge Justice Chelameshwar to set up a panel to hear the plea. Sibal argued that since the case involved CJI Misra, he can't set up the panel or hear the plea. However, Justice Chelameshwar said it had already been cleared that Chief Justice was the master of the roster and only he will allocate the cases and set up the benches. The judges who will hear the Congress's plea are Justices AK Sikri, SA Bobde, NV Ramana, Arun Mishra and AK Goel. The bench didn't include any of the four senior most Supreme Court judges who revolted against CJI Misra by holding an unprecedented press conference and raised questions about the apex court's functioning. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Congress on Monday moved the Supreme Court against Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidus dismissal of the impeachment motion against Chief Justice Dipak Misra. Two Congress MPs from Rajya Sabha - Pratap Singh Bajwa and Amee Harshadray Yajnik filed a petition in the apex court challenging Naidus decision. In their plea, the Congress MPs argued that once the initiation of impeachment motion is signed by the requisite number of Members of Parliament, the Vice-President has no option but shall constitute an Inquiry Committee to investigate the allegations against the CJI Misra. "None of the reasons given by the Chairman (Venkaiah Naidu)... carry any weight or are legally tenable. It deserves to be set aside for being wholly extraneous and ultra vires to the provisions of the constitution and the Inquiry Act," the Congress said in its petition. Senior lawyer and Congress leader Kapil Sibal, who settled the petition, sought apex courts directions for setting up judges inquiry committee to probe the charges against CJI. Sibal mentioned the matter before senior Supreme Court judge Justice J Chelameswar for urgent listing. The Congress leader also said that CJI Misra cant decide on who will hear the plea as the matter was directly related to him. Justice Chelameswar asked Sibal to come back on Tuesday. Opposition parties led by the Congress had sought the removal of Dipak Misra and given notice of impeachment against him. The notice given to Naidu was bearing signatures of 64 MPs and seven former members, who recently retired. Also Read | Venkaiah Naidu rejects impeachment notice against Chief Justice Dipak Misra On April 23, in a major setback to the Opposition Congress, Rajya Sabha Chairman Naidu rejected the impeachment motion against CJI Misra. "I have applied my mind to all 5 charges made out in Impeachment Motion&examined all annexed documents. All facts as stated in motion don't make out a case which can lead any reasonable mind to conclude that CJI on these facts can be ever held guilty of misbehaviour," Naidu had said while rejecting the notice of impeachment motion agianst the CJI. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A 22-year-old tourist from Tamil Nadu was killed after being injured due to stone pelting in Srinagar-Gulmarg Road in the valley. The victim named R Thirumani suffered head injuries when the vehicle he was travelling in was attacked by stone pelters on Monday. The Chennai resident was taken to the SKIMS hospital at Soura, where he breathed his last, an official said. Police have registered a case and investigations have been taken up in the matter, the official added. Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti met the family members of the deceased at the hospital on Monday night. She expressed her grief and said, "My head hangs in shame." Jammu & Kashmir: CM Mehbooba Mufti met family member of tourist from Chennai who suffered injuries and later died. The vehicle he was travelling in had come under stone pelting at Narbal bridge on Sringar-Gulmarg road earlier today. pic.twitter.com/N5AIclqr0a a ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2018 Omar Abdullah mourned the death of the youngster and said that he was deeply hurt. This young man from Chennai died in my constituency & while I donat support these goons, their methods or their ideology Iam deeply, deeply sorry that this happened at all & that too in an area Iave been proud to represent since 2014. a Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) May 7, 2018 Another 19-year-old girl from Handwara was injured due to stone pelting in the valley and was admitted to a local hospital for medical treatment. Iam also pained to know that among the injured from the stone pelting in Narbal is a young woman from Handwara in North Kashmir. I pray she & the others injured make a quick recovery. a Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) May 7, 2018 For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday struck down a law that allowed former Uttar Pradesh chief ministers to retain government bungalows even after demitting office. In 2016, the erstwhile Samajwadi party government had made an amendment in UP Ministers (Salaries, Allowances and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1981 that entitled former chief ministers to live in government bungalows for life. A bench headed by Justice Ranjan Gogoi said the amendment in the legislation, challenged by an NGO Lok Prahari, was arbitrary, discriminatory and violates the concept of equality. The apex court ruled that once such persons demit public office, there is nothing to distinguish them from the common man. After the apex courts order, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Ministers - Akhilesh Yadav, his father Mulayam Singh Yadav, and Mayawati were set to lose their official government accommodation. The top court had earlier observed that if the provision was held invalid, then similar legislation in other states might also come under challenge. The NGO had also challenged another UP law of 2016 called The Allotment of Houses under Control of the Estate Department Bill-2016 to regulate the allotment of government accommodation to trusts, journalists, political parties, speaker and deputy speaker of legislative assembly, judicial officers and government officials. (With inputs from agencies) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The two amendments seek to regulate the affairs of the media and the press, and the performance of Egypt's parliament The Egyptian parliaments house speaker Ali Abdel-Aal has asked parliaments legislative and constitutional affairs committee to begin amending the law regulating the performance of parliament. Abdel-Aal's statement comes after the parliamentary majority Support Egypt coalition announced two weeks ago that it is seeking to become a licensed political party. Abdel-Aal told MPs in a plenary meeting on Sunday morning that "I am sure that the legislative and constitutional affairs committee, which has a lot of MPs highly knowledgeable in legislation, will be able to amend this law in a way that could enhance political life and democratic practices in Egypt." The coalition's legislative experts said there is no constitutional obstacle to Support Egypt becoming a party, and that the only hurdle is Article 6 of the House of Representatives law, which states that elected MPs cannot change their political designation once elected. "This stipulation might be removed to allow elected MPs to switch alliances and join the new party without losing parliamentary membership, Abdel-Aal said. Abdel-Aal also told parliament's culture and media committee that it should finalise debating a government-drafted law aimed at regulating the media and the press as soon as possible. In response, head of the committee Osama Heikal said the law will be ready for discussion before parliament at the end of this week. Abdel-Aal said the law is necessary to regulate Egypt's media sector, particularly some television channels. Abdel-Aal also warned MPs not to give interviews to satellite television channels affiliated with the banned Muslim Brotherhood group. "Some MPs gave telephone interviews to some television channels without being aware that these are hostile to the state and exploit interviews with MPs to spread a distorted image about Egypt in regional and international circles," said Abdel-Aal. Ahmed Haridi, an MP from the Upper Egypt governorate of Sohag, told parliament on Sunday that the Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated TV channel (Mikamleen), broadcasting from Turkey, lied to secure a telephone interview with him. "Someone said he was a reporter with the Sky News Arabia channel and that he wanted to conduct a telephone interview with me," said Hardi. "I was later surprised to find that the interview was broadcast by the Mekamleen channel and that it was used as a response to a Muslim Brotherhood figure who was attacking and insulting the country." Hardi said that "these channels like to mix poison with honey and there should be some way to safeguard MPs against these Muslim Brotherhood media outlets." Search Keywords: Short link: New Delhi: Former Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, who was suspended by the Congress for calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi 'neech' before Gujarat elections 2017, took a jib at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) yet again on Monday. Slamming the Narendra Modi-led BJP for supporting Hindutva, Aiyar said, "Present situation in India is an aberration. In 1923, a man called VD Savarkar invented a word which doesn't exist in any religious text, 'Hindutva'. So, first proponent of the two-nation theory was ideological guru of those who are currently in power in India," the news agency ANI reported. Present situation in India is an aberration, In 1923 a man called VD Savarkar invented a word which doesn't exist in any religious text, 'Hindutva'. So first proponent of the two nation theory was ideological guru of those who are currently in power in India: MA Aiyar in Lahore pic.twitter.com/2C0ovEPRBI ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2018 "I referred to Jinnah as the Quaid e Azam & the hysterical Indian TV anchors are demanding to know how an Indian can go to Pakistan and say this. I know many Pakistanis who called MK Gandhi as Mahatma Gandhi, does that make them unpatriotic Pakistanis," he asked while addressing an event in Pakistan on Monday. Read | Rahul Gandhi on bullock cart holds protest against rising fuel prices in Karnataka I referred to Jinnah as the Quaid e Azam & the hysterical Indian TV anchors are demanding to know how an Indian can go to Pakistan and say this. I know many Pakistanis who called MK Gandhi as Mahatma Gandhi, does that make them unpatriotic Pakistanis?: M S Aiyar in Lahore pic.twitter.com/gxqLUcEHLM ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2018 However, this is not the first time that Aiyar gave birth to such controversies. Last week, Aiyar was flayed by the BJP after he lauded Pakistan founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah amidst the growing clamour over a portrait of Jinnah hanging on the wall of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). In the past, he said that he received more hatred in India than love in Pakistan. Read | Aligarh Muslim University-Jinnah violence: Whats in a name? Earlier, at the height of Indo-Pak tensions, he said that India is still caught in a 'partially 1947 situation' while there is 'change of mindset' in the neighbouring country. The Congress, however, is staying away from Aiyar's recent comments as they are leaving no stone unturned to retain power in poll-bound Karnataka. The Congress and BJP are all set to be back in the battlefield as the political ardor is gaining pace in the state ahead of the Karnataka Assembly elections 2018. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Whats in a name? wrote renowned poet and playwright William Shakespeare, but the present bone of contention that has sparked off tension in Uttar Pradesh seems to be a name only. In this case, its none other than Muhammad Ali Jinnah popularly known as Quaid-i-Azam in Pakistan, similar to the nomenclature "Bapu" used for Mahatma Gandhi in India. The eye of the storm is a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah that has been there in the student union office of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) since decades. To get into the core of the issue, one may need to glance briefly at the history of AMU and Muhammad Ali Jinnah. AMU was established as an Anglo-Indian institution (skewed towards the Islamic style) by Syed Ahmad Khan. It is largely believed that Syed Ahmad Khan wanted to establish an institution, especially for Muslims which can promulgate knowledge of English language and other fundamental courses. The reason was to ensure that Muslim opinion was given due weightage in the political affairs of the country, more particularly in Northern India. Over time, the institution transformed into a centre of excellence and was conferred the status of Central University. Today, AMU imparts education to many irrespective of caste, creed, religion and constantly ranks among top universities in India. But if everything has been so rosy in AMU then how come the university suddenly turned into a battle zone? The story behind the AMU battle zone Well, here goes the story, Jinnah was granted a lifetime membership of the Aligarh Muslim University Students Union (AMUSU) in 1938. As a customary practice, his portrait was hung in the office of AMUSU along with other honorary members. Jinnah having played a pivotal role in the India-Pakistan partition is not a popular figurine among Indian sentiments, therefore anything to do with Jinnah gets an auto-connect to Pakistan. The cinder behind the recent row The fire was rekindled when Aligarh MP Satish Gautam enquired from the AMU vice chancellor why the portrait of the said gentleman was present in the college room? This cinder was enough to mobilise an army of pro and anti-protagonists, what followed thereafter was clashes in the campus, suspension of internet, imposition of Section 144, political blame-games, dharnas and strikes. Now, this trivial issue has snowballed into a massive one with more clashes taking place inside the AMU campus. What the students have been failing to realise Students in our country are the safest bet as their ignited mind could be bent in any direction, they have been used many a times for both political and non-political gains. What the student community has been failing to realise constantly is that they are the power house of energy which, if harnessed positively, can do wonders and, if misused, can consume everything. They must learn to differentiate between the RIGHT and the WRONG. In case of AMU, the clear loss is for those who came from far and away with only one aim--to learn and become a support to their families. Lately, there has been a pattern of issues galvanising into a conundrum and soon taking the shape of a national menace. It will not come as a surprise if reports of similar incidence start rocking other states as well giving another chance to some of the self-proclaimed contractors of democracy to question the competency of the present government. Plethora of questions However, the bigger picture may throw up a plethora of questions, like was it a deliberate move by the BJP to project itself as the most nationalistic party in the lights of Karnataka Elections or whether it was a curtain raiser to the type of politics which the nation may witness in the run up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections or whether the seeds of a greater agenda for Uttar Pradesh is being sowed here like the students movement of Osmania University which ultimately lead to the division of Andhra Pradesh and formation of Telangana. Every politician knows that the road to 7, Lok Kalyan Marg goes via Uttar Pradesh, whoever emerges as the King of Uttar Pradesh will become the king-maker of the country. When the deed is done Now, it hardly matters whether Jinnahs portrait remains in AMU or not but the atmosphere, the ambience, the fragrance in the air of the AMU campus will not be the same anymore at least till the elections are not over. Surely, the cut is deep and its not going to heal soon. The author is a political observer and writes on socio-political affairs. Egyptian Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Mohamed Abdel-Ati said on Sunday that Egypt hopes that the current good feelings between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia are reflected on the ground through agreements and consensuses over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). According to Al-Ahram Daily's print issue on Sunday, Minister Abdel-Ati met on Saturday with his Ethiopian and Sudanese counterparts, as well as forty members of the tripartite technical committee, to discuss outstanding issues on the studies conducted to determine the impact of the dam on downstream countries. Representatives from French consulting firms Arterlia and BRL, which are tasked with carrying out the studies, also attended the meeting, which comes a few days after Ethiopias new Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed affirmed that the dam will not harm Egypts share of water. Al-Ahram added that Ethiopia's Water and Irrigation Minister Sileshi Bekele said that the talks held on Saturday pave the way for another meeting which will be held in the Ethiopian capital soon and will include the foreign, irrigation, and intelligence chiefs of the three countries. Last week, Egypt called for an acceleration of the pace of the negotiations over the GERD. The Saturday meeting also aimed to adhere to the agreed articles of the Declaration of Principles, signed in 2015 between the leaders of the three countries, regarding the need to complete the studies on the dam to avoid any possible negative effects on the downstream states. The outcomes of the meeting have not been announced. Another meeting for further talks is expected to be held on 15 May, according to statements made by Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry last week. Egypt and Ethiopia are at loggerheads over the construction of the $4 billion hydroelectric dam, with Cairo fearing that the project could reduce its share of the Nile water. In January, the leaders of the three countries set a one-month deadline from 5 April to 5 May to hold a trilateral technical meeting to end a stand-off in negotiations over the construction of the dam. The Ethiopian government began construction of the dam on the Blue Nile near the border with Sudan in 2011, as part of a development plan aimed at eradicating poverty and generating electricity. Over the past seven years, Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan have held several rounds of talks on the dams anticipated impact on Nile water resources. Search Keywords: Short link: Legoland Japan is redoubling efforts to increase the number of visitors as the outdoor theme park is apparently fighting an uphill battle about a year after its opening. The theme park in the city of Nagoya, the capital of Aichi Prefecture, opened on April 1, 2017, with much fanfare, mainly targeting families with children aged between 2 and 12. It has more than 40 attractions for children and allows visitors to play with Lego interlocking toy bricks. Legoland Japan has been touted as a major tourism resource in the Chubu central Japan region in and around Aichi. Before its opening, there had not been large-scale theme parks in the region, such as Tokyo Disney Resort in Chiba Prefecture, part of the Kanto eastern region, and Universal Studios Japan in the city of Osaka in the Kansai western region. Only two months after the opening, however, Legoland Japan carried out effective fee cuts, in response to complaints that its one-day passport prices were too high. Sexual minorities and their supporters have paraded in central Tokyo to promote equality and greater awareness of LGBT issues. The participants in Sunday's event in the Shibuya and Harajuku districts included lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. They carried banners and placards with rainbow colors, a symbol of sexual diversity. The messages stressed the importance of tolerance in society. The organizer says a record 37 organizations, including companies and embassies, supported the 7th annual event. A 26-year-old bisexual woman who joined the parade says people waved to them and gave everyone a warm welcome. She says thoughtful consideration for others will help to create a better society. A sightseeing railway that runs through Kurobe Gorge in central Japan has begun full operations, offering visitors stunning views of spring greenery. Many holidaymakers boarded the train at Unazuki Station on Saturday. They enjoyed the natural landscape of the deep, rugged gorge and clear mountain streams. The railway does not operate during winter due to deep snow. It partially resumed service on April 20th and is now running to the terminus at Keyakidaira Station. A man from eastern Japan who came with his family said he was looking forward to his first ride on the railway. He said he wanted to see a famous rock in the Keyakidaira area. An official with Kurobe Gorge Railway, Mitsuyoshi Maezawa, said Saturday was the perfect day to start service on the railway this year thanks to the good weather. The service runs until the end of November. The railway hopes for a total of 710,000 passengers, 30,000 more than last year. Altair VR has conquered the Russian franchise market in VR education, with 23 franchisees as of today, and continues to expand into the West. By the end of this year the company plans to enter the US market, and by the end of 2019 there may be over 100 franchisees in the country. In addition to the project's proven high margin (70%), another major factor here would be the level of interest in VR education in the US. It is many times greater than such interest in CIS countries. In 2015 alone, VR-related startups raised about 658 million dollars in funding as part of 126 funding rounds just in Silicon Valley. The virtual reality industry is gaining steam. According to DigiCapital estimates, the VR field's global market cap will reach $120 billion as early as 2020. And the majority of that will be focused specifically on North America, particularly the west coast, due to the large volume of venture capital, concentration of companies, and the tech giants' presence. Furthermore, many large companies are already actively using VR technology for training. For example, Wal-Mart trains its employees using special simulators that make it possible to not just impart knowledge, but also evaluate employee behavior in various workplace situations. The same model works for students. In a recent study into the effectiveness of augmented reality in anatomy education in the US, the technology demonstrated 91.7% suitability for rendering organs in 3D format, as well as 86.1% suitability for education. According to estimates by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), using VR during training increases material retention fourfold by simultaneously increasing motivation and engagement. And this is one of the main arguments cited by schools and colleges in the US when integrating virtual reality into the educational process. In this environment, Altair's ambitions appear quite justified, and the company's seven-years' experience of working with this business model will only serve to accelerate the process of conquering new markets. One year has passed since the project was launched in Russia, and as of now there are 21 franchises operating on the basis of Altair's technologies and two more are in the process of being launched. "The unique 'Virtual Encyclopedia' product, along with our own online business management system that tracks every action online, create favorable conditions for entering the US market," comments Altair CEO Konstantin Urvantsev. "How it works is very simple: our partner comes to a school, hands virtual reality glasses out to the kids, presses a button, and the kids are all simultaneously immersed in the chosen show. It can be astronomy, history, life science, physics, or any other subject. It pays for itself in 6 months. The risks are low, the launch goes quickly, and the profitability is high thanks to a business model that we have been perfecting for seven years." Egyptian Minister of Agriculture Abdel-Moneim El-Banna discussed with his Ugandan counterpart Vincent Ssempijja in Cairo on Monday means to increase cooperation between both countries in the area of agriculture. During the meeting, El-Banna highlighted Egypt's keenness on fruitful cooperation in the field of agriculture with countries of the Nile basin. The discussion comes as part of the current round of meetings of the Egyptian-Ugandan Joint Committee, which was founded in 2015 to coordinate cooperation between the two countries. The Egyptian minister noted that cooperation would include training, exchange of experiences in the fishing industry and the fields of crop and animal health, as well as cooperation in the area of agricultural research. El-Banna and Ssempijja also discussed the proposed establishment of a joint farm between the two countries which would contribute to the exchange of different crops. The ministers highlighted the importance of removing any barriers to the transferrence of agricultural grains between the countries in an attempt to contribute to food sustainability for the benefit of both populations. The pair also reviewed investment opportunities in the two countries' agricultural sectors, especially in the area of processing. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt has invited Italian authorities to send representative to be present during the retrieval of CCTV footage that could help reveal the circumstances surrounding the murder of Italian student Giulio Regeni in Cairo in 2016. According to a joint statement, Egyptian prosecutor-general Nabil Sadek and Italian counterpart Giuseppe Pignatone discussed in a phone call on Sunday the latest developments in the investigation into Regenis murder. Sadek invited Pignatone to send representatives from the Italian prosecution to be present while Egyptian authorities retrieve CCTV footage from Cairo metro security cameras that show Regeni shortly before his disappearance. The retrieval process will start on 15 May with the assistance of a foreign expert. Regeni had been in Cairo for several weeks conducting research on independent trade unions when he went missing in January 2016. His body was found on 3 February 2016 on a roadside on the outskirts of Cairo bearing signs of torture. Pignatone has accepted the invitation and will be sending a delegation comprising his deputy Sergio Colaiocco and a number of Italian technical experts. "[Sadek and Pignatone] have great expectations regarding the [retrieval] process, which should help uncover the truth behind the incident and reveal its perpetrators," the statement said, adding that Rome will receive a copy of the footage recovered at the end of the retrieval process. Egypt's prosecutor-general informed his counterpart of measures being carried out by the Egyptian prosecution since a December 2017 meeting where the Italian prosecution provided Egypt with a report prepared by the Italian judicial police based on documents on the case submitted by Egypt to Italy. "Both sides reiterated their commitment to joint judicial cooperation," the statement said. Egypt has been working closely with Italy to help uncover the mystery behind the Italian student's murder, whose death led to a diplomatic row between the two countries, with Italy withdrawing its ambassador in April 2016. The European country returned its envoy in 2017, describing the two countries as inextricable partners. Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has pledged that he will bring the culprits behind Regenis murder to justice. Search Keywords: Short link: In just over two weeks, a brand new way to tour the Catskills is coming to Upstate New York, and people are so excited, it's already sold out for opening day. Rail Explorers USA is bringing its rail bike tour to a stretch of repurposed railroad in Ulster County. The tours, which have also seen popularity in the Adirondacks, let couples and groups of four explore nature along the railroad under their own steam. The new tour takes riders between Phoenicia and Boiceville, and will start letting customers ride the rails on May 26, according to the Daily Freeman. Michelle Davis, manager of the new tourist attraction, told the Freeman that the rides are already booked up for opening day. Each tour includes three four-seaters and four two-seaters, enough for 20 people per tour. The company is expecting to run tours seven days a week through October. Riders will start at the Empire State Railway Museum and pedal through nature for 4.2 miles to a turnaround near Cold Brook Road where they will dismount and enjoy the scenery and a picnic. Meanwhile, staff will turn the bikes around so that riders can pedal back. The tour runs along the historic Ulster & Delaware Railroad near the Esopus Creek, and takes about 2 hours to complete. Tickets are on sale now: $85 for a tandem bike, $150 for a quad. "It's unique, it's outdoors, it's something that the whole family can do," said Andrea McHuth, senior communications manager for Discover Newport, Rhode Island's tourism organization, which has a similar attraction. "It's really hitting home with audiences because it's multigenerational, you don't have to be an athlete to do it and you're outside, unplugged and just enjoying nature." Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said that the latest meeting held in Addis Ababa between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan to discuss the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) were unsuccessful due Ethiopia and Sudans refusal to share a report on the study conducted to determine the impact of the dam on downstream countries. Shoukry made the comments during a press conference held Monday on the margins of joint committee meetings between the FMs of Egypt and Uganda. The meeting in Adidas Ababa, which was attended by the irrigation ministers of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan, was held on Saturday to discuss outstanding issues on the technical report issued by French consulting firms Artelia and BRL, who are tasked with conducting the impact studies. Shoukry said that any solution to the GERD deadlock should be reached on a scientific basis that should leave no room for political interpretation. GERD talks Shoukry stressed that Egypts willingness to end the deadlock was reflected by its recent suggestion to involve the World Bank as an impartial mediator in the negotiations, a proposal that has been rejected by Ethiopia. Egypt has also repeatedly stressed that it would not object to the results of objective technical studies. During the news conference, Ugandan Foreign Minister Sam Kutesa said that reaching a scientific solution would be in the interest of all three countries. Kutesa stressed that Egypt must receive assurances that its share of Nile water will not be threatened. Both Kutesa and Shoukry expressed their hopes for fruitful talks during the coming meeting set to take place on 15 May. "The coming round of talks aims to tone down the issue between the three countries," says Kutesa. Shoukry also stressed that the meetings aim to adhere to the Declaration of Principles signed in 2015 between the leaders of the three countries, which asserts the need to complete the studies on the dam to avoid any possible negative effects on the downstream states. Egypt, Uganda discuss counterterrorism, African security, cooperation Monday's press conference came following the joint committee meeting between the Egyptian and Ugandan FMs ahead an expected visit to Egypt by Ugandan President Yoweri Musevni on Tuesday, when he will meet with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi The two foreign ministers discussed bilateral cooperation in many fields, countering terrorism as well as security issues on the African continent. The two ministers agreed to hold Ugandan-Egyptian joint committee meetings every two years. Shoukry and Kutesa also discussed cooperation efforts in the African Union, which Egypt will head next year. Kutesa said that Egypt plays a "pivotal" role in maintaining the unity and security of African countries. "We discussed means of confronting terrorism and joint efforts to eliminate these organisations and their devastating impact on the peoples of the continent," Shoukry said. The Egyptian minister also spoke about an Egyptian Agency Partnership to develop projects in Uganda, as well as boosting investment and trade cooperation between both countries. Search Keywords: Short link: "Anne Frank: A Cold Case Diary" will be published in the summer of 2020 according to HarperCollins Publishers An investigative team looking into who betrayed Anne Frank and her family has a book deal. "Anne Frank: A Cold Case Diary" will be published in the summer of 2020, HarperCollins Publishers told The Associated Press on Thursday. The book was among the most talked about at last month's London Book Fair. Former FBI agent Vincent Pankoke has been leading an international effort to solve the decades-long mystery over how the Jewish family's attic hideout in Amsterdam was discovered in 1944. Anne Frank was sent to a concentration camp and died the following year. Her father later found her diary, which has sold millions of copies. The publisher acquired world rights to the book. Search Keywords: Short link: As part of measures for reconciliation ahead of the 2019 general elections, Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and a former governor and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, met at the latters Lagos home on Sunday.Informed sources at the meeting said they both had a discussion on the Saturdays ward congresses in the state, which went without violence.Receiving Amosun, Osoba was quoted to have attributed the success of the ward congresses to the unity and understanding that now existed among party faithfuls.He added that the settling of the differences between the two camps was a pointer to the victory of the party in the state in 2019.He said, The past disagreement among party members is normal in a democratic dispensation. Disagreement is bound to happen in politics, but the resolution of such crisis is a sign of maturity.Osoba reportedly commended Amosun for working towards ending the differences that existed between factions of the party in the state, adding that it is a sure step to protect and sustain the legacies of statesmen like the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.Amosun, on his part, said the visit was a sign of respect and appreciation to Osoba, for his role in the unification meeting, recently held in his office, where loyalists of the former governor reunited with Amosun.He said the party is now one big, strong and united family in the state.It will be recalled that loyalists of Osoba held a meeting with the governors team at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, last Thursday, where they discussed the modalities for the ward congresses held last Saturday and strategies for the 2019 elections.Those who attended the meeting with the governors team, include Senator Adegbenga Kaka, Senator Gbenga Obadara, a former Social Democratic Party governorship candidate in the state, Senator Akin Odunsi, Adekunle Adeyemi, Abiodun Adudu-Balogun and Bukola Braimoh. President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday hosted the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Rochas Okorocha; and the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Abdulaziz Yari, in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State.Buhari had on Friday travelled to Daura to enable him to take part in the ward congress of the ruling All Progressives Congress that took place nationwide on Saturday.The exercise, which was meant to elect new executives of the party at ward levels, was said to have been held amidst protests and violence across the country.The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, had posted photographs of the President and the Imo State governor on his Facebook page.Adesina however did not disclose the agenda of the meeting.President Buhari receives in audience Governor Rochas Okorochas of Imo State in Daura, Katsina State on 6th May, 2018, the presidential spokesman simply wrote.But Okorocha confirmed to reporters that he intimated Buhari on the outcome of the ward congress which was said to have been marred with crisis and confusion in his state as some unidentified thugs attacked the state party secretariat located at the Imo State University junction in Owerri.Okorocha said, We expect internal democracy and internal democracy is the way to go. Those kinds of funny politics that were played must stop. A situation where people went to carry ballot boxes, steal results looks so primitive. I intimated Mr. President and we will make sure that such things stop.On what Buharis response was, the Imo governor said, He spoke like the President and he will take the necessary steps to correct this in our party, the APC, not just in Imo State but across the whole nation, to make sure that there is respect for internal democracy in Imo State.Yari on his part said the exercise went well in the North-East geopolitical zone.You know in a democracy, you cannot expect everything to work 100 per cent. But in our zone from the information available to us, everything went well in Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kano, where people expected that there may be a problem, the exercise was successful.But anybody that has complaint, there is a committee set up by the national executive of the party. They should take their complaints there so that they will be attended to, he said.Apart from the fracas that marred the exercise in Imo State, there were also allegations of hijacking of electoral materials.At the height of the crisis, the APC officials, posted to the state to conduct the exercise, were said to have fled to the police command headquarters in Owerri for refuge.That was as party chieftains, including senators Benjamin Uwajumogu, Hope Uzodimma, Osita Izunaso, and Ifeanyi Araraume, protested the development at the police command headquarters.The Commissioner of Police in the state, Chris Ezike, was said to have held a closed-door meeting with the APC leaders for five hours.It was reported that separate congresses took place in most of the local government areas in the state. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has traced the missing funds from sale of properties confiscated from Cecilia Ibru... missing funds from sale of properties confiscated from Cecilia Ibru, former managing director/chief executive officer of Oceanic Bank, to the UK. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has traced themissing funds from sale of properties confiscated from Cecilia Ibru, former managing director/chief executive officer of Oceanic Bank, to the UK. About $4.5 million is said to be unaccounted for, out of the over $7 million recovered from the sale of 61 of such properties in Dubai. The properties were confiscated in 2010 after a federal high court in Lagos convicted Ibru of money laundering and sentenced her to 18 months imprisonment. According to The Nation, the agency has traced the sums of $112,000 and $209,000 said to be part of the missing funds to two accounts in Natwest Bank in the UK. In a bid to recover the missing fund, the EFCC has written to the National Crime Agency (NCA) in the UK, to help in the probe of parties involved. The newspaper quoted the source as saying that the commission wrote to NCA to assist in the full scale investigation of the activities of some people and the laundering of the proceeds of Dubai portfolios. The EFCC has located various sums of money wired from the proceeds into some accounts in Nigeria, the UK and Dubai, among others. We need the NCA to help track down the beneficiaries and probe their accounts, the source was quoted to have said. Some of the proceeds were lodged in third party accounts. Our detectives uncovered the re-looting of the proceeds by some of those under investigation. Most of these inflows went to individuals and companies. The ongoing collaboration with NCA will no doubt help us in bringing some suspects to justice and facilitate the recovery of the missing $4.5million proceeds. Six of the properties were sold for N315million but only N100million was paid to AMCON. Detectives are looking at what informed payment to AMCON in Naira when the assets were bought in dollars. Also, the whereabouts of N215million balance is unknown to date. This is why we are investigating all the desk officers in AMCON, companies and the counsel connected with the sale of these 61 assets. The source was also quoted go have said the EFCC may be forced to declare some of the suspects wanted if they do not respond to our invitation for questioning. The source added that four properties involved in the confiscated assets are yet to be retrieved, and are still suspected to be domiciled in Dubai. Bring Back Our Girls campaigner, Oby Ezekwesili, has expressed concerns that Nigerian children are getting used to deaths, due to the killings that go on in different parts of the country.Ezekwesili took to her Twitter handle on Monday to share how the innocence of children has been snatched and their emotions deadened due to the news of death that they hear almost daily.She warned that the Nigerian society might, one day, pay for not protecting its children.She said; I remember vividly how, as children, we used to be so shaken about death.Then, if we heard news of death of anyone or people, we would cry so hard and be inconsolable. It did not matter whether we knew the dead or not. That was the innocence of childhood. It was healthy.There is nothing that gives me profound pain, as the fact that families of those of our citizens now killed daily are actually mostly left on their own to bury their dead.They are on their own, while the leaders of government and (the) rest of the society carry on as though all is well.Ezekwesili added that the second aspect of my profound pain at the killings that happen daily is the effect it has on children.The normalising of killings has fast desensitised even our little ones. There is a hard edge that is not childlike in the Nigerian children who now see death as common.I am afraid that our society will long pay for the deadened emotions that frequent news of killings of citizens that our children are becoming accustomed to hearing without as much as a flinch anymore.I have been observing the children around me and this worries me much.We cannot watch on as our children become used to the idea that killings are a normal occurrence in Nigeria.Ah. How can it be? We are losing our children as they lost that childhood innocence that is healthy for accumulating any societys social capital. It breaks me.She warned that the greatest disservice that Nigerian president is doing Nigerians is to not have solutions to these daily killings.The greater disservice is his coldness in the face of the killings. President Buhari is, by his emotional dissonance, killing the childhood innocence of our Nigerian children.As promised, I shall do my one-woman march against Aso Rock to protest President Buharis seeming tolerance of daily killings across Benue, Taraba, Zamfara, Kaduna & neighbouring states.I refuse to accept these killings as our new normal. No! A witness in the ongoing trial of the suspected killers of Worshipers at a Catholic Church in Ozubulu Community in Ekwusigo local governme... A witness in the ongoing trial of the suspected killers of Worshipers at a Catholic Church in Ozubulu Community in Ekwusigo local government area of Anambra State, Chukwuemeka Obi has told the court that the masterminds of the massacre have vowed to visit indigenes of the community living in Brazil and south Africa with the same fate. Gunmen had in August 6th, 2017 invaded St Philip Catholic Church, shooting at worshippers, killing 13, and leaving several others wounded. The attack was said to have been prompted by a drug war between indigenes of the community living in South Africa. Obi who flew in from South Africa to testify before the Anambra State High Court, sitting in Awka, said the suspected masterminds, who are said to be still serving prison terms in South Africa have issued death threats to indigenes of the community living in Brazil and South Africa. Obi who was led in evidence by his lawyer, Jay Jay Ezeuko, told the court presided over by Justice F.I Aniukwu that, The killers have threatened to kill my father in Ozubulu, attack four families in Ozubulu; kill my younger brother who is living in Brazil and myself who is living in South Africa. They are demanding one million dollars from us or they will wipe all of us. We have been receiving strange phone calls from these people. They accused me of being a betrayer because on one occasion, I travelled with Bishop(Aloysius Ikegwuonu, said to be the key target of the attack) from South Africa to Nigeria; rode in his(Bishops) car from Lagos to Ozubulu. He alleged that one of the suspects, Chinedu Akpunonu, standing trial in the case in Awka was working with two persons he called Gozila and Afam, who are in jail in South African prison to terrorize the people of Ozubulu at home and abroad. Another witness from South Africa, Emeka Nzelu told the court that another suspect standing trial in the case, Onyebuchi Mbanefo called him on phone and threatened to deal with Bishop for abandoning him at a point in need. Nzelu said, Mbanefo told me that he would now join forces with Akpunonu to deal with Bishop for failing to assist him to foot his bill for bullet wound surgery, despite the fact that it was because of Bishop that he sustained the wound. He refused to accept all appeals I made to him to forgive Bishop. Asked during cross examination by the defence council, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, whether he reported such threat to the police in South Africa or Nigeria, Nzelu answered in the negative, saying that he rather reported the matter to the chairman of Ozubulu Development Union in South Africa. Justice Aniukwu however refused to grant bail application for the four suspects standing trial in the August 6 killings at St Philips Catholic Church, Ozubulu. The Judge in his ruling said the risk of releasing the suspects outweighed their freedom. He added that the suspects did not prove exceptional circumstance to warrant their bail. He rather asked the prisons authorities to ensure that the suspects were given proper treatment. National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus has written to the United Nations (UN), accusing President M... National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus has written to the United Nations (UN), accusing President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of threatening the nations democracy. Secondus in the letter, dated April 30 and addressed to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the APC-led Federal Government was frustrating legitimate opposition, intimidating and persecuting their leaders and destroying the fragile fabrics of the nations burgeoning democracy. Our nation has become heavily polarized along dangerous fault lines where citizens now live in fear and mutual suspicion; where citizens are slaughtered by the day by marauders; where hunger and strange diseases ravage the people due to the insensitive and incoherent policies of this government, Secondus noted. It is imperative to bring to the attention of the world, the various constitutional violations and the unrelenting persecution, arrest, detention and harried trial of opposition members as well as perceived opponents of government, including innocent business concerns, apparently in pursuit of the grand plot to discredit and stifle the opposition in Nigeria. There is also, the increasing unwarranted attacks by government controlled security forces on journalists, media houses and other well meaning Nigerians carrying out their legitimate duties simply because they hold different opinions from those of the APC-led government, he asserted. Recently the Federal Government confirmed the persecution of opposition leaders in the guise of fighting corruption when it released a phantom list of alleged looters comprising only of persons who are members of the opposition PDP. Even persons who were facing criminal prosecution prior to the 2015 presidential elections who are now members of the ruling APC and other members of APC who are overtly known to be involved in known cases of corruption were excluded from the list whilst persons who have never been charged with any crime and who in fact have not held any previous government portfolio including myself were listed as looters. All notable opposition leaders are being harassed or hounded by security operatives using all manners of frivolous and vexatious allegations. Today, despite our constitutionally guaranteed freedom of association and speech, Nigerians now live in fear of this intolerant, overbearing, bigoted and dictatorial administration seeking to foist a fascist regime on our country. How do we explain or justify the evil plan of the APCled Federal Government to monitor citizens phone calls and social media communication purportedly to check for hate speeches without any enabling law? he wondered. President Muhammed Buhari will on Tuesday travel to London to see his doctor. President Muhammed Buhari will on Tuesday travel to London to see his doctor. Garba Shehu, senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, disclosed this in a statement Monday night. Garba said the president, who would jet out of the country on Tuesday, is expected to return to the country on May 12 and thereafter attend APC ward congresses. The statement reads, President Muhammadu Buhari will tomorrow, Tuesday undertake a four-day trip to the United Kingdom. In the course of the technical stop-over for aircraft maintenance in London on his way back from Washington last week, the President had a meeting with his doctor. The Doctor requested the President to return for a meeting which he agreed to do. President Buhari will return on Saturday, May 12. On his return, the Presidents two-day State Visit to Jigawa, which was postponed because of the All Progressives Congress, APCs Ward Congresses, will now take place on Monday, 14 and Tuesday, May 12. Reno Omokri, former President Goodluck Jonathans ex-aide has revealed why President Muhammadu Buhari has refused to honour the late Presi... Reno Omokri, former President Goodluck Jonathans ex-aide has revealed why President Muhammadu Buhari has refused to honour the late President Musa YaAdua. The Unites States-based Pastor, said Buhari had failed to honour YarAdua because he was defeated by the late President in 2007. YarAdua died eight years ago after batting an undisclosed ailment. In a tweet, Omokri, a known critic of the current government, said only Jonathan had continued to remember the late president. Umaru Yaradua was from Katsina state, like Buhari, yet not once since he became President has Buhari remembered or honoured him either with a statement or tribute. Just because Yaradua defeated him in 2007. It is only Jonathan, who has never forgotten YarAdua year in year out, he tweeted. A 36-year-old motorcyclist has died following a collision with a vehicle in Atlantic County on Friday night, authorities said. Gregory Green was critically injured after a car turned left from Pineview Avenue onto the Black Horse Pike in front of him just before 11 p.m., Egg Harbor Township police said in a statement. Green, an Egg Harbor Township resident, was brought to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center's Atlantic City Campus with "multiple traumatic injuries," according to police. He died on Saturday. A 32-year-old Egg Harbor Township woman driving the car wasn't hurt. Police expect to issue summonses to her. The crash closed the westbound Black Horse Pike for about two hours. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. The Iran-backed Shia group Hezbollah and its political allies won more than half the seats in Lebanon's first parliamentary election in nine years, according to unofficial preliminary results cited by politicians and Lebanese media. The result, if confirmed by the final count, would boost Hezbollah politically, with parties and individuals aligned with the heavily armed group securing a simple majority in parliament in Sunday's election. Hezbollah's powerful position in Lebanon reflects Iran's regional ascendancy in territory stretching through Iraq and Syria to Beirut. It is an enemy of neighbouring Israel and classified as a terrorist group by the United States. The unofficial tally indicated that Western-backed Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri would emerge as the Sunni Muslim leader with the biggest bloc in the 128-seat parliament, making him the frontrunner to form the next government even though he lost seats in his strongholds. Lebanon's prime minister must be a Sunni according to the country's sectarian power-sharing system. The new government, like the outgoing one, is expected to include all the main parties. Talks over Cabinet posts are expected to take time. International donors want to see Beirut embark on serious economic reforms to reduce state debt levels before they will release billions pledged at a Paris conference in April. The election was held under a complex new law that redrew constituency boundaries and changed the electoral system from winner-takes-all to a proportional one. The interior minister said official results would be declared on Monday morning. HEZBOLLAH WEAPONS The staunchly anti-Hezbollah Lebanese Forces, a Christian party, appears to have emerged as a big winner, nearly doubling its MPs to 15 from eight, according to the unofficial indications. Hezbollah, along with affiliated groups and individuals, secured at least 67 seats, according to a Reuters calculation based on preliminary results for nearly all the seats obtained from politicians and campaigns and reported in Lebanese media. Hezbollah's allies include the Shia Amal Movement led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, the Christian Free Patriotic Movement established by President Michel Aoun and others that view its weapons as an asset to Lebanon. Hezbollah-backed Sunnis did well in Beirut, Tripoli and Sidon, strongholds of Hariri's Future Movement, the preliminary results showed. The pro-Hezbollah al-Akhbar newspaper called it "the slap" for Hariri on its front page. Hezbollah-backed winners include Jamil al-Sayyed, a retired Shia general and former Lebanese intelligence chief who is a close friend of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, according to the unofficial results. Sayyed was one of the most powerful men in Lebanon in the 15 years of Syrian domination that followed the 1975-90 civil war. At least five other figures who held office during the Syria-dominated era returned to parliament for the first time since Syrian forces withdrew from Lebanon after the assassination of Rafik al-Hariri, Saad's father, in 2005. Faisal Karami, the son of the late pro-Syrian Prime Minister Omar Karami, won a seat for the first time. Turnout was 49.2 percent, down from 54 percent the last time legislative elections were held nine years ago. Independent candidates running against the political establishment won two seats in Beirut. Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was due to speak about the results later on Monday. But Hezbollah lost ground in one of its strongholds, the Baalbek-Hermel constituency. Two of the 10 seats there were won by its opponents, one going to the Lebanese Forces and the other to Future. 'FIX THE PATH' Lebanon should have held a parliamentary election in 2013 but MPs instead voted to extend their own term because leaders could not agree on a new parliamentary election law. An anti-Hezbollah alliance led by Hariri and backed by Saudi Arabia won a majority in parliament in 2009. But that "March 14" alliance has disintegrated and Saudi Arabia has switched its attention and resources to confronting Iran in other parts of the region, notably Yemen. Samir Geagea, the Lebanese Forces leader, said the results showed there was a "popular ground" that backs March 14 and would "give us strength and a push to fix the path much more than we were able to in the past years". Geagea is Hezbollah's most prominent Lebanese Christian opponent. He led the Lebanese Forces militia in the last years of the civil war, during which he was an adversary of Aoun. The question of Hezbollah's weapons has slipped down the political agenda in Lebanon in recent years. Hezbollah has grown militarily more powerful since 2012, deploying its fighters to Syria and Iraq where it has fought in support of Iranian allies. Hariri, who led years of political conflict with the group, says it is an issue to be resolved at the regional level through dialogue. The Lebanon vote is to be followed on May 12 by an Iraqi election that is also set to underline Iran's reach, with one of three pro-Tehran Shia leaders set to become prime minister. Enhanced Hezbollah sway over Lebanon will likely alarm the United States, which arms and trains the Lebanese army. But the group and its allies are not on course to win the two-thirds majority that would allow them to pass big decisions alone such as changing the constitution Search Keywords: Short link: Radio legend Howard Stern was thrilled when Bon Jovi, the legendary rock band from Sayreville, was selected for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and he was excited when he was asked to introduce the legends at their induction. Then his introduction speech was cut for time. And now he's furious. The shock jock vented for 20 minutes at the beginning of his show on Monday about how HBO edited his speech for the show, which aired Saturday night after the Cleveland ceremony was held April 14. "I really crafted my words, I wanted to make people laugh. I wanted to have a good time," Stern said in the rant. "I really crafted the thing...so some editor could determine if I was funny in places? They were probably like, 'Hey, that's a funny joke, but we gotta cut somewhere.' No you don't have to cut somewhere!" Stern said that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame wanted him there so badly that they flew him to Cleveland on a private jet for the event. One of Stern's producers suggested that about three minutes of his speech was cut. "Oh yeah, trust me there was another 15 minutes ... I understand they have to edit it down," Stern said, before joking that an intern was probably behind the edits. "I want to know the comedy genius...I've sat in on these sessions. It's kind of like, 'Yeah, cut that!' It's like a butcher shop. 'Cut the fat off!' It's like, 'Yeah, well we gotta cut something.' No, you don't! If something's good, you don't cut it!" Stern went on to say that he would have been okay with edits if he had been asked beforehand and given approval on what would be cut. "You can't fly me to f***ing Cleveland and ask me to make a speech and then edit the s*** out of me," Stern said. "I wasn't there talking about my career. I spent a lot of time on that and they spent three minutes deciding what should be in and out...They completely...gutted me. Like a rotting fish, which I am. That's how I feel inside." There's no questioning Bon Jovi's legendary status -- enough of a New Jersey legend to earn its own day decreed by Gov. Phil Murphy -- though NJ.com's recent reviews of the band's performances have been critical enough that the band has denied credentials for concerts. Jeremy Schneider may be reached at jschneider@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @J_Schneider. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Essex County authorities announced Monday they've charged a Newark man with gunning down two brothers in the city last month, and he's been arrested in San Jose, California. Marquise Jones, 22, is being held at a county jail in San Jose following his Saturday night arrest there by the San Jose Police Dept., Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino and Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose announced. Jones is charged with two counts of murder and several related charges for the April 25 killings of Quan Harmon, 20, and Quamir Harmon, 21. The brothers were shot dead in the 900 block of Bergen Street. Essex authorities did not elaborate on Jones' apparent travel to California or how he was located there. He is expected to be extradited to New Jersey in the near future. The investigation into the Harmon brothers' killings continues. Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find NJ.com on Facebook. The discovery of a body on Monday morning has sparked the second homicide investigation at a county park in Newark in the past year. The Essex County Prosecutor's Office and Sheriff's Office released few details Monday afternoon, but confirmed in a statement that investigators believe the male victim found in Vailsburg Park died of a gunshot wound. Well over a dozen law enforcement personnel descended on the approximately 30-acre park, located between South Munn Avenue and Oraton Parkway in the Lower Vailsburg section of the city's West Ward. Some investigators could be seen knocking on the doors of neighboring homes as they canvassed the area. The official cause of death will be determined by an autopsy, and the prosecutor's office said it is withholding the victim's name until his family has been notified. Richard Culver, 23, of Newark, was fatally shot in the park on Dec. 2, 2017, in a separate and apparently unrelated incident. Another city resident, Anthony M. Brown, 30, has since been charged with murder, conspiracy and related offenses in Culver's slaying. In an earlier incident last June, a 40-year-old Elizabeth man, whom authorities did not identify, was shot by a group of robbers after fleeing with his girlfriend into the park. Authorities said the man's injuries were not fatal. Authorities described their investigation into the most recent killing as "active and ongoing," and have urged anyone with information is asked to call the prosecutor's office's tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432 Multimedia specialist Ed Murray contributed to this report. Thomas Moriarty may be reached at tmoriarty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ThomasDMoriarty. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips This month should have been a happy one for Daniel Dill. The New Jersey native would have celebrated his wedding anniversary and his 30th birthday in May. Melissa Ann Hancock (Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office) Instead, his family will attend a trial later this month for the woman accused of killing him. Melissa Ann Hancock, 25, of Virginia, was driving the wrong way on a Virginia Beach highway last November when her car slammed head-on into the vehicle driven by Dill, 29, of Portsmouth, Virginia. He died of his injuries the next day. Dill, who served with the U.S. Coast Guard and graduated from Kingsway Regional High School in Gloucester County, was on his way to pick up his wife from a birthday celebration when he was killed. Hancock is charged with aggravated involuntary manslaughter among other offenses. She pleaded no contest in March to charges of driving the wrong way and failing to obey a highway sign. She was fined $150 on those charges. She goes to trial May 23 for the manslaughter charge and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Daniel Carl Dill (Photo courtesy of the Dill family) Hancock, who appeared on episodes of the reality TV series Little Women: Atlanta, had an open alcohol container in her vehicle and smelled of alcohol, authorities allege. She told police she had consumed two to four mixed drinks prior to the crash. Her blood alcohol content was measured at 0.112 percent, above the legal limit of 0.08 percent. She remains jailed pending trial. Hancock was originally released on $15,000 secured bond after her arrest, but that was revoked in December after prosecutors challenged her release. She suffered three fractures to her back in the crash, her attorney told the judge in December, arguing that jail staff couldn't care for his client. May is a tough month for the Dill family, Daniel's father, Christopher, observed. In addition to the trial date, May 5 would have been his son and daughter-in-law's wedding anniversary. Also, Daniel's birthday is May 29. "Throw in that court date, and you can imagine how rough this month is," he said. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us: nj.com/tips. JERSEY CITY -- Two men have been charged with setting a luxury car on fire in order to collect insurance payments, authorities said. Harvey Nuila, 43, of East Rutherford, hired 28-year-old Charlie Serrano, of Linden to torch his 2013 Audi while it was parked on a Jersey City street on Nov. 13, 2016, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. Police saw the vehicle "fully engulfed" near Monmouth and 12th streets at about 1:20 a.m. Two days later officials said the fire appeared to be suspicious. Nuilia turned himself into the prosecutor's office's insurance fraud unit on Feb. 1 with his attorney. He is charged with second-degree insurance fraud. According to the charge, he collected at least $1,000 in payments for the damage. Serrano surrendered to authorities on April 24 and is charged with first-degree arson for hire and third-degree conspiracy to commit insurance fraud. It's unclear how much he was allegedly paid to torch the vehicle. The investigation was conducted by the prosecutor's office with the Jersey City Fire Department. Caitlin Mota may be reached at cmota@jjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitlin_mota. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook. JERSEY CITY -- A Jersey City teenager accused of killing a deaf man when he crashed a stolen vehicle into a bus stop was arraigned Monday on charges that could put him in prison for decades. Oriental J. Hamlet, 19, is charged with the aggravated manslaughter of Umar King, 33, who police say was struck by Hamlet's vehicle when it crashed through the bus stop at Communipaw Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard at 4:30 a.m. on Jan. 23, officials said. He is also charged with eluding police, resisting arrest by flight, receiving stolen property, death by auto, assault by auto, leaving the scene of a fatal accident and causing a death while driving without a license, Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Lynne Seborowski said during Monday's arraignment. Seborowski said under the current plea offer, Hamlet would have to plead guilty to aggravated manslaughter and assault by auto, and serve 15 years in prison with no chance of parole until after serving nearly 13 years. Hamlet's attorney, Kevin Purvin, entered a not guilty plea on his client's behalf. The attorney did not comment on the plea offer at the hearing, which was before Hudson County Superior Court Judge John Young in the Hudson County Administration Building in Jersey City. Authorities allege that on the morning of the fatal crash, a sheriff's officer spotted Hamlet driving 70 miles per hour and running red lights on Kennedy Boulevard. The officer turned on his lights and siren and pulled over the SUV, but Hamlet hit the gas and took off again, Seborowski said during a previous court hearing. Eight blocks later Hamlet ran the red light at Communipaw and smashing into the rear end of another vehicle. Hamilton's vehicle then "barreled through the bus stop where King was standing," Seborowski said at a previous hearing. Hamlet and his 17-year-old passenger got away, but a 16-year-old passenger was chased and caught by police. Hamlet was arrested two days later. Seborowski said a box containing burglary tools was found in the vehicle Hamlet was driving, Seborowski said at a previous hearing. King, who was a FedEx employee, father, and a volunteer sign language teacher in Jersey City, was thrown more than 100 feet by the impact, officials said. Aggravated manslaughter carries a possible sentence of up to 30 years in prison upon conviction. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for July 9. The plea cutoff date is Aug. 20. Hamlet said nothing during Monday's hearing. As Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis fights for his political life in Tuesday's municipal contest in Peninsula City, two of Davis' counterparts in northern Hudson County do not even have to break a sweat on the campaign trail. Brian Stack, the mayor of Union City, and Richard Turner, the mayor of Weehawken, are each running unopposed Tuesday, as are their slates of commissioner candidates. This is the fourth straight time Turner has had zero opposition. Stack last faced a challenger in 2010. Turner's explanation for why he so infrequently faces a challenger echoes the theme song to the 2014 cartoon flick "The Lego Movie:" everything is awesome. Turner, 68, touts real-estate development on Weehawken's waterfront that has not created the kind of new resident vs. old resident conflict seen in places like Jersey City; a long-delayed property revaluation that has ended without a taxpayer revolt; and one of the lowest violent crime rates in the county. The mayor also notes how long he's been at this. He became mayor in 1990, making him the second longest serving mayor in the county, behind East Newark's Joseph Smith. Turner has faced a challenger just one time, in 2002, when he won by more than a 3-to-1 margin. "Experience does count for something," Turner told The Jersey Journal during an interview last week. After Tuesday's election, Turner will start his eighth term. Stack, who is seeking his fifth full term, became mayor in 2000 to replace Rudy Garcia. Stack did not respond to requests to sit for an interview with The Jersey Journal. Both mayors are powerful Democrats Stack is also a state senator, Turner is an aide to U.S. Rep. Albio Sires Jr. in municipalities where Republicans are vastly outnumbered. Union City has 30,501 registered voters and 70 percent are Democrats. Weehawken's 8,832 voters include 4,524 Democrats and 1,084 Republicans. 3,161 voters are unaffiliated. The municipal races are non-partisan. Voters do not elect mayors, they elect a slate of commissioners who then appoint a mayor. On Stack's ticket are Wendy Grullon and incumbents Lucio P. Fernandez, Maryury A. Martinetti and Celin Valdivia. Running with Turner are David J. Curtis, Raul I. Gonzalez and incumbents Rosemary Lavagnino and Carmela Silvestri-Ehret. Turnout for local races in both municipalities is abysmal. Turner needed just 2,680 votes to win the 2002 election. When Stack had a challenger in 2010, he won 10,941 votes. Matt Hale, who teaches political science at Seton Hall University, said he doubts that regular uncontested elections in Union City and Weehawken mean residents there are "deeply in love with the way things are." "But changing things through elections seems so daunting and overwhelming to most people and things are not so bad they are willing to go through the effort," Hale said. "The majority of people in New Jersey can't name the governor. So part of the reason no one is running against the slate is most folks don't know there is an election let alone a slate." Turner does not entirely dismiss this argument. "It may be a little bit complacency," he said, adding, "If my reval resulted in a 15, 20 percent tax increase, people would've run. If the crime was out of control, people would've run." Frank R. Scarafile is one of the few people who have challenged Stack. The superintendent of Little Ferry schools, Scarafile, 59, said opposition to Stack exists in Union City but it cannot compete with a mayor who is famous for racking up big vote totals even when he has no competition (Stack won almost as many votes in 2014 when he ran unopposed as he did in 2010 when Scarafile ran against him). "You can't even get your message out because it'll get slaughtered in the amount of signs, in the amount of literature they send, in the amount of doors they knock on," he said. "It's not sour grapes. I have to give him credit, he's built a pretty insurmountable machine." In a statement from his a spokesman, Stack said, "My continued public service is not related to machine politics. Contrarily, the hallmark of my administration has been rooted in being responsive to the needs of local residents on a constant basis. I think the tireless commitment and work ethic of our administration is evident. This isn't easy work, but it is rewarding to see continued progress." The elections are Tuesday. Polls open at 6 a.m. Terrence T. McDonald may be reached at tmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @terrencemcd. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook. JERSEY CITY A veteran police detective was found dead inside her College Towers apartment on the city's West Side Sunday. The death of Amy Hulings, a member of the police force since 1999, is not considered suspicious. A spokesman for the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office said the Jersey City Police Department in handling the investigation. City officials have not released any details about the incident. In a statement, the Jersey City Police Officers Benevolent Association called Hulings' death "a sad day. "The thoughts and prayers of the JCPOBA are with the Hulings family," a spokesman said. Hulings' brother is a lieutenant on the force and her father, Michael, was a captain with the Jersey City Fire Department. He died in 2001. Her mother, Maureen, is on the board of commissioners for the Municipal Utilities Authority. In 2012, she was honored as Irish detective of the year. Huling is the third cop of the Jersey City Police Department to die this year. In January, Lt. Christopher Robateau died after he was struck by a vehicle on the New Jersey Turnpike. Police said he was getting out of his vehicle to check on a driver after Robateau was involved in a minor crash. Police found officer Ramon Torres was found inside his home in March with a gunshot wound to his chest and died at the hospital a short time later. Caitlin Mota may be reached at cmota@jjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitlin_mota. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook. JERSEY CITY -- A 26-year-old Jersey City man who has had run-ins with police since the age of 14 was sentenced to 16 years in prison Friday after being convicted of a gun offense, running from police and other crimes on March 23. "There is an overwhelming need to deter you and others from this kind of conduct and a slap on the wrist in gun cases is not solving the problem," Hudson County Superior Court Judge John Young told Jaliyl Amaker, 26, before sentencing him this afternoon. On Jan. 12, 2017 police responded to Wilkinson Avenue after getting 911 calls of a man waving a gun around. When police arrived, Amaker ran and discarded a gun. He was convicted of unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon by a felon, resisting arrest, hindering apprehension and obstructing a government function. Amaker, who has four indictable convictions, faced a mandatory extended sentence due to a prior conviction aggravated assault conviction for pointing a gun at someone. As he was led from court and past his mother, she said "I know I have a good son." After the sentencing, one of Amaker's supporters began screaming angrily in the hallway and some dozen sheriff's officers responded. He apparently shouted, "F--- this jurisdiction system." Prior to trial, Amaker turned down a plea offer in which he would be sentenced to 10 years in prison with no parole eligibility until after serving five years. His defense attorney, Adrienne Edward, asked the judge for a sentence of 12 years with no parole until after serving six. Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Adam Salzar noted the problem of gun violence and said he was thankful police responded quickly and prevented the situation from escalating. He asked Young to sentence Amaker to 18 years in prison with no parole until after serving nine. Before being sentenced, Amaker apologized for his actions and said he took full responsibility. "I have a son and I don't want him to repeat the cycle of what is going on in our community," Amaker told Young. "It's hard growing up in Jersey City. It's not like I was just a gangster out there committing these crime. I was working and providing for my child. I just want you to know that." PATH service from Hoboken to the World Trade Center and from Journal Square to 33rd Street has been suspended because of a broken rail near the Newport/Pavonia station, Port Authority officials said. Agency officials sent out an alert to customers at 11:10 that service was delayed and a few minutes later updated the advisory to tell riders that service had been suspended. At 11:51 a.m., Port Authority noted that New Jersey Transit would honoring PATH tickets at Newark, Hoboken and New York Penn Station. PATH is also reporting that the Newark-World Trade Center line is operating with a delay because of a signal failure between Journal Square and Newark. New Jersey Transit's Hudson-Bergen Light Rail is cross-honoring tickets for PATH riders at Hoboken, Newport and Exchange Place stations. Riders are advised to take the light rail to Hoboken for PATH service to 33rd Street or take the light rail to Exchange Placed for PATH service to the World Trade Center station. 12:40 p.m. update: "JSQ-33 & HOB-WTC suspended bc of a broken rail @ NWPT. Crews are beginning repairs, which are expected to take approx 1.5 hours. Updates to follow." 1:06 p.m. update: "NWK-WTC line resuming normal schedule." 2:05 p.m. update: "JSQ-33 & HOB-WTC remain suspended due to broken rail. Repairs are taking longer than expected due to expanded welding requirements. Update to follow." 2:30 p.m. update: "JSQ-33 & HOB-WTC lines resuming with en route delays. Rail repairs are complete." "NJT rail and HBLR will discontinue cross honoring PATH customers at 3pm." The United Nations on Monday urged Lebanon's politicians to act responsibly to protect Lebanon's stability following elections that saw allies of the Iran-backed Hezbollah group make gains. "We hope that all Lebanese political stakeholders will continue to act responsibly in the days following polling to protect Lebanon's stability, which should include the swift formation of a government," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric. The Shia Hezbollah was set to cement its dominance in Lebanon after the party of its main rival, Prime Minister Saad Hariri, suffered heavy losses. Formed in the 1980s to fight against Israel, Hezbollah currently battles in Syria alongside President Bashar al-Assad's forces. It is listed as a terror organisation by the United States. Hezbollah members were accused over the 2005 assassination of Hariri's father Rafiq, a charismatic former prime minister. Search Keywords: Short link: A win-win deal could form from the Matt Harvey drama in New York. As the clock ticks on the Mets' 10 days to trade Harvey before he's released to the open market, one team jumps out as a potential suitor: the Boston Red Sox. In fact, Nick Cafardo of the The Boston Globe thinks a deal for Red Sox catcher/utility man Blake Swihart makes some sense. The Mets finally had enough of Harvey's attitude and performance and designated him for assignment. They'll try to deal him, but given his recent outings that may be tough. Yet, teams need pitching, and if one thinks it can resurrect Harvey's career, it will deal for him. There's been some suggestion he may be offered to the Red Sox for Blake Swihart, but the Sox don't appear interested in that swap. Boston may not appear to be interested in this moment, but perhaps that changes by the end of the week. Swihart recently told MassLive that he's aware his roster spot may be in jeopardy when veteran Dustin Pedroia comes off the disabled list. "There's a lot of moving parts that are going to happen here in the next couple weeks," Swihart said. "And it's not my job to make those trades or to do all that. My job is to go out there and play. And whatever happens, happens. Right now I'm part of this team so that's where my focus is. "I know that something's got to happen," he added. "I don't know what that move could be. But I know something's got to happen." Swihart, a former top catching prospect, is hitting just .160 in 25 at-bats this season while bouncing around from catcher to infield to outfield. If the 26-year-old switch-hitter landed with the Mets, he could reprise a role as a full-time catcher. Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Now this is a fun rumor. The Mets, falling off after a ridiculous 11-1 start, need a jolt. Could Baltimore Orioles superstar Manny Machado be the answer? ESPN's Dave Schoenfield thinks so, with Mets shortstop Amed Rosario as the bait to bring the impending free agent to Queens this summer. It's time to consider that Amed Rosario might not be that good -- or at least might not be ready to contribute in 2018. Rosario really needs to overhaul a swing that has a weird hitch that often leaves him making contact with his back foot off the ground. He's hitting .230/.267/.300 and has a career strikeout-to-walk ratio in the majors of 75 to 7. Look, he's played only 75 games and he's just 22, and maybe the best scenario is to just let him play and learn, but he's not helping the Mets right now. Would you trade Rosario for Machado? Not if you think Rosario is going to be a star. But he has a lot to improve on to get there. The NL East looks like it might be wide open this year, and Machado would easily be worth three, or maybe even four, wins over Rosario over half a season. He also would provide a spark much like Yoenis Cespedes did in 2015. Due to Machado's contract running out after 2018, this would likely be nothing more than a rental for the Mets. Is that worth giving up five-plus years of control in Rosario? Considering his recent standing as one of the top prospects in the sport, it might be enough to top any other young player offered by another team in the Machado sweepstakes. Machado enters play on May 7 with a .346/.430/.623 slash line, 9 home runs and and an OPS+ of 189. Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook. After five years, Superior Court Judge Carlia M. Brady is free and clear of criminal charges and back on the bench in Middlesex County. But the state Supreme Court's Judicial Conduct Committee says she still needs to be held accountable for hindering the efforts of Woodbridge police to arrest her boyfriend on a robbery charge. In a complaint filed against Brady last week, the committee said she "demonstrated an inability to conform her conduct to the high standards of conduct expected of judges and impugned the integrity of the Judiciary." The committee has also accused Brady of using her status as a judge to advance her personal interests. In a statement to NJ Advance Media on Monday, Brady's attorney Timothy R. Smith said he and his client were confident "that when the esteemed members of the committee become fully versed in the salient facts, Judge Brady will resume her status as a rising and shining star within the New Jersey judiciary." "She is honest to a fault and lives her life by one creed -- always do the right thing," Smith said. "The circumstances surrounding her unlawful arrest should enhance, not diminish, her value as a judge in that she can now personally relate to the plight of the oppressed. "She is a model of integrity and exactly the type of person who should be serving in a position of public trust in this state." Brady, the state's first Superior Court judge of Filipino descent, was arrested in 2013 after police said she failed to notify officers that her boyfriend Jason Prontnicki -- who was wanted for the robbery of a pharmacy in Old Bridge -- was in her home. Woodbridge police said Brady had originally reported her car missing on June 10, 2013, after her boyfriend borrowed it and loaned it to another person without her permission. She also passed up repeated opportunities to inform police when Prontnicki returned twice to her home, officials said. A grand jury in Somerset County -- where the case was transferred to avoid a conflict of interest -- indicted Brady in 2015 on charges official misconduct and hindering, but the former of which was later dismissed by a state appeals court. After a separate appeals court ruling found Prontnicki couldn't be forced to testify against Brady and thus incriminate himself, the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office in March dropped the two remaining hindering charges against her. Brady, who had been suspended following her arrest, was reinstated less than a week later. Prontnicki is serving a 10-year state prison sentence after being convicted of the robbery. A hearing on the complaint has not yet been announced. Thomas Moriarty may be reached at tmoriarty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ThomasDMoriarty. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips A man was killed Sunday when the car in which he was a passenger struck a concrete barrier and burst into flames. The male passenger, whose name and age were not been released, was pronounced dead at the scene on Stelton Road in Piscataway during the "early morning hours," according to a release from the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office. The release did not say if another car was involved. The driver of the Toyota Camry was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick with serious injuries and underwent surgery, authorities said. Their condition was not released. The prosecutor's office release said no charges have been filed but that the accident is being investigated. Anyone with information can call Piscataway Police Sgt. Constance Crea at (732) 562-2340, or Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office Det. Erik Larsen at (732) 745-3263. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrisrsheldon Find NJ.com on Facebook. The medical license of a South Jersey doctor who inappropriately prescribed the fentanyl spray "Subsys" to three patients -- one of whom died -- has been revoked by the state board of medical examiners, authorities said. Dr. Vivienne Matalon's license was suspended in October 2016 after investigators found she authorized the use of a drug only intended for use by cancer patients suffering from extreme pain. "Dr. Matalon's conduct demonstrates an egregious lack of professional judgment," Kevin Jespersen, acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs said. "We will continue to take disciplinary action against doctors who place patients at grave risk by flouting the prescribing restrictions placed on Subsys and other powerful opioid medications meant to treat only the most severe cancer pain." Matalon, who ran offices in Camden and Cherry Hill, can't re-apply for her license until May 1, 2020 -- 42 months after her license was temporarily suspended on Oct. 31, 2016. Before reapplying for her license, she has to complete Board of Medical Examiners approved courses in ethics as well as one in controlled substances prescribing should she wish to resume prescribing those upon her return to practice. Matalon administered Subsys -- derived from opioid fentanyl -- by signing documents acknowledging the highly addictive drug was for cancer patients only. Yet Matalon prescribed it to a 32-year-old woman she was treating for chronic pain, diabetes and fibromyalgia, who also had a history of substance abuse, authorities said. Investigators said Matalon invited a sales representative to her office to meet with the the patient to explain the benefits of the drug, but failed to explain its side effects and risks. The woman died March 25, 2016 -- eight days after Matalon issued a Subsys prescription to her. Matalon's also improperly prescribed Subsys to a 31-year-old woman with Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis, and a 61-year-old woman who was in remission from cancer for more than a decade but was suffering from an unrelated illness. The 61-year-old woman suffered side effects including dizziness and vomiting and eventually stopped using the drug. Subsys is the brand name of one of six transmucosal immediate release fentanyl medications that instantly deliver the powerful painkiller fentanyl through the oral membranes. They carry a high risk for misuse, abuse, addiction, overdose, and serious complications. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Port Authority Police Superintendent Michael Fedorko, whose department has come under internal investigation over claims that conservative radio personality Rush Limbaugh received a special police escort to a New York gala, has abruptly retired. His retirement was announced on Monday by the Port Authority, effective at 5 p.m. There had been no advance notice. Fedorko, 73, a former Marine who served as acting superintendent of New Jersey State Police under Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, had been Director of Public Safety of the Port Authority Police Department since 2009. His annual salary was $223,782. Port Authority officials said he will be replaced by Edward Cetnar, another New Jersey State Police veteran who is currently deputy superintendent of the Port Authority police/ He will become acting superintendent. Fedorko is the second high-level Port Authority official to leave in the past two weeks. Former commissioner Caren Turner resigned after an obscenity-laced tirade caught on video during a routine police traffic stop of her daughter came to light, showing her attempting to intervene by showing her Port Authority gold badge and insisting she be addressed as "commissioner." The powerful bi-state agency, which runs the region's major airports, the tunnels and bridges to New York and its seaport, gave no reason for Fedorko's sudden retirement. He did not return a call for comment. But the Port Authority's inspector general has been investigating claims that Limbaugh and the U.S. Marine Corps Band received a special rush-hour police escort from the airport last month to the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation's 2018 Semper Fidelis Gala at Cipriani Wall Street in Manhattan, according to the sources. Limbaugh had flown into Newark from D.C. that night to fill in for Defense Secretary Jim Mattis as a speaker at the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation's 2018 Semper Fidelis Gala at Cipriani Wall Street in Manhattan, according to a transcript of his radio show. "So they sent the superintendent of the Port Authority to Newark to meet me for lights and sirens into Manhattan to make sure I got there in time," Limbaugh said on his show the next day. "And we did. We pulled in right as the reception and cocktail period was ending at 7 and everybody was being seated..." Sources told NJ Advance Media that the Marine Corps band was also given a lights-and-siren escort from the tarmac at Newark Liberty to Manhattan, and then back to the airport the next day. Fedorko, is listed as one of the vice presidents of the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation. Those with knowledge of the situation say the investigation into issues raised by the reported escort involving Limbaugh "is ongoing." In a statement, the Port Authority made no mention of the investigation. Chairman Kevin O'Toole and Executive Director Rick Cotton praised Fedorko for his role in "leading more than 1,700 uniformed officers responsible for the safety and security of travelers and tenants at all Port Authority facilities." Fedorko served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1966 to 1972, earning a Purple Heart after being wounded in action in Vietnam. He became a New Jersey State Trooper in 1969, rising to rank of lieutenant colonel before being appointed as acting superintendent under Whitman. Ted Sherman may be reached at tsherman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TedShermanSL. Facebook: @TedSherman.reporter. Find NJ.com on Facebook. We don't need to be our kids' best friends, but it's nice to ask your little one about his or her day while strolling along Jersey City's scenic waterfront. The "man being stabbed in the back," though, is one subject many parents prefer to put off while their child is still in preschool. What do you say when it inevitably comes up? No. The answer is, you shouldn't have to talk about a 34-foot-high man getting impaled on Jersey City's waterfront. Jersey City, Polish officials trade barbs over massacre statue On this, reasonable people can agree: The soldier with an enormous bayoneted rifle sticking out of his back is perhaps the most gruesome statue we have ever seen. It memorializes the massacre of 22,000 Poles by the Soviets in 1940, some buried in mass graves in the Katyn Forest. This, we should never forget. We memorialize atrocities so they are never repeated. We are horrified by this, just as we are by the people shot at Tiananmen Square. But we don't necessarily want to see a statue of a man with his head being blown off along the Jersey City waterfront, either. Still, prominent Poles were offended when a developer renovating the waterfront suggested the statue find a new home, because it's "a little gruesome." This has since blown up into an international incident, Terrence McDonald of the Jersey Journal reports, and a top story in Poland. The Polish artist who created the statue, Andrzej Pitynski, called the developer a "schmuck." "After 30 years some businessman with big money comes and he tries to dictate," Pitynski told the Journal. "Who this f***ing guy is? The hell with him." The speaker of Poland's Senate, Stanislaw Karczewski, said the idea of relocating the statue is "scandalous," and "a very unpleasant situation for us." Jersey City's mayor, Steve Fulop, hasn't said whether it will be moved permanently - his preference - but fired back on Twitter that Karczewski is a "joke," a "known anti-Semite, white nationalist + holocaust denier" with "no credibility." He added: "The only unpleasant thing is Senator Stanislaw. Period." Back to the statue. The head of the group that commissioned it, Krzysztof Nowak, thinks we should design the entire waterfront park around it. "You want to put a couple of benches around the monument? Put a couple of benches around the monument," he said. Another option would be not to design a major city park around a man being impaled, and instead, move the statue to a museum. Anyone? Poland's ambassador, Piotr Wilczek, also thinks the statue should stay where it is. Bayonne's mayor, seeking re-election in a city with a sizable number of Poles, offered to take it. Here's where we stand: Respect the Polish and teach your kids about Katyn - but please, don't put a man being impaled in front of the New York City skyline. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. Although former Gov. Chris Christie dissed Urban Enterprise Zones whenever he could, Sen. Cory Booker, once the mayor of Newark, always thought they were a good idea. When he had the chance to develop something similar on the national level, he did just that. Working with Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), they wrote Opportunity Zones into the new federal tax reform law. Gov. Phil Murphy didn't waste a minute getting ready. He designated 169 Opportunity Zones in 75 municipalities, and all have been approved. Each county has at least one. The idea is to encourage capital investments in low-income or otherwise distressed communities. Benefits to investors could include deferral or exclusion from taxable income of certain capital gains from such investments with the greatest benefits going to those who maintain their investments for at least a decade. To qualify for consideration as an Opportunity Zone, a census tract must have a poverty rate of 20 percent or median family income up to 80 percent of the area's median. Small areas of Jersey City, Union City, North Bergen, West New York, Bayonne and Kearny were included, along with nearby Fairview and Lodi. Parts of almost all New Jersey's big cities were designated. According to Murphy's office, they were chosen based on key economic indicators like income, unemployment, and property values. Other factors, such as access to transportation and walkability, were also considered because they could help assure success. New Jersey Future, an organization promoting smart growth and affordable housing, analyzed the 169 prospects. They found population was growing slightly in those zones but rent increases were not occurring as fast as elsewhere. Good thing, because they also found median family incomes were not keeping up with the community and in half the cases had actually decreased. Empowerment Zones, a somewhat similar program put into place in the '90s, had limited success and Christie claimed that UEZs simply became too expensive to maintain. However, merchants in UEZs in Jersey City fought valiantly to keep Christie from grabbing their funds and stripping their neighborhood powers. Mostly, it was a losing fight. And some UEZs lost out entirely, but Murphy recently announced he was thinking about extending UEZ status to five communities slated to lose it this year. He would allow Newark, Plainfield, Trenton, Bridgeton and Camden to have UEZs until 2023. UEZs generally prospered because consumers were willing to travel a little bit to get 50 percent off sales tax when they made big purchases, and the UEZs used their funds to improve the attractiveness and safety of shopping areas. However, the success of Opportunity Zones will depend on the willingness of deep-pocket investors to commit to those areas for the long term. They'll do that only if they see a good opportunity to make money over the long term. Economic development folks, urban planners, and Chambers of Commerce will be scrambling during the next few months to make long-neglected neighborhoods attractive to investors. As a long-ago Urban Studies major, I recall my professor drumming into our heads that when you plant a seed in a piece of land, you don't expect to grow a single flower. Over time and with care, you'll get a whole flower bed. Let's hope that theory still holds true. Editor's note: This column has been updated to correct the number of designated areas and to correct the name of the organization that analyzed the prospects. A former Assemblywoman from Jersey City, Joan Quigley is the president and CEO of North Hudson Community Action Corp. Submit letters to the editor and guest columns at jjletters@jjournal.com. Facebook, under fire on numerous fronts, is engaging outside consultants to audit its performance on two of them: whether its news feed suppresses politically conservative voices, and its effect on minorities and marginalized people. The former is a bugaboo for U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, the latter for Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-New Orleans. On political bias, the world's most popular social media platform is bringing in former Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., and his Washington law firm, Covington and Burling, to consider whether the company tilts liberal internally and on Facebook itself, Axios reported. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, will set up meetings with Facebook executives. Scalise, a former computer programmer, quizzed Facebook chief executive officer Mark Zuckerberg about political bias during an April 11 meeting of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Here is an edited exchange: Scalise -- I do want to ask you about a study that was done dealing with the algorithm that Facebook uses to describe what is fed to people through the news feed. What they found was, after this new algorithm was implemented, that there was a tremendous bias against conservative news and content, and a favorable bias towards liberal content. If you look at that, that shows a 16-point disparity, which is concerning. ... I wrote algorithms before. You can determine whether you want to write an algorithm to sort data, to compartmentalize data, but you can also put a bias in if that's the directive. Was there a directive to put a bias in? And first, are you aware of this bias that many people have looked at and analyzed and seen? Zuckerberg -- Congressman, this is a really important question. There is absolutely no directive in any of the changes that we make to have a bias in anything that we do. To the contrary, our goal is to be a platform for all ideas. 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 Intentional or not, anti-conservative bias could hurt Facebook if Republicans move to regulate the company. Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., has raised the specter of regulation if the company does not improve its transparency and privacy practices. Scalise, the House majority whip, welcomed the bias audit. "I'm encouraged that they'll conduct a full review, & I'll closely watch what steps they take to ensure their platform doesn't discriminate," Scalise tweeted. The leader of Facebook's civil rights review is Laura Murphy, former director of the ACLU's Washington office, Axios reported. The Washington law firm Relman, Dane & Colfax will conduct the audit. Richmond chairs the Congressional Black Caucus, which for some time has pressed the technology industry generally to increase minority employment opportunities and Facebook specifically for amplifying Russian advertising that capitalized on the Black Lives Matter movement to benefit white Republican Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. "What we needed Facebook to understand is that they play a role in the perception of African-Americans, and they are influencers that use their platform to influence this country," Politico quoted Richmond as saying after an Oct. 12 meeting between caucus members and Facebook chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg. . . . . . . . Drew Broach covers Jefferson Parish politics and Louisiana interests in Congress, plus other odds and ends, for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. Email: dbroach@nola.com. Facebook: Drew Broach TP. Twitter: drewbroach1. Google+: Drew Broach. Egypts government is making preparations for the establishment of the EGP 200 billion sovereign wealth fund which was announced in April, with the hope that the legislation governing and regulating the operation of the fund will go through parliament and be issued within six months. The fund will be a national sovereign wealth fund, rather than a wealth-maximisation fund, Ashraf Ghazali, CEO of NI Capital, a subsidiary of the National Investment Bank (NIB), explained. In an interview with Al-Ahram Weekly, Ghazali said Egypts sovereign wealth fund would focus on economic development and seek to harness government and private-sector investment as well as financing from other funds for development projects targeted by the Egypt Strategy 2030 goals. The fund will be 100 per cent owned by the Egyptian government, Ghazali stressed, clarifying that the government would partner with private-sector companies on specific projects. NI Capital carried out the initial study to establish the wealth fund, working with a group of top-tier consulting firms specialising in establishing similar funds for two years until the draft law setting up the fund could be presented to the Ministry of Planning. Egypts sovereign wealth fund will be different from the wealth-maximisation funds set up by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Norway, which depend on surpluses from the sale of natural resources such as oil and invest across the globe in order to accumulate and preserve capital. The Norwegian fund has over $1 trillion in assets, for example, including 1.3 per cent of global stocks and shares, making it the worlds largest sovereign wealth fund. Egypt does not have such excess wealth, Ghazali said, adding that as a result its fund would be financed by a combination of cash, in-kind contributions in the form of under-utilised state-owned assets such as land, buildings, factories, and companies, and properties that can be more efficiently utilised to generate better returns. But will that be enough to carry out the targeted investments? Ghazali explained that the fund would aim to attract the private sector and domestic and foreign partners in order to carry out projects that serve the governments development plans. Egypts fund will also only invest within Egypt, and it will encourage other funds to do so jointly with the government, he said. He stressed that the projects taken on by the fund would be economically viable. They could include everything from restructuring state-owned companies and establishing green-field companies to infrastructure and utilities projects. If management is not able to attract investment, then the projects are not economic, and in this case they also would not attract investment from the sovereign fund. There would need to be selectivity in the assets that could be transferred to the fund, he added, stressing the need to start with companies that could be turned around. The fund would then be able to grow its capacity to take on more projects, he said. Ghazali does not believe the fund is a reversal of government policy regarding divesting its holdings in state-owned companies. Instead, it is a way of withdrawing from daily management while staying on as a shareholder. He said the government should invest in certain sectors with development goals in mind, pointing out that for some years the private sector had been hesitant to invest. If the government had not had investment arms, we would have had a problem, Ghazali said. The government must play a role as when it invests it paves the way for the private sector to become more involved, he explained. The presence of the government as co-investor at the sovereign level in mega-infrastructure projects where the private sector would not venture alone is also important, he said. The projected sovereign fund is one of the tools the government has adopted to achieve its long-term development plans, Ghazali said, adding that the Malaysian model is the closest to Egypts case. Khazanah Nasional Berhad, the strategic investment fund of the government of Malaysia, holds the commercial assets of the Malaysian government and undertakes strategic investments on behalf of the nation, he said. According to its website, in the first 10 years of its operations, which began in 1994, Khazanah assumed a custodial role in managing the governments commercial assets as well as investing in strategic and high-technology sectors. Today, Khazanah is one of the largest sovereign funds in the world, and it has performed well domestically and has also acquired companies around the world, including in Egypt. Ghazali believes Egypt can do the same with its new fund, something he describes as long overdue. In Africa, Egypt is one of the very few countries that does not yet have a sovereign fund. We have been thinking about it for a long time, but it never materialised. This time round, the government is serious about it, and it is taking serious steps, such as the draft law, to make it happen, he added. Who would manage the fund? There are two models, according to Ghazali. In Norway, a separate state-owned management company manages the fund, with Norges Bank Investment Management being the asset-management unit of the Norwegian Central Bank, managing, among other things, the countrys main pension funds. In other cases the government runs the fund itself. Ghazali believes the Norwegian model would be the better choice for Egypt because a separate company with a private-sector mindset would likely be more able to take the necessary investment decisions. Its management team would rely on a framework developed and agreed with the state. The form of management would be one of the issues settled by the law as well as the governance model governing it, Ghazali said. Governance was particularly important in that it provided for checks and balances without hampering investment, he explained. In drafting the new law, the legal status of sovereign funds around the world had been examined, and it had been found that they were established by special laws allowing them to become one of the investment arms of the government concerned, he said. Such laws typically regulate the transfer of assets from one authority to another, needed to ensure the smooth transfer of chosen assets to the sovereign fund. Transferring assets from one authority to another is complicated even though both are government entities, Ghazali explained. The law also regulates how the fund will make its investments and in which sectors. Once the new law is approved by parliament, there will be clear executive plans that will take six months preparation stating where money will be placed and where funding will come from. The fund is not a short-term project, Ghazali said, and its positive effects may take time to be felt. It takes between 10 and 15 years before a fund begins to bear fruit, he concluded. *This story was first published under the title "Preparing for the wealth fund" in Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: New Orleans police reported a second shooting in New Orleans East on Sunday night (May 6), which left one man injured. The man was shot in the leg in the 6900 block of Bunker Hill Road, according to NOPD. He was brought to the hospital and is being treated, police said in an alert sent at 10:20 p.m. Shortly after 9:45 p.m., a crime scene technician could be seen searching a driveway in the 7000 block of Bunker Hill Road. About six miles away, police were investigating a fatal shooting in the 4900 block of Bergerac Place. Police confirmed the shooting just after 8:30 p.m., and about a mile away police worked a scene on Dwyer Road near the corner of A Street. NOPD later confirmed the two scenes at Bergerac and Dwyer were related and said the man was in the passenger seat of a car when he and the driver were shot at from someone inside a silver four-door car. The victim and driver fled and the driver brought them to the 4900 block of Bergerac Place where the victim was pronounced dead. On Monday night (May 7), the James Beard Awards, considered the Oscars of the food world, will be announced at a gala in Chicago. New Orleans nabbed eight nominations this year. In the national categories, five New Orleanians were nominated. Donald Link of Herbsaint, Cochon and Peche was nominated for Outstanding Chef, which honors the top chef in the country. Link has been nominated for this award four times in the past. In 2010, Link's cookbook "Real Cajun" won a James Beard Award and in 2007 he was named Best Chef: South. JoAnn Clevenger, owner of Upperline, received a nomination for Outstanding Restaurateur. Clevenger was also nominated for this honor in 2017 and 2015. Kelly Fields of Willa Jean is a finalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef. She was also a nominee in 2017. Bacchanal, the laid-back Bywater gathering place, is a finalist for Outstanding Wine Program. Joe Briand, who had previously been the manager and sommelier at Herbsaint, is Bacchanal's wine director. Cure, the Freret Street bar that helped revive quality cocktails in New Orleans, is a finalist for Outstanding Bar Program. The bar was also a finalist in 2017 and 2016. Food and restaurant news in your inbox Every Thursday we give you the scoop on NOLA dining. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Last year, Arnaud's French 75, led by bartender Chris Hannah, won the award for the country's top bar. In the regional chef competition, Nina Compton of Compere Lapin, Slade Rushing of Brennan's and Kristen Essig and Michael Stoltzfus of Coquette were nominated for Best Chef: South, which recognizes chefs in Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Florida and Puerto Rico. New Orleans typically dominates this category. Compton, who in early March opened her second restaurant called Bywater American Bistro, was a nominee last year for this award. Rushing has been nominated for the past three years in this category. This is the first nomination for Essig and Stoltzfus. In January, the James Beard Foundation announced that Dong Phuong, the Vietnamese bakery in New Orleans East, would receive an America's Classics Award, which celebrates long-running, family owned restaurants. The foundation also inducted Lally Brennan and Ti Adelaide Martin, who run Commander's Palace, into its Who's Who of Food & Beverage in America. The awards ceremony begins at 6 p.m. Check back to NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune for updates. (Full disclosure: The author is a voting member of the James Beard Foundation) This is an update of a story that ran in March 2018. The head of Egypts Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Mohab Mamish announced on Monday the signing of a memorandum of understanding in Dubai with Dubai Ports (DP) and the Holding Company for Maritime & Land Transport (HCMLT) to develop Egypts first dry port in the 6 October City on the western outskirts of Cairo at a cost of $100 million. The MoU was signed by Mamish and Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, chairman and chief executive officer of DP World Group, as well as Mohamed Youssef, the chairman of HCMLT, which follows the Egyptian Ministry of Business Sector. A dry port, also known as an inland port, is an intermodal terminal directly connected by road or rail to a seaport and operates as a transshipment centre for sea cargo to inland locations. The MoU states that DP will operate the project and take the lead in bidding procedures given its extensive experience in operating more than 78 land and sea ports around the world, according to the CEO of DP. Sultan added that the memorandum comes as a result of the historic partnership between Egypt and DP, who have cooperated for many years in Egypt's Sokhna port region. Then project will be an important logistics hub to serve trade by linking with sea ports, especially the Port of Alexandria, said chairman of HCMLT Youssef. Egypt is working to attract international investors to the Suez Canal Economic Zone to boost job creation and economic growth. Mamish also said that rapid progress is being made on reaching development agreements for expanding Egypt's industrial shipping zones in Port Said and Ain Sokhna. Last Month, Egypts Minister of Industry and Trade Tarek Kabil affirmed that negotiations are progressing smoothly between Egypt and Russia on establishing a Russian Industrial Zone in eastern Port Said. Search Keywords: Short link: The president of the University of Florida has issued an apology after a graduation usher was videoed pulling graduates off the stage as they danced to celebrate their achievement, ABC News reports. University of Florida President Kent Fuchs posted an apology on Twitter, acknowledging the school had been "inappropriately aggressive" when rushing graduates across the stage during Saturday's (May 5) graduation ceremony. Video of the incident has spurred intense debate about whether the usher's actions were racially motivated. Video shared on social media and with ABC News shows a white usher physically removing several black students from the stage. Fuchs later tweeted he was "reaching out to the students involved" to apologize. He added the physical removal process would be banned from future commencements. Oliver Telusma and Nafeesah Attah, two of the dancing students yanked offstage, told ABC News the dances were symbolic actions rooted in the traditions of their predominantly black fraternities and sororities. Read the full ABC News story and watch video of the incident below. . . . . . . . Wilborn P. Nobles III is an education reporter based in New Orleans. He can be reached at wnobles@nola.com or on Twitter at @WilNobles Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS) is looking to fill up to 65 open positions including medical support staff, food service workers and housekeeping aids. The health system will host a hiring event for these positions this Saturday (May 12) from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Veterans medical center at 2400 Canal St. Free parking is available in the garage at the corner of Galvez and Tulane Avenue. According to a press release, teams will be available for interviews and making tentative job offers to top candidates. Human resources personnel will also be available to share information about current and upcoming vacancies in the health care system. Applicants should bring a copy of their resume, DD214 and disability letter, if applicable. Maria Clark writes about health, doctors, patients and healthcare in Louisiana for NOLA.com | The Times Picayune and NOLA Mundo. Reach her at mclark@nola.com or 504.258.5306. Or follow her on Twitter at @MariaPClark1 . Actor and former Ochsner doc Ken Jeong practices comedy instead of medicine nowadays, but he reportedly found himself wearing both hats recently when an audience member required medical attention during one of his performances at an Arizona comedy club. The star of the late ABC sitcom "Dr. Ken" was on stage and in the middle of a comedy set at Phoenix's Stand Up Live on Saturday (May 5) when a woman in the third row began having seizures, according to TMZ. Upon hearing the commotion, Jeong first thought he was being heckled -- but then leapt into action when he realized something was amiss, stopping his set and rushing to the woman's aid. An emergency medical technician who was in the audience assisted. "It's a wonderful story. It was such perfect timing: Ken just jumped from the stage to help," another audience member, Heather Holmberg, told USA Today of the incident. "He couldn't see what was going on with the lights. He thought he was being heckled. He was playing with them from the stage for a second," Holmberg said. "And it was like, 'No, no, no. We need you!' He realized there was an issue, and he came over. It was a moment where time stands still. Someone was having a crisis. There was a hush over the room." The woman returned to consciousness before reportedly being taken to a nearby hospital. Before he was a standup comic, Jeong attended medical school at Duke University. He moved to New Orleans in the mid-'90s to do his internal medicine residency at Ochsner Foundation Hospital. While in New Orleans, Jeong -- who at the time was already homing his standup chops -- became a member of the improv comedy group Brown. In 1995, he won the Big Easy Laff Off competition, prompting him to put down the stethoscope and head to the West Coast to pursue comedy. His big break came in the 2007 film "Knocked Up," in which he played a doctor, of course. That was the start of a string of film and TV bookings, perhaps most notably as the crime boss Mr. Chow in the "Hangover" movies. He's worked steadily in Hollywood ever since. As if Louisiana hasnt had enough of tropical weather this summer, Gov. John Bel Edwards was told Saturday that the states residents need to brace themselves for the possibility of another system coming ashore perhaps as early as next Friday. The Egyptian parliament provisionally approved on Monday a draft law legalising the operations of online ride-hailing services operating in the country. The State Council will review the draft law to ensure that it is legally and constitutionally sound, parliament speaker Ali Abdel-Aal told reporters. This was a very tiring draft law even though it has few articles, Abdel-Aal said, adding that the approval by MPs came after a discussion over a number of controversial articles in the law. The controversial articles included an annual cap for the licensing fee to be paid by the ride-hailing companies, as well as an article obliging the companies to give government authorities access to client data. In March, an administrative court ruled that ride-hailing services Uber and Careem are to suspend operations in Egypt. However, a Cairo court of urgent matters ruled in April that the two companies can continue operating in the country until a final court verdict is issued. The case against the two companies was filed in February 2017 by a group of traditional taxi drivers, who accused the services of violating the traffic law by using privately-owned vehicles for commercial purposes. The case, which was filed against Uber and Careem as well as the government, is currently being appealed. Search Keywords: Short link: Roseburg, OR (97470) Today Morning clouds will give way to sunshine for the afternoon. High 64F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A few clouds overnight. Low near 40F. Winds light and variable. More than 300 workers under Karuma Dam Workers' Union today laid down their tools in protest against alleged mismanagement of their funds, mistreatment and bribery by their union leaders. The workers stormed the office of Sino Hydro, the Chinese company constructing the 600MW of electricity power station and Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL) demanding that the company reigns on their union leaders. The workers accuse the union leaders of subjecting them to poor working conditions, wrongful dismissals, negotiating low wages, mistreatment and embezzling their National Social Security Funds (NSSF) monthly contributions among others. The workers refused to board the vehicles to the site until their grievances are addressed. Simon Peter Kasyate, the UEGCL corporate affairs manager said the strike did not affect work at the dam as non-union members and other union members reported for work. Jessica Katusabe, a mother of two is among the striking workers. She says she was dismissed from the union as soon as she went on maternity leave. She is demanding that the union pays off her benefits. 20-year-old Ali Umar says the union terminated his contract after he broke his leg working underground. He says he was abandoned at Gulu Independent Hospital without proper treatment. Alice Mawaka, another union member, says the union has been over taxing its members inform of income tax, union fees, local service tax and NSSF, amongst others. It is not the first strike workers of the Chinese Company building the 600MW of electricity in Kiryandongo are staging in protests of poor working conditions. The dam is being built with $1.5 billion loan from the Export and Import Bank of China (Exim). A 15-year-old dog in in Chongqings Yuzhong district has been dubbed the Chinese Hachiko for patiently waiting up to 12 hours a day outside a local metro station until his owner returns from work. Xiongxiong, which translates as Little Bear, has reportedly been waiting outside the Liziba metro station, in Yuzhong district, every day for the past eight years, ever since his current owner started looking after him. The pooch is well-known by locals who often stop to pet him, but after a recent video of him patiently waiting for his master recently went viral on social media, Xionxiong has become a national celebrity, with people travelling to Chongqing from all over China, just to see him. Photo: Pear video screengrab Xiongxiong is 15 years old and Ive had him for seven or eight years, the dogs owner, who was not named, said in the viral Pear video. Ever since I have had Xiongxiong, he has waited for me every day. Hes well behaved and never eats anything given to him by others, a local resident said. The dog just stays here and waits for him. It always gets extremely excited when it see its owner return each day. The dogs owner leaves to work between 7 and 8 in the morning and returns on the train about 12 hours later, so Xiongxiong just sits outside the subway station waiting for him. He doesnt mind being petted by passers-by every once in a while, but all he really cares about is seeing his owner again. Photo: Pear video screengrab He just waits, a resident said. The moment he sees his owner, he gets so happy and excited. Tens of thousands of people have commented on the video of Xiongxiong on Chinas popular micro-blogging platform, Weibo. Most of them were moved by his loyalty, but some also declared themselves worried about the elderly dog, and saying that the owner should be more responsible about his well-being. Now that Xiongxiong is a celebrity in China, some worry that he may become the target of bad people who might try to steal or hurt him. Xiongxiong is only the latest example of extreme canine loyalty. In the past, weve also written about Capitan, the faithful dog that has been standing watch by his masters grave for the last 10 years, or about the impressive canine that waited four months outside the hospital where his owner died, before getting adopted by someone working there. And these are just a few of the many impressive cases weve featured in the last 10 years. Lindsay Murphy Whats the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words Artificial Intelligence? With season two of Westworld in full swing, many think of Dolores Abernathy and the fine line between a human- and robot-controlled amusement park. But whether we realize it or not, were interacting with AI every day, on both the enterprise and personal level. At Racepoint, we celebrate the great potential of AI while helping our clients keep a close eye on how reactions are forming to emerging technologies. In particular, our teams utilize a proprietary technology, FieldFacts, that enables us to narrow conversation focus to high-quality influencers, from powerful industry leaders to popular bloggers. With FieldFacts intelligence in hand, we arm clients with insights and key narratives that allow brands to capitalize on the news of the day, reach key decision makers and drive high-value brand engagement. As industries evolve from early adoption to investment, its important that brands are tuned in to how AI is perceived. These key insights ensure their leaders are well positioned to communicate the benefits of new technologies, while effectively managing brand reputation from rural communities to Capitol Hill. The AI revolution Conversations around AI are taking place every day, whether in the news, among employees and consumers or at events worldwide. Last month, Politico convened an event in Washington, D.C. titled Winning the Age of AI, hosted by Cognizant. In his opening remarks, Cognizant executive VP Malcolm Frank predicted that AI will be the fourth industrial revolution. A Gallup poll released earlier this year found 76 percent of U.S. adults said AI will change the way people work and live. Among these adults, 73 percent said AI will result in net job loss. Frank and the panels that followed, however, argued this new technology will actually protect jobs and create new industries. Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX) also stressed the importance of fostering competition in AI technologies, noting the United States is tied or slightly behind [China in that race], but not too far away where we cant catch up. Our FieldFacts scans identified similar threads of conversation related to how AI is a focus of policy discussions worldwide including U.K.s announcement of its $1.4 billion investment in AI and articles on how Paris plans to emerge as a global hub for this new technology. Additionally, FieldFacts extracted a Reuters exclusive explaining why the U.S. government wants to tighten its grip on informal partnerships between American and Chinese companies in the field of artificial intelligence. The Gallup poll, however, underscores the importance of brand leaders recognizing that realities like billion dollar investments dont often square with fears of job loss as the race to AI ensues. Privacy, data collection, and other automation concerns will undoubtedly arise as AI is unveiled and communicated to stakeholders, and brands must be prepared to challenge these fears with tangible benefits that shape the narrative long before negative perceptions can take hold. Crafting narratives that address misconceptions is particularly important for Beltway audiences, as legislators hold the power over whether or not layers of regulation can be applied to the technologies brands are pursuing. Brands shouldnt fear Capitol Hill, nor should they ignore it; its important to take decision-makers along in the AI journey to communicate the benefits, weigh potential risks, correct the record and engage in an ongoing dialogue that positions your brand as a thought leader and trusted partner. AI is everywhere, ready or not Our FieldFacts intelligence also highlights an important aspect of AI thats often overlooked AI is everywhere, its fueling everything we do, and its only going to get more deeply embedded in our day-to-day. From driverless cars to self-destructing emails to controversial Facebook content-removal policies, top-tier publications and industry leaders are dissecting trends, assessing threats and amplifying really cool technologies that are shaping how influencers and industries approach the future every day. If you arent telling your brand story, someone else will. Brands need to position themselves as leaders in shaping the AI debate, particularly inside the Beltway, to frame perceptions on how AI will impact people and industries for the better. And theres no shortage of opportunities for FieldFacts to help shape storytelling, strategize best practices, capitalize on news of the day and, ultimately, influence the decision-makers where and when it matters most. Perhaps Rep. Pete Olson (R-TX) said it best when, at the Politico event, he noted artificial intelligence is no longer science fiction. While the science behind AI has not reached Dolores-level smarts, this industrys potential proves boundless. Narratives surrounding AI cannot and should not be defined by perceptions. Its going to take strong and thoughtful leadership to help us all grow and work together toward this exciting future. *** Lindsay Murphy is a vice president in Racepoint Globals Wash, D.C. office. Mark Zuckerberg Facebook is considering an ad-free, subscription version of the site, according to reports in the New York Post and Bloomberg. Almost all of the companys $41 billion in revenues last year came came from selling ads targeted with user data, and previous internal research indicated that users would not be open to a subscription option. However, things seem to be changing in the post-Cambridge Analytica world. At Facebooks first-quarter earnings call, both CEO Mark Zuckerberg and COO Sheryl Sandberg said that while the ad-supported model allows the site to reach the most people, the idea of instituting user subscriptions is certainly on the table. Sandberg said that the company has thought about lots of other forms of monetization including subscriptions. But Zuckerberg noted that a subscription option would not supplant the existing ad-supported version. There will always be a version of Facebook that is free, he said. Paywalls are the only future for journalism, Fraser Nelson, editor of British magazine The Spectator said in a March tweet, and several US publishers are following his advice. Conde Nast recently placed Vanity Fair behind a paywall, now letting readers access four articles a month before shelling out $19.99 for either a print-and-digital or a digital-only subscription. This follows the companys February placement of content from WIRED behind a similar paywall. Bloomberg, which placed Bloomberg Businessweek behind a paywall last summer, is now looking to construct a $35-per-month barrier to the contents of Bloomberg.com. According to Business Insider, Businessweeks paywall has driven a 45 percent increase in subscriptions through the site, and traffic to Businessweek is also up 20 percent. Nelsons The Spectator is, not surprisingly, behind a paywall itself, charging readers 12 (about $16.25) for 12 weeks of unlimited access to its content. The Atlantic is launching a San Francisco bureau and is bringing in Ellen Cushing as a senior editor in its technology section to help establish and lead it. The new bureau is part of an overall drive meant to boost the publications coverage of technology and Silicon Valley. Cushing comes to The Atlantic from BuzzFeed News, where she was an enterprise and tech editor. She led all of BuzzFeeds enterprise reporting on sexual assault and harassment, as well as managing a team of investigative reporters. Previously, Cushing was a senior editor at San Francisco magazine and staff writer and editor at East Bay Express. In addition to the new San Francisco bureau, The Atlantic says it will grow its coverage of Hollywood and culture, and its politics and policy reporting in Washington. Earlier this year, it debuted a new family section. The National Rifle Assn. has selected former Marine Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North, key figure of the Iran-Contra scandal, as its next president. Pete Brownell today announced his decision to not seek re-election as president to spend more time with his family and business. Oliver North photo: Gage Skidmore North, a board member of the NRA, was the central figure in the Iran-Contra scandal of the 1980s, which involved the diversion of proceeds earned from the illegal sale of weapons to Iran to Contra rebels fighting the Sandinista National Liberation Front in Nicaraguaillegal under the Boland Amendment. President Ronald Reagan fired North, who was a National Security Council staffer, in 1986 after Iran-Contra become public. North's riveting testimony during television Iran-Contra hearings of a joint Congressional committee in 1987 made him somewhat of a media star. Indicted on 16 felony counts, North went on trial in 1988. He was convicted of three of them in 1989, fined $150K and sentenced to community work. His conviction was overturned in 1991. In 1994, North unsuccessfully ran for a Virginia Senate seat. Wayne LaPierre, executive VP and CEO of the NRA, said the selection of North is the most exciting news for NRA members since Charlton Heston become our president. North, 74, is stepping down from his contributor spot at Fox News immediately. The NRA board is expected to formally name North president in a few weeks. Brownell said LaPierre suggested the outreach to North, the "warrior amongst our board." In the week ending 04 May, 2018 it was reported that Chris Rokos's new investment firm Rokos Capital now has more assets than Brevan Howard Asset Management as clients continue to quit Brevan, the firm Rokos once co-founded with Alan Howard. Rokos reportedly made $4 billion for Brevan Howard from 2004 to 2012. Och-Ziff Capital's assets under management totaled $32.8 billion as of March 31, up 1.3% from Dec. 31. In FinTech, Peter Thiel's Founders Fund is wagering that institutional investors will soon make a splash in crypto assets; four of the 10 biggest initial coin offerings last year were in Switzerland, more than any other country; France's emerging cryptocurrency policy appears to be optimistically vague; Warren Buffet remains unsold on bitcoin and crptocurrencies, calling it gambling and not investing; Dan Morehead said that the cryptocurrency market could hit $40tln in 10 years; some of the biggest crypto A-listers are Russians; SBI Group is reportedly planning a summer launch of 'SBI Virtual Currencies'; and three BlackRock staff have quit their jobs to launch a $20m venture capital fund aimed at investing in blockchain projects. Goldman Sachs will launch a bitcoin trading desk, the investment banking giant has confirmed; but some analysts are predicting that cryptocurrencies are in limbo despite Goldman's move; the price of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies will suffer a 90% correction, predicts GP Bullhound; Fatfish Int...................... To view our full article Click here Berkshire Hathaway is having no second thoughts about its $37 billion deal for Portland-based Precision Castparts Corp. Chairman Warren Buffett stood up for the deal at Berkshire Hathaway's annual shareholder meeting Saturday when an investor lamented that PCC isn't faring better financially given broader strength in the aerospace market. "Longer term, and in the reasonably shorter term, it's a very, very good business," Buffett insisted. His 2016 deal for PCC was Berkshire Hathaway's largest acquisition ever and the largest sum ever paid for an Oregon company. PCC makes heavy duty components for airplanes, electrical generators and other industrial products. Its sales climbed just 2.3 percent last year, then rose 6 percent in the first quarter. (Berkshire Hathaway doesn't report specific results for its component businesses; PCC reported $10 billion in revenue in its final year as an independent company.) PCC's contracts have long lead times, sometimes measured in years, Buffett explained Saturday. He said the Portland company is meeting his expectations, and he credited PCC chief executive Mark Donegan with delivering the results Buffett anticipated. "Mark Donegan, who runs that operation, is incredible. He's a fabulous manager," Buffett said. "I wouldn't have bought them without him in charge." Meanwhile, the National Labor Relations Board turned back a challenge last week to PCC welders' unionization efforts. Portland welders voted last fall to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, but PCC has been fighting that decision. The company maintains that the welders are too small a group (they number about 100 in the Portland area) to constitute a distinct work group. PCC says any union vote should include a broader set of workers. Contract talks have been on hold for months while federal officials considered the company's case, but the labor board ruled Friday that the welders do constitute a distinct work unit. Negotiations won't necessarily begin immediately, though PCC still has other avenues to challenge the ruling. -- Mike Rogoway; twitter: @rogoway; 503-294-7699 Creative doughnut champions Blue Star Donuts will open a massive new flagship location with more flavors, late-night hours and the return of the fried-chicken doughnut. The doughnut shop, known for its gourmet flavors including a creme bruleed, Cointreau-filled doughnut, will close its original downtown Portland shop, CEO Katie Poppe tells The Oregonian/OregonLive. "It's kind of a dream come true," Poppe said Monday from the new under-construction shop. "The five-year lease renewal was up on the downtown space. And one block down and one block over an entire space was available big enough to house our entire production and our office headquarters." At 5,000 square feet, Poppe's new "doughnut destination" takes up the corner of downtown Portland's 12th and Morrison building, a footprint more than six times larger than the original Southwest Washington Street shop. That space includes Blue Star's management offices; a glazing, decorating and filling room; and a kitchen with a huge robot doughnut fryer and a dough mixer so large "you could fit a bus in it," Poppe jokes. 12th and Morrison On the retail side, Blue Star Donuts flagship will feature a long white counter with more new flavors on display and both Coava cold brew and Steven Smith iced tea on tap. Among the ideas being tossed around: Cinnamon rolls made with Blue Star's signature brioche dough and late-night Champagne and doughnut pairings. Blue Star fans will find some old favorites as well, including both a seasonal and an apple fritter (until now, they've only had capacity to make one at a time) and the return of the fried-chicken doughnut. At the end of the line, head pastry chef Stephanie Thornton (Four Seasons Hotel, New York) will test recipes and hand out samples from a small open kitchen. "Doughnuts are a blank canvas," Poppe says. "The sky's the limit artistry-wise. I'm excited to turn her loose." Blue Star Donuts will open its new flagship location in mid June at the 12th and Morrison building at, you guessed it, Southwest 12th Avenue and Morrison Street. -- Michael Russell By Emilly Prado | For The Oregonian/OregonLive For nearly as long as humans have walked the Earth, the art of storytelling has existed. Historians estimate the first story told may date back as far as 27,000 years ago. The 1997 inauguration of The Moth created a new storytelling tradition that includes a podcast, workshops and the StorySlam, an open mic competition that today takes place in 27 cities , including Portland. Cookie Zvovushe, a freelance writer with a public relations background, recently joined The Moth team as a Portland producer and says she's keen on shaking up the literary scene by cultivating a space where equal representation, in storytelling and beyond, reigns supreme. The Moth originated with a group of friends, including poet George Dawes Green, sharing porch-side stories in sticky Georgia summer heat. By 1997, the group took their true stories to what's become The Moth's Mainstage in New York, created a performance judging system and delivered tales according to themes. Soon audience members were eager to jump in, says Jenifer Hixson, a Moth senior director who created the StorySlam. "Every time there was a Moth show, people would say, 'I have a story, I have a story!' And then it was like, 'Wow! Well who's going to talk to all these people and process all these stories?' " Drawing inspiration from poetry slams, Hixson invited New Yorkers into the Nuyorican Poets Cafe to share five-minute stories of what lured them to the Big Apple in the first place. Ten names were drawn from a hat that fateful evening for the first of thousands of StorySlams since. "It was a little rocky at first," Hixson admits. "Storytelling obviously has always been in every minute and facet of our lives, but in this case, it was for a presentation. To just tell a story was sort of novel at the time." To date, over 25,000 stories have been told on the Mainstage and in smaller StorySlam venues. The producers in each city, Hixson says, ensure the live events run in sync with The Moth's ethos and New York headquarters. "Our producers are ambassadors that go out into the world, speak about The Moth (and) try to bring new voices in," she says. "They're behind the scenes a bit, but they're also onstage, so they really have a front-row seat to everything that's happening. The producers also end up being quite beloved people in the community because they comfort (others)." At Holocene in Southeast Portland, low lights and tight seating transform the venue's club vibes into coziness once a month. As Portland's newest producer (the city has two separate StorySlams), Zvovushe greets storytellers and audiences, introduces the StorySlam host, and ensures the event runs smoothly. Storytelling, she says, has always been an integral part of her life. "My parents are from Africa and we're all really animated in my family," she says. "I've been a storyteller since I was little and it's what I do now. That's why The Moth resonates with me because it's everyone (coming) together to share their story and be seen and heard." Zvovushe, a first-generation Zimbabwean American, grew up in a small town in Connecticut. She moved to Portland after her husband visited and fell in love with the city. "I purposely didn't look at a map because I knew if I looked at it, I would psych myself out and wouldn't come. That kind of backfired, but it was like a leap of faith." Similarly, she and Hixson agree, for audience members and storytellers new to The Moth, coming with an open mind and heart is most important. As a producer, Zvovushe wants to encourage people like her, who have been traditionally left at the margins, to take up space in the storytelling scene. At her first solo StorySlam run April 17, Zvovushe says she found comfort when scanning the audience. "(I saw) a row of three black women and I was just so relieved and empowered because I was able to see a reflection of myself and know that they were present," she says. "By having more people in the space who can also feel that way and see themselves in the stories being told, that's just going to be small baby steps toward (inclusivity). "I'm not anyone special, but I'm hoping people feel more welcome in this space just by me being there." *** The Moth: Portland StorySlam When: Upcoming shows, 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 15; Monday, June 4; Tuesday, June 19 Where: Holocene, 1001 S.E. Morrison St. (Tuesday shows); Secret Society, 116 N.E. Russell St. (Monday show) Tickets: $10, themoth.org The U.S. Coast Guard airlifted a mariner to safety Friday along the southern Oregon coast. The agency said it evacuated the mariner, who was reportedly suffering from seizures, and took him to a hospital in Coos Bay. Authorities at Coast Guard Sector North Bend got a request for medical help early Friday evening, and the agency finished hoisting him into a helicopter less than 45 minutes later, the Coast Guard said. He was transferred to hospital medical staff in just over an hour. The mariner was aboard the 36-foot fishing vessel Lacie Belle, which was about 10 miles north of Cape Blanco, the Coast Guard said in a news release. Watch video from the evacuation above. Jim Ryan The Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday is expected to consider the president's controversial nomination of Oregon Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Bounds for a vacancy on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Committee Chairman Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, plans to hold a confirmation hearing for Bounds, although Oregon's two U.S. senators argue he's not qualified, citing his "archaic and alarming views about sexual assault, the rights of workers, people of color and the LGBTQ community,'' gleaned from his college writing in the early 1990s. "It's a shame the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee is further diminishing any sense of respect for comity and fairness in the Senate,'' according to a joint statement released Monday morning by Oregon's U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, both Democrats. They argued that Republicans are "changing the rules to stack the courts,'' noting that no judicial nominee moved forward over the objections of home state senators during President Barack Obama's administration, and complained that Grassley is jettisoning a "longstanding, bipartisan Senate practice.'' "Refusing to play by the rules when the rules don't suit you is bad enough, but in government it fuels cynicism, partisanship and public disgust,'' the senators' statement read. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, also sent a similar message on Twitter Friday, saying she strongly opposed Grassley's decision to consider Bounds' nomination. The White House in January had renominated Bounds for the 9th Circuit vacancy after his nomination last year didn't result in a vote. Oregon's senators last year objected to Bounds' nomination, saying his name wasn't vetted by their nomination committee. In February, Oregon's two U.S. senators said Bounds wasn't suitable to serve as a judge, though they had submitted his name as one of four finalists for the 9th Circuit job as recommended by a bipartisan judicial panel. The panel made its recommendations before it became aware of a series of controversial college articles Bounds had written while at Stanford University. Wyden and Merkeley later called Bounds' writings inflammatory and alarming. In early February, the Alliance for Justice, a liberal judicial advocacy group, questioned Bounds' fitness for the judge vacancy as it published excerpts of Bounds' college writings from the early 1990s. In the articles, he derided multiculturalism on campus, expressed disdain for "race-focused groups" and mocked what he described as "race-think,'' student ethnic groups and the university's response to alleged sexual assaults. While some colleagues condemned the writings, others came to Bounds' support, writing letters to the chair and ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of his nomination. Bounds has served as an assistant U.S. attorney in Oregon since 2010. He received his bachelor of arts degree from Stanford University in 1995 and his law degree from Yale Law School in 1999. By mid-February, Bounds resigned as chair of the Multnomah Bar Association's equity, diversity and inclusion committee. In a letter to the bar's board president, he wrote, " I have acknowledged that those editorials were poorly worded and ill-conceived pronouncements of a youth who had much to learn about the world. I sincerely wish the board would judge me not on decades-old words, but by the work we have done together.'' The Portland chapter of the National Lawyers Guild, the Oregon Hispanic Bar Association, Oregon Women Lawyers, the Oregon Asian Pacific American Bar Association and The LGBT Bar Association of Oregon have sent letters to Grassley and Feinstein opposing Bounds' nomination. "Ninth Circuit nominee Ryan Bounds' calculated actions show that he is firmly clinging to deep-rooted prejudices that make him unfit to serve as an adjudicator of justice,'' the Portland chapter of the National Lawyers Guild wrote on Friday. Taylor Foy, a spokesman for Grassley, called Bounds a longtime public servant who has the support of leaders of Oregon's chapter of the American Constitution Society, assistant U.S. Attorneys, criminal defense lawyers who litigated against Bounds in court and "other self-identified political liberals.'' Yet Keil M. Mueller, chair of the Oregon chapter of the American Constitution Society, clarified that while two former board members may have spoken "supportively about Bounds'' in their individual capacities, the chapter has not endorsed him or otherwise supported his nomination. "There was ample consultation between the White House and the Oregon senators on this nomination. The White House reached out to discuss the vacancy nearly a year ago, seriously considered the only candidate suggested by the senators, and waited several months for the senators to establish their judicial selection committee despite being told the process would move much more quickly,'' Foy said. "That bipartisan selection committee ultimately approved Mr. Bounds.'' While Oregon's senators argue that Bounds wasn't honest with the bipartisan committee considering his nomination, Foy said Bounds did include copies of his college writings in his judiciary committee questionnaire submitted in January. Ryan Bounds misled the independent committee that considers potential nominees in Oregon by withholding inflammatory writings revealing disturbing views on sexual assault and the treatment of vulnerable people. pic.twitter.com/Dti4i5c8fY Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) May 8, 2018 On Tuesday, Wyden spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate, voicing opposition to Wednesday's confirmation hearing to seat Bounds in the vacant judicial seat, "a nominee where there are, in my view, serious red flags.'' "We are not stone-walling. We are not fishing around for any old reason to bring down a Republican nominee,'' Wyden said. "We are fulfilling our constitutional duties.'' He said Bounds "purposely misled the independent Oregon committee that reviewed his candidacy,'' by omitting critical information about his college writings that would have been "vitally important for the vetting process.'' According to the Congressional Research Service, only two of 19 chairmen of the Senate Judiciary Committee's history have required two positive blue slips from home state senators to consider a judicial nominee at a hearing, Democratic Sens. Patrick Leahy, D-Vermont, and James Eastland, D-Mississippi. Under Leahy and Eastland, each chair only allowed a hearing when both home state senators delivered slips, which granted their permission for the nominee's hearing to be scheduled. Yet, there's also no record of a Democratic chair of the Judiciary Committee holding a hearing when a Republican senator had not returned a blue slip for a nominee, according to the research service. Grassley, during a floor speech in November, said he would keep requiring two positive blue slips for district court nominees but not for circuit courts as circuit court justices rule on cases covering multiple states. Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond, said Grassley's handling of judicial nominees is in striking contrast to the eight years under Obama when there were only three hearings for two circuit court nominees who had Republican backing. Grassley is seeking confirmation hearings this week for six circuit court nominees. Tobias said Grassley is "ramming through these circuit judge'' nominees. He said the blue slip practice should apply to both district and circuit judge positions. "There's important principle about protecting the prerogatives of the home state senators,'' Tobias said. "No one whom both home state senators opposed and retained blue slips on has been confirmed since 1985.'' -- Maxine Bernstein mbernstein@oregonian.com 503-221-8212 @maxoregonian Even by Napa Valley's astronomical real estate standards, the sale of Heitz Wine Cellars for a reported $180 million raised eyebrows. It's the new normal there, though: Vineyard properties in the area now routinely go for $400,000 an acre, according to the Napa-based County Appraisals. In response, some wineries have determined that it makes fiscal sense to find a less-expensive neighborhood. Jackson Family Wines, maker of the nation's top-selling chardonnay Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay, bought purchased its first vineyard in 2013 in southern Oregon's Willamette Valley. Today, the company owns and operates four wineries on more than 1,300 acres in the area, according to theWine Spectator. "In the world of winemaking, it's still a young region with so much potential," says Eugenia Keegan, JFW's general manager in Oregon. Appreciation for Oregon wine is accelerating rapidly. According to Danny Brager, senior vice president of Nielsen's Beverage Alcohol Practice, national wine sales grew 2.1 percent in retail channels while Oregon's sales grew 17 percent. Direct-to-consumer growth is also notable-31 percent for Oregon, compared to 15 percent nationally. "Oregon is clearly a growth leader and the fastest growing region in the world," he said. The wines have even captured the attention of first lady Melania Trump, who included two Oregon vintages at the recent state dinner for French President Emmanuel Macron. The wines-a 2015 Evenstad Reserve Chardonnay from Domaine Serene and a 2014 Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir Laurene-are both the result of French-American collaborations. An Oregon wine that was not at the state dinner but should have been: Lingua Franca. It's made by master sommelier and former Napa Valley resident Larry Stone. His first vintage, the 2015 Mimi's Mind Pinot Noir, won a double gold medal at the Six Nations Wine Competition in Australia. Stone's greatest feat may be that he launched the label for less than $8 million. Stone's path to Lingua Franca began at the age of 13, when he began fermenting apple juice into riesling. By 15, he was collecting wine. In the late '90s, he made San Francisco's Rubicon restaurant one of the country's premier wine destinations and then began producing vintages for Francis Ford Coppola in Sonoma. When Stone saw the 148-acre parcel in the Eola-Amity Hills, he recognized the neglected farm as prime real estate. "It was like buying a grand cru Burgundy," he says. He bought the property in 2012 with a simple plan to grow grapes for sale-building his own winery would be cost-prohibitive; for a sommelier's bank account, the land was expensive enough in itself. Stone's main asset was wine. He had around 350 cases dating back to the 1970s that included a 1990 Henri Jayer Cros Parantoux Vosne-Romanee, a 1982 Gaja Barbaresco Sori San Lorenzo, and a 1985 Guigal Cote-Rotie La Mouline. Through Christie's auction house, he sold it all and pocketed around $750,000 from the sale. After a friend, former finance lawyer David Honig, partnered with him, they bought the land and planted pinot and chardonnay grapes for around $2 million. Stone's property attracted the interest of Dominique Lafon from Burgundy's legendary Domaine des Comtes Lafon. Lafon asked who would be making the wine. "Making wine is too expensive," Stone told Lafon, offering to sell him the fruit. A year later, in 2015, Lafon signed on as consulting winemaker alongside full-time winemaker Thomas Savre-the equivalent of having Bruce Springsteen offer to play at your wedding. With Lafon on board, Stone raised $5.2 million to construct a 20,000-square-foot facility designed by Portland architect Laurence Ferar. Completed in 2016, the winery is understated and elegant; it hides its efficiency well. The custom-made tanks have lines that allow for both heating and cooling. The chardonnay room has a separate heating system for cold Oregon nights. A costly European press offers Savre controls as to how hard to press the grapes: gentle and slow or quick, with higher pressure. "We don't hide behind innovation," says Savre. "We use iPads. But we're not adding anything like commercial yeasts. We make it very carefully." Like the increasingly popular incubator food-hall model, Stone has opened up Lingua Franca to local winemakers seeking the same exacting standards. Clients include Judy Jordan from Capra Vineyards and Alban Debeaulieu with Angela Estate. Lingua Franca's first vintage, the 2015 Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills Tongue 'n Cheek ($60) landed on Wine Spectator's top-100 list with a noteworthy 94-point score. The 2015 and 2016 vintages can be found on wine lists at New York's Daniel, the Modern, and Batard and in Paris at Taillevent and Le Grand Epicerie. Often, it's the only Oregon wine on the list. Comparing Oregon wines to their well-heeled Napa Valley counterparts is tricky because the same varietals can taste completely different. It's colder in Oregon, so wines tend to be more delicate and in line with the trend toward lighter and fresher bottlings. Reds from Napa are generally richer and heavier. Lingua Franca's Pinot Noir has a flinty finish with plum and red-cherry tones, reminders that the property was once a fruit orchard. As he finds the right vines, Stone is already planning to plant an additional 15 acres. He hopes to have them ready for a state dinner in the near future. --The Washington Post Sign up to receive daily headline news from Ottawa Citizen, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. 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 Ottawa Citizen Headline News will soon be in your inbox. 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. The Windrush Scandal: The Betrayal Of A Generation By Hannah Sole | Politics | May 7, 2018 | After World War II, the British government invited migrants from the Caribbean to come and live and work in the United Kingdom. The first ship, MV Empire Windrush, brought nearly 500 migrants from Jamaica to Great Britain in 1948. Many more followed, and this generation of migrants, who were invited and welcomed, became known as the Windrush generation. In 1971, the Immigration Act granted indefinite leave to remain to Commonwealth citizens like the Windrush generation, who were already living and working here. That should have been the end of that story. So how did the Windrush scandal happen? Our immigration services are not so welcoming any more. In fact, they are deliberately the exact opposite of welcoming, tasked with developing a hostile environment by Tory leadership, with set deportation targets. To understand how we ended up here, we need to go back a few years, back to 2010. Frustrated with Labours open door immigration policy, which was enshrined in EU freedom of movement laws, the Tories wanted to take a stronger approach to dealing with all immigration. They still faced EU laws, of course, and when the Tories took over the government in 2010, they were in a coalition with the Liberal Democrats, whom they had to appease, policy-wise, on occasion at least. But they could target non-EU citizens. Who was the Home Secretary at the time, the person whose policies were built on the notion of a hostile environment? Theresa May. Put a pin in that for later. In October 2010, boxes of documents that were stored in a basement were ordered to be destroyed for data protection purposes. Those boxes contained the landing cards for the Windrush generation. They were documents that proved their date of arrival and could verify their status as legal migrants. But the documents were taking up space, so they were destroyed. May would later blame the Labour government for this, and then the UK Border Agency rather than the Home Office. It is possible she didnt know about it, although if she had, would she have saved those documents? Perhaps we can be charitable and see this first incident as an error. Perhaps. And then, in 2014, this happened: The Immigration Act of 2014 was a piece of legislation that increased the powers of Immigration Enforcement Officers and obligated the carrying out of invasive checks and searches of anyone deemed to be a foreigner. The bill removed a key protection from the statute books for some British residents of the Windrush generation who could face deportation. Speaking in the parliamentary debate at the time, Jeremy Corbyn described the Bill as dog-whistle politics, the mantras being that every immigrant is an illegal immigrant who must somehow be condemned and that immigration is the cause of all the problems in our society. He concluded: If we descend into a UKIP-generated xenophobic campaign, it weakens and demeans all of us and our society, and we are all the losers for that. John McDonnell MP called the Bill the most racist piece of legislation that this country has witnessed since the 1960s aimed at setting up a regime of harassment for migrants. (The London Economic) Incidentally, Corbyn was one of only 6 Labour MPs who opposed that Bill. Then, somehow, at the 2015 election, the Tories held on to power. No more polite objections from Liberal Democrats this time, they were on their own. Part of this victory was perhaps David Camerons pledge to hold a referendum on EU membership; Cameron was a Remainer, but wanted to appease the anti-EU Tories and try to pick up the UKIP vote. One of the Big Issues driving a lot of Leave campaign ideas was immigration. We all know how that worked out. Cameron won the election, but lost the referendum, so he resigned, and Theresa May took over. Somehow, she held on to power in 2017s snap general election, though the Tories had to be propped up again, this time by the DUP. May was replaced at the Home Office by Amber Rudd. When Amber Rudd threatened to jail landlords renting homes to illegal immigrants at the Conservative party conference in 2016, she framed the policy as an act of political liberation. For five years, under the coalition, Theresa May had been held back by the Lib Dems.Freed from the shackles, it turned out, the new Prime Minister would be able to inflict organised cruelty on anyone suspected of being illegal - which of course means people who look or sound non-British, or are non-white. (New Statesman) The subsequent crackdowns meant that the Windrush generation, who remember had been granted indefinite leave to remain in 1971, suddenly needed to prove they were here legally. And the government had destroyed evidence of their date of arrival. Renting a flat, getting a minicab license, using the NHS - the routines of everyday life would become a filter against illegal migration. People whose status was doubtful would effectively be faced with a border patrol every day. Weve seen the results in the Windrush scandal. Rudds 2016 speech was designed to give permission to the xenophobia that had built up and burst through during the Brexit referendum campaign. As Rudd acknowledged, there was no way to target East and South Europeans as long as we were inside Europe, so the people targeted would be mainly from the Commonwealth and the Middle East. (New Statesman) The scale of the problem is horrendous, and the stories that are emerging from those affected are finally being told. Many of the Windrush generation had arrived as children on their parents passports. And although they have lived in Britain for many decades - paying taxes and insurance - they never formally became British citizens. Amid the tightening of the immigration rules, an estimated 50,000 long-term UK residents could now be facing problems. Among them is Michael Braithwaite, who arrived from Barbados when he was nine, more than 50 years ago. Thinking that he was British, Braithwaite never applied for a passport and did not realise there was a problem with his immigration status until 2016. In 2017, he lost his job at a school where he had worked for more than 15 years. (Al Jazeera) High profile Tories like Michael Gove might not like the phrase hostile environment but this is what was deliberately constructed so much so that an immigration officer was secretly filmed explaining that his job was to make life as horrible as possible for people: In the footage the man tells the Home Office official that having to report to Becket House weekly is worse than his time in prison. The official replies saying that hes going to talk to him on the level. The official then says: What you got to understand, yeah, you take the piss out of the system, the system is going to take the piss out of you. We are not here to make life easy for you. Its a challenging environment we have got to make for people. Its working because its pissing you off. Am I right? There you go. Thats my aim at the end of the day, to make it a challenging environment for you. Its pissing you off. Youre telling me its pissed you off. There you go, Ive done my job. When the Guardian asked the Home Office if it was instructing its staff to make the environment challenging for migrants by pissing them off a spokesman replied: The views expressed in this video do not represent Home Office policy. The mans solicitor, Fahad Ansari from Duncan Lewis Solicitors, said: The challenging environment mentioned by the immigration officer appears to be a reference to Theresa Mays hostile environment policy. The rationale behind this policy is to create an environment so utterly soul destroying to live in that people will voluntarily leave the UK. (The Guardian) Amber Rudd has resigned as Home Secretary, and its hard to see this resignation as anything other than Rudd falling on her sword to try and protect Theresa May, as much of this happened on Mays watch and in line with her procedures. Rudds replacement, Sajid Javid, is keen to distance himself from the issue: When he was appointed home secretary earlier this week after Amber Rudd resigned following the Guardians reporting on the Windrush scandal and an ensuing row over targets, Sajid Javid said that the phrase hostile environment was unhelpful. The phrase hostile is a phrase Im not going to use, he said. Its a compliant environment it doesnt represent our values as a country to use that phrase. (The Guardian) But this is a rot that has set in far deeper than just one Home Secretary. Its a scandal that should shame those who rode the wave of anti-immigration feeling to power, and have exploited it for their own gain. There absolutely should be targets for the removal of illegal immigrants which do create a hostile environment until they are all gone. Do not let the Windrush error translate into an acceptance of illegal immigration with friendly greeting and a cup of tea waiting. Nadine Dorries (@NadineDorries) April 30, 2018 To uncover the extent of the rot, Labour proposed a motion to access the relevant documents: The government defeated a Labour motion in the Commons seeking access to documents laying out the policies behind the Windrush crisis, promising instead to allow independent oversight of an internal review into what went wrong. Labour had put down the same type of humble address procedure it used last year to force ministers to hand over their Brexit impact assessments, to seek documents and memos connected to the affair from 2010 to now. But after an often passionate five-hour debate about how some citizens of Caribbean origin who arrived in the UK from the 1950s onwards were wrongly targeted as part of the hostile environment immigration policy, a three-line Conservative whip saw the government win by 316 votes to 221. (The Guardian) The Tories have proposed an independent review instead, but this really has the stench of a cover up about it. Gove tried to claim that Labour MPs are weaponising the situation to deflect from their own issues with anti-Semitism. What are they afraid of? Theresa Mays days as PM are numbered; as soon as Brexit happens, she is likely to resign anyway. Which voters do they imagine they are scaring off? They have already picked up a substantial portion of the UKIP vote in the local council elections, and UKIP voters are more likely to complain that the environment isnt hostile enough than worry about a nation treating human beings with contempt. Or is it that lingering concern that people will realise they really are the nasty party and have been all along? That isnt news, dear. Until we find out more about how this happened and whos to blame, the arguments will rumble on. In the meantime, thousands of people have been affected by this inexcusable pandering to the worst xenophobic Little Britain attitudes of the right. Hands up who else would accept a Britain full of people who've walked, swam, and strived through extreme conditions to get the chance to live here, than a Britain full of lazy racists who think they've a born right to be scumbags to total strangers without any context whatsoever. https://t.co/Lu1e2Qyd7z David Gore (@GoricHistoria) April 30, 2018 What has happened to the Windrush generation is a travesty. We can do better than this, and we must. Theresa May has already apologized to 12 Caribbean nations for what has transpired so far. One of the arguments made by Leavers is that without the EU, Britain can strengthen its links with the Commonwealth nations instead. Thats not going well so far. If shes not careful, Mays hard Brexit will turn into Brexile instead. Tonight with the support of amazing legal volunteers @bcaheritage hosted another evening of #Windrush legal advice clinics. These are real lives, families and our community. Thank you for all the support coming forward. Together we are united. https://t.co/KVsFtTDKEU BCA (@bcaheritage) May 2, 2018 As a Black, British, Caribbean son of the Windrush and descendant of slaves I just voted against the hostile environment. I would have walked over broken glass to vote against it. I will never, ever support a policy that dehumanises human beings & treats immigrants as criminals. David Lammy (@DavidLammy) May 2, 2018 If you are able to watch this and still believe that Theresa May should remain Prime Minister then I'm sorry but you cannot have a soul #Windrush #MayMustGo pic.twitter.com/sGsAKnFngY Sarah (@ScouseGirlMedia) April 30, 2018 (Header from Getty Images) What's the Deal with the Seven Nation Army on 'Westworld'? | '30 Minutes Or Less' Compared To 'Evil Genius's True Events Hannah Sole is a Staff Contributor. You can follow her on Twitter. It doesn't get much more English than a BBC period flick and there's nothing more English than sexual repression and a hidden life, so the BBC's A Very English Scandal is just about as English as any miniseries ever made. Not to mention it stars British romantic comedy extraordinaire, Hugh Grant, and forever heartthrob and Bond chronicles star, Ben Whishaw. A Very English Scandal documents the Thorpe affair, a British political-sex scandal in the 1970s. If you're unfamiliar, a British Parliament Liberal party member, Jeremy Thorpe, was accused first of having a sexual affair with a man named Norman Josiffe. Needless to say this ended his political career, however the allegations were never proved and Thorpe was acquitted. We're here for all the above, and the make-out shots of Ben Whishaw and Hugh Grant, god bless and the BBC. Check out the trailer, below. Photo via YouTube With the amount of legal trouble Mark Zuckerberg has been in this year, Facebook pokes and carefully-selected profile pictures may soon be a thing of the past. Not only was the company criticized for selling users' data and for its discriminatory housing ads, but it has also recently been accused on introducing members of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil) to each other via the "suggested friends" feature. The Telegraph reports that researchers analyzed the Facebook activity of thousands of Isil-affiliated users in 96 countries and found that they were often connected via Facebook, which uses algorithms to introduce people with shared interests. Increased connectivity means increased use of the site. The study was conducted by Counter Extremism Project and will be published in full later in the month. Gregory Waters, who is one of the authors, said he contacted an Isil member via Facebook and shortly after received many suggestions of other pro-Isil people to connect with. Robert Postings, another researcher on the study, said he received a number of friend requests from extremists after he, "clicked on several non-extremist news pages about an Islamist uprising in the Philippines." A spokesperson for Facebook told The Telegraph, "There is no place for terrorists on Facebook. We work aggressively to ensure that we do not have terrorists or terror groups using the site, and we also remove any content that praises or supports terrorism. Our approach is working 99 per cent of ISIS and Al Qaeda-related content we remove is found by our automated systems. But there is no easy technical fix to fight online extremism. We have and will continue to invest millions of pounds in both people and technology to identify and remove terrorist content." Image via Getty Exactly one month after Rihanna, celebrity and breakout cosmetics purveyor, announced her lingerie line, Kim Kardashian, also a celebrity and breakout cosmetics purveyor, has trademarked the name for her own. It seems as though after beauty, the new super hot, super famous people venture is something equally hot, you know, like underwear. Related | Rihanna is Reportedly Releasing a Lingerie Line The dust has barely settled on Kim's closure of the remaining Dash stores and her new perfume inspired by her own body before this new revelation has come to light. The company, who produced Khloe Kardashian's successful Good American jeans brand, has now teamed up with Kim and trademarked "Kimono Intimates," presumably the name intended for Kim's new lingerie label. What has inspired "Kimono" other than a play on Kimberly's first name? Well, Kim Kardashian and co. recently took a trip to Japan and appeared to have a truly fab time. Not only that, but during her peak neutrals time she announced herself a big fan of the traditional Japanese garb with a post to her app in 2016. Related | No Filter: An Afternoon With Kim Kardashian Kimono translates to "the thing worn" and, in the 16th century, began resembling the t-shaped, hanging garments we now today. It was then adopted by Euro-American high society and art circles in the 1900s, likely after a new type of sophisticated and daring Japanese girls emerged at the turn of the century and re-embraced the style. It all makes sense. Photo via BFA News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. Despite the rolling out of single window paperless transactions at Ghanas ports with two companies, a third company has just been announced to also operate single window, raising fundamental questions. Currently, Ghana Community Network Services Limited (GCNet) and West Blue Consulting Ghana Limited are operating the national single window. However, barely two weeks after paperless port was said to have increased revenue generation, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI) announced plans to deploy a new trade facilitation tool UNIPASS Customs Technology, which will be a third single window platform. On the same day that the UNIPASS announcement was made, Customs World, a subsidiary of Ports Customs and Free Zones Corporation (PCFC) Dubai, also announced that it has signed an agreement to take over West Blue Ghana Limited, the company engaged for the operation of the National Single Window and Risk Management System in Ghana. The Ministry of Trade and Industrys announcement of the UNIPASS deal comes as a surprise because a Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry is on record to have said Ghana is too small to operate two single windows, which is the truth. Now, the Ministry of Trade has awarded a 10-year third single window contract to Ghana Link Network Services Limited which has Customs UNIPASS International Agency (CUPIA) of Korea Customs Service as its overseas partner. The contract, which was signed on March 29, 2018 and published on the website of the Public Procurement Authority (PPA), empowers UNIPASS, which is yet to start operations, to do the same job already being done by Customs World and GCNet. It must be noted that anytime new technical support services are deployed, it is accompanied with reports of increase in revenue generation to justify the investment. However, when this is being done by multiple agencies, the compensation paid also increases significantly. Needles compensation cost to the state There is no doubt that contracting more than one company to provide Single Window Services costs the nation more in compensation. Therefore, Ghana working with three different companies, all of which brag about providing world-class technical support services for Single Window operations, simply means paying millions as compensation, some of which could have been saved when the operator is only one. Ghana Link and its overseas partner are going to earn 0.75 per cent of total proceeds at the port. Government will pay this amount in addition to what is being paid to Customs World and GCNet when the work can be done by just one single window company to save government money. The port remains the single largest revenue generation point for the state, and paying multiple companies to do the same work raises critical questions. 5-year contract with Customs World-Dubai Government has a five-year contract with West Blue Consulting (Customs World, Dubai), which began in 2015. GCNET has valid contract. There is also an existing contract with GCNET, which the Trade Ministry signed on behalf of government. As a prelude to operate the paperless system, GCNet and Customs World were made to integrate their systems to provide efficient service to traders and block revenue leakages at the ports. Freight forwarders demand answers on 3rd single window The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) wants government to come clear on a new agreement it signed with Ghana Link for the company to operate the single window project at the ports. These things do not work well for business at all. There must be some certainty in the environment otherwise the signal that we are sending to business is bad, President of GIFF, Kwabena Ofosu Appiah stated. Diplomatic relations As many serious countries have concentrated their foreign policy on economic relations, any fallout from the decision by government to engage both Dubai and Korea could badly affect Ghanas relations with any of the two countries that feel peeved. The politics Customs the world over are responsible for the classification and valuation of imported cargo for purposes of revenue mobilisation and clearance. This is even so when they are solely responsible for overseeing the cargo clearance regime at the ports. GCNet and Destination Inspection Companies (DICs) were engaged during President J.A. Kufuors administration to do classification and valuation. The story of GCNet Since 2002, GCNet has been providing e-Solutions to government by offering electronic platforms for revenue mobilisation and trade facilitation, easing trade processes with system availability nationwide to be the pioneer single window operator in the country. The story of DICs In many regards, the destination inspection scheme introduced in Ghana in early 2000 was meant to expedite trade transactions while safeguarding trade revenue for government. The scheme, since its introduction, was managed by DICs with support from the GCNet system and Customs, through the Ghana Customs Management System. Classification and valuation knowledge transfer The strategy was to second Customs officers to work with DICs, and in the process the DICs will transfer knowledge to the Customs officers. And when enough capacity is built, Customs would take over classification and valuation from the DICs. Some Customs officers jump ship However, several senior Customs officers seconded to the DICs ended up resigning from Customs to become permanent workers of the DICs as the conditions of service offered by the DICs were far better than that of customs. This development frustrated the knowledge transfer process. The story of West Blue However, after 15 years of working with the DICs, government, on September 1, 2015, dispensed with their services, handing over the task to Customs. In place of the DICs, a new system, dubbed National Single Window System, was implemented by West Blue and GCNet Services, in partnership with other scanning companies. The governments decision not to renew the licence of DICs happened during the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, and was seen in some quarters as politically motivated. At the time, government attempted to get rid of GCNet, but was not successful because GCNet had a valid contract. When President Nana Akufo-Addos government assumed office, a process to operate a paperless system was set in motion. The story of Customs World As part of the process, Customs World, a subsidiary of Ports Customs and Free Zones Corporation (PCFC) Dubai, was brought in to provide technical assistance that integrated GCNet and West Blue to achieve paperless system. Less than one month after the integration, Customs World signed an agreement to take over West Blue. The story of UNIPASS The Ministry of Trade and Industry announced that a new company, named UNIPASS, a South Korean Customs Management System, a third single window, has already sought approval from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) to engage Messrs Ghana Link Network Services Limited to have the technology deployed. Now, a 10-year contract has been signed. In Ghana, the concept of destination inspection was introduced by the government in 2000 to replace the pre-shipment inspection system, which involved the inspection of imports before shipment from the country of supply. Destination inspection is a concept which was introduced to enhance Customs functions as a stop-gap measure while waiting for reforms and modernisation. They are BIVAC International, Gateway Services Limited, Ghana Link Network Services, Webb Fontaine Ghana Limited and Inspection Control Service. While more than 500 employees of the DICs lost their jobs, the move was seen as an opportunity to save the country millions of cedis that went into the coffers of the DICs. Source: The Finder 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 Management and staff of OmniBank over the weekend took to the principal streets of Accra to embark on a health walk to sensitize workers on the need to adopt healthy lifestyle. The health walk under the theme: Promoting A Healthy Lifestyle, was organized by the Bank to champion the need for staff to exercise regularly to promote healthy living. For this reason, the bank brought together over 200 of their employees of Greater Accra for about seven-kilometer walk which commenced at Christ the King Parish Hall through Morning Star School, Police Headquarters to Akufo Addo Round About, GIS, Cantoment Post Office, Switch Back Road and ended at the Christ the King Parish hall again in aerobics. Speaking to the Executive Head of Human Resource, Mr. Stephen Takyi Adeakye, he described banking as stressful job and advised bankers to make physical exercise a priority in order to work hard and achieve the vision of the bank. We need a healthy mind in a health body to be able to increase productivity for the bank he emphasized. Mr. Takyi Adeakye indicated that, the physical well-being of the staff is critical for the bank to create a bond with its staff in order to achieve their 1, 2, 3 strategy for 2018. The 1, 2, 3 strategy is to get one million customer accounts, become a second tier bank and have three billion deposits by 2020. We (OmniBank) believed in healthy lifestyle and know when our staffs are healthy, they will be able to translate the companys objective into a reality he stated. Mr. Takyi Adeakye noted that, the health walk was not going to be a nine day wonder but rather a quarterly event to ensure the staff works hard to meet the company's target and deliver good services to its clients. Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/Peacefmonline/[email protected] 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 Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. The Commissioner-General of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Emmanuel Kofi Nti has urged Ghanaians to boycott all excisable products that do not have the excise tax stamp affixed to them. According to him, the implementation of the policy is to protect the health of the consuming public, explaining that the tax stamp distinguishes genuine products from fake ones. Addressing the media in Kumasi, Mr Nti also asked wholesalers, distributors and retailers to refrain from purchasing excisable products without tax stamps. He said, The slogan is No Tax Stamp, No Purchase, the enforcement has been on two levels- at the port and at the point of sale. The implementation of the policy does not mean introduction of a new tax, but a new way for GRA to ensure that the correct quantum of tax is paid, the Commissioner-General stated. Mr. Nti explained that the implementation of the excise tax stamp policy would help control importation, rake in revenue from local production of excisable goods, check under-declaration of goods and illicit trading, smuggling and counterfeiting of such products. He said that the tax affects goods like cigarette and other tobacco products, alcoholic beverages (bottled, canned or packed), non-alcoholic carbonated beverages, bottled water and any other excisable products prescribed by the Minister of Finance. 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 About sixty thousand (60,000) passports which have not been claimed are gathering dust at the shelves of Greater Accra Regional Passport Office, the Foreign Minister has disclosed. Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey is therefore appealing to the general public to take steps to claim their passports to clear the shelves of the passport directorate. The Foreign Minister has also revealed that Government is taking immediate steps to procure more printing machines for the Greater Accra Regional Passport office, and the head office to speed up the printing and acquisition of the identification document. Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, who is also the Member of Parliament for Gbawe in Accra, announced the decision when she stormed the Passport office last Friday, to familiarize herself with the process of acquiring passport. During the unannounced visit to the office, the Minister discovered that the office had only two printing machines which have the capacity to print about 500 passports a day-a situation which compelled the Minister to announce that acquiring additional passport printing machines, is a national emergency which needed urgent attention from her ministry. She, however, pledged that measures would be put in place going forward for eh procurement of more printing machines. According to Minister she concluded that the process for passport acquisition was seriously cumbersome and unacceptable after she was informed by officers at the passport directorate that they were able to serve only one hundred (100) applicants daily. This cut off quota system however informed the decision of applicants to come as early as 2am to queue in order to make the number. The Minister averred that in order to ease the congestion at the Accra passport office, and stop applicants from coming this early to acquire passports, the decentralization efforts by her Ministry was going to be intensified, through which more passport offices would be opened, starting from Cape Coast in the Central Region. During the visit, Hon. Ayorkor Botchwey, was taken through all the stages that passport applicants were subjected to should they desire to acquire passports. She also interacted with some passport applicants who were at the regional office to receive their passports. At the online passports applicants unit however, the process appeared to be calmer and applicants were going through the process smoothly. The Minister therefore made a passionate appeal to Ghanaians to patronize the online portal for their passport applicants. The Minister received collection slips form about six (6) applicants who have been following their passports for several months. She instructed passport officers to run checks while she goes on her tour and report to her their findings before she leaves the premises. After 30 minutes, the officers produce the printed passports of four (4) out of the six and promised to deal with the remaining two whose applications were at various stage of completion. She vowed to speed up the passport acquisition processes in the country to ensure that the laid down procedures and timelines for obtaining a passport were adhered to. Source: New Crusading 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 Leading Zimbabwean opposition politician Nelson Chamisa has come under fire on Twitter after a video emerged of him saying that if he President Emmerson Mnangagwa wins 5% of the vote "in a free election, I will give him my sister". "I'm betting on this because I know it won't happen," the Bulawayo 24 news site quotes him as saying in Shona. There was laughter from the crowd when Mr Chamisa - who hopes to run for the presidency for the first time in elections expected in July - made the comment. It is unclear where or when he was speaking. Mr Chamisa sees himself as Morgan Tsvangirai's successor following the veteran MDC leader's death in February, but he is being challenged for the leadership by Thokozani Khupe. She was Mr Tsvangrai's deputy in the party, and served as deputy prime minister from 2009 and 2013 in the unity government that the MDC formed with the ruling Zanu-PF party to end conflict in Zimbabwe. Mr Chamisa's comments have led to many people on Twitter accusing him of being sexist. 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 Audio Attachment: Listen to Nana Akufo-Addo Government will deploy eight thousand and seven hundred (8700) cameras this year, President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has disclosed. President Nana Akufo-Addo, delivering a speech at the inauguration of a Police station at the Tesano Division in Accra, outlined some measures his government is undertaking to equip the Police Service to combat crimes in the country. "In addition to some 4000 more Police Officers this year, we have since coming into office recruited some 13,500 young men and women into the community protection module under the Youth Employment Agency with an additional 1500 more to be recruited. Again, negotiations have been completed for the roll-out of phase 2 of the Alpha project which involves the deployment of a total of 8700 CCTV cameras across all the districts with three Command Centres in Accra, Kumasi and Tamale..." he said. He also added that in addition to government's purchase of about 400 vehicles to Police under its "Operation Calm Lives", an additional 1000 are to be deployed to fortify the Police Service. President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, commissioned the newly constructed Tesano Divisional Police Headquarters of the Ghana Police Service, at a brief ceremony on Monday, 7th May, 2018. The building, which constructed by Dr.Osei Kwame Despite, will serve the people of Tesano and its environs. The new facility is aimed at enhancing Police activities in the country, particularly the Tesano Division where the facility has been donated. Speaking at the event, the President advised the Police to "pay particular attention to the proper maintenance of these equipment and facilities. In concluding, it is my hope and expectation that the Police in this division will enhance their engagement with the communities they serve because that is a more sustainable way of reducing crime. Residents must also cooperate with the Police and give them maximum backing in the discharge of their duties. When the community and the Police work together, we can be assured of our safety and security and then we can all channel our energies and resources into building a progressive and prosperous nation. Im confident, with the citizenry and the Police joined together at the frontline in the fight against crime, we can help establish an orderly society governed by the rule of law. He further promised his government will continue to "mobilize whatever assistance it can to enable the Police provide the Ghanaian people the kind of service they deserve. This year, were undertaking the rehabilitation of Police stations throughout the country to standardize the infrastructure. Our aim is to strengthen the Police, fashioning it into an honest, disciplined, efficient and robust force whose emphasis will be on proactive and preventive policing rather than reacting. Tesano Ultra-Modern Police Station by Osei Kwame Despite Tesano Ultra-Modern Police Station by Osei Kwame Despite Tesano Ultra-Modern Police Station by Osei Kwame Despite Tesano Ultra-Modern Police Station by Osei Kwame Despite Tesano Ultra-Modern Police Station by Osei Kwame Despite Tesano Ultra-Modern Police Station by Osei Kwame Despite Tesano Ultra-Modern Police Station by Osei Kwame Despite Tesano Ultra-Modern Police Station by Osei Kwame Despite Tesano Ultra-Modern Police Station by Osei Kwame Despite Tesano Ultra-Modern Police Station by Osei Kwame Despite Tesano Ultra-Modern Police Station by Osei Kwame Despite Tesano Ultra-Modern Police Station by Osei Kwame Despite Tesano Ultra-Modern Police Station by Osei Kwame Despite Tesano Ultra-Modern Police Station by Osei Kwame Despite 0 Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Audio Attachment: Listen to President Akufo-Addo President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has lauded the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Despite Group of Companies, Nana Dr. Baffour Osei Kwame "Despite", together with the CEO of Special Group of Companies, Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong for the construction of an ultramodern facility for the Ghana Police Service. Commissioning the newly constructed Tesano Divisional Police Headquarters of the Ghana Police Service, at a brief ceremony on Monday, 7th May, 2018, President Nana Akufo-Addo, noted that the security of Ghanaians is a top priority of his government and the responsibility rests on the shoulders of the Police force in the country. Coincidentally, the project commenced on the 7th of January, 2017, the day Nana Addo was sworn in as President. The facility has offices with private washrooms for the Divisional Commander, the Divisional Crime officer, the DOVVSU Commander (Tesano), Station officers, an orderly room for the Divisional Officers, the DOVVSU General Office, a 10-seater conference room, a kitchen, a dining room, a total of 5 washrooms, an executive lobby, a general lobby, a conducive counter back area, and two modernized Cells with washrooms for women and juveniles. President Akufo-Addo expressed his delight at the kind gesture by Dr. Osei Kwame stating that the new Police station will help to facilitate the activities of the Police personnel to resolving crimes in the country. Its an excellent example of the contribution that a responsible citizen can make to the general welfare of the community; a gesture which is worthy of emulation by othersDespite, you deserve a big Ayekoo! The people of Tesano and its environs are grateful for thisOsei Kwame Despite, well done! he stated. The President recounted some government interventions aimed at reinforcing the Police Service, saying "government continues to mobilize whatever assistance it can to enable the Police provide the Ghanaian people the kind of service they deserve. This year, were undertaking the rehabilitation of Police stations throughout the country to standardize the infrastructure. Our aim is to strengthen the Police, fashioning it into an honest, disciplined, efficient and robust force whose emphasis will be on proactive and preventive policing rather than reacting. the most essential things of a nation are the peace and safety of its people, and its territorial integrity. It is when these are guaranteed the citizens can go about their normal lives in security and try to improve upon the quality of their circumstances. We all sleep feeling protected when the men and women of the Police Service work to keep our nation, our communities and our streets safe. The issue of law and order is particularly important till this time when indiscipline, lawlessness and outbreaks of mob justice are threatening the rule of law, he added. Watch Photos & Video of the ultramodern facility below: Earlier in an address read on his behalf by Kwami Sefa Kayi, host of PeaceFm's flagship programme "Kokrokoo", Dr Osei Kwame revealed that the "edifice was the brain child of the former divisional Commander at Tesano, ACP Lydia Donkor now Director for Legal and Prosecution for Greater Accra Region who brought a proposal for a "smaller structure for the Dovvsu unit." But knowing his penchant for going the extra mile, Dr. Osei Kwame, "upon viewing the allocated land for the structure, decided to rather put up a massive edifice as we can see here to cater for both the Division and the Dovvsu unit as a whole". He recounted earlier philantrophic projects embarked on by the CEO of the Despite Group of Companies "Earlier this year, he donated three multimillion edifices to the nation. These buildings are his modest social responsibility to Ghana which he announced on his birthday, 2nd February.....a fully furnished and equipped Dr Osei Kwame Despite Childrens Block at the 37 Military Hospital....An oncology/ haematology unit with a six bed general ward fully equipped with beautiful designed walls to suit the taste of the children, a paediatric physiotherapy unit with a gymnasium or playroom and two private wards. Mr. President, this is the first haematology, oncology and physiotherapy unit for children in the country.....A state of the art furnished police station with an office complex suitable for a Capital city and similar to what we see here was also inaugurated on 29th of March this year by the Inspector General of Police David Asante Apeatu who was represented by COP Kofi Boakye, Director General PIPS for the Wiamoase township. With the New Wiamoase Police station, we believe the Ghana Police Service can be upgraded it to a district headquarters or a divisional headquarters for the Agona Municipality," Sefa Kayi disclosed. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Hundreds of nurses and health professionals are threatening to vote out the New Patriotic Party government in 2020 it fails to review some terms and conditions governing the Nation Builders Corps (NaBCo). He [President Nana Akufo-Addo shouldnt worry. 2020 is coming. We voted him in and we will vote him out, some nurses shouted in unison to Citi News as they marched in protest against the Heal Ghana module under NaBCo. The nurses, who belong to the Ghana Nurse-Midwife Trainees Association and the National Health Students Association of Ghana, want amendments made to the Heal Ghana module under NaBCo. They are also demanding financial clearance which has not been forthcoming for many months, to pave way for their employment. The reason why we are against this policy is that, this policy is just detrimental to our lives. This policy is something that is not going to help us. This policy has no future for the nurses, one protester told Citi News. We feel like the government has lied to us. The government promised us financial clearance in May; not NaBCo. NaBCo is a stranger to us. It came all of a sudden and we are even shocked I dont think anybody understands it, another nurse said. Despite their complaints, the government has explained that unemployed nurses who sign unto the corps will still be posted when they eventually receive financial clearance from the Finance Ministry. The Coordinator of the Nation Builders Corps, Dr. Ibrahim Anyass, has stated that although there are openings for graduate nurses to be employed under the scheme, application for the jobs is not compulsory. According to him, the project had been initiated by the government as a stopgap measure to allow graduates from tertiary institutions who had completed their mandatory year of National Service gain vital work experience, while ensuring that they continue to practice the skills they have learnt. Government has put in place a graduate employment scheme called the Nation Builders Corps. The Scheme is an enrichment process to add value to any graduate that seeks to become employable in the future in a permanent fashion. That does not replace the natural processes of recruitment in the public or private sector. So the NaBCo project has nothing to do with stopping of clearances for future recruitment except that it guarantees you security to be able to use your talents to practice, especially those who have hands-on skills like nursesWhat we are saying is that its not compulsory to get onto the Nation Builders Corps, it doesnt stop your clearance. You are gaining some kind of integrity in terms of your professional practice by taking advantage of this scheme to practice while waiting for your clearance. Source: citinewsroom.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 Prof Ransford Gyampo of the University of Ghana, has said Ghana needs a leader who can think and act like the president of Rwanda, Paul Kagame. His comment follows the closure of about 6,000 churches in Rwanda recently as part of Kagames efforts to sanitise the religious atmosphere in his country. Mr Kagame explained that the churches were being led by fake, dimwitted, and uneducated people who called themselves men of God, with the aim of fleecing their followers. Commenting on this on his Facebook page on Sunday, 6 May, Prof Gyampo said: Ghana: A nation where even the highly-educated refuse to think and submit to the exploits of toddler-magicians who parade themselves as pastors. Even in the days of Prof Hindu, the state asserted its sovereignty. Paul Kagame, you are not irreligious. You are just a wise and proactive leader. No wonder Rwanda, that country that suffered serious genocide, bounced back and is doing far better than Ghana. Our political elites are ideologically bankrupt and they admit that they don't have the message to win power or sustain themselves in power. They, therefore, consult pastor-magicians secretly, at all times. This is the source of the impunity with which certain social deviants who call themselves pastors, exploit some ignorant Ghanaians and abuse them. The Police, the lawyers, the CSO leaders, the executive, the MPs, the judges, the-everybody consult them. So, they seem helpless as these magician-pastors go about abusing and milking some ignorant people. Post Below- 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 I don't know anyone but I remember slapping a lady. She didn't approach me and all I saw was that she was taking a picture of me. I thought it was one of Sammy Crabbe's people who wanted to take a picture of me so I slapped her. She didn't look like a journalist, she was looking like a normal lady who sells onions. I want you to withdraw the statement that she's your colleague because I don't know any of your colleagues. - Hajia Fati VIDEO= Adom FM Journalist Slapped By NPPs Hajia Fati Adom FM journalist, Ohemaa Sakyiwaa Ahwenepa was on Friday assaulted by popular NPP supporter Hajia Fati at the party headquarters. Haji Fati allegedly punched the lips of the radio presenter for attempting to take a shot of her. Narrating the incident, Sakyiwaa said the assault happened after Hajia Fati tried to prevent the suspended Second Vice Chairman of the party, Sammy Crabbe from picking a form for the Chairmanship position. Hajia Fati came in after Sammy Crabbe had been asked to go and bring money. Actually, he came with a bankers draft from the Ghana Commercial Bank, and he was asked to go and bring cash because they were taking cash. About 15 minutes after Sammy Crabbe left, Hajia Fati came in very angry and she was saying that she will not allow Sammy Crabbe to pick the [nomination] forms. I got closer to her. I wanted to interview her so I took my phone out. I wanted to take a picture and so as soon as she turned, she looked at my face and asked me why I was taking pictures of her. I didnt utter a word. She punched my mouth, and she almost took the phone from me, she narrated. Hajia Fati has been in the news on several occasions for her threats to journalists who report negatively about the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Source: JoyFM/Adom News 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 Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central, Isaac Adongo, has challenged President Akufo-Addo to a 1 kilometre walk following the successful completion of over 10 kilometre walk by former President John Dramani Mahama during the NDC's Unity Walk on Saturday. The legislator, addressing some sympathizers of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at the St. Johns Park in Bolgatanga after the Unity Walk on Saturday, May 5, 2018 asked the President to attempt a 1 kilometre walk if he has the level of energy and stamina Mr. Mahama demonstrated during their walk for unity. Mr. Adongo in his welcome speech stated that voting former President Mahama out of power in past one and half years by Ghanaians meant throwing away the treasure that he was. He added that the NDC fraternity also lost a personality. He was, however, quick to add that the return of Mr. Mahama, and his active participation in events of the NDC is the beginning of greater things for the party. He said the show of resilience, energy, enthusiasm and stamina by Mr. Mahama and the party during the Unity Walk is clear manifestation that the NDC will not die but bounce back to glory in election 2020. On behalf of the party in the region, I will like to welcome all of you particularly our distinguished guest, his Excellency and forever Excellency and will be back Excellency, John Dramani Mahama. Today is a very important day for the NDC family. This is the day we have seen what we lost over the last one and half years. Over the last one and half years, the people of Ghana have lost a treasure in John Dramani Mahama and the NDC has lost something we cannot find and it is a big privilege to see him. With the level of resilience and energy in the unity walk. And what you have seen signifies the resilience of the NDC. When they say the NDC will die, that is when the NDC germinates and today, you have seen the resilience, stamina of the NDC. With this stamina, nobody can stop the NDC in 2020 Isha Allahu, Mr. Adongo said. Speaking on the banking sector, Mr. Adongo said the inability of government to create an enabling environment for domestic banks to thrive has made Mobile Money a better choice in transacting business in Ghana. He said unlike the Mobile Money system, banks in Ghana are collapsing under the full glare and leadership of President Akufo-Addo. Today, when you have a mobile money account; when you have a vodaphone mobile money account, it will not collapse. When you have an MTN mobile money account it will not collapse. When you have Airtel mobile money account it is safe, when you have a bank account it is the worse and riskiest account to have, he stated. Source: atinkaonline.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 campaign posters of a former Northern Regional Minister under the erstwhile National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Moses Bukari Mabengba, who is seeking to contest the party's Northern regional chairman position has popped up in the Tamale metropolis, the regional capital. Although nominations for the regional executive elections for the opposition NDC are yet to be opened, the former regional minister, who served under former President's Mills's administration and later became Ghana's Ambassador to Angola is said to have expressed his strongest desire to contest the regional chairmanship position. Some regional executives of the NDC in Tamale who spoke to the Daily Graphic have confirmed that the former regional minister is indeed preparing to put himself up for the chairmanship position, which is currently being occupied by Mr Sofo Azorka, the incumbent NDC Northern Regional chairman. Although the regional executives expressed concerns about the move by the former Northern Regional Minister to contest the chairmanship position, they said they could not do anything about it, adding that for now he had just expressed the interest to contest. Meanwhile, the party has successfully completed its branch elections in the region which, according to Mr Rashid Computer, the NDC Northern Regional Director of Elections, went well. He added that nominations for the party's constituency electrons would open from May 7 to May 11, 2018. Mr Computer added that nominations for the regional elections would follow as soon as the constituency elections were over. Source: Daily Graphic Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A community in Montgomery County, Pa., has been rocked by recent sightings of a man walking around with an AR-15 rifle. It happened in Abington Township, a moneyed suburb of Philadelphia, and it prompted the township's police chief to issue public warnings about the armed man. Now as 6ABC reports, the man has been taken into custody over concerns related to his mental health. The man, who is a township resident and had attended Abington High School as recently as 2017, was not charged with a crime. His identity is being withheld by police. Instead, the man was taken into custody late last week on an involuntary mental health warrant, 6ABC reports, adding: Abington Chief Patrick Molloy emphasized that the man's decision to carry the rifle in public did not, by itself, spark the decision to take him into custody. "This case illustrates the very complex nature of balancing an individual's Second Amendment rights with our primary mission to protect and serve all our residents," Molloy told 6ABC. Rather, police acted after some of the man's friends messaged police via Facebook with concerns about his behavior and change in mental status. One witness told police the young man talked of "shooting up" Penn State Abington back in January. More recently, the man texted the friend a picture of the AR-15, saying "look what I just got." The friend told detectives, "I think he... is throwing up some red flags because he recently dropped out of school. He gave me the impression he feels he has nothing to lose, in a way." According to court records, detectives searched the man's smartphone and found internet searches including: 'Parkland shooter,' 'law enforcement visits,' 'what weapons were used at Columbine,' and 'where to most mass shootings occur,' 6ABC wrote. Police have secured the AR-15. Bakers and ice cream makers are paying a hefty price for vanilla beans. The key ingredient in sweet treats has soared to near record levels and is now hovering at about $600 a kilogram, making it more expensive than silver. As a result, consumers may be paying more for that pint of ice cream or doughnut with their coffee. Earlier this spring, Dunkin' Donut's chief executive officer Nigel Travis told Bloomberg that dairy and vanilla prices are weighing down returns at Baskin-Robbins, one of its brands. "It puts pressure on both our margins internationally, and the costs to our franchisees, so we've taken this very seriously," he said in the story. Locally, Urban Churn ice cream's founder Adam Brackbill said he stopped buying vanilla beans in exchange for vanilla bean paste to make his artisan ice cream, which is mostly sold at the Broad Street Market in Harrisburg. The paste is less expensive than the actual vanilla beans, he said. "With the prices they are now a days, it's better to buy vanilla bean paste. That is, if you want the beans for that visual appeal," Brackbill added. In the United Kingdom at least one ice cream maker stopped producing vanilla ice cream, while another ice cream business, Snugburys Ice Cream, says it is paying 30 times more for vanilla than it did last year, according to the BBC. "It has really gone up, so last year we decided to buy it forward by a year's-worth," Cleo Sadler, who manages the production side of the business, told the BBC. The high prices can be blamed on a cyclone which last year hit Madagascar, a tropical island off the south-east coast of Africa and the world's top vanilla growing region. About 75 percent of the world's vanilla is grown in Madagascar. It is also grown in Papua New Guinea, India and Uganda. Julian Gale, a commodities analyst for IEG Vu, told the BBC they had hoped prices would go down by now but they have remained high due to strong demand. NORTH BETHESDA, Maryland -- Chelsea Manning is no longer living as a transgender woman in a male military prison, serving the lengthiest sentence ever for revealing U.S. government secrets. She's free to grow out her hair, travel the world, and spend time with whomever she likes. But a year since former President Barack Obama commuted Manning's 35-year sentence, America's most famous convicted leaker isn't taking an extended vacation. Far from it: The Oklahoma native has decided to make an unlikely bid for the U.S. Senate in her adopted state of Maryland. Manning, 30, filed to run in January and has been registered to vote in Maryland since August. She lives in North Bethesda, not far from where she stayed with an aunt while awaiting trial. Her aim is to unseat Sen. Ben Cardin, a 74-year-old Maryland Democrat who is seeking his third Senate term and previously served 10 terms in the U.S. House. Manning, who also has become an internationally recognized transgender activist, said she's motivated by a desire to fight what she sees as a shadowy surveillance state and a rising tide of nightmarish repression. "The rise of authoritarianism is encroaching in every aspect of life, whether it's government or corporate or technological," Manning told The Associated Press during an interview at her home in an upscale apartment tower. On the walls of her barely furnished living room hang Obama's commutation order, and photos of U.S. anarchist Emma Goldman and British playwright Oscar Wilde. Manning's longshot campaign for the June 26 primary would appear to be one of the more unorthodox U.S. Senate bids in recent memory, and the candidate is operating well outside the party's playbook. She says she doesn't, in fact, even consider herself a Democrat, but is motivated by a desire to shake up establishment Democrats who are "caving in" to President Donald Trump's administration. She vows she won't run as an independent if her primary bid fails. She's certainly got an eye-catching platform: Close prisons and free inmates; eliminate national borders; restructure the criminal justice system; provide universal health care and basic income. The top of her agenda? Abolish the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency created in 2003 that Manning asserts is preparing for an "ethnic cleansing." Manning ticks off life experiences she believes would make her an effective senator: a stint being homeless in Chicago, her wartime experiences as a U.S. Army intelligence analyst in Iraq -- even her seven years in prison. She asserts she's got a "bigger vision" than establishment politicians. But political analysts suspect the convicted felon is not running to win. "Manning is running as a protest candidate, which has a long lineage in American history, to shine light on American empire," said Daniel Schlozman, a political science professor at Johns Hopkins University. "That's a very different goal, with a very different campaign, than if she wanted to beat Ben Cardin." Manning's insurgent candidacy thus far has been a decidedly stripped-down affair, with few appearances and a campaign website that just went up. In recent days, she approached an anti-fracking rally in Baltimore almost furtively, keeping to herself for much of the demonstration. But when it was her turn to address the small group, her celebrity status was evident. People who never met her called her by her first name and eagerly took photos. Manning has acknowledged leaking more than 700,000 military and State Department documents to anti-secrecy site WikiLeaks in 2010. She said her motivation was a desire to spark debate about U.S. foreign policy, and she has been portrayed as both a hero and a traitor. Known as Bradley Manning at the time of her arrest, she came out as transgender after her 2013 court-martial. She was barred from growing her hair long in prison, and was approved for hormone therapy only after litigation. She spent long stints in solitary confinement, and twice tried to kill herself. The Pentagon, which has repeatedly declined to discuss Manning's treatment in military prison, is also staying mum about her political ambitions. Democratic Party officials say they have no comment, citing a policy not to weigh in on primaries. Republican operatives are quiet. In Maryland, a blue state that's home to tens of thousands of federal employees and defense contractors, it appears Manning's main supporters are independents or anti-politics, making them unlikely to coalesce politically. She recently reported contributions of $72,000 on this year's first quarterly finance statement, compared with Cardin's $336,000. The candidate has barely made an effort at tapping sources of grassroots enthusiasm outside of activism circles. And it's easy to find Democrats who feel her candidacy is just a vehicle to boost her profile. "It feels to me almost like it's part of a book tour -- that this is her moment after being released from prison," said Dana Beyer, a transgender woman who leads the Gender Rights Maryland nonprofit and is a Democratic candidate for state senate. "I don't think this is a serious effort." Manning is indeed working on a book about her dramatic life. For now, she says she supports herself with income from speaking engagements. She's spoken at various U.S. colleges and is due to take the stage at a Montreal conference later this month. Last week, she appeared at a tech conference in Germany's capital of Berlin, arriving to cheers from the audience of several thousand people. She told attendees she's still struggling to adjust to life after prison and hasn't gotten used to her celebrity status yet. "There's been a kind of cult of personality that is really intimidating and that is overwhelming for me," she said in Berlin. At her Maryland apartment, Manning told the AP she occasionally wakes up panicked that she's back in the cage in Kuwait where she was first jailed, or incarcerated at the Marine base at Quantico, Virginia, where a U.N. official concluded she'd been subjected to "cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment." She works hard to overcome anxiety, centering herself with yoga, breathing exercises, and reading. "I've been out for almost a year now and it's becoming increasingly clear to me just how deep the wounds are," she said in her Spartan living room. Asked how she would define success, Manning responded with passionate intensity: "Success for me is survival." ___ David McFadden of the Associated Press wrote this story. AP writer Frank Jordans in Berlin contributed to this report. ___ Follow McFadden on Twitter at https://twitter.com/dmcfadd Police in Lewistown are continuing to search for a Cumberland County man wanted on charges of attempted homicide in connection with a shooting last month. Police are searching for 32-year-old Travis Stambaugh, who has a last known address along the 1400 block of 3rd Street, in Enola, East Pennsboro Township. Stambaugh is wanted for the April 10 shooting of a 46-year-old man along South Spruce Street, police said. Stambaugh is described as five feet nine tall, 190 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He could be operating a 2003 gray Ford Focus with a white front bumper, with a Pennsylvania registration of KGM-3263. "Travis is also known to frequent Harrisburg," officials said. An arrest warrant has been issued for Stambaugh for attempted homicide, aggravated assault, robbery and other charges. Anyone with information about Stambaugh is asked to call Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers at 1-800-4PA-TIPS. Today's Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police 25th annual memorial service remembered the lives of two Pennsylvania police officers killed in the line of duty last year. The ceremony honored the officers -- New Kensington Police Officer Brian David Shaw and Trooper Michael Paul Stewart, III. Johnstown Police Officer Shawn D. Rager, who died in 2016, and Lehigh County deputy Sheriff Scott Alan Moyer, who died in 2009, were also honored. Lawmakers, police officers and family members of the fallen officers attended the memorial service. The ceremony was held at the Forum Building in downtown Harrisburg. Family members were presented the Medals of Ultimate Sacrifice and placed a flower in the memorial wreath. A magisterial district judge Monday threw out the most serious charges that had been filed against a second group of former Penn State fraternity brothers after the death of a pledge last year. Judge Steven Lachman dismissed all five counts of reckless endangerment, a second-degree misdemeanor, that had been filed against five defendants in connection with the death of Tim Piazza in February 2017. Those defendants still will face charges of hazing, which is a third-degree misdemeanor, and alcohol violations, as will seven other defendants who underwent a group preliminary hearing last week. Lachman also dropped all charges against a fraternity brother accused of deleting incriminating basement video images and scaled back the alcohol violations by dropping all of the third-degree misdemeanors (furnishing alcohol to minors) that prosecutors had filed. His decision issued via email Monday came after three days of testimony that ended late Friday. Lachman decided which charges will go forward to trial against this batch of former members of the Beta Theta Pi house, who were charged in November, months after an original group of 18 students had been accused. The additional defendants were brought into the case after the FBI recovered "deleted" video images from the basement that showed additional alcohol-fueled activities on bid acceptance night. Most of the charges stemmed from providing drinks to pledges and Piazza in particular. Prosecutors allege the Beta's house manager deleted the basement video on purpose. But the judge ruled that prosecutors did not provide enough evidence for three criminal charges to go forward to trial against Braxton Becker. Prosecutors last week showed the judge photos of Becker sitting in the chair in front of the video surveillance console at the same time the video was deleted, as part of last week's testimony. Court records also included text messages between Becker and another frat member saying that erasing the cameras could be a good idea. Even before last week's hearing, the case against this second batch of defendants already had been scaled back. Prosecutors from the attorney general's office decided against proceeding with charges of aggravated assault, a felony, and involuntary manslaughter, a first-degree misdemeanor, that a prior Centre County district attorney had filed against five defendants in this batch of former frat brothers. Prosecutors said the evidence did not support those charges against defendants in this group, but they believed there was evidence to support reckless endangerment. Prosecutors alleged it was reckless to feed Piazza beers, wine and vodka to chug after they knew he had already underwent an alcohol-chugging obstacle course. In some cases, Piazza was swaying and staggering when brothers approached him with alcohol to chug. Defense attorneys argued that their clients could not have foreseen Piazza's injuries based on them handing him one or two drinks. In all, Piazza consumed 18 drinks within 82 minutes before falling down the stairs, suffering catastrophic injuries to his brain and spleen. Although attorneys debated the point in court last week, the judge did not make a distinction in his ruling for defendants who gave Piazza a drink after 9:53 p.m., when he was first visibly intoxicated, according to video images. The judge simply didn't agree with the reckless endangerment charge for any of these defendants. The judge's ruling represented the latest setback in prosecutors' attempts to have a jury hear serious charges against the fraternity brothers who served alcohol to Piazza, 19, before he got so intoxicated he fell down a set of basement stairs. No one called or help for nearly 12 hours. Medical experts previously testified Piazza could have survived if the call had been made soon after he was knocked unconscious. The defendants covered under Monday's ruling include: Ryan Burke, Jonathan Kanzler, Bo Han Song, Josh Kurczewski, Aiden O'Brien, Braxton Becker, Joseph Ems Jr., Mike Fernandez, Brian Gelb, Reggie Goeke, Patrick Jackson, and Donald Prior III. Attorney General Josh Shapiro issued a statement after Lachman's decision. "We are in the process of reviewing the judge's decision to determine next steps, and are pleased that 11 more defendants we charged will be headed to trial." Earlier this year, a different magisterial district judge ruled on criminal charges against the first batch of defendants who allegedly planned the alcohol-chugging obstacle course for pledges, including Piazza. Prosecutors sought involuntary manslaughter charges for five former students who allegedly met all of these three elements: planned and participated in the so-called "gauntlet," knew Piazza had fallen down the stairs, did not call for help. But Judge Allen Sinclair tossed those manslaughter charges, and counts of reckless endangerment, a ruling that prosecutors now are appealing. Sinclair allowed forward charges of hazing and alcohol violations against the first batch of defendants. Two fraternity leaders also will go to trial on conspiracy to commit hazing. UPDATE: This article was updated to add Josh Shapiro's statement. A robber who told a pizza delivery driver his cell phone was a gun will be spending the next 2 to 4 years in state prison. Dauphin County Judge Scott A. Evans imposed that penalty on 20-year-old Sterling McIntyre Jr. on Monday, less than a year after McIntyre and two others were charged with the Susquehanna Township holdup. Police said McIntyre, Basil Webb, 20, and Andre Smith Jr., 19, also assaulted the victim while committing the crime in the 1500 block of High Pointe Drive. McIntyre pleaded guilty to robbery, conspiracy and simple assault charges in February. Webb and Smith are awaiting trial. "Sterling is the only one who's taken responsibility," Chief Deputy Public Defender Deanna Miller told Evans. She said her client cooperated with police. Zawisky said that is true to an extent, but noted McIntyre hasn't agreed to testify against his co-defendants in the "very serious incident." "The victim was a 19-year-old kid at the time, trying to deliver a pizza and make a few dollars on his summer break," the prosecutor said. "I think it was his first day at work." "I can just imagine what was going through (the victim's) mind" when McIntyre pressed his cell phone to the driver's back and said it was a pistol, Zawisky said. McIntyre's grandmother told Evans "It was wrong what he did. I don't condone that." Still, she added, "I love him very much and I'm going to stick by him." Evans said McIntyre's actions during the robbery merit state prison time. "His role was not a mild, passive one," the judge said. Ontario PC supporters, including those protesting against the ejection of candidate Tanya Granic Allen from the PC list of candidates, gather ahead of the first televised Leaders Debate, in Toronto on Monday May 7, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young This combination of file photos shows candidates seeking the Democratic nomination to run for Ohio governor in 2018 including, clockwise from left to right, former U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio; Richard Cordray, former federal consumer protection chief; William O'Neill, former Ohio Supreme Court Justice; and Ohio state Sen. Joe Schiavoni. Early voting began Tuesday, April 10, 2018, to choose the Democratic and Republican nominees for the Nov. 6, 2018, general election to succeed second-term Republican Gov. John Kasich. (AP Photo, File) FILE - This March 27, 2008, file photo, shows the Pentagon in Washington. Military officials want to limit congressional efforts to address sexual assaults among service membersAo children, even as new data show the problem is larger than previously acknowledged. Members of Congress demanded answers after an Associated Press investigation revealed that many reports of child-on-child sexual violence on military installations languish in a dead zone of justice. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File) Im fine with it, we need the revenue and it will encourage cycling/public transit Hate it, its too tough on local business/too confusing I dont like it, but its probably necessary Vote View Results Oil prices reach highest since November 2014 Monday on Venezuela, Iran worries By Henning Gloystein SINGAPORE Petroleumworld 05 07 2018 Key crude oil prices rose by 1 percent to their highest levels since late-2014 on Monday, pushed up by a deepening economic crisis in Venezuela and a looming decision on whether the United States will re-impose sanctions against Iran. Brent crude oil futures LCOc1 were at $75.57 per barrel at 0650 GMT, up 70 cents, or 0.9 percent, from their last close. Earlier in the session, they touched their highest since November 2014 at $75.89 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 70 cents, or 1 percent, to $70.42 per barrel. Monday was the first time since November 2014 that WTI had climbed above $70 per barrel. Meanwhile, China's Shanghai crude oil futures LCOc1, launched in March, broke their dollar-converted record-high of $71.32 per barrel by rising as far as $72.54 on Monday. Open interest and traded volumes for Shanghai crude also hit a fresh record on Monday. Analysts warned that the deepening economic crisis in major oil exporter Venezuela threatened to further crimp its production and exports. Shannon Rivkin, investment director of Australia's Rivkin Securities, said that oil prices had been driven up due to growing concerns over the economic collapse of Venezuela and its oil industry, plus possible new sanctions against Iran from the Trump administration. U.S. oil firm ConocoPhillips ( COP.N ) has moved to take key Caribbean assets of Venezuela's state-run PDVSA to enforce a $2 billion arbitration award, actions that could further impair PDVSA's declining oil production and exports. Venezuela's oil output has halved since the early 2000s to just 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd), as the South American country has failed to invest enough to maintain its petroleum industry. Beyond Venezuela's woes, Greg McKenna, chief market strategist at futures brokerage AxiTrader, said the big story this week is going to be about oil and the Iran Nuclear deal. Most market participants expect Trump to withdraw from the pact, he said. Iran re-emerged as a major oil exporter in 2016 after international sanctions against it were lifted in return for curbs on Iran's nuclear programme. Expressing doubts over Iran's sincerity, Trump has threatened to walk away from the 2015 agreement by not extending sanctions waivers when they expire on May 12, which would likely result in a reduction of Iran's oil exports. Looming over markets, however, is surging U.S. output C-OUT-T-EIA, which has soared by more than a quarter in the last two years, to 10.62 million bpd. U.S. output will likely rise further this year, towards or past Russia's 11 million bpd, as its energy firms keep drilling for more. U.S. energy companies added nine oil rigs looking for new production in the week to May 4, bringing the total count to 834, the highest level since March 2015, energy services firm Baker Hughes said last Friday. Petroleumworld.com Hit your target - Advertise with Us Commonwealth recognizes Guyana's push for system to fight corruption in the new oil industry By Kaieter News GEORGETOWN Petroleumworld 05 07 2018 Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Baroness Patricia Scotland, has recognized Guyana's plea for assistance to establish a robust system before commercial oil production in 2020. Baroness Scotland, who is in Guyana for the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) workshop for regional judicial officers, addressed a Press Conference yesterday at NCN studios. The government and the people of Guyana have been asking for assistance in terms of how we structure the new development so that it is in place before the money comes, the sort of guidelines and mechanisms which will make it very difficult for corrupt practices to grow and they will be building a resilient system and if we can, I know that Guyana wants to have the most robust system in the world that it can deliver, Baroness Scotland explained. The former United Kingdom Attorney General stated that the Secretariat is very determined to be right alongside to make sure Guyana shines. She noted that assistance will be based on available finances, disclosing that the Secretariat is facing budget cuts. The Commonwealth's Legal Advisor, Shadrach Haruna, noted that any economy is prone to corruption and bribery especially when natural resources are involved. Countries where you have natural resources are always a problem with the management of such resources. What we have done actually is to see how we can assist the country develop very good procurement guidelines which also come from issues of Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), Haruna stated. He explained that it is critical to develop very robust procurement guidelines to assist with the procurement as well as the tendering procedures to ensure that there is transparency in tendering and the procurement of resources. What we have been doing is also training prosecutors, investigators and the procurement officers to prevent instances of corruption and where it happens how to respond to it, Haruna noted. Baroness Scotland noted that it absolutely critical that in going forward that members make sure that the systems are as robust as they can make them. Every jurisdiction is being challenged, according to her and the firepower needed to build some of the ammunition to fight crime and corruption is not present in the smaller countries of the Commonwealth. What we are trying to do is to pool that knowledge so that all of us have a similar opportunity to engage in this fight because what the criminals do is they know no boundaries. They have a great conspiracy, which is international and multinational. What we are trying to do is build a conspiracy of our own, but this time it is going to be a conspiracy of the just so we can fight them back better, Baroness Scotland noted. Notwithstanding the discovery of oil, the Commonwealth has been working with Guyana to ensure the fulfillment of a green state while meeting commitments to Paris climate change accord. We do have an opportunity now to work together on this regenerative model of development. To try and take advantage of the oil and gas that's there, but in a very sustainable way; not to do violence to our land and our oceans, but to be responsive and responsible. And it is a challenge, but I think the Government here in Guyana has made it clear that they wish to do that in a way that will be helpful, Baroness Scotland stated. Petroleumworld.com Hit your target - Advertise with Us Story from Kaieter News Kaieteurnewsonline.com 05 05 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 November 13 - 15, 2018. Gubkin University, Moscow SPE Student Chapter Chatham House advises Guyana on renegotiation, periodic review clauses in all Oil contracts By Kiana Wilburg GEORGETOWN Petroleumworld 05 07 2018 In an effort to ensure transparency and accountability, Chatham House has advised Guyana and other emerging economies in the oil sector to input renegotiation and periodic review clauses in all oil contracts. Chatham House is London-based, a non-profit, non-governmental organization. Its mission is to analyze and promote the understanding of major international issues and current affairs. In its 2016 report, Chatham House said that the aforementioned clauses would allow renegotiation when specific triggers are activated. It advised that such a move helps to maximize economic returns to the state. Additionally, Chatham House advised that Guyana and other emerging producers should design fiscal terms that are aligned with a national vision and ensure clear fiscal priorities. It said that these must also clearly articulate the fiscal terms that govern upstream petroleum activity. Chatham House said, Emerging producers must also develop simple tax structures. Tax obligations should be defined in the tax code rather than in contractual agreements. This includes provisions for taxing capital gains earned by companies that sell or assign their rights or part of their rights before or during production. The London-based organization said, New producers seeking capital for exploration should focus on requiring viable work programmes in order to encourage drilling activity. To attract and retain investors, the use of progressive, flexible fiscal formulas and royalties that respond to changes in profitability is particularly recommended. It added, Emerging producers must strive to reduce the knowledge asymmetries they encounter in negotiations with foreign oil companies. For example, Governments can engage consultants or technical advisors to evaluate the baseline conditions for the award of acreage. To simplify negotiations, emerging producers should move as many contract elements as possible into laws and regulations that apply across licences. Chatham House said that new circumstances, such as a major discovery being made, or a rise in commodity prices, may prompt many producers to seek to change the terms of their contracts with foreign companies. It said that similarly, low prices may prompt companies to ask Governments for revisions of terms. Chatham House said that Governments should respect existing contracts, and their first remedy when changes become needed should be to amend future licensing. HELP AVAILABLE If Government so desires, it would be able to tap into the expertise of an international group which helps countries in the successful renegotiation of contracts on a pro bono basis. The group is called the International Senior Lawyers Project (ISLP). Over the past 17 years, with support from law firms, foundations and government agencies, ISLP has mobilized hundreds of experienced lawyers to provide more than $100 million worth of pro bono legal assistance in support of just, accountable and inclusive development in more than 80 countries. The Project was successful in helping Liberia renegotiate its contracts with ArcelorMittal S.A., a German-based steel manufacturing company and American company, Firestone Tire and Rubber. According to the Project's website, former Board Chair and current Board Member, Joe Bell, received a letter from former President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, thanking him for ISLP's legal assistance following her election and in the years that immediately followed. The letter from the former President read, When our administration commenced in 2006 and was faced with a collapsed economy and dysfunctional institutions, we reached out for support in evaluating and renegotiating concession agreements and contracts and we quickly received the assistance required. This resulted in the landmark renegotiation of the Firestone and ArcelorMittal Concession Agreements with significant improved benefit to Liberia. Throughout the twelve years of the Administration, ISLP provided pro bono service as requested in a wide range of endeavors, including those that required a restructuring and regularization of the country's nascent petroleum exploration programs Today, we have new petroleum exploration laws which meet the highest international standards in terms of transparency and accountability thereby ensuring the basis for renewed action in exploration. Thank you for helping Liberia to be what it is today, a peaceful nation with the foundation in placed to ensure sustained development. The group has also helped other countries across the world in the renegotiation of oil contracts. ISLP is also no stranger to Guyana as it has provided support to the Attorney General's Office for the review of Guyana's Cyber Crime Bill and Electronic Transactions Bill. CALL FOR RENEGOTIATION Local commentators have also expressed concern over the lopsided deal Guyana signed with ExxonMobil, especially when it is compared with the agreement ExxonMobil signed onto with the African country, Ghana. The glaring disparities between the two contracts also underscore the need for the Guyana-ExxonMobil contract to be scrutinised by Parliament, critics say. The Ghanaian contract, for example, has an entire section dedicated to procurement laws, which ExxonMobil must follow at all times. Those provisions are in place to ensure that a significant number of the local companies are able to benefit from the nation's oil sector. On the other hand, Guyana's contract mentions nothing about procurement laws. Given the aforementioned and other factors, locals have been calling for the contract to be renegotiated. Petroleumworld.com Hit your target - Advertise with Us Story by Kiana Wilburg from Kaieter News Kaieteurnewsonline.com 05 06 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 November 13 - 15, 2018. Gubkin University, Moscow SPE Student Chapter LNG prices firm as fundamentals tighten, amid support from strong oil, coal markets By Henning Gloystein and Oleg Vukmanovic SINGAPORE/LONDON Petroleumworld 05 07 2018 Asian spot prices for liquefied natural gas (LNG) firmed over the past week, supported by strong oil and coal markets and amid a structural tightening of the fuel's fundamentals. Asian LNG prices for delivery in June LNG-AS were at $8.1 per million British thermal units (mmBtu), up 15 cents from last week's value and more than 15 percent above a seasonal low from early April. Traders said prices remained firm despite LNG markets being in the midst of the northern hemisphere's low-demand spring season, during which little gas is used. LNG prices are being supported by external factors, namely oil and coal, said one Singapore-based trader. Crude oil prices , to which gas markets are closely linked, are near three-year highs on expectations that the United States will re-introduce sanctions on major exporter Iran. Asian benchmark thermal coal prices are at their highest seasonal level in more than five years at over $100 per tonne, driven by unexpectedly strong demand. Coal and gas markets are linked as they are the main fossil fuel competitors in power generation. Overall, the LNG market in Asia has tightened over the past year, with the winter seasonal demand peak (December/January) and spring low (April/May) seeing significantly higher prices in 2017/2018 than in 2016/2017. Booming demand for LNG is also visible in the shipping sector, where hundreds of new LNG tankers are being built. Over the 2018-2022 period, 265 LNG carriers are expected to be delivered, as record numbers of carriers will be required to meet the increased LNG output expected by the end of the forecast period, said energy consultancy Westwood. TRADES AND TENDERS In physical markets, Taiwan's state utility CPC bought LNG for June via a tender for about $8.30 per mmBtu, traders said. South Korea's SK Energy is seeking a cargo for early June and July delivery, while India's Gail awarded 12 LNG cargoes to Dominion Energy's Cove Point LNG export facility in the United States this week. Cove point started exports in March and is the second U.S. LNG export facility after Cheniere's Sabine Pass in Louisiana. In Africa, Cameroon is preparing its first LNG cargo from the Golar LNG-built Hilli Episeyo Floating LNG facility, with the Galicia Spirit tanker due to load. Angola also issued an LNG export tender this week. In the Caribbean, Trinidad & Tobago issued a tender for cargo loading on June 8, traders said. Petroleumworld.com Hit your target - Advertise with Us Petrobras concludes $1.4 bln bond buyback By Reuters SAO PAULO Petroleumworld 05 07 2018 Brazilian state-run oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA concluded on Thursday a buyback announced earlier in the week of about $1.4 billion of 2020 bonds, the company said in a securities filing on Friday. On Wednesday Petrobras, as the company is commonly known, said it would buy back just over $1 billion of global notes with a 5.75 percent coupon at the price of $1,065.63 a unit, and just under $400 million of global notes with a 4.875 percent coupon at a price of $1,045.55 per unit. Petroleumworld.com Hit your target - Advertise with Us Reporting by Gram Slattery Editing by Chizu Nomiyama from Reuters. reuters.com / 05 04 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 November 13 - 15, 2018. Gubkin University, Moscow SPE Student Chapter Petrobras moves into binding phase of Pasadena Tx. refinery sale By Reuters SAO PAULO Petroleumworld 05 07 2018 Brazilian state-run oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA is starting the binding phase of the sale of its Pasadena, Texas-based refinery, the company said in a securities filing on Friday. Qualified parties will now receive invitations with detailed instructions regarding the sale process, including the due diligence process, the company said. Petrobras announced plans to sell the refinery, which it holds through subsidiary Petrobras America Inc, in February. The installation, which processes 110,000 barrels of oil per day, has been ensnared in several high-level corruption investigations in Brazil. Petroleumworld.com Hit your target - Advertise with Us Brazil energy policy council CNPE proposes Sept. 28 for 5th pre-salt oil auction By Reuters RIO DE JANEIRO Petroleumworld 05 07 2018 Brazil's energy policy council CNPE has proposed Sept. 28 for a fifth auction of blocks in Brazil's choice pre-salt offshore oil play, the mining and energy ministry said on Friday. The proposed auction, which needs presidential approval, will include the Saturno, Tita, Pau-Brasil and Southeast of Tartaruga Verde fields in the Campos and Santos basins. In the coveted pre-salt area, billions of barrels of oil are trapped under a thick layer of salt beneath the ocean floor. The ministry confirmed that the fourth round pre-salt auction, which will offer the Itaimbezinho, Tres Marias, Dois Irmaos and Uiapuru areas in the Campos and Santos basins, is still scheduled for June 7. Last month, Brazilian oil regulator ANP also approved a permanent tender of oil blocks that have been returned to the state or were not sold at auction, selecting an initial 1,054 blocks in 20 onshore and offshore basins. Petroleumworld.com Hit your target - Advertise with Us Oil over $70 as market awaits U.S. - Iran sanctions U.S. futures trade above $70 for the 1st time since Nov. 2014. Trump has threatened he'll pull out of 2015 Iran nuclear deal - Play Video - Oil Traders Brace for Trump's Iran Decision By Tsuyoshi Inajima TOKYO Petroleumworld 05 07 2018 U.S. oil rose above $70 a barrel for the first time since November 2014 as traders braced for a re-imposition of U.S. sanctions on Middle East crude producer Iran. Futures in New York and London jumped as much as 1.4 percent. While President Donald Trump has threatened he'll pull out of a deal between Iran and world powers as a May 12 deadline nears, he's signaled he'll be open to negotiation . The 2015 accord eased sanctions on OPEC's third-largest member in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program, and renewed American measures may stifle the Middle East nation's crude exports. Iran has come out against higher prices, after a rally of over 12 percent this year on output cuts by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies as well as rising geopolitical risks in the Middle East. Crude at $60 to $65 a barrel is suitable, an official from the OPEC producer said on Sunday, signaling a split with fellow group member Saudi Arabia that's said to be aiming for $80 oil. The cartel will meet next month in Vienna. Fresh sanctions, which would remove some of Iran's crude supplies from the global market, will tighten the balance between demand and supply and support crude prices, Takayuki Nogami, chief economist at state-backed Japan Oil, Gas & Metals National Corp., said by phone from Tokyo. While there could be profit-taking given current oil prices, it will be limited as concerns over Iran are rising. West Texas Intermediate oil for June delivery climbed as much as 97 cents to $70.69 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, and traded at $70.47 at 11:22 a.m. in Singapore. Total volume traded was about 29 percent above the 100-day average. Prices rose 2.4 percent last week. Brent for July settlement rose 91 cents to $75.78 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. Prices climbed 0.3 percent last week. The global benchmark crude, which is at the highest level since November 2014, was at a $5.43 premium to July WTI. Yuan-denominated futures for September delivery rose 3 percent to 460.3 yuan per barrel on the Shanghai International Energy Exchange. The contract climbed 0.6 percent last week. While refusing to reveal what he'll do by May 12, Trump repeated his belief the existing accord is a horrible agreement for the United States. But, he added, That doesn't mean I wouldn't negotiate a new agreement. Meanwhile, America's European allies continue to back the deal, saying it has been essential to reining in Iran's nuclear program. Iran Prepares Iran has been preparing for months for the possibility that Trump will pull out of the nuclear agreement, President Hassan Rouhani said, warning that the U.S. would quickly come to regret such a decision. The constant fluctuation in oil prices is destabilizing for future investment and security of supply, Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said. Energy market consultant FGE has said that sanctions on Iran could cut its output by up to 500,000 barrels a day by the end of this year. Since sanctions were eased as of January 2016, Iran's crude production has almost doubled, while exports soared to record levels last month. Petroleumworld.com Hit your target - Advertise with Us Oil zar who ran Venezuela's PDVSA for decade predicts fast demise Jewel Samad/AFP Former oil minister Rafael Ramirez speaks from exile in Europe. Sees output shrinking by 600,000 a year on lack of investment By Jose Enrique Arrioja NEW YORK Petroleumworld 05 07 2018 Rafael Ramirez, the once all-powerful Venezuelan oil czar, says the state producer he ran for almost 10 years is on the brink of collapse. He blames it on a power grab by the government that's after him. President Nicolas Maduro, an old rival of Ramirez within late Hugo Chavez's inner circle, last year carried out a purge at Petroleos de Venezuela SA that saw many former allies of the oil man go to jail on corruption accusations. Ramirez himself came under investigation and now lives in exile. PDVSA may fall into an accelerated spiral downward from the already low oil output of about 1.5 million barrels a day, he said during an 80-minute telephone interview from an undisclosed European city. He estimates 600,000 barrels a day of production could be lost each year because of a lack of investment. Ramirez, 54, became oil minister in 2002 during Chavez's regime and two years later started his decade-long tenure as president of PDVSA, while remaining minister. He broke a long-standing separation between the ministry he headed and the company it oversees. Production at PDVSA has been shrinking since the late 1990s, when it reached almost 3.5 million barrels a day. During Ramirez's time as head of the company, output dropped about 10 percent. It has slumped more than 30 percent since he left, especially over the past two years as the country's economy spiraled deeper into mayhem. PDVSA's declining production reflects the lack of knowledge and experience of the current board of directors and the political infighting taking place at the oil conglomerate, Ramirez said. The grave situation facing PDVSA, he said, is worsened by a recent decree granting overarching power to Major General Manuel Quevedo, who took over as head of the company in November after former oil ministers Eulogio Del Pino and Nelson Martinez were arrested. The decree has given Quevedo exorbitant, unprecedented powers, he said. As a result of the collapse in production and refining, Venezuela will increasingly surrender control of PDVSA to international companies operating in the South American nation, Ramirez said. Under the argument that we destroyed the company, PDVSA will be de facto privatized, he said. It's being taken out of the control of the Venezuelan state. People like Luisa Ortega, a former Venezuelan chief prosecutor who split with Maduro last year, say his war on graft is a farce to strengthen his grip over the country, and Ramirez says he's the victim of political persecution. Two Probes In December, Venezuela's public prosecutor, Tarek William Saab, announced the opening of two investigations against Ramirez involving an alleged scheme to sell crude oil illegally and a corruption plot. He also faces an older accusation from the nation's Congress that $11.3 billion went missing from PDVSA between 2004 and 2014 when he led the producer. I can demonstrate that I live from my work, Ramirez said, rejecting the accusations. Nothing related to ill-gotten wealth or that I have allowed acts of corruption. The accusations are politically motivated. Ramirez resigned from his post as Venezuela's ambassador to the United Nations Dec. 4, claiming he was forced out by Maduro for criticizing the government's economic policy. Venezuelan bondholders have been stuck in limbo since early November, when Maduro said the nation would seek to restructure its roughly $65 billion of obligations amid a shortage of hard currency he blamed on an international financial conspiracy. PDVSA owes $28 billion, including $842 million due this year. Petroleumworld.com Hit your target - Advertise with Us Most carriers have decided to drastically reduce service to Caticlan and Kalibo after the government ordered a six-month shutdown of the tourist island of Boracay effective April 26. Image by hybridace101 The shutdown was ordered after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte expressed fury toward the proliferation of unlicensed developments on Boracay island. The government has found 948 illegal structures, of which they aim to dismantle half over the course of the shutdown. The shutdown was ordered after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte expressed fury toward the proliferation of unlicensed developments on Boracay island. The government has found 948 illegal structures, of which they aim to dismantle half over the course of the shutdown. In order to continue serving local residents and maintain links to the Boracay and Aklan, Cebu Pacific continues to fly at least one daily flight each between Manila and Kalibo. Philppine Airlines (PAL) via subsidiary PAL Express will operate nine weekly flights between Manila and Kalibo. Philippines AirAsia will also retain one flight each to Kalibo and Caticlan from Manila. Flights to Caticlan will resume once the island reopens. In general, passengers who booked flights to Boracay for travel during the six-month closure are entitled to a full refund, rebooking to a future date, or rerouting to a different destination. As a result, carriers are expecting losses of up to US$5 million (3.5 million, 4.15 million) whilst the island is closed to tourists. SUPPORT FOR CLOSURE AMONG CARRIERS Amidst concerns from carriers and local businesses operating on the island about the financial impact the closure will have on them, some carriers have nonetheless publicly expressed the decision of the government to close the island. For example, PAL President Jaime Bautista in a statement described Boracay as a 'national treasure'. He further added that We fully support the government's intention to make Boracay fully safe and environmentally friendly. Sustainable development is of critical concern, and we are one with the laudable goal to revert the island to a balanced eco-tourism paradise. We seek the understanding of our passengers as your flag carrier and the aviation industry cooperate in this multi-sectoral endeavor. In the long-term, a safe and revitalized Boracay will benefit all stakeholders in the travel and tourism sectors, and the Filipino people as a whole. EXPANSION OF SERVICE TO OTHER DESTINATIONS Since April 20, For a limited period, Although carriers are bracing for massive losses from the Boracay's closure, they are at the same time using it as an opportunity to promote other domestic tourist destinations in their networks. PAL (via subsidiary PAL Express), Cebu Pacific, and Philippines AirAsia have, for instance, increased their flights to their other domestic destinations.Since April 20, PAL has added one flight each between Manila and Cebu, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa, and Bacolod. It has also added flights between Manila and Dumaguete and Cagayan de Oro effective May 1. Flights from Cebu to certain cities have also been increased.For a limited period, Cebu Pacific has added or will add flights between Manila and Bacolod, Cebu, Iloilo, Legazpi, Puerto Princesa, and Tacloban. It has also added or will add flights between Cebu and Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Puerto Princesa, and Zamboanga. There are also flights between Iloilo and Puerto Princesa, and between Zamboanga and Tawi-Tawi. Meanwhile, Philippines AirAsia plans to develop hubs in Puerto Princesa and Panglao, which are among the country's top destinations. U.S President Donald Trump speaks about tax cuts for American workers in the Rose Garden of the White House on Thursday, April 12, 2018 in Washington, D.C. (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/TNS) Read more Suburban Delaware County, which includes part of Philadelphia's wealthy Main Line suburbs, plus Northampton County in the Lehigh Valley and 16 of the 21 counties in New Jersey, are among 117 U.S. counties that are most "at risk" from financial pressure and high-income taxpayer rebellion or flight due to changes in U.S. tax policy, S&P Global Ratings tells clients in a new report today. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, passed by the elected Republican majorities in Congress and signed by President Trump, reduced federal tax rates, but also reduced tax deductions for people who pay a lot of state and local taxes. S&P, which rates debt for borrowers based on how likely analysts think they are to pay money back to investors and bondholders, reviewed IRS tax return data and the U.S. Census community survey to identify counties that were among the top 10 percent of U.S. counties for the proportion of (mostly wealthy) taxpayers who itemized their federal tax benefits; where peoples' state and local tax deductions tended to be more than $10,000 a year, the new limit for the federal tax deduction; and where state and local tax rates are highest. The hardest-hit areas include many of the nation's wealthiest and most Democratic-leaning areas, including New York's Manhattan, Staten and Long Islands, the lower Hudson Valley, most of Connecticut and New Jersey (including Philly's South Jersey suburbs and Atlantic County, but not Cape May or Cumberland counties), Washington's Maryland suburbs, the Chicago, Minneapolis, Portland (Ore.), San Francisco and Silicon Valley areas, and most of Southern California outside Los Angeles, according to the report by S&P analysts Jane H. Ridley and Christopher Grant. By effectively increasing the state and local tax burden in those counties, "the tax act may dampen incentives to buy higher-priced homes, or at least decrease demand for houses where the combination of state and local taxes paid by a taxpayer" is more than $10,000 a year, S&P writes. "This could eventually limit home price growth and lead to more tax appeals," leading to a drop in these state and local governments' tax collections. S&P also predicted tax reactions in some high-tax areas where the rich no longer qualify for big breaks: "Constituents who feel squeezed under the new tax regime may not be interested in supporting a tax-rate increase, especially if they can no longer deduct it from their federal taxable income." The report added this will apply especially to high-income taxpayers, who in liberal areas often pay higher tax rates than middle-income or working-class wage-earners: "These effects could be most significant for governments that have a highly progressive tax structure due to their reliance on a relatively small number of taxpayers." Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie used to complain that his state taxed its richest citizens so much that it risked driving them out of state. Pennsylvania has a flat personal income tax and many exceptions in its business income tax, but local tax rates vary considerably, with suburban Philadelphia districts levying high and increasing property taxes. Tax reform will also benefit states and counties with lower tax rates and lower taxes on rich people by making them still more attractive, compared with high-tax areas, S&P added. These "low-tax jurisdictions could conceivably see increased demand for housing and faster revenue growth." S&P identified more than 700 counties likely to benefit, by comparison, many of them rural. These are concentrated in predominantly Republican states such as Alabama, Arizona, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Wyoming, and parts of Florida and Texas, but there are also beneficiaries in Democratic-leaning states, including most of Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Washington. If the new tax arrangements lead to more "corporate relocations away from higher-tax areas such as the recent Alliance Bernstein announcement that [the New York-based investment company's] headquarters will move to Nashville," S&P could end up cutting high-tax area's credit ratings, and boosting those of "receiving regions" such as Nashville, the report concludes. Daryl Hall and John Oates return to the stage for the second Hoagie Nation Festival at Festival Pier on May 26, 2018. Read more Delicious news: the Hall & Oates-headlined Hoagie Nation Festival is getting a culinary and musical upgrade this year with a new VIP pre-party at the Fillmore and expanded dining options on the day of the festival. Set to unfold on May 26 at Festival Pier, the festival returns with a solid concert line up, as well as free samples of hoagies from 20 Philadelphia-area delis for all who attend. >> Read more: Hoagie Nation festival returns: Hall & Oates and Train will headline However, for those who want to start chowing down early, tickets for a Friday night pre-party at the Fillmore are now on sale. The event is set to host an array of notable chefs, including Bravo's Top Chef contestants Jennifer Carroll of Spice Finch and Jason Cichonski of ELA and the Little Noodle Pasta Co., Food Network Star and Chopped Grill Masters semi-finalist Chad Rosenthal of The Lucky Well, Cup Cake Wars champions Lily Fischer and Nima Etemadi from Cake Life Bake Shop, Hungry Pigeon's Scott Schroeder, Bud & Marilyn's Marcie Turney, and other culinary talents from the area will also be at the party. All will be crafting up their own signature versions of the hoagie whether it be in the form of an appetizer, dessert, or classic sandwich. In addition to food samples galore, party-goers can look forward to a live concert by Mayer Hawthorne and Philly All-Star band David Uosikkinen's In the Pocket. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the Lucky Well Commissary, an extension of Ambler's the Lucky Well set to open Summer 2018, where Chef Rosenthal will designate space in his kitchen to train, mentor and create employment opportunities for Philadelphia-area residents struggling to overcome poverty. The party sets the stage for round two of food and musical fun when the official HoagieNation festival unfolds on Saturday. New this year, a food stand by Daryl's House will be added to the lineup of tasty offerings. Modeled after Daryl's House Club & Restaurant in Pawling, NY, the stand will offer popular menu items including Jerry's Ribs, Daryl's House Chicken Wings, and a Very Best Weiner. Other restaurant vendors to look out for at the festival include Lil' Trent's, Baby Blues, My Four Suns, Steve's Prince of Steaks, Boardwalk Specials, Sum Pig, Champs Steaks, Cheese It Up, Ice Cream Truck, Nico's Pizza, Panzarotti Truck, PJ Whelihan's, Chickie's & Pete's, Tony Luke's, and more. The lineup of festival music offerings is equally robust, which in addition to full sets from Daryl Hall & John Oates, includes performances by Train and Fitz and the Tantrums, as well as local bands Tommy Conwell & the Young Rumblers and Mo Lowda & the Humble. To see the full roster of performances, click here. A limited number of tickets for the Friday pre-party event went on-sale today at noon. To secure one for yourself, head to Ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster Outlets or call 1-800-745-3000. May 25-26, Festival Pier, 601 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, $40 and up, hoagienation.com AltMed's Todd Beckwith inspects harvested flower in one of the drying rooms at the company's medical marijuana growhouse in Tampa Bay. MainLine Investment Partners of Wynnewood invested $10 million into AltMed in April 2018. Photo: Rich Schineller / AltMed Read more A Philadelphia-area investment firm is doubling down on its bet into medical marijuana. MainLine Investment Partners, which controls about $1 billion in assets, first entered the cannabis world with the birth of Solterra Health LLC, a company created from scratch to grow, process and sell medicinal cannabis in the state of Pennsylvania. In March, Solterra announced it was partnering with Jefferson Health in Philadelphia to conduct research into uses of marijuana to treat a panoply of serious ailments. Now comes news that MainLine is placing a significant gamble on marijuana in other states. The company in late April sank $10 million into Alternative Medical Enterprises (AltMed), a Florida-based cannabis grower and retailer. On Monday, MainLine co-founders William Landman and David Clapper were appointed to AltMed's board of directors. MainLine's stake was part of a $35.4 million investment into AltMed made with a consortium of other backers announced April 26. AltMed, with a valuation of more than $100 million, already has a strong presence in Arizona. It operates a 30,000-square-foot growing and manufacturing warehouse, where it produces the medical marijuana brand MuV. AltMed products include transdermal patches, metered inhalers, topical creams, capsules and tinctures. This year, AltMed began building out a cannabis empire in Florida. It is constructing a 150,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art growing facility near Tampa Bay and plans to set up 30 retail dispensary outlets across the state. It is one of only nine marijuana companies licensed to cultivate marijuana in the state. To MainLine's Landman, AltMed is a near-perfect partner. "We see our investment in AltMed as a rare opportunity to gain a strong foothold in a once-in-a-generation new growth industry," said MainLine's Landman in a statement. "AltMed has demonstrated that they are and will be industry leaders in Florida, Arizona, nationally and globally." Landman serves on the board of the Thomas Jefferson University System and previously was the board's chairman. He is often credited for being the architect of Pennsylvania's state-sanctioned medical marijuana research program. Called Chapter 20, after the section of the state's marijuana law, the program allows up to eight health systems to pair with cannabis producers. Michael Smullen, co-founder and CEO of AltMed Enterprises, said many suitors wanted to invest in his company. But only MainLine brought all the right qualities to the table. "We were looking for people who not only had strong financial support, but could be great strategic partners," said Smullen, a 30-year pharmaceutical industry veteran. "I loved the idea that [MainLine] was interested in true research into medical marijuana, talked about a partnership with Jefferson and getting licenses in multiple states. And it's very much in line with our own vision." AltMed plans to take its line of MuV medicines to Pennsylvania. "We will teach them how to manufacture and oversee quality control," Smullen said from his Sarasota headquarters. "They have their own grower and have a great team assembled. They'll be growing the product and we'll be processing and turning it into the MUV product line." Smullen said the company has not yet decided where it will put its Pennsylvania plant. But operations in the Keystone State are only the beginning of its relationship with MainLine. "We're looking at multiple states right now," Smullen said, "and we expect that MainLine will be involved with deals in at least three or four more states." Comcast Corp.'s Xfinity Mobile business is running big losses a projected $1.2 billion for its first 18 months as it launches against competitors Verizon Communications, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint. But the nation's largest cable/internet company will now be getting financial help to take some of the pain away. Charter Communications Corp., the nation's No. 2 cable/internet company, has agreed to a partnership to fund 50 percent of the logistics and behind-the-scenes software for the smartphone business so that Charter can use the same software platform for its soon-to-launch Spectrum service. Charter is expected to launch the new service this summer, mostly based on Comcast's model. The Charter funding will help finance Xfinity Mobile's Philadelphia development team, company officials say. Comcast did not disclose the amount of the funding or the development team size. Comcast and Charter will separately advertise and market their mobile services, in addition to separately negotiating with smartphone manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung. But the two companies will share the software platform that handles the billing and warehouse logistics, manages the plans, and orders the phones. The software also serves as the interface between the cable/internet companies and wireless network operators. Comcast and Charter basically lease wireless spectrum from Verizon to offer the smartphone service. Comcast has been developing the software for more than a year. Xfinity Mobile launched around mid-2017. So, Charter will make an initial payment to the partnership to cover the costs that Comcast has already put into the software. Going forward, Comcast and Charter will fund the partnership on a 50-50 basis. According to its first-quarter earnings statement, Comcast added about 200,000 smartphone subscribers in the first quarter and lost $189 million on the business. Comcast executives say Xfinity Mobile will be profitable when the business gets larger. The wireless business is highly competitive and expensive to break into. The nation's No. 3 and No. 4 wireless carriers, T-Mobile and Sprint, recently agreed to a deal to merge. Regulators are expected to scrutinize the transaction for potential harm. Sprint and T-Mobile noted the emergence of new competitors in the wireless industry, including Comcast and Charter. The Comcast/Charter partnership will be managed by a four-member board that will be comprised of two people from Comcast and two from Charter. A lawsuit that has the potential to reshape the way schools are funded in Pennsylvania cleared another legal hurdle on Monday. A panel of Commonwealth Court judges swept away some of the state's objections to a suit, brought by plaintiffs including Philadelphia parents and the William Penn School District in Delaware County, that contends Pennsylvania's school funding system is unfair, inadequate, and unconstitutional. The court overruled a claim by Republican lawmakers that William Penn and the other petitioners had not proven that the current funding system caused harm to students. Judges did, however, say they wanted to hear more information from the plaintiffs including whether a 2016 funding formula rendered inequalities moot, and information about whether education is a fundamental right. Lawyers for House Speaker Mike Turzai (R., Allegheny) have argued that students have "no fundamental right to equal education" under the state constitution. The funding formula does not discharge the state from its obligations, said Maura McInerney, an Education Law Center lawyer representing the plaintiffs along with the Public Interest Law Center. Just 2 percent of all education funding flows through that formula. As to the larger question, "I think it's very clear to almost everyone other than the legislature that education is an important right," McInerney said. "This is clear in the language of our constitution." Pennsylvania has the largest gap in funding between wealthy and poor school districts, federal data show. The funding lawsuit was first brought in 2014. It alleges state officials have "adopted an irrational school funding system that does not deliver the essential resources students need and discriminates against children based on where they live and the wealth of their communities." The Commonwealth Court judges ordered further discovery by both sides. There is no timetable for when a trial may occur. McInerney said the case, which could affect more than 1 million children in 500 school districts across the state, is important. "Pennsylvania children are suffering extraordinary harm," she said. Executive Director of the Painted Bride Arts Center, Laurel Raczka, stands outside the current location of the Painted Bride in Old City. Read more Artists, audience members, and some Old City residents are becoming increasingly frustrated by what they perceive as a lack of communication from the Painted Bride Art Center, the city's oldest alternative-arts organization and an Old City landmark, which announced late last year that it would sell its building and move. A group of devotees has pleaded for the Bride to suspend its sale plans while other possible futures are explored. But the Bride replied tersely last week that it would pursue "a sustainable business model." Philadelphia's chief cultural officer has offered to participate in, and perhaps help facilitate, a community-wide discussion about the organization's future if asked by the Painted Bride. The Bride has not asked. The Painted Bride, an Old City mainstay for over 30 years, appears totally focused on selling its building at 230 Vine St. and launching, gypsy-like, into the future as a "project-based organization" with no performance home. A three-page public letter, penned by arts leaders and sent on April 16 to Bride executive director Laurel Raczka and members of the board of directors, reads like a art-world cri de coeur, a plea for a collective decision that would ultimately serve the Bride and its history, the artistic community, the neighborhood, and audiences. The letter calls for a pause in sale efforts and a broad public collective rethinking of alternatives. "We would like the Bride to find a way to thrive in the present, and are willing to help, not simply giving voice to our dismay," reads the letter, co-authored by Rick Snyderman, former Old City gallery owner; Terry Fox, director of Philadelphia Dance Projects and former Bride dance curator; and Jonathan Stein, lawyer and a founding board member of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund. Big arts names alarmed The letter is co-signed by over 30 of the city's most prominent and innovative artists, performers, and arts officials, including Joan Myers Brown, founder and executive artistic director of Philadanco; hip-hop dance sensation Rennie Harris; BalletX co-founder and director Christine Cox; architect Cecil Baker; and Wilma Theater co-founder and director Blanka Zizka. "We wish to foster a dialogue with you," the letter continues, "on behalf of the many voices you have not heard from, who are alarmed by your decision to close down the current Painted Bride and sell the building and land, going forward with unsettled plans for a future." The letter calls for "a reexamination" of the Bride's situation with an eye toward the possibility of partnering with a developer or another arts organization or two, and maintaining Vine Street as an active arts space. Maybe development rights could be sold. Perhaps a mix of arts space and residential units could be developed. Maybe a touch of commercial space could be added to the mix. "Our impression from talking to people in the arts and development communities is that there is an as-yet unarticulated vision for a revitalized Bride or performance center on the Vine Street site, created in collaboration with other entities," it reads. "We ask the Bride board to consider this with us. A sale of building and land may appear as an expedient solution, but it deprives us of a vital platform for the arts and completely erases an important arts legacy in Philadelphia." Raczka and board members Joan Sloan and Harriet Rubenstein replied April 30: "The Painted Bride board has received and considered your letter. We continue to pursue those options that support a sustainable business model and allow the Bride to fulfill its mission into the future." In response to inquiries from the Inquirer and Daily News, Raczka declined discussion of the plans, saying, "We will be releasing further information about our future in the next month." Sloan, the board chair, did not respond to requests for comment. Kelly Lee, the city's chief cultural officer, who lives in Old City, called the Painted Bride building "an exciting and unique part of Old City." "If the Painted Bride wants the city to participate in any discussion about the future of the Painted Bride, we'd be happy to participate," she said, adding that it's not "the city's role to second-guess" decisions made by the bride directors. Many in the arts and the local community are concerned about the possible post-sale demolition of the Bride building, which is entirely encrusted with striking mirrored mosaic murals by artist Isaiah Zagar. The building is now under consideration for historic designation by the Philadelphia Historical Commission and will be taken up by a commission panel in June. During the period a building is being considered, it falls under the historical commission's jurisdiction and no alteration of the facade can be made without city approval. Kathleen A. Foster, senior curator of American art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, in a letter supporting historic certification of the Bride, called the mosaics transformative. "The ambition, imaginativeness, vitality, and sheer visual splendor of these murals have been a delight for those attending performances and exhibitions, and a gift to those simply passing by on the sidewalk," Foster wrote. Zagar's "artwork transforms a utilitarian vernacular building, making it into an architectural landmark that bears witness to his creativity as well as the metamorphosis of this neighborhood in the 1990s in the hands of the city's artists." Old Citys new direction? But while gallery owners and artists are concerned about the Bride's possible departure as well as the announced departure of another Old City stalwart, the Clay Studio, there is a firm conviction that the creative nature of Old City will not be diminished. It is evolving. Christine Pfister, who has operated Pentimenti Gallery in the neighborhood for 25 years, says the departure of fine-arts galleries and arts organizations is lamentable, but part of a changing urban environment. Several galleries have closed in recent years, the latest being Rodger LaPelle Gallery, a neighborhood fixture since the 1980s. "We love the Clay Studio," Pfister said, sitting in her North Second Street gallery. "We love the Painted Bride. As an old-timer, these are part of my landscape. I'm going to miss the vibe. But Old City is migrating to another area now. There is a new balance in the ecosystem art galleries and [design] showrooms. We have now branded Old City as the Design District of Philadelphia." Pentimenti and Wexler Gallery have joined with eight neighborhood design showrooms to form the nonprofit association, the Philadelphia Design District. PDD launched officially in April and will host talks, lunches, joint exhibitions, and other events. Katherine Stanek, who co-founded Stanek Gallery on North Third Street in 2015, can see the mosaic-covered Painted Bride building out of her front window. She does not want to watch that building disappear into a pile of rubble. Nevertheless, she believes change is an urban constant and any business or art center must be willing to adapt or face difficult decisions. "It's changed in the three years we've been here," she said. "There are galleries closing, new businesses coming in, all mom and pop shops. I don't see it changing dramatically. I'm watching who is moving in, and that will determine what the future will be." The Painted Bride, founded in 1969 on South Street, acquired its current building, a one-story affair that once housed an elevator manufacturer, in 1982. The Zagar mosaic murals were created and installed by the artist over several years beginning in 1991. Longtime fans of the Bride argue that the murals make the building unique and reflect the innovative spirit of the organization. Lee, the city's cultural officer, said she loves the fanciful facade. "I'm glad it's something the Historical Commission is going to take up," she said. "Whatever the future of the [Bride], it would definitely be sad to lose. It's beautiful." Philly rapper Meek Mill hopes to shift attention from his personal story to justice reform overall, as he told NBC's Lester Holt in Dreams and Nightmares: The Meek Mill Story, a Dateline special that aired on Sunday Mill's 31st birthday. "At this point, it's not all about me having the light to shine on my situation," Mill told Holt about 18 hours after being released from prison on bail last month. "It's about the thousands of others that's caught up in that situationLet's continue, let's retire the free Meek Mill hashtag and make it hashtag justice reform." The special focuses on Mill's decade-old legal drama, which started in 2008 after the rapper was convicted of gun and drug offenses. Last year, Judge Genece Brinkley controversially sentenced Mill, real name Robert Rihmeek Williams, to two to four years in prison for probation violations in connection with his conviction. Following his imprisonment in Chester State Correctional Institution, supports including 76ers co-owner Michael Rubin rallied support around the rapper under a #FreeMeekMill hashtag that included protests in Philadelphia. Celebrity supports including rap mogul Jay-Z and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, as well as fellow Philadelphians Kevin Hart and Roots drummer Questlove, also got involved to draw attention to the case. Mill ultimately was freed on bail following an order from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court last month due in part to "credibility issues" with Mill's arresting officer, Reginald Graham. Brinkley granted a hearing in June to discuss a new trial for Mill's case prior to his release last month, but had declined to release the rapper on bail. Now, as Rubin told Dateline, he believes Mill can leverage the attention his case has gotten to affect a larger change, similar to the #MeToo movement. "If I think about how much the world has changed as a result of the Me Too Movement, I think Meek Mill will be to criminal justice reform in a lot of ways, what's happened with the Me Too Movement," Rubin said. "So I think he's going to shine a giant light on this incredible problem that we have. And I think he's going to help to make it significantly better." Despite the support and freedom, however, Mill told Holt following his release that he doesn't yet feel free. "I ain't feel free since I caught this case at the age of 19," he said. "Me, I just pray. I believe God is my first lawyer; I've always believed that. I don't feel free at all." Currently, the rapper is at work in an untitled, six-part docuseries in partnership with Amazon Studios. The series, which will also focus on Mill's legal saga, is scheduled to be released some time in 2019. As Mill told Holt, he hopes to use his story to inspire others in similar situations. "This is the same thing that thousands of other minorities are going through on a daily basis," he said. "They just don't have the platform to have anybody speak out on their behalfNow they do. At this point, I feel like I'm a sacrifice for a better cause." One July evening, Carol Harnett was in a crosswalk in downtown Portland, Ore., when a driver made an illegal turn and hit her. Transported by ambulance to a hospital, she was diagnosed with a severely sprained right ankle and left wrist, as well as a concussion. At the emergency room, doctors gave her steel-reinforced braces for her wrist and ankle and told her she was free to go. "But I can't walk," Harnett, president of the nonprofit Council for Disability Awareness, recalled saying. With a third-degree sprain, the ligaments in her right ankle were completely torn and she couldn't bear weight on it. "They said, 'If you broke a bone, we could give you a wheelchair, but you didn't so, we don't think your insurance will cover it,'" she recalled. Instead, after signing a waiver agreeing to pay whatever her insurance didn't cover, they gave her a pair of crutches to use while in Portland to give a speech. Her hotel was more accommodating, loaning her a wheelchair at no charge. If you have a car accident or get hurt on the ballfield or trip on the stairs, chances are good that you have no idea how your insurer would cover the wheelchair, walker or knee brace you may need. Your cost for "durable medical equipment," as these devices are called, may be small compared with the bills for your emergency or specialist care. But if you're paying for such equipment out-of-pocket, it's worth your time to look into your coverage and figure out how to get the best deal. Harnett's 2015 accident was later determined to be work-related, and the workers' compensation program paid for her care. If that hadn't been the case, she would have been on the hook for the crutches because her own insurance plan didn't cover any durable medical equipment that could be purchased over the counter. It would have covered the reinforced wrist and ankle braces, but only after she met her deductible. "Historically, [durable medical equipment] has always been a weak point in coverage," said Harnett, who is familiar with these insurance issues because of her disability work. A typical employer plan covers 80 percent of the cost after the deductible is met, according to Harnett. But some consumers may not get that benefit. "We're seeing more skinny plans with no durable medical equipment coverage at all," said Thomas Ryan, president and CEO of the American Association for Homecare, an advocacy organization for home care equipment manufacturers and providers. Insurers often have preferred providers Under the Affordable Care Act, many insurance plans are required to cover a range of essential services, such as hospitalizations and prescription drugs. But durable medical equipment isn't among them, except for breast pumps, which most plans must cover. These days, insurers often contract with selected medical supply companies to provide equipment, just as they negotiate rates for other services. But patients often don't realize that, said Alice Bell, a physical therapist and senior payment specialist at the American Physical Therapy Association, a professional group. Patients who don't use an insurer's preferred provider may be charged a higher rate or have to pay the entire amount out-of-pocket, she said. "It's important to make sure the supplier is in-network, even if the doctor prescribes it, because it varies," Bell said. When Bruce Lee, 48, strained a ligament in his left leg, his doctor prescribed a walking boot and gave him a list of medical suppliers. The doctor warned Lee to make sure he chose one in his insurance network. Lee selected a supplier near his Fairfield, Conn., home that he described as a "medical Disneyland" of assistive devices. Although it was convenient, the supplier didn't accept his insurance. He paid about $320 for the boot and used his flexible spending account to cover the cost. To make matters more confusing, hospitals, urgent care centers and physicians may themselves negotiate with insurers or Medicare to become an approved supplier of medical equipment for their patients, or they may contract with a medical supply company to provide those items. Wanda Wickizer didn't know what to think when her 23-year-old daughter got a $40 bill from a medical supply company for a wrist brace she received at an urgent care center after falling down stairs at a friend's house in Norfolk, Va. The company was in her daughter's insurance network, as it turned out. Still, "it boggled my mind that they were allowed to bill her, because she never saw anyone from there," Wickizer said. Whatever the arrangement, the key for the patient is to find out whether whoever is supplying the equipment is in their insurance network and how much they'll owe out-of-pocket. Insurers might approve coverage of medical equipment only if a provider certifies it's medically necessary. Even with a doctor's OK, approval isn't assured. The "fancier" a piece of equipment is, the more challenging it is to get an insurer to agree that it's medically necessary, said Dr. Angela Gardner, who practices in Dallas and is a past president of the American College of Emergency Physicians. "In general, for a commercial [insurer], basic crutches will be covered, forearm crutches are partially covered, and hands-free crutches won't be covered," she said, referring to a crutch that attaches to the injured leg and allows someone to move around without relying on their hands or arms. Yet for some patients, shopping for such equipment is not an option. They need it on the spot or, like Harnett, are unable to get around well enough to go somewhere to buy it. If the patient can wait, many medical device suppliers deliver equipment to the home, or many devices can be purchased online. Opting not to use insurance Beyond weighing in- and out-of-network options, patients have an option on durable medical equipment they don't typically get when choosing medical services: buying over the counter. This might prove significantly cheaper than using an insurance plan. A pair of standard armpit crutches, for example, may cost $40 at the local pharmacy, while the insurance copayment might be $100. "A savvy consumer will look at the copay and see whether or not they need to use their insurance," said Gardner. Sometimes the prices insurers agree to pay for durable medical equipment are significantly higher than the price online or at the drugstore. That differential can be important if someone has a high-deductible plan and owes the entire amount. An orthopedist suggested that Barbara Barrall, of Medford, N.J., replace her simple knee brace with a hinged model that could bend. When the bill arrived, Barrall's daughter, Cynthia B. Sosnowski, thought the $1,400 charge must be a mistake. She went online and found the identical brace for between $79 and $99 at sporting goods and medical supply stores. But when she called the orthopedist's office, the woman said there was no mistake. That was the amount the doctor was allowed to charge the insurer. When Sosnowski called the insurer, she was told not to worry: Her mother's share of the charge was just $145; the rest was covered by a retiree employer plan. Sosnowski wasn't placated. "This is why insurance is so expensive in our country," she said. She has filed a grievance with the insurer to protest the charge. Kaiser Health News (KHN) is a national health policy news service. It is an editorially independent program of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation which is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente. Jaylene Clark Owens in Theatre Horizons production of White. She was performing in Passage at Wilma when a man made an outburst in the middle of the play. Read more It had been more than two weeks since two black men were arrested in handcuffs at a Center City Starbucks while waiting for a business associate. So that episode, on April 12, which led to nationwide protests, was fresh in the mind of Jaylene Clark Owens, a black, Barrymore Award-winning actor, playwright and poet, who was onstage April 19 in a scene from Passage at the Wilma Theater. As she and other characters talked about the way things are done in two countries, Owens used the words their and they. At that point, a white man in the audience raised his hand and said in a loud voice, "Who is they? I don't know who they are." After the actors tried to continue the performance, he said, "I don't mean to interrupt your Black Panther party." Owens assumed the reference was about her, the only African American on stage. Later that night, she wrote about the outburst in a Facebook post that went viral. "He was allowed to leave the theater on his own accord and we continued with the show," she wrote. Owens talked to us about how she's been feeling in the weeks since, and why she thinks things might have been handled differently had the man been a person of color. What was going through your mind when the man interrupted that scene? I was very scared in the moment, because of the unknown. I didn't know what he was capable of doing or whether he had a weapon. The fact that he was so bold to interrupt so many times and also refuse to leave after being asked to leave, that heightened my fear. You were in a scene with two actors, Justin Jain, who is of Filipino heritage, and Ross Beschler, who is white. Why did you feel that the man's outrage was directed at you? I have no idea what made him say those things. I was the only black person on stage and I have my natural hair. That made it racial for me and even scarier. Has the incident made it hard for you to go back on stage? We haven't had any other incidents since then. But I think about it every time I step on stage. If there's any little sound in the house, I'm very aware of it. It was traumatic. For me, the worse part was, I had to remain on stage in the dark and didn't know whether he would try to come on stage. When I get to that moment [in subsequent performances], it conjures up that moment of fear. It's not a great feeling, because this is what I love to do. I don't want to live in a spirit of fear. I just continue to shout out positive energy. You mentioned in your Facebook post that you were angry that the man was able to remain in the audience until intermission when he was not allowed to return when only a week earlier two black men were arrested at Starbucks. Did you think of that difference as it was going on? I thought about Starbucks as soon as I got off stage. That is what came to mind: Why have the police not been called for this man? I understand that the cast of the play and management of the Wilma met to talk about the incident. We were all unprepared. Things were not handled in the most ideal way. But we have a plan in place now, and it's great. I think because it had never happened before, it caught folks off guard. There is a document now, and part of it empowers the actor. If we feel unsafe, we can walk off stage, and that's an indicator to the stage manager that something is wrong. If a patron is being disruptive and they refuse to leave, the show will be stopped and the Philadelphia police contacted. A few days after the outburst, you heard he had recently had brain surgery. A Drexel University spokeswoman confirmed the man was a Drexel student. But due to privacy laws, Drexel would not say whether the student was disciplined. I understand Drexel reached out to you? They apologized for the incident. I had heard the night of the incident that the man was an Iraq war veteran. Whatever he's dealing with, I want him to talk with someone about it and hopefully get some help. Honestly, if this [had been] a person of color who did this, I don't know whether [management] or the people in the audience would have felt more of a threat and would have called the police. Does the difference in responses to the two incidents, at Starbucks and the Wilma, say anything about how Philadelphia handles racial bias? I don't feel like it's a Philadelphia problem. It's nationwide. Often times, black skin is [seen by some as] a trigger for fear. With racial profiling and racial biases, people of color have to deal with this type of situation all the time, when your skin can be perceived as a threat in a white space. There are so many cases of things where blacks are in their own driveways and people are calling the cops as if they're not supposed to be there. You are executive director of the Harlem KW Project, which has produced a play, called Renaissance in the Belly of a Killer Whale, about gentrification in Harlem, which comes to Theatre Horizon next February. Did this experience make you think of gentrification and safe spaces? The incident didn't remind me of gentrification. I don't think the Wilma is seen as a space for whites. If anything, we are trying to bring more diversity to the stage, and working on seeing that reflected in our audience members. How do you feel now about the incident? Do I wish it had been handled differently? Yes. But I don't hold any anger in my heart for him. I don't know him. I just want to make sure that something like this doesn't happen again. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg makes the keynote speech at F8, the Facebook's developer conference, Tuesday, May 1, 2018, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Read more Shareholders of Facebook, your fund managers are about to vote on whether the social media giant needs better data privacy. So how will Vanguard, which is Facebok's largest shareholder, and the other massive index funds vote? Matthew Patsky, CEO of Trillium Investments, a Boston fund that manages more than $3 billion, put forth a shareholder proposal this year asking Facebook to clean up its act by setting up a risk-management committee to sort out what went wrong with the data consulting firm Cambridge Analytica, the manipulation of Facebook during elections, and other privacy screw-ups. A copy of the shareholder proposal and letter to Facebook can be found at Trillium's website: trilliuminvest.com. For those counting, Vanguard, BlackRock, State Street, and Fidelity holdings account for roughly 20 percent of Facebook shares. As of Dec. 31, 2017, Vanguard Group owned 166,025,538 shares of Facebook, or 6.93 percent of the total. At current Facebook share price, that's worth just over $29 billion. The scandal affected more than 4.6 million Pennsylvania and New Jersey residents, which prompted attorneys general in both states last week to call for changes to data and user privacy at Facebook. So how will Vanguard vote? For clues, look to Vanguard's actions last year, when the firm voted for one of the first times against corporate management at Wells Fargo, and against management again in asking for a climate change study at ExxonMobil. Fellow index fund giant and rival BlackRock, too, changed its tune on shareholder activism last year. That was due in part to Trillium's calling out the firm for "hypocrisy" on workforce diversity at BlackRock itself. "Explain the hypocrisy of the way you're talking about diversity publicly vs. the way you vote BlackRock proxies on diversity issues," Trillium wrote BlackRock in a letter. BlackRock is a publicly traded asset management firm, and it ultimately promised Trillium it would better address diversity in-house. "We really got under [BlackRock CEO] Larry Fink's skin," said Patsky. "And it worked." Now, the massive index fund firms are all moving together if glacially toward more public activism. "Sometimes there's safety in numbers when it comes to the large firms like Vanguard, Fidelity, BlackRock, and State Street," said Patsky. "Did that make it safer for Vanguard and State Street to vote against management? I think the answer is yes." BlackRock, State Street, and Vanguard, as money managers, collectively oversee more than $13 trillion in assets, bigger than the size of China's economy, according to the Wall Street Journal. Trillium's shareholder proposal appears on the docket for the May 31 Facebook shareholder meeting in Menlo Park, Calif. Vanguard said it doesn't comment on specific votes but pointed to its investment stewardship newsletter, which is available at its website: https://about.vanguard.com/investment-stewardship/. "The sheer volume, magnitude, and frequency of Facebook's controversies strongly suggests that the company's whack-a-mole approach is insufficient," Trillium wrote in its proposal. "Facebook needs to institutionalize stronger risk-oversight mechanisms." Why now? Trillium cites research linking Facebook to depression and other mental-health issues; investigations into Russian meddling in U.S. elections and proliferating "fake news"; censorship; smugglers reportedly using Facebook to broadcast abuse and torture of migrants to extort ransom money; criticism from the Congressional Black Caucus over diversity and race relations; and the use of Facebook as a platform to incite terrorism. Facebook, for the record, this year opposed the Trillium resolution but that was before the Cambridge Analytica scandal broke. The Facebook vote promises to be another indication of how Vanguard and the other Wall Street index fund giants are shifting attention to these issues, particularly with social media companies: As of year-end 2017, Vanguard Group owned 53,054,207 shares of Twitter, or 7.07 percent, and was the largest shareholder; and 19,117,354 shares of Snap, or 2.15 percent, ranking as the second-largest shareholder. "The fact that WhatsApp founder Jan Koum is leaving Facebook is deeply concerning, because he was a very strident privacy advocate, so without him there, better governance is even more important," said Trillium senior vice president Jonas Kron. "Social media users don't expect to have their information given to third-party developers without their knowledge," Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro said last week. "Businesses like Facebook must take significant steps to better protect their users' privacy and personal data." Scholarship tool Last week broughtCollege Signing Day. Your kid got in Congrats! So if you're about to go deep into debt for your kids' college, law, or medical school education, you're not alone. Here's a scholarship search tool to ease the pain. Student lender Sallie Mae has a new tool to find scholarships; annoyingly, it requires an email address to register (if you're willing to part with it) to use this new tool, which can be found at www.salliemae.com/college-planning/tools/scholarship-search/. It matches your child with potential scholarships based on skills, activities, and interests. Sallie Mae also launched a new graduate-school scholarship search tool, including business, law, medical, health care and nursing, engineering, and education, and ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. That website: www.salliemae.com/student-loans/graduate-school-information/graduate-school-scholarships/. Police say an employee at this Center City Hampton Inn stabbed a coworker on Sunday. (Google StreetView) Read more Two Hampton Inn employees had some heated words on Sunday and then one of them pulled out a knife. Police said a 35-year-old employee at the hotel, which is at 13th and Race Streets in Center City, was stabbed in the back multiple times by a colleague after the two argued in a basement break room just before 5:30 p.m. The victim, whose name was not released, was admitted to Hahnemann University Hospital in stable condition. The attacker was arrested, but his name also wasn't released. Police said the knife wasn't recovered by investigators. No other injuries were reported. The stabbing occurred, coincidentally, just three days after an an argument between two coworkers that turned deadly in a break room at Philadelphia International Airport. In that episode, police said Kevin Emanuel, 35, stabbed Aaron Jenkins, 28, in the thigh after they argued about the break room lights in Terminal E. Emanuel's keys cut into Jenkins' femoral artery. Jenkins, of Olney, died at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. Emanuel, of Overbrook, was later charged with murder and possession of an instrument of crime. Both men worked for Worldwide Flight Services, and cleaned planes for Frontier Airlines. C.J. Mariney, of North Philadelphia, who works with Parkway at Philadelphia International Airport, checks on water pressure finding none in the restroom May 7, 2018 after a water main break under the parking lot shut down the water to all terminals. Read more A massive water main broke open Monday underneath the economy parking lot at Philadelphia International Airport, shutting down water pressure to all terminals for hours making conditions and just about everyone inside the airport miserable before service was restored in the evening, city and airport officials said. While the water pressure was out, the fountains didn't work, the toilets couldn't flush, and the faucets were out of commission. This meant that the many bars and restaurants inside the airport had to suspend operations until the pressure was restored. But that didn't happen until about 8 p.m., just over three hours after the main break. Outside, surrounded by tow trucks, repairmen, and police tape, Debra McCarty, the Water Department commissioner, walked around in the darkness surveying a sinkhole at least 20 feet in diameter and filled with muddy water after "a big main, a 24-inch main, that fed into the airport burst and lost about four million gallons of water," she said. "We had to close the valves feeding into it" from local reservoirs, she added. Fourteen vehicles had to be towed from the lot and the airport said Tuesday that returning travelers who parked in the area and do not find their cars should call 215-683-9842. It didn't take long after the main broke just before 5 o'clock for fliers and visitors to go on social media to vent. One such passenger was American College retirement expert and professor Jamie Hopkins, who tweeted: "This is a first no water in all of philly airport bathrooms are," followed by an emoji for a bad smell. In an interview later, Hopkins, who is based in Bryn Mawr and was waiting to fly out of Terminal F, said: "We found out about it because we were at a restaurant in Terminal F, and the wait staff told us they were shutting down. There were no announcements on the address system or anything. It's a mess." Another traveler, Joseph Lichterman, who was headed to Austin, Texas, out of Terminal C, had a similar complaint. "People are a little confused and frustrated. I tried filling my water bottle at the drinking fountain and it wouldn't work. I went into the restroom. One toilet was clogged and no one knew why," Lichterman said. "So far, the convenience stores are open, so I bought bottled water." Jamba Juice couldn't wash its blenders without water, so it had temporarily stopped selling, said Lichterman, senior business associate at the Lenfest Institute for Journalism, which owns the company that publishes the Inquirer and Daily News. Chickie's & Pete's isn't attached to the airport water system, so it was business as usual there, Lichterman added. McCarty said the system feeding the airport works on gravity, as water is pumped from reservoirs into storage tanks and then through mains into the international flight hub. Even after the main was fixed and water restored, confusion reigned for some time among disembarking and arriving passengers, including Bill and Ellen Brooke of Collegeville. They had just returned from a wedding in Oklahoma. "I tried three bathrooms after we arrived and no luck. They were filled with toilet paper and other stuff," Ellen said "The men's rooms were working," Bill piped up. Near the break, the Parking Authority was towing away roughly two dozen vehicles parked in Area H of the economy lot, near the sinkhole. Meanwhile, the Water Department said it was prepared to work all night and into Tuesday repairing the broken main. "I don't think any cars were damaged, but we need to get them moved just in case the sinkhole widens," McCarty said. Earlier, airport spokeswoman Mary Flannery found herself fielding questions that had no easy answer, such as when the problem would be fixed. "The Water Department is working on it, and we apologize to our customers. We know how inconvenient this is," she said. No flights were canceled because of the water problem, Flannery said. Texting and driving was made illegal in Pennsylvania in 2012, but most drivers continue getting away with it. Read more You're on a Pennsylvania road, and you're texting and driving. Are you going to get away with it? Let's put it this way: In 2017, on average a grand total of two citations per municipality were issued by police statewide and that represented an increase. From 2013 to 2017, just 8,700 citations were issued under Pennsylvania's 2012 law against texting and driving, according to data released last month by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. Last year, that meant about eight per day in a state with nine million licensed drivers. The numbers amount to a lack of enforcement of a law meant to keep people safe. But police officers say the texting law is really too weak to make a big difference. Distracted driving is a leading factor in accidents, and local police say phone use remains "rampant." Almost four out of five Americans reported using their phone for some purpose while driving in a 2016 national survey about 0.1 percent of Pennsylvanians have ever been ticketed for it. Unlike its neighbors New Jersey, Delaware,, Maryland, and New York Pennsylvania doesn't have a hands-free law requiring drivers to keep their paws off their phones while driving. Instead, the no-texting law bans only sending and receiving text-based communications, leaving motorists free to dial phone numbers, use Google Maps, or even scroll through Instagram. It also gives them plenty of excuses to use if they get pulled over, police say. "The way the law is written, it kind of ties our hands," said Buckingham Township Police Lt. J.R. Landis. "Anybody that has read the law comes to court and simply says, 'Oh, I was using it as a GPS.'" Police cannot seize or search a driver's cellphone without a search warrant, which is generally reserved for a serious crash investigation. And when a driver is texting, the person often puts down the phone upon spotting a police car, making it difficult to catch people "in the act," said Pennsylvania State Police Cpl. Adam Reed. "By the time we have them pulled over, they don't have the phone in their hand anymore," said Abington Police Officer Alan Freed, the department's traffic safety manager. And, he added, "I as a police officer have no right to ask you to look at what's on your phone." Deadly practice Distracted driving, including phone use and the wearing of headphones, is a leading factor in crashes in Pennsylvania. From 2013 to 2017, 227 fatal crashes involving a distracted driver occurred in the state, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows just more than 50 per year. And people who reported higher rates of cellphone use while driving also were more likely to report having been involved in at least one crash during their driving history, according to State Farm. Along with texting, the wearing of headphones or earbuds is illegal while driving in Pennsylvania, although the number of tickets distributed is small. Talking on a handheld phone is against the law for commercial drivers. The number of citations logged in Pennsylvania increased in most counties last year, to 5,054, compared with 3,336 the year before, the state data show. "Definitely, you see it every day," said Abington's Freed. The highest number of citations in the state were issued in Montgomery County, according to state data analyzed by the Inquirer and Daily News, and more were given out in Abington than in many other towns in the county. Freed said the department's officers often give out warnings instead of citations as well. "Our big thing here is education; we just want to make the motorist aware that 'Hey, we've seen you driving and being distracted at the same time,' and we kind of just let them know they need to be more careful." In 2009, a 17-year-old who was nine months pregnant was killed in Downingtown by a 19-year-old who police said was texting before the crash. A 2016 crash killed a pedestrian in Allentown; a 2017 accident took the life of a 12-year-old in Northampton County. In both cases, the drivers were charged with texting. Landis recalled a tragic 2011 crash in his Bucks County township, after which he said police obtained a search warrant for the driver's phone and found he was texting for an extended period. "He was just like you or me or anybody else, and he was just texting and driving, and he caused a horrific accident because of it," Landis said. The penalty if you're caught isn't particularly steep: a $50 fine. Montgomery was the only county statewide where more than 1,000 citations were issued over the course of four years. Philadelphia accounted for 6 percent of all citations, though the city is home to 12 percent of the state's population. And in 19 counties, police have given out 10 or fewer tickets per year since 2013. Sparsely populated Sullivan County, west of Scranton, logged the lowest: four total. But it's not that drivers aren't using their phones. Half of all motorists reported talking on their handheld phone while driving in 2016, according to data collected by State Farm. Those figures actually have declined in the last decade perhaps indicating that public-service campaigns are having some effects. But texting and other activities have been gaining in popularity including the use of social media and taking photos: More than a third of drivers reported texting while driving, up to 35 percent from 31 percent in 2009, according to the State Farm numbers. Among drivers age 18 to 25, 61 percent say they text. Just 9 percent said they read or updated social media while driving back in 2009, but in 2016, with the world having shifted to Instagram, 22 percent of drivers read and 19 percent updated social media while behind the wheel. And 29 percent used the internet, compared with just 13 percent seven years earlier. Police say citation numbers are wanting because the law also is wanting. "Cops, we don't issue a lot of citations for it and the guys that do are typically the guys in unmarked cars, because they're able to, by virtue of their non-visibility to get up beside people and actually watch them," said Landis, of Buckingham Township. He said he has even counted the number of keystrokes to determine whether a person is pressing more buttons than required to dial a phone number. In Ivyland Borough, Bucks County, Sgt. Richard Carey cited the same issues. "We don't really do a lot here in this small borough," he said. "It's kind of hard; we have no four-lane highways here, [and] it's easier if you can pull up next to them." Pennsylvania state police, however, said they are on increased lookout for texting behind the wheel. "As law enforcement gets more comfortable with the law and recognizing violations of the law, there are more citations being issued," said Reed of the state police, which has handed out a significant proportion of the citations. "Department-wide, we are really doing our best to crack down on it." When Pennsylvania passed its law, it was during a wave of no-texting laws being passed nationwide, and constituents had asked for it, said Ryan Skoczylas, policy director for Sen. Robert Tomlinson (R., Bucks), who sponsored the bill at the time. "It has had an impact," Skoczylas said of the law. "If one of those citations or the fact that this law is out there discourages any driver from distracted driving and in that process saves a life, it's worth it." Spreading awareness In the United States, 16 states have hands-free laws and 10 more ban holding the phone for some drivers, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Police officers interviewed said Pennsylvania needs such a law, arguing that enforcement would be much easier if holding a phone at all while driving was illegal. "The way the legislature drew up the texting and driving law it's a feel-good thing," Landis said. "If you look at the states that are really serious about it they all have hands-free." Such a bill, which allows drivers to make calls using only hands-free accessories, prohibiting them from picking up the phone, has had difficulty gaining momentum in the Pennsylvania legislature. It was proposed this session by Rep. Rosemary Brown (R., Monroe), who said in the bill's memo that it would make road rules more consistent for motorists driving through different states in the region. Drivers can still become preoccupied using hands-free devices, she said, but the distraction is greatly minimized. A public hearing on the legislation was held in Harrisburg last month. Officers also said more aggressive public awareness campaigns were needed to help change behavior. PennDot currently promotes monthly "safety initiatives" that include messages on electronic highway signs, but distracted driving was not included this year, and PennDot did not display any messages for April's Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a spokeswoman said. There are no official permanent signs in Pennsylvania reminding drivers to stay off their phones. "When you go into these other states and you see the signs that you're not allowed to use these phones at all for anything," said Carey, the Ivyland police officer, "what do you see when you come into Pennsylvania?" Staff writer Michele Tranquilli contributed to this article. Clarification: A previous version of this story repeated a quote from State Police Cpl. Adam Reed and mistakenly attributed it to another officer. Christina and Tyler Roy were found slain in their Churchville home early May 1. Read more The young Bucks County couple killed in their Churchville home last week died of multiple stab wounds, the county Coroner's Office said Monday. The rifle shots the killer fired at Christina and Tyler Roy that night came after they were already dead, authorities said. The Roys, who had purchased their first home on Kitty Knight Drive around the time of their wedding in 2016, were slain on the upper floor on April 30. Their bodies were found by a house painter early last Tuesday. Autopsies determined the cause of their deaths as "multiple stab and slash wounds." After the initial attack, authorities said, the killer shot them with a rifle that belonged to Tyler Roy. Despite the violent way in which the Roys were killed, investigators said there was no apparent connection between them and their suspected killer, Daniel Mooney, who died on the day the bodies were found. "Certainly he chose that house, and we're not sure why he chose that house," First Assistant District Attorney Gregg Shore said Monday. "We have no indication to say that this act was anything but random. "As far as speculating what was going on in Mooney's mind, it would be disingenuous to try and do that," he added. Evidence indicates that Mooney slipped into the home through an unlocked door, Shore said. There were signs of a prolonged struggle on the upper floor and that Mooney had remained in the house for an unknown period of time afterward. Shore said he would have no more to say about the case. "The only three people who truly know what happened in the house were the three people in the house," he said, and they are dead. Tyler Roy, a construction estimator, and Christina Roy, a professional photographer, were high school sweethearts described by friends and neighbors as a warm and outgoing couple with successful careers and a bright future. Since their murders, outpourings of grief have flooded social media, and a foundation has been set up in their memory. Mooney, 26, was found unresponsive near Ruth and Clearfield Streets in Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood last Tuesday, according to police. He was pronounced dead at 9:30 p.m. at Temple University Hospital's Episcopal Campus of an accidental drug overdose. Hours after his death, investigators found the Roys' missing Ford Edge SUV in Northeast Philadelphia with Mooney's cellphone inside. Sources said he had sold the vehicle for a paltry sum, and the new owner cooperated with investigators. Mooney had long struggled with heroin addiction, according to his former co-workers at Murray's Richboro Market, a six-minute drive from the scene of the murders. He had abandoned and returned to his employment at the store several times over the last decade, and his last stint at the store ended in December, when he quit to attend a rehab facility in Mays Landing, N.J. When he left Murray's four months ago, he listed his address as his parents' house, across from the Roys' house, employees at Murray's said. Shore told reporters last week that Mooney had not lived at the Kitty Knight Drive address for some time. Hours before he killed the Roys, Mooney was a suspect in another crime, a car theft at a Speedway gas station in Richboro. Investigators believe the incidents are unrelated. The Roys' family is holding a viewing for relatives and friends Tuesday night at St. Albert the Great Church in Huntingdon Valley. After a Funeral Mass Wednesday, the couple will be buried at Resurrection Cemetery in Bensalem. New city solicitor Marcel Pratt, a 33 year-old Philly native, who quickly made an impression on former city solicitor and Mayor Kenney when he was wooed away from Ballard Spahr to lead the city's litigation department Tuesday, May 1, 2018. STEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer Read more Marcel S. Pratt spent most of his childhood in West Philadelphia, just north of 50th and Market Streets, in a house where the walls shook every time the Market-Frankford El passed. It was a mostly low-income neighborhood that Pratt described as "very resilient." Ten blocks away, students from all over the world attended the University of Pennsylvania. When Pratt joined them as an undergraduate, it felt like a different planet, despite the proximity to where he grew up. Pratt worked three jobs between classes, made it to law school, and landed at one of the most prestigious law firms in the city, Ballard Spahr LLP. Now, at 33, Pratt is the new city solicitor. His story is like a classic fairy tale. But it's not one Pratt boasts about. He is reserved, and lets bits and pieces of his personal life come out only when asked. Yet it's hard to ignore that his background influenced his decision to leave the partner track at Ballard and the high pay that comes with it for a job fighting for Mayor Kenney's progressive causes: Philadelphia as a "sanctuary city"; the right to tax sweetened drinks to pay for universal pre-K; and making opioid manufacturers pay for addiction treatment. "I felt like it was a time in government where the city was being very innovative and were tackling a lot of difficult issues, and I wanted to be part of it in some capacity," Pratt said, referring to his 2016 arrival as head of the city's litigation department. On April 19, City Council confirmed Pratt as city solicitor. Previous City Solicitor Sozi Tulante ramped up the practice known as "affirmative litigation" filing lawsuits in which the city advocates for its residents against the federal government, big banks and the like and that's the reason Pratt came to work for Tulante and Kenney. When Tulante quit this year to teach full time, the mayor immediately turned to Pratt to lead the city's Law Department, a $15 million operation with 300 employees. Pratt is paid $175,000 a year. "I felt like I was definitely ready for it, because I had been in tune with all the biggest cases and issues," Pratt said. Just last week, Pratt diligently took notes during federal court arguments for the sanctuary city case, in which the city seeks to block the U.S. Justice Department from withholding grants to punish Philadelphia's policy of not helping federal agents hold and deport undocumented immigrants. Pratt has overseen the strategy of that case from the beginning, and wants to see it through. "This is a very important case that speaks to who we are as a city," Pratt said. Pratt looks fresh out of law school at his confirmation hearing, Council members joked that he should come back when he turns 21 but carries himself with the confidence of someone years older. The well-tailored Brooks Bros. suits probably help. But everyone from city leaders and the department's rank-and-file attorneys to top Ballard lawyers who worked with Pratt say he has the experience and capability to be solicitor. "He's an extremely intelligent young lawyer, and I'm very proud of him. Despite his youth, he is wise and commanding," Kenney said. Ballard Spahr chairman Mark S. Stewart compared Pratt to a famous Ballard alum: David L. Cohen, now senior executive vice president at Comcast Corp. "They are the two people who stand out in my mind as young litigator partners who were identified early on as would-be leaders," Stewart said. Pratt's early childhood was spent with his mother, Rebecca Cherry, at her home near 23rd and Berks Streets. At age 8, Pratt moved to West Philadelphia to live with his father, Marcel A. Pratt, who was a manager for several State Stores. Pratt graduated at the top of his class from Monsignor Bonner High School in Drexel Hill in 2002 and attended Penn on an academic scholarship. He majored in economics and during his sophomore year decided he wanted to be a lawyer. "It was more of an intellectual interest," Pratt said. "I just started to realize that the law was everywhere. Everywhere that you look, there is some regulation that applies, there's some law you have to follow. For business, for government, it just impacts every facet of life." Pratt wanted to stay in Philadelphia for law school to be close to his family. He enrolled at Temple University. After his second year, he worked as a summer associate at Ballard. When Pratt graduated from law school in 2009, law firms were reeling from the Great Recession and not hiring first-year associates. Ballard offered him a stipend to work for the Law Department until it could bring him aboard. During that year, Pratt worked defending the city from lawsuits. Pratt went to Ballard in 2010 and worked on antitrust cases and commercial litigation. He had kept in touch with many of the city attorneys he worked with his first year as a lawyer. So it was an easy transition when he went back to the city in 2016. Now he's their boss. Pratt's goals for the Law Department include increasing training for staff attorneys, upgrading technology and marketing the allure of the city's Law Department to recruit lawyers. He said he also plans to file more "affirmative litigation" cases. During his confirmation hearing, he vowed to help keep legal advice to Council members confidential. He called that relationship "the hallmark of the attorney-client privilege," which Council members were happy to hear, given their frequent apprehension of using the same lawyer as the mayor. Pratt is proud of his Philadelphia roots and says he plans to remain. He purchased a condo in the Callowhill loft district, making it easy to walk to work and giving him ample space to perfect the best way to cook snapper. He's been trying different methods. Just nothing that involves cheese. He hates all cheese. How does he survive without pizza in his life? "I like tomato pie," he said in the same direct, calm way he answers legal questions. Point Breeze, including the 1900 block of Ellsworth seen here, is a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood in Philadelphia. Most of the loans there are going to white newcomers, according to a study by the Center for Investigative Reporting. Read more The practice of redlining, which segregated communities and prevented minorities from achieving home ownership as their version of the American Dream, appears to be alive and well in our city and many communities across the nation. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 should have eliminated these discriminatory lending practices, but the Center for Investigative Reporting (CIR) pointed to Philadelphia as a case study for unfair practices in modern-day redlining. The most damning example of the inequality is the fact that roughly the same populations of African Americans and non-Hispanic whites live in the city, but African Americans were 10 times less likely to receive a conventional mortgage loan in 2015 and 2016. Drilling down even further, some of the greatest disparities in lending were in Point Breeze, Francisville, Brewerytown, and other traditionally African American communities that are rapidly gentrifying. The CIR also found that banks placed nearly three-quarters of their branches in majority white neighborhoods. Analysis showed that African American and Latino loan applications were more likely to be denied than white loan applications in the same neighborhoods, even when income and other factors were comparable. The banks, and the discriminatory practices they employ that prevent minorities from purchasing a home, are intolerable. What's more shameful is that of the 31 million mortgage records examined in the report, Philadelphia was identified as one of the largest problem areas. This problem, however, extends beyond Philadelphia. Data showed that black applicants were turned away at significantly higher rates than whites in 48 cities. Latino applicants were more likely to be turned away in 25 cities; Asians in nine; and Native Americans, three. I have been working with federal, state, and local officials to get to the bottom of this issue. Attorney General Josh Shapiro has opened an investigation into these discriminatory practices, Treasurer Joe Torsella is reviewing the banks accused of redlining, and the Department of Banking and Securities, headed by Secretary Robin Wiessman, is determining if new regulatory tools can help end these practices. The federal government's help is also needed. That's why U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and I penned a joint letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions asking the Department of Justice to immediately investigate the allegations in the CIR report. We are still awaiting a response from Attorney General Sessions. In the city, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson has led efforts of City Council to raise awareness of the issue and to ensure that financial institutions doing business with the city are not engaging in this type of activity. The long and ugly history of housing discrimination must end. Everyone deserves a fair shot to own a home and accumulate personal wealth. To do that will take a team effort. I want to thank Senator Casey, Attorney General Shapiro, Treasurer Torsella, Secretary Wiessman, and Councilman Johnson for their commitment to ending redlining in Pennsylvania. The fight will continue. In the meantime, if you believe you've been a victim of mortgage discrimination, call 1-800-441-2555, email discrimination@attorneygeneral.gov, or file a complaint at www.attorneygeneral.gov/discrimination. Vincent Hughes is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania Senate, representing the Seventh District since 1994. William P. Quinn, 91, of West Chester, a Philadelphia lawyer for a half-century and an authority on railroad law, died Monday, April 30, of congestive heart failure at his home. Born in Scranton, Mr. Quinn attended St. Paul School there. In 1944, his senior year, he won a scholarship in the American Legion's statewide oratorical contest. The prize paid all four years of his tuition at the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1949. Three years later, he graduated from the university's law school. Mr. Quinn began his career with the Reading Co. in 1955. Much of his work entailed protecting the railroad's tracks from being acquired by other companies. "The Baltimore & Ohio and the Chesapeake & Ohio were sister railroads and wanted to take over," said Joseph O'Malley, a lawyer who also started his career at Reading. "Bill prevented the takeover." "He was a real ace in my mind," O'Malley said. In 1968, Mr. Quinn went into private practice. In 1976, he moved to the Center City law firm of Fell, Spalding, Goff & Rubin, which broke apart in 1983, when Mr. Quinn became a founding partner of Rubin, Quinn & Moss. When that firm disbanded in 1993, he and colleague Eric Hocky, who also specialized in railroad law, joined another firm based in Center City, Gollatz, Griffin & Ewing, P.C.. Mr. Quinn retired in 2003. Hocky, now with the Philadelphia firm of Clark Hill PLC, said Mr. Quinn was grounded in the law and carefully applied it. "He had the ability to write clearly and persuasively," Hocky said, "both in the contracts he drafted and in the legal briefs he wrote to the Interstate Commerce Commission and to the courts." Mr. Quinn's relationship with clients went beyond legal matters, Hocky said. They looked to him as a moral compass. "He told them what was right, even if it was not what they wanted to hear," Hocky said. "He set a high standard for himself, his clients, his colleagues, and the legal profession." Mr. Quinn's son, William P. Jr., also became a lawyer in a Philadelphia firm, joining Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, where he is senior counsel. "My father's integrity, exceptionally sharp mind, and dedication to the craft of lawyering made a deep impression on me and inspired me to follow in his footsteps," the younger Quinn said. Mr. Quinn and his wife, Katharine A. Curtin, who died last October, had seven children whom they raised in Glenside. They opened an ice cream parlor, A la Mode, in Ocean City, N.J., as a way for their children to earn money for college. "My father came to the Shore on weekends, and after working all week in his law practice, sometimes ended up busing tables at A la Mode," said daughter Laura Wood, a former Inquirer staff writer and the wife of Anthony R. Wood, an Inquirer writer and editor. Mr. Quinn had a commanding presence, with a resonant voice and matching laugh. "He was the undisputed chairman of the dinner table. At our wedding, when he was handed a microphone for his toast, he said he didn't need it," Anthony Wood said. Mr. Quinn and his wife subscribed to the Philadelphia Orchestra for 40 years. In the 1980s, they hosted a family of Vietnamese refugees in their home. They tutored at St. Gabriel's Hall in Audubon, Montgomery County. They toured the United States, Europe and Asia. In addition to his son and daughter, Mr. Quinn is survived by daughters, Clare, Ellen Youman, Brenna, Maureen Acton, and Julia Miller, and 13 grandchildren. A visitation starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 12, will be followed by a 10:30 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Norbert Church, 50 Leopard Rd., Paoli. Burial is private. Memorial contributions may be made to Daylesford Abbey, 220 S. Valley Rd., Paoli, Pa. 19301. I recently visited the Riverside Correctional Facility to interview imprisoned women eligible for the Mama's Day Bailout. Over four hours, I interviewed a dozen black women who remain in jail simply because they are too poor to post bail. The women had been in jail anywhere between 35 and 538 days. Most have children and grandchildren. Some are expectant mothers. Others are the primary caretaker of elderly or ill loved ones. Still others are teenagers in high school, frightened and anxious to get back home to worried mothers. My heart ached as I heard their stories and made note of their illnesses, urgent medical needs, struggles with sobriety, and trauma. One woman sat in disbelief when she learned that she had been held for over 150 days on $300 bail. It is not uncommon for women to be unclear about the nature of their charges and next steps. The $30 needed for bond was beyond her reach. Those with bail of over $5,000 saw no possibility of release without our help. I volunteer with the Philadelphia Community Bail Fund, a community-led group that formed in May 2017 to post bail for black mothers and caregivers as part of the national Mama's Day Bailout efforts. That year, we were able to raise $60,000 in one week to post bail for 13 women before Mother's Day. We are hoping to raise $75,000 for this year's Mama's Day Bailout. We are raising money to bail black mothers out of jail because we believe that cash bail is an immoral and unconstitutional practice that harms poor communities of color and does not keep anyone safe. It is a practice that deprives individuals of their freedom without adequate due process simply because of their economic status. In Philadelphia, more than 5,300 people are imprisoned in local jails, the majority of whom are being held on unjust probation and parole detainers or pretrial on cash bail. All of those held pretrial are imprisoned before they have been found guilty of any crime. The typical person charged with a crime in Philadelphia spends 25 days in jail before being are able to post bail. Even a few days in jail can have life-altering consequences. Many of those for whom we've posted bail have lost their jobs, their homes, all of their possessions, and even custody of their children as a result of their detention. We know that those held pretrial are much more likely to accept a plea deal regardless of their guilt or innocence. One woman we bailed out in 2017 had been held for 14 months. She had never spoken to her court-appointed attorney, nor had she seen the inside of a courtroom. She told us that she felt forgotten and despaired of ever seeing her family again. How tempting would it be to accept a plea deal with its promise of eventual release when facing such uncertainty? Most of those we have bailed out who have finally had their day in court have had their charges dismissed. We focus on black women for our Mama's Day Bailout because we believe that when we center those who are most marginalized, we work for the liberation of all people. Women are the fastest growing population in prison and black women are incarcerated at four times the rate of white women. Although we will bail out only black women and black gender-nonconforming people for Mother's Day, the Philadelphia Community Bail Fund raises funds to bail out all those held in Philadelphia jails year-round. So far, we have brought 47 people home. You can help us #FreeBlackMamas this Mother's Day by donating at www.phillybailout.com/donate. We also welcome volunteers to join us as we work to uncuff our communities for a more just Philadelphia. Candace McKinley volunteers with the Philadelphia Community Bail Fund. iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) -- The candidates that emerge Tuesday night from bruising and expensive primary battles in Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio and West Virginia will provide answers to key questions about races crucial to determining which parties will control the U.S. House and Senate after November. A trio of incumbent Democratic senators representing states Donald Trump captured in the 2016 presidential election, Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Joe Manchin of West Virginia, will finally have a Republican opponent after Tuesday. Democrats are hoping strong candidates emerge in House races that could be key to determining their chances at retaking the lower chamber in 2018. Loyalty to the president is a central issue in the Republican primaries, and GOP candidates across all four states are aiming to prove to voters that they are the true Trump ally. In these Republican primaries under the current Senate map, loyalty to Trump is the number one cause. Its the number one issue, said Leah Askarinam, a reporter, and analyst at Inside Elections, a nonpartisan outlet that analyzes House, Senate, gubernatorial and presidential campaigns, These candidates have spent the last several months tying themselves as closely as possible to the president. Its unclear if that will work in a general election. Most of these states did support Trump by more than just a few points. The GOP is holding on to a razor-thin 51-49 majority in the U.S. Senate and Democrats are defending ten states that voted for Trump in 2016, and both parties are keenly aware that avoiding unforced missteps and nominating quality candidates is the difference between a Senate majority or minority. Republicans sort out primary messes In West Virginia, Republicans are fretting over the candidacy of former coal company CEO who was convicted of a misdemeanor for conspiring to violate mine safety regulations Don Blankenship, who threatens a prime pickup opportunity for the party in a state that Trump won by more than 40 points in 2016. Blankenship has made his opposition to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. a centerpiece of the campaign in which he referred to McConnells in-laws as his China family in a recent campaign ad. McConnell himself has stayed mum on the former coal baron who was Massey Energy CEO when during the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion that killed 29 people, but his allies, the president's son Don Jr. and even President Trump himself have warned in recent days of the damage that a Blankenship win could have on the GOPs hopes of holding the Senate. The Senate Leadership Fund (SLF), a super PAC run by a McConnell ally, released a statement last week slamming Blankenship ahead of Tuesdays primary. "There is only one candidate in this race - maybe in the history of candidates running for U.S. Senate, who has ever entertained the idea becoming Chinese. His name is ex-convict Don Blankenship, the statement from SLF spokesman Chris Pack read. The danger lurking for Republicans in a Blankenship candidacy harkens back to 2012 when two GOP Senate candidates, Todd Akin and Richard Mourdock, made critical gaffes during the waning days of their campaigns and cost the party a chance at two seats that could have helped them capture a majority. The candidacy of Roy Moore in Alabama provided yet another example of when controversial candidates cause headaches for a national party. Moore lost a deep red seat to Democrat Doug Jones, thinning Republican's majority in the U.S. Senate to the current 51-49 margin. Indiana and Ohio represent less treacherous scenarios for Republicans, but the GOP primary in the Hoosier State has been an all-out brawl to be President Trumps most loyal foot-soldier in the Senate. Todd Rokita puts on a MAGA hat, he runs around the state, but on the tough voteshes against President Trump, GOP Rep. Luke Messer said of his Republican House colleague Rokita in a debate last month. Rokita in return has called his opponent "Missing Messer" amid reports that he no longer lives in Indiana, and is airing ads saying he is "pro-life, pro-gun and pro-Trump," Meanwhile, wealthy businessman Mike Braun has poured over $5 million of his own money to boost himself as the outsider in the race running against two interchangeable career politicians that represent the Washington, D.C. swamp. Messer, Rokita, and Braun are all hoping that they can unseat Donnelly, a red-state Democrat that has tried to carve out a moderate reputation for himself in the Senate, and recently voted to confirm President Trumps pick for Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo. President Trump endorsed Ohio GOP Congressman Jim Renacci in his Senate bid after convincing him to switch from the governors race and appeared with him over the weekend in the state. Renacci is facing a primary challenge from businessman Mike Gibbons but is still expected to win the nomination to take on Sherrod Brown. Democrats try to make headway in Trump country Tuesday night will also provide a preview of races that could become critical to control of the U.S. House. Although Tuesdays primaries are taking place in four states that Hillary Clinton lost in 2016, Democrats are eyeing a number of U.S. House seats as potential building blocks in their attempt to retake the lower chamber this year. Four Democratic candidates vying for House seat nominations are part of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committees (DCCC) Red to Blue program for candidates the organization deems as top-tier. The most immediate opportunity for Democrats to pick up ground in the House is in Ohios 12th Congressional District, where the resignation of GOP Rep. Pat Tiberi in January triggered both a GOP primary battle and an August special election that has Republicans nervous about losing another traditionally red seat once held by current Ohio Governor and former GOP presidential candidate John Kasich. Tiberi has backed state senator Troy Balderson, while the Club for Growth and House Freedom Caucus co-chair Jim Jordan have thrown their support behind Melanie Leneghan, who has dubbed herself a diehard Trump Republican. Without an incumbent advantage in a year that seems to be favoring Democrats, thats a tough dynamic for Republicans, Askarinam said, The question is whether Republicans believe that this district is still in the vein of Tiberi and Kasich. In North Carolina, Democrats are eyeing two GOP-held seats they believe could be in play come November. Dan McCready and Kathy Manning, well-funded Democratic challengers in North Carolinas suburban 9th and 13th Congressional Districts that are part of the DCCCs Red to Blue program. McCready is running in the 9th Congressional District, where incumbent GOP Rep. Robert Pittenger is facing a primary challenge from the same man who fell just 134 votes short of unseating him in the 2016 primary local pastor Mark Harris. Both McCready and Manning have out-fundraised their opponents, Pittenger and GOP Rep. Ted Budd, a sign that the party could have a realistic shot with voters in a suburban district President Trump won in 2016, but may have fallen out of favor within the first year and a half of his administration. In West Virginia's 3rd Congressional District, an open seat race with Jenkins running for Senate, Democratic state senator Richard Ojeda, who was brutally beaten in 2016 ahead of the primary election, has garnered attention for his appeal to voters in deep red Trump country. Trump won the district by almost 50 points in 2016, but the districts ancestrally blue roots and historic support for Manchin may create a competitive race in November. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Deputy William Gentry was shot and killed on duty. (Photo: Highlands County Sheriff's Office) A Highlands County sheriffs deputy who was shot and critically wounded Sunday while responding to a dispute over a cat has died, officials with the Sheriff's Office said. Sheriff's officials said Deputy William Gentry was called to a neighbor dispute involving a cat that allegedly had been shot in Lake Placid, FL, reports WKMG. Gentry spoke to Joseph Edward Ables, 69, who was suspected of shooting the cat, and he shot Gentry, officials said. Gentry, 40, was airlifted to Lee Memorial Hospital in critical condition, but later died of his injuries. "It is with tremendous sadness that we report that Deputy William J. Gentry Jr. passed away at 1:10 p.m. today, May 7, at Lee Memorial Hospital as a result of his injuries," the Highlands County Sheriff's Office said in a tweet. "Please keep his family and our HCSO family in your prayers." Highland County Sheriff Paul Blackman said Gentry was with the Sheriff's Office for more than nine years and served as one of the department's field-training deputies. Gentry's brother also works at the Sheriff's Office as a detective, Blackman said. Ables, a convicted felon with a history of violence towards law enforcement, was arrested at the scene and taken to the Highlands County Jail, officials said. FRESNO, Calif. A group of Fresno restaurant owners support the creation of tip pools that would let cooks and dishwashers get a share of the extra money customers give to servers. Until a recent change in federal law, servers and bartenders only could share their tips informally with kitchen workers. In some cases, they were directly forbidden by law from sharing with certain workers. The practice created a big pay disparity between two sets of employees, said Dave Fansler, owner of Pismos Coastal Grill, Westwoods BBQ & Spice Co. and Yosemite Ranch. At his restaurants, kitchen workers make $11 to $18 hourly, and several chefs are on salary, he said. Servers often take home $35 an hour when tips are included. (Some states pay servers wages as low as $2.13 an hour, counting on tips to make up the difference. California law, however, says servers must be paid the state minimum wage of $10.50 for small companies and $11 for larger companies, and tips are earned on top of that.) "It just makes for a ridiculously unfair comparison," Fansler said. "Were just bringing an awareness to it. This is something thats been pretty backwards for a long time." Big deal? There are people on both sides of the issue, with some workers viewing the changes as stealing tips from the people who earned them, or as a way for employers to pay less money out of their pockets. The changes in the law allow restaurants to set up formal systems for sharing tips. That might take the form of a standard percentage of sales going to the kitchen workers, or a percentage of the tips earned by servers and bartenders going to the kitchen workers, Fansler said. Such systems would be voluntary and restaurants would need to create their own at each workplace. Fansler said hed like to see kitchen workers get a boost of $3 an hour. That would mean servers earn $3 an hour less. "Big deal, theyre going to go from $38 to $35," he said. "Im not going to lose sleep over it. Its only fair." High-profile supporters Although the first version of the law left a loophole that would allow restaurant owners to keep workers tips, the final version of the law bans restaurant owners and managers from keeping the tips for themselves. Fansler and other restaurant owners and managers of several high-profile restaurants met recently and put out a statement supporting tip pooling. The group also included the top bosses at Five Restaurant, Parma Ristorante, Annex Kitchen, Cracked Pepper Bistro, Ovidio Ristorante Italiano, Brahma Bull, Wassabi, Campagnia, Elbow Room and Rileys Brew Pub. The California Restaurant Association supports expanding tips to kitchen workers. Sammi Hicks, a server at The Bottleneck Bistro, a new restaurant in Old Town Clovis, said a system that split tips would be fair. "No one really sees what goes on in the kitchen. The kitchen can get backed up and overwhelmed and theyre working just as hard as we are," she said. "I dont think its fair that Im leaving with $200 (in tips) in my pocket while my cook is leaving with nothing." I work extremely hard Still, some people oppose tip sharing. Often they are reluctant to speak publicly because they dont want to be seen as criticizing their employer or risk being fired. Some servers say anonymously on Reddit that they earned their tips and should be able to keep them. Fresno bartender Bobbi Lechman, who did not want to reveal publicly where she works, said bartenders are tipped because they are working directly with customers. She works to form bonds with regulars that lead to good tips, and she has to deal with difficult customers, too, she said. "I dont want anybody touching my tips," she said. "I work extremely hard for those, I form personal relationships with customers. I dont want managers telling me how I have to disperse the money that I worked so hard to make." Lechman said she respects kitchen workers and knows they are an integral part of the business. But when she asks them if they want to become a server or bartender to earn more money, they tell her no. They dont want to deal with the public, she said. Some feel tip pooling is a way for restaurants to pay kitchen staff more, but not pay any of that money out of their profits. "In essence, were the ones that are paying the cooks more, not the restaurant," Lechman said. When the U.S. Department of Labor asked for public comment about the original tip pooling proposal, thousands said they opposed it. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra also filed a 12-page letter with the U.S. Department of Labor opposing the first proposal, in part because employees would lose billions of dollars of income. Today, still on the light side at 140 pounds, Keith doesnt have a gastrointestinal or esophageal disease. He can afford to buy food. However, working full-time made it hard for him to maintain his caloric intake and medical treatments. Keith, 38, has cystic fibrosis (CF), a progressive, genetic disease that causes mucus to build up in the lungs and pancreas, causing infections and inhibiting normal breathing. People think of CF as a lung disease. But it also affects nutrient absorption and forces patients, who are constantly fighting off infections, to consume high-calorie, high-fat foods just to keep up with the demands of their disease and normal, everyday activities. Food costs are just one more drain on a patient population that is, as of the past few decades, living long enough to become responsible for its own medical costs, insurance, housing, and yes, food. "Its so incredibly expensive just to have this disease and survive it," Keith said. "My doctor sat me down, and he said, You have two options here, Keith. You can keep working, and that will probably end your life, or you can stop working, go to therapies, and get a whole lot more life." The Cystic Fibrosis Relief Fund, a Byron-based nonprofit, raises money to supplement program members food budgets. Eight years ago, Kelly McLain, Keiths mother and the executive director of the Cystic Fibrosis Relief Fund, started the program after hearing that many adults with CF couldnt afford enough food to maintain a healthy weight. Keith isnt on the program, but shed seen him struggle to take in enough calories and knew there was an unmet need. In its ninth year, the program has upped its maximum aid from $120 to $240 per month and provided subsidies for some equipment that isnt covered sufficiently by insurance, as well as travel costs for program members who have to travel more than 150 miles to get to their CF clinic. There are about 160 people across Minnesota who need food support, Kelly said. The CF Relief Fund serves 27 of them now, and hopes to get that number up to 50 by the end of the year. this horrid amount of food debt When Keith was born, the life expectancy for a CF patient was eight years, Kelly said. Within decades, it jumped closer to 40. Now, the CF Foundation funds research that may find a cure within 10 years. Of course, the lung disease itself is debilitating. Keith will go on the lung transplant list on Monday. But maintaining a normal body weight is critical for health. One in five CF patients health declines because they cant get enough food, said Allison Scholl, the national strategy consultant for the relief fund. "The chronic infections in our lungs are harming those constantly, and as you can imagine, your caloric needs increase as youre trying to heal," Keith said. "It creates this horrid amount of food debt." In order to maintain a healthy weight, he consumes between 3,000 and 5,000 calories a day. Someone who is fighting an infection may need 6,000 to 8,000, especially if theyre trying to gain weight back from a previous loss. Kelly broke down the costs for a nonworking adult CF patient. Disability is about $1,000 a month, she said. Medications for CF, contrary to popular belief, are not free. Patients need to cover $300 a month in medical costs before insurance handles the rest. That leaves around $700 for rent for a single apartment in Rochester a stretch to begin with. Add in utilities, phone payments, potential car payments, gas and insurance. It just doesnt add up. And she hadnt even brought up food, or savings. "People go to clinic, and they say, Im eating literally all of my budget," Kelly said. Few options Many people ask, Why dont CF patients go to food shelves for help? said Elizabeth Dorn, who handles upper midwest strategic development for the CF Relief Fund. Food banks are not always a great option because CF patients cant digest all of the options offered, Dorn said. Restrictions on the amount of food that can be taken from certain shelves means that patients rarely end up filling their basket with food that will help them maintain or gain weight. "This is an overlooked population of people who are desperately hungry," Dorn said. Program notes Abbey Schueller, 27, found the CF Relief Fund through her clinic. "Theyre so willing to help," she said. "It makes my doctors happy and its really improved my health and life." Shuellers received aid for the last two years. She qualifies for, but isnt on disability. Shes a manager and server at her local Red Robin in Apple Valley. But medicine, insurance, hospitalizations and rent payments always came first, and she didnt have much food at home. Schueller, 5-foot-3, weighed about 110 pounds two years ago. Shes gotten up to a healthier 123 pounds since receiving $110 a month in grocery gift cards. "It helps to pack on calories when I can," Schueller said. "I can afford fattier foods, higher-calorie foods, and I always have food at home." Rochester Friends of the Minneapolis Institute of Art will take a bus trip to Minneapolis Thursday to attend a lecture and tour the collection. The lecture, "The Arts as Connector: Uniting the Worlds Cultural Districts Network," is by Maxwell Anderson, chairman emeritus of the Global Cultural Districts Network. Following lunch (call 612-870-6323 for reservations), the Rochester group will have a docent-led tour of highlights of the MIA collection. The bus departs at 8:30 a.m. from from the Kahler Apache Hotel, 1517 16th St. SW. The fee is $30 for members, $35 for non-members; call 507-993-9822 for information and reservations. Also coming up, Rochester Friends of the MIA will host a lecture, "Women in Art History," at 10:30 a.m. May 17 at Christ United Methodist Church, 400 Fifth Ave. SW. The speaker will be Nicole Chamberlain-Dupree, executive director of the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. Coffee is served at 10 a.m. The Washington Post reports that Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi is the front-runner in Iraqs national elections to be held next weekend. Abadi is a Shiite, but according to Post reporters Tamer El-Ghobashy and Mustafa Salim, he is popular with the Sunni population in cities like Mosul. And why not? Abadi helped orchestrate the military campaign that liberated Mosul and other Sunni cities from ISIS. In doing so, he kept a number of Shiite militias out of Mosul because of their ultra-sectarian leanings Abadi is campaigning on a message of national unity. The message resonates in Mosul, at least according to the Post reporters. It also resonates in Washington. Abadi worked closely with the U.S. in the fight against ISIS. Though he maintains cordial ties (as the Post puts it) with Iran, he has reestablished relations with Saudi Arabia. Abadis electoral prospects are bolstered by the a split within the sectarian Shiite establishment. His predecessor, Nouri al-Maliki, is running on a traditional platform of Shiite supremacy. However, he is severely diminished (to again borrow the Posts phrase) by the astonishing success of ISIS while he was in charge of Iraq. Hadi al-Amiri, head of the powerful Badr Organization, represents Shiite militias that helped defeat ISIS. Many of those militias, including Badr, are backed by Iran. Not surprisingly, the Amiri campaign calls for the expulsion of U.S. forces from Iraq. However, with the Amiri and Maliki slates dividing the hard core Shiite vote, Alabis prospects look good. Or so says the Washington Post. The U.S. intervention in Iraq 15 years ago will always be highly controversial all the more so because of the disastrous consequences that flowed from President Obamas subsequent decision to pull out entirely. However, when foreign policy realists complain that the U.S. disturbed a stable situation, and assume that the status quo we overturned would have continued indefinitely, they are being unrealistic. Saddam Hussein would almost certainly have responded to Irans nuclear program by reviving up his own. And the events of 2011 the so-called Arab Spring would almost certainly have hit hard in Iraq, where Saddam was sitting on the tinderbox of an oppressed Shiite majority population. The best approximation of what Iraq would look like today absent U.S. intervention is Syria, where a similar tinderbox exploded in 2011. Syria, with some level of nuclear capability. The second best approximation is Iran, following a bloody war in which Iranian forces and local Shiite militias prevailed. The Posts assessment of the upcoming Iraq election may be too sanguine. I dont know. But even if it is, the situation in Iraq is vastly better both for the U.S. and the Iraqis than those in Syria and Iran. In his National Review column Outrageous redactions to the Russia report, Andrew McCarthy looks at the now unredacted portions of the House Intelligence Committee report that we posted here on Friday night. About those now unredacted redactions graciously approved by the FBI: [W]hat we find out is that they were concealing their own questionable judgments and conflicting explanations for their actions; their use of foreign-intelligence and criminal-investigative authorities to investigate Michael Flynn, Trumps top campaign supporter and former national-security adviser; and their explicitly stated belief that Flynn did not lie in the FBI interview for which Special Counsel Robert Mueller has since prosecuted him on false-statements charges. McCarthy renders the unsparing judgment: What happened with these redactions is inexcusable. Specifically: The now-unredacted passages relate that, for some period of time during 2016, the FBI was conducting a CI investigation into General Flynn. It was Comeys recollection that he had authorized the closure of that investigation by late December 2016. As we have discussed in connection with Carter Page, a former Trump campaign adviser against whom the Obama Justice Department obtained FISA surveillance warrants, a CI investigation on an American citizen proceeds on the suspicion that the citizen is an agent of a foreign power whose clandestine activities violate federal criminal law. That is, it appears possible (if not likely) that the Justice Department was operating on the theory that Flynn a decorated combat veteran and co-author of a 2016 book that brands Russia as an implacable enemy of the United States was an agent of the Kremlin. Notwithstanding Friday nights unveiling of blacked-out passages, the report still contains redacted paragraphs about Flynn. Two of them (on pp. 5253) sandwich a passage about a business trip Flynn took to Moscow in late 2015 (seven months before he branded Russia a committed enemy in his book). The trip followed a visit to Kislyak by Flynn and his son at the ambassadors Washington residence. McCarthy pauses over this previously redacted paragraph (specifying the endnotes): In the call between General Flynn and Ambassador Kislyak, General Flynn requested that Russia not escalate the situation and only respond to the U.S. sanctions in a reciprocal manner. [Endnote (EN) 90] Russia decided not to reciprocate, which eventually led senior U.S. government officials to try to understand why. [There follows a passage of about two lines followed by EN 91, both redacted.] In a subsequent call with General Flynn, Ambassador Kislyak attributed the action to General Flynns request. [EN 92] McCarthy asks: Was this passage previously blacked out due to proper concerns about national security, or because the relevant officials couldnt get their stories straight? What is/was going on here? I give the final query to Mollie Hemingway in the tweet below. McCarthy calls on President Trump to order the Department of Justice to let it all hang out. West Virginia holds its primary tomorrow. Republicans will select a candidate to run against the very vulnerable Sen. Joe Manchin. I wrote about the race and the debate among the three major candidates here. I favor Patrick Morrisey, the states Attorney General. Hes the most reliably conservative of the three main candidates, in my view. Thats not why Im writing this post, though. Im writing to encourage our West Virginia readers NOT to vote for Don Blankenship, in the unlikely event that any are considering doing so. Blankenship was sentenced to a year in federal prison after a West Virginia jury found him culpable for a mine explosion that killed 29 miners. If that isnt three strikes in a West Virginia general election the GOP desperately needs to win, it should be two. The third strike is, or should be, the campaign Blankenship is running. Blankenship has dubbed the majority leader of the Senate cocaine Mitch. On what basis? A shipment of drugs reportedly was found on a ship owned by a shipping company run by McConnells wifes father. Blankenship may think he is emulating the president here. But Trump has never reached that depth of nastiness in any of the derogatory nicknames he pins on his adversaries. And even if he had, that would be no excuse for Blankenships sickening low blow. It turns out, moreover, that Trump doesnt want Blankenship to win. Today, the president urged voters to oppose the former former mine operator. Trump argues that Blankenships nomination would lead to a replay of the partys embarrassing loss last year in Alabama. He tweeted: To the great people of West Virginia we have, together, a really great chance to keep making a big difference. Problem is, Don Blankenship, currently running for Senate, cant win the General Election in your StateNo way! Remember Alabama. Vote Rep. Jenkins or A.G. Morrisey! Trump is right, I think, about the general election. Moreover, a Blankenship victory would hurt Republicans even before the general election is held in November. Heres why. If Blankenship wins, Manchin will feel safe, and thus to vote no on Trumps judicial nominees, as well as nominees for key jobs in the administration. If Blankenship loses, Manchin will know he is in danger. Thus, he likely will vote like a Republican from now until election. And come January, an actual Republican, Morrisey or Jenkins, will likely assume the seat. For these reasons, the West Virginia race is probably the most important primary of the year. Republicans should follow President Trumps advice and vote for Rep. Jenkins or A.G. Morrisey. Arise and take our stand for freedom as in the olden time. Winston Churchill Proclaim Liberty throughout All the land unto All the Inhabitants Thereof. Inscription on the Liberty Bell SAN JOSE, California and HYDERABAD, India, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Analytics Insight Magazine, a brand of Stravium Intelligence and an influential platform for big data, analytics and insights has named 'The 10 Most Valuable Business Intelligence Companies in 2018' in its April-May issue. The issue features Altair as the Cover Story. Altair transforms design and decision-making by applying simulation, machine learning and optimization throughout product life cycles. The company's broad portfolio of simulation technology and patented units-based software licensing model enables Simulation-Driven Innovation for its customers. Furthermore, nine companies which offer cutting-edge business intelligence solutions to address cross-industry needs and accelerate the pace of innovation include Actify, Allovance, Automated Insights, BrandsEye, Gramener, MicroStrategy, OTA Insight, Pyramid Analytics and Qualpay. Business intelligence is one of the key pillars of new-edge information ecosystem. Business intelligence solutions enable insights driven enterprises to deliver superior business performance. Organizations that take advantage of data and turn it into insights are the ones staying ahead of the curve. A new wave of disruption has already begun with companies developing platforms and solutions that integrate machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities to mine new insights from data. The featured companies are revolutionizing the way insights are generated through their next-generation business intelligence platforms. "We are delighted to recognize all the ten companies for providing the most advanced business intelligence solutions and playing a significant role in shaping the future of this technology and its capabilities," says Ashish Sukhadeve, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Analytics Insight. The magazine is available online through the Weblink. For more information, please visit https://www.analyticsinsight.net. About Analytics Insight Analytics Insight, a brand of Stravium Intelligence, is a platform dedicated to insights, trends, and opinion from the world of data-driven technologies. It monitors developments, recognition, and achievements made by big data and analytics companies across the globe. The Analytics Insight Magazine features opinions and views from top leaders and executives in the industry who share their journey, experiences, success stories, and knowledge to grow profitable businesses. To set up an interview or advertise your brand, contact [email protected]. Contacts Ashish Sukhadeve Founder & Editor-in-Chief Email: [email protected] Tel: +91-40-23055215 http://www.analyticsinsight.net Media: Email: [email protected] Tel: +1-408-380-2566 SOURCE Stravium Intelligence PUNE, India, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- B.E.S.T (Bariatric Endoscopy Surgery Trends) is a highly prestigious annual international congress in the field of bariatric and metabolic surgery that gathers the most reputable and experienced world specialists. This is the first time it is happening in India and is being conducted at India's top bariatric centre- Laparo Obeso Centre, Pune, as B.E.S.T Metasurg 2018. The conference is endorsed by leading obesity related international and national organizations including: IFSO, IEF, OSSI, PSS, IAGES. This mega conference has one goal: Prevent - Treat - Cure Obesity and Diabetes. It is being held on 15- 16 June, 2018 at JW Marriott, Pune. With renowned names from across 16 countries coming to operate in this conference, the stage is set for an academic feast. With five operating theatres running simultaneously, 15 surgeries are planned for each day. The conference aims to showcase surgeries ranging from common bariatric procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy to advanced revision bariatric procedures including general surgeries in obese patients . There will also be robotic procedures and newer approaches to bariatric including endoscopic techniques. Apart from surgeries, there will also be sessions on other aspects of obesity management including nutrition and pharmacotherapy. The conference organizer Dr. Shashank Shah says, "This is going to be a unique gathering of stalwarts with the mission to improve treatment options for obesity and diabetes. Medicine is an evolving science and scientific discussions are the root of innovation in this science. We are proud that B.E.S.T Metasurg 2018 has chosen our center for its first ever conference. We are hoping to get participation from across the globe for the event." This is a unique opportunity for anesthetists to deal with obese patients as there will be a special 'LIVE' session on Anesthesia in obese patients, for general surgeons; managing hernias in obese patients, for endoscopists as well as advanced laparoscopic surgeons there is a unique opportunity to learn about the various endoscopic procedures in obese patients . Cosmetic as well as general surgeons will get an opportunity to experience abdominoplasty and abdominal wall reconstruction in patients post bariatric surgery. Giving a never before experience to surgeons from all disciplines. With the aim to give new upcoming surgeons once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to assist the renowned foreign faculty, the organizers have devised an impartial -lucky draw among the delegates to choose surgeons who will get a chance to be in the OT. To register to be a part of B.E.S.T Metasurg 2018, click here http://best-metasurg.com/registration/ Lastly, this is also a unique opportunity not just for doctors but patients as well. As a part of B.E.S.T Metasurg 2018, bariatric procedures with the best standard and safety at a special package will be offered. Not just patients dealing with weight issues but also patients with weight regain or any adverse effects of bariatric surgery can make use of this oppurtunity. Thus, this is an appeal to patients as well as doctors to make the most of this opportunity to seek opinion of the most renowned surgeons across the globe. About Laparo Obeso Centre, Pune It is an International Centre of Excellence, certified by Surgical Review Corporation, American Board. It is one of the highest volume center's in India for Bariatric Surgeries. It is the first training center in India for Basic and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeries, including bariatric surgeries. It has trained & proctored over 300 surgeons from all over India and Asia-Pacific region. They are a Pioneer of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy & Pioneer of Research study of Surgery for Diabetics in India. Media Contact: Dr. Shashank Shah [email protected] +91-9766316734 Laparo Obeso Centre SOURCE Laparo Obeso Centre PUNE, India, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market research report "Biomarker Technologies Market by Profiling Technology (Chromatography, NGS, PCR, Mass Spectrometry, Immunoassay, Liquid Biopsy (ddPCR, DHPLC)), Research Area (Proteomics, Lipidomics), Application (Biomarker Validation, Biomarker Discovery) - Global Forecast to 2022", published by MarketsandMarkets, the global market is expected to reach USD 74.51 Billion in 2022 from USD 46.97 Billion in 2017, at a rate (CAGR) of 9.7% during the forecast period. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg ) Browse 134 market data Tables and 7 Figures spread through 122 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Biomarker Technologies Market" https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/biomarker-technologies-market-190358765.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report The growth of Biomarker Technologies Market is supported by increasing healthcare expenditure, rising availability of R&D funding and pace of research, and the utility of biomarkers in diagnosis. The consumables segment accounted for the largest share of the global Biomarker Technologies Market in 2017 By product type, the Biomarker Technologies Market is classified into consumables, instruments, services, and software/informatics. In 2017, the consumables segment was expected to account for the largest share of the market due to their larger sales volume as compared to instruments. The consumables market is further segmented into reagents & kits and chromatography columns. The reagent & kits segment accounted for the largest share of the consumables market in 2017. The clinical diagnostics segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR in the Biomarker Technologies Market for liquid biopsy during the forecast period. By application, the Biomarker Technologies Market for liquid biopsy is divided into clinical diagnostics, research, and drug discovery and development. The clinical diagnostics application segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This positive growth is due to the advantages of liquid biopsy, such as its minimally invasive nature and time & cost savings incurred during use. Ask for PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=190358765 The mass spectrometry segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR. By type of profiling technology, the Biomarker Technologies Market is divided into immunoassay, PCR, imaging technology, mass spectrometry, NGS, chromatography, cytogenetics, and other technologies. MS is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. It provides rapid and sensitive qualitative and quantitative analysis of biomolecules (proteins, peptides, oligosaccharides, lipids, DNA, and RNA), drugs, and metabolites. Apart from research applications, currently, the clinical applications of MS continue to expand. Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR in the Biomarker Technologies Market during the forecast period. The high growth of the Asia Pacific market is attributed to the rising incidence of cancer, growth in geriatric population, and support from private and public organizations for biomarker research. Market Players The key players in the Biomarker Technologies Market are Thermo Fisher Scientific (US), Agilent Technologies (US), Roche (Switzerland), Danaher Corporation (US), Waters Corporation (US), Shimadzu Corporation (Japan), and Bio-Rad Laboratories (US). Know more about the Biomarker Technologies Market https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/biomarker-technologies-market-190358765.html About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 5000 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. 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 NEW YORK, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Byron Janis, considered our greatest living pianist, unveils Live from Leningrad, 1960, a secret recording of his Cold War performance in Russia at the behest of JFK. Released for the first time at www.byronjanislive.com, its existence was not known until recently. Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8108052-byron-janis-live-from-leningrad-1960/ It's comprised of 16 classical pieces from six composers, including Aaron Copland's Piano Sonata composed in 1939, which reflects Copland's fear of WW II, and ends with beautiful bells that "announce the hope for peace," says Janis. Other featured composers: Chopin, de Falla, Liszt, Mozart and Schumann. The 90-year-old is still creating music, including for his Broadway-bound "Silver Skates" musical. He and Naxos Records have just signed a worldwide distribution agreement. Live from Leningrad is the second in a series of Janis' previously unreleased recordings of live performances. He issued Byron Janis Live on Tour, Vol.1 this past fall. "I was at first dismayed that this concert recording had been made and sold in the USSR without my knowledge. But now, I am grateful a unique moment in musical history was captured," added Janis, who was appointed our country's first Cultural Ambassador to Russia. To learn more about Byron Janis, or to purchase his recent albums Live from Leningrad, 1960 or Bryon Janis Live on Tour, Vol. 1, please visit www.byronjanislive.com. More information on Maestro Janis is available at www.byronjanis.com, facebook.com/ByronJanis, twitter.com/@ByronJanisMusic, https://www.youtube.com/user/ByronJanisMusic, instagram.com/#ByronJanisMusic About Byron Janis: Byron Janis is internationally renowned as one of the world's greatest pianists. He made his orchestral debut at age 15 with Toscanini's NBC Symphony Orchestra. The following year he was chosen by Vladimir Horowitz as his first student. At 18, he became the youngest artist ever signed to a contract by RCA Victor Records. Two years later, in 1948, he made his Carnegie Hall debut which was hailed as an unparalleled success. He has played with every major symphony orchestra in both the U.S and abroad. His many recordings appear on the RCA, Mercury Phillips, Sony, Universal and EMI labels. byronjanis.com For a list of upcoming events and tributes, press information or to schedule interviews, limited public appearances and engagements, please contact Raina Grossman, Principal, Wolf and Rain Communications, LLC (646) 879-5859 [email protected], Bettina L. Klinger, Principal, Brand Varietals, INC (917-930-8654) [email protected]. Press Contact: Bettina Klinger [email protected] 917-930-8654 SOURCE Janis Eleven Enterprises, LTD. PUNE, India, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market research report "DevOps Market by Type (Solutions and Services), Deployment Model (Public, Private, and Hybrid), Organization Size, Industry Vertical (BFSI, Healthcare, Telecommunications and ITES, Manufacturing), and Region - Global Forecast to 2023", published by MarketsandMarkets, the market size is expected to grow from USD 3.42 Billion in 2018 to USD 10.31 Billion by 2023, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 24.7% during the forecast period. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg ) Browse 67 market data Tables and 58 Figures spread through 174 Pages and in-depth TOC on "DevOps Market" https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/devops-824.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report The growth of the DevOps Market is driven by several factors, such as increasing complexities in applications, growing need for continuous and fast application delivery, and applications running in the dynamic Information Technology (IT) environment. The DevOps Market is expected to gain major traction during the forecast period, due to the increase in the adoption rate of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning among enterprises. The solutions segment is expected to account for a larger market share during the forecast period The solutions segment is segregated into 3 components of DevOps pipeline. The different continuous solutions represent an agile way of working to build and deliver software applications. DevOps is in the initial phase of growth and organizations across the globe are rapidly adopting solutions for the application development. In terms of investment, solutions are the most expensive part of the DevOps lifecycle as most of the software tools for building and maintaining the application comes under this segment. Hence, the solutions segment is estimated to account for the larger market size in 2018 and is expected to grow with the same trend. The public cloud segment is estimated to account for the largest market size in 2018 The public cloud segment may be offered free of cost or on a pay-per-use model, depending on the requirements from end-users. The public cloud segment is used for web servers and system architectures, where security and compliance are not the major issues. Ease of access and faster deployment of the public cloud are some of the major factors contributing to the high adoption of the public cloud. The public cloud segment offers various enterprise benefits, such as scalability, reliability, flexibility, and remote location access. Speak To Our analyst @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalyst.asp?id=824 The large enterprises segment is expected to account for a larger market size during the forecast period Large enterprises are defined as business entities with more than 1,000 employees. The adoption rate of DevOps solutions and services by large enterprises is high and is expected to continue during the forecast period. Large enterprises have dedicated in-house IT resources with large IT budgets; hence they can consider a variety of DevOps strategies. Moreover, they have a global presence, high market shares, technical expertise, and effective business strategies. The telecommunications and ITES industry vertical is estimated to account for the largest market size in 2018 Telecom companies are always eager to embrace digitalization opportunities. Enterprises in this vertical are modernizing their legacy applications to improve the digital customer experience. Moreover, the growing number of subscribers and increasing adoption of various technologies related to media and digital content are creating the need to optimize resources for fulfilling customer demands in a timely manner. North America region is estimated to account for the largest market size in 2018 North America is estimated to account for the largest market size in 2018, while APAC is projected to be the fastest-growing region. North America is a matured market in terms of technology adoption, due to various factors, such as advanced IT infrastructure, presence of various enterprises, and availability of proficient technical expertise. The US and Canada would contribute to the growth of the DevOps Market in North America. The major vendors providing DevOps solutions and services include CA Technologies (US), IBM (US) , Atlassian (Australia), Micro Focus (UK), Puppet (US), Red Hat (US), AWS (US), Microsoft (US), Google (US), Oracle (US), Cigniti (India), GitLab (US), RapidValue (US), Chef Software (US), To The New (India), XebiaLabs (US), CFEngine (US), Docker (US), CollabNet (US), Electric Cloud (US), HashiCorp (US), Rackspace (US), Perforce (US), Clarive (Spain), and OpenMake Software (US). Know more about DevOps Market: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/devops-824.html About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 5000 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Visit Our Blog: http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/telecom-it Connect with us on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets SOURCE MarketsandMarkets MYSURU, India, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Graduation Day is an essential rite of passage for both graduands and an institution. A celebration - to look back at the lessons learned and adventures shared, a farewell - to say goodbye to old friends and good times as a student; and a beginning - to set new goals and dream new dreams. MYRA School of Business - a boutique business school with a global perspective, will host Graduation of its 4th batch of PGDM and 5th batch of PGPX on 13 May 2018 at its campus at Mysore. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150907/10129713 ) Nearly eighty MYRAcles from both batches of the graduating class will receive their degrees from the Chief Guest, Dr. Viral V. Acharya, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India and C.V. Starr Professor of Economics at New York University Stern School of Business, USA. This milestone event will be more memorable for MYRA and MYRAcles as it offers a golden opportunity to listen to an eminent economist and the Deputy Governor of Reserve Bank of India - Dr. Viral V. Acharya. Dr. Viral V. Acharya: Dr. Viral V. Acharya is currently the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is looking after the Monetary Policy and Research cluster of the RBI. Dr. Acharya is the C.V. Starr Professor of Economics in the Department of Finance at New York University Stern School of Business (NYU-Stern). Currently he is on leave to serve as the Deputy Governor at the Reserve Bank of India for a three-year term. He also serves as a member of the advisory council of the RBI Academy and is a member of the Academic Council of the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM), Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) since 2014. He is a Fellow of the European Corporate Governance Institute (ECGI) since 2014 and Fellow of the Institute of Global Finance, University of New South Wales since 2013. Dr. Acharya's primary research interest is in the theoretical and empirical analysis of systemic risk of the financial sector, its regulation and its genesis in government-induced distortions, an inquiry that cuts across several other strands of research--credit risk and liquidity risk, their interactions and agency-theoretic foundations, as well as their general equilibrium consequences. Dr. Acharya also is the recipient of the inaugural Banque de France - Toulouse School of Economics Junior Prize in Monetary Economics and Finance, 2011, and recently the 2017 Alexandre Lamfalussy Senior Research Fellowship of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). Dr. Acharya completed Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai in 1995 and Ph.D. in Finance from NYU-Stern in 2001. Before joining Stern, he was at London Business School (2001-2008), headed the Coller Institute of Private Equity at LBS as Academic Director (2007-09) and was a Senior Houblon-Normal Research Fellow at the Bank of England (Summer 2008). Dr. Acharya has authored many books (along with others) including - Guaranteed to Fail: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the debacle of the mortgage finance (2011) and Restoring Financial Stability: How to Repair a Failed System (2009). Dr. Acharya is also a composer and has an album 'yaadon ke silsile' in his name. MYRA and MYRAcles: This year's graduating class at MYRA is a diverse cohort with students having work experience ranging from 0 - 13 years, undergraduate degree in commerce and business; to sciences and engineering, and represents 18 states in India with students from Karnataka and Andhra; to Rajasthan, Delhi, UP and West Bengal. The diversity is not limited to the student pool but is also reflected in the placements at the School, with students bagging offers from a wide range of industries and functions, with prominent names such as HDFC, UB Group, TATA, Mphasis, OYO and more hiring MYRA's students. "The best change I saw in me is that I became aware of what is happening in the world. MYRA always brought in eminent personalities from various industries that provided relevant industry insights," says Nisha Solanki, a graduating student. MYRA School of Business is redefining business education with its global partnerships, global faculty and focus on industry interaction. The School is a hot-spot for industry-academia discussions where experts and leaders from industry and academia engage with students regularly. Recent guests include Rajeev Krishnan, CEO of SPAR and MD of Landmark Group, Nagesh Rajanna, Ex-CEO of Bombay Dyeing, Iqbal Dhaliwal, Director JPAL, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Arjun Malhotra, Co-Founder of HCL to name a few. As the school prepares for the graduation of its next batch of business leaders, it is this undulating emphasis on quality and relevance that reflects. Graduation Day Chief Guests from 2013-2018: MYRA's previous Graduation Day Chief Guests include Dr. Ramadhar Singh, Distinguished Professor, Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore; Mr. Ashok Mathur, Managing Director, Madura Coats & Regional Chief Executive, South Asia, Coats Plc.; Dr. Rishikesha T Krishnan, Director, Indian Institute of Management, Indore; Shri. R. Gopalakrishnan, Non-Executive Director, TATA Sons; Shri. Ranjan Mathai, Former Foreign Secretary, Government of India; Dr. M G Parameswaran, Founder, Brand-Building.com; Mr. Santosh Desai, MD and CEO, Futurebrands, author and columnist; and Dr. P Anandan, Vice President, Adobe Research. About MYRA: The MYRA School of Business is a boutique Global B School located in the royal city of Mysore - an educational hub and a heritage city. MYRA's unique learning platform blends Indian and Western perspectives and teaching methods to add intellectual diversity in the classroom by bringing faculty from some of the top B Schools in the world such as Cornell, Kellogg, Cambridge, IIMs and others. MYRA's Study abroad program partners include W.P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University, USA; Catolica-Lisbon School of Business and Economics, Portugal; The University of Washington, Bothell, USA; Dalhousie University, Canada; Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education; and the Julius Maximilian University of Wurzburg, Germany. MYRA offers five academic programs- Global MBA from Dalhousie University, Canada, the two-year-AICTE approved, Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management (PGDM); the one-year Post Graduate Program for executives (PGPX); Customized Executive Education Programs in association with Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education and Ph.D. (University of Mysore) program. MYRA's vision is to provide world-class business education to young Indians so that they can deliver exceptional value to whoever hires them. It is committed to delivering "excellence" in all aspects -faculty, pedagogy, placements, and campus. For more details: http://www.myra.ac.in Media Contact: Deepa Jaganath [email protected] +91-9535423333 Executive Assistant (Chairperson) MYRA School of Business SOURCE MYRA School of Business BENGALURU, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Hairline International Hair and Skin Clinic has been working tirelessly in the field of regenerative therapies for hair and skin, and is proud to unveil Rigenera Activa, a specialized technology imported from Italy, to offer autologous skin micrografting in the treatment of male and female pattern hair loss for the first time in India. This therapy makes use of tissue from a patient to create an ideal cocktail of growth enhancement cells that is introduced into the scalp or the skin to encourage hair growth. The process involves just one sitting and results can be seen as early as within a month. Rigenera Activa is approved by the US FDA, Japan's PMPD and is CE certified. Speaking at the unveiling of Rigenera Activa, Dr. Bani Anand, Founder and Director, Hairline International Hair and Skin Clinic says, "This is a standalone procedure and can be used for treating hair loss up to Grade 4. For skin, the process of injecting takes about 20 minutes and the recovery time is around half hour, making it an ideal procedure. The procedure itself is completed in one sitting of not more than 30 minutes and results can be seen as early as within a month. Follow-ups are required just once a year for a short while. This procedure works for anyone above 21 years of age." Explaining the procedure that is scientifically known as stromal vascular fraction, Dr. Dinesh G Gowda, Senior Dermato-surgeon, Hairline International Hair and Skin Clinic explains, "Whether for hair or for skin, the epidermal layer is removed and around 2mm of the patient's own tissue from the dermis, including fat is taken out. This tissue contains many growth factors and progenitor cells among other components. This is pulverized in a specialized machine and then is subject to filtration using a biological filter. This separates the progenitor cells, growth factors such as endothelial growth factors, fibroblast hair follicles etc., which support hair follicles and skin cells - for growth as well as formation of new hair follicles and skin cells." Dr. Gowda adds that this cocktail of growth enhancers is injected via a thin needle into the scalp or the skin at areas needed. The process may be repeated in a year if needed for skin and if one would like a dense growth of hair. Elaborating on the benefits of such a process, Dr. Gowda explains, "While hair transplant remains the best form of therapy, this therapy makes use of the patient's own tissue to create an effective cocktail and works better than individual growth factors which are used. This therapy may be used alone or with hair transplant. It may be used with PRP as well. "Some other beneficial applications of the therapy are in the treatment of scars, Vitiligo, wound healing and face rejuvenation as well and stretch marks." About Hairline International Hair and Skin Clinic Hairline International Hair and Skin Clinic has carved an indelible name for itself in the field of Trichology and Skin care and its medical management. Under the stewardship of its Founder and Managing Director, Dr. Bani Anand, Hairline International grew from non-surgical competencies to surgical treatment options and today is making in-roads in regenerative medicine as well. Spread over 7 clinics now in Bengaluru, with a research center, pathology lab and a stem cell lab in the making, Hairline International believes in creating a strong foundation with medical professionals in varying fields of diabetology, gastroenterology, gynaecologists, trichologists and dermato-surgeons as well as cosmetic surgeons - drawn from multiple specialties but all working towards a scientific and technologically advanced means of hair and skin care management. Hairline aims to grow from strength to strength across multiple spectrums in the field of Trichology and Skin care to become the undisputed leader in the field. For more details, log on to http://www.hairline.in Media Contact: Dr. Bani Anand [email protected] +91-8025299002 Hairline International SOURCE Hairline International Hair and Skin Clinic SURAT, India, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Shri Ratan Tata Visits Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt. Ltd. in Surat Octogenarian, Cornell alumni, Doyen of Indian industry and a great philanthropist, Shri Ratan Tata fulfilled his promise to a leading Diamond Manufacturer. Shri Ratan Tata visited India's city of Diamonds, Surat on a personal invitation by Shri Govind Dholakia. After being bestowed upon with the prestigious 'Santokbaa Humanitarian Award' in Mumbai in the 2017, instituted in the memory of the mother of Shri Dholakia, Shri Tata had promised a visit to Surat. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/687564/Shri_Ratan_Tata_at_SRK.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/687565/Shri_Ratan_Tata_SRK_Family_Picture.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/687566/Shri_Govind_Dholakia_and_Shri_Ratan_Tata.jpg ) Tata began his career in the Tata group in 1961. He started on the shop floor of Tata Steel, shovelling limestone and handling the blast furnace. Three years later in 1964, a 13-year boy reached Surat in search of job. Seemingly contradictory, the journey of these two men has many parallels. Determination, commitment, enthusiasm and passion are few elements which bind these two gentlemen who themselves have carved niche in their respective fields. Shri Tata, a man full of humility, expressed immense satisfaction over his visit while leaving for Mumbai from Surat airport by his Falcon Jet plane. On his maiden visit to the city, he recollected an earlier occasion when he touched Surat on his way to Navsari almost two decades ago. Shri Tata conveyed his compliments to Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt. Ltd. for utilising technology to their maximum, giving benefits to all the concerned stakeholders. Shri Dholakia, a visionary, welcomed Shri Tata with words of gratitude. Tata's and Dholakia's observe similar business practices, rich in ethics and transparency, with successive generations adhering to same principles. With keenness, Shri Tata studied diamond technology and its application in diamond production, e-commerce, HR and Research at SRK. While visiting the state-of-art diamond manufacturing facility, he interacted with all the three generations of Shri Dholakia. On the shop floor at SRK, he acquired all the details of diamonds from mines to market. Shri Tata also interacted with the delegation comprising of other diamond producers and gathered details about diamonds' impact on the Indian economy. During his 'Fireside Chat' with Generation Next of SRK he answered the many queries raised by the younger generation of SRK. He opined on issues related to family business and professionalism, notion of progress, inclusive growth and equal opportunity in India. While asked, "How does he want himself to be remembered in future", he said, "With full humility, I say that I want to be remembered as a person who contributed, though little, to create an atmosphere of equality in India." He further said that India's growth story is written by people like Shri Dholakia, who create global businesses with dream and determination, that too with utmost humility. Shri Tata was very excited and happy to see the progress of Surat. He thanked SRK family for hosting him and showing him a New India. He also relished on the Gujarati cuisine, specially prepared by the ladies of the Dholakia family. Later, on his way to Dumas Airport, he visited various historic places of Surat including the Dutch and Armenian Cemetery, Parsi Agiyari, Chintamani Jain Temple, Fort and Andrews Library. Shri Ratan Tata promised Shri Dholakia of a long-lasting relationship. About SRK Exports For more than 50 years, our company Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt. Ltd. (SRK), founded by Shri Govind Dholakia in 1964, has witnessed the transformation from the impoverished and regressive India into the prosperous and powerful India. Our group has current business of more than 1 billion USD having employed more than 6,000 persons. SRK Group is the active member of diamond and jewellery industry in India. We have dedicated our existence creating an umbrella where ethics, principles and people play the most important role. Transparency and integrity is always cherished and celebrated at SRK. We have invested time in helping everyone around; well before most of Indian companies could understand the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility, by giving and sharing. For more details, visit: https://srk.one/ Media Contact: Bhavesh Lathiya +91-9067463649 [email protected] SRK Exports Pvt. Ltd. SOURCE SRK Exports PUNE, India, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market research "Insurance Analytics Market by Component, Business Application (Claims Management, Risk Management, Customer Management and Personalization, Process Optimization), Deployment Model, Organization Size, End-User, and Region - Global Forecast to 2023", published by MarketsandMarkets, the market is expected to grow from USD 6.63 Billion in 2018 to USD 11.96 Billion by 2023, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.5% during the forecast period. The major factors driving the Insurance Analytics Market are the rapid adoption of data-driven decision-making process and increasing adoption of advanced analytics techniques. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg ) Browse 73 market data Tables and 51 Figures spread through 176 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Insurance Analytics Market" https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/insurance-analytics-market-58298536.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report Customer management and personalization business application is expected to grow at the highest CAGR Insurers are now leveraging analytics solutions to offer additional policy discounts and proactive risk management services. They are now able to understand their customers' lifestyle and create customized coverage to match their requirements. For instance, if an insurer learns about a customer's forthcoming travel plans, they can create personalized travel coverage to take care of their travel insurance. Insurers are now able to send automated messages to inform drivers in case of adverse weather conditions or major road repair enabling their clients to take alternative routes providing an enriching experience. Third-party administrators, brokers, and consultancies end-user segment is expected to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period Third-party administrators (TPAs) can handle general liability, water damage, restoration, construction defect, automobile, property and casualty, product liability, professional liability and other claims. In many cases, TPAs act as a buffer between insurers and their customers. Insurance analytics solution provides TPAs, agents, and brokers with easy access to previously siloed data, so they can get actionable intelligence and provide customers with a valuable, tailored service saving time and costs, and giving insurers the opportunity to do more high value work. Inquiry Before Buying @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=58298536 North America is expected to dominate the Insurance Analytics Market during the forecast period North America is estimated to hold the largest share of the Insurance Analytics Market in 2018, as it remains the largest insurance market by premium in addition to early adoption of technology advancements and analytics. The market size in Asia Pacific (APAC) is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2018 to 2023, owing to the increasing adoption of automation and huge opportunities across industries in the APAC countries, especially in Australia, China, and Japan. The report also encompasses different strategies, such as acquisitions, partnerships and collaborations, new product launches, and product upgradations, adopted by major players to expand their shares in the market. Major technology vendors include IBM (US), Microsoft (US), Oracle (US), SAP SE (Germany), Salesforce (US), SAS Institute (US), OpenText (Canada), Verisk Analytics (US), Tableau Software (US), Pegasystems (US), Hexaware (India), Guidewire (US), MicroStrategy (US), Sapiens International (Israel), LexisNexis (US), Palantir (US), TIBCO Software (US), Applied Systems (US), Birst (US), BOARD International (Switzerland), Mitchell International (US), QlikTech (US), Vertafore (US), PrADS Inc. (US), and BRIDGEi2i (India). Know more about the Insurance Analytics Market: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/insurance-analytics-market-58298536.html About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 5000 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit Our Blog: http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/telecom-it Connect with us on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets SOURCE MarketsandMarkets VIENNA, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The 7th OPEC International Seminar from 20-21 June 2018 in Vienna will be an exclusive gathering for high-ranking representatives from government, business, science and academia The 7th OPEC International Seminar, one of the world's most prominent forums for leading experts in the energy field, will take place from 20-21 June 2018 at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. Ministers from OPEC Member Countries and non-OPEC producing nations will come together with high-ranking representatives from international companies and organizations, as well as leading scientists and energy experts, to discuss topics related to this year's theme 'Petroleum - Cooperation for a Sustainable Future'. A total of more than 750 participants is expected. The programme also includes the presentation of the 2018 OPEC Awards for Research and Journalism at Vienna's City Hall. Highly distinguished speakers and panelists Over the course of the two days, attendees will hear from a variety of high-level speakers. Ministers from OPEC Member Countries, non-OPEC producing countries, major oil-consuming nations, as well as the heads of many intergovernmental organizations, will examine and discuss various perspectives surrounding the overarching theme in five stimulating sessions. Each session will consist of keynote speeches, followed by thought-provoking panel discussions. Confirmed speakers also include the chief executives of national and international oil companies, other industry leaders, academics and energy experts. Presentation of the OPEC Awards 2018 As part of the OPEC International Seminar, OPEC's Awards for Research and Journalism will be presented at Vienna's City Hall. 7th OPEC International Seminar 20-21 June 2018 Hofburg Palace Vienna, Austria Registration for the event is now open at: https://www.opecseminar.org/opec-seminar-ticket-registration.htm to secure limited seats to this event. Students are eligible for special ticket rates. For more information and updates, visit http://www.opecseminar.org About the OPEC International Seminar The OPEC International Seminar is one of the premier events on the world energy calendar. The first OPEC Seminar was held in Vienna in 1969, with the Seminars increasing in size and scope over the years, not only embracing petroleum-related topics, but other issues such as global finance, sustainable development and the environment. The current OPEC International Seminar series began in 2001 and has provided fresh impetus to key industry issues and developed existing and new avenues of dialogue and cooperation. About OPEC The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is a permanent, intergovernmental organization that was founded in 1960. OPEC currently has 14 Member Countries (Algeria, Angola, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, IR Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela) and is headquartered in the Austrian capital of Vienna. Media Accreditation 7th OPEC International Seminar Franziska Peterlik Administration & Coordination Email: [email protected] Tel: +43-660-2003071 OPEC Seminar Contact Ms. Hind Zaher PR Specialist Email: [email protected] Tel: +43-21112-3312 SOURCE OPEC PUNE, India, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Retro-Reflective Materials Market by Technology (Microprismatic, Glass & Ceramic Beads), Product Type (Films, Paints), Application (Traffic & Work Zone, Conspicuity, Fleet & Vehicle Registration, Personal Safety), and Region - Global Forecast to 2023" published by MarketsandMarkets, the retro-reflective materials market is projected to grow from an estimated USD 5.58 Billion in 2018 to USD 12.49 Billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 17.5% between 2018 and 2023. The increasing use of retro-reflective materials in construction & infrastructure projects is one of the most significant factors projected to drive the growth of the retro-reflective materials market. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg ) Browse 72 market data Tables and 43 Figures spread through 128 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Retro-Reflective Materials Market" https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/retro-reflective-material-Market-50545194.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on reports Based on technology, the microprismatic segment of the retro-reflective materials market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, in terms of value Retro-reflective materials manufactured using microprismatic technology include use of microprisms as a raw material. This raw material has the ability to provide enhanced retro-reflectivity compared to glass beads. Microprisms when used in retro-reflective materials, enable minimum scattering of light and ensure maximum reflection of the light back to its source. This factor is projected to drive the growth of the microprismatic segment of the retro-reflective materials market. Get PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=50545194 The traffic control & work zone application segment is projected to lead the retro-reflective materials market during the forecast period, in terms of value Retro-reflective materials are increasingly being used in the construction & infrastructure industry for traffic control & work zone application. The traffic control & work zone segment is projected to lead the retro-reflective materials market between 2018 and 2023, in terms of value. Advantages of retro-reflective materials in the traffic control & work zone application include enhanced visibility and safer navigation on roads under low light conditions, which, in turn, is expected to contribute to the increasing demand for retro-reflective materials in the construction & infrastructure industry for the traffic control & work zone application. APAC is estimated to be the largest market for retro-reflective materials in 2018, in terms of value. The APAC is estimated to be the largest market for retro-reflective materials in 2018. The growth of the APAC retro-reflective materials market can be attributed to the expansion of the construction & infrastructure and automotive & transportation industries. The growth is also attributed to the presence of well-established retro-reflective materials manufacturers, such as Dominic Optical (China), in this region. Key players operating in the retro-reflective materials market include 3M (US), Avery Dennison (US), ORAFOL (Germany), Dominic Optical (China), Changzhou Hua R Sheng Reflective Material (China), Coats Group (UK), Nippon Carbide Industries (Japan), Paiho Group (Taiwan), Asian Paints PPG (India), and Reflomax (South Korea). Know more about Retro-Reflective Materials Market: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/retro-reflective-material-Market-50545194.html About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 5000 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit Our Blog: http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/chemical Connect with us on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets SOURCE MarketsandMarkets MUMBAI, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Owning a home is a crucial milestone one hits in their lifetime, and when that home is crafted with dexterity vouched by 150 years of legacy, one can be rest assured that they've got themselves a home that's nothing short of perfection. Mulund - A blessed suburb The location of the project is probably enough to get the home-buyer to reach halfway towards an agreement. Mulund, also known as the prince of the suburbs, has been bestowed with the best of geography with the existence of the pristine Yogi Hills and the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. For long now, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park has been a weekend/picnic that many Mumbaikars have taken a liking to. It depicts the nature perfectly with dense trees, plush greenery, and an artificial lake where boat rides can be enjoyed. One of its popular rides called the 'van rani' and a walk up to the Gandhi Tekdi are two other good reasons why this spot is frequented by many age groups. Needless to say, Mulund is very convenient in terms of infrastructural facilities. From educational institutions to shopping malls, Mulund is perfect for a polished lifestyle. Mulund is a proud suburb that houses a cosmopolitan mix. Many age groups can find their idea of leisure outing here. There are temples and parks for the middle aged while the young guns can frequent the malls, cafes and cineplexes. The suburb has also contributed to the economic growth with various industrial factories and pharmaceutical companies like Hoechst, Wellcome, Glaxo, Merind and Johnson & Johnson; not to forget, the various engineering companies boasting of their addresses in the prince of the suburbs namely Bombay Oxygen, Chicago Pneumatic and ACC. Connectivity has been another trump card for the city's economic development with Mulund's railway station, the Eastern Express Highway and LBS Marg. Today, old constructions are making way for newer prospects and there is a spurt of new malls and movie theatres. Korum Mall & R-Mall have remained as some of the most favoured shopping complexes amongst the middle-class and upper-middle class crowd. The people's ever favourite D-mart can also be found in this suburb along with one of the world-class hospitals, Fortis Hospital. Why is Shapoorji Pallonji investing in Mulund? Being a pioneer in the field of real estate, Shapoorji Pallonji has indubitably had a hawk's eye vision for good locations. Many of their projects are constructed in what one could call, 'lifestyle-friendly' locations like Howrah, Bengaluru and Pune. It's no surprise that they have envisioned an edifice in Mulund, one of Mumbai's leading suburbs. This upcoming project's development and marketing is managed by Shapoorji Pallonji Group's real estate faction, in collaboration with Nirmal Developers. 150 years of legacy Taking you way back to 1930, Shapoorji Pallonji Group had the honour of building the Bombay Central Station in association with reputable names like Claude Batley and Ferro Concrete Construction Company. Cut to almost a decade later, they constructed the building of none other than the Reserve Bank of India, which was designed by renowned architect J.A Ritchie. Then came the Breach Candy Hospital and HSBC Bank in 1950. As for the past decade and a half, the real estate sector of Shapoorji Pallonji has spawned many more architectural glories like the magnificent Imperial Towers, World Trade Centre and The Trident in Mumbai, Park Towers in Dubai as well as the Palace of The Sultan Of Oman in Oman. These are just a few of the many architectural ventures that Shapoorji Pallonji has embarked on. The array of ingenious work of Shapoorji Pallonji is what acts as a testament to their residential projects that promises the comfort of luxury living. About Shapoorji Pallonji Group Thriving to be the best in every domain of infrastructure has been Shapoorji Pallonji's prowess since 1865. The brand has had a commanding presence in fields like engineering and construction, real estate, finance and more. Through all their endeavours, they have abided by one motto - 'to create solutions to make the society better'. Shapoorji Pallonji is a well-diversified business house, with clients in over 60 countries, delivering complex and challenging projects for over 150 years. They operate in 6 major business areas with 13 group companies and a strong employee base of over 60,000 people from across 40+ nationalities. Above all, with engineering at its core, Shapoorji Pallonji is committed to delivering projects and solutions globally with the help of breakthrough technology that will leave an impact for generations to come. Media Contact: Abhishek Banerjee [email protected] Manager Public Relations Shapoorji Pallonji SOURCE Shapoorji Pallonji PUNE, India, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Sodium Silicate Market by Form (Solid Sodium Silicate, Liquid Sodium Silicate), Application (Detergents, Precipitated Silica, Construction, Pulp & Paper, Water Treatment, Metal Casting, Food Preservation), and Region - Global Forecast to 2022", published by MarketsandMarkets, the sodium silicate market is expected to grow from USD 8.91 Billion in 2017 to reach USD 11.03 Billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 4.4% between 2017 and 2022. The sodium silicate market is driven by the rising demand for sodium silicate from applications such as detergents, precipitated silica, construction, pulp & paper, water treatment, metal casting, and food preservation. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg ) Browse 146 market data Tables and 38 Figures spread through 133 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Sodium Silicate Market" https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/sodium-silicate-market-115268271.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on reports Solid sodium silicate is estimated to be the largest form of sodium silicate Solid sodium silicate is the largest form of sodium silicate produced. It suitable for a wide range of applications such as manufacturing of refractories, ceramics, and firestop devices due to its easy and low-cost transportation and storage compared to liquid sodium silicate. Most of the solid sodium silicate is converted into the liquid form by dissolving in water for use in applications such as detergents, precipitated silica, pulp & paper, and water treatment. Get PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=115268271 Detergents application: fastest-growing application for sodium silicate The sodium silicate market size for the detergents application is projected to register the highest growth during the forecast period. The consumption of sodium silicate in this application is growing due to the rising demand for sodium silicate for the manufacturing of detergents that are used for various cleaning and washing processes, such as domestic or industrial clothes washing; floor cleaning; washing of dishes, bottles, dairy equipment, and locomotives; and metal cleaning and degreasing. Asia Pacific accounts for the largest share of sodium silicate market Asia Pacific is estimated to be the largest market for sodium silicate. China is estimated to be the leading market for sodium silicate in Asia Pacific. India, Japan, and South Korea are the other major countries contributing to the growth of the sodium silicate market in the region. The increasing demand for sodium silicate from applications such as detergents and construction is expected to drive the sodium silicate market in these countries. The key companies profiled in the sodium silicate market research report are PQ Corporation (US), Occidental Petroleum Corporation (US), Tokuyama Corporation (Japan), Nippon Chemical Industrial (Japan), BASF (Germany), Kiran Global Chem Limited (India), Sinchem Silica Gel (China), Shijiazhuang Shuanglian Chemical Industry (China), IQE Group (Spain), and CIECH (Poland). Know more about Sodium Silicate Market: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/sodium-silicate-market-115268271.html About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 5000 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit Our Blog: http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/chemical Connect with us on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets SOURCE MarketsandMarkets NEW DELHI, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The progressive minds of the real estate industry came together to pave a road map to sustainable and technologically driven spaces. It was a summit packed with knowledge, industry insight and offered a holistic view and understanding of the entire ecosystem, across the globe. The summit stood witness to the coming together of great minds and awarding some of the greatest projects. The Smart Green Summit & Awards, an initiative by ET Edge, was held on 27th April, 2018 at Taj Diplomatic Enclave, New Delhi. The summit included multi-faceted conference where international and national keynote speakers shared their expertise to an audience of over 500 top-notch developers, architects, designers, government officials, sustainable experts, and other architecture and design related executives who have dedicatedly worked towards creating sustainable living places. Pioneers like Rahul Kadri, Frven Lim, Chin Theo Chong, Manit Rastogi, Pradeep Nair, Prof. Robin Drogemuller, Martha Thorne, Angelene Chan, Ar. K Jaisim, Boman Irani, Chhavi Rajawat, Dr. Prabhat Rahangdale, O.P. Agarwal, Paritosh Gupta, Prem Chandavarkar, Prof. Dr. P.S.N. Rao, Sreeram Ananthasayanam, Sanjay Seth and Satish Gokhale shed light on design, technology, material and policy segments of the space. Mr. Manit Rastogi, Founder Partner, Morphogenesis, India said, "We must look in our own industrious past to cull out a better future." Mr. Rahul Kadri, Principal Architect, I.M. Kadri Architects remarked, "Incredulous master plans and a rigid policy framework limits the effective planning and diversification of living places, suitable to the need of the present hour. Too much centralized planning and the general attitude of urban planning in India does not work for the many millions." Mr. Venkat Subramanian, Regional CEO - Construction Products India and Managing Director, Gyproc India gave the welcome address to start the summit. Mr. Subramanian expressed his pleasure at presenting the 3rd Smart Green Summit & Awards, in association with the Economic Times. He said, "The Smart Green Summit & Awards reflects our deep commitment to the green cause through recognizing green crusaders and helping channelize the fraternity's collective and collaborative efforts to ensure the future of habitat is in safe hands." He spoke about the agenda and mentioned the interesting line-up of speakers divided in four segments - design, technology, material and policy. The vote of thanks was given by A R Unnikrishnan, Director - sales and marketing, Saint-Gobain India Pvt Ltd - Glass Business. He said, "As we come to the last leg of the summit, it is our pleasure to thank all those involved and all the participants, eminent speakers, expert jury members and the advisory body." He added, "When we were putting the summit together we wanted to bring the best minds of the ecosystem together and that indeed has given us valuable and deep insight for the future and left us with immense hope and possibilities the future holds. We would like to continue our efforts and revive the summit again to celebrate the best solutions towards sustainability and smart living." The event concluded with awarding some of the most thoughtful and sustainable projects undertaken in this space. Elaborating on the summit and awards, Mr. Deepak Lamba, President - Times Strategic Solutions, said, "We are glad to have been a part of and bring to all this great summit that has brought together the crusaders of sustainability under one roof. Great solutions towards sustainable living have emanated from the summit and passionate efforts have been recognized and awarded. We wish to take the narrative further and continue to strive for sustainability." List of Advisory Board members for the Summit: - Angelene Chan, CEO, DP Architects, Singapore - Dhanajaye Dake, Principal Architect, Construction Catalysers - George Ferguson, Former Mayor of Bristol - Hitesh Vaidya, Country Manager - India, UN Habitat - Manit Rastogi, Founder Partner, Morphogenesis - Michael Foley, Founder, Foley Designs - S. Sridhar, Chairman, IHF List of Jury members for the Smart Green Awards: - Abha Narain Lambah - Principal Architect, Abha Narain Lambah Associates - Ar. J P Agarwal, Principal Architect, Agarwal & Agarwal Architects - B. Santhanam, Managing Director, Saint-Gobain Glass India Ltd. - Boman Irani, Managing Director, Rustomjee Developers - Deepak S. Parekh, Chairman, Housing Development Finance Corporation, India - Dr Mahavir, Dean, School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) - Delhi - Jayantha Perera, Principal Architect, Architect Jayantha Perera, Sri Lanka - Michael Foley, Founder, Foley Designs - Niranjan Khatri, Founder, iSambhav - Prem Chandavarkar, Managing Partner, CnT Architects - Sanjay Prakash, Principal Architect, Shift: Studio for Habitat Futures - Utpal Deka - National Team Leader - Capacity Building for Urban Development in India, Ministry of Urban Development - India For more information, please visit http://www.smartgreen.in/ About ET Edge: Times Strategic Solutions Ltd., functional under the brand name ET Edge, is an Economic Times initiative founded to empower multiple industries and segments by sharing critical business knowledge through focused exhibitions and strategic conferences and summits. Encompassing business vistas, ET Edge strives to bring together visionaries and key leaders on its knowledge platforms to create a social and business environment conducive to the positive changes required by the industry. The main aim of this initiative is to channel global business intelligence through exhibitions, summits and conferences in overarching lectures, hands-on workshops, panels, roundtables, case studies and more. Media Contact : Dimple Jain [email protected] +91-9819910819 Crosshairs Communication SOURCE ET Edge NEW DELHI, May 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The third International Hospitality Day was celebrated across India and the world by hoteliers and hospitality professionals on 24th April 2018. Delighted to have a day dedicated to their passion and dedication, hospitality professionals celebrated the day with recognitions and discussions about the education and the business of hospitality. International Hospitality Day was initiated in 2016 by the International Hospitality Council (IHC), London and Dr. Suborno Bose, hospitality evangelist, Chief Mentor of International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) and CEO and Convenor of IHC, London. The objective was to dedicate one day in the year to the Hospitality industry and Celebrate, Promote and Educate in Hospitality. "International Hospitality Day brings together all the professionals who work in this industry throughout the world under one umbrella of the International Hospitality Council (IHC) and celebrate the success of this industry. This year over 50 countries around the world are celebrating this amazing day," said Dr Suborno Bose on the occasion. Iconic Chef, Padma Shri Sanjeev Kapoor said on the occasion, "IIHM has set a new benchmark in hospitality on International Hospitality Day." (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/686884/IHD_Celebration_Kolkata.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/686883/IHD_Celebration_Delhi.jpg ) The day was celebrated through various interesting and inspiring programmes organised by IIHM at eight of its centres, pan-India. Panel discussions were organised by the centres in collaboration with five-star hotel addresses in Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Goa and Guwahati. Stalwarts from the hospitality industry came together at panel discussions held at these prestigious addresses to impart motivating ideas and experiences and to discuss the future of the industry. The discussions also inspired the younger generation to join this wonderful industry. "I am pleased that IIHM in coordination with the IHC, London has initiated this International Hospitality Day on 24th of April," said Ranju Alex, General Manager, JW Marriot, Kolkata. Samrat Datta, the General Manager of Taj Bengal, Kolkata also felt proud about this day, "It's great to have a day dedicated to us hoteliers." "We must tell the world about the opportunities, the jobs, learning and studying together and getting to understand one another through the medium of food and hospitality," said Prof David Foskett, the Chairman of the IHC. Representatives of various nations congratulated the IHC and IIHM on this unique initiative. Damiano Francovigh, Italian Consul-General said, "I wish all success to this initiative launched by IIHM and the IHC. It's great to have 50 countries come together to celebrate this initiative in Kolkata and across the world." Bruce Bucknell, the Hon'ble British Deputy High Commissioner, said, "I am delighted to see that this initiative by IHC and IIHM is taking place." The Ambassador of Thailand to India, Chutintorn Sam Gongsakdi took the opportunity to remind everyone of the core Indian value of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' - which means 'Guest is God' and International Hospitality Day is a reminder of this value." Roll of Honours: Like previous years, the highlight of International Hospitality Day 2018 was the recognition of contributions and hard work by hospitality professionals around the world. The leading hotel brands around India identified one hardworking and dedicated staffs who has contributed outstandingly to the hotel and to the industry in keeping with principle of 'Service with a Smile'. The awards were presented jointly by the IHC and IIHM. The stalwarts of the industry are also awarded for their outstanding contributions on this day. This year, Ritesh Agarwal, the Founder of OYO Rooms was awarded 'Entrepreneur of The Year'. Rajen Bali, Editor of 'Windows On Travel' magazine, was presented the Award of Excellence this year. The Hall of Fame Award will also be given away in a few days. The recipient's name will be announced at the time of the award. Last year this award was presented to Mr Ratan Tata, former Chairman, Tata Sons. Hospitality Goodwill Tour: The third International Hospitality Day was marked by another landmark event. Three families set off from Pune, Delhi and Ahmedabad on the Hospitality Goodwill Tour. The families set off on a road trip from India to London. The trip will take over two months and the hospitality ambassadors will cross 13 different countries on the way including Nepal, China, Tibet, Turkmenistan, Iran, Turkey, Greece, Italy, France and the UK. About IIHM IIHM (International Institute of Hotel Management) is the largest chain of premier hospitality and hotel management schools across India that started its journey in 1994 at Kolkata. IIHM is a part of Indismart Group, the conglomerate that operates the Indismart Hotels. IIHM campuses are located across eight national and international cities with the associate institute IAM-IHM located in Kolkata, Goa and Guwahati. Students passing out of IIHM are armed with an international degree from the University of West London and equipped with global hospitality skills that enable easy placements in any hospitality brand across the world. IIHM is dedicated to its pursuit of excellence in teaching and placements. Real time experience is the key to success in hospitality and that makes the institute popular. In recent years, IIHM has been instrumental in organizing the Young Chef Olympiad, a unique idea and initiative inviting young culinary talents across the world to participate in the biggest cookery reality shows of all times. The countdown has already begun for the fourth edition, Young Chef Olympiad 2018, slated to take place from January 28 to February 2. The institute has bagged several prestigious awards in the past 24 years. The list includes the Best Education Brand Award from Economic Times in 2017. IIHM was also awarded as one among the World's Greatest Brands & Leaders 2015-16 by URS International (IMEA - Process Reviewer PriceWaterhouseCoopers PL) and also received the Best Institute in Hospitality Education 2017 Award by Assocham from Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Hon'ble Minister of State for HRD (Higher Education), Govt. of India. For more information, please visit: http://www.iihm.ac.in Media Contact: Abdullah Ahmed [email protected] +91-1143204700 Director International Institute of Hotel Management SOURCE International Institute of Hotel Management Middle East under development with future growth planned for Europe and beyond WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Venture X, the premium membership-based workspace and community for entrepreneurs and businesses is now expanding around the world with agreements in place for development in the Middle East and North Africa. This significant expansion follows the company's initial international foray into Canada in 2017, and subsequent plans for additional Canadian expansion in 2018. Anticipated growth is expected next in South America, Europe and the Far East. Seven Venture X locations have opened already with another 29 being developed in the United States and Canada. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/687912/Venture_X_Logo.jpg Master License Partner Saleh Al Aroud will have the rights to develop the Venture X brand in the Middle East and North Africa area, which is comprised of Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Armenia, Cyprus, and Turkey. Venture X is a shared workspace and community that is a blend of boutique hotel and modern office styles with a high level of design that feels professional and welcoming. The beautiful workspaces provide an environment and community that people love coming to work to every day. Memberships come with concierge-level services in amenity rich spaces that include high-tech meeting rooms, high-speed internet, 24/7 keycard access, events focused on social, educational, cultural, and entrepreneurial themes, a centralize cafe & lounge that serve as a hub for collaboration and community activates all to help businesses grow and develop meaningful relationships and an exclusive online platform that connects members to all other Venture X members globally. "The demand for our workspaces has been phenomenal and this global expansion reflects just how popular we have become, both domestically and internationally," said Tom Weber, brand president of Venture X. "We will also soon be expanding in Australia, South America, Europe and the Far East so this is definitely an exciting time to see expediential, successful growth." Venture X is meeting the growing global demand for flexible workspace. JLL projects 30 percent of all commercial office space will be consumed as flexible space by 2030 which is a 10-time increase from its current standing of 2.7 percent. Shared workspaces have grown at an incredible rate of 200 percent over the past five years. In global cities like London, New York and Chicago they are expanding at an annual rate of 20 percent, making co-working an institutional part of the market. "We are honored by the faith placed in us by Mr. Aroud in joining us in our journey to provide a Venture X in every major city around the world where members can connect, be inspired, improve their businesses and experience fulfilled rich lives in doing what they love," said David Diamond, Venture X Founder. ABOUT VENTURE X Venture X is a shared workspace and community that is a blend of boutique hotel and modern office styles with a high level of design that feels professional and welcoming. We are designing beautiful spaces and developing an environment and community that people love coming to work to every day. Founded in 2012 by entrepreneurs, father and son, David and Brett Diamond, Venture X has been recognized by Inc. as one of the best co-working spaces in the United States. For more information, visit www.VentureX.com ABOUT UFG "The Global Leader for Entrepreneurs." United Franchise Group is a group of affiliated companies and brands. Led by CEO Ray Titus, United Franchise Group is home to a variety of internationally recognized brands including Signarama, Fully Promoted, Experimac, Jon Smith Subs, Venture X, SuperGreen Solutions, Transworld Business Advisors and The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill. With over three decades in the franchising industry and more than 1400 franchisees throughout the world, United Franchise Group offers unprecedented leadership and solid business opportunities for entrepreneurs. MEDIA CONTACTS : Peyton Sadler 305.631.2283 [email protected] Related Links http://www.venturex.com SOURCE Venture X Issuing to first time card users across Vietnam, VPB FC has a unique challenge where cardholders in far-flung provinces sometimes receive the physical card almost 15 days post approval . To bridge this, VPB FC has created this unique digital card solution - ' MPlus+ Card '. Securely delivered to cardholder's registered mobile immediately upon card approval, MPlus+ enables cardholders to make online payment instantly. Mr. Kalidas Ghose, CEO of VPB FC said, "As a market leader, VPB FC aims to be the issuer of choice for mass-market customers. MPlus+ Card is another example of this endeavour." Mr. Nimish Dwivedi, Credit Card Business Center Director of VPB FC continued, "Our objective is to create unique solutions for unique problems. Today customers seek immediate gratification; hence MPlus+ Card, is a distinct digital card delivery solution that powers card usage even before they receive their physical card." Mr. Arn Vogels, Country Manager, MasterCard, "We are very excited with the launch of the MPlus+ program, the first digital delivery of a credit card in Vietnam. The key benefit is that consumers will be able to start making online purchases and enjoy MasterCard offers immediately, whilst the delivery of the card will take several days." About VPB FC A pioneer in Consumer Finance, VPB FC has established a solid foundation to become the market leader of the unsecured consumer loans & credit cards market. VPB FC currently provides consumer finance services such as personal loans, two-wheeler loans, consumer durable loans and credit cards. VPB FC has served nearly 7 million customers, co-operating with 7,000 partners across 11,000 Points of Sale (POS) nationwide. For more information, please contact: Marketing Center, VPBank Finance Company Limited (VPB FC) -- VPB FC Address: Level 2, REE Tower, No. 9 Doan Van Bo, Ward 12, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City Phone: (028) 3911 5212 Email: [email protected] Website: www.fecredit.com.vn Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20180504/2124463-1 SOURCE FE CREDIT HAMILTON, Bermuda, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Government announces three major developments (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/687395/Government_of_Bermuda_Logo.jpg ) The Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, Premier and Minister of Finance of Bermuda, has announced three significant developments in the island's economy over the last few days: 1. SS&P Global Ratings has upgraded its outlook on Bermuda to be positive and also affirmed Bermuda's A+ long-term sovereign credit and senior unsecured debt ratings as well as it's a-1 short-term ratings and its AA+ and convertibility assessment. This is the first outlook upgrade by a leading credit agency in Bermuda's financial rating since 2010. The revised outlook follows a period of positive real economic growth, and expectations of a continuing trend for the next two years, combined with a narrowing of the fiscal deficit. 2. Bermuda has launched a series of initiatives to define a 'third pillar', in the form of fintech and virtual currency capabilities, in its economy alongside insurance/reinsurance and related financial services and tourism. The first public announcement is of a strategic partnership with Binance Group, an international leader in digital exchange development and fintech, with a market capitalisation of US$1.3bn. Binance proposes to a) develop its compliance base in Bermuda, creating at least 40 jobs; b) sponsor university-level training for Bermudians in blockchain technology development and compliance in an amount up to US$10 million, and to make US$5million available for investment in new Bermuda based blockchain companies. As soon as practicable, the intention is to develop a Digital Asset Exchange in Bermuda subject to all required legal and regulatory processes. 3. Similarly, Bermuda signed an MOU with Medici Ventures which was formed to incubate, launch, and invest in blockchain investments in the most fundamental processes such as blockchain-meets-land-titling, blockchain-meets-central-banking, blockchain-meets-capital-markets, blockchain-meets-voting, and blockchain-meets-healthcare. Medici Ventures will a) make Bermuda its laboratory for the most leading edge blockchain innovations coming out of its stable of a dozen blockchain firms; b) create at least 30 jobs in Bermuda over three years; c) as soon as practicable, develop a Security Token Trading Platform in Bermuda subject to all required legal and regulatory processes; and d) Focus its social contribution in Bermuda on nurturing a proper pipeline for creating basic, intermediate, and advanced software development engineers. Contacts Kimberley Durrant London Office, Government of Bermuda +44(0)20-7518-9900 Simon Brocklebank-Fowler Firehouse Communications +44(0)7717-393772 SOURCE Government of Bermuda With Nintex technology, MAN Diesel & Turbo is automating its paper-based processes which the company estimates will save more than 500,000 annually once deployed company-wide BELLEVUE, Washington, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Nintex, the world's leader in intelligent process automation (IPA), has recognised MAN Diesel & Turbo with a 2018 Nintex Solution Innovation Award for successfully transforming company-wide HR requests and approval processes with the Nintex Platform. Enterprise organisations around the world turn to the Nintex Platform to automate, orchestrate, and optimise business processes including MAN Diesel & Turbo who is successfully transforming company-wide HR requests and approval processes. Learn more at Nintex.com. MAN Diesel & Turbo turned to Nintex App Studio, Nintex Forms, and Nintex Workflow to digitally transform its HR processes and beyond by automating traditionally paper-based requests that require the completion of a form as well as signature. With Nintex, MAN Diesel & Turbo is automating all its business processes requiring signature approvals which the company estimates will save more than 500,000 annually once deployed company-wide. "There is a process for everything at MAN Diesel & Turbo and most processes involve a form of some kind," says Fernando Nunes, systems consultant at MAN Diesel & Turbo. "Nintex is keeping our organisation moving forward by saving us a tremendous amount of money while automating these processes which makes our employees very happy." Before Nintex, requests and approval processes at MAN Diesel & Turbo were manual and time-consuming, requiring employees to print, sign, and scan a form numerous times before it could be submitted to HR or the applicable department. With Nintex solutions, an employee now uploads the applicable document, completes a Nintex Form specifying the signers and receivers, and submits the request. Once submitted, all signatories receive a sign-task request which when completed adds a signature stamp at the end of the document. The completed document is sorted into the organization's archiving system and the employee is notified of the approval status. "We're pleased to recognize MAN Diesel & Turbo for its innovation in process automation," says Nintex Chief Customer Officer Josh Waldo. "By automating processes in HR and across departments, the company is creating greater efficiencies while improving its overall employee experience MAN Diesel & Turbo employees now can spend more time on strategic work and less time bogged down in manual processes." The Nintex Solutions Awards were designed to recognise organisations who have demonstrated excellence in process automation by successfully using capabilities within the Nintex Platform. Today thousands of enterprises worldwide across industries such as financial services, health and life sciences, advanced manufacturing, government and others, turn to the Nintex Platform every day to automate, orchestrate, and optimize simple to sophisticated business processes. Nunes will join Nintex at the Intelligent Automation Week in Chicago, July 30 through August 2, 2018, where he will share his company's digital transformation success story with attendees. To learn more about how enterprises are using Nintex to automate processes across departments, see use cases on Nintex.com. Media Contact Kristin Treat kristin.treat@nintex.com cell: (215) 317-9091 About Nintex Nintex is the world's leader in intelligent process automation (IPA) with more than 7,500 enterprise clients and 1,700 partners in 90 countries who have built and published millions of workflow applications. With its unmatched breadth of capability and platform support delivered by unique architectural capabilities, Nintex empowers the line of business and IT departments to quickly automate, orchestrate and optimise hundreds of manual processes to progress on the journey to digital transformation. Nintex Workflow Cloud, the company's cloud platform, connects with all content repositories, systems of record, and people to consistently fuel successful business outcomes. Visit www.nintex.com to learn more. Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/257450/nintex_logo.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/687410/MAN_Diesel_Solution_process_with_Nintex.jpg Related Links http://www.nintex.com SOURCE Nintex KALAMAZOO, Michigan, USA, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the expanded indication in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February, Stryker's Trevo Retriever has received CE marking as a front-line treatment for patients experiencing acute ischemic stroke up to 24 hours from symptom onset, increasing the treatment window by 18 hours. "The 24-hour indication opens the treatment window to patients whose stroke would previously have progressed until all the brain tissue surrounding the affected arteries was dead, leaving them with a life of significant disabilities," said Dr. Raul Nogueira of Grady Memorial Hospital and Emory University. "These patients now have a much better chance for an independent life without disability." Stryker's Trevo Retriever is the first and only thrombectomy device to receive FDA clearance, and now a CE marking, to significantly reduce disability in patients up to 24 hours from symptom onset. Until now, mechanical thrombectomy devices like the Trevo Retriever were only cleared for use up to six hours from symptom onset leaving a significant population of stroke patients ineligible to receive treatment. However, recent randomized clinical data from the Stryker-sponsored DAWN Trial shows that patients presenting in the six- to 24-hour window who meet specific imaging criteria and are treated with the Trevo Retriever are almost four times as likely to be functionally independent at 90 days post-stroke, compared to those treated with medical management alone.1 "Along with the expanded indication in the U.S., this expanded indication for Trevo in Europe marks a significant milestone in the treatment of stroke patients who suffer from this disease," said Mark H. Paul, president of Stryker's Neurovascular division. "We believed this future was possible, which is why we invested in the DAWN Trial. Through our dedication to help patients suffering from ischemic stroke, we are living our mission to make healthcare better." "This is a big step forward, expanding the proportion of eligible patients for mechanical thrombectomy," said Prof. Urs Fischer, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Bern, Switzerland. "For patients with a stroke of an unknown time of symptom onset or a wake-up stroke, a new therapeutic option is now available. However, mechanical thrombectomy should still be performed as quickly as possible, as numerous studies have shown that stroke patients treated early after symptom onset have a better outcome than patients treated late." The Trevo Retriever was used exclusively in the DAWN Trial and was included in the DEFUSE 3 study producing the largest cohort of data for a single device across the two late window stroke trials that led to the recent updates to the American Heart Association (AHA)/American Stroke Association (ASA) guidelines. Based on the depth of clinical evidence, stent retrievers like the Trevo Retriever are recommended as the standard of care for stroke patients experiencing a large artery blockage by the AHA's Stroke Guidelines.2 "FDA clearance and CE approval of the Trevo Retriever have effectively quadrupled the treatment window from zero-six hours to zero-24 hours from time last seen well. Nonetheless, every minute still matters because in each individual patient, the earlier the blood flow is restored to the brain, the lower the resultant burden of permanent brain damage. Therefore, it is still imperative that all caregivers in the stroke pathway from EMS to emergency room physicians to stroke neurologists to interventionalists continue to deliver the fastest and most workflow-efficient treatment of stroke," said Dr. Tudor Jovin, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. About the Trevo Retriever The Trevo Retriever is a tiny stent-shaped medical device that is attached to a thin wire. In a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes X-ray, the physician navigates the retriever from the femoral artery, which is located in the upper leg, to the blocked blood artery in the brain. The retriever is designed to ensnare the blood clot and remove it from the body. An animation of Stryker's Trevo Retriever is available here: https://youtu.be/PxcERzyI67I About Ischemic Stroke3,4,5,6 An ischemic stroke occurs when an artery in the brain becomes blocked by a blood clot or other substance such as plaque, a fatty material. Blood vessels carry blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body and to the brain. When the brain is deprived of blood and oxygen, it fails to work properly. Depending on the severity of the stroke and the area of the brain affected, loss of brain function or death may occur. Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke, accounting for 87% of stroke cases. Each year, 17 million people in the world suffer a stroke and 6.5 million people die from a stroke. About Stryker Stryker is one of the world's leading medical technology companies and, together with its customers, is driven to make healthcare better. The company offers innovative products and services in Orthopaedics, Medical and Surgical, and Neurotechnology and Spine that help improve patient and hospital outcomes. More information is available at www.stryker.com. Media contact Heather Morrison Inprela +1 612 677 2023 heather@inprela.com Nogueira R.G. et. al. Thrombectomy 6 to 24 Hours after Stroke with a Mismatch between Deficit and Infarc. November 11, 2017 , at NEJM.org Powers, W.J. et. al. 2018 Guidelines for the Early Management of Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Guideline for Healthcare Professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. January 30, 2018 , at stroke.ahajournals.org American stroke association / www.strokeassociation.org Mahon S, et al. Primary prevention of stroke and cardiovascular disease in the community (PREVENTS): Methodology of a health wellness coaching intervention to reduce stroke and cardiovascular disease risk, a randomized clinical trial. International Journal of Stroke, 2017;0(0):1-10. Saver, JL. Time Is Brain. Quantified. Stroke, 2006;37:263-6. Sudha S, et al. The Lifetime Risk of Stroke. Estimated From the Framingham Study. Stroke, 2006;37:345-50. Related Links http://www.stryker.com SOURCE Stryker GMUND AM TEGERNSEE, Germany and HONG KONG, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- - Pulsating cosmopolitan cities and luxury resorts with flair targeted - Luxury jewelry brand successful in Europe and the US with 120 sales points - Investor specializing in luxury and lifestyle supports expansion course - Cross reference: Picture is available at AP Images (http://www.apimages.com ) - TAMARA COMOLLI Fine Jewelry GmbH, Gmund am Tegernsee, is aiming to achieve global growth with the Naga Group of Hong Kong, that specializes in expertise and growth capital for developing luxury and lifestyle brands. As part of the planned expansion the Naga Group, led by Damien Dernoncourt, is acquiring a majority share in TAMARA COMOLLI Fine Jewelry GmbH as a strategic partner. Founded by Tamara Comolli in 1992, the company is a successful German fine jewelry brand. TAMARA COMOLLI has seven boutiques of its own and approx. 120 points of sale in Europe and the US. TAMARA COMOLLI epitomizes casual luxury, and is known for its distinctive design coupled with a philosophy attuned to the spirit of the times and for its exceptional "Color Stories" in precious stones. Damien Dernoncourt: "We have uncovered a rare gem in Tamara Comolli!" "Now we can take the next step in the growth of our brand with a partner by our side who is experienced in our sector and financially strong," says Tamara Comolli, who will focus on design and brand development as Creative Director and Executive Chairwoman. "We will target the world's great pulsating cities, luxury resorts with flair with a strong focus on the USA. Damien Dernoncourt and his team of professionals can make a significant contribution to this process with their expertise in the jewelry business and knowledge of the markets gained with their work for John Hardy," Tamara Comolli emphasizes. "As an investor, we have uncovered a rare gem in Tamara Comolli. She has proved the potential of her brand and the TAMARA COMOLLI Collection on the international stage, not only in Europe but also in the USA. Tamara Comolli is one of the most impressive entrepreneurs I have met in the jewelry business," says Damien Dernoncourt, who manages the Naga Group and as CEO quadrupled sales of the Bali-based jewelry brand John Hardy from 18 to 76 million euros from 2003 to 2014. About TAMARA COMOLLI Fine Jewelry GmbH: TAMARA COMOLLI Fine Jewelry GmbH, founded by Tamara Comolli in 1992 in Gmund am Tegernsee, epitomizes casual luxury and is known for its distinctive design and its exceptional "Color Stories" with precious stones. The jewelry is made in a proprietary goldsmith's studio in Rottach-Egern and a factory in Milan. The TAMARA COMOLLI Collection is available in seven proprietary boutiques (Rottach-Egern am Tegernsee, Munich, Kampen on Sylt, Marbella, the Hamptons, Palm Beach and soon in Forte dei Marmi), as well as in 120 sales points in Europe and the USA. With its 70 employees TAMARA COMOLLI is one of the successful German brands for luxury jewelry. https://www.tamaracomolli.com About the Naga Group, Hong Kong: The Naga Group is a holding company recently set up in Hong Kong with the goal of supporting companies in the lifestyle and luxury segment through expertise and capital. Under the management of Damien Dernoncourt, an investment has already been made in Talika Cosmetics, Paris, as an initial transaction. TAMARA COMOLLI represents the second equity participation of the NAGA Group. http://www.nagagroup.com Media contact: Tobias M. Weitzel BSK Becker+Schreiner Kommunikation GmbH Tel.: +49-(0)-2154-81-22-16 Mobile: +49-(0)-177-721-576-0 email: weitzel@kommunikation-bsk.de SOURCE TAMARA COMOLLI Fine Jewelry GmbH To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8319051-volvo-trucks-volvo-cars-traffic-alert/ The passenger-car version of Connected Safety was launched by Volvo Cars in 2016. With Volvo Trucks now rolling out its version of the service, trucks and cars are able to alert each other to potential hazards. This is possible because the two companies share safety-related data between their respective clouds. "Expanded cooperation between different players is one of the most important keys to improved road safety. If more vehicles are able to exchange real-time information about the traffic situation, it will lower the risk of accidents. With Connected Safety we are opening the door to the future, with the hope that more vehicle manufacturers will join in," says Carl Johan Almqvist, Traffic and Product Safety Director at Volvo Trucks. Connected Safety was developed to send out alerts to nearby vehicles connected to the service whenever a driver activates the vehicle's hazard warning lights. "A vehicle standing still by the roadside in poor visibility risks being hit from the rear, which can have severe consequences. An alert issued well in advance gives all drivers of nearby cars and trucks the same opportunity to reduce speed, adjust their driving to the traffic situation and avoid a collision," explains Carl Johan Almqvist. In the longer term, the cloud-based service can be expanded with additional safety-enhancing functions. "As the technology undergoes further refinement and more vehicles are linked to the system, real-time information will become an important complement to the various intelligent safety and driver support systems found in our trucks today. Connected Safety marks the start of a new phase in our ongoing drive to promote safe driving and prevent accidents," says Emanuele Piga, Director Customer Solutions & New Services Development at Volvo Trucks. Volvo Trucks will initially introduce Connected Safety on new trucks in Sweden and Norway, where both Volvo Trucks and Volvo Cars account for a significant proportion of annual new-vehicle registrations. Facts, Volvo Trucks Connected Safety Here ' s how Connected Safety works: When the hazard warning lights are switched on, the truck sends a signal via the driver's Internet-connected mobile phone to Volvo Trucks' cloud service. From there the information is forwarded to the corresponding service at Volvo Cars. An alert is then transmitted to all connected cars and trucks approaching the location of the vehicle whose hazard lights have been activated. When the hazard warning lights are switched on, the truck sends a signal via the driver's Internet-connected mobile phone to Volvo Trucks' cloud service. From there the information is forwarded to the corresponding service at Volvo Cars. An alert is then transmitted to all connected cars and trucks approaching the location of the vehicle whose hazard lights have been activated. The system will be available in Sweden and Norway during 2018. Connected Safety is applicable to the Volvo FH16, Volvo FH, Volvo FM and Volvo FMX equipped with Volvo Trucks' integrated system for services and infotainment, depending on the truck's specification and choice of services. and during 2018. Connected Safety is applicable to the Volvo FH16, Volvo FH, Volvo FM and Volvo FMX equipped with Volvo Trucks' integrated system for services and infotainment, depending on the truck's specification and choice of services. Volvo Cars offers Connected Safety with all new Volvo XC60, Volvo XC90, Volvo XC40, Volvo S90, Volvo V60 and Volvo V90 models. Direct link to images in high resolution Press images are available in the Volvo Trucks image gallery at http://images.volvotrucks.com Volvo Trucks provides complete transport solutions for professional and demanding customers, and offers a full range of medium to heavy duty trucks. Customer support is secured via a global network of 2,000 dealers and workshops in more than 120 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 15 countries across the globe. In 2016, more than 102,800 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of Volvo Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks, buses and construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The Group also provides solutions for financing and service. Volvo's work is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care. For further information, please contact: Fredrik Klevenfeldt, Director Public Relations and Social Media Volvo Trucks Tel: +46-31-322-11- 06; email: fredrik.klevenfeldt@volvo.com (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/686579/Volvo_Trucks_Connected.jpg ) Video: https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8319051-volvo-trucks-volvo-cars-traffic-alert/ SOURCE Volvo Trucks Our expanded footprint in the U.S. will allow us to even better serve our customers nationwide, says Mario Herndl, CEO of TGW Systems With orders for TGW Logistics Groups technological innovations, advanced goods-to-person solutions and extended service portfolio having significantly increased in the past 12 months, the company has announced the opening of two new offices in the U.S. to deliver even higher levels of customer service. Strategically located in Seattle and Atlanta, these new locations join the companys existing operations in Grand Rapids and Spring Lake, Michigan, and a 170,000 square foot manufacturing expansionalso in Spring Lake, Michigan. Our expanded footprint in the U.S. will allow us to even better serve our customers nationwide, says Mario Herndl, CEO of TGW Systems. Here in the U.S., our order increase over the previous year vastly exceeded our expectations, and we have increased our workforce by more than 35%. These two additional locations enable our team to be even closer to customers on the west and east coasts. The rapid growth of TGWs American subsidiary is no coincidence, he continues, noting that the companys innovative handling solutions are designed to meet any customer needs in the core markets of apparel, grocery and general merchandise. To that end, both locations will support sales, project quoting and specialized engineering activities, as well as house controls specialists, remote service teams and technical personnel. As a self-contained solutions provider and system integrator, we have focused on bringing innovative technologies tailored to the American market. Everything our customers require for their material handling needs is provided by TGW, including all components, Herndl adds. Adding these two locations is just another step in our lengthy list of planned investments in our U.S. operations throughout this year. We are excited to establish these new locations for our expanded teams, adds Alex Ruch, Director of Human Resources for TGW Systems. Both cities not only give us a footprint closer to current and prospective customers, but also represent two major metropolitan areas with strong engineering and logistics communities. Further, these two regions are home to top-tier universities that are continuously graduating world-class talent familiar with cutting-edge technologies. Having access to that base of potential new hires will help TGW accomplish its hiring goals of adding another 100 employees over the next 12 months, Ruch notes. (Open positions are posted at http://www.tgw-group.com/en/jobs) # # # http://www.tgw-group.com About TGW Logistics Group: TGW Logistics Group is a global leading systems provider of highly dynamic, automated and turnkey logistics solutions. Since 1969 the company has been implementing different logistics solutions, from small material handling applications to complex logistics centers. With approximately 3,000 employees worldwide, the Group implements logistics solutions for leading companies in various industries. In the business year 2016/17, the TGW Logistics Group generated sales revenues of $1 billion U.S. Contact: Andy Lockhart Vice President Sales, Integrated Systems TGW Systems, Inc. 3001 Orchard Vista Drive SE, Suite 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 T: 231.798.4547 E-mail: andy.lockhart@tgw-group.com E-mail: usinfo@tgw-group.com Press contact: Lynn Metzger Business Development Manager, Integrated Systems TGW Systems, Inc. 3001 Orchard Vista Drive SE, Suite 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 T: 231.798.4547 E-mail: lynn.metzger@tgw-group.com Battle Of Armageddon is the creation of published author, Kevin King. Kevin King graduated from Griffin High School in 1985. He went to Western Illinois University where he learned he had a God-given talents for his craft. He has had two novels published and one re-published. He has also had several poems published. In 2015, he won the Professional of the Year Award in Popular Fiction from Worldwide Branding. The Sinjen brothers blamed the death of their father who died as martyr on Ted Douglas and his family. They vowed to kill Ted Douglas and this family for what they did to their father. --Kevin King Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Kevin Kings new book is a tale about the ultimate war. People have the choice to either follow Satan and his evil or turn things around. They have the choice to embrace and create the world God intended mankind to live in. It is, however, only when they choose good that they can defeat evil. Only when people choose to defeat evil will peace finally come to Earth. Battle Of Armageddon follows the story of Polish immigrant Tim Miller and his descendants as they experience the horrors of modern conflicts from the Great War to the Battle of Armageddon. View a synopsis of Battle Of Armageddon on YouTube. Consumers can purchaseBattle Of Armageddon at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about Battle Of Armageddon, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Reboot Nation: A Guide to the Internet for the Technically Challenged: help for those who want to improve their connection to the world. Reboot Nation: A Guide to the Internet for the Technically Challenged is the creation of published author, Steven Grabiel. Steven is a provider of Internet connections to clients in rural New Mexico. He mostly provides fixed wireless and fiber-optic connections. Steven hosts a weekly Internet radio show, http://www.ispradio.com, which focuses on topics relevant to his industry. Some of the people I serve tell me that they are technologically illiterate. They are smart people, but they are not interested in the geek-speak technological terminology. If that describes you, then this book is for you. My goal is to empower the self-proclaimed technologically illiterate reader with a basic understanding of the technologies that provide fast Internet, what they could expect to pay for each service, who typically provides the services, and who typically will buy the services. Some locations have many fast Internet options available and some do not. After reading this guide, you will be able to discern the differences between the various ways fast Internet is delivered to your location. --Steven Grabiel Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Steven Grabiels new book Reboot Nation: A Guide to the Internet for the Technically Challenged outlines the different types of Internet connections available to todays consumers. Inside the pages of Reboot Nation are helpful tips and advice for the average consumer. Each piece of information will help consumers ensure their connections to the World Wide Web are fast and reliable. View a synopsis of Reboot Nation: A Guide to the Internet for the Technically Challenged on YouTube. Consumers can purchase Reboot Nation: A Guide to the Internet for the Technically Challenged at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about Reboot Nation: A Guide to the Internet for the Technically Challenged, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Qualis Health, one of the nation's leading population health management organizations, has announced that they have joined the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Portfolio Program (Portfolio Program). Physicians participating in quality improvement initiatives with Qualis Health who are Board Certified by one of 20 of the 24 ABMS Member Boards participating in the Portfolio Program may now receive Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Improvement in Medical Practice (Part IV) credit for their engagement in quality improvement work at their practice or clinic. Becoming a Portfolio Program Sponsor allows us to better meet the needs of the physicians with whom we work, said Jeff Hummel, MD, MPH, Qualis Healths Medical Director for Healthcare Informatics. Physician engagement is imperative to improving quality. Our participation in this program enables us make the approval process simpler for physicians so they can focus on quality improvement work. Hummel oversees a quality improvement initiative with primary care clinics to systematically screen for depression in diabetes patients. The initiative is an important component of Qualis Healths commitment to improve the health of patients with chronic conditions. We are pleased to have Qualis join our Portfolio Program and believe their physicians and patients alike will experience tangible benefit from their participation in the program, stated ABMS President and Chief Executive Officer Richard E. Hawkins, MD. Qualis Healths participation is an excellent example of how Board Certified physicians can obtain MOC credit for engaging in organizational improvement efforts important to their patients and their community. We are thrilled to be working with ABMS and its Portfolio Program to provide an extra incentive for physicians to participate in our projects, added Hummel. Offering MOC-eligible credits for this work is a win-win for physicians and patients. David W. Price, MD, FAAFP, FACEHP, Executive Director of the Portfolio Program, noted, Working with organizations like Qualis Health illustrates how the ABMS Boards Community, in partnership with a wide range of health care organizations, can impact patient safety and practice improvement. The activities developed by Qualis Health meet the high standards of the Portfolio Program and lend themselves to helping make significant, practical and sustained improvements to patient care. To learn more about how your organization can participate in the Qualis Health program, contact Jeff Hummel at jeffh(at)qualishealth(dot)org. For more information about participation in the Portfolio Program, visit the program website at mocportfolioprogram.org. About Qualis Health Qualis Health is one of the nations leading population health management organizations, and a leader in improving care delivery and patient outcomes, working with clients throughout the public and private sector to advance the quality, efficiency and value of healthcare for millions of people every day. We deliver solutions to ensure that our partners transform the care they provide, with a focus on process improvement, care management and effective use of health information technology. In April 2018, Qualis Health and HealthInsight announced a formal merger, combining the two organizations and operations across the U.S. Both Qualis Health and HealthInsight have been engaged in healthcare quality consulting and providing quality improvement services for more than 40 years. For more information, visit http://www.QualisHealth.org. About ABMS Established in 1933, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) continues to be the leading not-for-profit organization overseeing physician certification in the United States. ABMS establishes the standards its 24 Member Boards use to develop and implement educational and professional evaluation, assessment, and certification of physician specialists. More than 880,000 physicians are certified in one or more of the approved 39 specialties and 86 subspecialties offered by the ABMS Member Boards. For more information about ABMS, visit abms.org or call (312) 436-2600. For the second year, Global Voice Group S.A. (GVG) is the proud sponsor of the Transform Africa Summit (TAS), the Smart Africa Alliances flagship event, which has taken place in Kigali, Rwanda since 2013. The TAS was instituted to foster constructive conversation towards building a Smart Africa and facilitating the meeting of like-minded people, with a view to seeking policies and opportunities that will accelerate the continents progression towards socio-economic transformation. This fourth edition of the TAS will be held at the Kigali Conference Center, under the theme Accelerating Africa's Single Digital Market, from 7 to 10 May. It is expected to attract over 4000 participants, including Heads of State and Government, First Ladies, Ministers, international organizations, companies from the public and private sectors, industry leaders, entrepreneurs and academics, among others. The TAS 2018 will also feature the first Transform Africa Economic Forum, a Government-to-Business engagement which will take place on 7 May. The purpose of this forum is to provide Ministers and Cabinet Secretaries with a platform to discuss investment opportunities and areas of collaboration with a targeted audience of business leaders and high-net- worth investors. A team of delegates from GVG will attend the Summit, as a show of support to our companys esteemed partner, the Smart Africa Alliance. Indeed, last year, GVG and Smart Africa signed a Memorandum of Understanding, with a view to contributing to the development of a knowledge and information economy in Africa, while creating employment and improving accountability, efficiency and transparency through ICT. GVG will contribute to the TAS 2018 in the form of presentations focusing on the improvement of governance in Africa through Blockchain technology. Equipped with a cutting-edge technological portfolio encompassing digital revenue assurance and financial protection systems aimed at the telecom and financial service sectors, and with a strong commitment to empowering developing and emerging countries through these systems, GVG is very well positioned to engage with the participants in the TAS on the development of Africas single digital market. About Global Voice Group Founded in 1998 and present in more than 20 countries, with its main offices in Spain and South Africa, Global Voice Group (GVG) has rapidly grown to become a prominent provider of world-class IT solutions to governments and telecom regulatory authorities. We work with governments and state agencies across a number of critical areas, including: telecom regulatory oversight, digital financial services control, big data analytics, electronic control of taxes, revenue mobilization and overall governance optimization through Big Data technologies. The lobby at St. Louis's new luxury apartment community, Tribeca. Visitors can use TouchTour to search through floor plans across the building's six stories. Tribeca (tribeca-stl.com) is a brand new 160-unit smart tech luxury apartment complex in St. Louis. Nestled in between the campuses of SLU and Washington University, the building is receiving national acclaim for its groundbreaking design focused on fun, tech, and security - while remaining green and eco-friendly. The developers' emphasis on exceptional design extended to their choice of which emerging technologies to showcase. Resident comforts include two amenities not seen in any building in the Midwest - a swanky lounge with its own self-serve beer and wine tap system, and even a robotic butler capable of special deliveries. The digital presentation is key to Tribeca's image as St. Louis's premier luxury and tech-savvy community, as it's one of the first things that visitors see when they visit the property. Even before prospective residents sign up for a lease, they're greeted by a variety of visualization products by Denver-based tech company Engrain. In the lobby, Tribeca's TouchTour is presented on a 70" touchscreen panel. Visitors can use it to search through floor plans across the building's six stories, find nearby shopping and dining options, and browse the community's many amenities. Photo galleries feature rendered architect images of common spaces and apartment interiors, so that even before Tribeca officially opened, visitors could gain a virtual understanding of what to expect. Even now that the first two floors have moved in, the TouchTour is sure to continue to supplement the Tribeca property tour in a unique way. Tribeca's now-famous mailroom features another large flat screen displaying TouchTour Connect, which shows residents local weather, traffic, and community announcements. This software is also displayed on monitors throughout the building, from the fitness center to the pool deck and lounge. Further inquiries can be sent to pr@tribeca-stl.com. David Womack, President and CEO of Practice Management Institute (PMI), conveys the importance of an office manager within a private practice. Its important to recognize that the office manager may actually be the one who can make or break a private practice. The American Medical Association (AMA) has stepped forward to recognize and address the increasing struggle physicians are battling against burnout. David O. Barbe, M.D., M.H.A., and AMA President, explained that the increase in administrative burdens is leading many physicians to experience emotional fatigue.1 Some physicians are going so far as to cease private practices, and turn to health systems and organizations to provide the business management they need. The administration and management involved in a private practice can play a significant role in physician burnout, explains David Womack, President and CEO of Practice Management Institute (PMI). Its important to recognize that the office manager may actually be the one who can make or break a private practice. Research provided by The Center for Treatment of Anxiety and Mood Disorders showcases the increased stress among physicians, with approximately 1 in 3 doctors reported to be experiencing burnout. Almost half of all primary care physicians also say that, if they were financially able, they would quit their jobs. 2 Professionals such as Amy Boyer, MBA and a consultant with KarenZupko and Associates, Inc., points out the need for well-trained management within the health care industry. 3 Boyer describes successful managers as being able to embrace change including technological advances, market demands, differences in payer reimbursement, and even physician employment. Sadly, many within the health system management are ill-prepared for the job at hand. While physicians must undergo rigorous training, those managing their practices often have little to no formal instruction although they maintain a vital role within the business. Womack is helping to lift the burden on physicians and those within the medical field by making sure that office managers are fully equipped for their job. PMI offers an intense Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) program that trains and empowers health care business managers to properly perform their jobs while relieving medical providers of added stress. The CMOM program focuses on motivating employees, protecting the practice from risk, and stimulating financial growth; all of which are desperately needed within medical practices. This program also teaches students advanced concepts in the administration and management of policies, risks, and financial responsibilities. Those who undergo the CMOM program consistently report that the training has helped them to better understand their jobs and help their practice succeed. The classroom experience is great, said Womack, Theres interaction with the instructors and peers in the classroom. They meet local people working in similar roles. There is a lot of value in that. PMIs faculty team has a high degree of integrity, a love for teaching and enthusiasm about the subject matter. Ultimately, the training offered through PMI equips health care management with the tools needed to truly understand and succeed at their jobs while providing physicians with a stress-free workplace and a greater sense of patient care. About Practice Management Institute (PMI): For more than 30 years, Practice Management Institute, also known as PMI, has helped physicians, hospital systems, medical societies, and educational institutions provide comprehensive education and training to medical office staff nationwide. By offering a variety of educational programs and professional certifications, PMI helps to build competency, compliancy, and effectiveness that assures the continued success of their clients. Since PMIs formation in 1983, more than 20,000 individuals have earned certification in one more areas of expertise. PMI is recognized by both the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Department of Labor for training in: medical coding, third-party billing, office management, and compliance. PMI training helps ease the burden of running a successful medical practice through thorough education and up-to-date training for non-clinical staff, allowing physicians to focus on patient care to improve the experience of the patient. For online coding and compliance training at affordable rates, visit http://www.pmimd.com/onlinetraining. About David Womack: David Womack, President and CEO, has been instrumental in PMIs continued success since 1991. He has helped PMI transition into a cutting-edge leader in medical office staff education and training while developing key relationships with healthcare organizations, hospitals, colleges, and medical societies across the country. His commitment to excellence has helped PMI become an industry leader recognized by both governmental organizations and healthcare systems across the country. 1. AMA Strongly Supports the Charter on Physician Well-Being, March 29, 2018, https://www.ama-assn.org/ama-strongly-supports-charter-physician-well-being 2. Physician Burnout. The Center for Treatment of Anxiety and Mood Disorders, 7 Apr. 2017, centerforanxietydisorders.com/physician-burnout/ 3. 5 Qualities of Superstar Practice Managers, Physicians Practice, http://www.physicianspractice.com/managers-administrators/5-qualities-superstar-practice-managers Helping educators save - K-12 Teacher discounts now available from Republic Wireless This special Educator Appreciation Program is one more example of doing what is right - in this case, honoring the important role our teachers have in our childrens lives. In conjunction with Teacher Appreciation Week, Republic Wireless announces significant teacher discounts as part of a new Educator Appreciation Program. This initiative will provide K-12 teachers and support staff with 50% off their cell phone bills when activated with a valid school email address. In concert with the Educator Appreciation Program, Republic Wireless is also sponsoring and delivering Teacher Appreciation Baskets on behalf of local parents within the Raleigh, NC area. Parents within the local area had the opportunity to nominate their childrens teachers to receive a gift basket, which includes a gift card to a local restaurant, a variety of classroom supplies, and a variety of self-care indulgences and snacks. Since day one, weve tried to be different than the average cell phone service provider, being first to do industry-leading things like eliminating contracts, early termination fees, and funny business in the fine print, says Jon Schniepp, senior vice president of product & marketing. This special Educator Appreciation Program is one more example of doing what is right - in this case, honoring the important role our teachers have in our childrens lives. While technology plays a critical and useful role in our nations classrooms, screen addiction has become an increasing challenge for parents outside the classroom. It is often teachers who help instill healthy screen habits for our children. They are at the forefront of creating experiences and making connections, and are shaping the future of our nation's youth. For the general public, Republics My Choice cell phone plan offers unlimited talk & text at $15/month with $5 for each gigabyte of high speed data, which can be applied and removed as needed. Most Republic Wireless members today are on a $20 cell phone plan; meaning teachers can enjoy data plans starting as low as $10 monthly, with $7.50/month for unlimited talk & text and just $2.50 per gigabyte of high speed data. We hope this small token of our appreciation will allow K-12 teachers and support staff to save money and avoid the stress associated with worrying about their cell phone bills. Our goal is to give them more money back in their pockets to spend on the people and experiences that matter most to them, says Schniepp. About Republic Wireless Headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, Republic Wireless is a team of innovators who live to solve vexing communications challenges with better solutions for consumers. Most well-known for pioneering WiFi calling for smartphones, Republic recently announced Relay, the first in a suite of screen free products designed to help parents of young children better manage screen time. Republic leverages the power of both WiFi and LTE cellular networks to offer both nationwide smartphone service as well as new screenless devices designed to help people simply and affordably connect. The company has been recognized as a top carrier choice by Consumer Reports; best basic plan by Money magazine and for excellence in customer service by PC Magazine. Visit http://www.RepublicWireless.com and http://www.RelayGo.com or more information. Media resource center here. Weltachs Winery Logo Weltachs wines are solid, well-made, designed to appeal to a broad base of people who enjoy good wine at reasonable everyday prices. Our bottles cost about $10, well within normal consumers budgets for wines to be enjoyed every day, says Dahlhaus. Weltachs Winery of Grosskarlbach, Germany, is making its initial, public presentation of its wines at the prestigious US Alcohol Trade Tasting (USATT) Exhibition and Alcohol Beverage Importers & Distributors Conference (ABID), on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 15th and 16th, 2018, at the Metropolitan Pavillion, in New York City. Weltachs Winery is a newcomer to North America despite its century-old tradition as a producer of well-made, popular wines from the Pfalz region of Germany, the nations warmest wine-growing area. In addition to its domestic and European sales, Weltachs also celebrates a decade of commercial presence in China, Japan and Singapore. These markets account for approximately 75% of Weltachs production capacity amounting to circa four million bottles annually. Weltachs first wine shipments to the United States arrived here about six months ago. Initial sales began this past winter with encouraging results. Exhibiting on its own, Weltachs attendance at the USATT/ABID is a major milestone demonstrating a solid commitment to the American market. As such, Weltachs will be joining more than 90 international exhibitors presenting wines, craft beers, spirits and industry-related services at the USATT. On hand will be more than 30 distribution companies and importers intent on sampling new products for inclusion in their sales programs as well as countless retailers, sommeliers, restaurateurs, caterers and beverage trade journalists. "This is a very exciting moment for us," says Dirk Maeuerer, Weltachs owner and general manager. "We are extremely fortunate to be able to place and sell four of our most popular wines in the United States only a few months after our arrival late last year. We now present our wines to a wider public of wine experts, journalists, buyers and other trade specialists at one of Americas most important events for small and medium-sized producers." With the warm weather upon us, we are proud to show our Rose made from the versatile Portugieser grape; likewise our crisp Riesling with mild acidity, and the hearty, rich, full-flavored Dornfelder red wine, a terrific choice for grilled meats and barbeque which are now as popular in Germany as in America." Represented in the United States by Liquid Projects, LLC, of Brooklyn, New York, Weltachs has quickly acquired distribution in New England, the Mid-Atlantic States, and is also present in the Mid- and Far West. According to Lars Dahlhaus, Liquid Projects co-founder and managing partner, Weltachs presence in New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia, as well as in Michigan and Nevada, mandates Weltachs reaching out to a broader professional base by actively participatinging in the vital New York show and conference. "Weltachs wines are solid, well-made, designed to appeal to a broad base of people who enjoy good wine at reasonable everyday prices. Our bottles cost about $10, well within normal consumers budgets for wines to be enjoyed every day," says Dahlhaus. "When it comes to value, Weltachs is unique: the wines are impressively good, tasty, and work well with a wide variety of foods as well as on their own. They show low acidity, soft tannins, good fruit and refreshing mouth-feel. Weltachs has proven itself for well over a century at home in Germany both in its own back-yard, the famous Palatine wine-growing area, home to Germanys famous Wine Route as well as Germany- wide," Dahlhaus avers. Weltachs owns its own vineyards in and around Grosskarlbach but works extensively with more than 150 trusted area vineyards. Most of these growers have worked with Weltachs for at least 20 years and they can be relied upon to fulfill Weltachs stringent, exact standards for fruit quality and fully-ripened, healthy grapes. Despite its large-scale production, Weltachs remains a family-owned, mid-szed company, embedded in an ancient community, with commitment to traditional German winemaking and cultural values. Distributors, wholesalers and consumers should contact Weltachs directly for further information regarding availability at: Liquid Projects, LLC, Brooklyn, NY, Attn: Lars Dahlhaus, Managing Partner. Tel: 646-479-7269. Email: Lars(at)LiquidProjects.com Urgent Care Association "UCA is broadening its reach to encompass the vast array of providers and technologies working together to deliver the highest quality on-demand healthcare," said Stoimenoff. The Urgent Care Association of America is becoming the Urgent Care Association (UCA) and expanding the scope of its offerings to include new providers and technologies that are critical to the delivery of high-quality, on-demand care. The UCAs new tagline, gateway to better, reflects its ability to offer the most comprehensive resources for members to ensure they grow and succeed in the fast-paced, consumer-driven healthcare industry. The urgent care model was founded on providing patient-centered care when and where they need it most, and this model is expanding to include more services and providers such as telemedicine, occupational health and more, said Laurel Stoimenoff, PT, CHC, CEO of UCA. In response, the UCA is also broadening its reach to encompass the vast array of providers and technologies working together to deliver the highest quality on-demand healthcare. This is a culmination of the tremendous thought and energy the associations board has invested in strategic planning over the past 18 months. The industry is evolving and we need to evolve alongside it. Stoimenoff revealed the associations new brand identify today at the Members Lunch during its Convention & Expo in Las Vegas. She also unveiled the organizations refreshed mission: The UCA is an organization of leaders, providers and suppliers in the field of on-demand, consumer-focused healthcare that advances the industry and supports success through advocacy, education, research, collaboration and high standards of excellence. The Connector for On-Demand Providers In an ever-changing healthcare landscape, urgent care takes many forms and many urgent care providers and operators are expanding their services using their expertise in on-demand patient focused care as the foundation. Fueled by consumer demands for more convenient, affordable and high-quality care, urgent care is no longer a place, but has evolved into the delivery of care administered when and how a patient wants it. Because of this, the definition of urgent care has broadened and the market is expanding to encompass more on-demand, patient-focused options. Todays UCA will be a connector for on-demand care providers from urgent care center managers and advanced care providers to telemedicine professionals and others employed to provide acute, episodic care. Professionals in the on-demand healthcare environment have very specific needs for education, networking, advocacy and support. The UCA has the history and expertise to meet these needs and enhance collaboration through tailored education, sections and expert resources. With expanded reach, the UCA connects those in urgent care and other on-demand fields to the leadership, education and quality standards to stay on the forefront of trends throughout the healthcare industry, said Pam Sullivan, MD, FACP, MBA, BS, UCA Board Chair. Urgent care providers have taken pride in their services often being a gateway for patients to enter the healthcare system. UCAs new tagline, aa gateway to better is intended to extend beyond the patient experience to these innovative on-demand providers and operators seeking better education, advocacy, resources and tools that will support their ongoing growth and success. To learn how UCA is a gateway to better, please visit http://www.gateway2better.org. The Urgent Care Association (UCA) is a membership association of leaders, providers and suppliers in the field of on-demand, consumer-focused healthcare. UCA advances the industry and supports member success through advocacy, research, education, collaboration and high standards of care. The association maintains an active online presence and member community for daily exchange of best practices. For more information visit http://www.ucaoa.org. School administrators were aware of numerous red flags showing that the relationship between Ms. Ciotta and our client was becoming inappropriate. A high school student who is an alleged victim of sexual abuse by an English teacher in Beaumont, California has filed a lawsuit against the Beaumont Unified School District. The student is named as John Doe in the lawsuit in order to protect his identity as a victim of childhood sexual abuse. The teacher, Samantha Lee Ciotta, is facing criminal charges related to her alleged sexual abuse of John Doe, which first came to light in September 2017. The lawsuit alleges that Ms. Ciotta showered the student with attention and gifts, but then gave him alcohol and exploited him sexually. John Doe seeks to hold the school district liable, based on the allegation that school administrators were aware of numerous red flags showing that the relationship between Ms. Ciotta and our client was crossing acceptable boundaries. For example, the complaint alleges that John Doe was routinely excused from attending other classes and would spend most or all of the school day in Ms. Ciottas classroom, that Ms. Ciotta walked the boy to his other classes and drove him to and from school and that Ms. Ciotta appeared, uninvited, as John Does advocate at Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. The complaint further alleges that the boys guardian and at least one other teacher reported concerns to school administrators, but that nothing was done. Case Information: Case Name: Doe v. Beaumont Unified School District Case No: RIC1807772 Filed: April 30, 2018 Court: Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Riverside Link to Complaint About Booth & Koskoff: Booth & Koskoff is a Torrance, California based law firm that specializes in catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, and sexual abuse cases. Since 1984, Booth & Koskoff has provided high quality legal representation and advocacy for its clients throughout California. For more information, please call us at (888) 212-0440 or visit our website at http://www.boothkoskoff.com. Pacific Delegates Many island nations like the Philippines are already being affected by rising sea levels, a specter of what lies ahead for low-lying cities such as Miami, Florida. How is the encroaching threat of climate change reshaping culture, politics, and even faith in these communities? In October 2018, Carnegie Council's Asia Dialogues program is leading a fact-finding trip to Manila to investigate the effects of climate change on Philippine politics and society. With severe typhoons a regular occurrence, the Philippines has become the portrait of climate change victimhood. At COP21 in Paris, the country's representative told delegates: "For the Philippines, climate change means sorrowful catalogues of casualty and fatality; the countless voices of the homeless and the grieving, their very tears and screams carried to us by the winds and waves that blew their homes away." Many island nations like the Philippines are already being affected by rising sea levels, a specter of what lies ahead for low-lying cities such as Miami, Florida. How is the encroaching threat of climate change reshaping culture, politics, and even faith in these communities? How can the claim of economic prosperity be reconciled with the equally valid claim of sustainability and conservation? How can the way Filipinos are coping with extreme climate change-related weather and disasters inform the rest of the world about response and resilience? Drawn from a variety of professional, regional, and academic backgrounds, the group of Pacific Delegates selected to join this trip are as follows: Ratchada Arpornsilp (Thailand) is a Thai Fulbright Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow for 2017-2018 at the International Program, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in Cornell University. Junko Asano (Hong Kong) is a Ph.D. candidate in international development at the University of Oxford and a senior research assistant in public international law at City University of Hong Kong. Candace Burnham (U.S.) is an analyst with the New York State Police, assigned to the New York State Intelligence Center, a post-9/11 fusion center that links local, state, tribal, and federal partners to prevent major criminal threats. Milan Chen (Taiwan) is a doctoral researcher under the chair of environmental and climate policy at School of Governance, Technical University of Munich, Germany. Layla Kilolu (U.S.) is an East West Center degree fellow and graduate student in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, with an emphasis on disaster management and humanitarian assistance. Austin McKinney (U.S.) is an MBA candidate at Harvard Business School, where he is a Tillman Scholar. He is also a captain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and works with Defense Innovation Unit Experimental (DIUx). Yoko Okura (Japan) is the country representative of SEEDS Asia, Myanmar, where she leads projects with government stakeholders and international organizations to develop, implement, and assess disaster risk reduction policies and programs at the school and community levels. Jaehyeon Park (Korea) is a Ph.D. student in urban planning at the Luskin School of Public Affairs at the University of California, Los Angeles. Mark Payumo (U.S.) is co-founder of Strategic & Warfare Studies Group, an emerging research entity on Asia-Pacific security. Chetan Peddada (U.S.) is a senior manager at Liberty Mutual, where he leads a team that builds machine-learning applications that are widely used throughout the organization. The Carnegie Council's Asia Dialogues program gratefully acknowledges the support for its work from the Henry Luce Foundation. ABOUT ASIA DIALOGUES PROGRAM Led by Senior Program Director and Senior Fellow Devin Stuart, the Asia Dialogues program advances cross-cultural dialogue and offers critical insights on how to reimagine the international system. In doing so, the program also cultivates the next generation of moral leaders across the Pacific. 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. Go to http://www.carnegiecouncil.org. Women's Dermatologic Society Prevention is the KEY and we are extremely excited about our upcoming outreach efforts through our WDS Play Safe in the Sun campaign. We will be hosting several big events across the country and providing skin cancer screenings and free sunscreen through our partnership with La Roche Posay, Anyone can get skin cancer, regardless of ethnicity or age. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. When caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable. The Womens Dermatologic Societys (WDS) award-winning Play Safe in the Sun Program works at curbing the incidence of skin cancer by providing free skin cancer screenings, sun damage assessments, sun safety educational materials, and complimentary sunscreen samples to the public. To date, the Play Safe in the Sun Program has hosted almost 60 events, screened over 4,850 people, and distributed over 350,000 sunscreen samples! Prevention is the KEY and we are extremely excited about our upcoming outreach efforts through our WDS Play Safe in the Sun campaign. We will be hosting several big events across the country and providing skin cancer screenings, education, and free sunscreen through our partnership with La Roche-Posay, stated Dr. Ashley Wysong, WDS Service Committee Chair. Successfully managing exposure to ultraviolet radiation could prevent more than three million cases of skin cancer each year. Our goal is to raise awareness among the running community that prolonged outdoor running requires special attention to sun safety. Early detection saves lives. Sun safe habits are so important in maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle, and this partnership between local WDS board-certified dermatologists, La Roche-Posay, and the various event organizations offers an incredible service to men and women participating in each event. Stated Dr. Laurin Council, WDS Board Member and Service Committee volunteer. Event Details: Event 1: Cattlemens Ball Location: Hebron, NE Address: 6235 Road P, Hebron, NE 68370 Date: June 2, 2018 Time: 7:30am 12:30pm Event 2: Susan G. Komen, Race for the Cure Location: St. Louis, MO Address: Downtown St. Louis, between Tucker Blvd, Market St, and 15th St. Date: June 9, 2018 Time: 6:30am 11:00am Event 3: 2XU New York City Triathlon Location: New York, NY Address: Central Park, New York, NY Date: July 1, 2018 Time: 7:30am 1:00pm Event 4: Chicago Triathlon Location: Chicago, IL Address: Grant Park, Chicago, IL Date: August 26, 2018 Time: 8:00am 2:00pm About the Womens Dermatologic Society (WDS) The Women's Dermatologic Society, founded in 1973, is dedicated to helping dermatologists fulfill their greatest potential and assisting them in making a contribution to our specialty and society. To achieve this goal, the Society relies on the active participation of its members, who represent a diverse cross-section of professional sub-specialties. Our team has done an outstanding job of setting up a solid operation in a very short amount of time. April 11th marked the second anniversary of Reell's commitment to directly serving the Chinese market. During that time, the team in Shanghai has made many significant accomplishments that are driving Reell's success in Southeast Asia. In the last two years, Reell China has provided technical sales expertise and excellent customer service selling products in the automotive, medical, commercial and consumer rail markets. During that time they have participated in over fifty tradeshows. To further drive their support in China, in May 2018 Reell established a wholly foreign owned enterprise (WFOE) ownership structure, which increases protections for intellectual property, and allows Reell to better uphold and promote its global strategy. WFOE status also allows Reell perform transactions in local currency. Global VP of Sales and Marketing Jack Field, is pleased with the progress of the team. Our Reell China team has done an outstanding job of setting up a solid operation in a very short amount of time. They have developed a strong technical sales and engineering support capability, and are able to bring Reell technology, quality and service to the Chinese market in an exceptional way. They are dedicated to increasing our customer service levels and enabling Reells continuous growth in the Chinese market. In the coming years Reell plans to continue to invest in China operations, with a strong commitment to providing high quality products and outstanding customer service to Chinese customers. Reell Precision Manufacturing provides high-quality innovative solutions to transmit torque, control angular position and protect delicate components from excessive force. Combining the world's most precisely controlled torque technology with the industry's most experienced engineering team provides a perfect product fit in customer applications. Reell's patented technology is widely used in the consumer electronics, automotive, aircraft interiors, medical technology, workstation furniture, kiosk/data terminal, and architectural lighting industries. Pictured left to right: City Manager Rick Cole, Optimum Seismic Principal Ali Sahabi, Santa Monica Mayor Ted Winterer "If a building cannot stand after a seismic event, how does its being green or the most energy-efficient structure really contribute to the goals of sustainability?" said Optimum Seismic Principal Ali Sahabi. Optimum Seismic, Southern Californias leading seismic retrofit company, was a proud sponsor of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerces 23rd Annual Sustainability Quality Awards Ceremony, held April 26 at Le Meridien Delfina Hotel. The Annual Sustainability Awards recognize businesses in the Santa Monica area that are successfully putting sustainable business practices into action. Grand prizes are given to businesses that excel in the areas of sustainable economic development, social responsibility, and stewardship of the natural environment. Excellence awards are given to outstanding achievements in any one or two of the three categories. Santa Monica is one of the handful of chambers to have been green-certified in the U.S., and we have been promoting the subject of sustainability through our annual awards ceremonies for the last 23 years, said Executive Director Laurel Rosen. This years grand prize was awarded to Pluralistic School 1, an independent, nonprofit, non-graded elementary school that demonstrates environmental awareness, social responsibility and stewardship for its students and the community. Excellence Awards winners were: Arthur Murray Dance Center and Global Green for Excellence in Social Responsibility; Groundwork Coffee LLC for Excellence in Economic Development and Stewardship of the Environment; and Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica for Excellence in Stewardship of the Environment. At PS1 we believe that one size does not fit all, said Joel Pelcyger, head of PS1, Its important to build human sustainability to address the larger issue of inequity which can be addressed through our public and private schools. Optimum Seismic Principal Ali Sahabi, a longtime leader in sustainability, spoke at the event specifically addressing the connection between seismic resiliency and sustainability. "If a building cannot stand after a seismic event, he said, how does its being green or the most energy-efficient structure really contribute to the goals of sustainability?" Sahabi has been a trailblazer in sustainability, awarded the 2009 California Governors Environmental and Economic Leadership Award for his role as the developer of the mixed-use community of Dos Lagos in Corona, California. He also endowed U.C. Riversides Center for Sustainable Suburban Development, and has been involved in many renewable energy projects throughout his career. The SQA received over 50 business nominations and more than 300 people attended the awards ceremony. About Optimum Seismic Optimum Seismic, Inc., is Southern Californias leading retrofit company for earthquake retrofit engineering and construction, specializing in multifamily and commercial buildings. Since 1984, the team at Optimum Seismic has completed more than 2,500 retrofits throughout the state of California. For information, visit http://www.optimumseismic.com. Since 1954, Conway has provided the worlds most comprehensive offering of services related to domestic and cross-border corporate investment. Were thrilled to announce that the World Forum for Foreign Direct Investment is going to Sydney! said Adam Jones-Kelly, President, Conway, Inc. Today, Conway, Inc. announced that Sydney, Australia has been awarded the 2019 World Forum for Foreign Direct Investment, which will be held on June 3-5, 2019. The 16th annual Forum will attract 500+ top global corporate executives, site consultants, international promotion agencies, economic development corporations, and government officials. Were thrilled to announce that the World Forum for Foreign Direct Investment is going to Sydney! said Adam Jones-Kelly, President, Conway, Inc. Australia is a premier destination for FDI, and Sydney is one of the worlds great cities, an irresistible draw from all corners of the globe. The World Forum for FDI provides a platform for dialogue around the most critical issues facing the global economy. During the two-and-a-half-day conference, global leaders and experts will engage in candid panel discussions around topics such as the key drivers behind corporate expansion decisions, workforce development issues and incentives, and challenges companies face when establishing a presence in new countries, cities, and zones. Delegates will also participate in world-class networking events regional tours. The New South Wales Department of Industry will serve as the official host organization and will organize exclusive hospitality receptions at fantastic venues throughout Sydney. The Forum will coincide with Vivid Sydney, a spectacular multi-award-winning festival of light, music and ideas, which will add a one-of-a-kind opportunity the leisure activities delegates can attend. Prior to the World Forum, Conway will conduct a one-day FDI Training Seminar. The seminar will detail global best practices, new ideas on marketing, and the latest strategies for attracting and increasing foreign direct investment. For more information on the World Forum for FDI, visit http://www.worldforumforfdi.com. About Conway Since 1954, Conway has provided the worlds most comprehensive offering of services related to domestic and cross-border corporate investment. Our integrated services help government agencies attract investment, and companies planning international expansion. Conways network of corporate decision-makers invests more than $400 billion each year in new facilities, offices and sites, assisting in the creation of hundreds of thousands of jobs. Conway has divisions which specialize in publishing, consulting, public relations, event development, marketing, advisory services, lead generation, site consulting, training and association management. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, Conway has offices and representation in 20 cities around the world. Conway is the publisher of Site Selection Magazine and management firm for the Industrial Asset Management Council (IAMC). For more information, please visit http://www.conway.com. Daniel Auerbach I'm honored to be able to work with a group that is so committed to supporting the roofing community. Attorney Daniel Auerbach of Cotney Construction Law, LLP has recently been named General Counsel of the Space Coast Licensed Roofers Association (SCLRA). In this role, Auerbach will provide legal assistance to the associations board of directors with regard to the organizational structure, bylaws, operations, and governance policies. Ive been a part of SCLRA for a little while now, and everyone works together to create such a welcoming environment, said Daniel Auerbach. I'm honored to be able to work with a group that is so committed to supporting the roofing community. Auerbachs practice area encompass both commercial and construction litigation in addition to various transactional matters. Specifically, Dan works on contract review and drafting, contract negotiation, lien law, bond law, building code violation defense, construction defect litigation, OSHA defense, bid protest litigation, employment claim defense and contractor licensing defense. About Space Coast Licensed Roofers Association The Space Coast Licensed Roofers Association (SCLRA) is one of Brevards oldest associations. SCLRA is a nonprofit organization that focuses on providing quality workmanship in the construction industry. SCLRA members are selected based on their commitment to professionalism, higher standards and community involvement and consist of contractors, home inspectors, material suppliers and material manufacturers. About Cotney Construction Law Cotney Construction Law, LLP is a national construction law firm that advocates for the roofing industry. The firm serves as General Counsel to Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association (FRSA), Tennessee Association of Roofing Contractors (TARC), Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), National Women in Roofing (NWIR), and a number of local roofing associations. Cotney Construction Laws practice areas include construction law, litigation, arbitration, contract review & drafting, immigration, employment, OSHA defense, licensing defense, bid protests, lien law, bond law and alternative dispute resolution. The firm has offices throughout Florida, as well as locations in Nashville, Denver, Houston, Grand Rapids, and Mobile, Alabama. For more information, visit http://www.cotneycl.com. BrainStation's state-of-the-art campus in downtown Toronto, located in the heart of the city's tech industry. Our approach to course and content development has helped us achieve an employment rate of over 90% for our full-time programs. BrainStation, the global leader in digital skills training and development, is now accepting applications for its Data Science Full-Time program, the first immersive professional development bootcamp of its kind in Canada. Designed to prepare individuals for careers in data science and data analysis, this 10-week Data Science program is available at BrainStations state-of-the-art campuses in downtown Toronto and Vancouver. "All industries, from retail to banking, are in the midst of digital transformation, which is shifting the economy and creating a huge number of new positions in data science and analysis. In fact, demand for data scientists is projected to rise by 28% in just the next two years, said Jason Field, Founder and CEO of BrainStation. Working with hiring partners from Canada's largest organizations, BrainStation designed the Data Science bootcamp to address this specific skills gap, with a collaborative, hands-on learning environment that mimics what our graduates will experience in the real world. This approach to course and content development has helped us achieve an employment rate of over 90% for our full-time programs, and reinforced our position as a global leader in digital training and education," he said. Led by educators with experience working in the field, students in the BrainStation Data Science Full-Time program will learn how to program with Python; clean and analyze data; build data models; and present their findings with clear, engaging visualizations. By programs end, they will have developed data skills and a standout portfolio of completed projects, and benefited from industry mentorship and career support. For more information, or to start an application to BrainStations Data Science Full-Time program, please visit BrainStation. About BrainStation: BrainStation is the global leader in digital skills training and development, with courses, workshops, events, and corporate training offered online and in-person at state-of-the-art campuses in New York, Toronto, and Vancouver. Established in 2012, BrainStation works with over 250 instructors from the most innovative companies in the world, developing cutting-edge, real-world digital education that has empowered more than 50,000 professionals and some of the largest corporations in the world. About BrainStations Data Science Full-Time program: BrainStations Data Science Full-Time program is a 10-week intensive professional development bootcamp, designed to prepare students for careers in data science and data analytics. Taught by experienced educators currently working in the field, the Data Science Full-Time program introduces cutting-edge data concepts and techniques, which are applied immediately to solve real-world data programs. By programs end, students will know how to program with Python; clean and analyze data; build data models; and present their findings with clear, engaging visualizations. Charles Gaines headshot (Photo by KatieMiller, 2016) "[Charles Gaines'] contributions as an artist, educator, and advocate reach far beyond the borders of LA. [Njideka Akunyili] Crosby is a new force, and obviously one to be reckoned with. Its going to be a special evening. Jonathan T. D. Neil, director of Sothebys Institute of Art Los Angeles One is a recent transplant from Nigeria whose figurative work employs a colorful and richly layered visual language. Another is an established Los Angeles artist committed to employing rules-based systems to generate imagery. But the practices of both internationally acclaimed artists, Njideka Akunyili Crosby and Charles Gaines, explore fundamental questions about representation, how histories are embedded in imagery, and the role of the artist in society. An exclusive collaboration between Sothebys Institute of Art Los Angeles at Claremont Graduate University and The Broad Stage will join these related but distinct voices for the first time in a public forum during an exclusive May 21 event in Santa Monica. Artists Talk: A Conversation with LA Artists is the second program in a series of talks with influential California-based artists, established to explore the living legacy of Los Angeles vibrant contemporary art scene. I am particularly enthusiastic about having these two artists come together to discuss their practices, said Jonathan T. D. Neil, director of Sothebys Institute of Art Los Angeles. I have long admired Gaines work. His contributions as an artist, educator, and advocate reach far beyond the borders of LA. Crosby is a new force, and obviously one to be reckoned with. Its going to be a special evening. Crosby and Gaines will talk about their creative process, histories, and lives, while also addressing the significance and specificity of Los Angeles as a creative context for their work. Through different means, both address themes of cultural meaning and hybridity, critically challenging how significance is attributed and defined, or, for that matter, disavowed. arts.ucdavis.edu/lecture/anne-ellegood [Anne Ellegood __title__ ], senior curator at the Hammer Museum, will serve as the talks moderator. Crosby was born in Enugu, Nigeria, and lives and works in Los Angeles. Her work has been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions, including at the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Studio Museum in Harlem, the Hammer Museum, and the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, Florida. In 2017, she was named a MacArthur Fellow, and this September she will undertake a commission at Brixton station in London as part of the Art on the Undergrounds year-long program of women artists. Gaines is highly regarded as both a leading practitioner of conceptualism and an influential educator at the California Institute of the Arts. He is celebrated for his works on paper and acrylic glass, photographs, drawings, musical compositions, and installations that investigate how rule-based procedures influence representation and construct meaning. Gaines has had over 80 one-person shows and several hundred group exhibitions in the United States and abroad, and his work is collected internationally, including at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Whitney Museum of American Art, the Studio Museum in Harlem, and the Los Angeles County Museum. His recent honors include the 2013 John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship and the 2015 CAA Artist Award for Distinguished Body of Work. This year, he was named the recipient of the REDCAT award, an honor given to leaders in contemporary art. Purchase tickets online for the talk. Sothebys Institute of Art is the Graduate School of Art and its Markets with campuses in the cultural capitals of London, New York, and Los Angeles (in partnership with Claremont Graduate University's Drucker School of Management), as well as a range of online course offerings. Originally conceived as a training program for connoisseurship by Sothebys Auction House in 1969, Sothebys Institute has pioneered the education of arts professionals and is today one of the most prestigious degree-granting institutions of its kind. The Institute has more than 6,000 alumni worldwide who hold top positions in all facets of the international art world. The Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management prepares leaders with powerful, ethical, and universal management skills. We offer customizable programs grounded in the guiding principles of Peter Drucker, the father of modern management. Our global network is composed of bold individuals who are leading organizations, impacting society, and making positive changes worldwide. With TDICs consistent and sustainable growth, were ensuring a diversified premium base and financial stability for policyholders while we continue to focus solely on protecting dentists. The Dentists Insurance Company has announced its 24th consecutive year earning the A.M. Best Companys A rating. The rating includes comparisons to peers and industry standards as well as assessments of operating plans, philosophy and management. We are proud to celebrate our 24th year with an excellent rating from the A.M. Best Company. With TDICs consistent and sustainable growth, were ensuring a diversified premium base and financial stability for policyholders while we continue to focus solely on protecting dentists, said TDIC Board Chair Daniel Davidson, DMD. TDIC continues to provide policyholders with the tools and insight necessary to keep them well informed of risk management topics, including a Risk Management Advice Line, educational seminars and online resources. In addition to TDICs rating affirmation, TDIC-acquired companies Northwest Dentists Insurance Company and Dentists Benefits Insurance Company have received upgraded ratings from the A.M. Best Company, removing their under review with positive implications standings and upgrading their financial strength ratings from B (fair) to B++ (good) and their long-term issuer credit ratings from bb+ to bbb. The outlook assigned to these ratings is stable. We are pleased to be experiencing increased financial strength and stability for DBIC and NORDIC and their related rating improvements, said William Ten Pas, DMD, a DBIC board member. The tradition and values of TDIC mirror our own and we are thrilled to be a part of the TDIC family. The ratings are based on NORDICs and DBICs relatively strong balance sheets and expertise in providing medical professional liability, commercial multi-peril and other liability coverages to dentists, primarily in Washington, Idaho and Oregon. The acquisition has provided these companies with greater stability and focus in line with TDICs business plan and strategic direction. For TDIC, the acquisition provides greater geographic diversification as the company and its subsidiaries now provide coverage for more than 23,000 dentists in 15 states. For information about The Dentists Insurance Company, visit tdicinsurance.com. A.M. Best Company rating effective March 2018. For the latest rating, access ambest.com. About The Dentists Insurance Company Founded in 1980, The Dentists Insurance Company, a subsidiary of the California Dental Association, underwrites professional and business liability, commercial property, workers compensation and employment practices liability coverage exclusively for dentists. Rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company, TDIC insures more than 19,000 customers and is endorsed by seven state dental associations and societies. GuestCentrics The Digital Future of your Hotel roadshow is back to discuss how to balance the direct channel with OTAs We believe that were entering the age of direct bookings and we aim to provide hoteliers with the best tools to fulfill that future. With this type of events, we and our partners aim to share our knowledge with hoteliers so that they can develop a successful, integrated digital strategy. GuestCentric, the leading provider of cloud-based digital marketing software for hotels, announced today the second edition of its The Digital Future of your Hotel roadshow, a series of events and workshops directed at hoteliers, to be held under the general theme How to grow your revenue with the right balance between your direct channel and OTAs. Together with leading companies from the travel industry such as OTA Insight, Host Hotel Systems, SiteMinder, Tesipro and Small Danish Hotels , GuestCentric will be promoting the debate in 15 events across 14 European cities in 6 countries, with 12+ speakers. The first event takes place May 22 in Barcelona, Spain, followed shortly by Edinburgh, Scotland, on May 29. The Digital Future of your Hotel roadshow objective is to bring together industry experts and hoteliers to discuss new tools and new market trends that present challenges but also opportunities for independent hotels and boutique brands. We believe that were entering the age of direct bookings and we aim to provide hoteliers with the best tools to fulfill that future, said Pedro Colaco, CEO of GuestCentric. With this type of events, we and our partners aim to share our knowledge with hoteliers so that they can develop a successful, integrated digital strategy that accounts for the rise of direct bookings and also for OTAs and other players, such as metasearch websites or price comparison engines, he concluded. In 2017, the roadshow took GuestCentric and its partners across Portugal and Spain. This time around, alongside the Iberian Peninsula, England, Scotland, Netherlands and Denmark will also host roadshow events. The full list of events is as follows: Barcelona, Spain: May 22 Edinburgh, Scotland: May 29 Funchal, Portugal: June 6 Troia, Portugal: June 20 Madrid, Spain: July 3 London, England: July 5 Vilamoura, Portugal: July 19 Bilbao, Spain: September 25 Lisbon, Portugal: October 2 Palma de Maiorca, Spain: October 10 Oporto, Portugal: October 24 London, England: November 8 Copenhagen, Denmark: November 13 Amsterdam, Holland: December 4 Tenerife, Spain: December 11 Event admission is free upon prior registration. Availability is limited and reserved for hoteliers only. For more information and registration, please click here. About GuestCentric GuestCentric is a leading provider of cloud-based digital marketing software and services that help extraordinary hoteliers promote their brand, drive direct bookings and connect with customers on all digital platforms. GuestCentric's all-in-one platform provides hotels with the only unified solution for managing their guests online journey: award-winning, high impact websites; an integrated, easy-to-use booking engine; social media marketing and publishing tools; a GDS chain code and a channel manager to offer rooms on Amadeus, Booking.com, Expedia, Galileo, Google, Sabre, TripAdvisor and hundreds of other channels. GuestCentric is a proud provider of solutions that maximize direct bookings to hotel groups and independent hotels from collections such as Design Hotels, Great Hotels of the World, Leading Hotels of the World, Relais & Chateaux and Small Luxury Hotels. GuestCentric is featured on Skift Travel Tech 250, a list of the top 250 travel tech companies shaping the modern-day travel experience. For more information, please visit http://www.guestcentric.com. Sound Royalties cherishes the relationship that we have organically developed and continue to nurture with professionals and creatives in the Latin music community, said Sound Royalties CEO and Founder, Alex Heiche. Sound Royalties, LLC, a specialty finance company for music professionals, announced today that it will be a key sponsor for ASCAPs 2018 I Create Music Expo and its Latino division of the conference. The expo is scheduled to take place May 7 to May 9 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles, California. The conference will feature various panels, seminars, networking opportunities and informative sessions to help educate artists and music professionals in all stages of their career. During the expo, Sound Royalties will further show its dedication and commitment to continuously support the Latino community through its sponsorship and tending to the Latin music focused section of the conference. Sound Royalties cherishes the relationship that we have organically developed and continue to nurture with professionals and creatives in the Latin music community, said Sound Royalties CEO and Founder, Alex Heiche. We are thrilled at the opportunity to continue to support and bring awareness to the talent in this genre during the I Create Expo and we look forward to fostering new relationships with more Latin creatives. Sound Royalties blends a passion for music and a successful record in financing strategy to innovatively transform the way that music professionals fund their work while retaining their rights. About Sound Royalties Founded by CEO Alex Heiche, Sound Royalties, LLC is a privately-owned specialty finance firm that helps music industry professionals fund personal and professional projects while allowing them to retain the rights to their music and royalties. The company's core business is offering royalty advances of anywhere from $5,000 to $10 million, without having to deal with credit issues, while preserving all rights to the artist's music. It does this by advancing artist royalties paid through music labels and performance royalties paid through Sound Exchange. To date, Sound Royalties, LLC has worked with a wide range of leading music industry professionals, including Grammy Award winners, platinum recording artists and notable music industry executives in every genre. Learn more at https://www.soundroyalties.com. Start Strong, Stay Strong This selfie contest is a wonderful way to connect with more of these incredible women. P&G and Operation Homefront support our military families year-round and believe in the importance of the heroes who keep their families moving forward while loved ones are deployed. - Melissa Stockwell In celebration of Mothers Day, Procter & Gamble and Operation Homefront are saluting all military moms with the Melissa & Me selfie contest, featuring Army veteran, Paralympian, and mom Melissa Stockwell. Moms can share their selfie with Melissas likeness at military base Commissary or Exchange locations and be entered to win a $200 Open Table or a $200 Spafinder gift card. The contest, which runs through Monday, May 14, is a part of the Start Strong, Stay Strong campaign, which provides an online community for military moms across the country. Ive met some extraordinary military moms through the Start Strong, Stay Strong campaign, Stockwell said. This selfie contest is a wonderful way to connect with more of these incredible women. P&G and Operation Homefront support our military families year-round and believe in the importance of the heroes who keep their families moving forward while loved ones are deployed. Entrants 18 years and older may take a selfie at a Commissary or Exchange with the campaign signage featuring Melissa Stockwell and submit the image to StartStrongPG.com/Selfie by Monday, May 14. The contest is limited to one entry per e-mail address. Twenty potential winners will be selected on or around May 15 by random drawing and they will be notified by the contact information (email or phone number) used to enter the sweepstakes. The Start Strong, Stay Strong campaign, launched in April and offers military moms a network of support online and in commissaries and exchanges around the world so they may connect with their communities, explore local events and discover motivational stories. Whether they are welcoming a new child into the home, managing day-to-day household needs through relocations, adjusting to family life with a wounded veteran, or settling into new schools and communities, P&G and Operation Homefront are here to help military moms start strong and stay strong throughout their service to our country. Moms can view a special video message from Melissa Stockwell about the campaign. Through the online community, StartStrongPG.com, military moms can access the information they need wherever they live, all year long. They will discover things to do, find local resources in their community, unlock savings, explore an online marketplace, and much more. # # # About Procter & Gamble: P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always, Ambi Pur, Ariel, Bounty, Charmin, Crest, Dawn, Downy, Fairy, Febreze, Gain, Gillette, Head & Shoulders, Lenor, Olay, Oral-B, Pampers, Pantene, SK-II, Tide, Vicks, and Whisper. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands. About Operation Homefront: Founded in 2002, Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so that they can thrive not simply struggle to get by in the communities they have worked so hard to protect. Recognized for superior performance by leading independent charity oversight groups, 92 percent of Operation Homefront expenditures go directly to programs that support tens of thousands of military families each year. Operation Homefront provides critical financial assistance, transitional and permanent housing and family support services to prevent short-term needs from turning into chronic, long-term struggles. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the support from thousands of volunteers, Operation Homefront proudly serves Americas military families. For more information, visit OperationHomefront.org. Swych continues to add innovative services and features to delight customers and remains committed to continued innovative offerings. Swych, Inc., the pioneer of the revolutionary Swych digital gifting platform, and the worlds first global gifting network, today announced the acquisition of Mumbai-based Gift Cards India (GCI Network Pvt. Ltd). Founded in 2011 by Firoz Khan and Cory York, GCI has successfully operated a robust aggregation and distribution network for gift cards and has been serving millions of consumers, enterprises, loyalty platforms and wallet operators in the Indian market. GCI has become well known in the market for providing consumers and businesses with a reliable, efficient and high-quality source of the widest selection of gift products from over 250 of the top brands in India. With this acquisition, Swych is extending its leadership position as the only connected digital global network making gifting truly borderless between consumers who might be thousands of miles apart. The unique power of the Swych digital gifting technology combined with GCIs South Asia expertise and established partnerships will also bring borderless digital gifting to businesses, digital wallets, loyalty platforms, financial institutions and others wherein the recipient of a gift can Swych it to spend it at their favorite brand across a global catalog. Digital gifting is an increasingly powerful engagement tool for retailers to attract consumers via offers, for consumers to gift their loved one on a special moment, for businesses to reward employees, and as a redemption method for loyalty points and miles. GCIs track record for all these use cases and innovation in the Indian market has been impressive, said Deepak Jain, Swych founder and CEO. By integrating GCIs presence and expertise with the powerful Swych platform, we aim to greatly accelerate our mission of becoming a truly global digital gifting powerhouse. According to Firoz Khan, GCI Networks founder and CEO, The synergy between GCI Network and Swych further supports the mission of bringing borderless gifting services to consumers across multiple markets. We now provide even greater options, brands and flexibility of delivery to our customer base. Swych continues to add innovative services and features to delight customers and remains committed to continued innovative offerings via an ever expanding global coverage and technology advancements in fraud management, artificial intelligence, bots and data analytics that make the Swych network the most powerful global gifting and shopping network on the planet. This network now features retailers in the United States, India, United Kingdom and Australia, with planned expansion to include popular retailers in Europe, Middle East, Canada, Japan, Colombia and Philippines. Swych is showcasing its instant digital cross border gifting service between US and India this week at the Finovate Spring 2018 conference in Santa Clara, California. About Swych Swychs patent pending mobile gifting platform enables users to send swychable gifts from their mobile device that can be instantly redeemed for electronic gift cards from more than 120 popular brands. Swych users can instantly buy, send, re-gift, upload, Swych and redeem gift cards conveniently from their mobile device. Swych is a private company funded by seasoned angel investors from the banking, financial services, payments, gifting, telecom and enterprise computing space. Swych is headquartered in Plano, Texas, with offices in San Francisco, California, as well as Swych Canada, Inc., in Toronto and Swych International Pvt. Ltd. in Vadodara, India. For more information please visit http://www.goswych.com. To download the award winning Swych app, visit http://www.goswych.com/download. Follow us on Twitter @GoSwych, like us on Facebook at fb.com/goswych and follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/goswych. NFP, a leading insurance broker and consultant that provides employee benefits, property & casualty (P&C), retirement and individual private client solutions, today announced that it has acquired The Hyde Agency (Hyde). The transaction closed effective April 1, 2018. Located in Chatham, New Jersey, Hyde is a P&C broker and bond agent specializing in surety bonds for the construction industry, with additional capabilities in commercial P&C. Hydes clientele includes contractors in the New York metropolitan area and, more broadly, large and middle-market contractors throughout the Northeast. Principals of the firm Daryl LaForge, John Hyland and Tom Henn will become senior vice presidents in NFPs P&C division, reporting to Ed OMalley, executive vice president and head of insurance brokerage and consulting at NFP. Were thrilled to have The Hyde Agency join our NFP family, said OMalley. This deal allows us to strengthen our expertise in specialty lines and broaden our offerings in the construction space, an attractive specialty for NFP and an area of continued focus and investment. Our group brings extensive experience in underwriting the surety bond requirements of construction contractors and other users of contract and commercial surety bonds, said Hyland. We look forward to contributing our expertise and helping to expand NFPs offerings in the high-end construction space. About NFP At NFP Corp., our solutions and expertise are matched only by our personal commitment to each client's goals. Were a leading insurance broker and consultant that provides employee benefits, property & casualty, retirement and individual private client solutions through our licensed subsidiaries and affiliates. NFP has more than 4,200 employees and global capabilities. Our expansive reach gives us access to highly rated insurers, vendors and financial institutions in the industry, while our locally based employees tailor each solution to meet our clients' needs. Weve become one of the largest insurance brokerage, consulting and wealth management firms by building enduring relationships with our clients and helping them realize their goals. Recently NFP was ranked the 4th largest U.S.-based privately owned broker, the 5th largest benefits broker by global revenue and the 5th best place to work in insurance by Business Insurance, the 9th largest property & casualty agency by total 2016 P&C revenue and the 9th largest commercial lines agency by total 2016 P&C and commercial lines revenue by Insurance Journal, the 10th largest employee benefits broker by Employee Benefit Adviser, the 11th largest global insurance broker by Bests Review and the 12th largest broker of U.S. business by Business Insurance. For more information, visit NFP.com. CONTACT Peppercomm for NFP nfp(at)peppercomm.com 212-931-6171 DBPR and BBB Partnership The best way to prepare is to be proactive in selecting a properly licensed contractor. This week is Hurricane Preparedness Week. BBB is encouraging Floridians to act now to prepare their homes and businesses for what is predicted to be a busy 2018 hurricane season. Taking preventative actions now may prevent irreparable damage in the future. BBB and Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation joined forces to provide a one-stop resource page to help Florida prepare for hurricane season. The Florida Hurricane Guide has tips on disaster preparedness, recovery and repair, as well as information about government resources, storm chaser/home improvement scams, and charity relief efforts. We are encouraging Floridians to create a plan that outlines what to do before, during and after a hurricane. In the event of a natural disaster, we would like to remind Floridians that any repair work performed on a home or business should be completed by a licensed professional. Unlicensed contractors often will travel from out of state to a disaster area attempting to take advantage of uninformed consumers. The best way to prepare is to be proactive in selecting a properly licensed contractor and to use good judgment with sales calls, door-to-door pitches or low prices that appear too good to be true. Access the Florida Hurricane Guide at http://www.bbb.org/florida-hurricane-guide Access DBPRs Hurricane Guide at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/documents/HurricaneGuide_web.pdf Disaster victims should never feel pressured to make a decision by an unknown contractor. Start with trust and look for the BBB Accredited Business Seal. For reliable information, lists of BBB Accredited Businesses by industry and BBB Business Profiles you can trust on local businesses, visit http://www.bbb.org. Always verify a contractors license by visiting http://www.myfloridalicense.com, calling (850) 487-1395 or by downloading the free DBPR Mobile app. About BBB BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organizations high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Profiles and BBB Wise Giving Reports, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is a difference in viewpoints. For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. Five BBB offices service the State of Florida, with primary locations in Clearwater, Jacksonville, Longwood, Pensacola and West Palm Beach. About DBPR The Department of Business and Professional Regulations mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. DBPR licenses and regulates more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from hotels and restaurants, real estate agents and accountants to veterinarians, contractors, and cosmetologists. More information about DBPR is available online at http://www.myfloridalicense.com. Also, follow @FloridaDBPR on Twitter or Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on Facebook for updates about license cycles, events, and other important news. WPC Team USA at the 2018 Grand Imaging Awards [The WPC]'s purpose is to build friendships and to unite photographers worldwide, and it is doing just that. The 2018 World Photographic Cup winners were announced this weekend at the WPC 2018 Photo Show in Sydney, Australia. Following a two-year winning streak from Portugal, the winner of the 2018 World Photographic Cup was Team USA. Second place went to Australia, with Mexico taking third. The World Photographic Cup (WPC) was organized in cooperation with the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) and is sponsored by the Federation of European Professional Photographers (FEP), Professional Photographers of America (PPA), the United Asian Professional Photography (UAPP), and the Professional Photographers of Japan Association (PPJ). 30 national photographic teams entered this fifth edition of the Olympics-styled competition, from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, North America and Oceania. The results now give the United States one more total WPC win over Portugal, keeping the friendly competition neck-and-neck at 3-2. The U.S. photographers earning medals and placing in the top-10 in the categories are: Ben Shirk (Gold Medal Illustrative & Silver Medal Commercial), Erich Caparas (Silver Medal Portrait, 8th place Wedding), Gail Nogle (Gold Medal Reportage), Marceliano Munoz (Silver Medal Wedding), Francie Baltazar Stonestreet (4th place Portrait & 9th place Wedding), Dan McClanahan (Bronze Medal Nature), and Brent Lewis (7th place Commercial). Judges for this competition come from all over the world, and only one of them is American, explains PPA CEO, David Trust. And that judge doesn't get to judge our own images. So when you look at Team USA's success, I think you'd have to say that American photography is setting the standard worldwide. And PPA members are at the very center of that. It says a lot of good things about our education, and the things that we are doing right. Of course PPA is one of the two founding members of the World Photographic Cup, which continues to get bigger and bigger every year, Trust added. Its purpose is to build friendships and to unite photographers worldwide, and it is doing just that. Several WPC Team USA members were able to make the trip to Australia for the ceremony. It's very exciting, explains Trust. Taking off my WPC hat and putting on my PPA hat, I would have to say that PPA members could not be more proud of this team. We were well represented. Congratulations to Team USA for winning the WPC for the 3rd time, and to all the winners! commented Kylie Lyons, representing Australia at the WPC Governing Committee. An incredible competition, with a huge variety of winners from four continents is exactly what the WPC committee was hoping for It has been amazing to host the ceremony and to see so many photographers and so many beautiful images coming from around the globe! There has never been a program with photography like this, added Giuseppe Scozzi, WPC Chief Executive. We really experienced a groundswell of enthusiasm from photographers to create the finest they can in the hope of representing their country! Scozzi also thanked the companies Chromaluxe and Koylab for their support for the WPC and professional photographers around the globe, and the Australian Institute of Professional Photography for having organized the event. Scozzi announced that the next hosting country will be Norway on April 8th, 2019. For more information and to see the entire list of medalists head to WorldPhotographicCup.org. About the World Photographic Cup: Founded in 2013 as a cooperative effort by The Federation of European Photographers (FEP) and Professional Photographers of America (PPA), the WPCs singular goal is to unite photographers in a spirit of friendship and cooperation. A Governing Committee (from seven different countries) has been created to conduct the ongoing affairs of the competition, also supported by UAPP (United Asian Professional Photography) and AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional Photography). About PPA: Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the largest and longest-standing nonprofit photography trade association with a 150-year history. It currently helps 30,000+ pros elevate their craft and grow their business with resources, protection, and education, all under PPAs core guiding principle of closing the gap between what photographers do as artists and entrepreneurs and what consumers want. PaymentVision, a leading provider of PCI-certified, electronic payment gateway services, has announced that they will be exhibiting at the 2018 National Creditors Bar Association (formerly NARCA) Spring Conference and 22nd Annual Non-Prime Auto Financing Conference this month. 2018 National Creditors Bar Association Spring Conference - In Austin, TX, booth #B2, from May 16th - 19th. 22nd Annual Non-Prime Auto Financing Conference In Ft. Worth, TX, from May 30th June 1st. For nearly three decades, PaymentVision has been committed to providing debt buyers, collections agencies, and receivables firms with a complete suite of secure payment processing services. These services provide businesses with the ability to accept all forms of payment credit card, debit card, check-by-phone, cash, and electronic check through online, mobile, automated phone or IVR, kiosk, in-person, agent-assisted through their own call center, or through integrated solutions within leading collection software systems. Comprised of over 1,500 attorneys in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.K., the National Creditors Bar Association (formerly NARCA) is a trade association dedicated to serving law firms engaged in the practice of creditors rights law. Their bi-annual conferences offer great opportunities to network, earn CLE credits, meet vendors and stay current with cutting-edge educational content. The National Automotive Finance Associations 22nd Annual Non-Prime Auto Financing Conference is recognized as the premier non-prime auto financing conference in the nation. In addition to comprehensive programming developed for the auto financing community, this years program will again include sessions of general interest to all participants in the industry. To learn more about PaymentVision, see a demonstration of our integrated payment solutions, and to enter for a chance to win a giveaway, visit the PaymentVision team at any of the above conferences in May 2018. About PaymentVision PaymentVision is a biller-direct, PCI-compliant, electronic payment gateway provider. PaymentVision offers clients the unified ability to accept ACH, check, and credit or debit card payments, by phone, or through Internet channels. PaymentVision solutions handle billions of dollars for thousands of financial institutions, large and small nationwide including, credit unions, banks, consumer finance, and collection agencies. For more information, please visit http://www.paymentvision.com; follow PaymentVision on Twitter @PaymentVision or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/paymentvision; or call 800-345-7243. About Autoscribe Corporation Autoscribe Corporation is a leading financial services company and payment processor. With more than two decades of innovation and leadership in the financial technology industry, Autoscribe offers a full suite of tools through PaymentVision and Lyons Commercial Data to help their customers grow their business, simplify payment processing, mitigate risk, and ensure compliance. Recently named to the Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest growing private companies in the nation, Autoscribe has thousands of customers and processes more than $1 billion in transactions annually. For more information, please visit http://www.autoscribe.com; follow Autoscribe on Twitter @AutoscribeCorp or on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/company/autoscribe; or call 800-345-7243. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes certain "forward-looking statements" including, without limitation, statements regarding future events and Autoscribe Corporation's business, strategy and results, that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts. These statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are sometimes identified by words such as "will", "may", "could", "should," "would", "project", "believe", "anticipate", "expect", "plan," "estimate", "forecast", "potential", "intend", "continue", "target", "opportunities" and variations of these words or comparable words. As a result of the ultimate outcome of such risks and uncertainties, Autoscribe Corporation's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on Autoscribe Corporation's current beliefs or expectations, and there are a number of important factors that could cause the actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, risks related to the successful offering of the products and services of Autoscribe Corporation; and other risks that may impact Autoscribe Corporations business. Autoscribe Corporation expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Due to rounding, numbers presented throughout this and other documents may not add up precisely to the totals provided and percentages may not precisely reflect the absolute figures. ### Note to Editors: Autoscribe and PaymentVision are registered trademarks of Autoscribe Corporation. All other trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. From left: Derek P. B. Warden, Penn Community Bank; Ann and Ira Caton, Sherwood Steel, Inc.; Bob Cormack, Bucks County Economic Development Corporation Our experienced commercial lenders are dedicated to supporting economic growth and job retention and creation across the region, and we thank Bucks County Economic Development Corporation for this recognition. Penn Community Bank is proud to announce that it has been honored by the Bucks County Economic Development Corporation (BCEDC) for its role in expanding Bucks Countys economic base. The award was presented at the organizations annual dinner on April 25 at Spring Hill Manor. The BCEDC, which marks its 60th anniversary this year, recognized Penn Community Bank specifically for a commercial lending project to assist Sherwood Steel, a family-owned business that sells galvanized sheet metal and accessories. With the assistance of Penn Community Bank, Sherwood Steel was able to purchase a new facility in Bensalem, creating high-quality jobs. We are proud to partner with local companies like Sherwood Steel to increase economic opportunity for everyone in Bucks County, said Derek P. B. Warden, Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer at Penn Community Bank. Our experienced commercial lenders are dedicated to supporting economic growth and job retention and creation across the region, and we thank Bucks County Economic Development Corporation for this recognition. Penn Community Bank helped secure a low-interest, Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority-approved loan for Sherwood Steel, providing the purchasing power the company needed to acquire the 30,000-square-foot facility. The new building purchase will enable the company to have more inventory readily available, allowing them to tackle larger projects. Founded in 1958, Bucks County Economic Development Corporation is a nonprofit economic development organization dedicated to supporting economic growth in Bucks County. BCEDC is a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania-certified economic development agency offering low-cost financing options for purchases of land, buildings, machinery and equipment for local companies. BCEDCs aim is to strengthen Bucks Countys economy, enable expansion, and create and retain high-quality jobs. For more information, visit http://www.bcedc.com. About Penn Community: Penn Community Bank holds nearly $2 billion in assets, employs more than 300 people, and offers banking, lending, insurance and investments at 24 bank branches and two administrative centers throughout Bucks and Montgomery Counties, Pennsylvania. As an independent, mutual financial institution, Penn Community Bank is not publicly traded and operates with its long-term mission in mind: to help businesses grow and prosper, to provide financial resources to individuals and families throughout their lifetimes, to strengthen the local economy, and to partner with local organizations to act as a catalyst for positive growth in every market it serves. Its rewarding to see JOOR being recognized for revolutionizing the way brands and retailers do business throughout the wholesale buying process around the world, said CEO Kristin Savilia. JOOR, the worlds largest digital wholesale marketplace, today announced that its new JOOR Retailer Platform has been awarded a Bronze Stevie Award. The platform, the industrys first (and only) by buyers, for buyers mobile-first system to transform wholesale buying by digitizing manual processes from start to finish, was honored in the Best New Product or Service of the Year - Mobile On-demand Software category. JOOR is one of the chosen winners out of 10,000 nominees from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry. This is the first time in the history of the awards that a company in the wholesale technology space has won a Stevie Award. The American Business Awards are the premier business awards program in the U.S. Widely known as the Stevies for the Greek word meaning crowned, the awards are judged by more than 200 professionals worldwide. All organizations - public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small - operating in the U.S. are eligible to submit nominations. Its rewarding to see JOOR being recognized for revolutionizing the way brands and retailers do business throughout the wholesale buying process around the world, said CEO Kristin Savilia. Were proud to be recognized for driving positive disruption in the industry by digitizing otherwise manual and error-prone processes and, by doing so, pioneering a data standard that benefits both brands and their retailers. The nominations submitted for The 2018 American Business Awards were outstanding. The competition was intense, and those recognized as Stevie Award winners should be immensely proud of this accomplishment, said Michael Gallagher, president and founder of the Stevie Awards. Details about The American Business Awards and the list of 2018 Stevie winners are available at http://www.StevieAwards.com/ABA. About JOOR JOOR is the worlds largest digital wholesale marketplace, connecting the best brands and top retailers for faster, easier, smarter wholesale business. The only platform serving the needs of both buyers and sellers, JOOR helps more than 3,000 brands and 175,000 retail locations to rid themselves of manual processes and grow their businesses through more efficient and impactful order processing, assortment planning, and analytics. JOOR is headquartered in New York City and has offices in Los Angeles, Paris, London, Milan, Madrid, and Melbourne. For more information, visit http://www.jooraccess.com. About the Stevie Awards Stevie Awards are conferred in seven programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 10,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 60 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com. Through this initiative, we hope to create a national coalition in support of an Inclusion Economy, which delivers greater opportunity and choice to all people with disabilities in tomorrows workplace. Steve Soroka, SourceAmerica president and CEO Despite societal calls for greater inclusion in the workplace and the proliferation of assistive technologies, 80 percent of Americans with disabilities remain left out of todays workforce. In response to this staggering employment crisis, SourceAmerica and the National Council of SourceAmerica Employers launched the Social Enterprises of the Future initiative to address barriers to employment, impact meaningful change and expand work opportunities in collaboration with people with disabilities. This initiative is a cornerstone of SourceAmericas commitment to advancing the Inclusion EconomyTM, which recognizes the economic and social value of all abilities in todays workforce. Americans with disabilities our largest and most diverse minority group are invaluable assets to the U.S. economy, said Steve Soroka, SourceAmerica president and CEO. Through this initiative, we hope to create a national coalition in support of an Inclusion Economy, which delivers greater opportunity and choice to all people with disabilities in tomorrows workplace. As part of this initiative, SourceAmerica and NCSE joined forces to release the first two reports in a comprehensive five-part series designed to shape the future of work. The first report, The Future of Work and the Disability Community, which was developed independently by SourceAmerica, focuses on trends affecting workplace inclusion of people with disabilities and the impact of technology on the changing nature of work. The second report, Social Enterprises of the Future: A Collective Response, represents a year-long engagement with the disability community. This report offers new innovative employment models to adapt to todays rapidly changing workplace landscape. Initially spearheaded by SourceAmerica and the NCSE, the resulting employment models were ultimately led by the passion and perspective of people with disabilities from across the country. Through ongoing engagement with more than 200 nonprofits nationwide and with equal participation by people with disabilities, this initiative aims to grow a national movement in support of new, innovative employment models. SourceAmerica plans to increase participation in this effort to include lawmakers, industry leaders, academia and the broad diversity of the disability community. This is an important starting point of discussion regarding how the disability community must adapt to the changing world. It is essential we place people with disabilities at the center of this ongoing conversation, said Carol Carr, NCSE president. Key findings on emerging trends from The Future of Work and the Disability Community report include: People with disabilities continue to maintain a 40 percent lower labor force participation rate than the general population, which contributes to ongoing inclusion and economic disparities. Societal sentiment and public policy are driving pressure for inclusion and competitive integrated employment, yet simultaneously creating strains on existing employment systems. Predictions of those most likely to experience negative consequences due to technological factors match the generalized profile of people with disabilities in the United States. The Social Enterprises of the Future: A Collective Response report outlines several initial operational models to shape the future of work and expand employment opportunities, including: Inclusion consulting, which focuses on employing people with disabilities as expert advisors to companies to support diversity and inclusion initiatives. No one is better positioned to help others create a culture of inclusion than persons with disabilities, leading to increased opportunities for the entire community. Accessibility consulting, like inclusion consulting, people with disabilities have important firsthand knowledge of navigating a largely inaccessible world. Combining talent, interest and unique perspective, people with disabilities can find sustainable employment in the technology sector while improving the accessibility of products and services for everyone. Connecting abilities, the disability community must find ways to utilize current and emerging technology to modernize their approaches. Creating an inclusive labor exchange, using technology to aid the matching process, can lead to greater awareness, efficiency and more successful outcomes. Full reports can be found here: https://www.sourceamerica.org/future-of-work. The Social Enterprises of the Future initiative will be publishing its next studies, Practices for Sustained Social Impact, Market Perspectives and Policy Perspectives, later this summer. To further this important discussion, SourceAmerica is convening panels of experts and advocates representing various market sectors. People with disabilities, whose perspective is critical in designing viable workplace models, will play a leading role in advancing this initiative. Key findings from the first two reports will be highlighted at the The Future of Work and Inclusion panel, scheduled Tuesday, May 8 at SourceAmericas National Training and Achievement Conference in Indianapolis (http://www.sourceamerica.org/conference). Among those participating in the discussion will be experts on disability employment and inclusion from such leading organizations as Special Olympics, The Aspen Institute Future of Work Initiative, The United States International Council on Disability, G3ict and SourceAmerica. This conference panel is a continuation of discussion started at a congressional briefing with bi-partisan support last November to improve lawmakers' understanding of workplace issues affecting the disability community. Hosted by Reps. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., and Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., on Capitol Hill, the briefing featured disability advocates in addition to executives from Special Olympics, The Viscardi Center and SourceAmerica. About SourceAmerica and NCSE Established in 1974, SourceAmerica (SourceAmerica.org) creates job opportunities for a skilled and dedicated workforce: people with significant disabilities. SourceAmerica is the vital link between the federal government and private sector organizations that procure the products and services provided by this exceptional workforce via a network of nearly 800 community-based nonprofits. Headquartered in Vienna, VA, SourceAmerica provides its nonprofit agency network with business development, contract management, legislative and regulatory assistance, communications and public relations materials, information technology support, engineering and technical assistance, and extensive professional training needed for successful nonprofit management. SourceAmerica is an AbilityOne authorized enterprise. The National Council of SourceAmerica Employers (NCSE) is an independent network of executives representing nonprofit agencies (NPAs) that provide services or manufacture products under the AbilityOne Program. All NPAs in SourceAmericas network are members of the NCSE. The NCSE Executive Committee consists of four elected officers and representatives of agencies from the six SourceAmerica Field Office areas. The president of the NCSE serves on the SourceAmerica Board of Directors, thus ensuring that the NPA community has direct input into the deliberations and policy-making decisions of the Board. The NCSE addresses issues of concern or significant relevance to NPAs and their participation in the AbilityOne Program and assists SourceAmerica with research and data collection necessary to advance the AbilityOne Program. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: The White House issued a peremptory statement on Saturday criticizing the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC)'s demand that foreign airlines remove references on their websites or in other material suggesting Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao as "countries." "This is Orwellian nonsense," the statement said, adding that US President Donald Trump "will stand up for Americans resisting efforts by the Chinese Communist Party to impose Chinese political correctness on American companies and citizens." Is it merely "Chinese political correctness" that major airlines not list Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao and Tibet as "countries?" It's political correctness for nearly the whole world and international organizations including the UN. Governments in most countries acknowledge Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao and Tibet as parts of China, and foreign airlines should respect this fact. Some Western companies have been listing Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao and even Tibet as "countries" for a long time, but wrong practices need to be corrected sooner or later. China has justified rights in promoting such a change. This has nothing to do with political system or ideology. Countries under any political system would handle the issue in the same way as China. George Orwell satirized the Soviet Union's political system in Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four. The White House used Orwell's metaphor to attack China. This shows some American elites obstinately regard China as a totalitarian state, brushing aside the variety of Chinese society, which has been implementing a socialist market economy for decades. These elites have misled US society in understanding China. This round of requests for Western enterprises to rectify their wrongdoings started with the Chinese public. Earlier this year, Chinese internet users criticized Marriott for labeling Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao and Tibet as "countries," and foreign air carriers have also received attention. The CAAC's request answers the call of Chinese public opinion. The White House's harsh rhetoric against China will not scare Beijing. China will continue promoting international society to reach a consensus on the one-China policy in accordance with China's pace. The Taiwan question is the trickiest, as Taiwan pro-independence forces have posed a systematic threat. By labeling Taiwan a "country," some foreign firms sustain the fantasy of independence forces and blur the outside world's understanding of the status of the island. Time is needed to address the issue. The fundamental solution is to settle the Taiwan question and eradicate lingering traces of colonization from Hong Kong. Troubles are inevitable before Taiwan's reunification with the motherland. In most cases, non-governmental forces should play a major role in urging foreign enterprises to correct their language, with the government offering necessary support. Non-governmental forces can be flexible and represent the influence of the Chinese market and thus have a special deterrence. Chinese should be psychologically prepared for a long-term struggle on the Taiwan question and understand that not all of our requests can be smoothly realized. The more formally we raise a demand, the higher the risk it may be resisted. An always-victorious result is unrealistic and we should push the Taiwan administration to fight against pro-independence forces. The one-China policy is a reality of international politics. Any attempt by any government to encourage Taiwan independence will offend Chinese society and any company that disrespects the issue will have to pay a price. We hope all sides can understand this before making decisions. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Home Regional News East The guidance system on helicopters on China's second aircraft carrier, also the first home-made one, functions well and the efficiency of transporting troops between two aircraft carriers may be enhanced, a Chinese military expert said in response to reports on Sunday. The Changhe Z-18 helicopter took off from China's first home-grown aircraft carrier in Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning Province on Saturday then returned and landed five minutes later. Photographs of the chopper in action have been circulating on Chinese social media since Saturday. The helicopters' guidance system obviously works well and the helicopters can be used if an emergency occurs during sea trials, Li Jie, a Beijing-based military expert, told the Global Times on Sunday. Li also said that helicopters could also enhance the efficiency of transporting troops between China's first aircraft carrier the Liaoning, and the second, as yet unnamed one. The report prompted online speculation that the second aircraft carrier will soon enter sea trials, especially after the Liaoning Maritime Safety Administration announced that the Bohai Strait and an area north of the Yellow Sea would be cordoned off from Friday until May 11 for military activities. The areas are close to the shipyard where the new aircraft carrier was built. Li said that the building of China's first home-made aircraft carrier has gone well according to information released online. "Even if there are some problems, it is quite normal since there are 700 million to 800 million parts on an aircraft carrier," Li said. Whether the aircraft carrier will return to the shipyard before the sea trials is an important index of its quality, he noted. The aircraft carrier is expected to be delivered to the People's Liberation Army Navy soon once the sea trials are done, another military expert told the Global Times. Successful sea trials will show that China has stepped forward in national defense technology, said the expert, who asked not to be named. China will have two aircraft carrier strike groups in support of the PLA Navy's efforts to safeguard China's maritime interests and sovereignty as well as regional peace, he said. Rita Kriba, a handicapped lady from Ghana is so angry with Africa World Airlines that she's willing to drag the airline to court for allegedly preventing her from flying. Kriba, a fellow of the Young African Leaders Initiative maintains that Africa World Airlines displayed an act of discrimination against her when she was prevented from flying on the plane because of her disability. Rita's story Rita had told Joy News that the officials of Africa World Airlines prevented her from boarding a plane to Kumasi on Saturday, May 5, 2018 because it was against their policy for passengers to travel with crutches. They took my passport first and told me that I should wait for them and that I will be leaving at 7:00 So when it was 7:00 and I was supposed to check-in I was told to stand aside and that I cant send my crutches inside the plane. So I told them I am a person with a disability, how can I go and leave my crutches. They said no, crutches are not allowed, the handicapped Rita said. Insisting on getting a redress to the alleged act of discrimination against her disabilities, Rita said she will do whatever it takes to get this out there, for people to know that persons with disabilities are also entitled to whatever Ghanaians are enjoying. Continuing, Rita said:We are also humans. We will use whatever means for this thing to be addressed. I want people with disabilities to be treated as normal citizens of Ghana. I want children with disability to grow up knowing that they are part of the society, knowing that they can also create an impact, knowing that they are like any other person and they can achieve whatever they want to achieve. Africa World Airline denies discriminating against Rita's disability Africa World Airlines has denied discriminating against any of its passengers' disability claiming the airline lifts persons with disabilities on its planes and give special care to them. In a reaction, Africa World Airline told Joy News that the Rita's incident has not come to their attention. The airline management also noted that it allows persons with disabilities pre-boarding to find a suitable seat. Some countries in recent times have instituted paternity leave for fathers in addition to the maternity leave bestowed to mothers. The paternity leave debate has been ongoing in several African countries. Fathers in Nigeria will not be taking in the joys of paternity leave anytime soon. Lawmakers have shut down a bill to legalize optional paternity leave for male workers in private and public employment. The bill failed to get past a second reading. To become a law, the bill needed to pass the second reading, a committee review as well as a third reading before presidential assent. But the paternity leave apathy isnt restricted to Nigeria alone. Countries like Algeria, Mali, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania do not necessarily have paternity leave however, they only provide a few days for the fathers to be absent from work after their spouses delivery. In Africa, these countries provide paid paternity leave for five days or more. There is no provision for paternity leave in the country's Labour Proclamation 2003. However, article 81 of the country's constitution provides for an entitlement of up to 5 consecutive days unpaid leave in the case of exceptional and serious events. (Source: 81 of the Labour Proclamation No. 377/2003 (amended by Proc. No. 466/2005 & Proc. No. 494/2006) READ ALSO:These fabulously rich Ghanaians are all under 40 In Kenya, men get two weeks of paid paternity. The leave is only applicable to a man whose recognised wife delivers a baby. What this means is that paternity leave is not open to any man, but only those who are married and whose wives are recognised by the employers. Section 29 (8) deals with the issue of paternity leave and again the wording suggests that it is a mandatory provision. It states: "A male employer shall be entitled to two weeks paternity leave with full pay." Paternity leave begins within one week from the birth of the child and will be on full pay provided the father has been in continuous employment with the same employer for a period of at least 12 months prior to the date of birth of the child. They are required to provide a medical certificate indicating their spouse has given birth as well as a written statement he has signed to show he is living with the spouse under the same room for the leave to be granted. READ ALSO: Inside the exclusive cemetery in Ghana where the rich and powerful are laid to rest In South Africa, mothers are entitled to take 4 consecutive months of unpaid maternity leave. Fathers, on the other hand, are only allowed 3 days' family responsibility leave per year, and fathers say it's time the law made amendments. The University of Zambia which is located in the capital, Lusaka has posted notices around its library for the female students to act accordingly. It has come to our attention that some female students dress half-naked as they use the library, a situation which is disturbing the male students, reads the notice. We, therefore, advise the female students to dress modestly as you use university facilities. Modesty is the way to go! However, some female students are unhappy with this development. A third-year student Dikina Muzeya told BBC that she does not understand how a male student will be distracted if his main aim in the library is to study. If your mission of going to the library is to study, why should you start looking at other things like a females legs? READ ALSO: Ashesi receives Presidential Charter Just concentrate on your books, thats all. But Killion Phiri, a male student, said the decision will help the boys concentrate on their books. Moesha, in an interview with Christiane Amanpour on S*x & Love Around the World show, claimed that she funds her ostentatious lifestyle through such activities since the acting jobs are not really paying. She further blamed some of her lifestyle choices on the Ghanaian economy. She claimed the economy isnt doing well to support hard work, therefore, the need to do other businesses aside. Her gaffe caused social media outrage, with many chastising her for generalising her view on the international media outlet. But, it seems she has a better response to all the critics who have not allowed her rest since her interview went viral on social media. Responding to critics on a video that urges women to work hard to support their husbands shared on Ghanafuo.com Instagram page, she said it seems Ghanaians didnt understand her interview. The ceremony was held at the Accra International Conference Centre on Saturday, May 5, 2018. The personalities who were awarded for their tremendous performance in disc jockeying in the country, during the year under review included DJ Vyrusky, DJ Slim, DJ Switch, DJ Xpliph, DJ Nyce, iPhone DJ and DJ Cuppy. The event which was hosted by actress Joselyn Dumas saw performances from the likes of DJ Mic Smith, DJ Nyce, Kwaw Kese, Patapaa, MzVee, Kidi and more. Check the full list of winners at the Ghana DJ Awards 2018 below: Best DJ Brong-Ahafo Region DJ Bryt Best DJ Western Region DJ X Best DJ Northern Region DJ Kofi Best DJ Upper West Region DJ Tobi Best DJ Upper East Region DJ Aluta Best DJ Volta Region DJ Ricky Augustine Best DJ Central Region DJ Pupa Best DJ Eastern Region DJ Stanzy Best DJ Ashanti Region DJ Slim Best DJ Greater Accra Region DJ Vyrusky Best Mobile DJ of the Year DJ Adom Mixtape of the Year DJ Aberga (The Challenge) Best Video Jockey of the Year DJ Xpliph Best Hypeman of the Year Ogee The MC Best Pub DJ of the Year DJ Aroma Best Discovery DJ of the Year DJ Switch Artiste DJ of the Year DJ Shiwaawa (Ebony) Best Event DJ of the Year DJ MicSmith Scratch DJ of the Year DJ Mpesempese Best Night Club DJ of the Year Vision DJ Best Campus DJ of the Year iPhone DJ Gospel DJ of the Year Papa Bills Best Highlife DJ of the Year Oyoko Dehye Hiplife DJ of the Year DJ Slim Reggae/Dancehall DJ of the Year King Lagazee Best Male Radio DJ of the Year DJ Slim Y 102.5 FM, Kumasi Best Female Radio DJ of the Year DJ Kess Y 107.9 FM, Accra Best Female DJ of the Year DJ Nyce Record Promoter of the Year DJ Adviser DJ/Artiste Collaboration of the Year DJ Vyrusky Adwenfi ft. Shatta Wale, Kuami Eugene DJ Song of the Year One Corner Patapaa Overall DJ of the Year DJ Vyrusky Best International Ghanaian DJ of the Year DJ Bretuoba Best International Non-Ghanaian DJ of the Year DJ Cuppy Lifetime Achievement of the Year He said categorically that church members without Permanent Voters Card, PVC, would not be allowed to worship. In Ghana, men of God are not expected to meddle in politics and those who have dared to share their views on political matters have suffered stern backlash from politicians who are not favoured by their views. READ MORE: Bishop Agyinasare reportedly heals dying Pakistani man The bishop is quoted as saying: From Thursday, any member of my church who does not have his or her voters card would not enter this house (Church). By the grace of God, I am the one God used in founding the Flock of Christ Mission. He said the time has come for the church to play an active role in the politics of the various countries they are situated in. What is likely to save the man of God is the fact that he did not espouse the views of any particular political party, but rather seemed to be triggering enthusiasm of his members in deciding the fate of their country, which is a civic responsibility. Following the arrest of Femi Solomon, from Ogun State on Thursday, about four phones believed to be some of the stolen ones were found in his possession. What was even more striking was the confession by the suspect that he had been able to steal about 1200 phones since he joined the pickpocketing gang. Femi Solomon was quoted to as having told the police that a friend introduced me to pickpocketing. I noticed he was coming to Obalende finely dressed with so much money. I told him I was looking for better job opportunity, and he assured me that he was going to assist me with one. And, when he was going to introduced me to one, he said I should be following him, while I learn from him. I was following from behind and monitoring what he was doing. We were moving from one bus stop to the other from morning till evening. He was stealing phones and wallets from passengers inside buss and at bus stops. Throughout the six months I followed him, we could pick 6 to 8 phones and wallets from people without them knowing. He kept everything to himself, but at the end of the day, he would give me between N4,000 to N6,000 depending on his wish. On August 2016, I started on my own. My target is between 4 to 5 mobile phones in a day. Once am able to hit that figure, I stop operation and I retire. I sell phones to a friend based in Lagos Island. In my rough estimation, I would have stolen 1200 phones. I operate on Monday, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The BBC reported the Lagos police as saying that they had information regarding the incident and quickly delegated a team of officers to the scene. The police said upon arriving the deceased whose name has also not been disclosed was found lying in a pool of blood with the intestine and the genitals severed with knife. It is suspected that the woman might have committed the crime out of bitterness because Lagos police spokesman, Chike Oti is reported to have said that the couple had been married for three years, but the marriage turned turbulent. 5th May 2018 is a day I will never forget in my life. I went to a US government-sponsored program called Young Africa leaders initiative (YALI) at GIMPA, Accra. After the program, I have to travel to Kumasi for a very important meeting at 10:00. Rita who works at the Department of Social Welfare and also runs an NGO called the Disabled Child and Youth Foundation, was going for a meeting relating to her NGO. She said that she woke up early at dawn so she could get to the airport early. When I got there my passport was checked and I was told to sit and wait till 7:00. Some of her YALI colleagues arrived at the airport few minutes to the boarding time. When it was time to start my journey I was told I can't send my crutches inside the plane. I am also a person with disability I can't walk without my crutches and I was told aids are not allowed. So I was denied access to the plane because I was a person with disability. She said she then asked them if they could help her to her seat while they keep her crutches elsewhere in the plane. They told me that my crutches cannot just be on the plane and that there are no aides allowed. That is what I was told. My friends wanted to talk to them but they were just refusing to talk to anyone. My agent also called to talk to them but they refused to talk to her. So at the end of the day, my three friends went on the plane, left to Kumasi and left me behind. Don't I have the right to take a flight in my own country just because I am a person with disability when will this discrimination stop? Rita asked. After the incident, AWA has not refunded the money for the ticket and Rita said she has not heard from the airline. Meanwhile, on the companys website, it states that customers with disabilities are allowed Pre-boarding to find a suitable seat, though they are not allowed to sit at the emergency exit rows. The opening ceremony of the multilateral naval exercise Komodo 2018, hosted by the Indonesian Navy, is held in Lombok of Indonesia on May 5, local time. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Zeng Xingjian) LOMBOK, May 7 (ChinaMil) -- The multilateral naval exercise Komodo 2018, hosted by the Indonesian Navy, kicked off in Lombok of Indonesia on May 5, local time. The opening ceremony was held at the port at 8:00 on the morning. Admiral Ade Supandi, commander of the Indonesian Navy, announced the opening of the exercise and delivered a speech. The Indonesian Navy organized a traditional dance, parachuting and aerobatic performances for the ceremony. The background of the exercise is the hypothetical scenario of terrorism, piracy, armed robbery and ethnic minorities being oppressed on an island. At the same time, natural disasters such as earthquake and volcanic eruption also occur on the island, causing serious social unrest. In accordance with the UN resolutions, a multinational naval combined fleet is dispatched to carry out humanitarian aid. Commanding officer Long Juan of the Chinese naval fleet participated in the opening ceremony. Long signed on the commemorative inscribed board prepared by the Indonesian Navy along with naval officials of other participating countries. Long said that the Chinese Navy loves peace and is willing to work with other navies of the world to contribute to maintaining harmonious ocean environment, deepening exchanges, and promoting common development. Naval officials of participating countries sign on the commemorative inscribed board prepared by the Indonesian Navy. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Zeng Xingjian) His comments come after the Coalition for Public Trained Registered Nurses and Midwives described governments plan to enroll them unto the Nation Builders Corps (NaBCo) as very sad. The Coalition argues that if they sign unto the policy, it will be the beginning of the extinction of nursing and midwifery in Ghana thus they cannot sell their profession and dignity for 700. In a rebuttal on Accra-based Joy FM, Mr Bentil said that if the nurses believe they are worth more than 700, they should go find their own jobs. The problem with nurses and I think teachers also in Ghana is that government assumes the responsibility of finding them jobs, he said. I dont think government has any responsibility to find you a job if you finish nursing school and you are a nurse, he added. He said the government must diverse itself of this responsibility that we have to find nurses a job. In a related development, nurses across the country are demonstrating today against governments decision to enrol them in the program. Sources also indicate that over 40,000 graduates have applied for placement under NaBCo programme. READ ALSO: Africa World Airlines denies woman entry on flight because she uses crutches On May 1, 2018, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo launched the NaBCo in Kumasi as an initiative by the government to provide employment for 100,000 unemployed graduates this year. The programme will initially operate seven modules designed to meet the pressing needs of the nation, while providing jobs for the teeming youth who have received a tertiary education but are struggling to find jobs, partly because of the ban placed on public sector employment by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). According to Accra-based Citi FM, 18 reassignments were made. DCOP Kwesi Mensah Duku replaced COP Ken Yeboah as the Ashanti Regional Police Commander. DCOP Vincent Dedjoe has been moved from the Upper East Regional Command to the head Western Regional Command; whiles DCOP Patrick Adusei Sarpong has been moved from the Northern Regional Command to become Head of Legal at the National Police Headquarters. Others are DCOP Timothy Yosa Bonga, the former Director at Police Intelligence and Professional Standards (PIPS), who will now head the Northern Regional Command; DCOP Osei Kweku Ampofo Duku, will now head the Upper East Regional Command, and DCOP Edward Tabiri, from Director General Legal Services, will now be the Director-General Private Security Services. This is the second major shake-up in the police service since the country started recording an increase in robbery cases which got the public worried in March 2018. In the previous re-shuffle, there were 11 reassignments with Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, then the Director General of Police Operations moved to head the Police Research and Planning Department. He was replaced by the former Eastern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Simon Afeku. They are also against the enrollment of nurses in the newly launched Nation Builders Corps initiative by President Akufo-Addo. READ ALSO: Coalition of unemployed nurses disappointed in Nation Builders Corps As part of its initiation process, the government has suggested the inclusion of over 10,000 nurses in the scheme. However, this development hasn't gone down well with the Coalition of Unemployed Nurses as they deem the scheme not sustainable enough. They fear once they are enrolled under the programme, the Ministry of Health will relent on its efforts to get them financial clearance to become permanent staff of the Ministry. The Commander in charge, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Nana Hinneh Asomah disclosed that he has personally purchased a drone which is being configured at the Police headquarters. He said the use of such modern technology will make their work less difficult and swift. READ ALSO: 27 Suspected criminals arrested in Kasoa He informed that based on the exercise which was led by the Deputy Tema Regional Police Commander, DCOP Boadu Pepra, the police arrested nine persons who were currently in our custody while we screen them, and at the end of the screening we will send those found culpable to court. The Commander said the operation was successful because of a tip-off and with the availability of drones, they will be able to monitor these criminals easily. According to him, The signal we are sending out there is that we are not going to rest; we are going to move from community to community to identify where these criminals are and move in on them. In an interview on Accra-based Joy FM, Hajia Fati said, "I don't know anyone but I remember slapping a lady. She didn't approach me and all I saw was that she was taking a picture of me. I thought it was one of Sammy Crabbe's people who wanted to take a picture of me so I slapped her. "She didn't look like a journalist, she was looking like a normal lady who sells onions. I want you to withdraw the statement that she's your colleague because I don't know any of your colleagues." READ MORE: Hajia Fati threatens to sue Kwabena Agyepong Background Sekyiwaa said she received a slap on her face from the 'fiery' NPP fanatic when she tried interviewing about the impending National Delegates Conference. Narrating the incident, Ama said the assault happened after Hajia Fati tried to deny the suspended Second Vice Chairman of the party, Sammy Crabbe to pick up a form to contest for the Chairmanship position. She said, "Hajia Fati came in after Sammy Crabbe had been asked to go and bring money. Actually, he came with a bankers draft from the Ghana commercial bank, and he was asked to go and bring cash because they were taking cash." "About 15 minutes after Sammy Crabbe left, Hajia Fati came in very angry and she was saying that she will not allow Sammy Crabbe to pick the [nomination] forms," she added. "I got closer to her. I wanted to interview her so I took my phone out. I wanted to take a picture and so as soon as she turned, she looked at my face and asked me why I was taking pictures of her. I didnt utter a word. She slapped me in the face, on my mouth and she almost took the phone from me," she narrated. Hajia Fati has been in the news on several occasions for her threats to journalists who report negatively about the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The unemployed nurses expressed disappointment in government's initiative, Nation builders Corps (NABCO). The group said they were promised a permanent job and are expected to hit the streets today, Monday, May 7, to demonstrate against government for failing to employ them. READ ALSO: Coalition of unemployed nurses disappointed in Nation Builders Corps Nana Addo launched the NABCO programme, on May Day in Kumasi. The initiative is expected to provide over 100, 000 jobs across the country. As part of its initiation process, the government has suggested the inclusion of over 10,000 nurses in the scheme. However, this development hasn't gone down well with the Coalition of Unemployed Nurses as they deem the scheme not sustainable enough. They fear once they are enrolled under the programme, the Ministry of Health will relent on its efforts to get them financial clearance to become permanent staff of the Ministry. Some of the disappointed nurses said "We feel disappointed in the president because that is not what he promised, we want a permanent job, not this short term contract." Ernest Appiah Danquah who was an active member of NPP's Delta Force, has accused the party of neglect indicating it is the reason for which he has moved to join the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). "I am no longer a member of the NPP and Delta Force. I am not part of any activity they embark on because I am no longer their member. I took part in the NDC Unity Walk in the Ashanti Region and will help the NDC to win power in 2020," he said. He added that members of the citizen vigilante group have been denied jobs that were promised them adding that he will never join the NPP again. Speaking on Accra-based Happy FM, the disappointed Delta Force member said "Nobody should call to try to comfort me. I am not a child and nobody can change my mind. "They should take the jobs and give them to my former colleagues in the Delta Force." He noted that the party has failed in fulfilling its promises prior to the elections in 2016. READ ALSO: KMA enlists NPP vigilante group Delta Force to evict traders He said the party will put the final dagger in John Mahama's political career in the 2020 general elections. It is the wish of the NPP, in particular me, that the NDC would allow Mr Mahama as their flagbearer for the 2020 elections, because he (Mahama) is the weakest among the NDC people, who are interested in the flagbearer position", he boasted. "We will not suffer one bit in retaining political power with Mr. Mahama as the presidential candidate of the NDC, in fact, we will easily retire him in 2020 for everybody to see, he said. John Mahama stated over the weekend that he will make the decision of whether to contest again as the flagbearer of the NDC public soon. He said this at their Unity Walk in Bolgatanga. He said the rate at which the New Patriotic Party is borrowing with a just over a year in government might hurt the country soon. Prior to the 2016 general elections, borrowing became one of the main campaign issues with the NPP promising to significantly cut it should they win power. "They complained a lot about the rate at which the government at the time was borrowing but at the last count, they have borrowed about 10 billion dollars, he said. Mr Spio-Garbrah stated further that there is a lot of assets in the country.If you go to the airport residential area and cantonment most of the houses there have been paid for.they have been paid for twenty-thirty years ago. Most Ghanaians build their houses without mortgages so a lot of capital is locked up in peoples homes. Anyidoho says this practice has the tendency to spell doom for the nation. Last week, the Civil and Local Government Staff Association (CLOGSAG) issued a press statement accusing the government of usurping the powers of some civil servants with special assistants at some specific Ministries. During CLOGSAG press conference, Executive Secretary, Dr Issac Paul Bampoe-Addo, accused some Ministers, especially the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, of replacing civil servants who had been forced to proceed on leave. Speaking to NDC cadres in the Volta Region, Koku Anyidoho weighed in on this issue and said For CLOGSAG to come out before May Day and condemn vehemently the over-politicisation of the civil service, then we are in trouble". Anyidoho, who has been a fierce critic of government was recently caught in fire storm for making 'treasonable' comments against the government. Chinese destroyer Changsha (DDG-173) participates in the international fleet review hosted by the Indonesian Navy at the waters off Indonesias Lombok on May 5, 2018. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Zeng Xingjian) LOMBOK, Indonesia, May 7 (ChinaMil) -- Two Chinese warships participating in the Komodo 2018 multilateral naval exercise joined the international fleet review hosted by the Indonesian Navy along with naval ships of other countries at the waters off Indonesias Lombok on Saturday. The fleet review began at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning. Fifty naval ships from 34 countries formed four columns at the anchorage area, the participating sailors man the rails aboard their ships. The guided-missile destroyer Changsha (DDG-173) and the guided-missile frigate Liuzhou (FFG-573) of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy took part in the fleet review. In the air, three echelons of ship-borne helicopters and four echelons of fixed-wing warplanes from the participating navies flew past the sky over the formations of warships. Also on Saturday, according to agenda of the exercise, the Chinese Navy sailors participated in drills of engineering civic action program (ENCAP), table-top exercise, experts' lectures, city parade, cultural performance and other multilateral exchange activities. Chinese Navy sailors salute aboard the destroyer Changsha (DDG-173) during the international fleet review hosted by the Indonesian Navy at the waters off Indonesias Lombok on May 5, 2018. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Lin Jian) The 12-day exercises began less than a week after US network CNBC reported that the Chinese military had over the past month installed anti-ship and air-to-air defences on islands also claimed by the Philippines. "This exercise was scheduled whether those missiles were there or not," US Lieutenant General Lawrence Nicholson told reporters in Manila. "The exercises really have very little to do with recent developments in the area," said Nicholson, the US director of the "Balikatan" ("shoulder-to-shoulder") manoeuvres. The South China Sea issue has been brewing for years, with Vietnam, Malaysia and others also staking claims to waters with vital global shipping routes and what are believed to be significant oil and natural gas deposits. Nicholson's Filipino counterpart, Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Salamat, sidestepped the issue while highlighting the need to improve the capabilities of Filipino forces to fight terrorism. Duterte's predecessor, Benigno Aquino, had used the exercises to boost the Philippine military's capability to deter China, which claims most of the South China Sea. However, Duterte refocused the joint exercises after he was elected in 2016, steering them towards addressing domestic problems. Last year Balikatan focused mainly on honing humanitarian responses to the Philippines' frequent natural disasters. This year's terror focus comes after Islamic State group supporters seized the southern Philippine city of Marawi in May last year, triggering a five-month battle with US-backed Filipino troops that killed some 1,200 people. "This is focusing mostly on countering terrorism... that will allow us to respond to a similar scenario in the future," Salamat said. The US and Australia have pledged to provide more training and assistance to Filipino troops, who struggled in Marawi's urban battleground after decades fighting low-intensity rural-based communist and Muslim insurgencies. Most of the 5,000 Filipino troops and 3,000 US counterparts taking part in the manoeuvres are from special operations units who will train in mock urban terrain to respond to "crises and calamities, either natural or man-made", Salamat said. In a theatrical touch, a televised ceremony began Monday with Putin sitting at his desk in the Kremlin, suit jacket looped over his chair, as if hard at work until moments before the ceremony. A phone rang, letting him know it was time for his fourth term; he donned his jacked and walked alone through the red-carpeted Kremlin corridors and into a hall packed with about 6,000 invited, cheering guests. In a short speech, Putin suggested his focus had now turned to domestic matters and improving Russias economy for the well-being of every family, though there were no words of reconciliation in the countrys tense relations with the West. The security and defense capabilities of the country are reliably supported, Putin told the audience of government ministers, lawmakers, religious leaders and celebrities. Now we will use all the possibilities we have first of all for the resolution of internal, and most essential, tasks of development, he said. A new quality of life, well-being, security and health for the people, that is what is important today. Putin won re-election in March with nearly 77 percent of the vote, the largest margin for any post-Soviet leader. It was a result his backers said showed widespread support, but one his critics dismissed as illustrating the stifling of any real opposition. Abroad, Putin has sought to restore Russias sway in world affairs. During his third term as president, he intervened militarily in Ukraine and Syria, putting him at loggerheads with the West. And, according to U.S. intelligence agencies, he directed Russia to meddle in the 2016 presidential election to aid Donald Trump. At home, he has presided over the restitution to power of the security agency he once served, with many high officials and corporate executives now former officers like Putin. But the domestic economy has continued to lag, only recently emerging from a painful recession. He has also clamped down on critics, arresting scores of opposition activists and restricting the media. The symbolic Putin is omnipotent, like St. George slaying the Western dragon, but the flesh-and-bones Putin is barely capable of solving Russians everyday problems or preventing tragedies, Andrei Kolesnikov, an associate at the Carnegie Moscow Center, wrote in a commentary on Putins continued popularity despite the economic slump. The president answers for the symbolic renaissance of feelings of belonging to a great world power, while it is mayors, regional heads, and ministers who answer for fires and rubbish dumps. European election observers with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe wrote that his recent re-election, took place in an overly controlled legal and political environment marked by continued pressure on critical voices. Underscoring that point, two days before the inauguration, police arrested about 1,600 people at protest actions called He is not our czar. Demonstrators wore paper crowns to mock Putins long rule, now running longer than any Russian leader since Stalin. The arrests added images of swinging nightsticks and shoving matches with the police to the inaugural events. A Spoiled Party, read a headline Monday in Vedomosti, a business newspaper. The violence included a seeming throwback to an era of crowd-control tactics in Russia. Men wearing Cossack uniforms and carrying a type of traditional leather whip known as a nagaika had mingled in the crowd, occasionally lashing out. The Echo of Moscow radio station reported Monday that the Cossack group had won municipal contracts to train for and help with crowd control, though it remained unclear whether they acted in an official capacity Saturday. Putin first became president on Dec. 31, 1999, when Boris Yeltsin, ailing from heart troubles, resigned. Putin was then elected in 2000 and served twice, the constitutional limit for successive terms. He then became prime minister for one term, before returning to the presidency in 2012. For his third and now fourth spells as president, the term was extended to six years from four. While not short on pomp, the ceremony Monday was less elaborate than his inauguration in 2012. In 2012, police cordoned off much of the city center to allow Putins motorcade to glide through quiet streets toward the Kremlin. Eerie images of the leader in an empty city sparked criticism that Putin had lost touch with the people. This year, he stayed within the Kremlin grounds. He walked from his office to a motorcade that drove from one Kremlin building to another, escorted by motorcycles. In the ceremony, Putin strode through several interlinked, gilded and chandeliered halls in an historical Kremlin palace before arriving at the Andreyevsky Hall, where guests waited. Few foreign dignitaries attended. Among those in the hall were Gerhard Schroder, the former German chancellor and longtime supporter of Putin. Dozhd, an opposition television station, cited Kremlin officials saying they sought a lower-key ceremony this time. While not exactly calling it routine, Putins spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters that the inauguration was less significant this year because Putin was just beginning a new term, not shifting from the prime ministers office to the presidency. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. You have to understand that half our population still does not have power,Surillo said the day after the April 18 blackout, recalling the morning after HurricaneMaria when he emerged from his operations center to see the YabucoaCityHall devastated, houses smashed and downed power lines and poles littering the streets and countryside. Even now, while officials say the $2.5 billion reconstruction effort has restored power to 98 percent of the grids customers, swaths of hilly country across the island are still pitch black after dark, punctuated by lights run on private generators. Even restored sections of the grid are nightmarishly unreliable, as evidenced by last months outage, the second major power failure in a week and the fourth since early February. On the mainland, much of the coverage of the recovery has focused on the struggles of the islands beleaguered power authority and its politically disastrous hiring of Whitefish Energy Holdings, a tiny and inexperienced Montana contractor linked to the Trump administrations interior secretary. Here in Puerto Rico, the perception of a condescending and under-responsive government in Washington has been fed by the enduring image of President Donald Trump seeming to minimize the catastrophe while tossing paper towels into a crowd. But an examination of the power grids reconstruction based on a review of hundreds of documents and interviews with dozens of public officials, utility experts and citizens across the island shows how a series of decisions by federal and Puerto Rican authorities together sent the effort reeling on a course that would take months to correct. When the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, known as PREPA, hired Whitefish for the reconstruction, it also declined to request direct assistance from mainland utilities that for decades had routinely dispatched workers to help one another recover from disasters large and small. At the same time, the Federal Emergency Management Agency made a highly unusual decision of its own. Rather than advise Puerto Rico to accept aid from the mainland utilities, FEMA abruptly called in the Army Corps of Engineers never mind that the corps had never rebuilt a major grid after a storm and by its own account had not made preparations to take on the task in Puerto Rico. The result was a chaotic tangle of overlapping missions and fumbling coordination. Compounding those problems, the grid was decrepit, corroded and poorly maintained, and PREPA which, like Puerto Rico as a whole, is effectively bankrupt had failed to keep sufficient stocks of replacement parts and other critical supplies. Shipments of parts from the mainland were slow to arrive and languished in the battered ports. Ive never seen anything like that not in a developed nation, said Ed Muller, a former energy executive whose generation and transmission equipment suffered flooding by Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey, severe storm damage in Jamaica and earthquakes in California. It took more than a month for PREPAs decision on aid from utilities, known as mutual assistance, to be undone. In late October, with the reconstruction seemingly stalled, Gov. Ricardo A. Rossello of Puerto Rico met with Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York, a veteran of Hurricane Sandy and other natural disasters. Cuomo strongly recommended invoking mutual aid. Weeks more would pass before the full mobilization got underway, but beginning in November, the first of some 3,000 utility workers from across the country began pouring in. PREPAs new chief, Walter Higgins, said that he was communicating with unhappy municipalities, but that the catastrophic damage in mountainous terrain made the job more difficult than any other restoration ever experienced in Puerto Rico, perhaps anywhere. For its part, FEMA said its effort had moved rapidly, though it conceded that the final pieces the last mile were especially challenging. No Call for Mutual Aid In Puerto Rico, mutual aid should have been one of the first things they did, said James Lee Witt, who ran FEMA during the Clinton administration. Puerto Rico has 2,400 often mountainous miles of high-voltage transmission lines, 342 substations and 30,000 miles of lower-voltage distribution lines that go to neighborhoods and homes, according to PREPA. Hurricane Maria damaged 80 percent of that system. But on Sept. 28, eight days after the storm made landfall, two parallel decisions drove the monumental rebuilding into uncharted territory. In a conference call with PREPA, government and utility officials delivered a collective offer of mutual aid: We stand ready to help you, they said, according to Mike Hyland, a senior vice president at the American Public Power Association, who was on the call. But the PREPA officials, he recalled, said they were hiring Whitefish to restore the entire system. With that, PREPA placed its chips on a tiny company with hardly any full-time employees. At the same time, FEMA made its own request, enlisting the Army Corps to provide emergency repairs to the grid. FEMA had already given the corps a task it routinely performed: bringing in emergency generators for hospitals, clinics, town centers and other facilities. By all accounts, those measures were carried out successfully. But the corps has never repaired an electrical power grid of this magnitude as part of a domestic disaster response, said its commander, Lt. Gen. Todd T. Semonite. Although it had placed a small contingent in Puerto Rico before Maria to assess eventual damage, he added, the corps could not predict the assignment to restore the grid. FEMA and the corps both said they had had no hand in PREPAs decision to hire Whitefish. Asked why FEMA had brought in the corps, Lea Crager, a FEMA spokeswoman, said, Due to the magnitude of this storm and the devastation caused to the grid, we knew repair and rebuilding of the grid would take a joint effort. Ricardo Ramos, PREPAs director at the time, has made a series of disparate statements about why the authority did not invoke mutual aid. It was always my intention to call upon them, Ramos said in a recent interview. But until they receive reimbursement from FEMA, utilities often must pay for things like workers food and housing via mutual aid. In October, Ramos told The New York Times that he had not wanted to exhaust PREPAs emergency funds paying mutual-aid groups while waiting for reimbursement. Ramos said he had no regrets. Rosello, however, acknowledged that his government had fallen short that it should have had some sort of agreements already in line, as well as a rainy-day fund for mutual-aid payments. For its part, the Army Corps moved as swiftly as federal regulations allowed, Semonite said. But even after invoking emergency measures to speed the effort, he said, it was not until Oct. 19 that the corps awarded the second of two major restoration contracts. The contractors, in turn, had to scout the damage before work could begin. Precarious Progress In the hills above downtown San Lorenzo, Sylvia Martinez woke at 3:30 a.m. every workday, heated water on the gas stove and carried it to her bathroom in a pot so she could shower using a plastic cup before her long commute to San Juan. She developed an affection for easy-to-make meals of Cheez Whiz and crackers. It was against a backdrop of scant visible progress that Rossello met with Cuomo in a back room at the San Juan convention center on Oct. 26, more than five weeks after the storm. Not long after, Rossello demanded Whitefishs ouster and PREPA terminated the contract. Whitefish stayed to finish work that included repairing five transmission lines, which a company spokesman says was successfully done. Whitefish filed papers in federal court to recover more than $100 million it said it was still owed. Ahsha Tribble, FEMAs deputy administrator for the region that includes Puerto Rico, said the agency had made unbelievable progress, adding that by late April, 78 percent of the transmission has been energized, as we continue to support PREPA in the emergency work to restore power. With the continuing blackouts, and nearly 900 temporary generators still on the island, according to congressional testimony, it is hard to gauge the true state of the grid or how lasting the fixes will be. In San Lorenzo, after her breakfast of Cheez Whiz and coffee, Martinez still carries hot water from her stove to the shower in a 3-gallon pot. Then she drives to work in the predawn, the Big Dipper visible in the sky above the dark hilltop. Saying that Americans rights to carry guns were under siege, he said: I recently read a story that in London, which has unbelievably tough gun laws, a once very prestigious hospital right in the middle is like a war zone for horrible stabbing wounds. Appearing to link the wave of knife crimes in London to a ban on guns, he added: They dont have guns. They have knives, and instead theres blood all over the floors of this hospital. He also drew sharp rebukes in France for using his hand in a gun gesture during the speech to mime how a gunman had killed hostages during a terrorist attack in Paris in 2015. The reaction in Britain was weary humor and bewilderment, with many in the news and on social media questioning where the president got his information. Writer and performer Robert Webb wrote on Twitter: Well, its a beautiful day here in Trumps war zone. Ive been to the shop and didnt get even mildly stabbed. According to the BBC, Trump may have used as inspiration a Radio 4 interview last month with a London trauma surgeon, Martin P. Griffiths, who said he was treating stabbing victims on a daily basis. He added that some of his military colleagues had described their practice at the institution as similar to that of a military camp in Afghanistan. The interview was picked up by Mail Online. But the surgeon, who works for the Royal London Hospital, responded on Twitter to Trump, suggesting he had missed the whole point and saying he was happy to invite Mr. Trump to my (prestigious) hospital. Karim Brohi, a trauma surgeon at the Royal London Hospital and director of Londons major trauma system, said in a statement Saturday that while knife violence was a serious issue in London, to suggest guns are part of the solution is ridiculous. He added: Gunshot wounds are at least twice as lethal as knife injuries and more difficult to repair. We are proud of our world-leading service and to serve the people of London. Knife crime in Britain rose by 21 percent last year, according to figures released in September by the Office for National Statistics, which compiles an authoritative survey of crime in England and Wales. Stabbings in London were at their highest level in six years. At least 38 people in London have died from knife crime this year, according to the Metropolitan Police. More than 30,000 Americans were killed by firearms in 2016, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Protection. In France, after Trump said a civilian could have stopped the massacre at the Bataclan concert hall in November 2015 if that person had been armed with a gun, Francois Hollande, the former French president, said on Twitter that the comments and antics were shameful and obscene, according to Reuters. The mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, also said Trumps portrayal of the attacks was contemptuous and unworthy. The U.S. president previously suggested that schoolteachers should get a bit of a bonus to carry guns a position backed by the NRA. But in February, under pressure after a gunman killed 17 people at a school in Florida, he ordered the Justice Department to consider banning bump stocks, which enable semi-automatic guns to fire at nearly the rate of a machine gun. Trumps latest remarks came weeks after he accepted Prime Minister Theresa Mays invitation to come to Britain, after canceling an earlier plan to visit. The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan who previously faced criticism by Trump and Donald Trump Jr. over his handling of terrorist attacks in the city had warned that the president could face protests if he visited the capital July 13. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. The World Health Organisation has said Nigerians are among the 7 million individuals who die annually as a result of air pollution. The revelation was made in the new report by the World Health Organisation on its website. According to the report, at least nine of 10 people around the world are exposed to dangerously high levels of pollutants that can lead to cancer and cardiovascular diseases. A study that drew off the 2016 data published by WHO says air pollution levels were the highest in the eastern Mediterranean, southeast Asia and Africa. According to the study, some areas airborne toxins were five times WHO limits and disproportionately affected the poor and most vulnerable. Sad cases Sadly, air outdoors in polluted areas is not just the only reason this poses a danger to public health because about 3 billion people are breathing deadly fumes from domestic cooking stoves and fires. Nigeria, as well as other African countries, contributes to this quota of people who use domestic cooking stoves that emit such dangerous fumes which pollute the air. Household air pollution according to WHO is responsible for an estimated 3.8 million deaths in 2016. The report went further to reveal that more than 90 percent of air pollution deaths affect low and middle income countries, particularly in Asia and Africa. Air pollution threatens us all, but the poorest and most marginalized people bear the brunt of the burden. If we dont take urgent action on air pollution, we will never come close to achieving sustainable development, said WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Developed countries breathe better air The report by WHO has shown that the least polluted air tends to be found in more developed and richer countries. These countries, it was revealed, have governments that have taken steps to tackle what British lawmakers previously called a national health emergency. Hon. Pwajok, in his submission, said: No better person can support a newly born baby than the father which will make the child more emotionally stable if the father stays close. This will not be peculiar to Nigeria alone, its done globally, Pwajok added. What the Optional Paternity Leave is all about - The bill was meant to give an optional two-week or more (depending on the decision of the of House) paternity leave to ensure that mother and child get adequate care from the father. - The presence of the father to play a very significant role if the mother or the child had health challenges. - The bill would allow the father to support the mother and take care of the child during that early stages post-childbirth. However, this bill was rejected by the floor. What the Female lawmakers said A female lawmaker, Hon. Rita Orji, wondered why Nigerian men would need a paternity leave when they have nothing to recover from. Hon. Orji, while contributing to the debate, added that many men are negligent in their duties as husbands as they often do not know when their wifes expected delivery date is, and that some are even nowhere to be found while their wives are in labour. She also said that some men take to their heels when their wives deliver multiple babies and asked if these were the same sort of men who ought to now be rewarded with paternity leave. But her colleague, Hon. Betty Apiafi (Rivers State) who stood on the defence said an amendment to the Labour Act may be a better alternative since that already specifies maternity leave for women and all that would need to be done is to amend it to cover men too. Other Nigerian lawmakers arguments Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta said that the bill is long overdue but raised concerns about the prevalence of polygamy and modalities which would need to be put in place to ensure that such situations do not enable abuse of the law. He also suggested stepping down the bill and amending the Labour Act instead. Hon. Kingsley Chinda spoke against the bill, saying that men and women do not go through the same thing and the idea is not worth considering at this stage. He argued that the concept is alien to the Nigerian society and that the better option would also be to amend the labour law. Prof. Mojeed Alabi, Osun State, also opposed the bill on grounds of the negative effect on productivity. He said that a major problem in Nigeria is the presence of too many holidays and that in addition to lazy youths, we would also be breeding lazy husbands if the bill is passed into law. Hon. Henry Okon Archibong, Akwa Ibom, cited Biblical guidelines on gender roles; he said men are to provide for their families and the idea of paternity leave goes against that. He concluded by saying that Hon. Pwajok was comparing Nigeria to the United States and other Western countries, forgetting that our circumstances are different. The lawmakers rejected the bill in a voice note put forward by Speaker Yakubu Dogara. This is not the first time Nigerian lawmaker would be kicking against progressive ideas and policies citing cultural and traditional differences. Nigeria News reports that the South-South Vice President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and head of Flock of Christ Mission in Warri, Delta State issued the warning on Saturday, May 5, 2018. In his words, From Thursday, any member of my church who does not have his or her voters card would not enter this house (Church). By the grace of God, I am the one God used in founding the Flock of Christ Mission. According to the cleric, all Nigerians, including his church members, need to have PVCs. Another pastor urges members to get PVCs Bishop Okah is not the only cleric concerned with the registration of PVCs ahead of the upcoming elections. In February, 2018, The Guardian reports that the Archbishop, Church of God Mission, International Incorporated, Most Rev. Margaret Benson Idahosa, also advised members to get their PVCs. It is time we got involved in the political process. Get your PVC and join a political party. Prepare yourself for the enlargement. When enlargement comes and you are not prepared, its not Gods fault. For you will break forth because no force will stop you this year, she said. Chimamanda spoke of her personal experiences and shared stories about the Igbo precolonial history and culture. She emphasised on the preservation of the Igbo culture as well as the strength and dignity of Igbo women. A major part of the writer's speech was about the Nigerian-British Women comparison. She said, British Women did not own properties. British women were in fact property themselves and were supposed to be at home protected and not seen as autonomous beings who could make decisions about their lives. "Igbo women, on the other hand, were traders and they could own properties, this was understandably alarming to many of the British and I think it explains many changes that happened in Igbo land. Chimamanda also spoke about the misinterpretation of the Igbo culture in Nollywood. A lot of their representations of Igbo culture are not only spectacularly inaccurate but really comical. So if there is anyone here who is involved in Nollywood, please go to the village and ask the real questions, or even just look at archives and see pictures of what people were like before.... I mean, there is no need for imagoo mmadu adi kammanwu." ALSO READ: Author says she became a feminist because she grew up in Nigeria Chimamanda wrapped up her session with, We Igbo people need to create and recreate our history, this time, not in the service of colonialism but in the service of our dignity. In the words of Dbanj, who also performed on the night, ''Congratulations Harrysong, you did it. Let's do it again and again'', the Kokomaster said as he rounded up his set on the night. Harrysong and his superstar lineup entertained the massive crowd who gathered at the 40,000 capacity stadium at the restive Niger Delta city. The successful event is a first in many fronts, from being the first ever concert at the Warri City stadium, and uniting thousands of residents and indigenes in Warri without a negative incident. Reacting to the feat, PA to the Delta State governor said: ''We are proud of you. Governor Okowa will always be there for you. Your appreciation will get to him. He saw everything and mammoth crowd. You are a great Deltan.'' The singer had taken to his instagram post to show his appreciation to the line up of artistes which included Niniola, D'Banj, Duncan Mighty, Erigga, Orezi, Dezign, and hosted by Do2dtun, Ogus Baba and I Go Dye making an appearance on stage. The event was also broadcast live on HipTV and supported by MTVBase, TraceNaija an SoundcityTV. ''We did it, Warri did it and I can't wait to do it again in 2019, This year's edition was more of a learning process - honestly didn't expect it to sell out'', the visibly excited artist shared. Harrysong is also prepping to release his collaborative effort entitled 'Selense' with Reekado Banks and Kiss Daniel. MOGADISHU, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Eight Kenyan soldiers were killed and two others seriously injured after an improvised explosive device (IED) hit a military vehicle near the Somali town of Dhobley on Sunday. Military officials in both Kenya and Somalia on Monday confirmed the attack, which happened at about 4 p.m. local time. The Kenyan soldiers are part of the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AMISOM). They were returning to the town near the Kenya-Somalia border through the Dagalema route from Dadaab, in northeast Kenya. The IED damaged the military vehicle the Kenyan soldiers were riding in. One official from the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) confirmed that the attack killed eight and injured two. "The lull witnessed in the recent past points to al-Shabab planning phase to deploy IED in the upcoming Ramadan period. Based on the past experience, al-Shabab deploy IEDs in the theater by consignments and it's very likely that similar consignments have been deployed to other MSRs (main supply routes)," the Kenyan official added. The official said the two soldiers who sustained serious injuries have been airlifted to Wajir in northeast Kenya for specialized treatment. Somali officials in Gedo region also confirmed the incident, saying several KDF soldiers were injured. Al-Qaida-allied militant group al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack, saying its fighters killed 15 Kenyan soldiers. Gedo residents said the military vehicle was in a convoy on patrol when it was hit by a massive explosion. "I saw the bodies of eight Kenyan soldiers and two others badly injured in the explosion," said a Somali military official. Dhobley town, located at the Somali border with Kenya, is one of the towns which have enjoyed relative peace in southern Somalia. This is according to a report published by Tribune India, which also confirmed that the couple were found with a weighing scale and 10 polythene packets. SP Rajinder Singh Sohal, of the Mohali police unit, spoke on behalf of the police unit. He revealed that Justin and his accomplice procure their supply from the Indian union territory, Delhi. Their distribution chain extends to Chandigarh and Kharar according to reports. ALSO READ: Rehab centers now home to Nigerian youths addicted to codeine Codeine syrup condemns young man to abattoir scavenger in Maiduguri The life of young man has seen a rapid decline due to an addiction to codeine. A Facebook user, Mohammed Ciroma, expressed this in a post shared on Saturday, April 28, 2018. In Ciroma's post captured a bare-chested individual who was seen walking a street in Maiduguri while wearing a tattered pants. "This young man is at the abattoir in maiduguri. He was a hard working fellow, before becoming a victim of drug abuse, namely, codeine syrup. "From making a clean living to a life of scavenging as the result of a drug abuse," writes Ciroma. ALSO READ: These 3 drugs are as much of a problem as cough syrup His poor physique announced a need for an urgent care. According to the reports, the pickpocket has confessed to stealing over 1200 phones from commuters in Lagos since he joined his pickpocketing gang. ALSO READ: Pickpocket steals from policewoman during interrogation The suspect who hails from Ogun State was reportedly arrested last Thursday, May 3, 2018, in Iyana Oworo, after stealing a Samsung phone from an unsuspecting victim commuter in a bus stampede at the bus stop. Instablog9ja reports that Solomon who is an auto technician confessed to joining a pickpocket gang in Obalende, where he worked as an usher for people buying used cloth called "Okrika". Solomon also added that one of his customers identified as Ismaila, a middle-aged man, introduced him to pickpocketing. He said, "I noticed he was coming to Obalende finely dressed with so much money. "I told him I was looking for better job opportunity, and he assured me that he was going to assist me with one. And, when he was going to introduce me to one, he said I should be following him, while I learn from him. "I was following from behind and monitoring what he was doing. We were moving from one bus stop to the other from morning till evening. He was stealing phones and wallets from passengers inside buss and at bus stops. "Throughout the six months I followed him, we could pick 6 to 8 phones and wallets from people without them knowing. He kept everything to himself, but at the end of the day, he would give me between N4,000 to N6,000 depending on his wish. "On August 2016, I started on my own. My target is between 4 to 5 mobile phones in a day. Once am able to hit that figure, I stop operation and I retire. I sell phones to a friend based in Lagos Island. "In my rough estimation, I would have stolen 1200 phones. I operate on Monday, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The RRS operatives reportedly recovered four mobile phones from the suspect. Serial pickpocket tells police he is an expert in stealing A notorious pickpocket who was arrested in the Ikeja area of Lagos State has told operatives of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of State Police Command that he is an expert when it comes to stealing. Punch reports that the serial thief identified only as Dayo Skippo who was arrested at the Ikeja Under Bridge, has been stealing for a long time and has mastered the art so well that it has been difficult to arrest him. Dayo Skippo, a school drop-out who said he was pushed into crime by the economic situation in the country, explained that all he needs to do is to have the slightest physical contact with his victim and their valuables are gone. I can use my head to remove anything from your body. I will just pretend as if I know you somewhere and in the process of giving you salutations, your item is gone, he began. He also confessed that he has a gang he works with and does not perpetrate the theft alone and in the case of the victim becoming suspicious, the gang would quickly swing into action. One of the victims of Skippo who narrated his encounter with the suspect to the police, said: I went to Ikeja Computer Village to see a friend of mine. After seeing him, on my way to the bus park, I just saw someone hugged me from behind and later apologized to me when I told him I didnt know him. Before I could look around again, I discovered my phone was gone already and the guy was nowhere to be found. I went back to my friend shop almost immediately to track my iPhone and the location and I saw was that my phone was already in Lagos Island." Evans, who appeared at the Lagos High Court, Igbosere, Yaba, reportedly broke down in tears in protest of an uncomfortable experience in court. He was made to appear in court wearing "a pair of shorts and a green T-shirt torn on the shoulder with sand stain on the back," according to Punch News. A doctor had reportedly certified the suspect fit to stand trial despite personal reservations as contained in a report by Punch. What have I done to you people? They have been beating me; no good food; I have been locked up in one place since August 30 last year; why are they taking my case personally? "Let me face my trial alive, why do you people want to kill me, Evans said in an emotional burst in court. Prior to this, the accused, who was arraigned alongside Joseph Emeka, Linus Okpara and Victor Aduba, was calmed by his lawyer Olukoya Ogungbeje. Hosted by journalists Osagie Alonge, Steve Dede and Ayomide Tayo, Loose Talk is a pop culture podcast where the host discuss issues across a number of topics ranging Media, Celebrities, Lifestyle, Sex, Sports, Politics, Tech, Religion to Movies and TV, Radio, Music and much more. This week's episode starts off with a conversation about degrees and what heat can do to a people. Fresh from his trip to Kenya, Osagie shares a few stories about his meetings with young mentees in Nairobi and the beautiful weather down east. Apparently, the weather made a bit of impression on Mr. Alonge as it has inspired him to come up with a new theory; that the heat in Lagos is the reason why Lagosians are so angry at each other. Speaking of heat and Nigeria, President Buhari was criticised last week after a lacklustre showing during his state visit to the United States' President Trump. Despite being confronted with several opportunities to set the record straight on a number of issues, President Buhari seemed content to take a back seat and take a very humorous photo with Trump, one that Segun says, seems too much like Suge Knight looking over an artiste who just signed for Death Row. From Politics to positioning, one person who seems to be in a place where everyone wants to know what he has up his sleeve is Wizkid. Ather weeks of teasing fans, the artiste dropped a double dose; "Kana" with Olamide and "FakeLove", released under Starboy, featuring Port Harcourt legend, DuncanMighty. While the giants agreed that Kana was a solid offering, and Fake Love to a lesser degree, Osagie raised the possibility that Wizkid could not release either song under his name as he had unresolved issues with his record label. Then, it was time to discuss the man of the hour, or more aptly put, the last two weeks. Kanye West has had brushes with controversy in the past, but his opinions on racial relations and the infamous suggestion that slavery was a choice has earned him vitriol and heavy criticism from the black community across the world. ALSO READ: Five slave uprisings that prove slavery was not a choice With Osagie taking a backseat, Ayo and Steve made a case for why Kanye West should br cancelled and why he was a genius respectively. The minister stated this during the Nikkai and Engagement Ceremony of the families of Alhaji and Alhaja Abdul-Mumin Sulaiman and late Mr and Mrs Rilwan Adenuga, on Sunday in Lagos. According to him, marriage institution is unique unlike other institutions. Marriage is a contract that one enters without knowing the content of it. Can you imagine a world without an institution like marriage? Muhammed urged husbands to be patient with their wives as that is the major ingredient of building a peaceful home. The Minister also urged wives not to listen to hearsay from people, and continuously pray for their husbands. Always believe in your husbands and know that what he says is the truth. On Saturday, May 5, 2018, armed bandits attacked Gwaska village in Birnin Gwari local government area of the state, killed 45 people and also burnt many houses in the community. Taking to his official Twitter account on Monday, May 7, Atiku said he's worried by the trend, and sent his condolences to the families of the recent victims. He said, "It worries me that there is no longer respect for the sanctity of life in our dear country. I'm heartbroken to learn that scores of precious lives have been massacred in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State. "My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and the people of Birnin Gwari. May their souls rest in peace." The attack happened barely a week after 14 people were also killed by armed bandits at a mining site at Janruwa in the same LGA. Government's reaction to Kaduna attack Since the attack happened, state governor, Nasir El-Rufai disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of a permanent Battalion of the Nigerian Army in the Birnin Gwari general area, with the creation of a Birnin Gwari Police Area Command and two new Divisional Police Headquarters also announced by the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the twin bomb blasts occurred a week ago, killing scores of people and injuring many others. The first blast was said to have occurred at the mosque located in the market, killing all members of the congregation before the second one destroyed another part of the market. Atiku applauded the commitment of the management of the hospital and the committee it set up to manage the Paupers Fund meant for the treatment of underprivileged persons. I once donated N10 million to the fund and decided to make another donation of N10 million today because I am quite satisfied with the way the fund is being managed. Patients that cannot afford to get medical treatment can benefit from the fund. Abubakar underscored the need to recruit more security personnel, especially policemen, to boost internal security. Happily, I have heard an announcement that more policeman are being recruited though not sufficient. There is also the need to look into the training of security personnel so that they can confront the current challenges. Also speaking, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Muhammad Auwal, thanked the former vice president for his support to the hospital. He is the major financier of our Paupers Fund and I want to put it on record that the fund, since inception, had financed the treatment of about 300 patients, including those with major surgeries. According to presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, Buhari will be out of the country for four days. Shehu also revealed that the Presidents doctor asked him to come back for a check-up. The presidential spokesman, in a statement issued on Twitter said President @MBuhari will tomorrow, Tuesday undertake a four-day trip to the United Kingdom. In the course of the technical stop-over for aircraft maintenance in London on his way back from Washington last week, the President had a meeting with his doctor. The Doctor requested the President to return for a meeting which he agreed to do. President Buhari will return on Saturday, May 12th. On his return, the Presidents two-day State Visit to Jigawa, which was postponed because of the All Progressives Congress, APCs Ward Congresses will now take place on Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th May. Technical stop-over President Buhari made an unscheduled technical stopover in London after his working visit to the United States of America. This prompted a lot of speculations about the Presidents state of health on social media. Addressing journalists after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, May 7, 2018, Dogara said that Nigeria is a democracy and all persons and institutions including law enforcement agencies must operate within the ambit of the law. The Speaker disclosed that he and Senate President Bukola Saraki raised the issue of treatment meted to Senator Dino Melaye by the Police. Nigeria is a democracy. The police must operate within the ambit of the rule of law and due process. It is unacceptable for the police to continue to operate like a clan of tribesmen, a sort of upgraded barbarians, Dogara said. Anything that happens to one of our members or any member of the National Assembly is of concern to us. And there is no way we can have this kind of meeting without raising that. This is a civilian administration, it is democracy and it is imperative and very very important that all institutions of democracy operate within the ambit of the rule of law. There is nowhere, I have said it before that police will behave in a democracy like a clan of tribesmen, like upgraded barbarians sort of. So there is need for us to act with civility. We are not saying that anybody should be protected and defended. Once you have committed an offence, our law says you should answer it but you just have to utilise the provision of our constitution, the rule of law and this administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has over emphasised in order to bring people to book. But a situation where people are wheeled to court, that doesnt give a good image of our democracy. I have not seen a democracy where people are wheeled to court, they are not in the proper frame of mind and they are forced to undergo trial. Whatever it is, even if Dino is pretending as some have said in some section of the media, he cannot pretend forever. He is there, he will not run away, he is a senator and he can be tried any time he is in proper frame of mind. As a lawyer, I can tell you, any judge that assesses an accused person not to be in a proper frame of mind, even if the accused person pleads guilty, he is duty bound by law to record a plea of guilty if he is not satisfied as to the soundness of the mind of the accused person, the Speaker added. On Saturday, May 5, 2018, armed bandits attacked Gwaska village in Birnin Gwari local government area of the state, killed 45 people and also burnt many houses in the community. In a statement signed by El-Rufai's Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, on Sunday, May 6, 2018, he said that the president has approved the establishment of a permanent Battalion of the Nigerian Army in the Birnin Gwari general area. The creation of a Birnin Gwari Police Area Command and two new Divisional Police Headquarters have also been announced by the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris. El-Rufai further condoled with the people of the area and disclosed that the State Emergency Management Agency has also been directed to provide relief materials with immediate effect to the affected communities. The statement read, "The Kaduna State Government received with sadness reports of the murder of our citizens by armed bandits in Birnin Gwari. The Government has sent a message of condolence to the people of Birnin Gwari Emirate. "Kaduna State Government is deeply committed to overcoming the unfortunate criminality and banditry being carried out against innocent citizens in Birnin Gwari local government. "The engagements between the State and Federal Governments have yielded results. President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of a permanent Battalion of the Nigerian Army in the Birnin Gwari general area. "The new security arrangements also involve Policing. The Inspector General of Police has already announced the creation of the Birnin Gwari Police Area Command and two new Divisional Police Headquarters. "The State Emergency Management Agency, has also been directed to provide relief materials with immediate effect to the affected communities." The attack happened barely a week after 14 people were also killed by armed bandits at a mining site at Janruwa in the same LGA and barely two days after IGP Idris and the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Mohammed Mohammed, visited Birnin Gwari. Following the attack, former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed his worries with the constant display of disrespect for the sanctity of human life in the country. BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) -- China and Japan are accelerating preparations to begin a maritime and aerial communication mechanism, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday. Spokesman Geng Shuang made the remarks at a routine news briefing when answering a related question. According to reports, the deal aimed at avoiding unexpected incidents is expected to be signed during a bilateral meeting between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe when they meet later this week. China and Japan have the same goal in managing East China Sea issues, said the spokesman. "The establishment of the mechanism will help both sides increase mutual trust, manage differences and maintain peace and stability in the East China Sea area," Geng said. Governor Ortom who was recently on leave in China said he was informed of the killings in his state via the social media. In an interview with , the Benue state governor regretted embarking on the trip. It wasnt a pleasant leave because travelling to far away China, where I have seven hours ahead of Nigerian time, I had jet lag, Ortom said. So, it was difficult for me to sleep and I dozed when I was not expected to. There was a lot of distraction in my sleep due to the continued attacks and invasion of our land. With the advent of the internet and the social media, whatever was happening here I was also following. Those horrific pictures and those scenes and the news about the killings; it was no longer leave and I wished I had not gone on leave because there was no more leave. Even when I slept, instead of having sweet dreams, I was having bad dreams. I used to see the pictures of what will happen and what had happened. It was not a pleasant experience but I pray that this matter will be put behind us so that we can go about our normal businesses, the governor added. While condemning the recent attacks in the state, Ortom called for the arrest of the leadership of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore for the killings in the state. I have written and will continue to write and continue to raise the alarm that the leadership of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore are responsible for the killings and for the mercenary work that is going on in Benue State. I still want to repeat that they are responsible. There are evidences; they are on tape. They have held press conferences and none of them have come out to refute what was credited to them in the media. They have said it is about Jihad; it is not about grazing. They said it is about occupation and taking over of our land. They have said it and the evidence is there. I have presented this to security agencies and I want to believe that it is a whole process. They are still working on it and at the appropriate time, these people will be apprehended because they cannot go free. After killing my people, they will not be allowed to go free. I will continue to say it that these people must be arrested because they are responsible for the killings in the state, he added. According to Channels TV,the attackers invaded Gwaska village in Birnin Gwari local government area of the state on Saturday, May 5, 2018. They reportedly entered Kaduna from neighbouring Zamfara State and attacked the village around 7:00 pm. Makarfi, in a statement issued by his media aide, Mukhtar Sirajo said the incident might escalate if the government does nothing about it. According to him, the security agencies have not shown that they can curb the incessant attacks. The statement obtained from Premium Times reads: Senator Makarfi believes that government exists principally to provide security to the people; failure to rise up to this responsibility is therefore a recipe for anarchy which we can ill afford now. Governments at all levels as well as agencies responsible must therefore restore peoples confidence by doing all it takes to not only secure the area and others so afflicted, but also ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book. The frequency, impotence as well as impunity with which bandits raid communities in some parts of the country and leave unchallenged is a source of worry for all patriotic Nigerians. ALSO READ: Full story of how gunmen killed 45 in Kaduna The latest of such brazen violations of the peace and security of the people, which occurred in Gwaska of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, which itself was the second time under a week, is becoming one too many. Atiku condemns Kaduna killing Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, recently expressed displeasure following the killing in Kaduna state. He said the incident shows that there is no respect for the sanctity of human life in Nigeria anymore. According to a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President said that they will not be abandoned. He said I feel the pains and devastation of the families of the victims, and this administration will do everything possible to ensure we defeat these enemies of humanity. According to Channels Television, the attackers, who came from Zamfara State, attacked Gwaska village in Birnin Gwari local government areaaround 7:00pm on Saturday, May 5, 2018. Punch Reports that the President said that the various killings in the country is the handiwork of those he referred to as enemies of humanity. Buhari also said that their plan is to instigate war in the country. He said These persistent killings are not spontaneous; there are subterranean forces with a sinister agenda to instigate war in the country for selfish purposes. Although unconventional war is particularly complicated, our security forces are making rigorous efforts to better understand these enemies with a view to decisively checkmate their evil attacks. Buhari gives assurance The President also assured Nigerians that security of lives and properties top on his governments agenda. He said I am deeply outraged by this unwarranted, unprovoked and reckless destruction of lives by bandits who belong to the lowest level of civilisation." ALSO READ:Bandits kill at least 12 soldiers in Kaduna army base attack After the Senior Magistrate Court 2 in Lokoja ruled on Thursday, May 4, that the Kogi West representative should be remanded in custody till June 11, his counsel Mike Ozekhome (SAN), filed two applications before the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Nadir Ajanah. The first application sought the court to order that the lawmaker be moved to the National Hospital in Abuja where his medical demands can be met while the other asked that the court review the decision of the Magistrates court to remand him in custody, arguing that he's not a flight risk. Even though Justice Ajanah granted the application to have Melaye moved to Abuja for treatment during the first hearing on Friday, May 5, he adjourned the hearing for the bail application till Monday, May 7. However, during the resumption of the hearing, the judge had to adjourn the bail hearing again due to the failure of the prosecuting and defense legal teams to file their affidavits on the bail application. Justice Ajanah adjourned the hearing till Thursday, May 10. After Kabiru Saidu, a.k.a Osama, and Nuhu Salisu, aka Small, were arrested at Ogojueje in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi on January 19, 2018, they confessed to the police that Senator Melaye hired them to cause unrest in the state ahead of the 2019 general elections. The criminal suspects disclosed that the lawmaker handed them a bag containing one AK-47 rifle, two pump action guns and the sum of N430,000 to unleash mayhem in Kogi. The police first requested Melaye's presence in a letter addressed to Senate President, Bukola Saraki, dated March 2, 2018, urging him to report to the Police on March 7 to answer to the criminal offences levelled against him, but he refused the invitation, alleging that the police was colluding with the Kogi state government to cause him harm. He was officially declared wanted by the police on March 28, the same day he was due to be arraigned in court in Lokoja alongside OsamaandSmall who both escaped from their prison cell but were rearrested before April 1. While attempting to travel to Morocco for an official engagement on Monday, April 23, Melaye was stopped by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The operatives seized his international passport to prevent him from leaving the country. According to the police, the lawmaker snatched his seized passport from NIS operatives and retreated to his house in Maitama, Abuja, where police officers later laid siege into the early hours of Tuesday, April 24. Early on Tuesday, he announced that he would pay a visit to police authorities after his police escorts were withdrawn. On Tuesday afternoon, with help from hoodlums, Melaye briefly escaped from police officers while he was being transported from Abuja to his home state. Hours later, the Senator resurfaced at the , Abuja, in an ambulance, apparently unconscious, before he was rearrested and moved to the National Hospital. He was arraigned before an Abuja Magistrate Court sitting at Wuse Zone 2 on a stretcher to answer charges brought against him by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Wednesday, May 2. During his arraignment on Wednesday, Melaye was charged for criminal conspiracy, causing damage to government property, attempted suicide and escape from lawful custody. Even though the presiding magistrate, Mabel Segun-Bello, granted the lawmaker bail in the sum of N90 million, he was re-arrested by police officers after his arraignment and was driven to Lokoja early on Thursday. Earlier this year, the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation filed a lawsuit against Melaye for allegedly providing false information to the police about an assassination attempt on his life. In the suit (CR/106/18) filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama on January 31, 2018, Melaye is accused of falsely incriminating Kogi's Governor Yahaya Bello's Chief of Staff, Edward Onoja David, as well as making false statement in regards to the attempted assassination. During the occasion which held in Southern Kaduna, the APC members said that the ruling party has caused Nigerians pain. According to Daily Post,Adams Jagaba, who led the decampees, said that PDP is the only party that has Nigerians at heart. The All Progressives Congress, APC, has nothing to offer Nigerians. The APC-led administration in the country is an administration of intimidation, hate speech and other vices. APC has brought kidnapping, cattle rustling and disunity among Nigerians and all these challenges have led abject poverty in the country and insecurity. Liberate Nigeria from APC Jagaba also promised the PDP that the decampees will help liberate Nigeria from APCs clutches. He also said that APC does not have anything to offer the youths. ALSO READ:Full story of How gunmen killed 45 in Kaduna APC does not mean well for the youth of this country, leaving them in abject poverty thereby leading to all social vices that have become the order of the day. On behalf of the decampees of Southern Kaduna, l am assuring PDP that we shall together fight to ensure we liberate Nigerians from the leadership of APC and restore the country back to its lost glory, he said. On Saturday, May 5, 2018, over 40 people were killed and many injured in Kaduna state following an attack by armed bandits. They invaded Gwaska village in Birnin Gwari local government area of the state. Superintendent of Police, Abdu Jinjiri, the Police Spokesman in the state, made the disclosure to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse on Sunday. Jinjiri said the action was in compliance with the directive of the states Commissioner of Police, Mr Bala Zama. He told NAN that Zama had ordered officers and men of the command to constantly come down on drug peddlers, drug abusers and other criminals in the state. The CP Jigawa state, Mr Bala Zama, directed the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the command to continually raid all black spots and criminal hideouts within and outside the state capital, with a view to making the state hot for criminals. And among the targeted criminals are hard drugs dealers. So it is just to improve security in the state, Jinjiri said. The spokesman, who declared that the command would not condone criminality tendencies, warned that criminals and other evil doers who failed to repent would face the wrath of the law. According to him, the command would not spare undesirable elements that refuse to change for better and live a peaceful life in the state. According to a statement released by the military on Monday, May 7, 2018, the hostages consisted largely of women, children as well as some young men who were forced to become Boko Haram fighters. The rescued hostages have been moved to a military medical facility where they are being treated. The statement read, "Troops of 22 Brigade deployed in operation LAFIYA DOLE has rescued over 1000 hostages from the Boko Haram Terrorists enclave. "The operation which was conducted in conjunction with allies of Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), rescued the hostages from Malamkari, Amchaka, Walasa and Gora villages of Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. "The hostages consisted mainly of women, children as well as some young men who were forced to become Boko Haram fighters. Speaking with one of the rescued victims, Alhaji Gambo Gulumba from Amchaka village, thanked the Nigerian military for showing them love and care. "We wish to remind the public of its resolve to rout out BH & rescue all hostages. The public is also advised to report any suspicious character to the appropriate authority for prompt action. However, the rescued persons are being attended to in a military medical facility." Boko Haram menace Since the insurgency of the terrorist group escalated after a 2009 crackdown by the military, Boko Haram, chiefly under Abubakar Shekau'sleadership, has been responsible for the death of over 20,000 people and the displacement of more than 2.5 million scattered across Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps across the country and its neighbours. Olasupo alleged that Governor Ajimobi was after his life and some of his colleagues at the House of Representatives. In a Facebook post on Sunday morning, Olasupo; "If You Hear That I'm Dead, Killed, Assassinated or Disappeared... HOLD GOV ISIAKA ABIOLA AJIMOBI RESPONSIBLE" This post sparked up a lot of comments on Facebook by his friends and supporters who enquired to know about the safety and whereabouts of the lawmaker, he however did not respond to any of the comments. When contacted, the lawmaker confirmed the development and said he, alongside some of his colleagues and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were hiding due to the threat to their lives. Narrating his experience, the lawmaker said the trouble started on Saturday at the APC party secretariat in Ibadan where they were billed to hold a stakeholders meeting ahead of the ward congress. He said his colleague, a member of the House of Representatives, Akinade Fijabi, and his biological father who is also a member of the APC, led thugs into the party secretariat, venue of the stakeholders meeting. He said the thugs started shooting sporadically leaving many members of the party injured. ALSO READ: APC ward congress commences amidst speculations of division "Hon Fijabi and his father led some thugs who were carrying guns, sticks and machetes into the venue to attack us," Olasupo said according to . "Two of my colleagues, and were nowhere to be found. Even the minister of communications had to run for cover in an office in the secretariat" "Some observers from the National secretariat of the party were injured, while some broke their arms and legs," the lawmaker added. He said the Oyo state commissioner of police watched while the attacks were going on. "It took the grace of God and the security agents that followed us from Abuja to engage these thugs in a gun battle, otherwise we would have been dead by now." He said shortly after the venue was deserted, the governor came in with a group of people whom he alleged the governor was trying to impose at the congress. He said all efforts by the governor to impose these people on the party failed as they did not even buy forms to contest for elections. "With the help of our security, we were able to regroup and storm the venue again. We frustrated the governor's effort and as I speak to you, he has ordered his thugs to find me and kill me," he announced. When contacted to comment on the development, Fijabi, a member of the House of Representatives who Olasupo accused of masterminding the attack confirmed that there was a mayhem but however denied that he aided and abated it. "It is the handwork of those who are planning to leave the party," he said. "I drove myself to the venue, there is no way I would have brought in thugs". The Oyo state commissioner of Police, Abiodun Odude, described the incident as a 'little misunderstanding'. "It is not a mayhem but a little misunderstanding amongst members," the Police commissioner said. He also denied reports that he watched as the thugs attacked the secretariat. When contacted, the Special Assistant on Digital Media to the Oyo State Governor, Babajide Fadoju, described the allegation as mere propaganda. There is nothing like that, Fadoju told . While speaking during a recent interview with VinMartin Obiora Ilo on The Signature Show, the spokesperson for the president's re-election campaign said the previous government of former president, Goodluck Jonathan, was already drowning in financial mismanagement before the president assumed power. According to him, when the president was inaugurated, he cleared the mess of the previous government despite dealing with a near-empty treasury and depleted resources. He further claimed that despite the fact that Buhari's government has not performed up to expectation, it has performed magic with the resources it has been forced to work with. He said, "If not for quick thinking and prudence on the part of this president, this country would have collapsed with what was left in 2015. The treasury was almost empty and there was nothing to run this country upon at that time. "With low earnings, our foreign reserves have shot up. Giving investors confidence to come and invest because your foreign reserves show how liquid you are. "People were asking, 'What is foreign reserve when you borrow so much?' Did we borrow to pay salaries? In 2015, they were already borrowing to pay salaries, not to build infrastructure. 24 states were almost going bankrupt in 2015, owing salaries for more than five months. "This government came and cleared the backlog of those salaries by prudent application of public resources. With production of oil dropping to 700,000 barrels per day at a point; with the price of oil dropping to nearly 30,000 barrels per day, they came and cleared all of this mess they met on the ground. "It is magic. Given the resources available, what this government has done is an overperformance." During the interview, Keyamo said President Buhari's track record already makes it very easy to sell him to Nigerians for a second term in office with his well-acknowledged personal qualities. Keyamo aligns with Buhari's vision Keyamo was appointed the spokesperson of the President Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation by its Director-General, Rotimi Amaechi, who is also the Minister of Transportation, in a letter dated April 16, 2018. In his acceptance statement, released on April 18, Keyamo said he decided to accept the appointment because President Buhari represents the values he has fought for his whole life, revealing that his convictions about the job are deep and well thought-out. By Zhang Yun On May 3, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un told visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi that achieving denuclearization of the peninsula was the firm position of North Korea. Some Western media portrayed Wang's recent visit as a reflection of China's fear of being sidelined in the recent whirlwind of diplomatic dynamics among North Korea, South Korea and the US. That theory was not only shallow analysis, but misleading about the understanding and indispensability of China's role in the fundamental peaceful resolution of the Korean Peninsula impasse. First, in the short term China serves as an indispensable stability guarantor for possible unsuccessful US-North Korea summit. Despite the unprecedented political encouragement of US President Donald Trump in agreeing to a direct meeting with Kim, the unpredictability of US domestic dynamics and the president's unconventional leadership style remind us of the necessity of preparing for a worst-case scenario. The contrasting treatment of nuclear proliferation by the US highlights the inconsistency of its foreign policy. On the one hand, the Trump-Kim summit raises expectations for a permanent peace on the peninsula. On the other, Trump is expected to pull the US out of the Iran nuclear agreement on May 12, breaking the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action signed by Iran with China, France, Germany, Russia, Britain and the US in 2015: the rare successful result of painstaking, concerted diplomatic efforts by major powers. The possible departure of the US from the Iran deal is occurring in the context of the International Atomic Energy Agency recognizing Iran's compliance with the agreement. North Korea is doubtlessly watching unfolding developments and uncertainties on the Iran deal very carefully. Events may supply disincentives. That is why Wang Yi emphasized in his visit China's position in support of North Korea's rightful and reasonable security concerns. Second, in the mid-term China will serve as an indispensable facilitator for a political and peaceful resolution of the peninsula issue. China was one of the three signatories to the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement. Any exclusion of Chinese participation in the process of ending abnormalities on the Korean Peninsula would be unrealistic and impossible. North Korea's final goal is the signing of a peace treaty and normalization of diplomatic relations with the US, perceived to be the key to removing its lingering external security threat. China shares this goal and has provided a pragmatic roadmap of simultaneous denuclearization and peace treaty negotiation. What North Korea is offering now is de facto echoing of the Chinese proposal. Even if the US-North Korea summit goes well, the ensuing tough and detailed diplomatic negotiations might continue for years. In the process, uncertainties would not only come from the current popular suspicion in the West of North Korea's sincerity, but could also originate with US and South Korean domestic politics. Without consistent and firm Chinese support for a peace treaty, the momentum could fade when various distracting elements intrude into the process. Third, in the long term China would serve as an indispensable companion in North Korea's smooth economic and social transition. The long-term stability of the peninsula fundamentally depends on the economic growth of North Korea. Due to decades of US economic sanctions, formal economic and political relations between the US and North Korea are negligible. For the US, the state of the North Korean economy is not the result of sanctions, but rather of gross mismanagement by decades of bad governance. It is likely to be years before substantial changes in US economic sanctions on North Korea despite a successful Kim-Trump meeting. In this sense, China would naturally be the most important player to facilitate North Korea's economic transition and link it with the international community. It is the reason why Wang Yi expressed his firm support for North Korea focusing on economic construction. The theory that China fears being marginalized is not well grounded. As a close neighbor to the peninsula, China has played and will continue to play a vital role. With balanced, skillful and sophisticated diplomacy toward North Korea, China will prove an indispensable player in the process of facilitating a sustained peace on the peninsula. The author is associate professor, National Niigata University, Japan. He posted: President Muhammadu Buhari this evening received chairman of the Progressives GovernorsForum (PGF), Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo. Okorocha, who spoke to newsmen after the meeting, said that he updated the president on the outcome of the ward congresses conducted by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) across the country. He frowned at the way some members of the party in some states conducted themselves during the exercise, saying the party would check such incidents in future. Okorocha said; We expect internal democracy and internal democracy is the way to go. Those kind of funny politics that were played must stop, where people want to carry ballot boxes, steal results looks so primitive. I intimated Mr President and we will make sure that such things must stop. On the presidents response, the governor said; He spoke like the President and he will take the necessary steps to correct this in our party, APC, not just in Imo but across the whole nation, to make sure that there is respect for internal democracy. However, Gov.Yari, who spoke on the outcome of the ward congresses, said the exercise went well in the North West region. He said; You know in a democracy you cannot expect everything to work 100 per cent. But in our region from the information available to us, everything went well in Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kano, where people expected that there may be a problem, the exercise was successful. But anybody that has complain, there is a committee set up by the national executive of the party, they should take their complains there so that they will be attended to.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) observed that mixed reactions characterized the outcome of the APC ward congresses across the country. In Delta, the exercise was bloody as the Police Command in the state confirmed that a chairmanship candidate died in the APC ward congresses in Ughelli South Local Government Area (LGA) of the state. The commands spokesman, Mr Andrew Aniamaka, said Mr Jeremiah Oghoveta, was stabbed to death during the exercise at Jeremi Ward 3, Okwagbe. The ward congresses in Adamawa and Oyo states were conducted on May 6 as against May 5 following political misunderstandings among top APC members and stakeholders in the states. In Adamawa, mixed reactions characterized the conduct of the ward congresses on Sunday. While the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustafa, said the exercise was smooth and hitch free, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu said the exercise was not conducted in his Ward of Bako in Yola. Mustafa participated in the exercise in his Ward at Gwadabawa in Jimeta area of Yola. NAN also reported that a faction of the APC in Kebbi State had staged a peaceful protest to the party Secretariat in Birnin Kebbi against consensus arrangement during the Saturday Congress held across 225 wards in the State. The protesters were seen carrying placards with different inscriptions like: `Kebbi APC Congress no consensus; `We need true party Congress not consensus;`We say no to injustice The Leader of the aggrieved members, Adamu Gulma, told journalists at the APC Secretariat that what happened in Kebbi state is not congress but government and major APC stakeholders hijacked the event to their advantage. However, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo State Chapter had commended the peaceful conduct of ward congress, held across 203 wards of the state on Saturday. Mr Abayomi Adesanya, the spokesman of the party in the state, told NAN that the reports he got from various wards were good. NAN also observed that the ward congresses were successfully conducted in many states of the federation including Lagos, Kaduna, Gombe, Ogun, Oyo, Nasarawa, Plateau, Taraba, Borno, Yobe and others. Meanwhile, the party had on Sunday called on its members that may have been aggrieved following the conduct of its Saturday Ward Congress across the country to seek redress in its Appeal Panel. Malam Bolaji Abudulahi, the partys National Publicity Secretary made the call in a statement in Abuja. The party made the condemnation in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, on Sunday in Abuja. It expressed worry that the nations electoral processes could still be affected by unnecessary resort to violence by contenders, even when there were available channels for resolution of disagreements. It, therefore, called on Nigerians, particularly political stakeholders, to combine efforts to make the countrys political and electioneering processes free of violence, especially as the 2019 general elections approached. Our party values the life of every Nigerian and we implore all contenders, including political parties, to eschew desperation for power, especially in the face of loss of popularity and public support due to performance issues. Nigeria belongs to all of us and we seek a peaceful environment where the citizens are free to vote for candidates of their choice at all levels, particularly the presidency. As it were, majority of Nigerians have made up their minds where to go in the 2019 general elections. We urge all stakeholders, including political parties, contenders to offices and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to respect the will of the people by playing by the rules and maintaining a peaceful atmosphere, the party said. It sympathised with the families of those who lost their lives in the violence recorded in the congress and prayed for speedy recovery for the injured. Ole is the Yoruba word for thief. John Kayode Fayemi is the current Minister of Solid Minerals in the Muhammadu Buhari administration. Ekiti elects a new governor on July 14, 2018 and Fayemi is up against the likes of Babafemi Ojudu and Segun Oni for the APC ticket. Two former governors and three former senators are among the 33 governorship aspirants jostling for the sole APC governorship ticket. Violence breaks at election venue Chairman of the organising committee, Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State, had a hard time getting a handle on proceedings--with a section of party faithful inside the stadium accusing him of receiving orders from Abuja to rig the vote for Fayemi. Party agents would go on to disrupt the process; as security agents cordoned off the voting area in a bid to keep ballot boxes and papers from an angry crowd. On the grounds of the stadium, security personnel opened fire sporadically to deter hoodlums from going haywire. Shortly after the rancour at the venue of the primaries, the process was brought to a halt and the election postponed indefinitely. A vote of no confidence was also passed on Al-Makura who was called biased and compromised to his face. Thugs who had been baying for blood before the first vote was cast in anger, continued chanting and threatening as the day wore on. 'Compromised election' The process has been compromised. When there was a rule that you can only bring in two people. Fayemi brought in 18 observers. He cannot come here and disrupt what is going on in Ekiti State, Ranti Adebisi, DG of the Babafemi Ojudu campaign said in a statement sent to Pulse afterward. But a representative of Fayemi, Abejide Adewumi, denied that Al-Makura was working to influence the vote for the minister. According to Adewumi, the other contestants decided to disrupt the process because they knew they were losing. A video sent to Pulse by the Fayemi campaign contained the following words: Why are they afraid of Fayemi? The discrediting and maligning of Dr. Fayemis integrity started before the APC primary. Not only did they doubt his entry into the Ekiti primary, when he did, they doubted his capacity to rally the delegates. Since 2014 and for 3 years, Dr. Fayemi stood with the party delegates. Within 3 weeks, he moved across the wards, addressing party loyalists and all of the delegates who had his support since they became delegates (and stood for them when others opposed them). Dr. Fayemis delegates came into the stadium in a celebratory mood: chanting JKFs name and hopeful of an eventful APC primary outcome. This, no doubt, infuriated JKFs detractors who were (and still are) bent on ensuring his political demise. The regulations of the APC stipulates that illiterate and visually impaired delegates could be assisted in casting their votes by the agent representing their candidate. After 5 LGAs, the repeated mention of Fayemi by JKFs delegates painted a clear picture of victory for JKF and resounding defeat for his opponents. This was the final straw. A Fayemi supporter told Pulse that "the primaries were going his way. Main reason the other parties scattered the primaries". Fayemi has also denied that he tried to disrupt the process. Fayemi attacks Ojudu In a statement made available to Pulse by his media aide Yinka Oyebode, Fayemi went after two of the other aspirants. It is quite painful seeing some desperate elements trying so much to rubbish the party we all labored to build to national reckoning, out of sheer lust for power. If the quest for political position is to serve, then one wonders why the desperation being displayed by the likes of Femi Ojudu and Bimbo Daramola. Ojudu replies Fayemi In his response, Ojudu who is a Special Adviser to Buhari on political matters, said Fayemi promised to disrupt proceedings if the vote didnt go his way. This is another tantrum from a man whose political fortune has taken a deep slide in recent times and whose entire campaign strategy was built on lies, orchestrated violence and cheap anti-democratic tricks, Ojudu said in a statement. Ojudu said it is disingenuous to suggest that he was behind the violence. We implore the security agents who made several arrests at the scene to make public the identities of the people arrested and their sponsors. I can tell you 100 percent that they have no link whatsoever to the Ojudu campaign. Fayemi has been the candidate threatening violence since he joined the race last month. He threatened to cripple the state if not given the party ticket. He deployed security agents to intimidate delegates even during the conduct of the primaries. He is the aspirant that has been avoiding democratic test of popularity. Clearly, if there is anyone desperate, that person is Dr. Kayode Fayemi. Fayemi came late into this very contest to realise that the boat has left the shore. He is now looking for any straw to hang on to. He was shocked to realise that his much advertised hold on the state executive was a fluke. He was shocked that Ojudu was coasting home with a landslide so he has to haphazardly change from one rigging strategy to the other but Ekiti people are not fools. Disbandment of Al-Makura committee After an emergency meeting held in Ado Ekiti on Sunday, 27 of the 33 aspirants who participated in the APC governorship primary election, called for the disbandment of the organising committee led by Governor Al-Makura. The aggrieved aspirants also called for the cancellation of the votes cast by four local governments before the exercise was disrupted on Saturday. The communique from the aggrieved aspirants contained the following words: We want the committee to be disbanded completely and our National Working Committee should set up a new committee to conduct another primary that will meet international standard. Even many of those in the panel were friends to a particular candidate and this we thought could vitiate the outcome of the election. We are determined to win Ekiti but the right thing must be done for a candidate that will command the respect of everybody to emerge. Second coming Fayemi lost his re-election battle to the PDP backed Ayodele Fayose who trounced the minister in all 16 local governments in Ekiti State. After the defeat, Fayemi wasted no time concedingan act that was hailed across the land as sportsmanly and gentlemanly. A year later, Fayemi was appointed minister in the Buhari cabinet. Whoever emerges APC candidate will square up against a handpicked PDP flagbearer. Fayose has already anointed his deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola Eleka, as his successor. Oluremi, in a statement in Lagos, said that the PVCs were the tools to participating in the forthcoming 2019 general elections. She also urged residents in the state to ensure that they collect their PVCs. The call sequel to revelations by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that over seven million PVCs were yet to be collected nationwide, with one million and four hundred thousand from Lagos State. It would be recalled that prior to the 2015 elections, INEC had introduced the use of smart card readers. This has necessitated issuance of PVCs as part of the identification and authentication process. After the 2015 elections, about 12 million PVCs had remained in the electoral bodys custody. With previous elections, Nigerians developed voter apathy due to a distrust of the system. The 2015 elections taught us, however, that as individuals, our votes count. Thus, we must rise up as citizens to fulfill our civic responsibility and ensure accountability in governance, she said. Towards the 2019 elections, INEC had released modalities for ongoing continuous voter registration. The centres open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Tinubu pleaded that the period should be extended; and should include weekends to allow people who were unable to visit the centres during work hours to do so at weekends. She said INEC should ensure that it had adequate resources to make the process quick and easy. German ForeignMinisterHeikoMaas warned that the accord's collapse could spark "an escalation" in the region and stressed that Washington's key European allies remain convinced saving it "makes the world a safer place". His French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, on a Berlin visit, said that the agreement is "the right way to stop Iran from getting access to nuclear weapons" and "will save us from nuclear proliferation". British Foreign SecretaryBorisJohnson, who was visiting Washington Monday, cautioned that "at this delicate juncture, it would be a mistake to walk away from the nuclear agreement and remove the restraints that it places on Iran". "Now that these handcuffs are in place, I see no possible advantage in casting them aside," Johnson wrote in The New York Times. He argued that "every available alternative is worse", adding that "the wisest course would be to improve the handcuffs rather than break them". 'United in our effort' Under the landmark nuclear pact, also signed by Russia and China, Iran pledged not to build a nuclear bomb in return for relief from international sanctions. Trump has consistently complained about the agreement, reached under his predecessor Barack Obama, citing perceived flaws including "sunset" provisions lifting some nuclear restrictions from 2025. In an attempt to salvage the deal, French President Emmanuel Macron has pushed to extend its scope to address this issue, as well as Iran's missile capabilities and its role in the region. Israel has also pushed to have the accord ditched, arguing that intelligence documents it recently unveiled showed that Iran had had a secret atomic weapons programme which it could re-activate at any time. Britain, France and other signatories have said those arguments only strengthened the case for the deal, which has safeguards in place designed to keep Iran from pursuing atomic weapons. Johnson was Monday to start a two-day visit to Washington, with the nuclear deal top of the agenda, the Foreign Office said. He was due to meet US Vice President Mike Pence, National Security Advisor John Bolton and Congressional foreign policy leaders. He said in his article that Britain, the US and Europe were "united in our effort to tackle the kind of Iranian behaviour that makes the Middle East region less secure - its cyber activities, its support for groups like Hezbollah, and its dangerous missile programme". Iran's support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, via the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah in Syria's civil war, and its backing for Shiite Huthi rebels in Yemen have added to frictions between Tehran and Western powers. 'Regret like never before' Iran has always denied it sought a nuclear weapon, insisting its atomic programme was for civilian purposes. Its President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday issued a strong warning to the United States not the quit the pact. "If the United States leaves the nuclear agreement, you will soon see that they will regret it like never before in history," the reform-minded Rouhani said in a televised speech. "Trump must know that our people are united, the Zionist regime (Israel) must know that our people are united," he said. He also vehemently reiterated his country's opposition to curtailing its non-nuclear missile capabilities. Tehran "will build as many missiles and weapons as needed" for its defence, he said. While transferring them to the Aquarius, a better rescue ship used by SOS Mediterranee, a French nonprofit group, the Spanish non-profit group, Proactiva Open Arms said that the migrants were in stable condition. Proactiva Open Arms also revealed that the migrants are made up of: six children and 32 teenagers. The delay in the transfer of the migrants was because Britain said it was not coordinating any rescue of migrants when approached by Italian coast guard to get authorisation. Both boats, Aquarius and Astral sailed under British flags, ABC News reports. Speaking on the incident, Astral's captain, Riccardo Gatti said "They are throwing the ball at each other and we are in the middle. Gatti also blamed the Italian and British authorities for letting the migrants stay at sea for over 30 hours after they were rescued from a drifting rubber boat that had no engines. The migrants are from Bangladesh, Egypt, Libya, Nigeria and other countries. Italy blames Britain The Italian coast guard blamed British authorities for the delay in the transfer of the migrants. ABC also reports that The coast guard issued a second statement saying it had allowed for the transfer because of the late hour and because British authorities hadn't given any indication on how to proceed. It is SOS Mediterranees procedure "to wait for a green light from the coordinating authority (usually the Italian Maritime Rescue Coordination Center) before proceeding with a transfer or rescue operation,"Matthew Carter, a communications officer with the NGO said. He also said that his organization had informed all parties that in the event of an emergency it planned to take all rescued people on board without pre-authorization. Masiyiwas solution to migrant crisis Meanwhile, Econet CEO Strive Masiyiwa has suggested mentoring of young people across Africa on entrepreneurship and enterprise management as an effective solution to managing the migration crisis in the region. In a recent interview with the Cable News Network (CNN), Masiyiwa also stated that many of Africas youth perish in their quest of crossing to Europe. The seven were killed after their vehicle was blown up by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blamed on Shabaab near the Somalia town of Dhobley. Two others sustained serious injuries when the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) was blown up by a powerful Improvised Explosive Devise, security sources said but the military headquarters was yet to comment on the matter. The vehicle was part of a convoy on patrol when it was hit by the IED, causing a massive explosion. The IED tore apart the vehicle, killing the soldiers instantly, a security source told the press. The soldiers were reportedly headed to a military base in Dhobley in Somalias Lower Juba region when the attack occurred after a lull on such attacks for several months now. The attack by the assailants comes nearly two months after the terror group claimed that it killed a dozen of KDF soldiers late January. Just last week Thursday, at least four people were killed in Mandera, in what authorities blamed on Al Shabaab. The four were attacked in Shimbir Fatuma area, a remote location in Mandera town bordering Somalia, according to police and local authorities. In the recent past, Al Shabaab has been depending heavily on propaganda, and in some cases exaggerate the number of people they have killed. They were killed at the quarry during the attack and we are pursuing the attackers, Mohamud Saleh, North Eastern Regional Commander said. National Police Spokesman Charles Owino too confirmed the killings, and placed the toll at 4. The incident was caught on camera as Sossion demanded he be allowed to go into his office. Heavily built men stood on his pathway and refused to give him way even after reading a court order suspending his removal from office. Mr. Sossion was suspended on April 30 by a section of National Executive Council of KNUT during a meeting at the Kenya institute of curriculum development. However, the High court suspended the directive noting: "A temporary prohibition order is hereby issued barring the respondents from registering, appointing, recognizing, putting or placing any person as Knut secretary general in place of Sossion pending the hearing of the application." Mr Sossion was to be replaced by his deputy, Hesbon Otieno. I am the spokesperson of Knut as per the unions national executive council (NEC) resolution while Collins Oyuu is now the acting deputy secretary general, Otieno announced during a press conference. Dr Ekuru Aukot, the leader of Third Way Alliance party on Monday told parliament to investigate the Baringo Senator and five other lawmakers for their role in instigating ethnic violence in Baringo border with Turkana County. Speaking in response to President Uhuru Kenyattas State of the Nation Address early last week, Dr Aukot faulted the assembly for filing to perform its role; a move which he said has led to death of dozens of people in Kapedo, Kainuk and Baragoi areas early this year. Parliament has failed to condemn, as it should, the actions of fellow Parliamentarians who are advocating for violence in some regions of this country. Particular cases are those of Kapedo, Kainuk and Baragoi areas of Turkana and Samburu Counties respectively. Known Parliamentarians are publicly claiming those areas as a result of which violence is meted out to even the innocent including the killing of three students and a driver in the Kapedo area of Turkana East last Friday. We expect Parliament to question the following MPs on their role in those conflict areas: Senator Gideon Moi, Tiaty MP, William Kamket, Samburu North MP, Alois Lentoimaga and others, as well as the role of our security forces on the ground, he said. Tiaty MP William Kamket recently claimed that Kapedo was in Baringo County a move which triggered a bitter battle with Aukot. Dr Aukot would later link Mr Kamket to the killings by bandits in the area, who he said has been working with unnamed masters to spread violence. Fiery lava pouring out of the Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island has destroyed nine homes so far and sent hundreds of people fleeing the area. More than 1,700 people in the Leilani Estates subdivision in Puma were forced to escape the molten rock and poisonous gasses creeping toward residents' homes. At least nine fissures have opened along the ground. Some people were briefly allowed back into their homes to retrieve pets and essential documents. Authorities said it could be as long as several months before many evacuees will be allowed to return home permanently. 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! Genesee & Wyoming company Freightliner unveiled its new brand identity on May 1. It will now commence rebranding its intermodal and bulk rail freight terminals and Freightliner Road Services lorries, while 'taking a phased approach' with locomotives and wagons. Ex-Trust bank owner Fetisov declared bankrupt RIA Novosti 11:32 07/05/2018 MOSCOW, May 7 (RAPSI) The Commercial Court of Moscow Region has declared one of the former Trust Bank owners Nikolay Fetisov bankrupt, RAPSI learnt in the court. In November, the court initiated the procedure of debt restructuring on the request of Trust Bank against Fetisov. The banks demands seeking 3.59 million euros and about 101 million rubles (about $1.7 million) were included in the creditors demands list. In April 2017, the Ninth Commercial Court of Appeals dismissed Fetisovs appeal over transfer of the bankruptcy case to the Moscow Regional Court. On January 10, the court of appeals found Trust banks lawsuit legal. In late December 2014, the Central Bank of Russia said it would provide Trust Bank with up to 30 billion rubles ($530 million) to stop it going bankrupt. At the time the bank was placed under temporary supervision of the Deposit Insurance Agency it was on the list of top 30 Russian banks. The financial rehabilitation of Trust Bank was led by FC Otkritie Bank, part of Otkritie Holding JSC. On December 17, 2015, Moscow's Tverskoy District Court issued an arrest warrant in absentia for three former owners of the bank implicated in a large-scale embezzlement case. As reported earlier, they allegedly concluded sham credit contracts with companies registered in Cyprus and then transferred funds to accounts controlled by Trust Bank ex-owners. North Korea has warned the United States not to misread its overtures of peace as a sign of weakness, as U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un prepare to hold their first-ever summit. "The U.S. is deliberately provoking [North Korea] at the time when the situation on the Korean Peninsula is moving toward peace and reconciliation," a Foreign Ministry spokesman told North Korean state media Sunday. The official was referring to U.S. claims that Trump's policy of maximum political pressure and sanctions are what drove the North to the negotiating table. The criticism comes weeks before the U.S.-North Korea summit planned for later this month or early June, and after last month's historic meeting between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. At that meeting, Kim promised to work toward a denuclearized Korean Peninsula and to move North Korea's clocks ahead by 30 minutes to correspond with the South Korean time zone, a pledge he fulfilled Saturday. Beware of Moving 'Back to Square One' But the North Korean spokesman said Sunday that movement of U.S. military assets in the region and talk of human rights violations also have hurt the peace process. "This act cannot be construed otherwise than a dangerous attempt to ruin the hard-won atmosphere of dialogue and bring the situation back to square one," he said. Trump has indicated that the date and place of the summit have been chosen, and said he believes the Demilitarized Zone that divides the Koreas might be a good venue. Singapore was also believed to be a potential site. Before Trump meets with Kim, Washington is hoping to gain the release of three Korean Americans accused of anti-state activities. Trump hinted that the release of Kim Dong-chul, Kim Hak-song and Tony Kim was in the offing. There was no sign of an imminent release, though the men had reportedly been moved to the North Korean capital. The White House, meanwhile, has announced a separate meeting between Trump and Moon at the White House on May 22 to "continue their close coordination on developments regarding the Korean Peninsula." Moscow Regions Ecology Ministry, Rospotrebnadzor join Yadrovo landfill lawsuit TASS, Stanislav Krasilnikov 13:48 07/05/2018 MOSCOW, May 7 (RAPSI) - Moscow Regions Ecology Ministry and office of Russias consumer rights protection agency Rospotrebnadzor have joined a lawsuit to shut down the notorious Yadrovo landfill site leaking noxious gas as third parties, RAPSI reports from the Volokolamsk City Court in the Moscow Region. The lawsuit was filed by residents of Volokolamsk against Yadrovo company that manages the landfill. There are 17 plaintiffs in the case; they demand to restitute their right to favorable environment, transfer the dump under the control of authorities and stop collection and transportation of dangerous components. Moreover, they seek compensation for moral harm totaling to 2.4 million rubles. The next hearing has been set for May 30. Earlier, the court dismissed similar lawsuits against the landfill. In March, the Volokalamsk districts authorities initiated emergency protocol and announced measures to liquidate the consequences of ecological violations during exploitation of the landfill. Yadrovo company was fined 150,000 rubles ($2,300) by the Volokolamsk City Court. Russian national arrested in absentia on extremism charges RAPSI 16:58 07/05/2018 MOSCOW, May 7 (RAPSI) Moscows Lefortovsky District Court has issued an arrest warrant for alleged extremist Aleksey Levkin in absentia, the courts spokesperson Yekaterina Krasnova has told RAPSI. The defendant is to be placed in detention for two months after his extradition, Krasnova said. According to case papers, Levkin stands charged with establishing an extremist group and inciting hatred and enmity. Reportedly, Levkin is an associate of Russian national Roman Zheleznov sentenced to 4 years in prison in absentia for fighting as a mercenary of the Ukrainian neo-Nazi Azov Battalion in Donbass Investigators claimed that Zheleznov came to Ukraine and voluntarily joined the Azov Battalion for fighting in Donbass in July 2014.Then spokesperson of Russias Investigative Committee Vladimir Markin said that Zheleznov, was fighting in Ukraine for 4,000 hryvnias (about $309 at that time) a month. The Azov Battalion is a far-right paramilitary unit of hundreds of volunteers that reports to the Interior Ministry of Ukraine. It has been doing much of the frontline fighting in Kievs war with the self-defense forces in eastern Ukraine. Probe opened into $732k embezzlement of Defense Ministrys property RIA Novosti, Maksim Bogodvid 18:00 07/05/2018 MOSCOW, May 7 (RAPSI) A criminal case has been opened over unlawful appropriation of the Defense Ministry's property worth over 46 million rubles ($732,000), the press service of the Chief Military Prosecutor's Office reports Monday. In February and August 2017, authorities of one of the villages in Murmansk Region submitted forged documents to the Federal Agency for State Registration, Cadaster, and Cartography, according to the Northern Fleet military prosecutors office. Thus, information on the municipal settlements right to 19 property items valued at more than 46 million rubles was presented to the Unified State Register of Immovable Property. Prosecutors claim that the property belonged to the Defense Ministry. Moreover, the Northern Fleet military prosecutor has filed claims for recovery of the ministrys property held in adverse possession with the Murmansk Region Commercial Court. One of the lawsuits concerning a building worth over 8 million rubles has been already considered and granted, the statement reads. HSBC and manager of firm formerly controlled by Browder aim to settle dispute amicably RIA Novosti, Vladimir Fedorenko 17:55 07/05/2018 MOSCOW, May 7 (RAPSI, Nikita Shiryayev) HSBC Bank (RR) and Kirill Nogotkov, the bankruptcy manager of Dalnaya Step, a company believed to be formerly controlled by William Browders Hermitage Capital Management, are to consider settling their dispute in an amicable way, RAPSI correspondent reports from the Russian Supreme Court on Monday. According to the Supreme Courts panel dealing with economic disputes, the case is to be adjourned until June 28 to give the parties time to prepare an amicable settlement as the hearings over a lower courts ruling to recover assets from persons that were in control of Dalnaya Step continue. Cassation appeals against the ruling in question were filed both by Nogotkov and HSBC Bank (RR). In June 2017, the acting manager of Dalnaya Step filed a claim to collect funds totaling to 1.2 billion rubles (about $19 million at the present exchange rate), $255,500 and 1,800,000 from HSBC Management (Guernsey) and HSBC Bank (RR), who were formerly in control of the company. In August of that year, the Commercial Court of the Republic of Kalmykia granted the lawsuit. The Sixteenth Commercial Court of Appeals upheld the ruling in October 2017. However, in November, the North Caucasus District Commercial Court reduced the amount to be collected from the defendants in favor of Dalnaya Step by $255,500 and 1,800,000 respectively. On March 21, 2016, the court ruled to resume bankruptcy proceedings with regard to Dalnaya Step. According to an acting manager back then, proceedings were still in effect and there was a need to make former controllers of the company accountable. In 2015, the department of Russias Federal Tax Service (FTS) for the Republic of Kalmykia filed a motion with the court to declare void a decision made in October 2007 to complete the liquidation of Dalnaya Step. The FTS department said the reason for the petition was that Russias Interior Ministry was investigating Alexander Dolzhenko, a former bankruptcy manager at Dalnaya Step, on suspicion of premeditated bankruptcy. On December 29, the Tverskoy District Court of Moscow passed the sentence on Browder and his business partner Ivan Cherkasov in absentia for deliberate bankruptcy and tax evasion. Browder was sentenced to 9 years in prison and Cherkasov received 8 years in prison. The defendants were also fined 200,000 rubles (about $3,500) each. Moreover, the court granted a civil lawsuit and recovered 4.3 billion rubles (about $75 million) from the defendants in favor of the Russian Federation. Prosecutors claimed that the defendants caused damage estimated at over 4 billion rubles. In 2013, a Russian court sentenced Browder in absentia to 9 years in a penal colony. The court found that between 1997 and 2002, Hermitage Capital auditor Sergey Magnitsky created and applied an illegal tax evasion scheme in the interests of Browder. Magnitsky worked for Firestone Duncan and represented Hermitage Capital, which the Russian authorities accused of tax evasion. Magnitsky was arrested on fraud charges in November 2008 and found dead in a Moscow detention center in November 2009. The lawyers death provoked an international outcry. In July 2013, Moscows Tverskoy District Court found Magnitsky guilty of tax evasion and closed the case due to his death. According to the case materials, Magnitskys and Hermitage Capital director William Browders actions cost Russia over 500 million rubles (about $8 million). Al Jazeera, April 22, 2018 Bombings at voter registration centres in the Afghan capital, Kabul, and in Baghlan province have killed at least 63 people and wounded more than a hundred others, health officials said. At least 57 people were killed in Kabul when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives at the doorway of an ID distribution centre in the city on Sunday, officials said. Six more people were killed later in the day in Baghlan's Pul-e-Khumri city, when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb near another voting centre. All six were from the same family. A man cries beside a wounded girl at a hospital after the attack in Kabul. (Photo: Mohammad Ismail/Reuters) A man cries beside a wounded girl at a hospital after the attack in Kabul. (Photo: Mohammad Ismail/Reuters) The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group said it carried out the Kabul attack, but no group has claimed responsibility for the Baghlan blast yet. The Kabul bombing occured in the Dasht-e-Barchi area, where many of the country's Shia Hazara minority reside. Among the victims were many women and children, witnesses said. "After I heard a bang, I rushed to the site of the blast and, when I arrived at the scene, we helped many wounded people by carrying them to hospital," Bashir Ahmad, a witness, said. "Many of the victims were women and children who were here to get their identity cards and register for elections," Ahmad added. Wahid Majro, spokesman for the public health ministry, said five small children and 21 women were killed in the attack. The toll could still rise, he told the Associated Press news agency. In a separate development on Sunday, a traffic incident reportedly involving a convoy of foreign forces killed a child near the US embassy in Kabul, prompting protests in the area. Witnesses reported heavy gunfire near the embassy. October elections Attacks have multiplied in recent days in advance of the long-delayed parliamentary and district council elections scheduled for October 20 this year. Last week, a voter registration centre was attacked in Ghor province, according to Tolonews, a local news website. In that attack, unidentified gunmen, which a police spokesperson said belonged to the Taliban, kidnapped two police officers on site as well as three IEC workers. Al Jazeera's Abdullah Shahood, reporting from Kabul, said there was uncertainty about the government's ability to secure the polls. "Elections are scheduled to be held in many areas that are under Taliban control. There is no chance that free polls could be held there, even as the government says it is trying to implement law and order there to allow people to vote and exercise their constitutional right," Shahood said. Voter registration offices opened just last week as part of the long process to get Afghans properly registered for the October polls. The Independent Election Commission (IEC) says it hopes as many as 15 million people will register for the polls, but the election commissioner admits registration turnout so far has been low. President Ashraf Ghani issued a statement condemning the attack and said it "cannot divert us from our aims or weaken this national democratic process". Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN's top official in the country, condemned the attack, saying he "feels a deep sense of revulsion". "Compounding the callous disregard for the lives of civilians, the killing appears to be part of a wholly unacceptable effort by extremists to deter Afghan citizens from carrying out their constitutional right to take part in elections," he said in a statement. The Guardian, April 30, 2018 By Saeed Kamali Dehghan Nine journalists were among at least 25 people killed in twin bombings in Kabul on Monday. One BBC journalist was also killed in a separate incident in the eastern province of Khost, making it the deadliest day for media workers in Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban. Among the dead were: Shah Marai, Agence France-Press Agence France-Presse chief photographer Shah Marai died in a blast that killed at least 25 people. (Photo: Johannes Eisele/AFP/Getty Images) Agence France-Presse chief photographer Shah Marai died in a blast that killed at least 25 people. (Photo: Johannes Eisele/AFP/Getty Images) Marai, who came from the Shamali Plain in northern Kabul, was a veteran chief photographer with the Agence France-Presse news agency in Afghanistan. He had worked with the agency since 1996, first as a driver and later as a fixer, before becoming a full-time photographer in 2002. Marai had chronicled the fall of Taliban in 2011. This tragedy reminds us of the danger that our teams continually face on the ground and the essential role journalists play for democracy, said Fabrice Fries, the CEO of AFP. AFP reported that Marais camaraderie was demonstrated in a message he sent moments before Mondays second Kabul bombing, in which he had reassured a video colleague who could not reach the scene. No worry man, I am here, he said by WhatsApp, adding that he was shooting video in addition to taking photos. He leaves behind six children, including a new-born daughter. Yar Mohammad Tokhi, Tolo News Tokhi was a 54-year-old cameraman who was due to marry his fiance in less than a month. Described by his colleagues as one of the most dedicated and hardworking staff in his organisation, he had worked for Afghanistans Tolo News and Tolo TV for 12 years. Tokhis death leaves his ailing mother and unmarried sister, who has cancer and relied on him for help, extremely vulnerable. The family lived in a rented house in Darul Aman in Kabul. Tokhi was the only breadwinner in his family and according to his relatives, he spent a large part of his salary every month on medication and doctors bills for both his mother and his sister, Tolo News said. A day before his death, Tokhi had been looking around with his fiance to find a wedding hall for their upcoming marriage ceremony. Ahmad Shah, BBC Afghan service Ahmad Shah (Photo: BBC) Ahmad Shah (Photo: BBC) Shah was a 29-year-old reporter with the BBC in Afghanistan who was killed in eastern Khost province, near the border with Pakistan. Tolo News said he was shot dead by unknown armed men. He had worked for the BBC Afghan service for more than a year, the BBC said, describing him as having already established himself as a highly capable journalist who was a respected and popular member of the team. Maharram Durrani, RFE/RL The 28-year-old journalist had barely started working for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). She was due to begin her work in mid-May and was on her way to the media organisations office for training when the attack took place, according to RFE/RL. Abadullah Hananzai, RFE/RL Hananzai, 26, was a journalist and video cameraman who had focused on the countrys anti-narcotics programme. Sabawoon Kakar, RFE/RL Kakar was a 30-year-old journalist and member of RFE/RLs video team for the past five years. There was little information available about the four other journalists killed on Monday, apart from their names and the organisations they worked for. Ghazi Rasuli was a reporter with 1TV, and Nawruz Ali Rajabi a cameraman with the same organisation. Salim Talash and Ali Salimi both worked for Mashal TV. WARNING: Graphic content below. Reuters, April 30, 2018 By James Mackenzie and Rupam Jain Explosions in the Afghan capital Kabul killed at least 26 people on Monday, including nine journalists who had arrived to report on an initial blast and were apparently targeted by a suicide bomber, officials said. The attacks, a week after 60 people were killed as they waited at a voter registration center in the city, underlined mounting insecurity despite repeated government pledges to tighten defenses. Hours after the attack in Kabul, a suicide bomber in a vehicle attacked a foreign military convoy in the southern province of Kandahar, killing 11 children studying in a nearby religious school, police said. "These attacks caused untold human suffering to Afghan families," said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the top U.N. official in Afghanistan. "I am furthermore outraged by the attack which appears to have deliberately targeted journalists," he said in a statement. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo strongly condemned the "senseless and barbaric" bombings in Kabul. "Despite today's attack, the vibrant media landscape that has developed in Afghanistan will endure," he said in a statement. The attacks in rapid succession were a grim reminder of the strength of both the Taliban and Islamic State's emerging Afghanistan branch to wreak violence despite stepped up U.S. air attacks under Trump's new policy for the 16-year-old war. Taliban militants, fighting to restore their version of strict Islamic law to Afghanistan, announced their usual spring offensive last week and there has been heavy fighting in several areas of the country since. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the two blasts in the capital, which killed at least 26 people, including four police, and wounded 49 seriously, Hashmat Stanekzai, a senior police official, said. The Afghan Journalists Safety Committee (AFJSC) said nine journalists were killed in Kabul, the worst toll for media workers in a single attack in the country. Najib Danish, a spokesman for the interior ministry, said a suicide bomber appeared to have posed as a media worker and blew himself up where reporters and rescue workers had gathered. "We know that a suicide bomber pretended to be a reporter. He showed his press card and stood among journalists before blowing himself up," Danish told Reuters. 'VERY DANGEROUS' WORKING ENVIRONMENT Afghanistan was already considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists, with at least 20 killed last year. Last week, unidentified gunmen shot a journalist in the southern city of Kandahar. In a separate incident, Ahmad Shah, a journalist who worked for a local language service of the BBC and for Reuters, was shot dead in the eastern province of Khost, officials said. His death was confirmed by the BBC but there was no indication of any connection with the Kabul attack, the most serious on the Afghan media since 2016, when seven workers for Tolo News were killed in an attack claimed by the Taliban. Eight of the journalists were from Afghan outlets: two reporters from the Mashal TV, a cameraman and a reporter working for 1TV, three reporters from Radio Azadi and one from Tolo News, the AFJSC said. The French news agency Agence France-Presse said its chief photographer in Afghanistan, Shah Marai, was killed. A Reuters photographer was slightly hurt by shrapnel. "Journalists were doing their job when a suicide bomber killed them, such attacks prove that the working environment is very dangerous now," said Rahimullah Samandar, a senior member of the AFJSC. The reporters had arrived to cover the initial blast in the Shashdarak area close to buildings of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) intelligence service and near to the U.S. embassy. Held back by police, they were waiting some distance away near the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, when the second explosion went off just as people were entering the government office. Hundreds of people have been killed and wounded in a series of attacks in Kabul since the beginning of the year, despite President Ashraf Ghani's offer in February for peace talks "without preconditions". In the southern city of Kandahar, where NATO-led forces operate out of a big air base, 11 children were killed and 16 wounded when a suicide bomber drove his explosive-laden van into a foreign-force convoy, police said. The 11 children who were killed were studying in a nearby madrassa, or religious school, said Matiullah Zhman, a spokesman for Kandahar police. In addition eight members of the NATO-led Resolute Support coalition were wounded, the force said. (Reporting by James Mackenzie, Omar Sobhani, Abdul Aziz Ibrahimi and Rupam Jain, Editing by Robert Birsel, William Maclean, Diane Craft) WARNING: Graphic content below. PAN, May 1, 2018 Journalists across Afghanistan on Tuesday strongly condemned the deaths of 10 colleagues in a single day in Kabul and southeastern Khost province. Nine journalists were killed and eight others injured in a suicide blast in the Shashdarak area of Kabul. Photo: PAN Photo: PAN The journalists had arrived at the site of a previous suicide blast for coverage when a second attack happened. The nine journalists were killed hours later another journalist, a BBC reporter, was gunned down by unidentified assailants in Khost province. Journalists in Badakhshan, Nangarhar, Faryab, Jawzjan, Balkh and Ghor provinces arranged gatherings to condemn the killing of their fellow journalists. Journalist Abdul Manan Feroz told a gathering in Jawzjan province that some people inside the government might have helped the terrorists and cooperated with them in carrying out the bombings. Abdul Basir Haqjo, a journalist from Badakhshan, termed the killing of journalists against religious and global principles and strongly condemned it. Meanwhile, journalists in Ghor province also denounced the double suicide bombings and killing of journalists in the attacks as against Islamic and global values. Mohammad Younis Neemi, a local journalist, said attacking journalists meant silencing their voices and termed the situation as dangerous for media people. He suggested the government in cooperation with international community and UNSC should jointly investigate the incident. WARNING: Graphic content below. TOLOnews.com, May 2, 2018 At least 24 percent of qualified Afghans are job seekers across the country, the labor minister Faizullah Zaki said, stressing the need to create an effective solution to overcome unemployment in Afghanistan. Addressing the national labor conference, the minister said the purpose of the event is to create a clear roadmap for reducing the unemployment rate in the country. The important parts of the roadmap should include identifying new policies required, implementing a comprehensive and effective research strategy and development budget for this year, national budget arrangements for the coming years based on measuring job creation capacity, identifying all necessary measures to encourage, support and strengthen the private sector, including large, medium and small enterprises, said Zaki. At the same event, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah said the conference will create further coordination between government, the private sector and the international community to overcome unemployment. The private sector has invested a lot, but our private sector has finally come to regret their investment due to bureaucracy and corruption, said Abdullah. According to the labor ministry, plans for a better environment will be provided for private sector investment and capacity building of a local workforce will be implemented shortly after the conclusion of the conference. Members of Afghanistans labor union called for more opportunities in the country for the coming years. TOLOnews.com, May 7, 2018 By Sayed Haidar Shah Omid A joint survey carried out by the Central Statistics Organization (CSO) and ICON International shows that almost 54 percent of the population in Afghanistan live below the poverty line. The survey which is titled The living conditions in Afghanistan indicates that more than 16 million people in Afghanistan, which constitutes half of the population, live like this. The survey was carried out two years ago and the percentage of those living below the poverty line is now likely to be higher. Based on the survey, the number of people who cannot afford their basic needs is around 15 percent while the unemployment rate is recorded at around 24 percent. According to calculations, if a person spends less than 2,064 in a month, then he lives below the poverty line, this is the national explanation, said Haseebullah Mawahid, technical deputy head of CSO. Insecurity, political instability which has been reported during the elections, electoral aftershocks which also affected the balance of investments in Afghanistan are among key factors, said Mustafa Mastoor, economy minister. Access to internet services is 4 percent of the population, and access of 98 percent to electricity is part of the survey index. But, officials from the World Bank (WB) and European Union (EU) have said that the rapid growth of the population and the violence in the country have contributed to the scale of poverty. There is hope, in terms of progress, which has been made in education, water and sanitation, and primary health care, but I think the overriding fact that more than half the population is still below the poverty line, should be a wake-up call for all of us, said Shubham Chaudhuri, World Bank Country Director for Afghanistan. More schools are being built, but even more students are emerging. Jobs are actually created, but even more people are in a search of income, said Maurizio Cian, Head of Cooperation, the European Union Delegation to Afghanistan. Although the survey has not pointed out the poverty rate for 2016, previously the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in a report, predicted that Afghanistans economic growth had not gone well in 2017 due to insecurity and less investments. Russian President Vladimir Putin was sworn in to a fourth term on Monday, extending his 18-year rule amid promises of continuity in foreign policy and renewed efforts toward building prosperity at home. During his swearing in ceremony at the gilded Andreyevsky Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace, Putin assured Russians that his rule had "revived pride" in the country. "As head of state, I will do all I can to multiply the strength and prosperity of Russia," Putin told a packed room of Russia's political and culture elite. "The object of my life and my work will be to serve the people and the fatherland." Not the Same Old Inauguration Kremlin officials had hinted that this year's ceremony would be more modest than his 2012 inauguration -- which critics mocked over a decision to clear Moscow's streets for the arrival of Putin's motorcade. Televised images of Putin and his bodyguards alone in the streets of the capital seemed only to emphasize the Russian president had lost touch with the public. Instead, this years inauguration found the Russian leader diligently working at his desk when a call came notifying him the time to take the oath of office had come. As Putin donned his jacket and made his way to the ceremony, television viewers were treated to another surprise: he would now travel to official events in a Russian-built limousine rather than his traditional Mercedes. It was a sign of the changing political times. 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, 05/07/2018 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! Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. of New Jersey star Danielle Staub is now a wife.Danielle married her fiance Marty Caffrey during a sunset beach ceremony on the Bahamian island of Bimini on Saturday, Us Weekly reported Danielle's former co-star Teresa Giudice reportedly served as matron of honor, while Melissa Gorga and Margaret Josephs were bridesmaids in the wedding.The 55-year-old reality TV star donned a beautiful gown by Pnina Tornai for her big day.Hours before walking down the aisle, Danielle admitted to Us that she was a "little nervous" about her nuptials."All my family, my friends, everyone's checking in with me, and I'm like, 'Guys, I haven't showered, I still haven't showered, and I'm getting married today,'" she said with a laugh.Danielle gushed about how she was "excited to be a wife.""It's different when you're a girlfriend, and then it's different when you're a fiancee, the stages are all different. When it gets real, and we did our rehearsal last night, and we did our fake I do's, it's like, oh my God, we're almost married," she said.When Danielle and Marty had their rehearsal on the beach, she recalled to the magazine, "I felt them looking at me like I was a wife. And to me, and my daughters, looking at him like he is my husband. And I think it definitely made it super profound for me."Danielle left of New Jersey in 2010 after two seasons; however, she returned for the Bravo series' eighth edition.Danielle will also appear on for Season 9, although she will reportedly have a "friend of the Housewives" capacity.A source previously told Us that Danielle's wedding would be filmed for the show.The couple announced their engagement in May 2017 after dating for one year. Danielle and Marty's proposal then aired during a special January episode of of New Jersey entitled Secrets Revealed.Despite the fact Danielle has been engaged multiple times -- as fans recall, Teresa accused Danielle of being engaged 19 times on Season 1 of of New Jersey -- she has only been a bride twice.Danielle's first marriage to Kevin Maher lasted only for one year, from 1986 to 1987. She later married businessman Thomas Staub and the pair welcomed daughters Christine and Jillian together. Danielle and Thomas split in 2007. Experts warn against trade war From:ChinaDaily | 2018-05-07 04:23 "Trade war" dominated the talk at a forum in Silicon Valley, where experts and opinion leaders expressed hopes that the US government can avoid anything that resembles a trade war. "We Americans and Chinese are so economically dependent upon each other, we're joined at the hip. The commercial and economic relationship is really the ballast in the relationship," Max Baucus, former US ambassador to China, told China Daily at the annual conference of the Committee of 100 in Santa Clara, California. Tensions between the two countries have risen since the Trump administration threatened to imposetariffson up to$150 billionin Chinese goods and China retaliated with tariffs targeting US wines, soy beans, pork and other products. Farmers in California have already felt the initial fallout from the trade dispute as China's new tariffs on US fruits, wines and other agricultural products went into effect on April 2. Even the suspension of the imposition of the tariffs creates uncertainty and a sense of uncertainty is not good because it makes it difficult for farmers, ranchers and businessmen to make decisions, said Baucus, who is also co-chair of Farmers for Free Trade, a non-profit that supports expanding export opportunities for US farmers and ranchers. As a US trade negotiation team left Beijing on Friday with few gains, Baucus said the administration needs to "talk out more of their strategy" and come up with an effective offer. "The last offer is ridiculous" and the list of demands is "way way out of bounds", he said. "President Trump is impatient. He's not one with subtleties who thinks through facts," he said. "I frankly think the American negotiators, when they came back and got nowhere in China, are starting to realize the last tactic and the list of demands are probably not a very smart thing to do. "The question is what's next. I'm hopeful that ultimately after a few ripples and verbal sparring back and forth, cooler heads will prevail," he said. Chas Freeman, a senior fellow at Brown University's Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, said Washington has misdiagnosed the trade problem and its remedies won't work. "What it is doing will harm the United States and other countries as much or more than it does China," he said in his keynote speech at the forum, which attracted hundreds of people from government, business and academia. According to a US-China relationship perception survey conducted by the Committee of 100 in 2017, the majority of Americans were concerned about the trade deficit with China while admitting that the trade relationship with China benefited the country. Freeman said the overall trade deficit of the US was a result of that fact that Americans consume more than they save, which means the country imports more than they produce. "Ironically, the Trump administration has just taken steps guaranteed to increase this deficit," he said."It has reduced tax revenues and boosted deficit spending, mostly on military research, development, and procurement." The common misconceptions on the trade deficit with China partly affected the US policies on China. China's trade surplus is actually not responsible for the US' trade deficit, Yukon Huang, a senior fellow in the Carnegie Asia Program, told the forum. He used iPhone as an example. People think iPhone is a Chinese export but in fact only 5 percent of the value goes to China. People also tend to ignore the US' huge exports of services to China, he said. It's also unfair to use the $150 billion tariffs threat to stop China from becoming a technology powerhouse, said Gary Locke, former US ambassador to China. The US is in the lead right now because of the government's education and research programs, he said. However, the Trump administration has cut scientific research funding and boosted defense spending. "The US needs to have its own plan to move ahead in terms of innovation," said Locke. In Omaha on Saturday, the first question put to Warren Buffett at the 2018 Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders Meeting also focused on the current trade tensions between the US and China. Always optimistic on China, Buffett said he believed the two nations have a lot of common interests and a lot to gain by working together. "The United States and China are going to be the two superpowers of the world, economically and in other ways, for a long, long, long, long time. We have a lot of common interests, and like any two big economic entities, there are times when there will be tensions," he said. "It is a win-win situation. The only problem is when one side or the other wants to win a little bit too much," Buffett added. liazhu@chinadailyusa.com Heres a pick of what Warrenn Buffett had to say over the weekend, and his annual Woodstock for Capitalists. Saturday saw the staging of Woodstock for Capitalist, as the AGM of Berkshire Hathaway is popularly known. BH is an NYSE-listed firm with insurance at its core, in which 36.8 per cent of the stock is held by Buffett, and which has on its $700 billion balance sheet investments in companies as diverse as Coca-Cola, American Express, Apple, Bank of America, and many others. Berkshires equity portfolio in 201y amounted to a whopping $170 billion. More than its equity holdings, what Berkshire under Buffett is known for is the enormous wealth it has generated for its investors. In the 50-odd years since Buffett acquired it, it has netted a 22,000 time expansion in profits and 4800 times growth in revenue. Over these five decades, the Berkshire stock has consistently delivered 19.1 percent return, which is double the US market. One Berkshire share, which cost $19 before Buffett entered the firm, now trades at over $300,000 now. Given his ability to spot winning businesses, and buy into them at bargain prices, the annual meeting held in Ohama, Nebraska, is a standing room only event, where Buffett and Charles Munger, vice chairman of Berkshire, address shareholders and share their collective investing wisdom. Last weekend was no different, with the duo taking questions from some 42,000 shareholders, analysts and journalists for over five hours, offering them a glimpse into the genius mind that has made millions of dollars for investors. Heres a pick of Buffett, toasted as the Oracle of Omaha, had to say. On missing out on Amazon I made the wrong decision on Google and Amazon. The truth is that Ive watched Amazon from the start, and I think what Jeff Bezos has done is something close to a miracle. The problem is if I think something will be a miracle, I tend not to bet on it. Bill Gates told me early on (to look at) Google... Incidentally, Buffett also did not invest in Microsoft, which he attributed in the earlier years to stupidity, and later to his friendship with Gates and the inference that could be drawn if he were to invest in MS. Ill miss a lot of things that I dont feel I understand well enough, and there is no penalty in investing if you dont swing at a ball thats in the strike zone, as long as you swing at something at some point ... Well try to stay within our circle of competence, and Charlie and I generally agree on where that circle ends ... Well try to stay within our circle of competence ... Were going to miss a lot of things. The fact is, though, he didnt totally miss out on Apples success story, since investing in the stock only two years ago, but then he didnt look at it as tech stock. I went into Apple because I came to certain conclusions about the value with which the capital was being deployed and about the ecosystem. Why cryptocurrency is bad Answering an attendee from Ukraine, Buffett said, Cryptocurrencies will come to bad endings. Cryptocurrencies are non-productive assets. It essentially will not deliver anything other than supposed scarcity. What does it produce itself? ... Anytime you buy non-productive assets, you are counting on someone later on buying a non-productive asset. It does come to a bad ending... They also attract a lot of charlatans and people of less than stellar character, he added for good measure. China-US standoff This was perhaps the most anticipated response, given its global implications, and Buffett didnt let anyone down with his response. The United States and China are going to be the two superpowers of the world, economically and in other ways for a long, long, long time. We have a lot of common interests and like any two big economic entities there are times when there will be tensions. But it is a win-win situation when the world trades. I dont think either will dig themselves into something that precipitates and continues any real trade war ... The benefits of trade are basically not visible. No one thinks about benefits day by day ... The negatives, and there are negatives, are very apparent and very painful. Newspapers in crisis Where the daily newspaper was a primary (source of information), theyre no longer primary. No one except The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and (now) The Washington Post has come up with a digital product that will in a significant way replace the revenue being lost as print newspapers lose circulation and advertising ... the Journal, the Times and probably the Post have an economically viable model in the digital world. Gun control in his companies I do not believe on imposing my political opinions on the activities of our businesses. If you get into which of our companies are pure and which ones arent pure, I think it will be very difficult. Buying outside US Outside the United States ... we are not embedded in (sellers) minds in the same way. We are on the radar screen big-time in the United States ... I hope tomorrow Ill get a call from Germany or Britain ... or Australia ... and well get an opportunity. In terms of getting a lot of money into something, many billions ... that can be tougher in markets that youre unfamiliar working in. Accumulating a $6 or $8 or $10 billion position outside the United States can be very difficult. Wells Fargo fraud accounts scandal On the creation of millions of fraudulent savings and checking accounts by the banks employees, Buffett was charitable. We know people are doing something wrong as we sit here at Berkshire. You cant have 370,000 employees and expect that everyone is behaving like Ben Franklin. Wells Fargo is a company that proved the efficacy of incentives, and its just that they just had the wrong incentives. The fact that you are going to have problems at some large institutions is not unique. Is Buffett semi-retired? This was the question that kicked off the Q and A session, to which the billionaire investor replied with a chuckle, I have been semi-retired for decades. The fact is, some of Buffetts investing duties have been handed over to Berkshire portfolio managers Ted Weschler and Todd Combs, while the companys business is being overseen by Gregory E Abel and Ajit Jain. Ted and Todd each manage about 12 or 13 billion, Buffett said in his reply. Together thats $25 billion. Theyre managing $25 billion and doing a very good job. Of course, he didnt forget to add: I still have the responsibility for the other $300 billion. Photographs: Rick Wilking/Reuters. The new deal will value Flipkart at close to $19 billion on the secondary market, a huge jump from Walmarts initial offer to investors. Sometime in the next 7 to 10 days, Flipkart and Walmart is set to announce a mega deal that will see the US retail giant invest close to $15 billion to pick up about 75 per cent stake in Indias largest e-commerce marketplace. The deal will signify a massive payday for many of Flipkarts investors - bigger than they were hoping for. When news broke that Walmart was in talks with Flipkart to pick up a stake and make inroads into the countrys online retail market, headlines focused on the massive $20-billion valuation that the US firm was willing to offer. However, for investors, that deal looked a lot less sweet as a big portion of what Walmart would invest would be to buy their stake and the company was only willing to pay closer to $12 billion for it. The new deal will value Flipkart at close to $19 billion on the secondary market, a huge jump from Walmarts initial offer to investors. And, while all stakeholders drove a hard bargain, it was SoftBank that drove the deal the hardest, using its might to hold off the deal from being signed by a few months until it got what it wanted. Masayoshi Son, founder and CEO of SoftBank, is known for being a hard bargainer. In an interview he once boasted that he was able to get $45 billion from the Saudi Crown Prince to set up his massive $100-billion Vision Fund after meeting him for just 45 minutes. When it came to Flipkart, Son was an apprehensive seller, having invested $2.5 billion in the company less than nine months ago. It is known that Son doesnt invest in firms to make quick bucks, but makes strategic long-term bets eyeing the future potential of a company or a sector. Indias e-commerce space, he believes, is going to be huge, and this is why he was apprehensive to sell out of Flipkart at any valuation when Walmart came knocking. After the deal, SoftBank will exit its investment in Flipkart completely, taking home close to $4 billion in cash. Thats a return of almost 60 per cent. It hasnt been a year since the company ploughed in that money. This will also boost the returns of other investors in Flipkart, which after months of discussions were even willing to exit the company at a secondary valuation of $16-17 billion, said sources. While all other investors were okay with settling for a little less, SoftBank asked founders and other investors to wait. The Japanese firm is also said to have approached Amazon to put in a bid for Flipkart. Amazon did lose out in the end, but its bid did put pressure on Walmart. The difference created tensions within the board, but none have indicated that SoftBank had to use its right to veto any decisions of the rest of the board. Sources said that even the nod from the board for the deal was after SoftBank agreed to go ahead with the sale to Walmart after it was happy with the returns it was getting. Even Tiger Global, of which SoftBank is now turning out to be a close ally, was willing to exit with slightly lower returns. Another person close to SoftBank said: These things often look to be motivated by some other agenda and the tension might make it look like two people are going against each other, but SoftBank is a business and it wanted the best deal at the end of the day. Photograph: Abhishek N Chinnappa/Reuters The best option to reduce farm distress in the state is that when the rains fail, the state -- the central and the state government -- provide a financial cushion for the farmer The more Modiji talks about the things his government has done for farmers, the more the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) will lose here, says Vikas Soppin, an engineer, with a degree in marketing, who is now a farmer activist. He was referring to the Prime Minister Narendra Modis speech at Gadag two days ago where Modi said the Congress had paid only lip service to farmers. It is better that nobody from the BJP speaks about the famed fasal beema yojana because we know exactly what the yojana has achieved. To say that farmers in North Karnataka are facing a crisis is an understatement. The poignant story of 50-year-old Vittal Arabhavi caught the attention of farmer activists in the entire country. It was 2013. we were agitating for a farm loan waiver in front of the Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi (the legislative assembly holds sessions in both Bengaluru and Belagavi, formerly Belgaum). "Vittal Arabhavi came to the stage. He didnt say much: Only that he was a farmer. He owed money because he hadnt been paid. He hoped the chief minister, who was from his own caste, Kuruba, would do something for him. "He got off the stage and went to the back. And, there he drank poison. He died that evening. That death shook everyone up. "But, despite that, there has been no structural intervention into the crisis in agriculture that faces this region, Soppin said. Arabhavi had reportedly sold 120 tonnes of sugar to a company owned by Murugesh Nirani, a former minister but the farmers alleged that he had received just partial payment. His family, comprising three daughters and two sons, had no means of sustenance. Nirani, however, denied the allegations, saying that the farmer had sold only half his produce and a partial payment had been made. Soppin said little had changed since then. Farmers continue to face a problem of delayed arrears from sugar mills. And, because so many sugar mill owners are politicians, there is an unspoken pact among all political parties to push this issue under the carpet. North Karnataka is the granary of the state. Agriculture is the primary occupation. The region grows toor dal, sugarcane, cotton, green and black gram, wheat and green chilly. The state government charges only a nominal rate for agricultural power and lately, power cuts have not been that frequent. About six months ago, debts of farmers who had taken loans below Rs 50,000 were written off. But, that is secondary. Soppin and others said what the farmers needed was a Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana - one that actually works. Why do farmers need insurance in the first place? While the dependence is on rain-fed farming, irrigation canals and hydro electric projects (like the contentious Mahadayi) do exist. But, Karnataka can never utilise the entire water that is due to it - because it does not have the storage capacity. Creating storage would require land of the order of 100,000 acres: Which is impossible. The next best option is that when the rains fail, the state - the central and the state government - provide a financial cushion for the farmer. When the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) was launched in 2016, farmers in North Karnataka paid a premium amounting to Rs 89 crore. It seemed like a good deal. The premium rate for kharif crop was 2 per cent, for the rabi crop was 1.5 per cent and for commercial crops was 5 per cent. With such a low premium, the farmer thought he could recoup his losses. The compensation paid to farmers in 2016, after the state government declared drought in North Karnataka, was around Rs 15 crore. With great difficulty, after prolonged agitation, we have managed to secure compensation to the tune of around Rs 28 crore till date, Soppin said. Farmers said the reason was extensive loopholes in the PMFBY for which both the state and the central government were responsible. The state government had farmed out the job of ascertaining drought and crop failure to three or four departments. Their data were invariably faulty and incomplete. The insurance companies responsible for the payout depended entirely on the statistical data provided by the state government. And, the Centre refused to countenance anything less than full data. The chilli crop of farmers failed. The rule is that the statistics collection department of the state government has to send a sample of three cuttings to insurance agencies to show the crop has wilted. "After the first cutting, there were no other cuttings, because the plants just died. The state government is unable to address the requirement of the insurance companies. "They, in turn, cannot provide compensation because they will not get the money back from the Centre. "So frankly, when leaders say the PMFBY is a great hit, their words have no credibility with the farmers in North Karnataka, Soppin said. If there is anything Modi is identified with in these parts, it is neem-coated urea - farmers say that now, at least, people will not have to drink poisoned milk because cattle has been eating feed contaminated by urea. The crash in commodity prices especially toor dal hit the region hard: It is one of the principle crops. But, if the state government has done little for farmers, the central government is even more liable - because it is pretending to show concern though it feels nothing for the cause of farmers. In the circumstances, caste-based voting will prevail. We have failed to make farming an issue in the elections Soppin said. Photograph: Reuters Online retail in the country is expected to grow to $200 billion by 2026, up from $15 billion in 2016. The Walmart-Flipkart deal is one of the biggest in the retail sector in India. However, those in the business are not affected. According to incumbents Business Standard spoke to, the coming together of the two big retailers will not impact their business. It is one more serious entry on the part of the largest retailer in the world. But it wont impact the plans of local players. We will continue with our plans, said Damodar Mall, chief executive officer of grocery retail at Reliance Retail. A senior executive at Kishore Biyani-led Future group said the company was growing at a great speed and entry of anybody else does not hamper its business. Indian customer has believed in us and has been buying from us. We are not bothered about who comes, he said. The executive, however, said Walmart had taken a back-door entry to retail. They could not do multi-brand retail due to FDI (foreign direct investment) restrictions. Now, they are coming through the back door, he said. Amazon, a US-headquartered retailer, and Future group have a tie up wherein the former sells Futures brands. Though the previous government allowed FDI in retail, the final say on allowing foreign retailers was left to state governments. So far, the Tata-Tesco joint venture is the only FDI in multi-brand retail. The current government has not scrapped the FDI policy in multi-brand retail, but it has also not supported the policy per se. According to a recent report by research firm Morgan Stanley, online retail in the country is expected to grow to $200 billion by 2026, up from $15 billion in 2016. It constitutes small percentage of the $650-billion retail market in the country. Arvind Singhal, chairman of Technopak Advisors, said Walmart buying into Flipkart does not change much as foreign investment is not allowed in retail across many states and such investment has stringent conditions in terms of population, sourcing and so on. Walmart will be run as Walmart. Flipkart will be run as Flipkart. The scenario will change when FDI is allowed in multi-brand retail, Singhal said. He thinks Walmart will remain as a financial investor in Flipkart. After the deal, Flipkart will no longer be desperate to raise funds. Walmart could tell them to focus on profitability and not on GMV (gross merchandise value), he said. Nikhil Chaturvedi, managing director of apparel retailer Provogue, however, said FDI in multi-brand retail would eventually be allowed in the country. They (Walmart) will look at entering bricks and mortar after the deal is through. Domestic retailers such as Future group have in the past alleged that e-commerce portals violate FDI rules in multi-brand retail. Photograph: Daniel Becerril/Reuters If Sachin Bansal sells his stake at a little over 5 per cent and steps down from Flipkart, as reports have suggested recently, either Binny Bansal or Kalyan Krishnamurthy, CEO of Flipkart, could be an option for the leadership position. Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com With just the formal signatures pending for a deal with Flipkart, Walmart has begun its search for real estate, mostly in Bengaluru, to have synergies with the e-commerce company headquartered there, sources said. The American retail major is looking at shifting some critical divisions such as information technology (IT) and e-commerce to Bengaluru from Walmart Indias Gurugram office. The group may even explore relocating the entire Walmart India operation to Bengaluru in the near future. If Walmart is spending more than $12 billion on acquiring Flipkart, it only makes sense for them to relocate to Bengaluru, a source said. Synergies are being planned on other fronts too. If things go according to plan, Walmart India and Flipkart could possibly have one common leader for both businesses, said a person in the know. It is not certain yet who that leader would be, but one of the Flipkart founders (Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal, who are not related) could be a possible choice, according to a source. However, if Sachin Bansal sells his stake at a little over 5 per cent and steps down from Flipkart, as reports have suggested recently, either Binny Bansal or Kalyan Krishnamurthy, chief executive officer (CEO) of Flipkart, could be an option for the leadership position. A similar leadership decision was taken when Walmart acquired American e-commerce major Jet.com in 2016. Marc Lore, founder of Jet.com, was appointed Walmart e-commerce CEO. Lore had accompanied Walmart chief executive Doug McMillon and president-CEO of Walmart International Judith McKenna to the Flipkart office in January. Leading investment banking company Goldman Sachs is learnt to be advising Flipkart on a deal with Walmart, which wants to pick a controlling stake in the Bengaluru firm, valuing it at around $18-20 billion. While the Walmart leadership had come down to Bengaluru earlier this year, most of the deal talks took place overseas, sources said. It is a very complex process to have one sale agreement with so many investors involved, a banker pointed out. Even Lloyd C Blankfein, chairman and CEO of New York-based Goldman Sachs, has been involved in the numerous rounds of talk. Others at the deal table, spearheading the multi-billion transaction, include Masayoshi Son, chairman and CEO of SoftBank, the largest investor in Flipkart, Bansals of Flipkart; McMillon, Lore and McKenna of Walmart; Tiger Global Management (investor in Flipkart) partner Lee Fixel; representatives of other investors in Flipkart such as Nasper and Accel; and top executives from JPMorgan Chase, believed to be advisors to Walmart. Currently, Krish Iyer heads the India business of Walmart, which has 21 cash-and-carry stores across the country. The Bentonville-based retail major had begun in India in 2007 in a joint venture with the Bharti group but broke off the partnership in 2013. Also its ambition of entering the Indian retail sector through multi-brand format was thwarted by policy hurdles. People in the know said though Walmart wants to make it big in e-commerce, to take on Amazon both in the US and India, it will still wait to enter the big box retail in India once the FDI policy allows it. Walmarts way to success is through omni channel - both physical and e-commerce. That is Amazons strategy too, a source said. While the two companies - Walmart India and Flipkart - may remain as two separate entities initially, the American major could do away with the cash-and-carry business subsequently because that format is not in Walmarts DNA, he added. As for now, moving some core businesses to Bengaluru may not be tough for Walmart as the groups centre of excellence, part of Walmart Labs, is in that city. Walmart had acquired Kosmix, a privately held American company in 2011, to form Walmart Labs, a research division for the group. Its third largest development centre (after the US and Brazil) spread over 250,000 square feet was opened in Bengaluru recently. Flipkart, on the other hand, recently consolidated all its office space in Bengaluru to shift to a campus measuring 830,000 square feet. Flipkart and Walmart have not replied to any query related to the proposed deal ever since the talks became public. 'Walmart has taken a back-door entry to retail' 'That is important for Modi politically when he launches a do-or-die campaign seeking a renewed mandate in the 2019 poll,' says Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra D Modi and China's Supreme Leader Xi Jinping on a house boat, in Wuhan's East Lake, China, April 28, 2018. Photograph: Press Information Bureau The informal summit of Prime Minister Narendra D Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at Wuhan (April 27-28) triggered a range of opinions abroad. The Moscow think-tank Valdai Club recalled with nostalgia the famous 1998 idea floated by then Russian foreign minister Yevgeny Primakov -- Russia, China and India creating a 'Eurasian league'. On the other extreme, the Washington-based Brookings Institution, which is wired to the American security establishment, was confident that the Wuhan meeting was much ado about nothing -- yet another exercise in self-projection and cherry-picking by Modi. The mainstream Indian opinion edges close to the American view, unsurprisingly. The most charitable opinion among our venerable China hands is that the Wuhan initiative is the stuff of maya (illusion) in the ancient Advaita (non-dualist) school of Vedanta. There is, possibly, some heartburn all around that they weren't consulted. However, the idea of the summit itself is startlingly novel -- that the locus of India-China relations can be shifted from the here and now and brought under an overarching canopy of long-term strategic consensus. Of course, Wuhan is a success story for Modi himself. There isn't going to be a war in the Himalayas. That is important for Modi politically when he launches a do-or-die campaign seeking a renewed mandate in the 2019 poll. Again, increased Chinese investments in the Indian economy would create jobs and enable Modi to claim political success in his 'development agenda'. Again, confidential exchanges took place in Wuhan to harmonise the two countries' regional policies. After what seemed an eternity, the two countries once again exchanged views on an 'Asian Century', 'strategic autonomy', 'independent foreign policies' and so on. Wuhan took place at a time when world alignments are phenomenally changing and the Western dominance of the international system is drawing to a close. Modi's political instincts couldn't have missed the bankruptcy of his government's flirtation with hardline policies toward China pursued during the period since the (in)famous Joint Vision Statement regarding the Asia-Pacific region with then US president Barack Obama in January 2015 and culminating in the resurrection of the moribund 'Quad'. Our press release on Wuhan invoked the regional and global significance of the summit not less than 11 times. It underscored that 'Informal Meeting' finds habitation and name as a new platform for forward-looking dialogue to raise the level of strategic communication with China. These are all brilliant things and PM Modi is entitled to take credit, since the initiative on 'Informal Meeting' is entirely his idea. However, fundamentally, our foreign policy is 'Nehruvian' -- highly personalised. Under Modi, this has been taken to an extreme. In the run-up to the Wuhan summit, a prominent Chinese expert made the following thoughtful suggestion: 'China and India should set up a bilateral strategic dialogue mechanism. It should be all-round including official, semi-official and non-governmental mechanisms. It must not only offer a chance for the two sides to understand each other better but also continuously generate positive energy for bilateral relations.' 'China and India should also set up joint scientific research projects aimed at analysing the origin and influence of the 1962 Sino-Indian border conflict and finding an academic solution to territorial disputes.' 'By forming a joint research group, the two countries can try to reach a consensus on the origin and influence of the conflict. Only by reaching an academic consensus prior to influencing publicity can Chinese and Indian governments truly solve territorial disputes...' 'The psychological distance between the two countries is actually much farther than that between them and the West.' What the Chinese scholar proposed is also an accurate description of the problem. No doubt, a seminal event such as Wuhan must rest on the firm foundation of national opinion. Whereas, the Indian public harbour stereotyped notions regarding China, which successive governments have handed down. Fortunately, in our hopelessly fragmented body polity today, the government still enjoys a free hand to educate public opinion regarding the criticality of coming to terms with China's rise. The political opposition has no desire to attack Modi for improving relations with China. But, curiously, there is no visible effort on the government's part to moderate the public opinion. A beginning must be made -- the sooner the better. IMAGE: On May 2, clashes broke out on the Aligarh Muslim University campus over the presence of a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Photograph: PTI Photo Two youths wanted in connection with the violence in the Aligarh Muslim University on May 2 have been arrested by the police for allegedly trying to breach peace and posting inflammatory material on social media. Amit Goswami and Yogesh Varshney, former city president of Hindu Yuva Vahini, were arrested late on Sunday and sent to jail, police said. According to the Station Officer, Civil Lines, Javed Khan, they were arrested under sections 147 (rioting), 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on ground of religion) of IPC. According to the police, after the AMU campus violence, the duo had allegedly posted objectionable material on social media which had led to temporary suspension of internet services in the city. Meanwhile, security arrangements in the city have been further tightened since Sunday evening after some youths took out a procession on motorcycles in sensitive areas and later made an abortive attempt to take out a procession from the Varshney Degree College to vent their anger against the AMU for displaying a picture of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Inspector General, Aligarh Zone, Dr Sanjeev Gupta said that the two youths arrested were also active in Sundays attempts to disturb peace in the old city. Gupta said precautionary measures have been enforced and police patrolling in all sensitive areas intensified. On Sunday afternoon, Shahar Mufti and Maulana Khalid Hameed had informed police that the presence of such slogan-shouting youths could push the city to an edge if the situation is not controlled immediately. Former Congress MP Chaudhary Bijendra Singh has urged district authorities to take preventive action against anyone who tries to breach the peace of the city. He has also asked the district magistrate to immediately institute an inquiry into Sundays incident in which some youths put up Jinnahs photographs in the toilets at Dharam Samaj Degree College. He has also asked district magistrate as to how a portrait belonging to AMU founder, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, which was installed in the hall of PWD guest house in Khair, was allegedly removed and replaced by a portrait of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is reported that the PWD guest house at Khair had portraits of prominent historical personalities belonging to Aligarh city. Meanwhile, examinations in the varsity have been postponed till May 12. Examinations in Aligarh Muslim University have been postponed till May 12 due to the ongoing protests, said Public Relations Officer, Umar Salim Parizda. -- With inputs from ANI Chiding the Congress and its leaders for feeling uneasiness about patriotism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asked them to learn it at least from the Mudhol hound dogs of north Karnataka, which have been inducted into the Indian Army. IMAGE: The PM said at the rally that Congress leaders had fallen to such low levels that when the Indian Army carried out a cross-border surgical strike, they asked for evidence. Photograph: PTI Photo The prime minister said there had been such a fall in the party that a Congress leader went to be amid those raising slogans like Bharat ke tukde honge, giving them blessings. He was apparently referring to Congress president Rahul Gandhis visit to the Jawharlal Nehru University campus to be with a section of students during the controversy over anti-national slogans being allegedly chanted at the campus. When there is discussion about patriotism in our country, when there is a discussion about rashtra bhakti, raashtra geet, Vande mataram, some people are worried, said Modi at an election rally in Karnatakas Jamkhandi. Modi said the country won freedom because of patriotism, and today if we have started a great campaign of development on the basis of patriotism, Congress and its companions feel a foul smell in patriotism... their health gets upset smelling patriotism. Did anyone think that after Independence Congress has fallen to an extent that today Congress leaders are going to be amidst those who shout slogans like Bharat ke tukde honge and are giving them their blessings, he said. Modi also said the Congress and its leaders had fallen to such an extent that when the Indian Army carried out a cross-border surgical strike, they asked for evidence. Those who felt uneasiness at the mention of patriotism, those who are averse to the talk about patriotism and for those patriotism is the reason for trouble, I want to tell them if you dont want to learn from others, please dont -- whether it is your ancestors or Mahatma Gandhis Congress. At least try to learn from Bagalkotes Mudhol dogs, he said pointing to the induction of these dogs into the Indian Army. I know that their (Congresss) arrogance has reached cloud seven. The people of the country have negated them, but they are still not ready to come on ground. So I dont expect them to even learn anything from Mudhol dogs, Modi said. Mudhol Hound, also known as Caravan Hound, is an Indian dog breed which gets its name from Mudhol in Bagalkot district in north Karnataka. The lean and lanky Mudhol Hound is the first Indian breed to serve the Indian Army. China willing to promote negotiation, peace in Middle East: special envoy From:Xinhua | 2018-05-07 03:04 Video PlayerClose RIYADH, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Special Envoy for the Middle East Issue Gong Xiaosheng Sunday expressed deep concerns over the situation in the Middle East, saying China is willing to promote negotiation and peace in the region. The visiting envoy made the remarks while meeting Jamal Aqeel, Saudi Arabia's Deputy Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political and Economical Affairs. Issues have severely threatened the region's peace and stability including Syrian civil war, conflicts between Palestine and Israel, wars in Yemen, and Iranian nuclear deal, Gong said, adding that China has paid great attention to the complicated situation in the Middle East. "China, as a friend of Middle East countries, hopes countries in the region to solve disputes through political dialogues and end conflicts as soon as possible to realize peace and stability in the Middle East," he said. China is willing to help promote negotiation and peace to solve such issues in an early date, Gong added. Aqeel spoke highly of China's stance on Middle East issues which is fair and just and seeks no personal gains. He expressed hopes that China will play a bigger role in promoting peace in the Middle East with its growing international influence and friendship with countries in the region. On Saturday, Gong also met with Safwan Akkash, Secretary General of Syrian Negotiations Commission, which headquartered in Riyadh. Rahul said Modi cannot speak on corruption as the party's chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa faced graft allegations. Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Monday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "PPP Congress" jibe, likening him to a mobile phone on "speaker and airplane" mode and not the "work" mode. On the 9th leg of his election tour of Karnataka, he accused Modi of making personal attacks against him as he did not have to speak about on other issues. "There are three modes in a cell phone....the first is the work mode....the other two are speaker mode and airplane mode. Modi only uses speaker and airplane mode and not the work mode," he told reporters in an impromptu interaction. He was responding to a question about Modi's remark at an election rally in Gadag where he said the Congress will become "Punjab, Puducherry, Parivar" Congress after its defeat in the Karnataka assembly polls. "You might have seen and heard, in my speeches I speak about Narendra Modi, I question him on issues....but I speak about him with respect. Narendra Modi is an elderly man, he is aged, going to be 70. I respect those who are elder to me," Gandhi told election rallies in Hosakote and Maluru. Modi, he said, cannot speak on corruption as the party's chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa faced graft allegations. "He cannot speak about corruption as he has Yeddyurappa standing next to him. He cannot speak about farmers as he has not given them MSP, bonus, and not waived farm loan. "He cannot speak about Dalits as Rohit Vemula (a Dalit student of Hyderabad who committed suicide) was killed by his people, Dalit in Unnao was killed by his people. What is left? Speak ill about Rahul Gandhi, Siddaramaiah, and (Mallikarjun) Kharge. He does it," he said. During the three-day visit, Gandhi will address public meetings in Kolar, Bengaluru rural, Chikkballapura, Tumakuru districts and Bengaluru city. Gandhi said though use of such language was unbecoming of a prime minister, it was a "habit" with Modi. Alleging that atrocities against Dalits and minorities were on the rise, the Congress president said his party would not allow the Constitution to be changed, as asserted by Union minister from Karnataka Anantkumar Hegde. "Narendra Modi folds his hands in front of Ambedkar's statue and garlands it, but the causes for which Ambedkar fought, he will not fight for it," Gandhi said, adding that, all across the country Dalits and minorities were being "beaten up, killed and crushed". About Hegde's allegedcomments on the Constitution, he said, "Modi jilisten carefully, put however much strength you have you cannot change Ambedkar's Constitution because Congress partywill not allow you to do it." Terming Karnataka elections as a fight between ideologies, he said on one side was the thinking of Basavanna (12th century social reformer), the Congress party, Indira Gandhi and Devraj Urs (former chief minister), and on the other were the BJP, RSS, Modi's thought. Gandhi said apart from Yeddyurappa, four former ministers who had spent time in jail, and eight people from the camp of the controversial Reddy brothers were in the poll fray so they can "loot" Karnataka. "The qualification of Yeddyurappa, Reddy brothers and four ministers......Yeddyurappa is the most corrupt chief minister the country has seen, Reddy brothers are the most corrupt people the country has seen...they will give money for marketing Modi after looting Karnataka," he said. Earlier, the Congress president rode a bicycle as he led a march against high fuel prices at Maluru in Kolar district. He later stood on a bullock cart from where he addressed a gathering. He alleged the Modi government wanted to take money from the common man to give it to its "rich friends". The world over petrol prices were going down, but in India those were still high, he lamented. "Earlier in international market, the price was USD 140 per barrel, now it is USD 70 per barrel. So lakhs of crores of rupees is being saved by the government. Where is the money going?" Gandhi asked. "Why are you not telling people that you don't want to put GST on petrol and diesel? You want to take away money from the common man and want to give it to your five or ten industrialist friends....take money from the pockets of women and put it into the pocket of Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi," he said. However, the bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra refrained from handing over the probe to the CBI and directed that the trial be fast-tracked to ensure there was no delay. The Supreme Court on Monday ordered that the trial in the sensational gangrape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua be shifted out of Jammu and Kashmir to neighbouring Punjab, holding fair trial was "sacrosant" and cannot be allowed to "co-exist" with fear. Directing day-to-day "in-camera" trial, the apex court asked the district and sessions judge at Pathankot to personally undertake the trial proceedings. The order came on a petition by the victim's father seeking transfer of the case to Chandigarh on the ground that the family was receiving death threats and that they feared for their lives. Vacating the stay granted by the top court on the trial in Kathua, a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra refrained from handing over the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation and directed that the trial be fast-tracked to ensure there was no delay as the investigation has been conducted and charge sheet filed. The state police's crime branch, which probed the case, has 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 apex court bench, also comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra, allowed the J and K government to appoint a special public prosecutor to conduct the trial and ordered continuation of security provided to the victim's family members, a family friend and the lawyer representing them. The top court also said that the trial would be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Ranbir Penal Code, which is applicable in J and K, and asked the state to get statements of witnesses and records of the case translated from Urdu to English. The victim, who belonged to a minority nomadic community, had disappeared from near her home in a village close to Kathua in the Jammu region on January 10. Her body was found in the same area a week later. The girl's father welcomed the court decision and said he has full faith in the judiciary. We only want justiceI have full faith in the judiciary and the government, the father told PTI in Jammu over phone from Ramban district where he is camping along with other members of his family. Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said the court decision would boost the morale of the state police, which, she said had left "no stone unturned" to ensure that the victim's family gets justice. The apex court emphasised that the trial must be fair to the victim's family and the accused and said that the state would facilitate transportation and accomodation to the victim's family, lawyers and witnesses to Pathankot, about 30 km from Kathua. The court while asking the district and sessions judge at Pathankot not to assign the case to other session judges said it would monitor the progress of trial and that no other courts should entertain any other plea related to the matter. "Needless to say, a fair trial is a sacrosanct principle under Article 21 of the Constitution of India and a fair trial' means fair to the accused persons, as well as to the victims of the crime. In the instant case, direct victims are the family members of the deceased, although ultimately collective is the victim of such crime," it said. "The fair trial commands that there has to be free atmosphere where the victims, the accused and the witnesses feel safe. They must not suffer from any kind of phobia while attending the court. Fear and fair trial are contradictory in terms and they cannot be allowed to co-exist," the court said. "Concept of fair trial', needs no special emphasis and it takes within its sweep the conception of a speedy trial and the speedy trial meets its purpose when the trials are held without grant of adjournment as provided under the provisions contained in section 309 CrPC," it said. The decision to transfer the trial from Kathua in Jammu to Pathankot came after deliberations during which names of several districts in the state -- Udhampur, Jammu, Ramban, Sambha, Reasi, Poonch, Rajouri and Doda -- were considered. Initially, there was a consensus on transferring the trial to Ramban but the counsel appearing for two accused in the case objected to it saying that Ramban was far away from Kathua and was hit by terrorism and there was "polarisation of the community" there also. At the outset, senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for victim's father, contended that they were satisfied with the probe conducted by the crime branch of J and K Police but the entire case was given a "political colour" by the accused despite the fact that it was a matter relating to rape and murder of a minor girl. Senior advocate Gopal Subramanium, appearing for J and K government, said that police has already filed a detailed charge sheet and further probe was being carried out and the question was about having an atmosphere for fair trial at Kathua. "We would like a fair trial to take place. Further investigation is going on at a rapid pace," he said, adding that they were opposing the transfer of the case outside the state. Senior counsel Meenakshi Arora, appearing for the accused, alleged that the probe into the case was "botched up" and when there was no fair investigation, fair trial cannot be expected. Controversy at the Pejawar Mutt -- an integral part of the VHP and the Ram temple movement -- forces PM to stay away. Aditi Phadnis reports from Mangalore. IMAGE: Swami Vishvesha Tirtha of the Pejawar Mutt calls on Prime Minister Narendra D Modi in 2014. Photograph: Kind courtesy Wikipedia In January 2017, an upheaval of a kind, never witnessed in the tranquil precincts of the famous Udupi Pejawar Mutt, occurred when Swami Vishva Vijaya, the former junior peethadhipati, filed a case in the Udupi civil court against all the eight branch heads of the Udupi math. Madhvacharya, the philosopher saint who preached the Dvaita philosophy, founded the eight mutts, which now take turns in serving the Krishna temple at Udupi. He also developed and taught the Madhva philosophy. The philosophy was derived from the Hindu shastras that students are expected to study in the mutt, apart from learning the customs, rituals and traditions that are different in every mutt. The Pejawar Mutt, the bulwark of organised Hinduism, is an integral part of the Vishva Hindu Parishad and is actively involved in the Ram temple movement. Swami Vishwesha Teertha, the 87-year-old peethadhipathi at present, called on Prime Minister Narendra D Modi in July 2014, a first in the saint pantheon to meet the PM. He is known for his liberal views and has even promoted the entry of Dalits into temples. Last year, he also hosted an iftar on the Krishna temple premises and, thereafter, found himself in the eye of a storm, with the Sri Ram Sene demanding a bandh in Udupi against the decision. But this time, Vishwesha Teertha is the principal defendant in the plaint against his follower Vishva Vijaya Teertha, who is now excommunicated and in exile. At the heart of the rift is a six-month tour to the US and Canada that the junior Swami undertook in 1988 to spread the Madhva philosophy. Vishva Vijaya claimed he went on the trip after obtaining his senior swamy's permission. But, on his return, Vishva Vijaya found the other mutt heads extremely critical of his visit because he had 'crossed the ocean' (sagarolangana). Vishva Vijaya explained that it was not easy for him to turn his back on everything that had been instilled in him since he took sanyas, forsaking all the worldly pleasures of life and devoting himself to the service of Krishna and Madhvacharya. "It is strange how people and swamijis are carrying on with so much hypocrisy. We claim our culture is greater than all other theories. But there is so much hypocrisy and double game. I feel disillusioned. It is very disgraceful that these people are living such false lives," he says in unaccented English. What Vijaya Teertha wants is a constitution. One that will be a written codification of what a sanyasi can and cannot do, so that the affairs of the mutts are not run on anyone's whims and fancies. "Go to any mutt. While the sanyasi will be the Mathadhipati, the manager of the mutt will invariably be his relatives. This is not right," he says. "There are defects in the system, but there is no ichhashakti (will power) to correct them. Only serious steps will change all this. So, I had to go to the court. In any religion, the law of the land must prevail," he says. Unsavoury truths tumbled out during the hearing, including a CD recording of a conversation between Vishva Vijaya and the peethadhipati of the Shirur mutt, in which the latter is heard admitting that some peethadhipatis have fathered children. Local newspapers recently carried advertisements that properties of one of the eight mutts would be auctioned because they had been mortgaged by the peethadhipati, who had consented to stand guarantor to a defaulted borrower. Possibly in acknowledgement of these murky incidents, Modi's trip to coastal Karnataka did not include a visit to the Krishna temple in Udupi, considered one of the most important temples in Karnataka. Vishwesha Teertha had written to the PM inviting him to the temple. Vidyadheesha Tirtha, Swami of the Paryaya Palimar Mutt, said he was disappointed by Modi's decision to not visit the temple, despite visiting Udupi. "I had expectations that he might come. I had invited Mr Modi and Mr Siddaramaiah to visit the Sri Krishna Mutt/Temple," he says "Narendra Modi has not met the Pejawar Swami recently and has not even visited the Math. I can say this with authority. Possibly he has some information about the goings on there," says Vijaya Teertha. Vijaya Teertha makes no bones about his mission -- a written constitution that he has already prepared and handed over to the court. "For me this is dharmayudha. Just as Arjuna faced Bhishma and Dronacharya across the battlefield, I, too, am forced to face my guide and mentors in court." The dispute is having a fall out within the BJP, with leaders such as Pramod Muthalik seeking the PM's intervention and other BJP leaders preferring to keep quiet on the matter. Translator's former residence now a Communist Manifesto exhibition center From:Shine | 2018-05-07 02:29 A visitor goes through various versions of The Communist Manifesto on display at the former residence of Chen Wangdao. The former residence of the first Chinese translator of The Communist Manifesto, written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, has opened to the public as an exhibition center featuring the document. May 5 marked the 200th anniversary of Marxs birth and the 170th anniversary of the manifestos publication. The exhibition displays different versions of the pamphlet and historical documents to show how Marxism spread to China and shaped the nation. The three-story house at 51 Guofu Rd was a residence and office for Chen Wangdao, former president of Fudan University, and the first person to translate the full text into Chinese. The house was listed by the city government as a cultural relic protection unit in 2014. The former residence of Chen Wangdao, as an exhibition center of the manifesto, will be a historical landmark in Shanghai and even China as the source of belief, said Jiao Yang, Party secretary of Fudan. The Western-style building has more than 400 exhibits related to the manifesto and Chens life as a social activist, educator, thinker and scholar. His translation of the manifesto, which was originally published in February 1848 in London, came out in August 1920 in Shanghai. Wang Rongjiang / SHINE The former residence of Chen Wangdao near Fudan University. Chen was the first person to translate The Communist Manifesto into Chinese. Chen was born in Yiwu County of neighboring Zhejiang Province in 1891. From 1915 and 1919, he studied at Waseda University, the Tokyo Academy of Physics (now Tokyo University of Science), Toyo University and Chuo University and obtained his bachelor degree in law at Chuo. His experiences in Japan brought him into contact with communist ideas as the manifesto had already been translated into Japanese. Chen later returned to China at the time of the May Fourth Movement. He first found a job teaching Chinese literature at then Zhejiang Provincial No. 1 Normal School and spread reformative thoughts, calling for reform of traditional morals and literature, along with other famous figures who had studied abroad, including Hu Shi, Chen Duxiu, Lu Xun and Li Dazhao. The then government tried to force school principal Jing Hengyi to dismiss Chen, angering both the principal and students. As the school refused to obey the order, the government surrounded it with police, causing a public outcry. Though the authority was forced to recall the order, Chen, then 29, returned to his hometown at the end of 1919 and began to translate the manifesto into Chinese based on Japanese and English versions, believing communism to be the way forward for China. He completed the task in April 1920 and headed to Shanghai at the invitation of Chinese communist Chen Duxiu to join his periodical La Juenesse, also known as New Youth. The magazine was an important platform for the promotion of Marxism and anti-imperialist and anti-feudal thoughts. In Shanghai, Chen founded a Marxism research society with Chen Duxiu, which is believed to be one of the first communist organizations in China. They tried to publish the Chinese version of the manifesto, but found it difficult under the administration of the Kuomintang government. They secretly set up a printing press called Youxin, literally new again, at 12 Chengyu Lane on Fuxing Road M. to print 1,000 copies in August 1920. Due to the tense situation and hasty editing, the copies had a mistake on the cover. The Chinese title of The Communist Manifesto Gong Chan Dang Xuan Yan was wrongly printed as Gong Dang Chan Xuan Yan. It quickly sold out and they hurriedly printed another 1,000 copies with the correct title, which was later reprinted across China. Wang Rongjiang / SHINE A copy of the first Chinese edition of The Communist Manifesto with a typographical error in the title Wang Rongjiang / SHINE A replica of a desk at theYouxinprinting press room, where the first Chinese version of the Communist Manifesto was published. Chairman Mao Zedong told American journalist Edgar Snow in an interview in 1936 that Chens translation was one of the books that embedded belief in Marxism in his heart. Less than a year after the publication of the Chinese translation, the Communist Party of China was established in Shanghai. Chen helped organize the Partys First National Congress and was appointed first general secretary of its Shanghai Committee. He later organized several Chinese publications to promote Marxism in China and taught in several schools, including Shanghai University and Fudan University. He began his career at Fudan as a teacher of Chinese rhetoric in 1920 and was appointed by Chairman Mao as university president in 1952. When the university offered him the building as his residence in 1956, he refused. His son, Chen Zhenxin, recalled that his father believed the house, covering more than 300 square meters and having 10 rooms, was too large for his family of three. Later he accepted a solution that used the first floor as a research center for grammar, logic and rhetoric while his family lived on the second and third floors. He lived there until he died in 1977. The research center later developed into the current Institute of Chinese Language at Fudan. Now, the first floor hosts a permanent exhibition for The Communist Manifesto. Wang Rongjiang / SHINE A life-size wax statue of Chen Wangdao sitting at his desk on the second floor When visitors enter the building, they can see a relief sculpture of Marx and Engels made up of characters from the Chinese translation. At the center of the main exhibition hall is a replica of Chens first version, with the wrong title. Its a duplicate of a copy preserved at the Shanghai Library. Only 11 copies of the historical version remain and we have four of them, kept as precious rare books, said librarian Chen Chao. The building also showcases various versions of the manifesto in different languages, including the original German version reprinted in 1978, an English version published in 1915 and a French one in 1901. There is also a Japanese version translated by Kotoku Shusui and published in a Japanese journal called Socialist Research. It is believed that Chen used this version to create the Chinese version. Wang Rongjiang / SHINE A relief sculpture of Marx and Engels made up of characters of the Chinese version of the manifesto. A large picture on the wall tells an interesting story about Chen when translating the manifesto. When Chen was working at home in the spring of 1920, his mother put zongzi, traditional glutinous rice dumpling, together with a bowl containing brown sugar on his desk. She called out to him, asking if there was enough sugar and Chen answered it was sweet enough. But when she came back to the room, she saw Chens lips covered with ink. Chen should have dipped the zongzi into the sugar before eating, but he mistook the ink stone as the sugar bowl without realizing his mistake. When the story was quoted by President Xi Jinping, he called it the taste of truth. Ti Gong A large picture on the wall tells the story of howChen was so engrossed in his work he mistookink for sugar when eating zongzi. On the second and third floors, visitors can see Chens personal items, including the letter of appointment signed by Chairman Mao, the bowl and ink stone he used, school badges, family photos and briefcases, as well as the furniture used by the family. A garage beside the building is now a cinema showing two films about Chen and the manifesto. Chen had said: I believe in Marxism . I will work for the Communist Party as long as I live. Wang Rongjiang / SHINE The letter signed by Chairman Mao appointing Chen Wangdao as president of Fudan University Wang Rongjiang / SHINE The bowl, ink stone, ink stick and writing brush used by Chen Wangdao. Wang Rongjiang / SHINE If you go Add: The building is open from 9-11am and 1:30-4:30pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Visitors can visit for free but will have to show identity documents. Only 10 people are allowed inside at a time. Groups of five or more will have to make reservations by calling 021-65642527. Volunteers will provide a free guide service for group visitors. Currently, the service is only in Chinese, but English and other languages will be available in the future. Wang Rongjiang / SHINE More than 2,200 versions of The Communist Manifesto are on display at the Fudan University museum. Marxs classic on display More than 2,200 versions of The Communist Manifesto are on display at the Fudan University museum to mark the 200th anniversary of Karl Marxs birth and the 170th anniversary of the manifestos publication. The exhibits are printed in 113 languages and 165 of them are more than 100 years old. The exhibits include a version published in 1872 with preface written by Marx and Friedrich Engels. The smallest version on display is from Hungary. It is 2.5 centimeters long by 2 centimeters wide but contains the full text. Xuhui keen to protect Longhua Temple culture From:Shine | 2018-05-07 02:29 Longhua Temple The Xuhui District government is calling for the protection of ancient cultures that originated at the citys famed Longhua Temple. It has applied to the Shanghai Cultural Heritage Administration to add Longhua Zen culture, including Zen-related meditation, speech, music, art, tea and food, into the city-level cultural heritage to ensure its influence among the younger generation. The listing of the Longhua Zen culture can help the young to learn about traditional cultures and the history of the city, said Gao Mingchun, president of the Shanghai Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Association. The 400-year-old fair at the Longhua Temple also needs urgent attention after the Longhua Town, named after the temple, was encroached upon by developers, Gao said. Though the temple fair was added to the national-level intangible cultural heritage list in 2008, many of the original inhabitants and visitors, who had an emotional bond with the fair, had been relocated, thus taking the shine away from the annual event. Over the weekend, the Xuhui Culture Bureau invited 10 experts and government officials to discuss ways to protect a local culture of the city. The area around the temple in the southwest of Xuhui District has been declared a historical and cultural conservation area. Part of the cultural relics in the region originated from the Three Kingdoms period (220-280). Sun Quan, the founder and emperor of Eastern Wu, built the Longhua Pagoda to store Buddhist relics. The 40-meter-tall pagoda was rebuilt in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). The temple, which was built shortly after the pagoda, has a history of over 1,700 years, making it one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temples in Shanghai. The temple, along with pagoda, was listed as one of the eight major sights of Shanghai, but, sadly, is the only one remaining right now. This cultural heritage has been challenged by rapid urban developments in the surrounding areas, according to Liu Quili, president of the Chinese Folklore Society. The historic pagoda, for instance, was once admired for its beautiful reflection in a river by a peach forest, but neither the river nor the forest exist now. Also, modern industrial production has made daily commodities easier to purchase, so buying at the temple fair is no longer necessary for residents, said Chen Qinjian, a professor at the East China Normal University. The temple fair was introduced during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) for worshipers who would visit the temple around March to commemorate Maitreya Buddha, who is said to have given sermons in the temple. The fair gradually developed into a prosperous trade market in East China. I can still remember the happiness I felt while visiting the Longhua Temple fair, eating traditional snacks and buying handicraft, Chen said. He suggested creating modern cultural products based on traditional skills and folk arts of the Longhua area and promoting them. Liu said the history and cultures should be promoted in the neighborhood to get them more involved in temple events. Zheng Shiling, an architectural expert and a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said it is also important to preserve the historic environment of the communities nearby in order to protect the cultural heritages. The shopping malls near the temple must not be taller than the pagoda to protect the general atmosphere of the Longhua area, Zheng said. Alrosa mulls buying manufacturer Kristall 07 may 2018 News (RAPAPORT) Alrosa is considering acquiring Kristall Smolensk Diamonds, Russias largest manufacturer of polished goods. The miners supervisory board deemed the potential deal expedient after examining it on April 28, it told Rapaport News Sunday. Alrosasees that such an acquisition, under certain conditions, can give synergy, a spokesperson for the rough producer said. In particular, [its] cutting-and-polishing business will help Alrosa to better understand trends in the diamond market. Buying Kristall would also enable Alrosa to increase production of certain polished categories that are more suited for manufacturing in Russia rather than elsewhere, the spokesperson added. State-owned Kristall is expected to switch to private ownership by 2019, according to a Reuters report Friday. The miner would only make a final decision on whether to buy Kristall once the cutting firms shareholders have determined how the privatization should occur, and how much the company should sell for, Alrosa noted. The miner which is also partly owned by the government must then assess whether this price is worth paying, it said. Kristall, which is based in the Russian city of Smolensk, sources some of its rough diamonds from Alrosa, as a member of the miners Alrosa Alliance, and is a De Beers accredited buyer. It cuts about 300,000 carats every year, and generates annual revenue of about $200 million, Reuters said. That makes it more than twice the size of Alrosas polished division, which recorded sales of $96.9 million in 2017. The possible acquisition does not mean a fundamental change in the companys strategy, Alrosa commented. The bulk of Alrosas revenue is received, and will continue to be received, from rough diamonds. A deal would lend support to Russias struggling cutting industry, while also creating a potential competitor to De Beers in the downstream sector, according to Reuters. The nations diamond-manufacturing trade is suffering from increased foreign competition after the country abolished a 6.5% export duty on rough diamonds in 2016, the news service continued. Alrosas supervisory board has instructed Sergey Ivanov, the miners president, to submit a strategy for developing its cutting business including decisions related to Kristall by December, Russian press agency Tass reported. Kristall did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside of working hours Sunday. OmniTRAX On May 3, a consortium of Manitoba First Nations, led by Chief Glenn Hudson, and in partnership with iChurchill Inc., a private Canadian company, said it entered into an agreement to purchase the Hudson Bay Railway (HBR), the Port of Churchill and associated assets. HBR, which is owned by OmniTRAX, Inc., has had service suspended since May 2017 following damage that was the result of severe flooding. Chief Glenn Hudson, leading member of the First Nations consortium, said, I stand together with my Northern Colleagues to welcome in a new day in Manitoba. A day that shows Canada the strength of First Nations, that shows how true partnerships are formed and ensures that together, the First Nations will build a stronger North, a stronger Manitoba and a stronger Canada. This is a true opportunity for all levels of government to put reconciliation into action. Merv Tweed, president of OmniTRAX Canada, said the iChurchill group is one of several offers being evaluated and no transaction has been completed. OmniTRAX Inc. entered into a Memorandum of Understanding in December 2016 with Missinippi Rail and One North on a potential sale of the Hudson Bay Rail line for a reported CA$20 million (US$161.18 million). In November 2017, a Toronto-based holding company, Fairfax Financial Holdings, had expressed interest in a partnership with Missinippi Rail and One North to buy the northern Manitoba rail and port infrastructure. Should the iChurchill group formally execute the transaction, it plans to post a Request for Proposals for repair work shortly to ensure repairs are well underway in advance of the fall/winter season. In October 2017, the government of Canada gave OmniTRAX 30 days to fix the line or face legal action. The government followed through with its ultimatum Nov. 13, when it filed a breach of contract lawsuit against the shortline holding company. Swiss nutrition, and wellness giant Nestle SA (NSRGY,NSTR.L) and Starbucks Corp. (SBUX) announced Monday the formation of a global coffee alliance. Under the deal, Nestle will get perpetual global license of Starbucks consumer and foodservice products for $7.15 billion. As part of the alliance, Nestle will obtain the rights to market, sell, and distribute Starbucks, Seattle's Best Coffee, Starbucks Reserve, Teavana, Starbucks VIA and Torrefazione Italia packaged coffee and tea in all global at-home and away-from-home channels. Starbucks, with a focus on long-term shareholder value creation, will retain a significant stake as licensor and supplier of roast and ground and other products going forward. The transaction does not include the transfer of any fixed assets, which facilitates a smooth and efficient integration. Additionally, the Starbucks brand portfolio will be represented on Nestle's single-serve capsule systems. The agreement is subject to customary regulatory approval and is expected to close this summer or early fall. The agreement excludes ready-to-drink coffee, tea and juice products. Approximately 500 Starbucks employees will join the Nestle family to drive performance of the existing and global expansion. Operations will continue to be located in Seattle. Starbucks intends to use the after-tax proceeds from this up-front payment primarily to accelerate share buybacks and now expects to return approximately $20 billion in cash to shareholders in the form of share buybacks and dividends through fiscal year 2020. Additionally, the transaction is expected to be earnings per share accretive by the end of fiscal year 2021 or sooner, with no change to the company's currently stated long-term financial targets. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) announced Monday that it has agreed to buy Frutarom, an Israeli flavors, savory solutions and natural ingredients company. The deal is a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $7.1 billion, including the assumption of Frutarom's net debt. Under the terms of the agreement, which has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, Frutarom's shareholders will receive for each Frutarom share $71.19 in cash and 0.249 of a share of IFF common stock. Based on the 10-day volume weighted average price for IFF's stock for the period ending May 4, this represents a total value of $106.25 per share. The purchase price represents a 13% premium to Frutarom's 30-day VWAP for the period ended May 6, and an 11% premium based on the closing price on May 6 The transaction is expected to be neutral to adjusted cash earnings per share in the first full year and double-digit accretive to adjusted cash earnings per share in the second full year. The combined company is also expected to generate enhanced cash flow to meet operating, financing and strategic needs. Frutarom shareholders will also receive a special dividend, on a per share basis, equal to 0.249 of the per share value of IFF dividends with a record date after the date hereof and prior to the closing. By combining with Frutarom, IFF is accelerating its Vision 2020 strategy to create a global leader in taste, scent and nutrition. Frutarom sells over 70,000 products to more than 30,000 customers in over 150 countries. Frutarom is primarily focused on natural products, which drive more than 75% of its sales. Frutarom has a strong track record of growth, with expected sales of above $1.6 billion in 2018, and their previously announced target of $2.25 billion in sales by 2020. IFF intends to finance the cash portion of the transaction consideration through a combination of existing cash on hand, new debt raised and approximately $2.2 billion in new equity. The transaction is expected to close in six to nine months and is subject to approval by Frutarom shareholders, clearance by the relevant regulatory authorities and other customary closing conditions. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Editors Pick Solana Beach, California-based ElliptiGO Inc. is recalling Arc model stand-up bicycles citing fall and injury risks, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said. The recall involves about 3,800 units of three models of ElliptiGO Arc bicycles, such as ElliptiGO Arc 3, ElliptiGO Arc 8 and ElliptiGO Arc 24, sold in the United States. In addition, about 31 units were sold in Canada. United Airlines has teamed with digital payments firm PayPal to introduce QR Codes as inflight payment option, to facilitate contactless payments amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Starting next month, United customers on select flights can make touch-free inflight purchases while on board by just scanning a QR code - with or without Wi-Fi. Los Angeles, California- based Chocolate and the Chip is recalling various bakery products as it may contain undeclared allergens, including wheat, milk, soy, and tree nuts, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said. The recall involves chocolate chip cookies, cookie bundt cakes and rice crispy treats. The affected cookies were packaged in uniform pairs in a clear resealable plastic package. Iceland's police suspect that 600 mining computers recently confiscated in China might be the ones stolen from the Nordic island country in what was dubbed as the "Big Bitcoin Heist." Police in north China's Tianjin Municipality seized the computers after the local power grid reported abnormal electricity consumption. Bitcoin mining is a highly power-consuming process which mainly depends on high-performance computers. In four separate heists during December-January, $2 million worth of bitcoin mining equipment from data centers around Iceland were stolen and have yet to be found. In February, Icelandic police had arrested Sindri Thor Stefansson, who was suspected to be the kingpin of the apparent highly organized crime, in connection with the theft. He broke jail and fled the country last month. But within a week he was arrested from the Netherlands capital Amsterdam, and is set to be extradited to Iceland. China's Xin Hua news agency reported that in what might have been the "largest power theft case in recent years," the individuals running the mining farm short-circuited their electricity meter, thereby avoiding energy bills. Chinese police arrested one person, and five others are under investigation. Hearing the news, police in Southern Peninsula in southwest Iceland contacted Chinese authorities and sought their help to find out if the seized computers were the ones missing in the "Big Bitcoin Heist." The owners of the data centers from where the computers were stolen have reportedly promised to pay $60,000 as reward for any information that could lead to their recovery. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Technology News Fresh off of a performance of A-HA's "Take On Me" in Oslo, Norway, Metallica's Robert Trujillo and Kirk Hammett performed a cover version of Europe's "The Final Countdown" at Ericsson Globe in Stockholm, Sweden. Trujillo handled the vocals for the abbreviated cover tune as Hammett shredded along on guitar, playing guitar in place of the song's highly recognizable synth hooks. The entire crowd sang and clapped along as well. Metallica will launch the 2018-2019 North American leg of their "WorldWired" tour in support of their latest album Hardwired To Self-Destruct this fall. The 34-date trek kicks off September 2 in Madison, Wisconsin and runs through March 13 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Each ticket purchase will be accompanied by a physical or digital copy of Hardwired To Self-Destruct. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Entertainment News Canadian stocks were looking for direction Monday morning after a UK official told US president Trump to scuttle the Iran nuclear deal. "Of all the options we have for ensuring that Iran never gets a nuclear weapon, this pact offers the fewest disadvantages," Boris Johnson writes in a New York Times op-ed. Energy stocks may get a boost as crude oil topped $70 a barrel for the first time in 3 years. Canada's Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould said the government will intervene to end the Trans Mountain pipeline squabble between British Columbia and its neighbors. "We are confident in Parliament's jurisdiction and will intervene on the question in order to defend our clear jurisdiction over interprovincial pipelines," she said in a statement. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis The European ended the first day of the new trading week in the green. Investors were pleased by some positive corporate earnings, as well as the Nestle deal to sell Starbucks products globally. The positive open on Wall Street provided further support in the afternoon. The pan-European Stoxx Europe 600 index advanced 0.61 percent. The Euro Stoxx 50 index of eurozone bluechip stocks increased 0.38 percent, while the Stoxx Europe 50 index, which includes some major U.K. companies, added 0.51 percent. The DAX of Germany climbed 1.00 percent and the CAC 40 of France rose 0.28 percent. The FTSE 100 of the U.K. was closed for a bank holiday and the SMI of Switzerland finished higher by 0.84 percent. In Paris, Air France-KLM sank 9.83 percent after a majority of Air France employees at the strike-hit airline rejected a new pay deal and the country's minister said the survival of the company is in the balance. Nestle rallied 1.57 percent in Zurich after the consumer goods giant announced a deal to sell Starbucks products worldwide. Swiss Re gained 0.88 percent. Talks between the global reinsurance player and SoftBank over an investment in the reinsurance company are close to collapsing after three months of discussions, the Financial Times reported. Nokia jumped 2.79 percent in Helsinki after the telecom equipment maker acquired software maker SpaceTime Insight. Healthcare equipment maker Ambu soared 17.88 percent in Copenhagen after upgrading its annual outlook for organic growth. Eurozone investor confidence weakened for the fourth straight month in May, survey data from think tank Sentix showed Monday. The investor sentiment index fell unexpectedly to 19.2 in May from 19.6 in April. The score was forecast to rise to 22.4. Germany's factory orders declined unexpectedly in March on weak foreign demand, figures from Destatis revealed Monday. Factory orders dropped 0.9 percent month-on-month in March, bigger than the revised 0.2 percent decrease in February. Orders were expected to climb 0.5 percent after falling for three straight months. Germany's construction activity returned to growth in April after severe weather had caused disruption to building work at the end of the first quarter, survey data from IHS Markit showed Monday. The construction Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 50.9 in April from 47.0 in March. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis Crude oil futures jumped to their highest since November 2014 amid concerns that the US will hit Iran with severe sanctions for its nuclear ambitions. However, Iran says that fresh sanctions will not upset its oil production. "They cannot stop Iran. Our oil industry's development will continue even if new sanctions are imposed on Iran," Gholamreza Manouchehri, deputy head of the National Iranian Oil Company, told SHANA. Analyst say diminished production from OPEC has caused oil prices to spike. Last week, the IMF threatened to expel Venezuela over lack of transparancy with its financials. "The [Executive] Board noted that adequate data provision was an essential first step to understanding Venezuela's economic crisis and identifying possible solutions," an IMF statement said. Conversely, Baker Hughes on Friday reported that the number of active U.S. rigs drilling for oil rose by 9 to 834 this week, the fourth consecutive weekly increase. June WTI oil settled at $70.73/bbl, up $1.01, or 1.5%. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday made a passionate appeal to Kashmiri parents, urging them to make sure children don't embrace death by joining militancy because "god brought all of us into this world to live a good life". The appeal came a day after five civilians were killed in a widespread violence across the Kashmir Valley following the death of five Hizbul Mujahideen militants, including a Kashmir University professor, in a shootout with security forces in a south Kashmir village. "Yesterday's happenings are extremely sad. I appeal our people in the state and the rest of the country as also the government of India to save our children," Mehbooba Mufti told reporters on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the civil secretariat offices here. "In most cases, both stones and guns are in the hands of children belonging to poor families," she said, apparently referring to Kashmir stone-pelters and security forces. "A way out needs to be found so that our children, army soldiers and policemen are not killed. "I appeal parents to ensure children do not embrace death as god brought all of us into this world to live a good life and not for embracing death at the age of 18 and 20." The Chief Minister also made an appeal to the central government "to find a peaceful way out so that our children are saved". Supreme Court (file photo) The Supreme Court on Monday transferred the trial of the rape and murder of an eight-year-old nomadic girl in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir to Pathankot in Punjab. A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice Indu Malhotra ordered in-camera and day-to-day trial in the case with no adjournment. The bench said the Pathankot District and Sessions judge would hold the trial while the Jammu and Kashmir government was allowed to appoint public prosecutor for the trial. The Jammu and Kashmir government would also provide security to the victim's family, their lawyer and witnesses. The apex court said it would monitor the case and posted the matter for next hearing on July 9. The victim's father had moved the top court seeking the transfer of the trial from Kathua to Chandigarh. Pickup vs Motorcycle Crash Claims Life of Washington Woman A tragic reminder that driving under the influence is a volatile choice. (SPIRIT LAKE, Idaho) - A man convicted of DUI in 2014 is in jail, charged with vehicular manslaughter, after a fatal crash late Friday night. It was about 10:50 p.m. when 25-year old Jonathan A. Smith was traveling south on Idaho state Highway 41 in a 1992 Dodge Dakota, while 49-year old Mark Kondash was driving northbound, riding a 2002 Harley Davidson. According to the preliminary investigation, Smith attempted to enter a side road, turning directly into the path of the motorcycle. Unfortunately, Alayna Wright succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Mark Kondash was transported to Kootenai Health with multiple injuries. Both he and his passenger were wearing helmets, and were sober. The driver of the Dodge pickup, Jonathan A. Smith, was unharmed, and apparently, not sober. According to court records, this wasnt the first time Smith made a mistake driving under the influence. He pleaded guilty to a previous DUI charge in 2014. Smith was taken into custody and is housed in the Kootenai County Jail. He is facing charges of vehicular manslaughter, aggravated DUI, possession of a controlled substance, open container, destroy, alter or conceal evidence, and possibly others. The investigation is ongoing. Source: Idaho State Police _________________________________________ Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson claims that nobody talks about Philippe Coutinho, who left for Barcelona in January. The Reds have gone from strength to strength since his departure and will play Real Madrid in the Champions League Final in Kiev. Lawrenson, working as a summariser on BBC Radio 5, says the players departure has not hurt the club, least of all his compatriot and friend Roberto Firmino, who recently signed a new long-term contract. No-one says anything about Philippe Coutinho anymore, he told BBC Radio 5 live. I actually thought when he left it might unsettle Roberto Firmino with his mate leaving, but actually, he has stepped up to the plate and been brilliant. Jurgen Klopp has improved all of his players. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is expanding its horizons to help other sectors. Through its Samoa Meteorology Division -Climate section, the Ministry is branching out its services to support Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (M.A.F.) agriculture and fisheries sectors, to use climate change information to help plan for the future by undertaking a case study in Upolu and Savaii. Work on the case study began at a two-day planning workshop held at the Samoan Meteorology Division recently. This initiative replicates the case study that used climate change information to make decisions about cocoa farming for Solomon Islands Guadalcanal Plain. The initiatives uses the eight-step process detailed in the recently launched guidance material by Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (C.S.I.R.O.) and the Secretariat of the Regional Environment Programme (S.P.R.E.P.). The two-day planning workshop focused on raising awareness on the projected climate and climate change for Samoa and the likely impacts; sharing and exchanging information and understanding about sectoral application of climate change science to inform climate vulnerability and risk assessment; identifying pilot sites and focusing on developing two sectoral climate change case studies for Samoa. The studies will focus on cocoa farming and giant clams in selected areas and will be developed jointly with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment through the Meteorology Division/Climate Unit, C.S.I.R.O. and S.P.R.E.P. in consultation with all its key stakeholders. The case study is envisaged to be completed by end of June and is supported by the Government of Australia through Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, C.S.I.R.O., Climate and Oceans Support Programme for Pacific, S.P.R.E.P. and Samoa Meteorology Division. BERLIN (AP) High school students in Germany have gathered tens of thousands of signatures in an online petition to complain about an "unfair" final English exam, saying the test was much harder than in previous years. By Sunday, the students from the southwestern state of Baden-Wuerttemberg had gathered almost 36,000 signatures even though only 33,500 people took last month's statewide exam. They complained that text excerpts from American author Henry Roth's 1934 novel "Call it Sleep" were too difficult and obscure to analyze and asked for the grading to be more lenient this year. The final high school exams in Germany called the Abitur are a rite of passage that all students who want to enter university have to pass. Only those with excellent grades and test scores will get into the most coveted university programs, with medicine among the hardest. But other subjects like engineering or language studies also offer only a limited amount of places. Many German students, parents and teachers have been stressed out for months over the Abitur. Often schools will cancel all regular classes for younger students during the tests so the Abitur students won't be disturbed. The online petition has created such uproar that even state governor Winfried Kretschmann weighed in, though he showed only limited compassion. "There's no right to a simple Abitur," he told the frustrated teenagers. "You wish for it, but you don't have a right to it." At the same time Kretschmann admitted that his own English skills were too weak to actually judge whether the disputed text had been overly difficult, the German news agency dpa reported. Students said the passage from Roth's novel that they had to analyze a metaphorical description of the Statue of Liberty was difficult to understand because of its "unknown vocabulary." They also complained the questions they had to answer were not asked precisely. They quoted some of the text's most difficult sentences to illustrate their point: "Against the luminous sky the rays of her halo were spikes of darkness roweling the air; shadow flattened the torch she bore to a black cross against flawless light_the blackened hilt of a broken sword. Liberty." The state's education ministry responded by asking external experts to evaluate the exam who then concluded its level was appropriate. Educational authorities also noted that students in the eastern German state of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania had to analyze the same passage and did not complain about it. That has not stopped the number of signatures online from growing, as younger and out-of state students sign the petition in a show of solidarity. "I was struggling like all the others, even though I spent a year abroad in America!" Aimee Schaefer wrote in the comment section of the petition. "You would think that I can understand everything by now, but I had to look up a lot of vocabulary ... whoever compiled this exam must really hate us Abitur students." The story titled Recruitment of foreign workers scrutinized published on page 3 was an interesting read in yesterdays Samoa Observer. Taken from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labours Annual report for 2016-2017, the story highlighted the unquestionable rise in the demand for foreigners working in Samoa. Many of them are being brought over to fill vacancies for domestic work such as babysitting, caregiving and housekeeping, with more and more Samoans recruiting from Fiji, the Philippines and as far as China. Some people might find this hard to believe but that is the undeniable truth in Samoa today. Which poses the question, why are we recruiting babysitters and house workers from those countries? Are there not enough people in Samoa to do that? Are our people not qualified enough? Or is there something far more sinister going on? The answer is complex. But sometime a few years ago in an editorial titled Tired of being poor? We need to help ourselves, this column delved into the crux of this issue. We believe it is worth revisiting what we said then given the relevancy of the topic today. At the time, we said there is a lot to be critical about when it comes to our local workforce. We often hear things like they are dishonest, lazy and are quite capable of finding any way to rob their employers. And some do. Look at the rapid growth of prisoners at Tafaigata. Among them are some brilliant minds who have fallen prey to greed, temptation and downright dishonesty. For the local workforce, the gripe from employers extends to the fact that many of them act like chiefs too often when they should be the Indians. It gets considerably worse of course when you add the multiple excuses for poor performance, the countless faalavelaves they have to attend (I mean how many times does an uncle really have to die during a year?), the weekly aitalafu (loans) and the lack of appreciation about the mere fact they have a job. The latter is a frustrating one because many come crawling when they want a job. In some cases, they literally beg for a job and are given it only to forget what a privileged position it is to be employed considering the hundreds of other people who are unemployed in this country. So they go on behaving so badly until they are fired. And the cycle continues. Its a vicious cycle indeed, one that has forced many businesses, local and foreign-owned, to look elsewhere for workers. Now consider the growing number of foreign housemaids, construction workers and other tradesmen in Samoa for example. When you ask most business people why they have chosen that path, one of the most common answers involves the lack of honesty. They will tell you that some of our own people will rob you of your pants if they can. Yes it is that bad. From a business standpoint, its not hard to understand then why they do what they do. The bottom line comes down to the fact that when employers or investors for that matter spend their hard-earned money, they want results. They dont need the excuses; they dont want the headaches, especially having to deal with the dishonesty and the excuses being coughed up for consistently poor performance. And fair enough. Who needs that anyway? The issue for Samoa is that these attitudes are continuing to hurt us, as a country. We talk about being poor, we bemoan the lack of opportunities but sometimes; our people are our own worst enemies. It seems like certain people dont appreciate the opportunities so that they go around ruining it for others. When we look around Samoa today, multiple construction contracts are being manned by foreign workers. These guys work from dawn to dusk. All day, every day. We always ask the question of why these jobs arent being filled by local workers. They should be, especially in a country where work opportunities are far and few. At times we blame the government. We lament their failure to secure jobs for locals, which they should be doing. We understand that while Samoa has obligations under international free trade agreements involving foreign workers but surely there must be something in there that prioritises giving jobs to local people. Whats more, when we look at some of the jobs being done by foreigners in Samoa today, what is so skillful about moving a bunch of rocks and cement from point A to point B? Surely that can be done by a Samoan, cant it? The point is that the government must make it a priority to ensure jobs are secured for locals when it comes to these multi-million-tala projects. Ladies and gentlemen, its not just about securing jobs and giving our people money-making opportunities, its about instilling a sense of pride in our people about contributing to the development of their country. Its about them building a legacy where they will be able to tell their children and the future generations of this country. Its about taking ownership of what is happening in Samoa. At this point, it is fair to say that is not happening. And the government cannot be blamed solely. Their task is a difficult one too because of the millions involved, these companies do not want to second guess what they will get from local workers. Which brings us to the point that if we, as Samoans, want to improve our lot, weve really got to help ourselves first. We need to start from the basics. Say Im given a job, try getting there on time to start with. If my starting time is 8am, it doesnt mean I arrive at 8.05am. How about arriving at 7.50am? I have to try doing a decent job without constantly looking around for something to steal. The boss might not be watching and there might not be any cameras around but God is watching nonetheless. The same God we rock up to church on Sundays and pretend he didnt see what we did. Also cut out the excuses and just do what youre paid to do. Stop looking at the other workers and comparing yourself to them, let the bosses see that for themselves. Most importantly, be honest. There is a reason why they say honesty is the best policy. Its because when we are honest, everything else falls in place. We work hard, we work ethically and we will be constantly motivated to improve our work and ultimately our lot in life. That brings rewards. Our work will stand out, we will be noticed by our superiors and you will never have to ask for a pay rise. Have a productive Tuesday Samoa, God bless! Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi has blamed small lawyers who walk everywhere and make a lot of noises for fooling the former Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi. The Prime Minister refused to name the lawyers except to say these small lawyers dont understand the Constitution. He added that they had been based overseas all their lives and have only just come to Samoa yesterday. Tuilaepa made the comment during his weekly media programme where he responded to Tui Atuas claims that there is ambiguity in Article 102 of the Constitution in relation to customary land ownership. The Article 102 in question reads: No alienation of customary land It shall not be lawful or competent for any person to make any alienation or disposition of customary land or of any interest in customary land, whether by way of sale, mortgage or otherwise howsoever, nor shall customary land or any interest therein be capable of being taken in execution or be assets for the payment of the debts of any person on his decease or insolvency: Provided that an Act of Parliament may authorise (a) The granting of a lease or licence of any customary land or of any interest therein; (b) The taking of any customary land or any interest therein for public purposes. Said Tui Atua: In laymans terms, the Article says that it is illegal to alienate customary lands unless an Act of Parliament allows for one, a lease or licence to be granted over customary land or two, customary land is to be taken for public purposes. I do not have any problems with the taking of customary land for public purposes, assuming of course that such public purposes are indeed valid public purposes. What I have a problem with is the ambiguity that arises as a result of reading the sub-clause that states that an Act of Parliament may authorise the granting of a lease or licence of any customary land or of any interest therein alongside the wording of the main text of the Article, which says no alienation of customary land whether by way of sale, mortgage or otherwise howsoever. But Tuilaepa rejected Tui Atuas claims. The former Head of State has been fooled by these wannabe small lawyers, Tuilaepa said. Since the beginning and up until now, there is no part of Section 102 of the Constitution that should be amended or appear unclear. There is no ambiguity whatsoever. It is so clear. The Attorney General told me that it crystal clear. If I knew there was an ambiguity, I wouldve stood up long time ago to make it clear. According to the Prime Minister, this is why it is written into the Constitution that the Government would only listen to the legal opinion of the Attorney General. Thats why we appointed a lauia (big fish) of the law to become the Attorney General and under his watch are fifty of the sharpest minds in law. So they all work to ensure any legislation that comes before them does not conflict with the Constitution. Asked about fears of customary lands being alienated, Tuilaepa reassured that there is nothing to be alarmed about. Its a simple matter. There is nothing wrong with the law. We heard from the former Head of State that he sought a legal opinion from the Attorney General at the time and he was told there is nothing that would affect customary lands. The advice from the Attorney General then was correct. So I dont know why they keep bringing this up. The Attorney Generals advice (to the former Head of State) was correct. Besides, in relation to this law, it was driven by a committee headed by the late Reverend Oka Fauolo. So perhaps his (Tui Atua) mistake is thinking that he signed the law, pressured by the advice from the Attorney General. Thats when Tuilaepa attacked the small lawyers. Maybe he thought he had gotten it wrong because of the pressure from these little ones who protested. So the old man thought hed made a mistake. So my view is that to cover what he thinks was his mistake hes now suddenly mentioned section 102 of the Constitution when that is clearly not the issue. It is very clear according to section 102 of the Constitution that customary lands cannot be sold or mortgaged. Thats prohibited. Since the time the Constitution was adopted until now, no customary land has ever been sold. That tells us the Constitution remains intact. Tuilaepa added all laws in Samoa are designed with the Constitution in mind. There is no law in Samoa that can be used unless it is in accordance with the Constitution. The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. If there is any piece of legislation that is in conflict with the Constitution, it automatically becomes void. During his public address on customary lands, Tui Atua called on Samoas best legal minds to come together to make Article 102 unambiguous. These minds, however, must be able to locate the principle of alofa in their custom law and statutory law assessments and have it sing in harmony alongside their assessments of pule, and of legal certainty and transparency, Tui Atua said. But Tuilaepa said this was unnecessary. The Constitution doesnt allow anyone else to amend anything, only the Attorney General has the right to amend it if its necessary, Tuilaepa responded. It is also very clear that customary lands cannot be mortgaged. Keep in mind that customary land is a separate issue from the lease on customary lands. This is such a difficult thing to explain to the lawyers who protested. It seems they had been overseas; they only came to Samoa yesterday so they dont understand. Then they go and walk all over the place and make a lot of noises. They even make a lot of noises on the newspapers. Im surprised they love seeing their photos on the newspaper because by doing so, they themselves are telling the world that we are the lot who dont understand. Their lack of understanding has become very loud. What saddens me the most is that after theyve done this, now they are going to the villages and asking them to oppose the Government in relation to this law. This is why I said they are trouble makers; they havent stopped here, now they are going to the villages asking them to protest against the Government. See what theyve done. Tuilaepa added Samoa stands to benefit a great deal from the lease of customary land. He praised the village of Sasina, saying they are a very clever village because they are getting money from their land. He added there are people who are critical about the Governments customary land policy when they are reaping the rewards from these leases. This is why what Jesus said is very important, Tuilaepa said. He said dont judge or you too will be judged. So before you criticize, firstly you need to look at yourself and see what youre doing. Now hes said where the love is? He said there is no more love in all the matai Sao. It means that all the matai Sao in Samoa dont have any love any more. Love is an action word. We have a job to do. You have to get up and do some work to show that you love. If someone is need of a job, you work to make sure they have a job. By Joyetter Luamanu In Nukualofa, Tonga The work of the Samoa Observer, and the Editor, Mataafa Keni Lesa, to highlight and advocate against corruption has been highlighted at the 5th Pacific Media Summit in Nukualofa, Tonga. Former Australian Member of Parliament, Journalist and Media Trainer, John Hyde, during his presentation spoke of the work of journalists in terms of how to investigate corruption. The two-day workshop where Editors and Senior Journalists are in attendance focuses on the role of the media in oversight and accountability and following the work of integrity institutions. Mata'afa was invited to be one of the presenters but he is not able to attend. But Mr. Hyde, who has been to Samoa five times, praised the work of the Samoa Observer in fighting corruption. He said it is extensive and vital for the development of Samoa. Just two weeks ago, Samoa signed up on the U.N. Convention against corruption, it has been really interesting to watch particularly the work that Mataafa and other media in Samoa will do to keep it going, said Mr. Hyde. The United Nations Convention against Corruption is the only legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument. The Conventions far-reaching approach and the mandatory character of many of its provisions make it a unique tool for developing a comprehensive response to a global problem. The vast majority of United Nations Member States are parties to the Convention. Samoa signed the Corruption two weeks ago. Mataafa, already an award-winning journalist, has worked at the Samoa Observer for 19 years and has been the Editor for 10 years. Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Mr Hyde said now the U.N. conventions has been signed by Samoa hes interested to see Mataafa and other reporters whether they will keep the issue alive. The media should not focus on one specific project in terms of corruption; such as someone in a Department is doing something wrong, but seeing the totality of the issue that if you have got corrupt practices happening in Government, in Churches, in private sectors and in schools, then its an issue for society. So having the U.N. convention and having the Government making a commitment to aspire to good practices and best practices around the world including Samoa is a testament of the work of the media including the Samoa Observer. It is a strong step and I think it sends a example of fair activist journalism the Samoa Observer is a part of. Its not about media making things up, its about media presenting the facts in an honest in your face way. The former Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa National Provident Fund (S.N.P.F.), Faumuina Esther Lameko-Pouoa, has a new role. She has been appointed as a member of the Pacific Islands Forums Specialist Sub-Committee on Regionalism. She is representing the Polynesian group. Faumuina was among four new members this week as they meet for the first time. Other members include a representative for Micronesia, Gerson Alik Jackson; representative for Civil Society, Siotame Drew Havea; and representative for Private Sector, Stephen Lyon. The Pacific Islands Forum Troika appoints new members to the Sub-Committee. The Sub-Committee plays a central role in analysing the policy needs of the Pacific region and making recommendations to Forum Leaders about the ways in which Forum member countries can work collectively for the benefit of their people. Speaking upon the announcement of the new members, Sub-Committee Chair and Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Dame Meg Taylor said: I am very pleased to welcome these experienced and enthusiastic individuals to this important group. Our region needs concerted collective action to truly make the most of what we have for our people, and Im confident that this Sub-Committee has the right mix of skills to ensure we put the best advice in front Pacific Islands Forum Leaders when they need it. The Secretary General also acknowledged the four departing members saying, Gustav Aitaro, Lopeti Senituli, Willie Kostka, and Peter Kiely have made a great contribution to regionalism through their hard work over the last 3 years and on behalf of the region I would like to thank them. This week the Sub-Committees discussions were focused on the policy proposals submitted to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat during the recently concluded region-wide public consultations. Guiding their recommendations were the Blue Pacific identity that harnesses the regions shared ocean identity, geography, and resources, and which Forum Leaders committed to in 2017 in Samoa as being the catalyst for Pacific regionalism. The new appointees join existing members Mr John Davidson (representative for Australia or New Zealand); Ms. Theresa Manarangi-Trott (representative for Smaller Island States); and Mr Leonard Louma (representative for Melanesia). The former Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, visited St Josephs Primary School in Leauva'a last week Friday to lend his support with the efforts to foster a culture of reading in young people. Recently the school received a donation of a chicken coop library by Samoan New Zealander, 12-year-old Epifania Tusani with the help of book sponsorship from local businesses. Tui Atua said he was impressed with Epifanias efforts to give back to her village as well as creating an opportunity for children to not only read, but to enjoy it too. They are very important things that she has done; probably more important in a way because one of the great things you have to sell to our young people is the value of reading," he said. Thats what its all about and I would really like us to teach our children not only to read widely but also to enjoy books. We dearly need to sell our young the culture of liking and enjoying, and comparing notes about what you read with your friends. Initially, Epifania had contacted Tui Atua to invite him as a special guest to the opening of her pilot chicken coop library in April, but his Highness was unable to attend. I told her that I am quite happy to fly a flag for her. So I was meant to go there for an opening and it didnt happen because I had to go to a funeral, but they had something else this time and its all part of the selling process because I missed out on the opening, so I wanted to make an effort this time round. After a presentation about the chicken coop library, Tui Atua spoke to an assembly of St Josephs Primary school students about the responsibility to serve each other in giving back to our village as well the benefits of reading and why it was important to read as much and as widely as possible. I said to them, I am Epis advertising agent and Im here to sell her project because its a very good thing. We need more people like that taking more interest and asking what can I do for my village, fostering that sense of belonging its very important. More than anything else, if you develop a culture of reading, this is the biggest help to your education. I want to support it and I want to say that Im part of it because this is part of our traditions. A tradition of helping other people, feeling responsible for other people and withstanding shes not here and living in New Zealand but she relates to her family to her village and this is her contribution and Im only too proud to come here and say hey, Im her agent. Tui Atua took some time to answer the students questions and chatted with them at their school assembly. Even though he was there as a special guest, His Highness said to the Samoa Observer that in the end it was he who walked away inspired by the children. I had beautiful conversations with the kids next to me because they are unfazed and I talked to them for a short while and there was a glow in their faces. I go away being warmed and inspired by the reception. Im not sure what it is, whether Im humbled or vain about it but it was a nice feeling, you have kids who look at you and they obviously like where they are and they like sharing with you. Theres really a glow that identifies God in their faces. Thats how I feel, so Im going to take away something very special from here. KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) Malaysian police have intercepted a tanker with 131 Sri Lankans believed bound for Australia and New Zealand, smashing a large human smuggling ring that has been operating for a year. Authorities halted the modified tanker on Tuesday off the coast of southern Johor state, national police chief Mohamad Fuzi Harun said in a statement Saturday. He said the immigrants included 98 men, 24 women, four boys and five girls. Police also raided a fishing boat used to transport the migrants to the vessel and detained three Indonesians and four Malaysians on board, he said. Another five Malaysians were nabbed for suspected involvement in the smuggling syndicate. "This syndicate has been operating since mid-2017 and has international connections across Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and Malaysia," Fuzi said. A total of 127 Sri Lankans will be charged for entering Malaysia illegally while nine Malaysians, four Indonesians and four Sri Lankans will be investigated for human smuggling, he added. The Bonus. This concept seems ubiquitous and an accepted and logical way to motivate an employee, to spur improved performance, to provide the carrot for the rabbit to chase. In other words, if you rock your project, the company will reward you. Two weeks ago I take one of my clients to lunch and the subject is exactly this. He wants to give bonuses, he wants to share the wealth, the company is hitting on all six cylinders (I know a Ferrari has 12, but lets stay on this earth), and his puzzle is a simple one how to allocate the wealth. My pal has 11 employees, and he has a system that has worked up until now. Each year, he gives a percentage of the companys profit to each employee, equally, because it is a team effort; they are a team, and he wants them to think like a team. Usually every member of the winning team (World Series, Super Bowl) gets an equal share but Tom Brady gets a higher salary for unique individual performance. My pal has created an additional bonus pool that is to be allocated based on individual effort at the CEOs sole discretion. My man is willing to (potentially) make less money personally so that his team can have greater financial reward. But the truth of course is that if the pie gets bigger well you know that game. Advertisement So lets explore employee incentives and awards, most of which come with some modest financial consideration. And so we turn to a Harvard Business School research paper titled The Dirty Laundry of Employee Award Programs. You guessed it -- it turns out that time sheets and clean sheets do not mix. The study was done in five industrial laundries. What they found in the laundry that had the incentive program was that the attendance statistics improved and the average level of tardiness decreased but the amount of productivity also decreased, particularly among the very best employees who already had high attendance. So, please explain. First, it turns out that the laundry workers figured out how to game the system so they would appear to have excellent attendance but only when the bonus round was in effect. Afterward, they went back to their normal routine. This tells us something about incentives. Once started, how long do you have to keep them? If an employee was disqualified early meaning there was no way he could win then they gave up and went back to being tardy as before. Remember that if certain people are not there all the time, the laundry as a whole does not do well. That explains the decrease in productivity. The fantasy is that the bonus round will change long-term behavior, but it doesnt. The behavior only changed when the award was within grasp. After that, sayonara. Further, the stellar employees suffered in both productivity and attitude because they felt, hey, I have been showing up on time for years, whats with this new bonus round trying to reward employees with previous lousy attendance? It actually de-motivated the best employees. The study does cop a plea at the end arguing that some award/incentive programs do work well. In the laundry case, they were rewarding bad behavior that might improve, whereas the more rational approach is to reward the already stellar employees. It also suggests that public recognition on a wall in the dining area or in the newsletter is the most effective. When employees bask in the glow of corporate praise, they will work even harder. Venture capitalists often spend a majority of their time focused on the companies in their portfolio that are not doing well, instead of the correct approach, which is to do the exact opposite -- focus on the very best ones and make them even better. The rational man rule says sell your losers and let your winners run. But as you well know, most of us do the exact opposite because we hope the losers will come back. Finally, when the primary motivation is the money involved in the reward, you can bet the best minds will figure out a way to beat the system. For further study, please refer to all compensation packages from the large brokerages, banks and investment banks from 1929 through yesterday. Neil Senturia, a serial entrepreneur who invests in early-stage technology companies, writes weekly about entrepreneurship in San Diego. Please email ideas to Neil at neil@blackbirdv.com. Rule No. 559: Show me the money. Jerry Maguire Business jennifer.vangrove@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1840 Twitter: @jbruin Roger Hinds lifted the tail of the foam surfboard core that he just spent 90 minutes meticulously sanding and carving. He eyed it carefully to see if he got the tricky transition from rounded to flat near the fin just right. Hinds, 63, was barefoot. The veteran Seal Beach board shaper was covered with fine dust inside a sealed chamber at the Boardroom International Surfboard Show at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Hinds main motivation Sunday morning was to advance to the finals of the Icons of Foam Masters Shape-off competition honoring renowned Santa Barbara surfboard maker Marc Andreini. But like many of the well-known shapers in the contest, Hinds also had a secondary goal to highlight the supremely Southern California skill-set of handcrafting surfboards. Advertisement It gives people a chance to see our work, said Hinds, who has been making surfboards since 1973. A lot of surfboards are machine shaped these days. So its nice to be able to show the craftsmanship, the workmanship. that goes into making boards by hand. The Boardroom trade show is in its 11th year at Del Mar, spotlighting the surf manufacturing industry. Andreini, 67, was honored at the show after a long and still active career designing, shaping and building custom surfboards. He has a fervent underground following of surfers, and is known for designs that contain subtle flowing curves. Visitors watch surfboard shaper Travis Reynolds, of Santa Cruz, work in a plexi-glass enclosed shaping bay during the events board shaping competition. (Charlie Neuman ) At the show, more than 100 exhibitors displayed their wares, with surfboards on display in all shapes and sizes. Exhibitors also served up wetsuits, skateboards, clothing and other merchandise. People think the surf industry is centered in Orange County because of the soft goods industry, companies like Quiksilver and Hurley, said Scott Bass, executive director of the event. But San Diego is a hotbed for surfboard manufacturing. There are several board-making shops in Oceanside and in San Diego, said Bass. Legendary surfer Bob Simmons was experimenting with novel materials in La Jolla and Coronado more than 70 years ago. Since the 1950s, Gordon & Smith has been building and shipping customer surfboards around the world from San Diego. It is really something that the Chamber of Commerce could wrap their head around, said Bass. San Diego is big with craft beer. Thats great. But all they have to do is look in the history books and realize that the surfboard manufacturing industry is huge here. Visitors look over the surfboards on display at the 2018 Boardroom International Surfboard Show in Del Mar. (Charlie Neuman ) Its not an easy business. Board makers work with toxic materials and face tough environmental regulations. There is competition from low-cost, mass-produced boards from overseas that are sold at Costco for hundreds less than their handcrafted brethren. Despite some grumbling in the industry about low-cost competitors, there is still demand for handcrafted surfboards that work for you where you surf and really try to make the average surfer a better surfer, said Eric Gordon, son of Gordon & Smith co-founder Larry Gordon. There is a strong base of consumers who want the board properly handmade, handcrafted, he added. And people are respecting the prices for what it takes to be handcrafted. So what makes a good surfboard? Expert shapers refine thickness and create contours and channels across the board to enhance the surfing experience. In addition to being honored, Andreini also served as a judge for the Masters shape-off competition. In the semi-final contest featuring Hinds against veteran Santa Barbara designer Wayne Rich, each contestant had to shape a board that mimicked one of Andreinis designs. It was difficult because Andreinis board was rounded instead of flat on both the deck and bottom. Surfboard maker Marc Andreini, center, holds up a board as one of the judges in the Masters Shape-off competition on Sunday. Theres not a flat spot anywhere except by the fin, said Andreini. These guys are masters so they can look at anything and replicate it. But it makes it stressful for them because they are not used to doing it. In the end, the judges picked Richs design over Hinds in the shape-off semi-final. But there were no hard feelings between competitors. They have been friends for 35 years in the Southern California surfboard making fraternity, said Hinds. Business mike.freeman@sduniontribune.com; Twitter:@TechDiego 760-529-4973 Chula Vista spends $71 million of its $109 million general fund budget on public safety. But that isnt enough, according to city officials who are asking voters to raise the sales tax from 8.25 percent to 8.75 percent in the June 5 election. The city needs to hire new police officers and firefighters because they slashed hundreds of public safety jobs during the Great Recession. While the citys population increased, the number of police officers and firefighters remained stagnant. The only way to remedy that, city officials argue, is with a tax hike known officially as Measure A. Measure A will enable us to respond quicker to all 9-1-1 calls, add school officers and increase patrols to make our streets safer, states an argument for Measure A written by Mayor Mary Casillas Salas, Fire Chief Jim Geering and Chief of Police Roxana Kennedy. Advertisement The letter is one of several in favor and against Measure A that were submitted to Chula Vista. The San Diego Union-Tribune reviewed the letters and financial disclosure records to present arguments in favor and against the measure. To date, Yes on Measure A has raised $82,000 to promote the ballot measure, records show. About $26,000 has come from developers with projects in eastern Chula Vista, $40,000 from the police and fire unions, and $5,000 from the Sycuan Band of The Kumeyaay Nation. All of the developers who contributed to Yes on Measure A have also donated to Mayor Salas re-election bid, records show. Between 2007 and 2017, the police department saw a 41 percent drop in felony arrests, 26 percent decline in misdemeanor arrests and 28 percent increase in traffic-related deaths and injuries. The tax increase is estimated to bring in $16 million annually to the general fund. Thats enough to hire 29 sworn police officers and 36 firefighters, according to a staff report on the measure. But the number of officers and firefighters hired by Measure A isnt enough to meet the demand. The same staff report says the police department needs 43 sworn officers and the fire department needs 54 more firefighters. Opponents of Measure A say the city needs to address rising pension costs before asking voters to raise taxes. Last week, city staff said Chula Vistas growing pension costs and stagnant revenue risk putting the city into a deficit. The City of Chula Vista already spends 67 percent of the budget on Public Safety with pensions and benefits, wrote Russ Hall, the president of No on A. Before we taxpayers consider paying more, lets demand the City of Chula Vista do pension reform. Chula Vista taxpayers cannot afford to keep bailing out the city leadership. Residents in Chula Vista, especially the ones on the eastern part of the city who pay Mello-Roos property taxes, are already taxed enough, Hall added. If the measure passed, Chula Vistas sales tax rate would be the highest in the county, along with Del Mar and National City. Opponents of Measure A also point out that revenues from the proposed tax would go toward the general fund and there is no legal obligation for the city council to spend it on public safety staffing. The City Council has expressed its intent to spend these monies exclusively on critical needs of the Citys police and fire departments, wrote City Attorney Glen Googins in an impartial analysis of the measure. However, because the tax is a general purpose tax, the City Council would reserve the right to spend the tax revenues for any lawful City purpose. Supporters counter that the measure requires the creation of a citizens oversight committee that would be responsible for reviewing how the money is spent. We are committed to maintaining transparency and accountability with a citizens oversight committee that will ensure every dollar is spent wisely and only to address public safety, wrote Councilmen John McCann and Mike Diaz. Contact Gustavo Solis via Email or Twitter A painting isnt passive. Its not static or still. A painting, a good one, pulses and vibrates and bursts with life. Thats how Mark Rothko saw things, anyway: To the celebrated abstract expressionist, whose best-known works were dominated by geometric forms, paintings demanded attention and fierce engagement. Oceanside Theatres sharply rendered production of the John Logan play Red, which dramatizes a pivotal moment in Rothkos life and career, turns out to have a compelling pulse and flow of its own. And it stands as an auspicious professional directing debut here by Kevin Hafso-Koppman, known around San Diego mostly as a capable and versatile actor. Advertisement The recent graduate of the prestigious Old Globe/University of San Diego MFA acting program presides over a staging that radiates authenticity, even when Logans script a Tony Award winner as best play in 2010 occasionally strays into the melodramatic. Hafso-Koppman gets admirably sustained and layered performances from Robert May, who plays Rothko, and Luke Monday, who portrays the artists (fictional) assistant Ken. Their interplay in the 90-minute, intermissionless piece likewise pulses and shifts, as the domineering Rothko stirs a defensiveness in Ken that gives way, gradually, to self-assertion and the pluck and confidence to challenge the artists ideas. At the center of the play is Rothkos real-life corporate commission in 1958 to paint a series of huge murals for the new, luxurious Four Seasons restaurant in New York. Rothko is deeply conflicted about the job; hes proud of netting a record $35,000 for the commission, but exhibits an almost fatherly protective impulse over his work. You see how vulnerable they are?, the painter pleads to Ken one day in the studio as they gaze at his canvases. Ideas fly freely and often thrillingly in the course of the play about literature, philosophy and the infinite possibilities (and frustrations) of art. It all unfolds in a capacious, bare-bones art studio, designed with just the right spare yet lived-in feel by Carol Naegele, and lighted with a fittingly artistic touch by OTC artistic director Ted Leib. The space reflects Rothkos studiously workmanlike approach to his craft, borne out in the shows frequent, at times almost balletic action of mixing and pouring and painting. May utterly inhabits the character of Rothko, in all the artists offhand brilliance and casual cruelty. While the material Logan has written for the role can be pretty high-flown at times, May has an assured way of making it feel spontaneous and true. The relative newcomer Monday proves to be a skilled and committed foil, as he traces a convincing arc from cowed protege to thinker and artist in his own right. One of the plays most arresting moments comes when Rothko erupts over Kens impudent suggestion, as they examine a painting, to add more red the color that would come to dominate many of the artists works. Mays evocation of Rothkos rage is raw and almost scary but then the scene morphs into a poetic back-and-forth on reds many manifestations. Kens particular reaction to the color, as it relates to a past family tragedy, is the one part of the play feels a bit contrived, as if a scene from In Cold Blood has suddenly intruded upon the action. But theres nothing false about the way Red captures the life-or-death artistic passion of Rothko, who was to commit suicide 12 years later the same day the murals that loom so large in the play arrived for exhibition at Londons Tate galleries, where they still reside. How do you know when its done?, a callow Ken asks early on. To which Rothko replies: Theres tragedy in every brush stroke. Red When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through May 20. Where: Oceanside Theatre Co. at the Brooks Theatre, 217 N. Coast Hwy., Oceanside. Tickets: $15-$29. Phone: (760) 433-8900 Online: oceansidetheatre.org jim.hebert@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @jimhebert Attorney General Jeff Sessions will visit the U.S. Mexico-border in San Diego on Monday to discuss the immigration enforcement efforts of the Trump Administration. Justice Department officials said Sessions would hold a press conference with Immigration and Customs Enforcement Deputy Director Thomas D. Homan at 1 p.m. The location was not disclosed. Sessions visit follows a March visit by President Donald Trump to Otay Mesa to survey border wall prototypes. Other administration officials also have made recent visits to the border region. On April 18, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen paid a visit to Calexico to see the replacement of a border barrier. Later that month, Vice President Mike Pence addressed Homeland Security and Border Patrol employees at the El Centro Border Patrol Station about plans for a new border wall and to call for tougher enforcement measures. Advertisement Sessions planned visit comes a week after a group of about 200 Central American asylum seekers arrived at the U.S. border in Tijuana. The group launched their journey across Mexico more than a month ago, fleeing violent and impoverished areas of Central America. President Trump has been critical of the caravan in recent weeks, often referencing the group when criticizing what he sees as ineffectual immigration laws. lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.com UPDATES: 5:05 p.m.: This story was updated with new information about Sessions visit to the border. This story was originally posted at 3 p.m. In the opening scene of RBG, the new documentary about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg opening in San Diego on Friday Ginsburg, 85, is working out with her trainer while wearing a sweatshirt that says, Super Diva! Please note the exclamation point. As RBG spells out in many admiring and well-researched ways, Ruth Bader Ginsburg feminist pioneer, judicial giant, and the internet sensation known as The Notorious R.B.G. speaks softly, but she wields a mighty, history-changing stick. And as Betsy West and Julie Cohens film is quick to point out, once this formidable woman starts rolling, youd be smart to get out of the way. We wanted to add some real substance to the somewhat superficial knowledge that people have from her internet celebrity, Cohen said during a phone interview last week. We want people to know that there is something important and major behind the memes in what she accomplished as a lawyer and as a judge and justice. As Ginsburgs own journey illustrates in Weve come a long way, ladies detail, there was a lot of legal work on behalf of women that needed to get done. And we are supremely lucky that Ginsburg was the woman who wanted to do it. Advertisement Born and raised in Brooklyn, Ginsburg was both a daredevil who wanted to follow the neighborhood boys as they leaped from garage roof to garage roof and a quiet, watchful girl who lived by two rules passed down by her mother, Celia Bader: Be a lady, and be independent. Boundaries-busting firebrand. Well-spoken lady. Independent spirit. Ginsburg has been all of the above. Shes had to be. When she entered Harvard Law School in 1956, Ginsburg was one of nine women in a class of hundreds of men. Class participation was crucial, but professors rarely called on the female students. When she went to the library to do research, a university employee wouldnt let her in. The indignities piled up after she graduated from Columbia Law School in 1959, where she tied for first in her class. The New York law firm she worked for during law school wouldnt hire her. When Ginsburg joined the Rutgers Law School faculty in 1963, she discovered that the female faculty members were paid less than the male teachers. She and her fellow Rutgers women launched an equal-pay campaign, and they got their raises. As Ginsburg says in her singularly understated way, Being a woman was an impediment. It was also fuel. With the unflagging support of her husband, Marty, Ginsburg went on to found the American Civil Liberties Unions Womens Rights Project. In her years with the ACLU, Ginsburg waged some of the most important legal battles in the history of womens rights. This is where Ruth Bader Ginsburg changed the world. It is also where RBG gives us the greatest insights into the mind behind the memes. Before she became a member of the Supreme Court, Ginsburg argued and won some pivotal cases before the Supreme Court. Cases like Frontiero v Richardson, where Ginsburg helped ensure that servicewomen received the same benefits as their male counterparts, which in turn paved the way for all women to receive equal treatment under the law. There is still this sense that nice girls dont speak up. Nice girls dont make demands, Sharron Frontiero says of the lawyer who argued her landmark case. Well, too bad. While she was arguing for women, Ginsburg was schooling the men of the Supreme Court, who needed to be convinced that there was such a thing as sexual discrimination. In the documentarys riveting audio tracks of Ginsburgs coolly logical arguments, you can also hear her schooling the world on what it could expect from the small woman with the the big brain and the crusaders thirst for justice. I came away with an admiration for how she lived her life, filmmaker West said. Both her determination to face personal and professional challenges and get past them, and her commitment to avoid reacting in anger and looking for solutions. I think that is a good message. Its not all legalese and gavel-banging in RBG. We see Ginsburgs scores of young fans buying Notorious R.B.G. mugs and lining up for selfies with the real thing. We find out from her children, Jane and James Ginsburg, that she is a truly terrible cook. We hear how she survived two bouts with cancer and didnt miss a day on the bench. And we get to see Ginsburg watching comedian Kate McKinnons Saturday Night Live impression of her for the first time. Let the record show that she finds it hilarious. Let the record also show that by reminding us of the groundbreaking accomplishments of the woman behind the robe-rocking meme, RBG gives us a new super-heroine to worship. The Victorious R.B.G. has a nice ring to it, dont you think? Twitter: @karla_peterson karla.peterson@sduniontribune.com A Poway man who sold oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl to a friend, who later overdosed and died, has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, country prosecutors announced Monday. As part of a plea deal, Alfred Lemus Jr. will be sentenced to 15 years in prison for the death of Richard Summerfruit, who was found in distress in Poway on Nov. 16, 2016. The 26-year-old was rushed to a hospital, where he died. During a hearing Friday in San Diego Superior Court, Lemus also pleaded guilty to selling a controlled substance, possession for sale of a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm by a felon, the District Attorneys Office said. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid and can be fatal even in small doses. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Advertisement Prosecutors said Summerfruit died after he smoked half of a blue pill with markings of a 30mg Percocet although toxicology tests turned up fentanyl and fentanyl analogue 4-ANPP in his system. Summerfruit and Lemus had been discussing the sale of percs in Facebook messages in the hours before and the day before Summerfruit died, according to a coulrt filing by Deputy District Attorney Jorge Del Portillo. The investigation led to undercover officers buying drugs from Lemus, including blue pills that tests showed to be fentanyl, 4-ANPP and cocaine. Lemus, now 31, was arrested in February 2017. In a secretly recorded jailhouse conversation, he told two jail operatives hed been pushing pills out of Mexico so theyre cut with fentanyl, according to the filing. In February, the Union-Tribune reported that fentanyl had caused 267 deaths in the county from 2000 to 2016. Last year, more than 40 people died in the county from a fentanyl overdose, including three friends found dead in a Vista apartment. Local and federal authorities are cracking down on fentanyl distribution and going after dealers linked to overdoses, and the Sheriffs Department has instituted a protocol in which all overdose deaths are investigated. In federal court in March, a Chula Vista man pleaded guilty to his role in providing it to five people in Alpine who overdosed in December, thinking they were using cocaine. All five survived, but two had to be revived at the scene. Lemus sentencing hearing is set for June 1. teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com (760) 529-4945 Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT With no contract breakthroughs appearing over the weekend, a massive strike is expected to begin Monday morning at University of California campuses across the state. The threatened walkout by three unions arrives after a late ruling Friday from the state Public Employment Relations Board. Under a request from the university administration, the board partially granted a request to keep a narrow category of health care workers off the picket lines on grounds theyre in short enough supply that theyre difficult for medical centers to replace. The university and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees have been unable to find common ground on a range of issues from wage increases to job outsourcing, and the union, which represents more than 15,000 workers across six UC campuses, filed a three-day strike notice 10 days ago. Advertisement The California Nurses Association, itself in negotiations and representing more than 14,000 registered nurses in UC bargaining units, declared that its members will strike in sympathy on Tuesday and Wednesday as will the University Technical Employees Union. At UC San Diego, the unions together represent more than 9,000 workers with thousands filling critical roles at university hospitals in Hillcrest and La Jolla. Jacqueline Carr, a spokeswoman for UC San Diego Health, said in an email Sunday that hospitals will open a strike command center early Monday morning to make sure staffing meets demand. UC San Diego plans to bring in more than 500 replacement nurses and 900 replacement workers overall. On Friday, UCSD officials said they have rescheduled about 200 elective surgeries that were to be performed early this week. Hospitals also began diverting emergency cases where possible over the weekend to shrink the number of patients in hospital beds when picketers arrive Monday. Overall, officials have indicated that they hoped to reduce the two hospitals combined censuses by about 100 to 125 patients per day throughout the strike. Normally between 575 and 600 patients are in beds across both facilities each day. Claire Doan, director of media relations for the UC Office of the President, put responsibility squarely on the unions in an email Sunday with no last-minute negotiations underway. If AFSCME leaders were serious about an agreement, theyd be at the table right now instead of preparing their picket signs and trying to use patient care as negotiating leverage, Doan said. In its own statement, AFSCME was defiant, accusing the university of trying to silence its workers. UCs attempts to block this strike were just another desperate attempt by Administrators to silence workers who are exercising their legal right to speak up against widening inequality at the university, the statement said. The university has circulated what it says were the terms of the deal it was offering AFSCME service workers, who range from custodians to medical technicians of various types. UC says it has offered raises of 3 percent per year for four years. A union spokesman said last week that the high cost of living in California has led negotiators to push for 6 percent pay increases per year. The two sides are bitterly divided on whether or not UC is systematically trying to outsource service jobs. Unlike many workplaces, health care workers face strict rules in how and when they can strike. They are legally required to notify their employers 10 days before a strike to provide enough time to bring in temporary replacements so that patients who critically need professional medical attention dont go without care. Across all of its campuses, the university requested that a total of 618 employees be enjoined from participating in the strike, largely on grounds that their medical specialties are rare enough that theyre not easily replaced. Fridays order granted the request for 551 workers. Among AFSCME members, respiratory therapists and several kinds of imaging technicians are on the no-strike list. Clinical laboratory scientists, responsible for processing and ensuring the accuracy of the myriad tests that hospital doctors order daily, were universally deemed indispensable among UPTE members. A range of nurses, many in cancer or transplant-related specialties, were ordered to remain on their jobs despite CNAs sympathy strike notice. At UC San Diego hospitals, the employee relations board ordered unions to make sure that at least five respiratory therapists, 18 pharmacists, 46 clinical lab scientists and one nuclear medicine technologist show up daily during the strike. The CNA must also make sure there are at least three oncology and bone marrow transplant nurses on hand at Jacobs Medical Center in La Jolla and five oncology nurses at UCSD Moores Cancer Center. Four psychiatric nurses also must be on call to assist both hospitals. AFSCME has also indicated that it has staffed a group of its members who will be ready to help out quickly if there is an emergency. In an interview Friday afternoon, Patricia Maysent, chief executive of UC San Diego Health, said that plans are in place to have doctors fill in for nurses where necessary if there are not enough available due to the strike. Theyll roll up their sleeves and pitch in, she said, adding that certain wards, such as the bone marrow transplant unit at Jacobs and the regions only burn unit at Hillcrest, are particularly sensitive to no-shows. Dr. Kristi Koenig, medical director of San Diego Countys emergency medical system, added on Friday that her office worked with UCSD to come up with a diversion plan for the burn unit. As the strike progresses, she said, patients with burns would be held at trauma centers in the county, then sent to the burn unit on Thursday once the strike is over. Health Playlist On Now Video: Why aren't Americans getting flu shots? 0:37 On Now Video: Leaders urge public to help extinguish hepatitis outbreak On Now San Diego starts cleansing sidewalks, streets to combat hepatitis A On Now Video: Scripps to shutter its hospice service On Now Video: Scripps La Jolla hospitals nab top local spot in annual hospital rankings On Now Video: Does a parent's Alzheimer's doom their children? On Now Video: Vaccine can prevent human papillomavirus, which can cause cancer 0:31 On Now 23 local doctors have already faced state discipline in 2017 0:48 On Now EpiPen recall expands On Now Kids can add years to your life paul.sisson@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1850 Twitter: @paulsisson Hundreds of service workers marched in front of UC San Diegos two main medical centers Monday, but everyone, whether on a picket line or in an executive meeting room, said day one of this three-day strike was something of a dress rehearsal. That is because both the California Nurses Association and the University Professional and Technical Employees Union are due to join picket lines Tuesday and Wednesday. More service workers came in today than we thought, said Patricia Maysent, chief executive of UC San Diego Health. Tomorrow, with the CNA and the UPTE going out, its going to be harder. The strike is far larger than just UC San Diego. Workers at all 10 UC campuses and five medical centers planned to protest over a range of grievances from wages to hiring practices. Advertisement About 250 UC San Diego service workers, from security guards to food service employees, walked out at UC San Diego hospitals Monday and were replaced by temporary workers provided under contract by Healthsource Global Staffing, a subsidiary of San Diego-based AMN Healthcare. UCSD has contracted for hundreds of temporary replacement workers on Tuesday and Wednesday. Though it will only last three days, Maysent said the strike will not be cheap for UC San Diego hospitals. Its going to be in the range of $6 million to $10 million when all is said and done, Maysent said. The strike was not confined to UC medical centers. UC San Diego officials reported that 60 percent of food service workers on campus didnt show up for their shifts Monday, forcing the university to temporarily close five dining facilities including: 64 Degrees North, Roots, Club Med and Foodworx. Local protests were peaceful, but that was not the case at UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center in Los Angeles, where a man was arrested after driving his vehicle into a crowd of protestors, injuring three, according to a report from the Los Angeles Times. Hundreds of service workers chanted picket-line slogans outside Jacobs Medical Center in La Jolla on Monday morning, joined by many more at UC San Diego Medical Center in Hillcrest. Shouting hey, hey, ho, ho, UC greed has got to go and UC, UC, youre no good, treat your workers like you should, the protesters at Jacobs marched inside a perimeter of heavy aluminum barricades erected beforehand by the university to keep protesters at Jacobs confined to a section of sidewalk just outside the hospitals main entrance. Things were a little less controlled in Hillcrest, where protesters marched two-by-two along the sidewalks that border the medical campus. Many workers said they walked without paychecks. The university was not granting new vacation requests and all sick days taken during the strike had to be accompanied by a doctors note. Workers could show up on the picket line before or after a scheduled shift and still go to work, but most seemed dedicated to the full experience, even if it meant losing income. It was worth it, said John Henderson, a radiology technical assistant from Mission Valley who said he has worked for UC San Diego for two decades, because protest is about the future. Better to feel a little financial pain now than more later, he said. I love my job, and Id rather be in there working with the patients, but at the same time, its something you have to do, you have to support who supports you, and you have to support the future, Henderson said. He and others cited UCs pending imposition of a 2 percent per year raise, even though the union has not agreed to it, and a change from mandatory pension participation to the option for new employees to choose 401k-style retirement savings plans as the main reasons why theyre walking out. They also offered to increase our health premiums and other stuff, so the pay increases theyre offering basically balance out to no raise, Henderson said. In a position paper on the strike, the UC Office of the President has said its offer attempts to keep health premiums much more affordable than they are in much of the working world, but many on the picket line Monday said they know how to look up the salaries of university workers throughout the system. The higher-ups, they just keep making money over money over money. Most people cant even afford to work here. I pay $90 a month just for parking and I still have to walk in from way over there past that building, said Joana Jensen, a medical buyer at Jacobs, pointing her finger out toward the periphery of the busy medical campus. Having worked at the hospital for eight years, Jensen said she has come to have a different understanding of unions. Years ago, when she was working in the private sector and encountered picketers outside local grocery stores, she said her first reaction was that they should go work somewhere else if they dont like it. But, working in the service industry, she said, she sees collective action differently. The service workers always seem to get screwed every way you look at it, she said. This gives us a voice. Heeding a boycott call by the striking workers, U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris announced Monday she wont be the commencement speaker at UC Berkeley on Saturday. Civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis, the commencement speaker at UCSD, has not indicated whether he will withdraw from the event. UC San Diego Health has rescheduled about 200 elective surgeries Monday through Wednesday to lessen the strikes impact and has put together a command center to monitor critical parts of the hospitals operation. That center was keeping a watch on every admission Monday afternoon, checking to make sure that the appropriate number of staffers were available to meet strict operation rules, including the ratio of nurses to patients. If not enough nurses were available, Maysent said, the command center would need to immediately start transferring patients to other hospitals in the region. We havent gotten to that point yet, and were trying to avoid that, because its really disruptive to patients, Maysent said. Health Playlist On Now Video: Why aren't Americans getting flu shots? 0:37 On Now Video: Leaders urge public to help extinguish hepatitis outbreak On Now San Diego starts cleansing sidewalks, streets to combat hepatitis A On Now Video: Scripps to shutter its hospice service On Now Video: Scripps La Jolla hospitals nab top local spot in annual hospital rankings On Now Video: Does a parent's Alzheimer's doom their children? On Now Video: Vaccine can prevent human papillomavirus, which can cause cancer 0:31 On Now 23 local doctors have already faced state discipline in 2017 0:48 On Now EpiPen recall expands On Now Kids can add years to your life paul.sisson@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1850 Twitter: @paulsisson One by one and in quick succession, about 60 homeless peoples lives got a little better during an afternoon last month. Thank you, your honor, a defendant said, shaking hands with San Diego Superior Court Judge Desiree Bruce-Lyle after she dismissed a misdemeanor charge against him. It was a scene that played out repeatedly that April afternoon in a makeshift courtroom at Veterans Village San Diego, where a tag team of five attorneys ushered clients before the judge to clear charges that had hung over their heads for years, even decades. Most were dismissed in less than 60 seconds. The rotating homeless court, created 29 years ago and the first of its kind in the nation, is held monthly at either Veterans Village or Father Joes Village. The proceedings are largely a formality, with an understanding that clients who make it this far will have fines and charges against them dismissed. Advertisement I was ticketed for smoking at the trolley station in February, said Charles Frost, a homeless man staying at PATH Connections housing in downtown San Diego for the past three months. I would have had to pay $280. On a fixed income, that would have been hard. I can rest a little bit easier now. While the fines often are relatively small, they can be monumental for people with little or no income. Unpaid fines are turned over to collection agencies, adding an additional $300 fee, and failure to show up for court can result in arrests. The infractions can cause obstacles to finding work, housing and even a drivers license, compounding the many challenges that already exist for the homeless. Attorney Steve Binder, who recently retired from the Public Defenders Office, helped create homeless court in 1989 as an alternative to what he saw as a revolving door of citations, arrests, jail sentences and releases back into homelessness. Traditionally, cases in court solve the problem, but everybody knew this wasnt solving anything, he said. Public Defender Amy Hoffman received a hug from her client after his misdemeanor charges were dismissed in Homeless Court held at the Veterans Village of San Diego. (Nelvin C. Cepeda ) Binder said he was frustrated at hearing of people sentenced to up to six months and fined $500 for illegal lodging when they had no other place to go. He also heard from homeless people who said they had finally received housing , but were going to lose it because they were in police custody. Candidly, the criminal justice system can be an obstacle to people reclaiming their lives, he said. If theyre still mired in the criminal justice system, theyre hard-pressed to overcome their homeless problem. The idea for homeless court came from a Bar Associations Local Homeless Subcommittee meeting that was attended by founders of Stand Down, an annual event to help homeless veterans. The founders told attorneys at the meeting that 1 in 5 veterans surveyed at Stand Down said their biggest need was help with outstanding warrants. Homeless court as introduced in 1989 at Stand Down, where it was held annually for four years, and also was held at the Womens Resource Fair at the Civic Center in 1990. Binder said 942 homeless veterans had 4,895 cases dropped in the first four years. The court became open to the general homeless population in 1995, and a grant from the Department of Justices Bureau of Justice Assistance has allowed it to be held monthly since 1999. The law firm DLA Piper has been providing pro bono help to the court for nine years. Binder didnt have exact figures, but said thousands of homeless people have appeared in the court and tens of thousand of charges have been dismissed over the years. Most keep their records clean after their court appearance. Studies have found the recidivism rate for people having their charges dismissed was 18 percent, Binder said. Nationwide, homeless courts have been introduced in 70 cities, and one-third of California courthouses have a homeless court. At the April hearing, a surprising number of people had citations for smoking or other prohibited activities at trolley stations, which attorney Amy Hoffman with the Public Defenders Office said was not unusual. One guy had eight trolley-related tickets, she said. He owed $4,200 in fines. Some defendants appear in suits, some in shorts or in work clothes. One older man used a walker to approach the judge, and one woman had a 2-month-old baby with her. The court isnt for all homeless people. To be eligible, defendants must be in programs and in some type of housing, which for many was Father Joes Villages, the San Diego Rescue Mission or PATH Connections Housing. Christopher Craig Jones, 44, began his stay at Lighthouse Treatment Center in November, two months after being released from prison. Attorney Amy Hoffman received a hug from her client after his misdemeanor charges were dismissed in Homeless Court held at the Veterans Village of San Diego. (Nelvin C. Cepeda ) My whole life, Ive been in and out of prison and jail, only because I didnt think I had any options, he said. Ive changed my entire life. Jones was in court to have two citations resolved, which together would have cost him $1,000. One was for riding a bicycle on a sidewalk in 1995, and he didnt remember what the other was for. Ive never had a drivers license, he said about how the outstanding bicycle ticket had affected his life for more than two decades. And now Ill be able to get one. Jones said having a drivers license will help him find work and stay out of jail. This is the first time in my life Im doing everything completely legal, he said. Before, I would drive, but I knew as soon as I was pulled over, I was going to jail. Steven Sanders, 46, is in an alcoholism recovery program at Veterans Village of San Diego and appeared in court to clear a community service sentence related to a 2013 DUI conviction. When I got to VVSD, I had a lot of things on my plate, he said. Going to the program itself is stressful. I was worried. How can I fit in my community service while doing classes at VVSD? Sanders said he couldnt believe he had an opportunity to clear the sentence so he could focus on his recovery. It really helps me out in moving forward, he said. Its one less thing I have to worry about. As the judge who presides over homeless court, Bruce-Lyle said helping people get their lives back on track is gratifying. She also said that outside of homeless court, judges dont often get handshakes and hugs from defendants. Anything that changes somebodys life for the better is a positive, she said. Life in the justice system isnt all about locking people up and punishing people. This is a fine example of that. Its about making a difference in peoples lives. 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 gary.warth@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @GaryWarthUT 760-529-4939 Of the 225 asylum seekers escaping from places like Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador, the dozen or so members of the transgender community who arrived to Tijuana feel they are targeted wherever they go. These women say they have survived murder attempts, have seen their friends beaten to death for being openly transgender, and have been forced into sex work. Not all of them made it to Tijuana. Some of us have been kidnapped, assaulted, and disappeared, said Ivan Mondragon, 30, who organized the transgender group. Some have been forced into sex work. Here in Tijuana, one of our girls was assaulted, someone broke her rib and we havent seen her since she posted a video on Facebook after she was beaten. Advertisement Mondragon, who lives in the Mexican state of Chiapas, organized a transgender caravan last year. During that trip, they successful transported 17 people, including 11 transgender women, to Nogales, Arizona. While planning a second caravan this year, Mondragon learned about the Central American caravan getting ready to leave the Guatemala-Mexico border. The same caravan President Donald Trump openly criticized as a sign of weak immigration laws and inadvertently turned into an international media spectacle. Mondragon decided to join the larger caravan for protection. Five transgender women were part of the caravan and more joined along the way, including a large contingent in Puebla. Along the month-long journey through Mexico, about 35 transgender women joined the caravan and about 20 made it to Tijuana, Mondragon said. Many of them said they are runaways, cast away by their families. Most of them said they have at least one friend who was murdered for being transgender. I have friends who dont have the opportunity to ask for asylum because they are already dead, said Shannel Smith, 28 of Honduras. Smith said she left the capital of Tegucigalpa with two friends after gang members who killed their transgender friend went after them. Her friends decided to stay in Mexico but Smith chose to keep going. I dont think Mexico can give me the security Im looking for, she said. I have friends who live here in Mexico and say it isnt as safe as it seems. Melany Santiago, 19, is one of the transgender women who joined the caravan in Puebla. She is from Honduras but has been living in Mexico City since she was 14. Santiago left Honduras after she said someone tried to kill her. She carried copies of hospital records and hopes to use them while making her claim for asylum. In Mexico, she thought shed find acceptance but said she experienced the same level of discrimination as Honduras. Apart from being denied jobs and housing, violence against transgender women goes unpunished, she said. When you report a crime no one follows up, Santiago said. There is no investigation, there is impunity. The legal system here is a farce. Along their month-long trip through Mexico, the transgender women formed a close-knit community. That bond was most apparent to Alexandra Mejilla, 29 of El Salvador, when they had to make their way through a series of trains known collectively as, La Bestia. Mejilla, who is slightly overweight, couldnt get on the train. She briefly thought about giving up and staying in Mexico. But her friends, some on the train and some behind her, pushed her up and into a box cart. I felt more support because I wasnt alone anymore, she said. If something happens your friends protect you. Were all running from the same thing so we help each other out. In El Salvador transgender women people are treated, like extraterrestrials, Mejilla said. They dont talk to us, they wont come near us. Last year, 15 of Mejillas transgender friends were murdered in El Salvador, she said. Some were hacked to pieces with machetes to the point that they were no longer recognizable, she said. During the trip, caravan organizers helped all of the asylum-seekers build a strong case. Mondragon puts together legal screenings and works with non-profits in the United States to find sponsors for the transgender women. Mondragon also organized talks and empowerment workshops to help the transgender women find their voice. Ideally, she would like for them to be able to stay in Mexico one day. But the countrys views toward transgender people need to change before that happens, Mondragon said. Asylum cases are difficult to win. They can take months, even years, to complete and more than seven out of every ten claims from Central Americans are denied. To be granted asylum in the United States, applicants need to prove that they suffer persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Nicole Ramos, an immigration attorney who has been helping prepare asylum seekers, says some of the strongest cases are from the LGBT community, particularly transgender women. Five transgender women entered the U.S. Wednesday, organizers said. Five more entered Friday. About 10 stayed behind in Tijuana. Organizers arent yet sure how many will try to claim asylum and how many will stay in Mexico. Even as they prepared to enter the U.S., death followed the caravans transgender women. Melannie Osorio, 20 of Honduras,said she had received a WhatsApp message telling her that her best friend, a transgender woman named Angie, had been shot and killed. Angie was Osorios third transgender friend to be murdered in 2018, she said. I wouldnt last a day if I returned to Honduras, she said. Contact Gustavo Solis via Email or Twitter New radar scans have provided conclusive evidence that there are no hidden rooms inside King Tutankhamens burial chamber, Egypts Antiquities Ministry said Sunday, bringing a disappointing end to years of excitement over the prospect. Mostafa Waziri, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said an Italian team conducted extensive studies with ground-penetrating radar that showed the tomb did not contain any hidden, man-made blocking walls as was earlier suspected. Francesco Porcelli of the Polytechnic University of Turin presented the findings at an international conference in Cairo. Our work shows in a conclusive manner that there are no hidden chambers, no corridors adjacent to Tutankhamens tomb, Porcelli said. In 2015, British Egyptologist Nicholas Reeves proposed, after analysis of high-definition laser scans, that Queen Nefertitis tomb could be concealed behind wall paintings in the famed boy kings burial chamber. The discovery ignited massive interest, with officials first rushing to support the theory but then later distancing themselves and ultimately rejecting it. Advertisement The ministry says two previous scans by Japanese and American scientists had proved inconclusive, but it insists this latest ground-penetrating radar data close the lid on the tomb having such hidden secrets. It is concluded, with a very high degree of confidence, said Porcelli, the hypothesis concerning the existence of hidden chambers or corridors adjacent to Tutankhamens tomb is not supported by the GPR data, the ministry said in its statement. The golden sarcophagus of King Tutankhamen in his burial chamber at the Valley of the Kings in 2015. (Khaled Desouki / AFP/Getty Images ) The ministry has been gradually moving King Tuts belongings to a new museum outside Cairo near the Giza Pyramids to undergo restoration before they are put on display. The transfer of the priceless belongings has become a particularly sensitive issue; in 2014 the beard attached to the ancient Egyptian monarchs golden mask was accidentally knocked off and hastily reattached with an epoxy glue compound, sparking uproar among archaeologists. The fourth International Tutankhamen Conference in Cairo where Porcelli presented the findings, the most extensive radar survey of the site to date, was attended by a wide range of Egyptologists and archaeologists from the world over. During the conference, Antiquities Minister Khaled Anani said that the first phase of the new museum, including King Tuts halls, will be completed by the end of this year but that the date for the museums soft opening has yet to be decided. The museum currently hosts more than 43,200 artifacts, of which over 4,500 belong to King Tut alone, and its grand opening is planned for 2022. Attorney General Jeff Sessions will visit the San Diego border Monday to discuss the immigration enforcement efforts of the Trump Administration. Justice Department officials said Sessions would hold a press conference with Immigration and Customs Enforcement Deputy Director Thomas D. Homan at 1 p.m. The location was not disclosed. Sessions visit follows a March visit by President Donald Trump to Otay Mesa to survey border wall prototypes. Other administration officials also have made recent visits to the border region. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen viewed Calexicos replacement border barrier project on April 18. Less than two weeks later, on April 30, Vice President Mike Pence addressed Homeland Security and Border Patrol employees at the El Centro Border Patrol Station to discuss border wall plans and to call for tougher controls on immigration. Advertisement The conference comes a week after a group of Central American asylum seekers arrived at the U.S. border in Tijuana. The group launched their journey across Mexico more than a month ago, fleeing violent and impoverished areas of Central America. President Trump has been critical of the caravan in recent weeks, often referencing the group when criticizing what he sees as ineffectual immigration laws. RELATED The day after a migrant caravan reached the U.S. border in hopes of requesting asylum, Vice President Mike Pence visited a border construction project in Calexico, where he blamed activists for encouraging people facing hardship in Central America t Twitter: @LAWinkley (619) 293-1546 lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.com The California Republican Party will not endorse a candidate for governor in this years election after delegates failed to get behind a contender at this weekends convention in San Diego. Neither, John Cox, a businessman from Rancho Santa Fe, nor Assemblyman Travis Allen, R-Huntington Beach, received support from at least 60 percent of the delegates who participated in Sunday mornings endorsement vote, leaving them both without the GOPs backing headed into the June 5 primary against well-established and funded Democrats. Allen received 40.5 percent of the vote to Coxs 55.3 percent, both short of the required threshold. Another 4.1 percent of delegates voted against making any endorsement. There was an attempt to suspend the delegations parliamentary rules in order to vote again and push a candidate into the end zone, but that effort was also unsuccessful. Delegates, about 1,000 in all including proxy voters, assembled in a large white tent outside of the Sheraton Hotel and Marina on Harbor Island to cast their vote with handheld electronic devices that proved, on some rare occasions, to be finicky. Advertisement Registrars of voters across the state will begin shipping vote-by-mail ballots on Monday and the top two candidates in the jungle primary, regardless of their party, will head to the November runoff. Polls show Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, winning with a double-digit lead. Hes followed by former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Cox, who are neck-and-neck for second place. Allen typically places fourth, but is sometimes fifth and just behind Treasurer John Chiang, a Democrat. Both Coxs campaign and Allen said the non-endorsement was good for them. Matt Shupe, a spokesman for Cox, said that the non-endorsement amounts to a deathblow for Allens campaign. The assemblyman, Shupe said, is struggling financially and without the partys support is not a viable contender. Campaign finance reports show that as of April 21, Allen had $147,609 in his treasury, while Cox had $1.2 million. We have the resources to do it, Travis does not, Shupe said in an interview shortly after the delegates voted. We feel good about it. Our strategy is to go after 30 million voters; his strategy has been to go after 1,400 delegates. Shupe said he believes that Cox will be able to finish in the top-two in the primary even without the endorsements. Democrats failed to endorse a candidate for governor at their convention in February. Allen said that the decision was a huge win and shows that the California GOP cant be influenced by money. Chicago money cant buy California Republicans, Allen said, referring to the $4 million that Cox has put into his own campaign. Cox ran a law firm and a snack food company in Illinois. This was John Coxs best shot and he just blew it, Allen said in an interview. Allen said hes in a position to run a competitive race and has 13 million pieces of mail that will be shipped in the next week. Both Cox and Allen have campaigned as solidly conservative alternatives to a state government run entirely by Democrats. They have attacked the majority party on fiscal policy, immigration, taxes and transportation. Allen has aligned himself with President Donald Trump, and attacked Cox for being a never-Trump Republican. Cox, in turn, has not distanced himself from the president, but has described himself as a Jack Kemp Republican, a breed of conservative that focuses on eliminating poverty and inequities faced by minorities and has an aversion to mudslinging. The state GOP, after a procedural move to allow delegates to vote a second time, endorsed Steven Bailey, a retired judge, for attorney general over Eric Early, a lawyer. Bailey initially received 59.7 percent of the vote -- just a hair short of the 60 percent threshold but the delegates then voted to suspend the rules and vote again. On the second effort, Bailey received 69 percent support. Twitter: @jptstewart joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1841 An abandoned boat was found in Sunset Cliffs early Monday, and federal officials were summoned to take possession of the vessel, authorities said. Someone spotted the boat, which a Coast Guard official said was reported to be a panga-style fishing boat, on the shore along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard near Monaco Street around 5:45 a.m., Coast Guard and San Diego police officials said. The boat was around 25 feet long, and no one was found with it, said Coast Guard spokesman Rob Simpson. He said officials with Customs and Border Protections Air and Marine Operations had been notified and would take custody of the boat. Several life jackets could be seen inside the boat, which was left along the rocky shoreline below the cliffs. Pangas often are used by smugglers to transport people or drugs into the U.S. Advertisement . A panga was found abandoned in Sunset Cliffs early Monday. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune ) Twitter: @karenkucher (619) 293-1350 karen.kucher@sduniontribune.com The San Diego Police Department has work to do in addressing a shortage of sworn officers, though upcoming initiatives should improve recruitment and retention efforts, the City Councils Budget Review Committee was told Monday. The proposed budget addresses this priority in a number of ways, Independent Budget Analyst Chris Olsen said during a presentation on police spending. The committee is holding hearings this week on Mayor Kevin Faulconers $3.8 billion proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1. The Police Department has for several years dealt with a staffing crisis that has lengthened response times and increased overtime budgets. Advertisement As of April 23, there were 1,797 filled officer positions compared to a budgeted total of 2,040, according to an IBA report. Olsen said net hiring levels remain static while the department loses an average of 14 to 15 officers per month, likely at least partially due to how the San Diego departments pay compares to other California police departments. Salary increases in the San Diego Police Department set to begin in July will narrow that gap. City officials reached an agreement with the San Diego Police Officers Association last year that will boost officer salaries by $18.5 million in the coming fiscal year. Apart from retaining officers, the increases are expected to improve academy recruitment efforts. Four academies beginning in 2017 each produced between 21 and 38 recruits, which doesnt meet department needs, Chief David Nisleit told the committee. When were having those numbers in the 20s and 30s that was really impacting us, because academies just werent taking care of attrition. We need to get the academies up into the 50s, he said. The academy that began March 2 is expected to produce 43 cadets, and Nisleit said the upcoming June academy is looking at 50 possible recruits. But the academy cannot backfill the departments experienced officer pool. Nisleit said nearly 60 percent of San Diego police officers have six years of experience or less. Committee member Scott Sherman said attracting experienced officers is one of the departments most pressing priorities. We dont have that middle, which concerns me. Because our senior officers are going to go through a deserved retirement... But we dont have people with the years of experience to train the new guys, plus were having that gap thats going to cause us even more problems going forward,' he said. Nisleit said his department is considering a proposal to offer hiring bonuses in order to encourage lateral officer transfers from other police departments. Im hoping this new proposal that will be moving forward will help fill that gap, and this pay package will help people delay retirement. And with these big academies coming in, Im hoping well see that swing to a positive increase in numbers,' he said. The upcoming pay package increase has already attracted four former SDPD officers back to the department, Nisleit said, as well as four officers from other cities who havent previously worked for the SDPD. The current police budget also includes $350,000 for a recruitment marketing plan. The department is currently negotiating a contract with a company to conduct the campaign, Nisleit said. Homicide detectives are investigating a reported shooting that left a man dead in Logan Heights on Sunday, San Diego police said. Someone called 911 to report gunshots on Sampson Street near South 28th Street about 8:10 p.m. When officers arrived, they found an injured 29-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper body, said police homicide Lt. Anthony Dupree. The wounded man was taken to a hospital, where he died. There were no other victims, police said. Dupree told San Diego News Video that several shell casings were found in the street. Advertisement Officers know who the victim is but are not releasing his name until family members are notified, Dupree said. The homicide was the third killing in the city on Sunday. About seven hours earlier, two men were fatally shot in a city park, about two miles from the Logan Heights incident. Around 1:20 p.m., a gunman approached two men in front of the Mountain View Recreation Center, shot them and fled. The victims were taken to a hospital, but both died of their injuries. The Mountain View killing may have been gang related, although its still under investigation, Dupree said. Twitter: @LAWinkley (619) 293-1546 lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.com UPDATES: 6:50 a.m.: This article was updated with additional details. This article was originally published at 9:00 p.m. A group of government, business and community leaders have spearheaded an effort, dubbed Welcoming San Diego, to improve how the region serves its immigrant and refugee populations. As part of the initiative, the San Diego Unified School District will host a series of community forums starting this week aimed at brainstorming ways to help new Americans more seamlessly integrate, from finding jobs to combating discrimination. San Diego benefits from having a vibrant, inclusive and safe binational region that attracts families and businesses, Joel Day, executive director of the citys Human Relations Commission and International Affairs Board said in a press statement. Through the Welcoming San Diego program, we can help immigrants and refugees succeed in their new home, and allow San Diego to continue to flourish. The campaign kicked off earlier this year, trumpeting the value of immigrant workers, who are estimated to contribute more than $50 billion a year to the regional economy. Advertisement The city of San Diego routinely takes more refugees than anywhere in the state and often leads the way nationally in resettling people from war-torn countries, such as Syria. More than one in five San Diegans is an immigrant. These events are expected to focus on boosting civic engagement, educational opportunities, access to government services and other topics: Monday, May 7, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Mira Mesa High School, 10510 Marauder Way Wednesday, May 9, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Kearny Mesa High School, 1954 Komet Way Friday, May 11, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Madison High School, 4833 Doliva Drive Saturday, May 12, from 9 to 11 a.m., at Crawford High School, 4191 Colts Way Thursday, May 17, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Morse High School, 6905 Skyline Drive The workshops are part of a broader effort to draft a blueprint to maximize the contributions of the immigrant and refugee community in San Diego, according to a news release. Mayor Kevin Faulconer is expected to announce the release of the final document this fall. Welcoming San Diego includes a diverse partnership from the city of San Diego and the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce to San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium, Alliance San Diego and UC San Diego. RELATED Because many skilled occupations in the U.S. require licenses and training obtained in the country, refugees and other immigrants with skills and foreign credentials often struggle to find work commensurate with their experience. Twitter: @jemersmith Phone: (619) 293-2234 Email: joshua.smith@sduniontribune.com The California Republican Party did not agree on an endorsement Sunday in the governors race, a development that could stifle the chances that GOP voters will coalesce behind a candidate before the June 5 primary election. Businessman John Cox received 55.3% of the vote, short of the 60% required for the party nod. Assemblyman Travis Allen received 40.5%, while 4.1% voted for no endorsement at the partys convention in San Diego. The lack of a party endorsement in the gubernatorial contest could have significant political ramifications. Cox and Allen are not well known to California voters, and backing from the party stood to provide a powerful signal to undecided voters. If voters split between the two men, the state GOP risks a repeat of the 2016 U.S. Senate contest, when no Republican advanced to the general election, leaving voters with a choice between two Democrats on the November ballot. But the stakes are higher this year if the Republicans fail to launch a candidate to the top of the ticket, Republican voter turnout could be dampened in November, posing a threat to the partys ability to hold on to several congressional seats that are key to the GOP retaining control of Congress. Advertisement Its absolutely necessary that we as a party are united around the top race in the state, Karen Roseberry, a Los Angeles County delegate, said as she unsuccessfully urged the party to reconsider the endorsement vote. Every down-ticket race is counting on this. Coverage of California politics Despite losing out on an endorsement from their party, Coxs and Allens campaigns both predicted top-two finishes in June to compete against Democratic front-runner Gavin Newsom in the general election. As someone who worked hard on this, Im obviously disappointed, Cox spokesman Matt Shupe said. However, this does not stall our campaign one bit. We have the resources to move forward and take the fight to the Democrats. Travis Allen has no pathway without this endorsement. Allen framed the vote as a success because his supporters blocked an endorsement for Cox, a wealthy businessman who has donated more than $4 million to his campaign. Were ecstatic. The bottom line is John Cox with his Chicago money tried to buy California votes, Allen said, adding that he has more than 13 million mailers hitting GOP voters mailboxes next week. We are going to go and take our message across the state of California, and were going to take our state back and Im going to win. Both men face formidable challenges. The last time a Republican was elected to statewide office was more than a decade ago, and the partys share of voter registration has plummeted since. One possible bright spot for the party is a proposed initiative to repeal increases to the state gas tax. The effort is likely to qualify for the November ballot, and party leaders hope it will boost GOP turnout and appeal to Democratic and independent voters. This is unbeatable, Carl DeMaio, a leader of the repeal effort, said to party activists on Saturday. All we have to do is connect the dots. Recent polling shows Cox competing for the second spot in the run-up to the June primary, and some polls show Allen in striking distance. But the surveys took place before wealthy charter school backers contributed more than $12.5 million to an independent expenditure committee for a barrage of ads promoting former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, a Democrat. Among Republicans, Allen has enjoyed grassroots support, notably from many county GOP clubs, while Cox has more money and backing from establishment Republicans, including House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield. The statewide endorsement process is new for the California GOP, enacted in October as an attempt to blunt the effect of the relatively new top-two primary, in which the top two vote-getters advance to compete in the general election regardless of party. It was also prompted by the 2016 U.S. Senate race, when GOP voters splintered among three candidates. Delegates cast votes with electronic devices during the final day of the 2018 California Republican Party convention in San Diego. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times ) The partys delegates did vote to endorse retired Judge Steven Bailey for attorney general, Cole Harris for lieutenant governor and Mark Meuser for secretary of state. No candidate challenging Sen. Dianne Feinstein qualified to compete for an endorsement. A neo-Nazi Republican candidate who is challenging Californias senior senator was barred from attending the convention, condemned by party leaders and escorted off the property on Saturday morning as he kicked an Israeli flag. The three-day gathering of nearly 1,000 delegates and their guests on Harbor Island was otherwise a largely quiet affair, with the greatest focus on the gubernatorial candidates as they wooed delegates. Flanked by sign-waving supporters, the candidates greeted delegates, delivered speeches and threw cocktail parties for their backers. Allen campaign volunteers Laura and Craig Nelson, retirees from Rancho Cucamonga, said they were lifelong registered Democrats until they voted for President Trump in 2016. Though they couldnt vote on an endorsement because theyre not delegates, they spent Saturday afternoon waving signs and chanting at passing motorists at a park between the convention hotel and the airport. Travis Allen is the peoples choice, said Laura Nelson, 66, noting that Cox had unsuccessfully run for office multiple times and was funding his own campaign. Cox is a carpetbagger from Chicago. Travis Allen addresses delegates during the California Republican Party convention. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times ) Coxs rivals frequently criticized his wealth. You have a guy with $5 million and dishing out beaucoup political favors versus a guy basically running on T-shirt sales and donations, said Stephen Hockenbury, a psychiatrist and Allen supporter from Newport Beach. Travis Allen doesnt have a lot of money. What he has is a lot of people backing him. Hockenbury and others accused Cox of ripping off the assemblymans campaign themes. Cox threw a surfing-themed party for his supporters and volunteers Saturday night, drawing snarky comments from supporters of Allen, an avid surfer. Cox supporters painted the businessman as the only viable Republican candidate. GOP delegate Jack Frost, a member of the Sacramento County Republican Party central committee, said he initially backed Allen but cooled on the assemblyman as the campaign progressed. Allen had failed to raise campaign money, and to qualify his own gas-tax repeal initiative for the ballot. I feel hes more interested in advancing his own personal standing than getting someone into the top two, Frost said, adding that he was impressed by Coxs willingness to spend his own wealth on the race. And we really need to get someone in the top two. Thats really important to get Republicans to come out and vote. Republican candidate John Cox speaks to delegates at the state GOP convention Saturday in San Diego. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times ) Allen also faced criticism from some conservatives for using $300,000 raised to repeal the gas tax on advertisements promoting himself, rather than on signature gathering for the surviving initiative. After Allens initiative effort failed, he announced his support for a campaign for a similar ballot measure led by DeMaio and chaired by Cox. He stole funding, said DeMaio, a former San Diego City Council member. Allen denies the charge. Cox has contributed $250,000 to the petition campaign to put the repeal on the November ballot. John Cox is the only one who helped us. Travis Allen was a detriment to the effort, DeMaio said. Some party members called for unity among the two factions, arguing that the focus must be on beating Democrats and winning elections. There is clearly a divide, said Jennifer Beall, a delegate from Orange County. Lets shake hands, move on and go walk precincts. seema.mehta@latimes.com | Twitter: @LATSeema phil.willon@latimes.com | Twitter: @philwillon The San Diego County government desperately needs an outsider to jolt it from its complacency. For too long, county leaders would rather harp on the countys high bond ratings than help the public by aggressively responding to a longstanding housing crisis or the regions deadly hepatitis A outbreak or other issues their overflowing reserves might help address. The statement that county Chief Administrative Officer Walt Ekard made when he resigned in 2012 epitomizes their thinking: I have been privileged for the past 13 years to lead the finest local government in America, Ekard declared, and I say that without fear of legitimate contradiction. County officials dont just shrug off criticism; they try to punish it. In recent years, local journalist Kelly Davis co-authored a deeply disturbing series of stories in San Diego CityBeat on dozens of deaths in county jails that left the system with an average mortality rate between 2007 and 2012 that was the highest of the states 10 largest jails. Last year, county attorneys subpoenaed Davis for her work, an intimidating act that can be seen as a warning to other journalists to leave county government alone. Given this history, it is crucial that voters act wisely in replacing termed-out Supervisor Ron Roberts in the 4th District, which stretches across San Diego, from La Jolla to Kearny Mesa to Downtown to Encanto. The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board interviewed the five candidates for the job, and we believe Omar Passons, a Democratic attorney and activist with a background in public health and community development, is easily the best choice. In his interview, Passons did an exceptional job sketching out a detailed vision of a county that proactively addresses problems, only starting with housing and homelessness. The former foster child wants a county that works to help young people succeed in life, helps poor people deal with food insecurity and poverty, and realizes the downside of a criminal justice system that can be destructively punitive. His wonkishness, however, is tempered by a practical appreciation of the importance of coalition building. Passons says the last thing he would be as a county supervisor is meek. In our interviews, the most prominent of the other candidates former county District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis was surprisingly underwhelming and showed little grasp of big topical issues like housing and marijuana and little appreciation for why so many residents are frustrated with county leadership. Passons, former city Deputy Fire Chief Ken Malbrough, former Assemblywoman Lori Saldana and former Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher were far better at dissecting the problems created by what Malbrough called county groupthink. Advertisement The second-best candidate, Fletcher is well-versed on the issues but still struggles to explain his 18-month ideological odyssey from a conventional George W. Bush Republican to an above-it-all independent to a union Democrat a slalom across the political spectrum that began after he failed to gain the county GOPs endorsement in the 2012 San Diego mayors race. Even if Fletcher remains a Democrat for life, his evolution will smack of expediency. Passons doesnt have such political baggage. While he lacks some of his opponents name recognition and campaign resources, he outshines them on temperament and preparedness. Voters who are unfamiliar with him should check out his website at omarpassons.com. We think youll be impressed and that you may join us in believing that San Diego County needs Passons on its Board of Supervisors. District 4 Board of Supervisors candidates answered eight questions on a host of county issues from housing to homelessness to spending to mass transit and also met with The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial board. Those individual interviews lasted more than an hour and are presented here, lightly edited. Bonnie Dumanis: Click to read her questionnaire | Click to read the interview | Listen to the interview Nathan Fletcher: Click to read his questionnaire | Click to read the interview | Listen to the interview Ken Malbrough: Click to read his questionnaire | Click to read the interview | Listen to the interview Omar Passons: Click to read his questionnaire | Click to read the interview | Listen to the interview Lori Saldana: Click to read her questionnaire | Click to read the interview | Listen to the interview Read and listen to all of our candidate interviews & questionnaires. Related: How The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board will make its 2018 election endorsements You will find all of our endorsements here. Twitter: @sdutIdeas Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion Twitter: @sdutIdeas Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion The California Republican Party, which held its convention in San Diego over the weekend, made clear that it wants nothing to do with a U.S. Senate candidate who publicly espouses anti-Semitic and white supremacist views. There's no room for that kind of hate speech that that man uses," Cynthia Bryant, executive director of the California Republican Party, told the Los Angeles Times, referring to the candidate, Patrick Little. If the name is not at all familiar, its because Little has remained on the fringes until a new SurveyUSA poll showed him getting 18 percent of voters in the U.S. Senate race thats led by incumbent Dianne Feinstein, D-San Francisco. The poll essentially made him the top Republican in the race. Little considers himself a serious candidate with a real chance at replacing Feinstein in the U.S. Senate, but his views have been cast as not representative of Republican values. So, who is he, anyway, and why is the Republican Party disavowing him? Heres a quick synopsis of the candidate that everyone was talking about over the weekend: What happened Saturday and why was he kicked out? As convention events were getting under way on Saturday, Little was seen trying to register at the Sheraton Hotel and Marina where the convention was happening, the Los Angeles Times reported. According to the Times, GOP officials did not want him there. In an exchange with Bryant, the California GOP executive director, Little tried to convince her that he belong there because he is a Republican candidate. But youre not welcome here, Bryant replied. Witnesses described him as dragging and kicking an Israeli flag. Little protested his removal with a rant shown in a video posted on YouTube. The Republican Party of California is nothing but Zionist stooges, Little said as he stepped on an Israeli flag. Who is Patrick Little and what is his background? On his campaign website, Little describes himself as a native Maine, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and an IT engineer. In a Newsweek interview, Little was described as 33 years old. It remains unclear where he lives or how much money his campaign has raised, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. All over his social media and in interviews, Little has expressed anti-Semitic views. He has denied the Holocaust and he told Newsweek that he sees Adolf Hitler as the second coming of Christ. Little has also called on for the U.S. to become free from Jews. On his campaign site, his campaign slogan is Liberate the U.S. from the Jewish Oligarchy. Among those to endorse him is white supremacist David Duke. Whats Patrick Littles political platform? On his site, Little says that as a U.S. senator he wants the government to grant federal benefits based on merit and to nationalize internet giants like Google, Facebook and Twitter. His anti-Semitic policy goals include making it illegal for people of Jewish faith to take office in government, outlawing foreign aid to Israel and changing the U.S. Constitution to make the U.S. an explicitly an ethnically European nation. He also wants to make it illegal for any foundation to raise money for Holocaust education. What do other Republican Party members say? Little appears to have no support from the California Republican Party. After Little was kicked out of the convention over the weekend, Luis Alvarado, a GOP consultant, said Little doesnt represent the values of the Republican Party. Matt Fleming, a spokesman for the California Republican Party, also sought to separate the GOP from the candidate. Mr. Little has never been an active member of our party. I do not know Mr. Little and I am not familiar with his positions, Fleming told the Los Angeles Times. But in the strongest terms possible, we condemn anti-Semitism and any other form of religious bigotry, just as we do with racism, sexism or anything else that can be construed as a hateful point of view. Wait, did the Republican Party just ban a neo-Nazi? Yes. The move by GOP officials to expel Little from the convention gained praised from some on Twitter, including one person who called it a rare moment of ethical integrity by the part of the GOP. Email: luis.gomez@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @RunGomez Read The Conversation on Flipboard. Knockaround, a sunglass company based in San Diego, will release its sixth annual Class Acts sunglasses on May 7. As a yearly program, Class Acts partners with Art Reach, which seeks to teach young students the importance of art. The sunglass company and charity collaborate to provide local fourth and fifth grade students ideation and drawing workshops and the opportunity to practice creativity by designing a pair of sunglasses. Out of all the students designs, Knockaround typically selects one pair to sell on its website. This year, three designs were chosen Galaxy by fourth grader Amaya; Mr. Butter by fifth grader Danielle; and Croc in the Swamp by fourth grader Brayden. Left to right: Galaxy by fourth grader, Amaya; Croc in the Swamp by fourth grader, Brayden; and Mr. Butter by fifth grader, Danielle. (Neil Johnson / ) The sunglasses will be available for purchase on May 7, with 100% of the proceeds going back to art education for local underfunded K-12 schools. Aside from the Class Acts designs, Knockaround also sells a variety of affordable unisex sunglasses starting at $10, with polarized sunglasses starting at $15. When I founded Knockaround in 2005 after graduating art school, it was fueled by my love of art and design, said founder Adam Ace Moyer in a recent press release. I feel lucky to have seen art as a viable path for myself and I want to create more opportunities for young people to pursue their artistic careers. Since its inception, through the Class Acts program, Knockaround has raised more than $60,000 for elementary art education in San Diego County. For those inspired by the creative spirit of Class Acts but not by spending their days playing at recess or learning to write in cursive, Knockaround offers a Design Your Own option starting at $25. The Class Acts sunglasses and the rest of Knockarounds products are available on its website, knockaround.com. Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Stay up to date on the latest news and the local entertainment scene by subscribing to The New Mexican's email lists. We take the interstate system for granted today. But when it was first proposed, the vision and scope of the super roads project was nothing short of astounding. Weekly Newsletter The best of The Saturday Evening Post in your inbox! Join This article and other features about the golden era of American cars can be found in the Posts Special Collectors Edition, American Cars: 1940s, 50s & 60s. Originally published October 20, 1956 On last June 29, with President Eisenhowers signature, one of the most astounding pieces of legislation in history quietly became a law. Public Law 627, known as the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, represents such a monumental conception of national public works that its accomplishment will literally dwarf any previous work of man. In addition to the size and scope of this heartening program to rehabilitate our major highway systems (heartening because here, at long last, Americas wealth and resources will implement a project to aid Americans), Public Law 627 is an inspiring example of democracy at work. Torn to pieces by partisan, sectional, and pressure-bloc attacks in one session of the 84th Congress, the legislation passed both houses of a subsequent session of the same Congress with but one dissenting vote. That should answer any questions, in any language, as to who really runs this country. Subscribe and get unlimited access to our online magazine archive. Subscribe Today Though it is by now apparent that practically every American wants and is willing to pay for better highways, few of our citizens outside the highway agencies involved understand just how the new legislation will bring this about. Now lets see what we are going to get for the approximately $50 billion in use taxes we shall be paying into the federal-aid highway program during the next 15 years. he form of other public works just take the Panama Canal, the Grand Coulee Dam, and the St. Lawrence Seaway and combine them into one tremendous construction project. You could finance 29 such projects with the money were going to put into our main highway system under this new legislation. Does 15 years sound like a protracted work schedule to you? It took the Romans 500 years to build the 50,000 miles of their famous single-lane highway system; in the Interstate System alone well be building some 150,000 lane-miles of incomparably superior road in about 1/40th of that time. As for employment by 1960, when the program reaches its peak spending level of about $8 billion a year for new construction, there will be a labor force of 900,000 working, either directly or indirectly, on the federal-aid highways. This labor force, over the 15 years of the program, will utilize 439 million tons of steel, cement, and bituminous materials. Nobody, but nobody, can estimate how much dirt will be moved. If the crushed stone to be used for the base of the roads constructed under the new program were to be dumped in conical piles, you could form 500 pyramids, each the size of Cheops four city blocks square and rising to the height of a 40-story building. As this hog wallow of statistical superlatives suggests, the road-building program this country has planned for itself during the next 15 years creates a new concept of the word colossal. The projected improvement and reconstruction of our federal-aid primary and secondary systems is, in itself, an enterprise of staggering dimensions; this, however, is just another road-building job when compared with the task we have undertaken in preparing the Interstate System for tomorrows traffic. That new title the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways tells the story of the road network which will receive the major portion of the brave new effort to get this country out of its national traffic jam. The Interstate System, first designated in 1944, is the 40,000-mile network of existing roads which comprise our trunk-line highways; it connects 209 of the 237 cities having a population of 50,000 or more, and serves the countrys principal industrial and defense areas. A defense area, in this respect, is considered a strategic production center rather than a military base. Though the idea of the Interstate System has been around for some time, the 1956 legislation, with a small phrase directing that local traffic needs be given an equal consideration with interstate commerce, has added an exciting new potential to the program. Spelled out, this means that the Interstate System will not only connect our major cities, it will also serve these urban centers with expressways which both bypass the built-up areas and tap the traffic sources of the city itself. This means that, for the first time, comprehensive planning and large gobs of federal-aid money are being thrown into the fight to solve our urban traffic tangles. What sort of highways are we going to get for our money? The first fact to be noted is that the Interstate System will be built to accommodate our estimated 1975 traffic needs, plus a capacity for expansion after that date. In appearance, the roads of the new system will generally resemble the best of our present toll turnpikes. They will be broad ribbons of highways on rights-of-way varying from 150 to 300 feet wide, depending upon the terrain, the type of country, and the number of lanes involved. Most of these rights-of-way will be fenced in, and all will be reserved exclusively for highway use which means there will be no billboards and none of the commercial development which flanks most of our present highway system. Service stations, motels, and restaurants will be located either on frontage roads which parallel the highway or on the intersecting roads which lead to the interchanges. Most rights-of-way will provide space for future expansion, making the system a reasonably permanent development. The built-in design speeds of the new system 50-to-70-mile-per-hour minimums in rural areas and a 50-mile-per-hour minimum in urban areas call for gentle grades and slow curves. Legal speed limits will be set by the states. Traffic lanes will have a minimum width of 12 feet, and all-weather shoulders will be from 6 to 10 feet wide. The dividing, or median, strips on the multilane sections of the system will be at least 36 feet wide in rural areas and no less than 4 feet wide in built-up urban areas. Most of the access roads at the interchanges will merge with the traffic flow over speed-change lanes. Road surfacing will vary in several states, but all of it will conform to the highest standards of modern highway construction. This brings up the question of what will happen in the case of towns located on the present Interstate System. The answer is unequivocal: The new highways will go around them. Access roads, generally built with federal-aid-to-primary-roads money 50 percent from Uncle Sam and 50 percent from the state will angle out from either side of the town to the new highway. Economic studies have shown that such a bypass for through traffic invariably benefits a small town by easing congestion in its shopping and business centers. Where the access roads join the new highway, an arrangement of official signs will direct through traffic to the towns service, restaurant, and motel facilities. The very fact that the bypass will be a controlled-access highway, with no commercial development on its right-of-way, will protect these existing highway-service businesses. The two biggest problems facing the builders of the new systems urban links are long-range planning and the acquisition of rights-of-way. Any reader can vicariously sample the agonies involved if he will take a map of a large metropolitan area with which he is familiar. Imagine the cost and effort involved in acquiring the 200-foot rights-of-way for this network and the engineering problems to be met in carrying local traffic over or under the expressways, and then compound the problems by introducing apparently endless delays occasioned by public hearings, material shortages, and litigation. This is the task which must be accomplished by our urban officials and our 48 state highway departments during the next few years if our cities are not to choke to death on their own traffic. The new federal program provides 90 percent of the money for this job, and also sets the time limit for its completion. Though cutting traffic corridors through the hearts of our cities may at first seem like a horrendous economic waste, the experience of highway planners to date has proved that such developments actually profit every section of the urban community. Property holders on the expressway sites are paid a fair sum for their equities, while land adjacent to expressways invariably increases in value. Most important, the combination of the inner-city expressways and the belt lines enables the city to spread its former boundaries of convenience and creates new realty values in all directions. A happy byproduct of all these expressway developments is that they invariably do an excellent job of slum clearance as they knife through the poorer sections of the city. The first bulldozer cut under the new program for the Interstate System was made on Route 40, near St. Charles, Missouri, on August 10, 1956. Massachusetts awarded its first contract under the new program on August 14, and Ohio began moving dirt on an interstate project in early September. The 15-year campaign to get our traffic moving is underway; with a little luck and lots of cooperation from everyone, well be riding from coast to coast and from border to border without a stop light or a traffic snarl by 1972. The Automotive Safety Foundation estimates that, during its first 10 years of operation, the improved Interstate System will save 35,000 lives. Will you or your children be among that army of the reprieved? If so, you can count the time and the money the new highways will save as just another dividend. Coast to Coast without a Stoplight, October 20, 1956 Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/07/2018 -- Corrosion is an electrochemical process that transforms metals and alloys into oxides, hydroxides, and aqueous salts. In the corrosion process, there are generally two types of reactions that take place. The first is the anodic reaction, in which reaction metal atoms are ionized and pass into solutions, leaving their electrons in the original metal. In the second process, the cathodic reaction, reduction takes place and metals are degraded by chemical reactions with O2 and H2O. Corrosion monitoring is the process of controlling and preventing of corrosion. In this process, the corrosion monitoring is done by using probes. The probes, which can be mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical, are inserted into the process stream and constantly exposed to the process stream. Corrosion monitoring techniques provide direct and online measurement of metal loss and corrosion rate in industrial process. There are a number of corrosion monitoring techniques being used in the industry to estimate metal loss and to take preventive measures such as weight loss coupons, electrical resistance, linear polarization, hydrogen penetration, galvanic current, and microbial. Weight loss coupons, electrical resistance, and linear polarization resistance are the most popular techniques used in industrial corrosion monitoring systems. Browse Research Report With Complete TOC @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/corrosion-monitoring-market.html Corrosion monitoring systems have applications where the risks of operation are high such as, in areas, where corrosion inhibitors are used and other processes involving high corrosion. The corrosion monitoring system is essential to maintain safety standards in batch productions, where corrosive component is concentrated due to repeated cycles. The oil & gas industry is the major application area for corrosion monitoring system. The oil & gas industry comprises upstream, downstream, and midstream industries and every stream is under strict scrutiny by regulators and environmental agencies. Thus, the industry needs a high level of safety and protection standards to increase their assets durability and a best practice to manage the corrosion-free environment. The need of corrosion monitoring system in oil & gas industry are essential in specific areas where accidental safety and prevention is highly important such as flow line, gathering system, transport pipeline, water injection facilities, vessels, chemical injection system, drilling mud system, etc. Increasing exploration & production of crude oil and rising demand from the downstream market is likely to propel the demand for corrosion monitoring system in the near future. Paper & pulp industry is another key market for corrosion monitoring in areas such as digesters and boiler systems. Asia-Pacific has been the key region for corrosion monitoring system in the global corrosion monitoring market in 2015 followed by North America. The region is likely to demonstrate the significant growth during the forecast period due to rise in demand from the rapidly developing economies within the region such as India and China. The North America region is expected to maintain its share in the global corrosion monitoring market due to increasing shale gas exploration activities during the forecast period. Expansion of stabilizing chemical manufacturing industries is expected to support the same trend in North America for corrosion monitoring market. Increasing investment in oil & gas and chemical industry concerning the high safety standards are anticipated to boost the corrosion monitoring market during the forecast period. Request a PDF Brochure with Research Report Analysis @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=14513 The key players operates in the corrosion monitoring market are Intertek (U.K.), SGS SA (Switzerland), Cosasco (U.S.), Korosi Specindo (Indonesia), Rysco Corrosion Services (Canada), BAC Corrosion Control (U.K.) Applied Corrosion Monitoring (U.S.), Permasense (U.K.), ICORR Technologies (U.S.), and Pyramid Technical Services (India). About Transparency Market Research Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge. Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMR's syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement. Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/07/2018 -- Dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate is a colorless and transparent liquid. Dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate is solid under indoor temperature. The odor of dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate resembles flower and fruit odor. Dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate is mainly used in applications such as cosmetic soap and food essences. The growing demand from the food and beverages industry and the cosmetics soap industry is expected to drive the dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate market across the globe. Read Report Overview @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/dimethyl-benzyl-carbinyl-acetate-market.html The flash point of dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate is 96 C and the melting point of dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate is 30 C. The boiling point of dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate is 250 C. Dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate usually stored in a tightly sealed drum which is kept in a cool and dry place with a proper protection from light. Dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate is insoluble in water. The odor of dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate can be described as is sweet, floral, pear, green, berry, fruity rose, jasmine and powdery. Dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate is widely utilized in perfume compositions, primarily for soap perfumes and cosmetic fragrances. Dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate is usually used in rose, muguet, jasmine bases, geranium, hyacinth and other types of florals and chypre types. Dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate is typically used for imparting flavor and fragrances to soaps and food products. The application products of dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate are widely used in end-user industries such as cosmetics and food and beverages. The rapid growth in the detergent industry and the food and beverages industry is expected to drive the global dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate in the next few years. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing market for dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate and other types of flavors and fragrances in the next few years. The main reason for this is the growing demand for flavors and fragrances, especially dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate, in China, India and South East Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand due to increasing demand for cosmetics and food and beverages from the continuously escalating population. There is a enormous market potential for cosmetics and food and beverages industries in the countries such as India, China, Thailand, Indonesia, and Brazil. Owing to this, the demand for dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate application products is expected to grow at a notable rate in the next few years. This will finally generate a huge demand for dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate in these emergent nations. The growing food and beverages and cosmetics markets across the globe, especially in the emergent nations, are anticipated to boost the global dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate market in the next few years. In addition to this, the developed countries in North America and European region are recovering from the economic crisis. Considering this outlook, the demand dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate application products is expected to record an outstanding growth in the next few years. The major players operating in the dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate market are largely emphasizing on the developing economies for tapping their enormous market potential. These companies are installing manufacturing facilities in the developing nations to fulfill the growing demand for dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate from the food and beverages and cosmetics industries. Therefore, the global dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate market is anticipated to witness a notable growth in the next six years. Request to view Sample Report: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=24410 Some of the key companies operating in the global dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate market are M&U International, The John D. Walsh Company, Inc., Yingyang (China) Aroma Chemical Group and LLUCH ESSENCE. Deerfield Beach, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/07/2018 -- 99strategy added a new latest industry research report that focuses on "Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBA) (CAS 79-94-7) market" and provides in-depth Global Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBA) (CAS 79-94-7) market analysis and future prospects of Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBA) (CAS 79-94-7) market 2017. The research study covers significant data which makes the document a handy resource for managers, analysts, industry experts and other key people get ready-to-access and self-analyzed study along with graphs and tables to help understand market trends, drivers and market challenges. The research study is segmented by Application/ end users, products type and geographies like United States, China, Europe, Japan, Korea & Taiwan. Get Access to SAMPLE pages @: http://www.99strategy.biz/global-tetrabromobisphenol-a-tbba-cas-79-94-7.html#request-sample The analysis covers the present market size of the us Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBA) (CAS 79-94-7) market and its growth rates supported five year history knowledge in conjunction with company profile of key players/manufacturers like Albemarle, Chemtura, ICL-IP, Jordan Bromine, Shandong Brother Sci.&Tech, Shandong Brother Sci.&Tech, Tianjin Changlu Hangu Saltern, Kingboard Chemical Holdings, Shenrunfa, Shandong Weifang Longwei, Shandong Futong Chemical etc. . The in-depth info by segments of Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBA) (CAS 79-94-7) market helps monitor future profitableness essential selections for growth. the data on trends and developments, focuses on markets and materials, capacities, technologies, CAPEX cycle and also the ever-changing structure of the us Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBA) (CAS 79-94-7) Market. The study provides company identification, product image and specifications, sales, market share and call info of key makers of us Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBA) (CAS 79-94-7) Market, a number of them listed here ar Albemarle, Chemtura, ICL-IP, Jordan Bromine, Shandong Brother Sci.&Tech, Shandong Brother Sci.&Tech, Tianjin Changlu Hangu Saltern, Kingboard Chemical Holdings, Shenrunfa, Shandong Weifang Longwei, Shandong Futong Chemical etc. . The market is growing at a really fast pace and with rise in technological innovation, competition and M&A activities within the business several native and regional vendors ar giving specific application merchandise for various end-users. The new manufacturer entrants within the market ar finding it arduous to vie with the international vendors supported quality, responsibleness, and innovations in technology. Global Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBA) (CAS 79-94-7) (Thousands Units) and Revenue (Million USD) Market Split by Product kind like Glass, chrome steel, Ceramic, Acrylic & Others. additional the analysis study is divided by Application like family, Office, Commuter, Sport & Others with historical and projected market share and combined annual rate. Geographically, this report is divided into many key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), and market share and rate of Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBA) (CAS 79-94-7) in these regions, from 2017 to 2023 (forecast), covering The North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India, The South & The geographical area and its Share (%) and CAGR for the forecasted amount 2017 to 2023. Read Elaborate Index of full analysis Study at @: http://www.99strategy.biz/global-tetrabromobisphenol-a-tbba-cas-79-94-7.html What this Research Study Offers: 1. Global Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBA) (CAS 79-94-7) Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments 2. Market share analysis of the top industry players 3. Strategic recommendations for the new entrants 4. Market forecasts for a minimum of 5 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets 5. Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations) 6. Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations 7. Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends 8. Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments 9. Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements There ar fifteen Chapters to show the us Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBA) (CAS 79-94-7) market Chapter 1, to explain Definition, Specifications and Classification of Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBA) (CAS 79-94-7) , Applications of Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBA) (CAS 79-94-7) , Market phase by Regions; Chapter 2, to investigate the producing value Structure, stuff and Suppliers, producing method, business Chain Structure; Chapter 3, to show the Technical knowledge and producing Plants Analysis of Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBA) (CAS 79-94-7) , capability and business Production Date, producing Plants Distribution, R&D standing and Technology supply, Raw Materials Sources Analysis; Chapter 4, to indicate the general marketing research, capability Analysis (Company Segment), Sales Analysis (Company Segment), Sales value Analysis (Company Segment); Chapter 5 and 6, to indicate the Regional marketing research that features The North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India, The South & The Midwest, Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBA) (CAS 79-94-7) phase marketing research (by Type); Chapter 7 and 8, to investigate the Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBA) (CAS 79-94-7) phase marketing research (by Application) Major makers Analysis of Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBA) (CAS 79-94-7) ; Chapter 9, Market analytic thinking, Regional Market Trend, Market Trend by Product, Market Trend by Application; Chapter 10, Regional promoting kind Analysis, International Trade kind Analysis, offer Chain Analysis; Chapter 11, to investigate the shoppers Analysis of us Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBA) (CAS 79-94-7) ; Chapter 12, to explain Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBA) (CAS 79-94-7) analysis Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and knowledge source; Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to explain Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBA) (CAS 79-94-7) sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, analysis Findings and Conclusion, appendix and knowledge supply. Get Enquiry & check discount for report @: http://www.99strategy.biz/global-tetrabromobisphenol-a-tbba-cas-79-94-7.html#inquiry-for-buying Thanks for reading this article; you'll conjointly get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia." About 99 Strategy 99 Strategy provides a range of marketing and business research solutions designed for our client's specific needs based on our expert resources. The business scopes of 99 Strategy cover more than 30 industries including energy, new materials, transportation, daily consumer goods, chemicals, etc. We provide our clients with one-stop solution for all the research requirements. Wilmington, DE -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/07/2018 -- Mail Out Ad, a renowned ad based company has launched offers that enable users to make the most out of Multi Level Marketing solutions and gain financial freedom. The company is known for its Ad and Bitcoin based products that are already being successfully marketed by members all over the world. What's interesting about these solutions is the fact that they bring the power of Internet and blend it with the traditional means of word of mouth publicity to create a highly potent plan. Now all users who want to make money and get huge benefits can become an agent with the company and get started. Registering as a member with Mail Out Ad is fairly simple. Users can then choose from one of the many dynamic Business Plans offered by the company. When members refer another member for taking an Ad Combo, the sponsor gets 10% of the referral ad combo income. That's how the chain continues and keeps growing, bringing a whirlwind of benefits to members. Some of the highlights of this innovative Multi Level Marketing scheme include a versatile range of payment solutions for deposits and withdrawals and 24 x 7 customer support. The dedicated team of Security Operations Center engineers is always available on whatsapp, livechat and skype to answer any queries interested users or existing members might have. One has the option of watching more videos on YouTube as well. To keep users' minds at rest, Mail Out Ad offers highest level of authentication, DDOS protection and complete privacy for end consumers. Members will also be able to display Trust Guard Business Verified Seal to gain the trust of their customers. Those who would like to meet the CEO of the company in the UK can do that with a prior appointment that can be scheduled. Mail Out Ad offers Pay per click, video ads and withdrawals advertisement solutions that can be ideal for attracting new customers. The company will host at event in Dubai on Sept, 27th. Interested users in the area can head to the event, while those anywhere in the world can simply reach out to the company via whatsapp and become a member who gets exciting new rewards every month. About Mail Out Ad The private company based out of UK, Scotland, US, Seychelles and Dominican Republic that has members all over the world markets Ad and Bitcoin based products to good effect. Media Contacts: Website: https://www.mailoutad.com Email: helpdesk@mailoutad.com Phone: +44 744 190 6981 Address: 1000 N West St Suite 1200, Wilmington, Delaware 19801 Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/07/2018 -- Chamomile is the common name of a group of plants that have been used since ancient times as herbal remedy. There are several different species of chamomile; however, Matricaria recutita (German chamomile) and Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile) are widely grown across the world. Matricaria recutita is a hardy plant that can be found in a variety of different soils and climate. The plant has historically been used in teas for treating fevers, flu, digestive disorders, and skin ailments. Chamomile oil, also known as blue oil, is the primary extract of the flowers and flower heads of the chamomile plant. Request Report Brochure @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=20408 This oil contains several compounds that have medicinal benefits with key constituent groups being coumarins, sesquiterpenes, polyacetylenes, and flavonoids. These groups mainly consist of chamazulene, (E)-?-farnesene, ?-bisabolol oxides A and ?-bisabolol oxides B, ?-bisabolol and terpene alcohol. The Matricaria recutita extracts are included as drugs in the pharmacopoeia of many countries across the globe and are known for their anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and spasmolytic properties. Common process of obtaining the Matricaria recutita extract from the blossom of the plant is trough steam distillation. Under this process, hot steam is passed through a still containing the Matricaria recutita flowers. The hot steam penetrates the plant, forcing the essential oil out of the plant. It is then collected separately. Chamomile oil yields obtained from the Matricaria recutita flowers are very low, typical yields being only 0.2?"0.4% of the total weight of the flowers. The extracted oil is used for a variety of medicinal purposes, with the general use being for mental and physical relaxation. Depending upon the therapeutic use, the oil can be ingested orally or can be topically applied. Matricaria recutita oil extract is used to ease insomnia, as a mood enhancer, mild anti-depressant, and an aid to calm nervousness or anxiety problems. Apart from its mental calming properties, the oil is also useful for soothing aching joints and muscles. The Matricaria recutita oil is commonly used as an ingredient in skin lotions and creams due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The oil is also used to ease digestive problems and soothe conjunctivitis symptoms. In addition to pharmaceutical uses, the oil is extensively employed in a number of commercial products including soaps, alcoholic beverages, detergents, perfumes, lotions, ointments, hair care products, food products, bakery products, and cosmetics. Read Report Overview @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/matricaria-recutitta-extract-market.html Because of its extensive medicinal and pharmaceutical properties, Matricaria recutita oil possesses good economic value and is in high demand across the world. The plant grows well in temperate and semi-temperate regions and is native to Southern and Eastern Europe. Commercial growing of the plant has been undertaken in the mountainous regions of India and Nepal. Matricaria recutita is an important crop in Hungary, France, Yugoslavia, Germany, Russia, and Brazil. The plant can be found in other regions in North Africa, Asia, North and South America, Australia, and New Zealand. Hungary is one of the most important growers of Matricaria recutita with the majority of the flowers produced being exported to Germany. Valley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/07/2018 -- Future Market Insights (FMI) announced the release of a latest report titled, "POU Water Purifiers Market: MENA Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2014 - 2020". FMI estimates that the Point of Use (POU) water purifier market in Middle East and North Africa is expected to reach US$ 471 Mn at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2014 to 2020. Residential water purification system includes point of use water purifiers (POU), point of entry (POE) water purifiers, portable water purifiers. Moreover, the demand for POU water purifiers is high among consumers in MENA region as compared to POE and portable water purifiers. In the POU water purifiers market, products with high purification capabilities such as combination of reverse osmosis (RO) and Ultraviolet (UV) technologies are more preferred. It has also been observed that a majority of the demand is coming from urban centres in GCC when compared to the entire MENA region. Request For Report Sample@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-ma-30 Market Segments The POU water purifiers market is segmented on the basis of technology which includes RO, UV and media-based. RO technology based water purifiers segment is estimated to account for slightly over 40% of the total POU water purifiers market in MENA region in 2014. Media-based water purification, which is a conventional water purification technology has also witnessed technological advancements, and is estimated to display a CAGR of 9.3% during the forecast period, in terms of volume. The third technology, UV based water purifiers, is estimated to exhibit a sluggish growth rate during the forecast period due to its limitation in removing only organic contaminants from water. Additionally, UV-based water purifiers are also priced higher in comparison to media-based water purifiers and hence the product preference for UV based water purifiers is comparatively low. Region-wise, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), United Arab Emirates (UAE), Turkey, Israel, Egypt and Algeria are the promising markets for POU water purifiers. In addition, a cumulative scenario has been highlighted for rest of MENA (includes smaller countries like Kuwait, Jordan etc.). Among the aforementioned regions, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is estimated to be the prominent market for POU water purifiers, followed by Turkey, due to its growing population and rapid urbanization, and increasing awareness for safe drinking water forecast period. In addition, penetration of bottled water is a challenge for the POU water purifiers market in Anatolia. As a result, Anatolia is estimated to demonstrate a sluggish growth rate in the near future. Furthermore, POU water purifiers market in UAE is anticipated to reach 149.2 thousand units by 2020, exhibiting a CAGR of 10% between 2014 and 2020. Drivers and Restraints Deteriorating water quality, rising cost of bottled water, increasing population coupled with increasing per capita income are some of the prominent factors which will catalyse the point of use water purifiers in the region. Though the MENA market is attractive in terms of absolute dollar opportunity, low awareness about safe drinking water and product unavailability are major challenges for the MENA POU water purifier market. Request For Report Table of Content (TOC): https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-ma-30 Competitive Landscape Key players operating in the MENA water purifier market are LG, Eureka Forbes, Strauss Water, Panasonic, WaterLife and Coolplex. The report sheds light on their key growth strategies and recent developments. In addition, the report also discusses the value chain followed by multinational companies in MENA for POU water purifiers. Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/07/2018 -- There are a lot of haircare products available on today's market and it can be tough to find something that compliments the hair type and style. With a prime focus on Brazil market, a new study has been released, which states that the sales of hair care products have surged in the last decade in Brazil and the Brazilian haircare market is constantly innovating. Market Research Hub (MRH) has freshly broadcasted this study to its mega-repository, which is titled "Haircare - Shampoo, Conditioner, Treatment and Coloring - Brazil - April 2018". The report majorly focuses on overall Brazil market, analyzing latest trends and future prospects until the end of 2022. The estimated market size has been provided covering total Forecast of retail sales of shampoos and conditioners, by value, for the period 2012-22. Request For Sample Report: https://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1737246 Brazil Haircare: Market Overview & Key Highlights A number of Brazilian women are of the opinion that going to the salon for their beauty and personal care is a necessity, representing a large part of their monthly spending. Major products in the haircare segment include: hair colorants, shampoos, and conditioners. On the basis of products, the research identifies that shampoos and conditioners are highly consumed among Brazilians. More than half of Brazilians are concerned with the health of their scalp, therefore avoid using coloring products. Products designed to be used during sleep and with UV protection have space in the market, as well as hair mask developed for men. On the other hand, some of the major facets of the market include: - There is a lack of products for the elderly - Hair colorants may have benefited from the economic recession - Consumption of dry haircare products is still low - Number of new beauty salons and barber shops increases - The market can explore some niches to stimulate sales in volume As per the study key findings, due to the various new trends in the market, such as natural, organic, and vegan products, as well as options for different hair types, such as curly and Afro-textured; new washing techniques, such as no-poo/low-poo; and line extensions, such as post-shampoos, pre-shampoos, and cleansing conditioners have impacted consumption and changed consumer behaviors. Mix of products can help boost sales of shampoos and conditioners, finds study. There are currently two most important market drivers analyzed in the study, such as economic recession hasn't stopped the opening of beauty salons, which is an advantage. Also, technologies present in formulations help ensure hair health. It has been also stated in the study that hair colorants with natural ingredients can use "repair damage" claim. Browse Full Report with TOC- https://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/haircare-shampoo-conditioner-treatment-and-coloring-brazil-april-2018-report.html Competitive Outlook In terms of key players, Unilever leads sales of shampoos and conditioners. In addition, L'Oreal and Coty account for more than half of Brazil's retail sales of shampoos and conditioners What makes this report unique and essential to read? The data provided is unique in the market as it tracks consumer behavior through to its actual value impact on a product market. This provides readers with a unique data analysis of the market, allowing marketing tactics and strategy to be updated in line with the very latest consumer behaviors. Enquire about this Report- https://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=enquiry&repid=1737246 About Market Research Hub Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRH's expansive collection of market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps. MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients. Contact Us 90 State Street, Albany, NY 12207, United States Toll Free : 800-998-4852 (US-Canada) Email : press@marketresearchhub.com Website : https://www.marketresearchhub.com/ Read Industry News at - https://www.industrynewsanalysis.com/ South Korea's daily new coronavirus cases remained in the 2,000s for a second day in a row Thursday following a long weekend, amid concerns over the spread of the pandemic ahead of... The two docks were delivered by the heavy-lift carrier Xin Guang Hua to the Port of Willemstad, Curacao. The larger of the two is a Panamax-class dock measuring 230m by 45m for tankers, box ships and other large vessels, while the smaller dock measures 108m by 23m and is ideal for all kinds of tugs, work boats and offshore support and anchor handling vessels. The yard now has a busy two to three months ahead it, both afloat and ashore. Afloat, works to the internal compartments of the docks need to be completed, with some of the ballast tanks requiring blasting, painting and repairing to make them ready for operations. Meanwhile dredging contractor Van Oord will dredge the seabed beneath the docks final position over the next six to eight weeks and piles will be driven in the same area to allow the construction of the dolphins required to moor and operate the docks safely, the company said. Ashore, preparations are underway to set up the necessary infrastructure to support the docks including improvements to the electrical, gas and air supply provision and investment plans have been approved for the building of a new construction hall to house the service departments, welding machines and provide training facilities to broaden the skills of the workforce. Read More: Damen starts operations at Curacao shipyard We plan more investment in the years ahead, said Lodewijk Franken, md at DSCu. This will focus on the further improvement of our facilities, equipment and tools, as well as ongoing in-house training to broaden the abilities of our personnel and make them multi-skilled. These initiatives along with our floating docks will provide a significant boost to the yard and even now our sales team is in discussions with a number of companies regarding a wide variety of vessels ranging from a local research vessel to tugs, small cruise ships and OSVs. Damen Shipyards Groups took over the management of the Curacao Droogdok Maatschappij (CDM) in February 2017 following an agreement made between the Government of Curacao and Damen Shipyards Group in September 2016. The yard, which now operates under the name of Damen Shiprepair Curacao (DSCu), is strategically located on the route to the Panama Canal, outside the Hurricane Belt and offers excellent working conditions within a natural bay. The yard features two graving docks; one sized 280 x 48 m and the other 193 x 26 m and almost 2 km of quay side. The harbour tug will run on clean-burning liquefied natural gas (LNG) and incorporate fuel efficiency features to bring it in line with the Singapore maritime industrys increasing emphasis on reducing its environmental impact. The order with Wartsila, booked in March 2018, to build its first LNG-fuelled harbour tug is also in line with PSA Marines efforts to reduce its carbon footprint as a leading service provider of marine services. PSA Marine had awarded the design contract for one dual-fuel LNG tug to Robert Allan at the end of last year with delivery scheduled for 2019. No building details were revealed at the time. We are honoured to have been selected to provide both the ship design and an integrated propulsion solution for this modern, efficient, and environmentally sustainable harbour tug. Being the one-stop-shop for this vessel, from the design to the engineering and machinery supply, Wartsila can ensure a fully integrated and optimised harbour tug. This not only supports the entire project, but also eases the procurement and supplier interfacing processes for the shipyard, said Wartsila Marine Solutions vp of ship design Riku-Pekka Hagg. PSA Marine md Peter Chew said: Wartsila is a renowned brand that has a strong dual-fuel technology track record. As an owner and operator of harbour tugs, we are on the constant look-out for innovative and cutting-edge solutions to achieve new milestones in the way we operate our fleet. We are excited about this collaboration and look forward to leveraging Wartsilas expertise in this area. Under the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapores (MPA) LNG Bunkering Pilot Programme, PSA Marine will receive a grant of up to SGD2m ($1.5m) for each tug. The 28-metre long, 50-tonne bollard pull harbour tug will operate with two Wartsila 20DF dual-fuel engines running primarily on LNG fuel. Wartsila will also supply its LNGPac fuel storage and supply system as well as steerable thrusters and the Wartsila ProTouch control system. The equipment will be delivered to the yard at the end of 2018 and the harbour tug is slated to commence operations in the port of Singapore around mid-2019. New Zealand Steel wants the High Court to overturn a decision by the government not to tax Chinese steel imports, which the firm says flooded the local market and cut into profits. In July 2017, then-Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Jacqui Dean decided not to impose countervailing duties on imports of galvanised steel coil from China, following an investigation by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment which found that Chinese subsidies on the steel were too small to have injured the domestic industry. NZ Steel, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Australia's Bluescope Steel, lodged an application for judicial review of the former minister's decision in September 2017. Today, NZ Steel's lawyer Jack Hodder QC told the Wellington High Court that the heart of the application was whether the ministry had "effectively superseded material that was available to it from previous investigations". Reputable overseas regulators have found that China has subsidised and dumped steel, Hodder said, meaning the New Zealand government's decision is "deviation from the findings of other jurisdictions." "In Australia, and Canada, and the European Union, and the United States, it has been identified as a black swan, but New Zealand identifies it as a white swan, but it's the same bird," Hodder said. "There's something wrong going on - there's something odd. We say that whether or not the swan is black is an objective fact, not a matter of discretion, and that's where the debate between us in part will be." "The analysis is being challenged, and the investigation," Hodder said. "What steps did they take to establish what colour the swan was - I don't want to torture this metaphor too far - and show the good sound reasons that justify why we found a white swan when the rest of the common law world is finding black swans." Hodder said that over the 20th and 21st centuries there has been a movement in public law from a culture of authority to a culture of justification, meaning the government has to be able to justify its use of public power, whereas in the past it was able to claim authority without question. NZ Steel wants the court to quash the decision and have it be reconsidered by going back and re-investigating the matter. The hearing, before Justice Jillian Mallon, is set down for the rest of the week. (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: 7th October 2021 Morning Report Just Life Group Limited (NZX: JLG) Acquisition of Intenza New Zealand and Market Update Experience Comvita's Story of Innovation and Connection at World Expo 2020 Dubai National Day of Vaccination Backed by Business The a2 Milk Company Limited (NZX: ATM) The a2 Milk Company to Defend Class Action 6th October 2021 Morning Report NZME Limited (NZX: NZM) Market Update - COVID-19 Impacts QEX Logistics Limited (NZX: QEX) NZ Markets Disciplinary Tribunal Censure 5th October 2021 Morning Report 4th October 2021 Morning Report The New Zealand dollar was unchanged against the greenback in quiet Monday trading and ahead of the central bank's rate decision this week. The kiwi traded at 70.20 US cents as at 5pm in Wellington from 70.16 US cents as at 8am in Wellington from 70.18 cents in New York on Friday. The trade-weighted index was at 73.34 from 73.25 in New York, below the 75 level the Reserve Bank was expecting in the second quarter. The kiwi dollar is being driven by US dollar moves on the day, which have been fairly muted as investors keep one eye on oil prices - which hit their highest in more than three years as global supplies remained tight. The Kiwi is expected to remain fairly steady ahead of the central bank's rate decision this week. The Reserve Bank expected to hold the official cash rate at 1.75 percent but the statement and press conference will be in the limelight as it is new governor Adrian Orr's first at the helm. "Investors are just waiting to see what spin Orr puts on things," said Ross Weston, a senior trader at Kiwibank. Weston said that a pre-budget speech by Finance Minister Grant Robertson, also on Thursday, will garner some interest "depending on whether there is stuff in there that we don't already know," he said. Otherwise, "we are at the mercy of what the US dollar does," he said. Bank of New Zealand senior markets strategist Jason Wong said the kiwi has fallen sharply since mid-April as sentiment for the USD improved. "After spending much of the year stuck in a tight 0.72-0.74 range, our central view would be for the range to be a couple of cents lower nearer 0.70-0.72 over the next few months," he said in a note. Wong also said that "New Zealand monetary policy wont be providing any support to the NZD over the foreseeable future. Indeed, the NZD lost its high-yield status some time ago and as the Fed Funds rate rises alongside a flat NZ OCR." It traded at 93.34 Australian cents from 93.28 cents on Friday in New York. It kiwi fell to 4.4617 yuan from 4.4652 yuan on Friday and traded at 51.81 British pence from 51.89 pence. It was at 76.59 yen from 76.62 yen and at 58.70 euro cents from 58.74 cents. New Zealand's two-year swap rate fell 1 basis point to 2.26 percent and 10-year swaps fell 1 basis points to 3.19 percent. (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: 7th October 2021 Morning Report Just Life Group Limited (NZX: JLG) Acquisition of Intenza New Zealand and Market Update Experience Comvita's Story of Innovation and Connection at World Expo 2020 Dubai National Day of Vaccination Backed by Business The a2 Milk Company Limited (NZX: ATM) The a2 Milk Company to Defend Class Action 6th October 2021 Morning Report NZME Limited (NZX: NZM) Market Update - COVID-19 Impacts QEX Logistics Limited (NZX: QEX) NZ Markets Disciplinary Tribunal Censure 5th October 2021 Morning Report 4th October 2021 Morning Report Salman was in the city for the hearing of his application challenging the trial court order that sentenced him to a five-year jail term in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. : Bollywood star Salman Khan left the Jodhpur District & Sessions Court after his case was adjourned and the next hearing was scheduled for July 17. Fifty-two-year-old Khan reached Jodhpur on Sunday afternoon from Mumbai by a regular flight, a police official said. Khan was released from the Jodhpur jail, where he spent two nights, on April 7 after then District and Sessions Judge Ravindra Kumar Joshi granted him bail in the case. Chief Judicial Magistrate Dev Kumar Khatri had on April 5 sentenced Khan to five years in prison for killing two blackbucks during the shooting of Hum Saath Saath Hain in Kankani village near Jodhpur on the night of October 1, 1998. The trial court had acquitted his Bollywood colleagues Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Neelam and Sonali Bendre and a local, Dushyant Singh, giving them the "benefit of doubt" for the incident. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Patience and a smile can go a long way and even make a person's day. Participants from Lifestyles for the Disabled experienced these simple, but sometimes uncommon, acts of kindness on a recent trip to Applebee's. Sixteen men and women from the College Partnership Program celebrated the end of their spring semester with a lunch trip Applebee's at the Staten Island Mall on Tuesday, May 1. The College Partnership Program pairs Lifestyles participants with with students from Empire State College in a classroom setting. During the spring semester, which they were celebrating the end of, students learned about poetry, short stories and Edgar Allan Poe. Knowing that dining out with a large party can be difficult for anybody, instructor Louise Vallario called ahead to make reservations and spoke with supervisor Krista Barreca. "We were given courteous and quick service by Krista and her kind, smiling staff. Krista made sure that all of my students were happy with their lunch choices after patiently explaining luncheon choices," Louise Vallario said. Vallario said it was Krista's patience, kindness, and hospitality that made their lunch so enjoyable. "She is our good Samaritan," Vallario said. SHARE YOUR GOOD NEWS If you have a Good News story to share: Email it to Mail it the old fashioned way to the Good News Editor at the Staten Island Advance, 950 W. Fingerboard Road, Staten Island, N.Y., 10305. Please include as much detail as possible and your contact information. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The so-called "tip-jar bandit," who struck at three borough eateries earlier this year, will undergo drug treatment after pleading guilty to three counts of petit larceny to satisfy all charges against her on Staten Island. Dana Williamson, 28, admitted guilt to the misdemeanor charges during a recent proceeding in Staten Island Drug Treatment Court. In exchange for her pleas, the Concord resident will be placed in an inpatient drug-treatment program. The court will determine the length of treatment, depending on Williamson's progress, said prosecutors. At a conference on Feb. 14, defense lawyer Tamara Giwa told the court Williamson has underlying substance-abuse issues that caused her behavior, and she "would benefit from drug treatment." Police said Williamson swiped tip jars from the Starbucks on Richmond Avenue in New Springville on Jan. 10; M&M Deli and Bagels in Annadale on Jan. 13 and the Hawaii Poke Bowl restaurant in Graniteville on Jan. 16, according to an NYPD spokesman. She allegedly took about $20 from the deli, and unknown amounts from the other two businesses, police said. Williamson was charged with three misdemeanor counts each of petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property, police said. The Advance obtained surveillance video of the alleged heists at the deli and poke restaurant. Other local businesses reported similar incidents, including Country Donuts in the Greenridge Shopping Plaza and a Willowbrook diner; however, Williamson has not been charged in those episodes. The defendant is also accused of stealing tip jars in February at two Manhattan stores, including the Kung Fu Tea shop in Tribeca and Poketeria on East 36th Street. A tea-store employee spotted Williamson tuck the tip jar under her scarf and blocked her from leaving the store, a worker previously told the Advance. She is charged in Manhattan Criminal Court with two counts each of petit larceny and stolen-property possession. That case is pending. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The NYPD's sergeants union referred to the group tasked with overseeing cops as a "disgrace" after it tweeted about the Fourth Amendment. The Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) advised its twitter followers that the Fourth Amendment protects New Yorkers from unreasonable search and seizure, and encouraged them to file a complaint if they felt those rights had been violated by members of the NYPD. #MayTheFourth Amendment protect you from unreasonable searches and seizures. And if you feel your rights have been violated by an NYPD officer, file a complaint here: https://t.co/85crBmm5PG pic.twitter.com/dD7vumSaux NYC CCRB (@CCRB_NYC) May 4, 2018 About three hours after the initial tweet, the Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA) took to the social media platform to convey its feelings about the tweet. "You are all a disgrace. You sit on your a-- and target the NYPD all while growing up on the nipple of what's easy. You have no clue what a NYPD officer does yet target us and disparage our integrity. One day you will dial 911 when evil is at your door and thank god for the NYPD," the union tweeted. Another tweet followed with photos of Officers Rafael Ramos, Wenjian Liu, Brian Moore, and Paul Tuozzolo, who were all killed in the line of duty. Officer Moore died May 4, 2015 at a Queens hospital after he was shot in the line of duty. Demetrius Blackwell was convicted in Moore's murder in December, and sentenced to life in prison. The CCRB has the power to recommend action on complaints against New York City police officers alleging the use of excessive or unnecessary force, abuse of authority, discourtesy, or the use of offensive language. The SBA and CCRB did not respond to requests for additional comment. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Since the massacre at a high school in Parkland, Fla., in February, the conversation of school safety has turned to whether the front entrance to each of the city's public schools should be locked. Students across the country -- and Staten Island -- participated in a National School Walkout Day in March, honoring the victims of the Valentine's Day shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and protesting gun violence. And the debate over how to keep schools safe continues. Teachers, administrators and local officials have all weighed in on whether locked school doors are the answer -- but is it a good idea, and just how much would it cost the city? Buzzer-entry systems, which are already installed in some private and parochial schools on Staten Island, allow visitors to the school to be identified before they are granted access to the building. But buzzer-entry systems come at a price. SECURITY IS COSTLY According to one New York City security company, the estimated price of installing a buzzer-entry system at a school would cost anywhere between $1,500 and $1,800 per door or entrance. A security company based on Staten Island said the cost of parts would start at $200, and installation price would depend on the type of door, material of the door frame and the ability to install an electric strike. There are more than 70 public schools in District 31 - including elementary, intermediate and high schools. If every school installed a buzzer-entry system on one door, the total cost would be between at least $105,000 and $126,000. City Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza told the Advance at a recent editorial board meeting that school front entrances in the Houston Independent School District -- where he previously served as superintendent -- have automatic locking doors. He recalled that people were required to swipe an ID to enter a building, and if they didn't have identification, they would have to show themselves via camera. The upgrades to those school facilities were financed through bonds. Some schools in the Houston district were equipped with security vestibules -- glass-encased areas at front entrances that control access to the building. Ian Powell, a partner with PBK Architects which designs schools with security vestibules in districts across the country (including the Houston school district) said the vestibules are costly. He said the cost for New York City would be approximately $400,000 to $450,000 per vestibule. The vestibules provide visual surveillance with a buzzer-entry system encased with ballistic glass. SAFETY HAZARD? But both Councilman Joseph Borelli (R-South Shore) and Rep. Daniel Donovan (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) expressed concerns regarding how first-responders would be able to access a locked school during an emergency. "Many private schools have a buzzer entry, and it doesn't seem too much of an impediment," said Borelli. "Still, school shootings are very rare and locked doors would need to be opened quickly by first-responders responding to the more likely scenarios of fist fights, fires and medical emergencies." Last week, Donovan hosted a school safety roundtable with representatives from the Department of Homeland Security to discuss safety initiatives with the NYPD, Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Education (DOE). "The main concern I have, though, is how to allow first-responders immediate entry into a school building if the doors are locked and God forbid a gunman made it inside," Donovan said. But others disagree. "Controlling access to a school -- whether it be with internal locks, a key card or buzzer system, or 'safe' vestibules -- is strategically vital to maintaining safety," said Councilman Steven Matteo (R-Mid-Island). Some Staten Island teachers have said they think locking front entrances may not eliminate all threats to the school community. "Often, the dangers to a school community come from within the school population itself," said one teacher, who requested anonymity. Teacher Daniel Leahy of Egbert Intermediate School (I.S. 2) said school entrances shouldn't be locked because it's a safety hazard. "Even with school shootings at the forefront, I believe metal detectors or more safety officers would be much more positive as opposed to locking school entrances," he explained. CURRENT SYSTEM Under the current DOE policy, all the doors in school buildings are locked and alarmed -- except for the front door. "Only the front door of each school is not locked, and these are monitored at all times by School Safety Agents, who are trained officers of the NYPD," said Councilwoman Debi Rose (D-North Shore). Doors became alarmed in 2014 when Mayor Bill de Blasio signed "Avonte's Law" that requires the DOE to alarm exterior doors after a 14-year-old autistic boy left the school undetected. The mayor's office previously told the Advance that it is opposed to the idea of locking the front entrances. "Go to jurisdictions not far from here, in New Jersey for example, and you will see such security systems implemented effectively and efficiently," said Borough President James Oddo. "The need for such systems is evident and a reflection of the tragic realities of the day. Let's find the technology that works best for our unique needs in New York City, and let's make the commitment to installing them." FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. Page Content On Sunday May 6th, Prime Minister Leona Romeo-Marlin, Minister of Justice Cornelius DeWeever & Minister of Education Culture Youth & Sport Jorien Wuite attended the annual Fish Day Festivities in French Cul-de-sac. President of the Collectivite of St. Martin Daniel Gibbs, during the Opening Ceremony for Fish Day thanked the three Ministers representing the Government of St Maarten for their presence at the event. As part of the Opening Ceremony for Fish Day Prime Minister Romeo-Marlin, Minister DeWeever & Minister Wuite were invited to accompany President Gibbs and other invited guest aboard a traditional fishing vessel to lay a wreath at sea. The traditional laying of the wreath at sea, is in honor of fishermen that have passed away and who contributed to the establishment of the fishing tradition and industry on French St. Martin. The Fish Day Opening Ceremony concluded with a traditional seafood breakfast followed by traditional and cultural activities including steel pan performances and The Crab Race. Photo caption President Daniel Gibbs, Prime Minister Leona Romeo Marlin along with dignitaries of both Dutch & French Governments aboard a traditional fishing vessel laying the wreath at sea in honor of local fishermen. Page Content The Council of Ministers has appointed Mr. Rafael Boasman as Quartermaster of the Integrity Chamber with the task of setting up the institution on Sint Maarten. The setup of the Integrity Chamber involves finding an appropriate office location and the hiring of qualified staff to run the day-to-day operations among others. The Netherlands has also appointed Mr. Hans Lobber as Quartermaster and he is expected to visit Sint Maarten shortly. Communication between both men has already commenced as preparations for the establishment of the Integrity Chamber remains of utmost importance for the Government of Sint Maarten. On Friday May 4th, Mr. Boasman paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Leona Romeo Marlin where he outlined his activities thus far and expressed his gratitude for the confidence that has been placed on him to execute the task as Quartermaster of the Integrity Chamber Photo caption Integrity Chamber Quartermaster Rafael Boasman and Prime Minister Leona Romeo-Marlin PHILIPSBURG:--- The Board of the Sint Maarten Christian Party (SMCP) would like to extend sincere condolences to the wife, family and friends of the late Joseph Emmanuel Richardson, affectionately known as Joe. As leader of the SMCP, I have a strong connection to Mr. Richardson who was always a source of inspiration and encouragement to me, Smith said. Joe was the youngest person in the Netherlands Antilles to be appointed as Administrator, which inspired me to eventually also pursue a career in government. In October 1969, the well-known Ebony Magazine published an article about Joe, entitled Sabas Youngest Ruler with as subtitle: Administrator of remote volcanic island is only 24. As a teenager I read and re-read this article many times. Several years later, even though I did not make it in the Ebony Magazine, the headline of one of the Dutch Antillean newspapers read: Sabas First and Youngest Lt. Governor at age 34. Joe was a man who was able to stand above politics and reach out across party lines. After entering active politics, whenever I met Joe he would always have a word of encouragement for me. I remember clearly his last words to me the last time we met. We talked about politics at bit and then he looked at me, smiled and said. If I wasnt committed to another party I would join the Christian Party. Sint Maarten has lost a political icon who was committed to his country, Sint Maarten. Therefore, on behalf of my brother and sisters, the members of the Sint Maarten Christian Party, and the people of St. Maarten, I hereby extend my sympathy to the family and friends of the late Mr. Joseph Richardson. May His Soul rest in Peace! Wycliffe Smith Leader of SMCP PHILIPSBURG:--- The Council of Ministers has appointed Mr. Rafael Boasman as Quartermaster of the Integrity Chamber with the task of setting up the institution on Sint Maarten. The setup of the Integrity Chamber involves finding an appropriate office location and the hiring of qualified staff to run the day-to-day operations among others. The Netherlands has also appointed Mr. Hans Lobber as Quartermaster and he is expected to visit Sint Maarten shortly. Communication between both men has already commenced as preparations for the establishment of the Integrity Chamber remains of utmost importance for the Government of Sint Maarten. On Friday May 4th, Mr. Boasman paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Leona Romeo Marlin where he outlined his activities thus far and expressed his gratitude for the confidence that has been placed on him to execute the task as Quartermaster of the Integrity Chamber ~ Lee has BIG legislation sitting on his desk since June 2017~ PHILIPSBURG:--- MP Luc Mercelina lectured the Council of Ministers on Monday during the 2018 budget debate as to how they should present themselves when dealing with their Kingdom partners. MP Mercelina made clear that as a MP he should not feel threatened to vote on a budget for the country due to an ultimatum given by the Kingdom Council of Ministers. In addressing Parliament MP Mercelina a medical doctor by profession slammed the Minister of VSA Emil Lee on the construction of the New General Hospital and who he believes should finance it. Mercelina said that a new hospital should be the burden of the Kingdom and not that of St. Maarten (constituent). Considering his background as a medical doctor Mercelina said that he would be one of the first persons who would want a new hospital for St. Maarten however, he feels that one project that would cost more than 50% of the countrys income cannot be justified by any financial science. He insisted that due to that the construction and costs of such a project must rests on the shoulder of the Kingdom and not a constituent such as St. Maarten that has an unbalanced budget with a deficit of over NAF200M and also a national debt of NAF.1.1B. Mercelina also referred to the BIG legislation that has been sitting in Minister of VSA Emil Lees cabinet since June 2017. He said that the Government of St. Maarten must put a legislation in place that would regulate and control specialists (medical doctors) that comes to work on St. Maarten. He said that if such a legislation is put in place then proper medical specialists for other neighboring islands that understands St. Maartens culture will be able to work on St. Maarten. This he said will limit the referral of patients overseas. Mercelina said when that legislation is in place and medical referrals are reduced then SZV will safe monies from the NAF 35M that is spent annually on medical referrals. The newly elected MP went to say that if he requests the Netherlands to produce a balance budget they would not be able provide such. Mercelina said that while he supports stricter border control he is doing so not in support of the Kingdom but rather to ensure that no more poverty stricken people enter St. Maarten. He said that Holland has 283 communes in the Netherlands and they cannot produce a budget for any of the entities. He asked why is he as a MP should present a balance budget for St. Maarten under pressure. He said its time St. Maarten to change their mindset. As such he asked the Kingdom to reinterpret at least one sentence where it states that all Dutch citizens are equal when dealing with its constituents. Mercelina said politicians on St. Maarten should not sit around the negotiation table as if they are begging the Kingdom for financial assistance in order not to violate human rights as prescribed in the Kingdom Charter. He made clear that the citizens of St. Maarten are equal Dutch citizens as those in the Netherlands. He said that the estimated damaged caused by Irma surpasses three billion guilders. He cautioned that the Prime Minister is constantly speaking about sustainability and he wants them to know that one can only discuss sustainability in countries where the budget is balanced not in St. Maarten that has a budget with a deficit of over NAF200M. Mercilina aslo cautioned the government not to slim down the government apparatus as recommended by the Kingdom because St. Maarten does not have the same social system as in the Netherlands which would buffer the consequences. He said one of his recommendations to government is to put a freeze on hiring more civil servants since the expenses for civil servants surpass 50% of the countrys budget. He said he believes though that BZV premiums should be collected from civil servants because he is of the firm belief that civil servants should pay for their healthcare like the workers in the private sector. PHILIPSBURG:--- The WICSU/PSU is asking the Government of St. Maarten to continue providing our national airline WINAIR with the support it needs. Winair suffered total destruction of it corporate office and major damage to its maintenance hangar during the passing of Hurricane Irma last year. Like most businesses on St. Maarten WINAIR suffered major revenue losses. Regrettably Winair was forced to lay off employees weeks after the passing of Hurricane Irma. However, eight months after the devastation the airline is making its come back faster than expected and has recently hired 25 new employees including six local pilots. Winairs Management and staff has again risen to the occasion when faced with difficult times. The airline has increased flights to some of its destinations through its wet lease agreement with Air Antilles. Winairs partnership with Air Antilles and use of its ATR aircraft has worked so well that it has now exceeded the operations of the airlines Twin Otter Aircraft. The WICSU/PSU is pleased to see this growth of our national airline which provides additional jobs in our community. The WICSU/PSU is now calling on government to consider selling shares of the airline in order to generate the much-needed funds required to continue a stable growth with the use of its own larger aircraft. Hurricanes Irma and Maria has shown us how vulnerable it makes us to have all our eggs in one basket. One or two major hurricanes hitting the north eastern Caribbean islands can cause serious business interruptions for an airline. Growing the airlines network not only provides additional revenue but also lessen the impact when a major hurricane hits some of its destinations. Winairs home hub St. Maarten is ideally located geographically to provide onwards connections to the rest of the Caribbean from North America, Canada and Europe to mention a few. The rebuilding of our airport and the strengthening of our national airline will continue to build St. Maarten as a strong hub as well as generate additional jobs for our people. WICSU/PSU and the employees of Winair support the airlines Management team and their future plans for the airline. Winair continues to be the airline we can all be proud of. Senator and Former Presidential Candidate was a national hero and a lion of the US Senate Several news sources are reporting that Sen. John McCain, 81 has died of a Glioblastoma at age 81. The US Senator and former US Presidential candidate has not been seen publicly in several weeks. He announced last year that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor. AdvertisementBut as of May 6, 2018 McCain was alive and meeting with friends and supporters as he fights what is no doubt a losing battle. The New York Times says he has met with former Democratic Vice President Joe Biden, and urged him not to walk away from politics. No one is saying goodbye, not explicitly. The son and grandson of admirals, Mr. McCain "doesn't like overt sentimentality," as his friend the former chief of staff Grant Woods put it. But his visitors are telling him they love him, how much he has meant to them - and together they are taking care of unfinished business. The Republican senator encouraged the former Democratic vice president to "not walk away" from politics, as Mr. Biden put it before refusing to discuss a possible 2020 presidential run. Mr. McCain is using a new book and documentary to reveal his regret about not selecting former Senator Joseph I. Lieberman as his running mate in 2008. His intimates have informed the White House that their current plan for his funeral is for Vice President Mike Pence to attend the service to be held in Washington's National Cathedral but not President Trump, with whom Mr. McCain has had a rocky relationship. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/05/us/politics/john-mccain-arizona.html John Sidney McCain III is an American politician serving as the senior United States Senator from Arizona since 1987. He was the Republican nominee for President of the United States in the 2008 election, which he lost to Barack Obama. McCain was born in 1936 in what was then the US controlled Panama Canal Zone. McCain graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1958 and followed his father and grandfather-both four-star admirals-into the United States Navy. He became a naval aviator and flew ground-attack aircraft from aircraft carriers. During the Vietnam War, he was almost killed in the 1967 USS Forrestal fire. While McCain was on a bombing mission over Hanoi in October 1967, he was shot down, seriously injured, and captured by the North Vietnamese. He was a prisoner of war until 1973. McCain experienced episodes of torture and refused an out-of-sequence early repatriation offer. The wounds that he sustained during war have left him with lifelong physical disabilities. He retired from the Navy as a captain in 1981 and moved to Arizona, where he entered politics. In 1982, McCain was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served two terms. He was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1986 and easily won re-election five times, most recently in 2016. While generally adhering to conservative principles, McCain at times has had a media reputation as a "maverick" for his willingness to disagree with his party on certain issues. After being investigated and largely exonerated in a political influence scandal of the 1980s as a member of the Keating Five, he made campaign finance reform one of his signature concerns, which eventually resulted in passage of the McCainFeingold Act in 2002. He is also known for his work in the 1990s to restore diplomatic relations with Vietnam, and for his belief that the Iraq War should have been fought to a successful conclusion. McCain has chaired the Senate Commerce Committee, and he opposed pork barrel spending. He was a member of the bi-partisan group known as the Gang of 14 who played a key role in alleviating a crisis over judicial nominations. McCain has recently admitted that he regrets not selecting New York Sen. Joseph Lieberman as his running mate. McCain entered the race for the Republican nomination for President in 2000, but he lost a heated primary season contest to Governor George W. Bush of Texas. He secured the nomination in 2008 after coming back from early reversals, but was defeated by Democratic nominee Barack Obama in the general election, losing by a 365173 electoral college margin. He subsequently adopted more orthodox conservative stances and attitudes and largely opposed actions of the Obama administration, especially in regard to foreign policy matters. By 2013, however, he had become a key figure in the Senate for negotiating deals on certain issues in an otherwise partisan environment. In 2015, McCain became chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. In July 2017, he was diagnosed with brain cancer; since the diagnosis he has taken a reduced role in the Senate. 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 Don't ditch Iran nuclear deal, Britain tells Trump Washington, May 7 (AFP) May 07, 2018 Boris Johnson appealed once more Monday to Donald Trump not to scrap the Iran nuclear deal, saying that while the president has a "legitimate point" over "flaws" in the accord, the global community has no better alternative. Speaking to US network Fox News ahead of meetings in Washington with US administration officials, the British Foreign Secretary said Trump was "right to see flaws" in the deal but "Plan B does not seem to be to me particularly well-developed at this stage." Trump has threatened to withdraw from the agreement when it comes up for renewal on May 12, demanding US allies "fix the terrible flaws" in it or he will re-impose sanctions on Iran that were eased under the historic accord. "The president has a legitimate point," Johnson told Fox, a favorite among conservatives. "He set a challenge for the world." "We think you can be tougher on Iran, address the concerns of the president and not throw the baby out with the bath water, not junk a deal." The nuclear deal was struck in 2015 among Iran and Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States, then led by Barack Obama. Under the pact, international sanctions were eased in return for verifiable limits on Iran's nuclear program, but Iran says it is not reaping the rewards despite complying with the deal. Johnson's comments echoed his call to preserve the deal in an op-ed piece in The New York Times. "At this delicate juncture, it would be a mistake to walk away from the nuclear agreement and remove the restraints that it places on Iran," Johnson wrote in the piece. He argued that inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency have been granted extra powers to monitor Iran's nuclear facilities, "increasing the likelihood that they would spot any attempt to build a weapon." "Now that these handcuffs are in place, I see no possible advantage in casting them aside. Only Iran would gain from abandoning the restrictions on its nuclear program," Johnson wrote. He added: "I believe that keeping the deal's constraints on Iran's nuclear program will also help counter Tehran's aggressive regional behavior. I am sure of one thing: every available alternative is worse. The wisest course would be to improve the handcuffs rather than break them." Iraq says election candidate killed in family dispute, after IS claim Baghdad, May 7 (AFP) May 07, 2018 A parliamentary candidate was gunned down in northern Iraq Monday, with officials saying he was killed by his son in a family dispute after the Islamic State group claimed responsibility. Faruq Zarzur al-Juburi, 45, was shot dead at his home south of the city of Mosul at dawn, a local official told AFP, with the country on edge just days ahead of nationwide elections. The Islamic State group -- which was forced out of Iraq only five months ago and has threatened the vote -- quickly said it had assassinated Juburi. But after probing the attack, Iraqi officials rejected the claim and said the candidate's 18-year-old son had confessed to killing him in a quarrel. "The murder of candidate Faruq Zarzur al-Juburi... had no links to terrorist crimes," judiciary spokesman Abdel Satar Bayraqdar said in a statement. "It was the result of a family dispute and the son of the victim has admitted to killing his father." Juburi, a Sunni, was running on Shiite Vice President Iyad Allawi's National Alliance list. National elections are set to take place in the Shiite majority country on Saturday. In a statement on the messaging app Telegram, IS said Zarzur al-Juburi was killed because he was "an atheist". IS threatened in late April to attack polling stations, voters and candidates, in a statement by its spokesman Abu Hassan al-Muhajir. "Oh Sunnis... we know that the government of Rafida (a pejorative Arabic term for Shiites) is on the verge of what they call elections," he said. "Our judgement will apply to those who call for them and participate in them... The voting centres and those in them are targets for our swords, so stay away from them and do not walk nearby," he added. In a video posted on Facebook the day before he died, Juburi called on voters to be wary of outgoing candidates "and those who buy votes," in a message featuring him carrying his six-year-old son Rayan in his arms. In the video, he promised "a strong government -- one that will take care of poor, families of martyrs, reconstruction and citizens". "In a few days, God willing, we will be celebrating victory," he said, sitting on the lawn outside his home. His Facebook page was inundated on Monday with messages deploring his killing. The May 12 polls are the first to be held since Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared victory over the jihadists in December. IS, which had launched a sweeping offensive in 2014 and at one point controlled one third of Iraq, still holds pockets of desert along the border with Syria. str-ac/sbh/sk/del/dv Trump set to announce Iran sanctions move that may kill nuclear deal Washington, May 7 (AFP) May 07, 2018 President Donald Trump will confirm on Tuesday whether he will make good on a threat to re-impose US sanctions on Tehran and thereby throw the entire Iran nuclear deal into question. Trump's announcement that a decision was imminent cut short a last-ditch European diplomatic drive to save the accord ahead of what had been a May 12 deadline. Trump had until Saturday to decide whether to renew a waiver on one package of US sanctions targeting Iran's oil sector that had been lifted as part of Washington's commitment under the 2015 deal. "I will be announcing my decision on the Iran Deal tomorrow from the White House at 2:00 pm (1800 GMT)," the president said in a tweet. The president may now also decide to announce the fate of the rest of Washington's nuclear-related sanctions, which are covered by different waivers, and effectively undermine the entire accord, reached between Tehran and six world powers. European leaders and diplomats -- including Britain's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who was in Washington on Monday -- have been pleading with the United States to retain the core of what Trump called the "flawed" accord. - Mixed signals - And even if, as now seems inevitable, Trump pulls Washington out of the agreement, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China may decide to stay in and to urge Tehran to maintain its own commitments. But if Trump's decision raises the prospect of renewed US sanctions on European firms and banks doing business with Iran, the accord itself will be in peril -- amid mixed signals from Tehran. Some Iranian leaders have signalled they might seek to rapidly restore the enrichment capabilities they surrendered under the deal, and European capitals fear Tehran may resume the hunt for a bomb. Tehran has long insisted it has no ambition to build nuclear weapons, but the signatories to the deal never believed them, and supporters of the accord have warned of a Middle East arms race if it fails. And they are skeptical that Trump's administration has a back-up plan to restrain Iranian ambitions once he has made good on his campaign promise to tear up a deal endorsed by his predecessor Barack Obama. Britain's Johnson, who was in Washington to lobby Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Vice President Mike Pence, told Fox News: "Plan B does not seem to be, to me, particularly well-developed at this stage." Given the multinational nature of the deal, nothing the so-called EU three -- Britain, France and Germany -- can do would allow them to rewrite it, but they have promised to work on a powerful supplemental agreement. US diplomats have been working furiously with their partners in the three countries to make this a reality, with measures to limit Iran's ballistic missile program and regional subversion. But so far, all signs point to Trump making good on his threat. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas warned the accord's collapse could spark "an escalation" in the region and stressed that Washington's European allies think the deal "makes the world a safer place." His French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, on a visit to Berlin, said the agreement is "the right way to stop Iran from getting access to nuclear weapons" and "will save us from nuclear proliferation." - Sunset clauses - Under the landmark nuclear pact, Iran agreed to scale back nuclear enrichment and put its program under international supervision in return for international sanctions relief. Trump has consistently complained about the agreement, reached under Obama, citing as its shortcomings certain clauses such as the "sunset" provisions lifting some nuclear restrictions on Tehran from 2025. In an attempt to salvage the deal, French President Emmanuel Macron has pushed to extend its scope to address this issue, as well as Iran's missile capabilities and its role in the region. Iran's support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah in Syria's civil war and Shiite Huthi rebels in Yemen have added to tension between Tehran and Western powers. Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday issued a strong warning to the United States not to quit the pact. "If the United States leaves the nuclear agreement, you will soon see that they will regret it like never before in history," Rouhani said. He also vehemently reiterated his country's opposition to curtailing its non-nuclear missile capabilities, insisting Tehran "will build as many missiles and weapons as needed." burs-arb-dc/sst Optimization Are you frustrated with a slow pc or a hard disk not performing as it should? Try SLOW-PCfighter to speed up boot time on a slow PC, or try a free scan of FULL-DISKfighter to recover space on a full disk. The latest offering is DRIVERfighter to update your driver updater. Get complete PC optimization and extend the life of your PC with these must-have software tools. Shaheed El-Hafed, May 7, 2018 (SPS) - The Permanent Office of the National Secretariat of the Polisario Front has renewed the readiness of the Polisario Front to cooperate constructively for the immediate resumption of direct negotiations with the Kingdom of Morocco, without preconditions and in good faith, to enable the Saharawi people to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination and independence. The Permanent Office, chaired by President of the Republic, Secretary-General of the Polisario Front, Brahim Ghali, noted "the support received by the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Horst Koehler, for the immediate commencement of the negotiating process, expressing hope that the Security Council would act on the basis of this resolution to force the Kingdom of Morocco to comply with international legitimacy and put an end to its policies of intransigence, obstruction and blackmail, and thus accelerate the completion of the task of MINURSO, namely, to organize a referendum on the self-determination of the Saharawi people, through a free, just and fair referendum. " The Permanent Office confirmed that "the Kingdom of Morocco, since its illegal military invasion of Western Sahara on October 31, 1975, has been a stumbling block to international efforts, which is manifested in many aspects, such as obstructing the referendum on self-determination, expelling the civilian component of the MINURSO, its flagrant violation of the Ceasefire Agreement and the Military Agreement No. 1 in the Guerguerat region, and its refusal to implement the UN Security Council resolution to send a technical mission to address Problems arising from that breach ". (SPS) 062/SPS/TRA Most Russians, especially those of military age, are reluctant to serve in the military and very much against foreign military adventures even if they are not likely to be sent to a combat zone. The government already acknowledges that by minimizing the number of Russian troops sent to Syria or Donbas and keeping military casualties low. The February incident in Syria where over 200 Russian military contractors died when they tried to seize a small base in eastern Syria containing American troops did not trigger calls for revenge among Russians. Instead, the attitude was that these guys took a chance to make a lot of money and it didnt work out. There are a lot of dangerous jobs in Russia that pay well to compensate for the risk. Those who do that work are opportunists, not patriots. So the government has to go easy in Ukraine and Syria. Israel seems more aware of this than most Middle Eastern powers. That is partly because Israel has a large Russian minority, courtesy of a lot of Russian Jews coming to Israel since the 1980s and keeping in touch with folks back home. Another aftereffect of the 200 contractor deaths was Russia revealing how many Russian military personnel have served in Syria since mid-2015. It was 48,000, and that includes army, navy and air force. Not included are contractors, who are civilians, even if they took on some of the most dangerous jobs and suffered more casualties than the military personnel. Out of those 48,000 Russian military personnel who have been in Syria (some for less than a day, few for more than six months) only about 60 have died in combat so far. There have been half as many military contractors serving in Syria and they have suffered nearly 500 dead. No official numbers of military contractor fatalities have been released but Russian volunteer organizations have tried to keep track of the funerals or other indications of young men dying in Syria and it is clear that being a military contractor is a lot more dangerous. The point here is that there are still some Russians willing to take dangerous combat jobs but there are not enough them to maintain the million man military Russian leaders want. For the Russian military all this indicates that military service is still very unpopular and even though most Russian military personnel are now volunteers (serving on contracts) the ability of the military to hold onto those contract soldiers is always weakened if there are a lot of casualties or too much chance of being sent to a combat zone. Conscription is in even worse shape, with the number of conscripts available declining each year. In April 2018 the Russian military only ended up with 128,000 conscripts during the semiannual draft call. This was the lowest since 2006, a year when there were more young men available as well as more deferments and rampant draft dodging. In the t2 years since then, the deferments have declined, more draft dodgers have been punished severely but there are still fewer conscripts. There are simply fewer young men to conscript because of lower birth rates and more young men who are in poor physical shape or have become addicted to drugs or otherwise acquired a police record and more trouble than they are worth if conscripted anyway. All this was expected but since the 1990s Russia has been seeking solutions and finding none that work. A 2012 parliament-ordered investigation of the armed forces found that the army was short a third of the privates (lowest ranking enlisted troops) they were supposed to have. The Russian military (mainly the Army and Interior Ministry paramilitary units) are supposed to have a million personnel. But officials admitted in 2011, off-the-record, that the real number is closer to 800,000 and relentlessly declining. A subsequent investigation confirmed this. What happened to the missing troops? Since 2012 the military has come up with a growing list of solutions for the problem but all these efforts do is slow the decline of military manpower numbers, not reverse it. Current fixes involve calling up reservists (usually for a brief period to test the system) and instead of letting the reservists quickly return to civilian life the military is keeping many of the reservists for six months or more. If this keeps up, reservists will start looking for ways to get out of the reserves. The economic recession since 2014 (because of low oil prices and sanctions) was supposed to encourage more Russians to volunteer but that did not happen. Recruiting foreigners had minimal impact and so the Russian military keeps fading away. The military has 220,000 officers and about the same number of "contract personnel" (higher paid volunteers, who fill most of the NCO slots). Thus conscripts still make up a large portion of the military and it's getting harder and harder to find enough people to take. The means that there are two classes of Russian military personnel. Most (about 70 percent) are much less capable (most of them conscripts in for one year of service) supervised by many of the least capable officers and NCOs. But a third of the military are more enthusiastic volunteers and conscripts. These staff the elite special operations, airborne, security and specialist units. In other words, while the Russian government claims to have a million military personnel on duty the reality is the reality is that there are less than 800,000 (and apparently closer to 700,000) people on active duty and only about 200,000 of those are really good at what they do and want to be in the military. Conscripts are inducted twice a year, in April and October. In 2011, the April intake was 220,000 but fewer than that actually made it into uniform. In 2018 the April draft was 128,000. In 2011 only about 75 percent of the men who showed up were considered fit to take. In 2018 standards of fitness for military service are much less strict and the military has to cope with a lot more recruits who are of marginal use. By 2012 the military reluctantly accepted the fact that they would not be able to obtain more than 270,000 conscripts a year if that. In the last six years maintaining anything close to that number meant taking less willing and able men. Senior leaders now accept that they will never command a million man force. For a decade now the military has not been attracting the kind of quality volunteers they had hoped to get and are lowering their standards in order to make their annual quotas. This just fills the ranks with more troublesome people, who cause more of the good troops to get out. In the last few years, the military has quietly stopped accepting many volunteers or conscripts from Moslem areas, especially the Caucasus (especially Chechnya and Dagestan). The wisdom of this was made clear when Russian intelligence reported that the most effective Russian Moslems who joined and fought for Islamic terrorist groups were military veterans. In contrast, Russian Moslems who had not served in the military were less likely to become Islamic terrorists and if they did they were used as suicide bombers or support staff, not as long-term fighters. Moreover, commanders continued to report that if more than a few percent of their troops were Moslem there would be morale problems or worse. The basic recruiting problem is two-fold. First, military service is very unpopular, and potential conscripts are increasingly successful at dodging the draft deliberately or otherwise. But the biggest problem is that the number of 18 year olds is rapidly declining each year. By 2009 all draftees were born after the Soviet Union dissolved. That was when the birth rate went south year after year. Not so much because the Soviet Union was gone but more because of the economic collapse (caused by decades of communist misrule) that precipitated the collapse of the communist government. The number of available draftees went from 1.5 million a year in the early 1990s, to less than half that today. Less than half those potential conscripts are showing up and many have criminal records (or tendencies) that help sustain the abuse of new recruits that have made military service so unsavory. With conscripts now in for only a year, rather than two, the military is forced to take a lot of marginal (sickly, overweight, bad attitudes, drug users) recruits in order to keep the military and Ministry of Interior units up to strength. But this means that even elite airborne and commando units are using a lot of conscripts. Most of these young guys take a year to master the skills needed to be useful and then they are discharged. Few choose to remain in uniform and become career soldiers. That's primarily because the Russian military is seen as a crippled institution and one not likely to get better any time soon. With so many of the troops now one year conscripts, an increasing number of the best officers and NCOs get tired of coping with all the alcoholics, drug users, and petty criminals that are taken in just to make quotas. With the exodus of the best leaders and growing number of ill-trained and unreliable conscripts, the Russian military is more of a mirage than an effective combat (or even police) organization. The military is unpopular for conscripts mainly because of the brutal treatment they receive. This has not been getting better, and "hazing" incidents are still increasing each year. This is serious stuff. There are a lot of reasons for not wanting to be in the Russian Army but the worst of them is the hazing (of new men by guys who have been in a few months longer). It was thought that this sort of thing would speed the demise of conscription in Russia, once the Cold War ended in 1991. Didn't work out that away. The government has found that, even among the "contract soldiers" (carefully selected volunteers who are paid much more than conscripts) the old abuses lived on and that most of the best contract soldiers left when their contract was up. It was because of the brutality and lack of discipline in the barracks. The hazing is most frequently committed by troops who have been in six months or so against the new recruits. But this extends to a pattern of abuse and brutality by all senior enlisted troops against junior ones. Its out of control. The abuse continues to exist in part because of the growing animosity against troops who are not ethnic Russians and especially against those who are Moslem. Because of higher birthrates among the Moslem populations, nearly 15 percent of eligible conscripts are Moslems and that is seen as more of a problem. This hazing originally developed after World War II, when Russia deliberately avoided developing a professional NCO corps. They preferred to have officers take care of nearly all troop supervision. The Soviets failed to note that good NCOs were the key to effective troops. The Soviets felt that officers were more reliable, as they were more carefully selected and monitored. The NCOs that did exist were treated as slightly more reliable enlisted men but given little real authority. Since officers did not live with the men slack discipline in the barracks gave rise to the vicious hazing and exploitation of junior conscripts by the senior ones. This led to very low morale, and a lot of suicides, theft, sabotage, and desertions. The hazing has been one of the basic causes of crimes in the Russian armed forces, accounting for 20 to 30 percent of all soldier crimes. This has caused a suicide rate that is among the highest in the world. Poor working conditions in general also mean that Russian soldiers are nearly twice as likely to die from accidents, or suicide, than American soldiers. Long recognized as a problem no solution to the hazing ever worked. Conscription itself, and the prospect of being exposed to the hazing has led to a massive increase in draft dodging. Bribes, and document fraud are freely used. Few parents, or potential conscripts, consider this a crime. Avoiding the draft is seen as a form of self-preservation. The government has cracked down on the parent-backed draft dodging with little effect. Thats because there is still so much corruption in Russia and evading conscription is seen by many as not really criminal, especially when the parents can afford to pay a bribe to keep their only son (and often an only child) out of the Russian military. The Russian lack of sergeants (praporshchiki) has been difficult to fix. Just promoting more troops to that rank, paying them some more, and telling them to take charge, has not done the job. So going back to look at how Western armies do it, the Russians noted that those foreign armies provided a lot of professional training for new NCOs and more of it as the NCOs advanced in rank. But this is a long term process and it will be years before benefits will be felt. All this is in sharp contrast to the old days. When the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, it had five million troops in its armed forces. Now it's less than 800,000 in just Russia (which has about half the population of the Soviet Union but most of the territory). Although the Russian armed forces lost over 80 percent of its strength by the end of the 1990s a disproportionate number of officers remained. This problem was solved, after encountering much resistance from officers in general, after a series of reforms, the number of officers was reduced by over 50 percent. As a result of these personnel problems, Russian efforts to reform and upgrade its armed forces have, so far, failed. The basic problem is that few Russian men are willing to join, even at good pay rates. Efforts to recruit women and foreigners have not made up for this. The Russian military has an image problem that just won't go away easily. This resulted in the period of service for conscripts being lowered to one year (from two) in 2008. That was partly to placate the growing number of parents who were encouraging, and assisting, their kids in avoiding military service. All this comes after more than a decade of reforms in the armed forces, particularly the army. Poor discipline, low morale, and incompetent performance are all legacies of the Soviet era (1921-1991). Russian commanders, envious of the success of all-volunteer Western forces, have long studied their former foes and decided to adopt a lot more Western military customs. For example, one recent reform ordered that Russian troops would not be confined to their barracks most of the time. In the Soviet era, the conscripted troops were treated like convicts and their barracks were more like a prison than the college dormitory atmosphere found in troop housing for Western military personnel. Russian conscripts are now free to leave the base on weekends and work only a five day week. All barracks have showers (a recent achievement) and troops accommodations are the best they have ever been. Things like this help a bit but not enough. Russia has tried to change public attitudes towards the armed forces by publicizing all the new changes and programs. But word got around that most of these efforts failed. Blame that on the Internet. Polls constantly show that most military age men do not want to serve in the military and the main reason is the hazing and prison-like conditions in the barracks. As a result of all these factors, prospects of a revival of the traditional large Russian armed forces continues to fade. MEDITERRANEAN SEA (May 3, 2018) An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11 launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, May 3, 2018. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kaysee Lohmann) X 0 20 Help Keep Us Soaring We need your help! Our subscription base has slowly been dwindling. We need your help in reversing that trend. We would like to add 20 new subscribers this month. Each month we count on your subscriptions or contributions. You can support us in the following ways: Solving crime often means something as simple as follow the money. To understand the persistent violence in Mali follow the money plus a bit of religious fanaticism and ethnic (tribal) rivalry pretty much explains it all. In Mali and the rest of the region, smuggling has been big business ever since governments (especially modern, post-industrial revolution ones) imposed restrictions on what goods could go where and at what price. The spike in violence in mid and northern Mali is driven by the lucrative business of moving cocaine and other drugs north towards the European market. Add to that population growth in the semi-desert Sahel (another side effect of colonialism and the introduction of modern medicine and public health practices) encouraged the nomadic Sahel herders to move further south into areas where there was more water and pastures for their animals. The sedentary farmers who were already there fought back and created a lawless atmosphere that helped smugglers, separatists, Islamic terrorists and rebels of all sorts to get established and become difficult to remove. The persistent government corruption limits what local law enforcement can do against multiple sources of civil disorder (ethnic separatism in the north, Islamic terrorist groups establishing themselves locally and the emergence of very lucrative drug smuggling operations). This sort of government breakdown is more common Moslem majority nations because these countries are more likely to suffer from persistent corruption and, being Moslem, equally probe to see the establishment of Islamic radical groups. While the Islamic terrorists get the most publicity (because of their extreme violence and eagerness to spread worldwide) most of the outlaw activity is about making money. The Islamic terror groups dominate the most lucrative criminal activities (smuggling drugs) because the Islamic terrorists are the most violent outlaws around and generally unencumbered by family or tribal responsibilities. Nevertheless, the Islamic terrorists are a small part of a much larger smuggling activity. For example, increased security on Algerias southern border (especially the ones with Mali and Niger) catches more people illegally crossing the border but most of them are smugglers. While most of the smuggled goods are consumer items (easier to sell in Algeria) weapons and drugs were encountered. It was the drug shipments that had the heaviest security. This often meant crossing the border at night and then hiding the drugs or weapons at a hiding place known only to partners in Algeria who had a legitimate reason for being down south. These weapons and drugs were then smuggled north to the coast and another gang of smugglers got the drugs on ships or airplanes headed for Europe. The weapons were for local markets (mostly criminals). Since moving drugs involves so many people, it is more expensive. But thats the nature of drug smuggling and Islamic terror groups tend to supply most of the security and maintain that monopoly by killing any competitors. Drug shipments still get seized. This is usually when the hiding places on the Algerian side of the border are stumbled on by patrols or the transporters moving the drugs from the southern border to the coast have an accident or get exposed as smugglers for some other reason. The Algerian police estimate that over 90 percent of the drugs get through and the Islamic terrorists get paid more than enough to keep them in business. For this reason, small groups of Islamic terrorists survive in northern Mali, near the Algerian and Niger borders not because of Islamic radical locals but because of the cash. With that, you can buy all the hospitality and discretion you need. Islamic terrorists, even the most extreme ones like ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) need cash because it is simply more efficient to purchase many items (like weapons, ammo, information and sanctuary in areas controlled by local tribes. Northeast Mali (near Gao and the Niger border) is where the local branch of ISIL operates. As a result, the violence is escalating there. Calling itself ISGS (Islamic State in the Greater Sahara) this ISIL franchise is frequently encountered in northeastern Mali on both sides of the Niger border. The ISIL personnel frequently clash with pro-government Tuareg militias and usually lose. Its not that these ISIL men are not fanatic enough but that the Tuareg know the area well and have lots of experience in irregular warfare. Since March 2018 ISGS has taken very heavy losses as the Tuareg militias worked with a special French counterterrorism operation that included troops from Mali and Niger and spent enough time searching to find several ISGS camps and forcing the Islamic terrorists to fight. So far ISGS has lost over a hundred dead and captured but groups like ISGS dont surrender but fight harder until they are crushed. ISGS is still up there but in much reduced circumstances and the French were ready to collect and analyze the flood of new information gained from all those dead or captured ISGS men as well as several of their camps. The Americans stand ready to provide airstrikes for as many ISGS targets as the French intel effort can locate. The Americans are keen to eliminate ISGS because this groups was responsible for a late 2017 ambush in Niger that killed four American soldiers. ISGS wants to kill more American troops because that is a big deal with ISIL since Islamic terror groups tend to consider Israel and the United States the main enemies of Islam. Israel and the Americans have also proved to be the most effective at hunting down and killing ISIL groups. So this particular campaign against ISGS will be more of the same, just in a very remote part of the world. Even ISIL is attracted to the lucrative drug smuggling operation but that is one conflict with less radical Islamic terror groups that ISIL tends to lose. That rivalry is being resolved in northeast Mali and ISIL is not doing well. This is a repeat of a similar situation in Afghanistan where the Taliban are more of a threat to the local ISIL franchise than the American and Afghan special operations forces that concentrate on finding and eliminating any ISIL presence. Groups like ISIL are more of a death cult because they thrive on dying. Less extreme groups like al Qaeda are more into surviving and thriving and are more of a long-term threat. This can be seen in central Mali where the growing number of radicalized Fulani tribesmen are causing so much social disorder that a growing number of locals (mostly non-Fulani) are fleeing across the border to Burkina Faso. Since February some 4,000 Malians have fled and unless the Fulani Islamic terrorists can be suppressed the migration will continue. Meanwhile, the primary problem in Mali remains the massive corruption in government. Mali has not yet been able to create a civil society of voters and politicians who are willing to serve all of Mali, not just their own family, clan or tribe. That is a problem that resists quick cures. May 1, 2018: In the north (near Gao) the ISGS attacked Tuareg settlements leaving 17 dead. April 27, 2018: In the north (near Gao) attacks were made on two camps of Berber nomads in the last 48 hours, leaving 43 Berbers (most of the women and children) dead. The Berbers are ethnically related to the Tuareg. The attackers were believed to be ISGS, the local branch of ISIL trying to intimidate the local Tuareg militias into not opposing ISIL operations in the area. The Tuareg militias struck back by attacking Fulani villages across the border in Niger and killing over 30 people. Throughout the region (and as far south as northern Nigeria) Fulani have been active supporters of Islamic terror groups and those across the border in Niger are believed to be supporting ISGS. The Niger Fulani claim the Mali Tuareg militias killed 44 Fulani today. April 26, 2018: The Mali government has agreed to hold presidential elections on July 29th while local elections will be held by the end of the year. Foreign aid donor nations are demanding that the elections be fair. Even with that those that get elected are often just as corrupt as their predecessors. April 22, 2018: France, Algeria and Mali are using a secret 2017 amnesty agreement to persuade key AQIM (Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb) and JNIM (Jamaah Nusrah al Islam wal Muslimin, or Group for the support of Islam and Moslems) personnel to surrender. In Mali and neighboring states most of the Islamic terrorists are not ISIL and are largely united. Most of the Islamic terrorist activity is the work of JNIM, which was formed in early 2017. In part, this was a reaction to the growing threat from ISIL which is hostile to everyone who is not ISIL and will attack or recruit from the JNIM members AQIM Ansar Dine, FLM and al Mourabitoun (an al Qaeda splinter group). Another reason for the merger was to make it easier to pool resources (including information and advice) and coordinate with other Islamic terror groups in the area. This reduces friction and destructive feuding. Making a coalition like this work is always difficult, especially considering the importance of ethnic differences. April 21, 2018: In the northwest (near Timbuktu) French troops clashed with Islamic terrorists and killed three of them. Further south in central Mali (near Mopti) soldiers killed 15 Islamic terrorists during raids on suspected Islamic terrorist bases. One soldier was killed and two wounded. Closer to Timbuktu someone fired three rockets at the peacekeeper base near the airport. There were no casualties. April 19, 2018: In central Mali and across the border in Burkina Faso, an eight day counter-terror operation began. The Mali border was sealed and over a hundred suspected Islamic terrorists on the Burkina Faso side of the frontier were arrested. Some of those arrested were known Islamic terrorists and in other locations explosives and weapons were seized. April 14, 2018: In the northwest (outside Timbuktu) JNIM simultaneously attacked a peacekeeper camp and a base for French troops. The assault was repulsed with fifteen of the attackers killed. One peacekeeper was killed and seven wounded. At the French base, seven French troops were wounded along with two civilians. The attackers disguised themselves as peacekeepers and had at least one peacekeeper vehicle. The disguise worked for a while but not long enough to enable the attackers to do the kind of damage they hoped to achieve. April 10, 2018: In central Mali (Mopti) two health specialists and their two local drivers were kidnapped. The four were released two days later and it is unclear whether or not ransom was paid. Australias oldest scientist heads to Switzerland to end his life View(s): SYDNEY (AFP) Australias oldest scientist, wearing a top labelled ageing disgracefully, has left the country for Switzerland to end his life at the age of 104, saying he is resentful that he must go overseas to die. David Goodall does not have a terminal illness but his quality of life has deteriorated and he has secured a fast-track appointment with assisted dying agency Life Circle in Basel. He got on a plane in Perth late Wednesday surrounded by friends and family saying their final goodbyes, euthanasia advocates told AFP. He will spend several days with other family members in Bordeaux, France, before heading to Switzerland where he is due to end his life on May 10.I dont want to go to Switzerland, though its a nice country, he told broadcaster ABC before leaving.But I have to do that in order to get the opportunity of suicide which the Australian system does not permit. I feel very resentful. ssisted suicide is illegal in most countries around the world and was banned in Australia until the state of Victoria became the first to legalise it last year. But that legislation, which takes effect from June 2019, only applies to terminally ill patients of sound mind and a life expectancy of less than six months. Other states in Australia have debated euthanasia in the past, but the proposals have always been defeated, most recently in New South Wales state last year.Exit International, which helped Goodall make the trip, said it was unjust that one of Australias oldest and most prominent citizens should be forced to travel to the other side of the world to die with dignity. It launched a GoFundMe campaign to get plane tickets for Goodall and his helper upgraded to business class from economy and quickly raised more than Aus$20,000 (US$15,000). Goodall, an honorary research associate at Perths Edith Cowan University, made international headlines in 2016 when he was declared unfit to be on campus. After an uproar and support from scientists globally, the decision was reversed.He has produced dozens of research papers and until recently continued to review and edit for different ecology journals. Goodall told ABC he appreciated the publics interest in his plight and hoped it would spark more discussion about voluntary euthanasia. I would like them to understand it, he said.I am 104 years old so I havent got much time left anyway. I might as well not have (my health) getting worse and worse, making me unhappy as it goes. Help her undergo urgent liver surgery View(s): Nadeeka Priyangani, a mother of two children, living in No. 528/2, Ambaraluwa, Weliweriya, is suffering from a severe liver disease. Doctors have recommended that she should undergo surgery at the Global Hospital in India. For her treatment, she requires Rs. 8.5 million. She has appealed for donations and well-wishers can send their donations to the following account: Nadeeka Priyangani, Peoples Bank, Delgoda branch, A/c No. 118-2-002-4-0001259 or Bank of Ceylon, Weliweriya branch, A/c No. 71537684. More information can be obtained on Telephone No. 0777173172. DEWITT, N.Y. -- A 17-year-old was released from the hospital less than 12 hours after he was shot in the back Sunday while riding in the back seat of a Jeep on Thompson Road, DeWitt police said. Officers were called to the shooting around 4:20 a.m. on Thompson Road, near Erie Boulevard East. When they arrived, the teen had one gunshot wound to the back and the blue Jeep Grand Cherokee that he was riding in had been shot multiple times, police said. Police identified the shooting victim as Emmanuel Aguaya, of Syracuse. An ambulance brought Aguaya to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse after the shooting. By mid-afternoon, he had been released from the hospital, DeWitt police posted on its Facebook page. "He is out of the hospital," an officer confirmed. Sunday night, police said they were continuing investigate the shooting and that no arrests had been made. Police ask anyone with information about the shooting to contact them at (315) 449-3640 or email the DeWitt tips line at Tips@TownofDeWitt.com. SYRACUSE, N.Y. - In 2016, a top executive of Upstate University Hospital asked to resign and return to the faculty of the medical school, but the State University of New York made a counter offer: Dr. John McCabe could resign and keep his CEO salary of $660,500 for one year by serving as a consultant. He took the deal - even though it required him to quit the faculty and medical staff. The consulting work? The deal also required SUNY and McCabe to not talk about that. But the confidential contract, obtained by syracuse.com through a Freedom of Information request, requires him to stay off campus. That means taxpayers paid McCabe $660,500 to consult for an institution from which he was practically barred. For McCabe, he said he took it as SUNY's message "to disappear." Upstate officials have refused to provide copies of timesheets and any reports he may have produced as a consultant. The job ended March 14. McCabe, who was the highest-paid state employee in the Syracuse area in 2017, talked to syracuse.com about what led to the agreement. And he shared his disappointment about being cut off from the institution where he spent most of his career. During his 30 years at the academic medical center McCabe created Upstate's department of emergency medicine, worked as a professor, medical school dean and finally hospital CEO for eight years. Now he can't even volunteer there. The only thing he's allowed to do at Upstate is use the library, according to the agreement. The secret deal between SUNY and McCabe is the same type of hush agreement that unsuccessfully required former porn actress Stormy Daniels to stay quiet about an alleged sexual encounter with Donald Trump before he became president. These confidential agreements are common in the private sector. But experts say their use by public, government agencies like SUNY subject to freedom of information laws raises ethical and legal questions. McCabe, who stepped down as the hospital's CEO, refused to discuss the terms of the deal with SUNY in keeping with the agreement's proviso that he remain silent. But in an interview he described the circumstances that led to the agreement with SUNY which, he says, wanted him to "disappear." Mimi Satter, McCabe's lawyer, accompanied him to the interview with syracuse.com, which McCabe recorded. McCabe wanted to go back to teaching medical students when he decided in late 2016 to resign as CEO of the hospital. Instead, he agreed to quit his Upstate faculty and medical staff positions when he resigned as hospital CEO under the terms of the non-disclosure agreement with SUNY. In exchange, Upstate kept him on the state payroll for another year in a consulting job with few requirements at the same salary he received as hospital CEO. Upstate refused to answer most of syracuse.com's questions about the agreement. It also denied syracuse.com's request to interview Upstate President Dr. Danielle Laraque-Arena about the deal. McCabe says he decided to resign after Laraque-Arena took over as president of Upstate Medical University in 2016 so she could put her own management team in place. "There was never a time anyone asked me to step down," McCabe said. "It was clear to me she (Laraque-Arena) wanted to, and it would be helpful for her, to have a team in place that was of her own choosing to allow her to be successful." McCabe said his relationship with Laraque-Arena was not contentious. He said his staff put together a large briefing book on hospital operations to quickly bring her up to speed. But over time " ... it felt increasingly as if hospital issues were being managed around me rather than with me," he said. Those issues included hospital strategy, planning, program development, finances and operations. McCabe, 65, was a tenured professor at Upstate before he was appointed medical school dean and later CEO. When McCabe took the administrative jobs he says he stepped out of his tenured faculty position with the understanding he could rejoin the faculty when he left the administration. A 2015 letter from Dr. Gregory Eastwood, Upstate's former president, confirmed this. The letter said McCabe could return to the faculty when he left the administration at an annual salary of no less than $263,466. In a Nov. 29, 2016 letter, McCabe told Laraque-Arena he wanted to resign and return to the faculty. After Laraque-Arena acknowledged receipt of McCabe's resignation letter " ... all communication with the president shut down," he says. He was referred to a SUNY lawyer in Albany. McCabe says he interpreted the message he got in his first phone conversation with SUNY lawyers as, "We'd like you to disappear." The non-disclosure agreement was subsequently signed by McCabe and Laraque-Arena Dec. 30, 2016. "It was SUNY's idea there would be an agreement and there would be terms that would have him (McCabe) resigning from the institution," said Satter, McCabe's attorney. The $660,500 consulting job McCabe got as part of the agreement came with the title "senior assistant to the president" and a vague job description. The agreement required him to work off campus and provide "... a broad range of administrative services to the SUNY Upstate President as assigned from time to time." Those services could include developing reports and coordinating special projects. McCabe had to file monthly written reports describing his efforts and time reports for payroll purposes. McCabe says he complied with all the agreement's filing requirements. In a prepared statement, Upstate said McCabe's "institutional knowledge of hospital operations" was valuable during the leadership transition. "As senior assistant to the president, Dr. McCabe provided services to assist with this transition. The terms of the agreement with Dr. McCabe are standard provisions under the law," the statement said. In its Freedom of Information request, syracuse.com asked for all documents - including contracts, timesheets, emails, letters, etc. - related to McCabe's appointment to the consulting job. SUNY responded by providing only the non-disclosure agreement, saying any other records are exempt from public disclosure. Syracuse.com successfully appealed that decision and SUNY agreed to do another review of the requested documents. That review is still in the works, according to Michael Jurbala, Upstate's Freedom of Information Law officer. The secret deal between SUNY and McCabe is a voluntary agreement "... executed to avoid the expenses of litigation, administrative proceedings, and/or complaints to local, state, or federal government departments, agencies or any other conceivable venue for making claims or resolving disputes between the parties," the document says. As part of the agreement, McCabe agreed to never sue SUNY Upstate, refer negatively to Upstate and current or former employees, interfere in Upstate's business operations or communicate with Upstate job seekers. It also requires Laraque-Arena to never refer negatively to McCabe. "It saddens me every day that I am no longer part of an institution that I spent 30 years at, knowing I could still be a productive faculty member in some capacity," McCabe said. Contact James T. Mulder anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-470-2245 SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The State University of New York may not be able to enforce its confidential agreement with the former CEO of Upstate University Hospital because the state agency is subject to laws guaranteeing public access to government records, according to a labor law expert. SUNY also would have trouble enforcing it because the details of the once secret agreement are now in the public domain, said Alexander Colvin, a lawyer and professor of conflict resolution at Cornell University. SUNY's agreement became public after syracuse.com obtained it through a freedom of information request. The use of non-disclosure agreements in the public sector run afoul of freedom of information laws, Colvin said. "Any kind of public records law would override any contract they sign with this guy," he said. He was referring to a nondisclosure agreement between SUNY Upstate Medical University and Dr. John McCabe, who stepped down as CEO of Upstate's hospital in January 2017. Under the terms of that secret agreement, McCabe agreed to sever all ties to Upstate. In exchange, Upstate kept him on the state payroll for another year at an annual salary of $660,500 in a consulting job with few requirements. Aside from being legally questionable, the use of secret contracts by government agencies is unethical, according to Craig Holman of Public Citizen, a national nonprofit consumer rights group. "They are covering up something the public should know about," Holman said. "When the university is spending taxpayer dollars it should not be swept under the rug." Non-disclosure agreements are routinely used in the private sector to settle employer-employee disputes. The agreements are often used to resolve conflicts or problems that could lead to lawsuits, Colvin said. Colvin said while there is no data available showing how often confidential agreements are used in the public sector, anecdotal evidence suggests they are widespread. It was revealed earlier this year many members of the Trump administration are required to sign non-disclosure agreements forcing them to keep quiet about what goes on in the White House. They also are used to cover up embarrassing information. The non-disclosure agreement signed by former porn actress Stormy Daniels, for example, was supposed to keep her quiet about an alleged sexual affair with Donald Trump before he became president. She is challenging that agreement on the grounds Trump did not sign it. The #MeToo movement shined a light on the use of non-disclosure agreements to hide settlements of sexual harassment claims. New York recently approved a new law that takes effect this summer banning the use of non-disclosure agreements in most sexual harassment claims. Contact James T. Mulder anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-470-2245 SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Mayor Ben Walsh's first proposed budget unanimously passed the Common Council Monday with no changes from lawmakers. The budget sailed through the council with no dissent from its members, something both Walsh and council leadership chalked up to good relations and a proactive approach to working together. "The administration showed a willingness to listen to councilors during the first months of the year. The lines of communication were open," said Council President Helen Hudson. Councilor-At-Large Tim Rudd, who is chair of the council's finance committee, said councilor's were brought in to help craft the budget and worked with Walsh's team from the start. Administration officials met often with councilors and answered questions quickly, he said. Walsh is four months into his first term as mayor, and four of the nine voting members of the Council are newcomers this year as well. "I think it's a good start," Walsh said. "...Our goal when we started this budget process was to make sure there were no surprises in the budget when it reached the Council members' mailboxes, and I think we achieved that." Last month, Walsh delivered a presentation of the budget and its highlights to the council in person. Majority Leader Steve Thompson thanked Walsh for presenting the budget to the council in person, something the last mayor often didn't do. "I want to thank you for coming before the council," Thompson said in April. "Just finding the [budget] books in our cubby was a little distressing." The peaceful terms are a departure from recent history. The previous mayor and council clashed frequently. Last year, the council stripped funding for the Greater Syracuse Land Bank and allocated that money for a new class of cops. Former Mayor Stephanie Miner vetoed their changes, but was overridden. Walsh's budget includes money to fund a new class of cops and of firefighters. It also puts a freeze on salary increases and non-essential hiring. The city will use a projected $11 million from reserves to plug a deficit. Other highlights of the budget include money to create a municipal violations bureau, restored funding for the Greater Syracuse Land Bank, a plan to purchase the city's street lights from National Grid, an increase in security and maintenance downtown and a promise to re-evaluate city fees. The council also approved the Syracuse City School District's $431.6 million budget, with several amendments to account for the district receiving less state funding than it requested. The school district will use $14 million from its reserve funds next year. Finally, the council approved the city's plan to request a review from the New York State Financial Restructuring Board, something included in Walsh's budget. The board will review city spending and operations and make recommendations for places to save money. Those recommendations are not binding. If the city adopts the recommendations, though, it is eligible for up to $5 million in state funding to implement them. The budget takes effect July 1. The Syracuse Press Club this weekend held its 40th annual awards and scholarship banquet to honor the area's best journalists and highlight the area's best work. About 180 reporters, editors, managers, family and friends gathered for the awards dinner Saturday night at the Genesee Grande Hotel in Syracuse. The winning articles and broadcasts were selected from hundreds of entries. Volunteer judges from across the nation picked the winners. The judges selected first- and second-place winners in competitions that include TV, radio, print, online, multi-media and college journalism categories. The press club, which was founded 67 years ago, also awarded the following annual awards: Syracuse Press Club Wall of Distinction honoree Dan Cummings, co-anchor of NewsChannel 9's "The Morning News" Bill Carey Journalist of the Year Award Samantha House, reporter, Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard WSYR-TV Selwyn Kershaw Professional Standards Award Sarah Moses Buckshot, reporter, Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard A. Brohmann Roth Newcomer Award Sean Martinelli, reporter, NewsChannel 9 Philip A. Hoffman President's Award for Best News Source Dave Bullard, New York State Fair spokesperson DeVesty-Williams Scholarship Colleen Ferguson, Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Graduate of Marcellus High School More about the winners, winning works: Syracuse Press Club: Complete list of award winning articles, award winners Scribd Paul Welch lives in Syracuse. By Paul Welch Germany, France, United Kingdom, China, Russia and the European Union agree with the International Atomic Energy Agency's findings that Iran is currently abiding by the Iran nuclear agreement's requirements. In his U.S. visit, French President Macron has proposed negotiations on a "new deal" aimed at curbing Iran's military power and regional activities, to exist alongside the three-year-old Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). This new deal would go further, imposing a permanent check on those nuclear activities, while also limiting the country's development of ballistic activities, and its military operations across the region, particularly in Syria. German Chancellor Angela Merkel reinforced Macron's position with President Trump. France and Germany publicly opposed the Iraq invasion. Regretfully, our Congress, with a majority in both parties in the Senate, enacted the Iraq War Resolution. The primary rationale was the supposed existence of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons. Despite the pleas of Hans Blix, the United Nations chief weapons inspector, that his team only needed six more months to certify whether Iraq had nuclear weapons or not, President George W. Bush "let loose the dogs of war." Four thousand, four hundred and eighty-six American military were killed. Somewhere between 165,000 and 500,000 Iraqis died. Huge numbers of wounded and disabled people on both sides had their lives altered forever. ISIS arose from the smoldering ashes of war- ravaged Iraq. Blix said "critical thinking" was missing in the US decision for war in Iraq. We know about the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the toxicity of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard, their support of Hezbollah, Hamas and Syria's Bashar Assad, and their ballistic missiles. To spur critical thinking, I cite the following: * Our 1953 coup against Iran's popular, democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh, and its aftermath, is the principal reason Iran calls us the Great Satan. * The toppling of the Saddam Hussein regime turned Iraq from a foe to an ally of Iran. * Iran holds Israel and the United States responsible for the millions of Palestinians in refugee camps and under Israeli occupation. * Prior to the 2017 protests, Iranians held four major protests (followed by harsh repressions), which eventually led to a more moderate parliament. The nuclear agreement is a positive for President Hasan Rouhani, a moderate, who last year won re-election with 57 percent of the vote. The radical Islamic Revolutionary Guard wants the agreement scrapped. * Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shi'a Iran are engaged in a Middle East power struggle. Iran has an elected Parliament with final power held by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, head of state and commander-in-chief of the military and Islamic Revolutionary Guard. On the other hand, the House of Saud rules Saudi Arabia absolutely, with long standing Wahhabi clerical input. Saudi Arabia has a horrible human rights record, is the home country for 15 of the 9/11 bombers, exports its radical version of Islam throughout the world and is arguably the largest supporter of terrorism in the world. Remarkably, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has targeted Qatar for an embargo because of their support of terrorism. He also states Saudi Arabia will pursue nuclear weapons if Iran does so with the cancellation of the Iran Nuclear Agreement. Currently, Salman's war in Yemen is now the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with more than 22 million people -- three-quarters of the population -- in desperate need of aid and protection, according to United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said. Guterres calls Yemen "the stupid war" which is in nobody's best interest. * Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls the nuclear agreement a "historic mistake." Let's remember Netanyahu helped push us into the disastrous Iraq War. Netanyahu is also at odds with his security team over the agreement. Additionally, Israel is a nuclear power. * Like Netanyahu, President's Trump's judgment differs from his military advisers. Secretary of Defense James Mattis told senators that it was in America's interest to stick with the agreement. Both Marine Gen. James Dunford, and Air Force Gen. Paul Selva, the chairman and vice chairman respectively of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, reported to Congress that Iran is adhering to its Agreement's obligations. * North Korea will certainly recalculate the viability of a U.S. commitment if the agreement is canceled. The Afghanistan War, the Wars in Syria and Iraq, the Yemen War, Russian military moves in Eastern Europe/Syria and their electoral meddling, China's claims in the South China Sea, the African jihadist terrorist conflicts, climate enhanced natural calamities, mass killings in our country and trillion dollar deficits are some of the daunting challenges we face. Adding a nuclear-armed Iran to this list is not a reasonable option. Recommendations: * Listen to our allies who counsel prudence. We can't afford another Iraq War. * Adopt the two-part plan proposed by Macron. * Support the Iranian people by keeping their internet connections alive and allowing Iranians to enter the U.S. * Be determined to employ dialogue to minimize and end armed conflicts. WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump's new attorney, Rudy Giuliani, is delivering confounding and at times contradictory statements as he tries to lessen the legal burdens on his client from an investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and a $130,000 hush payment to a porn actress. The former New York City mayor is embracing his client's preferred approach to challenges as he mounts Trump's defense through the media. But it's proving to be a bewildering display. In an interview Sunday with ABC's "This Week," Giuliani dismissed as rumor his own statements about Trump's payment to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels, said he can't speak to whether the president lied to the American people when he denied knowledge of the silencing agreement and wouldn't rule out the president asserting his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination in the Russia investigation. Giuliani also couldn't say whether Trump's personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, had made similar payments to other women on the president's behalf. Giuliani said despite Trump's openness to sit down with special counsel Robert Mueller in the Russia investigation, he would strongly advise Trump against it. "I'm going to walk him into a prosecution for perjury like Martha Stewart?" Giuliani asked, referring to the lifestyle maven convicted in 2004 of lying to investigators and obstruction in an insider trading case. Giuliani couldn't guarantee that Trump wouldn't end up asserting his constitutional right to refuse to answer any questions that might incriminate him. "How could I ever be confident of that?" Giuliani said. During a 2016 campaign rally, Trump disparaged staffers of his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, for taking the Fifth during a congressional investigation into Clinton's use of a private email server as secretary of state. "The mob takes the Fifth Amendment," Trump said. "If you're innocent, why are you taking the Fifth Amendment?" Giuliani also suggested that Trump wouldn't necessarily comply with a subpoena from Mueller, whose investigation Trump has repeatedly labeled a "witch hunt." A subpoena fight would likely find its way to the Supreme Court, which has never firmly decided whether presidents can be compelled to speak under oath. Giuliani's aggressive defense of the president in recent weeks has pleased Trump but exasperated White House aides and attorneys and left even supporters questioning his tactics. "It seems to me that the approach last week of the Trump team plays into the hands of Mueller's tactic to try, at any cost, to try to find technical violations against lower-ranking people so that they can be squeezed," Alan Dershowitz, a Harvard law professor who has informally counseled the president, said on NBC's "Meet the Press." Giuliani, who was hired by Trump last month, said he's still learning the facts of the Mueller case and the details of Trump's knowledge of the payment to Daniels, who has alleged a sexual tryst with Trump in 2006. The $130,000 payment was made by Cohen days before the 2016 election, raising questions of compliance with campaign finance and ethics laws. When Trump was asked last month aboard Air Force One if he knew about the payment to Daniels, he said no. Trump also said he didn't know why Cohen had made the payment or where he got the money. Kellyanne Conway, a counselor to the president, said Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union" that Trump meant that he didn't know about the payment at the time it was made, not at the time the question was asked. Giuliani said last week that Trump had reimbursed Cohen for that payment and other unspecified items. Giuliani said then that he first made Trump aware of the payment shortly after joining the case but now says he doesn't know when Trump found out about it. Giuliani told BuzzFeed last week that Cohen had complained after the election about not being paid by Trump for his work in silencing Daniels and that Cohen and Trump then met to work out a $35,000 monthly retainer. Trump said Friday that Giuliani needed to "get his facts straight" but insisted they weren't changing their story. He has called Daniels' allegations of an affair "false and extortionist." When asked Sunday whether Trump knew about the payment to Daniels after the campaign, Giuliani demurred. "I can't prove that. I can just say it's rumor," Giuliani said. Giuliani also said he wasn't sure whether Cohen had paid off any other women for Trump but indicated it was possible. "I have no knowledge of that, but I would think if it was necessary, yes," Giuliani said. Cohen no longer represents Trump, Giuliani said, adding that it would "be a conflict right now." Cohen faces a criminal investigation in New York, where FBI agents raided his home and office several weeks ago seeking records about the Daniels nondisclosure agreement and other matters. Michael Avenatti, Daniels' attorney, said Sunday on "This Week" that he thinks it's "obvious ... to the American people that this is a cover-up, that they are making it up as they go along." Legal experts have said the revelation that Trump reimbursed Cohen raises new questions, including whether the money represented repayment of an undisclosed loan or could be seen as reimbursement for a campaign expenditure. Either could be legally problematic. Both Giuliani and Trump have insisted the payment to Daniels was not a campaign expense. Giuliani maintained Sunday that the payment can't be considered an in-kind campaign contribution because there was another explanation for it. "This was for another purpose, to protect him, to protect his family," he said. "It may have involved the campaign. Doesn't matter." Giuliani said the financial arrangement with Cohen wasn't revealed on Trump's 2017 personal financial disclosure because "it isn't a liability, it's an expense." ITHACA, N.Y. (AP) -- Cornell University has announced new rules for its fraternities and sororities after reports of hazing. From now on, hard liquor is prohibited in residential chapter houses and by 2021, all Greek residences will be required to have a live-in adviser. Cornell also says chapters will face a minimum three-year suspension for hazing involving coerced drinking or drug use, sexual misconduct or other forms of violence or mental abuse. President Martha Pollack announced the reforms Friday following the three-year suspension of the Sigma Nu fraternity. Pollack says reports of other alleged hazing incidents are pending. Cornell has a large Greek system with 63 chapters that include more than 4,500 students. Amid the thrilling stories of freedom-seekers and those who helped them flee slavery told in the new Underground Railroad Heritage Center in Niagara Falls, there is a moment that leaves many visitors teary-eyed. As they cross the replica of the Suspension Bridge, their guides ask them to stop before a line projected on the bridge desk. At their feet are the words "United States -- slavery" a line representing the border, then the words "Canada -- freedom." "Stop and take a breath," the guide says. "Now take a step. You're free." The step is both exhilarating and bittersweet. Ahead is a new world of opportunity. Behind is everything they have ever known, including parents, spouses, children. They have given it all up, but they are free. Putting themselves in the footsteps of freedom-seekers was a powerful and emotional experience for many who streamed through the doors of the Heritage Center Sunday for Community Day, the end of the grand opening weekend. The 700 timed tickets were all snapped up, and visitors filled the galleries of the 2,000-square-foot space. The day included music, artist Edreys Wajed's live mural performance, and talks by Karolyn Smardz Frost, the author of "Steal Away Home," the story of Cecelia Reynolds, who fled to freedom at Niagara Falls. Community Day at the new Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center https://t.co/DbsGYfnMuw The Buffalo News (@TheBuffaloNews) May 7, 2018 "People are coming out in tears," said visitor experience specialist Hassan Ford. "They are saying how powerful it is. They get real teary-eyed when they take that step over, exhale and I say, 'Welcome to freedom.' " "That part where they have the line on the floor crossing from slavery to freedom, that really brought it to life," said Elizabeth Briceno of Hamburg, who attended with fiance E-Lon-E McCracken of Toronto. "I didn't know the whole story behind Niagara Falls' role in the Underground Railroad, but this really brought it to life." "Being born and raised here in Niagara Falls, it's good to see something like this," said McCracken. The treks of freedom-seekers in the 1840s and 1850s resonated with Thomas Ashford of Niagara Falls. Born in South Georgia, his schooling was cut short and he was put to work before he came to Niagara Falls in 1950. When he arrived, he said, "I thought I was in heaven and had freedom for the first time in my life. I had educational opportunities." "It's a small museum but it's very powerful," said Dan Enriquez from California, whose wife read about the opening of the Heritage Center while they were looking for things to do in Niagara Falls. "It's not the amount of the exhibits, it's the power of the exhibits. It's very emotional, particularly if you happen to be African-American, as my wife is. It affected me, and I'm not African-American. The crossing was very, very emotional and very creative." "It was eye-opening," said Charlene Roque of Buffalo. "You hear the famous names and read things in the textbooks, but there is so much behind that, so many everyday people helping others to freedom." "This is something that everyone needs to see," said Quincy Washington of Buffalo. "This is the history that happened in this area that a lot of people don't have access to, and that's a problem." For Washington, the most powerful part of the center was a truly inspiring family tie. On a video, visitor experience specialist Saladin Allah talks about his ancestor, Josiah Henson, who was born into slavery and walked from Kentucky to freedom in Canada in 1830. Washington said, "The things that people had to do to wake up in the morning and feel free and be free, I can't imagine having to do that. "Everyone needs to come here; it should be required," said Washington. "If they don't teach it in school, how are we going to know?" Mark Neubecker of Williamsville echoed that suggestion. "Every high school should send a busload of kids to go through this," Neubecker said. "This history is not in the history books, and it's in their backyards. I think it would change their way of thinking more than anything they could learn from their teachers." The grand opening weekend went "better than I could have ever expected," said Ally Spongr, director and curator of the Heritage Center. "The feedback from visitors has been extraordinary. People are calling it a world-class exhibit, and while we have been saying that among ourselves, hearing it from the community is different." Falls Mayor Paul Dyster said, "Considering that the government was involved, this does what public projects rarely do -- it exceeds expectations." The Heritage Center will be closed Mondays but will open Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adult admission is $10, with reduced prices for children, seniors and students. Residents of the City of Niagara Falls who bring in proof of address will be registered for unlimited free admissions to the center. --By Anne Neville, The Buffalo News, N.Y. New York state is ready to auction an abandoned state prison six miles from the Canadian border. The former Chateaugay Correctional Facility sits on 99 acres. There are 30 structures with a combined 98,000 square feet of building space. They are mostly single-story metal buildings, built after 1990. They were used as administrative offices, dormitories, medical, dining, recreational, vocational, maintenance and storage facilities. It's in Franklin County, at 7874 State Route 11, about 30 miles west of Plattsburgh. The minimum bid is $100,000. Chateaugay prison closed in 2014 as the state's prison population shrunk. It was a minimum-security prison and state alcohol and substance abuse treatment center. Potential buyers can take tours May 31; June 1, 11, 12; and July 9 and 10. The auction is scheduled for 9 a.m. July 24 at the Chateaugay Town Hall, 191 E. Main St. For information, call 518-474-2195 or email the state at land.management@ogs.ny.gov. Contact Michelle Breidenbach anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-470-3186. Police have shot and captured a Texas man in Vermont who was wanted for allegedly committed armed robberies in several states, including New York. WTEN-TV reported that Mark Triolo, 46, was shot and captured on Friday night in Brattleboro, VT, around 9:00 p.m. after he first fled from officers. Triolo was wanted in several states, including, Texas, Kansas, New York and Vermont, for a series of armed robberies, including one in Queensbury in New York's Capital Region. Triolo is accused of robbing the Speedway on Aviation Road on April 30. Vermont State Police confirm the suspect shot and taken into custody Friday night is Mark Triolo, wanted on warrants for armed robberies in Texas and New York.https://t.co/gL1FhpT6LL pic.twitter.com/s2T7wr5Agj CBS 6 Albany - WRGB (@CBS6Albany) May 5, 2018 Three Brattleboro police officers and one State Trooper opened fire on Triolo. The man is suspected of being involved in two armed robberies on Friday evening in Vermont before being captured. Triolo was taken to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for treatment, and Vermont police did not comment on his condition. The four Vermont officers who shot Triolo have all been placed on leave pending an investigation of the shooting, according to The Associated Press. They have been identified as Trooper Jason Lengfellner, Officers Michael Cable and Sean Wilson and Sgt. Chase Stanley. Mobile, Ala. -- A boy in Alabama made a "miracle" recovery from brain injuries suffered in a dune buggy accident shortly after his parents signed the papers to donate his organs. Trenton McKinley, 13 of Mobile, Alabama, was so close to death that his parents agreed to donate his organs to five separate children needing transplants, according to USA Today. But the day before doctors planned to stop life support, the boy began showing signs of mental cognition after several days of being brain-dead, according to Fox 10 in Alabama. McKinley is recovering, but faces a difficult path. He already had three brain surgeries and faces at least one more that will reattach a piece of his skull. The boy also lost 50 pounds and deals with nerve pain and seizures daily, Fox 10 said. McKinley is making remarkable strides, according to USA Today. He has not suffered any memory loss and talks often about his school friends. He has also been able to shoot hoops at the hospital gym while wearing a protective head device, USA Today said. McKinley's accident occurred in March while he was riding in a trailer being pulled behind a dune buggy, Fox 10 said. His friend pressed on the brakes suddenly, causing the trailer to flip McKinley got caught in the trailer as it turned. The boy told Fox 10 he remembers hitting the concrete and having the trailer land on his head. He was rushed to the hospital with seven skull fractures. McKinley's heart stopped several times, according to USA Today. Doctors told his parents that the boy would be a vegetable even if he survived, Fox 10 said. McKinley's mother, Jennifer Nicole Reindl, called his recovery a miracle, according to USA Today. Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Google + | 315-454-2112 WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump is set to reveal his decision on whether to keep the U.S. in the Iran deal on Tuesday, a move that could determine the fate of the 2015 agreement that froze Iran's nuclear program. The announcement is set to cap more than a year of deliberation and negotiation that has at time pitted Trump against some of his closest aides and key American allies. Trump is facing a self-imposed May 12 deadline over whether to uphold the 2015 nuclear agreement, which he long has criticized. The president has signaled he will pull out of the pact by the deadline unless it is revised, but he faces intense pressure from European allies not to do so. I will be announcing my decision on the Iran Deal tomorrow from the White House at 2:00pm. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 7, 2018 "I will be announcing my decision on the Iran Deal tomorrow from the White House at 2:00pm," Trump tweeted Monday. The president has been the subject of an intense lobbying effort by American allies to maintain the agreement, with British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson making a last-ditch appeal to the administration in a visit to Washington this week. European leaders say that they are open to negotiating a side agreement with Iran, but the existing framework must remain untouched for that to happen. It is not immediately clear what Trump will announce Tuesday or whether he will announce the end of the deal or push for a renegotiation. Trump in October "decertified" the deal with Iran, but did not move to re-impose sanctions, known as a "snap-back." BREAKING: US to face "historic regret" if nuclear deal ends, says Iranian President Hassan Rouhani https://t.co/JWTHKKBKFr pic.twitter.com/5CoYQlGaCA Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) May 6, 2018 On Monday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Iran would be willing not to abandon the nuclear deal even if the United States pulls out, providing the European Union offers guarantees that Iran would keep benefiting from the accord. Rouhani said that "what we want for the deal is that it's preserved and guaranteed by the non-Americans" -- a reference to other signatories of the 2015 agreement. There was no negotiation - and all of that changed with JCPOA. Blow up the deal and you're back there tomorrow! 4/4 John Kerry (@JohnKerry) May 1, 2018 U.S. officials and European allies share the conclusion that the deal, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), has halted Iran's development of nuclear weapons. Trump has objected to a sunset provision that would allow Iran to restart some nuclear development in 2025. Supporters of the deal argue that withdrawing from the JCPOA would undermine Trump's push for North Korea, which has a far more advanced nuclear program than ever possessed by Iran, to denuclearize. Trump is planning on meeting with North Korea's Kim Jong Un within the next month. Earlier Monday, Trump criticized John Kerry after reports that the former secretary of state has been promoting the Iran nuclear deal. The United States does not need John Kerrys possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran Deal. He was the one that created this MESS in the first place! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 7, 2018 Trump said on Twitter: "The United States does not need John Kerry's possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran Deal. He was the one that created this MESS in the first place!" Kerry, who was also the lead negotiators for the Obama administration on the Paris climate accord, has been promoting both agreements since he left office. The Boston Globe reported Friday that Kerry, the lead negotiator on the deal for the Obama administration, had been privately meeting with foreign officials to strategize on how to keep the U.S. in the deal. Kerry has met with Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. At least one of their meetings was at a June 2017 public event in Oslo, Norway, where they sat on the same panel with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and extolled the virtues of the nuclear deal. Kerry, a keen environmentalist who regularly derided climate change skeptics and championed ocean health while secretary of state, has also continued to speak out on those issues since becoming a private citizen. Last week at an event in Dallas, Trump mocked Kerry over a bicycle accident he had three years ago. By ZEKE MILLER and CATHERINE LUCEY, Associated Press. AP writers Matthew Lee and Josh Lederman contributed to this report from Washington. A pickup truck on Monday hit a Southwest Airlines plane on a runway at Baltimore-Washington International Airport in Maryland. The plane, Southwest Airlines flight 6263, was pulling into a gate at the airport after arriving from Fort Lauderdale, Florida when the crash occurred, according to WJLA in Washington. The plane had 172 passengers on board. There were no injuries reported on the plane, WJLA said. All passengers were able to get off the plane using stairs, according to WBAL in Baltimore. Officials are investigating the cause of the crash. No one in the truck was hurt either, WBAL said. The truck crash is the latest of several incidents for Southwest Airlines in recent weeks. Last week, a cracked window on a Southwest flight headed from Chicago to New Jersey forced pilots to divert the plane to Cleveland. The plane landed safely and there were no injuries, according to The Associated Press. In April, an engine on a Southwest plane exploded in the middle of a flight. The blast sent debris flying into the plane, breaking a window and killing a passenger. Jennifer Riordan, 43 of New Mexico, was partially sucked out of the broken window before passengers were able to pull her back in. She later died. The jet, headed from New York to Dallas, made an emergency landing in Philadelphia. The airline began a round of inspections of fan blades on all engines on its Boeing 737s in the wake of the accident. Southwest's entire fleet is made up of 737s, according to The Washington Post. Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Google + | 315-454-2112 President Donald Trump offered full-throated support Monday for Gina Haspel, his nominee to become CIA director, dismissing concerns about her role in interrogations of terrorist suspects that prompted her offer to withdraw last week. "My highly respected nominee for CIA Director, Gina Haspel, has come under fire because she was too tough on Terrorists," the president wrote on Twitter. "Think of that, in these very dangerous times, we have the most qualified person, a woman, who Democrats want OUT because she is too tough on terror. Win Gina!" Hapsel's confirmation hearing is scheduled Wednesday with the Senate Intelligence Committee. On Friday, Haspel sought to drop her nomination after some White House officials worried that her role in the interrogation of terrorist suspects could prevent her confirmation by the Senate, according to four senior U.S. officials. Haspel told the White House she was interested in stepping aside if it avoided the spectacle of a brutal confirmation hearing and potential damage to the CIA's reputation and her own, the officials said. She was summoned to the White House on Friday for a meeting over her history with the CIA's controversial interrogation program - which employed techniques such as waterboarding that are widely seen as torture - and signaled that she was going to withdraw her nomination. By Saturday, however, she decided to stay the course and testify this week. Trump learned of the drama Friday, calling officials from his trip to Dallas. He decided to push for Haspel to remain as the nominee after initially signaling he would support whatever decision was taken, administration officials said. Haspel is scheduled to meet with several senators Monday in advance of her hearing. Haspel, who serves as the CIA's deputy director and has spent 33 years in the agency, most of it undercover, faces some opposition in Congress because of her connection to the interrogation program, which was set up after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. In late 2002, Haspel oversaw a secret CIA detention facility in Thailand, where one al-Qaida suspect was waterboarded. Another detainee also was waterboarded before Haspel's arrival. Three years later, Haspel was involved in the CIA's destruction of nearly 100 videotapes that recorded the interrogations, touching off an investigation by a special prosecutor who ultimately decided not to bring charges against those involved. 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 ... Spending too much time on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram may not be good for women's self-esteem, revealed a new study, which looked at the body image concerns and social media use of 100 female participants. Effect Of Social Media Use On Body Image The research was presented at the British Psychological Society's annual meeting in Nottingham, England on Friday. Researchers found that women tend to be less happy with their bodies if they spend more than an hour a day on social media. Study researcher Martin Graff, from the University of South Wales, in the United Kingdom, said that these women are more likely to think that thin people are more attractive so they become more self-conscious about how they look. Graff also said that these women are more motivated to exercise with the aim of improving their bodies. The researcher said that spending more time every day on social networking sites, which people use to post images of themselves and to compare themselves with others, is associated with unhealthy relationships with body image and possibly exercise. "Previous research has indicated a link between exposure to social networking sites and body image concerns, and we were able to build on this by showing that it is not just initial exposure to these sites that can cause an issue, but the daily time spent on them," Graff said. Graff explained that the feedback women receive on social media could make them feel insecure, especially when they fail to realize that what people post only is nearly always images that depict the poster in a positive light. Insecure Women May Be Drawn To Social Media He said that people do not post photos of them looking sick or having "bad hair" days. They would generally post pictures of happy times. It is also possible that insecure women tend to be drawn to social media. Pittsburgh-based psychologist Nancy Mramor said that insecure women and girls may use social media as a means to feel better about themselves. Ramani Durvasula, from California State University, Los Angeles, said that vulnerable females who use social media in this manner could be those who are anxious, depressed, or suffering from eating disorders. Effects Of Low Self-Esteem Low self-esteem may cause loneliness, stress, and increased risk of depression. It may also cause problems with friendships and romantic relationships, as well as impair school or job performance. Having low self- esteem is also linked to increased vulnerability to drug and alcohol abuse. The researchers of the study said that their findings may be important for people working with women who have body image concerns, since the problem may be linked to use of social media. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A man who claims to have contracted hepatitis C at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup has filed a lawsuit suit against the hospital. 2,600 Patients Possibly Exposed To Hepatitis C Good Samaritan revealed late last month that a nurse with hepatitis C may have exposed thousands of its patients to the virus, and is warning 2,600 of the patients who had contact with the nurse. Hepatitis C is transmitted through infected blood and can cause chronic liver disease. Many people do not know they are infected until they have some liver damage. The patients the hospital deemed at risk are those who received injections narcotic, antihistamine, or sedatives from the nurse in the emergency room between Aug. 4, 2017, and March 23. The patients said that the group represents less than 5 percent of the number of patients treated in the Emergency Department during the period. "We have taken extensive measures to identify anyone who may have been at risk for exposure," Good Samaritan President and Chief Operating Officer Chris Bredeson said in a hospital statement released on April 30. Lawsuit Over Failure To Monitor Erring Nurse One of the 2,600 patients now alleges he contracted Hepatitis C at the hospital. The lawsuit in Pierce County Superior Court claims that the man was being treated for kidney stones at the hospital in December. Months later, he was tested positive for Hepatitis C. The client's lawyer Amanda Searle said that the man is suing Good Samaritan and MultiCare Health System for failure to properly train, investigate, and monitor the nurse after patient complaints. "This is a lawsuit against Good Samaritan for a negligence cause of action," Searle said. "Our concerns are primarily on Good Samaritan's practices with respect to their notice that this nurse had medication practice issues and they didn't do anything about it." The lawsuit was filed on Friday following the arrest of the 31-year-old nurse Cora Weberg, who was suspected of stealing narcotics and exposing thousands of patients to the virus. Authorities think that the nurse was using portion of patients' narcotics for her own use and then used the same needle to inject the patients. Weberg, who was caught at the Canadian border, is no longer connected with the hospital but her lawyer said that claims about her are false and there are no direct DNA link between her and the infected patients. The hospital is now testing former patients suspected to have been exposed to Hepatitis C. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A new set of leaks appears to already suggest that Samsung is busy with the Galaxy S10 and the supposedly foldable Galaxy X flagship smartphones. Surprisingly Early Most industry analysts are most likely expecting announcements of the Galaxy Note 9, however, hearing about future handset models is a welcome surprise. Reports that discussed the details about the S10 likewise revealed its key specifications as well as its intended release date. For a while now, rumors have it that the South Korean consumer electronics company has plans to release a smartphone during CES. A couple of years already passed but the company has never released any mobile phone during the Consumer Electronics Show. This might change next year as reports suggest that the S10 might get a 2019 CES release date. X for An Extra Impact What followed after the recent leaks about the Galaxy S10 is another big surprise for consumers. It looks like the CES 2019 release date for the former model is intentional for a specific reason. The Bell, a South Korean financial publication, claims that Samsung scheduled a different model to make its debut during the 2019 MWC. The Galaxy S9 and S9+ took center stage during this year's Mobile World Congress event held in Barcelona, Spain. Yet, what followed months after apparently did not please the company as financial reports revealed poor sales for the latest flagship. It looks like it wants to switch things around with the Galaxy X, which is rumored to be its first smartphone with a foldable display. If leaks are to be believed, experts say that it is a smart approach for the manufacturer to inject something new. The mobile phone market is currently saturated by products with notches, reduced bezels, and other supposedly unique gimmicks. Analysts Weigh In On The Rumors Other information included in the leaks suggests that Galaxy X is given the codename Winner, which could mean that it is on its way to production. Back in 2015, another set of rumors about a foldable handset revealed its codename as Valley. Industry researchers likewise pointed out that unlike the S and Note series, which are already familiar to consumers, the foldable model might see a limited release first to measure the market's reaction and interest. Insiders claim that the firm's manufacturing arm will start to source components as early as November. Leaked Design And Specifications Earlier this year, speculations indicated that Samsung held a private demo for its partners to showcase a prototype of the Galaxy X. The recent leak seems to support the speculation with some details about the foldable smartphone. While information about its hardware is still very limited, it confirmed a device that comes with three 3.5-inch OLED displays. Two of those touch screens reportedly fold inward while the third one acts as an external display when the device is folded. Unfortunately, Samsung probably does not have the final details about its hardware and key specifications as it is still subject to change before the smartphone enters mass production. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. For many Americans who smoke cannabis, it's been hard to find a job that will hire due to strict drug laws and tests that need to be done. For some companies, drug tests are mandatory even though there are certain states that allow medicinal marijuana for health purposes. According to experts from human resources, some companies may be dropping pre-employment weed screenings in order to employ more people. Weed The People A survey that was conducted in 2011 by the Society for Human Resource Management stated that 57 percent of employers conduct drug test on potential employees, a number which may have decreased over the years. In 2014, a survey in Colorado conducted by Mountain States Employers Council showed that at least 77 percent of the employers gave drug screening to candidates, even though the state legalized marijuana that same year. According to attorney James Reidy, chair of the labor and employment group at the Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green law firm, many employees have complained that smoking marijuana is no different than having a beer on a Sunday night. Glassdoor expert Alison Sullivan stated that the number of jobless people in America is at its lowest level, which hadn't occurred in 18 years. Sullivan continued that more companies are beginning to feel the pressure in finding employees, which is causing more employers to reexamine existing company policies, practices, and benefits. Several in-demand jobs such as nurse aides, cooks, servers, and housecleaners have already begun dropping drug screening to fill positions. The Changing Attitude Toward Marijuana Others have suggested that the attitude toward marijuana itself has also changed. Some experts suggest that because more states are legalizing marijuana, it could leave a company "vulnerable" for a lawsuit if an employee is terminated for smoking weed even though it is considered "legal" in their state. Abigail Wozniak, associate Professor of economics at the University of Notre Dame, who researched drug screenings and the labor market, stated that it is hard for employers to find workers. To attract people, employers can't turn them away because they believe a person who is under the influence can't do the job. "It's not so obvious that drug screening is about productivity ... It may be about finding workers who follow the rules. As the rules change, it becomes less important for employers to screen out folks on the basis of marijuana use," Wozniak stated. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Stephen Daigle, the driver in a Sunday night crash in which two children died, had a blood alcohol level almost twice the legal limit at the t A state appeals court in Baton Rouge is being asked to reconsider the constitutionality of a more than four-decade-old Louisiana law that prohibits felons on probation and parole from voting. State District Judge Tim Kelley, of Baton Rouge, upheld the 1976 law in March of last year, saying he agreed with the plaintiffs who challenged its legality but could not bend the law. Baton Rouge judge upholds Louisiana law barring some felons from voting A Baton Rouge state judge on Monday reluctantly upheld a 1976 Louisiana law that prohibits roughly 71,000 felons on probation and parole from voting. The plaintiffs a group called Voice of the Experienced, or VOTE, and several felons say the law prevents more than 70,000 felons on probation and parole in Louisiana from voting. The 1st Circuit Court of Appeal affirmed Kelley's ruling last month in a written opinion. The plaintiffs are now asking the court for a rehearing. "The Opinion results in a grave impact on the fundamental right to vote of thousands of Louisiana's citizens who are on parole and/or probation," attorneys for VOTE and the other plaintiffs argue in their rehearing application filed April 27. The plaintiffs have vowed to take the case to the state Supreme Court. +2 Felon voting-rights case appeal lands at Baton Rouge court Ashanti Witherspoon served 27 years at Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola for armed robbery and has been on parole since 1999, but because 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 1974 Louisiana constitution prevents people "under an order of imprisonment" for a felony conviction from voting. A 1976 state law expanded the definition of that phrase, saying felons on probation and parole cannot vote. The plaintiffs' attorneys argue that "under an order of imprisonment" means a person is actually in prison. The state's lawyers say felons on probation or parole remain under such an order because they can be sent back to prison if they violate the terms or conditions of their probation or parole. Circuit Judge Toni Higginbotham wrote last month for the 1st Circuit that the fact that a convicted felon is not in prison is irrelevant. Ban preventing Louisiana felons on probation, parole from voting to continue, appeals court rules A 1976 Louisiana law that prohibits felons on probation and parole from voting is constitutional, a state appellate court in Baton Rouge ruled "Convicted felons on parole and/or probation are still in a 'custodial' setting under an order of imprisonment, as they are still serving a portion of a criminal sentence," she reasoned. Higginbotham agreed that the state has a compelling interest in protecting the integrity of voter registration rolls and in regulating felons still under the state's supervision. She also noted that the U.S. Supreme Court "has long held that convicted felons may be excluded from the right to vote." Should Louisiana felons on probation or parole be allowed to vote? Law professors say, 'Yes' Law professors from four Louisiana universities are calling for the reversal of a Baton Rouge judge's ruling that upheld a 1976 state law barr The American Probation and Parole Association, and 17 professors from the law schools at LSU, Southern and Tulane universities and Loyola University New Orleans had filed documents at the 1st Circuit supporting the plaintiffs. Advocate staff photo by PATRICK DENNIS -- Work crews install street lights in the new parking area on the east side of the State Capitol building Thursday in preparation for the opening of the Legislative session Monday. The lot in front will be gated and administered by guards in the small buildings like the one at left. A battle is shaping up on whether the state should allow local school boards to charge teachers unions and others to collect membership dues. The measure, House Bill 671, won approval last week without objection in the House Education Committee. But that absence of objections in the committee was misleading, and the proposal is expected to spark arguments in the full House on Monday. "I am sure it is going to face huge opposition," said House Education Committee Chairwoman Nancy Landry, R-Lafayette. Lafayette Republican Rep. Nancy Landry's new post to lead House Education Committee triggers outcry from teachers unions Rarely do the announcements of legislative committee leaders spark controversy, but this one did. The bill's backers include the powerful Louisiana Association of Business and Industry. Opposing it are the Louisiana Association of Educators, the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, the Louisiana Association of Principals and Gov. John Bel Edwards. Notably, the Louisiana School Boards Association has no position on the bill. Under current rules, local school boards routinely deduct from paychecks for teachers union dues, United Way contributions and other purposes, then forward the money to the organizations. Landry's bill would allow boards to charge an administrative fee of up to 3 percent of the dues withheld. She contends the current practice runs afoul of the state Constitution. "They should pay something," Landry said of the groups. "It should not be offered free." Opponents contend the lawmaker is unfairly singling out teachers. If the bill becomes law, teachers unions would simply pass on the new fee to teachers, said Shane Riddle, legislative and political director for the LAE. "At a time when teacher salaries are below the (regional average), I don't think it is a good idea to impose a fee on them," Riddle said. Debra Schum, executive director of the Louisiana Association of Principals, made the same point. "Teachers and school employees need any kind of perk that we can get them," Schum said. "It will make it more difficult for them if they have to pay a fee." The dispute is similar to one that erupted in 2015. 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 In that case, state Rep. Stuart Bishop, R-Lafayette, sponsored a bill that would have banned the automatic deduction of dues for teachers and other public union members. That plan, like this one, pitted business interests on one side against teachers unions on the other. +2 Plan to ban automatic deduction of public employee union dues clears House panel A bill that would ban teacher and other public employee unions from having membership dues automatically deducted from paychecks won approval Bishop's bill won approval in a House committee but later died. Volatile union bill in limbo as legislative days dwindle A hotly-debated bill to ban the automatic deduction of teacher and other public union membership dues from paychecks is stalled and may be fin Brigitte Nieland, who follows public school issues for LABI, said even United Way officials have said that administrative fees are common for groups that contribute to the charity. "Up to 3 percent seems like a very reasonable amount to be charged," Nieland said. Cynthia Posey, legislative and political director for the LFT, disputed Landry's view that the current practice for deducting membership dues goes against the constitution. Posey said no court rulings have reached that conclusion. She said that, in the St. Tammany Parish School District, employees are allowed to have car payments deducted from their paychecks. Mary-Patricia Wray, a spokeswoman for the Louisiana Public Pension Coalition, said using Landry's argument means deductions for state retirement systems, the Office of Group Benefits and credit unions would also be unconstitutional. "Withholdings for these other types of employee benefits, many of which have political implications, aren't under attack," Wray wrote in an email response to questions. Landry said her bill would not affect other employee benefits. Landry is often at odds with teachers unions and other traditional public school groups. She is among lawmakers who usually back efforts to overhaul school operations, and those efforts are usually opposed by teachers unions and others. At this stage, the fate of any highly charged bill is hampered by the calendar. The regular session has to end by June 4, and it may finish sooner so the Legislature can start another special session to tackle state budget problems. Even if the measure wins House approval it needs 53 votes in the 105-member House it may well be sent to what backers view as a hostile committee in the Senate. "It is a good debate to have and we need to have it, start talking about this," Landry said. "Because I do think what we have been doing is unconstitutional and we should look for a way to either make it constitutional or stop doing it." Hector V. Barreto's recent letter an interesting characterization at best, and deception by omission at worst. On the surface, everything he h The first pictures of Prince Louis have been posted online by his mother Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge. Prince Louis of Cambridge was born on April 23 and is the fifth in line to the throne. The pair of images include one of the young prince being kissed by his sister Charlotte on her third birthday. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Kornelius Purba (The Jakarta Post) Singapore Mon, May 7, 2018 09:35 1249 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e26286b 1 Opinion #commentary,Indonesia,China,foreign-direct-investment,bilateral-relations,economy,Li-Keqiang Free The visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and the hostile attitude of many Indonesians, especially politicians, to economic relations between Indonesia and China, came to my mind after listening to the views of three internationally recognized scholars and outstanding veteran ASEAN diplomats. We must understand that Chinas economy is so gigantic that 100 countries, including Indonesia, have to accept the fact that China has become their most important economic partner. Let me make it simple: No matter how strategic Indonesias position may be on the globe we are always proud of our strategic geographical position for China, we are just another important trading partner. In less than two decades China will take over the US position as the worlds largest economy. The relations between China and the US will continue to worsen, although a total trade war is unlikely, the impact on the world would be too devastating. Militarily, it will also be very difficult for the US to maintain its hegemony. The unpredictable US President Donald Trump will become a disruptive factor, because his eccentric leadership appears not that different from former Libyan leader the late Qadaffi or former Cuban leader Fidel Castro. Prof. Kishore Mahbubani and Prof. Tommy Koh warned that ASEAN, of which Indonesia is the de facto leader, will go through a very dangerous period in the next 10 years. Mahbubani talked about Chinas rising power while the US declines, and there is a common sentiment across the board that China is a serious threat to the US. Koh pointed out that the situation in the South China Sea will deteriorate and China will become more assertive. Former foreign minister Marty Natalegawa urged Indonesia to step up its leadership in ASEAN in navigating the difficult course. There can be no changing the balance of power, only the dynamics of power, he said. Indonesia needs to boost its diplomatic agility. There is no point in trying to contain China, but rather to introduce different dynamics, in order to create an equilibrium. The question is how can Indonesia take a leading role during ASEANs navigation when internally many Indonesians still think that Indonesia is so important to China that it would not dare to confront us? Baseless chauvinistic pride and a false sense that we are a great nation has often and will continue to trouble us when we are not ready to accept our position. We, Indonesians, should realize that China is much more important to us than we are to them, although we often believe the opposite. China will soon become the worlds largest Official Development Assistance (ODA) provider and there is almost no chance of reducing the flow of Chinese exports and investment. China appears threatening because its military expenditure continues to rise in line with its rapidly growing GDP. Opponents have strongly criticized President Joko Jokowi Widodo for issuing Presidential Regulation No. 20/2018 on foreign workers. The critics argue the new policy will trigger an influx of foreign workers into Indonesia. Tens of thousands of unskilled Chinese laborers now are working, they claim, in China-funded projects, many of them turn-key contracts. The critics have a point, but they do not see the bigger picture. The ghost of communism continues to haunt Indonesia with many people branded communists, including Jokowi himself. Admit it or not, this often refers to the Chinese Communist Party (CPP), even though China has now become the worlds largest promoter of the free-market principle. Let us not forget that all major political parties, including Gerindra and the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), have good relations with the CPP. For some reason, the horrors of the 1998 May riots suddenly spring to mind. Thousands of Indonesians were burned to death in Jakarta just days before the fall of then-president Soeharto on May 21, 1998. Hundreds of Indonesians of Chinese descent were sexually assaulted and raped at that time. Even now we pretend that nothing happened 20 years ago. Chinese officials in their private conversations often express their fear that anti-Chinese sentiments will erupt from time to time in Indonesia. They will be made a scapegoat for everything. Similar concerns are also often raised by ordinary Chinese people. Millions of them visit Indonesia as tourists, and we should not forget many of them still remember the 1998 tragedy. Premier Li, who along with President Xi Jinping won another five-year mandate in March last year, is on a three-day state visit to Indonesia until Tuesday. Later, Li will depart for Japan for a much-awaited trilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. The official purpose of the premiers visit is to commemorate the Indonesia-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The two countries diplomatic relations were only restored on Aug. 8, 1990, when then-premier Li Peng met with Soeharto in Jakarta. Jakarta abruptly severed ties with Beijing, after Indonesia accused China of masterminding the (alleged) Sept. 30, 1965, coup attempt, which Beijing totally denied. In his meeting with Jokowi, Li will reportedly raise his concerns over the slow development of the 142.3-kilometer Jakarta-Bandung railway project. China and Indonesia signed the contract for this on Oct. 16, 2016, after Japan lost the project to China. Initially its cost was $5.1 billion, but has since risen to $5.9 billion as a result of various technicalities, including land-acquisition complications. It appears unlikely the October 2020 deadline for finishing the project will be met. Again, we must realize that Indonesia needs China more than they need us. So behave yourself and accommodate yourself in accordance with your position. Our relationship with China is based on equality and mutual benefit, but please accept reality, at least for a while. Welcome to Jakarta, Premier Li. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin EDITORIAL (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, May 7, 2018 08:50 1249 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e25ebb8 4 Editorial #Editorial,China,Indonesia,bilateral-relations,Li-Keqiang,China-Indonesia Free The historic visit of Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang marks the fifth anniversary of the China-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the 15th anniversary of the strategic partnership between China and ASEAN, the latter of which Indonesia is often regarded as the informal leader. China is committed to investing in Indonesia and helping to develop its much-needed infrastructure, which in turn will create jobs, especially for young Indonesians. The strategic importance of Indonesia is evident in the fact that it is the first country visited by Li during his second term as the premier of the State Council of the Peoples Republic of China. Previously, Li visited Indonesia in December 2008 at the invitation of Vice President Jusuf Kalla, during the first term of then-president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Lis current visit further enhances the strong economic foundations laid by President Xi Jinping during his visit here in October 2013, in his first year as president of the worlds most populous country and currently the worlds second-largest economy. If Xi introduced the 21st century maritime Silk Road to be coupled with Indonesias global maritime fulcrum vision, Li is expected to talk more about the trade balance, in which Indonesia still suffers a deficit, despite being able to narrow the gap to 11.63 percent between 2015 and 2017. Indonesia plans to promote to China its agricultural products, such as palm oil, coffee and cocoa as well as various tropical fruits including mangosteen, salak(snake fruit) and bananas. China is Indonesias third-largest investor with a total of US$3.36 billion in 2017, up from $2.66 billion in 2016. However, Indonesia also wants to ensure that investments come with transfers of technology to add value to the labor force and to improve the environment. There have been complaints that Chinese-funded projects entail not only capital and equipment but also Chinese workers, who take jobs that locals could easily fill. What is worse, many of the Chinese workers do not have proper work permits. As the premier will focus more on economics and development, it is unlikely that he and President Joko Jokowi Widodo will talk much about possible solutions to the South China Sea disputes. China has reportedly installed anti ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missile systems on three man-made structures in the South China Sea. While Indonesia is a non-claimant, China claims some of the waters around the Natuna Islands as its traditional fishing grounds, leading to several skirmishes between Chinese fishing vessels and Indonesian authorities. As a good friend, Jokowi should ask China to restrain itself, respect international law and avoid any measures that could stir tension in the South China Sea. It is also high time that Jokowi persuaded China to prioritize negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, hopefully a document that would be binding on all related parties. Such a document would couple beautifully with Chinas own good-neighbor policy, which calls for common welfare with neighboring countries, including those in disputes in the South China Sea. It may not be on the menu at the upcoming wedding of Britains Prince Harry and American actress Meghan Markle, but some Yanks will toast the happy couple with a Markle Sparkle. Looking to give Americans a taste of something they rejected more than 240 years ago, a Washington bar is going with a British royal family theme in honor of the wedding. You know, were pretty excited as Americans, said Andy Raibins as he waited in line outside the bars photo opportunity room. You know, we have an American joining the royal family. Harry, Queen Elizabeths grandson and sixth in line to the throne, will tie the knot with Markle on May 19 at St. Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle, the home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years. The couple has attracted large cheering crowds in public appearances since their engagement was announced in November. The Royal Wedding Pub, the latest persona of a bar with ever-shifting themes near Howard University, has been transformed to look like St. Georges Chapel, with vaulted ceiling and stained glass windows. The makeover, which took weeks and weeks to complete, is the next best thing to actually being there, boasted Adriana Salame, designer and project manager of the bar, which is owned by The Drink Company. Read also: Meghan Markle's father to walk her down the aisle You get a little taste of space, she said. The crowd of mostly young women sported fascinators, the elegant headwear favoured by British royalty, and summer dresses, and posed for pictures with life-size cardboard cut-outs of the soon-to-be newlyweds, the queen, as well as William and Kate, whose 2011 wedding also drew world attention. Several patrons said they looked up to Los Angeles-born Markle, whose movies include Horrible Bosses and who appears in the television series, Suits. I think shes a great example of a modern day woman, kind of taking on this very traditional role and really making it her own, and so I really admire her, said Katlain Borows, who was dressed to resemble Markle. The drink menu features cocktails with a British twist in Harry and Meghan commemorative memorabilia mugs. Four bar tenders shake their stuff to a soundtrack of the Beatles and other British bands, creating specialised cocktails such as When Harry met Meghan and American Princess. And that Markle Sparkle? It actually has real glitter in it, Kelly Horn explained as she took a sip. Tech giant Apple officially opened its first Developer Academy in Southeast Asia in Tangerang, Banten, on Monday. The training center, which has been opened in collaboration with BINUS University, is aimed at inspiring and training the next generation of iOS apps developers. This year, 75 students have joined a one-year training course at the center, studying the Objective- C and Swift curriculum. The latter is recognized as Apples powerful and intuitive programming language created to build apps for iOS, Apple TV and Apple Watch. In the Apple Developer Academy, Apple-trained instructors will conduct daily classes to help students realize their app ideas and bring them to market on the App Store. Read also: Apple to open app-developer school in Italy Apples vice president of environment, policy and social initiatives Lisa Jackson said in a statement, We're thrilled to be opening the Apple Developer Academy in Jakarta to help provide the next generation of developers the skills they need to develop iOS apps and join the fast growing app economy." Our creative developer community has helped make the App Store the best app platform in the world and there are unlimited opportunities for people of all ages in Indonesia to create great new apps for customers around the world to enjoy, she added. The iOS developer community in Indonesia reportedly grew by over 50 percent in the last two years. Those who want to join the program should check out the website. (jes/wng) Australia unveiled on Monday a US$34 million plan to help bring its koala population back from the brink, following a rapid decline in the furry marsupial's fortunes. The Australian Koala Foundation estimates there may be as few as 43,000 koalas left in the wild, down from a population believed to number more than 10 million prior to European settlement of the continent in 1788. "Koalas are a national treasure," said Gladys Berejiklian, premier of New South Wales state, in announcing her government's conservation plan. "It would be such a shame if this nationally iconic marsupial did not have its future secured." Habitat loss, dog attacks, car strikes, climate change and disease have taken their toll on one of Australia's most recognizable animals. Read also: Conservation project announced for Javan hawk-eagle Studies show a 26 percent decline in the koala population in New South Wales over the last 15-20 years. The state lists the species as "vulnerable", while in other parts of the country they are effectively extinct. Under the Aus$45 million plan, thousands of hectares will be set aside to preserve the marsupial's natural habitat. Funds will be used to tackle diseases ravaging koala populations, including chlamydia -- which causes blindness, infertility and death in the species. Cash has also been earmarked for research, roadkill hotspot upgrades and a new hospital to care for sick and injured koalas. A hotline will also be set up to report koalas in trouble. The move follows an independent report in late 2016 that recommended a clearer strategy to deal with the population decline. With the various opinions expressed and discourses held about the ethnic Chinese community so far, a book has finally been published, containing various narrations about this issue for everybodys scrutiny. During the 1980s a childrens puppet serial, Si Unyil, was aired by the national television station TVRI on Sunday mornings. The puppet show drew public interest with its concept of a pluralist society as portrayed by its characters. Si Unyil has a playmate, si Ucrit, a Catholic. There are also rujak (seasoned fruit salad) seller Bok Bariah from Madura and Pak Raden who firmly observes Javanese tradition. Interestingly, Unyils other friends are Meilani and her younger brother Bun, representing ethnic Chinese assimilation into Indonesian society. They all live peacefully. However, this ideal situation was becoming eroded, as shown in the May 1998 rioting. This reality seemed to disturb Pietra Widiadi who eventually released a book, Ada Aku di Antara Tionghoa dan Indonesia (My presence between the ethnic Chinese and Indonesians). This is a collection of voluntary narrations of the memories of 73 writers, he said during a recent discussion of the book in Malang, East Java. The writers arent just ethnic Chinese, but they also come from different backgrounds, religions and genders, covering artists, academics, socioreligious activists and scientists, he added. Because so many people contributed, Pietra and his peers had to select the works. Pietra, as one of the writers, related his experience when he moved from Jakarta to Sumbersuko village, Wagir district in the Mount Kawi zone, Malang regency, where locals called him Om (uncle), which he later understood because they saw him as a rich citizen. It was also due to my appearance as an ethnic Chinese with straight hair and chink eyes, he noted. Although the term of address was gradually abandoned as he managed to mingle with residents, Pietra still noticed that local peoples way of viewing ethnic Chinese in general remained unchanged. He thus raised the question of whether members of the various ethnic groups in Indonesia can get over it in maintaining natural relationships amid the diverse conditions of daily life. Sharing life experiences: Pietra Widiadi (left) and Kristanto Budiprabowo are two writers and editors of the book Ada Aku di Antara Tionghoa dan Indonesia (My presence between the ethnic Chinese and Indonesians). (JP/Nedi Putra AW) Pietra acknowledged that such diversity and pluralism made the books contents varied, some with negative connotations and others recounting moving friendships. Meanwhile, the reactions that arise after reading this book are a matter of individual perceptions. It can serve as a means of learning to conceive ones perception as to how people should be able to maintain mutual respect despite differences, he said. Based on the result of discussions and reviews since the book was launched during World Racial Discrimination Abolition Day on March 21, he plans to publish a follow up. At the various talks about the book, testimonies were also made by several of those present. A discussion participant, Malangs Indonesian Chinese Association chairman Agus Endra, welcomed the book. I come from Semboro village in Jember, East Java, where ethnic Chinese is a minority, Agus said. He added that had been lucky to find a culturally peaceful community in the village, but that had once been on the receiving end of unpleasant treatment that made him regret being ethnic Chinese and non-Muslim. Yet he realized that, in anyway, Indonesia had become his motherland. He added that the association was open to everybody with the vision of collaboration rather than an exclusive ethnic Chinese one. One of my recent programs was entrepreneurship training for Malangs Muhammadiyah University lecturers, he said. Astuti Parengkuh, a writer joining the discussion, recounted her harmonious childhood with her ethnic Chinese neighbors in Solo, Central Java, until the outbreak of the May tragedy in the city. I only need to emphasize that no more tragedies related to whatever ethnic group should ever recur by learning from history, she maintained. There were times when people like Siauw Giok Tjhan were voiceless. Their voices only returned following the fall of the New Order military government in 1998 with the publication of several books by former political prisoners. Siauw Tiong Djins Siauw Giok Tjhan: Bicultural Leader in Emerging Indonesiais one of them and it is refreshing to learn what he had to say. Tjhan, who was Djins father, was jailed for 12 years without trial following the 1965 attempted coup, dubbed G30S (Sept. 30th Movement) by the military, which was blamed on the communists. As head of the Consultative Body for Indonesian Citizenship (Baperki), a leftist organization whose members were largely Chinese Indonesians, Tjhan was suspected of supporting the G30S. Tjhan claimed he knew nothing about it and the charges were never proven. He believed that the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI), then the largest political party, was not involved. It was the initiative of individual party leaders, notably Aidit and Sjam, who attacked the army. They were alarmed by then president Sukarnos illness amid rumors that a council of generals was preparing to oust him. Tjhan said the involvement of the PKI leadership in the attempted coup was a major and disastrous mistake. There was no point for the party to do so, he said, because the political atmosphere, both domestic and international, was favourable to Sukarno and the PKI. What followed was history. Soeharto took power and the worst mass murder in the history of the country occurred when up to 3 million PKI members and sympathizers were killed in a couple of years. More than 100,000 were sent to prison, most of whom never faced a day in court. The Chinese Indonesian community was attacked because the new government suspected the involvement of mainland China. Tjhan was blamed by a rival organization for the attacks and violence against G30S followers. The Institute for the Promotion of National Unity (LPBK) alleged that Baperkis policies and Tjhans communism were the onus. It held that Baperki members had been deceived by their leaders political direction that brought them into this disastrous situation. Ironically, the LPKB was founded as a result of Tjhans attempt to protect rice mill owners who were mostly Chinese Indonesians. In the early 1960s, a West Java governor, who was also in the military, issued a regulation which stipulated that half of all rice mills be shared with indigenous Indonesians. When Baperki succeeded in thwarting the policy, the army responded by supporting an LPKB attack on Baperki. Fifty-three years after the G30S, it is still shrouded mystery. Public discussions on the topic is often disrupted or banned. Ariel Heryanto, a professor of Indonesian Study at Melbourne University, recently called the governments narrative on the G30S the biggest hoax in Indonesias history. In the absence of official acknowledgement or an apology, Djin, who was only 9 years old when his father was arrested, tasked himself to write his fathers political biography. This 400-page book is the fruit of his work, derived from Djins 1999 PhD thesis from Monash University, Melbourne. Tjhans life is a proof that one can be accepted, embraced and respected in Indonesia regardless of ones ancestry, ideology or religion, when one is totally dedicated and work wholeheartedly for ones country. Djin divides the 15 chapters of the book into four parts starting with Tjhans childhood and formative years in the first two parts, and his views on various fields including economics, followed by his imprisonment, his release and his death in the Netherlands in 1981. The book can easily pass as a study of Sukarnos politics, not least because he was close to Sukarno but also because he was active during Sukarnos years. Many details in the book have either been forgotten or are has never been heard of before. For example, Indonesia had to pay the Dutch colonial government debt and reparation costs incurred during the revolution that led to independence, in line with the 1949 Round Table Conference agreement or that the first vice president, Mohammad Hatta, had been an active member of a league fighting imperialism when he was a student in the Netherlands. The league was closely associated with the Comintern whose members were mostly Marxists. This anecdote gives rise to a question as to why communism, discarded all over the world, is still haunting Indonesia? Madiun Affair The 1948 Madiun Affair was eerily similar to the G30S. The Sayap Kiri (Leftist Wing) leader Soemarsono was surprised to read stories in newspapers that he had initiated military action against government troops on Sept. 18 and that he had announced a PKI victory on the radio. Something he denied. Tjhan believed that the affair was engineered by the Hatta government because he was eager to show the United States that his government was anticommunist. Following the affair, the military ordered the killing of all political prisoners. Hand grenades were thrown into every prison cell. In Dampit and Magelang, all prisoners were executed by firing squads. Considered a leftist leader, Tjhan was also briefly jailed but was arrested by the Dutch a few days later. Early on in his career, Tjhan had worked to convince the Chinese community to support the fight for Indonesias independence but not everyone agreed. Those who objected said the Chinese, who lived in the republics territories, were often attacked by youth gangs while those who lived in the Dutch-controlled areas were safe. Others thought they should align themselves with China as it could protect them when they were in danger. The issue of safety seemed to have divided the community into supporting the Dutch, China or Indonesia. Tjhan did not shy away from pointing out that some Chinese felt they would downgrade their social status when they aligned themselves with Indonesians. This division was partly responsible for anti-Chinese policies and attacks in independent Indonesia. One of Tjhans notable achievements in the early 1960s was to maximize the number of Indonesian citizens of Chinese descent who became Indonesian citizens (p. 164, 165). _______________________________________ Siauw Giok Tjhan: Biocultural Leader in Emerging Indonesia Author: Siauw Tiong Djin Published: 2018 Publisher: Monash University Publishing, Melbourne Category: Political biography Pages: 400 For many writers, writing is a medium to tell stories, be it their own or someone elses. During The Jakarta Posts annual Writers Series at the Annex Building in Jakarta on Saturday, around 30 illustrious speakers from a wide range of literature disciplines from around the world shared their thoughts and opinions with aspiring writers. This year, the theme was The Story of Us, and each speaker discussed his or her own stories on a number of different topics. First up was Whats Up Story? where the Posts senior editor and previous editor-in-chief Endy Bayuni shared the stage with Yale-NUS Writing Program director Robin Hemley and Publicis One head of public relations Eugene Laksono to discuss the evolution of storytelling. As a senior journalist, Endy said the key to storytelling in journalism rested with the readers willingness to dive further into the story. There would be something missing if people only rely on the headlines, for example, Endy added. The second discussion was Capturing the Voices of a Changing Nation, with the Posts managing director M. Taufiqurrahman joining author Pallavi Aiyar and British Council Indonesia country director Paul Smith to discuss the rise of conservatism in Indonesia, a nation hailed for its own brand of tolerance. Pallavi brought up different, contesting views and thoughts as the ideal narrative of a nation, noting that social media could be used in a nefarious plot to spread fake news. In response, Paul said storytelling was the best means of journalism, as it had the capacity to voice different opinions while telling the truth at the same time. The Writers Series was also peppered with performances and readings in between discussions. The Writers Immersion and Cultural Exchange Program delivered a multilingual reading of several poems, from Korean to sign language. One of the highlights of the event was the living library, where readers interacted with authors directly to gain more insight about their books. After the break, the talks resumed with a session titled Designing Women, which featured feminist web magazine Magdalene.co editor-in-chief Devi Asmarani discussing feminism and issues faced by women with author Feby Indirani and Sun Yat-Sen University creative writing director Dai Fan. Devi lamented the fact that feminism was seen as a dirty word in Indonesia, while Dai Fan noted that being a writer allowed her to accept different perspectives. Meanwhile, a session titled Furious Beasts and Fantastic Tales featured author Ben Loory discussing writing in the fantasy genre with poets Joshua Ip and Lawrence Ypil, from translating real-life characters for a story to challenging the authors intent through fan fiction. Earlier, Ben read an excerpt from his short story collection called Tales of Falling and Flying. The story was titled The Squid Who Fell In Love With The Sun, a humorous, sad and uplifting story about a squid who managed to build an interstellar ship to reach the sun. After the discussion turned to the political, Joshua delivered his poem titled I am Building a Wall, taking the satirical viewpoint of controversial United States President Donald Trump with a nod to Robert Frosts The Road Not Taken. The Writers Series continued on Sunday, with a number of the speakers returning to host a writing workshop at The Jakarta Post Writing Center in Palmerah, West Jakarta. (jlm) Starting this Saturday, May 12, art enthusiasts in Indonesia will have the opportunity to see more works of renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama in Jakarta. More than 130 pieces have been on display at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Nusantara (Museum MACAN) since Monday. Titled Yayoi Kusama: Life is the Heart of a Rainbow, the survey exhibition is slated to run at Museum MACAN until September 9. Would-be visitors are advised to buy exhibition tickets in advance through the museums website. Prior to this new exhibition, the inaugural exhibition titled Art Turns, World Turns was held at Museum MACAN from November 4, 2017 to March 18. Many works of Indonesian artists were included in the exhibition, living up to the museum's name, which includes Nusantara (archipelago). Now the museum is hosting a solo exhibition featuring a foreign prominent artist, and it will pave the way for the international art scene to enter Indonesia. It will create an opportunity for the exchange of ideas and further development in art. Previously showcased at Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) in Brisbane, Australia, and then at the National Gallery Singapore, the exhibition is expected to draw up to 3000 visitors a day. Read also: Seven tips on how to enjoy Museum Macan It is very likely that the exhibition will become the next hottest selfie destination, but at least more Indonesians will learn about the influential Yayoi Kusama. To anticipate the flood of visitors, the museum is now preparing a ticket box in a floor below the exhibition area. This is to make sure there are no more than 3000 visitors on the same floor as the exhibits. Aaron Seeto, Director of Museum MACAN, said visiting the Yayoi Kusama exhibition would be an outstanding experience. Visitors are going to be able to delve into the world, the method, ideas and inspiration of the artist. In other words, visitors are invited to a first-hand experience of the works of Yayoi Kusama, who has become an art phenomenon. Visitors to Yayoi Kusama: Life is the Heart of a Rainbow, will be exposed to the artists exploration during her creative period from the 1950s until now. There are dots, nets, pumpkins, response to the body and concept of selflessness, and most importantly, her unique approach to spaces, which is evident in sizable installations. This exhibition is set to showcase the artists Infinity Mirrored Rooms, following Brilliance of the Souls, which has been on display in Museum MACAN since day one. There is still a long line to enter the Brilliance of the Souls room, but it will probably be divided now there are other rooms, peep boxes and installations to enjoy at the exhibition. The Spirit of the Pumpkins Descended into the Heavens (room) and I Want to Love on the Festival Night (peep box) are among them. Also not to be missed from the exhibition is Kusamas painting series, My Eternal Soul, which began in 2009 and continues to this day. It is by far the largest painting series the artist has embarked upon, in which she combines figurative and abstract forms. My Eternal Soul is by far the largest painting series Yayoi Kusama has embarked upon, where she combines figurative and abstract forms. (JP/Muthi) The series exudes color and dynamism, frequently making use of contrast to create vibrant optical illusions. Read also: Yayoi Kusama exhibition tickets now on sale For those of you who are excited about the Obliteration Room, take the escalator to the next level. You will be given dot stickers of different sizes and colors, and you may stick them onto the walls and other objects in the all-white room. This is an interactive installation that has been displayed in more than 20 locations in 15 countries, and seen by around five million people. Have fun with the stickers but remember that the ceiling is off limits. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Kano Mon, May 7, 2018 06:13 1249 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e257b49 2 World Nigeria,violence,militants,robbery,ransom Free Forty-five people died in an attack by armed bandits in northern Nigeria, civilian militia members said on Sunday, amid growing levels of rural violence often involving cattle theft, robbery and kidnappings for ransom. "The 45 bodies were found scattered in the bush. The bandits pursued residents who mobilised to defend the village after overpowering them," said a vigilante who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals. "The dead included children abandoned by their parents during the attack. "The attackers were obviously armed bandits from neighbouring Zamfara state who have been terrorising Birnin Gwari area...," he added. The vigilante said the bandits struck Gwaska village in Kaduna state at about 2:30pm (1330 GMT) Saturday and stayed for three hours before retreating to their base in the forest in Zamfara. "They burnt down many homes," he said. A spokesman for the Kaduna state police, Mukhtar Aliyu, confirmed the attack by "armed bandits" but said they were unable to give further details. The killings follow the death of at least 25 people in separate attacks in northern Nigeria last week. Thirteen people were killed in prolonged clashes between cattle thieves and local civilian militia in Zamfara. In Adamawa, in the northeast, meanwhile, at least 12 people were killed in an attack on several villages. The attacks underlined the diversity of Nigeria's security threats that persist in the absence of a robust police force and efficient judicial system. Nigeria is in the grip of a security crisis as nomadic herders and sedentary farmers fight over land in an increasingly bloody battle for resources. Rural communities in Zamfara have been under siege for several years from cattle rustlers and kidnapping gangs, who have raided herding communities, killing, looting and burning homes. To defend themselves, villages and herdsmen form vigilante groups, but they too are often accused of extra-judicial killings, provoking a bloody cycle of retaliatory attacks. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has been criticised for failing to curb the violence, which is becoming a key election issue ahead of the upcoming presidential polls in 2018. Military and police are overstretched in Nigeria, which, along with fighting Boko Haram jihadists in the north, is battling militants and pirates in the oil-rich south, a simmering separatist movement in the east and a bloody battle between herdsmen and farmers spanning the vast central region. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, May 7, 2018 15:13 1249 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e2835a6 4 National #ChildAbuse,child-abuse,Gowa,South-Sulawesi,crime,parenting,violence-against-children Free A four-year-old child, identified only as AM, has died in Bontomarannu district, Gowa regency, South Sulawesi, after allegedly being physically abused and bitten by Hasan Basri, 29, the child's father. AMs mother said on Saturday afternoon that Hasan had told her family that he wanted to take AM for a ride to Losari Beach in Makassar. A few hours later Hasan called, saying that AM had fallen from the motorcycle and that the child had been taken to Syech Yusuf Sungguminasa Hospital. In the hospital AMs condition worsened before the child passed away on Sunday. The police, which were informed about the childs unusual death and wounds, transported AMs body to Bhayangkara Hospital for an autopsy. We found many wounds on the childs body, and we can clearly see that they were not caused by a traffic accident, Bontomarannu Police chief, Adj. Comr. Robert said after the autopsy, as quoted by kompas.com. The police arrested Hasan and named him a suspect immediately after the autopsy results came out. At first Hasan denied responsibility for his childs wounds. But after further questioning he admitted to harming the child, including biting and pinching him. He said he was annoyed by his child. A local report by liputan6.com quoted South Sulawesi Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Dicky Sondani as saying that the child had urinated on Hasans pants. Police said Hasan would be charged with assaulting a child under Article 80 of the 2002 Child Protection Law, which carries a minimum 15-year prison sentence. (evi/hol) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Bloomberg) Shanghai Mon, May 7, 2018 11:31 1249 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e269f7c 2 Business China,US,trade-war,Airlines,Taiwan,Hong-Kong Free China isnt backing down after the White House called an order for airlines to stop referring to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau as countries Orwellian nonsense. The foreign ministry in Beijing released a statement Sunday that all three places are an inalienable part of Chinas territory. Hong Kong and Macau answer to Beijing despite having different currencies and local governments, while Taiwan is a democracy that has resisted rule by the mainland. Whatever the U.S. said will never change the objective fact that there is only one China in the world, spokesman Geng Shuang said in a statement. We have to point out that foreign enterprises operating in China should respect Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity, abide by Chinas law and respect the national sentiment of the Chinese people. The spat comes shortly after a high-level U.S. delegation returned from two days in Beijing with little to show for talks aimed at averting a trade war between the worlds two biggest economies. Taiwan has emerged as another potential flash point, with U.S. President Donald Trump signing a law allowing high-level diplomatic visits there and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping launching military drills in the Taiwan Strait and warning that Beijings authority over the island was non-negotiable. Chinas Way or the Highway: Big Business Bows to Xis World View The White House statement shows that Trump might be taking a tougher line after companies from Marriott International Inc. to Qantas Airways Ltd. have scrambled recently to meet Chinas demands regarding the territories or risk losing business. U.S. airlines were among several that received letters from Chinas Civil Aviation Administration calling for strict guidelines for any references to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, according to the White House. This is Orwellian nonsense and part of a growing trend by the Chinese Communist Party to impose its political views on American citizens and private companies, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Saturday in a statement. Chinas internal internet repression is world-famous, she added. Chinas efforts to export its censorship and political correctness to Americans and the rest of the free world will be resisted. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, whose Democratic Progressive Party supports independence from China, thanked the U.S. for the support. We call on all businesses to resist #Chinas efforts to mischaraterize #Taiwan, Tsai said Sunday on Twitter. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, May 7, 2018 16:45 1249 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e2862c1 1 City baby-deaths,baby,killing,jakarta,urban,crime Free A newborn baby boy was found dead inside a plastic bag on a street in a residential area in Suter Jaya, Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, on Sunday night. A resident, Itaqul Amrilah, 29, found a red plastic bag with the baby in it when she went to throw out the trash near her house. Itaqul returned to her house and called Denny Saputra, 31, to check what was inside the plastic bag. They found a dead baby boy, estimated to be 3 days old, Tanjung Priok Police chief Comr. Supriyanto said Monday as quoted by tribunnews.com. The finding was reported to security guards in the residential area who later reported the case to the Tanjung Priok Police. Based on evidence we found at the scene and a CCTV recording from one of the houses, we alleged that the perpetrator was the babys mother, Supriyanto said. He added that the mother, 19, admitted that she killed the baby out of shame because she gave birth to him out of wedlock. The suspect, who Supriyanto said was taken into custody, faces charges under Article 80 of the Child Protection Law on assault, which carries a maximum sentence of 3.5 years' imprisonment. The police are still searching for the father. (iwa) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, May 7, 2018 14:57 1249 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e2825f9 1 Business bank-indonesia,currency,rupiah Free Bank Indonesia senior deputy governor Mirza Adityaswara said that a positive performance in Indonesias exports and development in the tourism sector may help ensure the rupiahs resilience against the US dollar. The difference between countries with a trade deficit and surplus is that the countries with a trade surplus are relatively more resilient; their currency may even appreciate, Mirza said during a seminar in Yogyakarta on Monday, as reported by Antara news agency. According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), in 2006 Indonesia recorded a current account surplus of 3 percent, but a current account deficit in 2017 of 1.7 percent. Mirza said that neighboring countries had maintained a current account surplus over the year, such as Malaysia at 16.1 percent in 2006 to 3 percent in 2017. Meanwhile, Thailand saw an increase in surplus from 1 percent in 2006 to 11.7 percent in 2017, he said. Mirza further said that Malaysia and Thailand not only enjoyed a trade surplus, but also saw a flourishing tourism sector. He cited data from the UN World Tourism Organization, which stated that in 2016, Thailands tourism sector contributed US$49.9 billion to its foreign exchange reserves, while Malaysia's tourism sector contributed $18.1 billion. Therefore, the [government] policy must also support exports and tourism. Our current foreign exchange reserve is more than enough, but we cant use it all the time. Activities in the real sector must continue to increase, he said. Indonesias forex reserve stood at $126 billion in March, a slight decline from $128.06 billion recorded in the previous month as the central bank moved to stabilize rupiah. (dwa) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ibrahim Kholilul Rohman and Morten Meyerhoff Nielsen (The Jakarta Post) Guimares, Portugal Mon, May 7 2018 The phenomenon of the influx of foreign labor into Indonesia has led to a debate among political parties, corporate interests and the public at large. The focus of the debate revolves around the newly issued Presidential Regulation No. 20/2018 on foreign workers. Some see the regulation as solely facilitating a greater influx of foreigners at a time when Indonesia is grappling with unemployment. President Joko Jokowi Widodo has countered this view by asserting that the regulation focuses on the much needed modernization of bureaucratic procedures for foreign workers and the issuance of work permits. Vice President Jusuf Kalla backed the regulation, emphasizing the potential for increasing foreign investment by streamlining administrative requirements for investors. He stressed that foreign workers are important for boosting investment, capital inflows and the potential tr... Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya and Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta/Medan Mon, May 7 2018 No change here: An officer prevents people wearing T-shirts bearing the slogan #2019GantiPresiden (Change the President 2019) from entering the Car Free Day (CFD) event in Central Jakarta on Sunday. The Jakarta administration is monitoring the implementation of the ban on political activities in the CFD area. (Antara/Muhammad Iqbal) Regional authorities have taken unusual measures to clear Car Free Day (CFD) from political activities following a commotion in late April when opposing political movements confronted one another at the weekly event. Jakarta Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) personnel were deployed along the CFD area on the thoroughfares of Jl. Sudirman and Jl. MH Thamrin in Central Jakarta on Sunday morning to make sure neither political activities nor political standpoints expressed on T-shirts had any place at the CFD. Security was backed up by 5... Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, May 7, 2018 12:04 1249 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e26bef6 1 Business Idul-Fitri,IdulFitri,Holiday,Ramadhan-2018,ramadhan,puan-maharani Free The government has decided to maintain its Joint Ministerial Decree (SKB) to extend the collective Idul Fitri holiday, which will see offices closed for 10 days from June 11 to June 20. Coordinating Human Development and Culture Minister Puan Maharani said the decision to maintain the extended holiday was made after the government was informed of public concerns over social and economic disruptions, as well as public order and security issues. The SKB will still [be in effect] with relevant ministries to implement it, Puan said on Monday at a press conference in Central Jakarta, kompas.com reported. The Manpower Minister, the Ad ministrative and Bureaucratic Reform Minister, the Home Minister, the Social Affairs Minister and the Transportation Minister also attended the press conference , along with head of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) . Puan said social concerns included how the government could provide enough time for people to spend time with their families in different cities and how to manage the holiday traffic. The government also considered how businesses could continue to operate with help from the banking, transportation, trade, immigration and customs sectors. Puan said the government also discussed the matter with the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (Kadin), as well as the Indonesia Stock Exchange to ensure that an environment conducive to economic activities would be maintained over the extended holiday. Earlier, businesses protested the governments decision to extend the collective Idul Fitri holiday, arguing that the extended holiday would negatively affect productivity and exports. (dwa) As part of the 66th annual boys and girls County Day, high school students from the area made their way to the Faribault County Courthouse for an educational field trip on Tuesday, May 1. The trip included a historical tour of the building, which was conducted by county recorder Sherry Asmus. The students also had an opportunity to sit in on a portion of the regular County Board meeting. Each commissioner greeted the young adults and also explained their primary responsibilities of representing the county. A tour of the law enforcement center, and a trip to the Ag Center with visits to the veterans service, drivers license and extension offices were a part of the morning activities. At lunch, students gathered at the Blue Earth American Legion where they were greeted by Human Services Children and Family supervisor Brenda Lubenow, county attorney Kathryn Karjala-Curtis and county engineer Mark Daly. Each county professional discussed their primary job responsibilities and also fielded questions from student audience members. In the afternoon, the students went back to the courthouse and briefly visited the assessor, recorder, auditor and treasurers offices, as well as another stop in with the county commissioners. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Tehran Mon, May 7, 2018 10:21 1249 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e2662f5 2 World Iran,nuclear-arsenal,US,nuclear-pact Free Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned that if the United States quits the nuclear deal then Washington will regret it "like never before", as British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson scrambles to save the agreement during talks with the Trump administration Monday. US President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw from the agreement when it comes up for renewal on May 12, demanding his country's European allies "fix the terrible flaws" or he will re-impose sanctions. "If the United States leaves the nuclear agreement, you will soon see that they will regret it like never before in history," reformist Rouhani said in a televised speech in northwestern Iran. "Trump must know that our people are united, the Zionist regime (Israel) must know that our people are united," Rouhani said. "Today all (Iran's) political factions, whether they be from the right, the left, the conservatives, reformers and moderates are united," he added. The nuclear deal was struck in 2015 between Iran and Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States, then led by Barack Obama. Under the pact, sanctions were eased in return for a commitment not to pursue a nuclear bomb, but Iran says it is not reaping the rewards despite complying with the deal. A senior Israeli official said Sunday that Trump had not informed Israel of whether it will withdraw from the agreement. "In effect, I don't know what Trump will decide because he hasn't told me," the official said on condition of anonymity, making clear Israel had not yet been told of Trump's decision. Trump has consistently complained about the agreement, citing perceived flaws including "sunset" provisions lifting some nuclear restrictions from 2025. In an attempt to salvage the deal, French President Emmanuel Macron has recently pushed to extend its scope to address this issue, as well as the absence of any limits on Iran's conventional missile capabilities and Tehran's role in the region. Britain's Johnson will on Monday begin a two-day visit to Washington, with the nuclear deal among issues on top of the agenda, the Foreign Office said. He is due to meet US Vice President Mike Pence, National Security Advisor John Bolton and Congressional foreign policy leaders. He said Britain -- which remains committed to the agreement -- the United States and Europe were "united in our effort to tackle the kind of Iranian behaviour that makes the Middle East region less secure - its cyber activities, its support for groups like Hezbollah, and its dangerous missile programme". Iran's support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, via the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah in Syria's civil war, and its backing for Shiite Huthi rebels in Yemen have added to frictions between Tehran and Western powers. Rouhani vehemently reiterated his country's opposition to curtailing its non-nuclear missile capabilities, in his speech on Sunday. Tehran "will build as many missiles and weapons as needed" for its defence, he said. "We are honouring our commitment, but we are telling the whole world we will not negotiate with anyone about our weapons and our defence." Iran's president also said that while he is open to discussing the country's regional role, he would not abandon what he described as its fight "against terrorism." "We want to talk to the world so that our region is safe" but "we will not allow you to create a new Daesh," he said, using an Arabic term for the Islamic State group. While Rouhani did not elaborate on this point, Iran's ally the Syrian government has consistently referred to all armed opponents as "terrorists" and accused the West of facilitating terrorism. Iran has always denied it sought a nuclear weapon, insisting its atomic programme was for civilian purposes. Rouhani did not specify how Iran would react if the US pulls out of the 2015 deal. But he said he had given "the necessary orders", notably to Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation, in anticipation of Trump's decision. As the May 12 US decision point nears, Iranian leaders have shuffled between placatory and hawkish comments, although the hardliners have taken a uncompromising stance. On Thursday Ali Akbar Velayati, the foreign policy adviser to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned Tehran would quit the nuclear deal if the United States withdraws. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Bambang Muryanto (The Jakarta Post) Yogyakarta Mon, May 7, 2018 21:01 1248 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e28e290 1 National #KulonProgo,NYIA,eviction,forced-evictions,land-acquisition,Yogyakarta,New-Yogyakarta-International-Airport,Kulon-progo Free Residents of Temon district, Kulon Progo regency, Yogyakarta, sent a letter on Monday to airport operator PT Angkasa Pura I (AP I) in Jakarta to demand that it halts the eviction process that will make way for the New Yogyakarta International Airport. The residents, grouped under the Association of Residents Rejecting Forced Eviction, also sent a copy to President Joko Jokowi Widodo in their latest bid to defy the land acquisition. Their lawyer, Teguh Purnomo, said the land acquisition was not in line with the 2012 law on land procurement for public facilities because it rejected compensation for some residents. Teguh quoted the Yogyakarta office of the Ombudsman, which said AP I had mismanaged the land execution on Nov. 27 and 28 last year. As of Monday, about 300 people are still rejecting the eviction. They said their land was not for sale and that they rejected the compensation offered by AP I. The Kulon Progo administration and AP I have pushed for the eviction. Regent Hasto Wardoyo said those people who were defying the order would have to vacate the land. As soon as possible, he added in a text message. AP I general manager Agus Pandu Purnama said the airport was set to start operating by April next year and that AP I wanted the residents to vacate the land for the interest of many people. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, May 7, 2018 21:43 1248 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e28f638 1 City defamation,church-minister Free The Tangerang District Court in Banten sentenced on Monday Abraham Ben Moses, also known as Saifuddin Ibrahim, 52, to four years in prison for religious defamation. The court also ordered that Abraham, who claimed to be a Christian cleric, pay a Rp 50 million (US$3,565) fine, or else spend an additional one month in prison. We sentenced the defendant to four years in prison and ordered him to remain in custody, presiding judge Muhammad Damis said as reported by tempo.co. Damis said Abraham was convicted under Electronic and Information Transactions Law No. 11/2008 as he intentionally spread information intended to incite hatred against an individual, group and society based on religion. The verdict was lighter than the prosecutors demand of five years in prison. Abrahams legal team decided to file for an appeal. The sentence is too heavy for the defendant, one of Abrahams lawyers, Maxie Ellia, said on Monday. Abraham was known for recording his conversations with an online taxi driver identified only as Supri. In a video he uploaded to his Facebook account, Abraham quoted a Quran verse about marriage and tried to convince the driver to convert to Christianity. The police arrested Abraham and confiscated evidence in the form of a white iPhone 6 Plus at his house in Buaran Indah, Tangerang, Banten, on Dec. 5, 2017. (ami) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, May 7, 2018 13:38 1249 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e27f3e8 1 National MCC,MCC-Compact,Millennium-Challenge-Corporation,Lombok,West-Nusa-Tenggara,Joseph-R-Donovan-Jr,NTB-governor,Muhammad-Zainul-Majdi Free A US government Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) delegation joined US Ambassador to Indonesia Joseph R. Donovan Jr. during his visit to Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), to mark the closure of MCCs compact with the Indonesian government. Ambassador Donovan and the MCC delegation led by vice president and secretary of the MCC board Jeanne Hauch and vice president for congressional and public affairs Karen Sessions met with NTB Governor Muhammad Zainul Majdi on Monday to recognize the latters strong support for the MCC projects in the province. The progress here is an example of the success of the compact across the country, which has provided a strong foundation for the Indonesian government to help millions of Indonesians lead healthier and more economically secure lives, said Donovan in his statement during the final day of the three-day site visit. In Lombok, the MCC delegation met with participants and beneficiaries of a number of Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) grant projects, including an integrated health care post (Posyandu) and a procurement service unit. MCCs five-year compact with Indonesia has made investments that have helped reduce poverty and promote economic growth and engagement with the private sector. Among MCC's successes in NTB is the Community-based Health and Nutrition Project, which has helped reduce stunting in eight NTB districts. On Tuesday, the delegation is set to attend the final closeout ceremony in Jakarta, hosted by Millennium Challenge Account - Indonesia and the National Development Planning Ministry. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Panca Nugraha (The Jakarta Post) Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara Mon, May 7, 2018 17:06 1249 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e2870c4 1 National MCC,MCC-Compact,NTB,NTB-governor,West-Nusa-Tenggara,health,Joseph-R-Donovan-Jr,Muhammad-Zainul-Majdi,Nutrition,Millennium-Challenge-Corporation Free West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Governor TGH Muhammad Zainul Majdi expressed his gratitude, as well as that of the provincial administration and NTB residents, to the United States government for the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact, which he said has helped improve peoples welfare and the economy. We, both NTB administration and people, appreciate and want to thank the MCC, which trusted our province as the programs targeted location. This has contributed to development in this area, Zainul told journalists. The governor was speaking after he met with US Ambassador to Indonesia Joseph R. Donovan Jr. and an MCC delegation on Monday, the final day of their three-day visit to Lombok to mark the closure of the MCCs compact with the Indonesian government. (Read also: MCC Compact celebrates US-Indonesia partnership) MCC board vice president and secretary Jeanne Hauch, and congressional and public affairs vice president Karen Sessions led the delegation, which met with participants and beneficiaries of a number of Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) grant projects, including an integrated health care post (Posyandu) and a procurement service unit. MCCs five-year compact with the Indonesian government has overcome barriers to growth through investments in nutrition, procurement modernization and by advancing green prosperity through sustainable development, Donovan said. He added that the progress achieved in NTB was an example of the success of the compact across the country, which had provided a strong foundation for the government to help millions of Indonesians lead healthier and more economically secure lives. The governor and NTB have demonstrated great commitment to this program, integrating MCC compact activities with existing development plans, Donovan said. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan Tue, May 8, 2018 05:00 1248 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e293769 2 National street-art,Medan,North-Sumatra,splash-burn-orangutan-campaign,orangutan,save-orangutan,animal-conservation,Pongo-tapanuliensis,Tapanuli-orangutan,Batang-Toru-national-park,Vhils Free Stunning street art depicting orangutans created by globally renowned artists have become an icon of Medan, the capital of North Sumatra, the province where the rarest ape in the world, Pongo tapanuliensis, live and where their numbers are dwindling. Scientists believe that only about 800 Tapanuli orangutans remain in the wild. The art is located in different locations in Medan including the SIB traffic circle on Jl. Gatot Subroto, Jl. Perdana and Jl. Sisingamangaraja. Panut Hadisiswoyo of the Orangutan Information Center said the orangutan street art had become iconic because many tourists have been taking pictures of it. He added that he did not expect it to have such a positive impact on Medans tourism. The artwork was created to celebrate the third species of orangutan and to raise public awareness. Our initial goal is to raise awareness of orangutan protection, especially Tapanuli orangutans, whose habitats are continued to be exploited, Panut told The Jakarta Post on Sunday. Read also: Newly discovered orangutan species is most endangered great ape In March, a number of international artists promoted environmental issues through their art. The theme was Splash and Burn, a play on the words slash and burn, the traditional practice of opening up forests for plantations. This is the second time that the artists have visited Medan for the environmental campaign. Lithuanian Ernest Zacharevic, one of the artists, said they came to Medan to encourage the Indonesian art community to create murals with an environmental conservation perspective. Zacharevic said he came this year to repair his own mural, which he created on Jl. Perdana last year. His work, depicting three children playing with orangutans on a motorized pedicab, was vandalized. The real pedicab attached to the wall was stolen and damaged. But this year he managed to repair his art. The United Kingdom-based Sumatran Orangutan Society (SOS) reported on their website that besides Zacharevic, another street artist, Vhils whose real name is Alexandre Farto, constructed a large face of an orangutan in Medan. The Portuguese artist used a different method, instead of painting he chipped and chiseled it on the side a building. Its artists who power the cities we live in -- who counterbalance the pressures of different issues by creating images on walls. You can start a discussion and bring to the public issues that otherwise would not be there, Vhils said, as quoted by SOS. Portuguese street artist Vhils chisels an orangutans face on the side of a building at the Majestik traffic circle area in Medan in March. (Courtesy of Sumatran Orangutan Society/Skaiste) Its data showed that there were 14,600 orangutans in the wilds of Sumatra, including 800 of the third species, the Tapanuliensis. Scientists have so far recorded three species: the Tapanuliensis, Sumatran and Bornean. Outwardly, the Tapanuli orangutan bears a closer resemblance to its Bornean counterpart, with cinnamon-colored fur that is frizzier than its Sumatran relative. It also has a "prominent mustache", according to the findings published in the journal Current Biology. Scientists believe the three types of orangutans share a common ancestor but began to diverge into different species about 3.4 million years ago. "The Batang Toru orangutans appear to be direct descendants of the initial orangutans, who had migrated from mainland Asia, and thus constitute the oldest evolutionary line within the genus Pongo," said scientist Alexander Nater of the University of Zurich, as quoted by AFP in November last year. Read also: China-backed Sumatran dam threatens the rarest ape in the world The Tapanuli orangutan species became isolated from its Sumatran relatives about 10 to 20,000 years ago, Nater added, eventually settling in the Batang Toru forest in North Sumatra. Recently, distinguished research professor and Australian laureate at James Cook University, Bill Laurance wrote in The Conversation that Tapanuli orangutans faced various threats, including from a planned massive hydropower dam as part of Chinas Belt Road Initiative. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Gisela Swaragita (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, May 7, 2018 10:39 1249 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e2669d2 1 National mosque,Islam,Muslim,2019-presidential-election,#2019PresidentialElection,identity-politics,Indonesian-politics Free Widely spread footage of a Muslim preacher telling his audience at a mosque in Surakarta, Central Java, that voting for President Joko Jokowi Widodo is haram has sparked concern about political sermons at houses of worship ahead of the 2019 election. In the video, Sugi Nur Raharja began his sermon by saying that it was only natural for Muslims to use mosques to talk politics in election years. At the time of Prophet [Muhammad], the mosque was the place to settle all kinds of problems, from businesses to politics. He went on to make a case against voting for Jokowi, who he said had failed as president, asking the people attending his sermon that they could leave the mosque if they supported the incumbent. The sermon, titled Indonesia Bangkit dari Masjid (Indonesia Rising from the Mosque), was delivered at the Jami MUI mosque on April 29. A video of the sermon was uploaded on Sugis YouTube channel and immediately sparked criticism from internet users who believed bringing politics into the mosque was wrong. A Twitter user with the handle @AfifFuads, who identifies himself in his twitter profile as a part of the youth wing of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the largest Muslim organization in Indonesia, said he rejected the use of mosques as venues to spread hatred or provocation. The house of God should not be filled with profanity, especially when the preachers talk trash, erroneously and full of logical fallacies, he said. 4. Pertama, ini soal Rumah ibadah, rumah tuhan, yg harusnya menjadi tempat persemaian kedamaian, ini menjadi ajang tebar kebencian dan provokasi, seandainya benar sekalipun yg disampaikan, tak elok rumah tuhan dipenuhi caci maki apalagi bicaranya sampah, ngawur dan sesat logika Afif Fuad Saidi (@AfifFuadS) May 1, 2018 Mosques should be a neutral public sphere that can be shared with anyone looking for universal kindness, said International Center for Islam and Pluralism (ICIP) director Syafieq Hasyim. He argued that Muslims during the time of Muhammad used the mosque for political consolidation, because Muslims were a more homogenous group. When the Prophet was still alive, Muslims could easily look up to him for guidance to solve their problems, he said. He added that contemporary Muslims could not just ignore the fact that they live in a diverse society. What Sugi delivered was not a religious sermon. Sugi, however, had one high-profile defender: former Indonesian Military (TNI) commander and presidential hopeful Gatot Nurmantyo, one of Jokowis potential contenders who appeared to have backtracked on the position he held last year while serving as military chief, that holding any campaign-related activities in places of worship was prohibited under the law. It pains me if anyone says you should not talk about politics in mosques, Gatot said while speaking at an event at the Gadjah Mada University Mosque in Yogyakarta on Friday, as reported by tempo.co. He said the Prophet himself talked about politics in Nabawi Mosque. What should be banned is provocation, not political talk. Using the pulpit at the mosque for political campaigns is not new in Indonesia, particularly after the heated Jakarta gubernatorial election last year, which pitted a Muslim candidate against a Christian. Some Muslims in Jakarta reported that religious sermons at their mosques became increasingly political ahead of election day. The trend forced the Religious Affairs Ministry to find ways to standardize religious sermons at mosques, mainly during Friday prayers. According to the ministry, the policy was devised to ensure that preachers giving Friday sermons were competent and stuck to their roles as clerics. But the policy has been widely seen as ineffective, as the ministry lacks the resources and legal authority to enforce it. It was also later forced to soften the policy after being accused of trying to censor religious sermons. Indobarometer political analyst Muhammad Qodari expects increased use of mosques for political campaigning in 2019. There is a possibility that mosques will be turned into campaign venues and used for political mobilization, he said. This kind of campaign strategy was successful at the regional level last year, he said, referring to the Jakarta election. There are indications that the strategy will be used again at the national level. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Corinne Gretler (Bloomberg) Zurich Mon, May 7, 2018 13:01 1249 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e27ddf3 2 Business Nestle,Starbucks,alliance,partnership,coffee Free Nestle SA agreed to enter an alliance with Starbucks Corp. to market the coffee chains consumer and food-service products globally in a first tie-up of major rivals in the java market. Nestle will pay Starbucks $7.15 billion upfront in cash for a business that has annual sales of $2 billion, the Swiss company said in a statement Monday. Nestle expects the deal to contribute positively to its earnings per share and organic growth targets as from 2019. Starbucks said it will use the proceeds to accelerate share buybacks, now expecting to return about $20 billion through repurchases and dividends through fiscal 2020. Nestle plans to use the Starbucks brand in its Nespresso and Dolce Gusto capsule systems, the Seattle-based company said. The alliance underlines Nestles efforts to capture more upscale java drinkers in the U.S., where the maker of Nespresso and Nescafe has been outpaced by JAB Holding Co. The investment company of Europes billionaire Reimann family has spent more than $30 billion building a coffee empire by acquiring assets such as Keurig Green Mountain and Peets. With Starbucks, Nescafe and Nespresso, we bring together three iconic brands in the world of coffee, Nestle Chief Executive Officer Mark Schneider said in the statement. About 500 Starbucks employees will join Nestle. Operations will continue to be located in Seattle. Nestle said its ongoing share-buyback program will remain unchanged. The agreement is subject to customary regulatory approval and is expected to close by the end of 2018. The agreement excludes ready-to-drink products and all sales within Starbucks coffee shops. While Starbucks holds the crown in the $13.8 billion U.S. coffee market, Nescafe and Nespresso hold the top ranks globally, according to Euromonitor. Starbucks has been examining each of its businesses to streamline its operations and focus on those that add most to sales and profit, Chief Financial Officer Scott Maw said on a conference call in January. Nestle added niche brands Blue Bottle Coffee and Chameleon Cold-Brew last year to expand its portfolio in the U.S. Nespresso also introduced a machine thats more attuned to Americans preference for bigger cups of joe several years ago. Starbucks in November agreed to sell tea brand Tazo to Unilever for $384 million. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Perry Williams and Tsuyoshi Inajima (Bloomberg) Sydney Mon, May 7, 2018 09:32 1249 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e262147 2 Business oil-price,traders,Donald-Trump,Iran,nuclear-arsenal Free Oil in New York was on the verge of passing $70 a barrel for the first time since November 2014 as traders braced for a re-imposition of US sanctions on Middle East crude producer Iran. Futures added as much as 0.3 percent to $69.91 a barrel after gaining 1.9 percent on Friday. While U.S. President Donald Trump hasnt announced if hell pull out of a deal between Iran and world powers as a May 12 deadline nears, officials are positioning for negotiations. The 2015 accord eased sanctions on OPECs third-largest member in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program, and renewed American measures may stifle its crude exports. Iran has come out against higher prices, after a rally of about 16 percent this year on output cuts by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies and rising geopolitical risks in the Middle East. Crude at $60 to $65 a barrel is suitable, an official from the OPEC producer said on Sunday, signaling a split with fellow group member Saudi Arabia thats said to be aiming for $80 oil. The cartel will meet next month in Vienna. Fresh sanctions, which would remove some of Irans crude supplies from the global market, will tighten the balance between demand and supply and support crude prices, Takayuki Nogami, chief economist at state-backed Japan Oil, Gas & Metals National Corp., said by phone from Tokyo. While there could be profit-taking given current oil prices, it will be limited as concerns over Iran are rising. West Texas Intermediate oil for June delivery edged up 6 cents to $69.78 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange at 9:01 a.m. in Singapore. It reached within 3 cents of the $70 mark on Friday. Total volume traded was about 48 percent below the 100-day average. Prices rose 2.4 percent last week. Brent for July settlement nudged up 2 cents to $74.89 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. The global benchmark crude was at a $5.30 premium to July WTI. While refusing to reveal what hell do by May 12, Trump repeated his belief the existing accord is a horrible agreement for the United States. But, he added, That doesnt mean I wouldnt negotiate a new agreement. Still, Iran is ruling out new talks, calling the current agreement non-negotiable. Meanwhile, Americas European allies continue to back it, saying the deal has been essential to reining in Irans nuclear program. The constant fluctuation in oil prices is destabilizing for future investment and security of supply, Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said. While he made no mention of the multiparty nuclear accord that eased sanctions on Iran starting in January 2016, he warned that the insertion of politics into the energy market will hurt producers and consumers alike. The Persian Gulf countrys regional arch-rival Saudi Arabia is said to want crude closer to $80 a barrel, in part to support a stake sale in its state energy giant. The OPEC nations continue to clash in proxy conflicts from Syria to Yemen. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Washington, United States Mon, May 7, 2018 11:22 1249 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e2692e1 2 World Korea,trump,KimJongUn,negotiation,Nuclear Free US President Donald Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un are likely to meet in Singapore next month, reports said Monday, as anticipation builds for unprecedented talks between the mercurial leaders. Trump said at the weekend that the two sides had settled on a date and location for the summit -- the first between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader -- without providing details. "We'll be announcing it soon," Trump told reporters. The landmark summit will take place in "mid-June", South Korea's Chosun Ilbo daily reported Monday, citing diplomatic sources who quoted Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton. The newspaper suggested that the possibility of Singapore hosting the landmark meeting had "increased greatly", after a decision by Trump to host South Korean president Moon Jae-in at the White House later this month, without giving further explanation. Bolton met his South Korean counterpart Chung Eui-yong in Washington late last week to discuss plans for both locations, according to local media reports. A similar report on the weekend from South Korea's Yonhap news agency also said Singapore was firming as the favoured location for the summit. Trump had previously suggested that the demilitarised zone between the two Koreas -- the site of a recent summit between Kim and Moon -- could also be an appropriate venue for his meeting with the North's leader. Other possible sites reportedly included Mongolia and Switzerland. Preparations for the landmark meeting have gained momentum since the Korean summit late last month, which saw Pyongyang and Seoul promise to pursue the complete denuclearisation of the peninsula and a formal peace treaty to end the 1950-53 Korean War. North Korea has offered to close its nuclear test site this month -- and invited US experts to verify the move. Other less dramatic but notable signs of rapprochement have emerged almost daily, including North Korea moving its clocks forward by 30 minutes early Saturday to match time with the South. For young adults struggling with the temptation of drugs and alcohol, the UHD Adolescent Treatment Center of Winnebago may offer a ray of hope. The treatment center itself was once located at the site of the old Winnebago hospital on 550 Cleveland Avenue. Since 2010, the center has been at its current location. The adolescent treatment center is geared towards rehabilitation for chemical dependency and abuse. Licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services and the Minnesota Department of Health, the facility utilizes a residential program to provide treatment for men and women between the ages of 12 and 18 and hosts a maximum capacity of 24 young adults. In order to assist adolescents in their recovery efforts, the center is staffed with a medical director, a registered nurse, licensed drug and alcohol counselors, and state licensed teachers. In addition, there are room checks every halfa.m. to ensure the safety of the adolescents in treatment. As health unit coordinator Crystal Smith explains, patients come to the treatment center from a wide variety of backgrounds. While some wind up in the center as a result of a court order, others are voluntarily seeking treatment for their addictions. Additionally, some of those who enroll in treatment arrive from within the state of Minnesota, whereas others come from neighboring states like South Dakota. Regardless of an individuals circumstance, Smith says helping young people to make better life decisions is the most rewarding aspect of her job. Every kid is different, and they come into the program at different levels and stages of their lives, Smith shares. Their attitude is most likely different when they leave as opposed to when they are first coming in, and knowing you were a little part of their life as they made progress is exciting. Elizabeth Schavey, the unit supervisor at the Winnebago facility, explains one of her most fulfilling experiences occurs when someone who has completed their treatment calls back and updates the staff on their progress. Schavey recently heard back from a young adult who has remained sober for eight months. I think one of the things that I enjoy is when they call back and say how long theyve been sober, thats a cool thing to hear. Schavey said. Just hearing their success after they leave is very rewarding. Most adolescents at the treatment center will stay for a total of 30-45 days. In some cases, young adults may stay for as many as 90 days. Regardless of the length of time in treatment, those at the Winnebago facility will take part in a regimented schedule throughout the day and evening, all while usually remaining on the grounds of the treatment center. Regular school activities begin at 8 a.m, and continue until noon. The two teachers on staff at the treatment center are contracted through the Southern Plains Educational Cooperative. From 12:30 until 2 p.m., students then meet for a therapy group. During recreational time from 2 to 3 p.m., the adolescents are permitted to venture outside of the facility and explore fishing or hiking opportunities along the Blue Earth River. Continuing the theme of group therapy, Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings held outside the facility from 7 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. also allows for socialization outside of the treatment center. As part of the program within the area, young adults are encouraged to make a sober contact while attending these meetings. A sober contact generally consists of a non-family member of the same gender who is older than the adolescent, and not an employee of the treatment center. Smith sees this exercise as a valuable step towards bringing positive influences into the mix. By obtaining a contact outside of here that they can call for support, they can get some advice if theyre having a rough day, Smith says. A sober contact is usually somebody the patient can connect with on some level. Despite the best intentions of the staff, some who enter the treatment center reject their help. In cases such as this, Schavey says the best way to deal with objections from patients is to review their alternatives. By weighing the consequences of their actions, patients are more likely to see the benefits of enrolling in the treatment center. We cant keep anybody here, so sometimes I just ask the question what does it mean if you go, Schavey says. They know if they dont successfully complete treatment, sometimes that could mean a year in jail or a year in a juvenile detention center, so is walking out right now really the best choice? Meanwhile, licensed alcohol and drug counselor Erica Haugh says identifying the root of addiction helps to open lines of communication with the adolescents in treatment. Our main goal is to help them understand what addiction is, what it means to lead a sober life and what they need to do to change, Haugh says. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, May 7, 2018 23:00 1248 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e28fd2c 1 City student,stranded,Tebet-Police,train-station,jakarta Free Officials at the South Jakarta Social Affairs Agency's social services office have found a 6-year-old student from Maluku who was left behind by his group at Tebet Station in South Jakarta. The student, Abdul Karim, and his friends departed from Sukabumi, West Java, at 6 a.m. to visit the house of one of their relatives in Bukit Duri, South Jakarta, but Abdul was separated from his friends and left behind at Tebet Station. South Jakarta Social Affairs Agency staff member Rifki said Abdul was separated from his group because he went to the bathroom inside the station. A commuter took Abdul to the Tebet Police precinct to file a missing persons report, Rifki said in a statement on Monday. The police contacted officials from the social affairs agency to pick up Abdul. Abdul has been taken to the Bina Insan Bangun 1 social shelter on Jl. Kembangan Raya No. 2 in South Kedoya, Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta. Anyone that wants to find Abdul can contact the shelter at 0215814256, Rifki said. Rifki said Abdul was a student of a pesantren (Islamic boarding school) in Sukabumi, West Java, and that he could not remember the name of his pesantren as he enrolled in the school three months ago. We hope that anyone who knows him will contact the shelter to pick him up, he said. (ami) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, May 7, 2018 19:31 1248 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e28d978 1 Business Sri-Mulyani-Indrawati,graft,bribery,KPK Free Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati has ordered top echelon officials to monitor usage of all rooms and spaces at the ministrys headquarters in an effort to fight graft following the recent naming of its official a suspect in an alleged bribery case. Sri Mulyani responded to the Corruption Eradication Commissions (KPK) naming of Finance Ministry official Yaya Purnomo a suspect on Saturday, alongside House of Representatives member and Democratic Party politician Amin Santono, who is suspected of receiving bribes in connection with the allocation of funds for regional administrations in the 2018 state budget. Ive also heard that there is a room at the Finance Ministrys headquarters that is used by some individuals to receive visitors from regional administrations. It is used as a place to make [illegal] deals on the state budget, she said in a press conference on Monday as quoted by tempo.co. Sri Mulyani said she had ordered the Finance Ministrys secretary-general Hadiyanto and officials from the inspectorate general to conduct an evaluation of all rooms and spaces in the ministry and tighten security controls at each gate of the compound. Read also: Dems lawmaker named suspect in bribery case The ministrys official Yaya Purnomo was arrested at his home in Bekasi, West Java on Saturday, separately from lawmaker Amin Santono, who was caught together with private contractor Ahmad Ghiast and suspected middleman Eka Kamaluddin at a restaurant at Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport in East Jakarta. The KPK team found Rp 400 million (US$28,720) in cash in Amin's car as well as a bank transfer receipt for Rp 100 million. (gda) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Washington, United States Mon, May 7, 2018 09:40 1249 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e264963 2 World trump,Russia-meddling,Robert-Mueller,lawyers-defense Free Presidential lawyer Rudy Giuliani said Sunday that Donald Trump would not be required to comply with a potential subpoena from the special counsel investigating possible collusion with Russia. But Giuliani, whose statements since he recently joined Trump's legal team have created some confusion, also said that the president "wants to testify" and that "we may actually work things out with Bob Mueller," the special counsel. The former New York mayor and onetime prosecutor was asked on ABC's "This Week" whether Trump would comply with a subpoena if Mueller were to issue one. "We don't have to," Giuliani replied. "He's the president of the United States. We can assert the same privileges other presidents have." President Bill Clinton had resisted a subpoena during the investigation of his relationship with Monica Lewinsky, then a White House intern. But he ultimately testified for more than two hours before a grand jury. When Giuliani was asked if he was confident that Trump, should he appear before Mueller, would not invoke his constitutional right under the Fifth Amendment to remain silent, Giuliani responded, "How could I ever be confident of that? ... Every lawyer in America thinks he would be a fool to testify." Yet he listed a series of points suggesting the Trump team has given considerable thought to the framework of a potential interview. Giuliani said he would want such testimony to be "only for two and a half hours. Only with an arranged format... (not) under oath. Only a Q&A. We get the questions in advance." "So," he added, "we may actually work things out with Bob Mueller. Because working with him directly is good." But any such plan, he suggested, could be derailed depending on how the Mueller investigation proceeds. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, May 8, 2018 01:00 1248 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e291ab1 2 World EU,European-Parliament,Retno-Marsudi,Enggartiasto-Lukita,ASEAN,jusuf-kalla Free Two delegations from the European Parliament are in Indonesia to deepen European Union-Indonesia cooperation and support the strategic partnership with ASEAN. Members of the European Parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee are visiting Indonesia on Tuesday and Wednesday, the EU Delegation to Indonesia said on Saturday. This delegation, led by committee chairman David McAllister, includes six Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). Meanwhile, MEPs from the Delegation for Relations with Countries of Southeast Asia and ASEAN (DASE) are visiting from Monday until Wednesday. DASE chairman Werner Langen will lead a delegation of seven MEPs and are scheduled to hold joint meetings with Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi, Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita and members of the House of Representatives. In January this year, European Parliament approved a plan to seek restrictions on the use of palm oil in biofuels due to concerns about its environmental impact. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Fadley Faisal (Borneo Bulletin/ANN) Bandar Seri Begawan Mon, May 7, 2018 17:21 1249 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e287f5b 2 SE Asia #Brunei,#cigarettes,#smuggling,#courtruling Free Three individuals were ordered by the Magistrates Court on Monday to settle fines, including close to half-a-million-dollar in one case, for violating the Customs and Excise Order. Magistrate Dewi Norlelawati Abdul Hamid ordered 40-year-old Indonesian Sutrisno to pay a fine of BND430,600 (US$386,916), or serve three years jail in default of payment, after he pleaded guilty to possessing 539 cartons of cigarettes at Pantai Serasa at 12:31 a.m. on May 4, 2018. Bruneian Norazmi Osman was ordered to pay a fine of BND51,200, or serve 33 months jail in default of payment, after he pleaded guilty to possessing eight cartons of cigarettes at 3:40 p.m. on July 7, 2011; 27 cartons of cigarettes at 11:20 p.m. on March 15, 2012; 41 cartons of cigarettes, 17 cans of beer and two bottles of liquor at 6:02 a.m. on June 7, 2012; and 63 cartons of cigarettes, 17 cans of beer at 9:40 p.m. on Aug. 24, 2012, at the Kuala Lurah Control Post. Meanwhile, 58-year-old local Padan bin Barauk was ordered to settle a fine of BND300, or serve three weeks jail in default of payment, after he pleaded guilty to possessing two bottles of liquor and 15 cans of beer at a house in Kampong Terunjing Baru, Lambak Kiri at 12:35 a.m. on Sept. 7, 2014. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Amy Sawitta Lefevre (Reuters) Bangkok Mon, May 7, 2018 15:42 1249 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e283df9 2 SE Asia Cambodia,Phnom-penh,Malaysia,newspaper,ASEAN,democracy,freedom-of-expression,media,authoritarianism,Hun-Sen Free The purchase of The Phnom Penh Post by a Malaysian whose public relations firm lists Cambodia's long-serving Prime Minister Hun Sen as a client is a "disaster" for media freedom ahead of a general election, an international rights group said on Monday. In power for 33 years, Hun Sen and his allies have cracked down on perceived critics, opposition politicians, independent media and human rights groups ahead of the July 29 vote. The sale of the English-language daily, which has been largely critical of the government, was announced on Saturday by Australian businessman Bill Clough, who had owned the newspaper since 2008. The new owner is Malaysian investor Sivakumar Ganapathy, an executive director at Asia Public Relations Consultants Sdn Bhd, headquartered in Kuala Lumpur. The PR firm's website referred to "Cambodia and Hun Sen's entry into the Government seat" as one of its projects. It also described Ganapathy as leading a team managing "covert operations" for its clients. It did not elaborate. Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director of Human Rights Watch, said the deal was a "disaster for media freedom", telling Reuters that "the only plausible rationale for this acquisition is to blunt the Post's critical coverage of the government." Reuters called Asia PR's headquarters seeking comment, and was told that Ganapathy was not available. In response to an email, his assistant, Krishna Kumaar, said Ganapathy was expected to return in two weeks' time. Calls to Asia PR's Phnom Penh office were unanswered. The Overseas Press Club of Cambodia (OPCC) issued a statement voicing its concerns "about the sale of The Phnom Penh Post to a Malaysian investor whose PR company is connected to Prime Minister Hun Sen." Huy Vannak, undersecretary of state at the Interior Ministry, told Reuters on Monday that the government welcomed "all investors" to Cambodia. He did not specifically address links between the newspaper's new owner and the government. Around 30 radio stations were shut last year and The Cambodia Daily, an English-language newspaper, was closed after it was ordered to pay millions of dollars in back taxes by the government or face closure. In a 2018 press freedom index published by Reporters Without Borders, Cambodia dropped 10 places from 132 to 142. Founded in 1992, The Phnom Penh Post was reportedly slapped with a $5 million tax bill last year, according to reports by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. In a statement on Saturday, Clough said the tax issue had been resolved, and that the sale was prompted by a "worldwide decline in market share for newspaper advertising" which had also been felt in Cambodia. The one block stretch of Division Street, that tiny nook-like road that bridges Canal and Allen, is an enclave of interesting small businesses, including Dah Shop. Its somewhat hidden location makes this bike shop feel more like a hip neighborhood spot, which it is. But dont confuse cool with kitsch. The attitude, aptitude and service at Dah Shop is not part of some trend. Its a way of life as well as a hangout for a diverse group of individuals from angsty High School freshmen, to niche BMX celebrities, and babyseat-toting parents from across the East River. Dah Shop, which opened in 2008 at 134 Division St., is owned and operated by Tyrone Rone Williams and Qian Q Who, whove been friends for over a decade. The ties that bind their friendshipvalues like loyalty, perseverance, autonomy, and communityjelled into a business partnership, yet began within each of them as individual mantras. Qian is soft-spoken and has expressive, clear eyes; he wears his sideburns long and his hair in a ponytail. Hes constantly moving about the shop. Qian immigrated to California from China in 1986, and taught himself how to ride when he was 9 (theres a photograph of him on his first bike, Qian tells me, but hes uncertain of its whereabouts). Qian moved to NYC for college ten years later to study art and eventually grew an affinity for riding and repairing bikes. Ive seen bikes close to 80 years old, Qian says. Tyrone immigrated to the States from Jamaica when he was 3 and grew up in Flatbush, Brooklyn. He began riding bikes at just 5 years old. The streets taught me how to ride, says Tyrone. In 1999 Tyrone made a bike film with friends and fellow riders, Edwin Delarosa and Ruel Smith aka Worms; Tyrone says it was the push that got us going. Tyrone tells me hes been riding for Animal, a BMX parts company, since the day they started. Ive yet to see him without an Animal-brand cap out of which his dreads fall to his shoulders past wide-rimmed glasses and a full beard. He prefers to talk about his lifestyle (as opposed to career) in terms of marching to the beat of his own drum. Hes never had an agent because a younger guy could come in and it could backfire. In this sense, Tyrone assures that his lifedecisions like sponsorships and media coverage is conducted on his own terms. Qian believes in this sentiment as well, offering a window into a tacit trust between the two. We grew up rarely accepting help from others, Qian says. We grew up helping ourselves. Tyrone and Qian met in 2000when it wasnt cool to ride a bikeat Canal Street. Bikes, which no longer exists. Dah Shops location is a key aspect of its business strategy: LES/Chinatown is a stones throw from the Brooklyn Banks, a legendary NYC bike and skate park underneath the Brooklyn Bridge (on the Manhattan side). Although the Banks is closed until 2014 as the bridge undergoes renovations, many of the citys BMX riders continue to visit Dah Shop for service and community. Dah Shops awning appears to have been painted over in a dulling white with DAH SHOP slabbed neatly at the center in thick black; underneath are the faded, bleached outlines of Chinese lettering from a previous business. Tyrone and Qian tell me that the inspiration for the name was born out of the everyday: Before it (their business) even existed we referred to dah shop with our friends as a place where they know where Im at; like, Ill be at dah shop. In this spirit, the name conveys a message of accessibility and gathering to their customers, and also one of a certain type of coolness. It doesnt hurt either that Tyrone has been riding professionally since his late teens or that many of Dah Shops clientele look up to him, like BMS pro Nigel Sylvester, whos from Jamaica, Queens. During one visit, a Nike camera crew hovered outside Dah Shop to shoot a spot for Nikes Fuel Band, which features Nigel. Like Tyrone, Nigel is sponsored by Animal. I look up to him (Tyrone), Nigel says. I come here to meet other riders, chill. There are good vibes here, its like a second home. This is my shop. You got to keep it in the family. The scene at Dah Shop varies, but the vibe rarely does. Some days Tyrone can be seen playing Call of Duty: Black Ops (the only game I ever play) in his downtime. During others, the shop is swamped while both Tyrone and Qian juggle tasks for sometimes four customers each at a time. Dah Shop takes in an even mix of BMX riders and neighborhood people on road bikes and when I ask them what their specialties are, they tell me everything is custom, its the rule of MacGyver. Along with functioning as a repair shop, Dah Shop sells bikes, frames, clothing and numerous other equipment, but the safety of their customers remains Dah Shops chief concern. Its karma, Qian says. We dont want someone to get hurt cause we were sloppy. If we dont see you for a few months, weve done our job. Tyrone and Qian say they spend more time at Dah Shop than they do at home, the facts of life for a small business owner in NYC. Dah Shop recently signed a 10-year lease, yet when I ask Qian what the future holds he says that theyll take it as it comes. You cant put that kind of dream of it, he says. Their advice often reads as guiding wisdom for the bike-riding youth of NYC and beyond. If you dont love what you do you shouldnt be doing it, Tyrone says. Progress forward, not back. As spring turns into summer and hundreds of LES bikers dust off their wheels before hitting the pavement, heres some advice to consider: Take up the road, Qian says. Fuck it. Make yourself seen. They see you, theyre less likely to hit you. Qians candor, much like Tyrones directness, comes from the heart of experience, echoes of an alluring approach to existing (on a bike), born from the streets of New York. And much like their friendship, Dah Shop is situated right where it wants to be. If youre looking to start your week on a high note, take a few minutes this morning to read about Sylvia Bloom in the New York Times. The legal secretary from Brooklyn, who died a couple of years ago at the age of 97, has left the Henry Street Settlement $6.24 million for youth scholarships. It really is a remarkable story. Not even Blooms closest friends and relatives realized she had amassed a fortune by investing portions of her secretarial salary so wisely. The executor of Blooms estate is Jane Lockshin, Blooms niece and the longtime board secretary at Henry Street, the 125-year-old Lower East Side non-profit. Heres more from the Times: I realized she had millions and she had never mentioned a word, recalled Ms. Lockshin. I dont think she thought it was anybodys business but her own. Ms. Blooms will allowed for some money to be left to relatives and friends, but directed that the bulk of the fortune go toward scholarships of Ms. Lockshins choice for needy students. Ms. Lockshin called (Henry Streets) executive director, David Garza, and asked him if he was sitting down. We were all agape, just blown away, recalled Mr. Garza Mr. Garza called the gift the epitome of selflessness, and a fitting gesture by a woman to the settlement, which was founded in 1893 by the public health pioneer Lillian Wald. The contribution is the largest single gift by an individual in the settlement houses history. It will go to support the Expanded Horizons College Success Program, which helps disadvantaged high school students get into college and make sure they are prepared to succeed. You can read more about the program here. Another $2 million from the state will go to Hunter College and to another scholarship fund to be announced. UPDATE 5/8 Heres more from Henry Street Settlement. The $6.24 million donation will be used to create The Bloom-Margolies Scholarship Fund. It was established in memory of Sylvia Bloom-Margolies, her husband Raymond Margolies and her sister Ruth Bloom. Due to the magnitude of the gift, we are creating an endowment, explained Henry Streets David Garza. The funds generated will provide support annually and in perpetuity. Ultimately, thousands of low-income young adults will receive the vital support they need to succeed in college and in their lives because of this generously transformative gift. The endowment will support college scholarships and support other aspects of The Expanded Horizons program. The program offers college counseling, SAT prep, tutoring, college visits and continuous support to participants throughout their college careers. Evidence of art has been catalogued throughout the entire existence of man. From paleolithic cave paintings to the Renaissance movement and its art, up to the present day where anonymous England-based graffiti artist Banksy creates images of provoking political activism and dark humor. History may argue that, perhaps, art and creative expression is the lifeblood of humankind. And it seems that lifeblood has began pumping again at Blue Earth Area Schools. After a multi-year hiatus, the BEA?Art Club started up again last year, with the help of BEA visual arts instructor and the clubs advisor Sara Albright, and has returned to Sections competition. This year, two of BEAs young artists, Lizzy Karp and Heidi Herrmann, after rigorous Sections judging, have qualified to take their masterpieces to State, which they attended on May 5. There are awards given by judges looking at categories such as composition, craftsmanship, process and problem solving, expressive qualities, and artist statement, says Albright. The scoring for each piece is out of 20 points; 15-17 receives an Excellent rating, while scores of 18-20 receive a Superior rating. Then, out of the Superior ratings, they choose a Spotlight Winner, or best of show. Those winners are allowed to take their work to the State Art Show at the Perpich Center for Arts Education in Golden Valley. BEA was allowed to take 18 pieces to Sections and out of the 18 pieces, they brought home 10 Superior ratings, seven Excellent ratings, and three pieces received the coveted Spotlight. There were 14 other schools competing at Sections. Karp earned the Spotlight in two categories: painting and ceramics, while Herrmann earned the Spotlight honor in the Mixed Media category. As an entire club, BEA returned home from the Sections competition with 17 out of a possible 18 awards. Both Karp and Herrmann took their families with them to the State competition. This is Albrights 17th year of teaching visual art at BEA and she says her experience with students has been very rewarding and emphasizes the importance of art in education. All art students need a good understanding of language and techniques of visual arts as well as visiting the history of art. The students build upon those skills as they grow and use those skills to create their own works, says Albright. I try to stress with my students they can use those skills to express who they are; to not be afraid to be themselves, and be comfortable to share their uniqueness with the world and try to make it a better place. I am hoping they take these lessons learned and become contributing members to society. For Karp and Herrmann, it seems they have certainly embraced Albrights teaching with their unique talents and are fearless in sharing who they are through their art. Karp, daughter of Bobby and Rochelle Karp, is a senior from Blue Earth. She says she has always doodled and colored as a kid but started seriously perfecting her art and expanding her skills in eighth grade. Art is important to me because I am a visual person. I am a visual learner in school and I like to see the skill and effort that is put into the creation of things, says Karp. I think it is important for students to learn about visual art because it creates solid images that add specification and clarification to an otherwise boring text. Certain images teach about human history. There are many paintings from ancient times that depict what life was like, and they give insight to what technology, beliefs and trends our ancestors had. Karp says she truly enjoyed seeing all of the amazing artwork that other students crafted at the Sections competition. It was intriguing to see what inspired others and how creative we all are, she says. My artistic inspirations are Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Bamgboye of Odo-Owa, John Constable, and Shigeru Miyamoto and his team of artists, as well as numerous social media artists. Her piece entitled Serenus Dies was inspired by her and her cousins in their dresses on an oceanside beach, while her sculpture, entitled Jade Dragon was inspired by ancient Chinese culture and mythology. Herrmann, the sophomore from Delavan and daughter of Kip and Debbie Herrmann, began taking her artistry a bit more seriously in sixth grade. She says she enjoys painting and mixed media because the process is relaxing for her. Yet, at the same time, it also challenges me, she says. I follow a lot of artists on social media, which is where I get most of my inspiration, and my favorite artist would be Davide Cambria, He somewhat inspired my painting entitled, Self Portrait.' She, like her classmate, enjoyed going to Sections and seeing other students artwork. Its very interesting to see different techniques and processes, she adds. Perhaps this is how the entire evolution of art has become what it has: one artist delving deeply into the inspiration of other artists to create their own works. I am so proud and excited to say that our Section Competition for Visual Arts was a huge success, says Albright. The student traveller is the pioneer of the shift from cultural tourism to 'relational' tourism, according to the 2017 study of youth travel by WYSE Travel Confederation. Young people no longer just visit places, but increasingly interact with the local community, relating and contributing towards it. According to the report, because students use travel to discover themselves whilst understanding others, they are increasingly likely to seek out more authentic, local experiences. This change is at the centre of relational tourism, with holiday-goers feeding into the surrounding community both socially and economically, often through volunteering. More than 70% of millennials state that travel is an important part of who I am as a person, and over 80% say that they know the best way to learn about a place is to live like the locals do, according to the Millennial Travel 2016 AirBnB survey. Student Universe Its like making a temporary home within the culture theyve chosen to experience, according to a report by, a travel booking site for students. Sam Willan, Student Universe's marketing strategist, explains: Students now look for an experience that can change them on the inside, forever. Something that they can learn from, and then go home and cherish. Sounds good to us - after all, if we're spending money and flying for hours we'll be expecting to take more from our holiday than a couple of beach snaps. 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 Remember the From the Editors Notebook column on April 9 where I reprinted a column from 1991 which had been written by a columnist named Jim McNeile which appeared in an Elkhart, Indiana, newspaper? It was titled Heaven hiding in Blue Earth, and in it McNeile wrote about attending a wedding in Blue Earth because his son was marrying the daughter of Chuck and Barbara Baker. McNeile praised Blue Earth as being friendly, clean and nice. That column created a lot of comment locally. And, it resulted in me receiving an email message from columnist Jim McNeiles son, Dan McNeile. You know, the guy who was getting married to Chuck and Barbara Bakers daughter, Laurie, and thus caused his parents to come and visit Blue Earth to attend the wedding. Which resulted in the now famous column about finding heaven here. Dan McNiele, as it turns out, followed in his fathers footsteps and is a newspaper guy. That makes me like him right off the bat. He works for The Pantagraph, a newspaper in Bloomington Illinois, that is, not Bloomington, Minnesota as a night editor. They do come to Blue Earth once in a while Laurie more than Dan, he says and he writes that his dads words still ring true today. Blue Earth truly is a very nice place. Sadly, his father Jim, the columnist, passed away in 2009. His mother still has all of his dads columns stored away in the old fashioned way, as boxed up yellow clippings. I always make it a point to read a few whenever I visit Mom, Dan writes. It keep his wonderful spirit alive. I guess there was one mistake in Jim McNeiles column about Blue Earth. In it, Jim wrote about staying in the Super 8 Motel here, which was owned by an industrial arts teacher who made all the furniture in the rooms. Not quite accurate, my neighbor, Don Beckendorf, pointed out. It seems that maybe McNeile may have assumed that since the Super 8 Motel owner had built all the furniture, he had been the industrial arts teacher. But Beckendorf says the motel owner was Ernie Wingen, who had been the ag teacher at the school. It was Beckendorf who had been the industrial arts teacher. The two teachers were friends, and Wingen used Beckendorfs designs as the plans for the furniture he built at the motel. Beckendorf has several pieces of furniture of his same design in his home. Both Beckendorf and Faribault County Register office manager Wanda Gieser, who worked for Ernie Wingen, say the Super 8 was quite the place when Wingen first built it in 1984. Besides Wingen, an accomplished woodworker, making all the furniture, his wife Mary Kay (known as Mickey) made all the comforters, pillow covers, window coverings and more. She gave it all a Scandinavian look, Wanda says, and they added things like a patio with a fountain out back and flower boxes on all the windows. And then there were the fresh homemade caramel and cinnamon rolls which were served with coffee and juice every morning. Jim McNeile made special mention of those rolls in his column. It was a warm, friendly and welcoming place for the 10 years the Wingens ran it, both Don Beckendorf and Wanda attest to. It sounds like it was no wonder that an Indiana newspaper columnist would have thought he had found heaven in the town that had such a wonderful motel. Here is exactly what Jim McNeile wrote about the motel. The only lodging is a Super 8 motel. No ordinary Super 8, this motel is owned by the former high school industrial arts (or ag) teacher and his wife who decorated and painted each room after he built each piece of furniture. Window boxes on both floors are bursting with colorful petunias, the lobby is filled with local craft items and hot, fresh homemade rolls are available to guests each morning. Sadly, Ernie Wingen passed away in 2011 in New Ulm at the age of 88. That was just two years after columnist McNeile died. Wingen was survived by nine children, stepchildren and their spouses, 20 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. And his wife Mickey. He left quite a legacy, and quite an impression on many travelers with his unique Super 8 Motel. Especially a traveler from Indiana back in 1991. And now you know the rest of the story, as Paul Harvey would say. Gee, after writing this column, I am suddenly hungry for a fresh cinnamon roll. How about you? ABSTRACT Stroke is a rapidly developing symptom or sign of loss of cerebral function secondary to interruption of the blood supply due to a thrombus or hemorrhage. These diseased vessels are usually affected by well-recognized risk factors, but in some cases other rare conditions may be related to stroke development. Herein, we introduce one of these rare stroke conditions in a 37-year-old previously healthy male who presented to the emergency department with misleading symptoms and signs of reduced level of consciousness, isolated medical 3rd nerve palsy and possible drug overdose. A thorough neurological examination and investigation demonstrated a case of acute ischemic stroke as a consequence of meningeal irritation with an underlying inflammatory response. The patient was treated simultaneously for both conditions and responded dramatically with full recovery upon discharge. Thus, consideration of acute stroke in patients with no previous known risk factors is highly recommended especially with unusual neurological findings. Keywords: Meningitis, Weakness, Diplopia, Photophobia, EEG 1. Introduction Stroke is recognized as the third leading cause of death worldwide and is associated with permanent disability [1] . Traditional vascular risk factors affecting blood vessels and circulation are the most common causes of stroke. These factors are common in young adults with ischemic stroke, which include Dyslipidemia, smoking, Hypertension, Patent Foramen Ovale, large-artery atherosclerosis, small-vessel occlusion and cardioembolism [2] . There are many less common causes of stroke which can be sub classified into inflammatory and non-inflammatory vessel disorders, hematological disorders, prothrombotic (clotting) disorders, Migraine-Related Stroke and Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT). Examples of non-inflammatory blood vessel diseases include Fibromuscular Dysplasiaa disorder that results in an abnormal development of cells in the wall of arteries [3] , Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndromes [4] , radiation therapy for cancers of the head and neck [5] , Moyamoya diseasea rare disorder causing blocked arteries in the basal ganglia [6] , Fabry Diseasean X-linked rare genetic disorder causing lipids to deposit in the internal lining of blood vessels [7] . On the other hand, the non-infectious and inflammatory vasculitides that lead to stroke formation comprise Takayasu disorder, Giant Cell Arteritis, Churg-Strauss vasculitis, Wegeners Granulomatosis, Polyarteritis Nodosa, Buergers disease, Microscopic Polyangitis, Amyloid--related Angiitis, and isolated vasculitis of the central nervous system (CNS) [8] . Ischemic stroke may also be associated with several blood coagulopathies affecting the red blood cells, platelet function, clotting factors or fibrinolysis [9] . Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome and Sickle Cell Disease may also be associated with the development of ischemic stroke [10] [11] . There is evidence that migraine patients especially those with aura, may develop stroke through an unknown mechanism. Nevertheless, migraine was also found to be associated with platelet abnormalities and clotting disorders predisposing to ischemic events [12] . Additionally, CVT is a rare cause of stroke [13] . Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges due to bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Other causes may include carcinoma and drugs. Diagnosis can be made clinically and biochemically through clinical symptoms including headache and photophobia as well as signs such as Kernigs and Brudzinskis signs. Detecting white blood cells (WBCs) in the CSF analysis can also aid our diagnosis. Meningitis can be classified into acute of chronic based on the onset of symptoms, CSF analysis and underlying conditions. Acute meningitis presents in hours or days [14] . This paper reports a rare case of acute ischemic stroke in a young healthy male that occurred as a consequence of meningeal irritation thus presenting with atypical signs and symptoms. 2. Case A 37-year-old previously healthy male presented to the emergency room (ER) with complaints of weakness and fatigue, double vision and photophobia of few hours duration. It was not associated with fever, vomiting, abdominal pain or any change in bowel habits. There was no chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea or loss of consciousness. No recent medications were started. The patients past medical history (PMH), past surgical history (PSH) and family history (FH) were unremarkable. He was not on regular medications with no allergies and denied any history of smoking. On examination, the patient was vitally stable and afebrile. His abdominal, respiratory and cardiovascular examinations were unremarkable. Neurological examination was difficult to assess, as patient was very drowsy. However, plantars were down going, and pupils were pinpoint bilaterally. There were no obvious needle marks and lower limb examination was normal. Laboratory investigations (hematological and biochemical) were all within normal levels. CT Brain was also done at the level of the ER that was unremarkable. The patient was admitted to the ward with the initial impression of reduced level of consciousness with isolated medical 3rd nerve palsy. Drug overdose was a differential at the time of admission. Drug levels (Acetaminophen), urine toxicology and MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) brain were requested. The patient also received a dose of Naloxone that improved his level of consciousness for a short period of time. The Neurologist saw the patient the next day in the ward, and examination showed response to painful stimuli. He was vitally stable with neck rigidity and positive Kernigs sign. The right pupil was constricted whereas the left one was dilated. Plantars were down going bilaterally. A differential diagnosis of absence seizure, meningitis and possible stroke was made. The patient was kept in isolation and planned for lumbar puncture (LP). He was also scheduled for an electroencephalogram (EEG), MRI brain and Carotid Doppler. After LP was done, he was started on Ceftriaxone 2 g once daily, Vancomycin 1600 mg every 8 hours intravenously and Acyclovir 800 mg every 8 hours intravenously. He was also started on Keppra 1 g twice daily intravenously as a prophylaxis for seizure disorder. When patient was reviewed the next day, he was fully conscious. Laboratory investigations including complete blood count (CBC), electrolytes and calcium, C-reactive protein (CRP), hepatitis profile, Syphilis, HIV, Toxoplasmosis screen, ANA and lipid profile were normal. However, Protein C and S were elevated>141% and >126% respectively. CSF analysis showed elevated protein level (80 mg/dl). The gram stain showed no organism, acid-fast bacilli (AFB) negative and cultures were negative. MRI Brain showed acute infarcts in bilateral thalamus, meningeal irritation (Figure 1) and bilateral sinusitis. There were sharp wave discharges in both temporo-occipital regions on his EEG (Figure 2). Carotid Doppler showed no stenosis or atherosclerotic plaques. Day 3 of his admission, the patient was conscious, alert and oriented. Neck rigidity improved and Kernigs sign was negative. The patient was kept under observation for one week and was discharged in a good and stable condition. 3. Discussion Per definition, meningitis is inflammation of the meninges of the CNS [14] . Figure 1. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. Axial Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (ADW-MRI) revealing hyperintensities in bilateral thalamus (circle) suggesting acute infarctions, because of restricted diffusion in the corresponding sites, and probably due to the early meningitic vascular complications. Arrows depict meningeal irritation/inflammation. Figure 2. Electroencephalogram (EEG). A 21 channel digital video EEG recording performed in the EEG laboratory using the standard 10 - 20 International Electrode Placement System. Hyperventilation and Photic stimulation was done. EEG was recorded in a wake stage. The posterior dominant rhythm consisted of well-organized and symmetrical 8 - 9 Hz alpha activity predominantly seen in the posterior head region. This activity was reactive to eye opening. Photic stimulation induced the background activity bilaterally. Intermittent burst of sharp wave discharges in both the temporo-occipital regions were noted. Strokeas stated by the American Stroke Association (ASA) and the American Heart Association (AHA)is a CNS (brain and/or spinal cord) infarction, or death of retinal cells as a result of ischemia, established by clinical signs of permanent damage, neuroimaging and neuropathological evidence. Ischemic stroke refers to a CNS infarction attended by obvious symptoms, whereas silent infarction produces no known symptoms [15] . The common causes of ischemic stroke are related to traditional risk factors affecting the cerebrovascular circulation. Stroke was considered as symptoms that are quickly arising or signs of nonappearance of cerebral function without obvious reasons except for a vascular cause. The case presented in this study display a young adult male who was not known to have any medical condition (especially of vascular origin) or any risk factor for stroke. The only triggering factor for his stroke was the meningeal irritation that was most probably related to an inflammatory process rather than an infection. It has been reported previously that certain inflammatory processes of systemic origin and infectious agents can lead to the development of stroke. Ionita CC and colleagues have looked into different infections and their relationship to acute ischemic stroke. They demonstrated that infectious endocarditis, meningoencephalitis, and human immunodeficiency virus infections were a direct cause of stroke and concluded that infections, whether acute or chronic, can cause acute ischemic stroke. The most likely explanation is the development of enhanced immunohematologic changes and atherosclerosis [16] . However, in our case there was no infectious agent isolated and no CSF abnormality was detected to confirm bacterial or viral (aseptic) meningitis. High protein level was suggestive of an inflammatory process which might have caused the meningeal irritation. Meningitis was also evident with the clinical signs and symptoms. In addition, EEG findings (Figure 2) and meningeal irritation on MRI also supported our diagnosis (Figure 1). The cause of inflammation that resulted in the meningeal irritation is not clear to us, but it could be secondary to previous exposure to an irritating agent or an infection that has resolved and the products of that infectious agent such as endotoxin or viral protein has generated a pro-inflammatory cytokine response. It is well known that inflammation leads to activation of coagulation and that pro-inflammatory cytokines can activate the coagulation system and down-regulate important physiologic anticoagulant processes resulting in vascular complications thus leading to stroke [17] . Inflammatory vasculitis subsequent to meningeal irritation/inflammation can cause brain infarction as well [8] . The patient improved after a combination of anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-epileptic medications that were all required in the management and were given empirically as the underlying causative agent and mechanism were not identified. 4. Conclusion Acute stroke should be considered in all age groups with no previous acknowledged risk factors affecting blood vessels and circulation among other possible differential diagnosis. Such factors may include inflammatory processes affecting the meninges and/or the brain. Acknowledgements We gratefully acknowledge King Hamad University Hospital for supporting this case study. Funding This work was supported by the Department of Internal Medicine, King Hamad University Hospital. Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate This is a case report of standard treatment for an unusual presentation of a disease. There was no treatment given to the patient outside the standard of care. We confirm that the case report was approved by the institutes committee on human research to be submitted for publication. Consent to Publish Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for his anonymized information to be published in this article. Availability of Data and Materials Data supporting the conclusions of this article are presented in the manuscript. Authors Contributions RAS contributed to acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation of data. JA was involved in drafting the manuscript and revising it critically for important intellectual content. MB is the principle investigator (consultant) and wrote the paper. Cite this paper AlSherooqi, R., Alkhoury, J. and Bakhiet, M. (2018) A Case Report of Rare Acute Ischemic Stroke Due to Meningeal Irritation. World Journal of Neuroscience, 8, 171-177. https://doi.org/10.4236/wjns.2018.82015 References Im a dangerous Nazi. Thats according to a professor at Minot State University who was supposed to moderate an event Id been invited to speak at by Dr. Robert Kibler who chairs the Department of Foreign Languages, Humanities, and Literature there. Kibler told me the colleague hed chosen to moderate the event had pulled out. She said she didnt feel safe in a room with me. That the venue, the lovely Northwest Arts Center Gallery, didnt have enough egress points through which she could flee if I became enraged. Ultimately organizers found another person to guide the event, and I wasnt told about the original moderators fears until afterward. Hers were not the only objections to my participation in an on-campus event. My counterpart in the event, which was a dialogue about the future of higher education, was Dan Conn. Hes a professor of education at MSU, and told me hed been encouraged not to speak with me. During the event itself members of the audience mentioned there had been some level of protest on campus about my inclusion. I am gratified to report that despite the folderol, the event was a success. The discussion was both in-depth and challenging. I think most left the room surprised at how much common ground we found, and satisfied in feeling at least a bit more informed on an important topic. I dont want to let the petty, overwrought objections of the few cast a pall over what was a very gratifying discussion. In fact, Id argue the event was all the more successful for overcoming these attempts to block a campus dialogue with a critic of the academy. I understand what my reputation is. When I told the room at MSU that I know all about my reputation in the states higher education community as a sort of barbarian at the gate I got a big laugh. Besides, I get called a Nazi and worse almost daily on social media. In letters to the editor of the papers where Im published. In emails sent to me directly. Some of that is genuine rage. Some of it is orchestrated by political interests, lacking a convincing rebuttal to the points I make, working to undermine my credibility. Still, its hard to hear that someone thinks youre so dangerous they dont want to be in the same room with you. What am I supposed to do with that information? Shut up is the intended message, I think. Im supposed to stop saying or writing things which are inconvenient for how some people want to see the world. Im not much interested in shutting up. I wont knuckle under to cry bullies out to use their contrived tears as a cudgel with which to beat the opposition into submission. The price of admission to a free society like ours is understanding that youre very often going to see expression speech, art, literature, etc. which upsets you. It seems, increasingly, that some arent interested in paying it. Port, founder of SayAnythingBlog.com, a North Dakota political blog, is a Forum Communications commentator. Follow him on Twitter at @RobPort As of June 12, Rugby children will have some new and exciting options for summer fun around town. Barbara Welk, manager of North Star Community Credit Union in Rugby announced a program that will give any child in Rugby that want or need one, a new or refurbished bike. Helmets and knee pads will also be available. The NSCCU will also be hosting the Bike and Safety program at their location. We want to get the kids outside playing this summer, said Welk. What better way than to have a bike to ride? Rugby has great bike paths and safe places to ride. The Rugby Police and the Sheriffs office will provide this training by educating the kids on safety tips and bike safety awareness at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 12. Tammy Olson, also a NSCCU employee, and her husband found several good bikes abandoned at the city dump. The idea for refurbishing bikes was planted. It was from there that she discussed with other employees, that these bikes just needed some love and attention, and they could go to new homes to kids that needed one. From this idea, Olson and Welk organized volunteers to work on the bikes, and collect them. Word started to get out around Rugby and soon bikes were being donated. They are accepting donations, either old or new bikes from local residents up to June 11. We also know that after the city wide garage sale which is on May 12, there may be some bikes that didnt sell that people might want to donate, said Olson. We will arrange for picking up equipment if needed. Community members that want to donate bikes, helmets or knee pads are encouraged to call Olson at the credit union at 776 5869. The NSCCU is located at 241 Hwy 2 in Rugby. North Star Community Credit Union likes to do things for the communities we live in, said Welk. Olson added, Its all about people helping people. Lets make summer fun for the kids. High School Principal Jared Blikre announced with pride that Rugby High School student Daniel Kearns will attend Yale this fall. I am pleased to let the Tribune know that one of our outstanding students, Daniel Kearns left today for Yale University for a tour for him and his family, said Blikre, after learning of the news last month. We are so proud of our Rugby students, and he is a fine example of academic talent. Rugby High School senior and soon graduate, Daniel Kearns and his family left for New Haven, Conn., on Saturday, April 21 to visit with Yale University and ultimately signed his acceptance papers for admission. Kearns and family were notified early in April, and he is excited and proud to have been accepted to attend Yale University. At Yale, Kearns will be a cadet in the US Air Force ROTC program where he will serve as a 2nd Lt. Cadet under Colonel Thomas McCarthy. Colonel McCarthy is the Commander of the Reserve Officers Training Corps Detachment 009, for Yale University. He is responsible for the education and training of ROTC Cadets. Kearns will complete his military training at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. When asked what he wanted to study at Yale, Daniel said he is considering Philosophy or Ethics/Politics, and Economics. Most of the Yale studies are interdisciplinary, he said. I want to go on to law school, after my studies and become a lawyer. I may have to serve four years with the Air Force before going to law school, we will have to see how it plays out. Meanwhile Kearns had a tour of Yale and the surrounding area. While I was at Yale, I slept in the dorm, my family stayed in a hotel. Kearns said, I had time to see and meet other cadets, and have philosophical discussions. I loved it there. I am so happy and excited to have this opportunity. As long as I do my part, study hard, and achieve my goals, my tuition and fees will be covered. Kearns explained. Tuition and fees can run over $70,000 annually for Yale University. When I got to New Haven, it was dark outside, and the next morning I awoke to this magnificent view of the university buildings, which are old colonial style which was so incredible. There were a group of white tents set up for us visiting to have lunch, get our access cards, and meet others. I was given a tour, as was my family and we really enjoyed our time there. Kearns credits his teachers, especially Leah Johnson, in being instrumental in his acceptance to Yale. He gives her credit for teaching him how to write and communicate well, and especially during the writing of his Capstone project of which he said he was very proud. Brian Olson, Paola Trottier, and Jan Hagen were so influencial on my education, and I appreciate them so much also. I feel like I had a good education at Rugby High School, that has prepared me for this opportunity at Yale. He was thoughtful as he commented about moving here from Florida when he was nine years old. I think Rugby is a good place to raise a family and get a good education. I have been very happy here. Concerns over borehole drilling and nuclear waste storage in Pierce County came to the surface again Tuesday morning during a regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners. County resident Rebecca Leier met with the board to discuss a draft of a bill the state legislatures Natural Resource Committee is working on that would amend the N.D. Century Code regarding nuclear waste storage and disposal. The bill would repeal Chapter 23-20.2 of the N.D.C.C. and would create chapters 38-23 and 38-24, the former of which would deal with high-level radioactive waste or materials resulting from reprocessing spent nuclear fuel, containing fission products, liquid wastes produced from reprocessing, solid materials derived from liquid wastes, and other materials that require permanent isolation. The bill would allow the states Industrial Commission, through the state geologist, to serve as a point of contact for federal agencies on matters of temporary or long-term radioactive waste storage and disposal; issue notices of disapproval regarding proposed radioactive waste facilities when the legislature is not in session; and regulate facility construction and drilling, boring and excavating for exploratory or facility purposes. The commission would also have the ability to issue permits or deny applications. When in session, the legislature would have authority to issue notices of disapproval. The bill would also create a 10-member radioactive waste council, with three members appointed by the governor from city and county governments and the agricultural community; the state geologist as executive secretary; and the directors of the Department of Transportation/Department of Environmental Quality and Game & Fish Department, commerce commissioner, state health officer, state engineer serving as ex officio members. The council would advise the commission in carrying out its duties pertaining to radioactive waste storage and disposal. In an April 24 email to County Auditor-Treasurer Karin Fursather, Leier attached the bill and Chapter 23-20.2 of the N.D.C.C. and said a provision in the former regarding county zoning authorities was of interest. The bill would not allow county zoning regulations to prohibit radioactive waste facilities the Industrial Commission had permitted, but county zoning could regulate the facilitys location, size and scope. Leier also said she spoke with District 14 Representative Jon Nelson, who said the amendment would not be heard until the legislature meets again. Leier questioned whether such regulation would negate regulations the county commission had put in place, as did Commission Chairman Dave Migler. In their February 2016 regular meeting, the board voted to put a moratorium in place on borehole drilling to determine if crystalline basement rock on a site near Balta, Elverum, Girard and Rosedale townships would be suitable for applications that included minerals, geothermal energy development and nuclear waste disposal. An 8.5-inch hole would would have been drilled 16,000 feet deep first, and the success of the first hole would have led to a second phase in which a 17-inch hole would have been drilled. The proposed project was led by the Columbus, Ohio-based Battelle Memorial Institute and partners included the University of North Dakotas Energy & Environmental Research Center. In their March 2016 regular meeting, commissioners voted to send a letter to the University of North Dakotas Energy & Environmental Research Center to cease consideration of the site for borehole testing. What we have right now is fine, said Pierce County States Attorney Galen Mack, adding that Leier should talk to members of the Natural Resource Committee and get a lobbyist in place. Leier asked if the commission can reach out to other counties. The board gave an Elmer Jesme meeting as a possible option. Leier said to the board she wanted everyone in the county to know the matter was still in progress. It hasnt gone away, Leier said. Southern Pines, NC (28387) Today Considerable cloudiness. Occasional rain showers this afternoon. Thunder possible. High 79F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Increasing clouds with showers arriving overnight. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. Panel to vet allegations of nepotism levied against Gov. Noem The Attorney General's Office on Wednesday announced it was referring the complaint to the South Dakota Government Accountability. Toff Guys is the latest project to be taken under the directing nouse of Guy Ritchie - the man most famous for his blindingly good British gangster films, including Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Ritchie's made some questionable career decisions in recent years... Did you know there was a King Arthur movie last year? Yeah, us neither. Plus Ritchie's currently directing a live action version of the Disney classic Aladdin, staring Will Smith... However, it looks like once his hoorah in Disneyland wraps, Ritchie's going back to his nitty gritty English gangster roots - where we like him best. Toff Guys - a word play on the British slang for 'fancy' i.e. 'toff' and the phrase 'tough guys' - is set to be shopped around at the Cannes Film Festival, opening May 8th. Cannes is essentially the breeding ground for studios to get jazzed up on famous director's new projects. According to Deadline the Toff Guys film is: set at the intersection of Sexy Beast and Downton Abbey, and follows a very English drug lord attempting to cash out on his highly profitable empire by selling it off to a dynasty of Oklahoma billionaires. Sounds like a bloody good Guy Ritchie film. We'll be keeping an eye out for it. By Chloe Wray wraychlo@grinnell.edu In Fall 2018, Ally Christmas will join the Colleges Art and Art History Department as a Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow. As funded by an endowment from Grinnell College and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Andrew Kaufman, art and art history chair, describes the program as mutually beneficial to the fellow and the department. The grant, which stipulates that the fellow must have recently received their Masters of Fine Arts (MFA), will allow for Christmas to teach in a mentored environment while having time to advance her own research and work. The program correspondingly benefits departments by allowing a small increase in the number of course offerings and the opportunity to bring in contemporary perspectives from a recent MFA, said Kaufman. Christmas will receive her MFA in photography and video this month from the University of Georgia in Athens. Christmas visited Grinnells campus on April 13, after receiving the fellowship, and gave a lecture on her video work. Kaufman described how her lecture focused on video-grabbing, or taking video and images from a variety of platforms and altering them to focus on ideas such as the divided, the split, the self, and to ask questions like who are we, how are we shaped, how is technology shaping us? At the College, Christmas will take on a video and new media position. In the job posting Kaufman wrote, we are broadly defining Video as a time-based sequencing of created, found, and/or captured imagery, and New Media as a digital-based practice that intersects with one or more of the following: Coding, Imaging, Mapping, Glitch, Internet, Animation, Emerging Technologies, Virtual Reality, and Sound Art. Christmas will be teaching one course per semester over the next two years. She will first introduce a 100-level video course which will have no prerequisites and an enrollment cap of 15 students. The second course that Christmas will teach is a 200-level new media course focused on a medium of her choosing. Both courses will fit into the progression of the studio art major. For the past year, a committee of faculty from across campus has been discussing the potential for a media studies major. Last year students also circulated a petition calling for a media studies major. Although Kaufman has not been involved in the committee, he does see a need for such a major. Kaufman has taught digital media since 2008 and has continuously experienced difficulties in getting his students the materials and equipment necessary for their studies. In addition to a lack of resources, the art department has only one studio technician, Joe Lacina, who has far too many responsibilities for one person. Kaufman hopes that the fellowship will temporarily fill some of the voids in the department, while showing the College a need for additional faculty. We thought this would be an awesome strategical way to show institutional want and need from students, Kaufman said. He predicts that interest in Christmas classes will be high, with more students registering than can be accommodated. The new media and video classes will likely demonstrate interest in a Media Studies Major, bolstering the committees efforts. We talk about film and film theory in a lot of different courses on campus, but we dont have a dedicated program for the new technology thats pervasive everywhere, Kaufman said. If you think about Grinnell college and their hope to be forward thinking and ahead, it seems sadly inadequate for the students Im seeing. In a follow up email with The S&B, Kaufman explained that a new course form is in the process of being completed for the 100-level class in videography, the first course which Christmas will offer. Kaufman expects the course to be visible in the online course catalog by the week of May 7. The class will have no prerequisites and will be open to all student years, capping at an enrollment of 15 students. After receiving the fellowship, Christmas visited campus and spoke with members of the Art SEPC. I was so pleased to learn how excited they were to have video classes offered in the Studio Art Department, Christmas wrote. It seems like there is already some incredible student work being made and I cant wait to jump in and help contribute to that. The good news continues to roll in for our airport. Southwest announced last week that they are going to add flights from San Jose to Hawaii. This is already one of the most popular destinations from SJC and is currently serviced by both Hawaiian airlines and Alaska Airlines. Competition means more departure options, lower fares, and more tax dollars for San Jose (both directly and indirectly). Southwest already implied that they will have the lowest rates for the route, great news for us.Southwest is planning to fly to four different islands, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii-"The Big Island" (Kona). Tickets sales will begin later this year and service could begin as soon as this winter using long-range versions of Boeing 737s.As an added bonus, Southwest is also planning to add inter-island flights. That means lower fares for those that want to travel to multiple islands on one trip.Source: SVBJ Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Bob Bamberg has been in the pet supply industry and writing about pets, livestock and wildlife for three decades. He can be reached at petsap@comcast.net. 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. Gina Haspel, President Donald Trumps nominee to lead the Central Intelligence Agency, offered to withdraw her nomination, two senior administration officials said Sunday, amid concerns that a debate over a harsh interrogation program would tarnish her reputation and that of the CIA. White House aides on Friday sought out additional details about Haspels involvement in the CIAs now-defunct program of detaining and brutally interrogating terror suspects after 9/11 as they prepared her for Wednesdays confirmation hearing. This is when she offered to withdraw, the officials said. They said Haspel, who is the acting director of the CIA, was reassured that her nomination was still on track and will not withdraw. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. The news was first reported Sunday by The Washington Post. Haspel, who would be the first woman to lead the CIA, is the first career operations officer to be nominated to lead the agency in decades. She served almost entirely undercover and much of her record is classified. Democrats say she should be disqualified because she was the chief of base at a covert detention site in Thailand where two terrorism suspects were subjected to waterboarding, a technique that simulates drowning. Haspel has told lawmakers in recent weeks that she would stand firm against any effort to restart the brutal detention and interrogation program, administration officials told The Associated Press on Friday. She is expected to reiterate that publicly this week. Haspel, one official said, was wary of suffering the same fate as failed veterans affairs nominee Ronny Jackson and of dredging up the CIAs troubled past. She took over last month as the acting CIA director after the previous director, Mike Pompeo, was sworn in as secretary of state. After Haspels offer to withdraw, White House aides worked to reassure her that she had the presidents support. As with other nominations, this one hit a roadblock but is back on track, said a third administration official familiar with the effort to get her confirmed. Haspels conversations with senators continue ahead of Wednesdays confirmation hearing at the Senate Intelligence Committee and a later full vote in the Senate. In addition, the CIA has sent materials to the Senate, some classified, that the lawmakers can read to better understand not only her work in the Counterterrorism Center, which oversaw the harsh interrogation program, but also other aspects of her 33-year career, including more than 30 years undercover. Haspel has received robust backing from former intelligence, diplomatic, military and national security officials, who praise her extensive intelligence career. On the opposing side are groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union, which says she should have stood up against the interrogation practices then. Raj Shah, a White House spokesman, on Sunday called Haspel a highly qualified nominee. Her nomination will not be derailed by partisan critics who side with the ACLU over the CIA on how to keep the American people safe, he said. (AP) President Donald Trump is attacking John Kerry after reports that the former secretary of state has been quietly promoting the Iran nuclear deal, as Trump weighs exiting the controversial landmark accord signed by former President Barack Obama. Trump says on Twitter Monday: The United States does not need John Kerrys possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran Deal. He was the one that created this MESS in the first place! The Boston Globe reported Friday that Kerry, the lead negotiator on the deal for the Obama administration, had been privately meeting with foreign officials to strategize on how to keep the U.S. in the deal. Trump has been highly critical of the pact and has threatened to exit on May 12. Kerry has met with Irans Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. At least one of their meetings was at a June 2017 public event in Oslo, Norway, where they sat on the same panel with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and extolled the virtues of the nuclear deal. Kerry, a keen environmentalist who regularly derided climate change skeptics and championed ocean health while secretary of state, has also continued to speak out on those issues since becoming a private citizen. Last week at an event in Dallas, Trump mocked Kerry over a bicycle accident he had three years ago. The United States does not need John Kerrys possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran Deal. He was the one that created this MESS in the first place! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 7, 2018 (AP) Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told his cabinet ministers on Sunday, 21 Iyar, that it is best to enter into a confrontation with Iran sooner rather than later. Netanyahu told his Cabinet that Iran has delivered advanced weapons to Syria in order to attack us both on the battlefield and on the home front, including weaponized UAVs, ground-to-ground missiles and Iranian anti-aircraft batteries that would threaten air force jets. We are determined to block Irans aggression against us even if this means a struggle. Better now than later, he said. Nations that were unprepared to take timely action to counter murderous aggression against them paid much heavier prices afterwards. We do not want escalation, but we are prepared for any scenario. The Prime Minister made his remarks in front of the media, ahead of a meeting this week in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) A 47-year-old female terrorist from Kfar Azariah arrived at the Kalandia checkpoint and was searched by security forces who found a knife in her bag. The knife was discovered on her person as she walked through the x-ray scanner. The woman was taken for questioning and reprimanded into police custody. This most recent prevention of a terror attack was the latest in a series of attempts by Palestinian terrorists by the fighters in the border crossing unit and the IDFs military police. Due to the awareness of their situation and their maintained readiness, they have succeeded at preventing attacks from being carried out in Israel. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) A report in the British newspaper The Observer stated that members of the Trump Administration have hired private Israeli intelligence agencies to smear figures who were instrumental in getting the Iran nuclear deal ratified, during the term of former U.S. President Barack Obama. Trump is expected to make his announcement regarding the continuation of U.S. acceptance of the landmark accord on May 12th. According to the report, Trump aides contacted an Israeli agency and asked them to dig up information that will reflect negatively on Ben Rhodes and Colin Kahl. The idea was that people acting for Trump would discredit those who were pivotal in selling the deal, making it easier to pull out of it, said a source who was knowledgeable of the campaign to The Observer. The Israeli intelligence agency was tasked to uncover any possible damning information from the personal and professional lives of Kahl and Rhodes, including any relationships with pro-Iranian lobbyists, and whether or not either had benefited from the deal in any way personally or politically. They were asked to reach out to various press outlets and journalists that may have had information that could harm the image of either of the two figures. The report did not say how much work was done nor how much information was amassed in this regard. I was not aware, though sadly am not surprised, Rhodes was quoted as saying. I would say that digging up dirt on someone for carrying out their professional responsibilities in their positions as White House officials is a chillingly authoritarian thing to do. The report stated that the White House did not respond to a request for comment. While there has not yet been any indication with regards to what President Trump will decide with regards to the nuclear deal, the President did express a sense of vindication following Israeli Prime Ministers press conference exposing secret documents outlining Irans nuclear plans to ignore the nuclear deal and develop nuclear weapons in the past. Whats happening today and whats happened over the last little while and what weve learned has really shown that Ive been 100 percent right, he said. That is just not an acceptable situation, said Trump. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) President Donald Trump is set to reveal his decision on whether to keep the U.S. in the Iran deal on Tuesday, a move that could determine the fate of the 2015 agreement on Irans nuclear program. The announcement is set to cap more than a year of deliberation and negotiation that has at time pitted Trump against some of his closest aides and key American allies. Trump is facing a self-imposed May 12 deadline over whether to uphold the 2015 nuclear agreement, which he long has criticized. The president has signaled he will pull out of the pact by the deadline unless it is revised, but he faces intense pressure from European allies not to do so. I will be announcing my decision on the Iran Deal tomorrow from the White House at 2:00pm, Trump tweeted Monday. I will be announcing my decision on the Iran Deal tomorrow from the White House at 2:00pm. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 7, 2018 It is not immediately clear what Trump will announce Tuesday or whether he will announce the end of the deal or push for a renegotiation. Trump in October decertified the deal with Iran, but did not move to re-impose sanctions, known as a snap-back. Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of France and Germany say they will hold on to the nuclear agreement with Iran, regardless of the upcoming U.S. decision on whether to nix the deal. [Trump Slams Kerry Over POSSIBLY ILLEGAL Shadow Diplomacy On Iran Nuke Deal] Frances top diplomat, Jean-Yves Le Drian, says the three European countries that were part of the deal France, Britain and Germany are committed to maintaining it. Le Drian said Monday in Berlin that we will continue it independently of the American decision. His German counterpart, Heiko Maas, said Berlin, too, wants to stick by the deal, which he said makes the world a safer place and without it the world would be less safe. Trump has been the subject of an intense lobbying effort by American allies to maintain the agreement, with British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson making a last-ditch appeal to the administration in a visit to Washington this week. European leaders say that they are open to negotiating a side agreement with Iran, but the existing framework must remain untouched for that to happen. On Monday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Iran would be willing not to abandon the nuclear deal even if the United States pulls out, providing the European Union offers guarantees that Iran would keep benefiting from the accord. Rouhani said that what we want for the deal is that its preserved and guaranteed by the non-Americans a reference to other signatories of the 2015 agreement. U.S. officials and European allies share the conclusion that the deal, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), has halted Irans development of nuclear weapons. Trump has objected to a sunset provision that would allow Iran to restart some nuclear development in 2025. Supporters of the deal argue that withdrawing from the JCPOA would undermine Trumps push for North Korea, which has a far more advanced nuclear program than ever possessed by Iran, to denuclearize. Trump is planning on meeting with North Koreas Kim Jong Un within the next month. (AP) Neither President Donald Trump nor Vice President Mike Pence will be in attendance when the U.S. opens its embassy in Jerusalem next week. The White House says Trump is instead sending a high-level delegation to the ceremony marking the formal recognition by the U.S. of Jerusalem as Israels capital. Trump ordered the move last year, fulfilling a key campaign promise. The White House says Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan is leading the delegation, joined by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and the presidents daughter and son-in-law, White House aides Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. Also attending the event will be David M. Friedman, United States Ambassador to the State of Israel, and Jason Dov Greenblatt, Assistant to the President and Special Representative for International Negotiations. [PHOTOS: Road Signs Pointing To US Embassy Go Up In Jerusalem] Trump had left the door open to personally attending the embassy opening. (AP) The suspects arrested by police in the major unfolding Beit Shemesh real estate bribery case were brought before the Rishon LTzion Magistrate Court on Sunday afternoon, 21 Iyar, for arraignment. Many are already referring to this as the Beit Shemesh Holyland case. The minutes of the court hearing indicate that there are six corruption cases investigated and related to the wave of arrests carried out by the police. While one reported corruption case involving a building on Sfas Emmes Street in a city defined as a public (brown) area and converted into private housing units, it appears that five additional affairs were swallowed up in the heat of reporting the first. In a court hearing, the Israel Police and the attorneys of the suspects said that there were five additional cases of corruption and offenses involving some of the suspects, the details of which were not disclosed to the public. In a hearing on the extension of the detention of three suspects, a representative of one of the suspects asked the police representative: You spoke of six cases. Of those six cases, how many of them do you attribute to my client? The same suspect is associated with two cases. One published today, and the second brought before the court. The police and the suspects attorneys also said: As far as the second affair is concerned, you did not ask him a single question. At a hearing for the central suspect, the police were asked: This is the main affair? This is one of the cases. In the meantime, it emerges from the hearings that one of the suspects fainted at the time of his arrest, and according to his attorney, he was beaten by the police. Another suspect is ill with cancer, and claims of leniency in his sentence were raised during the hearing. The suspect is a cancer patient. In recent years, 10 surgeries and chemotherapy have been carried out. Today he was supposed to start another series of treatments and today was the first of them. His immune system is very weak. The judge did not accept the lawyers argument and extended his detention until Thursday, but ordered him to be examined by a doctor. In discussions of another central suspect in the cases, there were also complaints about his advanced age and medical condition as a reason for easing detention. This is a 70-year-old Jew who is taking a long series of medications, his attorney said, adding that the judge extended his remand until Thursday, but ordered the Israel Prison Service to take care of his medicine and check with a doctor. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) A 'borderless' debit card has launched that gives people the chance to operate a bank account in several different countries around the world. It is aimed at those travelling, living and working abroad to give them more flexibility when spending and sending money and to lower their overall costs. It's been launched by Transferwise, which claims it's the first multi-country account and debit card. This is Money has taken a closer look to see just how it works, who it suits and how the prices compare. New debit card launched which includes bank accounts for several different countries If you've ever tried to send money abroad, perhaps to a family member who was away travelling, to a company for a holiday booking, or even withdrawn cash in a foreign country, you'll know just how expensive it can be. This is because most of the traditional banks add on fees if you're withdrawing money in a different currency, in euros for example, from a British bank account. The fees aren't just for withdrawing cash abroad either, there can also be transfer fees if you're moving money inbetween two bank accounts in two different countries. To combat these fees, and to give travellers more flexibility when sending and spending in different currencies, the account from Transferwise claims to be around eight times cheaper than a traditional bank. Kristo Kaarmann, chief executive and co-founder of Transferwise said: 'Every time people spend money on their UK debit card overseas or move money abroad with their high street bank they end up footing the bill for hidden charges and inflated exchange rates. 'With the borderless account people can send, spend and receive money with the real exchange rate and know exactly what the transaction is costing upfront. 'For freelancers and small businesses who want to attract customers worldwide, for expats, second homeowners and global nomads living between countries, the borderless account is a gamechanger.' Here we crunch the numbers and find out just how well it compares to other accounts on the market. Transferwise says its new 'borderless' account is eight times cheaper than a traditional bank How does the card work? When you sign up to the borderless card, you are then able to activate a bank account in a number of different countries. Once you've done this you'll be given an account number and sort code (or the equivalent depending on the country) and you can start sending and spending money with it. The countries include; Australia, the United States, the UK and any country within the eurozone. With these details, you can be paid in the currency for that country in dollars for the US bank account, for example, and you can then withdraw this money in the same currency, send this money to another bank account, or withdraw the money in a different currency. It's free to transfer more than 40 currencies within the new 'borderless' account If money is paid into the account in one currency, and you withdraw it in the same currency, there are no conversion fees and the money is converted at the interbank rate. But if you have one currency in the account, euros for example, and use the debit card to pay in a different currency, such as sterling, you will be charged a small fee on top ranging from 0.35 to 4.5 per cent depending on which currency you spend in. Are there any fees for using the card? You'll have to pay a small fee for withdrawing cash in a different currency Along with the four main currencies available with the account, customers can hold and convert money in more than 40 global currencies. There are no subscription, sign up or monthly fees and you don't need to maintain a minimum balance to be able to use it. You can withdraw up to 200 per month without a fee, anything over this will have a fee of 2 per cent of whatever you're withdrawing. Is the money kept in the account protected? Transferwise isn't covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme because it doesn't cover payment service firms, but is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, which has strict regulation in place to keep customer money secure. Its headquarters are in London. Money kept within any of the Transferwise accounts is placed in a separate bank account. For UK, EU and US customers this means money deposited is actually held with either a Barclays or Wells Fargo bank account. This means if Transferwise were to go bust, customer money is safe because it is kept in separate bank accounts, according to the firm. Therefore the only risk would be if those banks, Barclays for example, were to go bust which is extremely unlikely. What impact would Brexit have on the account? We asked Transferwise what implications Brexit would have on the account and how it might affect how customers use it and transfer money between countries. A spokesperson said: 'The most important thing for us is to be able to serve our customers. 'We're currently licensed in the UK which is passported across Europe under EU regulation. 'It seems as though we may lose those passporting rights post Brexit, and if so we have plans to secure a licence within Europe. 'We're confident customers won't notice any difference in service either way.' How does the price compare? The table below shows a range of prices for sending money abroad with the big banks, and gives an idea about the costs involved, although your actual costs will depend on your own bank. THE COST OF SENDING AND WITHDRAWING 1,000 WITH THE BIG BANKS Column Transferwise Barclays Lloyds Natwest Santander Sending 1,000 from a UK to an EU account 3.50 27.48 41.64 32.25 45.36 Spending 1,000 on a UK debit card in the EU 3.50 54.98 62.54 49.75 60.61 Withdrawing 1,000 in cash from a UK account in the EU 16 56.48 63.54 69.95 45.36 Source: Transferwise This table is comparing Transferwise with some of the big banks but there are a number of similar companies, such as Revolut and WeSwap, which offer similar rates. Therefore it's worth checking all of these before making a decision over which works best for you. When it comes to spending overseas for holidaymakers there are a number of different options. We've got a full round-up of the best pre-paid currency cards in our guide and it's also worth checking if a credit or debit card would be suitable, in our guide to overseas spending. If youve already booked your summer holiday, or youre planning to arrange it soon, youre probably counting down the days until you can jet off somewhere warm and escape the UK. But while you may have paid for and booked the holiday, have you factored in enough cash in your budget for added extras such as fees for being dropped off at the airport, the cost of cleaning a hire car, or the price of a bag for your liquids? These extras can really add up and while most of them used to be free, or didn't exist at all, travel companies now often charge. At Belfast International and East Midlands International you'll have to pay for a plastic bag Recent research from consumer group Which? that has been shared exclusively with us, has highlighted the cost of these added extras. Here weve picked out six of the most frustrating extra charges added onto your holiday budget, and how to avoid getting ripped off. If you have any examples please let us know in the comments box below. 1. Dropping off friends and family at the airport If someone is dropping you at the airport, or youre helping out friends or family members by giving them a lift, you may be charged while waiting in the drop off or pick up area. How much you have to pay will depend on where you are and how long youre waiting and theres a lot of variation between the airports. At Belfast International, Bristol, Doncaster, and Southampton airports, for example, its a 1 fee for up to 10 minutes while youre in the drop off and pick up zone while at East Midlands International its 2. Its free at some airports if youre in the drop off zone, such as Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, and Southend as long as youre in and out quickly. Theres no way around these fees which will usually need to be paid via a card or coin machine when you exit the airport. If youre giving someone a lift you may be charged while waiting in the drop off or pick up area. Therefore its best to check before you arrive what the fees are and how long youre able to be in each part of the airport. Some airports do offer a park and ride service with a free shuttle bus so this could be a better option. 2. Cleaning a hire car before returning it When youre hiring a car abroad, there are often extra fees and charges thrown in, both when you book it, collect it, and return it. One which can be particularly irksome is a fee for cleaning the car if you return it dirty. Europcar, for example, charges up to 85 for a special cleaning service if it thinks the car is especially dirty, Goldcar charges up to 133 for this, while Firefly says it can charge up to 215. There are also some firms, such as Interrent, which add on a fee upfront of 7.50 which if you dont pay it you may be faced with a fee of 18 when you return the car for cleaning, ot 100 if it needs a special clean. To avoid paying this, first and foremost its important to drive the car carefully and avoid any situations which could lead to the car getting especially dirty. Take photos of the car before you drive it away to make sure you have evidence of the state if was in when you were given it and keep these in a safe place. Making sure you remove everything from it before returning it, and following any other requirements such as bringing it back with a full tank if youve been asked to will also help you avoid any extra payments. Europcar charges up to 85 for a special cleaning service if it thinks the car is especially dirty 3. A clear plastic bag for taking liquids on board For the past 10 years, its been the case that when travelling on a plane all liquids of more than 100ml need to be stored in the hold and cant be taken as hand luggage. These need to be separated from your hand luggage, usually in a see-through plastic bag, so they can be scanned while you go through the airports security. You can bring your own clear bag with you (such as a sandwich bag or clear reusable one), but if you forget you may be charged a fee to buy one at the airport. While this is pretty rare, there are some airports which will still charge you. These include Belfast International, Bournemouth, and East Midlands International, where you will have to pay 1 for two bags. At Newcastle International its 1 per bag, while at Liverpool, and Bristol youll have to pay 1 for four bags. 4. Food and drink on the plane While its pretty common these days to have to pay for food and drink on a flight, its no longer just the budget airlines where youll be expected to pay. It was back in 1991 when Ryanair stopped handing out free snacks and Easyjet has never given any away since launching in 1995. When BA introduced a fee for its food and drink last year, consumers responded angrily given that the fees for BA flights are usually higher than those for the budget airlines. It now serves M&S products, and a bacon roll, cup of tea and packet of crisps costs an eye-watering 9.20 while on the flight. Unsurprisingly, the research from Which? shows that 44 per cent of consumers dont think the food is worth the cost. AirFrance, KLM, Lufthansa and Tap Portugal are among the only airlines who will still provide free food on short-haul flights. Therefore if youre booked on a flight this summer, and you know you wont be provided with food or drinks, its worth stocking up at the departures lounge before hand or bringing your own food from home. But remember while you can take food through the security desks, you wont be able to bring liquids through unless theyre under 100ml. Cutting costs: If youre not bothered about the view this could knock down your overall costs. 5. A room with a view If youre looking for a way to cut your accommodation costs, check with the hotel if there are cheaper rates depending on where your room is. Some hotel chains will charge you more for room with a view, so if youre not bothered about seeing a city skyline or being able to see the beach from your room, this could knock down your overall costs. The Z Hotel in Londons Victoria, for example, charges around 30 more per room for a view of the London skyline, according to the research from Which?. 6. Extra fees towards the airport Just when you thought there couldnt be any more extra fees to pay, we discovered some airports such as Norwich Airport - will charge a fee which goes directly towards the airport. All passengers aged 15 or over who fly out of Norwich airport have to pay the extra fee, of 10 each when they arrive at the airport. This goes towards the ongoing sustainability of the airport, and theres no way to get around it. POWER PLAY Taxpayers are facing a 15billion bill for the cost of building a power station on Anglesey, North Wales, as Japanese industrial conglomerate Hitachi threatens to walk away from the project unless it gets support from the Government. PENSION CONTRIBUTION Telecommunications giant BT is expected to unveil plans to plug its 13billion pension deficit when it publishes its annual results on Thursday. Analysts expect it to contribute 1billion upfront, then annual top-ups of 800million for the next 16 years. FLOATING GYM Health chain The Bannatyne Group, founded by Dragons Den star Duncan Bannatyne, could rekindle plans to float on the London Stock Exchange as it eyes expansion into Europe. It dropped a 300million float in 2016. SKY TAXIS Flying cars could be introduced within two years by Uber. It will host Donald Trumps transport chief and the US airspace watchdog at a summit in Los Angeles this week to iron out any problems. MALL BILLCouncils are on track to spend record amounts buying up shopping centres as retailers struggle to survive online competition. BNP Paribas says councils spent nearly 255.2million purchasing malls in the first three months of the year. EDUCATION PAYS Tycoon Andrew Colin could earn 300million from the sale of his firm Into University, which helps universities attract high-paying foreign students. Deutsche Bank is said to be assessing takeover bids. Credit Suisse is suing the taxman to recover money it was forced to hand over for paying huge bonuses to staff. Chief executive Tidjane Thiam wants the lender to claw back 239million paid to the Exchequer as a one-off bonus tax in 2010. The bank claims this amounted to illegal state aid because only lenders that paid bonuses over a four-month period were hit, which unfairly benefited those that paid bonuses at other times. Legal bid: Credit Suisse chief executive Tidjane Thiam wants the lender to claw back 239m paid to the Exchequer as a one-off bonus tax in 2010 Credit Suisse the only bank to contest the tax also wants substantial damages in the case, which will go before the High Court next year. But its legal action has angered campaigners, who accuse it of being greedy and learning nothing from the financial crisis in 2008. Pay cut forced on boss Tidjane Thiam became a poster boy for corporate excess after taking charge of Credit Suisse in 2015, earning 29.7million for two and a half years work as he slashed thousands of jobs. But angry investors forced the 55-year-old to accept a 5 per cent cut last year, taking his pay to 7.3million. The former government minister in his home country of Ivory Coast was forced to flee following a coup in 1999. Fran Boait, from Positive Money, which challenges excess in the banking sector, said: Even Credit Suisses own shareholders have voiced concerns that the banks executive pay is excessive. But instead of turning over a new leaf, the bank is more interested in pursuing this shameless legal action against ordinary taxpayers over a levy from eight years ago. The tax imposed by the last Labour government raised 3.4billion after taking 50 per cent of bankers bonuses above 25,000. Credit Suisse had to cut its bonus pool by 5 per cent, and 400 senior UK bankers took a 30 per cent hit to their payouts. Although it was never bailed out, it has been embroiled in several scandals in recent years. In 2014, it admitted helping clients evade tax and was forced to pay 1.9billion to US authorities. Last year, wealthy clients across Europe were raided by prosecutors who seized jewellery, fine art and gold bullion in a money-laundering and tax-evasion probe. A bank spokesman said: Credit Suisse has sought to resolve bank payroll tax issues over a number of years with HMRC. These technical issues are now the subject of formal proceedings, which Credit Suisse has a legitimate interest in pursuing to provide certainty as to the proper scope and application of the 2010 one-off tax. HMRC declined to comment. John Lewis chairman Sir Charlie Mayfield denied a formal approach had been made Waitrose bosses rebuffed an attempt by Amazon to enter takeover talks, it has emerged. The internet giant reportedly tried to open talks with the John Lewis Partnership, which owns the supermarket chain, but the approach by Amazon executive Ajay Kavan was 'shut down' by the John Lewis board last November, The Sunday Times reported. Analysts had expected Amazon to launch an assault on Britain's supermarkets after it bought upmarket health food chain Whole Foods, which has seven stores in Britain, for 10billion last year. But John Lewis chairman Sir Charlie Mayfield, pictured, denied a formal approach had been made, adding: 'These times are ripe for speculation, but there has been no approach by Amazon regarding Waitrose and nor would I expect there to be.' It comes at a time of upheaval in the grocery sector after Sainsbury's and Asda revealed plans for a 14billion merger, creating a supermarket bigger than Tesco with sales of 51billion. Analysts say the move was made partly to counter the threat from Amazon. The broker Jefferies said the deal could spark opportunities for the UK's fourth biggest supermarket, Morrisons, if Sainsbury's and Asda have to offload a host of stores to clear competition hurdles, adding that 'this may lead to a number of store purchases at bargain prices'. Morrisons' first-quarter update is expected to confirm its tenth quarter in a row of rising sales. It is holding its market share at 10.5 per cent, Kantar Worldpanel says, while Tesco remains at 27.6 per cent and Sainsbury's and Asda fell, to 15.9 per cent and 15.5 per cent respectively. On Sunday morning, the victim was identified as 23-year-old Cody M. Harter from St. Joseph, Missouri. Harter was a member of the National Guard and had his own lawn care business. He was also an aspiring dirtbike racer. He had driven down to KC to pick up a new lawnmower for his business. According to police, initial witness reports indicated that two men were fighting beside the road, outside their vehicles. They described it as a possible road rage incident. Witnesses said they saw another vehicle stopped either in front of or behind the victim's vehicle. Police believe that Harter was stabbed during the argument, stumbled into traffic, and died. Aftermath of a local homicide that has shocked the Kansas City metro . . .Deets:Developing . . . THE MISSOURI GENERAL ASSEMBLY HAS SLASHED BIG BUCKS FROM THE JACKSON COUNTY JAIL BUDGET IN THE MIDST OF A PRISON CRISIS!!! JACKSON COUNTY EXECUTIVE FRANK WHITE FAILS AGAIN! Now Team Frank will try to argue that Frank is not at fault, but the members of the legislative committee from Jackson County are saying that they had not even "heard from Frank" EVER on this issue. Is Frank for real? The jail is and has been in crises and you are too lazy or arrogant to simply pick up the phone? That's what you have lobbyists for, obviously. But readers recall that Team Frank stiffed the administration's only lobbyist (one of the most powerful men in Jefferson City might I add), making him rightfully angry and causing him to quit. So now they are just "flying blind" in Jeff City without any idea what is going on or, honestly, any real concern. RE: SUBJECT: Prisoner per diem reimbursement for state prisoners held in county jails The Senate Appropriations Committee removed the additional $3.8 million funding for county jail reimbursements added into the appropriation bill the House passed. The Senate committee also reduced the funding for county reimbursements from $39.5 million to $34.5 million and added language to the section that states the funds cannot be used on reimbursements for felons convicted of a non-violent crime. Here's confirmation and a consequence of news we've our blog community has recently uncovered.The aftermath . . .What's worse is that there's a letter out there that basically puts this bad deal at Team Frank's doorstep.The behind the scenes . . .Exec Whitedoesn't really understand how government works and underestimating the consequence of rebuking a big time Missouri lobbyist was a rookie mistake that will prove exceptionally expensive and has cost him political capital across the state.For an even more detailed perspective and documentation, check this note with TKC highlights from our blog community containing all the deets . . ."(Exec) White's duplicity may have cost the jail millions of dollars over time as the Missouri legislature has voted to cut their funding. This memo was sent to the members of MAC (the Missouri Assoc. of Counties) and is entitled "Emergency- legislative action alert -2018." Team Frank's failure to engage in Jefferson City has directly resulted in the Missouri legislature voting to reduce the county's funding.When this issue was brought up in executive staff, I am told by someone that was there, Frank just shrugged his shoulders. Why would Frank make the active decision to screw their lobbyist? If you're going to do it, at least have the foresight to do it after the session ends so the taxpayers don't ultimately pay the price for your incompetence."Is there any doubt that a levy or tax increase is coming in the near future to cover the loss in revenue, and if the incompetent White administration had just showed up to work and done their jobs none of it would be necessary. Oh, and expect the lazy Star to get right on board with the idea and ignore how we got here."############Now, here's the Missouri e-mail, I've highlighted the most important passage . . .Last week, the Senate passed the Senate Committee Substitute for House Bill 2009, which deals with state appropriations for the Missouri Department of Corrections. In doing so, it has come to our attention that the language inserted into the section of the bill dealing with the reimbursements to county jails for housing state felons will have a negative impact on county budgets. The change in the language means counties will no longer be reimbursed at the appropriated board rate ($22.58 in FY 2017) for state felons who were convicted of non-violent offenses. The Senate committee did add $5 million in funding for alternate jail sanctions, which may include electronic monitoring. But the funding is limited to no more than $12.50 per offender, per day and can only be used for state felons not convicted of a violent crime.The House rejected the Senates versions of House Bill 2009, as well as the majority of the other appropriation bills that were passed by the Senate. The appropriation bills that were rejected by the House will go into conference, which will likely be scheduled for this week. Conferees, who are members from both chambers, will work in the conferences to try to rectify the differences in the bills before the bills return to the House and Senate for a final vote. We encourage you to reach out the chairs and vice-chairs of the House Budget and Senate Appropriations Committees to let them know your concerns with the Senates position on House Bill 2009, as well as the Senate Pro Tem and Speaker of the House . . .##############Developing . . . It takes two minutes for the woman in the wheelchair to roll in front of Judge R. Wayne Lawson. It only takes another two minutes for her to be legally evicted. "You have to leave, just not today," Lawson tells her. The plaintiff's lawyer asks her to wait for him in the hallway. NEW YORK The Anya and Andrew Shiva Gallery at John Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City University of New York, presents Transplants: Greek Diaspora Artists. The exhibition opened to the public on May 2 and was accompanied by a symposium moderated by the shows curator Dr. Thalia Vrachopoulos, the same day, with guest speakers Professor Nicholas Alexiou of Queens College, Dr. George Andreopoulos- the Director of the Human Rights Institute at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and at the Graduate Center, fine artist Peter Gerakaris, and art critic Jonathan Goodman. The exhibitions opening reception followed the symposium and was well-attended by art enthusiasts from all walks of life. The impressive exhibition brings together a remarkable array of artworks from paintings and photographs to sculpture and installations. All the attendees noted the powerful creative spirit of the work and admired the effort to bring so many talented artists together for the exhibition in such a wonderful space. Transplants is an exhibition not to be missed. Among those present were Consul General of Greece in New York Konstantinos Koutras, Aris and Marilena Christodoulou, Nicaela Callimanopulos, and many of the artists with works on display in the exhibition including Antonia Papatzanaki, Aristides Logothetis, and Lilia Ziamou. Ziamous work explores the confines of the body. She is intrigued by what is possible and what is not when existing boundaries are challenged. Her sculptures combine digital fabrication and innovative materials with traditional art-making processes such as stone carving, molding in clay and casting in cement. To create her digital compositions, she digitally manipulates photographs of her sculptures. Transformation of the boundaries of form, surface, and materials Her artistic process involves transformation of the boundaries of form, surface, and materials and reveals the body from multiple vantage points. This transformation process reveals alternative realities and challenges initial perceptions. Transformation is linked to themes of identity, beauty, decay, and self-expression. Her works invite the viewer to question existing preconceptions. More information on Lilia Ziamou and her work is available on her website: www.lilia-artspace.com. The exhibition runs through June 28 and explores the unique nature of diasporic art by Greek-American avant-garde artists in the age of globalism. Dr. Vrachopoulos, the curator, said, The efforts I am addressing in the exhibition relate both to the artists original and transplanted contexts. The art being discussed illustrates the artists acculturation process through the creation of a new esthetic and a new social milieu; these artists are also developing ways of seeing that incorporate influences from their country of birth. Today, the position of artists is transitional, a global phenomenon; it transforms the artists first, formative conditions and insights and reworks them into their present circumstances. In their metamorphosis of a new social position, the result of a changed geography, we find a rich tapestry of innovative ideas, philosophies, media and styles. The participating artists are: Eozen Agopian, Maria Anasazi, Maria Antelman, Eleana Antonaki, Pedro Barbeito, Laura Dodson, ELECTROS aka Babis Vekris, Peter D. Gerakaris, Morfy Gikas, Yorgos Giotsas, Mary Grigoriadis, Mark Hadjipateras, Maria Karametou, Zoe Keramea, Georgia Lale, Alexandros Lambrovassilis, Eirini Linardaki, Aristides Logothetis, Despo Magoni, Georgette Maniatis, Nicholas Moore, Eleni Mylonas, George Negroponte, Ioanna Pantazopoulou, Alexandros Papadopoulos, Antonia Papatzanaki, Costas Picadas, Konstantinos Stamatiou, Panos Tsagaris, Philip Tsiaras, Lydia Venieri, Adonis Volanakis, and Lilia Ziamou. The exhibition, Transplants: Greek Diaspora Artists, is free and open to the public May 2-June 28 at The Anya and Andrew Shiva Gallery, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 860 11th Avenue in Manhattan. Gallery Hours: MondayFriday, 10 AM-6 PM. More information is available via email: gallery@jjay.cuny.edu, by phone: 212-237-1439, and online: www.shivagallery.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 Source: thenationalherald.com The banking sector in Saudi Arabia maintained a year-on-year growth in 2017 with 8.7 per cent growth in net profit and 0.4 per cent growth in total assets, according to KPMGs recently released version of the GCC listed banks results report. The report, titled GCC Listed Bank Results: Shifting horizons, analyses the results of selected listed banks in GCC. It summarises banks results against selected key performance indicators for the year ending December 31, 2017, and compares these with the same information for the year ending Dec. 31, 2016. For Saudi Arabia, the largest economy among the GCC member-countries, 2017 was widely considered to be a year of recovery and consolidation for its banking industry. Total listed banking sector assets have remained relatively stable year-on-year with a slight increase of 0.4 per cent to $592.5 billion in 2017, according to a new KPMG report. The report said the total assets for Saudi banks grew by 0.4 per cent ($2.4 billion) in 2017 which happens to be one of the lowest asset growth rates for the country in recent years. The majority of the growth can be attributed to the growth in the Islamic banking assets, where both corporate and retail segments grew. Profitability for the listed banks in 2017 increased by 8.7 per cent, driven by a slight increase in the total asset base, an increase in the SIBOR rate during 2017 which improved margins, and a slight reduction in operating expenses. CIR, on average, improved by 2.0 per cent industry-wide as a result of the increased margins. Net impairment charges increased by 3.5 per cent, reflecting an improving market conditions, while bearing in mind certain legacy exposure issues which may still exist in the banks books. The liquidity situation, on average, improved by 1.7 per cent for Saudi banks in 2017, primarily due to an increase in deposits with relatively stable lending undertaken by the banks in 2017. The corporate segment, due to being cautious, generally preferred to keep cash at banks as opposed to deploying it in the market, the report noted. Adrian Quinton, head of financial services, KPMG in Saudi Arabia, said: In the light of the unique and impressive political and economic circumstances the region has witnessed (in 2017), reflects the resilience of the banking sector. He added: The report highlights the increased optimism on the back of these positive results which, coupled with the rising oil price environment, have resulted in banks shifting strategies from the more conservative approach witnessed in recent times, to a more innovative and growth-driven focus, albeit in a measured manner. He further said: Last year, KPMG professionals made a number of predictions in areas such as tax, regulatory reform, customer focus, digitisation, cost efficiencies, governance, and capital/fundraising. Many of these predictions came true in 2017, and continue to support our overall positive long-term outlook on the sector. The reforms undertaken by the GCC governments as well as other pump-priming activities bode well for both their economies as evidenced by the healthy results of the banking industry in 2017. The report said that the regions banking sector witnessed robust asset and profitability growth, lower loan impairment and NPL ratios, increased cost efficiencies, and improved capital positions last year. KPMG report noted that the larger GCC economies helped drive impressive profitability, with overall net profit up by 6.7 per cent to $32.2 billion. Total assets rose by 4.4 per cent to $2.0 trillion, with robust asset growth across all GCC countries predominantly due to public sector lending. Moreover, the report revealed that regulatory capital increased across the GCC by 5.9 per cent to $278.9 billion reflecting the focus on capital raising activities. Based on the imposing outcome, KPMG predicted that this year (2018), there would be continued customer focus through innovation and technology, cost operational efficiency initiatives (will) remain a priority, expected rising provisions in an IFRS 9 environment, and increased capital and fundraising activity, Quinton remarked. The increase in the Interbank Offered Rate in 2017 had a positive impact on margins and resulted in increased profitability which, as a result, drove increased ROA and ROEs in 2017. However, Saudi banks continued to face cost pressures as the general cost of doing business increased in 2017, despite the CIR across the banking industry slightly improving by 2.0 per cent compared to the previous year. The introduction of expat levies, dependent visa fees and other government fees on employment have increased the cost of employment for banks. During 2017, Saudi Arabian banks have invested in improving cost efficiencies through initiatives such as rationalizing their branches, optimizing system capabilities and refocusing on core products. As of December 31, 2017, outstanding credit extended by banks totalled $61.0 billion, a rise of 6.4 per cent over the level witnessed a year ago. During 2017, total deposits grew by over 5.6 per cent to $56.1 billion to support the stability of the banks funding base. Against this backdrop, increased opportunities and asset growth in the region were expected in 2018 owing to government reforms. The positive momentum is expected to continue due to the strengthened contribution from the non-oil sector, especially infrastructure, leisure and tourism. Most banks in Saudi Arabia are recognizing the need to embrace fintech and explore solutions such as blockchain for KYC, trade finance and general ledger purposes. While no banks in Saudi Arabia have fully implemented such solutions as yet, we expect the banks to begin bucking this trend in 2018, KPMG report noted. The implementation of IFRS 9 from January 1, 2018 was seen to impact on the banks capital. Accounting for IFRS 9 expected credit losses (ECL) is expected to increase credit loss provisions in the industry on average by 10 - 45.0 per cent. IFRS 9 will also strategically impact the banks in terms of how they assess risk appetite, pricing, credit sanctioning and credit stewardship of their businesses. Nonetheless, new banking licenses are expected to be issued in 2018 to foreign financial institutions looking to establish and or expand their presence in Saudi Arabia. SAMA has issued new rules and regulations around banking licensing to support aspiring new entrants. International capital is expected to play a vital role in achieving Vision 2030. Besides, the report projected banks to significantly invest in implementing pre and post attack controls to mitigate cyber security risks. Owing to the new AML rules and regulations coming into force in 2018, there will be ever more scrutiny placed on the banks anti-AML measures going forward. In addition, KPMG report said allowing women to drive from June 2018 will significantly widen the consumer base for auto leasing, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) are expected to drive projects in 2018 within various sectors where private sector financing will be required. The Aramco IPO is expected to take place by the end of 2018. This capital amount is expected to be deployed in infrastructure, energy, real estate and education sectors to complete existing projects, but also to drive new ones which would boost balance sheet growth for the banks, the report noted. TradeArabia News Service Kuwait said it remains committed to introducing a harmonised Value Added Tax (VAT) regime by 2019 and was working towards that goal. The Gulf nation had signed a VAT Treaty along with the other representatives of the GCC states. The Treaty acts as the basis for the domestic VAT legislation by stipulating certain principles, which must be followed by all members, while allowing Kuwait to opt for different VAT treatments in relation to some supplies, said leading advisory firm Deloitte in its Doing Business Guide Understanding Kuwaits tax position. It provides an overview of the tax position of the country through its transition to VAT and other tax changes affecting the GCC country. The guide addresses the key tax considerations for doing business in Kuwait, alongside key legal, economic and market drivers which impact clients who are looking to invest in the country, or those who have been present there for some time, but are looking to undertake a review of their tax exposures, which may include remedial or long term solutions. "Kuwait is opening its doors to foreign investment and encouraging companies to invest in the country to be part of its future development plans. Kuwait has previously announced its 2035 vision, which includes various mega projects, explained Ihab Abbas, a partner and tax leader at Deloitte Kuwait. The country offers a series of potential benefits to foreign investors including income tax holidays up to 10 years, and exemptions from custom duties for importing relevant equipment and materials into the country. "The plan will mainly focus on developing North Kuwait and the different islands around the country. The development program is aimed at attracting investment, developing competitiveness, improving legislature to support the economic and social systems whilst creating more than 200,000 jobs. Kuwait has indeed become an attractive landscape for investment opportunities," noted Abbas. "The Gulf nation continues to create an encouraging investment climate for the private sector to invest in infrastructure projects," he added. The Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) has also introduced a scoring system that is followed when evaluating the issuance and approval of the investment licenses, according to Deloitte. "The aim of the standards is to encourage businesses who have successfully contributed to Kuwaits economy by offering them a set of incentives on Direct Investment promotion in the State of Kuwait and Executive Regulation," stated Abbas. "KDIPA has also issued earlier this year a new resolution announcing that the foreign taxpayers could calculate and claim their annual tax credit for their licensed operations. All of this results in promoting investment opportunities in Kuwait," he added. "The introduction of VAT in Kuwait would entail increased administrative, reporting and record keeping requirements to comply with," remarked Robert Tsang, Indirect Tax Partner, Deloitte Middle East. "VAT - being a consumption tax - would mainly impact end customers through price hike, although business may experience narrowing margins and increased price competition after the introduction of VAT. Experience from the UAE and Saudi Arabia shows that those business which prepared on time could gain competitive advantage and avoid business disruptions after VAT was introduced," he added.-TradeArabia News Service More than 500 global investors and business leaders will explore ways of unlocking $26 billion worth of investment opportunities being created by the economic transformation in the GCC at the first Gateway Gulf forum being held in Bahrain this week. The event, which kicks off tomorrow (May 8) will run for the next two days at the Four Seasons Hotel in Bahrain Bay. It is being held under the patronage of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Chairman of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB). The three-day summit provides a direct route into accessing the GCC market by showcasing major regional investment-ready projects worth $18 billion, with projects in the planning phase driving up the value of the project pipeline to $26 billion, said the organisers. The event also offers an opportunity to match funding with large-scale infrastructure projects in Bahrain. Bahrain is also fast-tracking substantial public and private sector investment projects worth over $32 billion across the manufacturing, logistics, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and tourism sectors, supporting the Kingdoms goal of long-term, sustainable economic growth, they stated. Bahrain Economic Development Board CEO Khalid Al Rumaihi said: "A key part of our role at the EDB is to talk to international investors and we have found that they are very excited about the potential to enter and expand in the Gulf market." "However, they would like to know more about how to unlock those opportunities which is why we have created Gateway Gulf," noted Al Rumaihi. The event will include high-level plenary sessions led by key business leaders across strategic growth sectors, including manufacturing, tourism, real estate, power, water and energy, and will address some of the key business issues currently facing the region as it opens up new investment opportunities to the private sector, he added. Al Rumaihi pointed out that Bahrain was the fastest growing economy in the GCC in 2017, a trend the IMF expects to continue into 2018. "This strong growth momentum, paired with the kingdoms strategic location, supportive and cost-effective business environment and talented workforce, offers international companies a powerful launch pad to access growth across the region," he added. Highlights of the event include a panel session titled Aligning Fiscal Policy with Economic Growth, which will discuss ways in which policy makers can meet the challenges of achieving economic growth and creating a sound fiscal policy. The session will feature Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance, Bahrain; Dr Nayef Falah Al Hajraf, Minister of Finance, Kuwait; Mohamed Boussaid, Minister of Economy and Finance, Morocco; Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim, Vice Minister of Economy & Planning, Saudi Arabia; and Michele Lamarche, Lazard Freres. Another panel session titled Unlocking the FDI Puzzle will include speakers such as Stuart Jones of Bechtel; Anil Kumar of Ransat Group; Fadi Ghandour of Wamda Group & Aramex; Yusuf Ali of Lulu Group; Shaikh Dr Meshaal bin Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah of KDIPA; and Khalid Al Rumaihi, who will discuss efforts the GCC countries should undertake to enable investors to tap into the opportunities the region presents. Other sessions at Gateway Gulf will shed light on Cloud Computing, FinTech, Blockchain, and Oil and Gas with a list of high-profile speakers including Dr Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasabi, Minister of Commerce and Investment, Saudi Arabia; Khaled Nasser Abdullah Al Roudan, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Kuwait; Zayed Al Zayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Bahrain; Jassim Alseddiqi, Abu Dhabi Financial Group; Mohammed Alshaya, Alshaya Group; Ibrahim AlOmar, Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (Sagia); and Klaus Kleinfeld, Neom.-TradeArabia News Service Bahrain government is hoping to increase the industrial sectors contribution to the Kingdoms gross domestic product (GDP) to 20 per cent from the current 16 per cent by 2020, the Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed Al Zayani said today. The Industrial sector, today, is one of the fastest growing sector in our economy. It is forecast to grow even further in line with the governments policy to diversify and expand economy away from oil, Al Zayani said on the sidelines of the opening of Ariston Thermos water heater production plant at Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP). Today, the contribution of the industrial sector to GDP is 16 per cent. We are hoping to increase it to beyond 20 per cent in the near future, say by 2020, he added. Manufacturing sector makes a huge contribution to Bahraini economy in terms of jobs, exports and other investments and is considered today as one of the fastest growing sector within our economy, the minister commented. Aristons presence in Bahrain significantly strengthens our international reputation as a manufacturing hub of choice and builds on the existing manufacturing sectors of value base, he added. Commenting on the inauguration, Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) chief executive Khalid Al Rumaihi, said: Ariston Thermos new plant is a truly welcome addition to the Bahrain International Investment Park. The plants opening is a clear indication of the vast potential and advantages that the manufacturing industry in Bahrain provides, and further reinforces the Kingdoms position as the ideal hub to meet growing regional demand. The Kingdom, last month, saw the opening of food and beverage giant Mondelezs $90 million biscuit factory, which will serve as a hub for exports to the Gulf region, the Levant and Africa. Earlier, Aluminium Bahrains (Alba) Chief Executive Officer Tim Murray had told Gulf Industry magazine that Bahrains aluminium industry will account for 15 to 16 per cent of the kingdoms GDP with the beginning of the commercial operations of Albas brownfield Line 6 Expansion Project from January 1, 2019. The aluminium industry is one of the strategic sectors that has led Bahrains economic diversification and currently accounts for 12 per cent of the kingdoms GDP. We see the contribution rising to 15 to 16 per cent with Line 6 Expansion Project, Murray had commented. EDB recently reported that Bahrains real GDP grew by 3.9 per cent in 2017, with the non-oil economy expanding by 5 per cent, making it the fastest growing country in the GCC, according to data published in the latest Bahrain Economic Quarterly (BEQ). The data further suggested the oil and gas sector now accounts for only 18.4 per cent of Bahrains real GDP, compared to 43.6 per cent in 2000. The success of private sector industries across the Bahraini ecosystem supports the widespread recognition the Kingdom enjoys as a regional pioneer of economic diversification thanks to sustained efforts to improve the business and regulatory environment, the BEQ noted. The IMFs World Economic Outlook, last month, forecast that Bahrains economy would continue to be the fastest growing economy in the GCC in 2018. TradeArabia News Service For UAE businesses, the adoption of AI offers a unique opportunity to radically enhance their competitive advantage through new offerings, sharper value propositions, and more efficient processes, said an industry expert. We are witnessing increasing commitment from GCC governments and corporations when it comes to bringing AI to the mainstream. The launch of the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence is the first of its kind in the world and will address a variety of future services, sectors and infrastructure projects, added Joerg Hildebrandt, senior partner & managing director at BCG Middle East, a top management consulting firm. While companies are expecting a lot from AI, few are actually using it. Our event aimed to demystify the technology and demonstrating its tangible benefits for organizations. Hildebrandt was speaking at the recently held the annual BCG Middle East CEO Forums, an invitation-only event hosted the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). BCG hosts its annual forum with the overall objective of encouraging discourse to drive the agenda forward, and 2018s forums saw internationally renowned speakers discussed the most pressing issues related to artificial intelligence (AI), enabling attendees to discover new pools of value and competitive advantage for their businesses. The event was held at Palazzo Versace Dubai, UAE and CEOs from a variety of industries attended. During the event a number of topics related to AI including the evolution from programming to learning, humanizing AI to create a better future and the new role of management with AI, were discussed. The Forum welcomed esteemed speakers from across the globe who shared their knowledge, expertise and thoughts around AI. Attendees of the Forum also received a live-demonstration of a humanized AI-personality, where the audience interacted with a digital human named Rachel. The live-demonstration gave the guests a first-hand experience of what the future of AI will bring to the world. AI is not some complex and mysterious tool; it is a very real technology that can enhance your business. Participating in this leadership event was incredibly insightful; the GCC as a whole is considering AI as part of its government strategies, and businesses in the region are very keen to adopt this new technology; the CEO Forum demonstrated ways to make AI work in the business environment, said Dr Yves Morieux, director of the BCG Institute for Organization. - TradeArabia News Service The Turkish Airlines office in Kuwait recently held its annual Travel Agencies Awards ceremony, honouring the support and contribution of its partners to the carrier's growing passenger demand. In 2017, Turkish Airlines recorded an impressive 45 per cent growth in passenger traffic, reiterating the brands successful business model and resilience to market fluctuations. Held for the seventh consecutive year, the annual gala dinner event was held at JW Marriott Hotel in Kuwait City amongst local dignitaries, corporate partners, employees, media and other key stakeholders. Fourteen travel agencies received plaques of appreciation for their substantial efforts in boosting passenger traffic from Kuwait across the airlines 302 worldwide destinations. Agencies were awarded in four different categories Total Sales, Best Beyond Business Class Sales, Best Beyond Economy Sales and Highest Sales Increase. Displaying outstanding performance, 10 agencies received plaques of appreciation for Total Sales wherein Al Deera Travel agency ranked first place, Jumbo Travel agency ranked second and Eternity travel agency came in third place. Best beyond Business Class Sales award was presented to Boodai Aviation and Highest Sales Increase award was bagged by Kuwait Star Travels who ranked first followed by ITL Travels coming in second place. Al Deera Travel agency was recognised again under the Best Beyond Economy Sales. Sami Aydogan, general manager for Turkish Airlines in Kuwait, said: Turkish Airlines has become a leading choice for both business and leisure travellers from Kuwait and we continue to exceed customer expectations, strengthen our network and steadily grow our market share locally. Travel agencies are an important partner for us and we come together every year to honour their contribution and celebrate our joint successes. This is also a fantastic opportunity to solidify our ties as we start yet another year of fruitful partnerships. Owing to the significant increase in passengers from Kuwait on Turkish Airlines, there are now four flights daily from Kuwait City to Istanbul. In 2018 alone, Turkish Airlines launched three new destinations - Aqaba in Jordan, Freetown in Sierra Leone and Samarkand in Uzbekistan - and is soon restarting direct flights to multiple sought-after destinations in Turkey including Izmir, Bodrum, Trabzon, Antalya and Samsun. - TradeArabia News Service Central Trading of OTC Derivatives Stabilizes the Real Economy In order to improve market liquidity and financial stability, the G20 countries decided in 2009 that over-the-counter (OTC) products should be centrally traded on electronic platforms. The research results of Swiss Finance Institute Professor Harald Hau from the University of Geneva, Peter Hoffmann, and Sam Langfield from the European Central Bank, and Yannick Timmer from Trinity College Dublin confirm that such a move will reduce the costs of hedging currency risks for non-financial companies and therefore make an important contribution to risk reduction in the real economy. The decision of the G20 countries to trade all standardized OTC derivatives via central electronic platforms will in particular affect the foreign exchange market. With a worldwide daily turnover of USD 5.1 trillion, it is the worlds largest financial market. Under the current system, dealer banks are not obliged to publicly disclose quotes and prices. Correspondingly, low market transparency results in less sophisticated non-financial clients having to pay significantly higher prices for currency hedging. The trading of foreign exchange derivatives on electronic platforms, on which a large number of dealer banks are active, counteracts this state of affairs. As the research results show, less sophisticated non-financial clients can benefit from price competition among dealer banks. This makes the current markup disappear and results in uniform pricing across all clients. For SMEs in particular this simplifies access to the OTC market and makes it easier to hedge currency risks. This in turn makes an important contribution to the stability of the real economy. The full version of the April issue of SFIs Practitioner Roundups is available at http://sfi.ch/system/tdf/Roundup_Apr18_English.pdf?file=1. For more information on related topics, visit the following channels: Brevard Ballet students who will attend the American Ballet Theatre master class are (back row, left to right) Tyana Crite, Meredith Hart, Ellie Peterson, Henry Jennings, Cassie Revis and Eliza Hislop; (front row, left to right) Jack Jennings, Isabelle Lefler, Arianna Gandolfo, Hannah-Grace Green, Evelyn Rybka and Lotus Draegen. Grace Gentle is not pictured. Just as soon as they put away their costumes from a June 3 recital, 13 Brevard Ballet students will travel to New York City for a ballet examination and master class with the American Ballet Theatre. Angie Wells, director of Brevard Ballet School, has spent the last three summers studying for and achieving certification through the ABT's National Teacher Training Curriculum. She has attained certification in pre-primary through Level 7 and Partnering. This summer she's returning to the program to present her students for their class examinations. Passing this examination of her teaching will make Wells an affiliate teacher of the program and is the next step in her educational pursuits with ABT. A benefit for the students will be a master class with the examiner at the conclusion of Wells' presentation. They will receive constructive feedback on their dance technique and artistic execution. They also will get a chance to see a performance of the American Ballet Theatre at the Metropolitan Opera House. Wells was drawn to the ABT National Training Curriculum because of its commitment to a holistic approach to ballet instruction, integrating information about child development, dance psychology, anatomy and best methods in how to teach ballet. "The dancers and I are all in this together, focused on a goal of bettering ourselves and having a lot of fun in the process. ABT's staff is wonderful, and I am certain each one of us will walk away a little better, more informed and more inspired," Wells said. In order to fund their trip, Brevard Ballet students will be holding raffles around Brevard for baskets of items donated by local businesses and individuals. The students hope to raise $15,000 for the trip. Shannon Draegen, parent of one of the dancers, is organizer of fundraising and project manager for the New York trip. She asks that persons interested in supporting the aspirations of these young dancers visit their GoFundMe site: http://www.gofundme.com/Brevard-ballet-school-new-york-trip or look for raffle packages around town and at the White Squirrel Festival. The final drawing will be held on May 27 at the close of the festival. Students who will be participating include Tyana Crite, Lotus Draegen, Arianna Gandolfo, Grace Gentle, Hannah-Grace Green, Meredith Hart, Eliza Hislop, Henry Jennings, Jack Jennings, Isabelle Lefler, Kassie Revis, Evelyn Rybka and Ellie Peterson. Brevard Ballet thanks the following raffle donors: Brevard Clay, Brevard College Theatre Depart-ment, Brevard Music Center, Brevard Tire, Brevard Yoga, The Brewmaster's Wife, The Cherry Tree, Jack Christfield Photography, The Co-Ed Cinema, DD Bullwinkels, Downtown Chocolates, Circle Factory, Duckpond Pottery, Erin Jones, The Fish Camp, The Fitness Factory, Gravy, Hair Mechanix, Hallelujah Natural Foods, Hawg Wild, Hunters & Gatherers, Ingle's, Jennings Building Supply, Johnny Mac's, Local Color, Mayberry's, Mud Dabber's Pottery, O.P. Taylor's, Oskar Blues, Quixote, The Red House, Rice Furniture, Sherwin Williams, Sierra Nevada, Carey Smith, The Sock Basket, David Stokley, Sun Dragon, Theophilus, Tractor Supply, Trade-Arama and Vessel. "I appreciate the dancers' families and our community for their support in making it possible for all of us to learn from one of the best ballet companies in the world. I love New York and can't wait to share that with my students, too," Wells said. Brevard Ballet is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) civic ballet company that serves young dancers and the community by promoting ballet through performances and educational efforts. The Transylvania County Library Foundation and Brevard College are once again serving as co-hosts for the Looking Glass Rock Writers' Conference, May 17-20. The conference takes place at Brevard College and will consist of public readings and workshops from renowned guest faculty. Exploring the theme "A Sense of Place," the small, select group of conference attendees will experience working under the guidance of notable writers Craig Johnson, Marilyn Kallet and Janisse Ray. In addition, the writers will give public presentations on Friday, May 18 and Saturday, May 19. Highland Books will be on hand both evenings with books for sale and signing. Best known for his series of novels and stories depicting Wyoming sheriff Walt Longmire, award-winning author Johnson will have his public reading and presentation on Friday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m. in Ingram Auditorium at Brevard College. There is no charge to attend, but seating is first come, first served. Doors will open at 7 p.m. Johnson lives on a ranch he built himself in Ucross, Wyo. (population 25). He is the author of 13 novels, two novellas and a collection of short stories featuring the iconic sheriff of Absaroka County, Wyo. These form the basis of the A&E hit series "Longmire," now on Netflix. For more information about Johnson, visit http://www.craigallenjohnson.com. Saturday's event begins at 7:30 p.m. and will feature Marilyn Kallet and Janisse Ray. The readings and presentations will be held in the Rogow Room at the Transylvania County Library. There is no charge to attend, but seating is first come, first served. Doors to the Rogow Room will open at 7 p.m. A dessert reception in the library will follow the presentations. Kallet was born in Montgomery, Ala., and grew up in New York; this tension between North and South is one of the themes in her poetry. She attended Tufts, the Sorbonne and Rutgers University. Kallet has published 16 books, including six volumes of poetry, translations, critical essays, children's books, pedagogy and anthologies of women's literature. In addition to teaching at the University of Tennessee, she teaches a poetry workshop for the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts at their site in Auvillar, France. Among other honors, she has won the Tennessee Arts Commission Literary Fellowship in poetry and was inducted into the East Tennessee Literary Hall of Fame in poetry in 2005. Kallet has performed her poetry on campuses and in theaters across the United States, in France and in Warsaw and Krakow, Poland, as a guest of the U.S. Embassy's "America Presents" cultural arts program. For more information about Kallet, visit http://www.marilynkallet.com. Ray is an American writer, naturalist and environmental activist. She hails from Baxley, Ga. and attended North Georgia College, Florida State University and the University of Montana. Her first book, "Ecology of a Cracker Childhood," recounts her experiences growing up in a junkyard, the daughter of a poor, white, fundamentalist Christian family. The book interweaves family history and memoir with natural history writing - specifically, descriptions of the ecology of the vanishing longleaf pine forests that once blanketed much of the South. The book won the American Book Award, the Southern Book Critics Circle Award and the Southern Environmental Law Center Award for Outstanding Writing on the Southern environment. It also was chosen for the "All Georgia Reading the Same Book" project by the Georgia Center for the Book. Ray's second book, "Wild Card Quilt," recounts her experiences of moving back home to Georgia with her son after attending graduate school in Montana. Her third book, "Pinhook," tells the story of Pinhook Swamp, the land that connects the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia and Osceola National Forest in Florida. Her fourth book, "Drifting into Darien," published in 2011, describes her experiences on and knowledge about the Altamaha River, which runs from middle Georgia to the Atlantic Ocean at Darien. Ray published a book of poetry, "A House of Branches," in 2010, and has been a contributor to Audubon, Orion and other magazines, as well as a commentator for NPR's Living on Earth. An environmental activist, she has campaigned on behalf of the Altamaha River and the Moody Swamp. She teaches in the Chatham University Low-Residency Master of Fine Arts Program in Creative Writing, in Pittsburgh, Pa. For more about Ray, visit http://www.janisseray.weebly.com. Janisse Ray For additional information or questions, visit http://www.lgrwc.org or contact the Transylvania County Library at 828-884-3151. Since 1944, the Transylvania County Library Foundation has worked to enhance public library services to the citizens of Transylvania County. For more information, visit http://www.library.transylvaniacounty.org/library-foundation. Brevard College is committed to an experiential liberal arts education that encourages personal growth and inspires artistic, intellectual and social action. To learn more, visit http://www.brevard.edu. Adam Dearbaugh has joined the sales team at Fisher Realty. A native of Chicago, Dearbaugh relocated to Scottsdale, Ariz., where he studied business management at the University of Arizona. While there, he developed an interest in culinary arts and achieved a culinary arts degree with honors from LeCordon Bleu Culinary Institute. In 2016 Dearbaugh and his family relocated to Cedar Mountain where his wife Sarah has long-standing family ties. He is enthusiastic about mountain living and all that this area has to offer. He looks forward to working with both buyers and sellers to help them achieve their real estate goals. Company president, Art Fisher, said, "We are happy to have Adam join our team. His interest in helping people and his enthusiasm for mountain living will be a positive force in our community." Dearbaugh invites his friends to visit him at Fisher Realty's Brevard office at 10 Park Place West in Straus Park. The work crew left to right are Ray McCall, Ervin Bridges, James Boatwright, Doug Poad, Ron Severs, Sarge Thiele, Johnny Martinez and Steve Kiser. (Not pictured is Clent Williams.) By Michel Robertson On a beautiful spring morning under a clear blue sky, dozens of spectators gazed upward as veterans raised the American flag over the Davidson River Cemetery, accompanied by tenor Paul Smith's moving rendition of the national anthem. The occasion was the dedication of the flag and flagpole, gifted to the historic cemetery by the Transylvania County Honor Guard and the Woodmen of the World. The Davidson River Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in Transylvania County, where veterans of the Revolutionary War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War... Over the past years I have watched with interest in, and increasing horror over, the attacks on education in our land. Often subtle, at times aggressive, these attacks continue to be supposedly justified by lawmakers and politicians. The strikes and marching of teachers in many states underline how urgent that it is these folks who play such a crucial role in teaching and training our future generation have a decent salary and tools such as books, buildings and safe classes. Well over two decades, during the Cold War, we lived and worked in Europe and were engaged heavily in educatio... Local trail builder, Shrimper Khare, and his friends out for a quick lap on the new Weed Patch Mountain Trail Lake Lure. The new Weed Patch Mountain Trail invites people into a stunning backcountry wilderness-traversing a 1,327-acre tract that was recently added to the Town of Lake Lure's Buffalo Creek Park. This land expands the park to 1,527 acres, making it one of the largest town-owned parks in North Carolina. The 8.6-mile trail connects Buffalo Creek Park to Eagle Rock in Chimney Rock State Park. The trail is designed for hiking and mountain biking and it provides the first access to Eagle Rock, a scenic viewpoint and rock-climbing destination. "The Weed Patch Mountain Trail is poised to become a cr... editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Amritsar, May 6 Cabinet Minister Om Prakesh Soni has announced that the NOCs and official formalities for new industrial units will be completed within a fortnight. Addressing industrialists of various associations from the state, he assured them that he would take up their issues with the government. He informed that Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh would soon bring reform for the industry as certain policies were in the pipeline. He called upon the industrialists to ensure that chimneys emit smoke under permissible limit. Ghanshyam Kansal, president, Sangrur District Industrial Chamber (SDIC), said Rs 20 crore was still pending with the government. He requested Soni to make arrangement for the release of refund. He further informed that due to the change in Value Added Tax (VAT) guidelines by the previous government, hundreds of VAT cases are still pending with the government due to which officials had been harassing the industrialists. Dr AR Sharma, chairman, Ricela Group, said educated unemployment was the worst form of economic slavery and industry could come to the rescue, depending upon the policies and support of the government. singhking99@yahoo.com Suresh Dharur Tribune News Service Hyderabad, May 7 A second round of meeting of the Finance Ministers of non-BJP states, held in Vijayawada on Monday, demanded withdrawal of the proposal to take the 2011 census as the basis for devolution of Central taxes. Hosted by Andhra Pradesh and attended by representatives from seven non-BJP states, including Delhi and Punjab, the conclave opposed the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission and urged the Central government to respect the spirit of cooperative federalism and not to penalise the performing states. Telangana and Tamil Nadu were conspicuous by their absence. They had also skipped the first meeting of the Finance Ministers of southern states held in Thiruvananthapuram on April 10, triggering questions about possible political pressure from the BJP. The Vijayawada meeting was attended by Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanaswamy, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Badal, Thomas Isaac (Kerala) and Amit Mitra (West Bengal). Karnataka, which is going to polls later this week, was represented by a senior official. Presiding over the meeting, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu attacked the NDA government for seeking to dilute the powers of the states and claimed that the progressive states would lose heavily if the 2011 census was taken as the basis for fixing the share of Central taxes to the states. It is not right to penalise states that are in the forefront of population control. We will not tolerate this injustice. We will fight till justice is secured, Naidu asserted. The day-long meeting deliberated over the fallout of the 15th Finance Commissions ToR. Pointing out that Kerala was leading in the country in terms of population control and AP has adopted firm measures to reduce the population growth rate, Naidu said that the new terms of reference of the Finance Commission would amount penalising the performing states while rewarding the under-performers. Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Badal said though his state was contributing significantly towards surplus foodgrains, it was facing injustice in terms of share in Central taxes. We are getting only 29% Central funds while other states are getting more. The Central government is going against the spirit of the federalism, Singh said. The GST, he said, had adversely impacted the states revenues. singhking99@yahoo.com State-owned NBCC (India) Ltd has bagged an order worth Rs 2,000 crore to build high-capacity convention centres in nine different African countries, namely Niger, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, Liberia, Gambia, Burkina Faso, Togo and Gabon. It is an initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. As per the order, NBCC will build nine Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centres in African nations in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to raise the level of support for the vision of a prosperous, integrated and United Africa. Power Grid signs pact with Ministry of Power Power Grid Corporation of India Limited has signed an MoU with the Ministry of Power, Government of India, for the year 2018-19. The MoU was signed by Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Secretary, Ministry of Power, and IS Jha, CMD, Power Grid, in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry and Power Grid. The MoU includes various targets to be achieved by Power Grid during FY 2018-19. Capex target for the year has been set as Rs 25,000 crore. Other targets inter-alia include parameters related to human resources, project management, R&D and innovation and other efficiency and operational performance parameters. BHEL bags order to set up hydropower project in Nepal Amid stiff international competition, BHEL has secured a prestigious order for executing 900 MW Arun-3 Hydroelectric Project from SJVN Arun-3 Power Development Company (SAPDC), Nepal. Once completed, this will be the largest hydropower project in Nepal. Located in Sankhuwasabha district, this project will substantially enhance Nepal's present installed power capacity and will contribute significantly to Nepal's vision of utilising its vast hydro potential for accelerated economic development. National Public Relations Day celebrated at NDIM Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) and New Delhi Institute of Management (NDIM) jointly celebrated the National Public Relations Day at NDIM Campus on April 21. Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat and former Chief Information Commissioner Ms Deepak Sandhu graced the occasion and shared their views on how citizens, especially the youth, can strengthen the Indian democracy by electing the best people. Over 550 students honoured at Apeejay Institute of Management Over 550 prizes were accorded to meritorious students for their accomplishments in academics and co-curricular activities at the annual prize distribution function held at Apeejay Institute of Management, Technical Campus, Jalandhar, recently. Dr Ajay K Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, IKG-PTU, Kapurthala, was the chief guest on the occasion. LPU bags excellence award from Competition Success Review Lovely Professional University (LPU) has bagged double honours in CSR Excellence Awards Ceremony-2018 organised by 'Competition Success Review' in New Delhi recenlty. The event, which is held every year by the CSR Group, felicitates excellence in the education sector. The university bagged awards in two categories - "CSR Top Institutes of India" and "CSR Top Distance Learning Institutes of India". On behalf of LPU, the awards were received by additional director Ms Ginni Nijhawan and deputy director Manish Kumar from SK Sachdeva, chairman and editor, CSR Group. Orient records 35% market share in premium fans Orient Electric Ltd., a part of the diversified CK Birla Group, has registered a robust increase in market share in the premium fans segment from 19% to 35% within a year. The company has grown by 150% in the segment following the launch of new variants in its premium Aero Series fans range featuring world-class technology. Premium segment comprises fans priced above Rs 4,000. CGC, Landran, among top 10 institutions for patents Adding yet another feather in its cap, Chandigarh Group of Colleges (CGC), Landran, has featured in the list of top 10 institutions from across the country in terms of filing patents in the annual report published by the office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, Trademarks and Geographical Indicators, Government of India. Ranked seventh, CGC, Landran, has taken the lead over premier private and public institutions like NITs, by filing 30 patents in a single year. Till date, the institution has filed up to 100-plus patents with more in the pipeline. Metro Cash & Carry opens collection centre in North Metro Cash & Carry has opened its first collection centre in North India to procure produce of fresh fruits and vegetables directly from local farmers. The centre will support and supply fresh produce to six Metro wholesale stores located at Zirakpur, Amritsar, Jalandhar, two stores in Delhi, and the recently opened outlet in Meerut. Spread across 2,000 sq ft at Sanoli Khurd in Panipat, the collection centre is slated to directly benefit over 200 native farmers from across 25 villages. Healthcare Smartz signs MoU with Canadian college Mohali-based Healthcare Smartz (an APPworx company) has signed an MoU with Sprott Shaw College, Vancouver, Canada, which will help regional nursing students to enhance their skills and allow employability opportunities in Canada. The MoU was signed by Patrick Dang, president SSC, Canada, and Manipal Dhariwal, co-founder, APPworx, and Nitin Monga, co-founder, APPworx, at Sebiz Square, Sector 67, Mohali. Paul Merchants holds business meet with Uzbekistan envoy Paul Merchants organised a business meet with Ambassador of Uzbekistan Farhod Arziev at their corporate office in Chandigarh recently. Leading businessmen representing various chambers of industry and commerce participated in the meet to explore opportunities of bilateral trade between the two countries. Arziev briefed the delegates about the huge potential and opportunities available in various fields such as travel and tourism, pharma, textiles, super speciality hospitals, education and hospitality in Uzbekistan. NFL records net profit of Rs 212.77 crore in FY18 National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) has registered (standalone) a record total income from operations of Rs 9,025 crore with a profit before tax of Rs 334.83 crore for the year 2017-18 which is also best ever in the past 15 years. The company earned net profit of Rs 212.77 crore for the financial year. During the year, the company has recorded highest ever urea production of 38.10 Lakh MT with a capacity utilization of 118% that accounts for 15.9% share of the total urea production in the country. rchopra@tribunemail.com Chandigarh, May 7 A three-year-old girl was killed allegedly by her aunt in a village in Yamunanagar district, with police suspecting it to be a case of child sacrifice. The incident took place on Sunday when the accused woman, who is married with two children, allegedly pierced a knife through the girls throat, resulting in her death, police said. During our investigation, the accused woman told us that she used to have dreams that evil spirits had gripped her. She also told us that in her dreams someone had told her to make child sacrifice to get rid of evil spirits, they said. On Sunday, when the girl went to meet her aunt, she took her to a room, where the accused had kept some earthen lamps to perform puja, police said. Soon afterwards, the woman grabbed a knife and allegedly pierced it through the childs throat leaving her in a pool of blood, they said. On hearing the childs cries, the neighbours rushed there after which she was taken to a hospital where she was declared brought dead, said Naveen, Jagadhri Sadar SHO. He said the woman, along with her husband and children, lived in Ambala and had come to visit other family members two days ago. The police said the accused woman, who tried to escape from the spot, was nabbed by local villagers and handed over to the police. A murder case has been registered against the accused, Naveen said, adding that investigation was under way. PTI editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Panipat, May 7 Members of the Brahmin community on Monday protested against the chairman of Haryana Service Selection Commission (HSSC) reportedly on a question in the examination for civil engineers conducted by the commission recently. The protesters submitted a memorandum to the President of India through Deputy Commissioner Sumedha Kataria and demanded action against chairman and the person who set the paper. The members under the banner of All India Brahmin Samaj Mahasangh (AIBSM) took out a procession and raised slogans against the state government. Rohit Gautam, president, AIBSM, and Rajesh Kaushik, spokesperson, said, the HSSC chairman had insulted the Brahmin community by asking such question in the examination. The insult of community could not be tolerated at any cost. The protesters demanded stringent action and arrest of the person who put such question in the paper. They alleged that the state government was favouring chairman by keeping mum on the issue while there was anger in the community. Kaushik has warned the government of launching a state-wide agitation, if it fails to act against erring officials. editorial@tribune.com Pradeep Sharma Tribune News Service Chandigarh, May 7 The Haryana Police are looking towards Israel for beefing up their security and intelligence-gathering capabilities in view of their inept handling of violent situations during BJPs three-and-a-half years rule. With that end in mind, three senior police officers Mohammad Akil, ADGP (Law and Order); Anil Rao, IGP (CID); and Navdeep Singh Virk, IGP (Rohtak Range)are accompanying Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to Israel apparently to deliberate on matters of security cooperation between Haryana and Israel. Sources said intelligence-gathering expertise of Israel, especially through its intelligence agency Mossad, could help the Haryana Police in several ways. A senior government functionary told The Tribune on Monday that Mossads help could go a long way in sharpening state polices intelligence-gathering skills as it had been found wanting on more than one occasion. The police, especially their intelligence wing, were caught unawares first during the Rampal episode in Rohtak in 2015 and then during the Jat quota agitation the next year. The police also failed to rise to the occasion during violence in Panchkula last year in the wake of Dera Sacha Sauda chiefs conviction. Khattar said on Sunday a high-level delegation led by him would study best practices of Israel in several fields and replicate them in Haryana. AGRITECH 2018 Chandigarh: The Embassy of Israel is happy to welcome Chief Minister of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar, Minister of State for Panchayati, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Parshottam Rupala, Agriculture Minister of Maharashtra, Pandurang Pundalik Fundkar, Senior Officials from the State of Punjab, as well as over 100 Indian company representatives to Agritech 2018 in Israel. In all, over 1,000 representatives from India will attend the two-day conference, said a press note issued by the Embassy of Israel in India Monday. Agritech 2018 is the 20th conference on agricultural technologies taking place in Israel. The conference, beginning Tuesday, features speakers from Israel and around the world, sharing know-how, innovation and technology in agriculture and food processing, said the release. The theme for this years conference is Agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions, a topic relevant to large parts of India. 2-wheeler ambulance catches CMs fancy editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Dharamsala, May 7 The state has planned to establish Custom Hiring Centres from where farmers could get mechanised farm implements on rental basis. This will help small and marginal farmers use machinery for farming. Farm mechanization was need of the hour, but many farmers were not able to purchase implements such as tractors, power weeders and power tillers. This was stated by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while he was addressing a national workshop on Challenges and Opportunities in Crop Diversification. The workshop was organized by the agriculture department of the state. The CM said that all these incentives were meant to honour the commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has a vision of doubling the farm income of farmers by the year 2022. The Chief Minister said a large numbers of new schemes had been framed for irrigation, agriculture, horticulture and the allied sectors to facilitate farming community. He said that a new Scheme Prakritik Kheti Khus-haal Kisan has been launched in the state to promote zero budget natural farming. Jai Ram Thakur said that both India and Japan had several similarities, both culturally and socially. There was vast potential for cultivation of off-season vegetables and fruits and the state government has created 59 market yards to ensure remunerative prices of their produce to the farmers. The Chief Minister said that the Himachal Pradesh Crop Diversification Promotion Project (HPCDP) was bound to increase the farm income of the farmers. He thanked the Japan Government for financial support of Rs 266 crore in the Rs 321 crore project. He said that the much needed input in the project was providing assured irrigation with micro irrigation in hills and transferring of ownership of irrigation to the farming communities through formation of Krishak Vikas Association. Thakur urged the Japan Government to consider Rs 1009 crore Phase II of the project which has been submitted to JICA through the Centre. Agriculture Minister Ram Lal Markanda said that the JICA project was suitable for the hill State of Himachal as providing irrigation facility for crop diversification was a major constraint due to its topography. editorial@tribune.com Pratibha Chauhan Tribune News Service Shimla, May 7 The oldest fort of India, the Kangra Fort, is one of the monuments waiting to be adopted by the Centre, but a similar exercise to seek funds for the conservation of the Viceregal Lodge, now housing the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) here, has failed to catch the attention of corporate honchos in 2010. The much-hyped Adopt a Heritage scheme of the Centre may be in the thick of a controversy but the crumbling Kangra Fort, steeped in history, could find a saviour so that the relic could be saved for posterity. Built in times when history was not recorded, the imposing fort, spread over 463 acres, stands on high cliffs, along the Ban Ganga river. As per the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), it is the eight largest fort in the country. It was in 2010 that the then Director of the IIAS, Prof Peter Ronald de Souza, had pinned hopes on business tycoons for getting funds for conservation of the imperial structure. He had written to industry giants like Sunil Mittal, Ratan Tata, Anand Mahindra and Lord Swaraj Paul, having a strong North Indian connection, for implementing the Conservation Master Plan. Some industrialists had bestowed grand generosity as they had given hefty amounts to Harvard and other foreign universities. The plan, requiring about Rs 80 crore, had been painstakingly prepared by conservation architect Abha Narain Lambah and her expert team, using the adaptive principles. The IIAS was completed in July 1888 under Lord Dufferin and remained the seat of power till Independence. It was also a witness to several important events in the history. The history The Kangra Fort was estimated to have been built almost 3,500 years ago by Maharaja Susharma Chamdra, a descendant of the Katoch family. The fort braved several attacks with the first one by Raja Shreshta of Kashmir in 470 AD. The earliest foreign invasions record indicates that it was attacked by Mahmud Ghazni in 1009 AD. Muhammad Bin Tughlaq captured the fort in 1337. The fort was occupied by the British after the Sikh war of 1846. A British garrison occupied the fort until it was heavily damaged in an earthquake on April 4, 1905. The fort is located on a long and narrow strip of land in the fork between the Manjhi and the Ban Ganga. The fort has 23 bastions and 11 gates. editorial@tribune.com Azhar Qadri Tribune News Service Srinagar, May 7 Militants in south Kashmir have suffered back-to-back setbacks within a week with the killing of five leading militant commanders who served as the backbone and the muscle of insurgency in the region. The five militant commanders killed in the three gunfights within a week from April 30 operated in three of the four districts of south Kashmir, a region dotted with apple orchards and rice fields which has become the ground zero of new militancy. The most prominent militant killed in the past week was Saddam Padder, a resident of Heff village of Shopian who had joined militant ranks in September 2014 and was an associate of Burhan Wani. He was shot dead in a gunfight in Badigam village of Shopian on Sunday along with four other militants, three of whom were local-level commanders and one, an assistant professor at a university, was a new entrant. Padder was one of the first youth to join militant ranks from Shopian when the district was still insulated from the growing influence of new-age militancy. In recent years, he had emerged as the backbone of insurgency network in Shopian as the south Kashmir district emerged as a stronghold of militants. At least two other militants killed along with Padder were significant commanders in south Kashmir. Adil Malik of Malikgund village of Shopian had joined militant ranks in August 2014. Touseef Ahmad Sheikh was also a key militant and operated mainly in his native Kulgam district. A resident of Rampora village, Sheikh had joined militant ranks in 2013 and was later joined by his uncle Mohammad Abbas Sheikh who became a militant in 2015. The other key militant killed was Showkat Tak of Pulwamas Panzgam village who was affiliated with the Lashkar-e-Toiba and was its local commander. Tak was killed during a gunfight on Saturday in Srinagars Chatabal locality in which two other militants were also killed. Another key militant killed in the last seven days was Sameer Ahmad Bhat, alias Tiger, who was killed on April 30 in his native Drobgam village of Pulwama district. Sameer Tiger, as he was known among locals, had become a prominent militant in Pulwama and was described by police as a top commander. He was involved in several high-profile attacks. These five militants were categorised either as A-plus-plus or as A in police records, meaning they were on top of the wanted list and carried significant prize money. The killing of these five commanders is a severe setback to the militant network in south Kashmir, the region where they had gained strength in recent years. Ground zero of militancy editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Srinagar, May 7 A day after the killing of an assistant professor who had joined the Hizbul Mujahideen two days ago, the Kashmir University Teachers Association has appealed to the state and Central governments to initiate a dialogue to end the violent crisis in the Valley. The association has expressed grave concern over the worsening law and order situation in the state and has once again demanded an immediate end to bloodshed in the Valley. It has called for urgent political and diplomatic initiatives to diffuse the situation and to seek a political resolution of Kashmir conundrum before the situation spirals completely out of control. We urge the state and Central governments to stop viewing Kashmir through the prism of law and order problem and tackling it with heavy military might, the association added. The increasing trend of youth joining militancy is worrisome. It needs to be handled politically rather than militarily, it said. The association further said Kashmir should be considered a political issue and solved accordingly. It is even more alarming that highly educated and employed youth, too, are resorting to guns for expressing their sentiments and seeking justice due to diminishing faith in the state and its political establishments, further emphasising the fact that the Kashmir issue needs political intervention and that it is not an issue of unemployment or economic packages, it added. The association said it was high time when the government must engage in sincere and meaningful negotiations with all stakeholders for the resolution of the Kashmir issue. editorial@tribune.com Azhar Qadri Tribune News Service Srinagar, May 7 As the Kashmir valley continues to remain volatile and gripped by violence, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday appealed for finding a middle path to end the bloodshed and save youth from getting killed. Mehbooba also urged the people of the state and the country to play their role as conscious citizens to get Jammu and Kashmir out of the unending cycle of violence and killings. We have to find a middle path to save the youth so that our boys, policemen and soldiers dont die, the Chief Minister told reporters at the civil secretariat here. The Chief Minister arrived at the civil secretariat on the inaugural day of the state governments working from Srinagar after functioning from Jammu for the last six months. Members of the Council of Ministers, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, administrative secretaries and employees of the civil secretariat accorded a warm welcome to the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister also urged the Central government to find a way to stop the bloodshed. They are our own boys who are dying, she said. Mehbooba said the killing of five civilians in Shopian district during protests over a gunfight between militants and security forces on Sunday was very tragic. I request the people of the state and of the country and the government I request the parents (of the youth) that Allah has sent us to spend a good life, not to embrace death at a young age, she said. I think Islam also does not permit it, she added. The Chief Ministers call for the search of a middle path comes at a time when the Kashmir valley is gripped with increasing violence and frequent gunfights between militants and security forces. She also appealed to the national leadership of the country to show compassion and display statesmanship to bring J&K out of this vicious cycle of killings. It is unfortunate that the ultimate victims of this violence have been the people belonging to the lowest strata of society for whom earning a daily livelihood is a matter of life and death, she said. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Jammu, May 7 Scores of aspirants, who were barred from appearing in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) on Sunday, staged a protest against the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for alleged discrimination against them on religious lines. Holding placards and demanding justice, the aspirants mainly from the Ladakh region and the Sikh community raised slogans against the NEET authorities and demanded that their exam should be conducted separately. We were denied entry into the examination centre because we refused to remove abaya and hijab. There were no such guidelines for the candidates before the start of the examination. This amounts to religious discrimination against the candidates from a particular community. This is not acceptable to us, the protesting aspirants said. The father of one of aspirants said, We request the CBSE to re-conduct the exam for all those candidates who were denied entry into examination centres on the basis of religious discrimination. Not allowing girls wearing hijab is absurd on the part of the authorities. On Sunday, students were seen helping each other in removing barred items as all ornaments like rings, earrings, nose pins, chains/necklaces, badges and brooches were not allowed inside the examination centres. Meanwhile, Avtar Singh Khalsa, general secretary, District Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (DGPC), Jammu, said the NEET authorities were bent on spoiling the future of aspirants as six students from the minority community could not appear for the examination. We lodged an FIR against the NEET authorities for asking candidates to remove the religious symbols (such as kara) in the name of frisking. Girls were asked to wear half-sleeved clothes. The authorities have violated Article 14 and Article 16 of the Constitution. We will not tolerate it. If the authorities fail to hold the exam again for them, then we will come onto roads, Khalsa told reporters here. rchopra@tribunemail.com Srinagar, May 7 Authorities imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar and some other places in the Valley on Monday to prevent separatist-called protests and a sit-in outside the Civil Secretariat here. The protest shutdown and sit-in was called by the Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), a separatist conglomerate headed by Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik, against the killing of 10 people on Sunday, including five civilians, on Sunday. The Civil Secretariat that houses the offices of the Chief Minister, her colleagues and senior bureaucrats is opening on Monday after a six-month sojourn in Jammu. Security forces on Sunday killed five militants, including an assistant professor of Kashmir University who had joined their ranks, leading to major street protests that claimed the lives of five civilians. Authorities have placed Geelani and the Mirwaiz under house arrest while Malik has been taken in preventive detection. All educational institutes have been shut in the Valley. Exams scheduled for Monday were postponed. Rail services were also suspended as a precautionary measure. Mobile internet services remained suspended in all south Kashmir districts since Sunday in addition to Srinagar and Ganderbal districts in the north of the Valley. IANS monicakchauhan@gmail.com Satya Prakesh Tribune News Service New Delhi, May 7 The Supreme Court on Monday transferred the Kathua gang-rape and murder case to a Pathankot court in Punjab. The SC has ordered a day-to-day trial and protection for witnesses, accused and lawyers for the victim's family. The Bench clarified that day-to-day trial meant no adjournments during the trial. Examination-in-chief and cross-examination of witnesses have to be done without any break, it added. After a 90-minute hearing, a three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra vacated the stay on the trial The Bench kept the issue of the CBI probe into the matter open and posted petitions on the issue for further hearing on July 9. It also ordered protection for the lone juvenile accused in the case. The court also directed the Kathua sessions court to send all the relevant files and documents relating to the case to the court in Pathankot. The Bench gave liberty to the state of Jammu and Kashmir to appoint public prosecutors to conduct trial in the case. The proceedings have to be conducted in accordance with the Ranbir Penal Code applicable to Jammu and Kashmir, the Bench said. The Bench ordered the trial has to be an in-camera trial where only the accused, witnesses and lawyers concerned shall be there. The statements recorded by the police in Urdu have to be translated into English and Hindi for the Pathankot Sessions Judge and accused, the Bench ordered. Food for the witnesses and the accused has to be arranged by the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the top court ordered. Faced with demands from victims family and accused for shifting of trial and investigation, respectively, the Supreme Court on April 27 stayed the trial in the Kathua gang-rape and murder case till May 7. While the biological father of the victim had sought transfer of the trial from Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir to Chandigarh, the accused had demanded that the probe be taken away from the state police and handed over to the CBI. Earlier, it had hinted at transferring the case from Kathua if there was the "slightest possibility" of lack of fair trial. The "real concern" was to hold proper prosecution, it had noted. The victim an eight-year-old girl from a nomadic community had disappeared from near her home in a village in Kathua on January 10. Her body was found in the same locality a week later. The Crime Branch of Jammu and Kashmir Police had taken up the probe into the case on January 22 and filed a chargesheet against seven accused and a separate chargesheet against a juvenile accused in a court in Kathua district on April 9. The minor girl was allegedly kidnapped, drugged and raped inside a place of worship before being killed, police had alleged. rchopra@tribunemail.com Srinagar, May 7 Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday appealed to the Centre to find a middle path for ending the cycle of violence in the Valley which was consuming the lives of poor youth and security forces. Five Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, including a top commander and a university professor, were killed in an encounter in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday. Five civilians died during clashes between protesters and law-enforcing agencies near the encounter site. The tragedy in which five civilians were killed on Sunday is very painful. I appeal to government of the country (Centre) to find a way for ending this bloodshed, she told reporters at the reopening of Civil Secretariat here as part of the traditional Darbar move practice. She also appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially parents, to value life. Allah has given us life to live it well, not to embrace death at 18 or 19 years of age, she said. Mehbooba said a way out had to be found to end this cycle of violence which is consuming young lives in the state. The stones and guns are in the hands of poor (youth). We have to find a middle path to ensure that these boys do not get killed and our army men and policemen also do not get killed, she said. In a statement on Sunday, the Chief Minister had said, It sounds very depressing to note that our state is losing young lives to the unending cycle of violence, who could otherwise be utilised for a positive contribution to the state. The chief minister said political issues needed political intervention. I have reiterated it time and again that political issues need political interventions. I appeal to youth that their energies, youthfulness, dreams and aspirations are far more important and sacred to society than their dead bodies or graves, she said. The chief minister also appealed to all sections of civil society, media, students, parents and other stakeholders to rise to this critical occasion, play their role and help in putting an end to this cycle of bloodshed in the state. Mehbooba reiterated her stand that issues in Jammu and Kashmir could be resolved only through a sustained dialogue between all stakeholders. The three-decades-long violence in the state is a testimony to the fact that guns from either side cannot ensure peace, but a compassion-driven reconciliation process based on mutual respect surely can. In this regard, I appeal the national leadership of the country to show the element of compassion and empathy as required by the present-day situation here and display the statesmanship to get J&K out of the quagmire of killings by engaging in a meaningful dialogue in the state. The sooner it happens, the more we can get our state out of the vicious cycle of killings and destruction, she said. PTI monicakchauhan@gmail.com New Delhi, May 7 National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah on Monday slammed Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti over her "hollow" tweet on the violence in the state, and said that her brother Tassaduq Mufti was more honest than her in voicing opinion on the situation. In the wake of the Pulwama encounter, Mufti had called for unity among the people and professed that "violence is no solution to the issues that plague us". Quoting her tweet, the former chief minister said, "Your tweet has a hollow ring to it. At least your brother was more honest than you. This blood is the price Kashmiris are paying for you to remain CM & for PDP & BJP to remain "partners in crime". Your tweet has a hollow ring to it. At least your brother was more honest than you. This blood is the price Kashmiris are paying for you to remain CM & for PDP & BJP to remain partners in crime. https://t.co/KTy5uclfPG Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) May 7, 2018 Your tweet has a hollow ring to it. At least your brother was more honest than you. This blood is the price Kashmiris are paying for you to remain CM & for PDP & BJP to remain "partners in crime". Abdullah was referring to the People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader and Culture Minister of the state, Tassaduq Mufti's earlier statement to a media house, wherein he expressed a strong objection to the BJP-PDP alliance said that both the parties "ended up being partners in a crime (for which) an entire generation of Kashmiris might have to pay with their blood." Tassaduq Mufti also said the whole party shared this view. Abdullah continued the attack against Mufti with another tweet, asking if the deceased civilians' would get justice or not. One question though, as the state Home Minister & head of the Unified Command you have admitted these boys are "innocent civilians" so who will be charged & hanged for their cold blooded murder? Or should I be asking @HMOIndia this question?" read the tweet. One question though, as the state Home Minister & head of the Unified Command you have admitted these boys are "innocent civilians" so who will be charged & hanged for their cold blooded murder? Or should I be asking @HMOIndia this question? One question though, as the state Home Minister & head of the Unified Command you have admitted these boys are innocent civilians so who will be charged & hanged for their cold blooded murder? Or should I be asking @HMOIndia this question? https://t.co/KTy5uclfPG Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) May 7, 2018 On Sunday, five civilians were killed during an encounter between terrorists and security forces at Badigam area of Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian. Five terrorists were also killed in the encounter. ANI harinder@tribunemail.com Chitkara University and ImaginXP, Indias leading UX design and design thinking certification organisation have announced the start of two-year Master of Design in UX Design. The two-year full time programme is specifically designed in collaboration with industry experts and will give an opportunity to students to work on real life design problems with the industry. The programme will be taught by industry experts, practicing UX designers and faculty in the field of UX design. The content in the programme has been designed according to the prevalent need in the industry, ensuring that students get valuable experience and are readily employed by the end of the course. UX design is the process of creating digital products by focusing on meaningful and personal experiences. It is a field that encompasses education in design and technology to bring out easy-to-use mobile apps, web products, Augmented Reality and IoT based apps. UX designers with a focus on digitalistion and digital products are employed by all industry segments, including leading IT services, solutions, product and consulting organisations, financial services, banking, insurance, media, education, and hospitality companies. With more than 10 lakh jobs available in India for UX designers, this course aims at bridging the gap of trained resources in this segment. These are highly lucrative jobs, with starting salaries of Rs 6 lakh per annum. The governments focus on Digital India and the 100 smart city project has also resulted in an increased demand of the highly skilled and creative digital roles, a demand that can be met by UX designers. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Vice-Chancellor, Chitkara University said, Chitkara University has always been in forefront in introducing industry relevant courses and MDes in User Experience is another programme which is a perfect example of our strong industry-academia collaborations. With the advent of the digital revolution, UX design has become vital to the success of digital transition projects. In this programme, the students will learn the perspective on those elements that help companies to dramatically increase digital customer experience; which in turn will make them highly employable in the industry. harinder@tribunemail.com Government of Haryana, Higher Education department & Youth4work have entered into a collaboration to facilitate skill profiling of all higher education students in Haryana with Youth4work & help them get Jobs and Internship Opportunities. Currently over 2 lakh students are passing each year gaining technical education in Haryana. This tie-up will ensure that all these students to use the new age technology and digital medium to give a free skill tests and showcase their skill profiles online. Youth4work platform will enable assessments, online learning Internships & employment opportunities to these students. All Higher education institutes in Haryana with every student studying in firstt year to final year will benefit from this collaboration. Rachit Jain, CEO of Youth4work said on the occasion, Being an engineer myself, I strongly believe that there is no dearth of skills in Indian institutes. The challenge for every student in India is to identify his/her own talent and showcase it in front of the world. We are excited and enthralled by the support and initiative taken by Haryana Government towards technology adoption & helping youth across India, and we see ourselves helping many more states and profiling 1Crore youth in India, in next 18 months. Jeevanjot scores 340/340 in GRE Jeevanjot Singh from Gurugram, has scored a perfect 340/340 in the GRE exam on April 3, 2018. The Graduate Record Examinations or GRE is a standardised test that is an admissions criterion for most advanced degrees such as a masters or PhD at Graduate Schools world over such as MIT, Stanford, University of Chicago, Oxford etc. In a year, an individual can take the GRE 5 times, with a 21-day gap between each attempt. Every year approximately one lakh Indian students appear for this exam. The average score by Indian candidates is 303. Jeevanjots journey began in January this year when he decided to attempt the GRE. After three months of hard work, Jeevanjot was elated with his perfect score. With this challenge overcome, he now hopes to begin his preparation to Ivy League colleges like Stanford and MIT in the USA. It's a great feeling. I didn't expect to achieve this score. I checked again to make sure that it's my score and the screen is not flashing the maximum marks. Jeevanjot credited the faculty at Jamboree, Gurugram centre, mock test and his attitude during the exam as the major factors for his perfect score. Green Talents Award editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Ludhiana, May 7 Monday was the seventh day of the measles-rubella vaccine drive, and now, the city has crossed the one lakh figure in vaccinating the kids. The total number of kids vaccinated till May 7 stands at 1,06,869. The drive was started in the city on May 1. Since 64 schools in the district have not consented for the vaccination, a meeting was conducted at the District Education Officers office (DEO) on Monday with the principals from the government schools where officials from the Health Department were also present. Dr Parvinder Pal Singh Sidhu, Civil Surgeon, said, On Monday, a meeting was conducted with the government schools and very soon the meeting with both government and private schools will be held and will be chaired by the Deputy Commissioner. Dr Jasbir Singh, District Immunisation Officer, said, as many as 65 schools in the district have not given consent for the vaccination after some video against the vaccination went viral. Today all government school principals were called at the DEO office and they were sensitised about the vaccination. They have been told that if there is a need, a meeting can be arranged between the health officials and the parents so that the doubts of the parents can be cleared. Principals have been told the importance of the vaccination during the meeting, said Dr Jasbir Singh. District Education Officer, Swaranjit Kaur, said, the meeting was held between the principals of the schools and doctors from the Health Department where principals were sensitised about the vaccination and we hope that the message will be conveyed to the parents as well. Dr Gagandeep Sharma from World Health Organization was also there and he explained to the principals in details on how the vaccination will be helpful for the kids, said Swaranjit Kaur. Dr Gagandeep Sharma telling about the vaccine said that the measles-rubella vaccine was safe. The Vaccine is WHO certified and there is Vaccine Vial Monitor (VVM) on top of each vial which indicates the quality of the vaccine given. Every child will be kept under observation for 30 minutes after vaccination, he said. Meanwhile, the Health Department will be now targeting private schools where consent from the parents is yet to come. editorial@tribune.com Smita Sharma tribune news service New Delhi, May 7 A day after seven Indian engineers working for KEC International in Baghlan province of northern Afghanistan were abducted, hectic efforts are on to secure their release. Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar, who recently took charge in Kabul, called on Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani on Monday. Rabbani confirmed that mediation by tribe elders had been sought in the case. At the outset, Foreign Minister Rabbani expressed grief over the abduction of Indian engineers in Baghlan province and said the Afghan security forces will not spare any efforts to protect the physical safety and secure the release of these engineers. He also mentioned that efforts have been initiated through the community elders to help secure their release, said the Afghanistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement. The Indians along with their Afghan driver were reportedly traveling in a minibus on Sunday morning when they were taken hostage by unknown armed assailants. KEC, belonging to the RPG group, is building transmission lines for an electricity substation operated by the government-run DABS (Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat). Baghlan Governor Nemati indicated to local media that the Taliban were behind the abduction and the Indians were mistaken for Afghan government employees. However, no group has officially claimed responsibility yet. Earlier on Sunday, Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj had also spoken to Rabbani over the phone. Rabbani assured Swaraj that Afghan security forces would not spare any efforts in rescuing and ensuring the security and safety of the engineers. New Delhi also sent a note to Kabul through its embassy to seek all possible support and help of local authorities in the case. In their interaction on Monday, meanwhile, Ambassador Vinay Kumar also discussed with Salahuddin Rabbani political priorities of Afghanistan such as the peace process, upcoming elections, economic and trade cooperation and Indian support for rebuilding of the conflict torn country. Rabbani appreciated the significant role of India in reconstruction of Afghanistan, said the official statement. rchopra@tribunemail.com Kabul, May 7 Security officials in Afghanistan are working with local tribal elders to trace the seven Indian engineers kidnapped by the Taliban gunmen in the restive northern Baghlan province, media reports said on Monday. Provincial police spokesman Zabiullah Shuja said the Indian engineers of KEC International, an RPG group company, were working on a project for the construction of a power sub-station. They were kidnapped by the militants from the vicinity of Cheshma-e-Sher area on Sunday while they were travelling to inspect the work progress. Shuja said the Afghan driver of the engineers is also missing and an operation is under way for their release, according to media reports. The security officials in the province said efforts were under way by the Afghan forces and the government officials as well as the local tribal elders for the release of the Indian engineers. Provincial governor Abdul Nemati said the security forces and the local officials were busy tracking the missing engineers and their driver. He said apart from the security forces and the government officials, the local tribal elders had also stepped up efforts for the release of the Indian nationals. Nemati assured that the missing Indian engineers and their driver would be released soon. The Baghlan Governor had on Sunday said the terror group had kidnapped the Indian engineers and their driver, believing they were government employees. No group has, however, claimed responsibility for the kidnapping. The External Affairs Ministry had said in New Delhi it is in touch with authorities in Afghanistan. Many of the earlier kidnappings in the war-torn country had been linked to Taliban. In 2016, 40-year-old Indian aid worker Judith DSouza was kidnapped in Kabul. She was released after 40 days. India has provided at least USD 2 billion aid to Afghanistan for the economic development of the war-torn nation. PTI amansharma@tribunemail.com Our Correspondent Jaipur, May 7 In the ongoing exercise 'Vijay Prahar', troops of the Sapta Shakti Command are prepping to fight in all contingencies, including environment affected by nuclear weapons. "If we have to fight in a contaminated battlefield - we will," troops are told. Considering the existing ground realities, the Army is gradually gearing itself up to fight and win in a contaminated battlefield. A lot of equipment and fighting gear is already part of its inventory. Drills and procedures have evolved over a period of time. "It was time to fine-tune the drills and assess our capabilities," Defence PRO and spokesperson Lt Colonel Manish Ojha said. Since last week of April at least 20,000 troops of strike formation of the Army's South Western Command (SWC) have been carrying out 'Vijay Prahar' exercise with cutting-edge equipment and state-of-the-art force multipliers in the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges closes to Suratgarh in Rajasthan. The exercise represents a small section of the overall offensive along the Western front which would be a high tempo joint air-land operation involving hundreds of aircraft, thousands of tanks and artillery pieces supported by real time intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and just in time logistic support. As the exercise is reaching its culmination, the troops of Sapta Shakti Command, practised fighting dirty in a battlefield where a nuclear bomb has been exploded by the adversary. Troops practised day in and day out in the scorching heat to fine-tune the drills and procedures to fight and destroy the enemy in a battle space contaminated by nukes. Although the methods are very different from conventional war, the participating troops were able to achieve a very high degree of coordination through repeated practice and rehearsal. gspannu7@gmail.com Bengaluru, May 7 Keeping up the heat on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over his alleged links with a company running a Ponzi scheme, the BJP on Monday sought to know his connection with its head Vijay Eswaran, who was under serious scrutiny of the UPA government. Union Minister for Communications and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad sought to know why Siddaramaiah feted a person who, despite being investigated by the UPA government, came to Karnataka and initiated ponzi schemes. He sought to know from the chief minister who Vijay Eswaran was and how he had feted him in China. ...a person against whom the Serious Fraud Investigation office had investigated under Manmohan Singh, not only feted by you in China, but at your instance comes to Karnataka to invest and initiates ponzi schemes, he said. Raising the issue yesterday, the BJP had accused Siddaramaiah of aiding, abetting, protecting and promoting the cheating of private investors in the alleged Ponzi scheme. The BJP had also sought to know whether Siddaramaiah received the costly Hublot watch for facilitating the company, QI Group of Companies, headed by Vijay Eswaran, to operate in the state. Embroiled in a controversy over the diamond-studded Hublot watch in March 2016, Siddaramaiah had handed it over to the Assembly speaker, asking him to make it a state asset. Training his guns on Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Prasad sought to know his partys stand on triple talaq. He said Gandhi has been asking many questions and raising issues like womens empowerment. Hence, he said he wants Congress stand on triple talaq. What is your partys stand on triple talaq? This question is important because the Bill has been passed in the Lok Sabha and is now in Rajya Sabha, where the Congress is ensuring that the law is not passed or debate doesnt start, said Prasad. The union minister claimed that triple talaq has nothing to do with religion at all since it is concerned with gender justice, gender dignity and gender equality. He added that triple talaq has been regulated in 21 countries and was a crime in many others, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Tunisia and Morocco. India being a secular country, gender justice was a fundamental right, he said. PTI rchopra@tribunemail.com Yash Goyal Our Correspondent Jodhpur, May 7 A local court on Monday deferred the hearing on convicted Salman Khans appeal against the five-year imprisonment in the blackbuck poaching case till July 17. Salman was present in the first hearing of the case in the District and Sessions Court which had granted him bail on April 7 after spending two nights in the Jodhpur Central Jail on the judgment of the trial court. Salman wont have to be present at the next hearing as the court granted permission on his petition, public prosecutor Polar Ram Vishnoi said. Mondays hearing lasted for less than 10 minutes. Defence lawyer Mahesh Bora sought the adjournment of the case, Vishnoi said. Salman had earlier got the permission to leave the country for film shooting. After 19 years of trial, the actor was on April 5 convicted by Chief Judicial Magistrate Devkumar Khatri and sentenced to five years in jail for killing two blackbucks, during the shooting of Hum Saath Saath Hain, at Kankani village of Jodhpur district. While actors Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre and Neelam and driver Dushyant Singh were acquitted. Salman was taken in custody and lodged in Central Jail for two days. amansharma@tribunemail.com New Delhi, May 7 A Delhi court on Monday held ousted AAP MLA Devinder Sehrawat guilty of flouting election regulations during the campaign for 2013 assembly polls. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal convicted Shehrawat saying the prosecution was able to prove the case beyond reasonable doubts. The court has fixed May 14 for argument on the quantum of sentence. The police had filed an FIR on October 7, 2013 alleging that it had recovered several pamphlets bearing Sehrawat's name and photographs seeking votes, but no name of the publisher was mentioned in them. The case was registered under Section 127A of Representation of the People Act, which says no person shall print or publish any election pamphlet or poster which does not bear on its face the names and addresses of the printer and the publisher. In September 2016, the Aam Aadmi Party had suspended Sehrawat from its primary membership for alleged anti-party activities. - PTI editorial@tribune.com Bengaluru, May 7 Stung by a volley of barbs against him by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah over alleged corruption, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Monday sent legal notices to them warning he would file criminal and civil defamation cases. Taking his running battle against Modi to a new level, Siddaramaiah also sent a notice to the BJP's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa, whom the Congress has repeatedly accused of corruption. The notice asked them to tender unconditional apology or face a defamation suit for Rs 100 crore. Modi has repeatedly attacked Siddaramaiah over alleged corruption, calling his government "seedha rupaiya sarkar" (government that takes bribe for every work) and "10 per cent commission government." During his campaign blitz, Modi has also alleged that while his government talked about ease of doing business, Siddaramaiah government was facilitating "ease of doing murders", referring to the killing of Hindu activists. In his notices, Siddaramaiah has sought 'unconditional public apology. PTI monicakchauhan@gmail.com Bengaluru, May 7 Stung by a volley of barbs against him by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah over alleged corruption, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday sent legal notices to them warning he would file criminal and civil defamation cases. Taking his running battle against Modi to a new level, Siddaramaiah also sent a notice to the BJPs chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa, whom the Congress has repeatedly accused of corruption. The notice asked them to tender an unconditional apology or face a defamation suit for Rs 100 crore. Modi has repeatedly attacked Siddaramaiah over alleged corruption, calling his government seedha rupaiya sarkar (government that takes bribe for every work) and 10 per cent commission government. During his campaign blitz, Modi had also alleged that while his government talked about ease of doing business, Siddaramaiah government was facilitating ease of doing murders, referring to the killing of Hindu activists. In his notices, Siddaramaiah has sought unconditional public apology immediately from the prime minister and others through electronic, print and social media failing which they would face legal action. In his notices sent through his lawyer and Congress MLC, VS Ugrappa, Siddaramaiah said all the parties had jointly and severally committed libel and offences punishable under various IPC sections. You are called upon to cease and desist from making such statements forthwith and give an unconditional public apology immediately through electronic, print and social media in which the statements and advertisements have appeared, Ugrappa said in the notice released to the media. In the event you fail to do so, please note that you have rendered yourself liable to civil and criminal action and payment of exemplary damages of Rs 100 crore, it said. Ugrappa said his client (Siddaramaiah), whose political career spanned 50 years, has always maintained personal and political integrity and honesty. Any imputation of irregular dealings and dishonesty not only affects my clients reputation in the eyes of public and his peers but also adversely affects his party viz the Indian National Congress, the notice said. It said false and defamatory statements had been made against Siddaramaiah intentionally and maliciously. Ugrappa said the advertisements published by the BJP in various newspapers and aired by news channels besides displayed on LED screens and shared in social media were false and defamatory. He cited instances of the objectionable content in advertisements. Further stepping up attack on Modi, the party also lodged a complaint against him with the Election Commission of India, saying he violated the model code of conduct by making a promise to resolve the Mahadayi river water sharing issue with the neighbouring Goa. The party quoted Modi as saying, The Union Government is ready to talk to the riparian states and resolve the Mahadayi water sharing issue amicably. The complaint said Modi misused his position to garner votes for the BJP and intimidated voters, especially those living around Mahadayi river to vote for his party. PTI rchopra@tribunemail.com Aditi Tandon Tribune News Service New Delhi, May 7 Suspension from primary membership of the Congress has done little to tame former minister Mani Shankar Aiyar who continues to speak freely, notwithstanding the political repercussions of his remarks. Whats equally interesting is the timing of his controversial remarks. The latest in the series of the Aiyar statements that have proved costly for the Congress at the hustings is the lavish praise Aiyar showered on Muhammad Ali Jinnah at a recent event in Pakistan. Describing Pakistan founder as Qaid-e-Azam, Aiyar said, Some goons of the government have brought down the statue of Qaid-e-Azam at Aligarh Muslim University. While the BJP is busy making political capital out of Aiyars latest statement, the Congress is busy thinking why Aiyar finds it so hard to keep silent on election eve. The tea-seller statement Aiyar made against then BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi on the eve of the 2014 general election helped the saffron family consolidate its voter appeal. In December last year, Aiyar called Modi, now Prime Minister, neech aadmi (vile person) while questioning his brand of politics. The Congress lost the Gujarat election to the BJP, though narrowly. Now, on the eve of the Karnataka elections and with the row over Jinnah blowing over, Aiyar has aided the BJP narrative by speaking of the Pakistan founder generously. It remains to be seen how far the BJP exploit Aiyars statement. As for the Congress, the usual refrain is--why cant Aiyar be sacked; why has he been merely suspended? gspannu7@gmail.com Vibha Sharma Tribune News Service New Delhi, May 7 The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday said parts of north India could witness thunderstorms and squalls over the next 48 hours with winds gusting up to 50 to 70 km per hour. Meteorologists advised people to be cautious but not panic or pay heed to rumours. IMDs Mritunjay Mohapatra said intensity of the weather activity was expected to be lesser than compared to the May 2 violent thunderstorms. Skymets Mahesh Palwat asked people to be cautious but not panic. Weather conditions, he said, are favourable for another round of rain, dust storms and thunderstorms across North India. We can expect mild to moderate intensity of such activities in the region. While residents should exercise some caution, there is no need to create a sense of panic, he added. According to meteorologists, May is the peak month for pre-monsoon weather activities and most parts of the country remain vulnerable to dust storms, thunderstorms, lightning and rain of varying intensity mild, moderate and severe. While climate change is one of the factors, experts say dust and thunder storms are not uncommon during this time of year. Pre-monsoon season sees development of sudden weather systems due to Western Disturbances (WD), increase in temperatures and humidity-laden winds from the northeast. Such thunderstorms will keep forming in isolated pockets during this period, but the situation experienced this Wednesday is unlikely to be repeated, they say. Notably, The Tribune last week reported that thunderstorms accompanied with gusty winds are very likely at isolated places over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi on May 7. The reason for the ongoing activity is a fresh WD leading to a cyclonic circulation over Haryana and an existing west-east trough from the northwest Rajasthan to central Madhya Pradesh in lower levels. The confluence will give rise to thunderstorms along with gusty winds and moderate squall (speed between 50 to 70 km/ph) is very likely at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh Delhi and West Uttar Pradesh during next 48 hours, says the IMD Hailstorm is also likely at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand during the same period, it added. A deadly thunderstorm with winds gusting up to 100 km/ph had hit Rajasthan and west Uttar Pradesh on May 2, killing over 100 people. editorial@tribune.com Hosakote/Maluru (Ktk), May 7 Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Monday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his PPP Congress jibe, likening him to a mobile phone on speaker and airplane mode and not the work mode. On the 9th leg of his election tour of Karnataka, he accused Modi of making personal attacks against him as he did not have anything to speak on other issues. There are three modes in a cell phone....the first is the work mode....the other two are speaker and airplane modes. Modi only uses speaker and airplane modes and not the work mode, he told reporters in an impromptu interaction. He was responding to a question about Modis Tuesday remark at an election rally in Gadag where he said the Congress will become Punjab, Puducherry, Parivar Congress after its defeat in the Karnataka Assembly polls. You might have seen and heard in my speeches I speak about Modi, I question him on issues....but I speak about him with respect. Modi is an elderly man, he is aged, going to be 70. I respect those who are elder to me, Gandhi told election rallies in Hosakote and Maluru. Modi, he said, cannot speak on corruption as the partys CM candidate Yeddyurappa faced graft allegations. PTI monicakchauhan@gmail.com New Delhi, May 7 Former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said that no prime minister in the country has used his office to say things about his opponent that Narendra Modi has been doing day in and day out. It doesn't behove a prime minister to stoop so low and it is not good for the country as a whole as well, Singh said. No Prime Minister in our country has used the Office of the Prime Minister to say things about his opponent that Mr Modi has been doing day in & day out. It doesn't behove a Prime Minister to stoop so low & it is not good for the country as a whole as well: Manmohan Singh pic.twitter.com/ai4PZBrzU0 ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2018 Addressing a conference in Bengaluru, he said, As far as Nirav Modi is concerned, it was obvious that in 2015-16, that something was going around with the affairs of Modi. Yet, the Modi government didn't do anything. If blame has to be cast, it has to be on the government of mandate. Two major avoidable blunders of the Modi government have been demonetisation and hasty implementation of the GST. Losses the economy suffered due to these blunders have severely hurt our micro small and medium enterprise sector and have resulted in loss of tens of thousands of jobs, said Manmohan Singh. He said the economic management of the Modi government was slowly eroding the trust of the general public in the banking system. Recent incidents, which resulted in shortage of cash in many states, were preventable, said Singh, who is in Bengaluru for the Karnatka Assembly elections. ANI monicakchauhan@gmail.com Satya Prakash Tibune News Service New Delhi, May 7 The issue of removal of Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra on Monday reached the Supreme Court with two Congress MPs filing a petition against rejection of the unprecedented removal notice against the CJI by Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu. It has been listed for hearing on Tuesday before a Constitution Bench of Justices AK Sikri, SA Bobde, NV Ramana, Arun Mishra and AK Goel, who are number 6 to 10 in seniority among the top court judges. The four senior-most judges - Justices J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, Madan B Lkur and Kurian Joseph - who had held a press conference against the CJI on January 12 have apparently been kept out of this all-important Bench that will hear this unprecedented petition. However, it was not clear as to who constituted the Bench. The petition filed by Congress MPs Partap Singh Bajwa and Amee Harshadray Yajnik claimed the reasons given in the rejection order by Naidu were "wholly extraneous" and not legally tenable. Earlier in the day, senior advocate Kapil Sibal and advocate Prashant Bhushan mentioned the matter for urgent listing before a Bench headed by Justice Chelameswar, number two in the list of seniority of top court judges. In view of Constitution Bench verdicts declaring CJI as the "Master of Roster", the Bench initially asked the two noted lawyers to mention it before the CJI himself but agreed to take it up on Tuesday after Sibal pointed out that the CJI could not be a judge in his own cause. "Come back tomorrow," said the Bench which also included Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul. After considering the material contained in the notice of removal motion and the inputs received in his interaction with legal luminaries and constitutional experts, the Rajya Sabha Chairman had rejected the notice of the motion for removal of the CJI. "I am of the firm opinion that the notice of the motion does not deserve to be admitted. Accordingly, I refuse to admit notice of motion," Naidu had said in a speaking order. "I have applied my mind to all five charges made out in impeachment motion and examined all annexed documents. All facts as stated in motion don't make out a case which can lead any reasonable mind to conclude that CJI on these facts can be ever held guilty of misbehaviour," the Rajya Sabha Chairman had said. But the petitioner MPs contended the reasons given by the Rajya Sabha Chairman while rejecting the impeachment notice were "not legally tenable" and deserved to be set aside for being "wholly extraneous" and ultra vires the provisions of the Constitution and the Judges' Inquiry Act. The charges in the notice of motion were "extremely serious" and merited "a full-fledged inquiry to test their veracity". Sibal said the Rajya Sabha Chairman could not have summarily rejected the notice bearing signatures of 64 MPs by saying there was "no proved misbehaviour". Bhushan said as per Supreme Court Rules, the CJI was disabled to pass any order in this matter either on the judicial side or on the administrative side. "Only the senior-most judge can decide on the listing of this petition which has sought quashing of the order of the Rajya Sabha Chairman," he said. "There is a five-judge constitution bench verdict on powers of master of roster. It would be appropriate if you mention the matter in court number-1 before the bench of Chief Justice," Justice Chelameswar told Sibal but agreed to take up the matter on Tuesday after a brief huddle with Justice Kaul. A five-judge constitution bench of the apex court had in November last ruled that the CJI was the "Master of Roster". As Sibal pleaded for urgent listing, Justice Chelameswar -- who is due to retire on June 22 -- said, "I have only few more days here. I am on the verge of my retirement." Terming it an unprecedented situation, Sibal said: "This petition raises constitutional question of importance. How do you deal with this situation? Who has the power? Lordships will have to clarify. I understand the CJI has the power to direct for listing but this case is against the master of roster." As Sibal objected to recent circulars asking lawyers to mention urgent matters before a Registrar, Justice Kaul said it was not that simple. "I have practised in this court for past 45 years. The Registrar can't take orders from the CJI in this matter. The CJI can't delegate his master of roster powers to the Registrar," said Sibal. In a related development, another Bench headed by Justice AK Sikri refused to restrain MPs and the media from publicly discussing the issue of CJI's removal and posted a PIL on the matter for hearing in July. gspannu7@gmail.com Bengaluru, May 7 Protesting against the high petrol and fuel prices, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday rode a bicycle as he led a march on the issue while campaigning in Karnatakas Kolar district. Later, standing on a bullock cart, he addressed a gathering where he alleged that the BJP-led government wanted to take money from the common man to give it to its rich friends and asked it to tell the people why they were not reducing the price of petrol in the country. Gandhi, who resumed his poll campaign for the May 12 assembly polls, took out a protest march in Maluru in Kolar against rising petrol prices by riding a bicycle with other Congress workers walking or running behind him. The world over, petrol prices are decreasing, but in India prices were still high, he lamented. Earlier in international market, the price was USD 140 per barrel, now it is USD 70 per barrel. So lakhs of crores of money is being saved by the government. Where is the money going? Gandhi asked. Why are you not saying to people that you dont want to put GST on petrol and diesel? You want to take away money from common man and want to give it to your five or ten industrialist friends, he said before the gathering. You want to take money from the pockets of those driving scooter, truck, bus and other vehicles in the country and want to give it your rich friends, the Congress leader said. During his three-day visit, Gandhi will be campaigning in Kolar, Bengaluru Rural, Chikkballapura, Tumakuru districts and Bengaluru city. PTI pardeepdhull@gmail.com New Delhi, May 7 Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said the government was working seriously to have women in combat uniforms a vow which, if fulfilled, will bring gender parity in the Indian armed forces and enable women to be deployed on-board submarines of the Navy and tanks of the Army. Women are keen to join armed forces in uniform. The Indian Air Force has already inducted women fighter pilots. About commissioning of women in the Army and related forces, several cases are being fought in various courts. In the Navy, women are not allowed in the sea, but we are working seriously towards opening up defence forces for women, Sitharaman said. She was speaking at an event to release a Gender Parity Index for the year 2017-18, a special study commissioned by FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO), the women business wing of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Women in combat roles in the armed forces has been a long pending demand. Then President Pranab Mukherjee in February 2016 announced that women will be allowed to take up combat roles to remove gender disparity in one of the worlds most male-dominated professions. The Indian Air Force in July last year inducted three women Mohana Singh, Avani Chaturvedi and Bhawana Kanth as the first female fighter pilots. The Indian Navy has also offered permanent commission to women officers. In 2016, it started with a modest group of seven and vowed to expand the numbers. Sitharaman, Indias first full-time woman Defence Minister, stressed on the need to make women empowerment steady. For every frontier touched or broken by women that frontier should be sustained with more and more women. IANS editorial@tribune.com Sumeer Singh Tribune News Service Bathinda, May 7 Close on the heels of a six-year-old girls death after the MR vaccination, 13 children were admitted to the Civil Hospital here on Monday after they were administered the vaccine in their schools. Most of them are stable and under treatment, while one of them was referred to a private hospital, as his condition was initially stated to be critical. He too is now stable, claimed the Civil Hospital authorities. A majority of the children admitted at the hospital are suffering from fever with rashes, vomiting and anxiety attacks. While seven children were vaccinated on the same day, the remaining six were vaccinated on different dates in the past one week. Six of these children were discharged after their condition stabilised on Monday evening, while the other seven, including the one at the private hospital, were kept under observation. Talking to The Tribune, Dr Satish Jindal, paediatrician at the Civil Hospital, said, Six children with minor complications such as mild fever, headache and anxiety attacks, stabilised and were discharged in the evening after being given immediate medical care. The remaining children would be kept under observation. All children admitted at the hospital are in a stable condition now. Rashes coupled with fever among children three to six days after the vaccination is a common factor. These children require minimal medical care and are discharged after some time. Apart from these 13 children who were admitted at the hospital, around half a dozen other children who were vaccinated on or before May 7 and experienced minor health issues visited the hospital for treatment. Deputy Commissioner Diparva Lakra could not be contacted despite repeated attempts. Civil Surgeon Hari Narain Singh said, You can call up the Senior Medical Officer. I can comment only when I am in office on Tuesday. Senior Medical Officer (SMO) Satish Goyal said, We have a district immunisation officer for the campaign who can speak on the issue. Abohar schools shun drive Abohar: The Recognised and Affiliated Schools Association (RASA) on Monday decided to distance itself from the programme.RASA state vice president Sham Lal Arora said many parents had conveyed to schools that they would not allow their children to be administered the vaccine as the Department was not ready to own responsibility over its side-effects. OC Mild symptoms common: Expert Side-effects of the measles and rubella vaccine are common. It is a well-documented phenomenon in medical literature that fever, rash or nausea can commonly happen after administering the drug, said Dr Payare Lal Garg, a paediatric surgeon and a health activist. He said Indias National Operational Guidelines, 2017, too caution about adverse reactions to the MR vaccine. Sarpanches roped in for campaign Muktsar: As a number of people are showing unwillingness to get their kids vaccinated for measles and rubella diseases, the district administration has now roped in sarpanches to motivate them and make the drive successful. The district administration has even held some meetings with sarpanches and appealed to them to spread awareness among people in the villages. TNS Side-effects amansharma@tribunemail.com Chandigarh, May 7 Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday announced the constitution of a six-member oversight committee to examine the recommendations of an earlier panel that reviewed the history syllabus, officials said. The committee will also oversee the content of history school books, they said. The move comes in the wake of the Shiromani Akali Dal alleging that a major portion of Sikh and Punjab history had been removed from the Class 12 curriculum. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Gobind Singh Longowal asked the Punjab government to withdraw the history text book of Class 12, saying otherwise the apex religious body of the Sikhs may plan a massive agitation. Talking to mediapersons in Amritsar, Longowal said a deep-rooted conspiracy was allegedly hatched to keep away the young generation from the pious and valuable Sikh history by "omitting the chapters related to Sikh Gurus in the text books of 12th standard by the Punjab School Education Board". If this Class 12th book is not withdrawn within ten days, then SGPC would summon a big gathering of Sikhs on May 19 at Teja Singh Manji Sahib Hall in the Golden Temple premises to decide next course of action against the Punjab government, Longowal said. The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) and the Congress government maintain that the curriculum was only "re-aligned" to match the NCERT syllabus. In Chandigarh, the Chief Minister today criticised the Opposition for unnecessarily politicising the issue and said his government had decided to prevent any such politicisation of history books by setting up a permanent committee to oversee the process of formulating the syllabus and ensuring error-free books on the subject. He said the decision to review the syllabus and print books in alignment with the NCERT syllabus was taken during the SAD-BJP rule in 2014, and that the controversy on the issue was "politically motivated". In fact, there were no history books earlier and what SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal was citing was merely a guide, he said at a press conference. The chief minister asserted that the syllabus relating to the Sikh Gurus had not been deleted, and the entire history of the Gurus had been incorporated in a chronological order in the syllabi for classes 11 and 12. The committee will be headed by eminent historian Prof Kirpal Singh and will include former vice chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University Prof J S Grewal, former pro-vice vhancellor of GNDU Prof Prithipal Singh Kapur, emeritus Prof of History at Panjab University Indu Banga, and two eminent historians to be nominated by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, he said. The committee has been mandated to consider and report on the recommendations of the expert group constituted by the PSEB in 2014 to review the changes made in the new history syllabus for classes 11 and 12 subsequent to the recommendations of the expert group and to suggest corrections, if any, Amarinder Singh said. The committee has been asked to examine the contents of the text books prescribed for classes 11 and 12 and suggest corrections for factual and other errors, if any, and to align, as may be practicably possible, the history syllabus with that prescribed by the NCERT, he said. The committee has also been directed to oversee the syllabus and contents of history textbooks prescribed for all classes by the PSEB and ensure there are no factual discrepancies, he said. - PTI editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Chandigarh, May 7 The newly expanded Cabinet, at its first meeting on Tuesday, is expected to discuss the recommendations of the sub-committee on mining. It may take some time before a formal policy on mining is approved by the Cabinet as all ministers in the sub-committee are not in favour of a Punjab Mines and Minerals Development Corporation, it is learnt. Capt Amarinder Singh on Monday said the Cabinet would take a call on the recommendations made by the sub-committee on mining. The report has been handed over to the Chief Minister by Local Bodies Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu. The Cabinet is expected to discuss the policy on regularisation of illegal structures in the MC areas. Under the one-time settlement scheme, beneficiaries will have to pay a certain amount for their illegal structures. Sources said an agenda for transferring wheat from Pungrain to the Agriculture Department was also expected to come up for discussion. Besides, the issue of amendments to the Punjab Legislature (Prevention of Disqualification) Act, 1952, that prohibits elected representatives from holding any office of profit is likely not be tabled. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Chandigarh, May 7 Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Monday pointed fingers at the Akali Dal and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for "implicating Congress' Shahkot candidate Hardev Singh Ladi him in a case to tarnish his image". Basing his statement on the call details assessed by the government, the Chief Minister during a press conference specifically named senior Akali leader Daljt Singh Cheema and AAP's Leader of Opposition Sukhpal Khaira for being in touch with the Shahkot SHO Parminder Singh Bajwa before and after the registration of an FIR against Ladi. Since I am not in a position to order a probe due to model code of conduct, I request the Election Commission to order a detailed probe into the sequence of events leading to registration of the FIR, said Capt Amarinder adding that the role of the SHO, as well as politicians, involved in it needed to be investigated. He alleged that the SHO was upset over being transferred out of the district at the insistence of MLA Rana Gurjit Singh and since then had been in touch with AAP's Khaira and SAD's Cheema, the FIR appears to be the fallout of the same. Capt Amarinder pointed out that the EC had merely asked the police to conduct an inquiry into a complaint against Ladi, but the SHO acted in utter haste in registering the FIR. A clip of CCTV footage of the SHO with his women guest at a hotel and copies of food and liquor bills of Rs 43,000 on the intervening night of May 3 and May 4 were released. On being asked as to how his name again put in the panel sent to the Election Commission when he had been transferred out, he said the DGP would be probing the matter. Akalis, AAP cry foul I never called the SHO. In fact, he kept calling me to seek my help. The officer was also speaking to some Congress leaders, why have their names not being taken by the CM? In fact, the Congress government must answer why is it tapping the phone calls of Opposition leaders. Daljit Singh Cheema, SAD spokesperson This is a clever ploy to deflect attention from the serious issue. I got a call from the SHO late that night and I had rebuked him. The CM should answer why he is not getting the sting against Ladi investigated, wherein he demanded goonda tax. The CM should also answer how his government is getting our phones tapped. Sukhpal Singh Khaira, Leader of opposition Two SAD leaders join Congress Chandigarh: Two SAD leaders from the Shahkot constituency on Monday joined the Congress in the presence of CM Capt Amarinder Singh. Senior Congress leaders Lal Singh and Rajinder Kaur Bhattal were present. The CM welcomed SAD general secretary Ravinder Singh Turna and former president NRI Sabha Jasbir Singh Gill into the Congress fold during a press conference here. TNS editorial@tribune.com Ruchika M Khanna Tribune News Service Chandigarh, May 7 Punjab is likely to dovetail the Modi governments National Health Protection Mission (NHPM) with its proposed Universal Health Scheme so that maximum people in the state get the benefit of a cashless health insurance. The Central scheme is unlikely to be implemented in its present form as it allows for cashless health cover to less than 15 lakh beneficiaries, which is one-fourth of the total families in the state. Once implemented, all beneficiaries will get an insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh. The Congress, having promised in its poll manifesto a universal healthcare scheme, is reluctant to leave out a vast majority of people from the ambit of the national scheme, called Ayushman Bharat. So it proposes to dovetail the Central scheme with the states proposed Universal Health Scheme. A meeting to decide on joining the Ayushman scheme with the proposed state scheme was held on Monday under the chairmanship of Health Minister Brahm Mohindra. Official sources say that it was decided to extend the scheme to 45 lakh other families, who do not meet the criteria of Socio Economic Caste Census (SECC) of 2011, from the states own resources. The Central scheme covers just poor deprived rural families. It is yet to be decided whether some part of the insurance premium is to be recovered from the 45 lakh families. In the Ayushman Bharat, the Union government will be funding 60 per cent of the premium while the state government will bear the remaining 40 per cent cost of the premium. However, this 60 per cent funding will come only for the 15 lakh beneficiaries identified as poor. The social Security tax, which we have announced in the budget, will be used to pay the premium for the universal health insurance scheme, said the Health Minister. The Congress government in its poll manifesto and subsequent announcements has promised a cashless health insurance scheme for all across the state. The earlier health insurance scheme, Bhagat Puran Singh Sehat Bima Yojana, started by the previous government, covered 16 lakh families all those covered under the Atta- Dal scheme. This, however, provided a cover of just Rs 50,000. editorial@tribune.com Deepkamal Kaur Tribune News Service Jalandhar, May 7 Mehatpur SHO Parminder Singh Bajwa, who had lodged an FIR against Shahkot Congress candidate Hardev Singh Ladi Sherowalia three days ago, on Monday said he would not sign the case cancellation report with the ilaqa magistrate. Claiming that he was to join on Monday, but had been forcibly sent on a five-day leave, he said even if some officiating SHO cancelled the FIR on his behalf, he would take up the matter in the High Court. He said he wanted to build up a case and even wanted to approach the Election Commission of India, but his seniors kept him on radar and didnt let him go. Bajwa said: I had been marked the EC complaint after which I called up everyone, including the SSP, mining officers and even tehsildar asking them how to go about it but no one responded. Asked about the urgency to lodge the report at 4:26 am, he replied: Is there any law which says you cannot file an FIR early morning? There were so many complaints against him and even the sting video. I followed my conscience. Had I not filed it then, no one would have let me do it later. SSP Gurpreet Bhullar called me up and bashed me saying that the CM was extremely annoyed with him and his promotion would now be stuck. He then took me to his place and made me withdraw my resignation, he alleged. I know that I will not be allowed to stay in the police force once the election code is lifted. But I am prepared for it. I own 46 acres of land and huge property in Kapurthala, he said. On the video clip over his entry into a city-based hotelwith a woman hours before lodging the FIR, he said: He was my Nepali cook. amansharma@tribunemail.com Deepkamal Kaur Tribune News Service Jalandhar, May 7 Mehatpur SHO Inspector Parminder Singh Bajwa, who had lodged an FIR against Hardev S Laddi Sherowalia, Congress candidate for Shahkot bypoll, on Monday said he will not sign the case cancellation report with the Ilaqa Magistrate. Claiming that he was to join duty today but was forcibly sent on five-day leave, Bajwa said even if some officiating SHO signs the FIR cancellation report on his behalf, he will take the matter to the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Bajwa said he wanted to build a case and even approach the Election Commission of India for his defence today, but intelligence sleuths were "keeping an eye on him". He alleged that he was also on the radar of his seniors and who did not let him go. Defending his action, Bajwa said, "I had been marked the EC complaint after which I called up authorities concerned, including the SSP, mining officers and even tehsildar, but no one responded." Asked about the urgency of lodging the report at 4.26 am, he said, "Is there any law which says you cannot file an FIR early morning? There were so many complaints against Laddi and even a sting video. I followed my conscience. Had I not filed it then, no one would have let me do it later. Having served in Laddi's constituency, I already knew what was he up to." Bajwa claimed he wanted the FIR and his resignation go viral on social media as he was aware of the departmental and government pressure that would follow. "SSP Gurpreet Bhullar called me up and bashed me saying that the CM was annoyed with me and my promotion would be affected. He then took me to his place and made me withdraw my resignation," Bajwa said. "I also reminded him that my father worked as Inspector under his dad and the then Jalandhar SSP Guriqbal Singh Bhullar, when he was gunned down by terrorists in 1979. I was just 10-year-old then. We three brothers moved tp Canada after that. I was especially called back to serve the Punjab Police but I did not know that this would be my fate one day," Bajwa said as he broke down. "I know that I will not be allowed to stay in the force once the poll code is lifted. But I am prepared for it. I am financially well off and am only worried about my mother who is hospitalised in Toronto after hearing about this episode," he added. The SHO said, "Even IG Naunihal Singh called me and met me at PAP Complex yesterday." He alleged that SP (D) Balkar Singh had withdrawn his service weapons and also his gunmen. "I still have two revolvers with me for self-defence," Bajwa said. Regarding a video going viral against him since yesterday over his entry into a city-based hotel at midnight, hours before lodging of the FIR and the alleged presence of a woman with him, Bajwa said, "It was my Nepali cook who they mistook for a woman. No one should interfere in my personal life." SSP Bhullar said, "I do not want to comment on the matter. If I did so, it will become an unending spiral of arguments and counter-arguments." Congress candidate Laddi said, "I am busy with my poll campaign. I do not know what the SHO has been saying. He is now trying to cover up for his mistakes." editorial@tribune.com Families rarely get to know when one of their members goes astray. But by the time they realise, it is often too late. A desperate struggle follows, and they can count themselves lucky if there is a happy ending. A village in the Bet area (near the Sutlej River) in Ludhiana mourned the death of yet another addict on March 19. The 25-year-old youth (whose family did not want the village to be named to avoid identification) used to share syringes to inject heroin. That led to him contracting Hepatitis C and AIDS. The parents of the unmarried man made all efforts to save his life, but besides suffering from partial paralysis, his liver was also badly damaged. The father told The Tribune, We had sent our son to Dubai last year to work in a company there. His job application was rejected when he was found positive for Hepatitis C there. He returned a day before Dussehra. My son was a good carpenter, but he would spend all his earnings on drugs. After returning from Dubai, he started taking treatment of hepatitis. We took him to two different de-addiction centers in Ludhiana, but he returned to drugs both times, he said. Later he was also diagnosed HIV positive. It was a disaster for us. Days before his death, he had 105 F fever, still he asked us to arrange chitta, the distraught father said. Similar desperation hit a family in Chaunta village too, where a 32-year-old addict, Kuldeep Singh, died on December 2017. He is survived by his wife and a son. Kuldeeps father-in-law, Laxman Singh, told The Tribune, Kuldeep had sold his 1.5 kila agricultural land to buy heroin, after starting with sedative pills. In the last year of his life, he had started injecting heroin. He suffered from multiple conditions, including Hepatitis C; his kidneys and liver were severely affected. He is no more, but everyone knows the drugs continue to be available to other young men. pardeepdhull@gmail.com Kano, May 7 Fighting between armed bandits and militiamen left 45 dead in northern Nigeria, police and a local militia has said, amid escalating rural violence often involving cattle rustling, robbery and kidnappings. The 45 bodies were found scattered in the bush. The bandits pursued residents who mobilised to defend the village after overpowering them, said a vigilante who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals. The dead included children abandoned by their parents during the attack in the village of Gwaska, in Kaduna state. The attackers were obviously armed bandits from neighbouring Zamfara state who have been terrorising Birnin Gwari area, he added. The Kaduna state police chief, Austin Iwar, confirmed the attack, saying: There was violence between the militias, who are very powerful, and bandits. He could not break down the casualties, saying only: For now all we know is that 12 people were buried yesterday and 33 today. The vigilante said the bandits struck at about 2:30 pm (1330 GMT) Saturday and stayed for three hours before retreating to their base in the forest in Zamfara. They burnt down many homes, he said. The killings follow the death of 13 people in prolonged clashes between cattle thieves and local civilian militia in Zamfara last week. The attacks underlined the diversity of Nigerias security threats that persist because of an overstretched army and security forces. Rural communities in Zamfara have been under siege for several years from cattle rustlers and kidnapping gangs, who have raided herding communities, killing, looting and burning homes. To defend themselves, villages and herdsmen form vigilante groups, but they too are often accused of extra-judicial killings, provoking a bloody cycle of retaliatory attacks. Adding to the proliferation of violence due to these criminal groups, Nigeria is in the grip of a security crisis as nomadic herders and sedentary farmers fight over land in an increasingly bloody battle for resources. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has been criticised for failing to curb the violence, which is becoming a key election issue ahead of presidential polls in 2019. The military and police are fighting Boko Haram jihadists in the north, militants and pirates in the oil-rich south, a simmering separatist movement in the east as well as the bloody conflict between herdsmen and farmers spanning the vast central region. AFP laxmi@tribune.com Brussels, May 7 A small band of Belgian monks are planning to start producing their own beer again, more than 200 years after invading French troops stopped all brewing at the abbey. The men from Grimbergen Abbey started making beer in 1128, but stopped in 1797 when the French took over the site and sold off the equipment. After that, some of the worlds biggest drinks brands filled the gapHeineken unit Alken-Maes makes brown and blond lagers with the Grimbergen brand in Belgium. Carlsberg sells them abroad, paying royalties to the abbey. Now the monks have drawn up plans for their own micro-brewery to produce their own beers to sell alongside the other Grimbergen drinks on the market. We want to build a micro-brewery, on a small scale and linked with tradition, on the site where the brewery stood before the French Revolution, said Sub-prior Karel Stautemas. What exactly the beer will be, we dont yet know, but the tastes of before and now have changed. This will be a beer of the 21st century. The operation will be much smaller than the ones run by Belgiums trappist abbeys, such as Chimay or Westmalle, he added. Other abbeys such as Leffe have also allowed their names to be used in products made by large brewers. The abbey, which is home to about 20 monks, still needs to complete a feasibility study and secure approvals and licences, but hopes the new Grimbergen will be flowing by 2020, Stautemas said. Alken-Maes and Carlsberg supported the project, he added. Reuters laxmi@tribune.com LONDON: Mahendra Chaudhry, Fijis Indian-origin former prime minister, has been chosen to receive the VK Krishna Menon Award in recognition of his contribution to the Indian diaspora. Chaudhry is the leader of the Fiji Labour Party. The former trade union leader became Fijis first Indo-Fijian PM on May 19, 1999, but exactly one year later he was ousted in a coup. Chaudhrys ancestors hailed from Rohtak district in Haryana. PTI Nestle pays $7b to sell Starbucks products ZURICH: Swiss food giant Nestle will pay USD 7.15 billion in cash for the rights to market Starbucks products around the world, outside of the companys coffee shops. The agreement gives Nestle, which owns the Nescafe and Nespresso brands, a strong platform for continued growth in North America, the company said. The Starbucks business covered by the deal currently generates around USD 2 billion sales annually. AFP Australia pledges cash to help save koala SYDNEY: Australia has unveiled a US $34 million plan to help bring its koala population back from the brink, following a rapid decline in the furry marsupials fortunes. The Australian Koala Foundation estimates there may be as few as 43,000 koalas left in the wild, down from a population believed to number more than 10 million prior to European settlement of the continent in 1788. AFP pardeepdhull@gmail.com London, May 7 British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has appealed to US President Donald Trump not to end the Iran nuclear agreement, saying the deal had weaknesses but these could be addressed given time. Trump has said that unless European allies rectify flaws in Tehrans deal with world powers by May 12 he will refuse to extend US sanctions relief for Iran. Britain, France and Germany remain committed to the accord as is, but to address US concerns they want to open talks on Irans ballistic missile programme, its nuclear activities beyond 2025 - when key provisions of the deal start to expire - and its role in Middle East crises such as Syria and Yemen. It has weaknesses, certainly, but I am convinced they can be remedied, Johnson wrote in an opinion piece for the New York Times. Indeed at this moment Britain is working alongside the Trump administration and our French and German allies to ensure that they are. Johnson began a two-day visit to the United States on Sunday to try to convince Trumps administration not to ditch the deal and was due to meet Vice President Mike Pence and national security adviser John Bolton, although not the president himself. The foreign secretary said he saw no advantage in losing the handcuffs the deal imposed on Irans nuclear ambitions and only Tehran would benefit from exiting the deal. Frances President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have also lobbied Trump not to withdraw from the deal the US President has described as insane, with Macron warning it could lead to war. At this delicate juncture, it would be a mistake to walk away from the nuclear agreement and remove the restraints that it places on Iran, Johnson wrote. I believe that keeping the deals constraints on Irans nuclear programme will also help counter Tehrans aggressive regional behaviour. I am sure of one thing: every available alternative is worse. The wisest course would be to improve the handcuffs rather than break them. Iran has said it will not renegotiate the nuclear agreement. Reuters laxmi@tribune.com Lahore, May 7 Pakistans Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal was stable as he underwent two surgeries today after being shot in an assassination bid by a religious fanatic in Punjab province weeks ahead of the general election, as a second suspect has been arrested in the incident. Iqbal, 59, a senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader, was hit by a bullet on his right shoulder in the attack yesterday after he addressed an election rally in his constituency Narowal. An official at the Services Hospital here said the surgery was successful and Iqbal is recovering well. Iqbal is out of danger, he added. Iqbal underwent two consecutive surgeries and has now been shifted to the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital. The abdominal laparoscopy of Iqbal has been performed. Bullet has not breached peritoneum and all intra-abdominal organs are intact. No expanding hematoma. Decision not to remove the bullet from his abdomen has been taken by the group of senior doctors considering that it may lead to more tissue damage, the official of the hospital where the procedure was performed told PTI. He said the bullet had also penetrated the right elbow joint of the minister. PTI laxmi@tribune.com Moscow, May 7 Vladimir Putin was sworn in as Russias President for a fourth term today, extending his almost two-decade rule by another six years at a time of high tension with his Western rivals. The 65-year-old, in power since 1999, is on course to become the longest-serving Russian leader since Joseph Stalin after his victory in Marchs elections. Putin won nearly 77 per cent of the vote in polls which his most vocal opponent was banned from running in. He has promised to use his fourth term to revitalise the countrys economy. But he also faces a host of delicate international disputes. I consider it my duty and my lifes aim to do everything possible for Russia, for its present and for its future, Putin said at Mondays swearing-in ceremony, with his hand on the Russian constitution. Elite guests lining the red carpet filmed Putin on their smartphones as he arrived for the swearing-in ceremony in the ornate Andreyev Hall, part of the Kremlin palace complex. The car that brought him to the inauguration was a black Russian-made limousine-a change from previous ceremonies when he used a Mercedes. I feel strongly conscious of my colossal responsibility, he said, thanking Russians for their sincere support and cohesiveness. We have revived pride in our fatherland, Putin said. As head of state I will do all I can to multiply the strength, prosperity and fame of Russia. Opposition leader Alexei Navalny called on Russians to protest across the country on Saturday under the slogan Not our Tsar. On Saturday nearly 1,600 protesters including Navalny were detained during nationwide rallies against Putin. The European Union condemned what it called police brutality and mass arrests during the protests. The police in Moscow were helped by pro-Putin activists dressed as Cossacks, a paramilitary class who served as tsarist cavalrymen in imperial Russia. The unrest revived memories of 2012, when authorities cracked down on rallies against Putins return to the Kremlin from the post of prime minister. Navalny was barred from challenging Putin in the March election over a fraud conviction that his supporters say is politically motivated. Russias ties with the West have been strained by Putins moves to annex Crimea from Ukraine and to launch a military campaign in Syria in support of its President Bashar al-Assad. In recent months relations have soured further over accusations of the poisoning of an ex-spy in Britain and of election meddling in the US. AFP Dmitry Medvedev is PM pick again President Vladimir Putin stuck with his long-serving prime minister in his first act after being sworn in for a new term on Monday, signalling that he would keep faith with a policy direction that has brought Russia into conflict with the West. Soon after the inauguration ceremony, the Kremlin issued a statement saying that Putin had nominated Dmitry Medvedev to be prime minister in his new term. Medvedev, a loyal Putin lieutenant, has held the job since 2012. The appointment needs to be approved by the lower house of parliament, but that is likely to be a formality because the chamber is dominated by Kremlin loyalists. Some Kremlin-watchers had speculated Putin might bring in a fresh face as prime minister to kick-start reforms of the sluggish economy and revive foreign investment curtailed by stand-offs with the West. By choosing Medvedev - seen by people close to the Russian elite as a safe pair of hands whose chief quality is loyalty to his boss - Putin indicated he favoured continuity. The choice is also likely to be parsed by Kremlin-watchers for any clues about what happens after Putins current term ends in 2024. The constitution bars him from seeking a third consecutive term. When Putin came up against the same term limits in 2008, he got around the problem by anointing Medvedev as president, before taking back the job after one term. Some observers believe Putin, who has not anointed any heir apparent, could attempt the same manoeuvre a second time. Reuters From KGB official to No. 1 of biggest nation on Earth Putin was born into a working-class family in Leningrad-now Saint Petersburg-on October 7, 1952 and cut his teeth in the citys rough-and-tumble neighbourhoods. He fulfilled a childhood dream by joining the KGB intelligence service, with a posting in 1985-1990 in Dresden-then East Germany-just as Soviet power was crumbling. His political rise began after he returned to work at Saint Petersburg city hall under his mentor, liberal mayor Anatoly Sobchak. By 1996, he was called to Moscow to work in the Kremlin under Russias first democratically elected president Boris Yeltsin, who in 1998 made little-known Putin head of the KGBs successor, the FSB. Battling health and drinking problems, frail Yeltsin in August 1999 named Putin prime minister and his popularity shot up as he oversaw the launch of a second war to crush rebels in the Chechnya region. When Yeltsin sensationally resigned on New Years Eve 1999, Putin took over as president of the biggest country on Earth. Post-Soviet tsar is back at the helm in Moscow A KGB officer-turned-world leader, Vladimir Putin has stamped his total authority on Russia, silencing opposition and reasserting Moscows lost might abroad while building a strongman image through macho stunts. Putin, 65, has reimposed the Kremlins grip on society since taking power 18 years ago after a lawless but relatively free decade following the demise of the USSR. On the international stage, he has dealt with three US presidents, thrust Moscow into a new rivalry with the West by snatching Crimea from Ukraine and launched a pivotal intervention in Syria. Named the worlds most powerful person by Forbes for the past four years running, the judo black belt has carefully nurtured his image as a powerful leader with photo opportunities showing him riding topless on horseback in the Siberian wilderness and darting an endangered tiger. Supporters laud him as a saviour who restored pride and traditional values to a humiliated nation. To foes, however, Putin has dragged his homeland further from democracy, presided over a seizure of the state by new elite of former secret police cronies and stoked nationalism in a bid to restore Moscows lost empire. laxmi@tribune.com Manila, May 7 The US and Philippine militaries launched major exercises on Monday aimed at fighting global terrorism, while staying mostly quiet on Beijings reported installation of missiles in the disputed South China Sea. The annual manoeuvres are the second to be held under Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who has set aside long-simmering friction over competing claims to the waters in order to court Chinese trade and investment. The 12-day exercises began less than a week after US network CNBC reported that the Chinese military had over the past month installed anti-ship and air-to-air defences on islands also claimed by the Philippines. The exercises really have very little to do with recent developments in the area, said US Lieutenant General Lawrence Nicholson, the US director of the Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) manoeuvres. PTI Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, Wisconsin, has 60 diesel-powered tractors, giving diesel tech students plenty of chances for hands-on learning. Photo: Ronnie Garrett Ed Chipalowsky is a diesel technology instructor for Monroe Career and Technical Institute in Bartonsville, Pennsylvania. Though at first blush, the words technical institute imply the school solely caters to post high school graduates, Chipalowsky teaches in its high school program aimed at training diesel technicians. MCTI is part of a growing number of schools, industry organizations and fleet operations at work to address the escalating technician shortage by reaching kids early, mentoring them throughout high school and tech school, then following through with continuing education at the industry level. As an instructor in the first tier of this educational process, Chipalowsky is a big proponent of this new approach. More schools are seeing the advantages of reaching kids at younger ages and are beginning to make changes in their curriculum to provide pathways to technical education, he says. And, he says, the approach is working. One of our students, during his junior year, completed a certification program with Volvo/Mack. He later applied for a job at a Volvo/Mack dealership in Allentown, he says. The woman at the counter considered his age and said, We only hire certified technicians. The young man opened his book and showed her his certifications. The company hired him on the spot, and the student worked there the summer between his junior and senior year. He was hired full-time upon graduation at $23 an hour to start, says Chipalowsky. Plus, they gave him a sign-on-bonus. Chipalowskys tale is an example of what can happen when the trucking industry bands together to promote and further technician training and advancement. Unfortunately, the industry is only willing to invest in something that can get them a tech tomorrow, says Jennifer Maher, CEO and executive director of TechForce Foundation, a nonprofit focused on Driving Tomorrows Workforce of Technicians. On the surface, when you need a technician in your shop now, investing in a middle school or high school student appears senseless when the payoff is three to five years away. But as the trucking industry faces a sobering reality that it will need an estimated 28,300 new entrant diesel techs by 2024 Maher maintains schools from the elementary to post-secondary levels must march in time with the industry to meet the growing need. Work has already begun, but Maher suggests more is needed. She recommends a three-pronged effort that partners associations, educational institutions, and fleet operations in a joint effort to meet growing demands. No one entity can fix the qualified technician shortage problem, she says. We all must row in the same direction. The big problem right now is that everybody is sitting on the sidelines and waiting for someone to fix the problem, but that isnt going to happen. Fox Valley Technical College has found that technician students respond to a mix of classroom, tactile, hands-on, and even augmented reality training. Photo: Ronnie Garrett Start early In January, Fresno Unified School District broke ground on a $9 million, state-of-the-art trades facility for high schoolers to gain workplace experience before graduation. The facility, located on the campus of Duncan Polytechnical, will include a heavy truck maintenance and construction shop. FUSD Superintendent Bob Nelson says this facility will help students get certified to work on diesel trucks upon graduation. Here, students can immediately leave our facility ready for work, he says. The Fresno project is similar to what MCTI has been doing for some time. Its Diesel Technology Program is designed to prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to the specialized maintenance and repair of trucks, buses, and other commercial and industrial vehicles. Students leave the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)-certified program armed with the skills needed to work on diesel engines, suspension and steering, brake systems, electrical and electronic systems, drivetrains, HVAC systems, and auxiliary equipment installation and repair. Students in the MCTI program spend half of their day attending legacy education courses, such as algebra or biology, and the other half of their day in the tech program. The school will graduate 10 students in May. Upon graduation, four students are heading to post-secondary schools, two are heading to the military, three are entering the workforce, and one student remains undecided. The program addresses the needs of tactile learners and introduces them to technical jobs work they may not have considered as a career. Too often, parents and educators are telling them, Go to college. Go to college. Go to college, Chipalowsky says. We are trying to show parents, teachers and students that there are other alternatives. Maher believes that more tech training opportunities like this are needed at the middle school and high school levels. Schools are teaching only to the eyes and ears, but thats not how all people learn, and its not how all people want to work. We need to stand up for the tactile intelligence of a huge population of our kids and provide them with learning opportunities. Chipalowsky laments, however, that the success of programs like MCTIs is tied to industry partnerships, which can sometimes be lacking. Penske, he says, has helped the MCTI program by donating equipment and hiring its graduates. If Penske can do that, why cant others? he wonders. Companies have to step forward. They must start investing in career and technical education. There are some great companies already doing this, but its not enough. It is simply not enough. From left, Jeff Rickey, a Tier 5 senior truck technician, and David Northcut, shop manager, diagnose an engine control module on one of the companys trucks at the Schilli NationaLease shop in Remington, Indiana. Photo: Schilli Grow your own Some companies have taken it upon themselves to fill their own technician gaps, such as Schilli NationalLease, based in Remington, Indiana, which provides maintenance, long-term leases and daily rentals to the companys trucking operation, Schilli Transportation Services, as well as to other fleets. The company employs 78 technicians with a combined 780 years of tenure, knowledge and experience, but many of its technicians are considering their retirement options over the next few years. After recognizing a need to attract qualified technicians to replace retiring techs, and a growing need to retain the technicians it already has, Schilli launched an initiative to evaluate its compensation, benefits, and training programs. After surveying shop managers, the company established two different pay scales, one for tractors and one for trailers, and crafted a training program for each to help technicians master new skills and increase their pay. Each pay scale has several different tiers based on skills and proficiency, and each tier has a salary range to provide managers flexibility in rewarding and incentivizing technicians. The firm also started a mechanic helpers program to pique interest in the trucking industry among high school students and young adults. This program brings in people who may not have the tools or the skillsets to hit the ground running, says Jake Rudisill, general manager of leasing and maintenance for Schilli NationaLease. The entry-level position serves as a stepping stone to tech-level positions. In this role, young people grab parts for technicians, clean up the work area and the shop, do parts runs and more. But what they are really gaining is experience, says Rudisill, who explains that not only are they figuring out if the work is for them, but they also are learning the lingo of the trade. For example, they might learn that a brake chamber is also referred to as a 3030 or a Maxi, or when a truck blows a tire, a driver might talk about recaps or gators. There are different terminologies that mean the same thing, and they need to know these things, Rudisill explains. Communication is the No. 1 thing we use every single day. Without clear communication, we cant get anything done. Shop managers monitor the progress of mechanics helpers and over time might move them into one of the companys tiered growth paths. We move them to a Tier 1 role in either the truck or the trailer program, then we continue their education, Rudisill says. The mechanics helper program is designed to take someone with little to no experience and put them on a path to becoming a technician. Once on a tiered training path, Schilli technicians can earn increases in pay by adding to their skills and increasing their proficiency. The salary ranges within each tier also allow shop managers to reward technicians for other achievements, such as higher productivity, good attendance, and excellent customer service. If a Tier 1 technician, for example, becomes proficient in three of the six skills required to be a Tier 2 technician, attains a near-perfect attendance record and receives high marks for productivity and good customer service, a shop manager can reward that technician by placing him or her on the low end of the salary range for Tier 2, Rudisill says. Then, as that technician becomes more proficient and learns the other three skills required for Tier 2 status, he or she will move up the salary range. He adds that the tiered program is meant to get employees to challenge themselves. A mechanics helper is challenged to learn the industry and the basics to become a Tier 1 tractor or trailer technician, a Tier 1 technician is challenged to master the skills to become a Tier 2 technician, and so on, he says. The company has also established a dual-evaluation process, where both the technician and the supervisor evaluate and rate the technicians performance and proficiency during his or her annual review. The manager and technician compare their evaluations to set goals for the coming year. Schillis compensation and training program is seeing positive results. According to Rudisill, the program has reduced cost-per-mile on several routes, improved repair turnover time, decreased the turnover rate among technicians, and has increased young peoples interest in becoming technicians. Yes, there is a technician shortage in the industry, but I dont think we feel it as much now as others do, he says. I think many companies in need of technicians are marketing for experience, but we are taking a different approach. We are growing our own technicians, mentoring them along the way, and seeing less turnover as a result. From left, Jerry Brown, a Tier 4 trailer mechanic with Schilli, observes as shop manager David Northcut and Tier 5 truck technician, and Jeff Rickey, a Tier 5 senior truck technician, review a repair on a transmission from one of the companys trucks. Photo: Schilli Ramp up retention A critical piece for industry leaders is keeping the techs they have. Penske focuses its attention on retention from a new hires first day, says Gregg Mangione, senior vice president of maintenance at Penske. Penske has created an ambassadors program to ensure every new hire has a positive first day, first week, first month, and first year. This program pairs seasoned employees or ambassadors with new hires to take them through their first day and check in at regular intervals throughout the first year. The first day experience is critical to retention, Mangione says, so Penske ensures new employees have a uniform and a locker ready upon arrival, brings them in mid-week when things are slower, and makes sure to introduce them to the staff. All this sounds simple, but people want to know they have a place, he says. Penske also has developed a certified technician program where technicians can continue training to move up from a Technician 3 to a Technician 1 level. This program serves two purposes: One, to get new techs up to speed more quickly, and two, to provide ample opportunities for professional growth and increase job satisfaction. We started this program a decade ago to build upon a new techs knowledge, because they came to us with pretty basic skills, says Mangione. But about five years ago, we began looking at this program as a means of driving retention. We were finding that when folks left, they were saying they were looking for a career path and skills development. The program is self-driven, meaning techs can move up through the ranks as quickly as they can demonstrate they have mastered new skills. The company worked with Penn Foster Career School to develop internal standards for each technician level and internal materials to pair with OEM-led training. Penske trains students with these internal products, which include books, videos and instructor-led programs, then puts students on the shop floor where they can apply their new skills. You can provide people with all the training in the world, but they are not going to retain it unless they have that hands-on component; techs are usually tactile learners, Mangione explains. The training is supplemented with regular development discussions (every six months) between the employee and their manager. Here, they can discuss the employees skills and goals for the future. Penske compiles specific data about the service work the tech has done, including quality come-back information and preventive maintenance inspections. Did they have any repeat repairs? Mangione asks. The goal behind this meeting is for the technician to gain an understanding of the training the employee can take to fill skills gaps and to fulfill long-term career aspirations. Finally, Penske supplies techs with tablet computers to use during servicing. From these they can not only perform system diagnostics, but also can pull up how-to videos, available on demand for complex repairs. The videos are three to five minutes long and are housed in a searchable database for techs to use. When we found techs walking back and forth to PCs and using their smartphones to Google things, we set out to build a knowledge base to help with vehicle repairs, Mangione says. We had professional writers on staff who could write the best repair instructions in the world, yet we still found variations, so we built our own Penske Education Center (P-Tech), a physical site where we do training, testing and film some of the videos, and it holds approximately 300 videos today. All these measures combined are driving up Penskes retention numbers, giving the company a leg up on the technician shortage. These efforts have improved our first-year retention rates in some areas of the company by 50%, Mangione says. As we sit here looking at the shrinking technician pipeline, we are focusing on retaining the techs we have. Making an investment in people and increasing compensation levels, it helps keep technicians here. Ronnie Garrett is a freelance writer based in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. She has written about the skilled labor and technician shortage for a variety of industries, including manufacturing and supply chain, trucking and logistics, and aviation. CVSA is offering two courses on roadside inspections for trucking industry members. Photo: CVSA The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance is offering two roadside inspection training courses to help trucking industry members help better understand roadside regulatory requirements. The goal is to give students the tools and knowledge to comply with roadside safety regulations and better understand the relationship between regulatory violations and out-of-service conditions. CVSA is offering two separate weeklong courses in Salt Lake City, Utah, one on roadside inspection driver requirements, the other on vehicle requirements. Our industry members have been asking for training on the CVSA Roadside Inspection Program for a long time, and were now finally able to offer that valuable training, said Kerri Wirachowsky, CVSA director of roadside inspection program. This is essentially the same training our inspectors receive, adjusted for industry. The first course, Industry Roadside Inspection Course Driver Requirements, will take place on June 11-15. Offered exclusively to industry members, the focus of the training will be on driver-related roadside requirements and out-of-service conditions. The course includes information on regulatory definitions, intrastate vs. interstate operations, CDL and driver qualification requirements, hazardous materials, hours-of-service rules, annual inspections on commercial motor vehicles, and the DataQs filing process. The deadline for registration is May 25. The second course, Industry Roadside Inspection Course Vehicle Requirements, will take place on July 16-20. The training will focus on vehicle-related roadside requirements and out-of-service conditions, including regulatory requirements of 49 CFR 393, 396 and Appendix G. The course is designed to thoroughly explain the regulations, and North American Level I Inspection Procedure and Out-of-Service Criteria as it relates to the vehicle components of a commercial motor vehicle. The deadline for registration is June 29. The target audience is motor carriers, owner-operators, commercial motor vehicle drivers, technicians, fleet managers, vendors, etc. Both training courses are open to both CVSA members and non-members. The cost is $995 for Class III Associate Members or $1,195 for non-members for each five-day course. Theres a class size limit of 25, so register soon. For questions or more information, contact CVSA Director of Roadside Inspection Program Kerri Wirachowsky at kerriw@cvsa.org. It emerged from the milestone New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants in 2016. This laid out a vision for a more comprehensive response to these crises, known as the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework, or CRRF. The compact calls for greater support to refugees and the countries that host them, often among the poorest in the world, and also aims to help refugees become more self-reliant so that they can contribute more to their own future and to that of the host community. The stories below explore the many facets of the global compact on refugees. "I lost everything: my home, my flesh, my identity. My kids sleep on the floor." Zainaba, widowed mother of four displaced in Bangui Back in December 2013, hundreds of thousands of people were forced to flee their homes as violence spread in the Central African Republic (CAR), with armed groups controlling parts of the country. Today, CAR continues to experience sporadic surges of violence forcing over 632,108 CAR refugees to remain in neighbouring Cameroon, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Republic of the Congo, with smaller numbers in Sudan and South Sudan. In addition to the refugees, 630,834 people have been forced to flee inside the country. CAR had been experiencing a gradual transition towards peace and stability since late 2016, when both refugees and internally displaced people started to go back home. Now, insecurity is plaguing areas in the centre, northwest, east and south-east of CAR some not previously affected by violence. Thousands of people walk for weeks and hide in the forests in a desperate bid to escape, sometimes with nothing to eat or drink. Those who arrive at sites for the displaced have witnessed traumatic scenes of violence, and malnutrition rates have risen to serious levels. In what is one of the most poorly funded emergency situations globally, many people lack even basic survival assistance. Food, health, shelter, and water and sanitation are all primary concerns for refugees living outside formal sites and for the communities hosting them. What is UNHCR doing to help? UNHCR is helping people affected by the violence and conflict. Inside CAR, UNHCRs focus remains on life-saving protection and assistance, distributing basic relief items to the newly displaced and new community shelters are being set up in response to the growing number of IDPs. In neighbouring countries, UNHCR and its partners continue to respond to new arrivals while building refugees livelihoods and ability to sustain themselves. Name: Andrew Harper, from Australia. Job title: UNHCR, Director of Programmes, based in Geneva. UNHCR assignments: West Timor, Ukraine, Albania, Iran, Iraq, Jordan and at headquarters in Geneva. You have just been in Uganda, where thousands of Congolese refugees have fled fighting in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. What did you see? The refugees were coming across Lake Albert in boats from the Democratic Republic of Congo. I don't think I've seen a situation before where people have been forced to flee by boat, who have got so little money or people to support them. A Congolese refugee helps her child reach the shore at Sebagoro, Uganda, after crossing Lake Albert in a boat in February 2018. UNHCR/Michele Sibiloni They brought everything they owned with them. They loaded up the boats with their blankets, their pillows, their plastic chairs, the remains of the church, their goats. They brought their goats to sell so that they could send the money back in order that their brothers, their sisters, their aunts and uncles could afford to get another boat to come over, because they had no money. How do you manage to stay optimistic given the growing numbers of refugees and the atrocities you have seen? We've got no choice. We have to be because people are looking to you to be positive about the outcome. Refugees are in a pretty tough situation, as it is. We are fortunate to be in a position where we're able to help others and influence something for the good. But you're never happy with the delivery. You should always be working for something better. "You should always be working for something better." I think every situation provides you with an opportunity. For instance, it's obviously challenging in Uganda at the moment, but that is giving us the opportunity to introduce biometric registration of refugees, based on iris scanning. This is one of the main objectives for us globally now. Why is an iris scan so important to a refugee? Before, we'd be reliant on ration cards, pieces of paper which refugees would take with them in order to say who they are. But if refugees moved they would sell these or give them to somebody else. What we introduced was a way in which we could identify every refugee by scanning their eyes. So you have a camera and you take a snapshot of their eyes. Farah, 4 year old girl from Homs, being registered using biometric iris scanning technology at UNHCR Amman #Jordan. pic.twitter.com/KUwBEc14oA Andrew Harper (@And_Harper) May 5, 2014 For a refugee it is sometimes a bit challenging to have documents with you because sometimes they are taken off you. Now you've always got that sense of identity. You can go somewhere and prove it's you. You were UNHCR's country representative in Jordan during the height of the Syria crisis. You were in charge of moving huge numbers of desperate Syrians to safety. What challenges did you face? At the high point, I think we were moving 80 buses of refugees per night to Zaatari camp. That's quite a few. And so that meant we had to put up tents during the day and during the night in order to make the system work. The last wk of 2013, 5,300 Syrian @refugees x'd to safety of #Jordan. That equates to 750+/day. Will be a busy 2014! pic.twitter.com/AL0IpPEhAT Andrew Harper (@And_Harper) January 6, 2014 Our objective was to move people away from the border soon as possible, supported very much by the Jordanian Armed Forces, and put them in a place where they could be safe, which we did. It's not what anyone would want. But I think the team there, and the people of Jordan, did what we could in that situation. How did it make you feel to see children in this situation? You know what really tugs at my heart is the parents, because the children are always looking to their parents to get them out of hardship. And you see the fathers who are unable to really protect their children. You see the mothers who just don't know what to do. As we approach #mothersday in #jo impossible to relate what @refugee mothers feel when protecting their children pic.twitter.com/1xaBdmkqVd Andrew Harper (@And_Harper) March 19, 2016 It's often the children that are actually much more resilient. They will adapt but how do we empower the parents more? How do we return a sense of future to the parents? You're active on Twitter and the way you describe yourself is that you love all things innovative and that you despise long meetings and pessimism. But doesn't everyone? I think our role has to be one of believing that we can make a difference and that we can do things better, because if we don't believe that, what sort of hope do we give to the refugees? Esperanza Tabisha, a 27 year refugee fashion designer from the Democratic Republic of Congo, organizes her latest clothing designs and fabrics for sale in a small shop made of iron sheets in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Turkana County, north western Kenya. Two female customers arrive to take a look at whats for sale. One is a refugee, another works for a local NGO. Most of the pieces are made of Kitenge, a thick and shiny fabric, traditionally dyed in bright colours. The women look impressed as they browse through the modern pieces. One of the women settles on a dress for 1,800 Kenya Shillings (18 US dollars). Another orders a customized long skirt and top which will cost 2,000 Kenya Shillings (20 US dollars). Happy with their purchases, the women head off, and Esperanza of back to organizing the shop floor. The young business woman is just one example of thousands of refugee entrepreneurs and business owners living in Kakuma Refugee Camp and its neighboring town, which has a population of close to 250,000 refugees and locals. Esperanza started her small fashion label, called Esperanza Fashion & Design in 2011 with just 22,000 Kenya Shillings (220 US dollars), after arriving in Kenya from fleeing violence back home in the North Kivu province of Congo. She decided she wanted to continue in fashion design, despite finding herself refugee in Kenya. Her uniquely designed clothes soon cut her a niche in the thriving fashion industry in Kakuma camp, attracting fashion lovers not just from the refugee community, but locals too. She now earns around 12,000 Kenya Shillings per month (120 US dollars) selling her designs. I love my work. She says. Theres no better feeling than having a happy client, says Esperanza From the income shes generated Esperanza has been able to invest in her business by buying a new sewing machine, a charcoal iron box, and other design tools to help develop the quality of her pieces. But despite running a successful business that supports her and her extended family, Esperanza says there are challenges I am really happy with what I am doing, I love being a designer and making clothes. But the money I make is only enough to take care of most of my basic needs. For me to expand my business, I require financial assistance which I can repay over time. And so Esperanza supports the launch of new and innovative study by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the UN Refugee Agency, (UNHCR) released May 4, that many refugees are not just passive recipients of humanitarian aid, but are involved in economic activity. The report also shows there are opportunities for private sector organizations to do business in Kakuma Refugee Camp and its neighboring town. The study looks at Kakuma from the perspective of a private business looking set up in the area. The study found that there are over 2000 businesses and smalls shops in Kakuma, and the areas economy is worth 6 billion shillings ($56 million dollars). The study also found spending power among refugees and locals for consumer goods. Half of household incomes go on consumers products, and the market for these goods is worth more than $26 million dollars per year. Data was collected data on business ownership, consumption levels, access to finance, telecommunications, education and employment. The findings show Kakumas economy is thriving, and there are opportunities for the private sector to invest in refugee and the host community ventures, that promote self-reliance, financial independence and empowerment of refugees, thus reducing refugee reliance on humanitarian aid, and integrating refugees socio-economically the places they exist. We need to change the mindset that refugees are sitting at the camp, doing nothing but receiving assistance. Many of them are, in fact, running businesses and creating jobs for others. And doing other important thing is to formalize their enterprises. We tend to see the private sector as something sophisticated, coming from outside, but most times, it is built on initiatives of individuals who want to make money using what they know best, like a refugee who bakes bread, says Raouf Mazou, the UNHCR Representative for Kenya. Researchers found over 2,100 small shops in Kakuma camp serving a mixed population. Twelve percent of refugees surveyed identified themselves as business owners. This the report says its finding are very positive considering the fact that most refugees arrived in Kenya with little more than the clothes on their backs. There are also very limited rights to move around the country, or own registered businesses or property. Good internet connectivity in most parts of Kakuma, coupled with a good mobile phone penetration has opened up opportunities for potential private sector investors, the study says. Approximately, 69% of refugees and 85% of the host community have access to mobile phones. Esperanza knows the benefits of how connectivity has helped to expand her business. Clients identify their preferred design online where Esperanza has a gallery of designs they can choose from. The internet, social media, especially Facebook and Instagram are playing a major role in attracting potential customers to my business, as I advertise there, says Esperanza. The study found also found that private sector investment in Kakuma allows refugee business owners and entrepreneurs not only support themselves but also benefits the host community. Refugees often hire locals to work with them. They also buy livestock, wood, charcoal, and other commodities from the local community. Conflict, violence, and persecution are driving more people from their homes than at any time since World War Two. Government aid to tackle the challenge is limited. Private sector investment could make an important differenceby creating jobs and opportunities for refugees. But investors often lack the critical information they need to venture into these markets. This study is a key first step to boost private investment into an untapped market.says IFC Chief Executive Officer Philippe Le Houerou. IFC and UNHCR are hoping the new study will raise awareness and interest across key private sector areas, such as telecoms, mobile money, health, education, housing and power, on Kakuma as a market opportunity. The hope is that the study will start a dialogue on how the private sector actors can contribute to finding solutions for refugees in Kenya and outside of Kenya. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi visits urban refugees and self-reliance projects in Kinshasa Democratic Republic of Congo DRC, April 5, 2018. UNHCR/Georgina Goodwin UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi has met with successful refugee entrepreneurs living in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, during a landmark visit to the Great Lakes region. Inside a hip and modern art gallery, Grandi spoke with men and women refugees who own clothing businesses, sell produce from farming, and work in innovation and technology. After hearing how they had triumphed over adversity, he praised their success stories and said they would serve to encourage others driven from their homes and forced to flee. The refugees have benefitted from education, skills and business management training, supported by local partners and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. Emmanuel Hulem, fled war in the Central African Republic at 14, along with his family. As refugees in Congo, the family was extremely poor, with Emmanuel responsible for helping his younger siblings. Wanting to go to school to better his life, Emmanuel received help through the urban refugee programme. Today he is an information technology specialist, who has won international awards for his innovations in the field. Emmanuel said the support he received as a young refugee set the foundation for his future success. When I got my high school diploma I said to myself, I have made it, he said. I was motivated to continue on. UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi visits urban refugees and self-reliance projects in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. UNHCR/Georgina Goodwin The Democratic Republic of Congo hosts over 540,000 refugees while also having several million people internally displaced and over 700,000 Congolese living as refugees in neighbouring countries. This is a very hospitable country, with open borders, ready to take in people from neighboring countries that have been in trouble for decades said Grandi. But it is also a country that has its own problems, that has produced refugees, sometimes in the same countries from where refugees come here." The High Commissioner, who will be visiting Rwanda and Burundi on this trip, called the region a complex web of displacement. A brightly painted three-storey building in Kenitra, 40 kilometres north of Moroccos capital Rabat, stands out among its pastel-hued neighbours. It is home to the countrys first refugee cooperative, a kindergarten called Hope, run by a group of refugees from Yemens three-year war. Inside, Moroccan and Yemeni children play in rooms decorated with cartoon characters and leaf-shaped signs showing the months of the year in Arabic and French. At pick-up time, refugee and local families chat with the kindergartens Yemeni and Moroccan staff. My parents chose to enrol my little sister in this nursery school since the Yemeni cooperative teaches pupils classical Arabic from an early age, said a 16-year-old Moroccan girl, there to collect her sister. In Moroccan kindergartens, they tend to speak Darija, our local dialect. Morocco is home to about 7,000 refugees and asylum-seekers from more than 50 countries. More than 3,000 are Syrians, the largest group, followed by about 530 Yemenis who have sought refuge from the worlds largest humanitarian crisis. The kingdom remains a country of transit for many, but in recent years it has become a destination for refugees from sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. Recognizing this trend, the government, under the instructions of King Mohammed, adopted a new immigration and asylum policy in September 2013. This offered new protections for refugees in Morocco, providing access to public education, health services and the job market. I thought why not start a project that would help all of us meet our needs for an occupation?'" In 2016, the country introduced further changes allowing refugees to establish their own cooperatives which, according to a local partner of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, benefits refugees seeking sustainable livelihoods. Cooperatives are beneficial for refugees, said Oualid Chourak, programme manager at the Moroccan Association for Supporting the Promotion of Small Enterprises (Amappe). The new law provides for tax exemption, which is a competitive advantage over other types of businesses. It also allows access to micro-credit schemes. The head of the Hope kindergarten cooperative is 45-year-old Abdullah, originally from Amran, northwest of the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. He came to Morocco in early 2016 to study for a doctorate in economics and subsequently registered as a refugee when it became clear he would be unable to return safely to his homeland in the near future. Yemeni refugee Abdullah teaches young students in a classroom in the school building UNHCR/Jawhar Kodadi A total of 25 Moroccan and Yemeni children attend the kindergarten UNHCR/Jawhar Kodadi Young students at Hope kindergarten in Kenitra, northern Morocco, enjoy study time in class. UNHCR/Jawhar Kodadi Abdullah plans to expand the cooperative to include a primary and secondary school. UNHCR/Jawhar Kodadi Abdullah (right) stands outside the school building with a member of staff. UNHCR/Jawhar Kodadi Realizing he needed a means of supporting himself, Abdullah approached some of his Yemeni friends in Kenitra with the idea of establishing a cooperative that would make use of their academic backgrounds. I thought why not start a project that would help all of us meet our needs for an occupation, and linked with our speciality in education?, he said. After fulfilling the administrative requirements with the help of Amappe in April 2017, the Hope kindergarten opened its doors. A total of 25 Moroccan and Yemeni children attend the kindergarten and, besides the eight Yemeni partners, it employs seven local staff as teachers, nursery assistants, administrative staff and a concierge. "We are full of hope and optimism." Our school follows the Moroccan educational system, and we promote the values of honesty, transparency, kindness and respect for our employees, Abdullah said. He and his partners have plans eventually to expand the cooperative to include a primary and secondary school. We are waiting for the authorization from the ministry of education, he said. We also need more funds for educational tools such as computers. Two other refugee cooperatives are in the process of being established, as part of a joint project by UNHCR, Amappe, and the National Cooperation Development Office, under the ministry of crafts, aimed at helping refugees in Morocco become self-reliant, funded by Switzerland and Monaco. In the first, 10 Yemeni refugee women will open a restaurant specialising in traditional Yemeni cuisine, catering and events. Another, run by eight Yemeni refugees, will focus on poultry meat processing. Abdullah says there are times when homesickness threatens to overwhelm him. I would like to go back as soon as Yemen becomes stable and at peace again. Until then, the cooperative offers the assurance that his time in exile will be well spent. We are full of hope and optimism, he said. Kruger Receives UWs Milstead Distinguished Librarianship Award David Kruger David Kruger, a librarian in the University of Wyoming Libraries, is the recipient of UWs 2018 Agnes Milstead Distinguished Librarianship Award. The late Agnes Milstead, a former professor of education and library science at UW, established the annual award in 1993 to recognize significant contributions to UW Libraries in scholarship, program development, teaching, fundraising and professional achievements. Kruger has worked in a variety of roles in UW Libraries. He served as head of the Science Library before its collections and personnel were merged into Coe Library. He was special projects librarian for the UW Libraries administrative office during the renovation of the Library Annex and Coe Library. Currently, he is the liaison librarian for the UW College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. He worked with the college to write a book to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station (WAES), 125 Years of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station: 1891-2016. The book covers more than 20 unique experiment farms across 17 Wyoming towns, with 17 directors connecting WAESs past to its present. As part of the anniversary celebration activities, he gave presentations around the state. Additionally, he collaborated with librarians in Special Collections and Digital Collections to bring artifacts from the former wool laboratory into UW Libraries. David is an engaging speaker, and a supportive and wise mentor and colleague, says Deborah McCarthy, interim associate dean of UW Libraries. He spends time on instruction, as well as research and increasing the recognition of UW librarians as scholars. Krugers latest book explores how James Cash Penney, the department store icon who opened his first store in Kemmerer, and his company shaped rural America throughout the 20th century. J.C. Penney: The Man, the Store, and American Agriculture received positive reviews in the Wall Street Journal, Successful Farming and The Annals of Iowa. One of Krugers nominators wrote, Davids recent book combines two of his major interests, Mr. Penney and agriculture, and he delivers a very enjoyable book that appeals to a very wide variety of audiences. Kruger earned an M.A. (1998) in library and information science from the University of Missouri-Columbia; an M.A. (1996) in English from Kansas State University; a B.S. Ed. (1994) in English from Minot State University; and a B.S. (1991) in journalism from South Dakota State University. RSO Award Winners Announced at UW University of Wyoming student groups were recently recognized for their efforts during the 16th annual Recognized Student Organization (RSO) Awards of Excellence banquet. The 250-plus campus organizations provide outlets for students to become involved, make friends and network. They host hundreds of events on and off campus; attend conferences that enhance their professional development; and participate in service activities that impact the university and local community. The annual RSO Awards of Excellence banquet recognizes these groups and also student leaders for their accomplishments from the past year. The Campus Activities Center (CAC) presented awards in several categories. For the first time, an RSO Officer of the Year Award was presented to one of UWs top student leaders. The winners of the awards are: -- Best RSO Poster Award: Spectrum for its Pink Prom poster. -- Outstanding Adviser Award: Debra Littlesun, from the Native student group Keepers of the Fire, for her guidance as a leader. -- RSO Teamwork Award: Sustainability Club for its work with ACRES Student Farm, The Wildlife Society and the Environment and Natural Resources Student Club. -- Best New RSO Award: Model United Nations at UW for success in creating a new RSO. -- RSO Community Service Award: UW Nordic ski club for its community service, such as the annual Trash 2 Treasure program, leaf raking initiative and the Nick and Maggi Murdock Ski Clinic. -- RSO Officer of the Year Award: Student leaders Colleen Floyd, president of the Political Science Club, for her work in reinstating the organization; and Delaney Dent, for her efforts in making Phi Sigma Rho a chapter. -- Sara Axelson Outstanding RSO Award: Alpha Kappa Psi-Beta Nu for its contribution and service to the students at UW; commitment toward the organizations constitution and purpose; character and citizenship; and support to fellow RSOs, community service and visibility on campus. For more information about the CAC, visit www.uwyo.edu/cac, like the Wyoming Union on Facebook, add it on Snapchat @wyounion, or follow the CAC on Twitter and Instagram @UWYOCAC. UWs Crawford Receives Hollon Family Award Scott Crawford Whether he creates YouTube videos or sets up discussion boards, Scott Crawford finds ways to engage his students and help them succeed in his online statistics courses. Students and colleagues alike praise Crawford, a University of Wyoming statistics assistant lecturer, for his passion and knowledge of the subject material, his effective teaching style, his humorous and caring personality, and his desire to see his students succeed. These qualities, coupled with his creative online innovations, have earned him the 2018 Hollon Family Award for Teaching Excellence in Off-Campus Programs. In 1986, C.E. Jerry Hollon, a former UW trustee, established the award to recognize contributions to the general extension outreach programs of the university. Shortly after he began teaching at UW in 2012, Crawford started developing online statistics courses. Online offerings to large numbers of students are difficult to make educationally effective and also difficult to administrate, says Richard Anderson-Sprecher, a UW Department of Mathematics and Statistics professor. His creative innovations and hard work allow for a format that is multifaceted, effective and entertaining. Crawfords teaching evaluations consistently note that he takes a subject that can be difficult and daunting for many students and makes learning about it understandable and fun. I knew statistics was going to be an extremely challenging course for me, but Scott Crawford and his assistants made this class actually enjoyable to learn and understand the content, one student wrote. Another student was impressed with Crawfords dedication to his students success. Scott Crawford is the kind of professor that makes you want to change your major just so you can take more classes from him, the student wrote. It is apparent from watching just one video for his online class that this professor cares a great deal about captivating and engaging his students at all levels. Many students mention Crawfords entertaining and effective YouTube videos. Every teacher who does an online class these days should follow his example, one student wrote. His materials are original, well-designed and fun. Best YouTube channel ever! Please give this guy a raise, and put him on tenure. By keeping his classes engaging, Crawford has been instrumental in recruiting students to UWs Statistics Program. Interest among undergraduates in our major and minor has grown immensely since Dr. Crawford joined us, and a goodly portion of that increase is due to Dr. Crawfords enthusiasm for the subject, his thoughtful and encouraging engagement with students, and his active recruiting of them to become statisticians, says Ken Gerow, director of the UW Statistics Program and a professor of statistics. Not only do students and faculty recognize Crawfords efforts, but teaching assistants notice them as well. Dr. Crawford goes beyond what is expected of him for his off-campus students, says Alexandra McIntyre, a teaching assistant. His efforts and dedication have been noted by many within and outside of his department. Crawfords ability to transform online statistics courses is admired within the program. In his visionary and creative implementation of online classes, Dr. Crawford exemplifies -- maybe is might be the better word -- the future of education for our program and for the University of Wyoming as a whole, Gerow adds. Crawford received a Ph.D. (2012) in statistics from Texas A&M University; a masters degree (2006) in statistics from Brigham Young University; and a bachelors degree (2004) in mathematics from Southern Utah University. UW in the News State, national and international media frequently feature the University of Wyoming and members of its community in stories. Here is a summary of some of the recent articles: Bloomberg News interviewed UW law Professor Michael Duff, who said an airline employer has a constitutional right to free speech during union organizing campaigns. But, the agency charged with supervising those campaigns may set aside an election if it deems laboratory conditions to have been tainted. The Los Angeles Times also published a similar article. UWs release noting UW researchers studying how best to bolster the southern sea otter population, which suffers from low genetic diversity, shark attacks and illegal shootings by fishermen, was published by Science Daily, and Bright Surf, online science websites. The Laramie Boomerang reported that a legislative committee appointed a group of stakeholders to re-examine UWs housing situation and put forward plans that cannot be implemented before 2019. UWs release announcing spring commencement ceremonies this weekend was published on Sheridan Medias website. The Casper Star-Tribune (CS-T) reported that UW might develop a new bachelors degree program in tribal leadership. Central Wyoming College officials recently presented a proposal to the Wind River Intertribal Council to develop the program at UW. Also publishing the article were U.S. News and World Report and The Seattle Times. Wyoming Pathways from Prison, a UW program, is a partnership that provides free classes for Wyoming inmates. The program was featured in The Wyoming Tribune Eagle. The Laramie Boomerang reported how budget cuts the past year have affected services provided by UW Student Health Service. UW Washakie Dining Center Chef Mathew Branson was profiled in The Boomerang for winning a silver medal during a regional culinary competition in Salt Lake City, Utah. Chad Baldwin, UW associate vice president for communications and marketing, spoke with Sheridan Media about local artist Neltje, who will receive an honorary doctoral degree from UW May 12. Jeffrey Means, an associate professor of Native American history at UW and an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, discussed the broken promises of the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868. The article, reprinted in the Idaho Falls Post Register, was originally published in The CS-T. Wyo4News published UWs release announcing Rock Springs student Katherine Jones as one of the Spitaleri Award finalists as the top UW woman graduate. UW economics Professor Jay Shogren told The Cody Enterprise that politicians at every level of government are attempting to diversify local economies. He said that could be a factor in Park Countys rising assessed valuation for the fiscal year. SweetwaterNOW noted that UW researchers are among scientists who fitted GPS collars on 80 pronghorn to study the effects of wind energy development on the movement of pronghorn that winter in Shirley Basin. UW Board of Trustees will consider the 2018-19 budget during meetings this week, reported Wyo4News. The survival of strike-hit Air France is in the balance, French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire has warned. (AFP/STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN) Unionised staff are set to walk out for the 14th day on Monday as they press for a 5.1 per cent salary increase this year as the company recovers from years of losses and restructuring. Jean-Marc Janaillac, boss of parent company Air France-KLM, resigned on Friday after staff rejected a final pay offer from him which would have raised wages by seven percent over four years. "I call on everyone to be responsible: crew, ground staff, and pilots who are asking for unjustified pay hikes," Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire told the BFM news channel on Sunday. "Be responsible. The survival of Air France is in the balance," he added. He warned that the state, which owns 14.3 per cent of the group, would not serve as a backstop. "Air France will disappear if it does not make the necessary efforts to be competitive," he warned, ruling out any government intervention to purge the company's debts. Air France-KLM reported a net loss of 269 million (US$322 million) in the first quarter of the year. Despite the strike, the company says it will be able to maintain 99 per cent of long-haul flights on Monday, 80 per cent of medium-haul and 87 per cent of short-haul. Britain, France and Germany urge Washington to stick with the Iran nuclear accord after Iranian president Rouhani warned that Washington would regret ditching the pact "like never before.". (Photo: AFP) Trump has threatened to withdraw from the 2015 pact when it comes up for renewal on May 12, and to reimpose sanctions unless European signatory states fix its "terrible flaws". German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas warned that the accord's collapse could spark "an escalation" in the region and stressed that Washington's key European allies remain convinced saving it "makes the world a safer place". His French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, on a Berlin visit, said that the agreement is "the right way to stop Iran from getting access to nuclear weapons" and "will save us from nuclear proliferation". British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who was visiting Washington on Monday, cautioned that "at this delicate juncture, it would be a mistake to walk away from the nuclear agreement and remove the restraints that it places on Iran". "Now that these handcuffs are in place, I see no possible advantage in casting them aside," Johnson wrote in The New York Times. He argued that "every available alternative is worse", adding that "the wisest course would be to improve the handcuffs rather than break them". 'UNITED IN OUR EFFORT' Under the landmark nuclear pact, also signed by Russia and China, Iran pledged not to build a nuclear bomb in return for relief from international sanctions. Trump has consistently complained about the agreement, reached under his predecessor Barack Obama, citing perceived flaws including "sunset" provisions lifting some nuclear restrictions from 2025. In an attempt to salvage the deal, French President Emmanuel Macron has pushed to extend its scope to address this issue, as well as Iran's missile capabilities and its role in the region. Israel has also pushed to have the accord ditched, arguing that intelligence documents it recently unveiled showed that Iran had had a secret atomic weapons programme which it could re-activate at any time. Britain, France and other signatories have said those arguments only strengthened the case for the deal, which has safeguards in place designed to keep Iran from pursuing atomic weapons. Johnson was Monday to start a two-day visit to Washington, with the nuclear deal top of the agenda, the Foreign Office said. He was due to meet US Vice President Mike Pence, National Security Advisor John Bolton and Congressional foreign policy leaders. He said in his article that Britain, the US and Europe were "united in our effort to tackle the kind of Iranian behaviour that makes the Middle East region less secure - its cyber activities, its support for groups like Hezbollah, and its dangerous missile programme". Iran's support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, via the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah in Syria's civil war, and its backing for Shiite Huthi rebels in Yemen have added to frictions between Tehran and Western powers. 'REGRET LIKE NEVER BEFORE' Iran has always denied it sought a nuclear weapon, insisting its atomic programme was for civilian purposes. Its President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday issued a strong warning to the United States not the quit the pact. "If the United States leaves the nuclear agreement, you will soon see that they will regret it like never before in history," the reform-minded Rouhani said in a televised speech. "Trump must know that our people are united, the Zionist regime (Israel) must know that our people are united," he said. He also vehemently reiterated his country's opposition to curtailing its non-nuclear missile capabilities. Tehran "will build as many missiles and weapons as needed" for its defence, he said. "We are honouring our commitment, but we are telling the whole world we will not negotiate with anyone about our weapons and our defence." Gamuda Lands Gamuda City project turned a heavily polluted area of Hanoi into a green paradise, which is now a favoured living and recreation spot for Hanoians Gamuda Lands rejuvenation development project located in Hanoi clinched the World Gold Award for Environmental (Rehabilitation/ Conservation) prestige at the FIABCI World Prix d Excellence Awards 2018, which took place at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai on May 1. FIABCI World Prix dExcellence celebrates projects that best embody excellence in all real estate disciplines involved in its creation. It has bestowed awards to well-deserving projects and developments from across 60 member countries, and has undoubtedly created a reputable name for itself. Already in its 27th year, the awarding ceremony has gained recognition and reputation as the Oscars Award of the real estate industry which, according to the organiser, is more than just a beauty contest. It represents projects that are a cut above the rest. The Environmental (Rehabilitation/Conservation) category judged contenders based on criteria including architecture, design and planning, sustainable construction methods, environmental impact, and community benefits, to name a few. Representative of Gamuda Land received the award in Dubai We are truly honoured to receive this renowned award for Gamuda City, located in Vietnams Hanoi capital. To receive this award is a major testament to our principles in town making, one of which is listening to what the land has to tell us. When we work closely with nature to restore and rejuvenate the land, we create a better place for the community to call home, Ngan Chee Meng, CEO of Gamuda Land, said on the occasion. The environmental rehabilitation of Yen So Park and Yen So Lake in Hanoi remains a remarkable turnaround story that has transformed one of Hanois most polluted and inhospitable areas into a thriving green living space. What was once a shunned wasteland of untreated sewage and abandoned rubbish in the south of Hanoi is now a picturesque parkland of scenic lakes, abundant with flora and fauna. When we first came here about 10 years ago, the absence of a proper sewage system in Hanoi had resulted in contamination of its waterways and lakes. It also created a growing concern for public health and the need for better water management practices, Meng said. However, backed by our credible experience and expertise in drainage and wastewater treatment projects, a proposal was made to the government of Hanoi to build Yen So Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and rejuvenate Yen So Park in exchange for land development rights. Today, Yen So STP manages and treats up to 200,000 cubic metres of wastewater discharge daily. Since the start of its operations, the STP has been an effective solution to the pollution problem at Hanois Set and Kim Nguu rivers. For more info about Gamuda City project, please contact the hotline 0902 178 088 or visit the website www.gamudacity.com.vn Gamuda Lands rehabilitation efforts have also delivered immense socio-economic benefits to south Hanoi, the key benefits being that chronic wastewater and sewage issues in south Hanoi are now effectively addressed, and that various health hazards have now been eliminated for the surrounding community. The rejuvenation of Yen So Park has also repositioned south Hanoi as an attractive location vis-a-vis the north, which was historically a more favoured location for development and dwellings. Gamuda Lands mindful planning and rejuvenation of Yen So Park has restored the land to its natural beauty, resulting in an attractive blank canvas environment for further developments and investments to pour into the area. What is most heart-warming for us is to see thousands of Hanoians enjoying the park facilities, especially on weekends, when it is usually quite busy. When we listen to the land in this way, it allows us to create a place where biodiversity thrives and our community can grow up and grow old, for generations to come, Meng said. The 20th International Agricultural Exhibition and Conference (Agritech 2018) is an international professional exhibition that offers a meeting place for manufacturers, researchers, investors, academics, purchasers, and decision-makers representing both local and international interests. Livestock and dairy technologies will be a highlight of Agritech 2018. Photo: TH true MILK farm Those invited to participate include mayors, heads of municipalities and rural communities, CEOs, engineers and technicians, maintenance managers, consultants, regulatory bodies, project developers, safety managers, entrepreneurs, and other individual and organised stakeholders. Every Agritech event attracts thousands of individuals and professionals from around the world, including from Vietnam, from across the full spectrum of agricultural fields, including agroecology, agricultural machinery, biotechnology, floriculture, greenhouses, marketing and export services, plant propagation material, plasticulture, poultry, research and development, small ruminants, turnkey projects and knowledge transfer, and software and hardware. Participants will also include those working in aquaculture, fertilisers and chemicals, fork lifts and handling equipment, livestock and dairy, farming, irrigation and water management, organic agriculture, plant protection, post-harvest treatment, precise agriculture, rural development, and veterinary. At Agritech 2018, participants will have opportunities to learn about solutions for agricultural challenges, find partners for projects and business ventures, discover technologies that will address their most pressing problems, and raise their public profile and build their brand image. Besides, participants will also be able to meet colleagues, solution providers, potential customers, and other decision-makers on a global level. They will also be able to advance their career through networking and education, and leverage their time in a single, cost-effective forum for professionals in the industry. According to the organisers, Agritech 2018 will also house conferences on the unique challenges posed by global warming, climate change, water scarcity, and other factors contributing to increased desertification. At the conferences, experts will share their research, insights, and practices to create durable solutions for sustainable agriculture in arid and semi-arid areas. Topics to be addressed include: Public policies for addressing the crisis, Supply, delivery, and the overall economics of water and irrigation, International co-operation: holistic approaches, The African experience, Soil challenges: fertility, quality, and conservation, Smart agriculture, Crop and livestock adaption and management, Cultivation plant protection, Sustainable agriculture for the small-scale farmer, Global projects: case studies, and Project financing and agribusiness. Organisations and individuals must also have certificates for rice products, in accordance with the Vietnamese standards (TCVN) and fulfil their tax obligations and ensure environmental protection. - Photo cafef.vn The rice national brand is designed to promote products, maintain prestige, create trust among consumers, as well as improve the competitiveness of Vietnams rice products in the domestic and international markets. Organisations and individuals shall be entitled to use the brand when they are granted business registration certificates, enterprise registration certificates or investment certificates, along with the contents of registration for operations, processing or trading of rice products. In addition to these, organisations or individuals can own the national brand if the competent agencies grant certificates of eligibility regarding food safety in rice processing, preservation and trading or if their establishments have been granted one of these certificates: Good Manufacturing Practices; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System; Food Safety Management System ISO 22000; International Food Standards, BRC Global Standards; Food Safety System Certification 22000 or equivalent valid certificates. Organisations and individuals must also have certificates for rice products, in accordance with the Vietnamese standards (TCVN) and fulfil their tax obligations and ensure environmental protection. The regulations also specify the products of rice (white rice, white fragrant rice, white sticky rice) that own brand certification. MARD has authorised the Vietnam Food Association to manage the national brand GAO VIET NAM/VIETNAM RICE. A police forensics tent is seen behind a police cordon at the scene of a fatal shooting in north London on Apr 3, 2018. A 17 year-old girl died after being found with gunshot wounds in North London. (Ben STANSALL/AFP) London's Metropolitan Police said the pair, aged 13 and 15, were taken to hospitals after officers found them within minutes of each other nursing gunshot wounds at separate nearby locations in the suburb of Harrow. Both suffered head injuries, with the younger victim wounded by a shotgun pellet, but neither were in a life-threatening condition, according to police. No firearm has been recovered and there have been no arrests, with officers investigating whether the incidents were linked, it added. The incident came just hours after a 17-year-old boy was shot in Southwark, south London, on Saturday evening and died at the scene, it said. The victim, Rhyhiem Ainsworth Barton, was not in a gang and aspired to be an architect, his mother said. Meanwhile "a large altercation" between two groups of men in Hackney, in the east of the capital, led to an acid attack that injured three men aged 17, 22 and 27, police said. "At this early stage it is still to be determined whether the injuries will be life-changing," it added. London has seen a surge in stabbings and shootings this year that briefly pushed the murder rate higher than that of once crime-plagued New York - and has even drawn the attention of US President Donald Trump. During a free-wheeling pro-gun address to the National Rifle Association in Texas on Friday, Trump claimed a "once very prestigious hospital" in London was like a "war zone" because of knife crime. Knife-related crimes rose by 23 per cent in London last year. Since the start of 2018, more than 60 people have been murdered. The government unveiled a new multi-million pound violent crime strategy last month, but critics contend its cuts to police numbers and social services have fuelled the crisis. Most of the business targets that the VNA Board of Directors will propose to shareholders at the AGM on May 10 are much higher than the record-high results achieved in 2017. Specifically, in 2018 VNA set the target of carrying some 24.3 million passengers and 350,900 tonnes of cargo, increases of 10.9 and 8.2 per cent on-year. VNA is aiming at beating 2017's record performance At its overseas market, VNA expects a growth of 10 per cent in market share and maintain its position in international markets, while ensuring business efficiency. VNA will continue on its course to bring new-generation wide-body vessels to serve European, Australian, and Northeast Asian routes, while at the same time opening new routes for Nha Trang-Seoul, Danang-Busan and Danang-Osaka. At the local market, VNA will increase its transport load by 10-12 per cent compared to 2017 to maintain the market share of 42-43 per cent. VNA Groups market share, which includes Jetstar Pacific (JPA) and Vietnam Air Services Company (VASCO), will be kept at 58-59 per cent. VNA will focus on strengthening coordination with JPA in their dual brand strategy. New routes expected to open include flights from Nha Trang to Phu Quoc and Saigon to Chu Lai. In 2018, VNA plans to operate on average 92 aircraft. With the addition of two A350s (SLBs) and nine A321-NEOs, together with the early dismissal of rental aircrafts including four ATR72s and three A330s, the total fleet of VNA on hand will add up to 98 units by the end of 2018, continuing leading the market in terms of fleet size and quality. With its products designed in line with market demand, VNA anticipates to achieve consolidated sales of VND97.073 trillion ($4.314 billion) in 2018, up 13.2 per cent on-year. VNAs core business line of air freight, meanwhile, is expected to deliver some 10 per cent growth in sales compared to 2017, at VND69.986 trillion ($3.11 billion). The domestic and international aviation market in 2018 is forecast to face unfavorable fluctuations, including an expected sharp increase in fuel prices at $75-80 a barrel, an increase of 15-20 per cent on-year. In the first quarter of 2018, fuel prices stood at $80 a barrel, some 9.6 per cent higher than expected. Given the rising fuel prices, production costs will increase significantly, by at least VND2.2 trillion as a result. Considering the effect of the fuel price hike, VNA targets consolidated pre-tax profit and post-tax profit of $107.6 million and $85.2 million, respectively. Yet with the positive results achieved in the first quarter (pre-tax profit estimated at VND875 billion ($38.89 million), up 31.7 per cent on-year), together with improved corporate management, the VNA Board of Directors anticipates the 2018 performance to meet and beat 2017. Looking back at 2017, VNA completed 140,000 absolutely safe flights and transported 22 million passengers. The groups total revenue reached VND84.962 trillion ($3.78 billion). Pre-tax profit reached a record of VND3.155 trillion ($140.22 million), surpassing 92.6 per cent of the original target and up 21.3 per cent on-year. The parent company reported VND64.920 trillion ($2.88 billion) in sales and VND1.911 trillion ($84.93 million) in pre-tax profit. Return on equity (ROE) stood at 14.8 per cent, while return on assets (ROA) sat at 2.3 per cent, slightly up from the previous year. Listed on the UpCom since January 3, 2017 under the ticker HVN, VNA has constantly been in the top 20 companies leading the stock market in terms of market capitalisation. By the end of 2017 VNAs market capitalisation reached $2.4 billion, up 50 per cent on-year, with earnings per share (EPS) staying at VND1,931 ($0.08) a share, an increase of 14.6 per cent on-year. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Alita: Battle Angel. Photo: Courtesy Twentieth Century Fox/Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. Robert Rodriguez and Jon Landau co-writer/director and producer, respectively, of the December manga movie-adaptation Alita: Battle Angel have absorbed certain hard lessons from the financial underperformance and general audience disdain toward Ghost in the Shell. The $110 million Scarlett Johansson sci-fi thriller, itself an adaptation of a long-running Japanese comic book series, arrived in multiplexes in March last year amid fan petitions and howls of controversy over its perceived whitewashing of Johanssons lead character. The scuttlebutt surrounding her casting to the exclusion of Asian actresses who lobbied for the role helped scare off Ghosts core fanboy audience, resulting in a gigantic flop for the films distributor Paramount. Like Ghosts protagonist Major Motoko Kusanagi, the titular Alita in Battle Angel is also raven-haired, a fierce fighter (who later becomes a bounty hunter) and comprised of both robot parts and human genetic material. But to head off any impending controversy, Rodriguez (Spy Kids, Sin City) and Landau tell Vulture that theyd like to make abundantly clear that Alita: Battle Angel does not whitewash any of its characters because none of them were specifically Japanese in the comics in the first place. The author, Yukito Kishiro, did something very different: He wrote manga that is not set in an Asian world, says Landau, who won an Academy Award as producer of James Camerons Titanic, seated beside Rodriguez in a swanky hotel suite 67 floors about the Las Vegas strip. He wrote it set in a place called Iron City, which is a melting pot. He actually set it in Kansas. Never mind that the stridently Teutonic Christoph Waltz portrays a kindly father figure/cyborg-fixing physician named Daisuke Ido in the film. Alitas action has been transposed from Americas breadbasket to somewhere in equatorial Latin America of the 26th century, a post-apocalyptic urban conclave where characters speak Spanish, English, Chinese, and Portuguese. It is there viewers first meet Alita (played by Canadian actress Rosa Salazar of the Divergent and Maze Runner franchises), a teenage orphan found by Ido on a junkyard scrap heap, with no memory of her past. And in two sequences screened during Las Vegass CinemaCon last month, attendees learned of the characters capacity to both fight (she is shown capably squaring off against a hulking cyborg colossus with clawed metallic tentacles to both literally and figuratively test her metal) and feel (ever the moody teen, Alita must discover the truth of who she really is). But the perception of whitewashing has clung to the film since December, when Alitas first trailer hit the internet, setting off rounds of discussion about Alitas disturbingly large eyes and whether, in the absence of any actual Asians in the film, they are supposed to connote a kind of implicit Japanese-ness. It signals to the audience, Yes this is Japanese and were not trying to erase the source material, Carli Velocci wrote in Vice. Yet thats what theyre doing. Alitas eyes are the only thing that is distinctly Japanese about the movie, which features no main Japanese actors or characters. In an article entitled Another Anime Remake Gets Whitewashed, Earlene Mary Escobal also took the film to task: Salazars eyes are edited to look larger than her normal eyes, much like an anime character. Salazar isnt Japanese, let alone Asian, but large anime eyes gave me the impression that they were trying to give her an Asian characteristic in a movie where Asian characters are minimal. And as far back as 2016, when Salazars casting was first announced (and the films title was slightly different), critics began contemplating Alita within the context of the erasure of Asian actors in Hollywood Battle Angel Alita learns nothing, casts non-Asian actress in the lead, read one less-than-admiring headline on HitFix. Hollywood is in the midst of an unprecedented push to monetize manga even if there has been no significant return on investment to date. The comics sheer visual density, crammed with action-filled illustrations and a unique grammar of sequential drawings, are quite distinct from American superhero procedurals. And theyve cultivated a devoted readership that follows mangas installments over decades with nearly religious fervor. Among the live-action manga projects currently in various stages of development in the studio pipeline: Warner Bros. adaptation of Hajime Isayamas Attack on Titan (in which mankind battles a race of flesh-eating giants), with longtime Harry Potter producer David Heyman overseeing production. Theres also Lionsgates big-screen blowup of Naruto, a beloved ninja-focused manga serial that has sold over 200 million copies, and a planned adaptation of one of manga/animes seminal texts, Akira, by Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi. (Netflixs live-action version of the horror/thriller manga serial Death Note arrived on the streaming platform last year to a crescendo of criticism over its perceived whitewashing). Alita, co-written and produced by James Cameron who first began adapting the source manga in 2000 with an eye toward directing the project himself, before abandoning it for Avatar is more pedigreed than many of those projects. But its box-office viability is hardly a foregone conclusion. At CinemaCon, early critics seemed polarized into two distinct camps, both celebrating and decrying the footage. Two scenes: Alita waking up and looking at her robo-body in a mirror, and Alita fighting a big-ass robo-dude who had clawed metallic tentacles. Still not feeling it. Not being funny: I just dont like looking at Alita. Forget the uncanny valley, this is uncanny Marianas Trench. Scott Wampler (@ScottWamplerBMD) April 26, 2018 Alita looks like a legit love letter for fans of anime. Over the top, well-choreographed action, not scared of going a bit silly. Still have no idea if the world on the whole is ready for this, but I'm already positive it's going to have a very dedicated fanbase once it comes out Eric Vespe (@EricVespe) April 26, 2018 To hear it from Rodriguez, however, job number-one was maintaining fealty to Camerons signature cinematic style. The Dusk Till Dawn director created a 90,000-square-foot studio in the parking lot of his Austin moviemaking compound that encompassed the entirety of Iron City creating a physical setting to offset the films computer-generated imagery and the sheer otherworldliness of Alitas source material. Ultimately, Rodriguez says, that foundation in a tangible reality, following a unique female hero, is what will save the movie from the creative and commercial failure of Ghost in the Shell. Its not even because of the whitewashing, says Rodriguez of that Ghosts failure. I think its because they didnt connect emotionally. I felt like I was only looking at it; I wasnt feeling it. This story and character feel so relatable. Thats why we used real sets. Its got to be really grounded. Jims stuff is always really grounded before you buy into any of the flights of fancy. Out of the 30 volumes of that manga, Jim focused on the father-daughter relationship, Alita feeling insignificant, remembering who she was, becoming powerful its all human stuff that an audience will go, I identify with that. As for the comparisons to Ghost in the Shell, Landau adds, the two stories are totally different. Ghost in the Shell, he says, was set in a very Asian-specific world. The central character is a very unemotional character from the manga page. This is the exact opposite. This is a character that is all about heart and following the heart and choosing what is right and not right. One of my favorite shots is Alita shedding a tear. It is about emotion. Whether its manga or based on a book or an original script, you can fall into the trap of relying on technology instead of humanity. This is not that. English Dutch Lochem, 7 May 2018 ForFarmers: update on share buy-back programme ForFarmers N.V. (hereinafter 'ForFarmers') has repurchased 87,734 shares in the period from 2 May 2018 through 4 May 2018. The shares were repurchased for an average price of 11.77 per share, for a total amount of 1,032,940. These repurchases were made in accordance with the authorisation granted by the ForFarmers N.V. Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 26 April 2018 as part of the share buy-back programme announced on 2 May 2018. More information about the purchase programme is available on the ForFarmers website (www.forfarmersgroup.eu/en). This press release contains information that qualifies as inside information in the sense of Article 7 paragraph 1 of the EU Market Abuse Regulation. Download weekly report regarding progress of share buy-back programme (including the individual transactions). Note to the editor / For additional information: Caroline Vogelzang, Director Investor Relations & Communications T: 0031 573 288 194 M: 0031 6 10 94 91 61 E: caroline.vogelzang@forfarmers.eu Company profile ForFarmers N.V. ('ForFarmers', Lochem, the Netherlands) is an internationally operating feed company that offers total feed solutions for conventional and organic livestock farming. ForFarmers gives its very best "For the Future of Farming": for the continuity of farming and for a financially secure sector that will continue to serve society for generations to come in a sustainable way. By working side-by-side with farmers ForFarmers delivers real benefits: better returns, healthier livestock and greater efficiency. This is achieved by offering tailored and Total Feed solutions and a targeted approach with specialist and expert support. With sales of approximately 9.6 million tonnes of feed annually, ForFarmers is market leader in Europe. ForFarmers has approximately 2,300 employees and production facilities in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and the United Kingdom. In 2017, revenues amounted to over 2.2 billion. ForFarmers N.V., Postbus 91, 7240 AB Lochem, T: +31 (0)573 28 88 00, F: +31 (0)573 28 88 99 info@forfarmers.eu/en/, www.forfarmersgroup.eu/en/ FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains forward-looking statements, including those relating to ForFarmers legal obligations in terms of capital and liquidity positions in certain specified scenarios. In addition, forward-looking statements, without limitation, may include such phrases as "intends to", "expects", "takes into account", "is aimed at", ''plans to", "estimated" and words with a similar meaning. These statements pertain to or may affect matters in the future, such as ForFarmers future financial results, business plans and current strategies. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, which may mean that there could be material differences between actual results and performance and expected future results or performances that are implicitly or explicitly included in the forward-looking statements. Factors that may result in variations on the current expectations or may contribute to the same include but are not limited to: developments in legislation, technology, jurisprudence and regulations, share price fluctuations, legal procedures, investigations by regulatory bodies, the competitive landscape and general economic conditions. These and other factors, risks and uncertainties that may affect any forward-looking statements or the actual results of ForFarmers, are discussed in the last published annual report. The forward-looking statements in this press release are only statements as of the date of this document and ForFarmers accepts no obligation or responsibility with respect to any changes made to the forward-looking statements contained in this document, regardless of whether these pertain to new information, future events or otherwise, unless ForFarmers is legally obliged to do so. Photo: C Flanigan/Getty Images While most of HBOs newest dark comedy, Barry, revolves around the murder-tastic exploits of Bill Haders titular hitman, look no further than the stage at Gene Cousineaus acting class to find its soul. And this week, the perpetually struggling Sally (Sarah Goldberg) finally scored herself a win in a gender-flipped Macbeth monologue, shes simultaneously able to bring the house down at the Shakespeare showcase while potentially scoring some agency representation in the process, all while Barry spirals more deeply into despair. (Man, we could watch his My lord, the queen is dead reading on loop.) Nestled in a conference room at HBO HQ last week, Vulture spoke with Goldberg about getting that coveted Barry role, her own acting-class experiences, and, of course, the many charms of Henry Winkler. Everyone loves talking about the hitman aspect of Barry, but Im personally fascinated by how much of a master class it is in dissuading people from becoming actors. [Laughs.] Oh god, very much so. How similar was your acting training compared to Gene Cousineaus classes? Its pretty dissimilar. I moved to London when I was 19 and went to a three-year drama-and-conservatory training. I lived there for almost ten years. You start all the way back with Greek tragedy and work your way forward. I wanted to do that program because I wanted to move to London and do theater. I liked that program because it was sprinkled with everything we even had flamenco lessons. Never gonna use it, but hey, it was fun! I had some really lovely teachers, and difficult ones, too. The Los Angeles scene is so different. They did a very well-researched job. When I read it I was like, Do people really get up and clap for their teachers? They do, apparently. The thing of doing all of these movie scenes in theater classes was funny to me, too. Could you still relate to it at all? I could relate to the competitive grief aspect of an acting class. Theres this thing of, if you had been through a bigger trauma, or you get the one single tear down in class that day, you won the day or get an A+. Theres a weird atmosphere of, if youve been through some kind of hardship, theres more depth to your work. Its a dangerous game to play. When I was in theater school we did these relationship exercises you would play my sister and Id give you all this information about my sister, and then wed get up and perform this scene and youd pretend to react as my sister. It was like therapy! There was definitely moments like that, so that was very relatable. When did you decide it was time to transition away from theater to television? Its funny, people think its a conscious choice. It really isnt! As an actor, youre just trying to get work in any medium. I remember when I started out, I did motion capture for video games, and then I did a terrible Best Buy commercial for Best Buy employees. Growing up, I really wanted my own theater company and I really wanted to do theater, so I was consciously pursuing it. But then I was broke for a very long time. [Laughs.] The theater life of my 20s became a little more challenging. Subletting rooms and sleeping in my sisters hall. You get to a point with theater that they want to start hiring TV stars, and I started to go, Okay, if I dont play this game a little, I may start losing roles. When I got to America, they pushed for film and TV anyway, so I went on a lot of auditions. I cant even tell you. Hundreds and hundreds of auditions. I thought I would never work in this industry. And then I got a job! I got this series called Hindsight, which was a good crash course I was on set everyday for four months, 16 hours a day. I got my bearings for Barry! And I got to pay my rent just barely! In the beginning, I thought theater was an actors medium. You get to do the story from start to finish and youre in charge of telling that story. With film and TV, everythings so chopped up and its really a director and an editors medium. Ive found the creative freedom in it now, with good material and collaborations, where you get that same kind of high. When Hindsight got cancelled, they had to buy us out, because wed been booked for a year to do it. For the first time in my career, I had this little window of financial freedom where I could take a sabbatical and I was gonna be really picky. I remember my manager called me it was three in the afternoon, and I was very much unemployed. Nowhere to be, bathrobe, peanut butter toast, the works. He was like, HBO has this new pilot with Bill Hader, I think this is your part. I was like, Okay! Sure! Sign me up! In what world would I get that? When I went through the audition process, it was lovely. Bill was so collaborative and made it feel more like a rehearsal than a high-stakes audition. I felt, Oh my gosh, Ive waited for this for so long, this is my dream job. Its the best thing in the world to do work that youre actually proud of. How did you celebrate? Oh my god! [Laughs.] My manager has been my friend for 20 years. We were husband and wife in every school play together, and this was our first month working together. He had this Jeep at the time, and we drove around Los Angeles in his car, singing loudly to Robyns Body Talk, and every so often wed look at each other slowly and burst out laughing and look away. We couldnt understand what happened. We went out for drinks also. When we got picked up for a full season, I had to go to this event and I got the news I couldnt quite process what was happening. I was in New York in Soho when I got the call. My phone wouldnt stop wildly buzzing from people and I thought, I think I need to put my phone on airplane mode and chill. So I walked into Opening Ceremony because I needed clothes for this event and I was in this otherworldly mind-set. I bought this outfit that I couldnt afford, and I get to the till and this woman fires off this gun, and confetti falls everywhere. She goes, Congratulations, youve won! And Im like, What, I know, how do you know?! And shes like, You get 10 percent off! That day was too much, I needed to go lie down for awhile. Some people would be surprised to learn that in addition to acting, Bill directed a few episodes of Barry this season. How does Bill Hader: Serious Auteur compared to Bill Hader: SNL Player Extraordinaire? They merge perfectly. He can bring all that humor and buoyancy of SNL to running a huge team of people who are really grateful for it. Youre on a 16-hour shoot and hes got the whole crew in stitches because hes doing every Cut for Time SNL sketch between 2006 and 2013. Bill always wanted to be a writer and director. Thats what he started out wanting to do, and then he was an editors assistant. It was an overnight to fame thing for him. I think the shock of that fame and visibility was really hard for him, and hes reluctantly become this hugely successful actor. The behind-the-scenes thing was what he always wanted to do. Barry is a metaphor for his life in SNL somebody whos trapped in a job they dont really want to do anymore, but everyone tells them theyre so good at it that they have to do it. Watching someone whos on top of his field get to have his real dream of being an auteur is really moving. Hes a natural director because hes been on the other side of it and really understands actors. Hes got an encyclopedic knowledge of film, so he was also able to bring a real vision to it. He was born to do this. Everybody is doing their best work because of the tone he sets. Youd be surprised at how rare that is. I passed Henry Winkler in the hallway before talking to you, and he immediately stopped to say hello and shake my hand. Please tell me hes as lovely as I now think he is. Isnt he the nicest person in the world?! Hes the mayor of the world! Ill tell you this: I met Henry at my callback audition. I was really nervous and there was this girl pacing back and forth, also going for the same part. I couldnt take the nervous energy, so I tucked myself away at a stairwell to read the script. This man comes down the stairs, and Im sure as you just experienced it, he does a 180 pivot and he sticks out his hand and goes, Hi, Im Henry! I look up this is my first day auditioning in Los Angeles, keep in mind and go, Hi, Im hallucinating! Its the Fonz! Its the Fonz! Is this what happens in Los Angeles, the Fonz is just at your auditions? Is this how it goes?! He was so lovely and he said to me, Are you about to read? I said, Yeah, and he goes, Break a leg. So I go, Thank you Henry, thats really kind, how did yours go? and he said, You know, if I had an answer to that question, Ill tell you this much, I had fun. Then he just strode out. I looked back down at my script and looked up, and there was a big window, and I could see him pacing back and forth for the next 20 minutes looking for his car. It was the greatest privilege of my life to have worked with that man. Between him and Bill and Alec [Berg], well in the realm of all the stuff thats coming out about men and this industry, to work with three of the greatest men is very heartening in a time when things are a little frightening and cynical for good reason. It gives me a lot of faith and confidence in this industry. Just like in that scene in episode four with Sally and her potential agent, before #MeToo was going down. When I first read it, I thought, Is it a little much that he says he wants to fuck her? And now its like, Jesus, we couldve gone farther, thats the PG-13 version compared to the horrible stories weve all read. Even with that, they were sensitive. Bill and Alec walked into the writers room and asked the women, What has this experience been like for you? They got the women to write that scene and got a woman to direct it. As they should have. Exactly. Thats why theyre so good at their job. Bills like, I dont know what its like to be in this position, I havent had this experience, please can you all write this authentically? Thats what makes them so good at their job. They have the insight and lack of ego to do that and to open it up in that way, with both the writers and actors. You dont come across that often. And I think thats the reason why such a bizarre concept is working. This interview has been edited and condensed. Actor Jeffrey Tambor in 2017. Photo: Tara Ziemba/FilmMagic Four months after his firing from Transparent over sexual harassment allegations, Jeffrey Tambor has made his case to The Hollywood Reporter. Allegations that he sexually harassed trans actresses Van Barnes and Trace Lysette were all part of a coup to oust him from the Amazon show, Tambor says. The actor repeated admissions that he was rude and temperamental on set because he was so obsessed with playing his Transparent character Maura to the best of his ability. Lines got blurred. I was difficult. I was mean. I yelled at Jill she told me recently she was afraid of me, Tambor said but he denied allegations that he spied on Barnes while naked or touched either actress inappropriately. Before Tambor was fired by Transparent creator Jill Soloway, he says he received an email from Soloways sister and Transparent writing producer Faith Soloway suggesting allegations against him were part of larger efforts to have him removed from the show. Since season one, THR reports, critics accused Tambor a cis man playing a trans character of transface, and took issue with his casting. Faith Soloways email was not provided to THR, but both Faith and Tambor confirmed its content. I can quote [the email] verbatim because Ive looked at it for five months, Tambor told THR. It said, We are in a coup. You are fucking fantastic. You have changed the world. We have changed the world. We will get through this. Love, love, love, Faith. Faith said she also sent mesages of support to Tambors accusers, but felt that Jill and Tambor were under attack. After reading Faiths email, Tambor begin to suspect the allegations against him had an agenda, he told THR: The message sent a shock wave through him because it led him to believe that something was up, over and above me. Some dots were not connecting, the magazine reports. Suspecting he was being set up to be ousted because he is cisgender, Tambor released a third, more pointed statement on Nov. 19. After an Amazon investigation, Tambor was fired, and he and Jill Soloway havent spoken since February, he says. The actor told THR that he still feels abandoned because Jill never issued a statement supporting him. Though he was dismissed from Transparent before its final season, Tambor is still starring in Arrested Developments upcoming season, which was filmed before the allegations against him broke. The actor says hes reading books about death and grieving to reckon with his Transparent firing: [Maura] was like a friend. That may trigger eye rolls, but she was very real to me. And I think in many ways much more awake than I. Thanos may have willed away half of the universes sentient life at the conclusion of Avengers: Infinity War, but things seem pretty hunky-dory in the Netflix corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Well, as hunky-dory as can be expected for a coterie of street brawlers who never run out of season-long villains to tackle. In the first trailer for the second season of Luke Cage, we meet one such dastardly do-badder, a man who goes by the name Bushmaster (The Deuces Mustafa Shakir). Like Luke, he can take a bullet and, more important, he can dish out actual physically painful punishment to the nigh-indestructible hero of Harlem. In the comics, Bushmaster is a New York crime lord born in the Caribbean and a promo image for Luke Cage implies that this version was specifically from Jamaica: Other than seeing these mysterious powers and hearing that hes tearing up a path of violence to get to Luke, we dont learn a hell of a lot about this iteration of Bushmaster. In the comics, he actually first appeared in the pages of Iron Fist and was created by the legendary comics duo of Chris Claremont and John Byrne in their pre-X-Men days. However, he went on to have significant beef with Luke and his Luke Cage co-stars Misty Knight (Simone Missick, here sporting Mistys comics-classic bionic arm) and Claire Temple (Rosario Dawson). His comics persona isnt all that compelling, to be honest; hes just a scheming gangster lowlife who goes mad over his avarice and thirst for revenge. But as demonstrated by the first seasons refurbishing of such hoary figures as Black Mariah (Alfre Woodard, who also returns in this trailer) and Cottonmouth (Mahershala Ali, sadly absent and presumed to still be dead), dont underestimate showrunner Cheo Hodari Cokers ability to make you care about the also-rans of the printed page. P.S.: Shed a tear for Reg E. Cathey, appearing here to mentor Luke, but sadly gone since his death in February. Ryan Murphy. Photo: Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage With every new Ryan Murphy profile, we get a new list of ideas the superproducer happens to be interested in at any given moment. This time around, in The New Yorker, we get an in-depth look at the Murphy enterprise as he heads to Netflix. The profile describes him as talking to Julianne Moore, interested in a Gwyneth Paltrow idea in the wellness space (hes mentioned this before), and, in what gets the most attention, a show that seems to have grown sideways out of his Monica Lewinsky American Crime Story idea. Murphy pitches it as Consent, a Black Mirror-style show born from the #MeToo movement, where every episode would explore a different story, starting with an insidery account of the Weinstein Company. Then, thered be episodes about Kevin Spacey as well as an ambiguous he-said-she-said encounter. As with the British sci-fi anthology, Consent would have different creators held each episode. The problem: Murphys just left FX, and his Netflix deal doesnt officially begin until July. Might we eventually see Consent on Netflix? Maybe! Might Murphy fall back in love with the Monica Lewinsky idea, or want to do something entirely different? Also maybe! Ryan Murphy will be discussing his TV career at this years Vulture Festival on Sunday, May 20, at 8:00 p.m. in New York. Tickets are available now on VultureFestival.com! Silicon Valley Initial Coin Offering Season 5 Episode 7 Editors Rating 4 stars * * * * Previous Next Photo: HBO At the beginning of this season, Silicon Valley co-creator Mike Judge said wed see how Pied Piper deals with success. The opening scene of Initial Coin Offering gives us a clue. The guys meet at a swanky joint for a celebratory drink with Monica. Their Series B will put $30 million into Pied Pipers pockets. Yet nobody but Monica seems to be excited about the milestone, nor is anyone stoked about sipping the ungodly expensive Champagne Bream/Hall has purchased. They cant even tell if its premium booze or not. Whats the difference between good Champagne and bad Champagne? asks Dinesh. About $500, says Gilfoyle. It appears that success has not spoiled Pied Piper. Well, maybe just a little bit. A beaming Danny the Code Review Guy runs to Dinesh to ask if the Series B has come in yet. The coders were promised a nice bonus when it does, and Danny has spent his on a new Tesla. Its the same model as Dineshs, but the latest version. We learned in Reorientation that Dineshs Tesla had an insane mode turbo boost; Dannys model has ludicrous mode, which means Dinesh will now be consumed with vehicle envy. It also means I can make my second allusion to Spaceballs this season! I love the way this show uses product placement. From Airbnb to Chick-fil-A to Burger King to UFC and Kool-Aid, Silicon Valley has found unconventional, occasionally mean ways to toss familiar brands onscreen. Tesla seems to be getting the kid-glove treatment, perhaps because the company can do bad all by itself. Whatever the reason, we get to have more fun with Teslas Pied Piper spokesperson, Dinesh Chugtai. Dinesh needs to outdo Danny, especially after last weeks humiliation. Stephanie, our friendly Tesla salesperson, tells him that he can put $50,000 down right now for the next Tesla model, and in a few years, hell be zooming around town in the faster than ludicrous mode speed called plaid mode. These folks have definitely modeled their cars on that scene in Spaceballs! I need to protect my Tesla superiority and I need to do it now! Dinesh yells. So Stephanie offers an alternative: If he gets three people to buy a Tesla, hell get the 21-inch Arachnid rims that can only be obtained via Teslas rewards program. Dinesh will be the Grand Puba of the Pied Piper Tesla Crew! He sets out to use his senior job position to bogart some of the coders into buying Teslas. Dinesh is so desperate to win he even pays the first seven payments for one potential buyer! No matter, though: Everybodys going to be broke at the end of this episode. Theres a lot of other bogarting going on, too. The most unexpected instance comes from Jared, the only character whos actually in touch with his emotions. But theres a downside to being that emotionally woke it means Jared is also quite familiar with his negative emotions. The show gets lots of comic mileage from Jareds formerly harsh life and the therapy hes received to normalize himself. But Zach Woods plays Jared as a ticking time bomb whose calm facade occasionally reveals a darker nature. Hes yet to go full Jared, but poor Holden, the lawyer turned gofer for Richard, may push him over the edge. Jared hates that Richard is getting his needs met elsewhere, and Holden is terrified by Jareds passive-aggressive bullying. Would you mind telling Jared how much you enjoyed the sandwich? asks Holden meekly after feeding Richard. Richard senses that Holden is terrified of Jared. Holden confirms as much, saying, I tend to hold my breath around him. Its exacerbating my asthma. Jared pops up soon after, sending Holden scurrying for the exit. Later in the episode, director Mike Judge executes one of his patented howd he do that moments by having Jared appear, horror-movie maniac-style, in the reflection of a glass plate. I dont like the new, villainous Jared. I hope Holden eventually kicks his ass. More bogarting ensues over at Hooli. Gavin can no longer make his boxes in China thanks to Yaos countrywide embargo, nor can he make them in newly unionized Bangladesh, nor Laos, where someone was scalped in a freak Hooli factory accident. One of Gavins lackeys mentions making the box in America. Fuck you! snarls Gavin. I felt the same way at first, says the lackey before spinning the sad tale of Goldbriar, North Carolina, a town whose huge factory has gone empty due to bankruptcy. Theyre really desperate, says the lackey. So Gavin goes down to the Tar Heel State and turns on the Trumpian flair. Being in North Carolina feels like a bit of a homecoming for me, he says. I own a house in Bermuda, which is off the coast. Technically, it is my primary legal residence. He then tells the factory workers that if theyre not allowed to make the Hooli box, itll be their mayors fault. After turning the workers against the mayor, Gavin proceeds to screw them all with a list of demands that will surely bankrupt Goldbriar. The mayor protests, saying hes lived in the town all his life and that hed do anything for his constituents. He then offers to rename the local high school after Gavin. Rosa Parks has never ever visited Goldbriar! he says. Gavin is unmoved. He suggests the mayor cut essential services from the town in order to obtain an 80 percent profit margin for Hooli. The mayor acquiesces. I cant afford to pay a penny more than this, says Gavin just before getting into his private jet. Outside the jet, a few townspeople sing the Folks Brothers classic, Carolina to Gavin. The juxtaposition of Gavins wealth against the small towns poverty is vicious satire at its best. His plane nearly blows his singing well-wishers off the runway. But karma is a bitch, dear readers. A bitch who loves Rube Goldberg. Gavins comeuppance is so hilariously complex that writer Clay Tarver deserves this weeks MVP award. Please indulge me as I directly quote Hoovers explanation, a chain of events that start after the mayor has the factory repainted on Gavins orders: Apparently, the painters left some oily rags in a garbage can. But due to cuts to the sanitation service, the trash was not collected. And the rags smoldered and they caught fire. And because of cuts to the fire department, the blaze spread. A number of concerned citizens volunteered to help fight the fire, but because the water was cut off, they could not. The majority of our rare Earth metals survived the fire, but because of cuts to the police, the locals started looting. The National Guard was then called in, but they couldnt get to the factory due to dangerous road conditions that would have been repaired had the mayor not cut that service. So, we lost everything? a stunned Gavin asks. Yup! And somebody tipped the IRS off to Gavins illegal Bermuda home too! While Gavin gets spanked by the fates, Gilfoyle bogarts Richard into listening to his PowerPoint presentation about cryptocurrency. The PiperNet credits that Laurie sold are now worth $1.2 million dollars, which gives Gilfoyle the idea that Pied Piper should bypass Lauries financing and use a Bitcoin-style knockoff called Pied Piper Coin to finance PiperNet. But when they run the idea by Monica, she flips out. As a VC, cryptocurrency funding is Monicas sworn enemy, which is why she has an encyclopedic knowledge of it. To dissuade Richard, she sends him to a familiar source of misery: Russ Hanneman! Russ is in the city dump trying to find a thumb drive that contains $300 million worth of Bitcoin. Apparently, his maid accidentally threw it out. Russ is a cautionary tale: He made Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) for all 36 of his companies, and 35 of them failed. It cost the former Three Comma Club member a cool $1 billion. But I gained $2 billion in wisdom! says a delusional Russ. That seals the deal for Richard, who goes to dudebro lawyer Ron LaFlamme to sign the Series B paperwork. Over at Bream/Hall, however, Monica discovers that Professional Badass Laurie Bream has added villain to her resume. She wants 70 percent of PiperNet revenue to come from ads, a renege on her original promise to Richard that PiperNet would neither sell ads nor mine data. This sends Richard into Gilfoyles Pied Piper Coin funding plan and Monica into a new job as Richards cryptocurrency expert. Lets hope Pied Piper Coin can value itself at $68 next week. Right now, its at seven cents. Laurie calls Monica and tells her theres no hard feelings about parting ways. You should work with companies that share your values, just as I should work with companies that share mine, Laurie says. And Laurie has found a new company that shares her values: Shes gonna finance Yaos New Pied Piper! Timeless The Day Reagan Was Shot Season 2 Episode 8 Editors Rating 4 stars * * * * Previous Next Photo: NBC/Colleen Hayes/NBC At least once or twice every time I watch Timeless, but often three or four times, I gasp. I know this because I write it down in my recap notes GASP to mark when Im at my most flummoxed and floored. GASP: Suffragist Alice Paul has been found dead in her cell! GASP: Don Laws assistant is the sleeper! Emma is living in olden times with GASP computers! One thing I dont believe Ive ever written in my notes before is SNIFF *WHIMPER* SNIFF, which was the sound of me fighting back tears as Flynn told Agent Christopher to go home and bask in the joy of her wife and kids before they all poof out of existence. Who woulda thunk that the most punch-you-in-the-feels episode of Timeless yet would be a showcase for Agent No Fun? Were first led to believe that the Scooby Gang is supposed to intervene in John Hinckley Jr.s assassination attempt on President Reagan after the episode opens with Hinckley writing his creepy fan letter to Jodie Foster, and then Rittenhouse jumps to March 30, 1981. We soon find out Rittenhouse is actually after Agent Christopher because Wyatt sees a guy whos not Hinckley aiming his firearm at a young D.C. cop, who turns out to be GASP - Christopher, and back in 2018, Christopher walks in late to work, asks all casual where the Time Team has jumped to, then informs us that she was there the day Reagan was shot. Is Agent Christopher really that high a priority for Rittenhouse? Is Carol Preston really this beefed that her mother-to-mother talk a couple weeks ago didnt work? Who cares, were going back to the 80s, rockin poofy hair and boppin down the street to Hall and Oates! Actually, before we move on, I do have one quibble: Flynn declares hell sit out this trip because he was a first-grader when Reagan was shot, and as Timeless explained last season, you can only visit times when you werent yet born and/or havent yet visited. Did anyone else find themselves doing a quick audit of everyones real-life ages on IMDb? It all largely checks out: Only Rufus wouldve missed the time-travel cutoff, and just by a year, while Flynn wouldve roughly been in third grade, not first. On the other hand, Christopher wouldve been something like a 19-year-old cop? This is a super-minor criticism, but sometimes it seems Timeless is really futzing with how old everyone is and it distracts me. Moving on! As soon as I found out this weeks episode was titled The Day Reagan Was Shot, I knew, thanks to her relative youthfulness, exactly who was bound to come on this trip in the Lifeboats coveted fourth seat: Jiya! Rufus, whos been looking like a douchebag (Jiyas words) all day and brooding like a Real Housewife (Lucys words) all week over this whole youre-gonna-die thing, passive aggressively agrees Jiya should tag along because you guys are gonna need another pilot when Im gone. Give it a rest, Rufus! We all know were gonna die someday! Wyatts heroics to save young Officer Christopher not only keep Reagan alive, but lead to Hinckley getting away. Since the guy who tried to kill Christopher must be this weeks sleeper agent, and since he was dressed as Secret Service, the Scooby Gang heads to the hospital, where they find both the sleeper and Officer Christopher. While Wyatt and Rufus gang up on the sleeper in a Tarantino-esque elevator-fight scene (I loved the tension buildup while everyone waited for the little old lady to get off the lift), Jiya and Lucy go visit Christopher in the guise of Cagney and Lacey. (The pop-culture pseudonyms will never not be a LOL for me.) While the women watch Christophers future and the future of their world-saving endeavors get wrecked as her mother convinces her to quit law enforcement and marry a dude, it turns out a Rittenhouse operative is once again folding like a cheap suit. Please dont kill me, the guy pleads. Ill tell you everything. Seriously, this oh-so-vaunted Rittenhouse loyalty is such a sham. Not only is this guy pulling an Emma in 1919 (a.k.a. a Carol during the Salem witch trial) by selfishly going rogue against Rittenhouse doctrine, but hes only in Rittenhouse because his family was broke and desperate! Between this confession and Emma mentioning last week that she joined Rittenhouse because they recruited her after her no-way-out childhood, Im starting to think Rittenhouse is less an Illuminati organization and more a shady loan-shark scam. What is going on with Rittenhouse and their so-called sleepers so-called faith in the so-called mission?! (Side note: WHATEVER THAT MISSION EVEN IS BECAUSE WE STILL DONT KNOW HOW HAS THIS SHOW KEPT ME HOOKED FOR SO LONG WITHOUT TELLING MEEEEEEEE???) A lot of cutesy scenes follow where the three women work to nab Hinckley (the blood in his hotel room was another GASP for me) while Jiya and Lucy play gay for Christophers sake. All that lighthearted business left me even more ill-prepared for the emotional wallop of what happens to Christopher in 2018. After trash-talking Christopher by wondering aloud how she could be so important in Rittenhouses eyes (that was way harsh, Tai), Flynn bluntly asks her, Arent you the least bit concerned youre gonna be snuffed out of existence? What would you have me do? Christopher asks tartly. Flynn responds with what may as well have been Emilys monologue at the end of Our Town. Do you know what I would give if Id had those three more minutes with her? he says about the last time he saw his daughter. Get the hell back home and look at your wife and children while you still can. I sure as hell know thats what I would do. SNIFF *WHIMPER* SNIFF! Concurrently, Lucy decides to use that old thumb drive full of family photos that Christopher once told her to stash in the Lifeboat as a tool to stop her from marrying Sunil. So weve got Flynns monologue, Lucys slideshow, and Christopher taking Flynns advice and heading home to her sun-drenched, West Elmcatalog home to laugh and kiss and I just cant handle it! Im so happy they found a way to reference Christophers thumb drive in a way that was bittersweet and not, you know, royally messed up. I had been fearing a scene where Lucy has to come back to 2018 and teach Christopher all about the wife and kids she once had. Speaking of royally messed up, Wyatt pulls off one final heroic act of the hour when he runs over the sleepers brother (a YOWZA this time instead of a GASP), who was still hellbent on killing young Christopher. The killings are getting more savage around these parts and I am here for it. Ive waited 37 years to say thank you, Christopher tells the gang when they get back home, and here we get a nifty twist on the bummers and burdens Rufus has long sulked about when it comes to knowing your future. Knowing what was waiting for me, it gave me hope, Christopher explains. Rufus, seemingly taking that lesson to heart, does a 180 on Jiya and romantically declares, Whatever time I have left, I want to spend it with you. From now on, its me and you. Shut up, youre SNIFF *WHIMPER* SNIFF-ing! Two more twists end this hour. First, Flynn divulges more than he ever has about this journal Lucy allegedly writes and gives him in the future: You told me your name, you knew everything, how my family died, that Rittenhouse was behind all this. You told me theres a way for me to stop them and that to do it, I was gonna need your help and thats when you handed me the journal. Lucy rightly points out that this violates one of Timeless most major rules of time travel, that you cant travel into your own timeline. And to that, Flynn and the show basically give a big ol shrug emoji. Second, Jess is pregnant, but thats actually not as GASP-y to me as the existence of her brother Kevin, a guy Wyatt says hes never met. I am highly suspicious of Kevin. Wyatt informs Jess that in his timeline, Kevin died of leukemia as a toddler after undergoing some kind of cutting-edge treatment. Wyatt then wonders aloud how Jesss family got the money for said treatment. She doesnt answer, instead dropping her preggo-bomb. Does anyone else think all of this means that Jesss family is somehow tied up in Rittenhouse like the D.C. sleepers were? How are they gonna wrap all this up next week? Oh yeah, scheduling spoiler: Next week is the two-episode, two-hour season finale but not series finale, right, NBC?! That would be the SNIFF *WHIMPER* SNIFF of all time, and the Time Team would know. Trust Kodachrome Season 1 Episode 7 Editors Rating 3 stars * * * Previous Next Photo: FX Networks. All rights reserved. Before getting to the climax of John Paul Getty IIIs kidnapping, Trust takes some time off this week to dig into the history of the Getty family, offering insight into how John Paul Getty Jr. grew so resentful of his father, and further proof that the Getty patriarch was a true monster. But seven weeks into a dramatic series that started with so much momentum, Kodachrome feels a bit too slow. We know John Paul was a monster and that his son had reasons to hate him. So, while this was a well-done hour of television, it was also repeating material we had seen in a different context already. Flashback-heavy episodes are difficult to pull off at any point, but especially when were all itching to see poor Paul reunited with his mother. (This week is heavy on scenes with all three men named John Paul Getty, so heres a quick reminder: Donald Sutherlands King of the Getty castle is John Paul, his son is Junior, and the grandson is Paul.) Before we get to all the flashbacks, theres an opening scene in which the mafia gets ready to hand over Paul. After the negotiation with John Paul and the Don at the end of last weeks installment, the two numbers that have opened every episode finally match: The Ransom Demand and Getty Offer are both $5 million. But no one knows what we learned in the final beat last week: John Paul expects his son to pay it. Speaking of the black sheep of the Getty family, Junior is watching old home movies, many of them taken by Paul himself. Hes mired in misery about his awful father, not yet aware of the deal and remembering how the silver spoon he was born with turned poisonous. It started in Italy, when Junior was called to Italy to see his father for the first time in 15 years. That was also the first time that John Paul met Paul, instantly taken with the boy. He showed his grandson how to do shadow puppets which Paul would repeat to his captors years later and lectured his son about the allure of power. A bit of it makes you want a lot of it and a lot of it makes you want all of it, he says. The Junior flashbacks are paralleled by another series of flashbacks instigated by Gail Getty in Italy, as she speaks to Fletcher Chase and prepares for the return of her son. However, the structure interchanging Junior and Gail flashbacks is poorly done because the episode wastes the opportunity to really present us with two different narrators. They should remember things differently, dont you think? Instead, its essentially the same tone in these connect-the-dots series of flashbacks, only intercut with two different people remembering them. The history of the Gettys continues by revealing how much John Paul basically set Junior up for failure. After first suggesting he take a job in Saudi Arabia, he decided to hand him the Italian branch of his empire, only so he didnt have to get his hands dirty. On basically his first day, John Paul made Junior fire people as he jetted back to England. He gave his son a job that he knew he couldnt handle. He called him every night, amplifying the pressure. He gave his son a great job just so he could gut the company and be the bad guy, and the decision pushed Junior to drink and rage. And it helped to pull his marriage apart. Over a series of flashbacks, we see how Junior and Gail eventually ended up in an open marriage and then a divorce. Gail goes out on the town and meets a smooth-talking actor, while Junior finds another woman as well. Paul is left stuck in the middle, filming the Italian dissolution of his family. To make matters worse, John Paul sees how far Junior has sunk into stress and drugs and basically fires him. Nobody who takes drugs works for me, he says. Like another flashback when he threw his grandson in the water to make him swim, he pushed Junior off the ledge of life and then didnt jump in when he drowned. Eventually, Kodachrome develops a third narrator as Paul tells the story of his fathers other wife and this one does distinguish who is actually guiding the flashbacks. Clearly, Paul thought his fathers second wife was someone magical and mysterious, almost having a crush on her. And then she overdosed. As any son would, Junior reached through his grief to take his fathers hand, and John Paul hung up on his crying child. Hes as cold and heartless as they come. Back in the present day of 1973, John Paul is skeet shooting when he hears the truth about the other man in the life of his favorite wife, Penelope. He orders that she be cut out of the will, left only a single dollar. Meanwhile, Paul gets into a car in the Italian countryside. John Paul goes to meet his son and tells him that the ransom will be paid out of the trust. At first, Junior is excited and then he reads the fine print. Hell have to repay the trust with an interest of 4 percent. His father will profit off the kidnapping of his own grandson. Its disgusting. Junior flips out, crying and tearing the contract apart. As the projection of home movies that Junior was watching burns up, so does this latest chance to get Paul back. Primo and the gang in Italy realize that theyre not coming with the money. Where the fuck are they? Primo says. And Chase gets a call as Gail preps a cake. Its Pauls birthday. But he wont be spending it at home. Other Notes Do you think Junior would really tear up the contract? Why not just get your son back from murderers and work out the fine print later? Make sure your son is safe and then leave your old man behind forever. Tons of music cues this week, but surprisingly not Simon and Garfunkels Kodachrome, even though it premiered in 1973. Caterina Casellis version of Paint It Black plays as Junior spirals out of control, Torero by Renato Carosone plays during Pauls first flashback to his father, Black Magic Woman by Fleetwood Mac plays as Paul remembers his dads second wife, and Comin Back to Me by Jefferson Airplane plays over some of the final flashbacks. There are only three episodes left. Are you happy so far? Presuming you dont know this story, what do you expect from the final three? What do you want more of? Less? Ill start: More Brendan Fraser. Less flashbacks. Tully. Photo: Kimberly French/Focus Features LLC. Spoiler alert: As you might expect from the headline, this article is about the ending of the film Tully. If you havent seen it, dont read further. At first blush, Tully seems like a defiantly low-concept dramedy. Directed by Jason Reitman and scripted by Diablo Cody, the film tracks exhausted mom Marlo (Charlize Theron), who was already struggling to handle two kids and begins to lose her tether after the birth of her third. Salvation arrives in the form of night nurse Tully (Mackenzie Davis), a sweet, bohemian 20-something who takes care of the baby when Marlo needs to catch up on sleep. Eventually, Tully starts to take care of Marlo, too: Shes a sounding board for Marlos frustrations about where her life has gone, and Tully has so much positivity to spare that her outlook on life begins to improve Marlos. That would be enough of a plot to sustain this well-written film, but the third act throws us a curveball: Tullys a Tyler Durden! The night nurse was never really there; instead, Tully was the manifestation of Marlos younger self, envisioned in exhaustion. Its the rare twist ending that actually deepens the themes of the movie instead of serving as a hollow trick. As you go back over the scenes youve watched, seeing them through this new lens, you realize that Marlo was dealing with so much more than she had let on: In addition to the fatigue and fear shes feeling as a mother, shes been struggling to reconcile the carefree girl she used to be with the woman shes become. Recently in Los Angeles, Theron and Davis sat down with Vulture to discuss the twist, and how much it mattered to them. Did you know the conceit going in? Charlize Theron: We knew. It was written with that intent: Diablo called Jason up and said, What if you were going through something really hard in your life, and your younger self could come rescue you? That was the first kernel that this came from. There were scenes that we did that were from Marlos perspective, but if you shot this movie from a different angle, it really would be the story of Marlos younger self walking into this house and wondering, Who did I become? Who did I marry? What are my kids like? Am I happy? Mackenzie Davis: When you say it like that, I get tears in my eyes. From Marlos perspective, shes fucking tired and exhausted and not getting enough help, but from Tullys perspective, shes like, Everything turned out okay! This is cool, I have these kids who love me and I made a house and a family. I dont think the movies about putting an unrealistically rosy spin on what is a hard situation, but its nice to see what you have from a different perspective. Thats one of the things I found most poignant about the twist. Marlo isnt happy with the state of her life, but Tully is so enamored with what Marlo has, and not at all judgmental. Theron: And I love that, because it so easily could have been Tully saying, Im so disappointed in you. Davis: I think theres also something really nice that I hadnt thought of until just now, which is having the space to be disappointed even if things are good. Its about asking yourself, Have I done enough drugs? Have I slept with enough people? Have I done all the things I wanted to do? Maybe for a moment, youll feel a pang of regret, but thats okay. If you dont process all of that, you can build this myth for yourself where youve missed out on something. Theron: The grass is always greener on the other side. Even before the twist, I was moved to see so many scenes with a female character simply taking care of another female character. It made me realize how rare that is in the movies, and then the twist deepens it, because its about self-care. Theron: We talked about that a lot. I have found people watching the trailer going, So what happens? Does the nanny kill you? No, she actually rescues me. We have been so inundated with those ideas that a woman cant care for another woman, and thats so sad. Davis: Theres something that does feel new about it. Its interesting to see a story about love that isnt about sexual love its about people being kind to each other. That was some of the appeal of Elena Ferrantes books, that all of a sudden you were like, Oh, this is just a story about two best friends and how intense it is to have a lifelong friendship with another girl. I mean, tons of shit happens in those novels, but even in the first one, its really about the tiny nuances of a friendship and how interesting that can be when you treat it with the respect of a Jason Bourne movie. Theron: For a lot of women, their first love is their best friend, and I think we dont talk about that enough. Theres this idea that women cant get along and have to be in competition with each other, and I wonder how much of that has just been placed out there recklessly without any thought, because its not the truth. I mean, even in this industry, you do these press junkets and people ask you, Who are you in competition with? Whos in your way? People actually ask you that? Theron: I get shit like that all the time! Davis: Really? Theron: All the time. Its so strange to me. Marlo looks back and she cant quite recognize the path that led to her life. As actresses, I wonder if you can relate to that, since a single job can send your life and career in a different direction. Davis: I do think so. I moved to Los Angeles two years ago and sometimes I wake up and Im like, What? When did I do that? I know it happened we even bought a sofa but I dont remember making the actual decision to do it. Theres so much of that, where you move fast in your life and keep making decisions and walking through open doors. It can be jarring to realize where it brought you. To prepare for a role, actors will sometimes develop a backstory for their character, but what is it like to actually play scenes opposite the living manifestation of your characters backstory? Theron: A lot of my performance was very much informed by Mackenzies choices. It made me better, and Im so grateful for it. Davis: Initially, I really wanted to mimic some of Charlizes mannerisms and find gestures that we could share, but Jason rightfully suggested against all of that. Theres enough information in the story, and its nicer not to treat it as a mystery where you go, Wait a second Theron: Audiences are smarter than I think we make them out to be. I think sometimes we over-explain things, and we realized that if we started winking at the twist, people would become suspicious. Marlo had to find herself in kind of a surreal state with Tully at all times, or else youd think, Who is this pure? Who is this hopeful? Have you watched Tully with an audience yet, to see how they respond to the twist? Theron: I have, and its really great. Before we locked picture, I watched it with a couple of smaller audiences, and then I saw it just recently at the Castro in San Francisco, and that was a magical experience. I had to go up and do a Q&A after and I was a fucking mess! This movie just gets me, every single time, even just talking about it! Look, Im so fucking cynical, but this movie just destroys that part of me. It sounds so cheesy to talk about it that way because Im in it, but I feel a lot when I watch this movie. What is that a testament to? Theron: I think so much of this story feels so familiar and personal to me. Its very much like my life, although not in an on-the-nose way. Its just so nice to watch something and not feel alone in my journey as a parent. Vida Pilot Season 1 Episode 1 Editors Rating 5 stars * * * * * Previous Next Photo: Erica Parise/Starz Entertainment, LLC In the second scene of the new Starz drama-comedy Vida, a woman dies. The sequence is shot hauntingly, both the character and viewers instantly aware that something serious is about to happen. She collapses, blood pouring out onto the white tile of a bathroom, the striking aerial shot becoming the seriess first title card. This is Vida, a show so instantly sure of itself in its very first moments. Vida stars Melissa Barrera and Mishel Prada as Lyn and Emma, two polar-opposite Chicana sisters who reluctantly return to their neighborhood on the east side of Los Angeles in the wake of their mothers death, as depicted in that catalyzing early scene. The sisters fraught dynamic is established right away, with Lyn asking Emma if their mothers death can please override her cuntiness for a bit. The pilot then takes them through the funeral, shot austerely, a glimmer of the good parts of the sisters relationship peeking through in the form of their clasped hands. From there, they go to the reception, held in the bar their mother Vidalia owned with Eddy (Ser Anzoategui, who uses they/them pronouns), a roommate Emma never knew about. Emma eventually storms out, Lyn hooks up with an ex, and they both learn that Eddy wasnt just a roommate and business partner. She was Vidalias wife. From the start, Vidas visual storytelling is immersive. The camerawork is reminiscent of Friday Night Lights lots of close-ups on hands, bobbing shots with so much movement to them that the camera feels emotionally tethered to the narrative. At the reception, the camera follows a child as he runs through the crowd with a plate of food. It also languidly follows Lyn as she makes her way out of the busy bar and down to the cellar, feebly pretending she doesnt know exactly what shes chasing: her ex Johnny (Carlos Miranda). In the cellar, Lyn breaks down, and then Johnny goes down on her, the transition hilariously jarring yet expected all at once. She makes an off-hand comment about his baby mama upstairs a woman named Carla whom Lyn not-so-fondly remembers used to call her Abercrombie and bitch in school and the rosy light of their funeral hookup fades fast. Its clear theres a long history between the two. Vida wastes no time in setting up its character dynamics, its voice, its fully compelling and grounded visuals. Meanwhile, Emmas outside, meeting one of the human faces of the seriess true villain, gentrification. Nelson is a developer, and its clear from the way he talks about the neighborhood, asserting that hes part of it while also welcoming change, that he doesnt have the bars best interests in mind. After all, he shows up at a funeral to hand a business card to the daughter of the dead thats not exactly something a good guy does. Eddy warns Emma about Nelson at episodes end, but she doesnt want to hear it. Shes still reeling from the revelation that her mother married a woman. Twice, she calls her mom a hypocrite, something Lyn wonders about and the show leaves to unravel later. But the implication is pretty obvious: Emma is probably queer, and her mother probably didnt approve. We already know she and her mother had a rocky relationship, another dynamic thats established right away without feeling like heavy-handed exposition. Vida makes great use of the old adage show, dont tell, weaving a dynamic and layered pilot without just being an info dump. Its fittingly full of life. Its comedic voice comes through right away, too. The very first scene introduces us to Marisol (Chelsea Rendon), the supercharged vlogger who has made fighting the gentrification of her neighborhood her foremost mission. Rendon harnesses Maris tirades against colonialism and appropriation with a fierce energy thats tinged with comedy, even though Maris passion is definitely sincere. Confronting a white reporter filming a video outside a neighborhood restaurant, Mari calls her a Warby Parker bitch. Barrera also gets some funny line readings in: At the reception, when Emma observes that no one wants to say hi to her anyway, Lyn quips, Thats probably true. In an altercation between Emma and Mari who accuses the sisters of being whitetinas Mari says she remembers Emma used to walk around here all bougie and stuck up and shit, and Lyn says, dryly, Yep, thats her. Emma remains stoic throughout the pilot, resistant to letting people from her past back in, staunchly stuck-up about her surroundings, making a snide comment about people still stuck in her neighborhood. But her grief pulsates just under the surface throughout, finally bursting forward when she joins Lyn in watching a home video of them as girls, dancing with their mother. Welcome the fuck home, Lyn says earlier, after their run-in with Mari (who, by the way, is Johnnys younger sister). Vidas instant sense of place has that specific, complicated feeling of home. Photo: Netflix How much does it cost to get a Netflix subscription, Michael? $10? (Well, actually ) Arrested Developments long-awaited season five will officially be premiering on May 29. And good grief almighty, a trailer has just dropped, which gives us some tidbits of whats to come for those crazy Bluths: (1) Lindsays running for political office! (2) Maeby dyed her hair gray! (3) Tobias blew himself for the first time in five years! (4) They may also be the Family of the Year? Jeffrey Tambor will remain in a leading capacity as the familys patriarch, George Sr., despite allegations of sexual harassment on his other series, Transparent. In making and promoting seasons four and five of Arrested Development, Jeffrey has always been totally professional, Netflix boss Ted Sarandos told The Hollywood Reporter. He also confirmed that Tambor will be in attendance at all of the shows media appearances. This press release is also available in Francais (pdf) and Deutsch (pdf) Follow today's event live 19:30 CEST Investor call audio webcast Full details in Events ............. Vevey, May 7, 2018 Nestle enters agreement for the perpetual global license of Starbucks consumer and foodservice products Nestle and Starbucks bring together the world's most iconic coffee brands. Nestle today announced an agreement granting the company perpetual rights to market Starbucks consumer and foodservice products globally, outside of the company's coffee shops. This transaction provides Nestle with a strong platform for continued growth in North America with leadership positions in the premium roast and ground and portioned coffee businesses. It also allows Nestle to capture exciting new growth opportunities in the rest of the world with Starbucks premium products. As a complete provider of coffee solutions, Nestle will accelerate growth in out-of-home channels. The two companies will work closely together on innovation and go-to-market strategies to bring the best coffee to customers around the world. "This global coffee alliance will bring the Starbucks experience to the homes of millions more around the world through the reach and reputation of Nestle," said Kevin Johnson, president and ceo , Starbucks. "This historic deal is part of our ongoing efforts to focus and evolve our business to meet the changing consumer needs, and we are proud to work alongside a company that is committed to our shared values." "This transaction is a significant step for our coffee business, Nestle's largest high-growth category," said Mark Schneider, CEO , Nestle. "With Starbucks, Nescafe and Nespresso we bring together three iconic brands in the world of coffee. We are delighted to have Starbucks as our partner. Both companies have true passion for outstanding coffee and are proud to be recognized as global leaders for their responsible and sustainable coffee sourcing. This is a great day for coffee lovers around the world." As part of this transaction, Starbucks will receive an up-front cash payment of USD 7.15 billion for a business which generated annual sales of USD 2 billion. The transaction does not include the transfer of any fixed assets, which facilitates a smooth and efficient integration. Nestle expects this business to contribute positively to its earnings per share and organic growth targets as from 2019. Nestle's ongoing share-buyback program will remain unchanged. Approximately 500 Starbucks employees will join the Nestle family to drive performance of the existing business and global expansion. Operations will continue to be located in Seattle. The agreement is subject to customary regulatory approval and is expected to close by the end of 2018. The agreement excludes Ready-to-Drink products and all sales of any products within Starbucks coffee shops. Nestle will host an investor conference call led by CEO Mark Schneider and CFO Francois-Xavier Roger on Monday, 7 May at 7:30 p.m. CEST (1:30 p.m. EST ) to provide further details. An ancient virus infecting residents across Australia's Northern Territory is leaving death and despair in its path, and doctors are now calling for greater efforts to stop the spread of infections. The rates of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1, or HTLV-1, infection are exceeding 40% among adults in remote regions of central Australia, with indigenous communities being the hardest hit, especially in the town of Alice Springs. Rates of HTLV-1 infection are exceeding 40% in remote areas of central Australia "Nobody ... has done anything about trying to treat this disease before," says doctor who discovered the virus Many doctors -- including the man who discovered the virus nearly four decades ago -- are raising the alarm about how little has been done to prevent, test for and treat HTLV-1, which can cause leukemia and lymphoma. "The prevalence is off the charts" in Australia, said Dr. Robert Gallo, co-founder and director of the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, whose laboratory was the first to detect HTLV-1 in 1979 and publish the finding in 1980. Yet "nobody that I know of in the world has done anything about trying to treat this disease before," said Gallo, who is also co-founder and scientific director of the Global Virus Network and chairs the network's HTLV-1 Task Force. "There's little to almost no vaccine efforts, outside of some Japanese research," he said. "So prevention by vaccine is wide open for research." HTLV-1 -- an ancient virus whose DNA can be found in 1,500-year-old Andean mummies -- can spread from mother to child, particularly through breastfeeding; between sexual partners, through unprotected sex; and by blood contact, such as through transfusions. Because it can be transmitted through sex, it's considered a sexually transmitted infection, or STI. The virus is associated with myriad serious health problems, such as diseases of the nervous system and a lung-damaging condition called bronchiectasis, and it weakens the immune system. HTLV-1 is sometimes called a cousin of the human immunodeficiency virus, HIV. An 'extraordinary' prevalence in remote Australia The focus has come about now because of the high prevalence among indigenous Australians, "which is probably the highest-ever reported prevalence in any population," said Dr. Graham Taylor, a clinician and professor at Imperial College London who runs the United Kingdom's HTLV clinical service based at St. Mary's Hospital. "But if we look globally, we know about HTLV-1 in a number of countries," he added. HTLV-1 is present throughout the world, but there are certain areas where it is highly endemic, such as the rare isolated cluster in central Australia. The main highly endemic areas are the southwestern part of Japan; some parts of the Caribbean; areas in South America including parts of Brazil, Peru, Colombia and French Guyana; some areas of intertropical Africa, such as south Gabon; some areas in the Middle East, such as the Mashhad region in Iran; a region in Romania; and a rare isolated cluster in Melanesia, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Elsewhere in the world, such as in the United States and the UK, prevalence remains low. "The interesting thing about central Australia, of course, is you can go back 25 years, and the high rates of HTLV-1 were published 25 years ago in that community," Taylor said. Indeed, a study published in the Medical Journal of Australia in 1993 found that HTLV-1 was endemic among natives in inland Australia, with a high 13.9% prevalence in the Alice Springs area. It's unclear whether the sample in that old study was of the same population currently experiencing a higher prevalence rate, and it's unclear whether that previous rate was measured with similar methods used to assess prevalence today. Nonetheless, the current prevalence rate, exceeding 40%, is "extraordinary," Taylor said. "It's causing a problem of bronchiectasis. People are dying of bronchiectasis in association with HTLV-1 infection, and what is the response? If you can't see a response, then you might say it's neglected," he said. "The virus is neglected, and the diseases that it causes are neglected." The reason why HTLV-1 prevalence in an already endemic area is exceeding 40% remains something of a mystery, Gallo said. While musing on possible reasons, he questioned whether the HTLV-1 seen among indigenous communities in central Australia could be a variant that transmits more easily. "Nobody knows that either," he said. "That's possible." However, he added, there is no reason for the rest of the world to be concerned about the virus spreading more widely. Likely, "this virus, I don't care what the variation is, will not transmit casually," Gallo said. "In short, I would not be afraid to use towels, drink out of the same glass, be part of the family, et cetera," of an HTLV-1 positive person, he said. But he added that the virus certainly can transmit through breastfeeding, blood contact and sex. 'We have to make up for what we didn't do before' On the other hand, why the HTLV-1 virus has been neglected in certain regions -- especially Australia's indigenous communities -- appears to be not as mysterious. Many regions around the world impacted by HTLV-1 are poorer communities that often go overlooked by the medical establishment and don't have as many health care resources, Gallo said. Around the world, there appear to be not many efforts to screen for HTLV-1, Taylor said. For instance, few countries have antenatal screening programs for it. "The only country which has a national antenatal screening program is Japan," he said. Screening and recommendations of formula feeding have been practiced in Nagasaki, Japan, since about 1987 and are being discussed in other parts of the world, including England and Jamaica. "Then, you have the situation where blood which is infected with HTLV-1 can be given to a recipient, an organ can be given to a recipient," he said. "So there are public health issues." In the United States, Australia and some other countries, donated tissues and donated blood often are tested for HTLV. Additionally, just a few years after HTLV-1 was discovered, HIV was identified for the first time. Between HTLV-1 and HIV, the latter got the most attention, Gallo said, partly because HIV is more efficient at transmitting. Now, "we have to make up for what we didn't do before," he said. "We have to get attention to HTLV-1 quick." In other words, the high prevalence of HTLV-1 in central Australia has become something of a wakeup call for the world to do more to prevent and reduce infections from the virus. "There's a lack of knowledge about HTLV-1," Taylor said. A 24-year-old member of the Missouri Air National Guard was stabbed to death Saturday evening on a highway median near Kansas City, ABC News reported. According to witnesses, Cody Harter and another person each pulled the vehicles onto the median and appeared to be arguing. It appeared as though the men were angry because of problem at a merge point on the highway. It was at that point when the other driver repeatedly stabbed Harter before getting into his vehicle and driving away. Police did not say if witnesses provided a description of the killer or his vehicle. Harter, who served tours in both Iraq and Qater, was driving on the highway after picking up a recently repaired lawn mower. Harter's family held a news conference on Sunday and begged for their son's killer to turn himself in, or for anyone with information on the attack to come forward. Hundreds of workers shot down a proposed three-year contract and instead voted to hit the picket line instead. Representatives of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and that of United Launch Alliance (ULA) could not come to an agreement on a new contact before the previous one expired at midnight on May 6. Union members voted against the proposed contract and agreed to strike on Sunday. Union members voted against the proposed contract and agreed to strike on Sunday. Workers immediately began the strike at 12:01 a.m. on May 7. Workers told WAAY 31 this is the first strike they've had since 2005. Negotiations between the two parties started back on April 16. The contract covers about 600 employees across three ULA sites. About 300 workers are at the manufacturing plant in Decatur. According to Florida Today, between 220 and 230 union employees are at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida and 70 to 80 are at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. By April 26, ULA presented their "Last, Best and Final Offer." But on Sunday, ULA updated its time line of the negotiation to say that IAM rejected the offer. "When the [union] vote happened, everybody rejected the contract and we all voted to strike," Matt Griggs, a business representative for IAM said. "It sent a very clear message, I would think, to ULA that their 'Last, Best and Final' wasn't very good." Within the proposed three-year contract were provisions like an annual pay increase as well as a travel bonus for travel longer than 30 days. "The issue is not the money in the contract. The issue is the travel. These members are taking an opportunity now to use their voice to show they are very dissatisfied with this proposal that was passed," Matt Griggs, a business representative for IAM said. Griggs told WAAY 31 that as it stands now, workers can be sent to either the California or Florida site for 30 days or more with only a 72-hour heads up to prepare. In a statement, ULA President Tony Bruno said the contract was more than fair to the workers and said he was "disappointed that the IAM members rejected ULA's last, best and final offer and voted to strike." "We believe our proposed contract is very competitive with other companies. Importantly, ULA's final offer contributes to ULA's long term viability in an increasingly competitive launch business environment," Bruno said. On its website chronicling the negotiating process, ULA provides both a strike cost and wage progression calculator. For example, an employee making $20 per hour, would stand to lose $6,800 between lost wages and a lost ratification bonus if the strike lasted for five days. Conversely, that same hypothetical employee would see an 11.06 percent estimated contract wage rate increase, according to ULA's estimation. However, Griggs said those who are striking see those numbers as a mark of how serious they are about continuing negotiations since they are willing to sacrifice that much potential income. "Obviously, they're on strike. They're not getting paid right now. This is about dignity and pride for their families," Griggs said. As of early Monday morning, neither said has said when negotiations might restart. For its part, ULA stated that they will continue work at all of their sites. The company added that it will "implement its strike contingency plans while focusing on meeting its commitments to [its] customers." Griggs said workers are prepared to stay on the picket line as long as need be. To see some of the frequently asked questions and answers about the "Last, Best and Final Offer," click here. Jennifer C. Holt, circuit judge, will hold a Prosecutorial Sanctions Hearing on May 11 in the Madison County Courthouse, after a motion was filed by Melvin Johnson because the District Attorney's Office had allegedly concealed evidence in order to convict him. Randy Dill, Assistant District Attorney, dismissed all charges against Johnson after several motions that alleged conceling evidence from Johnson. Johnson is an Atlanta attorney that was arrested in 2015 and charges with possession of a forged instrument. The state said that Johnson illegally used the bar number of an Alabama attorney, Lonzo Robinson, without knowledge or permission. Johnson maintains that he was called to Alabama to defend a young woman who was allegedly raped in Huntsville Hospital. The alleged victim's family connected Johnson with Robinson and they agreed to work together. Alcon Cares to donate 100 reprocessed Infiniti units to clinics helping underserved patients in Asia, Central and South America, and Africa over the next three years Program to increase access to eye care and the number of phacoemulsification (phaco) cataract surgeries conducted by building local capacity and sustainability Goal is to perform 200,000 phaco surgeries and train at least 400 doctors by the end of December 2020 Basel, May 7, 2018 - Alcon, the global leader in eye care and a division of Novartis, today announced Alcon Cares Project 100, which aims to reduce cataract blindness by providing equipment to perform phaco surgeries. Alcon Cares, a foundation that oversees equipment and product donations to those in need, will give 100 reprocessed Infiniti units to eligible clinics in Asia, Central and South America, and Africa over the next three years, making it one of the largest eye care equipment donations of its kind. "Alcon Cares Project 100 aligns with our global efforts to combat cataract blindness and our mission to enhance sight and improve lives," said David Endicott, Chairman of Alcon Cares and Chief Operating Officer, Alcon. "Cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness and the World Health Organization recognizes cataract surgery as one of the most cost-effective treatments offered in developing countries. With 100 Infiniti units being placed in underserved markets, thousands of patients will receive the gift of sight. Additionally, hundreds of doctors who will be trained in phaco surgery in those clinics will be able to go on to provide quality care to thousands more." Phaco is a modern surgery that uses an ultrasound probe to fragment the lens and remove the cataract. The surgery offers a large cost-savings benefit due to its rapid recovery time, as patients can return to full productivity at a much faster rate than other cataract removal surgeries. Phaco is the preferred cataract surgical method in developed countries; however, large-scale implementation of phaco can be challenging in developing countries due to the expense and lack of experienced surgeons. Alcon Cares Project 100 will first start impacting lives in Asia this year and then will extend to Central and South America in 2019, and Africa in 2020. Alcon is working with partners to select clinics and hospitals that meet specific criteria, including a proficiency in phaco surgeries, an underserved patient population and adequate infrastructure that can sustain an eye care practice. The goals of the project, which is expected to conclude on December 31, 2020, are to perform at least 200,000 phaco surgeries and train at least 400 doctors. Alcon Cares will work with its partners to collect annual reports to measure the impact of this project. "Eliminating blindness is one of the most cost-effective ways to fight poverty, as every dollar invested into prevention results in at least a four-dollar economic return," said Melissa Thompson, President of Alcon Cares and Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, Alcon. "With the goal of reducing cataract blindness, our program is expected to have a significant social and economic impact in communities, as improved sight empowers individuals to be more productive and reduces assistance needed from their caretakers and family members." About Cataracts Cataracts are one of the most common age-related eye conditions and one of the leading causes of vision loss[2]. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly 18 million people are bilaterally blind from cataracts in the world, making the condition responsible for almost half of all global cases of blindness[1]. A cataract is a cloudy area in the naturally clear lens of the eye that affects vision. The vast majority of cataracts happen as a result of normal aging, but radiation exposure, taking steroids, diabetes, and eye trauma can accelerate the development of cataracts[3]. As a cataract develops, the eye's lens gradually becomes cloudy, allowing less light to pass through, which makes it more difficult to see[4]. About Alcon Alcon is the global leader in eye care. As a division of Novartis, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people's lives. Our products touch the lives of more than 260 million people each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors, and there are millions more who are waiting for solutions to meet their eye care needs. Our purpose is reimagining eye care, and we do this through innovative products, partnerships with eye care professionals and programs that enhance access to quality eye care. Learn more at www.alcon.com. Alcon is on Facebook. Like us at www.facebook.com/AlconEyeCare About Novartis Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic and biosimilar pharmaceuticals and eye care. Novartis has leading positions globally in each of these areas. In 2017, the Group achieved net sales of USD 49.1 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.0 billion. Novartis Group companies employ approximately 124,000 full-time-equivalent associates. Novartis products are sold in approximately 155 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com. Novartis is on Twitter. Sign up to follow @Novartis at http://twitter.com/novartis For Novartis multimedia content, please visit www.novartis.com/news/media-library For questions about the site or required registration, please contact media.relations@novartis.com References [1] The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. Cataract. https://www.iapb.org/knowledge/what-is-avoidable-blindness/cataract/. Accessed April 2018. [2] Prevent Blindness. Vision Problems in the U.S. Report. http://www.visionproblemsus.org/cataract.html. Accessed April 2017. [3] American Optometric Association (AOA). Causes of Cataract. http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/cataract?sso=y. Accessed May 2017. [4] Cleveland Clinic. Cataracts. http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/cole-eye/diseases-conditions/hic-cataracts. Accessed August 2015. # # # Novartis Media Relations Central media line: +41 61 324 2200 E-mail: media.relations@novartis.com Eric Althoff Novartis Global Media Relations +41 61 324 7999 (direct) +41 79 593 4202 (mobile) eric.althoff@novartis.com Wes Warnock Alcon Communications +1 817 615 2501 (direct) +1 210 240 4998 (mobile) wes.warnock@alcon.com Novartis Investor Relations Central investor relations line: +41 61 324 7944 E-mail: investor.relations@novartis.com SAN DIEGO, May 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Generation NEXT Franchise Brands, Inc. (OTCBB:VEND) announced today that it has completed and secured its fourth international licensing agreement within the territory of Australia. The agreement represents approximately $18 million in robot sales from a minimum 500 robots being placed throughout the territory over the next five years. The company will be licensing its robotic frozen yogurt vending technology and franchise concept, Reis & Irvys, to an international business and marketing development specialist with heavy roots in the Australian marketplace. Late last year, Generation NEXT Franchise Brands launched its international licensing program for the Reis & Irvys franchise concept, which itself was launched within the United States in April of 2016. The model allows prospects who are interested in replicating the Reis & Irvys model in the U.S., an opportunity to secure an international market exclusively, by purchasing (either for resale or operation) a minimum number of vending robots over a specified period of time. The high-tech robotic vending machines, which will dispense servings of frozen yogurt, ice cream and sorbet, topped with six delicious toppings in under 60 seconds, have seen tremendous response from the market. Since its debut, Reis & Irvys has grown to over 235 franchisees representing approximately 1,100 pending robot installations aggregating approximately $45 million. Furthermore, the Company has contract commitments for an additional 2,300 robots aggregating approximately $88 million. At the reigns of the Australia initiative will be Troy and Michelle Bingham, who will become ambassadors for the Reis & Irvys brand and its expansion within the new market. Together the couple is armed with extensive experience in international business development and global management consulting across the areas of franchising, tourism, modular housing, distribution channels, sporting organizations, customer loyalty, payment and incentive programs. Formerly an accountant with the prestigious firm of Price Waterhouse, Mr. Bingham studied extensively within the US, earning a Bachelor of Science from Gannon University in Pennsylvania, as well as an MBA in International Marketing and Management from Toledo University in Ohio. With an eye for global opportunities, the Binghams were looking for a venture that they could not only grow but expand in the future. We were looking for a business that could generate annuity income, require minimal time and staff once set up, and was in a sector that we knew we could grow over the next 10-15 years, said Troy Bingham. The patented robotics, seamless payment, marketing interactivity, and cloud-based reporting on the supply chain ticked all the boxes. More importantly, the energy, passion and support from the Generation NEXT team to grow a quality brand and product was very exciting to us. We see frozen yogurt as just the first of many other robotic and technology solutions to come. Nick Yates, Chairman for Generation NEXT Franchise Brands, was thrilled at the expansion into yet another global market for the revolutionary Froyo Robotand one very close to home. Being an Australian native myself, I am familiar with the similarities between our market here in the U.S. and the market down under, said Yates, who oversees Generation NEXTs business ventures from its headquarters in San Diego, California. The market in Australia loves frozen yogurt and has seen steady growth in consumption over the last five years. We believe our product will find a way to disrupt the retail sector and Troy and Michelle know exactly how to ensure that it happens, which will allow our emerging brand, Reis & Irvys, to continue its growth around the globe. In addition to its continued expansion into key international markets, Reis & Irvys has also strengthened its foundation and offerings by teaming up with some of the worlds largest manufacturing and logistics partners, including Dannon YoCream (www.yocream.com), Stoelting Food Service (www.stoelting.com), who created the very first soft-serve machine for Dairy Queen, and Pitney Bowes (www.pitneybowes.com), who will provide the installation and national servicing. Each of these partners will be making themselves available in Australia and will offer the exact same assortment of services to our new licensees. For more information on Generation NEXT Franchise Brands (www.gennextbrands.com) or their family of brands, including the revolutionary Reis & Irvys frozen yogurt robots, please visit www.reisandirvys.com or call toll free 888-902-7558. This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for information purposes only. No Reis & Irvy's franchises will be sold to any resident of any state until the offering has been exempted from the requirements of, or duly registered in and declared effective by, such state and the required FDD (if any) has been delivered to the prospective franchisee before the sale in compliance with applicable law. Currently, the following states in the United States regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. If you reside in one of these states, or even if you reside elsewhere, you may have certain rights under applicable franchise laws or regulations. About Generation NEXT Franchise Brands, Inc. Generation NEXT Franchise Brands, Inc., based in San Diego, California, is a publicly traded company on the OTC Markets trading under the symbol: VEND. Generation NEXT Franchise Brands is parent company to Fresh Healthy Vending LLC, the markets leading healthy-choice vending machine franchise, Reis and Irvy's, Inc., the worlds first robotic frozen yogurt vending kiosk, 19 Degrees, a corporate-focused frozen yogurt robot brand and Generation NEXT Vending Robots, our newly established owner/operator model. The Company has sold over 600 franchises throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas, and continually looks to partner with like-minded entrepreneurs who share its vision. About Reis & Irvys, Inc. Reis & Irvys, Inc. is a subsidiary franchise concept of Generation NEXT Franchise Brands, Inc. (OTCB:VEND). Launched in early 2016, the revolutionary Reis & Irvys Froyo Robot vending machine serves seven different flavors of frozen yogurt, ice cream, sorbets and gelatos, a choice of up to six custom toppings and to customers within 60 seconds or less at the point of sale. The unique franchise opportunity has since established itself as a high-demand product and currently showcases a franchise network both domestically as well as internationally. Cautionary note on forward-looking statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements concerning our future financial performance, including statements regarding: our ability to generate revenue and recognize deferred revenue; our ability to timely launch delivery and installation of our frozen yogurt robots; and our ability to grow our franchising and licensing divisions and launch our corporate-owned and direct sales platforms. The Company bases these forward-looking statements on its current expectations, estimates and projections about future events and the industry in which it operates using information currently available to it. Actual results could differ materially from those discussed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are identified by words such as "believe," "anticipate," "propose," "expect," "intend," "plan," "will," "may," "estimates," variations of such words and other similar expressions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are set forth in our fillings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2017, our Quarterly Reports, and our Current Reports on Form 8-K. Be advised that developments subsequent to this press release are likely to cause these statements to become outdated and the Company is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Media Contact: Lisa Delaney 949-500-6752 info@gennextbrands.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/48b9502b-a020-42c6-b6bb-d6add32719ec Victoria will get almost $8 billion for new roads and railway lines from Tuesday's federal budget, with nearly a third of the nation's infrastructure pie to be spent on addressing the state's escalating congestion problems. Given Melbourne's dramatic population growth and the burden that's placing on the citys transport network, nearly a third of the government's $24.5 billion infrastructure budget will be handed to Victoria. Budget money is being thrown at Melbourne's clogged transport network. Credit:Paul Rovere About $1.75 billion will be set aside to help build North East Link and for new tunnels and extra lanes on the Eastern Freeway. The deal, which comes after years of stagnation, details two new railway lines for the south-east, including $475 million to link Monash Universitys Caulfield and Clayton campuses and $225 million to electrify the Frankston line to Baxter. Voters will be promised billions of dollars in new spending on road and rail projects as part of a budget pledge to tackle the growing urban congestion blamed for sapping the Australian economy. The government will expand an existing Urban Congestion Fund to spur investment in new projects to help commuters, as it comes under pressure to step up its overall infrastructure spend. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull already set up a congestion fund as part of negotiations with Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews but the model will replicated elsewhere to respond to concerns about traffic delays. The Turnbull government will target frustrated commuters in Tuesday's budget. Credit:Wolter Peeters Fairfax Media understands the government has already revealed the lions share of its major projects in recent weeks, ranging from $5 billion for Melbournes new airport rail line, to $300 million for a new freight line to Port Botany to take trucks off Sydney roads. Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has warned Beijing against using threats to pressure Qantas to adopt the communist partys political line by referring to Taiwan as part of mainland China rather than a separate country. Qantas confirmed last week it was one of 36 international airlines that had received letters from the Civil Aviation Administration of China ordering them to change the way they refer to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau - a demand the White House has branded Orwellian nonsense. Ms Bishop, in response to questions from Fairfax Media on Chinas demands, was less incendiary but nonetheless made it clear the private sector should not be pushed around. The terms that private companies choose to list destinations are a matter for them, she said. There should be no pressure from governments, whether ours or others, that threatens the ordinary operations of business. The Asia-Pacific, our backyard, is home to nearly half of the worlds poorest people. The World Bank estimates that 766 million people still live in extreme poverty. What kind of signal does this send to our neighbours in the region? This amount is almost equivalent to the total annual amount allocated to foreign aid in the same budget. This week's federal budget is set to include a $3.8 billion loan scheme designed to ramp up Australias credentials as a global arms dealer. So in a region where we want to promote peace and prosperity do we want more guns or do we need to provide aid and development funding to give people access to the most basic of needs? What is likely to make the greatest difference more guns or access to a toilet? This new money for an armament loans scheme comes amid a background where Australia's official overseas aid giving has been mercilessly cut by 30 per cent over the past five years. It is so bad now that Australia has fallen to 19th out of the 29 countries that give overseas aid. The savageness of our recent aid cuts puts us in a similar category to Greece and Hungry. In contrast Britains conservative government despite its greater economic challenges has stuck resolutely to keeping its aid funding at its promised level of 0.7 per cent of gross national income. Our aid cuts also come at a critical time for the Pacific where fears have been stoked that China's efforts to ramp up aid are designed to increase its influence in the region. MONTREAL, May 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Goodfood Market Corp. (Goodfood or the company) (TSX:FOOD) announced today the launch of its national platform with the opening of a new production and distribution facility in Calgary, Alberta. The facility will serve the Western Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, extending the Goodfood experience to Canadian consumers from coast to coast. Initial market testing carried out by Goodfood has shown strong demand for its services in the region. Active subscriptions1 have already reached over 2,000 following the pre-launch phase. The company currently has over 40 employees in Calgary and expects to significantly grow its operations there over time to meet anticipated robust demand. The launch of our national platform and the opening of our Calgary facility represent a significant step in the evolution of our fast growing business. It fulfills a promise to our Western Canadian customers to bring the Goodfood experience closer to home, said Jonathan Ferrari, Chief Executive Officer of Goodfood. There are significant market growth opportunities in Western Canada, and as we capitalize on these we will further consolidate our leadership position in this industry. Goodfood is a market leader in the meal-kit industry in Canada. Since launching in 2014, the company has experienced substantial growth in revenues and subscribers increasing by more than 300% in the past year. Meal-kits address growing lifestyle trends towards convenience, healthy food and value for money. Goodfood facilitates the creation of nutritious meals made with fresh, top-quality ingredients with a minimum of preparation time and without the fuss associated with grocery shopping. The company is proud to partner with local farms to source its ingredients, and its business model reduces food waste and is environmentally friendly. This is an exciting day for our company. Our experience shows that there is strong demand for meal-kits once consumers understand the value proposition on offer," said Mo Awada, Vice President of Western Canada. "I look forward to leading our efforts to ensure that the unique preferences of Western Canadians are reflected in the meal choices on offer. About Goodfood Goodfood is Canadas leading meal kit company, delivering fresh ingredients that make it easy for subscribers to prepare delicious meals at home every week. Goodfoods objective is to take the hassle out of cooking, leaving subscribers with the fun part - cooking, sharing with family and eating. Subscribers select their favorite recipes from a variety of original dishes online. The company prepares a personalized box of fresh ingredients and delivers it to the subscriber's doorstep with easy step-by-step instructions. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Goodfood had 61,000 active subscribers as at February 28, 2018. www.makegoodfood.ca For further information: Philippe Adam, Chief Financial Officer 1(855) 515-5191 IR@makegoodfood.ca Forward-Looking Information This release contains information that may be considered forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, information with respect to our objectives and the strategies to achieve these objectives, as well as information with respect to our beliefs, plans, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions. Forward-looking information is identified by the use of terms and phrases such as may, would, should, could, expect, intend, estimate, anticipate, plan, foresee, believe, or continue, the negative of these terms and similar terminology, including references to assumptions, although not all forward-looking information contains these terms and phrases. Forward-looking information is provided for the purposes of assisting the reader in understanding the Company and its business, operations, prospects and risks at a point in time in the context of historical and possible future developments and therefore the reader is cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking information is based upon a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following risk factors which are discussed in greater detail under Risk Factors in the Companys Annual Information Form for the year ended August 31, 2017 available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com: limited operating history, negative operating cash flow, food industry, quality control and health concerns, regulatory compliance, regulation of the industry, public safety issues, product recalls, damage to Goodfoods reputation, transportation disruptions, product liability, ownership and protection of intellectual property, evolving industry, reliance on a single facility, unionization activities, reliance on management, factors which may prevent realization of growth targets, competition, availability and quality of raw materials, limited number of products, environmental and employee health and safety regulations, online security breaches and disruption, reliance on data centers, open source license compliance, future capital requirements, operating risk and insurance coverage, management of growth, conflicts of interest, litigation, and catastrophic events. Although the forward-looking information contained herein is based upon what we believe are reasonable assumptions, readers are cautioned against placing undue reliance on this information since actual results may vary from the forward-looking information. Certain assumptions were made in preparing the forward-looking information concerning availability of capital resources, business performance, market conditions, and customer demand. Consequently, all of the forward-looking information contained herein is qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements, and there can be no guarantee that the results or developments that we anticipate will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences or effects on our business, financial condition or results of operation. In addition, any statements as to financial results (including without limitation, revenue, sales, margin and profitability in general or with respect to any aspect of the Company`s business) is made as at the time in question. There can be no assurance that past results will be repeated and future results may vary materially. Unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise indicates, any forward-looking information contained herein is provided as of the date hereof, and we do not undertake to update or amend such forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law. 1 An active subscriber is defined as an account that will receive a delivery or has elected to skip a delivery in the subsequent weekly delivery cycle. I am 51 and my husband is 56. I earn $75,000 a year and have $228,000 in the Public Sector Superannuation Scheme. My husband earns $100,000 per year and has $350,000 in an industry fund. We have three older children. One lives independently, the other two are dependent students living at home. My husband has recently inherited $250,000 of which we used $100,000 to pay off the mortgage, leaving $150,000. What should we do with this money? At this stage in our lives we are considering how much money we need for a comfortable future retirement. In the future we would also like to assist our children to enter the property market. J.S. Families often try to help adult children into the property market, but retirement planning is important too. Credit:Think Stock If youre thinking about your retirement, (and I suggest you should as you need considerably more in super, depending on how much you need to live on) then I would add the money to your husbands super fund, since you cannot add extra contributions to your PSS account but would need to open a PSS accumulation plan (PSSap). The latters MySuper Balanced fund ranks 26th out of 47 over one year, 33rd/46 over three years and 20th/35 over seven years, according to researcher Superratings, so its never in the top two quartiles by performance, which makes it below average. If you were to open a new account, I prefer AustralianSuper if looking at competitive funds, which ranks sixth, fifth and third respectively over the same years. Given that the annual cap for after-tax (or non-concessional in the jargon) contributions is $100,000, your husband would trigger the three year rollup, limiting his total NCCs to $300,000 over 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20. Unless he gets a further inheritance, this is unlikely to be a problem. You should also each be aiming for the maximum $25,000 a year in concessional contributions, especially if planning to retire early. Safety experts described the resignations and the ratings as a desperate attempt to muddy the debate and stop the government from implementing mandatory safety standards, introducing rollover protection and a new ratings systems. Recent research found that even a "tuft of grass" made quads vulnerable to a rollover. Quad bikes are now the leading cause of non-intentional injury death on Australian farms. Credit:Louise Kennerley Mr Kebschull, an American expert, provided his own five-star rating evaluations, which gave a "zero" to nearly every local expert, minister and organisation supporting new safety regulations and design changes. Quad bike and auto manufacturers have quit an Australian government advisory group evaluating a proposed five-star rating system designed to reduce fatalities and injuries. Mr Kebschull provided a spreadsheet evaluating the engineering expertise and experience in ATV crashworthiness or dynamics, rating them from zero to five and highlighting those skilled to comment in green and those without in pink. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission scored a zero. In March, it proposed a five-star rating system and rollover protection, saying the frequency and causes of quad bike- related deaths and injuries suggest these vehicles are not safe enough. It said the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, which resigned along with Mr Kebschull, had been vocal about resisting regulatory intervention. 'Completely unregulated' Quads are the leading cause of non-intentional injury death on Australian farms (outranking tractors). Between 2011 and 2017, 114 people died in quad incidents. Many suffocated when the 300-kilogram quad rolled on them. The couple, who had been married for almost three years, had fought over financial issues and separated in June when Vaughan asked Milena to move out of their Wentworth Point apartment. A sessional lecturer in industrial design at the University of Technology, Sydney, Vaughan was being treated for a major depressive illness and had become obsessed with his wife and fixated on the idea she was seeing someone else. She had spoken to the police twice in June, saying she felt "unsafe to go outside" and she did "not want [Vaughan] to contact me ... I am worried what he will do because he is very controlling". On June 18, her sister in Colombia had received an email from an apparently bogus account in which the sender said they hoped Milena died in a car accident. Loading In July, Vaughan was interviewed by police and denied he was a danger to his wife, and said he did not express that sentiment in the email. He said Milena had mental health issues. Days later, on August 17, 2015, the 41-year-old sat down at his computer and googled his estranged wife's name, the name of her workplace and "carotid artery neck". The scene in the car park on August 18 made Dr Knox-Haly stop in her tracks. Martha Knox-Haly said she was "terrified" but knew she had to act when her colleague was being attacked. She saw Milena's "little red car" a Daihatsu Charade pull into her usual spot outside the community centre. The black Peugeot followed immediately behind it. "I thought, 'This doesn't look right.' It looked like road rage," she said. She saw Vaughan get out of the car and drop to his knees in front of Milena, who remained seated in the car with the door open and her feet on the ground. "I miss you," he told his wife. He was "pretending to sob", Dr Knox-Haly recalled, but he turned to her dry-eyed when she asked Milena if she was all right and said: "She's fine. I'm her husband." Dr Knox-Haly believed Milena was motioning for her to leave, and started to walk away. She discovered later that her colleague was asking her, under her breath, to stay. Shortly after, she heard "incredible screaming" and turned around to see Milena being "pulled out of the car" and Vaughan lunging at his estranged wife with the knife. Dr Knox-Haly said she was "terrified" but knew she had to act. "I thought, bluff, bluff," she said. "I tried shouting at him in the loudest, angriest voice I could muster." She pulled Vaughan off Milena, who "fell to the ground" with stab wounds to her head, chest and arm. Vaughan then turned around, pushed Dr Knox-Haly and stabbed her in the skull. "He then ran back towards his car," Dr Knox-Haly said. Milena had collapsed next to the rear bumper of a parked car when Vaughan accelerated into her, crushing her between the two cars, before reversing and driving into her again. "I saw him crush her head," Dr Knox-Haly said. He then sped away from the car park. Milena suffered multiple stab wounds and fractured ribs, a fractured shoulder, several fractured vertebrae and a fractured pelvis. "It's a small miracle she can walk," Dr Knox-Haly said. Dr Knox-Haly bears a scar from the stab wound to the head, which required stitches, and said she "cried every day for about 10 days after it happened". She returned to work after three weeks. "I know what to do to recover from trauma," she said. On Friday April 27, Vaughan was sentenced in the Parramatta District Court to a maximum of 21 years for grievous bodily harm with intent to murder Milena and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to Dr Knox-Haly, after pleading guilty in August last year. He will be eligible for parole in 14 years, on August 18, 2029. "It will stay with all of us for the rest of our lives," Dr Knox-Haly said. * The Herald has chosen not to publish Milena's surname. Domestic Violence Line 1800 65 64 63. The Fitzgerald family lived in the same house for more than 40 years until an arson attack destroyed their Perth home while the retired parents were away during an Easter long weekend. The devastation was made worse when another arson attack two weeks later ruined much of what was saved from the first blaze. The teen is on trial in the WA Supreme Court. But DNA recovered from beer bottles led police to charge three youths over the burglaries and arson attacks. One teenager, who cannot be named, is now on trial in the WA Supreme Court and wore a suit as he sat in the dock on Monday. WAs stranded gas fields could soon be more accessible following federal government support of a proposed $1.6 billion small-scale floating liquefied natural gas project. Perth based company Transborders Energy is leading the project that will see a floating LNG vessel, like Shells Prelude vessel only on a much smaller scale, deployed in previously difficult to retrieve and commercialise gas fields. Transborders Energy's proposed $1.6b floating LNG facility that will be used to unlock WA's gas assets. Credit:Transborders Energy. The project will create an estimated 150 direct jobs during hook-up and commissioning, with about 100 direct and 200 indirect skilled jobs forecast over the life of the project. On Monday Jobs and Innovation Minister Michaelia Cash announced the project had been granted major project status, meaning it will receive assistance from the major project facilitation agency to navigate the Commonwealth approvals process. A man accused of murdering a father-of-eight in Perth almost 30 years ago will face a judge- alone trial. Vietnamese migrant Van Phan Nguyen, 62, was repeatedly stabbed as he walked home from an army surplus store on November 23, 1989. Vincenzo Carlo Marotta, 55, appeared in the WA Supreme Court on Monday via video link from the Frankland Centre at Graylands Hospital, having previously pleaded not guilty to wilful murder on grounds he was of unsound mind. Van Phan Nguyen was stabbed to death in November 1989. Justice Joseph McGrath granted Marotta a trial without a jury, saying it was in the interests of justice. An Italian woman who was stabbed five times outside Claisebrook train station says she will stay in Perth despite her terrifying ordeal. Stella Trevisani, 27, needed more than 300 stitches after a 15-year-old boy allegedly stabbed her in an attempt to steal her mobile phone after she had finished her shift at the Partisan in East Perth on March 17. In hospital after the attack. She has since revealed although she is now living with her boyfriend, the attack has left her too frightened to use public transport at night. "I wouldnt go anywhere at night-time," she said. Police are treating a bushfire that burnt through 25 hectares of land in Aveley at the weekend as suspicious. Emergency services were called to the fire between Wistful Parade, Kitcliffe Way and Zanzibar Loop just after 4pm on Saturday. Strong winds pushed the fire south as Department of Fire and Emergency Services staff fought to contain the blaze. Arson squad detectives are treating the fire as suspicious and are calling on witnesses, or anyone with CCTV or dashcam vision of people in the area, to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. A reward of up to $50,000 is available for information that leads to the identification and conviction of an arsonist. Beijing: Trade experts have warned Australian companies that they need to be cautious in China as a dispute escalates over how foreign airlines including Qantas, describe Taiwan. Beijing has reacted angrily after the White House labelled as "Orwellian nonsense" a letter sent by China's civil aviation authority to 36 foreign airlines demanding that, on their drop-down menus, they refer to Taiwan as part of China. A Taiwan flag stands at the National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan. Credit:Bloomberg The letter comes as Beijing's worsening trade spat with the US heightens tensions between the two economic giants. The letter to airlines offered more detailed instructions on how Taiwan should be described when compared with an earlier warning in January that Taiwan not be called a separate country. "Hezbollah = Lebanon," Education Minister Naftali Bennett, a rightist in the Israel's conservative coalition government, said on Twitter on Monday. "The State of Israel will not differentiate between the sovereign State of Lebanon and Hezbollah, and will view Lebanon as responsible for any action from within its territory." International donors want to see Beirut embark on serious economic reforms to reduce state debt levels before they will release billions pledged at a Paris conference in April. The election was held under a complex new law that redrew constituency boundaries and changed the electoral system from winner-takes-all to a proportional one. A member of the clown troupe, Clown Me In, pokes fun at Lebanon's first national elections in nine years, outside a ballot station in Beirut on Sunday. Credit:AP The staunchly anti-Hezbollah Lebanese Forces, a Christian party, appears to have emerged as a big winner, nearly doubling its MPs to 15 from eight, according to the unofficial indications. Hezbollah, along with affiliated groups and individuals, secured at least 67 seats, according to a Reuters calculation based on preliminary results for nearly all the seats obtained from politicians and campaigns and reported in Lebanese media. Hezbollah's allies include the Shiite Amal Movement led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, the Christian Free Patriotic Movement established by President Michel Aoun and others that view its weapons as an asset to Lebanon. Hezbollah-backed Sunnis did well in Beirut, Tripoli and Sidon, strongholds of Hariri's Future Movement, the preliminary results showed. The pro-Hezbollah al-Akhbar newspaper called it "the slap" for Hariri on its front page. Loading Hezbollah-backed winners include Jamil al-Sayyed, a retired Shi'ite general and former Lebanese intelligence chief who is a close friend of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, according to the unofficial results. Sayyed was one of the most powerful men in Lebanon in the 15 years of Syrian domination that followed the 1975-90 civil war. At least five other figures who held office during the Syria-dominated era returned to parliament for the first time since Syrian forces withdrew from Lebanon after the assassination of Rafik al-Hariri, Saad's father, in 2005. Faisal Karami, the son of the late pro-Syrian Prime Minister Omar Karami, won a seat for the first time. Turnout was 49.2 per cent, down from 54 per cent the last time legislative elections were held nine years ago. Independent candidates running against the political establishment won two seats in Beirut. Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was due to speak about the results later on Monday. But Hezbollah lost ground in one of its strongholds, the Baalbek-Hermel constituency. Two of the 10 seats there were won by its opponents, one going to the Lebanese Forces and the other to Future. Lebanon should have held a parliamentary election in 2013 but MPs instead voted to extend their own term because leaders could not agree on a new parliamentary election law. An anti-Hezbollah alliance led by Hariri and backed by Saudi Arabia won a majority in parliament in 2009. But that "March 14" alliance has disintegrated and Saudi Arabia has switched its attention and resources to confronting Iran in other parts of the region, notably Yemen. Samir Geagea, the Lebanese Forces leader, said the results showed there was a "popular ground" that backs March 14 and would "give us strength and a push to fix the path much more than we were able to in the past years". Geagea is Hezbollah's most prominent Lebanese Christian opponent. He led the Lebanese Forces militia in the last years of the civil war, during which he was an adversary of Aoun. The question of Hezbollah's weapons has slipped down the political agenda in Lebanon in recent years. Hezbollah has grown militarily more powerful since 2012, deploying its fighters to Syria and Iraq where it has fought in support of Iranian allies. Hariri, who led years of political conflict with the group, says it is an issue to be resolved at the regional level through dialogue. BRENTWOOD, Tenn., May 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Corizon Health announced today public health leader Larry I. Wolk, MD, MSPH, has joined the companys Board of Directors. Dr. Wolk is Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the State of Colorados Chief Medical Officer. He also is the founder and a current board member and part-time pediatrician for the Rocky Mountain Youth Clinics, the first non-profit of its kind in the country to provide medical and nursing services to uninsured and at-risk children and teenagers throughout Colorado, which was honored by the American Hospital Association as one of four model programs in the country. Dr. Wolk himself has been honored as a Colorado Pediatrician of the Year, a Volunteer of the Year, a Healthcare Executive of the Year, a 7 Everyday Hero and he is a recipient of the University of Vermonts Award for Service to Medicine and Community. Most recently, he received the Lifetime Healthcare Achievement Award from the Mile High Chapter of the American Red Cross. Dr. Wolk also served as an officer on the board of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless and the Rocky Mountain Center for Health Promotion and Education. In addition to his non-profit work, Dr. Wolk is an accomplished healthcare executive with correctional healthcare experience. He served for five years as President and COO for Correctional Healthcare Companies (CHC), a company he helped create and grow into a national provider of inmate healthcare services before leading a successful acquisition by a larger firm. Prior to joining CHC, Dr. Wolk was the Chief Medical Officer for HMS Healthcare, which he helped grow until it was acquired by Aetna in 2007. Over his 15-year career in managed care, he also has served as the Senior Medical Director of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Colorado and Prudential Healthcare of Colorado, and held both regional and nation positions with CIGNA HealthCare. Dr. Wolk has the heart of a public servant and the mind of a business leader, commented Corizons CEO Steve Rector. Whether working in the public or private sector, he has a track record of developing innovative solutions to deliver healthcare to medically underserved populations thats a perspective that will be invaluable to Corizon Health. Jeff Goldberg, Chairman of the Board added, Appointing a physician of Dr. Wolks caliber to the board emphasizes our commitment to client service and quality patient care. About Corizon Health Corizon Health is the leading provider of correctional healthcare services in the United States, providing quality healthcare services to states and municipalities across the country. Corizon offers individual or comprehensive solutions for physical care, behavioral care, pharmaceutical and reentry services. For more information, please visit www.corizonhealth.com. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/421f44a9-d59e-4995-8f63-dbd6c3d2f9cd "To save my baby brothers," he said. "To save your baby brothers?" she repeated. "You're the best." The boy knew what was about to happen, his mother said - a long needle would be pushed into the bone near his hip to extract the marrow, then the cells would be transplanted into his brothers. He did it anyway. And later in the day, when his brothers received the stem-cell infusion, Michael was there to watch, jumping and shouting, "That's my bone marrow! That's my bone marrow!" his mother said. Nearly two months after the procedure, the twins were discharged from the hospital last week. Their mother posted a video on Facebook, showing Michael wearing a superhero T-shirt, smiling and standing between his little brothers. "I saved you guys," the preschooler said. "It's time to go home." Santino and Giovanni were born in October with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), in which the immune system does not work properly, meaning even a common cold could become life-threatening, their mother told The Washington Post. She and her fiance, Michael DeMasi, were already familiar with the condition. Their oldest son, Dominick, 9, was also born with CGD and they knew it was a possibility that their other children would be born with the disease. Following his diagnosis only weeks after his birth, Dominick was put on a transplant list and received stem cells from the umbilical cord of a donor. He is now considered cured, his mother said. When the twins turned out to have CGD, Michael, who was not born with the condition, was tested and found to be a match. His parents talked to their doctors about the risks, such as pain and soreness and complications from anaesthesia, then they sat down with Michael and tried to explain. Michael knew that his little brothers were sick and he knew that they needed bone marrow. He also knew that he had been tested to determine whether he was a match, his mother said. When his parents told him he was, he exclaimed, "I'm the match? I'm the match?" Pownall recalled. His parents asked him whether he wanted to go through with the donation. "We were straight up - 'It's going to be a big needle going into your back, bud,' " Pownall said she told him. "We asked him, 'Do you want to do this? If you're scared, you don't have to.' " Pownall said her son asked whether his bone marrow would allow his little brothers to come home. She said yes. He said OK. Pownall said her son told her he wanted to "help save my baby brothers". But Pownall said the decision was not simple - she and her fiance grappled with the option, wondering whether Michael understood what was being asked of him and whether it was right to ask him at all. "Part of me was like, 'Well, he's four. Maybe he doesn't know what's going on.' But he did, and he was all for it," she said. Still, Pownall said, "We were in no way, shape or form going to push anything." She said that had Michael hesitated or showed reluctance, she and his father would have put the twins on the bone marrow registry. But doctors told them that bone marrow from a matching family member was the best choice. "He was all for it and we had a good feeling about it. It's amazing - he's so proud. Such a brave little guy." She added that doctors at the hospital sat down with Michael and made sure he understood and that he was OK with it. Art Caplan, a professor of bioethics and head of the division of medical ethics at the New York University School of Medicine, said situations in which children were the donors did present ethical questions, namely whether a child can truly understand the risks and grant their permission - a principle known as informed consent. In addition, Caplan said, there might be risks to the donor - pain or other complications, and in instances in which the transplant is not successful, the donor may have to do it again or may begin to blame himself if the donation does not help or the recipient experiences a serious problem. He said that, before such procedures were performed, he hoped to see an ethics committee review the circumstances to ensure there were no risks for the donor that the parents might not be considering. But in general, "I'm inclined to allow it to happen," he said, assuming that those involved understood and accepted the risks. It's unclear whether CHOP had an ethics committee review Michael's case. A hospital spokeswoman said she could not comment on Michael's case and, when asked whether CHOP required an ethics committee to weigh in on situations involving child donors, she said that she could not confirm that either. On March 8, Michael marched down to the hospital's patient check-in area. His mother had told him that he was going to be "a real-life superhero", and the small boy who loves Captain America as well as Spider-Man, Batman and Superman seemed excited to join their ranks. The nurse told him that she was going to give him some "giggle juice" and he would go to sleep, his mother recalled. Then Pownall was taken to a waiting room, where she said she sat anxiously, thinking about her son. "I thought it was going to be harder on him than it was," she said. "He's so small," she added. "You don't want your babies to be in pain." Michael woke up with small welts on his back, but insisted he was not in pain, his mother said. Pownall posted a video after his procedure, showing Michael with blue Popsicle juice all over his face. "I've got a blue tongue," he said, sticking it out for the camera. "Because my Popsicle was blue." Hours later, he was jumping up and down, watching his bone marrow go to work. The children's aunt wrote on a GoFundMe page that Michael and his brothers were doing well. "Michael did his procedure this morning for them to take the bone marrow cells," the post read. "He is perfectly well, playing and all like nothing happened. Giovanni received the bone marrow cells around 2.30pm & then Sonny received the bone marrow cells around 5.30pm. Both babies are doing well and sleeping. Now is time for their bodies to heal, with the new bone marrow cells to build up a healthy immune system." She posted an update last week, saying the transplants were successful and the twins were home. Pownall said that now the twins, who are nearly seven months old, showed no signs of the disease, although their doctors are monitoring them closely. Michael, for his part, told the Post in a brief, distracted conversation that he felt "good" about helping his brothers. The Post: "Hi Michael, my name is Lindsey and I'm a reporter." Michael: "WHAT?!" Pownall: "She's a reporter." Michael: "Oh." The Post: "Can you tell me what you did for your baby brothers?" Michael: "I saved them because I'm a superhero!" The Post: "How did you do that?" (Michael moves away from the phone) Pownall: "Michael, what did you give them?" Michael: "Bone marrow!" The Post: "Did it make them better?" Michael: "Yes." The Post: "How do you feel about that?" Michael: "Good." The Post: "Are you happy they're home now?" Michael: "Yes." The government is facing public outrage over the treatment of women and children after several high-profile cases, including the rape and murder of an eight-year-old Muslim girl by a group of Hindu men in Kashmir. Eighteen men are suspected over the death of the girl in the hill state of Jharkhand, the latest in a series of brutal attacks to rock the country. Kolkata: Police in India have arrested the chief suspect in a gang rape and murder case in which a 16-year-old girl was burnt to death in front of her family. In response to protests across the country and calls for stricter laws, the government announced last month that it would be introducing the death penalty for convicted child rapists. Minimum sentencing terms have also been raised and provisos issued that no rape case should take more than two months to prosecute. Senior police and state officials have descended on the village of Raja Kendua, 160 km from the state capital of Ranchi, after the most recent case made national headlines. The girl was allegedly abducted by four young men from near her house and raped as the rest of the family attended a wedding, police said. The family complained to the village panchayat (council of elders) on Friday morning, and the tribal chiefs told the accused to pay Rs 50,000 ($992) to the victim's family as restitution. Enraged over the verdict, the four youths allegedly went to the house of the girl, assaulted family members and burnt the girl to death, investigating officers said. Police mobilised into action when Raghubar Das, the state's chief minister, expressed his grief over the murder on Twitter. Mr Das assured people that no one involved in the incident would be spared. Action would also be taken against the village leaders for mishandling such a serious matter, police said. The state administration also announced financial support of Rs 250,000 for the victim's family. Washington: The White House has labelled China's efforts to force foreign airlines to change how they refer to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau as "Orwellian nonsense". The Chinese Civil Aviation Administration sent a letter to 36 foreign air carriers, including Australian flagship airline Qantas, demanding they remove references on their websites or in other material that suggests Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau are part of countries independent from China. US President Donald Trump has pushed back against China's demand that Taiwan be referred to as a Chinese territory. Credit:AP The White House said President Donald Trump "will stand up for Americans resisting efforts by the Chinese Communist Party to impose Chinese political correctness on American companies and citizens. "This is Orwellian nonsense and part of a growing trend by the Chinese Communist Party to impose its political views on American citizens and private companies." Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani leaves Trump Tower bearing an umbrella. Credit:AP However, it remained to be seen what impact Trump's brushback would have on Giuliani, who had quickly become the dominant figure on the president's reshuffled legal team as his political inner circle is stocked with familiar, TV-ready faces. Giuliani has warned Trump that he fears that Cohen may "flip" on him. He has urged Trump to cut off communications with Cohen, according to a person close to Giuliani but not authorised to discuss the talks publicly. After an FBI raid on Cohen's office and home, Giuliani also indicated that he wanted to change the discussion surrounding the $US130,000 payment that Cohen made to Daniels to buy her silence about a sexual tryst with Trump. Giuliani did so with a jaw-dropping interview with Sean Hannity on Wednesday. Loading Giuliani's remarks - that Trump knew about the payment and had repaid Cohen for it - seemed to contradict Trump's past statements appeared to draw his ire on Friday. But he argued that it removed legal peril over a possible campaign finance violation, a claim some legal experts have questioned. Giuliani's bold offensive - on display in a series of cable news appearances in which he unleashed broadsides on the very law enforcement officers with whom he once worked - underscored the thoroughness of his transformation from moderate Republican mayor of a liberal city to fiery conservative hero. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani introduces Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Cincinnati, Ohio 2016. Credit:AP Trump and Giuliani have had several private conversations in recent days in which former mayor fanned the president's anger with Mueller's probe, according to two people familiar with their conversations who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorised to publicly discuss them. Giuliani has warned Trump against sitting down for an interview with Mueller and has suggested that, at a minimum, the president place limits on his level of cooperation. "Russian collusion is total fake news," Giuliani, a former US attorney, told Fox News. "Unfortunately, it has become the basis of the investigation. And Mueller owes us a report saying that Russia collusion means nothing, it didn't happen. That means the whole investigation was totally unnecessary." Over a pair of Fox News interviews, Giuliani also unleashed a series of provocative broadsides. He said Trump had fired James Comey last year because the FBI director wouldn't publicly clear the president of wrongdoing in the Russia probe, a different explanation than the White House offered. He said he would defend the president's daughter Ivanka Trump but suggested that her husband, Jared Kushner, was "disposable." And he derided the agents who raided Cohen's office as "stormtroopers," a charge that attracted particular attention because it appeared to evoke Nazi soldiers in the context of the Manhattan US attorney's office, which had approved the raids and which Giuliani had once led. "It's a different Rudy. He's always been tough, but he changed when he started to have national ambitions," said George Arzt, former press secretary to Democrat Ed Koch, one of Giuliani's predecessors as New York City mayor. "And after he wedded himself to Trump, his popularity in his hometown disappeared completely." His finest moment: New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, tours the site of the World Trade Centre attack on September 12, 2001. Credit:AP Giuliani was elected mayor in 1993 on a pledge to slash the city's sky-high crime rate. That year, 1946 people were killed in the city. By 2001, Giuliani's final year in office, the number had shrunk to 649. Giuliani was largely praised for the drop in crime but remained a polarising figure. His no-holds-barred defence of the New York Police Department, often at the expense of minority communities, drew sharp criticism. A possible Senate run was abandoned after a cancer diagnosis. And after years of public battles and a very messy public separation from his second wife - which resulted in his moving out of Gracie Mansion, the mayor's official residence - his poll numbers sank and many New Yorkers were eager for a change at City Hall. Loading But then, one clear September day just a few months before he was to leave office, two planes flew into the World Trade Center. In the hours after the attacks, Giuliani became the face of the nation's grief. His leadership - both inspiring and compassionate - over the following weeks earned him the nickname of "America's Mayor." But his relationship with the city would soon change again. Giuliani played a key role in the 2004 Republican National Convention that re-nominated President George W. Bush, a deeply unpopular figure in New York. And Giuliani shifted right on a number of issues - including gun control and public funding of abortions - during his failed presidential run four years later. Although his future electoral prospects vanished, Giuliani remained a conservative darling, a frequent guest on Fox News and a sought-after member of the political speaking circuit. He has known Trump for decades - his bomb-throwing rhetorical style can at times mirror that of the president - and he became an aggressive surrogate for the celebrity businessman from the early days of his insurgent presidential campaign. CEDARVILLE, OHIO, May 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Investing in the Village of Cedarville and serving the local community is at the heart of a proposed venture that will return a pharmacy to the eastern Greene County community. Cedar Care, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cedarville University that operates under an independent board of directors, announced today that it would purchase the historic CedarvilleHardware store located at the intersection of S.R. 72 and S.R. 42 in downtown Cedarville. Cedar Care plans to open a community pharmacy at that location this summer. The new pharmacy, after renovating the historic nature of the former hardware store, is expected to open in late fall or early winter 2018. Under the leadership of Jeb Ballentine, a licensed pharmacist, the independent Cedar Care Village Pharmacy will also serve as a learning-laboratory for students enrolled in CedarvilleUniversitys Doctor of Pharmacy program. This will ensure that the care the pharmacy provides to the Cedarville community is based on the latest research and state-of-the-art technology. The new Cedar Care Village Pharmacy will focus on the needs of our community, while also benefitting the pharmacy students at the university, said Dr. Marc Sweeney, president of the board of directors for Cedar Care, LLC, and dean of the Cedarville University School of Pharmacy. This will be a teaching pharmacy for our students as well as a ministry to the Village of Cedarville. In addition to serving the healthcare needs of the community and contributing to revitalization efforts in the downtown area, the new pharmacy will benefit the village tax base. Future expansion of the pharmacy could include a limited-hours clinic and expanded retail services at the location. Following the unexpected death of the hardware store's owner, Glenn Fawcett, in December 2017, Cedar Care LLC approached the family with an offer to purchase the current hardware store building, which is a landmark building in the Village of Cedarville. The Fawcett family is pleased that the Village will have a pharmacy that will serve the community and provide educational benefits to students. Glenn's desire was to serve the community and improve downtown with his talents and abilities, said Melissa Fawcett, the spokesperson for the Fawcett family. We believe a pharmacy is in line with his legacy, and that this change would be something he would be proud of. Attachments TORONTO, May 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Imex Systems Inc. ("Imex" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:IMEX), a software solution provider to Governments, Municipalities and Public Authorities, wishes to announce a cease trade order ("CTO") has been issued by the Ontario Securities Commission on May 4, 2018 for not filing its annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the "2017 Financial Disclosure") as required to be filed by April 30, 2018. The delay in filing the 2017 Annual Audited Financial Statements is principally related to the Company requiring additional time to complete a restatement of the audited financials statements for the years ending December 31, 2016 and 2015 due to the Company taking a write-down on the amounts owed to the Company under its contract with the Government of Botswana. Effective April 2, 2018, the Company filed a Change of Auditor Notice on SEDAR detailing the resignation of its former auditor effective April 2, 2018. The Company is working with its current auditor, SRCO Professional Corporation, on the audit procedures required to complete the 2017 Annual Financial Filings and expects to be able to file the Annual Financial Filings within the next few weeks. The Company will provide updates as further information relating to the Annual Financial Filings becomes available. If the Company files the 2017 Financial Disclosure within 90 days of the date of the CTO, the filing of the 2017 Financial Disclosure constitutes the application to revoke the CTO and no application fee is required under Appendix C of OSC Rule 13-502 Fees to resume trading. Once the CTO is revoked, the Company will be subject to a reinstatement to trade review by the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company expects to file the 2017 Financial Disclosure within 90 days of the date of the CTO. About Imex Systems Imex Systems Inc. is a Canadian software products and solution provider to Governments, Municipalities and Public Authorities in Canada and internationally. Imex primarily focuses on E-Government and the Smart Cities market that also include the integration to payment processing. The company helps public sector entities to provide "Any Time, Any Where, Any Device and Any Channel" convenience for citizens to access government services and help with digital transformation of government operations and streamline revenue. Imex's various product and service offerings include: iGov - a Digital Government Platform for all levels of governments, which provides all the pre-built components for building an effective Digital Government and supporting payment processing through multiple channels; iCity - a Smart City Solution; and miGov - a Mobile Government Framework. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements, projections and estimates with respect to the future revenue of the Company. Any statements that involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time it was made, and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others: the need for approvals from the relevant government body; future capital needs and uncertainty of additional financing; the competitive nature of the industry; the effects of product development and need for continued technology change; and those risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking information other than as required by law. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CONTACT INFORMATION Imex Systems Inc. Kris Parthiban, Interim President and CEO 416 899 9720 krisp@imexsystems.com At the invitation of Mr. Dato Subromaniam Tholasy, Director General of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, WCO Secretary General, visited Langkawi, Malaysia on 1 May 2018 to meet Members of the 10 ASEAN countries attending the 2018 ASEAN Directors-General of Customs Meeting, which was held under the chairmanship of Mr. Tholasy. Secretary General Mikuriya discussed matters of interest for the ASEAN Directors-General (DGs), such as e-commerce, the use of technology and Performance Measurement. He welcomed the practices, inputs and concerns that ASEAN Customs DGs had shared with him with a view to better shaping the WCOs agenda. Secretary General Mikuriya used this opportunity to observe on-the-ground Customs activities, visit the Royal Malaysian Customs Academy (AKMAL-Akademi Kastam Diraja Malaysia), and meet with the maritime enforcement and dog and handler (K9) teams in Langkawi. He expressed his sincere appreciation to Malaysian Customs for the opportunity to meet with ASEAN DGs and Malaysian Customs staff. A Workshop on Green Customs matters was conducted from 23 to 27 April 2018 at the WCO Regional Training Centre in Shanghai, China with 60 Customs officers from 20 different WCO Member administrations in attendance. The event was sponsored by China Customs and co-organized with the WCO, who also acted as the facilitator. This important regional event was opened by Chinas Vice-Minister for Customs, H.E. Mr. Zou Zhiwu, who, in his keynote speech, stressed Chinas support for WCO operations. He expressed the wish to see all Customs administrations, especially those in the Asia Pacific region, join forces in combating the scourge of illegal waste shipments and other green Customs-related offences. Environmental issues are of great concern in the region, therefore the sharing of best practices and remaining up-to-date on the latest developments in Customs policies is of paramount importance. Discussions during the Workshop ranged from the detection of illegal waste shipments to the prevention of illegal wildlife trade, with the main objective of raising awareness on these matters. Given that China has banned the import of 24 types of waste as of January 2018, the Workshop took the opportunity to pay special attention to issues related to illegal waste and chemical shipments. Experts from the Rotterdam, Basel and Montreal Protocol Secretariats, as well as INTERPOL and UNEP, attended the event. Among the key outcomes of the Workshop was the finalization of the operational plan for Operation DEMETER IV, a global operation aimed at combating illegal waste shipments. At the invitation of Mr. Dicksons Kateshumbwa, Vice-Chair for the WCO East and Southern Africa Region and Commissioner of Customs, Uganda Revenue Authority, WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya attended the 23rd East and Southern Africa Region Governing Council Meeting, held in Kigali, Rwanda on 3 and 4 May 2018. The meeting was addressed by Dr. Edouard Ngirente, Prime Minister of Rwanda, who, in the presence of the Minister of Trade, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, and Minister of Cabinet Affairs, emphasized the important role played by Customs in the launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) that had taken place at the same venue. He welcomed the WCOs work in developing strong and resilient Customs capable of meeting future challenges, including those brought about by the CFTA. When welcoming delegates, Mr. Tusabe Richard, Commissioner General, Rwanda Revenue Authority, underscored the achievements of and challenges facing Rwanda Customs. He expressed his appreciation for the strong support received from the WCO Secretariat through the many initiatives taken up, especially capacity building support which was important for development in the Region. The Vice-Chair for the Region, Mr. Kateshumbwa, extended a warm welcome to delegates. In his report, he referred to the outcomes of the December Policy Commission, the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, the WCO Capacity Building Committee meeting and Regional Capacity Building events, the AEO Global Conference, the development of a regional strategy, the challenges faced by the CFTA, and the future programme for the Region. Secretary General Mikuriya updated delegates on developments since the December Policy Commission and Council Sessions, in particular as regards the six priority areas of the Strategic Plan. In relation to E-Commerce, he highlighted the fact that the Council would be invited to approve a high-level Framework of Standards and to extend the Working Group for one more year to finalize the technical details. The Secretary General was pleased to confirm that, as regards Trade Facilitation, the WCO had been invited to attend the WTO Committee on Trade Facilitation. He also updated delegates on Security, and briefed them on his recent presentation to Members of the UN Security Council. The Secretary General referred to Performance Measurement (discussions on the methodology followed by the World Bank for its Doing Business Report), Customs-Tax Cooperation (Memorandum of Understanding with the IMF), and the continuing analysis of Illicit Financial Flows. He also referred to a possible seventh priority, that of the Revision of the Revised Kyoto Convention. He further updated delegates on the fresh approach taken towards drafting the next Strategic Plan. In response to delegates, he set out the on-going work on the skill sets necessary for future Customs staff and the development of a policy paper on the issues specific to island economies. Delegates went on to discuss the following issues in a Panel format: (i) Gender Equality and Diversity in Customs Administrations; (ii) Compliance and Enforcement, Opportunities and Challenges, Experience and Best Practices; and, based on a keynote address,(iii) Customs Role in Ensuring a Safe and Secure Business Environment. In addition, delegates discussed and approved a new three-year Strategic Plan for 2018-2021, and received and discussed reports on the outcomes of the Audit and Finance Committees, as well as on ROCB activities. The Region also heard presentations from the candidates for the post of Secretary General. The Members of the Region and Secretary General Mikuriya expressed their sincere thanks to their Rwandan hosts for the warm reception extended to delegates and excellent organization of the meeting. VICTORIA, British Columbia, May 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This morning Canada launched its national week of safety awareness on the lawn of the BC Legislature in Victoria, BC. The ceremony for North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week included awards, an Honour Guard Parade, and a Search and Rescue demonstration in Victoria Harbour. Workplace safety is not simple, stated Dr. Robert Long, a world leader in workplace safety psychology, in his address at the NAOSH Week launch. Choosing to be safe is the first step. However, humans are social and our behavior is influenced by many factors. Workers, policy makers and businesses must work together to make workplaces safe. Safety is a social activity. Dr. Long, based in Australia, is in western Canada this week to share his research through seminars for safety professionals. Each of us go to work expecting to come home safe, stated the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering president Kathy Tull, CHSC, CRSP. Every day I am inspired by the efforts of workers, government, business leaders, labour organizations and safety professionals to reduce risk and improve the environment in which we work. The Honourable Harry Bains, Minister of Labour, presented the Safety Champion Awards. The newly expanded awards recognize innovative programs and British Columbians that are passionate about safety. The winners are: Noel Stone , Training Officer BC Legislative Assembly , Training Officer BC Legislative Assembly Peter Sage , Traffic Control Person SPR Traffic Services LP , Traffic Control Person SPR Traffic Services LP Ed Miska , Executive Director, Engineering Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure , Executive Director, Engineering Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Mainroad Groups South Island Safety Committee Capital Regional Districts Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee Hundreds of events are occurring across the country to help companies and their employees focus on their well-being. Some of the events celebrating safety in British Columbia are: Office Ergo, Flat Tires & Cougar Safety Nanaimo, BC Nanaimo, BC Respectful Workplaces in the #MeToo Era Kelowna, BC Kelowna, BC Red Carpet Safety iMovie Screening Richmond, BC Richmond, BC First Aid & Earthquake Kits for Everyone Burnaby, BC A full list of NAOSH Week events is at www.naosh.ca. Contact Perry Ruehlen 250-537-7851 | pruehlen@csse.org NAOSH Week: May 6-12, 2018 Making Safety a Habit NAOSH Week (#NAOSHWeek) is led by the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering www.naosh.ca | www.csse.org A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/df168cb9-7475-48d0-ab70-7df76b5b48fd TORONTO, May 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sagittarius Capital Corporation (NEX Board:SCX.H) ("Sagittarius" or the "Company"), a capital pool company, is pleased to announce an update on Irri-Al Tal Ltd.s ("Irri-Al-Tal") operations in the global water irrigation and agricultural-technology space. Sagittarius has entered into a letter of intent to acquire all issued and outstanding shares of Irri-Al-Tal, which will constitute Sagittarius' qualifying transaction (see press release dated April 26, 2018). Business Update Irri-Al-Tal has recently completed the first tranche of an oversubscribed private placement (see press release dated April 26, 2018), which is the first time Irri-Al-Tal has sought external financing and the plan is to use the funds raise to, among other things, aggressively accelerate revenue growth. Since its founding in 2004, Irri-Al-Tal's mission was to focus on small and medium-sized farmers in the emerging markets, where installing professional irrigation system can have profound impact on yields and efficiency. These farmers have historically been overlooked by the larger industry players and over the years Irri-Al-Tal has developed a specialized approach to cater to their business needs and constraints. Irri-Al-Tal's main revenue streams are derived from the following business units: Projects Unit focused on design, manufacturing and installation of turnkey irrigation systems; Component and Equipment Sales focused on selling irrigation equipment assembled in house and hardware components produced by third party manufacturers; Project Financing a new business unit being developed by Irri-Al-Tal in order to provide secured financing to its project customers who require additional funds to complete the projects. Being close to the project helps Irri-Al-Tal to mitigate potential credit risk by getting adequate security coverage. This line is expected to be rolled-out after completing an additional capital raise. Proprietary Technology Licensing Irri-Al-Tal has been developing a technology solution that can provide actionable insights delivered to farmers in real time and provide an ability to remotely access and control key elements of the irrigation system. Irri-Al-Tal intends to finish developing this technology after completing an additional capital raise and including it with all project offerings to its customers. Thus far in 2018, Irri-Al-Tal has been focused on executing eleven projects spread across eight countries and after deploying funds from the recent private placement expects to be on track with its original revenue expectations for 2018. The key projects of focus include: China turn-key Irrigation project related to a produce farm focused meeting Chinas rapidly growing demand for organic fruits and vegetables. turn-key Irrigation project related to a produce farm focused meeting Chinas rapidly growing demand for organic fruits and vegetables. Peru designing and installing an irrigation system for use in an open-field blueberry farm. designing and installing an irrigation system for use in an open-field blueberry farm. Guatemala actively engaged in two irrigation projects including a greenfield vegetable farm and an infrastructure restoration project. actively engaged in two irrigation projects including a greenfield vegetable farm and an infrastructure restoration project. Nigeria implementing an aquaculture project focused on catfish production; implementing an aquaculture project focused on catfish production; Ethiopia actively engaged in three projects including a irrigation of a vegetable farm, a mango farm and a vineyard; and actively engaged in three projects including a irrigation of a vegetable farm, a mango farm and a vineyard; and Peru large scale irrigation system for a avocado farm. Irri-Al-Tal has also successfully secured a project in the rapidly growing legal cannabis space and is currently working to implement Irri-Al-Tal's irrigation systems in the cannabis cultivation project located in northern Israel which is being developed jointly with one of Canada's largest ACMPR licensed producers. Lastly, Irri-Al-Tal is experiencing strong growth in its Global Component and Equipment Sales business unit with shipments accelerating to clients in Canada, the U.S., Australia, Greece, Costa Rica and Portugal. About Irri-al-Tal Irri-al-Tal is an Israeli Irrigation and agriculture technology company and a global provider of smart Irrigation and water systems solutions for agricultural producers. Irri-Al-Tal was established in 2004 and employs 15 people worldwide. Irri-Al-Tal develops, manufactures and delivers innovative solutions to agricultural growers which include: end-to-end solutions from the water source to the root zone; turnkey high-tech Irrigation and greenhouse projects, supported by engineering and project management, in partnership with globally leading ag tech and integration companies. Irri-Al-Tal's past projects include vineyards, water reservoirs, fish farms, sorghum silos, fresh produce cooling rooms and more, in over 15 countries. Rapidly growing population and increasing scarcity of arable land that is suitable for agricultural use are the key drivers for the smart irrigation market (especially in the emerging markets), have been driving demand for Irri-al-Tal's product and service offerings. A vast segment of the market that is comprised of smaller scale projects in developing nations have remained under the radar of the large irrigation technology companies. For more information regarding Irri-al-Tal please visit http://www.irri-altal.com/. For more information, please contact For Sagittarius Capital Corporation: Brian L. Presement, CEO 416-760-2888 brianp@unite.ca For Irri-al-Tal or YB & AHI: Yaniv Bresler +972-54.3332304 yaniv@ybresler.com Ronnie Jaegermann +972-54-4202054 Ronnie@AloniHaft.co.il For FMICAI or FMI: Alex Storcheus, SVP Corporate Finance 416-777-6165 astorcheus@foundationmarkets.com Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes forward-looking information and statements, which may include, but are not limited to, information and statements regarding or inferring the future business, operations, financial performance, prospects, and other plans, intentions, expectations, estimates, and beliefs of the Company and Irri-Al-Tal. Information and statements which are not purely historical fact are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release relate to the completion of the proposed qualifying transaction, future capital raises by Irri-Al-Tal and the uses thereof and increasing Irri-Al-Tal revenues, . Forward-looking information and statements involve and are subject to assumptions and known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause actual events, results, performance, or achievements of the Company and/or Irri-Al-Tal, as applicable, to be materially different from future events, results, performance, and achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking information and statements herein. Although the Company believes that any forward-looking information and statements herein are reasonable, in light of the use of assumptions and the significant risks and uncertainties inherent in such information and statements, there can be no assurance that any such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, and accordingly readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and should not place undue reliance upon such forward-looking information and statements. Any forward-looking information and statements herein are made as of the date hereof, and except as required by applicable laws, the Company assumes no obligation and disclaims any intention to update or revise any forward-looking information and statements herein or to update the reasons that actual events or results could or do differ from those projected in any forward-looking information and statements herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws. Completion of the transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and if applicable pursuant to Exchange Requirements, majority of the minority 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 a capital pool company 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 press release. Lawsuit Filed Against Jailer, Former Deputy Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 07, 2018 | PADUCAH, KY By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 07, 2018 | 03:27 PM | PADUCAH, KY A lawsuit has been filed in U.S. District Court against McCracken County Jailer Tonya Ray, former Deputy Jailer Chad Campbell and the county for violating the civil rights of a female employee who said she was sexually assaulted at work. A copy of the lawsuit, filed on Friday, was sent by the plaintiff's attorney to WestKentuckyStar on Monday. It claims that the woman worked at the jail for about 18 months, but had to quit out of concern for her physical, emotional and mental well-being. The plaintiff says Campbell sexually harassed her with unwanted kisses, inappropriate touching, sexual comments or jokes, and requests for sexual favors. The lawsuit also says Campbell implied that her career might be affected by how she responded to him. The lawsuit also refers to charges filed against Campbell last May, which led to his arrest. The documents also say the plaintiff reported Campbell to Jailer Ray, but no disciplinary action was taken against him. The lawsuit also says there was jail video of the woman's final encounter with Campbell, and the jailer had it at one time. The suit says Ray refuses to produce the video or claims it has been lost. Ray and the county are included in the lawsuit because the plaintiff reported the assault to her boss, who reportedly did not act on this complaint, or other complaints against Campbell by female inmates at the jail. The lawsuit seeks judgement against Ray, Campbell, and the county, along with compensatory and punitive damages. 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. ALLEGIANT FLIGHT 1878 DIVERTED TO ASHEVILLE FOR EMERGENCY LANDING LATE SUNDAY AFTER A STRANGE SMELL IN THE PLANE A flight from Indianapolis bound for Myrtle Beach was diverted late on Sunday and made an emergency landing at Asheville Regional Airport, after crews noticed an electrical smell in the cabin. Allegiant Air flight 1878, which left Indianapolis International Airport at 3 p.m., landed at Asheville Regional Airport after crews noticed the odor, said spokesperson Hilarie Grey with Allegiant. The airline diverted the flight to Asheville in "an abundance of caution," but the unidentified odor posed no danger, Grey said. Passengers deplaned at Asheville Regional Airport and boarded a different aircraft to continue to Myrtle Beach. "We apologize to passengers for the delay, but they're in flight now," Grey said around 10:15 p.m. Maintenance continued to investigate the odor inside the original aircraft on Sunday night, Grey said. More details are expected on Monday. English French NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN UNITED STATES CALGARY, Alberta, May 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pieridae Energy Limited (TSXV:PEA) is pleased to announce it has entered into a term sheet to negotiate a binding liquefied natural gas (LNG) sale and purchase agreement (SPA) to supply Canadian-sourced liquefied natural gas to Europe from the Second Train of the Goldboro liquefaction facility in Nova Scotia. Under the term sheet with Pieridae, the offtaker will purchase up to 1 million tonnes per annum of LNG. This contract is scheduled to begin from the Start of Commercial Deliveries (currently estimated to be the first quarter of 2023) and last for a 10-year period. After having contracted the entire output from Train 1 with Uniper, this agreement moves Pieridae another step closer to the final investment decision on Train 2, which would bring much-needed jobs and other economic benefits to Nova Scotia and Canada, said Alfred Sorensen CEO for Pieridae Energy Limited. We are seeing a growing interest from utilities in Europe and beyond, for reliable and stable LNG offtakes, that can contribute to increase security of supply as well as diversify price and volume risk in their portfolios, said Riccardo Bortolotti, Managing Director of Business Development for Pieridae in London. About Pieridae Energy Pieridae Energy is a Canadian corporation based in Calgary, Alberta focused on the development of fully integrated energy activities, from upstream production to the sale of LNG. Pieridae Energys main project is the Goldboro LNG Project and, following Pieridae Energys first acquisition of resources in New Brunswick and the completion of the merger with Petrolia Inc., Pieridae Energy has embarked on a strategy to consolidate natural gas reserves in key natural gas basins to develop new international markets for Canadian and US natural gas. Pieridae Energy will continue to seek to build a long-term portfolio of natural gas to supply the Goldboro LNG Project. Pieridae Energy is on the leading edge of the reintegration of the LNG value chain in North America. Pieridae Energy has 50,527,393 shares issued and outstanding which trade on the TSX Venture Exchange (PEA). For further information please contact: Alfred Sorensen, Chief Executive Officer Telephone: (418) 657-1966 Mario Racicot, Chief Financial Officer Telephone: (418) 657-1966 Media coverage of Central America has tended to focus on drug cartels, organized crime and migrants fleeing violence in their home countries. But this focus reflects as much the political climate in the United States as it does the actual threats emanating from the region. Since the end of the Cold War, Central America has been a region the U.S. could largely ignore, but as it comes into its own establishing more stable, if still at times shaky, political institutions and trade partnerships its ability to affect more formidable countries to its north is increasing. This situation, combined with the political climate in the U.S., could result in growing interest in Central America from outside players. Cold War Battlefield Central Americas importance to the global system has ebbed and flowed over time. Central American countries made their geopolitical debut at the turn of the 20th century. By this point the U.S. having survived a civil war and won wars against Mexico and Spain had secured its status as North Americas uncontested power. In practice, this meant the United States had the capability not only to keep foreign powers out of the Western Hemisphere but also to expand the perimeter of its influence. In Central America, the U.S. employed a variety of methods to do so, including military interventions, supporting independence movements, buying up major infrastructure and monopolizing national economies through private businesses. But the onset of World War I brought a decisive end to major U.S. intervention in the region (at least for the moment). The U.S. had more pressing threats elsewhere, and the dominance it had already established in Central America meant that it could take a more hands-off role. It left behind economies dominated by monopolies, largely uneducated labor forces and unreliable political institutions. But with the beginning of the Cold War, Central America once again became a region the U.S. wanted to control. Central Americas proximity to the U.S. makes it an area of potential vulnerability for the United States. The Soviet Union realized this and tried to spread its political ideology there, turning the United States own backyard into a Cold War battlefield. The U.S. response ranged from direct intervention to indirect support for political coups. When the Cold War ended, Central America no longer posed a threat to the U.S., and thus Washingtons interest waned. Today, Central American countries continue to struggle to integrate into the global system, much the same as the countries of Eastern Europe, another Cold War battleground. U.S. intervention in Central America during that era led to hostilities, including civil wars, that resulted in political and economic instability across the region. But like Eastern Europe, these countries entered into a period of reconstruction. This process has garnered less attention than the turmoil of the Cold War era because there was no competition between outside powers and the stakes therefore were much lower. The region is still trying to recover from this strife and establish its own political systems, but progress is slow. As recently as 2009, Honduras experienced a coup, and notably not one that was engineered by the United States. More recently, a wave of protests following President Juan Orlando Hernandezs second electoral win last November resulted in calls for a national dialogue to try to restore peace mediated by a third party. (The leading three candidates to act as moderators are former presidents of Mexico, Guatemala and Chile.) There has also been an increase in the production of coca, the plant from which cocaine is manufactured. Costa Rica has also seen an increase in coca cultivation, and there have been calls for the government to develop a national security agenda, which critics say is lacking. Drug trafficking in the country is on the rise. The newly elected Costa Rican government will likely struggle to govern once it takes office in May, having already had to reach across party lines for help. In El Salvador, security remains the primary challenge. The country never fully achieved peace and security after the end of its civil war, which the U.S. contributed to through its military support of the government. In the first quarter of 2018, homicides in El Salvador totaled 939, an increase of 14 percent compared to last year. Hard to Ignore But free from Cold War ideological divisions, the countries of the region are now able to re-evaluate their allegiances with external powers and form partnerships of their own accord. Honduras has started talks to join the Pacific Alliance, a Mexico-led Latin American trade bloc. Panama and Costa Rica are on their way to full membership in the group. Panama also recently signed a free trade agreement with China, and Chinas overall share of Central American trade has been steadily rising in recent years. Guatemala and Mexico have increased border cooperation to deal with security threats. Nicaragua is potentially the most dynamic country of the region. The government of Daniel Ortega, who has been president since 2007, has pushed populist policies roughly resembling those in Venezuela, Russia and China. Nicaragua has managed to pursue a leftist agenda despite being so close to the U.S. geographically because it has received strong political backing and, to a lesser degree, economic and security support from all three countries, which have in turn used their support for Nicaragua as an indirect way to defy the U.S. With Venezuelas economy in free fall and Russias and Chinas economies slowing down, Nicaragua will be forced to reconsider its allegiances. These changes are compounded by two new trends in North America: growing violence from Mexican drug trafficking organizations and the rise of nationalism in the United States. These developments have led the U.S. to pay increasing attention to events in Central America. Washington recently deployed the National Guard to the Mexican border in response to a caravan of Central American migrants in Mexico headed for the border. The U.S. has also tried to stem the production and trade of drugs in the region. This response was the United States way of trying to limit the effects of rising violence from reaching its doorstep, using the least amount of effort possible while leaving the burden of having to actually manage the problem to Mexico. But the most important threat facing the United States from this region is not immigration or drug trafficking but the fact that Central America is trying to shape its destiny on its own terms not on U.S. terms. Central American countries are in the process of building political institutions, trade relationships and international partnerships that will shape their future for decades to come, and theyre doing so without the United States, for the first time in a long time. In some cases, this will lead to stronger ties with countries like Mexico. In others, it may give China or Russia a boost in the region. Washingtons interest in Central America is still far from what it was at its peak, but the U.S. will in the future see it as a region increasingly difficult to ignore. Three people suspected of trying to steal antique Corvette parts from a storage garage are being held in the Ionia County jail. Deputies say they were caught in the act Saturday in Boston Township. Deputies were called to the garage on the 10000 block of West Peck Lake Road for a report of a breaking-and-entering in progress. They say two men, Mark Aquino and Jeremiah Micallef, broke into the building by prying a door open while Jessica Nacanceno waited in a U-Haul rental van and acted as a lookout. Deputies say they had burglary tools and methamphetamine. All three suspects are being held on bond. News 10 and wilx.com will keep you updated on the investigation. Estimados amigos, Les doy cordialmente la bienvenida a este Blog informativo con articulos, analisis y comentarios de publicaciones especializadas y especialmente seleccionadas, principalmente sobre temas economicos, financieros y politicos de actualidad, que esperamos y deseamos, sean de su maximo interes, utilidad y conveniencia. Pensamos que solo comprendiendo cabalmente el presente, es que podemos proyectarnos acertadamente hacia el futuro. Gonzalo Raffo de Lavalle Las convicciones son mas peligrosos enemigos de la verdad que las mentiras. Quien no lo ha dado todo no ha dado nada. Helenio Herrera History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce. Karl Marx If you know the other and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. Sun Tzu We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share.This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity. Paulo Coelho The strange isolation of Emmanuel Macron A European nation needs allies but the French president is struggling to find them Gideon Rachman French president Emmanuel Macron's address to the US Congress was regularly interrupted by applause EPA Few international leaders cut a dash like Emmanuel Macron. Last week, the French president received a standing ovation from the US Congress. The week before he got the same treatment from the European Parliament. This week, Mr Macron is off to Australia. At a time when Angela Merkel looks tired, Theresa May looks overwhelmed and Donald Trump looks berserk, the French president radiates energy, charisma and intelligence. His US trip generated laudatory headlines, with a Washington Post column arguing that the fate of the western alliance is in Macrons hands and Politico proclaiming that Mr Macron is now the new leader of the free world. But to lead you have to have followers or at least close allies. So far, Mr Macron is struggling in that department. He has admirers in many western capitals (and in even more western newsrooms). But there is, as yet, little evidence that he can form international coalitions to shift the direction of world affairs. This matters because there is a limit to what the leader of a middle-sized European power can do on his own. In recent generations, the most effective French and British statesmen were able to position themselves as shapers of international politics only in alliance with like-minded western leaders. Francois Mitterrand, Frances president in the 1980s, worked closely with Helmut Kohl in Germany and Jacques Delors, the president of the European Commission. Around the same time, Margaret Thatcher was forging an alliance with Ronald Reagan. In the 1990s, Tony Blairs claim to be a world leader was burnished by his third way alliance with Bill Clinton and Germanys Gerhard Schroder. By contrast, Mr Macron for all his charm is finding it hard to persuade others to follow his lead. Following his departure from Washington, Mr Trump called his French counterpart a wonderful guy. But for all the quirky, dandruff-plucking bonhomie between the two presidents, there is little evidence that Mr Macron was able to shift Mr Trump on anything substantive. The major differences between the two leaders on Iran, climate change and protectionism remain in place. This is hardly surprising since, as Mr Macron made clear in his speech in Washington, he and Mr Trump are at different ends of the ideological spectrum. The more natural arena for the French president to build alliances is Europe. But even there he is oddly isolated. Mr Macron has made a big bet on persuading Germany to take the next leap towards ever closer union, in particular by agreeing to a eurozone budget and finance minister. Yet the undoubted warmth felt towards Mr Macron in official Berlin has not proved enough to get Germany to move towards him. The suspicion that the Macron plan is just a fancy way of getting German taxpayers to fund an over-extended French state remains powerful and prohibitive. Without strong German support, Mr Macron has few obvious alternatives. Brexit creates a natural divide with the UK, which is accentuated by the British suspicion that France is pushing the European Commission to take a particularly tough line in the negotiations. The British were very appreciative of French support in the recent confrontation with Russia. But ad hoc moments of strategic co-operation between Britain and France, against the background of Brexit, are not a basis for Mr Macron to be the leader of a new western alliance. Frances other possibilities do not look any more promising. Mr Macron is unwilling to position himself as the leader of a southern European faction, lest this stoke German suspicions of French fiscal laxity. Italy, dominated by the populists of the Five Star movement and the League, is anyway not a natural partner for France. The Dutch, meanwhile, are moulding a new, informal Hanseatic League of northern European countries that is even more suspicious of Mr Macrons proposed eurozone reforms than the Germans. Central Europe looks even worse. The French president has led the way in condemning authoritarian democracy, an unmistakable reference to the current governments of Hungary and Poland. His frankness is welcome and bold. But it is not winning many friends in central European chancelleries. The one part of the EU where Mr Macron gets full-throated support is Brussels. In the corridors of the European Commission, the French president is regarded as a hero. But elsewhere in Brussels there are complications. The fact that Mr Macron leads a new party, La Republique en Marche, means that his supporters are not part of the established power structures in the European Parliament which is a problem when it comes to shaping legislation and parcelling out the top jobs. The danger for Mr Macron is that he could be a leader who is out of tune with the times. At home, he is a liberal economic reformer, at a time when neoliberalism has never been less fashionable. He is a pro-European at a time of mounting Euroscepticism across the EU. He is a globalist and an internationalist at a time when protectionism and nationalism are on the march. There is honour in all those positions. But Mr Macron may be swimming against the tide of history, rather than surfing the wave. 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! Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance announced that the decades-old rape convictions of two men were vacated today. The investigation, which also involved the Innocence Project and Office of the Appellate Defender, revealed that the DNA found on the victim did not match either man, and that she recanted her story. The NY Times reported, "Investigators had no physical evidence connecting the men to the crime or the crime scenes," yet both men, VanDyke Perry and Gregory Counts, were convicted. The DA's office described the past allegations and justice proceedings: On January 17, 1991, a complainant flagged down a police patrol car to report being raped and sodomized at knifepoint by three men in Central Park. According to the complainants account and later trial testimony, the alleged perpetrators included VanDyke Perry and Gregory Counts, both of whom were known to the complainant. The complainant alleged that the men sexually assaulted her while demanding the whereabouts of her boyfriend, who owed them money. On March 16, 1992, Perry and Counts were convicted by a jury of all of the charges in the indictment against them: Rape and Sodomy in the First Degree, Kidnapping in the Second Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree. Perry was sentenced to 7-to-14 years in state prison; Counts was sentenced to 8-to-24 years in state prison. Perry was released from prison on November 9, 2001; Counts was released on August 14, 2017. However, the Innocence Project and OAD won a motion to retest the DNA samples (the technology wasn't available at the time) in 2014 and it turned out the DNA belonged to a man who died in 2011. When asked about the deceased man, the complainant said he didn't attack her, and the DA's office, Innocence Project, and OAD continued their investigation. This year, she recanted her story and said her boyfriend pressured her to accuse Counts and Perry, the DA's office said. Were in court. The motions to vacate and dismiss have been granted. Mr. Perry and Mr. Counts have been exonerated. pic.twitter.com/12o4yWzifR Cyrus Vance, Jr. (@ManhattanDA) May 7, 2018 Vance said, "It is every prosecutors nightmare to convict an innocent person. This case is a tragedy for all involved - two New Yorkers were wrongfully deprived of their liberty during the prime of their lives for a crime they did not commit. This time can never be returned to them, but with todays exoneration, we hope we can begin the process of unburdening them and giving them a chance at a brighter, successful future." "We are grateful to the Manhattan District Attorneys Office for working collaboratively with us and moving quickly to restore justice to Mr. Counts and Mr. Perry," Barry Scheck, of the Innocence Project, said. This case underscores why its critical that prosecutor conviction integrity units work collaboratively with defense attorneys, and we are hopeful that the Conviction Integrity Unit will make this level of collaboration a standard part of its process moving forward." Last week, Tom Robbins published a piece that was critical of Vance's reputation as a reformer and his Conviction Integrity Program. Although it was the first such unit to examine wrongful convictions in NY State when it was created in 2010, "ever since, he has refused to disclose whether the unit has actually exonerated anyone," Robbins reported. "During our interview, however, Vance reverses himself and provides me with a list of seven names. 'I was told youd asked for this, and I said we should provide it,' he tells me. He had previously kept the cases secret, he explained, because 'generally speaking, theres a view that these people want the cases behind them.'" Utica, N.Y. - Fred Nichols of Utica was one of 800 Utica College graduate students to receive their degrees on Sunday at the Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium, but he may have had the longest journey to get to the stage. Nichols is about to turn 46 years old, and his path the past 30 years to finally travel across the stage at the Aud to receive his M.B.A. is quite amazing. Nichols grew up on Lansing St. in Utica in the 70's and 80's and says he was put in special education classes in the Utica City School District at an early age. He eventually dropped out of high school for failing grades. Then at the age of 17, Nichols entered the former Amigos Mini Market at the corner of Blandina St. and 3rd Ave. one day, and was shot when then owner of the store had his gun fall from his pocket. The gun accidentally discharged and Nichols was shot in the leg. Nichols, who describes his family life as a rough situation, needed an attorney to file a lawsuit against the owner and went to see Utica Attorney Mark Wolber and that's when he said his life began to turn around. Wolber remembers the day Nichols came to see him very well, "I had somebody in the office who was a retired school administrator and she said 'what's the story with him?'. I said well I think he dropped out of school." Nichols says Wolber and that retired school administrator then got him to start studying for his G.E.D., "He said I see potential in you and he said you know you have the ability to do a lot of great things, but you got to get that education behind you and you got to change your mentality." Nichols changed his mentality with what he says was the first positive reinforcement he ever received as a young person and with some tutoring from Wolber, he did eventually receive his G.E.D.. He then entered M.V.C.C., where again, with the help of tutoring by Wolber, he received an associate's degree. Nichols then decided to get away from Utica and went to China where he taught English for more than a decade, before coming back to his hometown of Utica in 2014. Upon his return, Nichols told Wolber his goal now was to get his M.B.A. in Business, as he wants to ultimately run his own company. So in the past four years, again with the help of some tutoring by Wolber, Nichols earned first, a Bachelor's degree from SUNY POLY, and then here on this Sunday May 6th, 2018, he received his M.B.A. from Utica College. Nichols says Wolber has been like a father to him, and he could have never gotten to this point in his life without Wolber's tutoring every step of the way. Nichols truly believes that bullet he took in 1989, actually ended up saving his life. UTICA- Organizers for the carnival said about half a dozen fights broke out over the weekend, and he would like to coordinate with police so this doesn't happen again. On Saturday night, a fight broke out at the carnival on the parkway causing people to run. This sparked concern on social media about what exactly happened. According to Utica Police, it was a fight involving several people. They said there were no weapons involved and no reports on injuries. We spoke with the organizer for the fair who said they have security, which he referred to as "street team," a group of 15 men and women from surrounding neighborhoods who try to make sure everything runs smoothly. He said after this weekend, he would like to include Utica Police. "Going forward, I'd like to talk with the Police Chief to see what we can do to collaborate and work closely together to prevent those types of things from happening. There were half a dozen fights that broke out and we'd like to find strategic ways to prevent that from happening in the future, and I'm sure that we will," said Patrick Johnson, Founder of Hoops and Dreams. Money from the carnival will benefit the Hoops and Dreams program. A Frankfort man is facing a felony sexual abuse charge for alleged sexual contact with a co-worker, according to the New Hartford Police Department. Kevin Caraher, 22, is charged with felony first-degree sexual abuse. Police say Caraher forced sexual contact with a female co-worker while they were at work. Caraher was arraigned and then sent to the Oneida County Jail. Hes scheduled to appear in the Town of New Hartford Court at a later date. ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - "Sex and the City" star and New York governor's race candidate Cynthia Nixon has accepted an invitation to participate in a prime-time televised debate with two-time incumbent Andrew Cuomo. Nixon on Monday released a video announcing she was seeking a one-on-one TV debate with Cuomo that WABC in New York City plans to broadcast. Nixon is vying with Cuomo for the Democratic Party primary. Nixon says on the video: "One on one. No distractions and nowhere to hide. Your move." Cuomo campaign spokeswoman Lis Smith says campaign staffers are receiving invitations to debates and are "reviewing the various opportunities." Cuomo participated in one multi-candidate debate for the general election in each of his previous campaigns for governor, in 2010 and 2014. Nixon is an activist on education and LGBT issues. She launched her campaign in March. (Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) The Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual Costume Institute fundraiser, the Met Gala, is tonight. The annual event brings fashion designers, celebrities, and socialites to the Met's red carpet on Fifth Avenue (and later, to the bathrooms). This year's big exhibit, Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination draws from haute couture and the Vatican alike, so gala co-chairs Anna Wintour, Rihanna, Donatella Versace, and Amal Clooney have invited a few men of the cloth attend. Page Six reports that Timothy Cardinal Dolan will be there and "will likely don the cassock that 'he would wear to any formal evening dinner,'" a spokesperson for the New York Archdiocese said. As for the exhibition itself, there will be more than 40 items from the Vatican on display, including, as the NY Times detailed, "a papal tiara with 19,000 precious stones, including 18,000 diamonds. (It will fly to New York with its own bodyguard)," and numerous examples of designs influenced by the Catholic church. So far it all appears to be a public relations win for the Vatican, as there's been little mention of the Catholic church's child sexual abuse scandal. Cardinal Dolan himself has for years been dogged by allegations that he shifted church funds to avoid payouts for victims of abuse by priests. The Met's reminder about tonight's event was a Migos throwback to last year's party: Over the past few days, New York City has been invaded by those on the Met Gala's invite list (Kim Kardashian West, Kylie Jenner, etc.). Here's the Costume Institute's curator, Andrew Bolton, discussing the show: Heavenly Bodies opens on May 10 and runs through October 8. ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - The state Department of Environmental Conservation wants landowners to help monitor the impact of deer on forest health. A citizen science tool for tracking local forest health has been developed by DEC in partnership with Cornell University and the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. It's called "AVID," for Assessing Vegetation Impacts from Deer. DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos says information generated from the AVID tool will provide a good indicator of whether the number of deer is in balance with the habitat. It involves laying out monitoring plots in forested areas and counting wildflower and tree species there. Data is entered on the AVID website . Cornell Cooperative Extension is offering training classes across the state. (Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) A proposed pro-transgender rights bill passed the New York State Assembly, and was presented to the New York Senate Monday. The Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA, A3358/S7010) would protect transgender New Yorkers under State Human Rights Law, and the hate crimes law. ACR Health officials said theyre encouraged that the assembly is taking up the discussion, and possibly voting to pass the legislation. But spokesman Elliott Sharrow said his concern is getting the bill through the Republican-led state Senate, which has never seen the legislation come up for a vote. MORE: Read The Bill I think over time, theres been a lot more momentum as far as the need for this. I think theres been a lot more talk about GENDA and trans people in general, so I think thats definitely playing to our favor, Sharrow said. NEWSChannel 2 contacted the offices of state Sen. Joe Griffo (R-Rome) and state Sen. Jim Seward (R-Milford) to inquire whether either would support the legislation, but have not yet received a statement. Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, Ithaca, New York City, Rochester, Syracuse, and the counties of Albany, Suffolk, Tompkins and Westchester have already enacted local GENDA laws. Numerous private employers have also adopted policies protecting transgender employees from discrimination, including American Express, Eastman Kodak, and IBM. RELATED: ACR Health announces grant to benefit Q Center for LGBTQ youth ROME A group of parents is heading to Staley Elementary School in Rome for what theyre calling a protest against bullying. Those participating will start at Floyd Avenue and march to Staley Elementary with anti-bullying signs in hand. One of the parents said she planned the rally because her daughter is being bullied by a group of girls from the school. The protest is also meant to help bring awareness to the fact that bullying is an issue at any age, according to the parents involved. Rome City School District Superintendent Peter Blake issued the following response on Monday: "The Rome City School District takes any accusation or report of bullying very seriously. Each situation is investigated, addressed, and even mediated as necessary to help improve a tense situation. We have even mediated personal disputes between adults that have no impact on the school, simply to try to improve our community. Beyond that, the adults who work in our community consistently and constantly work to improve our learning environments for our children. In today's society, there are more than 2 sides to every story as social media tends to spin things in a manner that makes the truth harder to obtain. Finally, it's also important to remember that under the law, all students have rights and required access to public education; and it's our responsibility as an institution to make this law a reality." Blake said some of the alleged bullying incidents happened outside of school so they cant do much about it. ROME The Rome Police Department is asking for the publics help locating their latest Wanted Person of the Week. Timothy Chrystie, 22, is wanted on a warrant issued by Rome City Court in January 2017 for criminal obstruction of breathing. Police say there is no photo available of Chrystie, whose last known address in Rome was on Park Drive Manor. Police say he may currently be in the city of Utica, and his last known Utica address was on Niagara Street. Chrystie is described as being 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing approximately 120 pounds. Any information regarding Chrysties whereabouts can be sent to Rome police using their anonymous tip form here, or by calling 315-339-7780. You can also submit a tip to the Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers, or call 911. 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 May 4th is known to many as Star Wars Day, a time for fans of the franchise (and Star Wars talent) to share amusing Tweets. The NYC Civilian Complain Review Board, the independent agency that investigates allegations of NYPD misconduct, got into the act by reminding the public about the Fourth Amendment with a late Friday afternoon tweet. #MayTheFourth Amendment protect you from unreasonable searches and seizures. And if you feel your rights have been violated by an NYPD officer, file a complaint here: https://t.co/85crBmm5PG pic.twitter.com/dD7vumSaux NYC CCRB (@CCRB_NYC) May 4, 2018 This was simply too much for the Sergeants Benevolent Association. At around 8:30 p.m. on Friday, the union fired back with a provocative retort, accusing the CCRB of "sit[tting] on your ass... while growing up on the nipple of what's easy" while the police protects them: You are all a disgrace. You sit on your ass and target the NYPD all while growing up on the nipple of whats easy. You have no clue what a NYPD officer does yet target us and disparage our integrity. One day you will dial 911 when evil is at your door and thank god for the NYPD. https://t.co/8I00FD7hny SBA (@SBANYPD) May 5, 2018 Ed Mullins, president of the SBA, expanded on the tweet in this statement: The tweet does not attack the 4th amendment as many of the spinmeisters would like to claim but rather attacks the members of CCRB who imply that NYPD members are overtly violating the 4th amendment rights of citizens. The truth is CCRB is a dysfunctional body, not to [sic] long ago Chairman Richard Emery was conflicted in his position as a result of obtaining civil suits from complainants. Shortly thereafter his second in command Mina Malik and then Maya Wiley was forced to resign. CCRB often finds little to no violations of misconduct on members of the NYPD and to cast aspersions upon the men and women of the NYPD without merit is simply wrong. Perhaps its time CCRB clean its [sic] own garbage from within and provide the people of NYC with a competent and ethical Board. Andrew Case, a former CCRB spokesperson, responded with a series of critical tweets about the SBA: The @SBANYPD says that the @CCRB_NYC has "no clue what a NYPD officer does" - here are some things that the CCRB has learned NYPD officers do: https://t.co/pfpCP99bTj Andrew Case (@AClaudeCase) May 5, 2018 They regularly fail to provide medical assistance to people they have doused with OC spray, despite a bold red warning on the label of the package that "medical attention must be rendered" after each use. https://t.co/ieGH7zD4Hj Andrew Case (@AClaudeCase) May 5, 2018 They -- for decades -- stopped black and brown people more often than any reports of crime/suspicion warrant, and used force in those stops more often: https://t.co/YyZptypNZp Andrew Case (@AClaudeCase) May 5, 2018 (And this is not just statistics - I regularly visited precincts from 2001-2008 when I worked at @CCRB_NYC and officers told me candidly they felt they had to stop tons of people to get better assignments) Andrew Case (@AClaudeCase) May 5, 2018 They trained officers in some precincts (guess which) to strip search everyone who comes in, in plain violation of the law, then promised to train officers not to and never did. Andrew Case (@AClaudeCase) May 5, 2018 They give out union cards to their friends so that they can break traffic laws with impunity, then whine when the number gets cut from 30 to 20. https://t.co/kowpZSXko8 Andrew Case (@AClaudeCase) May 5, 2018 (Eleanor Bumpurs, Anthony Baez, Amadou Diallo, Ousmane Zongo, Gidone Busch, Khiel Coppin, Sean Bell, Akai Gurley, dozens more) Andrew Case (@AClaudeCase) May 5, 2018 Abner Louima gets his own line because NYPD officers sexually assaulted him with a stick in the bathroom of the precinct, and then whined for years that Charles Schwarz was unfairly targeted because all he did was hold Louima down. Andrew Case (@AClaudeCase) May 5, 2018 In short, the history of the NYPD is filled with stories of brutality, stupidity, and short sightedness - and it would be easier to praise them for the good they do if the SBA didn't spout nonsense like this when people praise the CONSTITUTION. Andrew Case (@AClaudeCase) May 5, 2018 In short, Dear @SBANYPD: Attacking the Constitution is small minded, anti-American, stupid, and shallow. From you, of course, I would expect nothing less. /end Andrew Case (@AClaudeCase) May 5, 2018 Gothamist also contacted the CCRB for comment on the SBA's reaction and will update if we hear back. The agency will have a public board meeting Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at Brooklyn College Student Center (Gold Room, 6th Floor) at 2705 Campus Road. The CCRB says this is its first board "meeting since Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed Rev. Fred Davie" as its chair. A father in Australia used the movie Frozen to get his children to engage in sex acts with him and among themselves. According to court documents, the 42-year-old father babysat his children while his wife was at work. When he was home alone with them, the father took his children, who are aged between 5 and 10-years-old, to his bedroom. They sat on his marital bed, where they engaged in sexual activity in exchange for the privilege of watching the movie Frozen. The court in Mackay, Queensland, heard that the mans 6-year-old daughter suffered the most severe abuse as she was raped by her father. Additionally, the boy was allegedly threatened with a beating whenever he refused to engage in group sex with his father or 2 sisters. The incident came to light when a babysitter witnessed inappropriate touching between the children and told their mother. The fathers attorney, Scott McLennan, said that his client was abused as a child. He has been tortured with a cattle prod by his father and he was given to a man for sex in exchange for a case of beer. McLennan pleaded guilty to four counts of rape and 15 counts of indecent assault. Judge Brad Farr at the Mackay District Court jailed him for eight years. Multiple air ambulances attend collision near Holt road closed This article is old - Published: Monday, May 7th, 2018 Motorists are being advised of long delays and a road closure following a road traffic collision between the B5130 Farndon to Ridley Wood. North Wales Police are urging motorists to use an alternative route. An air ambulance has also attended the scene and has since left, with indications two others also attended the incident. B5130 Farndon to Ridley Wood, Wrexham Road Traffic Collision Long delays, please choose alternative route. Location is on the back lane towards the industrial estate. Diolch/Thanks NWPControlroom (@NWPControlroom) May 7, 2018 B5130 Farndon to Ridley Wood, Wrexham Road Traffic Collision Holt side of the road is closed North Wales Police (@NWPolice) May 7, 2018 More information when we have it. The WSWS urges auto workers to from a rank-and-file committee at Flat Rock Asssembly. Read our statement, UAW and Ford silent as anger simmers in wake of injury at Flat Rock Assembly. Contact us with information and to sign up for the Autoworker Newsletter. *** Ford workers at the Flat Rock assembly plant south of Detroit halted production on the second shift early Friday morning when a worker was trapped in machinery and her legs crushed. The company tried to resume production and extend the shift from 10 hours to 10.7 in the aftermath of the emergency line shut down at the plant that employs 3,500. The United Auto Workers and the local news media have suppressed details of the incident; however, workers reported on Facebook that the second shift of nearly 1,500 refused company demands for a resumption of production and walked out of the plant in horror and disgust. Workers contacted by the World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter said they anticipate a union-company cover-up at perfunctory safety meetings when they get to work on Monday. The United Auto Workers has enabled a continuing assault on jobs, wages, work rules and safety conditions since the auto industry restructuring under the Obama administration in 2009. At Flat Rock Assembly there is no local contract in place, giving the company a free hand to impose changes at will in job classifications and descriptions, work rules and safety regulations. The automakers have reaped record profits through an influx of lower-paid, second tier, temporary and part-time workers who are instructed by the UAW to keep their mouths shut. The World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter recently reported on the agreement by the UAW at the General Motors Lordstown, Ohio complex to allow jobs held by higher-seniority, legacy workers, such as, material handling, for example, to be assigned to lower-paid, temporary, part-time new hires of a GM subsidiary called Lordstown GM Subsystems. Workers from the Flat Rock Assembly plant spoke to the WSWS Autoworkers Newsletter over the weekend. They are being very secretive about it, said a full seniority worker on days. I want to know what happened and why they want to cover it up. The incident occurred on second shift at 1:00 a.m., Friday morning. A Temporary Part Time (TPT) worker said, It sounded like she was on a job that she was not familiar with. Im a TPT, and they put us all on jobs that we dont know. It just sounded like that was what happened. We are floaters, which means that they put us where they need us. We are not really trained well. They take just a few minutes to show you the job. None of us know what really happened, she continued, but it sounded like this is what could have caused it. A senior worker said, A lot of people at the plant now are beginning to realize that they signed themselves out of a lot of protections when they accepted the contract back in 2015. Ford management and the UAW rallied right at the end and campaigned up and down the plant telling workers to vote yes and get the $10,000 signing bonus. Now we dont even know if the vote was legitimate. One of the things [the UAW] gave up was the percentage cap on how many TPTs the company could hire. Now they hire as many temps at $15.78 per hour as they want. Ford wants cheap labor. Another TPT added, I heard she was a floater. Thats what I do, wherever they need you. You get minutes of training. It used to be that you had three days to train on a job. That was probably something the union gave up in 2015. There are a lot of really angry TPTs in the plant right now. They lied to us in orientation. The union comes in to sign you up to take money out of your paycheck. They give this big spiel that if you are ever forced to do something youre not supposed to, come and tell them and they will take care of it right away. I was on a job for a year and a half that was supposed to be for legacy workers only. I was working 55 and 59 hours a week. So I went and told the union. I never heard from them. We have our own Facebook page for TPTs. There is a lot of really angry TPTs in the plant right now. You are not supposed to be kept as a temp for more than two years. We dont get insurance, no dental, no profit sharing. The medical coverage is really bad. As a TPT, you are only supposed to work three days. When they bump you up to STF, (Staffing Temporary Full-time) they can work you as much as they want. Then you get pharmacy. The Ford Woodhaven Stamping Plant where the young TPT worker Coby Hennings died six months ago is just down the street from Flat Rock Assembly. Several of the workers we spoke with had signed up to receive the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter several months ago when they were searching for news about the young mans death. The story has been suppressed, but not forgotten. It was similar brutal working conditions that Hennings was apparently discussing with UAW officials when he died. Workers expressed deep sorrow and empathy for his parents and family. I read a lot about the case, said a TPT worker from Flat Rock. She feels that her son did not kill himself. That poor kid. It is hard enough to be a TPT at one plant. I dont see him killing himself, she added, noting that her own son is 18. With all the corruption among union officials, I wouldnt trust them, she continued. I would feel just like Cobys parents. They dont believe the official line that he shot himself. Somebody else must have done it. The fact that the union never went to his mother, never spoke to her, didnt go to the funeralthat tells me they are guilty. Another worker said, They have four different tiers at our plant. They keep us segregated. You know the saying, United we stand, divided we fall. Now we have first tier, second tier, STF and TPT. TPTs are only supposed to work three days. STF allows them to work you five. A TPT starts at $15.78. After 52 weeks, you get a raise of $0.88. Im on my second year and I still only have one $0.88 raise. We thought we would get our raises on our start date, but it is based on weeks worked and we were laid off for 9 weeks last year. You ask the union about it, and they say, Let me get back to you on that. And they never do. They do nothing for you. They keep us so scared, we dont want to say anything. If you call the union, or complain, they will send you to trim which is a really, really hard place to work. Some things weigh 30 to 50 pounds. There are jobs there I know I cannot do. I would get fired. You cannot refuse the job assignment. They are constantly separating the members and working them against each other. There are certain jobs that only legacy workers are supposed to do. But they get away with putting TPTs in those spots all the time. Its a running battle. And you never get any answers from the union. One hundred people have retired, and they have not hired anyone to replace them. They are doubling up on jobs. That makes it more dangerous. The Ford contract and every other agreement negotiated by the corrupt UAW must be repudiated by autoworkers. They have been rendered null and void by the revelations that top UAW officials had for years been taking payments from the auto companies in exchange for pushing pro-company contracts. This horrifying accident at the Flat Rock plant provides further proof that the UAW is not a workers organization, but a labor contractor, whose job is to enforce poverty-level wages, speed-up and dangerous working conditions in the plants and do whatever it can to suppress opposition. Rank-and-file factory committees, independent of the union and the company, must be organized to prepare and coordinate opposition. The WSWS Autoworker Newsletter urges autoworkers to contact us to help organize this fight. The mounting resistance of autoworkers takes place under conditions where teachers throughout the US and internationally are in rebellion against their unions, which have worked to isolate and betray a series of recent strikesin West Virginia, Oklahoma and Arizona. A successful fight by autoworkers requires a complete break with the pro-company UAW and the waging of an independent fight side by side with teachers and other sections of the working class coming into struggle. According to a letter sent to retirees late last month, Honeywell International plans to eliminate the healthcare of over 4,700 retirees who worked at its Allied Signal, Bendix and Honeywell Aerospace operations nationwide by July 31. Retirees and their spouses learned of the devastating decision through a written legal notice of intent issued from Honeywells headquarters in Morris Plains, New Jersey. Honeywell spokesman Scott Sayres told the press that the cuts were a difficult decision, but necessary to keep Honeywell competitive in a challenging economic environment and enable us to continue to provide tens of thousands of good jobs throughout the U.S. In reality, the decision was made not to enhance job creation, but to enrich Honeywells shareholders by financing stock buybacks, which artificially increase share prices on the markets. The announcement comes shortly after Honeywell announced substantial year over year revenue growth, reporting $10.39 billion in revenue for its first quarter of 2018, up from $9.49 billion during the same quarter in 2017. On April 20, the website MarketWatch reported that although demand for Honeywells equipment products was expected to increase during the coming year, the company reported that it would continue to buy back shares of its stock in the absence of immediate deal opportunities. The announced healthcare cuts come as Honeywell is preparing to outsource jobs from its South Bend, Indiana plant to other facilities, including one in Turkey. The recent announcement is part of a sustained effort by the corporation to strip retirees of healthcare. On April 29, 2017exactly one-year priorHoneywell Aerospace announced its initial decision to cut all healthcare benefits for retirees at its South Bend and Green Island facilities, but the action was stymied by a temporary court injunction. A federal judge overturned the injunction this year. The draconian measure was upheld in a March 29 ruling in the seven-year-long case in US District Court, Eastern District of Michigan. Judge Denise Hood ruled that only current collective bargaining agreements determine retiree healthcare coverage, despite the fact that retirees were promised lifetime healthcare benefits under terms of contracts signed at the time they were working and creating immense profits for the company. However, the sellout contract forced through by the United Auto Workers in 2017 after an over nine-month lockout did not include any clauses about retiree benefits. For this reason, Honeywell claims that its actions are completely legal. The letter sent to retirees states: Honeywell and the UAW subsequently agreed to a new Master CBA, effective February 25, 2017. That CBA does not provide health care benefits to retirees (or their eligible spouses and dependents), and therefore Honeywell has no legal obligation to continue providing retiree medical coverage. A Honeywell worker in South Bend contacted by the World Socialist Web Site said worker anger was simmering over the announced healthcare cuts and impending outsourcing and that they were being kept in the dark by the UAW. Former UAW Local 9 Vice President Todd Treder told the South Bend Tribune: We were instructed that we couldnt talk about retiree benefits. I feel for the retirees. A lot of them came to the line when they were locked out. The way it looks, it looks like we just bargained away all their retirement benefits. We didnt do that. Not once did we talk about it. It wasnt my choice, we were just told were not talking about retiree benefits and so we never did. Treders pathetic attempt to cover for the role of the UAW in the move to strip healthcare coverage for thousands of retired Honeywell workers does not hold water. As a local official during the 2017 lockout, he and other union officials took their orders from both UAW International representatives and Honeywell corporate management to set retirees up for the loss of health insurance. In 2017, after Honeywell first announced its plan to cut retiree healthcare, Treder lied again, claiming the union was exploring options for preserving the health benefits of retirees. Its something that our International Union lawyers are looking at currently. Its just something that caught us all off guard. Workers have no reason to trust a word uttered by any representative of the UAW. The UAW betrayed the workers who were locked out in South Bend and Green Island, New York, starving them into submission by isolating them from workers coming into struggle in auto and steel, who could have waged a united fight together with the Honeywell workers against the corporations and the state. Top UAW officials who negotiated this miserable sellout will not lose their pay or benefits, including UAW President Dennis Williams, set to retire this summer, who earned $181,046 in salary and expenses in 2017. Woody Kepler, a retired Honeywell worker, spoke to the South Bend Tribune about the devastation the healthcare cuts will cause. Kepler explained that he has battled recurring lung cancer, which may have been related to asbestos and chemical exposure at Honeywell. He and other retirees were promised healthcare coverage for their entire lives by Honeywell, and the announcement for him came as kind of a death sentence. For its part, UAW Local 9 voiced no criticism on its Facebook page of the recent announcement to strip retirees of their health benefits. Its web page makes no mention of the decision at all, nor is the letter that announced the cuts posted anywhere. The local announced that Honeywell retirees will meet on Wednesday, May 9, at the Local 5 Hall to discuss the letter and the healthcare options for retirees. No action has been proposed by the UAW except pathetic reliance on the courts, which have demonstrated time and again that they act at the behest of the employers. The healthcare cuts are a manifestation of the ruthlessness of the capitalist system and the treachery of the UAW. After toiling for decades to produce massive profits for the corporation under conditions in which workers were exposed to harmful chemicals and risked life and limb, Honeywell has decided to rob them of their healthcare and shorten their lives in order to satisfy its hunger for higher stock prices. Workers must demand full retirement benefits, including healthcare, be paid by Honeywell. To do this, workers must free themselves from the grip of the UAW and form independent committees of rank-and-file workers with representatives democratically elected from the shop floor. They must be linked up with the struggles of autoworkers and other workers, such as teachers on strike throughout the US and internationally, as part of a conscious struggle against the capitalist system. This requires the development of an independent political movement of the working class with the aim of expropriating the wealth held by the banks and corporations to provide good jobs, secure retirement and guaranteed lifetime healthcare for all workers. The International Committee of the Fourth International held its fifth annual May Day Online Rally on May 5. Coinciding with the 200th anniversary of the birth of the founder of the modern socialist movement, the rally emphasized the continuity between the life and ideas of Karl Marx and the building of the Fourth International, led by the International Committee, as the World Party of Socialist Revolution today. The rally embodied the call sounded by Marx and Engels more than 150 years ago: Workers of the world, Unite! It attracted a global audience from more than 50 countries. Fourteen speakers from six different countries and four different continents presented a revolutionary Marxist perspective on all the critical political issues facing the international working class. In opening the rally, World Socialist Web Site International Editorial Board Chairman David North delivered a report that reviewed the essential elements of the life and political thought of Karl Marx. He stressed three points: 1) That the philosophy of Marxism is materialism, which Marx applied to the study of mans socioeconomic and political evolution. Marx identifiedamidst the seemingly uncoordinated actions of countless millions of human beings, each pursuing what they believed to be their own best interests, driven by their individual passions, ambitions and contradictory aspirationsthose objective forces, operating apart from and even independently of individual subjective consciousness, that underlie and determine the economic structure of society. 2) That the achievements of Marx in the realm of social and economic theory are inseparable from the fight by Marx and the Marxist movement to politically organize the working class in opposition to capitalism. Much of the discussion of the relevance of Marx, North stated, is dominated and distorted by this strict separation of the consideration of Marxs economic critique of capitalism, from the recognition of the enduring significance of Marxism as the historical and contemporary international political movement of the most advanced sections of the working class for the revolutionary overthrow of the capitalist system. 3) That the Marxism of the 21st century is Trotskyism, embodied in the political program and practice of the Fourth International, founded in 1938, and continued in the struggle of the International Committee against Stalinism, Social Democracy and all forms of opportunism, centrism and pseudo-left politics. As North stated, Marxism does not exist in the abstract, or as a set of conclusions formulated more than a century ago. Rather, it exists as the real movement that represents the continuity of the conscious struggle within the international working class to develop the program, perspective and practice of world socialist revolution. As a political event, the rally was the only celebration of May Day and Marxs bicentenary that provided a comprehensive examination of the world political situation from the standpoint of the fight to organize the international working class in struggle against capitalist exploitation, imperialist militarism and war, authoritarianism, and for the establishment of a global socialist society. The speakers reviewed the escalation of geopolitical conflicts that pose the danger of world war, including the offensive of American imperialism in the Middle East, Asia and against Russia. They spoke about the breakdown of democratic forms of rule throughout the world, including the rise of far-right nationalist movements and the authoritarian policies of the traditional capitalist parties. The rally examined the state of the world capitalist system ten years after the financial collapse of 2008, which was followed by a historic transfer of wealth from the working class to the corporate and financial elite. The speakers exposed the class war being waged by the ruling parties against the working class, expressed in the escalating assault on wages, jobs and social programs throughout the world, and the brutal persecution of immigrants and refugees. Above all, the speeches stressed the significance of the resurgence of class struggle throughout the world, from the expanding wave of teachers strikes in the USwhich have developed in opposition to the corporatist and anti-working class trade unionsto a series of protests and strikes this year in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. The growth of the class struggle has refuted the reactionary and anti-Marxist claims that the class struggle has been superseded by conflicts over race, gender and sexual orientation. The ruling class is terrified of the growth of opposition in the working class, and the danger that this opposition will develop into a conscious political and revolutionary movement against capitalism. It is for this reason that capitalist states, in close coordination with giant Internet and social media companies like Google and Facebook, have taken far-reaching measures to censor the Internet and suppress free speech online. All the speeches at the rally connected the fight to mobilize the working class against capitalism with the historical experiences of the Marxist movement spanning nearly 200 years. In the final speech, Bill Van Auken, the Latin America editor for the WSWS, reviewed the struggle of the Trotskyist movement against petty-bourgeois nationalism and revisionism, which was responsible for a series of terrible defeats in Latin America during the 20th century. These bitter experiences, Van Auken declared, underscore the necessity of forging a new revolutionary Marxist movement based on the independent political mobilization of the working class Such a movement, he concluded, can be built only through the assimilation of the long history of the struggle of Trotskyism against revisionism and, on this principled foundation, establishing sections of the International Committee of the Fourth International in every country. In the founding document of the Fourth International, The Death Agony of Capitalism and the Tasks of the Fourth International, Leon Trotsky wrote, Outside of these cadres there does not exist a single revolutionary current on this planet really meriting the name. Trotskys statement is even truer today than it was 80 years ago. There is no political tendency outside of the Fourth International, led by the International Committee, that represents the continuity of Marxism. Against the backdrop of an escalation of the class struggle and the initial signs of a political radicalization of the international working class, the May Day rally was the conscious expression of a developing objective movement. The political perspective outlined at the rally must be brought into the practice of the working class. The essential task is the building of a revolutionary leadership, the International Committee of the Fourth International, the world Trotskyist movement. In the coming days, the WSWS will be posting the text and audio of all the speeches to the May Day rally. We urge our readers to study them and take an active part in the fight for socialism by joining and building the International Committee of the Fourth International, organized in sections of the Socialist Equality Party throughout the world, and its youth movement, the International Youth and Students for Social Equality. The Insight team at the Sunday Times were pioneers in investigative journalism. In 1963, the groups first efforts exposed slum landlord Peter Rachman and gave a new word, Rachmanism, to the English language. How the mighty are fallen. Last weeks Insight report into alleged Russian meddling in the British general election of 2017 marked a low point in the collapse of bourgeois journalism into state propaganda. Exposed: Russian Twitter bots tried to swing the general election for Jeremy Corbyn was the newspapers frontpage headline. Inside, the results of an investigation, How Russian bots invaded Twitter to fight in Jeremy Corbyns army, ran across pages eight and nine. For more than 18 months the New York Times, the Democratic Party and powerful sections of the military-intelligence apparatus have alleged Russian fake news interference in the 2016 US presidential elections. The aim of this anti-Russia campaign has been twofold: (1) to install, via the methods of palace intrigue and coup, a regime prepared to militarily confront Russia and (2) to justify sweeping Internet censorship and other dictatorial measures on the grounds that the population is being indoctrinated by the Kremlin. The Sunday Times feature published April 29 confirms that a similar campaign has begun in Britain. This version is directed against Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and the millions of people who have registered their oppositionon Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, blogs and memesto the Conservative government of Prime Minister Theresa Mays agenda of war and austerity. The Insight Research TeamGeorge Arbuthnott, Jonathan Calvert, Krystina Shveda, Louis Goddard, Mary OConnor, Katie Weston, Malik Ouzia, Rebecca Gualandi and Rosie Bradburyraked over Corbyns higher than expected vote. The causes of the result are still being debated. Was it the galvanisation of the youth vote, did May run a lacklustre campaign or were the polls wrong from the beginning? they asked. Not one of these possibilities was investigated. Instead the team aimed their sights on Russians in the ranks. One question has been largely overlooked, until now. Did Moscow attempt to influence the British general election by using social media in the same way that it tried to boost the fortunes of Donald Trump during the 2016 American elections? Insight reported their ground breaking investigation with Swansea University academic Oleksandr Talavera had uncovered 6,500 Russian Twitter accounts supporting Corbyn. Most of the 6,500 accounts, Insight claimed, were botsautomated accounts that retweet posts from other accounts, posting links or comments from external sources. These were mass-produced to bombard the public with orchestrated political messages, claimed Rupert Murdochs investigative team, who are certainly experts on the topic. In fact, such bots are routinely used by media outlets, celebrities, businesses and individuals to boost their social media reach and influencebut the Times, it seems, has only just discovered these dastardly bots and their evil ways. Its real aim is to criminalise any attempt by the public at large to promote views that challenge the financial oligarchy and its state machine. During the snap poll May launched on April 18, Corbyns support rose from 25 percent to 40 percent, reducing the Conservative government to minority status and shocking the political establishment. According to the Insight team, this could not be explained with reference to objectively rooted socioeconomic processes. Instead, it was attributed to Russian bots whose shady influence is somehow linked to Corbyns own repeated failure to strongly condemn Vladimir Putin. The Times investigation cited key points during the general election when Russian Twitter accounts swung into action with apparently devastating effect. These key points included Mays disastrous campaign launch on May 18, the Manchester bombing on May 22, her repeated refusal to hold a leaders debate with Corbyn, and the mass rallies Corbyn addressed that were a feature of the campaign. To add insult to injury, At the times when the bots spread positivity for Labour, they would also spread almost equal amounts of negativity for the Conservatives. To cite just one example of Insights shoddy methodology and conclusions: In early June, Lillian Morgan retweeted a message from the pro-Kremlin broadcaster Russia Today inviting people to watch Corbyns speech in Reading. The event drew comment in the newspapers because a surprisingly large crowd attended during a workday lunchtime. All this proves is that the newspapers are a million times removed from the mass of the population. The Times journalists are shocked by a surprisingly large crowd and can only conclude that the population has been manipulated by a Kremlin-backed Twitter conspiracy. Such is the police mentality that now dominates the editorial offices of the British press. Lillian turns out to have been bot @sMzNFVr7wWkTW04 created in Russia. No evidence has been supplied as to Lillians true identity, so no conclusions can be drawn. The British media does not have a great track record when it comes to outing Russian trolls and bots. Only last month, the owner of an alleged Russian bot accountan English retiree who opposes the bombing of Syria spoke out publicly to expose the medias anti-Russia witch-hunt. Ian56 successfully faced down a hostile line of questioning from Sky News journalists. The entire Times investigation is based on just 20,000 tweets. As Wired magazine pointed out, in the month before the general election, 1.067 million accounts tweeted around 10 million times, using terms such as theresamay, #Conservatives, nicolasturgeon, paulnuttall, ukip, #Labour (to name a few). Taleveras academic research therefore investigated 20,000 out of 10 million tweets, a grand total of 0.2 percent. The British media campaign over Russian interference is rank hypocrisy. A relative handful of Russian-backed Twitter accounts is childs play compared to the routine and violent political interference of the imperialist powers in countries all over the world. The British ruling class has carried out criminal wars of occupation and illegal regime change across the Middle East and North Africa that have claimed the lives of over a million people since 2003 alone, turning millions more into stateless refugees. The desperate and crude methods of the Sunday Times must serve as a warning. Owned by the billionaire Rupert Mudoch, the Sunday Times speaks for powerful sections of the British ruling class. If Corbyn owes his popularity to Kremlin interference, the implications are clear: preparations must be made for his removal. These moves are not primarily aimed against Corbyn, who is a life-long defender of the Labour bureaucracy and the state, and who uses every possible opportunity to appease his attackers. They are aimed against the working class. Three years ago, the Sunday Times quoted an unnamed serving general threatening mutiny by fair means or foul against a Corbyn government. The intervening years have seen an immense deepening of the crisis of British imperialism which has responded, like all the major powers, by stepped-up preparations for war and a build-up of the state. The Sunday Times article begins and ends with calls for sweeping Internet censorship. It cites Matt Hancock, digital and culture secretary in Mays government, insisting, It is absolutely unacceptable for any nation to attempt to interfere in the democratic elections of another country. The social media companies need to act to safeguard our democratic discourse and reveal what they know. Academic and professional staff members at the University of Melbourne will stop work for four hours on Wednesday in protest against managements efforts to remove references to academic and intellectual freedom in an enterprise bargaining agreement. The University of Melbournes moves to undermine academic freedom are part of an ongoing corporate restructuring of the Australian tertiary education sector. Through the reforms and multi-billion dollar finding cuts of successive Labor and Liberal-National governments, universities have been transformed into privatised and corporatised entities. Students are now lucrative customers, with education an industry classified among Australias most profitable export sectors. An increasingly casualised and precarious academic workforce is employed on the basis of its ability to deliver marketable content. Academic freedomthat is, the ability of university researchers to use their knowledge and expertise to make public statements regardless of any opposing political and commercial interests of their employersis now regarded by the Australian ruling class as an antiquated and dangerous threat. University of Melbourne staff were previously covered by an enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) that specified that academic freedom allowed its staff to engage in critical enquiry, intellectual discourse and public controversy without fear or favour, but does not include the right to harass, intimidate or vilify. This clause has been removed from the draft agreement that university management has proposed the National Tertiary and Education Union (NTEU) accept in negotiations that have been held over the past 16 months. The management has insisted that academic freedom should be enshrined in a separate policy document, claiming that the issue is too important to be governed through an industrial agreement. In reality, academics are being set up for possible victimisation. Removing clauses from the EBA relating to academic freedom is clearly aimed at facilitating the further disciplining and intimidation of staff. The University of Melbourne is one of Australias elite sandstone universities and has long served as a pillar of the political and corporate establishment. It is now home to a $13 million research centre for the American arms manufacturing giant Lockheed Martin, which the corporate giant has promoted as the first multi-disciplinary R&D [research and development] facility outside the US. The establishment of the centre last year marks another step in Australias integration into the Washingtons preparations for war against its rivals, including Russia and China. The number of staff at the university who are members of the NTEU has sharply declined as a result of both the increased casualisation of the academic workforce, and mounting disaffection with the union. According to the Age, only about 1,500 of the universitys 13,600 employees are members of the union. Last month, members voted 93 percent in favour of industrial action. The fight over the new EBA involves issues in addition to the right of academic freedom. The university is attempting to split academic and professional staff, in an obvious effort to divide the workforce as a means of further driving down salaries and conditions. It is also demanding the removal of existing staff-to-student ratio commitments, restricted salary increment progressions, and the introduction of a new form of periodic employment that is aimed at the accelerated casualisation of the academic workforce. All of this is of a piece with the corporate restructuring of the university sector that has proceeded unchallenged by the NTEU over recent decades. The unions efforts to present itself as a challenger to the University of Melbournes attacks on academics conditions and rights are a fraud. At Western Australias Murdoch University, the NTEU recently pushed through a new four-year agreement that has cut real wages, increased workloads, facilitated retrenchments and overturned hard-won conditions. Last month, at Sydneys Macquarie University, the union pressed for an agreement that could force huge teaching workloads onto at least a quarter of the universitys academics. At that university, the NTEU is engaging in a new level of collaboration with management, via so-called interest-based bargaining, which involves trade unions forming intimate partnerships with employers to implement their agendas. At the University of Melbourne, in the face of a series of management provocations, the NTEU is seeking to channel opposition among academics and other staff behind the trade unions campaign to elect yet another pro-business Labor Party government at the next federal election. The strike on Wednesdayscheduled to last just four hours, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.has been timed to coincide with an Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) rally to Change the Rules. The union is asking its members to meet outside the university gates then immediately leave to join the official ACTU protest. This cynical ACTU event is aimed at giving a boost to the unions expensive television and radio advertising campaign that aims to divert mounting working class opposition to social inequality and corporate exploitation behind the Labor Partys right-wing election campaign (see: Australian unions launch campaign to re-elect an anti-working class Labor government). To defend the right to free speech and take forward the fight against university corporate restructuring, academics and university staff need to take their struggle out of the hands of the NTEU and organise rank and file committees, completely independent of the unions, and turn out to students and other sections of the working class facing similar attacks on their conditions. The attacks on academics are also attacks on the conditions of students and their right to a decent, critically-informed education. The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) club at the University of Melbourne, which two years ago defeated a determined anti-democratic drive to deny it affiliation, pledges its solidarity with the striking academics and professional staff. We encourage striking staff to contact the World Socialist Web Site to discuss the next steps in the struggle. Wije Dias, general secretary of the Sri Lankan section of the ICFI, and a veteran Trotskyist of more than 50 years standing, spoke from Colombo to the ICFIs International Online May Day Rally. Karl Marx, the mighty thinker and revolutionist born 200 years ago today, blazed the path for the socialist emancipation of the working class by revealing the objective foundation and logic of its struggle against the deprivations of capitalism. Among the most searing and scathing of Marxs writings were his exposures of the violence, banditry, and duplicity by which the British bourgeoisie subjugated and economically bled the Indian subcontinent, or in contemporary parlance South Asia, the Crown Jewel of its Empire. Wrote Marx, The profound hypocrisy and inherent barbarism of bourgeois civilization, lies unveiled before our eyes, turning from its home, where it assumes respectable forms, to the colonies, where it goes naked. Wije Dias' address at the 2018 International Online May Day Rally Anticipated and politically prepared in Marxs writings, the 1917 Russian Revolutionthe centenary of which we marked last yeargave a tremendous impetus to the struggle against capitalism and imperialism in South Asia. For three decades, from the concluding years of the First World War through 1947, South Asia was convulsed by an anti-imperialist upsurge. But, as Leon Trotsky and the Fourth International forewarned, the colonial bourgeoisie that grew up in the shadow of imperialism was hostile to the revolutionary mobilization of South Asias toilers. Terrified for its own property and fearful of the growing militancy of the working class, the rival incipient bourgeoisies of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka negotiated a transfer of power in 194748, in which they inherited control of the British colonial status apparatus, and connived in the partition of South Asia on communal and ethnic lines. Not only were none of the burning problems of the democratic revolutionincluding the eradication of landlordism and casteism resolved. A reactionary state structure was imposed that has frustrated rational economic development, enshrined communalism, fueled a reactionary military-strategic rivalry between the states of Indian and Pakistan, and served as a mechanism for imperialism to exercise its domination. Seven decades on, South Asia is a geopolitical and social powder-keg. At the previous May Day rallies of the ICFI, we have warned that South Asia and the Indian Ocean region have been sucked into the maelstrom of imperialist and great-power conflict. For this, US imperialism is principally responsible. It has been waging a brutal neo-colonial war in Afghanistan for the past seventeen years and it has spared no effort to harness India to its reckless military-strategic offensive against China. In the process, Washington has dramatically downgraded its relations with its traditional regional ally Pakistan, thereby overturning the regional balance of terror between South Asias rival nuclear-armed powers. The Indian bourgeoisie, anxious for a leg up on Pakistan and China so as to realize its own predatory great-power ambitions, has eagerly accepted Washingtons offer to serve as a US imperialist satrap. This process has accelerated under the rule of Narendra Modi and his Hindu supremacist BJP, and with the most ominous consequences for the region and the world. Twice in the course of the past two yearsfirst in the fall of 2016 with Pakistan and then last summer with ChinaIndia came to the brink of a border war that could have rapidly escalated into an all-out military confrontation; and one, potentially involving the US and other great powers. Much is made in the western corporate media of the economic transformation of South Asia as it is enmeshed evermore tightly within global capitalist production chains. In reality, the fruits of capitalist development have accrued to a tiny capitalist elite and their political henchmen. For the masses, poverty, economic insecurity, and squalor prevail. In Bangladesh four million garment workers toil in sweatshops, six and even seven days a week, many earning as little as $US65 a month. As part of his Make In India campaign aimed at wooing foreign investors, Modi has boasted that industrial wages in India are no more than a quarter those in China. Since the mid-1990s, the number of Indian billionaires has increased fifty-fold, from two to more than a hundred, and the share of income appropriated by the top 1 percent has swelled to 23 percent The working class, however, is not just an object of exploitation. Among the tens of millions in South Asia toiling in the new globally-connected industries and the broader masses there is mounting social opposition. Recent months have seen a wave of strikes in India, involving among others, Tamil Nadu bus drivers and teachers, rural health workers in north India, and 1.5 million Uber and Ola drivers, as well as large protests by fishermen, peasants and Dalits. In an alarmed article this week, Indias former National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan, urged the government and its ostensible opponents in the political elite to take anticipatory steps to defuse and, if need be, quell social unrest. The situation within the country, wrote Narayanan, appears far from reassuring. Protests and agitations have a life of their own and underestimating their potential could be cause for grief. Hence it might be worthwhile for the nations leaders to pay heed to the ancient Chinese proverb, the wind sweeping through the tower heralds a storm rising in the mountain. Similarly in Sri Lanka, workers, students and the rural and urban poor are rebelling against the brutal IMF-dictated austerity measures being implemented by the Sirisena-Wickremasinghe coalition government. This resurgence of class struggle is laying bare on what objective force the struggle against the bourgeoisie and its agenda of war and reaction must be based. The great question is to politically arm this movement with a revolutionary socialist perspective, program, and leadership. The mobilization of the working class as an independent political force requires an unrelenting struggle against the phony establishment left parties, the trade union apparatuses, and their pseudo-left allies. In India, the Stalinists have responded to the intensification of the class struggle by redoubling their efforts to subordinate the working class to the bourgeoisie, declaring their readiness to ally, in the name of fighting the BJP, with the Congress Partythe traditional governing party of the Indian bourgeoisie and the party that spearheaded its drive to make India a cheap-labour haven for global capital and to forge a global strategic partnership with US imperialism. The Stalinists attitude toward the struggles and striving of the working class is exemplified by their complete abandonment of the 13 Maruti Suzuki car assembly plant workers who have been jailed for life on frame-up murder charges. Employers in India routinely threaten workers with doing a Maruti Suzuki, that is savagely repressing a challenge to poverty wages and brutal working conditions in concert with the police, courts and political establishment. Yet the Stalinists treat the jailed Maruti Suzuki workers like lepers, censoring any mention of their plight and struggle, for fear it would disrupt their cozy relations with the employers and the Congress Party. In Sri Lanka, the role of the pseudo-left is no less pernicious. They lined up in support of the regime-change operation Washington orchestrated three-and-a-half years ago to get rid of a right-wing president deemed too close to China, hailing the common opposition as a democratic alternative. Now that mass struggles have erupted against the pro-austerity, pro-imperialist government they helped bring to power, they are doing everything to isolate and smother them. Above all, they seek to prevent the working class from constituting itself as an independent political force, advancing its own socialist solution to the social crisis and rallying the oppressed toilers behind it in the fight for a workers government. At this May Day 2018 rally, the ICFI urges workers around the world to intensify the campaign to win the freedom of the Maruti Suzuki class-war prisoners. We urge workers and youth to join with us in building an anti-war movement across the reactionary state boundaries of South Asia, as part of a global working-class led movement against imperialist violence and capitalism, the source of all want and war. And last but not least, I urge all those listening today to join the ICFI. Workers around the world face fundamentally the same problems and enemy, and will increasingly be drawn into struggles against austerity and war that spill across state boundaries and continents. But the objective unity of the working class must find conscious expression in the building of a World Party of Socialist Revolution. The ICFI is that party. CLAY COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - Working to feed those who are hungry. That's what many did Sunday at Center Point United Methodist Church in Brazil, Indiana. The event auctioned off homemade food items like pies and cakes. Afterwards, they held a chili dinner. Funds will go to organizations who work year round to feed the community. One of the programs is Clay County Youth Food Program. The program feeds hungry children throughout the summer and school year. "It amazes me that people from all different walks of life come and join together for a common purpose, simply to feed the children," said Terry Barr, Clay County Youth Food Program volunteer. The program is always looking for volunteers to help serve the community. For more information on the program, click here. There will be a Food for Families 5K run on Memorial Day weekend. That run will also raise money to feed members of the community. It will be on May 28th beginning at 8 a.m. at the track in Forest Park in Brazil, IN. LAUREL, Miss. (AP) Two Mississippi men have pleaded guilty to killing the boyfriend of one of their mothers. WDAM-TV reports Timothy Meadows and Alex Crews are both 21 now. They were 17 when they had a fight with Timothy Williamson of Moselle. The 44-year-old Williamson was dating Crews' mother. He died of strangulation and blunt force trauma. A jury in 2015 convicted Crews and Meadows of manslaughter and sentenced each to 20 years. The convictions were overturned in 2017 because the state didn't follow the proper procedure to transfer the cases from youth court. Meadows and Crews pleaded guilty to manslaughter Thursday, and Williamson's mother said in court that she forgives the men. Meadows was sentenced to 15 years, with six to serve. Crews was sentenced to 20 years with 16 to serve. HATTIESBURG, Miss. (AP) The University of Southern Mississippi will award a posthumous honorary degree to a black U.S. Army veteran who was rejected when he tried to integrate the school decades ago. Clyde Kennard applied several times between 1955 and 1959 to what was then called Mississippi Southern College. His applications were blocked by state, local and college officials. In 1960, Kennard was falsely charged with taking part in the theft of chicken feed, and was convicted and sentenced to seven years at the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman. While there, he was diagnosed with cancer but was denied proper treatment until he was critically ill. Under pressure of bad publicity should Kennard die at Parchman, Gov. Ross Barnett ordered his release in early 1963. Kennard died July 4, 1963. He was 36. Kennard's legacy will be recognized Friday during commencement on the USM campus in Hattiesburg. "This will be an important day for The University of Southern Mississippi as we award Mr. Kennard, albeit posthumously, with a degree representing the education he sought and so rightfully deserved," Rodney D. Bennett, who has been USM president since 2013, said in a news release. "As president of the university, and especially as its first African-American president, I am honored to be part of our institution's progress in moving toward this outcome." On March 30, 2006, Kennard was declared innocent of the crimes that sent him to prison. USM ultimately renamed its student services building in honor of Kennard and Walter Washington, the first African-American to earn a doctoral degree from the university. The university also established a scholarship in 2014 to continue Kennard's legacy. More than 40 students have benefited from the program. A Mississippi Freedom Trail marker telling Kennard's story was dedicated in February on USM's main campus in Hattiesburg. The Freedom Trail is a series of state-funded signs at noteworthy civil rights sites. USM has a second commencement May 12 in Biloxi. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 02:19:35|Editor: Liu Video Player Close U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley (C, Front) addresses a Security Council meeting on Yemen, at the UN headquarters in New York, on April 17, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) WASHINGTON, May 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said Sunday Trump's "communication style" has made her uncomfortable, and has proven to have complicated relationships in the diplomatic sphere. "He has his communication style, but you're not hearing me defend that," Haley told a CBS interview. Haley illustrated her disagreement with Trump with a tweet in February accusing Latin American countries turning a blind eye on drug trafficking. "They're laughing at us, so I'm not a believer in that, I want to stop the aid." Trump said in the tweet, referring to U.S. aid to the region. Haley later embarked on a trip to Honduras to reconcile and reassure local authorities on U.S. foreign policy. "If they get education and they get training, then we know that they're going to be productive," Haley told the press after the trip, subtly walking back from the threatening tone of her boss. "If there is anything that he communicates in a way that I'm uncomfortable with, I pick up the phone and call him," Haley said in the interview and added that Trump has been "receptive" her opinion. Trump has been known to make sensational claims and blunt assertions on social media, which he said helps him get his "unfiltered" message across, but has created controversy and sometimes even rifts in the delicate world of diplomacy. With his unconventional style, Trump has also created strains with American long time allies in Europe and Asia. KHARTOUM, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Sudanese capital Khartoum is to host on Monday meetings of the 10th session of the Sudanese-Egyptian Committee on Land Crossings, said Sudan's Foreign Ministry in a statement Sunday. The two-day meetings are set to discuss means of facilitating the movement of passengers and commodities through border crossings and enhance economic and trade cooperation. The committee, one of the most important mechanisms of bilateral cooperation, convene its sessions regularly. Sudan and Egypt are linked with two border crossings, namely Qastal-Ashkeet crossing inaugurated in 2015 on the eastern bank of the Nile River and Argeen crossing inaugurated in 2016 on the western bank of the Nile. WASHINGTON, May 6 (Xinhua) -- President Donald Trump is not obligated to testify for the ongoing Russian probe, his lawyer and former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani said Sunday. Giuliani said Trump doesn't "have to" comply with a subpoena if Robert Mueller, the Special Counsel who leads the investigation, were to issue one. "He's the president of the United States. We can assert the same privileges other presidents have," the long time Trump ally told an interview with ABC. Giuliani said recent actions from Mueller's office, including the unveiling of dozens of potential questions for Trump, persuaded him to think twice about an interview. "Not after the way they acted, I came into this case with the desire to do that, and they keep convincing me not to do that," he told the interview. Giuliani said fellow Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow agrees with his position. The Trump administration has been moving away in recent weeks from accepting to an interview with Mueller, after concerns that Trump may provide inaccurate or contradictory answers grew. Ty Cobb, a Trump lawyer who supported such an interview, signaled his retirement at the end of May. The Russian probe, coupled with Trump's alleged affair with adult movie actress Stormy Daniels and an ensuing hushup effort, has become a major cloud hanging above the Trump administration, dominating U.S. media as well as Trump's own twitter feed. Trump has described the probe as a witch hunt, and insisted that he was free of any wrongdoing. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 07:50:29|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close NEW YORK, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Given the current economic and financial circumstances, it is a good timing to further intensify the reform and opening up of China's financial industry, a U.S. banker told Xinhua in a recent interview. "China's financial industry has already had a fairly good foundation for further reform and opening up as the industry has made considerable progress since 1979," Pin Tai, chief executive officer and president of Cathay Bank told Xinhua on the sidelines of Cathay Bank economic outlook conference. By allowing more international financial institutions to further develop in China, it will improve many aspects of China's financial industry, including product innovation, risk control, and enterprise management, through healthy competition, he added. China's central bank governor fleshed out measures and disclosed a timetable to further open up the financial sector last month, signaling fast progress in implementing the country's opening-up promises. The deepening of reform and opening up of China's banking industry will not be too risky, Tai believed, noting that many banks in China are quite large-scale with advanced technology and strong learning capabilities. Tai is optimistic about the outlook of China's banking industry development. Cathay Bank already has a presence in two cities in China - Beijing and Shanghai. The bank plans to further expand the Chinese market after China announced a series of financial opening measures. This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening up. Tai said that the tremendous progress China has made since the beginning of the reform and opening up was "inconceivable," which testified the important role of reform and opening up in China's economic and social development. Tai pointed out that the deepening of China's reform and opening up of financial sector won't be easy, however, China should adhere to the policy nevertheless as past experience has proved that the advantages of reform and opening up far outweigh the disadvantages. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 08:00:31|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close By Bosun Awoniyi LAGOS, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Heavy rains did not deter huge crowds from gathering in Lagos, Nigeria's economic hub for the maiden edition of Chinese Kung Fu Festival on Saturday. The festival was organized by StarTimes, a Chinese firm which offers a direct-to-home pay-TV service, in conjunction with United Bank for Africa (UBA) between April 14 and May 5, 2018. Despite the heavy rain, fans of Kung fu had fun. It was a spectacle during the grand finale of the three week-long festival as Lagosians in their thousands, thronged the sprawling National Stadium in Surulere area of Lagos to watch the next Kung fu super star. The Kung Fu Festival is a Chinese-Kung Fu-themed live show, which aims to spread Chinese Kung Fu and culture, deepen the cultural exchange between Nigeria and China and to showcase the next Kung Fu super star. At least 14 local practitioners of the sport showcased their skills in front of other masters from China and Nigeria. Three winners were selected from the group. Startimes, in a statement made available to Xinhua said the Kung Fu festival is aimed at bringing people together to showcase the art of Kung Fu and increase their skills in the Chinese combat art. The company said winners will have an opportunity to star in a Kung Fu movie which will be shot in Nigeria later this year. The winners will also have the opportunity to become movie stars in a sponsored Kung Fu Series which will be shot in China, fully sponsored by UBA. Most of the participants said Kung Fu has come to stay in Nigeria, saying the awareness must cut across so that it can be a household sport at the grassroots across the country. "Ever since I started Kung Fu, over 10 years, I have remained discipline in everything I do, especially during confrontation, It helps me to control myself," Emmanuel Kinglsey, popularly called gentle soul told the gathering. Speaking to Xinhua, 7-year-old Hezekiah Ademola, said he was motivated doing Kung Fu via Chinese movies. He emphasized that the sport is a disciplined sport guided by strict principle, which encourages competitiveness and helps pupils to develop self-confidence. "Myself and my brother attend Kung Fu school, where we were told that Kung Fu will make us focus, we are more stronger and have self believe," he added. In an earlier interview, Jude Chijeoke, a sales manager with StarTimes, which has a presence in more than 20 countries in Africa, said the festival aims to make exceptional Kung Fu learning and training experiences more accessible to Nigerians. Akeem Babalola, a member of the Stadium Independent Group (SIG), told Xinhua it was gratifying to witness the festival and feel all the cultural activities that Kung Fu carries. Fatai Akindele, a startimes subscriber, who came to watch the show with her young daughter, told Xinhua that it was important for him to come to the stadium despite the bad weather. "It was a good thing to see Tuface perform today, I really enjoined my time here tonight," he said. Another highlight of the event was the musical performance by Nigerian music legend Tuface Idibia. SAN FRANCISCO, May 6 (Xinhua) -- The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac Airport) in the U.S. West coastal state of Washington was forced to close its departure terminal because of a suspicious package Sunday, airport authorities said. The upper drive at Sea-Tac Airport was evacuated Sunday afternoon after a report of the suspicious package, and the Seattle police department is investigating the incident, it added. "The Port of Seattle Police Dept is responding to a suspicious package outside terminal. Out of an abundance of caution, the upper drive has been evacuated. Passengers may be picked up and dropped off in the airport parking garage for free," Sea-Tac Airport@SeaTacAirport tweeted. "Passengers need to enter the airport from skybridges 1, 2 or 3 at the south end of the airport. Traffic is extremely slow. To avoid lengthy delays, we also encourage passengers to use Link light rail - drop off at Tukwila, Angle Lake or other nearby stations," it said. Traffic nearby is backing up and it is at a complete stop approaching the departure terminal at the Sea-Tac airport, the primary airport serving the Seattle metropolitan area, which is about 21 kilometers south of downtown Seattle, the largest city in Washington state. It's not known how and by whom the package was left at one of the most bustling airport in western U.S. area. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 08:20:37|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close ISLAMABAD, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan on Sunday strongly condemned a terrorist attack at a voter registration center in a mosque in the eastern Afghan city of Khost which killed and injured scores of innocent people. Afghan officials said that at least 12 people were confirmed dead and 23 others injured as a blast targeted a voter registration center inside a mosque in Khost, the capital of eastern Afghanistan's Khost province. "We are distressed and grieved at the loss of precious human lives. We express our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives and pray for early recovery of the injured," said Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Faisal. "We express our support and solidarity with the people and the government of Afghanistan in this hour of grief," he said in a statement. The spokesman said Pakistan reiterates its condemnation of terrorism in all forms and manifestations and the resolve to eliminate this menace. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 08:25:38|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close HOUSTON, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Houston Chinese communities has organized a seminar to celebrate the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Dominica, vowing to work together for the peaceful reunification of China. Delivering a speech at the seminar, Deputy Consul General in Houston Liu Hongmei said the Dominican Republic's government, together with 175 other countries in the world, recognized and promised to abide by the one-China principle. "The establishment of diplomatic relations is in full compliance with the fundamental interests of the Dominica and is fully in line with international law and basic norms of international relations," she said. At the seminar, a statement from the Alliances for China's Peaceful Reunification, USA to celebrate the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Dominica was delivered. The statement called on the Chinese people all over the world to work together for the peaceful reunification of the motherland. More than 100 people from around 30 Chinese communities in Houston participated in the seminar on Saturday. There is only one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. It has been a universal consensus of the international community to adhere to the one-China principle, a fundamental prerequisite as well as political foundation for China to establish and develop relations with any country. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 08:45:42|Editor: ZD Video Player Close Photo taken on April 28, 2018 shows the Jatigede Dam in Indonesia's West Java province. In 2007, China's Sinohydro Cooperation signed a contract with the Indonesian government on the construction of the Jatigede Dam, with 90 percent of the fund coming from a loan from the Export-Import Bank of China, and 10 percent appropriated by the Indonesian government. As Indonesia's second largest dam, the Jatigede Dam would irrigate 90,000 hectares of farmland, and also serve as a tourism destination and a fishing area. (Xinhua/Du Yu) by Fei Liena, Liang Hui, Zheng Shibo JAKARTA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Passing through the mountains in Indonesia's West Java province, a silver "dragon" appears in front of us. This, is the Cimanuk River, cradle and "mother river" of West Java people. The river brings life and water to local people, as well as flood during monsoon seasons and drought during dry seasons. For more than half a century, the Indonesian government and people have been making plans to build a dam to tame the Cimanuk River, but all in vain due to fund and technical reasons. Things were changed in 2007. In that year, China's Sinohydro Cooperation signed a contract with the Indonesian government on the construction of the Jatigede Dam, with 90 percent of the fund coming from a loan from the Export-Import Bank of China, and 10 percent appropriated by the Indonesian government. After eight years of hard work, in August 2015, the Jatigede Dam was completed against all odds and started to function. The Jatigede hydropower station project was also initiated in the same year with an anticipated installed capacity of 110,000 kw and expected to be commissioned in 2019. Once starting to generate electricity, the power station will greatly relieve the electricity shortage situation in the West Java region. With a height of 110 meters and length of 1,670 meters, the Jatigede Dam stretches across two mountains in Sumedang Regency, West Java, with a total storage capacity of 1.063 billion cubic meters and irrigation area of 90,000 hectares of farmland. Not only does it protect the region from being flooded by the Cimanuk River, the dam also serves as the heart of irrigation, power generation, fishing and sight-seeing. "The smooth construction and function of the Jatigede Dam have energized the economic development of the region, improved the livelihoods of local people, thus earning high recognition and praise from Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to Indonesia in 2013 as well as from the Indonesian government, experts and local people," Jatigede Dam Site Construction Manager Zhang Lin told Xinhua. In Kudajaya village, just one km from the dam, Xinhua reporters met Asep Tatang Rukmana, a local employee of the dam project. The 32-year-old used to work at a bread factory in another regency, ever since he joined Sinohydro Cooperation in 2007 as a surveyor, his life took a leap. "Only after two years working for Sinohydro, I bought a shop with my salary savings," said Asep, smiling. "Now I work as a senior surveyor of Sinohydro's Jatigede Dam project, and my wife works at the shop while taking care of our kids, the business is very good." "My Chinese colleagues are very professional, very hardworking, and are always generous enough to share their expertise with me. I've learned so much from them." "I really enjoy my life now," Asep said. Beben Nariespendi, chief of Kudajaya village, said before the Jatigede Dam project, the region was like a marginalized primitive jungle. During the past 10 years, the village has become increasingly modernized, with trade activities getting active, roads emerging, tap water and electricity being supplied to villagers' households. The construction of the dam has also created thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities for villagers, training them to become professional construction workers and increasing their income. "Although the dam occupies some of our farmland, but from a longer perspective, the dam brings us water, electricity and tourists, and helps attract investment," said Beben. "According to government plans, we are going to have commercial, agricultural, industrial and tourism zones in the region. I can't wait to see them." While inspecting the Jatigede Dam in March, 2016, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said that since its planning in the 1960s, the Jatigede Dam had finally been completed after so many years. As Indonesia's second largest dam, the Jatigede Dam would irrigate 90,000 hectares of farmland, and also serve as a tourism destination and a fishing area. The hydropower station nearby would supply electricity to the local vast area, the president said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 09:35:51|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close TRIPOLI, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Libyan authorities are negotiating with the European Union (EU) to lift the ban imposed on Libyan airplanes for nearly four years, which has caused major financial losses to Libyan airlines, Libyan minister of transport told Xinhua Sunday. "A high-level delegation visited Brussels in the past few days and met with the European Aviation Safety Agency, and discussed the possibility of lifting the ban on national airlines that has been imposed for years," said Libyan Minister of Transport Milad Ma'tug. "We have made it clear to them that Libyan airports adhere to safety rules by committing to international safety standards, and that these rules are of great interest to the (Libyan) civil aviation authority," added Ma'tug. He also revealed that the agency has "promised to send inspectors to Libya to inspect the airports and see the level of technical readiness in terms of safety and security rules." "We expect their visit this summer and the final report of the European Agency will be presented during its meeting in November," he said. The EU has imposed a ban on all Libyan airlines in European airspace since 2014 over safety concerns, after violent clashes erupted in the Libyan capital Tripoli between rival armed groups, which almost destroyed the city's international airport. M'etiga airport, which is located inside an air base, is currently the only functioning airport in the city. However, it also has been attacked by armed group several times recently, causing repeated suspension of flights. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 10:11:07|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close MOSCOW, May 7 (Xinhua) -- China sets a good example in practicing Marxism by allowing it to exist along side traditional culture and values, a Russian professor has commented. Vladilen Burov, professor and head research fellow at the Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences, noted that it is important to abandon dogmatism in the practice of Marxism. "The error of Soviet and Russian theorists ...is that they absolutize the general laws of socialist construction, and the Chinese leadership correctly emphasizes the role of national traditions," Burov said in a recent interview with Xinhua. He said the Chinese leadership learned lessons from past experiences while taking into account negative and positive contact with the West, thus strengthening the ideological, political and educational work. "In China there is freedom of thought, creativity and discussions. Issues of culture, ideology, education are paid great attention to," the Russian scholar said. Burov said he supports China's efforts to build socialism with Chinese characteristics, as well as China's own adapted version of Marxism that serves as the principle guiding ideology of the Communist Party of China (CPC). After the 1991 dissolution of the Soviet Union, Marxism ceased to be the leading ideology in Russia and no longer has the state support, Burov said, citing the fact that there are currently only groups devoted to Marxism mostly based in Moscow and St. Petersburg instead of a national research center. Among Russians who continue to study Marxism, there are many dogmatists with a thinking that makes no contribution to developing Marxism, "repeating only what were in the official teachings on Marxist philosophy," he said. Burov suggested Russia learn from China's study of Marxism, especially now that Russia's interest in Marxism is now growing again. "In Russia, people know about China's economy and its successes, but they know much less about the developments in the social sciences," he said. The Russian professor said Russia should look to China's approach to Marxism, while acknowledging a mutual interest by both countries to cooperate in the study of Marxism. "Now the Chinese institutes are interested in contacting us, and we are interested too," he said. YANGON, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The prices of Myanmar's beans and pulses have picked up in the Yangon market following India's lifting of its ban on the import of the crops from Myanmar, the official Global New Light of Myanmar reported Monday. Over the weekend, Myanmar's mung beans RC fetched 454,000 kyats (333.8 U.S. dollars) per ton, while mung beans special quality (SQ) were worth some 616,000 kyats, up respectively from 382,000 kyats and 520,000 kyats over the previous days, according to market survey at the Bayintnaung commodity depot. A total of 135 containers of the crops were traded on the weekend days. India announced restriction of the import quota of three major pulses from Myanmar in August last year affecting the local pulses market. Prior to India's move, mung beans RC fetched 757,000 kyats per ton, while the SQ was worth 887,000 kyats per ton. India has now reportedly allowed an import quota of 150,000 tons of mung beans and green gram each for the 2018-19 financial year. In the last fiscal year of 2017-18, Myanmar exported some 600,000 tons of various peas including 300,000 tons of mung beans. Myanmar used to export around 1.5 million tons of pulses to foreign countries annually, of which India stands as Myanmar's largest pulses export market. HOUSTON, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Houston Community College (HCC) is to shut down one of its campuses Monday due to a shooting threat over the weekend, the school confirmed Sunday. "HCC takes all matters with implications for the security of its students, faculty and staff seriously," the college said in an emailed statement. "HCC and its police department are actively working with other law enforcement agencies to identify the source of the threat in an effort to eliminate the risk of harm," said the statement. The FBI and local law enforcement are helping investigate the shooting threat, which was published on Facebook, HCC spokeswoman Linda Toyota said. Officials did not offer details about the threat. The target of the threat is HCC's Central College campus while other campuses will remain open Monday. The college promised to provide additional security at concerned locations. Located in Houston, Texas, HCC is notable for enrolling international students. According to the Institute of International Education, HCC hosted nearly 6,000 international students in the 2016-17 academic year. NEW DELHI, May 7 (Xinhua) -- India has put as many as 13 of its states and two central government-territories on high storm alert for the next 48 hours. In an advisory, the Indian Home Ministry has said that thunderstorms and rains are likely to occur in these 13 states and two central government-controlled territories Monday and Tuesday, asking the respective governments to take all necessary precautions. The alert, citing a weather department prediction, comes after rains, thunderstorms, dust storms and lightning claimed the lives of over 125 people in five states in India last week. According to the weather department, heavy rains are likely in six northeastern states -- Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura Monday. It has predicted thunderstorm and hailstorm in the northern states of Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjab too. Similarly thunderstorm and squall are likely to hit the northern Indian states of Haryana, the central government-controlled Chandigarh and the Indian capital Monday. "Dust storms are likely in Haryana and neighboring state of Rajasthan. As a result of which, all schools in Haryana have been asked to keep shut Monday and Tuesday. The step is to prevent any untoward situation and keep children safe," an official said. Parents in Delhi say that the local government should take a cue from Haryana. "The Delhi government should have also ordered closure of schools like in Haryana. It's for the safety of our wards. But so far, we have not heard anything from the government," said Raj Rishi, a parent whose child studies in Delhi Public School. The other states put on alert include Punjab and Uttar Pradesh in the north, Bihar and West Bengal in the east, and Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the south. These states are likely to be hit by thunderstorm and gusty winds Tuesday, according to the weather department. Last week, more than 125 people died and over 300 others injured in fierce dust storms in northern and western India. The storm also brought down electricity poles, uprooted trees, destroyed houses and killed livestock in five states, including Uttar Pradesh. The district of Agra in Uttar Pradesh state, home to the iconic Taj Mahal monument, was one of the areas worst hit. Many of those killed had been asleep indoors when their houses caved in after being struck by lightning or gusts of wind. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had condoled the loss of lives. "Saddened by the loss of lives due to dust storms in various parts of India. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon," he tweeted. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 12:16:43|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close by Xinhua writer Liang Junqian BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of China, Japan and South Korea will meet for the first time since 2015, to reboot interaction between the three Asian nations, cement friendly cooperation and brighten the prospects of regional peace, stability and economic prosperity. The upcoming meeting in Japan will bring together Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Apart from the gathering, Li will also pay an official visit to Japan, the first in eight years by a Chinese premier. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the trilateral meeting outside the framework of ASEAN, while next year will witness the 20th anniversary of the launch of China-Japan-South Korea cooperation. Regional countries are looking forward to the trilateral talks, which are set to boost the momentum of win-win cooperation, promote economic integration of East Asia, and help build an open world economy. Over the years, the three-way cooperation has achieved a fruitful outcome. Business and trade cooperation, as well as education and cultural exchange programs have made laudable progress. The three countries have gradually improved their cooperation mechanisms and already launched cooperation programs in multiple fields. Admittedly, the trilateral cooperation, since its official inauguration nearly two decades ago, has seen ups and downs because of various reasons. However, cooperation has always been the shared aspiration of the three parties, which enjoy geographical proximity and cultural closeness. The situation on the Korean Peninsula will perhaps be the first to benefit from revitalized trilateral interaction among the three countries. To sustain the recent positive developments on the peninsula, it is important for South Korea and Japan to further understand that China's "dual-track approach" and the "suspension for suspension" proposal remain to be the most practical way to denuclearize and establish a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula. The dual-track approach is the proposal to seek denuclearization of the peninsula alongside establishing a peace mechanism. The suspension-for-suspension proposal is for Pyongyang to suspend its nuclear and missile activities in exchange for the suspension of large-scale U.S.-South Korea military exercises. Moreover, sound trilateral relations are important for the well-being of the people and the future of the region. To open up new prospects, Japan and South Korea should join China to slash their trust deficits. They also need to view each other's strategic intentions in an objective way, engage in candid communications, face history squarely and develop a forward-looking vision. New prospects for closer cooperation also require a fresh impetus. To guide future trilateral cooperation, the meeting is expected to accelerate the negotiations for China-Japan-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. These efforts will pave the way for an FTA in the Asia-Pacific region and make the global economy more open, inclusive and balanced so as to benefit all. The upcoming meeting is also a fine opportunity for the three sides to jointly voice their support for global free trade at a time of rising trade protectionism. In the final analysis, China, Japan and South Korea, three major countries in the Asia-Pacific, bear a special and shared responsibility for maintaining peace and stability and fostering prosperity in the region and beyond. It is time for them to honor their duties in a hand-in-hand manner. CANBERRA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has announced plans to assess fuel security amid fears that the country's reserves have reached dangerous lows, local media reported Monday. Josh Frydenberg, Australia's energy minister, said on Monday the review would look at how fuel was supplied and used in Australia, with recommendations to follow. According to media reports, Australia only has a 22-day supply of crude oil remaining, along with 20 days of petrol and 59 days of liquid petroleum gas. "The assessment is the prudent and proper thing to do to make sure we aren't complacent. It should not be construed as Australia having a fuel security problem," Frydenberg said in a press release on Monday. "Australia's liquid fuel supply increasingly depends on overseas sources and relies on market forces to maintain reliability and affordability. The assessment will identify whether the government should take further steps to ensure Australia's domestic fuel supply is reliable." "The assessment will also help inform Australia's plan to return to compliance with the International Energy Agency's emergency stockholding obligations by 2026." Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has downplayed the review as "good housekeeping," saying there was no cause for any major concern. The International Energy Agency says countries must hold fuel stock in reserve "equivalent to 90 days of net imports," but Australia currently has less than 50 days' worth of fuel supply. Last month, Jim Molan, senator and former major general in the Australian Army, called for immediate action to address the fuel shortage, which has since worsened. "It happened because for too long we have taken a business as usual approach," Molan told Australian media in April. "We stand in real trouble and this is a single point of failure for Australia, very similar to what could happen in a cyber situation." The review is set to be completed by the end of 2018. PHNOM PENH, May 7 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 villagers were killed and 138 others hospitalized in eastern Cambodia's Kratie province after drinking tainted rice wine and suspected contaminated water, the Ministry of Health said in a statement on Monday. The incident occurred at Sre Non and Aloch villages in Kantuot commune of Chitborey district last week after villagers reportedly drank rice wine and water collected from a canal, the statement said, adding that the victims had the same symptoms such as stomach ache, vomit, sore throat, fatigue, dizziness, and breathing difficulty. Currently, 134 victims have been receiving medical treatment at the Kratie Provincial Hospital and most of them have recovered, while the remaining four, who were in severe condition, had been hospitalized at the Calmette Hospital in Phnom Penh, it said. All the victims aged between 24 and 73 years old. The statement said health officials on Sunday took the samples of locally-made rice wine and suspected polluted water in the two villages for examination and found that the rice wine contained "high methanol levels" that caused poison, while the result of the diagnosis of the suspected contaminated water was not available yet. The statement said the local authorities had closed the production and sales of rice wine in the villages, banned the villagers from using suspected contaminated water in the canal, and provided them with clean water. "I'd like to appeal to people not to drink wine that has no clear source, or produces without proper techniques, especially the wine that is blended with methanol," Minister of Health Mam Bunheng said in the statement. "People should not flow, or discharge waste or chemical substances into lakes, rivers, or canals that are the sources of water for our consumption," he said. Meanwhile, the Kratie Provincial Police Commissariat said in a report on Monday that there was another incident of food poisoning in Proma village, Kampong Damrey commune of Chhloung district on Sunday, leaving 44 villagers hospitalized. The report said the victims fell ill after they ate sticky rice cakes that were sold in the village. However, their condition was not serious, and they all had recovered and left the Kratie Provincial Hospital for homes. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 12:36:51|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close MANAGUA, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Nicaragua's National Assembly on Sunday swore in the members of a truth and justice commission tasked to investigated recent violent protests that left scores of people dead. Both the ruling Sandinista party, which holds a majority in congress, and opposition parties back the initiative to bring to justice those responsible for the deaths. The president of the assembly, Sandinista party Deputy Gustavo Porras, said the five-member body will have three months to present its findings. Opposition Deputy Alejandro Mejia Ferreti told reporters that lawmakers had full confidence in the capacity and honesty of each of the members. "We want their conclusions to show who was really responsible for the violent events, the deaths that occurred during the protests, so that justice can be done," said Ferreti. Nicaragua witnessed large-scale demonstrations since April 18, as President Daniel Ortega intended to implement pension reforms that sought to increase the contributions of employers and employees while cutting overall benefits. The protests, the worst since Ortega took office in 2007, have claimed dozens of lives, according to media reports. Ortega is now in his fourth term as president. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 12:51:52|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese construction giant China Railway Group Limited (CREC) is considering exchanging debt for equity in some of its subsidiaries. The Shanghai-listed firm decided to suspend stock trading starting on Monday as the move could lead to major assets reorganization, the company said Sunday. CREC reported an expectation-beating financial performance last year. It took revenue of 693.37 billion yuan (109.16 billion U.S. dollars) and net profit of 16.07 billion yuan, up 7.8 percent and 28.4 percent year on year, respectively. The company saw its revenue and net profit grow 10.12 percent and 21.92 percent year on year, respectively, in the first three months of this year. CREC is the latest Chinese state-owned enterprise to try reducing its debt level and improve efficiency via debt-for-equity programs. Shipbuilding firm China CSSC Holdings Limited and Aluminum Corporation of China Limited introduced other investors via such programs. China's State Council released guidelines in late 2016 to encourage firms, especially state-owned enterprises, to take market-oriented debt-for-equity swaps to enhance their financial health. CANBERRA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Personal income tax cuts, a crackdown on illicit tobacco, space-exploration funding and a heavy investment in infrastructure will form the core of the Australian government's federal Budget on Tuesday. The upcoming budget is expected to be the last one before Australians head to the polls at the next federal election, and experts have predicted the government will attempt to entice voters on Tuesday with a series of financial measures. These will include personal income tax cuts which are expected to form the centrepiece of the budget. The Treasurer, Scott Morrison, has promised that revenue as a proportion of the economy will never rise above 23.9 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and in order to facilitate this, the government must lower the current tax levels. However, Morrison said these cuts will not be "mammoth." They are able to be implemented as a result of a forecast surplus over the next two years. Mathias Cormann, Australia's Finance Minister, announced at the weekend that tax cuts will be aimed at people in the lower tax brackets. "What I can say to you is that we will be prioritising low and middle-income earners in the first instance, but there will be a phased approach moving forward," Cormann said on Sunday. The federal budget, which will be announced by Morrison on Tuesday, is an annual document which outlines the government's proposed expenditures and savings over the next four years. It is expected to include heavy investment in infrastructure, mainly transport and roads as the government looks to reduce congestion and boost the economy. The government has set aside more than 18 billion U.S. dollars to fund projects in Australian states such as Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia. These projects include a 3.7 billion U.S.-dollar Airport Rail Link in Melbourne, Australia's second largest city, and more than 1 billion U.S. dollars allocated to roads and transport in South Australia. "The investment in road, rail and public transport projects will reduce congestion, keep our roads safe, connect people to jobs and get our produce to market," Morrison told reporters on Sunday. "When you're dealing with some of these big projects, we are all in. We are there making sure projects are viable, functional and they pay for themselves." He has also announced plans to crack down on the illicit tobacco industry which is expected to raise almost 3 billion U.S. dollars over four years, by preventing the sale of 864 tonnes of illegal tobacco. Under the new policy, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will be given expanded powers to apply taxes when tobacco enters Australia rather than when products such as cigarettes leave a licensed warehouse. The government has also confirmed federal funding will also be made available for the establishment of Australia's first space agency. The agency will be responsible for coordinating the country's aeronautical projects. Matthew Colless, a professor in the Australia National University's (ANU) School of Astronomy, said the agency will allow Australia to capitalise on a 316 billion U.S.-dollar worldwide industry. "Government funding for an Australian space agency is good news for the country and for the national space industry. It is a positive first step towards developing a capacity that Australia will certainly need in the 21st century," Colless said. Professor Warwick McKibbin, a member of ANU's Centre for Applied Macroeconomics Analysis, said Morrison's budget should serve Australia's long-term interests. "It is important that the 2018/2019 budget does not repeat the errors that governments have made over the past 15 years of making permanent spending and tax commitments based on temporary increases in revenue," McKibbin said in a statement. "The budget should not be about short-term politics. It should outline a clear vision of the long-term direction for the Australian economy, acknowledge the many serious risks in the global and domestic economies and put in place the policies that will raise the living standards of all Australians over time." NEW DELHI, May 7 (Xinhua) -- India's national carrier Air India has initiated a high-level probe into the alleged molestation of an air hostess by a pilot on board a flight to Mumbai. The alleged molestation of the female crew member by the male pilot took place last Friday on board a domestic flight from the western city of Ahmedabad to Mumbai, following a mid-air scuffle between the two Air India staffers. "Since the matter is under investigation, we cannot make any comment," Air India has said in a statement. A police case has also been registered against the pilot after the air hostess lodged a complaint at a police station in Mumbai, after informing top officials of Air India about the alleged incident on board the flight. "The pilot has been booked under Section 354 of Indian Penal Code (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty). He has not been arrested but we have also started an investigation into the case," a police official said Monday. Scrutiny of sexual violence against women is on the rise in India since the 2012 fatal and brutal gangrape of a 23-year-old medical student by six men on a moving bus in Delhi. Four of them are now on death row, while the main accused allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself in his prison cell during the trial, and the sixth one was a juvenile who was released after serving three years in a remand facility. The Indian government had last month cleared an executive order to bring in death penalty for rape of children below 12 years, and also raised the minimum jail term for rapists to 20 years if the victims are below 16 years but above 12 years. The government has also pledged time-bound investigation and trial for child rape cases in the country. NEW DELHI, May 7 (Xinhua) -- A court in India Monday deferred the hearing of leading Bollywood actor Salman Khan's plea to suspend his five-year jail term in a deer poaching case to July 17. The 52-year-old actor, who was sentenced to five years in prison by a special court on April 5 for poaching two rare antelopes in the western state of Rajasthan's Jodhpur city two decades back, is currently out on bail. "The actor had challenged his jail sentence in a court in Jodhpur. The court was supposed to hear his plea Monday. But now it has been deferred to July 17. Khan, however, appeared in person in the court," a lawyer said. Though Khan was convicted of killing the two blackbucks, a protected species, near a remote village in Jodhpur late on Oct. 1 night in 1998 while shooting a movie, four of co-actors were acquitted by the court on "benefit of doubt" though all were charged by prosecutors. This is the fourth case filed against Khan in connection with poaching wild animals during the filming of the popular movie, Hum Saath Saath Hain. He had been acquitted in the other three cases by various courts. The killing of the two blackbucks took place in a forest close to a village of Bishnois, a community that protects and worships blackbucks. Villagers claim they had chased the vehicles in which the actors were present after hearing gunshots and finding the carcasses of the deer. Khan is one of Bollywood's biggest stars who has starred in more than 100 films. But he is no stranger to controversies. He has been embroiled in various cases, including a hit-and-run case, and he was jailed twice in these cases in April 2006 and in August 2007. However, in December 2015, he was acquitted by a court in the 2002 hit-and-run case in which a homeless man died and few others sustained injuries. The actor insists he's innocent. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 14:17:03|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close BUENOS AIRES, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Confucius Institutes in Latin America help raise awareness of Chinese culture and further China's vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, said a prominent Argentine political observer. In an interview with Xinhua, public policy expert and academic Patricio Giusto said: "Latin Americans in general know very little about China. There's much to learn about this marvelous and millenary culture." "Slowly, China is changing that," said Giusto, who also heads a consulting firm called Political Diagnosis. "It's a slow process that will take time" because of "the great geographical distance and that (it) is very different from that of the West," he said. Giusto, who received a master degree on China studies from Zhejiang University in China, believes cultural exchanges are the best way to bring Latin American and Chinese people closer. "Calligraphy, art, philosophy and music should be the main pillars of China's strategy to spread knowledge of its culture in the region," Giusto said. "Without doubt, in the long run, China is going to become increasingly more attractive and popular in Latin America. The Chinese New Year celebrations, which draw more spectators each time, are a clear sign of China's natural attraction," he said. Moreover, China's vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind has helped spur China's greater opening up and closer diplomatic ties with other countries around the globe. Latin America's network of Confucius Institutes are an integral part of that outlook, said Giusto. "The Confucius Institutes are essential. They are the main centers of Chinese cultural diffusion abroad," he said. "In Latin America, there are still relatively few (institutes) compared with other parts of the world, like Europe, Central Asia and Africa. In Argentina, for example, there are only two. There should be many more, since it is the most effective and direct bridge for foreigners to learn about China," Giusto said. As of December 2017, there were 525 Confucius Institutes and 1,113 related courses in 146 countries and regions, according to statistics on the official website of Confucius Institute Headquarters. Some 9.16 million students have studied at these centers. More than 12.7 million people have attended cultural events organized by the institutes. "The Chinese government must keep in mind the importance of more rapidly expanding Confucius Institutes in Latin America," Giusto said. "There is a growing interest among young people in learning the Chinese language," he said, adding that China should not overlook such an opportunity and should provide resources to satisfy the interest. VIENTIANE, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Lao President Bounnhang Vorachith will pay a state visit to Singapore on Wednesday and Thursday, with the aim of furthering friendly relations and cooperation between Laos and Singapore, local daily Vientiane Times reported on Monday. According to an announcement from Lao's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the two-day visit, President Bounnhang will meet with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and visit the urban development office. Since Laos and Singapore established diplomatic ties in 1974, the two countries have been cooperating in many fields, including trade and investment, human resource development, among others. There are currently 70 Singaporean-funded investment projects in Laos worth 175 million U.S. dollars. Of these, 33 projects are 100 percent owned by Singapore enterprises with a total worth value of 97 million U.S. dollars. The remaining 37 projects are joint ventures, according to the Lao Ministry of Planning and Investment. Singapore's Silk Air signed an agreement with Lao Airlines to operate flights between Lao capital Vientiane and northern ancient town Luang Prabang in October 2016. Singapore has also provided scholarships for short- and long-term courses for Lao nationals to pursue studies in Singapore and Laos. Since 2008 the government of Singapore has sent 1,500 volunteers to Laos to teach English, IT and environmental studies. The Singapore Embassy in Vientiane has also organized several training courses for Lao government officials, including courses on public policy and administrative reform and English language. About 600 Lao officials are trained each year in Singapore. Since 1993, more than 12,500 Lao government officials have benefited from the ministry's various training programs under the Singapore Cooperation Program. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 14:37:07|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana speaks during the opening ceremony of the "Balikatan 2018" in Quezon City, the Philippines, May 7, 2018. Troops from the Philippines and the United States kicked off on Monday a series of joint military exercises designed to hone their interoperability skills in fighting terrorism and humanitarian assistance. Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the 12-day "Balikatan 2018" will focus on interoperability training to address traditional and non-traditional security concerns. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali) MANILA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Troops from the Philippines and the United States kicked off on Monday a series of joint military exercises designed to hone their interoperability skills in fighting terrorism and humanitarian assistance. Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the 12-day "Balikatan 2018" will focus on interoperability training to address traditional and non-traditional security concerns. About 5,000 marines, sailors and airmen from the Philippines, and 3,000 American troops are participating in this year's drills that will be conducted in several locations in the Philippine main Luzon island, authorities said. U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim said the drills "will not only focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief...but also will incorporate training identified in the post-Marawi action reports such as military operation in urban terrain." A statement issued by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said this year's exercises include "a fictional scenario, which will improve the planner's ability to command and control forces from a headquarters level." The annual "Balikatan" (or Shoulder-to-Shoulder) drills is the most comprehensive among several annual or regular U.S.-Philippines joint military exercises. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 14:47:09|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) -- China has more than 300,000 registered organ donors, according to the China Organ Transplant Development Foundation. About 262,500 organ donors had registered as of the end of 2017, almost 10 times more than in 2015. The counts for 2015 and 2016 were 25,959 and 115,867, respectively, according to Zhao Hongtao, an official with the foundation. China banned the use of organs from executed prisoners in January 2015 and made voluntary donation the only legitimate source. With the system more fair and transparent, the number of organ donors is growing and public awareness is rising. In 2017, China had recorded 5,148 cases of after-death organ donation, and almost 16,000 vital organs were donated nationwide, an increase of 25.9 percent from 2016. However, there are about 300,000 Chinese patients waiting for organ transplants, but only 16,000 receive surgeries each year. In 2016, the foundation, backed by the National Health Commission, launched an organ donation function on Alipay, an online payment platform where users can easily register as organ donors through just a couple of clicks. KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian automobile company Tan Chong Motor will invest 500 million ringgit (126.81 million U.S. dollars) to develop an automotive hub in the northern Perak state, according to its statement released on Monday. The group expects to commence the project with a total outlay of 100 million ringgit investment which will be channeled towards land acquisition and the construction of a bus and truck plant in phase one, said the statement. Once completed, the new plant which is located in a 338 acres land in Bagan Datuk, will cater to the production expansion needs of the local and export markets. Buses produced by the group are currently exported to Singapore, Hong Kong and Myanmar. Tan Chong Motor also said, it will continue to explore potential markets in the region, including Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Indonesia, amongst others. Photo shows a baobab tree at the Ruaha National Park about 130 kilometers west of Iringa Region, Tanzania. The park covers about 20,226 square kilometers and is the largest park in Tanzania and East Africa. The park is home to about one-tenth of the world's endangered African lions. (Xinhua/Li Sibo) ARUSHA, Tanzania, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania is now focusing on Eastern Europe in its tourism marketing strategies after registering success in Western Europe and North America, an official of the country's Tourist Board said on Sunday. Willy Lyimo, Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) northern zone manager, said that the new market will complement the otherwise traditional markets such as the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and France. Lyimo who was speaking shortly after meeting a delegation of travel agencies from Eastern Europe highlighted the importance of the new market to the growth of the sector, noting that Tanzania stood to reap big from it. "This is a unique opportunity to expand our base to emerging markets. There's a lot of potential from countries like Bulgaria and the Czech Republic," he explained. The TTB official was also optimistic that the marketing of Tanzania's natural resources on international travel expos was now paying dividends following the desire expressed by the foreign travel agents of bringing tourists to the country. Volodymyr Voloshyn, Director of BCD travel from Ukraine, described Tanzania as a well-established safari destination for many Ukrainians, and assured that his company would bring more tourists from the country. "Tanzania is endowed with a pristine heritage coupled with an array of natural resources, it is the perfect gateway for tourists from Ukraine," he said. Buoyed by the direct flights from Ukraine's capital Kiev to the spice island of Zanzibar, Voloshyn was convinced that such a trend would open up Tanzania to the rest of Eastern Europe. Paul Fissoo, Tanzania's Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) Manager for Tourism Services, expressed his optimism over the potential offered by the Eastern European market. Fissoo said the authority will capitalize on the new market with a view of increasing the number of tourists who tour the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. According to the 2017 International Visitors' Exit Survey Draft Report released last week, international tourist arrivals in Tanzania soared by 5.6 percent in 2017, raking in 2.3 billion U.S. dollars, from 2.1 billion U.S. dollars recorded in 2016. The second China Trade Week was held on May 3-5 in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa. (Xinhua) ADDIS ABABA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The second China Trade Week held in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa came to a close on Saturday with around 50 Chinese firms showcasing their wares to eager Ethiopian customers. The first edition of China Trade Week in Ethiopia was held in Addis Ababa from July 4-6, 2017. The China Trade Week in Ethiopia is supported by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. The three-day event has drawn Chinese companies engaged in construction materials and machinery, electronics, food and beverage, furniture, packaging and plastics, print, daily necessities and animal healthcare. One such Chinese firm is Divine New Energy firm which supplies solar products and solar system solutions for households and commercial customers around the world. Zhong Ta, Deputy General Manager of Divine New Energy, told Xinhua the company's solar products are suitable for the estimated 80 percent of Ethiopians living in rural areas with little access to regular electricity. "We focus on providing solar light system, solar home system and solar pumping system ranging from 3 U.S. dollars to about 8,000 U.S. dollars" he said. Zhong, a first-time visitor to Ethiopia, said while he hasn't sealed a deal with an Ethiopian agent yet, he has found several potential agents who have good sales and distribution channels in the country. Zhong mentioned Ethiopia's large population of around 100 million could even prompt his company to open a solar plant in Ethiopia in the future to reach a wider customer base with greater efficiency. Another Chinese firm was Henan Tense Bio Tech Company Limited (HTBTC), engaging in production of agricultural animals feed and medicine. Zhao Ying, Overseas Business Unit Head, HTBTC, said she saw that Ethiopia is at a moment where China was 30 years ago, ready for economic takeoff and her company wants to be a participant in the development of Africa's fastest growing economy. "Ethiopia is at a stage China was 30 years ago, where small family businesses grew to be later integrated into a wider agricultural system, HTBTC with its two decades old company experience would like to work with the Ethiopian government to share knowledge," she said. Zhao mentioned her company's top officials meeting with former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, in May 2017, during the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, which prompted HTBTC's participation in the trade fair. Though, its not hard to find Chinese products in the Ethiopian market and about 50 Chinese firms participated in the 2018 edition of Chinese Trade week, Abiy Getachew, Marketing Personnel at Zerihun Worku General Electrical and building Company, said more trade shows should be organized to promote Ethiopia-China trade ties. Getachew told Xinhua he appreciated the increase in Chinese firms showcasing their products in this year's China trade show, but said given the size of Ethiopian market more needs to be done. "My company imports Chinese machineries and spare parts and sells it in the Ethiopian market, the increase in Chinese trade shows in Ethiopia can help me provide a variety of high quality products at reasonable price to my customer," he said. China is already Ethiopia's biggest trading partner, with Ethiopia exporting 144.5 million U.S. dollars of goods to China in the first six months of the current Ethiopian Fiscal Year 2017/18, statistics showed. KABUL, May 7 (Xinhua) -- At least 42 militants were killed and 24 others wounded in separate airstrikes in Afghanistan within the past 24 hours, the country's defense ministry said Monday. In southern Uruzgan province, 18 militants were killed and 14 others wounded after Taliban militants' positions were targeted on outskirts of provincial capital Tirin Kot city and neighboring Dihrawud district, the ministry said in a statement. Nine Taliban were killed and seven others wounded in another similar air raid in Maruf district of neighboring Kandahar province. In addition, 10 militants were killed in strikes in Daychopan district of southern Zabul province. In northern Faryab province, five militants were killed and three others wounded after sorties struck their hideouts in Almar district, according to the statement. Amount of weapons and ammunition were also destroyed by the strike, the statement said. The strikes were conducted by Afghan National Army (ANA) Air Force and the U.S. and NATO-led coalition forces. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 15:22:16|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close BAGHDAD, May 7 (Xinhua) -- A candidate for Iraq's May 12 elections was stabbed to death by armed men at a village near Iraq's northern city of Mosul, a local police and a relative to the candidate told Xinhua. The incident took place late on Sunday night when unknown men armed with knives broke into the house of Farouq Zarzour al-Jubouri, in the village of al-Lazzaga in south of Mosul, some 400 km north of Baghdad, and stabbed him to death before they fled the scene, Captain Ahmed al-Jubouri from the nearby Qayyara police said. The candidate was competing in the polls within the Wataniyah Coalition, led by former prime minister Ayad Allawi, Jubouri said, adding that an investigation was launched into the incident. Ryadh al-Jubouri, relative to the victim told Xinhua that a group of men visited the house of the candidate, who is also a teacher at Tikrit University in Salahudin province, pretending as supporters for his campaign, but they slaughtered him before they left. The vote of parliamentary election will be held on May 12, as around 7,000 candidates will compete for the 329 seats in the Iraqi parliament. This will be the first general election since Iraq's historical victory over the militant Islamic State group in December last year. The security situation in Iraq has been dramatically improved after Iraqi security forces fully defeated the extremist Islamic State (IS) militants across the country late in 2017. However, small groups and individuals of extremist militants melted or regrouped in urban and rugged areas, and are carrying out attacks against the security forces and civilians despite operations from time to time to hunt them down. TOKYO, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed essentially flat Monday as earlier lost ground was recovered as the yen's retreat against the U.S. dollar spurred buying in later trade. The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average shed 5.62 points, or 0.03 percent, from Wednesday to close the day at 22,467.16. The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, edged up 1.66 points, or 0.09 percent, at 1,773.18. Securities and insurance issues comprised notable decliners, while oil and coal products, and electric machinery-linked issues led those that gained the most by the close of play. Markets here were closed Thursday and Friday for national holidays. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 15:57:20|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) -- China's imports from "Belt and Road" countries increased faster that of exports for the first time in 2017, according to a think tank report. The value of China's imports from Belt and Road countries stood at 666 billion U.S. dollars in 2017, an increase of 20 percent year on year, or 39 percent of China's total imports value, according to a report compiled by the State Information Center, a State Council think tank. In the same year, China's exports to those countries came in at 774.26 billion U.S. dollars, a rise of 8.5 percent year on year. The growth of imports outpaced exports for the first time since the Belt and Road Initiative was proposed five years ago. China's combined trade with those countries reached 1.44 trillion U.S. dollars, up 13.4 percent year on year, 5.9 percentage points faster than China's overall trade growth. The Belt and Road Initiative was proposed by China in 2013 to boost trade and investment among countries along the ancient Silk Road trade routes from Asia to Europe and Africa. China's trade with Central Asia countries grew at the fastest rate, followed by Eastern Europe. Countries including Republic of Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, India and Russia rank among China's top 10 trading partners along the routes, contributing nearly 70 percent of China's trade with Belt and Road countries. China mainly sells mechanical and electrical products to Belt and Road countries, and imports mechanical and electrical products as well as fossil fuel from them, the report said. Chinese private companies do the biggest chunk of trade, followed by foreign-invested companies and state-owned firms. Yu Shiyang, director of the department of big data development under the State Information Center, said that amid rising protectionism by some countries, China's trade with Belt and Road countries had risen at a brisk pace, showing the initiative was being implemented well, featuring free trade flow. The report covers 71 countries along the Belt and Road summarizing the current trade picture and projecting future trends. RAMALLAH, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Secretary General of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Saeb Erekat on Monday urged the international community to boycott the opening of the U.S. embassy in Israel in Jerusalem next week. "As Washington pursues a policy of encouragement of international anarchy and disregards organizations and international law, we call upon all diplomatic corps, civil society organizations and religious authorities to boycott the inauguration ceremony of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem, lest they lend legitimacy to an illegal decision and to continued Israeli policies of occupation, colonization, and annexation," Erekat said in a statement. The PLO official said that "those who attend the ceremony will send an ominous message, a message that encourages flagrant violations of international law and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people." Israeli media reports said two days ago that the U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman sent invitations for the opening ceremony of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem on May 14, which marks the 70th anniversary of Israel's declaration of independence and comes one day ahead of Palestinians' Nakba Day, or "the Day of Catastrophe." U.S. President Donald Trump said he might attend the ceremony. The ties between Palestine and the U.S. have been witnessing rising tensions since last October, and reached a prime when U.S. President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and ordered to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem on Dec. 6, 2017. On February 20, Palestinian President Abbas presented a peace initiative in a speech before the UN Security Council, proposing to hold an international peace conference in mid-2018 to jumpstart final status negotiation based on two-state solution and international legitimacy resolutions. MANILA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) unveiled on Monday plans to buy more weapons, including pistols, machine guns and water assets this year to beef up their fighting capability at sea. PCG spokesman Capt. Armand Balilo said the weapons and water assets will cost the government about 1 billion pesos (around 20 million U.S. dollars). Balilo also said the PCG has recently acquired 70 Travor sub-machine guns 9 mm worth 10 million pesos (around 200 thousand U.S. dollars). He said the weapons were delivered to the PCG on Monday. PCG commandant Rear Adm. Elson Hermogino led the inspection of the newly-delivered Israeli-made weapons, which Balilo said "will be utilized by PCG's elite force in combating piracy and terrorism at sea." "The PCG is also set to acquire a 1 billion worth of weaponry this year as provided in the General Appropriation Act of 2018," said Balilo. He said the weapons will be acquired from various sources, through public bidding. "The acquisition will include 9 mm pistols for all of its personnel, assault and sniffer rifles for the Special Operations Force, machine guns for small boat operations, and heavy machine guns with automatic gyro stabilizer for PCG vessels," he added. Balilo said the acquisition of these weapons "will beef up the PCG's capability for maritime security and law enforcement operations." He admitted that the PCG is lacking in weapons. "We're worse than the police. These (weapons) are tools in the law enforcement. Like the police, we apprehend suspects," the official said. Balilo said some of the machine guns being acquired will be fitted on newly-acquired multi-role vessels. "The ships from Japan, they have no guns. If we can buy and install them machine guns, it's going to be great," he added. SYDNEY, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The New South Wales (NSW) State government in Australia has announced a 45 million Australian dollars (33.81 million U.S. dollars) plan on Monday, to protect the country's declining koala population. As part of the new strategy, 25,000 hectares of State forest will be set aside for the beloved animal, and a new koala hospital will open to care for the cuddly critters. "Koalas are a national treasure." NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said, "This strategy will ensure there are far more of them in the wild." The announcement came on the heels of a 2016 review by the state's chief scientist Professor Mary O'Kane, which found a 26 percent decline in the koala population over the last 20 years. As a result, over 20,000 hectares of land on the Far North Coast, Upper Hunter, Central Coast, Hawkesbury and Southern Highlands will be prioritized and managed as koala reserves. Another 4,000 hectares of koala habitat on the Mid-North Coast will also be acquired by the National Parks Estate. "It is absolutely vital that we protect land where koalas currently live and secure land where new koala colonies may exist in the future," NSW Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton said. A new koala hospital will also open in the township of Port Stephens to provide specialist care for sick and injured koalas. The government also plans to launch a hotline for injured koalas and fund research into diseases and natural hazards affecting the animal. On top of this, new fences will be prioritized along roadkill hot spots to prevent further wildlife deaths. The strategy is set to be implemented over next three years. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 17:32:41|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close RIYADH, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Saudi police gunned down a terrorist who killed four security men and resisted arrest to attack the police forces with a knife, Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. According to the agency's statement, the killed terrorist is a Saudi man. Security forces besieged the house of his parents and called on him to turn himself over. However, he refused and attacked security forces with a knife, which led to his death at the hospital of injuries he sustained during the clashes. Last month, three police officers were shot dead in an attack on a security checkpoint in Asir, a city in the southwest of Saudi Arabia, while another policeman died in crossfire while trying to arrest the attackers. After the attack, the interior ministry announced that the attackers had been identified and two Saudis arrested. The on-and-off attacks of security forces are common by members of the Islamic State (IS) militant group and violent Shiite youth who demand more right in Saudi Arabia with majority Sunni population. NAIROBI, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's tourism marketing body has called on industry stakeholders to identify existing adventure and travel experiences to complement the beach product known for the coastal region. Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO Betty Radier said there are many unexplored visitor experiences in the Kenya coast that if tapped would enhance visitor experience as well as lengthen their stay in the destination. "We need to enrich our visitor experience so that besides the beach and water sport activities, we also showcase other attractions in the selected sub destinations and push the adventure segment of travel that is increasingly attracting interest among the millennials," she said in a statement released in Nairobi on Sunday evening. Radier was speaking during the unveiling of the first mountain bike race dubbed Arabuko Sokoke forest challenge with Tembea Kenya in Kilifi County. The KTB partnered with the Ngong Hills Individual Time Trial (NHITT) for the event that profiled the forest as an additional visitor experience sport besides the beach product. She said that the sporting event was new and exciting, especially for young and middle aged populations who are increasingly seeking out an active lifestyle, for leisure as well as fitness and networking. "Kenya is a perfect destination for biking safaris due to the favorable weather throughout the year. The outlying touristic attractions along the competition routes attract the audience which follows the riders," Radier said. Arabuko Sokoke forest is the largest and most intact coastal forest in East Africa, with 20 percent of Kenya's bird species, 30 percent of butterfly species and at least 24 rare and endemic bird, mammal and butterfly species. The race is also part of the campaigns geared towards conservation. Renowned Kenyan cyclist David Kinja led the cyclists both local and international in the 64 km mountain challenge in the forest. The event will be replicated in Machakos and the Great Rift Valley in June and July respectively. The partnership comes a week after a one-month long KTB's training of domestic travel agents across the county to equip them with other first-hand experiences of what Kenya has to offer to the domestic segment. Radier pointed out that domestic tourism segment has continued to cushion the sector during low seasons and its performance is on the increase with the current performance showing a 15.9 percent growth. Domestic tourism last year recorded a total of 4.05 million bed nights being taken up by Kenyans compared to 3.5 million in 2016, according to KTB. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 18:17:50|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close HANGZHOU, May 7 (Xinhua) -- One person was killed and at least a further 10 injured in a bus crash in east China's Zhejiang Province on Monday, according to local authorities. At 1:56 p.m. Monday, a bus crashed into a dump truck in Pingshui Town in Shaoxing City. One person died at the scene, and the injured including three in critical condition were sent to hospital for medical treatment. An investigation is underway. SUVA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Fiji has recorded an increase in the domestic availability of methamphetamine and the seizures made warrants the need to strengthen intel gathering between local and international agencies. According to Fijivillage website, the island nation's Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu highlighted this need while speaking at the opening of the INTERPOL Criminal Network Training in Nadi, the third largest city of Fiji. There is a perception that the geographical layout of Pacific Island countries is giving rise to the trafficking of illicit drugs and other forms of trafficking, the need to collaborate and share information is at a critical stage, he said, adding that awareness of the possible movement of illicit substances across borders via sea and air and new manufacturing trends is important. With crime becoming more borderless, law enforcement agencies need to operate in a similar manner and the best way to achieve an increased level of networking between respective organizations, can be generated through such trainings on drug, finance and security document examination. He also mentioned the issue of financial crimes that are often linked to cybercrime. The Fijian police are concerned about the increasing use of the illegal drug methamphetamine in the island nation. Fiji's Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho has said that it was obvious that violent crimes were associated with methamphetamine. The Fijian police have called for people to contact them if they had any information which would help in the fight against the drug. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 18:38:01|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close SYDNEY, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The first shipment of bauxite from a new mine in the Australian State of Queensland has left port on Monday bound for China. The 62,000-ton shipment is part of a four-year export deal. Used in automotive, manufacturing and building industries, bauxite is a mineral used in the production of aluminium. "From the turning of the first sod, to the first shipment in only nine months, the Bauxite Hills Mine is a prime example of the demand for Queensland's minerals," Queensland Mines Minister Anthony Lynham said. "We continue to see that with strong, safe, established trade routes to the northern hemisphere, Queensland is ideally located to meet demand from Asia and other eastern markets." As a result of the four year export deal, over 200 jobs have been created in the local community. by Farid Behbud KABUL, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Rita Hamidi, a newly graduated midwife, urged the Afghan government to provide female medical staff with proper jobs and security as they struggle to save lives in the war-torn country. "Over the past decades, the scarcity of professional midwives has been the main reason behind the high rate of maternal mortalities, particularly in the countryside. I graduated from the midwifery department of a private medical institute in Kabul last year, but still I could not find a suitable job," Rita told Xinhua on Saturday, the annual International Day of the Midwife. "There are hundreds of midwives in Kabul looking for jobs, but Afghan mothers still suffer from a lack of midwives in the countryside where a lack of security is one of the most pressing and striking matters. Midwives cannot move freely in rural areas unless they have a guardian," she said. "We are living in a conservative society and women cannot move freely in remote villages. The government must take measures to solve such problems," Rita added. Over the past 17 years, Afghanistan has made progress in the provision of health care services and women are increasingly playing key roles in providing such services. "I am ready to travel to the countryside but my parents will not allow me. They fear for my safety," she said. The number of women who work in the country's health sector is on the rise. Currently, 20 percent of 41,500 Afghan health workers are women, according to the Afghan Ministry of Public Health. Another significant achievement in the health care sector in Afghanistan is the dramatic decrease in the number of maternity related deaths. The Afghan maternity-related death toll has fallen to 396 in 100,000 live births in 2015, from 1,600 in 100,000 live births in 2002, while the number of deaths of the children under five has also dropped to 55 in 1,000 live births, from 257 in each 1,000 live births in 2002, Afghan Public Health Minister Firuzuddin Firuz said last month. "The reduction of maternity related deaths over the past decade is a great achievement of Afghan dedicated medical personnel, but the key role of midwives should not be ignored," a Kabul-based female doctor, Zahra Naiman, told Xinhua. "The presence of a midwife at birth is the most important factor in reducing maternal mortality and improves a baby's chance of survival," she said. "Midwives also provide information to mothers on healthy practices to ensure the baby has the best start in life." The number of midwifes has increased from 500 in 2002 to 5,000 in 2016. However, midwives face serious challenges such as lack of opportunities to upgrade their professional experience and low salaries, she said. "Lack of professional experience is one of the key challenges for Afghan midwives. For example, midwives should undergo practical studies during their education period but they cannot, because it is hard to find a place to work as trainee to gain real-life experience," she said. "I could not find a proper place like a public hospital to gain some professional experience and it took me months to be admitted as a trainee in a private hospital in Kabul," Sediqa Fahimi, who teaches midwifery in a private medical institute in Kabul, told Xinhua. "Unfortunately, the salary of midwives is too low despite being a complex and essential job. A midwife earns 9,000 afghani (about 150 U.S. dollars) per month. And it is not considered a prestigious or important job in Afghanistan. Therefore, many women are not interested in becoming midwives," Fahimi added. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 19:03:06|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen (R) operates a bulldozer during the groundbreaking ceremony in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on May 7, 2018. Cambodia on Monday broke ground for the improvement and enlargement of the 134.8-km National Road No. 3 from Phnom Penh suburb to Kampot province.(Xinhua/Mao Pengfei) PHNOM PENH, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Monday broke ground for the improvement and enlargement of the 134.8-km National Road No. 3 from Phnom Penh suburb to Kampot province. The road will be improved and broadened from the current 7-meter width to 24.5 meters for the first half of the road and to 12 meters for the second half, and it is estimated to cost 215 million U.S. dollars, the preferential buyer's credit loan from the government of China. Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Xiong Bo presided over the groundbreaking ceremony here, which was attended by some 10,000 people. Hun Sen said that work on the project would begin from southwestern Phnom Penh suburb to the southwestern coast of Kampot province through Kandal, Kampong Speu, and Takeo provinces, and that the road improvement and enlargement were to cope with the rising flows of traffic. "Besides a tourist province, Kampot is an economic corridor that connects Cambodia's economic activities with other countries," he said. "Kampot is the only province that produces salt for Cambodia, so National Road No. 3 plays a very important role in distributing salt from Kampot to other cities and provinces." The prime minister extended his profound thanks to the government and people of China for providing the concessional loan to Cambodia for the road. He said China had always positively responded to Cambodia's proposals and to date, thousands of kilometers of roads had already been built with Chinese aid, as several other roads were under construction. Xiong said National Road No. 3 is an economic road for Cambodia because Kampot province is rich in agriculture and tourism resources and is a key base for cement production, and the province also has huge potential for the development of deepwater ports and industrial zones. "I believe that the improvement and enlargement of National Road No. 3 will play a very important role in promoting socio-economic development for provinces along this road," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 19:28:12|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close People seek for survivors outside the headquarters of presidential office, in Sanaa, Yemen, on May 7, 2018. A powerful airstrike by Saudi-led coalition hit the headquarters of presidential office in the Yemeni capital Sanaa on Monday, targeting a secret meeting of Iranian-allied Shiite Houthi leaders and killing at least six, security sources at the scene told Xinhua. (Xinhua/Mohammed Mohammed) SANAA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- A powerful airstrike by Saudi-led coalition hit the headquarters of presidential office in the Yemeni capital Sanaa on Monday, targeting a secret meeting of Iranian-allied Shiite Houthi leaders and killing at least six, security sources at the scene told Xinhua. "Top leaders, including President of Houthi Supreme Political Council Mahdi al-Mashat and Chief of Houthi Supreme Revolutionary Committee Mohammed Ali al-Houthi were believed to be at the meeting in the targeted president's office," a security source said on condition of anonymity. He said six people were confirmed dead and up to 30 others were wounded. Houthi-controlled state Saba news agency reported that dozens of peole were killed and injured in the airstrike that targeted the presidential office. The office has been under Houthi control since the group forced the internationally recognized President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi into exile in Riyadh, the capital of neighboring Saudi Arabia. All roads around the office were closed and ambulances were seen carrying dozens of killed and injured. The attack took place this morning, simultaneously with another airstrike on the headquarters of the Houthi-controlled Defense Ministry, about one km east of the president's office in Sanaa. The attack is the second of its kind targeting top Houthi leaders in two weeks. On April 23, the dominant Houthi rebels announced the death of their top official, President of the Supreme Political Council Saleh al-Sammad, saying he was killed in an airstrike by the Saudi-led coalition on April 19 in the Yemeni Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, according to a statement by Houthi-controlled Saba news agency. The Houthis vowed to revenge al-Sammad's death, and they declared appointment of Mahdi al-Mashat to replace al-Sammad as new president of the Supreme Political Council, which is the highest political and ruling body since Houthis seized control over much of the country's north in late 2014. If al-Mashat or Mohammed Ali al-Houthi were confirmed among the killed, it will be another powerful blow so far to the Iranian-backed Houthi movement. The coalition intervened in the Yemeni conflict in March 2015 to roll back the Iranian-allied Shiite Houthi rebels and support the internationally-recognized President Hadi. The rebels have seized control over much of the country's north since September 2014, including the capital Sanaa, and forced President Hadi and his government into exile in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia. The war has killed more than 10,000 Yemenis, mostly civilians, and displaced 3 million others, triggering one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. Yemenis check the site of airstrike at the president office in the capital Sanaa on May 7, 2018. (AFP photo) SANAA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- A powerful airstrike by Saudi-led coalition hit the headquarters of presidential office in the Yemeni capital Sanaa on Monday, targeting a secret meeting of Iranian-allied Shiite Houthi leaders and killing at least six, security sources at the scene told Xinhua. "Top leaders, including President of Houthi Supreme Political Council Mahdi al-Mashat and Chief of Houthi Supreme Revolutionary Committee Mohammed Ali al-Houthi were believed to be at the meeting in the targeted president's office," a security source said on condition of anonymity. He said six people were confirmed dead and up to 30 others were wounded. Houthi-controlled state Saba news agency reported that dozens of peole were killed and injured in the airstrike that targeted the presidential office. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 19:33:13|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close Spokesperson Geng Shuang (Photo source: fmprc.gov.cn) BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The current administration of Taiwan, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), should bear full responsibility for the island's not being invited to the World Health Assembly (WHA) this year, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Monday. The registration for the 71th WHA will end on May 7, but Taiwan has not received an invitation. "The DPP administration refuses to recognize the 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle. This damaged the political foundation for Taiwan's participation in the WHA," spokesperson Geng Shuang told a news briefing. The one-China principle is widely acknowledged by the international community, and is ensured by resolution 2,758 of the United Nations General Assembly and the WHA Resolution 25.1, which provides legal grounds for WHA handling Taiwan-related issues. Geng said that Taiwan participated in the WHA from 2009 to 2016 as an observer as "Chinese Taipei." This special arrangement was made through cross-Strait consultations based on the one-China principle. LONDON, May 7 (Xinhua) -- A team of dogs capable of detecting minute traces of explosives hidden in air freight have become the latest weapon against terrorism in Britain, it was announced Monday. The dogs have undertaken a rigorous new training program to ready them for cargo screening at British airports, the Department for Transport (DfT) said. World leading standards have been set by the government to make sure a robust program is in place to maintain the animals' detection capabilities? The dogs will be deployed in cargo sheds at airports as the government introduces its latest measure to reinforce British aviation security. The free-running explosive detection dogs, known as FREDDs, will work in close partnership with their human handlers to check freight for explosive materials. The dogs offer a rapid and effective way of screening large volumes of air cargo, said DfT. Each animal has undergone 12 months of rigorous training to achieve government certification before being deployed in the cargo sheds. Aviation Minister Baroness Sugg said: "Free running explosive detection dogs are the latest addition to the government's multi-layered approach to tackling potential aviation security threats. "The ability of these highly-skilled dogs to detect small amounts of vapour from explosives hidden in cargo will bolster our existing rigorous security methods." A DfT spokesperson said: "Dogs are already used successfully in a variety of ways at UK airports, for example, by helping police to identify criminals and prevent illegal activity. The introduction of FREDDs will add to this capability and provide the aviation industry with a new way to fight the threat of terrorism. "The dogs offer the ability to detect minute traces of vapour from concealed explosives. This provides a highly mobile and time-saving way of screening freight, 2.4 million tonnes of which passed through the UK's airports in 2016." The first of the FREDD dogs are already operating in airports, and more will be deployed around Britain as the number of approved dogs increases. LAGOS, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria's police in northern Kaduna Monday said combatant policemen have been assigned to comb Birnin Gwari area where 45 people were killed on Saturday in Gwaska village. Police spokesperson Mukhtar Aliyu told reporters in Kaduna city that three additional police mobile units had been deployed to track down the killers. He added that no arrest has been made so far, but that efforts were on to arrest the killers. The 45 people, mostly children, were killed when armed bandits believed to be from Zamfara, encircled the village of about 3,000 inhabitants and set it ablaze. Police chief in charge of the state Austin Iwar had said 45 bodies were retrieved on Sunday for burial, while more than 200 police personnel were deployed to maintain security. The state government had also, in a statement, said an Army battalion would be permanently deployed in the area to check the killings. The government also directed the State Emergency Management Agency to immediately provide relief materials to the effected community. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 19:48:18|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close Hungary's President Janos Ader (R) shakes hands with Prime Minister Viktor Orban during a joint press conference at the President's Office in Budapest, Hungary, on May 7, 2018. Hungarian President Janos Ader mandated Prime Minister Viktor Orban of the Fidesz-KDNP party alliance to form a new government on Monday following the elections on April 8. (Xinhua/Attila Volgyi) BUDAPEST, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Hungarian President Janos Ader mandated Prime Minister Viktor Orban of the Fidesz-KDNP party alliance to form a new government on Monday following the elections on April 8. Orban's party alliance won the elections by a large margin, securing 133 seats from the 199-seat parliament. "The most important task of the new government will be to preserve Hungary's security and its Christian culture," Orban said during a joint press conference with Ader. Orban won a third consecutive term in the elections, but since he was already prime minister between 1998 and 2002, this is the fourth time that he will be the head of the government. Hungary's new parliament is set to hold its first session on May 8. On the same day, three opposition demonstrations will take place, a so-called "opposition round table" scheduled for in front of the parliament building, a human chain surrounding the building, and a larger demonstration prepared for the evening. The opposition claims that the parliamentary semicircle does not represent the real ratios of the Hungarian society, since Fidesz won only some 48 percent of the votes, yet secured more than 66 percent of the seats. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 19:53:22|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Chief Executive Chui Sai On (L front) meets with Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn (R front) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on May 7, 2018. Cambodia and China's Macao SAR on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation for the promotion of friendship. (Xinhua/Sovannara) PHNOM PENH, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia and China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation for the promotion of friendship. The deal was inked here between Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Chui Sai On, Chief Executive of the Mocao SAR. "This MoU aims at promoting exchange and cooperation in tourism, culture, study and training, trade, youth and business exchanges," Cambodian Foreign Ministry Undersecretary of State Eat Sophea told reporters. Before signing the MoU, Sokhonn held a meeting with Chui. ANKARA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The number of refugees and migrants attempting to enter Europe from Turkey through Greece via land routes has increased since the beginning of the year. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), 2,900 people have arrived in the eastern Greek province of Evros (Meric in Turkish). The river border separates Greece from Turkey since April, and most of the people were from Syria and Iraq. The number is half the estimated land arrivals recorded in all of 2017, by far surpassing the number who arrived by sea, the UNHCR spokesperson Charlie Yaxley said on April 27. Hundreds of people are currently being held in police detention facilities for processing by Greek authorities in Evros, the UNHCR said. The agency spokesperson called on the Greek government to urgently expand reception capacity of camps to ease the strain. "Hundreds of people are at present being held in police detention facilities," he said noting that at least eight people have died since the start of the year attempting to cross the Evros River. "The increase in new arrivals is placing strain on the only Reception and Identification Centre in Evros, which is located at Fylakio. The center is filled beyond its 240-person capacity, including 120 unaccompanied and separated children," Yaxley said. Greece responded by sending some 120 extra police officers to the region, and has also called on the EU's border security agency Frontex to intervene. People that reach camps at Greek islands via Aegean Sea face difficult circumstances as the camps are vastly overcrowded and they have to wait months-long for those applying asylum there. The Aegean sea route between Turkey and Greece was the major way for migrants fleeing the Middle Eastern countries to get to Europe. However, the trend for migrants now turned to the land border between Turkey and Greece. The sea passage was closed after the European Union and Turkey agreed to stop the flow two years ago. Europe was alarmed over influx of Syrians in 2015 fleeing from the war-torn country to Europe through Turkish territory. In March 2016, the EU and Ankara made a deal to turn Syrian refugees arriving in Greece back to Turkey if their claim for asylum was rejected, while Syrian asylum seekers in Turkey would be resettled in Europe on a one-for-one basis. The agreement also aimed to speed up Turkey's accession into the block and visa-free travel for Turkish nationals within the Schengen area, on condition that Ankara meets requirements set by the EU. Turkey hosts more than 3.7 million migrants. The number of people illegally crossing the Aegean Sea to Greece from Turkey has dropped dramatically since the agreement. But, the land border does not appear to fall under the deal. Those who arrive via Evros river are given a three-month resident permit after registration, so that they can move around Greece, unlike those arrive in Greek islands through sea passage. The number of illegal crossings through Evros River to European countries increased after the fall of the water level in the river, local daily Hudut newspaper in northeastern Edirne province reported on May 2. In the past eight days, 336 undocumented migrants, including Syrians and Pakistanis that were trying to illegally reach Greece through the Evros were captured by the Turkish security force, while 516 others returned to Turkey after being deported by Greece authorities, daily Hudut reported. Beyond the warming weather, other reason of the increasing illegal crossings to Europe is most likely about raising numbers of people coming westwards from Syria, Iran and Iraq to Turkey, according to an expert. Along with Syrians, the number of people coming from Afghanistan to Turkey has also increased, said Metin Corabatir, president of the Ankara-based Research Center on Asylum and Migration. Corabatir said that the number of Afghans who entered Turkey via Iran has reached 20,000 in the past three months. Afghanistan has been ravaged by militant attacks this year, and the Afghan government has tightened security measures. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 19:58:24|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) -- China and Japan are accelerating preparations to begin a maritime and aerial communication mechanism, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday. Spokesman Geng Shuang made the remarks at a routine news briefing when answering a related question. According to reports, the deal aimed at avoiding unexpected incidents is expected to be signed during a bilateral meeting between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe when they meet later this week. China and Japan have the same goal in managing East China Sea issues, said the spokesman. "The establishment of the mechanism will help both sides increase mutual trust, manage differences and maintain peace and stability in the East China Sea area," Geng said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 20:03:26|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close by Ye Zaiqi, Wu Xiaoling, Zhu Lei, Li Feihu SAN FRANCISCO, May 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S.-China thought leaders, former government officials, scholars and business executives have highlighted China and the United States' economic interdependence and the need to build a bridge between the two, instead of entangling in a trade war. At a conference in Silicon Valley over the weekend themed "Silicon Valley: Bridge Between the United States and China", speakers focused on topics such as the role of Silicon Valley and Chinese-Americans as a bridge between the two countries. The Committee of 100, a prominent Chinese-American group promoting China-U.S. ties, hosted the annual conference where the participants included Chas Freeman, former U.S. assistant secretary of defense, Jin Liqun, president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and Gary Locke and Max Baucus, former U.S. ambassadors to China. TRUMP'S WRONG REMEDY China-U.S. relations are currently experiencing trade and tariffs differences that may take their toll on both Chinese and U.S. exports. Freeman, also a senior fellow at Brown University's Watson Institute, said in a keynote speech that the remedies U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is prescribing for U.S. trade problems won't work. "I believe that Washington has misdiagnosed our trade problems, that its remedies for them won't work, and that what it is doing will harm the United States and other countries as much or more than it does China," he said. "The United States and China are each too globalized and dynamic to contain, too big and influential to ignore, and too successful and entangled with each other to divorce without bankrupting ourselves and all associated with us," he added. Locke said there are no winners in a trade war. Everybody loses, especially the workers, consumers and companies of both countries. "It's a tough time in the U.S.-China relationship. We must avoid a trade war," he said. "Sino-U.S. relations are a matter of great importance to all in our country ... a candid discussion of the deterioration of those relations and its implications could hardly be more timely," Freeman said. U.S.-CHINA "JOINED AT THE HIP" Max Baucus, who served as the U.S. ambassador to China from 2014 to 2017, said the United States and China are interdependent economically, like conjoined twins. We are joined "together at the hip", he said. The commercial and economic relationship is really the ballast in the bilateral relationship, he noted. "Today, roughly 1.5 billion U.S. dollars of goods and services flow between our two countries every single day. China is our largest export market outside North America, with exports to China growing at twice the rate as exports to the rest of the world, and America is China's largest export market exceeding exports to all of the EU countries combined," Locke told the 500-strong audience. People in both countries are benefiting from this deepening economic integration. More than 900,000 American jobs depend on producing goods and services exported to China. Over 2.6 million jobs in the United States and millions more in China depend on the two-way trade, he said. MORE PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE LINKS NEEDED Baucus stressed that the relationship could be improved by increasing people-to-people exchanges. If the people of both countries engage with each other more frequently, they can have a better relationship in the long run, he said, adding that it's very important for Americans to get out and see what's going on in the rest of the world. Both sides have to understand each other and show mutual trust in resolving their differences, he emphasized. The United States and China need to work together and "open up, talk about it and compromise," Baucus said. FUNDS FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES ALONG BELT AND ROAD The conference also touched upon the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and its impact on developing countries. Jin said the AIIB was created to facilitate the growth of developing countries, largely based on China's experience in the past few decades The bank was established in 2015 to help developing countries along the Belt and Road routes build their infrastructure and grow their economies.In the first two years since its inception, it has implemented a lending program worth 4.2 billion dollars. Jin noted that Asia's economic development will offer enormous market opportunities for developed countries, including the United States. "If Asia develops, and if the rest of Asia develops as China, it means that a huge export market for the U.S. and European countries (will emerge), and direct and indirect benefits will accrue for all the countries in the world," the AIIB president said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 20:08:27|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close Li Zhanshu, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee and a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, presides over a meeting of the NPC Standing Committee on inspecting enforcement of air pollution control law, in Beijing, capital of China, May 7, 2018. (Xinhua/Ding Lin) BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislature will send four teams of lawmakers to inspect enforcement of the air pollution control law in eight provincial-level regions across the country. The lawmakers convened their first plenary meeting here Monday. The inspection is aimed at pushing the whole Party and nation to willingly adopt the new development concept and effectively implement major environmental policies made by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said Li Zhanshu, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee and a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, who presided over the meeting. The inspection will also address outstanding environmental issues of public concern, press governments at all levels and businesses to carry out their duties, and raise public awareness, Li said. He instructed lawmakers to follow due process and carry out their duties rigorously, target red-flagged regions and sectors and the prominent problems that harm the interests of the public, and put forward practical and effective solutions. He also warned them against any form of bureaucracy. In addition to sending inspection teams, the NPC Standing Committee will also entrust standing committees of the remaining 23 provincial-level people's congresses to inspect the enforcement of the law within their jurisdictions. KUWAIT CITY, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Kuwait has struck a loan agreement with Vietnam worth four million Kuwaiti dinars (13.6 million U.S. dollars) for financing the Multipurpose Development Project for Ethnic Minorities in Poor Communes in Xin Man District in Vietnam. The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) said Monday at a press release that the agreement was co-signed by Vietnamese Vice Minister of Finance Tran Xuan Ha and KAFED Deputy Director General Hesham Al-Waqayan. The loan aims to enhance economic and social development in Xin Man District in Ha Giang province by constructing and developing the essential infrastructure to improve traffic conditions and effectively use water resources in the area, as well as to restructure the local economy and contribute to poverty reduction, KFAED said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 20:28:37|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close People take photos of the exhibited Nepali cuisines during the launch of the "Cook Book on Nepal Heritage Cuisine" in Kathmandu, Nepal, May 7, 2018. The cook book about more than 30 Nepali heritage cuisines was launched here on Monday. (Xinhua/Sunil Sharma) KATHMANDU, May 7 (Xinhua) -- In a bid to promote Nepali signature heritage cuisine in global market, Nepal launched cook book and videos under the campaign "Globalizing Nepal Heritage Cuisine" on Monday. Amid a special program including cuisine display and tasting in Kathmandu, Nepali Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari launched the book and videos that feature Nepali food recipe including information on all ingredients and cooking methods. The move is a joint initiation of Nepal Tourism Board, Hotel Association Nepal, Chefs Association of Nepal and Restaurant and Bar Association of Nepal. With the help of the booklet and videos, Nepal also aims to position itself in the international market as a global food and gastronomy destination. "We need to promote Nepali food within the country first so that the foreign tourists visiting Nepal will taste it and later promote in their respective countries. It's all about mixing food and tourism together," Rabindra Adhikari said in the event. Adhikari noted that the campaign will be helpful to attract more foreign tourists to the Himalayan country considering the "Visit Nepal Year 2020." In the first phase, the campaign has highlighted 30 heritage dishes representing region, culture, festivals and ethnic diversity of the country. These dishes were selected out of around 200 dishes found in the local households and restaurants across the country. The cuisines were selected on the basis of suggestions by food experts considering used raw materials like spices or seasonings, ethnic flavors, colors and ingredients, among others. The signature dishes also went through calorie and nutrition mapping as per international food practices. The heritage cuisines being promoted are categorized into different sections like soup, appetizer, main dish, dessert, sauce and spices. The foods have been given typical local names while the recipe includes authenticity and richness of heritage. According to tourism experts, it is the high time that the world knows about how important Nepali food is, which is never boring and tasteless. Deepak Joshi, head of Nepal Tourism Board, said, "There are many aspects through which the world knows us like braveness, friendliness and happiness of Nepali people. But they need to know that this all is because of our healthy and hygienic food." Stating that food is all about emotions and sentiments, convener of the campaign Karna Shakya said that since Nepal is rich in food varieties, "we need to tap this opportunity to introduce our food and link it with tourism." Meanwhile, Nepal started promoting the recipes online via official websites and social media to popularize the taste worldwide on Monday. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 20:33:39|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close HAVANA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is to arrive here Monday to attend the 37th session of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), according to an official release by the Cuban Foreign Ministry. He will deliver a keynote speech at the opening of the ECLAC meeting, which is scheduled to last until May 11. The UN chief will also hold talks with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and touring Old Havana during his stay in Cuba. This is Guterres' first official visit to Cuba as the head of the United Nations. He visited Cuba in 1999, when he was serving as Portugal's prime minister. He is not the first UN chief to visit the Caribbean Nation. His predecessor Ban Ki-moon visited Havana in June 2016 to chair the signing of a peace agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC guerrillas. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 21:03:46|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) - China on Monday extended heartfelt congratulations to Vladimir Putin on his inauguration for a fourth term as Russian president. "The Chinese side believes that under the leadership of President Putin, Russia will keep making achievements in its nation building and social and economic development," Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang told a routine press briefing. Putin took oath of office on Monday in Moscow to start his fourth term as Russian president. Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Putin on his re-election in a telephone conversation in March. With strategic guidance of and personal push by President Xi and President Putin, the bilateral ties have stayed at a high development level, Geng said, stressing that the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination was at its best in history. "The two sides have maintained close exchanges at various levels, pressed ahead cooperation in a large number of fields, and increasingly consolidated their mutual political trust," Geng said. "Meanwhile, the two countries have exchanged views on major international and regional issues in a timely manner, kept close coordination within the framework of multilateral mechanisms, and made significant contributions to world peace and stability," the spokesperson added. NAIROBI, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Kenya will harness science, technology and innovations to hasten achievement of President Uhuru Kenyatta's Big 4 Agenda that includes manufacturing, food security, affordable housing and universal health care, officials said on Monday. Moses Rugutt, the Director General of National Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) said Kenya's ability to overcome poverty, hunger, disease and homelessness hinges on investments in applied sciences and vocational training. "We need to develop our scientific capacity in order to achieve the president's big four agenda which is well realigned with Vision 2030 and the sustainable development goals," said Rugutt. He spoke in Nairobi during the opening of seventh edition of national science week whose theme is harnessing research, science, technology and innovation's contribution towards achievement of the Big 4 action plan. The five-day forum that brought together senior policymakers, scholars, innovators and students will also feature an exhibition showcasing latest advances in robotics, renewable energy, medicine and agriculture. Rugutt said Kenya has increased research and innovations budget to help leapfrog from agrarian to knowledge based economy that promise jobs as well as inclusive and green growth. "This Country will reap immensely from investing in scientific research, innovations and skills development to drive transformation in every sphere of our economic and social life," said Rugutt. President Uhuru Kenyatta has tasked state funded research entities to spearhead implementation of his Big 4 agenda during his second and final term in office. Margaret Maimba, a senior scientist with NACOSTI, said outstanding research and innovations that seeks to solve endemic social, economic and environmental challenges in Kenya will be prioritized for funding. "We are going to reward innovators who come up with solutions to our every day challenges. More importantly, we will popularize science, technology and innovations at grassroots and national level to achieve growth and transformation agenda," Maimba remarked. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 21:13:49|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang (Photo source: fmprc.gov.cn) BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Monday called on relevant parties to cherish the hard-won situation on the Korean Peninsula, maintain composure and show goodwill. "The Korean Peninsula situation has gone through a series of positive changes recently towards easing off, thanks to joint efforts from relevant parties. This does not come easy and should be cherished and maintained by all," spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a daily press briefing. Geng's comment came after the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) accused the United States of misleading public opinion and ruining the hard-won atmosphere of dialogue. The United States attributed the DPRK's clarification of its intention for denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula made through the Panmunjom Declaration to sanctions and pressure, which was criticized by a DPRK foreign ministry spokesperson. "Under the current situation, relevant parties especially need to maintain their composure, meet each other halfway, talk more for goodwill and easing of tensions, and do more for promoting dialogue and boosting mutual trust," Geng said. He said he hoped that the planned meeting between leaders from the DPRK and the United States would be held smoothly with positive outcomes, and that the positive development momentum of the Korean Peninsula would be consolidated and strengthened. "China urges all relevant sides to promote a political settlement on the Korean Peninsula issue and address each others' legitimate concerns in a balanced way, based on the 'dual-track approach,' for lasting peace and stability of the peninsula," he said. The dual-track approach refers to promoting denuclearization on the peninsula and establishing a peace mechanism. File Photo: Outgoing U.S. ambassador to China Gary Locke speaks during a farewell press conference held at the U.S. embassy in Beijing on Feb. 27, 2014. (Xinhua/AFP) By Xinhua writers Zhu Lei, Wu Xiaoling, Ye Zaiqi, Li Feihu SAN FRANCISCO, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Despite trade disputes, the United States and China have more areas of common concern, engagement and partnership than areas of disagreement, said Gary Locke, former U.S. ambassador to China. The disagreements on trade are significant, but the two countries are working on "many other areas of cooperation and trust," Locke told Xinhua on the sidelines of the annual conference of a prominent Chinese American group, the Committee of 100 (C100), over the weekend. "The United States and China are actually working very closely together on many, many other issues, on scientific research, on medical research, fighting global terrorism, and stopping piracy off the coast of Africa," he said. Their cooperation also covers the Iran nuclear issue and the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, said Locke, who was also former governor of U.S. state of Washington and former U.S. Secretary of Commerce. "Even though the United States and China have always had disagreements, we've always been able to move forward and continue the partnership and engagement in other issues, people-to-people exchange, scientific exchange, working on climate change, fighting global terrorism, even having cooperation on our militaries," he said. "So we just need to focus on the areas of common interest, common goals, and try to minimize the areas of disagreement and where we do have disagreement, we need to continue to find ways to solve and reach a resolution," he said. Speaking of bilateral economic relationship, Locke told an audience of more than 500 leaders and experts in government, business, technology, academia, and media attending the two-day C100 conference that the two countries are increasingly economically interdependent since China's opening-up. "Today, roughly 1.5 billion dollars of goods and services flow between our two countries every single day," he said in a keynote speech on Saturday. "China is our largest export market outside of North America, with exports to China growing at twice the rate as exports to the rest of the world, and America is China's largest export market exceeding exports to all of the EU countries combined." "More than 900,000 American jobs depend on producing goods and services exported to China and more than 2.6 million jobs in the U.S. and many, many millions more in China depend on two-way trade between our two countries, so people in both countries are benefiting from this deepening economic integration," he added. As for the trade disputes between the two countries, Locke told Xinhua that he was glad that the two countries will have further consultations after the trade talks in Beijing. "I don't think it was realistic to expect that in their first time meeting that they could reach an agreement. The issues are too difficult, too complex and many more meetings will be required," the former ambassador said. Locke said even though the United States has serious concerns about some of the trade and economic policies of China, "I don't agree with using tariffs as a way to seek changes in other countries. We don't need to start a trade war." "A trade war is bad for both countries. There are no winners. Everybody loses especially the workers, consumers and companies," he added. ANKARA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Turkish defense company Otokar will exhibit its latest armored vehicle for the first time during a live fire military drill held in the Aegean province of Izmir. According to local media, the newest armored vehicle was produced domestically and named Cobra II Load Carrier. The vehicle, which is developed for secure delivery of ammunition and food, has superior maneuverability with the capacity of carrying 2.5 tons of load. It can reach maximal 110 kilometers per hour with a 700-kilometers range. The vehicle has 120 millimeters of mortars, self-defense guns and anti-aircraft guns that can be mounted in its chassis. Turkey holds Efes 2018 Live-Fire Military Drills in Izmir province from May 7 to 11, aiming to develop military and combat capabilities for joint operations. The event is participated by countries and regions, including Kazakhstan, Hungary, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Italy and Qatar. ROME, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Italy continued in political gridlock Monday after last-ditch efforts at government-formation talks brokered by the country's president, Sergio Mattarella, after inconclusive March 4 elections left parliament divided into three blocs, none of which has enough of a majority to rule on its own. Mattarella, who has the power to appoint a prime minister, to dissolve parliament and to call elections, last Friday gave the three main forces -- a center-right bloc led by the far-right League party of Matteo Salvini, the populist Five Star Movement of Luigi Di Maio, and outgoing Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni's center-left Democratic Party -- until today to resolve their differences and come up with a working majority. But half-way through the day on Monday, the three blocs were still deadlocked after they emerged from their talks with the president. Di Maio, whose anti-corruption movement won around 32 percent of the vote, said he would give up his claim on the premiership if the League agreed to enter into a coalition with them -- as long as they get rid of their scandal-tainted coalition ally, Silvio Berlusconi. The anti-corruption Five Stars object to the former premier and media mogul, who leads the moderate, conservative Forza Italia party, due to a 2013 tax fraud conviction. Salvini, whose coalition won 37.5 percent of the national vote, turned down Di Maio's offer. In a televised statement, he said he asked Mattarella to name him prime minister of a so-called "minority government", that will have to seek out votes from other parties on each measure it proposes. Both the Five Stars and the League have promised voters they would roll back unpopular pension reforms, introduce generous welfare policies and drastic tax cuts, throw out illegal immigrants, and break European Union fiscal and trade rules if necessary. Democratic secretary Maurizio Martina, whose party won around 18 percent of the vote, has refused to work with the other forces, claiming their programs are too different from its own. The pro-EU Democratic Party supports moderate public spending, free trade, and a managed approach to immigration. Mattarella will hold talks with smaller political parties in the afternoon, and may make a statement at the end of the day as to what his next step will be. For example, he might choose a well-respected figure to lead a government with a mandate to carry out specific measures -- such as a budget law, or a new electoral law that will guarantee a clear winner in the next election. Recent polls show 30 percent of respondents think new elections are needed, 30 percent would support a Five Star-League government, and 16 percent would approve of a Five Star-Democratic Party executive, according to a Demopolis Institute survey conducted May 2-3. GENEVA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Switzerland-based food giant Nestle said Monday it was set to pay Starbucks 7.15 billion U.S. dollars for the right to sell the American chain's products outside its worldwide coffee shops. Under the alliance deal announced on Monday, Seattle-based Starbucks and Nestle have agreed to work together on marketing strategies and innovation. "This transaction is a significant step for our coffee business, Nestle's largest high-growth category," Nestle chief executive officer (CEO) Mark Schneider said in a statement. "With Starbucks, Nescafe and Nespresso, we bring together three iconic brands in the world of coffee." As part of this transaction, Starbucks will receive an up-front cash payment of 7.15 billion U.S. dollars. The transaction does not include the transfer of any fixed assets, which facilitates a smooth and efficient integration, said the Swiss-based company. Nestle said it expected this business to contribute positively to its earnings per share and organic growth targets as from 2019. Nestle's ongoing share-buyback program will remain unchanged. Some 500 Starbucks employees will join Nestle to drive performance of the existing business and global expansion. "This global coffee alliance will bring the Starbucks experience to the homes of millions more around the world through the reach and reputation of Nestle," Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of Starbucks was quoted as saying in the Nestle statement. "This historic deal is part of our ongoing efforts to focus and evolve our business to meet the changing consumer needs," he said. ADEN, Yemen, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Mortar shells fired by the Shiite Houthi fighters hit civilian targets in Yemen's central province of al-Bayda on Monday, killing five people and injuring several others, a military official told Xinhua. "Houses located in Qaniah district of al-Bayda province were targeted with a number of mortar shells fired from Houthi-controlled areas," the local military official said on condition of anonymity. "Some of the shells randomly hit houses and killed five people including women and caused injuries to several others," the local source said. The Houthis usually target areas controlled by the government with artillery and mortar shellings in revenge for losing areas during ground fighting, according to the official. A tribal source told Xinhua by phone saying that "Houthis booby-trapped and then detonated five houses belonging to people linked with army commanders of the Saudi-backed Yemeni forces in al-Bayda province." Meanwhile, the Yemeni government forces and its allied fighters engaged in fierce battles with Houthis in different areas of Yemen, mainly in the western coast part of the country. Local residents said that intense fighting coordinated with intensified Saudi-led airstrikes is still ongoing in areas between Taiz and al-Hodeidah port city. They said that the pro-government forces made broad advances and gained control over the Houthi supply lines leading to Taiz province. The impoverished Arab country has been locked into a civil war since the Iranian-backed Shiite Houthi rebels overran much of the country militarily and seized all northern provinces, including capital Sanaa, in 2014. Saudi Arabia leads an Arab military coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 to support the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after Iran-backed Houthi rebels forced him into exile. The United Nations has listed Yemen as the world's number one humanitarian crisis, with seven million Yemenis on the brink of famine and cholera causing more than 2,000 deaths. BERLIN, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The German finance minister Olaf Scholz (SPD) has demanded better working conditions for staff at the postal services company Deutsche Post DHL Group and Amazon on Monday. During an appearance on the public broadcaster "ARD", Scholz attacked Deutsche Post DHL Group for firing employees who had taken more than a limit of 20 sick days in two years set by company management. The practice is one of several controversial policies at the former state-owned postal service which were recently unveiled by a widely-publicized report in the newspaper "BILD". Scholz announced that he would "react immediately" by taking all measures in his power to push for better working conditions. Although Deutsche Post DHL Group was first privatized in 1995, the federal government still retains a seat on the Bonn-based company's supervisory board. The German Social Democrat (SPD) politician also criticized the U.S. logistics company Amazon for setting another negative example with its treatment of workers in the wider postal services industry. According to Scholz, Amazon was in "urgent need" of a worker's council and a collective wage agreement. Defying a long-standing German tradition of collective bargaining between employer- and employee representatives, Amazon has so far refused to concede any ground in both of these areas. The company's uncompromising stance has led to several strikes at its logistics centers in the country during recent years. At the same time, the finance minister vowed to push back against fixed term contracts in a host of government agencies and organizations as well. Scholz said that it would be hypocritical for the government to create legislation aimed at reducing precarious employment in Germany if did not address the same issues in the public sector first. "I have ordered an examination of the number of all fixed term contracts whose temporary nature is not justified by the nature of the work in all agencies of the federal government", Scholz said. Reiner Hoffman, president of the Federation of German Trade Unions (DGB) welcomed Scholz' comments concerning working conditions in the postal services industry on Monday. Hoffman described policies which made offers of employment conditional on the health of staff as "morally reprehensible." Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 22:34:05|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi reacts during a press conference in Tehran, capital of Iran, on May 7, 2018. Bahram Qasemi said Monday that withdrawal from Iranian international nuclear deal is not as easy as it may seem. (Xinhua/Ahmad Halabisaz) TEHRAN, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman said Monday that withdrawal from Iranian international nuclear deal is not as easy as it may seem. Bahram Qasemi said the 2015 deal has its own complexities and U.S. withdrawal would not be easily feasible. However, if the United States decides to do so, Iran's reaction would be "painful" for Washington and will make them regret it, he said at his weekly press conference. Besides, the United States should accept the consequence of their decision, he said. Qasemi reiterated that Iran will not be the first to exit the deal, but it is prepared for any scenario. U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to decide by May 12 whether to pull out of the nuclear deal, and he has said that he would not extend the waiver suspending the U.S. sanctions on Iran. In January, Trump extended sanctions relief on Iran under the deal for the last time, threatening to withdraw from it if U.S. congress and his European allies cannot fix the alleged "disastrous flaws." Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 22:44:07|Editor: yan Video Player Close TAIPEI, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Taiwan's exports to the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong expanded 14 percent year on year in the first four months of 2018, according to data released by the island's finance authority Monday. The growth rate was the highest among its trade partners, followed by those for Europe and Japan. The island's overall export value reached a record-high 106.5 billion U.S. dollars during the same period, up 10.5 percent year on year. A total of 20.4 billion U.S. dollars' worth of electronic components were exported to the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, accounting for about 47 percent of the total cross-strait exports in the first four months. The cross-strait portion of Taiwan's imports also increased 14 percent, giving the island a trade surplus of 26.2 billion U.S. dollars in this period. Taiwan's overall trade surplus was 15.9 billion U.S. dollars in January-April. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 22:49:08|Editor: yan Video Player Close TEHRAN, May 7 (Xinhua) -- President Hassan Rouhani on Monday, for the first time, hinted that Iran will likely remain in the nuclear deal even if the United States decides to pull out. "If our expectations from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) are met without the United States, so much the better," Rouhani said in Iran's northeastern Mashhad city. "Otherwise, we will make our own decision," He said. U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to decide by May 12 whether to pull out of the nuclear deal, and he has said that he would not extend the waiver suspending the U.S. sanctions on Iran. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 22:54:10|Editor: yan Video Player Close CAIRO, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi Monday called for upgrading the country's tourism, a major factor to counter terrorism and extremism. Sisi's comments came during his meeting in Cairo with Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general of United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Tourism helps bring people closer and create a favorable climate to achieve prosperity and progress, presidential spokesman Bassam Rady quoted Sisi as saying. Sisi added that Egypt is looking forward to boosting cooperation with the UNWTO in a way that would support tourism, which is a key sector in achieving sustainable development goals. Sisi said that his country pays big attention to the travel sector, which is considered one of the pillars of the Egyptian economy. He also highlighted the important role UNWTO plays to support and activate tourism worldwide. Sisi updated Pololikashvili with efforts exerted to stabilize security across Egypt, and stressed that Egypt is keen to effectively participate in the different activities of the UNWTO. Pololikashvili said the UNWTO is also seeking to upgrade Egypt's ability to rehabilitate its tourism sector. He told Sisi joint cooperation plans should be outlined so that UNWTO could share its resources and expertise to upgrade the Egyptian travel sector. Egyptian tourism sector, a major source of national income and foreign currency, has witnessed recession over the past seven years due to political and security turmoil. Tourism in Egypt was dealt a heavy blow following the Russian airplane crash in North Sinai in October 2015, after which several countries, including Britain and Russia, suspended their flights to the Egyptian area. However, experts expect a boom in the business after Russia and Egypt resumed direct flights between the two countries. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 23:09:14|Editor: yan Video Player Close CHENGDU, May 7 (Xinhua) -- China has started construction of a monitoring network in seismically active regions in an effort to explore earthquake prediction, researchers said Monday. According to the plan, 2,000 monitoring stations will be built in two years in Sichuan and Yunnan, two quake-prone provinces in southwest China, said scientists with the Institute of Care-life, a disaster-reduction lab based in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan. Sensors installed at monitoring stations will collect data on underground stress and energy 8 to 20 kilometers below the surface of the earth, providing researchers with potential insights into earthquake forecasting, said Wang Tun, director of the institute. Following the construction of the network, researchers will continue to monitor the region for three years and expect to collect data on about 10 earthquakes in this period, based on the past frequency of earthquakes in the region. The objective of the project is to successfully predict earthquakes whose epicenters are less than 20 kilometers deep, researchers said. The first monitoring station was established two days ago in Wenchuan county in Sichuan, the epicenter of a devastating earthquake a decade ago. File Photo: Chinese and U.S. flags are set up for a meeting during a visit by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao at China's Ministry of Transport in Beijing, China April 27, 2018. (Xinhua/REUTERS) by Ye Zaiqi, Wu Xiaoling, Zhu Lei, Li Feihu SAN FRANCISCO, May 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S.-China thought leaders, former government officials, scholars and business executives have highlighted China and the United States' economic interdependence and the need to build a bridge between the two, instead of entangling in a trade war. At a conference in Silicon Valley over the weekend themed "Silicon Valley: Bridge Between the United States and China", speakers focused on topics such as the role of Silicon Valley and Chinese-Americans as a bridge between the two countries. The Committee of 100, a prominent Chinese-American group promoting China-U.S. ties, hosted the annual conference where the participants included Chas Freeman, former U.S. assistant secretary of defense, Jin Liqun, president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and Gary Locke and Max Baucus, former U.S. ambassadors to China. TRUMP'S WRONG REMEDY China-U.S. relations are currently experiencing trade and tariffs differences that may take their toll on both Chinese and U.S. exports. Freeman, also a senior fellow at Brown University's Watson Institute, said in a keynote speech that the remedies U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is prescribing for U.S. trade problems won't work. "I believe that Washington has misdiagnosed our trade problems, that its remedies for them won't work, and that what it is doing will harm the United States and other countries as much or more than it does China," he said. "The United States and China are each too globalized and dynamic to contain, too big and influential to ignore, and too successful and entangled with each other to divorce without bankrupting ourselves and all associated with us," he added. Locke said there are no winners in a trade war. Everybody loses, especially the workers, consumers and companies of both countries. "It's a tough time in the U.S.-China relationship. We must avoid a trade war," he said. "Sino-U.S. relations are a matter of great importance to all in our country ... a candid discussion of the deterioration of those relations and its implications could hardly be more timely," Freeman said. U.S.-CHINA "JOINED AT THE HIP" Max Baucus, who served as the U.S. ambassador to China from 2014 to 2017, said the United States and China are interdependent economically, like conjoined twins. We are joined "together at the hip", he said. The commercial and economic relationship is really the ballast in the bilateral relationship, he noted. "Today, roughly 1.5 billion U.S. dollars of goods and services flow between our two countries every single day. China is our largest export market outside North America, with exports to China growing at twice the rate as exports to the rest of the world, and America is China's largest export market exceeding exports to all of the EU countries combined," Locke told the 500-strong audience. People in both countries are benefiting from this deepening economic integration. More than 900,000 American jobs depend on producing goods and services exported to China. Over 2.6 million jobs in the United States and millions more in China depend on the two-way trade, he said. MORE PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE LINKS NEEDED Baucus stressed that the relationship could be improved by increasing people-to-people exchanges. If the people of both countries engage with each other more frequently, they can have a better relationship in the long run, he said, adding that it's very important for Americans to get out and see what's going on in the rest of the world. Both sides have to understand each other and show mutual trust in resolving their differences, he emphasized. The United States and China need to work together and "open up, talk about it and compromise," Baucus said. FUNDS FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES ALONG BELT AND ROAD The conference also touched upon the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and its impact on developing countries. Jin said the AIIB was created to facilitate the growth of developing countries, largely based on China's experience in the past few decades The bank was established in 2015 to help developing countries along the Belt and Road routes build their infrastructure and grow their economies.In the first two years since its inception, it has implemented a lending program worth 4.2 billion dollars. Jin noted that Asia's economic development will offer enormous market opportunities for developed countries, including the United States. "If Asia develops, and if the rest of Asia develops as China, it means that a huge export market for the U.S. and European countries (will emerge), and direct and indirect benefits will accrue for all the countries in the world," the AIIB president said. BERLIN, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Controversial comments made by the senior Christian Social Union (CSU) politician and ex-minister Alexander Dobrindt on deportations on Monday sparked heated infighting within the German government. Expressing his views on a widely-publicized uprising at a refugee accommodation center in Ellwangen, Dobrindt criticized what he described as an "aggressive anti-deportation industry" which was allegedly attempting to subvert the course of justice in Germany. The CSU politician drew parallels between the work of legal professionals representing and offering advice to asylum seekers in Germany and the violent resistance offered by refugees against police in Ellwangen to prevent the deportation of a Togolese national. Dobrindt's comments earned a prompt rebuke from the German Social Democrat (SPD) parliamentary delegate Johannes Kahrs. He described Dobrindt's depiction of a wider conspiracy against deportations as "nonsense", mocking the comments in question as a "desperate attempt" to win back voters from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) shortly before regional elections in Bavaria. Similarly, SPD parliamentary secretary Carsten Schneider complained on radio station SWR that the CSU appeared to have fallen victim to a "permanent neurosis" caused by the perceived threat to its long-standing position of dominance in Bavarian politics. Schneider warned that the development would only make it harder to cooperate effectively in the federal government. The German Bar Association told the press that it viewed Dobdrindt's statement as a significant attack on the independence of the judiciary in Germany. Ulrich Schellenberg, president of the German association of lawyers, urged SPD leader Andrea Nahles to formally register protest during a cabinet session currently being held on the peak of the Zugspitze mountain in Bavaria. Joining the debate on Monday, Christian Democratic Union (CDU) secretary general Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer told public broadcaster ARD that Dobrindt had no grounds to complain about the use of legal recourse and access to forms of professional assistance by asylum seekers which were enabled in Germany by the rule of law. Kramp-Karrenbauer emphasized that her party supported the legal framework as it currently stood. Nevertheless, interior minister and CSU leader Horst Seehofer defended Dobrindt against widespread criticism. While insisting that his party remained committed to the rule of law, Seehofer stressed that an "unusually high number" of rejected asylum applications were met with appeals which then led to lengthy and costly law suits. Seehofer did not want to himself comment on the exact wording used by Dobrindt. He noted, however, that his own department was on schedule to "realize" the construction of so-called "anchor" centers where refugees would be held centrally after arriving in Germany until a decision had been reached on their residency status. In the case of failed applications, the asylum seekers in question will be deported directly and swiftly from the respective anchor centers. The CSU leader highlighted that he was "very loyal" to the wording of the "grand coalition" agreement which first envisioned anchor centers. So far regional partners have failed to embrace the pilot project, leading to accusations that Seehofer had no concrete solution to offer to incidents with violent refugees like the one in Ellwangen. SPD secretary general Lars Klingenbeil told newspaper Heilbronner Stimme that a "sensible concept" was needed to ensure that people without perspectives and jobs would not just be left to their own devices. The German trade union of police officers also called for more comprehensive video surveillance of refugee accommodation centers in reaction to the Ellwangen incident last Monday. BOGOR, Indonesia, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said here on Monday that China would increase its agricultural imports from Indonesia and enhance cooperation on Indonesia's building of comprehensive economic corridors. In a brief short statement made at the joint press conference after talks with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Li noted that more Indonesian tropical agricultural products, including cubilose, coffee and tropical fruits, would enter the Chinese market, adding that Indonesian agricultural products enjoy high competitiveness in the Chinese market. Li also expressed China's willingness to further cooperate with the Indonesian side on the building of its comprehensive economic corridors. More Chinese experts and entrepreneurs would be invited for bilateral cooperation in such key areas as ports, maritime economy, industrial processing and overseas warehouses, according to Li. Joko promised to provide a more convenient business environment for Chinese enterprises' localization and investment in the Indonesian market. Li's official visit to Indonesia started on Sunday, which is the first stop on his first overseas trip since the new cabinet took office in March. VILNIUS, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Lithuania's national security commission proposed on Monday banning consultations for the country's political parties and politicians from countries outside the European Union (EU) during election campaigns amid concerns over foreign countries influencing the political processes in the Baltic State. The National security commission, a governmental security body headed by the country's prime minister, discussed in a sitting on Monday measures to prevent the election meddling. "There's a proposal that the Ministry of Justice would prepare the amendments banning consultations from third countries during election campaigns," Arnoldas Pikzirnis, the advisor for the Lithuanian prime minister, told local journalists following the commission's sitting. According to Pikzirnis, the ban would include the countries outside the EU. It remains to be seen, if the ban would apply to NATO countries. Lithuania, a small Baltic State with a population of less than 3 million, is worried about potential election meddling. Earlier this year, the Lithuanian counterintelligence warned in its latest report that Russia allegedly could try increasing its influence on social and political processes in Lithuania and was interested in the upcoming Lithuanian president elections in 2019. Lithuania will hold three key elections next year. The presidential elections are scheduled for May 2019 with elections to municipal councils and to the European Parliament set for next spring as well. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-07 23:34:18|Editor: yan Video Player Close JAKARTA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The cooperation between China and Indonesia will send a strong message to the world that both countries will work to promote free trade and global economic recovery, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said here Monday while addressing the China-Indonesia Business Summit. Noting that China and Indonesia have strong economic complementarities with huge domestic markets, Li said both countries will continue to advance regional economic cooperation towards greater integration. Li is on an official visit to the Southeast Asian country from Sunday to Tuesday at the invitation of Indonesian President Joko Widodo. PARIS, May 7 (Xinhua) -- France unveiled an investment plan to boost its defense armament that included an order for a fifth nuclear-armed submarine Barracuda and modernization of the "Tiger Standard 3" helicopter program, the defense ministry said in a statement released on Monday. Following a ministerial investment committee held earlier this month, Defense Minister Florence Parly decided to order the fifth nuclear-armed submarine which is expected to reinforce the naval cruise missile (MdCN) capabilities and enable the deployment of special forces in immersion. The new order is part of the 2019-2025 Military Programming Bill under which the government plans to acquire six vessels to renew its naval forces, the statement said. Parly also decided to launch development program of armed reconnaissance helicopter Tiger that aims at developing its collaborative combat capabilities and developing its offensive abilities. "This decision is directly in line with the framework set by the Franco-German Defense and Security Council of July 13 2017, during which Germany and France agreed to set up a cooperation framework for Tiger helicopter Standard 3 as well as for a joint air-to-ground tactical missile program," the statement said. Since its introduction to service in 2009, the Tiger has been used in military operations in zones of high risk such as Afghanistan, Libya, Central African Republic and Mali. KIEV, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Kiev on Monday accused the Russian military of being behind the deadly rocket attack on the frontline city of Mariupol in eastern Ukraine in January 2015. "During the pre-trial investigation, our investigators have established and proved that this terrorist act was committed by regular Russian military personnel," Vasyl Grytsak, the head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) was quoted as saying by its press service. SBU investigators say they have established the involvement of eleven Russian troops in the attack, according to the statement. The findings of the investigation will be handed over to the International Court of Justice, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, the statement said. Russian authorities have not yet commented on the accusations. Mariupol, a strategic port city on the Azov Sea, which lies near the line separating Ukrainian government troops and pro-independence insurgents in eastern Ukraine, came under rocket fire on Jan. 24, 2015. The rockets hit an open-air market and nearby homes and shops, killing 29 civilians and wounding 92 others. The conflict in Ukraine's eastern region of Donbas started in April 2014 after government forces launched offensives to regain control of the cities and towns seized by armed groups which had declared independence from Kiev. Mariupol has been under the control of the government forces since June 2014. Garegin Chukaszyan, a member of Armenias opposition Pre-Parliament movement who had gone underground in July 2016 after being accused by law enforcement for organizing mass disorder but was arrested on April 23 of this year after appearing in public, has entered his thirteenth day of a hunger strike. Tigran Yegoryan, Chukaszyans lawyer, says his clients health has deteriorated to the point that his life is in danger. Law enforcement accuse Chukaszyan of organizing events planned for April 24, 2015, the day Armenians were to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. His case is tied to that of Jirayr Sefilyan, Gevorg Safaryan, Pavel Manukyan and Varujan Avetisyan. Sefilyan and Safaryan have already been tried and convicted. The cases of Manukyan and Avetisyan have since been incorporated into the Sasna Dzrer case dealing with the seizure of a Yerevan police building in June 2016. Chukaszyan was arrested when he was seen descending from the Tzitzernakaberd hill overlooking Yerevan. Yegoryan says his client was on his way to join the anti-government rally in Republic Square. Chukaszyan, who regards himself a political prisoner, is calling for the immediate release of all political prisoners in Armenia. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-08 00:04:24|Editor: yan Video Player Close BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) -- A workshop commemorating the 120th anniversary of the birth of Zhang Boju, one of the most influential Chinese art connoisseurs of the 20th century, was hosted in Beijing Monday. Out of support for the newly established government, Zhang started donating his collections to the country in 1956 . His generosity enabled many invaluable national treasures to be preserved and shared with the public. Zhang, born into an aristocratic family in 1898, started collecting Chinese calligraphy and paintings at the age of 30, and dedicated the rest of his life to preserving China's cultural heritage. During the 1930s and 1940s, a lot of China's artistic treasures were damaged or ended up overseas due to war. Deeply grieved, Zhang spent most of his personal wealth and even went into debt to rescue China's national treasures. "We should learn from Mr. Zhang's patriotic feelings on national development and China's future, as well as his industrious and tireless pursuit of the arts," said Luo Shugang, minister of culture and tourism. Luo also spoke highly of Zhang's indifference to fame and wealth at the workshop, held at the Great Hall of the People and hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Central Research Institute of Culture and History, and the State Administration of Cultural Heritage. One outstanding example was "Pingfu tie (A Consoling Letter)" by western Jin Dynasty (265-316) calligrapher Lu Ji. Zhang raised 40,000 silver dollars to purchase it from a descendant of the Qing royal family to prevent its sale to foreigners. Zhang sold his house and his wife sold her jewelry to purchase "Youchun tu (Spring Excursion)" by Sui Dynasty (581-618) painter Zhan Ziqian, which is China's oldest existing landscape scroll painting. Other notable pieces collected by Zhang included "Shang yangtai tie (Ascent to Yangtai Temple)," the only extant calligraphy work by legendary Tang Dynasty (618-907) poet Li Bai, as well as "Xuejiang guizhao tu (Homeward Bound on a Snowy River)" by Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty (960-1279). "My collections do not need to belong to me forever, but they need to stay eternally in our motherland, handed down for generations," Zhang once said. Most of Zhang's collections are now housed at the Palace Museum in Beijing and in northeast China's Jilin Provincial Museum. A special exhibition commemorating Zhang ended at the Palace Museum on Sunday. "We still cherish the memory of Mr. Zhang, whom we recognize as a role model," said Shan Jixiang, the museum director. "He represented not only the erudition and open-mindedness of the Chinese literati, but also a sense of mission to promote Chinese culture, a spirit of selflessness, and a lofty sentiment of patriotism." ADDIS ABABA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia's northern Amhara regional state announced on Monday it would pardon 3,591 prisoners as part of the Ethiopian government's reform plan. The Justice Bureau of Amhara regional state, however said the pardons won't include those convicted of rapes, human trafficking, corruption and circulating counterfeit money, reported state-affiliated media outlet Radio Fana. Amhara regional state has previously given pardons to 2,923 detainees as part of efforts to create national consensus and social harmony. Amhara regional state, which along with Oromia regional state, accounts for about 65 percent of Ethiopia's estimated 100 million population has witnessed persistent protests since 2016, over allegations of political and economic marginalization. The protests have shaken the hold of the ruling coalition Ethiopian People Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) which has been ruling Ethiopia for close to 27 years. The ruling party is a coalition of four parties that are Oromo People Democratic Organization (OPDO), the Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM), the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Southern Ethiopian People's Democratic Movement (SEPDM). SINGAPORE, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Singaporean President Halimah Yacob on Monday called for developing a vibrant economy and forging a caring and inclusive society in the city-state. Speaking at the opening of the second session of the 13th parliament, she set out tasks for the government during the second half of the term and beyond. The president outlined five priorities: securing a place in the world for Singapore, building a world-class city, developing a vibrant economy, forging a caring and inclusive society and nurturing a distinct Singapore identity. Singapore has recorded a steady economic growth and achieved an upgraded infrastructure, Halimah said, adding that Singapore will continue to uphold free trade. The government should make Singapore into an endearing home for its people, the president said. MOGADISHU, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) said on Monday that it has kicked off plans to deploy police officers to Hiraan region in south-central Somalia. AMISOM said its team led by AMISOM Police Operations Coordinator, Daniel Ali Gwambal, visited Beletweyne last week to access ongoing preparations for the deployment of a Formed Police Unit (FPU) to Hiraan region. "Formerly, we were not able to visit many sites but with the FPU, it will be easier for us. We will be able to visit any scene that has incidents," Gwambal said in a statement released in Mogadishu. The AMISOM team inspected facilities to be used by the unit comprising 32 Nigerian police officers, who are expected in Beletweyne in the coming weeks. "The purpose of visiting Beletweyne is to have the on-spot assessment of the facilities that are on ground," said Gwambal. He added that the team also came to access progress being made, in the mentorship program, by individual police officers who were deployed three months ago. Haruna Ismail, the Contingent Commander of the Nigerian FPU said the preparations had been completed, adding that the arrival of the team will boost security in the region. "We are giving them the assurance, we are bringing a well-trained, weapon handling personnel that can withstand any threat and provide security to the personnel on this ground," Ismail said. The FPU will provide escort to the individual police officers training and mentoring Somali Police in Beletweyne. They will also provide security to AMISOM and its partners. MOGADISHU, May 7 (Xinhua) -- A two-day UN-backed international conference on charcoal kicked off in Mogadishu on Monday with Somali government calling for international help to stop illegal exports of charcoal from the country. Mahdi Mohamed Guled, Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia, also appealed to African and Gulf States cooperation in halting the vice which is rampant in the Horn of Africa nation. Guled also called for urgent action and support from the international community and countries that are importing charcoal and reaffirmed the government's commitment to provide alternative livelihood and energy options. "We need a holistic response to address the issues of charcoal in Somalia," Guled said in his opening remarks, according to a statement released from the UN mission in Somalia which organized the forum along with UN Environment, UNDP and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO). "Both the demand and supply side have to be tackled -- to do this we need cooperation to implement the UN Security Council Resolution and ensure the environmental, economic and human losses that happen because of illegal charcoal trade are curbed," Guled said. The exports of charcoal from Somalia have been banned, both by a 2012 UN Security Council resolution and by the Somali government, due to its destructive effect on the environment and its exacerbation of conflict and humanitarian crises. According to the UN, an estimated 8.2 million trees were cut down for charcoal in Somalia between 2011 and 2017, increasing land degradation, food insecurity and vulnerability to flooding and drought. Over 80 percent of charcoal produced in Somalia is exported to Gulf States and neighboring countries. Illegal trade in charcoal is recognized as a key contributor to insecurity in Somalia, providing a major source of funding for militias, terrorist groups, and other actors linked to conflict, who illegally tax exports. Peter de Clercq, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, said the environmental destruction brought on by the charcoal trade contributes to drought, flooding, the loss of livelihoods and increase in food insecurity. "Together with conflict, this exacerbates the humanitarian situation in Somalia. But due to high levels of poverty in Somalia and lack of opportunities, many are forced to turn to unsustainable and illegal livelihoods, such as charcoal production. The people of this country deserve better," de Clercq said. The conference intends to rally support for concrete action, including partnerships with investors, to stop the illegal trade and to strengthen ongoing work in developing alternative livelihoods and alternative energy sources in Somalia. Juliette Biao Koudenoukpo, UN Environment Regional Director for Africa, said regional partnership is key to stopping the unsustainable production, use and export of charcoal in Somalia. "UN Environment and its partners are supporting the government of Somalia to develop sound policy frameworks to support the ban and find alternatives to charcoal," she said. Participants are expected to develop a concrete road map for action, including enforceable regional policies, to halt charcoal trade, as well as its unsustainable production and use within Somalia. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-08 00:24:35|Editor: yan Video Player Close TEHRAN, May 7 (Xinhua) -- President Hassan Rouhani on Monday, for the first time, hinted that Iran will likely remain in the nuclear deal even if the United States decides to pull out, official IRNA news agency reported. "If our expectations from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) are met without the United States, so much the better," Rouhani said in Iran's northeastern Mashhad city. "Otherwise, we will make our own decision," he said. Also, Tasnim news agency reported on Monday quoting Rouhani as saying that "we have our own plan. If what we demand from the JCPOA is fulfilled by the non-American (parties in the deal), the U.S. withdrawal will be the removal of a trouble." "Or, we will follow our legal and rational option if what we expect is not fully accomplished," Rouhani said. Rouhani said that except few countries, including the United States, the whole world trusts Iran and wants to preserve the JCPOA. "Today we are telling the world that if you are worried about Iran's access to nuclear bomb, we have completely allayed this concern in the JCPOA and the deal ensures that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons," he was quoted as saying. He warned Washington against the "strategic mistake" of withdrawing from the nuclear deal, reiterating that Iran has no concerns about the U.S. cruel policies and wrong moves. The Iranian president further lashed out at the U.S. policies in the Middle East, saying that over the past decades, U.S. officials have sought to contain Iran's power and influence in the region, and "no matter they remain in the nuclear deal or leave it, they pursue such a policy." Rouhani vowed that the Islamic republic will withstand the U.S. objective to reduce Iran's regional power and influence. U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to decide by May 12 whether to pull out of the nuclear deal, and he has said that he would not extend the waiver suspending the U.S. sanctions on Iran. Iran has threatened to resume nuclear enrichment activities in case Trump decertifies the nuclear deal. NAIROBI, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of UN on Monday called on African governments to reduce importation of food to the continent by implementing food sufficiency measures. Tito Arunga, FAO Kenya Agribusiness Officer, said the continent has the potential of producing enough food once efforts aimed at improving income earning opportunities are given emphasis. "We need to ensure that our food system become efficient, resilient and inclusive in order to produce food in excess for domestic consumption," Arunga said during a public private partnerships agribusiness meeting for Africa in Nairobi. He noted that besides Zambia that has sufficient food after putting measures that has led to bumper harvest and developed measures against post harvest losses, the remaining countries rely on food imports from outside the continent. Arunga noted that the increasing youthful population in the continent calls for the adoption of farming techniques that survives climate change. "There is need to include women and youths by supporting their endeavors in embracing agriculture so as to replace the aging population of farmers in the continent," he added. He called on governments to address the root causes of internal and trans-boundary migration that he noted currently threatens food security as the youths that form 60 percent of population in the continent continue to migrate in search of alternative source of living in disregard of agriculture. According to Janet Edeme, African Union Commission (AUC) Head of Division, Rural Economy, the commission has began holding a series of stakeholder meetings to discuss how to better involve the private sector in the implementation of Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP). Edeme said there is need to support private sector investment to complement public sector efforts in addressing the investment gaps in the agriculture sector. "It has become clear that AU member states alone are unable to implement their National Agriculture Investment Plans (NAIPs) as the capital investments needed and the technical skills required to drive and transform the agriculture sectors in their countries would require private sector capital and expertise," she noted. The AUC official observed that the pan African body is working with member states in reviewing and developing appropriate policies and programs that are aimed at helping leverage public sector incentives that catalyze private sector investments with emphasis on women and youths. "We are continuing in mobilizing and strengthening of the organizational capacity of African Domestic Private Sector Apex Bodies engaged in agribusiness," she added. Stephanie Gallatova, FAO Agro-Industry and Infrastructure Officer, noted that the public private partnerships for agribusiness development initiatives have the potential to help transform the production-oriented agricultural sector of African countries towards a more market-oriented and modernized agri-food sector. "This approach could improve farmer-market linkages and employment creation in rural areas and cities," Gallatova added. The meeting follows an analysis that was conducted by FAO and AUC of 24 agri-public private partnerships case studies from eight African countries -- Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Zambia and South Africa. The findings are aimed at informing policy-makers to design and implement effective agri-public private partnerships in the continent. NAIROBI, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Kenya could be staring at a health crisis as raging floods that have wreaked havoc in many parts of the country threaten to unleash a wave of communicable diseases like cholera, typhoid, malaria and flus. The Ministry of Health and relief agencies have sounded alarm over possible disease outbreaks in low lying parts of the country and major cities grappling with the extreme weather event. So far, the Ministry of Health has directed county governments to allocate funds toward mitigating the outbreak of water-borne diseases in the light of flooding occasioned by heavy downpour. The Kenya Red Cross in its latest briefing revealed that 112 Kenyans had died as a result of floods since mid-March when the long rains began. Abbas Gullet, the Secretary General at Kenya Red Cross, said at a media briefing on Friday that an estimated 260,000 people displaced by floods were staring at risk of vector borne diseases in the absence of urgent interventions. "We are monitoring the situation in the camps for people displaced by floods to ward off disease outbreaks. Our volunteers have been providing purification gadgets in flooded regions to keep water-borne diseases at bay," said Gullet. The Kenya Red Cross has already made a 5 million U.S. dollar appeal from local and foreign well-wishers to strengthen provision of emergency assistance to 150,000 flood victims in the western, northeastern and coastal regions. Gullet said the bulk of the money will be earmarked for supply of food, clean drinking water and medical kit to families marooned by floods in low lying Kenyan plains. "Our immediate areas of intervention include supply of water treatment chemicals to prevent a cholera outbreak in flooded regions," said Gullet, adding that flood victims will also be supplied with mosquito nets to minimize the risk of contracting malaria. Kenya and its neighbors in the greater eastern African region such as Rwanda and Somalia have been experiencing above normal rainfall accompanied by flash floods. The three countries have attracted international media spotlight as heavy flooding continue to terminate lives while destroying transport, power and communications infrastructure as well as hospitals and schools. This phenomenon that is linked to climate change has in particular cast a dark shadow on Kenya's quest to achieve food security after a prolonged drought season. Nevertheless, both the central government and relief agencies have scaled up emergency interventions in regions affected by flooding to prevent a humanitarian crisis. Eugene Wamalwa, Cabinet Secretary for Devolution and Planning, has been overseeing efforts to rescue communities marooned by floods and relocate them to safer grounds. During a recent tour of the epicenter of flooding in the coast region, Wamalwa said the government had set aside adequate funds to cater for food, shelter, clean water and medical services to flood victims. "The government has mobilized funds, personnel and equipment to ease suffering of people affected by floods. We are aware that many schools and hospitals have been submerged thus denying essential services to flood victims," Wamalwa said during a visit to the coast region. Counties affected by floods have intensified surveillance to prevent an outbreak of vector-borne diseases that could place enormous strain on public healthcare infrastructure. Local media reports indicate that counties in western Kenya and the coast region have sought additional financial support from the central government and relief agencies to procure essential drugs and promote environmental hygiene in the wake of heavy flooding. Health officers in the coastal city of Mombasa have been educating communities on necessary measures in order to avoid contracting vector borne diseases like malaria and chikungunya. The risk of water-borne diseases also looms large in western Kenyan counties thanks to destruction of sanitation facilities by storm waters. As floods destroy healthcare facilities in remote Kenyan counties, the spread of infectious diseases could escalate in the absence of strong deterrent measures. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-08 00:34:39|Editor: yan Video Player Close ADEN, Yemen, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of people staged on Monday a large demonstration in Yemen's Socotra Island in support of the Saudi Arabia-backed Yemeni government. According to local government sources, the peaceful demonstration aimed at showing support for the government of Prime Minister Ahmed Obeid bin Daghr who is present in Socotra along with some ministers. He said that some of the demonstrators "raised slogans demanding their refusal to the military presence, demanding the departure of the soldiers from Socotra." On Friday, Yemen's prime minister and other officials held a meeting with a Saudi commission that arrived to mediate and investigate recent events following outrage by Yemen's government over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) troop expansion in Socotra. Media outlets allied with the Yemeni government accused UAE forces of "occupying the island's sole airport and refusing to allow the Prime Minister to go back into Aden." The Yemeni government issued an official statement and stressed that "the Yemeni people will not give up any of their sovereign territories, including the strategic island of Socotra." On Sunday, the UAE Foreign Ministry issued a statement and expressed "surprise" over the Yemeni PM's statement against its presence in Socotra, accusing Muslim Brotherhood of attempting to distort its efforts in Yemen. The UAE Foreign Ministry stressed that the UAE is playing a balanced role in the Yemeni Socotra Island to establish peace and stability and support development projects for the Island's residents. It said the UAE military presence in all liberated Yemeni governorates, including Socotra, fits within the efforts made by the Arab coalition to support "legitimacy at this critical stage in the history of Yemen." The ministry emphasised that the UAE has "no ambitions" in Yemen or any part of it, and its steps in many Yemeni governorates come within the context of supporting Yemen's security and stability, as well as helping legitimacy and Yemeni people. Socotra Island with its capital Hadibu is a Yemeni archipelago on the Indian Ocean. The ongoing three-year internal conflict had no effect on Socotra. The UAE is part of a Saudi-led Arab coalition that has been fighting the Shiite Houthi rebels since March 2015 to support the internationally-recognized government led by President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. The Saudi-led coalition accuses Iran of arming the Houthis, who have fired scores of ballistic missiles on Saudi troops and cities since the outbreak of hostilities. ISLAMABAD, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The government of Pakistan's eastern Punjab province formed an investigation team Monday to probe Sunday's assassination attempt at Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, an official statement said. According to the announcement, a five-member joint investigation team (JIT), comprising members from the police department as well as intelligence agencies, will conduct an investigation into the attack. The minister was shot and injured by a single bullet on Sunday evening during a rally in his hometown Narowal, a district in Punjab. Iqbal was rushed to a nearby hospital and later airlifted to a hospital in the provincial capital Lahore where he underwent two surgeries. Doctors told media that the bullet fractured two bones of Iqbal's right arm before entering into the groin area. According to a local official, a local resident opened fire at the minister soon after he concluded his speech during the rally. The gunman, Abid Hussain, 22, merely managed to fire one shot from his pistol from a distance of 10 to 12 meters before he was detained by the police. The suspect reportedly confessed to the crime, saying he had bought the weapon used in the incident from a local person. A pistol with nine bullets was recovered from the arrested suspect and a case was registered under charges of attempted murder, terrorism and illegal weapon possession. Hussain was produced before the anti-terrorism court on Monday where his 10-day physical remand was approved. Moreover, police also claimed to have arrested two aides of the suspect who were involved in facilitating the attacker. The gunmen told police that he attempted to assassinate the minister because he was among the ruling party's members who changed a religious law last year. An Italian businessman who was exposed for his connections to the Ndrangheta mafia and initially held for the murder of journalist Jan Kuciak will be extradited to Italy for drug trafficking, Il Fatto Quotidiano reported Friday. Together with his brother Bruno and cousin Pietro Catroppa, Antonino Vadala, 43, was arrested on March 1 by Slovak police as a suspect in the murder of investigative reporter Jan Kuciak and his fiancee. Vadala denied the accusations and was released a few days later due to a lack of evidence. Kuciak was investigating links between Slovak politics and the Italian Ndrangheta when he was shot dead in his home. He started his investigation when Slovakias prime minister hired Maria Troskova, a model with no political experience. Troskova used to be a business associate of Vadala, who owns a network of agricultural companies in Slovakia and was named as a suspected cocaine dealer for the Ndrangheta in a 2017 investigation by Italys antimafia police unit. Vadala will now be extradited to Italy for his role in the Ndranghetas drug trade. He was arrested again on March 13 in Slovakia after a Venice court issued a European arrest warrant for trafficking cocaine and being engaged with criminal gangs. The arrest warrant was expanded to include money laundering, the Spectator reported. Vadala was said to use legitimate companies and establish relations with South America to import cocaine into Europe in large quantities. Vadala was also being investigated by Slovak police for defrauding EU subsidies and it was unclear which country would get to prosecute him first. The extradition document states that Vadala has to be returned to Italy by mid May. Antonino Vadala (Photo from Facebook) occrp.org OSLO, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The watchdog of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) will take Norway to EFTA's court for discrimination against fathers in parental benefit treatment, public broadcaster NRK reported Monday. The Norwegian rules stipulate that father's right to parental benefit is linked to the mother's employment situation, while the same does not apply to the opposite way. Fathers are entitled to parental benefit only if mothers are working or studying. The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) has said Norway has failed to fulfill its obligations towards the agreement on the European economic area (EEA) by maintaining in force the provisions that discriminate against fathers. "Equal treatment is a core principle of EEA law. When Norwegian authorities systematically and illegally treat women and men differently, it is ESA's job to hold them to account," ESA President Bente Angell-Hansen said in a press release. "The EEA rules do not require Norway to offer paid parental leave. However, if such a system is in place, it must be founded on equal treatment," she said. This will be ESA's third and final step in the formal investigation of EEA supervision against Norway. After ESA started its own initiative in October 2015, they also received several complaints from Norwegian fathers. After meetings in 2016 and 2017 in Oslo, there was no success in reaching agreement. Norway's authorities, on the other hand, state that the rules for parental benefits fall outside the scope of the equal treatment directive. Norwegian Ministry of Children and Equality has also argued that it is in any case a positive measure intended to get more mothers to work again while fathers takes out parental leave. This, according to them, will contribute to increased gender equality in working life. The equal treatment directive has an opening for such positive discrimination, but the ESA believes the Norwegian rules for parental benefits do not meet the requirements that apply, the report said. NICOSIA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Cyprus called on United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Monday to immediately appoint an envoy to probe the possibility of restarting peace negotiations in the divided island. "Our approach is that the mission of the personality to be chosen by the Secretary General will materialize immediately and without any stipulations and preconditions," Cypriot Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides said after talks in Nicosia with his Greek counterpart Nicos Kotzias on Monday. A spokesman for Guterres announced a week ago that an envoy would be send to the region to investigate the prospects of resuming the peace negotiations that collapsed in Switzerland 10 months ago. Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci and Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, acting as the representative of Greek Cypriots, accepted the suggestion. But Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reportedly demanded that the mission be postponed until after the June 24 presidential election in Turkey, so as not to lose support among nationalist voters. Kotzias said the issue of how to restart peace negotiations was discussed on Monday and would be further examined at a meeting between Anastasiades and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras who will visit Cyprus on Tuesday. Their meeting will take place on the sidelines of a tripartite summit between Cyprus, Greece and Israel on energy cooperation and security in the region. Christodoulides also said that Cyprus welcomed a statement by Erdogan on Sunday that Turkey had never given up its goal of joining the European Union (EU). "We wish that there will be progress in the relations between Brussels and Ankara and we hope that the statement by Turkey's president will be turned into concrete action, which will involve the application of Turkey's obligations to the European Union," said Christodoulides. Several factors, including Turkey's relations with EU countries, human rights profile and its occupation of part of Cyprus since 1974, brought its EU accession prospects to a standstill. Turkish troops occupied the northern part of the island in 1974, invoking intervention rights, after a short lived coup organized by the military rulers of Greece at the time. TIRANA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Albania has the support of Poland in opening the European Union (EU) accession negotiations, the visiting Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz said at a joint news conference with Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati on Monday. Albania should continue the reforms as well as cooperate with the EU member countries that support the EU enlargement to the Western Balkans, Czaputowicz added. The Polish minister praised the reformation efforts of Albania and underlined that Poland is a strong advocate of EU enlargement towards the Western Balkans. "EU has become embroiled in an ongoing debate on EU enlargement, yet there are phenomena such as skepticism rooted in the migratory crisis. These voices are doing the utmost to inhibit accession. In EU, countries like Bulgaria, Romania, and Poland support EU enlargement," emphasized Czaputowicz. Bushati thanked Czaputowicz for the support that Poland has provided to Albania down the path to EU accession. Bushati said Albania and Poland are NATO members and their stands are in the same line when it comes to challenges facing the Alliance. The two counterparts discussed as well on the development of economic relations and exchange of goods between the two countries. During his official visit later in the day, Czaputowicz also had a meeting with Albanian President Ilir Meta. BERLIN, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The first months since the inauguration of Chancellor Angela Merkel's fourth governing cabinet have witnessed a steep decline in the number of government approvals for German arms exports to Saudi Arabia and Turkey, official figures published on Monday by the ministry for the economy showed. Responding to a parliamentary enquiry filed by the Left party (Linke), the ministry revealed that the government only approved arms export requests to Saudi Arabia and Turkey worth 30,489 euros (36,402 U.S. dollars) in total between March 14 and April 20. By contrast, Berlin gave the green light to exports worth a combined 27.5 million euros to the two countries during the same period last year. Turkey has faced criticism from Berlin for the recent launch of a military operation against Kurdish militia in the northern Syrian Afrin region. Similarly, Saudi Arabia has been blacklisted with regards to German arms exports due to its ongoing role in the Yemen conflict. Nevertheless, German opposition representatives criticized the federal government for continuing to act in contradiction of strict national regulations on arms exports to conflict areas. Under Germany's constitution, the delivery of weapons intended for military use to countries which are "involved, or at risk of becoming involved, in a violent confrontation" is prohibited. The Left party parliamentary delegate Alexander Neu spoke out against Merkel's cabinet on Monday for allowing outstanding orders to be delivered to Saudi Arabia despite promising not to fuel the war in Yemen with arms exports in its coalition agreement. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-08 01:29:49|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas (L, center) and Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila (R, center) pose for photos with their governments officials during a jubilee session to celebrate the 100th anniversary of both countries in Tallinn, Estonia, on May 7, 2018. The Estonian and Finnish governments on Monday discussed transnational cooperation both in the establishment of physical and digital connections as well as in the field of culture and education. (Xinhua/Estonian government) TALLINN, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The Estonian and Finnish governments on Monday discussed transnational cooperation both in the establishment of physical and digital connections as well as in the field of culture and education. In a jubilee session to celebrate the 100th anniversary of both countries, the governments also discussed the promotion of sustainable economic growth in the European Union, said a press release. Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas, who met his Finnish counterpart Juha Sipila ahead of the session, hailed the intercourse of two neighboring countries over a century and expected future new connections, including the Tallinn-Helsinki tunnel, invisible digital data streams, real-life cross-border economy, as well as a deeper cultural cooperation. "Today, we discussed how to establish these bridges in different dimensions so that Estonia and Finland would become an even more united region and a prominent innovation center in the world," said Ratas. Physical connections comprise of creating a transport corridor extending from the border of the Arctic Sea to Central Europe, including the goal of establishing Rail Baltic by 2026 and the Tallinn-Helsinki tunnel, and the development of the energy market, said the release. For digital collaboration and cooperation, one of the main issues is broader cross-border data exchange projects, besides the X-road data exchange platform that allows data to be automatically exchanged between countries. Since June 2017, automatic data exchange capability has been established between Estonia and Finland. It was also declared that the Estonian and Finnish governments would start exchanging data for free. To strengthen the economic ties between both countries, the governments wish to develop a real-time economic environment, where cross-border economic transactions are reflected digitally, while cross-border cooperation is also sought in genomic research, which is made possible by genome centers established in both countries, it noted. Moreover, circular economy and the common market were discussed in more detail for promoting sustainable growth in the European Union. KIGALI, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The number of people died in landslides in western Rwanda has risen to 18 following heavy rains overnight, a local official said on Monday. The downpour, which started from around 8 p.m. on Sunday and lasted until 2 a.m. on Monday local time, triggered landslides that killed the victims from Rwankuba sector, Karongi district. Seven people are admitted at hospital, said executive secretary of Rwankuba sector Vedaste Kuzabaganwa. The search for missing residents was completed Monday evening and there were no more residents unaccounted for, Kuzabaganwa told a media briefing. Heavy rains have caused a large number of casualties in Rwanda since the beginning of this year. In the first four months of the year, at least 183 people were killed and 215 others were injured in Rwanda by disasters triggered by heavy rains, according to the country's Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugees. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-08 02:04:59|Editor: yan Video Player Close MADRID, May 7 (Xinhua) -- All charges were dropped on the first day of the trial of three Spanish firemen who faced charges of people trafficking on the Greek island of Lesbos on Monday, reported Spanish media El Mundo. Manuel Blanco, Quique Rodriguez and Julio Latorre, who are all from Seville, south Spain, were arrested by the Greek coastguard on Jan. 14, 2016 while working with the charity organization Proem Aid to rescue refugees attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe. Speaking to the media after the verdict, Rodriguez said he was very emotional, commenting that the three saw the verdict as "support" for their rescue work, adding they had the strength to "continue." Meanwhile, Blanco said the verdict showed that "saving lives is not a crime", and celebrated that the trial had made it possible for them to tell TV cameras that "lives are still being lost in the Mediterranean. The case of the three firemen had been headline news in Spain on Monday, with the trio receiving support from Spanish authorities. Spanish Interior Minister Juan Ignacio Zoido (a former Mayor of Seville) posted a tweet in which he expressed "all of my support and collaboration, as well as that of the Spanish government". Foreign Minister Alfonso Dastis also tweeted his support for the trio, adding that the Spanish embassy in Athens was "following the situation with close attention". ARUSHA, Tanzania, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Heavy rains which hit the northern Tanzania's region of Kilimanjaro region for the past two days have destroyed farms and swept away more than 700 acres of tomato and maize crops, local authorities said on Monday. Mwanga District is one of the areas in Kilimanjaro Region which are heavily affected by the rains. Muhidin Samwel, Kituri village chairman in Kileo ward of Mwanga District, said in an interview that the situation is worse as the rains have also destroyed more than 150 houses with 30 of them being completely submerged. "We have found shelter for the flood victims at government schools and institutions," Samwel Said, noting that the tragedy was caused by flood waters from Ghona and Kifaru Rivers. He said the floods also destroyed people's properties and appealed to Samaritans, institutions and non-governmental organizations to support the victims with blankets, mattresses, and foodstuff. Rose Kessy, one of the flood victims, said the government should think of providing them with relief food as their hopes for bumper harvests this season had been dampened. Golden Mgonzo, Mwanga District Executive Director, said the district disaster management committee will soon meet to evaluate the total damage cost and discuss on how to assist the victims. Last week, the Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA) warned there would be heavy rains this week at various parts of the country TMA forecast that coast regions including Dar es Salaam, Coast, Tanga, and the Isles of Zanzibar would receive heavy rains accompanied by storms. In April, 15 people were killed due to floods caused by an incessant downpour in different parts of the east African nation. Among the affected regions include Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's business capital, Arusha, Manyara, Tabora and Zanzibar archipelago. HARARE, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe and Qatar on Monday agreed to expeditiously negotiate and conclude agreements that protect future investments and avoid double taxation, Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa has said. Addressing journalists in Doha, Qatar, after the first meeting between Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chinamasa said the two countries agreed to pursue the agreements immediately, Zimbabwe's state news agency, New Ziana, reported. "We have agreed that we negotiate and conclude a bilateral investment protection agreement. We have also agreed to negotiate and conclude an avoidance of double taxation agreement," he said. "These are matters we are going to pursue more immediately." Chinamasa said Zimbabwe and Qatar are still trying to identify areas of possible cooperation. "At the moment, we are trying to identify areas of cooperation and we are looking at power generation which could include gas or coal or hydro, infrastructure and tourism," he said. "Those are the areas which we will focus on as we develop the relationship, as this is our first contact with Qatar. Business is about relationships. We have to develop relationships before we can realize the outcomes that we so desire. "These are first contacts and I am hopeful and quite optimistic that this first contact will develop into full blown economic relationship," he said. Mnangagwa is in Qatar on an official visit at the invitation of the Qatari leader. "This is an invitation we were ready to accept in order to promote the economic recovery of our country," Chinamasa said. DAR ES SALAAM, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The government of Tanzania was in final talks with the Indian government to secure a 500 million U.S. dollars loan for undertaking water projects, a senior official said on Monday. The east African nation's Minister for Water and Irrigation, Isaac Kamwelwe, told the National Assembly in the capital Dodoma that the water projects will end shortage of water facing many parts of the country, the second largest economy in east Africa. Tabling budget proposals for the Ministry of Water and Irrigation in the House, Kamwelwe said the government was finalizing talks with the government of India before signing the loan contract. He named some of the areas to benefit from the loan as Muheza, Wanging'ombe, Makambako, Kayanga, Songea, Zanzibar, Njombe, Mugumu, Manyoni, Sikonge, Kasulu, Rujewa, Kilwa Masoko, Geita, Chunya and Makonde. "These areas face acute water shortages," said Kamwelwe. The minister said the government was in the process of amending water laws to provide for stiff penalties to those who will be found tampering with or destroying water infrastructure. In November last year, Tanzania's Minister of State in the Vice-President's Office responsible for Environment, January Makamba, directed all local government authorities in the country to take an inventory of all water sources for protection. "The inventory of water sources will help the government to protect them from degradation and improve those that have been affected by human activities," Makamba told the National Assembly. He made the remarks as the latest report by the World Bank revealed that water scarcity facing Tanzania could derail the east African nation's growth and poverty reduction efforts. "Tanzania needs to urgently improve the management of its water," said the World Bank report. In its report, the World Bank said against the rapidly expanding economy and population in Tanzania, renewable per capita freshwater resources dropped over the past 25 years from more than 3,000 cubic meters per person to around 1,600 today. "The decline, which is driven by increasing demand for a finite resource, will be likely to continue and reach around 1,400 cubic meters per person by 2025, well below the 1,700-cubic meter per person threshold that defines water stressed countries," said the report. Jambo! Greetings from Africa! Adam Snow, a computer technician at Hansford Manor, presented photographs and stories from his recent 4-week trip to Zimbabwe and Tanzania Monday, April 30. Among his many adventures was a 360-foot bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge, which spans the Zambezi River between Zimbabwe and Zambia (a border the locals call ZimZam). What does a bungee jump feel like you ask? Adam laughs and answers, I havent screamed like that for years! I took one look from the edge of the platform, closed my eyes, and didnt open them again until I quit bouncing. Adam showed photographs of native African wildlife, some of which the manor residents had never seen before like dik-dik and hyraces. Traditional animals featured included lions, elephants, zebras, wildebeests, cape buffaloes, various antelope, and cheetahs! Exotic birds from the tall, silver secretary bird, crowned cranes with mustard-colored afros and blue-black wings, turquoise European rollers, and various vulture species were a delight. While on safari in Tanzania, Adam visited a band of the Hadzabe tribe, the last traditional hunter-gatherers in East Africa. Related the famous bushmen in Southern Africa, they speak a strange language which incorporates tongue clicks. Adam stated, I was the only person in my eight-person safari group who was able to make the clicks! It took me three months of practice while driving from Farnsworth to Spearman every day before I became proficient with the clicks. It isnt easy, and it is hard for Americans to do. As a thank you to the Hadzabe, Adam demonstrated his Australian didjeridu to the tribe who were enthralled by such a bizarre musical instrument. The men could hardly wait to try it! A hint its all in the lips. While in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe for a two-week volunteer trip, Adam worked with captive lions as a volunteer with local wildlife conservation organizations, Lion Encounter and A.L.E.R.T., which work to save African lions in Zimbabwe. Lion Encounter is a tourist attraction in Victoria Falls where guests get to walk with one of four, captive lion cubs named Chaka, Kion, Kulangi, and Kumalo. As a wildlife volunteer, Adam assisted with walking the cubs three days a week! One essential tool every lion walker needs is good stick. Leonard, an older man in his fifties, and the head lion wrangler, told the volunteers, The stick is not to hit the lion! It is for discipline. If a lion comes too close, point your stick at him and say NO! The lions know that means to stop. After walking and some quick lion photo modelling, it was time to make toys. We trekked into the bush in search of grass, dung, sticks, leaves, and green tree bark which we used to tie our toys together. You made whatever you wanted. I stuck with the simple approach: wrap a bundle of grass with tree bark a few times, and youre good to go. The most remarkable spectacle Adam witnessed while on his safari was an elephant funeral. He explained to the manor residents, Whenever a herd of elephants finds a dead elephant, even if it was not a member of their herd, they give the remains the same reverence and respect we humans give our friends and relatives when they pass on. The elephants mourn, and they know what death means. It is like watching a traditional human funeral. In Tanzania, Adam stayed in several, luxury tent camps. These were thick canvas tents, and some even had wooden floors. Every night we were serenaded by the sounds of distant lion roars and singing hyenas. Everyone in the safari group agreed that, when we got home, we would need recordings of hyenas so we could go to sleep. The staff at the tent camps requires guests be escorted to their tent after sundown because the hyenas come right up to the tents! Seeing a large hyena illuminated in your flashlight, twenty feet away with eyes glowing is enough to make you hide within your tent. Adam invites anyone interested in a presentation of his trip to contact him for details. I want to show people that Africa is safe, exciting, and definitely worth a visit. NAIROBI, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The Kenyan police said on Monday that they are holding a couple suspected to be financiers and logistical operatives for al-Shabab militant group. The police said the 42-year-old Yassin Abdille Hussein, also known as Abu Sumeiya, and his wife, Fartun Mohammed Guleid, 41, were arrested in Eastleigh residential estate in Nairobi. The two are believed to be accomplices of a key al-Shabab operative in Mandera, Abdiweli Mohamed Guleid, who was the mastermind of a November 2014 attack on non-Muslims on a bus, the police said in a statement. The couple, who have various businesses whose finances are channeled to supporting militant activities, left Gedo region in Somalia and has been operating in Kenya using fake documents. An inquiry on how they were able to open businesses and operate in the country under false documentation is also under investigation, with initial reports indicating that the two have been channeling funds to Guleid for over five years now. Meanwhile, police are said to be hunting down five wanted terrorists from Wajir, in northeast Kenya, who are said to be operating under the command of Guleid. "Our field officers are pursuing the suspects to effect their arrest. We however suspect they may have crossed over to Somalia to avoid capture. We therefore call upon members of the public to continue being vigilant and report in case they are sighted anywhere," the police statement said. ARUSHA, Tanzania, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Northern Tanzania's Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) will soon roll out new tourism products aimed at wooing more tourists to the area, an official said on Monday. Paul Fissoo, NCAA's manager for tourism services, said in an interview that the new move was in line with the authority's plan to diversify its products. Among the new products that may be introduced according to the official includes hot air ballooning, biking as well as horse riding in some of the attractions found within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, one of the Seven African Natural Wonders. "The new products will complement other services offered which means a tourist will not be confined to wildlife alone," he explained. The NCAA official was optimistic that the new plan will lure more visitors into the area who always come to marvel at the Ngorongoro, Empakai and the Olmoti craters. "Some of the tourists have expressed their wish off seeing these services brought at their disposal and we cannot ignore such a fact," he added. Apart from the two craters, Ngorongoro is also revered for the darn of volcanic ash also known as the "shifting sand" and the state of the art Olduvai Gorge Museum, the only museum in the world which holds the earliest evidence of the existence of human ancestors, built within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Tanzania is the only country in the world that has allocated over 25 percent of its total area for wildlife and other resources conservation and according to the report findings, visitors with a high preference for wildlife came from the Netherlands, United States, Switzerland, United Kingdom, France, and Germany. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-08 02:30:11|Editor: yan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Military operations in Syria's Yarmouk Camp in the outskirts of Damascus have displaced 7,000 people, the majority of them are Palestinian refugees, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Monday. Since April 13, hostilities in southern Damascus have resulted in civilian deaths and injuries, as well as the displacement of civilians and the destruction of infrastructure, Dujarric told a press briefing. The United Nations and partners stand ready to deliver inter-agency humanitarian assistance to the displaced people as well as to Yarmouk residents, as soon as the conditions allow and access is granted, he said. The United Nations called on all parties, and those with influence over them, to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and to allow safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access to all in need in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law, said the spokesman. The United Nations further reminded all parties that any evacuation of civilians must be safe, voluntary and in strict accordance with protection standards under international law, he added. Yarmouk is an unofficial refugee camp and home to the largest Palestinian refugee community in Syria. DAR ES SALAAM, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian President John Magufuli on Monday commended the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in Morogoro region for pioneering its landmark research that enables rats to detect tuberculosis (TB) in children. The research led by Georgies Mgode is much more successful at detecting TB in children than a commonly used basic microscopy test. Speaking on his short visit to the university, President Magufuli said: "I commend you for this landmark research that aims at detecting TB in children by using rats." The head of state pledged to continue supporting SUA, located 200 kilometers west of the commercial capital Dar es Salaam, to enable it to engage in more research that was beneficial to mankind. The study, published by the London-based Springer Nature in Pediatric Research this year, shows that when trained rats were given children's sputum samples to sniff, the animals were able to pinpoint 68 percent cases of TB infections than detected through a standard smear test. According to Mgode who pioneered the research, current TB detection methods are far from perfect, especially in under-resourced countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia where the disease is prevalent, and where a reasonably cheap smear test is commonly used. "Problems with this type of test are that the accuracy varies depending on the quality of sputum sample used, and very young children are often unable to provide enough sputum to be analyzed," said Mgode. Springer Nature in Pediatric Research said in its publication that previous work pioneered in Tanzania and Mozambique focused on training African giant pouched rats to pick up the scent of molecules released by the TB-causing Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium in sputum. The training technique is similar to one used to teach rats to detect vapors released by landmine explosives, said the publication, adding: "In the case of TB, when a rat highlights a possibly infected sample, it is analyzed further using a WHO endorsed concentrated microscopy techniques to confirm a positive diagnosis." According to the Ministry of Health, Tanzania is the 15th among 22 countries with a huge number of TB patients. The statistics indicate that the number of TB patients in the country increased rapidly from 11,000 people in 1984 to 62,000 in 2006. The statistics show that the regions with the highest number of TB cases is Dar es Salaam with 22.9 percent equivalent to 13,983 people, Mwanza 9.3 percent equivalent to 5,946 people and Shinyanga 6.4 percent equivalent to 4,074 people. Smoke rises from the Yarmouk Palestinian camp in Damascus, Syria April 28, 2018. (Xinhua/REUTERS) UNITED NATIONS, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Military operations in Syria's Yarmouk Camp in the outskirts of Damascus have displaced 7,000 people, the majority of whom are Palestinian refugees, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Monday. Since April 13, hostilities in southern Damascus have resulted in civilian deaths and injuries, as well as the displacement of civilians and the destruction of infrastructure, Dujarric told a press briefing. The United Nations and partners stand ready to deliver inter-agency humanitarian assistance to the displaced people as well as to Yarmouk residents, as soon as the conditions allow and access is granted, he said. The United Nations called on all parties, and those with influence over them, to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and to allow safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access to all in need in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law, said the spokesman. The United Nations further reminded all parties that any evacuation of civilians must be safe, voluntary and in strict accordance with protection standards under international law, he added. Yarmouk is an unofficial refugee camp and home to the largest Palestinian refugee community in Syria. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-08 03:10:22|Editor: ZD Video Player Close Chinese Premier Li Keqiang addresses a launching ceremony of the 15th anniversary of China-ASEAN Strategic Partnership at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia, May 7, 2018. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) JAKARTA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Monday pledged to jointly promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), so as to inject positive energy into the world economy. Li made the remarks while addressing a celebration ceremony of the 15th anniversary of the China-ASEAN strategic partnership at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, capital of Indonesia. At the 32nd ASEAN Summit and related meetings held in Singapore in late April, leaders of ASEAN countries agreed to work towards an early conclusion this year of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a free trade agreement (FTA) scheme of the 10 ASEAN member states and its FTA partners, namely China, Australia, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand. In his speech, the Chinese premier also called for substantive breakthroughs made in the negotiations on the RCEP. China and ASEAN countries are all beneficiaries of free trade, Li said, adding that it is in line with their common interest to safeguard multilateralism and the international trading system. China is ready to work with ASEAN countries to promote the early completion of the RCEP, build the East Asian economic community and promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, so as to inject positive energy into the world economy, Li said. He said the importance of cooperation between China and ASEAN has gone beyond the bilateral scope and has increasingly become the support and engine for maintaining regional peace and stability as well as promoting regional common prosperity. China has always put ASEAN as a priority for its foreign policy with neighboring countries and stood for friendly cooperation with ASEAN, said the premier. He said China supports the establishment of the ASEAN community, supports ASEAN's central position in regional cooperation and supports it to play a bigger role in building an open and inclusive regional framework. This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up, and the ASEAN also ushered in its second 50-year period, said Li. Last month, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed new initiatives for furthering opening-up at this year's Boao Forum for Asia annual conference. Li said China's development would bring new and greater opportunities to all countries in the world including ASEAN. China is ready to work with ASEAN to build a closer community with shared destiny and jointly write a new chapter in their cooperation, said the premier. In his welcome remarks, Secretary-General of ASEAN Lim Jock Hoi thanked Premier Li for his visit to the ASEAN Secretariat and his attendance at the Launching Ceremony of the 15th Anniversary of China-ASEAN Strategic Partnership. China has always been an important partner of ASEAN, he said, noting that China's support has strongly promoted the integration of ASEAN, helped ASEAN narrow its internal development gap and deepened the friendship between the people of the two sides. ASEAN is willing to work with China to strengthen economic and trade cooperation, especially in such areas of innovation and digital economy, so as to achieve common prosperity and mutual benefit, said Lim. Congratulating China on its tremendous achievements in reform and opening-up, Lim said he appreciated China's commitment to an open and rules-based multilateral trade system. He said he believed that China's broad prospects for development will not only benefit the Chinese people but will also improve the well-being of all people in the region. Li launched the ceremony together with Lim and Tan Hung Seng, the permanent representative of Singapore to ASEAN. More than 200 participants attended the ceremony. Li arrived in Jakarta Sunday for an official visit to Indonesia, the first stop on his first overseas trip since the new cabinet took office in March. CALGARY, Canada, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The Calgary Zoo of Canada held a grand opening ceremony Monday morning to welcome four Chinese giant pandas, with dignitaries from the governments of China, Canada, Alberta province and Calgary city in attendance. Calgarians finally get to meet the four pandas -- adult pandas Er Shun and Da Mao and their cubs Jia Panpan and Jia Yueyue which have settled here since the end of March. Panda Passage at the Calgary Zoo is the new home for the four pandas. The adult pandas will live here for the next five years after having spent five years at the Toronto Zoo, and their cubs will return to China in one year and a half as part of an agreement between the two zoos and the Chinese government. The Calgary Zoo will provide one million U.S. dollars to support the panda breeding program in China. The panda family has moved into a brand new habitat that used to be the elephant enclosure. The zoo spent 100 million Canadian dollars (about 78 million U.S. dollars) renovating the space for the new tenants and hope they will be happy enough there to produce more cubs. Taking good care of the pandas is a major undertaking, and the zoo has to fly in bamboo from China a couple of times a week. Each panda eats some 40 kilograms of bamboo every day. "We are very excited about this, and we are for sure expecting big crowds," said Dr. Clement Lanthier, president and CEO of the Calgary Zoo. The Calgary Zoo expects about 1.5 million visitors will come to see the pandas in the first year while contributing 18 million Canadian dollars (14 million U.S. dollars) to the local economy and creating 200 construction jobs and 40 new zoo-related positions. The charming and elusive pandas represent one of the most iconic conservation species on the planet, and will help start conversations about conservation species in Canada. GENEVA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- A court in Zurich on Monday fined Swiss billionaire financier Urs Schwarzenbach 4 million Swiss francs (4 million U.S. dollars) for failing to properly declare some 200 artworks imported into Switzerland. Schwarzenbach, an international art collector and owner of the five-star Dolder Grand hotel in Zurich that houses some expensive artwork, was found guilty by the Bulach district court in Zurich, the Swiss News Agency SDA-ATS reported. Swiss customs authorities had accused Schwarzenbach of failing to declare the imported artworks or of underestimating their value in tax declarations. The authorities claimed his action allowed him to avoid paying duties worth around 10 million dollars. Schwarzenbach argued to the court that the artworks had always been kept at Zurich Airport in a place that did not require any customs declarations. He said he will appeal the court's judgment. The Swiss finance magazine Bilanz in 2017 estimated Schwarzenbach's fortune at 1.25 billion Swiss francs. U.S. President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City on May 22, 2017. (Xinhua/AFP) WASHINGTON, May 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday announced the designation of a presidential delegation to Israel to attend the opening of the U.S. embassy. According to a White House statement, the opening ceremony will be on May 14. Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan will lead the delegation. Other members include U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin, assistant and senior advisor to the president Jared Kushner, assistant and advisor to the president Ivanka Trump, and Jason Greenblatt, assistant to the president and special representative for international negotiations. Trump said last week that he "may" go to Jerusalem for the opening himself. Earlier on Monday, Secretary General of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Saeb Erekat urged the international community to boycott the opening of the U.S. embassy. The PLO official said that "those who attend the ceremony will send an ominous message, a message that encourages flagrant violations of international law and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people." Relations between Palestine and the United States reached an all-time low when Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and ordered to move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv on Dec. 6, 2017. Picture taken on May 2, 2018 shows cattle raised by Bill Pellett, a farmer in the U.S. state of Iowa. (Xinhua/Wang Ying) by Xinhua writers Zhang Chunxiao and Yang Shilong ATLANTIC, the United States, May 7 (Xinhua) -- A trip to China in February has boosted the confidence of Bill Pellett, a farmer in the U.S. state of Iowa, in selling more of his farm's prime beef to Chinese customers. During his one-week stay in China, Pellett met with representatives from seven to 10 different companies that have plans for importing American beef, including a hotel chain and JD.com, a major online retailer in China. "We talked a lot about the quality and the safety of the product and tried to give as many insurances that this was the safest product from anywhere in the world. I think that's important to the Chinese people," Pellett said. Last June, Pellett's beef was in the first boxes of U.S. beef shipped to China shortly after the United States and China reached a deal to re-open the Chinese market to U.S. beef. The beef was shipped by Pellett's exporter Greater Omaha Packing Co. China banned U.S. beef in December 2003 after the mad cow disease struck U.S. cattle. Before the ban, the United States used to be China's top foreign supplier of beef. Although Pellett's foreign clients are primarily European nations, including Germany, Italy and Switzerland, he sees good potential of expanding business with China. "There will be a slow building of the demand for our product because of the quality and the health insurances," he said, highlighting the need to change the way their beef is presented and make it better fit the Chinese lifestyle and customs. Though only a small quantity is being exported to China, the American beef is "something that will gain popularity as time goes on," Pellett said. Picture taken on May 2, 2018 shows cattle raised by Bill Pellett, a farmer in the U.S. state of Iowa. (Xinhua/Wang Ying) He is now feeding around 900 head of cattle on his farm while growing hundreds of acres of corn and soybeans in the Midwestern state. A portion of the grain will hopefully make its way into the Chinese market someday, he said. "GREAT COUNTRY, GREAT PEOPLE" During his first and only trip to China, Pellett visited Beijing and Shanghai, and had a chance to travel on a high-speed train. He was amazed by what he saw. "I was very impressed by the infrastructure because I did not expect it to be as good as it was. Just the ability and the potential of the country was very, very surprising to me," he said. The trip, he said, was "very fruitful" in that it helped him learn more about the Chinese people, business dealings in China and how to effectively present U.S. beef. WIN-WIN SCENARIO TO BE WORKED OUT Citing other farmers from his community, Pellett said they are highly interested in the huge opportunities that such a large and growing market as China could bring. "They want the [Chinese] market to happen...We don't know a lot about China, but we want to know more. We don't want politicians to get in the way of what's best for both countries," he said. Aware of some fellow farmers' concerns over the current U.S.-China trade tension, Pellett said he is optimistic about the prospect. In the end, he said, "the needs of the people will come to the surface" and arrangements will be made accordingly to ensure that people get what they want. ABUJA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The death toll of an attack in Nigeria's central north state of Kaduna has increased to 58 as more bodies were recovered on Monday, a local tribal chief said. Zubairu Mai Gwari, the traditional leader of the Gwaska village which was attacked over the weekend by unknown gunmen, told reporters the death toll rose from 45 to 58 as local security operatives dug out bodies of some victims in the area. Gwaskwa village is located in Birnin-Gwari, an area frequently attacked by gunmen in Kaduna. Zubairu said more people are still missing, following the attack. Local residents scampered for safety as the gunmen entered the village on Saturday, shooting indiscriminately. Governor Nasir El-Rufai said the establishment of a permanent Battalion of the Nigerian Army in the Birnin Gwari general area has been approved by President Muhammadu Buhari. Nigeria's police chief Ibrahim Idris has also announced the creation of a Birnin Gwari Police Area Command and two new divisional police headquarters as a means of beefing up security in the area. In a move to track down the killers of Saturday's attack, the local police in Kaduna said combatant policemen have been assigned to comb Birnin Gwari. Police spokesperson Mukhtar Aliyu told reporters in Kaduna city that no arrest has been made so far, but that the effort to arrest the killers has been intensified. Mostly children were killed during the attack. The attackers were believed to have entered the village from the northwestern state of Zamfara, a neighboring state to Kaduna. Gwaska village is an encircled village of about 3,000 inhabitants. The village was also set ablaze during the attack. ABUJA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian troops in the northeastern state of Borno have rescued 1,000 more people held hostage by terror group Boko Haram, the army said on Monday. Army spokesman Texas Chukwu did not specifically disclose when the hostages were rescued but told reporters mainly women, children and young men were freed during various operations in villages in the northern state. Chukwu said most of the victims were used as Boko Haram fighters. The rescue operations were carried out in collaboration with the multinational joint force of Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria, he said. Early last month, troops in Borno had rescued 149 Boko Haram hostages in a similar operation. Nigeria has made considerable gains against the terror group, dislodging its fighters from the Sambisa Forest. Boko Haram has been blamed for the death of more than 20,000 people and displacement of 2.3 million others in Nigeria since 2009. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-08 03:50:35|Editor: ZD Video Player Close A man visit a China-themed photo exhibition in Riyadh May 7, 2018. The exhibition was unveiled Monday evening in the Saudi capital, the first of its kind in the kingdom displaying photos taken by Saudi photographer Khaled Al-Sudairi during his trip in China last year. (Xinhua/Wang Bo) RIYADH, May 7 (Xinhua) -- A China-themed photography exhibition was unveiled on Monday evening in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh, the first such show in the Gulf country in recent years. The show, dubbed "Depth-The World Behind the Lenses," displayed photos taken by Saudi photographer Khaled Al-Sudairi during his trip to China last year. The works included the bell tower and the terra-cotta warriors in China's northwestern city of Xi'an, the snowing cityscape of China's northernmost town of Mohe, and the Suzhou River in the financial hub of Shanghai. The event reflects the comprehensive development of the Chinese-Saudi ties, particularly in the cultural field, said Li Huaxin, Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, who attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition. The photos introduce to the world the various natural and cultural landscapes in China, providing local residents with access to the rich and complex essence of Chinese traditional culture, said Saud Al-Sarhan, Secretary-General of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, who was also present at the ceremony. Sudairi, photographer of the show, said he is so impressed by the beautiful nature of China that he would visit China again to bring back more photos to Saudi people. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-08 03:50:35|Editor: yan Video Player Close Chinese Premier Li Keqiang addresses the China-Indonesia Business Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, May 7, 2018. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) JAKARTA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang reaffirmed China's commitment to economic globalization and free trade while addressing the China-Indonesia Business Summit here on Monday. "Both China and Indonesia believe in economic globalization and free trade. We both support the rules-based multilateral trading system and stand for equal consultation in settling trade disputes," Li said at the summit that was also attended by Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla. China highly values its relations with Indonesia, a major developing country and an emerging market economy carrying significant weight in the world, Li said. During Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Indonesia in 2013, the two sides charted a course for the development of bilateral relations, which have embarked on a fast lane of growth, Li said. "Business cooperation has been the most vibrant and productive component of overall relations." He proposed closer cooperation in such fields as investment, industrial capacity, trade and people-to-people exchanges. Li expressed China's willingness to forge greater synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Indonesia's vision as a global maritime fulcrum. China will support Chinese companies in participating in the development of Indonesia's regional comprehensive economic corridors, encourage Chinese enterprises to support Indonesian's infrastructure improvement and explore cooperation in ports, maritime economy, industrial processing and overseas warehouses, Li said, adding that Indonesia is also welcome to open an investment promotion center in China. He also elaborated on China's stance on trade and investment liberalization and facilitation. "China is ready to buy more competitive goods from Indonesia," he said. "The two sides have also agreed to boost cross-border e-commerce to facilitate the cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises." On people-to-people exchanges, Li said China is committed to extensive exchanges and cooperation with Indonesia on education, culture, tourism, media and sports. The two sides have agreed to deepen tourism cooperation, open more direct flights and work toward the goal of three million mutual visits annually. NEW YORK, May 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. reproductive health companies are keen to venture into the "huge and very underserved" Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) market in China whose infertile population will reach 40 million by 2020. China presents a unique opportunity for U.S. reproductive health companies as infertility patients in the country are expected to reach 40 million over the next two years, said Dr. Kevin Doody, Chairman of the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), at a recent reception hosted by the Chinese Medical Doctor Association (CMDA) and Global Fertility & Genetics (GFG) Inc. in New York City. SART has already partnered with CMDA in an initiative to advance the standards of practice of ART and related services in China, he said. The primary organization of professionals dedicated to the practice of ART in the United States has also entered into an agreement with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in finding ways of integrating eastern and western approaches for better ART care, Doody said. "Our intention is to have GFG and INVO Bioscience to partner with an exclusive agreement in the Hainan," said Katie Karloff, Co-founder of INVO Bioscience, in an interview with Xinhua after the reception. "The exclusivity will be for 3 years initially and we are working out milestone for continued exclusivity." "As you know, the China market is huge and very underserved. INVO will provide initial devices free to get started and get some clinical data," Karloff said. Karloff said Doody will be training the physicians and embryologists from GFG in New York so that they will be prepared to train physicians and embryologists in Hainan, the southernmost Chinese island. Hainan Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, the first of its kind in China, is the best place for the potential collaboration and communication between Chinese and U.S. medical institutions in the field of reproductive health, said Dr. Bo Hu, Chairman of the CMDA Health Management, and Health Insurance Professional committee, Chairman of the Ciming Boao International Hospital. Hu also extended his welcome to U.S. ART companies to attend the 5th China (Beijing) International Trade Fair in Services (CIFTIS), to be held in Beijing from May 28 to June 1, to explore cross-border collaboration. Boao Lecheng pilot zone is a demonstration project for China's healthcare reform. It enjoys nine special preferential policies, such as special permission for importing medical technology, medical equipment and medicine, under which foreign companies will be able to set up medical organizations and foreign medications can enjoy a special import tariff. The pilot zone, six kilometers from the site of the Boao Forum for Asia, covers an area of 20 square kilometers and is expected to be completed in five years. About 27 projects have been completed or are under construction. ROME, May 7 (Xinhua) -- A total of 368 beaches in 175 municipalities in Italy were given a "Blue Flag" for their cleanliness and safe services in 2018, the Italian branch of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) stated on Monday. They marked an increase compared to 342 seaside places recognized for their environmental quality last year, and represented some 10 percent of all blue flag beaches in the world. Some 70 tourist resorts were also given the prestigious environmental prize, which was launched by international no-profit group FEE, based in Denmark, in 1987. Italy's northwest Liguria region ranked first this year with 27 beaches enlisted -- such as those along the famous Cinque Terre -- followed by central Tuscany with 19 blue flag beaches, including Forte Dei Marmi seashore. The southern Campania region (around Naples) ranked third, reaching 18 blue flag beaches thanks to three new locations included in the list. Southeast Apulia region and Sardinia Island saw the number of awarded sea locations increase as well, while the Lazio region (surrounding Rome), central Marche and Abruzzo, and southern Sicily lost some of their blue flags. The new list was unveiled at an awarding ceremony held at the National Research Council (CNR) headquarters here, before a large audience of officials, environmental experts, and mayors. Since its inception, the Blue Flag Program has been meant to boost awareness and best practices in the management of beaches, sea resorts, and marinas in at least 45 countries and regions, according to the Foundation for Environmental Education. Juries made of international and domestic experts scrutinize and select these locations, ranking them according to how they comply with 32 criteria on coastal environment, water quality, safety and access, and further educational standards. Then, a safe and clean sea environment would also attract more tourism, as such igniting a positive cycle between environmental protection and economic development. In Italy, the jury made its list in cooperation with the ministries of Environment, Cultural Activities and Tourism, and Agriculture, along with the national Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (Ispra) and other research centers. "The health of the sea is closely linked to the way the land is managed," Claudio Mazza, chairman of FEE-Italy, stressed at the awarding ceremony. RABAT, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The Moroccan Prime Minister Saad Eddine El Othmani, and the Speaker of the Belgian parliament, Siegfried Bracke, vowed Monday here to strengthen bilateral cooperation. During talks between the two sides, Bracke underlined the importance given by his country to the strengthening of cooperation with Morocco in several areas, a statement from the PM's office said. The Belgian official commended the role played by Morocco in Africa, especially following its return to the African Union, highlighting the various opportunities offered for economic players from both countries. For his part, Othmani shed light on the kingdom's policy in Africa, which is aimed at promoting the security, the stability and the development of the African countries. This meeting was an opportunity to commend the distinguished relations of friendship and bilateral cooperation, the statement said. They also discussed several regional and international issues of common interest, it noted. The speaker of the Belgian parliament is heading a parliamentary delegation on visit to Morocco. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-08 04:30:45|Editor: ZD Video Player Close King Abdullah II of Jordan (C) and Queen Rania (R) meet with Jack Ma, founder and chairman of China's e-commerce giant Alibaba Group, at the King's Palace in Amman, Jordan, on May 7, 2018. King Abdullah II of Jordan on Monday received Jack Ma, the state-run Petra News Agency reported. (Xinhua) AMMAN, May 7 (Xinhua) -- King Abdullah II of Jordan on Monday received Jack Ma, founder and chairman of China's e-commerce giant Alibaba Group, the state-run Petra News Agency reported. At the meeting, the kingdom's investment climate and incentives were reviewed, especially that Jordan has free trade agreements with several countries and that the country is home to qualified human resources. Also Monday, the Jack Ma Foundation (JMF) announced the first-stage funding of 3 million U.S. dollars to support the mission of the Queen Rania Foundation for Education and Development (QRF) and its work in the country's educational field. The grant was announced by Ma during his visit to Amman, according to the statement from the QRF. JMF General-Secretary, Yu Xiuhong, recognized the challenges confronted by young women, girls, refugees, and students in Jordan's rural areas, expressing her hope that the grant will strengthen the foundation's ability to improve education for these vulnerable groups. "The vision and leadership of the Queen Rania Foundation to improve the quality of education in Jordan and the region through its world-class and innovative programs are truly inspiring," she said. "In China, the Jack Ma Foundation focuses on improving the livelihood of rural communities through education and we look forward to learning from and sharing best practices with the Queen Rania Foundation on headmaster and teacher training," said Yu. The Edraak platform, one of the major programs that the JMF supports, was created to bring free quality learning opportunities to Arabic-speaking children across the region. It is accessible to more than 100 million children, offering tools and resources for parents and educators in all major subjects. QRF CEO Haifa Al-Attia thanked JMF, noting that the grant will provide educational opportunities to learners in Jordan and across the Middle East. "We are extremely grateful for the generous support of the Jack Ma Foundation, which has once again distinguished itself as an invaluable champion of education across the globe," she said. Queen Rania also accompanied Ma to the King Hussein Business Park, where he joined a group of 20 Jordanian venture capitalists, incubators, and enablers in a closed meeting to discuss the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Jordan. Ma was an English language teacher for six years before he established the Alibaba group. He runs several programs on rural education in China through JMF. WASHINGTON, May 7 (Xinhua) -- A Republican Senate hopeful is surging in the polls just one day before primary election in the state of West Virginia. But instead of relief, the Republican Party is terrified that the candidate may actually clinch the party's nomination in the primaries. Donald Blankenship, a former coal baron who has just finished a one year jail sentence, is riding on a strong wave of support for calling on upending the Republican establishment and taking racial discrimination to the extreme. Internal polls released by U.S. media Monday showed that Blankenship has come from behind to top the chart among GOP candidates for the Senate seat, which also include State Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and Congressman Evan Jenkins. The result showed that Blankenship had a 31 percent support, while Morrisey and Jenkins had 27 and 28 percent respectively. To illustrate the momentum Blankenship has gained in the past few weeks, a poll two weeks ago showed him trailing at 14 percent, against Jenkins' 26 percent and Morrissey's 29 percent. The surge has perplexed the Republican Party, which worry if Blankenship were to win the primaries, he would not be able to topple his Democrat counterpart Joe Manchin, a sitting U.S. Senator. Blankenship, 68, was the former CEO of a large coal company in West Virginia. He retired in 2010 after a mine explosion in his company killed 29 miners. As the result of the incident, the worst coal explosion in the United States since 1970, Blankenship faced numerous charges that lead to 30 years in prison. Ultimately he was found guilty of one misdemeanor charge of conspiring to willfully violate mine safety and health standards, and sentenced to one year in jail and a 250,000 U.S. dollar fine in 2016. He was released in May 2017. The case gained nationwide exposure and Blankenship's notoriety made him the subject of public ridicule. Last Week Tonight, a popular U.S. talk show, dedicated a episode on Blankenship in 2017, citing him as a footnote of the rampant corruption that plague the U.S. coal industry. But in the Trump era Blankenship seemed to have recovered his voice. In recent TV ads, he vehemently attacked the Republican establishment, vowing to "drain the Washington swamp" and "ditch cocaine Mitch," in a reference to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. The nickname seems to have come from a 2014 case in which Colombian officials seized 40 kilograms of cocaine from a ship owned by McConnell's father-in-law that was sailing from Colombia to Europe. According to public records, no charges were ever brought against anyone and McConnell was not implicated in the case. Blankenship also sought to exploit McConnell's marriage with Taiwan born Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, underscoring his ties with China, him receiving money from his "Chinaperson" father-in-law and creating jobs for "China people." While Blankenship's campaign has denied that the terminology implied racial discrimination, the explanation was overwhelmingly rejected by scholars and media. "In 'Chinaperson,' one can hear echoes of societal injustices of the past, as well as current attempts to make amends through linguistic hygiene," Linguist Ben Zimmer said. As Blankenship determines to go all out against the political mainstream, Republicans fear that though he might gain support among some ultra conservative voters, Blankenship is distancing independents and moderates. The Republican Party has reportedly poured over one million dollars to run ads against Blankenship, hoping to sour his chances at winning. Even U.S. President Donald Trump, who preceded Blankenship in attacking the Republican establishment and scapegoating China for U.S. woes during his presidential campaign, weighed in on the election against Blankenship. "To the great people of West Virginia we have, together, a really great chance to keep making a big difference. Problem is, Don Blankenship, currently running for Senate, can't win the General Election in your State... No way! Remember Alabama. Vote Rep. Jenkins or A.G. Morrisey!" Trump tweeted early Monday Morning. Trump Jr. also pleaded with West Virginia voters to shun Blankenship, saying the GOP can't risk another "fumble." CALGARY, Canada, May 7 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese Zisha cultural delegation is visiting Calgary to boost exchanges between China and Canada. For the purpose of strengthening cultural exchanges between the two countries' ceramic art and supporting the 2018 Canada-China Year of Tourism, the delegation was organized by the Poly Culture North America, China Ceramics Industry Association, and Chinese National Academy of Arts Zisha Research Institute. The delegation consists of more than 40 contemporary Zisha artisans, including five national-level Masters --Gu Shaopei, Bao Zhiqiang, Mao Guoqiang, Cao Yalin and Ji Yishun. The delegation had visited Vancouver and Victoria before Calgary, and held six Zisha cultural activities starting May 2, sharing the unique charm of the traditional Chinese intangible heritage with Canadian Zisha enthusiasts. "Looking back at history, the ancient silk road opened during the Western Han Dynasty has established an economic and trade corridor which connected the East and the West, introducing China's tea and ceramics to the world and opened a new window for culture and art exchanges, laying the foundation for Zisha art to reach out to the world," said Xu Jianrong, executive vice president of the Chinese National Academy of Arts Zisha Research Institute. Shi Juntang, vice president of the China Ceramics Industry Association, said: "Being treasures of traditional Chinese culture, Yixing Zisha enjoys a long-standing prestigious reputation with its unique raw material and exceptional artisanship." RABAT, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Morocco has formally announced on Monday its accession to the South Africa-based Pan-African Parliament, the official MAP news agency reported. The move was formalized after five Moroccan ministers were sworn in alongside 73 deputies from other African countries at the opening of the sixth ordinary session of the pan-African body in Midrand near the South African city of Johannesburg, the same source said. This accession is decisive for the kingdom, after Morocco has regained its place in the African Union (AU) and made great contribution to the continent, it pointed out. In February 2017, Morocco rejoined the AU after 33 years of absence. The Pan-African Parliament brings together 255 members representing the 55 AU member states. It holds at least two regular sessions a year and consists of ten standing committees. VIENNA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz met with his Slovakian counterpart Peter Pellegrini in Vienna on Monday, as both countries prepare to take on leading roles in European organizations. Austria will take on the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July, the same point at which Slovakia is due to take on its role in the rotating presidency of the Visegrad Group. Austrian national newspaper Der Standard reported that the coordination of important key areas in their new roles was one of the main issues on the discussion agenda. Pellegrini said in its role in the presidency of the Visegrad Group, or V4, it wishes to build bridges both with the three other partners -- the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland -- and also the remainder of the European Union. He said Slovakia wants a "good partner" in Austria, as it takes on its own new presidency. The two leaders also had some disagreements to discuss, such as Austria's plans to adjust family allowances to the living costs of different countries. Should the children of a Slovakian who has worked and paid taxes in Austria return to their home country, the parents would receive a lower allowance than if the children would remain in Austria. Kurz denied there is any discrimination involved, and argued that such families would still receive a more than adequate amount relative to the cost of living in Slovakia. Pellegrini said his government disagrees with the measure and questions its conformity with European Union law, but noted that it respects Austria's position. The two also discussed nuclear power, Kurz expressing concern over Slovakia's plans for an expansion. Pellegrini however made assurances that both current and future reactors are subject to the highest safety standards, and that this is also in the interests of the Slovakian people. TRIPOLI, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Libyan coast guard on Monday rescued 406 illegal migrants of African and Asian nationalities off the country's western coast, navy spokesman said. "Two coast guard patrols rescued 406 migrants on three rickety rubber boats 25 miles off Garrabulli coast (some 55 km east the capital Tripoli)," navy spokesman, Ayob Qassem, told Xinhua. Qassem also said the rescued migrants include 70 women and 22 children, and all of the migrants were taken to Tripoli's anti-illegal immigration department. Illegal immigration flows from Libya towards European shores increase during improved weather conditions, particularly off the country's western coast. Thousands of illegal migrants choose to cross the Mediterranean towards European shores from Libya due to the state of chaos in the country following the 2011 uprising. According to official figures of the Libyan anti-illegal immigration department, the migrants rescued off the Libyan coast during the first quarter of this year are more than 4,000. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-08 06:26:14|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during the ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in Latrun, on May 7, 2018. (Xinhua/Yossi Zeliger-JINI) JERUSALEM, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Monday evening that any strike on Israel will be met with a decisive response. "Whoever hurts us, we will hurt them. The enemies who threaten us with destruction should know that they will encounter an iron wall," said Netanyahu at a ceremony marking 70 years of the founding of Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Netanyahu said Sunday at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting that in recent months the Iranian Revolutionary Guards have transferred to Syria advanced weaponry in order to attack Israel. "Whoever tries to strike us with force, will be defeated with force," said Israeli President Reuven Rivlin at the ceremony. "We are a peace-seeking, but resolute and determined people. We learned not to underestimate any threat and not to surrender to anyone," said Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman at the ceremony. Last month, Liberman said Israel was prepared to strike the Iranian homeland. "If they attack Tel Aviv, we will strike Tehran." Israeli media reported on Sunday that the Israeli military and intelligence services had identified preliminary efforts by Iran in Syria to carry out its retaliation. While referring directly to Iran's military efforts in Syria, the IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot said the army must be ready for "any scenario." "The volatility and complexity in various arenas, the efforts by our enemies to get stronger and Iran's attempts to deepen its grasp near our borders - all of these require from us initiative and determination and to strengthen our preparation and readiness for any scenario," said Eisenkot. On Sunday, Israel's security cabinet held a meeting to discuss recent developments in the region for more than three hours, including the tensions with Iran in Syria and the upcoming decision by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the nuclear deal, Israeli media reported. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-08 06:36:16|Editor: yan Video Player Close MINSK, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Belarus and China are going to sign an agreement on 30-day visa-free regime, Belarusian parliament speaker Mikhail Myasnikovich said here on Monday in a joint interview with visiting Chinese journalists. The signing of a visa-free agreement for the period of up to 30 days will be one of the main event of the Year of Tourism of Belarus in China, greatly promoting the development of tourism, the official said. Several events will be held in the Year of Tourism to promote the development of Belarus as a tourist destination, including Belarusian art exhibitions and special activities with Chinese airlines, he added. More than 20,000 tourists from China visited Belarus in 2017. With the development of medical tourism, the number of Chinese visitors to Belarus may increase, Myasnikovich said. On February 13, 2018, Belarus and China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) waived visas and started visa-free regime. The Belarusians and the Chinese citizens living in Hong Kong will be allowed to enter, leave, remain within, or transit through Hong Kong and Belarus, respectively, without visas for the period of up to 14 days. Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-08 06:46:19|Editor: ZD Video Player Close BOGOR, Indonesia, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Monday called for taking concrete measures to strengthen relations with Indonesia and promote the synergy of the two countries' development strategies. First, China and Indonesia should build up the three pillars of all-round cooperation at bilateral, regional and global levels within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, in order to better support the development of bilateral ties, Li said while meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Second, the two sides should deepen the synergy of China's Belt and Road Initiative and Indonesia's "Global Maritime Fulcrum" vision, enhance industrial capacity cooperation, promote cooperation on the two landmark projects of Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway and Indonesia's regional comprehensive economic corridors, in order to bring benefits to the two peoples and achieve mutual benefits and win-win, Li noted. Third, China and Indonesia should deepen cooperation on trade and investment, Li said. He suggested that Indonesia increase its export of competitive products to China and strengthen cooperation with China on fishery processing. China encourages its enterprises to increase investment in Indonesia and hopes that Indonesia will provide more policy support and convenience, Li added. Fourth, both countries should further cement public support for the bilateral relations, Li said. People-to-people exchanges and interconnectivity should be intensified, while academic and youth exchanges, as well as cultural exchanges and mutual learning, should be promoted, Li added. For his part, Widodo said China is Indonesia's strategic partner. The two countries have increasingly deepened cooperation in various fields such as economy, trade, investment and cultural exchanges and achieved mutual benefits and win-win, Widodo added. He expressed appreciation for China's support on the construction of Indonesia's regional comprehensive economic corridors. Indonesia is willing to speed up the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway project and start construction at an early date, he added. Li arrived in Jakarta on Sunday for an official visit to Indonesia, the first stop on his first overseas trip since the new cabinet took office in March. This ladies only event held at Nepliget welcomes both experienced runners and beginners. Longer distance runs are up to 17 kilometers, and there are shorter races too including a 700-meter family one, plus there will be fitness activities for runners - check out the video below. Detailed info available (in Hungarian) via the event website. To partcipate, you can register directly here. Venue: Nepliget, 1091 Budapest. Date & time: 27 May, 8.30 am The number of doctors leaving Hungary to work abroad has fallen over the past eight years, a government official said on Friday. In 2017, the lowest number of doctors applied to go abroad, and since 2010 the number of doctors planning to work abroad has fallen by 60 percent, Ministry of Human Resources parliamentary state secretary Bence Retvari said. The number of nurses leaving the country has gone down by 30 percent compared with 2015, he added. Since 2010, various government measures have improved the situation of doctors and nurses, he said, adding that results were already visible. Whereas in 2010, 845 Hungarian doctors applied for the first time for an official foreign employment certificate, last year this number was only 334. In recent years, 1,498 doctors who have applied for a foreign work permit are still currently working in the Hungarian health-care system after having moved abroad and returned to Hungary. Others are shuffling between Hungary and abroad, he said. The board of the opposition Momentum Movement announced its resignation at the partys assembly, Momentum said over the weekend. There were a lot of lessons to be learned from this campaign -- our leadership has made a decision in line with the values that can be expected from Momentum, the statement said. As the board had vowed to get the party into parliament in last months election, but failed, Momentums delegates rejected the boards report, the party said in a statement. As a result, the board assumed responsibility for Momentums election performance and kept its promise of resigning, they added. The party added that in accordance with a resolution adopted at the assembly, it would elect its new leaders in early summer. The members who have just resigned will be free to run for leadership positions again, they added. Until its new leaders are elected, Momentum will be run by its directorate. Prime Minister Viktor Orban noted in his interview to public radio that a plan to amend the constitution to outlaw the relocation of migrants to Hungary will go ahead in the new government cycle. The Stop Soros package of bills, which the government submitted before the April 8 election, is a related effort, he said. Soross shadow army should come out into the light, Orban said, referring to US billionaire George Soros. He said it was a moral duty to pass the anti-migration amendment that was not approved in 2016 because the opposition withheld its support. Orban said migration was not a matter of human rights but an issue of national security. Those in the government who handle migration issues should have access to the tools of national security, he said. Non-Hungarian citizens who support illegal migration will be filtered out from the country, he said, referring to the Stop Soros bill. Meanwhile, Orban said the governments goals had not changed and it would continue to protect Hungarian and Christian culture and it would not allow the country to be transferred to foreigners. It will work towards the goal of full employment, requiring a well-functioning economy, lower taxes and higher wages. In addition, families with children will carry on getting the support while the value of pensions will be maintained and raised if possible, he said. Orban said his government adhered to a Christian Democratic ideology. We are not building a liberal democracy but a Christian democracy in which human dignity comes first, the powers are separated, freedom is an absolute value, families are supported, global ideologies are rejected, there is faith in the importance of the nation, the government fights for full employment, the equality of women is respected and developments that lead to rising levels of anti-Semitism are prevented. Orban said he regretted that his Fidesz party had von 133 rather than 134 seats in parliament. As far as I can see the Kuria [Hungarys supreme court] has stripped us of one mandate, he said, referring to the Constitutional Courts criticism on Thursday of the Kuria for declaring over 4,000 votes for the ruling parties invalid. He said, however, that it has to be accepted and noted that under Hungarian law there was no legal remedy against the Kurias decision. He also noted that the final result of the election would be announced later on Friday. The prime minister said he could not envisage any extraordinary development in the near future that would sap his energies from managing the government. He said he would be in a position to define important and concrete tasks and get them implemented. Concerning the European budget, Orban said he would not support one which would cut funds for farmers, research and development or regional development, and re-channel those funds to countries which have accommodated migrants. Orban said the EU budget negotiations were expected to take a long time and he noted that a joint budget for seven years must be unanimously agreed on. As long as Hungarians do not give the go-ahead, therell be no budget, he said. Migrants, he added, should not be given a single cent and the relevant support should be provided by member states from their own budget. Neither Hungary not central Europe have anything to fear from any dispute over the rule of law or the budget, he said, adding that Hungary could be particularly calm because it had been completely assessed in 2013 from the point of view of the rule of law, and we have it on paper that all is well. Referring to the impending European Parliament (EP) election and his related talks with the European Peoples Party, Orban said the main topic of the election can be nothing other than migration, and only the Hungarians had so far had the opportunity to express their views on the matter. The EP election will therefore be a big referendum on migration, he said, adding that he had offered his personal contribution as well as that of the ruling Fidesz party to a major peoples party campaign. Orban declared that the EPP was not the largest party in the European Parliament. That label belongs to Soros. By JAN TUCKER [email protected] Ontonagon - Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and Rising Tide came to Ontonagon Sunday to open a new initiative. Ontonagon became the fifth community in the second round to be included in the Rising Tide program. Rising Tide makes Michigan tools available for at risk communities, creating a path toward economic stability and growth. Both state and local leaders were included in the round table with the Governor. Initially 10 communities were chosen for the project. Snyder said eight of the ten have now "graduated" and are working on those goals. Roger Curtis said that while Michigan is on the rise, this program is designed to ensure each community, no matter its size, can play a part in the rising tide. Snyder brought the heads of several important offices, including Roger Curtus, Director of Talent and Economic Development, Jennifer Tucker, MEDC and others. Sitting in at the round table discussion were the members of the Ontonagon Village Council, Housing Commission, Planning Commission, Ontonagon Area School, Ontonagon County EDC, MDNR Committee and others. Snyder emphasized the listening session will center on "how you can help yourselves." He urged them to work with young entrepreneurs and find the leaders in the community who can help. The Ontonagon members of the round table described some of the items that block or slow down development. Rich Ernest described the absence of grant writers, expansion of the Ontonagon Airport, bringing back the rail road, dredging of the Ontonagon Harbor and other projects. When Snyder asked if the Michigan Economic Development had been contacted, Pat Tucker explained when the former director was contacted they did not return calls or answer letters. "We never went back to them and did it on our own," he said. Several asked if the state could work with the federal government for dredging of the harbor. Tucker described the ships that were turned away because of a sand blockage across the entrance to the harbor. Snyder added "We can look into that." Snyder asked questions on broadband and affordable housing. Village President Ken Waldrop noted that Ontonagon has joined the land bank and will need help from that to tear down blighted buildings in the commercial district. Snyder added he will have someone from the bank contact Waldrop. Ontonagon Area School Superintendent Jim Bobula described the help the school has received from Highland Copper and Lake Shore Incorporated and the recent action by Lakeshore to get the high school welders certified so they can go to work right after graduation. J.R. Richardson, of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission, noted that the area is ripe for businesses using wood products. He said it makes him sick when he sees all the logging trucks hauling wood out of Ontonagon to Wisconsin. Scott Roehm, former village president, gave an example of how the state can work better with entrepreneurs. He noted the length of time it takes to get a liquor license. He said owners of an area business were delayed because it took from last September until recently to even get a meeting. Curtis urged the group to, "focus on 3-5 things and work on them," and then prioritize them. "Fix a couple of windows at a time," Richardson commented. The governor said the area has the beautiful Porcupine Mountains, and Lake Superior and it can build on that. Curtis said "I felt it in Ontonagon today. I see a caring community. This is a beginning not an end to our involvement." LUTHER L. Wright Junior ROTC cadets in the vests aid city of Ironwood employees and residents unload their junk into a front end loader. The cadets from left to right are John Joki, North Kolesar, Amelia Green, Bo Mattson and Cole Brunell in the hat on the right. JROTC students have assisted with all 15 of Ironwood's spring clean-up days. By IAN MINIELLY [email protected] Ironwood - From 8-11 a.m., Saturday, Ironwood hosted its 15th annual spring clean-up day on the vacant lots off Ayer street. Dumpsters were on site as residents drove through the barricaded road in pairs, emptying their items into the bucket of front end loaders. Toxic materials like car batteries, pesticides, and paint were not accepted for drop off, but old couches and other pieces of furniture were. For the 15th year in a row, the Luther L. Wright Junior ROTC cadets were on hand to assist the city employees in unloading all that stuff. Colonel (retired) Sandy Keefer, senior army instructor, said they have 48 kids in the program, 22 of which were on hand Saturday. Keefer said many of the cadets have competing extra curricular events. Zane Ozzello, cadet battalion commander, said this was his fourth year in JROTC and sixth year helping with the clean-up. Ozzello said, "I like (JROTC) a lot, it is a great program for building leadership and getting involved in the community." Keefer said the mission of JROTC is not to fill the ranks of the military, but to make the cadets better citizens, through event like the Ironwood spring clean up. It is the ROTC program on college campuses that work to provide new officers to the different branches of the military. Ozzello said he does not intend to join ROTC at Central Michigan next year, where he plans to study astro physics. 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... New Delhi: India`s third-largest lender by assets, ICICI Bank's Q4 consolidated profit plunged 45 percent to Rs 1,142 crore from Rs 2,083 crore a year ago, the company said in a BSE filing on Monday. Gross bad loans as a percentage of total loans was 8.84 percent at the end of March, compared with 7.82 percent at the end of the previous quarter and 7.89 percent a year earlier. It had a net profit of Rs 2,083 crore in the January-March quarter of the preceding fiscal, 2016-17. The bank's standalone profit declined by 50 per cent to Rs 1,020 crore as against Rs 2,025 crore in the year-ago quarter. The results come against the backdrop of a series of allegations of impropriety in ICICI Bank's extending loans to some companies and enjoying reciprocal benefits by the family members of the lender's CEO Chanda Kochhar. With Agency Inputs Fortis Healthcare Ltd (FHL), which runs about 30 hospitals in India, has become a target of a heated takeover battle, with five entities bidding for the embattled company. Fortis has set up an advisory committee to evaluate binding offers from suitors vying to acquire the company, or take a stake in it. May 1 is the deadline for binding offers, which will be evaluated by an expert advisory panel. The board is set to meet on May 10. Following are the details of the bids: March 27 - Manipal Hospitals Enterprises Private Ltd offers to buy Fortis` hospital business April 10 - Manipal sweetens bid for Fortis hospitals April 12 - Unsolicited binding offer From Hero Enterprise Investment Office and the Burman Family Office April 13 - Malaysia`s IHH Healthcare Berhad tops Manipal`s bid April 17 - China`s Fosun International`s unit Fosun Health Holdings submits offer April 18 - IHH Healthcare revises its offer April 19 - Munjals, Burmans revise their offer Radiant Life Care Private Ltd offers to invest in Fortis April 24 - IHH Healthcare tweaks earlier proposals Offers to immediately infuse 6.50 billion rupees under a binding proposal and subsequently invest up to 33.50 billion rupees under a non-binding proposal Radiant Life Care revises offer for Fortis Makes binding offer for Fortis Mulund Hospital at an enterprise value of 12 billion rupees Retains proposal to demerge Fortis` hospital business into a new company Proposes to spin off Fortis` SRL business The offer values FHL at 170 or 175 rupees per share, depending upon SRL`s valuation after proposed demerger The all-cash offer of 126 rupees per share for the hospital business stays, which excludes SRL stake Manipal raises Fortis offer Raises offer to 63.22 billion rupees from 60.61 billion rupees To provide financial assistance of up to 7.50 billion rupees In addition to buying the SRL stake from PE investors, Manipal to acquire a 5 percent stake in SRL from Fortis May 01 - IHH Healthcare sweetens bid Immediate equity infusion at 175 rupees per share Subsequent equity infusion at price up to 175 rupees per share Munjals & Burmans submit modified investment proposal Raises offer to invest 18 billion rupees, including upfront investment of 10.50 billion rupees, via subscription to shares and warrants Offer comprises 8 billion rupees via preferential issue of shares, 10 billion rupees via preferential issue of warrants Shares valued at 167 rupees apiece, while each warrant to fetch 176 rupees May 06 - Manipal sweetens bid again, outlines cash injection plan Values Fortis` hospital business at 83.58 billion rupees, i.e. 160 rupees per share Offers to inject 21 billion rupees by way of preferential allotment, giving Manipal and TPG the right to appoint non-executive directors, provided Fortis board has a minimum of seven directors SRL board to be restructured post acquisition of PE stake; deal to be reworked as previous term sheet had expired Washington D.C: Indian audience is going to get an early glimpse of the enormous dinosaurs roaring on the big screen than the whole world. The much-awaited third instalment of `Jurassic World`, titled `Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom`, will be released on June 8 in India, two weeks ahead of its official release in the US, June 22. Universal Pictures will release the science-fiction in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu in 2300+ screens around the country. The film will take ahead the plot three years from where the previous one left in 2015. Directed by J.A Bayona of `The Impossible` fame, Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard will reprise their roles from Jurassic World as Owen and Claire, respectively. Apart from them, the film`s ensemble cast includes James Cromwell, Ted Levine, Justice Smith, Geraldine Chaplin, Daniella Pineda, Toby Jones, Rafe Spall and Isabella Sermon. Bringing back one of the most loved characters from 1993 `Jurassic Park` series actor Jeff Goldblum will return as Dr Ian Malcolm in the instalment. Coincidentally, 2018 also marks the 25th anniversary of the first `Jurassic Park` film which was released in 1993. The Aligarh Muslim University has deferred the varsity examinations in the wake of the ongoing controversy over a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the campus. The exams have reportedly been postponed will May 12. "Examinations in Aligarh Muslim University have been postponed till May 12 due to the ongoing protests," AMU Public Relations Officer Umar Salim Parizda told news agency ANI. Students of the university have been agitating for the past few days, demanding action against the right-wing protesters, who entered the campus and demanded the removal of Jinnah's portrait from the student union's office. The row started after local BJP MP Satish Gautam wrote to AMU, raising objections to the portrait. The BJP has also hit out at those who opposed the call to remove Jinnah's portrait in AMU, saying those standing with Jinnah also stood for terrorist Afzal Guru. BJP spokesperson Sudanshu Trivedi said that those who are standing for Pakistan founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah also stood for terrorists like Afzal Guru. Speaking to ANI, Trivedi castigated sympathisers of Jinnah, who was responsible for country's partition. "People who are standing with Jinnah today, are the same people who stood with terrorist like Afzal Guru. It is unfortunate that certain people are standing by the side of a person who was responsible for the division of this country," Trivedi said. Meanwhile, Mumbai BJP MLA Prabhat Lodha has demanded that Jinnah House and Jinnah Hall should be converted to cultural centres and that Jinnahs name must be removed from them. Jinnah House was home of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Mumbai and the hall was named after the Muslim League leader. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has said that a middle ground needs to be found for the people of the state who are being killed because of the menace of terrorism. Reacting to the killing of five civilians following an encounter in Shopian, the PDP leader said that both guns and stones were in the hands of the poor and steps need to be taken to rescue them. Our soldiers and children are being killed. Stones are in hands of poor, guns also are in hands of poor (security forces) only. We have to find a middle ground to save them, said Mehbooba Mufti. On Sunday, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister had expressed anguish and grief over the death of the civilians after the Shopian encounter, urging Narendra Modi-led NDA government at the Centre to show element of compassion and empathy as required by the present day situation. "It sounds very depressing to note that our state is losing young lives, to the unending cycle of violence, who could otherwise be utilised for a positive contribution to the state. Today's deaths have brought a stark fact to fore that gun, either way of a militant or that of security forces, is no solution for resolving issues," Mehbooba said. She said political issues need political intervention. "The three decades' long violence in the state is a testimony to the fact that guns from either side cannot ensure peace, but a compassion driven reconciliation process based on mutual respect surely can. "In this regard, I appeal the national leadership of the country to show the element of compassion and empathy as required by the present day situation here and display the statesmanship to get J-K out of the quagmire of killings by engaging in a meaningful dialogue in the state. The sooner it happens, the more we can get our state out of the vicious cycle of killings and destruction," she said. Major clashes broke out between civilians and security forces in Shopian after the latter gunned down five terrorists, including Hizbul Mujahideen top commander Saddam Padder and a fresh recruit, an assistant professor from the Kashmir University, in an encounter that went on for over six hours. The five slain terrorists were identified as Saddam Hussain Padder, Bilal Ahmad Mohand, Adil Ahmed Malik, Tauseed Ahmad Sheikh and Mohammed Rafi Bhat, a PhD scholar and an assistant professor in the Kashmir University. (With agency inputs) CBSE Class 10 Results 2018: In a new development, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is reportedly going to announce CBSE Class 10th exam results on May 30 and not on May 28 as informed earlier. Earlier there were reports that the Class 10 results will be declared alongside CBSE Class 12 results 2018. But now it seems that the board will announce the Matric or Secondary School results days on May 30. The results will be announced on cbse.nic.in, cbseresults.nic.in. The results could also be hosted on third-party result-hosting sites, details of which are unclear at the moment. The CBSE Class 10 exams were held between March 5 2018 and April 4, 2018 while that of CBSE Class 12 examinations were held from March 5 to April 13. How to check CBSE Class 10th Results 2018: 1. Visit official results website - cbse.nic.in, cbseresults.nic.in 2. Click on the link - Senior School Certificate Examinations (Class 12) Results 2018 (All Regions) 3. Enter your roll number and date of birth 4. Take a printout of the result for future reference. Earlier, there were reports that results of both CBSE Class 10 and CBSE class 12 would be delayed due to the massive paper leak scandal and subsequent Economics paper re-test on April 25. However, the board has refuted these allegations and said that the results will be announced on time. The reports of leak of the CBSE papers had caused disappointment among students across the country last month. In Delhi, students held protests accusing the CBSE of negligence and demanded immediate action against the guilty. According to Delhi Police, the class 12 economics paper was leaked on 23 March - three days before the scheduled date of the examination. Investigators made arrests in several parts of the country in connection with the case, including in Jharkhand and Himachal Pradesh. They claimed to have arrested the main conspirators behind the leak from Una in Himachal Pradesh. The three people were staffers of a school in the town. The leak was exposed after an envelop containing four images of the hand-written economics paper was delivered to the CBSE headquarters in Delhi on the evening of the scheduled day of the examination -- 26 March. Following reports of the leak, on April 2 CBSE tried a "leak-proof" system of "encrypted" question papers, which delayed the exam as a few centres in Delhi were unable to follow the printing of encrypted papers, e-mailed to them, at the school itself. The HRD ministry then set up a committee to examine the process by which the CBSE conducts examinations. The seven-member panel, headed by former HRD secretary Vinay Sheel Oberoi, will suggest measures to make the process "secure and fool-proof" using technology. The committee has to submit its report by May 31 to the Human Resource Development Ministry. (With agency inputs) New Delhi: A five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court will hear a petition moved by two Congress MPs challenging the rejection of the 'impeachment' notice against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra by Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday. The setting up of the constitution bench was mentioned in Tuesday's list of business for the apex court, PTI reported. The bench will be headed by Justice AK Sikri, number six in seniority. The other members are Justices SA Bobde, NV Ramana, Arun Mishra and AK Goel, who are next in the sequence of seniority. The senior-most judges - Justices J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, MB Lokur and Kurian Joseph - have been kept out of the matter. These judges had held the controversial January 12, 2018, press conference in which they had virtually revolted against the CJI by raising a litany of allegations against him. Congress MPs challenge the rejection of impeachment notice against CJI: Two Rajya Sabha Congress MPs, Partap Singh Bajwa from Punjab and Amee Harshadray Yajnik from Gujarat, on Monday moved the SC challenging the rejection of the notice against Misra by Naidu, claiming that the reasons given were "wholly extraneous" and not legally tenable. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who was one of the signatories to remove the CJI in the Rajya Sabha, mentioned the matter for urgent listing before a bench headed by Justice J Chelameswar, the senior-most judge after Misra. While Justice Chelameswar initially asked him to mention the matter before the CJI, the bench, also comprising Justice SK Kaul, later asked Sibal and advocate Prashant Bhushan to "come back tomorrow". Making his submissions, Sibal said that the Rajya Sabha chairman cannot summarily reject the notice bearing signatures of 64 MPs and seven former members who had recently retired, on the ground that there was "no proved misbehaviour", as per PTI. The bench asked Sibal and Bhushan to mention the matter before the CJI for urgent listing by citing a constitution bench judgment on the powers of the master of the roster. Justice Chelameswar, who was initially said to be reluctant to order listing of the petition said "there was a five-judge constitution bench verdict on powers of the master of the roster. It would be appropriate if you mention the matter in court number 1 before the bench of CJI". Advancing his arguments, Sibal said "I am aware of the procedure but it can't be mentioned anywhere else. A person cannot be a judge in his own cause. I am just asking for urgent listing and not seeking any interim relief." He said the CJI cannot order for listing and hence the senior-most judge of the court must pass some orders as it was a matter of constitutional importance. However, after the submissions, Justice Chelameswar and Justice Kaul went into a huddle and asked Sibal and Bhushan to come on Tuesday so they could take a call on the issue. Naidu had on April 23, 2018, rejected the 'impeachment' notice given by seven Opposition parties led by the Congress on five grounds of "misbehaviour". This was the first time that a notice for the removal was filed against a sitting CJI. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: High-speed winds lashed Delhi and adjoining areas of NCR - including Gurgaon and Noida - late Monday night, prompting authorities to issue advisory. Emergency services too have been put on high alert in several north Indian states. While the Met department had already issued a warning for thunderstorm accompanied by high-speed winds, the Delhi government and Delhi traffic police also issued directives soon after. Residents have been advised to stay indoors and if outside at all, to exercise maximum caution. Visuals of dust-storm hitting the Pragati Maidan area of Delhi. Following thunderstorm and dust storm alert, all evening schools to remain shut tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/DM7i7zJebx ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2018 Evening schools in Delhi will remain shut on Tuesday while Haryana had already announced school holidays for the first two days of the week. Delhi government issued advisory following thunderstorm and dust-storm alert for tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/uPTTWYOQxq ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2018 Meanwhile, dust storms and thundershowers lashed several parts of Rajasthan including Bikaner. Many areas in western UP too reported high-speed winds which brought in heavy showers accompanied by lightning. Schools in Meerut and Ghaziabad will remain shut on Tuesday. (Watch: Humongous sandstorm in Bikaner is like a scene out of horror movie) Several areas in Punjab and Haryana too witnessed dust storms forcing locals to take refuge indoors. PTI reported that Haryana government has cancelled leave of all officials in civic bodies across the state, in view of the IMD alert of thunderstorm and squall. The news agency also reported that fire and other emergency services, too, have been directed to remain alert. In Himachal Pradesh, mild snowfall occurred on Monday in the mountain areas while some parts received rain. The IMD has also warned that other states likely to be affected by the thundershowers include Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Karnataka and Kerala. New Delhi: Government has set up a multi-disciplinary group to initiate action to choke funding sources of Naxals. The group comprises officers from various central agencies and the state police departments, PTI quoted a home ministry official as saying. It is headed by an additional secretary and has representatives from the Intelligence Bureau, Enforcement Directorate, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, NIA and the CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes) and the CBI, as also state intelligence departments and CID, the official added. According to officials, the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) movement in the country is financed through a large network of dubious activities, which include illegal levy collected from private contractors including those involved in the execution of government works and schemes, mining contractors, transporters and owners of small and medium industries. Similarly, funds are said to be garnered through collections from illegal stone crushing and distribution of Naxal ideology papers. Naxals armoury reloaded with Rambo arrows, rocket bombs: Report Meanwhile, Naxals have developed some lethal and crude ammunition like Rambo arrows, topped with gunpowder and improvised rocket bombs as part of their new armoury to be used on security forces, says a new report. The report prepared by a joint security command on IED threats in LWE hit areas said the Maoists have devised a smart way of concealing crude bombs in animal excreta to deceive sniffer dogs of the security teams from detecting and alerting their masters. "There were occasions in the first quarter of 2017, when sniffer dogs of security forces were killed or injured as pressure improvised explosive devices (IEDs) exploded while the canines were getting agitated because of the obnoxious smell (of the excreta) while trying to detect the hidden IEDs," the report accessed by PTI said. The IEDs has emerged as the biggest killers over the past many years as they have maimed and killed hundreds of security forces personnel in various states. One of the newest technique witnessed in this domain, the report said, is the use of an innovative explosive material called 'Rambo arrow' by CPI (Maoist) cadres. "The arrowhead carries low-grade gunpowder or firecracker powder which explodes after hitting the target. "The 'Rambo arrow' doesn't cause much damage but disorients the security personnel by generating intense heat and fog, thereby making it easy for the Maoists to inflict fatal battle injuries on the troops and helps them to loot their weapons," the analysis of the new IED trends said. Naxals have also developed improvised mortars and rockets, the report says. Such weapons have been used to attack the forces' camps in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur, Bijapur and Kondagaon districts between May 2015 and February 2017. While the rockets blasts emitting fatal injury inflicting iron rings, the incendiary variant burns tents and other items in the camp by using a combination of sulphuric acid and sugar chlorate. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: He was suspended from his party for shooting from his mouth before the Gujarat elections last year. That may not have been enough to silence Mani Shankar Aiyar who in Lahore on Monday took yet another veiled dig at BJP for supporting Hindutva. Speaking at an event in Pakistan, Aiyar - suspended by Congress for calling PM Narendra Modi neech - invoked VD Savarkar to elaborate on the ideology of 'those currently in power in India.' "Situation in India is an abhorrent one. In 1923, a man called VD Savarkar invented a word which doesn't exist in any religious text, 'Hindutva'. So, first proponent of the two nation theory was ideological guru of those who are currently in power in India," news agency ANI quoted Aiyar as saying. He then went on to say that a majority of Indians had never voted for PM Narendra Modi. "70% of Indians didn't vote for Mr.Modi in last elections but lost because they were completely factionated among themselves. It is my hope that a great number of this 70% will come together to put an end to the aberration we've been suffering in our country." Aiyar then said that he received flak in India for calling Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah as Quiad-e-Azam. "I know many Pakistanis who called MK Gandhi as Mahatma Gandhi, does that make them unpatriotic Pakistanis?" he asked. This is not the first time that the veteran politician has made a controversial remark. And it is not the first time he has done so in Pakistan. In the past, he has said that he receives more hatred in India than love in Pakistan. Earlier this year, at the height of Indo-Pak tensions, he had said that India is still caught in a partially 1947 situation while there is change of mindset in the neighbouring country. As recently as last week, Aiyar was flayed by BJP for lauding Pakistan founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah even as there is a raging controversy over Jinnah's portrait in Aligarh Muslim University. Although Congress has distanced itself from Aiyar's recent comments, many feel his remarks would continue to have a bearing on the party which is currently battling hard to retain power in Karnataka. The bi-annual Naval Commander's Conference, scheduled for four days from May 8 to May 11, will see the Navy review its new Mission-Based Deployments philosophy aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the region. The new deployment philosophy, in furtherance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), aims at sustained, peaceful and yet responsive presence of Indian Naval ships in critical areas and choke points. The Navy's focus over the past year has been on Combat Efficiency and Materiel Readiness, and upkeep of its fleet of 131 warships and submarines. The Navy has taken various measures to improve combat efficiency, including the new transition cycle for ships for transition from maintenance periods through a training phase and thereon to full-scale operations will be examined at the conference. Measures to ensure safety, continued training, and checks and balances on crew proficiency on-board its frontline warships will also be reviewed. An overhaul of the training standards of units by revamping the Ship Operating Standards (SHOPS)' is also underway. The new SHOPS, set to be unveiled shortly, focuses on Role-based training in realistic scenarios and sets standards to be met by units as also targets individual crew proficiency levels. The Navy has been at the forefront in the absorption and exploitation of cutting-edge technology. Naval Commanders would also deliberate upon steps to improve the Teeth-to-Tail ratio and explore niche fields such as Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics. Harnessing cutting-edge technology, specifically those Made-in-India', to improve organisational effectiveness and efficiency would be another key focus area of the Commanders. Indian Navy has been the flag-bearer of the indigenisation and Make in India' initiative. A total of 27 ships and submarines are currently under construction in Indian shipyards, including the first indigenous Aircraft carrier 'Vikrant'. The Navy promulgated the 'Indian Naval Indigenisation Plan 2015-30' which has laid down our plans for the next 15 years. This allows for industry to formulate strategies to meet the requirements of the Navy through the new Strategic Partnership Model, notified in May 2017, as well as domestic R&D. These initiatives, which are aimed at enhancing indigenous defence industrial capability extending up to the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), shall also be discussed. The Commanders would also deliberate on the optimal utilisation of the Navy's share of the defence budget through prioritising capital acquisitions and modernisation plans to bridge critical capability gaps. The Naval Commander's Conference would be addressed by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the inaugural session followed by discussions with the officials of Ministry of Defence. All the students who took the Karnataka Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) Class 10 board examination 2018 can check their results on the official websites kseeb.kar.nic.in or karresults.nic.in at 12 noon on May 7. The toppers list, district-wise pass percentage and performance of all the schools will also be declared. The Karnataka SSLC examinations conducted by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB) were held from March 8 to April 6, 2018. The other websites which can be accessed to know the Karnataka SLCC exam result 2018 include results .nic.in and examresults.net. Earlier, the board had announced that the results would be declared at 11 am on May 7. A total of 8.35 lakh students took the examination and the results will help them in deciding their subjects for higher education. The Karnataka SSLC class 10 board examinations were held at 2,817 examination centres in the state in two sessions - 9.30 am to 12.30 pm and 2 pm to 5.15 pm. How to check Karnataka CLass 10 SSLC Results 2018 on the official website: 1. Visit official website- kseeb.kar.nic.in or karresults.nic.in. Candidates can also log on to results.nic.in or examresults.net or indiaresults.com 2: Click on Karnataka SSLC Results 2018 3: Enter your roll number/ registration number. 4: Karnataka SSLC Class 10 Results 2018 will be displayed on the screen. To check the results via SMS: 1. Type KAR10ROLLNUMBER 2. Send it to 56263 Candidates are advised to keep a printout of the results for future use. Last week, the state education minister reportedly confirmed that the KSEEB will announce the results for Karnataka SSLC examinations 2018 in the first week of May. Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board came into existence in the year 1966 and has been conducting SSLC and other examinations. "Every year in April about 8.50 lakh and in June 1.50 lakh students are appearing for the SSLC examinations," as per the official website. It further says, "The board has ventured to conduct the supplementary examination for the failed candidates of the examination of March in June month of every year itself. This will enable the students who would be successful in the June examination to join higher education courses in the same academic year from July itself. This process was introduced the first time in the country." Bengaluru: The Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board or KSEEB has announced the Karnataka SSLC Class 10 Results 2018 on its official portal kseeb.kar.nic.in, karresults.nic.in. Candidates can also view their results at third-party result hosting sites such as results.nic.in or examresults.net or indiaresults.com. The overall pass percentage is 71.93%. More than 8.35 lakh Class 10 students appeared for Karnataka Class 10 SSLC exams in 2018, which were held from March 8 to April 6. Steps to check Karnataka Class 10 SSLC Results 2018: Step 1. Log on to either of the following official websites kseeb.kar.nic.in karresults.nic.in results.nic.in examresults.net indiaresults.com Step 2: Now click on Karnataka SSLC Results 2018 Step 3: Enter your roll number/ registration number. Step 4: Karnataka SSLC Class 10 Results 2018 will be displayed on the screen. Students can also view their KSEEB Karnataka Board SSLC 2018 result via SMS Just type SMS - KAR10ROLLNUMBER - Send it to 56263 Candidates are advised to keep a printout of the results for future use. Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board came into existence in the year 1966 and has been conducting SSLC and other examinations. "Every year in April about 8.50 lakh and in June 1.50 lakh students are appearing for the SSLC examinations," as per the official website. It further says, "The board has ventured to conduct the supplementary examination for the failed candidates of the examination of March in June month of every year itself. This will enable the students who would be successful in the June examination to join higher education courses in the same academic year from July itself. This process was introduced the first time in the country." Udupi district is at the top of the pass percentage list in the Karnataka SSLC class 10 board examination results while Uttara Kannada is second and Chikkodi third. Yadgir district is at the bottom of the list. The overall pass percentage is 71.93, announced Primary and Secondary Education Department Principal Secretary Shalini Rajneesh in Bengaluru on Monday. She added that results are available on the official websites kseeb.kar.nic.in or karresults.nic.in. In Bengaluru Urban area only 69.38 percent students managed to pass SSLC exam. As usual, girls have performed better than boys in Karnataka SSLC class 10 board exam with 78.01 percent of them managing to pass while just 66.56 percent of boys could do so. She added that while two students have scored 100 percent marks, eight students got 624 marks out of 625 to take the second spot while 12 students scored 623 marks out of 625 in the Karnataka SSLC examinations conducted by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB). Check the performance of the districts: The Karnataka SSLC examinations conducted by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB) were held from March 8 to April 6, 2018 and a total of 8,54,424 students had taken the exam. There were 4,56,103 boys and 3,98,321 girls. The other websites which can be accessed to know the Karnataka SLCC exam result 2018 include results .nic.in and examresults.net. The Karnataka SSLC examinations conducted by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB) were held from March 8 to April 6, 2018 and a total of 8,54,424 students had taken the exam. There were 4,56,103 boys and 3,98,321 girls. The other websites which can be accessed to know the Karnataka SLCC exam result 2018 include results .nic.in and examresults.net. A total of 8.35 lakh students took the examination and the results will help them in deciding their subjects for higher education. The Karnataka SSLC class 10 board examinations were held at 2,817 examination centres in the state in two sessions - 9.30 am to 12.30 pm and 2 pm to 5.15 pm. How to check Karnataka CLass 10 SSLC Results 2018 on the official website: 1. Visit official website- kseeb.kar.nic.in or karresults.nic.in. Candidates can also log on to results.nic.in or examresults.net or indiaresults.com 2: Click on Karnataka SSLC Results 2018 3: Enter your roll number/ registration number. 4: Karnataka SSLC Class 10 Results 2018 will be displayed on the screen. To check the results via SMS: 1. Type KAR10ROLLNUMBER 2. Send it to 56263 Candidates are advised to keep a printout of the results for future use. Karnataka SSLC or Secondary School Leaving Certificate Class 10 examinations was held from March 8 to April 6. Last week, the state education minister reportedly confirmed that the KSEEB will announce the results for Karnataka SSLC examinations 2018 in the first week of May. Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board came into existence in the year 1966 and has been conducting SSLC and other examinations. "Every year in April about 8.50 lakh and in June 1.50 lakh students are appearing for the SSLC examinations," as per the official website. It further says, "The board has ventured to conduct the supplementary examination for the failed candidates of the examination of March in June month of every year itself. This will enable the students who would be successful in the June examination to join higher education courses in the same academic year from July itself. This process was introduced the first time in the country." BENGALURU: Karnataka SSLC Result 2018 will be declared by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB) today on May 7 at 12 noon on its official websites kseeb.kar.nic.in, karresults.nic.in. Earlier, the board had announced that the results would be declared at 11 am on May 7. Candidates can also check their results at results.nic.in, examresults.net or indiaresults.com. The Board conducted the Karnataka SSLC Secondary School Leaving Certificate Class 10 examinations from March 8 to April 6. Steps to check Karnataka SSLC Results 2018: 1. Log on to the Karnataka Board official website- kseeb.kar.nic.in or karresults.nic.in or results.nic.in or examresults.net or indiaresults.com 2: Click on Karnataka SSLC Results 2018 3: Enter the details asked such as your roll number/ registration number. 4: Karnataka SSLC Class 10 Results 2018 will be displayed on the screen. Candidates are advised to keep a printout of the results for future use. As per reports, more than 10,000 students were stopped from appearing for the Karnataka SSLC examination because of shortage of attendance. Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board came into existence in the year 1966 and has been conducting SSLC and other examinations. "Every year in April about 8.50 lakh and in June 1.50 lakh students are appearing for the SSLC examinations," as per the official website. It further says, "The board has ventured to conduct the supplementary examination for the failed candidates of the examination of March in June month of every year itself. This will enable the students who would be successful in the June examination to join higher education courses in the same academic year from July itself. This process was introduced the first time in the country." A day after saying that people should not offer Namaz at public places, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday took a u-turn on the issue. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader has now said that action will be taken against those who disrupt offering of Namaz. Notably, during a press conference on Sunday, the Haryana Chief Minister had said that Namaz should be read in mosques and Idgahs and should not be offered at public spaces. Responding to questions on increase in number of incidents of disrupting Namaz in Gurgaon, Khattar said that it was the duty of the state to maintain law and order. It is our duty to maintain law and order. There has been an increase in offering Namaz in open. Namaz should be read in Mosques or Idgahs rather than public spaces, the Haryana Chief Minister had said. The statement by the BJP leader came just days after some right-wing organisations disrupted Friday Namaz at several places in Gurugram in Haryana. However, police presence at the spots prevented any violence from taking place. Hindutva organisations have been trying to stop Friday prayers in Gurgaon over the last two weeks alleging that some people were trying to grab land in a bid to merge it with a mosque. There were disruptions to namaz at Wazirabad, Atul Kataria Chowk, Cyber Park, Bakhtawar Chowk and at South City, on Friday last. Members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, Hindu Kranti Dal, Gau Rakshak Dal and Shiv Sena arrived at the spots where people had assembled to offer Friday prayers. Ritu Raj, a member of a Hindutva organisation, claimed that they organised a havan at Wazirabad to stop the Namaz. They allegedly shouted slogans like Jai Shri Ram and Radhe Radhe to disrupt the Namaz. (With PTI Inputs) After the rejection of the motion for removal of Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra by Vice President and Rajya Sabha chairperson M Venkaiah Naidu, leaders of opposition parties have moved the Supreme Court against the decision. Congress-led opposition parties had refused to accept the decision of the Rajya Sabha chairperson to reject the motion for removal of the Chief Justice of India. The Congress party had called it a fight between forces rejecting democracy and voices rescuing democracy. The Congress had also asserted that while the constitutional process of removal is set in motion with 50 MPs giving agreement, the removal notice of the Chief Justice of India was agreed to by as many as 64 MPs. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Venkaiah Naidu, had decided not to consider the "impeachment motion" against Justice Misra by opposition parties, pointing out that there was lack of substantial merit in it. He rejected the motion following consultations with legal experts. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had targeted the opposition over the issue saying that the misconceived motion for the 'impeachment' of the CJI was just one example of the growing tendency of lawyer-MPs to drag intra-court disputes into the Parliamentary process to help different interests. He also said that the Parliament was supreme in its own jurisdiction and its process cannot be subjected to judicial review and 'impeachment' motion was filed on untenable grounds for a collateral purpose to intimidate the CJI and other judges. "A very large number of eminent lawyers are now Members of Parliament. Most political parties have given nominations to some of them since their value, both in court and Parliamentary debates, is significant. The incidental impact of this has been a growing tendency of lawyer members to drag intra-court disputes into the parliamentary process. The misconceived motion for the impeachment of the Chief Justice of India is just one example of this," Jaitley had said. The Supreme Court is slated to resume hearing in the alleged brutal gangrape and murder case of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir. A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra had earlier stayed the trial of the accused in the case before a sessions court. The Supreme Court had stayed the trial in the Kathua gangrape case till May 7, in the wake of petitions seeking transfer of the case to Chandigarh and handing over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices D Y Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra had said that it would deal with the prayer of the victim's father for shifting the trial to Chandigarh and the plea of the accused seeking handing over the probe to CBI. An eight-year-old child 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. During the hearing, the apex court had witnessed heated exchanges between senior advocate Indira Jaising, who appeared for the victim's family, and advocate Harvinder Chaudhary, who was representing the accused. Advocate General Jahangir Iqbal Ganai, along with standing counsel Shoeb Alam, appearing for Jammu and Kashmir, opposed the prayer for a CBI probe and said the SIT of the crime branch was investigating the case. Ganai said the trial could be shifted from Kathua and Jammu to some other district in the state as there were 221 witnesses and most of the statements recorded so far were in Urdu. Alam said that Jammu and Kashmir has its own penal law and if the trial is shifted to Chandigarh, then it may create several problems. Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh, appearing for the Centre, said the government was ready to provide any assistance if required but the call has to be taken by the Jammu and Kashmir government. The apex court gave a stern warning and said it would transfer the Kathua gangrape and murder case from the local court in the "slightest possibility" of lack of fair trial, saying the "real concern" was to hold proper prosecution. New Delhi: A portion of an under-construction banquet hall in Gujranwala Town here collapsed on Monday afternoon injuring seven labourers, PTI reported. While the reasons behind why the banquet hall has not yet been ascertained, local authorities pressed emergency services into action to rescue those feared trapped. Spot visuals from the area showed a large pile of concrete material on the ground with police officials putting a cordon around the area to keep bystanders at a safe distance. A call was received at 5.24 pm about the incident and five fire tenders were rushed to the spot for the rescue operation, an officer from the Delhi Fire Service said. The injured people were involved in renovation work happening at the backside of the banquet hall, the police added. They were rushed to different hospitals and are undergoing treatment. (With Agency inputs) It was an unusual scene in a government college for women in Patiala in Punjab when the students were seen beating up a professor. The professor was beaten up by the students of the womens college as he allegedly sent obscene messages to them on mobile phone. #WATCH: Professor of Government College for Girls in Patiala gets beaten up by students for allegedly sending obscene messages to the girls. (6.5.2018) pic.twitter.com/PVIT8In998 ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2018 The incident, which occurred at Government College for Girls in Patiala, was caught on camera and the video was released by news agency ANI. However, the is not the first such case of a professor indulging in such activities. Earlier this year, a professor of the Jawaharlal Nehru University in the national capital was accused sexually harassing several women students. A number of students also staged protests seeking action against the accused professor. They demanded that the professor be suspended and barred from entering the JNU premises. The professor, Atul Johri, was later arrested by Delhi Police, following which he was released on bail. Launching a massive protest, the students had raised slogans against the university officials and Delhi Police. A scuffle had broken out when some of them had tried to break the barricades put up by the police. On the other hand, women rights organisations including All India Democratic Women's Association and All India Mahila Sanskritik Sanghatan had also held a protest on Tuesday outside the police station. Jaipur: A massive sandstorm engulfed Rajasthan's Bikaner on Monday evening - reducing on-road and air visibility to almost zero and forcing locals to take cover inside buildings. In what looked like a scene out of a horror or a thriller movie, the sandstorm dwarfed buildings and trees as it swept through the city - aided amply by relatively high-speed winds. Local authorities and the Met department had already issued warnings of dust storms, thundershowers and high-speed winds in several parts of Rajasthan and elsewhere in northern India. Sandstorm and thundershowers last week had resulted in as many as 100 deaths and left 200 injured in Rajasthan and UP alone. Both states reported uprooted electric lines and trees which resulted in significant damage to property. The Met department has warned that several areas in northern India - including Himachal, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan and UP will witness heavy rain on Tuesday. Schools in Haryana and Delhi have been shut till Tuesday while other states may also follow suit. Srinagar: A 22-year-old tourist from Tamil Nadu died in Srinagar on Monday when a mob went on the rampage near Narbal on the outskirts of the city. R Thirumani, a resident of Chennai, suffered head injuries after being hit by a stone during the rampage in the morning, PTI quoted a police official as saying. The tourist was taken to the SKIMS hospital at Soura, where he succumbed to injuries, he added. A case has been registered in the matter. "My head hangs in shame. It is very sad and heartbreaking", Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said after meeting the family of the tourist. Jammu & Kashmir: CM Mehbooba Mufti met family member of tourist from Chennai who suffered injuries and later died. The vehicle he was travelling in had come under stone pelting at Narbal bridge on Sringar-Gulmarg road earlier today. pic.twitter.com/N5AIclqr0a ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2018 Meanwhile, former J&K CM and National Conference working president Omar Abdullah said, "We've killed a tourist by throwing stones at the vehicle he was travelling in. Let's try and wrap our heads around the fact that we stoned a tourist, a guest, to death while we glorify these stone-pelters and their methods." "I'm also pained to know that among the injured from the stone pelting in Narbal is a young woman from Handwara in north Kashmir. I pray she and the others injured make a quick recovery," he added. This young man from Chennai died in my constituency & while I dont support these goons, their methods or their ideology Im deeply, deeply sorry that this happened at all & that too in an area Ive been proud to represent since 2014. Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) May 7, 2018 Im also pained to know that among the injured from the stone pelting in Narbal is a young woman from Handwara in North Kashmir. I pray she & the others injured make a quick recovery. Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) May 7, 2018 The J&K Govt has failed, the CM has failed, the BJP-PDP alliance has failed. How much blood will have to be shed in Kashmir before the Hon PM realises the gravity of the situation in J&K? When will enough finally be enough? Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) May 7, 2018 On the other hand, National Conference on Monday held a protest march in Srinagar against "unabated civilian killings" in Kashmir. The march led by party general secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar was taken out from the party headquarters to Tourist Reception Centre. Addressing the protest march, Sagar lashed out at the PDP-BJP government and Mufti. "The CM's singular obsession with power had brought the state to a dangerous precipice of turmoil and alienation. She must be held accountable and should answer for her U-turns and her failure to protect civilian lives. Mere rhetorical statements and customary condemnations cannot absolve the CM or her government of the role in pushing the youth against the wall," he said. Sagar added that the civilian killings in the Valley were a consequence of how the ruling dispensation had failed to offer hope and empathy to the aggrieved people of the state. (With PTI inputs) Bengaluru: Droughts have caused deaths. Thundershowers have caused deaths. And despite both being equally tragic, political leaders like Yogi Adityanath and Siddaramaiah continue to trade verbal jabs elaborating how the other has failed to provide relief to the victims. Uttar Pradesh CM Adityanath on Monday addressed a political rally in Karnataka's Belagavi and questioned what Karnataka CM had done for farmers committing suicide in the state. "Did Siddaramaiah ever pay a visit to families of farmers who committed suicide in Karnataka?" he asked. His remark was a comeback against Siddaramaiah's previous jibe questioning why Adityanath was in Karnataka when many had died after a thundershower in UP. Adityanath, who flew back a day after the remark, though said that immediate relief had been provided. "Recently there was a thunderstorm in UP that affected many people. Our government provided relief within 24 hours." The duel between Adityanath and Siddaramaiah has been on for several months now. While BJP propped up the UP CM as a prominent face of its campaigning in Karnataka, the Karnataka CM has taken several pot shots at him - only to be called a liar in return, among other counter accusations. The spat is only one aspect of a very heated political battle for Karnataka. The two parties and its leaders have traded barbs which have become more stinging because of what is at stake in the near future. Congress does not want to lose Karnataka - one of very few states it still has any sway in. The BJP, on the other hand, wants to build momentum ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha elections and a win in Karnataka could also give the party a footing in south India. Former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Monday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA government at the Centre for running the country on their whims and fancies. In an all-out attack on the central government, Manmohan Singh claimed that the Modi government has reversed the success of the UPA government. In a scathing attack on PM Modi, he said, "No Prime Minister in our country has used the Office of the Prime Minister to say things about his opponent that Mr Modi has been doing day in and day out. It doesn't behove a Prime Minister to stoop so low and it is not good for the country as a whole as well." Pointing that economic policies of a government have impact on lives of common people, the former prime minister said that policies of Prime Minister Modi and his government have resulted in massive losses for the country. The UPA government delivered an average growth rate of 7.8 per cent despite economic turmoil across the world during that period. The NDA government has lesser growth rate despite favourable international conditions, said Manmohan Singh. Referring to avoidable blunders of demonetisation and hasty implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the veteran Congress leader said that the government had hit small and micro industries and resulted in loss of tens of thousands of jobs across the country. Cautioning the Modi government over its economic policies, Singh said, True leadership creates opportunities, and not destroys them. Prime Minister Modi just came up with catchy words like Amrut and smart city, which have underperformed drastically. He further pointed to petrol and diesel prices touching record highs, saying that the prices of fuels have touched historic high despite lower crude oil prices internationally. He blamed excessive excise taxes imposed by the NDA government, saying, Modi government is punishing people. Since the present government assumed power, crude oil prices have declined by 67 per cent, but prices of both petrol and diesel have increased and reached record high, said the former prime minister. Singh also talked about the cultural diversity of the country and issued an advice for Prime Minister Modi without naming him. He said, No one person can claim to the repository of all wisdom. The former prime minister also lashed out at the central government over recent scams in banking sector, involving big public sector banks like Punjab National Bank. Bank frauds have increased and perpetrators have fled with immunity, said Singh, adding that the Modi government was slowly eroding the trust of common people in banking system. The government is not doing its job. Instead of taking prompt action, it is providing excuses and peddling controversy theories, said the Congress leader. Former prime minister Singh made the remarks while addressing a press conference in Bengaluru. He is visiting Bengaluru to campaign for the Congress party ahead of Karnataka Assembly elections, polling for which would be held on May 12 and results will be declared on May 15. Bengaluru: Stepping up the attack against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the BJP has accused him of 'aiding, abetting, protecting and promoting' the cheating of private investors in an alleged Ponzi scheme run by a company. The BJP intends to file a complaint with the governor to sanction the prosecution of Siddaramaiah for dealing with company, "which is declared as a threat to national security by the Serious Frauds Investigation Office (SFIO)," party spokesperson Sambit Patra told reporters in Bengaluru on Sunday. The BJP also sought to know whether Siddaramaiah received the costly Hublot watch for 'facilitating' the company, QI Group of Companies, headed by Vijay Eswaran, to operate in the state. Embroiled in a controversy over the diamond-studded Hublot watch in March 2016, Siddaramaiah had handed it over to the Assembly speaker, asking him to make it a state asset. The chief ninister had also said he would furnish relevant documents of the watch to the Lokayukta and Income Tax. He had said that the watch was gifted to him by his NRI friend Dr Girish Chandra Varma in July 2015. "I know him since 1983 and whenever he visits India, he meets me," he had said. Siddaramiah also said Varma has no official dealings with the Government of Karnataka or its organisations. Patra said the SFIO has mentioned the names of Gold Quest and Quest Net, and read out its findings. In 2009, the CB-CID Chennai had declared Vijay Eswaran an absconder and in 2010, SFIO said such companies were a national threat, he said. Between 2013 and 2016, the Mumbai and Delhi Economic Offence Wing placed voluminous chargesheets saying that these were fraudulent companies, he added. Releasing pictures of Siddaramaiah with Vijay Eswaran, Patra said he had met him in September 2013. The issue of MS Gold Quest International Pvt Ltd and Gold Quest Enterprises India Pvt Ltd was discussed in March and April in 2013, when the UPA government told the Parliament that they were fraudulent companies, he alleged. In September 2013, Siddaramaiah met the absconder Eswaran in China, which was published in the website of the Information and Public Relations department of the Karntaka government in September 11, 2013, Patra claimed. The state government report said the chief minister met Eswaran, welcomed him to invest in Karnataka and asked him to participate in the Global Investors Meet in the state. The company expressed interest in investment in e-Retail and IT Education sector, it said. The company's business lines include lifestyles, leisure, luxury and luxury collectable and luxury watches. Patra further said, "They deal in luxury watches, costly watches, exquisite watches. These are one of the items they deal with." After a promise by Siddaramaiah, certain companies and QNet started operating in Karnataka and thousands and lakhs of people were duped by them, he claimed. Ironically, Patra said, no FIR was lodged against these companies. "Even if the complaint was lodged, there was no FIR. The companys names were not mentioned. When these people saw that the state government was not ready to work for them, the victims approached SEBI." Patra also said SEBI shot off a letter to the government of Karnataka on December 23, 2016 to act against them. However, the FIR was registered only recently when the Siddaramaiah government was reduced to a caretaker government due to the Assembly polls, the BJP spokesperson said. In a statement, QNET said it operates in India through Vihaan Direct Selling (India) Private Limited, its sub-franchisee, which is into direct selling on an e-commerce platform. The company neither solicits investments nor seeks any deposits or registration fees for joining the business, it said. "We are of the belief that the matter represented to the BJP spokesperson is incomplete and does not reflect the current status," a company spokesperson said. It also said Karnataka state investigated the company and filed a detailed chargesheet, which was quashed by the high court while holding that the company was not a Ponzi scheme. The Government of India has issued guidelines (to be adopted by states) and the company is fully compliant with the same, it added. New Delhi: UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will hit the campaign trail in Karnataka and address a public rally in Bijapur on Tuesday, PTI reported. It is not clear whether she will address more rallies in Karnataka, which goes to polls on May 12. The news agency quoted party sources as saying that Sonia would address only Tuesday's rally. She has not campaigned for almost two years and was inactive during Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, Tripura and Nagaland. The Congress leader had last campaigned in Varanasi on August 2, 2016, ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, where she had taken ill during a roadshow. Meanwhile, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Monday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "PPP Congress" jibe, likening him to a mobile phone on "speaker and aeroplane" mode and not the "work" mode. "There are three modes in a cell phone... The first is the work mode... The other two are speaker mode and aeroplane mode. PM Modi only uses speaker and aeroplane mode and not the work mode," he told reporters in Karnataka. Rahul was responding to a question about PM Modi's remarks at an election rally in Gadag on May 5, 2018, where he said the Congress will become "Punjab, Puducherry, Parivar" Congress after its defeat in the Karnataka Assembly polls. "You might have seen and heard, in my speeches I speak about PM Modi, I question him on issues... But I speak about him with respect. PM Modi is an elderly man, he is aged, going to be 70. I respect those who are elder to me," Rahul said at election rallies in Hosakote and Maluru, as per PTI. "He cannot speak about corruption as he has Yeddyurappa standing next to him. He cannot speak about farmers as he has not given them MSP, bonus, and not waived farm loan. He cannot speak about Dalits as Rohit Vemula (a Dalit student of Hyderabad who committed suicide) was killed by his people, Dalit in Unnao was killed by his people. What is left? Speak ill about Rahul Gandhi, Siddaramaiah, and (Mallikarjun) Kharge. He does it," he added. Earlier on Tuesday, Rahul rode a bicycle as he led a march against high fuel prices at Maluru in Kolar district. (With PTI inputs) Bengaluru: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) tops the list, with Congress at the second position in giving tickets to candidates with criminal background in the Karnataka Assembly elections, says a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). The ADR released the report after analysing the affidavits filed by 2,560 candidates, which said that 391 candidates declared criminal cases against themselves. 83 (37 percent) of the 223 BJP candidates in the fray have criminal cases against them and 58 others (26 percent) having serious criminal cases against them including murder. Of the 220 candidates analysed from the ruling Congress, a total of 59 (27 percent) have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits, while 32 (15 percent) have serious criminal cases against them. Of the 199 Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) candidates analysed by ADR, 41 (21 percent) have criminal cases and 29 (15 percent) have declared serious criminal cases in their poll affidavits. Of the total 1,090 Independents analysed, 108 (10 percent) have declared criminal cases against themselves and 70 (6 percent) are accused of serious criminal charges. As per the report, "out of the 2560 candidates analysed, 391(15%) candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves. 254 (10%) candidates have declared serious criminal cases against themselves. 4 candidates have declared case related to murder (Indian Penal Code section - 302) against themselves. 25 candidates have declared cases related to attempt to murder (IPC section-307) against themselves. 23 candidates have declared cases related to crime against women such as assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty (IPC section - 354), word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman (IPC section -509) and cohabitation caused by man deceitfully including a belief of lawful marriage (IPC section 493), husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty (IPC section - 498A) etc." Two hundred and eight (93 percent) of the 223 candidates in fray from the BJP have declared assets worth over Rs 1 crore, the highest number among all the parties contesting. A total of 207 (94 percent) of the 220 candidates from the ruling Congress, 154 (77 percent) of the 199 candidates from JD(S) and 199 (18 percent) of the 1,090 Independents have declared assets more than Rs 1 crore. The top three candidates with highest assets among all the candidates in fray belong to the ruling Congress - Priyakrishna, from Govindarajanagar constituency with Rs 1,020 crore worth total assets, N Nagaraju from Hosakote Assembly seat with assets valued at Rs 1,015 crore and the state Energy Minister DK Shivakumar from Kanakapura segment with Rs 840 crore assets. Of the total candidates, the watchdogs could not analyse details of 95 candidates belonging to national, regional, local and fringe parties, as their affidavits were badly scanned or were incomplete on the websites of the poll panel and the Chief Electoral Officer of the southern state. Polling will be held in a single phase on May 12 and votes will be counted on May 15. Bengaluru: Congress president Rahul Gandhi once again on Monday took a dig at former PM HD Deve Gowda's party JD(S), calling it "Janata Dal Sangh Parivar". He also asked its leaders to make it clear where they stand in the Karnataka elections, which he termed as a battle of ideologies. "One side is BJP, on the other side is the Congress party and in between is Janata Dal (Secular). The question is in this battle of ideologies, where does the JD(S) stand," he asked. Rahul further said at a rally in Devanahalli, "In their JD(S) name there is S that stands for secular. But in this election, it looks like Janata Dal has changed its name and Janata Dal(S) means Janata Dal Sangh Parivar." He added, "Are they truly secular, or in this election are they supporting BJP, Yeddyurappa, Narendra Modi and Amit Shah? They have to make it clear. Janata Dal leaders have to tell whether they are on this side or that side, because this is not any other election, this election is about Karnataka's future. This is the election to save Basavanna's thinking (12th-century social reformer). Earlier, on March 25, 2018, too, Rahul had asked JD(S) to come clean on its support to the BJP. "JD(S), they have to make it clear whether they are the BJP's B team or not. They (JD-S) have to make it clear whether they are supporting the BJP, if yes, why," he had asked at a public meeting in the Vokkaliga belt of the old Mysuru region, considered a JD(S) stronghold. And, on March 24, 2018, the Congress chief had dubbed JD(S) a 'B-team' of the BJP. He had then also said that the Assembly elections in the southern state were a face-off between two ideologies - on one side BJP and RSS and on the other the Congress. "In between, there is the third party which is the B team of BJP that is JD(S)," he had said at a public rally in Malavalli in Mandya district. "I will tell you. Let BJP's A team, B team or C team come together. Congress party is going to win this election," Rahul had told the gathering. (With PTI inputs) BENGALURU: Karnataka SSLC Class 10 Result 2018 will be out today on May 7 at 12 noon today. The Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board or KSEEB will announce the Karnataka SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) Results 2018 for nearly 8.35 lakh candidates on the official websites kseeb.kar.nic.in, karresults.nic.in. The Karnataka SSLC exams were conducted across 2,817 examination centres in the state. Students can also access their Karnataka SLCC class 10 exam result 2018 on the following websites results.nic.in and examresults.net. Earlier, the board had announced that the results would be declared at 11 am on May 7. How to check Karnataka CLass 10 SSLC Results 2018 on the official website: 1. Visit official website- kseeb.kar.nic.in or karresults.nic.in. Candidates can also log on to results.nic.in or examresults.net or indiaresults.com 2: Click on Karnataka SSLC Results 2018 3: Enter your roll number/ registration number. 4: Karnataka SSLC Class 10 Results 2018 will be displayed on the screen. To check the results via SMS: 1. Type KAR10ROLLNUMBER 2. Send it to 56263 Candidates are advised to keep a printout of the results for future use. Karnataka SSLC or Secondary School Leaving Certificate Class 10 examinations was held from March 8 to April 6. Last week, the state education minister reportedly confirmed that the KSEEB will announce the results for Karnataka SSLC examinations 2018 in the first week of May. Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board came into existence in the year 1966 and has been conducting SSLC and other examinations. "Every year in April about 8.50 lakh and in June 1.50 lakh students are appearing for the SSLC examinations," as per the official website. It further says, "The board has ventured to conduct the supplementary examination for the failed candidates of the examination of March in June month of every year itself. This will enable the students who would be successful in the June examination to join higher education courses in the same academic year from July itself. This process was introduced the first time in the country." Congress president Rahul Gandhi has taken a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the latter can copy Karnataka governments revolutionary Scheduled Case and Scheduled Tribe sub plan. Taking to microblogging site Twitter, the Gandhi scion once again accused the Prime Minister of repackaging Congress schemes and claiming credit for partys schemes. Referring to Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka governments plan to allocate 24 per cent of all resources to Dalits and tribals on the basis of their population, Rahul Gandhi tweeted, The Karnataka Govt's revolutionary SC/ST sub plan, allocates 24% of all resources to Dalits & Adivasis as per their % of population. Since PM Modi is skilled at repackaging & claiming credit for Congress schemes, this is a good one for him to copy centrally. The Karnataka Govt's revolutionary SC/ST sub plan, allocates 24% of all resources to Dalits & Adivasis as per their % of population. Since PM Modi is skilled at repackaging & claiming credit for Congress schemes, this is a good one for him to copy centrally. #ModiTalksNoCanDo pic.twitter.com/KNmrBQkrKj Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 6, 2018 On Sunday, the Congress president had targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), saying their fascist ideology is that members of Dalit and tribal community must continue to exist at the bottom rung of society. He shared a video compilation, showing footage of BJPs Karnataka chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa and Union minister Anant Kumar Hegde. While one clip was of a news report on Yeddyurappa ordering outside food at a Dalits home, the other was that of Hegde saying that we are here to change the Constitution. Central to the RSS/ BJP fascist ideology, is that Dalits & Adivasis must continue to exist at the bottom rung of society. In this disturbing video, the dangers of this mindset and how its openly propagated by senior RSS/ BJP leaders is revealed. #AnswerMaadiModi pic.twitter.com/gX2NwL0q27 Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 6, 2018 The video also highlighted a recent incident of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates for the post of constable in Madhya Pradesh labelled on their chest with their caste. It also carries a footage of the Una flogging incident, where Dalit youth were tied to a vehicle without their shirts and beaten up. It also made reference to remarks by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat calling for review of the reservation system for the SCs and the STs. Apart from this, the latest incident of Uttar Pradesh minister Suresh Rana ordering hotel food at a Dalits residence during governments Dalit outreach programme. Meanwhile, in a rally in Karnataka on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of having an anti-Dalit and anti-OBC mindset, blaming the party for stalling of Parliament. Bengaluru: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday ditched his high-security SUVs and choppers for a cycle as he campaigned in Karnataka's Kolar ahead of the assembly elections here scheduled for May 12. Despite a much slower mode of transportation, there was no let up in his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi whom Rahul Gandhi termed as a 'mobile phone without work mode.' War of words between leaders of both Congress and BJP have increased in intensity with each passing day leading up to May 12. On Monday, Rahul stepped up the attack a notch by questioning the work done by PM Modi since BJP's win in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. "There are three modes in a mobile phone - work mode, speaker mode and airplane mode. Modi Ji only uses speaker mode and airplane mode. He never uses work mode," he told members of the press in what was a veiled attack on PM Modi's speeches and his diplomatic travels abroad. This is not the first time Rahul or his party leaders have questioned PM Modi's work. He has previously accused PM Modi of re-packaging Congress' work and taking credit for it, of remaining silent on critical issues concerning the country and the common man, and of encouraging 'corrupt' politicians by giving them electoral tickets. These are only a handful of a long line of allegations levelled by Congress against PM Modi and the BJP. Not that the BJP has taken everything lightly. PM Modi and BJP presdent Amit Shah have targeted Rahul an equal number of times with the former even claiming that Rahul won't be able to speak for 15 minutes without looking at his speech paper on Congress' development-related work in Karnataka. The two parties and its leaders have traded barbs which have become more stinging because of what is at stake in the near future. Congress does not want to lose Karnataka - one of very few states it still has any sway in. The BJP, on the other hand, wants to build momentum ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha elections and a win in Karnataka could also give the party a footing in south India. New Delhi: Actor Salman Khan appeared before the sessions court on Monday for a hearing on the suspension of his sentence in the blackbuck poaching case. However, the hearing has been postponed and the next date for the hearing is July 17. #BlackBuckPoachingCase: Salman Khan leaves from Jodhpur District & Sessions Court. Next date of hearing is July 17. #Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/1rpLNoQgP1 ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2018 Rajasthan: Security outside Jodhpur District & Sessions Court. Actor Salman Khan will appear before the Court today for hearing in #BlackBuckPoachingCase pic.twitter.com/BkkMlk9KzG ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2018 Only a month ago, Salman was convicted by the Jodhpur central jail for allegedly shooting and killing blackbucks in Kankani village near Jodhpur on the night of October 1, 1998, during the filming of his film 'Hum Saath Saath Hain'. The actor was sentenced to five years of imprisonment. However, the court acquitted other actors and Salman's 'Hum Sath Sath Hai' co-stars Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Neelam and Sonali Bendre in the case. A fifth person, Dushyant Singh, a local from the area, was also acquitted. After spending two nights in jail, the 53-year-old actor was granted bail by the court. The court, however, had said that the actor would need its permission if he wants to travel abroad while out on bail. Mumbai: No wonder why Priya Prakash Varrier is called cute. The young and bubbly girl took to her Instagram page to post a cute story in which she looks immeasurably adorable. With a snap chat filter in the video, Priya looks cute like a bunny and the caption reads: "when someone denies to get me food (sic)." Check it out here: Priya and her co-stars Roshan Abdul Rahoof, Vaishak Pavanan and Siyadh Shajahan were recently in Dindigul City to attend a wedding ceremony. They have also been shooting for their upcoming Malayalam film Oru Adaar Love. For the uninitiated, Priya, became a household soon after a video clip from Malayalam song Manikya Malaraya Poovi in the aforementioned film directed by Omar Lulu went viral on social media. She made social media users go gaga over her captivating expressions and killer wink! Priya had been signed for the film to play a small role. But ever since a clip featuring Priya went viral, the makers decided to extend her role, reports suggest. They have made her role in the film meatier to make the most of her popularity. The script and climax have reportedly been changed to give her more prominence. The film is slated to release on June 14 this year. The Malayalam film will now release in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu languages too. New Delhi: The much talked about Bank Account Portability scheme may be put on the back burner as it is being opposed by Indian Banking Association and Trade Unions. RBI in its recent meeting with the Finance Ministry has informed that the scheme may be delayed due to several technical reasons, sources close to the development informed Zee Business's Alok Priyadarshi. "The plan to implement the Scheme of Bank Account Portability may be delayed due to certain glitches in the process like technology and the volume of bank accounts held by lakhs of people. Core Banking System, as well as bank frauds and the existing Non-Performing Assets (NPAs), are also one of the problem areas, sources said. Bank account portability allows the customer to shift form one bank to the other without having to give up his bank account number or without having to open a new account altogether. Government reportedly wants to provide the facility to bank customers, whose bank accounts are linked with their Aadhaar numbers. Government will seek the suggestion of UIDAI and the NPCI so that it can arrive at a solution cumulatively. In 2017, RBI Deputy Governor SS Mundra had asked banks to look into bank account number portability as it would improve customer service by enhancing competition between the banks. Currently, there are around 80 crore bank accounts in the country, most of them were opened after the launch of Prime Minister's Jan Dhan Yojana in 2015. It may be recalled that in 2012 the Reserve Bank of India had asked banks to allow intra-bank account portability in cases where full KYC (know your customer) details of the concerned account have been ascertained. The facility enables the customers to shift their account to any of the desired branch any number of times, without any change in the account number. In order to comply with KYC requirements of correct address of the person, fresh address proof may be obtained upon such transfer by the transferee branch, it said. RBI observed that most bank branches are now on Core Banking Service (CBS) and KYC records of a particular customer can be accessed by any branch of the bank. In what could lead to further worsening of ties with the United States, China has warned international airlines not to refer to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau as independent territories. The country has said that failure to comply would result in heavy penalties, according to The Washington Post. While China has repeatedly claimed the island of Taiwan as part of its own territory, Hong Kong and Macau are regarded as part of the country with a certain degree of autonomy. Now, China has warned international airlines not to refer to any of the three as independent areas - a move which has angered the US. Civil Aviation Administration of China reportedly sent a letter to 36 airline companies last month warning them to not violate the one-China policy. The list included a number of American companies like Delta and United Airlines. Most of these companies have said that it is a matter to be resolved by governments and that they should not be dragged into the controversy. Already in the midst of a bitter trade feud with Beijing, Washington too has taken a grim view of the letter issued. According to Sydney Morning Herald, Australia too has hit back saying its national career - Qantas - should not be intimidated by the Chinese. People at large though appear divided over the stern warning. While some say it is a typical move from the Chinese to use strong words and coerce others, there are others who feel that - whether correct or not - China's move is hardly surprising considering its position towards the three regions. Seoul: US President Donald Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un are likely to meet in Singapore next month, reports said Monday, as anticipation builds for unprecedented talks between the mercurial leaders. Trump said at the weekend that the two sides had settled on a date and location for the summit -- the first between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader -- without providing details. "We'll be announcing it soon," Trump told reporters. The landmark summit will take place in "mid-June", South Korea's Chosun Ilbo daily reported Monday, citing diplomatic sources who quoted Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton. The newspaper suggested that the possibility of Singapore hosting the landmark meeting had "increased greatly", after a decision by Trump to host South Korean president Moon Jae-in at the White House later this month, without giving further explanation. Bolton met his South Korean counterpart Chung Eui-yong in Washington late last week to discuss plans for both locations, according to local media reports. A similar report on the weekend from South Korea's Yonhap news agency also said Singapore was firming as the favoured location for the summit. Trump had previously suggested that the demilitarised zone between the two Koreas -- the site of a recent summit between Kim and Moon -- could also be an appropriate venue for his meeting with the North's leader. Other possible sites reportedly included Mongolia and Switzerland. Preparations for the landmark meeting have gained momentum since the Korean summit late last month, which saw Pyongyang and Seoul promise to pursue the complete denuclearisation of the peninsula and a formal peace treaty to end the 1950-53 Korean War. North Korea has offered to close its nuclear test site this month -- and invited US experts to verify the move. Other less dramatic but notable signs of rapprochement have emerged almost daily, including North Korea moving its clocks forward by 30 minutes early Saturday to match time with the South. Recently, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) voiced a shocking forecast for Ukraine - according to its data, our country can soon lose up to 70% of the crop due to increasingly frequent droughts. 112.ua talked with experts of the FAO and the head of agrometeorology department of the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center Tetiana Adamenko to find out what unpleasant surprises are to be expected, and also what can be done to avoid them Read original article at 112.ua Frosts in summer and thaw in winter The most damaging for agriculture are the shock changes that occur due to global warming, said 112.ua coordinator of development programs of the FAO in Ukraine Mykhailo Malkov: "Look what happens, a month ago it was snowing, and then literally in a week we received plus 20 degrees. Significant areas of the fields were covered by cracks, which occurs when there is a strong temperature fluctuation, and the cracks create considerable difficulties in carrying out fieldwork. " We observed shocking phenomena in September last year when the temperature rose to 35 degrees. The extremal temperatures corresponded to the July indicators. Also, we remember last year's frosts in April and May, when fruit trees were already in full bloom. Then Ukraine lost a significant part of the harvest of fruit trees, berries, and vegetables, adds Adamenko. "We entered a period when we will no longer suffer from global warming, but from climate variability (sharp changes - heat, frosts), which is its direct consequence," she says. As is known, the terms of sowing work were reduced this year because of the fact that in March the fields were still covered with snow. "Due to the short seeding time, some regions were forced to adjust the area of spring barley planting, the end of March and the beginning of April is considered optimal for its sowing. In the current situation, when the fields were still in snow and the sowing time was shifted, it was clear, that the period of the vegetation of barley may decrease, and this will, of course, lead to a sharp reduction in the yield indicators," noted Adamenko. Agriculture will require more water At the current rate of increase in the average annual temperature, the efficiency of precipitation will decrease. Within next 10 years, Ukraine may face the phenomenon of increasing aridity. "We are still observing this, but while this is a phenomenon of increasing droughts, and in 10-15 years we can face the problem - in the south of Ukraine rainfed agriculture will be impossible at all because of insufficient moisture in the soil," predicts Adamenko. According to her, there is also a threat of the transition of the forest-steppe zone, which is a zone of unstable moisture supply, into the steppe zone. In general, 70% of the territory of Ukraine can become a zone of insufficient moisture supply in a particular period of the year. At the forefront of this situation will be the problem of the need to provide irrigation. Droughts will also be observed in areas for which they were not essential. "We already observed this in 2010, in 2015, when the drought in the second half of the summer was observed on the territory of Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, Volyn regions, which has never happened before." Another thing is that, fortunately, it happened in the second half of summer, when the harvest of early grain crops was already formed and the losses were not large and affected only late crops, "said Adamenko. The invasion of beetles and the threat to forests As a result of global warming, the number of generations of forest pests increases. "If earlier some types of insects harmed the forests during the life of 1-2 generations, now they are doing it for 3-4. Plus they are spreading very actively. According to some forecasts, Ukraine may lose its pine forests in the foreseeable future", says the leading expert of the FAO on climate change Tamara Kutonova. The foresters from the Zhytomyr region addressed us, they are concerned with such a problem as the bark beetle, the beetle literally destroys their plantations. In the Zhytomyr region, the development of spring processes is now happening an average of one month earlier than 30 years ago. These beetles begin their activity a month earlier. And, naturally, with such a warm September, as it often happens in recent years, they, starting from the middle of March and before freezing, manage to multiply," adds Adamenko. According to her, the same situation is observed with other pests, in particular, ticks and Colorado beetle, which now hibernates at a shallower depth. This means that they can rise from the soil to the surface much faster than before. FAO ascertains and forecasts an increase in demand for plant protection products. Due to climate change, forests are also more likely to suffer from wind and fires. Disappearance of rivers and weed fish Despite the temperature increase, the average annual flow of the main Ukrainian rivers - Dnipro, Dnister, Siversky Donets, Pivdennyi Bug - remains unchanged, says Kutonova: "However, the frequency and strength of floods and low water levels increases." Also a very serious issue, according to the expert, is that as a result of global warming a number of small rivers may disappear. "During the droughts of the previous years, we observed that many small rivers disappeared, they had neither rain nor groundwater, which is a big problem, because small rivers for large rivers are as important as capillaries for the blood supply of the entire body. The negligent attitude of some agrarians to small rivers and ponds may lead to a decrease in the number of rivers in Ukraine," she said. What can help? Climate change, which we are now observing, is largely anthropogenic - only up to 30% are associated with natural changes, 70% are dependent on human activity, says Mykhailo Malkov. According to him, agriculture also contributes to climate change due to the fact that emissions of greenhouse gases occur. In the total volume of emissions for agriculture, Ukraine accounts for 14%. "If we talk about forests, they have a unique property, they are sinks of greenhouse gases, but aging, degrading forests produce quite a lot of greenhouse gases themselves. The same is true for soils, if they are properly looked after, they absorb greenhouse gases, with incorrect management, on the contrary, they emit greenhouse gases, "adds Kutonova. "Climate change is one of the most important factors for the FAO due to the fact that this phenomenon has a direct impact on the sustainable management of agriculture and provision of food for the planet's inhabitants," Malkov said. For Ukraine, the FAO developed a draft strategy on climate change for agriculture, forestry, and fisheries until 2030. One of the components of this document, which goes as an annex, is the program for implementing this strategy until 2023. "The document is ready, now it is at the stage of the agreement; it contains an updated risk assessment. We also made expert assessments of risks and vulnerabilities for crop production, livestock, fisheries, forestry, and we analyzed the spread of diseases due to climate change for all these four main sub-sectors of the Ukrainian economy, conducted a study of small farms in the context of climate change and prepared recommendations for them mainly on adaptation to such changes. We worked out recommendations on how to carry out activities to adapt to climate change and reduce emissions, "said Kutonova. One of the proposals of the FAO is to make changes in the logic of state support for farmers. "We suggest that the state add certain factors to the mechanism of support in order not to allow agro-producers destroying natural resources to receive subsidies on an equal basis with those who keep agriculture efficiently and carefully. If a person uses bad agrochemistry, does not implement resource-saving technologies, does not observe crop rotation, he should not be stimulated by state support," Malkov said. Ihor Movenko has been sentenced by a court in Russian-occupied Sevastopol to two years in a minimum security prison for a comment on the VKontakte social network. The comments were only noticed and a criminal prosecution for so-called public calls to extremism launched after Movenko demanded an investigation into the brutal and unprovoked attack by a police officer that had left him hospitalized. The ruling on May 4 is even more disturbing in that the prosecutor had asked for a suspended sentence, whereas judge Pavel Kryllo from the Gagarin District Court in Sevastopol passed a real 2-year sentence, albeit in a settlement prison colony (where the conditions are much less harsh). Movenko was taken into custody in the courtroom. The prosecution was supposedly over a comment the 40-year-old Ukrainian made on the VKontakte group Crimea is Ukraine back in the summer of 2016. The comment, about what should happen to traitors, after Russias occupation of Crimea ends, was strong, but rather an expression of black humor, Movenko had explained in court. The post was clearly a pretext which the occupation authorities decided to use over a year later, on 27 October 2017. Movenko was stopped from deleting this alleged call to extremism, as had earlier been Rafis Kashapov, the Russian Tatar activist jailed for 3 years for criticizing Russias invasion of Crimea. In both cases, the motive may well be to send a warning to others of how chillingly little can get you a prison sentence. Movenko was attacked on 7 September 2016, after he stopped to get money out of an ATM and then returned to his bike, which had two Ukrainian stickers on it. One was Ukraines Trident, and the other was the Azov Battalion sign which is now on Russias huge list of banned organizations. The man who brutally assaulted him claimed to be from the police, though he did not show any ID. The Crimean Human Rights Group later, in fact, identified him as Volodymyr Sukhodolsky, who had served in a Berkut special force unit before becoming a turncoat in 2014. He is now working for the Russian police. This was an unmotivated attack, which left Movenko needing to be hospitalized. The doctors found an open head injury, concussion, a skull fracture, a broken jaw, broken nose, eye injury and more. It was quite evident that he had been attacked, yet it was Movenko who had his hands bound after the police appeared. It was clear from the surreal video here, that the police who arrived were on the best of terms with the assailant. The officers even tried to stop Valentina Movenko, who had come as soon as somebody phoned her, from giving her husband some water as he lay on the ground, handcuffed and in obvious need of medical treatment. In the beginning, the occupation authorities made it clear that Movenko would be facing administrative charges for alleged extremism over the Azov sticker. They did, however, claim that criminal proceedings would be initiated against his assailant. There is no evidence that a criminal investigation was ever launched over the attack, though Movenko himself ended up fined two thousand roubles for the sticker. He continued to insist that there should be an investigation into the assault. This resulted only in his being taken by police from work on December 16, 2016, beaten up and threatened, before having a search carried out of his home. He called the FSB detention that day a special operation, with the FSB officers stopping him on his way to work. They began beating him and threatening to take him to a forest, strip him naked and leave him there. They then took him to his work and told him not to speak with anybody while they took his computer away. When he tried to say something, they dragged him into the corner and inflicted several blows. They then went to his home. His wife says that she was prevented from using a telephone to call a lawyer. During the court hearing on January 31, 2018, one of the official witnesses of this search, whom the FSB almost certainly (and illegally) brought with them, was questioned. He confirmed that during the search Movenko had been held, with his hands in handcuffs behind his back, and had not been allowed to contact a lawyer. None of these infringements were investigated either. The message in this case could not be clearer. Read the original text at Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group. European Union bureaucrats have come up with an ingenious mechanism for getting maverick governments, mostly in Eastern Europe, into line. The EU wants the power to cut off funding to countries it sees as weakening the rule of law. At the same time, if the bureaucrats get their way, the affected governments would be forced to provide financing for the programs the EU is no longer funding. This proposal was put forward by the European Commission on Tuesday, along with the draft EU budget for 2021 through 2027. The Commission proposes to set the budget at 1.1 percent of the EUs gross national income, or about 1.1 trillion euros ($1.3 trillion). It is also meant to make it more difficult for nationalist governments to use the unions money to garner voter loyalty. The plan cuts the biggest outlays -- support for agriculture and economic cohesion -- by about 5 percent each, compared with the previous seven-year budget. It also reorients cohesion funds toward international education and reform. These are, to put it mildly, not priorities for nationalists such as those in power in Hungary and Poland. The difficulty of punishing illiberal governments many see as rejecting EU values is that they stick up for one another. Stripping an EU member state of its vote is close to impossible, as it requires unanimous support from the other members heads of government at the end of a long procedure. EU budgets must also be approved by national leaders unanimously. So autocrats such as Hungarys prime minister, Viktor Orban, and Polands behind-the-scenes ruler, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, feel relatively secure that their countries will remain the biggest net recipients of EU funds even though they are challenging the orthodoxy on common values by, for example, rejecting any attempt to make them accept more refugees. The proposed regulation to make financial punishment possible bypasses this obstacle. It would require majority approval in the European Parliament and a qualified majority in the European Council, which consists of national leaders: The support of 55 percent of the member states representing 65 percent of the EUs population. The maverick countries dont have the votes to defeat the proposal without help. Ostensibly, the goal of the punitive mechanism is to ensure EU funds arent stolen. That, the logic goes, is easy in a country with a weakened rule of law. And theres evidence that a significant portion of the money does get stolen. The Government Transparency Institute, a Budapest-based think tank, calculated in 2015 that EU funds increase corruption risks across Europe by 3 percent to 20 percent, depending on the measure. A company once run by Orbans son-in-law, Istvan Tiborcz, has been accused of profiting improperly from EU-funded contracts to install street lamps in Hungarian towns. The EUs anti-fraud office has found irregularities in the use of subsidies for a farm owned by the Czech prime minister, Andrej Babis. The EU has stopped payments on specific projects in several countries after finding evidence of corruption. But the new proposal would create a blunter instrument for wholesale budget cuts. If the European Commission finds that a country doesnt distribute EU funds properly or lacks a sufficiently independent judicial system to deal with fraud cases, it can move to curtail funding. A qualified majority of national leaders would need to vote against such a step to prevent it. This would pretty much give the Commission the right to decide who should and shouldnt receive EU funds without violating existing rules, which entitle countries with per capita economic output below the blocs average to cohesion assistance. But the nationalists wont be able to blame if the EU funding lapses: The proposed regulation would require them to pick up the bill for the EU-funded programs. That would mean they pay twice for their idea of sovereignty and their increased political control over judiciaries. The Cohesion and Values section of the budget was clearly written with a view to cutting the resources at the disposal of Eastern European nationalists. It doubles allocations to the Erasmus student exchange program, creates a special fund to promote EU values and combat extremism, radicalism and divisions and a 25 billion euro reform support program that is unlikely to fund non-mainstream economic policy experiments in Poland and Hungary. None of this augurs well for the nationalists in these countries, who have counted on EU funds to continue fueling faster-than-average economic growth. They can hope, however, that the Commissions proposal will lead to a broad backlash. Some Western European leaders are already concerned that the planned spending in the budget doesnt shrink despite the departure of the U.K., a net contributor of funds. Lars Lokke Rasmussen, the Danish prime minister, tweeted: The @EU_Commission just presented an #EUbudget the size of 28 Member States. But we are only 27 Member States to finance it. A smaller EU should mean a smaller budget! #dkpol #eudk #mff #EUbudget Lars Lkke Rasmussen (@larsloekke) May 2, 2018 Fiscally conservative governments in northern European countries, such as the Netherlands (whose Prime Minister Mark Rutte has already called the draft budget unacceptable) and Finland, will also be concerned about potentially higher contributions to the EU. And its likely that southern European countries, which are potential funding recipients along with the East Europeans, will object to letting the Commission grab so much power to tighten purse strings. In parts of southern Europe, politicians are already objecting to cuts to cohesion funds. They will disproportionally hit the poorest areas in Italy, Laura Agea, a member of the European Parliament for Italys Five Stars party, said Wednesday. Frances agriculture minister, Stephane Travert, vowed to defend the agricultural subsidies. A long, highly contentious approval process lies ahead. Thats good for the likes of Orban and Kaczynski: There will be situational alliances to form and time to defang the most punitive of the Commissions proposals. In the end, however, Eastern Europeans will probably end up with less cash than before. Read the original text on Bloomberg website. Open source UEFA Champions League is going to take place in Kyiv, Ukraine starting on May 26. Over 50,000 fans expected to come for UEFA 2018 finals in Kyiv. There are several ways to write the name of the Ukrainian capital: Kiev, Kyiv, Kiew, Kijow or who knows how many more variants exist. But what is the correct version? We tried to analyse it in this article. Kyiv The regulation of Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers of January 21, 2010 establishes the rules of transliteration of Ukrainian alphabet to Latin letters. So, lets see. Ukrainian is a state language of Ukraine, as it is stated in the Constitution of the country (art. 10). That means that the names must be transliterated to Latin from Ukrainian language version. In Ukrainian, the capitals name is . Using the transliteration rules, it will be: k (Ukrainian) = K k (Latin) = Y y = Yi (at the beginning of the word) and i in other places. = V v So, based on the Ukrainian laws, the official and correct way to write the name of Ukraines capital is Kyiv. The city's name is said to derive from the name of Kyi, one of its four legendary founders. Who knows about this and uses this variant? The White House of the United States seems to know that. US Board on Geographic Names has approved the spelling and UK Foreign Office is using it as well. Kiev This is the variant proposed by the Wikipedia on its English page informing about the capital of Ukraine. This way of writing is a result of transliteration from the Russian language. As you might already know, a lot of Ukrainians are speaking Russian language which is the result of Ukraine being under Russias rule for a long time. During this time, the Ukrainian language was banned numerous times and Ukrainian speakers were sometimes punished for using their native language. After the Holodomor of 1932-1933, when Russia killed by hunger (as suggests the name) from up to 10 million Ukrainians, it also conducted policy of moving Russians to the east of the country, Donbas region. So there is no surprise Kiev name became so widely used. A lot of well-known media agencies still use Kiev in their articles, arguing that this is an English transliteration and has nothing to do with Russian one and stressing that no one will recognize Kyiv and thus the audience will not come to the page. Just like Munchen is called Munich, Kyiv should be Kiev. The Business Insider though expressed hope that Kyiv still has a hope, giving as an example how the rude variant the Ukraine was replaced with Ukraine with time. But lets not forget that Germany is not at the moment invaded by Russia and is not going through the period of self-identification. Comparing these two countries and situations seem a little bit irrelevant. The war is happening in Ukraine and people are dying. And standing for your countries traditions and language could be important for uplifting the spirit of people fighting for peace and democracy in Ukraine. And while the news agencies dont want to lose money because of now uncommon Kyiv and the logic of selling an article is understandable. At the same time, no matter what the logic is, for Ukrainian Kiev still sounds like Russian word. Who is using this version? The Associated Press, Reuters, the BBC, The New York Times, and many others, all use the "Russian" spelling. Such things are changed by the efforts of people. If the Ukraine naming has gradually stopped being used when the country gained independence, this time, when Ukraine is going through the period of self-identification, Kyiv should have its chances as well. Kiew may refer to the German or archaic English variant spelling of Kiev. Kijow is the Polish way of writing the name of Ukraines capital. Over the last 24 hours, pro-Kremlin mercenaries attacked Ukrainian positions in Donbas 80 times. One solider of the government forces deceased, anotehr four sustained injuries. The Joint Forces Operation HQ reported that on Facebook on Monday morning. The enemy widely used artillery and opened fire from tanks twice. A skirmish occurred on an undislosed location on the division line, with the patrol unit of Ukrainian troops getting ambushed at first; however, when the reinforcements arrived, the Ukrainian soldiers repelled the enemy, killing three hostile fighters. The most intense combat activity was observed in Krymske, Novotoshkivske, Luhanske, Pisky, Troitske and Shyrokyne. Zaitseve and Mykilske came under artillery fire, as the militants opened fire from 152 and 122 mm cannons. The Court granted Donetsk Prosecutors Office request and arrested a 35-years-old resident of Donetsk region to 60-days custody as he is suspected of the commission of a crime provided in the article of Ukraines Criminal Code on participation in a terrorist organization. The suspect has been convicted for intentional homicide and robbery before. This was reported on the Facebook page of the press office of the Prosecutors office. It was noted that the man out of ideological beliefs joined the ranks of the DNR (Donetsk Peoples Republic) in 2016, where he was enlisted in the 3rd motor rifle battalion of the 7th separate motor rifle brigade of the DNR Defence Ministry as anti-tank missile operator. The suspect took part in an armed resistance, occupation of villages, buildings and other objects on the territory of Donetsk region; he set checkpoints and settled firing positions for militants. The pre-trial investigation conducted by the SBU under the Prosecutors Office procedural control is underway. Earlier, the accomplice of the terrorists was detained during the events of a counter-terror nature on the demarcation line in Bakhmut district of Donetsk region. When detained, the man was wearing a military uniform of a Russian sample and a bulletproof vest produced in Russia. The Joint Force Operation claimed that enemy will provoke the situation at the territory where the peaceful life takes place and at the contact line Open source The Command of Joint Force Operation prepares to respond to the possible provocations of the pro-Russian militants on May 9. Interfax-Ukraine reported this citing Valery Zalyzhny, the First Deputy Commander of Joint Force Operation. May 9 is a date when an enemy will try to use all present forces and means to provoke the situation both at the territory where the peaceful life continues and the contact line, he claimed. He also emphasized that the Joint Force Operation is ready for any development of the situation and will not allow the commitment of the planned actions. As we reported the SBU in Chernihiv found the organizer of provocations ordered by Russias special services and aimed to incite the interethnic hostility. As we reported, on April 30, the Anti-Terrorist Operation is officially replaced by the Joint Force Operation (JFO) in Donbas. The change of the format is defined in the law 'On Donbas reintegration'. On April 13, Petro Poroshenko, the President of Ukraine claimed that the Anti-terrorist operation in the East of Ukraine is to be renamed in the Joint Forces Operation since April 30, 2018. As it was reported earlier, Poroshenko appointed Serhiy Nayev the Joint Force Commander. An 'Immortal Regiment' rally, timed to the anniversary of the end of the WWII in Europe took place in many cities across the planet. One of them occurred in Lisbon, which currently hosts Eurovision 2018. Pavlo Sadokha, the head of the Union of Ukrainians in Portugal said that in his interview with 112 Ukraine TV channel. 'Among the various symbols, the activists used there were flags of Donetsk and Luhansk 'people's republics' and other kinds of anti-Ukrainian symbols. We asked those holding Ukrainian, Moldovan and Georgian flags if they actually were citizens of respective countries. They said they were not; a man who carried the Georgian flag said he was Belarusian, and that was all he could say', Sadokha told the TV channel. Russia's performer at Eurovision 2018, Yulia Samoylova, was spotted among the protesters, holding her country's flag. The event was organized and probably sponsored by the Russian embassy and some local leftist circles, the Ukrainian activist added. 'They say there are Ukrainians among them, too, so they come to such events saying they have the right to carry the Ukrainian flags', Sadokha continued. According to the official, there were some 300 people participating in the rally in Lisbon. 'One of them said that a 'Slavic' organization, as they call themselves, organized a tour for them, which ended up as a rally in Lisbon. We cannot claim that the event was sponsored by Russia; however, most of these people came here as trourists', Pavlo Sadokha concluded. Open source Borut Pahor, the President of Slovenia will pay a working visit to Ukraine on May 11 at the invitation of Petro Poroshenko as the presidential press service reported. The leaders of two states will discuss the joint efforts that aim to confront Russias aggression and exchange the opinions on the wide range of the current issues of the bilateral and international cooperation, including the support of further European and Euroatlantic integration of Ukraine by Slovenia, the message said. Also, it is planned to sign a number of bilateral documents. It is noted that Pahors visit to Ukraine will become the first after his reelection at the post of Slovenian president. Last time Pahor visited Ukraine during his first presidential term in February 2017. Then Poroshenko discussed the issues of the fulfillment of the Minsk Agreements and maintain the sanctions against Russia with Pahor. They want to figure out whether the Russians are satisfied with the current authority The Information-Psychological Operations Center of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine has announced a tender in the sum of $60, 000 for the holding of the social survey of the citizens of Russias Southern Federal District and annexed Crimea within the research Sociocultural segmentation of Southern Federal District population of Russia as Prozorro reported. The military unit represented by Volodymyr Zhyvolup, the acting commander ordered a survey of the Russians public opinion in the guise of the complex social survey. The implementation date of the services is from June 1 until December 31, 2018, and the estimated cost is about $60, 000. It is mentioned that the social survey should include the holding of at least 20 focus group discussions and 2, 000 face-to-face interviews at the respondent's home. The study topic is the potential of the activity of the citizens of Russias southern regions and the level of their influence on the social and political situation in the region. The research will be held in Adygea, the Republic of Kalmykia, Krasnodar Krai, Rostov Oblast and annexed Crimea. It is planned to ask the citizens of four Russian regions and occupied Crimea whether they are satisfied with the current authority. Also, they will be asked whether they are satisfied with the work of the civil and administration systems in the region and specify such data as income, gender, age, education, nationality, profession, marital status, status and other. Earlier U.S. Pew Research Center published the results of the survey held among the citizens of 40 countries that aimed the attitude to the Russian Federation and its president Vladimir Putin. A woman tried to move the kid across the border, using a fake warrant issued by 'parents' Servicemen of Ukraine's State Border Guard prevented the case of illegal movement of a child over the border to Romania. The agency's press department reported this on late Sunday. 'A Ukrainian citizen and a child (b.2009) reached Porubne checkpoint on the border with Romania. The woman who acted as an attendant, showed the border guards a faked warrant allegedly 'issued by parents' and issued by Ukraine's Consulate General in Milan'. the message said. The woman and the child were handed over to the police; a criminal case on faking and using the fake documents was opened. More news from Ukraine at 112.international. He was released due to the absence of the proper documents from Ukraine The law enforcers of Azerbaijan have released Magomed-Amin Saitov suspected in the beating of Mustafa Nayem, the MP of the Ukrainian parliament in Kyivs downtown. Advocate Oleh Ishchenko claimed this to Ukrainian News. According to him, Saitov was released soon after the detention on May 5. He was released due to the absence of the proper documents from Ukraine. However, he was deprived of the passport, the advocate said. Ishchenko confirmed that Saitov was detained in Baku at the airport after his return in Ukraine. We wanted him to come but now it will be very difficult for him to leave Azerbaijan until the finish of the extradition. In fact, the Ukrainian law enforcers hindered to speed up his return, the advocate added. The press service of Shevchenkinsky court reported that the appeal to assume the restrictive measure in the form of the arrest against fourth suspect Magomed-Amin Saitov was filed to the court. According to the result of the consideration of this appeal, investigating judge made a decision that Saitov should be arrested without a right for a bail until July 1, 2018. The court also made a decision to bring Saitov in Shevchenkinsky court for the consideration of the changing of the restrictive measure in the form of the arrest for a lighter restrictive measure in 48 hours after his arrival. As it was reported earlier, a people's deputy Mustafa Nayem was beaten in the area of Bessarabska Square in Kyiv on April 30. He himself informed about the incident and stressed that the incident is not connected with his political activities. One of the participants in the beating of the People's Deputy Mustafa Nayem on Bessarabska Square, wanted by the police, flew to Baku (Azerbaijan) 2 hours after the incident. It was reported that he was the one who broke the jaw of the deputy. The three detainees were charged under Art. 296 Part 2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, the sanction of which provides for up to 4 years of imprisonment, which is a more severe punishment than that of Article 122 Part 1. The law enforcers detained a 29-years-old man suspected of beating of Ukraines MP Mustafa Nayem on May 5. The police provided security for Ukraines MP Mustafa Nayem, as Sergei Knyazev, the Head of Ukraines National Police, said at the briefing, broadcasted by 112 Ukraine. Within the criminal proceeding the police officers provided citizen Mustafa Nayem with physical security for the period we consider necessary, Knyazev said. As it was reported earlier, a people's deputy Mustafa Nayem was beaten in the area of Bessarabska Square in Kyiv on April 30. He himself informed about the incident and stressed that the incident is not connected with his political activities. One of the participants in the beating of the People's Deputy Mustafa Nayem on Bessarabska Square, wanted by the police, flew to Baku (Azerbaijan) 2 hours after the incident. It was reported that he was the one who broke the jaw of the deputy. Related: Video of Ukrainian MP Mustafa Nayem attacked in Kyiv hits the net The three detainees were charged under Art. 296 Part 2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, the sanction of which provides for up to 4 years of imprisonment, which is a more severe punishment than that of Article 122 Part 1. The Investigation Department of Kyiv National Police will conduct further pretrial investigation. Kyiv Prosecutors Office took this criminal proceeding under its procedural control All the initial and procedural actions are finished within the criminal proceeding concerning beating of Ukraines MP Mustafa Nayem, as Kyiv Prosecutors Office reports. The Investigation Department of Kyiv National Police will conduct a further pretrial investigation. Kyiv Prosecutors Office took this criminal proceeding under its procedural control. Besides, Kyiv Prosecutors Office prepares a request on extradition of a suspected of causing bodily harm to Ukraines MP from Azerbaijan to Ukraine. As it was reported earlier, a people's deputy Mustafa Nayem was beaten up in the area of Bessarabska Square in Kyiv on April 30. He himself informed about the incident and stressed that the incident is not connected with his political activities. One of the participants in the beating of the People's Deputy Mustafa Nayem on Bessarabska Square, wanted by the police, flew to Baku (Azerbaijan) 2 hours after the incident. It was reported that he was the one who broke the jaw of the deputy. The three detainees were charged under Art. 296 Part 2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, the sanction of which provides for up to 4 years of imprisonment, which is a more severe punishment than that of Article 122 Part 1. The Criminal Code provides liability in the form of two years imprisonment for using fake documents when crossing the border Open source Over the past weekend, three Ukrainian citizens tried to leave Belarus in Machro checkpoint with fake Green Card Liability Insurances for Motor Vehicles, as the press office of the States Border Committee of Belarus reports. The first of the three detained was a 29-years-old resident of Zakarpattia region. The man submitted his documents for border control in the early morning on May 4. Within the control procedure, the inspector had suspicions concerning the validity of the insurance for the car. The check demonstrated that the Green Card is fake, the message says. It was also noted that two similar cases happened on May 6. All of the foreigners attempts to leave Belarus without any insurance ended with detentions. The Ukrainian citizens have been subjected to administrative liability on the article of Belarusian Code on Administrative Offences (participation in road traffic of a vehicle outside of Belarus without the agreement on the compulsory insurance of the civil liability of vehicle owners). The Criminal Code provides liability in the form of two years imprisonment for using fake documents when crossing the border. Earlier, Belarusian border guards detained Ukrainian citizen for violating rules of stay in Belarus. It was a 37-years-old resident of Chernivtsi region. As at May 7, the situation in Balakliya, Kharkiv region is controlled and the territory is inspected by the foot patrols as Ukraines Emergency Service reported. As at 7 a.m., May 7, the situation is controlled. The foot patrols hold the inspection of the territory. Totally, 43 people and 10 equipments units, including 6 personnel of Emergency Service and 2 equipments units involved in the elimination of the consequences, the message said. As we reported the fire occurred at the armament depot in Balakliya, Kharkiv region on May 3. According to the Defense Ministry, the fire tank ran over some explosive device during the execution of the technical works. According to the press service of the General Staff of Ukraine, the dry grass caught fire at 13:55 at the former technical territory of the 65th arsenal in Balakliya. The works on the cleaning and demining of the armaments' debris that did not explode during the previous fire took place and the new fire has begun. As at 19:30 on May 3, the firemen succeeded to localize the fire. The police investigates the incident due to the negligence to the military service. As 112 International reported, a series of powerful blasts took place at an ammunition storage facility in Kharkiv region on late March 23. The incident occurred near the town of Balakliya. Many of the locals were evacuated from the town and its vicinities. The fire caused by the blasts was finally extinguished the day after that, by the evening of March 24. Numerous casualties and even a fatality were reported. The meeting of Petro Poroshenko, the President of Ukraine, Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany and Emmanuel Macron, the President of France during the visit to Germany was confirmed by the presidential administration. The trilateral negotiations with Federal Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron are planned within the program of the stay as well as the meeting with President of the European Council Donald Tusk, the message said. The president of Ukraine will also participate in the events within the annual Charlemagne Prize award ceremony; the award will go to French President Emmanuel Macron. As we reported earlier the trilateral meeting of Ukrainian, German and French leaders will take place in Aachen (Germany) on May 10. A source at Ukraine's presidential administration said that. Also, Merkel has announced earlier that the negotiations of the leaders of Ukraine, Germany and France that should take place in Aachen in May 2018. She also emphasized that the meeting will take place not in Normandy Forma as Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be in Aachen. The agriculture sector developed in the Soviet Union, being a leader in the sunflower export, cannot be developed properly and stop corruption Open source A moratorium on the sale of agricultural lands costs Ukraines economics millions of dollars, as Satu Kahkonen, the World Bank Country Director for Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine, in the interview for Bloomberg, as Epravda reports. The unconditional advantages of Ukraines economics are not implemented due to the moratorium. The agriculture sector developed in the Soviet Union, being a leader in the sunflower export, cannot be developed properly and stop corruption, she said. Kahkonen stated that 6,9 million landowners every 6th Ukrainian have the lowest salary in Europe for leasing their lands when the quality of agricultural soil in Ukraine is one of the best in the world. She also supposed that the authority avoids the cancellation of the moratorium due to the concerns to lose voters before the elections in 2019. The general view on this question has not been settled in Ukraine. Besides, several civil servants and businessmen organized lobby as the moratorium allows them to create opaque schemes of using agricultural lands. Politicians consider the idea of a moratorium on farmers security as a tool to get electoral dividends, said Maksym Martyniuk, Deputy Minister of Agricultural Policy. According to the predictions of the World Bank, the prices on land sale in Ukraine can rise to $3-3,5 thousand per hectare, while now the price is $1-1,5 thousand. As it was reported earlier, the Verkhovna Rada prolonged the moratorium on lands sale for a year by the voting on December 7, 2017. The representatives of Ukraines Voters Committee stated that Self Reliance (Ukraine's political party) has nothing to do with the food handouts during the elections to the united territorial communities on April 29 Open source Ukraines Voters Committee denies the information that the candidates from Self Reliance (political party in Ukraine, - ed.) bribed the voters during the elections to the united territorial communities. The relevant statement was made public on the Facebook page of the organization. Within the investigation, Ukraines Voters Committee determined that the food handouts in Zastavna territorial community, Chernivtsi region, is not connected with Self Reliance party. It was determined that the individuals involved in the food handouts are not related to the candidates of Self Reliance party. The opponent political force spread this information. It should be noted that during the elections to the united territorial communities starting from October 2015 Ukraines Voters Committee did not record any other cases of bribery related to this political party, the message says. At the same time, the relevant photo and video material, which were made public by the local mass media, and opened criminal cases confirm the cases of bribery performed by other political parties at the elections on April 29. Police opened 19 criminal cases in total, around half of them concern vote-buying. As it was reported earlier, the elections in 40 united territorial communities were held on April 29 first-ever. Petro Poroshenko Bloc "Solidarity" informed about victory in 26 joint territorial communities out of 40. Besides, they have stated that the activity of voters in elections and voting for the representatives of the presidential political party demonstrates the support of the decentralization reform. Olexy Koshel, the Head of Ukraines Voters Committee, called the elections to the united territorial communities on April 29 the dirtiest campaign of 2015. According to him, at least 25 cases of bribery were recorded during the elections, but actually, the number could be higher. After a while, the police informed about 19 opened criminal proceedings due to the violations in the elections. Most of such cases were recorded in Odesa and Dnipro regions, five cases per each. SBU determined the identities of Oleh Demyanenko, lieutenant colonel of Russian Armed Forces, who is responsible for the training of the so-called company task group Karpaty, which mostly consisted of Ukrainian citizens members of the armed gangs in Donbas Open source SBU determined the identities of 26 Russian officers who were seconded as drill instructors in Wagner Group (Russian paramilitary organization), as Vasyl Hrytsak, SBU Chairman, said at the briefing, the press office of the service reports. According to him, Russian career military servicemen conducted tactical, firearms, engineering and artillery training, tank crews training, infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers and air defence. We determined the identities of Oleh Demyanenko, lieutenant colonel of Russian Armed Forces, who is responsible for the training of the so-called company task group Karpaty, which mostly consisted of Ukrainian citizens members of the armed gangs in Donbas, SBU Head stressed. According to him, this group was created to conduct intelligence and terrorist activities in Ukraine. SBU determined all the members of Karpaty group 56 people. Their personal data in to be made public soon. According to Hrytsak,the leadership of Wagner Group and the instructors mentioned above were invited to the military parade on May 9, dedicated to Victory Day. I am convinced that this is aimed to boost the morale of the mercenaries after multiple losses they have sustained in Syria at the beginning of this year, Hrytsak stressed. Earlier, SBU determined that Russian career military servicemen were involved in the attack in Mariupol in 2015. The International Research Group Bellingcat made public data on people involved in attack at peaceful districts on Mariupol on January 24, 2015, when at least 30 people died and dozens were injured. A meditation and sharing support group focused on the practice of Buddhist teachings and the 12 steps of recovery while integrating the Dharma and the basic goodness of meditation. The Heart of Recovery is a meditation and sharing support group with the purpose of bringing together the practice of meditation, the Shambhala and Buddhist teachings, and the Twelve Steps of Recovery with the goal of integrating the basic sanity of the Dharma and the basic goodness of meditation with our commitment to abstinence. We welcome all those who wish to share in these common interests. The Heart of Recovery is a meditation and sharing support group with the purpose of bringing together the practice of meditation, the Shambhala and Buddhist teachings, and the Twelve Steps of Recovery with the goal of integrating the basic sanity of the Dharma and the basic goodness of meditation with our commitment to abstinence. We welcome all those who wish to share in these common interests. 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!) The increase of more than 7 cents is the highest jump since March, while the outright price is the highest YEREVAN, MAY 7, ARMENPRESS. The General Department of Civil Aviation (GDCA) of Armenia has carried out a number of works and recorded positive and promising figures over the past two years of its activity, the GDCA told Armenpress. In particular, 12 new airlines entered the Armenian market: Armenia Aircompany, Brussels Airways, Qatar Airways, Wataniya Airways, Germania Fluggesellschaft, Arkia Israeli Airlines, Cham Wings, Air Cairo, Turkmenistan Airlines, Red Wings, Nordwind Airlines, Pobeda 12 new routes were opened: Lyon, Brussels, Doha, Kuwait, Berlin, Prague, Tel Aviv, Damascus, Sharm el Sheikh, Ashgabat, Frankfurt, Astana. 2 airlines returned to the market: Belavia and Czech Airlines. The new routes left their positive impact in the production figures of Armenias airports. In this sense its worth to highlight the figures of Gyumris Shirak airport which was re-launched after a long pause. The number of transit flights through airways of Armenia has also drastically increased. During the reporting period, in addition to the works on expanding the geographical coverage of flights, the General Department has also conducted works aimed at improving the business environment, there has been cooperation with the authorities of partner countries, steps have been taken for training of specialists of the field, as well as creating preconditions for small aviation development. The GDCA revised the current sub-legislative field aimed at facilitating the procedure of granting permissions and reducing the administrative burden for airlines. It also introduced the one window principle. The concept From air routes to free air space has been introduced. Thanks to this concept, the airlines will have a chance to enter Armenias air space from each point and operate the flight by a freely chosen route. The Armenia-EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement has been initialed, and after its signing Armenia will liberalize the market with all EU member states, EU standards will be installed in Armenia by ensuring a predictable business environment for airlines. The draft law on making changes and amendments in the Law on Aviation has been developed. The online system for submitting applications to get permissions for operation of flights will be installed soon which will contribute to reduction of administrative burden and prevention of procedural delays. Thanks to the works carried out, 21 pilots working in foreign airlines have returned to Armenia and work in airlines registered in Armenia. 50 more jobs have been created for stewards. Private pilot trainings have launched in Armenia for the first time. A balloon has been registered in Armenias state register for aircraft for the first time. For the first time flights via helicopters will operate in Armenia. Figures are presented in more details in infographics. English translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, MAY 7, ARMENPRESS. The Yelk faction of the Armenian Parliament will hold substantive discussions on the staff of the next government after the election of the prime minister on May 8, Yelk faction MP Edmon Marukyan told reporters during a press briefing on May 7, reports Armenpress. We had certain discussions in the faction regarding the staff of the future government, but we will have more substantive discussions on that after the election of the prime minister because now its not the time for that, the lawmaker said. Asked whether he sees himself in the staff of the next government, he said: I personally see myself in the Parliament. MP Marukyan also stated that if Nikol Pashinyan is elected as prime minister, the Yelk faction, in fact, becomes a leadership faction and must become the backdrop of Pashinyans government in the Parliament. We must work on the projects, changes and reforms which the government will bring to the Parliament, he said. Marukyan added that the ruling Republican Party (RPA) faction in the Parliament will also approve Nikol Pashinyans program. If they do not approve Pashinyans program, we will again pass the stages of election of prime minister in the Parliament. But what is its meaning? I think there is no meaning on rejecting Pashinyans program. I say this based on the political situation, the lawmaker noted. The second round of the vote for electing a Prime Minister will take place May 8 in the Armenian parliament after lawmakers failed to make the election on May 1. Opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan, head of the Yelk (Exit) faction, was the sole candidate in the election. Pashinyan, the MP who spearheaded massive demonstrations throughout the country for about two weeks, failed to be elected by a 56-45 vote. He needed at least 53 votes to be named Prime Minister. The opposition leader has already been officially nominated as a candidate for the second round. Pashinyan is endorsed by the Tsarukyan and ARF factions, in addition to his own faction Yelk. There are 4 factions in the Armenian parliament. The Republican Party (RPA) faction, the ruling party of Armenia, has 58 seats in the 105-seat unicameral parliament of Armenia known as the National Assembly. The ARF faction (Armenian Revolutionary Federation aka Dashnaktsutyun), has 7 seats. The Tsarukyan faction has 31 seats, and the Yelk faction has 9 seats. According to the Constitution, if a Prime Minister isnt elected in the second round also, the parliament is dissolved by virtue of law. The ruling party said it will not nominate their own candidate for the second round, just like in the first round. However, the RPA said it will not block the election. English translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, MAY 7, ARMENPRESS. The Republican Party of Armenia is committed to its earlier statement and will support with sufficient voted the election of a Prime Minister on May 8, Republican Party (HHK) faction leader Vahram Baghdasaryan told reporters in parliamentary press briefings. We havent had discussions on other developments. We have our decision until May 8 to support the election of Prime Minister, and after this we will discuss the remaining issues, he said. Baghdasaryan clarified that the HHK continues having the same concerns which their lawmakers had voiced during parliamentary debates on May 1. Our main concerns relate to the change of foreign policy vector. These concerns remain, and Nikol Pashinyan is aware about it. However, we, seeing the reality that our citizens who went out to rallies, the initiators of these rallies are adamant in their stances, we made a decision that we will support the candidate of the parliaments 1/3 in the second round. For settling the situation in the country we made a political decision to support in order for a Prime Minister to be elected on May 8 because the most important thing for us is the establishment of stability in our country, he said. The second round of the vote for electing a Prime Minister will take place May 8 in the Armenian parliament after lawmakers failed to make the election on May 1. Opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan, head of the Yelk (Exit) faction, was the sole candidate in the election. Pashinyan, the MP who spearheaded massive demonstrations throughout the country for about two weeks, failed to be elected by a 56-45 vote. He needed at least 53 votes to be named Prime Minister. The opposition leader has already been officially nominated as a candidate for the second round. Pashinyan is endorsed by the Tsarukyan and ARF factions, in addition to his own faction Yelk. There are 4 factions in the Armenian parliament. The Republican Party (HHK) faction, the ruling party of Armenia, has 58 seats in the 105-seat unicameral parliament of Armenia known as the National Assembly. The ARF faction (Armenian Revolutionary Federation aka Dashnaktsutyun), has 7 seats. The Tsarukyan faction has 31 seats, and the Yelk faction has 9 seats. According to the Constitution, if a Prime Minister isnt elected in the second round also, the parliament is dissolved by virtue of law. The ruling party said it will not nominate their own candidate for the second round, just like in the first round. However, the HHK said it will not block the election and will support it. ENGLISH: Editor/Translator - Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, MAY 7, ARMENPRESS. Edmon Marukyan, the opposition lawmaker from the Yelk faction representing Bright Armenia party, assures that there is no discord in their faction. Marukyan told reporters during parliamentary press briefings that an attempt is being made from the very first day of the factions creation to find some kind of disagreements within the faction. I meet Pashinyan every other day, we hug each other upon greeting, if we dont have an issue with each other I think neither should you. And during the movement we have kept in a dignified manner what we had agreed upon. As to what we have agreed, we know it, he said. Speaking on his earlier decision on not joining Pashinyans movement in the early stages, Marukyan said that everyone was guided by their own ideas. In addition, I think it is wrong to present it in a way as if we had left someone alone. We had agreements which we maintained. First of all, the risk of use of violence, if it were to happen we had to stand next to them. There was violence, we were next to them. As a continuation, we visited all detainees and arrested, serious work was done with international structures from the very beginning when our colleagues were arrested. Pashinyan knew at what moment we will be next to him, he said. Marukyan said initially they too didnt believe in the success of the movement. He said they knew each step of Pashinyan, but they didnt know what the government would do. The second round of the vote for electing a Prime Minister will take place May 8 in the Armenian parliament after lawmakers failed to make the election on May 1. Opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan, head of the Yelk (Exit) faction, was the sole candidate in the election. Pashinyan, the MP who spearheaded massive demonstrations throughout the country for about two weeks, failed to be elected by a 56-45 vote. He needed at least 53 votes to be named Prime Minister. The opposition leader has already been officially nominated as a candidate for the second round. Pashinyan is endorsed by the Tsarukyan and ARF factions, in addition to his own faction Yelk. There are 4 factions in the Armenian parliament. The Republican Party (HHK) faction, the ruling party of Armenia, has 58 seats in the 105-seat unicameral parliament of Armenia known as the National Assembly. The ARF faction (Armenian Revolutionary Federation aka Dashnaktsutyun), has 7 seats. The Tsarukyan faction has 31 seats, and the Yelk faction has 9 seats. According to the Constitution, if a Prime Minister isnt elected in the second round also, the parliament is dissolved by virtue of law. The ruling party said it will not nominate their own candidate for the second round, just like in the first round. However, the HHK said it will not block the election and will support it. ENGLISH: Editor/Translator - Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, MAY 7, ARMENPRESS. The session of the Executive Body of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) has kicked off in the partys headquarters, reports Armenpress. The session is chaired by party president Serzh Sargsyan. Members of the Executive Body are discussing issues relating to the May 8 election of Prime Minister. After the session, the RPA parliamentary faction is expected to hold a session. On April 23 Serzh Sargsyan, who was elected Prime Minister by the Parliament on April 17, resigned as widespread protests entered the 11th day. The first round of the election of the Prime Minister was held on May 1. The only nominated candidate for Prime Minister was Yelk faction head Nikol Pashinyan, but he didnt receive enough votes to be elected as PM. The second round of the vote for electing a Prime Minister will take place on May 8 in the Armenian parliament. Nikol Pashinyan has already been officially nominated as a candidate for the second round. Pashinyan is endorsed by the Tsarukyan and ARF factions, in addition to his own faction Yelk. The ruling party said it will not nominate their own candidate for the second round, just like in the first round. However, the RPA said it will not block the election. According to the Constitution, if a Prime Minister isnt elected in the second round also, the parliament is dissolved by virtue of law. English translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, MAY 7, ARMENPRESS. 314 solar power stations with up to 500 kW capacity are connected to the electricity network in Armenia, while 85 other solar power stations are in the stage of connection with a total capacity of 5.2 MW. Hayk Harutyunyan, deputy minister of energy infrastructure and natural resources, briefed on the governments activities of the sector. Harutyunyan mentioned that the electricity market liberalization process began and a local production of solar panels kicked off. 4 systemic solar stations are connected to the network, 7 are in the construction phase with completion planned within this year. The total capacity is 10 MW, he said. Harutyunyan also touched upon the 55MW Masrik 1 solar power station international tender, which was completed with a record low tariff in Europe and the region 4,19 USD. He said that it is planned to make the solar energy share reach at least 10% in the energy sector by 2022. He said the project of the worlds 10th biggest electricity battery station has been launched, with two other major investment programs scheduled to be presented in the wind power sector with nearly 250 MW capacity. A cooperation memorandum is ready to be signed with investors as a result of talks on construction of Karkars geothermal power station. The 76MW Shnogh HPP construction program has begun. According to the deputy minister, the gas and electricity tariffs have been decreased and privileged tariffs have been set for vulnerable families and the industrial reprocessing branch. Nearly 600 families are already using solar energy in non-gasified communities under state funded projects alone, and the project is growing with high phases. ENGLISH: Editor/Translator - Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, MAY 7, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia (CBA) released a statement on cryptocurrencies (for instance, bitcoin, ethereum), stating that regardless of type, prevalence and other characteristics, the transactions with them are highly risky, the CBA told Armenpress. The CBA said they closely follow the developments, analyze the international experience and research in cryptocurrency field. According to the CBA, these transactions are risky as cryptocurrencies are deprived of security and strictly unstable, there are no legally responsible subjects in most of the plans with the use of cryptocurrencies. Moreover, the transactions with cryptocurrencies can sometimes become as part of money laundering and terrorist funding plans, and their return is impossible to ensure. Another reason is that in cases of fraud or distortion of information security, there are no legal mechanisms to ensure protection of legal interests of consumers and compensate for their losses, as a result of which the consumer interests can be violated. Cryptocurrencies may seem attractive at the first glance, but taking into account the fact that in this case the public interests are not protected at all, people, by making investments in cryptocurencies or transactions with them, may face significant financial losses or lose their investment completely due to high fluctuation of cryptocurrency price, hacker attacks and presence of other risks. Several leading international organizations, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, as well as other structures regulating the financial sector also expressed their stance on cryptocurrencies and made several warnings according to which cryptocurrencies were considered as cryptoassets as they do not have all features to be listed among the currencies and to be used as a payment measure, and their use starting from a certain period can also affect the financial stability. The recent statement adopted at the G-20 summit in Argentina on cryptocurrencies is also worth mentioning. The summit participants welcomed the technological innovations, but mentioned several problems in connection with the use of cryptoassets, such as protection of rights and interests of customers and investors, money laundering, terrorism funding. The G-20 called on the international criteria developing organizations to continue monitoring the cryptoassets and risks linked with them within their jurisdictions aimed at giving a proper reaction in case of necessity. Armenias Central Bank remains committed to the stance over cryptoassets which is in line with the approaches of the aforementioned leading financial structures. Based on this the CBA warns about significant risks and urges the public, including the economic entities, to refrain from exchange, sale/purchase of cryptoassets, accepting payments with cryptoassets, making investments with cryptoassets or implementing other transactions. The aforementioned doesnt refer to creation and extraction of cryptoassets the mining, which is out of the CBAs regulation and control powers and is being viewed as an industry of information technologies, the CBA said in a statement. English translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, MAY 7, ARMENPRESS. Andrias Ghukasyan, the public figure and opposition activist who was remanded in custody pending a court verdict on charges of causing riots, has been released on a signature bond. A Yerevan judge overruled the remand verdict based on a motion filed by Ghukasyans attorney. Ghukasyan is accused in organizing riots on July 29, 2016 in Yerevan and attempting to join the gunmen who had captured a police station earlier on July 17, 2016. ENGLISH: Editor/Translator - Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, MAY 7, ARMENPRESS. Acting Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan sent a congratulatory letter to Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on the 73rd anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, the government told Armenpress. The letter says: Dear Mr. Medvedev, Accept my sincere congratulations on this unique holiday for our peoples - the 73rd anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War. This date is always registered in our history. The heroic deed of our fathers and grandfathers, the generation of the winners, had its decisive contribution to liberating the world from fascism. The brotherly friendship of our peoples, which has further strengthened during the brutal years of war, is a firm base for the Armenian-Russian inter-state relations which are steadily developing in the direction of allied mutual partnership for the benefit of future generations. Dear Mr. Medvedev, please convey my deepest words of good health, welfare and gratitude to veterans living in Russia, and my wishes of peace and prosperity to the Russian people. English translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, MAY 7, ARMENPRESS. Exports from Armenia grew by 25.2% in 2017 the highest figure in the last 6 years. ARMENPRESS reports the Ministry of Economic Development and Investments of Armenia has summed up the results of 2017. Export growth amounted to 20.6% in 2016, while in 2015 the index was negative. Relatively high growth was recorded in 2013 - 7.1%. Export of goods and services grew by 19.7% in 2017. Export-GDP ratio in Armenia in 2017 was the highest in the last 18 years 38.1%. As a result, unprecedented growth was recorded 5 percentage points. Export-GDP ratio was the lowest in 2008 15%. In 2017 exports from Armenia amounted to 2 billion and 242.9 million USD, first time crossing the threshold of 2 billion USD. The growth amounted to 451.1 million USD against 2016. ENGLISH: Editor/Translator Tigran Sirekanyan YEREVAN, MAY 7, ARMENPRESS. Former employees of Nairit factory held a protest near the presidential residence on May 7. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian personally talked to them. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Presidents Office, in a warm and sincere conversation the former employees of Nairit presented their concerns, the issues that found no solution for years. The lawyer of the former employees presented the complaints and dissatisfactions over the trials. President Sarkissian attentively listened to them and promised to refer to the issues presented by them in the sidelines of his constitutional powers. ENGLISH: Editor/Translator Tigran Sirekanyan YEREVAN, MAY 7, ARMENPRESS. Armenia is interested in the preservation of the Russian military base in the country, ARMENPRESS reports President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian said in an interview with Echo of Moscow radio station. According to him, the presence of the Russian base in Armenia is necessary for Armenia and the Armenian-Russian relations. The President underlined that the base is necessary for the preservation of the border between Armenia and Turkey. The Armenian army is very identical to the Russian army. Russia supplies Armenia with technical equipment. Armenia and Russia are members of the same security organization, Armen Sarkissian said. According to the President, the future Prime Minister of Armenia must seriously engage in works to ensure the security of borders. Speaking about Nikol Pashinyan, Sarkissian emphasized that his meetings with the latter were very constructive. He is young and talented. He feels and manages the emotions, thoughts and desires of young and non-young people in a genius way. But this is one feature, but time will show what kind of Prime Minister he will be, Sarkissian said. ENGLISH: Editor/Translator Tigran Sirekanyan Afghanistan's air force sprayed an outdoor religious gathering with rockets and heavy machine gun fire last month killing and wounding 107 people, mostly children, a UN report said Monday. The April 2 airstrike struck a ceremony attended by hundreds of men and boys in Dasht-e-Archi district, a Taliban stronghold in the northern province of Kunduz, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said. The government and military have said the Afghan Air Force (AAF) targeted a Taliban base where senior members of the group were planning attacks. But Afghan security sources and witnesses told AFP that AAF helicopters struck a madrasa where a graduation ceremony had been under way. During its weeks-long investigation, UNAMA verified that 36 people were killed -- 30 of them children -- in the attack. Seventy-one people were wounded, including 51 children, it said. However it said the tolls could be higher, adding that it received "credible information" suggesting at least 38 people had been killed and 84 injured. "A key finding of this report is that the government used rockets and heavy machine gun fire on a religious gathering, resulting in high numbers of child casualties," UNAMA said. UNAMA's casualty toll is lower than the original toll of 59 dead and 57 wounded given to AFP by security sources and health officials. Its investigators could not confirm if the casualties were all civilians or whether Taliban leaders had been present at the time of the airstrike. "However, even if the government had a legitimate military target, UNAMA questions the extent to which the government undertook steps and concrete measures to prevent civilian casualties," the report said. The defence ministry, which had initially denied civilians were among the dead and wounded, was not immediately available for comment. It later blamed the Taliban for shooting the civilians. It said 18 Taliban commanders were killed and 12 were wounded in the airstrike. But Naim Mangal, a doctor at the hospital, told AFP at the time that "all the victims" had been "hit by pieces of bomb, shrapnel", not gunshots. Government officials in both Kabul and Kunduz gave conflicting figures, with some denying any civilians had been killed or that a madrassa had been hit. The government has sent two teams to conduct an investigation into the incident but so far neither team has "publicly reported their findings", UNAMA said. While it could not determine if the government had violated international humanitarian law, it called for "further investigation". "The mission urges the government to investigate, fully document and conduct a transparent review of the circumstances that led to this incident and to take immediate steps to ensure accountability for those responsible along the chain of command," the report said. Afghans walk near a religious school as Taliban flags fly after an airstrike in Dasht-e Archi district, Kunduz province, where a UN report says Afghanistan's air force sprayed a religious gathering with rockets and heavy machine gun fire Belgium's five-time former motocross world champion Eric Geboers has drowned after diving into a lake to rescue his dog, Belgian media reported on Monday. The 55-year-old, who became a legend in his sport in the 1980s, jumped off his boat trying to save his pet at around 2000GMT on Sunday at Mol, in the north of Belgium, according to news agency Belga. His body was found on Monday after a search of the area. The mayor of Mol Paul Rotthier described the tragedy as "a dramatic accident". "He ran into problems the minute he jumped into the water," Rotthier told Flemish newspaper De Standaard. "Another person (on board the boat) made an attempt to save him. Then the rescue services were alerted." In the 1980s Geboers was crowned motocross champion in all three categories, 125cc, 250 and 500, earning him the nickname 'Mister 875'. He retired in 1990 at the age of 28 to become manager of the Suzuki motocross team. Police officers search for Eric Geboers at Miramar in Mol on May 7, 2018 The biggest cholera vaccine drive in history is under way in Africa aimed at reining in a spate of outbreaks across the continent, the UN and charity alliance Gavi said Monday. More than two million people will receive the oral cholera vaccine as part of five major campaigns in Malawi, Nigeria, South Sudan, Uganda and Zambia, Gavi said, adding that the campaigns should be complete by mid-June. "This is an unprecedented response to a spike in cholera outbreaks across Africa," Gavi chief Seth Berkley said in a statement. At least 12 regions or countries in sub-Saharan Africa are currently facing cholera outbreaks, according to Gavi and the World Health Organization. According to the UN health agency, cholera infects 1.3 million to four million people every year and kills an estimated 21,000-143,000 -- mainly in poor countries. The ongoing campaigns in Africa are being implemented by the health ministries in the five countries, where thousands of cases of the disease have been reported. The vaccines themselves come from a global stockpile, which has grown substantially in recent years, in step with the recognition of the role the vaccine can play in halting the spread of the bacterial disease. - 'Key weapon' - "Oral cholera vaccines are a key weapon in our fight against cholera," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in the statement, stressing though the need also to improve access to clean water and sanitation, train health workers and work with communities on prevention. Cholera, which causes potentially deadly diarrhoea, is contracted by ingesting food or water contaminated with a bacterium carried in human faeces and spread through poor sanitation and dirty drinking water. Left untreated, it can kill within hours. WHO recommends giving the oral cholera vaccine in two doses, the first offering protection for six months and the second for three to five years. "We have worked hard to ensure there is now enough vaccine supply to keep the global stockpile topped up and ready for most eventualities," Berkley said. The campaign in Nigeria, where 1,700 cases have been reported, aims to provide 600,000 people with two vaccine doses each, while the campaign in Malawi, where more than 900 people have been infected, aims to provide vaccine protection to 500,000 people. Some 360,000 doses of the vaccine have meanwhile been shipped to Uganda, where the Kyangwali camp housing Congolese refugees is facing a cholera outbreak that has killed dozens and left more than 900 in hospital. In this campaign, only one dose is being provided per person to increase the spread. The country is also planning to vaccinate 1.7 million more people in coming months. Another 113,800 doses have also been shipped to South Sudan as a prevention measure ahead of the war-torn country's rainy season. And 667,100 doses are being delivered to Zambia as part of a second round of vaccination after a major outbreak infected more than 5,700 people and killed more than 100. "Every rainy season, cholera springs up and brings devastation to communities across Africa," said Matshidiso Moeti, WHO's regional director for Africa. "With this historic cholera vaccination drive, countries in the region are demonstrating their commitment to stopping cholera from claiming more lives." According to the UN health agency, cholera infects 1.3 million to four million people every year and kills an estimated 21,000-143,000 -- mainly in poor countries, including Malawi, which has been facing an outbreak since late 2017 Cholera brings devastation to communities across Africa in the rainy season, hence the historic vaccination drive, says Matshidiso Moeti, WHO's regional director for Africa When Indian actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui walks the red carpet at Cannes he may take a moment to ponder just how far he has come and where he is headed. In just over a decade, Siddiqui has gone from a struggling bit-part actor worried about finding food to an acclaimed international star coveted by directors for his versatility across all genres. "When your film gets selected in a good category, you feel confident that you are on the right track and your choice of films is good," Siddiqui told AFP in an interview. His latest film sees him play the lead role in "Manto", a biopic about the troubled life of Indian-Pakistani writer Saadat Hasan Manto. The movie, directed by Nandita Das, has been selected for the Un Certain Regard category of the film festival which opens Tuesday. "I enjoy Cannes because it is such a big and prestigious platform. It's a whole world revolving around films," said Siddiqui. Manto (1912-1955) is considered to be one of the Indian subcontinent's greatest ever short story writers. He was lauded for being bold and progressive and a proponent of free speech, writing truthfully about the brutal violence that followed the partition of British India. To others he was a subversive troublemaker whose stories featuring pimps and prostitutes broke too many taboos. Manto was charged with obscenity a total of six times by authorities in colonial and independent India. - Breakthrough - He died from organ failure caused by excessive alcohol consumption aged just 42. "Manto was an honest man who wrote what he saw. He was transparent and there was no hypocrisy in his life," said Siddiqui, who is 43. "He thought about things in the 1940s which we fail to see or think about even today. He spoke and wrote the truth, and truth never gets old. To play him you have to be truthful too," he added. Siddiqui is one of Hindi cinema's great success stories -- a poor man, who from humble beginnings in a village in Uttar Pradesh state, defied the odds to make it big in Bollywood after moving to Mumbai in 2000. By his own admission the chances were stacked against him: "I'm a five-foot six-inch, dark, ordinary-looking man. People didn't imagine I would make it," he told AFP in 2015. But after years of playing small parts Siddiqui achieved his breakthrough in 2012 with "Talaash", "Gangs of Wasseypur", "Miss Lovely" and "Bajrangi Bhaijaan". He has not looked back. "I spent 10-12 years struggling. My lowest point was to find food and survive. Now I can do the work according to my choices," he said at his office, a collection of posters from his biggest hits hanging on a wall behind him. Siddiqui has held his own with superstars like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan and also successfully crossed over into Hollywood, appearing in the 2016 hit "Lion". - Playing a Hindu hardliner - He is considered to be one of the few actors who can straddle both commercial Bollywood and independent film genres, putting him in high demand. After "Manto", Siddiqui will be seen in the Netflix adaptation of Vikram Chandra's novel "Sacred Games". It releases on July 6 and will be the site's first original Indian series. He is currently shooting for what he describes as his "most difficult" character yet -- divisive Mumbai politician Bal Thackeray, who died in 2012. Thackeray founded and led the Hindu far-right Shiv Sena party, which has campaigned against Muslims and sought to bar migrant "outsiders" from Mumbai. Siddiqui is both. "Credit goes to the family and the producer who must have realised I could do justice to this complex and difficult role," he said. Siddiqui will be in Cannes from May 13-15 before returning to India to finish shooting "Thackeray" which releases in January 2019. He has become a fixture on la Croisette since debuting with "Gangs of Wasseypur" (2012), walking the red carpet more than half a dozen times. "The Lunchbox" was screened there in 2013 while "Raman Raghav" followed in 2016. A suit that Siddiqui had made by a Indian tailor for his first visit has been a feature of all of his appearances. This time, however, he is ditching it for a stylish tuxedo fashioned by one of India's top designers -- symbolic perhaps of how far he has come. "The suit has its own story. But there should be change. We can't hold onto the past," said Siddiqui. "When your film gets selected in a good category, you feel confident that you are on the right track and your choice of films is good," Indian Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui told AFP Indian Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui is one of Hindi cinema's great success stories --a poor man, who from humble beginnings in a village in Uttar Pradesh state, defied the odds to make it big in Bollywood after moving to Mumbai in 2000 Leeann Mitchell says she will never move on from the horrific crocodile attack in which her best friend was killed. Ms Mitchell and her best friend, Cindy Waldron, were both snatched by a massive croc in the May, 2016 incident which happened in the shallows of tropical, isolated Thornton Beach near Cape Tribulation in north Queensland. It just happened, Cindys back was to the water and mine was to the beach, Ms Mitchell told Sunday Nights Denham Hitchcock. We were pulled. It was incredible, it was absolutely incredible. Leeann Mitchell (right) relives the ordeal that killed her friend Cindy Waldron (left). Source: Facebook Ms Mitchell had just won her battle with breast cancer and she went on a holiday with Ms Waldron, her childhood friend, to celebrate. This is the first time Ms Mitchell has spoken publicly to share her extraordinary story of survival. I started trying to punch, trying to hit, trying to fight and I was screaming, she said. I was clawing onto [Cindys] arm, I was trying to get the other arm up to grab her, and then, she was gone. In the deep, dark water, Ms Mitchell swam down trying to find her friend. She called for help in vain at such a remote location, emergency services were a long way away. I was screaming Cindys name, screaming and screaming her name. Ms Mitchell was taken to hospital with puncture wounds to her arm, suffering from shock. We always talked about how it would be to be those little old ladies together, laughing and sharing our memories. We would always, always be together, and, now were not. A few days later, a four-metre crocodile was found and killed. Inside were the remains of Cindy Waldron. Across northern Australia, crocodiles are thriving in unexpected places and a debate is raging between those who want to protect the native reptiles and those who want to cull them. Catching problem crocodiles like the one that took Ms Waldron is a dangerous business. Grahame Webb is Australias foremost expert on crocs and he has a controversial solution. He has suggested that they could be culled by trophy hunters, who would pay local businesses, and the government, to shoot crocodiles. Story continues They are going to start eating people and everyone is going to want to wipe them out again. I wouldnt worry, I cant see why that worries people, does it really matter who pulls the trigger? But Australia Zoos Terri Irwin is vehemently opposed to culling. She says the answer is education in schools and more signs at beaches and swimming holes. Mrs Irwins late husband, Steve, championed croc conservation and now shes carrying on his work along with their children, Bindi And Bob. Grahame (Webb) is an interesting person because he has been working with crocodiles his whole life in a consumptive manner, she said. A woman had revealed the horrifying ordeal which left her with a cockroach embedded inside her ear for nine days. Katie Holley, 29, from Florida, US was abruptly awoken on April 14 by something she could feel inside her ear. When I woke up with this weird feeling, I didnt know what it was. But 30 seconds later, stumbling to the bathroom, I knew there was something in my ear, she explained in a self-written story for SELF magazine. And her worst fears were confirmed moments later when she placed a cotton bud in her ear only to pull out two legs of a cockroach. A doctor managed to pull out what was believed to be the last of the cockroach from Ms Holleys ear. Yet it was far from the end of her nightmare. Source: AP A petrified Ms Holley called on her husband to help remove the bug. He was able to spot the thickest part of the roach inside her ear but failed in in his attempts to remove it. The pair rushed to hospital with the roach wriggling in her ear. As the doctor administered the Lidocaine, the roach began toreact. Feeling a roach in the throes of death, lodged in a very sensitive part of your body, is unlike anything I can adequately explain, she wrote. The doctor managed to remove three chunks of the bug and believing the cockroach had successfully been removed, a relieved Ms Holley headed home. Ms Holley returned to hospital nine days later only for another doctor to pull out six more pieces of the bug. Source: AP But nine days later, Ms Holley still had lingering discomfort and hearing loss, so she headed to her family doctor. Her physician looked inside her ear and discovered another cockroach leg inside. After flushing out her ear again, her doctor could see even more remnants. She ended up pulling out six more pieces of the roachs carcass. Dr David Wein, chief of emergency medicine at Tampa General Hospital, said the incident was a pretty common thing, dealing with around a dozen cases a year. There are probably not a lot of preventative things you can do he said. Ms Holley revealed finding bugs inside her home was common and had even hired an exterminator just days before to control the problem. I need therapy for a lot of reasons, but this experience blows all of those other reasons out of the water, Ms Holley said. With AP A Danish inventor found guilty of the murder of a Swedish journalist aboard his homemade submarine has appealed his life sentence but is not contesting the verdict, prosecutors said Monday. Peter Madsen "is found guilty in the murder of Kim Wall and has only appealed the length" of his life sentence, Simon Gosvig, spokesman for the Danish prosecutor's office, told AFP. A Copenhagen district court on April 25 sentenced the 47-year-old to life for murdering the 30-year-old journalist, chopping up her corpse and throwing her body parts into the sea in August last year. The eccentric inventor confessed to stuffing Wall's head, arms and legs into plastic bags, weighing them down with metal pipes before tossing them into the sea, but maintained throughout his trial that her death was accidental. The court, however, concluded the gruesome videos Madsen watched of women being beheaded and tortured and the fact that he brought a saw, plastic strips and a sharpened screwdriver on board just before the voyage with Wall were enough to find him guilty. Most observers had expected Madsen to appeal the verdict. The prosecutor's office said Madsen's bid for a milder sentence could not be interpreted as an admission of guilt. While a life sentence in Denmark averages around 16 years, Madsen could be held behind bars for as long as he lives if the life term is confirmed. Despite the testimony of many experts, the lack of tangible evidence in the case and the decomposed state of Wall's remains made it impossible to determine an exact cause of death. An autopsy report concluded she probably died as a result of suffocation or having her throat slit. Fourteen stab wounds and piercings were also found in and around her genital area. Madsen had argued that he stabbed her because he wanted to prevent gases from building up inside her body that would prevent it from sinking to the seabed. A Copenhagen district court on April 25 sentenced Peter Madsen to life in prison for murdering 30-year-old journalist Kim Wall Danish inventor Peter Madsen was found guilty of the murder of Swedish journalist Kim Wall aboard his homemade submarine Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday rejected a challenge from the main opposition party's presidential candidate to hold televised debates ahead of snap polls on June 24. Muharrem Ince, the Republican People's Party (CHP) candidate running against Erdogan, earlier on Monday urged the president to take part in a TV debate. But Erdogan firmly refused the offer. Erdogan is known for his fiery rhetorical skills but Ince is also popular as an effective orator. "In particular, I do not want to get involved in television debate events," Erdogan said at a press conference with Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic in Ankara. He said he did not want a debate to descend into an event where others would seek to "score points" off him. Ince, who was chosen as the CHP candidate on Friday, had earlier Monday said: "Mr Erdogan, since you say we are up there with contemporary civilisations, let's come together with the other candidates... let's debate on television." Ince after his nomination delivered a thumping speech in which he vowed to unite the polarised country and transform Erdogan's presidential palace into a "home of science" if he were elected head of state. He also suggested all candidates should meet as a goodwill gesture. The president accepted Ince's request to meet, saying the two men could meet at Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) headquarters. Last month Erdogan announced there would be simultaneous parliamentary and presidential elections on June 24, a year and a half earlier than scheduled. After the polls, the country will implement constitutional changes approved in a April 2017 referendum to create an executive presidency, expanding the powers of the president. Those also running against Erdogan include ex-interior minister and head of the new Iyi (Good) Party Meral Aksener, and Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) former leader Selahattin Demirtas even though he is currently jailed. The CHP Saturday officially formed a coalition called the "Alliance for the Nation" -- including the Good Party but not the HDP -- to challenge the ruling party in the legislative polls but fielding their own candidates in the presidential vote. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) met Monday with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, and said he would not take part in televised debates ahead of June's general election The World Health Organization and other global agencies have launched the first oral cholera vaccination campaign in Yemen, aiming to reach millions of people in the war-torn country. More than 2,200 people have died of the waterborne infection over the past year in Yemen, with another one million suspected cases across the country. The first phase of the oral campaign targets more than 350,000 people in the southern province of Aden, according to a joint announcement by WHO, the United Nations children's agency UNICEF, the World Bank and the vaccine alliance Gavi. Enough doses had been procured to cover all areas at risk in Yemen, WHO said, but talks were still underway with authorities across the country. "There has been a large allocation of vaccines from the global taskforce... of about 4.6 million doses, so enough doses have been procured," said Michael J. Ryan, WHO assistant director-general. WHO was still negotiating with authorities in north Yemen and Sanaa, both controlled by the Shiite Huthi rebels, to extend the campaign across the country. "As of yet we don't have established dates for those campaigns, but... the international community is on stand-by to move just as soon as we get those necessary approvals," Ryan said. Ryan warned conditions were ideal for another, and potentially worse, cholera outbreak come rainy season. Research published this month in The Lancet Global Health journal warned that, based on data from previous outbreaks, 54 percent of districts in Yemen could be affected by an epidemic flare-up in 2018, putting more than 13.8 million people at risk. Cholera, which causes potentially deadly diarrhoea, is contracted by ingesting food or water contaminated with a bacterium carried in human faeces and spread through poor sanitation and dirty drinking water. Left untreated, it can kill within hours. The UN has described Yemen as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with the country's conflict having a devastating impact on the population's health. Some 10,000 people have been killed since March 2015 in the war between Saudi-backed pro-government forces and Iran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen. The rebels, which control the capital and much of northern Yemen, drove the government out of Sanaa and into Aden in 2015. The conflict has pushed Yemen, the Arab world's poorest country, to the brink of famine. A Yemeni child, who is suspected of being infected with cholera, cries at a hospital in the capital Sanaa in 2017 Foreign donors have flooded Afghanistan with more money than it can absorb, exacerbating corruption and fuelling the drawn-out conflict, US independent auditor John Sopko has said in an interview with AFP. The comments by the US government's special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction (SIGAR) followed the recent stinging assessment of the World Bank's handling of the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF). SIGAR found there was little oversight of how and where more than $10 billion contributed by 34 donor nations and agencies since 2002 had been spent. The World Bank also was unable to accurately evaluate the impact of the money. Sopko said the mishandling of the ARTF highlighted broader problems with the many billions in foreign reconstruction spending in Afghanistan since 2001, adding the report was a "wake up call" for the international community. "We exacerbated it (corruption) by pouring too much money, too fast, (into) too small a country and the key is with too little oversight," Sopko told AFP in Kabul. "We ignored corruption early on. We ignored the corrupt officials we were giving money to, the warlords, the petty bosses who then later grew extremely wealthy." Such corruption is helping to fuel the protracted conflict, now in its 17th year, by eroding support for the Afghan government and morale among its security forces "who are fighting and dying", Sopko said. His remarks came as SIGAR's latest quarterly report showed a "sharp decline" in the number of Afghan military personnel, while the Taliban and other insurgent groups have gained increasing control over the population. The World Bank has conceded that it "agrees with much of the SIGAR report". - 'Broken tools' - Sopko also was searing in his criticism of Washington, particularly the State Department, and its failure to adequately support American operations in Afghanistan. Diplomats, aid workers and soldiers had been given a "box of broken tools" to rebuild the country, he said. Pressure to spend money too quickly, short-term assignments and restrictions on travel beyond the US embassy in Kabul had hampered reconstruction efforts. "Our construction programmes, our development programmes are like an assembly line... if you try to slow it down you're the monkey wrench," Sopko said. Deteriorating security across Afghanistan, particularly in Kabul, has resulted in many foreign embassies and organisations downsizing and tightening restrictions on personnel movements. That has led to outsourcing of project monitoring, "and they have assumed that would offer the same amount of accountability that their governments would demand", Sopko said. "Reconstruction is not risk free... if you want total risk free, don't come here." The lack of monitoring combined with excessive inflows of cash saw Sopko liken reconstruction spending in Afghanistan, which ranks 177 out of 180 countries in Transparency International's latest corruption perceptions index, to a machine that "can't stop". Its "absorptive capacity", which indicates the amount of money a country can take in before it is wasted, had been exceeded almost every year since 2002. "We are committing to do more and we (SIGAR) are saying 'Stop, take a deep breath, you don't know how the money has been spent up to now'," he said. US independent auditor John Sopko said foreign donors have flooded Afghanistan with more money than it can absorb, exacerbating corruption and fuelling the drawn-out conflict Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah claimed victory on Monday after elections it said legitimised its military branch, leaving Saudi-backed Prime Minister Saad Hariri as the main loser. The two main protagonists of the country's first legislative polls in almost a decade did not wait for final results to comment on the implications of a vote which was also marked by low turnout. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah called the vote "a great political and moral victory for the resistance option that protects the sovereignty of the country." The Iran-backed Shiite movement and its allies look set to secure a parliament bloc large enough to thwart attempts for it to disarm, a longstanding demand of its political enemies. "The make-up of the new legislative chamber represents a guarantee and a great strength to protect this strategic choice and to protect the golden equation -- the army, the people and the resistance," Nasrallah said. The man who has led calls internally for Hezbollah to lay down its arms is Hariri, whose Sunni-dominated Future Movement -- less dominant since it lost Saudi Arabia's lavish support -- lost a third of its seats. Hariri told reporters his party had won 21 seats, a drop from the 33 it controlled in the outgoing legislature. "We were betting on a better result," the premier said. - Swing vote - Results announced late Monday by the interior ministry confirmed the trend, though vote counting had not yet ended in one electoral district. The number of Hezbollah lawmakers in the 128-seat parliament may not increase from the current 13 but astute pre-electoral tactics have secured it enough allies to withstand challenges on strategic issues. "Hariri's loss will be the distinguishing mark of these elections, which will have consequences on the battle to form a new government," the pro-Hezbollah Al-Akhbar daily wrote earlier on Monday. Hezbollah, which was created in the 1980s to fight against Israel and currently battles in Syria alongside regime forces, is listed as a terror organisation by the United States. The group, whose arsenal outguns the army's, does not derive its dominant status on the Lebanese scene from the ballot box but the new breakdown of parliament is set to increase its political legitimacy. Lebanon's unique brand of sectarian-driven, power-sharing politics mean rival factions often end up in the same government, as is the case now where Hezbollah is represented in Hariri's cabinet. The United Nations on Monday urged Lebanese politicians to act responsibly to protect Lebanon's stability. "We hope that all Lebanese political stakeholders will continue to act responsibly in the days following polling to protect Lebanon's stability, which should include the swift formation of a government," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric. The constitution stipulates that parliament is equally split between Muslims and Christians, whose biggest party, led by President Michel Aoun has been a Hezbollah ally. "The biggest swing vote will be President Aoun's group, which will move among the other blocs. Hezbollah will benefit from the lack of a broad coalition against it," political analyst Imad Salamey said. Lawmakers had extended their own mandate three times since 2009, ostensibly over security concerns linked to the war in neighbouring Syria and political divisions that led to long and crippling institutional crises. - One civil society candidate- A higher turnout than the 49.2 percent announced overnight had been expected after the long electoral hiatus but the new pre-printed ballots used Sunday appeared to confuse some voters. Some voters also said the sometimes absurd web of local alliances that saw some parties work together in one district and compete in others had put them off. Senior political leaders, including Hariri himself and Interior Minister Nohad Machnouk whose task it was to supervise the vote, admitted that new voting rules tested for the first time had been perplexing for the electorate. Lebanon has often been a scene where the rivalry between the region's two heavyweights Iran and Saudi Arabia has played out, but their political clients in this election seemed content to maintain the status quo. In line with the "national pact" dating from independence in 1943, the president must be a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim and the parliament speaker a Shiite. Nabih Berri, who heads the Shiite party Amal and was allied with Hezbollah, looks certain to keep the position of speaker he has held since 1992. And the Lebanese Forces party of former warlord Samir Geagea were set to score significant gains, with a projected 15 seats. Despite the disappointing turnout among an electorate, which included around 800,000 people who were too young to vote in the previous general polls, the new electoral law allowed one candidate from a civil society list to break into parliament. Paula Yacoubian is a prominent journalist who long hosted a show on a television channel owned by Hariri, but has cast herself as an independent. Lebanese officials count votes at a polling centre in Beirut after the country's first parliamentary elections in nine years Outgoing Lebanese parliament Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri addresses journalists during a press conference in Beirut on May 7, 2018 A Vietnamese oil executive allegedly kidnapped from Germany withdrew his appeal against a life sentence for corruption Monday, as Slovakia distanced itself from reports its plane was used to brazenly abduct him. Hanoi denies the Cold War-style kidnapping of Trinh Xuan Thanh from a Berlin park in July 2017, where he was reportedly bundled into a van and spirited back to Vietnam to face corruption charges. It claims he returned voluntarily. The case has captivated Vietnam, where a hardline administration is waging a massive anti-graft sweep against once-powerful figures that critics say is politically motivated. Thanh was spared the death sentence and given life in prison for embezzlement in January. He withdrew his appeal and failed to appear in court for "health reasons" on Monday, according to the Communist Party of Vietnam website. His family also withdrew its appeal for the state to return its confiscated properties, the report said without providing details. The case has badly bruised ties between Hanoi and Berlin, which has expelled Vietnamese diplomats over what it calls a "scandalous violation" of its sovereignty. Slovakia is the latest country to be drawn into the tangled affair. German newspapers have reported that Slovakia lent a government plane to a Vietnamese delegation visiting Bratislava days after the kidnapping for two flights, from Prague to Bratislava and then on to Moscow. The reports claim Thanh was transported on the first flight to Bratislava. Slovakia said there were four Vietnamese officials on the flight to Bratislava, but no one appeared under duress. "The entire Vietnamese delegation underwent a thorough police check, all of them had diplomatic passports, no one boarded the aircraft handcuffed, no one was forced onto the plane under pressure," Slovak Interior Minister Denisa Sakova said in a televised debate Sunday. Slovakia earlier warned Hanoi of harsh consequences if it had been duped into transporting Thanh as suggested by the German reports. "We will consider this a manifestation of gross incorrectness by the Vietnamese partner, an unfriendly abuse of our hospitality and a deterioration of the well-developed bilateral relations," it said. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said at a meeting in Berlin last week with Slovakia's Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini that she had been promised by Bratislava that the matter would be cleared up, adding that all the facts "must be on the table". A Vietnamese-Czech dual citizen has been held and is currently on trial in Germany. The man, identified as Long N.H., allegedly rented vehicles used in the kidnapping. His lawyers say he is a "sacrificial pawn" who had been told by agents that he was renting the vehicles for tourism purposes. Thanh is the former head of a construction unit at the country's biggest oil firm PetroVietnam. He was accused along with 21 others of causing losses worth $52 million for the state over the construction of a thermal power plant. He was handed a second life sentence in a separate corruption trial this year. Vietnamese former state oil executive Trinh Xuan Thanh withdrew his appeal and failed to appear in court for "health reasons" on Monday, according to the Communist Party of Vietnam website Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said on Monday he is travelling to the United Kingdom to see his doctor. "I will be travelling to the United Kingdom tomorrow, to see my doctor, at his request," said Buhari on his official Twitter account. Buhari said he will be away for four days and plans to be back in Nigeria's capital of Abuja on Saturday, May 12. The 75-year-old former army general had stopped over in London last week after meeting US President Donald Trump in Washington. At the time, his spokesman Garba Shehu said health matters were not the reason for breaking the journey back from the United States. But on Monday, Shehu said in a statement that Buhari did in fact visit his doctor then. "In the course of the technical stop-over for aircraft maintenance in London on his way back from Washington last week, the president had a meeting with his doctor," said Shehu. Buhari spent months in the British capital last year for treatment for an unspecified illness, casting doubt on his fitness to govern. His government was criticised for failing to update the public on his condition and repeatedly insisted the president was "hale and hearty". Buhari said on his return to Nigeria from London last year that he "had never been so sick" and had undergone blood transfusions. In seeking re-election in 2018, Buhari is defying calls from political heavyweights to step aside for a younger, more dynamic candidate. Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari spent months in the British capital last year for treatment to an unspecified illness, casting doubt on his fitness to govern Pakistan's interior minister was recovering in hospital Monday after being shot in a suspected assassination possibly linked to blasphemy, with the attack seen as a "bad omen" for nationwide elections. Iqbal, 59, was shot in the right arm as he prepared to leave a public meeting in his constituency in Punjab province late Sunday. A man identified by police only as "Abid" and said to be in his early 20s was wrestled to the ground by police and bystanders as he was preparing to fire a second shot. He has been taken in to custody. The local deputy commissioner Ali Anan Qamar told AFP that the shooter said he carried out the attack over a small amendment to the oath that election candidates must swear which was hastily reversed last year after it was linked to blasphemy. The controversy ignited a three-week sit-in last November by a previously little-known Islamist group which paralysed the capital and ended when the government capitulated to the protesters' demands in a deal brokered by the military. At the time many Pakistanis warned that a dangerous precedent had been set in which fringe groups could bend the state to their will by citing blasphemy, a highly inflammatory charge in the conservative Muslim country. Iqbal was rushed first to a local hospital and then airlifted to Lahore, where video footage released by his ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) showed him being lowered from a helicopter on a stretcher, his eyes open as he responded to questions. Doctors later said he was in stable condition. The attack was swiftly condemned by the international community, including the US ambassador and the French embassy, as Pakistanis voiced fears it represented an attempt to "weaken democracy" ahead of the federal elections, widely expected to be held late this summer. - 'Bad omen' - Ziauddin Yousafzai, the father of Pakistani Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, tweeted that he "strongly condemned" the attack, calling it "(a) bad omen for upcoming general elections that is supposed to be free, fair and transparent." The vote will only be Pakistan's second ever democratic transition, and with the PML-N in disarray since Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was ousted by the Supreme Court over graft allegations last summer, there has been growing speculation it could be delayed. The court banned Sharif from politics for life, while foreign minister Khawaja Asif was also ousted by the Islamabad High Court late last month for violating election laws. Sharif and his supporters have repeatedly denied the allegations, suggesting they are victims of a conspiracy driven by Pakistan's powerful military to reduce the sway of their party. Despite the setbacks, the party has won a string of recent by-elections, proving it will likely remain a force in the vote. Iqbal, touted as a potential prime minister when Sharif was ousted last July, is a US-educated lawmaker from a political family long associated with the PML-N. Considered the brains behind the party's development agenda, he previously headed up the planning ministry. Pakistan's Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal Iqbal, 59, was shot in the right arm as he prepared to leave a public meeting in his constituency in Punjab province late Sunday Pakistan interior minister Ahsan Iqbal was rushed first to a local hospital and then airlifted to Lahore, where video footage released by his ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) showed him being lowered from a helicopter on a stretcher Pakistan's interior minister was recovering in hospital Monday after being shot in a suspected assassination attempt possibly linked to blasphemy, with the attack seen as a "bad omen" for nationwide elections. Ahsan Iqbal, 59, was shot in the right arm as he prepared to leave a public meeting in his constituency in Punjab province late Sunday. A man identified by police only as "Abid" and said to be in his early 20s was wrestled to the ground by police and bystanders as he was preparing to fire a second shot. He has been taken in to custody. The local deputy commissioner Ali Anan Qamar told AFP that the shooter said he carried out the attack over a small amendment to the oath that election candidates must swear which was hastily reversed last year after it was linked to blasphemy. The controversy ignited a three-week sit-in last November by a previously little-known Islamist group which paralysed the capital and ended when the government capitulated to the protesters' demands -- including the ousting of the federal law minister -- in a deal brokered by the military. At the time many Pakistanis and analysts warned that a dangerous precedent had been set in which fringe groups could bend the state to their will by citing blasphemy, a highly inflammatory charge in the conservative Muslim country. Iqbal, known as a champion of Pakistan's much-persecuted religious minorities, was heavily involved in the negotiations at the time. He has previously condemned hate speech against groups such as the Ahmadis, an Islamic minority sect who were at the centre of last year's controversy. After the shooting he was rushed first to a local hospital and then airlifted to Lahore, where video footage released by his ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) showed him being lowered from a helicopter on a stretcher, his eyes open as he responded to questions. Doctors later said he was in stable condition. The attack was swiftly condemned by the international community, including the US ambassador and the French embassy, as Pakistanis voiced fears it represented an attempt to "weaken democracy" ahead of the federal elections, widely expected to be held late this summer. - 'Bad omen' - Ziauddin Yousafzai, the father of Pakistani Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, tweeted that he "strongly condemned" the attack, calling it "(a) bad omen for upcoming general elections that is supposed to be free, fair and transparent." The vote will only be Pakistan's second ever democratic transition, and with the PML-N in disarray since Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was ousted by the Supreme Court over graft allegations last summer, there has been growing speculation it could be delayed. The court banned Sharif from politics for life, while foreign minister Khawaja Asif was also ousted by the Islamabad High Court late last month for violating election laws. Sharif and his supporters have repeatedly denied the allegations, suggesting they are victims of a conspiracy driven by Pakistan's powerful military to reduce the sway of their party. Despite the setbacks, the party has won a string of recent by-elections, proving it will likely remain a force in the vote. Blasphemy can be punishable by death under controversial Pakistani legislation, with even unproven allegations sparking mob lynchings and murders. Had the assassination attempt on Iqbal succeeded, it would not have been the first political killing linked to blasphemy: in 2011 then-Punjab governor Salman Taseer, a liberal who had called for reformation of the laws, was gunned down by his own bodyguard in broad daylight in Islamabad. Iqbal, touted as a potential prime minister when Sharif was ousted last July, is a US-educated lawmaker from a political family long associated with the PML-N. Considered the brains behind the party's development agenda, he previously headed up the planning ministry. Pakistan's Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, 59, was shot in the right arm as he prepared to leave a public meeting in his constituency in Punjab province late Sunday Pakistan interior minister Ahsan Iqbal was rushed first to a local hospital and then airlifted to Lahore, where video footage released by his ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) showed him being lowered from a helicopter on a stretcher A man accused of shooting Pakistan's interior minister in a suspected assassination attempt possibly linked to blasphemy appeared in court Monday, with the attack seen as an ominous sign for security ahead of nationwide elections. Abid Hussain appeared before the anti-terror court in Gujranwala city in Punjab province, where he was remanded into custody for ten days, police official Chaudhry Tariq told AFP. His appearance came one day after Ahsan Iqbal, 59, was shot in the right arm as he prepared to leave a public meeting in his constituency in Punjab late Sunday. A man identified by police as Hussain, said to be in his early 20s, was wrestled to the ground by officers and bystanders as he was preparing to fire a second shot. Police are investigating whether the attack could have had any religious motive. A local official told AFP that the shooter said he was inspired by a controversy last year in which a small amendment to the oath election candidates must swear had to be hastily reversed after it was linked to blasphemy, a highly inflammatory charge in the deeply conservative Muslim country. The row sparked a three-week sit-in last November by a previously little-known Islamist group, which paralysed the capital. That demonstration ended when the government capitulated to the protesters' demands -- including the ousting of the federal law minister -- in a deal brokered by the military. At the time many Pakistanis and analysts warned that a dangerous precedent had been set in which fringe groups could bend the state to their will by citing blasphemy. Iqbal, known as a champion for religious minorities, had pushed for a negotiated settlement to the controversy. As part of their investigation police are examining any potential links between Hussain and the Islamist group leading the sit-in. After the shooting Iqbal was airlifted to Lahore. Shafqat Waseem Chaudhry, one of the five-member medical team responsible for him, told AFP Monday that he was "stable" but will remain in the intensive care unit for two days. The attack was swiftly condemned by the international community as Pakistanis voiced fears it represented an attempt to weaken democracy ahead of the federal elections. The polls are set to be only the second ever democratic transition in the country, and are widely expected to be held late this summer. - 'Bad omen' - Ziauddin Yousafzai, the father of Pakistani Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, "strongly condemned" the attack, tweeting that it was a "bad omen for upcoming general elections that is supposed to be free, fair and transparent". Security analyst Amir Rana told AFP the shooting of the minister nominally in charge of security in a country that has long grappled with militancy was a "serious" development. "Pakistan claims that the country has returned to normalcy but such attacks continues to happen and these are downplayed," he said. The shooting is the latest in a series of blows to hit the PML-N since Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was ousted by the Supreme Court over graft allegations last summer. The court banned Sharif from politics for life, while foreign minister Khawaja Asif was also ousted by the Islamabad High Court late last month for violating election laws. Sharif, who termed Sunday's shooting an "atrocity", has repeatedly denied the allegations, suggesting he is victim of a conspiracy driven by Pakistan's powerful military to reduce the sway of his party. Iqbal was touted as a potential prime minister when Sharif was ousted last July. A US-educated lawmaker from a political family long associated with the PML-N, he is considered the brains behind the party's development agenda and previously headed up the planning ministry. The attack against him fuelled speculation that the election could yet be delayed, though newspaper columnist Cyril Almeida said that was unlikely. "Barring something catastrophic, like the Benazir assassination which caused the 2008 election to be briefly postponed, it appears elections will be held on time," he told AFP, referring to the killing of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in late 2007. Despite the setbacks, the PML-N has won a string of recent by-elections, proving it will likely remain a force in the vote. Blasphemy can be punishable by death under controversial Pakistani legislation, with even unproven allegations sparking mob lynchings and murders. bur-wh-sjd-ks-st/klm Pakistan's Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal was shot in the right arm as he prepared to leave a public meeting Security has been stepped up around the hospital where country interior minister Ahsan Iqbal is being treated after he was shot Pakistani Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal is a US-educated lawmaker from a political family and was touted as a potential prime minister when Nawaz Sharif was ousted last July Poland on Monday played down possible EU funding cuts over its controversial judicial reforms -- in addition to sanctions it already faces -- saying it sees room for negotiation over financial allocations. Unveiling the 2021-27 budget last week, the European Union said it could "suspend, reduce or restrict access to EU funding in a manner proportionate to the nature, gravity and scope of the rule-of-law deficiencies." Brussels has been highly critical of judicial and other changes pushed through by right-wing governments in Poland and Hungary, saying they undermine EU democratic norms. Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz however said he believed the EU's draft budget was "a good basis for further negotiations", according to the Polish PAP news agency. "The funding cuts in policy areas that are key for us -- the common agricultural policy and cohesion policy -- are made to a small extent, while there are also new streams of financing for new activities," Czaputowicz said, adding that "Poland will also benefit from this." Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban warned Friday that Budapest could veto -- and thus torpedo -- the EU budget proposal. Negotiations on the EU's trillion-euro-plus ($1.2 trillion) budget have been complicated by Britain's exit from the bloc, which leaves the remaining 27 member states fighting over how to raise and allocate funding. During a visit to Austria on Monday, the Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini said all participants in the negotiations "should be more open" to compromise between net recipients and contributors to the budget. "If certain countries are to receive less money in future, perhaps they should also be given more flexibility in return in terms of where and how they use their money," Pellegrini added. The draft budget notably proposes cuts to farm support and cohesion monies -- used to help newer members conform to EU standards -- while offering new funding for economic modernisation and high-tech. Brussels in December triggered Article 7 of the EU treaty over what it termed "systemic threats" to the independence of the Polish judiciary from the government -- a move that could lead to never-before-used sanctions. EU Consumer Affairs Commissioner Vera Jourova "assured me that these (budget) proposals are not directed against any specific state, there is no connection with Article 7," Czaputowicz told PAP. Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz said he believed the EU's draft budget was "a good basis for further negotiations" Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday asked parliament to back a new mandate for outgoing prime minister Dmitry Medvedev, his longtime ally. "Putin submitted Dmitry Medvedev's candidacy to receive the agreement of the State Duma to appoint him prime minister," the Kremlin said in a statement shortly after Putin was inaugurated for a fourth term. Medvedev, now 52, served as president from 2008 to 2012 when Putin had served the maximum two consecutive terms permitted by the Russian constitution. Putin then returned as president in 2012 while Medvedev became prime minister in a deal that the men said they had long agreed, disappointing those who had seen Medvedev as a more liberal figure and prompting mass street protests led by opposition politician Alexei Navalny. Putin and Medvedev first met in their native city of Saint Petersburg where they were colleagues in the mayor's office in the 1990s. Putin, 65, is now set to serve until 2024 and is already the longest-serving Russian leader since Joseph Stalin. He won March polls with more than 76 percent of the vote. Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev attend a meeting of the State Council at the Kremlin in Moscow on April 5, 2018 The owner of a rental property trashed by more than 50 youths was forced to watch the teenagers run riot after police told her it was too dangerous to enter her own home. Property owner Kelly saw the teenagers smashing up her Melbourne home on security cameras shortly after 9pm on Saturday. She had been led to believe five people would be staying at the Footscray property. Kelly has revealed her horror after her rental property was destroyed on Saturday. Source: 7News Kellys property was rented on booking.com to what she believed was a group of five friends from Adelaide. Source: 7News Extensive damage was caused during a violent, out of control party crashed by dozens of African youths. They were spitting on her car and then I was checking something and the African boys said Hey b****, f*** you, neighbour Naz Baliker recalled. Almost every door handle has been broken off. Every picture has been ripped off the walls. TVs were both stolen, Kelly said. Despite racing to the house after seeing the damage, police told her there was nothing she could do. Significant damage was caused to the home, with shattered glass scattered across the property. Source: 7News Unfortunately police felt that it wasnt safe for us to enter the property, she recalled. They felt that under these conditions they didnt have any right to enter the property. The property was booked online at the last minute through website Booking.com with the girl who made the reservation saying she was visiting from Adelaide with five friends. Neighbours said around 50 youths descended on the property. Source: 7News It has now been discovered a fake credit card was used to make the payment of $600 per night while no bond was secured. She had answers for everything so i didnt have any reason to be concerned. It was terrifying. theres no other way of saying it, Kelly said. A 19-year-old man was arrested and fined for drunken behaviour but no one has been held to account for vandalising the rental or threatening the neighbours. It was scary. really scary. I dont want them to rent it out that way, Ms Baliker said. It comes just a week after police cars were smashed, as officers tried to break up another party held at a home in north Melbourne which was also booked online. No charges have been laid over either incident. The trial of an American pastor that has strained relations between Turkey and the US resumed on Monday, with the defendant again rejecting charges of links to terror groups. Andrew Brunson, head of a small Protestant church in the western city of Izmir, faces up to 35 years in jail if he is convicted. He has been held in detention since October 2016. Turkish prosecutors accuse Brunson of activities on behalf of the group led by US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen -- who Ankara says was behind the failed 2016 coup -- and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Both the Gulen movement and the PKK are banned by Turkey as terror groups. Brunson, who has lived and worked in Turkey for over two decades, is also accused of espionage for political or military purposes. At Monday's second hearing in the trial which got underway on April 16, Brunson vehemently contested testimony from a witness who suggested his church had been an intermediary for the PKK and a place where PKK insignia were displayed. "I reject all the allegations about the PKK terror organisation. I have never supported them," said Brunson, wearing a black suit and white shirt. "He claims PKK propaganda are being made in our Resurrection Church. Where are those pictures?" he told the court in the town of Aliaga north of Izmir. The witness, whose name was given only as Serhat, said he was a Christian who regularly attended services. He appeared by video link with his face blurred. - 'Is it up to me?' - In a sign of the importance of the case to Washington, US embassy charge d'affaires Philip Kosnett as well as Sandra Jolley, vice chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, were present at Monday's hearing. US President Donald Trump tweeted last month the pastor was "fine gentleman" who was on trial and being prosecuted 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!" Trump said. But Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, who will meet with US counterpart Mike Pompeo in Washington in the coming days, said Brunson's case was solely in the hands of the judiciary. "They say 'the government should release him'. Is it up to me?" Cavusoglu told the private CNN Turk broadcaster on Sunday. Turkish-US relations are already strained over American backing for a Kurdish militia in Syria which Turkey says is linked to the PKK, as well as the jailing of two employees from American missions in Turkey. In September, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suggested that Turkey could free Brunson if Washington handed over Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania -- an offer brushed off by Washington. Brunson is one of several American nationals caught up in the crackdown after the failed coup. 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. The trial of American pastor Andrew Brunson on charges of terror links and spying -- which he rejects -- resumed Monday under heavy security in the Turkish town of Aliaga Turkish soldiers stand guard at the entrance of the Aliaga court and prison complex where the trial of American pastor Andrew Brunson on terror and spy charges resumed Monday. A US pastor denied spying and terrorism charges Monday in a case that has strained ties between Ankara and Washington, as a Turkish court ruled to keep him in detention and set a new hearing in July. Andrew Brunson, head of a small Protestant church in the western city of Izmir, faces up to 35 years in jail if convicted. He has been in detention since October 2016. Turkish prosecutors accuse Brunson of links to a group led by US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen -- who Ankara says was 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, who has lived and worked in Turkey for over two decades, is also accused of espionage for political or military purposes. When the prosecutor said Brunson should remain in jail, the pastor tearfully told the court: "What more should I say? I want to return to my home!" The judge agreed with the prosecution's view and set the next trial hearing on July 18. - 'I reject all PKK allegations' - At Monday's second hearing in the trial, which got underway on April 16, Brunson denied allegations made by a secret witness, named only as Serhat. The witness, who said he was Christian and appeared via video link with his face blurred, suggested Brunson's church had been an intermediary for the PKK and a place where PKK insignia were displayed. He also alleged that Brunson had forged "a plan to establish a Christian Kurdish state in Iraq and Syria." Brunson, wearing a black suit and white shirt, said: "I reject all the allegations about the PKK terror organisation. I have never supported them. "He claims PKK propaganda is being made in our Resurrection Church. Where are those pictures?" he told the court in the town of Aliaga north of Izmir. Another witness, Eyup Cakir, claimed Brunson's church resembled a "Kurdish camp" and there had been regular prayers for Kurdish fighters in Syria. "If we were PKK sympathisers there would be no Turks attending our church," Brunson said. - 'Wild conspiracies' - In a sign of the importance of the case to Washington, US embassy charge d'affaires Philip Kosnett as well as Sandra Jolley, vice chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, were present at Monday's hearing. Jolley told reporters she was seriously concerned by the "wild conspiracies, tortured logic, secret witnesses but no evidence. "Where is the evidence? Where is the proof, investigation, the documentation?" she asked. "Upon this rests a man's life... We leave here with grave reservations about the future of an innocent man." Brunson's lawyer Cem Halavurt also protested the court ruling, saying: "It is unacceptable to keep him in jail solely based on secret witnesses' testimony." US President Donald Trump tweeted last month the pastor was "fine gentleman" who was on trial and being prosecuted for "no reason". But Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, who will meet US counterpart Mike Pompeo in Washington in the coming days, said Brunson's case was solely in the hands of the judiciary. Turkish-US relations are already strained over American backing for a Kurdish militia in Syria which Turkey says is linked to the PKK, as well as the jailing of two employees from American missions in Turkey. In September, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suggested that Turkey could free Brunson if Washington handed over Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania -- an offer brushed off by Washington. Brunson is one of several American nationals caught up in the crackdown after the failed coup. 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. The trial of American pastor Andrew Brunson on charges of terror links and spying -- which he rejects -- resumed Monday under heavy security in the Turkish town of Aliaga Turkish soldiers stand guard at the entrance of the Aliaga court and prison complex where the trial of American pastor Andrew Brunson on terror and spy charges resumed Monday. US Vice President Mike Pence on Monday urged Venezuela to suspend a divisive May 20 election he denounced as a "sham," as Washington slapped fresh sanctions on Nicolas Maduro's regime. In an address to the Organization of American States, Pence slammed the upcoming presidential vote -- boycotted by the opposition and branded illegitimate by much of the international community. "We call on Maduro to suspend the sham elections, and hold real elections," the vice president told the gathering in Washington. Maduro shot back that Venezuela was not about to follow US orders. "Do we listen to the imperialists?" Maduro asked aupporters at a Caracas forum. "NO!" they cheered. "Venezuela, rain or shine, will be holding presidential elections on Sunday May 20," Maduro said to a roar. Pence's address came as the United States imposed sanctions on 20 companies -- 16 of them in Venezuela, and four in Panama -- as well as three Venezuelan nationals including a former top intelligence official indicted in the US for narcotics trafficking. "We will deny corrupt Venezuelan regime officials access to the US financial system as we work with international partners to support the Venezuelan people in restoration of democracy and a return to prosperity," said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in announcing the measures. US lawmakers have been calling on President Donald Trump's administration to take a harder line on Maduro's government, with Senator Marco Rubio going as far as calling for Washington to press for regime change. The OAS, meanwhile, has been deadlocked between members keen to punish Venezuela for democratic backsliding, and long-standing Maduro allies who want to prop him up. Amid swelling international criticism, Venezuela in April 2017 began the two-year process of withdrawing from the OAS, which it accuses of interference. Pence urged the 35-nation body to pre-empt that move and suspend Caracas -- in the name of their "long-standing commitment to democracy and freedom." - Inflation hits 13,779 percent - The latest sanctions unveiled by the US Treasury Department notably designated Pedro Luis Martin Olivares, former chief of financial intelligence for Venezuela's National Directorate of Intelligence, as a "significant foreign narcotics trafficker." Martin worked to move cocaine and other drugs through Venezuela, paying off Venezuelan officials on the border with Colombia and accepting bribes from drug traffickers in both countries. In 2015, Martin was indicted by a US grand jury in Florida for conspiring to distribute drugs in the United States. The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control also designated Martin's partner Walter Alexander Del Nogal Marquez and associate Mario Antonio Rodriguez Espinoza for supporting international narcotics trafficking. The companies targeted were owned or controlled by the three men. Venezuela's opposition last week called for a boycott of the May 20 election, which Maduro looks likely to win in the absence of any real challenge to his authority. The South American country is in partial default on its debt and suffers severe shortages of food and medicines despite sitting atop the planet's biggest proven oil reserves. Maduro's government has been printing money as foreign reserves dwindle, and the national currency, the bolivar, has become nearly worthless. Venezuela's dizzying inflation rose to 13,779 percent in the past year, a study released Monday by the opposition-dominated National Assembly has found -- confirming other estimates showing that Venezuela has by far the world's highest inflation rate. Maduro insists Venezuela is the victim of an "economic war" waged by the conservative opposition and outside powers such as the United States aimed at toppling him. US Vice President Mike Pence's address to the Organization of American States comes two weeks before a divisive presidential poll in Venezuela The United States took to a popular Chinese social media platform Monday to ramp up its criticism of Beijing's demand that airlines list Taiwan as part of China, but the message earned little sympathy on the tightly monitored website. The US embassy posted on its official Weibo account the Mandarin translation of a White House statement that dismissed China's request to foreign air carriers as "Orwellian nonsense". The post inspired tens of thousands of comments, but instead of supportive messages it triggered patriotic posts on a platform that is closely watched and censored by the authorities. Several commentators called for "an independent Hawaii" and an "independent Alaska". One angry commenter said "(if you) don't want to do business, get out of here. Follow our laws if you want stay!" Another said: "This has nothing to do with freedom of speech. It's Chinese law." While the post has not been taken down, users who try to share it on their own accounts receive a message saying: "Sorry, this content is temporarily unavailable." The White House statement came after Chinese Civil Aviation Administration sent a notice to 36 foreign airlines on April 25, asking them to comply with Beijing's standards of referring to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau as Chinese territories. Hong Kong, a British colony until 1997, and Macau, a Portuguese colony until 1999, are now "special administrative regions" of China. But Taiwan has been self-ruled since splitting from the mainland after a 1949 civil war. China views the democratic island as a renegade part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring it back into the fold if necessary. The White House called Beijing's demand to the airlines an attempt by the Chinese Communist Party to "export its censorship and political correctness to Americans." The Chinese government lashed out at the US statement, saying Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau "are all indivisible parts of China". "Regardless of what the US side may say or do, it will not change the fact that there is only one China in the world," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular briefing Monday. He urged foreign companies to "respect China's territorial integrity... Chinese laws and feelings of the Chinese people," if they wished to do business in China. The website of American Airlines changed its listing as of Monday to show Hong Kong and Macau as special administrative regions of China, and only classified Taiwan separately. United Airlines and Delta have adopted a similar approach. Washington has maintained a delicate diplomatic balance since 1979, recognising Beijing's sovereignty as part of its "One China" policy, while remaining Taiwan's most powerful unofficial ally and main weapons supplier. The US embassy posted on its official Weibo account the Mandarin translation of a White House statement that dismissed China's request to foreign air carriers as "Orwellian nonsense". 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. On Monday, the National Education Association (NEA) released their annual Rankings and Estimates report. According to the report, North Carolina's average teacher salary for 2018, estimated by NEA researchers to be $50,861, ranked 37th out of 50 states and Washington, D.C., an improvement of two spots since last year (based on revised figures).But the NEA ranking does not include benefits or deferred compensation, account for differences in the experience level of teachers and, most importantly, adjust for cost of living. Using C2ER cost-of-living indices for 2017, I found that North Carolina's national rank jumps to 29th in the nation due to the state's relatively low cost of living. Last year, North Carolina's average adjusted salary was 33rd.For those who believe rankings are an important measure, the state has come a long way. In 2014, North Carolina ranked 47th in teacher pay due to a slow rebound in tax revenue, which had plummeted during the Great Recession, and the need to address massive overruns in Medicaid, a program that provides funding for health care services for low-income individuals. Between 2010 and 2014, the General Assembly was obligated to direct approximately $1.8 billion in additional taxpayer dollars to address Medicaid shortfalls. It's easy to forget that the 2010-11 budget featured a Medicaid funding gap topping $600 million or that, two years later, officials at the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services discovered a "forecasting error" that just happened to add $135 million to the existing shortfall for that year.With Medicaid spending under control, the Republican-controlled legislature had access to sufficient revenue to resume the practice of awarding salary and experience-based or "step" increases, enacting targeted bonus programs, and keeping up with the rising costs of employee benefits. And that is what they did.According to the nonpartisan Fiscal Research Division of the N.C. General Assembly, it started with an average 7 percent increase in the education budget for the 2014-15 school year. A year later, teachers received an average 2.2 percent increase and a $750 bonus. For 2016-17, lawmakers raised average teacher salaries by 4.7 percent. For the current school year, the average increase was 3.3 percent. After four consecutive years of teacher salary increases, North Carolina's average teacher salary rose from $44,990 in 2014 to its current level of $51,214. Although likely to change when the legislature convenes in May, the budget for the second year of the biennium includes a 6.2 percent increase in teacher salaries.Employee benefit expenditures have also increased. Between 2011 and 2018, retirement contributions surged from $4,458 to $8,057 per teacher, while Social Security contributions increased from $3,245 to $3,598. At the same time, health insurance outlays rose from $4,929 to $5,869 per employee and is expected to increase to $6,104 next school year.Of course, it is difficult to determine the return on those investments in teacher salaries and benefits. There was no significant change in fourth- and eighth-grade reading scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) between 2013 and 2017. During the same period, North Carolina had a statistically significant decrease in fourth- and eighth-grade mathematics scores, dropping 4 points on both NAEP exams. On the other hand, graduation rates have increased every year, reaching the all-time high of 86.5 percent in 2017. That said, the NAEP scores are a more reliable indicator of student achievement than the graduation rate, given that the latter is more susceptible to mischief When lawmakers return to Raleigh on May 16 for this year's legislative session, I'm confident that the budget adjustments will include an increase in teacher compensation. The size of that increase will depend on revenue figures and decisions about the appropriate level of funding for additional school safety initiatives and other spending priorities. Clark says he lives in Hoke County (District 21) but he bought a house and signed a statement claiming his primary residence was in Cumberland County (District 19) Sen. Ben Clark, D-Hoke, won a challenge to his residency May 3 before the state elections board. (CJ photo by Dan Way) State Sen. Ben Clark, D-Hoke, survived an eligibility challenge that could have knocked him out of his re-election race a few days before the May 8 primary. But his credibility took some blows.The Bipartisan State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement voted 7-1 Thursday, May 3, to uphold a three-member local election board decision favoring Clark. At issue is whether Clark's primary residence is in Senate District 21 or at a second home outside the district.Clark said as he exited the hearing with attorney John Wallace. He declined further comment.Spring Lake Mayor Pro Tem James O'Garra said after the hearing. He is considering whether to appeal the decision to the state Court of Appeals. He would have two days after the Election Board files its decision to act.O'Garra said.O'Garra insists Clark and his wife live in Vander, just east of Fayetteville in Cumberland County, in Senate District 19. Clark has testified under oath his permanent residence is 32 miles away in Raeford, Hoke County, in District 21.O'Garra said.He supports Naveed Aziz, Clark's primary opponent. His challenge is not related to her campaign, he said.O'Garra said. He's upset Clark worked with Republicans to gerrymander the district.State Elections Board Chairman Andy Penry acknowledged during the hearing that some board members might doubt Clark's credibility. However, he said, the board is not a fact-finding body, and can't take new evidence in a hearing. It can only rule on whether the lower board's decision followed the law.which took testimony, received evidence, and had the opportunity to judge witness credibility, Penry said.O'Garra's attorney, John Austin, argued Clark's attempt to gerrymander District 21 by placing an irregular wedge jutting five miles into District 19 showed his intent to absorb his Vander residence.Austin said.The General Assembly's Republican majority agreed to Clark's gerrymander. But a special master threw out that revision in December, and the federal three-judge panel kept Clark's Vander home in District 19.Austin said a public records check determined Clark owned no residential property in Hoke County. He transferred his Raeford property rights to his father, even though the senator filed an affidavit claiming ownership in it.Austin said.He also said Clark and his wife Dion both signed a deed of trust in February 2017, and borrowed money to purchase the Vander home. The transaction required them to say the Vander house would be their permanent residence for at least one year.Clark testified in the election board hearing that as the co-borrower he didn't fall under the residency requirement. The deed doesn't state that, Austin said.While Clark provided utility records to establish his Hoke County residency, all were dated after Feb. 28, Austin said. Since Clark didn't produce any earlier bills at that address, before his gerrymandered district was invalidated, he may have been living in Cumberland County, and returned to Hoke County only to run for re-election, Austin said.Austin asked.State elections board records show Dion Clark is registered as an unaffiliated voter in Hoke County. She voted in Guilford, Alamance, and Johnston counties from 2004-14. She cast ballots in Hoke County in two primaries and the general election in 2016.Elections Board member John Lewis expressed skepticism about Clark's residency claims.Lewis said.Wallace said Clark was not aware of the residency requirement when he signed it.He said Clark was surprised to learn that while he was in the Air Force, his father used the power of attorney Clark had given him to convey Clark's half-ownership of the Raeford home to his parents.Wallace also noted many North Carolina residents have more than one home, and split time between them.The couple married in April 2015. Even if Clark's wife stayed in the Cumberland County home, that does not mean it's Clark's primary residence, Wallace said. And Clark has steadfastly maintained he has never abandoned the Raeford home to live elsewhere.Board member Ken Raymond, the lone dissenting vote, said Clark didn't meet the burden of proof to establish his Hoke County residency.But Lewis said placing the burden of proof on candidates is a flaw in the process.It's an injustice to candidates to defend against allegations, Lewis said. He thinks the General Assembly should correct the law.Even so, he expressed concerns about some of the evidence against Clark.Lewis said, and whether Clark should be re-elected. On Friday, CNN's Anderson Cooper ran a segment on "Anderson Cooper 360" featuring far-left activists David Hogg and Cameron Kasky in which both made a series of misleading statements using divisive rhetoric while discussing the speech that President Donald Trump gave in Dallas at the NRA's Annual Leadership Forum.Kasky first talked about how he thought Trump was going in the right direction after the Parkland shooting when he called for tougher gun laws, but then noted how Trump seemed to change his tune after he had a meeting with NRA leaders."So as to whether or not the NRA meeting changed his views, that's kind of up to speculation, but I will tell you that is hopefully the first Russian-funded group he has met with," Kasky said.Hogg stated that he thought Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and the NRA were "worried because of the support we've been getting and the support we'll have in mid-terms," adding that anyone who supports the NRA doesn't "stand with kids.""Yet, in one of the recent spending bills that they had, they cut mental health spending for schools by over $25 million," Hogg continued. "That doesn't sound like improving the mental health system for schools to me."Kasky and Hogg, who are both known for making false statements (examples can be found here, here, here, and here), made multiple false, misleading, and ridiculous statements during their interview with Cooper on CNN.1. To suggest the NRA is a "Russian-funded group" is extremely misleading. The NRA did receive approximately $2,512 from people with Russian addresses since 2015. However, the NRA also brings in approximately $400 million per year in revenue, meaning that only $2,512 in donations have come from Russian addresses in the same time span that the NRA has brought in over $800 million - which is only 0.00031% - hardly enough to call the NRA a "Russian-funded group."2. Hogg's claim that Trump, Pence, and the NRA are worried because of the support he's been getting and will "have in mid-terms" doesn't appear to be backed by recent numbers:Support for gun control measures is declining.A new poll from left-leaning Reuters that was released this week showed that Democrats have lost a significant percentage of millennials over the last two years and Republicans are now tied with the Democrats for support among millennials.A new poll from the left-leaning Morning Consult showed that "Democrats are in serious trouble in Senate races across the country," as The Daily Wire's Ben Shapiro noted. The poll revealed that Republicans could gain up to nine seats in the Senate.In an analysis this week, CNN's Harry Enten wrote that "the House is not a lost cause for Republicans at this time." Entren cautioned: "Anyone categorizing the House as 'all but' certain to be won by Democrats in 2018 is repeating the same mistake of 2016, when polls showed a Hillary Clinton win as more likely than not, but far from inevitable."The NRA is scared? The gun rights organization just broke a 15-year fundraising record.3. Hogg's statement that Trump "cut mental health spending for schools by over $25 million" is not remotely true.As far-left Vox notes: "The omnibus [that was signed into law] also included more funding for school-based mental health programs ..."The American Psychiatric Association released a statement on the day the omnibus bill was signed into law, specifically saying that they "praised" it, noting that in total it increases funding for mental health by billions of dollars.WATCH: This course will take students beyond the books and the classroom-into the real life experience of activists, leaders and agents of positive social change. Making the personal political, students enrolled in this course will select and complete a community activism project focusing on a gender issue. It is absolutely imperative that we inspire young women leaders...The future really dependents on attracting progressive young women...so it is absolutely essential that we build a pipeline with young women who care about participating in their democracy. I went with other individuals from Lillian's List to listen to the senate "debate" the bill. The NC Legislature seems to be perfecting the art of the low blow; targeting so many groups that the only individuals left unscathed are the minute portion of the population... I left the General Assembly that day in tears. I've been crying for the women of NC every day since. All education, whether in the field of English, Biology, or History, is inherently political-especially in a public university system, threatened with the closure of entire campuses... and budget cuts. A comparison of men and women as political actors at the mass and elite level in America. Topics considered include the "gender gap," the women's movement, abortion, and the Equal Rights Amendment. The supposedly academic discipline of Women's Studies is "an arm of the women's movement," according to philosopher Christina Hoff Sommers. And that movement is political; political activism is at least as fundamental to women's studies as its academic components.As it says in the National Women's Studies Association's Constitution , the underlying goal of women's studies departments is that of "transform[ing] the world" to one "free of oppression." One can argue whether that goal is overly ambitious; it is hard, however, to argue that it is not political.One area where this politicized agenda reveals itself in full is the euphemistically named "experiential learning" programs run by campus women's centers (usually affiliated with women's studies departments). Not only do women's centers approach issues in terms of a specific ideology, they also mobilize students to put that ideology into practice.Such blatant activism is not how academic units at public universities are supposed to conduct themselves. The purpose of education at public universities (and in some cases, private) is not to advance ideologies; rather, it is to instill students with the capabilities to come to their own conclusions through properly academic methodologies.And it appears that women's centers and programs within the UNC system often fall short of that purpose. At the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), for example, there is a program entitled: "Gen-X: Where Academics Meets Activism." Students admitted to the program function as a "community" where they usually live in the same housing and attend the same classes. Gen-X students focus on "social justice and activism work" and are required to take a class on "Gender, Activism, and Leadership." According to the course description The course also fulfills a general education requirement.While the program's website does not explicitly state what kind of "real life" experiences Gen-X students participate in, there are some clues. In its promo video , Gen-X students are seen holding "vote now" signs and wearing Planned Parenthood stickers. Gen-X's director, Jennifer Byrd, told her students in a class discussionAdditionally, according to this Feminist Majority blog post , Byrd participated in a 2014 voting campaign on campus where UNC-Charlotte students wrote about why they were voting for then-Democratic candidate for Senate, Kay Hagan. Byrd posted pictures of students with signs that read:orBut the women's and gender studies program at UNC-Charlotte is not the only one with an activist bent. At UNC-Chapel Hill, there is a program called the Moxie Project -a collaboration between the Carolina Women's Center, the Southern Oral History Project, and the Department of Women's and Gender Studies. The aim of the program is to train students through coursework and internship experience to be feminist activists in their local communities.That activism, however, often appears to be specifically activism for left-wing policies. As Carol Teal, a former partner with the Moxie Project, said:Indeed, activities and content promoted in the Moxie Project closely align with the "progressive" political agenda. For the first few years of the Moxie Project, students participated in paid internships at Lillian's List , an organization thatAs a program requirement, Moxie Scholars are required to create a final project to present to the supervising staff and faculty. In the 2013 group presentation , the students held signs with defamatory language about the Republican Party and the North Carolina General Assembly.In the group presentation, one Moxie Scholar who interned with Lillian's List said:Another student claimed that:Other organizations that Moxie Scholars have worked with include: The National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League ( NARAL Pro-Choice ), the NC Justice Center , and Women AdvaNCe (a progressive-leaning, pro-choice non-profit). This year , the Moxie Scholars will take a course called "Women and Politics" which has the following course description:Students will then put what they learned into practice in their internships with the heavily Democratic Town of Carrboro, Women AdvaNCe, the North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and the Pauli Murray Project (a social justice project inspired by the life of "activist, scholar, feminist, poet, and [female] priest Pauli Murray").Despite the women's center apparent partisan leanings, it has received generous support from the state. According to data from the North Carolina General Assembly, in the 2013-2014 academic year, the Carolina Women's Center received $126,902 in funding from the state. That year, the Moxie Project was completely funded by the university's provost office. However, according to a 2017 newsletter , the Moxie Project is now fully funded by private donors. Nevertheless, the Carolina Women's Center's staff still dedicate 100 hours per fiscal year to the project, which is still paid for by the university.A quick look around North Carolina reveals other examples of similar politicization. UNC-Wilmington's Women's Studies and Resources Center is also steeped in radical feminist values. For one, in collaboration with NARAL Pro-Choice, the center sponsors an "Activist in Residence Series." In the 2014-2015 academic year , the center invited Emily Letts-known for filming her own abortion-to speak to students. Letts, with the help of NARAL Pro-Choice, filmed and collected the stories of students' own abortion experiences. (In fact, UNCW , along with UNC-Chapel Hill and UNC-Greensboro , grant students course credit for interning with abortion provider Planned Parenthood).It is important to note that not all of the activities at women's centers are blatantly ideological; there are positive things they do such as provide counseling and help homeless, abused, or incarcerated women. Indeed, some might defend women's centers because of the health services they provide students such as counseling. But those services can, and perhaps should, be provided at campus health and counseling centers. Removing the political element from health activities will most likely improve the level of professionalism, as well as remove the cover provided to the centers' political-and therefore illegitimate-activities.A second defense might be that women's centers help connect students with unique volunteer and internship opportunities outside of the classroom. But there are numerous ways that students can participate in volunteer and internship opportunities in the local communities without the mediation of a women's center.As such, it is difficult to see the need for women's centers and programs in the first place-especially if one of their main functions is to put mainstream feminist ideology into practice under the guise of "experiential learning."Indoctrinating students with specific ideologies and then creating corresponding programs for them to put those ideas into practice is not education-it is recruiting political actors and most certainly is not the purpose of higher education. It may be time for the state to take a really good look at its universities' women's programs and see which are excessively political and which-if any-serve an educational purpose. Tamara Vucak purchased a chihuahua puppy Kiki (pictured above), online, but Kiki soon developed respiratory distress and had to be euthanized. When Vucak tried to confront the breeder, she found that he had deleted all of his ads and disappeared. 944 shares The moment Tamara Vucak brought her new puppy, Kiki, home, she knew something was wrong. She had a weird breathing sound but I just thought that was how puppies of that size breathe, Vucak recalls. But when Kiki got worse, her mom took her to the emergency vet where she remained for three days. In the end, after hundreds of dollars in veterinary bills, Kikis condition got so bad that she had to be put down. By the time Vucak contacted the puppy mills campaign at the Humane Society of the United States, she knew that she had been the victim of a puppy mill scam. The breeder who sold Vucak the puppy she first saw online had delivered the dog to her in an Ohio gas station parking lot and had refused to even give her Kikis veterinary records. After Kikis death, when Vucak tried to confront the breeder, she found that he had deleted all of his ads and disappeared. Kikis is one of 5,118 complaints that we received between 2007 and 2017, via our puppy mills hotline, our online complaint form, and by email. A majority of these puppies turned out to have health problems. We reviewed each one of these to prepare our Puppy Buyers Complaints report that we are releasing today, with the goal of alerting future pet buyers to the common problems they should watch out for when they buy a pet, and to highlight which states these problems are most concentrated in. Of the complaints we received, at least 15 to 20 percent of the puppies died of serious illnesses or had to be put down, and hundreds had health problems that were chronic or lifelong in nature. The highest numbers of complaints linked to pet stores involved businesses in Florida, Ohio and Illinois, followed by New York, Pennsylvania and Michigan. And complaints about breeders who sold animals directly to consumers were linked most often to breeders in Missouri, Texas, Ohio and Oklahoma, in that order. [Read report: Puppy Buyer Complaints: A 10-year Summary 2007-2017] The most common illnesses we encountered among the dogs were intestinal parasites such as worms, giardia and/or coccidia, respiratory issues such as bronchial infections and pneumonia, infectious diseases that can be deadly to puppies, such as parvovirus and canine distemper, ear problems such as infections and mites, skin disorders such as mange, urinary infections and bladder issues and hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, which can lead to seizures or unconsciousness. Some of the most commonly seen congenital defects included seizures, heart murmurs, liver diseases and deafness. When our puppy mills campaign receives a complaint, we do our best to reach out to the buyer and share information on how they can obtain justice. We notify them about laws, such as puppy lemon laws, that can help them recover some of their costs, and agencies that might be able to look into problem breeders. Sometimes, as we did in Kikis case, we use an animals story to try to change the laws: in Ohio, where Kikis owner lives, The HSUS and our partners are supporting a ballot initiative to improve conditions for tens of thousands of dogs held in commercial breeding facilities in the state. The proposed measure would require, among many other needed improvements, for breeders to vaccinate breeding dogs for common illnesses such as the ones that affected Kiki and so many other puppies like her. It is important to keep in mind that the 5,118 complaints we received represent only a small fraction of all sick puppy complaints nationwide. Many more buyers of sick puppies report their complaints directly to the seller, to local animal control or law enforcement, or to consumer groups. Many others, busy trying to provide urgent care to a sick puppy, do not contact anyone at all. The Humane Society of the United States is hard at work to stop puppy mills, and our work encompasses a number of aspects, including working with state, local and federal lawmakers to create laws that crack down on these commercial breeding operations, pressuring the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the agency charged with licensing and inspecting some breeders that sell to pet stores or online, to upgrade its standards of care for such operations, and assisting law enforcement in reporting, investigating and shutting down problem puppy mills. Weve also made tremendous progress in cutting off key puppy mill sales outlets. We have helped pass two state lawsin Maryland and Californiaand more than 260 local ordinances across 20 states that prohibit the sale of commercially-raised puppies in pet stores. But this is a tough fight and the puppy mill industry is fighting back harder than ever. One of the ways they are pushing back is by proposing pro-puppy-mill bills, like one introduced just last week in Michigan that would prohibit localities from passing laws that stop the sale of puppy mill puppies in pet stores. We killed similar bills in Florida and Georgia this year, and we are working hard to defeat this newest threat. Our primary goal is to end the suffering at its source, by stopping puppy mills altogether, and we need your support more than ever. You can help by shopping only at pet stores that dont sell commercially raised puppies (find a list of stores near you by texting PUPPY to 30644), by getting your next pet from a shelter or rescue or from a responsible breeder you have met in person. You can also get in touch with your lawmakers to support bills in Congress that fight puppy mills, like The WOOF Act and the Puppy Protection Act. As always, follow us on social media and make sure you are signed up for our advocacy alerts so we can let you know if theres a bill or an opportunity to take action in your area. Thank you for helping us fight this fight. MEDIA DOWNLOADS Claudia Cavaliere had only been working as a massage therapist in Montreal, Canada for a few months when, as she began to work the knots out of a middle-aged client's leg, he started grinding against her massage table, juuuuuust before flipping over to bring himself off. The whole time that he masturbated, he didn't say a damn word, other than asking Cavaliere for a tissue to clean himself up with. Horrified, she backed out of the room that she had been alone with her client in and asked a co-worker for assistance. Her co-worker got Cavaliere to safety and demanded that her piece of shit client leave. The incident shook Cavaliere, deeply. After she collected herself, she was brave enough to report the incident to the police. When she told the duty officer at the Kirkland detachment of the Montreal Police Service her story, he didn't respond in the way that you'd like to hope that those we charge with protecting us, would. Instead of offering a modicum of sympathy, he attempted to dissuade her from filing a complaint, saying, according to Cavaliere "Well, you know, you have to get ready to appear in court. Do you really want to do that?" At this point, Cavaliere decided it might be a good idea to record the rest of their chat. As the conversation between Cavaliere and the cop progressed, it was discovered that her client had provided her with a fake name and phone number. The duty officer that she spoke to told her that it was unlikely that a case could be pursued, given these circumstances, and even if it did, it would not be classified as a sexual assault. Any conviction, he explained, would not result in a harsh punishment. Just when you think it can't get any worse, it totally does. From The CBC: He tells her that her spa, which also offers services such as manicures and waxing, is located on a stretch of road where "there's a lot of happy endings." "There's a lot of weirdos out there," the officer tells her. "I'm saying, be prepared to have weirdos. You will have weirdos. That's the nature of the business." "Unfortunately, that's what happens. I just don't want you to get emotional because you have weirdos out there," he says. Cavaliere left the station with the form on which to write her statement. But the incident left her questioning whether her concerns were valid and if she should bother going through with her complaint. "There was a part of me that said, 'No, I shouldn't go back. What's the point of going back? They're never going to catch this guy. I should just try to forget it.'" After speaking with her employer, Cavaliere opted to return to the police station and file a report. Fortunately, when she did, a police officer that understands that he's there to serve the public, was on duty. Cavaliere told the CBC that he was attentive, sympathetic and took her concerns seriously. For its part, the Montreal Police weren't willing to make a statement on the incident. One of their inspectors went on the record about what happened to Cavaliere, but go on, read it: it's the bureaucratic equivalent of a shrug: "It's not a lack of training. Sometimes we have a police officer that needs some discipline or who just lost it on that day. We are police officers, and we make mistakes. When we hear things like that we do not try to cover it up. We don't try to say it is correct. This is completely wrong." The Inspector told The CBC that he hoped that Cavaliere would make a complaint to the police ethics commission. She totally should: oversight is exactly what an incident like this requires. Unfortunately, a significant amount of damage has been done: the trust that a young woman once had in her local police has been shaken. The lack of response and unwillingness to investigate in the face of scathing allegations against one of its officers by the Montreal Police Service further tarnishes the reputation of a department that, in recent years has been embarrassed by a number of scandals. Finally, the Inspector in who commented on the sounds like his last shit was given to the protection of his pension, which he hopes hypertension will allow him to live long enough to enjoy. There's only one happy ending in this whole rotten story and the fella that had it deserves a punch in the throat. Image via Wikipedia Commons Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and their wives enjoyed a private dinner in Israel. By all accounts, they had a lovely evening, which was marred only by the dessert, which was served in shoes. From Business Insider: "This was a stupid and insensitive decision," a senior Israeli diplomat who served in Japan told the Hebrew-language newspaper Yedioth Aharonot, according to The Jerusalem Post. "There is nothing more despised in Japanese culture than shoes," the diplomat said. "Not only do they not enter their houses while wearing shoes, you will not find shoes in their offices either. Even the prime minister, ministers and members of parliament do not wear shoes to work It is equivalent to serving a Jewish guest chocolates in a dish shaped like a pig." Some mysteries don't need to be solved. They need to be laid to rest. In spring of 2017, an Idaho Department of Fish and Game employee was going about his 'do you have a license to hunt that thing' duties, in the wilds outside the city of Mountain Home, Idaho. As he kicked through the grass and dust of the high desert plains, he came upon partially buried human skeletal remains. The Fish and Game employee called in the cops, who in turn, cordoned off the area around the find as a crime scene. The condition of the bones was such that they could have been the remains of a double homicide that'd taken place in recent decades, or old enough to belong to settlers who would have been passing through the area as far back as the 19th century, as part of their trek down the Oregon Trail. Five days after the bones were discovered, the police returned to where the bones had been discovered. They brought archaeologists with them to assist in the delicate task of extracting the remains from the earth and, since they were there, help look for any other remains that might be hanging around the area. They found more. There was no way to identify the bones as belonging to one society or anothernot a single cultural artifact was found in the area. With no clues as to who the bones may have belonged to, the cops had the bones shipped off to a lab for carbon dating. A couple of decades old or maybe dating back to the 19th century? Man were they off the mark. By carbon dating the remains, it was discovered that the bones they'd uncovered belonged to two peoplea young adult and a childwho lived at some point between the 1400s and 1600s. Bullshit, cried the investigators! Run the test again! At a different lab! So they did. Similar results were returned. With the data that had been procured, they were able to narrow down the dates that the pair had been alive even further: between 1436 and 1522. During that time, the only people who would have been in that part of Idaho, that anyone knows of, would have been the natives of the region. With this being the case the remains were handed over to the U.S Bureau of Land Management, who in turn, are supposed to provide the remains to a Native American tribe in the area where the find was made as per the Native American Graves Protection Act. According to the Associated Press, anthropologists were kind of pissed off at the situation: The tribes don't let researchers conduct tests on remains of ancestors and anthropologists say the unique nature of the find means that experts are losing an opportunity to learn more about how Native Americans lived in a place where the first documented visit by outsiders was in 1805 evidence of how the two had lived might have been found by trained experts if the area had also been treated from the onset as a possible anthropological site. There are fewer than a dozen known Native American burial sites on the Snake River Plain, and this site was unique because none of the other sites have had the remains of more than one person. Tough shit. If someone dug up my great, great grandfather's bones and wanted to keep poking at them instead of letting me bury them with respect, I'd likely say 'nah,' too. Without there being any cultural artifacts to point at who the remains of the individuals found may have been during their lives, the Bureau of Land Management opted to let Native American tribes traditionally associated with the area where the bones were found, to petition for the right to take possession of them. Three different tribesShoshone-Bannock Tribes, Nez Perce Tribe and the Shoshone-Paiute Tribesexpressed interest in repatriating the remains. Over a year after the remains were initially stumbled upon, the Bureau of Land Management decided that the bones were to be shared by the inter-related Shoshone-Bannock and Shoshone-Paiute Tribes, and should be handed over to them this summer provided no other tribes in the area decide to make their own claim to the remains. If anyone else does want to throw their hats in the ring, they have until June 28 to do so. In the meantime, the remains, are being stored in a secure federal facility. Image via Wikipedia Gina Haspel is a 33-year veteran of the CIA, notorious for overseeing a torture camp in Thailand where rendered suspects were subjected to simulated executions; Haspel is also notorious for participating in a mass coverup of CIA torture, helping to destroy over 100 videotapes of abuses that took place under her direction. Naturally, Donald Trump wants her to run the CIA. Four "senior US officials" have told the Washington Post that Haspel tried to decline the nomination because she feared being questioned under oath by the Senate during her confirmation hearing, worried that they would ask her questions about her complicity in torture and coverup. Haspel's confirmation hearing is scheduled for this Wednesday. But Haspel's nomination to become the first woman to lead the CIA came close to being scuttled Friday ahead of any hearings and largely at her own hand, the U.S. officials said. The problem came to a head Friday afternoon when she was summoned to the White House for some urgent questions, particularly on her role in the use of waterboarding and other harsh interrogation techniques. She had been in a meeting with her staff at CIA headquarters in Langley, fielding mock questions to prepare for her confirmation hearing, when the summons arrived. Some White House officials were concerned by material being raised in questions from Congress, information they were just learning about, according to the U.S. officials. Those officials said the material was not revelations that have been unearthed in recent months, but the White House wanted to hear Haspel's explanation of it. Gina Haspel, nominee to head CIA, sought to withdraw over questions about her role in agency interrogation program [Carol D. Leonnig, Shane Harris and Josh Dawsey/Washington Post] (via Naked Capitalism) (Image: Mosiac 36, CC-BY) Amongst people who care deeply about typography and fonts which is, in our typographic age, probably a reasonable chunk of people online there's been a low-level war about spacing after a period. Specifically: When you finish a sentence, do you type one space, or two? There are many heated views on this matter. But recently, a couple of scholars decided to science this one out, and things did not turn out well for the one-spacers. As the Washington Post reports: So the researchers, Rebecca L. Johnson, Becky Bui and Lindsay L. Schmitt, rounded up 60 students and some eye tracking equipment, and set out to heal the divide. First, they put the students in front of computers and dictated a short paragraph, to see how many spaces they naturally used. Turns out, 21 of the 60 were "two-spacers, " and the rest typed with close-spaced sentences that would have horrified the Founding Fathers. The researchers then clamped each student's head into place, and used an Eyelink 1000 to record where they looked as they silently read 20 paragraphs. The paragraphs were written in various styles: one-spaced, two-spaced, and strange combinations like two spaces after commas, but only one after periods. And vice versa, too. And the verdict was: two spaces after the period is better. It makes reading slightly easier. Mind you, the reading-speed improvement with double spaces was only 3%, so we're talking about a pretty tiny delta here. Small enough, in fact, that this study has not so much resolved this debate as fanned its eternal, eldritch flames. Over a Lifehacker, Nick Douglas notes that the study didn't really model the type of reading people do all day long: The text was typed out in a monospaced font with double-spaced lines, whereas the majority of reading we do online (and in print) is with proportional fonts, and rarely double-spaced. Meanwhile, Matthew Butterick wrote in a proportional font, bien sur a terrific essay looking at these questions from the perspective of typographers. Me, I'm a one-spacer. When I cut and pasted the text from the Washington Post into this blog post, I immediately noticed that the Post writers had composed their story using two-spaces, those sly dogs. (In a wonderfully meta turn of events, the reason I was able to notice this is that the "text" editing format in WordPress, the CMS in which we write these Boing Boing posts, itself uses a monospace font. So maybe monospace isn't quite as dead, for composition, as one might think!) Anyway, the instant I saw the double-spacing, I aesthetically recoiled. Like any normal person would. So I dumped the text into Clean Text, a little Mac app I keep open all day long while I'm at work, because it's great for quickly cleaning up the wonky formatting of text cut-and-pasted off the web. It's even got a preset command for "Fix spaces", which of course means "take all double spaces, which are an affront to all right-thinking citizens of good conscience and discernment, and replace 'em with single spaces". And I hit it. (CC-licensed photo via J E Theriot) Several years ago, Egypt's Antiquities Ministry said they were "90% sure" that new scans of King Tutankhamun's tomb revealed a hidden chamber. Following that, University of Arizona archaeologist Nicholas Reeves published a headline-making research paper suggesting that the secret room may be the burial chamber of Queen Nefertiti. Well, turns out that there's no there there. From the BBC News: Italian specialists from the University of Turin used new penetrating radar scans to reach their conclusion, saying they were confident in the results. "It is maybe a little bit disappointing that there is nothing behind the walls of Tutankhamun's tomb, but I think on the other hand that this is good science," said Dr Francesco Porcelli, head of the research team.. Egypt's Antiquities Minister, Khaled al-Anani, said the authorities in the country accepted the results. Emily Nield (27) of Ontario, Canada, attends college in the United States. She was driving from Georgia to Tennessee when a cop pulled her over for speeding. The officer asked for her license and things quickly went downhill from there. From CBC: "She kept saying, 'No, Canadian licences are not accepted,'" said Nield. "I was flabbergasted. I just kept saying this can't be right a Canadian license is always valid." Nield told CBC Toronto she was then asked to prove she was Canadian and although she had copies of her passport, Nexus card, and birth certificate on her phone, the officer wanted to see an original hard copy. "When I failed to produce it, she reached through the window of my car and she put handcuffs on me," said Nield. "She told me that I have just been arrested for driving without a licence and that I needed to go to jail." In the back of the officer's cruiser Nield managed to take a video on her cellphone and send it to friends on SnapChat. News / National by Staff reporter IN a series of bloody fights spanning 10 hours, a Chiredzi man allegedly drove a spear through the shoulder of a villager who suspected he was bedding his wife.The victim died soon after admission at Chiredzi District Hospital.Trynos Gundani (24) allegedly accosted Urayayi Chinyungure (30) of Village 6, Mukwasi area in Mkwasine on Thursday last week and accused him of having an affair with his wife, Susan.A series of see-saw fights ensued, ultimately ending when Chinyungure allegedly speared Gundani on the right shoulder .Both combatants were rushed to Chiredzi Hospital where they were admitted but Gundani died on the same day.Masvingo police spokesperson Inspector Charity Mazula said the stabbing incident occurred on Thursday at around 6PM.She said Gundani died while admitted to Chiredzi District Hospital together with Chinyungure who had also sustained injuries during the series of fights.His body was taken to the same hospital mortuary for postmortem."I can confirm receiving a report of murder involving two villagers in Mkwasine, Chiredzi. One man accused the other of having had an extra-marital affair with his wife. The suspect has been arrested and is assisting police with investigations," said Insp Mazula.She said Gundani first attacked Chinyungure at around 8AM."On Thursday, at around 8AM Gundani approached Urayayi who was herding cattle at a pasture. Armed with a machete, Gundani accused Urayayi of sleeping with his wife and threatened to kill him," said Insp Mazula.Gundani, she said, allegedly felled Chinyungure with a punch on the left side of the mouth and he lost a tooth in the process.Gundani allegedly frenziedly rained blows on a hapless Chinyungure who bled profusely.A fellow villager, Mr Last Chimuka, heard the noise and rushed to the scene to restrain the two from fighting and they left for home.At around 10AM, villagers said, Chinyungure armed himself with a spear and went to Gundani's homestead but his target locked himself inside a hut."Urayayi called him out several times and after failing to break down the door, he took Trynos' bicycle and left," said a villager who asked not to be named.The villager said when Gundani realised that his bicycle was gone; he grabbed a machete and a hoe handle and stormed after Chinyungure."He threw the hoe handle and hit Urayayi on the shoulder. They grappled before separating, only to resume their battle around 6PM. That is when Chinyungure speared Gundani on the right shoulder. Gundani lost a lot of blood and fainted," said a villager.Villagers rushed to make a formal police report and cops at Mkwasine Police Station rushed the two to Chiredzi District Hospital.Gundani died soon after admission and police arrested Chinyungure on his hospital bed.He is assisting police with investigations and will appear in court soon facing murder charges. News / National by Staff reporter PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa will soon travel around the country to meet people and unpack Government's programmes following the successful unveiling of Zanu-PF's 2018 Campaign and Election Manifesto in Harare on Friday.In a statement on his official Facebook page on Friday, President Mnangagwa, who is Zanu-PF's presidential candidate for the forthcoming harmonised elections, said the manifesto outlines the party's vision for Zimbabwe in the new dispensation."The manifesto outlines our vision for the new Zimbabwe and the practical steps of how we will turn this vision into a reality. Over the next few months, I will be travelling around the country meeting my fellow Zimbabweans, and explaining our programme to all," he said.The Zanu-PF 2018 campaign and manifesto is running under the theme: "Unite, Fight Corruption, develop, Re-engage and Create Jobs."The business-friendly election manifesto seeks to promote investment and business growth in line with President Mnangagwa's vision to transform Zimbabwe into a middle income country by 2030.In the manifesto, Zanu-PF said if given a new mandate, it would strive to achieve fiscal and debt sustainability and industrial and capacity utilisation of 90 percent by 2023.Other targets include improving health delivery in line with Sustainable Development Goals by 2023, delivering 1,5 million medium-income housing units in the same period.The manifesto will also seek to promote unity through capacitating the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission to execute its constitutional mandate in dealing with post independence era conflicts.Zanu-PF outlined various measures to address economic sectors that include agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, infrastructure development, health and education to create a diversified economy.The manifesto acknowledges the various challenges that the country has faced over the years that include MDC-engineered sanctions, corruption, State capture by the G40 cabal, HIV and Aids and rising cases of non-communicable diseases and climate change. It however, commended Zimbabweans for their resilience.Mnangagwa also took to the micro-blogging site Twitter yesterday and reiterated that the harmonised elections would be free and fair with Zanu-PF emerging victorious."The upcoming elections will be free and fair, and I am confident that with this ambitious and achievable plan for Zimbabwe, we will be victorious. The voice of the people is the voice of God!" he said.Mnangagwa who is also Zanu-PF's First Secretary, has on several fora pledged to hold free, fair and non-violent elections this year, and to respect the outcome even if Zanu-PF loses.In January during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, the President said international observers, including from the European Union, will be invited to monitor the elections as the country seeks to entrench its democracy. He said the observers would have unfettered access to every place. News / National by Staff reporter POLITICAL analysts and residents' associations yesterday described the recently-launched Zanu-PF 2018 election manifesto as jumbled up, unrealistic and contemptuous of the electorate, as most of the promises would be difficult to achieve within the next five years.The manifesto, which was launched amid pomp and fanfare, with imposing billboards, campaign vehicles and top-quality regalia had glaring mistakes on the party's presidential candidate, President Emmerson Mnangagwa's biography.For instance, the manifesto claims Mnangagwa served as Justice minister between 1981 and 2000 when he only became Justice minister from 1989 to 2000. Between 1980 and 1988 he was State minister.Zanu-PF also claims that Mnangagwa was Justice minister from 2009 to 2014 when he served as Defence minister from 2009 to 2013 before being elevated to the Vice-Presidency in 2014.After losing the 2000 elections to MDC's Blessing Chebundo, Mnangagwa was appointed Speaker of Parliament till 2005 and later served as National Rural Housing and Social Amenities between.Law lecturer Alex Magaisa said such errors show that the manifesto was a rushed job and should embarrass Zanu-PF."Zanu-PF prides itself as an organised and efficient machine and yet they can't even get the biography of their presidential candidate right. It's obviously a rushed job with no attention to detail. There are schoolboy errors, which show lack of care and diligence. Frankly, the authors of this document must be embarrassed," he said.Academic and analysts Ibbo Mandaza said: "Shoddy work, amateurs at work and should be an embarrassment for the ruling party, it shows that they were in a hurry and leaves people in doubt of their leadership qualities.""The manifesto has incredulous promises by people who appear to forget that they have been in power from the past 37 years, they make new promises forgetting that just five years ago they made promises that they have hardly fulfilled," he said.Like the 2013 elections manifesto and the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (ZimAsset) document, the 2018 manifesto enunciated populist policies such as reducing water charges, reducing tollgate fees, hospital fees by 50%, fighting corruption and providing 1,5 million medium income housing units between 2018 and 2023.Marvellous Khumalo, spokesperson of the Zimbabwe Union of Residents and Ratepayers Association and director of Chitungwiza and Manyame Residents' Association yesterday described the Zanu-PF electoral promises in the 2018 as a mirage."If one were to look at their previous promises and what was achieved, you will find that they promised 2,2 million jobs and it is now 2018 and they failed to provide those jobs; and they promised 250 000 low cost housing units through ZimAsset, but they failed to deliver them," he said."Now they are promising 1,5 million medium income housing units when they failed to construct 250 000 low cost housing units and what it tells us is that their 2018 elections manifesto promises are only a mirage," he said.On reduction of water charges, Khumalo said it was ironic that the same Zanu-PF-led government, which was recently advocating for privatisation of water, was now promising reduction of water charges. In the run-up to the 2013 elections and in one of its populist gestures, Zanu-PF slashed water debts for residents during the electoral season.The move left councils wallowing in debt and failing to deliver services."Nothing has changed in terms of water and there has not been any change in terms of water storage bodies and yet they are speaking of reducing water tariffs, yet the same government advocated for privatisation of water. We know that their promises are a pie in the sky and we urge residents to re-look at all electoral promises and make an informed decision on whether they think they will be achieved or not so that they vote wisely," Khumalo said.Political analyst, Rejoice Ngwenya said the promises in the Zanu-PF 2018 manifesto were contemptuous of the voters."Every political party gripped by electoral fever tends to make policies, but these policies must be realistic, otherwise they border on contempt of voters and Zanu-PF has always been contemptuous of voters and believes that Zimbabweans do not understand issues," he said.Ngwenya said the manifesto showed contempt of Zimbabweans because one cannot build an economy through reducing rates and prices of things by creating resources."All the promises are a pie in the sky and if I was a human rights lawyer I would immediately take the ruling party to the courts because they show contempt for the people," Ngwenya said.Other electoral promises in the 2018 Zanu-PF manifesto include free medical treatment for cancer patients, and establishing at least one hospital in each administrative district, translating to 78 new hospitals by 2023. News / National by Staff reporter farmer_farmerOver 70 Zimbabwean white commercial farmers living in Zambia are yearning to return home and assist redevelop the agriculture sector in the once Southern African Development Community bread basket.The farmers were displaced during the Robert Mugabe land reform programme initiated in 2000 and later land was allocated to locals as part of the decolonisation of the country, which was ruled by Britain until 1980.But with the various incentives the Emmerson Mnangagwa administration is dangling, including land on 99-year lease unlike the five-year tenure, coupled with low-interest loans at hand, many are preparing to leave Zambia for resettlement, it has been learnt.When Robert Mugabe put in top gear his land reform programme, which was aimed at correcting colonial imbalances over 15 years ago, late Zambian president Levy Mwanawasa gave land to such fleeing commercial farmers in the arable farming block of Chisamba and Mkushi in Central province.Although various Zambian small-scale farmers still account for the biggest chunk of total maize production in Zambia, the Zimbabwean white farmers made a considerable contribution to total output, including tobacco, soya and rice for export.Peter Townsend, a Zimbabwean white farmer confirmed to the The Southern Times during the just-ended Agri Expo that was held in Chisamba in Central Zambia from April 12 to 14 and organised by the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) and Spintelligent the impending return to that country following various overtures made by the Emmerson Mnangagwa administration for them to return under new conditions."We have held several meetings among commercial farmers about the offer by the Zimbabwean government and actually some of our colleagues have already left and resettled in Zimbabwe while many of us are making final preparations before we leave . . . They are offering good incentives."Since the beginning of this year, he added, over 70 white farmers from Zimbabwe have held meetings in various parts of the country including Southern Zambia to brainstorm on the call made by the Zimbabwean government for their return and assist revitalize the agricultural sector.The Zimbabwean economy has performed dismally in the aftermath of the 2000 land reforms, making that country to instead import food, chiefly maize from Zambia to feed the population because of food insecurity inflicted by climatic change effects.In a separate interview Calvin Kaleyi, spokesperson for the Zambia National Farmers Union has confirmed the development.He said while Zambia may face a backlash in the sector by the imminent departure of almost over 70 white commercial farmers, many of the affected have shown willingness to return to Zimbabwe because that government has streamlined various policies and made agriculture, yet another economic mainstay."Yes, it's happening and, in fact, some of them have actually left and are settled in Zimbabwe although others are still undecided and have adopted a wait and see stance because of the experiences they endured during the land reforms."Our investigations show that most of these commercial farmers have been offered 99-year lease pieces of land and are also being offered attractive loans with low interest on repayment, so many are set to leave sooner or later."Kaleyi regrets that once the commercial farmers leave, many of them growing tobacco, soy and other crops on a commercial basis, Zambia's agricultural sector is likely to undergo a major setback because of the contributions being rendered by the former Zimbabwean white farmers during their stay in Zambia."Definitely, the sector will be affected should all the more than 70 farmers decide to relocate back but again you cannot stop them because of the various incentives being [offered]."During the expo, Zimbabwe was part of the foreign countries that participated in the three-day exhibition event graced by President Edgar Lungu. Other countries that participated are Czech Republic, 28-member-European Union, Finland, France and Germany.Zimbabwe's land redistribution initially started in 1980 with the signing of the Lancaster Agreement as an effort to more equitably distribute land between black subsistence farmers and the white farmers of Zimbabwe of European ancestry, who had traditionally enjoyed superior political economic status.As of 2011, an estimated 237,858 Zimbabwean households have been provided with access to land under the programme.A total of 10,816,886 hectares have been acquired since 2000, compared to the 3,498,444 hectares purchased from voluntary sellers between 1980 and 1998.By 2013, every white-owned farm in Zimbabwe had been either expropriated or confirmed for redistribution, according to data available to The Southern Times. News / National by Staff reporter Thokozani Khupe faction of the MDC-T has announced that it will launch its party manifesto and election campaign in Bulawayo this Saturday.This was revealed by the party's spokesperson Linda Masarira after the MDC-T National Standing Committee meeting held in Kwekwe yesterday."The National Standing Committee also endorsed the party manifesto and campaign regalia. This campaign machinery will be revealed at the party Election Campaign and Manifesto Launch on Saturday 12 May 2018 in Bulawayo," said Masarira in a statement."The National Standing Committee received an update on the candidate selection process from the National Chairperson. The first batch of candidates who have been endorsed unanimously will be revealed soon, followed by those where consensus building is still going on."The National Standing Committee also deployed all its members to expedite the process of candidate identification and nomination across the country," added the statement. Opinion / Columnist The meeting was held today [Sunday] in Gweru and a vote was made to appoint Felix Magalela Mafa Sibanda.It is our recommendation that Sibanda is the right candidate and man for the job due to his maturity and has been dedicated to the struggle since the 80's when some of us were young.We have considered all other candidates like Thabitha Khumalo and we feel that she is not ripe enough and does not have the gravitas of wielding respect in the presidium. She has got facts but mainly lacks the right temperament for commanding national respect. We so much appreciate her works and have got nothing against a lady who has worked hard for the movement and will continue working with her. Matabeleland has also had its turn with lady Khupe for 15 years and it is befitting to put Cde. Mafa Sibanda on the driving seat and instill his teacher discipline that is much needed in the presidium.We appreciate the 20% quota system for the youths. However, we want horses like Mafa that will stand for the muddy fields. In as much as we appreciate the youths, some of these youths in positions are not capable of mounting meaningful campaigns because they lack financial resources to challenge a Zanu PF well oiled parliamentary election, hence some still lack the political aptitudeness. The rhetoric will place our seats in viable constituencies in serious danger.Felix Magalela Mafa Sibanda is a political brave man. He is our founding precursor leader for the progressive action date backing to 1981 when he led the 181 000 civil servants to fight for descent wages and conditions. He is a man who understands the country's social ills like Gukurahundi better, as he lost his son during the Genocide era. He has pushed the Gukurahundi Bill at Parliament with all vigour, but was thumped down by the Khuphe cabal. He has worked with different organizations to achieve a better life for Zimbabweans at large. He was also the first man to stand for President Chamisa, loyally announcing the endorsement for him in Bulawayo Province on February 11th 2018 and fought hard to remove the Khuphe ZANU-PF sponsored cabal. He cemented the Chamisa position and ended the feud that could have destroyed the party between the president and Khupe.Further and realistically analysing, the name MDC-T alone cannot win, or a youthful face is not enough. Experience like the one amassed by Mafa and the 20years of Chamisa experience is trusted. The correct selling points of realistic sellable goals to the electrorate is also needed. Selling change alone is no longer a viable option after Mugabe's demise. We have a man who is likely more brutal than Mugabe at the helm. A man who is buying votes with money, and withholding food aid in rural areas. These tactics will need seasoned politicians to disembark this mupurwa from the cow's adder.Such wisdom is what's required. It gave the necessary political capital to president Chamisa to assume the position nationally. And yet, he squandered that opportunity by refusing to take Khupe to congress. Thus Midlands Province has that unanimous decision for Felix Mafa to that VP position.It is however, clear that there are some fishy people who have been badly advising the president to divert from the much needed job to elect his advisors or lieutenants, which if he follows can split the party. Thus going forth we believe the team will assist in managing the party to highest level and deal with the quagmire that's in the courts. It is ever needed that Mafa Sibanda be brought in the presidium to join Chamisa, Mudzuri and Mwonzora, sit behind closed doors and figure the way forward to save the people's movement, against the ZANU-PF made collapsing economy, social fibre, poor education, poor health, rigging tactics and pathetic rule of law.The presidium set up will also help remove imposed candidates across the country, for example, the Chiundura former Zanu PF youth who once committed violent acts against our party and movement. How does such a person find space in our place, unless there is an unseen hand now guiding our demise? We still need to weed out other Khuphe cabals who are seen behind doors having meetings with Khuphe but representing the party and still want to continue as representatives. We can't be bedding them at the expense of people's choices and wishes.Mr President, we seek that you take our wisdom that you need as quick as possible. We hereby unanimously endorse, and approve Felix Magalela Mafa Sibanda as your loyal Vice President to replace the former, Dr. Khupe.Midlands Province - MDC TMay 6th 2018 Opinion / Columnist Today (yesterday) I leave for the UK to join MDC Alliance presidential candidate Nelson Chamisa and Tendai Biti for a series of meetings this week with British Government leaders, opposition leaders and officials.We will also be meeting journalists from the Economist, Financial Times, Spectator, Evening Standard and other leading British newspapers.Nelson Chamisa will also be speaking at Oxford University and Chatham House. It is a great honour for me to have been invited to join Nelson Chamisa on this trip. I am absolutely delighted that once again I am working with my old comrades who have been in the trenches with me since the MDC was formed on the 11th September 1999. In fact, the MDC Alliance is in essence the resurrection of the original MDC read up on the original interim leadership and you will see what I mean. The main purpose of the week will be to promote British investment in Zimbabwe in a new era under an MDC Alliance government.We will explain that the fundamental difference between the MDC Alliance and zanu-pf is that we, unlike Zanu-PF, will implement Zimbabwe's new Constitution in full in letter and spirit and that we will respect the rule of law.For all zanu-pf's rhetoric about Zimbabwe being "open for business", the one thing they have never learnt in 38 years of misrule is that the single most important factor in any investor's decision to invest in a foreign country is security of the investment.If an investor feels that the rules will change, or that a dispute will come before a biased, political judge, or that permits will have to be obtained through bribery, the investor will simply look elsewhere.That is why just this week, SA President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Africa/Japan Investment summit, stressed that South Africa's judiciary is independent and that his Government totally respects South Africa's Constitution. He gets it.Sadly, Zanu-PF doesn't including President Mnangagwa's Government.This is not just about Zanu-PF under Robert Mugabe. Since Emmerson Mnangagwa came to power in November (2017) the Constitution has been systematically breached General Chiwenga's appointment as VP and being in charge of Defence is unconstitutional, as are the appointments of Resident Ministers, the failure to open up the ZBC, The Herald and Chronicle and a raft of other actions.Related Stories:Our judiciary remains seriously compromised and rather than implement the Constitution it is none other than President Mnangagwa who in recent times tried to amend the Constitution to further undermine the independence of the judiciary, by reducing the powers of the Judicial Service Commission in selecting the Chief Justice.In contrast, the MDC Alliance, which after all has been the main driver of the new Constitution agreed to by Zimbabweans in 2013, will respect and implement the Constitution in all its fullness. And that is the one fundamental difference between the MDC Alliance and not just zanu-pf, but all the other major parties contesting the election.Without Morgan Tsvangirai, Nelson Chamisa, Jessie Fungayi Majome, Tendai Biti, Welshman Ncube, Douglas Mwonzora and many other MDC leaders, there would never have been a new democratic Constitution. That is a hard fact. So we will be telling the British Government and investors that British investment will be secure under an MDC Alliance government.We will also remind them that when the MDC had just a small amount of influence in Government between 2009 and 2013, the economy grew dramatically, hospitals reopened, children went back to school and a new democratic Constitution was written and accepted by millions of Zimbabweans.In other words, these are not empty promises, or mere rhetoric - we have a demonstrable track record.If we grasp the full reins of Government, Zimbabwe will boom.God bless Zimbabwe. Opinion / Columnist Every politician knows that the key to winning elections is to make great promises. Nelson Chamisa in apparent novice excitement of taking over the MDC-T leadership after the death of Morgan Tsvangirai has taken the lead in reaching out to the masses for the upcoming harmonised general election.Hitting the ground running, the 40-year-old politician has styled himself youthful in order to identify with first time voters.He has also eagerly promised every fantasy of developmental luxury imaginable, starting with a pledge to make Zimbabwe the first developing country to have bullet trains; promising to build new cities, promising village airports for rural peasant farmers so they can export their produce by air to international markets right from their villages; and also promising eight lane one-way freeways across the country's cities.Campaigners promise to cure the ills of society including taxes, investment, jobs, government corruption, and freedoms.We all hope, if elected, that they will bring about vast improvements in education, health, employment, infrastructure, and the economy.There seems to be no limit to the amount of promises politicians will put in their manifestos. Political parties will hire political consultants so they can suggest as many promises as can ever be imagined, and promises will be made according to what is believed to be what the people want to hear, not according to what can be achieved from a pragmatic and practical point of view. In any tight race, politicians will always attempt to extract a few additional votes by promising to provide a solution to a specific problem that an interest group cares about.This is why some groups will always feel it is strategic to start making demands during election seasons. It is believed an incumbent government is always at its negotiating weakest in the run-up to a watershed lection.We have already seen the nurses trying industrial election to press for better remuneration and better working conditions, and we have read reports of teachers planning to embark on some kind of industrial action as well.Needless to detail here the many broken campaign promises that have accumulated throughout history. There is always a huge difference between campaign audacity and implementation timidity.For example, when Jon Stewart interviewed Barack Obama, he questioned whether the then US President had substituted campaign "audacity" with legislative "timidity".There is no logical reason to believe that a party that has failed over the years to mend and repair potholes in Harare where it runs municipal affairs can turn around and promise the country world-class spaghetti roads.Whether or not this is a fair characterisation, the point is that no politician is immune from either not living up to pre-election hype or being accused of failing to do so. Zanu-PF promised to create two million jobs in Election 2013, and naturally questions have been asked on what happened to the job creation promise.The MDC-T vowed to introduce transparency in our urban local authorities where it runs a number of councils, if not most; only to end up with encyclopaedic corruption of its own in councils such as Chitungwiza; with misplaced priorities in Bulawayo, and a life threatening service delivery system in Harare.In many ways, voters are the eternal optimists who can't learn from experience. We always want to believe that our politicians will improve our lives. We believe sweet nothings without putting any of the said promises to scrutiny. But when post-election reality hits, we forget how unrealistic we were in believing that somehow "this time," the outcome would be different.How realistic is the promise that the United States will just give one of our candidates $15 billion to spend on us? How realistic is the prospect of bullet trains in Zimbabwe within the next 10 years it being the maximum time the promising candidate will have to deliver on his promise?In 2008, many Obama supporters and independent voters alike got caught up in this sort of mass delusion of inflated expectations. Supporters sought miraculous results from Obama and the Democratic Congress who they voted into office and when the miracle failed to materialise, they reacted with outrage and contempt.Obama could not deliver on one of his promises that did not even need money closing Guantanamo Bay Prison within the first 100 days. Detainees are still languishing there uncharged nine years after Obama promised he was going to set the captives free. He did his eight years and left office, and nothing much has changed.The Republicans capitalised on the angry mood of disillusioned voters, many of them basing their candidacies on the premise that their candidates would fulfil a new set of largely unrealistic promises.This is how America ended up with Donald Trump, promising to kick out immigrants, to build a border wall against the Mexicans, and vowing to make the Mexicans pay for the cost. Make America Great Again! He screamed.It may seem that dramatic election promises are synonymous with Nelson Chamisa, but unrealistic and broken promises and voter discontent are hardly a Zimbabwean phenomena. Perhaps what's new is the social media and its extensive repository of videos that can now give people more power of judgment.We do not have to rely on the power and viewpoint of editors of newspapers anymore.We now cover our own news unedited, and we make our judgments instantly as we may so wish. We no longer rely on sometimes vague and obscure print media; a politician's glaring inconsistency now goes viral within minutes of his utterances.Marketing psychology provides intriguing insights into why broken promises are so hurtful to the customer. The feeling is called "negative expectancy disconfirmation." It can easily be demonstrated in studies involving consumer products that fail to deliver on their advertised or promised effects.According to this research, we have a bias toward being angrier when a product fails to perform than to be happy when it lives up to its claims. We are more inclined to be angry with the failure to deliver promised jobs than we are happier with the success of Command Agriculture phase one, for example.We are inclined to be a lot angrier with the perceived failures of the Zanu-PF government under former President Robert Mugabe than we are happier with the current government's huge strides in restoring political freedoms and a world standard human rights regime within a short five months.We are more inclined to be angrier with past failures than we are happier with a leader working around the clock to attract as much foreign direct investment as can possibly be attracted within the shortest possible time, yet for all the past 17 years we have been yearning for the day when foreign investors would for once be interested in our country.Canadians Peter Darke and colleagues (2009) assert that when a product fails to perform, we generalise to other similar products. We may even generalise to blame the advertising agency that marketed the product; and even distrust any other product associated with the agency. We can even go beyond this irrational extrapolation and start to distrust any product that is advertised by anyone. We simply stop trusting advertising, period.So we hear some people saying even if Mnangagwa brings in all investment there is in the world, they will never trust anything he brings forward because he is from Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF.We begin to hear that Robert Mugabe did not succeed in anything in the 37 years he led the country, that his mass education policy cannot be trusted, the expansion of the cities cannot be trusted anymore, that anything he ever touched must be distrusted, and that by extension there is this irrational extrapolation that ZANU-PF by definition cannot do anything that can be trusted.Nelson Chamisa wants to capitalise on this perceived thinking found among many opposition supporters, and he wants to nationalise the feeling through his political rallies.We know the stereotype that has equally been associated with Chinese products that every single thing made in China cannot be trusted, that it is of poor quality, and will not last. If a Chinese immigrant cross-marries with a local woman and they have the misfortune of losing a baby to natural causes, people laugh and say Chinese things do not last.This irrational distrust is what led Chamisa to single out Chinese investors as his target for victimisation, should he win elections. He wants to boot them out.There are no other investors from any other part of the world that are distrusted by Chamisa and his supporters, except the Chinese.Once our lives are impacted by the disappointing effect of broken promises, we tend to distrust those that broke the promises, generalising and extending our distrust to other people we associate with those we distrust.A woman cheated by one men will sometimes tend to distrust all men, and a man cheated on by one woman will tend to generalise and distrust all women.We can even come to a point where we distrust all politicians, all of those who work with, or for politicians.In 2008 United States first time voters hopped on and led the Obama bandwagon the same way first time voters in Australia had gone wild with the Kevin 07 slogan, voting in Kevin Rudd to oust the overstayed John Howard.In both countries many of these first time voters experienced the expectancy disconfirmation effect for the first time, with polls showing these young voters protesting the political process they had voted for.Older and more cynical voters will not be easily carried away with the comic dramas happening at most of Nelson Chamisa's rallies. They have built up enough defence mechanism so as to avoid the most painful stings of disappointment.However, it seems that no one is completely immune to negative expectancy disconfirmation.If our politicians are ever to be able to lead, there will have to be an end at some point to the negative expectancy disconfirmation effect. We as Zimbabweans will have to learn to trust again.Great leaders require not only the ability to take bold action, but the willingness of citizens to allow them to try to win without having to make wild and unrealistic promises. On the morning after, it would be nice to wake up and be able to feel that whoever won or lost, the change is one we can truly believe in.ED Mnangagwa seems to genuinely want to do things differently from his predecessor, and what he is promising is not dramatic but pragmatic, his engagement with the international community is based on basic economic sense driven by the scales of economics.Those expecting him to deliver a recovered economy within five months are rather unrealistic.Others even wanted an economic miracle within the first 100 days of Mnangagwa's presidency. Emmerson Mnangagwa is neither Elisha nor one of the biblical lepers that scared away the Syrians to transform the famine economy of Samaria from one where a donkey's head sold for eight shekels to a bumper economy in a matter of hours.Here is some advice to our voters. Read both sides to every story. Inform yourself of what was actually said on the campaign trail, not what was reported to have been said.Listen carefully to what politicians say. Avoid projecting your own wishes and desires into a candidate's statement. Do not hear what you want to hear.Make up your own mind. Do not follow the polls or the media. Don't be swayed by slogans, song and dance.Keep a balanced but positive perspective on the democratic process for the sake of the next generation.Zimbabwe we are one and together we will overcome. It is homeland or death!*Reason Wafawarova is a political writer based in Sydney, Australia. Parc-Extension was, for decades, a landing spot for new immigrants. But community groups worry that low-income housing in the neighborhood could soon be a thing of the past. The new Universite de Montreal campus nearing completion nearby, along with the city's booming real estate market, has contributed to a steep increase in rent and housing prices, say housing advocates. "Day by day, I'm seeing it get worse," said Mahmood Baig, a longtime Parc-Extension resident and community activist. Baig was among a group of several dozen people who gathered over the weekend at a local community centre to discuss their housing concerns. The new campus, which is set to open this fall, straddles the southern border of Parc-Extension. It will only be a short walk from the Acadie Metro station on Beaumont Avenue. Students, Baig said, are coming to the neighborhood with money to spend and landlords are trying to push people out in the hopes of driving up rent or selling their buildings. Housing alternatives Faiz Abhuani, the general manager of Brick by Brick, a local community housing project, likened the new campus to Columbia University's controversial expansion into West Harlem, a traditionally low-income area of blacks and Hispanics in New York City. "We fear that a similar thing is going to happen here," said Abhuani, who lives in Parc-Ex. The organization is hoping to offer affordable, well-maintained apartments to low-income residents with proceeds from the sale of community bonds. The idea, according to the group's website, is to "generate a steady revenue for investors and offset the negative impact of gentrification by building accessible housing for low-income tenants." But while they've sold out two bond issues, finding a building to buy for the project has proven difficult. Small apartment buildings close to the campus are being snatched up quickly at high prices, Abhuani said. Negligent landlords Story continues Parc-Extension routinely ranks as the poorest neighbourhood in Montreal and one of the poorest neighbourhoods in Canada. It's also one of the most diverse. Nearly 80 per cent of the population has a mother tongue that is neither French nor English, according to a 2016 report from Centraide. More than half of the neighbourhood's recent immigrants come from South Asian countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Often, advocates say, new arrivals are reluctant to challenge their landlord or don't know where to turn, making them vulnerable to negligence. Shabana Amir, a refugee claimant from Pakistan who was also at Saturday's meeting, settled in Parc-Extension with her three children and husband six months ago. She lives in a two-room apartment. She pays only $600 per month, but says the landlord has done nothing to address the cockroaches, faulty kitchen cabinets and broken windows. "I signed a 12-month lease. I'm not sure how to get out of it," said Amir. The neighbourhood hasn't had a new subsidized development in more than a decade, despite a waiting list more than 1,000 households long. Good, bad and ugly Saturday's housing meeting was followed by a neighbourhood talk about the transformation underway in Parc-Ex. Sasha Dyck, a member of the community organization Comite d'action de Parc-Extension, led the tour, which was part of the Jane's Walk series (named after author Jane Jacobs). The talk, titled "The good, the bad and the ugly of housing in Parc-Extension," showcased some of the worst cases of landlord neglect and overpriced apartment buildings, including one in the process of being sold for more than $1 million. "It is clear that somebody has purchased this building with the intent of kicking out renters," Dyck told the crowd at one point, gesturing to a multiplex with a broken garbage bin near the entrance. Dyck ended the tour at 7300 Hutchison St., commonly known as Hutchison Plaza or the Johnny Brown Building, which has become a rallying point for local housing activists. For years, the building opposite Parc Metro has housed small local businesses, religious spaces, community groups and several floors of residential apartments. The new owner, however, is hoping to convert the building into "fully loaded" apartments near some "culturally diverse, trendy and artistic Montreal neighbourhoods," according to Dyck. He said his organization and local residents plan to fight the change in court this fall. "We're not ready to give up just yet." By Angus McDowall BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanese will have a first opportunity in nine years to vote in a general election on May 6 under new rules, expected to bring some changes to parliament but preserve a unity government combining its main political blocs. A smooth election and the swift formation of a new government are not only important for Lebanon's political stability but also to bolster a weak economy that is in dire need of reforms and investment. The new voting system has generated uncertainty in some districts, but Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri, a Sunni Muslim, looks likely to form another unity government that includes Iran-backed Shi'ite movement Hezbollah. WHO ARE THE LIKELY WINNERS AND LOSERS? Though Hariri is expected to remain the biggest Sunni figure in parliament and keep his job, many analyses predict his parliamentary bloc will lose seats. Hezbollah, which is heavily armed, may emerge stronger, though there is little prospect of it and its allies securing the two-thirds majority needed to dominate the state. Hariri has called for a new government to be formed swiftly to press ahead with reforms to put public finances on a sustainable path. Otherwise donors may withhold $11 billion in soft loans pledged in April to help revive the economy. Most parties in Hariri's coalition government are likely to rejoin, but those which win more seats may demand more posts in cabinet or more important portfolios like the finance ministry. WHAT'S CHANGED SINCE THE LAST ELECTION? Last time Lebanese voted for a new parliament in 2009, Hezbollah and its allies campaigned in a "March 8" bloc against Hariri and his allies in a "March 14" bloc. The two blocs argued mainly over Hezbollah's big arsenal of weapons. Syria's civil war from 2011 aggravated Lebanese political divisions and led to years of paralysis. Hezbollah grew stronger as it deployed in Syria. "March 14" meanwhile gradually disintegrated as it stood powerless in the face of Hezbollah's military power and as Hariri's main backer, Saudi Arabia, turned its focus elsewhere. Hariri, who spent years abroad on security grounds, had to compromise and in 2016 struck a deal that made Hezbollah ally Michel Aoun head of state, while Hariri became prime minister. The issue of Hezbollah's arms has in effect been shelved for now. Instead, concerns about the economy and coping with some 1 million Syrian refugees have taken center stage. HOW DOES LEBANON'S SECTARIAN SYSTEM WORK? Lebanon splits power among religious groups according to quotas adjusted at the end of the 1975-90 civil war. The president is always a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim and the parliament speaker a Shi'ite. In parliament, the 128 seats are split evenly - 64 for Christians and 64 for Muslims including Druze, with the two halves further divided among 11 total sects. Each electoral district has seats apportioned according to its demographic makeup. Lebanon's main parties are sectarian, but for elections they create tactical alliances across religious lines to form joint candidate lists for each constituency. Disagreement over the electoral law was the main reason elections were delayed three times since 2009. In the past, voters would could cast a vote for each seat in their district, with winners decided by a majority. Christians disliked that system because it gave Muslim voters great sway over which Christian candidates won seats. Independents disliked it because it favored established political powers. A new law was finally agreed last year, with a compromise requiring voters to choose both a favored list and a preferred candidate from it, with seats awarded under a complex formula. Some critics say the new system still favors traditional local bigwigs. However, it has introduced uncertainty in some districts and produced an array of alliances at a local level. President Aoun's Free Patriotic Movement, a Maronite party, shares a list with Hariri's Future Movement in some districts and with Hezbollah in others. In Beirut, independents running against the political establishment did well in local elections in 2016 and might win seats, although the voting system is still stacked against them. (Editing by Tom Perry and Peter Graff) Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford has drawn criticism from political analysts and supporters after he revoked the candidacy of Tanya Granic Allen just weeks ahead of the June 7 election. Ford's announcement came shortly after the Ontario Liberals held a news conference that zeroed in on a 2014 video in which they say Granic Allen "spewed hatred and homophobia" while discussing sexual education at a Croatian-Catholic Youth weekend in Norval, Ont. The revelation left some questioning why he didn't remove her sooner. "If Liberal researchers can find these things online, there's no reason why the provincial nominations committee who was tasked with screening candidates for these things couldn't have found these things," said Jamie Ellerton, a former Ontario PC candidate in the Parkdale-High Park riding. Ellerton was one of only three openly gay PC candidates during the 2014 provincial election. The 10-second video, which was edited and posted on the Liberals' website, shows Granic Allen saying that when she sees Croatia "trying to push radical sexualization on the young, or gay marriage, I almost vomit in disbelief." CBC News has not independently verified the video's origins. Ford declined an interview with CBC News on Sunday. Instead, spokesperson Melissa Lantsman said Ford's statement, which described Granic Allen's comments as "irresponsible," would be the party's only comment on the matter. "We are a party comprised of people with diverse views that if expressed responsibly we would respect," read the statement issued Saturday evening. While some observers lauded the move, it left others questioning how Granic Allen became a candidate in the first place. "Granic Allen's discriminatory and bigoted statements should have kept her out of politics in the province of Ontario," Chris Buckley, president of the Ontario Federation of Labour, said in a statement. Story continues "It is essential that we elect representatives who will support co-operation, collaboration and understanding among the people of Ontario and in our government." Ellerton, meanwhile, commended Ford for showing "decisive leadership" by removing Granic Allen, but blames the party for not catching the comments sooner. "To have such vile comments specifically target a group of people with the terms that she used, there's just no place for that in Ontario politics," said Ellerton, noting her history of controversial comments made her a political liability for the PCs. "She's welcome to her own views, but when you look at when you're a team, when you're a member of a political party, everyone else having to defend such vile comments is very much a distraction." Granic Allen, 37, won the PC nomination for Mississauga Centre last month. Premier Kathleen Wynne appointed Bobbie Daid as the Liberals' candidate in the riding shortly after, partly to counter what she says are Granic Allen's discriminatory views. Granic Allen, a former Tory leadership hopeful, gained notoriety during the race for her fierce criticism of Ontario's recently revised sex ed cirriculum. Previously a relatively unknown parental rights and anti-abortion advocate, Granic Allen was the kingmaker in the PC leadership race. Many of her supporters backed Ford on second and third ballots after she was eliminated from the contest. Granic Allen was the only candidate to appear by Ford's side as he addressed reporters following his victory. Political analyst Michael Coren asserted she is a big reason why Ford secured enough votes to eke out his narrow win. Without Granic Allen, Ford may not have successfully courted the party's social conservative members, he added. "I get the strong feeling that Doug Ford was fairly happy with that, until people said to him probably more experienced people there's a lot of baggage here and this could backfire," said Coren, a broadcaster and commentator who was once identified as a "moral conservative." Ford also refused to heed calls from the Liberals and NDP to drop Granic Allen as a PC candidate. This is not the first time the staunch social conservative has come under fire for past comments online. Granic Allen's inflammatory posts and tweets about Muslims and gay marriage, which date back to 2013 and 2014, surfaced last month. Coren believes the timing of Granic Allen's removal is significant. This is an "intelligent and wise move," he said, that will appeal to those voters who don't see eye-to-eye with the socially conservative elements in the party but are looking for an alternative to Wynne. "Just before the writ is dropped and the election begins, the conservatives have said, 'we're not as extreme as you thought we were,'" Coren said. Some supporters of Granic Allen, however, characterized Ford's move as "[declaring] war on social conservatives." "We're ready to do battle," said Jeff Gunnarson, vice-president of Campaign Life Coalition, a pro-life organization, in a statement. Others, like Toronto Coun. Kristyn Wong-Tam, questioned Ford's credibility, asserting that Ford must be held accountable for supporting Granic Allen because he was previously aware of her "bigoted opinions." "Cutting her loose now doesn't free him or the PCs of hateful politics. It's always about more than just one person," she wrote in a tweet. The first televised leaders' debate of the election race kicks off Monday night between Wynne, Ford and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath. U.S. county tries to reassure Canadian visitors after story of Ontario woman's arrest makes headlines An Ontario woman is looking for an apology from the Georgia police officer who arrested, handcuffed and charged her because she was driving with a Canadian licence. "It was the most horrendous incident of my life," said Emily Nield. "It was mortifying. I was terrified the entire time." About a month ago, the 27-year-old was driving through Georgia to Tennessee, where she had just completed a master's degree in geology. Nield's route took her along the I-75, which is often used by Canadians making the trek to and from Florida. That's where she was pulled over for speeding, and the officer asked to see her licence. Nield handed over her Ontario driver's licence, but wasn't prepared for the officer's reaction. "She kept saying, 'No, Canadian licences are not accepted,'" said Nield. "I was flabbergasted. I just kept saying this can't be right a Canadian licence is always valid." Nield told CBC Toronto she was then asked to prove she was Canadian and although she had copies of her passport, Nexus card, and birth certificate on her phone, the officer wanted to see an original hard copy. "When I failed to produce it, she reached through the window of my car and she put handcuffs on me," said Nield. "She told me that I have just been arrested for driving without a licence and that I needed to go to jail." In the back of the officer's cruiser Nield managed to take a video on her cellphone and send it to friends on SnapChat. "I'm in cuffs. Help me! I don't want to go to jail," she says in the video as she breaks down in tears. 'I never committed a crime' At the police station Nield was charged with driving without a licence and speeding, for doing 87 m.p.h. in a 70 m.p.h. zone. Police took her mugshot and fingerprinted her. "They kept saying 'You're now in the system. Any crime that's going to be committed, your fingerprints are going to be searched,'" said Nield. "I never committed a crime." Story continues One of her friends was able to determine her location in Adel, through a feature on SnapChat, and called the sheriff's office in Cook County, Ga. Nield said she was permitted to speak to her friend, but her requests to speak to the Canadian Consulate or her parents went unanswered. Paid $880 to get out of jail She said police told her she would remain in jail until her court appearance on June 12, unless she paid an $880 US bond in cash, which she didn't have. That's something the Cook County Sheriff's Office denies. "That is not correct," it said in a statement late Monday. "Georgia law states that any individual who is arrested on a non-warrant is entitled to a first appearance hearing to be advised of their rights and bond within 48 hours of arrest." Interstate 75 brings in nearly a million travellers through the county each month, the statement says, and law enforcement regularly comes across cases of identity theft and other related crimes. "That is why we follow Georgia [Department of Driver Services] guidelines and request a passport or visa to verify their identity," Capt. Brent Exum said in the statement. Eventually Nield was allowed to use her debit card and post her own bail. She said she also had to pay $200 to remove her car from the impound. She stayed in the States while trying to get the charges dismissed and the arrest expunged, with the help of a friend's father, who is a lawyer in Virginia, and the Canadian Consulate. "I just kept thinking this would ruin me," Nield told CBC Toronto. "Any job application you have to check a box. Are you a criminal? Have you ever been convicted or arrested for anything?" According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website, "non-U.S. citizens holding a valid foreign driver's licence are allowed to drive in the state of Georgia." The website goes on to explain "in the case of a driver licence issued by the driver's licensing authority of a foreign country, a law officer may consult a person's passport or visa to verify the validity of such licence, if available." Charges dismissed Three days after Nield's arrest, Matthew Bennett, the Cook County probate court solicitor, agreed the charges should be dismissed and the judge signed off on it. "I just felt like it probably became a bigger deal than it should have been considering that she was here studying no prior trouble," said Bennett. He said the court, in consultation with Nield's attorney, is taking measures to erase her arrest record. As of last week, he estimated it could take another couple of weeks to do so. In Monday's statement, Bennett said "the confusion that arose in this case was the fact Ms. Nield stated she lived in Tennessee." Non-permanent residents in the U.S., he explained, are allowed to obtain a Tennessee driver's licence or ID card that expires when their visa does. In the meantime, he has some advice for Canadian drivers. "Make sure that you have your passport or supporting documents along with your driver's licence," said Bennett. "I know I would if I was in a foreign country." Know the law Nield said she had copies of those on her phone, but doesn't believe it would have made a difference if she had carried the originals, because the officer believed a Canadian driver's licence was invalid. "If you're a police officer you should know your laws, especially the I-75 people going north," said Nield. "There are so many snowbirds, and Canadians drive to Florida all the time for vacation." After finding out her arrest would be cleared from the system, Nield said she "cried with joy," and last week she flew back to Canada. Right now Nield is at home with her parents in Kleinburg, Ont., but she said she will still have to make another trip back to the U.S. to pick up her vehicle. She also says she's "excited" to receive her bail money refund, which has been put in the mail. In the meantime, she wants the Cook County Sheriff's Office in Georgia to be held accountable, so it doesn't happen again. "At least with the officer who arrested me, I would love to see a formal reprimand," said Nield. "That way she can learn that this is not right an apology is what I would love the most." The sheriff's office statement quotes the probate court judge in response. "Ms. Nield was afforded the same rights as an American citizen and she had the opportunity to have the facts of her case heard in a court of law," said Judge Chase Daughtrey. "In this case, the justice system worked and for that everyone should be thankful." Since 1948 we have been demanding the return of the refugees to their homes. But we ourselves are the ones who encouraged them to leave. Only a few months separated our call for them to leave and our appeal to the United Nations to resolve on their return. The Arab armies entered Palestine to protect the Palestinians from the Zionist tyranny but, instead, they abandoned them, forced them to emigrate, and threw them into prisons similar to the ghettoes in which the Jews used to live. Aviv Ezra is Consul General of Israel to the Midwest. Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh.blog spot.com. If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.Twitter updates at LoveoftheLand as well as our Love of the Land page at Facebook which has additional pieces of interest besides that which is posted on the blog. Also check-out This Ongoing War by Frimet and Arnold Roth. An excellent blog, very important work. . ..American Thinker..06 May 18..In November 1947 the United Nations voted to approve a partition plan that would have created a Jewish-majority state and an Arab-majority state in historic Palestine, and shared Jerusalem between the two parties. The Jews accepted the partition plan, and the results of the UN vote, though it provided insecure borders in a fragmented new state. Reaching a compromise is always a process in which neither side gets everything they want, but it is better than war, with all the destruction and upheaval which war brings.The Arab nations voted against the partition resolution in the GeneralAssembly, and never accepted the results of the UN vote. The Arabs had never accepted the idea of a Jewish-majority state in any part of historic Palestine, and began a campaign of violence against the Zionists the very night the resolution was passed. During World War 2, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, holed up in Berlin, encouraged Adolf Hitler to turn his death machine against the Jews in Palestine while the Nazis were working to murder all the Jews in Europe. During the British mandate period, the Arabs had rejected earlier partition plans more favorable to them, such as the 1938 Peel Plan, because it allowed a tiny Jewish state to be created. In essence, the Arabs had fought Zionism for half a century, and were determined to deal t he Jewish state a knockout blow as soon the British left in May 1948.Five Arab nations attacked Israel the day it became a new nation, assisting the Arabs in Palestine in their effort to destroy Israel. Despite enormous advantages in armed men, planes, tanks, and other weaponry, the Arabs were unsuccessful. Israel survived the onslaught, and defeated the Arab armies , creating new borders for the Jewish state, as well as for Jordan and Egypt. At the end of the war, Jordan held Judea and Samaria (also known as the West Bank) and the eastern part of Jerusalem, including the old city, and expelled Jews who had lived there for thousands of years. Egypt captured Gaza in the war. At no point did Egypt and Jordan attempt to create a new Arab state of Palestine with the territories they had picked up in the war. Instead Jordan annexed the West Bank, a seizure recognized by only two nations, and Egypt held Gaza as a territory.During the war, there were many people displaced on both sides. More than half a million Arabs became refugees. Most of them had left their towns as instructed by invading Arab armies to get out of the way of the coming planned slaughter of the Jews. Tens of thousands had left even before the UN partition resolution. Some fled a war zone, where there was very close fighting, a sensible thing to do. In some cases, the Israeli forces consolidated territorial corridors, particularly to Jerusalem. The Arabs also spread stories of civilian killings, which frightened many Arab residents to leave their towns, even though the stories were false or greatly exaggerated.After the war, the Arabs demanded that the partition borders be restored, and all the refugees be allowed to return. This was a novel demand. If you start a war meaning to annihilate the enemy and you lose, you dont get a do over. There are no do overs in history. The smart thing would have been for the Arabs to have accepted the partition plan and not started a war. There are consequences to starting a war and losing.The Syrian Prime Minister during the war of 1948-1949, Haled Al Azm, wrote in his memoirs in 1973:Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas wrote in 1976:This is the real tragedy of the Palestinian Arabs. Those who left their homes wound up not far from home, in Arab countries which had supported their cause during the war. They were among other Arabs, who spoke the same language, had the same culture, and the same religion. No refugee population should have had it easier, given that Arabs wound up among their own people. But the Arab countries refused to allow normal resettlement, as usually occurs with refugees, instead relegating many refugees to squalid camps, in which their families have lived now for 3 or 4 generations. Many Palestinians have chosen to remain in these camps dreaming of a return to Israel, clanging old keys from 70 years back, or been threatened if they wanted to leave. But how can you return to a place where you have never lived or even visited? The truth of the matter is that there may be no more than 25,000 refugees remaining alive from the 1948 war. The rest are descendants -- children, grandchildren even great grandchildren of original refugees, none of whom have been in Israel or left it.All the refugee populations in the world come under the jurisdiction of a single UN agency, except for the Palestinians. All other refugees do not pass refugee status on to descendants, only the refugees themselves are counted as such. Only the Palestinians are allowed to count all descendants as refugees, and many have chosen to live off their collective grievance, rather than move on with their lives.Sephardic Jews, more than 800,000 of whom were expelled or encouraged to leave Arab countries in the years after the creation of Israel, provide a far better and more humane approach for dealing with refugees. Israel absorbed more than 70 per cent of these refugees (France and the United States took many others) and within a few short years, had moved them out of temporary housing and allowed them to start new lives in Israel. I know because my father and his 4 brothers and parents left all of their lives and assets behind when they fled from Iraq and they made themselves a new life in Israel.Today there are 6.6 million Jews in Israel, and 1.8 million Arabs, more than 11 times as many Arabs as resided within the borders of Israel at the end of the fighting in 1949. So much for the absurd notion of ethnic cleansing. In essence, Israels war of independence resulted in a population exchange, something that is very common during wars or when new nations are created. 20 million Muslims and Hindus moved to new countries when India and Pakistan became nations.The demand for a right of return for millions of Palestinians, including all the descendants of refugees, signals one enduring Palestinian goal -- to destroy the state of Israel, by overwhelming it with Arabs from abroad. The Palestinians still do not accept a two-state solution, just as they refused the partition in 1948, but demand a single state they can dominate.Israel will not commit national suicide to endorse a false narrative of what happened 70 years back. MONDAY, May 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Clouds of pot and cigarette smoke in a home make it more likely a young child will visit the emergency room or have an ear infection, researchers say. Secondhand smoke from marijuana and tobacco increases a kid's odds of going to the ER, according to preliminary findings from a Colorado study. "Those kids have an average of two-and-a-half ER visits in the prior year, whereas kids who were not exposed at all had an average of two visits per year," said lead researcher Dr. Adam Johnson. He's an assistant professor of emergency medicine at Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C. Kids exposed to the combination of cigarette and pot smoke in a home were also 80 percent more likely to develop ear infections, Johnson and his colleagues found. Homes where people use both pot and tobacco are likely to have larger amounts of secondhand smoke, Johnson explained. "Very similar compounds are being released in marijuana smoke as in tobacco smoke," he said. "You would theorize the same kind of chemicals the kids are breathing in to cause diseases from tobacco smoke should be very similar with marijuana." Secondhand tobacco smoke has been linked to a number of health problems in children, including upper respiratory infections, ear infections and asthma, Johnson said. "I think there's this perception that marijuana smoke and marijuana use in general is not as harmful as tobacco," Johnson continued. "I don't know where that came from." For this study, researchers surveyed 1,500 parents and caregivers who took their children to the emergency room at Children's Hospital Colorado, in Aurora. The kids' average age was 4 years, and the average age of the parent was 32. About 9 percent of parents reported regularly smoking marijuana, and 19 percent said they regularly smoke cigarettes. Kids were about 24 percent more likely to have visited an emergency room within the past year if they lived in a home where people smoked both pot and tobacco, the findings showed. Those kids also had nearly double the rate of ear infections for the past year, the researcher said. However, the investigators found no statistically significant correlation between either tobacco or pot smoking individually and the risk of ER visits or ear infections. Dr. Norman Edelman, senior scientific advisor to the American Lung Association, said that that finding is "a little disappointing because there's lots of data to show that kids who live with parents who just smoke cigarettes have an increased number of ear infections. I don't know why they didn't find that." At the same time, it makes sense that homes where both pot and tobacco are smoked would pose a worse health risk for kids, Edelman continued. "It tells us the more bad stuff kids are exposed to, the more likely they are to get ear infections," Edelman said. "But I don't want the public to think it's OK to smoke cigarettes, your kids won't get ear infections, because the bulk of existing data contradict that." Johnson said the researchers will continue to track the health of some of these kids for the next year to gather more data about the risks of secondhand smoke. "I think it's going to get more and more prevalent as more states across the country start legalizing [marijuana], because it's a big business, and there's a lot of push to legalize recreational marijuana use," Johnson said. The study findings were presented Saturday at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting in Toronto. Research and conclusions presented at meetings should be considered preliminary if they haven't been published in a peer-reviewed medical journal. More information The American Lung Association has more about marijuana and lung health. MONDAY, May 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Cannabidiol (CBD) oil has become the hot new product in states that have legalized medical marijuana. The non-intoxicating marijuana extract is being credited with helping treat a host of medical problems -- everything from epileptic seizures to anxiety to inflammation to sleeplessness. But experts say the evidence is scant for most of these touted benefits. Worse, CBD is being produced without any regulation, resulting in products that vary widely in quality, said Marcel Bonn-Miller, an adjunct assistant professor of psychology in psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. "It really is the Wild West," Bonn-Miller said. "Joe Bob who starts up a CBD company could say whatever the hell he wants on a label and sell it to people." Cannabidiol is extracted from the flowers and buds of marijuana or hemp plants. It does not produce intoxication; marijuana's "high" is caused by the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD oil is legal in 30 states where medicinal and/or recreational marijuana is legal, according to Governing magazine. Seventeen additional states have CBD-specific laws on the books, according to Prevention magazine. Those are Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Strong Evidence for Treating Epilepsy Only one purported use for cannabidiol, to treat epilepsy, has significant scientific evidence supporting it. Last month, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel unanimously recommended approval of the CBD medication Epidiolex to treat two rare forms of childhood epilepsy. "That's really the only area where the evidence has risen to the point where the FDA has said this is acceptable to approve a new drug," said Timothy Welty, chair of the department of clinical sciences at Drake University's College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, in Des Moines, Iowa. For the rest of CBD's potential uses, there is simply too little evidence to make a firm conclusion. For example, some human clinical trials suggest that CBD could be effective in treating symptoms of anxiety, particularly social anxiety, Bonn-Miller said. This is the potential use for CBD with the most evidence after usefulness in epilepsy, but "there's a decent gap between those two," he said. "There have been clinical trials in adults, but a lot smaller than the epilepsy studies that have been done in kids," Bonn-Miller said. CBD's usefulness as an anti-inflammatory medication is the next most promising, but those results come mostly from animal studies, experts said. Most Other Uses Largely Unproven The rest of the potential uses -- as an antipsychotic, antidepressant or sleep aid "have all been studied in animals, with only one or two examples of studies in humans," Bonn-Miller said. And Welty said the studies that have featured humans for these other CBD uses have either been case reports or studies that did not compare results against a control group that did not use the oil. "There's no control, so it's basically how do you know if we're dealing with the true effect of the drug or just simply a placebo effect because somebody thinks they've been given a drug that will be beneficial?" Welty said. There also are concerns about both the quality of CBD oil being produced and its potential side effects, the experts added. Lack of Regulation Also Concerning Because of the legally murky nature of marijuana, the FDA has not stepped in to regulate products like CBD oil, Bonn-Miller said. States are struggling to put regulations in place, but they don't have the deep pockets of the federal government. Meanwhile, a 2017 study led by Bonn-Miller found that nearly 7 of 10 CBD products didn't contain the amount of marijuana extract promised on the label. Nearly 43 percent of the products contained too little CBD, while about 26 percent contained too much, Bonn-Miller said. "CBD is kind of a tricky drug because it's not very well absorbed orally," Welty explained. "Less than 20 percent of the drug is absorbed orally. If it isn't made in the right way, you may not be getting much drug into your systemic circulation." Worse, about 1 in 5 CBD products contained the intoxicating pot chemical THC, Bonn-Miller and his colleagues found. "That's a problem because THC can increase anxiety. It can actually make seizures worse. Those are the sorts of things you need to be careful about," Bonn-Miller said. "If I were a consumer, purchasing it for myself or my kid, I would want to test it so that I knew what it actually had in it, because I couldn't trust what was on the label," Bonn-Miller concluded. Potential Interactions With Other Meds Studies on CBD also have raised concerns about possible interactions with other drugs. For example, epilepsy studies found that "there were very clearly increases in the blood levels of some other anti-epileptic drugs when people were on CBD," Welty said. This could mean that people taking anti-epilepsy drugs alongside CBD will need to adjust their dosage downward to avoid side effects, Welty noted. There also is some indication that CBD might harm the liver. About 10 percent of people taking CBD in studies had increases in liver enzymes, which would indicate possible liver damage, Welty said. "About 2 to 3 percent of individuals taking CBD actually had to discontinue because their liver enzymes went so high it was of concern to the people running the study," he said. Welty recommends that people interested in CBD seek out a doctor who has read up on the extract and its potential uses. "My bottom-line advice is people really need to be under the care of a health care provider who understands CBD. They need to be monitored and managed by that individual, and not just go out and buy CBD thinking it's going to be the answer," Welty said. More information The U.S. National Institutes of Health has more about cannabidiol. MONDAY, May 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- The risk of complications during vaginal birth is higher for mothers and infants if the mother previously had a cesarean delivery, a new study reports. However, the researchers stressed that the overall risk of a complication for any one woman in this situation remains low. The new findings about attempted vaginal birth after cesarean are from an analysis of data from nearly 200,000 Canadian women who had a prior cesarean delivery and then gave birth between 2003 and 2014. Although the number of women with a prior C-section delivery rose during the study period, the rate of those who underwent or attempted vaginal delivery after a prior cesarean remained about the same, the team reported May 7 in the CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal). Overall, "the absolute rates of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes are low" -- regardless of whether a woman who has had a prior C-section undergoes vaginal delivery or has a repeat C-section, noted study author Dr. Carmen Young, of the University of Alberta. "Both are reasonable options for women in general," she said in a journal news release. However, attempting vaginal birth after a prior cesarean "continues to be associated with higher relative rates of severe adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes," compared to undergoing another C-section, Young said. The researchers also found that outcomes among infants -- but not among mothers -- worsened between 2003 and 2015 in cases where the baby was delivered vaginally after a prior C-section. That finding was unexpected, however, and Young's team said further study is needed to help explain it. According to the researchers, the findings show the importance of appropriate patient selection for attempting a vaginal delivery for women with a prior history of C-section. There also needs to be careful monitoring of labor and delivery in these cases, to reduce the risks for these women and their infants. In the end, the decision as to mode of delivery depends "on the woman's desire for a vaginal delivery, her tolerance for risk and whether she is planning a small or large family," Young said. Dr. Mitchell Kramer directs obstetrics and gynecology at Huntington Hospital in Huntington, N.Y. He wasn't involved in the new study, but said it "reveals some interesting and significant insight into this issue." Kramer agreed with the researchers that the odds of complication for any one woman who delivers vaginally after a C-section remain low. Still, the recent increase in risks for women with this type of history "is concerning and certainly presents an argument for a more rigorous patient selection process, and strict management protocols," he added. More information The U.S. Office on Women's Health has more about labor and birth. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram Nairobi, May 7, 2018Authorities in Burundi should immediately lift a six-month licensing suspension imposed on radio broadcasts of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Voice of America (VOA), the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Burundis National Communication Council (CNC), the media industry regulator, on May 4 accused the two stations of breaching the countrys media laws and professional ethics and ordered the stations licensing suspended, according to a statement from the regulator. A government agency that regulates telecommunication subsequently turned off their signals, according to media reports. The media regulator accused the BBC of broadcasting exaggerated, non-verified, defamatory comments made by a Brussels-based activist that were harmful to the reputation of Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza during an April 24 broadcast of the French-language program Linvite de la Semaine, according to CNC Chairman Ramadhan Karenga who spoke to CPJ and a report by The EastAfrican newspaper. In its statement, the CNC also claimed that on four different occasions in April, VOA aired content that lacked balance, fell short of rigorous verification of sources, and prejudiced Burundis relations with the United Nations. The U.S. government-funded station is also facing allegations from the media regulator of hiring a journalist sought by Burundian law enforcement and partnering with Bonesha FM, a local station that has been banned by the government, according to Karenga and the report by The EastAfrican. The BBC and VOA suspension, which became effective today, comes before a May 17 constitutional referendum that, if passed, could extend Nkurunzizas rule to 2034. Two journalists who spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear for their security told CPJ that the bans were attempts by the government to silence critical voices ahead of the referendum. These actions are a transparent attempt to silence the media during this politically sensitive period, when Burundians are in most urgent need of information to make important political decisions, said CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Angela Quintal from New York. It is not too late to rethink this ill-informed decision and the regulator should immediately lift the suspension and allow the press to operate freely. Karenga told CPJ that the decision to suspend the media outlets had nothing to do with the upcoming referendum but was about ensuring stations meet regulatory standards, especially with regard to balance. He added that the stations had the opportunity to appeal directly to the regulator or to the courts. The VOA condemned the suspension and said its content would be available in Kirundi and Kinyarwanda via shortwave channels, on the Internet and on FM transmitters located in neighboring countries. In a separate statement to CPJ, the VOA said that it was exploring legal options that would permit its broadcasting operations to reopen in Burundi as quickly as possible. In an emailed statement, the BBC told CPJ that it was disappointed by the government action and said it would respond appropriately against any broadcast found to be falling short of strict editorial guidelines. The CNC also issued warnings in the May 4 statement to Radio France International (RFI) and two local, privately owned radio stations, Isanganiro and CCIB-FM Plus. RFI was accused of broadcasting dishonest reports about the referendum. The CNC said that the two local radio stations failed to verify sources in their reporting and did not stick to the programming schedule they had submitted to the regulator. Yves Rocle, Africa director of RFI, told CPJ that he was not precisely sure of the accusations facing the station but apparently a guests comments displeased the CNC, though he did not specify which guest. CPJ could not reach CCIB-FM Plus or Isanganiro for comment. Burundi once had a robust press but the media environment has become hostile in recent years. Between April 2015 and August 2015, at least 100 Burundian journalists fled into exile, following attacks, threats and intimidation during a political crisis that included an attempted coup, according to CPJ research. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram New York, May 7, 2018Cameroonian authorities must immediately release broadcaster Akumbom Elvis McCarthy from detention and ensure that the countrys military courts are not used to prosecute journalists, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. A military tribunal on April 10 ordered that McCarthy, a news broadcaster for Abakwa FM Radio, a privately owned broadcaster based in Cameroons Bamenda region, be remanded in custody for a renewable six-month period while police investigate claims that the journalist aired secessionist propaganda, a person familiar with the details of the case, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal, told CPJ. A military tribunal ordered radio journalist Akumbom Elvis McCarthy to be detained. (Credit withheld) Akumbom Elvis McCarthy should not have been arrested in the first place and should be immediately released without charge, said CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Angela Quintal. We condemn Cameroons use of a military tribunal to prosecute a civilian, which is in violation of international law. Police on March 20 arrested McCarthy while he filmed police allegedly harassing taxi drivers and commuters in Bamenda, the capital of the Northwest region, according to the independent Cameroon News Agency and the person familiar with the case. McCarthy reports in pidgin for the station, which also publishes news on its Facebook page. McCarthy, who also contributes to the privately owned news website Bamenda Online, was detained in Bamenda by judicial police for three weeks before appearing briefly at the military tribunal on charges of attempted secession and disseminating secessionist propaganda on air, the person familiar with his arrest told CPJ. The tribunal ruled that McCarthy be detained in Bamenda Central Prison, the person said. CPJs repeated attempts to reach Communication Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary on his cell phone for comment were unsuccessful. The station manager at Abakwa FM did not immediately respond to CPJs calls seeking comment. The person with whom CPJ spoke said that McCarthy believes security forces were monitoring him for several months because of his outspokenness on air and on social media about political unrest in Cameroon. During questioning, judicial police accused McCarthy of being sympathetic toward the self-proclaimed interim government of Ambazonia in his reporting, the unnamed person told CPJ. Ambazonia is the name that secessionists use to refer to Cameroons English-speaking regions, which the secessionists declared independent on October 1, 2017. In November last year, gendarmeries raided McCarthys home, beat the journalist, and accused him of being an Amba terrorist, according to reports and conversations CPJ had with the journalist at the time. McCarthy told CPJ last year that his phone, laptop, audio recorder, and cash were seized in the raid. In September last year, CPJ published Journalists not Terrorists: In Cameroon, anti-terror legislation is used to silence critics and suppress dissent, a special report that documented how journalists in the country faced reprisal for their reporting. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram May 3, 2018 Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Office of the Prime Minister P.O Box 1031 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Via email to Zadig Abraha, Spokesman in the Office of the Prime Minister Dear Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, We at the Committee to Protect Journalists, a non-profit organization that champions press freedom internationally, are deeply concerned about the repressive media conditions in your country. We are writing to call for reforms that will encourage a diverse and free press in Ethiopia and uphold the publics access to information. We welcome the pledges you made in your April 2 inaugural speech as prime minister to build democracy, fight corruption, and strengthen the rule of law in Ethiopia. You vowed that your government would learn from the mistakes of the past and we were heartened by your promise to respect the right to free expression, which is guaranteed in Article 29 of Ethiopias constitution. We believe a free and independent press is essential to achieve the goals you outlined. After the release of thousands of prisoners earlier this year, no journalists were behind bars in Ethiopia, according to CPJ research. However, these gains were quickly reversed after the declaration of a new state of emergency on February 16. Under the state of emergency, security personnel have powers to shut down any media to safeguard the constitution as well as to arrest journalists and private citizens without warrant, according to the Ethiopian News Agency. Journalists, and private citizens, can find themselves behind bars simply for sharing information perceived as critical of the state of emergency, according to Human Rights Watch. On March 8, security personnel arrested blogger and academic Seyoum Teshome at his home in Addis Ababa, according to CPJ research. Seyoum was released after spending more than a month in detention without charge and has been previously imprisoned for his journalism, according to CPJ research. At least six other journalists were also detained in connection to the state of emergency. On March 25, journalists Eskinder Nega, Zelalem Workagegnehu, and Temesghen Desalegn and Zone 9 bloggers Befekadu Hailu and Mahlet Fantahun were arrested at a private gathering in Addis Ababa, according to CPJ research. They were detained in an overcrowded cell with limited toilet access for 11 days before they were released on bail. Another journalist, Nigatu Asres, was detained on March 24 in the northern city of Bahir Dar and released on bail on April 4. We urge your office to lift all conditions on their freedom, ensure that they do not face future reprisal for their work, and lift the state of emergency. We also ask that you consider overhauling legislation that has often been used against the media. According to CPJ research, Ethiopias 2009 anti-terror proclamation has often been used to silence the press in the name of guarding the countrys security, fostering what the UN describes as a climate of intimidation. The Criminal Code of 2005 has also been used by authorities to prosecute journalists for alleged incitement and criminal defamation in retaliation for their reporting, CPJ has documented. While parts of the Freedom of the Mass Media and Access to Information Proclamation were perceived to be press-friendly, the letter of this law grants wide ranging powers for the government to file defamation suits and forces media outlets to go through arduous licensing and registration processes. We urge you to bring them in line with international human rights law. Legal action and persistent harassment of journalists have also resulted in the nearly complete absence of independent press in Ethiopia. The government forced out of circulation at least 12 newspapers and magazines since 2012 and government censors have blocked some diaspora-based media outlets, according to reports and CPJ research. Since 2015, the government has frequently shut down the internet in Ethiopia. Beginning in December 2017, disruptions to mobile data services, relied upon by a majority of Internet users, were reported in regions outside Addis Ababa. Though we welcome reports that the government restored many mobile data services during the first few days of your leadership, we are still concerned by news that some websites remain inaccessible in Ethiopia. Internet disruptions hamper the right to access information for citizens and undermine the work of journalists, making it more difficult and dangerous to communicate with sources, according to CPJ research. This danger is exacerbated by a prevailing environment of mass surveillance. The governments monitoring of electronic communication and the use of this surveillance data to target journalists and critical voices, documented by CPJ and multiple other media outlets and rights groups, creates a culture of fear and facilitates self-censorship. Research by the Toronto-based Citizen Lab suggests that this surveillance has extended beyond Ethiopias borders, targeting diaspora-based journalists at the Oromia Media Network (OMN) and the Ethiopian Satellite Television (ESAT). We urge your government to ensure universal access to the Internet as a requisite for press freedom, the publics right to know and a more inclusive democracy. Sincerely, Joel Simon Executive Director Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram New York, May 7, 2018The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the release from custody today of Uzbek journalists Bobomurod Abdullaev and Hayot Nasriddinov, who had been on trial in Tashkent since March 5, 2018. With the pairs release, there are no journalists behind bars in Uzbekistan for the first time in two decades, according to CPJ research. We welcome todays release of Bobomurod Abdullaev and Hayot Nasriddinovthe last jailed journalists in Uzbekistan, CPJ Europe and Central Asia Program Coordinator Nina Ognianova said. Now that the country has freed its press from physical custody, authorities must build on this progress to ensure that the media are able to do their job independently and without fear of reprisal. Uzbek authorities detained Abdullaev and Nasriddinov in September and October 2017 respectively on charges of conspiracy to overthrow the constitutional regime and both were facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted, according to news reports. Judge Zafar Nurmatov today acquitted Nasriddinov of all charges, according to media reports. Nurmatov found Abdullaev guilty of extremism and issued a three-year suspended sentence with community service, the reports stated. Abdullaev said he is happy with the outcome and does not plan to appeal, according to reports. The charges against Abdullaev, a freelance journalist who contributed to the independent regional news website Fergana and other media outlets, were related to critical articles he wrote under the pseudonym Usman Khaknazarov, according to the U.S. Congress-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Libertys (RFE/RL) Uzbek service. Nasriddinov, who also goes by Khan Nasriddinov, contributed to RFE/RLs Russian service Radio Svoboda, Fergana, and other outlets. He covered economics, politics, and social issues in Uzbekistan as well as Russia. One of the most recent articles Nasriddinov authored before his imprisonment was an analysis of Uzbekistans economic reforms published on the independent regional news site Centrasia in September 2017. According to CPJ research, five other journalists have been released since Uzbek President Savkat Mirziyoyev came to power: 1. Muhammad Bekjanov: jailed March 15, 1999 released February 22, 2017 2. Dzhamshid Karimov: forcibly put in psychiatric clinic in January 2012 released March 1, 2017 3. Salidzhon Abdurakhmanov, jailed June 7, 2008 released October 4, 2017 4. Dilmurod Saiid, jailed February 22, 2009 released February 3, 2018 5. Yusuf Ruzimuradov: jailed March 15, 1999 released February 22, 2018 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram As Hungarys new Parliament holds its first session, where Prime Minister Viktor Orban is due to form his third consecutive government after a landslide re-election a month ago, journalists critical of his power will closely monitor his words for hints of what awaits them in the next four years. The weeks that passed since the election offered an already grim prospect. Two days after voting day, Lajos Simicska, the owner of the countrys biggest pro-opposition print daily, announced the immediate shutdown of the newspaper Magyar Nemzet, including its online version, and a radio station, Lanchid Radio, due to financial troubles. Once an ally of Orban, the tycoon turned against him and vowed to take him down at this years election. After Orbans victory, he decided to cut the losses he had incurred since he fell out with Orban and his media outlets were subsequently stripped of government advertising. A day after Magyar Nemzets last edition hit the streets, a pro-government weekly, Figyelo, published a list naming 200 academics, civil society workers, independent journalists, and other Orban critics as mercenaries of the speculator. The reference alluded to George Soros, the Hungarian-born, U.S. billionaire and philanthropist, whom Orban made a useful scapegoat during the election campaign (an attack which critics cite as having anti-Semitic undertones). CPJ emailed the managing editor of Figyelo for comment but did not get a response. In statement emailed to CPJ, Hungarys ambassador to the European Union, Oliver Varhelyi, said the government cannot be held responsible neither legally nor morally for the publication of the list nor for the functioning of the media market. The same week also saw the sudden shutdown of a small, independent English-language news website, the Budapest Beacon, whose managing editor, Richard Field, said in an interview with one of the sites reporters that with less and less independent Hungarian-language content, the severe erosion of media plurality () makes it nearly impossible for us to continue publishing a fact-based newspaper of record about Hungary. All this only a month after Orban declared in a campaign speech on March 15 before tens of thousands of supporters, After the elections we will seek amends moral, political and legal amends from his opponents, including journalists. And although none of these events were directly orchestrated by Orban, all of them are seen as precursors of amends to come, a new offensive in his war against independent media which started as soon as he came to power in 2010. His first term was about turning the public media into a government propaganda machine, the second about domesticating important private media outlets, and now comes what is left, said Andras Petho, founder and editor of Direkt36, in an interview with CPJ. Direkt36 is a partly crowdfunded investigative journalism outlet, and Petho himself is on Figyelos blacklist because his organization receives grants from Soross Open Society Foundations and has frequently reported on alleged corruption involving individuals close to Orban and the ruling Fidesz party. Milestones of the past eight years included the introduction of a restrictive set of media laws in 2010, provoking an international outcry, whichas Petho arguedmight have taught Orban to turn to different methods to tame critical media. Since 2014, one of the countrys biggest news websites, Origo; the second largest TV group, TV2; and all regional dailies have been bought upor, like the leading opposition daily paper, Nepszabadsag, shut downby Orban-friendly businessmen. One of the most prominent such leaders is Orbans childhood friend Lorinc Meszaros, a former gas pipe fitter and, until his recent resignation, the mayor of Orbans hometown Felcsut. Meszaros jumped to number five in last years list by business news website Napi.hu of the wealthiest Hungarians; his fortune is thanks to lucrative state contracts and EU infrastructure tenders, according to an investigation by Reuters. In his statement, Ambassador Varhelyi said the opposition media reaches a wider public than state media. Without citing a source for the data, he said the proportion of online government-critical portals is around 80 percent, adding: The diversity of the Hungarian media scenery was perhaps best demonstrated by the fact that most Hungarian media outlets actively campaigned against the Fidesz-KDNP alliance ahead of the 8th April elections. But according to research by Atlatszo, another investigative watchdog and news website, by this years general elections, more than 500 titles were in the hands of oligarchs and businessmen linked to the government, all of them heavily benefiting from state advertising. Of these, only 31 titles were government-allied in 2015, when 21 of the titles did not even exist. State media also followed the governments campaign against migrants, non-governmental organizations and George Soros, and this uneven playing field was one of the reasons why election observers for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe qualified the vote as free but not entirely fair. One of the few remaining critical newspapers was the daily Magyar Nemzet, which after many years of supporting Orban and his government, turned against him once its owner broke with the prime minister after the 2014 elections. Simicska became Orbans staunch opponent and financed the heavy losses his media companies incurred once his businesses were deprived of lucrative state contracts and his media of state advertising. We had expected something to happen but the speed of it all was still surprising, Szabolcs Toth, lead columnist and former deputy editor-in-chief of Magyar Nemzet, said in an interview with CPJ, adding that the decision of the owner highlighted the fact that the Hungarian media market is so distorted, that without state advertising, it is almost impossible to profitably operate a media company. Magyar Nemzets main pro-government competitor, the daily Magyar Idok, is 87 percent sustained by state advertisements, according to an analysis by media think-tank Mertek. Anita Komuves of Atlatszo said she believes the trends of the past few years will continue: the owners of the few remaining but struggling critical media outlets might decide to follow Simicskas footsteps by shutting down their operations or selling if an Orban-friendly businessman shows up with an offer. All this means that the ecosystem in which our investigations could have an effect falls totally apart, Petho of Direkt36 said. If the mainstream media do not follow up on stories by these investigative outlets, they do not reach wider audiences, he said. Harder nuts to crack will be critical media outlets which are still in the hands of foreign owners (like the biggest private TV channel, RTL), or maintain profitability, like independent news site Index, one of the countrys most well-read websites owned by a foundation whose board includes a close Simicska associate. They will try to discredit us through personal smear campaigns, close us off from interviews and vital information, Szabolcs Panyi, an editor for Index, told CPJ. Government-friendly and state media regularly target critical journalists with vicious commentary or prepare lists similar to the one published after the election. CPJ tried to contact several pro-government journalists, but none responded. Marius Dragomir, director of the Center for Media, Data and Society at Central European University (CEU) School of Public Policy in Budapest, wrote in a blog post last year that Orban has gained control of approximately 90% of all media in the country. As for the handful of remaining critical outlets, the only hope, Dragomir told CPJ, is that Orban has already achieved his goals of controlling the media and its resources, and so it does not make sense to push for more. He is also fine with just a few free voices out there shouting in the wind, just to maintain a feeling of free press to show when someone from the EU asks, Dragomir said. Content_Area1 Release Date: May 3, 2018 Contact: Donna Gilson, (608) 224-5130 Bill Cosh, Communications Director, (608) 224-5020 Download PDF MADISON Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary Sheila Harsdorf today announced that Wisconsin students interested in dairy careers should apply by June 1 for the new Governors Dairy Scholarships. The scholarships are available to Wisconsin citizens of any age and at any point in their dairy careers, but they must have already been involved in the dairy industry and must plan to continue in the field of dairying on farm, or in development or promotion. The funds may be used only for programs that can be completed in two years or less. Four-year bachelors degree programs cannot be funded. This is an exciting opportunity for our young people growing up on dairy farms, as well as for non-traditional students who are already contributing to our dairy industry, Harsdorf said. Dairying is so important to Wisconsins economy, and we need to keep growing and developing those skills and knowledge to continually reinvigorate the industry. I encourage our graduating high school students, those already enrolled in classes, and our dairy professionals to take advantage of this opportunity. The scholarships may be used only at Wisconsin Technical Colleges or University of Wisconsin campuses that have dairy programs Madison, River Falls, and Platteville. UW-Madisons Farm and Industry Short Course qualifies. Students in dairy production, development or promotion are eligible. Applicants are required: To have either operated, been employed by, or grown up on a Wisconsin dairy farm; be employed by a dairy products processor or in dairy development or promotion; or be a dairy student in Wisconsin. To be Wisconsin residents, and either U.S. citizens or with legal permanent resident status. To be registered with Selective Service if required. Those who apply by June 1 will be eligible for scholarships for the coming academic year. They must enroll by Sept. 30 of the year when they receive the scholarship. The awards will be made through the Higher Educational Aids Board, which recommends that they complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid). More detailed information and application materials is available at www.heab.wisconsin.gov. ### Find more DATCP news in our newsroom, and on Facebook and Twitter. India: Seafood exports up 13.7% in April-January May 07,2018 | Source: Financial Express Seafood exports during the first 10 months of the last fiscal registered a year-on-year growth of 13.7% in volume and 10.1% in value largely due to higher exports of frozen shrimps, state-run Marine Products Exports Development Authority (Mpeda) said on Thursday. India is the second-largest fish producer in the world after China and accounts for nearly 6% of global fish production. India exported 10,85,378 tonne of seafood valued at Rs 35,916.60 crore during the first ten months of the FY 2017-18 as against 9,54,744 tonne worth Rs 32,620.03 crore a year ago. In dollar terms, exports were pegged at US $ 5.64 billion during April 2017-January 2018 as compared to $ 4.98 billion dollars during the same period in the previous fiscal, registering a 13.27% growth. US, South East Asia and the European Union (EU) continued to be the three major importers while the demand from Japan saw substantial increase during the period. Frozen shrimp continued as the top export item of marine products basket, with a share of 42.05% in volume and 69.95% of the total earnings in dollar. The overall exports of shrimp, which was to the tune of 4,56,404 tonne as against 3,78,355 tonne in the previous fiscal valued at US $3,946.30 million, grew by 20.63% in volume and 21.61% in dollar terms. Indias exports of seafood remained on the upward curve despite a fall in global shrimp prices triggered by oversupply from the major shrimp-producing countries and more stringent test regimes imposed by the EU to detect antibiotic residues in frozen shrimp consignments. Also, we had to face competition from countries like Ecuador and Argentina, said Mpeda chairman A Jayathilak. Still, we were able to sustain the growth momentum on export front, which is a proof of the resilience of Indias seafood sector. We have initiated steps for export-oriented organic shrimp production, and launched new strategies to boost aquaculture and improve vigilance to stop faulty consignments, he stated. Export of frozen fish stood at 279,642 tonne as against 250,465 tonne a year earlier, showing a growth of 11.65% in quantity and 3.93% in terms of dollar but frozen squid declined by 12.83%, 18.35% and 14.98%, respectively in terms of quantity, rupee value and dollar earnings. However, exports of dried seafood items registered an uptick with figures of 80.63% and 15.81% in terms of quantity and rupee value, respectively. The gunfight broke out between militants and security forces in Gasi Mohalla area of Srinagar. (Photo: H U Naqash) Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir police on Saturday stated that the militant trio, killed in an encounter with security forces in Srinagars Chattabal area earlier on Saturday, was planning a major terror strike. The trio had planned a terror attack in the summer capital Srinagar on the eve of reopening of the Darbar move, the bi-annual office move. The 'Darbar move' is the bi-annual shift of the secretariat and all government offices of Jammu and Kashmir from one capital city to another. Also Read: All 3 militants killed in Srinagar encounter, clashes erupt in Kashmir capital The police said that one of the slain militants was Fayaz Ahmed Hamaal, a resident of Srinagars Fatah Kadal locality, whereas identities of the two others killed with him are yet to be ascertained. The police further added that apart from AK 47 rifles, Underbarrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) and UGBL grenades, hand grenades, wire-cutter, a medical kit and matrix sheets were recovered from the encounter site. On the basis of materials recovered it is assessed that this group was intending to carry out some major terror attack which was foiled, a statement issued by the police said. Meanwhile, the police said that the Special Police Officer (SPO) Showkat Ahmed Dar shot at by militants in southern Pulwama district continues to be critical in hospital. An earlier report had said Dar was declared brought dead to a hospital after he was shot at a filling station in Pulwamas Rahmoo area on Saturday. U.S. output will likely rise further this year, towards or past Russia's 11 million bpd, as its energy firms keep drilling for more. U.S. oil prices rose above $70 a barrel on Monday for the first time since November 2014 while Brent crude prices climbed to fresh highs, as a deepening economic crisis in Venezuela threatened the country's already tumbling oil supplies. The concerns added to worries over a looming decision on whether the United States will walk away from a deal with Iran and instead re-imposes sanctions on Tehran, keeping international oil markets on edge, Reuters said. Read alsoEU's General Court dismisses Ukraine's claim over OPAL gas pipeline as inadmissible Brent crude oil futures were at $75.71 per barrel, up 84 cents, or 1.12 percent from their last close at 0416 GMT after climbing to $75.89 a barrel earlier in the session, its highest since November 2014. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 0.95 percent to trade at $70.39 per barrel, up 66 cents from their last settlement. Analysts warned that the deepening economic crisis in major oil exporter Venezuela threatened to further crimp its production and exports. Shannon Rivkin, investment director of Australia's Rivkin Securities, said that oil prices had been driven up due to growing concerns over the economic collapse of Venezuela and its oil industry, plus possible new sanctions against Iran from the Trump administration." U.S. oil firm ConocoPhillips has moved to take key Caribbean assets of Venezuela's state-run PDVSA to enforce a $2 billion arbitration award, actions that could further impair PDVSA's declining oil production and exports. Venezuela's oil output has halved since the early 2000s to just 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd), as the South American country has failed to invest enough to maintain its petroleum industry. Beyond Venezuela's woes Greg McKenna, chief market strategist at futures brokerage AxiTrader, said "the big story this week is going to be about oil and the Iran Nuclear deal." Most market participants expect Trump to withdraw from the pact, he said. Iran re-emerged as a major oil exporter in 2016 after international sanctions against it were lifted in return for curbs on Iran's nuclear program. Expressing doubts over Iran's sincerity, Trump has threatened to walk away from the 2015 agreement by not extending sanctions waivers when they expire on May 12, which would likely result in a reduction of Iran's oil exports. Some traders, however, are becoming cautious about ever higher oil prices. Hedge funds cut their net long U.S. crude futures and options positions in the week to May 1 by 11,825 contracts to 444,060, according to the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Looming over markets is surging U.S. output, which has soared by more than a quarter in the last two years, to 10.62 million bpd. U.S. output will likely rise further this year, towards or past Russia's 11 million bpd, as its energy firms keep drilling for more. U.S. energy companies added nine oil rigs looking for new production in the week to May 4, bringing the total count to 834, the highest level since March 2015, energy services firm Baker Hughes said last Friday. Ukraine reduces gas imports by over 54% in Jan-April The largest volume of gas was imported from Slovakia. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Ukraine complains to ICAO about maintenance of Ukraine's Antonov planes in Russia media The Ukrainian aviation authority says that the maintenance and operation of the aircraft without the involvement of Ukraine's Antonov creates a "dangerous precedent that threatens the life and health of people." If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Number of millionaires in Ukraine grows by 16% in 2017 The average annual income of a millionaire in Ukraine is estimated at UAH 8.2 million (US$311,669). If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Coal imports on rise in Ukraine The largest suppliers remain Russia, the United States, and Canada. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Naftogaz CEO, NATO officials talk Ukraine's energy security NATO considers energy security of Ukraine a component of the pan-European energy security. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter The U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals has struck down Marylands latest attempt to regulate drug manufacturers. With no federal legislation to address increasing prescription drug prices, many states have moved to address the problem on their own. Some state measures, such as price transparency and price-gouging legislation, have been counterproductive. Others, such as banning gag clauses that prevent pharmacies from being transparent with their customers, are showing promise. States care about high drug prices because the growth of prescription drug spending as a share of state Medicaid spending increased from 4 percent in 2013 to 25 percent in 2014, before declining to 6 percent in 2016. States are burdened by prescription drug spending volatility and its effect on balancing their budgets. Before Marylands law was struck down, the Attorney General could require a justifying statement and records from a drug manufacturer if there is a 50 percent price increase for an essential off-patent or generic drug over a one-year period. Manufacturers found to be in violation could face a civil penalty of up to $10,000. But the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Marylands law violated the dormant commerce clause because regulating the retail sale of drugs in the state was indirectly regulating wholesale transactions that lead up to that sale. These transactions occur outside the state. Since only Congress can regulate interstate commerce under the commerce clause, states that pass similar legislation will run into the same legal troubles. In addition to drug manufacturers raising prices, states must address the problems created by Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). PBMs negotiate drug prices with drug manufacturers on behalf of the insurer through a rebate system. The drug manufacturer pays the PBM a rebate to have its drug placed on a formulary list. Formulary lists, utilized by most health insurance plans, include prescription drugs that health practitioners consider to be the most valuable. Drugs on these lists are also the ones that reach the pharmacy marketplace. If a drug is not on the formulary list, it is less likely to be prescribed, resulting in lower revenues for drug manufacturers. This system of formulary lists incentivizes drug manufacturers to offer the PBMs larger rebates to place their drugs on the list. Ideally, a higher rebate should lower consumer costs. The PBMs keep a portion of the rebate and drug manufacturers get their drugs on the list. While rebates lower drug costs, the cost savings do not always accrue to the consumer. Thus far, state legislation regulating PBMs has focused on banning gag clauses. Gag clauses, in contracts between PBMs and pharmacies, prevent pharmacists from revealing to patients that medication would cost less if paid out-of-pocket versus using insurance. The concern here is that patients are overpaying for prescription drugs because they are not aware of their options. Twenty states have enacted laws prohibiting gag clausesten this year alone. A recent University of Southern California report sheds some light on the issue. The authors found that total overpayments in 2013 amounted to $135 million or $10.51 per insured patient. Overpayment refers to patient copayments that exceeds the total cost of the drug to insurers or PBMs. Banning gag clauses is a form of transparency legislation. However, unlike legislation which focuses on price increase reporting, banning gag clauses makes the consumer aware of their price options, which leads to informed decision-making. This will lead to cost savings for consumers. States should continue to pass legislation prohibiting the practice. Furthermore, it seems like this type of legislation is putting pressure on insurers to reform the rebate system. United Health Group, the largest insurer in the U.S., has recently announced it will start passing drug rebates to some of its customers. If other insurers follow suit and widen the scope of qualifying recipients, it can go a long way towards reducing drug prices for consumers. State legislatures are less successful in using price transparency and price-gouging legislation to regulate drug manufacturers. Under price transparency legislation, drug manufacturers are required to report price increases of 10 percent or more over a certain period. Price-gouging legislation, on the other hand, allows states to take legal action and impose financial penalties on drug manufacturers who increase their prices substantially (percent varies) over a certain period. Both measures are counterproductive. Transparency legislation, focused on price increases, is subjective. What is considered an excessive price increase can be difficult to determine, unless it is obvious, such as Mylan ratcheting up prices of the EpiPen in 2016. Reporting requirements can lead to burdensome compliance costs for drug manufacturers without benefits. There is no derived benefit from price increase reporting, unless the state can do something about it. Some states have passed price-gouging legislation to deal with the issue, but this type of legislation can lead to violations of constitutional law. Absent federal legislation, states will continue to push their own solutions. Their best solution so far has been banning gag clauses, which may lead to other reforms. Isai Chavez is a contributor to Economics 21. Interested in real economic insights? Want to stay ahead of the competition? Each weekday morning, E21 delivers a short email that includes E21 exclusive commentaries and the latest market news and updates from Washington. Sign up for the E21 Morning Ebrief. On his recent trip to the Middles East, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made clear that Saudi Arabias security is a priority for the United States. Chief among security concerns is Iran. It destabilizes the entire region through its support for proxy militias and terrorist groups. Iran, said Mr. Pompeo, is the greatest sponsor of terrorism in the world, and we are determined to make sure it never possesses a nuclear weapon. In Yemen, Iran continues to support the violent Houthi rebels by providing military equipment, funding, and training, in violation of UN Security Council resolutions. The Houthis continue to fire missiles into Saudi Arabia, targeting Red Sea shipping and threatening the Saudi people. While the U.S. will continue to assist Saudi Arabia with its defense needs and support its right to defend its own borders, a political solution is the only way to advance long-term stability in Yemen. The U.S. and Saudi Arabia agreed to support the new UN envoys efforts to advance a political settlement that ends the civil war. The political and security vacuum created by the conflict, as well as deteriorating humanitarian conditions, have also been exploited in Yemen by al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula and by ISIS. When these groups are given safe haven, the U.S. homeland is at risk. It is critical that Muslim majority countries take the lead in combating terrorism and radicalization around the world. America is prepared to stand with Saudi Arabia in pursuit of the shared interests and security, said Mr. Pompeo, but as President Trump has said. . .the nations of the Middle East cannot wait for American power to crush terrorism for them. Muslim nations must be willing to take on that burden. If were going to conquer extremism and defeat the forces of terrorism together, said Secretary Pompeo, . . .we all must honestly confront the crisis of Islamist extremism and the Islamist terror groups it inspires, and this does indeed mean standing together against the murder of innocent Muslims, the oppression of women, the persecution of Jews, and the slaughter of Christians. The United States strongly supports Saudi Arabias vision for 2030 and the reform agenda which promotes tolerance, respect, and economic development, and the empowerment of women. The effect of the Generalized System of Preferences, which allows for duty-free import of more than 3,500 types of goods from Ukraine to the United States, has been suspended for 155 types of Ukrainian goods from April 26, the Ukrainian Economic Development and Trade Ministry reported on Saturday, May 5. "A total of 155 types of goods fall under the restrictions, in particular, some products of the food, light, woodworking industry, engineering, and some electrical appliances," the ministry said. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative enacted these restrictions from April 26 this year, 120 days after the publication of the respective presidential proclamation of December 22, 2017. "The Economic Development and Trade Ministry has been in constant dialogue with the U.S. government and is working to resolve the problem. At the same time, the lifting of the restrictions largely depends on the adoption by the Verkhovna Rada of bill No. 7466, known as the bill on the organization of collective management," the report says. It recalls that the bill drafted by the ministry is aimed at establishing an effective and transparent system of collective management of property rights in the field of copyright and related rights in Ukraine. The document was adopted at first reading on March 1. On April 19, MPs began its consideration at second reading. The Ukraine-NATO Commission at the level of deputy permanent representatives with the participation of Head of Naftogaz Ukrainy Andriy Kobolev at a meeting on May 7 discussed the issues of the country's energy security, the press service of the company has said. According to its data, the report of the Naftogaz head was devoted to the decisions of the Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce and the issues of implementing the Nord Stream 2 project, prompting a lively discussion during the meeting. "The NATO states were unanimous in that Ukraine's energy security is a component of the energy security of the entire region. Energy security issues attract increased attention, therefore symbolic is the fact that the first official meeting at the new headquarters was a meeting with Ukrainian officials on the issues ensuring energy security in the Euro-Atlantic area," the report said. Naftogaz Ukrainy unites the largest oil and gas producing enterprises of the country. Naftogaz is a monopolist in natural gas transit and storage in underground gas storage facilities, as well as oil transportation via pipelines throughout the country. On Monday, May 7, at 12.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference "Corruption in Coal Industry and Illegal Pressure of Security Agencies on Miners and Their Independent Trade Unions." The participants: chairman of the Independent Trade Union of Miners of Ukraine Mykhailo Volynets; chairman of the trade union of miners at Novovolynska mine No. 9 of Volynvuhillia state enterprise Vasyl Hura; chairman of the local trade union organization in the towns of Selydove and Novohrodivka in Donetsk region Viktor Trifonov; chairman of the trade union of miners at Novohrodivska 1/3 mine of state enterprise Selydovevuhillia in Donetsk region Serhiy Pavlov (8/5a Reitarska Street). Press accreditation by phone: (067) 935 0573, vkstog@gmail.com (Olha Stoyan), (068) 085 9640 (Ihor Kazmirchuk), (067) 917 0779 (Olesia Briazgunova). One killed, four wounded in 80 enemy attacks on Ukrainian positions over past day - JFO Militants have opened fire on the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces 80 times over the past 24 hours, killing one Ukrainian serviceman and wounding four more, the press center for the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) has reported. "The situation has escalated in the area of the Joint Forces Operation over the past 24 hours, on May 6. The hostilities continued along the entire contact line. The enemy violated the Minsk agreements 80 times," reads a report as of 07:00 on Monday, which was posted on the Facebook page of the JFO press center. The press center noted that the most active military operations continued near the villages of Krymske, Novotoshkivske, Luhanske, Avdiyivka, Pisky, Troitske, and Shyrokyne. Militants opened fired 22 times from artillery and mortars and twice from a tank. Joint Forces units gave an adequate response and actively defended. "Occupiers continue to flagrantly violate the norms of international humanitarian law. Yesterday, on May 6, they fired twice from 152mm and 122mm cannons at the populated centers of Zaitseve and Mykilske, on the outskirts of the town of Horlivka, Donetsk region," the report says. According to Ukrainian intelligence, Ukrainian Armed Forces fighters inflicted losses on the militants, killing three and wounding five. Ukraine's State Committee for Television and Radio Broadcasting has proposed that the Cabinet of Ministers apply economic sanctions on Russian legal entities which systematically produce and distribute books of anti-Ukrainian content. According to the press service of the State Committee for Television and Radio Broadcasting, a list of books has been compiled, the content of which is aimed at eliminating Ukraine's independence, promoting violence, inciting interethnic, racial and religious hatred, committing terrorist acts. This list includes 172 publications issued by 35 publishers. The following Russian publishing houses which publish anti-Ukrainian content have been identified, according to the committee: Algoritm, Knizhniy Mir, Centrepolygraph, Eksmo, AST, Veche and others. In addition, monitoring has detected a significant number of websites that offer the above literature for sale in paper or electronic form, and also provide an opportunity to read these books online. "In order to protect national interests, national security, Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in accordance with Article 5 of the Law of Ukraine "On Sanctions," the committee proposes to submit proposals for the consideration of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine on the application of personal special economic and other restrictive measures (sanctions) in relation to Russian legal entities which manufacture and distribute in Ukraine publications of anti-Ukrainian content," the committee said. Poroshenko to hold trilateral talks with Merkel, Macron in Germany on May 9-10 Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko will pay a working visit to Germany on May 9-10, 2018, where he will hold talks with the leaders of Germany and France and also meet with European Council President Donald Tusk, the press service of the Ukrainian presidential administration has reported. "The program of the visit foresees trilateral talks with Federal Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as a meeting with President of the European Council Donald Tusk," reads a statement posted on the administration's website on Monday. Poroshenko will also take part in events at the annual ceremony to present the Charlemagne Prize to Macron. Earlier, Merkel announced negotiations between the leaders of Ukraine, Germany and France in Aachen in May. Poroshenko said in April that security issues would be considered among other things at the planned meeting of the heads of Germany, France and Ukraine in Aachen in May. "Of course, when the Ukrainian president is invited to Aachen, there will be a great number of international leaders there, and consultations will be held there, including on security issues," Poroshenko said in an interview with Ukrainian TV channels. Investigators of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) have established the involvement of regular servicemen of the Russian Armed Forces in a rocket attack on the Skhidny residential district of Mariupol on January 24, 2015, which killed 31 people and injured 117 more, SBU Chief Vasyl Hrytsak has said. "During the investigation conducted by our investigators and operatives, it was established and documented that this crime had been committed by regular Russian servicemen. This terrorist attack was carried out by two regular missile divisions of the Russian Armed Forces. From Russian territory the operation was directly led by Chief of Missile Forces and Artillery of the Southern Military District of the Russian Armed Forces Major-General Stepan Yaroshchuk and in the temporarily occupied Donetsk the shelling was directed by Colonel of the Russian Armed Forces Alexander Tsaplyuk with the call sign 'Gorets'," he said at a briefing in Kyiv on Monday. He said that the SBU would transfer to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) part of the materials on the events in Mariupol in 2015, in particular, intercepted negotiations. According to him, during the investigation the SBU established that the actions of reactive battalions were coordinated out by Russian Armed Forces Lieutenant Colonel Maksim Vlasov with the call sign "Yugra." "The investigation established the participation in these shelling of the 200th Pechenga Separate Motor Rifle Brigade and the 2nd Guards Tamanskaya Motor Rifle division," Hrytsak said. He stressed that SBU operatives and investigators had recorded and documented "every minute of events, from the moment when these two divisions crossed the Ukrainian-Russian border and until they left for their positions." He also said that the final memorandum of evidence as part of Ukraine's lawsuit to the International Court of Justice should be submitted by mid-June this year. "The evidence is really thorough. You know that in January 2017, Ukraine filed a lawsuit with the International Court of Justice and, in accordance with all the rules, if I'm not mistaken, we must file a final memorandum of evidence before June 12 or 14, in particular, on crimes committed by regular personnel, including servicemen [of the Russian Armed Forces], on Ukrainian territory," Hrytsak said. He said: "Every proof that will be included in this memorandum is carefully checked, including by international experts, lawyers and only then attached to the files." "Believe me that this evidence is objective and thorough. A huge amount of work has been done to identify the voices of these people in order to get their personal profiles and so on," Hrytsak said. He also said that 11 persons, among them four Ukrainian citizens, members of illegal armed groups, as well as seven regular servicemen of the Russian Armed Forces, had been declared suspects as part of the investigation into the artillery attack on Mariupol. All of them have been put on the wanted list. "We are convinced that such a decision was made by the top military and political leadership of the Russian Federation," he added. Iran's President Hassan Rouhani says Tehran would continue to remain in the nuclear deal with the West even if the United States pulls out, on the condition that the other parties remain in the deal also known as The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Speaking during his visit to Khorasan province in northeastern Iran on Monday May 7, Rouhani said, "Either what we want from the nuclear deal is guaranteed by the non-American parties, or it is not the case and we will follow our own path," Rouhani said on the presidency website, without elaborating. Rouhani added only the United States wishes to pull out of the deal and that other players are adamant to go ahead with the JCPOA as parties to the agreement. He said Iran does not pursue a nuclear weapons program as it is against Iranians religious beliefs and as religious decrees (fatwas) by top clerics reject the idea of developing nuclear weapons. He charged that during the past 40 years, the US has always wanted to undermine Irans independence, and limit its influence in the region, adding that Iran has addressed concerns about the possible military intentions of its nuclear program. US President Donald Trump is due to announce on Saturday whether the United States will remain in the 2015 deal that lifted international sanctions in exchange for curbs to Iran's nuclear program. The other parties -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- have urged Trump to stay in the deal. Rouhani said on Sunday that the United States would regret "like never before" pulling out of the deal, but has remained vague on how exactly Iran would respond. On Monday, Rouhani said Iran had "thought of all the scenarios and have taken appropriate measures. "The United States will be the principle loser in this affair," said Rouhani. ump has demanded the Europeans find a way to "fix" the existing deal by putting new curbs on Iran's missile program and regional interventions, or he will re-impose nuclear-related sanctions at the next deadline for review on May 12. With reporting by AFP and Irans Presidency Website Sixteen women accused of being Islamic State (IS) militants have been sentenced to prison, Tehran Prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi announced May 6. They were trained for terrorist actions in Syria and were detained after returning to Iran, Dolatabadi told Mizan Online, a website affiliated with Irans judiciary, adding that police had confiscated more than three billion rials (roughly $70,000) that the women had allegedly been paid by IS. Dolatabadi did not elaborate on the nationality, age, or identity of the convicted women. He also refrained from mentioning the length of their prison terms. Dolatabadi has previously said that most women connected with IS accompanied their husbands to Syria and returned to Iran after their husbands were killed or arrested. These 16 women, on the other hand, served IS for money, according to Dolatabadi, and were carrying significant sums when arrested. "These women had gone to Syria to support ... Daesh (Arabic acronym for IS), where they were trained as terrorist, and carried out some operations there. They were arrested upon their return to Iran," Mizan Online quoted Dolatabadi as saying. Immediately after ISs twin attacks on the Iranian Parliament and Ayatollah Rouhllah Khomeinis mausoleum June 7, 2017 in Tehran, the Islamic Republics intelligence sources said that a female terrorist had led the attacks. Nothing further was reported about the mysterious woman, who, based on video footage, appeared to encourage the assailants in front of the parliament. The attacks left more than 23 dead, including five of the assailants, and as many as sixty injured. The Intelligence Ministry has not yet published the full names and identities of the killed attackers, identifying them merely by their first names as Qayyoum, Abu Jihad, Ramin, Fereidoun, and Saryas. The latter was later identified by Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC)linked news agency Fars as Saryas Sadeqi. More than two months after the deadly attacks in Tehran, the IS extremist group posted a video threatening new attacks on the Iranian capital and calling on young Iranians to rise up against the establishment. A man wearing a black ski mask and holding an AK-47 rifle made the threats in a video published August 9, 2017 showing IS's Amaq news agency logo and footage of the two attacks in Tehran in June. The man, sounding like a non-native speaker of Persian, promised more attacks "in the center of Tehran," as well as against Shi'ite targets in Iraq. Iranian analysts speaking to Radio Farda said that June 7, 2017 would probably go down in Iran's contemporary history as a date when the Islamic Republic's claim to enjoying security in a volatile region was shattered. "These obviously-coordinated attacks raise questions about security apparatuses within the Islamic Republic," military analyst Hossein Aryan told Radio Farda. Meanwhile, according to reports from Tehran, the fifth hearing session in the trial of eight individuals accused of participating in the Tehran attacks was held May 6. The hearings started last week and none of the accused are female. Deputy Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Ali Motahari says the decision to ban popular messaging application Telegram in Iran was made based on a state decree issued by the countrys Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. State decree is a term used for the orders issued by Khamenei that overrides all other laws and regulations about the matter in question. Meanwhile, seven Iranian lawyers have filed a lawsuit against the judicial official who has ordered the filtering of Telegram. He had exceeded his authority and deprived people from their individual rights mentioned in the constitution, the lawyers wrote in their lawsuit. Speaking in Tehran on Sunday May 6, Motahari further demanded explanations about making Telegram inaccessible for the public. President Hassan Rouhani was the first high-ranking official who criticized the filtering of Telegram and indicated that the supreme leader has been behind it. Following the Telegram ban, Rouhani became the target of heavy criticism by the people, especially because he had said in a public speech in December last year that he was not supporting restrictions on accessing social media and his minister of telecommunication would promise that his finger would never push the filtering button. If decision about limiting and blocking peoples communication has been made at the highest level of the state, the people as the real owners of the country, should be informed about it, Rouhani wrote in an Instagram post on Friday May 4, indirectly demanding that Khamenei should take responsibility for the move. In a speech on Sunday, deputy parliament speaker, Ali Motahari said that the president should be transparent about the situation and as the implementer of the constitution; he should have warned the judiciary about the filtering of Telegram. Iran's Culture and Media Court ordered the ban on Telegram on April 30, asserting that Telegram had been used to organize actions threatening Iran's security, including anti-establishment protests in December and January, and attacks on the parliament and Ayatollah Rouhollah Khomeini's shrine last June. In his Instagram post, President Rouhani described the court order as bogus and ordered from above and said, his administration had not blocked or filtered any social media website and the arbitrary order to block Telegram without due process was opposing the principles of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Almost half of the 80 million Irans population were using Telegram for various reasons, including accessing uncensored news. Exactly for the same reason, the conservatives were pressuring the government for a long time to filter Telegram. Irans Foreign Ministry is set to sell three estates owned by Iran in sub-Saharan Africa, including a previous residence of Reza Shah, who was forced to abdicate the throne by the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran in 1941. In a proposal delivered to President Hassan Rouhani, the Foreign Ministry has asked his administrations approval for selling three estates owned by the Iranian state, including Reza Shahs residence on the African Island-state of Mauritius. The founder of Pahlavi royal dynasty, Reza Shah (1925-1941) stayed at Valery Palace in Mauritius for a few months after being exiled under the pressure from British forces who had occupied Iran alongside the Red Army. Reza Shah expected to spend his last days in Bombay [now Mumbai] in then British India. However, British authorities in Bombay did not allow him and his entourage to disembark. Instead, they were sent to Mauritius, an island unknown to the exiled king. Accompanied by several members of his family, his personal secretary, and servants, the exiled king was forced to stay in Mauritius to await a license to travel to Durban and finally to Johannesburg in South Africa. Now, 77 years later, the Islamic Republics Foreign Ministry has proposed selling the residence, ostensibly to get an unused property off the balance sheets. Critics, however, say Irans conservative leaders want to wipe out any trace of the modernizer king, who instituted reforms giving more opportunities to Irans religious minorities and whose rule saw progress on womens rights. Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry has also proposed selling Iranians embassy buildings in Nairobi, Kenya, and Lagos, Nigeria, and reinvesting the proceeds to build new ones. The Mauritian Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Seetanah Lutchmeenaraidoo, said last year that Tehran and Port Louis were set to expand their cultural cooperation. Lutchmeenaraidoo singled out Reza Shahs residence as an Iranian heritage site and a potential base for Iran-Mauritius cultural cooperation. Meanwhile, the heated debate over a mummified body recently discovered in Iran and believed to be that of Reza Shah continues. Reza Shah died in 1944 at age 66 in exile in Johannesburg. His body was taken to Egypt where it was embalmed and kept at the royal Al Rifaei Mosque in Cairo. In May 1950, the remains were returned to Iran and buried in a mausoleum built in his honor in the town of Ray (ancient Raga), in the southern suburbs of the capital, Tehran. Immediately after the Islamic Revolution and downfall of the monarchy in Iran, a mid-ranking cleric, Sadiq Khalkhali, with the tacit approval of the Islamic Republics founder, Ayatollah Khomeini, tried to demolish the mausoleum. However, he failed to find the body. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 Trend: The Governor of the U.S. state of Nebraska, Pete Rickets, signed a Proclamation in connection with the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR), the Embassy of Azerbaijan in the United States announced. He officially declared May 28 the National Day of Azerbaijan and urged the residents of the state to celebrate this significant day. The document notes that on May 28, 1918, Azerbaijan declared its independence establishing the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which became the first secular parliamentary democracy in the Muslim world, and emphasizes that Azerbaijan granted all people the right to vote regardless of race, gender, ethnicity and religion, becoming the first Muslim nation to grant women equal political rights with men. It was also recognized by other democratic nations, including the United States of America. At the same time, the document emphasizes that Azerbaijans independence was interrupted in 1920, when it was invaded by Bolsheviks, and forcefully incorporated into the USSR in 1922 to restore its independence only in 1991. It is noted that over the last quarter century, the Republic of Azerbaijan has consolidated its sovereignty and independence, and has become a staunch ally and strategic partner of the United States in the critically important Caspian region. The statement says that this year, in the centennial of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, millions of Azerbaijanis around the globe, including tens of thousands in the United States of America observe May 28 as the National Day, and remember the contribution of their forefathers to the spread of democracy in the regions of Caucasus, Central Asia and Middle East. The Proclamation was also signed by John Gale, Secretary of state of Nebraska. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 Trend: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the opening of a multi-level road junction and a passage from the Baku Olympic Stadium to Heydar Aliyev Avenue. Chairman of the Board of Directors of Azerbaijan Highway State Agency Saleh Mammadov informed the head of state of the technical indicators of the project. A 496m-long tunnel was built as part of the project. The tunnels width is 10 meters. The project also saw the construction of a bridge. The head of state was told that a section of the road from Sabunchu junction to Boyuk Shor junction was reconstructed as part of the project. The road is 2.1km in length, while its width varies between 26-36 meters. The project will contribute to reducing traffic congestion in this part of the city. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 8 Trend: Twenty-six years have passed since the occupation of Azerbaijan's Shusha city by Armenia. Shusha, one of the unique cultural centers of Azerbaijan, is a city, characterized for its natural beauty, and is a valuable monument of national architecture and medieval urban art. Constantly keeping the Azerbaijani national-spiritual values and traditions of music, Shusha before forming as a city of great economic, political and cultural significance, has passed a rich way as a center of Karabakh khanate, played its role in the lives of the people of Azerbaijan. This city, which went down in history thanks to Gasim bey Zakir, Khurshidbanu Natavan, Mir Mohsun Navvab, Najaf bey Vezirov, Abdurrahim bey Hagverdiyev, Yusif Vazir Chemenzeminli, Firidun bey Kocharli, Ahmad bey Agaoglu and other eminent personalities, is known worldwide as the cradle of the Azerbaijani mugham. In 1977 at the initiative of Heydar Aliyev a decree "On the declaration of the historic part of the city of Shusha as historical and architectural reserve" was passed. Since that time, creative work in Shusha became widespread, house-museums of the great figures of our culture and arts Uzeyir bey Hajibeyli, Khurshidbanu Natavan and Bul-Bul were created, a mausoleum of an outstanding poet Molla Panah Vagif was built. As a result of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the Republic of Azerbaijan, which adopted on October 18, 1991 relevant documents for the restoration of its national independence, came face to face with the aggressive policy of ethnic cleansing by Armenia. Given that the country which was undergoing profound political, economic and social crisis and finding ways out of from tense situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, has not yet formed its own national army, it relied only on voluntary assistance of self-defense units during defense of Shusha which has high military and strategic importance. However, despite the fact that they fought valiantly, and had a decent resistance, on May 8, 1992 the Armenian armed forces armed to the teeth occupied Shusha. In the battle for the defense of Shusha, 195 our compatriots were killed, 165 people were injured, 58 people captured and taken hostage. During the occupation the Armenian vandals looted the museums, in which there were thousands of pieces, destroyed hundreds of historical and cultural monuments, defaced shrines and mosques, destroyed a large number of specimens of rare manuscripts, and ruined the education and health care institutions. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 By Elchin Mehdiyev - Trend: As long as Armenia doesn't abandon its aggressive policy, the country will never have a bright future, Deputy Chairman of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party Ali Ahmadov told reporters in Baku on May 7. Ahmadov said that the internal conflict reigning in Armenia will last for a long time. He stressed that the recession in Armenia led to these clashes. "These difficulties will not be eliminated in three-five months. This doesn't depend on the election of a prime minister. As long as Armenia continues its aggressive policy, the Armenian people will face these challenges, problems," he said. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 By Leman Zeynalova - Trend: Public organizations were trying to convince me to make some kind of statement in PACE, to accuse Azerbaijan and individual MPs, said in an interview with Ukrainian portal "Evropeiska Pravda" ex-President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Anne Brasseur, commenting on the recent report on corruption in the organization. She noted that there had been no evidence of widespread corruption in the organization, although that had been the case for a long time. "I remember well the first report on caviar diplomacy. There were many interesting things, but there was no evidence! And when there is no evidence, you have to be very careful," noted Brasseur. "Public organizations urged me to make some statement, to accuse Azerbaijan and some MPs. But I refused because it is a very dangerous way," she said. As previously reported, the independent investigative body (IBAC) investigating the allegations of corruption in PACE in Strasbourg submitted its report to the Bureau of the Assembly. IBAC has not revealed evidence supporting the allegations of Azerbaijan in corruption, and eventually came to the conclusion that neutrality has not been violated in the activities of the PACE related to Azerbaijan, in the work of MPs, in particular rapporteurs of the PACE. The start of another anti-Azerbaijan campaign in PACE is neither surprising nor coincidental, said Azerbaijani Presidents Assistant for Public and Political Affairs Ali Hasanov while commenting on these charges. "Circles in the West, consistently and purposefully operating against Azerbaijan, and organizations and media they control are more active on the eve of an important event in our country and make every effort to smear both Azerbaijan and that event. Everyone knows that since early 2018 a number of international events have taken place in Azerbaijan along with other significant events in the life of the country. The April 11 presidential election in Azerbaijan was evaluated by majority of experts as a referendum of trust in President Ilham Aliyev," said Ali Hasanov. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 Trend: Freedom of speech is fully ensured in Azerbaijan and the state is taking all necessary steps to stimulate the activity of civil society institutions, Azerbaijani Presidents Assistant for Public and Political Affairs Ali Hasanov said. He made the remarks May 7 at the 15th meeting of the EU-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Cooperation Committee in Baku. He said the main goal has been set in Azerbaijan creation of a rule of law and democratic state, political pluralism, formation of civil society and free economic relations. The position of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is that in modern times, political pluralism, a liberal economic system and a strong civil society are the main means that ensure dynamic development of any country, Hasanov noted. That is why Azerbaijan pursues a consistent policy to strengthen democratic principles, promote human rights and freedoms, further develop civil society institutions and stimulate their activities. Fifty-five political parties, over 3,000 non-governmental organizations (more than 4,000 non-profit organizations), over 5,000 media outlets, as well as trade unions that bring together about two million people have been registered in Azerbaijan. He stressed that the Azerbaijani government, if necessary, conducts a dialogue with political parties represented and not represented in the parliament. Pluralism is a characteristic feature of modern Azerbaijani society, he added. Favorable conditions have been created in Azerbaijan for the free activity of political parties. Their activity is regulated by the Constitution, the Civil Code, the Electoral Code, the Law on Political Parties, the Law on State Registration and the Registry of Legal Entities, and other legal acts, as well as international treaties to which Azerbaijan has acceded. The law defines very simple requirements for the registration of political parties, Hasanov said. He reminded that in May 2012, amendments to the Law on Political Parties came into force, according to which the Azerbaijani budget allocates funds every year to finance the activities of political parties. Hasanov added that more than 40 political parties are in opposition to the incumbent government. Eleven parties, including seven opposition parties, are represented in the Azerbaijani parliament, he said. Candidates from six parties participated in the presidential election held in Azerbaijan April 11, Hasanov noted. Speaking about activities of the media outlets, Hasanov noted that after Azerbaijan gained independence in the early 90s, ensuring freedom of speech and information, the formation of a democratic, pluralistic press, the creation of its regulatory and legal framework, the provision of economic independence became the main directions of the state policy. Recommendations in Project 21's Blueprint meant to encourage employment opportunities for black communities are being released just after the U.S. Department of Labor' Bureau of Labor Statistics announced its April jobs report. WASHINGTON DC - Jim Crow-era regulations created for the express purpose of denying blacks economic opportunity are still on the books and must be repealed to promote black prosperity, according to the Project 21 black leadership network in its forthcoming "Blueprint for a Better Deal for Black America." While the latest jobs report indicates that the overall black unemployment rate is at an all-time low (6.6 percent in April, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics), it remains above the overall unemployment rate of 3.9 percent. There is also a three-point disparity between overall black and white unemployment, and black teen unemployment is an unacceptably high 29 percent. Employment policy proposals found in Project 21's dynamic new Blueprint aim to enhance the competitiveness of black workers and the marketability of unskilled, at-risk youth. Illinois conservative Dr. Eric Wallace told Illinois Review Monday that he agreed with much of Project 21's proposals, and referred to economist Dr. Walter Williams' writings as reason to pursue the changes. "During the 1940s, blacks were paid at the same level as others. When the government got involved, it became more difficult to find jobs," Wallace said. "As a result of minimum wage, black teens are having an even more difficult time finding jobs - and that's something that should change." In seeking improved black employment figures, Project 21 calls for a repeal of the 1931 Davis-Bacon Act in its Blueprint. It notes that the Davis-Bacon Act, which requires contractors to pay "prevailing wages" for most federal construction projects, was originally designed to prevent non-union blacks from competing with white union workers and "continues to serve its original purpose" today. Project 21's Blueprint also calls for reducing or eliminating the minimum wage in special low-income zip codes. Like the Davis-Bacon Act, the federal minimum wage law was originally designed to deny blacks opportunity. It was first included in the 1933 National Recovery Act (NRA) during the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt. It was derided by black leaders at the time as the "Negro Removal Act." Illinois conservative Raquel Mitchell says she's okay with the idea of ending the National Recovery Act, but promoting the idea would be certain to stir a negative reaction. "While we know the policies Project 21 is proposing would be beneficial for the kind of economic growth we'd like to see within the Black community, the problem will be PR. The issue is always PR," Mitchell said. Removing the NRA would be a problem for the Trump Administration, she said. "There will be an uproar. They will find Black Trump voters that feel 'betrayed' at the President's broken promises. These policy proposals are beneficial for economic advancement, but the race baiters and resistance will make sure to put a dark spin on them." There's no question Mitchell is right about how the ideas would be negatively portrayed, but Project 21 Co-Chairman Horace Cooper thinks it's still worth the effort. "The most effective means of ending race divisions in America is to have a robust growing economy one that allows all Americans to have a taste of the American Dream," Cooper, the former chief of staff of the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment Standards Administration, said. "There has been record progress for blacks under the Trump Administration, but there is so much more potential in the free market. Solutions that build on the private sector will be more significant and more enduring." In late April, Project 21 leaders began briefing key staff at the White House and in congressional leadership about the 57 policy ideas spread out over 10 subject areas and covering education, criminal justice, economics and more found in its "Blueprint for a Better Deal for Black America." There are five specific proposals for a better deal in employment policy for black Americans that create incentives and remove barriers to work: Improving welfare reform, including more work requirements for eligibility in programs such as the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps), in recognition of past success in reducing the number of people requiring government assistance. Repealing the Davis-Bacon Act the Jim Crow-era regulation essentially requiring union wages for most federal contracting that can hurt small minority-owned businesses and lower-skilled, non-union minority workers. Allowing employers in special low-income zip codes to not pay Social Security and Medicare taxes for school-age employees under 22 years old. Exempting employers in special low-income zip codes from minimum wage laws so they can hire workers at a discounted wage. Analyzing the impact of new federal regulations on the hiring of young, low-skilled workers, and requiring congressional approval for all regulations that cannot be modified to mitigate negative impacts. "Project 21's 'Blueprint for a Better Deal for Black America' can help President Trump fulfill his promise to help black communities. It lays out a comprehensive agenda for reducing, discouraging and eliminating restrictions that make black workers less attractive to prospective employers," said Project 21 member Derryck Green, who has authored a monthly jobs-related economic analysis for Project 21. Green said giving employers greater ability to set wages, to make them proportionate to applicants' experience and skillsets, would certainly help in economic deserts where people most need jobs but often lack the skills and experience necessary to be competitive. "As the owner of a small construction-related business for over two decades, I have personally seen the positive effects new jobs bring to economically depressed communities," added Project 21 member Kevin Martin, a U.S. Navy veteran whose company specializes in environmental remediation. "As the one doing the hiring, I have been proud to bring aboard unskilled workers who learned a trade and eventually moved on to bigger and better jobs. It's like the old biblical maxim about giving a man a fish one will feed him for a day, but teaching him to fish provides him with a bounty that shall be limitless!" he said. Cooper added: "There's nothing like the independence you get from a good high-paying job. Instead of trying to divide the pie along racial lines, let's make sure there's so much pie that everyone gets what they want." Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 By Anvar Mammadov - Trend: Progress is observed in the negotiations on a new agreement between the European Union and Azerbaijan, Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Mahmud Mammadguliyev said at the 15th session of the EU-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Cooperation Committee in Baku. Mammadguliyev noted that the negotiations started last year and successfully continue in 2018. According to him, the agreement covers three main areas - political security, trade and investment, and various sectoral issues. "Compliance with commitments is very important for Azerbaijan. The fact that the EU supports the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan gives impetus to the development of cooperation between us," Mammadguliyev said. The deputy minister stressed that today the cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan in the energy sector is at a very high level, and therefore the non-energy sectors represent the greatest interest. "One of the issues currently under negotiation is the further simplification of the visa regime between the EU and Azerbaijan. This step will benefit the people of both the EU and Azerbaijan, and the people of our countries will become closer to each other," Mammadguliyev said. In November 2016, the EU Council issued a mandate to the European Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to negotiate on behalf of the EU and its Member States a comprehensive agreement with Azerbaijan. The new agreement should replace the partnership and cooperation agreement of 1996, which would make it possible to take greater account of the common goals and challenges facing the EU and Azerbaijan today. The agreement will comply with the principles approved in 2015 in the document of the European Neighborhood Policy and will offer an updated basis for political dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan. At present, bilateral relations between the EU and Azerbaijan are regulated on the basis of the partnership and cooperation agreement, which was signed in 1996 and entered into force in 1999. The new agreement provides for the approximation of Azerbaijan's legislation and procedures to the most important international and trade norms and standards of the EU, which should lead to improved access of Azerbaijani products to the EU markets. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Anvar_Mammadov Headline changed, details added (first version posted on 17:02) Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 Trend: Freedom of speech is fully ensured in Azerbaijan and the state is taking all necessary steps to stimulate the activity of civil society institutions, Azerbaijani Presidents Assistant for Public and Political Affairs Ali Hasanov said. He made the remarks May 7 at the 15th meeting of the EU-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Cooperation Committee in Baku. He said the main goal has been set in Azerbaijan creation of a rule of law and democratic state, political pluralism, formation of civil society and free economic relations. The position of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is that in modern times, political pluralism, a liberal economic system and a strong civil society are the main means that ensure dynamic development of any country, Hasanov noted. That is why Azerbaijan pursues a consistent policy to strengthen democratic principles, promote human rights and freedoms, further develop civil society institutions and stimulate their activities. Fifty-five political parties, over 3,000 non-governmental organizations (more than 4,000 non-profit organizations), over 5,000 media outlets, as well as trade unions that bring together about two million people have been registered in Azerbaijan. He stressed that the Azerbaijani government, if necessary, conducts a dialogue with political parties represented and not represented in the parliament. Pluralism is a characteristic feature of modern Azerbaijani society, he added. Favorable conditions have been created in Azerbaijan for the free activity of political parties. Their activity is regulated by the Constitution, the Civil Code, the Electoral Code, the Law on Political Parties, the Law on State Registration and the Registry of Legal Entities, and other legal acts, as well as international treaties to which Azerbaijan has acceded. The law defines very simple requirements for the registration of political parties, Hasanov said. He reminded that in May 2012, amendments to the Law on Political Parties came into force, according to which the Azerbaijani budget allocates funds every year to finance the activities of political parties. Hasanov added that more than 40 political parties are in opposition to the incumbent government. Eleven parties, including seven opposition parties, are represented in the Azerbaijani parliament, he said. Candidates from six parties participated in the presidential election held in Azerbaijan April 11, Hasanov noted. Speaking about activities of the media outlets, Hasanov noted that after Azerbaijan gained independence in the early 90s, ensuring freedom of speech and information, the formation of a democratic, pluralistic press, the creation of its regulatory and legal framework, the provision of economic independence became the main directions of the state policy. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 Trend: Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) hosted an admission ceremony of a new M3 group of students of School of Project Management (SPM). SPM is an initiative jointly implemented by BHOS and TwentyEighty Strategy Execution company (UK). The SPMs Master teaching program is based on the curriculum of the George Washington University (USA). Opening the ceremony conducted at the Higher Schools campus, BHOS rector Elmar Gasimov noted that M3 became a fifth group of trainees admitted to the School of Project Management. He told about graduation ceremony of the first two groups of SPM students, which took place last month. As the rector informed, upon successful completion of the training course, they were awarded Master certificates of the George Washington University. I am confident that at SPM you will gain deep theoretical knowledge and obtain practical skills in the field of project management, which will be useful for you not only in your business activities, but also in your daily life, he said. Then the program participants representing leading companies operating in the country introduced themselves. Speaking to the new SPM students, the rector Elmar Gasimov wished everyone to excel in their studies. The group M3 is comprised of 25 persons from various companies and organizations including, among others, SOCAR, BP, Azerigas Production Union, Azersu OJSC, Azneft Production Union, Expro Eurasia, Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company CJSC, AzerTurk Bank and SOCAR AQS. The training program offered by SPM is based on an interactive, modern teaching methodology, which gives participants the foundation, experience, techniques and tools to manage each stage of the project life cycle. It has been tailored to meet a growing demand in national specialists in project management trained according to international standards. Within the program, which consists of seven modules, the participants study courses such as Project Management, Leadership and Communications, Risk Management, Scheduling and Cost Control, Quality for Project Manager, and Negotiations Skills for Project Manager. Upon successful completion of the program, the SPM graduates receive Master certificates from the George Washington University. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 By Maxim Tsurkov - Trend: The Ministry of ecology and natural resources of Azerbaijan will pursue a more open policy, Minister Mukhtar Babayev told reporters May 7. "The main innovation in the activity of the Ministry of ecology and natural resources will be a more open policy. We will work more closely with the public. There are many issues to discuss. We will try to meet expectations in this area," Babayev said. Responding to a question about possible structural reforms, the Minister said that now he is getting familiar with the situation. Mukhtar Babayev was appointed to the post of Minister of ecology and natural resources of Azerbaijan on April 23, 2018. Prior to this position he headed the "Azerkimya" Production Association. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: Trend news agency expands its media tentacles on international scale, a US journalist Nurit Greenger said in her article published by News Blaze. Trend sells its news and reports to Internet magazines, large corporations, consulting companies and bank, and thus expands its media tentacles on an international scale, she said. The government claims no interference in the press, with Trend News Agency, established in 1995, being an Internet aggregator and the leading news provider from the Caucasus, Caspian and Central Asian regions; the latest news from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Turkey, she added. Greenger noted that claiming freedom of the individual, the government of Azerbaijan offers Internet connectivity to the majority of its population; 80 percent of the population now has access to Internet and the goal is 100 percent. Greenger pointed out that seeking transparency in its internal politics, in its recent presidential election, on April 11, 2018, 7 TV stations, 15 newspaper outlets and 10 information agencies covered Azerbaijans election from close quarters. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 By Fikret Dolukhanov Trend: Meeting of Co-Chairs of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Bilateral Cooperation between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, First Vice-Premier of Kazakhstan Askar Mamin and First Deputy Premier of Uzbekistan Achilbay Ramatov was held in Tashkent on May 4, the press service of the Uzbek Foreign Ministry stated. During the meeting, the sides emphasized that Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are carrying out trade, economic and investment cooperation on systematic basis. Joint trading houses have been opened in the recent years and are successfully operating in main spheres of economy, such as agriculture, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and machinery. Variety of goods traded has been increased significantly with agreements on realization of large-scale infrastructure projects being achieved and implemented. The sides agreed on holding regular meetings of the workgroup on preparing proposals on increase of the mutual trade turnover between the two countries. Mamin underlined positive effect of the Uzbekistans excise policy reform on boosting bilateral trade and proposed considering possibility of further lowering excise taxes on import of Kazakhstans priority export articles. The sides also agreed to carry on work on increasing trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan by ensuring Uzbek gas export to Southern Kazakhstan in winter-spring period and by realizing transit of Kazakh gas through territory of Uzbekistan. The Kazakh side initiated discussions concerning creation of the Central Asia International Center of Border Cooperation on Kazakh-Uzbek border. Implementation of the project will require corresponding infrastructure on territory of both countries. Cultural and humanitarian cooperation is holding a special place in bilateral relations of the two countries. The sides decided to establish a joint workgroup to mutually recognize visa regimes of the two countries for tourists of other states, crossing the Kazakh-Uzbek border with aim to visit tourism objects located on Great Silk Road route, as well as to jointly promote tourism capacities of the two countries. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanov Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 By Fikret Dolukhanov Trend: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are going to hold the First Regional Uzbek-Kazakh forum in Astana, Uzbek media reported on May 7. According to the information, corresponding agreements have been achieved during the meeting between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and First Deputy Premier of Kazakhstan Askar Mamin in Tashkent. During the meeting, the sides also agreed on holding the Regional Economic Forum of Central Asian States in Tashkent and the first meeting of the Business Council and Joint Business Forum in Shymkent (Kazakhstan). Mamin noted that Uzbekistan is the largest trade partner of Kazakhstan in the Central Asia. He also underlined that the trade turnover between the countries increased by 50 percent in the 1Q2018 compared to the 1Q2017. We are planning to increase the bilateral trade volume to $3 billion by the end of 2018, taking into account the considerable potential in increasing the mutual trade turnover, Mamin added. The sides also expressed interest in increasing the level of the investment cooperation, realization of joint investment projects entering foreign markets, and discussed further measures on promoting cooperation in construction, machinery, transportation, logistics, tourism, cosmic and military spheres. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanov Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: The opening ceremony of the Canakkale 1915 bridge, previously scheduled for 2023, will be held on March 18, 2022, said the Minister of Transport, Shipping and Communications of Turkey, Ahmet Arslan, reads the message from the ministry. Reportedly, the Canakkale-1915 bridge will be one of the important bridges in Turkey. "At present, the creation of infrastructure for the construction of the Canakkale-1915 bridge has been completed, and works on its construction will begin in 2019," Arslan said. Earlier the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan has postponed the date of opening of the Canakkale 1915 bridge, which was scheduled for 2023. The construction of the Canakkale-1915 bridge, which will be the longest suspension bridge in the world, began in March 2017. The bridge will not only connect Gelibolu Peninsula with Lapseki area, but will also reduce the time of cargo transportation from Europe to Aegean and Western Mediterranean regions of Turkey bypassing Istanbul. Initially, the opening of the Canakkale-1915 bridge with the length of 3,860 meters was scheduled for 2023, when the country will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Kyrgyzstan and China intend to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation, First Deputy Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan Dinara Kemelova said during the forum of experts of the two countries, Kyrgyz media outlets reported. She added that in the nearest future a delegation of Kyrgyz parliamentarians is expected to visit China to discuss the possibilities of partnership between the two legislative branches of power. In addition, she said that the parties also intend to strengthen cooperation in combating the three forces of evil: terrorism, separatism and extremism, both in bilateral and multilateral formats. Touching upon trade and economic relations, Kemelova pointed to its gradual growth. "According to the National Statistics Committee of Kyrgyzstan in 2012, the volume of trade amounted to 1 billion 470 million US dollars, then in 2017 the figure reached 1 billion 597 million US dollars. This shows that we have a great potential for the development of trade and economic cooperation," Kemelova said. She noted that China ranks first in terms of trade cooperation with foreign countries, and is also the main investment partner. In addition, she summed up the results of the partnership and expressed intentions for their development. "Last year we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kyrgyzstan and China, and we summed up the existing experience of cooperation. Kyrgyzstan and China have built up truly friendly relations and established business practice of cooperation in all fields: political, trade, economic, cultural, humanitarian, and security ", Kemelova said. She noted that the strengthening and development of relations with China for Kyrgyzstan is one of the main foreign policy priorities, focusing on the established legal framework signed by the parties since the establishment of partnership relations. "Now the contractual and legal framework between the countries represents more than 200 bilateral treaties concerning all areas of cooperation. Between the two countries there is a similarity of positions on a wide range of legal and regional policies. The main document of our bilateral partnership is the Treaty on Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, which was signed in 2002," Kemelova said. The bilateral forum "Expert-analytical dialogue Kyrgyzstan-China" is held in the congress hall of Ala-Archa state residence in Bishkek. During the Forum, experts will discuss and analyze topical issues of interstate cooperation with a view to working out operational recommendations to the governments of the two countries and promoting bilateral relations to a new qualitative level. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 Trend: International air transport rating organisation Skytrax confirmed the prestigious 5-Star Airport Rating for the Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, Azerbaijan. The solemn awarding ceremony was held in Baku on May 7. Within the ceremony, a stele located at the entrance of Baku airport and symbolizing its 5-star status was also opened. The event participants also got acquainted with the conditions created at the new airport complex Terminal 1. In addition to Heydar Aliyev International Airport only eight airports around the world received this highest rating. "Our every victory is, first of all, an indicator of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyevs great attention and care to the civil aviation and to the hard work of the whole team. Receiving the highest rating from such prestigious audit company as Skytrax is a huge achievement for Azerbaijani civil aviation and for the country as a whole. 5-star rating is a clear example of the great work done in recent years to develop this sphere in our country," President of Azerbaijan Airlines Jahangir Askerov said. We congratulate Heydar Aliyev International Airport for this great achievement, with this 5-Star Regional Airport rating being a mark of quality distinction that recognises very high standards of front line product and service across the customer service categories. Heydar Aliyev International Airport management have worked hard over the last 3 years to deliver a customer experience that is now at the forefront of quality and consistency for a regional airport, Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax commented. The opening of a new terminal (Terminal 1) of the Heydar Aliyev International Airport was held on 23 April 2014. Its total area is 65,000 square meters. During his speech at the opening ceremony of the new terminal, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev noted that the development of air transport is one of the priority issues in Azerbaijan and the government provides its support. There are favourable conditions for passengers here. Very comfortable lounges, public places and large halls have been built. And if you look at the building from above, the building resembles a large bird with spread out wings. Similarly, Azerbaijan is developing with its wings spread out wide and moving forward. Azerbaijan is ranked first in the world in terms of the pace of economic development. Over the past few years, airport in Azerbaijani capital has demonstrated a steady growth in passenger traffic. In 2017 the passenger traffic exceeded 4 million people. Over 30 airlines operate regular and charter flights from Heydar Aliyev International Airport on over 40 different destinations. The Skytrax World Airport Survey is widely regarded as the quality benchmark for the world airport industry, assessing customer service and facilities across 550 airports. The survey and awards are independent of any airport control or input and are therefore an impartial benchmark of airport excellence and quality. During the inspection Skytrax held a survey among 13.73 million passengers from 100 countries. The ERA will enshrine abortion in the U.S. Constitution and remove any and all laws that have differences based on sex, Cori said. "The Equal Rights Amendment is a fraud that will harm women and children," Anne Schlafly Cori wrote in an email to Eagle Forum members over the weekend. "Help me to Stop ERA this week. Join me in Springfield, Illinois to pass out baby socks, which represent that ERA will remove all legal restrictions on abortion including taxpayer-financing of abortion." SPRINGFIELD - The daughter of the late ERA opponent Phyllis Schlafly will be at the State Capitol Tuesday to speak directly with Illinois House members about the problems the Equal Rights Amendment would bring upon the nation if Illinois were to pass it. The amendment. which passed the Illinois Senate 43 to 12 a few weeks ago, will need 71 votes in the Illinois House in order to consider Illinois among the states that have ratified the proposed US Constitution amendment. Out of the House's 110 state reps, 71 will need to support the ratification. There are 67 Democrats in the IL House, meaning all of them plus four Republicans will need to support SJRCA 4. One Republican that is not running for re-election - State Rep. Steve Andersson - has committed to supporting the measure. ERA sponsors say they intend to use the amendment - if it is eventually ratified by 38 states - to overturn all of any state's restrictions on abortion. It will call for women to be drafted into the military as men have been in the past if the draft were to be re-established. The ERA could be used to remove any special rights based on gender or sex - possibly even removing Social Security assistance for homemaking women. Thus far, 35 states have ratified the ERA - although the 5th Amendment's seven year limit for passage was not met in 1979. Eagle Forum is calling for assistance to lobby in Springfield on Tuesday, May 8 at 10:30 am. They will meet at the Stratton office building cafeteria, or meet Anne at the door to the House at noon. Phyllis Schlafly debated Betty Friedan on the ERA in 1976: Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 By Anvar Mammadov - Trend: State support is needed for successful implementation of blockchain technology in Azerbaijan, Marketing Director of Keepface Emin Veli told Trend May 7. He noted that the introduction of blockchain technology requires funds that can be allocated by the state or big investors. "First of all, it is necessary to create the necessary legal basis for further use of blockchain technology in Azerbaijan. The next step could be the establishment of an association of all structures using the blockchain technology and crypto-investors. Such organizations exist all over the world, but unfortunately, we do not yet have one. The state should be directly interested in this issue," Veli said. He said Azerbaijan can become a very attractive country for initial coin offering (ICO). "Currently there are many problems in this area in the world - most countries are tightening their legislation. But there are countries like Belarus and Malta, which, on the contrary, open their markets for ICOs. This is typical for small countries; this is a chance for them," said Veli. Another possible step, he said, could be the formation of startups based on blockchain technology. "At the same time, the state could allocate grants for this purpose. This is a very important and necessary step. For the state and big holdings these amounts will be insignificant, but such a step will be a great incentive for startups. For the introduction of blockchain technologies funds are needed, and they can be allocated either by the state or big holdings," Veli said. Blockchain is a way of storing data, or a digital register of transactions, deals, and contracts. Its main difference and undeniable advantage is that this registry is not stored in one place, but distributed among several thousand computers around the world. The principle of operation of the blockchain is quite simple - digital records are combined into "blocks", which are then linked cryptologically and chronologically into a "chain" with the help of complex mathematical algorithms. Each block is linked to the previous one and contains a set of records. New blocks are always added at the end of the chain. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Anvar_Mammadov Billionaire investor Warren Buffett on Monday said buyers of bitcoin, which he characterises as rat poison squared, thrive on the hope theyll find someone else who will pay more for it, Reuters reports. Likening bitcoin demand to tulip mania in 17th century Holland, Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Inc, said the mystique behind the cryptocurrency has produced a surge in its price. It does create a rising price, creates more buyers... If you dont understand it, you get much more excited, Buffett said on CNBC television. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 By Ilkin Shafiyev - Trend: The state program for development of cotton growing contributes to the successful development of this sector in Azerbaijan, General Director of Azercotton LLC (Azerpambig) Bahruz Jamalov said at a scientific-practical conference devoted to the 95th birth anniversary of national leader Heydar Aliyev. "In 2015, 35,000 tons of cotton were harvested in Azerbaijan, while in 2017 this figure amounted to 207,000 tons. This shows that the policy gives results," said Jamalov. He noted that the development of cotton growing in Azerbaijan, in turn, will give impetus to the development of the textile industry. "The development of the textile industry contributes to the growth of Azerbaijan's industrial potential, the creation of new jobs and the improvement of the welfare of the people," Jamalov added. "The state program for development of cotton growing in Azerbaijan for 2017-2022 was approved by President Ilham Aliyev in July 2017. It is expected that through the implementation of the state program, the annual cotton production in 2022 will reach 500,000 tons. Within the framework of the state program, it is planned to carry out various institutional measures, improve the regulatory framework, strengthen human resources, apply innovative technologies, attract foreign investments and implement a number of other measures for the development of this sphere." Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 By Anvar Mammadov - Trend: Economic cooperation between the European Union and Azerbaijan should not be limited to the energy sector, said Co-Chairman of the EU-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Cooperation Committee Sayyad Karim at the 15th session of the Committee in Baku. He noted that Azerbaijan has great potential to become a major transport hub between Europe and Asia. "Big projects between the EU and Azerbaijan are not limited to energy projects. Azerbaijan is very interesting to Europe as a partner in the field of transport and logistics. Azerbaijan has great potential to become a major transport hub between Europe and Asia, and the implementation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars project has turned this potential into reality," Karim said. On Oct. 30, 2017, the Baku international sea trade port hosted a solemn ceremony to mark the opening of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. The BTK railway was built on the basis of the Azerbaijani-Georgian-Turkish interstate agreement. At the initial stage, its volume of cargo transportation will be 6.5 million tons of cargo and up to one million passengers will be transported by the railway. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Anvar_Mammadov Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 By Ilkin Shafiyev Trend: The Azerbaijani-Russian Hayat Pharm pharmaceutical plant plans to export 25 percent of its products by 2025, a company representative told Trend on May 7. He added that Georgia, Iran and Central Asian countries are considered to be the main sales markets. The company representative said that the work is being carried out in this direction jointly with the Russian company "R-Pharm", one of the shareholders of Hayat Pharm. "R-Pharm will provide marketing opportunities of its distribution network for products manufactured in Azerbaijan to supply them to the markets of Central Asia and CIS countries, " the company representative said. Previously, Azerbaijani Deputy Economy Minister Niyazi Safarov said the construction of Hayat Pharm will be completed by 2019. Safarov noted that $74 million were invested in the plants construction. The plant plans to reach its full production capacity in 2020, said Safarov. The plant will be put into operation in stages. Firstly, there will be organized primary and secondary packaging of medicines, then production of finished medicines through supply of semi-finished products, and a complete production cycle of active pharmaceutical substances. Hayat Pharm will produce medicines of various pharmaceutical groups, including cancer, antifungal, antiemetic, antiviral and other drugs. -- Follow the author on Twitter: @IlkinShafiyev Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 By Maksim Tsurkov - Trend: In recent years, the Azerbaijani state-owned company SOCAR has collected 4.5 billion cubic meters of associated gas from offshore platforms, SOCAR President Rovnag Abdullayev said May 7 during a meeting of the Steering Committee of the Global Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership (GGFR) of the World Bank (WB). Abdullayev noted that today the humanity faces a number of global problems, one of which is environmental protection. "Environmental problems are not limited to the borders of one country, they cover the whole globe. For this reason, SOCAR actively cooperates with international organizations. Reduction of associated gas flaring will not only give impetus to our activity in the area of environmental protection, but will also preserve a valuable resource for the country's economy and ensure its sustainability. In the framework of international cooperation, SOCAR, BP and GGFR managed to collect 4.5 billion cubic meters of associated gas from offshore platforms in recent years and transfer them to the gas supply facility of the country," Abdullayev said. In turn, SOCAR Vice-President for ecology Rafiga Huseynzade said that within the framework of the initiative, about 1 bcm of gas is collected from offshore fields annually and transferred to the gas transportation system. "About 280 million cubic meters of gas is collected from the "Oil Rocks" field, 310 million cubic meters from "Gunashli" field, and 350 million cubic meters of gas from the "Chirag" field," said Huseynzade. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, May 7 By Huseyn Hasanov - Trend: A promising direction for Turkmenistan is the involvement of German gas equipment manufacturers in the implementation of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, the local TV channel Altyn Asyr reports. This issue was discussed during the meeting of the joint Turkmen-German Commission held recently in Berlin. The issues of participation of the German companies in introduction of know-how in activity of the enterprises for production of oil and gas, their processing, in power and chemical industries of Turkmenistan were also considered. The construction of the Turkmen section of TAPI with a capacity of up to 33 bcm of gas began in mid-December 2015. The total length of the pipeline will be 1,840 kilometres. ILF Beratende Ingenieure GmbH Company (Germany) is conducting survey work in Afghanistan on the implementation of this project. TAPI Pipeline Company Limited was established for construction and operation of the pipeline. It includes gas companies of the participating countries, and negotiations with other potential participants are continuing. Representatives of the Asian Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Islamic Development Bank, and the Saudi Fund for Development have previously expressed their interest in participating in the financing of TAPI. Turkmenistan holds one of key positions in the region for the supply of natural gas, The country exports gas to China and Iran. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 7 By Maksim Tsurkov- Trend: Azerbaijan exported oil worth $146 million to Ukraine in January-April of 2018, Ukrainian media reported referring to the data from the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine. Reportedly, 94.3 percent of oil supplies to Ukraine accounted for Azerbaijan. The other suppliers are Algeria with oil exports for $7.2 million (4.6 percent), Iran - $1.84 million (1.2 percent) and other countries (0.8 percent) - $1.32 million. In total, during the first four months of 2018, Ukraine imported crude oil and gas condensate for $156.3 million, which is by 68.8 percent more than in the same period 2017. UkrTransNafta OJSC, the operator of the oil transportation system of Ukraine, resumed the operation of the pipeline from Odessa to Kremenchug from March 10, 2017, and began transporting Azeri Light oil to the Kremenchug refinery. The agreement signed in late 2016 envisaged the transportation of at least 1.3 million tons of Azeri Light oil to the Kremenchug refinery in 2017. The Kremenchug refinery processes Azeri Light starting from December 2016, but earlier oil was supplied to the refinery by rail. -- Follow the author on Twitter: @MTsurkovTrend An ownership squabble over Cyprus main natural gas field is threatening to delay multi-billion dollar plans to turn the eastern Mediterranean into a major energy hub, Reuters reports. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz are flying to Cyprus on Tuesday to spur plans to join the two countries electricity grids and construct a pipeline to link newly found gas fields to mainland Europe. Standing in the way, however, is a dispute over Aphrodite, a gas field discovered in 2011 at the edge of Cyprus economic waters. One tip of it stretches across the border into Israels maritime zone. At stake is 7-10 billion cubic meters of gas worth close to $1.5 billion, according to one recent estimate in Israel. That is less than 10 percent of Aphrodites total reserves and a fraction of the gas already discovered in Israel. Israel says it will not give up on the gas and the companies operating on the Israeli side are ready for legal action in case Aphrodite is developed without them. I assume we will find a solution in good spirit so we can keep cooperating on bigger, more important, things, Steinitz told Reuters. Several large gas fields have been discovered in the region over the past decade and Israel and Cyprus have grown close while collaborating in their development. Steinitz says he and his Cypriot counterpart, Yiorgos Lakkotrypis, have become good friends. But that does not guarantee a quick solution. The government of Israel cannot give up, not even as a gesture of friendship, on its territories or its natural resources, Steinitz said. He said the governments have asked the companies to reach an understanding among themselves on how much gas is on each side. If they dont reach an understanding, then we will ask a professional arbiter or a professional group ... to examine the findings from both sides and decide on the proper division, he said. The Cypriot Energy Ministry declined to comment, but officials in Nicosia said Lakkotrypis has suggested a similar course of action. Steinitz said during his visit that the countries may agree on a general format to solve the issue, but a final agreement could take weeks or months. Charles Ellinas, CEO of energy consultancy e-CNHC, said this should not be a deal breaker. If the two governments between them agree to abide by the findings of the arbitration then it takes the heat out of it. And thats what they need to do at this meeting this week, he said. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 By Maksim Tsurkov Trend: In the first quarter of 2018, the Azneft Production Association of Azerbaijan's state oil company SOCAR over fulfilled the plan for oil production, Azneft PA Head Dashgin Isgandarov said in an interview with Natural Gas World. He said that Azneft PA produced 1.5 million tons of oil and 1.4 billion cubic meters of gas in the first quarter of 2018, which is by eight percent more than in the same period last year. The increase in gas output was mainly ensured through the Oil and Gas Production Department (OGPD) named after N.Narimanov, according to him. "Overall, 97.8 percent of the total gas production of Azneft PA accounts for the offshore fields. Out of the total volume, 79 percent is provided by the 28 May OGPD, 17.4 percent - the OGPD named after N.Narimanov, 1.6 percent - Oil Rocks, 0.7 percent - Absheronneft and 1.3 percent accounted for the share of onshore deposits. In the total volume of gas production, 74.4 percent accounts for the natural gas, and 25.6 percent - associated gas, " Isgandarov said He stressed that 15 wells were commissioned in accordance with Azneft PA's order in the first quarter of 2018, which is five wells or 33 percent more than in the same period last year. "Thanks to the drilling of new wells, the oil output growth was 32 percent higher than planned, and 29 wells instead of the planned 12 were returned to operation, which allowed to produce 65 percent more oil," he said. He noted that over the three months of 2018, the PA carried out 179 geological works, which resulted in doubling of oil production from these wells SOCAR includes such production unions as Azneft (enterprises producing oil and gas onshore and offshore), Azerikimya (the chemical enterprises) and Azerigas (distributor of gas produced in the country), as well as oil and gas processing plants, service companies and the facilities involved in geophysical and drilling operations. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 By Huseyn Valiyev Trend: The National Seismological Service Center at the Azerbaijani National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) is getting ready to install a seismic station in the Jojug Marjanli village in the Jabrayil district, the Center told Trend. The Center informed that the location where the station will be installed has already been selected, and necessary equipment is expected to be delivered to the site. "The installation of a new seismic station in the Jojug Marjanli village is a priority for expanding the village infrastructure and increasing workplaces as well," the Center said. In late 2017, employees of the Center carried out an inspection trip to the country's several districts, where seismic stations were installed, and familiarized with the situation in the Jojug Marjanli village to study the possibility of installing a seismic station. Previously, analog seismic stations were installed in the Jabrayil district, but they were destroyed after the occupation of the district, the Center said earlier. In the future, the Center plans to restore operation of seismic stations not only in the Jabrayil district, but also in other regions of Azerbaijan following their liberation from the occupation. Presently, 44 seismic stations operate in Azerbaijan. All stations are connected to the satellite system. The main station is located on the territory of the Academic township in Baku, where through a satellite, information is regularly received from the vibration sensors installed in seismically active sites of Azerbaijan. After processing the data, the system provides information on exact location of an earthquake, its time and strength. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @h_veliyev Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 By Fikret Dolukhanov Trend: Delegation of Uzbekistan headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Abduzhabbar Abduvakhitov participated in the 45th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Dakka (Bangladesh) on May 5-6, the press service of the Uzbek Foreign Ministry stated on May 7. According to the statement, delegations of the OIC member countries, heads of numerous international organizations and financial institutions participated in the session. Foreign minister of the OIC member states discussed topical international and regional issues, prospects of further development of bilateral and multilateral interaction in political, trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. The Uzbek delegation emphasized that the republic is carrying out practical measures on contributing to development of Islamic civilization. The country is completing construction of the International Imam Bukhari Research Center in the city of Samarkand and has launched active work of the ISESCO Special Chair under the Tashkent Islamic University. Participants of the session have been introduced to constructive ideas and initiatives on development of science, technology and innovation put forward by the head of state during the 1st OIC Summit on Science and Technology in September 2017 in Astana. By the initiative of the Uzbek side the 45th session of the OIC CFM adopted resolutions On holding the 2nd OIC Summit on Science and Technology in 2020 in Uzbekistan, On establishment of Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent and On establishment of International Islamic Center of Young Scientists in Uzbekistan. The OIC CFM summit participants also noted importance of the Peace Process, Cooperation in Security Sphere and Regional Interaction International High Level Conference on Afghanistan held in Tashkent on March 26-27, 2018. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanov Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 By Huseyn Valiyev Trend: The illegal sale of Sim-cards of mobile operators will be completely eliminated in Azerbaijan, a source in the country's telecommunications market told Trend. The source stressed that the introduction of a practice of centralized sale of Sim-cards allowed to systematize the sales and to eliminate the existing negative factors in this area up to 85 percent. "Today, for example, the purchased subscriber's mobile number can not be activated until the subscriber information is entered into the centralized database," the source said. "Presently, we are studying the practice of Turkey and other countries. In the near future, new methods will be used to combat the illegal sale of Sim cards, which stipulates elimination of the facts of registration of several Sim cards under the name of one person, as well as cloning of IMEI codes of mobile devices," the source said. In accordance with the government's decision to amend the procedure for the sale of Sim cards, their registration is carried out in a centralized manner since Feb.1,2017 and upon the same rules for all operators, which allows eliminating existing shortcomings in this area and systematizing sales. When a Sim card is sold, the information about a subscriber is entered into the database of mobile operators (Azercell, Azerfon and Bakcell), as well as the information and computing center of the Transport, Communications and High Technologies Ministry of Azerbaijan. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @h_veliyev Currently, people with physical disabilities comprise 15 percent of total world population. Nearly 6 thousand people, including 72 thousand children suffer from physical disability in Azerbaijan. The country joined the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2006 has been taking various measures on a regular basis to support the integration of people with disabilities to the society as full members of the community. Thus, the job fair held on May 5 with the joint support of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population and the UNEC was also aimed to improve the employment of youth with disabilities. The event brought together various public agencies, local and foreign companies. Azercell Telecom LLC, the leading mobile operator in Azerbaijan, stood out for its active participation. Azercell representatives held information sessions for students with disabilities and informed the visitors about active vacancies in the company. Recruitment Unit specialists provided information about the recruitment process, the Student Bursary and Internship Programs at Azercell, answered a number of questions of the graduates. The students got an opportunity to get information about the existing demand for his/her field of specialization in labor market, build up first relations with employers while the employers had a chance to shortlist potential employees. Notably, Azercell has provided its contribution to Childrens Paralympic Committee since 2014 with the aim to support the integration of children with various disabilities to the society through habilitation and rehabilitation. 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. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 By Huseyn Valiyev - Trend Rahid Alakbarli was appointed head of the State Administration of Radio Frequencies of the Ministry of Communications, Transport and High Technologies of Azerbaijan, the ministry told Trend on Monday. Alakbarli has many years of experience in the field of telecommunications. He previously held the position of technical director of Delta Telecom (the main operator of Azerbaijan). Prior to his appointment as head of the State Administration of Radio Frequencies, Alakbarli worked as and still retains in the position of chief information officer at ADA University. State Administration of Radio Frequencies exercises control over registration and operation of radio electronic equipment in the territory of Azerbaijan. --- Follow author on Twitter @h_veliyev Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: The Turkish state body for antimonopoly policy has announced a tender for the provision of computer services. Local and foreign companies can participate in the tender. The tender procedure will take place at 10:00 (GMT+3) on May 28. Applications and proposals from interested parties are accepted at: Universiteler Mahallesi 1597. Cadde No:9 06800 Bilkent Cankaya/Ankara Email: [email protected] Phone: (+90 312) 291 44 44, fax: (+90 312) 266 79 20. The tender participation fee is 350 Turkish liras. The official exchange rate for May 7 is 4.2626 TL/USD. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Kazakhstan celebrates the Defender of the Fatherland Day on May 7, Kazakh media outlets reported. Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev signed the Decree as of May 7, 1992 on the establishment of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan. Until 2012 the Defender's Day was a professional holiday of the military, later the law was amended to declare it a national holiday. As the President stated the core of the military vocation is to guard the interests of the Fatherland for the army is a livelong sentry who never leaves his post. Salute, festive demonstrations, concerts, shows and festive events are to be held the countrywide. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, May 7 By Huseyn Hasanov - Trend: Dovrangeldy Sapbayev has been appointed to the position of Director of the gas processing plant in the Akhal velayat (region) of Turkmenistan, states the published decree of the President of the country. The enterprise belongs to the state concern "Turkmengaz". This decree was issued in order to complete the construction and commissioning of the plant as soon as possible. In Ovadan-Depe near the Turkmen capital city, a plant for the production of 92 RON fuel, with an annual capacity of up to 600,000 tons, is being built since 2015. The project with the total cost of about $1.7 billion is implemented by the Kawasaki consortium (Japan) and Ronesans Company (Turkey). The commissioning of the enterprise is planned for December 2018. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 By Umid Niayesh - Trend: Irans Research Center of Petroleum Industry (RIPI) signed a confidentiality agreement (CA) with Germanys Raschig company for cooperation in gas sweetening. The deal was signed by Mansour Bazmi, head of RIPIs technology and international relations department and Raschig representative on the sidelines of of the Iran Oil and Gas Show in Tehran May 7, the oil ministrys SHANA news agency reported. Bazmi said that the sides will cooperate for increasing the capacity of distillation towers in oil and gas refineries. Raschig technology will be used for updating the distillation towers, in order to increase the sweetening capacity of the gas refineries, he added. Last year, the two sides signed a MoU for transfer of technology on equipment used in distillation columns in refineries and petrochemical plants, designing the distillation columns based on the products of the Germany company, training specialists and experts of RIPI in related spheres. RIPI that has conducted a series of activities on designing distillation columns, will be able to use new approaches of Raschig in its projects. The Research Institute of Petroleum Industry is a governmental research institute founded in 1959 in Tehran, Iran and is affiliated with National Iranian Oil Company. The institute is a major research institute in Iran and is the largest of its kind in the Middle East. RIPI has become a major technology provider for Irans petroleum industry. Tehran, Iran, May 7 By Kamyar Eghbalnejad - Trend: Iran and the Netherlands signed two documents to develop cooperation in the sector of agriculture. The agreements were inked on May 4 during Iran-Netherlands Joint Agricultural Commission meeting in The Hague with senior officials from the two countries in attendance, IRNA reported. The meeting was presided over by Eskandar Zand, the head of Irans Agricultural Research, Education and Promotion Organization. The Netherlands deputy minister of agriculture and deputy rector of Wageningen University & Research were also present at the session. The two sides also reached a number of comprehensive agreements in the fields of research, education, joint investment, and soil and water management. They further agreed to increase their cooperation in various other sectors, including food security, fisheries, potato cultivation, genetic resources and dairy products. In 2017, senior ministerial officials of Iran and the Netherlands signed a joint plan of action on expansion of bilateral economic ties in 2018. The two sides signed the plan of action for 2018, which entailed cooperation in the fields of energy, water management, agriculture, shipping, banking, technology and airport development. Tehran and Amsterdam have ramped up efforts to broaden trade ties after the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers. Trade turnover between the two countries stood at $650 million 2017, more than $600 million of which pertain to Iranian imports from the Netherlands. TO BE HOPEFUL in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our livesIf we remember those times and placeswhere people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction. And if we do act, in however small a way, we dont have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory. --Howard Zinn I refuse to accept despair as the final response to the ambiguities of history. I refuse to accept the idea that the "isness" of man's present nature makes him morally incapable of reaching up for the eternal "oughtness" that forever confronts him. --Martin Luther King Jr. True religion consisted in an inward life, wherein the heart does love and reverence God the Creator, and learns to exercise true justice and goodness...I found no narrowness respecting sects and opinions, but believed that sincere, upright-hearted people, in every society, who truly love God, were accepted of him. --John Woolman Love each other as I have loved you.. I call you friends because I have made known to you everything I heard from my Father. --Jesus in John 15: 12-15 ...Love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself. You have answered right, said Jesus, do this and life is yours... Who is my neighbor? Jesus replied with the Parable of the Good Samaritan [heretic, outsider, enemy]. --from Luke 10:27-37 Religion has been emphatically embodied, not in speculative theories, but in practical righteousness, in active virtues, in reverence to God, in benevolence to man- the latter being the only sure test of the former. --Thomas M'Clintock ...It is safer to approach God through the Holy Spirit than through the door of theology. We can identify the Holy Spirit whenever it makes its presence felt. Whenever we see someone who is loving, compassionate, mindful, caring, and understanding, we know that the Holy Spirit is there. --Thich Nhat Hanh Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 Trend: Irans foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that exiting the nuclear deal reached between Tehran and six world powers in 2015, is among Irans options if the US administration leaves the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action). Zarif made the remarks May 12 after attending a parliamentary session in Tehran, the Iranian media outlets reported. The US president Donald Trump may reimpose US sanctions on Iran that were lifted in 2015 in exchange for Iranian commitments to curb its nuclear program. He has given UK, France and Germany - which still back the deal - a May 12 deadline to fix what he views as its flaws. These include its failure to address Irans ballistic missile program, the terms by which inspectors visit suspected Iranian sites, and sunset clauses under which some terms expire. Zarif said that Iran has widespread options in case of US withdrawal and leaving the nuclear deal is only one of them. The final decision will be made on May 12, regarding the US side steps, Zarif added. The top Iranian diplomat said that Tehran takes steps and decisions based on its own interests. He also argued that the US possible withdrawal from the nuclear deal will not be in favour of Washington. Zarif said that Iran is already prepared for the possible US withdrawal, adding that necessary measures have already been taken. He also forecasted that the Washingtons exit from the nuclear deal will definitely lead to its isolation. Zarif also confirmed his meetings with the US politicians including the former US Secretary of State John Kerry in his recent trip to New York. He said that has held talks with people who are currently not part of the US administration but were present during the previous nuclear negotiations including decision makers as well as political elites to transfer the realities about the nuclear deal to them. The Iranian top diplomat said that he had met with different figures from both Democratic and Republican parties during the trip. details added. first version was published 13:16 Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 Trend: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that the Iranian people will stand against the US pressure aimed at limiting Irans power, regional influence. Rouhani said that the US seeks to weaken Irans power and regional influence but the Iranian nation will resist against them as they did in past 40 years, after the Islamic Revolution, the State-run IRINN TV reported May 7. Iran seeks the removal of the sanctions via the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), Rouhani said, adding that if Tehrans expectations from the nuclear deal are materialized without the US, there will be no problem, otherwise Iran will make a decision if the US withdraws from the accord. Rouhani further said that the United States would regret a decision to leave the nuclear deal. We are not concerned about their outrageous decisions, Rouhani added. He reminded that the sanctions imposed the highest pressure to Iranian people and affected all sectors including health, medicine and agriculture. He added that Iran is not after a nuclear bomb, and has fully eliminated the global communitys concerns by the nuclear deal signed between Tehran and the six world powers in 2015. The US president Donald Trump may reimpose US sanctions on Iran that were lifted in 2016 in exchange for Iranian commitments to curb its nuclear program. He has given UK, France and Germany - which still back the deal - a May 12 deadline to fix what he views as its flaws. These include its failure to address Irans ballistic missile program, the terms by which inspectors visit suspected Iranian sites, and sunset clauses under which some terms expire. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 Trend: Irans police seized over 4,720 kilograms of drugs in armed clashes with smugglers in the country's southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan. The police forces arrested five smugglers in the clashes, the police commander of Sistan and Baluchestan province, Brigadier General Mohammad Ghanbari said, the official website of Irans police reported May 7. The police forces also seized two AK-47 and a Colt gun from the smugglers, Ghanbari added. Iran sits on a major drug route between Afghanistan and Europe, as well as the Persian Gulf states. The Islamic Republic shares about 900 kilometers of common border with Afghanistan, over which 74 percent of opium is smuggled. The fight against drug trafficking annually costs Iran about $1 billion, according to the official estimates. According to the statistics, there are about two million drug users in Iran. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 By Azer Ahmadbayli Trend: Despite the repeated assurances of the Armenian protest leaders and other top politicians that there is no geopolitical context in the ongoing events, and that the movement is aimed purely against corruption and ineffective governance, it is not for certain that geopolitics will not reveal itself later. Not so long ago, Nikol Pashinyan, a leader of the Armenian protests, stated that Armenia's membership in Russia-led EEU (Eurasian Economic Union) poses a threat to the national security of the country. In September 2017, the ELK parliamentary faction (which, by the way, has failed to obtain an outright majority in the parliament), where he is the leader, prepared a statement on Armenia's withdrawal from the EEU. Since then, Pashinyan has changed his opinion, saying there are no plans to revise the policy towards the membership in the EEU or the CSTO (the Collective Security Treaty Organization). This would seem to satisfy the Russian establishment, but in reality, many Russian analysts commenting on the current events, doubt his sincerity. Nobody can say for certain how Armenian policy will develop short to medium term, not in words but in practice. However, in the light of a new spiral of confrontation taking place between Russia and the West, and remembering the past historical events and lessons learned, one can assume that Armenia will continue to do its favorite thing, that is trading loyalty. Washington will likely try hard to embrace Armenia for several reasons. Armenia is a good piece of cake for the US, which, if succeeded in reinforcing its position in this country, will manage to undermine Russian influence in the South Caucasus. Armenian Diaspora in the US, as well as the Armenian Church, should play not the least role in this matter. The sole fact that Washington has its worlds second biggest embassy in Yerevan with reportedly more than 2000 employees is self-explanatory for understanding the role Washington has prepared for Armenia. The same applies to Iran. Iran gets utterly alarmed and irritated every time when any American influence political, economic or military is expected to spread closer to its borders. Trenching itself in Armenia, the US would increase its impact on Iran from a direction Iran has never expected. In addition, Washington is deeply concerned with a positive new format of trilateral Russia-Iran-Turkey relations. Lets not forget that Armenia is located right in the center of this triangle. How about Russias stance? So far, Russia has shown great restraint in regards to the latest events in Armenia, though it could interfere in the course of events. Moscow remains calm probably because Armenia's economy is highly subsidized and dependent on Russia. Examples abound: the state budget of Armenia largely depends on remittances from the Armenian Diaspora in Russia, large Russian companies possess significant assets in the country, the Armenian economy not the least depends on availability and prices of Russian energy resources, Armenia receives weaponry from Russia for a nominal fee, etc. On the other side, it is not a secret that there are many minds there, especially among the young generation, who identify themselves with the West and take Russias existence in the country with cold aloofness. With new realities in mind, Armenia will most likely keep exploiting geopolitical contradictions among great powers to advance its own goals, but polarization between Russia and the West narrows the space available to the future Armenian government in its famous policy to straddle both worlds. Armenia is a small country with great ambitions. There would be, in fact, nothing bad about it, if Armenia wouldnt have tried to prove its significance and national exclusiveness at the expense of its neighbors in the first place. Whoever the Armenian custodian will be Russia, the West, or both the core message remains the same: until Armenia continues occupation of others lands and does not establish civilized relations with its neighbors, no progress is expected in this country. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 By Anvar Mammadov - Trend: Azerbaijan will become one of the most important transport hubs in the world, Azerbaijan's Los Angeles Consul General Nasimi Aghayev said at the Fourth Annual 'Left of Boom' Conference at the State University of San Diego, California, where he delivered a lecture on Azerbaijan, the Consulate General announced May 7. First of all, Aghayev spoke about the history of independence of Azerbaijan and establishment of the first secular republic in the Muslim world. Aghayev said that Azerbaijan went down in history as a country that gave women the right to vote even earlier than the United States. The Consul General said that after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan restored its independence and added that after returning to power in 1993, the national leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev took important and serious steps to strengthen the independent statehood. Aghayev noted that important reforms have been carried out in various sectors of the economy. Aghayev informed the participants about the economic reforms undertaken in the country and current efforts by the Government under President Ilham Aliyevs visionary leadership to diversify the economic development even more vigorously into such areas as tourism, IT, agriculture and transportation, among others, which are already beginning to produce positive results, strengthening Azerbaijan's position as the largest economy in the South Caucasus region. Highlighting Azerbaijan's role in implementing projects of regional and transregional importance and magnitude, the Consul General spoke of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railroad that was inaugurated on October 30, 2017 and that is set to connect China with Europe through the shortest and most reliable route. The Consul General also spoke about the North-South transport corridor and noted that as a result of these projects Azerbaijan will become one of the most important transport hubs in the world. The Consul General also informed the audience about the illegal military occupation and total ethnic cleansing of around 20 percent of Azerbaijan's sovereign territory by neighboring Armenia. He noted that this illegal occupation and the ongoing conflict with Azerbaijan has only damaged Armenia's well-being over the last 27 years of its independence, making it the weakest economy of the South Caucasus. "Since 1991, Armenia has lost a million of its population to economic emigration," Aghayev said, adding that integration of Armenia into the large-scale regional projects involving Azerbaijan and the other South Caucasian nation - Georgia - would only be possible once Armenia leaves the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, allowing hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijani displaced population to return to their homes and lands. After the presentation, the Consul General responded to questions from the audience. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 Trend: The Russian Foreign Ministry has recommended Russian citizens staying in Yerevan to avoid crowded places on May 8 because of the possible intensification of protest actions there, RIA Novosti reported. "The protest activity in Yerevan, including near the building of the National Assembly / Parliament may increase on May 8; disruptions expected in work of the public transport. It is recommended to avoid crowded places," reads a message posted on Twitter page of the Russian Foreign Ministry's situational crisis center. On May 1, the Parliament of Armenia failed to elect the leader of the protest movement Nikol Pashinyan as the head of the government. Forty-five MPs voted for him, while 53 votes were required. According to the law, in a week the Parliament will try to re-elect a prime minister. Otherwise, the legislative body will be dissolved. The second round of the voting scheduled for May 8. The leader of the Armenian opposition faction Yelq (Exit), leader of protests, Nikol Pashinyan, is the only candidate nominated by the factions Yelq, Tsarukyan Bloc and Dashnaktsutyun. Actions against the election of former President Serzh Sargsyan as Armenia's prime minister began on April 13. The opposition accuses Sargsyan, who was twice elected president, of poor governance and deterioration of economic situation in the country. On April 17, the opposition announced the beginning of the "velvet revolution". Despite the protests, the Armenian Parliament elected Sargsyan head of the Cabinet on the same day. Less than a week later, on April 23, Sargsyan resigned amid continuing protests. A delegation headed by the Chairman of the US House Judiciary Committee Bob Goodlatte held a meeting with PM Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Agenda reports. While discussing the positive dynamics in US-Georgia relations, Kvirikashvili underlined the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership with the US calling it "the top priority for Georgian government. He also thanked Congress for supporting the major points of Georgias 2018 budget law. Speaking about trade relations the parties have stressed the importance of a possible free trade agreement between US and Georgia. On the other hand, the head of the Georgian government praised the fact that American companies are investing in the Anaklia deep sea port project being currently developed in Georgia. Congressmen expressed readiness to further support Georgia in any directions including trade and security, PMs office said. The World Health Organization (WHO), in cooperation with Yemeni local health authorities, has launched a wide-scale anti-cholera vaccination campaign in south Yemen, WHO said in a statement Sunday, Xinhua reported. It said the campaign will last until May 10, and targeted, in its first phase, four districts in Aden city. The government-run Saba news website quoted deputy health minister Ahmed al-Waledi as saying that the campaign will include Tawahee, Mualla, Khormaksar and Sirah districts. He said the oral vaccine would target nearly 350,000 children at the age of five. Though the number of cholera infection cases has declined rapidly in the Yemen, fears grow about a possible new cholera outbreak in this rainy season, according to United Nations humanitarian agencies. The rainy season began in April and will last until August. In November 2017, the United Nations reported more than 925,000 suspected cholera cases with over 2,200 associated deaths in the war-torn country since the epidemic started in April of the same year. The infection rate has since been declining, by around 0.2 percent to 0.3 percent, according to WHO. Yemen has been locked in a civil war for more than three years between Iranian-allied Houthi rebel group and the internationally-recognized government backed by a Saudi-led coalition forces. The war has killed more than 10,000 Yemenis, half of them civilians, and triggered the largest humanitarian crisis in the world. Sudanese authorities are discussing getting oil supplies for five years with Saudi Arabia, Sudans Minister of Oil and Gas Abdul-Rahman Othman said. according Sputnik. Over the past several months several provinces of Sudan have been facing a deficit of fuel, which resulted in heavy queues near petrol stations. The problem was caused by repair works at the Sudanese oil refinery plant and lack of foreign currency to pay for the foreign oil deliveries. "During the last visit to Saudi Arabia we discussed signing a long-lasting agreement. It is necessary to complete the procedure with the Saudi development bank, that will be ended within several days, after that the deal will be signed. The five-year agreement Sudan is using 1.8 million tonnes of oil annually," Othman said, as quoted by the Anadolu news agency. Sudan is also engaged in talks with the United Arab Emirates on the same issue. Sudanese President Omar Bashir has also several times communicated with the emir of Qatar. The oil crisis in Sudan is rooted in the 2011 secession of South Sudan, which has rich oil fields. London is trying to convince Washington to remain part of Iran's nuclear deal, but is also searching for ways to preserve the agreement even if US President Donald Trump decides to withdraw, UK Ambassador to the United States Kim Darroch told the CBS broadcaster on Sunday, Sputnik reported. "Plan A is that the US stays in the deal. That's what we're working towards. But of course we are looking at all eventualities So we're looking at options for maintaining the deal should, which we hope they won't, should the US administration choose to withdraw," Darroch said. The ambassador added that the United Kingdom considered the agreement a "good" deal, although not a perfect one. "No deal ever is perfect, and the [US] president is rightly concerned about Iran's regional activities, which are malign and damaging to security and stability. And he doesn't like the fact that missiles aren't covered. He's not happy about the sunset clauses, he thinks the inspections regime should be tougher," Darroch said. The ambassador explained that the United Kingdom had some ideas about assuaging these concerns. Darroch noted that no final results have been achieved on a side agreement to the deal yet. "We have been talking at senior official level to the administration with our French and German colleagues for several weeks now. We think we're making progress. We haven't got there yet. We have a few days left to see if we can find a way through," the ambassador said. Trump, who has been critical of the deal since his election campaign, is expected to announce no later than May 12 whether Washington will remain part of the agreement. In 2015, Iran, China, France, Germany, Russia, United Kingdom, United States, and the European Union agreed on a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Under the deal, the international sanctions would gradually be lifted off Iran in exchange for Tehran maintaining the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. Paris no longer insists on resignation of Syrian President Bashar Assad as a precondition for settling the conflict in that country, French Ambassador to Russia Sylvie Bermann said in an interview with the Kommersant daily posted on its website, TASS reports. "We will not decide for the Syrian people but Bashar Assads unconditioned resignation is out of the question," she said, adding however that France is against the situation when control over territories liberated from terrorists and opposition militants is simply taken by Damascus. She stressed that Syrias future is a matter of dialogue between the countrys political forces. "The idea that was worded at the Syrian National Dialogue Congress in Sochi and approved by the United Nations envoy for Syria provided for the establishment of a constitutional committee that would tackle issues of Syrias new constitution," she said. "But I think the Syrian regime in not doing it so far." United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254 that was supported by all members of the Security Council, including France, has it that the conflict in Syria is to be settled on the basis of dialogue between all political forces in that country. The resolution sets the timeframes for presidential and parliamentary elections after an accord is reached. It says nothing about the future of concrete persons, including President Bashar Assad. Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis on Monday denied his country had developed and produced the nerve gas Novichok, thus contradicting an earlier statement by President Milos Zeman, TASS reports. "The Czech Republic has not developed, produced, or kept in store (the nerve agent] Novichok," Babis said. Babis said he relied on the conclusions made by the chiefs of the Security Service and Military Intelligence. Interviewed on Pragues television channel Barrandow earlier, Zeman said that a research center in Brno last November produced and tested an insignificant amount of Novichok. After the tests the substance was promptly eliminated. Spains maritime rescue service said on Sunday that it saved 476 migrants who were attempting the perilous crossing of the Mediterranean Sea from African shores, Al Arabiya reported. The migrants were pulled from 15 small boats on Friday and Saturday, officials said. There were no reported casualties. Separately, a Spanish non-profit dedicated to helping migrants at sea rescued 105 more migrants in waters near Libya during a mission on Sunday. The aid group Proactive Open Arms found the migrants drifting at sea in a motor-less boat. The migrants told an Associated Press photographer onboard who documented the rescue that human smugglers sailing in a separate boat removed their boats engine halfway through the dangerous Mediterranean crossing and left. Favorable weather appears to have sparked the surge in sea crossings. Each year, tens of thousands of migrants attempt to reach Spain and other southern European countries by crossing the Mediterranean in smugglers boats. Most of the vessels are unfit for open water, and thousands of migrants drown each year. The UN says 615 migrants have died crossing the Mediterranean so far this year. A total of 22,439 migrants have reached European shores, with 4,409 arriving in Spain, through the first four months of 2018. The Russian government has stepped down as Vladimir Putin assumed office as Russian President on Monday. According to the Cabinets press service, Dmitry Medvedev has signed a decree on the governments resignation after the newly-elected president took office, TASS reports. The Cabinets duty to resign in full force after the president assumes office is enshrined in Article 116 of Russias Constitution. Customarily after that the prime minister, his deputies and ministers switch to the status of "interim" officials until a new Cabinet is formed. Under the Constitution, the head of state is to submit to Russias State Duma (lower house of parliament) his proposal for a new Cabinet head no later than two weeks after the governments resignation. The lower house of parliament must consider this proposal within a week. On May 4, State Duma Vice Speaker Ivan Melnikov informed TASS that lawmakers could consider this proposal at a plenary meeting as early as May 8, should the candidate was nominated by that time. Russian President Vladimir Putin has asked the State Duma to appoint Dmitry Medvedev as prime minister, the Kremlins official website said, TASS reports. On May 7, the Russian government stepped down in accordance with the Constitution after the inauguration of newly-elected President Vladimir Putin. The fundamental law requires the head of state should propose a candidate for premiership within two weeks following the resignation of the previous cabinet. The lower house of parliament is obliged to make a decision within a week. On May 4, the State Dumas first deputy speaker Ivan Melnikov told TASS the legislators might consider this proposal at a full scale meeting on May 8 on the condition the candidate was nominated by that time. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 7 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: The head of the Turkish opposition 'Good Party' (Iyi Parti), Meral Aksener, has promised to carry out system and economic reforms in Turkey in case she is elected as the country's president, Turkish media reported on May 7. Aksener noted that the Turkish government makes mistakes that lead to economic problems, because of which the Turkish people suffer. She further noted that in case of the election, her priority will be improvement of the social welfare of the country's citizens. Turkey will hold presidential and parliamentary election on June 24. In the parliamentary election held in Turkey on November 1, 2015, the Justice and Development Party won 49.41 percent of the votes, the People's Republican Party (CHP) - 25.38 percent of the votes, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) - 11.93 percent, the Democratic Party of Peoples (HDP) - 10.7 percent of the votes. -- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on May 7 that the Palestinians were the symbol of all oppressed people in the world and Israeli attacks on them showed that tyrannys boldness is increasing every day. Hurriyetdailynews reported What is happening in Palestine, especially in Jerusalem, is nothing other than the efforts of tyranny to justify its oppressions, even to institutionalize them. The violence that the Israeli administration has recently inflicted on the Palestinians shows that tyrannys boldness is increasing every day, Erdogan said in a speech at the International Mount of Olives Peace Awards in Istanbul. The Palestinians are the symbol of all oppressed people in the world because of the persecution, massacres and injustices they have been subjected to, he added. The Turkish president said Palestinian women and children were most exposed to the oppression of the Israeli administration, paying the price for wars and crises whose decisions are mostly not taken by them. A significant number of Palestinian children are continuing their lives outside their homeland, in refugee camps or in other countries. Those who are able to stay in their homeland, meanwhile, are exposed to psychological and physical discrimination everywhere, from the moment they leave their house on the way to their schools, at checkpoints, in public transport, in educational institutions, Erdogan said. He also slammed the international communitys indifference over the sufferings of Palestinians. The indifference of the international community towards the Palestinians, who have had tens of martyrs and thousands of injured people in these [Israeli] attacks, is the sign of a future in which no society or individual will be safe, Erdogan said, accusing international institutions responsible for ensuring peace and security in Palestine of hypocrisy. He also praised Turkey for its humanitarian aid work, contrasting the country with great economic powers motivated only by economic, political or military interests. Humanitarian aid, entirely an issue of conscience and morality, does not rely on money, oil, gold, or political power, Erdogan said, noting that Turkey has so far spent $31 billion on Syrian refugees living in Turkey. Whatever anyone else does, as Turkey we will continue to use the facilities and opportunities we have in our hands for the benefit of humanity, especially our Palestinian, Syrian and African brothers. In a way appropriate to the orders of God and the inheritance left by our ancestors, wherever there is a victim well worker harder to stand by them, he said. The Palestine cause is not an issue exclusive to any nation or city, Erdogan said, suggesting that the future of humanity will be determined according to the stance taken regarding the cause of Palestine and Jerusalem. If the opposite happens a dark future awaits us in which all rights, freedoms, moral and conscientious measures are absent or eliminated and in which tyranny prevails, he added. US President Donald Trump said he would announce a decision on the future of the Iran nuclear deal on Tuesday as European countries piled pressure on Washington to remain in the 2015 agreement, Reuters reported. Trump has threatened to withdraw from the deal, which provided Iran with relief from economic sanctions in exchange for limiting its uranium enrichment capacity, unless European signatories to the accord fix what he has called its shortcomings. I will be announcing my decision on the Iran Deal tomorrow from the White House at 2:00pm, Trump said in a Twitter post on Monday. Trump has until May 12 to decide whether to reintroduce US sanctions on Iran, which would deal a heavy blow to the agreement. Under the agreement with the United States, France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China, Iran strictly limited uranium enrichment capacity to try to show that it was not trying to develop atomic bombs. In exchange, Iran received relief from economic sanctions. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani hinted on Monday that Iran could remain in the nuclear accord even if the United States dropped out, but said that Tehran would fiercely resist US pressure to limit its influence in the Middle East. Britain, France and Germany remain committed to the accord and, in an effort to address US complaints, want to open talks on Irans ballistic missile program, its nuclear activities beyond 2025 - when pivotal provisions of the deal expire - and its role in the wars in Syria and Yemen. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, in Washington for talks this week, said the deal had weaknesses but these could be remedied. At this moment Britain is working alongside the Trump administration and our French and German allies to ensure that they are, he said in a commentary in the New York Times. KYODO NEWS - May 7, 2018 - 19:41 | All, World Japan and China are unlikely to mention that the waters and airspace around a group of uninhabited islets controlled by Japan and claimed by China are subject to a bilateral communication mechanism aimed at averting unintended clashes, Japanese government sources said Monday. Not making any specific geographic reference is a compromise on the part of both nations, whose relations have been buffeted by tensions over access to the waters and airspace around the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, the sources said. How the two countries address the matter will be one of the most closely scrutinized aspects of a meeting Wednesday between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on the sidelines of a trilateral summit with South Korean President Moon Jae In. On the economic front, Japan and China are making arrangements to launch a public-private sector council to consider specific projects of cooperation related to Beijing's "One Belt, One Road" cross-border infrastructure initiative, according to the sources. Tokyo is hoping to further improve ties through the launch of the council to focus on infrastructure development in third countries. There has been a recent thaw in bilateral relations strained by wartime history issues and the Senkakus, which China claims and calls Diaoyu. The islets are also claimed by Taiwan, which refers to them as the Tiaoyutais. The territorial row intensified after Japan decided to bring the Senkakus under state control in 2012, prompting China to send vessels into the waters around the islets. But last month, Japan and China held a high-level economic dialogue in Tokyo after a roughly eight-year hiatus, and also agreed to plan mutual visits by Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Japan is of the view that the waters and airspace around the islands should not be subject to the "Maritime and Aerial Communication Mechanism," while China has argued otherwise. The sources said that after the two leaders hold talks on Wednesday afternoon, they are expected to formally agree to start operating the maritime and aerial communication mechanism at an early date. The plan to set up the mechanism was first agreed between the two countries in 2007. Japan proposed launching the public-private sector council when Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Japan recently for an economic dialogue, and Wang responded positively. The council is expected to include officials from Japan's Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Japan Business Federation known as Keidanren. As there is also concern in Japan that China's infrastructure initiative could increase its global influence, the Japanese government is expected to carefully examine the types of projects and the transparency of funding. KYODO NEWS - May 7, 2018 - 16:00 | Urgent, All, Feature, Japan A strong chemical smell that prompted more than 20 visitors to complain of throat pain at a popular Kyoto temple last week may have been caused by an animal repellent spray used nearby, the city government said Monday. A city contractor used the spray containing capsaicin, found in chili peppers, near Nanzenji temple around the time the visitors complained of throat and other pain Wednesday morning, according to local authorities. Police are investigating the incident as a possible case of professional negligence resulting in injury, they said. The Kyoto city government had erected fences around the temple, located near a mountain, due to wild animals. After a camera captured images of a boar in late April, the contractor checked the site on Wednesday, found a hole dug under a fence and decided to spray the repellent around 11:20 a.m., it said. A total of 24 people complained of throat and other pains shortly afterward and four of them were taken to hospital. "While we have yet to identify the cause of the pungent odor, using powerful sprays near residential areas is inappropriate," said a city official. The temple closed its doors to visitors later Wednesday but reopened the next day after finding no suspicious objects on the premises. The temple, opened in 1291, is the head temple of the Nanzenji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. (Animal spray may have caused a chemical odor that stirred Nanzenji last week.) The loan secured by the Centre for KMRL from the French company Agence Francaise De Development (AFD) might seem attractive but, in effect, would drain more from Kerala than the 'masala bonds'. A message from the USA TODAY NETWORK It appears that youre attempting to visit this site from a location in the European Union. At this point in time we regret to say we cannot make this site available to you. Please visit our home page eu.usatoday.com for other content that may be of interest to you. An English bibliotaph of fifty years residence in Wales pontificates about politics (slightly off-message), films and trivia. Acting secretary of Aberavon and Neath Liberal Democrats. Candidate for Neath in the Westminster elections of 1997 & 2017 and the Welsh general election of 2016. PARIS (Reuters) - Air France-KLM's board will decide on a management transition plan on May 15, the company said on Saturday, after CEO Jean-Marc Janaillac said he would step down when staff at its French brand rejected a pay deal. More than half of the staff at the French carrier who cast a ballot voted against the offer of a 7 percent salary increase over four years, prompting Janaillac to say he would resign. Strikes over the pay dispute, due to resume on May 7 and May 8, have cost the company 300 million euros ($360 million) so far. Janaillac, who is chairman at Air France as well as chairman and CEO of parent group Air France-KLM, agreed to stay on until a May 15 shareholder meeting, the company said in a statement. Air France-KLM's board will also meet then. ($1 = 0.8363 euros) (Reporting by Sarah White; Editing by Kevin Liffey) Charlie Munger had nothing but nice things to say about Elon Musk and nothing but bad things to say about bitcoin, and he acknowledged that he had mellowed on Donald Trump. Munger also said he was glad we had a trade deficit with China. I interviewed the outspoken Berkshire Hathaway vice chairman a day after the companys annual meeting in Omaha, Nebraska. Musk swings for the fences Only hours after Tesla CEO Elon Musk trolled Berkshire Hathaway on Twitter (see below), Munger, Warren Buffetts longtime partner, called Musk bold and brilliant, though Munger conceded that he had no idea if Musks endeavors would succeed. Regarding Tesla, Munger said, Its already created more significance than anybody had predicted. Its founder is bold and brilliant, and he swings for the fences. People like that get some remarkable results. Sometimes they get some quick failures. I havent the faintest idea how Elon Musk will turn out, but he has a considerable chance of success and considerable chance of failure. He seems to like it that way. Munger said he hadnt heard that Musk had tweeted that he was going to start a candy company in response to Buffetts comment, I dont think hed [Musk] want to take us on in candy. I didnt hear that. Sounds like wise-assery, Munger chuckled. I cant criticize anybody else for wise-assery. Billionaires went at each other over candy this weekend. (This all followed conflicting statements by Buffett and Musk over a number of months on the efficacy and definition of moats in business. At the Berkshire meeting, Buffett suggested that Sees Candies has a competitive advantage, or moat.) Berkshire in China? On tariffs, Munger replied, I wouldnt want the entire U.S. steel industry to move off-shore. [But] I have an attitude thats entirely different from our presidents. Im glad we have a big trade deficit with China, he said. It enabled them to get out of poverty and obscurity. I welcome the Chinese to the group of advanced nations. I like whats happened. Story continues As for Berkshire investing in China, Munger said, I dont think its likely we will buy some great Chinese companies. I think what is likely is that we will be invited to buy part of some great Chinese company, because they like the good company. Bitcoin is a combination of dementia and immorality I asked Munger if we should dismiss bitcoin completely and he savaged the cryptocurrency even more. The computer science behind bitcoin is a great triumph of the human mind, Munger started. They created a product thats hard to create more of but not impossible. [But] I see an artificial speculative medium, he said, in which people can sell it to someone else at a higher value with no intrinsic value behind it. Its anti-social, stupid and immoral, he said. Immoral? I asked him. Suppose you could make a lot of money trading freshly harvested baby brains. Would you do it? Munger asked. To me bitcoin is almost as bad. Anything else, Charlie? I regard the whole thing as a combination of dementia and immorality. I think the people pushing it are a disgrace. There ought to be some things that are beneath you, that you just dont do, and this is one. [Read More: Why Bitcoin is rat poison to Buffett and a turd to Munger] Why Munger has mellowed on Trump Finally, I asked Munger about Trump and reminded him he had previously said that the presidents behavior exhibited a form of sickness. Ive mellowed because I consider it counterproductive to hate as much as both parties now hate, and I have disciplined myself, Munger said. I now regard all politicians higher than I used to. I did that as a matter of self-preservation. He said that he had re-read The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, and it made him feel a lot better about the current political scene. Were way ahead of the Romans at the end. Thats a pretty low bar, I pointed out. Its very helpful I suggest you try it, Munger replied. Politicians are never so bad that you dont live to want them back. There will come a time when the people who hate Trump will wish that he was back. Stay with Yahoo Finance for comprehensive coverage of Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway. Andy Serwer is editor-in-chief of Yahoo Finance. Follow him on Twitter. The logo of Xerox company is seen on a building in Minsk, Belarus, March 21, 2016. REUTERS/Vasily Fedosenko/Files (Corrects May 4 story to show that Subramanian served as an expert witness for Xerox's activist shareholders, not for Xerox, in third paragraph) By Liana B. Baker and Laharee Chatterjee (Reuters) - Xerox Corp on Friday appealed a New York court ruling to block its deal with Fujifilm Holdings, just hours after the company announced that its ousted CEO and directors would remain in place. Xerox said its entire board and management team would stay, as the agreement to oust them reached with dissenting shareholders Darwin Deason and Carl Icahn expired late Thursday. "With the caveat that I have not been privy to these negotiations, I find the rejection of the settlement by the Xerox board to be extraordinary and highly unusual," said Guhan Subramanian, a professor at Harvard's law and business schools, who served as an expert witness for the activist shareholders in the litigation. Officially, Xerox and the activists said the agreement had expired over last-minute issues that arose in negotiations with the judge overseeing the case that made the parties unable to finalize their settlement ahead of a self-imposed deadline Thursday evening. A source familiar with the matter said Xerox's board let the settlement expire because it came to believe it had flexibility to renegotiate a deal with Fujifilm. Xerox's board also took into account that the company's shares had fallen more than 10 percent since it announced its settlement with the activists. The judge said in a hearing on May 3 that he was not prohibiting Xerox from exploring other transactions with Fujifilm, according to a court transcript. In fact, Xerox has already started renegotiating its deal with Fujifilm, according to the source, who did not want to be identified because the matter is private. The companies are discussing adding $5 a share to the $2.5 billion special cash dividend of roughly $9.80 per share that Xerox shareholders would receive as part of the deal, the person said. Story continues The two companies could also come up with a new structure all together, the person added. Fujifilm declined to comment on the negotiations on Friday, which were first reported by The Wall Street Journal. Xerox shares closed little changed at $28.38 per share on Friday. AMMUNITION FOR ACTIVISTS? Xerox and Fujifilm agreed in late January to a $6.1 billion deal that would merge the U.S. printer and copier maker into Fuji Xerox, an existing joint venture between Xerox and Fujifilm. A New York court temporarily blocked the transaction last week, saying that Xerox Chief Executive Officer Jeff Jacobson was "hopelessly conflicted" and that he sought to conclude the deal even though he was advised to end negotiations. In its appeal on Friday, Xerox disputed the court's findings that the board breached its fiduciary duties in approving the deal and said the board unanimously authorized the deal. Meanwhile, Deason and Icahn, who own about 15 percent of the company, have vowed to keep fighting Xerox, and will nominate a slate of directors at the company's upcoming annual board meeting. Charles Elson, professor of corporate governance at University of Delaware, said the confusing turn of events at Xerox "give the activists more ammunition" in a proxy fight. Deason and Icahn have argued that Xerox's board acted in a self-interested fashion and failed shareholders by approving a deal that undervalues the company. Xerox's board has also been exploring its options. Reuters previously reported that buyout firm Apollo Global Management LLC has approached Xerox to express interest in a possible acquisition. Fujifilm, which had objected to the settlement between Xerox and the activists, said it was satisfied that Xerox had not settled with the activists this week. Fujifilm is also planning to appeal last week's court order and said in a statement on Friday that Xerox shareholders should decide for themselves the merits of any deal. But a deal under new terms between Fujifilm and Xerox is far from certain. Fujifilm shares have been falling since the deal announcement in late January as investors have been questioning the benefits of the deal. (Reporting by Liana B. Baker in Los Angeles and Laharee Chatterjee in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Shubham Kalia in Bengaluru and Makiko Yamazaki in Tokyo; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty and Leslie Adler) Monday, May 7, 2018 Crude oil prices crept up over $70 per barrel for the first time in the global market since late-2014, before a long-term slide in prices took many economies into tougher times, including a relatively short-term dip in U.S. equities during our near-decade-long bull run. This comes as most headline-grabbing companies have already reported results from calendar Q1 earnings season, and without a lot of economic data on the docket for the current week. Why investors may pay closer attention to the price of oil this week aside from already present spikes in gasoline prices at the pump is because the May 12 deadline for whether the U.S. remains of the accord with Iran passed during the Obama administration that lifts economic sanctions in exchange for Iran keeping dormant its nuclear weapons development. President Trump has been a big opponent of this deal, both as a candidate and as president. Even with visits to the White House by people like Frances President Macron to assuage Trump to keep the U.S. within the agreement, odds are like with the Paris Climate Accord that we are likely to be out by weeks end. Its unclear what the immediate implications of this step would be, but that in itself is part of the problem: the stock market abhors uncertainty. In addition to higher oil prices which may continue to spike as relations between the U.S. and Iran become more frayed military tensions may increase as a result of this negated agreement, not just between the West and Middle East, but within the region itself. Hezbollah, formed initially in Iran, now wields influence in countries like Lebanon, which borders on Israel, the U.S.s main ally in the region. This is not the arena in which to debate U.S. foreign policy, but it is worth noting that a collapse in the Iran accord is likely to increase geopolitical concerns for investors in the U.S. stock market. Crude oil prices are already seeing the affect of this to a point, but ramifications have the potential of reaching much further. It would thus be reasonable to see market participants taking a guarded approach to investing ahead of the deadline this Saturday and beyond. Ahead of Mondays opening bell, Tyson Foods TSN reported a fiscal Q2 2018 miss on both top and bottom lines: $1.27 per share versus $1.32 was nevertheless up 25.7% year over year. Quarterly sales of $9.78 billion was short of the $9.94 billion Zacks consensus estimate. Earnings guidance for full-year 2018 was in-line with Q2 earnings results, +$6.55-6.70, between 23-25% year over year). For more on TSNs earnings, click here. Another food-producing major, SYSCO Corp. SYY reported mixed results for its fiscal Q3 2018 earnings of 67 cents per share beat consensus by 3 cents (and rose 43% year over year), while revenues narrowly missed expectations when they came in at $14.35 billion in the quarter. Even still, SYY shares are up marginally in todays pre-market. For more on SYYs earnings, click here. Mark Vickery Senior Editor Questions or comments about this article and/or its author? 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Click to get this free report Yen Japan Bitcoin cryptocurrency Japanese regulators have announced stricter regulations for cryptocurrency exchanges in an effort to prevent another heist like the one that befell Coincheck in January, according to Nikkei Asian Review. The countrys Financial Services Agency expects to begin using a new, stricter framework for registered cryptocurrency exchanges this summer, and will advise those that fail to meet its new rules to discontinue operations. Both new and existing operators will be required to meet the new standards. A New Focus The government has shifted its focus to strengthening consumer protection measures after initially recognizing virtual currencies as a valid form of payment in the interest of supporting the evolving technology. The agency stated in April that new processes are needed for cryptocurrency exchange registrations that extend beyond simple documentation to include onsite investigations of how the operations are managed. New Requirements Established Cryptocurrency exchanges will now face harsher standards on system management, including not storing currency in internet-connected computers and having numerous passwords for currency standards. Exchanges will also have to do more to prevent money laundering by verifying customer identification for major transfers. To keep customer assets separate from exchange assets, the exchanges will have to monitor customer account balances numerous times per day for signs of diversions. Exchanges will also be required to have rules in place to prevent their officers from using client funds. Japans financial regulator has ramped up its scrutiny on cryptocurrency exchanges since the Coincheck theft. There will also be new rules regarding the types of cryptocurrencies used at registered exchanges. Exchanges will generally not be allowed to grant a high degree of anonymity that would enable money laundering. Stricter internal rules will also be required, including measures to separate management from shareholders. System development roles will have to be separate from those of asset management in order to prevent employees from manipulating the system for personal gain. Story continues Also read: Crypto exchange Coincheck made $491 million profit prior to hack A Two-Step Process Operators will submit documents to register exchanges with the FSA. Following a review of these documents, the agency will have inspectors visit the exchanges that pass the initial screening to examine their operations and verify the number of employees. By not having sufficient expertise with exchanges, the agency has been feeling our way through the dark on how thoroughly we should check these different aspects, an unnamed agency source said. The new system will enable the agency to conduct a detailed assessment and identify risks ahead of time. In January, Coincheck succumbed to a record-setting hack that saw the attackers make off with $530 million worth of NEM tokens (XEM), raked in 62.6 billion yen ($573 million) in revenue, against just 8.8 billion ($8.1 million) in ordinary operating expenses. The Japanese brokerage firm Monex Group acquired Coincheck in the wake of the hack, paying about $34 million for the disgraced exchange. One reason for the low sum is that it appeared unlikely that the countrys the FSA would grant the company a license under its previous management structure. Images from Shutterstock. The post Japan Bolsters Crypto Exchange Regulations to Prevent Another Coincheck appeared first on CCN. Michael Cohen, President Donald Trumps longtime personal lawyer and general-purpose fixer, is now under federal investigation for possible criminal business activities. That investigation could have major implications for the presidentand Cohens history suggests investigators will have a lot to look at. Cohens business dealings have spanned big-city taxis and real estate in addition to a legal practice focused on personal injury cases. A new examination of Cohens record by the New York Times finds that he has frequently crossed paths with unsavory characters. In one case, Cohen was reportedly tasked with delivering a payment to one Vitaly Buslaev, who has been tied to the Mafia. Thats just one of Cohens many connections to individuals from former Soviet states. Those connections are of particular relevance given special counsel Robert Muellers focus on the Trump campaigns dealings with Russia, and Cohens personal role in exploring Trump Organization deals in Russia in the midst of the 2016 campaign. Cohen also helped set up a half-dozen clinics and medical billing companies in the early 2000s, including registering medical practices headed by doctors Alexsander Martirosov and Zhanna Kanevsky. Just a few years later, Martisorov and Kanevsky were charged with defrauding insurance companies by faking auto accidents. Cohen was not implicated in those allegations, and charges against Martirosov were later dropped. But according to the Times, the scam was of a kind dominated by criminal organizations from former Soviet countries. Get CEO Daily, Fortunes newsletter for leaders. Cohen has also made real estate deals that experts described to the Times as suspicious. In one transaction, Cohen sold four Manhattan buildings for $32 million in cash in a single day, nearly three times what he paid for them just a few years before. A former banker commenting on those transactions described Cohen as the type of person youd see most bankers steer clear of. The identity of the buyers in those deals is unknown. Story continues Cohen has also both made and received large loans on the basis of questionable collateral. In 2014, Cohen borrowed at least $20 million against the value of taxi medallions he owns. Those loans were refinanced to delay repayment just last month, even as taxi medallions have lost a great deal of value thanks to the rise of ride-hailing services like Uber. Cohens taxi businesses owe more than $375,000 in taxes and fines in New York and Chicago, according to the Times. But Cohen and his father-in-law have nonetheless made millions of dollars in loans to the manager of Cohens Chicago taxis, with few assets to back them up. All of this fits a pattern common to Donald Trump and others in his orbit. Jared Kushners family business faces massive, potentially catastrophic debt related to its Manhattan real estate holdings, and signs that Kushner has sought financing in Russia may have contributed to the recent downgrading of his national security clearance. Trumps own business obligations, not all of which are understood because he has not made customary financial disclosures, have figured heavily in discussions of his own possible conflicts of interest as president. As speculation mounts that Cohen could turn on the president to defend his own interests, what may have initially brought them together could wind up tearing them apart. By Lisa Baertlein and Martinne Geller LOS ANGELES/LONDON (Reuters) - Swiss-based Nestle, the world's largest food and beverage company, will pay Starbucks Corp $7.15 billion in cash for exclusive rights to sell the U.S. chain's packaged coffees and teas around the world, tying a premium brand to Nestle's global distribution muscle. The agreement announced on Monday could rev up Starbucks' roughly $2 billion business selling packaged Starbucks coffee, Teavana tea and other products through grocery stores and other retailers, including in China. The alliance, which amounts to a licensing arrangement, frees Seattle-based Starbucks to focus on improving its mainstay U.S. cafe business, where traffic growth has stalled amid competition from fast-food chains and upscale coffee houses, while rapidly adding shops in China. Starbucks will use proceeds to increase planned stock buybacks to $20 billion from $15 billion through fiscal 2020. It said the deal would add to earnings per share by 2021. The agreement also includes Starbucks-branded capsules for Nestle's Nespresso and Dolce Gusto single-serve brewers, which should help Nestle curb sales of alternatives from other providers. Nestle expects the alliance to add to its earnings by 2019. It did not alter share buyback plans. In addition to the cash payment, Starbucks will receive revenue from product sales and royalties. "This global coffee alliance will bring the Starbucks experience to the homes of millions more around the world through the reach and reputation of Nestle," said Starbucks Chief Executive Kevin Johnson, calling the arrangement a brand amplifier. "That would have taken a lot of capital and years to build outside the U.S.," John Culver, Starbucks' group president for international and channel development, said on a conference call with analysts. Nestle CEO Mark Schneider has made coffee a strategic priority as he tries to convince uneasy shareholders, including activist Third Point, that he can boost the sprawling group's performance. Story continues "This is all about growth," Schneider told analysts. He said he expects the alliance to boost Nestle in North America and benefit Starbucks in China, which is Nestle's second largest market. Analysts agreed that the alliance could strengthen Nestle's position as the world's biggest coffee company in a fast-changing landscape. Rival JAB Holdings, a private investment firm of Europe's billionaire Reimann family, narrowed the gap with Nestle with a recent series of acquisitions, including Peet's Coffee & Tea and Keurig Green Mountain. In January, Nestle sold its U.S. confectionery business to Ferrero. It had been losing ground in the United States confectionery sector as rivals moved towards healthier products. Nestle, which will take on about 500 Starbucks employees, will not buy any industrial assets as part of the deal. Shares in Nestle rose about 1.6 percent in Switzerland, while Starbucks shares slipped 0.4 to close at $57.45 in U.S. trading. RICHER BREW Coffee is popular with younger customers who have grown up with Starbucks and are willing to pay for exotic beans and specialty drinks that translate into richer profit margins than mainstream packaged food. The agreement will strengthen Nestle's position in the United States, where ranks fifth with less than 5 percent of the market. Market leader Starbucks has a 14 percent share, according to Euromonitor International. Other big players are growing as well, including Italy's Lavazza, which is now the world's No. 3. Nestle CEO Schneider last year identified coffee as an area for investment. It bought Texas-based Chameleon Cold-Brew in November and took a majority stake in Blue Bottle Coffee, a small upscale cafe chain, in September. Starbucks, which in April reported a global drop in quarterly traffic to its established cafes, has been streamlining its business. It sold its Tazo tea brand to Unilever for $384 million and closed underperforming Teavana retail stores. Starbucks plans to open 1,000 upscale Starbucks Reserve stores and a handful of Roastery coffee emporiums to take on high-end coffee rivals such as Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea and Blue Bottle. Starbucks has long farmed out retail distribution of its packaged products, but the partnerships have not always been smooth. Privately held Acosta Inc picked up that U.S. business in 2011 after Starbucks cited brand mismanagement and ended a 12-year relationship with Kraft Foods. The partnership with Kraft had been due to end in 2014, but Starbucks sought an early exit. It was later forced by an arbitrator to pay $2.76 billion to Kraft, which by then had split with the payment going to Mondelez International. Nestle is no stranger to partnering with rivals through licensing deals or joint ventures, having reached arrangements with General Mills' and Hershey, among others. (Additional reporting by John Miller, Richa Naidu, Marcy Nicholson and Svea A. Herbst; Editing by Louise Heavens and Bill Berkrot) North Korea said U.S. sanctions arent the reason behind its willingness to remove nuclear weapons from peninsula, accusing its adversary of trying to ramp up tensions ahead of a summit between leaders of the countries. The U.S. is misleading the public by saying its sanctions are working, KCNA said on Sunday. America isnt being helpful if it continues to characterize North Koreas steps as a sign of weakness, while pressuring and making military threats, the Norths state-run news agency said. The warnings from North Korea are a reminder that it will seek to project an image of strength for domestic and overseas audiences, even as the country says its moving forward with rapprochement with the U.S. and South Korea. KCNAs missive follows U.S. President Donald Trumps statement on Friday that a date and place have been set for his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. While official details havent been released, South Korean newspapers have reported that the meeting will most likely take place in the third week of June in Singapore. In a separate KCNA report, North Korea gave credit to Kim for the diplomatic breakthroughs, saying that his boldness, patriotism and leadership contributed to building the peace talks. North Korea warned that U.S. claims of forcing change on the country is a deliberate provocation that will pour cold water onto the current atmosphere of dialog and reverse the situation to square one, KCNA said. The detente between the two Koreas culminated in Kim crossing the demarcation line separating the countries for a meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-In on April 27. In a statement that day, they said they would seek to formally end the war between them and pursue complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Separately, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported that Mike Pompeo, the new U.S. Secretary of State who met with Kim more than a month ago, ruled out a Trump-Kim meeting at Panmunjom, the border village. Trump is set to meet Moon in Washington on May 22, in advance of the planned historic summit between the leaders of the U.S. and North Korea. U.S. West Texas Intermediate and international-benchmark Brent crude oil spent most of the week trading sideways-to-lower as concerns over renewed sanctions and tight global supplies underpinned prices and worries over increased U.S. production kept a lid on any rallies. June WTI crude oil settled at $69.72, up $1.62 or +2.38% and July Brent crude oil finished at $74.87, up $1.08 or +1.46%. Weekly June WTI Crude Oil By the end of the week, however, the price action indicated that the hedge fund buyers believe that President Trump will walk away from the Iran nuclear deal, leading to possible supply disruptions and even tighter global inventories in the second half of 2018. Recently, Trump has said that unless European allies rectify the terrible flaws in the international accord by May 12, he will refuse to extend U.S. sanctions relief for the oil-producing Islamic Republic. Irans foreign minister said on May 3 that U.S. demands to change its 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers were unacceptable as a deadline set by Trump for Europeans to fix the deal loomed. In other news, crude prices fell at mid-week after the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported a surprise build of 6.2 million barrels in the week-ending April 27. Traders were looking for a build of only 1.0 billion barrels. Traders shrugged off the news because the surprise rise in inventories was largely concentrated on the West Coast where supply jumped nearly 5 million barrels. Gasoline stockpiles also climbed by 1.2 million barrels for the week, while distillate stockpiles fell by 3.9 million barrels, according to the EIA. Traders were looking for a supply decline of 1 million barrels for gasoline, while distillate stockpiles were expected to be down by 1.3 million barrels. Weekly July Brent Crude Oil Forecast The price action late last week strongly indicates traders are taking bullish positions in oil contracts into the May 12 deadline over Iran. Expectations that the U.S. will pull out of the deal and refrain from any further relief for Iran from sanctions are likely to continue to bolster prices next week. Story continues There remains the question about how high prices could go due to rising U.S. production. Surging production in the Permian shale basin is outpacing pipeline capacity, while local refining issues have exacerbated oversupply in the region. There are reports that West Texas Intermediate crude for delivery in Midland, Texas slid for a fourth day on Thursday to hit their lowest in more than three-and-a-half years. WTI at Midland traded as much as $14 a barrel below benchmark futures. Furthermore, Baker Hughes reported its weekly count of U.S. oil rigs rose for a fifth consecutive week. The number of rigs operating in American oil fields rose by 9 in the last week to a total of 834. Were likely to see strength in the market if speculators continue to bet on the U.S. pulling out of the Iran deal. However, given the rise in U.S. production, prices are likely to plunge sharply if the Europeans hand Trump a plan to save the Iran nuclear deal next week. The Europeans dont seem to be too confident that they will be capable of convincing Trump that their plan is viable. There are reports that they have also started work on protecting EU-Iranian business ties if the U.S. president makes good on a threat to withdraw. This article was originally posted on FX Empire More From FXEMPIRE: By Ayenat Mersie NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices rose to their highest levels since late 2014 on Monday, boosted by the latest troubles for Venezuelan oil company PDVSA and a looming decision on whether the United States will re-impose sanctions on Iran. Brent crude oil futures were at $75.81 a barrel at 10:20 a.m. EDT (1420 GMT), up 94 cents. At the session high, they touched their peak since November 2014 at $75.91. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 69 cents to $70.40, the first time since November 2014 that WTI had climbed above $70. China's Shanghai crude oil futures, launched in March, broke their dollar-converted record high, touching $72.54. U.S. oil major ConocoPhillips has moved to take Caribbean assets of Venezuela's state-run PDVSA to enforce a $2 billion arbitration award, three sources told Reuters. The move could deal a further blow to the company's declining oil output and exports. "If ConocoPhillips is successful, then it will limit the revenues PDVSA will have and give them even more problems paying their bills and producing their oil," said Gene McGillian, manager of market research at Tradition in Stamford. "Venezuela seemed to get support over the last year from Russia and China. So now there's the question of what kind of deal will they have to make in order to get even more support?" McGillian said. (GRAPHIC: U.S. vs Venezuela oil production since 2005: https://reut.rs/2JY8i77) Venezuela's oil output has halved since the early 2000s to 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd), hit by a lack of investment. Saudi Arabian Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said he was concerned about possible shortages of spare crude production capacity. Also boosting prices is the widespread expectation that U.S. President Donald Trump will withdraw from the Iranian nuclear pact. Trump has a May 12 deadline to determine whether to extend sanction waivers.(GRAPHIC: Russia vs Saudi vs U.S. oil production: https://reut.rs/2rgEXxw ) British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is in the United States in an effort to convince the Trump administration to stay in the deal. "The extraterritorial nature of U.S. sanctions, which cover energy, shipbuilding, finance, trade, insurance, etc., means that ... Iran's oil exports could credibly be curtailed by 200,000-300,000 bpd," RBC Capital Markets analyst Helima Croft said in a note. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak pledged Russia's 100 percent compliance in May with an OPEC-led pact to reduce production. But U.S. output has soared by more than a quarter in the past two years to 10.62 million bpd and is likely to rise further this year as energy companies keep drilling. (Additional reporting by Libby George in London and Henning Gloystein in Singapore; Editing by Alexander Smith and David Gregorio) 'His Client Is a Circus Master and Rudy Is Dancing.' Mueller's Investigating Team Don't Take Giuliani Seriously Rudy Giuliani, President Donald Trumps newest lawyer, once again made waves on a political talk show over the weekend, this time talking about whether Trump would cooperate in the Russia investigation. Speaking to ABC News George Stephanopoulos on Sundays episode of This Week, Giuliani said that his client, Donald Trump, doesnt have to comply with a subpoena from special counsel Robert Mueller, in addition to saying he could not be confident that the president would not take the Fifth Amendment if he has to testify in the Russia investigation. How can I ever be confident of that? Giuliani said, regarding Trump pleading the Fifth, when Stephanopoulos asked how Trump would handle being called to testify. Giuliani pointed out that Trump has previously said he wants to testify, and that while he ultimately may end up doing so, as his lawyer, Giuliani said he has a responsibility to tell the president he would be taking a great chance. Pres. Trumps attorney Rudy Giuliani tells @GStephanopoulos we dont have to comply with a potential subpoena from the special counsel, adding He's the President of the United States. We can assert the same privileges other presidents have. https://t.co/LYBy2d6vA3 pic.twitter.com/EefBTa11GQ ABC News (@ABC) May 6, 2018 Ive got a client who wants to testify I hope we get a chance to tell him the risk that hes taking, Giuliani said. So he may testify. We may actually work things out with Bob Mueller. Because working with him directly is good. The former New York City mayor also said that Muellers team keeps undermining the potential for talk to Trump with them. Trump himself said Friday he would love to talk to Mueller if he was treated fairly. Story continues Stephanopoulos also asked Giuliani whether Trump would comply with a subpoena. Well, we dont have to, Giuliani said simply. Hes the president of the United States. We can assert the same privileges other presidents have. Giuliani caused a media frenzy last week after telling Fox News Sean Hannity that Trump repaid personal attorney Michael Cohen for the $130,000 payment Cohen made to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election, supposedly for her silence regarding an alleged affair with Trump in 2006. Spirit AeroSystems (NYSE: SPR) has followed through on its pledge to diversify its business away from former-parent Boeing (NYSE: BA), agreeing May 2 to acquire Asco Industries for $650 million in cash. The strategic rationale for moving beyond Boeing is solid. But it will only work out for Spirit investors if the company can do a better job executing this time around than the last time it attempted to move out from under Boeing's shadow. 737 fuselage A Spirit-made Boeing 737 fuselage. Image source: Spirit AeroSystems. Buying into Airbus Asco is a $400 million-sales privately held company with operations in North America and Europe. The company supplies wing structures, mechanical assemblies, and other components used on a range of platforms including Airbus and Boeing commercial jets, the F-35 fighter, and other military aircraft. Spirit was formed from a collection of Boeing production lines spun out as an independent company in 2005. In its early years, Spirit was reliant on its former parent, and its work mostly consisted of the sort of low-margin, non-proprietary operations that companies tend to get rid of when doing spinoffs. Spirit's initial solution to its overreliance on Boeing was to bid aggressively for non-Boeing work, but that led to profitability issues. The company began a turnaround in 2013, shedding its unprofitable Gulfstream wing assembly operation and other businesses that were added largely for the sake of diversification, restoring profitability but also resulting in a company that today still generates about 75% of its sales from Boeing programs. Asco would help bring some balance. The target generates about half of its revenue from Airbus, and an additional 30% from other non-Boeing customers. And Spirit execs say they expect the business to grow 10% to 12% annually over the next few years. The company, like Spirit, has already been through the process of weeding out lower-margin programs, creating what Spirit CEO Tom Gentile described as "a very strong performing company." Story continues Managing the 737 The deal announcement was made on the same day that Spirit reported first quarter earnings per share of $1.10, missing analyst estimates by $0.25 per share. The shortfall, which was telegraphed to the market, relates to disruptions in Spirit's supply chain as the company scrambles to meet increasing demand for Boeing 737 jets. Spirit has responded by creating what it calls "SWAT teams" to work with its suppliers, which has increased spending and has eaten into profitability. The company's operating margin for the quarter was 12.4%, down from 15.9% in the same period a year prior, due to the increased spending. On a call with analysts, Gentile said that while some of that added spending will continue into the current quarter, he expects Spirit's delivery schedule to be back on track by mid-year. The company is holding firm on its full-year guidance and is boosting its return to shareholders. Spirit increased its dividend by 20% last week, and is also planning to repurchase $725 million in shares. This time it's different Even if Spirit has figured out how to meet Boeing's aggressive schedule, there could still be turbulence for the company. Boeing's 737 production rate is scheduled to increase again in 2019, around the same time that some of Spirit's business jet customers are also increasing production, placing additional stress on Spirit's facilities. Presumably management has learned something from this year's 737 production crunch, but some cost increases seem unavoidable. The unemployment rate in Wichita, where the 737 fuselage is produced, currently stands at a 10-year low, meaning any ramp-up will be costly. Which brings us back to Asco. The company has some excess capacity at its four facilities, which Gentile says Spirit will be able to fill "very quickly." More broadly, Asco's work with Airbus, on the F-35, and with the likes of Embraer and Bombardier, will hopefully mean that the next time costs spike on one particular product line there is enough other business coming in that one line can't ruin a future quarter. Diversification has always made sense for Spirit, but as its mid-2000s misadventure shows, diversification only works if the right businesses are brought into the fold. Asco appears to be a good fit. This time around, I expect Spirit and its shareholders to benefit from the expansion. More From The Motley Fool Lou Whiteman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Embraer Brazilian Aviation Co. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. WASHINGTON, May 5 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May on Saturday on issues including the Iran nuclear deal, a week before the president is to decide whether Washington will leave the pact, the White House said. Trump is set to decide by May 12 whether to withdraw from the 2015 Iran deal, in which the Islamic Republic agreed to curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump has all but decided to withdraw White House officials said on May 2. Still, Trump could figure out a way to stay in the deal between the Islamic Republic and six world powers including Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States. Britain, France and Germany agreed that the deal is the best way of stopping Tehran from getting nuclear weapons, May's office said in late April. French President Emmanuel Macron, who met with Trump in Washington last month, urged the president to stay in the deal. In the call with May, Trump "underscored his commitment to ensure that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon," the White House said. The two also talked about nuclear issues in North Korea. "As planning continues for his upcoming meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, President Trump emphasized his goal of a denuclearized North Korea," the White House said. Trump is slated visit the United Kingdom in July. (Reporting by Timothy Gardner; Editing by Richard Chang) President Trump appears to have identified Chinas Achilles heel, and hes making the most of it. Accordingly, the President is doing everything he can to deny China the semiconductors it needs to get to Made In China 2025 with the goal of forcing the Chinese administration to lower the countrys trade surplus with the U.S. by $200 billion. Weve already seen ZTE as a casualty of this war, with management recently telling investors that the inability to access chips from companies like Intel INTC and Qualcomm QCOM could be an existential issue. The U.S. has also blocked every deal China has attempted, directly or indirectly, to acquire American semiconductor companies or technology. Market research firm IC Insights president Bill McClean says that China doesnt have the necessary technology to design and manufacture advanced chips today, even if it can muster the resources. So its believed that if the U.S. blocks Chinas access to technology and prevents agreements to transfer technology as a condition of doing business in China, the country wont be able to reach parity/lead in the market. Since this is exactly what China is looking for, we have the makings of a deal. So Mr. Trump took to tweeting again late Friday: Our high level delegation is on the way back from China where they had long meetings with Chinese leaders and business representatives. We will be meeting tomorrow to determine the results, but it is hard for China in that they have become very spoiled with U.S. trade wins! That result, according to state-run China Daily, is "the constructive agreement between Beijing and Washington to keep discussing contentious trade issues, instead of continuing the two-way barrage of tariffs, which pretty much brought the two countries to the brink of a trade war." In the meantime, China is not sitting around. There have been rumblings about a new fund to drive semiconductor innovation in the country and just as the U.S. delegation was meeting with the President, the Wall Street Journal reported that the government-backed China Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund Co. was getting ready to announce a 300 billion yuan ($47.4 billion) fund to drive development of its semiconductor industry. In 2014, it had raised 139 billion yuan ($21.8 billion) that was invested in over 70 projects across the country. Story continues Unlike last time when only the government and its agencies invested in the fund, this time, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has reportedly also invited U.S. chipmakers. It is, however, doubtful that they will invest in a fund set up to drive them out of business, especially given the current political environment. And also because an excessive supply of Chinese chips will drive down prices in the global market and affect profitability across the industry, thereby slowing down its pace of innovation. Its hard to tell where the talks are headed but China is likely to agree to a compromise. Recommendations Because of the China related uncertainty on the segment, the semiconductor industry isnt the best place to invest in right now. While some Zacks Rank #1(Strong Buy) options like Mellanox Technologies MLNX, Texas Instruments TXN, Cypress Semiconductor CY, Micron MU and Seagate Technology STX) are there, its probably a better idea to take a look at the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone! It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market. Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020. Click here for the 6 trades >> 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 Seagate Technology PLC (STX) : Free Stock Analysis Report Cypress Semiconductor Corporation (CY) : Free Stock Analysis Report QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM) : Free Stock Analysis Report Mellanox Technologies, Ltd. (MLNX) : Free Stock Analysis Report Intel Corporation (INTC) : Free Stock Analysis Report Texas Instruments Incorporated (TXN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Micron Technology, Inc. (MU) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research PAHOA, Hawaii Emergency authorities battling lava flows and gas erupting from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano warned some residents to "go now" as a new fissure opened and more structures were destroyed. Kilauea has destroyed 26 homes and forced 1,700 people to leave their residences since it erupted on Thursday, spewing lava and toxic gas from volcanic vents in a small area of Hawaii's Big Island. A new fissure opened Sunday night in the Leilani Estates area some 12 miles from the volcano, prompting a cellphone alert for residents to leave homes to avoid sulfur dioxide gas, which can be life threatening at high levels. So far no fatalities or major injuries have been reported from the volcano, according to the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency. Evacuees from Leilani Estates were allowed to return for pets, medications and to check property on Sunday. Some, including Jeremy Wilson, found homes surrounded by fissures hundreds of feet long. "My house is right in the middle," said Wilson, a 36-year-old social worker who turned back when he saw steam coming from cracks in the road. As of 3:30 a.m. local time, 161 people were housed at two evacuation centers on the island, the Hawaii Civil Defense Agency said. The semi-rural wooded area of Leilani Estates had become a magnet for newcomers to Hawaii's Big Island who were prepared to risk living near an active volcano for more affordable real-estate. Eruptions of lava and gas were expected to continue, along with aftershocks from Friday's 6.9 magnitude earthquake, the largest in the area since 1975, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. The observatory's website showed 142 earthquakes in the past 24 hours as of 3:45 a.m. on Monday. Geologists said the activity looked like an event in 1955 when eruptions continued for 88 days in the area and covered around 4,000 acres with lava. Jessica Gauthier, 47, said she and other local real estate agents had seen vacation renters cancel their reservations, though the volcanic activity is far from tourist centers. Story continues "There's no way to know that if you're sitting in your living room in Ohio and watching the national news," she said. Gauthier predicted business would pick up as a new kind of visitor began to appear. "Within a month we'll start getting lava tourists," she said. Hawaii authorities asked lava watchers to keep away, saying, "This is not the time for sightseeing." Reporting by Terray Sylvester Related Video: May 7 (Reuters) - Environmental regulators in West Virginia said Energy Transfer Partners LP could restart work on its $4.2 billion Rover natural gas pipeline after ordering the company to stop some work in the state due to permit violations: * The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) said last week it lifted the March 7 cease and desist order on the Rover Sherwood Lateral on May 2. * Rover is the biggest gas pipe under construction in the United States. It is designed to carry up to 3.25 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) of gas from the Marcellus and Utica shale fields in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia to the U.S. Midwest and Canada's Ontario province. * One billion cubic feet of gas is enough to fuel about 5 million U.S. homes for a day. * The latest cease and desist order was not the first time West Virginia stopped ETP from work on Rover. The DEP also ordered the company to halt some work from July 17 to Aug. 9 due to violations of storm water rules. * In addition, the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) stopped ETP from horizontal drilling in Ohio from May 10 to Sept. 18 after an estimated 2 million gallons of drilling fluid spilled into a wetland near the Tuscarawas River. * Energy companies use horizontal drilling to cross under obstacles such as rivers and highways. * Before those stop work orders, ETP expected to finish Rover in November. ETP said it still expects to complete the project by the end of the second quarter of 2018. Rover has been partially in service since August and is now able to transport up to 1.7 bcfd. * Major producers signed up to use Rover include units of privately held Ascent Resources, Antero Resources Corp, Range Resources Corp, Southwestern Energy Co, Eclipse Resources Corp and EQT Corp. (Reporting by Scott DiSavino Editing by Marguerita Choy) What happened Shares of ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) continued rallying last month, rising another 10%, which put them up more than 40% over the past year. Fueling April's surge -- which added more than $7.5 billion to the company's market cap -- was a combination of higher oil prices, another oil discovery in Alaska, and strong first-quarter results. So what Crude prices continued their unabated rebound last month and hit a three-year high due to continued strong demand amid OPEC's efforts to keep a lid on supplies. Overall, the global benchmark, Brent, rose 7.7% to nearly $75 a barrel, while WTI, the U.S. oil benchmark, rose 5.6% to about $68.50 a barrel. Those higher oil prices are excellent news for ConocoPhillips since it positioned its business to cash in on $50 oil. A beam of light shining through an oil pump at sunset. Image source: Getty Images. That was evident in the company's first-quarter results, which crushed analysts' expectations. The company did so by producing more oil than expected thanks to strong results from its big three unconventional assets -- Bakken shale, Eagle Ford shale, and Delaware Basin -- where output jumped 20% year over year. Add those strong drilling results to the company's ability to keep a lid on costs amid higher oil prices and adjusted earnings topped $1.1 billion, which was up significantly from the year-ago quarter when it turned in an adjusted loss of $0.2 billion. Another highlight last month was the results of the company's Alaskan exploration program. ConocoPhillips completed six appraisal and exploration wells in the state, each of which encountered oil. Three of those wells further confirmed the potential of its Willow discovery of at least a 300 million barrel of oil resource, while the others resulted in new finds for the oil giant. Now what ConocoPhillips' stock has been red-hot over the past year due to the success of its plan to create value through a combination of high-return growth and increasing cash returns to investors. While the stock is no longer as cheap as it once was, ConocoPhillips could still have ample upside from here given the cash its business can produce at current oil prices, a growing portion of which it will likely return to investors via share repurchases and the dividend. Story continues More From The Motley Fool Matthew DiLallo owns shares of ConocoPhillips. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Updated: May 15, 2019 Mobile and internet banking is fast and convenient. You can pay your bills, invest online, and of course transfer funds electronically to other people. However, theres a limitation that you can only send and receive money from accounts of the same bank. If you have a BDO account, then you cannot electronically send money to your friends Security Bank account and have them receive it in real time. (This specific case is possible, but it takes 1 business day and comes with fees) Or if youre an online seller with a Metrobank account, your customers cannot send money and pay you instantly if they buy from your store, by simply transferring money online from their China Bank account. But all this is a thing of the past, because it is already possible. You can now transfer money to other banks, thanks to InstaPay. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has launched InstaPay, the latest automated clearing house (ACH) under the National Retail Payment System (NRPS) Framework. What is InstaPay? InstaPay is an electronic fund transfer (EFT) service that allows customers to transfer PHP funds almost instantly between accounts of participating BSP-supervised banks and non-bank e-money issuers in the Philippines. Individuals, businesses, and government institutions will be able to send and receive funds or make payments in real time of up to PHP50,000 per transaction, without limit. The service is available 247, all year round. Who can use InstaPay? Customers of InstaPay participating institutions with savings, current, or e-money accounts (with or without ATM/debit cards) can use InstaPay for sending and/or receiving fund transfers. Users of Instapay may be individuals, businesses, or government agencies. Why would one use InstaPay? Customers may choose to use InstaPay when they want to transfer funds electronically and make the funds available to their recipient immediately. How does one use InstaPay? To send funds via InstaPay, customers need to access their banks or e-money issuers mobile app or internet banking facility. Then they can choose to send to another institution via InstaPay, and provide the required information. Some participating institutions provide a transaction receipt to notify the sender that the transfer is successful. At the minimum, the sender needs to identify the bank or non-bank e-money issuer where the receiving account is maintained, the account number of the receiver, and the amount to be transferred. To receive funds via InstaPay, customers dont need to do anything but they can verify if their account has been credited with the funds transferred by accessing their banks or non-bank e-money issuers mobile app or internet banking facility. Some participating institutions provide SMS or email notification upon receipt of funds. Are there charges for using InstaPay? The transferred funds are instantly received in full as no fee is charged for the electronic crediting of funds to the receiving partys account in InstaPay participating institutions. Charges may however apply to sending parties. Recipients may also be charged for cash withdrawals. Can InstaPay be used to transfer funds to an account overseas? No, InstaPay is only available for PHP fund transfers between accounts maintained in the Philippines with InstaPay participating institutions. Can InstaPay be used to transfer funds from an InstaPay participating institution to a non-participating institution? No, InstaPay can only be used to transfer between accounts maintained with InstaPay participating institutions. Which are the InstaPay participating institutions? As of March 31, 2019, the InstaPay participating institutions are: SENDING & RECEIVING Asia United Bank Bank of Commerce BDO Unibank China Banking Corporation China Bank Savings Dungganon Bank (A Microfinance Rural Bank), Inc. East West Banking Corporation Equicom Savings Bank G-Xchange, Inc. Land Bank of the Philippines Malayan Bank Savings and Mortgage Bank, Inc. Maybank Philippines, Inc. Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company Philippine Bank of Communications Philippine National Bank Philippine Savings Bank PNB Savings Bank RCBC Savings Bank, Inc. Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation Robinsons Bank Corporation Security Bank Sun Savings Bank, Inc. Unionbank of the Philippines United Coconut Planters Bank RECEIVING ONLY Bank of the Philippine Islands CTBC Bank (Philippines) Corporation Development Bank of the Philippines Isla Bank (A Thrift Bank), Inc. OmniPay, Inc. Partner Rural Bank (Cotabato), Inc. PayMaya Philippines, Inc. Philippine Business Bank, Inc., A Savings Bank Philippine Trust Company Philippine Veterans Bank Sterling Bank of Asia, Inc. (A Savings Bank) UCPB Savings Bank, Inc. Yuanta Savings Bank Philippines, Inc. More banks are already lined up to activate their InstaPay participation in the coming months. Please check the BSP website to get regular updates on the participating institutions. You can also download the InstaPay Fact Sheet here. Watch the InstaPay video primer below: What to do next: Click here to subscribe to our FREE newsletter. TORONTO, May 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Changfeng Energy Inc., (TSXV:CFY) (Changfeng or the Company), an energy provider in China, is pleased to announce that Hebei Riheng Clean Energy Ltd. (Riheng Energy), a controlled subsidiary of Changfeng, signed a three year natural gas purchasing agreement with a carbon product manufacturer in Baoding City, Hebei Province, PRC to provide natural gas and associated infrastructure to the manufacturers factory. Riheng Energy is expected to begin supplying gas to the factory by the beginning of June 2018. Amendment to Previous Press Release Pursuant to the press release Changfeng Announces Partnership with Guangdong Natural Gas Grid Co., Ltd. and Visit of Canadian Ambassador at the Sanya Office, released on April 30, 2018, Changfeng would like to issue an amendment for the description of the Companys new strategic partner, Guangdong Natural Gas Grid Co., Ltd. (Guangdong Grid). Specifically, Guangdong Grid has a registered capital of RMB3.98 billion and not the RMB100 million stated in the previous press release. More information about Guangdong Grid has been provided for the Guangdong Grid description. Guangdong Natural Gas Grid Co., Ltd. Guangdong Grid was established in March 21, 2008, in Guangdong Province, the PRC. Guangdong Grid is a joint venture of the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), the Sinopec Group, PetroChina Company Limited and the Guangdong Yudean Group Co., Ltd., with a registered capital of RMB3.98 billion. Guangdong Grid was formed with the purpose of establishing a province-wide network of natural gas trunk pipelines by 2020. The Guangdong pipeline network is more than 3,200 km in length, with a total planned investment of RMB470 billion. The reach of the Guangdong pipeline network includes the Pearl River Delta, eastern Guangdong, northern Guangdong, and the four regional Western Guangdong pipe networks to cover 21 cities in the Guangdong Province over the city-level natural gas distribution network, reaching annual gas transmission capacity of 60 billion cubic meters. Since it commenced operations in 2008, Guangdong Grid has completed over seven hundred (700) km of pipeline construction. The pipeline has been extended to Zhaoqing City, Zhongshan City, Foshan City and Zhuhai City, which are the cities that Changfeng is entitled to build the connecting pipeline to the industrial end users. Guangdong Grid is the exclusive vehicle to move the gas inside Guangdong Province and delivered up to 19.65 billion cubic meters of natural gas in 2017. The gas is from Petro Chinas Second West to East Pipeline and CNOOCs 3-1 gas well in Laiwan Bay, Guangzhou City, and the re-gasified LNG from CNOOCs receiving terminal in Zhuhai City. Husky Energy holds 49% of the equity of the Laiwan Bay gas well, with the remaining 51% held by CNOOC. Guangdong Grid Website: http://www.gdngg.com.cn About Changfeng Energy Inc. Changfeng Energy Inc. is a Canadian public company currently traded on the Toronto Venture Exchange (TSX-V) under the stock symbol CFY. It is an integrated energy provider and natural gas distribution company (or natural gas utility) in the Peoples Republic of China. Changfeng strives to combine leading clean energy technology with natural gas usage to provide sustainable energy to its customer base in the PRC. In 2009, Changfeng was recognized as being one of Chinas the Top Ten Most Influential Brands in the Natural Gas Industry. CONTACT INFORMATION Corporate Investment Relations Investor.relations@changfengenergy.cn Ann Siyin Lin VP, Corporate Development ann.lin@changfengenergy.cn Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, Forward-Looking Statements). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included or incorporated by reference in this document are Forward-Looking Statements, including statements regarding activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates may occur in the future. These Forward-Looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as will, expect, intend, plan, estimate, anticipate, believe or continue or similar words or the negative thereof. No assurance can be given that the plans, intentions or expectations or assumptions upon which these Forward-Looking Statements are based will prove to be correct and such Forward-Looking Statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. Although management believes that the expectations represented in such Forward-Looking Statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Such Forward-Looking Statements are not a guarantee of performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements or developments expressed or implied by such Forward-Looking Statements. These factors include, without limitation, no significant and continuing adverse changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets. Readers are cautioned that all Forward-Looking Statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those risks and uncertainties detailed in the Corporations filings with applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities, copies of which are available at www.sedar.com. The Company urges readers to carefully consider those factors. The Forward-Looking Statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this document and the Company 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 expressly required by applicable securities legislation. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such. 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. Please bear with the long summary and highlighting of certain points... Summary & Main point - "A great majority of people freely choose to follow the law. However, some individualsthose determined to be lacking in the appropriate mental capacitiesare unable to choose to follow the law." This presents a dilemma for legal theorists who are trying to ascertain whether it would be just to punish someone for a crime he or she did not willingly commit. Then a historical case of insanity in legal proceedings is presented and the MNaghten test is detailed. This is the central idea of the passage - the test revolves around First, did the defendant know what he was doing when he committed the crime? And second, did the defendant understand that his actions were wrong? and the jurors were instructed ( Implicite and not mentioned that they were instructed by the judges that the defendant is presumed sane unless insanity is established ( using the test ). Finally a latest development to the MNaghten test is presented adding the clause of " irresistible impulse" Having an idea of the central theme is essential to answer this question 1. The passage is primarily concerned with evaluating Accuracy is out of scope. Discard BINGO - in other words this option is talking about the MNaghten test which is the main point of the passage. One way to ascertain this is that it takes up nearly 80% of the passage TRAP - this could be the indirect answer but this is not what the passage is *evaluating* Again - not what passage evaluate - just describes Too broad and again discarded on the lines of the above Detail question that can be answered by reading the second para. Also this is an inference type and hence we must be 100% able to support the option from the info provided in the passage 2. According to the original version of the MNaghten test, a jury Discard. This is not a part of the original test Mitigating factors? A general statement and BS Option. Nothing about appearance is mentioned. Discard Bingo - this is verbatim mentioned at the end of the para when the first question fails the second question is asked. Opposite. Discard Regards, Gladi Do. Or do not. There is no try. - Yoda (The Empire Strikes Back) Signature Read More 5 mins 38 secs... all correct. The topic under discussion is a rather unique one for anyone who is not from a law background. Good passage with good close options.Let me know if anyone is struggling with a particular question and I will add my thoughts in a new post or as an edit to this one.Edit 1: Adding explanations on request.Once you get the above central idea - the questions can be tackled easily.A. the accuracy of the jurys verdict in the MNaghten trialB. the criteria used to determine whether a defendant is insaneC. the relation between mental illness and crimeD. the legal theories and assumptions behind the presumption of sanity in a defendantE. whether it is just to imprison the legally insane who commit crimesA. should not construe the defendants ability to follow a rational plan as evidence of sanityB. should not consider mitigating factors when sentencing the defendantC. should evaluate how rational the defendants planning of the crime appearedD. should acquit a defendant who satisfies one, but not necessarily both, of the criteria for legal insanityE. should only acquit a defendant who is both unaware of his actions and does not understand they are wrongRegards,Gladi_________________ Did Governor Jerry Brown of California outlaw homelessness? No, that's not exactly true. A website known for taking real bits of news from other sites and then adding a headline and a few paragraphs of unsupported facts to spice things up has been at it again. Their goal appears to be profit driven, it looks like they want to get people excited and angry enough to share and like the story so they make money from advertising. The story originated from an article published on May 2, 2018 on YourNewsWire titled "California Gov. Jerry Brown Outlaws Homelessness" (archived here) which opened: California Governor Jerry Brown has outlawed homelessness in Los Angeles, banning tens of thousands of vagrants from using cars and RVs as temporary shelter. Under cruel new laws, it is now illegal to sleep in a car or RV between 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Themindunleashed.com reports: Fines will range anywhere from $25 to $75 which is impossible to pay for most people in these situations. The real part of this story is that the City of Los Angeles has some new regulations governing where people who want to sleep in their car or RV are allowed to park for the night: New LA city rules limit where homeless in cars can park New restrictions on when and where homeless people who live in their vehicles can park take effect today in the city of Los Angeles. People who use their RVs and cars as homes will no longer be able to park within 500 yards of schools, day care centers and parks. Calling this a ban on homelessness (or that it outlaws it completely) is quite a stretch although activists may describe it as such for rhetorical effect. But the city of Los Angeles is only a small part of the state of California and it is not up to the governor of the state to set parking policy for individual cities. So the connection with Jerry Brown is completely made up. This isn't the first time YourNewsWire falsely claims Jerry Brown did something that was unconnected to him: Fake News: California Gov. Jerry Brown NOT To Ban Sales Of The Bible | Lead Stories STORY UPDATED: check for updates below. Is California governor Jerry Brown preparing to ban sales of the bible? No, that's not true. The claim was made by a website that habitually takes some real news and then adds a few paragraphs and an inflammatory headline to make it sound much, much worse than what is really going on in order to get people to click and share the article on social media. YourNewsWire has published several hoaxes and fake news articles in the past so anything they write or publish should be taken with a large grain of salt. Their Facebook page "The People's Voice" recently lost its verification checkmark according to a report from MMFA. The Terms of Use of the site also make it clear they don't really stand behind the accuracy of any of their reporting: THE PEOPLE'S VOICE, INC. AND/OR ITS SUPPLIERS MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS ABOUT THE SUITABILITY, RELIABILITY, AVAILABILITY, TIMELINESS, AND ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION, SOFTWARE, PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND RELATED GRAPHICS CONTAINED ON THE SITE FOR ANY PURPOSE. The site was profiled in the Hollywood reporter where it was described as: Your News Wire, a 3-year-old website of murky facts and slippery spin, is published by Sean Adl-Tabatabai and Sinclair Treadway -- a Bernie Sanders supporter in 2016 -- out of an apartment in L.A.'s historic El Royale. RationalWiki described it as: YourNewsWire (styled as YourNewsWire.com[1]) is an Los Angeles-based clickbait fake news website known for disseminating conspiracy theories and misleading information, contrary to its claimed motto ("News. Truth. Unfiltered").[1] A while ago we also reported that YourNewsWire had rebranded itself as NewsPunch by changing its domain name in an apparent effort to evade filtering/blocking. It appears the site has changed back to it's old name in the mean time but you can still see the NewsPunch name in the contact email address in the footer. We wrote about yournewswire.com before, here are our most recent articles that mention the site: 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 [Provisional Translation] On May 2, 2018 (local time), Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited the Jericho Agro-Industrial Park (JAIP) in Palestine (Jericho).After that, the Prime Minister visited the State of Israel, and held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel.In the afternoon, Prime Minister Abe visited Palestine (Bethlehem), where he took a tour of the Church of the Nativity.After visiting JAIP, the Prime Minister said the following,I am truly pleased to have realized my wish of visiting the Jericho Agro-Industrial Park (JAIP). This park can be described as Japans unique contribution to the Middle East Peace Process and a flagship project of Japan.This area was a complete barren land about 10 years ago when the first Abe administration approved this project. Now, it has been transformed to a place where 12 Palestinian companies operate, generating employment for 200 people. Through Phase 2 of the project, this number is expected to increase to 300 or 400. I was told that a Japanese company will be opening a cafe here soon, and I hope that it will become a place where the locals can relax and interact.The JAIP produces processed agricultural products and other items in this Palestinian land, creates employment, and generates profits. It also fosters mutual trust among the respective stakeholders who are vital to the Middle East Peace Process.It could be said that the JAIPs success is the result of the cooperation of Jordan, Palestine, Israel, and Japan. Going forward, the JAIP will contribute to Palestines self-reliance in economic development, and to building mutual trust among the respective stakeholders.The stability of the Middle East is essential to Japan. Most of Japans energy comes from the Middle East. Along with ensuring stable supplies of petroleum gas, the objective of this project is for Japan to make a unique contribution to peace and stability in the region.Yesterday, I held a meeting with President Abbas of Palestine, and after this, I am scheduled to hold a meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel. Through these talks, Japan will make some valuable contributions to the Middle East Peace Process. Furthermore, with regard to the JAIP, a ministerial level meeting was also held among the four countries just a while ago. Japan will harness the JAIP to contribute to the achievement of peace in the Middle East. Thus far, it has been often said that energy was the only connection between the Middle East and Japan. Nowadays, we have a multilayered relationship that involves cooperation in very diverse areas, such as politics, diplomacy, education, and agriculture, as well as in the international arena. In this context, Japan will deepen its relationship with the Middle East further and contribute actively to the region. New Delhi, May 7 (IBNS): M.J. Akbar, Minister of State for External Affairs visited Tajikistan on May 1-5 May, 2018 to participate in the High-Level International Conference on Countering Terrorism and Preventing Violent Extremism hosted by Tajikistan in cooperation with the UN, OSCE and EU. In his speech, he thanked the Tajik Government for preventing radicalized elements from spreading into the Central Asian region and beyond by their historic struggle during the Tajik civil war. During his stay in Tajikistan Akbar called on Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan to discuss bilateral and regional issues of mutual concern. Separately, he met with Foreign Minister of Tajikistan SirodjiddinAslov, Defence Minister of Tajikistan Col. Gen. SheraliMirzo and Secretary of the Security Council of Tajikistan Col. Gen. AbdurahimKohorov and discussed issues of bilateral and regional interest. In all meetings both sides expressed resolve to enhance defence and security cooperation, mutual trade and investment and regional connectivity. Akbar also met representatives of Indian community in the evening of May 4. On the sidelines of the Conference Akbar separately metAbdulazizKamilov, Foreign Minister of Republic of Uzbekistan, ErlanAbdyldaev, Foreign Minister of Kyrgyz Republic, Peter Szijjarto, Foreign and Trade Minister of Hungary, VepaHajiev, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Turkmenistan and Vladimir Voronkov, Under Secretary General of UN Counter-Terrorism Office and discussed issues of respective bilateral and regional concerns. Kabul, May 7 (IBNS): Intelligence officials of Afghanistan have detained a three-member kidnap gang from capital Kabul city, media reports said on Monday. In a statement, the National Directorate of Security (NDS) said its special forces detained the three suspects named Farhad, Sayed Hassan and Khalil, reported Pajhwok Afghan News. The detained person have been accused of being involved in kidnapping, extortion and threatening people. Two Kalashnikovs, one Makarov, one pistol, 12 hand grenades and four RPG7 rocket launchers were also seized from the suspects, the Afghanistan-based news agency reported quoting the NDS statement. Image: Wikimedia Commons New Delhi, May 7 (IBNS): Harsh Goenka, chairman of RPG Enterprises, has sought the help of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to rescue the employees who have been abducted by Taliban gunmen in Afghanistan, according to media reports on Monday. He also tweeted, "Request @SushmaSwaraj and Ministry of External Affairs to help rescue 7 of our managers from the kidnapping in Afghanistan. #KEC" Indian officials on Sunday said they were aware of the abduction of Indian nationals in Afghanistan. "We are aware of the abduction of Indian nationals from Baghlan province in Afghanistan.We are in contact with the Afghan authorities and further details are being ascertained," read a statement issued by the MEA. At least six Indian nationals were abducted by unknown armed men in Baghlan province of Afghanistan on Sunday, media reports said. Those abducted were working with KEC, an RPG group company, reports said. Apart from the Indian nationals, one Afghan employee of the company was also abducted by the armed men from Bagh-e-Shamal village. The kidnapping happened while they were traveling to an area where the company owns an electricity sub-station contract, reported Tolo News. Baghlan provincial council have linked the incident to the Taliban, who have not yet commented, reported the Afghanistan based news channel. Meanwhile, media reports on Monday, said that Intelligence officials of Afghanistan have detained a three-member kidnap gang from capital Kabul city. The Pajhwok Afghan News quoted an official statement from the National Directorate of Security (NDS) that said NDS special forces detained the three suspects named Farhad, Sayed Hassan and Khalil and also recovered a cache of weapons from them. Kabul, May 7 (IBNS): Afghanistan security forces have thrawted a possible suicide attack in national capital Kabul, media reports said on Monday. According to reports, a suicide bomber was killed by security forces before he could reach his target in Shahr-i-Naw neighbourhood of Kabul city. Hashmatullah Stanikzai, Kabul police spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News that the bomber wanted to detonate his explosive jacket near a blood donation tent in Park-i-Shahar at 11:30am. However, he was noted and killed by security forces. No one was else was harmed by the attacker. Terrorism-hit Afghanistan in 2018: Afghanistan has witnessed several terrorism-related attacks this year. Armed conflict in Afghanistan killed 763 civilians and injured 1,495 in the first three months of this year, the United Nations mission in the country said recently. All parties to the conflict in Afghanistan must do everything in their power to protect civilians from harm, said Ingrid Hayden, the Secretary-Generals Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan. Afghan civilians continue to suffer, caught in the conflict, in ways that are preventable; this must stop now. The 2,258 civilian casualties, documented from 1 January to 31 March by the UN Assistance Mission in the country, known as UNAMA, are at the similar levels recorded in the first three months of 2017 and 2016. Anti-Government elements caused 1,500 civilian casualties, up six per cent from the same period last year. Suicide improvised explosive devices (IED) and complex attacks were the leading cause of civilian casualties a new trend. The Mission found that combats on the ground were the second leading cause, followed by targeted and deliberate killings, explosive remnants of war, and aerial operations. Image: UN website This is not the first time that we have heard about regime change in Iran. The Iranian opposition, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), for years has argued that nothing will ever improve in Iran until the regime is removed and replaced with a democratic leadership that will respect the human rights of the people. The NCRI has an international following and every year in France, hundreds of former and current parliamentarians, leaders, human rights activists, dignitaries, and so on, gather to support the opposition in its quest to make Iran free. At the weekend, former Mayor of New York City and Trumps latest legal advisor Rudy Giuliani said that the US President is committed to regime change in Iran. Giuliani said that regime change in Iran is the only way to guarantee peace and security in the Middle East and emphasised that the Iran threat is much more serious than the Israeli-Palestinian deal. His comments came just after speaking at the Iran Freedom Convention for Democracy and Human Rights in Washington. The Organization of Iranian-American Communities hosted the event and emphasised its role in promoting democracy in Iran. Like the NCRI, it backed and supported the protests that started at the end of last year. The future of the Iran nuclear deal is in turmoil at the minute. We will know this weekend whether Trump is going to continue to waive sanctions or not, but all indications point towards him not. Trump is very wary of the Iranian regime and during the recent protests he sent messages of support to the people of Iran on social media. In a message on Twitter he said: Big protests in Iran. The people are finally getting wise as to how their money and wealth is being stolen and squandered on terrorism. Looks like they will not take it any longer. The USA is watching very closely for human rights violations! He also said that it was time for change in Iran, alluding to regime change, and he said he would provide the people with the support when the time is right. The regime change has been struggling in recent years and this has accelerated in the past few months. It knows that it is going to fall from power very soon and the tension between the different factions is made public via state media. The people, with the support of the international community, can peacefully bring peace, security and freedom to their country via regime change. In 1979, during the Iranian Revolution, the Iranian people must have felt the same things as the Shahs dictatorship was over. Unfortunately, the Revolution, which had been led by the people, was co-opted by Ruhollah Khomeini, who implemented a brutal theocracy. Despite the clear repression, the people still clung to their dreams of freedom, with the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), the leading pro-democratic resistance organization, leading the resistance and organising protests against the mullahs corruption. The latest of these began in December, regarding high unemployment, low wages, and other failures in the economy, but quickly spread across Iran and took on a strong anti-regime message, taking the Regime and the world by surprise. Even Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been forced to publicly acknowledge the MEKs role in planning the demonstrations. The demonstrations, which continue to this day, are increasingly led by female activists, many of whom were active during the 1980s student protests, and the Iranian youth, who were born after the mullahs took power. One Iranian student activist wrote: There is reason to hope that this year might be the real Nowruz, a new day for Iran. The sheer size and strength of this uprising, which the mullahs tried to crush by slaughtering protesters in the streets and arresting demonstrators en-masse, show what a population is capable of when it reaches the end of its tether. The Regime has tried to silence the families of those arrested or killed and has even tortured at least 14 activists to death. These are the actions of a Regime that is on the run and knows its days are limited. Also, as many observers have pointed out, this violent crackdown will only encourage more protests. Indeed, this is already true. Thousands of people protested in the cities of Isfahan and Ahvaz in April, while in Kazerun, protesters stormed the Friday prayer congregation, chanting the enemy is here, they are lying when they say its America. Ali Soltani, executive director of the Iranian-American Community of Wisconsin, which is part of the Organization of the Iranian American Communities (OIAC), wrote: I can only watch these events unfold from afar. But knowing the Iranian Resistance movement, I believe Tehran will be surprised by the obstacles it will encounter in its efforts to stifle dissent I regret that I cannot participate directly in such an uprising, but I have faith in my fellow Iranian activists. To show my support, I am in Washington, D.C., this weekend with a large delegation of other Iranians from Wisconsin. We are attending the 2018 Iran Freedom Convention. Soltani believes that Western policymakers need to hold Iranian officials accountable for their crimes against the protesters and support the Iranian Resistance in its quest for regime change. Dubais largest bank, Emirates NBD, explained that the energy markets indicate that the US will pull out of the accord, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and reimpose sanctions on Iran, thus making it harder for the rest of the world to access Iranian oil (800,000 barrels per day). This is hardly surprising. Trump has threatened several times that he would pull out of the agreement, which he called the worst deal ever, before he gave this final May 12 deadline to fix the flaws of the deal back in January. The deal, which lifted international sanctions against Iran in exchange for curbs to its nuclear programme, has always been controversial. Many refused to trust the mullahs because of their history of lying to the West about their nuclear programme, while many cited the dangers of working with a regime with such horrific human rights abuses. In the interim period, the Regime has failed to stop work on their nuclear programme, spent the money gained on their military, rather than then people, and increased their crackdowns on the Iranian peoples human rights. As fixes, to address Irans malign military adventures in the Middle East, their ballistic missile programme, and a lack of international inspections, have not materialised, Trump has every right to pull out of the deal. More importantly, pulling out of the nuclear deal is the right thing for Trump to do in order to support the Iranian people. As noted, the Iranian Regime is ploughing the money from the deal into its military, whilst its people are living in poverty. Some of this military funding is being used to suppress the legitimate protests by the Iranian people. If Trump was to cut off that funding, by reimposing sanctions, he would allow the Iranian people to stand up stronger against their oppressors and gain regime change. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and other members of the Iranian Regime have threatened Trump about pulling out of the deal, but this just belies how scared they are of losing it. Trump should ignore these empty threats and let his conscience be his guide. For some people, makeup is not just about the latest lipstick product or eyeliner. It is about having power. Just ask the people who attended Beautycon, a recent 2-day event in New York City. The attendees were able to see and test products from over 100 makeup and beauty care brands. They also could listen to talks by social media stars whose expertise is all things beauty. At Beautycon, the stars were not famous supermodels or designers, but everyday people who have used social media to change the makeup industry. Millions of people use social media to follow the latest news about beauty care. These Instagram and YouTube users are creating new markets in the business and forcing industry insiders to rethink their ideas. Irene Kim, a Korean-American, is active on social media. Kim says she found a way to express herself through social media and share her individuality. "Beauty is limitless. It's whatever you want to do and how you want to express yourself," she added. Kim was one of the speakers at the event. Mecca Iman, who loves using makeup, agrees. "It's deeper than just how it looks. Its how you feel," she said. Democratization of Beauty Moj Mahdara, the head of Beautycon Media, told VOA that beauty magazines no longer decide who is beautiful, or healthy-looking. "Now you have a generation of young people who are creators, she said. (The) consumer is really their friend. Iman cried when she met social media star Raye Boyce. Boyce produces how-to videos on makeup and beauty care. She is better known by her online name, "ItsMyRayeRaye." "I learn so much from her," said Iman. Major manufacturers have noted the power of social media. Boyce recently partnered with CoverGirl to advertise the company's makeup products on her social media. She was also given the chance to visit the research and development laboratories of Coty, the parent company of CoverGirl, and other beauty brands like Clairol, Rimmel and Max Factor. "I feel like they're listening to us, they're trying to understand the space," said Boyce. Nabela Noor, a beauty influencer with 749,000 followers on Instagram, has partnered with companies like Sally Hansen, Benefit and e.l.f. Cosmetics. "The reason why I wanted to do what I'm doing is because I wasn't seeing anyone else like me," said Noor, a Bangladeshi-American. "I wasn't seeing myself represented on television, in the media," she said. "I thought, if I'm not seeing it happen, I'm going to make it happen for myself." Tokyo Stylez also was in New York for the event. Born in Nebraska, he started working in hair care by posting his wig creations on Instagram. He now works with performers like Nicki Minaj, Beyonce and Rihanna. "People really support what I do - they trust my vision, they trust my judgement on things. So if I say, 'Go do this' they really go do it," he added. Tokyo Stylez commands about $900 per person for all-day classes where he talks about hair care treatments. "I just do me, and it works for me," he said. Beauty From the Inside Out Self-acceptance is one of the main ideas used by marketers for Generation Z, the young people born from the middle of the 1990s to early 2000s. One area of Beautycon, called "B-Well," dealt mainly with health and well-being, with companies selling, vitamins and healthy treats. "Beauty is both inside and out, and how you treat your insides and your mental health and your physical health and your spirituality is all a part of how you foster beauty," said Mahdara. She believes the industries dealing with health, well-being and beauty are coming together. (It) will be a very big movement moving forward," she said. I'm Susan Shand. Tina Trinh reported this story or VOANews.com. Susan Shand adapted her story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story makeup n. colors applied to the face for beauty brand n. a category of products that are all made by a particular company online adj. of or involving computers consumer n. one who buys things wig n. fake hair that one wears on ones head vision n. the ability to see; the power of imagination foster v. to make, or to encourage 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 Kinder Morgan Canada Limited owns and operates pipeline systems and terminal facilities in Canada. It operates through two segments, Pipelines and Terminals. The Pipelines segment operates Canadian portion of the Cochin pipeline system, a 12-inch diameter multi-product pipeline that comprises of 1000-kilometers of pipeline, and 38 block valves and 10 pump stations for transporting light hydrocarbon liquids between Kankakee, Illinois and Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta; and Jet Fuel pipeline serving Vancouver International Airport. The Terminals segment operates terminal facilities that provide liquid product merchant storage and rail terminals in Edmonton, Alberta, as well as dry cargo import/export facility in Vancouver, British Colombia. The company was incorporated in 2017 and is based in Calgary, Canada. Kinder Morgan Canada Limited is a subsidiary of Kinder Morgan, Inc. Read More Trevali Mining Corporation, a base-metals mining company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. It primarily explores for zinc, lead, silver, gold, and copper deposits. The company's operational assets include the 90%-owned Perkoa Mine in Burkina Faso; 90%-owned Rosh Pinah Mine in Namibia; Caribou Mine in the Bathurst mining camp, northern New Brunswick, Canada; and Santander Mine in Peru. It also holds an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Heath Steele deposit located in New Brunswick, Canada, as well as holds interests in the Halfmile, Stratmat, and Restigouche properties situated in New Brunswick, Canada; Ruttan Mine located in northern Manitoba, Canada; and Gergarub Project situated in Namibia. The company was formerly known as Trevali Resources Corp. and changed its name to Trevali Mining Corporation in April 2011. Trevali Mining Corporation was incorporated in 1964 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Read More China on Friday denied allegations that its forces targeted U.S. military aircraft with high-powered lasers near Chinas military base in Djibouti, resulting in minor injuries to two pilots. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China had informed the U.S. that after strict verification, we have told the U.S. side that what they alleged is absolutely untrue. The Defense Ministry issued a similar denial, saying it had refuted the accusations from the American side through formal channels. China always strictly abides by international law and the law of the country of residency and is committed to maintaining regional security and stability, said the statement posted to the ministrys microblog. The U.S. issued a formal complaint to the Chinese government over the use of lasers that targeted aircraft on several occasions in the last few weeks. The Pentagon said the incidents represent a serious threat to U.S. airmen, and that the U.S. asked China to investigate. The U.S. also put out a notice to airmen, saying they should exercise caution when flying near certain areas in Djibouti. The pilots suffered minor eye injuries. There were no aircraft crashes or other more serious problems. Lasers present a serious problem because when aimed at aircraft they can injure pilots or temporarily blind them which can present safety risks particularly as they are taking off and landing. China opened its first ever foreign military base in Djibouti last year, joining the U.S. and a number of other countrys with military installations in the Horn of Africa nation. While China stated originally that the base was intended as a logistics hub for U.N. peacekeeping missions and anti-piracy patrols, it is seen as part of a Chinese military expansion into the Indian Ocean that has alarmed regional rival India. AP Tens of thousands of Lebanese cast their ballots Sunday in the first parliamentary elections in nine years, a vote that is being fiercely contested between rival groups backed by regional powers Iran and Saudi Arabia. The voting is unlikely to change the existing balance of power among the major political factions in Lebanon, but many hope new contenders from civil society groups can challenge the decades-old sectarian political system. Thousands of army and police forces deployed near polling stations and on major intersections across the country to ensure security. Electoral campaigns have been tense as each group has mobilized its supporters, with fist fights and shootings occurring in several areas in recent weeks. Poland: Rescuers find another missing miner Polish rescue workers yesterday found the bodies of two miners after an earthquake hit a coal mine in southern Poland. Three other miners remain missing some 900 meters below ground since the quake hit Saturday morning in the mine, located in the town of Jastrzebie-Zdroj, close to Polands border with the Czech Republic. The head of the Jastrzebie Coal Company, Daniel Ozon, said a doctor confirmed the two fatalities and identification of the victims was underway. Spain: 476 migrants rescued at sea Spains maritime rescue service said yesterday that it saved 476 migrants who were attempting the perilous crossing of the Mediterranean Sea from African shores. The migrants were pulled from 15 small boats on Friday and Saturday, officials said. There were no reported casualties. Separately, a Spanish nonprofit dedicated to helping migrants at sea rescued 105 more migrants in waters near Libya during a mission yesterday. The aid group Proactive Open Arms found the migrants drifting at sea in a motor-less boat. A mainland man has been arrested for stealing jewelry worth MOP4 million patacas from three different shops, as reported by the Judiciary Police (PJ) last Friday. The police received reports from the three shops between November 2017 and March this year. The suspect, wearing fake jewelry, would enter each shop pretending to examine a myriad of products. The suspect would then steal goods whenever the shops clerk was not paying attention. One shop claimed to have lost a jade worth three million RMB. All jewelry stolen by the suspect was taken to mainland China. DSEJ will include national security in textbooks Last Friday, Zheng Xiaosong, Director of the Liaison Office in Macau, expressed his deep feeling that the Macau SAR government should pay strong attention to the importance to patriotic education. With joint efforts coming from all places, and especially the efforts of young students, I believe that this kind [of] passion in loving the country will become deeper and deeper, declared Zheng. The head of the Department of the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau, Kong Ngai, also said last Friday that texts on national security will be included in the citys school textbooks, according to a report by TDM. Maid arrested after physically assaulting child A domestic helper from Myanmar has been arrested for physically assaulting a two-year-old girl. The 28-year-old maid started taking care of the little girl in January of this year. On April 27, after injuring her employers daughter, she told her employer that the girl had fallen and sustained injuries. A hospital checkup revealed injuries on the girls head, arms and legs. The hospital immediately suspected that the injuries might have been caused by abuse. After viewing CCTV surveillance footage, police found that the maid had used a spoon to beat the girls head. Britains ambassador to the U.S. said yesterday [Macau time] his country believes its still possible to address President Donald Trumps concerns about the Iran nuclear deal in time to prevent him from pulling out of the agreement. Kim Darroch said Britain has ideas for dealing with those concerns. They include Irans ballistic missile program and its involvement in Mideast conflicts, issues that arent part of the international agreement. Trump also objects to the accords sunset clause, which allows Iran to resume part of its nuclear program after 2025. We think that we can find some language, produce some action that meets the presidents concerns, Darroch told CBS Face the Nation. The deadline for Trumps decision is this coming Saturday. Britains foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, has scheduled talks with U.S. officials in Washington this week. His trip follows visits in recent weeks by the leaders of France and Germany, who also tried to convince Trump to stick with the agreement. All three European countries signed the 2015 deal, along with Russia and China. In an op-ed Sunday for The New York Times, Johnson wrote that the agreement offered the fewest disadvantages of all the options available. It has weaknesses, certainly, but I am convinced they can be remedied. Indeed at this moment Britain is working alongside the Trump administration and our French and German allies to ensure that they are, he wrote. Irans president warned Trump on Sunday that leaving the nuclear deal would be a historic regret. The chairman of the House Armed Services Committee also advised against pulling out of the accord without a clearer idea of the consequences and urged Trump to give the Europeans time to address his concerns. So maybe the best thing is for the president to delay a bit more his deadline of this month and put the French and the British up to the test about whether it is possible to get this other sort of agreement, Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, said on Fox News Sunday. AP A government delegation will visit Cambodia and Thailand starting today. The delegation will be led by Chief Executive Chui Sai On. The five-day visit is aimed at reinforcing mutual cooperation and exchange in the areas of tourism and economic and trade matters. During the visit, the delegation will hold meetings in Phnom Penh and Bangkok with senior officials from the two countries and attend activities hosted by the SAR. In Phnom Penh, the Chief Executive will meet with leaders of the Cambodian government, the national assembly, the countrys senate and the Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia, the Government Information Bureau said in a statement. Chui will also attend a presentation about Macaus tourism and investment environment. Additionally, the CE will attend a youth round-table session regarding opportunities arising from the Belt and Road initiative, and will discuss ways to support exchange and friendship between young people from the two places, and the development of closer ties between the SAR and Cambodia. While in Bangkok, the CE will meet with government officials and the Chinese Ambassador to Thailand. Chui will witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding regarding the establishment of friendship city status between Phuket Province and Macau. The delegation will also attend a presentation hosted by the SAR on economic and trade ties between the two places as well as on the development of tourism in Thailand and Macau. Meanwhile, during the Bangkok leg of the trip, the delegation will attend the 2018 Traditional Medicine International Development Forum, a platform promoted by the SAR to explore the internationalization of traditional Chinese medicine. The trip to Cambodia and Thailand marks the first time that representatives of the Gathering of Thousand Talents have been invited to join the CE on an official overseas visit. CHIEF Executive (CE) Chui Sai On visited the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau (HKZM) Bridge last week to assess the progress of the preparations for the opening of the bridge and related Macau boundary crossing area, the Government Information Bureau said in a statement. The CE led a delegation comprised of the governments main officials, the Public Prosecutor-General, and several members of the Executive Council and CE Office. Delegates were briefed on the works currently in progress at several levels, including infrastructure, transport and immigration. The briefing focused especially on inbound and outbound immigration procedures as well as transport services between the Macau boundary crossing area and Hong Kong and Zhuhai, respectively. The delegation also toured the main infrastructure and tested the procedures that will apply to residents and visitors once the bridge opens. During the inspection, the group had also the opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas on various topics, such as the boundary crossing flow model being used, the space reserved for future expansion of the facilities, and the ventilation system employed at the boundary crossing area that covers 71.6 hectares, containing structures that fill a total floor area of 600,000 square meters. The area includes the building for customs clearance, two public car parks and municipal facilities, along with infrastructure such as a road network, tunnels, flyovers, railway platforms and facilities for public security services. Officially under the administration of Macau SAR as of March 15, the area has been the subject of works to prepare it for the official opening of the HKZM Bridge late next month. The University of Macau is slated to hold a conference titled Confluences in Portuguese: Linguistics, Literature and Translation, on May 10 and 12, inviting more than 40 experts and scholars to share their research findings and expertise in the area of Portuguese as a second language. Organized by the universitys Department of Portuguese, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, the main focus of the conference will be the teaching of Portuguese as a foreign language across various topics. The conference will include a series of sessions including topics such as teaching materials, learning and teaching strategies; phonetics and phonology and perspectives and practices of Learning Portuguese as a second language. UM said in a statement that it is anticipating that scholars from places such as Portugal, Brazil, Mozambique, France, Italy, Japan, mainland China, and the Macau SAR will attend the event. The Third Standing Committee of the Legislative Assembly (AL) had an internal meeting last Friday to discuss the regions latest articles on taxi regulations. During the meeting, doubts concerning penalties, licenses, and the installation of equipment inside taxis were raised. The chairman of the committee, Wong Hin Fai, reported to the media some of the opinions expressed by lawmakers who attended the meeting. The lawmakers want the government to provide a clear explanation of how permits and licenses will function in future meetings with the committee. [This content] cannot be found in the current legal bill. Some articles give us the idea that one permit can be attached to one license only, but others say that one permit can be attached to several licenses, complained Wong, adding that the regulation is not clear about the cancelation of both permits and licenses. The law suggests that if a contractor does not return licenses to the government once they expire, then the contractor will be fined a fixed penalty of MOP30,000. Why hasnt the law established upper and lower limits concerning different levels of violations? asked Wong, adding that there are no punitive measures for repeat offences. Moreover, Wong reported that the committee pointed out that no additional punishments had been included in the latest taxi regulation regime, other than the main punishments of fines or jail sentences. In Wongs understanding, additional penalties could consist, for instance, of banning taxi drivers from operating a taxi for a certain period of time. Another argument discussed by the committee was related to fake documents. If license owners submit fake documents, the licenses will be canceled. When fake documents are involved, the government will only initiate license cancelation procedures after the court has made a verdict [which normally takes two to three years], Wong noted. Some members of the committee suggested installing video recording equipment in taxis. In Wongs words, the committee wondered why has the government not yet arranged video recording equipment, and, when it will, is the equipment [including voice recording devices] going to belong to car owners, to license owners, or to the SAR government? The new bill writes that if a driver does not follow the service instructions, the driver may be punished. However, no content concerning said punishment has been listed into the bill, according to Wong. The Third Standing Committee will forward all of its doubts to the government. Government representatives will then be invited to a meeting after the committee finishes another internal meeting, which will take place this week. The citys new bill of taxi regulations rules that a taxi drivers driving license will be revoked if the driver incurs four serious infractions within a five-year period. The bill also proposes that only companies be able to request concessions for taxi operations, and that both the cars and the taxi drivers should have licenses. Guangzhous new airport terminal, which is designed to handle 100 million passengers annually from the Greater Bay Area by 2025, began operations recently. The RMB17 billion terminal at Baiyun International Airport is expected to be capable of handling 45 million passengers a year in its 880,000 square meter facility by 2020. The new terminal handled a reduced schedule of about 30 domestic and international flights on its first day of operation. According to a South China Morning Post report, Terminal 2 has 397 check-in counters and more than 5,000 car parking spaces. It will use facial recognition technology to screen all passengers before they board. China Civil Airports Association noted that passenger numbers in the region are expected to reach 223 million a year by 2020, up from around 175 million in 2017. This is higher than the airport traffic of many major cities including Los Angeles, New York and Tokyo. Last year, growth in passenger numbers in the region was among the biggest six airports in the country. The airport aims to handle some 3.5 million tonnes of cargo and mail by 2025, seeking to become a world-class airport with over 220 international routes. The first passenger to board the terminals first flight, Chris Wietse, said, Im always impressed with Chinas new infrastructure projects. This terminal is brand new and clean. The services are good also. Guangzhou Airport is more convenient and efficient for business trips in the mainland, compared to Hong Kong Airport, the businessman added. A subway line connecting the city center of the Guangdong capital with the new terminal at Baiyun International Airport will also begin operations. Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed Karl Marx as the greatest thinker of modern times, in a speech Friday seen as part of an effort so shore up his power against domestic critics. Xis address at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing was one of a series of events in China marking the bicentennial of the philosopher-economists birth in 1818 in Germany. We must win the advantages, win the initiative, and win the future. We must continuously improve the ability to use Marxism to analyze and solve practical problems, Xi said beneath a massive portrait of the white-bearded Marx on a stage bedecked with scarlet and gold curtains. Today, we commemorate Marx in order to pay tribute to the greatest thinker in the history of mankind and also to declare our firm belief in the scientific truth of Marxism, he said. Promoting Marx is seen in part as a way for Xi to strengthen ideological control and counter critics within the ruling Communist Party unhappy with his move in March to eliminate presidential term limits. Xi is also general secretary of the ruling Communist Party, an official that is also not term-limited. Marxs work became the inspiration for communism, an ideology that aims for shared ownership of the means of production and the absence of social classes. China launched market reforms three decades ago but the party keeps an iron grip on power. AP Scientists are calling for cancellation of a Chinese-backed hydroelectric dam in Indonesia that threatens the habitat of a newly discovered orangutan species numbering only 800 animals. In the journal Current Biology, the experts say the 510-megawatt dam in Sumatra will flood or otherwise alter part of the habitat and likely make it impossible to take a crucial step toward ensuring the species survives reconnecting fragmented forests the primates are spread across. Chinas state-owned Sinohydro is building the dam, which is reportedly financed by Chinese loans. Critics of the project say its part of Chinas Belt and Road plans to carpet Asia with Chinese-financed infrastructure and extend its economic and political influence. Scientists announced the discovery of the third orangutan species, Pongo tapanuliensis, in November. The population, with frizzier hair and distinctively long calls for the males, was previously believed to be Sumatran orangutans. Without special protection, its in danger of rapid extinction, scientists say. Its appalling to think that within our lifetimes, a new great ape species could be both discovered and driven to extinction, said Serge Wich, a professor at Liverpool John Moores University, who was involved in identifying the new orangutan species. The scientists also urged that the remaining habitat in the Batang Toru forest of northern Sumatra be given strict conservation protection and that forest corridors be created to link separated populations. One way to do that, they said, is to close a section of the road between two main forest fragments. The Batang Toru orangutan was the first great ape species to be proposed by scientists in nearly 90 years. Previously, science has recognized six great ape species: Sumatran and Bornean orangutans, eastern and western gorillas, chimpanzees and bonobos. The International Union for Conservation of Nature classified Bornean orangutans as critically endangered in 2016 due to a precipitous population decline caused by destruction of their forest habitat for palm oil and pulp wood plantations. Sumatran orangutans have been classified as critically endangered since 2008. The scientists writing in Current Biology said orangutan subpopulations need to number at least 200 to have a chance of surviving a century and more than 500 for longer-term survival. AP A Filipino national holding a tourist visa for Hong Kong was denied re-entry to Hong Kong after a short trip to Macau, the South China Morning Post reported yesterday. In the report it is explained that the person holding a tourist visa had been visiting a couple, both Hong Kong permanent residents, with whom she had family connections. The incident occurred when the wife and her cousin, the tourist in question, decided to leave from Hong Kong for a day-trip to Macau. Upon their return to Hong Kong, the officer- in-charge at the Tuen Mun Ferry Pier took the cousin holding the tourist visa aside for questioning and concluded that she was not entitled to enter the region, even though she had a valid and confirmed return ticket to her homeland the next day. The tourist was then sent back to Macau, escorted by an immigration officer, and was only granted access to her passport after arriving in Macau. In the report to SCMP, written in a form of a letter, the reporter recorded the event and noted that his reason for writing the report was to serve as a warning to tourists who have been permitted to stay in Hong Kong but want to go outside the SAR for a short trip. The Times learned that situations such as the one described in the report by the Hong Kong media outlet have occurred frequently over the last few weeks regardless of the nationality of the tourists and the destination of the trip outside Hong Kong. According to a source accessed by the Times, in the last week of April, a similar situation occurred with a European tourist who visited Singapore for a couple of days after visiting Hong Kong for a few days before returning home. Upon arrival back in Hong Kong after her trip to Singapore, the tourist was also denied entry after a long period of questioning. She returned to Singapore for three more days until catching a pre- booked flight back to Europe. She told the Times that the immigration officers did not specify why she was barred from entering the region, but stated that they had hinted about having performed a background check on her which gave rise to suspicions that she might be using her tourist visa to work or find a job, as she was a freelance artist. Nevertheless, such reasons were never delivered to her officially. RM The White House has pushed back against Chinas efforts to control how U.S. airlines refer to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau in promotional materials, calling the push to make them comply with Chinese standards Orwellian nonsense. The response came in the form of strong words issued by White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, as she addressed reports that Chinas Civil Aviation Administration had demanded that some 36 foreign airlines toe the line as to how they regard Chinese territories. This is Orwellian nonsense and part of a growing trend by the Chinese Communist Party to impose its political views on American citizens and private companies, Sanders said in a weekend statement. [Trump] ran against political correctness in the United States [and as president he will] stand up for Americans resisting efforts by the Chinese Communist Party to impose Chinese political correctness on American companies and citizens, she added. Chinas efforts to export its censorship and political correctness to Americans and the rest of the free world will be resisted. The Chinese government considers the entities of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan to be part of China and objects to references that indicate they are independent. In a response to the White House yesterday, government spokesman Geng Shuang wrote that Washington cannot change the objective fact that there is only one China in the world and that Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan are indivisible parts of Chinese territory. Simultaneously, Chinas foreign ministry appealed for the U.S. to respect the national feelings of the Chinese people. Macau and Hong Kong are sometimes identified as separate territories on the promotional materials of foreign companies for ease of distinguishing them from the mainland, where different laws and rules apply. Many companies use the official designation, Special Administrative Region of China. Meanwhile, the self-ruled island of Taiwan has been fighting a losing battle against Beijing for decades, seeking greater international recognition in spite of the mainlands isolation strategy. Relations between Beijing and Taipei have been frosty since incumbent Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen refused to embrace the 1992 Consensus stating there is but one China. Yesterday, Taiwans Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked the White House and urged the international community to resist similar demands in the future. Last month, Chinas Civil Aviation Authority sent a letter to three dozen foreign airlines instructing that public information which suggested that Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau were different entities be removed. According to several media reports, failure to comply with the Authoritys demands would result in the matter being referred to the relevant cyber-security authorities, implying that the airlines websites would be blocked in China. The letter recalls action taken by Beijing in January, when it temporarily blocked Marriotts website in China after the hotel company listed these same territories as countries rather than territories in an online survey sent to Chinese consumers. Also last weekend, a high- level trade delegation led by U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin returned from negotiations in China, following what many are calling the beginning of a trade war between the worlds two largest economies, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke with a member of the Chinese Communist Party leadership. DB US Hawaiis Kilauea volcano destroyed 26 homes and spewed lava hundreds of feet into the air, leaving evacuated residents unsure how long they might be displaced. EAST TIMOR Independence hero Xanana Gusmao has called on supporters not to be provoked after campaigning for next weekends elections was marred by violence. RUSSIA Vladimir Putin took the oath of office yesterday for his fourth term as Russian president, promising to pursue an economic agenda that would boost living standards across the country. YEMEN Airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemens Shiite rebels targeted the presidency building in the heart of the Yemeni capital yesterday, leaving at least six people dead and 30 wounded, according to health officials. SOUTH SUDANs fractious ruling party has reunited for the first time since civil war broke out in 2013. The political opposition dissolved and rejoined the ruling party. GERMANY A man has been arrested after punching the new mayor of Germanys southwestern city of Freiburg as he was celebrating his election win. The independent candidate suffered a broken nose, a broken tooth and bruises. FRANCE A powerful French union is vowing to push ahead with strikes that have hobbled nationwide train services, even as signs of a possible compromise emerged in talks with President Emmanuel Macrons government. LEBANON The Iran-backed Hezbollah group and its political allies made significant gains in the parliamentary elections in Lebanon while the main Western-backed faction lost a third of its seats, according to preliminary results. MEXICOs largest media company has severed ties with a prominent journalist after he came under fire for retweeting a message seen as inciting violence against the countrys front-running presidential candidate. EL SALVADOR A swarm of earthquakes shook southern El Salvador, damaging nearly 200 homes and touching off small landslides, but there were no reports of serious injuries or deaths. 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. Genesee & Wyoming Inc. owns and leases freight railroads. It operates through three segments: North American Operations, Australian Operations, and U.K./European Operations. The company transports various commodities, including agricultural products, autos and auto parts, chemicals and plastics, coal and coke, food and kindred products, lumber and forest products, metallic ores, metals, minerals and stone, petroleum products, pulp and paper, waste, and other commodities. It owns or leases 122 freight railroads, including 105 short line railroads and 2 regional freight railroads located in the United States, 8 short line railroads located in Canada, 3 railroads located in Australia, 1 railroad located in the United Kingdom, 1 railroad in Poland and Germany, and 2 railroads in the Netherlands with a total of approximately 16,200 miles of track. The company also operates 6,200 additional miles of track that is owned or leased by others. In addition, it operates deep sea maritime containers and provides bulk haulage, including coal, aggregates, cement, and infrastructure services. Further, the company provides rail service at approximately 40 ports; rail-ferry service in North America, Australia, and Europe; and contract coal loading and railcar switching for industrial customers. Genesee & Wyoming Inc. was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Darien, Connecticut. Read More HDFC Bank Ltd. engages in the provision of banking and financial services, including commercial banking and treasury operations. The firm also provides financial services to upper and middle income individuals and corporations in India. It operates through the following segments: Treasury, Retail Banking, Wholesale Banking and Other Banking Operations. The Treasury segment consists of bank's investment portfolio, money market borrowing and lending, investment operations and trading in foreign exchange and derivative contracts. The Retail Banking segment provides loans and other services to customers through a branch network and other delivery channels. The Wholesale Banking segment provides loans, non-fund facilities and transaction services to large corporates, emerging corporates, public sector units, government bodies, financial institutions, and medium scale enterprises. The Other Banking Business segment includes income from para banking activities such as credit cards, debit cards, third party product distribution, primary dealership business, and the associated costs. The company was founded by Aditya Tapishwar Puri in August 1994 and is headquartered in Mumbai, India. Read More 32 minutes ago The Top 3 Buy & Hold Healthcare Stocks for October The healthcare sector can be the perfect area of the market to look if you are a buy & hold investor since there are so many different ways that these businesses can grow over the next decade. Its also a great sector to pursue during the current market volatility, as a lot of these companies are considered to be defensive and should see steady demand for their products regardless of whats happening in the economy. Read Article Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) have launched a pilot study to see how a drug that treats several related autoimmune disorders affects the skeleton. The two-year study, led by Susan M. Goodman, MD, a rheumatologist at HSS in New York City, will look at the effect on bone of secukinumab in men and women with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Patients with AS, the prototypical form of spondyloarthritis (SpA), develop abnormal bone spurs called syndesmophytes. These growths can fuse vertebrae together, leading to loss of motion, pain and stiffness in the spine. Despite the overactive growth of bone, people with SpA often suffer from osteoporosis, a condition marked by fragile skeletons vulnerable to fracture. Studies have estimated the prevalence of the bone disorder at as high as 25 percent for these patients, more than double the 10 percent prevalence in the general population. Osteoporosis and low bone mass affect an estimated 44 million men and women in the United States, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation. The reason for the paradox: Although these patients produce more of one type of bone, called cortical bone, which makes up the outside of the skeleton, the interior or trabecular bone is abnormally weak, said Dr. Goodman. As a result, their spines gradually become prone to small fractures that can lead to crippling changes in posture and significant pain and discomfort. Although patients with AS and related disorders can take medication, such as bisphosphonates, calcium and vitamin D, to prevent fractures, they typically do not respond well to these therapiesand not as well as people with other autoimmune diseases, Dr. Goodman said. "Those drugs don't seem to be as helpful as you'd think they would be in this population of patients," she said. Secukinumab belongs to a new class of monoclonal antibodies to treat autoimmune diseases. The FDA approved the drug in 2015 for adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, and in 2016 it expanded that approval for adult patients to include AS and psoriatic arthritis. The drug specifically targets an immune protein called interleukin-17A (IL-17A). Anti-IL17 antibodies may protect against bone loss in two ways: by suppressing the function of bone-resorbing cells called osteoclasts, and promoting the activity of bone-forming cells called osteoblasts. "It's very important to get a better understanding in a practical way of the effect of these drugs on bone metabolism. This study should really help us understand how they work," Dr. Goodman said. Dr. Goodman's group will look at the effects on bone health of secukinumab in 20 men and women over the age of 18 with SpA. Volunteers will undergo a variety of regular assessments, including x-ray imaging of the skeleton to measure bone density and scoring of the spine for presence of spurs or erosions and tracking. Participants will also undergo periodic testing for various markers of bone growth and resorption, as well as levels of inflammation. The study, "The Effects of Secukinumab on Bone Health and Metabolism," is now enrolling patients. Dr. Goodman said the project should take two years to complete, after which the researchers will spend another year or two analyzing their data. The group hopes to release preliminary findings periodically throughout the study period. Novartis is providing funding for the research. More information: For more information about the study, contact HSS clinical research manager Carey Ford at For more information about the study, contact HSS clinical research manager Carey Ford at fordc@hss.edu It's a neuroscientist's dream: being able to track the millions of interactions among brain cells in animals that move about freely, behaving as they would under natural circumstances. New technology developed at The Rockefeller University represents a big step toward realizing that goal. The invention, reported today in Nature Methods, is expected to give researchers a dynamic tool to study the brain's role in various behaviors. Although it is designed for use on mice, information gleaned from it could someday shed light on neuronal activity in humans as well, says Alipasha Vaziri, who led the technology's development as head of the Laboratory of Neurotechnology and Biophysics. For example, it might allow us to better understand the neuronal basis of brain disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. Vaziri says the tool provides an opening to an exciting range of discoveries. As an animal moves about its environment, for instance, some neurons direct spatial navigation while others receive sensory feedback from changes to the body's position or the visual system. "Until now, no one has been able to detect how these different neurons, which can be located at different depths within a volume of brain tissue, dynamically interact with each other in a freely moving rodent," says Vaziri, an associate professor at Rockefeller. Similarly, the tool can be used to record the interplay among neurons when two animals meet and interact socially. High-tech headgear The technology consists of a tiny microscope attached to a mouse's head and outfitted with a specialized group of lenses called a microlens array. These lenses enable the microscope to capture images from multiple angles and depths on a sensor chip, producing a three-dimensional record of neurons blinking on and off as they communicate with each other through electrochemical impulses. (In the experiments, the mouse neurons are genetically modified to light up when they become activated.) A coaxial cable attached to the top of the microscope transmits the data for recording. The head-mounted gear weighs about four grams, about as much as a mouse can support, but Vaziri expects that planned modifications will make it significantly lighter. A mouse's hippocampal brain neurons flash on and off as the animal walks around with a microlens array on its head. Credit: Laboratory of Neurotechnology and Biophysics at The Rockefeller University Once the microlens array has captured sensor images from within a volume of brain tissue, the next challenge is to process this raw data. Brain tissue is opaque, making it difficult to pinpoint the source of each neuronal light flash. Vaziri's team solved this problem, which is the result of so-called scattering, by developing a new computer algorithm. "The algorithm utilizes the statistical properties of neurons' distribution in space and in activity," Vaziri explains, "while extracting additional information from the scattered emission light. This enables their activity to be simultaneously and faithfully recorded within a volume despite of the highly scattering tissue properties." The result is a clear image that shows individual neurons flashing in sequence. Faster, more effective imaging Vaziri's lab has previously applied this algorithm, known by the acronym SID, in studies in which the heads of the mice were secured in a fixed position. Their latest research is the first to demonstrate that these inventions can be used together with a tiny microscope called the Miniscope, developed by a collaborating team at the University of California Los Angeles, to measure neuronal activity volumetrically in unconstrained animals. The technology, if widely adopted, could offer several advantages over two-photon microscopy, a broadly used neuroscience tool. For example, two-photon microscopy records neuronal activity within individual focal planesthin, virtual "slices" of the samplethat then are combined to create a three-dimensional image. In contrast, Vaziri's method immediately captures data in three dimensions over an entire volume of tissue, making it faster and more effective. Vaziri plans to continue developing tools to record neuronal activity in even larger portions of the brain than is currently possible, and at higher speeds and resolution. "We hope this work will ultimately lead to a deeper understanding of how the brain processes information underlying the generation of behavior," he says. Explore further Scientists use algorithm to peer through opaque brains More information: Oliver Skocek et al, High-speed volumetric imaging of neuronal activity in freely moving rodents, Nature Methods (2018). Journal information: Nature Methods Oliver Skocek et al, High-speed volumetric imaging of neuronal activity in freely moving rodents,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41592-018-0008-0 Ralph Weichselbaum, M.D., the Daniel K. Ludwig Distinguished Service Professor, chair of radiation and cellular oncology at UChicago and director of the Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research. Credit: The University of Chicago Medicine In 1995, two University of Chicago-based cancer specialists suggested there was an intermediate statesomewhere between curable localized cancers and lethal widespread diseasefor patients with metastatic cancer. Those physicians, Samuel Hellman and Ralph Weichselbaum, both still at the University of Chicago, labeled that clinically significant intermediate state "oligometastasis," Greek for "a few that spread." They focused on tumors that had migrated from an initial cancer in the colon or rectum to one or a few distant sites. They also made the controversial suggestion that many of these patients, depending on the extent of disease burden, could be cured with surgery or targeted radiation therapy. Twenty-three years later, Weichselbaum, Hellman, the Pritzker Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus and former dean of the biological sciences at the University of Chicago, and colleagues, working with patients in treatment for colorectal cancer, have confirmed their oligometastasis hypothesis and for the first time have identified molecular patterns that can be used to predict which patients are most likely to benefit from surgery, leading to long-term survival. "This is a paradigm shift in the treatment of metastatic disease," said Weichselbaum, MD, the Daniel K. Ludwig Distinguished Service Professor, chair of radiation and cellular oncology at UChicago and director of the Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research. "Our results point to a molecular basis for oligometastasis that can pretty reliably predict clinical outcomes. In a series of colorectal cancer patients with limited spread of disease to the liver, we were often able to achieve prolonged survival. We think this approach could be applied to many types of cancer." In the May 4, 2018, issue of the journal Nature Communications, the researchers describe results from 134 patients (median age 61) with cancer of the colon (72 percent) or rectum (28 percent) that had spread to the liver. These patients were treated with perioperative chemotherapy (5-flourouracil based) followed by surgical removal of all detectable signs of cancer that had spread to the liver. "We performed DNA sequencing, RNA sequencing for gene expression, microRNAs and microsatellite instability for each patient," Weichselbaum said. The data sort patients into three distinct groupssubtypes 1, 2 and 3with about a third in each group. "This is a separation, primarily based on molecular analysis," Weichselbaum said. Group 2 had the highest 10-year survival rates, followed by Group 1 and Group 3 with just 20 percent. When the team took a closer look at the tumor microenvironment around cancers that had spread to the liver, however, they found that subtype-2 tumors seemed to trigger an immune response that helped rein in new tumor growth. So they selected those subtype 2 tumors and reclassified them, based on their molecular determinants combined with clinical data. This predicted a robust difference in survival for the low-risk group. They had a 94 percent chance of 10-year overall survival. In this revised classification system, Groups 1 and 3 had 10-year overall survivals of 45 percent and 19 percent, respectively. Our results "open the door to look at broader sets of metastasis," Weichselbaum said. "Oligo is just a subset, a lower bound of metastasis. We want to know what happens when a patient has a little more than oligo. We arbitrarily started thinking of treating one to five metastases. Now we want to see if maybe, combined with other therapies, we could treat 10 or 20." The findings provide a "framework for integrated classification and treatment of metastasis," the authors wrote. This study, the first to combine clinical and molecular data to treat limited metastatic disease, was able to amplify predicted differences. The results should improve treatment of patients with potentially curable colorectal liver metastases. Explore further Predictors of cancer disease progression improve patient selection for metastasis-directed therapy More information: Sean P. Pitroda et al, Integrated molecular subtyping defines a curable oligometastatic state in colorectal liver metastasis, Nature Communications (2018). Journal information: Nature Communications Sean P. Pitroda et al, Integrated molecular subtyping defines a curable oligometastatic state in colorectal liver metastasis,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04278-6 (HealthDay)Children with prenatal exposure to serotonin reuptake inhibitors (pSRI) have better executive function (EF) at age 12 years, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies, held from May 5 to 8 in Toronto. Sarah Hutchison, Ph.D., from British Columbia Children's Hospital in Vancouver, and colleagues followed 51 children and their mothers from the second trimester to age 12 years to examine the correlations between pSRI and EF (assessed with the Flanker/Reverse Flanker task). The authors also assessed maternal depressive symptoms (MDS) in the third trimester and at age 12 years, maternal education, child's age, and child's verbal ability. The researchers found that even after controlling for MDS (prenatal and when child was age 12 years), maternal education, child's age, and verbal ability, children with pSRI performed better on the most demanding part of the Flanker/Reverse Flanker task. Using models of multivariate analysis of covariance controlling for pre- and postnatal MDS as covariates, internalizing and externalizing behaviors did not differ with pSRI exposure status. "These are important early findings and further research is needed to examine whether 'better' cognitive skills in children with antidepressant exposure reflect a developmental advantage in some ways but also perhaps a risk in other ways, such as perhaps increased anxiety," a coauthor said in a statement. More information: More Information Copyright 2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved. The percentage of people who died by suicide and who had opiates in their system more than doubled from 2006 to 2017, particularly in the most recent years, according to new research being presented today at the American Psychiatric Association's Annual Meeting here. The rate of suicide in the U.S. is on the rise; about 45,000 people died by suicide in 2016 up from about 35,000 in 2007. Similarly, opiate use is increasing. Substance use is an important risk factor for depression and suicide. Previous research has found increasing rates of accidental opiate overdose as well as opiate use listed as a contributor to death by suicide. However, death investigation and documentation is not uniform across jurisdictions. Maryland has a statewide medical examiner system that uses strict protocols to prepare full toxicology reports on all suicides and unexplained deaths. This data was used to evaluate opiate prevalence in 5,876 people who died by suicide in Maryland from 2006 to the first half of 2017. Study authors Paul Nestadt, M.D., Ramin Mojtabai, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., and Daniel Borota, with Johns Hopkins University, looked at the proportion of people who tested positive for opiates at the time of suicide each year over the 10-year period, controlling for age, sex, and race. The same analysis was conducted for presence of cocaine and for alcohol intoxication to determine if any change in prevalence was unique to opiates. The percentage of people who died by suicide and who had opiates in their system doubled from 8.8 percent in 2006 to 17.7 percent in 2017. There was no significant change in the proportion of people who were positive for cocaine or alcohol intoxication. The largest increases in positive opiate tests were found in 2014 through 2017, and the increase was most prominent in non-whites and in males. When overdose suicides were removed from the sample (to eliminate deaths where opiates may have been used as a method of suicide) the increase in opiate prevalence was slightly more pronounced. These results suggest that opiates are playing an increasing role in completed suicides, even outside of overdoses, the authors concluded. Increased vigilance and awareness for suicidality is warranted, they suggest, among both opiate prescribers and users. Explore further Opiate use linked to early mortality in IBD patients A new study illuminates how rapid, involuntary mental processes kick in when responding to statements that correspond with an already held viewpoint, according to a study by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The research, published in Social Psychological and Personality Science, shows how people's tendency to remain entrenched in their worldviews is supported by their automatic cognitive "reflexes." The team led by Dr. Michael Gilead, head of the Social Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory at BGU, found that study participants verified the grammatical accuracy of statements about political topics, personal tastes and social issues much more quickly when they matched their opinion. In a series of experiments, the researchers asked participants to respond to various opinion statements, such as "The internet has made people more isolated" or "The internet has made people more sociable," and indicate as quickly as possible if the grammar of the sentence was correct or not. Later, they were asked if they agreed with each statement. Participants identified statements to be grammatically correct more quickly when they agreed with them, which revealed a rapid, involuntary effect of agreement on cognitive processing. According to Dr. Gilead, "In order to make informed decisions, people need to be able to consider the merits and weaknesses of different opinions and adapt to new information. This involuntary, 'reflex-like' tendency to consider things we already believe in as being true, might dampen our ability to think things through in a rational way. Future studies could explore how other factors, such as acute stress or liberal or conservative viewpoints, affect this tendency to accept or reject opinions in a 'knee-jerk' manner." Dr. Gilead collaborated on this research with Moran Sela, a doctoral student in the Department of Psychology at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and Dr. Anat Maril, a professor in The Hebrew University's Department of Cognitive Science. Explore further Disagreements can be a healthy antidote for biases More information: Michael Gilead et al, That's My Truth: Evidence for Involuntary Opinion Confirmation, Social Psychological and Personality Science (2018). Journal information: Social Psychological and Personality Science Michael Gilead et al, That's My Truth: Evidence for Involuntary Opinion Confirmation,(2018). DOI: 10.1177/1948550618762300 Credit: University of Kentucky New findings from the University of Kentucky published in the Journal of Neuroscience demonstrate that there may be ways to address blood-brain barrier dysfunction in epilepsy. Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders and around one-third of epilepsy patients do not respond well to anti-seizure drugs. Until now, it was believed that the cause and effect of epilepsy was merely based on a dysfunction in the brain's neurons. However, recent findings suggest that epilepsy can be caused by many other factors, including a dysfunctional blood-brain barrier. Essentially, seizures erode the lining of capillaries in the brain which plays a role in letting nutrients in and keeping toxins out. This can result in a "leaky" blood-brain barrier, which leads to more seizures, resulting in epilepsy progression. Bjorn Bauer's lab at the UK College of Pharmacy collaborated with Sanders-Brown Center on Aging scientists to conduct research focused on this barrier leakage. Bauer and colleagues hypothesized that glutamate, released during seizures, mediates an increase in certain enzymes and activity levels, thereby contributing to barrier leakage. Through their research, they found that the neurotransmitter glutamate, released during seizures, increased the activity of two types of enzymes, which increased barrier leakage. They also found that blocking the enzyme cPLA2 and genetically deleting cPLA2 may prevent the changes mentioned and the associated leakage. This suggests that cPLA2 is responsible for barrier leakage. Since 30 percent of people with epilepsy do not respond well to current anti-seizure medications, these findings demonstrate there could be new ways to treat and manage seizures that currently do not respond well to medication. The data gathered implies that cPLA2 could be a pharmaceutical target to repair and normalize barrier dysfunction and improve the treatment of epilepsy and potentially other neurological disorders that are accompanied by blood-brain barrier leakage These strategies to repair barrier dysfunction could be valuable add-on treatments to existing pharmacotherapy. Explore further Repairing a leaky blood-brain barrier in epilepsy More information: Ralf G. Rempe et al. Matrix Metalloproteinase-Mediated Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction in Epilepsy, The Journal of Neuroscience (2018). Journal information: Journal of Neuroscience Ralf G. Rempe et al. Matrix Metalloproteinase-Mediated Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction in Epilepsy,(2018). DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2751-17.2018 Despite declines in cancer incidence rates among HIV-infected people, cancer will remain a significant concern as this patient population ages. By 2030, prostate and lung cancers are projected to be the most common cancers among individuals aging with HIV. The findings are published in Annals of Internal Medicine. Due to their weakened immune systems, people living with HIV have a higher risk of some cancers than the general population. The development of modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) has allowed people with HIV to live to older ages and has reduced the risk of certain cancers, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma and cervical cancer, which were previously prevalent in this population. This trend, along with the aging population, has resulted in a shift in the types of cancers diagnosed in patients with HIV. As such, projecting cancer rates and the expected number of cancers in this high-risk population is necessary to inform public health efforts like cancer screening and prevention. Researchers from the National Cancer Institute used data from linked HIV and cancer registries to project cancer incidence rates in HIV-infected adults in the U.S. through 2030. They applied those rates to projections of the number of HIV-infected people from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to estimate the future cancer burden. By 2030, they expect substantial aging of the U.S. HIV population, with the proportion of HIV-infected people who are 65+ years old projected to be 21.4 percent (up from 8.5 percent in 2010). While the number of cancer cases diagnosed among adults with HIV is projected to decline, incidence of non-AIDS-defining cancers will remain a concern. Prostate cancer cases are expected to increase over this timeframe, and prostate and lung cancers will each be more common in 2030 than AIDS-defining cancers combined. According to the researchers, these findings underscore the continuing importance of cancer as a co-morbidity as people with HIV live longer and age. The findings should help to inform the priorities of targeted screening, treatment, and prevention programs. Explore further Cancer burden may be changing for people living with HIV Laws and policies that prohibit smoking in workplaces and other public areas appeared to significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease among a group of young adults who were followed over a 20-year span. The study findings are consistent with previous studies that found health benefits as a result of smoke-free policies, including lower risks of heart- and lung-related illnesses and diseases. But the new research, published May 7 in the American Heart Association journal Circulation, is believed to be the first to followand capture specific details aboutthousands of young adults over a period of several decades. The study's researchers relied on the extensive records initially collected in a 1985 study that followed thousands of young adults around the country. The report drilled down on findings from the last 20 years of the study, featuring 3,783 individuals. "Our results suggest that smoke-free policies in workplaces in particular may be a promising approach to preventing premature cardiovascular disease," said the report's lead author, Dr. Stephanie Mayne, a postdoctoral research fellow at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Smoke-free policies in restaurants and bars were associated with about a 25 percent lower risk of a cardiovascular incident, such as a heart attack or stroke, according to the study. Such policies in workplaces were linked to a 46 percent lower risk. Currently, 25 states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have passed laws that prohibit smoking in all restaurants, bars and other workplaces that aren't part of the hospitality industry. Collectively, those laws along with local policies passed in other states protect roughly 59 percent of the U.S population, according to data cited in the report. "The evidence is pretty strong that smoke-free policies have important health impacts in terms of protecting the population from adverse consequences of tobacco smoke, but a large part of the U.S. population still isn't covered currently by smoke-free policies," Mayne said. The study adjusted results based on numerous characteristics provided by the participants, including income level and education attainment, along with the cigarette tax rates for their local community. The study also accounted for medical factors such as body mass index and whether the participants smokedabout a quarter of them didor had diabetes, high blood pressure or other health problems. When the study first began, participants lived in four cities Birmingham, Alabama; Chicago; Minneapolis; and Oakland, Calif. By the time researchers contacted the group 10 years later, individuals had scattered among 47 states. Dr. Glenn Hirsch, a cardiologist not connected to the study, described the report as "very robust." He particularly noted the ability by researchers to adjust for specific details about its participants, particularly those who ended up experiencing some type of cardiovascular event. "It was a vigorous capture of all the information about these people, drilling down on what caused their event or what was a contributor to it," said Hirsch, clinical director of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Louisville. Hirsch said the magnitude of the effects of this study was greater than other studies that examined the link between smoke-free policies and heart disease likely because of the age of its participants. "The older that people are, the higher their risk of having a cardiovascular event. But in young people, it's the smoking that's contributing to them having events. It's not 20 or 30 years of exposure to hypertension or diabetesthey haven't had that yet," he said. Smoking can lead someone to have a heart attack or some other cardiovascular consequence many years earlier than normal, he said. Hirsch also pointed out that the heart's reaction to smoking differs from illnesses like cancer and lung disease, which he said have a "dose response." "In other words, the more you smoke, the more your risk of having lung disease or cancer," he said. It's not that way with cardiovascular disease, where even one cigarette a day carries an extremely high risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack. But studies have shown the risk of heart disease can drop dramatically in smokers once they stop. Within five years of quitting, the cardiovascular event risk plunges to the level of a nonsmoker, Hirsch said. "These are young people," he said of the study's participants. "And if it weren't for the smoking and the exposure to the secondhand smoke, it's most likely the majority of them would not have had an event at all during this time." Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. If you have questions or comments about this story, please email editor@heart.org. Researchers at the Human Genome Sequencing Center at Baylor College of Medicine have conducted a study of 20 individuals with Xia-Gibbs syndrome, a rare condition that has symptoms of severe developmental delay, sleep apnea, delayed speech and generalized upper body weakness, and have established a registry to collect genetic and other clinical information from patients with the condition. As discovered in 2014 by a team led by Dr. Richard Gibbs, professor and director of the Human Genome Sequencing Center at Baylor, Xia-Gibbs syndrome is the result of new changes within the AT-Hook DNA Binding Motif Containing 1 gene (AHDC1). The new study, which appears in the American Journal of Medical Genetics, shows that the gene is more susceptible to mutations than previously known. Thorough study of the 20 individuals showed details of the clinical picture: scoliosis was a common feature, boys were less likely to develop speech and thinning of a region of the brain, known as the corpus callosum, often occurred. "Understanding the correlations between the molecular studies and the patient phenotypes is an important gateway to fully understanding the disorder," said Dr. Michael Wangler, assistant professor of molecular and human genetics at Baylor and contributing author on the study. The registry, which is private and HIPAA protected, is the next step in identifying and studying the full spectrum of the disorder. The current group of 30 enrollees in the registry learned about the study through their doctors, social media, including a private Facebook page for families affected by Xia-Gibbs syndrome, or elsewhere on the internet. "We know of about nearly 70 families worldwide, and roughly half of these are participating in the registry thus far," said Dr. Yunyun Jiang, postdoctoral associate in the Human Genome Sequencing Center and lead author on the study. As more patients join the registry, accompanying laboratory work aims to understand the full range of underlying molecular changes that cause the symptoms of Xia-Gibbs syndrome. "We recently encountered a patient who is more than 50 years old, which is remarkable because this condition is typically only identifiable in children," said contributing author Dr. David Murdock, assistant professor of molecular and human genetics at Baylor and assistant director of the clinical lab in the Human Genome Sequencing Center. "When we fully understand how this gene damage causes Xia-Gibbs syndrome, we can begin the path to a cure." Current work in the Human Genome Sequencing Center is focused on whether mild mutations lead to a more mild form of the disorder, as well as the construction of animal models to help study the condition. "Given the rarity of this disease, scientists and physicians are seldom able to gather all the information about a group like this. It is something that has really been lacking in the field," said Gibbs, corresponding author on the study and also the Wofford Cain Chair and Professor in Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor. "With the growth of the registry and future mouse model studies, there is hope that we will get to the bottom of this one." Explore further A new syndrome caused by mutations in AHDC1 More information: Yunyun Jiang et al. The phenotypic spectrum of Xia-Gibbs syndrome, American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A (2018). Journal information: American Journal of Medical Genetics Yunyun Jiang et al. The phenotypic spectrum of Xia-Gibbs syndrome,(2018). DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.38699 On Friday afternoon, the EU's most powerful bureaucrat Jean-Claude Juncker has worshiped Karl Marx, the masculine femme fatale of Juncker's life. We heard that he was a great warrior for justice, wasn't responsible for any mistakes let alone atrocities that Marxism has committed, and the European Union should be reorganized around social values of Marx's type. Almost every homo politicus in post-communist Europe was shocked. When some shy teenage kids praise Adolf Hitler, we harass them. But when a bureaucrat does the same to Karl Marx who has probably scheduled a greater amount of suffering than Hitler, we call him the Chieftain of the European Commission or whatever is the exact title of this spectacular parasite. Lots of mayors in post-communist Europe felt stupid that they threw away Marx statues three decades ago. Eurotrash like Juncker could easily pay millions for this garbage today. It can't surprise us that these people are wrong about pretty much everything; and they want to cripple the European continent at almost all levels. For the period 2021-2027, it is expected that the United Kingdom will no longer belong to the prison of the nations that we call the European Union. How will the European Union change after Britain's departure? In the U.S., the climate hysteria seems to be pretty much over at the level of federal budgets. Well, our EU comrades won't give up this easily. For the 2021-2027 period, the EU wants to spend one quarter of its budget for the climate hysteria. Well, I didn't hesitate for a second before I recommended the capital punishment for all the monstrous aholes who are planning to burn the taxpayers' cash in this incredible way. These Bolsheviks want to burn a staggering $383.2 billion on "climate adaptation and mitigation" that's about one-half of Apple, the world's company with the highest capitalization (or it is equal to the 5th or 6th top company's capitalization). A quarter of the shared budget is supposed to be wasted for a pseudoscientific superstition. And it's very clear that it won't be just some modest shared budget. The European Union will pressure everybody all government bodies at the EU and national level as well as companies and individuals to spend a quarter of their own budgets for the same nonsense. Everyone is ordered to be poorer by 25% in the name of the fight against a fictitious threat. Every week, one whole day at work is wasted for this fairy-tale. When the Kyoto protocol was signed in 1997, climate skeptics were warning that the global costs of this unjustified fight would be comparable to $100 or $150 billion a year. We were often attacked for being alarmists. Now, just the shared EU budget is supposed to waste $50 billion a year. What will we get for one quarter of our wealth? The satellites and other apparatuses show that the global mean temperature increases by some 1.3 C a century in recent decades. This rate seems somewhat robust. Let's generously assume that all of it is due to carbon dioxide emissions. But the European Union may only control its own emissions, not those of the rest of the world. Let's generously assume that the European Union may stop all these emissions. The EU adds some 1/5 of the world's emissions which means that it contributes 0.25 C a century to the warming trend. But you know, if we avoided the 2021-2027 spending, the effect would only be to delay the desired (by the EU Marxists) decarbonization by 7 years. And in 7 years, the European Union adds about 1/14 of 0.25 C to the global mean temperature less than 0.02 C. So what do we get for spending one quarter of our money? We will make the globe in 2027 cooler by 0.02 C. And I was extremely generous. Needless to say, 0.02 C is much smaller than the error margins of the measurements or the differences between the global mean temperatures and their changes measured by different methods. So what we get for one quarter of our money paid over a 7-year-long period is clearly pure noise that is empirically indistinguishable from zero. You will surely not be able to "feel" the cooling by 0.02 C by your skin humans may only distinguish some 1 C change of the temperature but even if you used the most accurate thermometers and other gadgets, you won't be able to isolate some 0.02 C that could be shown to be due to the EU's policies. And if you cared to distinguish it from zero theoretically, what we get is at most 0.02 C of relative cooling achieved by 2027, and cooling almost certainly makes the world a slightly worse place to live, not a better one. From a rational viewpoint, this giant waste of money is totally insane. The European Union wants to modify the rest of the budget for 2021-2027 dramatically, too. A major part of the budgets so far have been some cohesion funds. For the EU to feel like a single entity, it should better be uniform enough which is why there has always been some money transfer from richer EU regions to poorer ones. This wasn't any trade compensated by something else this redistribution is what every country or federation or confederacy does to some extent because the non-uniformities create problems. OK, in the 2021-2027 budget, the European Union doesn't want to redistribute the money according to the impersonal and non-ideological "wealth" criteria anymore. It wants to "reward" the politically correct nations and regions and "punish" the politically incorrect ones. They're rather open about their plan to punish Poland and Hungary. Hungary has blasted the EU for this blackmail but the power of these blackmailing jerks is very high in contemporary Western Europe. So this change may happen. Nations may be getting subsidies for every person who is beheaded which enriches our culture, for every new mosque, for every company that employs mostly women in jobs in which men are usually better, for the number of anti-Russian articles written in the newspapers, for the number of toilets for transsexuals, and so on. Maybe nations will be rewarded for every new statue of Karl Marx, too. I am sorry but we have lived through such a system. We called it a totalitarian system. The unelected EU apparatchiks have no right to decide which nations are "good" and which nations are "naughty" especially when they are the naughtiest ones. The United Kingdom has been a net payer and at least a big part of its money should be lost. On top of that, countries like Hungary and Poland may get even less money because of these new ideological considerations. The desire to break the European Union will almost certainly grow. I think that a messy dissolution of the European Union could be a very bad event basically for everyone. So I think that we should try hard to work on some Velvet Divorce of the European Union which would ideally preserve the free trade. As far as I can say, there is really no other feature of the EU that is a clear advantage so all other aspects of the EU should simply be abolished and they may be recreated if the nations decide it's a good idea. As I have mentioned, I would have serious problems to support a dissolution of the EU that would be violent; or one that would severely cripple the trade in our continent. But if these basic threats are avoided, I would surely support any dissolution of the European Union wholeheartedly. Netflix does not break down its international subscriber numbers by country, but MultiChoice has revealed its estimate to MyBroadband. MultiChoice, which operates DStv, believes that Netflix has grown to between 300,000 and 400,000 subscribers in South Africa since it launched in January 2016. Thats a significant number in two and a half years, MultiChoice South Africa CEO Calvo Mawela told MyBroadband. Mawela made the statement while warning against the over-regulation of the pay TV sector in South Africa by ICASA. He said that thanks to the entry of services like Netflix, DStv now faces strong competition from global companies. Trying to regulate the market to break the exclusivity and first-air rights MultiChoice has will therefore hand South Africas pay TV sector to overseas companies, said Mawela. Growth DStv grew its subscriber base in South Africa by 278,000 users during the six months ending 30 September 2017, MultiChoice reported in its latest interim results. While DStvs subscriber base is showing growth, Mawela said this is on the companys lower-tier, lower-margin packages like DStv Access. By comparison, MultiChoice lost over 100,000 DStv Premium subscribers in its last financial year. Mawela also advocated for online and traditional broadcast services to be treated the same when it comes to regulation. He said Netflix and Amazon should be required to obtain a broadcast licence, pay taxes in South Africa, and comply with the classification regulations of the FPB. Netflix responds Netflix said many third-party companies give estimates of its per-country subscribers outside the US, but it is total guess work. While it declined to comment on MultiChoices estimates, Netflix said it is happy with its performance in South Africa. The latest calls to regulate the exploding cryptocurrency market come from an unusual place. Some of Europes largest digital-coin brokers, who would be saddled with the new rules, are actually asking for them in a bid to clear the air and shake off perceptions they help criminals transfer money. Firms such as eToro Europe Ltd. in London and Bitpanda GmbH in Vienna say clear, know your customer rules would let trading platforms go mainstream more easily, gain clients and eventually tap institutional business. Wed be happy to have regulations, so we know where we stand, said Eric Demuth, the 31-year-old co-chief executive officer of Bitpanda in Vienna, who said he meets frequently with potential regulators at Austrias Finance Ministry. Moving into loosely regulated jurisdictions like Malta or Gibraltar isnt interesting because it doesnt look good, he said. Pursuing transparency may seem ironic in a digital-coin market that mushroomed in the shadows since 2009 to as big as $800 billion. In many countries, people can still buy Bitcoin from specialized cash machines without showing any ID, and then use it for trading or for buying luxury goods, contraband and even property leaving few if any traces of identity. This is all about where the burden of proof lies for anti-money-laundering, so wanting regulations seems very sensible, said Marc Ostwald, global strategist at ADM Investor Services International in London. Even if youre making a killing in trading, someone could come up with an unexpected piece of regulation that puts a big red line through your business plan. Japan Example In the U.S., San Francisco-based Coinbase has garnered 20 million users while rigorously documenting its clients. In Asia, Japans supportive rules have made it perhaps the global center for digital coins. In Europe, the business is relatively smaller. And for many brokers, nabbing an institutional customer is tough to impossible. In-house compliance rules of money managers typically limit dealings with unregulated firms. The European Commission and regional supervisors are currently studying whether current European Union rules can be applied to crypto trading. At the same time some tax agencies, such as those in the U.S. and Spain, have demanded brokers and banks turn over names and trading data on crypto clients, an ugly situation for a customer who assumed some level of anonymity. Platforms in Europe dont want a harsh decision like Germanys BaFin made in March, classifying tokens and virtual currencies as financial instruments, thereby setting extensive requirements on operators. That would be horrible for Austrian platforms, said Demuth, whos gearing up to go after money managers someday with co-founder Paul Klanschek, 28. Bitpanda forecasts trading volume in 2018 to roughly triple to 2 billion euros ($2.4 billion) from last years level. For a link to the debate over rules for exchanges, and Gemini versus Kraken, click here. In the U.K., online currency-trader eToro opened for business in 2007, two years before Bitcoin was created. Cryptocurrencies now encompass about 75 percent of its business and eToro Managing Director Iqbal Gandham is chairing a trade group to bring transparency to their industry, he said. Members include Coinbase UK and the CEX.IO exchange. The benefits of regulation are clear. An appropriate framework would serve to both protect consumers, and ensure the longevity and legitimacy of the industry itself, Gandham said. For a look at how digital coins may have fueled ransomware growth, click here. While some brokers have actively sought for digital assets to be regulated as if they were a traditional asset, such as gold, Gandham rejects that approach. Given that we are dealing with new and nascent technology, we wouldnt want to simply cherry pick from existing regulation developed for other asset classes, he said. Potential rules would need to focus on those crypto organizations that interact with consumers the on- and off- ramps between fiat and cryptocurrencies. You can look at Japan to see how this might work. Now read: How Luno helps South Africans pay their Bitcoin tax The Napa Valley Community Foundation (NVCF) has started a program to help small businesses that suffered physical losses or economic injury as a result of the October 2017 wine country wildfires. Grants are now available to Napa County businesses that applied for a disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), but were declined. The program is a collaboration between the Napa Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund managed by NVCF; the Napa-Sonoma Small Business Development Center, a nonprofit organization that provides expert no-cost advising in English and Spanish to small businesses in the Northbay; and Working Solutions. Business owners who were ineligible to apply for an SBA disaster loan may also be considered for a grant if they lost property or revenues because of the fires. We are excited to be helping small business owners recover in partnership with the Napa-Sonoma SBDC and Working Solutions, said NVCF President Terence Mulligan. Because most of the fire damage to our business community has come in the form of economic losses, and Economic Injury Disaster Loans are still available through the SBA until July, weve built this program for business owners who cant access the federal governments disaster aid dollars, he added. Info: English: 707-529-1234, espanol: 707-293-6088. There is a mistaken idea about what a Hollywood movie crew does on a set, and during shooting of Wine Country last Friday the surprise was that it was watching us. Really watching. And the crew seemed to like what they were seeing. This up-and-coming Netflix comedy is being directed by Amy Poehler starring Poehler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, and Rachel Dratch, and was shot Friday and Saturday on Lincoln Avenue in Calistoga. On Thursday, May 3, crews were making new signs for stores, which were made to look like theyve been there for years, changing storefront displays, and setting things up for the next days shoot. At noon Friday, there were all sorts of trucks parked along the railroad depot and a rental boom crane was positioned above the art gallery. Crews were unloading and organizing their equipment carts, all as preparation to moving them to the various locations where the actual shooting was to take place. From the outside, the scene looked a bit confused. Down the street at the Calistoga Bikeshop, there were slews of power cables being laid out across the sidewalk, complete with protective black covers so that pedestrians would not trip. There were signs at all the crosswalks telling pedestrians that shops would be open for business during the filming, and it was obvious that the crew was attempting to accommodate the traffic. Were just starting our day, said Caleb Duffy, the location manager of the shoot. He was casual, cheerful, but also focused as two crew members were positioning the rolling bookcases outside of the Copperfields Bookstore. He said they would be shooting at various places up and down Lincoln here at the bookstore, across the street in front of the Calistoga Thai Kitchen, and later up the street across from Calmart. But please, he said, No photographs without clearing it first with our publicist. He said hed text me when the publicist was on set, then his focus quickly shifted back to the precise positioning of the bookcases. Returning at 5 p.m., Lincoln Avenue was now cordoned off at Cedar Street by police, but the sidewalk signs were still up. At this time, the action was all down on the northwest side of Lincoln, with a portable cyclorama (light-reflective screen) set up at the alleyway between the Bella Bakery and Blackbird. There were carts filled with electrical equipment on the street, cameras, men with handheld microphone booms held high, and a large tractor trailer truck screening off most of the way up the sidewalk. A security guard politely led me to a young man in a purple T-shirt whom, I was told, was the publicist. His name was Will Casey, and we began a long conversation in whispers because they were shooting two actors walking down the sidewalk in front of the Calistoga Thai Kitchen. Im actually happy to show you around, Casey whispered. A TV reporter from Santa Rosa was here earlier and spent only about five minutes. You know, you sort of think theyd come with a couple of crew people, but he did the whole report himself in about five minutes, then sat in his car and uploaded it all himself. Theres been nothing since then, and I was starting to get bored. I asked him how many people were currently on this set and he said between 100 and 150. Asked about other film locations hed worked on and he gave me a long list that included most recently Budapest, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Down south was the worst, he said. But Calistoga is actually an authentic town, he said in a whisper. His voice seemed surprised by this fact, as though he hadnt expected this experience. I mean, people on the street actually say Hi to one another. They know each other. He then talked about what we were seeing - or hearing because we werent permitted to get too close. When the director says theyre moving on, he whispered. Then we can get some shots. The shooting of this particular scene seemed to be repeated several times - a couple of actors walking down the sidewalk to the restaurant. But we really couldnt see who the actors were because the crowd of crew members with their carts and their equipment where jammed up five or six deep all along the sidewalk. And where their individual attentions were focused was interesting. Theres a popular idea that members of a crew on a movie set all stand around behind the cameras and the director watching the actors while the director sits in a folding chair barking out commands and a script holder cues up the actors. Instead, during this shooting, the filming director was somewhere deep inside the slew of equipment carts and the tentacles of cables, watching a video screen and calling out casual requests from within the crush of bodies. Meanwhile, it seemed, no one - not one that I could see of the crew - was actually looking at the actors. Their eyes, too, were intently focused upon their devices, preoccupied with other things. Some, indeed, had monitors and headphones, but most eyeing readings on panels. At the same time, extras were physically turned away from the scene, sitting quietly, scanning their phones or reviewing their scripts or sitting in meditation under a portable canopy. It seemed as though every one of them was actually somewhere else. It was not much different than a typical scene in a Starbucks anywhere else in the world: people using their smartphones to be in yet another world. Except, every now and then, theyd look up before returning to their work, gaze around, and then return to their screens. Finally, the voice of the director called out, Were moving on now to the long scene. Suddenly there was a jumble of commotion as equipment carts jockeyed across to other places on Lincoln Avenue while a large boom crane with a camera attached moved up to Washington Street. I thanked the publicist, and said I had to pick up a carryout order up at the Mexican restaurant called Puerto Vallarta. I asked him if I could walk the rest of the way up Lincoln. He nodded and said it was OK. Is it any good, he asked. The restaurant? Of course, I said yes. On the way up, I saw two beautiful women, oddly sitting at a table outside Cafe Sarafornia. It was odd because it was now about 5:30 in the afternoon and Cafe Sarafornia is usually only open until noon. I introduced myself and asked them how they were liking the filming that was going on. Oh, we do this all the time, said Lisa Finnie. We have been in a lot of movies. Her companion, Lydia Goff, said she was from Brentwood, and Finnie said San Francisco. I live in Daly City, but say that Im from San Francisco. Thats whats on my resume and thats really my city. They told me the crew here in Calistoga was really nice, and everyone in town seemed really friendly. But then the extra crew manager walked up and told them to stay where they were sitting: the filming of the long shot was about to commence. By that time, I had my two orders of enchiladas in their large paper bag and was walking back down Lincoln I noticed something sort of unusual. The street seemed extremely quiet. There were people stopped dead in their tracks crossing Lincoln and pedestrians on the sidewalk frozen in place, like in a snapshot in a postcard picture. I looked about, wondering. The sun was cresting over the hills, while behind me the light on the Palisades was a golden color that highlighted the shadows of Calistoga. I was confused, locked in my own thoughts, wondering. Then, over a loudspeaker down at Washington Street a voice called out And action! Suddenly, everyone began moving, crossing the road, coming up the street, acting, well, authentic. The Netflix movie is called Wine Country and is scheduled to appear sometime in 2019. It is Poehlers debut directing, and besides Poehler, the cast includes Fey, Rudolph, Dratch, Ana Gasteyer, Paula Pell and Emily Spivey among others. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The annual awards banquet for If Given a Chance on May 23 will introduce eight local students, the newest honorees chosen for the local program that provides financial support and guidance for courageous students who have overcome exceptional challenges and are committed to achieving a post-high school education. Established 23 years ago, If Given a Chance has helped students who have dealt with issues like physical and sexual abuse, homelessness, neglect, illness and domestic violence, and parents substance abuse. Since 1995, 281 recipients have benefited from If Given A Chance. Currently, the program has 47 students attending 21 different colleges and two recipients attending vocational or training programs. For 2018 the students being honored are Enrique Alvarez, Malia Lake, Laura Sarsfield, Leency Chavez, Hannah Washburn, Emily Castaneda, Ana Valentin, Daisy Roman. They will join the extended If Given a Chance family where mentors will help guide them from high school graduation through college or a vocational training program. If Given A Chance helps students maximize financial aid benefit and learn how to utilize campus resources to avoid negative influences while pursuing their goals. Hello, people with mothers! Mothers Day is this coming Sunday, May 13. In five days. Five. If you are reading this column and have absolutely no idea what you will do for the mother in your life, you are in luck. Follow my step-by-step guide and you will be the apple of your moms eye. The Napa Farmers Market is a one-stop shopping bonanza if you are looking to celebrate Mom. On Saturday you can shop for nearly everything you will need for Sunday. I have included a favorite brunch recipe, James Beards French toast, that will be a big part of your success. Before I get to your plan, let me share what my family used to do for my mother, Mary. Every Mothers Day for as long as I can remember, we would hop in the car and Dad would drive us 30 miles north from Thousand Oaks to Oxnard to the Wagon Wheel Restaurant. Im fairly certain that my younger sister and I bickered most of the way there and back. I dont think there was anything special about the Wagon Wheel. Mothers Day was the only day of the year we went there. Judging from the neon sign, it was not a fine-dining extravaganza. Perhaps we thought my mother loved it. She probably would rather have been hiking with other moms. Although my mom has been gone for several years, I think about our tradition every year when Mothers Day rolls around. Police arrested a 29-year-old man Sunday morning after an incident in which police alleged he tried to pull an officer into the Napa River. Officers were called to Riverside Drive and Elm Street at 7:15 a.m., when a resident reported that a relative, John Daniel Trujillo of Folsom, was acting erratically, running naked, jumping into the river, and had grabbed the person's cellphone and smashed it on the ground, according to Sgt. Todd Shulman. When police arrived, Trujillo ran from them and again jumped from a 20-foot embankment into the water before swimming to shore, Shulman said. After an hour of negotiation with police, Trujillo began to climb up the embankment, but tried to grab and pull an officer who reached toward him to assist him, according to Shulman. Officers finally pulled Trujillo back to dry land, but he resisted attempts to handcuff him and tried to bite an officer, Shulman said. Following an evaluation at Queen of the Valley Medical Center, Trujillo was booked into the Napa County Jail for investigation of resisting arrest, a felony, and misdemeanor counts of vandalism, possessing drug paraphernalia and being under the influence of a controlled substance. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. A 38-year-old Rohnert Park motorcyclist was killed Sunday afternoon when he collided with a Cal Fire fire truck on rural Highway 128, east of Lower Chiles Pope Valley Road, the California Highway Patrol said Monday. The motorcyclist was identified as Carlos Lorenzo-Guerrero who was riding a 2014 Yamaha, the California Highway Patrol said. Lorenzo-Guerrero lost control of his motorcycle on a right-hand curve and struck the on-coming fire truck, the CHP said. The Cal Fire vehicle was responding to another collision in the Lake Berryessa area. The fire engine, driven by Timothy Erskine, 39, was traveling eastbound at 25 mph, while the speed of the motorcycle is not known, the CHP said. The collision happened at about 1:40 p.m. The cause is under investigation. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The head chef, who is a relative of the employee, according to the suit, said that he would talk to the woker and told him that it was his last chance. Less than a month later, Venegas was washing lettuce at the sink when the employee allegedly approached her and grabbed her butt. A nearby bartender witnessed the assault and told the worker to stop, according to the suit. Again, Venegas was back in the bathroom crying. The employee assaulted her again in April, according to the suit, by coming up to her, commenting on and then squeezing her breasts. Venegas signed multiple forms after making her complaints, but when she asked to see a copy of one of her complaints and any related reports, a supervisor said he wasnt sure if he could give them to her, the suit alleges. According to the suit, the kitchen worker harassed other women at the restaurant and repeatedly showed up for work intoxicated. The employee was finally terminated in June, according to the suit, after other employees complained about his behavior. Police announced the arrest of an 18-year-old Napa resident in connection with a shooting into a local home. Emmanuel Solorio Hurtado was interviewed by officers and then detained at 3:45 p.m. Saturday at Napa Police headquarters, according to Sgt. Todd Shulman. He was booked into the Napa County jail on $100,000 bail for investigation of shooting into a dwelling and assault with a firearm. The allegations are tied to a March 27 incident in which a suspect fired shots at an apartment unit in the 2400 block of Old Sonoma Road, Shulman said. Police called in Solorio Hurtado for questioning after detectives identified him as the suspect, according to Shulman. No injuries were reported in the shooting, according to police. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Using tweezers the doctor took out a few pieces of the roach, and once three pieces were removed he showed it to Holley and her husband on a napkin. Thinking her ordeal was finally over Holley and her husband left the ER, but days later Holley's ear still wasn't feeling right. A week later she went to a family physician to renew her daily medication and told the doctor that she was still having discomfort in her ear and has some hearing loss--thinking it could just be a buildup of wax. When the doctor flushed out her ear and used an instrument to check inside, there wasn't any wax buildup. Instead, she saw a spiky insect leg. The doctor was able to pull out six more pieces of the bug's carcass but told Holley that there could still be more pieces of the bug inside. So the doctor made an emergency appointment with an ENT for Holley the next day. On day nine of Holley's bug nightmare, she visited the ENT doctor who placed a miscroscope next to her ear and said there "Was still something in there," Self Magazine reports. This time, the doctor pilled out the "entire head, upper torso, more limbs and antennae," Holley said. The death of far-reachingeven revolutionarylegislation to facilitate housing development crystallized a conflict thats been simmering in California for decades: Who controls land use? Based on police powers in the state constitution, cities and counties have, for many decades, regulated how land may be used. They do this most obviously by zoning it for specific purposes, such as residential, commercial, industrial or agricultural, with countless subcategories, but also by controlling specific projects within those zones. In theory, such regulation avoids incompatible uses. But there are enormous social and economic consequences as well, and its a purely political process with a veneer of civic benefit but often with corrupt undertones. Zoning and other land use tools also affect the character of a community, as opponents of specific projects often contend. But they also may reinforce its tendencies toward racial and economic segregation by ensuring that only those with higher incomes can afford to live there. Local governments also have financial stakes in land-use decreesby, for instance, maximizing land available for retail developments that generate sales taxes. The quasi-volunteer model that has served the St. Helena Fire Department so well for 107 years is finally showing some cracks. At a special meeting on Thursday, Fire Chief John Sorensen briefed the City Council on his proposal to hire two full-time firefighters, at a cost of $200,000 a year, to supplement a squad thats struggling to muster enough people to respond to a sharply increasing number of calls. The department has 26 paid-per-call firefighters, including six that were recruited last year. But many of them work out of town, leaving only nine firefighters in St. Helena who can be relied upon to drop what theyre doing and respond to daytime calls. At least two of them need to respond for a routine medical aid, and more for car accidents and fires. And not all nine of them are qualified to drive the fire trucks, so sometimes responders have to wait at the firehouse for a driver to arrive. Meanwhile, call volume went from 728 in 2012 to 851 in 2016, and then shot up to 977 in 2017 an increase of 15 percent in one year. Thats almost equal to the 1,032 calls fielded by the Calistoga Fire Department, which began the transition from volunteer to volunteer/professional in 1996. UK envoy to Armenia does not comment on Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, Karabakh situation Iran Supreme Leaders representative leaves Azerbaijan Armenias Pashinyan to Russias Putin: We are grateful for your efforts to establish peace in South Caucasus Putin, Aliyev confer on situation in South Caucasus Putin, Erdogan discuss regional issues 4 new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh PACE new resolution urges to ensure that COVID-19 vaccination is not mandatory Zelensky sacks Ukraine ambassador to Armenia PM: Armenia, Armenian people are grateful to Japan Armenia PM: We have made decision regarding local elections Armenia, Italy presidents farewell ceremony held in Rome (PHOTOS) Sarkissian to Putin: Armenia highly values your contribution to maintenance of peace, stability in region Having legal system is important for business development in fair environment, says UK ambassador to Armenia Armenia President, Italy PM meeting in Rome (PHOTOS) Baku not ruling out another meeting between Armenia, Azerbaijan FMs Armenia President meets with Rome mayor 1,309 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Biden approval rating hits new low in latest poll Armenia ombudsman in Italy parliament, presents evidence of Azerbaijan torture of Armenian captives World oil prices dropping Serial killer in US lured by social media is sentenced to 160 years in prison Newspaper: Armenia authorities face new problems in setting up parliament committee of inquiry into 44-day war Newspaper: Opposition Armenia bloc plans to hold forums, rally Armenia PM admits that in 2018 he could have disclosed Karabakh negotiation process content Armenia health minister: Out of 2,446 hospital beds for coronavirus patients, 2,300 are occupied China-Taiwan military escalation reaches peak in past four decades Armenia President: We welcome pro-Artsakh documents adopted by nearly 50 regional and city councils of Italy Armen Sarkissian meets with President of Italian Senate Nikol Pashinyan: Armenia to build new nuclear power plant, negotiations have been launched Italy's Quirinal Palace hosts exhibition featuring works of Aivazovsky, Saryan and other Armenian painters Armen Sarkissian meets with President of Italy's Chamber of Deputies Roberto Fico Catholicos of All Armenians meets with Pope Francis at the Vatican Armenia ex-Ambassador to The Netherlands Vigen Chitechyan dies Armenia PM again says he is guilty for all the failures of the Armenian side during last year's war FM: Discussion on occupied territories of former NKAO will create new threats to Armenia Karabakh emergency situations service: Rescue squad finds remains of another Armenian soldier in Jrakan Mattarella: Armenia and Italy can boast about their friendly relations Nikol Pashinyan: Armenia agreed to stop the hostilities on October 7, 2020 Iran, EEU begin talks to reach agreement over permanent treaty on free trade zone An abundant TechnoFall with Inecobank - NFC payments and more Armenia FM says his Indian counterpart will visit Yerevan in the next few days Deputy PM: A comprehensive study of documents agreed by Armenian and Azerbaijani is necessary Digest: Azerbaijan using Armenia's airspace, Baku says it's ready to mend relations with Yerevan Health minister: All coronavirus vaccines in Armenia meet quality standards Armenia health minister: Those who recovered from COVID-19 also need to get vaccinated Armenia Deputy PM announces name of another POW returned from Azerbaijan Armenia and Italy Presidents hold personal talks at Quirinal Palace Armenian FM: MFA welcomes Iran's stance on inviolability of Armenia's borders EU ready to share experience with Azerbaijan and Armenia in borders demarcation and delimitation Dollar dropping in Armenia Lavrov: Russia, Iran discussed 3 + 3 format concept with Turkey, Caucasus countries participation Hossein Amir-Abdollahian: Iran won't accept geopolitical changes in the Caucasus Armenia Ambassador meets with Iranian Deputy FM Armenia Parliament Speaker visits Armenian church of Russia and New Nakhijevan Diocese Armenia to host event with companies having made investments worth over $2,000,000,000 Aliyev announces start of process of opening communications with Armenia Civil Aviation Committee confirms Baku-Nakhchivan flight through Armenia airspace Wednesday Armenia government programs under EU assistance package are discussed Azerbaijan lodges complaint with ECHR for review of case of assassination attempt against Lapshin Armenian MP also on list of Erdogan's petition to strip several Turkey lawmakers of parliamentary immunity Armenia Deputy PM Suren Papikyan has new advisor Armenia State Revenue Committee chief has new deputy Italy President to Armen Sarkissian: OSCE Minsk Group is the format for sustainable and peaceful solution Armenia ombudsman emphasizes to Vatican Secretary of State urgency of returning Armenian captives in Azerbaijan Aliyev: Azerbaijan is ready to launch negotiations with Armenia for normalization of relations Armenia Parliament Speaker meets with Russian State Duma chairman Ruling faction MP: Armenia airspace has never been closed to Azerbaijan civilian air transportation New France ambassador visits Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan Opposition MP: Not only is there no security system in Armenia but there is no one who wants to maintain that system Not first time that reports are made on opening of Armenia airspace to Azerbaijan Armenia flag raised on Italy presidential palace Armenia Competition Protection Commission chief heads for Greece, memorandum of cooperation to be signed It is snowing with large flakes in Armenias Vanadzor Civil Aviation Committee silent on issue of allowing Baku-Nakhchivan flights through Armenia airspace Armenia State Revenue Committee hosting meeting of council of CIS tax authorities heads Fall forward: Gurgen Khachatryan, Co-Founder of Galaxy Group of Companies, addresses message to Armenia youth Gas price in Europe exceeds $ 1,600 per thousand cubic meters Those displaced from Artsakhs Hadrut again protesting outside Armenia government building World oil prices stabilizing 1,155 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Baku starts using Armenia airspace for flights to Nakhchivan Armenia National Assembly passes important law initiative Russia peacekeepers monitoring ceasefire in Karabakh Snow falls at Armenias Dilijan road bends Greece-Turkey arms race: France frigates vs. Germany submarines? Armenia legislature continues regular sessions Newspaper: Armenia employees to pay considerably for tests if not vaccinated against coronavirus Newspaper: Court denies Armenia parliament speakers petition for opposition MP Hundreds of kilograms of cocaine found in Scotland historic castle ruins Iran FM to discuss developments in Caucasus with his Russian counterpart Armenia FM receives Special Representative of OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in South Caucasus Karabakh emergency situations service: Remains of 2 more Armenian servicemen found in Jrakan 330,000 children were sex abuse victims in French Catholic Church Armenia ex-defense minister: We need to ask Pashinyan what he agreed with Aliyev with regard to mine maps Belgium returns to Egypt artifacts that were illegally exported from country Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff vows to continue military operations to counter Iran Opposition MP: Turks are pressuring Armenia more and more since there is no response from Yerevan Greece proposes pan-European hedging mechanism against sharp fluctuations in gas prices ARF-D member: I am certain that there will be rallies in Armenia in November Czech Republic signs deal to buy new air defense system from Israel I, myself, dont seek to enter the government, but our relations are relations of political forces, and we are ready to support; we are not going to leave Nikol Pashinyan on his own. Armen Rustamyan, head of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Dashnaktsutyun Party faction at the National Assembly (NA) of Armenia, stated the aforesaid at Mondays parliamentary briefings. In his words, even though the ARF does not expect to become a part of the next government in the country, they want for the expected Pashinyan-led government to succeed, and they will assist him on this matter. Also, Rustamyan considers the forming of a government of national consent to be logical. We have spoken about the principles which, in our view, are right to lay at the foundation of a new government, said Rustamyan. We are ready to assist; but its not important with what status that will be. He added that they stand ready to assume responsibility. The ARF faction head assured that they, as last time, will vote for Nikol Pashinyan for the post of Prime Minister of Armenia, on Tuesday, too. Armen Rustamyan noted that if the NA faction of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia on Tuesday votes on the contrary to what it had announcedand votes against Pashinyan, this will be risky for this political force. In his view, a snap parliamentary election does not stem from the RPA interests because they now have majority in this NA, and therefore they will vote for Pashinyan so that the current parliament is not dissolved. The parliament failed to elect NA opposition Way Out (Yelk) Faction head Nikol Pashinyan as the new PM during its special session on May 1. Under the constitutional law, if the PM is not elected, the NA shall hold a new election for the PM seven days after the first voting; that is, on Tuesday, May 8. And this time, candidates who are nominated by at least one-third of the total number of MPs can run in this election, and Pashinyan again has been nominated as PM candidate. The Yelk, Tsarukyan, and ARF factions have announced that they will vote for Pashinyan, while the RPA faction stated that this time they will support his election as the next PM. But if a PM is not elected this time, too, the current NA shall be dissolved by law. Subsequently, a snap parliamentary election shall be conducted in Armenia. Stephanie Ioannou knew from an early age that she wanted to be a physician. That goal helped keep her centered as her father, a hotelier, moved the family numerous times during her childhood. I was born in Miami, but I attended eight schools between kindergarten and 12th grade, said Ioannou. We finally moved to Broward when I was entering high school, and I have lived in South Florida ever since. In addition to the family moves, her father spent years fighting cancer and he was in and out of hospitals during the ordeal. With the help of skilled doctors, he eventually beat the disease, and witnessing the quality of his care only strengthened Ioannous resolve to become a physician herself. They inspired me, she said. I wanted to impact individuals and families the way that my fathers physicians impacted my family. To this day, I cant imagine myself doing anything else. Ioannous chance to start down that path came as a University of Miami sophomore majoring in biology, with minors in chemistry and psychology, when she was accepted into the Medical Scholars Program an early medical school acceptance that enables students to earn B.S. and M.D. degrees in just seven years. I couldnt wait to start medical school, she said. I was excited by the Miller Schools diverse patient population, small-group learning environments, and vast opportunities for community service and leadership. Ioannou has excelled academically, but it is through volunteer activities that she has really made a name for herself. She joined the Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Department of Community Service (DOCS), becoming co-director in her third year and executive director in her fourth year. She is proud that she has never missed a single DOCS health fair the large-scale student-run clinics held in underserved communities. She has also volunteered for three Nicaragua Medical Missions. It is extremely rewarding to build relationships with members of the community year after year, she said. Our goal is to provide patient education and to connect patients who otherwise have no, or very little, access to medical care through community health services. Ioannou has also served as a clinical skills trainer for first- and second-year Miller School students, and a member of the schools Admissions Committee and the American Medical Womens Association, and she has engaged in research projects within the Divisions of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. She received UMs ultimate recognition this spring when she was tapped for membership in the Iron Arrow Honor Society. Following graduation, she heads off but only as far as Jackson Memorial Hospital for a residency in internal medicine. After my residency, I would like to pursue a fellowship in gastroenterology, she said. I ultimately want to practice in a large academic setting and incorporate teaching and mentoring into my career. In her spare time Ioannou enjoys being with family and friends, reading, traveling, cooking, practicing yoga and dancing salsa. Stephanie is one of our star leaders, said Alex J. Mechaber, M.D., Bernard J. Fogel Chair in Medical Education, senior associate dean for undergraduate medical education and professor of medicine. She embodies everything we hope for in a Miller School studenthighly competent, compassionate, and caring, with a keen interest in serving our community. For Daniel Baldor, who says he was born into international medicine, the groundbreaking M.D./M.P.H. program at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine was a perfect step on the path to his career destination: becoming a Navy surgeon. Baldor, who begins a general surgery residency at the Naval Medical Center San Diego soon after receiving his Miller School degrees May 12, began his life on an Apache Indian reservation, where his father was a primary care doctor. His mother is a professor of nursing who took him to outreach projects she led in Belize, and they ended up helping with recovery in Thailand when the tsunami hit while they were there on vacation. Those experiences, along with an undergraduate degree in political science and international relations from the University of Massachusetts in Boston, a post-baccalaureate pre-medical program at Harvard, and an internship with Physicians for Human Rights documenting Arab Spring violence against physicians and hospital patients, inspired Baldors determination to join the Navy as a surgeon. I truly believe in the vital role that the United States plays in supporting and defending freedom and democracy around the world, he said. And the public health component is important for the broader implication of what medicine can be used for. And for me, its that big floating hospital ship the Mercy. I see Navy medicine as something that is much beyond just hands on patients and our support of the warfighter I also see the diplomatic mission, I see the global mission, he said. The Navy provides all the logistical support for every major catastrophic response globally. There is also a big role for public health in terms of disaster management. While moving to South Florida was a significant cultural shift for Baldor, who came from Worcester, Mass., he jumped into medical school and community service with commitment and passion. He helped establish a Gun Violence Research and Advocacy Program, talking with survivors at UM/Jacksons Ryder Trauma Center and presenting information at public health conferences. He was involved in the Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Department of Community Service (DOCS), and he became a huge anatomy enthusiast. He spent countless hours in the lab, and then kept going back to help with the anatomy classes. I feel inextricably drawn to the physicality, he said. I think thats why Im a surgeon Im a tactile person. Daniel M. Lichtstein, M.D., regional dean for medical education at the Miller School, said Baldors curiosity and innovation have earned him the respect and admiration of faculty and his classmates. In any situation when youre interacting with him, he is always seeking more hes never happy with the status quo, Lichtstein said. When you explain something, hes always looking for more information. Lichtstein was particularly impressed by Baldors project with a fellow student to develop a series of faculty podcasts about core internal medicine topics to help third-year medical students with their oral exams. He truly is a unique individual, Lichtstein said. He definitely is a driven individual. In a speech at a banquet celebrating the Miller School M.D./M.P.H. graduates at the regional campus in Palm Beach, Baldor talked about the extraordinary drive that brought him and his classmates to medical school. We have a responsibility to take care of the population, he said. We have to own our position as leaders in shaping the future, especially in regard to health care. Baldor commissioned into the Navy in part to pay for medical school, but for the first time in my life I feel like Im where Im meant to be, he said. I know that when I went to basic training, I belonged. I have found my calling. A former presidential spokesperson, Dr. Doyin Okupe, has said the Coalition for Nigeria Movement will present a candidate who will defeat President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 presidential election. He, however, said the group was not formed to either attack the Buhari government or to discredit the APC. Okupe, in a statement on Saturday, said since it would be difficult to defeat an incumbent, the CNM was created as a broad platform with a view to presenting a candidate who would contest against Buhari with the hope of defeating the incumbent President. Okupe stated, It is absolutely impossible to oppose the incumbent especially a towering figure like President Muhammadu Buhari and hope to defeat him. To defeat Buhari will require an exact repeat of what Bola Tinubu and others were able to do with the APC in 2014 by creating a broad platform encompassing the political majority in the country. This strong coalition will present a candidate to contest against Buhari with the hope of being able to win. The former aide to Obasanjo explained that the CNM believed that the APC government, led by Buhari, had not done well since it took over power about three years ago. We recognise the fact that the APC has not done well. We are convinced that the decision by Buhari to contest again will not augur well for the country. To allow the APC to win means Buhari will continue and that would not be in the interest of Nigerians, he added. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has disowned a recruitment advertisement currently trending in the social media. The advertisement, set in NNPCs corporate colour with its logo, invites candidates with background in Sciences, Engineering, Business/Finance, Social Sciences, Arts/Humanities as well as Medical/Health Sciences to apply, giving required educational attainments of prospects to include: Masters degree, Bachelors degree, Higher National Diploma (HND) and National Diploma. Describing the advertisement as phantom, Ndu Ughamadu, the general manager public affairs of the corporation, called on unsuspecting members of the public to be wary of the scam. NNPC advised members of the public to disregard any announcement of recruitment or invitation to recruitment interview appearing in the social media, saying the corporation was not carrying out any recruitment exercise now. The corporation reminded job seekers to note the antics of scammers who deploy such communication strategies as text messages, vacancy announcements on social media platforms as well as forged letters inviting job seekers for non-existing job interviews with a view to extorting money from them. NNPC cautioned that any applicant who entertained such invitations would have himself or herself to blame, encouraging those who had already fallen victims to volunteer information to the law enforcement agencies. The corporation stated that as an equal opportunities going concern, it would, as usual, advertise vacancies in the corporation through the national dailies. Home | News | General | Chris Ngige reportedly escapes mob attack as Anambra APC meeting turns violent - Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, was reported to have escaped mob attack in Anambra state - He was alleged to be trying to manipulate the result of the ward congress in his favour - Candidate of the APC in the November 18, 2017 governorship election, Dr Tony Nwoye was said to have openly accused Ngige of plotting to hijack the party structure Dr Chris Ngige, Nigeria's minister of Labour and Employment has reportedly escaped mob attack at a meeting of the All Progressives Congress in a hotel in Awka, Anambra state. Punch reports that the meeting was for the harmonisation of the results of the recently held partys ward congress. It was also reported that the minster was whisked away by security agencies as gunshots pervaded the scene. READ ALSO: Bandits reportedly kill 45 in Kaduna fresh attack Ngige was alleged to be trying to manipulate the result of the ward congress in his favour. Ali, a member of the states ward congress committee, was said to have been beaten to pulp over allegation that he was among those drafted in the state to work in favour of Ngige. Dr Tony Nwoye, candidate of the APC in the November 18, 2017 governorship election in the state was said to have also accused Ngige of plotting to hijack the party in the state. Nwoye was quoted to have said that: Some of you here worked against me during that election, but my joy is that I lost the election and you lost too because most of you have not risen beyond the falling point. Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had reported that the APC has congratulated all its members for the conduct of the party's ward congresses which took place across the country over the weekend. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app The party described the exercise as peaceful, while commending members who served in the congress committees for their dedication and impartiality. Nigeria is practicing Oligarchy (Nigerian Street Interview) on NAIJ.com TV: [embedded content] Subscribe to watch new videos Source: Naija.ng CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | Senator Oluremi Tinubu speaks on 2019 general elections - Senator Oluremi Tinubu has spoken about 2019 general elections - Senator Tinubu said PVCs are the tools to participating in the elections - She maintained that INEC should make the collection process quick and easy Senator Oluremi Tinubu, senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District on Sunday urged the federal government to declare public holidays for collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), ahead of the December 2018 deadline. Oluremi, in a statement in Lagos, said that the PVCs were the tools to participating in the forthcoming 2019 general elections. News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that she also urged residents in the state to ensure that they collect their PVCs. READ ALSO: Bandits reportedly kill 45 in Kaduna fresh attack The call sequel to revelations by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that over seven million PVCs were yet to be collected nationwide, with one million and four hundred thousand from Lagos state. It would be recalled that prior to the 2015 elections, INEC had introduced the use of smart card readers. This has necessitated issuance of PVCs as part of the identification and authentication process. After the 2015 elections, about 12 million PVCs had remained in the electoral bodys custody. With previous elections, Nigerians developed voter apathy due to a distrust of the system. The 2015 elections taught us, however, that as individuals, our votes count. Thus, we must rise up as citizens to fulfill our civic responsibility and ensure accountability in governance. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Towards the 2019 elections, INEC had released modalities for ongoing continuous voter registration. The centres open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Tinubu pleaded that the period should be extended; and should include weekends to allow people who were unable to visit the centres during work hours to do so at weekends. She said INEC should ensure that it had adequate resources to make the process quick and easy. The senator also called for increased voter education and sensitisation to achieve the desire results. Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had reported that the Sultan of Sokoto and president general of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammadu Saad Abubakar III called on Nigerians to go get their voters card ready to elect leaders of their choice in the forthcoming 2019 general elections. According to the sultan, people can only have a say in what the leaders do, only by getting their voters card, Vanguard reports. Speaking on Saturday, March 3, during the closing ceremony of the 32nd National Quranic Recitation competition organized by Centre for Islamic Studies, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto and hosted by the Katsina state, Alhaji Saad Abubakar said: It is only through your voters card that you can challenge your leaders and also have a say in what they do. What is the problem with Nigeria? on NAIJ.com TV: [embedded content] Subscribe to watch new videos Source: Naija.ng CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | Okorocha meets Buhari in Daura (Photos) President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday, May 6, received in audience Governor Rochas Okorochas of Imo state in his home town Daura, Katsina state. President Buhari Friday afternoon, May 4, travelled to the state after the weekly juma`at service at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. President Buhari on Sunday, May 6, received Governor Rochas Okorochas of Imo state in his hometown Daura, Katsina state. Photo Credit: Femi Adeshina READ ALSO: Bandits reportedly kill 45 in Kaduna fresh attack President Buhari returned to Nigeria on Thursday night, May 3 after what his spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu described as `technical stopover` in London after his meeting with the American President, Donald Trump on Monday. President Buhari on Sunday, May 6, received Governor Rochas Okorochas of Imo state in his hometown Daura, Katsina state. Photo Credit: Femi Adeshina The presidential spokesman had explained that the President had to stop over in London, United Kingdom to `refuel` and do a routine check on the presidential jet that he travelled with to America for the bilateral meeting with Trump on the invitation of the American President. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app President Buhari on Sunday, May 6, received Governor Rochas Okorochas of Imo state, others in his hometown Daura, Katsina state. Photo Credit: Femi Adeshina Meanwhile, at the of filling this reports, NAIJ.com can not ascertained what President Buhari discussed with Governor Okorochas at his country home. In a related development, President Buhari recently held a joint press conference with his American counterpart, Donald Trump at the White House in Washington D.C. President Trump invited President Buhari to a meeting at the White House on April 30, 2018. According to a statement released by the US government, Trump is expected to discuss issues such as promoting economic growth and fighting terrorism with Buhari. The statement read: "President Trump looks forward to discussing ways to enhance our strategic partnership and advance our shared priorities: promoting economic growth and reforms, fighting terrorism and other threats to peace and security, and building on Nigerias role as a democratic leader in the region." Buhari to Contest for Presidency in 2019! Naij.com TV: [embedded content] Subscribe to watch new videos Source: Naija.ng CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General The NY Times puts a toe in the morass of Dem messaging as they ponder the enforcement of current gun laws: In Fight Against Violent Crime, Justice Dept. Targets Low-Level Gun Offenders Uh oh. I'll never find it but some wag observed that on the topic of gun control Democrats always want to ignore current crime statistics and pass tougher gun laws with the hope of locking up all the annoying rednecks on Duck Dynasty. It's a puzzle. I would say that Black Lives Matter and others have raised valid points about Incarceration Nation, especially as it relates to our War on Drugs. On the other hand, if the Feds go after felons with guns they are inevitably going to be pursuing a group in which black males are over-represented. Awkard! "Let's pass tougher gun laws but not enforce them against minorities" is unlikely to be a catch-fire message. On the other hand, "Let's lock up more ethnics!" may not play to the Democratic base. Well. I'm sure the Democrat's Late Night Comics Brigade will come up with something, probably involving Sarah Palin or Trump's hair. Pressing on, I love the Times coverage of their second "woe is me" example of victims of the Sessions crackdown: On Jan. 1, 2017, police in York, Pa., stopped Steven Gray, 46, whom they said was carrying a pistol. Mr. Gray was charged in federal court last April with illegally possessing the firearm, which he denied was his. A forensic investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives found no discernible DNA on the weapon. Mr. Gray, who had a prior felony drug charge, was convicted and faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced in the coming months. Sometimes it appears theyre just looking for numbers, his lawyer, Thomas Thornton, said of federal prosecutors, who denied the accusation. Hmm, "a prior felony drug charge". A trivial possession bust? Not exactly, per the York Dispatch, which tells us that Court records reveal that in 2015, Gray pleaded guilty in York County Court to felony drug dealing. And there is more: Police later determined the handgun had been reported stolen from New Hampshire in 1995, documents state. So we have a guy who pled guilty in 2015 to a drug dealing charge who is now in illegal possession of a stolen handgun and the Times wants to go easy on him? Just who do they want to arrest? Well, nobody, maybe. The Fox Butterfield school makes a glorious return with this marvelous "Why bother locking up criminals?" moment: Enforcement isnt always the solution to those different types of crimes, said Inimai Chettier, director of the justice program at New York Universitys Brennan Center for Justice [link]. The result might be to increase the federal prison population without a correlating reduction in crime. It might be! But speaking as a non-felon not in illegal possession of a gun, I'm not afraid to find out. Home | News | General | Exercise Ayem Akpatuma: Nigerian Army recovers arms in Taraba state - Troops deployed on Exercise Ayem Akpatuma continue to make progress - The soldiers have recovered arms abandoned by armed bandits in Taraba state - The recovery was made in Donga local government area of the state Troops deployed on Exercise Ayem Akpatuma while on patrol recovered arms abandoned by armed bandits in Taraba state. According to a statement sent to NAIJ.com by the director army public relations, Brigadier-General Texas Chukwu, the recovery was made in Donga, Donga local government area of the state. READ ALSO: Army troops encounter bandits in Kogi state, kill 6 The statement noted that the bandits fled the area on sighting the troops advancing towards them. Items recovered include: 1. One AK 47 rifle 2. Two magazines and 3. Twelve (12) rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition The statement advised members of the public to cooperate with the security agents by reporting any suspicious activities in the area for prompt action. READ ALSO: 4 herdsmen killed in Benue as troops repel attack on communities The army had earlier declared five suspects wanted for the crisis in the state. The suspects were declared wanted for their alleged roles in the killings in Takum local government area in particular and Taraba state in general. Benue IDPs: Education amidst crisis | NAIJ.com TV [embedded content] Subscribe to watch new videos Source: Naija.ng CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | Take note: These towns will experience cloudy skies, thunderstorms on Monday, May 7 - NiMet has predicted cloudy weather conditions over the central states of the country - It also also predicted day and night temperatures in the range of 25 to 36 and 16 to 26 degrees celsius respectively - The agency predicted that the southern states would experience cloudy conditions with prospect of isolated thunderstorms over few places The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudy weather conditions over the central states of the country with prospect of isolated thunderstorms over Abuja, Mambilla plateau, Ibi, Jos, Kaduna, Lafia and Makurdi on Monday morning. NiMets Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office in Abuja on Saturday also predicted day and night temperatures in the range of 25 to 36 and 16 to 26 degrees celsius respectively. It added that localised thunderstorms were expected over Abuja, Jos, Bauchi, Mambilla plateau, Jalingo and Minna axis during the afternoon and evening hours. READ ALSO:Bandits reportedly kill 45 in Kaduna fresh attack The agency predicted that the southern states would experience cloudy conditions with prospect of isolated thunderstorms over few places like Enugu, Calabar, Obudu and Uyo axis during the morning hours. It also predicted localised thunderstorms over Akure, Lagos, Benin, Portharcourt, Calabar and Eket later in the day keeping most part of the region in cloudy conditions during the afternoon and evening hours. NiMet further predicted day and night temperatures in the range of 28 to 34 and 21 to 25 degrees Celsius respectively over the southern states during the forecast period. According to NiMet, northern states will experience partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with chances of localized thunderstorms over Maiduguri, Sokoto and Yelwa axis in the afternoon and evening period. Northern states will also have day and night temperatures in the ranges of 34 to 43 and 17 to 29 degrees celsius respectively. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app Cloudy conditions with prospects of isolated thunderstorms over some places in the country are expected to prevail in the next 24 hours, NiMet predicts. Victims of Lekki flood rendered homeless, jobless speak to NAIJ.com TV. [embedded content] Subscribe to watch new videos Source: Naija.ng CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | Bomb attack in Mubi: Weve identified our mistakes -Emir - Emir of Mubi says the the emirate council and security agencies have identified the loopholes in security which led to the attack on the area - The emir disclosed steps had been taken to plug all security loopholes - Alhaji Abubakar Ahmadu who described the Mubi attack as unfortunate, assured that it would not happen again The emir of Mubi in Adamawa state, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmadu said that the emirate council and security agencies have identified the loopholes in security that led to the recent bomb blast in the town which killed many people. The emir, who disclosed this on Sunday, May 6, when he received the chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai in his palace, said steps had been taken to plug the loopholes. More than 20 people died in the incident, while over 50 others sustained injuries in the twin bomb blasts at different locations in Mubi on May 1. The traditional ruler described the incident as unfortunate and assured that it would not happen again. READ ALSO: Bandits reportedly kill 45 in Kaduna fresh attack He said: After the unfortunate bomb blast, immediately I summon all my council chiefs and the local government chairman. I assure you things will change as we have already identified the loopholes and we shall address them. Earlier, Buratai noted that security situation had improved in the town compared to three years ago, even though there were still pockets of attacks. He said: This is the time we should reflect on what went wrong and ensure it does not happen again. He urged the residents to be vigilant and work closely with security agencies. The army chief said: The situation requires vigilance. Bombers disguise in different ways. People can identify them by the abnormal way they dress. Therefore, people should be vigilant. Because of improvement in security situation people have relaxed, but it is now they should reflect on their past mistakes. There should be continued relationship with security agencies and provision of necessary information. He assured that security agencies would continue to ensure that bombers do not have access to the community, but added that when they do, they would be apprehended before they cause havoc. He also stressed that synergy between the military and traditional institution was vital in ensuring adequate security in the community. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had reported that President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the Boko Haram terrorist attack which occoured in a mosque in Mubi, Adamawa state describing it as very cruel and dastardly. According to a statement issued by Garba Shehu on Tuesday, November 21, the president commiserated with the people of the state and assured them that the government would not relent in its fight against terror. Nigerian Air Force operations against Boko Haram - on NAIJ.com TV: [embedded content] Subscribe to watch new videos Source: Naija.ng CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | Bandits reportedly kill 45 in Kaduna fresh attack - 45 people have been confirmed dead in Kaduna after an attack on Gwaska in Birnin Gwari local government area of the state - The bandits were said to have stormed the village around 2:30pm in large numbers on motorcycle - Nigeria police say it had deployed over 150 personnel to the area as directed by the inspector general of police, Ibrahim Idris Armed bandits have reportedly killed 45 people at Gwaska in Birnin Gwari local government area of Kaduna state in another fresh attack. The bandits were said to have stormed the village around 2:30pm in large numbers on motorcycle. They were said to have started shooting at the villagers immediately they arrived, killing 45 people including children. READ ALSO: Arewa Consultative Forum says it cannot endorse Buhari because it is a non partisan group Premium Times reports that the Kaduna state police commissioner, Austin Iwar confirmed that 45 villagers were killed by bandits in the state. He said the police have deployed over 150 personnel to the area as directed by the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, on Sunday, May 6. Yes 45 people were confirmed dead and as we speak the state command have already deployed 150 policemen to the area to provide security, he said. We will also deploy another 200 police officers by next week to help protect lives and property in Birnin Gwari. We are doing everything possible to secure the area, he added. A community leader in Birnin Gwari, who identified himself as Hussaini, was quoted to have said that over 40 bodies were brought to emirs place in Birnin Gwari on Sunday afternoon. Some bodies that were seemed to have been burnt were already buried by their love ones at Doka and Mando villages, few kilometres from Birnin Gwari town, he said. The Kaduna state police command has confirmed that 10 miners were killed by armed bandits in Birnin Gawri local government area. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app The commissioner of police in the state, Austin Iwar, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Sunday, April 29. NAN reports that the 10 local miners were working in a mine field in Mahanga village in Birnin Gwari local government of Kaduna state. TY Danjuma, Nigerian army and the herdsmen crisis on NAIJ.com TV. [embedded content] Subscribe to watch new videos Source: Naija.ng CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | Press Bus accident: Edo refurbishes, hands over accidented vehicles The Edo State Government has handed over two vehicles that were damaged in the accident involving the Government House Press Corps Bus, to their owners, after refurbishment. The refurbished vehicles before they were handed over to the owners at the Government House in Benin City. The refurbished vehicles, a Toyota Corolla saloon car with Registration Number FC 291-APP belonging to Ezeora Obiora, and a Honda Civic saloon car with Registration Number USL 380-AH belonging to Mr. Obi Charles Ifechukwu, were handed over to the Nigeria Police Force at the Government House, in Benin City. The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Taiwo Akerele, said the vehicles were refurbished and handed-over to the Police for onward delivery to the owners. He said the handing-over was a fulfilment of the governors promise, noting, The handing over was done as we operate a responsive government that cares for its people and take responsibility for its actions. Obaseki said the state government took care of the hospital bills of all the victims of the accident as promised, adding All the victims were adequately attended to as the state government ensured that the medical bills were cleared. He expressed appreciation to the owners of the vehicles for their patience and understanding, adding, we also appreciate the level of professionalism displayed by the Nigeria Police while investigating the cause of the accident. The Chief Executive Officer, Lady Mechanic Initiative, Sandra Aguebor, whose company refurbished the vehicles, said the state government made real its promise to refurbish the vehicles, adding that the vehicles were in better working condition. Recall that a bus assigned to the Press Unit of the Edo State Government House was involved in an accident on its way from an official assignment, on March 14, opposite the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), in Benin City. The medical bills of all the victims of the accident were settled by Governor Obaseki when he visited the patients in the hospital, including the bills of a medical doctor, a mother with her five-year-old child, Freeman Okoro, whose cancer treatment has been taken over by the state government. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | Group asks Justice Nyako to hands off IPOB case By Anayo Okoli UMUAHIAA group, Igbo Ekunie Initiative, IEI, has expressed dismay in the way Justice Binta Murtala Nyako has been handling the case involving leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and members of the pro-Biafra group, accusing her of being biased against them. Specifically, the group alleged that Justice Nyako is working on an agenda and script dictated by the Federal Government to nail Kanu and IPOB members by all means. IEI, in a statement by its President, Mazi Tochukwu Ezeoke and the Secretary, Lawrence Nwobu, called on Justice Binta Nyako to redeem herself by quashing all charges against IPOB members and put a stop to the shameful trial/persecution or withdraw forthwith from the trial. It said: The attention of Igbo Ekunie Initiative, a coalition of professionals in Nigeria and the Diaspora was recently drawn to trial proceedings in Mr. Nnamdi Kanus case wherein, Justice Binta Murtala Nyako declared that Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who had stood as one of the sureties, must produce Mr. Kanu or go to jail. We find this declaration illogical, irrational and indeed against the dictates of natural justice. We note that Mr. Kanu was on bail and was resident in his address until the Federal Government flouted the law and launched a bloody invasion of his home in full view of a global audience. While dozens of people were brutally killed in Kanus residence, Kanu himself has not been seen since the bloody raid. Against this backdrop, and beyond any doubt, the responsibility for first violating the rule of law by invading Kanus home and second, his subsequent disappearance rest on the Nigerian army and Federal Government. We note therefore that Justice Nyakos bizarre and illogical declarations continue to demonstrate that she is working on an agenda and script dictated by the Federal Government. This is more so, considering her demonstrated bias in the handling of the Kanu/IPOB case. It is important to note that several courts had previously granted Mr. Kanu and other IPOB activists unconditional bail which the Federal Government refused to obey. Yet when the case came before her court, rather than insist that the rule of law be followed and that the Federal Government must in the first instance comply with previous court judgments granting Mr. Kanu and others unconditional bail, she chose to desecrate her own institution; abdicate her responsibility to dispense justice without fear or favour and she became a stooge for the Federal Government, by acting on the governments persecution script. When eventually she granted Mr. Kanu bail under intense public pressure; again acting on the script of the Federal Government, she imposed impossible conditions that stripped Kanu of his constitutionally guaranteed fundamental rights We note that Justice Binta Nyakos court has repudiated the essence of the rule of law and now uses her court to advance the tyranny of the Federal Government against ordinary citizens. In line with the Federal Governments agenda, her court has unjustly continued to prosecute/persecute IPOB members even when it is established that they broke no law and acted within their constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of expression and the right to self-determination. We note the hypocrisy and double standards of the Federal Government and Justice Binta Nyako in continuing the prosecution/persecution of non-violent IPOB members in the same country where herdsmen that are killing hundreds of people across the country are never arrested and thousands of murderous Boko Haram terrorists are being released without trial. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | AXA Mansard Health launches new health plan AXA Mansard Health, a member of the AXA Mansard Group has launched a new health plan called Easy Care health insurance plan to help Nigerians access affordable and quality health plan. With the new health insurance plan, subscribers can with as low as N12,000, have premium access to various health care services which include, in and out patient care, general and specialist consultation; X-rays; laboratory & diagnostic tests. Other health care benefits accessible to subscribers on the plan are NPI immunizations; prescribed medicines & drugs; accidents & emergencies; dental care; evacuation of patients to the hospital; HIV/AIDS to the extent of diagnosis and treatment at free specialist centres nationwide. Speaking on the newly introduced health plan, Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard Health, Mr. Tope Adeniyi said: We are pleased to announce the launch of Easy Care health plan to our customers with the assurances of superior service delivery. With this plan, our customers will have access to the hospitals in their area of choice. Also, they have an additional opportunity of selecting the hospital of their choice from their dashboard on MyAXA Mobile app, where they can search for and book a hospital. According to Adeniyi, asides from all the various medical services offered on the plan, customers would also be able to beat long queues, request an out- of- pocket reimbursement and access the 24/7 customer contact centre. Customers can also select a payment option by either paying for a full year or half year health cover and enjoy access to a growing list of over 30 hospitals nationwide. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | Nigerian Prisons website shutdown amid recruitment The online portal of the Nigerian Prison Service has been temporarily shutdown, findings by DAILY POST have shown. The development came barely one week after the Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration and Prisons Services Board (CDFIPB) invited applications from suitably qualified candidates for full time appointments to fill existing vacancies into the service. Candidate were asked to log into the website www.prisons.gov.ng fill and submit the application form online. Applicants were also advised to print out the Referee forms which must be duly completed for submission during screening. All applications are expected to be completed and submitted within six (6) weeks. However, a check on the official website of the service on Sunday showed that the portal was unavailable. The site had a short message on its homepage that reads, WE WILL BE BACK SHORTLY. Meanwhile, a quick tech check on the site by this reporter shows that the site was created on December 25, 2008 by National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and was last updated in August 2014. When Edujandon.com reached out to the Registrant, Agi Edegi, he did not respond to our calls. Meanwhile, the board is yet to explain the reason behind the unavailability of the portal. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Srinagar, May 07: Saddam Padder, the top Commander who was killed in a gunfight in Shopian on Sunday was buried in his hometown Heff, Shopian on Monday. Eye witnesses said that the slain commander was buried after fifteen back to back funerals since Sunday. In an emotional outburst, according to eye witnesses, Padders mother, sister and brother gave a gun salute to the slain militant. Saddams mother, his sister and his brother offered him a gun salute using the rifle of an associate. It was a very emotional scene. The body of Bilal Molvi was also there when the gun salute was offered, eye witnesses said. Despite strict restrictions, people managed to reach the Heff area of Shopian from across the valley. Armed forces had even blocked the main road leading to Padders native village. Moreover, a video which has gone viral on social media shows the armed forces firing directly at residential homes at Shopian. It is confirmed weather the firing took place before or after the gun fight. Five militants were killed in a gunfight in Shopian on Sunday. In the clashes that followed, five civilians were killed by the armed forces. The slain militants included Hizbs top commander Saddam Padder and Kashmir Universitys missing Professor Dr. Mohammad Rafi Bhat. He had gone missing on Friday which had triggered protests in the university. Over a dozen protesters have been injured during clashes near the encounter site. In his last call to his family, Bhat told his father that he was sorry if he has hurt them. Home | News | General | This Giant Tortoise Is The Worlds Oldest Living Land Animal At 186 (Photos) A giant tortoise has become famous after living for 186 years. However, there is bad news for the worlds oldest living land animal. Jonathan the giant tortoise is the worlds oldest living terrestrial animal, according to a report by Dailymail. But, there is bad news for the tortoise at the age of 186 and now blind. The famous resident of St Helena wont be having surgery to remove cataracts, as vets have decided its too risky. At the age of 186, Jonathan the tortoise the worlds oldest living land animal wont be having surgery to remove cataracts, as vets on his home island of St Helena have decided its too risky. (He is pictured in October 2017) Jonathan, who has also lost his sense of smell, was approximately 50 years old when he arrived on the small island in the south Atlantic from the Seychelles in 1882. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon said earlier this week: St Helenas most famous resident, Jonathan the tortoise, is looked after by the island vet who ensures a high-standard of care to the worlds oldest terrestrial animal. After much deliberation on the island, the vet decided removing Jonathans cataracts was too high-risk a procedure. The Conservative peer added that Jonathan continues to lead an active life. The reptile can still be found happily plodding around the the grounds of Plantation House, the home of the governor of St Helena. Following the death of Harriet, a 175-year-old giant Galapagos Land tortoise, in 2005 in Australia, Jonathan has been recognised as the worlds oldest living land animal. He wasnt given his name until the 1930s by governor Sir Spencer Davis. In his time on St Helena, he has seen 28 British governors come and go; eight British monarchs from George IV to Elizabeth II have been crowned during his lifetime; and 51 British Prime Ministers have served at 10 Downing Street. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | Why we are different from past government - Presidential aide Editor's note: In the past few weeks, Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo has been in the news hammering on the fact that the present administration is far better than the previous one. His media aide, Mr Laolu Akande, explains more in this piece. Read below: First of all, let us state the facts that are important to Nigerians. In a time when we have a very sharp decline in national income, this government has been able to do much more for the Nigerian people compared to when oil prices were above $100 and yet so little was done. We have set out a Social Investment Programme, that currently is providing, under one of the clusters, the National Homegrown School Feeding, where we are providing one free meal a day to 7.6 million pupils across 24 states in the nation. This is at a time when the income of the country is down. We are using public resources to take care of the people. The Buhari-Osinbajo administration, continues to insists on its honesty as its greatest policy. Photo credit: State House In the past, public resources were shared by persons who found protection within government, and we have given this information and the facts are out there. More such information coming. Make a note of this, there hasn't been any serious contests of these claims for the most part. READ ALSO: We are different because we are not thieves, Osinbajo says at Lagos ward congresses So, we have under the Social Investment Programmes, the N-Power. This programme is designed to hire half a million otherwise unemployed Nigerian graduates, we have done 200,000 to date who are engaged in their local communities and receiving 30,000 per month stipend, 200,000 of them. They have a tablet that they can work with, which also gives them exposure and more skills. We are doing this at a point in time when the income of this country is lower than what it was when they were stealing it. Look at the micro-credit programme, where we have about 300,000 soft loans that have been written; interest free loans to artisans, market women and men, between N10,000 and N100,000 have been given to over 300,000 people and we are hoping to do a million. We are spending the resources of this country on the people of this country. The same thing under the Conditional Cash Transfer, we have done close to almost 300,000, we are giving N5,000 every month and again, we intend to do this for one million people. All of these programmes are on, and we have giving N5000 to those deemed to be the poorest and most vulnerable. We are spending billions of naira on the Social Investment Programme. We have spent already, 195 billion naira in the last 2 years and we are doing it at a time when the income of this country is declining. What about the revitalisation of the fertiliser plants? Plants that have otherwise been moribund in Kastina, and other parts of the country, have been revived and the price of fertiliser has dropped today. What about rice? The people in the industry, the farmers association, the people in the business have said that when we came in there were 5.8million farmers but today there are about 12million rice farmers. Our rice importation is almost over. With the Anchors Borrowers Programme of this government, we have produced the highest numbers of farmer millionaires in the country. Rice farmers are beginning to be more and more prosperous and they are beginning to do more things. It is happening at a time when the resources of this country is now being focused on the people. What about infrastructure? We have the highest spend in the history of Nigeria, about 1.3trillion in the 2017 budget that we have spent on infrastructure already. We are ensuring that at least 30% of the national income is being spent on capital expenditure. At a time when Nigeria was making more than 100 dollars per barrel on oil, they were spending less than 10% on capital expenditure. There is a huge infrastructural deficit that we are trying to fix, we are building roads that have been in the books for years; the East West road, the 2nd Niger bridge, the Lagos Ibadan express way. All of these are now alive because you have a leadership that is not corrupt. Even in power, our capacity to generate has now increased, it has jumped from about 4000mw to 7000mw. The average of transmitable power is about 4000. When we came in it was about 1800, to 2000. These are verifiable facts and we are going to do much more. And so any attempt to try to confuse Nigerians is a wasted effort, because Nigerians know exactly who to trust and who to belive. It is a shame that the PDP thinks they can fool Nigerians, it is not going to happen. Nigerians cannot be fooled by the calculated attempt befuddle the issues, deny and deflect the weighty allegations and the hard facts of grand corruptions and crass stealing that went on under the past administration. We have presented credible and unassailable information and facts regarding the grand corruption that has taken place under the previous administration. Here are a few instances, with facts established: 1. In a strategic alliance contract by the NNPC, three people, Jide Omokore, Kola Aluko and former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Allison-Madueke made away with 3 billion dollars from Nigerian oil that was lifted without paying to the federal government, this is besides the fact that royalties and taxes were not paid. There is an ongoing investigation on this matter. These are publicly known information. None of the three of them has come out to deny. 2. We all know about the about $2.1 billion arms equipment scandal that was investigated, it is being used in the case against the former NSA, this also happened under the previous administration. 3. We have released a number of names of people who have been found with questionable funds, allegedly looted from the public till, and some of them, in some instances have actually refunded money that they couldnt explain where it came from. We have tons and tons of evidence of how under the previous administration grand corruption was the order of the day. 4. As a matter of fact a senior member of the Jonathan government, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has written a book that has provided even more details and insight from an insider of what was going on at the time we are talking about. It gives an insider's backing to the facts that we have presented. Therefore, it is a show of shame to have a group of politicians trying to confuse Nigerians and trying to shift the blame. Nigerians are well aware of their antics, and Nigerians have a right to demand accountability from the government, and we will not relent until justice is gotten for the Nigerian people on this matter. Finally, we also see the attempt to raise insinuations and innuendos and unsubstantiated claims about the administration and its leaders What Nigerians know is that this administration has shown itself clearly to be above board, and has ensured no sacred cows at all where evidence have been tabled. For instance, the president has fired the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation when a case was established, and an EFCC investigation is ongoing. This is also the same for the former NIA DG, who was removed and investigations are ongoing. There would be prosecutions; these are top members of the administration who have been shown the way out because of the cases established against them. Anytime we find credible allegations against any member of government there are no sacred cows, we would do the needful, and the good things is that Nigerians are aware about the credibility of this government, the personal integrity of the president and Nigerians trust this government, and Nigerians know the difference between this government and the previous government. This government is a government that is honest with Nigerians, it is a government that is doing more with less, at a time when we are making 60% less in oil earnings, we are actually spending more that what was spent when oil was sold for more than a $100, the best prices of oil now oscillate between $50 and $70 - but we are doing more with this. We were able to spend about 1.3 trillion in our last year budget on capital expenditure. This is the first time in Nigerias history to have that much spent. And this is happening at a time when our income has dropped. So the PDP folks cannot fool Nigerians, they can fool themselves, but Nigerians know what the truth is, and they know who to believe. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of NAIJ.com. Your own opinion articles are welcome at info@corp.naij.com drop an email telling us what you want to write about and why. More details in Naij.coms step-by-step guide for guest contributors. Were ready to trade your news for our money: submit news and photo reports from your area using our Citizen Journalism App. Contact us if you have any feedback, suggestions, complaints or compliments. We are also available on Twitter. Nigeria is practicing Oligarchy (Nigerian Street Interview) on NAIJ.com TV [embedded content] Subscribe to watch new videos Source: Naija.ng CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Srinagar, May 07: The fresh set of death and devastation has renewed our sense of anxiety. With internet blockades and towns and villages filled with army personnel, life is under siege in this part of the world. There is nominal movement except for the buzzing military parties or ambulances transporting the wounded and the dead.Sajad Ahmed Rather was one of the five civilians killed during stone throwing that erupted post a gunfight in Shopians Imam Sahib Area.He was brave, generous and humble, always supportive to neighbours and friends, one of his cousin told The Kashmiriyat. Son of Manzoor Ahmed Rather, Sajad from Dooru Islamabad (Anantnag) was 20 Years old. It was a celebration, people are happy and emotional, said a resident of Dooru. In this area of South Kashmirs Islamabad (Anantnag) district, there is grief but also jubilation. In the morning he was preparing himself by wearing fresh clothes and cleaning his body because he always said he wanted to die along with Saddam, says Hilal, a close neighbour. Bullet hit him in the eye and within a minute he was dead, his cousin told The Kashmiriyat. Throughout these years, he followed Saddam closely, he wanted to grow his beard, his hair and had photographs of Saddam Padder all over his phone, Hilal said. In the morning, he refused to have tea even though I had poured it in the cup. He took his cell phone and called his friends saying his heart is trapped, recalls Sajads mother. Hundreds of protesters had stoned the forces to distract them and give the Militants a chance to escape, the return fire of bullets and pellets killing five and leaving over 100 wounded. He was intelligent and humble, the youngest of my five children and everyones darling, his father said. His friend Hilal said that he and Sajad had decided to go to the site to give a chance to Saddam Padder to escape. He told that as they made their way to Badigam, Ishfaq had joked about his friends thin physique. I can carry your body on my shoulders if you collapse in the protests, his friend told me Hilal said while speaking to The Kashmiriyat. On Saturday, Sajad asked me to get one-kilogram of mutton because on Sunday the whole family will have food together was, Manzoor said. During the last few months, he time and often would panic, get worried as news of Saddam Padder being trapped here and there often spread over social networking and immediately he rushed to the spots, Hilal said, The only aim left in my life is to die on the same day, When Saddam Padder dies, his friend recalls him having said it repeatedly in April. Sajad was working as a Labour and is survived by old age parents, two brothers and two sisters. Upon receiving a bullet in his eye, he was immediately rushed to the hospital, but he succumbed on the way. 5 Civilians identified Asif Ahmed of Ruhmoo Pulwama and Zubair Ahmed of Rajpora, Pulwama Adil Ahmed of Gund Kulgam, Sajad Ahmed of Dooru Islamabad and Nisar Ahmed Kumar of Shopian were killed during clashes near the Encounter site. Five Militants were also killed in the Gunfight that had raged early morning in Badigam area of Shopian in South Kashmirs Imam Sahib area. Reports available suggest that 150 people have been killed till 06 May in Kashmir, which includes at least 40 Civilians and 26 Government personnel have lost their lives. The Indian Army has announced the intensification of Operation All out against Kashmir Militants, however more Kashmiri youth are taking up arms after every encounter, 28 youth officially have taken up Arms In the month of April alone, creating a vicious cycle of deaths and violence. By Qazir Shibli Courtesy: Kashmiriyat The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, has written the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, Alhaji Ibrahim Magu for being accused of collecting money from the former National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki rtd. Prince Secondus through his lawyer, Emeka Etiaba, SAN, in a letter REF NO: EESE&C/02/03/05/1 and dated 3rd May, 2018 titled Re: Mention of Prince Uche Secondus on the list of Looters of Nigeria Economy and copied to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation as well some Foreign Missions in Nigeria, insisted that he never collected or sent anybody to collect money on his behalf at any time from the former National Security Adviser. In a statement from his media Adviser, Ike Abonyi, Secondus feared that the continued listing of his name might be a deliberate ploy by the anti-graft agency to implicate him in a desperate attempt by the ruling APC to suppress him and equally dent the credibility of the PDP. The letter also reminded the EFCC that the issue concerning Secondus was already in court and wondered why the commission should not approach the court with its evidence if any than continuously indulging in the media trial. The attention of EFCC was drawn to the suit before the Chief Judge of Rivers state in Port Harcourt where an interlocutory order was granted against the defendants and same restrained them from further publishing the name of Secondus. The letter also drew the attention of the commission to the injunction order published in the dailies as ordered by the court a copy of which was attached to the letter to the commission. The said publication by the Minister has become a subjectmatter of Suit No: PHC/1013/2018 in Prince Uche Secondus Vs. Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Federal Government of Nigeria and Vintage Press Limited (publishers of The Nation Newspapers). The above Suit is pending at Court 1, High Court of Rivers State, Holden in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and same has been adjourned to the 28th May, 2018 for hearing Having regard to the fact that the subject matter has become subjudice and having drawn the attention of the Commission to the facts contained in this letter, it is our hope that the subsisting Order of Court should be obeyed and if the Commission has evidence of collection of money from the office of the National Security Adviser by Our Client, (as an Agency of the Federal Government which is the 2nd Defendant in Suit No: PHC/1013/2018), the Commission should avail such information to the Federal Government for its defence of the Suit. Our Client wishes for the umpteenth time to state that he neither collected money from the office of the National Security Adviser nor instructed anybody to collect money on his behalf. He also wishes to state that he never had a Special Assistant by name Chukwurah who is being touted as the one that collected the sum of 200,000,000.00 (Two Hundred Million Naira) on his behalf. Our Client hopes that the ongoing scandalization of his name is not a ploy by the Commission to give effect to the desperate attempt by the federal government to intimidate him and destroy his credibility and that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as well as other opposition leaders as the general elections approach in the pretext of war against corruption, he wrote. President Muhammadu Buhari has opened up on the power that made him President of Nigeria after three failed attempt. Buhari said after failing in 2003, 2007 and 2011, he decided to put his faith in God, who ultimately decides who wins elections, and in 2015, I got here. He stated this at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward Congress held at Bayagida Model Primary School, Katsina State, on Saturday. The President called for patience, maturity and orderliness as the 2019 elections calendar begins to unfold. He urged political parties, candidates and the electorate to put the country first and always remember that victory ultimately belongs to God. After going to the court so many times to challenge results of elections in 2003, 2007 and 2011, and going up to the Supreme Court, I concluded that ultimately it is God who determines who will win elections, and in 2015 I got here, he said. Also speaking, the Katsina state governor, Alhaji Aminu Masari, said the process of electing the leaders of the party at the ward level was hitch-free, orderly and based on the constitution of the APC. What we have here are our leaders that were chosen based on consensus and we are happy that it reflects the will of the people and the APC constitution. We followed the process to also ensure that there is affirmation, he said. The Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Ward Congress, who is also the Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General, Ahmad Usman El-Marzuq, urged the party leaders to remain loyal and live up to expectations. Home | News | General | DEVELOPING: Protesters storm APC secretariat in Ekiti, demand state chairmans resignation (photos) Protesters are currently at the secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ado Ekiti, capital of Ekiti state. The Ekiti chapter of the party is embroiled in a crisis over the governorship primary election which held on Saturday, May 5, the Cable reports. Protesters gather in front of the APC secretariat in Ekiti. Credit: The Cable The exercise was disrupted while 27 of the 33 aspirants who took part in it are reportedly calling for a fresh primary. Wielding placards and chanting different songs, the Cable reports that the protesters are asking the chairman of the party in the state, Jide Awe, to step down. READ ALSO: Video of how thugs disrupted APC primaries in Ekiti Here are more pictures from the ongoing protest: Wielding placards, the protesters are calling for resignation of the state's party chairman, Jide Awe. Credit: The Cable The protesters displaying a banner calling for the conclusion of the party's gubernatorial primary election. Credit: The Cable PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app "Jide Awe must go! Leave our party for us!" - That's the inscription on the placard displayed in the picture. NAIJ.com previously reported that an APC governorship aspirant in Ekiti state, Babafemi Ojudu, accused his co-aspirant, Kayode Fayemi, of threatening to cripple the state if he is not given the partys ticket for the July 14 gubernatorial election. Following violence and destruction of election materials, the APC governorship primary in the state had ended on an inconclusive note on Saturday, May 5. Fayemi, in reaction to Saturdays development, accused Ojudu and an ex-member of the House of Representatives, Bimbo Daramola, of being too desperate. Governor Fayose warns Nigerian youths ahead of 2019, tells them what to do - on NAIJ.com TV: [embedded content] Subscribe to watch new videos Source: Naija.ng CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General By Wasim KhalidOrdeal of the last member of 12-man Burhan groupSrinagar, May 06: The last surviving militant Saddam Padder killed in Shopian encounter on Sunday. Pic courtesy: The Telegraph NewspaperThe last surviving militant commander in the 12-man Burhan group, Saddam padder, was killed in Shopian gun battle on Sunday. Padder, 32, a resident of Heff Sheermal village of south Kashmirs Shopian district, started participating in pro-freedom politics a decade ago. He would often participate in the pro-freedom protests which would land him in jails. The militant commander would be often arrested and re-arrested for taking part in the protests and stone pelting by the police, sources said, adding, he would be often charged with cases related to law and order disruption. Son of a timber merchant, Padder dropped out from the school in class 12 and became part of the Lashkar-eToiba militant outfit in September 2014. The slain militant then joined Hizbul-Mujahideen outfit and became a member of a group famously known as Burhan group in the year 2015. Padder was one of the 12 boys posing in a famous group picture featuring Hizb militants including the slain commander of Hizbul Mujahideen, Burhan Wani, who was killed in 2016. The picture became so famous that all those featuring in the group were termed as Burhan group. He was the only survivor among the Burhan group. The two other militants of the same group- Tariq Pandit and Zakir Musa- had broken off and took different path. Pandit surrendered before the government forces while Zakir Musa, left the Hizb and formed Ansar-ul-Gazwat-ul-Hind. The police officials said Padder mainly operated in south Kashmirs Shopian-Tral belt and was a hardened commander. They further claim that he was among the few militants who willingly took gun against the Indian state when the militancy was at its lowest ebb. They arent a very well-trained set, or even ideologically indoctrinated; they see themselves in the image of guerrilla heroes. The key thing common to them is that they are prepared to kill and die, a police official told the Telegraph newspaper in reference to the new age militants in Kashmir which included Padder, Burhan Wani and Sabzar Bhat- all of them dead now. Padder came to more prominence when Zakir Bhat alias Zakir Bhat left the Hizb. He was then tipped to become the new commander and Cheif of the Hizb outfit. However, Zakir was replaced by the present commander Riyaz Naikoo. Padder was regarded as sharp minded and hardened militant and close confidante of Burhan Wani. Not only that, he was good tactician, police officials said. He broke the cordon several times when it was obvious he would be caught. Padder posing with Naveed Jutt after the later was freed from the police custody The police officials claim that Padder played a prominent role in many attacks in South Kashmir. His name figured in the jail break incident as well where it was reported that he played a key role in freeing Lashkar militant commander Naveed Jutt from the police custody. After Jutt fled from the police custody in Srinagar hospital where he was brought for the medical check-up from Srinagar jail, his first appearance came in the form of picture on social media featuring him and Padder. He was the last surviving militant of the Burhan group, police officials said. But, he will not be the last militant to get killed. There is a need to adopt a different approach to deal with militancy. This war is unwinnable for both sides. Courtesy: TheKashmirPress Home | News | General | Police deploy 3 additional mobile units to Birnin Gwari, no arrest yet The Kaduna State Police Command on Monday announced the deployment of three additional police mobile units to reinforce security in Birnin Gwari where 45 people were killed on Saturday in Gwaska village. The Commands spokesman Mukhtar Aliyu told the Newsmen in Kaduna that no arrest has been made, but that efforts were on to track down the killers. He said that the policemen were detailed to comb the area for the killers and other criminals. NAN reports that the 45, mostly children were killed when armed bandits believed to be from Zamfara, encircled the village of about 3, 000 inhabitants and set it ablaze. The Commissioner of Police, Mr Austin Iwar had earlier told NAN that 45 bodies were retrieved on Sunday for burial, while more than 200 police personnel were deployed to maintain security. The Kaduna State Government had also, in a statement, said an Army battalion would be permanently deployed in the area to check the killings. The statement added that the government has directed the State Emergency Management Agency to immediately provide relief materials to the effected community. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | Grand corruption in Jonathan era: Osinbajo releases details Vice President Yemi Osinbajos office has revealed details of mind-boggling corruption during the Jonathan era and even called them a tip of the iceberg. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, The details were published last night in a reaction to the accusations by spin doctors of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who claimed Osinbajo made unsubstantiated allegations about grand corruption during the Jonathan era. The statement by senior special assistant on media, Laolu Akande, said the Vice President did not at anytime accuse Jonathan in person, but only said the blatant corruption cases were committed during his presidency. The full statement: WE have read reports attributed to a media office of former President Goodluck Jonathan. It is clear from the foul language of the authors that the statement could not have come from the former President, but from the motley group of loud and rude characters whose brief seems to be to deny all and anything said against the former PDP government and to do so in the crassest possible language. The alleged spokespersons of the former President say that facts long in the public domain, some even being used to prosecute several corruption cases are lies and that those of us in government restating these well known facts are liars. They accuse Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, of lying against the former President or his government citing their involvement in the stealing of three billion dollars, while speaking recently at The Platform event on the 1st of May. Just for clarity, I quote the Vice President Grand corruption remains the most enduring threat to our economy. Three Billion US dollars was stolen in what was called the strategic alliance contacts in 2013, three Nigerians were responsible, today three billion dollars is one trillion Naira and our budget is 7trillion! . Two issues emerge. First, no mention is made of the former President. Second, the story is not only true, it has been in the public domain for almost three years and it is the subject of criminal investigation and trials both here and in the UK. The spokespersons also say that the allegations of corruption against the PDP government are mere lies. For clarity, the facts are laid out as follows: As the Vice President said, $3B was stolen in the so- called NNPC Strategic Alliance Contracts. The three persons involved are Jide Omokore, Kola Aluko and the former Petroleum Resources Minister Diezani Alison- Maduekwe. The companies of both Jide Omokore and Kola Aluko lifted Nigerian crude oil and kept the proceeds. The total sums converted is in excess of three billion dollars including royalties, taxes and fees unpaid for the asset from which the crude was taken. The case is the subject of a trial in Nigeria, and criminal investigation in the US and UK, and the assets of all three individuals have been forfeited in Nigeria, the US and the UK. The criminal diversion and theft of sums in excess of $2.5 billion meant for purchase of arms to prosecute the war against Boko Haram: The first phase of the investigations revealed several sordid details, many of the assets of culprits have been seized from them and they are facing trial. The release of the sum of $289m in cash on February 25, 2015: Documents including cash vouchers indicate that the the sum of $289,202,382 was taken from the Joint Venture (JV) Cash Call Account No. 000-0000-11658-366 of the NNPC/NAPIMS with JP Morgan Chase Bank, New York, USA. N70 billion was released in parts from the national treasury between January 8 and February 25, 2015. In another illegal disbursement, 25th August 2014, N60B in cash in tranches of N40billion and N20billion: The sum was not tied to any project or procurement and was then shared between two security agencies under the supervision of the then NSA. Most of these sums ended up in the hands of senior PDP members some of whom have returned parts of the loot. Some are standing trial for these offenses. These facts are in the public domain. There was yet another set of illegal fund withdrawals under one week between January 8and 16, 2015, where the sum of N1.5 billion was released in three tranches of N300m, N400m and N800m respectively. This money was released from the MEA Research Library Account Another document showed that N10 billion was released to the Office of the National Security Adviser by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on September 15, 2014. The money was released in tranches of foreign exchange of $47 million, $5 million, 4 million Euros and 1.6 million Euros. A letter from the Office of the NSA in November 2014 further showed that the monies were released as funds for special services. This particular release of N10B was sourced in November 2014 from a N40 Billion CBN released funds meant for Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR. Investigators showed that this money was released for the PDP Presidential Primaries. Lamido Sanusi, then CBN Governor was sacked for speaking up about the over $20billion missing from oil proceeds. These cases of grand corruption and open looting of public resources pauperized Nigeria and left us with little or no savings in the years when oil was selling at 100 to 114 dollars a barrel and we were producing 2.1 million barrels a day. When in 2015 oil prices went even as low as between 28 and 35 dollars a barrel and oil production fell to less than one million barrels a day we had no buffer, no savings, to tide us through. The amount released from CBN in cash on a single day, ie the US$289M ( N88.1Bn) is enough to fund 244,000 N-Power graduates for a year, or pay for 1.2Billion school meals or complete half of Lagos -Ibadan or half of Abuja -Kaduna -Kano roads. The Vice President also made the point that in 2014 with oil prices as high as 120 dollars per barrel, the total capital released for Power, Works, Housing, Defence, Transport, Agriculture and Defence were just N152Billion for the whole year. By contrast, the Buhari administration committed N578Bn to the same Ministries in 2016 with oil prices as low as US$28 per barrel as part of the strategy to end the recession. The government was able to do more with less by stopping grand corruption and impunity. Recently, the Minister Coordinating the economy in that administration has written a revealing book : Fighting Corruption is Dangerous: The Story Behind the Headlines. Who knows, perhaps her stories too are all lies! CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | Am not going to the Senate because am Itsekiri Uduaghan The immediate-past governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has reiterated the fact that he has the capacity to give good representation to Delta South Senatorial District at the National Assembly come 2019. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan Speaking to media men last weekend, the Itsekiri-born politician said his desire to go to the Red Chamber was not for the fun of it, but to ensure more development comes to Delta South and other senatorial districts under Delta State. Dr. Uduaghan, a PDP stalwart, revealed that having consulted with his immediate family, the Itsekiri people and stakeholders from the other ethnic groups that fall under Delta South Senatorial District including Ijaw, Isoko and even Urhobo, he was confident that the time has come for him to represent his people. The ex-governor also declared that Delta South deserved more projects and development even as those who represented the district as senators in the past had worked tirelessly to achieve this. He particularly lauded Chief James Ibori, the former governor, under whom he served as Commissioner for Health before taking over as governor himself as well as the incumbent governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for their efforts in sustaining peace being enjoyed in the state. While soliciting the support of the people in the district to ensure he emerges victorious both in the primary and the general elections, Dr. Uduaghan noted that his performance in the senate if elected would double his laudable achievements when he was the governor. I know it is the turn of Itsekiri to go to the senate, but I need the support of my brothers and sisters from both Ijaw, Isoko and part of Urhobo that make up the senatorial district. I know that my past performance will also speak for me, hence I am canvassing for the support of the people. Am not going to the Senate because am Itsekiri. My aspiration is not ethnic but knowledge and capacity based. We also need to look at laws thatll improve income accruing to oil-bearing communities. There should be a law that compels every company operating in the Niger Delta region to contribute a percentage to the host communities. This is done in Arizona and the Netherlands. Ours, here, should not be an exception. And to ensure a near absolute peace and security in the Niger Delta, local youths should be engaged to assist security men in intelligence gathering; through this, well be able to reduce a lot of criminal activities in the creeks. These and more I have in store to undertake as a Senator from the region come 2019 the ex-governor said. He also advised the people not to regard elections as a do-or-die affair, explaining that Nigerians should continue to play politics without bitterness CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | Miyetti Allah alleges plans by govt to dislodge members By Lucky Nwanekwu Lagos Chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, weekend, alleged there were moves by the state government to dislodge its members from the state, following plan to demolish the Oko-oba lairage and abattoir. From Middle: The National President of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) flanked by the National Secretary, Alhaji Baba Ngelzarma, and other members of the association at a press briefing on the position of the association to stem farmers-herdsmen clashes in Abuja. However, in a quick reaction, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperative Hon. Suarau debunked the allegation, saying government had no plan to evict anybody from the state. Suarau explained that the government only planned to upgrade the market by developing its infrastructure to modern standard. Addressing journalists at Oko-oba Abattoir, chairman of the association, Alhaji Mohammed Liliga, claimed the planned demolition exercise would make it the fifth time the market was being demolished by the state government. He alleged that the latest planned eviction was communicated to them by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr Toyin, Saurau, last Friday at a meeting in Alausa, informing that traders might be forced to relocate from the state if the plan was not shelved. According to him, We advise the state government to have a re-think on the planned demolition exercise or we will be forced to move away from Lagos, we cant do business where our interest is not guaranteed. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General 22-yr-old man shot dead in Siraha Two motorbike-borne persons shot dead a man at Budhiya Chap in Siraha district on Sunday night. 33 kg gold smuggling case: Court begins recording statements of 5 more persons The Morang District Court on Thursday started recording statements of five more persons accused in 33 kg gold smuggling case and subsequent murder of Sanam Shakya, an alleged carrier. Home | News | General | Anambra Central Senatorial dispute: Appeal Court dismisses Okonkwos appeal for lacking in merit A special panel constituted by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, on Monday, in Abuja, dismissed an appeal filed by a candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Obiora Okonkwo. In the appeal, Okonkwo asked the appellate court to restore the consent judgment that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue him a certificate of return as senator for Anambra Central zone. Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had delivered the consent judgment on Dec. 13, 2017, but INEC approached the trial court, seeking for an order to vary the consent judgment. Following submissions from counsel, Justice Tsoho, on Jan. 12, vacated and set aside the consent judgment on the grounds that Okonkwo had misled the court into giving the consent judgment. Justice Tsoho held that Okonkwo had misrepresented the facts and failed to furnish the court with such vital information that there were already three existing judgments from the Court of Appeal on the matter. Not satisfied with the ruling, Okonkwo headed to the Court of Appeal. In his lead judgment, Justice Fredrick Oho, dismissed Okonkwos appeal for lacking in merit. The five-man panel, headed by Justice M.L. Garba, affirmed the ruling of Justice Tsoho, which set aside the consent judgment of Dec. 13, 2017. Justice Oho said he was in agreement with the trial court and the consent judgment was properly and correctly set aside. The panel unanimously agreed that Okonkwos appeal was a desecration of the doctrine of stare decisis, since the appeal was filed in spite of pendency and subsisting three judgments delivered on the matter. The consent judgment was rightly set aside to reinforce compliance with three subsisting judgments. The judgments had made compelling orders for INEC to conduct fresh election in Anambra Central Senatorial District within 90 days, and without the participation of the PDP. The judge held that the appellant hid facts and fraudulently misled the trial court to obtain the consent judgment and the appeal was according dismissed. Respondents in the appeal were INEC, PDP, former National Chairman of the PDP, Mr Adamu Muazu, Mrs Uche Ekwunife, Sen. Victor Umeh, and All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA). Members of the special panel were drawn from the various divisions of the appellate court to hear the pre-election matter. They included Justices M.A. Danjuma, T.O. Awotoye; M.L. Shuaibu and F.O. Oho. NAN CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | Garba Shehu blows hot, replies PDPs letter to UN By Nwafor Sunday Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday berated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing their letter to the United Nations as an act exposing their desperate need for another chance in the highest political seat. Shehu who called PDPs letter a comic material, faulted the partys allegation that President Buhari destroyed Nigerias democracy. This is as he equally said that the PDP Chairman and all other politicians, against whom the countrys anti-corruption agencies have on-going investigations, should be assured that it is only a matter of time before the law catches up with them, and makes them pay for the grief their mismanagement of the past has caused. Read the full statement below: PDPS LETTER TO THE UN BEYOND COMPREHENSION The letter written by the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mr. Uche Secondus to the United Nations Secretary General accusing President Muhammadu Buhari of several allegations confirm the opposition party as a bad loser, desperate for another chance after they were kicked out for failing the nation and its people. Shehu In the said letter which is no les preposterous and comical, the opposition accused the Nigerian government of destroying Nigerias democracy. PDPs lecture on democracy and the rule of law coming from a party with a tradition of undemocratic rule is a desperate attempt to pervert history and the course of justice. The sermon, is both trite and hollow, coming from a party with intolerance for dissent as its hallmark. A party that humiliated opposition parties and stunted their growth. This was the atmosphere that nurtured the birth of the All Progressives Congress (APC.) The war against corruption, for which many more politicians may soon be docked, cannot be misrepresented as an attack on human rights and Mr. Secondus should not try to mislead the UN. Nigerian politicians at all levels have been used to dispensing with state funds in whatever manner they please, and to have someone, an administration, finally saying, No. It doesnt matter how big or important you think you are; the law must come against you That is not something they are used to at all. For the PDP, as has now emerged, national security was the major source of their funding. The PDP Chairman and all other politicians against whom the countrys anti-corruption agencies have on-going investigations, should be assured that it is only a matter of time before the law catches up with them, and makes them pay for the grief their mismanagement of the past has caused, and is still causing Nigerians. Nigerians suffered because of the poison sowed by the PDP. If the public were privy to some of the facts and figures on corruption that President Buhari and the anti-corruption agencies are, they would understand the passion that drives the determination to nail these callous men and stop them in their corrupt tracks. Uche Secondus Regarding the accusation that President Buhari is behind the spate of herdsmen and farmer clashes in the Middle Belt of Nigeria, all we will say is that it as an embarrassing charge that the PDP would make, conveying an allegation from the beer parlours of Nigeria to an international body like the UN. The PDP certainly has no shred of evidence to make such an allegation. These are comments driven by tribalism and that age-old trick of balkanisation in a bid to score political points. This should not surprise anyone given the politics of anger, violence and polarisation that are the stock-in-trade of the PDP. The various lengths to which President Buhari has gone to end the spate of killings, such as mobilising state resources against the attackers, approving the setting up of new police and army formations in the affected areas, and the recruitment of thousands into the police and other arms of the military, are a few of the several steps taken which a more reasonable opposition will acknowledge. What can President Buhari possibly gain from the killings? There is no intelligent angle from which you analyse the matter and see any possible gain for this government in the wanton destruction of life and property going on. For the new PDP leadership on the other hand, incapable of thinking big about the nation, they see and treat the unfortunate spate of killing of innocent Nigerians as political gift, about which they seem very happy to cite as the basis for a return to power. They feel bad at every turn the country improves, which is beyond comprehension. They should bury their heads in shame. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | Presidency reacts to PDPs letter to UN, accuses opposition party of playing politics of anger, violence - Presidency has reacted to PDP's letter to the United Nations - The former ruling party had written to UN and accused the federal government of destroying Nigerias democracy - Garba Shehu, a presidential spokesman, said that the PDP chairman, Uche Secondus, was only trying to mislead the UN The Presidency has said the letter written by the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, to the United Nations secretary general, accusing President Muhammadu Buhari of several allegations, confirms the party as a bad loser desperate for another chance after being kicked out for failing the country. Daily Trust reports that the senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement on Monday, May 7, described Secondus' letter as preposterous and comical, blasting the opposition party for accusing the federal government of destroying Nigerias democracy. NAIJ.com gathered that he said Secondus and all other politicians against whom the anti-corruption agencies had ongoing investigations should be assured that "it is only a matter of time before the law catches up with them and makes them pay for the grief their mismanagement of the past has caused and is still causing Nigerians. Shehu, who alleged that Nigerians suffered because of "the poison sowed by the PDP", said the war against corruption, "for which many more politicians may soon be docked", could not be misrepresented as an attack on human rights. He said Secondus should not try to mislead the UN, maintaining that, "Nigerian politicians at all levels have been used to "It doesnt matter how big or important you think you are; the law must come against you...' That is not something they are used to at all. For the PDP, as it has now emerged, national security was the major source of their funding." Shehu said if the public were privy to some of the facts and figures on corruption that Buhari and the anti-corruption agencies were, they would understand the passion driving the determination to nail "these callous men and stop them in their corrupt tracks." dispensing with state funds in whatever manner they please, and to have someone, an administration, finally saying, 'No. According to Shehu, "PDPs lecture on democracy and the rule of law coming from a party with a tradition of undemocratic rule is a desperate attempt to pervert history and the course of justice. The sermon, is both trite and hollow, coming from a party with intolerance for dissent as its hallmark. A party that humiliated opposition parties and stunted their growth. This was the atmosphere that nurtured the birth of the All Progressives Congress (APC)". He said the accusation that Buhari was behind the spate of herdsmen and farmers clashes in the Middle Belt of Nigeria was an embarrassing charge that the PDP would make, "conveying an allegation from the beer parlours of Nigeria to an international body like the UN." "The PDP certainly has no shred of evidence to make such an allegation.These are comments driven by tribalism and that age-old trick of balkanisation in a bid to score political points. This should not surprise anyone given the politics of anger, violence and polarisation that are the stock-in-trade of the PDP. The various lengths to which President Buhari has gone to end the spate of killings, such as mobilising state resources against the attackers, approving the setting up of new police and army formations in the affected areas, and the recruitment of thousands into the police and other arms of the military, are a few of the several steps taken which a more reasonable opposition will acknowledge. "What can President Buhari possibly gain from the killings? There is no intelligent angle from which you analyse the matter and see any possible gain for this government in the wanton destruction of life and property going on. "For the 'new' PDP leadership on the other hand, incapable of thinking big about the nation, they see and treat the unfortunate spate of killing of innocent Nigerians as political gift, about which they seem very happy to cite as the basis for a return to power. "They feel bad at every turn the country improves, which is beyond comprehension. They should bury their heads in shame." Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had previously reported that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Houston, Texas, United States chapter has called on party leader, Prince Uche Secondus, to flush out the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC government come 2019. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General 4 cops injured as locals attack police post to release detainees Four police personnel were injured when a group of locals attacked the Sedhawa Police Post in Parsa to release detainees on Monday. Home | World | Africa | Decentralise cattle branding, says Chief Maduna MATABELELAND South Provincial Chiefs Council chairman, Chief Vezi Maduna has engaged Zanu-PF national political commissar Engelbert Rugeje to facilitate the de-centralisation of the livestock branding offices from Harare to provinces to enable the farmers to easily access the facility in line with the command livestock policy. In a letter addressed to Rugeje written by Chief Felix Nhlanhlayemangwe Khayisa Ndiweni on his behalf, Chief Maduna expressed dismay over delays that farmers in Matabeleland South experience when they need to brand their livestock. "I have been tasked by Chief Maduna the provincial chairman Matabeleland South Chief's Council to write this letter concerning the de-centralisation of brands office to support command livestock. Following your deliberations on the problems that are affecting the livestock farmers in Matabeleland region, the chiefs request that you urgently facilitate the de-centralisation of the brands office, which is currently in Harare alone," Chief Ndiweni wrote. "Livestock farmers find it difficult to access it and also of concern it takes too long to get brands certificates after application. The chief is, therefore, asking that every Registrar-General's district office in Matabeleland North and South Provinces have a brands office and this will make it easier for command livestock beneficiaries and alleviate stock theft." Chief Ndiweni said also of concern to Chief Maduna was the timeframe between application and issuance of brands certificates, which they feel was deterrent to farmers. The letter was copied to the command agriculture chairman Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, Registrar-General Tobaiwa Mudede, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police Anti-Stock Theft Assistant Commissioner Erasmus Makodza. Rugeje is yet to respond to the chief's letter. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: Africa The number of new print magazines started in the U.S. fell by more than half in 2020 to 60, compared t The new Empire is thriving and has brought about a new era of peace and prosperity. Kylo is said to be benevolent and people apparently love him (where? where are they?), and the Resistance is fractured and no longer a central force in the galaxy and not popular bc the Empire is good now. Leia, Rey, Finn, Poe and Rose are still against empirical rule.Rey and company receive a tip from a First Order mole that if they follow their lead to the Unknown Regions of the galaxy they will learn of the horrifying truth of the Empire's success. This leads them to rescue a female alien prodigy from a First Order base who helps them navigate throughout the Unknown Regions. She helps them find a planet comprised of all water, under which is an ancient manufacturing station where citizens of conquered planets are being literally being used to "power" the Empire's success. The machine(lol). This is apparently built up to in thecanon novels, where it's revealed Palpatine was looking forin the Unknown Regions. Rey and company must liberate the captives before time runs out and expose these horrors to the rest of the galaxy. This plot ends with them succeeding and the Unknown Regions preparing for war with the Known Regions, or the rest of the new Empire.Kylo Ren is hunting down force users and also trying discover the mole among his ranks. This involves the Knights of Ren, and at the end of the search Kylo learns that Hux was the mole helping Rey and co., and he was hoping to take over Kylo's throne after the Resistance compiled a massive call out post ruining his reputation (joking about this part btw).Contrary to a lot of conflicting debate about how Rey closed the door on Kylo for good after TLJ where he screamed at her and made her cry about how she's nothing and no one except to him so she would join him to rule over his new fascist government, the force bond has not been severed, and it is revealed throughout the film that Rey and Kylo actually love each other.Force users young and old have sought out Rey's guidance and protection and she trains them to be Jedi. It's revealed that one of Rey's force students is actually her child. When Kylo finds out, hebefore Leia saves her at the last minute. Kylo is the father and the child is around five years old. He feels especially betrayed because everyone else has already betrayed him at some point or something. Lmao. Lucasfilm is supposedly looking for a toddler boy but it will depend on how the casting search goes.Lucasfilm is considering titles, including "The New Empire" and "The New Kingdom". Leia will be recast. Episode IX will NOT be the end of the sequel series, and Lucasfilm is looking to lock down Ridley et. al's contracts so the story can continue. They want to break out of the trilogy format for the main saga. Lucasfilm also wants the cast from the sequel series to show up in spinoff films.Lucasfilm is looking to secure filming at Malta Film Studios, which has one of the largest underwater sets in filmmaking. Five year time jump, people like the empire, don't like the idea of revolution against it. Casting is looking for five actors in great shape who will undergo martial arts training ages 19-40 (Knights of Ren) and also a young Caucasian boy for a "secret role". Leia has been recast and an announcement will come soon. ADarth Jar Jar is behind it all? what are we feeling!? repealing! i'm going to be so fucking angry if the referendum doesn't go our way Reply Thread Link The guy I was speaking to yesterday seemed confident but I've been so utterly disappointed by recent voting outcomes I don't want to get my hopes up. Reply Parent Thread Link yeah. it's easy to feel confident in dublin (even though i live near a church, so ofc everything has 'vote no' signs)....but i do know it's harder in smaller towns. i have a friend v involved in offaly for repeal. i do my part as much as possible, it's hard campaigning so much and not being able to vote bc i'm not irish. i care about it being repealed. i have 1 super duper hardcore catholic friend. i just don't even bother. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Yeah, we just have to hope that it is a Yes. I can't wait for it to be all over. I don't have the balls to go canvassing but I wear my Ta and Yes badges and it's started a few conversations. All positive thankfully and I have persuaded my friends' friends who were undecided to vote yes. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Bought my badge and shirt on Friday! Reply Thread Link Nice! My sister bought the last pink repeal jumper in Cork and I want to steal it so bad! I love all the repeal fashion going around. Reply Parent Thread Link Ireland has scary abortion laws. Good for these celebs to stand up, as messy as some of them are. Isnt Tom Vaughan-Lawlor the guy who played Ebony Maw? He had the best performance Reply Thread Link good for them for speaking out! i hope the laws can change in ireland Reply Thread Link good luck ireland! they still want to pull that shit in poland even when now we have strick abortion laws Reply Thread Link I hope this does go forward!!! Been watching Call the Midwife and it is absurd that anywhere still makes it illegal. Reply Thread Link Good for them. I remember a REALLY long thread here once where a pro life user was arguing with a bunch of people in a post about abortion and she ended up being from Ireland iirc. Reply Thread Link One of the first things I think of when I think of Ireland is Savita Halappanavar essentially being murdered by doctors because of this law. Reply Thread Link I remember when that happened. I'm still so fucking upset. Saw a video of a woman the other day saying that 'child birth heals the pain of rape' and I was like YOU DID NOT JUST Edited at 2018-05-07 04:33 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link gosh i remember so clearly the day she died. Reply Parent Thread Link Apparently they're invested in Ireland "remaining abortion free" bc they can point to it as a western country w/o choice that's "doing just fine" or something. It boils my blood Edited at 2018-05-07 09:08 pm (UTC) The anti choice campaign in Ireland has been massively, massively funded by US groups for decades. Since this referendum was called groups from the US have started coming over to (illegally) campaign to retain the 8th amendment. This is just one example: https://www.buzz.ie/news/us-pro-life-group-fundraised-8000-send-people-ireland-283015 Apparently they're invested in Ireland "remaining abortion free" bc they can point to it as a western country w/o choice that's "doing just fine" or something. It boils my blood Reply Parent Thread Link This hassss to happen! We only JUST passed our Abortion Reform Bill through the Isle of Man Government (where i'm originally from) like literally last Tuesday. After so so long fighting to get change to this inhuman barbaric control over women's bodies. We are pretty much in the same position as Ireland, and it unfairly discriminates against women of lower socioeconomic background most of all. Which of course the gov doesn't care about. Still not 100% there though, got to pass it through the Legislative Council (the Upper House), and then pass it on for Royal Assent which will be fine. But getting it past the first three government readings was hard enough. I'm living in the UK now, but omg if I was still on the Island i'd so have wanted to join the Handmaids IOM! These badass women dressed like Handmaids from the Handmaid's Tale and would turn up to protests and just look AMAZING and powerful. Reply Thread Link I really want to go to Isle of Man! The flag is also the coolest and oddly the same as Sicily's flag. Reply Parent Thread Link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Savita_Halappanavar join the 21st century pls ireland Remember Savita Halappanavarjoin the 21st century pls ireland Reply Thread Link ugh I want Cillian on top of me so bad <3 Reply Thread Link good luck Ireland <3 I was just recently thinking about the anti-abortion laws in Ireland and thinking of Savita Halappanavar, I'm happy to hear there is a vote on this, finally. it's heartbreaking how violent and unfair the law is to women in so many places of the world. I hope it will change this time in Ireland, at least. Reply Thread Link Youse Eire-ids don't need the shitass Catholic Church anymore. Hopefully enough people are still pissed about the abuse and cover-ups that abortion can finally be made legal. And the Church will try it again with poorer, browner countries, as is their wont. Reply Thread Link It also happens to be right beside a primary and secondary/High school. It makes me so mad every time I pass it. The Catholic church has been an oppressive and profoundly misogynistic presence in every community in Ireland for far too long - responsible for perpetrating and facilitating some of the most heinous and shameful events in Irelands history - Magdalene Laundries, sold babies to Americans and buried the dead children in septic tanks, and not forgetting sexual abuse of children. This is outside one of the 2 Catholic Churches in my hometown:It also happens to be right beside a primary and secondary/High school. It makes me so mad every time I pass it.The Catholic church has been an oppressive and profoundly misogynistic presence in every community in Ireland for far too long - responsible for perpetrating and facilitating some of the most heinous and shameful events in Irelands history - Magdalene Laundries, sold babies to Americans and buried the dead children in septic tanks, and not forgetting sexual abuse of children. Reply Parent Thread Link I've had to tell so many people about the Magdalene Laundries. It's so fucking heartbreaking. Reply Parent Thread Link The Catholic Church can go fuck themselves. They've shown no regard for the well-being of children with the way they've allowed child sexual assault to run rampant inside their institution so they have no business now claiming to care about kids. I was raised Catholic and the day I figured out that the church was shit was so fucking freeing. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link my 8th great art teacher got me into movies, to be honest. he showed us a lot of classics back then in class (to review and evaluate etc) - so many that i still love to this day. dude kicked off my future as a cinephile, so kudos to him Reply Thread Link My favorite teacher was my high school government teacher. He was so knowledgeable about all things government and he made me give a shit about the world around me. He helped me get my first job as a poll worker. He was super cool and I hope he's off doing something better. My 7th grade PE teacher is now a registered sex offender so he's the worst by default. Reply Thread Link I started last September with my second bachelor's degree and would honestly be okay with so one paying me to study for another twenty years. Feels like I'm being better at being a student than the first time around at seventeen. Reply Thread Link My worst teacher was the one that kept calling me by my friends name, like we didn't look alike at all , I'm blonde with green/blue eyes and she had dark brown curly hair with brown eyes like??? Our names didn't even start with the same letter?? I do not understand how she kept calling me by her name! My best teacher was my math teacher in 10th grade that help me on my math test so I could pass math lol Edited at 2018-05-07 08:15 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link One high school teacher gave out as punishment learning the national anthem by heart and presenting it in front of class. Another let you clean gum off desks. One of my favourite teachers was the biology one. I once had a laughing fit and he just let me be, only asking every few minutes for someone to check if I was still breathing because "breathing was quite essential for most living beings". Reply Thread Link Pretty much every history teacher and professor I've ever had have been really impactful on my life. Particularly notable ones were my 9th grade ancient history professor (who basically switched up the curriculum after 9/11 happened where we studied the modern Middle East and willingly recommended me for AP history courses) and my African History professor in college (who opened my eyes to a lot more than my Eurocentric interests in my major). I also want to give a special shoutout to one of my clients' history professors - she took a Mexican-American history course last semester and the teacher was super sweet, accommodating and challenged her students in amazing ways. Edited at 2018-05-07 08:19 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link I did a similar project this year with the 8th graders. They had to use their understanding of sound waves and we through in some mathematical proportions with the length of strings to get certain pitches, etc. It was really fun! Edited at 2018-05-08 01:42 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link will.i.am's tweet was really cute. Honestly I had some impactful teachers but I wouldn't necessarily say they were GOOD teachers lol. My fourth grade teacher publicly shamed me and punished me because someone else tried to talk to me during a test! My freshman year world geography teacher was really weird, but cool -- he showed us stuff like looks inside North Korea and the movie Hotel Rwanda and always tried to make us really think about other cultures and religions. My senior year environmental science teacher was super super weird, he had like 20 animal skulls in our classroom no joke... I think that class messed me up a little lol. I also sometimes still have nightmares about my senior year drama teacher because he gave me such intense self esteem problems. A lot of my (university) professors were great though, they totally made up for my crappy high school experience. Edited at 2018-05-07 08:18 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link My grade 8 teacher sent me to music camp, which became a family thing to the point that after my brother died, my parents opened a memorial fund in his name that would pay the cost of music camp for other kids. He also gave me a copy of The Fellowship of the Ring, which definitely affected the course of my life, though I can't really name how. He was a special teacher (taught me, my brothers and all my cousins too) Shout outs to my grade 1 teacher, my grade 5 teacher, and my grade 10 English teacher for dazzling my unknowing lesbian ass. Reply Thread Link My 5th/6th grade teacher was a fucking saint. There were a lot of ~bad~ kids in my class that she was just able to work with and got them to accomplish a lot. She ended up loving our class so much that even though she'd always been a 5th grade teacher, she taught 6th grade for our class only so we had her two years in a row (although she got pregnant at the beginning of that year so she ended up being out half the year oop). We asked her to become a middle school teacher so we could have her in 7th grade too and she said, "No way in hell, I'm not dealing with those middle schooler hormones." Like, she was such an engaging teacher that on the last day of 5th grade instead of having a half day, we asked if we could finish up the bouyancy lesson we were learning because the experiments she was showing us were fun. What 5th graders would skip an extra long recess to learn about fucking bouyancy? lol Reply Thread Link in first period in 7th grade i had taken one of those large amoxicillin pills for my cold on an empty stomach so i left the room to go throw up in the bathroom. when i came back and told him what happened he made me sit in the corner of the classroom and we were coloring some kind of picture and he made me wrap individual paper towels around each coloring pencil i used lol. Reply Thread Link my biggest fear as a teacher is a kid getting sick i will NOPE out of there so fast because of my emetophobia so i feel him Reply Parent Thread Link i don't have emetophobia so i'm sure it's different, but i am super sensitive to vomiting and i've had kids do that in class and i honestly went into such a mom-mode of making sure the kid was ok and that i got it cleaned as fast as possible so the other kids wouldn't start getting sick too that i didn't even have time to be disgusted lol Reply Parent Thread Link Also, let's not kid ourselves. The biggest myth is that you're ever done school. Finished my degree 10 years ago and I'm STILL taking courses regularly for my job. Reply Thread Link My high school English teacher was the best. He played guitar and would sing whenever we had fundraising days. He would always play Here Comes the Sun and I had a huge crush on him. He would always find a way to incorporate music into our lessons and was just an all around cool person. The worst teacher I had was my 9th grade World History teacher because his eyes were always really buggy and if you didnt agree with something he talked about in class, hed argue with you until you agreed with him and his tests were all essay questions. He also dated one of my classmates during our junior year and then married her when she turned 18. Reply Thread Link He also dated one of my classmates during our junior year and then married her when she turned 18. Ummmmm......that's extremely illegal. Also gross. Reply Parent Thread Link My 9th grade Geometry teacher, Mr. Langlois. I couldn't for the life of me get Geometry. I would fail every test. But he would voluntarily stay with me after class for extra tutoring. Bless his heart. My sisters and I still talk about him 20 years later. He had all five sisters as students. Reply Thread Link Its nice that Gloria went to get the award and not Jay Reply Thread Link And ... This Is Us, really? I feel like it's practically forgotten about William's bisexuality (apart from that totally solid "Oh, you mean gay. No, bi." "Bye!" joke). Gotta say, I would've liked to have seen God's Own Country get the Limited Release film one over A Fantastic Woman. As much as I loved Daniela, AFW has already won everything under the sun and I kinda feel like GOC is the better movie overall.And ... This Is Us, really? I feel like it's practically forgotten about William's bisexuality (apart from that totally solid "Oh, you mean gay. No, bi." "Bye!" joke). Reply Thread Link I read the wiki on this and I really want to watch it. Reply Parent Thread Link i volunteered at this award on Sat... Frankie Grande is truly from a different planet. Reply Thread Link I wish there were more lesbian-centric documentaries and especially films. Preferably where the leads are not played by straight women and no one has to die a tragic death/ marry a man because the general population just can't imagine a woman living her entire life without being tied to some dick. I want a lesbian version of Love, Simon. Reply Thread Link Broadly's done a few really good shortform lesbian docs if you haven't seen them. I agree I wish there were more films as well! Reply Parent Thread Link i'm writing one lol but its sitting among the 30 other projects i'm working on Reply Parent Thread Link I had mixed feelings overall, but I really liked Alia. Reply Parent Thread Link i know it's stale at this point but it still fucks w me that Black Sails has not gotten a GLAAD award even once. bi characters? check. gay characters? check. lesbian characters? check. queer POC? check. queer identity being relevant and an integral part of, but not the entirety of those characters? check. higher rate of survival for queer characters over straight ones? CHECK. the ultimate gay revenge plot that involves a character declaring war on an empire rather than feel remorse for being gay, and to pay back what homophobia has done to them? CHECKKKK. invented het-baiting and unburying your gays? FUCKING DOUBLE CHECK. i'll never stop being bitter. Reply Thread Link Most of these award show nominees are submitted by their studios/production company and then the final noms are selected by Glaad so if Black Sails isn't being recognized it might be because they just haven't submitted or don't qualify in some other way. :/ Reply Parent Thread Link Is ava gay? Or has her work had gay undertones? Reply Thread Link Her work is super inclusive, especially Queen Sugar, both in front and behind the camera! She's also probably one of the most deserving out of all the people who've received it lol Kelly Ripa and Robert DeNiro both were given it. Reply Parent Thread Link Ahh I see. Thanks! Reply Parent Thread Link DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on Saturday, May 5, lambasted Vice President Leni Robredo for her alleged double standard remarks over the recent diplomatic row between the Philippines and Kuwait. Id like to assure Vice President Robredo that we are accountable: Were accountable to the President, were accountable to the people, were accountable to God, Secretary Cayetano said. Hindi puwedeng may double-standard (You cant have double-standards), Cayetano said citing Robredos criticism against the administration saying that the Philippines violated the sovereignty of Kuwait during the controversial emergency rescue mission of overseas Filipino workers. The video of the rescue was made public which angered Kuwait leading to expulsion of Philippine Ambassador Renato Villa and recall of Kuwait envoy from Manila. Hindi ba iyong mga foreigner na nagra-rally dito, naba-violate iyong sovereignty natin kasi bawal iyon. Bakit sabi nila puwede? Tapos tayo pag magre-rescue, pipintasan nila sarili nilang gobyerno na breaking sovereignty? he argued. (Dont the foreigners who join rallies also violate our sovereignty because it is against the law? How come its okay if they do it but when we carry out a rescue operation they criticize their own government of breaking sovereignty?) Cayetano also recalled Robredos recorded message criticizing the Duterte administrations campaign against illegal drugs which the vice president sent to the United Nations. Kapag tayo ang nag-video, (hindi tama)Pero bakit siya, si Vice President Leni, nagpadala ng video sa UN na fake news na paninira sa sariling bansa? (If we take the video, (its not right)But what about Vice President Leni? She sent UN a video of fake news that undermined her own country.) In her statement released May 3, Robredo said the opposition is gravely concerned over the deliberate release in both media and social media of videos of rescue missions undertaken by DFA personnel in the Kuwait which she said could further jeopardize our workers in that country. Story continues Decisive steps must be taken at the soonest time to rectify this situation, and prevent further harm from being inflicted on our OFWs. These must start with an honest and candid acknowledgement of the crisis, a willingness to accept accountability and a conviction to do what is right, she added in the statement. Cayetano admitted that what happened caused misunderstanding, but what we did is our obligation and duty to our OFWs. He asked critics of the administration to allow negotiations in order to repair the damaged relations between the two countries. Marje Pelayo | UNTV News & Rescue The post Cayetano slams Robredo on double standard remarks over PH-Kuwait diplomatic row appeared first on UNTV News. Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque MANILA, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte gathered his Cabinet officials Monday, May 7, but nothing about Chinas missile deployment was discussed. This was confirmed by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in an interview in Malacanang amid reports of Chinas missile deployment on three Philippine-claimed reefs in the West Philippine Sea. The items on the agenda of the 25th Cabinet meeting included preparations for the Presidents State of the nation address (SONA) in July, the Dengvaxia controversy and updates on the first batch of senior high school students. Rosalie Coz | UNTV News & Rescue The post No talks about Chinas missile deployment in Cabinet meeting Roque appeared first on UNTV News. Breaking the cartels Rarely in recent Nepali history has the government taken as firm an action as it has been doing in recent days against the transport syndicates. Associations of transport entrepreneurs went on strike after the government made a decision to ban their syndicates. These syndicates have stubbornly opposed competition in the market and consumers have been forced to make do with poor services. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been accused of involvement in a massive financial scandal, many voters are angry at rising living costs, and a renewed opposition is a real threat. But he is still tipped to be handed another term in office at elections Wednesday. Here are five reasons why he is likely to win and extend his coalition's six-decade hold on power: - Scandal? What scandal? - While the controversy surrounding sovereign wealth fund 1MDB grabbed international headlines, the scandal has faded in many Malaysians' minds, and alone is unlikely to prompt them to eject Najib from office. Billions of dollars were allegedly looted from the fund, which was set up by Najib, and used to buy everything from high-end US real estate to a luxury yacht, while huge sums mysteriously ended up in the leader's personal bank accounts. Najib and 1MDB deny any wrongdoing. Many Malaysians are unhappy at having a leader linked to corruption, and the ruling coalition's share of the popular vote could be dented. But the scandal peaked a few years ago and is no longer at the forefront of people's minds, with voters more concerned about other things. "Rising living costs, and particularly the rising cost of food, seems to be the top issue," Charles Santiago, a lawmaker from the opposition Democratic Action Party, told AFP. - Skewing the system - Allegations of electoral fraud and skewing the system to favour the long-ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition are nothing new at Malaysian elections, but analysts warn Najib is going further than any other leader in his bid to retain power. A redrawing of the electoral map in March created constituencies packed with voters from the Muslim Malay majority, who typically support the government, while civil society groups have complained of irregularities in voting lists, including the appearance of dead people's names. BN insists the elections will be fair. -Playing the race card - Najib has been shoring up BN's key Malay support base, which makes up some 60 percent of the country's 32 million inhabitants, by doling out cash handouts aimed at civil servants and those on low incomes -- often from the Muslim majority. The leader has also warned that a victory for the opposition, which has tried to present a more multi-racial front than BN, would be a "nightmare" for Malays that could threaten their privileged place in society. Bridget Welsh, a Malaysia expert from John Cabot University, told AFP that Najib had run a "very aggressive, racist campaign to feed off the insecurities of the Malay community". Many Malays will continue to back BN as they have benefited from a decades-old affirmative action programme that gives them perks, such as priority for government jobs. - Opposition problems - The four-party opposition alliance, Pact of Hope, got a huge boost when veteran ex-leader Mahathir Mohamad was picked to run as their prime ministerial candidate, and they hope the Malay nationalist will help swing Muslim voters away from BN. But it may be too little, too late for the long-troubled bloc. A previous opposition grouping fell apart in 2015 amid a dispute between the DAP and the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) over Muslim law. PAS has gone its own way and is fielding candidates separately at the poll, which could split the opposition vote. The opposition are also missing their long-time leader Anwar Ibrahim, one of the country's most charismatic politicians, who is in jail after being found guilty of sodomy in a case his supporters say was politically-motivated. - Robust economy - Najib's efforts to maintain power have been helped by a rebounding economy, which posted its best annual growth rate for three years in 2017 at 5.9 percent. The economy benefited from Najib's cash handouts to low-income earners, which gave consumer spending a lift, as well an export boom. A recent rise in oil prices will also help, as Malaysia is the only net exporter of oil among Asia's major economies. Agroecology is a better alternative than large-scale agriculture, both for the climate and for small farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to researcher Ellinor Isgren from Lund University in Sweden. This agricultural model preserves biodiversity and safeguards food supply while avoiding soil depletion. "We must consider other, alternative models for developing agriculture, particularly in countries that have not already transitioned to large-scale rationalisation. Large parts of the world's soil have already been degraded by depletion and excessively resource-intensive agriculture," says Ellinor Isgren, a researcher at the Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies. She maintains that today's intensive, large-scale agriculture brings a major environmental impact in the form of soil depletion, high use of pesticides, high energy and water consumption and reduced biodiversity. Large areas are often cultivated with one or only a few different crops, making this type of agriculture vulnerable to pests, diseases and climate change. Large-scale agriculture also requires major investments in the form of machinery, grains and seed, while utilising little labour. This means that poorer farmers in many African countries are excluded from the advantages of intensive agriculture: technological development, increased food production, access to the agricultural market and general economic growth. "A development that excludes a large number of small-holders creates income differences and a divided society. From a social and fairness perspective, transition to large-scale agriculture is not a positive technological conversion for the whole of society," she says. In her doctoral thesis, focusing on Uganda, Ellinor Isgren proposes agroecology as a possible alternative for small farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. The model is based on each farm being an integrated ecosystem, in which crops, plants and animals interact to create favourable conditions for cultivation. This alternative is knowledge-intensive, requiring farmers to have a lot of knowledge about the functioning of various components in the ecological system, as well as an ability to create synergies between plants, insects, crops and soil fertility. The model also rests on traditional farming methods. "If farmers use the model correctly, they can increase their yields and ensure their food supply while preserving biodiversity and reducing their impact on the climate and soil depletion. They also become less vulnerable to climate change as they grow many different crops and improve the soil structure," she says. Further benefits are that the system does not require major resources in the form of machinery, pesticides and fertiliser, as the cultivation model is mainly organic, so even poor small-holders can farm in this way. There are also good conditions for scaling up the model for sale to domestic and international markets. This would require more research and better collaboration between various agricultural institutions to develop knowledge of how different ecosystems function together and how local conditions affect the fertility of plants and crops. Initiatives are also needed to train farmers in how to apply an agroecological model. "There is currently no political will in Uganda to push development of the agricultural sector. This has left the market open to private investors and strong financial interests in the form of seed and pesticide companies," she says. At the same time, there is growing interest in alternative models of agriculture in the civil sector, and she believes that a change could occur through that channel. "Agroecology is a real alternative to conventional agricultural production, and a model that safeguards both the climate and social development. However, it requires civil society to push for change from the bottom up in Uganda, and for markets worldwide to transition to supporting alternative ways of farming the land," she concludes. Heavy turbulence for Air France, including on the stock market Air France shares went into a tailspin on the Paris stock exchange Monday after the strike-hit company's CEO resigned and the government seemed to worry about the carrier's very chances of survival. Air France-KLM boss Jean-Marc Janaillac announced his resignation Friday after staff at the carrier's French operations rejected a pay deal aimed at ending months of walkouts. In late morning Paris business Air France stock was down 12 percent at 7.13 euros, having earlier traded as low as 6.93. Societe Generale analysts said the company's employees "have not only forced the group CEO to resign, but also made the investment case obsolete". Switching to a "sell" recommendation from a previous "buy", Societe Generale said the staff vote "not only puts the cost efficiency targets at risk in our view, but even the integrity of the group". Janaillac, who had been in the post for under two years and staked his future at the company on staff accepting the deal, deplored their decision as a "huge waste". Staff and management at the carrier have been locked in a dispute over pay since February. Intermittent strikes in recent weeks have prompted the cancellation of a quarter of flights on average. Unionised staff are set to walk out for the 14th day on Monday as they press for a 5.1-percent salary increase this year as the company recovers from years of losses and restructuring. The carrier's chairman staked his job on the staff voteand lost Who'll want his job? "Air France-KLM is now without a boss and will find it hugely difficult to attract a high-level manager," analysts at French brokerage Aurel-BGC said. France's economy minister on Sunday warned that the survival of Air France was now in the balance. "I call on everyone to be responsible: crew, ground staff, and pilots who are asking for unjustified pay hikes," Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire told the BFM news channel. "Be responsible. The survival of Air France is in the balance," he added. He warned that the state, which owns 14.3 percent of the group, would not serve as a backstop. "Air France will disappear if it does not make the necessary efforts to be competitive," he warned. The announcement of Janaillac's departure came as Air France-KLM released its first-quarter earnings, which showed a net loss of 269 million euros ($322 million), weighed down by three days of strikes which cost about 25 million euros per day according to the company. The group warned the dispute would shave at least 300 million euros off its operating profit for the full year, pulling earnings "notably below" last year's 1.9 billion euros. Societe Generale analysts warned the weaker earnings performance could lead to a rift between Air France and its profitable Dutch partner, KLM. "KLM might (rightfully) ask why the profits are being generated in the Netherlands but the losses being made in France," they said. "The situation is neither healthy nor sustainable, in our view," they said. 2018 AFP Artist rendition of 'hot Saturn' WASP-96b. A distant observer would see WASP-96b blueish in color, because sodium would absorb the yellow-orange light from the planet's full spectrum. Credit: Engine House Scientists have detected an exoplanet atmosphere that is free of clouds, marking a pivotal breakthrough in the quest for greater understanding of the planets beyond our solar system. An international team of astronomers, led by Dr Nikolay Nikolov from the University of Exeter, have found that the atmosphere of the 'hot Saturn' WASP-96b is cloud-free. Using Europe's 8.2m Very Large Telescope in Chile, the team studied the atmosphere of WASP-96b when the planet passed in front of its host-star. This enabled the team to measure the decrease of starlight caused by the planet and its atmosphere, and thereby determine the planet's atmospheric composition. Just like an individual's fingerprints are unique, atoms and molecules have a unique spectral characteristic that can be used to detect their presence in celestial objects. The spectrum of WASP-96b shows the complete fingerprint of sodium, which can only be observed for an atmosphere free of clouds. The results are published in prestigious research journal Nature on May 7 2018. WASP-96b is a typical 1300K hot gas giant similar to Saturn in mass and exceeding the size of Jupiter by 20%. The planet periodically transits a sun-like star 980 light years away in the southern constellation Phoenix, halfway between the southern jewels Fomalhaut ( Piscis Austrini) and Achernar ( Eridani). It has long been predicted that sodium exists in the atmospheres of hot gas-giant exoplanets, and in a cloud-free atmosphere it would produce spectra that are similar in shape to the profile of a camping tent. Nikolay Nikolov, lead author and from the University of Exeter said; "We've been looking at more than twenty exoplanet transit spectra. WASP-96b is the only exoplanet that appears to be entirely cloud-free and shows such a clear sodium signature, making the planet a benchmark for characterization. A visualization of the transit of the WASP-96b in front of its host star. Credit: Ernst de Mooij "Until now, sodium was revealed either as a very narrow peak or found to be completely missing. This is because the characteristic 'tent-shaped' profile can only be produced deep in the atmosphere of the planet and for most planet clouds appear to get in the way". Clouds and hazes are known to exist in some of the hottest and coldest solar system planets and exoplanets. The presence or absence of clouds and their ability to block light plays an important role in the overall energy budget of planetary atmospheres. "It is difficult to predict which of these hot atmospheres will have thick clouds. By seeing the full range of possible atmospheres, from very cloudy to nearly cloud-free like WASP-96b, we'll gain a better understanding of what these clouds are made of; " explains Professor Jonathan J. Fortney, study co-author, based at the Other Worlds Laboratory (OWL) at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC). The sodium signature seen in WASP-96b suggests an atmosphere free of clouds. The observation allowed the team to measure how abundant sodium is in the atmosphere of the planet, finding levels similar to those found in our own Solar System. "WASP-96b will also provide us with a unique opportunity to determine the abundances of other molecules, such as water, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide with future observations ", adds co-author Ernst de Mooij from Dublin City University. Sodium is the seventh most common element in the Universe. On Earth, sodium compounds such as salt give sea water its salty taste and the white colour of salt pans in deserts. In animal life, sodium is known to regulate heart activity and metabolism. Sodium is also used in technology, such as in the sodium-vapour street lights, where it produces yellow-orange light. The team aims to look at the signature of other atmospheric species, such as water, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide with the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes as well as telescopes on the ground. 'An absolute sodium abundance for a cloud-free 'hot Saturn' exoplanet ' is published in Nature on May 7 2018. Explore further Hubble observes exoplanet atmosphere in more detail than ever before More information: N. Nikolov et al, An absolute sodium abundance for a cloud-free 'hot Saturn' exoplanet, Nature (2018). Journal information: Nature N. Nikolov et al, An absolute sodium abundance for a cloud-free 'hot Saturn' exoplanet,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0101-7 Credit: CC0 Public Domain In 2015, Pfizer pharmaceutical company invested $14 million in Chile to launch the Center of Excellence in Precision Medicine, focusing on developing new genome-based diagnostic technologies for cancer. This is just one example of a firm's geographic entry into a country that does not have strong intellectual property rights protection. The country may provide important necessary resources, but the investing firm may suffer intellectual property leakage and imitation by competitors. New research from the University of Notre Dame, however, shows there are ways companies like Pfizer can safeguard their intellectual property in such environments. "Fearlessly Swimming Upstream to Risky Waters: The Role of Geographic Entry in Innovation" is forthcoming in the Journal of Management Studies from Tim Hubbard, assistant professor of management in the University of Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business. Hubbard and his team examined the innovative activities of 142 global pharmaceutical companies operating in 118 countries across 18 geographic regions. More specifically, the team analyzed the geographic entry patterns of the companies' upstream research and development activities and their downstream commercialization activitiessuch as manufacturing, marketing and supportfor the innovative products. The team found that firms operating regionally through downstream commercialization activities can offer complementary assets to the upstream R&D activities that help protect the firms' intellectual property. That is, as an example, manufacturing and selling pharmaceuticals within a region can help protect firms that choose to locate their research and development activities in countries in the same region. Moreover, the regional downstream commercialization activities can substitute for the weak intellectual property protection of a country within that region. "Previous studies have shown that firms need both upstream and downstream activities to profit from their innovations, but the question remains about 'where' this can happen," Hubbard says. "We show that the regional level can be an answer. For example, all upstream and downstream activities don't have to take place in one country; they can take place across the region." Moreover, Hubbard's team discovered that if a firm takes a regional approach and spreads out its activities across a region, it makes it harder for competitors to imitate the upstream intellectual property for two reasons. First, competitors will not fully grasp everything the firm is doing. Hubbard explains, "If all activities were located within a single country, it would be easier for a competitor to assess what the firm has done. If, however, those activities are spread across several countries within a region, they can still take advantage of having co-location, but they don't have to worry about competitors seeing the whole picture." Second, even if the competitor copies the upstream intellectual property, it takes too long to capture the value from it, as they would have to develop all of the downstream commercialization activities tailored to the upstream activities. Thus, these two reasons create barriers to imitation. Prior to this important finding, there were few guidelines to deal with the dilemma where a firm wanted to enter countries with important resources not available elsewhere in the world, but the country lacked strong intellectual property rights protection. These important resources could substantially enhance the firm's competitive advantage, but the weak protection could put the firm's intellectual property at risk. "For example, countries with rainforests allow for unique opportunities to research tropical diseases and develop new drugs," Hubbard says. "But the question remains: should firms locate research and development activities in countries with poor intellectual property rights? Our research indicates that having downstream activities that can help protect intellectual property, paving the way for them to invest in these countries." The results also shed light into how firms can help manage their research and development activities in diverse regions such as Southeast Asia. For example, if firms already manufacture and sell their products in Southeast Asia, they may be more confident in locating their research and development activities in countries within the regionsuch as Vietnam or China because they will have another mechanism to help them protect their intellectual property. Explore further China tightens rules on transferring tech know-how More information: Curba Morris Lampert et al. FEARLESSLY SWIMMING UPSTREAM TO RISKY WATERS: THE ROLE OF GEOGRAPHIC ENTRY IN INNOVATION, Journal of Management Studies (2018). Journal information: Journal of Management Studies Curba Morris Lampert et al. FEARLESSLY SWIMMING UPSTREAM TO RISKY WATERS: THE ROLE OF GEOGRAPHIC ENTRY IN INNOVATION,(2018). DOI: 10.1111/joms.12347 Credit: CC0 Public Domain For years, the people developing artificial intelligence drew inspiration from what was known about the human brain, and it has enjoyed a lot of success as a result. Now, AI is starting to return the favor. Although not explicitly designed to do so, certain artificial intelligence systems seem to mimic our brains' inner workings more closely than previously thought, suggesting that both AI and our minds have converged on the same approach to solving problems. If so, simply watching AI at work could help researchers unlock some of the deepest mysteries of the brain. "There's a real connection there," said Daniel Yamins, assistant professor of psychology. Now, Yamins, who is also a faculty scholar of the Stanford Neurosciences Institute and a member of Stanford Bio-X, and his lab are building on that connection to produce better theories of the brain how it perceives the world, how it shifts efficiently from one task to the next and perhaps, one day, how it thinks. A vision problem for AI Artificial intelligence has been borrowing from the brain since its early days, when computer scientists and psychologists developed algorithms called neural networks that loosely mimicked the brain. Those algorithms were frequently criticized for being biologically implausible the "neurons" in neural networks were, after all, gross simplifications of the real neurons that make up the brain. But computer scientists didn't care about biological plausibility. They just wanted systems that worked, so they extended neural network models in whatever way made the algorithm best able to carry out certain tasks, culminating in what is now called deep learning. Then came a surprise. In 2012, AI researchers showed that a deep learning neural network could learn to identify objects in pictures as well as a human being, which got neuroscientists wondering: How did deep learning do it? The same way the brain does, as it turns out. In 2014, Yamins and colleagues showed that a deep learning system that had learned to identify objects in pictures nearly as well as humans could did so in a way that closely mimicked the way the brain processes vision. In fact, the computations the deep learning system performed matched activity in the brain's vision-processing circuits substantially better than any other model of those circuits. Around the same time, other teams made similar observations about parts of the brain's vision and movement-processing circuits, suggesting that given the same kind of problem, deep learning and the brain had evolved similar ways of coming up with a solution. More recently, Yamins and colleagues have demonstrated similar observations in the brain's auditory system. On one hand, that's not a big surprise. Although the technical details differ, deep learning's conceptual organization is borrowed directly from what neuroscientists already knew about the organization of neurons in the brain. But the success of Yamins and colleagues' approach and others like it depends equally as much on another, more subtle choice. Rather than try to get the deep learning system to directly match what the brain does at the level of individual neurons, as many researchers had done, Yamins and colleagues simply gave their deep learning system the same problem: Identify objects in pictures. Only after it had solved that problem did the researchers compare how deep learning and the brain arrived at their solutions and only then did it become clear that their methods were essentially the same. "The correspondence between the models and the visual system is not entirely a coincidence, because one directly inspired the other," said Daniel Bear, a postdoctoral researcher in Yamins' group, "but it's still remarkable that it's as good a correspondence as it is." One likely reason for that, Bear said, is natural selection and evolution. "Basically, object recognition was a very evolutionarily important task" for animals to solve and solve well, if they wanted to tell the difference between something they could eat and something that could eat them. Perhaps trying to do that as well as humans and other animals do except with a computer led researchers to find essentially the same solution. Seek what the brain seeks Whatever the underlying reason, insights gleaned from the 2014 study led to what Yamins calls goal-directed models of the brain: Rather than try to model neural activity in the brain directly, instead train artificial intelligence to solve problems the brain needs to solve, then use the resulting AI system as a model of the brain. Since 2014, Yamins and collaborators have been refining the original goal-directed model of the brain's vision circuits and extending the work in new directions, including understanding the neural circuits that process inputs from rodents' whiskers. In perhaps the most ambitious project, Yamins and postdoctoral fellow Nick Haber are investigating how infants learn about the world around them through play. Their infants actually relatively simple computer simulations are motivated only by curiosity. They explore their worlds by moving around and interacting with objects, learning as they go to predict what happens when they hit balls or simply turn their heads. At the same time, the model learns to predict what parts of the world it doesn't understand, then tries to figure those out. While the computer simulation begins life so to speak knowing essentially nothing about the world, it eventually figures out how to categorize different objects and even how to smash two or three of them together. Although direct comparisons with babies' neural activity might be premature, the model could help researchers better understand how infants use play to learn about their environments, Haber said. On the other end of the spectrum, models inspired by artificial intelligence could help solve a puzzle about the physical layout of the brain, said Eshed Margalit, a graduate student in neurosciences. As the vision circuits in infants' brains develop, they form specific patches physical clusters of neurons that respond to different kinds of objects. For example, humans and other primates all form a face patch that is active almost exclusively when they look at faces. Exactly why the brain forms those patches, Margalit said, isn't clear. The brain doesn't need a face patch to recognize faces, for example. But by building on AI models like Yamins' that already solve object recognition tasks, "we can now try to model that spatial structure and ask questions about why the brain is laid out this way and what advantages it might give an organism," Margalit said. Closing the loop There are other issues to tackle as well, notably how artificial intelligence systems learn. Right now, AI needs much more training and much more explicit training than humans do in order to perform as well on tasks like object recognition, although how humans succeed with so little data remains unclear. A second issue is how to go beyond models of vision and other sensory systems. "Once you have a sensory impression of the world, you want to make decisions based on it," Yamins said. "We're trying to make models of decision making, learning to make decisions and how you interface between sensory systems, decision making and memory." Yamins is starting to address those ideas with Kevin Feigelis, a graduate student in physics, who is building AI models that can learn to solve many different kinds of problems and switch between tasks as needed, something very few AI systems are able to do. In the long run, Yamins and the other members of his group said all of those advances could feed into more capable artificial intelligence systems, just as earlier neuroscience research helped foster the development of deep learning. "I think people in artificial intelligence are realizing there are certain very good next goals for cognitively inspired artificial intelligence," Haber said, including systems like his that learn by actively exploring their worlds. "People are playing with these ideas." Explore further Dissecting artificial intelligence to better understand the human brain Heavy rainfall triggered extensive flooding across the province of Alberta in 2013. Credit: Ryan L. C. Quan/Wikimedia For the past five years the message has been the sameAlberta, specifically Calgary, needs flood mitigation, and there is no time to spare in taking action before the Bow or Elbow Rivers spill their banks again. After all, there were only eight years between Calgary's last two "100-year floods," the most recent of which resulted in $6 billion in damages. The increasing frequency and severity of flooding in Calgary is alarming. The city is built along two flood-prone river systems, and yet mitigation efforts are reactionary and piecemeal. This is more than evident with flood events being reported across the country this spring, with hundreds of people ordered to evacuate in New Brunswick, Alberta and British Columbia. In New Brunswick, the flooding has been described as the worst in 80 years. One way flood mitigation can be addressed is through system-wide regional planning that is shaped by public involvement within a transparent decision process. However, the complex nature of massive public works projects frequently results in inaction. Broader support is needed. Recent research found that the public's perceptions about the risk of flooding are slowing Calgary's ability to take the steps it should to lessen the damage from future floods. What Alberta and the rest of Canada needs is a justifiable decision process backed by increasing awareness of the impacts of climate change. Fleeting experience People's perception of risk impacts their beliefs about flooding and their preferred methods to prevent floods. For instance, after experiencing a flood event, people's concerns about repeating the experience diminish over time. This makes sense. The motivation to prevent future disasters directly after an event is high, but it decreases as time elapses. Since personal memories and emotions from large-scale events come and go, many studies have suggested that if we can change the underlying belief systems that drive people's actions, we would encourage proactive steps to prevent future flooding. One way to do this is to strengthen people's awareness of the link between climate change and flood risk. Once the public recognizes that extreme weather, including flooding, is scientifically attributed to climate change, subsequent events reinforce this concern and a desire to take mitigation steps. After the 2013 flooding in Calgary, a survey found people grasped the future risk of flooding in the short-term (five-year), but not for long-term (100-year). Longer-term flood risk remains abstract to most because it is less personally or directly relevant. People have trouble imagining how flood risks will play out over generations in the future, let alone the sorts of actions they should take now to meaningfully reduce these impacts. Next steps As painful memories of stressful times fade, so too does the motivation to take actions that reduce risks, which, in turn, increases one's susceptibility to future flood damages. However, boosting people's knowledge about climate change elevates their perception of risk, and may overcome the limitations of fading memories. Looking downtown from Riverfront Ave. in Calgary during the 2013 flood. Credit: Ryan L. C. Quan/Wikimedia That said, raising climate change awareness is no easy task. One's beliefs towards climate change reflect one's broader worldview rather than ephemeral emotional responses. However, once climate change lines up with one's worldview, concern stabilizes. This is great news for making the long-term changes we need for flood mitigation. For policy makers, increasing climate change knowledge among citizens may be enough to shift perceptions of flood risk and garner support for flood mitigation. Flood mitigation across Canada There are some great examples of how communities have adapted in response to natural disasters, but also many concerns. After Hurricane Hazel moved through Ontario in 1954, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) was established to manage river systems and their floodplains across the Greater Toronto Area. The province purchased land in high-risk flood zones, created parks and constructed flood mitigation infrastructure. However, many Canadians remain at risk of flood damages. In 2016 alone, Canadians paid $600 million in out-of-pocket expenses to repair flood damages to their property. With aging infrastructure and the increasing risk of extreme weather due to climate change, these costs are likely to increase. Research out of the University of Waterloo found that less than 30 per cent of Canadians who lived in high-flood risk regions had taken action to protect their property, and had minimal interest in purchasing flood insurance. So where does this leave large-scale flood infrastructure projects? Debating Calgary's future In Calgary, five years after the last flood, there is still persistent and vocal debate around flood mitigation. Flood mitigation can take many forms, from low-cost education programs to high-cost and controversial projects. Those in favour of large-scale mitigation cite the need for infrastructure projects that can manage the risk of flooding without behavioural change. Those against these large-scale mitigation projects, on the other hand, favour making room for the river, and limiting development on high-risk lands. Neither side is right or wrong; both have strong arguments. The latest example is the controversial Springbank Off-stream Reservoir. Despite support from the Alberta Minister of Transportation and Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, progress has been stymied by concerns around inappropriate public consultation, incomplete environmental assessments and the underlying hope that flooding will not recur any time soon. The disjuncture in support for flood mitigation underpins the need for a deliberate flood mitigation strategy that stands up to close scrutiny in Alberta and across Canada. Without further flood mitigation actions, the risk of extensive damage is ever present. As time passes, and without renewed flood experience, support for all mitigation options will likely decrease. We shouldn't be reliant on individual actions or personal experience to motivate risk management. Time is of the essence to increase climate change awareness across Canada and make justifiable flood mitigation decisions. Explore further New study finds flood risk for Americans is greatly underestimated This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. Fruit flies marked with dots of paint in a Rice University lab were used to measure how an infection is spread in communities of different genotypes, with various sex ratios and either a male or female 'patient zero.' The study showed the degree to which social context matters in the spread of disease. Credit: Nick Keiser/Rice University "Patient zero" isn't entirely to blame when an infection takes root in a population. According to Rice University scientists, social context in the community has a lot to do with how a disease spreads. Rice researchers who study fruit flies found that the ratio of females to males as well as the mating dynamics of the community were strong indicators of how a disease outbreak would progress. While no one genotype was at greater risk than any other, they found males in a community faced a greater risk of infection when they were moderately outnumbered by females. The study led by Rice Academy postdoctoral fellow Nick Keiser, Rice evolutionary biologist Julia Saltz and Rice community ecologist Volker Rudolf is the first to look at how the behavior of an infectious host and the social factors within a population combine to influence the spread of disease. Their results appear in the journal Behavioral Ecology. Fruit flies are a focus of study in the Saltz lab because of their rapid reproduction and ease of manipulation. A fungus, Metarhizium robertsii, that is fatal to flies and many other insects can be transmitted through close physical contact, including during mating, and in the environment. In this study, the Rice team investigated how this fungus can spread from a single infected individual to its group-mates. "There have been studies on human disease transmission networks that look at group-level and individual-level factors, but not in a way like this where we can actually manipulate those things," Keiser said. This fruit fly is infected with a fungus, Metarhizium robertsii, that is fatal to many insects. Rice University scientists set up groups of flies and inserted an infected 'patient zero' to see how the spread of disease was influenced by sex ratios and group behavior. Credit: Nick Keiser/Rice University The researchers configured 66 social groups of fruit flies from three genotypes with known behavioral characteristics, including mating frequency, aggregation and aggression, and in five sex ratios ranging from zero to 100 percent female. "We measured their behaviors as a social group and then we added to each a single infected individual, a male or female patient zero, and allowed them to interact for two hours," Keiser said. Patient zero is the index case or initial patient in the population of the epidemiological investigation. "Because they all had paint dots on their backs, we could watch their social behaviors, their aggregation with one another and their mating dynamics," Keiser said. "When we separated them to see who became infected and if there were any patterns, we found no genotypic differences in infection risk. We were surprised. We thought there would be a clear link." Instead, Keiser said, the social context of each group had the most influence on infection rates. "So it's not just your traits, but the traits of the social group that you find yourself in, or maybe that you choose, that influences your infection risk," he said.Another surprise was that males in a female-dominated group were at greater risk. "That is one of the takeaways, and I think it's driven by the males' behaviors," Keiser said. "In a female-biased social group, there's more opportunities for mating. Males increase their courtship behavior and their aggressive behavior with other males, and we think they're more likely to gain this infection just from courtship or from aggressive interactions. Rice University researcher Nick Keiser checks a community of fruit flies. A new study by Keiser and his colleagues found that social context in the community has a lot to do with how a disease spreads. Credit: Jeff Fitlow/Rice University "They change their behavior based on the social environment and inadvertently influence their own infection risk," he said. Yet another surprise was that when patient zero was female, the risk of disease to males in the community, regardless of their mating history, was four times greater than for females. When patient zero was male, the risk of infection depended more heavily on mating frequency but was identical for both sexes. "That suggests the identity of that patient zero, the primary case, may even change which mode of transmission is important, which is not something that has been shown before," Keiser said. Flies that did not appear to mate seemed safest, but were still affected, he said. Only 10 percent of virgin flies became infected, likely from encountering fungal spores on the food patch or from contact with others. Fruit flies marked with dots of paint mingle (or not) in a petri dish in a Rice University lab. Rice scientists led a study that was the first to look at how the behavior of an infectious host and the social factors within a population combine to influence the spread of disease. Credit: Jeff Fitlow/Rice University Keiser said previous studies sought to link differences in infection risk solely to the traits of the initial carrier, but that is insufficient. "You're in a social context and your infection risk can be influenced by your social group as well," he said. "We wanted to manipulate those two factors simultaneously. "The link between host traits and disease risk is interesting, but no individual is an island." Explore further 'Bickering' flies make evolutionary point More information: Carl N Keiser et al, Social context alters host behavior and infection risk, Behavioral Ecology (2018). Journal information: Behavioral Ecology Carl N Keiser et al, Social context alters host behavior and infection risk,(2018). DOI: 10.1093/beheco/ary060 Credit: NASA A University of Oklahoma astrophysics team explains why the growth of Mars was stunted by an orbital instability among the outer solar system's giant planets in a new study on the evolution of the young solar system. The OU study builds on the widely-accepted Nice Model, which invokes a planetary instability to explain many peculiar observed aspects of the outer solar system. An OU model used computer simulations to show how planet accretion (growth) is halted by the outer solar system instability. Without it, Mars possibly could have become a larger, habitable planet like Earth. "This study offers a simple and more elegant solution for why Mars is small, barren and uninhabitable," said Matthew S. Clement, OU graduate student in the Homer L. Dodge Department of Physics and Astronomy, OU College of Arts and Sciences. "The particular dynamics of the instability between the giant planets kept Mars from growing to an Earth-mass planet." Clement and Nathan A. Kaib, OU astrophysics professor, worked with Sean N. Raymond, the University of Bordeaux, France, and Kevin J. Walsh, Southwest Research Institute, to investigate the effect of the Nice Model instability on the process of terrestrial planetary formation. The research team used computing resources provided by the OU Supercomputing Center for Education and Research and the Blue Waters sustained peta-scale computing project to perform 800 computer simulations of this scenario. The goal of this study was to investigate simulated systems that produced Earth-like planets with Mars analogs as well. Recent geological data from Mars and Earth indicates that Mars' formation period was about 10 times shorter than Earth's, which has led to the idea that Mars was left behind as a 'stranded planetary embryo' during the formation of the Sun's inner planets. The early planet instability modeled in this study provides a natural explanation for how Mars emerged from the process of planet formation as a 'stranded embryo.' The success of the terrestrial planetary formation simulations for this study were found to be tied to the detailed evolution of the solar system's two giant planetsJupiter and Saturn. Systems in the study where Jupiter and Saturn's post-instability orbits were most similar to their actual current orbits also produced systems of terrestrial planets that resembled the current solar system. A paper, "Mar's Growth Stunted by an Early Giant Planet Instability," has been published in the online version of the scientific journal Icarus. Explore further Mars and Earth may not have been early neighbors More information: Mars' Growth Stunted by an Early Giant Planet Instability, arXiv:1804.04233 [astro-ph.EP] Mars' Growth Stunted by an Early Giant Planet Instability, arXiv:1804.04233 [astro-ph.EP] arxiv.org/abs/1804.04233 Matthew S. Clement et al, Mars' growth stunted by an early giant planet instability, Icarus (2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.icarus.2018.04.008 Journal information: Icarus The James Webb Space Telescope's spacecraft element undergoing acoustic testing. Credit: NASA/Chris Gunn The spacecraft element of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope recently completed its first two major launch environmental tests at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems in Redondo Beach, California, and will soon undergo further tests to ensure it will handle the rigors of launch and the harsh environment of space. The spacecraft element's first test simulated the mechanical shock caused by the separation of the spacecraft's payload adapter after launch. The second test subjected the spacecraft to the extreme sound and resultant vibration of the launch environment. These shock separation and acoustics tests are routine for all spacecraft. Detailed inspections of the hardware after the acoustic test showed that fastening hardware that hold the sunshield membrane covers in place had come loose. "NASA is reviewing options for repair and the next steps in spacecraft element launch environment testing," said Greg Robinson, Webb's program director. "The team is reviewing the test data and hardware configuration and is actively working towards corrective action in the near future. We expect to get back to the environmental test flow shortly and continue to move safely and methodically toward mission success." Discoveries like this one are not uncommon in the development of a complex and unique spacecraft. "This is an example of why space systems are thoroughly and rigorously tested on the ground to uncover imperfections and fix them prior to launch," said Robinson. Webb's spacecraft element is the observatory's combined sunshield and spacecraft bus. The spacecraft element and Webb's combined optical element and science instruments, called its science payload, will form the complete observatory. The two halves currently reside at Northrop Grumman, NASA's observatory contractor. The shock of payload separation When Webb is launched into space, it must be folded like origami to fit inside its Ariane 5 rocket's payload fairing, which is about 15.1 feet (4.6 meters) wide. The fairing, also called the rocket's nose cone, protects Webb from the forces and heat of the atmosphere as the rocket accelerates into space. Inside the fairing, the payload adapter physically attaches Webb to the top of the Ariane 5. The adapter has two halvesone that is permanently attached to Webb and the other that is attached to the second stage of the rocket. When the rocket reaches a specific altitude in Earth's upper atmosphere, the payload fairing is jettisoned and falls back to Earth. Following this, the first stage of the Ariane 5 expends its fuel and also is jettisoned. After the second stage of the rocket gives Webb a final nudge to send it on its way to its orbit at the second Sun-Earth Lagrange point (L2), the two halves of the payload adapter separate, releasing Webb from the rocket. The release sends a mechanical shocka series of high-frequency vibrationsthrough the observatory. "Mechanical shock is a quick jolt to the system, a lot like when you shut your car door and the car shudders a little," explained Keith Parrish, the Observatory Manager for Webb at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The electronics in Webb are designed to withstand this shock just as a laptop is designed to withstand the bangs and drops of everyday life. To simulate this separation on Earth, engineers at Northrop Grumman first suspended the spacecraft element in the air with the payload adapter attached to it. They then remotely released the bottom half of the payload adapter, which is the half that will be attached to the rocket during launch. The bottom half fell approximately 8 inches (about 20 centimeters) onto a padded catch area on the floor of the cleanroom where the test was being performed. The engineers monitored the forces caused by the release to ensure they were within expected values, and high-speed video cameras recorded the separation to make sure it was smooth. During the actual flight and separation, 12 springs will gently push Webb away from the Ariane 5. The sound and vibration of launch After completing shock testing, engineers enveloped the spacecraft in a plastic tent and moved it into Northrop Grumman's Large Acoustic Test Facility. The tent protected the spacecraft from contamination during the move and during the acoustic test. During the test, engineers subjected the spacecraft element to sound frequencies ranging from 25 Hertz to 2,500 Hertz, which is what Webb will experience during launch. These frequencies range from low bass (similar to that of a kick drum) to low treble (about the same level as the E7 key on a piano). It was also tested at loudness levels up to 142.5 decibels, about 3 decibels higher than what is expected during launch. Webb's science payload went through a similar acoustic test at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, in 2017. Engineers mounted several microphones inside and outside the tent to monitor the acoustic environment during testing. They also mounted about 500 accelerometers around the spacecraft element to monitor the vibrational responses it experienced. An accelerometer measures the forces or stress the hardware is experiencing during the test. After this first series of tests, Webb's spacecraft element will undergo vibration testing to ensure it will survive the intense shake of launch. NASA's James Webb Space Telescope will be the world's next great space science observatory. Webb will solve mysteries of our solar system, look beyond to distant worlds around other stars, and probe the mysterious structures and origins of our universe and our place in it. Webb is an international project led by NASA with its partners, the ESA (European Space Agency) and the Canadian Space Agency. Part of the ESA's contribution is the Ariane 5 launch vehicle, which is operated by Arianespace. Arianespace subcontractor RUAG Space provided the rocket's payload adapter. Explore further NASA's Webb telescope emerges from Chamber A More information: For more information about Webb, visit: For more information about Webb, visit: www.nasa.gov/webb China to conduct feasibility study A team of Chinese engineers and officials are set to arrive in Kathmandu within a couple of weeks for conducting a feasibility study of the Kerung-Kathmandu railway line. The development follows understanding between Nepal and China that it is possible to develop the project, which lies in a difficult terrain, at a recent meeting held in Beijing. Brewing up a 'global coffee alliance' Swiss food giant Nestle announced Monday it will pay $7.15 billion in cash for the rights to market Starbucks products around the world, outside of the company's coffee shops. The agreement gives Nestle, which owns the Nescafe and Nespresso brands, a strong platform for continued growth in North America, the company said in a statement. Nestle is focusing on coffee as a main growth area and has already made some acquisitions in the sector. The Starbucks business covered by the deal currently generates around $2 billion sales annually and includes coffee beans and ground coffee that Nestle will be selling in supermarkets around the world. "This transaction is a significant step for our coffee business, Nestle's largest high-growth category," said Nestle CEO Mark Schneider in a statement. "Both companies have true passion for outstanding coffee and are proud to be recognised as global leaders for their responsible and sustainable coffee sourcing," he said. The deal does not include any of Starbucks' coffee shops and cafes. Around 500 Starbucks staff will join Nestle, the company said, but the operations would continue to be located in Seattle. Both companies would collaborate on "innovation and go-to-market strategies", it said. Starbucks president and CEO Kevin Johnson hailed the deal as "historic" and said it would create a "global coffee alliance". Nestle, which has been under intense shareholder pressure to improve its profitability, has begun to reposition itself since Schneider took over at the start of last year. The former head of German healthcare group Fresenius has pushed for the food giant to focus in on a few areas, like bottled water, infant nutrition and pet care, with coffee a top priority. 'Unexpected transaction' While Nestle's Nespresso and other coffee products are omnipresent in Europe, they have had a harder time catching on in the United States. Over the past 15 months, the company has clearly set its sights on high-end coffee brands in North America. It snapped up a majority share in California-based Blue Bottle Coffee last September, and two months later bought Texas company Chameleon Cold Brew. At the same time, Nestle has been selling off parts of its confectionary business, handing over its US candy business earlier this year to Italy's Ferrero for nearly $3.0 billion. Analysts hailed Monday's deal. "Nestle has once again surprised the market with an unexpected transaction," Jean-Philippe Bertschy of Vontobel said in a research note. He said that "coffee is one of the key growth pillars in the CEO's strategy, (and) allows Nestle to gain scale in the US, a weak spot so far." He acknowledged that "the price might appear expensive, but given the returns, the deal could exceed the cost of capital within three to four years". The transaction, which needs approval from regulators, should be finalised by the end of 2018, Nestle said, adding that the deal should start making a positive contribution to its earnings per share and its growth targets starting next year. The company saw its shares swell 0.6 percent in mid-morning trading at 76.84 Swiss francs a piece, as the Swiss stock exchange's main SMI index was up just 0.15 percent. Starbucks, meanwhile, said it will use the cash to accelerate share buybacks. The Seattle-based company said it now expected to return some $20 billion to shareholders through buybacks and dividends by 2020. Explore further Starbucks commits $10M for greener coffee cup 2018 AFP Officials are hammering out an overhaul of EU copyright rules against the backdrop of free online news that has decimated earnings for traditional media companies News agencies welcomed Monday what they called a "major step" by the EU parliament's legal committee asking internet giants to pay for press articles. Officials are hammering out an overhaul of EU copyright rules against the backdrop of free online news that has decimated earnings for traditional media companies. "Very profitable companies, like Facebook and Google, offer users qualified news reporting from publishers including news agencies, but they do not offer a fair return for this usage," said the European Alliance of News Agencies, of which AFP is a member. The proposal was made by Axel Voss, the rapporteur for parliament's legal committee, which is expected to vote on the proposed copyright directive in June. News publishers hope the laws will include so-called neighbouring rights that would require online platforms to pay for putting up articles. Several parliamentary committees have already approved versions of the tax proposal, but the key Legal Affairs Committee has not yet weighed in. After a year and half of talks, the 28 EU member states remain divided on the wisdom of any tax or payments, which tech giants like Google strongly oppose. Some legal experts are also against the idea, saying it would help only the most widely known news providers to the detriment of independent and start-up companies, effectively curbing the right to free speech. But news providers say their ability to invest in unbiased coverage from around the world is at risk, since millions of people have become used to reading and watching free content on the web. Representatives from EU countries are set to meet again in Brussels on May 16 to try to reach a compromise. 2018 AFP Credit: CC0 Public Domain A trio of great horned owls has been found to be engaging in a polygamous relationship according to an ornithologist with Bird Studies Canada. The finding has been reported by Doug Main with National Geographic. Great horned owls are notoriously territorial, which is why finding two females building nests next to each other was so unusual. Also unusual was the single male bringing food for both of the females as they sat on their eggs. Such behavior, Christian Artuso (with Bird Studies Canada) suggests, likely indicates that the male mated with both femalesan example of polygamy. If true, the observation would be the first record of it. The birds were discovered outside of an office window by Jim Thomas at the Desert Research Institute in Nevada. He alerted the Nevada Department of Wildlife's David Catalano, who is also an ornithologist. Upon viewing the birds, Catalano described the situation as "very, very odd." Not only are great horned owls very protective of their territory, they are also believed to be monogamous. This is the case for most raptors, Main notes, likely due to the huge demands on the male to feed both himself and the female while she is nesting. To follow what was going on, technicians at the Institute set up a webcam to allow others to see the unique situation, as well. Main reports that the owls became quite popular. But there was more oddness to come. For unknown reasons, none of the eggs for one of the hens hatched. Instead of leaving, that hen simply became a second mother to the owlets that hatched to the other hen. Catalano suggests the odd behavior could be due to the females being related. It could be a mother/daughter relationship, he notes, or they might siblings. No testing of the birds was done, so he cannot say for sure. Nor was it possible to determine if both hens had actually mated with the male. Staff at the Institute reported that the two hens did at times have tussles, but managed to raise two owlets quite well. One has reportedly already left the nest. Explore further Researcher studies birds that break all the mating rules 2018 Phys.org Credit: CC0 Public Domain Feliks Zemdegs a 22-year-old man from Australia has broken the world record for solving a Rubik's cube. He has done it in just 4.22 seconds. The achievement was recorded at an event held in Melbourne called Cube for Cambodia. The Rubik's cube was created in 1974 by a Hungarian man named Erno Rubik, and it gained international notoriety in 1980 when it was licensed and produced by the Ideal Toy Corporation. It has since become one of the most well-known toys and puzzles in the world. The 3x3x3 cube has stickers affixed to each face of a given color. Initially, the faces of each side of the cube are all the same color. Twisting and turning the cube jumbles the colors in a random assortment. Solving the puzzle involves restoring each face to a single color. Despite his young age, Zemdegs has been working with the Rubik's Cube for some time. He has told the media that he got his first one at age 12, just a decade ago. He claims to have learned how to solve the puzzle faster by watching others giving tips on YouTube. He has consistently broken the world's record for solving the puzzlein breaking the record this time, he broke his own record of 5.8 seconds. The action in Melbourne was taped and posted to YouTubeZemdegs can be seen preparing his cube, then solving it. The action is almost surreal, as if watching a robot in a sci-fi movie. Notably, he also holds other Rubik's Cube recordsthe average time taken to solve five of the puzzles, for example, at 5.8 seconds. He is, quite naturally, a star in the speedcubing worldhe has over 300,000 followers on YouTube and 90,000 Facebook users following his postings. In speaking with the press at prior events, Zemdegs has maintained that he doesn't believe his prowess with the Cube suggests he has above-average intelligence. Instead, he has suggested it is more of matter of studying techniques and doing it a lot. He notes that after a while, it sort of becomes intuitive. 2018 Phys.org Mimetic eggs of the parasitic common cuckoo differ in size but not in color or shape in the nests of common redstarts in Finland. Credit: Dr. Tomas Grim Common cuckoos and oriental cuckoos in eastern Russia appear to be expanding their breeding range into western Alaska, where songbirds are naive to the cuckoos' wily ways, researchers report. A new study suggests the North American birds could suffer significant losses if cuckoos become established in Alaska. Like brown-headed cowbirds, cuckoos are "brood parasites," laying their eggs in the nests of other species, said University of Illinois animal biology professor Mark Hauber, who led the new research with Vladimir Dinets of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Cuckoos time their egg-laying so that their chicks will hatch first. The chicks then kick the other eggs out of the nest, "thereby eliminating the entire reproductive success of their hosts," Hauber said. "Brood parasitism is a rare strategy among birds. Only about 1 percent of birds engage in it," he said. "Obligate brood parasites do it always. They never build a nest, they never incubate the eggs, they never feed their chicks. Instead, they sneak their eggs into somebody else's nest, forcing the foster parent to take care of the young." Birdwatchers and ornithologists occasionally report seeing oriental cuckoos and common cuckoos in Alaska, and Alaskan natural history museums already contain a handful of cuckoo specimens collected locally, Hauber said. These birds are likely traveling from sites in Beringia, in eastern Russia. "We don't have evidence of them breeding in Alaska, but it's likely already occurring," Hauber said. "We wanted to know whether the potential Alaskan hosts are ready for this cuckoo invasion." In the new study, researchers tested whether more than a dozen Alaskan bird species had evolved defenses to counter the cuckoos' parasitic ways. Such defenses are common among bird species that frequently encounter brood parasites elsewhere. Common cuckoo chicks beg conspicuously after they leave the nest. Credit: Dr. Tomas Grim "There are strategies such as hiding your nest, nesting at a time when the brood parasite is not around or attacking the brood parasite when it is in proximity to your nest," Hauber said. "If that doesn't work, you can abandon the nest with a cuckoo egg in it." Some birds will pierce the cuckoo eggs and toss them out of the nest, he said. For the new study, the researchers put fake eggs in the nests of more than two dozen bird species nesting in Siberia and Alaska - outside the normal breeding range of the cuckoos. The eggs were either pale blue, like those of the redstart host of common cuckoos, or light gray-blue with brown spots, like the eggs of pipits that often are targets of common cuckoos and oriental cuckoos. The researchers tested each nest at least twice, once with each of the eggs, in random order. After losses from predation, the team collected data from 62 nests of 27 bird species. "What we found was very straightforward," Hauber said. "Out of 22 experiments that we ran in Siberia, 14 rejected the fake cuckoo eggs. But out of the 96 experiments that we ran in Alaska, only one pair rejected one of the fake cuckoo eggs." The Siberian birds are better at rejecting the cuckoo eggs perhaps because they have encountered the brood parasites before, Hauber said. "But the North American hosts have no defenses against invading cuckoos. They will be parasitized," he said. Explore further Invasive brood parasites a threat to native bird species More information: Vladimir Dinets et al, Striking difference in response to expanding brood parasites by birds in western and eastern Beringia, Journal of Field Ornithology (2018). Vladimir Dinets et al, Striking difference in response to expanding brood parasites by birds in western and eastern Beringia,(2018). DOI: 10.1111/jofo.12247 A new study from researchers at Brock University and the University of Toronto has found Canada's brain drain in the technology and innovation sector exceeds levels previously identified as detrimental to the growth of an economy. The study, "Reversing the Brain Drain: Where is Canadian STEM Talent Going?" examined the reasons why so many graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics opt to leave Canada after their post-secondary education to seek work in other countries and asked what can be done to retain talent here in Canada. The study looked at students in select programs at the the University of Waterloo, University of Toronto and University of British Columbia. The research was led by Zachary Spicer, Senior Associate in the Innovation Policy Lab at the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs. The project was supervised by Nicole Goodman, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Brock University, and supported by Brock master's student Nathan Olmstead. The team's research unveiled some alarming trends: Talent migration is highest in software engineering (66 per cent), computer engineering (30 per cent), computer science (30 per cent), engineering science (27 per cent) and systems design engineering (24 per cent). The vast majority have opted to work in the U.S. for one of three main reasons: higher pay, firm reputation (work for the biggest companies in tech), and the perceived greater variety in terms of scope of work. University of Waterloo graduates in particular claim peer pressure throughout their university career to seek work with large American technology firms, buoyed by a "Cali or bust" maxim. According to the graduates interviewed for this study, the faculty at each of the universities examined was mainly agnostic about career destinations for their graduates. Scholarly literature indicates brain drain negatively impacts a country when the rate of migration for the highly educated surpasses 20 per cent of graduates. "Despite the brain drain plaguing Canada's tech sector, our study uncovered that it's not all doom and gloom, and that the time is ripe for new and returning talent to make their mark with Canadian companies," Spicer said. "In fact, there is a consensus among those interviewed for this study to return to Canada at some point in their careers." Using a sample of 3,162 graduates with LinkedIn profiles from the University of Waterloo, University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto, researchers examined the programs they studied and the jobs they took post-graduation, including the location of these jobs. Further, 35 interviews were completed with individuals within this LinkedIn database to better understand, among other things, their motivations for seeking work in the U.S., the recruitment process post-graduation, their impression of leading Canadian firms in their sector, and what can be done to persuade them to work in Canada in the future. Delvinia, an innovative data collection firm headquartered in Toronto, funded the study combined with the support of a Mitacs grant. For Delvinia CEO Adam Froman, the decision to sponsor the study emerged from a discussion with fellow Canadian scale-up CEOs being held back due to the talent shortage. "Canada is a hotbed of tech talent, producing some of the best in the industry globally. But it's a problem when graduates from STEM programs aren't even aware of the great job opportunities that exist right here in Canada, with innovative Canadian-owned companies," Froman said. The study revealed of those graduates who actually chose to remain in Canada, many found employment with American-headquartered companies. In fact, only two of the Top 10 employers for those with tech-based degrees who chose to remain in Canada are Canadian-ownedScotiabank and Shopify. Delvinia and the research team are making several recommendations to retain Canadian STEM talent and encourage them to work for Canadian-owned companies: Improve compensation: Student debt was a major concern cited by the respondents. Canadian companies should consider increasing compensation packages to better compete with their U.S. counterparts. Governments could help close the gap by considering loan interest relief programs. Raise the profile of the Canadian tech sector: Graduates knew very little about the Canadian tech ecosystem. More profile is needed to impress talent, not just investors and clients. Collaboration between higher education, corporate Canada and government to rethink co-op strategies: The co-op pipeline is crucial to recruitment and retention efforts and, as such, measures that ensure the last co-op placement a student completes is with a Canadian firm would make strides in promoting the work being done in Canada, by Canadian companies. Continue investment in research and innovation: This will enhance the innovation capacity of Canadian companies and allow them to scale their firms. Such strategies have proven successful in talent retention and luring tech talent back home in India, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan. Explore further Amazon to add another 3,000 jobs in Canada More information: Reversing the Brain Drain: Where is Canadian STEM Talent Going? Reversing the Brain Drain: Where is Canadian STEM Talent Going? brocku.ca/social-sciences/poli -the-Brain-Drain.pdf Identifying priority areas for action is a major challenge in biodiversity conservation projects. A group of researchers has chosen an approach based on past scenarios to try to understand the history of climate conditions in the regions analyzed. "The regions that have suffered least from climate change in the last 21,000 years are those in which the fewest local extinctions have occurred. These regions stand out for their higher species richness ratios, genetic diversity among species and gene variability within the same population," said Thadeu Sobral-Souza, a biologist at the Rio Claro campus of Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil. The greater a population's genetic diversity, the higher its chances of surviving environmental change. Sobral-Souza is one of the authors of a paper that describes a methodology to identify climatically stable Amazon and Atlantic Rainforest areas that can be prioritized in conservation strategies. The study also determined which protected areas are already located in climatically stable areas. Some of the group's findings have been published in the journal Acta Oecologica via a project led by Milton Cezar Ribeiro, a professor in the UNESP Ecology Department. To determine which areas are climatically stable, the researchers first had to estimate the distributions of biomes in the past, especially before most of the Atlantic Rainforest was destroyed. They used ecological niche modeling to simulate the distribution of these forests both now and in previous eras. New technologies have facilitated the development of techniques to generate useful information from incomplete data. Species ecological niche modeling is one example. All species of animals and plants obey ecological rules that determine their geographical distribution. Even partial knowledge of the geographical distribution of a species in the present and the levels of environmental variation it tolerates (temperature highs and lows, rainfall, and so on) can be fed into computer algorithms and geoprocessing tools to obtain a quantitative representation of its ecological distribution. Incomplete data for the geographical location of a species can be used to discover its current (or potential) distribution in the environment. Similarly, estimates of past climate conditions can be used to simulate the spatial distribution of species in previous periods. "Although ecological niche modeling is normally used to infer species distribution, the technique is also deployed to predict biome delimitation by modeling the biome," Sobral-Souza said. To predict variations in biome distribution over time, the researchers selected occurrence points using a geographical filter based on the current delimitations of the Amazon and Atlantic Rainforest biomes. Several atmosphere-ocean global circulation models that infer past global climate currently exist. "We used five of these models as data sources for simulations of the Amazon and Atlantic Rainforest climate in the past," Sobral-Souza said. The researchers estimated the distributions of the two biomes using data such as annual mean temperature and annual precipitation as variables. The models were constructed on the basis of the current climate scenario and simulated past scenarios for the peak of the last ice age in the Late Pleistocene, 21,000 years ago, and the middle of the Holocene, 6,000 years ago. The simulations showed that the potential area of the Amazon biome 21,000 years ago was 3.28 million km, compared with a current potential area of 4.46M km, while the corresponding numbers for the Atlantic Rainforest were 3.85M km and only 770,000 km, an 80 percent decrease. To calculate climatically stable areas in the two biomes, the researchers superimposed the two paleomaps showing the biomes' distributions 21,000 and 6,000 years ago onto the map of their current distribution, thereby selecting the areas predicted to be suitable for biome occurrence in the three scenarios. "Once we'd identified the overlaps showing climatically stable areas in all the scenarios, we analyzed the efficiency of currently protected areas," Ribeiro said. They did this by mapping all protected areas and superimposing this map on the previous ones to show which protected areas were inside climatically stable areas and which were not. To propose priority conservation areas, they mapped unprotected climatically stable areas and used the Intact Forest Landscapes database (http://www.intactforests.org) to infer which of these unprotected areas contain intact remnants of primary forest without anthropogenic modification, considering only large connected patches and excluding small or unconnected remnants. Climate stability Next, the researchers assigned each of these patches to one of three conservation priority categories. Very high priority areas were climatically stable, unprotected, and with large intact forest remnants. High priority areas, the second category, were climatically stable, unprotected, and with fragmented forest remnants. The third category comprised medium priority areas, with more recent climate stability (in the last 6,000 years) and unprotected intact forest remnants. "The results revealed three unconnected blocks of climatically stable areas in the Atlantic Rainforest biome, all near the coast," Ribeiro said. "The northernmost block comprises Paraiba and Pernambuco States all the way along the Zona da Mata region. The second coincides with the Serra do Mar and Serra da Mantiqueira ranges in Sao Paulo State, Serra dos Orgaos in Rio de Janeiro State, and Zona da Mata in Minas Gerais. "In the Amazon, the climatically stable areas are broad and continuous, covering most of the currently existing biome. Most of them occur in eastern Amazonia, although smaller remnants were identified along the western and southern boundaries of the forest." The researchers created an efficiency index, defined as the percentage of protected areas that encompass climatically stable areas. They inferred higher efficiency for protected areas in the Amazon than for those in the Atlantic Rainforest, finding that 40.1 percent of climatically stable areas in the Amazon are protected, compared with only 7.1 percent of climatically stable areas in the Atlantic Rainforest. "The Amazon is more stable climatically than the Atlantic Rainforest, and protected areas in the latter are less efficient than protected areas in the former," Ribeiro said. In the Amazon, the study identified climatically stable areas in all three conservation priority categoriesvery high priority, high priority and medium priority. The areas of very high conservation priority in the Amazon biome are primary forest areas of western Amazonas State in the region bordering Peru, Colombia and Venezuela. "Its geographical proximity to protected areas suggests that the creation of new protected areas or the enlargement of existing areas to include these high-priority areas could be an effective conservation strategy," Sobral-Souza said. The high-priority areas in the Amazon are fragmented forests in climatically stable areas and are therefore in need of restoration. The high priority areas in western Amazonia are located near existing protected areas or intact fragments. In eastern Amazonia, they are forest patches surrounded by croplands and pasture, distant from intact forest areas. "In these cases, reforestation is necessary to increase the efficiency of the protected areas in the region. The Amazon still has a major opportunity to expand conservation areas," Ribeiro said. Sobral-Souza stressed that the situation is catastrophic in the Atlantic Rainforest biome. "No high-priority areas for conservation were identified because no more forest areas exist there. No intact forest or even fragments are left. Everything has been cleared in the last 500 years," he said. The main climatically stable Atlantic Rainforest areas are small. They are relicts classified as high priority conservation areas. Only a few remnants exceed 10,000 hectares, and many occur in areas with low climate stability. The most important are in Pernambuco's Zona da Mata or the Serra do Mar State Park, "the largest Atlantic Rainforest remnant in Brazil," Sobral-Souza noted. Explore further Climatic stability resulted in the evolution of more bird species More information: Thadeu Sobral-Souza et al, Efficiency of protected areas in Amazon and Atlantic Forest conservation: A spatio-temporal view, Acta Oecologica (2018). Thadeu Sobral-Souza et al, Efficiency of protected areas in Amazon and Atlantic Forest conservation: A spatio-temporal view,(2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2018.01.001 An African elephant with a visualization of the vibrations it generates, which can be used to determine its behavior. Credit: Robbie Labanowski Using tools developed to monitor earthquakes, an interdisciplinary team of researchers reporting in Current Biology on May 7 have found that it's possible to eavesdrop on elephants by listening in to vibrations through the ground as they move about and vocalize. The findings lend support to theories suggesting that elephants could use ground vibrations for long-distance communication among themselves, the researchers say. They might also lead to development of a new kind of alarm system for detecting elephant behaviors, such as panic running, as a means to catch and deter poachers. "We were surprised by the size of the forces acting on the ground that were generated by elephants when they vocalize," says Beth Mortimer of the Universities of Oxford and Bristol, UK. "We found that the forces generated through elephant calls were comparable to the forces generated by a fast elephant walk. This means that elephant calls can travel significant distances through the ground and, in favorable conditions, further than the distance that calls travel through the air." Mortimer is generally interested in animals that use vibrations through materials for information. Her earlier studies focused on spiders and their webs. In the new study, she teamed up with geophysicist colleagues including Tarje Nissen-Meyer at the University of Oxford, UK, to look to animals at the other end of the size spectrum. There had been hints that elephants might use ground vibrations to communicate, but their transmission through the ground wasn't well understood. To explore in the new study, Mortimer and Will Rees, a Masters student in Nissen-Meyer's seismology lab, recorded vibrations generated by wild elephants in Kenya while they displayed different behaviors, including walking and calling. They relied on techniques more commonly used to investigate earth processes, such as earthquakes. Their goal was to learn how far elephant-generated vibrations travel and how they are affected by human-generated noise, terrain type, and other factors. An African elephant with a visualization of the vibrations it generates, which can be used to determine its behavior. Credit: Robbie Labanowski The researchers found that by recording the vibrations that elephants generate through the ground, they could classify particular elephant behaviors. Computer models showed they could detect and classify particular behaviors over kilometers. However, their abilities were influenced by physical factors including noise and terrain type. The findings suggest that human-generated noise may interfere with elephants' ability to communicate through vibrations. They may also have practical implications for helping to keep elephants safe. "We suggest that monitoring ground-based vibrations can be used in a practical context to not only detect elephants, but determine their behaviors," Mortimer says. "Using multiple seismic recorders in remote locations, we suggest that detection, location, and classification algorithms can be generated that allow monitoring of elephants in real-time." An African elephant with a visualization of the vibrations it generates, which can be used to determine its behavior. Credit: Robbie Labanowski While more experimental data are needed to confirm the potential over long distances, the findings could lead to the development of seismic monitoring systems to listen in for signs of elephants in trouble. "We hope to build on these initial findings to develop a comprehensive approach for monitoring and understanding the behavior of large mammals in these pristine, changing, and fragile environments," Nissen-Meyer says. He says they now plan to deploy a larger, long-term network of seismic sensors along with aerial, visual, and acoustic instruments to examine elephants' reactions when researchers echo their own recorded signals back to them. Explore further Asian elephants have different personality traits just like humans The Chevert, before setting sail from Elizabeth Bay on Australia's first scientific expedition to the Pacific Islands. Credit: The Royal Society Research into accounts of Australia's first scientific expedition to foreign lands could assist with modern-day efforts to conserve native mammals and marsupials. Murdoch University adjunct researcher Graham Fulton has investigated various documents relating to the French tall ship the Chevert, which set off from Sydney in 1875 to collect specimens and artefacts from islands off northern Queensland, the Torres Strait and New Guinea. He found the expedition collected 15 more native Australian mammal species than was originally thought, and the documents provided a deeper understanding of the origins of many species. "In order to conserve a species of animal, it is critical to know which species or sub-species it is, and where it originated from," Mr Fulton said. "Knowing where the animal was found in 1875 can be cross-checked against where it exists now, which gives us an understanding of its previous habitat, distribution and range compared to today." Approximately 1,000 birds, 800 fish and many reptiles, mammals, insects, marine molluscs and artefacts were gathered by the Chevert's crew, but the some of the work was left incomplete. "There were numerous records kept of the expedition, but some of the information wasn't recorded or has since gone missing," Mr Fulton said. Cross-referencing an account of the expedition that was published in 1877, with journal and diary entries by crew members, and newspaper articles written by the ship's captain, and by one of its zoologists, William F Petterd Mr Fulton has sought to fill in the gaps in the Chevert's history. In his research, Mr Fulton has found that a species of wallaby, and a microbat, which are now deemed to be 'vulnerable' and 'near threatened' species respectively, had been collected as part of the expedition, from Hall Sound and Cape York Peninsula respectively. The Brambly Cay Melomys, or 'mosaic-tailed rodent' became the first Australian mammal known to become extinct due to climate change. Credit: The Royal Society The mosaic-tailed rodent or Bramble Cay Melomys, which in 2016 became the first Australian mammal known to become extinct due to human-induced climate change, was also collected, however this finding was not previously published. "Although this knowledge may have come too late for conserving the Bramble Cay Melomys, a deeper understanding of the origins of the other species could be important for understanding how they can be saved from the same fate," he said. The Chevert expedition was financed and led by natural historian Sir William John Macleay. With a full complement of 31 onboard, Macleay was joined by George Masters; three notable zoologists William F. Petterd, John W. Brazier, Edward Spalding; as well as two botanical collectors. In the name of science and knowledge, this team of nature enthusiasts expeditiously gathered and logged their native flora and fauna finds from stops along the Pacific coastline. Most of the items gathered during the venture were categorised and added to Macleay's Museum collection, located on the grounds of the University of Sydney, where they remain today. Following the expedition, the Chevert subsequently re-entered the merchant service before being wrecked in a cyclone in Vanuatu in 1880. It was then towed to a beach at nearby Port Sandwich, where its remnants remain to this day. Professor Fulton's insights on the mammals collected during the Chevert expedition have been documented in the latest edition of The Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, Australia's longest-running scientific journal. His article on the ship's history was also published in the Journal of Pacific History this year. More information: Graham R. Fulton et al. The Chevert: A History, The Journal of Pacific History (2018). Graham R. Fulton et al. The Chevert: A History,(2018). DOI: 10.1080/00223344.2018.1448216 This May 6, 2018 photo provided by the U.S. Geological Survey shows the lava lake at the summit of Kilauea near Pahoa, Hawaii. Hawaii's erupting Kilauea volcano has destroyed homes and forced the evacuations of more than a thousand people. (U.S. Geological Survey via AP) As lava crawled down Leilani Road in a hissing, popping mass, Cheryl Griffith stood in its path and placed a plant in a crack in the ground as an offering to the Native Hawaiian volcano goddess, Pele. Griffith lives in Leilani Estates, a subdivision on the Big Island where molten rock from the Kilauea volcano has burst through the ground, destroying more than two dozen homes and resulting in evacuation orders for nearly 2,000 people. But the 61-year-old did not leave. "I love this place, and I've been around the volcano for a while," Griffith said. "I'm just not one to rush off." For many people outside Hawaii, it's hard to understand why anyone would risk living near an active volcano with such destructive power. But the slopes of Kilauea offer affordable land and a lush rural setting that attract a hardy breed of independent Hawaiian. The landscape contrasts sharply with the state's more expensive real estate on Oahu and Maui, and the bustling capital of Honolulu. Amber Makuakane, a 37-year-old teacher and single mother of two, lost her three-bedroom house to the lava. She grew up here and lived in the house for nine years. Her parents also live in Leilani Estates. "The volcano and the lavait's always been a part of my life," she said. "It's devastating ... but I've come to terms with it." Lava burns across a road in the Leilani Estates subdivision on Saturday, May 5, 2018, near Pahoa, Hawaii. Glowing plumes of lava have shot hundreds of feet into the air at points, officials said, and black-and-orange ribbons of rock have curled into roadways. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones) On Sunday, some of the more than 1,700 people who evacuated were allowed to return briefly to gather medicine, pets, and other necessities. They will be able to do so each day as long as authorities believe it is safe. The subdivision lies within the Puna District, a region of mostly unpaved roads of volcanic rock about a 30-minute drive from the coastal town of Hilo. Everyone in the district lives on the volcano. The people here are largely self-sufficient and understand the risks of their location. Many cannot get homeowner's insurance. Griffith said that is the hardest part of this lifestylethey won't be able to recoup losses. Moments later, an explosion came from a nearby burning house. This photo shows some of the 1990 lava flow from Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, Sunday, May 6, 2018, in Kalapana, a town south of the Leilani Estates subdivision, Hawaii. Hawaii officials said the decimated homes were in the subdivision, where molten rock, toxic gas and steam have been bursting through openings in the ground created by the Kilauea volcano. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia) Puna has thick jungle as well as dark fields of lava rock from past eruptions. The gently sloping volcano dips from its summit to Puna's white sand beaches and jagged sea cliffs. The region has macadamia nut farms and other agriculture along with multimillion-dollar homes with manicured lawns. Other houses are modest, sitting on small lots with old cars and trucks scattered about. Homeowners use rainwater-catch tanks and cesspools or septic tanks. Many rely on solar power, and some live entirely off the electrical grid. Sam Knox, 65, who was born in Hawaii and now lives just a few hundred feet from a volcanic fissure, said he decided not to leave, despite the nearby explosions and the lava being hurled into the sky and flowing across his neighbor's property. A line of traffic is seen going towards Pahoa town, Sunday, May 6, 2018, near Pahoa, Hawaii. Scientists reported lava spewing more than 200 feet (61 meters) into the air in Hawaii's recent Kilauea volcanic eruption, and some of the more than 1,700 people who evacuated prepared for the possibility they may not return for quite some time. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia) "It was roaring sky high. It was incredible. ... Rocks were flying out of the ground," he said. Much of the area filled with lava in just four hours. Kilauea (pronounced kill-ah-WAY'-ah) is one of the world's most active volcanoes and has been erupting continuously since 1983. There's no indication when this particular lava flow might stop or how far it might spread. Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey expect the flow to continue until more magma is drained from the system. Knox has some belongings packed in case he has to make a fast escape. "I decided to stay because I wanted to experience this in my life," he said. "I'm ready to actually evacuate, but if I don't have to evacuate, I'm just going to keep staying here because I don't have no other home to go to." In this Sunday, May 6, 2018 photo provided by the U.S. Geological Survey, a Hawaii Volcano Observatory (HVO) geologist collects samples of spatter for laboratory analysis in the Leilani Estates subdivision near Pahoa on the island of Hawaii. Kilauea volcano has destroyed more than two dozen homes since it began spewing lava hundreds of feet into the air last week, and residents who evacuated don't know how long they might be displaced. The decimated homes were in the Leilani Estates subdivision, where molten rock, toxic gas and steam have been bursting through openings in the ground created by the volcano. (U.S. Geological Survey via AP) In this Sunday, May 6, 2018 photo provided by the U.S. Geological Survey, a lava flow moves across Makamae Street in the Leilani Estates subdivision near Pahoa on the island of Hawaii. Kilauea volcano has destroyed more than two dozen homes since it began spewing lava hundreds of feet into the air last week, and residents who evacuated don't know how long they might be displaced. The decimated homes were in the Leilani Estates subdivision, where molten rock, toxic gas and steam have been bursting through openings in the ground created by the volcano. (U.S. Geological Survey via AP) Explore further Kilauea volcano claims more than two dozen homes in Hawaii 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Gold smuggling accused stare at 3 more charges People charged with murder and organised crime in connection with gold smuggling may also be prosecuted for corruption, money laundering and foreign exchange misappropriation. Physicists at Friedrich-Alexander-Universitat Erlangen-Nurnberg (FAU) have proven that random packings of disks of the same size between parallel walls always form a periodic structure, regardless of the width of the container. The results, which should help scientists to better understand the packing properties of microparticles, have now been published in the renowned journal Physical Review Letters. People have wondered which patterns should be used to pack objects at the highest density in containers for several centuries now. As early as 1611, Johannes Kepler suggested that no arrangement of spheres of the same size had a greater density than offset layers in hexagonal lattices. While packings of spheres randomly poured into a box have a mean density of around 65 percent, a density of around 74 percent can be achieved with the periodic structure of hexagonal packing. Kepler's theory was finally proven in 2014 by using complex computer simulations. In conjunction with colleagues from Brazil and the USA, physicists at FAU have now discovered that when spheres are poured randomly into a container, they always form a periodic structure. They were able to confirm this with two-dimensional experiments. In a series of computer simulations, the researchers poured up to 10 million disks of the same size from various positions into an open rectangular container. The researchers were astonished to find that a periodic structure formed during every single one of the simulations. "In our case, periodic means that there are equivalents for each particle that are repeated at the same position on the x-axis at regular intervals," explains Prof. Dr. Thorsten Poschel from the Institute for Multiscale Simulation of Particulate Systems at FAU. The pattern of disks and voids that forms continues upwards in a uniform fashion with an average of four contacts per disk. However, these periodic patterns do not form immediately. Initially, there is a disordered phase that is mainly characterised by larger spaces or by clusters of disks that have more or less than four contacts. Although the fill level at which the disks form a periodic structure can vary greatly between containers of the same width, this average level increases when the distance between the walls of the container increases. Or, to put it another way, the wider the channel, the more layers have to be poured in until the disks form periodic patterns. This is because there are more ways for the disks to arrange themselves in disordered positions at the beginning of the filling process, and this continues upward in significantly more layers than in narrow containers. But regardless of the width of the container, the researchers were able to demonstrate that the probability that a channel is not yet periodic decreases exponentially with increasing fill level. The findings should help to increase the understanding of packing properties of monodisperse and polydisperse microparticles. Packing particles as densely as possible is the key to several practical applications, for example, for minimising material porosity during 3-D printing processes and other methods of additive manufacturing, thus increasing the strength of new materials. The results of the project have now been published in Physical Review Letters, titled "Systematic Onset of Periodic Patterns in Random Disk Packings." Explore further How particles pack in a confined space More information: Nikola Topic et al, Systematic Onset of Periodic Patterns in Random Disk Packings, Physical Review Letters (2018). Journal information: Physical Review Letters Nikola Topic et al, Systematic Onset of Periodic Patterns in Random Disk Packings,(2018). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.120.148002 Caring for her father fell to Patrice Cottrell about nine years ago. It involved a few errands, at first. Doctor visits, marshaling his medications, coordinating health care and financial matters and scouting out and evaluating long-term care possibilities followed as his health declined. There were late-night calls when he was anxious about living alone, but he refused professional home care and assisted-living options. For much of that time, she held a full-time job, opting for evening hours to better accommodate her fathers doctor appointments and other needs until his death last year at the age of 93. It wears you down, said Cottrell, a 60-year-old Penn Hills woman with three grown sons living in three states. Only people whove gone through it know the emotional toll and physical toll it takes. Youre constantly going. Your concerns are always about someone other than yourself. If anybody is likely to have similar experiences, its southwestern Pennsylvanians, a recent survey of local caregivers suggests. Local men and women who care for elderly friends or relatives are more likely to be 50 years old or older than their counterparts elsewhere in the nation. Like Cottrell, they are more likely to care for very old adults, aged 85 or older. They spend more hours doing it. And theyre more likely to add medical and nursing tasks to their list of duties. More than 1,000 informal caregivers aged 65 or older in the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area were interviewed last year for the survey conducted by the University Center for Social and Urban Research at the University of Pittsburgh (UCSUR) and the Health Policy Institutes Stern Center for Evidence Based Policy. The findings offer a comprehensive profile of local caregivers and the elderly friends and relatives they help. Advances in medicine and health care have led more people to live longer, which has elevated informal caregiving to a national issue. Comparing the local findings with those from major national surveys reveals similarities and, in some cases, striking differences between caregivers in southwestern Pennsylvania and the rest of the nation. We have a situation that, because we have an older, more-disabled population needing more care, we have caregivers providing higher-intensity, more challenging care, spending more of their out-of-pocket money to provide supportand suffering greater adverse consequences, as a result, said Richard Schulz, professor of psychology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and director of the Caregiver Project, which examines informal caregiving issues. To the extent this experience has adverse effects on them now, its likely that these effects will carry over into their own old age and may exacerbate their need for care. Oldest old Nearly half of local caregivers care for friends and relatives who are aged 85 years or older, the survey reports. This oldest old population on average is more frail, more likely to experience health setbacks and hospitalization and demand higher levels of personal care. Nationally, less than one-third of caregivers help people who are that old. Its a consequence of the regions demographic profile. Older adults command a greater share of the Pittsburgh MSA population than they do in the nation, particularly adults over age 85, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Nearly 17 percent of seniors in Allegheny County are 85 or older. By comparison, they make up less than 13 percent of the U.S. senior population. That lends to older adults in the region having higher levels of disability and local caregivers providing higher intensity care. Cottrells father battled heart and kidney disease, diabetes, colon cancer and dementia. About 27 percent of the seniors whom local caregivers help have Alzheimers disease and dementia. Two-thirds have high blood pressure; more than half have heart disease: 28 percent, diabetes; more than 25 percent have cancer; and more than 1 in 5 have had a stroke. About 9 in 10 local seniors turn to relatives and friends to help them with such circumstances. And those caregivers are more likely to be older adults themselves: 84 percent of local informal caregivers are 50 years old or older compared to 73 percent nationwide. It takes a partnership of a lot of people for somebody to stay in the home or in the least-restrictive environment for them, said Linda Doman, chairwoman of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Partnership for Aging. Family caregivers are the glue that holds it all together. A challenging experience Caring for elderly relatives and friends with mounting needs takes a toll on the lives and health of those who take on such responsibilities, survey findings suggest. Local caregivers tend to spend more hours a week helping older adults. Nearly half spend at least nine hours. And 17 percent say it consumes 40 or more hours of their week. Only 12 percent of U.S. caregivers devote such long hours to caring for older adults. About half of local caregivers are employed, similar to the national rate. But local caregivers are more likely to report that caring for older adults negatively affects their work. And 40 percent say it led them to go part time, retire early or give up trying to hold down a job. But few local caregivers get formal help to ease their burden. Nearly 90 percent talk to friends and family about caring for older adults, but 94 percent dont attend support groups for people in their situation. Only 10 percent get training to help them provide care. Fewer than 1 in 5 use a service that gives them respite from their caregiving duties. And local caregivers are more likely to have health issues. Theyre much more likely to report being bothered by pain and having low energy. While the rate of depression among local caregivers is similar to their national counterparts, 23 percent meet the criteria for anxiety compared to only 13 percent in the United States. Perhaps its not surprising local caregivers feel less positive about their experience. Only 53 percent report substantial positive aspects of caring for older adults compared to 67.5 percent nationwide. And theyre twice as likely to report substantial negative aspects. I honored my parents. I feel I did the right thing, Cottrell said. But I never want to put that on my kids. Not what I went through. Im just now learning how to take care of me again. Gathering crisis Forecasts call for older adults to claim an increasingly larger share of the regional and national population. Residents 65 and older will make up 21 percent of Allegheny Countys population by 2040, according to UCSUR projections. And more than 1,000 will live to celebrate their 100th birthday. Its not only a workplace issue, its also a broader health care issue that has to be addressed, Schulz said. We need major system changes in how we deliver health care to older adults that more formally recognizes and supports caregivers and their role in providing that care. At the same time, the pool of friends and relatives able to care for older adults is shrinking with the aging of the baby boom generation. In Allegheny County, the ratio of residents of caregiver age to older adults in need of care was 6:1 in 2010, according to an UCSUR analysis. By 2050, the ratio is projected to collapse to 3.6 caregivers for every person in need of care. In a way, today is the golden age for caregiving because people who are old and need help have the large baby boomer cohort behind them, able to provide that care, Schultz said. The situation becomes much more acute as baby boomers age and look to their children to provide that care. PM Oli vows action against those attacking nat'l integrity Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the government would take action against those who attack the national integrity and security of the nation. The Benter Foundation has increasingly made a mark in Pittsburgh since it was founded 11 years ago by philanthropist Bill Benter. Dedicated to supporting the leaders, organizations and ideas that help communities and individuals thrive, the foundations primary focus has been local, with an emphasis on the arts and education. Benters approach is hands-on. He and his wife, Vivian, are prominent on the social scene, attending many of the events they have made possible through generous grants. So it made sense that when Benter began to look for office space Downtown several years ago, he went on the hunt to find something that resonated with him personally. Most of what I saw were nondescript office spaces, a certain number of rooms on the 16th floor of a big block building with sealed windows, he remembers. There were other, interesting buildings in the Cultural District along Liberty and Penn, but they tended to have windows in the front and back but no side windows, so the light was just terrible. An important factor for Benter was the ability to make the space his own, to create something that utilized the talents of fine craftsmen and reflected an aesthetic of beauty and permanence. When you dont need a huge amount of space you end up renting in someone elses building, and as a renter you arent as incentivized to make changes, Benter notes. Fortunately he discovered the Benedum-Trees Building on Fourth Avenue. It was unique in many ways, starting with the character it had accumulated since it was designed by architect Thomas H. Scott in 1905. The 19-story building had windows on four sides and great views of the city, a central location and ample parking in a public lot just across the street. But the clincher was the fact that the building was a condominium. Benter bought five floors, including the top three where the foundation shares offices with his technology business. I have always admired this incredibly old-fashioned, historic lobby. It was like a time machine, Benter says. Theres a richness to the character of these old buildings. You get a special feeling going into them that you dont get from a steel-and-glass office building. The challenge Benter gave his architects was to honor that character and sense of history while renovating the space to serve a variety of purposes. The Mufson Partnership from New York did the initial plans for the space until Benter had a chance meeting in the elevator with architect Rob Pfaffmann, whose firm, Pfaffmann + Associates, has had offices in Benedum Trees for 20 years. Pfaffmann was brought on board to be the local architect, and because there were so many last-minute decisions to be made, his role expanded. Pfaffmann is known for his work with historical preservationhe did the History Center and is currently working on the August Wilson houseso the fit was a good one. With the project running over budget and Pfaffmanns familiarity with local codes and permits clearly an advantage, he was asked by Benter to take over the job and brought in Jendoco Construction as the contractor. You dont want to create an ersatz knock-off of an historic space, says Pfaffmann. Bill wanted to have a traditional space that felt like the inside of the Duquesne Club. When you walk through the lobby, it sets the tone for the design. You dont want the interiors to look like they came from Las Vegas. Often people try to replicate the past in ways that look cheap. But Bill didnt want it to look very old, either. He wanted something that did look new. Where we came together was in exploring the idea of what it means to do something authentically. Because the building is considered part of the Market Square Historic District, the exterior plans had to be approved by the review board. Perhaps the biggest change was the creation of a rooftop deck and the removal of the roof to raise the ceiling height on the top floor. The open space was designed for gatherings, complete with a bar and a catering kitchen tucked away in the back. A dramatic cove ceiling and coffers, along with a row of oversized windows and warm mahogany paneling, give the space gravitas. Yet there is a scale and simplicity to the lines that hints at the modern, a feeling reinforced by the colorful, nontraditional decor. I always see working on old buildings as inspiration for the new, says Pfaffmann. The way you do new windows might be inspired by the wisdom of an old window. You can take some lessons from old buildings and translate that forward. The greenest building is the one that already exists. This building was designed before artificial lighting and natural ventilation. It has quality, character and history. Though the top three floors were guttedone floor down houses the foundations office and the 17th is home to a technology companythe new construction honored the integrity of the old while taking advantage of the progress made since. For example, instead of using marble for the floorsthe weight would have made it structurally unfeasiblePfaffmann specified thin Italian porcelain tiles that mimic marble so realistically its hard to tell the difference. Yet when it came to the window mullions, Benter agreed to go with slender solid brass muntins rather than chunky and far less costly commercial systems for the sake of authenticity. Pfaffmann praises Benter for being willing to champion quality over cost during the year it took to complete the job. Some of the regions finest craftsmen were brought in and encouraged to do their best work, from the beautiful matte brass balustrades by Waltco that line the stairways to the custom millwork throughout by Wyatt. Behind the scenes are state-of-the-art mechanicals including a music system integrated into the ceiling and an automatic LED lighting system. My foundation has a mission to make Pittsburgh a better place and a more livable city, says Benter. The foundation overwhelmingly supports Pittsburgh causes, so putting money into a building in Downtown Pittsburgh is a way to support Pittsburgh. It supports the local economy, the tradesmen, the craftsmen, a lot of the people who worked on the project. A lot of them love to be able to do top quality work, and we were eager to showcase their skill. Stacy Weiss of Weisshouse did the interior design, working in part from plans drawn up by Mufson in the early stages of the project. We had to have a kind of intervention, Benter jokes. A lot of design was done on paper two years earlier by someone imagining what it would look like because of the lead time on furniture. It looked much too somber! Weisshouse supplied the furnishings, window treatments, rugs and a wealth of Asian decorative objects that reflect the years Benter lived in Hong Kong. It needed to break away from the mens club look, Weiss says. The Asian antiques added some interest that personalized the space and gave it some history. I think the space is beautiful and what Bill wanted it to be. He really educated himself about design through the process and developed a keener eye along the way. That was certainly true when it came to the last stage of the project. Benter brought in art consultant Casey Droege of Casey Droege Cultural Productions to curate a collection, primarily by Pittsburgh artists. Ultimately 77 pieces were selected, filling the spaces with color and a cutting- edge assortment of works, mostly by emerging artists, that shine against the stately office settings. Bill was really adventurous with color and a little bit irreverent with things, which was wonderful for us, Droege says. We brought in a lot of artwork and he chose what he liked and as we went along he narrowed down his taste. Early on we found he responded to the brighter colors, the abstract work, and it also went well with the decor that was already there. As Benter sits in his office, with views directly onto PPG Plaza and Market Square and a cozy fire in the fireplace, its easy to understand the satisfaction he feels after such a monumental project. Im greatly pleased with the results, he says. My floors have exceeded my expectations, and a lot of the people who worked on the project enjoyed being part of something special. I am very grateful to everyone who has been involved. Health workers call for improved services nationwide Nepal Health Workers Union Central Working Committee has issued a 13-point Kathmandu declaration which incorporates the demand for smooth supply of medicines. Political Incorrectness Paradoxes, and Anything else out of left field. Wall Street analysts have given Enel Generacion Chile 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 Enel Generacion Chile wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. " " Pakistanis cool themselves off in a water channel during a heat wave in June 2017. ARIF ALI/AFP/Getty Images Instead of April showers, one city in southern Pakistan got some extreme heat. And by extreme heat, we mean sweltering temps that could go down in the global record books. On April 30, 2018, the temperature in Nawkwabash, Pakistan climbed all the way up to 122.4 degrees Fahrenheit (50.2 degrees Celsius). Meteorologists think this might be the highest April temperature ever recorded anywhere ever on the planet. Your backyard thermometer probably couldn't even measure such an absurdly high temperature. The human body isn't equipped to deal with heat like this either. Serious health risks present themselves when the weather exceeds 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). At that temperature, sweat alone cannot adequately cool down the body, which becomes vulnerable to dehydration and heatstroke. Advertisement "The worst sufferers of heatstroke were labourers [sic] and motorcyclists," reported one Pakistani newspaper. Due to power outages, air conditioning wasn't even an option for many of Nawkwabash's 1.1 million citizens. Dozens fainted and were rushed to medical centers. While trying to cool off in the Rohri Canal, two teenage boys drowned. Weather historian Christopher C. Burt told the Washington Post that the high of 122.4 degrees Fahrenheit/50.2 degrees Celsius is probably the highest temperature to ever be "reliably observed on Earth in modern records" during the month of April. It's difficult to know for sure. In April 2011, a scorcher measuring 123.8 degrees Fahrenheit (51 degrees Celsius) was reported in Santa Rosa, Mexico. However, other official temps recorded in the same area at the same time were cooler, so some are skeptical of the high reading. At the very least, Nawkwabash did set a new record for the hottest-ever April temperature in Pakistani history. Right now, the city's in the midst of a stifling trend. The local temperature there did not fall below 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius) at any point during the first week of May. The same heat wave is being felt throughout much of southern Asia. Public officials in such cities as Karachi, Pakistan, are also worried about the area's excessive humidity levels. Unfortunately, periods of intense heat have become commonplace in this portion of the globe. A minimum of 3,500 lives were lost there during a late spring heat wave in 2015. Experts warn that climate change will make the problem worse. Much worse. Southern Asia is home to one-fifth of the global population. Unless current trends reverse, parts of it could soon be rendered uninhabitable. Now That's Cool Although sources vary on the hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth, Guinness World Records considers the official highest recorded temperature as 134 degrees Fahrenheit (58 degrees Celsius). It was measured July 10, 1913, in, where else, Death Valley, California. Indian PM's visit to prove a milestone: Foreign Minister Foreign Minister Pradip Gyawali has expressed the confidence that the upcoming visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would prove to be a milestone in terms of development of Nepal. US President Donald Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un are likely to meet in Singapore next month, reports said Monday, as anticipation builds for unprecedented talks between the mercurial leaders. Trump said at the weekend that the two sides had settled on a date and location for the summit -- the first between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader -- without providing details. "We'll be announcing it soon," Trump told reporters. The landmark summit will take place in "mid-June", South Korea's Chosun Ilbo daily reported Monday, citing diplomatic sources who quoted Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton. The newspaper suggested that the possibility of Singapore hosting the landmark meeting had "increased greatly", after a decision by Trump to host South Korean president Moon Jae-in at the White House later this month, without giving further explanation. Bolton met his South Korean counterpart Chung Eui-yong in Washington late last week to discuss plans for both locations, according to local media reports. A similar report on the weekend from South Korea's Yonhap news agency also said Singapore was firming as the favoured location for the summit. Trump had previously suggested that the demilitarised zone between the two Koreas -- the site of a recent summit between Kim and Moon -- could also be an appropriate venue for his meeting with the North's leader. Other possible sites reportedly included Mongolia and Switzerland. Preparations for the landmark meeting have gained momentum since the Korean summit late last month, which saw Pyongyang and Seoul promise to pursue the complete denuclearisation of the peninsula and a formal peace treaty to end the 1950-53 Korean War. North Korea has offered to close its nuclear test site this month -- and invited US experts to verify the move. Other less dramatic but notable signs of rapprochement have emerged almost daily, including North Korea moving its clocks forward by 30 minutes early Saturday to match time with the South. The EdgeProp Focus event was attended by over 100 participants (Credit:Samuel Isaac Chua/The Edge) Increased travel, the rise of e-commerce and a change in working habits are three trends that will impact the real estate investment trust (REIT) market. This is the view of Chua I-Min, a trainer with SGX Academy, the education and training arm of the Singapore Exchange. On the first trend, Chua believes that with more people travelling, there will be greater demand for hotels in the future, impacting hospitality-type REITs positively. Its more common now for people to go for short-term stays compared with a decade ago, he said at the EdgeProp Focus event on investment options in real estate. But Chua is not as worried about the impact of sharing economy models such as Airbnb on the global hotel industry. Its actually a very different target market, he later tells EdgeProp in an interview. Business travellers and people who are used to staying at five-star hotels will not opt for Airbnb; it will attract only travellers from a certain segment, he says. In fact, business travellers make up a high proportion of demand for hotel stays, adds Chua. Chua: Well-managed malls and those with clear themes will remain relevant amid e-commerce expansion (Credit: Samuel Isaac Chua/The Edge) Noting government regulations, Chua says it is not so straightforward for Airbnb to disrupt the existing hospitality market. The Singapore government has always monitored the short-term rental market closely. In April, it launched a public feedback session on a new policy that will allow Airbnb-type rentals only if 80% of residents in the condominium development agree to it. The minimum lease period for short-term stays is now three months, a change from a minimum stay of six months last June. Also, two homeowners were recently fined $60,000 and jailed 12 weeks each for providing unauthorised short-term stays to guests on Airbnb. On the second trend, Chua believes e-commerce will impact two kinds of REITs industrial and retail. The demand for warehouse space will rise to support increased global e-commerce activity, he says in the interview. This has also changed the purpose of warehouses, from solely storage to one that includes automation capabilities to sort, pick and pack goods, Chua explains. The National Trades Union Congress, for instance, is building a 2.8ha storage warehouse with Surbana Jurong Temasek-owned infrastructure and urban development consultancy that will automate the goods- sorting process. This is slated for completion in 2021. Story continues Retail spaces, however, will have to compete with global e-commerce demand, which still has a lot of room to grow, he tells EdgeProp. In his speech at the EdgeProp Focus, Chua said in the future, one-third of malls will be gone, but the other two-thirds will do very well. Malls that are well-managed and have clear themes will remain relevant. For instance, shoppers will still visit high-end malls when they shop for luxury goods, notes Chua. On the third trend, the flexible working culture will affect the future office market outlook. Its already happening you dont have to physically be in the office to work, Chua says in the interview. There is also the trend of hot-desking or activity-based working, where no one seat is specially assigned to a person, and employees are free to plan out their sitting arrangements for greater work efficiency. A survey conducted by CBRE Asia Pacific in 2017 found that 63% of MNCs have set a target of providing a space of less than 100 sq ft for each employee, by 2020. Increased workplace flexibility, however, will benefit certain REITs business parks will gain from the move of back-office operations away from the CBD, where rentals are costlier. Chua observes this happening in the financial industry, from SGX moving its back-office staff to One- North and banks placing back-office functions in Changi Business Park, for instance. The EdgeProp Focus event, held by EdgeProp Singapore in collaboration with SGX Academy on April 27 at SGX Centre, was attended by over 100 participants. Kam: Pacfic Star Development is bullish on the Asean market (Credit: Samuel Isaac Chua/The Edge) In his address, Kam Tin Seah, chief operating officer of Singapore-listed Pacific Star Development (PSD), spoke about the firms bullish outlook on Asean. Among the reasons cited were a population of over 630 million that can back up housing and hospitality demand; a strong concentration of young demographics in countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines; and rapid urbanisation in all Asean cities. On PSDs flagship development, Puteri Cove Residences and Quayside in Iskandar Malaysia, Kam tells EdgeProp that 80% of the residential units have been sold. Half of the buyers are Singaporeans, out of whom 60% are private investors. The RM1.75 billion ($593 million) freehold, mixed-use project spans two 32-storey towers with 329 units each; a tower of Pan Pacific serviced suites; and a Soho and lifestyle retail centre. Prices range from RM900,000 for a one-bedroom unit of 680 sq ft, to about RM2.8 million for a three-bedroom unit of 1,800 sq ft. Related Articles From EdgeProp.sg Reidao and Pacific Star Development in holiday properties tie-up Go ahead with Airbnb-type rentals, if 80% of your neighbours agree Go ahead with Airbnb-type rentals, if 80% of your neighbours agree Alternative assets a growing choice in real estate President Halimah Yacob speaking in her opening address of Parliament on 7 May 2018. Photo: TV screen grab Singapores fourth-generation (4G) leadership team have to earn the right to lead the country by listening to the views and feelings of the people, said President Halimah Yacob on Monday (7 May). The leaders will have to show that they have earned the trust of Singaporeans by their words and deeds, yet be bold in mobilising public opinion to support difficult policies in the long-term interests of Singapore, said Halimah in her inaugural opening address in Parliament as President. Her comments come after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced a Cabinet reshuffle last month in which 4G leaders would take on more responsibilities, with 10 out 16 ministries headed by them. Opening the second session of the 13th Parliament, Halimah said the right of the 4G leaders to chart Singapores future cannot be inherited. The trust between the people and their leaders is not automatically passed on from one generation to the next. In each generation, the people and leaders must work with one another, go through trials and tribulations together, and forge their own bonds afresh, Halimah added in her speech drafted mostly by the 4G leaders. She called on the 4G leaders to fire up and mobilise the spirit and energy of young Singaporeans as they take on more responsibilities of governing Singapore. They must grow with the people they represent, embrace a diversity of views and ideas, and yet forge a clarity of purpose and unity of action, Halimah said. The President noted that Singaporeans are beginning to see the impact of the new leadership in developing and implementing public policies. But she urged the new leaders and Singaporeans not to take the easy way out as the country reaches an advanced stage of development. Halimah said, We may feel that we have more to lose now. We may be tempted not to go for bold changes but instead be content to tweak things at the margin. That would be the wrong approach. Related stories: 4G ministers take centrestage in Cabinet reshuffle announced by PMO PM Lee asks Chan Chun Sing to return to the government, NTUC unveils changes at top Poverty has risen sharply in Afghanistan since the departure of NATO's combat troops in 2014, with more than half of the population now living below the poverty line, according to a national survey. Some 55 per cent of Afghans did not have $1 a day in 2016-17 to cover food, clothing, shelter or education, according to the results of the Afghanistan Living Conditions Survey (ALCS) of 21,000 households conducted by the Afghan statistics bureau. In 2011-2012, the figure stood at 38 percent, while in 2007-2008 it was as low as 34 percent. "The high poverty rates represent the combined effect of stagnating economic growth, increasing demographic pressures, and a deteriorating security situation in the context of an already impoverished economy and society where human capital and livelihoods have been eroded by decades of conflict and instability," wrote the World Bank's representative in Afghanistan, Shubham Chaudhuri, in a blog analysing the survey. The withdrawal of international troops, which began in 2012, coupled with the decline in aid, both security and civilian, has seen Afghanistan's annual growth slow from 9.4 percent between 2003 and 2012 to 2.1 percent between 2013 and 2016. With the population itself growing by three percent each year, resources are being shared among more people. Consequently, per capita GDP has fallen by $100 since 2012, slumping to $562 in 2016, according to the World Bank. More than one million Afghans living in neighbouring states have returned, while the conflict has forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes and land, disrupting the economy. Food insecurity now affects 45 percent of the population, compared to 30 percent in 2011-2012, according to the survey. "These findings, while stark, are not a reason for despair, but a call to action," Chaudhuri wrote. In a statement, the European Union delegation in Afghanistan reported a "mixed picture", with "progress in some areas", such as education, health, water and sanitation, but also "some deterioration, in particular the economic wellbeing and the food security". At its peak, the international coalition counted more than 130,000 foreign soldiers in Afghanistan, three-quarters Americans, under the NATO banner. Their withdrawal coincided with a resurgence of insecurity and an increase in civilian casualties. While the American presence has risen again to 15,000 soldiers, international aid has been greatly reduced. With his head bowed and tears streaming down his face, Tatsuya Yamaguchi earlier this month revealed he had been hospitalised for drinking-related problems and would leave the hugely popular boy band Tokio after being accused of forcibly kissing a female fan who he invited to his flat. An apology and compensation were enough for the girl to withdraw her complaint and for prosecutors to drop the case, but the divorce from the four-strong pop group became final on Sunday when the 46-year-old quit the band and their agency, Johnny & Associates. Japans #MeToo movement has been far more low key than in other parts of the world. Nevertheless women here believe younger generations of Japanese men are now far more likely to regard them as equals and partners, rather than merely female. The dinosaurs are dying out, said Noriko Hama, a professor of economics at Kyotos Doshisha University. But she added: We just need a meteorite or two to get rid of those who are too stuck in their ways to change. Japans #MeToo campaign has been almost glacial when compared with neighbouring South Korea, where a string of explosive allegations have been levelled against dozens of men in politics, music, literature and academia over the past six months. Japans trains have become the new front in battle of the sexes The movement spread rapidly in South Korea after prosecutor Se Ji-hyeon accused a senior Ministry of Justice official of groping her at a funeral while he was drunk. #MeToo then engulfed Ko Un, a poet who had been tipped for the Nobel Prize for Literature, and Kim Ki-duk, an award-winning film director. Ahn Hee-jung, the former governor of South Chungcheong Province, tipped as a future presidential candidate, surrendered to prosecutors for questioning over allegations of rape which were brought by two members of his staff, and was indicted earlier this month. And well-known actor Jo Min-ki hanged himself in March after being accused of rape or sexual assault by eight women. Story continues Is South Koreas gaming industry a hotbed of misogyny and sexism? Perhaps emboldened by events in Korea, which made headlines across the East Sea (or Sea of Japan), more Japanese women have taken the previously unthinkable step of making public accusations against their male abusers. A model who posed nude for the notorious photographer Nobuyoshi Araki has claimed he exploited and bullied her for 16 years, refusing to give her a professional contract, failing to tell her when photos were being published and even refusing to pay her on occasions. Junichi Fukuda, a vice-minister at the Ministry of Finance, resigned to clear his name after a female journalist released a recording of him asking to touch her breasts. He has continued to protest his innocence. Unsuited: can traditional Japanese companies adapt to new casual clothing trends? Meanwhile, a news reporter named Shiroi Ito had to bring a civil lawsuit against a famous male journalist, who she says drugged and raped her, after police dropped their investigation against him. I think that Japanese women are struggling and striving to get out of a mindset that makes them too polite to say anything when this sort of assault happens, said Hama. Koreans are traditionally energetic when it comes to protesting what they feel to be an injustice and perhaps that is just a cultural difference. I dont see that sort of almost frenzied anger in Japan, but there has undeniably been a greater understanding of the issue here. Hama believes modern young Japanese men are much broader in their outlooks and do not see differences between the sexes. GPS trackers, soiled stuffed animals and stabbings: the perils of being a Japanese pop star They are happy to work alongside women, they generally see no differences between themselves and women and this is, I think, a definite change for the better. The problem, she admits, lies with the older generation of Japanese men who still largely expect females to know their place. Yes, there are some men who are simply incurable, she said. Nothing will ever change them and the only solution that I can see is for them to be driven into a corner until they themselves know how it feels to be on the receiving end of discrimination and inequality. There are some who will never be re-educated and those are the dinosaurs for whom the meteorite is the only answer. This article The dinosaurs are dying out: why the #MeToo meteorite needs to crash down on Japan like in South Korea first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. Integrity Policy draft to be amended Amid criticism from several quarters, the government has sought suggestions from the stakeholders for amending the National Integrity Policy draft perceived to be an exercise at controlling mostly the non-government organisations and international NGOs working in Nepal. A Greek court on Monday cleared three Spaniards and two Danes of trying to help illegal migrants enter Greece through the island of Lesbos while taking part in Aegean rescue missions. "The accusation has not been proven," the judge said after the trial in the Lesbos capital Mytilene. The firefighters from Spain and volunteers from Denmark, who faced up to 10 years in prison according to Amnesty International, enjoyed massive support from aid groups, with many sympathisers on hand for the verdict. "A great victory for humanitarian aid," Spanish group Proem-AID tweeted after the ruling. Two Greek coastguards had testified that the defendants, who were arrested in January 2016, had not informed the authorities of their rescue mission, and that they were not properly equipped for it. According to one of the Spanish firefighters, Manuel Blanco, the Greek coastguard arrested them in the middle of the night after they returned from a rescue mission, which had been called off as the boat being sought could not be located. The firefighters, from the southern Spanish city of Seville, had taken part in multiple refugee and migrant rescue missions in the Aegean. Andalusian regional justice minister Rosa Aguilar was among the Spanish delegation along with representatives of the city of Seville. The Spaniards worked as volunteers for Proem-AID and the Danes for Team Humanity as they sought to aid thousands of migrants, mostly Syrians, risking their lives to reach Europe via Lesbos and other Greek islands. - 'Humanitarian aid can't be criminalised' - Some 5,100 migrants died in 2016 crossing the Mediterranean, according to the International Organization for Migration. More than 1,000 migrants, including many children, drowned in 2015 and 2016 in the narrow stretch of sea separating the Turkish coast from the Aegean islands. "Humanitarian assistance cannot and should not be criminalised," one of the Danish defendants, Salam Aldin, told AFP. Many fishermen from the small port of Sykaminia, one of the main landing sites for refugee boats at the time, were at the court to support Aldin. The defendants "were only helping to save lives" while the Greek coastguard was overwhelmed, said a lawyer for the Spanish firefighters, Haris Petsikos. The Spanish defendants met in early April with Spanish Foreign Minister Alfonso Dastis, who was among the first to welcome the news of their acquittal. "I am very pleased," he said in a tweet, hailing their "superb humanitarian work in the Mediterranean." In Madrid, Amnesty issued a statement Monday backing the Spanish defendants, saying they had sought to "prevent children, women and men from dying through drowning". Amnesty said the trial was "absurd" and showed "moral confusion by those who try to criminalise actions of solidarity and to intimidate the defenders of human rights." Meanwhile a wooden boat with 45 migrants on board was spotted off the south coast of Crete on Monday after a distress call was sent, and relief was on its way, Greek port police said. "The passengers don't seem to be in danger," police added. When Aruna Rana started looking for a kindergarten in Hong Kong for her two children, she wanted them to be immersed in a Chinese-speaking environment. After all, and despite their Nepali heritage, the city had been her familys home for three generations. But finding a school willing to accept them was more challenging then she had ever imagined. It was a complete nightmare, she recalled. It was very hard to enrol my children in a local kindergarten. The vibe we got was that they did not want them there. Only after many frustrated attempts was she able to find a kindergarten for the Hong Kong-born twins, who are now five years old. A study released on Monday shines a light on the segregation that ethnic minorities in the city face from an early age. It found that many kindergartens do little to promote multicultural interaction between children, as teachers struggle with a lack of instructional resources and materials for non-native speakers to learn the Chinese language. Some kindergartens also avoid accepting pupils from ethnic minorities because that dissuades Chinese parents from enrolling their children, according to social policy think tank the Zubin Foundation. Based on interviews with principals and teachers from 36 schools, the foundations study adds weight to previous research showing local people from ethnic minorities did not receive adequate support for learning Chinese, hindering their social mobility. There are about 250,000 people from ethnic minorities in Hong Kong, accounting for 3.8 per cent of the citys population, according to government figures which did not include the citys hundreds of thousands of foreign domestic workers. The surveyed kindergartens of which 29 were Chinese-medium schools were selected from the six districts with the highest percentages of ethnic minority residents. Foundation project manager Maggie Holmes, one of the studys authors, believed the heart of the problem to be a lack of instructional resources for teachers, who are often busy and have difficulty giving individualised attention. Story continues More schools would be comfortable taking ethnic minority children if they had readily available resources, Holmes said. Our impression is that many wanted to help, but they felt they could not. We desperately need resources made by experts for teachers, so they know how to help this group of children. More schools would be comfortable taking ethnic minority children if they had readily available resources Maggie Holmes, Zubin Foundation No centralised and structured support programme currently exists for students from non-Chinese-speaking family backgrounds at kindergarten, according to the research. Principals and teachers make their own materials on an ad hoc basis. If at all, the study found. At the same time, teachers do not feel confident that they understand how best to support ethnic minority students in their class. Teacher training is needed, it added. Holmes suggested using jyutping a romanisation system for Cantonese in allocating resources for ethnic minority students and hiring education ambassadors from their community to advise parents. More than 40 per cent of kindergartens in Hong Kong do not have any ethnic minority students, the study also found. Yet, at some local kindergartens, ethnic minority children make up more than 90 per cent of the cohort, meaning their interaction with native Chinese children is highly limited. Parents are turned away from kindergartens on the basis of their race or lack of Chinese speaking ability, the study continued. And the presence of ethnic minority students in a kindergarten is a deterrent to Chinese parents who dont want their children in the same school or class as ethnic minority children. Some schools admitted separating children into different classes according to their race. Ethnic minority parents ask us why their children are not in the morning class, a school principal interviewed for the study said. Because if we give a morning place to a non-Chinese-speaking student, the Chinese parent will move out. In February, local officials announced that a steering committee on ethnic minorities would be set up and that HK$500 million (US$63.7 million) would be allocated to strengthen support for them. However, more needs to be done, according to experts and ethnic minority residents. Rana, who also has a 13-year-old daughter fluent in Cantonese, urged officials to bridge the education gap and offer more financial support for children who want to learn the language. Many parents were unable to afford private tutors, she added. The government should really think about how to involve more ethnic minority kids in the mainstream schools ... and how to give us the opportunities we deserve. We have been working really hard so our kids generation can at least be part of society in the way that they want to be. We have to mingle and be together. This article What happens when Hong Kongs ethnic minority students are separated at school from ethnic Chinese children? first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah claimed victory on Monday after elections it said legitimised its military branch, leaving Saudi-backed Prime Minister Saad Hariri as the main loser. The two main protagonists of the country's first legislative polls in almost a decade did not wait for final results to comment on the implications of a vote which was also marked by low turnout. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah called the vote "a great political and moral victory for the resistance option that protects the sovereignty of the country." The Iran-backed Shiite movement and its allies look set to secure a parliament bloc large enough to thwart attempts for it to disarm, a longstanding demand of its political enemies. "The make-up of the new legislative chamber represents a guarantee and a great strength to protect this strategic choice and to protect the golden equation -- the army, the people and the resistance," Nasrallah said. The man who has led calls internally for Hezbollah to lay down its arms is Hariri, whose Sunni-dominated Future Movement -- less dominant since it lost Saudi Arabia's lavish support -- lost a third of its seats. Hariri told reporters his party had won 21 seats, a drop from the 33 it controlled in the outgoing legislature. "We were betting on a better result," the premier said. - Swing vote - Results announced late Monday by the interior ministry confirmed the trend, though vote counting had not yet ended in one electoral district. The number of Hezbollah lawmakers in the 128-seat parliament may not increase from the current 13 but astute pre-electoral tactics have secured it enough allies to withstand challenges on strategic issues. "Hariri's loss will be the distinguishing mark of these elections, which will have consequences on the battle to form a new government," the pro-Hezbollah Al-Akhbar daily wrote earlier on Monday. Hezbollah, which was created in the 1980s to fight against Israel and currently battles in Syria alongside regime forces, is listed as a terror organisation by the United States. The group, whose arsenal outguns the army's, does not derive its dominant status on the Lebanese scene from the ballot box but the new breakdown of parliament is set to increase its political legitimacy. Lebanon's unique brand of sectarian-driven, power-sharing politics mean rival factions often end up in the same government, as is the case now where Hezbollah is represented in Hariri's cabinet. The United Nations on Monday urged Lebanese politicians to act responsibly to protect Lebanon's stability. "We hope that all Lebanese political stakeholders will continue to act responsibly in the days following polling to protect Lebanon's stability, which should include the swift formation of a government," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric. The constitution stipulates that parliament is equally split between Muslims and Christians, whose biggest party, led by President Michel Aoun has been a Hezbollah ally. "The biggest swing vote will be President Aoun's group, which will move among the other blocs. Hezbollah will benefit from the lack of a broad coalition against it," political analyst Imad Salamey said. Lawmakers had extended their own mandate three times since 2009, ostensibly over security concerns linked to the war in neighbouring Syria and political divisions that led to long and crippling institutional crises. - One civil society candidate- A higher turnout than the 49.2 percent announced overnight had been expected after the long electoral hiatus but the new pre-printed ballots used Sunday appeared to confuse some voters. Some voters also said the sometimes absurd web of local alliances that saw some parties work together in one district and compete in others had put them off. Senior political leaders, including Hariri himself and Interior Minister Nohad Machnouk whose task it was to supervise the vote, admitted that new voting rules tested for the first time had been perplexing for the electorate. Lebanon has often been a scene where the rivalry between the region's two heavyweights Iran and Saudi Arabia has played out, but their political clients in this election seemed content to maintain the status quo. In line with the "national pact" dating from independence in 1943, the president must be a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim and the parliament speaker a Shiite. Nabih Berri, who heads the Shiite party Amal and was allied with Hezbollah, looks certain to keep the position of speaker he has held since 1992. And the Lebanese Forces party of former warlord Samir Geagea were set to score significant gains, with a projected 15 seats. Despite the disappointing turnout among an electorate, which included around 800,000 people who were too young to vote in the previous general polls, the new electoral law allowed one candidate from a civil society list to break into parliament. Paula Yacoubian is a prominent journalist who long hosted a show on a television channel owned by Hariri, but has cast herself as an independent. Indian police said Sunday they have arrested the main suspect in the latest gang rape-murder to shock the country as protests took place over a separate high-profile sexual assault case. The rape of a 16-year-old who was later burned alive in the eastern state of Jharkhand is just the latest to have shone a spotlight on how India handles sexual violence cases. The accused Dhanu Bhuiyan was found at a relative's house where he was hiding after he and accomplices allegedly burned the girl alive Friday. The local village chief was also among 15 people detained in the case while the teenaged victim's family have been given special police protection. Police said Bhuiyan became enraged after the local village council ordered him to do 100 sit-ups and pay a 50,000 rupee ($750) fine following the rape. Bhuiyan and his accomplices then allegedly attacked the girl's parents before setting their house on fire with the girl inside. Police inspector general Shambhu Thakur told AFP the "main suspect" had been arrested and a post-mortem would be carried out. "We are on the case and we promise the family that the guilty won't be spared," he said. Thakur said the village head had been arrested since he "announced a punishment that led to the murder". Village councils of elders often settle disputes in rural India, bypassing a lengthy and expensive judicial system. Although they carry no legal weight, they exert massive daily influence. Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das has called for stringent punishment in the "barbaric" case and announced compensation of 100,000 rupees ($1,500) for the victim's family. Indian authorities have faced renewed pressure to act over sexual assault since the recent gang rape and murder of an eight-year-old Muslim girl by a group of Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir state. Amid mounting outrage, the government has changed the law to allow execution for child rapists. But the Jammu case has revived communal tensions. Protesters backing the Hindu suspects on Sunday hurled stones at the car of a Jammu and Kashmir state minister, Sham Lal Chaudhary, demanding a new inquiry into the case, media reports said. The crowd in the Kathua district where the gruesome murder took place surrounded Chaudhary before police stepped in. Hindu groups have held regular protests saying that the police inquiry was biased against the accused. Muslim activists have in turn taken to the streets to demand justice for the dead girl. The girl was sedated and held in a Hindu temple, repeatedly raped over five days and then killed, according to police. The cases are some of the most high-profile since the 2012 rape and murder of a student on a New Delhi that triggered mass protests. Some 40,000 rape cases were reported in 2016, with many more believed to go unreported because of stigma attached to sex crimes in deeply patriarchal India. League party leader Matteo Salvini speaks next to President of Fratelli d'Italia party Giorgia Meloni and Forza Italia leader Silvio Berlusconi following a talk with Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale palace in Rome League party leader Matteo Salvini (C) speaks next to President of Fratelli d'Italia party (Brothers of Italy) Giorgia Meloni (L) and Forza Italia leader Silvio Berlusconi following a talk with Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale palace in Rome, Italy, May 7, 2018. Italian Presidential Press Office/Handout via REUTERS By Gavin Jones and Crispian Balmer ROME (Reuters) - President Sergio Mattarella called on Monday for Italy's bickering parties to rally behind a "neutral government", saying the only alternative would be a swift re-vote after March's inconclusive election. However, Italy's two largest parties, the far-right League and anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, rapidly came out against the proposal, raising the likelihood of an unprecedented immediate return to the polls, even as early as July. Italy has been stuck in political limbo since the March 4 ballot, which saw 5-Star emerge as the single largest group while an alliance of rightist parties, including the anti-immigrant League, took the most seats. However, both fell short of an absolute majority, and, after a third round of consultations with all the main party leaders, Mattarella conceded on Monday that there was no room for a coalition deal in the eurozone's third largest economy. However, he urged politicians to rally around a "neutral" administration, which he will appoint this week. If it gains parliamentary backing, it will draw up a 2019 budget to stave off the threat of an automatic increase in sales taxes that would be triggered if the deficit slips. It would then resign in December to open the way for elections in the spring - when all post-war votes have been held in Italy. "Let the parties decide of their own free will if they should give full powers to a government ... or else new elections (should be held) immediately in the month of July or the autumn," Mattarella said in a televised statement. Both the League and 5-Star, which have enough seats between them in parliament to prevent any government from winning the confidence votes needed to take office, rejected the formation of a non-partisan administration. "(We have) no faith in a "neutral government", which is synonymous with a government of technocrats. We are going to vote in July," 5-Star chief Luigi Di Maio wrote on Twitter. Story continues League leader Matteo Salvini echoed the sentiment: "There is no time to lose, there is no space for technocrat government." BERLUSCONI CAUTION YouTrend pollsters said that, under Italian law, the earliest likely date for an election would be July 22, a time when many people will have left for their summer holidays, which could have a major impact on the outcome. Di Maio has previously said he would be ready to form a government with the League. However, he has refused to enter into any coalition deal with the League's main ally, the Forza Italia party led by former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, whom 5-Star considers a symbol of political corruption. Salvini has refused to abandon Berlusconi, saying that would break his word with voters after they had stood together at the polls and presented a common manifesto. In a statement, Berlusconi's Forza Italia party said it wanted to discuss the situation with its allies and warned against a rush to the ballot box in July. "We are not afraid of an election, but a summer (vote) does not help turnout. Autumn is better," Forza Italia said. Whatever path the parties chose, Mattarella said Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni's caretaker government had reached the end of its life, indicating he would appoint a new administration even if it could not win parliamentary backing. Gentiloni is a leading figure in the centre-left Democratic Party which had ruled Italy since 2013 but was roundly beaten in March, as voters punished it for the sluggish economic recovery, growing poverty and a surge in migrant numbers from Africa. Mattarella is expected to announce who he would like to lead the non-partisan administration some time before Friday and he urged parliamentarians to show responsibility, warning that a new vote might easily throw up another inconclusive result. "I call on the political parties to support this transitory government. If they don't, it will oversee the new election. It would be the first time in the history of the republic that a legislature ends before it has even started," he said. (Additional reporting by Massimiliano di Giorgio, Giuseppe Fonte and Alberto Sisto; editing by Larry King and Andrew Roche) The Libyan coastguard on Sunday prevented a rescue ship belonging to two NGOs from approaching a boat in distress carrying migrants, an AFP photographer witnessed. The Aquarius, chartered by SOS-Mediterranee and Doctors Without Borders (MSF), was informed by the Italian coastguard of the presence of an overloaded boat off the coast of Tripoli, reported the photographer on board the NGO boat. But Rome also alerted the Libyan coastguard which took charge of coordinating the rescue operation and banned the NGO ship from approaching, also ordering it to move away when migrants jumped into the water to avoid being picked up by the Libyans. The Libyan navy later announced it had rescued more than 300 migrants in three separate operations, reporting one dead and three missing. The two victims were with 114 other migrants including 21 women and four children, said a Libyan navy spokesman, General Ayoub Kacem, although he declined to say whether they had been aboard the boat seen by the Aquarius. And he warned that tensions between the Libyan coastguard and the NGO boats could worsen over coming days if they continued to approach stricken boats. The Libyan coastguard has previously accused NGOs of causing panic and confusion by their presence during rescues as the migrants all surge to reach the charter boats to avoid being returned to Libya. But Italian deputy Riccadro Magi, who was present on board the Astral, a boat chartered by the Spanish NGO Proactiva Open Arms, earlier Sunday when it rescued 105 migrants, accused the Libyans of being heavy-handed. "The Libyans act as pirates in international waters demanding that they be recognised as an authority. They act outside the law and they do so with the means provided by the Italian government," he said on Twitter. On Saturday, the Libyan coastguard also forced the Astral and another ship to move away from a boat carrying 38 migrants. Last November, German charity group Sea Watch said lives had been needlessly lost because of a Libyan coastguard being trained and financed by the European Union. According to the NGO, the Libyans began "beating and threatening" the migrants on the stricken boat, provoking panic that caused some to fall overboard. Malaysian man, casino manager arrested with banned Indian notes Police have arrested a Malaysian national and a casino manager along with banned Indian currency notes from Kailali-based Kings Lounge Casino on Sunday. By Ayman al-Warfalli BENGHAZI, Libya (Reuters) - Libyan army commander Khalifa Haftar announced the start of military operations to "liberate" the eastern city of Derna on Monday after his forces clashed with rival militias on the city's outskirts. "Zero hour for the liberation of Derna has struck. Our army forces are now targeting their hideouts," Haftar said in a speech at a military parade in Benghazi. "We have given instructions to avoid civilians," he said. "The peace efforts in Derna have reached a dead end." Derna is the last major bastion of opposition to Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) in eastern Libya. The LNA has surrounded the city, on the coastal highway between Benghazi and Egypt, and has long threatened to begin ground operations there. However, its campaign has so far been limited to encirclement along with occasional air strikes and bombardments. Derna is controlled by a coalition of Islamists and rebel veterans known as the Derna Mujahideen Shura Council (DMSC). Egypt, which backs the LNA, has also carried out air strikes in Derna against what it said were training camps sending militants into Egypt. There were air strikes southeast of Derna late on Sunday, followed by clashes on Monday around a flour factory east of the city. Four LNA troops were killed and five wounded, a field hospital doctor said. DMSC said one of its men was killed. In recent weeks the LNA has deployed new units in the Derna area and at the end of April, Haftar made a rare visit to forces stationed outside the city, following his return from medical treatment in France. After Libya split in 2014 between rival camps in the east and west of the country, Haftar gradually emerged as the dominant figure in the east. He is aligned with a parliament and government based in eastern Libya and opposes the internationally-recognised government in the capital, Tripoli. On Monday he was attending a military parade in Benghazi to mark the fourth anniversary of the start of his "Dignity Operation", the campaign in which the LNA battled Islamists and other rivals to take control of Benghazi last year. Story continues The United Nations is leading efforts to stabilise Libya and prepare it for elections before year-end, but armed violence is still common across the country. Another flashpoint is the southern city of Sabha, where fighting between communal groups that is linked to the wider conflict has escalated in recent weeks. On Sunday, three children in Sabha were killed and five people wounded by shelling, the manager of Sabha Medical Centre said. Before that, at least 18 people had been killed and 86 wounded in fighting since February, he said. More shelling in residential areas was reported on Monday evening. (Writing by Aidan Lewis; editing by James Dalgleish and G Crosse) FILE PHOTO: An aerial view of China occupying Subi Reef at Spratly Islands in disputed South China Sea April 21, 2017. REUTERS/Francis Malasig/Pool MANILA, Philippines The Philippine government has no confirmed information yet on Chinas alleged missile deployment in the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea due to lacking surveillance capability. Theres a technology that we need that we still dont have to be able to verify it for ourselves, Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque said. As National Security Adviser Secretary Hermogenes Esperon said, the government should intensify the countrys surveillance capability to get first hand information on activities in the disputed territories. US intelligence reported Chinas alleged positioning of ship cruise missiles and air-to-air missile system in the Fiery Cross, Subi Reef and Mischief Reef. Roque assured that the surveillance equipment acquired by the Philippines is underway but the Secretary did not mention about the amount of the acquisition. Amid reports of missile deployment by China, the government does not see it as reneging from the promise not to build artificial islands or do reclamation. Roque added that the government is exploring all options to address the issue with China. We are exploring all diplomatic options which does not mean we are not doing anything, Roque said. Rosalie Coz | UNTV News & Rescue The post PH cannot verify Chinas missile deployment in WPS Palace appeared first on UNTV News. Namure Multipurpose Project under doubt The fate of Naumure Multipurpose Project is hanging in the balance as no progress has been made to prepare its Detailed Project Report (DPR). Preliminary study of the project was completed two years ago. UNITED STATES.- Serbian police on Sunday prevented a Serbian far-right leader convicted of war crimes from returning to an ethnically-mixed northern village where he spurred ethnic hatred during the 1990s Balkan war. Dozens of policemen sealed off Hrtkovci, 40 kilometers (24 mi- les) northwest of Belgrade, blocking Serbian Radical Party leader Vojislav Seselj and his supporters from reaching the village and rallying there. The Radicals briefly gathered by the police cordons before dispersing. A squabble was reported with some liberal protesters who came to denounce Seselj. Police later said they detained a 40-year-old man suspected of punching a Liberal Democratic Party member. The U.N. war crimes court for the former Yugoslavia last month sentenced Seselj to ten years in prison over his 1992 speech in Hrtkovci that resulted in the deprotations of dozens of ethnic Croats from the village. Seselj, a lawmaker in the Serbian parliament, remains free because he served his sentence while in custody during the trial. The Liberal Youth Initiative for Human Rights group demanded Sunday that authorities strip Seselj of his parliamentary seat because of the war crimes conviction. The group insisted that any delay or refusal (to do so) presents an illegal defense of Seselj and his extremists policies. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic was a former close ally of Seselj, but he now says Serbia should join the European Union and build regional cooperation. Some 100,000 people died in the war in the 1990s that erupted after the breakup of the former, multi-ethnic Yugoslav federation. CALEB JONES | AUDREY M. Pahoa, Hawaii.- The number of homes destroyed by lava shooting out of openings in the ground created by Hawaiis Kilauea volcano climbed to five as some of the more than 1,700 people who evacuated prepared for the possibility they may not return for quite some time. I have no idea how soon we can get back, said Todd Corrigan, who left his home in Leilani Estates with his wife on Friday as lava burst through the ground three or four blocks from their home. They spent the night on the beach in their car and began looking for a vacation rental. The Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory said eight vents, each several hundred yards (meters) long, opened in the neighborhood since Thursday. By late Saturday the fissures had quieted down and were only releasing steam and gas. Scientists said Kilauea was likely to release more lava through additional vents, but they were unable to predict exactly where. Leilani Estates, a subdivision in the mostly rural district of Puna, is at greatest risk. ZEKE MILLER Cleveland, US | May 5 President Donald Trump said Saturday we want to make everything here as he promoted his America First agenda during an appearance in Cleveland, days before the states primary election. Trump spent several hours in Ohio meeting with supporters and participating in a roundtable designed to highlight the benefits of the new Republican tax law. Striking a celebratory tone, Trump listed his poll numbers and recounted the successes of his first year in office. He also looked ahead to his meeting with North Koreas Kim Jong Un. We have the time and place all finished, Trump said, but he wouldnt predict the outcome of the talks, saying, well see what happens. Trump criticized U.S. immigration policy, saying people entering the U.S. illegally are taking advantage of catch-and-release practices and dont show up for their immigration court dates. He said: We may have to close up our country to get this straight. He also said U.S. protectionist trade policies and his more isolationist policies would benefit Americans. Trump pledged a strong stand on trade to achieve a level playing field, saying that other countries, they put themselves first. ... The fact is we want to be first. Well be taking care of our people, he added. Trump also attended a fundraiser for Trump Victory, the joint committee funding his campaign and the Republican National Committee, meeting first with high-dollar givers and then addressing a larger group of about 250 donors. The RNC said Trump raised $3 million during the events. Trump sought to boost Republican lawmaker Jim Renacci in his bid for the Senate, saying we need his vote very badly. Renacci, a member of the House, is running for the Senate against Democratic incumbent Sherrod Brown. Trump predicted: Hell be fantastic. Gregory Katz LONDON, BRITAIN.- One of Britains most wanted fugitives, accused of drug offenses, was captured in Spain, authorities said. Police detained 41-yearold Jamie Acourt as he left a gym in Barcelona on Friday afternoon, Britains National Crime Agency said. The joint operation was carried out by the crime agency, Londons Metropolitan Police and Spains national police force. The crime agency said in a statement that Acourt, from south London, is believed to be involved in the large-scale supply of drugs. Tambien te puede interesar: More than 1,600 arrested in Russia amid anti-Putin protests Ian Cruxton, head of international operations for the NCA, said intelligence work enabled British investigators to direct the Spanish authorities to his location in Barcelona. Cruxton said the fugitive thought he could evade capture but as a result of an intelligenceled operation his days on the run have ended. He said the sharing of information between various police agencies means there is no safe haven for fugitives. The crime agency added that Acourt was detained on a European arrest warrant at Britains request and he will appear at a Madrid court early next week for an extradition hearing. Londons Metropolitan Police said that Acourts arrest in Spain stems from a 2016 investigation launched by detectives from the forces Serious and Organized Crime Command. Acourt, along with his brother Neil, is a former suspect in the 1993 killing of black teenager Stephen Lawrence. The two were among five people initially questioned as suspects in the killing. Jamie Acourt has consistently denied any role in the racially motivated murder of Lawrence, and he was never charged in the case. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS INTERNATIONAL.- Britains Information Commissioners Office is backing an American academics effort to obtain his personal data from SCL Group, which includes Cambridge Analytica. The ICO said in a ruling posted Saturday that SCL must provide the data within 30 days, warning that failure to do so would be a criminal offense. The Enforcement Notice found in favor of professor David Carroll, saying his right to the personal information is protected by the Data Protection Act of 1998. The ruling says Carroll sought his information from Cambridge Analytica in 2017 and was unhappy with the responses, prompting his complaint to the ICO. Tambien te puede interesar: Hawaii braces for long upheaval as erupting Kilauea boils Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham said the company has consistently refused to cooperate with our investigation. Cambridge Analytica announced Wednesday it plans to file for bankruptcy in Britain and the U.S. The North Carolina Democratic Party filed a formal complaint Wednesday against U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis and the state Republican Party over work performed by Cambridge Analytica. Cambridge Analytica is the British-based firm that ex-employees allege vacuumed up data from tens of millions of Facebook users to influence the 2016 presidential race for Donald Trump. The firm, which announced later Wednesday that it is declaring bankruptcy and shutting down, also was paid by the Tillis campaign and the state GOP for work in the 2014 elections, according to campaign finance reports. State Democrats allege in their Federal Election Commission complaint that Tillis campaign and the state Republican Party violated the law. The last thing you might expect from a 40-year-old play re-enacting nearly 500-year-old political quarrels is timeliness. But as you watch the six actors in Caryl Churchills Light Shining in Buckinghamshire hammer out the details of constitutional monarchy in 17th-century England, the years fall away with startling ease. Boil the lengthy disquisitions of the Putney Debates down to a few choice sentences apiece and you could stage the play on Twitter instead. (Note: Please do not do this.) Advertisement Rachel Chavkin, who directed the New York Theatre Workshop production that opens tonight, says she wasnt familiar with the play until the theaters artistic director, James Nicola, brought it to her attention, informing her that it was his favorite. But Chavkin, who was nominated for a Tony last year for directing Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, says she was immediately struck by its contemporary resonance, especially in the long sequences that end each of its two acts. I read the one at the end of Act II called The Meeting and it was like This is happening in Grassroots right now, Chavkin saida reference to the storied (and now-closed) East Village dive Grassroots Tavern. I could just see that scene happening in the back of that room, and something about it felt so perfect for now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite Churchills status as one of the great living playwrights, Light Shining in Buckinghamshire isnt staged that often, but the NYTW production isnt the first to explore its overlap with the current climate; an elaborate version at Londons National Theatre in 2015 fed off pre-Brexit disillusionment with established political parties. But in Chavkins minimalist stagingmore in keeping with Churchills original conception, which said the play should be done with a table and six chairsthe anguish of a revolution falling short carries with it an undercurrent of commiseration, even hope. After Charles I was overthrown and beheaded, the Levellers and the Diggers pushed for radical equality and an end to land ownershipobjectives that by the plays end it is painfully clear they will not achieve. Chavkin recognized a mood parallel to the period following Trumps inauguration, when leftist activists felt at once desperate to resist and uncertain that they could have any affect at all. The news was bad, and it was clear it was only going to get worse, she said, so I thought I want to do something that feeds the organizing soul. Advertisement As an atheist, Chavkin admits invoking the soul is a weird image for me to use, but concludes, in common parlance, thats the best I can do. (She also adds that, out of respect for political activism, she would not call herself an activist so much as someone who lives near them.) The child of civil rights attorneys, she grew up in a household where everything was politicswhich she demonstrates by pointing to the reusable container out of which she is spooning her breakfast yogurt. She heard stories about her grandfather growing up in the Amalgamated Housing Cooperative in the Bronx, doing Clifford Odets plays in the courtyard. But even with an explicitly political work like Light Shining in Buckinghamshire, she is careful not to underline its parallels to the current moment too heavily; an actors t-shirt bearing a slogan about the U.S. prison system was cut during previews. The second act climax is, in fact, more concerned with debating theology than constitutional politics (keeping in mind that in the 17th century they were difficult to extricate), but even so its contours still feel strangely familiar. I think Caryl is one of the most brilliant humans alive, Chavkin says, and I think this play is extraordinary, so it would be sad if the production was more reductive than she was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Churchills notes to the plays published version, she says that the charactersmost fictional or composite, with the exception of Oliver Cromwellshould not be played by the same actors from scene to scene, disrupting any sense of continuity or identification. Chavkin doesnt abide by that edict (although she does have Cromwell embodied by Vinie Burrows, a black actress and activist whose career stretches back to the 1950s), but even with actors sticking to their parts its clear the productions aim is not to stir up sentiment for this person or that. Even when a destitute woman agonizes over whether to abandon her sick child, the scene feels more representative than individualized. The most poignant scene brings us close to Star (Rob Campbell), a corn merchant whom the revolution has made a somewhat reluctant landowner. Egged on by a vicar eager to return to the status quo ante, Star agrees to threaten the Diggers squatting on his land with eviction if they dont pay rentafter all, he reasons, if they dont pay up, how will he buy seed, and if the crops arent planted, wont they all be worse off? Sure, some of his comrades thought they were fighting to an end to property, and not just someone elses name on the deed. But better him than the old guy, right? Or at least, thats what Star tries to tell himself. Advertisement Advertisement I tend to write really reductive notes in my script just to stay grounded in the basics, and I for that scene, I just wrote humiliating, Chavkin says. Its just so humiliating, because the vicar is like, Oh, its great that war is done, right? And I think Star is standing there like, I loved that war, and now I have to do this. Advertisement That sense of compromise is a difficult thing to leave an audience with, and Light Shining in Buckinghamshire is not a play to send them rushing into the streets bearing placards (or, for that matter, yelling Strike!). But what moves Chavkin is not the characters victories so much as their perseverance. Im so moved, as so many are, by the Parkland students and the students in Chicago organizing, she says, and I think the essential thing is how do they keep going without becoming bitter. I think its very important that none of the characters in the play become bitter. I think Star becomes sad, but thats a very different thing from disavowing your principles. It looks like the analog clocks days may be numbered. According to a recent article in the Telegraph, some U.K. schools are removing them from exam halls after discovering teenagers have a hard time reading traditional clock faces. Apparently the move is an attempt to reduce testing anxiety in a generation raised on digital devices. The current generation arent as good at reading the traditional clock face as older generations, said Malcolm Trobe, deputy general secretary at the Association of School and College Leaders, in an interview with the newspaper. They are used to seeing a digital representation of time on their phone, on their computer. Nearly everything theyve got is digital so youngsters are just exposed to time being given digitally everywhere. Advertisement The news was met with as much hand wringing as Im sure met the phasing out of such necessary skills as reading a sun dial or spooling a type writer. I would be the teacher who would say tough - but apparently thats not how kids are raised, wrote one Twitter denizen. He went on to lament that these same kids probably couldnt read Roman numeralswhere exactly those two things connect, Im still not sure. Another American analog acolyte who didnt apparently read that the clock phase out was taking place in the U.K. asked, Are we getting out [sic] moneys worth from government education? We know students cannot write in script. Or are they just being taught anti-social behavior, multi-gender personalities and anti-American hatred for our Founding? A significant number of commentators responded to the news with something along the lines of, Teach them to read it then? To which I would answer, Why? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fact that analog clocks have managed to stand the test of time in an increasingly digitized world is a bit of a wonder. While there may be nothing quite as charming as the quiet tick of a watch, the fact that teachers are adapting to the fact that a fair number of teenagers cant read an analog clock isnt another sign of corruption in The Youth. It means, as Nobel Prize Winner Bob Dylan once wrote, that times are a-changing. It doesnt make sense for a teacher to waste precious class time to teach teenagers how to read an analog clock just so they can tell time during an exam. And if students cant read traditional clock faces with relative ease by the time theyre sitting for exams, it means one of two things: Somewhere down the line their teacher prioritized other knowledge over doing countless worksheets on telling time, or theyve just forgotten something they learned in elementary school once they tested out of that grade. Advertisement Kids in America who learn under Common Core standards are required to be taught how to read an analog clock in first or second grade; if kids in the U.K. are taught around the same time than it wouldnt be entirely surprising to learn that they forgot how to do so by the time theyre teenagers. With the sheer amount of stuff kids are expected to know once state exams roll around, its understandable that theyd get a bit rusty on something theyre not using every day. Advertisement Plenty of naysayers will crow about the practical use of knowing how to read an analog clock once the electricity goes out, but since when is school about teaching practical skills? I dont remember learning how to file an insurance claim or write a check or pay taxes in school, all skills that are objectively more practical in the long run than reading an analog clock. Thats not to say that the skill needs to go the way of cursive: Telling time on a traditional clock face is a real world application of complex mathematical skills and teachers seem to agree that it gives children a different relation to time than reading a digital clock does. Analog clocks are great for teaching time management [and] concepts including the passage of time, answered one Arizonan teacher when asked why she still felt the skill was important to teach. Even our little kids who dont yet have the concept of numerals can understand that when the big hand is on this red line its time to line up. By all means, Im sure small children will continue to be taught multiples of five through the use of an analog clock. But its entirely fair for that skill to fade by the time those kids reach puberty and for teachers to adapt to the fact that the days of analog ubiquity are slowly ticking away. This article is published through a partnership with New York Medias Strategist. The partnership is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. Every editorial product is independently selected by New York Media. If you buy something through our links, Slate and New York Media may earn an affiliate commission. Plastic bags are so ubiquitous a part of life in New York that we barely register them. Many of us hardly notice when one is caught in the branches over our heads, blocking a storm drain, or lodged under the track rails. The average plastic bag is used for 12 minutes before we discard them23 billion of them each year. Last week, Governor Cuomo introduced a bill that, if passed, would ban single-use plastic bags. Though the bill stops short of banning produce bags or plastic wrap, as well as disposable rigid-plastic items like straws, utensils, and takeout containers, there are ecofriendly products that can help wean you off of all your disposables. Theyre the things that allow me to feel good about doing my part without sacrificing looks. Below, the actually nice-looking reusable items that Ive been using to get ahead of the ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anytime you are about to reach for plastic wrap, use this instead. These beeswax wraps do the job of taking care of leftoversclinging to the tops of bowls, keeping a lemon-half fresh but you can also take it to the deli counter and use it for cheese or cold cuts. For the crafty, its rigid enough to be folded origami-style into pouches that can hold loose items like mushrooms or chips. Its reusable, lasts for almost a year, and when youre done? Put it in the compost bin and order a new set. [Editors note: Weve also written about another type of beeswax wrap before.] Advertisement BUY: Abeego Original Beeswax Food Storage Wrap, Set of Three $18, Amazon Advertisement Advertisement This lunch box is perfect for people who like books, or at least like objects whose exteriors belie their purpose. Its sort of the unisex, Olympia Le-Tan take on a lunchbox. Plus its quite largethink Anna Karenina-sizeideal for picking up a bagel, or a sandwich plus an apple and cookies. At home, I keep it on my cookbook shelf; at work, it blends right in with the rest of my desk accessories. BUY: Black+Blum Lunch Box Book $20, Amazon Advertisement Advertisement If youre not as much of a sandwich person, this bowl is just great for salads, grain bowls, and burrito bowls. It comes with a little dressing pot and a fork with a slanted edge that is pretty decent at cutting things. Designed to be easy to hold with one hand, its ideal for springtime park-bench eating. BUY: Black+Blum Lunch Bowl $25, Amazon Advertisement Advertisement Iced-coffee season is upon us, which means that plastic straws are about to be everywhere. Taiwan and Britain both recently announced a ban on plastic straws, and the E.U. reportedly has one in the works. Even if youre not leaving the country, these stainless steel straws provide a vastly superior drinking experience. Plastic straws are among the easiest environmental nuisances to forego, especially if you have a polished stainless-steel straw in your backpack or handbag. [Editors note: This is another set we like.] BUY: Onyx 18/8 Stainless Steel 4 Piece Large Straw Set $16, Amazon Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This burlap wine bag is a game changer. Rolled up, it fits inside a clutch or a back pocket for wine pickups en route to a party. For competitive types, it doubles as an excellent blind-tasting bag. BUY: HRX Package Burlap Wine Bags with Drawstring $14, Amazon Advertisement Advertisement Rather than use the plastic bags youll see at the supermarket, try these mesh and muslin produce bags to keep produce fresher and less wilted. I use the muslin bags for bread, pastry, or bulk items like grains or nuts, while the mesh ones are super for picking up fruits and veg at the farmers market. Each bag includes the tare weight to ensure you pay only for what you are buying. BUY: Earth Junky Mesh and Muslin Produce Bags, 7 Piece Set $23, Amazon Advertisement This bag isnt quite big enough for a full shopping trip, but its the right size for packing lunch from home or even keeping in the office for a lunch run to Dig Inn or Pret. BUY: Fluf Organic Cotton Lunch Bag $22, Amazon Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From a distance, this bag could almost be mistaken for a standard plastic bag. The tote has the classic New York design, the square-cut neck and wide handlesbut with none of the downsides. Its extremely durable, holds almost three times the capacity of a standard shopping bag, and since it folds into a five-inch square pouch, is convenient to have on hand in your backpack or purse at all times. BUY: MoMA I (HEART) NY Reusable Bag $12, Amazon Brownie points for this one: Not only does it have all the usual benefits of a Bagguthat really tough ripstop nylon that prevents snags or tearsbut its made from old sails that were headed to a landfill. BUY: Baggu Upcycled Sailbag $8, Baggu KATHMANDU, The government Sunday launched a short-, medium- and long-term agricultural transformation roadmap that envisions generating more jobs, making the country self-sufficient in food and boosting agro exports The 58-point programme under the left alliance governments Prosperous Nepal: Happy Nepalis campaign aims to usher in a new era of mechanized and modern farming to ease the countrys dependence on food imports, said Agriculture, Land Management and Cooperatives Minister Chakra Pani Khanal Daniel Mallory Ortberg is online weekly to chat live with readers. Heres an edited transcript of this weeks chat. Daniel Mallory Ortberg: Good morning, everybody! Lets chat. Q. Go home: During my first year at college, I accidentally killed our neighbors toddler after backing out of our driveway. The child ran after a toy that landed in the path of my truck, and I never saw her. I wasnt charged, as the death was declared accidental, and the lawsuit that our neighbors brought against us was dismissed in court. Advertisement I have been in therapy, and I understand on an intellectual level there was nothing I could have done to prevent this. However, I still cant go home. It has been 12 years, the neighbors have moved, I have learned to drive again without having a panic attack, and my parents are old. My mother broke her hip, and her traveling days are officially done. But every time I think of visiting them, I flash back to that day and it makes me nauseated. I might vibrate out of my skin if I see that driveway again. I miss seeing my parents, but I can hardly ask them to sell their house for my sake. I find myself getting isolated from my family because of this. I dont know what to do. Please help me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A: I am so sorry youre dealing with this, and I wish I had a better answer for you than simply, This sounds difficult and complex, and I feel for you. It makes a great deal of sense to me that going back to your parents home is not a viable option for you, and that its taken you years of therapy even to be able to drive again. I know your mother isnt able to travel, but is it possible, at least once in a while, for the family to gather at someone elses house who lives in the same city? Would they be able to occasionally meet you at a nearby restaurant, or at a hotel, if you were to choose one nearby? I think you have real grounds to ask for some compromise here, and I hope you get it. Advertisement Q. Beleaguered baker: I tend to stress-bake. So that I dont stress-eat, I bring the baked goodies to work, neighbors, and my boyfriend. My boyfriend lives with six other people in a house. Jerry is my boyfriends best friend, but he has the social awareness of a drunk moose. He does not think about how his actions might impact other people. I will make enough food for everyone in the house, but some people dont get home until late. If I leave a pie alone, there will be a single tiny slice left after Jerry gets to it. I have repeatedly told Jerry to just take one serving and leave the rest for everyone else; he will wait an hour and grab more because no one else wanted them. My boyfriend ignores my complaints and laughs when I ask him to talk to Jerry. I have smacked Jerrys hand away from trying to sneak seconds, and it makes them both laugh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other people in the house have similar problems with Jerry, yet I am the one getting complaints when they miss out on the goodies. Last week, I had to make a birthday cake. I was having a problem in my apartment, so I had to use my boyfriends. I left the cake in a carrying case with a note on top asking that no one touch it. I went out for candles and came back to find Jerry stuffing his face. I got so upset I started to cry, which got other people in the house involved. Someone started pushing Jerry and calling him an asshole. My boyfriend intervened and said it was OK; I could just make another cake. This upset me more and I left. I ignored everyones calls and went and bought a store-made cake for the birthday party. I lied and told people that I had dropped the real cake. Advertisement My boyfriend has since apologized. Jerry hasnt. I refuse to bring anything else over to the house. This, along with other issues, has the other roommates wanting Jerry to leave. Now my boyfriend wants me to make a big production of forgiving Jerry so he wont get thrown out of the house. He says Jerry is his best friend, and that I just dont understand. I think my boyfriend should side with me. He says he loves me, and we get along great when Jerry isnt around. Am I overreacting here? Advertisement A: I think everyone is overreacting here. I dont see why youve gone so far out of your way to put yourself in the way of additional stress when you turned to baking in the first place in order to relieve it. Clearly bringing baked goods over to your boyfriends house has been an exercise in frustration and dissent from the jump, but youve continued to do so for reasons that seem hard to pin down. I agree that Jerry sounds like an unpleasant roommate, but the rest of your boyfriends housematesand your boyfrienddont seem very calm, thoughtful, or reasonable. Why are they pushing one another over a piece of cake, when cake is so regularly brought to their house? Why have you made it your business to adjudicate how the desserts are apportioned among the housemates after dropping them off? Why did your boyfriend and his roommates make it your responsibility to make sure they can agree upon a shared-food policy when you dont live there? Why did it take a physical altercation and being pushed to the point of tears for you to decide to stop baking for these people? Why does your boyfriend think your forgiveness is necessary for his roommates to decide to continue living with Jerry? Whether or not this group decides to keep living with Jerry is not your problem, and you should not involve yourself. Ask yourself what youre getting out of this entanglement, and consider how much more enjoyable your life might be if you decided to focus your energies on a hobby that actually relieved some of your stress, rather than one that unnecessarily created more. Advertisement Advertisement How to Get Advice From Prudie: Send questions for publication to prudence@slate.com. (Questions may be edited.) join the live chat Mondays at noon. Submit your questions and comments here before or during the discussion. Call the voicemail of the Dear Prudence podcast at 401-371-DEAR (3327) to hear your question answered on a future episode of the show. Q. Cheating but not like that: I have a not-a-problem problem. My fiancee is great, and I love her so much. About a month ago, however, we watched the first episode of a food-travel show on Netflix. Before watching said episode, my partner had mentioned how she doesnt like food shows because they make her hungry and want to travel. She fell asleep about halfway through the episode. I said, If you dont like the show I can just continue watching it on my own. She said she liked it, but again reiterated her general dislike for food-travel shows. Still, she said she would watch Episode 2 with me. Advertisement A few days later, when I asked about watching Episode 2, she said she didnt want to that night. I asked a second time, and again she said, Not tonight. It seemed she was not very interested in the show. She said she wanted to watch Episode 2, so I took that to mean she just wanted to watch Episode 2. I skipped ahead and watched Episode 3 without her. About a week after the first episode, we watched Episode 2 and again she fell asleep. She reiterated her general dislike for food-travel shows. This is when I told her Episode 3 was really good and that I thought she would like it. She then claimed I cheated! Prudie, we need your wise ruling on the subject. Did I engage in Netflix cheating? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A: One of my most passionately held beliefs is that Netflix cheating is not a thing. Dating someone does not mean one has also inherently agreed to only watch television shows at the same pace and with the same degree of enthusiasm. Watch this show you enjoy whenever you feel like it, whether or not your girlfriend is interested, available, or conscious, and find something else you both like to watch together. If a generally enjoyable, low-impact pastime like watching TV with your girlfriend is turning into this much of a battleground, then you two should look for other hobbies to enjoy together. Q. Thank-you notes of a different sort: Last year, I moved to a new city while going through a difficult depression and feelings of loneliness. To combat this, I went to a local gay bar where a man, Theodore, came up to me and invited me to hang out with his group for the night. While we did not end up becoming friends, as we had nothing in common, it definitely gave me a boost of confidence, and it always meant a lot to me that he went out of his way to make me feel included. Today, I am much more comfortable and have a small group of friends of my own. Theodore and I are still friends on social media, and every time I see his name I think about messaging him to let him know how much his act of kindness touched me. But at the same time, I cant help but feel a little odd sending it. Im sure it seemed like a completely inconsequential thing to him, and Im afraid Ill come across looking completely irrational. Should I let him know how much his invitation meant to me, or should I just let this acquaintanceship be what it is? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A: This seems sweet and totally appropriate. Sending a brief private message over social media is casual and low-impact, and you can forestall your own discomfort by saying something like, I feel a little goofy even saying this, because it was such a little thing, but I just wanted to thank you for inviting me out with your friends last year. Id just moved to the city and was having a hard time feeling like I was fitting in anywhere, and that evening gave me the confidence I needed to start branching out and making new friends. It was awfully kind of you, and it helped me more than you know. I hope youre doing well. [Feel free to trail off into some other vague pleasantry here.] That will make it clear, I think, that you want to thank him for what he did, not that youre looking to establish a closer intimacy with him now. Advertisement Q. My therapist is into alternative medicine: Ive always been very firmly in the science-and-skepticism camp, and I have a pretty high amount of disdain for alternative medicine and the hucksters who sell it. My therapist has a habit of suggesting things that, to put it bluntly, are bunk. Until now its been stuff that, while utterly false, is also stuff I can see otherwise smart people doing, like juice cleanses. But now shes suggesting grounding, one of the worst ideas to come out of the alternative-medicine industry. Youre supposed to buy patches and bands so that you can be constantly connected to the Earth. Advertisement I have access to my therapist through a chat-app service, and I havent responded to her since I got the message about grounding. Its not unusual for me to go a week or so without responding, so I can get away with not replying for a bit, but Im struggling to work out what to say. I want to very firmly shut down her advocacy for this nonsense, but I also dont want her to think Im being closed-minded or treatment-resistant. Im also struggling with the idea of continuing with her at all. Im not really sure if I can take her seriously anymore. Any ideas on how to talk to her about this? Advertisement Advertisement A: You can absolutely shut down her unhelpful suggestions, and I dont think you should worry about whether that makes her think of you as closed-minded: I dont want recommendations for alternative medical practices. Lets stick with talk therapy and strategies with a proven track record. If she doesnt back off, or if she tries to guilt you into considering additional out-there purchases, then thats a sign that she doesnt demonstrate good judgment and cant respect boundariesand a sign that shes not a very good therapist, and that you should look for someone else. Advertisement Q. Re: Beleaguered baker: The bigger issue, maybe, is your boyfriends lack of support when Jerry ate a cake that you had clearly labeled as off limits. He said you could just bake another one? This wasnt a cake for the house; it was yours, for another event. Jerry was way out of line, but so was your boyfriend for sticking up for him. Was this a one-time thing, or does he have trouble taking your side in things, especially when it involves the dudes in his life? Advertisement A: Oh, thats an excellent point. There was so much going on in this letter that I didnt even get to the boyfriends part. What is this guy doing? Why is he so keen to let you take on so much responsibility for his living situation, and why is he so eager to volunteer you for more cake duty because his roommates have bad manners? Q. Cant move in with best friend: Im in my mid-20s and am currently planning on moving back to my home state for a new job, meaning Ill need to find another apartment. My best friend of 15 years still lives with his parents, who are wonderful people but sound very overbearing to live with. As Im preparing to move back and apartment-hunt, I feel like my friend keeps dropping hints about us moving in together. The thing this, I cant. I care about and love him deeply, but I dont have any desire to live with him. How do I say that without him hating me? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A: The low-conflict route here is simply to ignore his hints. As long as he doesnt come out and say, I think we should move in together, you dont have to acknowledge what hes only implying. That may not work for very long, unfortunately, and it helps to have a stock answer prepared in advance. Im not sure what it is about your best friend that makes you think living together wouldnt suit, but try something along the lines of, In my experience, living with close friends doesnt work well. Id rather live with someone I can treat as just a roommate. He may be disappointed, but unless hes demonstrably unreasonable, hes not going to hate you for not wanting to live together. Plenty of best friends never do! Advertisement Q. Re: Beleaguered baker: I dont agree with your take on this. The problem seems to be Jerry has no sense of boundaries. She baked a birthday cake at her boyfriends house due to issues with her appliance. It wasnt for their house. She left a clear note requesting it not be touched, and Jerry ignored her perfectly reasonable boundary and ate it. People who understand boundaries understand that not everything in a shared house is theirs and keep their hands off other peoples things unless invited. Jerrys lack of boundaries, and her boyfriends enabling of that lack, is a sure recipe for disaster if she stays. Advertisement A: Oh, I absolutely agree that Jerry has bad boundaries and is generally rude. Thats why I think it makes a lot of sense that his housemates are considering kicking him out of the house and why I think the letter writer should have stopped providing him with free foodwhich he neither asked for nor seems especially interested in thanking her fora long time ago. Advertisement Advertisement Q. Writing to you from the pits of hell: I share an office with Alice and Evelyn. I run very hot; they run cold. I wear as few layers as professionally possible, but when they crank the temperature up to 80 or 82 degrees on a warm spring day, I melt. I feel nauseous and dizzy, and Im a sweaty mess. Weve spoken about the temperature several times. Weve lowered the thermostat to 72 degrees (ideally, itd be closer to 70), but as soon as I leave our office, theyve turned the heat back up. Ive avoided involving management because, come on, were adults, and it shouldnt be hard to figure out a happy medium. Ive also kept a record of our conversations on the topic. Whats the best way to approach this issue? I cant function when its 82 degrees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A: This does seem like something you should bring to managements attention, if for no other reason than to keep down the costs of your offices heating bill. 82 degrees is not a reasonable temperature for an office! Many people would have difficulty getting work done in such a sweltering setting. Share this issue with management, as well as your record of failed attempts to sort it out amongst yourselves, and ask for an official ruling on a standard room temperature so that you can refer back to it should you find Alice or Evelyn trying to turn the thermostat back to punishing levels. Q. Re: Worried about the big one: No, do not move forward without her permission. Instead, check the local laws and your buildings governing documents. They may have something to say about undertaking capital improvements without buy-in from the buildings majority. Advertisement Advertisement A: Thanks for that reminder! Always a sound idea to check in with city hall before merrily undertaking renovation. Q. UpdateWedding dress feud: Greetings from Hawaii! Just as an update, the wedding is off. I am currently on my honeymoon sans husband, so its a breakup vacation really. After talking to my ex about the dress for the 500th time, he refused to do anything. So I talked to his mother myself one last time, which led to a fight where she called me an ungrateful bh. When I told my husband, he sided with his mother! I packed up my stuff and moved out! Thank you for your advice! Advertisement A: I am so happy that you are on this honeymoon alone. Im terribly sorry you went through any of this in the first place, but at least your almostmother-in-law gave you the gift of clarity by behaving like an over-the-top caricature of an evil mother-in-law. Enjoy every second of this vacation and every second of the rest of your life that you never have to spend with this family again. Advertisement Q. UpdateWrong number: Original letter writer here. As I am rereading my question I can see I left out some important details. My girlfriend didnt ask me point-blank about my sexual pastit was more of a conversation about sexual activities that went in that direction. I really dont believe she was being invasive or malicious in any way. I learned about her past sexual experience too. As for the its behind me part of this: I had thought I might be bisexual, and after six one-night stands, I realized I am not. The one other woman Ive been with was from a serious relationship. So its not so much about being ashamed of anything but more that the experimentation phase of my life does not accurately represent how I identify today. I dont think my current girlfriend would harshly judge me for my past, but it would certainly be an awkward conversation to have. Im leaning toward not saying anything, but Im certainly interested if you have any other thoughts as a result of this new information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A: That is helpful to know, and thanks for clarifying. If you dont want to have an awkward conversation with your girlfriend, you definitely dont have to, especially about a (relatively brief) period in your sexual history that seems to have answered pretty conclusively the question of where your interests lie. But I do think that if things continue with her and you feel more comfortable, it might be worth discussing. Lots of people have sexual experiences that dont necessarily line up with their present identification or that dont neatly track with the general trajectory of their romantic life. Its not something you have to explain away or spend a lot of time dwelling onits just part of what made you the person you are today. If you ever do decide to speak with her about it, I think that should be your approach. You sound pretty settled, and I think shell be able to understand the fact that you once slept with a few guys to sort out whether you were bisexual without totally revising her mental picture of you. Discuss this column with Dear Prudence on his Facebook page! More Dear Prudence My Roommate Wont Let Me Shower With My Boyfriend Why Do My Girlfriends Always Think Im Still in Love With My Ex-Wife? We Got Married, Then He Dumped Me. Do I Have to Finish the Thank-You Notes? Im Mexican American. My Father Is a White Supremacist. Do I Have to Talk to Him? And find even more letters in the Dear Prudie archive. Better Life Lab is a partnership of Slate and New America. The nonprofit arm of the worlds largest business federation is sounding a stern warning: The skills gap feeding an unprecedented labor shortage will only worsen if companies dont directly provide child care solutions. The need to educate the next generation of employees is growing exponentially as more parents enter the workforce, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation told executives during a yearlong road show across the U.S.from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Austin, Texas. The nonprofit pointed to research that found the first 60 months of a childs life are critical for brain development: A toddlers vocabulary at age 3 predicts her third-grade reading achievement. Advertisement As much as companies might cringe at the thought of mixing business with early childhood education, mounting evidence shows that to stay competitive they must stop expecting cash-strapped state governments to fill day care gaps, said Abby Hills, director of communications for the foundations Center for Education and Workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of businesses dont see this as their quote-unquote problemthats the perspective we are trying to shift, Hills said. One of the biggest reasons employers see a return on early child care education is their employees can come to work and they dont have to worry about child care, she added. That return on investment to the employer was a big eye opener. Advertisement Investment in quality early childhood instruction is also an effective economic development strategy, providing up to a $16 return for every $1 spent, according to a report by Arthur Rolnick, former senior vice president and director of research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Hills and her team wielded this figure, which includes fewer children needing special education, less use of assistance programs, and lower incarceration rates, in presentations that started in October. Half of the nations residents lack access to quality child care options, with waiting lists growing so long that some families plan the birth of a child around an opening at a center. The road show is part of an effort by the foundation to encourage businesses to take ownership of the nations worsening day care shortage either by providing a center on site, or partnering with local governments and nonprofits to open new facilities. Half of the nations residents lack access to quality child care options, with waiting lists growing so long that some families plan the birth of a child around an opening at a center. Advertisement Advertisement The tour strives to educate companies about the link between education in a childs first five years and future workforce readiness. Raising awareness about this relationship is essential, Hills said, as the nation faces a projected skills gap of 6 million unfilled jobs by 2020. America today is a nation of people without jobs and jobs without people, said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in a 2016 statement. In making its case, the foundation also urged corporations to offer child care centers on site, or work with others in their community to fund a facility, to help recoup some of the $4.4 billion they lose each year when employees are absent or less productive due to day care issues. Advertisement Advertisement Such facilities also make effective recruiting tools in a tight labor market where more than two-thirds of employers hiring full-time workers currently have open positions for which they cannot find qualified candidates. Overall, 7 percent of employers offer child care at the work site or nearby, according to the 2016 Society for Human Resource Managements National Study of Employers. The report is based on surveys of a nationally representative sample of more than 900 employers. Companies including Google, Cisco, and Patagonia offer on-site care. Advertisement So does Home Depot, which relies in part on a 278-space Little Apron Academy at its corporate headquarters in Atlanta to recruit talent to join the 7,000 employees who work there. Job candidates often tour the 6-year-old facility during the interview process, said Don Buben, the companys director of benefits. Advertisement The facility, built in part with tax credits from the state, also boosts employee retention and productivity by giving them peace of mind that their children are close by and well-cared for, he said. Associates who work at Home Depot stores in the Atlanta area also have access to the academy. I had to come up with a solution for my husband and I to continue to work. Jilleen Trulove, senior director of finance, Home Depot Thats also a win for customers in the aisles, when they have engaged associates to work with them, Buben added. Bright Horizons, which partners with more than 850 companies worldwide to provide child care, operates the facility for Home Depotthe worlds largest home improvement retailer. The companys senior director of finance, Jilleen Trulove, spearheaded an effort to make a business case for the facility when she couldnt find space at a center for her twin boys. Advertisement I had a nanny at the time and I wanted to get them into a center, but I couldnt get spots anywhere, Trulove recalled. I had to come up with a solution for my husband and I to continue to work. Advertisement Advertisement Truloves superiors offered to help her get a meeting with human resource decision-makers if she did the research and figured out how to overcome challenges to making an on-site day care center work. She worked with Bright Horizons to benchmark how other companies in the region provided such benefits and put together a proposal. We had to overcome questions about costs and risks and fairness of benefits, she said. The plan was approved, and she turned to executing it, choosing a location and an architect. Trulove also ensured the center included amenities teachers said they needed most, such as more storage and an indoor play space. Advertisement Little Apron Academy opened by the time her sons turned 3. Her daughter, who is 4, is now at the facility. The center focuses on kids younger than 5 or so but also provides spots for parents who need care for older children during school vacations and holiday breaks. Trulove said she and scores of other Home Depot employees are now better able to focus on their jobs knowing their kids are safe and receiving a quality early education. They also lose less work time when participating in school activities, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its such a time saver and great for flexibility with hours, Trulove said. I dont have to stress and worry about traffic to pick up someone or try to participate in their events and the impact it would have on my work schedule. The center also allowed Trulove to nurse her daughtera finicky eaterthroughout the day when she was an infant and to respond immediately when she had a seizure on the playground last fall. Home Depot also provides backup care, last-minute child care when the usual child care plan falls through, for employees whove worked for the company for at least a year. During the hurricanes and wildfires in 2017, associates in Florida, Texas, and California could return to work using these benefits, which provided spots at any nearby Bright Horizons centers or reimbursement for other care, Buben said. Advertisement Advertisement In 2018, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is taking lessons from Home Depots experience to cities including Las Vegas; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Olympia, Washington. Throughout, the nonprofit is emphasizing the ability of quality early childhood education to help both current and future employees be more stable and productive. High-quality childcare, which enables adults to work while laying a foundation for childrens success in school and beyond, is an under-recognized and promising strategy for addressing Americas growing workforce crisis, reads a report developed by the foundation that kicked off the road show. Done right, childcare provides a powerful two-generation approach to building the skilled workforce on which our countrys continued prosperity depends. For the past few years, Pennsylvania state representative Tarah Toohil has been forced to work alongside the man she says physically abused her. Toohil dated fellow Republican legislator Nick Miccarelli several years ago; she ended the relationship in 2012. According to reporting from the New York Times, because Miccarelli frequently carried a concealed firearm with him to work, Toohil was too scared to go public with allegations that hed kicked her, pinned her to a wall in the Capitol building by her neck, and threatened her life while holding a gun. Advertisement In February, emboldened in part by the #MeToo movement, Toohil decided to file a formal complaint against Miccarelli with House leadership. In March, she obtained a legal order of protection against him. Her account of his behavior was bolstered by accusations from another of Miccarellis former girlfriends, a political consultant who says he raped her when she ended their relationship in 2014. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican leaders in the Pennsylvania legislature asked Miccarelli to resign in March, after a House investigation deemed the two womens stories credible. He refused. Toohil occupies a desk just 10 seats away from Miccarellis in the statehouse where, every day, she is shadowed by a security guard. To comply with the restraining order, Miccarelli, who says the allegations are untrue, has given up his guns. With a bodyguard at her side, he is unlikely to harm Toohil in the workplace. But his insistence on sticking out the rest of his termhe has said he wont seek re-election this Novemberseems as much a way to flaunt his power in the faces of his accusers as it is a financial decision. (When he leaves the House at the end of his term, he will have served for 10 years, making him eligible for a pension and a lifetime of health care benefits for his entire family.) Miccarellis spokesperson has called Toohil and her fellow accuser vengeful, saying they are two vindictive women who seem hellbent on destroying the guys entire life. Even though a judge saw fit to grant Toohil a yearslong order of protection and Miccarellis own party was convinced enough by the House investigation to call for his resignation, he doesnt have to go anywhere. Advertisement Advertisement The case provides such an on-the-nose distillation of the ways abusers evade accountability, it reads like a farce. There are women who share their workplaces with their alleged abusers, and there are politicians who refuse to step down in the face of credible accusations of physical and sexual violence. But rarely are the former state legislators, and rarely are the latter matched in status by their alleged victims. The collision of these two too-common, usually mutually exclusive narratives in Pennsylvania serves as a reminder of how ill-equipped our systems of justice are when it comes to gender-based violence, especially when the perpetrators are in positions of power. Advertisement In another workplace, if one employee was granted a restraining order against another employee who had two sets of credible complaints lodged against him, a smart employer would deem the alleged perpetrator too risky to employ. Pennsylvanias Republican leaders have made no such calculation. After Miccarelli declined to abide his fellow Republicans request that he vacate the Capitol, they took no further actions. The Pennsylvania Constitution endows each branch of the state legislatureboth of which are currently controlled by the GOPwith the power to expel its own members and protect its members from violence. Instead of taking steps to give Miccarelli the boot or censure him, as lawmakers have recently done to their own in Colorado, California, Arizona, and the U.S. Senate in light of harassment and abuse allegations, Republicans have allowed him to ride out his term. Meanwhile, another fellow party member has worked for months with the daily degradation of a constant security detail, and she will serve many more under those conditions if Miccarelli makes good on his promise to stay. The Pennsylvania GOP was given the choice to protect and stand in quiet solidarity with one of its own, and it chose the alleged perpetrator of rape and domestic abuse over the alleged victim. Advertisement Advertisement The continued employment of Miccarelli, the Republican Partys contorted defense of Senate candidate and accused child molester Roy Moore, and the GOPs decision to ignore the more than 20 women whove accused President Donald Trump of sexual assault and harassment are pointed signals to men in power and the women they abuse. Democrats in the Senate forced out former Sen. Al Franken for allegedly groping women and forcing kisses on them; the president, who has boasted of doing similar and worse, has gotten to stay. A Republican legislator watching this genre of political theater might reasonably presume that his career could survive a few bouts of physical or sexual abuse. A woman considering a career in politics would come away with a very different lesson. If a woman whos been elected into public office cant get her alleged abuser fired, even with restraining order in hand, everyone elses chances look even bleaker by comparison. On Sunday, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes told Fox News that Attorney General Jeff Sessions should be held in contempt of Congress. Nunes promised to press for that outcome this week after the Justice Department, citing national security concerns, declined to comply with a classified subpoena. Disclosure of responsive information to such requests can risk severe consequences, including potential loss of human lives, damage to relationships with valued international partners, compromise of ongoing criminal investigations, and interference with intelligence activities, Assistant Attorney General Stephen E. Boyd wrote in a letter responding to Nunes request earlier in the week. Advertisement Rep. Adam Schiff, the ranking Democratic member on the House Intelligence Committee, spoke with Slate on Friday and described what he believes is behind Nunes confrontation with the Justice Department. Schiff said there is a concerted effort by some of his colleagues to force the DOJ into an impossible bind by issuing subpoenas on classified topics. Those requests force the DOJ to either interfere with the Russia probe, by publicizing currently secret evidence, or reject the subpoenas, giving the administration a pretext to remove officials like Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. Indeed, President Donald Trump on Wednesday commented on the subpoena situation and issued a veiled promise to get involved if it wasnt resolved satisfactorily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Rigged System - They dont want to turn over Documents to Congress. What are they afraid of? Why so much redacting? Why such unequal justice? At some point I will have no choice but to use the powers granted to the Presidency and get involved! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 2, 2018 Advertisement Schiff told Slate his Republican colleagues have been complicit with the presidents efforts to undermine the rule of law. The conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. Jeremy Stahl: Did you read the Politico report Trumps Russia Strategy: Bash Mueller to Beat Impeachment? The president is tweeting his attacks on Mueller, and I think its a two-pronged strategy. Rep. Adam Schiff Adam Schiff: No, I havent read that. Just judging from the headline, Im not at all surprised if thats the White House strategy. And they have plenty of allies in Congress that are helping them in that strategy. From the very beginning of our investigation, they decided that the best way to protect the president was by putting the government on trial. Its a tactic I saw when I was a prosecutor. If the evidence is increasingly incriminating to the defendant, you put the government on trial. Advertisement Advertisement So they began with a conspiracy theory about unmasking, that was part of the Chairman [Devin Nunes] midnight run. When that didnt pan out, then they turned to [an alleged] conspiracy within the FBI involving Carter Page, and when that didnt pan out they turned to the next phase, which is attacking the initiation of the investigation. Right now, theyre in the process of picking an endless series of fights with Rod Rosenstein, in the hope that if they can keep asking for things until they get to something Rod Rosenstein cant turn over to the Congress, because it would interfere with the investigation, then it would give the president a pretext to fire him and replace him with someone pliable who will do the presidents will. The president is tweeting his attacks on Mueller, and I think its a two-pronged strategy: One that tries to lay the predicate to fire Muellers boss as a way of putting someone in who can kneecap the investigation privately outside of the public view by telling Mueller, You cant look into certain things. But if all else fails, then so discrediting the investigators that no matter what they produce, they can cast doubt on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre basically saying that your colleagues are hoping to force Rosensteins hand to either give away evidence that will interfere with the investigation and make public that evidence, or refuse them in a way that would lead them to claim that Rosenstein should be impeached. Without a question. Most recently they asked for the Comey memos, and they were quite indignant in not getting the Comey memos. What they didnt reveal, of course, is that we had already had access to the Comey memos. I had already read the Comey memos, and the chairman already had the opportunity to read the memos. Now, whether he took the opportunity or notthe chairman seems to ask for a lot of things and demand them and then not read thembut we already had access, so we knew that the Comey memos were completely consistent with the director and what he was saying in his testimony. Advertisement They were hoping for a fight, and they didnt get it. The Justice Department decided, OK, well give you the memos. So then they moved onto the next fight, OK, we want to see the document in unredacted form that initiated the investigation. And they were hoping for a fight on that, because thats even more sensitive. And ultimately, the Justice Department relented again, and they didnt get their fight. Now theyve moved onto other things and the goal is to keep asking until they can force the Justice Department to say no. You already saw the president in lockstep say, Why wont the Justice Department give the Congress what its asking for, what are they hiding? I said I wasnt going to be involved, but I might have to get involved. Its a clearly choreographed effort to give the president and his team a pretext to fire Rod Rosenstein. When this chapter of history is written about our country, it will be damning of the president but it will reserve a special damnation for people in Congress that are complicit in the tearing apart of our institutions and undermining of our systems of checks and balances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You said previously in an interview with NPR that the Republican members who sought to make these memos public were doing so because they wanted to find inconsistencies in Comeys stories, but there ultimately were none. They were, among other things, hoping that there would be some inconsistency that they could latch onto that they could attack Comey with. This both had the object of giving them more fodder to try to attack Comey, they hoped, but also, even if they didnt get it, giving them a fight with the Justice Department that they wanted even more. Ive had my own pet theory about this. It seems to me that theyre trying to demonstrate that James Comey mishandled classified material. Do you think one strategy here is to try to argue that Comey shared information he shouldnt have? Advertisement Theres an effort to tar anyone whos a witness against the president. To tar Comey in any way, to tar him as a leaker, to tar him if they can make some claim that something in his memo was classified, to find an inconsistency, to tar [fired Deputy FBI Director] Andrew McCabe who corroborates Comey, to tar [FBI officials James A.] Baker or [James] Rybicki, who are also in a position to corroborate Comey. [Editors note: Baker resigned on Friday and on Monday morning the president attacked Baker by name on Twitter.] This is not by accident that theyve singled out these people. Theyve singled them out because they corroborate evidence of potential obstruction of justice by the president. And its a scorched earth strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former chief of staff Reince Priebus also could corroborate portions of Comeys memos that the president has contested. And theyll turn on him too if they consider him to be a threat to the president. But this is where theyre coming from now with someone like Priebus: They have to be concerned that if they go after him, he may know a lot that they dont want him to share. So, thats less of an issue with Comey and Rybicki and McCabe, etc. But theyre employingthe presidents allies in Congress, on our committee with the comments of [Rep. Mark] Meadows and [Rep. Jim] Jordan about impeachmenttheyre employing a burn-down-the-Congress strategy to protect the presidency. Its a strategy that says, We dont care what happens to the country. We just care about maintaining our majority and protecting the president of our party. The most appalling realization to me of the last year and a halfits not been what kind of president Donald Trump turned out to be; its how many people in Congress have been complicit with him. That has been a bitter realization. Donald Trump delivered a message to West Virginians on Monday: Dont forget about Roy Moore. To the great people of West Virginia we have, together, a really great chance to keep making a big difference, Trump tweeted. Problem is, Don Blankenship, currently running for Senate, cant win the General Election in your StateNo way! Remember Alabama. Vote Rep. Jenkins or A.G. Morrisey! Trumps morning tweet marks the first time that the he has directly attacked Blankenship, a former coal baron who served a year in prison for his role in a deadly mine disaster, though the president had already made his preference clear last month when he went out of his way to snub Blankenship during an official visit to West Virginia. The presidents tweet comes as the GOP establishment is worried anew that Blankenship has surged past his two main rivals, state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins, and that he could spoil their general-election chances of taking down Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin this fall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Politico reported over the weekend that the latest internal polls show Blankenship narrowly ahead, in the run-up to Tuesdays primary. After Trumps Monday morning tweet, the Weekly Standard reported what it said were the top-line numbers from that survey and a more recent one. The internal poll taken Friday and Saturday had Blankenship at 28 percent, Morrissey at 27 percent, and Jenkins at 14 percent, according to the report. The second poll, taken Saturday and Sunday, had Blankenship at 31 percent, Jenkins at 28 percent, and Morrissey at 27 percent. The math is a little fuzzyits hard to see a 14-point jump for Jenkins in 24 hoursbut the fact Blankenship is in striking distance was enough to set off alarm bells in Washington. Advertisement Republicans have long feared that if Blankenship becomes their nominee, he will spoil their chances of defeating Manchin, in a state Trump won by more than 40 percentage points. The party had originally hoped to simply ignore Blankenship, and hope his ties to the devastating mine explosion that killed 29 people would be enough to sink his candidacy. But Blankenship emerged as a serious contender this spring, despite his criminal record, by casting himself as a truth-telling outsider, with an axe to grind against the partys own Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell. McConnells allies eventually launched a well-funded covert attack against him last month. Blankenship then responded by airing blatantly xenophobic ads attacking McConnell, who is married to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, an American citizen who was born in Taiwan. Advertisement Advertisement Trumps anti-endorsement echoed a tweet from Donald Trump Jr. last week that similarly invoked Roy Moores loss in a Senate special election last year. Trump and national Republicans, including Trump, tried and failed to stop Moore from securing the nomination in that race. Moore won anyway, and then lost the general election after damning allegations about his conduct with teenager girls. No more fumbles like Alabama, tweeted Donald Jr. We need to win in November. Blankenship, who has selectively disagreed with the president throughout the campaign, responded by reminding voters of the presidents own role in Alabama. After initially releasing a statement calling Trump a very busy man who was being misled by the Republican establishment, Blankenship criticized Trumps eventual support for Moore, in an interview with a local TV station this morning. He recommended that people vote for a guy that was basically accused of pedophilia in Alabama, Blankenship said. President Donald Trumps nominee to become the next CIA director was so concerned about the questions around her role in the interrogation of terror suspects that she sought to withdraw her name from consideration for the job. Haspel was summoned to the White House Friday and officials raised concerns so she said she was interested in pulling her nomination if it meant a damaging confirmation hearing could be avoided, the Washington Post revealed. Haspel, who is the deputy director of the agency, said she wanted to avoid a series of events that could be damaging to both her reputation and the agency as a whole. Advertisement The White House specifically wanted to ask her about her history in the CIAs interrogation program that employed several techniques, including waterboarding, that are largely seen as torture. When she left the White House, the 33-year CIA veteran seemed determined to step aside. But thats when two senior White House officials legislative affairs head Marc Short and press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanderswent into overdrive to convince her to change her mind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Administration officials are particularly concerned about the time Haspel oversaw a secret CIA detention facility in Thailand, where suspects were waterboarded. She also played a role in the destruction of almost 100 videotapes of interrogations, which sparked an investigation by a special prosecutor. After initially suggesting he would support whatever decision she took, Trump later decided to push for her to remain the nominee. Advertisement There is no one more qualified to be the first woman to lead the CIA than 30+ year CIA veteran Gina Haspel, Sanders wrote on Twitter Saturday. Any Democrat who claims to support womens empowerment and our national security but opposes her nomination is a total hypocrite. Haspels nomination is moving forward and her confirmation hearing is set to begin Wednesday. It was their dream school. But when the brothers joined a Colorado State University tour, they got an experience that was far from what they were expecting after driving seven hours from New Mexico. Two police officers pulled Thomas Kanewakeron Gray, 19, and Lloyd Skanahwati Gray, 17, from the tour to ask them questions. Turns out a mom on the tour had called the police saying the brothers, who are Native Americans from the Mohawk tribe, made her nervous, saying they were definitely not a part of the tour. Advertisement The woman went on to say that the brothers just really stand out, because they were acting odd and wearing dark clothing with weird symbolism or wording on it. She also said one of them was for sure Hispanic because he said he was from Mexico. Turns out they were just wearing T-shirts of death metal bands. And what the mom on the tour interpreted as evasion of questions was nothing more than shyness. But police only came to that conclusion after setting them aside and patting them down. By the time the police concluded they were a threat to no one, the tour had already moved on. So the brothers left. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days after the April 30 incident, Colorado State University President Tony Frank wrote a long and heartfelt apology. The university had already expressed regret for the incident. But in his statement, Frank makes clear that the very idea that someoneanyonemight look like they dont belong on a C.S.U. admissions tour is anathema. He went on to talk about his own privilege and the battle with hate within our communities and said that anyone who is uncomfortable with a diverse and inclusive academic environment should look elsewhere for a school. Early this week, University officials reached out directly to the family of the young men & their high school. Wed like the opportunity to speak w/Ms. Gray & her sons but we have not heard back from the family. We ask them to please get in touch with us at their convenience(1/3) Colorado State Univ (@ColoradoStateU) May 4, 2018 Advertisement Advertisement We will refund any expenses they incurred traveling to CSU. We deeply regret the unwelcoming and concerning experience they had while guests on our campus (2/3) Colorado State Univ (@ColoradoStateU) May 4, 2018 Advertisement The Office of Admissions, Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Native American Cultural Center, and CSU Police Department all are reviewing how such an incident can be avoided or handled differently in the future (3/3) Colorado State Univ (@ColoradoStateU) May 4, 2018 Advertisement The senior who was leading the tour when the police were called wrote a letter to the boys mother on Facebook and also spoke to the media to express her regret over the incident. I hope that the family sees how deeply sorry CSU is that this happened. Thats one thing, Gabriella Visani said. I think thats truly our values. Our values are that we are so sorry. Not just in an apologetic placating way. But genuinely with themsorry that this happened. The university president and tour guide may have been shocked about the incident, but for the brothers it was nothing more than another day in their lives where racial profiling is not all that rare. The incident also took place after a number of similar situations across the country, including the two young black men who were taken out of a Philadelphia Starbucks in handcuffs. If you look at the political history of the past decade, from his failed presidential run in 2008, to his demagogic Republican convention speeches, to his colorful Fox News appearances, Rudolph Giulianis emergence on the scene as Donald Trumps most visible legal surrogate is not particularly surprising. Its easy to forget that Giuliani, who is now attacking federal law enforcement with glee and warning of dark conspiracies and storm troopers, was once the United States attorney for the Southern District of New York and sold himself to New York voters during his two terms as mayor as the paramount protector and defender and patron of the criminal justice system in its entirety. Advertisement To try to understand the arc of Giulianis career, I spoke by phone with Andrew Kirtzman, a former New York journalist and current president of Kirtzman Strategies, a bipartisan political consulting firm, and the author of Rudy Giuliani: Emperor of the City. During the course of our conversation, which has been edited and condensed for clarity, we discussed Giulianis transformation, why hes gone all in for Trump, and how to understand his lack of loyalty to the Department of Justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Isaac Chotiner: Have you been surprised by the past several weeks? Andrew Kirtzman: Im not totally surprised. Giuliani has always had this knack for knowing how to insert himself right in the center of a story. So when this whole thing began, I was a little skeptical he was going to limit his involvement to taking a meeting with Robert Mueller and wrapping this up in two weeks. Once Giuliani is in, he stays in. The only question in my mind was what kind of role he was going to play with Trump: Was he going to calm him down or wind him up? And I think we have gotten our answer the last few days. Advertisement He may have a knack for inserting himself right in the center of a story, but Giuliani is also someone very concerned with his image. And yet he doesnt seem to mind embarrassing himself for Trump. How do you understand that contradiction? I was with Giuliani on Sept. 11 and experienced that morning with him. I was overwhelmed by his leadership and the way that he calmed the city and lifted our spirits. Andrew Kirtzman Its been a gradual evolution. The turning point was, I think, the 2008 race, and it all fell apart. The luster of his brilliant performance on 9/11and I dont use the word performance cattily; I think it was brilliantit lost its power. He has been casting about for a role ever since. If you look at his trajectory after that race, its not really pretty. He took a whole bunch of clients who were foreign dictators, and others who were unsavory, and he geared his efforts towards making money and also playing in a sketchy international realm. Advertisement Advertisement He got very in with the Palm Beach crowd and the Hamptons crowd and just lost touch with who he once was. His activities in public have grown increasingly out there, from questioning whether Obama loved the country to questioning Hillary Clintons health. It was all part of the losing of his image as nonpartisan healer from Sept. 11, and it has just gotten more and more extreme. Advertisement Part of the image you talk about was wrapped up in this idea of him as the paramount man of law enforcement. Is the upshot that this part of his image was less sincere than we might have believed? I keep thinking about his decision in 1994 to endorse Mario Cuomo over his fellow Republican George Pataki for governor. To me, that always stands out as a signal event in his career. For one thing, it was incredibly brave and independent of him. But in addition, what we learned from that episode is that it is his belief that when you enter the fray, it is all or nothing. You go all the way or not at all. His attacks on Pataki in that campaign were venomous. It was quite a sight to behold the Republican mayor going after the Republican gubernatorial candidate. And that has been a mark of his personality and political strategy his whole career. If you are in for a dime, you are in for a dollar. There is no half-way, polite way to do anything in Giulianis world. Advertisement Advertisement During his time as mayor, Giuliani had this crime-fighting image as this guy who was tough and rude, but he was also written about as a technocrat. What do you think happened to that part of his political personality, if it indeed existed? The short answer is that that part of his personality went out the window a long time ago. You are absolutely right: He ran for mayor in 1989 when he was less than prepared, lost to David Dinkins, and then spent much of the next four years studying up on the issues, and learning about experiments in other cities that were working, and learning about broken windows and other things that were really forward-thinking back then. That was one of the best things about watching him as mayor from 19931997. He was iconoclastic and fearless in pursuing stuff. But that Giuliani is not really the Giuliani we have seen for a long time. He has made the transition to political partisan since then. Advertisement Advertisement Do you feel you have a sense of his current ideology? I am not talking about his ideology as much as what he was all about, and also the sense of pragmatism and idealism. At some point in his second term, he saw that it was in his best interest to cast his lot with Republicans, and has thrown all his chits into the right-wing pile, and he seems comfortable with that identity. For people who voted for him in New York in the 1990s, there has been a huge amount of anger and disappointment. In New York, I think the majority of people, aside from Staten Island, really dislike him. Advertisement What was Giulianis relationship with Trump like when he was mayor? Advertisement A lot of us New York reporters have been talking to each other about when this all began. None of us could recall any moment when the two of them were particularly close during his time as mayor. The most high-profile collaboration was the video of Giuliani in drag going shopping with Donald Trump, and it was obvious from that that they were pretty simpatico. But I dont recall them being close. Giulianis friends at the time tended to be the people who were close to him politically. It is a very small crew wherever he has gone, and Trump was not it. I am not asking you to diagnose him, just to be clear. But when you watch him on television now, versus 15 years ago, how do you think he seems? Advertisement The brilliant thing about Giuliani from the time he was prosecutor through Sept. 11 was this very lawyerly, factual way of communicating. Even when he was attacking someone, he was extremely persuasive. And that persuasive quality really disappeared at the Republican convention for Trump. It was just a horrible, horrible spectacle. I cant get into his head as to what happened, but it is depressing. I was with Giuliani on Sept. 11 and experienced that morning with him. I was overwhelmed by his leadership and his calm and his methodical approach to putting things back together, and the inspiring way that he calmed the city and lifted our spirits. Its always been kind of fashionable in certain liberal circles to hate Giuliani, but I was never on that bandwagon. At all. I have seen him display greatness, and that is why it is so sad to see what he has transformed into. Donald Trump has a problem. Special counsel Robert Mueller is determined to interview him and has reportedly threatened to issue a grand jury subpoena if Trump refuses. The most dangerous questions Trump faces concern exercises of the powers of his office, including allegedly: (i) firing FBI Director James Comey in an effort to end a law enforcement investigation; (ii) demanding the dismissal of Mueller; and (iii) dangling the prospect of pardons to tamper with witnesses, as the special counsels questions suggest Trump may have done with Michael Flynn. Advertisement Being truthful about such matters could require Trump to admit engaging in crimes. Lying is also a bad option, given the likelihood theres evidence to counter any falsehoods. Asserting the Fifth Amendment could put an end to Trumps political viability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump partisans suggest he should assert complete immunity to a criminal investigatory subpoena. That gambit is bound to fail. As Bob Bauer demonstrated in Slate, it is at odds with at least two Supreme Court precedents. United States v. Nixon addressed President Nixons refusal to comply with a subpoena for the White House tapes. Nixon claimed the subpoena invaded executive privilege, which permits the shielding of presidential communications from intrusion. The court agreed the president enjoys a constitutional protection of confidentiality but said that protection is not absolute. It must yield to the duty of the Judicial Branch to do justice in criminal prosecutions. The court ordered Nixon to release the tapes. Advertisement In Clinton v. Jones, President Clinton was ordered to comply with a subpoena for his testimony in a defamation lawsuit, despite the lesser import of civil proceedings. Together, these decisions make it all but impossible for presidents to categorically defy subpoenas for testimony in criminal investigations. Ken Starr went so far as suggesting that Clinton could be impeached for asserting the executive privilege in response to a grand jury subpoena, because Clintons privilege claim was frivolous. Trump therefore needs a new argument. The audacity of his alleged obstruction may hold the key. Only the president can fire any executive branch official or grant pardons for federal crimes. It is these unique presidential powers Trump may have used to frustrate criminal inquiries. Advertisement Advertisement One other president has tried this: Nixon, who fired Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox after Cox subpoenaed the tapes. Nixon backed down and replaced Cox with Leon Jaworski, leaving the legality of the firing unaddressed. In a recent press briefing, Sarah Huckabee Sanders asserted that President Trump doesnt have to justify his decision to fire Comey. Trump counsel Rudolph Giuliani has likewise contended theres no evidence of obstruction of justice, because everything the president did, he has perfect authority to do under the Constitution. Attorney Joe diGenovawho Trump briefly brought on to his legal team in Marchasserted in an interview with Sean Hannity that the president had ultimate authority to fire James Comey, and that Mueller cannot ask [Trump] about that. Advertisement Advertisement As these statements indicate, Trump seems poised to force the issue Nixon left on the table by contending the president has an absolute right under the Constitution to fire (as well as to pardon) any official, regardless of purpose. If the claim that Trump is immune from criminal liability for firing or pardoning is accepted by the courts, then the president could well avoid having to testify before a grand jury about the same matters by asserting executive privilege. The Nixon decision compelling presidential compliance with a subpoena was based on the need to investigate potential crimes. If a presidents firings and pardons can never be mechanisms for crimes, the criminal investigation exception to the executive privilege may be inapplicable to such matters. Advertisement Advertisement Thus, by pressing his authority to the limit, Trump might break new legal ground. Unlike Nixon, Clinton did not try to fire the man leading the investigation into his actions; in fact, he couldnt fire Ken Starr. Under the then-operative independent counsel law, the authority to hire and fire independent counsels resided in a court. That law has since expired. But issues surrounding it lie at the heart of the arguments regarding executive power that Trump is likely to make in challenging a Mueller subpoena. In Morrison v. Olson, the Supreme Court upheld the independent counsel law over the lone dissent of Justice Antonin Scalia. Scalia argued that criminal investigations and prosecutions are quintessentially executive function[s] and cant be delegated to other branches. Advertisement For many advocates of executive power, Scalias dissent is a template for the so-called unitary executive doctrine, which posits the president is constitutionally entitled to have full, and largely unpoliced, control of the central functions of the executive branch. Jed Shugerman convincingly argues against modeling future Supreme Court jurisprudence on Scalias expansive theory of executive power, including because it overstates the historical scope of presidential authority. Several current members of the Supreme Court, however, have demonstrated a proclivity for endorsing many of Scalias constitutional theories, including his expansive views of presidential authority. Consider that a majority of the Supreme Court may well be poised to uphold Trumps travel ban, despite evidence the ban was the product of invidious and discriminatory presidential motives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is therefore reason to anticipate that some Supreme Court justices will take seriously an argument that the presidents exercise of the constitutionally delegated authority to fire executive branch officers and to pardon witnesses cant be limited. The argument has some surface appeal. The Supreme Court has long recognized that the Constitution defines certain areas of broad executive powers. Certain of those powers were derived from authority previously held by the king, including the pardon power. Yet as stated in Nixon: In designing the structure of our Government and dividing and allocating the sovereign power among three co-equal branches, the Framers of the Constitution sought to provide a comprehensive system, but the separate powers were not intended to operate with absolute independence. Advertisement If the president can fire law enforcement officers to free himself of criminal peril, it could license the very kind of outright corruption that led the colonists to revolt against the British crown, and allow the presidency to become a mechanism for tyranny. This rule could render criminal laws enacted by Congress virtual nullities and also undermine the power of courts to do justice, in matters touching on the presidents compliance with the criminal laws. As during the summer of 1974, when United States v. Nixon was decided, this summer may witness a judicial battle over whether the president has the power to manipulate the criminal investigatory process in his favor. Warren Burger, an appointee and friend of Nixon, authored the Nixon courts unanimous opinion rejecting that presidents gambit. Hopefully, the Supreme Court will rebuff any similar Trump effort to frustrate the nations justice system. For years, we were told to apply sunscreen, and apply it liberally. Whether lying on the sand or snorkeling among the waves, slathering up seemed almost a moral obligationthe slimy, shiny price of enjoying the sun. The risks of skin cancer were absorbed into our psyches as deeply as we once absorbed UV raysSPF 50 or go home. With the invention of waterproof sunscreen in 1977 and the rise of sun-safety awareness, the chemical-y smell of sunscreen became an unmissable feature of the beach vacation. Advertisement But since research now suggests that oxybenzone and octinoxate, which show up in almost all major sunscreens, are harmful to the marine ecosystem, we seem to have a moral dilemma on our sunscreen-coated hands: ruin your skin, or ruin the environment. In a 2015 study, oxybenzone and octinoxate were found to contribute to coral bleaching (the scourge that has more or less destroyed the Great Barrier Reef), slow new coral growth, and disrupt marine life. The study found the chemicals in especially high concentrations in popular tourist waters, especially in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In response, some resorts and tour companies have chosen to ban or educate against nonbiodegradable sunscreens, while the National Park Service recommends being reef friendly by choosing sunscreens made with natural mineral ingredients such as titanium oxide or zinc oxide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now Hawaii, seemingly unwilling to go down the same path as the Great Barrier Reef, has become the first state to ban the sale of sunscreen containing the coral-killing chemicals. The legislation, which still awaits the governors signature, wont come into effect until 2021, giving sunscreen producers plenty of time to switch over to a safer formula. Hawaiis ban leaves producers with two options: continue offering chemical sunscreens without oxybenzone and octinoxate or switch over to natural, mineral-based sunblocks. It shouldnt be on vacationers to choose between skin cancer and feeling responsible for the destruction of our natural wonders. Producers, however, have seemed unwilling to adapt thus farin fact, they opposed Hawaiis legislative efforts. Trade groups representing the cosmetics and over-the-counter-medicines industriesthe Personal Care Products Council and the Consumer Healthcare Products Associationhave pointed to the other, real causes of coral bleaching, scapegoating global warming, agricultural runoff, sewage and overfishing for the decline of coral. (One researcher behind the 2015 study, meanwhile, told the New York Times that the effect of the chemicals on coral is bigger than climate change.) The Personal Care Products Council has continued to insist that oxybenzone is key to preventing skin cancer; the Consumer Healthcare Products Association went as far as to say that Hawaiis ban of it compromises health, safety and welfare of residents and tourists. In other words, theyre pouring money into lobbying and campaigning rather than developing safer products. Advertisement Advertisement In refusing to tackle this ecological issue head-on, major sunscreen brands have put the onus on environmentally conscious consumers (and resorts) to seek out atypical reef-friendly options. Some companies do offer one or two oxybenzone-free options among their range, but these products still make up the minority of those on the market: The Consumer Healthcare Products Council, in attempting to criticize the new bill, puts this number at less than 30 percent, accusing the new Hawaiian law of banning at least 70 percent of the sunscreens on the market today. (Research is mixed on whether mineral-based sunscreensknown as physical blockers because they sit on top of the skinare as effective as chemical-based ones. Some claim they are more effective, protecting against both UVA and UVB rays by deflecting rather than absorbing sun.) Advertisement Advertisement But if were going to take environmental preservation seriously, the onus must be on producers, not consumers, to recognize and prevent the damage their products can do. It shouldnt be on vacationers to choose between skin cancer and feeling responsible for the destruction of our natural wondersand in any case, too many are unaware of the choice they are making. Hawaii is a start. Hopefully the ban will drive sunscreen producers to finally address this problemthat or stop selling in the Aloha State, which seems unlikely. In developing new products for the Hawaiian market, major brands like Hawaiian Tropic, Banana Boat, and Coppertone can and should apply their efforts to their global markets. Advertisement If producers wont budge on their own, it will be up to legislatures to continue to force their hand with similar laws. My home country of Australia, with its global warmingdeadened reef and unfortunate title of skin-cancer capital of the world, ought to introduce such a banwith a sunscreen market supposedly worth an annual $289 million in U.S. currency, this too will force producers to change their ways. The destruction of the Great Barrier Reef, meanwhile, should be a lesson to other countries with marine-tourism industries. The skin care industry may have a financial incentive to continue using oxybenzone in its products until stopped, but countries have a financial disincentive to allow it: The Australian government has recently launched a $500 million package to try to save the reef, though it may not even work. Just as governments are starting to place responsibility for preventing waste on producers, more accountability needs to be placed on chemical-heavy product producers, be that through fines for environmental damage or all-out bans. As the well-internalized Aussie sun-safety message goes, Slip, Slop, Slap. Or in this case, slip on a ban, slop on regulations, slap with fines. No running away from ending cartel: Home minister Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa has said that the government will not back down from its move to end syndicates in the public transport sector.Talking to representatives from the Consumers Rights Investigation Forum on Sunday, Minister Thapa said the incumbent administration would not experience the failures of earlier governments to break the ill practice plaguing the sector. Doctors are just like everyone else: Theyre on Twitter. For many of us, Twitter has become a global watercooler, where professionals come to discuss ideas and hot topics, just like any other subset of Twitter. Debates over new articles, medical education, and policy are common andsomewhat extraordinarily given the mediumoften civilized and informative. Like any other field, Med Twitter has its stars, and last summer, Esther Choo became an undisputed one. An emergency physician and health-policy researcher, Choo fired off a tweetstorm about her experiences with racism as a practicing Asian American in Oregon (in a moment of downtime while watching one of her kidsemergency docs are legendary multitaskers). This was shortly after the neo-Nazi demonstrations in Charlottesville, Virginia. It took off: Advertisement 1/ We've got a lot of white nationalists in Oregon. So a few times a year, a patient in the ER refuses treatment from me because of my race. Esther Choo MD MPH (@choo_ek) August 13, 2017 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Choos thread was retweeted by Chelsea Clintonand about 25,000 othersshe quickly gained national recognition as a champion of both patients and doctors rights. Choo has an unusual knack for capturing the medical zeitgeist, and last week she did it again, doing something that many have tried but few have accomplished: She made a hashtag happen. That hashtag, #ShareAStoryInOneTweet, took off after Choo tweeted her own storyone of a patient who beat the long odds and survived the necessarily brutal CPR she and her team provided. Advertisement When I first met B, hed been dead for 20 min. We got him back, inexplicably. He calls me every year on the anniversary. 10 years now.#ShareAStoryInOneTweet Esther Choo MD MPH (@choo_ek) May 5, 2018 Advertisement The part of Choos story that took me by surprise is the twist at the end. What twist, you ask? The part where the patient calls his doctor to thank her every year, of course! As the medical system has become more challenging for patients to navigate, and more expensive, many physicians feel that their efforts are forgotten by their patients. We tend to hear about patient complaints, even if they represent a small fraction of the care we provide. So Choos story was a refreshing reminder that we still do make a difference and that, while they may not always say so, our patients do actually appreciate what we do for them. Advertisement Advertisement Over the past few days, doctors, nurses, and other health professionals have followed Choos lead, revealing some of their most personal and moving stories in 280 characters or less. Not unlike the six-word story often misattributed to Ernest Hemingway (For sale: baby shoes, never worn.), many of these tweets really pack the pathos. Reading through them, one would correctly conclude that doctors and nurses have to process a lot of emotional baggage just to make it through the day. Or as one person put it: Med Twitter is emo. Advertisement Many of the tweets celebrate our successes: U collapsed at work (Home Depot).. u were dead when my ambulance arrived. I got u back. U have no idea who I am. I visited Home Depot just to see u during my darkest hours in medical school... ur a reminder that I can do it You saved me back. #ShareAStoryInOneTweet AbbersMD (@AbbersMD) May 5, 2018 Advertisement While others serve as cautionary tales: I saw kids die daily from measles in Kenya. I saw a women carry her child 30 miles on her back to get him vaccinated. First world parents who dont vaccinate are spoiled fools. #ShareAStoryInOneTweet John Vann, MD (@Docsocksomaha) May 5, 2018 Advertisement You laid limp in moms lap; couldnt open eyes; pale; moaning. A #naturopath convinced ur mom that you were sick w/ fictitious illness. I feared leukemia. Took hrs to convince mom to go to ER. You were admitted immediately. Dx w/ leukemia days later. #ShareAStoryinOneTweet Britt Marie Hermes (@NaturoDiaries) May 7, 2018 Advertisement Others are personal stories that speak to our humanism and bravery, which too often gets overlooked. Early days of AIDS epidemic, when nurses would avoid going into pt rooms. I was off-service intern, paged for a young gay man, blind, alone, calling for his mother. Shut off beeper, held his hand, called him son, he didnt die alone. #ShareAStoryInOneTweet a warlike posture (@plantagious) May 6, 2018 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another theme that has cropped up is the sacrifices that we make and a reminder that we cannot take care of others if we do not take care of ourselves. Oh, I realized suddenly. Its not that Im not smart enough or dont know enough. Its burnout. I took my own advice. I cut back. I put exercise on my calendar. I learned to meditate. I started writing. I feel better. I still see patients. #ShareAStoryInOneTweet Sarah Matathia MD MPH (@SarahMatMDMPH) May 6, 2018 Advertisement Advertisement Many have shared inspirational stories revealing why they do what they do in the first place. You had your face blown off in a terrorist attack. I was a junior member of a trauma team paralysed by ignorance and https://t.co/k9wtNutdg4 died. We had to know more, we had to do better. I switched careers to trauma care. #ShareAStoryInOneTweet Karim Brohi (@karimbrohi) May 7, 2018 Advertisement And stories of why what we do is so challenging; at times even the saves are heartbreaking. You awoke in ICU with no memory of the accident. I was on call, 27 years old. I had to tell you your wife didnt make it. And then, I told you your legs were gone too.#ShareAStoryinOneTweet David Juurlink (@DavidJuurlink) May 7, 2018 Advertisement Naturally, there are some detractors: Advertisement Advertisement Admittedly, there is something vaguely self-aggrandizing about this hashtag. But I think theres enough value here (both for the doctors and others getting a rare look into our actual feelings) that sentiments like these are justly in the minority. Ultimately, doctors have the urge and the instinct to teach. (The original Latin meaning of doctor was, in fact, teacher.) Advertisement You were a retired med school dean - so sick the first day I met you, I had to admit you to the hospital. Two days later, you died. Your last conscious act: allowing 1st year med students interview you & correcting their spleen exam. A teacher to the end. #ShareAStoryInOneTweet David Steensma (@DavidSteensma) May 6, 2018 We teach each other, we teach our students, and we teach our patients. But when we physicians lose sight of the reality that our own emotions are part of the overall equation, we lose that essential feeling that the work we do is vital to our patients. This, perhaps more than anything else, can lead to burnout. And if we forget it altogether, our patients will suffer too, because we cant possibly bring our best selves to the job. Ultimately, I believe this is why this particular hashtag has taken offand why we should remember it for longer than its inevitably short life span. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views and opinions of Brigham and Womens Hospital. One of the enduring puzzles of contemporary American politics is why white evangelicals, who loudly proclaim their devotion to the teachings of the Bible, continue to support the thrice-married, six-times-bankrupted, multiple-times-unfaithful, chronically lying president, who has, at the very least, violated three of the Ten Commandments (Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, and Thou shalt not bear false witness) and arguably several others. As the Stormy Daniels affair continues to unfoldand as it becomes more and more likely that it will be confirmed that the president did have an extramarital affair with a porn star three months after his third wife gave birthit becomes increasingly bizarre to watch white evangelicals stand by their man. After all, evangelicals religious beliefs seem in direct opposition to their support for the presidents actions. To many, the evangelical embrace of Trump seems a corruption of a religious tradition by politics, as Michael Gerson put it in his recent Atlantic cover story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But behind the apparent disparity, there exists a psychological kinship between Trumpism and evangelical thoughtat least, for white evangelicals. (In this article, I am focusing on white evangelicals.) The similarities in their approaches to the world run so deep that I believe that white evangelicals would continue to support Trump even if Roe v. Wade werent in the picture. The justification evangelical leaders most often offer for Trumps decidedly unbiblical actionsafter its fake news and but hes not doing it anymoredraws on the Bible itself. Throughout history, they say, God has enlisted imperfect people to fulfill his perfect will. Jerry Falwell Jr., president of evangelical college Liberty University, put it this way: God called King David a man after Gods own heart even though he was an adulterer and a murderer, adding, I think evangelicals have found their dream president. Advertisement This argument is a bit suspect. In 2011, a PRRIBrookings Institute poll asked Americans, Do you think an elected official who commits an immoral act in their personal life can still behave ethically and fulfill their duties in their public life? Only 30 percent of white evangelicals agreed. But asked again in 2016, days before Trump was elected president, 72 percent said that they believe that the two can go together. It is hard to escape the conclusion that the biblical argument Falwell and others are offering is pure rationalization for their support for Donald Trump. But behind the apparent disparity, there exists a psychological kinship between Trumpism and evangelical thoughtat least, white evangelicals. There should be nothing surprising about this: White evangelicals have long supported conservative Republicans. In 1972, Richard Nixon garnered 84 percent of their vote. In 1984, Ronald Reagan took in 80 percent, and in 2004 and 2012, respectively, George W. Bush and Mitt Romney each collected 78 percent. So Trumps 81 percent was not any real departure from the norm. Advertisement Advertisement Although some claim to have found the roots of evangelical political conservatism in the faith- and Bible-based beliefs that modern evangelicals inherited from Martin Luther, there is nothing intrinsic in evangelical theology that pushes people to the right. The Second Great Awakening of the 1830s and 1840s was linked to social-reform efforts. William Jennings Bryan, Populist Party hero and three-time Democratic Party nominee for President, proudly proclaimed himself a progressive in politics though a fundamentalist in religion. Today, black evangelicals, adhering to the very same theology as white evangelicals, lean to the left, not the right. Even for white evangelicals, many of the positions now associated with their conservatism were not always so clear. Both the National Association of Evangelicals and Christianity Today, the flagship evangelical magazine, initially supported the Supreme Courts 1962 Engel v. Vitale decision to bar school prayer. As recently as the late 70s, half a decade after Roe v. Wade, the National Association of Evangelicals opined, We recognize the necessity for therapeutic abortions to safeguard the health or the life of the mother, and the Southern Baptist Convention reaffirmed its belief that personhood began at birth, not at conception. Advertisement Advertisement Preachers are not called upon to be politicians, but soul winners, wrote Baptist minister Jerry Falwell in 1965. But by the end of the 70s, things began to change. The percent of the American population adhering to evangelical beliefs grew rapidly. Right-wing fundamentalist preachers took over organizations such as the Southern Baptist Convention. There was a rapid rise of separatist Baptist churches, proclaiming a fundamentalist theology, denouncing the moral ills of society and communism, and often promoting segregationist views. In 1979, Jerry Falwell joined hard-line conservative activists such as Heritage Foundation and American Legislative Exchange Council co-founder Paul Weyrich to form the Moral Majority, a political action group focused on mobilizing Christians against secular humanism and moral decay. Evangelical pastors threw themselves into the political arena and worked for 1980s conservative electoral victories. Simultaneously, largely evangelical white voters in the South shifted rapidly from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party, and American politics as a whole moved sharply to the right. Advertisement Advertisement Why did millions of Americans both embrace evangelical religion and adopt the evangelical leaders newly hard-line conservative positions? Its tempting to assume that they were trying to make their political beliefs (e.g., on issues such as abortion and school prayer) consistent with their evangelical theology. Advertisement But I dont think thats the case. The mass appeal of evangelicalism is not so much the literal content of its theology as what might be called the emotional theology behind the literal theologythe way in which evangelical beliefs resonated with adherents psychological needs. The same psychological predispositions that led many people to conservatism led them to adopt evangelical beliefs. Start with the psychological predispositions that accompany conservative politics: Psychologists have consistently found differences between conservatives and liberals in average personality traits, attitudes, and moral stances. Conservatives are more likely than liberals to accept or even embrace authority that is perceived to be legitimate. They tend to be more moralistic than liberals and to have a stronger need for order and control. They also tend to show higher levels of repression of aggressive and sexual impulses and are more likely to identify with aggressors. Advertisement Conservatives also show a greater tendency than liberals toward dichotomous thinking and have a stronger need for certainty and cognitive consistency. (I dont do nuance, George W. Bush famously told Joe Biden.) Compared to liberals, conservatives moral sense is less centered on fairness and kindness and more on loyalty, deference to authority, and moral and sexual purity. Advertisement Advertisement Evangelicalism is linked to the very same personality characteristics. Evangelical parents teach their children obedience to authority. Evangelical parents, sociologists John Bartowski, W. Bradford Wilcox, and Christopher G. Ellison found, tend to value childrens obedience while generally downplaying the importance of youngsters autonomy. Dichotomous thinking, a trait associated with conservatism, is equally central to evangelical thought: God and man, saved and unsaved, Christianity and secularism, abstinence or the devil, male and female, life begins at conception and not at some nebulous time between then and when consciousness and rationality emerge. There is no room for ambiguity. Advertisement Advertisement And both conservatives and evangelicals are more likely to see human nature as bad. As Baptist minister and former Republican congressman J.C. Watts put it, The difference between Republicans and Democrats is that Republicans believe people are fundamentally bad, while Democrats see people as fundamentally good. Or, to translate this into evangelical language, We are all sinners in the hands of an angry God. Modern hard conservatism provides believers with a secular version of evangelical eschatology: Since the early part of the 20th century, evangelical thought has shifted toward premillennialism, the belief that, as Gerson put it, the current age is tending not toward progress, but rather toward decadence and chaos under the influence of Satan. In parallel, todays right believes that America is on the brink of destruction; salvation can only occur through a return to the certainties of the past (Make America Great Again). Advertisement Not coincidentally, many evangelical Christians believe that Trump was chosen by God to usher in a new era, a part of history called the end times. The end is near. According to a 2010 survey, fully 58 percent of white evangelical Christians say Jesus Christ will definitely or probably return to Earth within the next 40 years. Only four years earlier, the number expecting His return in their lifetime was only 20 percent. The same psychological predispositions that led many people to conservatism led them to adopt evangelical beliefs. The feeling shared by many evangelicals that the traditional family and older industrial and agricultural communities throughout America are under siege is not entirely unfounded, of course. Loss of jobs due to globalization, automation, flat wages, growing inequality, and declining social mobility have increased pressure on families and have disrupted communities. The years since the late 1960s have also seen a transformation in womens roles at home and at work, the rise of the gay movement and the demand for gay marriage, and rapidly changing boundaries between acceptable and unacceptable sexual behavior. And the collapse of the old racial order in the South, the economic and social advances made by people of color (including the election of a black president), and rising rates of immigration (legal as well as illegal) have destroyed the old white America. While liberals take these developments as a clear sign of progress, many of those who were left behind by the changes of recent decades and whose previous sense of power was upended were left with a brooding sense of anxiety and grievance over no longer being central to American society and culture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most rational response, and probably the most effective, would have been to address the actual sources of the economic disruptions. But by the early 1980s, when the forces of change were starting to take hold, most white evangelicals were already politically conservative. And their political vehicle, the Republican Party, had no interest in addressing the economic forces that were potentially reversible sources of the anxiety. Evangelical religion and the beliefs about social issues that go along with it provided an alternative narrative. Like Trumpism, evangelicalism appeals to a sense of grievance and cultural dispossession. Yale sociology of religion professor Nancy Ammerman has shown that fundamentalist evangelical beliefs appeal most strongly to rural people and especially to people who have moved from rural areas to urban areas. Evangelicalism attracts blue-collar workers with lower and middle incomes and less education than a college degree. People who had experienced economic grievance and cultural dispossession, and who had been exposed to a more diverse world than what they grew up in, but who lacked the experience and resources to deal with these challenges, migrated to evangelical churches. Advertisement The links between conservatism and evangelicalism are long-standing and strong. But several recent factors have strengthened the links and contributed to the failure of white evangelicals to recognize the conflict between their ostensible theological beliefs and their support for Donald Trump. Advertisement First, contemporary America has increasingly been caught up in identity politics (including white identity politics) and political and moral tribalism. Sociologists and political psychologists have found that Americans decisions to ally themselves with a political party is less and less based on the degree to which the parties match their own ideological principles and more and more based on their own social identity, including their religious identity. As people come to identify themselves as both evangelical and conservative, it is as if they are saying to themselves, to be evangelical is to be conservative. Advertisement Advertisement People also more and more tend to define their own beliefs in opposition to the politics (or political figures) they oppose rather than because of their own positive values. This effect has been found to be more strongly related to Republican partisanship than to Democratic partisanship. As the animus toward the opposing political party has grown over the past two decades, peoples partisan and ideological leanings have become more consistent. Conservatism and white evangelicalism increasingly became fused, and the pressure grew on the evangelicals to believe that their political and religious beliefs were compatible, even if to an outside observer they seemed to be inconsistent. Advertisement Advertisement This tendency to seek cognitive consistency is universal, of course. When some of our beliefs or allegiances are inconsistent with others, we are motivated to find some way to bring them into alignment. Conservatives, whether evangelical or not, are more likely than liberals to do this by simply disbelieving information that is inconsistent with their political opinions. Advertisement A second factor contributing to evangelicals ability to reconcile their ostensible religious tenets with their political beliefs comes from changes in evangelical political thought itself. White evangelical support for Trump is increasingly driven by Christian nationalism. The more someone believes that the United States is a Christian nation, the more likely they were to vote for Trump. We are going to protect Christianity, Donald Trump told students at Liberty University. Now, in these hard times for our country, let us turn again to our Christian heritage to lift up the soul of our nation. The belief that the U.S. should be a fundamentally Christian nation is not about moral purity or theological consistency. It is about believing that the government should advocate Christian values, that it is fine for religious symbols to be displayed in public places, that prayer should be allowed in public schools. It is about fantasies that Christianity, the religion at least rhetorically adhered to by 83 percent of Americans, is endangered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As sociologist Philip Gorski points out, this kind of religious nationalism is unmoored from traditional Christian ideals and morality. It makes religious identity the test of national belonging, strips religious identity of its theological content, and functions as a marker of what could be called Trumpian ethnicity. The true believer can believe both in Trump, with all of his moral failings, and in oneself as a true Christian. Finally, the pass given by many white evangelicals to Donald Trump for his sexual conduct, and most recently for his initial denial and subsequent acknowledgement of having paid off Stormy Daniels in return for her silence, may be closely tied to the sexual dynamics of evangelical adherents. The superficially obvious conflict between the sexual morality of evangelical theology and the behavior of Donald Trump is diffused by the fact that the former is less absolute than it seems. Advertisement Like Trumpism, evangelicalism appeals to a sense of grievance and cultural dispossession. On the surface, evangelicals proclaim a very rigid and traditional sexual morality. For instance, the Nashville Statement, a 2017 statement by the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood signed by 148 evangelical leaders, insists on chastity outside of marriage and fidelity within marriage, denounces sexual impurity, and (in no fewer than four of its 14 articles) denounces homosexuality as inconsistent with Gods holy purpose. Advertisement Advertisement Radical evangelicalism itself expresses an exaggerated hypermasculinity. Power is valued, not nurturance or tendernesscorresponding perfectly to Trumps values. And adherence to religious denominations that demand sexual purity and whose doctrines are, in Atlantic writer Emma Greens words, about reaffirming the God-given, differentiated sexuality of men and women, reassuring. (This was especially so in the South, which has a long history of preoccupation with the dangers of sexuality and of a troubling confusion about sexuality and race.) Advertisement American cultures increasing embrace of sex, eroticism, and romance threatens this rigidity, and the changing gender roles and sexual rules of recent decades created a sexual panic for evangelicals. The panic helps explain their virulent-beyond-reason hatred for Hillary Clinton, who embodied the sex-and-gender fears in her policies and in her very existence. Gay marriage engendered equally great terror among evangelicals, who sometimes saw it as threatening not only the family but the very foundation of our social structure. Birth control, the possibility of abortion, pornography, and even the mention of homosexuality or sex outside of marriage in sex education classes for children seemed like gateway drugs, opening the doors to sexual activity. And it was the evangelical owners of Hobby Lobby, the Oklahoma Citybased chain of arts and crafts stores, that successfully got the Supreme Court to agree that their religious beliefs exempted them from having to participate in the Affordable Care Acts requirement of contraception coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These reactions seem to suggest a distaste for the sex-related behaviors themselves. But recall that conservatives have been found to show higher levels of repression of aggressive and sexual impulses. Perhaps the distaste for these broad societal changes is less a result of an actual distaste for sex and more because the biblically justified control over sex that they so loudly proclaim is, in fact, tenuous. The internal conflict underlying superficial evangelical certainty about sexual immorality is exposed in a 2006 poll conducted by Christian.net, the worlds most visited Christian website, which found that 50 percent of all Christian men are addicted to pornography. Sixty percent of the women who answered the survey admitted to having significant struggles with lust and 40 percent of the women who responded admitted to being involved in sexual sin in the previous year. Over half of evangelical pastors surveyed in another poll taken in 2015 admitted viewing pornography in the previous year. The Bible Belt, the Southern and Midwestern parts of the U.S. where evangelical religiosity is strongest, leads the country in consumption of both gay and straight porn, and the parts of the country that are highest in religiosity have the highest rates of searching for sexual content online. In this context, it makes much more sense why evangelicals would be willing to brush off Trumps affair with Stormy Danielsthey do the same for themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservative evangelicals may also identify with Trump in other ways. They see him as embodying and expressing their own feelings. And it is less the content of Trumps anger that many respond to than his anger itself and his aggression and his aggressive sexuality. Trump expresses less what many of his supporters think than what they feel, consciously or unconsciously. White evangelicals voted for Trump because he was a conservative and a Republican. The sources of their conservatism are independent of their nominal religious beliefs (or, more precisely, their conservative politics and their religious affiliation stem from similar causes). They would have voted Republican if Roe v. Wade had never occurred. They would have voted for any other Republican. But if there was something special to them about Trump, it was that he expressed their own rage and their own disowned desires. To them, neither Trumps often-expressed fear and contempt for people of color nor his retrograde attitudes and behaviors toward women were moral disqualifications for being president of the United States. If anything, they were qualifications. Trumps affair with Stormy Daniels is similarly not disqualifyingit is another way in which the identities of both evangelicals and conservatives strongly overlap in a time when identity dictates our political choices more and more. Why should their continued support be surprising? NRB freezes bank accounts The Nepal Rastra Bank on Sunday directed banks and financial institutions to freeze the bank accounts of various transport entrepreneurs who protested in favour of transport syndicates. PM Oli, Indian PM Modi to land in Janakpur simultaneously Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will be arriving in Janakpur at the same time as his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Friday (May 11), Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali said. Religious leader Shreeniwas held for trying to incite communal violence Police on Monday arrested Hindu religious leader Shreeniwas Acharya from Kathmandu on charges of inciting religious and communal violence by ordering his confidant to shoot him. Suspects change their statements to court Lawyers have said that suspects held in connection with the 33kg gold smuggling case and the murder of an alleged smuggler, Sanam Shakya, have changed their statements to the Morang District Court. A lawsuit has been filed against Apple over an alleged infringement of a patent by an Israeli startup known as Corephotonics. According to the startup the dual-lens cameras that are present in the iPhone X and iPhone 8 Plus that Apple released last year were in violation of a patent that Corephotonics holds. The Corephotonics patent was awarded to the startup in January and describes the assembly of telephoto lens components. Last year in November Corephotonics had also sued Apple for violating dual-camera patents with regards to the iPhone 7 Plus. The phablet in the iPhone 7 series was the first Apple device to possess a dual-lens camera. At the time the iPhone X and the iPhone 8 Plus were already available for sale but Corephotonics did not include them in that lawsuit. Get alerts: Strategic partnership In the two lawsuits Corephotonics alleges that it tried to form a partnership with Apple. However the two firms were unable to reach an agreement with regards to possible licensing. According to the lawsuit Apple forged ahead without having a licensing agreement in place. Now Corephotonics says Apple owes it royalties on all the iPhones that have been sold and which have the dual-lens camera technology. This comes in the wake of Apple reporting resilient sales of the iPhone despite waning global demand. The results topped the forecasts of Wall Street driving the shares north by 3.6% in after-hours trading. While Wall Street had expected revenues of $60.8 billion Apple posted $61.1 billion. Weak demand Prior to the release of the results suppliers spread around the world had issued warnings regarding weak demand for smartphones and this had led to predictions that iPhone sales would be weak. However Apple ended up selling 52.2 million iPhones compared to the 50.7 million units it sold last year in the same period. The iPhone maker also disclosed that the dividend will be hiked by 16%. Last year Apple increased its dividend by 10.5%. While analysts are of the view that share buybacks will bolster the prices of shares, there were investors who would have preferred that Apple use the cash differently. I assume Apple cant find a strategic investment at the current prices that will move the needle for them. The $100 billion buyback is good for right now but its not exactly looking to the future, Hal Eddins, the chief economist for Capital Investment Counsel, an Apple shareholder, told Reuters. After visiting Angkor and the amazing temples of Siem Reap you might be wondering what else there is to do in the small city. The temples might dominate most visitors agendas and indeed the majority of their time here, and rightly so, but if you want to escape the flashing lights of Pub Street and the crowds of Angkor then heading over to the floating villages is a great way to see the real Cambodia. But we warned, not all floating villages are equal, some are once again a tourist trap we decided to head out to the furthest: Kampong Khleang where we found ourselves to be the only visitors to this wonderful village! Forget the others, come to this off the beaten track Siem Reap floating village! Have You Ever Considered Visiting A Floating Village Many people travelling around Southeast Asia, especially if youre on one of the popular Mekong River charter cruises, will find themselves in the incredible town of Siem Reap ready to take on the impressive Angkor Wat. We dont blame you, the site is one of the most amazing places weve ever had the privilege of visiting and despite it being crowded its still a must do in the region. But visiting the well known sights in just one of the highlights of your time in Cambodia and there is much more to see and do outside of Angkor and Siem Reap. On the outskirts of the city lay many floating villages, the best of which is Kampong Khleang. Further out than the others it offers the most unspoilt, uncrowded and authentic experience of life here on Southeast Asias biggest lake. Its the perfect antidote to a busy few days jostling around Angkor Wat, here you can take your time and take in real life! An Off The Beaten Track Floating Village Outside of Siem Reap is the huge lake of Tonle Sap, it is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and is annually fed by the Mekong. This lake is an important source of life and livelihood to this region and creates a floodplain that enriches the soil of the surroundings areas too. This means that often the villagers that live in the stilt houses on the lake fish in the rainy season and farm in the dry season. If you want to visit a Siem Reap floating village then this is your most fascinating option. Many who come to see life at the floating villages opt for the much closer Chong Kneas or Kompong Phluk. Many people we have spoken to said they were left disappointed by these two villages and felt they were a bit of a con. One person even told us how their boat left them on an island in the middle of the water where they were asked to pay for 50 worth of rice before being allowed back on, then there is the amount of Korea restaurants due to the number of tourists from there as well as just the sheer number of tourists boats speeding up and down. By heading out to Kampong Khleang we had what resulted in a 100km tuk tuk ride there and back, but what we saw on that ride was almost just as wonderful as the village itself. Upon arriving we also found ourselves to be the only tourists, rather than the kids shouting out for money and locals seeing you and a quick buck, we were greeted with smiles and hellos as well as confused looks. This felt like we were visiting a real working village rather than just a tourist attraction! A Bike Ride Through the Villages of Rural Cambodia Not only was visiting this amazing floating village itself really a stand out experience of Cambodia but the 55 km bike ride through the rural landscape was also wonderful in itself. Bike rides on rural roads in Cambodia arent the quickest , instead over here they travel at a much more gentle pace, trundling through the fields, passed farms and small villages, at this speed you really get a chance to take in your surroundings. 55 km there and another 55km back is a long way on bumpy roads but once out of the city itself it was a wonderful way to see the countryside of this beautiful country. This Siem Reap floating village might be a little bit out of the city but it offers the most authentic experience! Exploring This Wonderful and Fascinating Place on a Local Villagers Boat After a long ride through the progressively rural settings we entered into the village. The main street that is usually underwater during the rainy season was a road of bright orange thick mud. Lined with palm trees this now revealed thoroughfare had houses rising above on either side, their stilts revealed now the waters had receded. The drive along here was slow and slippery, villagers came running out of their houses to wave and say hello, it was quite a surreal experience! Once we got to the end of the road a group of villagers gathered and seemed to be discussing which boat was available. We were ushered onto one of the large wooden ones moored close by, the only ones on the boat, followed by one of the villagers. He then proceeded to take us around the village, driving close by to some of the more usual buildings and pointing out things like schools, fisheries and the homes of some of his friends. Now in the dry season the level of the water was much lower, but still many of the villagers work out in the lake, but often further into its deeper central regions. The low water meant for us that the impressive stilts on which these houses seem to precariously balance were revealed. These houses are all self built and seem to rely on a complex series of wooden beams with little ordering, some of them tower over 35 ft into the air above the murky waters below. This Siem Reap floating village offers such a different atmosphere to the city. In the dry season many of the villagers work in the fields as well as in the waters fishing. Those who stay often set up true floating houses and school further down the lake in the deeper waters. These also provide a fascinating insight into the lives of the people here. Everyone uses a boat, whether high power or rowing, children, teenagers and the elderly can be seen getting around town in all kinds of boats and they are even used to get to and from school. This Siem Reap floating village offers a unique insight into the way of life here. Here in the village they have a dedicated island for a large temple too and even for the dry season the whole town was bustling with people working and getting on with their daily lives. We didnt see one other tourist the entire time were were here which was refreshing given how busy places like Angkor can get and how crazy the other Siem Reap floating village is supposed to get. See Prices For Accommodation in Siem Reap Here Booking.com Being Invited Into One of the Houses One of the highlights but totally unexpected moments of the day was getting invited into one of the stilt houses. We were in desperate need of a number 1 after our 1 and a half hours spent on the water. With nowhere in sight to relieve ourselves a kind family invited us inside, sat on the terrace, three generations and a little dog! Their house was as rickety as expected, walking across the wooden slats there were huge holes were we could see the lake flowing 30 ft below. Most houses here do have a limited and shared electricity supply but often no running water, their living conditions were simple and basic, and yet the smiles radiating from their faces and the warmth with which we were greeted and invited in told us of how happy and content this simple life leaves these resourceful people! An Unforgettable Day And A Unique Experience! To see such a way of life, a way that differs so much to ours on levels we cant even imagine was a really special experience. Travelling to me is all about seeing how other people live and appreciating the differences in people and places all around the world. The more I travel the more I realise my true fascination lies in the people and their culture, today we got to see just a small insight into the hard lives the people of the Siem Reap floating village of Tonle Sap lead, but also the beautiful place they call home and the warmth with which outsiders are welcomed in. How To Visit This Siem Reap Floating Village: To get here we hired a scooter from our hostel, expect to pay around $5 a day. You can also rent a tuk tuk driver for around $15 a day too but you might not have as much time to explore the village as you want after the boat ride, be sure to let him know you want to do this too. See Prices For Transport To Siem Reap Here The boat in the village then takes you on a 1.5 hours tour, expect to pay around $20 for this, your tuk tuk driver can sort this out for you and if you manage to get more people along you can get this price down. You can book from a small office on the way into town if you are on a bike. Have You Ever Visited A Floating Village In This Region? Book Your Transport Here Book Your Accommodation Here Booking.com Hey, Youve Got Your Travel Insurance Sorted Havent You? Travelling and especially backpacking is a wild adventure, but make sure you are covered just incase something goes wrong, which if youre living it up to the fullest its always a possibility! Check travel insurance prices with World Nomads here! See More From This Country: See More From Our Backpacking Adventures: Pin For Later: UK parliamentary delegation calls on Minister Pun Visiting parliamentary delegation from the United Kingdom (UK) called on Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Barshaman Pun. The Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, better known as Agribank, has angered customers as it decided to increase the fee for cash withdrawal made at its own ATMs from later this week. Starting May 12, Agribank cardholders will be charged VND1,650, including a VND1,500 fee plus a ten-percent value-added tax, per cash withdrawal even at ATMs run by the same lender. The current fee is only VND1,000 per transaction. On top of the increased withdrawal fee, Agribank will also hike the interbank transfer fee, made either via its ATMs or mobile banking platform, to 0.05 percent of the total transaction value. The announcement has outraged many cardholders. Thi, a textile worker in District 12, Ho Chi Minh City, who is paid via an Agribank account, said she will limit the number of times she has to withdraw cash to avoid the absurd transaction fee. Another customer named Thanh complained that while the VND500 fee hike seems trivial, the decision from Agribank will leave a huge impact, considering it is one of the lenders with the biggest number of ATM cards in Vietnam. Agribank's deputy CEO Nguyen Thi Phuong told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the bank could have applied the new fee much earlier than the May 12 deadline to offset rising costs in terms of ATM operations, including new machine investment and cash storage and transportation. Now that the bank could no longer bear the rising expenses, the new fee should be put in place, she underlined. Phuong added that the increased fee is still below the ceiling of VND3,300 per transaction set by the State Bank of Vietnam, and could only make up for an inconsiderable proportion of the mentioned rising costs. The deputy CEO also said the move is aimed at encouraging ATM users to switch to other payment methods to help reduce the use of cash in the economy. As of December 2016, Agribank was Vietnams biggest lender by assets, with a total asset of VND1,000 trillion (US$44.05 billion), according to data gathered by Reuters. Many other Vietnamese banks have also increased different transaction and service fees over the last few months. Vietcombank, for instance, has elevated its SMS Banking fee from VND8,800 to VND11,000 per month, while VIB has also started charging customers for several services that used to be free. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The 19th Asian Physics Olympiad, an annual contest in physics for high school students, kicked off on Sunday at the Hanoi-based University of Science and Technology, one of the most prestigious higher education institutions in Vietnam. The competition for students under 20 this time has 188 candidates from 25 countries and territories in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the organizer. Vietnam sends eight contestants to the contest, which takes place from May 6 to 13. Each student participant was trained in a special fashion prior to the competition, according to Leong Chuan Kwek, the Asian Physics Olympiads president. He advised them to engage themselves in conversations with each other for a mutual understanding of the culture and aspirations of their foreign friends. Experts said that the Asian Physics Olympiad, first held in 2000, serves to motivate high school students to improve their knowledge in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and fields important to the growth of what is commonly called Industry 4.0, which capitalizes on automation and computing. Vietnam, now hosting its second contest since 2004, has attained notable achievements in the previous events. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Hanoi-based English center where a teacher was previously caught calling a student 'pig brain' has been found operating without a legitimate license. MST English Center has yet to obtain a license to operate as a foreign language training facility from the Hanoi Department of Education and Training, a departmental representative confirmed on Sunday. The center has three facilities, managed by the MST Education System JSC, whose legal representative is Nguyen Thi Kim Tuyen, according to the department. Tuyen is also the teacher who was filmed yelling at a student and calling him 'pig brain' inside her classroom in a video going viral on social media last week. Kieu Van Minh, an official from the education department, said all three facilities have been shut down after the video caused a stir on the Internet. However, department officials are still unable to reach the leaders of the MTS, he added. We will continue investigating the violations of this center, the official added. The English center attracted media attention after the video was posted on social media on Saturday. As of Monday morning, the footage has attracted more than two million views. In the nearly two and a half minute footage, the teacher insisted that one of the students in her class pay a fine worth VND100,000 (US$4.4) as he had broken the center's rules by not handing in homework on schedule. However, the leaner refused to do so and called her a fraud, before the angered teacher started using offensive words and calling him 'pig brain' and 'pig face,' which means 'extremely idiotic' in this context. The English center highlights on its official website that 'discipline of steel' is applied at the facility, stressing that fines from VND50,000 ($2.2) to VND100,000 must be paid if learners fail to hand in their homework on time. Learners are required to sign a commitment to comply with such rules at the beginning of the course. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Korean zone in Residential Unit 8, Ward 4, Tan Binh District, near Tan Son Nhat International Airport, is home to dozens of Korean food stores, convenience stores, supermarkets and massage houses. It starts with a convenience store located at the Truong Son-Hau Giang junction in Ho Chi Minh City. Within under 100m in size, this store alone offers almost any kind of Korean product, ranging from fresh produce, packaged foods, to food seasoning, kitchenware, pastry and even cosmetics. Going past this first premise, one should see a row of Korean restaurants with signage written in both Korean and Vietnamese. Its all Korean here! Foods are the most outstanding products approachable in this area. Eaters can easily find varied types of noodles and porridges, hotpots and barbecue. There are fried, stir-fried, steamed and mixed dishes as well. Scattered amid these restaurants are grocers and minimarts selling Korean food seasoning and other stuff. Looking to their sides, one should quickly catch sight of hotels, travel agencies, air ticket centers, barbers, massage services, or juice stalls. Most signposts here are in Korean, as they cater primarily for Koreans dwelling in Ho Chi Minh City. Your correspondent noticed a restaurant named Banh gao Han Quoc, or Korean Tokpokki (a kind of rice dish made in small cylindrical bars served with a spicy sauce), at 49 Hau Giang Street. This place sells cakes of different colors, shapes and sizes, all appetizing and attractive. According to Huynh Van Quang, a salesman here, there are more than 40 types of rice cakes made in the traditional Korean style. There are baram-tteok, a round-shaped muffin made from rice powder and black beans, modum-joen made from lotus seeds, apples, red beans and peanuts, and chapssal-tteok made from rice and vegetable powder. Quang also says that the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Oh Eun Hwan, were originally from Seoul. They came to Ho Chi Minh City in 1993 and started selling cakes for a living. At that time they opened a retail store for nearby residents, but sold products in large quantities for Korean restaurants around the city and some provinces nearby as well. Korean rice cakes on sale in a store within the Korean zone in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre How it all came about Dinh Thi Thang, head of Residential Unit 8, Ward 4, Tan Binh District, owns a hotel on Hau Giang Street. She says that her business has taken up after the Koreans flocked to the area. Thang knows the Korean zone like the back of her hand, as for decades she has lived here working in a military unit near the airport. From her accounts, it can be understood that around the early 1990s, the state granted accommodation to many civil servants in this area. This led to the rise of residential areas along Hau Giang, Thang Long, Nguyen Van Vinh or Nguyen Trong Loi Streets. These streets intersect each other in somewhat a closed circle. Also at that time, the area around Pham Van Hai Market, located 3.2km southward, had already lured lots of Korean businesses. However, after a decade or so, this first Korean zone gradually came to an end for no apparent reason. Some people believed it was low quality road infrastructure that was to blame, while others reckoned it was unsuitable feng shui. Whatever the reason, some stores moved to Districts 1, 2 and 7, while most ended up in Ward 4, Tan Binh District, forming the Korean zone as it is now. At first the Koreans here only hired small-scale premises, selling mostly dog meat, steamed pork or barbecue. As time went by, however, the Korean community employed in Ho Chi Minh City as well as Korean tourists increasingly came to this area, prompting its expansion to include bigger restaurants and supermarkets. This zone was almost empty before the Koreans arrived. Ever since their businesses sprang up, everything has seemed to fall into their lot! said Thang, Residential Unit 8s head. She added an interesting note: Korean men seemingly have Vietnamese women as wives. She revealed that there are more or less 20 couples like that in Residential Unit 8. Mr. and Mrs. Kim Jong Un are the owners of Ginseng, a big restaurant in the Korean zone. Photo: Tuoi Tre Saigon as the haven for life According to Thang, there is a married Korean couple who has grown especially fond of Vietnam. They have opened a big restaurant named Nhan Sam, or Ginseng, on Hau Giang Street. As your correspondent arrived, Mr. and Mrs. Kim Jong Sun, the owners of Ginseng, were getting a long dining table ready for a large tourist group. In utmost delight, they introduced each and every one of their delicacies, giving detailed explanations on the recipes, arrangement and how to enjoy them to the best. The couple came to Ho Chi Minh City on December 12, 1993. The Kimchi land was harsh for the husband, as his illness takes over whenever the chill of winter sets in. Taking recommendations from a friend, they came to Vietnam on vacation. After just a few days in this country, the husband was up and running. They instantly made up their mind to settle down here. Besides investing in a small hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, they opened the first Ginseng restaurant in District 1, and moved to the current location after several years. We only get back to Korea once a year, mostly to see relatives and get health check-ups, said Mrs. Kim in her uncanny Vietnamese. Her son has got married to a Vietnamese woman and the old couple now has a one-year-old grandson. Saigon is just the right place for a stable occupation. Theres easy traffic, ideal weather, so weve decided to live here permanently, Mrs. Kim added. A team of young Vietnamese filmmakers has attracted social media attention with a teaser from their animation project, set in ancient Vietnam hundreds of years before the Common Era (BCE), at a time when the local animated film market is dominated by foreign works. Loa thanh ruc lua, literally known as Flaming Co Loa Citadel, is a five-episode historical animated film and the first part in a fantasy, time-travel cartoon series named Hat thoc va nhung chuyen du hanh xuyen thoi gian (A grain of rice and its time-travel journeys). The animation project was conceived in 2016 and initiated in late 2017 by Hacthanstudio, a team of Vietnamese artists, who all have children between the ages of ten and 12 and share a passion for making animated films that inspire young people to learn about history. The films teaser was released in late April and received positive reviews from the local audience. The first teaser of 'Loa thanh ruc lua' Le Tham, the scriptwriter, said that she has consulted historians and referred to historical documents in order to develop the narrative, which will depict some historical figures as superheroes. Children will be curious to find out who these superheroes really are in Vietnamese history, as well as how people lived in ancient times, Tham, who produces animated programs for national broadcaster VTV, said. The main characters of the series include three little friends Hai Au, En Nho and Dieu Dau To, tasked with returning to the past to find their grandfather, a missing historian, and retrieving a lost Time Map. At the end of the first part, the three protagonists will travel back to Hanoi in the early 20th century. The first episode of Loa thanh ruc lua, meant for viewers from eight years old and scheduled for premiere this autumn, tells the trios trip back to Au Lac, the name of the Vietnamese state from 257 BCE to 179 BCE, where they will have to encounter countless dangers and turn themselves into historical figures to learn about the past. The second episode is expected to be aired by the end of 2018, with the production crew considering increasing the total number of episodes to ten should the film receive good reviews. Hacthanstudio also includes other well-known names in the industry, namely director Huyen Vu, winner of the Best Animation Award at the 2009 Vietnam Film Festival, Nguyen Hoang Vinh Khang, a graphic designer of San Francisco-based Creative Circle, and author Le Di, an editor at local publishing company AlphaBooks. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! As public confusion clouds last weeks announcement that a so-called master plan for an ambitious new urban area in Ho Chi Minh City has 'gone missing,' a former municipal chairman has spoken out on the issue, which he was directly involved in more than 20 years ago. Thu Thiem, a crescent-shaped plot of land located in District 2 and separated from downtown Ho Chi Minh City by the Saigon River, has for the past two decades been under transformation into a new urban area, serving as an extension to the citys existing central business district. Planning for the Thu Thiem New Urban Area began in 1996, when then-Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet issued a decision approving its development. It has been thought that an urban design for Thu Thiems future look, considered the original planning map for the new urban area, was attached to this decision and signed in approval by the then-premier. This map serves a significant role, as it is the legal basis for the issuance of subsequent detailed plans and for the relocation of tens of thousands of residents in Thu Thiem. Consequently, municipal officialswere confused when they could not find any copy of such a map, with the premiers signature of approval, in national archives following a recent search for legal grounds to resolve land disputes with local residents. Over 60 households in Thu Thiem are filing complaints against the municipal administration claiming their land had been cleared illegally despite not being located within the projects approved area. Vo Viet Thanh, former chairman of Ho Chi Minh City who was in office for the 1997-2001 tenure. Photo: Tuoi Tre Map does not matter now Addressing this issue in an interview with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, Thanh said people have been looking for a non-existent map. If you are looking for a map with Prime Minsiter Vo Van Kiets signature on it, you are never going to find one, Thanh told Tuoi Tre. Thanh, who served as Ho Chi Minh Citys deputy chairman between July 1996 and August 1997 before being promoted to chairman for the 1997-2001 tenure, said it was he who signed the citys proposal on Thu Thiems planning in May 1996 and presented it to the prime minister. Attached to the proposal were 13 maps, dated May 1995, detailing the future look of Thu Thiem, which the retired chairman has since kept safe in his own home. The maps include planning for Thu Thiems transport infrastructure, utilities, functional areas, drainage system, and so on. These are all the designs that were submitted to the government at the time for approval for the 1:5,000 planning of Thu Thiem New Urban Area, Thanh said as he showed the maps to Tuoi Tre. The root of the problem is that the premier merely gave the go-ahead to the proposal and did not sign any of those attached maps, the former chairman underlined. The 22-year-old file containing 13 original design plans of Thu Thiem New Urban Area kept by Vo Viet Thanh, former chairman of Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre Thanh also complained that city officials had invested their time poorly looking for the original design instead of addressing the real problem how to develop an urban area that is to the best interests of local residents in Thu Thiem. The urgent task right now should be to restore the good intention of the original planning, which is transforming Thu Thiem into a new urban area that grows in harmony with the citys existing downtown area to form a complete city center for development purposes, Thanh explained. Above all, the peoples well-being and stable livelihood should be the ultimate goals in doing so. Long-term Thu Thiem residents should be the first to benefit from its transformation. Below are the original 13 design plans of the Thu Thiem New Urban Area kept by Thanh: Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Party Committee of Ho Chi Minh City has found one of its deputy secretaries having overstepped his power in approving an illegal land sale by a state-owned company that could have resulted in a major loss of state property. Tat Thanh Cang, standing deputy secretary of the citys Party organ, is involved in the land sale between Tan Thuan Investment and Construction Co. Ltd., which is wholly owned by the Office of the municipal Party Committee, and private company Quoc Cuong Gia Lai. In June 2017 Cang gave the green light to Tan Thuan Co. to sell a 32.5-hectare land plot in Phuoc Kien Commune in the outer district of Nha Be to Quoc Cuong Gia Lai for VND1.29 million (US$56.7) per square meter, which is much cheaper than the market price. According to government decrees dictating the sale of land by state-owned companies, open auctions must be held to find the highest bidder to ensure maximum profit from the transaction, in cases similar to this. The sale was approved shortly after the piece of land had become a state property, with local residents already receiving compensation to relocate elsewhere. Neither the municipal Party Committees standing committee nor its Office that directly oversees Tan Thuan Co. was made aware of such a land sale, as Cang never reported his approval to these entities, according to inspection results. But the Tan Thuan Quoc Cuong Gia Lai deal never went through, as the citys Party Committee discovered the agreement to have the land transferred via a non-auction sale in December 2017, and immediately ordered all land transfer proceedings to halt for an inspection. Motorcyclists zoom past a plot of public land in Phuoc Kien Commune, Nha Be District that was unlawfully approved to be sold at a cheap price to a private company in a June 2017 deal that never went through. Photo: Tuoi Tre On Sunday, the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee announced its findings after the months-long inspection, which found Cang and leaders of Tan Thuan Co. to blame for the illicit land sale. Cang had overstepped his power by approving the loss-making land sale without first reporting to the Party Committee, according to the inspection conclusion. He also failed to perform necessary reviews of how the deal was actually enacted between the two companies involved in the sale, after having given his in-principle approval to Tan Thuan Co. Cang is therefore asked to compile a self-review of his responsibilities in the land sale and submit it to his governing body for further consideration. Tran Cong Thien, general director of Tan Thuan Co., has been suspended from work as a comprehensive probe into the firm is set to be launched later this month. Despite such signs of violation, Party inspectors say there has been no evidence so far to suggest deliberate wrongdoings for personal gain. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Six part 2018 German drama Bad Banks premieres on SBS tonight. This has already been screening at SBS On Demand, and begins with a double episode. After being wrongly fired from Credit International, a prestigious Investment bank in Luxembourg, Jana Liekam, a talented Young Investment banker, is offered a dream-job in Frankfurt under the supervision of Gabriel Fenger, the prominent Head of Investment Banking at Deutsche Invest. As time goes by, Jana has not only had to give up her job, but also leave her boyfriend and his 5-year-old daughter behind. While Jana quickly manages to impress Fenger and his team with her passion and ambition, she realises only too late that Christelle Leblanc, her former boss at Credit International, has secretly been pulling the strings and manipulating Jana to her own advantage. Soon, Jana finds herself torn between her new obligations and Leblancs relentless blackmail will she and her career survive this merciless power play? Series One, Episode One: Fired Young investment banker Jana Liekam is suddenly fired by Credit International Financial Group (CI), an international bank headquartered in Luxembourg, supposedly for making a serious mistake. Episode Two: Follow the Junk Not without ulterior motives, Leblanc lures Jana with inside information about an imminent billion-euro deal that the industry knows nothing about yet. Tuesday, 8 May at 10.30pm on SBS. House Rules, The Block, Grand Designs, Selling Houses Australia.. Take any of televisions top property shows and they all have one thing in common: the makeover. But has a genre become entrenched in its own Before / After approach to storytelling, and has originality been left at the front door? Its a question TV Tonight put to House Rules very eloquent designer, Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen whose 2 decade television career includes hosting the UKs Changing Rooms. Its a really interesting point. We are living in a world of makeover, transformation, upgrade, and we are constantly fixated about making stuff better. But are we making it better or are we just making it different? he asks. It is obviously one of the most exciting things you can watch on television. Its the Cinderella moment where you see something that is totally transformed. These transformations are nourishing. But what I do like about House Rules is that I do feel these transformations are nourishing. I think they are wholesome, thoughtful, properly done and architecturally worthwhile. They are upcycles I am proud of and Im prepared to very much endorse. One of the innate features is that you are working with the house rules. The home-owner is giving you a set of statements that you have to interpret. And the fascinating thing about watching the programme is how that interpretation happens and how it is translated into the finished design. Since joining the Seven series last year, Llewellyn-Bowens unmistakeable personality has popped off the screen. Dressed in arresting three-piece suits and driving the shows jeopardy, he serves up the pithy quotes, alongside locals Wendy Moore and Drew Heath. We have a rule that these are houses for people to live in, not houses for people to flip. This season kicks off with a first-ever challenge of renovating a Sydney home to go to auction. But whilst a house is flipped for the purposes of a challenge, contestants still renovate each others own homes. A condition of participation is that contestants cannot sell their renovated homes for 12 months after broadcast. What you dont want is the minute the show comes out everybody putting their house on the market, Llewellyn-Bowen explains. Its disrespectful to the viewer. So we have a rule that these are houses for people to live in, not houses for people to flip. We have flirted with the flippin with the teams first task is to flip a Sydney house. But thats so that they create their own prize money, which is a pretty genius twist on the format. Llewellyn-Bowen also insists this season has more authenticity amongst its 7 teams than previous seasons. Or is it just spin? A lot of reality shows are very manipulated but on House Rules they contestants are not being pushed into cartoon stereotypes, he insists. They are showing their real personalities. The reason we can do that is the fact that you cant hide. When you are stuck in a roofless house for week you cant pretend to be something youre not. The work is done in the casting, not in the producing. 2018 teams include partners, brothers, and mother & daughter from 5 states. But does the Property genre match the diversity of Singing & Cooking TV? Its not really a question Llewellyn-Bowen is too interested in judging. Having been involved in these shows for 25 years I think its incredibly important that every show needs to reflect its audience and celebrate is audience. But I think you will be surprised at how different everybodys stories are in the show. Im not going to get involved in deciding who is diverse and who isnt But Im not going to get involved in deciding who is diverse and who isnt, because as far as I am concerned, everybody is diverse. Everybody is original, unusual, and has their own take on something. Its not for me to judge whether somebody is more diverse than somebody else. House Rules is now airing on Seven. SKY News and SKY News Business coverage begins at 5am tomorrow, with its regular line-up of political reporters and business analysts. The countdown to the Treasurers speech begins at 5:00am tomorrow on SKY News Live (Ch 601) with Kieran Gilbert and Brooke Corte on First Edition. Political reporters Ashleigh Gillon, Laura Jayes and Tom Connell will be joined throughout the day by leading economists to discuss the potential market and economic impact of the Governments package. At 5:30pm on SKY News Business (Ch 602), Business Editor James Daggar-Nickson hosts a special Budget 2018 edition of Ticky, then at 6.30pm Helen Dalley will be joined by market experts to preview what Budget 2018 holds for business and personal finances. From 6:00pm on SKY News Live, Ross Cameron and Rowan Dean will host a special Budget edition of Outsiders, before Janine Perrett sets the scene from Canberra as the Treasurer prepares to deliver whats expected to be a pre-election budget. Then from 7:30pm, Live coverage from the House of Representatives, as Treasurer Scott Morrison hands down Budget 2018, simulcast on SKY News Live and SKY News Business. So who will be better off and who will pay more? Straight after the Treasurer, award-winning SKY News Political Editor David Speers leads unrivalled analysis from Parliament House. His team of experts include former Prime Ministerial chief of staff Peta Credlin, leading business journalist Ticky Fullerton and Political Reporter Samantha Maiden. As the SKY News team examines the political and economic impact of the Budget, David will be joined by the Treasurer and Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen. From 9:00pm, Budget 2018 with David Speers will provide further insights as the panel of experts is joined by The Australians Editor-at-Large Paul Kelly. At 9:00pm on SKY News Business, Ticky Fullerton will host Budget 2018:Ticky, as the nations business elite present their first response to the Governments package. At 10:00pm, a special budget edition of the top rating Paul Murray Live will be simulcast on SKY News Live and SKY News Business. Paul and his team, including Chris Kenny and Nicholas Reece, will be joined by Canberras key crossbench Senators for their first appraisal. Janine Perrett returns at 11:00pm for a special Canberra-based edition of Heads Up as her panel takes the first look at the nations front pages and examines how the budget will play out in the media. On Wednesday 9 May SKY News will bring you all the post-budget analysis with Budget 2018: The Verdict. From 5:00am on First Edition, Kieran Gilbert and Brooke Corte will talk to all the key players as the Government begins the hard sell and the Opposition seeks to expose policy flaws. On SKY News Business, Business Editor James Daggar-Nickson and Chief Business Reporter Ingrid Willinge, will be joined by Business Reporter Leo Shanahan as they digest the economic and market impact on Budget Breakfast. At 12:30pm Live and uninterrupted coverage from Parliaments Great Hall as Treasurer Scott Morrison delivers his Post-Budget Address to the National Press Club. On Thursday 10 May Budget 2018 coverage continues on SKY News Live with a special edition of The Bolt Report at 7:00pm ahead of Live coverage and analysis of Labors Official Budget Reply at 7:30pm on SKY News Live. A-PAC, Australias Public Affairs Channel will have complete coverage and full replays of all the key speeches and news conferences on Foxtel channel 648 and on SKYNews.com.au/Budget2018. SKY News will provide a multi-platform digital experience including insight and opinion from the SKY News coverage plus breaking news and video updates at SKYNews.com.au/Budget2018. Follow SKY News on social media @SKYNewsAust, @SKYBusiness andwww.facebook.com/skynewsaustralia for the latest breaking news on budget night. Australians abroad can view the coverage on Australia Channel, available on any internet connected device, both live and on demand. A one-week free trial of Australia Channel is available at www.australiachannel.com.au. Budget 2018 Programming Schedule on SKY News: Tuesday 8 May 5:00am Budget 2018 The Countdown: First Edition on SKY News Live (Ch 601) 8:30am Budget 2018 The Countdown: AM Agenda on SKY News Live (Ch 601) 10:00am Budget 2018 The Countdown: Live Now on SKY News Live (Ch 601) 12:00pm Budget 2018 The Countdown: NewsDay on SKY News Live (Ch 601) 4:00pm Budget 2018 The Countdown: Speers on SKY News Live (Ch 601) 5:30pm Budget 2018: Ticky on SKY News Business (Ch 602) 6:00pm Budget 2018: Outsiders on SKY News Live (Ch 602) 6:30pm Budget 2018: Setting the scene on SKY News Business (Ch 602) 7.30pm Budget 2018: The Treasurer Live and complete on SKY News Live (Ch 601), SKY News Business (Ch 602) and A-PAC (Ch 648) 8:00pm Budget 2018 with David Speers on SKY News Live (Ch 601) and SKY News Business (Ch 602) 9:00pm Budget 2018: Ticky on SKY News Business (Ch 602) 10:00pm Budget 2018: Paul Murray Live on SKY News Live (Ch 601) and SKY News Business (Ch 602) 11:00pm Budget 2018: Heads Up on SKY News Live (Ch 601) and SKY News Business (Ch 602) Wednesday 9 May 5:00am Budget 2018 The Verdict: First Edition on SKY News Live (Ch 601) 6:00am Budget 2018 The Verdict: Budget Breakfast on SKY News Business (Ch 602) 8:30am Budget 2018 The Verdict: AM Agenda on SKY News Live (Ch 601) 9:00am Budget 2018 The Verdict: Trading Day on SKY News Business (Ch 602) 12:30pm Budget 2018: National Press Club with Scott Morrison on SKY News Live (Ch 601) Thursday 10 May 7:00pm Budget 2018: The Bolt Report on SKY News Live (Ch 601) 7:30pm Budget 2018: Labors Reply on SKY News Live (Ch 601) *All times in AEST The iconic Cher chats with Andrew Denton on this weeks Interview. This is another location interview recorded in a hotel suite during her visit to the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras. Also featuring in studio is comedian Ross Noble. Cher At 71 years-old, Chers icon status is undeniable. Tomorrow night, Andrew sits down with the Academy Award, Grammy and Golden Globe winner for her only Australian TV interview. Their career-spanning conversation covers Chers extraordinary wardrobe choices, the critical and commercial film successes of her 1980s movies, famous partners including Sonny Bono and Gene Simmons, the challenges of ageing and her life as both a mother and daughter. Cher candidly discusses the #MeToo movement and her first-hand experiences. You do the crime, you gotta do the time. No matter who you are. She also recounts how she and Meryl Streep once saved a young woman in Texas from being mugged and explains why she signed on to the upcoming Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again movie (she plays Meryls mother, even though the two are only three years apart in age) without even seeing a script. Ross Noble Not many guests would be happy to make their entrance on a motorbike. But not many guests are Ross Noble. One of the worlds funniest men speaks with Andrew about his need to ride something noisy in order to get some quiet and why a rhinoceros makes a perfect anniversary gift. The comedian also talks about his love of horror movies, how you prepare to play a killer clown, and why hes the only person legendary funny man Mel Brooks has ever told to tone it down. In a jaw-dropping moment that Ross didnt see coming and yet couldnt seem to talk himself out of, he also shares an intimate yet comedic memory of a bedroom escapade. 9pm Tuesday on Seven. The next instalment of the 5 part documentary series Citizen Rose will screen on hayu on Friday. Artist and activist Rose McGowan has helped ignite a cultural revolution by bravely addressing sexual abuse and harassment in Hollywood, while defying those who would silence her. This documentary series gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at Roses world as she continues to speak out and inspire others during this important moment of societal change. Now a leading voice of a cultural movement, Roses life is as complex and captivating as ever. The series follows Rose as she readies her new memoir, Brave, creates the art though which she heals, and fights back against those trying to bring her down. Shaynna Blaze will front Nines new property series Buying Blind in which 3 experts buy a property for buyers who hand over their life-savings. The Block / Selling Houses Australia expert will be joined by buyers agent, Rich Harvey and builder, Marshal Keen. Based on a European format, the series features 6 couples facing the property market. Buying a home is the biggest investment a couple will ever make together, so I couldnt be more excited to join these couples on their journey to find, build and design their dream home, said Blaze. Nines Head of Content Production and Development, Adrian Swift, said: This is a show about unlucky house-hunters who take the ultimate leap of faith: handing over the biggest and most expensive decision of their lives, the purchase of a home, to a team of strangers. Real houses, real savings, real mortgages. Its edge-of-the-seat drama with the biggest reveal on TV. Will it be the dream home they could never find or a disaster they never wanted? Mark Fennessy, CEO of Endemol Shine Australia, the series producers, said: Buying Blind is a high-stakes property thriller for buyers who put the purchase of their lives into the hands of strangers. Its a rollercoaster of high drama, jeopardy and thrills, with the ultimate reveal of the dream home that youve never seen. An airdate is yet to be announced. The couples range from disillusioned first-time home buyers to struggling young families who cant agree on what to buy and are at their wits end with the soaring property market in Australia. Each week one couple will sign over their life savings to three experts who make the crucial decisions of finding, purchasing, and renovating a property that meets their expectations. Buying Blind promises life-changing transformations and unpredictable final reactions as the couples risk it all for the home of their dreams. Buying Blind is a format created by Kinetic Content, a Red Arrow Studios company, distributed by Red Arrow Studios International, and produced by Endemol Shine Australia for the Nine Network. There is speculation today that some titles on SKY News Business could be getting a Free to Air broadcast. The Australian reports the News Corp-owned channel is close to finalising a deal for select titles to air on one of Nines multichannels. The win / win idea behind it is to promote SKY Business content to a wider audience, whilst giving Nine some dedicated business programming, presumably at low cost. Nine is closer to finalising a deal with News Corp Australias Sky Business in a move that would see the subscription-TV broadcaster on a free-to-air network for the first time (why stop there what other shows should we taste?). SKY News was previously part-owned by Nine and Seven, before News Corp bought it in its entirety in late 2016. Both free to air networks still supply news footage. Sources said Nine and News Corp were also exploring other options to develop further partnerships. US President Donald Trump likes to posit theories. He has one theory that if the teachers in American schools were all armed with guns and trained to use them, then there would be far less school shootings in the US. And as he has told the National Rifle Association in a recent speech, he believes that the record-high knife crime rates in the British capital city of London would go down if the UK let their strict gun laws loose and allowed for every British citizen to be packing firearms. Technically, Trump is probably right. If everyone in the UK was walking around with a gun under their jacket, there would be less knife crime in London but there would be a heck of a lot more gun crime! He made these comments in response to a couple of things: first of all, in response to the reports that the knife crime rate in London is at an all-time high, and second of all, in response to an interview that he skimmed and missed the point of. In fact, the person whose interview he missed the point of posted a GIF on Twitter in which the text THE POINT flies right over an unsuspecting stick figures head. London is just knives, knives, knives, says Trump Trumps description of London is knives, knives, knives, and its worth mentioning that he said this while lunging his hand out like a blade. He also said that a hospital in the city an arbitrary hospital that he did not name was as bad as a military war zone in the bloodbath that was going on there. He was getting his information from a surgery expert who had given an interview to the British press, but he wasnt quoting him directly. The guy who Trump got his information from was Martin P. Griffiths, who was actually discussing the high levels of knife crime in London by way of saying that the knives need to be taken out of the hands of these perpetrators and these crimes need to be prevented. But what the President of the United States has taken from that is to go completely in the other direction and suggested that what he meant was that every British person needs a gun, so that if someone comes at them with a knife, they will be able to shoot them. But surely if everyone has a gun, no one will bother with the knives anymore. If theyre going to attack someone with a deadly weapon and guns are available, surely theyll go with the guns. This is something that Trump singularly failed to point out during his unusual diatribe to the NRA where he roped Britain and British politics into it, in which he inaccurately quoted Griffiths as saying that theres blood all over the floors of this hospital in London. After Trump said this, one of Griffiths colleagues, Dr. Geraldine A. Lee, tweeted to him to jokingly ask what it felt like to be misquoted by a man who is allegedly the most powerful man in the entire world. Dr. Lee opened her post on social media with a lighthearted, Love it! There would be more weight surrounding this issue with these experts if they thought that the US Presidents comments would have any bearing in some changes to the UK legislation, but Parliament has not taken any of these comments or suggestions seriously. Police have fired back that London is very safe According to the UK police authorities, despite the fact that the number of stabbings in London has gone up rapidly in the past few years, the city still remains one of the safest in the world. They may have been using this to fire back at Trump, or perhaps just to state some facts that are contrary to popular opinion in order to sway the publics standpoint on the citys crime rates. The number of annual knife crimes have only gone up marginally, anyway theyve gone from 4,446 incidents last year to 4,700 incidents this year. Its not a huge difference. Do you remember back in 2015 when there was a terrorist attack in Paris? Then-US Presidential candidate Donald Trump made some incendiary and insensitive and controversial comments about it on the campaign trail, and now, as actual President, hes back before the top brass of the NRA in Dallas making incendiary comments about it again. On a roll with his comments about how London could prevent its knife crime rates if everyone in the UK had guns, he suggested that the strict gun laws in France are to blame for the 2015 attack. Former French President calls Trumps comments shameless Suffice it to say, it seems like everyone in France is unhappy about Trumps comments. Francois Hollande, who was the President of France at the time of the 2015 attack on Paris, has tweeted to say that the US Presidents comments were shameful remarks and obscene histrionics, which will affect his relationship with the country of France. He worries that, thanks to rhetoric like this, the United States relationship with France will now be tainted by disrespect and excessiveness. The French foreign ministry issued a statement about what Trump said about their country and its laws and took the chance to express their firm disapproval of his thoughts and opinions (and the fact that he chose to share them). Then they called for people to feel the respect of the memory of the victims at this time. FILE PHOTO: The logo of BP is seen at a petrol station in Kloten, Switzerland October 3, 2017. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo BASRA, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraq's state-run North Oil Company signed an agreement with BP on Monday to boost output from the Kirkuk fields in the north of the country, an Iraqi oil official said. The agreement was signed in the southern Iraqi city of Basra, he told Reuters. Iraq in January signed a memorandum of understanding with BP to boost Kirkuk's output capacity to 750,000 barrels per day (bpd), more than twice existing capacity. The oilfields were taken back under Baghdad's control last October after Iraqi government forces dislodged Kurdish fighters from the area. Oil Minister Jabar al-Luaibi began the talks with BP in October, only days after the Kurdish fighters were driven from the area. Oil exports from the field, transported by pipeline to Turkey, halted after the Iraqi military operation, which was conducted in retaliation against an independence referendum held on Sept. 25 by the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government(KRG). Iraq plans to start trucking crude from Kirkuk to Iran, but the road to the border has yet to be secured from attacks by Islamic State insurgents. BP had agreed in 2013 to help Baghdad halt a sharp decline in output from Kirkuk. The KRG took control of the Kirkuk region in 2014, when the Iraqi army collapsed in the face of Islamic State's sweeping advance in northern and western Iraq. The Kurdish move prevented the fields from falling into the hands of the militants. Kirkuk is one of the biggest and oldest oilfields in the Middle East, estimated to contain about 9 billion barrels of recoverable oil, according to BP. BP has provided technical assistance in the past to North Oil to help redevelop the Kirkuk field. Iraq is the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries' second-largest producer behind Saudi Arabia. Iraq's oil output capacity is nearing 5 million bpd, but it is currently producing 4.4 million bpd in compliance with an agreement between oil exporters to support crude prices. (Reporting by Aref Mohammed; Writing by Maher Chmaytelli; Editing by Mark Potter and Adrian Croft) FILE PHOTO: The logo of Nissan is seen during the 88th International Motor Show at Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, March 6, 2018. REUTERS/Pierre Albouy PARIS (Reuters) - Japanese carmaker Nissan <7201.T> will gradually stop selling diesel cars in Europe, in a further sign of weakening demand for those cars as customers worry about tax rises and looming bans and restrictions related to diesel in many countries. A Nissan spokeswoman said there would be a gradual withdrawal of diesel cars in Europe. A source had earlier told Reuters last month that Nissan would cut hundreds of jobs at its Sunderland plant, Britain's biggest automotive factory, due to falling demand for diesel models in Europe. The auto industry and its suppliers are facing a global regulatory crackdown on diesel emissions and are adjusting their businesses, including investing heavily in electric vehicles. German carmaker Volkswagen is also still in the process of emerging from a 2015 emissions cheating scandal that resulted in about $30 billion (22.15 billion pounds) in fines and other costs. "Along with other manufacturers and industry bodies we can see the progressive decline of diesel but we do not anticipate its sudden end in the short-term. At this point in time and for many customers, modern diesel engines will remain in demand and continue to be available within Nissan's powertrain offering," said the Nissan spokeswoman. "In Europe, where our diesel sales are concentrated, our electrification push will allow us to discontinue diesel gradually from passenger cars at the time of each vehicle renewal," she added. Data earlier this month showed a sharp drop in demand for diesel cars in Britain, which is Europe's second-largest autos market. Nissan has a partnership with French car group Renault . (Reporting by Gilles Guillaume; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta) FILE PHOTO: Anti-establishment 5-Star Movement Luigi Di Maio looks on during a news conference at the Foreign Press Club in Rome, Italy, March 13, 2018. REUTERS/Tony Gentile/File Photo By Steve Scherer ROME (Reuters) - The leader of Italy's anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, Luigi Di Maio, on Sunday made a last-ditch offer to the far-right League in a bid to break a political deadlock that has dragged on for more than two months. For the first time since the March 4 vote ended with a hung parliament, Di Maio said he would pick a prime minister with League leader Matteo Salvini. Until now, Di Maio has insisted that he be the next premier. "If the goal is to put into action an election platform and the obstacle is Luigi Di Maio as premier, then I say let's choose a prime minister together," Di Maio said referring to the League during an interview on RAI state television. The move came hours before a third and possibly final round of formal consultations with President Sergio Mattarella. 5-Star will meet the president at 10 a.m. Rome time (0800 GMT) on Monday, with the League leading the centre-right delegation to the presidential palace an hour later. While Di Maio conceded the prime minister's office, he held his ground on insisting that Salvini abandon his ally, former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, who 5-Star views as a symbol of political corruption. "The ball is now in the centre-right's court," Di Maio added, saying he did not know if Berlusconi would take "a step back". Salvini, Berlusconi and Giorgia Meloni - the leaders of the centre-right alliance - met for more than two hours in the evening, and agreed to see each other again in the morning before their appointment with the president. "For now the centre-right remains united, but it's not over yet," a senior source in Berlusconi's party said after Sunday night's talks.Salvini has repeatedly refused to break with Berlusconi over the past two months. If the alliance remains united this time, Mattarella is expected to try to put forward a stopgap government to take Italy back to a vote later this year. Story continues Di Maio said if 5-Star fails to come to an agreement with the League, he wants an election as soon as possible, as early as this summer. 5-Star will not support any government put together by Mattarella, Di Maio said. Such a short-term government could only take office with full powers if it has the support of either 5-Star or the League, and both parties have been hostile to the idea. "A government put together by the president would not have the numbers (in parliament)," Di Maio said. "We cannot vote confidence in it and as far as I know, neither would the League." Di Maio's latest offer to the League followed Salvini's proposal on Friday for the formation of a stopgap government between the centre-right and 5-Star that would be tasked with writing a 2019 budget and preparing for a new election. Mattarella, who has the power to select prime ministers and dissolve parliament, has sought to avoid another vote by conducting meticulous and patient negotiations, but now a source familiar with the situation has said an election in September or October cannot be ruled out. "I thought it would be difficult (to form a government), but I didn't think it would be impossible," Di Maio said. (Reporting by Steve Scherer, additional reporting by Gavin Jones; Editing by Janet Lawrence and Daniel Wallis) A toddler has been snatched and eaten by a leopard at a national park in Uganda that is popular with tourists. The three-year-old boy, named by Ugandan media as Elisha Nabugyere, was the son of female ranger Doreen Ayera, who works at Queen Elizabeth National Park. Ms Ayera had left the child in the care of a nanny at the unfenced staff headquarters of the Mweya Safari Lodge, Ugandan news site the Daily Monitor reports. Wildlife authority spokesman Bashir Hangi said the child had followed the nanny outside the main house and towards a kitchen. He said a leopard was hiding nearby and mauled the toddler before dragging him to a bush at about 9pm on Friday. Mr Hangi said: "The rangers immediately swung into action (and) searched for the baby but they found only a skull in the morning under a tree." He says rangers are hunting the leopard because it now has a taste of human blood and may want to kill again. Mr Hangi said: "The maid was not aware the child followed her. "She heard the kid scream for help, she intervened but it was too late." The Queen Elizabeth National Park in southwest Uganda has one of the highest populations of predators such as lions, leopards and hyenas in the country. Rangers are employed to live within the grounds to protect the animals from poachers. The park, which covers an area of 1,229 sqaure miles, is one of Uganada's top tourist hotspots. Nestle struck a $7.1bn deal with Starbucks to obtain all the rights to commercialize its products in supermarkets. A press release from Seattle company Starbucks on Monday revealed both companies have struck a global alliance that allows Nestle to commercialize the different products found in Starbucks. The deal excludes all the ready-made products sold in Starbucks, Nestle clarified. This global coffee alliance will bring the Starbucks experience to the homes of millions more around the world through the reach and reputation of Nestle, Starbucks president and CEO Kevin Johnson said. Both companies will work together in development of new commercialization strategies. Starbucks also announced it intends to use the proceeds to boost the share buybacks that will provide a return of approximately $20bn cash to shareholders through fiscal year 2020. It also expects the transaction to add earnings per share by the end of 2021. Nestle expects the alliance to contribute positively to its earnings per share and growth targets from 2019. This boosts Nestle's position in the US coffee market where it currently holds 5th place. Jean-Philippe Berschy, an analyst at Bank Vontobel AG said: The deal with Starbucks allows Nestle to keep JAB at a distance. It allows Nestle to gain scale in the U.S., a weak spot so far. Matthew Barry, analyst at Euromonitor said on Friday: "Nestle is far and away the largest hot drinks company globally, with more in sales than the next five largest hot drinks companies combined.". Although, he warns Nestle's position is not as secure as it once was. Boris Johnson is due to arrive in Washington on Monday to try and talk US president Donald Trump out of ditching the 2015 Iran nuclear deal that reigns in the Middle East country's missile programme. The president announced his decision would be made this week before the 12th of May. Trump described the deal signed by Iran, the US, China, Russia, Germany, France and Britain in 2015 as the worst deal ever and said he is prepared to withdraw the US unless its shortcomings are changed. Although Iran complied with the deal and reduced its development of nuclear weapons, Trump argues the deal does not restrict certain activities like ballistic missiles tests which Iran continues to carry out. He also criticises the support of the country for extremist militant groups. UK foreign secretary Boris Johnson is the next European official to try and convince Trump to remain within the deal, following Emmanuel Macron and Angela Merkel who visited Washington recently with the same purpose. He is set to meet US vice president Mike Pence and senior security advisor John Bolton during the visit. Johnson wrote in The New York Times on Monday that abandoning the deal could start a regional arms race with Iran dashing for a bomb. He believes that only Iran would gain from abandoning the restrictions on its nuclear programme. I am sure of one thing: every available alternative is worse. The wisest course would be to improve the handcuffs rather than break them, he wrote. Mother's Day is celebrated in the United States on the second Sunday in May every year. This year, Mother's Day is on May 13. It is the time set aside to celebrate mothers and the institution of motherhood. The date is not the same in every country. In some places, the celebration comes as early as February and March. A report by History.com presented most of the details used in this article. The proposal was first rejected There are many interesting things about the national holiday. Anna Jarvis began campaigning in 1905 for the holiday, the same year her mother died. Three years later, Jarvis honored her own mother, Ann Reeves, at St. Andrew's Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia. Jarvis wanted a day set aside to honor not only her mother but a day to honor all mothers. The United States Congress first rejected Jarvis' proposal to make Mother's Day an official holiday. By 1911, all the states observed the day, and some of them officially recognized Mother's Day as a local holiday. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation for celebration to be held on the second Sunday in May as a national holiday to honor mothers. Jarvis protested commercialization Jarvis fought long and hard to get Mother's Day recognized. A few years later, she resented it because the occasion had become commercialized. In the early 1920s, the greeting card companies started selling cards and florists began selling carnations. Jarvis thought companies should not profit because of the holiday. She believed people should honor their mothers with handwritten notes instead of store-bought cards. She wrote that a printed cards came from people who were lazy and given to their mothers who had done more for them than anyone else. She added that some people give their mothers candy and eat most of it themselves. She protested and was arrested at a candy maker's convention for disturbing the peace. It is ironic that she was put in jail for something related to the holiday she had originally campaigned to get passed into law. She spent her last years and went broke trying to get Mother's Day abolished. The holiday today Jarvis died in 1948, but she would be very upset if she knew how commercialized Mother's Day has become. Individuals are expected to spend about $172.22 on gifts for their mothers. Collectively, about $21.4 billion will be spent nationwide. That's more than the $19.7 billion that was spent on Valentine's Day. The things people mostly spend money on are greeting cards, jewelry, and going out for brunch or dinner, according to the National Retail Federation. Near Little League ball fields in Parrish, Alabama, a small town that has the population of only 982 people is suffering right now. For more than two months, there has been abandoned cargo that came from New York City, left on the tracks. This abandoned cargo is nothing but a poop train according to NBC News. Parrish, Alabama was delivered a poop-train The mayor of the town, Heather Hall, has complained about the smell, especially when the heat is at its highest. Softball games are being rescheduled, as are any other games that would have to take place on the ball fields next to the train tracks. The town is trying to do anything it can to deter from smelling the horrendous smell of human waste. Sherleen Pike told NBC News that she dabs peppermint oil under her nose, especially since she lives about half a mile from the abandoned cargo. This stinky poop-train is destined for the Big Sky landfill, which is where New York City has been sending their human waste for a year now. The smelly shipment became abandoned once trains transferred cargo in West Jefferson. West Jefferson had court orders protecting the town from allowing the waste to enter through it back in January and the poopy cargo has been sitting still ever since. Many citizens are worried that the abandoned poop is a health problem. Hall told CNN that the Environmental Protection Agency claims that the waste it not harmful due to it being a biowaste, but there are still concerns from those who suffer from breathing problems or from a fly going from the cargo to a persons home. Hall was also stated that filing an injunction would also not be in the best interest of the town of Parrish due to the issue that the poopy cargo would be sitting in the same spot until the end of the court dispute. So, now what? For now, New York City has halted any shipment of human waste to Alabama, but the reason NYC sends away their human waste is that the federal government banned any kind of disposal in the Atlantic Ocean back in the 1980s. It is not new news for the Southern states to accept the waste of other states in the United States. Alabama was described as Americas Pay Toilet due to occupying the largest dump sites for hazardous waste since 1977, according to NBC News. The most hazardous waste the landfill ever took in one year was almost 800,000 tons. Since summer is creeping up pretty quickly, and the south is known for its warmer weather, the mayor of Parrish is hoping the poop-train makes its destination soon. While there may be many different reasons that may be of importance behind shipping hazardous waste to the south, the whole waste industry grosses yearly more than $93 billion. Even though the citizens may not like the smell, the poop industry is booming. Connecticut State Police troopers from Troop-E in Montville were beckoned to a wooded area in Griswold on Saturday morning after a dead body was discovered near Pachaug Pond. The investigation is underway by State Police Detectives from the Eastern District Major Crime, who arrived on the scene shortly after the calls came in. It was 9:30 on Saturday morning when State Police arrived on the scene, which is in the area of Kenwood Road. So far there are very few details released in this case. According to the Major Crime Unit detectives, who assumed control of the investigation, there is no threat to the public in this case. Cause of death A post-mortem of the body will be conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. This exam is expected to assist police with providing a positive identification of the body as well as determining the cause of death, according to Fox News Connecticut. Police ask for public's help The State Police detectives are asking if anyone has any information in this case that may be of some help to please contact them. They can reach Detective Cuoco at 860-896-3235 or 860-896-3230 by phone. Information can also be texted to TIP711, at 274637. Any of the contacts made will be kept confidential. House fire connection? This area of Griswold has seen some tragedy during the last several months, with a house fire in December and a dead body found frozen under the ice of Pachaug Pond of a missing snowmobiler back in February. In December a house fire on the same road took the lives of a husband and wife and the authorities have been looking for the adult son of the victims as a person of interest in this case. Janet Linquist, 61, and her husband Kenneth Linquist, 56 were found dead in that fire. Police have been looking for Matthew Linquist, the couple's son since this incident. While the discovery of this body in the woods is nearby where that home went up in flames, there is no indication that the dead body found on Saturday and this house fire are related, according to Fox News. Something 'unusual' in the pond Back in February, "police were notified of something unusual in Pachaug Pond." An officer checked out the claim but could find nothing. This is when the fire department's drone was deployed to scan over the ice on the pond from above. The images picked up by the drone's camera did show that there was a body under the ice of Pachaug Pond. The dive team arrived, donned their ice suits, and made their way into the water to retrieve the body, according to Fox News. The recovery efforts were successful and the body was identified as John Dubois, 56. He fell through the ice back in December while snowmobiling, but his body was not found until someone spotted the body under the ice in February. Earlier today, CBS News reported that North Korea stated the United States claims that they brought about the peace moves in Korea are fabricated. The United States claims President Trumps political pressures and sanctions are what encouraged North Korea to agree to a negotiation. President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will be holding their first summit in a few weeks. Just last month, Kim Jong-un met with South Korean President Moon Jae-in. According to CBS News, the Norths official news agency quoted a Foreign Ministry spokesman. The spokesman stated the United States claims could hinder the progress of the recent summit held between the North and the South. The North meets with the South At the most recent summit, Kim had agreed to wanting to improve the Norths relationship with its Southern counterpart. He mentioned his willingness to discuss the denuclearization of the peninsula, a topic that will be discussed with President Trump at the next summit. The conditions and requirements from the North regarding the denuclearization are still unclear. Both leaders of the North and South did sign the Panmunjom Declaration on April 27 to begin the reconciliation process between both sides according to Business Insider. In addition, USA Today mentions Kim agreed to change the clocks in the North by a half hour to match the time zone in the South. President Moon Jae-in is also scheduled to travel to Washington on May 22 to meet with President Trump. Business Insider states plans for the next summit with the US will be discussed in hopes to achieve an official end to the Korean War. President Trump vs Kim Jong-un Amidst the claims from President Trump, the North Korean leader wants to make clear that the topic of denuclearization and agreeing to meet with President Trump was his decision. According to CBS News, Pyongyang wants to strengthen Kims position going into his meeting with Mr. Trump. The Pyongyang spokesman continues and says, The U.S. is deliberately provoking the [Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea] at the time when the situation on the Korean Peninsula is moving toward peace and reconciliation. President Trump has expressed interest in meeting with the North Korean leader in the demilitarized zone between the North and the South. The President confirmed on Friday that the date and place of the summit with Kim had been scheduled. Business Insider reported earlier today that the meeting will officially take place in Singapore rather than the demilitarized zone. Although there have been recent tensions, there has also been talk of releasing three Americans from North Korea before the next summit according to USA Today. Several experts are warning that there is still much more work to be accomplished even if the prisoners are released, especially with the relationship between the North and the United States. As of May 6, 2018, the prisoners have not been released; however, it has been reported they have been moved to the capital. Central Americans who arrived at the San Ysidro border crossing a week ago seeking asylum in the US did so while confronting Trump immigration policy, but were finally allowed to enter the country last Friday in order to have their requests processed. As of March, a caravan of people fleeing violence in Central America was reported to be traveling to the US-Mexico border to seek asylum in the United States, but when it arrived, the first group of caravan migrants was stopped by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents and told that there was no more room at their facility. The first group of Central Americans, mostly from Honduras, were then forced to set up camp outside of the CBP facility while another group waited near the entrance to the Mexican side of the border crossing before US border officials finally began allowing some from the first group to enter their facility last Monday evening. Among the first eight people who were accepted, according to one report by CNN, was a 27-year-old pregnant mother of two boys, named Gabriela Hernandez. CNN had apparently been covering her travel since April 6 in Puebla, Mexico, almost two weeks after she started. PBS Newshour's report on violence against women in Honduras is very similar to Gabriela's, who initially traveled the 440 miles from Honduras through Guatemala to reach the caravan in the Mexican border town of Tapachula, Chiapas. Gabriela would also be the perfect example of those fleeing violence from their countries to seek asylum in the US. She claimed that she had been threatened by neighborhood gangs who told her that she had 12 hours before they would return to kill her 6-year-old son, Omar. Gabriella told CNN that she left that night. She's seen in the following AP News report at 1:50. In it, she says that she doesn't understand how children as young as hers can cause difficulties for President Trump when seeking asylum in the United States. She said that as a parent, she wants a better life for her children. Her knowledge of President Trump's views is because he has publicly vilified the caravan and US immigration policy of past presidents overall. Since his campaign, Trump immigration policy has evolved from building a wall along the Mexican-American border to enforcing a nationwide crackdown on undocumented workers and revoking decades-long programs such as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Trump threatens to "close down the country" if he doesn't get more border wall funding in September. (via Fox) pic.twitter.com/kdM753bbus Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) April 29, 2018 In fact, as the video above shows, President Trump referred to the migrant caravan during a Michigan rally on the same weekend that the American asylum seekers had arrived, saying that if he didn't get his wall funded by Congress this year, he was willing to close the country down. Nonetheless, caravan organizers said on Friday that all of the migrants had finally been processed and that the camps they had set up around the San Ysidro crossing had also been cleared out. Seeking asylum in the US: vilified by Trump In addition to the CBP's claims at the beginning of the week that their facility was full, the caravan was also confronted by the Trump administration, which verbally attacked the migrants as criminals who Trump claimed were attempting to undermine the law. When reports of the caravan's destination were initially circulating, not only did President Trump used his public podium in Michigan to vilify the caravan, he also used his other platform on Twitter. The migrant caravan that is openly defying our border shows how weak & ineffective U.S. immigration laws are. Yet Democrats like Jon Tester continue to support the open borders agenda Tester even voted to protect Sanctuary Cities. We need lawmakers who will put America First. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 30, 2018 The sentiment against those requesting safe haven in the United States was already established when Donald Trump originally said during his campaign announcement in 2015: "When Mexico sends its people, theyre not sending their best. Theyre not sending you. Theyre not sending you. Theyre sending people that have lots of problems, and theyre bringing those problems with us. Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists. And some, I assume, are good people." Here is an interview he did on CNN that year where he apparently doubled down on that view. During the last week that the asylum seekers in the USA were making headlines, President Trump's attorney general Jeff Sessions announced that he was sending immigration judges and prosecutors to the San Ysidro border to process the requests of those taking refuge full-time. Given the administration's aggressive view on immigration reform, this still raises the possibility of deportation. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR.) applauded Jeff Session's decision, which falls in line with the Republican view that the immigration process is not thorough enough, designating the Catch and Release program as a dismal failure. Here is that tweet, further lending credence to the Trump immigration policy currently under development. I'm pleased with Attorney General Sessionss decision to send judges and prosecutors to the border to deal with the immigrant caravan. My statement: https://t.co/DLXj12EWjF pic.twitter.com/l3v1k8iRjE Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) May 4, 2018 In one piece about the Central American caravan, Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX) sowed doubt over the legitimacy of those claims from the American asylum seekers and also attacked the current US immigration system. In what would appear to be a retaliation tactic of Trump immigration policy by his administration, it was announced at the end of the week that he would end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for all Hondurans living in the United States. The President's aggressive immigration stance is no doubt forcing Trump immigration policy to rapidly reform under his terms. One CNN correspondent published an OpEd in response to the administration ending TPS saying that 'Trump ending protection for Hondurans was unnecessary,' where he explained that while the status was indeed temporary, the corruption, violence and the failed infrastructure in Honduras was still too problematic to send Hondurans back to. The OpEd points out that the reason the soon-to-be rejected Honduran citizens were in the United States in the first place is in itself an acknowledgment by the US that the Central American country could not reabsorb their citizens. Now, Hondurans who have been in the US since 1998 and got Temporary Protected Status from the devastation of Hurricane Mitch have until January 2020 to leave or they will be deported. Steps to seeking asylum in the US According to the CNN contributor of the OpEd about Hondurans, Raul A. Reyes, it's very likely that with the TPS of these Central Americans being revoked, many of them will simply allow their deadline to run out and become illegal. On the other hand, with the new migrants seeking refuge in the United States, Republicans such as Rep. Arrington have argued that the current immigration process already allows those wanting to stay in the US the chance to escape and disappear into the country and become illegal, as they are not being detained during the lengthy processing. By US law, those seeking asylum in the US would have a maximum of one year since making their request before they become a permanent resident, totaling five years before they can request citizenship. Trump supporters and those rejecting the idea of accepting immigrants from South of the border wonder why immigration services didn't turn the caravan away when it arrived. The organization that sponsored the caravan, Pueblo Sin Fronteras, was trolled by Trump supporters via Facebook with one suggesting that Drone strikes be called on the migrant caravan before arriving. Here is a screenshot of that comment. Organizers and lawyers for the migrant caravan have said from the beginning that by law, the CBP had to hear the migrant's requests for asylum. Those American asylum seekers would have to make their case to CBP officials in order to request refuge and then, it would be up to the border officials to determine the legitimacy of their claims. Nonetheless, this further verifies the chance that many from the caravan could still be deported if their claims are rejected. A follow-up article by CNN about American asylum seeker Hernandez titled: 'Aunt says she got call with news of migrant mom Gabriela Hernandez', pointed out that Gabriela probably already pleaded her case with an immigration judge. Much like Republicans and Trump supporters feared, if Gabriela has family in the US, she will likely stay with them until she goes to court for a hearing on her asylum application. The CNN article also referred to an immigration statistics report by the Syracuse University's Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, which said that more than 75 percent of the asylum requests made by those seeking it, who were specifically fleeing violence from Central America, were rejected between 2011 and 2016. The Justice Department already claimed at the beginning of the week that they had captured 11 migrants who came from the migrant caravan and who crossed illegally, promising to prosecute. Processing towards US citizenship under the law Business Insider published an article titled: 'Jeff Sessions said immigrants should 'wait their turn' to come to the US here's how complicated that process can be,' where it says that despite the Trump administration's claims that the caravan was violating the law, that the asylum seekers could in fact not violate asylum immigration law at the same time that they were approaching the US border. This is because, regardless of what Jeff Sessions has said, migrants have to be on US soil in order for them to request refuge. In relation, Sessions and others in support of the Trump administration's argument have been that those migrants from the caravan should have made their requests for asylum long before coming to the US border. But the Business Insider article lays out a graphic that shows the pathways to immigrating to the US and points out that processing requests for that kind of sanctuary are different from standard requests made for US citizenship, once again, referring to the extensive vetting process in order to make sure asylum claims are legitimate. #Immigration Pathways graphic by Diana Yukari via @businessinsider for 'Jeff Sessions said immigrants should 'wait their turn' to come to the US here's how complicated that process can be', #MigrantCaravan, pic.twitter.com/GLY4uE4HVB Jon Mark (@JonMarkWrites) May 7, 2018 Lawyers and organizers for the Central American caravan have acknowledged these requirements. And with Gabriela Hernandez, CNN has reported that the asylum seeker was able to contact her aunt living in the US, who immigration officials reportedly contacted and told her that Gabriela was doing fine. The CNN reporter who has been covering Hernandez' travel from the beginning, Layla Santiago, said on Twitter that Gabriela and her children had been transferred to a facility in Texas as part of her process to continue seeking asylum in the US. scheana marie is admitting that she was blinded by love during her short-lived romance with actor Robert Parks-Valletta, who she spoke of marrying numerous times throughout season six of "Vanderpump Rules." On Twitter on April 8, the longtime reality star and actress responded to a fan who suggested that she appeared naive during recent episodes of the show because she was in love. "Leave [Scheana Marie] alone! Love is blind!" the Twitter user wrote. "Like [Taylor Swift] says, 'Dont blame me, love made me crazy.'" In response, Scheana wrote, "Amen sista! BLIND AF!!!" She then said that she was happy to admit it finally. "I can admit it and laugh about it now," she explained to the fans. "We broke up in August. Lets all move on..." Scheana Marie and Robert Parks-Valletta began their romance just weeks after fans learned she was ending her marriage to Mike Shay and a short time later, they made their debut as a couple at the "Bronzeville" premiere in Los Angeles. Parks-Valletta then began filming with Scheana on "Vanderpump Rules" season six. Robert Parks-Valletta was accused of cheating Just after fans met Parks-Valletta for the first time in season six, the actor was accused of cheating on Scheana with a woman at a nightclub in Los Angeles who he reportedly kissed. As soon as Scheana heard the rumor, she immediately denied the allegations against her now-ex-boyfriend, claiming the report couldn't be true since he doesn't like kissing. Scheana then said that if Parks-Valletta's lips did touch another woman's lips, it likely happened by accident when he was greeting her. Robert dumped Scheana Marie in August 2017 Just weeks after Scheana gushed over the actor to her co-stars and spoke about how they had named their first child and gone house hunting, Parks-Valletta chose to end their relationship. Since then, he has raised questions on Instagram by liking posts that label his former girlfriend as obsessive and crazy. Meanwhile, Scheana has maintained on her own page that her feelings for her ex were reciprocated. She's also made it clear that they could get back together at some point in the future. To see more of Scheana Marie, Robert Parks-Valletta, and the rest of the "Vanderpump Rules" cast, including Stassi Schroeder, Lisa Vanderpump, Kristen Doute, James Kennedy, and Lala Kent, don't miss new episodes of season six on Monday nights at 9 p.m. on Bravo TV. Jenelle Evans' co-stars are up in arms after learning of her recent road rage dispute in North Carolina. Following a number of shocking reports in regard to the "Teen Mom 2" cast member's encounter with another driver, Jeremy Calvert and Randy Houska, the father of Chelsea Houska, spoke out about the ordeal on their Twitter pages. In Jeremy Calvert's tweet, the ex-husband of Leah Messer called out "Teen Mom 2" producer Morgan J. Freeman for failing to publicly address the incident after being vocal about his thoughts on gun violence in past months. As fans may have heard, Evans is accused of using a gun to threaten the other driver. "[Morgan], bro correct me if Im wrong, but arent you against guns and gun violence?" Calvert asked. Calvert then put Freeman on the spot, asking him what his next move would be in regard to his co-star's recent use of a weapon. And you want me to do a background check because I own guns nahh, Jeremy Calvert added. What is Chelsea Houska's dad saying about Jenelle Evans' behavior? After seeing what Jeremy Calvert wrote about Jenelle Evans' road rage, Randy Houska offered a witty reply on his own Twitter page, writing, Dont worry, [Jenelle] was being supervised by two young children. Then, after another person jokingly warned him that his comment may result in a second letter of cease and desist from Evans and her husband, David Eason, Houska said he used "big words" to confuse them. As fans may recall, Randy Houska and Kailyn Lowry reportedly received letters of cease and desist from Evans and Eason several months ago which demanded they stop talking about their co-star. However, rather than take the legal letter seriously, both poked fun at Evans on their Twitter pages and pointed out that Evans frequently talks about them as well and even shares fake rumors about them on Facebook. Jenelle Evans has been flaunting her guns for months Since striking up a romance with David Eason, the father of her youngest child, Evans has taken a liking to guns and frequently shares photos of herself with her guns on Instagram. She's even shared images of her kids learning to shoot. To see more of Jenelle Evans, her family, and her co-stars, including Jo Rivera, Briana DeJesus, Kailyn Lowry, Javi Marroquin, Jeremy Calvert, Corey Simms, Leah Messer, Chelsea Houska, and Cole DeBoer, don't miss Monday night's premiere of the second half of "Teen Mom 2" season 8 at 9 PM on MTV. How far is "Saturday Night Live" going to go with the taunting of Donald Trump, the president of this nation? Bringing on Stormy Daniels and giving her a line that is not only degrading but disturbing to hear was last night's contribution to the hosing of Trump from this popular Saturday night venue. It appears they may have upped that ante on degrading Trump, which comes on the heels of last week's uproar over the treatment of President on "Saturday Night Live." According to People Magazine, Rob Schneider, who is a former cast member of the "SNL" show, finds it "hard to watch" today. Gone too far Schneider believes they are overdoing it when it comes to chastizing Trump under the umbrella of comedy. In the past, part of the fun about the political jokes coming from "SNL" was that you never really knew which way they leaned politically. Today, there is no question about that. You can see last night's skit in the video below. There's no surprise, you know which way Alec Baldwin's skit is going, which wasn't the case in the past when political jokes were played out. Today all surprise is gone. Here she is again Last night (May 5), "SNL" actually had the real-life Stormy Daniels on the show. The former adult industry movie actress who claims she had a one-night stand with Trump over a decade ago. That claim, which has been denied by Trump, has brought much new fame to Stormy, who seems to be available for just about any venue these days while riding on the coattails of her allegations. Watch Stormy Daniels appear in all-star #SNL sketch to warn Trump: "Storm's a-comin' baby" https://t.co/Kiclaqjmms Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) May 6, 2018 Lampooning the president The skit that Stormy appeared in last night showed her "lampooning the president," according to the BBC News. She is seen on the phone talking to the fake Trump, played by Baldwin. She mocks the president while having that conversation by saying "I know you don't believe in climate change but a storm's a coming baby." Stormy Daniels plays Stormy Daniels on latest 'SNL' mockery of Trump scandals https://t.co/TgBYTh9O5m pic.twitter.com/E83BK7RRfU Jeffrey Levin (@jilevin) May 6, 2018 Requests Trump resigns The skit goes on with Stormy requesting the president's resignation. She also alludes to her adult film roles and at one point, Alec Baldwin, who is in character as Trump, asks what she is wearing while on the other end of the phone. This was seen as "disgusting" by some people who happened to catch the clip. One of the many Twitter comments is seen below. NBC just lost all credibility by putting Stormy Daniels on SNL. Disgusting. Jim Clayton (@Volunteer54) May 6, 2018 Playing it for all it is worth? What is wrong with this picture? Stormy Daniels is in an active legal battle, and usually, a lawyer will suggest their client lay low on the subject matter. But Stormy seems to be doing the opposite. Will the court see Ms. Daniels and all the new found fame as self-serving? Will the court see her as making a mockery out of the office of the president of the United States as well as the legal system? 15 minutes of fame The American Thinker suggests Stormy's 15-minutes of fame are just about over. But just when you think she's played it to the max, she pops up again. It turns out, business cards made from laser-cut cherry wood go a long way. Not many students can say they were offered an internship after their first year in school, but graduating mechanical engineering senior Genevieve Gural, of Clifton, Virginia, knew what it took to stand out at her first-ever Engineering Expo. Not surprisingly, the recruiters at construction machinery company Caterpillar admired Gurals woodwork. I had always done woodworking when I was younger, so when I came to Tech I decided to try out one of the woodshop classes offered by the College of Natural Resources and Environment, Gural said. I took a slab of cherry wood, sliced it into thin sheets, and then brought them back to my dorm. Once there, I used the makerspace to sand down the sheets and laser cut my contact information into each card. I felt sort of bad afterwards there was sanding dust everywhere. Gural began her undergraduate career as a member of Hypatia, the College of Engineerings living-learning community for women. For two semesters, she used the communitys makerspace, the inVenTs Studio, and studied alongside other prospective engineers. After the Caterpillar internship in summer 2014, she returned to the community as a professional development committee member and mentor to four first-year women as they navigated the early stages of Virginia Tech engineering. The culture and spaces in Hypatia heavily swayed my decision toward attending Virginia Tech. It is one of several programs run by the Center for Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED). When I joined the program my freshman year, I helped out with Womens Preview Weekend, where we invited high schoolers to the university, showed them around, and helped them understand what its like to be an engineering student, Gural said. I took part in other CEED programs during my sophomore, junior, and senior years of high school. Thats how I found out about Hypatia. From 2015 on, she became an inVenTs Community leadership team member, helping students in this co-ed STEM community use the in-house makerspace. Having always focused on rockets building and launching models throughout her childhood into young adulthood Gural also became an advisor for the inVenTs Rocketry Team. But Gurals hands-on mentality did not stop at woodwork and rocketry. Dont get me wrong, Im a rocket person through and through, she said. But joining Baja SAE was the best decision I made here at school. The people, the depth of commitment, the professional connections I loved everything about it. Introduced to this off-road vehicle design team at the beginning of her first year at Virginia Tech, Gural was asked if she wanted to try driving the vehicle at the universitys off-campus test track. During my first time driving it, I completely wiped out, Gural said. I took a sharp turn, and the car went rolling off the track. Its almost a rite of passage. I was in head-to-toe safety gear, so I came out unscathed. But in that moment I knew I wanted to join. I didnt know anything about building and optimizing cars, but everything about it seemed awesome, and I wanted to compete with the team. It was just plain fun. China Hydroelectric Corporation is a developer, owner and operator of small hydroelectric power projects in China. The projects are located in Zhejiang, Fujian, Yunnan and Sichuan. As of December 31, 2012, wholly owns 22 operating hydroelectric power projects and have controlling interests in three operating hydroelectric power projects. In March 2012, the Company sold 100% of the Yuanping hydroelectric power project. In April 2013, the Company sold the Yuheng hydroelectric power project, a 30 megawatt (MW) project located in Fujian province. In July 2014, the Company announced that it has completed the merger with CPT Wyndham Sub Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of CPT Wyndham Holdings Ltd. Read More OMA has completed its new cultural building in Copenhagen, the new home for the Danish Architecture Center (DAC) is comprised of a series of green boxes shifted in different directions. Called BLOX, the 28,000-square-metre mixed-use building contains exhibition spaces, offices and co-working spaces, a cafe, a bookstore, a fitness center, a restaurant, twenty-two apartments and an underground automated public carpark, but it is not only the acrobatic mixing of uses that defines this project; its ultimate achievement is in "discovering" its own site. The new cultural complex has officially been opened to the public yesterday. Image Richard John Seymour, Courtesy of OMA Located in the old brewery site, split by one of Copenhagens main ring roads, did not register as a building site until the design of the new DAC identified it as such. Straddling the road, making public connections both above and below, BLOX connects the parliament district with the harbour front and brings culture to the waters edge. A space for cars becomes a space for people; a space to pass through becomes a space to reside. Contrary to most city blocks in Copenhagen often introverted and inaccessible the building absorbs the citys life. Image Rasmus Hjortshj COAST The project was led by OMA Partner Ellen van Loon, with Adrianne Fisher, and Ellen van Loon said that "BLOX is a building that embraces the infrastructural challenges of its context. By radically intermingling urban functions, we blur the boundaries between the different programs." "The DAC is at the heart of the building, surrounded by its objects of study: housing, offices and parking permanently in flux, connecting various uses and users together, almost by chance," Ellen van Loon. Image Richard John Seymour, Courtesy of OMA The building incorporates a 5,500-square-metre space for the DAC for its exhibitions, 200-seat auditorium, cafe, conference, offices and education spaces. The 3,750-square-metre residential program includes 22 apartments - averaging 105 square meters and a 65-square-metre terraces. Image Richard John Seymour, Courtesy of OMA Apart from these, a 1,000-square-metre restaurant, 1,250-square-metre urban passage, 7,000-square-metre offices, 1,600-square-metre fitness centre, 5,000-square-metre parking, 1,400-2,000-square metre open/closed playground spaces and bike parking spaces are scattered throughout the building. Image Delfino Sisto Legnani and Marco Cappelletti, Courtesy of OMA "The Copenhagen inner harbour has a long industrial and military history. On reclaimed land, the building site initially housed a cluster of brewery buildings which burnt to the ground in the 1960s. Since then the harbour has become the home of some of Denmark's most notable architectural icons; a linear display of the tenets of Danish Modernism: monumentality, simplicity and politeness," said OMA in a press statement. "BLOX adds a new impulse: creating an encounter between the water frontages, Kierkegaard's Square and the city. Its square volume, positioned directly along the harbourside, creates a sheltered public city square against the traditional yellow buildings and a much needed built front for the existing library square," added the firm. Image Richard John Seymour, Courtesy of OMA Envisioned as an "extravert" cultural hub, contrary to the city's introverted and inaccessible city blocks, the building was designed as a new cultural hub absorbing the city's life. The urban routes through the building lead to unexpected and unpredictable interactions between the building and the city, linking the different museums, libraries and historical sites around the culturally rich Slotsholmen area. A linear park along the harbour flows down below water level along the quay wall and through the building. Image Delfino Sisto Legnani and Marco Cappelletti, Courtesy of OMA The former playground is incorporated into the new building, as a partially covered and terraced public space, which can be transformed in the evening into an open-air cinema acting as a public foyer. Image Rasmus Hjortshj COAST The buildings exterior skin is marked by a stacking of the same geometric forms in different arrangements. The offices are contained in a rectangular ring of glass facades shaded in a white frit. The ground floor functions are located in separate volumes generating openings which form the public entrances and bring the city in to the center of the building. Image Rasmus Hjortshj COAST The apartment volumes are fragmented and recessed for privacy, the landscaped terraces encircle the DACs central rooflight. The buildings coloured textures subtly echo the sea tones of the harbour, ever-present in the reflected light of the water. Image Delfino Sisto Legnani and Marco Cappelletti, Courtesy of OMA The DAC itself forms the core of the BLOX Project, positioned in the centre, surrounded by and embedded within its objects of study: housing, offices and parking. It is organized as a vertical sequence of spaces running through the building, starting below ground and moving upwards to the cafe with its view over all of Copenhagen. Image Delfino Sisto Legnani and Marco Cappelletti, Courtesy of OMA Image Delfino Sisto Legnani and Marco Cappelletti, Courtesy of OMA Image Delfino Sisto Legnani and Marco Cappelletti, Courtesy of OMA Image Delfino Sisto Legnani and Marco Cappelletti, Courtesy of OMA Image Richard John Seymour, Courtesy of OMA Image Richard John Seymour, Courtesy of OMA Image Rasmus Hjortshj COAST Image Delfino Sisto Legnani and Marco Cappelletti, Courtesy of OMA BLOX is a continuation of OMAs long term interest in complex cultural buildings that actively engage with the city, and is the first completed OMA project in Scandinavia. It marks the opening of the third public building led by Ellen van Loon in two years time, following Rijnstraat 8 in 2017 and Lab City in 2017. OMA recently completed the Fondazione Pradas Torre art tower in Milan, as well as the new Qatar National Library in Doha. The studio is currently working on a new multi-purpose gathering place in Los Angeles, will be a new addition to the Wilshire Boulevard Temple in LA. Project facts Project: Blox Status: Completed, open 4 May 2018 Owner: Realdania Client: Realdania By og Byg Address: BLOX, Bryghuspladsen, 1473 Copenhagen K, Denmark Program: Mixed Use building: DAC Danish Architecture Centre, Apartments, Offices, Restaurant, Retail, Automatic parking, Urban Park & Playground. Partner: Ellen van Loon Project Director: Adrianne Fisher / Chris van Duijn Construction Assistance (Project Followup) Project Manager (Design Manager): Ariel Wallner Team: Koen Stockbroekx, Federico DAngelo, Fred Awty, Soren Thiesen, Nina Grex, Piotr Janus, Ansis Sinke, Berenice Moran, Frederick JuulTender & Construction Documents (Main Project)Project Manager (Design Manager): Morten Busk Petersen & Koen StockbroekxTeam: Federico DAngelo, Fred Awty, Soren Thiesen, Will Hartzog, Dennis Rasmussen, with Nina Grex, Lea Olsson, Brigitta Lenz , Anna Grajper, Chong Ying Pai, Cristina Martin de Juan, Saskia Simon, Mateusz Kiercz. Collaborators Engineering: Arup with Cowi Facade Engineering: Arup Facade Engineering (van Santen & Associes) Local Architect: C. F. Mller (PLH Architekter) Cost & Risk Management: Aecom Landscape: Kragh & Berglund, 1:1 Landskab (Inside Outside) Scenography: Ducks Sceno Lighting Design: Les Eclaireurs with Ducks Sceno Acoustics: Royal Haskoning DHV Sustainability: Arup with Cowi (EnPlus Tech) Automatic Carpark Consultant: Niras Top image Rasmus Hjortshj COAST > via OMA by Carl Pierer Since 2014, various student societies at the University of Edinburgh have but on musical performances commemorating the first world war. This article takes a look at one performance in particular. The content is neither highly original nor particularly radical; others have written more insightful and more sophisticated pieces. It constitutes merely an attempt to formulate and to clarify what is problematic with these particular performances, thereby hoping to understand something about the greater memorial tradition in the United Kingdom. In other words, by examining how a nationalistic, martial and oppressive Erinnerungskultur is reproduced in an amateur to semi-professional context be it deliberately or not -, we may see how these values become normalised and why it matters that this takes place in this particular context. The most recent performance in this series was the Edinburgh Universitys Brass Band spring concert. The programme featured some classical, some modern classical and contemporary pieces loosely linked by the theme pictures, moving pictures, as well as some others, which were put together under the theme of war. While this in itself might already be seen as problematic, there are three features of this programme that I would like to focus on: First, the introduction and subsequent dedication given by the bands director. Secondly, the poem read to accompany a piece in the second part of the concert. Lastly, the omnipresence of poppies. The evenings programme was introduced by the bands director as a mix of pieces fitting the moving pictures theme and because to remember the Great War in our days is important others fitting the war theme. There is something odd about this amalgamation of themes. For one, it seems to take away from the remembrance aspect to see it intermingled with unrelated pieces such as Mussorgskis Pictures at an Exhibition. What was even more bizarre was the almost casual introduction of the serious topic of remembrance. Yet, the most bewildering issue was that in 2018 such a memorial concert can be dedicated expressly and exclusively to the heros of World War I. Of course, the term heros in itself appears as a poor choice, for unless problematised it risks simply repeating the military distinction between soldiers willing to die for their country (worthy of praise) and cowards, weaklings, traitors (who actively refuse to participate and hence are worthy to be shot or who are excluded from becoming heros because of their sex, age, gender or some other reason). But above that, it is the exclusive use of heros that is deeply problematic. Arent all the people, who battled to survive through the First World War but who didnt (or refused to) die a heroic death worth being remembered? Moreover, even if we were to accept this terminology, how can we continue to praise only the male heroes all but erasing the female heroines? As will become clearer below, the heroes comprised by this dedication were only British ones, an implicit nationalistic tinge that is uncannily present in too many memorial events for the first world war in particular. In the second half of the concert, then, the poem In Flanders Fields by the Canadian physician, poet, and soldier John McCrae was read out. Of course, the choice of such a poem barely needs justification: it is one that is used in remembrance ceremonies throughout the Commonwealth and it was written by a soldier during the war what more could one ask for? Yet, the poem, but even more so its repetition in this context, is deeply problematic. In the first two lines (In Flanders fields the poppies blow / Between the crosses, row on row,) the remembrance symbol used in the UK and the commonwealth (the poppies, see discussion below) is made to stand for the fallen soldiers, both arranged in resembling military organisation (row on row). This image is strengthened by the fifth line (Scarce heard amid the guns below.); the dead, the fighting, and what will become a symbol for remembering the first world war are all intermingled. This, however, is not a conciliatory poem. It is not condemning the cruelty of war. It is not doubting the meaning of this sheer waste of lives that is WWI. Instead, much like the hero narrative of any war, it celebrates death and destruction, it urges us to carry on, to keep up the fight: Take up our quarrel with the foe! / To you from failing hands we throw / The torch; be yours to hold it high! (Lines 10 12). Of course, those who question this cause, this honourable death, are once more portrayed as traitors who disturb the rightful memory of the heroes (If ye break faith with us who die / We shall not sleep (), lines 13-14). One may like or dislike this poem. Certainly, it is to be read as the product of someone involved in a terribly destructive and cruel war, convinced that they are fighting for a good cause. This, however, is not the question at hand. Instead, what is problematic is its uncritical reproduction today, 100 years after the war has ended. 100 years after we should have moved on from this rhetoric of foes and heroes, of good wars and of dying for ones country. 100 years later we should be able to understand that maybe a war is never just one good side against one bad side and that maybe, just maybe, this war was the necessary consequence of the marriage between capitalism and imperialism. Presenting the poem, reading it out aloud without any discernible distance to the poems core message, perpetuates it. Moreover, at a time when international solidarity seems to be once more at a low-point, especially in Brexit-UK, and the political rhetoric is infested with nationalism and xenophobia, with a distorted understanding of history, a University society should perhaps consider the context in which the message of such a poem is received. The third point that appeared problematic was the abundant use of the poppy symbol. Used excessively on program flyers, on posters, and on a power point slide arranged around a large cross, it is maybe worth to look at this symbol and what it stands for. The inspiration for using a red poppy as remembrance symbol for soldiers killed in all conflicts was the above-discussed poem. It is mostly used in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealandcountries which were formerly part of the British Empire[i]. In the UK, the poppies are sold by the Royal British Legion a charity, which is dedicated to helping those serving or having served in the British Armed forces and they can only legally be sold as part of the Poppy Appeal, the RBLs fundraising drive. According to their website, The symbol of the poppy today represents Remembrance of the past and hope for the future.[ii] However, in 2014, the symbol was still taken to stand for the following: It is worn to commemorate the sacrifices of our Armed Forces and to show support to those still serving today and their loved ones.[iii] As such, at least in the UK context, it is not simply a neutral remembrance symbol but one that is clearly linked to the British Armed Forces past and present. And as such, it has also come under severe critique over the years. It has been seen to be abused to marshal support for contemporary military campaigns[iv], while the refusal to wear one has been construed as a betrayal: the absence of a poppy is interpreted as absence of concern for the war dead, almost as an unpatriotic act of treachery.[v] Since it is not as if there were no alternative symbol available, the choice is made to take a controversial symbol dedicating to representing the British part of the conflict. A symbol, which moreover some far-right groups have used () as a symbol of militant British nationalism, while some Muslims have begun to reject it as a symbol of Western imperialism.[vi] The choice may be unfortunate or ignorant, but neither of these makes it less grave. * Of course, one might brush such worries aside as an exaggeration, the event discussed here being a maybe awkward performance but nothing serious. While this may be true, it seems that there is something more fundamental going wrong. The issue is twofold. On the one hand, the fact that a student society puts on such a performance, seemingly without any qualms about the subtlety of remembrance, is telling of the role that WWI plays in the collective memory of the UK. The war is nostalgically seen as one waged against the continental enemy, the lives lost in this effort are mourned, yet also their heroic feat need be mentioned, if not celebrated. In its essence, however, it is a British war: the lives that were lost, the lives that need to be remembered, the heroism all of these are British. And it is the good old Britain that is remembered, the one that ruled the waves. None of this is explicit, naturally, but through uncritical repetition of war-time rhetoric the empire is brought back into the concert hall. And the fact that this happens at an amateur performance, one that does not stand in the spot light and that does not find itself under a lot of pressure to conform to dominant ideals, but rather that would open a space for an alternative, is all the more disappointing. On the other hand, because remembrance takes place in this way, it is normalised, it passes as something not too serious, not too earnest. Perhaps the most urgent point is that such a performance is never innocent, never free of the political in which it drapes itself naively. Even if all the symbolism is chosen unknowingly, out of ignorance, this does not take away from its power. This is where the real issue lies: because the performance takes place in an amateur context, the symbol is ripped from its context and serves merely as aesthetics fitting the theme. Yet, an aesthetisation of the poppy, of heroism and of nationalism is not a subversion of these ideas, but as was suggested above their continuation. The political aspect of the symbol cannot be detached from the aesthetic, because the aesthetic is political. The danger of the amateur context is that it makes resorting to excuses all the easier: it is not too serious. But precisely this normalises the ideas that are perpetuated. It is for these reasons that an innocent remembrance performance is a dangerous thing. * * * [i] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance_poppy [ii] http://support.britishlegion.org.uk/app/answers/detail/a_id/280/kw/poppy%20appeal iii https://web.archive.org/web/20141103033305/http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/poppy-appeal [iv] https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/nov/05/poppy-appeal-subverted-veterans-complain [v] https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/dan-oneills-outrage-politicians-send-1795123 [vi] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance_poppy Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal ANTHONY The rows of neatly pruned pecan trees that line N.M. 28 from Anthony through the Mesilla Valley to Las Cruces make the two-lane state road a scenic route, but the orchards also showcase the importance of the crop for New Mexico. Dona Ana County is the top pecan-producing county in the country, said David Salopek, a third-generation pecan farmer. China is the top foreign buyer of U.S. grown pecans. So farmers in southern New Mexico are concerned about Chinas additional 15 percent tariff on tree nuts that brings the tariff on pecans to 22 percent, but the concern is measured. Its a very popular item over there. Its not going to make things any easier; I dont think its a disaster, either, Salopek said. China imposed the increase last month in retaliation for President Donald Trumps 25 percent tariff on steel and 10 percent hike on aluminum. Democratic Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico sent a letter April 13 to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer saying retaliatory tariffs will hurt American farmers. New Mexico produced more than 72 million pounds of pecans in 2016 valued at a record $213.1 million. However, increased tariffs are already causing significant uncertainty and will make farming difficult for our states growers and producers, the senators wrote. Profits for New Mexico pecan growers have climbed along with Chinas appetite for pecans, which are considered a healthy treat eaten at the time of the Chinese New Year. Pecans are a little elongated. They considered it a nut to promote long life, Solopek said. U.S. growers introduced the nut to China in the mid-1990s, and the country now buys about a third off all pecans produced in this country. China normally starts placing an order this time of year, said Greg Daviet, a pecan grower in the Mesilla Valley with 325 acres. There has been no immediate impact from the tariff hike, he said. Im not panicked, but its something Im paying attention to, he added. China cut the tariff from 25 percent to 10 percent in 2015, which helped boost pecan sales there. Some New Mexico farmers say that if Americas nuts become too pricey, China will buy pecans elsewhere. Probably youll see a few more pecans leave for China from Mexico, said Salopek. Demand for pecans in China has led to higher prices in the U.S. in recent years and prompted thieves to sneak into orchards to steal the nuts during the winter harvest season. If Chinese demand for U.S. grown pecans falls, so will prices in the U.S. But here, too, timing could help farmers. The American Pecan Council is developing an ad campaign to encourage Americans to eat more pecans, a nut that is native to America. It will be similar to ad campaigns like Got Milk, which promote specific agricultural products. Strap on the food bucket, Albuquerque! Several established restaurant purveyors and chain operators are looking at cooking up some new business. Right off the bat, it looks like the abandoned Applebees at Paseo del Norte NE and Interstate 25 will soon have a new tenant. A liquor license permit on the door shows that it will be Cocina Azul. The owners of the New Mexican-style eatery operate two other locations in the Duke City. I called the company to get a timetable on opening and other details, but I couldnt get through. Must have been the dinner rush. Applebees closed at the site last May. A representative for the chain said the restaurant was closed to help boost sales at other locations. Blakes expanding According to a Blakes Lotaburger spokeswoman, the Albuquerque-based burger chain, which also serves a popular line of breakfast burritos, is gearing up to open an eatery in mid-July at WindRidge@Tamaya on the Santa Ana Pueblo, near the newly opened Big R store. Blakes also has confirmed plans to rebuild a restaurant that burned down last year on Juan Tabo and Indian School NE. The popular local burger stop will also open a new store at the Coors Pavilion, near Coors and St. Josephs NW, but not this year, the spokeswoman said. One of the states best-known restaurant operators also has begun changing its profile with a new restaurant design meant to freshen the 65-year-old brand. The Doughnut City Albuquerque appears to have built its culinary reputation on anything with green or red chile, but customizable and gourmet doughnuts soon may give the beloved spicy staple a run for its money. Case in point: The area now is home to Rebel Donuts, the Bristol Doughnut Co. and The Dapper Doughnut, which is coming soon to Coronado Center, according to malls website. When Dapper debuts, it will sell hot, mini-cake-style doughnuts. They come in 14 flavors and are made fresh to order in front of the customer. Doughnuts can also be made into a milkshake or doughnut truffle, which is filled with chocolate or caramel. The new business is also hiring for several positions. More info can be obtained at thedapperdoughnut.com/albuquerque-east. Best of cluck! The recent Cinco de Mayo weekend saw the grand opening of a new Churchs Chicken restaurant in Rio Rancho at 3801 Southern SE. Staffers welcomed guests to enjoy the brands signature hand-battered, double-breaded fried chicken, homestyle sides and scratch-made honey butter biscuits. Franchise owner Noor Samji, president of Border Chicken LLC, now owns five Churchs eateries in Arizona and New Mexico. The restaurant features the latest interior seating options, new exterior design, color palettes and contemporary lighting inside and out. Room to breathe Forget those bars and neighborhood taverns. A new bar has opened in Rio Rancho, but customers dont get tanked on gin or tequila, preferring something light and airy like a 15-minute shot of oxygen. Called the Rio Rancho O2 Oxygen Bar, its the first of its kind in the City of Vision, but a popular concept in other parts of the U.S. Benefits of the therapy include alleviated stress, increased productivity, improved memory and better oxygen absorption, claim devotees. Oxygen bars are equipped with tanks of 99 percent pure O2 (typical air is only 21 percent) for customers to breathe in through small tubes hooked over the ears and under the nose. Just like a bar, the Rio Rancho establishment has different flavors, ranging from floral to fruit. The cost is a dollar per minute for a minimum 15-minute session. To learn more about the new business, at 2006 Southern SE, Suite 202, visit rioranchoo2oxygenbar.com. Tressed to impress Speaking of bars, Blo Blow Dry Bar will open its first New Mexico location May 18 at 6400 Holly NE. As a working mother I truly understand the importance of time, said franchise owner Jessica Carothers. At Blo, we value that and our mission is to provide our clients with a luxurious environment where they can de-stress and have their hair done to perfection, but it wont take up all of their time. She said the salons stylists have the exper-tease to create runway-ready coiffures, with a signature blowout starting at $40. Steve Sinovic covers the retail, food/beverage, tourism and hospitality beats for the Journal. News tips can be sent to ssinovic@abqjournal.com or by calling 505-823-3919. Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal Charlotte Trujillo, principal of South Valley Preparatory School, describes the building that will be the schools new home as a dream come true. In the summer, South Valley Prep will move from its roughly 10,000-square-foot campus to a 22,000-square-foot building at 2551 Karsten Court SE. The charter school is getting an upgrade from its current location that used to be military barracks, according to Trujillo. Just an impossible dream, she said. Primarily made of portables, South Valley Prep was quickly outgrowing its campus. Trujillo had requested to expand the original location at 2813 Gun Club Road SW, but the county told her the property was at capacity and no more portables could be added. But come July, South Valley Preps new building will give the kids resources they havent had before, such as a conference room, teachers lounge, health center and science lab. It will also be safer for the kids, Trujillo explained, as the new building has only two entrances and houses all of the classrooms. And its not on a busy road like the Gun Club location. South Valley Prep ran into problems with the foot traffic in the area, having to remove signs off its outdoor bathrooms because people in the homeless community would use the campus facilities. Trujillo said parents have been accommodating about the move despite it being seven miles away from the original location. Parents have told me that its not about convenience but about quality, she said, adding parents have been working together to start carpools where needed. Moving was always the plan since the school opened in 2010. And the state Public Education Commission officially approved the relocation request in April. The occupancy at the building on Karsten Court is about 235, according to Trujillo. The principal plans to ask the PEC to increase the schools enrollment cap in the future. Its a bittersweet move as the building is the former home to Academy of Trades & Technology, a school that is shutting down after its charter wasnt renewed, said Trujillo and Academy of Trades & Technologys Chief Financial Officer Alfred Martinez. After learning that the Public Education Department would likely recommend nonrenewal, the academy sought authorization under Albuquerque Public Schools but was denied late last year. But its ultimately a win-win, because the building will still have students in its halls who will use the materials left at the school, Martinez said. And he noted that South Valley Prep serves a similar demographic with a student population of primarily Hispanic and low-income students. Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal For months, Victoria Ulibarri held out hope that her missing husband, Lawrence, was alive. Ulibarri and her children launched a search after the man left home in late October 2016 and never returned. The agonizing monthslong hunt that followed is the subject of a lawsuit filed April 19 in state District Court. The Ulibarris called police, local medical facilities, even the Office of the Medical Investigator, but no one knew where he was. (Ulibarri) was tremendously relieved to hear that OMI was not in possession of the remains of her husband, the lawsuit says. At this point, OMI had given plaintiff reason to believe that her husband was still alive. It was not until March 2017, four months after her husband disappeared, that Ulibarri finally learned that the agency had had her husbands body for months. He had been found dead along a dirt path near Edith Boulevard right around the time that his family noticed he was missing on Oct. 28, 2016. Police identified him almost immediately after rifling through the contents of his wallet. OMI retrieved his body, performed an external exam and autopsy, moved his remains to storage, then misplaced or forgot about them, according to the lawsuit. His body was left in limbo at OMIs central office for the next four months, presumably without anyone at OMI noticing a set of unaccounted for and decaying human remains. Neither the Albuquerque Police Department nor OMI notified Ulibarri of her husbands death at that time. And when she called both of those agencies on her own in November, no one provided her with any information on Lawrences whereabouts, she alleges. Its an enormously traumatic thing to learn that youve been searching in vain for your husband or your father for the past four months when he was dead all along, and people that you had asked about it had misinformed you, the familys attorney Levi Monagle said in an interview. By that point, Lawrence Ulibarris remains were so decomposed that they could not be viewed, and the family was informed that the remains would not be released to them, the lawsuit alleges. Instead, they would be released to a mortuary for cremation. This slapdash government-mandated cremation process deprived plaintiff of her husbands remains, and further traumatized plaintiff and her children, who had hoped to give Mr. Ulibarri a proper burial, the lawsuit alleges. OMI assured the family that an investigation into the oversight was underway. But in a July letter to the Ulibarris, the office offered no explanation for the failure, only an apology for the way it handled the family notification process. A spokeswoman for the University of New Mexicos Health Science Center said she could not comment on the lawsuit. But OMIs lead investigator in July released a public statement taking responsibility for what he called a procedural failure. Ulibarri alleges that OMI was negligent and is seeking compensation for her damages. The family understands that nobody at OMI was out to hurt them, but the nature of the mistake, I think, was so colossal that they think that OMI needs to step up and take responsibility for it in a more meaningful way than just a form apology without any explanation of what went wrong, Monagle said. For six years Ive asked myself how two disgruntled people can overturn a law that, for over 80 years, has supported a program that lends textbooks to thousands of low-income children in New Mexico, providing them with equal educational opportunities. This is the question that the New Mexico Supreme Court will consider today as it hears oral argument in Moses v. Ruszkowski, the case involving the New Mexico Association of Non-public Schools (NMANS). As the state director for NMANS, I know how crucial New Mexicos instructional materials lending program has been for many children, especially those from low-income parts of our state. Each year I drive nearly 8,000 miles around the state visiting 70 to 80 non-public schools, many in rural areas where educational options for children are minimal. People often associate private schooling with our larger cities, but the average size of a nonpublic school is less than 125 kids, and many private schools are in small towns and rural areas like Carlsbad, Gallup and Zuni. Often these children come from homes with a single parent working two jobs to send their children to schools that meet their individual needs. Some families, of course, are fortunate and can afford a wide range of educational options for their children, but that is not the case for most kids in New Mexicos private schools. Nearly half of over 24,000 kids attending non-public schools in New Mexico are minorities. Many families have relied on the textbook lending program to make their childrens education affordable. To New Mexicans, it just makes sense that their tax dollars help purchase quality science, math and history textbooks that can be used by all children, no matter where they go to school. But because private, faith-based schools can participate in the textbook lending program, two individuals have made it their mission to dismantle the program regardless of the toll it will have on thousands of childrens educations. And they have come close to succeeding. These activists have filed a lawsuit saying that this decades-old program is against the law. On two separate occasions, lower state courts ruled to protect the program, yet the state Supreme Court ruled to end it in 2015, citing an 18th century anti-immigrant law known as a Blaine Amendment. The New Mexico Blaine Amendments original purpose was to discriminate against Catholics. Now in 2018, the people most likely to be harmed by this amendment are children from low-income families. Recent studies report that New Mexico is the lowest of all 50 states in standardized test scores and first in high school dropouts. Our nonpublic schools play an important role to combat this. One nonpublic school in Las Cruces maintains an average graduation rate of over 97 percent. Others report similar statistics annually. In 2017, nonpublic schools produced over 50 percent of our states National Merit Scholarship qualifiers while only representing less than 10 percent of all students in New Mexico. Programs such as the textbook lending program make educational options more affordable for a wider range of parents who want their children to have the same opportunities as others. Last summer the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to protect Trinity Lutheran, a Christian preschool in Missouri that was denied playground safety funding under Missouris Blaine Amendment because of the schools religious affiliation. The Supreme Court emphasized that laws targeting religious organizations are unconstitutional. Following that decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered our state Supreme Court to reconsider its decision concerning the textbook lending program. Now nonpublic school families, with the help of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, will once again have the chance to be heard on this important education issue. It is my sincere hope that the court will protect our childrens future by ruling against an effort to use an unfair and outdated law to exclude families from a program that helps to provide equal educational access for all children, rich or poor. Hes a Democrat running for a congressional seat in a crowded primary, and he apparently thinks that scoring political points by taking a tough stance against ICE and those affiliated in any way with the agency is more important than local jobs. Welcome to primary season in New Mexico. The congressional candidate is Pat Davis, and the company he painted a scarlet letter on is Albuquerque-based CSI Aviation, which is trying to secure $250,000 in state Local Economic Development Act funding to renovate the former headquarters of Eclipse Aerospace. The company estimates the hangar renovation will create and maintain an additional 60 full-time jobs over the next decade. The average annual wage for those jobs which include administrative staff, maintenance personnel and pilots is $50,000. The Albuquerque Development Commission approved the project on March 29, but it still needs City Council approval. So what, exactly, has CSI Aviation done to merit a scarlet letter? The company received hundreds of millions of dollars in federal contracts from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements Detention Compliance and Removals office for air charter services. CSI Aviation says those contracts are unrelated to the hangar it rents at the Albuquerque International Sunport or the proposed renovation. Besides, what CSI does is completely lawful. Davis has raised concerns that the citys recently beefed-up immigrant-friendly resolution prohibits the city from aiding in any part of the federal immigration enforcement or deportation process. I believe this would prohibit the use of staff in the Economic Development Department from serving as aides to the (CSI Aviation) application or facilitating subsequent payments from city-administered funds, even if they are pass-throughs from the states, Davis wrote in a Feb. 28 letter to city Chief Administrative Officer Sarita Nair. As his letter makes clear, this isnt city money. Davis is wrong to suggest that the city should penalize CSI Aviation for its association with ICE, particularly when the company says there is no relationship between the hangar it rents at the Sunport or the proposed project and its work for ICE. Indeed, CSI Aviation notes that the companys New Mexico business operations are about getting sick and injured people transported by air to receive the medical care they need to stay alive, adding quality jobs and revenue to the local economy, and coming up with a solution to use empty and wasted hangar space at the Sunport. The company says it has been diversifying its business operations to include work with its own aircraft through federal contracts unrelated to ICE, including transportation of military personnel for the Department of Defense. To suggest that a business should be penalized because of its affiliation with a federal agency that is tasked by Congress with upholding immigration laws smacks of McCarthyism. And what about all the other federal contractors who keep the economy here running? Do they deserve scarlet letters as well? Where does it end? Should ICE agents be banned from catching a flight at the city-owned Sunport altogether? Should gas stations, restaurants and hotels that serve ICE agents be off limits to city of Albuquerque employees on trips? Mayor Tim Kellers administration and Davis colleagues on the City Council need to shut Davis down on this matter. CSI Aviations project should be judged solely on its merits. To do otherwise would be an abuse of power, and it would likely open the city up to a lawsuit in federal court. This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers. Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal LAS CRUCES The two women candidates in the Democratic primary for the 2nd Congressional District reached a similar conclusion in deciding to run for the seat long held by Republicans. We cant sit on the sidelines anymore, said Madeline Hildebrandt, an adjunct professor of history, Coast Guard veteran and resident of Socorro. Maybe its time for me not to be on the sidelines, said Xochitl Torres Small, a native of Las Cruces and an attorney who worked as a field organizer for Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M. Both are first-time candidates and among a record number of women seeking office this year. Theyre in the race to succeed Republican Steve Pearce, who did not seek re-election to run for governor. For Hildebrandt, 56, a mother of two adult children and a grandmother, the top issue is education, including improving public schools, bolstering support for vocational training, and reducing the cost of higher education. In order to affect our economy even, we need to begin with education, she said. For Torres Small, 33, improving rural schools, access to health care and reducing brain drain are priorities. Its time to make sure New Mexicans have an opportunity to achieve their dreams right here in southern New Mexico. Right now people feel like they cant always do that, Torres Small said. She is married to state Rep. Nathan Small, D-Las Cruces. The district that has repeatedly elected Republicans to Congress includes New Mexicos second-largest city but also rural areas rooted in conservative values. On the campaign trail, both women are appealing to rural New Mexicans. What I am is a veteran, somebody who was raised on a farm and a ranch, somebody who understands the needs of rural New Mexico, Hildebrandt said. Were not serving rural New Mexico anymore, so we need a strong voice who will fight for that, Torres Small said. The district also includes a large swath of border with Mexico that has become a focal point for the Trump administrations crackdown on illegal immigration and promise to build a border wall. I think its wasteful. Its fiscally irresponsible, Torres Small said. We have what fence we have, and the idea of going on and creating more fence or more wall is kind of archaic, Hildebrandt said. Both candidates support the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program and comprehensive immigration reform. We need it for our jobs. We need it for our futures. We need it for our families, Torres Small said. Hildebrandt said she was inspired to run for Congress after seeing a young girl crying at a grocery store and telling her mother she was worried her grandmother would be deported. Mama, when we get home is my abuelita going to be there? The mom says, Of course. Why wouldnt she be? And she answers, Because shes from Mexico. CORRECTION: This story has been updated to reflect the correct age for candidate Gavin Clarkson. Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal LAS CRUCES Voters in the Republican primary for the 2nd Congressional District have a wide range of candidates to choose from: a political newcomer, a veteran state representative, a businessman and former mayor, and a New Mexico State University professor who served in the Trump administration. Theyre running for the seat held by fellow Republican Steve Pearce, who is not seeking an eighth term in Congress so he can run for governor. Two of the candidates are well-known in southern New Mexico political circles. Yvette Herrell, 54, of Alamogordo has served in the Legislature for eight years and describes herself as pro-life, pro-business, pro-Second Amendment. She said her experience as a lawmaker will benefit New Mexicans. Its imperative that you understand the industries, the people, how all of these bills and these mandates and these policies affect individuals, their kids, their businesses, she said. Monty Newman, 63, a small-business owner, is a former mayor of Hobbs and a past chairman of the Republican Party of New Mexico. His son served in Iraq, and he wants to be a voice for veterans and small-business owners. His top priorities are promoting a strong military and strong borders and creating jobs and economic prosperity and an opportunity for young people that we have in this state to stay in this state. Gavin Clarkson, 49, is an NMSU business professor who served in the U.S. Department of the Interior as deputy assistant secretary for policy for Indian Affairs, where he said his nickname was the energizer bunny. Clarkson is a member of the Choctaw Nation, and his Native name translates to rabbit who brings thunder. His top issues are economic development and tax reform with a focus on Indian reservations in the district. New Mexico will be better off if the tribal communities are mountains of prosperity rather than cesspools of poverty, he said. Clayburn Griffin, 31, is a digital marketing specialist in Lovington who worked on the campaigns of Pearce and former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson. He said his top priority is creating jobs and economic opportunities through federal incentives for areas of the country that dont have economic diversity, places like New Mexico. Griffin wants to encourage startups in rural areas to help reduce the brain drain he experienced firsthand. I always liked the rural setting in Lovington and the nice, small-town life. I just wished I could stay there, said Griffin, who left for New York to build his career before returning to start a family with his fiancee in his hometown. All of the candidates, with the exception of Griffin, solidly support President Donald Trumps agenda, especially when it comes to the border wall and cracking down on illegal immigration. For Newman, that includes deporting people who qualified for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. I dont view DACA any differently than I view the concept of illegal immigration, he said. Herrell is critical of the programs scope. The intent of DACA was never designed as a path to citizenship, she said. Clarkson said he would consider a path to residency but not citizenship for people who are otherwise law-abiding, economically productive and not on social services. Griffin is against repealing DACA or the use of ICE to go after working families and arrest and deport who essentially arent criminals or a threat to us. He said enforcement should target drug trafficking and other crimes on the border. Midterm elections historically translate into lost seats for the presidents party, and Clarkson said Democrats efforts to flip the seat in New Mexico inspired him to run. Basically, I decided there was a need for the seat to remain in Republican hands and that the current field was going to get clobbered in November, he said. Trumps high approval ratings among Republicans could help candidates who want voters motivated by loyalty to the president to cast ballots, although turnout typically is much lower for primaries. I hope that people wont feel jaded or burned out about how politics has gotten nasty, Griffin said. We are an important part of the process. Thats why our Constitution starts out, We the People. Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal LAS CRUCES Theres a crowded field of candidates four Republicans and two Democrats competing for the 2nd Congressional District seat, long held by Rep. Steve Pearce, who decided to run for governor rather than seek re-election. Anytime you have a popular incumbent vacating a congressional district, it creates a lot of activity and excitement, said Brian Sanderoff, president of Research & Polling Inc., and a longtime observer of New Mexico politics. Pearce, a Republican, has been in office for 13 years. On the June 5 Republican primary ballot are Gavin Clarkson, a New Mexico State University business professor and former Trump administration official; Clayburn Griffin, a digital marketing specialist living in Lovington; state Rep. Yvette Herrell of Alamogordo; and Monty Newman, a business owner and former mayor of Hobbs. Two candidates are running in the Democratic primary: Madeline Hildebrandt of Socorro, an adjunct government professor; and Xochitl Torres Small, a native of Las Cruces who is a lawyer and former field organizer for Democratic Sen. Tom Udall. Southern New Mexicos 2nd Congressional District, one of the largest in the country, includes Los Lunas and Las Cruces, New Mexicos second-largest city, and stretches to the Arizona and Texas state lines and south to the Mexican border. Its home to farms and ranches, as well as oil and gas fields. A bit of southern Bernalillo County is also in the district. Policies affecting energy and trade both economic engines for New Mexico are important in the region. The Santa Teresa border crossing is credited with booming trade with Mexico, but the border area is also a backdrop for divisive political debates about illegal immigration and President Donald Trumps effort to build a big, beautiful wall. There is a deep pocket of progressive voters in Las Cruces. But the rural region, rooted in conservative values, is traditionally a Republican stronghold even though slightly more registered voters are Democrats. The fact that theres 40 percent Democrats and 36 percent Republicans doesnt mean the Democratic Party has the edge, because there are still a lot of conservative Democrats in southern New Mexico, Sanderoff said. There are also a large number of independent voters who dont identify with either party and because of New Mexicos closed primaries wont be casting ballots in June. The congressional race has attracted national interest in a year when Democrats hope to translate Trumps approval ratings into votes that could give the party a majority after midterm elections. We really have a great chance of not just holding the 1st Congressional District, but I believe of picking up the 2nd Congressional District of New Mexico, Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, a New Mexico Democrat who is chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, told the Journal. I think President Trumps politics and policies will be rejected in New Mexico as well as the failed policies of Gov. (Susana) Martinez. Turnout for the primaries may reflect that dissatisfaction, because voter interest typically wanes during midterm elections. Voter participation among Hispanics, who are a majority in the 2nd Congressional District, continues to lag. The Republicans have some well-known names on the primary ballot and that could help boost turnout. The Democratic candidates, among a record number of women running for office, are appealing to New Mexicans ready for new leadership in Washington in a district that has historically been in the firm grip of Republicans since it was created in 1969 with two exceptions: Harold Runnels in the 1970s and Harry Teague, who served one term after being elected in 2008, when Pearce left to run for the Senate. Pearce, who did not win a Senate seat, was re-elected to Congress in 2010. It would take a very strong blue wave for the Democrat to win, Sanderoff said. Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal Karen Hutchison sketches in a notepad as she talks about her son. God help me is scratched in dark, bold letters onto the page. The room listens intently, allowing Hutchison to breathe. I relive that second I found out over and over again every day, she said, her face streaked with tears. My clock stopped. Its been over a year since police say Hutchisons son, Joseph Tyler Burgess, was shot in the back of the head by his cousin, John Coston, as he searched the fridge. She is the newest member of the Resource Center for Victims of Violent Death support group in Valencia County. Its a safe place where you can be real, Hutchison said. I dont have the ability to fake it anymore. You laugh if you feel it and cry if you feel it. The support group meets once a month in a small rented room at Heritage Park in Los Lunas, where the centers victim advocate Joan Shirley and volunteer Susan Williams set up tables and chairs before familiar faces file through the doorway, each brought in by a tragedy. Each carrying a loss. Youre talking about the worst thing that could possibly happen to you, Shirley said. It is a hellacious experience and brings the strongest people to their knees. This is magnified for those in Valencia County, where victim advocates appointed by the 13th Judicial District Attorneys Office are overloaded and understaffed, unable to give the hands-on, around-the-clock assistance many victims need as they navigate a complicated criminal justice system. They really do try, but they dont always get it right, Shirley said. Theres too much volume. 1 county, 1 advocate Rachel Combest has a lot on her plate. As the sole remaining victim advocate in Valencia County, Combest oversees 350 cases, assisting victims of everything from battery to homicide. Its a scary situation for them to just be thrown into this, Combest said. Some victims can serve as witnesses, a tool for the DA to use in the prosecution, while others just need help getting back on their feet. For each case, Combest is expected to explain the legal process, organize and maintain case files, direct the victims to resources, notify them of hearings and if possible go with them to court. I cant be there for every single court hearing, she said. I try. District Attorney Lemuel Martinez is quick to admit the office could do a better job for victims, particularly in Valencia County. Its very difficult, he said. Were kind of spreading the work. Martinez said his office puts a lot of responsibility on secretaries to set up witness interviews and communicate with victims work advocates had previously handled. When Combest first started, she was given a cellphone so victims could reach her anytime. That only lasted a couple of months. As a whole, Im doing the best that I can, Combest said. Not too long ago, Martinez said, he had five victim advocates working under him. After a 3.5 percent budget cut over two or three years only three remain, one for each county in his district. I dont feel (having) one person in each office is doing a job that I want them to do, Martinez said. This year, he said he got some wiggle room after receiving $200,000 out of a requested million from the Legislature. Martinez said he will have to see how the funds will be used after the first of the fiscal year, but he hopes to hire another victim advocate for Valencia and Sandoval counties. With a steady caseload of 232, Cibola County has managed with one victim advocate. A hand to hold Members of the support group say they needed more than court notifications, legal explanations and pamphlets. They felt alone, Shirley said. During their monthly rendezvous, the families get together to share a meal, vent frustrations with the legal system and talk about the loved ones they lost. Although theyve known one another a few years at most, they laugh and cry together like family. I always say, its like the best group of people you never want to meet, Eileen Williams says. Unlike Combest and other court advocates, Resource Center for Victims of Violent Death advocates are not held to the standards of the court, have personal experience with the system and, with less than half the caseload, can do more for victims. Shirley is on call and in constant communication with victims through text messages, phone calls and several home visits every month. It also means holding a familys hand so to speak through court hearings. Its really hard, Shirley said, calling the courtroom a daunting place for victims. This journey is very emotional. The court of law is very unemotional by choice and by process. When Williams brother, 21-year-old Charlie Davlin, was gunned down in 2014, she said she didnt go back to work for seven months. Even simple things like taking a shower or getting out of bed seemed impossible. Its exhausting emotionally and physically, Williams said. Meanwhile, Williams along with her mother, Denise Davlin, and grandma, Diana Artiaga, were thrown into a gantlet of complicated proceedings in tight courtrooms where they came face to face with the accused. There were so many questions, Denise Davlin said. Everything got so complicated all the legal work you dont understand. Davlin, who found out her son was dead through a voicemail from the Office of the Medical Investigator, said the family wasnt even getting court notifications at the time. That was before they stumbled upon the Resource Centers website. There they found the support group and Shirley, who stood by their side in over 50 court hearings. She can walk families through the process, tell them what to expect and advise them along the way, because she has been through the motions. It was the beginning of summer 1999 when her son, Kevin Shirley, was gunned down in the East Mountains, along with two friends, in a triple homicide that sent shockwaves through the city and made national headlines. Due to the exposure, Shirley said, her family was provided every resource available something she now tries to bring to her own clients. It was very positive for us, she said. Most peoples experience is not like ours. Filling the gaps In Bernalillo Countys 2nd Judicial District, where 25,000 cases pass through District Attorney Raul Torrezs office every year, 13 victim advocates bear the weight of 200 to 350 cases each. Its just not feasible, Victim Witness Director Leslie Ulibarri said. Torrez took a trip last May to Pima County, Ariz., where District Attorney Barbara LaWall oversees 25 paid victim advocates along with up to 150 around-the-clock volunteers. Now Torrez is mirroring his own district after LaWalls, making moves to hire more advocates, pulling volunteers from the public and building a resource center just for victims. This is something we shouldve done years ago, Ulibarri said. Ulibarri said they plan to use some of the legislative funding to hire more advocates and started a program last year training volunteers, with no experience necessary, to help cushion the current system. Because we didnt have the funding and we didnt have the resources, we said lets reach out to the public, Ulibarri said. She said that 12 trained volunteers are working for the office, while a second group of 10 are in training and that new submissions are coming in every day. Incoming volunteers are given a background check and interview before they are trained at the DAs Office. Volunteers are asked to do a minimum of 20 hours a month. Our goal is to make sure that we can give every victim the service they deserve, Ulibarri said. To that end, she said the Victims Resource Center will open this month. Funded through the county and two federal grants, the center will offer victims privacy, comfort and access to resources right from within the DAs office. The Resource Center will house kiosks where victims of domestic violence can submit restraining orders, a lounge area just for victims so they are not seated beside defendants, and access to several nonprofit agencies, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Rape Crisis Center and the Resource Center for Victims of Violent Death where Shirley and other advocates will have a desk. When they invite you in, its a score, Shirley said, looking forward to bringing her expertise into the busiest district in the state. A second family Just a year after 34-year-old Brenda Martinez was shot dead and left in the street, her sister Sandra Jaquez stood before a judge and Felix Contreras, Martinezs killer. For one year, my mind has been thinking of what I could possibly say that can even give some insight as to what it is to live with the pain that comes with having a murdered loved one, she said. In the end, it is not my mind that can do so it is my heart alone that can tell you that. Contreras showed no emotion as Jaquez read her victim impact statement. He had been sentenced to nearly 30 years in prison days before. Jaquez had three words for the man who took her sister away: I forgive you. In doing so, I am not excusing your behavior, but I am stopping your behavior from destroying my heart, she said. In the courtroom sat Shirley, Susan Williams and the entire Davlin family. After the sentencing, I told Eileen outside, You guys are stuck with us now, Jaquez said, flanked on either side by her father Jose and sister Dianna, during the support group a month later. Theyre more than friends and your own family. Long after their respective cases close and verdicts are handed down, the families of Los Lunas will continue to lean on one another and help others who walk through the door. The biggest value is those who have been through the system stay for a while and encourage the ones who are new, Shirley said. It takes the influx of new people to really keep it fresh. Out of the wreckage of tragedy, friendships have sprouted for many of them. The families now keep in touch, go out to eat, attend court hearings together and have become their own advocates. If it wasnt for this group our family wouldve been lost, Jaquez said. The resource center is once again trying to expand, hoping to open a support group with a victim advocate in Roswell. The support group in Albuquerque, Torrezs district, continues to grow as the homicide count rises many of them unsolved. The need for victim advocates is showing no sign of slowing. You want the happy ending, Shirley said. This is reality. +Nearly 20 years ago, a grieving mother asked an Albuquerque judge to order the young man who killed her daughter to place a rose on her daughters grave each year on the anniversary of her death to remind him of the life he took, the wrong he did, the damage he wrought. And she asked that he donate at least $5 each year to Mothers Against Drunk Driving as a reminder to never again drink and drive and possibly kill again. I was in that courtroom in May 1999 covering the sentencing, and I remember thinking that mothers ideas were good ones. But the immutable District Judge Frank Allen Jr. apparently did not share my assessment. Instead, he sentenced Brian Wagner, then 21, to three years for DWI vehicular homicide and an additional 90 days for aggravated DWI for the Aug. 26, 1998, death of MaryMargaret Sosa, a 911 dispatcher for the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Department. Sosa, 26, was driving back to work from a late-night shift dinner break when Wagners truck sped through a red light at Eubank and Academy NE and tore through her red Dodge Neon, killing her instantly. Wagners blood-alcohol concentration tested at or above 0.16 percent, twice the states presumed level of intoxication. Police at the scene said he appeared more concerned with seeking medical attention for himself than rendering aid to Sosa. Wagners sentence was half the maximum he had faced for killing Sosa. Allen said he knocked off three years because of Wagners previously clean record, his education and steady employment (at the time he was a waiter at a Gardunos), his extreme remorse and his amenability to treatment, which he had already voluntarily begun. He was a good citizen up until this, Allen said. I think he can be again. Sosas mother, Teresita Sanchez, told me she wanted to believe that, too. Still, she was not convinced. I believe hes remorseful, she said after the sentencing. We dont hate him. We just wanted him to serve some time. It isnt until people know theyre going to get hard time, theyre going to get hurt, that they change their behaviors. Turns out, she was right. Wagner served less than two years of his prison sentence and completed probation in 2004. In 2005, court records show he was arrested on and later convicted of DWI in Utah. In 2010, he was charged with tampering with a vehicle and using a telephone to terrify, intimidate, harass or annoy, but was found not guilty of the charges. Then, in 2011, he was charged with assaulting a household member. That charge was dismissed. But charges that same year of aggravated DWI his third DWI and attempting to steal a vehicle stuck. For them, Wagner accepted a DWI Repeat Offender agreement, pleading guilty in exchange for 90 days wearing an ankle monitor under the Community Custody Program, 96 hours of community service and the suspension of 638 days behind bars. Wagners probation ended in January 2016, according to court records. No other charges appear on his New Mexico records since then. Perhaps, finally, behaviors have changed. Wagner, now 41, did not return a call. Photos on his Facebook appear to show a man enjoying a happy life, employed, gathering with friends and hiking mountains. Sanchez, who now lives in Arizona, didnt want to see those photos. Her daughter isnt enjoying a happy life, she said. Sometimes, neither is she. Its been 20 years in August, but its like it happened just recently, she said. When your child dies before you do, you never get over the pain and sorrow. You just learn to bear it. This Mothers Day, like every day, she will remember her three children, including the one she lost 20 years ago, a bright and kind woman known for her love of laughter, purple flowers, dragons and curly hair. They called her Moggie. Sanchez still does. Whenever I see a purple or lavender flower or see a dragon or hear a laugh, I think its Moggie, she said. I tell her, Oh hi, Moggie, I love you. Maybe we look for her in things that dont matter to others, but they do to us, because they remind us of her. Its discouraging, she said, to see that convicted drunken drivers like Wagner dont get the message the first time around, that the justice system is sometimes too lenient, too impotent. If Brian Wagner truly felt remorse or regret for killing MaryMargaret, he would not be a repeat offender, she said. Its as if her life wasnt worthy enough for him to regret and not repeat his drinking and driving. Its hard for us to understand how can he take a drink and drive again? How does he not tell himself, Last time I drove after drinking, I killed a young woman. As far as she knows, Wagner has never left a rose on MaryMargarets grave or sent money to MADD. Maybe, all these years later, it would still be a good idea to do that. UpFront is a front-page news and opinion column. Comment directly to Joline at 823-3603, jkrueger@abqjournal.com or follow her on Twitter @jolinegkg. Mourning on Mothers Day Mothers who have lost children or children who have lost mothers are invited to a Mothers Day workshop that will provide insights, comfort, support and coping tools for grief, 10 a.m.-noon May 12, Grief Resource Center, 1113 University NE. Seating is limited. RSVP by Monday at www.griefnm.org or 842-7166. WASHINGTON President Donald Trumps new attorney, Rudy Giuliani is trying hard to support his clients stance on legal challenges coming from investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election and a $130,000 hush payment to a porn actress, but he is off to a rough start. The former New York City mayor is delivering confounding and at times contradictory statements as he mounts Trumps defense through the media in a bewildering display that has even the presidents allies concerned. Giulianis aggressive defense of the president in recent weeks has pleased Trump, but exasperated White House aides and attorneys. Alan Dershowitz, a Harvard law professor who has informally counseled the president, said on NBCs Meet the Press that recent developments are aiding the efforts of special counsel Robert Mueller. It seems to me that the approach last week of the Trump team plays into the hands of Muellers tactic to try, at any cost, to try to find technical violations against lower-ranking people so that they can be squeezed, said Dershowitz. In an interview Sunday with ABCs This Week, Giuliani dismissed as rumor his own statements about Trumps payment to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels, said he cant speak to whether the president lied to the American people when he denied knowledge of the silencing agreement and wouldnt rule out the president asserting his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination in the Russia investigation. Giuliani also couldnt say whether Trumps personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, had made similar payments to other women on the presidents behalf. Giuliani said despite Trumps openness to sit down with Mueller in the Russia investigation, he would strongly advise Trump against it. Im going to walk him into a prosecution for perjury like Martha Stewart? Giuliani asked, referring to the lifestyle maven convicted in 2004 of lying to investigators and obstruction in an insider trading case. Giuliani couldnt guarantee that Trump wouldnt end up asserting his constitutional right to refuse to answer any questions that might incriminate him. How could I ever be confident of that? Giuliani said. During a 2016 campaign rally, Trump disparaged staffers of his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, for taking the Fifth Amendment during a congressional investigation into Clintons use of a private email server as secretary of state. The mob takes the Fifth, Trump said. If youre innocent, why are you taking the Fifth Amendment? Giuliani also suggested that Trump wouldnt necessarily comply with a subpoena from Mueller, whose investigation Trump has repeatedly labeled a witch hunt. A subpoena fight would likely find its way to the Supreme Court, which has never firmly decided whether presidents can be compelled to speak under oath. Giuliani, who was hired by Trump last month, said hes still learning the facts of the Mueller case and the details of Trumps knowledge of the payment to Daniels, who has alleged a sexual tryst with Trump in 2006. The $130,000 payment was made by Cohen days before the 2016 election, raising questions of compliance with campaign finance and ethics laws. When Trump was asked last month aboard Air Force One if he knew about the payment to Daniels, he said no. Trump also said he didnt know why Cohen had made the payment or where he got the money. Kellyanne Conway, a counselor to the president, said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union that Trump meant that he didnt know about the payment at the time it was made, not at the time the question was asked. Giuliani said last week that Trump had reimbursed Cohen for that payment and other unspecified items. Giuliani said then that he first made Trump aware of the payment shortly after joining the case but now says he doesnt know when Trump found out about it. Giuliani told BuzzFeed last week that Cohen had complained after the election about not being paid by Trump for his work in silencing Daniels and that Cohen and Trump then met to work out a $35,000 monthly retainer. Trump said Friday that Giuliani needed to get his facts straight but insisted they werent changing their story. He has called Daniels allegations of an affair false and extortionist. When asked Sunday whether Trump knew about the payment to Daniels after the campaign, Giuliani demurred. I cant prove that. I can just say its rumor, Giuliani said. Giuliani also said he wasnt sure whether Cohen had paid off any other women for Trump but indicated it was possible. I have no knowledge of that, but I would think if it was necessary, yes, Giuliani said. Cohen no longer represents Trump, Giuliani said, adding that it would be a conflict right now. Cohen faces a criminal investigation in New York, where FBI agents raided his home and office several weeks ago seeking records about the Daniels nondisclosure agreement and other matters. Michael Avenatti, Daniels attorney, said Sunday on This Week that he thinks its obvious to the American people that this is a cover-up, that they are making it up as they go along. Legal experts have said the revelation that Trump reimbursed Cohen raises new questions, including whether the money represented repayment of an undisclosed loan or could be seen as reimbursement for a campaign expenditure. Either could be legally problematic. Both Giuliani and Trump have insisted the payment to Daniels was not a campaign expense. Giuliani maintained Sunday that the payment cant be considered an in-kind campaign contribution because there was another explanation for it. This was for another purpose, to protect him, to protect his family, he said. It may have involved the campaign. Doesnt matter. Giuliani said the financial arrangement with Cohen wasnt revealed on Trumps 2017 personal financial disclosure because it isnt a liability, its an expense. WASHINGTON Britains ambassador to the U.S. said Sunday his country believes its still possible to address President Donald Trumps concerns about the Iran nuclear deal in time to prevent him from pulling out of the agreement. Kim Darroch said Britain has ideas for dealing with those concerns. They include Irans ballistic missile program and its involvement in Mideast conflicts, issues that arent part of the international agreement. Trump also objects to the accords sunset clause, which allows Iran to resume part of its nuclear program after 2025. We think that we can find some language, produce some action that meets the presidents concerns, Darroch told CBS Face the Nation. The deadline for Trumps decision is this coming Saturday. Britains foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, has scheduled talks with U.S. officials in Washington this week. His trip follows visits in recent weeks by the leaders of France and Germany, who also tried to convince Trump to stick with the agreement. All three European countries signed the 2015 deal, along with Russia and China. In an op-ed Sunday for The New York Times, Johnson wrote that the agreement offered the fewest disadvantages of all the options available. It has weaknesses, certainly, but I am convinced they can be remedied. Indeed at this moment Britain is working alongside the Trump administration and our French and German allies to ensure that they are, he wrote. Irans president warned Trump on Sunday that leaving the nuclear deal would be a historic regret. The chairman of the House Armed Services Committee also advised against pulling out of the accord without a clearer idea of the consequences and urged Trump to give the Europeans time to address his concerns. So maybe the best thing is for the president to delay a bit more his deadline of this month and put the French and the British up to the test about whether it is possible to get this other sort of agreement, Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, said on Fox News Sunday. PARIS In just one year as Frances president, Emmanuel Macron has emerged as a key world player, speaking up for Europe and Western democratic values and striking a surprise friendship with Donald Trump. But Macron has made his biggest impact and his biggest enemies at home. Strikes and protests over his economic reforms have dominated the French landscape in recent weeks, and tens of thousands held a party Saturday to share their anger at Macrons first year in office. Many fear he is trading the French way of life for a profit-focused, American-style worldview. Both critics and fans agree that Macrons France has a different feel from the country that handed him the presidency on May 7, 2017. Then a 39-year-old newcomer to politics, Macron helped stem a global tide of populism by beating anti-immigrant, far-right candidate Marine Le Pen with his strong pro-European, pro-free market convictions. Macron wasted no time in pushing through changes to Frances strict labor rules and raising the countrys international profile. He has emerged as Europes leading spokesman and was the first world leader to be hosted at a state dinner in Washington by Trump last month. In a speech to the U.S. Congress, Macron laid out a firm vision of global leadership, carrying the torch for a rules-based international system of freedoms, free markets and democratic governance that Western nations have championed since World War II. We can choose isolationism, withdrawal and nationalism, Macron said. But closing the door to the world will not stop the evolution of the world. It will not douse but inflame the fears of our citizens. Last month, the former investment banker showed his ability to make tough military decisions launching airstrikes at chemical facilities in Syria in coordination with the U.S and Britain. On Twitter, he won fans around the world with his environmental call to make our planet great again in response to Trumps decision to withdraw from Paris climate agreement. Macron has carefully cultivated his image of world leader with democrats and autocrats alike hugging German Chancellor Angela Merkel, posing with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and welcoming Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Versailles Chateau. At home, things have been more complicated. Opponents see him as authoritarian, a self-styled emperor like Napoleon or Jupiter, the Roman king of the gods. Critics on the left portray him as the president of the rich for tax cuts for the wealthy. The government has hit hard (and) antagonizes a lot of people except in the world of the rich, said rail worker Christophe Moreau, demonstrating last week against labor changes to the national rail authority SNCF. This spring, Macrons government began implementing plans to tax retirees more, apply a new university admissions system and toughen some immigration rules all of which prompted protests. One year after, the result is a lot of protests, a lot of strikes and people who think the governments social policies arent good, Philippe Martinez, head of one of Frances major unions, the CGT, told The Associated Press. The president said we need changes, but we also need to take care of citizens. Macron says his economic reforms aim at attracting more French and foreign investors into the country and making sure the French economy is globally competitive after years of stagnation or recession. Many economists say some of the changes that workers are protesting like eliminating jobs for life in the French railway system or being allowed to reduce staff in a tough business environment are the only way to make French companies viable in the 21st century, where businesses constantly send jobs across borders and automation is dramatically changing the workplace. But opponents denounce the changes as weakening Frances often-envied worker protections. Macrons popularity dropped quickly last summer after he announced budget cuts and labor reforms. He later enjoyed a rebound yet still fails to convince a majority of the French. Recent polls by Elabe, BVA, Ifop and Harris Interactive show between 39 and 49 percent of respondents have positive views on Macrons presidency. However, Macron has little to stop him from pressing on to transform France before the next presidential and legislative elections in 2022. Macron can rely on his partys large majority at the National Assembly to pass laws. Political opposition from both the right and the left has shrunk since his centrist Republic on the Move! split the formerly powerful Socialists and conservative Republicans. His biggest labor reforms passed last year despite the demonstrations. And Europes robust economic growth of late is boosting the French government. Since last year, Frances unemployment rate has decreased from 10 to 8.9 percent. Growth in 2018 is expected to reach 2 percent of gross domestic product the best in seven years. And the French deficit is under the European Unions 3 percent limit for the first time in a decade. Macron marked his year in office with French television interviews in which he said he wont cave in to the pressure of the street. I want us to succeed in the economic field in order to be able to run real social policies, he said in response to fears that France is losing its generous welfare system. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe says Macron is doing what he was elected to do. In 2017, the French wanted a change they gave the president and the government a clear majority to say: OK, youve been elected. You have plans, you must implement them. And thats what were doing, Philippe told Europe 1 radio. ___ Masha Macpherson in Paris contributed to the story. WASHINGTON President Donald Trumps new attorney, Rudy Giuliani, is delivering confounding and at times contradictory statements as he tries to lessen the legal burdens on his client from an investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and a $130,000 hush payment to a porn actress. On Sunday, Giuliani dismissed as rumor his own statements about Trumps payment to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels, said he cant speak to whether the president lied to the American people when he denied knowledge of the silencing agreement and wouldnt rule out the presidents asserting his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination in the Russia investigation. Giuliani also couldnt say whether Trumps personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, had made similar payments to other women on the presidents behalf. Giuliani said despite Trumps openness to sit down with special counsel Robert Mueller in the Russia investigation, he would strongly advise Trump against it. Giuliani couldnt guarantee that Trump wouldnt assert his constitutional right to refuse to answer any questions that might incriminate him. Giuliani also suggested that Trump wouldnt necessarily comply with a subpoena from Mueller, whose investigation Trump has repeatedly labeled a witch hunt. A subpoena fight would likely go before the Supreme Court, which has never firmly decided whether presidents can be compelled to speak under oath. Giulianis aggressive defense of the president in recent weeks has pleased Trump but exasperated White House aides and attorneys and left even supporters questioning his tactics. It seems to me that the approach last week of the Trump team plays into the hands of Muellers tactic to try, at any cost, to try to find technical violations against lower-ranking people so that they can be squeezed, Alan Dershowitz, a Harvard law professor who has informally counseled the president, said. Giuliani, hired by Trump last month, said hes still learning the facts of the Mueller case and the details of Trumps knowledge of the payment to Daniels, who has alleged a sexual tryst with Trump in 2006. The $130,000 payment was made by Cohen days before the 2016 election, raising questions of compliance with campaign finance and ethics laws. When Trump was asked last month aboard Air Force One if he knew about the payment to Daniels, he said no. Trump also said he didnt know why Cohen had made the payment or where he got the money. Kellyanne Conway, a counselor to the president, said Sunday that Trump meant he didnt know about the payment at the time it was made, not at the time the question was asked. Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal Sendero Midstream Partners LP will invest $750 million in four new natural gas gathering and processing plants in southeast New Mexico over the next five years. The company announced its plans Monday morning during inauguration ceremonies for its Sendero Carlsbad Gas Processing Plant about 10 miles south of Carlsbad, which began operating in December. That $220 million plant and pipeline system can process up to 130 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. Once Senderos other New Mexico facilities are built, local processing capacity will surpass 1 billion cubic feet per day, said Sendero President and CEO Clay Bretches. All the facilities will serve oil and gas producers in the Delaware Basin, an extremely productive rock formation that protrudes from southwest Texas northward into Eddy and Lea counties. The Delaware is one of the most prolific areas for oil and natural gas production in the entire world, and Senderos investments are a recognition of the significant needs for midstream services in a rapidly developing basin, Bretches said. The companys next plant will also be in Eddy County, where the company is negotiating for industrial revenue bonds to begin construction. The company is still considering locations for the next three plants, Bretches said. Sendero employed about 150 people per day on average during construction of the Carlsbad plant, which began in January 2017. It now employs about 15 permanent workers. Over the next five years, we expect to continue employing about 150 people on average per day as we build out the other four plants, Bretches said. When all the plants are operating, our permanent workforce will rise to about 70 people. The new Carlsbad facility marks Senderos first thrust into production after forming in 2014. A privately held firm owned by New Jersey-based Energy Capital Partners, the company spent nearly three years scouting the U.S. for the best basins and drilling partners before settling on the Delaware, Bretches said. Sendero is one of a half dozen companies that have built or expanded natural gas processing plants in the Delaware since 2015. Thats a new development for New Mexico, since most processing facilities have traditionally been located across the border in Texas. But with drilling companies pumping record investments into the Delaware and driving New Mexico oil production to unprecedented highs, more producers need access to pipeline gathering systems and processing facilities closer to where they operate. Its great to see New Mexico winning battles to attract new businesses to our side of the Permian Basin, rather than the Texas side, said New Mexico Oil and Gas Association Executive Director Ryan Flynn. WASHINGTON CIA nominee Gina Haspel tried to convince skeptical Democrats on Monday that shes the right person to lead the spy agency, just two days after she offered to step aside amid heavy criticism of her role in the agencys brutal interrogation program at black sites overseas. Haspel, who is acting CIA director, had told the White House she didnt want to stay in contention if her bruising confirmation battle this week would jeopardize the agency. But she left no doubt on Monday that shes in the fight to stay. Looking forward to Wednesday, a smiling Haspel told reporters as she breezed into the office of Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., referring to the upcoming hearing before the Senate intelligence committee. President Donald Trump tweeted strong support, saying she was tough on terror. That puzzled some of her critics who think Trumps comment wont help, and could even hamper efforts to woo Democrats support. Its Haspels role in the harsh treatment of terror suspects after the Sept. 11 attacks that is at the root of their concern. My highly respected nominee for CIA Director, Gina Haspel, has come under fire because she was too tough on Terrorists, Trump tweeted. Think of that, in these very dangerous times, we have the most qualified person, a woman, who Democrats want OUT because she is too tough on terror. One administration official acknowledged that Trump might have strayed from agreed-to talking points, but said that reflected Trumps frustration with Democrats and a desire to get Haspel installed as CIA director. The hope, too, is that the presidents comments will motivate Republicans to back her up at Wednesdays hearing and the likely subsequent vote by the full Senate. The official was not authorized to comment publicly and requested anonymity. Haspel is facing opposition from some Democrats and many rights groups who are critical of her activities related to the shredding of 92 interrogation videotapes in 2005 and her stint as chief of base at a covert detention site in Thailand where two detainees were waterboarded, which simulates drowning. The CIA on Monday delivered a set of classified documents to give senators a chance to review her record. The agency said the documents, which are not available to the public, cover the entirety of her career, including her time in the years after 9/11. Lawmakers had complained that despite repeated requests the CIA has failed to declassify information about her more than 30-year undercover career at the agency. Some lawmakers have read the 6,000-page still-classified report on the detention and interrogation program that the Senate intelligence committee issued in 2014. I believe what we have here is a cover-up from A to Z, said Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., who contends the administration has only selectively declassified material and has waged a public influence campaign that has clouded the nomination process. I believe that it is possible to declassify much of it without in any way compromising the security and well-being of the American people, Wyden said in an interview. And I do believe that if the American people could see what Ive seen I believe they would be calling their senator and urging their senator to vote against the nominee. Using extreme interrogation techniques to pry information from detainees currently is against the law, but some lawmakers worry that Trump will try to reinstate it and will get Haspel to go along. Trump has talked about toughening the U.S. approach to fighting extremists, including waterboarding and a hell of a lot worse. In private meetings with senators, Haspel has vowed to stand firm against any effort to restart the harsh interrogations, but its unclear if that pledge will be enough to reassure wary Democrats. Without Sen. John McCain of Arizona, who is battling brain cancer, the Republicans hold a 50-49 majority in the Senate. Nearly all Republicans except Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky are expected to vote for Haspel, but she would need at least one Democrat to be confirmed. Vice President Mike Pence, as president of the Senate, can be called on to break a tie vote. Administration officials are focusing on Democrats from states where Trump has strong support. Haspel backers are hoping another group of Democrats will be looking ahead, not back at one of the CIAs dark chapters. They hope this group will see the national security threats facing the nation and will want a nominee who has more than three decades of experience in intelligence, including counterterrorism and Russian affairs, and is well-respected in the field. Shes a professional, said Manchin, who hasnt yet said how hell vote. She deserves the right for us to open-mindedly and in a very open way listen to her, letting her explain herself and the job that shes done for her country. ___ Associated Press writer Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report. WASHINGTON President Donald Trump is set to reveal his decision on whether to keep the U.S. in the Iran deal on Tuesday, a move that could determine the fate of the 2015 agreement that froze Irans nuclear program. The announcement is set to cap more than a year of deliberation and negotiation that has at time pitted Trump against some of his closest aides and key American allies. Trump is facing a self-imposed May 12 deadline over whether to uphold the 2015 nuclear agreement, which he long has criticized. The president has signaled he will pull out of the pact by the deadline unless it is revised, but he faces intense pressure from European allies not to do so. I will be announcing my decision on the Iran Deal tomorrow from the White House at 2:00pm, Trump tweeted Monday. The president has been the subject of an intense lobbying effort by American allies to maintain the agreement, with British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson making a last-ditch appeal to the administration in a visit to Washington this week. European leaders say that they are open to negotiating a side agreement with Iran, but the existing framework must remain untouched for that to happen. It is not immediately clear what Trump will announce Tuesday or whether he will announce the end of the deal or push for a renegotiation. Trump in October decertified the deal with Iran, but did not move to re-impose sanctions, known as a snap-back. On Monday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Iran would be willing not to abandon the nuclear deal even if the United States pulls out, providing the European Union offers guarantees that Iran would keep benefiting from the accord. Rouhani said that what we want for the deal is that its preserved and guaranteed by the non-Americans a reference to other signatories of the 2015 agreement. U.S. officials and European allies share the conclusion that the deal, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), has halted Irans development of nuclear weapons. Trump has objected to a sunset provision that would allow Iran to restart some nuclear development in 2025. Supporters of the deal argue that withdrawing from the JCPOA would undermine Trumps push for North Korea, which has a far more advanced nuclear program than ever possessed by Iran, to denuclearize. Trump is planning on meeting with North Koreas Kim Jong Un within the next month. Earlier Monday, Trump criticized John Kerry after reports that the former secretary of state has been promoting the Iran nuclear deal. Trump said on Twitter: The United States does not need John Kerrys possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran Deal. He was the one that created this MESS in the first place! Kerry, who was also the lead negotiators for the Obama administration on the Paris climate accord, has been promoting both agreements since he left office. The Boston Globe reported Friday that Kerry, the lead negotiator on the deal for the Obama administration, had been privately meeting with foreign officials to strategize on how to keep the U.S. in the deal. Kerry has met with Irans Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. At least one of their meetings was at a June 2017 public event in Oslo, Norway, where they sat on the same panel with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and extolled the virtues of the nuclear deal. Kerry, a keen environmentalist who regularly derided climate change skeptics and championed ocean health while secretary of state, has also continued to speak out on those issues since becoming a private citizen. Last week at an event in Dallas, Trump mocked Kerry over a bicycle accident he had three years ago. ___ Associated Press writers Matthew Lee and Josh Lederman contributed to this report from Washington. Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE With a number of students in attendance, the New Mexico Supreme Court revisited a yearslong case Monday on whether state money should pay for textbooks for private schools. Plaintiffs argued that allowing the state to pay for the textbooks is unconstitutional because it puts state money toward a private entity that isnt under the direct control of the state. The other side argued that the decision hurts rural areas, in particular, and discriminates against certain New Mexico residents by excluding them from receiving resources available to others. The justices are no strangers to the arguments, as the panel had ruled the practice unconstitutional in 2015. That decision upheld a case filed in 2012 by New Mexico parents Cathy Moses of Santa Fe and Paul Weinbaum of Las Cruces against the states Public Education Department, which sought to stop tax-supported textbooks and computer programs for private schools. Due to that case, 109 private schools in the state no longer receive public funds for textbooks. But last year, the U.S. Supreme Court told the New Mexico Supreme Court to revisit the case after overruling the 2015 decision. That opinion followed a U.S. Supreme Courts decision that ruled Missouris Trinity Lutheran Child Learning Center, a religious preschool and childcare, had the right to state funds for a playground renovation. A decision from New Mexicos highest court is expected by the end of the year. Frank Susman, who represented Weinbaum and Moses, argued that since private schools arent under absolute control of the state, including its curriculum and finances, they arent privy to the textbooks provided by taxpayers. The attorney noted there is a finite amount of funding available to public schools, which he said were underfunded to begin with. And he said to put money toward private schools would be a disservice to the public school system. Susan Hapka, representing the PED, disagreed, arguing the disservice lies in taking away textbooks from schools that already rely on them. Textbooks and computer programs at private, including some religious, schools is estimated to cost $1 million a year. Hapka said she believes the financial toll will eventually fall on the parents and students if schools have to make up the difference. New Mexico has a long history of loaning textbooks to schoolchildren, she said. Eric Baxter, representing the New Mexico Association of Nonpublic Schools, said the textbook lending program is 80 years old. He also said rural areas rely more on private education and the textbooks provided by the state, adding its a much smaller burden for the state to provide textbooks than to provide an education for all of the kids attending private schools. He said the lawsuit the state Supreme Court upheld relies on anti-Catholic measures known as Blaine Amendments 19th century state law that Baxter says was originally designed to disadvantage New Mexicos native Catholic citizens. Now, in New Mexico and across the country, Blaine Amendments have been used to keep religious organizations from participating in neutral, generally applicable government programs on the same terms as everyone else, he wrote in a statement. In court, Baxter said the ultimate harm is that certain New Mexican citizens are barred from approaching the state for resources that other citizens can. Baxter was joined by a group of students and parents from private schools, who also advocated for the textbook lending program. Access to textbooks is essential for students, said parent Joshua Abeyta. Abeyta said he has seen first-hand how quality textbooks can be a crucial factor in students success in school. And Erica Olguin, 14, from St. Therese Catholic School where she found her favorite book, To Kill a Mockingbird, and a passion for reading emphasized the importance of literature in the classroom. New Mexicos rocket scientists are joining hands in a new initiative to add a lot more thrust to the local space industry. Public and private sector representatives have formed a novel partnership, New Space NM, to hitch their collective fortunes to the worlds rapidly-emerging commercial space industry, said Brad Clevenger, president and CEO of Albuquerque-based SolAero Technologies Corp., which makes solar panels for spacecraft. We already have a pretty robust satellite and space environment in New Mexico, with data, satellite and even launch companies operating here, but very little cooperation or collaboration among them, said Clevenger, an initiative leader. As todays shift from government to commercial funding for space technology gains force, we see real opportunities to strengthen New Mexicos competitive standing around the world if we work together rather than independently to build our strengths. The partnerships first order of business: a comprehensive report on the state of New Mexicos industry, including its strengths and weaknesses and the strategies needed to build a thriving industry cluster. The group which includes leaders from private companies, state universities and government entities like the Air Force is raising $80,000 to finance the study. It already has about half that amount with help from the Albuquerque Community Foundation, which is acting as fiscal agent and taking donations and administering the funds, Clevenger said. DeRaad Tech Connections, a local consulting firm led by former Air Force Research Laboratory executive Casey DeRaad, will compile the report. Its a six- to eight-month project, DeRaad said. Were just getting started, but we hope to have a report ready by November. That includes analysis of the industry sectors attracting private investment and ways to leverage those opportunities to lure more companies to New Mexico while growing the ones already here. Until recently, industry development depended almost wholly on government investment with private contractors providing technical services, DeRaad said. There was almost zero direct private space investment before 2009, but last year private funding reached $3.9 billion, she said. As the shift to commercial investment gains force, its not just the big contractors like Lockheed Martin that gain new opportunities, but small- and medium-sized firms as well. The global space market reached about $350 billion in 2016, according to a report last fall from Bank of America Merrill Lynch. It estimates the market will grow to about $2.7 trillion over the next three decades. Coca-Cola India, one of the countrys leading beverage companies, today announced its entry into new categories of Enhanced hydration and Nutritious Dilutables with the launch of Aquarius GLUCOCHARGE and Minute Maid Vitingo. The new products are in-line with the companys endeavour to provide a spectrum of beverage choices to the consumer along with functional benefits across various segments of consumers. Aquarius GLUCOCHARGE, packed with Glucose, essential Minerals (Potassium, Sodium, Calcium) and fruit juice has been developed exclusively for Indian consumers who toil in the heat and need instant rehydration to overcome exhaustion. This non-carbonated, low sugar beverage with fruit juice is priced at an affordable value of INR 10 for a 200ml serving. Minute Maid Vitingo is a specially formulated product to address micronutrient deficiency and malnutrition in India. The formulation is fortified with Iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Zinc, Folic Acid, Vitamin B2 and Vitamin B12. It comes in single serving sachets of 18gm priced at INR 5. Regular consumption of Vitingo has been clinically tested to significantly reduce Iron deficiency, Anaemia and Vitamin C deficiency among children. Speaking at the launch, Mr. T. Krishnakumar, President, Coca-Cola India and South West Asia, said, In time for the peak summer, the launch of Aquarius GLUCOCHARGE and Minute Maid Vitingo marks our entry into the space of Re-hydrate, Replenish and Recharge. These enhanced and nutritious beverage options have been developed specifically for the Indian consumers to suit their needs of enhanced and nutritious hydration. The company is embarking on a program of incubation to develop a strong portfolio of choices for the Indian consumer. This would help the Coca-Cola system to build itself a consumer centric portfolio for the future. To build a higher brand recall and awareness for the beverage, the company will conduct extensive sampling across the country. We have been actively focusing on our strategy to offer consumers a wide variety of choices as per their preferences and going ahead, incubating newproducts and scaling it up through our system would be key to our success. While Minute Maid Vitingo aims to be a part of the solution to malnutrition that the country is solving for, we are equally committed to making Aquarius GLUCOCHARGE a mass distributed brand in next eight months. Our reshaped portfolio will further accelerate the growth momentum and help us deliver enhanced business results. Krishnakumar further added. The strategic extension of the portfolio is in-line with Coca-Colas journey towards a Total Beverage Company, which is centred on building an increasingly diverse consumer-centric portfolio of brands attuned to unique consumer preferences. The launch of new products also adds another milestone to the companys focus on fruit circular economy' enabling farmers to increase their yield, source pulp and launch fruit based products. The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has announced Google as the Creative Marketer of the Year 2018. The award honours brands that distinguish themselves through consistently outstanding creative storytelling. This year, Google is recognised for embracing creativity across their brand marketing, the application of new technology to creating effective campaigns, and inclusive storytelling. It will be collected by Googles Chief Marketing Officer, Lorraine Twohill, during the closing Award Ceremony on Friday, June 22. To celebrate the award and ensure the future of the marketing industry is one which is driven by a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences, the company will launch the Google Creative Campus at the 2018 Cannes Lions. Google Creative Campus will focus on driving greater gender, ethnicity and socio-demographic diversity in the creative industries. Operating in partnership with the Roger Hatchuel Academy, the combined programme will educate 45 students in Cannes, at least 50 per cent of which will come from groups that are historically underrepresented in advertising and marketing. Students will be selected by Cannes Lions representatives, from advertising, communications, and related marketing disciplines and additionally, ten of the chosen students will receive bursaries from Google. At Google, we build for everyone, and our marketing campaigns must speak to people all around the world with different backgrounds, languages, and points of view. We want to support more talented newcomers who bring different perspectives into the industry. This isnt about multicultural marketing; its marketing in a multicultural world. Without this diversity, there is no creativity, said Twohill. Following a week of training at Cannes Lions in June, the group will participate in a second week-long immersion trip at Googles Mountain View headquarters in California in the second half of the year. Alongside its obvious achievements as a technology company, Google as a brand has crafted a reputation for marketing campaigns that are bold, courageous and creative. Over the history of the Festival, Google has taken home an incredible 127 Lions. Ground-breaking campaigns like NYT VR, Google Deepmind Alphago, Google Cardboard, Google Voice Search and Hilltop Reimagined for Coca-Cola all of which won Grands Prix are clear examples of Googles drive to constantly challenge and strive for creative excellence. Were proud to be able to honour them with this prestigious award and also look forward to launching the Google Creative Campus at this years Festival another testament to their commitment to furthering creativity, said Jose Papa, Managing Director, Cannes Lions. Previous winners of the Creative Marketer of the Year Award include Burger King, Samsung and Coca-Cola. The India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) has completed the judging process of its first ever IndIAA Regional Awards (Telugu). Jury Chair, S Sivakumar, Group Head - Agri & IT Businesses, ITC Ltd, remarked, From an age of bizarre translations of advertisements conceived in English, regional advertising has come a long way. I am glad IAA India Chapter is celebrating the good work in regional languages. The Jury process was very rewarding. Ramesh Narayan, President, IAA, said, There was a great need for a regional award backed by the prestige and gravitas of the IndIAA Awards. We were fortunate to have a great jury in the form of S Sivakumar, M Ravindra Reddy of Bharati Cement, G Veera Bhadram of Coromandel, Mohammed Rafathullah of Dukes and P Chandra Shekara Reddy of Gemini Edibles and Fats (GEF). Srinivasan Swamy, Chairman, Regional IndIAA Awards, added here, The uniqueness of the IndIAA national awards has been preserved. We had a robust two-stage judging process, one online with CMOs and the other where the final jury were physically present. And the jury who are all advertisers would be present at the awards presentation ceremony at the Cyber Conventions, Kondapur, Hyderabad on May 11. India News, known for its direct and unbiased brand of journalism, hosted Manch Punjab, an exclusive conclave, held in Chandigarh on Saturday, May 05, 2018, to present a comprehensive overview of the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh. Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh was the chief guest at the elaborate event attended by political leaders, bureaucrats, economists, leading journalists, corporates and esteemed members of the civil society. An insightful discussion with the chief minister revealed the governments emphasis on bringing in investment into the state, improving the state of agriculture and reinforcing the status of Punjabis across the world. The event, spread over a day, featured high-profile leaders, top government officials and members from the opposition. Besides political leaders, the event was attended by bureaucrats, economists, leading journalists, corporates and esteemed members of the civil society. India News Manch is an India News initiative to foster a sense of citizenship and make political processes more transparent and accountable towards the people of the country. The event in Punjab was marked by multiple panel discussions and one-on-ones that sought to address several key issues including Law and Order, Development and Infrastructure, Health and Education, Youth Welfare and Employment, Women Safety and Agriculture. Integrated into the format of the event was the Punjab Gaurav Awards, which brought the spotlight on high-caliber individuals from the state, known for creating extraordinary success stories and inspiring the state, and the nation at large, through their exemplary work. The winners were carefully screened and selected by an esteemed panel, comprising members of the editorial board at iTV Network, based on their individual proficiency and contribution to the respective areas of expertise. The event was co-powered by Savannah, a leading technology-based rice company. Rajdhani Besan was the food partner, and The Scholar World (Venture of Charms) and Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Jhanjeri were the associate sponsors of the event. Here is the detailed list of the winners: Winner - Mr. S. Satnam Singh Sandhu. Category - Edupreneur of The Year (Chandigarh University) Winner - Mr. R K Sharma. Category - Iconic Award For Excellence in Textile, Health & Hygine Industry. (Ishan Group of Industries) Winner - Mr. Rashpal Singh Dhaliwal. Category - Excellence in Campus Placement. (Chandigarh Group of Colleges). Winner - Mr. Rahul Paitka. Category - Excellence in Foreign Studies & IELTS. (Charms Education & Immigration Services) Winner - Mr. Rajeev Mukul. Category - Excellence in Pharmaceuticals (Zee Laboratories Ltd.) Winner - Mr. Vivan Singh Gill. Category - Excellence in Health Care Services. (Fortis Hospital, Ludhiana) Winner - Mr. Narinder Deep. Category - Excellence in Fast Moving Consumer Goods. (Good Time Ventures) Winner - Dr. Amit Sofat. Category - Excellence in IVF. (Rama Sofat Hospital & Ruchi Test Tube Baby Centre) Winner - Prof. Gurdeep Arora. Category - Excellence in Astrology. (Astrologer) Winner - Mr. Gulshan Kumar. Category - Excellence in Real Estate (GSK Infrastructure Ltd.) Winner - Mr. Navin Chohan. Category - Best Startup in Healthcare Sector. (Asha Kiran Hospital) Winner Mr. Gunbir Singh Sidhu and Mr. Manmord Sidhu. Category Excellence in Movie Production. (White Hill Productions) Winner - Balbir Singh Sr. Category - Excellence in sports Winner - Shamsher Sandhu. Category - Excellence in Punjabi Lyrics Winner - Prof. M.S. Kang. Category - Excellence in Agriculture Science. Winner Harivallabh (NGO). Category - Excellence in Social Work (NGO) Winner - Satinder Sartaj. Category - Excellence in Punjabi Sufi Music Winner - Param Vir Bal. Category - Excellence in Social Work.(Deputy Commdt. BSF) Winner - Navtej Sarna. Category - Special Award For More Stories Visit Here. They say, pen is mightier than a sword but what happens when your pen is used to right off your own destiny? With power not only comes responsibility but also enemies. Based on a true incident, JD is a story of an editor who is charged for assaulting a female journalist. The movie brings to the fore the challenges faced by journalists on a regular basis to bring out the truth. Directed and produced by Shailendra Pandey, the movie stars Lalit Bisht and Vedita Pratap Singh in lead roles along with veteran actors Aman Verma and Govind Namdev who will be seen in pivotal roles. &pictures, Naye India Ka Blockbuster Movie Channel, will air this intense drama on Friday, 11th May 2018 at 10 PM. Having studied journalism in the United States of America, Jai Dwivedi aka JD (Lalit Bisht) joins a small publication in Lucknow with the dream of going to Delhi to make it big in the industry. On the first day of the job he manages to get a story published with his byline and thus begins his journey. He soon climbs the ladder of success and with the financial support of his politician uncle Divakar Verma (Govind Namdev) and sets up his own magazine in Delhi, titled JD. His editor, Noor (Vedita Pratap Singh) takes on the entire charge of the magazine and ends up controlling Jai. Eventually, JD is charged of mistreating one of his female journalists and his lawyer (Aman Verma) battles to free him. Will JD be declared innocent or will he be forced to spend his life behind bars? To know what destiny has in store for Jai Dwivedi watch JD on Friday, 11th May 2018 at 10PM only on &pictures PROI Worldwide, the worlds largest partnership of integrated independent communications agencies, has appointed three leading women agency owners as Vice-Chairs at their Annual Meeting held in Lisbon, Portugal on May 5, 2018. The three, representing the Americas, EMEA and APAC Regions, will become members of PROI Worldwides International Board of Directors effective immediately. Kaija Pohjala, appointed Vice-Chair, EMEA Region, is Managing Partner of PROIs leading Finnish Agency Cocomms. Angela Scaffidi, appointed Vice-Chair of the APAC Region, is Managing Partner of Senate SHJ, one of PROIs Australian Agencies with several offices in both New Zealand and Australia. Laura Tomasetti, appointed Vice-Chair of PROI Worldwides Americas Region, is CEO of Boston based 360PR+, which has several offices in the USA. The new Vice-Chairs represent some of the most successful agencies within PROI Worldwide and they will ensure PROI continues to benefit from strong leadership on our Board, said Richard Tsang, outgoing Global Chair of PROI Worldwide and Chairman of SPRG Asia, Hong Kongs largest integrated communications firm with offices throughout Asia. I have been active in business for over 20 years, supporting international customers locally in Finland, and now I want to expand and become more active in an international setting. PROI is in an interesting phase of its development, sales, and knowledge sharing. Developing international business and raising mutual understanding among partners and clients is something I really look forward to doing in PROI, said Kaija Pohjala, Managing Partner for Cocomms in Helsinki, Finland. Its an exciting time to be part of this globally recognised partnership, and to be the new regional Vice Chair for the APAC region which provides some of the brightest thinking in our industry, said Angela Scaffidi, Managing Partner of SenateSHJ, adding, Working with our partners locally and across the globe will enable us to showcase fresh thinking to other regions and our clients. Im incredibly impressed by the calibre of PROI partner agencies across the Americas and globally and honoured to have the opportunity to continue to cultivate the active sharing of best practices and successful collaborations that benefit our staff and clients and define PROI Worldwide, commented Tomasetti. PROI Worldwide, the worlds largest partnership of integrated independent communications agencies, was founded in Europe in1970 and has offices in more than 135 cities in 50+ countries. With 75 agencies across five continents, PROI Worldwide is the 5th largest communications partnership in the world with more than 5,400 staff servicing 8,200+ clients worldwide and 2017 net fee income exceeding US$883 million. TIMES NOW, Indias No. 1 English News channel from TIMES NETWORK, hosted the first state Conclave - Karnataka NOW Conclave 2018 in Bengaluru today. A landmark initiative of Times Network, the Times NOW Karnataka NOW Conclave 2018 saw the coming together of Indias most influential business leaders and political helmsmen including Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah, Amit Shah, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Kiran M Shaw, Chetan Bhagat, Krishnakumar Natarajan, Ganesh Krishnan, Siddharth Menda, Malavika Avinash amongst others, who addressed the audience on the Government Initiatives, Policy Reforms, State Economy, Growth Opportunities, Science and Innovation through a series of panel discussions and deliberations. Themed, Seize the Moment- Karnataka NOW Conclave 2018 was attended by some of Indias most eminent speakers and dignitaries who provided insights on what steps Karnataka must take to adapt new social and political order to further secure its legacy built on innovation and enterprise. Indias top minds like Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Mindtree co-founder Krishna Kumar Natarajan, Ganesh Krishnan of growth Story and Co-Works founder Sidharth Menda deliberated on what it will take to push Bengaluru to become the worlds first name for innovation in the panel session titled Back office to global innovator. What will it take? moderated by Chetan Bhagat. Political heavyweights like Union Minister Prakash Javdekar, BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav and Dr. Subramanian Swamy and Prakash Raj debated issues around the question whether this election is more about Kannada pride rather than about development and discuss issues that plague the Silicon City and how it can evolve to become a city of the future through a series of discussions. Kicking off the Times NOW Karnataka NOW Conclave 2018, MK Anand, MD & CEO, TIMES NETWORK, said, "Shaping opinions and insights to build an informed nation is key to the democratic process. Times Network goes beyond just seeing through the narrative and actively facilitates platforms for participants to interact and improve understanding. 'Karnataka NOW - Seize the Moment' on TIMES NOW has been designed with the objective of addressing pertinent issues such as Government Initiatives, Policy Reforms, Business Growth and Innovation." Speaking at Times NOWs Karnataka NOW Conclave 2018, Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramiah took time off from the hurly burly of election campaigning and laid out a roster of his governments achievements and took potshots at Prime Minister Narendra Modis election rhetoric as political drama and gimmicks. We will get a clear majority and form the government on our own. The government of Karnataka has fulfilled all the 165 promises made in the Congress manifesto. Our schemes such as Annabhagya, Krishibhagya and Khseerabhagya are first of their kind in India. In 31 key development parameters, Karnataka is the Number 1, said Siddaramiah. The Karnataka CM claimed that he had given the Karnataka state a scamless government that will be voted back despite the tacit understanding between the BJP and JD(S). Countering PM Modis election time attack on his government, Siddaramaiah asked: What is Narendra Modis achievements. What has he done for Karnataka? If he is indeed a Kannadiga, as he now claims to be, why has he not approved the Karnatakas state flag and song? After two successive droughts, we asked for a loan waiver. Nothing came out. What has he done on the Mahadayi issue? Let him share what he has really done. Modi is all big talk and zero achievements, he added while speaking to Rahul Shivshankar, editor-in-chief, Times Now at the Karnataka Now conclave. On the issue of corruption, Siddaramaiah asked how the BJP could accuse him when B.S. Yeddyurappa was standing next to Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah. The looters of the state have all come together to grab power. Yeddyurappa has gone to jail for corruption and out on bail. None of my ministers are on bail, he said at the Times NOW Karnataka NOW Conclave 2018 in Bengaluru today. Speaking at the Back Office to Global Innovator. What will it take? session at Times Now at the Karnataka Now conclave in Bengaluru today, Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Railways said, There is a wave of change in Karnataka. The BJP is committed to making Bengaluru a more livable city and build its status as a centre of innovation. He told the audience at Karnataka NOW Conclave that he had personally approved the Rs. 17,000 crore Bengaluru suburban railways project as soon as he took office, which will benefit 1.5 million commuters. Those who oppose development projects like the Bullet Train cant solve Bengalurus infrastructure problems. The 28 assembly seats in Bengaluru city and the nine seats in Bengaluru are extremely important for the BJP. Im confident we will sweep those seats and prevent Bengaluru from Bengaluru-ed by Congress and JD(s). The double engine of BJP governments at the centre and in Karnataka will propel the state in the path of development, asserted Goyal. As a co-panelist on the session on Back Office to Global Innovator, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson & Managing Director, Biocon Ltd., at Times NOW Karnataka NOW Conclave 2018 said, What differentiated Bengaluru from other cities in India is the fact that it was built using intellectual capital rather than money power. It was built on a strong foundation of science and technology. Every successive government invested in engineering education and the promotion of IT and BT sectors. But what has not kept pace with the exponential growth brought in by intellectual capital is the physical infrastructure. For More Stories Visit Here. 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. Congress is pressing the Donald Trump administration to revive a US push for a Gulf-wide missile defense shield to defend against Iran that has stalled amid a diplomatic squabble with Qatar. Annual defense authorization legislation released today by the House Armed Services Committee calls on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to take meaningful steps toward building an interoperable ballistic missile threat that emphasizes information sharing and includes early warning and tracking data. The bill also recommends that the United States continue missile defense exercises in the region and increase relevant arms sales. The new language is aimed at figuring out whos going to shoot at what incoming missiles so we can preserve inventory of the defensive missile interceptors, a committee staffer told Al-Monitor. Its a continuing priority of the committee to work with our allies who bought US hardware to make sure that we are as interoperable and integrated as possible to be as effective as possible on a bad day. The United States has been pushing for GCC members to fuse their missile defense capabilities since at least 2014, the committee points out in the bill. All six GCC members Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman have acquired US-made radars and interceptors but have fallen behind on plans to integrate them, in part because of a Saudi-led blockade of Qatar over its ties to Islamist groups and Iran. The big problem right now is political, said Frank Rose, a former assistant secretary of state who headed up US-GCC missile shield talks under President Barack Obama. The GCC is not NATO. Were not going to have GCC concepts of operations and rules of engagement. The threat from Tehran, which is believed to possess the largest arsenal of short- and medium-range ballistic missiles in the region, has come into renewed focus ahead of Trumps announcement Tuesday on whether he plans to remain in the Iran nuclear deal. The House bill also includes language urging unity and cohesion among GCC members in the face of growing threats from Iran and proclaiming that the timely normalization of diplomatic, security and economic relationships is in the best interest of the United States. The looming threat hasnt been lost on Irans Gulf neighbors. Over the past decade, GCC countries have pursued major purchases of US missile defenses, with the UAE buying Terminal High Altitude Aerial Defense (THAAD) batteries, the most sophisticated land-based missile defense system the US exports, during the Obama administration. And Riyadh inked a $15 billion deal for a batch of the Lockheed Martin systems in October after flirting with buying a Russian-made alternative. Oman is also in negotiations to buy the system. And the State Department approved a sale to Qatar in 2012, but it remains on hold because of budget difficulties and operational concerns, according to a March 1 report from the Congressional Research Service. Under Obama's Secretary of State John Kerry, the United States also approved the sale of an early warning system to support the entire Gulf bloc, setting a new precedent on US military sales to the region that could help backstop a more integrated missile defense. The United States also has Patriot batteries deployed in every GCC country except Oman. New Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has targeted a September date for a GCC-wide meeting to patch up the Qatar rift, and Rose said the White House should lead a push to get countries to share sensor data to get a better picture of the Iran threat. Sometimes your neighbor is better positioned to help you defend your own territory than you are, Rose said. Even as Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar have frozen most trade ties and engaged in a media and lobbying tug-of-war, they maintain limited cooperation in the region, which gives experts hope of a compromise on missile defense. For example, Qatar, which has the worlds third-largest natural gas reserves, still sends liquefied natural gas to Dubai through a bilateral pipeline. And after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited the White House in March, officials in Riyadh lauded Qatars recent efforts to fight terrorism, including deals struck with the US Justice and Treasury departments last year. The renewed call for an integrated Gulf missile defense strategy comes as Congress is asking for the Defense and State departments to submit a report summarizing US efforts to develop and implement a strategy with foreign partners to counter Irans destabilizing activities in the Middle East. House aides have not indicated which countries would be involved in the strategy, which would include collaborating on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as deploying mine countermeasures. CAIRO Women have gained access to some judicial posts in Egypt over the years, but they have yet to breach the all-powerful State Council. The decadeslong battle pits certain interpretations of the Egyptian Constitution against the council and centuries of tradition dictating that a woman's place is in the home. The National Council for Women and others are continuing their uphill effort, pointing out that there are no constitutional or religious restrictions that prevent women from working in a specific field. Opponents note, however, that while the constitution doesn't specify that women can't be judges, there's also nothing in the document requiring that women be allowed to serve; that would take a constitutional amendment. But the constitution calls for Egypt to commit to achieving equality between women and men in all rights, grants women the right to hold public posts and states that appointments to judicial bodies and entities be made without discrimination. Minister of Justice Hossam Abdel Rahim said April 23 during a parliament session that he has asked members of the State Council to work toward appointing female judges, although the State Council is an independent judiciary body not under his jurisdiction. In Egypt, the State Council encompasses all administrative courts. According to the constitution, the council is the exclusive authority over administrative disputes, disciplinary cases and appeals, and challenges to its decisions. It also is the only body that issues certain legal opinions; reviews and drafts law-related bills and resolutions; and reviews draft contracts for the state or any public entity. National Council for Women head Maya Morsi has emphasized that women should be appointed to judicial bodies, especially considering that the constitution has granted them that right. The dispute plaguing state institutions over the appointment of women dates back to 1951, when a judicial ruling refused the appointment of women in the State Council on the grounds that the nature of the work doesn't suit women and also because the decision is left to the council's discretion. Also, in 2010, the absolute majority of the State Councils General Assembly rejected the appointment of female judges to the council, based on Article 186 of the State Councils regulations. This article stipulates that no measures related to the appointment of State Council members shall contradict the views of the councils General Assembly. Some State Council advisers reject the councils stance against appointing women. Said Barghash, the former deputy head of the council, told Al-Monitor, Keeping women away from judicial work [should be] rejected altogether, especially considering that the constitution grants women the right to join such work. The constitution is more important than any other law that might stipulate otherwise. Barghash added, "Women can keep up with the nature of judicial work in the State Council, which is bureaucratic work that does not require physical effort. Such work is even easier than working as lawyers. This is why there should be no intransigence when it comes to the appointment of women. The State Council's own regulations stipulate that priority for appointments should be given to Egyptians who enjoy a good reputation and have a law degree. Parliament is also involved in the dispute. On Jan. 8, parliament referred to its Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee a draft law that stipulates the need to appoint women across judicial bodies. The most prominent articles of this draft law stipulate that judicial bodies shall appoint women under the same admission terms as male judges, and any law that stipulates otherwise shall be repealed. The International Council of Jurists has called on parliament to adopt the draft law. But Gamal Jebril, a constitutional law professor at Halwan University, told Al-Monitor, State Council regulations do not prevent the appointment of female judges, but the problem lies in the application of these regulations. He said the draft law won't pass because it's unconstitutional in that it basically calls for reverse discrimination. "The constitution guarantees equality between women and men without discrimination, he added. Parliament cannot force the State Council or any other judicial body to appoint women, because these are independent bodies." Jebril criticized the State Council, however, noting it doesn't even provide women with job applications to fill out. This is deemed discriminatory and unconstitutional, and the State Council should refrain from so doing. One such example involved Umniyah Gadallah, who has a master of law degree from Ain Shams University. In 2014, she went to apply for a judicial position at the State Council and couldn't obtain a job application to fill out, she told Al-Monitor recently. The State Council denied me the right to apply for the job, in violation of [its own] regulations, which do not stipulate the exclusion of women, and in violation of the constitution, which stipulates the need to achieve equality between men and women in all rights, she said. Women can perfectly work at the State Council, especially considering that they already work as judges in other judicial bodies such as the Administrative Prosecution and the Supreme Constitutional Court, among others, Gadallah added. Proponents of women being appointed to the State Council hope the current push underway will serve as a lever to strengthen their cause, even if the executive and legislative branches find it difficult to force the State Council to change its stance. The recent visits to Washington by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel were in all likelihood the last chance for Europeans to convince President Donald Trump not to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. With prospects for winning over Trump fading as the May 12 deadline for sanctions waivers approaches, one might argue that US allies in Europe have lost sight of the prize in the process of appeasing him. Indeed, rather than exclusively focusing on addressing Trumps stated concerns about the deal, which probably cannot be satisfied anyway, France, Germany and the UK, known as the E3, would serve their interests better by laying out alternative strategies for protecting trade between Iran and the European Union should the United States withdraw. Without concrete plans of action in place and solid assurances to the Iranians about the preservation of the economic benefits of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the E3 may end up being unfairly blamed by all sides for its demise. In conversations with Al-Monitor, Iranian officials have stated, on condition of anonymity, that the Islamic Republic long ago warned the E3 that while theoretically there could be a JCPOA in place without the United States, there cannot be an agreement without Iran. In this vein, the Islamic Republic has been insisting that Europe put in place measures such as alternative financing and blocking regulations to protect its businesses in order to provide enough incentives to Iran to remain committed to the JCPOA in the case of US withdrawal. But at this point, the European strategy of seemingly only trying to accommodate Trumps demands makes it almost impossible for Iran to remain in the deal should the United States withdraw at least in the eyes of Iranian officials. As such, the E3 approach to keeping the United States within the deal could potentially result in the loss of both Washington and Tehran in the process. There are three key factors to consider when assessing this problematic prospect. First, Trump is likely to blame the E3 for being unable to renegotiate and fix the deal. After receiving an ultimatum in Trumps Jan. 12 announcement to fix the deals disastrous flaws, or the United States will withdraw, the E3 were set on the path to save the deal for their own national security interests. Trump set out several demands, including tougher inspections, removal of the so-called sunset clauses on uranium enrichment limits and sanctions on ballistic missile activity. As reflected in his appointments of national security adviser John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Trump has also adopted a harsher stance toward Iran in general, generating concerns that a new war in the Middle East could be on the horizon. Europes desire to avoid this nightmare scenario has in effect boosted US leverage, giving the Europeans even more reason to focus their efforts on trying to keep Washington in the deal. Second, Iran can reasonably be assumed to blame the E3 for only resorting to rhetoric in seeking to protect the economic benefits Iran was expecting to derive from the JCPOA. Here, particular note should be made of President Hassan Rouhanis May 7 statement that what we want from the nuclear deal is either guaranteed by countries other than America, or if we see that what we want out of the nuclear is not secured, we will have our own path and plans. Against this backdrop, among the options being weighed by Iranian officials in light of US threats to reimpose sanctions are withdrawal from the JCPOA itself or, much more drastically, withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Indeed, as disappointment builds up, hard-line voices in Tehran are increasingly pushing this option. Both of these outcomes will have dire ramifications for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as an institution, nonproliferation in the Middle East and indeed conflicts in the region. There is a third factor to consider when assessing the situation of the E3: the positions of European countries and businesses who have already invested in Iran. Indeed, these actors are also likely to blame the E3 for the manner in which efforts have been directed toward appeasing Trump rather than standing up for the JCPOA itself. In this scenario, a collapsed nuclear deal would highlight the weaknesses of Europe and the nature of transatlantic relations. If the EU cannot put into practice its legal rights and the economic tools at its disposal to stand on its own feet which it has loudly stated that it will both the E3 and the EU will lose credibility as negotiating partners in any future international accord. Mindful of these pitfalls, the EU should at this point exercise its legal rights and put in place mechanisms to preserve the deal by giving Iran guarantees that European trade and investment will be protected in the event of the reimposition of US sanctions. These mechanisms, which have thus far remained a topic of discussion and rhetoric, should be turned into actual plans of action combined with clearly delineated steps for their implementation. Indeed, it should not be forgotten that Europe could still put forth substantive options, particularly related to trade and banking including alternative financing options and blocking regulations that would protect European firms from US sanctions that could provide Iran with the confidence that the JCPOA is worth complying with. Europes moves in the coming days are not only consequential for Irans decision-making, but could potentially also have a direct impact on Trump. Indeed, in addition to being faced with the question of whether to withdraw from the JCPOA, the US president must choose whether his exit from the deal will be soft or hard. In this equation, Europes decisions will have significant implications for the standing of the EU as an independent global actor that can hold its ground on matters of vital importance for the union. As such, the EU is faced with perhaps its only shot to salvage both the nuclear agreement and its credibility in future negotiations with Iran. During a speech May 7, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani suggested that if the United States were to exit the comprehensive nuclear deal between Iran and the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council plus Germany, European countries could keep the deal alive. "The people must be certain that we have taken into consideration various possible scenarios in dealing with the United States, Rouhani said on the possibility of the United States exiting the nuclear deal on May 12. He added, In this direction, what we want from the nuclear deal is either guaranteed from countries other than America, or if we see what we want out of the nuclear deal is not secured, we will follow our own path and plans. Rouhani said what Iran had sought in the nuclear deal was the removal of oppressions such as sanctions. Regardless of what happens with the United States, Rouhani said that this will not be a long-term issue. He noted, If America takes actions against its own commitments, world opinion and countries around the world with the exception of a few will know America to be at fault. He added that this likely action by the United States will not be like previous eras in which the Security Council would support the United States as it had done previously through sanctions and other measures. Iranian officials have voiced various reactions in their statements to the possibility of the United States exiting the nuclear deal, ranging from themselves walking away from the agreement to leaving the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. According to Iranian political analyst Davoud Hermidas Bavand, Rouhani's recent comments are perhaps the first to suggest that Iran and the Europeans have worked out a scenario in which the United States could exit the deal while the other countries continue to abide by its terms. It is likely that the Europeans presented new points that may be somewhat acceptable to Iran, he told Entekhab May 7 in response to Rouhanis latest comments. In a separate statement in Berlin, the foreign ministers of Germany, France and Britain also signaled that they would remain in the nuclear deal regardless of the US decision. We are determined to save this deal because this accord safeguards against nuclear proliferation, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said May 7. During the speech in the holy city of Mashhad, Rouhani discussed the reasons for the nearly 3-year-old nuclear deal in which Iran reduced its nuclear activities and agreed to increased inspections in exchange for sanctions relief. Today we tell the world if you are concerned about Irans access to nuclear bombs, we have completely eliminated this concern within BARJAM, Rouhani said, using the Persian acronym for the nuclear deal known officially as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. BARJAM gives complete confidence that Iran is not pursuing nuclear arms. Rouhani continued, The primary goal of the Americans has been to limit Irans independence, power and regional influence, and they have always pursued these multistep goals. He added, From the beginning, the Americans wanted to reduce Irans power. And whether they remain in the nuclear deal or exit it, they will pursue this. Rouhani campaigned and has staked his political career on the nuclear deal, which is something conservatives have opposed. According to a new memoir by the head of Irans Atomic Energy Organization, Ali Akbar Salehi, when Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei first gave the green light for secret talks in Oman that kick-started the negotiations over Irans nuclear program, then-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was opposed, calling it dangerous and warned that it would fail. Salehi said that Khameneis four conditions for the secret talks in Oman were that they would not take place at the ministerial level, they would not happen for the sake of talking (that the United States accepts enrichment from the start), the talks be limited only to the nuclear issue and the president coordinate the talks. With Iraq's parliamentary elections around the corner, the different factions of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) grouped under the Fateh coalition banner face great challenges. These obstacles might eventually lead to internal divisions, decreasing the coalitions chances of victory in the elections, to say the least. On one level, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the most influential religious and social leader in Shiite circles, opposes PMU participation in the elections, saying the organizations name is being exploited for electoral gains. Sistanis office said in a May 4 statement, No one is allowed to exploit the religious references title or any other title dear to the hearts of Iraqis for electoral gains, in reference to the PMUs victories against the Islamic State (IS). This is not the first time that Sistani has clearly opposed the PMUs participation in elections. In his Friday sermon on April 27, Sistani spokesman Abdel Mehdi Karbalai affirmed Sistanis position and his rejection of candidates who invoke victories against IS in the elections. The PMU was formed following Sistani's 2014 fatwa calling on Iraqis to join the security forces to stop IS after the terrorist organization occupied Mosul and moved toward Baghdad. Karbalai, in a famous victory speech in December celebrating the downfall of IS, asked the PMU factions to stand back from politics, saying, Most of those who participated in the jihad fatwa over the past few years did not take part for any worldly gains or rise in position. It is important to preserve [these victories'] status and reputation by not using them for political gains. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi currently heads the Nasr coalition, Fateh's biggest competitor. In a May 4 statement, Abadi praised Sistani's position opposing the PMU's participation in the election. The prime minister said, We express our complete support for the messages and directives given by the high religious reference, Sayed Ali al-Sistani, during this Friday sermon. From this same platform, stances have been expressed that have maintained Iraqs unity and its peoples interests and declared the jihad fatwa against IS. In a statement to the Asharq al-Awsat newspaper, parliament member Jabbar al-Abadi, who is close to the prime minister and is a candidate for the Nasr coalition, said, Sistanis statements have benefited the Nasr coalition by expressing that the PMUs name must not be exploited. They are against the Fateh coalition. The statements also expressed that those who were responsible for corruption and squandering public funds must not be elected. That was a statement against the State of Law Coalition headed by [former Prime Minister] Nouri al-Maliki. Fateh and the State of Law Coalition are expected to try to reach an alliance after the elections in an attempt to block Abadi from returning as prime minister. The Fateh coalition declared its compliance with everything issued by the reference, said Naim al-Aboudi, a spokesman for Asaib Ahl al-Haq, which is also part of the Fateh coalition. However, it made no move to stop its electoral campaign based on its role in fighting IS under the PMU name. The Fateh list is also facing strong opposition from certain PMU factions. Among the various major players, only the Badr Organization, Asaib Ahl al-Haq, the Hezbollah Brigades and the Imam Ali Battalions joined the list. All these factions are aligned with Iran. Some factions close to Sistani, such as al-Abbas Brigade, clearly spurned the Fateh coalition in compliance with his decision. Muqtada al-Sadr, head of the Sadrist movement and leader of one of the largest factions under the PMU, Saraya al-Salam, took a stance similar to Sistanis, saying, Exploiting the PMUs name in the elections is not only [politically] forbidden but also religiously haram. In another indication of the internal PMU conflicts plaguing the Fateh List, PMU leader and financial director Qassem al-Zubaidi was assassinated April 29, shot and killed by unknown assailants. Abadi accused corrupt PMU leaders of being involved in the assassination. He said that they will not scare him and that the incident will not obstruct his path toward reforming the PMU. Other PMU leaders have recently been targeted. Jassem al-Saidi, a leader in the Ansar Allah al-Awfiya movement, survived an assassination attempt in eastern Baghdad on May 1, and a member of the PMU's salary committee, Fallah Aude, survived a similar attempt in eastern Baghdad. Following these incidents, Lebanese Hezbollah leader Mohammad Kawtharani visited Baghdad on April 30 to meet with the PMU leaders and Maliki in response to Sistani and Sadrs harsh statements against the PMUs participation in the elections. All these developments can only undermine Fateh's chances and work in favor of Abadi, who is fighting tooth and nail with the list led by Hadi al-Amiri, who wants to be prime minister, and with the State of Law Coalition led by Maliki, Abadi's longtime rival. The May 2 attack on the High National Election Commission (HNEC) in the Libyan capital came at a critical time, as the country prepares for the presidential and parliamentary elections later this year. In the early hours of the morning, two suicide bombers armed with explosive belts entered the HNECs headquarters in Tripoli after killing two armed guards. At least 14 were killed in the attack, including both police officers responsible for securing the site and HNEC employees, and as many as 50 others were injured. Security around the building in the rundown Ghout al-Shaal district west of central Tripoli is not unusually tight, as the building was accessible to the public after going through standard procedures of personal checks and scanning of any carried items. The Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the attack without providing any proof regarding the deadly assault. Sources on the ground claimed that in the confusion of the scene security forces accidentally fired on those escaping the building. Hasan, an HNEC employee who did not want to give his last name, told Al-Monitor, The police killed most of the people as they were fleeing the building, as a large police force arrived at the scene shortly after the attack occurred and started firing at those leaving the building believing they were the attackers. This account was also confirmed by another eyewitness who lives nearby the stricken site in a phone call to Al-Monitor while the attack was taking place. Omar, speaking on condition only his first name be used, said, Many police officers arrived at the gate of the building after the attack started and opened fire at the people coming out of the building. The capitals relatively small police force, operating under the Government of National Accord (GNA), lacks equipment and proper training. Most of its members are former militia members who fought against the Moammar Gadhafi regime in 2011 and have been integrated into government security forces with few checks or professional training to handle security situations such as terrorist attacks. On May 3, the residents of Tripoli paid tribute during a collective funeral prayer in the city's main square before handing over the bodies to the victims families for burial. Speaking alongside the GNA minister of interior in a news conference right after the attack, Emad al-Sayah, the chairman of the HNEC, wanted to reassure the citizens that the voter registration records had not been damaged. He blamed political division in the country for the attack, without elaborating further. Such reassurances are needed at this time as the HNEC is spending a great deal of time and resources encouraging people to register for the upcoming elections wherever they are held. The damage to the building and its contents remains unknown, as no one is allowed on-site and the authorities have not given any further details. Despite being defeated and forced out of its stronghold in Sirte, on the Libyan coast, in 2016, IS is still roaming the vast desert areas of the country, particularly areas south of Sirte and Bani Walid, southwest of Tripoli. The attack in Tripoli might not be a surprise, given the countrys precarious security situation, including in the capital. Yet it has still shocked people across the country, since it was the most daring attack in Tripoli after the terrorist group killed eight people in its first major attack on the capitals luxury Corinthia Hotel on Jan. 27, 2015. The attack on the HNEC came only a few days after a large crowd paid tribute to Wissam ben Humaid, a well-known terrorist leader in Benghazi who died fighting against the Libyan Armed Forces in Benghazi two years ago. Yet it is only now that his family confirmed his death without providing any details on the circumstances. In a televised news conference in their refuge in Istanbul, Turkey, Humaid's father and brother announced his death April 30. Humaid was also a well-known member of IS, which battled the armed forces led by Gen. Khalifa Hifter in eastern Libya from 2014 to July 2017, when the armed forces took full control over the countrys second-largest city, thus defeating IS after three years of bloodshed. Humaids funeral prayer taking place in the center of the capital a few days before the HNEC attack implies that IS still enjoys at least some support in the capital itself. A mostly lawless situation has prevailed over Libya since its longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi was toppled in October 2011, when myriad militias and armed gangs controlled different parts of the country with little or no government control. Different terrorist groups still find safe spots mostly in the large desert areas, particularly in the south. The attack on the HNEC raises legitimate questions on how safe the country is in the run-up to the general and presidential elections later this year. The idea of going to the polls in the divided country is strongly supported by UN Special Envoy Ghassan Salame as the best way to accomplish unity between the government in Tobruk, where the parliament is based, and the internationally recognized GNA located in Tripoli, which has little effective control over the capital. On May 6, the office of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson told the press that Israel had exposed Iran's vengeance plan. According to the disclosure, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is planning to unleash a salvo of rockets and missiles on an Israeli military target (or targets) in the north to avenge recent attacks against Iranian targets in Syria that have been attributed to Israel. Highly placed IDF sources said that the Iranians plan to transfer rockets or missiles to Syria to conduct the operation. On April 30, a warehouse near Aleppo stocked with hundreds of missiles was blown up in one of the suspected Israeli attacks. Foreign commentators surmised that the strike represented an attempt to thwart the Iranian retaliation. Under ordinary circumstances, such an intelligence item testifying to Israels first-rate intelligence capabilities would have remained a deep, dark secret. Why let the Iranians know that they are so vulnerable to Israeli intelligence? For example, it took Israel more than a decade to admit to one operation that everyone already knew about the destruction of the Syrian nuclear reactor near Deir ez-Zor in 2007. Also on April 30, none other than the prime minister of Israel revealed an amazing operation undertaken by Mossad in the heart of Tehran, only a few months after its successful completion, which is almost the same as real time. Israeli agents succeeded in getting their hands on almost the entire Iranian nuclear archive and then smuggled the 55,000 documents and tens of thousands of computerized disks out of the country. This new policy of publicity, arrogance and bells and whistles, instead of secrecy and the fog of war, has aroused vehement controversy in Israels security and media apparatuses. With the debate ongoing, Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz boldly announced on May 7 in Ynet's studio, If Syrian President Bashar al-Assad continues allowing the Iranians to operate out of Syria, it would be the end of him, the end of his regime. This policy on Syria was revealed May 2 in Al-Monitor, citing an anonymous Israeli source. It had never, however, been stated openly in public and so unambiguously by a high-ranking Israeli official. Thus, not everyone in Israel feels that this policy of military openness is correct. Former Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ehud Barak went on the offensive in a May 7 interview with Israels Public Broadcasting Corporation. There is no justification for the endless loose-lipped chatter we are witnessing in recent weeks, Barak said. Lets assume, for the sake of argument, that the State of Israel does know exactly which commander in the Revolutionary Guard plans which type of action using type X missiles on day X, and why he put it off from today to tomorrow, and exactly who will carry it out. Even if it is true, it is very unwise to tell the journalists! This has never happened in the past. The Iranians are not stupid. We are harming our sources, our methods of information gathering, and we will pay for this when we are caught by surprise again. I totally disagree with those who think that all these loose lips are necessary. I find it hard to believe that it stems from the heads of our intelligence systems. Barak alluded to another sensitive point: the possibility that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with the help of Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman, is purposely creating the atmosphere of a war of necessity against Iran to distract the public from Netanyahus legal problems. There is a feeling in the air that other considerations are involved, issues that have nothing to do with security, and these issues affect the timing and the drama, Barak said. The behavior of the government and its leader is confusing and frightening the public. They are creating the impression that we are on our way to unavoidable war, which has no basis in reality. Baraks words are the tip of the iceberg in a major controversy involving the Israeli security system in general and Mossad in particular. Few if any Israelis of formerly high rank in the espionage community feel that any good can come from Netanyahus exposure of the Mossad operation. The sharpest critic has been Ram Ben-Barak, the former deputy director of Mossad, who had also been a contender for the agency's top post. Ben-Barak recently joined Yesh Atid. I dont see that anything good can come out of this [loose lips], Ben-Barak told Al-Monitor. There is tremendous tension in the north now. Israel, according to foreign reports, is attacking Iranian targets and killing Iranians. The whole idea is not to assume responsibility [for military strikes] and not volunteer to hand over information. The Mossad has never boasted about its secret operations, the way it happened this time. We have to retain a certain amount of humility. There are other espionage organizations in the world; it doesnt have to be the Mossad. The moment we brag about our achievements and publicly humiliate the Iranians, the more motivation they have to conduct a thorough housecleaning and try to uncover Mossads operational infrastructure in Iran. This was a terrible mistake. Ben-Barak was not the only critic. Danny Yatom and Tamir Pardo, former heads of Mossad, have also criticized the new policy, although they did not do so publicly. A former Mossad higher-up who requested anonymity recently told Al-Monitor, It is not clear how Israel benefitted from putting on this show of dossiers and files and disks in front of the cameras, except for creating more prestige for Prime Minister Netanyahu. The Mossads intelligence capabilities in Iran are an extremely important strategic asset, and this act has endangered it. What he [Netanyahu] did was to basically force the Iranians to salvage their lost honor by conducting an extended purge. Instead of keeping mum, carrying out misleading feints and discreetly feeding the intelligence to only those who have to know, they went public and put on a show. This is an appalling mistake, and I fear that political considerations were involved. The public exposure of Mossad activities also shook up the political system. Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid departed from his usual decorum to verbally attack Netanyahu, as Mazal Mualem detailed in Al-Monitor on May 4, and Labor Chairman Avi Gabbay also severely criticized the prime minister. In the middle of all these goings-on, the Knesset passed an amendment to Israels Basic Law that allows Israel to launch war without the backing of the coalition plenum. One of the clauses allows the prime minister and the defense minister to declare war, without the approval of the Cabinet, under extreme circumstances. The law does not define such circumstances. Does the current state of affairs fit the description, given that according to the current defense minister, the situation is actually clear? We have no other choice than to act the way we are currently operating, Liberman told Al-Monitor. If Iran will erect in Syria systems that will limit freedom of movement of our air force, for example install S-300 or S-400 air defense systems [that could bring down Israeli fighter planes], we will attack them. Under circumstances like that, we cant blink first. RAMALLAH, West Bank Palestinian eyes are on the Yarmouk refugee camp just south of Damascus, where the Syrian regime and its supporting Palestinian factions, such as the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, are fighting Islamic State (IS) militants. On May 2, the Syrian army was able to deploy troops around the area, which was previously controlled by Jabhat al-Nusra. In April 2015, IS had control of 90% of the camp after fighting with Aknaf Bait al-Maqdis and gunmen from various factions. The Palestinians hope for a quick end to the military operations in the camp, with IS defeat and the liberation of the camp. This will allow the reconstruction process to begin and the displaced to return. To that end, Palestinians seem to be betting on good relations between the PLO and the Syrian government. On April 25, the director of the political department of the PLO in Syria, Anwar Abdel Hadi, revealed to the Voice of Palestine that he met with Syrian Minister of State for National Reconciliation Affairs Ali Haidar and UN Resident Coordinator in Syria Ali al-Zaatari and discussed the need to provide assistance and support for refugees and to begin reconstruction in refugee camps in Syria to ensure the refugees safe return once the militants are eradicated. Haidar had stressed in several meetings with Palestinian delegations most recently on June 7 and Sept. 25, 2017 that the Syrian army was working on a plan to rid the camp of militants and allow people back, noting that Syria is keen to preserve refugee camps as a focal point of the Palestinian cause. Ahmad Majdalani, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' envoy to Syria and a member of the PLOs Executive Committee, told Al-Monitor, There was a decision to establish a PLO committee to manage the reconstruction of the camp, adding, The committee will raise funds for reconstruction and the return of the camps residents, coordinating with the Syrian authorities. Majdalani explained that the committee is waiting for the end of the military operations between the Syrian army and the militants and the clearing of the rubble to begin its operations. After getting a clearer idea of the magnitude of the damage, the PLO will coordinate with the Syrian authorities on the details of the reconstruction process and with international parties to bring in support and funding for reconstruction. It may also run a fundraising campaign among Palestinians. The Yarmouk camp is one of the largest Palestinian camps in Syria and some consider it the capital of the diaspora. It was established in the 1950s and hosted 200,000 refugees before violence erupted at the beginning of the Syrian crisis that left IS in control. Meanwhile, Abdel Hadi told Al-Monitor on the sidelines of the PLO National Council session in Ramallah held April 30-May 3, The national committee will work on the reconstruction of Palestinian refugee camps in Syria under the auspices of the PLO. He added, We have contacted relief agencies such as the UNRWA and some donor countries such as Norway, and they are ready to help finance the reconstruction. Coordination with the Syrian authorities is ongoing and they have agreed to start reconstruction after clearing the camp of terrorists. Abdel Hadi noted, The committee will meet with the Palestinian factions and the rest of the parties to determine details of the reconstruction process after the camp is fully liberated. In addition to Yarmouk, several other camps are in need of reconstruction, such as Daraa and Sabinah in southern Rif Dimashq governorate as well as Handarat in Aleppo. The Palestinians are counting on starting reconstruction in the camp immediately after the clashes end, taking advantage of international eagerness to make donations for reconstruction in Syria. Most recently, the UN Brussels Conference on April 25 allocated $4.4 billion to all Syria. On May 31, 2017, Norway pledged to assist in the reconstruction of the camps infrastructure in cooperation with UNRWA after calm is re-established in the area. The Palestinians are betting the camp's reconstruction will become a top priority for the Syrian government for various reasons. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine's central information officer, Anwar Raja, told Al-Monitor, Reconstruction is inevitable as the Syrian state removes rubble and starts working on infrastructure and reconstruction immediately upon the liberation of any area recaptured from militants, as it did in Raqqa, for example. He added, The Yarmouk camp is more important than other areas, for Syrians or for Palestinians alike, for several reasons, such as its strategic location and proximity to Damascus. It is also an important commercial and economic market, not only for the Palestinians but also for low- and middle-income Syrians. Reconstruction and allowing residents back in the camp will alleviate social and economic problems and contribute to resolving the Syrian and Palestinian humanitarian crisis. He continued, Palestinian factions discussed Yarmouk's reconstruction with the Syrian state. They were promised that rehabilitation works would kick off after the camp is liberated and all the wreckage of the war is cleaned out. This process only takes a few weeks and infrastructure will be first on the to-do list. Raja is not holding his breath for the PLO or international relief agencies to play an active role in the reconstruction process. We do not expect the PLO to make significant contributions to Yarmouk's reconstruction because it is simply unable to do so. International bodies are providing support to Palestinians little by little, and are blackmailing them in return, not to mention UNRWAs financial deficit, adding, The Syrian government has, however, promised to do its best to rebuild the camp as soon as possible. For his part, the secretary of the Alliance of Palestinian Resistance factions in Syria, Khaled Abdul Majid, said the destruction in Yarmouk is not as severe as some opposition parties might like to claim, asserting that reconstruction will proceed based on the Syrian governments arrangements. There are understandings with Syria on opening offices for the Palestinian factions in the camp and on expediting the reconstruction pace in Yarmouk compared to other [Syrian] areas, he told Al-Monitor. International bodies such as Arab, Islamic and international relief organizations, in addition to businesses, will be funding the reconstruction process. Abdul Majid called on the PLO to assume a prominent role in reconstruction and mobilize Arab and international groups. Despite the optimism, the reconstruction of the camp and the return of the displaced Palestinian refugees remain dependent on field developments in the camp and its surroundings, as well as the outcomes of the Syrian armys battles against IS fighters and its capacity to liberate the camp and clear it of mines. Only after all this happens can the reconstruction process begin. In Turkeys snap presidential elections next month, the incumbent, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, faces a challenge, among several, from the very quarters that propelled him to political stardom in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The National View, the movement that pioneered political Islam in Turkey, has fielded a presidential candidate, Temel Karamollaoglu, to oppose Erdogan, and the Felicity Party that Karamollaoglu leads has allied with major opposition forces for the parliamentary elections taking place the same day, June 24. The Felicity Party got less than 1% of the vote in the last elections, held in 2015, and although its popularity has since increased, it still polls well below the 10% threshold required to enter parliament as an individual party. Yet in the close parliamentary race that pollsters are predicting, the Felicity Party is seen as a critical player, capable of tipping the scale in the oppositions favor by attracting pious Turks and Kurds disillusioned with Erdogans rule. In the oppositions unprecedented efforts to unite against Erdogan, Karamollaoglu adds an Islamic voice to a motley chorus of critics who accuse Erdogan of trying to cement one-man rule, polarizing society, mismanaging the economy and enabling corruption and nepotism. Courteous and mild-tempered in nature, Karamollaoglu, a white-bearded septuagenarian, has been blunt and pungent in his criticism, drawing sympathetic ears even among staunch secularists averse to political Islam. The newfound spirit of solidarity is not, however, without controversy. For many secularists, Karamollaoglu's name conjures the massacre of 33 intellectuals in Sivas on July 2, 1993, during an Alevi cultural festival attended by prominent leftist figures. The victims perished when an Islamist mob set their hotel on fire after a steady buildup of tensions. The crowd that had assembled after Friday prayers chanted, Sivas will be the grave of secularists. Before torching the hotel, some in the crowd tore down a statue erected as part of the festival. Karamollaoglu, the citys mayor at the time, faced accusations of not having done enough to prevent the tragedy. Some claim the language he used in a speech intended to calm the crowd had instead further inflamed it. Karamollaoglu rejects the accusations, arguing that he had no authority over the security forces, whose failure to stop the mob is shrouded in even greater controversy. The Alevi writer Murtaza Demir, who survived the mayhem at the hotel, believes that critics may be misjudging Karamollaoglus role that day. I remember Karamollaoglu on top of the bus, Demir told Al-Monitor. He was telling the crowd that they had achieved their aim and should now disperse. He was referring to the demolition of the statue. Probably he, too, was against the statue, and [its demolition] was in line with his wishes. Yet, one has to be fair and decent. You cannot take this to mean a call to burn people. I cannot analyze Karamollaoglus inner world, of course, [but] his unity with the protesters ended with the removal of the statue. A quarter of century later, Karamollaoglu is back in the spotlight, but with a very different posture. With a fist in the air, he has told Erdogan, Palaces and sultanates will one day crumble. Karamollaoglu has been a key figure in efforts to unite the opposition. He was the mastermind behind the idea to put forth a joint opposition candidate in the presidential race. The parties failed to reach a consensus, with each nominating its own candidate, but they managed to hammer out an alliance for the parliamentary polls. Karamollaoglu announced his bid for the presidency May 1 at an event that offered a vivid reminder of his Islamist worldview. In the gender-segregated venue, almost all the female participants wore headscarves. Asked about the segregation, Ebru Asilturk, head of the Felicity Partys women's branches, told Al-Monitor, I see nothing to be criticized here. Engaging in politics through methods in line with our faith and values boosts the participation of women. It is their choice. This is not something that bars us from politics. On the contrary, it is a productive environment that enables us to work more comfortably. Standing out in the mens section were National View co-founders Recai Kutan and Oguzhan Asilturk, in attendance to support Karamollaoglu. In the 1990s, an observer at such a meeting would have seen Erdogan, then the mayor of Istanbul, seated on the front row. By 2002, however, Erdogan claimed to have taken off the National View shirt in favor of a moderate conservative ideology. Together with Abdullah Gul, who later became president, Erdogan led a splinter group that broke ranks with the National View and set up the Justice and Development Party (AKP), which came to power in November 2002. Sixteen years later, the old guard is mounting a challenge to thwart Erdogan in critical polls that will mark Turkeys formal transition to a governance model concentrating power in the hands of the president. Given the shared roots of Karamollaoglu and Erdogan in political Islam, how do their pledges differ? Compared with Erdogans hard-line nationalist rhetoric, Karamollaoglus nomination speech contained messages embracing the Kurds. He pledged to lift the state of emergency in place since the botched coup attempt in July 2016, highlighting the plight of tens of thousands of people dismissed from their jobs in post-coup purges with little regard to due process. He emphasized justice and societal peace and pledged solutions to Turkeys economic woes. Yet his pledge to stamp out corruption drew the biggest applause. Karamollaoglu calls the AKP the government of five Ys corruption, poverty, plunder, sycophancy and nepotism, all of which in Turkish begin with the letter Y. He pledges instead rule by the five As reason, morals, justice, dignity and commitment. The emphasis on justice and morals reflects the indignation that many conservatives feel toward what they see as the rampant corruption and nepotism in the AKP's ranks. The pledge of reason pertains to diplomacy and comes with sharp criticism of the AKPs foreign policy, especially on Syria. Despite differences between the opposition parties the others being the Republican Peoples Party (CHP), the Good Party and the Democrat Party they remain united around a fundamental pledge to ditch the new presidential system, approved narrowly in a disputed referendum last year, and restore the parliamentary system. According to political scientist Ahmet Murat Aytac, dismissed from Ankara University in the post-coup purges, conservative voters visions for Turkeys governance system will ultimately determine how they vote. Voting for Erdogan will mean consolidating the new [presidential] system, Aytac told Al-Monitor. The other side, meanwhile, intends to restore the parliamentary system. Voters who share the same worldview and lifestyle will be making a decision on which political format is best for them the presidential system or the parliamentary one. CAIRO The world has not forgotten [Shawkan], Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo said on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, May 3, in an address at a ceremony in Accra awarding the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize to the Egyptian photojournalist Mahmoud Abu Zeid, better known as Shawkan. Akufo-Addo called on the individuals and institutions fighting for Shawkan's release from an Egyptian prison not to lose hope. UNESCO had announced its awarding of the prize to Shawkan on April 23, a day after Egypt's Foreign Ministry expressed its opposition to the organization doing so. In an April 22 statement, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said, The Foreign Ministry regrets the involvement of an organization like UNESCO in honoring a person accused of terrorist acts, homicides, assault on policemen and citizens as well as the burning and destruction of public and private property. Abu Zeid continued, Following the UNESCO decision, the Foreign Ministry commissioned Egypts delegate to UNESCO in Paris, Ihab Badawi, to hand over to the secretariat of the organization a complete file on all the charges Shawkan is accused of. The charges are of a purely criminal nature and have no political grounds, contrary to what some human rights activists defending Shawkan have claimed. These charges have nothing to do with his practice of journalism or freedom of expression. Close colleagues of Shawkan told Al-Monitor that he had been working as a photojournalist for about 10 years when he was arrested on August 14, 2013, as Egyptian security forces dispersed the Rabaa al-Adawiya protest by the Muslim Brotherhood and its supporters. He worked at Al-Ahram al-Massai, a newspaper, for six months before becoming a freelancer. He then worked with several agencies, including Demotix, the British photo agency for which he was covering the 2013 demonstrations. After his arrest, Shawkan remained in pre-trial detention for two years, until Sept. 17, 2015, when prosecutors decided to refer him to trial, along with a number of other defendants, on charges of unlawful assembly, demonstration of force, murder and possession of explosives and unlicensed firearms. Some of the charges, such as murder, are punishable by death. Maria Risa, president of the UNESCO Prize Committee, said in an official statement that Shawkan was chosen in recognition of his courage, resistance and commitment to freedom of expression and opinion. Abu Zeids government statement accused UNESCO of selecting Shawkan based on recommendations of rights groups suspected of supporting the Muslim Brotherhood and receiving funding from Qatar, with which Cairo broke relations last summer. Ali Abdel Aal, speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives, similarly criticized the award. In an April 23 public statement, he charged, UNESCO granted the award to a person accused of a criminal offense. The decision was based on reports issued by some suspicious organizations financed by countries known to support terrorism. [UNESCO] has nothing to do with political affairs, [but] it has tried to take a political road in the past, which led some countries to withdraw from it. Of note, the United States and Israel withdrew from UNESCO in October and December, respectively, accusing it of discriminating against Israel. Abdel Aal had added, We, in the Egyptian House of Representatives, warn this organization and call on it to stay away from politics and focus on education, science and culture, in accordance with its regulations. Gamal Eid, director of the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI), told Al-Monitor that Shawkans defense team would appear before the court within days to inform it that Shawkan had received the prestigious international press freedom award, with the hope that it will improve his legal position in the case. Ali Bader, a member of the Human Rights Committee of the House of Representatives, told Al-Monitor that the chamber has not taken an official position for or against Shawkan or encouraged any organization to condemn him, as it is up to the Egyptian judiciary to decide his fate. That said, Bader added, There are objections [in parliament] to honoring a defendant in a criminal case that has political dimensions. There is also objection to the pressure that such an international award puts on the Egyptian authorities and judiciary to have him released on the ground that he is an international symbol. Had UNESCO granted him the award following his release without conviction, we would not have objected, even if he and his supporters are deemed to be opponents of the political regime. Speaking to Al-Monitor, Alaa Abed, head of the parliamentary Human Rights Committee, charged that Shawkan was a representative of the Muslim Brotherhood's media arm in the Rabaa al-Adawiya protest and expressed his apparent displeasure about Shawkan's work covering the anti-Brotherhood protests of June 30, 2013. Addressing these accusations against Shawkan, Khaled al-Balashi, a former member of the Journalists Syndicate, told Al-Monitor that the jailed journalist is not affiliated with the Brotherhood and was not involved in the Rabaa al-Adawiya sit-in. The authorities consider every nonofficial party that documented the sit-in as a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, Balashi said. Also every person who considered the June 30 popular protests against the Muslim Brotherhood to be a coup is deemed by the authorities as a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, although there is no legal provision that prevents journalists from describing the June 30 events as a coup. Holding Shawkan accountable for deeming the June 30 events a coup or for his views while failing to provide proof of his involvement with the Brotherhood in any crime is a violation of freedom of the press. Abdul Qader Atta, a professor of political science at the University of Assiut, told Al-Monitor that Egyptian decision-makers' objection to UNESCO's action is not related to Shawkan's receiving an award, but rather a belief that UNESCO's decision was influenced by cultural and rights organizations allegedly supported by Qatar, such as ANHRI, which since 2015 has ensured that Shawkan has a lawyer. Compounding Egyptian officials' pique is the battle it waged in October with Qatar over the selection of a new director general of UNESCO, a competition eventually won by Audrey Azoulay of France. A 20-year-old suspect is charged in the April drive-by shooting death of a man in Birmingham. Tyrell Rashad Nichols is charged with capital murder, according to court records made public Monday. He is accused in the April 2, 2018 killing of 24-year-old Demetrius Montez Smith in the Grasselli Heights neighborhood. The city's West Precinct officers responded about 10 p.m. that Monday to Princeton Baptist Medical Center's emergency room on a report of a gunshot victim. The investigation showed Smith was a passenger in a vehicle that was traveling in the area of the 4500 block of Grasselli Boulevard when someone opened fire on the vehicle. Smith was shot and taken by the vehicle's driver to Princeton, where he was pronounced shortly after arrival. Birmingham police Lt. Pete Williston said detectives obtained the capital murder warrant for Nichols on April 13. Four days later, court records show, Jefferson County sheriff's deputies tried to stop Nichols, but the suspect fled. In addition to being charged with capital murder, Nichols also is charged with two counts of fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer. He was booked into the Jefferson County Jail on April 30, according to jail records. He is being held without bond. President Donald Trump is weighing in on West Virginia's Republican Senate primary, telling voters to "remember Alabama." Trump tweeted early Monday morning about the race. "To the great people of West Virginia we have, together, a really great chance to keep making a big difference. Problem is, Don Blankenship, currently running for Senate, can't win the General Election in your State...No way! Remember Alabama. Vote Rep. Jenkins or A.G. Morrisey!" he posted. The tweet comes after Trump's oldest son, Donald Trump Jr., said West Virginia voters should reject controversial candidate Don Blankenship, and asked the GOP not to commit "more fumbles like Alabama." The Trumps were referring to December's special election where Republican Roy Moore won the Republican primary, and was defeated by Democrat Doug Jones. "I hate to lose. So I'm gonna go out on a limb here and ask the people of West Virginia to make a wise decision and reject Blankenship! No more fumbles like Alabama. We need to win in November," the younger Trump tweeted. Blankenship is a former mine owner who went to prison in connection with the deaths of 29 miners in a 2010 explosion. He has also aired controversial ads that called Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell "Cocaine Mitch" and referred to McConnell's "China family." McConnell is married to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, who is from Taiwan and whose family owns a shipping company. A Shelby County high school student was taken into custody Monday during an investigation into a reported gun at the school. The incident happened at Helena High School, said police Chief Pete Folmar. School resource officers and school administrators were alerted that a juvenile student was possibly in possession of a handgun. Folmar said immediate action was taken, and the handgun was determined to be a BB gun. Authorities also found the student to be in possession of a second BB gun. The student, whose name, age and gender weren't released, was taken to Shelby County Juvenile Detention ending formal charges, which will be brought through a juvenile court petition. The chief said Helena High School was placed on a soft lockdown during the incident but returned to the normal schedule within a few minutes. A two-month operation aimed at reducing violent crime in Birmingham and beyond led to the seizure of 140 guns and federal indictments against 71 people. Among those indicted is a 24-year-old man who was acquitted in one murder, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge in another and now is awaiting trial in yet a third killing. Others indicted under the operation include a man who was convicted of manslaughter as a teen and arrested last month on two Birmingham bank robberies, a sex offender who also has convictions for burglary and carrying a pistol without a license, and a man awaiting trial for the shooting of a Birmingham police officer. The latter suspect has convictions for felony drug possession and unlawful distribution of heroin. He also has previous arrests for three counts of attempted murder and discharging a gun into an occupied building or vehicle, however those charges were dismissed. "These are the right people to be going after to make a difference,'' said David Hyche, ATF's assistant special agent in charge in Alabama. "This is by far the most aggressive approach I've ever seen to fighting violent crime in our city." "The people we're going after are people who have chose as their profession violent crime,'' Hyche said, and their tool for their profession is a gun." U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson, Acting Birmingham Police Chief Henry Irby III and Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale on Monday announced the indictments and seizures following the intense effort in March and April to take violent offenders and guns off the streets. "While some may argue as to what constitutes effective gun control, there can be no argument that keeping convicted felons from having control over guns isn't an effective crime policy,'' said Lloyd Peeples, first assistant U.S. Attorney for the district. "I also want to make clear that prosecuting these types of cases is not short-term...we are going to make this a continued effort next week, next month, next year." The U.S. Attorney's Office and ATF joined with local law enforcement in Birmingham, Jefferson County and across north Alabama in an intense effort in March and April to charge violent offenders and take guns off the streets. "The Department of Justice has reserved space in federal prison for gang members, trigger-pullers, violent offenders, and felons with guns ... and we plan on filling it,'' Town said. "We must shift our prosecutorial philosophy more towards Capone rather than Soprano, not conflating the level of crime with the level of criminal." The premise of the operation is simple: find those who are committing gun crimes throughout Birmingham, Jefferson County and the entire northern district and get them off the streets and in prison for the longest amount of time the law allows. One of the ways to do that, authorities say, is by indicting them federally for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm or for using a firearm during a drug transaction. Town said the mission was to be hyper-focused on illegal firearms charges. "We asked them to bring us their worst cases, bring us your trigger pullers,'' he said. "They went and gathered up those cases...ran them through the grand jury and 71 were indicted and will stand trial. This is a big moment." There have been roughly 800 to 1,000 prior arrests among the 71 indicted. There's an average of three prior felony convictions among the defendants. Some had more, and some had less. "Think about the hours that these sheriff's deputies and police officers and agents spent with 800-plus arrests and think about the revolving door - they're out committing violent crimes,'' Hyche said. It's no secret that state prisons are overcrowded and convicts who should be in prison sometimes go free or serve only a fraction of their sentence. On the federal level, however, inmates typically serve a minimum of 85 percent of their sentence. "If we want to get the worst offenders off the street, you're going to have to put them in federal prison,'' Town said. "The states can't contain them for charges like this." Hyche agreed. "I can't stand up here and tell you what the Birmingham and Jefferson County crime rate is going to be tomorrow, but I can tell you that when people are convicted here in the northern district, they're sentenced to time with no possibility of parole. The people we put in prison aren't out there committing crime while they're in prison." Cases involving about 24 of the 71 defendants are based in Jefferson County, but the remaining cases range across north Alabama and include five Talladega defendants indicted in March on drug distribution and firearms charges. Law enforcement seized at least 15 firearms in the Talladega case. The majority of the 71 defendants facing current gun charges have at least one prior felony conviction. The total number of prior convictions tops 160. There are at least 40 additional arrests among the defendants for violent offenses, including charges such as domestic violence, assault and attempted murder, and at least 13 of the 71 defendants are suspected of having a gang affiliation. Law enforcement seized one firearm from the majority of the defendants charged during the operation in March and April, but five or more guns were seized from at least eight defendants. Among the 140 firearms seized, at least 30 were identified as stolen, according to ATF. These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the department's renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney's Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. Among those indicted is Jimbroski Quantez Peterson, 25, who was indicted earlier this year in the 2017 shooting death at a Birmingham nightclub. Peterson is charged with murder in the Oct. 15 slaying of Maurice Morris at Onyx Lounge. He has previously been acquitted in one murder and pleaded guilty to a reduced charge in another murder. Also indicted is Montrell Towns, 24, who is one of three men charged in the December shooting of a Birmingham police officer on Princeton Avenue. Towns, a rapper, was found hiding under a vehicle. The wounded officer is part of the department's Neighborhood Enforcement Team (N.E.T.), a task force implemented four years ago to help control crime in the city's neighborhoods. He took a bullet to the arm and then got on the police radio to call for help, saying "I've been hit." Yet another defendant is Benjamin Madison, 37, who in April was arrested on first-degree robbery charges for downtown armed holdups at Synovus Bank and Servis First Bank. He was convicted in the July 7, 1997 shooting death of 14-year-old Sherita Scott, who was outside a friend's home and leaning against a car when gunfire erupted. A bullet struck the girl in the head. "The Birmingham Police Department continues to pursue ways to help improve the quality of life for our citizens," Irby said. "The Gun Round Up will have a huge impact on the City of Birmingham as it relates to violent crime. Violent crime is an epidemic that has no barriers. Our citizens deserve law enforcement's combined efforts to ensure that they are safe and secure as they go about their daily lives," he said. "Our children, in particular, are our future. They deserve a chance to grow into productive citizens and do incredible things." "This is only the beginning of what I believe will put an end to the gun violence we are seeing day in and day out," Hale said. "Our partnership and commitment with all participating agencies has never been stronger. Our resolve has never been stronger. That's good news for the law-abiding citizens who deserve a quality of life that doesn't include fear of harm at the hand of these violent thugs," he said. "We will be here as long as it takes. That's a promise." Here is a list of those indicted: Spring 2018 Gun Roundup Defendants. Indictments unsealed as of May 5, 2018: James Vantrez Pointer, 28, Talladega, felon in possession of a firearm, possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Kevin Ray Gooden, 41, Talladega felon in possession of a firearm. Frank Gooden Jr., 26, Talladega, possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Gregory Archie Green, 36, Talladega, felon in possession of a firearm. Marcus Elijah Millender, 26, Talladega, felon in possession of a firearm. Michael Means, 61, Birmingham, felon in possession of a firearm. Montrell Towns, 24, Birmingham, carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime. Randel Smoot, 25, Birmingham, felon in possession of a firearm (two counts), aiding and abetting in the straw purchase of a firearm. Amber Frazier, 23, Center Point; straw purchase of a firearm. Jimbroski Peterson, 27, Birmingham, felon in possession of a firearm. Francisco Colorado-Cruz, 37, Trafford, illegal alien in possession of a firearm. Joshua Michael Roden, 32, Vinemont, felon in possession of a firearm. Christopher Nash, 36, Cleveland, Ala., carrying a firearm in relation to a drug-trafficking crime, felon in possession of a firearm. Teaundra Pollnitz, 25, Irondale, felon in possession of a firearm. Tyrese Vault, 24, Birmingham, felon in possession of a firearm. Jerry Michael Rogers, 33, Sulligent, felon in possession of a firearm. Raymond Lamont Cochran, 37, Jasper, felon in possession of a firearm. Jacario Montez Kelly, 29, Goodwater, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense, felon in possession of a firearm. Dustin Thomas McCombs, 27, Birmingham, felon in possession of a firearm. Patrick Earl Trotman, 34, Huntsville, felon in possession of a firearm. Dwight Orr, 25, Birmingham, felon in possession of ammunition. David Matthew Pugh, 48, Lauderdale County, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, felon in possession of a firearm. Douglas Andrew Greenhaw, 54, Morgan County, felon in possession of a firearm. Joey Caffery, 39, Hazel Green, possession of an unregistered firearm silencer; felon in possession of a firearm. Willverto Foster, 38, Huntsville, felon in possession of a firearm. Corey Dewayne Morrow, 45, Albertville, felon in possession of a firearm. Juri Jevone Love, 36, Huntsville, felon in possession of a firearm. Martin Pena, 38, Jackson County, felon in possession of a firearm. Pedro Pascal Andres, 50, Boaz, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Filiberto Gomez-Flores, 42, Mexican citizen living in Horton, illegal alien in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of a firearm. Brian Dale Lane, 57, Albertville, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense. Demetria Scott, 25, Center Point, felon in possession of a firearm (two counts). Benjamin Madison, 37, Birmingham, armed bank robbery, brandishing a firearm during crime of violence (two counts), attempted armed bank robbery, felon in possession. Nicholas Jerisaac Lynch, 23, Tuscaloosa, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Tory Dewayne McLemore, 29, Sylacauga, felon in possession of a firearm. David Armand Palmer, 20, Birmingham, felon in possession of a firearm. Christopher Artislee Taylor, 24, Anniston, felon in possession of a firearm. Matthew Edward Childers, 19, Cullman, felon in possession of a firearm. Dennis Dell Long, 59, Northport, felon in possession of a firearm. Stanley Keon Walker Jr., 23, Tuscaloosa, felon in possession of a firearm. Adarius Montrells Sims, 30, Birmingham, felon in possession. Ronald Deray Ross, 29, Bessemer, felon in possession. Carlos Alberto Juarez-Mendez, 24, Birmingham, illegal re-entry, felon in possession of a firearm, illegal alien in possession of a firearm. Charles Spears, 29, Danville, possession of an unregistered firearm silencer; production of a firearm silencer; possession of a firearm by a drug user/addict. A Georgia lawyer says a longtime Madison County prosecutor concealed evidence that could have exonerated him on a forgery charge. It's a claim the prosecutor's boss, Madison County District Attorney Rob Broussard, called "bullshit." Madison County Deputy District Attorney Randy Dill Deputy District Attorney Randy Dill, a 22-year employee of the DA's Office, has been summoned to a prosecutorial misconduct hearing Friday before a circuit judge. Dill's conduct is being questioned by Melvin Johnson, a Georgia lawyer who was charged with possession of a forged instrument in Huntsville, Ala. The charge recently was dismissed by Dill, just before it was set for trial. Dill didn't return a call for comment. Johnson was accused of forging the Alabama state bar number and name of local attorney Lonzo Robinson on a lawsuit in 2014. That lawsuit was later dropped. Johnson represented a local woman whose young daughter reported being raped at Huntsville Hospital. Because Johnson was out of state, he needed a local lawyer who would agree to assist with procedural aspects of the case. The victim's mother knew Robinson and asked that he help Johnson with the case. According to Johnson, Robinson agreed. But, Robinson told police he declined to work with Johnson, according to court papers. A woman who answered the phone in Robinson's office said he wouldn't comment on the case. Robinson is now the presiding judge in Huntsville city court. Johnson was arrested on a Huntsville warrant in August 2015 when he was pulled over on his way to court in Georgia. Johnson says he sat in a Georgia jail for three weeks awaiting transfer to Alabama. Once he arrived, bail was set at $15,000. Johnson, who represents himself, claims in court papers that Dill has ignored potentially exonerating evidence. Johnson claims he was given one of Robinson's business cards with his bar number written on the back. Johnson told AL.com that business card -- which includes the penmanship of either Robinson or Robinson's legal assistant -- is proof that Robinson initially agreed to participate in the lawsuit. Johnson claims Dill ignored that evidence. Johnson additionally claims that Dill ignored and concealed statements by a witness that exonerate him. Johnson wrote in court papers that the alleged rape victim's mother was at the meeting when Robinson gave permission to use his bar number. The woman has repeatedly contacted Dill but he ignored her, Johnson claims. In his request for a hearing on prosecutorial misconduct, Johnson claims Dill "intentional(ly) and illegally ignored and suppressed clearly exculpatory evidence" and "intentional(ly) and illegally" misled the defendant and the court. Johnson says his life, family and law practice have been negatively affected by his arrest. "Once you get stigmatized, it never completely goes away," he told AL.com. Broussard said he can't speak about the specifics of the case but said he's tired of seeing prosecutors attacked by defense lawyers. "I'm a little tired of this new trend that you see among some criminal defense attorneys where the clear objective is to attack the prosecutor because they're not going to prevail on any other method of attack," Broussard told AL.com. "It's flat out dishonorable. "Randy Dill is as honorable as anyone you will ever meet in the profession," Broussard added. Because Madison County judges have recused from the case, Jackson County's Circuit Judge Jennifer Holt is presiding over Friday's hearing at 10 a.m. Ceremonies are planned today in Montgomery to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of Gov. Lurleen Wallace. There ceremony will be held Monday at 1;15 p.m. on the first floor rotunda of the State Capitol by the marble statue of Lurleen Wallace. The ceremony, which will be attended by members of the Wallace family, is coordinated by the office of State Auditor Jim Zeigler. Zeigler is leading efforts to have the portrait of Lurleen Wallace, as well as that of her husband, former governor George Wallace, returned to the Rotunda. Elected in 1966, Lurleen Wallace was Alabama's first female governor. She served from January 1967 until her death from cancer on May 7, 1968. Lurleen Wallace remained the state's only female governor until April 2017 when Gov. Kay Ivey took office after the resignation of Gov. Robert Bentley. Maybe it seems laughable, maybe certainly unthinkable. A world without internet? That sounds as crazy as a home without electricity. Which was exactly the point U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt made while speaking last week in Hamilton in rural northwest Alabama. And it's why Aderholt invited U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to visit his Alabama congressional district and bring a big check. The USDA provided a $3 million grant to partner with Tombigbee Communications to extend its broadband internet service to a sparsely populated area. It was, Perdue said, not unlike bringing electricity to homes in the 20th century. So Aderholt talked about his father, Bobby, growing up without electricity in the same rural northwest Alabama region. "While so much of America was living in the 20th century back in the 1930s and 1940s, my dad and so many in his generation in rural Alabama and rural Georgia and rural America were still living in the 19th century," the congressman said. "It took the (USDA's) Rural Electrification Administration to change all that. "We now need this kind of same push and this same kind of effort when it comes to broadband access to rural America." Because without it, you're still stuck in the 20th century. "This situation is exactly what we saw when we saw the need to expand electricity 100 years ago," Aderholt said. Gov. Kay Ivey said that some 842,000 people living in rural Alabama do not have access to broadband internet. That's almost 20 percent of the state's population living without what Aderholt and Perdue would describe as 21st century electricity. Project that percentage across the rest of rural America and that's why Aderholt led the push in Congress' recently-passed spending bill to include $625 million specifically to expand broadband access to the countryside. Aderholt described it as a major statement on the importance of rural America. "For too long, the people who have been making decisions who affect daily lives as rural America as some of that other part of the country," Aderholt said. "They recognize that rural America is out there. They know it's out there somewhere. And they know there are needs for rural America. But it always seems to be something we're going to do next year or next time." The support for the funding was strong from the White House, Aderholt said. "President Trump understands the importance of rural Alabama and rural America," Aderholt said. "Because he understands rural America, that's why he wanted to be a supporter of legislation like this." The funds will be administered by the USDA and Perdue said the agency expects to begin receiving applications from state and local governments this summer. It will likely require matching funds in the manner of the grant provided to Tombigbee, which has already spent almost four times as much of its own money in the project as it received in federal funding. Perdue, the former governor of Georgia before joining Trump's cabinet as agriculture secretary, lauded the work that Tombigbee is doing. The company has already established broadband connections in small towns such as Hamilton and Winfield and will use the USDA grant to expand it in area of Brilliant - population: 900 - in Marion County. Ultimately, Tombigbee president and CEO Steve Foshee wants to carry broadband connectivity to every household in the company's four-county footprint of Marion, Winston, Fayette and Lamar - an objective, he acknowledged, as "an ambitious goal." "Steve, what you and your board of directors and the team here at Tombigbee have done is exactly what I hope we can see all across of rural America," Perdue said during the ceremony inside a Tombigbee hangar in Hamilton. "Today, the connectivity we're talking about is data connectivity. We need to be connected with one another from a data perspective and that's exactly what (Tombigbee's) 'freedom Fiber' does. You are the forerunners of what I hope to see all across the country. It is potentially one of the most transformative things I think of the 21st century we can see all across America to give all of rural America access to highest-speed broadband connectivity like Tombigbee has done. Thank you for leading the way." The power of broadband access is not simply to download movies or music quicker or to browse the internet at a faster speed. It's about economic development and improving quality of life, Aderholt said. "There's really been created two Americas," Aderholt said. "One America where people have access to the best tools, access to high-speed broadband internet where they can educate their children, they can run and expand their business and they can access the latest medical technology and the latest expertise. "The other America has been cut off from some of these same opportunities. And we find ourselves waiting to get and wanting to get what those cities in suburban areas have had for many years." It's a massive project. Foshee said that for Tombigbee to reach every household in its four-county region will cost about $40 million. So even as Perdue praised the work done already by Tombigbee - which has invested more than $10 million itself in installing broadband to be coupled with the $3 million federal grant - the work is not even halfway to completion. "This is for our people," Foshee said. "It's to change the narrative of northwest Alabama. We're saying we're open for business, we're open to having the best educational system in America. We're open to having great access to medicine. "We hope this can be a model. We hope this can spread throughout Alabama. We'd like to see every household have a gigabyte connection. It would change Alabama." Massive project and cost or not, Aderholt said, rural America can't continue to be an afterthought in Washington. "From the perspective of all of us who are here today, it's hard to imagine anyone that could not see the importance of rural America and the role it plays in making our country great," Aderholt said. "We supply access to wholesome food that is among the lowest cost in the world. We provide cotton that and other crops that feed and clothe the world and we provide the hands of labor in manufacturing. "But unfortunately, to some people - especially in Washington, I have found - have a true misunderstanding of people who makes their lives in places like rural Alabama and rural America." Alabama's federal plan for educating students under the Every Student Succeeds Act has been approved, Gov. Kay Ivey announced on Monday. "I had a great conversation with (U.S. Education) Secretary (Betsy) DeVos about education in Alabama and was glad to receive her call regarding our state ESSA plan," Ivey said in the announcement. "Alabama's plan builds a solid foundation and gives us a springboard from which to launch important improvement initiatives including the governor's Strong Start, Strong Finish program," said newly-appointed Alabama Superintendent Eric Mackey. Mackey takes the reins from interim State Superintendent Ed Richardson on May 14. The plan is a road map of sorts, "designed to close achievement gaps, increase equity of instruction and increase outcomes for all students," according to the Alabama State Department of Education web page devoted to ESSA, as the law is called. Ivey thanked Richardson and former state Superintendent Joe Morton for stepping in to finalize the plan after former Superintendent Michael Sentance resigned in September, days before the plan was due. "This plan will help guide Alabama to a better education start for all students and give them the foundation they need to be successful in their future careers," Ivey said. Alabama State Department of Education Assistant Superintendent Tony Thacker has worked on the plan and said amendments to the ESSA plan will need to be made but are not yet finalized. After Mackey takes over, Thacker said, "We will discuss the prospective amendments, of which there are several, and then call the Accountability Task Force back together to make final recommendations." Those amendments will need to approved as well. A task force of Alabama educators from K-12 and higher education is currently determining what type of tests Alabama students will take for state and federal accountability purposes beginning in the 2019-2020 school year. That brings the total plans winning approval to 40 plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. ESSA replaced the much-criticized No Child Left Behind Act in December 2015. It passed with strong bipartisan support in what former President Barack Obama called "a Christmas miracle." Alabama began work on the plan in January 2016. Instructions for completing the plan changed under President Donald Trump's administration and Alabama submitted its plan in October. In December, federal education officials asked for more details on how Alabama planned to implement certain provisions of ESSA. Alabama's final plan was submitted in February. Scroll down to see the plan that was approved. Since its passage, education advocates have praised the law's goal of returning control over education to the states. Civil rights groups allege DeVos is granting approval to state plans that aren't in compliance with the law, though. "There are [#ESSA] plans that allow states to overlook the performance of groups of students... That does violate the very civil rights guardrails that were intended in the bipartisan law. My hope is the department will listen & change course." -@JohnBKing https://t.co/qYPBp9wU9G for Student Success (@StudentSuccess) April 13, 2018 Alabama ESSA plan submitted February 2018 by Trisha Powell Crain on Scribd This post was updated at 2:45 p.m. with comments from Tony Thacker. This post was updated at 3:10 p.m. to include information from the U.S. Department of Education announcement and Eric Mackey's comment. New details about the apparent murder-suicide in Panama City have been revealed by local law enforcement. Amanda Stokes, 28, and Mark Stokes, 37, of Enterprise, Ala. were found shot to death in a room at the Hampton Inn and Suites on Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach, along with Kenneth Krause, 30, of Bonifay, Fla. The Stokes were married and operated a business together. They had recently separated. Mark Stokes had rented a home for the couple's employees, friends and family, but his wife and Krause stayed at a nearby Hampton Inn because of the recent separation. Investigators say that Mark Stokes entered the couple's room and then killed the pair before turning the weapon on himself. The body of an Alabama woman has been found in Gulf of Mexico waters off Florida's coast. The Pensacola News Journal reports that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission identified the woman as 56-year-old Carolyn Blankenfeld of Lillian, Alabama. Coast Guard crews found her body Monday in Perdido Bay. The couple had been boating Sunday. Authorities said the woman's husband jumped into the water from his boat when he saw that she was struggling to swim. The vessel drifted away as 52-year-old Christopher Blankenfeld searched for his wife, and he had to swim to shore to notify authorities that his wife was missing. Former Alabama attorney general Troy King rolled up nearly $480,000 in contributions in April for his campaign for the GOP nomination to return to the office, according to the state Secretary of State. The strong month for King was topped by four PAC contributions of $75,000 each from CASH PAC, CMG PAC II, Leadership PAC and ET PAC, all of Tuscaloosa. King also had a $25,000 contribution from the Franklin PAC of Montgomery and a $17,500 contribution from Elite Auto Sales of Oxford, Ala. He had $10,000 contributions in April from Jim Lane of Montgomery, Larry Wireman of Orange Beach, Dealer's Pawn & Discount Jewelry of Oxford and Bojan Ventures of Cumming, Ga.. After spending $533,967 in April, King ended the month with $301,727 banked for the final month's push to the June 5 Republican primary. His biggest expenditures in April were $253,872 and $246,128 to the advertising agency Brabendercox in Pittsburgh, Pa. Attorney General Steve Marshall also continued his strong fundraising with $222,360 raised in April, records show. Marshall spent $456,399 from his account leaving $611,725 in the bank for May. He started the month with $845,640. Marshall had $125,000 in contributions from Progress PAC of Montgomery, the official political action committee of the Business Council of Alabama; $25,000 from the Alabama builders association PAC, $15,000 from the Alabama Power Company Employees State PAC and $10,000 each from CMG PAC II of Tuscaloosa, EDUPAC of Tuscaloosa and MAY PAC of Birmingham. Like King, Marshall's major expenditures in April were for media consulting and airtime. He spent $333,635 in separate billings from Strategic Media Services of Arlington, Va., $39,100 with WPAI intelligence and $30,000 with Acquire Digital of Nashville. Alice Martin, former assistant U.S. attorney and former deputy attorney general, raised $98,510 in April, records show. Martin, also a Republican, started the month with $449,067, spent $127,752 and ended the month with $419,824. Martin's major expenses were also media-related. She spent $63,509 with AX Media of Kansas City, Mo., $21,000 with Axiom Strategies of Kansas City, $15,694 with Atom Films of Chattanooga, and $6,155 with SRC Media in Alexandria, Va. She also spent $4,940 with the direct mail and voter survey company Capitol Franking Group. Birmingham attorney Chess Bedsole, state campaign chairman for President Trump, raised $10,050 in April to add to his $805,259 campaign fund. Bedsole spent $218,129 and ended the month with $597,332 to spend in the final month before the primary. Most of Bedsole's April expenditures - $167,694 - were to the political campaign advisers Jamestown Associates of North Marlboro, N.J. On the Democrat side, James S. "Chris" Christie, Jr. raised $38,130 in cash in April to add to his $42,399 beginning balance. He spent $48,982 for an ending balance of $36,821. Like the other candidates, Christie's major spending in April was for campaign assistance. He spent $8,990 with consulting firm Fairview Strategies and almost $16,000 with the fundraising consultants FMG, Inc. of Potomac, MD. Democrat Joseph Siegelman raised $38,500 in April to add to a beginning balance of $39,080. He spent $14,430 to end the month with $64,395, according to the secretary of state's office. Siegelman spent $5,000 with political strategists Triology Interactive of Montain View, Ca. His biggest contribution for the month was $10,000 from the Cochran Firm of Dothan. Retired Lt. Col. Oliver North will lead the National Rifle Association as president, the group announced Monday. "Oliver North is, hands down, the absolute best choice to lead our NRA Board, to fully engage with our members, and to unflinchingly stand and fight for the great freedoms he has defended his entire life," NRA executive vice president and CEO Wayne LaPierre said in a statement. North will retire from his position with Fox News and will take the helm of the gun rights group in "a few weeks" LaPierre said. LaPierre likened North's acceptance of the job to the tenure of later actor Charlton Heston, who served as NRA president from 1998 to 2003. "Oliver North is a legendary warrior for American freedom, a gifted communicator and skilled leader. In these times, I can think of no one better suited to serve as our President," he said. North said his retirement from Fox News is effective immediately and he looks forward to his new role. "I am honored to have been selected by the NRA Board to soon serve as this great organization's President," North said. "I appreciate the board initiating a process that affords me a few weeks to set my affairs in order, and I am eager to hit the ground running as the new NRA President." North replaces NRA President Pete Brownell, who opted not to seek election to a second term. Brownell backed North's presidency, according to the NRA statement. As a former staff member National Security Council during the administration of President Ronald Reagan, North was involved in the Iran-Contra affair, a scheme to funnel money to rebel groups in Nicaragua. He was convicted for his role in the matter but those convictions were later reversed and charged against him dropped in 1991. He went on to become a political commentator and author. North takes the helm of the gun right's group as it weathers another round of proposed legislation in the wake of the deadly Feb. 14 shooting at a Parkland, Florida high school. Several companies, including outdoor retailer YETI, have ended discount programs or other offerings with the NRA following the shooting. This story is breaking and will be updated as more information is available. Update: The Jones campaign said Monday it would return $2,700 in excess contributions to O'Donnell. Original story: Rosie O'Donnell donated $2,700 over the legal limit to then-Alabama Senate candidate Doug Jones' campaign in 2017 - part of a pattern of the comedian going beyond the $2,700 limit to candidates across the country, the New York Post reported. Federal Election Commission rules bar individuals from donating more than $2,700 apiece in primaries and general elections per candidate. O'Donnell gave two donations - one for $2,700 and another for $2,700 -to Jones that she earmarked for the 2017 special election, according to FEC records. In an interview with the Post, O'Donnell said she was unaware of the law. She said she assumed ActBlue, the Democratic fundraising platform she used to donate to Jones and other Democratic candidates, would not have allowed her to donate more than the limit. "If 2700 is the cut off -- [candidates] should refund the money," she wrote to the paper. "I don't look to see who I can donate most to ... I just donate assuming they do not accept what is over the limit." A Post review of O'Donnell's contributions found that she gave a combined $5,700 over the FEC limits across five candidates. "My anxiety is quelled by donating to those opposing trump [and] his agenda -- especially at night -- when most of these were placed," O'Donnell said. Jones, whose race was closely watched across the country, received the lion's share of O'Donnell's contributions. While the comedian regularly gave over the limit contributions, a campaign finance expert who spoke to the Post said it was unlikely that either she or the candidates would be penalized, even though both she and the candidates are responsible according to FEC rules. The Post said it could not reach Jones' office. "Donors are rarely fined for excess contributions and then only if they are hiding the donations from the recipients," D.C. campaign finance lawyer Jan Witold Baran told the paper. "Campaigns generally are not penalized for isolated contributions over a limit. However, multiple excessive donations may lead to an investigation ... Fines could result in such cases." The Post reported the FEC usually allows candidates to set aside the excess contributions for future races or return the money to donors. Adequately protecting Alabama's students at school will require a robust effort, according to a report from Gov. Kay Ivey's Securing Alabama's Facilities of Education, or SAFE Council. The report highlights many needs but provides no cost estimates or sources of funding. In the report, released Monday, the Council makes 10 recommendations in three areas: physical security, threat assessments and mental health, and coordinated training and planning by state agencies. "I will continue to review the recommendations within this report, and other options not directly addressed by the report," Ivey said in a press release, "to ensure all Alabama schools are as safe and secure as possible." Ivey created the Council by executive order in early March following the tragic shooting deaths of 17 students and faculty at Florida's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Members of the Council included interim state K-12 Superintendent Ed Richardson, Community College Chancellor Jimmy Baker, Law Enforcement Secretary Hal Taylor, Mental Health Commissioner Lynn Beshear, and acting Information Technology Secretary Jim Purcell. In the press release, Richardson said, "Parents entrust the safety and well-being of their children with caring education professionals every day. It is our responsibility to use whatever resources and collective ingenuity we have to uphold the promise that Alabama students attend school in a secure environment that is safe and conducive to learning." In the recent legislative session, Alabama lawmakers gave school districts permission to use funds meant for technology for school security purposes during the current fiscal year. That $41 million was divided among 137 school districts based on enrollment, with amounts for districts ranging from $24,800 in Linden City Schools to $2.9 million in Mobile County. When asked for more information about costs and sources of funding, Ivey spokesman Daniel Sparkman said the state department of education will work with school districts to determine their needs and what that will cost. The SAFE Council will work with lawmakers to determine available funding and whether new funding can be made available. "It will ultimately be up to the Legislature to help fund some of these important recommendations," Sparkman said, "which Gov. Ivey is committed to seeing implemented as quickly and efficiently as is possible and practical." The SAFE Council is part of Ivey's Smart on Safety Initiative, launched in March, which includes providing proper school security resources, identifying students at risk of committing school violence, proper safety and response training for school communities and the SAFE Council's assessment and recommendations. According to the release, the SAFE Council's report is the first in a four-step process to assess security needs in Alabama schools and implement recommendations proven to be effective. The second step is currently underway and involves in-depth discussions between Ivey and state agencies included in the recommendations. The third step requires Ivey's approval and implementation of the recommendations not requiring legislative approval. The final step is to continue to review security needs. The 10 recommendations are: Provide a dedicated level of state funding for all school districts to hire appropriately-trained school resources officers (SROs) and district safety coordinators. Provide funding through a statewide bond issue to improve building-level safety in schools. Those improvements could include security cameras, lock on interior and exterior doors, and technology used for emergency response. Provide funding to schools and community colleges to link security cameras to statewide law enforcement surveillance systems through the Virtual Alabama School Safety System (VAS3). That system was created in 2008 under former Governor Bob Riley and was designed to give first responders access to safety plans and surveillance cameras during school-based emergencies. A recent survey of K-12 superintendents showed 70 percent of districts do not have cameras linked to VAS3. Improve school-based mental health services by hiring "as many more master's level mental health professionals as practicably possible under existing funding constraints" through an existing partnership between the Alabama Department of Mental Health and the Alabama State Department of Education. That partnership currently has been implemented in 35 school districts. Implement a new "evidence-based threat assessment" from the Colorado School Safety Resource Center to better identify warning signs from students. Create a chain of communication where communities can reports threats via an app to the Alabama Fusion Center, a state agency that screens and investigates threats and routes them to the appropriate agency. The AFC will need additional funding to build capacity. Develop and implement a way to synthesize school-based discipline and incident reporting to allow for real-time tracking by school and law enforcement personnel. Create and empower school district safety coordinators who will devote the majority of their time on school safety. Provide funding for the position through the Foundation Program. Enforce current law requiring two "code red" drills at each K-12 school each school year. Create 11 regional school safety training and compliance teams to serve K-12 schools by conducting two annual trainings in each region and providing onsite training as requested. The teams will be composed of trainers from the departments of education, mental health and law enforcement and the Attorney General's office. The full report can be seen below. Alabama Governor SAFE Council report - May 7, 2018 by Trisha Powell Crain on Scribd This article was updated at 9:30 a.m. on May 8, 2018, to include remarks from Gov. Ivey's spokesman Daniel Sparkman. Senate hopeful Don Blankenship is lashing out at President Donald Trump after early morning tweets urged voters to support opponents of the West Virginia Republican. Early Monday, Trump tweeted his support for Rep. Evan Jenkins or A.G. Morrisey over Don Blankenship, a former mine owner who served a year in prison in connection with the deaths of 29 miners in a 2010 explosion. Blankenship has also draw GOP ire for a series of controversial statements, including one in which he referred to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell "cocaine Mitch" and another referring to McConnell's wife, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, as a "China person." In his appeal against Blankenship, Trump urged voters to "remember Alabama," referencing the December 2017 Senate election in which the Republican candidate, Roy Moore, was defeated by Democrat Doug Jones after the former Chief Justice was accused of having inappropriate sexual contact with teenage girls in the 1970s. Moore denies the charges. To the great people of West Virginia we have, together, a really great chance to keep making a big difference. Problem is, Don Blankenship, currently running for Senate, cant win the General Election in your State...No way! Remember Alabama. Vote Rep. Jenkins or A.G. Morrisey! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 7, 2018 Blankenship hit back. "We all really like President Trump's policies, but we know he doesn't get things right," Blankenship said during a paid campaign interview on WZTS TV. "He recommended people vote for a guy that was basically accused of pedophilia in Alabama, my accuser is Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, it's not anyone that I've damaged." "It's really sad that the pressure on the president and the misinformation and the untruths he's been given would cause him to suggest that you vote for two guys that have failed you, because I will not fail you if I get to D.C." Primary elections are set for tomorrow in West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana and North Carolina. The winner of the GOP primary in West Virginia will face Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin in the fall. Dana Hall McCain writes about faith, culture and politics for AL.com. Follow her on Twitter @dhmccain for thoughts on these topics and more. Evangelical social media has been in turmoil in recent days over comments made in 2000 by Paige Patterson, president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and former president of the Southern Baptist Convention In a recently-resurfaced interview, Patterson was asked how he would counsel women "who are undergoing genuine physical abuse from their husbands, and the husband says they should submit." His advice? Pray harder. Patterson can be heard on the audiotape telling the story of a woman who came to him and reported that she was being abused. Rather than advising her to leave or call the police, he simply told her to get on her knees beside her husband's bed each night and quietly pray for him. "Get ready, because he may get a little more violent," Patterson recalls telling the woman. (I had to listen to that part twice to believe my own ears.) She came back to church soon thereafter with two black eyes. Bear in mind, folks, this is Patterson's own recollection of what he thinks is a pastoral counseling success story, not some other person's version of events. And the reason he views the whole thing as a success is that this particular husband did eventually change his ways, and their marriage was restored. But they don't all do that, Pastor. Some of them just keep punching and raping and blacking eyes and breaking bones until a woman's body gives up the fight. In 2012, 924 women in the United States were killed by their intimate partners, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Granted, about half of those were boyfriends. But the other half? Husbands. Good old, sacramental, spiritual covenant husbands. The kind to whom Patterson would have suggested the wives had an obligation to "be submissive in every way that you can, and to elevate him..." Patterson's advice to the woman in the anecdote suggests that if a wife flees a marriage to protect herself and her children from physical violence, she will have made a sinful choice. He says in the interview that he has never counseled anybody in all his years of ministry to seek a divorce, and that such is "always wrong counsel." In a fallen world, always is a mighty big word, Pastor. If sexual infidelity clears a biblical path to ending the marriage covenant (and every evangelical pastor I know will agree with that premise), I feel strongly, based on 1 Corinthians 7:15 that the same covenant shatters into a thousand pieces when the first punch lands on a woman you vowed before God to protect. And no matter who files the legal action, the death of the marriage is not the fault of the person who's 50 pounds lighter with two black eyes. Some read the Corinthians 7 verse on divorce to mean only physical abandonment. But the original Greek word (chorizo) suggests something more complex: a separation, a breakdown. This is not a new idea. Even Puritan theologians read the verse this way, and subscribed to the English law idea of "constructive desertion," or the idea that one spouse can be so poorly treated that he or she has been abandoned in all but the physical sense. I'm pro-marriage. Some would even say that I'm pretty hardcore anti-divorce. I've spent years stressing to women who sat under my teaching that simply being unhappy or unfulfilled is not a biblically sound reason to divorce. I believe that marriage is sacred and worth hard work. God intends for it to be a lifelong commitment and bond, for our good and for his glory. But hear me on this: God doesn't love my marriage more than he loves me. He does not love marriage more than he loves justice. He does not ask us to submit to physical abuse and degradation to preserve the facade of a spiritual union that either never existed or is already dead. And in such a situation, I feel confident that when a divorced couple stand before the throne, it will not be the abused spouse who left who will be judged by God for destroying that which he ordained as holy. I'm just grateful that I was raised by a man (a godly man, a Southern Baptist deacon kind of man) who told me every day of my young life that I deserved better than some loser who would dare raise a hand to me. He even intimated more than once that his learning of a boyfriend or husband hitting me would set into motion events that would end poorly for all parties involved. He's a deacon, yes. But he's a daddy, too. Just like my Heavenly Father. And neither one of my fathers would require me to be anybody's punching bag. Not even for a day. Note: Patterson attempted to walk his 2000 commentary back in a recent interview with Baptist Press. It should be noted, however, that the publication had to work with him to massage the quotes in paragraph five of the resulting story into less controversial syntax. In 2015, Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi established his government in the southern city of Aden after being forced by Houthi rebels to flee the capital, Sanaa. As the threat of the rebels grew, southern forces closed ranks around Hadi to defend the coastal city and other areas in the south with the support of a military coalition led by Saudi Arabia. However, from the very beginning, this was a forced alliance in a region where separatist feeling prevailed even before the war. The south was an independent state until unification with the north in 1990. Today, after three years of conflict and despite the expulsion of the Houthis from most of the southern territory, distrust among separatists towards Hadi has only grown. In January, the Southern Transitional Council (STC) broke its alliance with the Yemeni government and, after several days of clashes, the Security Belt STC militias took control of Aden. Since then, the flags of the former Peoples Democratic Republic of Yemen have once again been seen flying in the city, signalling renewed aspirations for southern independence. In the south, the conflict with the Houthis feels increasingly distant. However, the region is affected by the threat of al-Qaeda, a problem that has taken root in some southern areas experiencing frequent deadly attacks. Caught in the long-running conflict, civilians keep bearing the brunt. More than 40,000 displaced people, who arrived in Aden from other areas of the war-torn country, scrape by in slums and makeshift desert settlements, abandoned to their own fate. The difficulty of accessing potable water has led to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and dysentery. Children are particularly affected. The health crisis is aggravated by the lack of medical personnel in public hospitals, where workers have not been paid for several months. Years of fighting and corruption have also led to oil scarcity at public petrol stations, which has in turn triggered huge price rises at private ones and on Adens black market. As a result, power cuts are frequent and residents are often unable to run generators due to the fuel scarcity. Post-Soviet countries are rough and tumble places, full of intense paradox, humour, microaggression, and beauty. There are fifteen former Soviet states, each with its own cultural and socioeconomic components and struggles. They have all been grappling with the ghost of the Soviet Union in different ways, but the one thing theyve all agreed on is this: Capitalism good, Socialism bad. One of the first things to go during the collapse of the Soviet Union were all the statues of Lenin and Marx. It was a collective sigh of relief, a venting of all the misery which that authoritarian system had inflicted on so many lives for most of the 20th century. Problem was, those statues, and the oppression they represented, were quickly replaced by new figures of oppression oligarchs with their hyper-capitalism, buoyed (however indirectly) by the neoliberal ideas that have been dragging the West down since the 1970s. That has been Armenia since its independence in 1991. But a few weeks ago, a different Armenia woke up, as if from a 27-year coma. And the euphoria and empowerment of that awakening have been intense and palpable, from Yerevan to the remotest villages. {articleGUID} I moved to Armenia in 2014 for a faculty position at the American University of Armenia, although I had never visited before. From day one, I noticed a frustrating and peculiar mantra being repeated across Yerevan: Its a newly independent country; its going to take time to fix problems, so lets not be too critical. This seemed both absurd and arrogant to me, not to mention very easy to say when one is speaking from a position of comfort and privilege. Most of us cant wait more than 30 minutes without wifi, but low-income people with little options are supposed to wait years for some improvement? It was the hollow rhetoric of western neoliberalism: Dont be too negative. We should make change slowly from the inside. We need good managers. Armenian oligarchs will eventually become like the Rockefellers and Carnegies of the US. Total and utter nonsense, as hundreds of thousands of Armenians recently proved, starting in mid-April when country-wide acts of civil disobedience and strikes peacefully brought down a regime that had seemed immovable for over a decade, as though it was part of Armenias DNA. Being on the streets the past few weeks in Yerevan, Gyumri, and Vanadzor, I have seen a wide cross-section of classes and backgrounds speaking with one voice. I have seen nurses, villagers, and high school students closing streets together. I have seen my own university students linking arms with IT workers and truck drivers to block main roads in Yerevan. I have heard speeches from women calling for reforms in education, transparency in elections, and better salaries. I have been in crowds of tens of thousands where strangers from different social backgrounds were handing out free water and snacks to protesters. This has been a peaceful movement with a unified, clear demand: Fair elections, socioeconomic justice and an end to oligarchic control. {articleGUID} Nikol Pashinyan, the opposition leader who rose to iconic stature, has emphasised throughout that this movement is solely an internal, Armenian matter. Although there is certainly a strong element of national pride in the Velvet Revolution, there can be no doubt that this is also a masterclass in democratic socialist principles: Healthier institutions, less corruption, fair pay, more regulation, better education, advancement for all. Even though the grandmother blocking the road is as Armenian as the 15-year-old boys who hacked into a closed malls wifi so I could send photos to my editors, that is not the only glue holding this movement together, contrary to what many Armenians and diasporans might want to believe. The main glue is that citizens finally realised that in a country of barely three million people (many of whom live under the poverty line or barely above it), creating real change is less difficult than they were lead to believe by those self-defeating mantras. They realised that all it takes is peacefully going on strike and blocking the roads for 10 days, and giving politicians and oligarchs a choice between unleashing violence on thousands or coming to terms with the peoples will. The most stunning and humbling part of this movement has been how the protesters kept subverting the nervousness, hesitation, and imposition of logic that many people kept trying to project on a nationwide awakening whose depth, power and collective dignity has left many speechless. This was made clear to me when my wife, an editor and photojournalist, came back to the office on the day Pashinyan was forcibly taken away by special security forces. Smiling, she rolled up her jeans and proudly showed off the wounds shed received from the concussion grenade that fell by her feet. While I became upset and worried that she had been injured while doing her job, she just kept smiling and said, Im totally fine. The people are winning this time, finally. {articleGUID} Turns out, she was right. No matter what happens now, the people have won. They have supplanted a hooligan, bullying mentality with one of peaceful resistance, togetherness, and pride. Whatever one thinks about Marx, the Velvet Revolution in Armenia has so far been a lesson in a peoples empowerment; a nation speaking as one voice for basic socioeconomic rights and collective confidence something Armenia has been waiting for patiently since independence. Yes, it will take time for things to change, but now we can say that phrase with a straight face because there has been a major shift in the consciousness of the Armenian people. Democracy as described in the Armenian constitution is being restored. And within a more just framework, change can be equitably cultivated. This time, the people will be the ones tending over what blooms, because this time they planted the seeds of this new Armenia with their own hands. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. Nicaragua in its current state is hardly a revolutionary paradise but US involvement is not the answer. In April, Nicaragua saw intense clashes between protesters and government forces that reportedly left dozens dead. The protests were initially set off by proposed adjustments to the national social security system, which have now been cancelled by Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega. Journalist and former teleSUR English director Pablo Vivanco remarked to me in an email that, while the violence was no doubt deplorable, it is difficult to view the events in Nicaragua outside a current context in which left-leaning governments in Latin America have faced increasingly violent opposition coupled with mounting hostility from Washington. And while the proposed social security reforms can certainly be criticised, Vivanco said, it is also necessary to point out that some of the leading organisations in the protests were actually calling for harsher cuts and privatisations. Right-wing salivation Predictably, the right-wing crowd in the United States has commenced accelerated salivation at the prospect of the demise of one of the remaining leftish entities in the Americas. The US media has been helpfully dramatic, with the Wall Street Journal, for example, editorialising that Ortega Has to Go. To be sure, Ortega & Co are nasty characters indeed .- but that doesnt mean the US should be involved in their departure. {articleGUID} The usual suspects on the US political scene have taken the opportunity to agitate for the swift passage of the so-called NICA Act, a bill unveiled in 2017 which would require the [US] President to oppose certain loans by international financial institutions that would benefit the government of Nicaragua until he can certify that the government of that country is taking effective steps to combat corruption and promote democracy, free speech, civil society and rule of law. Never mind that the US plutocracy isnt exactly setting an example in any of those categories, given its habits of, inter alia, waging illegal wars and regularly killing unarmed black people. A study indicating that the three richest Americans possess more wealth than half of the US population combined additionally suggests that the system is rather fundamentally corrupt. But US commotion over the Nicaraguan governments heavy-handed response to protests acquires even more glaringly hypocritical dimensions when one considers its conspicuous silence on events in neighbouring Honduras, where the right-wing Honduran state has been killing protesters for years not to mention teachers, environmentalists, journalists, human rights defenders, and numerous other humans. Honduras: human rights paradise In November, Honduran elections that were widely denounced as fraudulent triggered protests that, like in Nicaragua, reportedly produced dozens of deaths many at the hands of the notoriously misbehaved Honduran security forces. In the midst of all of this, the New York Times informed readers that, two days after the vote, the US State Department had certified that Honduras was meeting human rights conditions, strengthening transparency, and cracking down on corruption a prerequisite for the release of yet more US aid to those same security forces. And recent state violence, it bears emphasising, is merely the continuation of a pattern of obscene impunity that took off after the 2009 US-facilitated coup against slightly left-leaning Honduran President Manuel Zelaya. The ensuing installation of oppressive, unswervingly neoliberal regimes has enabled Honduras to regain its coveted position as beloved and obsequious US ally. During my four-month stay in Honduras following the coup, I watched water cannons loaded with pepper spray blast elderly protesters. I went to the burial of a union leader shot in the face by police. I attended a speech by visiting US congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who tripped over herself in ecstatic praise of Honduran democracy. Illegitimate coup president Roberto Micheletti returned the favour by referring to Ros-Lehtinen as a gift from God. The usual suspects And what do you know: the NICA Act is sponsored by none other than Ros-Lehtinen herself, who insists the bill will not only promote democracy in Nicaragua but also help ensure the protection of the right of political opposition parties, journalists, trade unionists, human rights defenders, and other civil society activists to operate without interference. As they say these days: LOL. John Perry, a Nicaragua-based writer and frequent contributor to the London Review of Books blog, argued in a January article on the openDemocracy website that the NICA Act which would grant loan veto power to the US in fact, constitutes a potentially serious threat to [the] countrys social progress. He went on to explain that the Ortega government has used the budgetary support it receives to reduce poverty, dramatically improve the school system and develop its health services. As for hardships faced by the Nicaraguan opposition, Perry points out that certain opposition representatives took it upon themselves to lobby in Washington on behalf of NICA, which given freedom of speech in Nicaragua they are allowed to do, but in many countries would have seen them arrested for treason on their return. Remembering the US terrorist war Meanwhile, US credibility in condemning current Nicaraguan human rights abuses is even further obliterated by key historical details, such as long-term US support for Nicaraguas brutal Somoza dictatorship, overthrown in 1979 by the Sandinistas among them Ortega. In response to the dictatorships demise, the US launched what Noam Chomsky has referred to as a large-scale terrorist war against Nicaragua, combined with economic warfare that was even more lethal. A primary function of this Contra War was to punish Nicaragua for dropping the ball on the anti-communist front and daring to defy US politico-corporate interests in the United States self-declared backyard. And punishing it was: US scholar Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz notes in her memoir Blood on the Border that the Contra War cost 50,000 Nicaraguan deaths out of a population of 3.5 million, with whole communities wiped out, leaving 100,000 homeless and wrecking the countrys infrastructure. That said, Nicaragua in its current state is hardly a revolutionary paradise nor is Ortega a hero to many, even on the international left. In a recent email to me, Professor Jose Gabriel Martinez Borras of Sagrado Corazon University in Puerto Rico a territory that has also suffered its fair share of imperial machinations commented on Ortegas appallingly right-wing stance on abortion as well as certain Ortega-implemented economic policies that are rather indistinguishable from neoliberalism. Martinez Borras went on to highlight widespread complaints of nepotism, economic inequality, and opposition to the Nicaraguan leaders authoritarian grip on power. Springtime in Nicaragua? However, stressed Martinez Borras, many poor people still support Ortega because of other social services the government provides, which include housing and other benefits a lot more than can be said for countries where social services are considered downright blasphemous. In the wake of last months violence, meanwhile, the Nicaraguan National Assembly has approved the establishment of a truth commission to analyse the protests and fatalities. Regarding the work of this commission as well as negotiations on pension reform, Vivanco contends that it has to be Nicaraguans who resolve their issues without interference, especially from the government that has spent decades funding opposition to the Sandinistas. Concerned parties will no doubt continue to advertise a Nicaraguan Spring and prescribe US involvement. But imperial spring-cleaning will not make a Nicaraguan Spring. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. Journalists, rights activists and opposition activists often detained with no reasonable charges, UK-based group says. Authorities in Egypt are deliberately using solitary confinement to punish political prisoners, a new report by Amnesty International says. Egypt is known to have terrible conditions within its prisons but political prisoners are the ones to frequently get solitary confinement treatment for merely being peacefully politically active, according to the report. Under international law, solitary confinement may only be used as a disciplinary measure of last resort, but the Egyptian authorities are using it as a horrifying extra punishment for political prisoners, said Najia Bounaim, the North African campaign director of the London-based human rights group. Amnesty International has documented 36 cases of prisoners being held in prolonged and indefinite solitary confinement, six of them are unlawfully isolated from the outside world since 2013. Many journalists, human rights activists and members of the opposition are being detained with no reasonable charges and are being placed on protracted solitary confinement with no definite date for release. The prisoners undergo physical abuse, receiving harsh beatings by the prison guards on a daily basis, such as getting their heads plunged in human faeces. Similar to a grave Furthermore, prisoners rarely receive a sufficient amount of food and water which could result in fatigue and dehydration. The living conditions are also unsanitary. Hussein Baumi, an Egypt campaigner at Amnesty, told Al Jazeera that one political prisoner, identified only as Hisham, described the cells he was forced into as similar to a grave. Furthermore, Egyptian prison officials use solitary confinement and physical abuse with intentions to get the detained to confess and leak out information. Psychological torture is also rife as prisoners are pressured into making a confession after their well-being is used as a threat by prison guards. Depression, insomnia and an inability to socialise are the effects of being placed in solitary confinement. Physical and mental abuse affects those imprisoned in a way they develop paranoia, panic attacks and problems with their memory and concentration, says the Amnesty International report. Political prisoners also develop hypersensitivity to stimuli. Egypts response Last week, Egyptian authorities sent Amnesty International their response after receiving an advance copy of the report. The authorities responded by arguing that their placement of political prisons in individual cells does not equate to solitary confinement, and blamed the structure of the prisons for the condition of the cells in which the prisoners are being held. Yet prisoners suffer by being kept in individual cells for more than 22 hours a day, which Amnesty regards as prolonged solitary confinement and equal to torture, illegal under international law. Mahmoud Hussein, an Al Jazeera journalist, is one example of prisoners being kept in solitary confinement in an Egyptian jail. He was detained without charge by the authorities in 2016 during a holiday in Cairo; more than 500 days later, he has yet to be formally charged. Al Jazeera has repeatedly called on Egypt to release Hussein and other journalists who are being held captive in prisons. New owner of Cambodias Phnom Penh Post fires editor and calls for article to be retracted, employees say. Several senior staff at Cambodias Phnom Penh Post have resigned after the publications new owner fired the editor-in-chief and demanded a story be retracted, prompting further fears over eroding press freedom in the country. Editor Kay Kimsong said he had been fired for allowing the publication of a story on Sunday concerning the papers sale to Malaysian businessman Sivakumar S Ganapathy. The article, which ran under the headline Phnom Penh Post sold to Malaysian investor, raised concerns over Ganapathys links to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Malaysian government. Ganapathy is the managing director of a Malasyia-based public relations firm, ASIA PR, which lists Cambodia and Hun Sens entry into the Government seat as a former project. More than 20 current and former staff members signed a statement on Monday expressing their disgust after representatives of the new owners went to the Posts offices and ordered staff to remove the article from the newspapers website. At least four senior Post personnel, including its managing editor and web editor, resigned in protest. As of 19:00 GMT on Monday, the article had not been removed from the Posts website. Editorial independence under threat Kimsong, a Post employee for the past 10 years, told the Associated Press news agency that he had done nothing wrong to warrant his removal. The owner has complained that I allowed the editorial team to publish the story of the buying and selling of the paper that affected to the interests of the paper as well as the image of the owner, Kimsong said. I acted according to journalistic professionalism, but the company said they cannot keep me in my position. Al Jazeera understands Ganapathy, who is described by Asia PRs website as a journalist by discipline and qualification with international experience, will issue a statement within the next 24 hours regarding the article, and staffing at the Post. Erin Handley, a reporter for the Post, told Al Jazeera the papers new ownership appeared to be clamping down on editorial independence despite having pledged during the takeover not to do so. When the sale was made, we were promised there would be no dismissals or changes of staff to begin with, [and] what is really key is the promise we had of editorial independence, Handley said. Now, we are worried about our editorial independence heading into this years national elections. The main opposition party has been dissolved and in the past year Cambodia has lost a lot of independent media, so we were widely considered to be the last independent news outlet here. Disastrous day for press freedom Bill Clough, chairman of Post Media Ltd, publisher of the Phnom Penh Post, announced the papers sale to Ganapathy in a statement on Saturday. Recent times have been a challenge, as the worldwide decline in market share for newspaper advertising has also been felt here in Cambodia, Clough said, adding that the Post was part of the last remaining truly independent media group in the country. The value of the sale has not been disclosed. Phil Robertson, deputy director of international NGO Human Rights Watch, said events at the Post following Ganapathys takeover had been disastrous. So much for the pledge [by Ganapathy] to respect the editorial independence of the @phnompenhpost. The former journalist turns out really to be the current censor for #Cambodia & #Malaysia interests still unnamed. A super dark, disastrous day for #pressfreedom in Cambodia, Roberston said in a tweet on Monday. So much for the @sivakumar03110912 pledge to respect the editorial independence of the @phnompenhpost. The 'former journalist' turns out really to be the current censor for #Cambodia & #Malaysia interests still unnamed. A super dark, disastrous day for #pressfreedom in Cambodia https://t.co/ahGQVemEdK Phil Robertson (@Reaproy) May 7, 2018 Several independent media outlets have been shut down in Cambodia during the past year. In September, independent newspaper The Cambodia Daily announced it was shutting down after being slapped with a $6.3m tax bill which its publishers said was politically motivated. The Dailys closure came weeks after a government crackdown on 32 radio stations, including Radio Free Asias Phnom Penh bureau, according to figures compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), an organisation aimed at protecting press freedom. RSF alleges Hun Sens government is leading an all-out war on independent media outlets with the aim of ensuring victory in the general elections scheduled for July 2018. Hun Sen is widely predicted to win the July vote following Cambodias Supreme Courts decision to dissolve the countrys main opposition party, the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), in November. Road signs installed close to location of the US consulate building that will be repurposed as embassy on May 14. US Embassy road signs went up in Jerusalem on Monday ahead of next weeks opening of the mission in the city. The signs, in English, Hebrew and Arabic, were installed by workmen close to the south Jerusalem location of a US consulate building that will be repurposed as the embassy when it is officially relocated from Tel Aviv on May 14, Reuters news agency reported. In December, US President Donald Trump called Jerusalem the capital of Israel and launched the process to transfer his countrys embassy to the city. The move prompted international condemnation and triggered a wave of protests in the occupied Palestinian territories. During his election campaign in 2016, Trump repeatedly promised to move the embassy and recognise Jerusalem as the Israeli capital. In June 2017, however, like his predecessors, Trump signed a six-month waiver to delay the relocation, which would have complicated US efforts to resume the long-stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. The White House said at the time that the question is not if that move happens, but only when. {articleGUID} The waiver expired on December 1. Speaking to Israeli media in February, Trump reiterated that the issue of Jerusalem is off the negotiating table. By taking Jerusalem off the table, I wanted to make it clear that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and as for specific boundaries, I would support what both sides agreed to, Trump told newspaper Israel Hayom. The international community, the Arab League and other groups urged the US president to reconsider. If US President Donald Trump carries out his decision, he will inflame the entire region and threaten the US interests there, Nabil Shaath, an adviser to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said to Palestine TV in February. The move overturns decades of international consensus on Jerusalem, a highly contested city, half of which was occupied and annexed by Israel following the 1967 War. Israel claims all of Jerusalem as its united capital, and its annexation of East Jerusalem effectively put the entire city under de-facto Israeli control. The Palestinians, however, see East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. The international community, including the US, does not recognise Israels jurisdiction and ownership of the city. Palestinians say that moving the embassy would prejudge one of the most sensitive issues in the conflict the status of Jerusalem and undermine the US status as an honest mediator. President Abbas has warned that the move would have a disastrous impact on the peace process, on the two-state solution and on the stability and security of the entire region. Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria blamed for attack on church There have been disputes over land across central Nigeria between mostly Christian farming communities and Muslim herdsmen for many years. Health fears as Hawaiis Kilauea volcano spews toxic gas Residents worry that the high volumes of toxic sulphur dioxide being emitted from the eruption will negatively impact their health in the long run. Unofficial tallies showing big gains for Shia duo at the expense of Saad Hariris bloc set to raise regional tensions. Hezbollah and its political allies are the biggest winners in Lebanons first general election in nine years, an analysis of the preliminary results show. Hezbollah and Amal dubbed the Shia duo by local news media are predicted to have won 29 seats in Lebanons 128-seat parliament during Sundays vote, according to unofficial tallies cited by politicians and local media reports. More than 11 seats are predicted to have been won by other political parties aligned with the duo. The long-awaited elections were marked by a voter turnout of just under 50 percent, down from 54 percent in the last legislative election in 2009, Nouhad Machnouk, Lebanons interior minister, said on Monday. Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollahs leader, declared the outcome a national achievement in a televised speech on Monday. Sundays elections were Lebanons first in nearly a decade of turbulent politics. Since 2009, the Lebanese have watched their government collapse twice in 2011 and 2013 the presidency sit vacant for 29 months from 2014 to 2016 and their parliament extend its mandate several times. Nasrallah said Hezbollah achieved what it was hoping to in the elections. Posters torn up Commenting on the contest between the Hezbollah-led bloc and the Future Movement party of Saad Hariri, Lebanons prime minister, in Beirut, a Sunni stronghold, Nasrallah said the results will show that Beirut is for all the Lebanese and that it is a capital of the resistance. Images circulating on social media on Monday showed Hezbollah supporters tearing up posters of Hariri and his late father and former Lebanese prime minister, Rafik Hariri, the previous evening in Beirut. Hezbollah, Amal and their allies appear to have secured more than the obstructionist third needed to block the most important actions of parliament, Kemal Feghali, a veteran Lebanese pollster, told Al Jazeera. Explaining that a two-thirds quorum vote is required in crucial matters, such as amending the constitution or electing a president, Feghali said: Because they have more than a third [of parliament], they can block the quorum. In typical legislative sessions, only a simple majority of 65 members is required to vote, something Hezbollah, Amal and allies can obtain by renewing their alliance with President Michel Aouns Free Patriotic Movement (FPM). Hezbollah and FPM signed a memorandum of understanding in 2006, after Aoun returned from exile, and have been close allies since. It is the first such alliance between a major Maronite Christian and Shia political parties in Lebanons history. Alliances of convenience Hypothetically, a continued alliance with FPM, which reportedly won 17 seats in Sundays elections, could give Hezbollah and Amal an absolute majority in parliament, Feghali said. However, it is not entirely certain that Hezbollah and FPM will maintain their 12-year alliance. Throughout the electoral campaign, establishment parties navigated the countrys strict sectarian quota by hastily striking deals to produce a new patchwork of local alliances. FPMs strategy appeared to be aimed at cobbling together coalition lists of convenience depending on the local electoral calculus that is, entering into alliances with political parties in certain districts and simultaneously running against them in others. The biggest loser in Sundays vote was Hariris Future Movement [Jamal Saidi/Reuters] As such, FPM could very well constitute a separate bloc on the side, and depending on the topic, they will decide on who to side with, Feghali said. Sami Nader, a political analyst, told Al Jazeera Hezbollah and Amal dont even need the Aounists (FPM) to form a bloc [in parliament] or to obtain the veto power. They can do it without them, Nader said. Hezbollah and Amal ran unified lists under the name Al Amal Wal Wafa (Arabic for Hope and Loyalty) across the country, but also ran candidate lists with allied parties such as the Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP), the Marada Movement, the Arab Liberation Party (ALP) and the Majd Movement. Controversial figures Hezbollah and Amal further allied with prominent yet controversial figures: one, who emerged victorious at the unofficial polls, was Jamil al-Sayyed, a Shia former intelligence chief with strong ties to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The Shia Duo swept the polls in Lebanons South District II, composed of Zahrani and Tyre, and South District III, made up of Nabatiyeh, Marjayyoun, Bint Jbeil and Hasbaya. Per the strict sectarian quota that long governed the country, the two districts together are allocated 18 seats in total: 14 Shia, one Greek Catholic, one Greek Orthodox, one Druze and one Sunni all of which were won by Hezbollah, Amal and their allies. They were able to consolidate the full control of the Shia constituency, Nader said. This is very important. They did not have any breach or breakthrough from their competitors. This consolidation came in spite of a new electoral law that introduced proportional representation and redrew the country into 15 electoral districts, which had been expected to improve the chances of minority parties but, in fact, entrenched the traditional sectarian distribution of power. Here, Hezbollah proved smarter. It is smarter, but also the winner in this battle, Nader said. Biggest loser By all accounts, the biggest loser in Sundays vote was Hariris Future Movement party, which won only 21 seats, compared with 34 seats in the previous election, Nader said. Hariri lost to Hezbollah and Amal-backed Sunni candidates in his partys strongholds of Beirut, Saida and Tripoli. Hariri has served as prime minister twice: from 2009-11 and from December 2016 until now. In a bizarre episode late last year, Hariri abruptly announced his resignation during a trip to Saudi Arabia, only to walk back on his resignation upon returning home. The bet that Hariri is unavoidable is not true any more, Nader said. You can come up with any Sunni personality, like Mikati, who has the credentials and legitimacy to make a prime minister, or even Karami. Nader was referring to Najib Mikati, a former prime minister and leader of the Majd Movement, and Faisal Karami, the leader of the Arab Liberation Party (ALP). In Lebanon, the president must be a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim, and the speaker of parliament a Shia Muslim. Division of spoils In a press conference on Monday in advance of the final results, Hariri declared he would have been triumphant under the old majoritarian system. The problem with this electoral law is that a lot of people did not understand it, he said. Lebanon can only be governed by all its political constituencies. Those who say otherwise are [deceiving] themselves, and we should work with each other to build the country. FPM won 17 seats, a drop from 19 in the outgoing parliament that many analysts attribute to FPMs various alliances, especially lists where it ran with Hariris Future Movement party, a match otherwise at odds with FPMs alignment with Hezbollah. FPM lost a few seats to Samir Geageas Lebanese Forces (LF), which did notably well, nearly doubling its number of seats from eight to 16. They [LF] emerged as a strong Christian bloc and broke the monopoly that the Aounists had, Nader said. Still, FPM remains the largest Christian presence in parliament, with Gebran Bassil, the partys head and foreign minister, winning a seat for the first time, after failing to do so in the 2009 elections. The landscape is fragmented, Nader said. How will they form a new government? Who will be assigned to form a new government? The balance of power has tilted in favour of Hezbollah. Clearly divided blocs For the first time in more than a decade, parliament will not have two clearly divided blocs like in the past, Feghali said, alluding to the duelling March 8 and March 14 camps that dominated Lebanese politics since 2006. March 14 an anti-Syrian, pro-Western and Saudi-backed bloc and March 8 a pro-Syrian, Hezbollah-led bloc emerged following the assassination of Rafik Hariri in February 2005 and the ensuing protests in Beirut. Lebanon has long been stuck in the middle of a regional power struggle between Iran and Saudi Arabia. To complicate matters, tensions have been rising between Israel on the one hand and Iran and Hezbollah on the other hand. In recent months, analysts and onlookers have begun warning of the inevitability of confrontation between the three, and Mondays elections results, if confirmed, are likely to raise yet more concerns. Indeed, even before the release of the official results, Israeli ministers weighed in on the prospects of a stronger position for Hezbollah in Lebanons politics. The state of Israel will not differentiate between the sovereign state of Lebanon and Hezbollah, and will view Lebanon as responsible for any action from within its territory, an Israeli security cabinet minister was quoted by Reuters news agency as saying. Separately, commenting on Twitter on Monday, Naftali Bennett, a hawkish member of the Israeli cabinet, said: Hezbollah = Lebanon. Suspect arrested after 16-year-old was sexually assaulted and burned, in second such case in eastern state of Jharkhand. An Indian girl is battling for her life after allegedly being raped and set ablaze in the eastern state of Jharkhand, police said, days after another teenager was burned to death in the same state. The 16-year-old suffered first-degree burns to 70 percent of her body after being set on fire in a village in the Pakur district of Jharkhand on Friday, police said. She is being treated at a hospital in Berhampur, West Bengal, the Hindustan Times reported on Monday. District police have arrested a 19-year-old suspect, the Times said. This is the second such attack on a minor in the eastern state in the past week. The murder in Chatra district of another 16-year-old girl, who was burned alive in her home on Friday, led to the arrests of at least 15 people. According to her family members, the eighth-grade student was abducted from her cousins home and gang raped on Thursday night. The main suspect in her murder was allegedly angered by a village council decision that he should do 100 sit-ups and pay a fine of Rs 50,000 ($750) for raping the girl the night before. He also attacked the girls parents and set their home on fire with the teenager inside. A special investigation team is probing that case, according to a senior police officer. More than 40,000 rape cases are reported in India every year. The rape and murder of an eight-year-old Muslim nomad girl, Asifa, in the Kathua district of Indian-administered Kashmir last month sparked outrage and protests across the country. New police figures indicate that more than five women are raped every day in the Indian capital, New Delhi, this year. As many as 578 rape cases were reported up to April 15, compared with 563 in 2017 during the same period, police said. First parliamentary elections in nearly a decade introduced electoral law with proportional representation. Lebanon is awaiting official results of the countrys first parliamentary elections in almost a decade, a poll that saw a significantly lower turnout than previous general elections. Of the 3.8 million registered voters, 49.2 percent cast their ballots in Sundays poll, the interior ministry said, down from 54 percent in the last election in 2009. The final results are expected to be announced in a news conference later on Monday. However, according to unofficial preliminary results cited by politicians and Lebanese media, Hezbollah and its political allies won more than half the seats. If confirmed by the final count, this result would boost Hezbollah politically, with parties and individuals aligned with the heavily armed group securing a simple majority in parliament. Sundays vote saw 583 candidates, including a record number of 86 women, compete for 128 seats in parliament: 64 allocated to Muslims and 64 to Christians. A new electoral law redrew the country into 15 electoral districts, further entrenching Lebanons foundational sectarian makeup, and introduced proportional representation. Under the terms of the new law, voters cast two votes, one for a list of candidates and one for a single preferred candidate. The election came after an intense campaign cycle where establishment parties hastily glued together a dizzying map of local alliances to navigate the new electoral law, which appeared to offer an opportunity for change. {articleGUID} Sundays election took place for the first time after nine years of political turbulence that left the country without a president for two years and saw parliament extend its tenure several times. Shortly after he cast his ballot on Sunday morning, President Michel Aoun gave a brief statement to the press, addressing one of the more perplexing aspects of the new law the preferential vote. Aoun said the preferential vote was necessary as voters would likely prefer some candidates on the list to others. In 2013, elections were postponed for security reasons and again in 2014 and 2017 as politicians disagreed on the particulars of a new electoral system. {articleGUID} Lebanons political paralysis over the past decade has frustrated an already disillusioned public. The situation came to a climax in 2015 with massive protests on the streets of Beirut dubbed the garbage crisis, as politicians failed to deal with rubbish building up in neighbourhoods. A popular movement that arose during the garbage crisis of 2015 was You Stink, which bolstered the efforts of Lebanons first political outsiders. Calling themselves Beirut Madinati, they sought votes in the capitals municipal elections in 2016. In less than two years, the movement has expanded into a coalition of 11 civil society groups and independents competing for seats under one banner called Kollouna Watani (Arabic for We Are All the Nation). Despite the emergence of independent groups participating in the vote on anti-establishment platforms, some Lebanese expressed deep scepticism their efforts would succeed. Malaysias ruling party expected to win election Analysts predict a win for Barisan Nasional on May 9, in what has been described as the most contested election ever. Regional task force helps to secure the release of the captives, mostly women and children, army spokesman says. Nigerias military says it has rescued more than 1,000 people held captive in northeastern Nigeria by the armed group Boko Haram. Brigadier General Texas Chukwu, army spokesman, announced on Monday evening that the hostages were rescued from four villages in Borno State. The Multinational Joint Task Force, which comprises Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin, helped to secure the release of the captives, mostly women and children. Some men who had been forced to become Boko Haram fighters were among those rescued, the army said. Boko Haram has been held responsible for thousands of abductions, especially of young girls and women, during its nine-year armed campaign in Nigeria and surrounding countries. The group gained international notoriety after its fighters kidnapped 276 schoolgirls in the town of Chibok in April 2014. About 100 girls are still missing. More than 20,000 people have been killed in the fighting, which has also forced some two million to flee their homes. Al Jazeeras Ahmed Idris, reporting from Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, explained that the rescued individuals will be taken to hospitals to be treated for wounds and ailments sustained in captivity. They will be profiled and de-briefed by security forces before they are rehabilitated and eventually returned to society, Idris said. For those who carried arms before, fighting the Nigerian state, they will have to undergo another rehabilitation process being conducted by the Nigerian government in another state as part of an operation called Operation Safe Corridor. Leaders from the countries comprising the Multinational Joint Task Force will be meeting on Tuesday in Maiduguri to discuss the long-term strategy on how to deal with the Boko Haram crisis. In March, a Boko Haram attack on the northeastern town of Rann left at least two aid workers, a doctor and eight soldiers dead. In February, the groups fighters attacked another school in the northeastern state of Yobe and seized more than 110 schoolgirls. A month later, the government said 101 had been freed. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said earlier this year that the era of Boko Haram violence is gradually drawing to end. However, the group continues to launch attacks in the countrys northeast. Announcement by First Vice President Taban Deng Gai comes days before peace talks are scheduled to begin in Ethiopia. An opposition faction controlled by South Sudans first vice president has said it will join the countrys ruling party. Taban Deng Gai said on Monday that the political opposition Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement In Opposition (SPLM-IO) had dissolved and joined the ranks of the SPLM party. The vice presidents announcement came before peace talks led by a regional bloc were scheduled to be held in neighbouring Ethiopia on May 17. The move is expected to strengthen the position of the government of President Salva Kiir. The SPLM fractured into different groups as a ruinous civil war erupted in December 2013 two years after independence from Sudan when forces loyal to Kiir started fighting those allied to his former deputy, Riek Machar. Previous attempts at peace have failed, with a ceasefire signed last December breaking down within hours and the most recent round of talks in February ending in deadlock. Al Jazeeras Hiba Morgan, reporting from South Sudans capital, Juba, said that despite the vice presidents announcement, there will still many opposition groups fighting the government. It makes it very hard to see how they can try to bring together the other factions of SPLM to join the current ruling party and try to end South Sudans civil war, Morgan said. It could be a great step in trying to at least make reunification attractive to the rest of the parties by weakening them and making it seem like there is nothing to fight for if you have a stronger coalition in government. SPLM-IOs decision came just a few days after an SPLM convention was held in Juba with the goal of reunifying the party. It was the fourth of its kind in recent years. We must recognise that the SPLM is the glue that holds this country together, Kiir said at the convention. If we allow the SPLM to falter, history will never forgive us. Our unity as the SPLM family remains my priority. SPLM was founded as the political wing of the Sudan Peoples Liberation Army which fought in the rebellion against the Sudanese government in 1983. It represented South Sudan in an agreement signed in 2005 which paved the way for the countrys independence six years later. The war has killed tens of thousands of people and forced a quarter of the countrys 12 million people from their homes. More than half of the population is in need of food aid according to the UN. Palestinian embassy in Malaysia dismisses baseless letter which detailed role in killing of Fadi al-Batsh last April. The Palestinian embassy in Malaysia denies allegations of the involvement of members of its intelligence service in the assassination of Palestinian scholar Fadi al-Batsh in Kuala Lumpur last month. Al-Batsh, 35, was shot by two attackers as he was heading to a mosque for dawn prayers in the Setapak district of the capital, police said. In a press statement released on Sunday, the embassy blamed suspicious entities who forged a letter using the ambassadors name and sending it to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. The embassy confirms that all of the information included in the letter is fake and baseless, and has no knowledge of it, the statement read. Palestinian activists had previously shared a letter on social media which Al Jazeera could not independently verify, written by Palestinian Ambassador to Malaysia Anwar al-Agha to Abbas. The letter detailed the alleged interactions of Ahmad Buheis, the head of the Palestinian intelligence branch in Malaysia, with an adviser to the head of PA intelligence in Ramallah, General Bahaa Baalousha. Baalousha had allegedly asked Buheis back in February to gather information on al-Batsh, who was a member of Hamas, such as his address, the type of car he owned and places he frequented. The letter went on to say that a month later, Baalousha contacted Buheis again and told him to make arrangements for two men and their wives who were coming to the Malaysian capital from Ramallah for a two-week holiday. However, the two men (who had reached Malaysia with only one of the wives) left days after arriving on April 2, a couple of weeks before the assassination of al-Batsh. The letter goes on to say that Buheis contact in the Malaysian security force had reached out to him saying there was CCTV footage of a woman who looked like the wife of one of the men, walking in a suspicious manner in the area where al-Batsh was later assassinated. Furthermore, the letter says that Buheis had forwarded a photograph he had taken with the two men to a colleague in Ramallah, and found out they had used fake names and worked in the same department as Baalousha. The embassys statement called on people to take extreme caution from these suspicious entities who are engaging in sabotage and attempts to create sedition. These failed attempts will not discourage embassy staff from continuing to do their job to achieve national interests, the statement said, asserting that they retain their legal right to pursue those entities. The embassy also said with the help of embassy staff, an operating room has been formed to follow up on the assassination process with the concerned Malaysian authorities. Al-Batshs father had previously told Al Jazeera that he accuses Israels intelligence agency, Mossad, of being behind his sons killing and also called on the Malaysian authorities to look into who carried out the assassination as soon as possible. Malaysian police had released computer-generated images of the two suspects, believed to be from Europe or the Middle East. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement. Leadership too paralysed to withdraw from existing agreements or end strategy of negotiations with Israel, analysts say. A paralysed and indecisive Palestinian leadership, faced with mounting pressure from the Americans and Israelis, is undermining key national goals, analysts say. They say the decisions taken by the Palestinian National Council (PNC) during its meeting in Ramallah last week show that Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, lacks the will to respond to American and Israeli efforts to thwart Palestinian statehood. While in session, the PNC took several decisions including the redefinition of relations with Israel as one of conflict. It dismissed the PLO-Israel interim agreements signed in Washington and Cairo in the 1990s as expired, and rejected the US decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. In the past, Abbas, 82, has repeatedly insisted that the path to achieving statehood for the Palestinians lies only through peace negotiations with Israel, not armed struggle. Strategic mistake On the face of it, the PNC decisions indicate a departure from the negotiations path, the analysts say. However, in reality, the Palestinian leadership is too weak and fragmented to either withdraw from existing agreements with Israel or end the policy of treating peace negotiations as a strategic choice. Mohamad Dalbah, a Washington-based Palestinian analyst, says the crisis confronting Palestinians today is rooted in the catastrophic Oslo agreement that Abbas and the late Yasser Arafat signed with Israel. Oslo was a strategic mistake for the Palestinians, he told Al Jazeera, because it never stipulated the establishment of a Palestinian state and left open-ended the core issues of the status of Jerusalem and the right Palestinian refugees displaced by Israel in 1948. In 1993 the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) signed the Oslo agreement with Israel and established an interim Palestinian Authority. The Oslo Accords stipulated that within five years of the signing of the agreement that is, in 1999 both parties should enter into negotiations for the final-settlement status, including the issues of Jerusalem and Palestinian refugees. Twenty-five years later, Palestinians and Israelis have yet to start any final settlement negotiations. Legally solid Jamal Zahalka, a Palestinian member of the Israeli Knesset, told Al Jazeera the decisions of the PNC are meaningless as long as the PA continues security coordination with Israel, which is the most important objective for Israel. Zahalka said the current Palestinian condition, defined by a weak local government, is in the best interest of Israel but not the Palestinians because it is conducive to neither peace nor resistance. By maintaining internal security in Palestinian areas on behalf of Israel, the PA reduces Israels military burden of maintaining its military occupation. However, Abdallah Abueid, a Palestinian legal expert, says the international position of the Palestinians in light of the PNC decisions is legally solid. This is because Israel has repeatedly violated the agreements, refuses to withdraw from the occupied territories and is unwilling to conclude final-status negotiations with the Palestinians, says Abueid, who teaches International law at Bethlehem University. That being said, Palestinians are in a very precarious position today and are unable to move forward or even go backward if they wanted to. Zahalka, the Knesset member, says Palestinian leaders should now take a strategic decision to reinvigorate popular and peaceful resistance to the Israeli occupation. Only then would Israel find itself compelled to end its illegal occupation, he told Al Jazeera. Issue of successor During its session in Ramallah, the PNC also re-elected Abbas president of the State of Palestine and chairman of the PLO. It further elected 15 members of the executive committee out of 18 representing different Palestinian factions most of whom are Abbas loyalists. Neither the PNC nor any governing body formally discussed the issue of a successor for the octogenarian Abbas, who is reportedly suffering from multiple ailments. According to sources familiar with internal deliberations on the succession issue, Abbas supports the separation of the powers of the PLO, the chairman of the Palestinian Authority, and the chairman of Fatah. Abbas is in favour of having a different person to lead each body, the sources told Al Jazeera. Follow Ali Younes on Twitter: @Ali_reports Poverty in Iraq among major issues in election campaigns Iraqs politicians maintain optimism, but with poverty increasing and suspicions of government rampant, many Iraqi voters are sceptical about the upcoming general election creating any real change. Former KGB spy begins another six-year term as Russian president after his re-election in March. Vladimir Putin has been inaugurated as the president of Russia for the fourth time, renewing another six-year term in office. The 65-year-old Russian leader took oath at an official ceremony in the Grand Kremlin Palace in the capital, Moscow, on Monday, 18 years after he first came to power. Putins fourth presidential term comes after he easily won the elections in March, receiving 76 percent of the votes. {articleGUID} Communist Party candidate Pavel Grudinin came in second with 11.8 percent, followed by nationalist Vladimir Zhirinovsky with 5.6 percent, according to official results. I consider it my duty and sense of my life to do everything for Russia for its present and future for the peaceful and prosperous future and the welfare of every Russian family, Putin said in a speech at the ceremony. I can assure you the aim of my life, my work will be as before to serve the people and our motherland, he added. Speaking to government members on Sunday, Putin laid down the main challenges and tasks that lie ahead during his next tenure. In general, our key task for the next few years is a significant raise of the citizens real income, he said, according to a Kremlin press release. Putin has proposed Dmitry Medvedev for the post of prime minister, the Kremlin confirmed in a statement on Monday. Rise to power A former agent for the Russian spy agency, KGB, Putin went on to become the countrys prime minister in 1999. Less than five months later, he took over the presidency at the age of 47. A macho man image has fuelled Putins popularity at home. The things that Russians say they hold Putin in highest esteem for is basically making Russia great again and keeping the country together, said Al Jazeeras Rory Challand, reporting from Moscow. For many Russians, there is no other leader that they can envision other than Putin. The Kremlin leader has worked equally hard to assert Russias tough image abroad. Putin took Crimea from Ukraine a move that has angered many in the West. He also stepped in to back the government of President Bashar al-Assad in Syrias long-running war. Forbes magazine has named Putin the worlds most powerful person for four years in a row. On Saturday, thousands of Russians took to the streets to protest Putins inauguration under the banner Hes not our Tsar! in 90 cities across the country. The demonstrations were organised by opposition activist Alexey Navalny, who was among 1,600 detained by the police at the anti-Putin rallies. Navalny was later released. 1. Yes. There should be absolute certainty that the election was free and fair. 2. Yes. The audit could and should lead to stronger laws governing elections in the state. 3. No. Former President Trump wants the audit to further cast doubt on the 2020 vote. 4. No. Its a waste of money, an attempt by Abbott to gain favor among Trump backers. 5. Unsure. It seems unnecessary but it may provide some worthwhile findings. Vote View Results Suspect arrested for assassination attempt on Pakistans interior minister says he belongs to far-right religious group. Islamabad, Pakistan A suspect arrested for an assassination attempt on Pakistans interior minister says he is a member of a far-right religious organisation that has previously accused members of the government of committing blasphemy, police say. Abid Hussain, said to be in his early 20s, was arrested from the scene of the attack in the central Pakistani district of Narowal, on Sunday, shortly after he fired a bullet that struck Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal in the right arm, police told Al Jazeera. Iqbal, 59, is out of danger and recovering in a hospital in the eastern city of Lahore on Monday. The attack has, however, raised fears of violence in advance of a scheduled general election in July, with Iqbals ruling Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) battling the opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to remain in power. Our initial investigation shows that [Hussain] is associated with the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, police official Aitzaz Bashir told Al Jazeera. He admitted this himself. Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), also known as Tehreek Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLYRA), blockaded the Pakistani capital Islamabad for three weeks in November, demanding that the government rescind an electoral law amendment that saw a minor change in an oath that members of parliament are required to take. At the time, TLP chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi led thousands of protesters to blockade a major highway entering the city, accusing members of the government, including Iqbal, of having committed blasphemy by allowing the change. The sit-in eventually ended after the government capitulated to the groups demands in a deal brokered by Pakistans powerful military. Blasphemy is a sensitive issue in Pakistan, where at least 74 people have been killed in connection with accusations of having insulted Islam, its Prophet or the Quran, according to an Al Jazeera tally. It is also a crime under Pakistani law, with certain forms punishable with a mandatory death penalty. Call to kill blasphemers Rizvi, a firebrand right-wing Muslim leader, has long championed calls for those deemed to have blasphemed to be put to death. Shortly after the attack on Sunday, however, the TLP chief disassociated himself from the attacker, saying his movement does not preach violence. The claim runs counter to slogans chanted at the Islamabad sit-in and other TLP demonstrations, where protesters, led by Rizvi, shouted: There is only one punishment for those dishonouring the Prophet: to remove their heads from their bodies! On Monday, a TLP spokesperson denied that Hussain was associated with the group. If people commit violence [in the name of the protecting the Prophets honour], or they call for it, they are doing it on an individual level, we do not condone violence as an organisation, said Zubair Ahmed Kasuri. Hussain is being interrogated by police in Narowal, which is Iqbals native district, and has been charged with attempted murder. Police say they are investigating his mobile phone records to ascertain whether he was instigated to attack the federal minister. Iqbal had been leaving the venue of a small political gathering when he was attacked. The shooting has raised fears that members of the PML-N could be targeted as they begin campaigning for the general election in July. At least 158 people were killed in dozens of attacks on political leaders, rallies and activists in the two months preceding Pakistans last general election in 2013, according to the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS). Much of that violence was claimed by the Pakistan Taliban, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban or TTP, an armed religious group that has been battling the Pakistani state since 2007, demanding the imposition of a strict interpretation of Islamic law on the country. Violence perpetrated by the Pakistan Taliban has dropped dramatically in recent years, following Pakistani military operations to displace the group from its former strongholds in the countrys northwestern tribal districts. Analysts warn, however, that vigilante attacks against perceived blasphemy could be far more unpredictable and difficult to combat. Because there is [currently] no organised Islamist insurgency, you are more likely to see these kinds of lone wolf attacks [aligned on issues of blasphemy], said Umair Javed, a political analyst. And there may be a kind of copycat element to this. Asad Hashim is Al Jazeeras Digital Correspondent in Pakistan. He tweets @AsadHashim. Trumps Iran deal decision days away European leaders are trying to dissuade US president from withdrawing from the nuclear deal on May 12, warning that such a move could lead to a significant deterioration. A look at Vladimir Putins rise to the top Former KGB spy begins another six-year term as Russian president after his re-election in March. US President Donald Trump will not attend controversial ceremony on May 14. The White House has announced the list of attendees at next weeks ceremony marking the controversial relocation of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem with President Donald Trump not being part of the delegation. Instead, a five-person mission, including Trumps daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner and the US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, will be present at the opening ceremony on May 14, a White House statement on Monday said. US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman and Trumps Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt will also attend. In December 2017, Trump called Jerusalem the capital of Israel and launched the process to relocate the embassy there. The move, long-sought by Israel, broke with decades of US policy as well as the international consensus. It prompted widespread condemnation and triggered a wave of protests in the occupied Palestinian territories and major international cities. This [embassy] move is not only illegal but will also thwart the achievement of a just and lasting peace between two sovereign and democratic states on the 1967 borders, Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said in a statement. Both Friedman and Greenblatt have made inflammatory comments regarding the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict in recent months. Friedman, who was confirmed as ambassador by the US Senate in March, described as alleged the Israeli occupation of Palestine during an interview with Israeli publication Jerusalem Post in September 2017. Following Friedmans appointment, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he will be warmly welcomed as President Trumps representative and as a close friend of Israel. Greenblatt, meanwhile, said in March that Hamas, the Palestinian group which governs Israeli-occupied Gaza, is profoundly unfit to run the territory. Road signs The White House announcement came after US Embassy road signs went up in Jerusalem earlier on Monday. The signs, in English, Hebrew and Arabic, were installed by workmen close to the south Jerusalem location of a US consulate building that will be re-purposed as the embassy when it is officially relocated from Tel Aviv, Reuters news agency reported. Also on Monday, an Israeli foreign ministry spokesman said Paraguay would also open an embassy in Jerusalem later in May. Jerusalem is a highly contested city, half of which was occupied and annexed by Israel following the 1967 War. Israel claims all of Jerusalem as its united capital, and its annexation of East Jerusalem effectively put the entire city under de-facto Israeli control. Palestinian leaders, however, see East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. Six killed in strike on palace, medics say, hours after Saudi army reportedly intercepted missiles fired by Houthis. Air raids have targeted the presidential office in Yemens rebel-held capital Sanaa, killing at least six people and wounding 30 others, according to medical sources. Witnesses said fighter jets bombed Sanaa several times at midday on Monday, with rebel-controlled Al-Masirah television blaming the Saudi-led coalition for the raid. Residents said they heard two explosions hit the building, which is located near a hotel, a bank and several shops, and not far from the central bank, according to AFP news agency. Witnesses said the office, used by the Houthi rebel administration, is normally bustling with employees. We were working next door to the presidential offices and heard a plane, and then an explosion, Ahmed Dehashir, a first responder, told AFP at the scene of the attack. Some people rushed to the scene and saw the destruction and people caught under the rubble. We tried to dig out the dead and wounded from under the debris, and then there was a second strike, he said. There are a lot of people trapped under the rubble, Dehashir added. The Saudi-led coalition launched a military intervention in Yemen in 2015 with the goal of rolling back the Houthis and restoring the internationally recognised government to power. Houthi missiles intercepted The raid came hours after Saudi Arabias air defence systems intercepted two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi rebels towards the south of the kingdom on Sunday, according to coalition spokesperson Colonel Turki al-Malki. He said the rockets were launched from northern Yemen towards populated areas of Saudi Arabia but were intercepted overnight without any casualties or damage. Since November of last year, rebels have intensified missile attacks into neighbouring Saudi Arabia. The conflict in Yemen has left nearly 10,000 people dead, tens of thousands wounded, and millions on the brink of famine in what the United Nations has called the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. Demonstrators march through the capital Hadibu, rejecting UAE intervention in the affairs of the province. Popular protests have broken out in the Yemeni island of Socotra as the local people express their rejection of the deployment of forces belonging to the United Arab Emirates. Socotra, in the Indian Ocean, is located about 350km from the southern coast of Yemen. Located just off the coast of Somalia with access to major shipping routes, Socotra is also a World Heritage Site known for its unique and pristine environment. The Emirati soldiers turned up on Thursday, forcing out Yemeni troops and taking over strategic locations including the airport and the seaport. Al Jazeeras Mohammed Adow said the Emiratis have justified their presence in Socotra on the grounds that they are part of an operation to back forces loyal to exiled Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. The people who live here say there are no Houthis on the island, he said. That means UAE forces have no reason to stay. Intervention rejected Demonstrators have marched through the streets of Socotras capital Hadibu, rejecting what they describe as UAE intervention in the affairs of the province. They have also condemned the deployment of UAE forces in the province without coordinating with the legitimate government or seeking its approval. These forces are present in Socotra and al-Mahra in numbers that cant be understood, said Abdullah bin Issa al-Aafra, of the Al-Mahra and Socotra Peoples General Council. There are illegitimate troops in these areas. Are there forces that belong to the Houthis to be fought by the coalition here? The answer is a big no. The Yemeni government said the UAEs military control of Socotra is unjustified, and blames the continuation of a dispute between Hadi loyalists and the UAE for growing public anger. According to the government, three UAE military planes, tanks and more than 50 soldiers arrived in Socotra and dismissed the local staff there from their duties. Residents of the island say the flag of the UAE and images of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, often known as MBZ, now adorn official buildings. Ahmed Obeid bin Daghr, the Yemeni prime minister, has described the UAE troop deployment as an assault on Yemens sovereignty. Formally allies The UAE and Hadis government are formally allies in a war against the Houthi rebels. Relations between the two have soured, however, due to the UAEs expanding influence in southern Yemen, home to a resurgent separatist movement. The UAE is part of the Saudi-led coalition that launched a military campaign three years ago to shore up Hadis presidency. The UAEs move to exert control over Socotra is seen by many as the latest move by the Gulf state to spread its influence well beyond its borders. Robin Forestier-Walker Robin has been reporting for Al Jazeera English from Europe and Central Asia since 2008. He was a Rory Peck Award News finalist for his coverage of th... more e inter-ethnic riots in Kyrgyzstan and has covered the country's political upheaval since the ousting of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev in April 2010. Robin worked for BBC News for six years before going freelance in late 2006. Twitter Robin About the show A weekly programme that examines and dissects the worlds media, how they operate and the stories they cover. Watch The Listening Post every Saturday at 0830GMT In 2006, at the University of Regensburg in Germany, Pope Benedict XVI gave a historic speech on faith and reason that included reflections on Islamic ideology. Quoting a medieval scholar who condemned conversion by force, or jihad, Benedict characterized Allah as transcendental and above rationality. The quote called Muhammad's new ideas "things only evil and inhuman." Not surprisingly, the pope received death threats afterward and was called the "pig servant of the cross" and other derogatory epithets. Muslims protested in the streets worldwide and demanded an apology. Five churches were firebombed in the West Bank and Gaza, an Italian nun was shot dead in Somalia, a priest was beheaded in Iraq, and two Christians were stabbed and killed in Baghdad. Many feared that even more violence would erupt. Following the carnage and intense pressure, Pope Benedict yielded to the Islamists and capitulated. Since that time, the Vatican's agenda has been to reach an accommodation with Islam, to resist any condemnation of jihadist ideology, to promote the "progressive enculturation of Islam in Europe," and to "engage in interreligious dialogue." The pope went so far in his apologia as to meet with Muslim diplomats and ambassadors, including Tariq Ramadan, grandson of Hassan al-Banna, founder of the Muslim Brotherhood (M.B.). This occurred despite widespread persecution and attacks against Christians in Muslim countries by Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated terrorist groups, and at a time in which Christianity is being extirpated from the region. One year after Pope Benedict's address, in what appeared to be a gesture of reconciliation, a group of Muslim scholars and clerics invited Christians to come together to endorse the document, "A Common Word Between Us and You," an open letter to Christian leaders emphasizing similarities between the two faiths. Initially, 300 Christian leaders across the world approved "Common Word" and received the document with enthusiasm. A response prepared by the Yale Center for Faith and Culture extended "our own Christian hand in return so that together with all other human beings we may live in peace and justice as we seek to love Gd and our neighbors." The Christian letter of response apologized for the past the Crusades (in reality an effort to regain conquered Christian land) and the present-day "excesses" of the "war on terror." It also identified Muhammad as a prophet and went on to ask forgiveness for sinning against the worldwide Muslim community. The letter continued with a validation of the common ground between the two faiths cited by "A Common Word Between Us and You," specifically "love of Gd" and "love of neighbor" and agreed these similarities to "be the basis of all interfaith dialogue between us" for the sake of peace in this world and "our eternal souls." In their book, The Common Word: The Undermining of the Church, Sam Solomon, a Muslim apostate, devout Christian, and scholar of Islam, and Elias Al Maqdisi, an expert on Islamic teachings, expose the true meaning and spirit of "Common Word." They contend that the message is "accept Islam or face the consequences," rather than a paean of "unity" or the "oneness" of Gd. Noteworthy is that the document lacked any apology for Islamic invasions and conquests or invitations to build churches in Islamic lands. The authors point out that, despite the seeming message of peace in the document, sharia law mandates that Muslims are not allowed to enter into peace agreements with non-Muslims or forgo their obligation to perform jihad. They also state that whereas Judaism and Christianity teach, "love of one's neighbor as one's self," Islam teaches followers to have enmity toward Jews and Christians as set forth in the Islamic doctrine of Al Wala Wa al Baraa, or Loyalty and Enmity. Mainstream Islam advocates the separation of Muslims from non-Muslims, who are viewed as "unclean." Quran 58:22 states that devout Muslims do not befriend non-Muslims "even if they be their fathers, sons, brothers, or kin." Further quotations from the Quran cited by the authors include Quran 60:4, which proclaims, "Enmity and hate shall forever reign between us until you believe in Allah alone." In fact, the first sura or chapter of the Quran, Al Fatiha or "Opening," recited at each prayer time for a total of 17 times daily, is a call to follow the "straight path" of Islam and not to follow the path "of those who have evoked Allah's anger," or the Jews, and those who have gone "astray," or the Christians. As for the "loyalty" part of Al Wala Wa al Baraa, Muslims are obligated to befriend and aid fellow believers, the authors note. Therefore, "love" is doctrinally permitted only toward fellow Muslims. Also problematic is the doctrine of taqiyya, which requires Muslims to lie to and deceive infidels, implying that hostility is ever present despite the pretense of "coming together." Central to Islamic ideology is that the Quran is the last of the holy books to be revealed and abrogates everything that came before it, as proclaimed in the Shahada or the Muslim prayer of affirmation: "There is no Gd but Allah and Mohammed is his messenger." Solomon and Maqdisi sum up the "Common Word" as part and parcel of the "civilizational jihad" and an expedient attempt to make Islam look peaceful with elements in common with Christianity. With the appointment of Pope Francis in 2013, the Church intensified its portrayal of Islam as "a religion of peace" as well as its dissembling about the motivating ideology of jihad terrorism. An Islamist leader even thanked Francis for defending Islam against accusations of violence. The pope has warned that limits exist to freedom of expression and, in blatant denial of Muslim terrorism, claims instead that all religions have their violent individuals. Rather than serving as a defender of Christianity, he has enabled and abetted the persecution of Christians. Disturbingly, some top evangelical Christian leaders in America have spurred the encroachment of Islam and thereby failed to warn their congregants about the threat they face from Islamic ideology. One example, Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church, which averages 20,000 weekly attendees, spoke at the Hamas and Muslim Brotherhood-linked Islamic Society of North America Annual Convention in 2009 alongside unindicted co-conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center attack Siraj Wahhaj, Hezb'allah supporter Maher Hathout, and violent jihad advocate Esam Omeish. Warren, a major promoter of interfaith unity, proclaimed, "We need to work together." In addition to legitimating a Muslim Brotherhood entity by his presence, he was a signatory to "'A Common Word' Christian Response," supporting the contention that Muslims and Christian serve the same Gd. Warren later issued a denial: "Christians have a fundamentally different view of Gd than Muslims. We worship Jesus as Gd. Muslims don't. Our Gd is Jesus, not Allah." Pastor Bob Roberts of Northwood Church in Texas, another mega-church, has hosted an interfaith forum, the Global Faith Forum, where Muslim Brotherhood operatives have been invited to speak. Roberts has been associated with Mohamed Magid, the imam of the sharia-supremacist ADAMS mosque and former president of the Islamic Society of North America, found to be associated with Hamas in a federal trial in 2008. Additionally, he has collaborated with Sheikh Abdallah bin Bayyah, an anti-Israel cleric who openly states on his website that Christians are going to hell and authorized the killing of Americans in Iraq with a fatwa issued in 2004. Earlier this year, 400 faith leaders met in Washington at the National Prayer Breakfast to forge ties between Muslims and Christians in which M.B. operative Mohamed Magid and Bin Bayyah participated. It is unconscionable that this convocation was not perceived as it actually was: a threat to national security by those who wish to destroy Western civilization and force sharia submission. Whether wittingly or unwittingly, these Christian leaders are complicit in the drive to mainstream Islam worldwide. They are placing Christians, already imperiled throughout the world, at great risk by reaching out to practitioners of an extremist ideology that seeks to convert or annihilate anyone who refuses to accept its supremacy. As Solomon and Al Maqdisi point out in their book, Christians are being deceived about the true intent of Muslims who hold enmity and no love at all toward anyone not a fellow Muslim. The winds of the special counsel are blowing hard. A big tempest is brewing, and it's not clear what is happening. Nobody really knows, other than perhaps Mueller and a few other insiders, one probably being Donald Trump and his counsel. One thing seems certain: there will be a lot of surprises in the end. The two general theories: 1. Mueller is a tool of the Deep State, allied with Comey and the left, a black hat appointed by powerful people who won't stop this investigation until the removal or neutering of Trump. A lot of smart people are invested in this narrative. You can cite a lot of facts and informative stories that demonstrate the reality of this theory. Most, but not all, on the right believe some version of this Deep State plot. 2. This investigation is a well planned, quietly effective smokescreen to ferret out major groups of people in the swamp and the Deep State. It targets people doing illegal and unethical things. This would include the Clintons and many of the leading players in the Obama-Clinton regime. There are a lot of known facts and indicators that point to this being the true narrative as well. The tipping point is close now. We will know soon. My bet is on the latter mainly because there is zero evidence, not a scintilla of proof that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia or did anything wrong. On the other hand, the evidence we do have shows that the side making the accusations did a lot of very wrong things. You can say it's a criminal conspiracy. McCabe has a criminal referral. The early I.G. report simply destroyed any hope of him escaping his wrongdoing, tipping its hat to what is coming. Comey has made an ass out of himself, with contradictions from interview to interview. Let's just say he will likely be spending his book profits on lawyers. Strzok, Ohr, and a lot of others are in peril as well, and if nothing else, these people no longer have power to do the Deep State take-down they had planned. The I.G. report due to come out should be devastating. There are reports of multiple grand juries looking for multiple indictments. When the report comes out in full, we will finally know which theory has more of the truth. There is another major storyline to all this. As a country, we are at a moment of critical mass. A tipping point is approaching. Leftists thinks they are going to get rid of the evil Drumpf impeached, frog-marched, jailed forever. Meanwhile, many on the right are wringing their hands over the injustices we are seeing, depressed because they see the criminal left getting away with it all. Complaints and whining about the lack of headway are registered daily. Belief that the left is in control even as they are out of power is growing, fueled by the testimony of Michael Caputo. I am not saying the left is not leaving a devastating mark on our lives. It is. These people have crossed a line of evil, destroying many human beings, institutions, and lots in between. But they will not win this. They will not triumph. Here is why. Suppose theory number one is true. Too much is known about what the leftist cabal has done. Too much factual information on their ugly, evil intent is out there. Too many of their top soldiers are gone or neutered. Clinton has no power. Obama has no power. Their surrogates have been outed. The media have been outed; a huge number of people in this country have been rightfully convinced the mainstream media is colluding with all this wrongdoing. The "fake news" has been branded (correctly) and won't recover for decades. The irony of Jake Tapper accepting his award at the White House Correspondents Dinner has not hit them yet. Their big obstacles: Trump's polling close to 50% approval (the real number is likely higher). He is being nominated for and should receive the Nobel Peace Prize for brokering the Korea deal. The economy is roaring. There is no evidence of wrongdoing with Russia and plenty of evidence that Trump has been wronged. The leftists cannot execute their plan, nor pull off their "insurance policy." They simply do not have the power to do it. Yes, they have put a lot of fear and hurt into a lot of people. But their only power is in the fear and timidity of the Republican Party. And even that is not enough. The vapidly stupid leadership of the left (and the RINO party) now know they cannot pull this off. If they try, they will be destroyed. Trump holds the cards. Even if Mueller, Rosenstein, et al. are black hats, are they really dumb enough to try to impeach him, convict him, then try him and send him to jail? Hell, no. If you think that, please put a small deposit in my Nigerian bank account. And that's the worst case. It really is. The best case: A lot of leftists go to prison. Their power will slowly, and painfully, be cut off. They will be mistrusted for years to come. They will have failed miserably, stewing in their own hubris and wrongdoing. One more thing about that critical mass, that tipping point. A lot of us on the center-right are angry (rightfully so) at what has been done by the left. Their evildoing is exposed for all to see and will not be easily forgotten. If they try to pull a fast one (theory one), by going the process crime route or petty "crime," failure is guaranteed. Trying Trump for such drivel would start a civil war they would quickly lose. Theory two: They are toast. On April 5, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained Ahmed Abdel Basit Mohamed for "administrative immigration violations." This was not the first time Basit had been charged. In 2016, an Egyptian court sentenced Basit to death in absentia for his and seven others' role in several terrorist attacks. His conviction was part of one of the largest Muslim Brotherhood terrorism trials in Egypt, known as the Case of the Progressive Operations Committee (POC). The POC is part of the Muslim Brotherhood's military wing, which was founded by senior Brotherhood official Mohammed Kamal, a former member of the Muslim Brotherhood's Guidance Bureau. Kamal was killed in 2016 when he shot at police trying to arrest him for his role in the assassination of the country's top prosecutor, Hisham Barakat. The Huffington Post, Al Jazeera, and several other media outlets have framed Basit's arrest as a human rights case, claiming that Basit was "condemned over pro-democracy protests in Egypt." The truth is that Basit was convicted of terrorism in Egypt after organizing a deadly riot. Few people would consider such violence a "pro-democracy protest." Egyptian investigators claim that Basit played a key role in the POC's terrorism activities. According to Shorouk News, the Egyptian government accused Basit of using Muslim Brotherhood funds for the purchase of arms, ammunition, and bomb-making equipment, as well as facilitating the travel of members of the POC terrorist cell to Turkey and Syria to receive jihadist training. This training reportedly included firearms training and lessons in the manufacture of bombs and improvised explosive devices, under the supervision of the Aknaf Bait al-Maqdis terror group. The Egyptian government's claims regarding Basit's terrorist activities are credible. Basit has called for a "resounding jihad" against Egyptian government employees, whom he described as "dirty damned infidels." He is also connected to Safwat Hegazy, a Muslim Brotherhood torturer and a leader in the Jama'a al-Islamiyya terror group. In an August 16, 2015 Facebook post, Basit admitted to involvement with violent riots in 2013, which led to the death of 210 people and the injury of 296 others in downtown Cairo. The protests started at the al-Fateh Mosque, from where rioters marched to a bridge and reportedly fired automatic guns at civilians and police officers. In the same Facebook post, Basit praised a gunman at the riot: "Due to Allah's blessing and generosity, an armed man appeared from the end of the bridge; seeking God, the man started shooting at thugs." In addition, Basit has confirmed the Egyptian government's claims that he is involved with the POC terrorist group. A few days before his arrest by ICE agents, Basit reprimanded leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood for having hosted an event in Turkey without inviting "the Kamal group." This is a reference to the faction formerly led by the late POC leader Mohammed Kamal, the terrorist with whom Egypt convicted Basit of conspiring. Before learning of the U.S. court's decision about his asylum case, Basit removed numerous radical and jihadist posts and confessions from his public Facebook account. But this last-minute attempt to sanitize his reputation did not help. Basit's asylum's case was rejected, and ICE agents arrested him outside his home. Since he filed for asylum to the U.S. in August 2016, Basit has also served as an immigration activist and advised Islamists about immigrating to the U.S. He has also worked as an activist for a Brotherhood-affiliated group named Egyptian Americans for Freedom and Justice (EAFAJ), as well as a D.C. organization, the Alliance of Egyptian Americans, which presented him at congressional meetings as a victim of political persecution. Currently, there are a petition and fundraising campaign established on his behalf. Americans should refrain from providing moral and financial support to Basit. While there are plenty of honorable Muslim immigrants who deserve the chance to start a new life in America, a convicted terrorist is certainly not one of them. Basit is a national security threat to the United States, and he should be deported back to Egypt to face justice for his crimes. Furthermore, law enforcement must investigate the terrorism links of his associates in the U.S., as well as an investigation into why the U.S. embassy in Qatar, where Basit traveled, reportedly decided to issue Basit a visa to enter the U.S. Cynthia Farahat is an author and fellow at the Middle East Forum. Image via Twitter. There was a time when a "satire" disclaimer didn't need to be added to a headline like "From Now On Taco Bell Will Only Serve Customers of Mexican Descent." It was a given that it was comedy. But now that a major political party says and does things equally ridiculous, how can you fault someone for republishing a parody site's creative writing as straight news? Does The Babylon Bee's satiric take on Taco Bell responding to today's "cultural appropriation" climate seem any more absurd than "Student Suspended for Nibbling Pop Tart into the Shape of a Gun"? Twenty years ago, that story title is simply bizarre, eliciting a chuckle. In 2013, it was accurately reporting what the left was up to: criminalizing weaponized pastries. When the right is accused of peddling fake news, can we not, at the very least, invoke the "fake but accurate" defense when the stories turn out to be parody? It's an onerous task to constantly have to fact-check actual left-wing behavior because it reads like lampoon. NATIVE BORN NEW YORK GOVERNOR ANDREW CUOMO SAYS, "I AM AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT" I had to look this up when I first read it. It's not that I ever thought Andrew Cuomo does the New York Times crossword puzzle in pen, but I didn't think he simply filled the boxes in, outside the lines, with crayon, either... until now. Leftwing Violence Preventable by Getting Rid of Conservatives I'm paraphrasing with some of these headlines, but it's the essence of the stories. The party that goes apoplectic at the mere suggestion that a woman may have contributed to her own sexual assault, for whatever reason, blames Antifa violence on the mere presence of conservatives on campus. They are, apparently, entrapping the left into committing violence through their very existence. It's the same sort of thinking that gets us here: Bernie Sanders Shows Up to Anti-Gun Rally with Armed Security This is an instant classic, and it contributes to the "fog of fake news." One can only imagine how many leftists at Facebook and Google fact-checked this story, only to say "damn it!" when they found out it was real. (Well, probably very few, actually, because leftists do not see the Sanders hypocrisy. That's another problem altogether.) TRUMP WANTS GOP TO COURT BLACK VOTERS THEN SLAMS VOTING RIGHTS FOR FELONS When I first read this, my guess was that it was the work of a master at parodying soft-bigoted leftists unaware of what it was they were writing. Sadly, this was an actual headline by CNN. It's frightening how casually they link blacks and felons in their minds while claiming that everyone else is the racist. Undocumented immigrant appointed to state post in California While the president's argument that many illegals are voting in California's elections is rebuffed by the left as an absurdity, California has appointed an illegal to a state post. This is known as urinating on one's leg while telling people it's raining. "Asian Students at Oberlin College Accuse Cafeteria Serving Americanized Asian Food of Cultural Appropriation" You know the drill. If Oberlin College never served Asian food, that would become the indictment. "Oberlin ignores Asian cuisine!" The irony of the Asian students complaining in English never seems to connect with the "cultural appropriation" SJWs. Neither does the irony of Asians using forks to chow down on Mexican food. Pelosi I Believe in Natural Gas as a Clean, Cheap Alternative to Fossil Fuels There's a Twitter account that parodies Maxine Waters. The writer makes up fake quotes in a "low I.Q." style. Nothing written from that account is any more preposterously stupid than the actual Pelosi quote above. So if a fake Waters quote slips past the goaltender, who can blame him? Viral Chinese video game measures which players can clap fastest for President Xi Jinping It doesn't get any more left-wing than China. And while the left would love for you to think this is something Trump would develop, this forced adulation of a leader is traditionally a leftist thing. How can The Onion compete with this? Residents complain about trash after Earth Day celebration WFTV: Residents who live near Lake Eola are complaining about trash left behind at the park after an Earth Day celebration. People have posted on social media saying that water bottles, garbage and food were dumped into the lake. "You have to give us time to clean up after we have a large-scale event..." So, how is the event at all different from if the left held a "Let's Litter Day," where they all expect someone else to clean up after them? And how is this at all different from comedy? Michelle Obama Declares Herself America's 'Forever First Lady' "Melania Trump declares herself America's 'Forever First Lady'" is a headline that would dominate the left-wing news cycle for days, if not weeks, if Melania Trump were ever capable of uttering such a thing. The left projects this level of hubris upon "dictators" like Donald Trump and his family, while giddy over the narcissistic quip made by the former FLOTUS, thinking it a delightful dream. We could do this all day. The point remains: how in the world can the left be offended by fake news when the real news about the left is so ludicrous? Big Fur Hat is the publisher of iOTWREPORT.com. The California Republican state convention ended on Sunday with no candidate for governor getting the 60% necessary for a party endorsement. This will make it very difficult for a Republican candidate for governor to appear on the general election ballot in November, due to the state's non-partisan primary. The top two vote getters in the June primary will face off in November regardless of party. The process favors Democrats, especially in state wide races. This leaves the Republicans in a familiar place - on the outside looking in. The party's inability to agree on a gubernatorial candidate, as well as no prominent Republican wishing to challenge incumbent Senator Diane Feinstein, probably means that those two key offices will fall to Democrats by default. Los Angeles Times: The California Republican Party did not agree on an endorsement Sunday in the governor's race, a development that could stifle the chances that GOP voters will coalesce behind a candidate before the June 5 primary election. Businessman John Cox received 55.3% of the vote, short of the 60% required for the party nod. Assemblyman Travis Allen received 40.5%, while 4.1% voted for no endorsement at the party's convention in San Diego. That the "no endorsement" line got 40% of the vote highlights the major problem of the state GOP; they are riven with division between conservative true believers who support Donald Trump and moderates like former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Axios reports that Schwarzenegger has launched an organized effort to move the party toward the center. But the conservatives have rejected that effort and it appears doomed almost from the start. But the stakes are higher this year if the Republicans fail to launch a candidate to the top of the ticket, Republican voter turnout could be dampened in November, posing a threat to the party's ability to hold on to several congressional seats that are key to the GOP retaining control of Congress. "It's absolutely necessary that we as a party are united around the top race in the state," Karen Roseberry, a Los Angeles County delegate, said as she unsuccessfully urged the party to reconsider the endorsement vote. "Every down-ticket race is counting on this." Despite losing out on an endorsement from their party, Cox's and Allen's campaigns both predicted top-two finishes in June to compete against Democratic front-runner Gavin Newsom in the general election. "As someone who worked hard on this, I'm obviously disappointed," Cox spokesman Matt Shupe said. "However, this does not stall our campaign one bit. We have the resources to move forward and take the fight to the Democrats. Travis Allen has no pathway without this endorsement." Cox may have the money to run an effective statewide race, but the fact is that Republicans are massively outnumbered by Democrats in the state. Even in GOP bastions like Orange County, a candidate can no longer count on running up large margins to be competitive in a statewide race. Democrats have gerrymandered congressional and local districts to assure themselves a large majority in the congressional delegation and in Sacramento. This has reduced the GOP in California to near irrelvancy. Certainly a good first step in returning to prominence in the state must be unifying the party. But that goal seems far off as the internecine warfare between the hard right and more moderate right continues. Firmly rooted in defense of a failing system, Donna Shalala, in her race to fill retiring Ileana Ros-Lehtinen's congressional seat, has called for more taxpayer money-shoveling to prop up Obamacare. The ABC local news affiliate in south Florida, WPLG Local 10, has a clip here. Asked by the news host what she'd do to lower health care costs, which are hitting consumers hard, particularly those stuck on Obamacare, Shalala laid out her priorities: Well, first of all, making certain Democrats get elected is important, because Democrats will protect the Affordable Care Act. But we need to improve it, in the same way we need to improve Medicare. Hear that? Even if Obamacare is failing like any socialist regime, unsustainable as heck, a bottomless pit of costs, keeping the system in place is Shalala's priority. No matter how bad Obamacare is, no matter how horribly designed it was, no matter how opaque, no matter how inefficient, no matter how larded up with useless requirements and crummy profiteers (it was designed to exact maximum pain, as Jonathan Gruber explained), no matter how expensive Shalala is dead set on preserving the system and thinks it more important than anything those forced to buy it want. The old Obama Legacy uber alles. Note how she also considers the election of Democrats most important, maybe even more important than preserving Obamacare. It's all about keeping Democrats in power, no matter how bad their ideas are. Let's hope voters see right through that. The news host then asks Shalaa how she would cut costs. There a couple of changes. One is: We need deeper subsidies. People are paying too much out of pocket. If you talk to people in our community, they're paying too much out of pocket, for all of their health care, whether it's private or public health care, that's what they're concerned about, it's the affordability. And to do that, it's not only subsidies, but it's eliminating waste, fraud and abuse, and focusing on that. It's eliminating the high cost of prescription drugs and focusing on that. Congress can do some of that. So much for the Democrats' overused shibboleth of "sustainability." For Shalala, throwing more money at a festering problem is the way to fix a systemic failure, as if the Soviets and Chavistas didn't prove the folly of that idea. If a system needs to be continually propped up, isn't there something fundamentally wrong with the system? The other obnoxious thing about this rich woman's blithe idea of shoveling more subsidies is the question of whom those subsidies will help. How many suffering people will be cut out of the subsidies? I suspect that a token few (with political usefulness to Democrats) will be helped if Shalala gets her way, and the rest will be left high and dry more roadkill on the Nightmare of Obamacare highway to be ignored. Another news host delicately brought up that Shalala made a lot of money off Obamacare as a board member for UnitedHealth and then asked what she did while she was there to lower the costs of health care insurance. Shalala's answer was a doozy: One of the things I did while I was at UnitedHealth Care was bring a ten million dollar grant into the Jefferson Reeves clinic at Overtown. Ten milllion dollars, a million dollars a year for ten years, to essentially provide high quality health care to the people that use that clinic with the University of Miami doctors. Money-shoveling. As if someone wasn't making money off that clinic. Again, we see the same picture: A few politically useful people were helped with the presence of a clinic, presumably (News 10 should check on this; we don't know how much UnitedHealth profited), and the rest of the consumers got price hikes from UnitedHealth as Shalala profited on the board. Why didn't she use the cash profits UnitedHealth got to lower prices? The question wasn't asked. The whole picture here makes one say to her candidacy: Umm, no. Most taxpayers have been through a lot with the nightmare of Obamacare, and they should see right through this. It's interesting that Shalala, unlike other Democrats, is calling for the preservation of the status quo and its propping up. Quite a few other Democrats are calling for single-payer, just as Gruber's master plan called for. Every last one of these ideas is bad, and the only real solution is to get rid of Obamacare and start over, placing consumers in the picture with free choice, a veto over plans they don't want to buy, and a free market to ensure the developing and innovating of improved care that people will want to buy. One can only hope Florida's voters recognize it. Image credit: Tiffany LeMaistre via Flickr, Creative Commons SA 2.0. The arbiters of sexual mores who are driving the #MeToo movement must be pleased with this. A professor, who was attending an academic conference, was in an elevator when he jokingly suggested to be let off at the ladies' lingerie department. A female academic who was attending the same annual meeting of the International Studies Association heard the joke and objected. She not only was not amused, but complained to the ISA. Predictably, there was an uproar and a backlash. Have we reached peak idiocy yet with the #MeToo movement? Chronicle of Higher Education: The fuss started when Richard Ned Lebow, a professor of political theory at King's College London, and Simona Sharoni, a professor of women's and gender studies at Merrimack College, ended up in the same crowded elevator during a conference at a Hilton in San Francisco last month. She said she offered to press the floor buttons for people in the elevator, whom she described as mostly conference attendees and all, except one other woman, white middle-aged men. Instead of saying a floor, Lebow smiled and asked for the women's lingerie department "and all his buddies laughed," Sharoni wrote in a complaint, the details of which he disputed, to the association later that day. "After they walked out, the woman standing next to me turned to me and said, 'I wonder if we should have told them that it is no longer acceptable to make these jokes!'" she said in her complaint. Sharoni, who wrote in her complaint that she has experienced sexual harassment in academe in the past and was shaken by the incident, said it took her a while to figure out that Lebow thought it was funny "to make a reference to men shopping for lingerie while attending an academic conference. I am still trying to come to terms with the fact that we froze and didn't confront him," she wrote. If Sharoni and her ilk had been in charge of judging human sexual behavior 100,000 years ago, we would have gone extinct. Professor Lebow tried to grovel before his tyrannical accuser but failed to move her: "Like you, I am strongly opposed to the exploitation, coercion, or humiliation of women," Lebow wrote. "As such evils continue, it seems to me to make sense to direct our attention to real offenses, not those that are imagined or marginal. By making a complaint to ISA that I consider frivolous and I expect, will be judged this way by the ethics committee you may be directing time and effort away from the real offenses that trouble us both." Lebow is apparently uninformed about how the #MeToo hysteria has changed the ballgame: It turns out, that's not the way the association read the matter. Boyer informed Lebow that his remarks had been deemed "offensive and inappropriate." An even "more serious violation," than the elevator remarks, Boyer wrote, was "that you chose to reach out to Prof. Sharoni, and termed her complaint 'frivolous.'" Lebow was told to write an "unequivocal apology" to Sharoni and submit a written copy by May 15 to the association's executive committee. The apology should focus on Lebow's actions, rather than Sharoni's perceptions of them, it said, adding that if he failed to comply, the executive committee would consider appropriate sanctions. In the #MeToo universe, it's not enough to sanction wrongdoers. They must be humiliated as well. Of course this is "frivolous." Of course this is loony. Of course if we continue along this path, innocent byplay between men and women will be criminalized. But it's not about frivolity. It's about power and the exercise thereof by tyrannical, oppressive, prudish people most, but not all of them women who care about the issue of sexual harassment only as much as it feeds their need for control. While President Trump, President Emmanuel Macron, and Chancellor Angela Merkel are pressing Iran's mullahs for a more comprehensive nuclear deal and drawing a political map to curb Iran's missile development, nuclear activities, and regional meddling, back home, things are not so rosy for the mullahs, either. A new challenge resurfaced before the authorities in Iran: Iran's judiciary banned the popular Telegram instant messaging app to "protect national security," Iranian state television said last Monday. According to Reuters, Iran has banned Telegram after claiming that the app inspires and spreads uprisings and anti-government protests, as it happened when anti-government protests exploded in 142 cities in December 2017. Telegram has become one of the most popular instant messaging apps in the world, with 200 million users, including Iran, with 40 million clients. In the absence of a free and unrestrained press in Iran, social media, especially the popular Telegram, have incredible influence on Iranian life, community, culture, views, and business. Telegram is widely used by the Iranian youths who try to circumvent the clerical regime's censorship on the internet. Telegram allows them to share the joy of wonderful news from friends and unite them in groups. That wasn't how the mullahs saw it, however. Officials in Iran said protesters used Telegram to organize the rallies, which were ultimately contained by the Revolutionary Guards and their affiliated volunteer Basij militia. That gradually evolved into a dilemma for Iranian authorities. To get a solution, Iranian officials have been trying to get Iranians to use domestic alternatives to Telegram, like Soroush. Although this app offers many of Telegram's features, many Iranians are reluctant to use domestic apps, fearing they could be used by security services to spy on them. Iranian exiles threw paper planes, the symbol of Telegram, at a rally in Moscow on Monday, April 30, 2018, to protest the government's blocking of the app. But in Iran, despite social media censorship and the blocking of the Telegram app, genius-grade Iranian youths cracked the filters and bypassed the censors by using virtual private networks (VPNs) in their battle with the mullahs. The authorities in Iran then expanded filtering of the internet by satellite signal jamming to prevent bypassing and access to social media. Apparently, they succeeded. Meanwhile, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) issued a statement, a Call for Protest against shutting down Telegram by Iran's regime, stating: "The Iranian Resistance strongly condemns this repressive action and urges all the people, especially the youth across the country, to protest the Internet repression and blocking Telegram. It also calls on the UN Security Council, the member states and relevant international bodies, such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), as well as international authorities defending human rights and freedom of expression, to strongly condemn this Internet piracy and communications crackdown that violates many international treaties, and to take the necessary measures to deal with this breach of law in the international level, and to secure free access to the Internet and social networks and secure communications for the Iranian people." Sadegh Larijani, the Iranian judiciary chief, said a few days ago: "Social networks are now used by the arrogance and the PMOI to undermine the pillars of the system" (ILNA State News Agency, April 25). The IRGC news network, FARS, described Telegram as a means to "threaten national security and to cause revolt, turmoil, disappointment and incitement to pessimism in the society." In fact, the internet has long been a battleground in Iran between the people and the supreme leader, who feels he must protect the regime from dangerous influences, a struggle that intensified when Telegram refused the Iranian regime's request to filter news channels sympathetic to the PMOI-MEK. Shahin Gobadi, a PMOI spokesman, said: "The clerical regime's attempt to urge even foreign companies to filter the channels sympathetic to the Iranian Resistance clearly manifests the regime's fear and anxiety regarding the growing popularity of the Iranian Resistance at home, in particular among the young Iranians." In recent years, Reporters Without Borders designated 19 countries as "enemies of the internet" for actions ranging from social media censorship in Iran to North Korea building its own internal internet and walling its citizens off from the global web. Last year, more than 70,000 cyberspace users were arrested (192 per day) in Iran. To end this, we may conclude that when a number of popular social networks got blocked in Iran, local social networks started to emerge one by one to fill in the gap. Hassan Mahmoudi is a human rights advocate, specializing in political and economic issues relating to Iran and the Middle East. The war between Israel and Iran confined largely to Israeli air strikes on Iranian targets in Syria may be about to escalate. An Israeli security minister has put Syrian president Bashar Assad on notice that any attack against Israel by Iran on Syrian soil would have serious consequences. And there are reports from Israel that Iran may be preparing a significant missile attack against Israel from Syria. Haaretz: Israeli defense officials are bracing for the possibility of an Iranian revenge attack from Syria in the near future, in the form of rocket and missile launches at northern Israel. Officials believe Iran is determined to retaliate for the April 9 airstrike on Syria's T4 airbase, which killed seven Iranian military advisers and members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. Iran blames Israel for this attack. Israel has detected unusual involvement by Hezbollah in Iran's preparations for retaliation, even though the organization has been trying to keep its activity low-profile so as not to affect its position within Lebanon. Aside from Hezbollah commanders, operatives from the Shi'ite militias that Iran funds in Syria have also been active in the preparations. The operational planning, however, is being done by members of the Revolutionary Guards' Quds force. It should be noted that there is an election happening in Lebanon right now, and Hezb'allah's war in Syria is not very popular even among Shiites, who form Hezb'allah's base of political support. The Lebanese people remember the war against Israel in 2007 that brought widespread destruction to the country's infrastructure. Few in Lebanon want a repeat of that conflict with Israel. It is unlikely that Hezb'allah would assist Iran until the election results are reported sometime this week. But as Israel prepares to absorb an Iranian attack, the government is warning Assad that he is in the crosshairs if he allows Iran to attack Israel using bases in Syria. Business Insider: Israel could kill Syrian President Bashar Assad if the creep of Iranian military forces and missiles through the Levant towards Israel's borders don't stop, a security cabinet minister said on Monday. "If Assad allows Iran to turn Syria into a military vanguard against us, to attack us from Syrian territory, he should know that would be the end of him, the end of his regime," Yuval Steinitz told Israeli news site Ynetnews. The statement follows reports that Iran is preparing a massive missile attack against Israel on Sunday. Iran has an estimated 70,000 fighters in Syria and likely more than 100,000 missiles and rockets in the region. The US holds that Iran is preparing to attack the Jewish state and establish a land bridge from Tehran to Lebanon, where Hezbollah, an Israeli and US-designated terror organization, recently strengthened its position in parliament. Israel has repeatedly said it will not allow Iran's dominance to spread to its borders, and has carried out more than 100 airstrikes in Syria to halt its progress. Israel considers Hezbollah an extension of Iran, which has vowed to destroy the Jewish state. But most recently, the airstrikes threatened to escalate. After an armed Iranian drone reportedly flew into Israeli airspace, Israel shot down the drone and responded with a massive storm of strikes that it says took out half of Syria's air defenses. Unless there is restraint shown on both sides, this conflict is almost sure to escalate. Could there be war? Israel and Iran are already at war in Syria, and any attack from there or Lebanon could easily become a regional conflict where Israel goes full bore to eliminate the Iranian threat from Syria. To do that, the Israelis would have to take on not only Iran's proxies, but probably the Revolutionary Guards themselves. That could mean attacks on Iran as well as Syria. Assad is not an independent actor. Much like Fidel Castro in the early 1960s, he has little say in what Iran or the Russians do. Castro acquiesced to Khrushchev's provocative move to station nuclear missiles in Cuba despite serious misgivings. Assad will have little influence on Iran if the mullahs decide to go to war with Israel. In order to topple Assad, the Israelis would almost certainly have to take on the Russians, who see Syria and Assad as the linchpin to their Middle East strategy. That won't happen, but there is little doubt that Israel will try to significantly weaken Assad's military if Iran launches a strike from Syria. With such bitter enemies facing off against each other, with Iran pledging to wipe Israel off the map, any conflict that erupts in Syria has the potential to get out of control and engulf the entire region in war. What possessed John McCain, with all of the makings to be a modern Daniel Webster, to descend into the depths of unprincipled contradictions? "You see, for a while, [he] was the biggest man in the country. He never got to be President, but he was the biggest man. There were thousands that trusted in him right next to God Almighty and they told stories about him that were like the stories of patriarchs and such. They said when he stood up to speak, stars and stripes came right out in the sky, and once he spoke against a river and made it sink into the ground." The Devil and Daniel Webster, Stephen Vincent Benet, 1936 Those of us at a certain age recall our middle school days, when reading stories such as The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane and The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne was expected and commonplace. Rugged independence, moral dilemmas, and justice were interwoven into these American literature classics alongside patriotism and vivid religious sensibility. One such story written in the early 20th century, combining these American ideals (now considered trappings of the obscene white bourgeoisie), was "The Devil and Daniel Webster" by Stephen Vincent Benet. You can read it here. Benet borrowed the storyline from Washington Irving, about a late 18th- or early 19th-century American farmer who agreed to the usual Faustian bargain with the devil. The farmer unwittingly traded American ideals for a bountiful harvest and healthy animals. When called by Satan to discharge his debts, the farmer sought an advocate to save him. Thus, Daniel Webster, failed presidential aspirant, pre-eminent lawyer and statesman, constitutionalist, and abolitionist, took up the cause. The remainder of Benet's tale tells of Webster, fearless counsel, facing down Satan by arguing in front of a jury comprising madmen; frontier murderers; traitors; corrupt sheriffs; slave-traders; and all-purpose anarchists, arsons, and kidnappers. Webster's appeal to American patriotic zeal, and its values of liberty and independence and God-fearing citizenry, transformed the jury from a band of ruthless barbarians into Norman Rockwell-style Temperance League Methodists, relieving the beleaguered farmer from his contract with the devil. And so Benet's opening description of Daniel Webster might have foretold Arizona U.S. senator John McCain, who fashioned himself a would-be president, once adored for his anti-establishmentarian streak and revered for his personal Vietnam War POW sacrifices. John McCain could have been Daniel Webster in dissuading misguided Americans from electing a fraudulent, dissembling, and America-loathing Barack Obama. Instead, John McCain ran an inept, cowardly, and deliberately underwhelming presidential campaign in 2008. McCain was AWOL on the campaign stump just eight weeks before election day. He squandered a respectable resume, settling for a historical annotation as a ballot placeholder, enabling eight years of progressive and race-hustling hell. John McCain, unwilling to confront Barack Obama's elaborate deceptions and racial animus, surrendering to the nation's infatuation with identity politics, was scorned and rejected, shunted aside for a darling nobody. McCain could rejuvenate his forsaken ego only by emulating Ted Kennedy, self-anointed "Lion of the Senate." Flipping Benet's allegory, in 2008, McCain shunned the cloak of Daniel Webster, only to reveal the snakeskin one-piece jumpsuit tailored for Benet's soulless farmer. On the way to vainglorious heliocentricity, John McCain as a U.S. senator was unconvincing as a selfless statesman, an indefatigable advocate of his own press clippings. In his thirty years in the U.S. Senate, John McCain accomplished nothing, neither for his constituents nor for the nation. Yet he dreams of odes and eulogies, delivered by rivals and friends alike, for whom he could rarely muster a kind word, let alone a graceful final gesture. McCain gleefully bargained away, or more aptly auctioned off, his respected if not sympathetic heroic image a man of inestimable courage and endurance under unimaginable circumstances. He morphed into an opportunistic sunshine patriot, malignantly self-centered, whose reward was fleeting adoration by media liberals using McCain to attack their antagonists when convenient. John McCain could be trusted for a sound bite trashing presidents of his own party and voting against the interest of everyday Americans when it mattered, but little else. His passing will be mourned, customarily so. Whatever demons having possessed John McCain's better instincts will mercifully search for a different host. Even Daniel Webster wouldn't be able to rescue McCain's ignoble political reputation. Hillary Clinton's latest excuse for losing the 2016 election is that she is a "capitalist" while "41 percent of Democrats are socialists." Sadly, after her closest approach yet to truth, no journalist asked the obvious next question: "Ms. Clinton, if you are a capitalist but your party is rapidly becoming socialist, why don't you resign from the Democratic Party and urge your fellow capitalism supporters to do likewise?" In the Iowa caucuses, Clinton eked out a razor-thin 49.9%-to-49.6% win over self-described socialist and independent Vermont senator Bernie Sanders. His curmudgeonly candor made him a pied piper for jobless Millennials still living rent-free in their parents' basements, who liked the idea of government paying their way for a lifetime. They pay no taxes, so why not favor a life of Uncle Sam playing permanent Santa Claus? Clinton said no one seemed to listen when she described herself as favoring capitalism "with appropriate regulation and appropriate accountability." They did not hear her promising to raise taxes on corporations that are "disrupting our democracy" by increasing income inequality. They ignored her stated aim in a 2015 debate with Sanders to "save capitalism from itself." The very term "capitalist" was popularized by 19th-century socialist foes of private property such as Pierre-Joseph Proudhon and Karl Marx as a negative term used to argue against those who favor free markets and laissez-faire free enterprise. Hillary Clinton is a "capitalist" as Marx used the term. She favors crony capitalism, in which privileged elitists get rich via government favors. She rules a tax-exempt, billion-dollar foundation that demanded kickbacks from those seeking favors from her as secretary of state...favors like a Russian company acquiring 20% of America's precious uranium reserves while her foundation pocketed from Russian interests at least $145 million. Her 2016 campaign may have laundered at least $84 million in suspect campaign contributions. Clinton echoed President Barack Obama's statement to businesses that "you didn't build that," that companies owe their success and earnings to government, their de facto senior partner. Clinton and her fellow Progressives enforce their greedy grasp by "appropriate regulation and ... accountability" in the form of taxation and other wealth redistribution forms. This is not America's Framers' idea of free enterprise and independence. The Communist Party USA until 1988 ran its own presidential candidates, using millions of dollars supplied by Moscow. The CPUSA, but not the various socialist parties, was targeted in the 1950s not for their ideology, but, under the Smith Act, because C.P. members were unregistered agents of a hostile foreign power and followed secret orders from the Kremlin President Obama's CIA chief, John O. Brennan, admitted that he voted communist in 1976. He is suspected of being one of the leaders of the Deep State coup d'etat attempt to overthrow duly elected President Donald Trump and is presently a pundit for MSNBC, AKA Marxist-Socialist NBC. But from 1988 until the present, America's Communist Party urged "voters to support the Democratic Party," according to the website Marxists.org. In 2016, the national chair of the Communist Party USA, John Bachtell, urged Progressives to reject the Green Party and cast their ballots for Democrat Hillary Clinton for president. So far as I know, neither Ms. Clinton nor any other Democratic candidate openly sought communist support, but neither has any Democrat publicly repudiated it as journalists demand that Republicans do whenever extremists endorse them. Is this collusion among the Democratic Party, the leftist press, and political radicals once funded and commanded from Russia in order to influence American elections, to pull our politics farther to the left? The case for Russian collusion keeps piling up. The larger point is that the Democratic Party has now moved so far to the left that even communists support its ideology and candidates. Both the Communist and today's Democratic Parties are ruled by elites from the same godless collectivist movement of pseudo-scientific social engineering called Progressivism that advocates not progress toward freedom, but a reactionary return to feudalism, elite rulers, and serfdom for the rest of us. The hijacked Democratic Party has become a radical socialist party unworthy of support by anyone who loves individual liberty. Most of the Republican Party, meanwhile, thanks to President Trump, is moving away from the globalist, collectivist agenda of Progressivism that has largely ruled both parties since World War II. Mr. Trump is restoring both nationalism and America's borders. He is returning America to its historic role as an experiment in liberty that unites enterprising, liberty-seeking citizens from around the world in the first "new nation," a great model of free enterprise for Planet Earth to follow. Progressives in the Democratic, Republican, and Communist Parties are eager to enslave us under global government and are furious at Mr. Trump's success at reversing this. If he succeeds, the carefully plotted Progressive attempt to erase American enterprise and autonomy will fail. Lowell Ponte is a veteran think-tank futurist and author or co-author of eight books. His latest, co-authored with Craig R. Smith, is Money, Morality & The Machine, available free and postpaid by calling 800-630-1492. Lowell can be reached for interviews by email at radioright@aol.com. B&H Photo put the LG V30S ThinQ up for pre-orders a couple of weeks ago and now the retailer has already dropped the price by $200. Bringing the price of the V30S ThinQ to just $729. Thats good for just $60 more than the regular LG V30, making this a really good deal, considering you are getting double the storage, and more RAM than on the original LG V30. LG debuted the V30S ThinQ at Mobile World Congress back in February, as an iterative upgrade to the V30 smartphone released the previous fall. The LG V30S ThinQ doubles the storage available on the LG V30, bringing it up to 128GB (256GB on the V30S+), as well as adding in more RAM, bumping it up to 6GB. Otherwise, the hardware is the same here, with a 6.1-inch OLED display, the Snapdragon 835 chipset, and a 3300mAh capacity battery here. Its a pretty good smartphone for the price, especially with these kind of specs under the hood. But what really sets the V30S ThinQ apart is the software. More importantly the artificial intelligence that LG has included here. That makes the already great camera on the LG V30 and even better camera on the V30S. With artificial intelligence, youll be able to take better pictures without needing to worry about changing some settings. LG has also included AI with Google Assistant, allowing you to use it with its ThinQ appliances as well as using Google Assistant to launch the camera and much more. The LG V30S ThinQ is still only officially available in South Korea. But B&H Photo apparently has an exclusive on the device in the US. That likely means that itll only be available as an unlocked smartphone here in the US. The good thing here is that it is GSM and CDMA unlocked, so itll work with AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and Sprint here in the US. It does also come with a warranty, so this isnt a regular imported smartphone from South Korea (where theres no warranty available). Today over on Amazon you can find a pretty great deal on the Samsung SmartThings Home Monitoring Kit as its on sale right now for just $130, and down from its normal price of $250, meaning this is over $100 off the standard price and making it easy and inexpensive to get started with setting up your smart home, and youll definitely need something like the SmartThings Home Kit if you want to control all your various smart home products with little effort. The SmartThings Home Monitoring Kit comes with the hub, a SmartThings Motion Sensor, two all-purpose sensors, and one SmartThings outlet. Youll also want to download the SmartThings app to make sure you can configure everything and control it all once the setup is done. Youll also find a pretty good deal on the Fossil Q Explorist smartwatch, which runs Wear OS, formerly known as Android Wear. This smartwatch is currently available for $156.97, down from its original price of $275, making it over $100 off as well, and with it you can easily stay connected to just about everything on your phone that youd want easy access to without having to pull your phone out of your pocket. With plenty of apps at your fingertips, all which can now be downloaded directly from and onto the watch now that Wear OS devices have the Play Store, you can chat, get directions, and even talk with Google Assistant all from your wrist. Lastly, youll also find a great deal on the Gear VR headset from Samsung. This is the most recent model that comes with the Gear VR controller, and works with a large variety of the most recent Galaxy devices, like the Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus, Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Plus, and others. The Gear VR normally goes for $129.99, but right now Amazon has it on sale for $92 which brings it down by about $38. Advertisement All of the deals listed below are accurate for today, and will expire at midnight PST on their expiration date. But keep in mind that some of these deals may end before then, if stock runs low or simply runs out. So if you are looking to get in on one of these deals, youll want to do it as soon as possible. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has certified a possible mid-range version of Samsungs Galaxy S8 smartphone, the rumored Galaxy S8 Lite. While the development effectively confirms the upcoming debut of the supposed Galaxy S8 Lite, it does not reveal much in terms of the handsets specs. Recent reports, however, indicate that the device will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset. The handset is also likely to include 4GB of RAM and 64GB of flash storage expandable by up to 256GB. Additionally, the Galaxy S8 Lite will allegedly sport a 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2220 by 1080 pixels and an aspect ratio of 18.5:9. It is also expected that the handset will ship with Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box, i.e. Samsungs custom implementation of Googles mobile operating system. On the optics side of things, the Galaxy S8 Lite is rumored to feature a dual-camera setup entailing two 12-megapixel sensors. Its front-facing camera is also likely to be an 8-megapixel affair. Rumor has it that the device will pack a 3,000mAh battery with support for Samsungs Fast Adaptive Charging solution. The Galaxy S8 Lite is understood to be part of Samsungs new push to create revamped variants of its high-end smartphones that cater to budget-conscious consumers. Another rumored upcoming Galaxy phone designed with the same philosophy in mind is said to be advertised as the Galaxy S8 Star and previously passed through the certification process of Chinese telecommunications regulator TENAA. The handsets listing on the regulators website reveals that its rear panel will contain a fingerprint sensor and dual-camera system equipped with one 24-megapixel sensor and another 16-megapixel module, as well as a 24-megapixel front camera. The handset will also sport a 6.3-inch OLED display and include 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage expandable by up to 256GB via a microSD card slot, as per the same certificate. Google on Monday officially launched the stable version of its embedded operating system platform Android Things, having announced that Android Things 1.0 is now available for download and use. The development comes less than three weeks after the company released the eighth (and now confirmed as final) developer preview of the solution, with Google stating Android Things is now ready to be used for building commercial Internet of Things products and will be supported as such. While the first stable build of the platform packs a number of improvements and tweaks outlined below, its overall purpose remains unchanged, with Google still pitching it as the ultimate solution for IoT manufacturers interested in cutting software development, maintenance, and general deployment costs, thus being able to commit more resources to other aspects of their products such as hardware and marketing or simply increase profit margins. Android Things has been based on Android Oreo since its fifth developer preview, with its premier stable version unsurprisingly using the 8.1 version of Googles OS as its framework basis, offering access to both the Google Assistant and Googles other machine learning technologies. The latest variant of the embedded OS targeting IoT devices comes with support for new System-on-Modules (SoMs) based on the Qualcomm SDA212, Qualcomm SDA624, NXP i.MX8M, and the MediaTek MT8516 solutions. All four come with a guarantee of three years worth of software support, with reference designs utilizing them and development hardware meant to help companies start production being set to become available to interested parties in the coming months. While Android Things 1.0 still supports devices based on the NXP i.MX7D and Raspberry Pi 3 Model B SoMs, its stable launch marks the end of support for NXP i.MX6UL-based products. Advertisement The Android Things Console has also been revamped as part of the new release, as seen in the gallery below, whereas automatic updates will be enabled for all devices powered by the embedded OS by default, Google said, having described the move as a continuation of its efforts to boost IoT security, one of the segments weakest points at the moment. The Mountain View, California-based firm will be offering free security patches, bug fixes, and stability improvements for every long-term support version of Android Things over the first three years of its availability, whereas the solution itself has also been designed to allow manufacturers to continue pushing out their own updates and patches even after that period ends. LG, iHome, and Lenovos recently launched smart speakers and displays are all powered by Android Things and will be released by the end of summer, with some of them already being available for purchase. Google is also highlighting startups Mirego and Byteflies who embraced Android Things to deliver a large photo display network connected to photo booths in Montreal, as well as a docking station meant to securely connect ones wearable to the cloud in order to upload their health data. Companies interested in collaborating on Android Things implementations directly with Google are being encouraged to get in touch with the firm directly through a contact form available through the banner below, though space is limited and only the most innovative and thought-out use cases are likely to be accepted. The announcement of Android Things 1.0 comes only a day before the annual Google I/O developer conference is set to kick off, with the Alphabet-owned tech giant being expected to share more details on the platform and its overall IoT vision at the event. Google suggested the developer preview program of Android Things was a success, having amassed over 100,000 software development kit downloads, in addition to attracting some 10,000 developers who provided the company with feedback that helped shape the IoT solution. HTCs April sales plummeted 55.4-percent on an annual basis, having only reached the equivalent of $70.71 million, the Taiwanese original equipment manufacturer disclosed last week. The tech giants Vive Pro virtual reality headset is expected to boost its turnover over the course of this year and while it already started shipping, its unlikely to significantly affect its commercial performance before June, according to recent estimates. HTCs latest financial disclosure is yet another indicator of the companys downward spiral continuing, with 2017 being its worst fiscal year ever that saw it lose $580 million. Over the first four months of 2018, HTC recorded $10.89 billion in total revenue, down 43.4-percent compared to the same period last year. The Taipei-based OEM is planning on launching the HTC U12 Plus Android flagship later this month, having already teased its May 23 announcement last week. The device in question is said to be the only high-end smartphone HTC intends to debut this year, with the company reportedly streamlining its mobile portfolio so that its able to focus its marketing budget on fewer models and prolong their feasible shelf life. The firms overall product focus is now shifting to VR and its Vive unit whose regional offices have recently been consolidated with their mobile counterparts as part of restructuring efforts meant to lower costs and improve operating efficiency. The $1.1 billion Google deal that closed earlier this year and saw hundreds of HTC engineers move over to the Alphabet-owned company also lowered the Taiwanese OEMs ability to innovate in the mobile segment, having been widely interpreted as yet another sign that HTC is looking to downsize its smartphone efforts in a significant manner. Its still unclear whether a full-fledged exit from the mobile market is something that the company is planning in the near-term, though its said to have pitched the entirety of its handset business to Google late last year while the two were still negotiating over the aforementioned deal. Google Lens is presently expanding its reach to cover more flagships from different brands, with the latest one being OnePlus. The feature powered by the Google Assistant is now said to be rolling out to the last four devices from the Chinese firm the OnePlus 5T, 5, 3T, and 3. Many owners of eligible handsets claim they still havent received the functionality, suggesting its rollout is still ongoing. The deployment is still understood to be global in nature, with people from various parts of the world claiming to have already received Google Lens. Originally debuted with Googles Pixel line, the machine vision solution started hitting third-party smartphones in late February. With the feature enabled, a Lens icon will appear in the bottom right corner of the screen each time the Google Assistant is summoned. Tapping it will open a camera interface where Google Lens can take a photo to analyze and come up with relevant results. After being released with the Pixel 2 lineup, Google Lens in Google Assistant was brought to the original Pixel series last November. Initially, the feature was limited to a handful of regions and only worked in English, or for analyzing English writing. According to a number of Reddit users, OnePlus smartphones also need to have English set as their system language in order for Google Lens to become available on them. Every Samsung Android phone released since early 2017 and the Galaxy S8 series already supports the functionality. The more recently announced LG G7 ThinQ also has access to the same technology, with new features now being set to be announced at this weeks Google I/O conference. To make up for the rollout delay and the fact that low and mid-range Android smartphones are unlikely to receive the feature initially, Google added Lens to the Google Photos app so as to ensure wider availability. An update carrying the feature was pushed to the Google Photos app this March only for Android devices, whereas iOS users were left waiting for longer. ZTE filed for a reprieve of the technology purchase ban imposed on it by the United States Commerce Department, the Chinese company said in a Sunday filing with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The sanction was issued last month in response to ZTEs failure to comply with the terms of its 2017 settlement meant to put an end to Washingtons investigation into its violations of U.S. trade sanctions on Iran. ZTE pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to violate the sanctions, having accepted an $892 million fine and agreed to fire four officials, in addition to disciplining 35 others, either by reprimanding them or withholding their bonuses. The company failed to comply with the latter part of the agreement for reasons that are yet to be disclosed. ZTE is already familiar with the process of seeking reprieves of Washingtons sanctions, having already seen success with postponing U.S. penalties due to its Iran dealings on a handful of occasions throughout 2016 and 2017. Its presently unclear what are the chances of its latest filing being successful and lifting its ban on the purchase of any American technologies until its appeal is heard and reviewed. The Commerce Departments sanctions apply to the following seven years and threaten the existence of ZTEs smartphone business seeing how theyre preventing it from licensing Googles operating system, purchasing Qualcomms Snapdragon chips, and acquiring a broad range of other technologies that are crucial for the development of contemporary handsets, the firm previously argued. ZTE labeled the move unfair and unacceptable as it came in response to settlement violations that were self-reported to Washington, implying that the fact the 35 employees in question havent been disciplined wasnt an intentional act of defiance. The Shenzhen, China-based company recently said its pondering a lawsuit but has yet to start any litigation against the U.S. It also correlated the development to recent tensions between Washington and Beijing about trade, though American regulators remain adamant the two arent directly related. Members of the ruling Republican party are presently pushing for two bills meant to prevent federal purchases of equipment from ZTE and Huawei due to national security concerns. ZTE is a publicly traded entity, though its majority stake is owned by the Peoples Republic of China. COP26 may be a cop-out in the making COP26 is just about a month away. Delayed for a year by the Covid-19 pandemic, the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference has built up even more expectations and momentum during the intervening months Here Are The Winners Of The 2018 World Beer Cup Trending News: These Are Officially The Best Craft Beers On Earth Long Story Short You're going to want to add these to your list. Long Story The last decade has been an explosion of delicious craft beer. Throw a stone in a place like Portland, Oregon, and you're bound to strike a brewery (or a guy with a beard drinking an I.P.A.). All that work brewing tasty barley-based concoctions has lifted the U.S. up in the beer world. Yep, we've got more delicious beers than Germany, Belgium and Canad(i)a, according to the results of the 2018 World Beer Cup. (Buy your beer at Drizly.com) The competition started by the Brewers Association in 1995 happens every two years and determines the best of the best in craft beer. This year's competition in Nashville welcomed 295 judges from 33 countries who evaluated 8,234 beers over three days. The judges came up with 301 awards and incredibly, the U.S. had the most award-winning beers with 242. In second came Canada with 14, followed by historic powerhouse Germany with nine. Surely you've debated the best beer with your buds, well now you have something to compare to. Here are some of the most noteworthy gold medal winners (via Forbes). Check out the full list here. Best Aged Beer Vladislav, Diebolt Brewing Best American-Style Amber Lager Brooklyn Lager, Brooklyn Brewing Best American-Style Imperial Stout Cultivating Mass, Cooperage Brewing Best American-Style India Pale Ale Revision IPA, Revision Brewing Best American-Style Pale Ale C-Hops, Firestone Walker Brewing Best American-Style Stout Black Cliffs, Boise Brewing Best American-Style Wheat Beer Dark O' The Moon, Tilted Axis Brewing Best Belgian-Style Witbier Camden Gentleman's Wit, Camden Town Brewery Best Scotch Ale Scotch Ale Wee Heavy, Microbrasserie Gainsbourg Best Session Beer Fernson Farmhouse Ale, Fernson Brewing Get all your alcohol delivered in an hour from Drizly.com Own The Conversation Ask The Big Question Are we finally witnessing the end of the I.P.A. craze? Drop This Fact Beer can actually be good for your health. The crash took place in Bergen County, New Jersey, with the 650 hp muscle car attending an automotive event in the area.Thanks to the piece below, which was captured by an aficionado who was passing by, we can see the guardrail-mounting Chevrolet (the clip shows the aftermath of the crash). And, as the muscle beast is taken away from the sight of the crash, it becomes obvious that the machine suffered extensive damage. For one thing, the passenger's side front wheel seems almost ready to leave the vehicle.Here's to hoping the driver, along with any potential occupants of the vehicle, walked away from the accident.Oh, and by the way, if you have questions regarding the handling of the muscle machine, keep in mind that, when fitted with the 1LE package, the Camaro ZL1 can lap the Nurburgring in 7:16 Alas, the sixth-gen Camaro ZL1 wasn't the only go-fast tool that crashed during the said event. For one thing, a pair of McLarens was damaged at the velocity gathering.So far, we only have potato-quality images of the British supercars being transported after their accidents and it looks like we're dealing with a 570S and a 12C - you can find these pics in the Instagram post at the bottom of the page (use the swipe feature).Then there was a Porsche 911 (we're talking about a 991 model here ), one whose accident was caught on camera and is as ridiculous as they get. Judging by the way in which the automotive industry progresses, its no telling what the future might bring. We may get flying cars, submarines in the sky or even motorcycles that spawn from under the body of an average car.This is exactly what Ford thinks might be a thing in the future: a motorcycle attached to the inside of the car, that can be released to provide extra mobility.Officially, the gizmo is called Vehicle with Integrated Electric Motorcycle. The patent was published by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) on April 26 and has been assigned to Ford Global Technologies.The men behind the idea are three German nationals who believe that a multimodal transport machine is just what the crowded streets of the modern world need.As per the provisions of the patent, the electric motorcycle is fitted between the driver and the passenger seats, with a securing apparatus stopping it from going berserk while still inside the vehicle.When the motorcycle needs to be detached, the front hood pops up, and the motorcycle is jettisoned forward through the cars nose, James Bond-style.This is not the first time a carmaker has thought of combining the two otherwise entirely different means of transportation. Honda, a manufacturer of both this type of machines with equal success, proposed a trunk bike back in the 1980s. It was called the Motocompo.Although entirely different as means of attachment to the car compared to Fords idea, it too was meant for those that at times needed to abandon their car in the middle of the crowded intersection and go riding at faster speeds. The CubeSats, internally nicknamed Wall-E and Eva or MarCO-A and MarCO-B, will be riding alongside the ship transporting InSight to document the journey and, should they survive the trip, the landers entry into the Martian atmosphere.Soon after the launch, NASA said it had received radio signals from the two satellites which indicate that they are ready for the checks to be performed before they enter deep space. For the next two weeks, NASA engineers will assess the performances of the two satellites.For the surveillance mission to be a hit, a lot of things have to happen just right. First, the two satellites must survive space radiation. Secondly, the spacecraft have to deploy their solar arrays, stabilize their attitude, turn toward the Sun and turn on their radios before sending any more signals home.The CubeSat family started life as a tool for NASA to teach engineering students how to build spacecraft. Because of their briefcase-size, they have been chosen to become assistance tools for the various missions NASA plans in the future, including the building of a lunar-orbital space station "We're nervous but excited," said Joel Krajewski, the man in charge with the CubeSats."A lot of work went into designing and testing these components so that they could survive the trip to Mars and relay data during InSight's landing. But our broader goal is to learn more about how to adapt CubeSat technologies for future deep-space missions."The mission InSIght will have on the Red Planet is to study Mars' deep interior using seismology and other geophysical measurements, including an ultra-sensitive seismometer and a heat-flow probe.The findings of this research will be used by scientists, among other things, to make comparisons between the earthquakes and the marsquakes as well as better understanding the geology of what may become humanitys next home. One of the most dangerous parts of launching a rocket, apart from the launch itself, is the fueling process. For SpaceX, one proposal is to have this done by using a propellant - liquid kerosene mixed with oxygen - kept at super cold temperatures, -340 degrees Fahrenheit (-171 degrees Celsius), so that it could occupy less space and allow for more to be loaded.This practice, say various reports, some allegedly coming from NASA itself, is extremely dangerous and, when Falcons will be launching humans into space, could prove deadly.According to Washington Post , NASA safety experts say that when using this technique, the propellant would have to be loaded into the rocket right before the launch, meaning with the astronauts onboard. Any spark generated during this process could translate into a deadly explosion.Such an incident occurred in 2016, when an unmanned Falcon rocket blew up while being fueled. And it was not a spark that caused the explosion, but something much simpler than that.According to Elon Musk, an investigation into the incident showed that the super cold oxygen reacted with the carbon fiber composites within the fuel tank and exploded. This was possible because the oxygen was cooled further than planned, turning solid and igniting one of three carbon composite helium containers.Robert Lightfoot, the former acting NASA administrator, said for the source that NASA would probably not have launched the Apollo missions had the working environment had been that of today.As per the NASA regulations, all manned rocket launches must be subject to a chance of death that is not greater than one in 270 flights. You could argue that the Philippines loves the pickup truck. Perhaps it's the image of go 'anywhere, do anything' (as they're marketed), coupled with creature comforts previously reserved for luxury cars, you could say pickups have become an attractive prospect for the modern car buyer. Now, these vehicles are more appealing thanks to the revised excise taxes with lower tarrifs on pickup trucks. However, despite the segment's popularity across most brands, there's one pickup that appears to be a rare sight on our roads. Ask someone to name a pickup at the top of their head and you're unlikely to hear the Mazda BT-50. Essentially the cousin to the Ford Ranger, it practically has the same running gear and drivetrain components as the Ford. On paper, differences are largely down to cosmetics and the equipment list. There isn't much separating the two when browsing the spec sheet and one could safely say that it is overshadowed by its Blue Oval relative. And with that, we take a closer look at what the refreshed BT-50 to see if it's more than just a badge job. Yes, both the Mazda BT-50 and Ford Ranger are technically the same in almost every way. But the Japanese automaker was able to give the pickup its own 'Kodo' look for the 2018 model year update. The pre-facelift version already had a daring look, but the 2018 refresh gave the pickup a more angular, bolder look. Gone is the mesh front grill as it has been replaced with a bolder-looking design reminescent of the Mazda2's. The headlights have been tweaked as well and now come with clear corner lights instead of amber. Besides getting a fresh face, the 2018 BT-50 also gets new 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. Minor these changes may be, I liked what Mazda did to make the BT-50 resemble its stable mates. The wheels themselves may not be to everyone's liking, but personally they complete the BT-50's 'Kodo' refresh. All in all, the 2018 BT-50 now looks more assertive and more purposeful. Pop the doors and you are greeted by a gray and black interior which, surprisingly, gets a different design from the Ford Ranger. Despite its utilitarian roots, the pickup comes with a sloping dashboard that gives it a more stylish appearance. Black leather covers all of the seats, as is the multi-function steering wheel and door trim. Acres of hard plastic can also be found inside the BT-50. While not exactly the softest of materials, it is the best kind that can stand up to every day use (or abuse). Both front seats offered plenty of side, lumbar and shoulder support; great for long drives or when you're stuck in gridlock traffic. Passengers at the back will also feel comfortable thanks to the soft seat cushions and generous cabin space. The rear backrests is still too upright but that is to to be expected from a pickup truck. No touchscreen displays here as the 2018 BT-50 uses a 2-DIN sound system that supports AM/FM radio, CD, USB, Aux and Bluetooth. Awash with buttons, some may become overwhelmed with the amount of controls placed on the center dash. It would have been nicer if Mazda was able to integrate the MZD infotainment system for the 2018 BT-50. Archaic the system may be, it still delivered good audio quality through its six-speaker system. But what I really liked about the audio system is the clever placement of the USB and Aux ports. To keep the center console tidy (and safe from prying eyes), Mazda installed the ports inside the glovebox. Not exactly groundbreaking but it is a thoughtful add-on to say the least. Under the hood is a 3.2-liter, diesel-fed, five-cylinder engine with variable geomertry turbo. It generates 200 PS at 3000 rpm along with 470 Nm of torque available between 1500 2750 rpm. Power is then sent through a six-speed automatic transmission. The five-cylinder turbo-diesel delivered plenty of pep and torque was readily available at low rpms. From a standstill, initial acceleration felt a bit sluggish. But once the turbo kicks in, the BT-50 does pick up the pace (pun not intended). Put your foot to the floor and the BT-50 will easily reach highway speeds. Overtaking other cars was not a problem for the BT-50 thanks to the engine's spot-on acceleration and healthy pulling power. Quite the performer it may be, the 3.2-liter engine is not exactly the most refined turbo-diesel. Compared to the relatively quiet 2.2-liter engine, the bigger five-cylinder motor is noisier and can be a bit rough at times. Also, the engine was rather thirsty for a diesel. On the highway it was only able to average around 13.0 13.5 km/l at best. Drive around the city and the pickup will only average at around 7.0 8.0 km/l. Engage the 4WD system and expect the BT-50 to consume a lot more fuel. The slight dip in fuel economy could be traced to the BT-50's six-speed automatic transmission. It performed stellarly on the highway as it shifted through the gears seamlessly. But when you're in stop-and-go traffic, the transmission suddenly felt clunky. It's also quite reluctant to upshift and has a tendency to hunt for gears when slowing down. All in all, I'm still impressed with the BT-50's power delivery but I wished Mazda (or Ford) made it run smoother and that it had better fuel mileage. As for ride quality, the BT-50 felt stiffer than the Ranger. Even though both trucks are technically the same, it looks like Mazda tweaked the BT-50 to have better road-holding capability. Combined with the slightly heavy steering, the BT-50 felt more engaging to drive. The drawback, however, is that it has a less than favorable ride comfort compared to its contemporaries. If you're looking for a pickup with a more forgiving ride, I'd suggest you go for its Blue Oval brethren. If you're looking for a pickup choc-full of features and safety kit, the BT-50 in 4x4 guise will not disappoint. It comes with anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) with brake assist (BA), dynamic stability control (DSC), dual SRS airbags, engine immobilizer, parking sensors, reverse camera and hill-descent control. Priced competitively at Php 1,550,000, this top-of-the-range BT-50 is Php 78,000 less than the equivalent Ranger Wildtrak 3.2 4x4 A/T. That price difference may not be enough for buyers to sway them into the Mazda, but perhaps the Yojin3 Total Care System, can. That means free parts and labor for three years (or 60,000 km, whichever comes first), free 3-year roadside assistance / concierge service and a free 3-year limited warranty (or 100,000 km, whichever comes first). When you factor that in, it makes for an enticing ownership experience. Sure it may be missing a few features here and there, but at its current price point (plus Yojin3), I'd say the BT-50 in 4x4 trim is a sound bargain in its segment. The 2018 BT-50 may have only received a minor nip and tuck, but the mere fact that it's priced just over Php 1.5 million means it's certainly a pickup worth looking into. At Berkshire Hathaway's annual meeting Saturday, billionaire Warren Buffett said that the U.S. and China will avoid doing "something extremely foolish," amid a trade war between the two global powers, reports Reuters. It is just too big and too obvious for that the benefits are huge and the world is dependent on it in a major way for its progress that two intelligent countries will do something extremely foolish... We both (U.S. and China) may do things that are mildly foolish from time to time. There is some give and take. Warren Buffett at the annual Berkshire Hathaway meeting in Omaha The backdrop: A high-level delegation of U.S. officials, led by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, has recently returned from Beijing after holding trade talks with the Chinese. Both Washington and China have laid out their demands to mitigate the trade disputes. Democrats scored several wins in the newest version of the House prison reform bill scheduled for a markup on Wednesday and Attorney General Jeff Sessions is not happy about some of the changes. The details: The bill would send 4,000 prisoners home, allow men and women in prison to earn time in house arrest or halfway homes instead of prison cells, require them to be placed within 500 miles of family, outlaw shackling during child birth and mandate the provision of sanitary napkins and tampons to female inmates, according to a copy of the latest language obtained by Axios. The newest version of the bill which will be given the new title of "FIRST STEP Act" is expected to be unveiled by Reps. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) and Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) today, according to a senior aide. It will go to markup on Wednesday, and if passed, a vote on the House floor is expected shortly afterward. The state of play: Some House Democrats have mixed reviews despite the wins. Rep. Bobby Scott (Va.), a strong criminal justice reform advocate, told Axios he is "encouraged by the changes," but others including Reps. Jerry Nadler (N.Y.) and Sheila Jackson Lee (Texas) an original cosponsor are still concerned that the bill does not address federal sentencing guidelines, according to Hill aides and an outside group involved. have mixed reviews despite the wins. Rep. Bobby Scott (Va.), a strong criminal justice reform advocate, told Axios he is "encouraged by the changes," but others including Reps. Jerry Nadler (N.Y.) and Sheila Jackson Lee (Texas) an original cosponsor are still concerned that the bill does not address federal sentencing guidelines, according to Hill aides and an outside group involved. House Republicans are generally still on board. Even House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows (N.C.), who has opposed criminal justice reform in the past, told Axios last week that he thinks the bill has found a "sweet spot." are generally still on board. Even House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows (N.C.), who has opposed criminal justice reform in the past, told Axios last week that he thinks the bill has found a "sweet spot." Attorney General Jeff Sessions isn't thrilled with the additions that allow prisoners to earn more time outside of federal prison facilities and fixes the way good time credits are calculated. isn't thrilled with the additions that allow prisoners to earn more time outside of federal prison facilities and fixes the way good time credits are calculated. "President Trump has been exploring substantive prison reform legislation since the beginning of his term," White House Deputy Press Secretary Hogan Gidley told Axios. He said the White House supports the House Judiciary Committee's prison reform efforts. Meanwhile, The White House's Federal Interagency Council on Crime Prevention and Improving Reentry has also been meeting to discuss ways to improve prison culture and ensure the Bureau of Prisons implements any changes required if prison reform is passed, according to one of the attendees. The big picture: While criminal justice reform has always been a bipartisan issue, there has been a dramatic tug of war over the specifics of the bill. Some lawmakers argue that this is the only chance Congress will have to pass criminal justice reform and sentencing must be included. Others argue that Congress must focus on what can get passed and not let perfect be the enemy of the good. "For those of us who want more comprehensive criminal justice reform, including Sentencing Reform... the FIRST STEP Act could help build momentum for further progress that will include sentencing reform." Jessica Jackson Sloan, National Director and Co-founder of Cut50 and former Mayor of Mill Valley, CA What to watch: The House is the easy part. The Senate debate is likely to be even more heated, with Republican Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley refusing to back down on sentencing reform. Lava from an ongoing eruption from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano has now destroyed 21 homes on the Big Island, per the AP. The details: One day after more than 1,700 people were evacuated from their homes in Leilani Estates after serious earthquakes, the eruption caused lava to shoot more than 200 feet in the air. And with the eruption continuing, there's no indication for when residents may be able to return to their homes. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Monday that Iran would remain in the 2015 nuclear deal even if President Trump pulls out, so long as Iranian interests area are guaranteed by the other parties to the deal, Reuters reports. Between the lines: If the U.S. decides to implement sanctions with full force, that will severely limit the ability of companies in Europe and elsewhere to do business with Iran. If that happens, and the deal collapses, Iran seems intent to portray the U.S. as the bad actor and itself as a victim. Iran has been threatening to ramp up its nuclear activities in the event that the U.S. pulls out, but this shows Iran may be preparing a more measured response to Trump's move. What Rouhani said: If we can get what we want from a deal without America, then Iran will continue to remain committed to the deal. What Iran wants is our interests to be guaranteed by its non-American signatories ... In that case, getting rid of Americas mischievous presence will be fine for Iran. If they want to make sure that we are not after a nuclear bomb, we have said repeatedly that we are not and we will not be, said Rouhani, who engineered the nuclear accord to ease Irans isolation But if they want to weaken Iran and limit its influence whether in the region or globally, Iran will fiercely resist. Worth noting: Limiting Iran's influence in the region was an element of the "new deal" France president Emmanuel Macron outlined. The Trump administration will not approve Kansas' request to put new lifetime limits on Medicaid coverage, federal Medicaid administrator Seema Verma said today. Five states had sought to cap the total amount of time residents could be covered by Medicaid over the course of their lives; Kansas would have imposed a three-year limit. Why it matters: Verma is presiding over an effort to help conservative states overhaul their Medicaid programs, mainly by adding work requirements to the program. But rejecting Kansas' proposal is a sign that some proposed cuts are still a bridge too far. The United Kingdom's data privacy watchdog is demanding that Cambridge Analytica turn over all the information it collected on American citizen David Carroll, who used British law to request his personal information from the now-defunct data firm, Reuters reports. Why it matters: Carroll's legal success "sets a precedent that would enable millions of other U.S. voters to request information that the company had collected on them," according to Reuters. By Jeff King In the 1970s and 1980s, when multinational firms first linked sustainability to business success, the chief catalyst was vulnerability, not altruism. Consumer pressure, political boycotts, and costly lawsuits were damaging companies bottom lines, and environmental policies helped shield companies from bad publicity and protect shareholders from painful losses. Today, corporate social responsibility and sustainability are no longer fear-based. Instead, sustainability is viewed simply as a necessity for the future. This is particularly true for industries that depend on agriculture such as the chocolate business. With chocolate consumption near historic highs, chocolate companies like the one I work for should be relishing our success. But we are facing a looming challenge. Unless we can help produce a more sustainable cocoa crop, the world may one day need to find a new favorite treat. Cocoa trees thrive in just a thin band of countries along the equator, where the climate is warm and humid. Just two countries Cote dIvoire and Ghana produce the overwhelming majority of the chocolate that Americans eat. West African cocoa is an important part of Hersheys unique flavor, but in that region, cocoa trees are aging and becoming less productive. In the past, when cocoa farmers faced diminishing crop yields, they would simply clear forests and start over. But today this approach is environmentally and socially unacceptable. The only sustainable solution is to seed old cocoa farms with new trees. Unfortunately, population growth, urbanization, and weak land rights are driving up demand for land, thereby undermining many farmers ability to invest in and replant their property. As a result, farm rehabilitation is not occurring at the scale or pace that companies like mine need if we are sustainably to meet demand well into the future. The scale of the challenge we face is significant. To meet global demand for 7.2 million metric tons of chocolate annually, multinationals like Hershey rely on millions of cocoa farmers, each of whom farms a tiny plot, often 1-2 hectares (2.5-5 acres). Our complex value chains reach deep into some of the most remote corners of the world. To keep the confections coming, we need new approaches to help those farmers grow cocoa sustainably. If we in the cocoa sector handle the current challenge well, we can help forge a way forward for more sustainable sourcing of other agricultural products. That is the motivation behind Hersheys new partnership with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and ECOM, our biggest cocoa supplier in Ghana. Last year, we launched a small pilot program to help smallholder farmers increase cocoa production, eliminate cocoa-driven deforestation, and boost resiliency. In particular, the initiative is designed to address two challenges faced by every grower in West Africa: land tenure and financing. According to Ghanas Lands Commission, less than 2% of the countrys 800,000 cocoa farmers have a legal right to the land they cultivate. Instead, farmers access property through informal agreements with a chief or a landowner. Traditionally, these oral agreements have allowed farmers to clear forests and begin farming. But once cocoa trees stop producing after 30 years or so or sooner if disease strikes farmers must obtain permission from the original landowner to replant. At a time of historically high demand for land, chiefs and landowners are increasingly refusing farmers requests to replant. That leaves farmers with two options, neither of them good: clear virgin forests and start again or get out of the business entirely. The partnership with USAID and ECOM seeks to address this problem by eliminating some of the hurdles to replanting. ECOM has created an innovative financing model that helps farmers remove old or diseased tree, and replant with resilient and more productive hybrids. Shade trees, maize, and plantains are also being planted to help diversify incomes and increase productivity. ECOM manages the farms for three years, giving a share of the profits back to the farmers while recouping initial start-up costs. At the same time, USAID is mapping cocoa farmers land and documenting their customary rights to it. Local chiefs certify the maps, thereby improving the security of farmers tenure. Chiefs are also being trained in mediation, to help support farmers land claims. Because this approach manages to tackle an issue that has long been viewed as almost too complex to manage. it could become a model for the future. As population growth increases demand and reduces the land available to meet it, companies will have to incorporate sustainability into their operations. That means rolling up their sleeves and helping to address stubborn local challenges, such as land rights, that impede both economic development and the long-term health of international supply chains. Copyright: Project Syndicate: Chocolates sustainability challenge --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Laman Ismayilova Museums are massive and overwhelming. They are full of incredible artifacts to discover. Every year since 1977 the worldwide community of museums has celebrated the International Museum Day on May 18. Participation in International Museum Day is growing among museums all over the world. In 2017, more than 36,000 museums participated in the event in some 157 countries. The theme chosen for 2018 is "Hyperconnected museums: New approaches, new publics". Azerbaijan, rich history, unique culture and heritage, is full of amazing museums and galleries. Here we are listing the most amazing and unusual museums in Azerbaijan. Carpet weaving is one of the most significant and ancient kinds of Azerbaijani applied art, traditions and secrets of which were carefully preserved and passed down throughout generations. In 2010, the Azerbaijan Carpet Weaving Art was included in UNESCOs Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Established in Baku in 1967, the museum can familiarize you with the unique examples of the national carpets. The museum itself is beautiful inside and out. A new carpet museum, designed in the form of a rolled carpet, opened in the Baku Seaside Park in 2014 and all carpets were transferred to this museum. Follow step-by-step the country's history in the Azerbaijan National History Museum. National Museum of History, located in the former mansion of Azerbaijani oil magnate and philanthropist Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev is the largest museum in the country. The museums exhibits include the artifacts discovered in Gobustan, Azikh cave, Kamiltepe, Geytepe as well as Karabakh and Soyugbulag mounds. Over 300,000 items are assembled in 10 collections in the museum, including a valuable library consisting mainly of unique books. The collections allow visitors and researchers to investigate the history of the country and the daily life and culture of the nation from ancient times to the present. Today the museum is a large scientific center. There is a lab for restoration of rarities, production group and research committee on exposition completion. The Azerbaijan National Art Museum is a treasure house that preserves national moral values and cultural heritage. The museum holds more than 17,000 artistic exhibits, which have a rich history. The Art department was separated from the Azerbaijan State Museum in 1936 and organized as an independent museum by decision of the Council of People's Commissars. Azerbaijan is also home to major contemporary art museums. In March, 2009 with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Fund the Museum of Modern Art was opened in Baku. The museum does not have fixed subject areas. The architectural concept of the museum avoids halls with corners and has open passages and walls that meet at different angles, creating a multidimensional perspective of exhibits. The museum's exposition also has products of great European masters founders of avant-garde style in the world art Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, and Marc Chagall. The classics of the western realism are presented by several pictures from private collection. There are a number of theaters in Azerbaijan. Theatre development in Azerbaijani culture has a very rich history, which begins with the theatrical elements of open-air folk performances, religious ceremonies and much more. History and development of Azerbaijani theater requires a separate story, since namely in this county the first theater and the first opera was staged in the Muslim East. The theatrical art of Azerbaijani people is rooted in the ancient folk festivals and dances. The history of Azerbaijan theater started with spectacles Vizier of Lankaran khan and Hadji Gara, based on plays Mirza Fatali Akhundov in March-April 1873. Founded in 1928, the Theater of the Young Spectators is one of the oldest theaters in Azerbaijan. In 1936 the theater was renamed the Azerbaijan State Theater of Young Spectators. The theatre makes performances not just for adults, but for children too. The Rashid Behbudov State Song Theatre is named after Rashid Behbudov, who founded it in 1968. The building is in the Greek Revival style, with an Ionic order portico, and in the ornamented pediment there is a central lyre where the symbol for tablets of stone once featured. The theatres repertoire consists of folk songs, mugams and tasnifs, as well as of works of national composers. The State Theatre of Musical Comedy is one of the leading musical theatres in Azerbaijan. The premiere of Husband and wife, a musical comedy written by Uzeyir Hajibayli in, 1910 laid the foundation of Azerbaijan State Theatre of Musical Comedy. In 1939, the first Azerbaijani and Soviet musical comedies such as "Husband and Wife", "The married bachelor" were staged there. Azerbaijan State Pantomime Theatre was founded in 1994 by Bakhtiyar Khanizadeh, an actor of the Azerbaijan State Theatre of Young Spectators. The theatre has twice housed the Himjim International Pantomime festivals. As of 2009, it has toured 12 countries with a repertoire including 24 plays by both local and foreign playwrights. Azerbaijan has become the hub for much of the city's creative energy. The Land of Fire is proving that its art scene has much more to offer. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Relations with the dynamically developing Azerbaijan - a progressive, open Muslim country are of particular value for Israel, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak said in an interview with stmegi.com portal. In my opinion, both countries are young modern nations with a thousand-year history and great traditions of seeking peace and stability. We have developed interaction and cooperation in such areas as defense and security, which benefits both sides. We have taken important steps in many other areas, he said. He noted that Israel especially appreciates the open dialogue held with Azerbaijan under the leadership of the national leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev. I am proud to have personally known him and worked with him on international issues as the prime minister of Israel. And, of course, we are happy to work with the highly respected President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Barak added. The politician said that the countries already cooperate in many spheres, and expressed confidence that agriculture could be a promising area for cooperation, where Israel can develop progressive and efficient agrarian systems. Another field of cooperation may be the energy sector, where Azerbaijan has had vast experience in such fields as oil, gas, pipelines. Israel is a newcomer to this field and can learn a lot from Azerbaijan," the former minister added. Ehud Barak also noted that a long history of the great tolerance under which Jews lived among the Azerbaijani people can become an example for the whole world. Jews from Azerbaijan play an ever-increasing role in all spheres of life of Israeli society and are a living bridge between our peoples, Barak said. Regarding cooperation in the military sphere, Barak said that today the Azerbaijani-Israeli military cooperation is developing very actively. Baku buys drones and armored vehicles, anti-tank missiles, antiaircraft and many other modern weapons from Israel. Some of these weapons were successfully used in combat conditions. By the way, during the years of cooperation, Israel and Azerbaijan signed contracts worth almost $5 billion, most of which, as President Aliyev noted earlier, has already been realized. According to the recently published report of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Azerbaijan is among the three largest buyers of Israeli weapons, military equipment and technology. According to SIPRI, Azerbaijan has bought arms from Israel for $137 million", he added. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the opening of a multi-level road junction and a passage from the Baku Olympic Stadium to Heydar Aliyev Avenue. Chairman of the Board of Directors of Azerbaijan Highway State Agency Saleh Mammadov informed the head of state of the technical indicators of the project. A 496m-long tunnel was built as part of the project. The tunnels width is 10 meters. The project also saw the construction of a bridge. The head of state was told that a section of the road from Sabunchu junction to Boyuk Shor junction was reconstructed as part of the project. The road is 2.1km in length, while its width varies between 26-36 meters. The project will contribute to reducing traffic congestion in this part of the city. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Globalization and regionalization of world processes, including information processes, are two sides of the same coin. Globalization has already shown the growing interdependence of countries, and the growing regionalization as a response to globalization, has already shown the interaction and rapprochement of states, economies and societies. Major information institutions are also involved in this process. In line with this, an agreement on the exchange of information between the Azerbaijani international Trend News Agency and the agency under the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Belarus Editorial office of "Soviet Belarus" newspaper was recently signed. The agreement was signed by Trend's Director General Ilgar Huseynov and Chief Editor of "Soviet Belarus" Dmitry Zhuk. The parties agreed to support regular exchange of prompt and reliable information materials on current developments in the domestic and international life of their countries. The purpose of this cooperation will be to expand and enrich the information and analytical capabilities to cover the events taking place in Belarus and Azerbaijan. Closer cooperation in the field of media logically results from the progressive development of relations between the two countries which are so close to each other. Based on the fraternal nature of the countries' relations, as well as the political will of the presidents Ilham Aliyev and Alexander Lukashenko, the two states are building a new type of international relations based on cooperation and mutual benefit. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Kamila Aliyeva Azerbaijan will continue resolute struggle against the trade in counterfeit medicines. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, deputy chairman and executive secretary of the New Azerbaijan Party (YAP) Ali Ahmadov on May 7. He noted that the problem of counterfeit medicines is widespread in the world and it is necessary to fight it. Azerbaijan, as well, must fight against counterfeit medicines, the deputy prime minister added. The realization of counterfeit medicines is also a serious crime, according to the deputy prime minister. He went on to say that the operations of law enforcement agencies are aimed at striking at those who sell counterfeit medicines. Ahmadov recalled that a group engaged in the sale of counterfeit medicines was exposed a few days ago. A decisive struggle against the perpetrators of such crimes will continue in Azerbaijan, he said. The fight against counterfeit medicines is crucial in order to ensure the quality of products in circulation and to protect public health on a global scale. Azerbaijan imports most of the medicines and other pharmaceutical products from abroad. A number of narrow-profile enterprises, such as Azerjod, operate in the country, but production of tablets, antibiotics and other medicines in Azerbaijan has not yet been established. In order to change this situation in September 2016, the creation of the Pirallakhi industrial park began in the country. Currently, a plant of the Azerbaijani company Diamed C and two pharmaceutical plants with foreign capital - Azerbaijani-Russian and Azerbaijani-Iranian plants are being built there. Recently, a similar agreement was signed with the Ukrainian company Indar. At the same time, companies from Belarus, South Korea and Japan are showing interest in the construction of pharmaceutical plants in Azerbaijan. In 2019, the volume of production in this sphere is expected reach 69.5 million manats, in 2020 - 77.6 million manats, and in 2021 - 87.6 million manats. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev made a phone call to President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin on May 7, the presidential press service reported. The head of the Azerbaijani state congratulated Vladimir Putin on his taking the office as President of the Russian Federation and wished him new success in the activity for the sake of prosperity of the Russian people. President Aliyev also congratulated the Russian president on the upcoming Victory Day - May 9. President Putin voiced a gratitude to President Aliyev for his congratulations and attention, and also congratulated the head of the Azerbaijani state on the upcoming Victory Day. President Aliyev thanked for the congratulations. During the phone talk, the heads of states noted the successful development of the Azerbaijani-Russian strategic partnership and exchanged views on the prospects of the bilateral relations. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Sara Israfilbayova In recent years, Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR has collected 4.5 billion cubic meters of associated gas from offshore platforms. SOCAR President Rovnag Abdullayev said it during a meeting of the Steering Committee of the Global Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership (GGFR) of the World Bank (WB) on May 7. Abdullayev noted that today the humanity faces a number of global problems, one of which is environmental protection. Stressing that environmental protection is one the greatest global problems, he said that reduction of associated gas flaring will not only give impetus to our activity in the area of environmental protection, but will also preserve a valuable resource for the country's economy and ensure its sustainability. Environmental problems are not limited to the borders of one country, they cover the whole globe. For this reason, SOCAR actively cooperates with international organizations. In the framework of international cooperation, SOCAR, BP and GGFR managed to collect 4.5 billion cubic meters of associated gas from offshore platforms in recent years and transfer them to the gas supply facility of the country, Abdullayev noted. In turn, SOCAR Vice-President for ecology Rafiga Huseynzade said that Azerbaijan will be the first country to completely cease associated gas flaring within the framework of the World Bank's strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. She said that SOCAR successfully reduces the level of associated gas flaring. "If in 2014 the emission level was two percent, in 2016 it was at the level of 1.75 percent, and at the end of 2017 it stood at one percent. If this trend continues, SOCAR will become the first among the oil companies, and Azerbaijan will be the first country that will implement the WB strategy on zero emissions as a result of associated gas flaring," Huseynzade said. Within the framework of the initiative, about 1 bcm of gas is collected from offshore fields annually and transferred to the gas transportation system, according to her. About 280 million cubic meters of gas is collected from the Oil Rocks field, 310 million cubic meters from Gunashli field, and 350 million cubic meters of gas from the Chirag field. SOCAR includes such production associations as Azneft (the enterprises producing oil and gas onshore and offshore), Azerikimya (the chemical enterprises) and Azerigas (distributor of gas produced in the country), as well as oil and gas processing plants, service companies, and the facilities involved in geophysical and drilling operations. The company participates in joint ventures (including ventures in Georgia and Turkey), consortia, and operating companies established with SOCARs participation. SOCAR, which is the only producer of petroleum products in the country, conducts various petroleum activities in countries such as Georgia, Turkey, Romania, Switzerland, Germany and Ukraine, including trading activities, mainly in Switzerland, Singapore and Nigeria. --- Sara Israfilbayova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Sara_999Is Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Historically, politically, physically and financially Armenia is a burden for Russia, Mikhail Leontyev, well-known Russian journalist and TV anchor, vice president and spokesman for Rosneft oil company told Komsomolskaya Pravda radio station. "There was such a burden from the very beginning, he said. If Armenia wants to get out, then lets sort things out. Now Armenia is holding rallies for a man who was making his political career with an intention to get out. This was the main point of his political manifestation. Stop spoiling our relations with fraternal Azerbaijanis. Leontyev said that Russia itself will not betray Armenia. "We will never do it ourselves because we are not betrayers, he said. Who needs Armenia? No one needs Armenia except us. Armenians, existing thanks to Russias support, have no right to blackmail us with betrayal. Armenians just have no right. If anyone says something like that, then this person must understand this fact - they do not have this right. There would not be any Armenians and Armenia, if not for Russia. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Kamila Aliyeva The volume of the Tajik-Uzbek trade turnover in the first quarter of this year has almost doubled compared to the same period last year, clearly showing that agreements reached during the first state visit of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Dushanbe are not an empty phrase. The volume of trade between the two Central Asian neighbors in the first quarter of this year amounted to $ 41.5 million, which is 1.8 times more than in the January-March 2017, according to statistical data of the Tajik Economy Ministry. Cement and quartz sand, which is used as the main element for glass production, are also included in the list of exported goods. Tajikistans State Committee for Investments and State Property Management said earlier that the list of exported goods to Uzbekistan will be expanded, according to the documents signed following the forum of business circles of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan held on March 9 in Dushanbe. Agreements on the export and import of goods have been signed between the economic entities of the two countries. In particular, the export of Tajik electricity to the neighboring country and the import of Uzbek gas will be launched. In addition, the list of exported Tajik goods includes cables, carpet products, building materials, coal and others. At the same time, Uzbek enterprises will begin to supply vehicles and spare parts for them, agricultural products and so on to Tajikistan. Earlier, it was reported that this year Tajikistan plans to export electricity to Uzbekistan in the amount of 1.5 billion kWh. Meanwhile, during the first Tajik-Uzbek business council on subjects of small private business held on March 8, contracts worth $20.5 million were signed, according to the chairman of the Uzbek Chamber of Commerce and Industry Adham Ikramov. Since the moment of independence, the relations between the two neighbors were not easy. The disputes between the two countries have arisen regularly for almost 25 years. Dushanbe often accused Uzbekistan of blocking railroads and roads. In turn, Tashkent opposed the construction of the Rogun HPP in Tajikistan, which, according to the authorities of Uzbekistan, is a threat to the entire agricultural sector of the region. In 2001, first, Uzbekistan, and then Tajikistan, introduced a visa regime between the two states. The relations began to restore in 2016 after Shavkat Mirziyoyev took the presidential office in December. Since then, the activation of bilateral contacts on various levels have begun, the air communication between Dushanbe and Tashkent has been resumed, ten checkpoints on the border have been reopened, several meetings of the commission for border delimitation and demarcation have been held. In addition, residents of the border areas of the two countries can visit each other for up to 5 days without obtaining visas and telegrams. The legal base of bilateral Tajik-Uzbek relations includes about 111 contracts and agreements signed at the interstate, intergovernmental and interdepartmental levels in the period from 1992 to the present. The trade turnover between the two states increased by 20 percent and totaled $240 million in 2017. Currently, the countries plan to increase the volume of bilateral trade up to $ 1 billion in the near future. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Azer Ahmadbayli Trend: Despite the repeated assurances of the Armenian protest leaders and other top politicians that there is no geopolitical context in the ongoing events, and that the movement is aimed purely against corruption and ineffective governance, it is not for certain that geopolitics will not reveal itself later. Not so long ago, Nikol Pashinyan, a leader of the Armenian protests, stated that Armenia's membership in Russia-led EEU (Eurasian Economic Union) poses a threat to the national security of the country. In September 2017, the ELK parliamentary faction (which, by the way, has failed to obtain an outright majority in the parliament), where he is the leader, prepared a statement on Armenia's withdrawal from the EEU. Since then, Pashinyan has changed his opinion, saying there are no plans to revise the policy towards the membership in the EEU or the CSTO (the Collective Security Treaty Organization). This would seem to satisfy the Russian establishment, but in reality, many Russian analysts commenting on the current events, doubt his sincerity. Nobody can say for certain how Armenian policy will develop short to medium term, not in words but in practice. However, in the light of a new spiral of confrontation taking place between Russia and the West, and remembering the past historical events and lessons learned, one can assume that Armenia will continue to do its favorite thing, that is trading loyalty. Washington will likely try hard to embrace Armenia for several reasons. Armenia is a good piece of cake for the US, which, if succeeded in reinforcing its position in this country, will manage to undermine Russian influence in the South Caucasus. Armenian Diaspora in the US, as well as the Armenian Church, should play not the least role in this matter. The sole fact that Washington has its worlds second biggest embassy in Yerevan with reportedly more than 2000 employees is self-explanatory for understanding the role Washington has prepared for Armenia. The same applies to Iran. Iran gets utterly alarmed and irritated every time when any American influence political, economic or military is expected to spread closer to its borders. Trenching itself in Armenia, the US would increase its impact on Iran from a direction Iran has never expected. In addition, Washington is deeply concerned with a positive new format of trilateral Russia-Iran-Turkey relations. Lets not forget that Armenia is located right in the center of this triangle. How about Russias stance? So far, Russia has shown great restraint in regards to the latest events in Armenia, though it could interfere in the course of events. Moscow remains calm probably because Armenia's economy is highly subsidized and dependent on Russia. Examples abound: the state budget of Armenia largely depends on remittances from the Armenian Diaspora in Russia, large Russian companies possess significant assets in the country, the Armenian economy not the least depends on availability and prices of Russian energy resources, Armenia receives weaponry from Russia for a nominal fee, etc. On the other side, it is not a secret that there are many minds there, especially among the young generation, who identify themselves with the West and take Russias existence in the country with cold aloofness. With new realities in mind, Armenia will most likely keep exploiting geopolitical contradictions among great powers to advance its own goals, but polarization between Russia and the West narrows the space available to the future Armenian government in its famous policy to straddle both worlds. Armenia is a small country with great ambitions. There would be, in fact, nothing bad about it, if Armenia wouldnt have tried to prove its significance and national exclusiveness at the expense of its neighbors in the first place. Whoever the Armenian custodian will be Russia, the West, or both the core message remains the same: until Armenia continues occupation of others lands and does not establish civilized relations with its neighbors, no progress is expected in this country. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Kamila Aliyeva SkyPower announced an estimated $1.3 billion foreign direct investment in Uzbekistan to build 1,000 MW of solar energy generation capacity throughout the country, the company reported. This will be the largest foreign direct investment in the history of the Central Asian nation. The sides also signed the first Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), according to which the government will be purchasing power from an international private company. The company will be closely cooperating with Uzbekistans state-owned Uzbekenergo. Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree which provides for the government's full support of the project. The government of Uzbekistan issued guarantees to SkyPower that it would purchase all electricity produced at the expense of Uzbekenergos funds, and in the absence of the latter, the state budget. The project will contribute an estimated $2.9 billion to Uzbekistan's gross domestic product and create thousands of jobs, SkyPower said. This will ultimately bring Uzbekistan to about 10 percent of its total renewable generation capacity, helping Uzbekistan reach its 2030 Paris Climate commitments while bringing power to the people of Uzbekistan, according to the company. Solar power plants are planned to be built in Tashkent, Samarkand, Navoi, Jizzakh, Surkhandarya and Kashkadarya regions. The necessary land plots should be allocated for the investor before the end of May. Uzbekistan provided SkyPower Global, its subsidiaries and contractors involved with a wide list of benefits and preferences. They are exempted from customs payments when importing new equipment and materials, spare parts, components, technological documentation, special equipment and vehicles, software products. In addition, they are freed from corporate income tax on income received both through a permanent establishment and at the source of payment, including dividends, value added tax, mandatory contributions and fees to state trust funds, property tax, and land tax. Earlier, Uzbekistan announced its plans to build five solar photovoltaic stations with a total capacity of 500 MW and a preliminary cost of more than $1.1 billion by 2021. In December 2016, the Chinese Zhuhai Singyes Green Building Technology Co. Ltd won a tender for the construction of the first Central Asian photovoltaic station in the Samarkand region. It will generate up to 200 million kWh of electricity per year. Uzbekistan enjoys vast potential in renewable energy, and 98.5 percent is solar energy, 320 sunny days per year. The World Bank estimates that Uzbekistan solar total potential is more than about 51 billion tons of oil energy, which cannot only save a lot of oil resources, but also improve the atmospheric environment. The country adopted the program on the development of alternative energy sources in 2013. In particular, construction of the several solar power plants with total capacity of more than two gigawatts, creation of the International Institute for Solar Energy and the construction of the facility on the photovoltaic panel production with the capacity of 100 megawatts is planned within the framework of the program. Currently, oil and gas account for 97 percent, coal - 2.3 percent and hydropower - 0.7 percent in the structure of primary energy resources of Uzbekistan. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Seven months after Tropical Storm Harvey ransacked Bridge City's housing market, a local developer wants to fill the gap with a 39-home subdivision near Bridge City Elementary School. With more locally owned businesses setting up shop in town, Bridge City's newest neighborhood points to a larger picture of growth in the city of 8,165. Taking notice of incoming commercial and industrial projects, Vidor's Robert Cash said he had "foresight" two years ago that additional housing would be "positive for the city and the county" though, he said, "we didn't foresee Hurricane Harvey." Cash said they will break ground on roads and utilities for Marsh Estates "immediately upon approval" from City Council, with homes to be built by August, if not sooner. Bridge City resident and real estate agent Travis Everett said the housing market post-Tropical Storm Harvey remains "incredibly thin." "So many people want to live here, we just don't have enough houses for them," Everett said. From March 2017 to March 2018, the number of active listings in Orange County decreased by 24 percent, according to Everett. With fewer homes on the market, Everett said "new development is good" across the board, bringing in more builders, homes and jobs. Cash said he estimates the 1,800- to 2,500-square-foot homes in Marsh Estate's 15.5 acres will cost $200,000 to $300,000. The neighborhood will feature concrete streets and sidewalks and an independent drainage system to "free up" surrounding networks. Bridge City is a "bedroom community," according to Chamber of Commerce director Barbara Hanneman, meaning most residents commute to jobs in nearby counties. "Mainly our community consists of our citizens, school district, churches and businesses you'd use every day, like banks," Hanneman said. Several new businesses have decided to open in Bridge City, Hanneman said, including Las Rosas Mexican Restaurant and Modica Bros Tire & Wheel Center, both on Texas Avenue. Texas Avenue, one of the city's big thoroughfares also is being refurbished, she said. Bridge City residents "believe in keeping things local," Hanneman said. "The majority of our citizens stay in the community and shop locally here." Everett agrees: "What's done locally is what matters," he said. Everett, 32, was raised in Bridge City and returned to his hometown after spending six years abroad in the U.S. Air Force. When he came home in 2009, a year after Hurricane Ike, Everett said everything was different, including several new restaurants and businesses. Everett said returning to Bridge City was a no-brainer. "I didn't want to live anywhere else," he said. Nowadays, Everett said he thinks Bridge City is "still the same small town, it's just growing up." Phoebe.Suy@BeaumontEnterprise.comTwitter.com/PhoebeSuy Three years after a Beaumont man was crushed to death by a crane at the Port of Beaumont, his family on Monday reached a final settlement with the last of the four companies they sued. Landon Russell, a 20-year-old West Brook High School graduate, was loading crude oil from rail cars onto barges on June 26, 2015 at a site on the Orange County side of the Neches River when he was killed. Here are six recent ASC acquisitions and partnerships announced in April 2018. One Vision Eye Partners of Annapolis (Md.) acquired Hagerstown-based Maryland Vision Institute. Casper-based Wyoming Medical Center struck a deal to acquire Mountain View Regional Hospital, a surgical-only surgery center. Annapolis, Md.-based Anne Arundel Medical Center and Surgical Care Affiliates are partnering to open two outpatient surgery centers in early 2019. Cincinnati-based TriHealth acquired a 15 percent ownership stake in Urology Group's outpatient surgery center, also in Cincinnati. Stuart (Fla.) Surgery Center opened. The center was developed by Raleigh, N.C.-based Compass Surgical Partners and Stuart-based Martin Health. Several Longmont, Colo.-based physicians partnered to build the Advanced Vision Surgery Center in Longmont. Baltimore-based University of Maryland Medical System filed a plan to invest $50 million in a new medical center next to the Laurel (Md.) Regional Hospital, The Baltimore Sun reports. Here are four fast facts. 1. The new facility UM Laurel Medical Center will feature a surgery center, 24/7 emergency care, behavioral health resources and outpatient programs such as wellness promotion. 2. The proposed medical center will have two operating rooms and two procedure rooms, as well as imaging services, a pharmacy and a lab. 3. Pending regulatory approval, the building is expected to be completed in spring 2021. 4. The medical system formed a community engagement team to keep patients, local residents and other stakeholders informed about the project and solicit their feedback. A community informational hearing on the project will be held May 7. Webster, Texas-based Bay Area Regional Medical Center announced its closure May 10 and revealed plans to file for bankruptcy this week. "It is with a heavy heart that I announce that Bay Area Regional will close its doors on May 10, 2018," Stephen K. Jones Jr., CEO of Bay Area Regional, said in a statement May 4. "We want to thank our staff who worked tirelessly, physicians who chose to practice medicine and patients who received care at our hospital." The 191-bed hospital, which opened July 21, 2014, said in a statement it had invested $200 million into the facility during the past five years and will continue to work with lenders on an orderly closing process, including the fulfillment of its payroll obligations. In an emailed statement to the Houston Chronicle, Mr. Jones said the hospital "was not able to overcome significant hurdles with managed-care companies." He also noted an estimated 900 employees will lose their jobs as a result of the closure, according to the report. "Local hospitals will be notified so that they can help facilitate the transfer of our patients to their facilities," Mr. Jones said in the emailed statement. "Local EMS will be deploying resources to help move patients, and doctors will be rounding to discharge patients who can safely go home or to a lower level of care." Houston-based HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division, part of Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare, will host a job fair May 7 for employees affected by Bay Area Regional's closure, according to KHou11. Editor's note: Becker's Hospital Review reached out to Bay Area Regional Medical Center for comment and will update the report as more information becomes available. Tens of thousands union workers from University of California hospitals are expected to begin a strike May 7 amid contract negotiations. Here are eight things to know. 1. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which represents UC service workers, scheduled a statewide strike from May 7 to May 9 over issues such as wages and job outsourcing. The University Professional and Technical Employees and California Nurses Association are also slated to strike in sympathy May 8 and May 9. 2. Dwaine Duckett, UC's vice president of human resources, sent a letter to colleagues on May 2, stating the university petitioned the California Public Employment Relations Board and was notified the board would seek a court order on the university's behalf to restrict the number of striking AFSCME-represented healthcare employees. The university requested 618 employees not be able to participate in the strike, and the board granted the request for 551 workers, citing the challenges the medical center would face amid a strike due to limited labor supplies, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune. Restricted employees include respiratory therapists and certain imaging technicians. Clinical laboratory scientists were not on the no-strike list. 3. Overall, tens of thousands hospital workers across various UC campuses are slated to strike. The Sacramento Bee estimated approximately 53,000 hospital workers will participate in the strike, including 10,000 workers from UC Davis, its campus or its medical center. 4. Amid the strike, various UC campuses have revealed strike contingency plans. 5. A UC Davis spokesperson told The Sacramento Bee in a statement: "We have a strike management plan in place and we are prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of our patients in the face of this short labor strike ... Some same-day surgeries are being handled this week, some procedures are being moved from early next week to later next week, and some are being moved into the following week ... Other impacts of the strike are expected to be the closure of the hospital cafeteria (surrounding restaurants off-campus will be open, patients will still receive meals) and there may be some delays in some trash collections." 6. UC San Diego Health spokesperson Jacqueline Carr told The San Diego Union-Tribune May 6 that a strike command center is expected to be in place early May 7 to ensure safe staffing. Additionally, UC San Diego planned to bring in more than 500 replacement nurses and 900 replacement workers overall, according to that publication. Ms. Carr previously told Becker's Hospital Review UCSD Health was rescheduling some nonurgent, elective surgeries during the strike. According to The San Diego Union-Tribune, UCSD officials have rescheduled about 200 elective surgeries total, and hospitals started diverting emergency cases to reduce censuses at hospitals in La Jolla and Hillcrest throughout the strike. 7. At UC San Francisco, the emergency room and clinics will remain open during the strike since the university has brought in temporary staff, reports KRON, noting UCSF is asking that patients with serious needs visit UCSF affiliates such as St. Mary's Medical Center. 8. John de los Angeles, spokesperson for AFSCME 3299, told The Sacramento Bee via email the union has developed a patient protection task force to respond to life-threatening situations as needed. More articles on human capital and risk: Kaiser workers to protest at hospitals across California: 10 things to know Hospitals and unions: 11 recent conflicts, agreements Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital workers hold picket amid contract negotiations The CEO and CFO of Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital in Maryland Heights, Mo., resigned last week after the hospital board discovered the executives violated the hospital's paid time off policy. The two received more than $100,000 combined in inappropriate reimbursement for paid time off, a spokesman for the hospital's board told the St. Louis Business Journal. The hospital board requested and accepted the resignations of president and CEO Lauri Tanner and vice president and CFO Jean Bardwell, effective May 2. The board's executive committee initially identified the potential irregularities, and the board subsequently launched an investigation, which allegedly revealed the two executives violated hospital policy. The board spokesman told the St. Louis Business Journal Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital's fiscal year 2017 Form 990 will include $25,375 in taxes owed by Ms. Tanner and Ms. Bardwell. The applicable tax rate is 25 percent, meaning the two executives received more than $100,000 combined, according to the report. The hospital's Form 990 for fiscal year 2018, which will be filed next spring, will include a smaller tax amount that is still being calculated. Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital COO Brett Moorehouse was named interim president and CEO, and a hospital board member is serving as interim CFO. More articles on legal and regulatory issues: 12 latest healthcare industry lawsuits, settlements 4 found guilty in insider trading case linked to CMS Ex-Florida hospital CEO indicted in $1M scheme Thirty current and former employees of a Sacramento, Calif.-based Sutter Health surgery center will go before the California Labor Commissioner May 7, asking for lost wages and penalties for missed meal and rest breaks, The Sacramento Bee reports. Individual complaints range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars in lost wages and penalties, according to the report. California law requires employers to give a 30-minute meal break within the first five hours of work and a 10-minute rest break for every four hours worked beyond that. For every meal break that is denied, the employer must compensate workers with an additional hour of pay. Sutter Health denies wrongdoing. "We have reviewed and investigated these particular claims and believe these employees have been paid appropriately," Sutter spokesperson Nancy Turner said in a statement. "We respect our employees' rights to pursue their individual claims through the independent review of the California Labor Commissioner." Former Sutter employee John Damigos, who won a wage-and-hour dispute against Sutter a few years ago, advised the employees on their cases, according to the report. Read the full story here. More articles on legal and regulatory issues: 12 latest healthcare industry lawsuits, settlements 4 found guilty in insider trading case linked to CMS\ Physician charged in accidental shooting death of orthopedic sales representative Little Rock-based University of Arkansas Medical Sciences fired three employees after they were accused of sharing an HIV patient's protected health information, according to ozarksfirst.com. Hospital officials told ozarksfirst.com an employee shared the medical records including name, age, surgical history, HIV status and employment information of an HIV patient with a coworker who then passed the records on to a friend. That friend, who does not appear to be affiliated with UAMS, proceeded to post the records on Facebook. A third employee acted as a bystander. He or she knew about the incident but never spoke up, which violates UAMS' code of conduct. "They know that this is something that they cannot do They undergo lots of training and they know this is a fireable offense," Vice Chancellor of Communications and Marketing Leslie Taylor told ozarksfirst.com. "We took action right away." UAMS is focusing on helping the patient whose privacy was breached, which includes sending the case to the U.S. Attorney's Office where federal officials will determine if charges will be filed against the three former employees. More articles on legal and regulatory issues: 12 latest healthcare industry lawsuits, settlements 4 found guilty in insider trading case linked to CMS Physician charged in accidental shooting death of orthopedic sales representative In November 2017, 19 plaintiffs including the ex-husband of a former billing specialist sued Madison, Wis.-based UW Health and Kila Lucey, the former billing employee, for allegedly inappropriately accessing their medical records. Now, the Wisconsin State Journal reports a Dane County judge reduced the scope of the lawsuit and dismissed all claims against Ms. Lucey as well as those against UW Health by everyone except the ex-husband, G.W. Edward Buckeridge. According to court records, Ms. Lucey and Mr. Buckeridge divorced in January 2004, but Ms. Lucey accessed Mr. Buckeridge's records 687 times between May 2004 and July 2012 and accessed records of the other plaintiffs between 10 to 948 times in a similar timeframe. The lawsuit does not state why she improperly accessed 2,629 individual records of the 19 plaintiffs, which included visit summaries, prescription records, laboratory results and medical reports. Ms. Lucey's employment at the hospital ended in June 2016. Circuit Judge Frank Remington left the claim Mr. Buckeridge made against UW Health for failing to maintain the confidentiality of his medical records and properly supervise Ms. Lucey, according to the Wisconsin State Journal. A jury trial is set for Dec. 3, 2018, and all of the other plaintiffs are appealing the judge's dismissal. UW Health's lawyers argued the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics Authority couldn't be held responsible for an employee's intentional act. Moreover, because the alleged disclosure was to just one unauthorized person, it did not constitute a public disclosure under Wisconsin law. Ms. Lucey's attorney added the claims against her should be dismissed because the plaintiffs didn't allege their records had been disclosed outside of the hospital and that viewing the records without disclosing them doesn't violate state law. According to the judge, only Mr. Buckeridge's claim is viable under state law because he only claimed his records were disclosed to someone else. More articles on legal & regulatory issues: University of Arkansas Medical Sciences fires 3 after patient's HIV records leaked UnityPoint Health hit with class-action lawsuit over data breach 5 Pennsylvania physicians charged with fraud, unlawfully distributing pills to fight opioid overuse The Dayton (Ohio) Veterans Affairs Medical Center responded to a patient's claim that he lost his leg to amputation after VA hospital officials failed to notify him of a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection, according to WHIO. Several weeks after the patient, Kenneth Collier, underwent a small foot procedure at the VA facility, Mr. Collier said a Kettering (Ohio) Medical Center physician was the first to tell him his leg had been infected with MRSA. Mr. Collier's medical records from the VA indicated one of the facility's physicians initially noted a MRSA infection in April 2016. Mr. Collier had to have his leg amputated weeks later. "[The Kettering Medical Center physician] told me and my sons, 'You don't understand. We're not going to be able to fight this infection as long as he keeps his leg,'" said Mr. Collier's wife, Margie Collier. The medical record showed a positive foot culture on April 4, 2016, and advised staff to take precautions to prevent infection transmission. Dayton VA officials confirmed the document's authenticity, according to WHIO. Mr. Collier's family received a letter from the Dayton VA in June 2017 that acknowledged the hospital was aware of the infection and failed to tell the family. In the letter, the hospital's chief of staff apologized to Mr. Collier's family. The Collier family said they were shocked to learn the VA was aware of the infection but never disclosed it to them. The family filed a federal tort claim, which the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs denied last month. "While it is true that Mrs. Collier was unaware of the MRSA culture results, Mr. Collier's doctors were aware of the MRSA culture results and treated him appropriately as confirmed by the investigation, which prompted the tort claim," Raymond Hoy, Dayton VA public affairs specialist, said in an emailed statement to WHIO May 1. "We remain committed to providing comprehensive care to Mr. Collier and look forward to continuing to provide him the care that he needs." A man who claims he was infected with hepatitis C during treatment at Puyallup, Wash.-based MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital in December is suing the hospital and its parent company, Tacoma, Wash.-based MultiCare Health System, according to The News Tribune. The unidentified man's lawsuit alleges he went to Good Samaritan Hospital with kidney stones Dec. 31 and received treatment from Cora Weberg, a nurse who was arrested May 4 on suspicion of infecting patients with hepatitis C. She was released from jail the same day as her arrest. Ms. Weberg's lawyer said she was let go because there was not enough evidence against her, according to KOMO. The man who filed the lawsuit against the hospital is allegedly one of two patients who tested positive for hepatitis C after receiving treatment from Ms. Weberg. The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department began an investigation into the incident in March, and connected the two infected patients to each other and then to Ms. Weberg, who treated the patients. Using CDC data, health department officials established that the tests revealed a conclusive link between the two patients and the genetic source of the virus. However, the viral material from Ms. Weberg's tests was insufficient to show a genetic link to the patients, though she reportedly tested positive for the disease, according to The News Tribune. Good Samaritan Hospital officials announced the possible infection of two patients last week, and issued a recommendation to 2,600 patients who were treated in the hospital's ER between August 2017 and March 23 to receive testing for hepatitis C. The lawsuit filed last week alleges MultiCare and the hospital "failed to properly train, investigate and monitor" Ms. Weberg after patient complaints, according to KOMO. Local police have recommended prosecutors charge Ms. Weberg, who no longer works at Good Samaritan Hospital, with second-degree assault, contending she stole injectable drugs from Good Samaritan Hospital and knowingly infected two patients with hepatitis C. She has not been charged with a crime. More articles on quality and infection control: Survey: 8 in 10 nurses believe nonphysician practitioners play larger role in managing patient care Study: Only 30% of infants exposed to hepatitis C receive screening 3 barriers to nurse engagement in antibiotic stewardship Police arrested a 31-year-old former MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital nurse last week who may have infected at least two patients at the Puyallup, Wash., hospital with hepatitis C, according to The News Tribune. Police booked Cora Weberg, RN, into Pierce County Jail early May 4. Authorities reportedly recommended prosecutors charge her with second-degree assault for allegedly knowingly infecting at least two patients and stealing injectable drugs from the hospital, according to the report. Ms. Weberg was released from jail May 5, according to Kiro 7 News. Ms. Weberg has not been charged with a crime. However, a preliminary finding of probable cause filed by police and obtained by The News Tribune stated Ms. Weberg "intentionally contaminated medicine or another substance with her own blood; she then administered the medicine or other substance intravenously; Cora Weberg knew or reasonably should have known that her blood was likely to contain one or more blood-borne pathogens; and Cora Weberg's blood did, in fact, contain and transmit hepatitis C virus." MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital officials announced the possible infection of two patients last week, and issued a recommendation to 2,600 patients who were treated in the hospital's emergency room during an eight-month period between August 2017 and March 23 to receive testing for the infection. Hospital leaders told The News Tribune May 1 patient testing is ongoing, stating officials have tested hundreds of patients for hepatitis C, but have not released the results of those tests. The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department began an investigation into the incident in March, and connected the two infected patients to each other and then to Ms. Weberg, who treated the patients. Using CDC data, health department officials established that the tests revealed a conclusive link between the two patients and the genetic source of the virus, according to the report. However, the viral material from Ms. Weberg's tests was insufficient to show a genetic link to the patients, though she reportedly tested positive for the disease. The News Tribune reports Ms. Weberg, who no longer works at the hospital, questions whether she actually contracted hepatitis C, citing test results that show she may have been exposed to the virus, but not at a level allowing her to infect others. Her defense attorney, who spoke with the publication, said Ms. Weberg denies infecting patients and that she did not use needles on patients that she had used on herself. "On the one hand, my heart goes out to these infected people. On the other hand, this investigation has been going on for months. If there was a genetic link between these patients and Cora, you would certainly think it would be definitively announced or released by the Department of Health and that hasnt happened yet," Ms. Weberg's attorney said. To access the The News Tribune report, click here. A program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is connecting kidney transplant recipients in various cities in the state with Birmingham-based physicians via telehealth. One of these patients, Sheri Faulk, was diagnosed with kidney disease in 1991, according to a May 3 university blog post. She has had to travel to Birmingham for treatments and appointments to assess her transplanted kidney since her diagnosis nearly 30 years ago. Today, she travels to the Pike County Health Department in Troy, Ala., which she says has cut down her travel time immensely. "Knowing I don't have to make that trip [to Birmingham] anymore, but can still see my doctor, is amazing," Ms. Faulk said, according to the blog post. During her telehealth appointment, Ms. Faulk undergoes a blood pressure and temperature check conducted by an onsite nurse. She then completes a video conference with her physician, Clifton Kew, MD, medical director of the UAB Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Program in Birmingham. Ms. Faulk is the second of three kidney transplant patients Dr. Kew has seen via telehealth. UAB hopes to grow the remote care program, both in terms of kidney transplant patients and other organ transplant areas. The university plans to expand the program to liver transplant patients during the next few months. "Being able to see the patients via telehealth not only saves them time, but also reduces the stress of having to make plans to travel for their annual appointments," Dr. Kew said. "I hope this will make it easier for patients to keep their appointments so we can make sure their health is continuing to improve." According to reports, seven Indian engineers and an Afghan national were kidnapped by Taliban gunmen in Afghanistans northern Baghlan Province on Sunday. The gunmen reportedly mistook them for government employees. We are in contact with the Afghan authorities and further details are being ascertained, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said. The Belfast Telegraph Top 100 magazine, in association with Arthur Cox, will tomorrow reveal rising pre-tax profits among Northern Ireland's top private sector firms The Belfast Telegraph Top 100 magazine, in association with Arthur Cox, will tomorrow reveal rising pre-tax profits among Northern Ireland's top private sector firms. The chart, which is compiled by economist John Simpson, showcases the most successful companies in the province. Published free with the Belfast Telegraph tomorrow, the prestigious, 64-page glossy magazine showcases companies, many of which are family run, on the rise through organic growth and acquisitions. It's also the fourth year in a row in which the Top 100 has been supported by market-leading corporate law firm Arthur Cox. Family companies which this year continue a trend of dominating the list include trader W&R Barnett, which reveals the acquisitions of The Boxshop Limited in East Kilbride, Scotland and Argos Feed Group Zrt. in Hungary. And Norbrook Holdings in Newry, the highest-placed family company on the list - this time specialising in veterinary pharmaceutical products - ascribes its improved profits, which are up from 105m to 118m, in part due to new products, including chewable tablets for dogs. And this year, the threshold for inclusion into the Top 100 has increased from 3m to 4m. Other products from Northern Ireland which are playing a considerable part in generating pre-tax profits for the companies on the list include Bombardier's C Series passenger jet - the wings of which are made in Belfast - soft drink Shloer from SHS Group, buses from Wrights Group in Ballymena and pre-cast concrete from FP McCann in Magherafelt. Writing in the magazine, Professor Simpson said the Top 100 "make a considerable contribution to the success of the Northern Ireland economy". He said the average level of pre-tax profits per business was over 20% higher than a year ago. "The results of the analysis of the Top 100 offer a picture of the better performers in a much more buoyant private sector." Mr Simpson, who has been compiling the Top 100 for around 15 years, said this year's table showed a pattern of improvements across the complete range of businesses. He added: "Perhaps the most notable feature of an analysis of profitability is that 48 of the 100 businesses reported an improvement of over 20% in their pre-tax profits." Alastair Hamilton, chief executive of economic development agency Invest NI - who has provided the foreword to the publication - writes: "I congratulate all those businesses that appear in the Belfast Telegraph Top 100, in particular those that are listed for the first time. I would also like to acknowledge the contribution of our smaller businesses. "Every business in Northern Ireland, regardless of its size, plays a vital role in our economy. "An entrepreneur today has the potential to be a large employer of the future." Kieran McGarrigle, finance partner at law firm Arthur Cox, sponsor of the publication, said: "Operating at the very heart of the Northern Ireland economy, Arthur Cox is privileged to work closely with many of the region's most successful businesses. "We are therefore delighted to continue our partnership with the Belfast Telegraph Top 100 Companies and look forward to joining them tomorrow when the 2018 list is revealed in full." Ireland has "undermined" British governments for at least the last century, according to broadcaster Robert Peston. The presenter of ITV's Peston On Sunday was yesterday interviewing Conservative MP and prominent Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg, whom he described as a keen student of British history. The broadcaster asked Mr Rees-Mogg: "Ireland has undermined, the issue of Ireland in so many different ways has undermined, British governments, you know, going back well over 100 years now." Mr Rees-Mogg suggested that the issue of Ireland had undermined British politics for "much more than 100 years. It's a very long and complex history." Mr Peston's comment provoked outrage on social media. "Nothing so pathetic as a little Englander agonising why nearest - independent - countries get on with their own priorities. But an embarrassment Peston," one wrote. Another tweeted that it was "astonishing and disappointing from Peston. Ireland hasn't undermined British governments for 100 years, it's been occupied by them". Others took a different approach: "Don't blame Ireland for your woes. We're just sitting back watching the UK implode... It's a great watch to be honest." Arlene Foster has indicated that Northern Ireland staying part of the UK takes priority over leaving the EU customs union. The DUP leader has made it clear she believes that the UK should leave the customs union. But she said the DUP's "red line" is that Northern Ireland should follow the rest of the UK, whatever happens. With five months to go until a Brexit deal is supposed to be set, the UK still has no clear position on exactly what customs arrangements it wants with the EU after withdrawal. Mrs May is said to favour a "customs partnership" which favours closer customs ties with the EU, to avoid a hard border in Ireland, or a "streamlined arrangement" with loser customs ties, but a harder border. Eurosceptic Cabinet ministers thought they had "killed off" the customs partnership plans after a meeting of the Brexit war cabinet last week, amid concerns it would see a climbdown over Brexit and Britain staying in the customs union. However, Mrs May has insisted the partnership is still on the table, with the issue set to be decided at another meeting of the Brexit war cabinet on Thursday. Mrs Foster was asked on yesterday's The Andrew Marr Show on BBC One if she had discussed issues surrounding Brexit - such as staying in the customs union to prevent a hard border in Ireland - with Mrs May. "We have continuous conversations around this issue and I spoke to the Prime Minister yesterday afternoon," the Fermanagh MLA said. "We want to see a sensible Brexit, by respecting the vote of the British people and leaving the customs union. "We don't want what the EU have put on the table, a red line down the Irish sea; what we seek to do is to protect the integrity of the United Kingdom from a constitutional and economic point of view." Mr Marr asked if staying in the customs union would be a price worth paying for a soft border. "The British people voted to leave the customs union, we don't believe we have to stay in it to have free flow between ourselves and the Republic of Ireland," Mrs Foster replied. "Proposals have been put forward by the government and they have been dismissed out of hand by the EU. "We would like to see less rhetoric and more engagement. "As Nigel Dodds said, our fundamental red line is we have to move in step with the rest of the United Kingdom." Last week, Mr Dodds said the DUP would not accept the EU's 'backstop' option - which would effectively draw a customs border down the Irish Sea by keeping Northern Ireland in the customs union. He told PoliticsHome: "For us that would be a red line, which we would vote against the government, because you might as well have a Corbyn government pursuing openly its anti-unionist policies as have a Conservative government doing it by a different means." Some have interpreted this as the DUP throwing Mrs May a lifeline, by not ruling out the whole of the UK remaining in some form of customs union - as long as Northern Ireland is not treated differently. The DUP props up Mrs May's government in Westminster in a confidence and supply agreement. Mr Marr suggested to Mrs Foster that the DUP would not bring down the government because they would not do anything to help Jeremy Corbyn become Prime Minister. "We do think Jeremy Corbyn is beyond the pale due to his support for the IRA in the past, and as someone who's suffered as a result of IRA terrorism it is a very personal issue for me," Mrs Foster said. "In terms of bringing down the government, we don't need to bring down the government, because Theresa May was very clear about her unionist credentials long before she got involved with the DUP." Yesterday, Sinn Fein MEP Martina Anderson said the DUP is continuing to ignore the views of people In Northern Ireland on Brexit. "Once again Arlene Foster has shown that she and the DUP are continuing to ignore the views of the people of the north on Brexit," she said. "The fact is that the majority of people from the north, from all backgrounds, voted to remain in the EU. "When I meet people from all sectors from across the north it is clear they want to remain in the EU and that is what we are about and it is also what Arlene Foster's boss, Theresa May, should be focused on. "The British government need to come up with credible proposals in the current Brexit negotiations, which would give effect to the views of the majority of people in the north." Questions have been asked as to whether concerns were raised about the conduct of Dr Michael Watt at his annual reviews - or at the time of his last medical licence renewal by the GMC. Last week, 2,500 patients across Northern Ireland received letters from the Belfast Trust telling them that their cases were to be subject to an urgent review, after concerns were raised about Hillsborough neurologist Dr Watt's performance. It followed an independent investigation by the Royal College of Physicians. Dr Watt was employed by the Belfast Trust for just over 20 years. The Belfast Trust has said that "concerns were raised by doctors at the end of 2016 (December) and immediately patient safety measures were put in place which included restrictions on aspects of Dr Watt's practice". However, it has since emerged that complaints about Dr Watt were made as far back as 2011. Despite this, he was suspended from clinical duties in June 2017. He is still an employee of the Belfast Trust, and remains on full pay. Under GMC guidelines, doctors must undertake an annual appraisal which complies with GMC guidance and covers the whole of their practice. As part of the process, doctors need to maintain a portfolio of supporting information, which includes evidence of continuing professional development, quality improvement activity, significant events, feedback from patients and colleagues, and complaints. Every five years, Responsible Officers make a recommendation to either revalidate, defer or non-engagement each doctor's medical licence. In responses to this newspaper, the Belfast Trust failed to clarify the dates of Dr Watt's last annual appraisal, or when his licence was last revalidated by the GMC. A doctor with several decades of experience queried whether any concerns had been raised during the consultant's annual reviews, or at the time of his last medical licence renewal by the GMC. He also raised concerns over the Responsible Officer at the Belfast Trust who had "signed off" on Dr Watt's medical licence revalidation. "Doctors undergo annual appraisals, and after five years, if they are satisfactory, they are signed off by the Responsible Officer, who recommends that their medical licence be revalidated by the General Medical Council," the medic explained. "It's a 360 degree appraisal by a doctor in their speciality, as well as qualitative support from patients and continuous professional development. "You need five good appraisals for the Responsible Officer to sign it off. "I am concerned at the length of time that it has taken the Royal to do something about this. "If the first concerns were raised in 2011, as some patients are claiming, then Dr Watt could have gone through numerous annual appraisals and had his medical licence renewed at least once since. "The Royal must have been intimately involved in ensuring he had a medical licence." He added: "Any concerns should have been looked at as part of the annual appraisal and the Responsible Officer at the hospital should have reviewed the previous five years when it came to revalidation. "Someone in neurology at the Royal must have done the appraisals, and someone in the management team at the Royal must have signed off. "I would like to know, who did sign off on Dr Watt?" The doctor said he believed there was a need for a "sworn enquiry" in front of Sir John O'Hara, who led the hyponatremia enquiry. Dr Watt is currently listed on the GMC register as "registered with a licence to practise" and "on the Specialist Register". The Belfast Trust says that the neurologist at the centre of the major patient recall had his appraisals "up to date" and his medical licence was successfully "revalidated" by the General Medical Council (GMC). A Belfast Trust spokeswoman said that Dr Watt is "restricted from undertaking clinical duties both in the NHS and private sector", and that the Trust is "liaising with the GMC". She added: "Belfast Trust, as with other trusts, has a system for appraisals for all doctors, which complies with GMC and departmental guidance. "On a five-yearly basis the trust is required to make recommendations to the GMC as to whether individual doctors should be revalidated to continue practicing as doctors". She said that Dr Watt "has been revalidated and his appraisals are up to date". "Recalling patients is not a decision we take lightly and it is important to be sure of the facts to avoid unnecessary anxiety for patients," she continued. "Acting earlier than we did would have been premature, as this would have been in advance of Royal College of Physicians findings. "We continue to work closely with the Department of Health, the General Medical Council and the Royal College of Physicians whilst this review is ongoing." Meanwhile, the Belfast Trust revealed that the two locum consultants who have been employed to attend to Dr Watt's recalled patients were recruited "via an agency". Currently, the trust's patients must wait one year for an urgent appointment and four years for a routine appointment with a consultant neurologist. The spokesperson continued: "We recognise that waiting times are longer than they should be, however the demand for neurology service exceeds capacity. "The recall of patients will not impact any patient currently waiting to be seen. "The clinics for the recall are additional clinics run by both trust consultants and we have asked two healthcare providers from the independent sector to assist this patient review". The trust said that "whilst there will be a cost associated we will not know the full extent until the recall has been completed." It added: "This recall is not about cost, it is about patients." An audience with US transgender celebrity Caitlyn Jenner, a treasure hunt around Amsterdam and an evening of 10-pin bowling were among the activities laid on for 61 delegates from Belfast Health Trust at a health conference in the Netherlands, the Belfast Telegraph can reveal. The much-criticised trip, which took place last week and cost the Belfast Trust 85,000, also featured a seminar in 'how we all make sense of mistakes in healthcare' - which may be useful as delegates returned to the news that 2,500 patients had been recalled following concerns over their treatment by neurologist Dr Michael Watt. The cost of registration alone for the Amsterdam conference ranged between 1,000 and 1,300 per delegate, paid by the Belfast Trust out of public funds, excluding travel, accommodation and subsistence allowances. Up to another 1,000 per delegate was paid for by the Belfast Trust out of public funds. According to the programme for the three-day event, 61 staff were also treated to a "mass takeover of one of Amsterdam's biggest and best 10-pin bowling venues to make your experience a striking success". There was also a 'Campervan of Dreams' featuring a 1973 Volkswagen van transformed into a dream-enabling camper to allow delegates to articulate thoughts from the conference, and a 'dancin' power' session where those attending were "shown the positive impact and improvement in the quality of life that their unique combination of mindfulness, music, movement, and dance has made on hospitalized children and their families". It's understood Caitlyn Jenner, former Olympic athlete Bruce Jenner and star of MTV'S Keeping Up with the Kardashians, was due to speak on issues of transgender medicine. Around 100 health workers from across Northern Ireland attended the International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare. It's understood the South Eastern Health Trust sent 17 people, the Western Trust sent 14 staff, the Northern Trust sent nine, and three people from the Southern Trust were in attendance. The trip took place despite the permanent secretary at the Department of Health, Richard Pengelly, writing to trusts and other health organisations in September 2016 "reminding them of the need for effective and proportionate controls on staff travel". The department said that "having been alerted to plans for the Amsterdam conference, it immediately wrote to trusts and other HSC (Health and Social Care) bodies". "They were asked for full details of staff numbers attending and the costs involved; and to urgently explain how the planned travel complied with the criteria set out in September 2016," the Department of Health NI added. The Belfast Health Trust said the total cost of 85,000 "covered flights, accommodation and the cost of the conference". It claimed the conference would "offer staff a tremendous amount of education, learning and ideas which may be adopted in Belfast to improve how we deliver services to our patients and service users". The trust said there was a mix of professional groups including doctors, nurses, social workers, managers and directors. "Several of the party are attending to present their improvement work as their project posters were submitted and selected by IHI (Institute for Healthcare Improvement) to be displayed," it added. "This investment will significantly add value to the Belfast Trust and will equip staff with skills, ideas and contacts to make improvements to the services we deliver. "The best-performing hospitals worldwide invest in quality and safety leadership training and development including considerable investment in external consultancy. "This investment is only a fraction of that and is focused on giving our staff the tools they need to improve quality and engage front line staff." Former public sector union leader, Bumper Graham, said the cost of the trip was "exceptionally high". "In situations like this, a small number should attend," he said. NI Conservative Frank Shivers said the perception would be that it is a "junket". "Look at the cost of it - it could have be done in a hotel in Belfast where you invite those 100-odd people and whatever is specific to their skills could be televised or just put on the computer. "There is absolutely no need for so many of them to go across. "This is precisely the type of thing that annoys the people in Northern Ireland." Belfast City Council is to consider a request to install a statue of a Homeless Jesus on a bench outside City Hall. Members of the council's People and Communities Committee will discuss the request for support for the bronze sculptures installation at a meeting on Tuesday evening. The purpose of the statue is to raise awareness of homelessness within Belfast. It was designed by Timothy Schmalz and depicts Jesus as a homeless man sleeping on a bench. At closer inspection, the figure can be identified as Jesus by the marks on his feet. The Homeless Jesus has been in existence worldwide since 2013 and can be seen in Madrid, Singapore, Dublin, and Glasgow, among other locations. One Homeless Jesus currently lies outside Centenary House on Victoria Street, which is run by the Salvation Army. In several cities, the statues have been funded by anonymous benefactors, local churches, homeless shelters and charities. There are currently plans in the works for a procession from Centenary House to the Morning Star Hostel on the Falls Road, which is run by the Legion of Mary association, to install a further Homeless Jesus statue. A date for this event has yet to be organised. Council's support is being sought for a procession from the Morning Star Hostel to City Hall in November during an annual event to highlight homelessness. It is envisaged the procession will end with the sculpture being placed on a bench outside City Hall. The procession would involve representatives from the four main churches as well as the Salvation Army. The People and Communities Committee will be asked to grant approval council officers to engage with the organisers and explore options in principle, with a further report to be brought back for consideration. The Homeless Jesus has not always be welcomed to cities across the UK. In 2016, an application to place the life-size bronze cast in front of a Methodist Hall in London was rejected on the grounds it would fail to maintain or improve (preserve or enhance) the character or appearance of the Westminster Abbey and Parliament Square conservation area. Former patients of a neurologist at the centre of a misdiagnosis scare in Belfast have launched a Facebook campaign in support of Dr Michael Watt and have called for his immediate re- instatement. Rhonda O'Neill (44), a mum of two from Magherafelt, is one of those involved in setting up the Facebook group, and says she is not alone in finding it difficult to watch what has happened over the last week. And she's asking all former patients who have experienced life saving treatment from Dr Watt to sign a letter of support and send it to the Belfast Health Trust so their voices can be heard. It states that signatories have "complete faith in his ability as my neurologist". "We all think Dr Watt has been treated abhorrently over this," said Ms O'Neill. "We all want to see him reinstated. He is a fantastically humble man and we all think the world of him." Her call was echoed by Belfast women Christine Lynch and Terri Mercer who started the Facebook page 'Voice in Support of Dr Watt' which already has over 100 members showing their support after only two days online. And Terri, whose daughter is also a patient of Dr Watt, says she and the other group members have serious concerns over why Dr Watt's name was released, as other doctors in similar health scares have remained anonymous. "As far as we're all concerned, we're all still patients of Dr Watt and we want that to continue. We had a doctor we could trust but that has been taken away from us," she said. "I had been wrongly diagnosed by a GP before over my illness but no one has said anything about that, so why has Dr Watt been hung out to dry?" Rhonda O'Neill has been a patient of Dr Watt for eight years. She said: "He was able to diagnose me with a very rare condition, autonomic neuropathy. It's extremely hard to diagnose and extremely hard to treat, but the care I've been given has been second to none. "But for the past year, since Dr Watt hasn't been working, I've had to go to London to receive the treatment I need. I've been over five times to see different specialists and each time there's been nothing but praise for Dr Watt and what he was doing for me. "It's hard to see a family man's career being ruined like this, and what we want as a group is to at least have our voice heard. There are plenty more people like me out there who have nothing but praise for Dr Watt and perhaps now they can have a platform for getting their message across." She added: "My condition damages nerves that help my organs function normally so it's very complicated and can lead to many other conditions over time. I dread to think where I would be today without him. He tried many different techniques and treatments and without him there for support I'm fearful of what the future holds for me. "I spent seven years sitting in waiting rooms to see Dr Watt and it was always full of people with debilitating illnesses. There are so many people he has helped during his career and I want them to come forward now and tell the world how they went in fearful and came out smiling. "A few of us who know each other through being treated by Dr Watt all felt we should at least try to do something. Many of us owe our lives to him, but we didn't know how to help him." Rhonda, who is getting ready for another trip to see a specialist at King's College London, added: "We'd love as many of Dr Watt's patients to join our Facebook support page as possible. "He deserves our support and to add to this we're asking former patients to print off a letter and send it to Dr Watt's line manager at The Royal Victoria Hospital, Dr Cathy Jack. It's available on our Facebook page." The missing man has been found (PA) Police have found missing Larne man Trevor Beggs following an appeal. Mr Beggs (45), from Larne, has been located by police and is safe and well. The UVF had two snipers firing on civilians during the Ballymurphy massacre in which 11 innocent Catholics were shot dead - and the name of the second man has now been revealed The UVF had two snipers firing on civilians during the Ballymurphy massacre in which 11 innocent Catholics were shot dead - and the name of the second man has now been revealed. On Friday, the terror gang named ex-soldier Tommy West, a trained marksman who died in 1980, as one of the gunmen involved in the August 1971 slaughter. The revelation came ahead of a fresh inquest into the killings due to begin in September. But the Sunday Life revealed yesterday that a second sniper was also firing on civilians, the majority of whom were shot by members of the Parachute Regiment from the Henry Taggart base. He was veteran loyalist Derek Menice, who died in 2010 after turning his back on the UVF and becoming a born-again Christian. The Steyr sniper rifles the pair used had been converted to fire 7.62 rounds - the same as those used in the Army's SLR rifles. That is why it was thought all of the casualties had been hit by bullets fired by paratroopers. It is further claimed that a Lee Enfield 303 rifle was in the possession of the UVF. It is understood at least two of these weapons were used by the UVF to shoot at civilians during the massacre. They are believed to have since been destroyed. West and Menice were operating from maisonettes in the loyalist Springmartin estate during the three-day massacre. UVF sources claim the gang fired into the Ballymurphy district in response to IRA gun attacks on the barracks. They say stray bullets from Provisional and Official IRA guns sometimes hit loyalist houses in Springmartin leading to retaliation. UVF sources believe there is a hidden agenda behind its sudden rush to tell all about the group's role in the Ballymurphy Massacre. One veteran said: "My belief is that they are trying to stall the inquest because of the embarrassment it will cause the British Government. "These inquests could lead to the Prime Minister being forced to apologise publicly to the families of the victims, like what happened with Bloody Sunday." A family were rescued by the Coastguard after getting trapped on rocks off the coast of Co Antrim. The family, which consisted of six people and a dog, had been exploring when they got trapped on rocks west of Portballintrae. After waiting three hours to see if the tide would go out, the group decided to ring the Belfast Coastguard for assistance. Teams from Coleraine, Ballycastle and the Coastguard Helicopter Rescue were sent to help just after 1.30am yesterday morning. The Coleraine Coastguard said the family had been forced to build a fire in an attempt to stay warm. It said: "The trapped party was quickly located by the Coastguard teams and their position was passed to the helicopter. "A winchman was lowered to assess the situation and extinguish the fire, before the helicopter carefully manoeuvred and landed on the outcrop. "All six plus the dog were then airlifted to the cliff top and given into the care of Coastguard personnel. "There were no injuries, though one of the party had got wet trying to wade unsuccessfully to safety at the start of the incident. "All were very thankful for Coastguard assistance and were taken home to recover from their ordeal." Alliance Party leader Naomi Long has paid tribute to Causeway Coast and Glens Councillor Barney Fitzpatrick, who has passed away. Mr Fitzpatrick died in hospital on Saturday. Born in west Belfast, he was first elected to the previous Coleraine Borough Council in 2006. It followed 40 years in the police, reaching the rank of chief superintendent and receiving the Queen's police medal for services to the public. Mr Fitzpatrick is survived by wife Theresa and four children. Mrs Long extended her deepest sympathies to his family circle on behalf of Alliance. "Barney served the local community all his life, first as a police officer and latterly as a local councillor. Even over recent months in failing health, he continued to faithfully and diligently undertake his public duties at the council," she said. "He was a man of deep religious faith, who believed passionately in reconciliation and in healing the divisions in our community. Always gracious and generous in his dealings with others, he will be greatly missed by us in the Alliance Party and by those with whom and for whom he worked on Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council." Chris McCaw, chair of Alliance's East Londonderry Association, said: "Barney was someone who lived the values of Alliance. He was born in west Belfast and served in the police for over 40 years. He was wounded in the line of duty and yet chose to work for a united community in Northern Ireland, to bring divided communities together," he said. SDLP MLA John Dallat said he had the privilege of knowing Mr Fitzpatrick both as a police officer and as a councillor. "On behalf of the party I extend our deepest sympathy to his wife and family at this very difficult time and wish to put on record his outstanding contribution to society in every role in life he contributed to," he said. The former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has opened up about his battle with cancer following his return to the Cabinet last week. James Brokenshire had a third of his right lung removed in January after a cancer diagnosis forced him to quit his demanding job on his 50th birthday. The non-smoker had only been in the job for 14 months when he coughed up blood while at Hillsborough Castle last September. "It came as a complete shock," he said. "I didn't know what to think - your heart starts pounding and you get a knot at the core of your stomach." His world was turned upside down when doctors told him he had lung cancer. The Bexley MP expressed gratitude to his wife Cathy who encouraged him to visit his GP which quickly led to a CT scan and a subsequent bronchoscopy on December 7 - the procedure involves having a camera inserted into the lungs. It was the same day the Prime Minister announced her big breakthrough in the first phase of Brexit talks. Mr Brokenshire described Theresa May's response when he told her the reason he wouldn't be available the day after her big announcement as "absolutely brilliant". "For goodness sake, you've got to put your health first," she told him. Not long afterwards doctors confirmed the devastating discovery of a tumour but Mr Brokenshire had to endure an anxious wait on the results of a biopsy. "There are lots of thoughts racing through your mind," he said. The growth was confirmed to be malignant shortly before the father-of-three went on a long-planned family holiday to Australia to visit relatives whom he concealed the illness from. However he did have a "hard conversation" with his three daughters. "You have to be honest, but try not to scare them," he told the Daily Mail. "By that stage I knew something was pretty seriously wrong. "You're looking to the future and thinking 'is there a future?" Despite receiving the good news that the cancer had been caught early enough for doctors to operate, Mr Brokenshire was forced to resign as Northern Ireland Secretary. However, the MP returned to the front benches in the Commons after being appointed minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government last Monday. Jonathan Powell (left), former Downing Street Chief of Staff and chief British negotiator on Northern Ireland and Gerry Adams, former leader of Sinn Fein, at the summit in Cambo-les-Bains to certify the end of the terrorist group ETA as an organisation A threesome from our past was pictured last week in France: Gerry Adams, Bertie Ahern and Jonathan Powell, once Tony Blair's Chief of Staff and now calling himself "Chief British negotiator in Northern Ireland, 1997-2007". The place was Cambo-les-Bains, in the Basque part of France, where terrorists on the run from Spain often took refuge. Think Dundalk. The occasion was a well-orchestrated statement from ETA saying it was packing up and the three amigos were among the self-styled mediators gathered to lecture the Spanish government on what it should do in response. You might have forgotten about ETA, since they haven't murdered anyone since 2010, but to refresh your memory, it is the acronym for Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (Basque Homeland and Liberty). Born in 1958, it began in opposition to the dictatorship of General Franco, but after his death in 1975, its response to the arrival of democracy was to up the killings. It had no more justification than the IRA ever had, so it was no surprise that they became buddies. According to official records, the group murdered 853 people between 1968 and 2010, injured more than 2,600, kidnapped 86 and intimidated countless more. The IRA was killing for a united Ireland and ETA wanted to break up Spain, but what they had in common was that they believed themselves entitled to use violence to gain political ends. What they also had in common was that they did no good and a great deal of harm. Jonathan Powell runs Inter Mediate, a charity that engages with armed conflicts all over the world. He loses no opportunity to remind the world at large of his role as a peace-maker in Northern Ireland, and shows no contrition for the amorality he brought to the table which led to such wrong and dangerous bribes as the On The Runs. Even Powell can't ignore that tough security measures destroyed ETA and its political arm, Batasuna, banned in 2003, but in a celebratory article in The Guardian he was at pains to insist that "the way to end armed conflicts" is dialogue, which "requires strong leadership, patience and a willingness to talk to your enemies". Adams banged the same peace-process drum and urged the French and Spanish governments to make concessions to ETA prisoners. ETA had, in Powell's words, "issued a statement in which it came as close to an apology to the victims of its violence, even if it was not enough to satisfy some of the victims". Some of those pesky victims were to be found last week in Spain, in San Sebastian, endorsing the Spanish government's commitment to continue pursuing the guilty. The ETA statement having been as weasel-worded as you might expect of a group that is advised by the likes of Adams, it elicited a crisp response from Consuelo Ordonez, whose brother was murdered by ETA, and who leads COVITE, a victims' collective. "The only decent sentence that the terrorists could have uttered", she said, "starts and ends with 'We should never have existed'". And the MEP Maite Pagazaurtundua, whose brother was another of their victims and who was driven out of the Basque Country after years of persecution, was similarly unimpressed. "The truth is that in [ETA's] plans for the future, they always had violence and lies. They have removed the violence, but not the lies." Among COVITE's demands was that ETA "condemns its history of terror, rejecting and delegitimising violence so that the upcoming generations in the Basque Country and Navarre will never again think of violence as a legitimate way to achieve political goals". And that there be "no more tributes to former terrorists". Remind you of home? Standing beside the COVITE victims were Kenny Donaldson and Ken Funston from SEFF, the South East Fermanagh Foundation, a victims' group which now operates throughout the British Isles. Noting that so many politicians and diplomats had consistently failed to empathise with "those who are the collateral damage of a sustained terrorist campaign", Donaldson called for the focus in the future to be on innocent victims. Don't expect the three amigos to agree with him. Ruth Dudley Edwards is the author of Aftermath: The Omagh Bombing and the Families' Pursuit of Justice New MP Orfhlaith Begley, Sinn Fein, centre, with party leaders Michelle ONeill, left, and Mary-Lou McDonald at the count centre in Omagh Leisure Centre, Co Tyrone Orfhlaith Begley, the new MP for West Tyrone, is the first woman ever elected to represent the constituency. Anyone who isn't aware of that fact yet really can't have been paying attention. Sinn Fein hasn't stopped going on about it since Thursday's by election, caused by the resignation of Barry McElduff after posing with a loaf of Kingsmill bread on his head on the anniversary of the IRA massacre of 10 Protestants in the Co Armagh village of the same name. One would think that Orfhlaith Begley had struck a decisive blow for women's rights, like Suffragette Emily Davison flinging herself under the king's horse at the Derby, rather than having taken the safest of safe seats for Sinn Fein, and that on a reduced majority too. West Tyrone has only existed as a constituency since 1997, when Begley was already in school, so it's not as if she's had to overcome centuries of patriarchal oppression to wrestle the seat from male hands. Nor, for that matter, did self-styled feminists in Sinn Fein ever get this excited when the DUP's Iris Robinson became the first female MP for Strangford, or Margaret Ritchie of the SDLP the first woman to represent South Down in 2010, or Alliance's Naomi Long overcame the then leader of the DUP, Peter Robinson, to sit in Westminster as the first female MP for East Belfast following in the footsteps of seven male incumbents since the constituency was recreated in 1922. Sinn Fein never got out the bunting for them, because it doesn't actually care about women being elected. It only cares about getting other republicans elected. Crowing about the composition of one particular candidate's chromosomes is just a sleight of hand to make its obedient voters feel all warm and righteous inside, like Michelle O'Neill describing herself, nauseatingly, as "a wee girl from Clonoe". Indeed, with all due respect to Begley, it would have been a greater achievement had she managed to lose West Tyrone. She went into the seat defending a 10,000 votes majority. Sinn Fein could have put a rosette on a tortoise in that constituency and still romped home. As shocks go, her win was right up there with Cyprus giving "douze points" to Greece at Eurovision. What's significant about Orfhlaith Begley is not that she's a woman, but that she's a 26-year-old solicitor. That's the story of republican politics in Northern Ireland in a nutshell. It's about the transformation of republicanism from a grass roots working class movement to a comfortable middle class career. Begley studied politics and law at Queens University in Belfast, and has worked since as a solicitor in Portadown. Not so long ago, this would have fitted the profile of people who were the backbone of the SDLP rather than Sinn Fein. Gradually the edges are being smoothed off the republican movement, making it a safe home for property-owning professionals. It's another example of how a generation of Catholics used education as a route out of second class citizenship into prosperity and influence. Never mind the IRA, it was good A-level results that brought about change. The same road is open to less privileged members of the Protestant community too, and taking it would have a far more advantageous benefit to unionism than tweeting racial insults at the Taoiseach. Of course, Begley's ascension to the big time is also a testament to the persistence of dynastic influence in Northern Irish politics. Her father, Sean, was a Sinn Fein councillor for 26 years, and one-time chairman, on Omagh District Council. These sorts of connections definitely help, and not only in Sinn Fein. Begley cannot be blamed for that. She's worked tirelessly in local politics, and probably didn't expect her chance at a seat to come so soon. It wouldn't have done had Barry McElduff managed to stop clowning about for five minutes. Whether it marks as much of a dynamic, forward-looking change as Sinn Fein wants people to believe is another matter. Begley is more of a blank slate than the older generation of republicans, whose experience was on the streets rather than the lecture halls at Queens; but the message hasn't changed, and having it now presented by young, attractive, personable candidates with no baggage simply makes it easier to sell an unacceptable creed, sanitising the IRA "war" in retrospect. Her pledge after being elected was that she wants to "reach out with an open hand in friendship to our unionist neighbours", saying: "I will work to seek resolutions rather than recrimination. I will work to build bridges." It's a pretty slogan. Whether it's anything more than empty rhetoric remains to be seen. The most famous shot of Begley at last week's election count was when the returning officer declared that she was duly elected as MP for the area. She was flanked for that announcement by two other women, party president Mary Lou McDonald and her deputy Michelle O'Neill, both of whom still robustly defend the reputation of a terrorist organisation which killed hundreds of people in the community to whom Begley now extends the hand of friendship. Mary Lou may have called Northern Ireland's second city by the contentious name of "Londonderry" recently, and that wasn't nothing. But in January she also attended a memorial service in Castlewellan, Co Down, to an IRA man who blew himself up with his own bomb whilst trying to murder members of the RUC in 1972. It was one of her first acts as Gerry Adams' anointed leader. For her part, Michelle O'Neill has made something of a habit of turning up at IRA commemorations, and, in her first online interview as Martin McGuinness' successor as Sinn Fein leader at Stormont, made mention only of the deaths which republicans had suffered, not those they had inflicted. Whilst not being wholly responsible by any means for the failure to get Stormont back up and running, both women have also played their part in putting up obstacles to the return of devolution. Words are lovely, but it's actions that ultimately matter. The outcome may never have been in doubt, but if there is one positive sign to take from last Thursday's by election, it's that Sinn Fein and the DUP - the parties which have frustrated the popular will to make power-sharing work - both saw a reduction in their vote, whilst the Ulster Unionists, Alliance, and, most notably, the SDLP's Daniel McCrossan, another twenty-something law graduate, all saw increased support. The bump in their numbers is a long way from being significant enough to revolutionise the overall grim picture, but tiny encouragements are sometimes the best that can be hoped for in Northern Ireland. OIC Secretary-General Yousef Al Othaimeen (second from left, front row), sits to the right of Bangladesh Foreign Minister A.H. Mahmud Ali during a meeting of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Dhaka, April 6, 2018. In an unusually forceful statement, the worlds top Islamic intergovernmental body condemned Myanmars military for targeting Rohingya Muslims in systematic ethnic cleansing, and called on member-states to mobilize to exert pressure on Naypyidaw over this. The Organization of Islamic Cooperations (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers also agreed to form a special committee to handle allegations of human rights violations carried out against Myanmars ethnic Rohingya minority, according to the so-called Dhaka Declaration issued at the end of a two-day meeting hosted by Bangladeshs government. We express deep concern over the recent systematic brutal acts perpetrated by security forces against the Rohingya Muslim Community in Myanmar that has reached the level of ethnic cleansing, which constitute a serious and blatant violation of international law, the 57-member OIC said Sunday in its declaration from the Bangladeshi capital that touched on a wide range of international issues affecting the Muslim world. Among alleged atrocities committed against Rohinyga people in Myanmars Rakhine state, the declaration pointed to the deliberate burning of Rohingya villages and places of worship that had helped drive hundreds of thousands of people across the border into Bangladesh. The declaration appeared to mark the first time that the OIC qualified the scale of alleged atrocities in Rakhine as ethnic cleansing. Months ago, at the height an unprecedented exodus of Rohingya refugees to Bangladesh, both the United Nations and United States had described the situation in Rakhine in those stark words. The OIC foreign ministers also praised host nation Bangladesh for having taken in about 1 million Rohingya refugees at its southeastern doorstep. Since late August 2017 alone, according to latest figures from the U.N., around 687,000 Rohingya crossed into Bangladesh as they fled a brutal military crackdown that followed attacks carried out on police and army outposts in Rakhine by Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army rebels. In a speech to the council on Sunday, OIC Secretary General Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen called for supporting Bangladesh in overcoming the critical stage of this unprecedented tragedy unfolding on its borders. We express our appreciation to the Member States who have taken immediate action and delivered humanitarian aid to the camps in Bangladesh and further call for more assistance from all the Member States to enable Bangladesh cope with the flow of forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar into its territories, the OIC declaration said. The OIC meeting in Dhaka took place after OIC delegates traveled to southeastern Coxs Bazar district on Friday to visit Kutupalong, the largest or refugee camps housing Rohingya in Bangladesh. International support sought In calling for strong International support to solve the cross-border humanitarian crisis, the declaration urged OIC states to stay engaged in U.N. efforts to address alleged rights violations that have taken place in Rakhine, and to support the full implementation of recommendations made last year by an advisory commission on Rakhine state headed by former U.N. chief Kofi Annan. Among other measures, the Annan Commission recommended that Myanmar finally grant citizenship to the stateless Rohingya minority. The OIC said its member states also agreed to set up an ad hoc ministerial committee to examine allegations of rights violations against the Rohingya. While they applauded the OICs stated intention to reach out to the Rohingya, some Bangladeshi analysts cast doubt Monday on whether the world body could effectively pressure Myanmar, a Buddhist-majority country, over the issue. OIC is not such an organization that can create pressure on Myanmar, but they can work with the U.N. and some other countries to raise a global voice on the Rohingya issue, Delwar Hossain, a professor of international relations at Dhaka University told BenarNews. A top OIC official, meanwhile, acknowledged that the Muslim worlds leading intergovernmental body had been slow to respond to the crisis affecting one of its most persecuted communities. The OIC regretted not responding immediately to the situation, the Al Jazeera news network quoted OIC Assistant Secretary-General Hesham Youseff as saying. We will [now] play a strong role along with Bangladesh, the United Nations and the international community, he said Sunday. Jesmin Papri in Dhaka contributed to this report. Indian soldiers celebrate while returning from a gunfight in Badigam, a village in Kashmirs Shopian district, where five suspected militants were killed, May 6, 2018. Authorities beefed up security in Indian Kashmir on Monday after 17 people were killed in gun battles and attacks over the weekend, including a university professor-turned suspected militant, and more than 100 were injured in protests. But the situation remained tense as at least a dozen anti-India protesters were injured in fresh street clashes on Monday in south Kashmirs Shopian district. A day earlier, five civilians and five suspected militants, including the professor, Mohammad Rafi Bhat, and a top Hizbul Mujahideen separatist, Saddam Padder, were killed during a counter-insurgency operation, officials said. Local media described Padder as a top recruiter for the militant organization. Meanwhile, clashes in the disputed Himalayan region left more than 100 anti-India protesters injured on Sunday, a day after three Lashkar-e-Toiba militants and a civilian were killed during a gunfight with security forces in Srinagar. Also on Saturday suspected militants shot and killed three civilians in north Kashmirs Bandipora and Sopore towns. The victims were suspected of working as informers for security forces, a police official told BenarNews on condition of anonymity. Internet service remained suspended across the region for a second day on Monday, leading authorities to order schools closed and to postpone university examinations indefinitely even as police played down the protests. Barring a few minor incidents of stone throwing Monday morning, the situation is under control in south Kashmir, Amit Kumar, deputy inspector general of police, told BenarNews. There will be further improvement in the situation in coming days. Security has been strengthened especially in sensitive areas of south Kashmir, including Shopian district, to maintain order. Police expect youths not to resort to violence and help maintain peace, he added. Separatists extended their shutdown call for Tuesday against what they described as extra-judicial killings at the hands of Indian security forces in the region, which has seen about 70,000 killed during an insurgency over the last three decades. Both India and arch rival Pakistan have contending territorial claims on Kashmir and have fought wars over it. On Monday, Mehbooba Mufti, the chief minister of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, urged parents to protect their children. I am shocked by yesterdays killings. I appeal to Kashmiri people and also to the rest of the country to save our children from losing their lives to violence, Mufti told reporters in Srinagar. God brought us into this world to live a good life and not throw away our lives to violence. Unfortunately stones and guns are in the hands of poor children. I appeal government of India too to play its role in saving lives of Kashmiri youths, she said. Professor contacted family Two days after he went missing from Kashmir University where he taught sociology for about 18 months, Bhat, 30, was declared dead along with four other suspected militants following a gunbattle in Shopian on Sunday. Family members said they did not know the professor who completed his doctorate in November 2017 had joined militants, and were shocked to get a phone call on Sunday morning. I may have hurt you, please forgive me. I am sorry I cannot see you ever as I am fighting a gun-battle and may meet Almighty God soon, Bhats brother, Imtiyaz Ahmad Bhat, quoted him as having said minutes before he died in the gun battle. He talked briefly to our father and to other family members including his wife by phone from the gun fight site seeking forgiveness before putting the phone down never to receive our calls again. Sometime later police asked us to go to the gunfight site to convince him to surrender but before we could have reached there, all five militants had attained martyrdom, he told BenarNews. On Friday, Bhat who was married three years ago, delivered what turned out to be his last lecture at the university. He was a great teacher and human being. He would give his best to the students and advise them to work hard and excel in studies, Masood Ahmad, a student at department of sociology told BenarNews. Police are trying to determine what led to Bhats radicalization. Our initial investigations suggest his two cousins were killed in the past and this may have motivated him to join the militants to avenge the killings, S.P. Vaid, Indian Kashmirs police chief, told BenarNews. Lt. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson (center), commander of the 3rd U.S. Marine Expeditionary Forces, and Northern Luzon commander Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat (left), unfurl a flag marking the joint military exercise dubbed Balikatan 34-2018, at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon city, Philippines, May 7, 2018. Allies the Philippines and the United Sates began annual joint military exercises Monday even as Manila opened diplomatic channels with China over Beijings reported installation of missile systems in the disputed South China Sea region. The joint maneuvers, called the Balikatan (shoulder to shoulder) Exercises, are aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two allies. Up to 8,000 Filipino and American forces are participating in the exercises, which focus on traditional and non-traditional security concerns including counter-terrorism, officials said. The two-week drills are to include an amphibious landing and live-fire exercises, as well as urban warfare drills in the north. Through this exercise, we hope to improve our counter-terrorism capabilities in order to build safer communities and work toward the eradication of global terror networks, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said. Lt. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson of the U.S. Pacific Command said the drills had been scheduled whether those missiles were there or not. There are constant things developing within the region but the exercise has long been planned, Nicholson said, adding that the activities in the war games were designed to enhance our cooperation and military responses. His counterpart, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat, the Philippine exercise director, said the drills would highlight cooperation between the militaries of the two nations in breaking last years five-month militant siege of Marawi, in which the U.S. military helped in intelligence gathering. We want our forces to learn from our great and hard-earned experience in our past battles like Marawi, Salamat said. Forces from Australia and Japan will participate in all major training events and Great Britain has been invited to observe training for the mitigation of post-disaster suffering, the U.S. military reported. Chinese missiles The exercises come on the heels of reports that China installed anti-ship cruise missile and surface-to-air missile systems on three islands in the Spratlys, a group of atolls and isles in the South China Sea. The mineral-rich region is also contested by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan. Philippine presidential spokesman Harry Roque said low-key diplomatic initiatives had started, even as he said the government was confident that no harm would come to the country amid a newfound friendship between China and the Philippines. We have to deal now with existing realities and what the president says is that were trying to do the best that we can under existing circumstances. We are exploring all diplomatic options, Roque said. Roque said that not publicizing the Philippines diplomatic stand on the issue, did not mean the government was not doing anything. His statement appears to be a move calculated at limiting damage caused by President Rodrigo Duterte, who on Friday sought to blame his predecessor, Benigno Aquino III, by saying that he had failed to confront China when it started its South China Sea buildup. But Aquinos government actually stood up to China and took Beijing to the Permanent Court of Arbitration. That court ruled in the Philippines favor in July 2016, when Duterte was already in office. So Aquino filed an arbitration case. We won. He was still there, Duterte had said from his hometown of southern Davao city on Friday. You won, Aquino was still there. Why did you not head there and call them out? Duterte never imposed the ruling on China and instead sought to repair damaged ties by travelling to Beijing in his first year in office. He has said that he would revisit the tribunal decision with Beijing before his six-year term ends, and said that China had also threatened the prospect of war in case he pressed the issue. On Monday, Roque again insisted that Duterte remained confident that China would not use the missiles on the Philippines assuming that the reports were true. He said the government had to verify first-hand the presence of the missile installations. We still do not have verification. I had a talk with the National Security Adviser and he told me that there is a technology that we need that we still dont have to be able to verify it for ourselves, Roque said. On Saturday, Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said the report was of a grave concern if found to be true. He stressed that diplomatic action was taking place behind closed doors among the Philippines, China and other claimants. Its not just between the Philippines and China; its between China and the neighbors in the region. Its between the claimants and the non-claimants, and its between the claimants and the non-regional players, he told reporters. He said the discussions were akin to neighborly talks. Of all the claimants, only the Philippines and Brunei had been pushing demilitarization of assets in the South China Sea. Asked to explain what diplomatic action the Philippines could take, Cayetano said it could take various forms including a note verbal or a direct telephone conversation between him and his Chinese counterpart. But we dont discuss details because thats the way diplomacy should be done, he said. Felipe Villamor in Manila, Karl Romano in northern Dagupan City, and Dennis Jay Santos in southern Davao City contributed to this report. People stand near boats used by Abu Sayyaf militants, according to the military, to enter the Ibananga River in Bohol province, the Philippines, April 11, 2017. At least 12 suspected militants were killed in clashes Monday between Philippine troops and a band of Abu Sayyaf gunmen holding four hostages, including two policewomen, the military said. The fighting began early Monday when a 70-member Abu Sayyaf force attacked soldiers from the 21st Infantry Battalion who were patrolling a remote village in Patikul, a town on southern Jolo island, said Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the local army commander. Sobejana said reports from the field indicated that a dozen Abu Sayyaf fighters were killed. They were buried by their comrades, he said, adding that seven soldiers were wounded, but were said to be out of danger. The clashes broke out after troops had launched a search-and-rescue operation against militants responsible for the April 29 abduction in the same area of two policewomen, Benierose Alvarez and Dinah Gumahad, and two civilians, identified as Jakosalem Ahamad Blas and Faizal Ahidji. Authorities said the kidnappers were demanding a ransom of five million pesos (U.S. $96,153) in exchange for the freedom of their captives, but the government said it rejected the demand. Last week, fighting on Jolo island left one Abu Sayyaf gunman dead and nine others in nearby Basilan island over the weekend. Basilan and Jolo, covered mostly by impenetrable jungle terrain, are bailiwicks of the Abu Sayyaf, a small band of militants on the U.S. governments list of foreign terrorist organizations responsible for kidnappings, beheadings and random bombings. One of its leaders, Isnilon Hapilon, had been appointed as the Islamic States leader in the region. He was killed late last year after leading a five-month siege that destroyed the southern city of Marawi and left at least 1,200 people mostly militants dead. Brig. Gen. Juvymax Uy, the military task force commander in Basilan, said the group of Abu Sayyaf leader Furuji Indama was the target of air and ground assaults in Basilan. Uy said Indamas group and another sub-leader named Radzmi had a combined force of around 40 followers. He said elite scout rangers were able to close in on the group of Indama for a 30-minute firefight. The Air Force provided air support to the scout rangers, Uy said, adding that they had recovered the remains of one of the nine dead rebels. In February 2017, Abu Sayyaf members beheaded German yachtsman Jurgen Kantner after his government failed to pay a ransom equivalent to $600,000. Two Canadian hostages suffered the same fate the previous year. The Abu Sayyaf also were blamed for bombing a passenger ferry on Manila Bay, leaving at least 100 dead in 2004, in the countrys worst terrorist attack. There is no historical depiction of what Fort Fair Lawn looked like in its heyday, but this modern rendering shows what the fort used to look like. Degree candidates at Bowling Green State Universitys commencement ceremonies May 4 and May 5 heard from alumni who have gone on to distinguished careers in business, writing and academia. The Bowling Green campus hosted three ceremonies, all in the Stroh Center. The 7 p.m. Friday event comprised the Graduate College and the colleges of Business and Health and Human Services. Giving the commencement address was John Gawaluck, who received a bachelors degree in business administration from BGSU in 1973. He recently retired from EY, formerly Ernst & Young, after 41 years. He is now a consultant/instructor for EYs manager-level technical accounting/auditing courses and is an adjunct graduate school accounting professor at Middle Tennessee State University. The 9 a.m. Saturday commencement for the colleges of Arts and Sciences and Musical Arts featured an address by Beth Macy, who earned a Bachelor of Science in journalism in 1986. She is the author of the Lukas Prize-winning Factory Man: How One Furniture Maker Battled Offshoring, Stayed Local and Helped Save an American Town. In 2016, she published Truevine: A Strange and Troubling Tale of Two Brothers in Jim Crow America. The colleges of Education and Human Development and Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering held commencement at 2 p.m. Saturday. Paula Whetsel-Ribeau, who earned a Bachelor of Science from BGSU in 1981 and a doctorate in education from BGSU in 2007, gave the commencement address. She is the associate provost for student engagement and success at Mount St. Marys University. BGSU Firelands commencement ceremony began at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Justin Harris, law director for the city of Sandusky, addressed the candidates. He received his Associate of Applied Science in 2000 and his Bachelor of Applied Health Science in 2001, both from BGSU. Caylie Shover 16, a candidate for a Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences, served as the student speaker. Of the total 2,341 degrees awarded this weekend, 666 were with honors. The Graduate College awarded 496 degrees, including 454 candidates for masters degrees and 42 for doctorates. Those graduating included 109 international students from 33 countries. With this commencement, BGSU presented one honorary degree. James Bailey, who had a distinguished career in the banking industry, was honored at the Arts and Sciences commencement with an honorary doctorate of humane letters. Bailey played a key role in marketing credit cards, introducing ATMs and developing other innovations part of todays cashless economy. By Amanda Pack To many, the sounds of cars driving down a street or wind rustling through the trees may be background noise. To Declan Wicks, these sounds can help define a city, and they have also helped to define his time as a student at Bowling Green State University through his honors project and time in the Stuart R. Givens Memorial Fellowship. Wicks, a Bowling Green native, is graduating with degrees in world music and international studies. Having previously studied trombone with Dr. William Mathis, now Dean of the College of Musical Arts, he was made aware of the World Music program offered at BGSU. Very few undergraduate programs are offered in World Music, also known as ethnomusicology, and in Wicks words, ethnomusicology explores the connections between culture, music and identity all around the world. After becoming a World Music major, following a year of studying music education, Wicks decided that he was interested in the humanities as well, which lead to the addition of the International Studies major. One of the requirements of the International Studies program is to complete a study abroad. This was not a problem for Wicks, as BGSUs strong study abroad program was one of the big attractions of the school. During his time as an undergraduate student, Wicks was able to study abroad twice. The first time Wicks studied abroad was the fall semester of 2016, where he traveled to the Netherlands to study at VU University Amsterdam. In deciding where to study, Wicks wanted a new experience that would tie in well to his majors. Within international studies, my main focus has been in sustainable development, he said. I want to look at how countries have opportunities to create futures and development for future generations. The Dutch education system allowed him to dive into his studies because there was more of a focus on open discussion in the classroom rather than the traditional busywork of education in the United States, according to Wicks. His next opportunity to travel the world came not long after his semester abroad, when he was awarded the Givens Fellowship. The two main things that exemplify the Givens Fellowship program is that you cannot use anything completed during the fellowship for class credit, and you need to be able to answer the question What would you do if you could do anything? he said. For his project, Wicks combined his international studies and world music majors into something more cohesive, influenced by his second language of Spanish. Wicks said that the Givens Fellowship pushes you to do something you would never be able to do while in Bowling Green, Ohio. For his project, Wicks looked at the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in northern Spain. He was introduced to this pilgrimage by his freshman roommate, and remained on his radar until the opportunity came with the help of Dr. Mary Natvig in the College of Musical Arts. Over the 500-mile-long trail, a big problem that has interfered with the experience is the soundscape that has been marred by traffic and pollution. A field of music studies is soundscape studies, which looks at the sound around us in the world and how it influences our lives. For Wicks project, he wanted to see how the sounds around the pilgrimage affects the identity of the trail. For reference, Wicks said that in 1980 about 2,000 individuals finished the trail, compared to in 2016 when about 200,000 individuals finished the trail. Finishing the trail means that one walked at least 100 miles, and individuals that finish the trail are from all over the world. With the increase of visitors over the past 40 years, how has the soundscape and acoustics of the trail changed? That is the question that Wicks sought to delve into during his program. Over the summer of 2017, Wicks spend a month and a half walking the Camino Frances, also known as the French Way, which is the most popular route for the ancient pilgrimage. It begins at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France, leading to Santiago de Compostela, running through major cities such as Pamplona, Logrono, Burgos and Leon. All along the route, Wicks collected sound samples in order to try and create the unique soundscape of the trail. For his final presentation at the end of the summer, he created a map with GPS coordinates of various sounds that he heard along the trail. The most ubiquitous sound I heard along the trail was car noise by a large factor, with birds being the next highest amount he said. Other factors that made up the sonic soundscape included factories along the trail, airplanes and other tourists. Back in Bowling Green, Wicks decided to tackle a similar task for his Honors Project. He wanted to take his mapping sounds theory, and apply it to the city of Bowling Green. With the help of advisers Dr. Sidra Lawrence and Dr. Clayton Risoti, Wicks worked to collect sound samples and compare them to census data of the city. In urban cities, with Bowling Green being an urban cluster, spaces seem to have been developed in specific ways based on institutional racism and class divide, Wicks said. Some questions that he looked at included why do students typically live on the side of town closest to I-75?; Why is the lower income area on the north side of town close to the airport?; and Is there a reason why four of five parks in Bowling Green on the west side of town? Wicks is very interested in seeing how music can serve as a form of development for communities, and the experience of the Givens Fellowship and Honors Project have served as a foundation into looking at this idea. After graduation, Wicks does not have any concrete plans. There is no set path that I want to follow, he said. I want to create my own path moving forward. James Bailey 67 was presented an honorary doctor of humane letters during Bowling Green State Universitys morning commencement May 5 at the Stroh Center. Bailey earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from BGSU and a Master of Science degree in mathematics from New York University. He had a distinguished career in the banking industry. He joined Citicorp where he spent many years of his career, notably as executive vice president responsible for managing Citibank's North American Consumer Bank, and helping to grow its credit card business from one million cards to more than 20 million cards. Bailey played a key role in marketing credit cards, introducing ATMs and developing other innovations that are part of today's cashless economy. He then joined U.S. Trust where he served as chief operating officer. He has been very involved in the global economy and led a team that made recommendations to the Bank of China as part of China's planning to enter the World Trade Organization. Bailey is deeply involved with the University. He has been a member of the Bowling Green State University Board of Trustees for the past six years, and he and his family have established the Bailey Endowed Professorship in Mathematics and endowed scholarships for students in the College of Arts and Sciences and in the College of Education and Human Development. Bailey long has had in interest in service to education and has been a member of the board of directors of the Student Loan Corporation, the Visiting Nurse Service of New York and the BGSU Foundation Board. He has also been instrumental in facilitating support for intercity schools in Bridgeport, Connecticut. By Julie Carle Writing about your life can be emotional. Watching your lifes story be told can be downright unnerving. For Brianna Smith, a film production major and creative writing minor from Dayton, Ohio, the process of writing and producing the 2017-18 studio experience film Family Ties was all that and more. She wrote the story after taking a screenwriting class where Professor Cynthia Baron encouraged her to write a piece that would be considered for the departments yearlong film project. The story wasnt exactly verbatim about her life, but the pieces that did come from her own experiences were raw, real and relatable. Family Ties, which premiered the week before her May 5 graduation from Bowling Green State University, tells the coming-of-age of a young African-American woman who struggles with deciding between her dream of college and family responsibilities. The authenticity of the film and the writing came from Smiths shared experience of losing her mother and pursuing a college degree in the arts, the same as the main character, Amber. Smiths story was the first-ever, student-written script chosen for the film departments studio film experience. Being the first woman, and specifically the first African-American woman, to have a story featured in the BGSU studio film experience was an important achievement. It meant her work was acknowledged, and that the voice of a female of color was heard and appreciated. I am so honored that Family Ties was selected, Smith said. That decision rewarded her writing abilities, boosted her confidence and affirmed her college and major choices were right. What took her off guard were the emotions that came flooding back. In fact, during the filming last fall, she became depressed and suicidal, unable to shake the feelings of despair. Watching the story unfold in front of heragainwas more than she could bear at the time. Like a post-traumatic stress reaction, Smith recalled when she was 14 years old and learned her mother had cancer. Within two months, she was gone, forever changing Smiths world. The person who was her most vocal cheerleader - supporting her writing and her art - was not there to get her through her high school years and all the decisions yet to be made. She was not there to praise the writings of a shy, fledgling writer whose words on paper communicated her feelings and ideas better than the spoken word. But her mothers and familys influences were strong. They provided a solid foundation that helped develop Smiths voice of authenticity and emotion in her writing. It was that authenticity which contributed to her screenplay being selected, said Thomas Castillo, assistant professor of theatre and film, and director of Family Ties. Like the films main character, her high school art and English teachers, who both were named Miss Weaver, and were namesakes for the films art teacher, encouraged Smith. Close friends, family and counseling helped Smith get beyond the sadness she experienced during the fall semester. The close-knit film department family supported her throughout the process, gave her space when she needed it, and included her in decisions about the direction of the film. As the film came together in the editing room, and the date for the world premiere neared, Smith's depression lifted. She accepted that writing this was almost therapeutic for me because a lot resurfaced from my past, she said. She realized I got to own my truth and be as transparent as I wanted to be. Putting her story on the big screen allowed her to be my most authentic self, unpolished, confident, strong, loud, flamboyant, she said. Retrospectively, she is proud of what she has accomplished, and hopeful that her voice represents a movement in the film industry that supports and promotes women, and women of color in leadership roles. She is writing for a web series and will continue writing, but also plans to work as a mentor in the City Year organization, teaching and mentoring children from economically challenged areas. Im really passionate about helping kids and being a mentor, she said, acknowledging she wouldnt have gone to college without the support of her mentors. I realize I have a purpose, she said. I can still focus on my writing, but also serve as a mentor and help children accomplish all they can. The bank aims is to help improve the quality of life in Asia while sharpening focus on infrastructure. Indias Economic Affairs Secretary, Subhash Chandra Garg, asks the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to invest in fintech and health startups, speaking at the ADB annual board meeting. The aim is to help improve the quality of life in Asia while sharpening focus on infrastructure lending by ensuring loan disbursals within a year of request. ADB, a multilateral lender, is aiming at creating Strategy 2030 with the aim to eradicate extreme poverty and to achieve sustainable growth in Asia and the Pacific. The bank is being urged to undertake a more direct attack on poverty, malnutrition illiteracy, and including digital illiteracy. For this, ADB needs to review its administrative processes for delivering its finance and services to help realise its vision. The bank also needs to take into consideration the number of poor people living in the country besides income inequality and geographical imbalances, for resource allocation. In addition, suggestions given included substantially expanding its private sector operations, especially equity financing and investment in new instruments of financing, like infrastructure investment trust. How Academic-Industry Synergy Assuages Rising Brain Disorders With an ageing population globally, the burden of neurological disorders is rapidly increasing, posing a challenge to the sustainability of health systems. The burden of neurological disorders such as stroke, headache disorders, epilepsy, Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, encephalitis, meningitis, traumatic brain injuries, among others, is also expected to increase in India due to the rapid demographic and epidemiological transition occurring in the country. To add to it, factors such as shortages in the neurology workforce, inadequate research funding, limited supply of drugs, and scarcity of basic healthcare amenities, are making the situation worse. Lets try to unearth the practicable solutions and innovations stemming from the industry and academia. Everyone has their own way of decorating their space: posters of your favourite band, books you like, pictures of the people most important to you. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 7/5/2018 (1249 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Everyone has their own way of decorating their space: posters of your favourite band, books you like, pictures of the people most important to you. As a high school student going from classroom to classroom all day, and as a daydreamer with a habit of not paying attention, Ive always taken notice of the things that teachers choose to decorate their walls with. My math teacher has a few math puns tacked on her corkboard, my history teacher has maps along the wall where I sit, and my English teacher has two huge shelves lined with books that students can borrow. Though recently, as I was staring at the walls instead of doing my work, I noticed something new my English teacher hung on her corkboard. A few completely normal looking pieces of paper and written on them were lists of banned books. Why are books banned? Do we not live in a country of free speech where we must risk being offensive if we ever want to see change? Martin Luther King Jr. was seen as offensive by many people that doesnt mean he was wrong or that he should have been censored because he was saying things certain people didnt want to hear. He spoke the truth about the discrimination and mistreatment of black people in America. It just wasnt the truth the majority wanted to hear. These books are no different. They are speaking the truth, even if its not pretty. If we ever want to gain knowledge or improve the world we live in, we have to be open to the unpleasant truth. Earlier in the year, my IB English class read a book that contained a lot of unpleasant truths about humanity. "Lord of the Flies" by Nobel prize-winning author William Golding contains subject matter thats allowance in school continues to be debated. This controversial book is about humankinds selfish and violent nature, which results in the death of multiple adolescent boys. The book is an uncomfortable reminder of not only what humans are capable of but the horrible crimes humans commit every day. So we turn our heads and look the other way, as if pretending that it doesnt exist will just make the problem go away. Subject matter that is considered too controversial for schools doesnt stop at violence or death. J.K. Rowlings famous Harry Potter series continues to be challenged because of its supernatural themes. Although these themes continue to be banned for religious reasons, however, the Holy Bible is also a book that many want out of school libraries. We can be so quick to reject something that goes against our beliefs that sometimes we forget to ask ourselves if were really that offended by the idea of other people following other principles than our own. We have a tendency to reject things that are outside our norm, which is probably why books that contain LGBT themes are the ones that are most often banned from our schools. A childrens book called "And Tango Makes Three" written by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson, and illustrated by Henry Cole, was ranked No. 4 for the most commonly challenged books in America based on data gathered by the American Library Association. Its an adorable, true story about two penguins from New Yorks Central Park Zoo that create a family together after the zookeeper gives them an egg to hatch. Its only found controversial because its about two male penguins instead of consisting of a nuclear family unit. However, it is a true story. We cant simply reject reality even if we dont particularly agree with it. When we reject these books, we also reject the problem and, in turn, reject any possible solution. We would prefer to live in an illusion that everything is OK or that its not a problem as long as its not my problem; we censor people who say things we dont agree with as to not break the illusion. In taking these books out of our school we deny our future generations knowledge and force them to live in this same illusion. I believe that the first place that these books should be is in schools. Youth deserve the ability to educate ourselves on any topic. The information we receive is not a decision for our parents, it is ours and ours alone. We live in a free country. We have a right to knowledge, even if it is offensive, controversial or goes against our own beliefs. By banning these books, all we do is deprive ourselves, and others, the right to knowledge and truth. Miranda Greer is a Grade 11 student at Ecole secondaire Neelin High School. By John Whelan Digital platforms are now the main drivers of international trade. Most of the global players are established in Ireland. They have been attracting the lions share of foreign direct investment into Ireland in recent years. Hence, when last month the World Trade Organisation (WTO) released its annual report on global trade, the ranking of Ireland as the seventh largest exporter of commercial services, came as no surprise. Of particular interest is the fact that in the year since the last ranking, Ireland has jumped over Japan, the third largest global economy, and India, the fifth largest as well as Singapore, the poster child of small economy growth achievers. The rapid climb in Irelands rankings can mainly be explained by the surge in data and information across digital platforms. These digital platforms are now the key enablers of international trade in goods and services. Think of logistics and the tracking of every parcel bought on-line, communications and the penchant for continuous mobile online contacts including media feeds or financial services such as e-payment, visa, master card or PayPal facilitating on line buying across the globe. Linked to this trend are the countries that these digital platform companies have decided to locate in. It may come as a surprise that the top six of the largest companies in the world are now services companies. A closer analysis shows that these companies are all platform companies Apple, Google (Alphabet), Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook and Alibaba. All have a strong presence in Ireland bar one Alibaba the Chinese-based corporation. These companies located in Ireland are not alone servicing business and consumer demand for goods and services in Ireland, they are also managing and controlling the delivery of these services in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. A good example of the reach of services from Ireland is the control centre at Apple in Cork, which manages the sale delivery process of all Apple phones and laptops manufactured in Asia and bought in the EU 27 countries as well as into Russia. The Cork centre controls all customs entry, Vat border payment requirements, as well as physical delivery track and tracing to individual homes or businesses. This combination of global growth in everything digital and the selection of Ireland as a key location have enabled the 19.6% growth in last years sales of export services of 151bn. There is no indication that the voracious demand for digital services will decline anytime soon. In fact there are many indicators that it is gaining more and more traction globally, despite the proposed US legislation to protect the privacy of users online data after Facebooks Mark Zuckerberg Senate hearing or the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation later this month across the EU. Retail e-commerce sales worldwide amounted to 1.9tn last year and are projected to rise to 4.1trn in 2021. This is only one section of the digital marketplace. The issue in Ireland is can we continue to support the existing digital platform companies located here? There are 46 data centres in Ireland, with the largest cluster southwest of Dublin, where Amazon and Microsoft among others have set up. The committed capital spend for the current year in building and extending data centres in Ireland is 1.1bn. bringing the cumulative spend to just under 6bn. Supporting more data centre builds would appear to be one of the keys to continued growth of digital for national and international businesses. However, the plans for Amazons new data centres in Mulhuddart and Tallaght were objected to by Allan Daly, the Co Galway-based engineer who was a key opponent of the planned 1bn Apple data centre in Athenry. And whereas Bord Pleanala rejected opposition to the Amazon project, there are concerns in the industry that the intervention by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to treat future data centre build projects as critical infrastructure may not be enough to keep meet the rising demand in a timely manner. This could push Ireland off the spearhead of digital expansion. John Whelan is an analyst in global trade. Mariana Mazzucato is making waves these days. The 49-year-old University of London economist has just published a new book, The Value of Everything, which calls for a rethink of public policy and a return to State investments of the sort that helped to spark great waves of innovation across the private sector in the years after the Second World War. She has also been advising the Scottish government on its plan to launch a new National Investment Bank, with almost 350m (396m) in initial public capital and the aim to pump a total of 2bn in strategic investments in innovative companies. Ms Mazzucato was born in Italy but spent much of her youth at Princeton, the Ivy League university where her father was employed as a nuclear scientist, befriending the maths genius, John Nash. Around the millennium, she completed a doctorate on technological change in the US auto industry. Her thinking has since been heavily influenced by the events of 2008. She came to dismiss the commonly held view that more lean, competitive economies would emerge from the wreckage of the crash. Her core idea is that it is the state that has through investments in projects such as the space programme and alternative energy which helped to foster innovations such as semi-conductors, and the internet. As Ms Mazzucato sees it, many of todays technology titans have scooped the pool, feeding off massive public investment while giving little back. As she told the Financial Times, three years ago, Government has invested in basis research, in applied research, in companies like Tesla, all the way downstream. Silicon Valley, Americas great tech hub, owes much to the work of DARPA, the Defence Allied Research Projects Agency, while the National Institute of Health helped to spark the rise of much of the US pharmaceutical industry, an industry which today cashes in heavily on the drugs it has patented. Sadly, the value of these taxpayer-funded investments have been captured by free-riding entrepreneurs. To add insult to injury, many of the nascent monopolists of Silicon Valley have proved all too adept at minimising their tax bills. Ireland has benefited from this international tax avoidance, but there are signs that we have reached peak arbitrage, with governments much more alert to lost corporate revenues. Mazzucato is strikingly dismissive of the idea of big business as intrepid risk takers, as lions who must not be caged by regulations or by levies. As she sees it, top managers the hired hands who run these businesses are obsessed with cutting costs and engineering share buybacks which please shareholders and fatten their own wallets. In the process, research and development is neglected leading to a loss of future growth in productivity. The private sector all too often is financialised and parasitic...The State should be doing far more to strike deals with the private sector players benefiting from publicly funded research, the US government should have negotiated a share of the upside from helping to invent Googles algorithm -- this would have financed an innovation fund to create the next round of Googles. In a recent interview with the Spectator magazine, she made the iconoclastic suggestion that we should also go back to the old fashioned tax system the top rate used to be 90%, thats always an option. However, she has also criticised the European Left for its focus on the extraction of wealth rather than on new forms of value creation. She contends that if the State can once again back innovative projects and this time round, succeed in capturing the benefits for the citizenry, there will not be the need for the heavy income taxation that characterised and arguably blighted economies in the 1960s and 1970s. All the evidence suggests that a resort to heavy levels of income taxation would only serve to hamper entrepreneurship while forcing wealth creators and much of their assets overseas. The task of extracting a fair contribution from the rich should not be shirked, but globalisation and the opening up of financial markets and the rise of new economic powers has made this an altogether more complicated activity. Ms Mazzucatos ideas now have greater traction than was the case a few years back when the Facebooks of this world appeared immune to criticism and most of us led by the likes of Barack Obama were pretty infatuated with the technology companies. Her ideas dovetail with those of other radical thinkers such as the French economist, Thomas Piketty who has highlighted the way disparities in global wealth have grown again since the 1980s. The big question mark over her grand idea that of the State as catalyst for innovation is arguably this: Do our public institutions have the inbuilt capacity in the form of dedicated managers to fulfil the transformative role envisaged? In the post-war years, across Europe, we were fortunate enough to have public officials with real energy and vision. These days, with so many of their would be successors being drawn to the fleshpots of a greatly expanded and far better rewarded private sector, one has to wonder how the necessary talent can be fostered and retained. Ms Mazzucato has laid out a beguiling vision, but perhaps it is a vision of a golden past in which people their attitudes forged by the communal experience of wartime dedicated their lives to the common good. Will it be possible to restore such a sense of communal purpose to a public sector which, in many areas, has been drained of purpose and deprived of a real innovative risk taking spirit ? Tourism Irelands largest ever mission to China launches today as representatives from 29 Irish enterprises take part in an effort to boost the number of Chinese visitors here. Tourism Ireland aims to attract 175,000 tourists from the country by 2025, which would be an 150% increase on 2017's figures. A new public awareness campaign on 'false self-employment' is being launched by the Government today. It is seen as a growing problem across a number of industry sectors in Ireland as workers who are self-employed may loose out on many entitlements available under employment legislation. Social media addiction is the "new crack cocaine" of the digital age, a leading digital expert has warned. Director of Digital Education at SMART NI Naomh McElhatton said that human relationships are under threat from excessive social media use and that Irish people need to educate themselves on using social media and digital devices in moderation. Vicky Phelan's daughter Amelia got to meet her "idol" Ed Sheeran after his gig in Cork's Pairc Ui Chaoimh last night. Ms Phelan posted a photo of her delighted daughter alongside the singing superstar on Twitter this morning and thanked Will Hanafin and Ray D'Arcy for making the secret meet and greet happen. The annual May Bank Holiday festival Riverfest was held in Limerick City over the weekend. Organisers and attendees couldn't have asked for better weather to enjoy the actives both on land and in the water as temperatures hit highs of up to 20C. Embattled wealth manager AMP has played down references in its board minutes released by the banking royal commission to exploring a deal with one of the worlds biggest insurers, China Life. The minutes of AMPs board meeting on October 16 last year detail the companys strategic review of some AMP assets known as Project Advance and include the dot point: proposed confidential discussions with China Life Group. AMP named director Mike Wilkins as interim executive chairman last week. Credit:Fairfax Media The minutes relating to the Project Advance presentation by chief financial officer Gordon Lefevre show the board discussed the status of discussions with interested parties and progress made in relation to verification to interested parties and due diligence processes. Details of AMPs divestment program comes after a horror few weeks at the royal commission where it emerged AMP had lied to the regulator and doctored an 'independent' expert report into its fees for no service scandal, leading to the company being recommended for criminal charges. Online lottery disrupter Lottoland has dramatically ramped up political lobbying efforts and is considering launching a fight in the High Court as the Turnbull government presses ahead with plans to banish "synthetic lottery" sites from Australia. Lottoland executives were in Canberra on Monday speaking with politicians ahead of a Senate debate scheduled this week over landmark legislation prohibiting sites like Lottoland, which let Australians bet on the outcomes of lotteries without buying a ticket in a draw. Lottoland CEO Luke Brill. Credit:Wolter Peeters "With 700,000 customers in Australia, we're going to continue to fight this," Lottoland chief executive Luke Brill said. "I'm ever the optimist, and we are still swinging, still punching ... but we are really up against it." The head of NSW's Catholic schools has called for changes to the "unfair" way NAPLAN results "are being turned into league tables", following Education Minister Rob Stokes' push for the test to be abolished entirely. "We urge policymakers to make changes to the way NAPLAN results are published to prevent their misuse," said Dallas McInerney, chief executive of Catholic Schools NSW, which oversees policy and finances for the state's 595 Catholic schools. "In this regard, we share the concerns of ... Rob Stokes that schools NAPLAN scores are being turned into league tables or used as marketing tools." Catholic Schools NSW has called for "changes to the way NAPLAN results are published to prevent their misuse". Credit:Justin McManus The comments come as students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 prepare to sit the annual reading, writing and numeracy tests next week. Everyone's favourite magician turned reality TV star has traded in his Bachelor in Paradise suit for a trip to the recording studio. Former Sophie Monk suitor Apollo Jackson has revealed he is releasing a debut single later this month. The news bolsters his already impressive performing arts resume, having worked as an escapologist and also as a stunt double on the set of Thor: Ragnarok. In a video uploaded to his Facebook account, the budding TV personality told fans he was excited to try something new. "As you know, the last few years of my life have been pretty crazy," he said. "One thing that's always kept me grounded is my music. So over the last few years I've been writing and making a lot of music, but haven't shared it with anyone until now." Amnesty International figures reveal that suicide is the cause of 57 per cent of deaths for pregnant women aged between 10 and 19 in that country . No wonder pro-choice demonstrators in Ireland chanted "pro-life thats a lie, you dont care if women die" at a recent march. Contrary to the idea that legal abortion is dangerous to women, every reputable study shows that it is making abortion illegal that puts womens lives at risk. In El Salvador, abortion is banned for any reason and in 2011 WHO estimated that 11 per cent of women having illegal abortions (the only kind that exist) in that country die. In their ability to quote nonsense as fact and trot out debunked or out-dated "studies" to support their arguments, these people rival the anti-vaxxers. Women are warned that abortion increases their chances of breast cancer wrong. They are told that it affects their chances of being able to have babies later on also wrong. And that it can lead to something they have portentously named "post abortion syndrome". All sorts of scaremongering is used by opponents of a womans right to control her own body. No doubt many women who hear the anti-abortion scaremongering roll their eyes. After all, if between a quarter and a third of Australian women get an abortion in their lifetime, and there was any truth to such claims, surely we would have seen some signs of these problems increasing exponentially? If post-abortion syndrome actually existed presumably it would be in plague proportions by now and impossible to ignore. I have had an abortion and never suffered any emotional response beyond relief that the pregnancy I had not wanted was no more. It is the unwanted pregnancy that mostly causes the stress, not the ending of it. I am not claiming that no women ever regrets having a termination. I am sure some of them do just as we regret all sorts of decisions in our lives that were made for what seemed like the right reasons at the time. But thats not a "syndrome". Thats life. After my abortion, the result of a failure of contraception, I went on to have two much wanted daughters at a time in my life when I was better placed emotionally, financially and in terms of maturity - to care for them properly. If Id had that earlier child, Id never have had my daughters, so how could I possibly regret the decision I made? I regret the torn condom, that is all. Nevertheless, there has been a recent ramping up of the long-running abortion wars. Here in Australia I think it is because there are moves afoot by female politicians in both NSW and Queensland, the two states where abortion remains on the Crimes Act, to change the laws. For one fleeting but horrific moment, Canberra father Lachlan Wilson thought his entire family had been killed when they were involved in a car accident on the Majura Parkway last week. Their borrowed Toyota Kluger was rear-ended on the Majura Parkway about 7.30pm on Sunday, April 29, near the Costco/Ikea turnoff. Banks family Lachlan Wilson (obscured) and Cassandra Weller and their daughters, Paityn, Millicent and Annabelle, on their way to Sydney, before the crash His former partner Cassandra, mother of the children, said: "We spun around and the airbags went off and the kids and I were knocked out and Lachlan just looked over and thought we were all dead". ACT Policing confirmed a man in another vehicle had been arrested and put before the ACT Magistrates Court for drink driving. The matter remained under investigation with further charges expected to be made. The Berejiklian government rejected the advice of two independent reports in approving the planning proposal for two Macquarie Group towers at Martin Place. An artist's impression of Macquarie's proposed northern tower at Martin Place. Credit:Macquarie Group The reports one by the Independent Planning Commission, another commissioned by the Department of Planning and Environment argued a proposed Macquarie Group tower on the south of Martin Place be set further back from the public square. But the Department of Planning last week approved the planning proposals, after receiving advice from the Government Architect, Peter Poulet, in favour of allowing the towers closer to Martin Place. This approval drew the ire of City of Sydney Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, who said the decision overturned a quarter-century policy of requiring new towers to sit at least 25 metres from Martin Place. Brisbanes lord mayor Graham Quirk has admitted the $944 million Brisbane Metro would have been temporarily shelved if the federal government had not committed to a significant funding boost. Cr Quirk said it was "great news" that $300 million would be allocated to the transport project in Tuesdays federal budget. The latest design image for Brisbane Metro. Credit:Brisbane City Council We needed to get a commitment. If we didnt get that commitment this year then it [the metro] would have simply have had to go on ice for a year, or we would have had to look at some other arrangements, he said. But I dont believe that it would have gone ahead. The childhood friend of a woman killed by a crocodile in far north Queensland has recalled the horrific moment her friend was ripped from her arms. Cairns woman Leeann Mitchell was on Thornton Beach one May night in 2016 with her best friend Cindy Waldron, who had flown up for a weekend getaway, to celebrate the end of her cancer treatment. Childhood friends Cindy Waldron and Leeann Mitchell, who tried to save her. Credit:Facebook Ms Mitchell said they had been running around on the beach like little girls again when the pair, who met in high school, ended up on the water's edge. It was really dark, Cindy's back was to the water, and mine was to the beach and we were laughing, Ms Mitchell told Seven Networks Sunday Night program. A man has been arrested after he allegedly stole a vehicle, rammed a police car and crashed down an embankment at Mt Coot-tha early Tuesday morning. The car, reported by 7 News as a silver Audi, was spotted by police travelling along Mt Coot-tha Road about 4.20am. A police vehicle was rammed at Mt Coot-tha on Tuesday. Credit:Bianca Stone/Twitter The car was allegedly rammed into a police car before it crashed down an embankment near Lovers Lane about 5am, police said. Streets in Toowong and along Mt Coot-tha Road were blocked as a dog squad was called in to find the driver, 7 News reported. A woman accused of hiding her twin girls from their father for four years understands the trouble she's in but wants to salvage her relationship with them, a Brisbane court has heard. The 45-year-old, who can't be named for legal reasons, will remain in custody until later this month after being refused bail in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday. Twin girls from Townsville who went missing four years ago have been found safe and well. The girls, then aged 7, were allegedly taken into hiding by their mother on April 4, 2014. Credit:AAP/Supplied The woman is accused of taking her seven-year-old daughters from Townsville in 2014, following the collapse of her marriage and around the time she was declared bankrupt. Police finally found her on Friday, living with her daughters, now 11, in the regional NSW town of Taree. Claims of bullying from the bench will be a focus of the biggest-ever survey into the health and wellbeing of Victorian barristers. The survey comes after the revelation that a barrister had lodged a formal bullying complaint against a County Court judge. The complaint was ultimately dismissed, but it indicates the level of concern in a profession already under stress from an increasing number of cases, ever-changing legislation and intense media scrutiny. Two Victorian magistrates have taken their lives in the past year and another has been stood down over harassment allegations. Last week's Victorian budget funded 18 more magistrates to help ease workloads, amid a package of measures to ease pressure in the system. The federal government decision to contribute one third of the cost of Brisbane City Council's $944 million Brisbane Metro has reopened the door to decade-old plans to get extra buses to Brisbane's eastern suburbs. In 2007, the $1.3 billion Eastern Busway project was designed by the then-Bligh government to build a network of busways from the University of Queensland in St Lucia out to Capalaba over 20 years. Buses on the Eastern Busway at Woolloongabba. Credit:Michelle Smith Two sections of Ms Bligh's busway were built by 2011 to Coorparoo. The final part of the busway was to connect Capalaba and had been set to be built from 2020 to 2026. The council has planned two routes for the first stage of Brisbane Metro along 21 kilometres of existing busways. Queensland Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad is hoping money for Cross River Rail might be in Tuesday night's federal budget. But the prospect is not looking good, with federal Urban Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher saying the project is already fully funded by the state government. Queensland Treasurer Jackie Trad is hoping for Cross River Rail funding in the federal budget. Credit:AAP Image/ Dave Hunt "The Queensland state government's position has been that Cross River Rail is fully funded," Mr Fletcher told ABC Radio Brisbane. However, Ms Trad said the Queensland government had to fully fund the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail, announced in last year's state budget, because the Turnbull government had "remained stubbornly opposed to giving Queensland a fair share". Prison authorities have provided extra gym equipment and headphones to inmates to cope with overcrowding in jails, which can spark violence. It comes as figures reveal thousands of Queensland prisoners are doubling-up in cells designed for one inmate, and assaults on guards have skyrocketed. Queensland's prison population has increased by more than 50 per cent since January 2012. Queensland Corrective Services has revealed the extent of overcrowding in the state's prisons, in a submission to a crime watchdog investigation into corruption risks in jails. The state's prison population has increased by more than 50 per cent since January 2012, while more than 3890 prisoners were sharing accommodation designed for just one prisoner in March. Companies that exploit workers by not paying them enough will soon be under the microscope in Queensland. At a Labour Day rally on Monday, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced she would launch a parliamentary inquiry into allegations of wage theft. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced a parliamentary inquiry into wage theft during a Labour Day march on Monday. Credit:Darren England/AAP "This is a really big issue, something that's dear to me," she said. "Thirty years ago, I worked at Expo and the workers there were being ripped off, not being paid for their fair wages." Washington: Britain's ambassador to the US said his country believes it's possible to address US President Donald Trump's concerns about the Iran nuclear deal in time to prevent him from pulling out of the agreement. Kim Darroch said on Sunday Britain has ideas for dealing with those concerns. They include Iran's ballistic missile program and its involvement in Mid-East conflicts, issues that aren't part of the international agreement. Trump also objects to the accord's sunset clause, which allows Iran to resume part of its nuclear program after 2025. US President Donald Trump has described the Iran deal as 'disastrous' and 'horrible'. Credit:AP "We think that we can find some language, produce some action that meets the president's concerns," Darroch said. Washington: Boris Johnson appealed again to Donald Trump not to back out of the Iran nuclear deal on Monday in the most direct way he knew how - appearing on Fox and Friends, the US president's news show of choice. The Foreign Secretary is on a two-day trip to Washington to meet with senior Trump administration officials in an attempt to persuade the president to re-certify the deal before a May 12 deadline. UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson Credit:Bloomberg Trump said on Twitter that he will be announcing his decision on the Iran deal from the White House, at 2pm on Tuesday. (4am AEST on Wednesday). Johnson began by saying the US president was "right to see flaws" in the current deal, saying "he's set a very reasonable challenge to the world". More women are running for governor in the US this year than ever before, spurred by a Democratic backlash against President Donald Trump and a whopping 18 states that are on the November ballot but have no incumbent in the race. With some state filing deadlines still ahead, as many as 77 women are expected to run in almost all of the 36 states with a governor's race this year, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. That would be more than double the record of 34 female candidates in 1994. "You're seeing a tremendous amount of candidates emerging on the Democratic side, fuelled by anger at Trump's victory," says campaign tracker Kyle Kondik. Credit:Bloomberg After all the votes are in, it's possible the number of female governors will meet or exceed the record of nine serving at once, which occurred in 2004 and 2007, said Jennifer Duffy, who tracks gubernatorial elections for the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. All four of the incumbent female governors up for re-election this year in Alabama, Iowa, Oregon and Rhode Island are favored to win. Retiring New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez, a Republican, is widely expected to be replaced by another woman, Democratic US Representative Michelle Lujan Grisham. Asked whether American voters viewed women candidates differently given Ardern's win, Clinton said she had "thought about that a lot". "I think it's hard for women and men but I think there are special challenges for a woman and we just have to keep doing it until we finally break through and elect a woman." As for juggling motherhood and running the country, Clinton said Ardern would be making the same trade-offs as many women. "If you are balancing family and work, there are always trade-offs. It doesn't matter what you're doing and how supportive your family may be to your outside work, it's always a trade-off,", Clinton said. "I remember times really being torn when I was a young mother and practising lawyer, and I was supposed to be in court at 9 o'clock and my daughter woke up sick. That's just part of the balancing act." The pair also exchanged gifts - a copy of Clinton's book, and a Buzzy Bee toy, which she had been assured was what "every little Kiwi infant needs", Clinton said. 'Don't let him get away with anything' In the wide-ranging interview, Clinton also said it was crucial that the Democratic Party find a candidate who could "crack the code" and beat Donald Trump's "reality TV" style of presidency. But she believed Trump could be beaten. "I mean I'm not going to run. But we now know a lot more about the kind of campaign he runs and the kind of candidate he is." Clinton says a way to defeat Trump is to not "let him get away with anything." Credit:AP The problem for her campaign, according to Clinton, was that nobody had ever seen a "reality TV candidate" like Trump before. "The media didn't know how to cover him. It was like they were watching a car wreck or train wreck all the time they couldn't take their eyes away, they didn't know what to make of it," Clinton said. "And his insults and his scapegoating and his horrible comments about people with disabilities and Latin Americans and immigrants and everybody - it was just so hard to understand. So the press didn't do the job it should have, I didn't do the job I should have, I think people were really almost mesmerised by this display. "Now we've seen it we understand it. So whoever runs will be much better prepared than I was or the country was for dealing with what we saw." Asked if she had worked out how to beat him, Clinton responded: "You don't let him get away with anything." "People say 'she didn't talk about jobs'. I talked more about jobs than anybody running.I talked about everything that I thought would make a positive difference in Americans' lives," "But boy it's hard to get on the news when he would be calling me a name, or making an insult, or doing something that was so unusual. "Honestly the things he says. there was going to be an infrastructure programme, there's no infrastructure programme. He was going to be on the side of hard struggling working people middle class families, which we should be - but he gives everything to the top one per cent. It's such a disparate reality to what he ran on. Now he'll have a record so he can't just spout things off. He'll be held accountable." A lot would hinge on the the mid-term elections, where Democrats are hoping to seize back control of the legislative chambers. "If for whatever reason we don't (do well) - and boy I hope that's not the outcome - then we're going to have to figure out who can crack the code, how to talk about the reality of our lives, not the reality TV made up life and politics." Wisr Limited has announced a $25million wholesale funding agreement with Bendigo and Adelaide Bank. The agreement will see Bendigo and Adelaide Bank provide a facility to fund existing and future loans and increase Wisrs consumer loan book capacity, as well as improve the opportunity for revenue generation and operational performance. Bendigo and Adelaide Bank is Australias fifth-largest retail bank and a top ASX-60 listed company. It has a range of operations in consumer and business financial solutions, third-party banking and wealth services and agribusiness. Wisr provides a platform to facilitate loans between funder investors and consumer borrowers. Anthony Nantes, CEO at Wisr said, The agreement with Bendigo and Adelaide Bank further diversifies our funding mix and enhances the ability to support our immediate and long-term growth trajectory as opportunities to expand our partnership emerge. Wisr continues to deliver innovative technology solutions that provides investors with access to an outstanding asset class. We are excited to complete this agreement with a company which has the history, knowledge and capability of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, as we continue to grow and target more opportunities within the $100billion consumer finance market in Australia. The Bendigo and Adelaide Bank facility to fund consumer loans originated and serviced by the Wisr platform will become fully operational in the coming weeks. Related stories: Sign up for our PoliticsNY newsletter for the latest coverage and to stay informed about the 2021 elections in your district and across NYC Mayor DeBlasio must release the names and service records of the cops who gunned down a black man with a reported history of mental illness whom they mistook as armed with a gun, along with full footage of the incident, demanded the mans mother and other protesters amid a rally at the scene of the April shooting. Its unconscionable that a month after NYPD officers murdered our son, Mayor DeBlasio is still refusing to provide basic transparency that can help ensure accountability for his killing, Lorna Vassell said at the May 2 demonstration, roughly one month after police shot her son dead on April 4. These are not the actions of a city government committed to the truth instead it seems like public officials and the NYPD trying to hide something. The crowd gathered at Utica Avenue and Montgomery Street, where four officers fired 10 shots at the 34-year-old Vassell when responding to 911 calls from passersby who reported the man brandished what appeared to be a pistol but cops later discovered to be a metal pipe at pedestrians. The next day, after the New York State attorney general opened an investigation into the shooting, authorities released edited transcripts of the 911 calls along with clips of surveillance videos that showed Vassell, who his father said was bipolar, pointing the pipe like a gun at bystanders. But the Police Department has yet to share unedited footage and transcripts, according to another protestor, who argued the material that has been revealed should be considered nothing but propaganda until it is shared in its entirety. This is classic victim blaming, said Anthonine Pierre, the director of a Bedford-Stuyvesantbased group of community organizers, the Brooklyn Movement Center. What we know is four officers came out of nowhere and started firing, we need to see what actually happened and the public needs a sense of what actually went on. A Police Department spokeswoman, however, claimed protocol prevents officials from identifying officers involved in shootings, and that authorities shared all appropriate footage and transcripts related to the ongoing matter. The NYPD released all relevant video and transcripts of the three 911 calls, said Detective Sophia Mason. An investigation remains underway and more information will be released when and if it is appropriate. Reach reporter Colin Mixson at cmixs on@cn gloca l.com or by calling (718) 260-4505. The largest-ever deal in India's booming e-commerce space is in its final leg. Flipkart, country's biggest e-talier, has bought back over 1.8 million shares worth more than $350 million from minority investors, clearing the decks before its sale to Walmart. The share buyback will help Flipkart convert itself into a private company under Singapore law, paving way for Walmart to buy around 70 per cent stake from a single entity rather than multiple parties. However, this may not be enough to escape taxes in India. Even though both the acquiring and the selling companies are based outside India, the acquisition of Flipkart Pvt Ltd, which is registered in Singapore, may still attract tax liability and the purchaser will have to deduct tax amount while making the payment to existing investors. According to a report in The Indian Express, there could be a tax liability given that a substantial value in the target company (Flipkart) is derived from India. "The indirect transfer or Vodafone provisions are now clear. As per Section 9(1) of The Income Tax Act if the value of the Indian assets is more than 50 per cent of the global assets, the shares will be deemed as Indian shares and gains if any will be liable to tax in India," Abhishek Goenka, partner & leader, corporate & international tax at PwC told the newspaper. The Flipkart-Walmart deal could see the issue of retrospective taxation rearing its head once again. In February 2007, Britain's Vodafone had shelled out $11 billion for a 67 per cent stake in Hutchison Essar. The holding company for Hutchison Essar was registered in Cayman Islands. Seven months after starting its India operations, Vodafone was held liable for capital gains tax on the Hutch Essar deal and taxmen demanded Rs 11,000 crore. The matter went to court and the Supreme Court in January 2012 ruled in Vodafone's favour, saying it was not liable to pay any tax over the acquisition of assets in India from the Hong Kong-based Hutchison. Not to be outdone, the government amended the Income Tax Act in 2012 to be able to retrospectively tax any transfer of shares between two non-resident entities that results in indirect transfer of assets in India. Under Section 9 (1)(i) of the Income Tax Act, all income accruing or arising, whether directly or indirectly, through or from any business connection in India, or through or from any property in India, or through or from any asset or source of income in India or through the transfer of a capital asset situated in India" shall be deemed to accrue or arise in India and will therefore be liable for tax. If the Flipkart-Walmart deal goes through and a tax incidence on sale is invoked on the purchaser by Indian tax authorities, then the whole point of startups getting registered abroad but operating in India is likely to raise many questions. Also, Flipkart's largest shareholder, SoftBank, may be considering ways to sell its stake in online retailer Flipkart without attracting a huge tax liability. SoftBank owns more than 20 per cent stake in e-tailer. According to a report in Mint, SoftBank may retain all of its stake for at least one year more to avoid paying a large tax. The Japanese internet conglomerate is likely to decide on its stake sale over the next week after consulting with tax experts, the report said. Wedding bells are ringing in Mukesh Ambani's family. First Akash Ambani got engaged and now his twin sister Isha Ambani is set to tie the knot. Anand Piramal, son of business tycoon Ajay Piramal, proposed to Isha Ambani at a temple in Mahabaleshwar, according to multiple reports. The couple followed that up with a lunch with their parents, Nita and Mukesh Ambani, and Swati and Ajay Piramal. Their siblings and grandparents also joined them to celebrate the occasion. Photos of the couple have gone viral on social networking websites. On Sunday morning, a pre-engagement event took place at the Mahabaleshwar farmhouse of the Piramals, where family members, relatives and close friends of the Ambanis and the Piramals were present, sources said. The couple also visited Siddhivinayak temple to seek blessings and were accompanied by Isha's parents, brother Anant and Anand's father. The date and venue of engagement for Isha and Anand is yet to be confirmed. As per the plan, the siblings Akash and Isha are both getting married in December this year. However, the dates have still not been disclosed by the Ambani family. Anand Piramal is an alumnus of Harvard Business School, from where he pursued his graduation. After that he went in for two start-ups. The first was Piramal eSwasthya, a healthcare start-up in rural Rajasthan, which he merged into the family business to convert into Piramal Swasthya, a private primary healthcare initiative that treats 40,000 patients a day. His second venture was Piramal Realty, a real estate startup. Both these businesses have grown in a big way. According to sources, Mukesh Ambani guided Anand into entering these businesses and become an entrepreneur, instead of becoming a consultant. Anand is also an Executive Director of the Piramal Group, a global business conglomerate. He was previously, the youngest president of Indian Merchants' Chamber (IMC) - Youth Wing. Anand Piramal was honoured with the Real Estate Unicorn of the Year 2017 award by Hurun India this year. He was also awarded Young Business Leader of the Year by Hello! magazine. Isha Ambani, on the other hand handles Reliance Jio with her brothers Akash and Anant. In 2016, she launched AJIO, which is an online fashion retailer. Isha is on the board of Reliance Jio and Reliance Retail and is widely credited for instilling a culture of youthful dynamism in the business. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and South Asian Studies from Yale University and will be completing her Master in Business Administration Programme from the Graduate School of Business, Stanford by June. Anand and Isha have been long-time friends and both their families share a strong bond of friendship for over four decades. In March this year, Mukesh Ambani's son Akash Ambani also got engaged to Shloka Mehta, daughter of diamond merchant Russell Mehta. An Air India pilot has been arrested after he was accused of allegedly molesting a fellow air hostess. The hostess alleged that the pilot molested her on board the Ahmedabad-Mumbai flight on May 4. As mentioned in a report in PTI, a scuffle broke out between the complainant and the accused on board the flight on Friday. Following the incident, the hostess filed a complaint at Sahar police station in Mumbai. "Based on her complaint, we have registered a case against the pilot under section 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of the IPC", the official said, adding that further investigation is underway. According to agency reports, Air India declined to comment on the matter as investigation was underway. "Since the matter is under investigation, we cannot make any comment. We will extend all co-operation to facilitate the process of investigation," said the airline in a statement. The hostess complained to Air India officials as well. An investigation by the airline is underway too. Last year in November, Kerala police registered a case against an Air India Express pilot who was accused by a female flight attendant of sexually harassing her. She told a television channel that she had to face constant sexual advances from the pilot and had resigned due to that. (With agency inputs) The Meteorological Department has warned of thunderstorms accompanied with squall, hail and heavy rains that are likely to hit at least 13 states and two union territories on Monday. The department has issued weather forecast for next five days - May 7 to May 12. According to the forecast, thunderstorm accompanied with squall will hit isolated places over Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi. Following the forecast, the Haryana government has decided to shut all government and private schools on May 7- 8. In a statement on weather forecast for next five days, the department said: "Maximum temperatures very likely to remain in the range of 40-44 degree celsius over Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Interior Maharashtra and over some parts of Telangana, Rayalaseema and interior Odisha during next 3 days and no significant change in maximum temperatures over rest of the country during the same period." It further warns of thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds at isolated places over West Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, interior Karnataka and Kerala. Heavy rain very likely at isolated places over Assam, Meghalaya and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura. Dust storm very likely at isolated places over Rajasthan and heat wave conditions likely at one or two pockets over Vidarbha, the department said. On the weather outlook between May 12 to May 14, the Meteorological Department said that widespread rain and thundershowers with isolated heavy falls were likely over northeast India. "Isolated to scattered rain/thundershowers activity likely over western Himalayan region, east India and south peninsula. Dry weather likely over remaining parts of the country," it added. Last week, the Home Ministry informed that as many as 124 people lost their lives due to thunderstorms and lightning in five states. The highest 73 people were killed in Uttar Pradesh, 35 killed in Rajasthan, eight in Telangana, six in Uttarakhand and two in Punjab. On Sunday, seven persons were injured and about 200 houses collapsed in a storm in West Bengal. The storm with a speed of about 90 to 100 km per hour lashed places such as Ranaghat, Hanskhali and Krishnagar. Two persons were killed and as many injured after being struck by lightning in Jharkhand's Saraikela-Kharswan district. Technology firm Vakrangee was trading lower in morning trade today after a news report that auditing major Price Waterhouse has quit audit mandate of the firm, flagging concerns to the corporate affairs ministry about the books of accounts, mainly related to its bullion and jewellery business, even as the company denied any irregularities. At 10:07 am, the stock was trading 4.96% or 4.25 points lower at 81.50, a fresh 52-week low on BSE. The stock closed at the same level today. Meanwhile, the firm issued a clarification regarding the resignation of the auditor and said, "This is with respect to news articles in newspapers yesterday and today dated 6 & 7 May 2018. The Company would like to clarify that Price Waterhouse & Co Chartered Accountants LLP (PWC) resignation is an old event dated 28th April 2018 whereby company has already provided the update on the same on the stock exchanges. Post the event, on May 5, 2018, the company has already appointed M/s A P Sanzgiri & Co, Chartered Accountants, as the New Statutory Auditor." On the concerns over books of accounts, the firm said, "The management would like to assure that the Company's financial statements present the true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the company. The company is fully compliant with the Ind-AS accounting standards. PWC had satisfactorily done the limited review for the period till 31st December 2017. Fourth quarter Audit had yet to begin." The Vakrangee stock opened at 81.50 against the previous closing of 85.75 level. The stock has been losing for the last 10 days and is down 40% in the period. Currently, the stock has only sellers and no bidders. The stock is down 80.64% since the beginning of this year and fallen 53.30% during the last one year. On January 24, 2018, the stock touched its 52 week high of 515.40 on BSE. Its market capitalisation stood at Rs 8,629 crore. Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is also probing the firm, which had earlier probed some other entities having traded in Vakrangee shares, about alleged disclosure and corporate governance lapses, regulatory and government officials said. Vakrangee issued a clarification on probe by Sebi on allegations of price volume manipulation in the stock and said, "The Company would like to highlight that we have not received any communication either from Stock Exchanges or Security Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The rumours of involvement of Company in price and volume manipulation are completely baseless and factually incorrect." There were no comments from PwC, which resigned as the statutory auditor of Vakrangee before completing even a year of auditing assignment with the company. Incorporated in 1990, Vakrangee calls itself a "unique technology driven company focused on building India's largest network of last-mile retail outlets to deliver real-time banking, insurance, e-governance, e-commerce and logistics services to the unserved and under-served rural, semi-urban and urban markets". For its retail outlets called 'Vakrangee Kendra' and billed as the 'One-stop shop' to avail various services and products, the company had earlier talked to some big jewellers and banks but many of those couldn't fructify. The company had acquired some shares in PC Jewellers also, which they are believed to have sold already and a proposed tie-up between the two could not be concluded, sources aware of the developments said. PC Jewellers also didn't reply to queries in this regard. Vakrangee had earlier announced ambitious plans to setup and manage a total of 75,000 'Vakrangee Kendra' outlets across India by 2020 and covering the presence in all postal codes of the country. Price Waterhouse was appointed by Vakrangee in September last year. It has reviewed the company's financials till December quarter but the problem cropped up when the auditor started working on the full year accounts and found problems with the company's "election books as well as bullion and jewellery businesses", government and regulatory officials said. Price Waterhouse has now written to the corporate affairs ministry, expressing its concerns about the company's businesses. Moreover, the accountancy firm informed the ministry that it did not receive any reasonable assurance from Vakrangee, whether its financial statements were free from material misstatements, whether due to fraud or error, officials said. Before writing to the ministry, the auditing firm had sought information from Vakrangee's management and audit committee about these businesses on several occasions in March but did not receive satisfactory reply. In fact, the reply were "inadequate or contradicting". This was one of the prime reasons cited by Price Waterhouse for quitting the company. The absence of "adequate and relevant information and explanations regarding the company's election books, bullion and jewellery businesses," by the firm made Price Waterhouse to withdraw from the audit engagements. However, Vakrangee has informed the stock exchanges that it has provided all the information with respect to business and affairs of the company to the auditor and the audit committee and "the financial statements present the true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the company". In February this year, Sebi had imposed a fine of Rs 9.5 lakh on Abhirati Trading for shareholding disclosure lapses in the matter of Vakrangee. The regulator upon suspicion of violation of various provisions had conducted an investigation into the shares of Vakrangee. At that time, Vakrangee had claimed in a press release that it has received clean chit from Sebi in the matter. The regulatory officials, however, asserted that the company remains under the scanner for possible lapses from the past, while the concerns flagged by PwC are also being looked into now. (With PTI inputs) In November 2017, US-based food and agriculture major Cargill pledged to invest $240 million in India to promote agriculture and food processing industries and create 1,300 additional jobs. In just six months, the company has already made some headway in this direction, says Peter Van Deursen, the Chief Executive Officer of Cargill Asia Pacific. In a chat with Business Today, Deursen and Cargill's India chairman Siraj Chaudhry, give a detailed account of the company's India plans, and how the $109.7 billion transnational corporation sees the increasing protectionist trends in global trade. Here are the excerpts. BT: You had signed a memorandum of understanding with the food processing ministry to make investments in India. Any progress? Deursen: We are taking steps to invest $240 million in three to five years. We have already spent $15 million for a fish feed mill in Vijayawada, invested $18.3 million in a bio-industrial manufacturing plant (which produces Envirotemp FR3 fluid, a renewable, bio-based natural ester dielectric coolant for use in distribution and power class transformers) in Maharashtra. A Corn silos plant is coming up in Davangere in Karnataka. This bulk storage facility with a capacity of 60,000 metric tonnes will need an investment of approximately $10 million. Chaudhry: We are creating jobs outside this $240 million investment plan also. The employee strength of our business service centres in Gurgaon (near Delhi) and Bangalore have, in the last four years, gone up from 600 to 2300. It will be 3000 soon. These centres handle the backend services for Cargill's operations around the globe. BT: Given your global size, isn't your India operations and investment plans too small? What are your growth plans for the country? Deursen: Let me begin with what Cargill wants to be in the world. We have a strategic intent to be a global leader, nourishing the world in a sustainable manner. It's very aspirational. Since 60 per cent of the world population is in the Asian region, you need to be successful in India (and other Asian countries) to live up to this strategic intent. We have been in India for quite some time, but we were relatively small, so we are building up our business in India through investments. Chaudhry: We are actually a portfolio company, dealing with agriculture, food, animal nutrition, services, trading..., it's a whole range. So for us, it's finding the right mix. We had an interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of World Food India, we have been party to discussions with the government, whether it is food processing industry, finance ministry or agricultural ministry. We are working with state governments on improving their power situation, and many of them are adopting our model industrial products. So somewhere or the other, we bring technology enhancement. BT: What has been your growth, in terms of revenues? Chaudhry: We don't typically focus on top line as we are a collection of businesses and our top line is impacted by the commodity prices. But I would say we have been in the range of anywhere between Rs 7500 crore to Rs 10,000 crore. Deursen: India is an emerging country for our businesses and we are building our market share here. We want to be a leader in every sector that we are operating in. Chaudhry: We are a top three player in most of the segments we are operating. There is domestic competition. Edible oils for instance. But that is to be expected. Across the region, local players are getting stronger. It adds to our challenge, but the advantage we bring in is the global knowledge, understanding, technology. BT: How do you see the agri-policies and promises of the Central Government? Chaudhry: The policy changes proposed by the government talk about increasing farmer income, educating farmer to understand the market better and opening up the markets to the farmer. These are all areas where we can contribute to make a difference. We are present in animal nutrition, aquaculture, dairy farming, poultry not just as suppliers, but also as providers of best practices. Because, it is not only about feeding the animals or the birds, it is also how you keep them. And a lot of that has to do with farmer education. While we are selling products, we are going to the farmers to help them do things. BT: Can you double farmers' income through higher minimum support price (MSP) for all crops? Chaudhry: It's a fine balance that needs to be maintained. We need the farmers' income to increase, but increasing the price is not the only solution for it. It is about bringing the risk in agriculture down, and increasing the productivity. It can be done through a combination of factors, which is efficient agriculture practices, technology in agriculture, and ensuring free market access to the farmers. All these should combine to achieve the objectives of doubling farmers' income. BT: As a global commodity player how do you see US President Trump's protectionist posture? Deursen: Statistics prove that free trade benefits the growth of the company, the growth of the country also. It can address the question of how to feed the growing global population. We are a champion and proponent of free trade. If you look at the dispute between US and China, for a US company, China is the second largest food market in the world. If they cannot sell their produce in China it will impact them. As a commodity trader, these kinds of developments create lot of volatility options in the short term, but in the long term, it is detrimental for global economy. BT: What could be the impact of a China US trade war? Deursen: If you see Trump announcing tariffs on steel and preparing for more, and China's reaction of already making a pre-emptive list, not implemented yet, it is detrimental for the global trade. Because if you look at the soyabean exports, China is the second biggest market for US farmers and any disruption here will have a big impact on US farmers and eventually, there will be retaliation. We do have substantial soyabean supplies to China, but we do it from US and South America. So you will see the trade flow changing. It is not disastrous for us in the short term because we can manage the volatility of the trade by sourcing it from Brazil and Argentina. But then the prices in US will go down and prices in China will go up and it will impact growth. So our statement is that any trade war loses. Global trade can only benefit global companies as wherever there are excesses and shortages, you can trade freely and you bring efficiencies in the global trade flow. StoreKing is one of India's largest rural e-commerce companies with revenues of Rs 1,200 crore in FY 18. Larger e-commerce marketplaces such as Amazon piggyback on this company to reach rural markets, where both demand generation and delivery is an uphill task. Sridhar Gundaiah, Co-Founder and CEO, Storeking, recently spoke to Business Today's Goutam Das on the growing Bharat market for e-tailers. What is driving e-commerce in rural India? What has changed in the last four-five years is smart phones and DTH. People are getting to know about new products and services using television and communication. Now they are getting used to ordering online without having to touch and feel. They wouldn't have done this a while back. Because of DTH, they know when a new product is launched. The other aspect driving rural commerce is the transition from joint to nuclear families - every single house is replicating everything they need multiple number of times, the refrigerators, fans, televisions. There are different definitions of what constitutes a 'rural e-commerce' firm. Would you say you are an 'assisted e-commerce' company? We are a technology-enabled distribution platform. We don't call ourself assisted e-commerce. For us, the retailer is the bridge. The consumer walks into a retail store but he could only purchase what was currently available. We empowered the retailers with tablet and kiosks. We latched on to a concept of trust. In a small village, every single retailer knows you by name. He knows when a new child will be born, your birthday. The personalisation factor is deeply knitted. What models of payments are working? From 2012 till date, we are 100 per cent pre-paid. Consumers pay the full money to the retailer. While others (larger e-commerce platforms) say they disrupted cash on delivery, COD doesn't work here. Its a prepaid model here. Walk in to a kirana and buy mobile phone. You pay and wait for the delivery. The kirana is the trustworthy guy. Once the customer pays, the retailer collects the money. He maintains a float with StoreKing, which is debited. We ship the product to the retailer. We handle logistics, payments, and order management. Big data crunching is changing how we shop online and what pops up when we open an e-commerce app. Has data started playing a role while selling to Bharat? We have a lot of analytics. We can predict what products a kirana should stock. Kiranas only used to stock what they feel is necessary, not what the consumer needs. They didn't have the data. Now, we give the retailer an opportunity to sell every single variety of a shampoo, which you don't have to stock. Also read: E-commerce Goes Rural 07 May 2018, 1:50 PM Paytm, Flipkart effect! E-commerce market sees M&A deals worth $2.1 bn in 2017 According to data from Grant Thornton, India's e-commerce industry inked as much as 2.1 billion dollars worth of merger and acquisition transactions in 2017. The e-commerce industry saw 21 deals worth 2,112 million dollars in 2017 with participation from players like Paytm and Flipkart. However, number of transactions and value was lower compared to 2016 which witnessed deals worth 2,224 million dollars in 18 transactions. The data showed that six transactions worth USD 226 million were seen in the January-April 2018 period. The industry is expected to witness it's largest-ever deal in 2018. If the Walmart-Flipkart deal goes through, it would be the largest so far in the Indian e-tailing market that is forecast to grow to 200 billion US Dollars by 2026 according to a Morgan Stanley estimate. IMD issues thunderstorm, heavy rain warning in 13 states today The Meteorological Department has warned of thunderstorms accompanied with squall, hail and heavy rains that are likely to hit at least 13 states and two union territories on Monday. The department has issued weather forecast for next five days - May 7 to May 12. According to the forecast, thunderstorm accompanied with squall will hit isolated places over Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi. Following the forecast, the Haryana government has decided to shut all government and private schools on May. Manipal-TPG revises its bid for Fortis, offers to invest Rs 2,100 crore Fortis Healthcare Limited or FHL informed in a filing to BSE that it has received a revised offer from Manipal and TPG. In the new offer, Manipal-TPG has valued Fortis at Rs 8,358 crores and shown interest to invest Rs 2,100 crore into Fortis at a share price of Rs 160. Earlier, Manipal-TPG had valued FHL at Rs 6,322 crore. Manipal-TPG in its revised offer said that the FHL group has short term liquidity concerns and needs funding for repayment of existing loans and payments. I-T Dept questions ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar's husband Deepak Kochhar in Videocon loan case The Income-Tax Department has questioned ICICI Bank CEO and MD Chanda Kochhar's husband Deepak Kochhar as part of its investigation into the Videocon loan case, The Indian Express today reported, citing sources. According to the report, the I-T Dept is probing investments by two Mauritius-based entities in Kochhar's NuPower Renewables Private Ltd a few weeks before ICICI Bank gave a loan of Rs 3,250 crore to the Videocon Group in 2012. Kochhar was questioned for a few hours on May 4. ED refuses to share details of Nirav Modi & Mehul Choksi's seized assets The Enforcement Directorate has refused to disclose under the RTI Act the assets of Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi seized during its probe into the over $2 billion scam in the Punjab National Bank. However, it had earlier made public on Twitter that assets worth Rs 7,664 crore had been attached in connection with the cases involving the uncle-nephew duo of Modi and Choksi. Big wilful defaulters owe Punjab National Bank Rs 15,172 crore Big wilful defaulters owed Rs 15,171.91 crore in loans to Punjab National Bank at the end of March this year. The data from the bank relates to those wilful defaulters who have taken loans of Rs 25 lakh and above but did not repay despite the ability to do so. The liability on such defaulters rose by 1.8 per cent from Rs 14,904.65 crore in February. The public sector lender has been putting out the names of wilful defaulters and firms since June 2017. 07 May 2018, 10:31 PM Instagram Payments rolled out to few users in US and UK Instagram might soon enable purchases from within the application. Their parent company, Facebook is consistently incorporating payment and advertising methods in their products to build an ideal platform to reach consumers; Instagram has taken the next step in this direction. According to a report from TechCrunch, Instagram has added a native payments feature within its application. Using this feature, an Instagram subscriber can pay for various services/products from within the application. For now, the feature is only available to select users in US and UK and only a few partners can access it. Advertisements on WhatsApp Facebook's other properties, like WhatsApp, have also enabled peer to peer transactions. WhatsApp's co-founder Jan Koum quit his position after what seemed to be an ideological conflict between the parent company Facebook and WhatsApp. With WhatsApp losing its advocate for bloat-free and advertisement-free user experience, the company is expected to introduce advertisements on the platform. The app boasts around 2 billion active users across the globe. Since Facebook acquired WhatsApp for a whopping $19 billion in 2014, it was unclear how the company planned to recover the massive investment. Facebook vice president of messaging products, David Marcus told CNBC on Tuesday that the company was more open to advertisements with WhatsApp. Flipkart Announces Big Shopping Day Sale Flipkart announced that Big Shopping Days sale will begin on May 13 and will go on till May 16. The four-day Flipkart sale will offer huge discounts on smartphones, tablets, laptops and other gadgets along with clothing, accessories, home decor etc. Flipkart has shared various price cuts and discounts with the highlight being the Google Pixel 2 and Google Pixel 2 XL. These will see massive price drops of up to Rs 15,000. Microsoft Build 2018 to begin on May 7 Microsoft Build 2018, a developer conference arranged by Microsoft will begin on May 7. The company will be focusing on cloud computing, artificial intelligence and mixed reality. Microsoft Build is followed by Facebook's F8 Developer Conference. Steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal on Sunday said he would be surprised if ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steelmaker, will not be eligible to participate in the bid for Essar Steel. ArcelorMittal and Numetal are the two bidders in the race to acquire debt-laden Essar Steel, currently undergoing insolvency proceedings as it owes more than Rs 45,000 crore to over 30 banks. "Ultimately, I would be surprised if we are not eligible to participate in the bid for Essar Steel. ArcelorMIttal is the world's leading steel company. We are financially strong, we are ready to invest and bring our technology and our products and processes to India," Lakshmi N Mittal, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, ArcelorMittal told PTI. The Committee of Creditors (CoC) on May 2 had met representatives of ArcelorMittal and Numetal regarding their eligibility for Essar Steel and a decision is awaited. Mittal, who has been trying to get a foothold in India for over a decade, said: "India is important to us. Of course for me personally I would like us to have a presence here in my home country". But moreover, he asserted, "India is a strategic growth market and if you look at steel industry growth then the majority of growth in the coming years is going to come from the developing economies and that includes India". Emphasising that under the present circumstances, India being a growth market, Mittal said "there is a strong strategic rationale for the company to establish a presence here". Asked whether they would be open to organic, inorganic growth in India, Mittal in an email interview said: "At the moment we are focussed on Essar". ArcelorMittal, last week, had said that "a swift decision" on the case will be in the best interest of all stakeholders. Unable to register its presence in India for more than a decade, the worlds largest steel maker is eyeing entry in Indian steel market, which it believes has high growth potential, through Essar acquisition. It has said that ArcelorMittal would be the most credible owner of Essar Steel and the company viewed the acquisition as a compelling opportunity for it to enter the Indian steel market. The company has plans to increase Essar Steel?s output in long term to 15-20 million tonne per annum (MTPA) from the current about 6 MTPA. The steel firm also said that if its bid is successful it would help India bridge its supply-demand gap and make a significant contribution to the Make-in-India initiative. ArcelorMittal had bid for Essar Steel on 12 February. ArcelorMittal has been trying for long to enter India but could not get any success so far. Over a decade back, it had announced to set up two plants - 12 million tonnes each in Jharkhand and Odisha. ArcelorMittal is the worlds leading steel and mining company with a presence in 60 countries and an industrial footprint in 18 countries. It is a leading supplier of steel in major global markets. In 2017, ArcelorMittal had revenues of USD 68.7 billion and crude steel production of 93.1 million tonnes, while its own iron ore production reached 57.4 MT. It is listed on the stock exchanges of New York, Amsterdam, Paris, Luxembourg and Spain. news, latest-news Buried under a hill in Canberra, our politicians forget what it is they are supposed to do, declares a recent editorial in a national paper. Although now widely popular to deride our politicians, does it really help to emphasise the low esteem in which they are held by housing them underground? Disparagement of our politicians may be an amusing pastime but, in all honesty, dont we want a nation in which our politicians hold some community respect? Politicians who can be looked up to not looked down on. For how much longer can Canberra keep ignoring the buried under a hill type jibes? On Annabel Crabbs popular television program, Kitchen Cabinet, the prime minister Malcolm Turnbull said he is not a fan of the design of the Parliament House building. Calling it an example of how a buildings architecture can work against its function he claimed that the building was badly designed, being too big with no collision space for colleagues of all political colours to bump into each other and debate important issues. The object should be to bring people together to meet and hopefully compromise and agree and discussthats what youre trying to do, theoretically. I think the design of the building definitely contributes to the fact that there are less cross-party friendships than there were in the old parliament he said. Could the less cross-party friendships and fewer opportunities for inter-party socialising have lead to the present continual sniping between the major parties sniping which drove Nick Xenophon mad? Queen Elizabeth II opened Australias new Parliament House on May 9, 1988. The 30th anniversary of the opening of Parliament House is an opportunity to review how well the design has served our parliament, and our nation, and suggest a way forward. The notion of politicians contributing to a common national purpose appears lost. Instead, a new type of political culture seems to have evolved: insular, self-entitled and inwardly-focused. James Button, speech writer for Kevin Rudd, in his book Speechless, described the then Australian prime ministers office as a bunker at the rear of the building in which 50 people worked, sometimes two or three to a tiny office, with almost no natural light and remote from other arms of government. Barry Jones, in his book A Thinking Reed, wrote: New Parliament Housemaximises the separation between the Executive and the backbench, between the Representatives and the Senators, between the individual Members and the centres of collective activity. The corridors, which (in Old Parliament House) used to be full of activity, are now deserted.the building is enormous. Paul Keating lamented walking the floors of the new Parliament House and not feeling like you were part of anything. Comcare reports for Parliament House that parliamentary officials get work-related sicknesses and injuries at more than four times the average rate of similar sized departments. (The Canberra Times, March 20, 2015, p7). An interesting comparison with the home of the Australian parliament could be seen in the 2015 television program Inside the Commons, screened here on ABC, in which British politicians and their parliamentary staff were seen to be enthusiastic, motivated and enjoying their work environment. Let us step back to an earlier Canberra of the 1970s. Capital Hill was once one of the most beautiful hilltops in Canberra. Delightful views were to be found in all directions with extensive vistas towards the surrounding countryside and distant mountains. Walter Burley Griffins design for the national capital envisaged a peoples building here. A building for popular assembly and festivity. A building which would celebrate the achievements of the Australian people. When the National Library, High Court and National Gallery were designed in the 1960s and early 1970s, the yet to be new Parliament House was to have been located on the lake edge, between the Library and the High Court. The architect for the National Library, Walter Bunning, a rational modernist, produced a conservative design for the library, a design approved by the then prime minister Robert Menzies, so as not to compete with the anticipated adjacent parliament house. A vast underground car park, landscaped over and known as the National Place was to have been built between the library and the gallery (in this far-sighted scheme, car parking spaces in the parliamentary triangle would have been abundant). The entry doors to the National Library, High Court and National Gallery (and later the National Portrait Gallery) are all at the same level, allowing for level entry to these institutions from the never realised National Place. When the political aspiration for a new and permanent parliament house gained true momentum, sometime in the 1970s, the need to finalise a site for the new parliament building raised the interest of the federal politicians, a group not usually concerned with matters of architecture or urban design. But, since the new house was to be for them, they felt the nation could benefit from their input. As with all devotional buildings, the higher the setting the closer to God, and the beautiful site of Capital Hill was chosen in 1974 to be the location for their new home. With the site selected, a comprehensive architectural brief was drawn up and an international design competition held. The appropriate design for a large building on top of a hill exercised the minds of many architects. Of the hundreds of schemes submitted, the winner (chosen with the support of the American architect and jury member, I. M. Pei, and ratified by the then prime minister, Malcolm Fraser) was one of the few, if not the only, scheme to go underground. We are all now familiar with the building which resulted. A consequence of the subterranean design was that all natural vegetation, ancient surface geological features and the hill itself were completely removed. The building does not touch the earth lightly. Excavation to prepare the site moved more than one million cubic metres of soil and rock of which 170,000 cubic metres were permanently removed from the site. The resulting building focuses most of its attention inwards, to artificially manicured courtyards, instead of outwards to an Australia beyond parliament. Artificial landscape is no substitute for the natural beauty once there. It is rare for a nationally important building to create a work environment so inward looking, so emotionally isolated, and so self-centred. The decision to bury parliament in the hill meant the beautiful views once available from the elevated site were no longer available and that nothing, except the flag-mast, can be looked up to. To be looked up to is one of the Gestalt principles of positive perception whereas to be looked down on or walked over will never amount to greatness. As Winston Churchill observed, We shape our buildings and afterwards they shape us. Malcolm Fraser, the prime minister who gave the governments go-ahead to construction of the winning design, ceremoniously poured the first concrete to commence construction in 1981. Later, after nine years as the new home of parliament, he claimed that approving construction of the new Parliament House was his one very serious mistake (The Canberra Times, August 1, 1997, p6). As an unplaced entrant in the 1979 architectural competition for the new Parliament House, I have followed the buildings evolution with interest. Study of the detailed brief, and imagining how best to resolve a design for this hill-top site, nurtured an ongoing appreciation of the issues involved. I am not saying that my design, nor the designs of the four finalists in the two stage architectural competition, are better than what resulted but it is worth considering how the work environment of the selected design may not be conducive to the best outcomes. After 30 years of use, now is an appropriate time to review the buildings performance. Australia has a long and proud history of representative democracy. In return we should ask if the nation has provided our politicians, and their staff, with an uplifting and favourable work environment? Observations from those with firsthand experience of working in the building, as noted in the opening paragraphs, suggest otherwise. Such observations are heartfelt and on the public record. They cannot be ignored. Perhaps now is the time to start thinking of a new parliament house, a parliament house that welcomes its occupants, is more uplifting and a delight to work in (yes, some buildings can achieve this) a building conducive to collective, open and outward looking government. Perhaps this new parliament house could be located down by the lake, between the Library and the High Court with prospect, outlook and vistas to an Australia beyond parliament. Our new parliament house could be timed to celebrate the eventual and inevitable day when Australia does become a Republic. In that future time, when the politicians move to their new home, the current parliament house could become, as Griffin intended for the Capital Hill site, a true house of the people. The building already abounds with fine examples of excellent Australian art and craftsmanship making it a fitting start for adding further exhibits in celebration of the achievements of all Australians. The previous provisional Parliament House, constructed in 1927, has been elegantly adapted to become the popular Museum of Australian Democracy. The current Parliament House could equally adapt to its new use as a house of the people. The public may even be able to enter the building through its magnificent front doors doors currently reserved only for visiting foreign dignitaries. Furthermore, with the security imperative gone, the public would be able to once again ramble up over the grassed roof as used to happen in the buildings more care-free early days. Penleigh Boyd is a registered architect who has lived and worked in Canberra since 1976. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/366a9156-f275-4ea4-ae6a-81f5a8167935/r0_118_2000_1248_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, latest-news More than 70 people have lodged objections to the proposed redistribution of the ACT's federal electorates, with almost all submissions opposing naming the new electorate Bean. Labor MP Mike Kelly was among those who objected to an electorate being named after Charles Bean, referring to his efforts to prevent the promotion of Sir John Monash in the Australian army. "While contributing greatly to the preservation of our national story Bean had a clear record of racism throughout his life and most particularly was stridently anti-semitic," Dr Kelly wrote. "This anti-semitism played out most notably through the enormous amount of energy he committed to attempting to prevent Sir John Monash from becoming the commander of Australian forces on the Western Front in World War One and to having Monash removed when he was so appointed." Dr Kelly told Fairfax Media that it was a personal submission and not necessarily the view of the Labor party. The Labor party did not make a submission, while the Canberra Liberals objected to the proposed boundaries dividing the three electorates. Many submissions labelled Bean anti-semitic and racist, and quoted a line from his diary, where his language about Monash referred to his Jewish background. "We do not want Australia represented by men mainly because of their ability, natural and in-born among Jews, to push themselves," Bean wrote. One objection to the name "Bean" quoted a biography of John Monash by former deputy prime minister Tim Fischer, who said on Monday that Bean underestimated Monash and more than once referred to his Jewish background. "On balance I do not feel that this error by Bean, with a touch of anti-semitism, should preclude the use of his name for a new seat in Canberra," he said. The Australian Electoral Commission announced the proposed boundaries and the proposed name for the new electorate last month, with the names Fenner and Canberra to be kept for the other two electorates. Many objections to the name of Bean called for the new seat to be named after a woman, or to recognise the Indigenous history of the area. There were many alternative suggestions for the electorate's name, with some calling for the electorate to be named Cullen after Aboriginal activist Ningali Cullen. Cullen was one of three short-listed names considered by the redistribution committee. A handful of objections also mentioned the connection that many people make between the name Bean and the comic character Mr Bean played by actor Rowan Atkinson in the 1990s. Some submissions also objected to the proposed boundaries for the new electorates, which divide the Woden along Hindmarsh Drive between two electorates. There were also objections to the boundary that would result in some suburbs of Belconnen voting in the electorate of Fenner while others would be in the electorate of Canberra. The Canberra Liberals objected to the boundaries that divided the town centres, saying that the proposed boundaries were aligned closely with what was proposed by the Labor party. "These are very specific areas that are economic and social communities. Out [sic] town centres are vital to the character of the ACT and ACT residents value and identify with the distinct communities centred on them," the submission said. The Canberra Liberals said they welcomed naming the new electorate after Charles Bean in recognition of his contribution to Australia's military history. Members of the public are now able to make comments on the objections until May 21, with the commission to make the final determination in July. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/e880acc8-8050-44e2-a534-bc4574f5b52a/r0_98_1920_1183_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, crime A Canberra cafe owner will fight allegations he imported and trafficked in millions-of-dollars worth of drugs. Brendan Leigh Baker, 26, appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday, when he was charged with two fresh counts of trafficking in methylamphetamine and cocaine. His lawyer, James Lawton, entered not guilty pleas to all 10 charges on behalf of his client. Mr Baker, of O'Connor, was one of five men arrested in police raids last month in connection to alleged drug trafficking. Court documents, tendered at a failed bail bid in April, allege Mr Baker supplied tens of pounds of cannabis to a man identified only as Civilian Participant, or CP to sell to sub-dealers. It is alleged CP would collect the cannabis across Ainslie, O'Connor and Crace in vacuum-sealed bags or suitcases. Over time, CP allegedly gave Mr Baker more than $2 million in cash for the drugs, prompting the accused to buy a money counting machine. In late 2016, it's alleged Mr Baker began trafficking in MDMA, and told CP that he was importing methylone, a synthetic drug, from China on behalf of someone in jail. It is alleged Mr Baker then began to import the drugs for himself, using a website to find sellers and Bitcoin to pay for the drugs. Police allege Mr Baker laundered the proceeds of the drug business by taking out loans and then using the dirty money to making loan repayments. "The cash deposits ... indicate he was able to draw on an unexplained source of cash during this period," the police allegations say. "Further the large-scale purchases of vehicles, property and business are incompatible with the defendant's legitimate income." However, police raided CPs home in January last year, seizing a significant amount of drugs. It is alleged CP and another dealer began to accumulate more debt, which Mr Baker pressured them to repay. Court documents said Mr Baker claimed the pair owed him $230,000, which amounted to four "hits". CP understood that to mean four murders, the documents say. In November last year, it's alleged Mr Baker imported more than three kilograms of "bath salts", addressed to a fake name at his O'Connor home. Mr Baker is also alleged to have grown cannabis in a shed at the back of his house. The accused was remanded in custody and the matter will return to court next month. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/0f2eb067-4df4-495d-adbb-d1f2322329c9/r0_159_736_575_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, latest-news Thirty-nine Canberra veterinarians have had complaints levelled against them in the past five years. Two vets have been the subject of more than three complaints each. In one case, a dead dog was found to have surgical swabs still inside its body from two years prior when it was desexed. In another, a kitten was desexed without proper anaesthetic. Most of the complaints took many months to finalise. Documents relating to complaints over the past five years were released to The Sunday Canberra Times under Freedom of Information laws. While some of the complaints were found not to breach any standards, there were others that were concerning. The documents were produced by the Veterinary Surgeons Board, which regulates veterinary practice in the ACT, and included summaries of finalised complaints since 2014. Personal information was redacted. The information release comes as the ACT prepares to introduce new legislation to improve the efficiency and management of the complaints resolution system, including allowing the vet board to suspend licenses. By the government's own admissions, the current complaints scheme is "overly complicated and at times caused significant delays in reaching resolutions". The Bill will remove provisions which require the vet board to refer complaints to a professional standards panel to impose conditions or disciplinary measures. "The current complaint provisions in the ACT create duplicative and costly processes that delay complaint resolution and underutilise the technical skills of the current Veterinary Surgeons Board by requiring another panel be established to determine complaint responses," the government document reads. Under the proposed legislation, the vet board will be able to impose fines of up to $5000, impose conditions, require payment of specified costs relating to any hearings, and suspend a licence if justified against three criteria. The ACT government believes that the proposed provisions, which are in line with the NSW legislation, will allow the vet board to more efficiently address malpractice in the sector. Appeals on vet board decisions will be heard by ACAT, which will also maintain processes to suspend or cancel a licence. The current system makes it hard for the vet board to discipline veterinarians for making serious mistakes. Only one vet has had their licence suspended in the ACT in the past seven years. In 2017, there were 43 registered vet premises operating in the ACT and 381 practising veterinarians in both the public and private sectors. Fyshwick vet Jacob Michelsen said the bulk of practitioners in Canberra have never had a complaint made against them. As a specialist small animal surgeon at the Animal Referral Hospital, Dr Michelsen said in the past he's been involved in cases where complaints have been raised, dealing with the animal after mistakes have been made. He said he's never been the subject of a complaint. "Making errors is part of being human, we all do it at times, but that is quite different to malpractice," Dr Michelsen said. "Like in the human profession, the bulk of complaints tend to be about the same people." Dr Michelsen was a member of the NSW Veterinary Practitioners Board for three years and said the NSW legislation was "more up to date and relevant". He said the main issue in the ACT was that the complaints process was "clumsy and slow". Dr Michelsen said he believed a lot of the complaints came from misunderstandings or lack of communication. "Communication is probably the problem nine times out of 10," Dr Michelsen said. "The vet doing something nefariously wrong is really, really rare. It's almost always the case that it hasn't been communicated well enough either because the client isn't receptive to that or because the vet hasn't done it as well as they could have." Dr Michelsen said the ACT had some of the best veterinary practises in Australia, so pet owners should not be afraid to shop around. "If you're concerned about a diagnosis or you feel your registered vet hasn't explained something to your satisfaction at the time, just ask them. Most vets are helpful, and if you're not satisfied, talk to another vet," he said. Swabs 'inadvertently' left in dog The owners of a dog that died two years after a veterinary surgeon spayed the animal and left surgical swabs in the abdominal cavity were told the responsibility was on them to seek further treatment if the animal displayed ongoing clinical signs. Despite the finding, the ACT veterinary surgeons board deemed no action should be taken against the vet, aside from recommending they use only 10 swabs per procedure, and that they bring their anaesthetic and clinic record procedures into line with ACT standards. The dog was six months old when it was admitted to the unnamed veterinary surgery in Canberra to be desexed. According to documents released under FOI, that was in January 2014. Two years later in January 2016, it died. The subsequent investigation into the death of the young animal by the ACT Veterinary Surgeons Board found the vet inadvertently left the swabs inside the animal. The board notes in your response to admission of your error and sincere regret over the incident, the notice of decision letter reads. It outlines that an exploratory laparotomy in January 2016 found the absence of a right kidney in the dog, and the presence of a fluid filled cyst. The board has determined you have no case to answer as no conclusions can be drawn as to whether the fluid filled cyst and absent right kidney were linked to the desexing procedure, the letter reads. The board agrees if [redacted] did have ongoing clinical signs it is the responsibility of the owner to seek further veterinary treatment. The board was made aware of the complaint soon after the dog died in January 2016, but did not respond to the complainant with the finding until December. The owner of a dog that attacked and resulted in the death of another dog complained to the vet surgeons board about the cost of treating the injured animal before it passed away. While the Vet Board does not consider matters of costs, the owner asked the board to consider whether there was sufficient probability of success to warrant the alleged suffering of the dog that had been attacked. The outcome of the complaint, submitted in 2016, found that the treatment of the dog had been satisfactory. The critical nature of [redacted] injuries was communicated to the owner throughout the treatment process. Based on the prognosis, the owner made an informed decision to allow [redacted] to continue treating [redacted]. It was not evident at any stage during [redacted] treatment that euthanasia was necessary, the decision letter read. The decision to either euthanase or pursue treatment for [redacted] was the choice of her owner. While a post-mortem was not conducted, medical notes supported the diagnosis of a disseminated intra vascular coagulation that led to a thromboembolism of either the heart or lungs, known as a blood clot. The dog was euthanased. The board recommended that in future, the attending veterinarian ensure that euthanasia is offered to clients for animals with a poor to grave prognosis, or to owners with animals that may have a protracted recovery time, or if the bill could potentially escalate. The board acknowledges your generous undertaking to pay for [redacted] treatment and recognises, as you were not the owner, that you were placed in a difficult position throughout the process, as you had no control over the decision making in regard to the treatment options. Anaesthetic protocol 'not up to date' A kitten that died after a routine desexing procedure was administered anaesthetic via gas and not intravenously, with the vet claiming the fur might change colour if the area was clipped to allow entry. The vet that undertook the desexing procedure in December 2014 was reprimanded by the vet board for a variety of reasons and conditioners were placed on the vets registration after the complaint by the kittens owner. The Vet Board found the treating veterinarian failed to meet adequate standards of treatment practices, particularly in relation to anaesthetic procedure and records, clinical records and appropriate drug dosages. The vet board found the vets use of the gas halothane was not considered the most up-to-date method of anaesthesia. Good anaesthetic protocol involves the placement of an intravenous catheter to allow for immediate venous access if emergency drugs are required, the findings read. This did not occur. The risk of the fur changing colour post clipping is not considered to be an acceptable reason for not using a catheter. The clinical records also demonstrated that required information was not documented, including the weight of the animal, the quantity of pre-medication administered and the clinical parameters as part of the pre-anaesthetic check. The dosage of an anti-inflammatory drug administered post-surgery was almost twice the normal dose. The conditions imposed on the vets licence included the need to attend formal, structured training to update knowledge in small animal veterinary anaesthesia and to develop and implement a detailed plan on how to meet the boards continuing professional development requirements. The board also recommended the vet review clinical record keeping and anaesthetic protocols. Vet 'did not meet required standards to practice' A dog that was seen in a vet practice in Canberra was prescribed the drug Forketor after being diagnosed with chronic renal failure. On the dogs return to its home state of WA, the owner took the dog to a vet who found no evidence of chronic renal failure. The complainant also claimed the prescribed medication had no label or instructions. On October 30, 2015 the vet board found the veterinarian did not meet the required standards to practise in the ACT. It is not in the interests of public safety for her to retain her registration to practise, the notification letter reads. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/0e4d8f13-245d-4cae-937d-9c8b71e6fa26/r0_228_4256_2633_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, crime A Canberra prisoner required plastic surgery after he was knifed during a jailhouse fight last year. The bikie associate was hospitalised with 14 wounds after the November stabbing, which required stitches and plastic surgery to fix. Convicted killer Kai Yuen, 33, pleaded guilty in the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday to a charge of recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm over the incident. Yuen had initially been charged with intentionally inflicting grievous bodily harm. However, Yuen, who appeared in court wearing a suit and handcuffs, pleaded to the lesser charge before Magistrate Karen Fryar. Court documents, tendered on Monday, said the Alexander Maconochie Centre CCTV system captured the fight on the morning of November 21. The documents said the pair exchanged words in the build up, before coming to blows inside Yuens cell. The prisoners continued to fight outside the cell, pausing briefly at times, before swinging blows and grabbing each other again. Court documents said Yuen had used an edged weapon held in his right hand during the violent battle. The fight ended after a corrections officers intervened and the victim was left with a significant amount of blood coming from his face and left leg. Jail staff provided first aid and he was taken to hospital. His injuries included lacerations to his eyelid, nose, cheek, chest, abdomen, and leg. The victim refused to make a statement to police when questioned in his hospital bed. Court documents said the weapon had not been recovered and it was believed Yuen had flushed it down the toilet. When asked what happened to the weapon, Yuen replied: "I got rid of it". The magistrate committed Yuen to the Supreme Court for sentence and he will reappear for direction later this month. Yuen is currently serving 28 years for the murder of his former friend Brendan Scott Welsh and an earlier jail bashing. In May 2010, Yuen ambushed and shot dead Welsh as he sat in his car behind the Hughes shops. The pair had been in a tit-for-tat dispute, which culminated in Yuen gunning down Mr Welsh, who had been lured to the shops on the pretence of a drug deal. In 2012, while on remand for the murder, Yuen used a vacuum cleaner pole to savagely bash a fellow inmate. The attack left the victim slumped in a pool of blood and requiring five plates in his face. Yuen pleaded guilty to both incidents and was sentenced to 28-years jail, with a non-parole period of 20 years. He was to be eligible for parole in 2030. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/1351d28d-8aee-4691-97ee-d6872c2e339d/r0_380_1024_959_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, crime An off-duty Australian Federal Police officer has been found guilty of bashing a man in the early hours of the morning in Civic, but a jury has cleared him and an acting sergeant of allegations they tried to cover-up what happened. Wade Joseph Howell, 36, slumped his head on hearing the jury had found him guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. As the remainder of the verdicts were read out on Monday, he rested a hand on the shoulder of acting sergeant Andrew Charles Smith, 46. The pair had sat shoulder to shoulder throughout the two-week ACT Supreme Court trial. Both men, who had pleaded not guilty to all charges, wiped at their eyes. The trial heard the alleged victim, his girlfriend and Howell, who did not know each other, were all out at Civic nightspot Mooseheads early on April 2, 2016. That morning, the alleged victim saw his girlfriend sitting next to Howell on a bench in Veterans Park and had come running up. It was alleged Howell bashed and choked the man, though the off-duty officer was acquitted of the choking allegation. It was further alleged Howell tried to pervert the course of justice when he followed the man back to the apartment where he was staying and called police, claiming he was with a woman who wanted to leave an abusive relationship. The couple denied the suggestions of domestic violence. The Crown also said that when Mr Smith arrived on scene he tried to cover-up the assault, saying that he never took a version of events from the assault victim before directing that he be taken into custody for intoxicated and disorderly behaviour. But defence barristers took aim at the police investigation of the two officers, saying the pair had not been afforded the presumption of innocence and the investigation was compared to a Salem witch trial. Howell, who was represented by barrister James Sabharwal and Sharman Robertson Solicitors, was acquitted of charges of choking and assault occasioning grievous bodily harm, but found guilty of a back-up offence of causing actual bodily harm. And Mr Smith, represented by barrister Steven Whybrow and Aulich criminal, was acquitted of all charges, including perverting the course of justice and back-up charges of inciting unlawful confinement. Justice David Mossop thanked the jurors for their service and said they were free to go. Howell, who is from Melbourne, returns to court on May 25 for sentence. His bail was continued. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/4e575c88-6a00-4dac-86a0-b4678a424946/r0_16_320_197_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, crime A Canberra father has been "almost totally consumed" by guilt after causing the death of his daughter in a car crash nearly three years ago, his lawyers told a court on Monday. The crash was, his lawyers said, the result of a "split-second failing". Christopher James Ward, 74, failed to check the coast was clear when he turned right into Chewings Street from Southern Cross Drive and into the path of another driver in July 2015. His daughter Acacia, 7, was killed in the crash, the court heard, though Ward had attempted to resusicate her until authorities arrived on the scene in Florey. Ward was charged with negligent driving causing death to which he initially pleaded not guilty. After a protracted litigation, last year the 74-year-old changed his plea to guilty. Ward appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday for a sentencing hearing over the charge. He sat at the bar table and cried as his lawyers made submissions on his behalf. Ward's lawyer Louise Taylor told the court he was "almost totally consumed" with guilt over the death of Acacia, who was "absolutely the apple of his eye". He had come to accept the presence of grief, loss and guilt in his life, she said, and the least he could do now was sit with that loss. Ms Taylor told the court there had been road signs on the median strip that had temporarily blocked Ward's view as he pulled into the intersection. But she said Ward fully accepted that even if his view was obstructed by the signs, there was time to check for oncoming traffic and he did not. He simply determined it was safe to cross, the lawyer said, while distinguishing his negligence from someone who had seen the oncoming car and "took a punt". Ms Taylor called Ward's negligence a "split second failing", "the sort of failing made by drivers on our roads all the time". It was the kind of failing, she said, that if a collision was avoided would leave a driver feeling relieved that "Lady Luck had shined on them". But prosecutor Mark Fernandez said Ward's negligence was objectively serious, and he pointed to the loss of Acacia's life. He said the magistrate should not approach the case on the basis it could happen to anyone. He said an ordinary driver would have slowed down to take a proper look. "That didn't happen," he said. Ward has a criminal history across Canberra and NSW that included speeding and negligent driving, though the court heard the charges were old. The prosecutor told the court general deterrance was important in sentencing the father, and not something that could be "brushed aside" by a suggestion the crash was the result of bad luck. Magistrate Karen Fryar will sentence Ward on May 22. Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly said Ward was originally charged with culpable driving causing death. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/4e0c03ad-abbe-4a29-ba87-a91e4ac9bb1f/r0_185_2000_1315_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg comment I would like to thank The Canberra Times for its editorial "Government needs to do better job of explaining roo cull" (May 4), and especially for its conclusion that "the voices that oppose the cull have much to teach us, if we could be given the opportunity to hear them more often". The fact is the government cannot do a better job of explaining its annual mass slaughter of kangaroos because the public would find that explanation unacceptable. The environmental rationale has never been anything but a smokescreen for servicing the vested interests of developers and farmers. The so-called science supporting it, though accepted on no less than three occasions by a scientifically incompetent ACAT, is arrant nonsense to anyone with an actual understanding of ecology. As for the cruelty of the slaughter, this has been witnessed directly by far too many ACT residents for the government to be able to explain or deny it. Those of us who understand the facts about kangaroos find it astonishing that so many members of the Canberra public have been manipulated into accepting this annual kill-fest. Many Canberrans work for a government (Australian or ACT) and should therefore be intimately familiar with the way governments routinely can and do mislead the public. Frankie Seymour, Queanbeyan, NSW To call the pilot kangaroo fertility program a success would require reinventing the word. Twenty-two of the adult kangaroos died or were killed anyway and the remainder had a drop in fertility of some 70 per cent. That works out at about $5000 per juvenile prevented. Thus, to reduce current or future population by the current quota would cost in the region of $16 million. The only sensible solution is a controlled cull by approved certified marksmen, be they paid or volunteers, and then harvest the meat as is done in every state and territory in Australia except the ACT. John Coochey, Chisholm Autumn in the National Capital is undeniably charming. Mild days and chilly nights allay summer's scorch whilst the leafy streets dazzle with unabashed splendour, becoming a wonderland of crimson, amber, and gold. With such beauty, one can almost believe life is a dream. The reality however, is far from dreamlike, the cooler days are foreshadowing much suffering and loss. With the commencement of the ACT's annual kangaroo cull, one is left with an overwhelming sense of anxiety and revulsion. While Canberra slumbers, either indifferent or insensible to the encroaching darkness, vulnerable gentle creatures face mortality, hunted and slaughtered for the omissions of their human counterparts. Urban sprawl forever claims more land, leaving little for animals to inhabit whilst human exacerbated global warming further condemns, producing extreme conditions, from drought, flood, to wildfire. With the dawn, what token is left in the wake of the carnage? One who ventures upon the Canberra reserves, as I and my young nephew often do, will not find the discarded bodies of destroyed kangaroos yet the clay earth will expose tyre tracks, blood, and forgotten gun shells in the loose dirt. What then, one may ask, do you say to a curious child who questions his aunt about the source of the horrific discoveries? How might you tell him of the barbarity founded on human folly and greed? How can we be so heartless? To shame mankind. Adriana Seserko, Hackett I was fascinated by Alan Parkinson's explanation of the difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion (Letters, May 7). Fission provides energy through the splitting of atoms. But to what purpose? Fission or fusion; both would produce steam to drive turbines. We're still in the steam age, albeit we've mainly given up wood, and now occasionally use nuclear fuel. Why do I mention it? Because the problem with the climate is heat, and generating heat to produce power only adds to global warming. Not to mention the massive use of that scarce but vital resource, water. Solar PV and wind power and many other renewables convert existing heat and kinetic energy into electricity, mitigating climatic disruption. I think we need to do more than replace wood with nuclear fusion. We need to move on from the steam age. SW Davey, Torrens Angry young people like David Roberts (Letters, April 6) should check their facts before believing the BS bandied about lately about retirees on large incomes not paying taxes. Surely the young have a lot to gripe about but it is not because of self-funded retirees. I worked from age 14 to 72 and, as a self-funded retiree, I can assure David Roberts and others like him that I pay income tax and all other taxes due, and receive no concessions, health or otherwise. Get your facts straight before showing your ignorance again. M. Silex, Erindale These days, whenever I ring a telephone company to discuss some issues or ring a hotel for accommodation, most of the time I believe I talk to someone who is stationed overseas. If my memory serves me right successive federal governments in the past offered tax concessions to companies who took on another extra person. Before giving tax breaks to big corporations, the federal government should impose a tax on companies hiring employees stationed overseas. Sankar Kumar Chatterjee, Evatt On whether ASIC or other regulators are culturally and operationally up to taming the big end of town, I once asked the CEO of a prominent regulator whether he saw the role of his organisation as including law enforcement. Heavens no, he said, we are "facilitators". We facilitate commerce, he insisted, we do not intrude to inhibit it. He was unnerved by the thought that he and his organisation might have to deal less than fraternally with the banking and business people with whom they identified professionally and daily rubbed shoulders. So, here we are, years later, in the midst of a royal commission which is shining the light on systemic and serious corporate misbehaviour and criminality by banks and others thanks in part to the inadequacy of ASIC. Our regulators have to know what their jobs are, and to be fully resourced on our behalf to do them without fear or favour, otherwise we cannot expect the best from them. Adequate resources are crucial, of course, but ASIC finding its intestinal fortitude first the inner mongrel, perhaps to act assertively, if not aggressively, against corporate miscreants is a serious long standing cultural deficiency that must be addressed. This will require serious and critical introspection. Look to US regulators as a guide; they have, over time, mostly got it right. A Whiddett, Forrest I agree entirely with Helen M. Goddard (Letters, May 7) in relation to the ABC radio breakfast slot. The breakfast slot has been in decline since Philip Clark took over from Ross Solley a couple of years ago. We are inundated with saturation promotions for ABC radio Canberra/Dan Bouchier/SMS address/telephone numbers. I recorded 16 such interruptions between 7.10am and 7.45am. In this day and age, everyone has a mobile phone and stores text addresses and numbers. They do not need to be told incessantly of the numbers. I also agree with other letter writers that the entire ABC radio program format needs an overhaul. Maurice O'Loughlin, Kambah I was intrigued to read Nick Goddie's description of the "adenoidal quacking" of Canberra's ABC radio presenters (Letters, May 7). I had to immediately go to my computer to google what "adenoidal quacking" meant. So for the information of readers: "Adenoidal" "being characteristically pinched and nasal in quality". "Quacking" "to talk really fast so that only people on the same wavelength or with special hearing aids can hear you." Now I know what Mr Goddie was trying to tell us. I agree with his summation in relation to ABC breakfast radio. Sebastian Cole, Ngunnawal Nick Goldie (Letters, April 7) has voiced very precisely what I think about the poor presentation skills and voice qualities of the current crop of local ABC presenters. Nobody expects a return to the days when a mouthful of plums was an ABC prerequisite, but those of us who aspired to a job there were in awe of the authority and clarity that people like Jim Dibble showed in reading the news (many Canberrans will certainly remember the engaging on-air personalities and articulate tones of past local presenters, ending, I'm afraid, with Genevieve Jacobs). Not all of us who aspired to an ABC job had the type of voice and presentation skills of the above-mentioned, but we made sure we got adequate training in voice production and other presentation skills before we dared to send in our applications. But, don't lay all the blame on the on-air folk. They didn't appoint themselves. It is ABC national management that needs to be held accountable. Even local management has to follow orders if they, too, want to keep their jobs. I wonder if any of them has the courage to speak out publicly if they disagree with what is developing into a fundamental dismantling of an ABC that, to date, has had the respect and admiration of over 80 per cent of Australians. Eric Hunter, Cook I support David Bailey's call (Letters, May 4) for a boost to foreign aid which is now at appalling low levels. Australia signed on to the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 and, if we are serious about achieving these goals, foreign aid must be increased significantly. In addition, within our aid budget, we must increase the family planning component. Over the past decade or more, much of the money going to sexual and reproductive health was diverted to addressing the AIDS crisis. While that was a worthy recipient of our foreign aid money, nevertheless, it should not have come at the expense of reproductive health which includes family planning. Leaders in Papua New Guinea are beginning to recognise that unbridled population growth is an impediment to sustainable development. It is critical that Australia helps our neighbour supply those services education of girls and family planning that bring the birthrate down. Jenny Goldie, Cooma, NSW One reads that the forthcoming $50 billion submarines have a range of 18,000 nautical miles. Who would we want to strike, so far from home? We have no intention of attacking anyone. We have no aggressive ambitions. That means that we just need a force to defend ourselves, a self-defence force, like Japan's. Once we accept that, the cost is vastly reduced. We just need the capacity to destroy an invasion force, or something less. Swarms of rocket-bearing and torpedo-firing helicopters should be enough, and missiles to defend their bases. Since we have no intention of attacking other countries, why do we need offensive capability? Answer: our great and powerful friend. It doesn't want to shoulder the cost of "regional security" by itself. It demands that others who benefit from its security contribute to the cost. Of course, we do have to take our great and powerful friend seriously. But perhaps there other ways of placating it. Perhaps we could give more to the development of Pacific Island countries, so they don't have to take strings-attached aid from China. Perhaps we could assist the US with its immigration problem by providing aid assistance to Central American countries. Maybe the Americans are just a bit, well, paranoid, and could, by friendly persuasion, see the need for less regional security. We may even be able to persuade them that if everyone had just a self-defence force, without offensive capability, then no one would actually need a self-defence force, because no one would be in a position to attack them. Reg Naulty, Hawker The report on the submarine project ("Contractor problems run deep on massive submarine project", May 4, p4) states that an estimated 2800 jobs will be created by the project, with its estimated cost being $50 billion. That means we'll be spending an average of about $17.8 million per job, a figure that makes any sane person gasp with incredulity. Meanwhile, the government continues to lie through its teeth about the "jobs" benefit of expanding our weapons industry. The reality is major weapons projects mean fewer jobs in health care, fewer jobs in education, fewer jobs in looking after our natural environment where the major threats to our future lie, and fewer jobs in addressing other needs in our community. We spend around $95million every day on wars and preparations for wars that make us less secure, and that figure is set to skyrocket. Dr Sue Wareham, Medical Association for Prevention of War president Strap STEALING A WHINGE Banks complaining about a loss of profits due to increased regulation sound like burglars complaining about a drop in takings because of better locks. Peter Edsor, Bungendore HARDLY CHINA'S SPEED As north Canberrans face additional major travel disruptions and inconvenience ("Drivers brace for traffic chaos as busy intersection closes for months", May 6, canberratimes.com.au), I wonder how many stations and kilometres of high speed train track could be built in China over an almost four-month period. Sue Dyer, Downer TWEETS NEED GROOMING Just as English monarchs had a Groom of the Stool, the White House needs a Groom of the Tweet. The responsibilities of both positions are very similar. Mike Quirk, Garran BANK BOSSES FAGIN IT Surely it's a typo to say banking bosses "earned", when really they follow the footsteps of Dickens' Fagin, with legislation written to give their thievery the aura of legitimacy ("Big bosses still earn top bucks in banking", May 5, p30). Newstart's $40/day is on another planet to $19.65 million. Albert M. White, Queanbeyan RUDD'S LINGO IMPROVES I'm pleased former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd is blogging in Mandarin. He was incomprehensible in English. Matt Ford, Crookwell, NSW CROOKS IN THE KNOW Amanda Vanstone "Looking the other way not on" (May 7) says "A thief, a drug runner, a bash-up artist and a person who rips you off financially have one thing in common: they're all crooks". Perhaps we should add the person(s) who have been told problems exist and resist any attempts to inquire into them. Brian Smith, Conder DARK PLACE IN WINTER Geocon's proposed new hotel ("Geocon lodges application for new city hotel", May 7, p3) is quoted as not a "large concern for community or business owners" and that it will bring a "vibrancy" to Garema Place. But maybe those "surveyed" don't mind the projected morning shading of up to 51 per cent into Garema Place in June. I wonder how vibrant a dark space can be? Lance Williamson, Stirling VESSELS RIPE TO RECYCLE The use of a modified tanker shows that the people smugglers have not been deterred. Has there been any word in the shipping industry of probable smugglers seeking to buy a disused livestock carrier, a second-hand cruise ship, or perhaps even a decommissioned aircraft carrier? Bert Castellari, Curtin Email: letters.editor@canberratimes.com.au. Send from the message eld, not as an attached le. Fax: 6280 2282. Mail: Letters to the Editor, The Canberra Times, PO Box 7155, Canberra Mail Centre, ACT 2610. Keep your letter to 250 words or less. References to Canberra Times reports should include date and page number. Letters may be edited. Provide phone number and full home address (suburb only published). news, federal-politics ACT Labor senator Katy Gallagher is expected to face a High Court ruling on her eligibility to sit in parliament on Wednesday, six months after it emerged she was a dual citizen at the 2016 election. A decision against the former ACT chief minister may not lead to a long stint outside parliament, as Labor readies to preselect its candidates for both the Senate and lower house later this year. The court's decision could see her leave the Senate and may cast doubt on the parliamentary futures of other Labor MPs facing questions over their eligibility. Labor has waited to learn Senator Gallagher's future since a court hearing in March and the High Court has been forming its decision while the possible new boundaries of a third ACT electorate were released. Professionals Australia's ACT director David Smith would likely take Senator Gallagher's seat if the High Court finds her ineligible. There is speculation she could run for one of the lower house seats if ejected from the Senate, but she may have to wait only until August for Labor preselections for lower and upper house candidates, a month after new seat boundaries are finalised. The court reserved its decision in March after the Coalition government and the barrister representing Senator Gallagher, former solicitor-general Justin Gleeson, sparred over the limits of section 44 of the Constitution that bars dual citizens from sitting in parliament. Solicitor-General Stephen Donaghue told the High Court the Labor senator ignored the possibility her bid to renounce UK citizenship could have remained incomplete before the nomination deadline. Mr Gleeson rejected the argument, referring to a submission the court received saying that overseas delays to applications renouncing citizenship could take up to years and - under the government's argument - require potential election candidates to act long before a poll was called without guarantee they could renounce, and then stand. The High Court decision could cast doubt over the futures of Labor MPs Susan Lamb, Justine Keay and Josh Wilson in parliament after they faced dual citizenship questions, while South Australian MP Rebekha Sharkie was advised last year to refer herself to the High Court. Documents provided to the Senate in December showed Senator Gallagher was "at the date of her nomination for the 2016 election, a British citizen by descent" and that her moves to renounce in April 2016 took until August 16 to be completed by UK officials. Senator Gallagher told the Senate in December she would stand aside from her responsibilities on Labor's frontbench until her case was resolved by the High Court, sitting as the Court of Disputed Returns. Legal advice from British and Australian barristers says she took every reasonable step to renounce citizenship by descent from her English-born father Charles Gallagher before nominating, and that she meets the standard set by the High Court in recent section 44 cases. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/99d6a999-3c3d-4415-8baf-4a79718f8323/r0_134_2642_1627_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg The vie for civil services in India is not new. Over one million candidates take this prestigious entrance examination every year for around thousand vacancies including services such as IAS, IPS and IFS. Without any second thought, most of you agree with us that the screening or the preliminary round is the toughest one in entire selection process. The civil services preliminary consists of two papers, namely General Studies and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). The CSAT paper is a qualifying paper and marks obtained here will not be considered for selecting candidates for further rounds. After this announcement, many students started seeing the general studies paper as a saviour and now give it their best to gain more marks. Starting from current events to general science, aspirants are putting their best foot forward in each section. However, tackling the Indian Polity needs a combination of hard work and strategy. If you ask, "how do I prepare on my own for this paper", we simply suggest you scroll down for an answer. As many aspirants are preparing for the preliminary round, we have decided to make this article to help them. Is There Any Possible Way To Prepare For The IAS Prelims In 1 Month? Understand The Syllabus The UPSC has clearly published the syllabus of the Indian polity and governance through its official notification. It consists of Indian constitution, political system, panchayati raj, public policy, rights issues, etc. Aspirants who are aiming to prepare on their own should know the syllabus because there will be no one to guide them on the boundaries. Keep Yourself Updated The question in the Indian Polity will not be based only on the facts. Many times the UPSC has asked the questions on the latest developments in the politics such as committee and amendments. So never ignore the recent developments considering them as current affairs. Aspirants should mix the conceptual knowledge and current affairs to understand better. One should read the recent government bills and governance actions. Start With Indian Constitution There is a myth amongst the civil services aspirants that one has to know the Indian Constitution meticulously. To be honest with you, no one can remember all the articles, clauses and amendments in the Constitution. However, one should know the important ones. We suggest aspirants to start their preparation with the Indian Constitution because it will generate interest and eagerness. You Can't Expect A Question Paper Without These Topics In Civil Service 2018 What To Read In Indian Constitution Aspirants should start reading the Indian Constitution with the preamble because the UPSC has surprised the test takers with a question on it. After the preamble, read the union and its territory and citizenship topics. Give special attention to the fundamental rights, DPSPs and fundamental duties. The part-V in Indian Constitution consist of the union and part-VI, the states. The candidates analytical skills are required for these parts. One should start analysing and try to interrelate with concepts. Until the part-XI (relations between the union and the states), candidate should not skip any area. From part-XII (finance, property, contracts and suits) to part-XIV (services under the union and the states), there is less weightage. Keep them at the end. However, never ignore part-XV (elections) and part-XVIII (emergency provisions). How To Prepare For The CSAT Paper In Civil Services? Interrelate The Concepts We suggest aspirants to start preparing their own notes while reading the articles and schedules in the Indian Constitution. After reading the most important areas in the Indian Constitution, aspirants should now focus only on interrelating the concepts. For instance, the emergency. They should think about what is the primary difference between the financial and national emergency and how the political system depends on it. Focus On Panchayati Raj Over a course of time, this particular section has earned much attention due to government's excessive focus on rural development. Starting local self-government to elections in villages, every topic is important. Also, never ignore 73rd and 74th amendment acts. Miscellaneous Concepts The notification clearly reads that the public policy and right issues are required. Candidates are suggested to focus on important programs, missions, laws and policies launched by the government. Reading the tribunals is required though they are important for the main examination. Best Books For Indian Polity In Civil Services Indian Polity for Civil Services Examinations - M. Laxmikanth Introduction to the Constitution of India - Durga Das Basu Our Parliament - Subhash Kashyap NCERT textbooks Also Read: How SWOT Analysis Will Help You Succeed In The Civil Services Exam? How should regulators address technology-driven insurance innovations that dont fit well under existing rules? A regulatory sandbox might be the way forward, a panel of regulators said at the recent Global Insurance Symposium. Moderator Andy Beal, COO and chief legal officer of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), described the regulatory sandbox concept as a potential response to rapid developments of technology-driven insurance innovations that did not fall neatly into existing categories of insurance regulation. Innovators can experiment or try out new products or processes, and [state insurance] commissioners would have discretionary authority to relax some [regulatory] requirements while maintaining consumer protections, Beal said in his description of the sandbox metaphor approach. Panelist Chlora Lindley-Myers, insurance director in Missouri, characterized her state as a training ground for some of the sandbox ideas, something she credited to initiatives of her co-panelist Doug Ommen, former Missouri insurance director and currently the insurance commissioner in Iowa. In particular, Lindley-Myers cited Ommens introduction of the use of no action letters in Missouri. Under that approach, insurance department staff and other stakeholders will meet with an insurer introducing an innovation to determine how the innovation can conform to the spirit and essential purpose of consumer protection regulation. If satisfied that core regulatory objectives are addressed, the commissioner can issue a letter withholding enforcement action with regard to certain details of regulation. The sandbox approach gives the director more formalized opportunity and discretion on how [the insurance department] wants to operate within the market, she said. An Independent Path is Key For his part, Ommen said states ought to be independent in how we think about these issues. We ought to keep in mind our responsibilities for consumer protection and never lose track of requirements for solvency, he said, but there is also a place for states to offer opportunities for companies to do some experimentation. Traditional insurers typically welcome any move toward regulatory flexibility, but are concerned that they not be put at a competitive disadvantage to less-regulated competitors. According to Michael Pieciak, commissioner of Vermonts department of financial regulation, tension is arising as traditional insurers see fintech (financial technology) companies introducing disruptive innovations. A lot of our job is to explain to traditional insurers that [fintech enterprises] are well within the framework of our regulatory system, he said. Theyre operating in ways that are appropriate. Theyre just using technology in a way that is disrupting the business model, and its really sort of a wakeup call. Beal, the moderator, observed that every regulator I talk with is very receptive to having dialogue and discussions with all the players, the startups and the legacy carriers. Theyre more than willing to discuss new ideas, to consider how they will fit within the regulatory framework of the state. Pace and Scale As it is, insurance regulators will be severely challenged to address the complexities arising from the pace and scale of change related to Big Data, the use of predictive analytics, and cyber security. Ommen is the chairperson of an NAIC Big Data task force that is weighing whether to create a technical team within the NAIC to help individual state regulators review complicated filings using sophisticated predictive analytics. An individual state will not be in a position to do that easily, and some states will find it difficult to ever do it at all, he said. While expressly promoting the state-based regulatory system, Ommen added that we can also look to the NAIC central office as a resource. I dont view [this initiative] as creating another regulator, he said. I view it as my responsibility in Iowa to protect our consumers here, but I also think that responsibility can carry into collaborative efforts with the NAIC. Regulators, too, will benefit from technological advances that are transforming insurance operations. Eric Cioppa, superintendent of Maines insurance bureau, told the audience that in our solvency regulation, were going to use big data more, were going to use predictive analytics more, and well be reviewing the balance sheet as secondary. Theres going to be so much more we can do to regulate solvency. It provides incredibly powerful opportunities. As for cyber-security, Cioppa predicted that a carriers approach to protecting consumer data will become nearly as important as operating performance in the examination process. I think youre going to see cyber rise to that level of importance, he said, and the responsibility will extend through senior management to boards of directors. Is the board actively engaged in cyber issues? Are they on top of it? he asked rhetorically. We need to see that upper management is taking it seriously. A companys response to a cyber breach will be scrutinized at least as rigorously as its efforts to prevent one, added Pieciak of Vermont. Every IT professional and regulator would agree that its impossible to prevent a cyber-attack all of the time, he said. But fumbling the response to a data breach will exacerbate the problem. Photo: Contributed A 38-year-old man was transferred to hospital after hitting a concrete median on Highway 1 near Chase. RCMP received the call Sunday night shortly after 9:00. Police say the driver was heading eastbound on the Trans-Canada Highway in Lee Creek when the crash happened. The driver was seriously injured and eventually rushed to hospital by ambulance, but not before bystanders and first-responders provided first aid until the ambulance arrived. Traffic was reduced to single lane alternating traffic for several hours while an RCMP Collision Analyst examined the scene. The cause of the collision is still under investigation. Chase RCMP is requesting anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact the Chase RCMP Detachment at 250-679- 3221. Photo: Josh Winquist A cautionary tale. Too good to be true. Buyer beware. Any way you phrase it, a Vernon man was tricked into buying nothing more than costume jewelry. Rod, who didn't want his last name used, had just finished visiting a friend in the Hamlets when he was approached by a clean, well-presented couple in a white SUV asking for help. The couple told Rod they needed to sell some of their jewelry in order to pay for gas to get to Calgary. "I knew something wasn't right," Rod said. "The price started too good to be true." They told Rod that the ring was worth $700 to $800, but they would take $100. "They were fairly well-dressed," he said. "And the lady even started with the crying." Rod eventually talked the couple down to $25. "The ring was stamped 18k and had a good weight to it," he said. Rod has since taken the ring to two separate jewellers, and it is not real at all. Rod's not mad, he just wanted to share his story so others are aware of the scam. He has contacted the RCMP. The government is trying to approve Auxilio Brasil (the new Bolsa Familia), but has run into budget obstacles.In November, the... United Way skating back into fundraising after pandemic setbacks United Way of Pueblo County is rebounding from pandemic setbacks and kicking off its 99th fundraising campaign at the Pueblo Bulls Hockey home opener. Vacation Bible School Forced to Close in India After Hindu Nationalists Threaten Church 07 May, 2018 by Anugrah Kumar , | A six-day Vacation Bible School for children run by a Pentecostal church in southern India was forced to suspend the program on its first day after two men from Hindu nationalist groups disrupted it and threatened the organizers, according to a report. The men from India's governing Bharatiya Janata Party and a group associated with it, the Hindu Munani, or Hindu Front, barged into the church premises in the Palavanatham village of Tamil Nadu state's Virudhunagar District on Tuesday when around 50 children were studying the Bible, and demanded that the program be stopped, according to the U.K.-based charity Christian Solidarity Worldwide. The children, between the ages of 4 and 12, had been given permission from their parents to attend the program, which was supposed to run until Sunday. "The Vacation Bible School has been conducted for well over 50 years across India," Nehemiah Christie, the executive director of The Synod of Pentecostal Churches, was quoted as saying. "It is sad to see children being exposed to this level of religious intolerance and intimidation." Christie added that the communal mobilization of Hindu nationalism "is expanding at an alarming rate here where we see religious hardline groups employ bullying tactics and flagrantly use of the law enforcement apparatus to instill fear on Christian interests." Former Chief Minister, equivalent to a governor in the United States, J. Jayalalithaa, died in December 2016, leaving a political vacuum, which Hindu nationalists are seeking to exploit for their electoral gain. The BJP seeks to divide voters along religious lines. Christian persecution, which includes violent attacks, destruction of Christian property and false accusations, has risen throughout India since the party won the general election in 2014. A report by an evangelical group in India described 2017 as "one of the most traumatic for the Christian community" in 10 years. Last year was the worst since 2007 and 2008, when about 100 Christians were killed and thousands of homes of Christians were burned down or destroyed in Orissa state's Kandhamal district, said the Annual Report on Hate Crimes against Christians in India in 2017, released by the Religious Liberty Commission of the Evangelical Fellowship of India. Read more about threats to Christians in India on The Christian Post. Iran is preparing a missile strike on Israeli military sites, according to Hebrew media reports. Reports say that Iran is striking back against Israel after the country allegedly fired its own missiles on Iran-controlled Syria. Israel is not "on the eve of war against Iran," said Ma'ariv defense analyst Alon Ben David, "but the Iranians do want revenge for their losses. Another military analyst with Channel 2 News said Iran is planning to use Shiite militias that are already in Syria to launch the attack. Meanwhile, other reports say Israel is preparing for an attack from Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps after Israel allegedly struck an Iranian operated airbase in Syria. That April attack killed seven corps soldiers. In response, Ali Akbar Velayati, the top aid to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, said Israel should be waiting for a powerful response to the strike on the airfield, saying "it will not remain unanswered. Tensions between the two countries have continued to rise. In February, an armed drone from Iran flew into northern Israel airspace. Israelis said the drone was on a sabotage attack mission. Then in April, Israel allegedly struck the Iranian operated airbase in Syria, which killed seven Iranian soldiers. Theres been a clear change in Israels strategy in Syria since last year, nsaid Michael Horowitz, director of intelligence at Le Beck, a Middle East-based geopolitical consulting firm. "Israeli strikes are both hitting targets deeper inside Syria and the nature of these targets has change from weapons convoy and depots to actual Iranian bases. In April, Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman said, If someone thinks that it is possible to launch missiles to Israeli cities or our aircraft, no doubt we will respond and we will respond very forcefully. Publication date: May 7, 2018 Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Writing from Izmir Turkey on the eve of Brunson's 2nd court hearing, May 6, 2018 To any observer, faith-based, secular, casual or otherwise, the Middle East can be geo-politically confusing. It is a classic Abbott & Costelloesque of "Who's on First?" example of who are the players and whose side is 'who' on, really. As followers of Jesus, we must model those men of Issachar who "had understanding of the times..." (1 Chronicles 12:32). Pastor Brunson, who has labored faithfully in Izmir, Turkey for 23 years as a pastor and lover of the Turkish people and of Turkey, is caught up in the maelstrom of the political landscape that rages between Turkey and the USA, NATO allies. I attended, as a supportive brother pastor, Brunson's first public hearing on April 16, 2018. Arrested in October 2016, Brunson was held without charge, sans trial, sans public hearing. Ultimately, a 62-page indictment from the Turkish government charges him with conspiring with a shadowy figure, Fethullah Gulen, who lives in a compound in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania. Brunson testified at his first hearing that he has had nothing whatsoever to do with Gulen nor the Gulen Movement, nor the YPG nor the PKK. The Gulen Movement or 'Hizmet' (its Turkish name) is connected to two organizations that the U.S. government has deemed as terrorist organizations: the PKK or Kurdistan Workers Party and its Syrian affiliate, the YPG or The People's Defense Unit. Both of these organizations are driven by Marxist ideology and, along with the Gulen Movement, have been involved with kidnappings, murders and narcotics trafficking. Gulen, one of Turkey's most wanted criminals, is currently facing multiple charges in his native Turkey including treason-and Turkey has submitted an extradition request to the U.S. government. Perhaps the strangest twist in all of what Gulen is connected to including fomenting a failed coup in Turkey in 2016, is the fact that the Gulen Movement operates 140 charter schools in 26 states in the U.S. The American media has scrutinized Gulen, his Islamist ideology and its charter schools and have written that it is "a false-flag movement." So the question is: "Why is the U.S. government, not only providing refuge for a terrorist, an international criminal, but why are his charter schools getting funding of $800 million dollars to operate in the United States? Clearly, Mr. Gulen should be extradited back to Turkey by the U.S. government, immediately, if not sooner. As I write this from Izmir, Turkey, I will, again, attend Pastor Brunson's trial/2nd hearing on May 7, 2018. He will again go before Izmir's 2nd Criminal Court and proclaim his absolute innocence and the fact that he has had nothing to do with Gulen nor his Hizmet Movement. I contend that Brunson did so in his first criminal hearing last month a total denial of any connection whatsoever with Gulen, Hizmet, PKK nor YPG. Brunson and his wife Norine have pastored a small church in Izmir for 23 years-and, as he said in the April 2018 hearing, "Why would I do anything to jeopardize my long term ministry here in Turkey where I have loved the Turkish people, loved Turkey and our three, now adult children, were born here in Turkey. To me, the solution seems simple and will not violate Turkish Rule of Law nor violate Turkish sovereignty to protect itself from powers, foreign and domestic just as my own American government has the right to do so. Solution: the U.S. government should extradite Mr. Gulen to Turkey in exchange for the immediate release of Pastor Brunson. The US government in the past administration made these types of 'deals' with none other than Iran, viz. Pastor Saeed Abedini. What is the point to have a Turkish terrorist living in the midst of the United States when President Erdogan of Turkey has asked for his extradition? I would urge my friends and colleagues in the U.S. Congress as to why the U.S. government is harboring a terrorist like Gulen. Doesn't this come under the banner of, "If you see something; say something!" People all over the world are praying for Pastor Brunson's release-he is now into his 20th month of incarceration. Let's extradite Gulen; let's get Pastor Brunson home. This should be our prayer and this should be our activity as we as Americans contact and appeal to our federal elected officials about Gulen and his undermining of democracy. Let's get this over with and bring Pastor Brunson home. Pastor William Devlin is the Missions Pastor of Infinity Bible Church and travels the globe bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to hard and dangerous places like Gaza, Iraq, Sudan, Syria and Cuba. The rest of his time is spent in Philadelphia with his wife of 35 years, Nancy. They have five children and five grandchildren. He is president of REDEEM and co-chair of Right to Worship NYC. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment It's a sign of the times when a major magazine can tell its readers it's okay to ignore the Bible. Ask a child what his or her favorite thing to eat is, and you'll probably hear "pizza," or "ice cream." But grown-ups hoping to live their full threescore and ten would do well not to harden their hearts (or arteries) against more healthy fare. When you become a man, you put aside childish things, but just as there are people who never grow out of their juvenile palettes, there are folks who never move beyond childish tastes in literature. GQ magazine recently published a list of "21 Books You Don't Have to Read." Seldom have I seen an example of the blind leading the blind as blatant as this article. Condemned were such classics as "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," and "The Lord of the Rings." The magazine's editors describe these beloved titles variously as "racist," "sexist," and "just really, really boring." GQ turns up its nose at some of the finest literary dining around. The editors' poor taste is only surpassed by their poor reading comprehension. Mark Twain's "Huck Finn" for instance, which GQ dismisses as racist, is actually a satirical polemic against slavery! The real thorn in GQ's flesh, though, is the Bible, which they describe as "repetitive, self-contradictory...[and] foolish." The most important book in Western history is, according to this periodical, filled with men's grooming tips, just not worth the sweat of your brow. Jumping Jehoshaphat, where do we begin? At the risk of casting pearls before swine, I can assure the editors of this magazine that not only is reading the Bible worth the effort, but none of us can hope to understand our own civilization or even speech without it. I've already used nine popular expressions from the Bible in this commentary. For example, why do we have a seven-day week? Why is this the year 2018? Why do we use printed books? Why is the average Westerner literate at all? The answer to all of these is "the Bible." Without reading the Bible, you could never comprehend works of art like the Sistine Chapel, the Pieta, or the Last Supper. You will never fully grasp Dante, Milton, or Bach. Indeed, many great masterpieces wouldn't exist if religious patrons hadn't paid artists and composers to celebrate the message of the Bible. If you don't have a working knowledge of the good book, most of Shakespeare's allusions will be opaque to you. You'll not understand why the first European colonists came to New England, you'll miss what motivated the abolition of slavery, and you will find Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail" unintelligible. That is a drop in the bucket of the Bible's influence. This behemoth of a book, and the Judeo-Christian tradition it represents, are the reason why we value women equally with men, why we don't think it's okay to leave newborns to die outside, why we think mercy is admirable, and even why we believe history had a beginning and will someday come to an end. Simply put, if you don't understand the Bible, you won't understand who you are and why you think the way you do. Maybe I'm a voice crying in the wilderness. After all, studies show that most people who own a Bible don't read it. Maybe we no longer treasure this bestselling book of all time because its truths are no longer hidden in our hearts. If so, the writing is on the wall for the West. But for those with an appetite for the sumptuous feast found in God's wordit is waiting on the shelf. The average American household has four copies! Folks, don't listen to GQ. Do not sell your birthright as a Westerner for a mess of periodical pottage. And don't miss the message or the Savior that set this book apart from all others. By the way, that's fifteen biblical phrases. Originally posted at Breakpoint. 4-year-old Florida girl mails birthday cake to her mom in Heaven A post office in Edgewater, Florida recently received an unusual package in their facility. It contained a birthday cake inside a box with a sweet hand-decorated label that a 4-year-old made for her late mother. Written in the card was, "From: Bella, To: Mommy in Heaven," with flower designs. According to the Daily Mail, Bella thought of mailing the cake to her late mother as she was worried she wouldn't have anything for her birthday in Heaven. The child's mom, Jessica, succumbed to pulmonary embolism two years ago. This year would have been her 30th birthday. The 4-year-old's grandmother and Jessica's mom, Laura Fisher, has been caring for the child with Bella's dad, Josh Graham. Fisher revealed that Bella expressed concern about her mother's cake a month before Jessica's birthday. Fisher runs a small baking company called Lulu's Cupcakes and More, and thought of making a red velvet and vanilla birthday cake for Jessica with Bella's help. The grandmother also enlisted the help of the post office workers who happily indulged Bella's request. So, when the 4-year-old girl arrived at the facility, they greeted her with enthusiasm and allowed her to go through the process of mailing a package. Bella made her way to the line that specifically had a sign, "for people shipping to Heaven only." The little girl also watched as post office workers placed a stamp on her mom's package and assured her that the cake would arrive in Heaven just in time. Fisher said that it was as if a burden had been lifted off Bella's shoulders as she stepped out of the post office with a happy face. "They mail hundreds of thousands of letters to Santa every year," the grandmother told Wesh 2 News. "Heaven isn't that much further, right?" Fisher commended the staff members at the Edgewater post office, who couldn't speak to the cameras due to protocols. Fisher said that for all the complaints the post office can get, those at Edgewater were sent from God. Corpse of Ugandan Christian convert desecrated by Muslim villagers The Muslim residents of a village in eastern Uganda have been accused of desecrating the corpse of a Christian convert who was killed by unknown assailants last month after receiving threatening messages. Muluuta Kuzaifa, who converted to Christianity two years ago, was attacked near his home in Kachomo village on April 1 while he was returning from work in Kampala. Just weeks after he came to Kampala, he reportedly received several threatening messages, including one that stated: "You think you are safe in Kampala. We shall soon come for your neck." He passed away the day after the attack and his body was taken to a funeral home in Kachomo. According to Morning Star News, Kuzaifa came to Kampala after he was rejected by his relatives when he decided to return home two years after his conversion to Christianity. The victim's wife, Fatuma Muluuta, said his father, Mukongo Jamada Muluuta Mubaraka, seemed unreceptive when she informed him about the death of Kuzaifa. Fatuma claimed that prior to the desecration of Kuzaifa's body, Mubaraka stated, "My son thought that he can run away from Allah, but he could not." According to Morning Star News, the Muslim residents of the village are accused of taking Kuzaifa's body from the mortuary on April 4 and mistreating the body before burying him in a small grave. "Word went around that Kuzaifa's body was mutilated and not properly buried. His body was not washed, several pins were inserted into his body, they dug a very small grave for the body, and several cuts were made on his corpse." Fatuma told Morning Star News. The rumors prompted Christians to gather in large numbers and storm the burial site. Fatuma said they exhumed the body to give Kuzaifa a decent burial. However, the incident has added to the tensions between Christians and Muslims in the village, according to Kuzaifa's pastor, who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons. "The family of Kuzaifa needs prayers for God to comfort the young family left behind and for financial assistance," the pastor said, according to Morning Star News. The wife said she has now received several threatening messages, with one reportedly warning, "[i]f you continue with Christianity you will go the same way of your husband." Ugandan Christians who come from an Islamic background can be ostracized and even attacked by their own relatives after their conversion. In March, a 27-year-old man who recently converted to Christianity suffered burns on nearly half of his body after he was attacked with cooking oil by his own relatives. Muslims make up 13.7 percent of Uganda's population of 44 million, according to World Population Review. Around 39 percent of the population identify as Catholics, 32 percent as Anglicans and 11 percent as Pentecostal. Uganda's constitution protects the rights of citizens to propagate their faith and convert from one religion to another. However, Christians have been fearful of attacks due to the rise of radical Islamic activities in the country. Iranian court rejects appeal of four Christians convicted of running house churches An Iranian court has turned down the appeal of four Christian converts who were sentenced to 10 years in prison last year for alleged involvement in house churches in the country. According to Middle East Concern, the lawyer for the four defendants - Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani, Mohammadreza Omidi, Yasser Mossayebzadeh, and Saheb Fadaie - recently received a court order upholding the sentences handed down to his clients back in July 2017. Apart from the 10-year prison sentence, Nadarkhani and Omidi reportedly received two-year internal exile. Both men were sent to the south of the country, far away from their families, with Nadarkhani being ordered to stay in Shahr, and Omidi being told to go to Borazjan. The four men were initially arrested in May 2016 as they were taking communion. In September that same year, Mossayebzadeh, Omidi and Fadaie were sentenced to 80 lashes each for allegedly consuming communion wine. The three men have also filed an appeal on the case. Nadarkhani, a member of the non-Trinitarian Church of Iran, was once sentenced to death for apostasy in 2009 after he questioned why only Islam was allowed to be taught in his children's school. He was released on bail in July 2016, but he was accused of acting against national security later that year, according to World Watch Monitor. The defendants appeared before the Revolutionary Court in December to appeal their conviction for propagating house churches and promoting "Zionist Christianity." Niko Cordman from Middle East Concern had suggested at the time that the defendants were unfairly treated due to a law that Iranian-born Muslims are not allowed to convert to other religions. "These men have not committed any crime, except basically living a Christian life and practicing the right to freedom of religion. That's the only reason they're being held accountable and taken to court," Cordman told Premier's News Hour at the time. Miles Windsor of Middle East Concern has expressed concern that the jail terms being handed down against Christians are getting longer. He said Christians in Iran are usually accused of "undermining national security," but recent cases suggested that the indictment was more closely connected to their faith. "There was a hearing on the 11th of June last year. And a judge called Ahmadpour issued his verdict in July, sentencing Pastor Victor and Hadi Asgari to ten years imprisonment and Amin Naderi to 15 years imprisonment for conducting evangelism and illegal house church activity. So, these are charges which are entirely directed at their Christian faith," he told Mission Network News. "Whilst Christians have consistently been put in prison for their faith in Iran in considerable numbers, the length of the sentence has seemed to have increased in the recent year or so," he added. Justin Welby quotes Stormzy to sooth Royal Wedding nerves The archbishop of Canterbury is taking inspiration from grime artist Stormzy's song Blinded By Your Grace to calm any Royal Wedding nerves. Justin Welby, 62, will officiate at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on May 19 and has admitted to being nervous. Asked what he was doing to prepare and keep calm the archbishop, who is the most senior cleric in the Church of England, quoted a line from the south London artist. 'There's a line in that - "I stay prayed up and get the job done" - I think that sort of sums it up,' he told BBC Coventry and Warwickshire. He told presenter Lorna Bailey: 'I'm always nervous at weddings because it is such an important day for the couple - whoever they are.' He added: 'I've made a couple of cack-handed mistakes over the last couple of weddings I've been involved in and I'm thinking this is probably not a good moment to make it a hat-trick.' The last wedding Welby officiated at, for his head of communications at Lambeth Palace, he dropped one of the rings. And in the one before, for his daughter, he gave the vows in the wrong order during the rehearsal. Welby has been involved in preparing the royal couple for the wedding and officiated when Meghan was baptised into the Church of England in a secret ceremony he described as 'beautiful' and 'very special'. In a 20-minute interview for BBC Coventry, where Welby was previously canon and sub-dean at the cathedral for 15 years, he chose two songs to play. The first was Simon and Garfunkel's The Boxer, the second was Stormzy's Blinded By Your Grace. Pope Francis auctions off his white and gold Lamborghini; Proceeds will go to city destroyed by ISIS A white and gold Lamborghini that Pope Francis received as a gift from the luxury carmaker last year will be auctioned off at Sotherby's on 12 May. The Huracan RWD Coupe is a one-of-a-kind car that also features the Pope's "Francesco" signature in black marker on the hood. Sothesby's estimated the car's value at around 250,000 to 350,000 Euros or almost $300,000 to $400,000. If sold, at least 70 percent of the proceeds will go to rebuilding churches and homes in Nineveh in Iraq, a city devastated by ISIS. Part of the money will also go to the Amici per il Centrafrica Onlus, Groupe International Chirurgiens Amis de la Main and Pope John XXIII Community Association. These charities provide support for migrant women and medical aid to the people of Africa. His Holiness blessed and signed the luxury gift last November, thus increasing its value. In the past, Pope Francis also received a Harley-Davidson motorcycle that was originally priced at $13,000 but was sold at auction for $327,000 thanks to his signature on the tank. As with most things, the Pope's personal preference in transportation is quite simple. He frequently overlooks the Papal Mercedes in favor of using an old Renault to get around - car that was also a gift from an Italian priest. Pope Francis often prefers not to ride in the special bulletproof vehicle, the Pope Mobile, during his trips to other countries. "It's true that anything could happen, but let's face it, at my age I don't have much to lose," the Pope told a Spanish newspaper in 2014. "I know that something could happen to me, but it's in the hands of God." Samsung Galaxy A6, A6 Plus release date, specs & price news 2018: Boasts Super AMOLED display, dual rear camera Samsung has recently confirmed the arrival of its latest upper mid-range smartphones in the Galaxy A lineup this 2018. After the Galaxy A8 and A8+ launch in January, the South Korean tech giant has announced the Galaxy A6 and A6+, which are going to boast some high-end specs and features like those found in Samsung's Galaxy S series. For one, the Galaxy A6 and A6+ will sport high-definition Super AMOLED display. As reported by Tech Radar, Samsung revealed that its latest Galaxy A6 2018 smartphone will sport a 5.6-inch HD+ Super AMOLED panel, mimicking the top-tier display technology that is already employed in the recent Galaxy S models. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy A6+ will sport a slightly larger 6-inch display. Another highlight of the Samsung Galaxy A6+ 2018 is the dual-lens rear camera setup, which is similar with the A8+ camera module. The dual lens combo of the A6+ smartphone consists of a 16-megapixel and a 5-megapixel sensors. Meanwhile, the regular Galaxy A6 2018 variant will have a single-lens 16-megapixel primary camera. Samsung also revealed that the latest Galaxy A6 and A6+ smartphones are perfect for high-quality selfie shots with its powerful front-facing snappers, which are powered by a 16-megapixel and a 2-megapixel selfie cameras, respectively. Even without the dual camera technology, the Galaxy A6 2018 front camera is still expected to deliver satisfying results. In fact, it was noted that the new Samsung Galaxy A6 and A6+ are the mid-range handsets focused on camera quality. Furthermore, the Samsung Galaxy A6 2018 is powered by Exynos 7870 processor, while the Galaxy A6+ will receive Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 SoC. There are two RAM and internal storage options available for the A6 and A6+, which are 3GB RAM/32GB storage and 4GB RAM/64GB storage variants. The Samsung Galaxy A6 and A6+ 2018 will be available in Black, Gold, Blue and Lavender color variants. As for the price, the Galaxy A6 will be sold in the market for 309, or equivalent to USD $368, while the Galaxy A6+ is priced at 359 or USD $423. There is no word yet regarding the smartphones' launch in the US market this year. Samsung Galaxy Note 9 release date, price, specs rumors update: Powerful phablet powered by Exynos 9815 chipset spotted Following the Samsung Galaxy S9 launch at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2018 last February, several reports have already surfaced regarding the South Korean tech giant's next premium gadget. Based on Samsung's usual scheme every year, a next-generation Galaxy Note phablet is expected to arrive next. So far, the latest scoop from a benchmark result listing hints that the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 will be powered by Exynos 9815 chipset. Earlier this year, a couple of leaks have appeared online teasing the specs and featured of the Samsung Galaxy Note 9. Last week, the latest Geekbench benchmark listing shows that the Galaxy Note 8 successor will boast an Exynos 9815 processor under the hood. There are no details to reveal the latest Exynos chip's improvements over its predecessor, although the benchmark results are impressive. For one, the Samsung Galaxy Note 9's Exynos 9815 chipset yields a single-core score of 5,162 and a multi-core score of 10,704. It was previously reported that the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 will highlight a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, given that the Samsung Galaxy S9 smartphones are also powered by the same high-end mobile chipset. However, the Snapdragon variant of the Galaxy Note 9 will be only available in the United States and China, whereas the rest of the international market will get the Exynos-powered model. An earlier Geekbench results for the Snapdragon 845 Note 9 model shows a single-core score of 2,190 and a multi-core score of 8,806. If these values are to be believed, the Exynos 9815 variant will be more superior. In fact, the recent benchmark results of the Galaxy Note 9 leave behind the scores garnered by Apple's current A11 processor. Aside from the Exynos 9815 chipset, the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is also reported to receive 8GB of RAM. The handset will run the latest Android 8.1.0 out of the box, plus there is an option for the users to upgrade to the next Android P update. Unfortunately, there are also previously rumored features that may no longer be included in the Samsung Galaxy Note 9, including an in-display fingerprint reader technology and an enhanced fast-charging solution. Samsung Galaxy S9 new variants specs & features review 2018: Flagship handset to receive 128GB and 256GB storage options Samsung launched its latest flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) last February, which were made available with up to 64GB internal storage space. While the premium handsets deliver some cool new features, some users believe that they would maximize their experience by increasing the storage capacity. With this, the South Korean tech giant has announced that it would begin shipping two bigger storage variants for the Galaxy S9 in the coming weeks, the 128GB and 256GB versions. Per the latest report, the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ will be available in 128GB and 256GB built-in storage options in the United States this month. The pre-order period for the said S9 variants was opened in May 1, and the units will be released on May 18. The smartphones are now available for purchase via Samsung's official retail website. Some users were quite disappointed when the Samsung Galaxy S9 was unveiled earlier this year with only 64GB internal storage. To note, the company's closest rival, Apple, has launched the iPhone X last year with up to 256GB of built-in memory. While the current Samsung Galaxy devices already have microSD card slots to expand the memory, it would be quicker and easier to store the huge files directly into the built-in storage, instead of having them manually transferred to an external memory card. This will not be the first time that Samsung has offered the Galaxy S9 and S9+ in larger storage versions. As reported by NDTV, the company already introduced the 256GB storage variant along with the original 64GB option when the flagship handset first arrived in India earlier this year. A few weeks later, the 128GB variant also became available in the country. "With new 128GB and 256GB storage options, consumers can take and store even more 4K movies, epic Super Slow-mo videos and amazing low-light pictures. For users, more on-board storage means more ease, flexibility and convenience to manage their photo and video libraries. The new Galaxy S9 and S9+ continue to support external microSD cards of up to 400GB capacity," Samsung said in an official announcement. Should Christians celebrate the birthday of Karl Marx? Last week marked the 200th birthday of Karl Marx, born on the 5th of May 1818. It was an event marked in a positive way by amongst others, the Economist, the Financial Times, the New York Times (whose headline read 'Happy Birthday Karl Marx, you were right'), and the Guardian columnist Owen Jones who tweeted; 'Happy 200th birthday Karl Marx'. The Chinese sponsored a new statue of Marx that was unveiled in his birthplace, Trier, Germany on Saturday. Jean Claude Juncker speaking at the unveiling of the statue, sought to justify Marx by saying he had been misunderstood by his disciples. President Xi Jinping spoke of Marx as the greatest intellectual thinker and the hero of the working classes and the poor. Meanwhile the shadow chancellor in the UK, John McDonnell, gave a lecture on 'Marxism as a force for change today'. So should Christians be celebrating the birthday of Karl Marx and giving thanks for his insights and genius? After all if the New York Times, the EU, the Chinese and politicians from liberal democracies can all unite in praise of Marx, perhaps there is something for Christians to give thanks for as well? Maybe there should be a commemorative service at Westminster Abbey or the Vatican? There was a time when I, like many young people bought into the myth of Marx. I read biographies about him and even read The Communist Manifesto and Das Kapital. I believed that he was on the side of the poor, against the excesses of corporate capitalism and that he espoused a powerful ideology that changed the world for the good and helped overcome a fascist ideology that caused so much harm. Even when I became a Christian I held on to the view for a while that communism rather than capitalism was more compatible with Christianity. Then I grew up. It was the study of history and the brute bare facts of what happens when Marxist ideology is put into practice that led me to see that Marx was instead a prophet but not one from God. Rather he was the atheist prophet whose doctrines have led to more deaths than any other ideology in the world. Of course he got some things right. Marx's analysis that unfettered capitalism brought about great injustice remains true. His view that society needed to be changed and social structures reformed is still apposite today. The trouble with Marx is what he got wrong so wrong that it made his proposed solutions even worse than the problems he was trying to address. His atheistic materialism meant that he could see no solution outside humanity. His misunderstanding of human nature ensured that when his ideology was tried voluntarily and failed, it would be imposed by an authoritarian police state. Rather than President Juncker's somewhat pathetic attempt to justify Marx as a teacher whose disciples got him wrong, Marx actually foresaw this and taught that his ideology should be imposed by violence and bloodshed. The revolution would be bloody but the pain would be worth it, as Nirvana was achieved through the dictatorship of the proletariat. Revolutionary terror was not a side result of Marxism but a primary component of the ideology. A component that has been taken up with great gusto by every Marxist state in the world from Stalin's Russia to Mao's China and all the regimes in between (Albania, Cuba, North Korea, Eastern Europe, Kampuchea, Vietnam, Venezuela). The result has always, without exception been catastrophic. Over 100 million people have died as the result of Marxist teaching. 100 million! So why are Western liberals and Chinese Capitalists celebrating and commemorating Marx's birthday? 'He was an important figure', they say. Indeed he was but so was Adolf Hitler. Will they be putting up a statue in Brannau am Inn on April 20, 2019 to celebrate his 140th birthday? Will there be commemorative speeches from the President of the EU on that occasion? Can you imagine the uproar if a right wing politician gave a speech on 'Fascism as a force for change today"?! So why the difference in approach? Firstly it is because as the French philosopher Alain Badiou observed, 'Marx has become the philosopher of the middle class'. The Marxist view of history and progress is the predominant view in many Universities and therefore permeates much of middle class society. Furthermore the Middle classes are now able to adopt cultural Marxism where they don't really need to bother about the economics (because Marxist economics has failed everywhere and capitalism is more dominant than ever), but can kid themselves they are being really revolutionary by supporting social changes and attacks on 'bourgeois morality'. They don't seem to see the irony that it is the bourgeoisie who are imposing their new morality upon the whole society (often at the vast expense of the working class). Then there is the issue of hypocrisy. Like that of the Chinese government who laud Marx by donating statues, whilst at the same time presiding over a state capitalist system which creates hundreds of billionaires, a growing gap between rich and poor, whilst being anti-democratic and having an appalling record on human rights abuses, including the increasing persecution of Christians. But that hypocrisy is matched by Western politicians who in the name of human rights seek to impose their ideology on their own people (and much of the rest of the world) but laud and court the Marxist Chinese regime and join in the celebration of the birth of the most destructive ideologue in history! There is however a Christian alternative. One of Marx's most famous sayings is 'from each according to his ability to each according to his needs'. This was something that came out of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians 'Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, as it is written: "The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little."' (2 Corinthians 8:13-15). Some people argue that in the early chapters of Acts, the New Testament church practised a form of communism. Whilst the early church did not abolish private property (one of the basic tenets of Marxism), they did teach that wealth should be shared and used, not stored and abused. Marx argued for a society where relationships between people, rather than relationships based on capital, was the basis. Christians should agree with that absolutely. But Marx failed to take account of human sinfulness and as a result his ideology has never been able to achieve anything other than further injustice and violence. The Scottish founder of modern Capitalism, Adam Smith, in a book that was as influential (and more successful) than The Communist Manifesto, argued for a capitalism that was not based on consumerism and greed, but one that was based on Christian values (the jury is out on whether Smith himself was a Christian or not!). Christians should not seek to condemn Marx because he was anti-Capitalist. We condemn him because, being anti-God, he became anti-human. His Godless, loveless, materialism has left a devastating legacy for the world. It is one we mourn rather than celebrate. Instead we point to the God who is Love and Justice; and the Jesus who warned us to seek our treasures in heaven, not on earth. Seek first his kingdom and all these things will be added to you! Denmark recently opened a consulate in Houston to build upon existing ties in maritime, wind energy and a host of other sectors. More than 300 people attended the opening reception last week. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark held the reception in their soon-to-be new office in the Williams Tower that expects to employ about 10 people after the summer. Vahid Salemi/AP WASHINGTON - With President Donald Trump threatening to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal, fears are growing that pulling Iranian crude off the market could send oil markets skyrocketing. Analysts at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank, are warning prices would "rise briskly" under such a scenario. Fieldwood Energy didn't have a business problem. Its offshore platforms in the Gulf of Mexico paid for themselves. But it did have a debt problem. When a barrel of oil fetched $100 a few years ago, the Houston oil producer borrowed $3.3 billion to pay for $4.4 billion in acquisitions. Crude prices crashed into the $30 a barrel range, and the debt got a lot more expensive. Half of the cash the company made from its offshore oil business went to interest payments. "That's a hard thing to sustain," Fieldwood CEO Matt McCarroll said in a recent interview. "Did we think $100 oil would last longer than it did? Yeah, probably so. Would we do that again? No way." Fieldwood, which paid $260 million in interest last year alone, is one of the scores of U.S. oil companies ditching business plans that depend on high levels of debt, opting instead to raise equity and fund purchases with cash. In the oil market meltdown, American drillers that ran up billions in debt and built their businesses to run on expensive oil paid a high price. More than 140 North American oil producers filed for bankruptcy with a combined $90 billion in debt, according to law firm Haynes & Boone. Related: Private companies investing in Gulf of Mexico as Wall Street turns its back Fieldwood, a private equity-backed oil producer that drills almost exclusively in the Gulf of Mexico, emerged last month from the U.S. oil industry's largest bankruptcy case since mid-2016. But McCarroll, Fieldwood's lawyers and advisers have something to say about that: Don't think of it as a traditional bankruptcy. For one thing, its existing lenders and equity holders contributed $525 million in new capital in part to fund the acquisition of deep-water Gulf assets owned by Houston's Noble Energy a deal it closed as it came out of bankruptcy. It also went into bankruptcy court with a prepackaged restructuring plan that all of its equity holders and 80 percent of its lenders had approved. Its private equity backer Riverstone Holdings owned virtually all of the company's equity and half of its second lien debt, and today it still owns half of the company and has three seats on its board of directors. It didn't use bankruptcy laws to get out of financial obligations to its vendors. In 45 days, it had only two hearings that lasted less than four hours combined. And how did it pay for the Noble deal? "One-hundred percent equity," McCarroll said. Fieldwood had discussed the acquisition with Noble before its restructuring, but it didn't have the capital to buy the assets at the time. When it reached the point in negotiations with lenders that it knew it could raise enough capital, executives went back to Noble. "At first, they thought it was kind of a crazy idea, too," McCarroll said. "They were patient and wise enough to hear us out." Related: Oil job market hasn't caught fire yet as drillers remain wary of price recovery In the downturn, even when oil prices fell to $26 a barrel in February, Fieldwood's business paid for itself. The cost to operate Fieldwood's assets only came to $15 a barrel. The Noble assets generate $300 million in cash a year. Now, Fieldwood is looking ahead to a more profitable year as U.S. crude prices edge above $70 a barrel. The company plans to spend $350 million this year and more than $400 million next year to dispatch more drilling rigs to the Gulf of Mexico, its first drilling program in two and a half years. It has two rigs out there now but it'll send two more soon, with plans to drill some deep-water wells over the next few months. "Without a heavy debt burden and without big capital commitments, we can be opportunistic about where we spend our capital," McCarroll said. "At these oil prices, we ought to be able to make pretty nice returns." Related: Oil prices vault above $70 a barrel Nearly two dozen TV anchors and reporters have either left or joined stations in Houston this year so far. The latest departure was KHOU investigative reporter Scott Noll who announced his exit after six years with the station in late April. It is unclear where Noll will land next. If you live in Texas and own a home, it's an important time of year to watch out for termites. An invasive species, the Formosan termite is in the beginning of its reproductive season, with massive swarms of the insects headed out to create new colonies, possibly inside your walls. "They're a very destructive, wood-destroying termite," entomologist Dr. Robert Puckett said of the Formosan species. BATS BY YOUR HOME? Expert tips for sharing the neighborhood with flying animals These non-native insects tend to swarm in the two weeks before and after Mother's Day, while native termites began their reproductive season a few weeks ago, Puckett said. Formosan termites also differ from native termites in that they swarm at night instead of during the day, said Puckett, a researcher at the Texas A&M University Department of Entomology. The bugs appear just after dark and are attracted to lights, he said. Seeing a swarm does not mean a homeowner will have an infestation, Puckett said, but it's important for homeowners to remain vigilant. A pest control company can inspect the home, looking inside the walls for an infestation. A homeowner can also check for "shelter tubes" along the perimeter of the building. These linear tubes made from dirt will snake up a home's slab, and possibly allow termites to enter the home through a weep hole or other structural deficiency, Puckett said. Termites can also burrow in from below through cracks in a home's foundation, making it more difficult for a homeowner to spot an infestation. United Airlines will offer daily flights between Houston and Havana starting July 20. The airline has been offering once weekly flights since December 2016. Last month, United announced that it had received tentative approval to increase the route to daily flights by the U.S. Department of Transportation. RELATED: United Airlines' 1st Houston-Havana flight departs Saturday The flight is still going through necessary approval processes, but United has gone forward and announced a date. United will operate the service with either Boeing 737-800 mainline aircraft or Embraer E175 regional aircraft operated by Mesa Airlines as United Express. "United's new daily service to Cuba will offer more opportunities to connect our customers traveling from Houston and the central and western United States directly to Havana," Patrick Quayle, United's vice president of International Network, said in a news release. "Houston is United's gateway to Latin America and its convenient location offers customers easy access to connect to 44 destinations across our broad domestic network." Eric Gay/STF U.S. oil prices vaulted above $70 a barrel in early trading Monday, reaching that level for the first time since November 2014 as the Trump Administration's deadline to reauthorize the Iran deal approaches. Oil settled at $70.73 a barrel, up $1.01, or about 1.5 percent. Baseball and saving lives is going hand-in-hand. Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center has kicked off its Home Run for Life program. Cypress residents have the option to donate at The Blood Centers newest facility in the Cy-Fair area. When community members donate platelets through June 2, they will win a chance to score one of four pairs of Houston Astros field-level tickets. If it is easy for someone to donate, they are more likely to Commit for Life and be regular donors. These centers are extremely important because unlike a mobile drive, you always know where you can go to donate, said Cameron Palmer, Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center media and promotions coordinator. While the majority of our donors do so because they love saving lives, we also offer promotions in order to encourage people to come in. Its an added reward for being a life-saver. Commit for Life is a partnership between donors and Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. Members who join the Commit for Life program donate regularly, connect with the blood center via email, phone or social media, and spread the word in regards to the importance of blood donations. The mission of Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is to partner with the community to help save and sustain lives by providing a safe supply of blood, blood components, and related services. Participants will move up a base every time they donate, and they will get a bonus entry when they hit a home run. At the end of the competition, four winners will be randomly selected. We encourage anyone who can donate to donate, Palmer said. Whether it is donating blood, hosting a blood drive or volunteering services in your community blood drives, there is no substitute for blood, and the demand will always be there. One donation can save up to three lives. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 10,270 children in the United States younger than 15 were diagnosed with cancer last year. Childhood cancer rates have been rising slightly for the past few decades. More Information Cypress Neighborhood Donor Center Address: 15050 Fairfield Village Square Dr., Suite 105, Cypress, TX 77433 Phone: 832-334-4880 Online: Giveblood.org See More Collapse Eden Green, 12, is a Cypress-area child who battled a rare aggressive bone cancer. The cancer started in her right tibia and spread to the rest of her body. Her life was saved with the help of platelet donations. It is scary to find out that you have cancer. All I knew was people with cancer die. It is a lot to digest and wrap your brain around at the age of 10. They are still in need of blood products to survive, said Green at the Blood Centers recent Celebration of Life event. Unfortunately, over the past year, there are several children that have not been able to beat cancer. My family and I have attended many funerals, which has been hard. I encourage you to give the gift of life through blood donation. It is a free gift to give, and it matters more than you could ever realize. Green received multiple red blood cell and platelet transfusions after she was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer in June 2015 and received blood through Texas Childrens hospital. Her form of cancer has not been seen or treated by any other doctors across the country except for Green. Now, she has been declared cancer-free with no evidence of disease. Having blood donor facilities close by gives more opportunities for people to take time out to donate, said Shannon Green, Edens mother. Blood products are needed daily in our city and community to help save lives. Blood donations were a vital part of Edens Cancer Treatment. Since beginning its operations in 1975, serving the largest medical campus in the world, The Blood Center has grown to more than 650 employees and serves more than 170 hospitals and health care institutions in the 26-county Texas Gulf Coast, Brazos Valley and East Texas regions. Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is a nonprofit organization and is accredited, licensed, and inspected by the Food and Drug Administration, American Association of Blood Banks as well as local and state authorities. To meet the needs of various communities it serves, the Blood Center must collect approximately 1,000 donations every day. vbradley@hcnonline.com A San Jacinto County man, Stephen Conroy Watson, 62, who publishes the website sentinelalert.org is facing criminal charges related to personal information he reportedly posted on his website with the intent to harm Polk County District Attorney Lee Hon and Hons mother. In the three indictments filed in Polk County, Watson is accused of posting the names and home addresses of Hon and his mother, and central appraisal district information for Hons mother. Because the case involves a sitting district attorney, it was referred to Angelina County District Attorney Joe Martins office. Martin said by phone that as an extra measure to ensure fairness in the case, it was investigated by a Texas Ranger outside of Polk, San Jacinto and Angelina counties. We usually do that when a sitting official is the victim of a crime or a suspect. We ask the Rangers to investigate because its cleaner that way, Martin said. At the time he spoke to the Eastex Advocate, Martin was unaware if a court date had been established for Watson. Martins office will prosecute the case in Polk County. On April 25, Watson surrendered to San Jacinto County law enforcement and was booked in at the county jail. Bond was set at $10,000 for each of the three indictments, which were for two third-degree felony charges for Retaliation and one second-degree felony charge for fraudulent use or possession of identifying information. Watson was released not long after his arrest to await trial. Because of his status as a registered sex offender, he is ordered to keep law enforcement aware of his address. For each charge, he is facing 2-10 years in prison, if convicted. Refusing to speculate on the outcome of Watsons case, Martin explained that punishments run concurrently or consecutively in criminal cases with one determining factor being if they are tried separately or at the same time. Calls for comment were made but are yet unanswered to Watsons attorney. vbrashier@hcnonline.com For the foodies wondering if the promised Eunice restaurant is still on track, the answer is yes. And you only have to wait until late summer for its opening. The restaurant at 3737 Buffalo Speedway is the first Houston concept from BRG Hospitality, the New Orleans-based group whose collection includes Restaurant August, Luke, Domenica, Borgne and Shaya. Drake Leonards, the project's executive chef and partner, will create a menu of Cajun-Creole brasserie-style fare inspired by the flavors of his childhood growing up in Eunice, La. The restaurant will serve seasonally-inspired dishes with Gulf Coast leanings including a full raw bar with Royal Red shrimp, blue crab, and oysters from Louisiana and Texas. The menu also will include roasted seafood such as shellfish-stuffed oysters and New Orleans-style gumbo; crispy Bandera Quail; Texas redfish courtbouillon; slow-roasted cochon de lait; and seasonal tarts, pies and house-spun ice cream. Houston's Gin Braverman of the Gin Design Group will design the 7,000-square-foot space with "Eunice-inspired plaster and pressed wildflowers, quilted fabrics, linen lanterns, and classic farmhouse furnishings layered over a backdrop of whitewashed shiplap and textured tiles," according to a statement from the restaurant. Leonards brings considerable talent to Eunice, having risen through the ranks at BRG restaurants, starting with an externship at Restaurant August while he was still a culinary student at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, La. After graduation in 2008 he worked for chefs Daniel Boulud and Gavin Kaysen at Cafe Boulud. He spent two years living and working in Germany, Spain, France, Switzerland and England before returning to New Orleans in 2012 where he worked at BRG's La Provence before becoming sous chef at August. Then came Luke where he worked as executive chef. He was still at Luke when he was named executive chef of Eunice when the project was announced in June 2016. Eunice was originally slated for a fall 2017 opening. But that was before Hurricane Harvey and a tumultuous scandal within the Besh Restaurant Group, headed by New Orleans superchef and native son John Besh. Besh was embroiled in controversy last year after current and former employees accused the celebrity chef of sexual harassment at the workplace. Besh almost immediately stepped down from the company which in January was rebranded as BRG Hospitality. Besh remains an owner an of the business whose new CEO is Shannon White. Before spending time with Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein in a Parisian brasserie, Alley Theatre patrons can enjoy authentic French cuisine at downtown Houstons own brasserie. Brasserie du Parc, located at 1440 Lamar St. along Discovery Green, will offer a prix-fixe menu May 11-June 3 to accompany the Alleys production of Picasso at the Lapin Agile. Guests can choose from three options for each of the meals three courses, all for the price of $39 plus tax and gratuity. The play at the Alley takes place in Paris on Oct. 8, 1904, in the iconic brasserie Lapin Agile, which is still open today. Whitney Spencer, public relations and communications manager for the Alley Theatre, said the play is a fun look at conversations that might have transpired if the artist and physicist had crossed paths in the city. Picasso and Einstein walk into a bar. Humorous, contemplative and wholly imaginative, comedian and film star turned playwright Steve Martins play surprises and provokes, Spencer said. Jumping off from the notion that these two great men were close in age and in Paris at the same time, Martin leaps into a fantastical contemplation of what they might have discussed and who else might have joined them at the Lapin Agile bar. Brasserie du Parc Executive Chef Philippe Verpiand and his wife and Co-owner Monica Bui opened their first restaurant Etoile Cuisine et Bar in Uptown Park in 2012 and opened the brasserie last year. Verpiand said their team worked hard to get the brasserie ready by the Super Bowl. We opened in 2017 on the ground floor of One Park Place, a 346-unit, 37-story luxury apartment tower across the street from Discovery Green, Verpiand said. It was a crazy time to open there, as we were finishing construction just as the Super Bowl was coming. We rushed to get finished in time and then found ourselves behind security fences put up for the activities at the George R. Brown. We were brand new, and no one could see us. Verpiand said while the menu changes often, the brasserie serves a variety of French dishes like chicken liver pate served with red Dijon and cornichons, duck confit, coq au vin, steak and sandwiches as well as a few items like bourbon-vanilla pecan pie that you probably would not find in France. He said many of the offerings are what people would eat if they traveled to France but that some of them have been slightly adapted to use foods that are sourced locally or from the Gulf. In addition, the brasserie also has an extensive selection of beer, wine and cocktails, including absinthe, which is a type of liquor that has the flavor of black licorice and was very popular in France during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The special prix-fixe menu includes items like a lobster bisque with crab meat for the first course, braised rabbit leg Provencale with creamy grits, spring vegetables, tomato and red wine sauce for the second source and a caramelized apple tart with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce for dessert. Verpiand said the braised rabbit dish is a nod to Lapin Agile, which translated is agile rabbit. If guests wish to order from the regular menu, they can present their Picasso at the Lapin Agile tickets to receive a 15-percent discount off their dining purchases. Verpiand said the brasserie has a unique atmosphere with a staff that is ready to help guests have a good time and experience new foods. The feel of Brasserie du Parc is something you wont find anywhere else in Houston. You are in the heart of downtown, yet you are looking out on a beautiful park. The inside has all the feel of a French brasserie, but its not at all artificial, he said. Our staff is professional and knowledgeable and can direct you to dishes you may not have had before. We want people to know what authentic French food is all about and have fun doing it. Bui said the partnership between the brasserie and the theatre started out as a place for the plays cast to take pictures before their set was put together and then naturally developed into more. The Alley Theatre approached us about shooting promotional photographs for Picasso at the Lapin Agile. They were looking for a place with a French brasserie feel. It was such a perfect fit, so it evolved from there, she said. Bui said she is looking forward to working with the theatre in a unique way and also to showing off their brasserie to people who have not yet had the opportunity to dine there. Its almost like we can be part of the play, one brasserie to another. Of course, the chance of showcasing Brasserie du Parc to the patrons of the Alley Theatre is an excellent opportunity for us. We are so close to everything in the Theater District, she said. Reservations for Brasserie du Parc are encouraged due to demand and can be made by calling 832-879-2802 or visiting www.brasserieduparc.net. For more information about Picasso at the Lapin Agile or for tickets, visit www.alleytheatre.org or call 713-220-5700. tracy.maness@hcnonline.com A 19-year-old Houston man faces a murder charge after a high-speed chase with police ended in a crash that killed another driver, Houston police said. Juan Jesus Sosa-Montes was driving on the Katy Freeway near Fries Road in a white Cadillac CTS on Sunday evening at about 9:15 p.m. when Harris County Constable's Office Precinct 5 deputies pulled him over for speeding. According to police, Sosa-Montes stopped on an exit ramp during the traffic stop, then sped off after a deputy got out of his car. After exiting the freeway, Sosa-Montes continued fleeing west on the Katy Freeway service road traveling more than 100 miles per hour at times then ran a red light at the intersection of Blalock and crashed into a blue Nissan Rogue traveling north, police said. The impact of the crash pushed the Nissan Rogue into a pole, killing the driver, who was identified as 57-year-old Leticia Ali. Family members declined to comment about the crash. Sosa-Montes and his passenger, an 18-year-old woman, were taken to Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital in serious condition, police said. The fatalities are the latest in a long list of drivers to die during police pursuits in the Houston region, where high-speed chases occur regularly. The Houston region in 2016 saw more than a dozen crashes in one 13-week stretch, leaving six dead including one police officer and nine injured. A 2015 USA Today investigation found that from 1979 to 2013, at least 11,506 people and possibly as many as 15,000 died during during police pursuits. In more than 5,000 cases, the crashes claimed the lives of people besides the fleeing driver, and in at least 139 chases, the person who died was a law enforcement officer. Geoff Alpert, a criminal justice professor at the University of South Carolina who studies law enforcement pursuits, said police should reserve chases for suspects wanted for violent crimes, since studies show 40 percent of pursuits end with collisions. "If this is a terrorist, if this is someone who shot up a school; a rapist; a robber, I think we'd all be saying, 'Go get them,'" he said. "But when it's just a traffic or property offender, I think we need to say, 'What for?'" Debris from the crash struck a black Chevrolet Tahoe and one other vehicle, but nobody in those vehicles were injured, police said. On Monday, Sosa-Montes was charged with murder and aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury. An attorney was not yet listed for him in court records by late Monday. Many pursuit procedures, including a model policy released by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, include specific instructions for officers during chases: activate lights and sirens; slow down and check intersections before crossing; do not follow a suspect into opposing traffic; allow supervisors to halt the pursuit; avoid having more than two chase vehicles; and do not shoot from a moving vehicle. The Houston Police Department is investigating the crash. The Precinct Five Constable's Office is reviewing whether appropriate chase procedures were followed, a spokesman said. Just hours before Sosa-Montes' arrest, another police pursuit turned deadly in Baytown. In that case, police in Baytown tried to stop a man around 3 a.m. Sunday. The driver fled, then crashed on Texas 146 near Garth, where his vehicle caught fire. The driver who died in that chase has not yet been identified. READ ALSO: Rice community pushes for change at site of two fatal bike crashes Bunker Hill 4/27/18 at 1500 Hours. 11600 Block of Green Oaks. Burglary of a Building. Unknown persons forced entry into a vacant home under construction and once inside removed a commercial range valued at over $13,000. The crime scene was processed for evidence and detectives were notified for follow up investigation. 5/2/18 at 1915 Hours. 100 Block of Liberty Bell. Attempted Fraud. Victim reported that upon checking a bank account the balance was incorrect. The victim contacted the financial institution and learned that an internal transfer of funds had occurred. The transfer was initiated by a bank employee to another account not associated with the victim. The bank corrected the transfer and moved the money back to the proper account. A report was initiated due to the attempted fraud and for documentation purposes. Piney Point 4/29/18 at 0345 Hours. 100 Block of Windemere. Burglary of a Vehicle. While on patrol Officer located a vehicle parked in the driveway of a residence with the doors and truck open at 3:45 am. Contact was made with the resident who advised that he had last checked the car at 0100 hours and the vehicle was fine. Unknown suspects had entered the unlocked car and rummaged through it taking 2 pair of sunglasses from the center console. Information was obtained and provided to detectives for a follow up investigation. 5/1/18 at 0915 Hours. 100 Block of Tokeneke Trail. Fraud/Credit Card Abuse. Victim reported finding an unauthorized charge on his credit card made in Georgia at a Lowes. A check of the charge found it to be for the purchase of a refrigerator that was delivered to a home in Georgia. Information was obtained and will be provided to detectives here and in Georgia for follow up investigation. Hunters Creek 4/27/18 at 1500 Hours. 300 Block of Shasta. Burglary of a Vehicle. Victim reported that he had just arrived to the area after going to a bank on Longpoint in Houston and went inside a residence. Upon returning to his vehicle he found a rear window broken and cash missing from his vehicle. He believes that he was followed from the bank and the unknown persons broke into his vehicle. The area was checked for surveillance video and detectives are following up. 4/28/18 at 1145 Hours. 800 Block of Kuhlman. Burglary of a Vehicle. Victim reported that he had just arrived at the listed location after going to a Bank on North Post Oak where he had made a withdrawal. A nearby resident had observed a subject in a light blue or grey white 4-door (Ford Edge) SUV drive by, make a U-turn and then stop where a suspect exited that vehicle, went to the victims vehicle broke out a window, removed items and then fled the area in the suspect vehicle. A picture of the suspects vehicle was then provided to officers (attached). Detectives were notified of the crime and are following up on the case. 4/30/18 at 1930 Hours. 600 Block of Pifer. Fraud/Credit Card Abuse. Victim reported receiving text messages from his bank of charges being made in Arlington, Texas. The victim had possession of his credit card and was not making the purchases. The card was immediately frozen, however, 2 prior charges had already gone through. Information was provided to detectives. Deer can swim but that doesn't mean they don't need a little help from time to time. An unidentified Walden man rescued a deer who couldn't find its way out of a body of water on Sunday, according to video uploaded to Facebook by the Montgomery County Precinct 1 Constable's Office. TRAGIC: Dog fatally mauls baby in Los Angeles home In the video, the man is seen using a flotation device and holding the deer in his arms. At first, the man swims to a dock and another unidentified man attempts to pull the deer out of the water. When that doesn't work, the man holding the deer swims over steps that descend into the water. The deer is picked up by the armpits by a deputy and set on the grass. The deer, shaking as it stands up, appears to be weak, possibly tired from swimming and trying to get out of the water. It eventually starts walking again and seems to be in fine health. The constable's office did not identify the body of water from which the deer was rescued, but Lt. Timothy Cade told news station KHOU that the deer was rescued from Lake Conroe. The video has approximately 20,000 views on Facebook and has been shared more than 400 times. Some commenters on Facebook noted that the lake is wrapped in bulkhead, eliminating a shoreline for animals to get in and out of. Bulkhead is a manmade divider, acting as a seawall. "Nothing can get out. I've seen baby ducks in a panic over it," one commenter claims. Will Axford is a digital reporter for Chron.com and HoustonChronicle.com. Follow him on Twitter. With a son and son-in-law who are Houston firefighters, Florence Dees said supporting the families of firefighters is something near and dear to her heart. Dees is the director of the Dennis W. Holder Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to the children and grandchildren of Houston firefighters. The second annual Crawfish Boil to benefit the Dennis W. Holder Scholarship Fund was held on Saturday, May 5 at the Crawfish Shack in Crosby. The Crawfish Shack donated 50 percent of all proceeds made from noon to 6 p.m. to the fund. By the end of the event, the owners of Crawfish Shack, Dan and Jennifer Meaux, were able to present a check for $6,251. "We are so very thankful for their gracious efforts to help our organization," Dees said. Representatives of the scholarship fund raised an additional $896 selling merchandise during the event. This years crawfish boil fundraiser was especially important, explained Dees. Their annual gala last year, which is the organizations major fundraising event, was cancelled due to Hurricane Harvey. We cancelled it because the roads were still so bad and people were displaced, so we didnt feel it was a good time to have it, Dees said. Now, were trying to play catch-up and replace some of the revenue we lost. The scholarship fund hands out approximately 300 scholarships each year. Dees explained that firefighters put their lives on the line, but sometimes make less than other professions. The Houston firefighter scholarship fund helps support their families continued education costs. Every child deserves an education, Dees said. We just want to do what we can to help the kids out and give them more opportunities. Plans are also in the works for a Halloween fundraising party that will take place Oct. 27. That event you wont want to miss out on, Dees said. Well have contests and prizes for best costume and it should be a lot of fun. The Halloween party fundraiser is geared towards adults. It will start at 8 p.m. and Dees anticipates the party will continue at least until midnight. The venue has not yet been announced. For more information, visit www.holderscholarship.org, or visit the Dennis W. Holder Scholarship Fund-Houston Firefighters Facebook page. mfeuk@hcnonline.com Houston Community College's Central Campus will remain closed on Tuesday as the college continues to investigate a shooting threat posted on social media over the weekend. College officials announced the continued closure Monday afternoon. It follows a Sunday decision to shut down all Monday operations on the Midtown campus as HCC police inspected campus facilities, enacted new security measures and tried to identify the person who made the threat. Other HCC campuses restricted access to buildings and grounds and bolstered security but remained opened Monday. The college said that the same measures would take place on Tuesday. HCC spokeswoman Linda Toyota said the community college decided to keep campus closed for an additional day to implement additional security measures recommended by local and federal law enforcement. She declined to identify those measures. Toyota said the college does not believe there is an ongoing threat of violence connected to the post, which was made on Facebook over the weekend. HCC officials learned of the post on Saturday, and Toyota said it was deleted that day. The FBI and local law enforcement have not identified the person who posted the threat and would continue to work on the case, FBI spokesman Orlan Streams said. Officials are close to identifying and arresting a suspect connected to the post, which threatened violence on Monday, according to a person familiar with the investigation. HCC is running the investigation. The FBI is not taking the lead, the person familiar with the investigation said. HCC Police Chief Greg Cunningham and HCC Chancellor Cesar Maldonado will hold a news conference at noon on Tuesday. "We will remain vigilant and respond thoroughly whenever any reports of a concerning nature are received," Maldonado said in a provided statement Monday. "HCC is a place of learning. We also want it to be a place where everyone is safe." By mid-day Monday, the campus was quiet, save for a few police vehicles circling the perimeter to turn away students. The decision to close campus required HCC to reschedule about 150 final examinations on Monday. More scheduled for Tuesday will be pushed to Thursday. Student Logan Stanley said he did not realize the campus was closed until he arrived Monday morning. He didn't see the evening email, he said. "Something like this should probably be a city-wide notification, in all honesty," he said. Alejandra Villarreal, an 18-year-old student at the Houston Academy for International Studies who takes early-college high school classes at HCC, had her astronomy final rescheduled to Friday due to the shooting threat. Though she would have preferred to take her final Monday, Villarreal said she understands why college officials would want to close the campus, which is open to outsiders who may not be students. "You'd be surprised at how many people come on campus," Villarreal said. The weekend shooting threat is the latest scare in Texas amid an uptick of threats after the Parkland, Fla., mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February. Incidents and threats to U.S. schools soared by more than 300 percent in the 30 days after 17 people were shot and killed in Parkland, according to the Educator's School Safety Network, which tracks shooting threats. Earlier this year, multiple University of Houston students flagged posts to Instagram threatening violence. University officials found no threat, and the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office said the person responsible for the social media posts had been in the hospital at the time of the posts. The Educator's School Safety Network said that in the 30-day period after Parkland, 45.6 percent of threats made came from social media. More than 1,850 schools received those threats, and the majority of those schools were high schools, not colleges or universities. Anyone with information related to the HCC case can notify campus police at 713-718-8888. Gabrielle Banks contributed to this report. Two Houston-area school districts and an experienced Cypress-Fairbanks ISD teacher were among the big winners at HEBs 17th annual Excellence in Education awards Sunday night. Fort Bend ISD was named Texas best large district, earning a $100,000 grant, and the Humble ISD trustees won the best school board category, which carries a $25,000 prize. Pamela Broussard, who teaches English-language learners at Cypress Falls High School as head of the New Arrivals Center, was one of the years two Lifetime Achievement honorees, a category available to teachers with at least 20 years of experience. She will receive $25,000, along with a matching grant for her school. In total, the evening celebrated the commitment of two principals, six teachers, one large district, one small district, a school board and an early childhood facility as among the best in the state. CEO Charles Butt and other HEB executives handed out a combined $430,000 in cash awards and grants. The program has given away more than $9.5 million in cash and grants since its launch in partnership with the Texas Association of School Administrators in 2002. In an evening of emotional speeches from educators some of whom addressed lawmakers in the room directly, arguing for more funding for programs or criticizing some state leaders embrace of school voucher programs Broussards comments were among the most well-received. Her students dont only come from immigrant communities in the U.S., but also from places like Spain, Afghanistan and Venezuela. And she, in turn, spoke in her acceptance speech of her work in refugee camps and in places where a good education can be far too rare, like Syria and Afghanistan. Broussard spoke most, however, of her students, whom she wants to be all they were created to be and to know that they matter. They give me courage every day, she said. Theyre tenacious; theyre strong. Our immigrant families, theres a lot of things said about them, but they bet their life, their families, their cultures, their language, their communities, their parades, their holidays, everything on one thing that they believe that education is going to make a difference. Cypress Falls High School principal Becky Denton spoke of the amazing progress Broussards students make each year, from the first week she meets them, when Broussard has taught them to say Hi, my name is and little else. By the semester, theyre talking in complete sentences. By the end of the year, theyll just blow you away with their communication skills, with the way theyve settled in. The big award of the evening went to Fort Bend ISD, a diverse district with about 75,000 students speaking 100 languages. Superintendent Charles Dupre touched on that diversity in his remarks, saying it presents its challenges, but it also presents amazing opportunities. This award is for the 11,000 employees and the amazing school board that works as partners, as one unified team every single day to inspire and equip every single student to pursue futures beyond what they can imagine, Dupre said. Humble ISD board president Angela Conrad, in accepting the award for best school board, praised the trustees from other districts who also were finalists When some people think of boards they think of politics, but these boards go beyond that, she said. They focus on the greater good. Conrad spoke of the horrific flooding Hurricane Harvey wrought in the northeast Houston area the district covers and said she was proud that the districts fiscal management allowed it to provide buses, buildings and staff to help during Harvey and begin repairs at battered Kingwood High School quickly. We know how important schools are to communities and healing, she said. The annual Excellence in Education process begins with the grocery giant asking customers, employees and civic leaders to nominate educators and districts. Nominees there were more than 1,600 this year then submit applications and are winnowed to semi-finalists by a team of judges. Five regional judging panels comprised of former winners, administrators and civic leaders then select 40 teacher and principal finalists, all of whom receive prizes of between $1,000 and $2,500; a similar process is used to pick district and early education center finalists. A statewide panel of judges then conduct personal interviews with each finalist to select winners. The principals announced as statewide winners Sunday, taking home $10,000 for themselves and $25,000 for their schools, were from Laredo and the Lubbock area. Teachers honored in the Leadership category those with between one and two decades on the job were from Dallas and Laredo. They took home $10,000 for themselves and $10,000 for their schools. An early childhood center in the Lubbock area took home a $25,000 cash prize, and Lancaster ISD in north Texas took home $50,000 as the best small district. The evening also featured a keynote address from Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy, and a standing ovation for Micheal Brown, the Lamar High School senior who made national headlines for being accepted to and receiving full-ride scholarships from 20 of the nations top colleges. mike.morris@chron.com Mary Mendez snapped some photos as her 5-year-old daughters posed with the Boba Fett-like bounty hunter. Alice and Amelia, wearing Captain Phasma and Rey costumes, giggled as the Mandalorian mercenary played by volunteer Jerry Summers clad in space armor and blaster gave the girls high-fives, then pulled back his hand and feigned an injury. I love Star Wars, ever since I was a kid, Mendez, 30, said afterward with a smile. The kids have caught on, and they love it, too. Its a family thing. Its good for all ages. Thousands of Star Wars fans flocked to the 7th annual May the Fourth Art Festival, which took place in an east downtown warehouse this weekend. Nearly 100 artists and 40 vendors showcased hundreds of art pieces and craft goods inspired by the storied Hollywood franchise. Houstons May the Fourth celebration a pun off the iconic movie quote, May the Force be with You is one of the largest Star Wars-themed art festivals nationally. Between 300 and 400 people showed up to the inaugural festival seven years ago. Today, some 5,000 people visit the two-day event, which showcases many emerging Houston artists. The art festival has gotten so big, it has caught the attention of Disney, which owns Lucasfilm and the Star Wars franchise. In April, a Disney lawyer reached out to festival organizer Dandee Warhol, threatening to shut the event down for using the Star Wars characters and brand in its marketing. Warhol, who operates a local art studio called WarHaus, convened an emergency meeting with his team and changed the festival name to May the Fourth Art Festival and added a disclaimer saying that the event is not affiliated with LucasFilm or Star Wars. We were two weeks away, and there was no way I was going to shut this down, Warhol said. So we changed everything overnight. With a potential shutdown averted, Star Wars fans, young and old, streamed into the pop-up art venue over the weekend. They admired handmade necklaces with shiny aluminum logos of the Death Star and the Rebel Alliance, a skateboard painted with Chewbacca and crocheted, dog-shaped pillows with names like Luke Skywalk-myself. There also were paintings of Han Solo, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Princess Leia and even a pointillistic portrait of Boba Fett made with hundreds of black and white Stormtrooper and Darth Vader stickers. Toward the back of the venue, Juan Salazar with Super Happy Incredible Toys shop in the Heights, was selling vintage Star Wars action figures dating back from the original movie release in 1977. Next to the $24 first-edition Stormtroopers, Salazar was selling figurines from the latest Star Wars offshoots. The generation that grew up with Star Wars have children who are growing up with their own Star Wars, Salazar said. Every generation has their own Star Wars. Many parents brought their young children to the art festival, several for the second or third time, but always eager to share their love of the movies with the next generation of fans. While youngsters said they enjoyed the action-packed blockbusters, the adults said they appreciated the deeper story behind Star Wars: the battle between good and evil and the heros quest. It taps into all of the archetypes, said Cynthia Miller, who brought her 8-year-old daughter, Emma, to the festival. I think thats why it speaks to a lot of us. Elena McGlasson took her 6-year-old son, Hamilton, to the art festival for the first time. The boy wore a Kylo Ren costume but also brought an extra Darth Vader one, just in case he wanted an outfit change in the middle of the festival, his mom said. Hamilton has yet to see the movies but knows all the characters and plotlines from playing with his Star Wars Lego sets, she said. Im glad we get to bond over Star Wars, McGlasson said. Its really special. paul.takahashi@chron.com twitter.com/paultakahashi By Ruth Anderah. The chairperson of the commission of inquiry on land matters Justice Catherine Bamugemeire has threatened to issue a warrant of arrest tomorrow against lands minister Betty Amongi. Justice Bamugemeire has this morning issued final criminal summons against the minister after her failure to honor the third summons. She says that if minister Amongi fails to appear before the commission at 9am tomorrow, it will have no option but to issue an arrest warrant. Bamugereire adds that the warrant of arrest will be served to the Prime Minister, Speaker of Parliament, Inspector General of Police and all the border authorities to secure her attendance. This is after Minister Amongi sent a letter the commission indicating that the Prime Minister had advised her not to avail to the commission the Land Fund documents before cabinet approves them and she asked for more time to first consult cabinet today. Minister Amongi was first summoned on April 3rd 2018 to come and throw more light on issues pertaining the land fund. According to the summons Amongi is also to explain how she acquired the land located on plot 29 Acacia Avenue Kololo hill in Kampala that allegedly belonged to departed Asians. By Samuel Ssebuliba. Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander CP. Moses Kafeero has warned police officers against human rights violation. Speaking to area commanders of KMP North at Kafeero also Called upon the officers to observe and respect all human rights and freedoms while performing their functions. He cited the need to respect human dignity, refraining from ill treatment, over detention, torture, discrimination among social classes, use of excessive force, arbitrary and illegal arrests. He meanwhile cautioned them against intrigue, urging officers to desist from wasting their energies on fighting one another but rather focus on competence and integrity based activities. The Harris County medical examiner's office has released autopsy reports offering more details in the shooting of two divorcing men who died in a murder-suicide last Thursday. Makeup company executive Benjamin Ruiz shot and killed his husband, Rene Ruiz, before turning the gun on himself, according to the autopsy reports. A Cypress Springs High School teacher who had sex and smoked marijuana with a 15-year-old student faces up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty Monday to one charge of improper relationship with a student. Michelle Schiffer, 23, who taught world history, admitted to meeting with a former student for sex at least twice during the summer of 2017, according to court records. She has admitted guilt and will accept punishment handed down by state District Judge Robert Johnson in August, after a pre-sentence investigation. Michelle has taken responsibility for her actions and is very remorseful, her attorney Grant Scheiner said after the plea deal. At sentencing Michelle plans to personally apologize to the complainant and his family, as well as everyone affected. Its highly doubtful she will have any trouble with the law again. Court records show that the two first met up at a Chick-Fil-A in Cypress, then went to a friend's apartment to have sex. During their second encounter, Schiffer picked up the student in a park they rode around smoking marijuana, according the criminal complaint. She pulled over on a neighborhood street to kiss and have sex Authorities learned of the alleged improper relationship after an anonymous student reported it to school officials. Authorities interviewed Schiffer and the 15-year-old student regarding the accusations and both allegedly admitted to it. Following the criminal complaint, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD removed Schiffer from campus and placed her on administrative leave. This case is following a similar path to the prosecution of 24-year-old Alexandria Vera, a former Aldine ISD middle school teacher. Vera was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to a first-degree felony for having a long-term sexual relationship with a 13-year-old student. In that case, Vera admitted to the relationship in exchange for a sentence decided by the judge with cap of 30 years in prison. Her attorney had argued for probation in the notorious case. A man accused of exchanging gunfire with Fort Bend County Sheriffs deputies outside of a Houston nightclub has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault against a public servant. Corey Teamer, 24, was taken into custody May 4 and is being held on no bond, according to Harris County court records. The shooting happened on April 23, when two Fort Bend County Sheriffs Office deputies were working off-duty jobs providing security at a nightclub called The Address, at 3333 Raleigh Street, police said. READ ALSO: HCC Central Campus turns away students after closing school due to shooting threat The deputies saw a disturbance between men in the parking lot and then ran to 3300 Old Spanish Trail. The deputies then saw a man pull a pistol and fire several times at patrons. The deputies went over to the gunman, now identified as Teamer, and yelled police while telling him to drop his gun, police said. Teamer then stopped, turned around and fired several times at the deputies, according to a police account of the shooting. The deputies then discharged their weapons in fear of their safety and the safety of the club-goers, police said. READ ALSO: Motorcyclist dies in crash in Spring The deputies were uninjured, and it is unknown if the gunman was wounded. The gunman fled westbound on Highway 288 and southbound until the deputies lost sight of him. He was taken into custody more than one week later, police said. The University of Houston has announced its commencement speaker for its upcoming class of spring graduates. Mayor Sylvester Turner, a UH alumnus himself, will be addressing the latest class of Coog grads on Thursday, May 10, at NRG Stadium. Last year, UH invited Arnold Schwarzenegger to speak. In his address, the former California governor and Hollywood actor asked students to be grateful for the help they had in succeeding: STUDY: Texas teacher salaries lag far behind US average "None of us can make it alone. None of us. Not even the guy that is talking to you right now, that was the greatest bodybuilder of all times. Not even me, that has been the Terminator and went back in time to save the human race. Not even me that fought and killed predators with his bare hands." "I always tell people that you can call me anything that you want. You can call me Arnold. You can call me Schwarzenegger. You can call me the Austrian oak. You can call me Schwarzy. You can call me Arnie. But don't ever, ever call me the selfmade man." It's a tough act to follow for Turner, especially since Schwarzenegger ended his address with some of his most iconic catchphrases, "Hasta La Vista, baby. I'll be back." Still, there's no doubting that Turner, who oversaw Houston during Hurricane Harvey and the Astros' World Series win, will have some spectacular words of wisdom for some of Houston's newest generation of workers. Turner won't be the only speaker, though. This year, the University of Houston plans on having multiple ceremonies and speakers for different colleges. For UH Law, attorney, journalist and businesswoman Star Jones will be speaking to graduates. Scroll through above to see who else is slated to speak at graduation ceremonies across Texas. Fernando Ramirez is a reporter for Chron.com and the Houston Chronicle. You can follow him on Twitter at @fernramirez93. A student at the University of Texas at Austin took to the water to celebrate her upcoming graduation, taking her senior photos while wakeboarding. Carley Morris, of Fort Worth, donned her cap and gown and braved 65-degree waters on Lake Austin on April 22 to get the perfect shots. Photographer Kaylin Balderrama said she made sure the Pennybacker Bridge - commonly known as the 360 Bridge - was in the photo to remind Morris of Austin, before she moves to Nashville after graduation. DRAMATIC PHOTOS: Images from the Hawaii Kilauea volcano "Carly wanted to do something unique for her pictures so we talked to Jacob Cope (owner of Lone Star Wake Rentals) and he agreed to let us use his boat to do some wake surfing pictures in her cap and gown," Balderrama told the Chronicle. "She got into the water and got up on the board and then Jacob handed her the cap and gown and she had to put them on while wakesurfing." Balderrama said she sat in the back of the boat once Morris had her cap and gown on. The photographer said she made sure the photos were taken with the wind blowing against them so Morris' hair didn't end up in her face. "This shoot was definitely unique though because it was unlike any senior shoot I had ever done," Balderrama said. "Senior shoots are always special because they are emotional and exciting. That person is taking a new step in their life and it can be really scary. But this senior shoot was nothing but fun and these pictures will make her remember going to school in Austin and being on the wakeboarding team forever." NO SCHOOL: HCC Central Campus closes due to shooting threat In addition to senior photos, Balderrama also shoots concerts in Austin and was a photographer for South by Southwest this year. More of her work can be seen on her website. Will Axford is a digital reporter for Chron.com and HoustonChronicle.com. Follow him on Twitter. A 3-year-old girl was taken in a West Bexar County carjacking early Monday then abandoned and returned safely to her parents. Bexar County deputies said the suspect or suspects in the carjacking stole a woman's car from the driveway of her home near West Loop 1604 around 3 a.m. while she was unloading groceries. A new mural at a Chula Vista charter school stirred controversy as soon as the paint dried. Depicted in colorful spray paint on a wall at the MAAC Community Charter School near San Diego is an Aztec warrior with a skull and feathered headdress, human heart in hand, alongside another warrior with a jaguar headdress holding up his kill: the president of the United States. The recently revealed mural shows Donald Trump's decapitated head on a spear. A local television news viewer reported the mural to a KUSI reporter, who began investigating the story Monday. The school's director Tommy Ramirez told the station the artwork was a part of an annual fundraiser called Battlegroundz, which celebrates street art and raises money for student scholarships. CONTROVERSY IN SF: Fiery anti-Trump mural appears in Clarion Alley After a few days of increased attention, the portion of the mural depicting the president was covered by a black tarp Wednesday, according to KUSI. The artist, Sasha Andrade, responded by sharing a picture of the full mural on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the caption, "They can try to #censor it but here it is guys!!!!" ALSO READ: Sign on Bernal Hill questions just who is allowed to dream "We understand that there was a mural painted at the event this past weekend that does not align with our school's philosophy of nonviolence," Ramirez said in a statement to the Washington Post. "We have been in communication with the artist who has agreed to modify the artwork to better align with the school's philosophy." Read Alix Martichoux's latest stories and send her news tips at amartichoux@sfchronicle.com. Jason Barker invites us, in the New York Times, to celebrate the bicentennial of Karl Marxs birth in the ancient southern German city of Trier. The celebrity philosophy professors argument is that Marx has been right all along, and that he remains our indispensable guide to the future. Barker bears the torch with arguments as deathless as they are wrong. His fundamental postulate is that Marx correctly analyzed capitalism as class warfare, the eternal conflict between exploiters and the exploited (the proletariat), a struggle that will lead necessarily to capitalisms self-destruction and its replacement by a classless society. In passing, Barker claims that todays economists all accept Marxs definition of capitalism. It seems more likely that Barker has never met an economist, for none still sees capitalism according to the Marxist framework of exploitation. Unlike philosophy, economics is based on the analysis of reality; Marxs great mistake was to have failed to predict that capitalism would produce an enormous middle class that is neither exploiter nor exploited. In developed countries, this middle class represents perhaps 90 percent of the population, leaving the two extremes on the margins of the system. That doesnt just contradict the Marxist framework; it demolishes it. Undaunted, post-Marxists beginning with Vladimir Lenin have tried to expand the class-warfare concept to a planetary scale by dividing nations into two categories: the exploiting capitalist nations and the exploited proletarianthat is, colonizednations. Facts again invalidated this thesis, since formerly colonized nations, influenced by international trade and their own capitalist enterprises, generated in turn their own predominant middle classes, as has been the case in China, India, and Brazil. Exploitation in the developing world is primarily centered in countries that call themselves Communist, such as China, Vietnam, North Korea, and Cuba, where Communist Party dignitaries exploit and oppress their own populations. Here again, Barker, following Lenins example, avoids reality through the use of metaphor: capitalisms contradictions get translated into the war between the sexes and the races, as currently expressed by #MeToo and Black Lives Matter, the most prominent expressions of proletarian consciousness at the moment. Such a metaphor cannot substitute for analysis, however, since it is only in capitalist societies that such social contradictions come to light and are discussed and (sometimes) resolved. In countries that deny capitalismespecially Chinathe Party declares that sexual harassment and racism exist only in Western societies. How does this sound to women laborers in China, or to Tibetans? Barker proposes a counter-argument for capitalist societies openness and willingness to attack taboos: they have Marxist critiques to thank. If by this he means that social critique and the scrutiny of dominant power are the functions of philosophy, then we are in full agreement. But who needs Marx for that? Socrates went further in this exercise, and paid the price for it, unlike Marx. Barker concedes that Marx never really described the society of the future but instead invited us to seek it. In fact, wherever the utopian Marxist scheme was applied, it produced well-documented human catastrophes; in the laboratory of Marxism, nations are guinea pigs. Every Marxist experiment failed, and Marxists explain to us that the fault lies not with Communism but only with its clumsy misapplication. The Soviet Union failed because Russians were Russians, and Marxism was a disaster elsewhere because, you see, the Chinese and the Cubans are tropical peoples. These excuses demonstrate that, as soon as Marxism is applied, it ceases to be Marxist, which allows a resolutely materialist philosophy to transform itself into pure idealism. Marx himself said that he was not a Marxistby far his most perceptive statement. As for his contemporary disciples, for whom Marxism is a substitute for real thought, they will never be persuaded of their error, because they are not interested in reality. Translated by Alexis Cornel Photo by Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images When the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on social media censorship late last month, liberal Democratic congressman Ted Lieu transformed into a hardcore libertarian. This is a stupid and ridiculous hearing, he said, because the First Amendment applies to the government, not private companies. He added that just as the government cannot tell Fox News what content to air, we cant tell Facebook what content to filter, because that would be unconstitutional. Lieu is incorrect. While the First Amendment generally does not apply to private companies, the Supreme Court has held it does not disable the government from taking steps to ensure that private interests not restrict . . . the free flow of information and ideas. But as Senator Ted Cruz points out, Congress actually has the power to deter political censorship by social media companies without using government coercion or taking action that would violate the First Amendment, in letter or spirit. Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act immunizes online platforms for their users defamatory, fraudulent, or otherwise unlawful content. Congress granted this extraordinary benefit to facilitate forum[s] for a true diversity of political discourse. This exemption from standard libel law is extremely valuable to the companies that enjoy its protection, such as Google, Facebook, and Twitter, but they only got it because it was assumed that they would operate as impartial, open channels of communicationnot curators of acceptable opinion. When questioning Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg earlier this month, and in a subsequent op-ed, Cruz reasoned that in order to be protected by Section 230, companies like Facebook should be neutral public forums. On the flip side, they should be considered to be a publisher or speaker of user content if they pick and choose what gets published or spoken. Tech-advocacy organizations and academics cried foul. University of Maryland law professor Danielle Citron argued that Cruz flips [the] reasoning of the law by demanding neutral forums. Elliot Harmon of the Electronic Freedom Foundation responded that one of the reasons why Congress first passed Section 230 was to enable online platforms to engage in good-faith community moderation without fear of taking on undue liability for their users posts. As Cruz properly understands, Section 230 encourages Internet platforms to moderate offensive speech, but the law was not intended to facilitate political censorship. Online platforms should receive immunity only if they maintain viewpoint neutrality, consistent with traditional legal norms for distributors of information. Before the Internet, common law held that newsstands, bookstores, and libraries had no duty to ensure that each book and newspaper they distributed was not defamatory. Courts initially extended this principle to online platforms. Then, in 1995, a federal judge found Prodigy, an early online service, liable for content on its message boards because the company had advertised that it removed obscene posts. The court reasoned that utilizing technology and the manpower to delete objectionable content made Prodigy more like a publisher than a library. Congress responded by enacting Section 230, establishing that platforms could not be held liable as publishers of user-generated content and clarifying that they could not be held liable for removing any content that they believed in good faith to be obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, excessively violent, harassing, or otherwise objectionable. This provision does not allow platforms to remove whatever they wish, however. Courts have held that otherwise objectionable does not mean whatever a social media company objects to, but must, at a minimum, involve or be similar to obscenity, violence, or harassment. Political viewpoints, no matter how extreme or unpopular, do not fall under this category. The Internet Association, which represents Facebook, Google, Twitter, and other major platforms, claims that Section 230 is necessary for these firms to provide forums and tools for the public to engage in a wide variety of activities that the First Amendment protects. But rather than facilitate free speech, Silicon Valley now uses Section 230 to justify censorship, leading to a legal and policy muddle. For instance, in response to a lawsuit challenging its speech policies, Google claimed that restricting its right to censor would impose liability on YouTube as a publisher. In the same motion, Google argues that its right to restrict political content also derives from its First Amendment protection for a publishers editorial judgments, which encompasses the choice of how to present, or even whether to present, particular content. The dominant social media companies must choose: if they are neutral platforms, they should have immunity from litigation. If they are publishers making editorial choices, then they should relinquish this valuable exemption. They cant claim that Section 230 immunity is necessary to protect free speech, while they shape, control, and censor the speech on their platforms. Either the courts or Congress should clarify the matter. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Last week, we discussed the change in the Associated Press Stylebook that allows a collision between one moving object and one stationary object. This week, well talk about some other recent changes in the Stylebook. Introducing style changes at the annual conference of ACES: The Society for Editing has become something of a tradition. In the past years, some of those changes have been momentous (in the style world, at least), such as taking the hyphen out of e-mail or allowing over to indicate quantitative relationships as well as spatial. (Full disclosure: This columnist is a member of both the ACES executive committee and its Education Fund scholarship arm.) ICYMI: Eleven newsletters to subscribe to if you work in media When stylebooks were available only in print and updated once a year, changes could be announced with greater fanfare. But with the electronic stylebook, entries are updated much more frequently, though the printed book itself is still just printed annually. Most of the changes we discuss here have been in effect for a few weeks or months, but may not have been noticed. As one example, the AP announced a new chapter on surveys and polling before the ACES conference, consolidating information that had been scattered throughout the stylebook and updating some entries. One change is that, according to the lead stylebook editor, Paula Froke, some online polls where people choose to participate might be considered reliable, though they would need to be rigorously vetted. The old entry said that these polls, called opt-in polls, cannot be considered representative of larger populations because panel members are self-selected. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Even so, Froke emphasized, the mere existence of a poll isnt enough to make news. ICYMI: A big day for The Denver Post newsroom staff Responding to increased coverage of #MeToo, the AP also revised its guidelines for terminology surrounding the movement, preferring sexual misconduct to sexual harassment. Harassment has legal but broad definitions, Froke said, and sometimes harassment may be too mild for the behavior being alleged. She urged that the reporting specify the behavior under discussion, and to use sexual misconduct in more broad-based instances. Similarly, AP now advises caution on using terms such as victim and survivor. As we wrote in 2015, the words label people, whereas the condition that affected them should bear the brunt. Froke noted that the terms can be imprecise, with shades of meaning, such as describing someone who escaped from a mass shooting without injury in the same manner as someone who was injured. Rather than say a victim of the shooting, AP advises: Be specific if there is room for confusion: The ceremony honored people wounded in the mass shooting, not The ceremony honored victims and/or survivors of the mass shooting. The play told the story of those killed in the hurricane, not The play told the stories of the hurricanes victims. Speaking of hurricanes, AP has come out against the practice of naming storms other than hurricanes and typhoons: Major storm names provided by government weather agencies, the European Union or the World Meteorological Organization are acceptable. Do not use names created by private weather agencies or other organizations. (We discussed this practice by the Weather Channel in 2012.) AP also says that wildfires should not be given names, especially if they refer to an area unfamiliar to most readers. Use descriptors to identify a fire, the entry now reads. For example: the deadly fire burning near San Diego. ICYMI: Newspaper editor behind rebellious series loses his job People who work together for the same task or company are co-workers, the AP says. But if those people individually rent shared space in a building, they are coworking, without the hyphen. That created some consternation among the editors in the audience, who wanted to know why the distinction was being made. The emerging usage is coworking, Froke said. Since they are two types of activities, keeping the hyphen in co-worker draws the divide between those two types of definitions. Language is quirky, and trying to adapt to what people want can be quirky, too. Froke noted how the large discount chain based in Bentonville, Arkansas, has several times changed the way it wanted its name rendered: Wal-mart? Walmart? Wal-Mart? Wal*mart? So Froke announced a new style guideline: The company would henceforth be known as Wal**mart! It took a few moments before some in the audience realized she was kidding. One change AP did not make. No, we are not making health care one word, Froke told a packed (and disappointed) room at the ACES conference in Chicago. Love it or hate it. While industry documents often render it as healthcare, she said, most government documents still use two words, and APs Washington editors advised keeping it that way for now. But Steve Kleinedler, an editor for Websters New World College Dictionary, the one the AP uses, offered an out: We follow what people do, he said. If everyone decided tomorrow to make healthcare a compound Were willing to bet that by next year, we will be writing how healthcare is now acceptable by the AP. From archives: Thirteen seconds. Dozens of bullets. One explosive photo Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Merrill Perlman managed copy desks across the newsroom at the New York Times, where she worked for twenty-five years. Follow her on Twitter at @meperl. AT AN EVENT FOR ELITE EDITORS and media executives in Palo Alto last week, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg dealt familiar bromides about how he sees his companys responsibility in news. According to a widely circulated piece by The Atlantics Adrienne LaFrance, Zuckerberg said Facebook should be making sure people can get trustworthy news and building common ground in society. LaFrances piece takes aim at his proposal to have users rank news outlets by trustworthiness, and the companys unwillingness to pay for it. To the question of whether or not Facebook could fund publishers to license their stories, Zuckerberg answered, Yeah, Im not sure that makes sense. Instead, according to LaFrance, he alluded to the need for [a] government subsidy of American journalism. In invoking government money for journalism, Zuckerberg was likely evading responsibility for the damage his company and other social media platforms have done to the journalism industry. But a government subsidy for journalism is not a bad idea, or even unprecedented in the US. In fact, it was a crucial factor in enabling democratic debate. As I wrote last year, it could be useful in reviving local journalism, especially the investigative and accountability work that many communities are lacking in the digital age. The advertising business model for journalism only gained traction 150 years ago. As journalism scholars Robert McChesney and John Nichols write in their 2009 book, The Death and Life of American Journalism, While there were rollicking disagreements about the character and content of the post-colonial press in America, the one universally accepted premise was that the government needed to heavily subsidize the creation and development of the press if the constitutional system were to succeed. In their telling, at the turn of the 19th century, there wasnt a disagreement as to whether the press should be subsidized, but rather how much it should be. From the 1790s onward, news publications received a postal subsidy that slashed as much as 90 percent off postage fees. This subsidy was nonpartisan and applied to all newsprint being transported via mail. Other research suggests that some newspapers even traveled through the postage system for free. During this time, the post office and post roads were rapidly expanded to accommodate all of the mailclose to 95 percent of which was newspapers and pamphlets. Americans from all over the country took advantage of access to widely available non-local publications, which furthered the development of US politics and political thought. Many newspapers of that era were funded by political parties and interest groups. And likewise, the State Department, for its part, gave generous subsidies to both state and federal newspapersoften selected in ways that were both partisan and politicalby purchasing space to alert citizens of laws and government notices. While the legacy of this effort was mixed (critics called it the dark age of American journalism due to its political nature), McChesney and Nichols argue that this subsidy program supported at least two or three competing publications, in every state. As one journalism historian, John Nerone, who is quoted in the book, elaborates, partisan newspapering was ideologically tolerable or attractive only because the system made it possible for competing newspapers to exist in small markets that ordinarily would have trouble supporting more than one. Sign up for CJR 's daily email The postal subsidy, however, was met with resistance in the south. The co-authors note that slaveholders loathed the postal subsidy because it was instrumental in changing the ideological climate around slavery. Newsprint, especially from the north, was often censored by southern authorities. One historian, Elizabeth Hewitt, describes how anti-censorship became a rallying cry in both anti southern and abolitionist literature. As the Civil War approached, the rise of the industrial economy and the arrival of advertising made the newspaper industry financially viable. By 1860, government printing contracts had ended with the emergence of a Government Printing Office to release government documents, and the State Department concluded its subsidy program in 1875. McChesney and Nichols argued that advertising paved the way for a consolidation of the industry: Advertisers are bound to spend the most in papers with the largest readership, which means less revenue for smaller publications and marginal viewpoints. Today, the United States trails far behind many of its industrialized counterparts in supporting the press. It spends less than $1.50 per capita on public broadcasting. This includes partial funding for services like NPR and PBS, which are often faced with the threat of budget cuts. In contrast, countries like Denmark and Finland spend nearly $100 per citizen on publically supported media; the UK, which Zuckerberg alluded to on Tuesday, spends as much as $80 per capita on media. The co-authors suggest there is a direct correlation between a government-supported press and higher levels of democratic participation, a larger and more diverse population consuming the news, and less government corruption. Zuckerberg even alludes in a Facebook post to a study that suggests local news is directly correlated with civic engagement. The journalism subsidy of the past may not be easy to replicate todaynor would we necessarily want it. But it illustrates the tension between the free press and the marketthe same friction that Facebook is encountering now, and which Zuckerbergs invocation of a journalism subsidy aims to reconcile. Zuckerbergs hint at government intervention may reveal that he better understands the problems facing local news than he did in the past, but it also tells us he still has no intention of substantively addressing them. Even while he shirks responsibility, Zuckerberg could be rightjournalism subsidies, historically, were central to bolstering the American democratic experiment. ICYMI: The unavoidable Brian Stelter Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Will Meyer is a writer and musician. He is editor of The Shoestring, a local online publication in Western Massachusetts. Follow him on Twitter @willinabucket. ON THURSDAY, DENVER POST Editorial Page Editor Chuck Plunkett resigned from his position. According to Plunkett, an executive with Digital First Mediathe nations second-largest newspaper chain, controlled by the Alden Global Capital hedge funddeclined to approve an editorial Plunkett wrote that was critical of the Posts owners. Since Plunketts resignation, two more senior editors quit, and former Post owner Dean Singleton resigned from his position as chairman. Plunketts editorial decries outright censorship at Digital First Media papers and reiterates that Alden should reinvest in its newsrooms, or release us to better ownership. The editorial also alleges that DFM has demanded at some of its papers that any mention of the company or of Alden must be screened by top editors before publication. Recently, Tony Adamisan editor at the Kingston Daily-Freeman, a DFM-owned newspaper in New Yorktold staff in an email that coverage of Digital First Media or Alden Global Capital required prior approval. He also wrote, This directive comes from abovea reference, Adamis tells CJR, to his own papers publisher. A Denver Post reporter tweeted, This is what were dealing with here. Reached by email, DFM Chief Operating Officer Guy Gilmore said, No such demand has been made by Digital First Media. CJR sent additional questions to Gilmore, and will update this story should we receive a response. ICYMI: Headlines editors probably wish they could take back The text of the editorial follows: A SERIOUS THREAT to journalism in Colorado and across the country is only growing stronger. Papers owned by Alden Global Capital and operated by Digital First Media now suffer not just from neglect, but outright censorship. Early last month, we called on Alden to reform its business practices or sell to more responsible owners. Now developments suggest our management not only didnt get the message, it is trying to silence the messengers. On April 25, the editorial page editor of Boulders Daily Camera Dave Krieger was fired, and so far there is no word on whether his position will be refilled. While there are legitimate questions about whether Kriegers actions warranted his dismissal, the relevant answers are complex, and can easily be seen from his perspective. Meanwhile, our sister paper remains without an independent editorial board, and the city it seeks to cover and serve is outraged. Boulders City Council decried Kriegers ouster this week, and requested that the editorial pages be restored. They deserve immediate assurances, and action. The Camera is operated by Digital First Media, the same parent company that manages The Denver Post, the Longmont Times-Call and many other local papers. Digital First Medias controlling owner, the New York City hedge fund Alden Global Capital, appears intent on reaping out-sized profits while its newsrooms wither. Reporters from many non-Alden newsrooms have continued to shed light on the companys controversial practices. Last week, the national media expert Ken Doctor published a blockbuster account titled Alden Global Capital is making so much money wrecking local journalism it might not want to stop anytime soon. Doctor relied on insiders who said the privately held Alden made 19 percent profit in Colorado. Company-wide, its operating margin of 17 percent represented a haul of almost $160 million and surpassed its industry peers. While we cheer economic success, we note that such profits suggest many local papers shouldnt be in such dire straits, and that the communities in which their journalists toil are being underserved. Here in Denver, the cuts have been so draconian The Post now employs roughly 70 journalists to cover a city of more than 700,000 we must shake our heads in shame and agree with those critics who say our readers are being badly underserved. Krieger meant to call attention to this dynamic for Boulder readers. He worked through proper channels to write an editorial that sought more responsible management, but was rebuffed by the papers publisher, who, of course, reports to Digital First Media. Though the Cameras editor voted with its editorial page editor to publish the editorial, the publisher nixed it. He did so on orders from Digital First Media chief Guy Gilmore. Krieger published the editorial anyway, on the blog Boulder Free Press. Normally, we would view such an action as insubordination. A newspapers owner has the right to reject any of its offerings, and should be able to expect its staff will follow orders. But our industry demands transparency and responsible behavior from the entities and people its newsrooms cover, and best practices dictate that journalists dont shirk their duties even when the story turns to management or their own. Also, last week we learned that Digital First Media has demanded at some of its papers (i.e., likely all of them) that any mention of the company or of Alden must be screened by top editors before publication. Journalisms mission is too important for such atrocious apostasy. We renew our call for Alden to reinvest in its newsrooms, or release us to better ownership. Plunketts resignation came almost a month after the Post published an editorial package, overseen by Plunkett, that drew national headlines and referred to Alden as vultures who slashed newsrooms and picked them apart for profit. Plunkett hoped the Posts editorial rebellion would spur constructive discussions within his own company, he tells CJR. However, he says, that didnt really happen. Days after the Post package, Dave Kriegeran editorial page editor at the DFM-owned Boulder Daily Camerawas fired after he self-published an Alden-critical editorial he says his publisher rejected from running in the paper. Plunkett says he wanted to publish an editorial about Kriegers firing and new reports of high profit margins at Digital First Media, but that work was rebuffed. He adds that content DFM might view as controversial required review by DFMs Gilmore as well as two other Denver Post executives. Plunkett says he was told the editorial would not run in the Posta decision he characterizes as censorship. Its just bullshit, Plunkett tells CJR. On Monday, the Denver Newspaper Guild released a letter signed by more than 50 Denver Post employees who said they are outraged at the unconscionable censorship imposed on our now-former editorial page editor, Chuck Plunkett. Post employees plan to rally outside the papers printing plant at noon on Tuesday. The rally will call for Alden to invest in the Post or sell it to someone who will, according to a news release. Denver Newspaper Guild members and allies also plan to rally at the same time outside the iconic Lipstick Building in New York City where Alden Global Capital has offices, says Tony Mulligan, the unions administrative officer. Plunkett says there was talk of moving him off the editorial page and back into the newsroom where he used to work. They dont want to fire me because theyre worried about the bad publicity, but they dont want me to say anything else, Plunkett says, recalling his thoughts last week around the time he wrote his latest editorial and decided to resign. If I was willing to lose my job a month ago to speak out, whats changed? Nothings changed. And how can I just agree to be quiet going forward? The Denver Posts top editor, Lee Ann Colacioppo, declined to comment about why the editorial didnt run. But, she said, I fully expected that ultimately what he wrote would find its way into the public view. ICYMI: Meet the journalist tracking the secretive hedge fund that controls the nations second-largest newspaper chain Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Corey Hutchins is CJRs correspondent based in Colorado, where he teaches journalism at Colorado College. A former alt-weekly reporter in South Carolina, he was twice named journalist of the year in the weekly division by the SC Press Association. Hutchins writes about politics and media for the Colorado Independent and worked on the State Integrity Investigation at the Center for Public Integrity; he has contributed to Slate, The Nation, the Washington Post, and others. Follow him on Twitter @coreyhutchins or email him at [email protected] . Connecticut moved closer Saturday toward adding a $12 annual surcharge on the insurance policies of every residential homeowner to financially help hundreds, if not thousands, of homeowners with crumbling foundations pay for costly repairs. After emotional appeals from eastern and central Connecticut lawmakers, whose constituents have been affected by the problematic concrete, the bill was approved by the House of Representatives on a bipartisan 97-42 vote. It now awaits Senate action before the session adjourns on Wednesday. We have the American dream crumbling beneath these people, said Republican Rep. Tim Ackert, of Coventry, whose town is among about 40 communities where the issue has arisen. He spoke about how his neighbors paid off their mortgage last year, only to have to pay a contractor knock down the structure and build them a new home. In many circumstances, it can cost $100,000 to $200,000 to replace a foundation. And its a massive expense that typically hasnt been covered by insurance. The foundations are failing because of the presence of pyrrhotite, a mineral that has reacted naturally with oxygen and water over the decades, causing the concrete to crack and crumble, making some homes unsellable and unlivable. The problem, which first came to light in the mid-1990s, has been traced to a Willington quarry that provided material to a concrete maker whose product was used in thousands of homes. The problem also has been discovered in parts of Massachusetts near the Connecticut border. An estimated 30,000 or more homes and condominiums built in eastern and central Connecticut from the mid-1980s to 2016 could have failing foundations because of the presence of pyrrhotite. Lawmakers last year passed legislation that created a not-for-profit captive insurance company to distribute $100 million in state bonds over five years to help pay for repairs. The state has also made $5 million available to provide up to 50 percent reimbursement to test for the presence of pyrrhotite. But lawmakers have said much more funding is needed to address the problem, which is expected to crop up for years to come. The 10-year surcharge is expected to generate about $10 million annually, which proponents conceded still falls short. I think we need to keep working on finding a permanent solution, said Republican Rep. Doug Dubitsky, of Chapin. He said insurers, mortgage companies, the concrete company and the federal government need to help financially as well. One state lawmaker, Democratic Rep. Kelly Juleson-Scopino of Manchester, revealed during Saturdays debate that she lives an affected home. Juleson-Scopino said shes been hesitant to speak out because she didnt want her comments to appear self-serving, but felt she needed to voice support for the legislation on behalf of her constituents and the 635 homeowners whove come forward so far and registered with the state. Juleson-Scopino said she purchased her home for about $300,000 and it was recently reassessed at $86,000. Ill just let that sink in for a moment $86,000. Im fortunate that Im young. I can recover from this, she said. I have neighbors whose marriages have fallen apart because of this. I have others who have been hospitalized. I know many others have walked away. While Republican Rep. Rob Sampson, of Wolcott. called the fee a hidden tax in peoples insurance bills, most lawmakers spoke in favor of the legislation. This doesnt affect my community. Will it ever affect it? Probably not, said Democratic Rep. Cathy Abercrombie of Meriden. But Ive got to tell you folks, we are a small state and we should be supporting each other. If this was happening in your community, wouldnt you want the state to help you? The bill also helps pay for lead and radon abatement homes and the remediation of homes that are sinking in a New Haven neighborhood. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. New Jersey Transit said Thursday it will reduce its train service over the next several months as it tries to install a federally mandated safety system by a Dec. 31 deadline. Last week, the Federal Railroad Administration sent a letter expressing concern that NJ Transit, the nations third-largest transit system, would miss the deadline to install the emergency braking system, called positive train control. In the aftermath of a 2008 commuter rail crash in California that killed 25 people, the government required commuter and freight railroads to have the system installed by the end of 2015. That deadline later was extended three years. Through the end of 2017, NJ Transit reported it had only 35 of 440 locomotives equipped with the system, and hadnt finished installation on any of its 11 track routes. NJ Transit could get a two-year extension to finish installing PTC if it meets certain benchmarks by the end of the year, such as installing all system hardware and completing employee training. But even that is in doubt, according to last weeks FRA letter. Last month, NJ Transit Executive Director Kevin Corbett said an overnight test of the system on tracks in Morris County had been successful and that he was more confident than he had been when he assumed the position a month earlier. But he stopped short of saying NJ Transit would meet the 2018 deadline. NJ Transits service changes on its 12 commuter rail lines will go into effect on June 4 and last through early next year. A total of four morning inbound trains to New York will be temporarily canceled, and two others will eliminate some stops. A total of five outbound trains that operate between about 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. will be temporarily canceled. We are doing everything in our power to install this important safety technology as quickly as possible, Corbett said in an email Thursday. I ask for customers patience during this process as the end result is a safer railroad for everyone. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The fan blade that failed on a Southwest Airlines Co. plane last month, killing a passenger, had been inspected seven times since late 2012 but without the sophisticated technology airlines are now under orders to use. The inspections relied on visual observations and there were no reports of cracks, according to a preliminary report issued Thursday by the National Transportation Safety Board. The investigation of the April 17 Southwest flight is one of the most significant in years, since it raises questions about the safety of the CFM56-7B engine, one of the worlds most popular. Before engines like this get approval from aviation regulators, manufacturers must demonstrate that failed fan blades wont trigger extensive damage if they break loose. Since a similar fan blade failure on another Southwest plane in 2016, engine maker CFM International Inc. has urged airlines to use either ultrasound or electric-current tests designed to find cracks beneath the surface. The Federal Aviation Administration has issued two orders since Aprils accident on Flight 1380 for the more sophisticated testing of fan blades, touching off a rush by airlines to examine thousands of the blades. The orders call for the inspection of blades that have made at least 20,000 flights by the end of August. If a blades number of flights isnt known, it must also be tested by the same deadline. Failed Blades History The failed blade had made more than 32,000 flights, according to the NTSB. Southwest says it expects to complete all the inspections, even those with fewer than 20,000 flights, of its fleet in coming weeks. The most recent extensive inspection of the failed blade occurred in November 2012, using a dye designed to highlight small cracks on the surface. The engine had made 10,712 cycles starting and stopping the engine, usually associated with a flight since then, according to the NTSB. For the six inspections since 2012, the blades were lubricated and mechanics examined them visually for flaws. Southwest said in a statement on Thursday that the company was continuing to cooperate fully with the National Transportation Safety Boards (NTSB) ongoing investigation into Flight 1380. CFM is a joint venture between General Electric Co. and Frances Safran SA. A passenger, Jennifer Riordan, who was a vice president at Wells Fargo & Co. in New Mexico, was killed after being partly sucked out of the shattered window. The plane, a Boeing Co. 737-700 bound for Dallas from New Yorks LaGuardia airport, made an emergency landing in Philadelphia. While there have been fatal crashes involving cargo haulers, foreign airlines and charter operators, it was the first death of a passenger on a U.S. airline since 2009. Questions Remain The preliminary report doesnt say why the crack grew large enough for the blade to snap off or whether use of more sophisticated testing before the accident could have prevented the failure. When the blade broke loose the result of a crack that gradually expanded under the stresses of multiple flights it bounced forward and collided with the relatively unprotected engine inlet, tearing it apart and sending shrapnel into the fuselage and wing. Investigators may have identified the part that shattered the window. A metal piece that included a latching mechanism, which was recovered after the accident, matches a large gouge impact mark adjacent to the row 14 window that broke, NTSB said. An examination of the failed blade under an electron microscope showed evidence of low-cycle fatigue, the NTSB said. That suggests that the crack grew relatively quickly, but investigators didnt provide any timeline. All the remaining blades on the failed engine were removed and tested using an ultrasonic device that can detect flaws beneath the titanium surface, but no additional cracks were found, NTSB said. The engines containment shield, designed to prevent the kind of widespread damage that occurred in the accident, did block blade fragments from escaping. However, the majority of material at the front of the engine known as the inlet cowl was missing. The report also includes new information about what happened on the plane in the moments after the failure. The 737 banked more than 40 degrees to the left. The pilots recovered, but had to fight the controls. The flight crew reported that the airplane exhibited handling difficulties throughout the remainder of the flight, the NTSB said. The planes three flight attendants told investigators that they donned oxygen masks after the plane lost pressure and began moving through the cabin to assist passengers. Thats when they noticed that Riordan had been sucked through the window. As they moved toward the mid-cabin, they found the passenger in row 14 partially out of the window and attempted to pull her into the cabin, the report said. Two male passengers helped and were able to bring the passenger in. Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. Health officials along Georgias coast are encouraging residents who qualify to get their names on the Hurricane Registry. The Savannah Morning News reports that people with functional, access, or medical needs can receive help when hurricanes threaten Georgias coast. The registry is a list maintained by the county health department of residents who may need transportation or medical assistance and have no resources such as family members, neighbors, or friends to help them evacuate. The newspaper reports that 219 people are on Chatham Countys list, down from a high of 267 last year. Applications surged at the last minute ahead of Hurricane Irma in September. Our numbers doubled overnight before Irma, said Tammi Brown, the Chatham County Health Departments nurse manager. We had a 24-hour cutoff, she said. That was just not enough time. With Irma nearing, health officials scrambled to juggle sign-ups with the actual process of evacuating residents. It was chaotic, Brown said, and shes instituted an earlier cutoff to avoid a repeat of the situation. Now, residents must sign up at least 72 hours prior to the arrival of tropical storm force winds. Our focus ought to be on getting everyone on the list out of the county, Brown said. Hurricane season starts June 1 and runs through November, typically peaking in September. Early predictions for the 2018 season from the Colorado State Universitys Tropical Meteorology Project call for a slightly above-average season. Among those who qualify for the list: People with functional or access needs, including children or adults with physical, sensory, or intellectual disabilities who need assistance with the various activities of daily living. They will be evacuated to a gymnasium-type setting far enough inland so that they are safe from the storm. Also, people with medical needs including those who need the help of trained medical professionals for things like IV medication or who may be dependent on a respirator or dialysis or other medical equipment may be taken to an inland healthcare facility. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Mississippi has a problem: deteriorating local bridges. People could work together to seek a solution. All too often, though, it seems theyd rather fight. The anger boiling among some county supervisors has now produced a lawsuit by Smith and Jasper counties against Republican Gov. Phil Bryant, claiming he overstepped his legal power when he declared a state of emergency and ordered counties to close bridges that federally backed inspectors judged unsafe. Bryants action in April followed a year and a half of escalating pressure from federal officials and mounting resentment from county supervisors and engineers. This whole drama started back in late 2016, when the Federal Highway Administration decided it wanted to take a closer look at low-rated bridges in Mississippi. The agencys assistant division administrator, Don Davis, told county supervisors at a meeting in January that a federal review found Mississippi had more low-rated bridges still open and carrying traffic than any other state. Federal officials ordered inspections of the 120 lowest-rated bridges. Of the first six they looked at, federal officials concluded four were unsafe and needed to be closed. Local governments were leaving 114 of the 120 bridges open, but federal officials concluded 65 of those bridges needed to be closed. This is where everything went bad. The feds concluded that counties and cities were leaving unsafe bridges open, and that the Office of State Aid Road Construction wasnt effectively policing those local decisions. The feds ordered lots more inspections, first finding 89 of another 139 low-rated bridges unsafe, and then ordering the state to inspect all 2,200 bridges that have timber pilings underneath. We had no choice but to conclude that unsafe bridges are not being closed, Davis said. Since it doesnt have much influence over State Aid, the Federal Highway Administration issued an ultimatum to the Mississippi Department of Transportation, threatening its federal funding if the department didnt make its separately controlled little brother comply. The department did so, creating an inspection program costing tens of millions. That hacked off supervisors, especially because it came from transportation money they said could have been used to repair bridges. Why did yall let a $32 million contract when you could have given that $32 million to the counties? Smith County Supervisor Dwight Norris asked in the January meeting. A lot of these bridges can be repaired for less than $14,000. Counties might fix all the bridges if they had plenty of money, but supervisors are trying to avoid hiking property taxes on local voters. Lawmakers agreed to borrow $50 million this year to help, but after skipping the regular $20 million payment during the 2017 budget, thats only $10 million more than normal. The closures are certainly hardships. The state bridge database shows one bridge closed in Jasper County created a 13-mile detour. Another bridge closed there carried 1,400 vehicles per day. Not all bridges are staying closed. Cities and counties are repairing and reopening some, although they may still be posted to prohibit heavy vehicles. But a number of counties never accepted the inspection results. They refused to close bridges, forcing Bryant and state transportation officials to do it for them. The county bridges are routinely inspected by public and private engineers for these counties who have not deemed these bridges to be a hazard to the motoring public within these counties, lawyers for Smith and Jasper counties said when they filed the lawsuit. In effect, theyre saying leave the counties alone and let them go back to how theyve been doing things. Meanwhile, as counties fight with state and federal officials, drivers might want to beware. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. One way or another, Californias next insurance commissioner will be the first of his kind. The June 5 primary features Democrats Dr. Asif Mahmood and Sen. Ricardo Lara against former commissioner Steve Poizner. Mahmood would be the first Muslim to win a statewide race and the first doctor to hold the post. Lara would be the first openly gay Latino elected to a statewide office, while Poizner would be the first independent. Early primary voting starts Monday and the top two finishers will advance to Novembers general election. The position is one that gets little attention, but has a broad impact on Californians. The insurance commissioner runs an office with 1,400 employees and a budget of $250 million. The Department of Insurance enforces insurance laws, licenses and regulates companies, and investigates fraud. Without being too cynical, voters arent going to hear much about this office, said Parke Skelton, a Democratic political consultant who worked on the campaigns for the current officeholder, Dave Jones, who is running for attorney general. Im not sure a lot of people know what the insurance commissioner does. Poizner, 61, a wealthy Silicon Valley entrepreneur, actually held the job previously. He served one term as a Republican and then spent $25 million of his fortune in an unsuccessful run for governor in 2010. He hopes voters remember his four years as commissioner and are willing to vote for an independent for an office that he said should be free of politics. His priorities for the office are to: ensure homeowners are adequately insured against devastating wildfires and other natural disasters, crack down on health insurance fraud and help companies develop better insurance policies against cybercrime. If I can get a robust cyber insurance market rolling in California, then it will not only help protect businesses in terms of a huge financial liability, but insurance companies will also help enforce better cyber hygiene in order to clean up the security of their computer networks, he said. Thats a really big deal. Mahmood, 57, who grew up in rural Pakistan, is a political neophyte who initially was running for lieutenant governor and then decided insurance commissioner was a better fit with his medical experience. Although the commissioner has much less sway over health insurance, which is largely regulated by other departments, Mahmood is making healthcare his top priority. He wants to preserve the Affordable Care Act, supports government-run healthcare for everyone, better mental health care and better disaster preparation. Helping others is our highest calling, Mahmood said. In this position, with my knowledge, with my experience, with my training and with my dealing with insurance companies it will put me in a much better position to serve the people of California. Lara, 43, who has unsuccessfully pushed for state-run health insurance for Californians, is positioning himself as a counterweight to President Donald Trump and his campaign website said he will put consumers ahead of corporations, the billionaire class, the pharmaceutical or the insurance companies. Lara did not speak with The Associated Press because a spokesman said he was busy at the Legislature. His campaign requested questions in writing, but then didnt reply. Lara won the Democratic Party endorsement and has support from many unions and prominent party lawmakers. Poizner, who along with former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger holds the distinction of being the last Republicans elected statewide, could be hampered because he is listed on the ballot as No party preference. Bill Whalen, a research fellow at the Hoover Institution who advised Poizner in an unsuccessful run for Assembly in 2004, said Poizner didnt have much choice given the current California political climate dominated by Democrats and punctuated by Trumps unpopularity. Its not a very pleasant commentary on the Republican Party in California but I think its a necessity in this particular environment in that he needs to distance himself from the Republican brand, Whalen said. Its fascinating from the pure lab science standpoint of, Can someone run as a not-affiliated candidate in California and not only survive the primary but go on to win the general election? Although Poizner has the means to pour his own money in the campaign, he said he plans to raise money. All the candidates have said they wont take donations from the insurance industry. But Lara, who received insurance donations in past campaign accounts that have been rolled into his bid for commissioner, also received at least $6,000 in his current race from the political action committee of the nations largest physician-owned medical malpractice insurer. His campaign said he returned that money. By the third week in April, Mahmood was leading in campaign donations. He had raised over $1 million during the year and had about $900,000 remaining. Poizner had pulled in just under $500,000 and had about $400,000 left. Lara, who got $625,000 since Jan. 1, had just over $175,000. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. A support vessel maneuvers near the crude oil tanker 'Devon' as it sails through the Persian Gulf towards Kharq Island oil terminal to transport crude oil to export markets in Bandar Abbas, Iran, on Mar. 23, 2018. Oil prices advanced last week amid concerns that President Donald Trump would withdraw from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and reimpose sanctions on the country. Trump, who has referred to the agreement as the "worst deal ever," said in January that the U.S. would not again waive sanctions on Iran unless European countries fixed the agreement's "terrible flaws." Meanwhile, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani most recently said his country had plans to "resist any decision by Trump" and that the U.S. would be "making a mistake" by withdrawing from the accord. The agreement, officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, has seen international sanctions on Iran lifted in exchange for the country curbing its nuclear program. Iran is currently the third-largest oil producer in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and the fifth-largest globally. The return of sanctions on the country could result in as many as 1 million barrels of Iranian crude supply being wiped out and push oil prices higher. Some Bank of Japan policymakers said the central bank should explain to the public that the economy has yet to reach a phase where the timing and means to exit ultra-loose policy could be considered, minutes of their March rate review showed on Monday. "While normalization, or a gradual reduction in the degree of monetary accommodation, could become a topic for consideration in the future, the BOJ needs to explain to markets that normalization ... would be different from monetary tightening," one board member was quoted as saying. At the March meeting, the BOJ kept policy steady and its governor signaled his readiness to ramp up stimulus if the economy lost steam, in a push-back against lingering speculation it could whittle down monetary support earlier than expected. One of the first orders of business for President Donald Trump should have been to tell China's President Xi Jinping that he would like him to quickly bring down that exorbitant surplus and to follow that up with balanced bilateral trade accounts. That would have been in full compliance with G-20 recommendations for a balanced and stable world economy, and would have also conformed to China's proclaimed commitment to "win-win cooperation." Such a talk would be an easy conversation to test what Trump calls his "great relationship" with China's core leader. Xi is the only person in China who can fix the trade problem as simply and quickly as he brought about a spectacular change in world's war and peace conditions on the Korean Peninsula. Xi's trade negotiators are acting on his direct orders, and nothing will be done until Xi puts on it his imprimatur. Had Trump done a deal that Xi could not refuse while continuing his crusade for globalization, multilateralism and a "win-win" business the negotiating teams would have only had to decide how to increase American sales to China and how to cut China's exports to the U.S. They'd be working with specific numbers and time limits to implement their leaders' agreement. Trump, unfortunately, missed a chance to do that. He has now embarked the U.S. on a never-ending negotiating rigmarole that will lead to a serious and very dangerous confrontation with China. Trump can now expect increasing difficulties in his relationship with a Chinese leader who is successfully edging American influence out in many areas of Asia and beyond. Just as the U.S. trade team was getting ready to leave Beijing last Friday, Xi was working the phones with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. According to media reports, Xi, who made the recent inter-Korean summit possible, assured Moon of China's support for peace and cooperation. Moon, of course, needed no convincing from a Chinese leader who is taking more than a quarter of South Korean exports, and who hosts large investments and local production of Korean chaebols. French President Emmanuel Macron has to focus on improving productivity levels as the next step in a series of reforms, a former governor of the Bank of France told CNBC Monday. Macron, who won the final round of the French presidential race a year ago, has so far managed to fulfil two of his campaign pledges to change labor laws and tax policies firms are now able to negotiate working conditions with their own employees without having to abide by industry-wide conditions. Wealth taxes were also reduced to make the French economy more business friendly. Now, it's time to focus on productivity to boost even further the growth potential of France, Christian Noyer, former governor of the Bank of France, said. "Now what we need to address is productivity, that's why the reforms that are being discussed at the moment about vocational training, about unemployment benefits, all sorts of things, are the third element we need to raise the growth potential and to reduce unemployment towards the low levels that have been achieved in the best working economies," Noyer told CNBC's Charlotte Reed. WHEN: Today, Monday, May 7, 2018 WHERE: CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" Following is the unofficial transcript of breaking news from CNBC's David Faber on CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" (M-F, 9AM-11AM ET) today, Monday, May 7th, in regards to Elliott Management's all cash bid for AthenaHealth. Following is a link to the video on CNBC.com: https://www.cnbc.com/video/2018/05/07/elliott-to-make-all-cash-offer-for-athenahealth-say-sources.html?play=1. All references must be sourced to CNBC. DAVID FABER: WELCOME BACK. SOME BREAKING NEWS TO SHARE WITH YOU THIS MORNING, M&A RELATED. ATHENAHEALTH IS THE SUBJECT OF A BID FROM ITS 9.2% SHAREHOLDER, ELLIOTT MANAGEMENT, ACCORDING TO PEOPLE FAMILIAR WITH THE SITUATION. ELLIOTT IN RECENT WEEKS HAS BEEN PUTTING TOGETHER THE FINANCING FOR A BID THAT I'M TOLD WILL BE BETWEEN $155 AND $160 A SHARE, ALL CASH. THEY'VE ALSO BEEN RAISING EQUITY FROM PARTNERS, GIVEN AN EQUITY CHECK FOR A DEAL OF THIS SIZE, LET'S CALL IT ROUGHLY $7 BILLION IN TOTAL, INCLUDING ATHENA'S DEBT, WHICH IS NOT THAT LARGE. THEY ARE RAISING SOME EQUITY FROM ADDITIONAL PARTNERS, BUT AGAIN, ELLIOTT, ACCORDING TO PEOPLE FAMILIAR WITH THE SITUATION, IS MOUNTING AN ALL CASH OFFER TO BUY ATHENA HEALTH BETWEEN $155 AND $160 A SHARE. IT WAS A YEAR AGO THAT ELLIOTT ACTUALLY TOOK A 9.2% POSITION. WE GOT A 13 DEFILING, BUT NOT MUCH ELSE. IN THAT TIME I'M TOLD, AGAIN, BY PEOPLE FAMILIAR WITH THE CONVERSATIONS BETWEEN THE TWO COMPANIES, THERE HAS BEEN DIALOGUE BUT THERE'S BEEN SOME FRUSTRATION ON THE PART OF ELLIOTT THAT ATHENA HAS NOT DONE MORE TO SORT OF FIX WHAT ELLIOTT CLAIMS ARE EXECUTION ISSUES FOR ITS KEY PRODUCT. A PRODUCT THAT IS IN MANY WAYS IS FAR AHEAD OF SOME OF ITS COMPETITORS BEING IT IS CLOUD-BASED. A PROVIDER OF ALL SORTS OF DIFFERENT SERVICES TO MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS, WHETHER THEY BE HOSPITALS OR MEDICAL PRACTICES, TO SORT OF HELP THEM WITH ALL OF THEIR INFORMATION NEEDS. BUT THE QUESTIONS ON THE PART OF ELLIOTT IN TERMS OF EXECUTION BUT ELLIOTT NOW WANTS TO OWN THE ENTIRE COMPANY. AND AGAIN, HAS IS GOING TO OR HAS BID BETWEEN $155 AND $160. UNCLEAR TO ME, WHETHER AGAIN, WHILE THEY'VE BEEN WORKING ON THIS, IT'S BEEN FULLY RECEIVED BY BY ATHENA AT THIS POINT. JONATHAN BUSH, NO STRANGER TO OUR AIR OF COURSE, THE CEO OF THE COMPANY WHO COMES ON FREQUENTLY, OUTSPOKEN GENTLEMAN HE IS, AS WELL, HE ADDED A CHAIRMAN NOT THAT LONG AGO, BACK ON FEBRUARY 7th THAT WE ALSO KNOW WELL, ONE JEFF IMMELT IS CHAIRMAN OF ATHENA. IN PART THAT WAS DONE TO POTENTIALLY STEM SOME OF THE CRITICISM HE'D BEEN RECEIVING FROM ELLIOT IN TERMS OF SORT OF PUTTING IN PLACE A MANAGEMENT TEAM THAT THEY FELT WAS APPROPRIATE FOR THE OPPORTUNITY SET THAT IS THERE. BUT ELLIOTT NO STRANGER, GUYS, TO ACTUALLY MAKING BIDS. YOU KNOW, WE KNOW THEM AS A LARGE ACTIVIST FUND WITH A LOT OF DIFFERENT DISCIPLINES WITHIN THAT. BUT THEY DO BUY THINGS. GIGAMON IS A COMPANY THEY BOUGHT NOT THAT LONG AGO. THEY ALSO WERE THERE AT THE END I THINK FOR LIFELOCK WHICH WAS BOUGHT BY PRIVATE EQUITY. AND SO HERE IS ANOTHER SITUATION WHERE THEY AGAIN ARE WILLING TO PUT UP A GOOD AMOUNT OF EQUITY CAPITAL, HAVE RAISED THE FINANCING AS WELL TO TRY TO ACQUIRE ATHENA. NO WORD OF COURSE FROM ATHENA AT THIS POINT. WE'LL CERTAINLY ALERT YOU WHEN WE HEAR FROM THEM. 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. Billionaire investor Warren Buffett told CNBC on Monday that Wells Fargo was slow to stop bad behavior in its ranks, but it's an overall good business. "They made one mistake," Buffett said in a "Squawk Box" interview. "Incentives work. And they came up with improper incentives and they worked. And so, they [incentivized] bad behavior instead of [incentivizing] good behavior. And that happens from time to time." Wells Fargo's stock was up 1 percent in premarket trading. Wells admitted that as many as 3.5 million accounts were created for customers without their permission. That's nearly 70 percent more than originally thought. The scandal led to the departure of multiple executives, including former CEO John Stumpf. The bank said Friday that it settled a class action securities fraud lawsuit for $480 million. Wells denied claims in the suit and that it settled to avoid further cost and disruption. On Friday, Buffett revealed that Berkshire Hathaway bought 75 million shares of the tech giant during the first quarter. That adds to the 165.3 million shares Berkshire already owned at the end of 2017. "I think we've been a little too restrained," Munger told on CNBC's "Squawk Box" from Omaha, Nebraska. "I wish we owned more of it." Billionaire investor Charlie Munger told CNBC on Monday that he wished Berkshire Hathaway had bought even more Apple stock. When asked whether he thought Berkshire's current holdings of Apple's stock was enough, Munger simply said, "No." Munger, who said he does not own an iPhone, said the U.S. tech giant is "reasonably priced," strong and has a smart management team under CEO Tim Cook. "That's a very desirable combination," he added. Warren Buffett and his longtime investing partner and vice chairman, Munger, spoke to the tens of thousands of attendees at their annual meeting on a wide range of topics from their massive stake in Apple to missing out Google and Amazon to bashing as "rat poison." Berkshire first made an investment in Apple in 2016 after a person at the company bought about 10 million shares. Buffett then looked at the stock and purchased considerably more, the billionaire recalled in August to CNBC. Apple stock was slightly higher in premarket trading on Monday. Last week, the stock posted its best week since 2011 after Buffett revelation that his firm bought more shares. Munger joins "Squawk Box" for three hours, 6 a.m. ET to 9 a.m. ET, with special guests Buffett and Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates. The U.S. health-care system is "shot through with rampant waste" and has become "immoral," billionaire investor Charlie Munger told CNBC on Monday. "A lot of the medical care we do deliver is wrong so expensive and wrong. It's ridiculous," Munger, a vice chairman at Berkshire Hathaway, said in a "Squawk Box" interview. "A lot of our medical providers are artificially prolonging death so they can make more money," he claimed. Munger, who has served as chairman of the board of trustees at Good Samaritan Hospital for the past 31 years, added that he regards some current health-care practices as "deeply immoral." The billionaire investor predicted that the next time Democrats manage to take control of all three branches of government, "we will get single payer medicine." Bernie Sanders, who ran as a Democrat during the 2016 elections, has pushed for a health system that provides services to all citizens. "I think it's so bad that people will reach out for a complete change, forced by the government," Munger said. He said a universal health-care system with an "opt-out" is a "perfectly reasonable system." Longtime investing partner Warren Buffett has made similar remarks. Buffett said earlier this year that health-care spending is a "tapeworm on the economic system." He added the private sector can do more to lower health-care costs than the government can. Berkshire's Buffett, Amazon's Jeff Bezos and J.P. Morgan's Jamie Dimon announced in January a venture designed to cut health costs and improve services for their U.S. employees. The three hope their companies sheer sizes will help bring the necessary scale and resources to tackle the health-care system's most pertinent issues. Speaking at the Berkshire annual shareholder meeting, Buffett said that he hoped a chief executive would be found within a couple of months for the health-care company. Lowering the cost of health care and improving outcomes will be much tougher than it appears, experts say, with health spending representing 18 percent of gross domestic product and is seen as rising. Buffett and Munger spoke to the tens of thousands of attendees on a wide range of topics at Berkshire's annual meeting on Saturday. Munger joins "Squawk Box" for three hours, 6 a.m. ET to 9 a.m. ET, with special guests Buffett and Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates. Nasa may be scouring deep space for signs of life. Elon Musk might be looking to Mars. China's scientists have had an eye cast skyward too but, at the same time, the country seems keenly focused on challenges much closer to home mineral riches in our oceans. For decades, the quest for riches scoured from our oceans has been the stuff of fiction. Back in 1974, the CIA hoaxed the world by saying they were launching Project Azorian, a Pacific Ocean search for mineral-rich manganese nodules 4,900m deep. In fact, they were secretly looking for and indeed found the sunken Soviet submarine K-129. In reality, the cost and uncertainty of deep-sea exploration has frustrated all attempts to begin plundering the assets in the oceans. Until now. More from the South China Morning Post: Why US and China have such different views about an American girl in a cheongsam Nine flying pet peeves on planes from passengers not putting devices on flight mode to being rude to cabin crew Xi Jinping likely to make official Japan visit next year as two sides try to mend fences As governments, mining companies and dozens of alarmed environmental groups prepare for the world's 7th Deep Sea Mining Summit in London later this month, Canada's Nautilus Minerals, with lots of Chinese money and technical support, is poised to begin combing the Solwara 1 seabed site in the Bismarck Sea in Papua New Guinea. Last September, Japan completed commercial trials at a depth of 1,600 metres in its exclusive economic zone off Okinawa. So far, the Jamaica-based International Seabed Authority, which polices deep-sea exploration under the United Nations Law of the Sea, has issued 27 licences for exploration. The argument for seabed mining of minerals like nickel, cobalt, copper and manganese, increasingly in demand to make mobile phones, batteries and solar panels, has been well-articulated. For example, global demand for nickel currently sits at 2 million tonnes a year, and is expected to rise to 4 million by 2030. But all known resources on land currently sit at 76 million tonnes little more than 40 years of predictable supply. A further 70 million tonnes are thought to sit on the deep ocean floor and would give us 80 years before we run out. For cobalt, the story is similar except that more than 60 per cent of all land-based supplies sit in the deeply unstable Democratic Republic of Congo. Mining companies that often run out of cheaply accessible land-based resources and are increasingly harassed over the deforestation and pollution linked with mining are attracted to the idea of plundering the deep seabed, where there are no truculent communities to protest about local environmental harm and any damage will be out of sight and out of mind. It is at present unclear whether the environmental harm wrought by deep-sea mining will be less or more than the harm wrought on land. But the environmental information available so far in an area of research still in its infancy is troubling. The targeted minerals are found in three forms and locations around deep hydrothermal vents that dot the "Ring of Fire" that circles the Pacific; cobalt "crusts" that sit on seabed sediments a few centimetres thick; and manganese nodules that are littered on the seabed. All three targets raise awkward environmental concerns. The hydrothermal vents (about 500 active worldwide at the moment) are not only extremely hostile and toxic environments that are immensely inaccessible, but also have unique and extraordinary ecosystems with living species that have rarely been seen, let alone studied. Many people fear we are poised to destroy ecosystems we know little about. The cobalt crusts accumulate a few millimetres every million years, while the manganese nodules grow by around 1cm every million years. As Thomas Peacock at MIT and Matthew Alford at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography note, "harvested regions are unlikely to recover on any human timescale". Since most of the technical barriers to searching for and scooping up these deep-ocean resources have now been overcome, the only remaining barrier, as mining companies and resource-poor economies come closer to launching operations, is the significant matter of economic viability. As Peacock and Alford calculate, companies would need to collect 3 million tonnes of dry manganese nodules a year to profit which would mean underwater collector vehicles combing 50km a day, and reaping nodules in concentrations above 10kg per square metre. No wonder the Nautilus/Solwara project is four years behind schedule and perilously short of funding. No wonder, either, that Canadian Nautilus Minerals has turned to deep-pocketed and patient Chinese partners to provide funds, and also to Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding perhaps China's most iconic shipbuilder with an illustrious history stretching back to the Qing dynasty to build its production support vessel. By now, Chinese companies have three of the 27 licences so far awarded by the International Seabed Authority, and China controls more mining exploration areas in international waters than any other country. Most recently, it has also agreed with Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines on joint seabed development though whether this is for seabed minerals or a quest for oil or natural gas is so far unclear. The priority being given to deep-sea development sits well not just with China's urgent quest for scarce minerals, but also with its "Belt and Road Initiative": better to develop South China Sea resources together than to fight over possession of it. How concerned China is about the environmental challenges is another matter. Lin Shanqing, at China's State Oceanic Administration, has said: "Projects that endanger marine ecosystems will not be given the green light." I will need to see that before I believe it. Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook. As shares of Estee Lauder Companies slid on Monday amid widespread weakness in the consumer packaged goods stocks, CNBC's Jim Cramer came out in defense of the decades-old beauty giant. "The truth is Estee Lauder's miles ahead of its peers and the stock deserves to be a lot higher," the "Mad Money" host said. "Bizarrely, this stock's been getting slammed ... as investors didn't like everything they heard on the conference call." Estee Lauder's third-quarter earnings report beat analysts' top- and bottom-line estimates, with 13 percent sales growth and a 17 percent boost to net income. The cosmetics maker's sales grew at double the pace of the broader category. Demand for skin-care products from Estee Lauder's La Mer and Clinique brands helped drive the strength. But the post-earnings conference call sparked some bearish worries among investors. On the call, Estee Lauder President and CEO Fabrizio Freda indicated that growth in the cosmetics space was starting to level off after years of expansion. The CEO also disclosed that some claims the company made about how long its makeup stays on weren't entirely accurate. "It's not the end of the world, but the company's about as well-run as it gets, so the idea that there was a group of rogue employees who [were] basically lying to the customers struck a pretty downbeat chord," Cramer said. Still, Cramer had faith in Freda, who took over as CEO in 2009 after nearly 30 years at Procter & Gamble. As one of the only high-level consumer goods executives in the United States who is foreign-born, Freda had the foresight to make his makeup brand global, not anchored in U.S. department stores like the rest of the industry had been for years, Cramer argued. But "Freda didn't just foresee that foreign markets, particularly in Asia, would be critical here," the "Mad Money" host continued. "He also understood that social media would drive sales." These days, Freda spends much of his time in Asia connecting with social media influencers to find out what kinds of products they want. Freda has also been building on Estee Lauder's duty-free business, recognizing that airports and tax-free zones were ideal places for capturing customers from the emerging wealthy classes in South Korea, China, Brazil and the Middle East, Cramer said. "I think Estee Lauder is riding a wave of selfie-propelled good fortune here," Cramer concluded. "That's why, when its stock's getting clobbered after Freda told us that cosmetics growth was ... leveling off, I think it was necessary to circle back to you right now and recommend this stock into weakness. Estee Lauder's an innovator and a share-taker that's become the best-of-breed by far in its category and I would be a buyer, not a seller." The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note was higher at around 2.952 percent at 4:51 p.m. ET, while the yield on the 30-year Treasury bond was higher at 3.124 percent. Bond yields move inversely to prices. U.S. government debt yields held steady on Monday after the Labor Department reported the latest employment data on Friday. On Friday, the Labor Department reported that the economy added 164,000 jobs in the month of April, lower than the 195,000 expected by economists polled by Reuters. Average hourly earnings growth also missed, rising only 0.15 percent against expectations of a 0.2 percent gain. "Perhaps it's just us, but the wage figures on Friday were disappointing from a broader perspective and it appears the market is content to ignore the implications," wrote Aaron Kohli, interest rate strategist BMO Capital Markets. "Given the number of times we've come across the word 'goldilocks' as it relates to the current state of market equilibrium, we find ourselves cautious of a potential breakout," he added. Black Cube, an Israeli private intelligence firm that tried to dig up dirt on women who accused film producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual abuse also carried out an undercover effort to discredit former Obama administration officials who advocated for the Iran nuclear agreement, The New Yorker magazine reported. The New Yorker was following up a report on Saturday by Britain's Observer newspaper that said an unidentified Israeli firm had been hired by aides to President Donald Trump "to orchestrate a 'dirty ops' campaign against key individuals from the Obama administration who helped negotiate the Iran nuclear deal" signed in 2015. Specifically, the Observer said, the Israeli outfit was directed by Trump affiliates in May 2017 to "get dirt" on Ben Rhodes, a leading national security advisor to President Barack Obama, and Colin Kahl, Obama's deputy assistant. Trump is currently considering whether to have the United States withdraw as a party to the agreement with Iran, which lifted international sanctions against that nation in exchange for limits on its nuclear program. A May 12 deadline looms for Trump's decision. Black Cube's web site says the firm is comprised of "select group of veterans from the Israeli elite intelligence units that specializes in tailored solutions to complex business and litigation challenges." Black Cube was retained by Weinstein's attorney, David Boies, in 2016 as part of an effort to prevent publication of stories about Weinstein allegedly abusing multiple women, The New Yorker first reported last fall. Among other activities by the firm, an investigator from Black Cube who claimed to be a women's rights advocate secretly recorded several meetings with Rose McGowan, the actress who has since accused Weinstein of raping her, according to the magazine. Technology behemoth Google is revving up its support for bail reform and it's getting help from one of the most influential groups in Washington the Koch political network. Google is partnering with Koch Industries, the multibillion-dollar conglomerate owned by political financiers Charles and David Koch, in an event Tuesday to push for changes to the bail code within the United States, according to an invitation obtained by CNBC. The event is expected to take place in Washington and, among others, leaders of the Koch network are expected to attend. Several will be making comments at the event. Mark Holden, general counsel and senior vice president of Koch Industries and chairman of the board of directors for Freedom Partners, one of the network's nonprofit political advocacy groups, confirmed the event. He explained that he's hoping to see more due process before someone has to pay a bail fee that at times can exceed $20,000. "Our desired state is that after people are arrested, there should be a risk assessment done, a determination if they are a risk to public safety" and then a decision should be made on whether they should be detained and pay bail, Holden said. He noted this was not the first time Google and the Kochs had teamed up to push for criminal justice reform. For its part, Google is already taking action against the bail bond industry. In a press release published Monday, Google said it has decided to "prohibit ads that promote bail bond services" from its platforms. It cites studies that show bail bondsmen taking advantage of low-income neighborhoods and creating financial packages that leave people in debt for an extended period of time. Google credited Koch Industries for helping it come to the conclusion. The work between the two groups goes to show the efforts they make to sway lawmakers, particularly as the Koch network has started stepping back from endorsing specific candidates and, instead, pushing for change to individual issues with bail reform being just one of them. The partnership also is unique because of the causes they are linked to, with the Kochs traditionally backing conservative ideologies and Google being associated with the more liberal views of Silicon Valley. Other issues for the Kochs include making individual tax cuts permanent, protecting participants of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, also known as Dreamers, curtailing the Dodd-Frank Act, providing access to experimental drugs for the terminally ill and cutting back spending, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter. Bail reform has become a political issue going into the 2018 congressional midterm elections for a few members on Capitol Hill, including Sens. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., and Rand Paul, R-Ky. Both Harris and Paul are not up for re-election this year but co-sponsored a bill in July 2017 that proposed to replace the current bail system and implement what they described as a National Pretrial Reporting Program, which collects data on the processing of defendants by state and local courts. In that same month, they authored an op-ed in The New York Times calling for change and echoing the same goals of the Kochs. "Our justice system was designed with a promise: to treat all people equally," Paul and Harris said. "Yet that doesn't happen for many of the 450,000 Americans who sit in jail today awaiting trial because they cannot afford to pay bail," they added. Harris was invited to go to the Google-Koch event but, according to her spokeswoman, she could not attend because of a prior engagement. There were also efforts to get Paul to attend, however it's unclear if he will be a speaker on Tuesday, according to sources familiar with the matter. A spokesman from his office did not return requests for comment at the time of publication. Lebanon's first national election in nine years could result in a stronger Hezbollah, preliminary results show, following an election marred by low voter turnout amid frustration over the country's endemic corruption problems. Shia-militant group Hezbollah and its political allies were thought to be on course to win more than half of the seats in the Lebanese parliament, according to preliminary results cited by Beirut's media on Monday. A simple parliamentary majority for the Iranian-backed party, which is seen as a terrorist group by the U.S. and an enemy of neighboring Israel, would likely embolden the political standing of Lebanon's Hezbollah group at a time of heightened regional uncertainty. Israel has already reacted to the prospect of a stronger political position for Hezbollah with Naftali Bennett, education minister of Israel's conservative coalition government, tweeting on Monday that "Hezbollah = Lebanon." "The State of Israel will not differentiate between the sovereign State of Lebanon and Hezbollah, and will view Lebanon as responsible for any action from within its territory," he added. Positive developments from the Korean Peninsula will be good news for stocks in the region and a couple markets in particular, according to a bank strategist on Monday. U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have both indicated their willingness for a summit. Sean Yokota, head of Asia strategy at Nordic bank SEB, said he believes that geopolitical tensions will ease in the months ahead. Speaking to CNBC's "Capital Connection," he said: "In the next one to two months, when Trump is coming here, I think geopolitical tensions are low, economic activity's picking up so that's usually positive for equity markets." He predicted that stock markets in Japan and Korea in particular will do well. Yokota said markets in Korea have yet to price in the positive news. "I think very little is priced into actually good news coming out of North Korea, South Korea, so that could be an extra stimulus to Kospi going up," he said, referring to the country's key stock index. Trump and Kim are expected to have a landmark meeting in the coming weeks, with the U.S. president declaring that he wants to "get peace." Likely locations are said to be either in Mongolia, Singapore, or the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea. Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-In met in April and pledged to push for complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. There are widespread doubts that North Korea will ever give up its nuclear weapons, however. In Ohio, both Republican and Democratic primaries for governor are competitive. Parties will set their nominees for multiple competitive House races in Ohio and North Carolina. Voters will choose challengers to vulnerable Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin and Joe Donnelly in West Virginia and Indiana, respectively. Don Blankenship, right, who is running for the Republican nomination for Senate in West Virginia, talks with James Pendry after a town hall meeting at Macado's restaurant in Bluefield, W.Va., on May 3, 2018. Tom Williams | CQ Roll Call | Getty Images A string of 2018 primary elections take place Tuesday, shaping elections that will help to determine which party holds the House and Senate after November's midterms. Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio and West Virginia will hold primaries Tuesday. Both West Virginia and Indiana will hold critical Senate elections, while intriguing House and governor races will play out in Ohio and North Carolina. West Virginia and Indiana have become top battlegrounds in the fight for the Senate, which Republicans currently control. Meanwhile, House races in both Ohio and North Carolina will factor into whether Democrats can win enough seats to take control of the chamber. Here are some of the races to watch Tuesday: West Virginia GOP Senate primary West Virginia voters will select a Republican nominee to challenge Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin, one of the most vulnerable senators running for re-election this year. Trump won the state by about 40 percentage points in 2016, making it a prime pickup opportunity for Republicans. The party sees trouble in one potential outcome. Republicans fear former coal executive Don Blankenship will struggle to defeat Manchin in November. The ex-Massey Energy CEO served jail time for his role in a mine explosion that killed 29 people. He also has earned the ire of Republican leaders with racially charged attacks on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, the Kentucky Republican's wife. The GOP prefers either Rep. Evan Jenkins or West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey. On Monday, President Donald Trump urged West Virginia voters not to support Blankenship, arguing that he cannot beat Manchin. In his tweet, Trump did not criticize Blankenship's character or ads, but focused on the political implications of him winning the primary. Trump tweet Public polling has been scarce: one Fox News poll last month found Jenkins garnering 25 percent support, followed by Morrisey and Blankenship with 21 percent and 16 percent, respectively. A Weekly Standard report says internal polls found Blankenship winning more support and taking a narrow lead ahead of Tuesday's primary. Read more about the West Virginia Senate primary race here. Indiana GOP Senate primary In Indiana, Republicans are fighting for the chance to take on Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly, another one of the chamber's most endangered members. Trump won the state by about 20 percentage points, buoying the GOP's hopes that it can flip Donnelly's seat. Since Trump has strong support in the state, Republicans running in the primary have tried to emulate the president. Reps. Todd Rokita and Luke Messer, and Mike Braun, a businessman and former state representative, have all tried to channel Trump in their own ways. The only public poll taken in the race last month found a 10-point advantage for Braun. However, nearly half of those surveyed were undecided, suggesting no clear front-runner with only days to go. Read more on the Indiana primary race here. Ohio Senate Like Manchin and Donnelly, Sen. Sherrod Brown is among the 10 Democrats running this year in states Trump won in 2016. The Ohio Democrat, up for re-election in a purple state that Trump carried by about 8 points, appears safer this year than his colleagues in West Virginia and Indiana. On the Republican side, Trump-backed Rep. Jim Renacci appears to have the advantage in the race to take on Brown. He faces businessman Mike Gibbons in Tuesday's GOP primary. Brown, who has preached populist policies that sometimes align with Trump, has held the seat since 2006. The House races to watch In Ohio and North Carolina, voters will choose nominees for a few seats that have a chance to be competitive in November. In Indiana and West Virginia, the primaries will determine candidates for seats largely considered safe for one party. Ohio will hold a primary for the state's 12th District, which was vacated by GOP Rep. Pat Tiberi's resignation. Tuesday's winners will face off in a special election in August to fill the remainder of Tiberi's term. The seat is typically considered safe for Republicans, but recent Democratic improvement in multiple special elections signals it could become more competitive than usual. Democrats will determine challengers to GOP congressmen in other Ohio districts that could prove important later this year. The party will choose challengers to Rep. Steve Chabot in the 1st District, Rep. Mike Turner in the 10th District, Rep. Dave Joyce in the 14th District and Rep. Steve Stivers in the 15th District. In North Carolina's 9th District, GOP Rep. Robert Pittenger faces both a Republican primary challenger and a well-funded potential Democratic opponent. The state's 13th District, represented by Republican Ted Budd, could also be in play this year. Rokita and Messer in Indiana, as well as Jenkins in West Virginia, vacated safe Republican districts to run for Senate. The winner of the GOP primary for those seats Indiana's 4th and 6th Districts and West Virginia's 3rd District will likely go on to win the general election. Vice President Mike Pence's brother, Greg, is considered the front-runner to succeed Messer in Indiana's 6th District. Read more about Tuesday's House primary races. Ohio governor primary A bitter primary process has played out in the race to succeed Ohio Gov. John Kasich. On the Democratic side, former Ohio Attorney General and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Richard Cordray is competing against former congressman and presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich, who has billed himself as more progressive than Cordray. Kucinich is also a former mayor of Cleveland. A major policy fight has played out on gun control. Cordray has tried to appeal to the swing state with a more centrist position on firearms regulation, while Kucinich has proudly flaunted an "F" rating from the National Rifle Association. In the Republican primary, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor are fighting for the nomination. While both candidates aligned with centrist Trump critic Kasich in the past, they have touted their pro-Trump and conservative credentials during the primary. WATCH: Trump's 'fake news' fight a boon for media companies Trader Joe's has long been a favorite among the frugal foodie crowd, but the retailer has been known for being relatively mum about the details of its business. Now however, executives are giving shoppers a glimpse inside the inner-workings of Trader Joe's, including the tasting panel that tries the different concoctions whipped up for the retailer. On an episode of its new, five-part podcast "Inside Trader Joe's," executives at the company explain that everything is taste-tested before the brand decides to sell it. (Many of the company's products are made by third-party manufacturers and sold under the Trader Joe's label, according to Eater.) The tasting panel takes place in a tasting kitchen, which is shrouded in secrecy, says Matt Sloan, the vice president of marketing product at Trader Joe's. He likens it to an interrogation room. "It's a harsh environment," Sloan says on the podcast. "Fluorescent lighting, gleaming, white countertops, no fun inspirational posters. There's no kitten saying, 'Hang in there,' although maybe we should put that in there. "There's nothing in there that makes it comfortable. It's like a cold war interrogation booth, because we want the products that succeed to go through this like ultra Darwinian exercise to say they could stand up even to that harshest light of critical evaluation," he says. On the podcast, Sloan reasons that it's easy to enjoy a glass of wine on Italy's Amalfi Coast, but that the same wine, "tastes differently at 10 a.m. under florescent lights on a Thursday." If that glass of wine is still great in the latter's conditions, they know they've got something good. "So we want to remove the romance for a little bit," Sloan says. He explains that tasting panels are also private. "We want the tasting panel to make decisions on behalf of our customers. So none of our vendors, our suppliers, can buy access or be present or help sway those decisions," he says. "We once let a newspaper reporter into the tasting panel, and photos were taken only if the tasting panel wore bags over their heads," Tara Miller, the marketing director at the grocer, which is based in Monrovia, California, says. During the podcast, Sloan and Miller peek in on a tasting panel in progress. "So [restaurant name bleeped] is known as probably one of the best Italian restaurants in L.A.," says the person leading the panel. "They have a dish there called tagliolini al limone and it's, yes, it's one of my favorites, too. ... "Our version is made with cream, parmesan cheese, butter, lemon juice concentrate, basil, salt and spices, so very simple ingredient deck. So we would be in this 15-ounce jar for $3.49. This is served with spaghetti and a little bit of shaved parmesan and romano on top and a little bit of pepper. I have the sauce on the side if you just want to taste it." "The flavors are so bright. ... It's heavy and creamy, but it kind of still tastes light, which is magical," says one panelist after tasting. The panelists decide it passes muster. But a cinnamon toast version of Trader Joe's famous Joe-Joe's cookies isn't as popular. "Does anyone think the cinnamon has something approaching like it's like Big Red gum," says one panelist, while another agrees the spice is overwhelming. "If I'm going to promise cinnamon, I want to deliver cinnamon," says the person leading the panel. "But if there's too much, we can definitely back it down." The executives on the podcast say "membership" on the panel "is granted," and the "diverse array" of people "eat with intention." In a 2006 New York Times report, the secretive panel was described as "the company's best-trained palates." And when the executives promise the panel tries everything, they're not kidding. "Someone might say, 'Well, you have dog treats. I mean, who tasted the dog treats?' The dog treats get tasted by panel members' dogs," Miller says on the podcast. To which Sloan responds, "I will cop to having eaten some biscuits intended for animals other than humans recently, but I can say with conviction, we taste everything." Whatever the brand is doing, it seems to be working. Trader Joe's is known for developing a cult-like following of customers who love the chain for its dirt-cheap prices and flavorful quality products. A number of chefs have even raved about Trader Joe's products, from its buffalo jerky to its wasabi peas, and the retailer is so beloved by its loyal customers that there are even Trader Joe's fan Twitter accounts. Last year, the grocery store chain was ranked second on Market Force Information's ranking of America's favorite grocery store chains. Emerging markets stocks have been under pressure as the U.S. dollar has gained ground, and one portfolio manager is expecting more pain for the group. Last week, U.S.-based emerging market equity funds posted their first weekly outflows of the year, according to Reuters, citing Lipper data. The EEM emerging markets ETF fell nearly 2 percent in that time, and 3 percent in the last month. Chad Morganlander, portfolio manager at Washington Crossing Advisors, explained to CNBC's "Trading Nation" his reasons for selling emerging market stocks. Here's why: Emerging markets logged a banner year in 2017, with the EEM rallying nearly 35 percent for its best year since 2009, as global growth ramped up and the U.S. dollar fell substantially. This year won't be so rosy. The U.S. dollar just posted three straight weeks of gains, depressing emerging market stocks in that time, which will likely continue as a headwind going forward. The eventual deceleration in China's credit growth, too, will pose a headwind. At this point, however, the U.S. trade policy with China and recent turmoil in the space is not a major factor in emerging markets' performance. Bottom line: Emerging markets have weakened recently, and will likely see further downside from here, according to Chad Morganlander. Then-candidate for the Republican Presidential nomination Donald Trump speaks during a rally held by the Tea Party at the United States Capitol to speak out against President Obama's nuclear agreement with Iran in Washington, on September 9, 2015. Samuel Corum | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images President Donald Trump appears poised to withdraw the United States from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal on Tuesday by announcing he'll restore sanctions on Iranian oil exports. But analysts say the impact of those sanctions on the market would not have the same bite they had under Trump's predecessor. The United States wields considerable power over the global financial system, but if Trump does move to renew sanctions on Iran's oil exports, he will be acting against the will of the international community. Unlike President Barack Obama, he will not be able to count on some major buyers of Iranian crude to close their import terminals, according to several widely followed analysts. That means U.S. sanctions will likely only remove 300,000 to 500,000 barrels per day of Iranian oil off the market, compared with the 1 million to 1.5 million barrels the Obama administration curtailed. The world consumes about 100 million barrels a day. Even then, it will probably be six months or more until the worst of the disruptions occur, opening a window for continued negotiations that could preserve the deal, analysts say. "This time, we don't think it will be anywhere near as successful as it was in 2012," said Edward Morse, global head of commodities research at Citi. "This time, we think the easy pickings are just more limited," he said. Morse says he sees little evidence the Trump administration has engaged in the kind of petro-diplomacy Obama's deputies waged. Before the late 2000s, the United States had little success forcing other countries to isolate its long-time rival Iran. But the Obama administration secured support from major purchasers of Iranian oil in Europe and Asia based on evidence that Iran was operating a secret nuclear weapons research program. Tehran denies it attempted to build a nuclear weapon. Several rounds of sanctions compelled Iran to negotiate with a group called the P5+1: China, France, Germany, Russia, the U.K. and the United States. The 2015 accord limited Iran's nuclear program and required Tehran to allow international inspectors into the country. Iran's oil exports have rebounded to about 2.5 million barrels a day from roughly 1.1 million barrels a day in 2014 when sanctions were still in place. Now, Trump wants to rewrite the terms of the deal, which he thinks is not tough enough. The other members of the P5+1 want to keep it in place because Iran has been in compliance with the deal since it was implemented. Trump threatened in January to restore sanctions on Iran unless Europe meets his demands by May 12, when he faces the next waiver deadline. As of this week, no deal emerged despite Trump's meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. "I think looking at the discord among the P5+1, it seems the amount of oil that would be removed would be lower, and at this point maybe 300,000 to 500,000 barrels a day," said Daniel Yergin, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and vice chair of IHS Markit. With little international support, Trump will have to use U.S. clout over the financial system to give the world a choice: You can do business with the United States, or you can do business with Iran. "While there is considerable debate over the effectiveness of unilateral US action on Iran, we think that a revival of the threat to lock non-compliant corporates out of US capital markets provides the White House with a pretty powerful stick," Helima Croft, global head of commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets, wrote in a research note Friday. A former investment banker with limited political experience this was how many described Emmanuel Macron at the start of his bid to become the next president of France. But a year after his election victory, Macron has become a symbol for much needed change. "In contrast to his predecessor Francois Hollande, who struggled to be seen as an equal partner with (German Chancellor) Angela Merkel, Mr Macron has rebalanced the Franco-German partnership," Emily Mansfield, France analyst at the Economist Intelligence Unit, told CNBC via email. "He hosted Vladimir Putin at Versailles, taking an assertive line that went down well with the public; and has built a relationship with Donald Trump that has made him the go-to spokesperson for Europe in the U.S.," she added. Macron has been positioning himself close to Trump, without supporting his policies. He invited the U.S. president to the celebrations of France's national day last year, the first for Macron as president. More recently, Macron visited the U.S. in late April where several handshakes and hugs caught the attention of the global media. Macron "has also championed efforts to combat climate change around the world, including in China, and is increasingly acting as a power broker in the Middle East," Mansfield added. "The result is that France now appears more of a major player in international affairs than it has done for some years," she added. Most of Macron's efforts to position France as a global player have taken place at the European level. In September, Macron addressed the Sorbonne University laying out a clear vision for the future of the euro area. "He changed the sentiment on France and on the European Union," Vincent Juvyns, a global market strategist at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, told CNBC over the phone. "Investors are no longer short on the euro," he added. The European challenge The clarity and the renewed impetus on euro zone reform that Macron provided during the Sorbonne speech brought more confidence toward the region. Markets become more positive that the euro zone will implement more fiscal measures and somewhat relieve the burden on the European Central Bank and its large stimulus measures. However, some argue that Macron has been too ambitious and he will find it hard to get all his ideas approved by European counterparts. "Efforts to reform Europe were always going to be difficult, and this is the area in which he has made the least progress so far," Mansfield from the EIU said. "There is still much concern in Germany about greater risk-sharing in Europe, and we do not expect this to change under the new government," she added. Overall very positive, Macron doesn't mind to sacrifice political capital to reform the French economy. Ricardo Garcia Chief euro zone economist, UBS Despite a conservative stance from the Germans, Macron has agreed with Merkel that the euro zone needs reform. Their two finance ministers gave a joint press conference in late April promising to come up with measures to strengthen the region, together. Olaf Scholz, the German finance minister, said: "Germany and France are really working on this task We are absolutely optimistic that we will succeed." Such euro zone reform proposals are expected to be presented in June, but it remains to be seen how far policymakers will go. Speaking at an event in London, in April, the Governor of the Bank of France, Francois Villeroy de Gaulhau, told the audience that people should never bet against Macron nor his willingness to make changes. Reforms, reforms, reforms Nonetheless, Macron has struggled to be popular at home, according to several opinion polls. In March, his popularity levels dropped to their lowest point, 40 percent, since he took office. At the time, several protesters hit the streets across France. Public sector workers rallied against potential reforms in their sectors, including reducing the number of employees and the start of merit-based pay. Demonstration of railway workers, students and members of the public service against government reforms in Lyon, France, May 3, 2018. Nicolas Liponne | NurPhoto | Getty Images More recently, Macron's fight has been with the national railway service, SNCF. Macron wants to change the legal status of the company, which is state owned, to become what is described as a limited company. Workers and trade unions fear the move will slowly lead to the privatization of the company. However, overall public opinion is supportive of Macron, hoping for cheaper rail tickets and more reliance on the service. "When he became president he had a plan of several things we would work on and he is working on them one after the other," Lars Machenil, chief financial officer of BNP Paribas, told CNBC about the president's first year in office. Macron has also managed to put through measures to increase transparency in parliamentary funding, to reduce wealth taxes in an attempt to make France more business friendly, as well as to liberalize the country's labor market. "This final measure was one of the flagship elements of Mr Macron's program, and his success in passing it last September despite public and trade union opposition was a symbolic early achievement in delivering on his campaign promise to 'unblock France'," Mansfield said. The labor market reform included changes to collective bargaining, which allows firms to negotiate salaries and working conditions with their own employees, without following rules applied to the entire sector. These changes also sparked several street protests organized by opposition parties and trade unions in different occasions throughout 2017. According to Juvyns, from J.P. Morgan Asset Management, the labor market reform could have been even more ambitious. However, "in one year, Macron has already done a lot for what he promised," Juvyns told CNBC. Other analysts also told CNBC that Macron has managed to achieve a lot in his first year, but there's space for further improvements, mainly in the still-rigid labor market. French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech at the Sorbonne in Paris, France, September 26, 2017. Ludovic Marin | Pool | Reuters As the cloud battle heats up, Microsoft is taking a unique approach to silicon that it says can help developers more quickly perform artificial intelligence computing tasks. An initiative called Project Brainwave lets developers in Microsoft's data centers use field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which can be customized even after they've been plugged into servers. Microsoft announced that the chips will be accessible for the first time on Monday at the Build Developer conference. According to Microsoft, these chips will enable faster processing of images with AI models than what's available from Amazon Web Services or Google's cloud. Those companies and others like China's Alibaba offer an assortment of chips, ranging from graphics processing units (GPUs) from Nvidia to Google's homegrown tensor processing units (TPUs). Microsoft says another advantage to using commercially available FPGAs, manufactured by longtime partner Intel, is that companies will be able to set up similar technology in their own locations, and not be limited to working in the cloud. That's part of Microsoft's strategy of providing more flexibility to customers. "It's not like we're sacrificing performance or a competitive angle by going with the FPGAs," said Doug Burger, leader of Project Brainwave. "I think we are owning our own destiny." The chips will initially be available within Microsoft's Azure machine learning service for 42 cents an hour. Over time, Microsoft will give developers direct access to the chips, said Burger, who is also a distinguished engineer at the company. As the world awaits U.S. President Donald Trump's verdict on the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, climbing oil prices show that investors are expecting the worst. Energy markets are indicating that the U.S. is likely to pull out of the accord and reimpose sanctions on Tehran, according to Dubai's largest bank, Emirates NBD. The deal, officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, lifted international sanctions against Iran in exchange for it curbing its nuclear program. Trump has referred to the agreement as the "worst deal ever," and he must decide by May 12 whether to reimpose sanctions or to grant the country a waiver. "Anything that's slightly less than that by which I mean he may delay his decision, or he may not impose the same amount of sanctions previously I think markets would react favorably to that, given that markets are currently pricing in probably the worst-case scenario," Tim Fox, head of research and chief economist at Emirates NBD, told CNBC's "Capital Connection." The Department of Defense has asked the House and Senate armed services committees to include new restrictions on foreign investment in the United States in a defense spending bill that's expected to be unveiled this week. Defense Secretary Gen. James Mattis made the request in a letter that was dated May 4 and sent to the House and Senate armed services committee, a copy of which CNBC has obtained and confirmed. In the letter, Mattis expressed support for foreign investment but added that "DoD also believes we must be clear-eyed that our adversaries have studied the weaknesses of our current laws and regulations and are exploiting them today." The bipartisan legislation would significantly expand the purview of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to review transactions involving non-US parties, specifically China. The letter from the Pentagon reaffirms the Trump administration's support of the bill, in which the Treasury Department has been closely involved. In recent weeks, trade advisor and noted China hawk Peter Navarro has increased pressure to pass CFIUS expansion sooner rather than later, according to a senior White House official. "The Administration cares very strongly about this," said Stephen Myrow, managing partner of Beacon Policy Advisors and former Treasury official. With the urging from Mattis, "the chances of something actually passing Congress have gone up a bit." But questions remain about the avenue through which the proposed bill, first introduced in November 2017, would become law: Outside business groups and lawmakers in the House have raised issues with the substance of the bill, and there are potential procedural roadblocks in the Senate. Neither Sen. John Cornyn nor Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the co-sponsors, sit on the committee with jurisdiction over the issue. The Senate Banking Committee delayed a markup of the CFIUS legislation originally scheduled for May 8 and has been prioritizing passage of a bipartisan regulatory relief bill, according to three people familiar with the matter. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) would greenlight more than $700 billion in military funding and is seen among the last "must-pass" bills Congress will take up this session. House lawmakers released a summary of the legislation Friday, with the full text of the bill expected to be released this week. The deadline to include amendments in the NDAA is Monday, May 7, an aide for the House Armed Services Committee confirmed. Download the full letter here. Tim Kane speaks to Sterling Reavley while campaigning for the primaries in Dublin, Ohio on April 30, 2018. DUBLIN, Ohio When Pat Tiberi announced last fall that he was retiring after representing Ohio's 12th Congressional District for almost two decades, there was a long line of fellow Republicans waiting to replace him. The party's primary on Tuesday will feature 10 candidates, including two state senators, a county prosecutor and a local conservative activist. Then there is Tim Kane. Mr. Kane, 50, has a resume that sounds as if he answered a casting call for a Republican congressional candidate: An Ohio native, he served in the Air Force, then earned a Ph.D. in economics and worked at conservative think tanks such as the Heritage Foundation and the Hoover Institution. Along the way, he helped start two companies, wrote four books and became a familiar commentator on economic issues in newspapers and on television. More from the New York Times: Jobless rate looks like old times, but the economy doesn't Tariff impact colors a key house race in Boeing country Trump trade officials will present a hard line in China, but internally they are divided Yet, in part because of that same resume, Mr. Kane can seem almost uniquely out of step with the Republican Party in 2018. At a time when much of the party is hostile to elites and even the very idea of expertise, Mr. Kane is a self-described "policy nerd" who peppers his conversations with references to economists with little public profile beyond Washington. In the era of "drain the swamp," Mr. Kane speaks proudly of having testified as an expert on Capitol Hill and highlights endorsements from establishment figures such as former Secretary of State George P. Shultz. And even though President Trump won Ohio in part by tapping into voters' deep skepticism of immigration and free trade, Mr. Kane is a vocal proponent of both. "I'm an old-school, free-market economist," Mr. Kane told voters during a recent event in this Columbus suburb. On the campaign trail, Mr. Kane adapts a refrain from Howard Dean's 2004 presidential run, saying that he is "from the Republican wing of the Republican Party." Tuesday's primary is, on one level, a test of whether that is true whether a candidate with economic policy positions that are conservative but not populist can win in Ohio in 2018. "Even within the Republican Party, it's a referendum on Trump and whether those traditional conservative Republicans can reclaim control of the party," said Rita Kipp, head of the League of Women Voters of Licking County, one of seven counties in this sprawling district outside Columbus. Indeed, surveys show that Republican voters who were once more supportive than Democrats of free-trade agreements have turned sharply against such deals in recent years. Last year the Pew Research Center found that just 36 percent of Republicans thought free trade had been a good thing for the United States, down from 57 percent in 2009. The gulf between economists and the public is particularly vast. In 2016, when a University of Chicago survey asked more than three dozen prominent economists whether workers in Ohio and Michigan would have been better off if the United States had been tougher in trade negotiations, almost none said yes. But when the online polling firm SurveyMonkey asked the same question of the general public last month on behalf of The New York Times, 59 percent of adults and 84 percent of Republicans said the United States should have been tougher. Douglas Holtz-Eakin, an economist and president of the American Action Forum, a conservative group, said those results were hardly surprising. Trade has never been an easy sell to the public, he said, because the costs, in shuttered plants and lost jobs, are large and obvious, while the benefits lower consumer prices and greater productivity are diffuse and hard to see. "You have to make the case on a regular basis that the benefits are greater than the costs," Mr. Holtz-Eakin said. Mr. Holtz-Eakin, who has endorsed Mr. Kane, said the Republican Party needed candidates who would make the case for policies that are more popular with economists than with the general public, among them immigration, fiscal restraint and trade. "Campaigns are teachable moments in the United States," Mr. Holtz-Eakin said. If any district in Ohio is likely to be receptive to Mr. Kane's economics lessons, it is the 12th. The district which went for Mr. Trump by about 10 points in 2016 includes rural areas, but the bulk of the population lives in relatively affluent, educated Columbus suburbs that have largely escaped the postindustrial decline that has afflicted Youngstown, Dayton and other cities. Dublin, where Mr. Kane moved late last year, is one of the state's wealthiest cities, with a median household income of more than $125,000. Campaigning on a recent Monday, Mr. Kane did not try to run away from his more contentious positions, or from his wonkish resume. At a meet-and-greet with voters at a French bakery in Dublin's quaint downtown, Mr. Kane broke the ice with stories about his days at the Air Force Academy, but quickly pivoted to citing articles he had written promoting free trade and entrepreneurship. Even on friendly turf, however, Mr. Kane faced some skepticism. When one attendee, Caroline Lahrmann, asked about immigration, Mr. Kane noted that he had written 20 articles and was working on a book about the subject. Then he moved into an intricate discussion of immigration policy: why immigration is important for the economy and why he supports work permits, but not a pathway to citizenship, for people in the country illegally. Eventually, Ms. Lahrmann broke in. "I haven't heard how he's going to address illegal immigration yet," she said. "How are you going to stop the illegal immigration?" Mr. Kane said he was not necessarily opposed to a border wall, but he doubted it would do much good. Melissa Stack, a local nurse, cut him off. "I disagree with you that the wall doesn't work," she said. Speaking after the event, Ms. Lahrmann said she had liked Mr. Kane, but had not been convinced by his answers on immigration. She also questioned his stand on trade. "It sounds great, free trade," she said, noting that she had studied economics in college. But, she said, "you have to play tough sometimes" something she said Mr. Trump understood. Mr. Trump will not be on the ballot on Tuesday, but he is a constant presence in the race. Most of Mr. Kane's rivals for the Republican nomination have embraced Mr. Trump, promising to support his agenda. Melanie Leneghan, who has the backing of several members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, pledges on her campaign website that she "will stand with our president every step of the way." Mr. Kane is more circumspect. He initially supported Jeb Bush in the 2016 election, and signed a letter opposing Mr. Trump during the primary campaign. But in an interview last week, he praised Mr. Trump's approach to foreign policy and said he believed that the president would ultimately side with the pro-trade faction of his administration. "I'm trying to help the president be successful," Mr. Kane said. "I do think the president is a man who listens." Mr. Kane's opponents paint him as a Washington insider and a carpetbagger. Mr. Kane grew up in Columbus but until last year had not lived in the area since high school; he was a resident of Virginia when Mr. Tiberi announced his retirement. "He doesn't live here and never has," Ms. Leneghan said. "He's a Washington insider." But Mr. Kane is serious about winning. He has lent his campaign $244,000 of his own money and received donations of more than $200,000. Two other candidates in the race Ms. Leneghan and Troy Balderson, a state senator whom Mr. Tiberi has endorsed for his old seat have each raised a similar total. A county prosecutor, Carol O'Brien, and another state senator, Kevin Bacon, have also raised and spent substantial amounts. Several national "super PACs" have also entered the fray, running ads and sending mailings for and against the leading candidates. Since Mr. Trump's election, Republican candidates have struggled in special elections, especially in suburban districts like this one. Democrats are fielding several strong candidates of their own, and the Cook Political Report recently rated the race a tossup. In an unusual twist, this primary is actually two elections in one. Voters will get to choose nominees both for a special election to replace Mr. Tiberi, which will be held in August, and for the general election in November. There has been no independent polling, and local political experts say that with turnout expected to be low, Tuesday's outcome is anyone's guess. In the meantime, Mr. Kane is out knocking on doors, making his case to anyone willing to listen. Campaigning in Dublin, Mr. Kane spied a man in a Navy hat walking his dog. After chatting briefly about military service, the man told Mr. Kane that what he really wanted was for Congress to balance the budget. Mr. Kane's campaign manager, standing a few feet away, smiled, knowing what was coming next. As a matter of fact, Mr. Kane said, "I wrote a book on that." The sprawling personal art collection of David Rockefeller and his wife Peggy goes under auction Tuesday and could become the most valuable single-owner collection in history. It is tipped to surpass the current record set by the Yves Saint Laurent collection that generated $443 million in 2010. Forecasts for the Rockefeller collection of more than 2,000 pieces, which includes jewelry, furniture, silver, ceramics and porcelain as well as the art, range wildly between $500 million and $1 billion. Masterpiece paintings by the likes of Picasso, Gauguin, Monet and Van Gogh are the most eye-catching. The estimate for Fillette a la Corbeille Fleurie (Young Girl with a Basket of Flowers) by Picasso is likely to be the most sought after, with a guide price in excess of $100 million. Monet's Nympheas en fleur (Water Lilies in Bloom) is provisionally priced between $50 million and $70 million. Saudi Arabia's King Salman has ordered protection for financial and corporate whistleblowers as part of an anti-corruption drive in the country. Saudi-run broadcaster Al Arabiya reported Sunday that the king's decree will shield employees from a "violation of their privileges or rights." Dr Khalid Al Muhaisen, head of Saudi Arabia's anti-corruption commission, told Al Arabiya that the kingdom wants to "protect the interests of citizens and residents who do their duty to report cases of corruption, and ensure that they are not harmed by the submission of communications". Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, King Salman's eldest son by his third wife, has pushed an anti-corruption campaign since last year when members of Saudi Arabia's business and political elite were rounded up and detained at the Ritz in November. The luxury hotel in Riyadh was used to house and question over 300 princes, ministers and businessmen, including global investor Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. According to Reuters, the purge generated more than $100 billion in financial settlements for the Saudi government. Check out the companies making headlines before the bell: Berkshire Hathaway Berkshire is in the spotlight following its widely watched annual meeting over the weekend, and CEO Warren Buffett's interview on CNBC this morning. Apple shares could be on watch once again after Buffett said he would buy more shares at the right price. Buffett revealed Friday that Berkshire had bought 75 million more Apple shares during the first quarter. Wells Fargo Wells Fargo settled a class action securities fraud lawsuit for $480 million, in a case stemming from alleged "misstatements and omissions" regarding its sales practices. The bank said it denies the claims in the suit and that it settled to avoid further cost and disruption. Tesla In a Securities and Exchange Commission filing, the automaker said it is continually evaluating its capital needs and may raise additional capital in the future to fund the growth of its business. Tyson Foods The beef and poultry producer fell 3 cents a share short of estimates, with adjusted quarterly profit of $1.27 per share. Revenue also missed Street forecasts, however Tyson said it delivered solid results in the face of challenging market conditions. Gramercy Property Trust The commercial real estate investor will be bought by private-equity firm Blackstone for $7.6 billion in cash, or $27.50 per share. The price represents a 15.4 percent premium over Friday's closing price. Gannett The USA Today publisher earned an adjusted 13 cents per share for the first quarter, beating estimates by 10 cents a share. Revenue was essentially in line with expectations, with the company's results benefiting from growth in digital advertising. International Flavors & Fragrances The company bought Israeli competitor Frutarom for $7.1 billion in cash and stock. The deal is the second largest buyout involving an Israeli company, trailing only the $15 billion that Intel paid for Mobileye. Starbucks Starbucks will be paid $7.15 billion by Nestle for the rights to sell the coffee chain's products around the world. ConocoPhillips ConocoPhillips reportedly filed court claims in Venezuela moving to take over assets of Venezuela's state-run oil company. The energy giant is claiming those assets were illegally misappropriated, according to The Wall Street Journal. Mondelez International The snack maker bought Southampton, N.Y.-based cookie maker Tate's Bake Shop for about $500 million. Amazon.com Amazon was rated "outperform" in new coverage at Telsey Advisory Group, which set a price target on the stock of $1,900 per share. Telsey notes a customer-centric approach, "relentless" pursuit of efficiency, and growing Prime membership. Shake Shack Shake Shack was downgraded to "underweight" from "neutral" at JPMorgan Chase, which said that despite a good first quarter, underlying trends are not as strong as the current valuation would indicate. Willis Towers Watson The consulting firm reported adjusted quarterly profit of $2.71 per share, beating estimates by 8 cents a share. Revenue came in above estimates and the company sees full-year 2018 earnings that exceed current Wall Street consensus. Leon Black, Chairman, CEO and Director, Apollo Global Management, LLC, speaks at the Milken Institute's 21st Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California, May 1, 2018. Lucy Nicholson | Reuters The fact that more public companies are being acquired by large global private equity firms is neither shocking nor problematic, at least according to the titans of private equity. It's hardly surprising that boards of formerly public companies elect to give private equity a chance, said Jonathan Sokoloff, managing partner of Leonard Green & Partners. "Our view is that we're a better model. We're a better model for governance. We don't have to deal with all the hassles of the public boards," Sokoloff told CNBC's Leslie Picker at the Milken Global Investment Conference last Tuesday. "You go to a private company board meeting: we get right down to the meat of the business, and we help the businesses and we're involved," he added. "It's a pretty dramatic shift that's going on, and the public equity markets are really losing share." Other private equity managers on the panel echoed Sokoloff's comments. The panelists also included Apollo Global Management's Leon Black, Vista Equity Partners' Robert Smith and Brookfield Asset Management's Bruce Flatt. According to a Credit Suisse report published in 2017, the number of publicly traded U.S. companies has been cut in half over the past 20 years, falling to 3,671 from 7,322 in the two decades ending in 2016. While private equity buyouts can account for some of the drop in the number of public companies, some executives of companies such as Uber and Airbnb are simply electing to delay their IPOs. Their explanations for the delay have ranged from increased regulation in the public sphere to shareholder lawsuits and activist pressure. While notable in its own right, the decline in the number of public companies has been accompanied by a mass migration of capital into private equity as some of the world's largest pension funds remain strapped for reliable returns. The top law enforcement official in the scandal-wracked Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced his retirement Monday, three weeks after radio host Rush Limbaugh bragged that the official personally gave him a police escort from an area airport. The retirement by Police Superintendent Michael Fedorko, effective immediately, is just the latest black eye for the Port Authority, which operates three major regional airports, the George Washington Bridge, the World Trade Center site in New York and other transportation facilities. Last month, a Port Authority commissioner, Caren Turner, resigned after a police video showed the long-time lobbyist and Hillary Clinton fundraiser cursing out two Tenafly, New Jersey, cops after a traffic stop of car in which her daughter had been a passenger. The video of that encounter went viral. Turner's departure came after the PA's inspector general opened an inquiry into her abusive and haughty conduct, which included flashing an agency badge and claiming she oversaw the PA's police force. Fedorko's own exit after nine years as superintendent also came after the PA launched an internal probe, this time over Limbaugh's on-air boast on April 13 that he had received a lights-and-sirens escort from agency police the prior night. The conservative radio talk show host Limbaugh on April 12 had been at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and was headed into New York City for the annual Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation dinner. Fedorko served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, and was wounded in combat. "So they sent the superintendent of the Port Authority to Newark to meet me for lights and sirens into Manhattan to make sure I got there in time. And we did," Limbaugh said, according to a transcript of his show April 13. The Port Authority did not respond to CNBC's query about whether Fedorko's retirement was triggered by the preferred treatment for Limbaugh. Fedorko had served decades with the New Jersey State Police, where he once was acting superintendent. He also served as head of the security unit for two New Jersey governors. Limbaugh was arrested in 2006 on a criminal charge of fraud to conceal information to obtain prescription drugs after a three-year probe by prosecutors. He cut a deal with prosecutors that called for the charges to be dismissed after 18 months if he remained in treatment for drug addiction. A month after reaching that deal, authorities found a bottle of Viagra in his bag after he arrived at a Florida airport from the Dominican Republic. The prescription for those pills were not in his name. The Port Authority has been buffeted by scandal since September 2013, when an ally of then-Gov. Chris Christie and a top Port Authority official named David Wildstein orchestrated the closure of several lanes onto the George Washington Bridge, causing massive gridlock. Jeff Sessions, U.S. attorney general, left, speaks as Tom Homan, deputy director of U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), listens during a press conference regarding immigration policy in San Diego, California, U.S., on Monday, May 7, 2018. A strict new enforcement plan by the Trump administration will mean more parents caught illegally crossing the U.S. border will get prosecuted and separated from any children accompanying them. "I have put into place a zero tolerance for illegal entry on our southwest border," said Attorney General Jeff Sessions in remarks Monday at the San Diego border. "If you cross the border unlawfully, then we will prosecute you. It's that simple." Added Sessions, "If you smuggle illegal aliens across our border, then we will prosecute you. If you are smuggling a child, then we will prosecute you. And that child maybe separated from you as required by law." Sessions said the U.S. Department of Homeland Security would now be "referring 100 percent of illegal southwest border crossings to the Department of Justice for prosecution. We need legality and integrity in our immigration system." Hecklers could be heard drowning out some of Sessions comments during his remarks at Monday's news conference. "This is not about family separation," said a DHS official, who didn't wish to be named. "This is all about referring people for prosecution who break our nation's immigration laws." But the DHS official conceded one effect of the tougher new policy is it will result in separation of families who illegally cross the southwest border. The Wall Street Journal reported Monday that the strict new policy has been under discussion for months, but added that the administration postponed announcing it "because of the sensitivities of removing children from their parents." "This department, under President Trump's leadership, is enforcing the law without exception," said Sessions. "We will finally secure this border so that we can get the American people the safety and peace of mind that they deserve." Sessions was accompanied at Monday's press conference at the border by Thomas Homan, the deputy director and acting head of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Homan is retiring this summer and took issue with reports the administration had changed any policies regarding separating families. Said Homan, "I want to be clear, DHS does not have a blanket policy on separating families as a deterrent." According to Homan, DHS has "always separated families" under two specific situations: first, when the government can't establish the adult is the parent or when a child is being trafficked; and second, when a parent is prosecuted the child in separated. "This has always been the policy," Homan said. "Now you will see more prosecutions because the attorney general's commitment to 'zero tolerance.'" Homan, surrounded by immigration and enforcement agents, also addressed protesters making noise at the press conference. "I usually don't address hecklers but i want to address this one," said Homan. "The only shame in this media event is people that want to call out American patriots men who stand around me in all these uniforms that strap a gun to their hip every day." Homan said the federal immigration agents "leave the safety and security of their homes every day to defend this nation and to defend the community. They're doing their sworn oath. That is our job. If people like to heckle or don't like what we do, then talk to your congressman and change the law." Officials said the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) agency has seen sharp increase in the number of families and so-called unaccompanied alien children crossing the border illegally over the past 12 months. The official said the adult parents making illegal crossings with minors are "risking the lives of their children." The attorney general said the actions announced Monday "are necessary and made even more necessary by the massive increases in illegal crossings in recent months." This past month, the CBP said it has had contact with more than 50,000 immigrants seeking to illegally enter the United States. Under the Department of Justice's "zero-tolerance policy," those persons apprehended for illegally crossing will get sent immediately to federal court under the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. However, any children found illegally crossing with adults will get transferred to the custody of a refugee resettlement agency of the Department of Health and Human Services. In March, the American Civil Liberties Union sued to the Trump administration in a class-action complaint that alleges the government is "forcibly separating asylum-seeking parents and young children." The ACLU argued the family separation case this past Friday in San Diego. No date for a decision has been announced. Undocumented families seeking amnesty and allowed into the U.S. at a port of entry are usually allowed to stay together but go to detention facilities. There have recently been members of a caravan of migrants from Central America at the U.S.-Mexico border who have sought asylum, including children. "Today, we're here to send a message to the world that we're not going to let the country be overwhelmed," Sessions said at the news conference. "People are not going to caravan or otherwise stampede our border. We need legality and integrity in our immigration system." Sessions also warned that undocumented persons who cross the border and make false statements to a federal immigration officer or file a fraudulent asylum claim with the U.S. government face felony charges. "So if you're going to come to this country, come here legally don't come here illegally," the attorney general said. As part of implementing the new policy, the DOJ is beefing up the number of prosecutors and judges to handle immigration cases in the southwest border region. A total of 35 prosecutors will be sent to the region and 18 immigration judges relocated to take on the new workload. Sessions said there will be a roughly 50 percent increase in the number of judges that will also be handling asylum claims. "I have no doubt that many of those crossing our border illegally are leaving behind difficult situations," said Sessions. But he added, "We cannot take everyone who wants to come here without also impacting the citizens and interests of the American people that we're sworn to protect." Meantime, the DHS official said that when the U.S. government is "dealing with families that cross the border, our primary responsibility is to ensure the welfare of the children. Unfortunately, we continue to see too many cases of children being used by smugglers, traffickers and [transnational criminal organizations] in an attempt to circumvent our laws and gain entry." The DHS official said that separation of families also "may occur when we are unable to determine the custodial relationship, when we determine that a child may be at risk with the custodian, or when the custodian is transferred to a criminal detention setting due to criminal charges. That is long-standing policy." Don Blankenship, who is running for the Republican nomination for Senate in West Virginia, is seen at a town hall meeting at Macado's restaurant in Bluefield, W.Va., on May 3, 2018. President Donald Trump urged West Virginia voters to reject Republican Senate candidate Don Blankenship on Monday, arguing the ex-coal executive cannot beat Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin in November. Ahead of Tuesday's GOP primary, the president pushed the state's voters to back either Rep. Evan Jenkins or West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, the other contenders in the race. Trump said there is "no way" Blankenship can beat Manchin, expressing publicly what Republican Senate leaders may be thinking. He told voters to "remember" the Senate special election in deep-red Alabama last year. Republican ex-judge Roy Moore, who was accused of sexually assaulting teenagers decades ago, lost the election to Democrat Doug Jones. Trump pushed voters to reject Blankenship, but he did not state a preference between Jenkins and Morrisey. Not coalescing behind one candidate could be problematic for the GOP if Jenkins and Morrisey evenly divide the votes that do not go to Blankenship. Trump: To the great people of West Virginia we have, together, a really great chance to keep making a big difference. Problem is, Don Blankenship, currently running for Senate, can't win the General Election in your State...No way! Remember Alabama. Vote Rep. Jenkins or A.G. Morrisey! Trump's ad did not criticize Blankenship's character or the content of his ads, but only focused on the political implications. Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., a frequent Trump critic, responded to the president's tweet by saying "the problem isn't that Don Blankenship can't win" a general election, "it's that he shouldn't win." The problem isn't that Don Blankenship can't win a general election in West Virginia, it's that he shouldn't win a general election in West Virginia. #CountryOverParty Blankenship, the 68-year-old former Massey Energy CEO, served prison time for his role in a mine explosion that left 29 people dead. Like Moore, he has run as an opponent of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Last week, Blankenship criticized the Kentucky Republican in a racially charged attack ad that alleges McConnell has "created millions of jobs for China people" and gotten rich from his "China family." The language alludes to McConnell's wife, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, who was born in Taiwan. Republican leaders hope to unseat Manchin in November as they try to keep or expand their 51-seat majority in the Senate. Trump won West Virginia by about 40 points, making Manchin one of the chamber's most vulnerable Democrats running this year. Public polling has been scarce: one Fox News poll last month found Jenkins garnering 25 percent of support, followed by Morrisey and Blankenship with 21 percent and 16 percent, respectively. A Weekly Standard report says internal polls found Blankenship winning more support and taking a narrow lead ahead of Tuesday's primary. Read more about the West Virginia primary here: GOP tries to avoid West Virginia primary disaster as it aims to take down vulnerable Democrat Manchin President Barack Obama meets with President-elect Donald Trump to update him on transition planning in the Oval Office at the White House on November 10, 2016 in Washington,DC. WASHINGTON At a rally in Michigan a little over a week ago, President Trump assured his supporters that he had kept his promise to abolish the Affordable Care Act even though Congress had failed to repeal the Obama-era health law. "Essentially, we are getting rid of Obamacare," Mr. Trump said, reminding a cheering crowd that the individual mandate that required most people to have health insurance or pay a penalty was scrapped as part of the Republican tax bill he signed into law last year. "Some people would say, essentially, we have gotten rid of it." But despite Mr. Trump's longstanding desire to unwind the signature legislative achievement of his predecessor, many parts of the Affordable Care Act remain in place. And the Trump administration is even enforcing some of its provisions more aggressively than President Barack Obama did a reality that has enraged business groups and Republicans in Congress who still want the law officially repealed. More from the New York Times: How Michael Cohen, Trump's fixer, built a shadowy business empire Yes, it's bad. Robocalls, and their scams, are surging. What Europe's tough new data law means for you, and the internet While the individual mandate may be dead, the employer mandate the requirement that many companies offer health insurance to their workers or pay a penalty is very much alive. Under Mr. Trump, the Internal Revenue Service has been pursuing companies that fail to comply with the mandate and, according to the agency, was sending penalty notices to more than 30,000 businesses around the country. Business groups are pushing for the I.R.S. to stop enforcing the mandate and House Republicans, who voted to repeal much of the Affordable Care Act a year ago, have proposed legislation to eliminate it. But most Democrats oppose major changes to the law and the Republican leaders in the Senate have shown no interest in tackling health care after last year's stinging defeat. The employer mandate requires companies with more than 50 full-time employees to provide health benefits to eligible employees or face fines of more than $2,000 per worker. The Congressional Budget Office predicted that these fines would total $12 billion in 2018. The I.R.S. is working on settlements with some of the businesses that have had technical issues or paperwork glitches, according to David Kautter, the Treasury Department's assistant secretary for tax policy and the acting I.R.S. commissioner. But other companies that have failed to provide insurance will face stiff fines. "I think it is horribly unfair and unjust," Representative Jody Hice, a Republican from Georgia who has been a leading voice in the opposition to the employer mandate, said at a hearing where Mr. Kautter testified in April. "What I am asking at this point is for the I.R.S. to continue not to enforce it, as is what took place under the Obama administration," he said, referring to a reprieve that was granted while businesses and the government sorted out compliance details. Some lawyers contend that the I.R.S. is on shaky ground in trying to enforce the employer mandate penalties, arguing that the government has not followed proper procedures, like notifying employers that they were in violation of the law. "The Affordable Care Act and federal regulations clearly state that a health insurance exchange must notify an employer that one or more employees qualified for premium tax credits before the I.R.S. can impose penalties," said Christopher E. Condeluci, an employee benefits lawyer. "Most of the employers subject to penalties for 2015 never received the notices required under the law." E. Neil Trautwein, a vice president of the National Retail Federation, said some penalties resulted from an employer's failure to check a particular box on a government form indicating that it had offered coverage to eligible employees. In one case, Mr. Trautwein said, a $20 million penalty was imposed on a restaurant chain because one of its vendors had failed to check the proper box. "The penalty was negotiated down to zero," Mr. Trautwein said. "It was an inadvertent mistake in filling out a complicated new form." John D. Arendshorst, an employee benefits attorney at Varnum, said he has been busy fielding questions from companies that have received proposed assessments from the I.R.S. and said the government has shown a willingness to reduce penalties when appropriate. In one case, a business with about 500 employees received an assessment for $1.9 million. That was ultimately reduced to $20,000 because the penalty was caused by a computer error. "They were shocked for sure," Mr. Arendshorst said of the initial penalty letter. "They felt it was a big mistake and it turned out to be." Under the Affordable Care Act, the employer mandate was to take effect in 2014. The Obama administration delayed enforcement for an additional year after employers said they needed more time to comply with rules requiring them to report on the coverage they provided to employees. And the Treasury Department needed more time to clarify the requirements. It was not until late last year that the I.R.S. had the capacity to determine which businesses were in violation of the mandate, and the agency is just now sending penalty letters related to the 2015 tax year. Penalty letters for the 2016 and 2017 tax years are expected to follow soon. Republicans criticized the decision to begin enforcing the mandate as a parting shot by the former I.R.S. commissioner John Koskinen, whom they had previously assailed over the agency's scrutiny of conservative nonprofit organizations. While Mr. Trump had issued an executive order that called for easing the Affordable Care Act's regulations, the Treasury Department, which oversees the I.R.S., said it was required to abide by the law and enforce the employer mandate. Mr. Koskinen pushed back against the idea that he was attempting to punish conservatives by jump-starting enforcement of the employer mandate, and he said that companies had been given plenty of notice that they needed to provide insurance to their employees. "The I.R.S. does not have the authority not to collect the money," Mr. Koskinen said in an interview, adding that there was no reason to hold off on penalizing companies. "Delaying wouldn't accomplish anything except delay." Business groups have been lobbying Congress to repeal the employer mandate or to get the I.R.S. to stop enforcing it. They argue that companies did not receive sufficient notice that they needed to comply with a provision of the health law that had not been enforced for seven years. "The employer mandate always existed to support the individual mandate," said Jim Klein, president of the American Benefits Council. "There's no logic or fairness in having an employer mandate in the absence of having an individual mandate." Mr. Klein said he would like to see a legislative fix to address the situation. Mr. Trump himself has added to the confusion over the mandate by repeatedly asserting that the Affordable Care Act had been essentially eliminated because Republicans did away with the individual mandate. "It's yet another reason why the employer mandate needs to go," Representative Kevin Brady of Texas, the Republican chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, said of the penalties. Iran-watchers have speculated that he could waive the sanctions as he gears up for nuclear talks with North Korea, putting the Iran decision off until the Korean crisis is resolved. Analysts have also floated the idea of the Trump administration restoring sanctions, but giving purchasers of Iranian oil plenty of time to comply. That would give his administration time to continue negotiating with European leaders, who want to keep the deal in place. It remains to be seen whether Trump will scrap the deal on Tuesday, fulfilling a campaign pledge, or somehow kick the can down the road. The decision also has implications for the oil market because Iran is OPEC's third largest crude producer. Uncertainty around the deal has boosted prices in recent weeks, with U.S. crude topping $70 a barrel on Monday for the first time since November 2014. Trump faces a May 12 deadline to either continue suspending sanctions targeting Iran's oil exports or snap the penalties back into place. Refusing to grant the sanctions relief would imperil the nuclear agreement and potentially put the United States on a diplomatic collision course with some of its closest allies and trade partners. President Donald Trump announced in a tweet on Monday that he will deliver his decision on the Iran nuclear deal on Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET. Under the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated by the Obama administration, the international community agreed to suspend sanctions against Iran so long as it lives up to the terms of the accord. In exchange for sanctions relief, Iran accepted limits on its nuclear program and grant access to atomic facilities to international inspectors. Iran hammered out the deal with China, France, Germany, Russia, the U.K. and the United States. While Iran remains in compliance, Trump has long threatened to restore sanctions anyway. Trump refused to certify the deal to Congress last year, essentially saying the deal was no longer in the country's national security interest. In January, he waived sanctions but said he would not do so again unless his administration could reach a deal with European partners to toughen the terms of the 2015 accord. Despite recent meetings with foreign leaders, that deal has not yet emerged. The next deadline to waive sanctions is on Saturday, May 12. Trump and foreign policy hawks have criticized the 2015 deal because it did not address Iran's ballistic missile program, its involvement in regional conflicts or its support for U.S.-designated terrorist groups. They also say the deal is fundamentally flawed because certain restrictions on Iran's nuclear activity expire 10 to 15 years from implementation. Trump and many Republicans want to overwrite these so-called "sunset clauses" and make the restrictions permanent. France, Germany and the U.K. have so far drawn the line at changing the sunset clauses, though French President Emmanuel Macron has signaled a willingness to discuss a path forward after the restrictions expire. The sanctions up for waiver on Saturday strictly target Iran's oil exports. The next deadline to suspend sanctions on Iran's broader economy does not arrive until July 11, though it is possible Trump will also address these on Tuesday afternoon. Oil analysts say renewed sanctions on Iran's oil exports are unlikely to be as far-reaching and impactful as those imposed by the Obama administration. That is because the Obama administration solicited support for them after the world grew concerned about Iran's alleged nuclear weapons program, which Tehran denies. The Trump administration will have to compel countries to comply at a time when foreign powers see Iran as complying with an internationally negotiated deal. Analysts say China is unlikely to cut off Iranian oil purchases, and other big buyers like India and Turkey could push back on the sanctions. Ultimately, they expect no more than 500,000 barrels a day of Iranian oil to come off the market, compared with 1 million-1.5 million barrels under Obama. However, the impact of the sanctions will depend on several factors. That includes whether Iran begins accelerating its nuclear program, which could boost support for sanctions, or continues to abide by the terms of the deal in a bid to isolate the Trump administration. President Donald Trump on Monday blasted John Kerry following reports that the former secretary of State has been holding talks with foreign leaders and diplomats in a bid to preserve the Iran nuclear deal. Trump has threatened to scrap the deal unless France, Germany and the U.K. meet his demands to toughen the terms of the agreement and broaden the scope of issues the accord addresses. With a deadline to waive or restore sanctions looming on Saturday, no trans-Atlantic deal has emerged. The Boston Globe reported on Friday that Kerry has twice met with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif to discuss the landmark accord they negotiated in 2015. Kerry has also discussed the issue with French President Emmanuel Macron, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and top European Union foreign affairs official Federica Mogherini, according to the Globe. In a tweet, Trump said Kerry's "Shadow Diplomacy" was unwelcome and "possibly illegal." @realDonaldTrump: The United States does not need John Kerry's possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran Deal. He was the one that created this MESS in the first place! The president appeared to be referring to the Logan Act, an 18th century law meant to dissuade private citizens from negotiating a dispute with a foreign power on behalf of the United States. The law has never been used to prosecute anyone and likely would not apply to Kerry's activities because he is seeking to preserve an existing U.S. policy, Stephen Vladeck, law professor at the University of Texas, told the Globe. In a statement following Trump's tweet, a spokesperson for Kerry told MSNBC, "Secretary Kerry stays in touch with his former counterparts around the world just like every previous Secretary of State. Like America's closest allies, he believes it is important that the nuclear agreement, which took the world years to negotiate, remain effective as countries focus on stability in the region." @JesseRodriguez: A spokesman for @JohnKerry sends over this statement in response to the tweet from @realDonaldTrump The nuclear deal lifted sanctions against Iran in exchange for Tehran accepting limits on its nuclear program and allowing international inspectors to monitor its activities. British newspaper The Observer on Sunday reported that aides to Trump hired an Israeli firm to dig up dirt on former Obama staffers linked to the Iran nuclear deal negotiations. The New Yorker followed with another report linking the campaign to Black Cube, the firm hired by disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein to stop allegations of his sexual misconduct from being published. Billionaire investor Warren Buffett told CNBC on Monday that if someone invested $10,000 in an index fund back in 1942, it would be worth $51 million today. "The best single thing you could have done on March 11, 1942 when I bought my first stock was buy an index fund," Buffett told CNBC's "Squawk Box." Since that time, Buffett said that Americans have seen 14 U.S. presidents, a world war, 9/11 and the Cuban Missile Crisis. "The only thing you had to believe in [1942] is that America would win the war and that America would progress as it has ever since 1776," he said. "The headlines were terrible every day." Buffett, who was 11-years-old in 1942, said that people can be enticed into the stock market at the wrong time, adding all investors need to do is "buy a cross-section of America." [The stream is slated to start at 2 p.m. ET. Please refresh the page if you do not see a player above at that time.] The White House is set to field reporters' questions Monday, in the wake of a media blitz from former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, a recent addition to President Donald Trump's legal team. Giuliani gave a streak of media interviews beginning Wednesday and continuing through Sunday on a weekend morning show. In a lengthy interview on Fox News Wednesday night, Giuliani revealed that Trump had repaid his lawyer, Michael Cohen, for a $130,000 payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels as part of a nondisclosure pact barring her from discussing an alleged affair with Trump. "Funneled through a law firm, and the president repaid it," Giuliani told talk show host Sean Hannity. Trump had denied knowledge of the payment when asked about it in April. Cohen has previously said that "neither the Trump Organization nor the Trump campaign" was involved in the transaction. During the previous press briefing on Thursday, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Giuliani's remarks about the repayment were "information that the president didn't know at the time but eventually learned." Sanders said at the Thursday briefing she found about the reimbursement the night before. "The first awareness I had was during an interview last night," Sanders said. Trump acknowledged Cohen's reimbursement in a trio of tweets the day after Giuliani spoke with Hannity. Trump tweet 1 Trump tweet 2 Trump tweet 3 Giuliani also provided an explanation for Trump's decision to fire FBI Director James Comey that appeared to conflict with past statements from the White House and the president himself. "He fired Comey because Comey would not among other things say that he wasn't a target of the investigation," Giuliani said during the Wednesday night interview. The administration has said Trump fired Comey over his handling of the investigations into Hillary Clinton during the campaign. Trump, in an NBC Nightly News interview shortly after the firing, said he fired the FBI head because "I said to myself, I said, 'You know, this Russia thing with Trump and Russia is a made-up story.'" Sanders, in the previous press briefing, said Trump "doesn't have to justify his decision" to fire Comey. "The president has the authority to fire and hire and I think every single day we've seen that he made the right decision," she said. Jay Leno spent more than two decades in the spotlight as the host of NBC's "The Tonight Show." Today that career has afforded him luxuries like a collection of over 100 cars including a McLaren F1 worth millions. And, he's the host of CNBC's "Jay Leno's Garage," where he tests out rare vehicles with celebrities. But before finding fame and fortune, Leno started his career with a minimum wage job at a McDonald's in Andover, Massachusetts as a teenager. The experience wasn't just a way to earn pocket money. While slicing potatoes for French fries and ringing up customers at McDonald's, Leno learned a lesson about business he says is still important today. "I worked at a restaurant on Main Street for two years, from 1966 to 1968," Leno tells author Cody Teets in "Golden Opportunity: Remarkable Careers That Began at McDonald's." "This was back in the good old days when they still had roast beef and strawberry shortcake, which I was a huge fan of." Each day, Leno would get to work preparing the chain's famous fries. "The French fries had to be made from scratch. We had to cut what seemed like a ton of potatoes every day," he explains. "I had these massive forearms from cutting those potatoes." One morning, while getting ready to start on this process, Leno walked back to the restaurant's storage room to grab a new batch of potatoes. "Tom Curtin, the owner/operator, was with me," Leno says. The two men noticed something unusual: "There, on top of the sack of potatoes, was a pair of underpants," he remembers. "Sometimes crew members changed into their uniforms at work and somebody had apparently forgotten their underpants," Leno continues. "I expected Tom to tell me to throw out the top layer of potatoes and wash the rest. Instead, he said simply, 'Get rid of all those potatoes.' "Get rid of that whole batch. Just get rid of all of it." From the experience, Leno learned a lesson about success: You can never go too far to ensure you're producing a great product. "That was very impressive to me," Leno remembers. "The standards for quality were quite high. It was one of those life lessons I never forgot." In his career as a comedian, Leno himself held high standards for jokes and material. After wrapping nightly episodes of "The Tonight Show," Leno would head home at 7:00 p.m. and continue writing jokes (taking breaks to tinker in his garage with cars) until late at night, according to a 1993 profile by CBS's "60 Minutes." Leno and his staff would comb through hundreds of jokes, whittling the set down to the best 20. Then, Leno would read the jokes in order into a tape recorder, re-listen to them all, and pick the exact wording and timing of every joke. "I meet with the writers at about midnight or so and work until about 4:00 a.m.," Leno told "60 Minutes." "I sleep four hours, maybe five." And on weekends, Leno was still practicing, doing stand-up comedy gigs on the road. Leno said his work ethic was about getting the job done right: "If you have time to complain, you don't have enough work to do." Don't miss: Jeff Bezos worked at McDonald's when he was 16 here's what he learned Like this story? Like CNBC Make It on Facebook! CNBC's "Jay Leno's Garage" airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET. Brexit 1) Clark says customs partnership still on table. Rees-Mogg calls his comments yet more Project Fear May accused of silencing Eurosceptics Daily Telegraph And of declaring war via Business Secretary The Sun Clark suggested thousands of jobs dependent on partnership Guardian He warns that Toyota could move to EU FT Rees-Mogg says this is another of endless scare stories Daily Express The row over the UKs customs arrangements after Brexit has intensified after a leading Tory Brexiteer accused a cabinet minister of promoting Project Fear. Greg Clark declared that a new customs partnership with the European Union is still on the table despite running into fierce opposition from senior pro-Leave frontbenchers at a fraught meeting of the Brexit war cabinet last week. Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Tory MP who leads the European Research Group of backbench Eurosceptics, responded to Mr Clarks jobs warning by hitting out against a series of endless scare stories from Project Fear. Mr Rees-Mogg added: Project Fear has been so thoroughly discredited, youd have thought it would have come to an end by now. The Times >Yesterday: >Today: Brexit 2) EUs fear of Corbyn government posited as main reason for draconian measures to enforce free-market policies Britain faces restrictions on post-Brexit trade and draconian measures to enforce free-market policies because the European Union fears a future Jeremy Corbyn government. Senior European officials have told The Times that concerns over Labours economic policies are the main reason for the EUs insistence on a tough level playing field mechanism in a future deal after Britain leaves. The revelation came as the dispute intensified in senior Tory ranks over the customs arrangement between Britain and the EU after Brexit. Jacob Rees-Mogg accused Greg Clark, the pro-EU business and energy secretary, of promoting Project Fear by saying that thousands of jobs were at risk if Britain did not minimise friction in trade. The Times EU sources claim this fear is driving its hard line Daily Mail Meanwhile, Labour lord says leadership acting with complete cowardice over voting refrain order Daily Express And Blunkett says Corbyn is doomed to failure The Sun Brexit 3) Goodhart: We need to think about more than economic costs, and focus on regaining national control Immigration has become less of an issue since the EU referendum Alex Massie, The Times Its undeniable that Conservatives did well with Leave voters last week Matthew dAncona, Guardian I voted Remain but like most moderate Remainers I accept that the other side won and now just want the best possible deal. I am agnostic on the Customs Union but increasingly frustrated by how uber-Remainers have framed the whole debate around the economic costs of Brexit. Before it is too late we need to focus on those areas of policy where we can, potentially, regain national control and change the way we do things. That will not only raise the spirits by reminding us of some of the good reasons why we have taken this momentous step, it will also better inform the key Brexit trade-off: do we retain close regulatory alignment to minimise economic disruption but thereby forgo our potential freedoms, or should we grasp those freedoms and risk an economic hit at least in the short term? Daily Telegraph More Brexit Pressure on Sturgeon to focus on Brexit referendum over Scottish independence Herald >Today: Nicky Morgans column: For too long, the Party has appeased Brexiteer obsessives. Its time for One Nation Tories to fight back. Senior Tories warn May about potential toxicity of care tax proposals Theresa May has been warned that plans to force silver strivers who work in their retirement to pay national insurance are politically toxic and could cost the party at the next election. The Government is considering a potential care tax which would see 1.3million pensioners who continue working pay the 12 per cent levy in a bid to address the social care crisis. However senior Tory politicians warned that the proposals would be socially unjust and end up targeting people who need every penny they can get to fund their retirement. Daily Telegraph Shes also urged to scrap electricity discount exemption The Sun >Today: ToryDiary: Our survey. Party members persist in believing that May should stand down before the next election Johnson warns Trump against abandoning Iran deal Rouhanis comments FT Ministers to launch review of alcohol-fuelled violence this summer Boris Johnson has warned President Trump that abandoning the Iran nuclear deal would risk a new regional arms race across the Middle East. As the foreign secretary arrived in Washington on an eleventh-hour mission to save the agreement, he wrote in The New York Times: Of all the options we have for ensuring that Iran never gets a nuclear weapon, this pact offers the fewest disadvantages. Mr Trump has said that he will decide by Saturday whether to reinstate sanctions on Iran, a move that Tehran has warned could lead to the collapse of the nuclear accord. The Times Ministers are to launch a review of alcohol-fuelled violence with a special focus on hidden attacks on vulnerable people in the home. The review, to begin later this summer, will also examine how to help more problem drinkers give up alcohol. Local councils will be encouraged to share best practice in tackling alcohol-fuelled violence but the review will not look into rolling back the extended licensing hours introduced in 2003. Nor will it propose copying Scotland by imposing minimum unit pricing because ministers want to await evidence on how successful the policy is north of the border. The Times More Government Grandparents could gain access rights after their grandchildrens parents divorce The Sun And elsewhere DUP MP warns against trial by media after interview with convicted police killer Belfast News Letter IndyRef2 marchers are just dreamers Alan Cochrane, Daily Telegraph Guernsey to vote on assisted dying in 10 days time The Times Mercer: charities are exploiting soldiers with PTSD Military charities are exploiting soldiers by exaggerating the scale of post-traumatic stress disorder for their own ends, Johnny Mercer has said. In an interview with The Telegraph, the Tory MP and former officer said charities are guilty of abusing veterans by depicting them as mad, bad or dangerous. He said this has led to a simplistic view of veterans. Youre either a hero, or youre broken, he said. [In reality], 95 per cent of us are in the middle. In an interview with The Telegraph, the soldier turned Tory MP speaks candidly of his childhood struggle with a very nasty case of OCD which continued throughout his twenties. Daily Telegraph More Conservatives Morgan calls for end to sexual harassment victims non-disclosure agreements Guardian Ministers divided over councillor racism case The Times As Clark says she could face another investigation Guardian Fabricant defends Twitter comment Daily Express Its hard to know whether Bercow should stay or go Charles Moore, Daily Telegraph Javid must present his party as compassionate Editorial, The Times >Yesterday: Video: WATCH: Lewis theres a big contrast between us and Labour in terms of representatives behaviour problems And Labour Adonis apologises to Javid for sharing racist cartoon on Twitter Daily Telegraph Tom Watson et al mustnt be allowed to risk free press Editorial, The Sun Kirkup: Our extended tolerance doesnt extend to difference of opinion We are ever more tolerant of difference, except difference of opinion. Racism, sexism and homophobia are all, more or less, in decline. But dip into online conversation and you see that willingness to tolerate those who disagree with us is waning too. We dont just disagree with people, we want to deny them standing, to cut them out of our conversation. Democratic politics isnt like TV. We cant just watch what we want, when we want. The system only works if we accept that sometimes we have to just watch whats on. At least when that means the Queen and Sir David, we can just about rub along together. But after them, what? The Times News in Brief John Bald is a former Ofsted inspector. He has written two books on the history of writing and spelling. He is a Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Education Society. Last Wednesday, South Cambridgeshire District Council comprised 36 Conservatives, 14 Lib Dems, six independents and one from Labour. On Friday afternoon, after boundary changes, it had 30 Lib Dems, 11 Conservatives, two Labour and two Independents. The hammering was very nearly as bad as that in Richmond, where Conservative numbers were reduced from 39 to seven. The Leader, Cllr Peter Topping, retained his seat at Whittlesford, but otherwise the results showed no respect for persons, notably in the planning committee, which lost most of its members. Heidi Allen, sharing the pain at the count, blamed the strong local pocket of remainers, many of whom work in high tec, medical and pharmaceutical companies. This had hit me as a candidate last year in the county council elections, but had not led to meltdown. This time, as in Trafford, the key issue was planning, and our fate was sealed before the first leaflet was delivered. Sajid Javid got good press, and praise from our opponents, for his war on Nimbys, a term promulgated by the late Nicholas Ridley, a Nimby himself. The word has become a verbal taser to be used against anyone opposed to any form of development housing, windfarms, roads, airports, anything by people whose aim is not to solve the housing crisis, but to build up valuable banks of land and use planning permissions as high-end bitcoins. Their idea of a suitable site is a field without planning permission. Their tools are a computerised map and a barrister who can steamroller the council, and hammer it with costs in a rigged appeal system if it dares to object. 100 million bonuses are the reward. Trafford in the North West was caught in the same trap. Watching SCDCs planning committee under these circumstances was an unhappy experience our Conservative councillors were not concerned with the merits of applications, some of which had been rejected many times over the past 30 years, but with the consequences of an appeal. Whispered discussions when a valid point was raised against proposals for example, to build on a floodplain were clearly designed to try to protect the council from the consequences of making a decision that they knew to be the right one. The developers had no scruples, either towards the people who might be duped into buying such houses see also the leasehold scandal or towards local communities. One even told a meeting of a parish councils planning committee that there could be a cheque involved. The meeting was immediately terminated, but a councillor who then asked privately for a figure was quoted 200,000. I would say that it needs to stop, but it doesnt. The big issue in national politics is defeating Jeremy Corbyn, and a couple of councils dont matter much in that context. As the Labour leader in South Cambs put it, after doubling his representation to two seats, people think and act differently in general elections. A more important issue is what kind of development we want, and what kind of society we want. Far from embracing nimbyism, South Cambridgeshire has taken a positive and constructive approach to development. One new town Cambourne is established and thriving, with two more, at Waterbeach and North Stowe, in the pipeline. Elsewhere, the district has villages rather than towns, and residents are desperate for hew housing that will meet their needs and prevent their children from having to move out. We need starter homes rather than estates of large detached houses, and a definition of affordable based on what people on modest incomes can actually afford, rather than on a high percentage of inflated prices. We understand Labour ideology, and know what to expect should McDonnell get his hands on our economy and assets. John Prescott required South Cambridgeshire to pay 50 per cent of our rent receipts to central government 12 million a year diverting resources to his own backyard, and leaving nothing left for local investment. Our side has its own ideology in extreme neoliberalism, that has left too many young people struggling with debts and inflated rents, and too many slightly older people unable to buy a house. All Conservatives are not neoliberals, and we need to understand that statements about doing the right thing, or reducing consumption of avocado toast, will not provide a solution to real problems. So I am going to propose an idea that owes more to RA Butler than to Milton Friedman and Nicholas Ridley. We need council houses, operated if necessary through housing associations, both as part of new towns and in sensible, small-scale village developments that will allow young people to save for a deposit, and free older people on lower wages from the harsh realities of the privately rented sector. We can, of course, take the high-risk option, and trust that the balance of interest between our supporters and Corbyns will continue in our favour, and that he will lose. It would be more prudent, and more consistent with the principles of conservatism, to take a step back from neoliberalism as the basis of policy, and deal with some of its unintended consequences. Albie Amankona is Head of Operations and Growth at his familys business, CreateBeautiful Ltd, and works freelance at Thread, a leading high-growth fashion-tech and machine learning startup based in London. Windrush has been one of the biggest political scandals in recent memory. Scores of British citizens have been treated like criminals. Law abiding, tax paying citizens inadvertently became collateral damage from the implementation of the governments hostile environment policy. Many BAME voters might see this as a reason to turn their backs on the Conservatives, but the scandal, and appointment of Sajid Javid as Home Secretary, has had the opposite impact on me. It highlights why now, more than ever, more BAME Britons need to vote blue. Every government in British history has implemented policies that have disproportionately adversely affected BAME people. This includes: colonialism in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, joining the European Economic Community in the 1970s, and the hostile environment implemented in the 2010s. Policies like these have consistently harmed the rights of BAME people, globally. We need more than the reductive arguments of left vs right a unifying purpose that we can all rally behind. That must be: the consistent and continued progression of BAME rights in this country, to ensure that scandals like Windrush remain confined to history. Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures show that 64 per cent of the white electorate, compared with 53 per cent of the BAME electorate, voted at the 2017 snap election. When we consider that 87.7 per cent of UK residents are white, the reason why every government in British history has been able to disregard us becomes obvious. There arent many of us and too few vote, so is it surprising that successive governments havent made an effort for BAME Britons? Of the BAME Britons who do vote, 73 per cent vote Labour, 6 per cent Lib Dem, and 19 per cent vote Conservative (according to Ipsos Mori in 2017). Thus, BAME Britons shouldnt be surprised that Labour have had a marginally less bad BAME offering than the Conservatives over the past few decades. We dont vote, and when we do, we vote Labour and get rewarded by having Diane Abbott appointed as Shadow Home Secretary. We deserve more than slightly less bad when Labour is in power. As BAME voters we need to engage with politicians of all creeds. It is possible for minority politics to become mainstream look at the passing of the same-sex marriage bill in 2013, or the consultation of the 2004 Gender Recognition Act that will lead to the streamlining of legal gender change. This is despite the fact that ONS figures reveal that just 6.6 per cent of the UK population identifies as sexually diverse, and the Gender Identity Research & Education Society prediction that just 1 per cent of the population is gender non-conforming. Conservative support has made LGBTQ+ rights mainstream; this proves the same can be true for BAME rights. If we want what the LGBTQ+ community has, we are going to have engage with politics as they did, and that means supporting, voting for, and even joining the Conservative Party. Looking back at the Conservative Party and LGBTQ+ rights, few would have predicted our current situation. In 1988, Thatchers government introduced Section 28, essentially erasing the LGBTQ+ community from public life. Decades later, in 2011, Ruth Davidson became the first openly gay leader of a major political party the Scottish Conservatives. In 2013, the same-sex marriage bill was passed under Conservative Prime Minister, David Cameron. In 2015, polling by LGBTQ+ media outlet, Pink News, put Labour and Conservative at 30 and 27 per cent of the LGBTQ+ vote, respectively. And in 2017, the consultation on the 2004 Gender Recognition Act began. As the LGBTQ+ community became supportive of the Conservative Party, the party became supportive of the community. When minorities fully engage with politics, we see political change on all sides; this is the only way we can achieve the consistent and continued progression of BAME rights in this country. People wonder why the gay son of a Northern English mother and Ghanian father supports the Conservative Party; similar people will have wondered why the Islamic son of a Pakistani bus driver did, too. I see that the only way things will always get better is if at least as many of us are Tory as we are Labour. The Conservatives arent perfect but if, like our immigrant ancestors, BAME voters have the individual agency and aspiration to seek to change their circumstances; if they believe that hard work, employment, and enterprise leads to prosperity; and if they reject the notion of narrow identity politics that keeps people confined to stereotype and expectation then any BAME voter can confidently support the Conservative Party. BAME Britons must begin seeing our ruling party as a tameable beast, and the appointment of Javid proves that engagement yields results. The LGBTQ+ community has shown us that the progression of minority rights in this country does not have to be party political. If it is consistent and continued BAME progression that we want, one party cannot have a monopoly on BAME voters. Competition breeds excellence, and if we want excellent BAME policies, we need politicians competing for our votes. That means more of us will have to vote Conservative and stand as Conservatives. That way we can be sure, that whatever the colour of the government, others like us will always be there to fight our corner. Tim Morris is the Chief Executive of the UK Major Ports Group. Enjoying reading ConservativeHome? You wouldnt be able to without major UK ports. Pretty much every screen you look at phone, tablet monitor, television has been handled by one of the UKs largest ports on its way to your hand or home. And thats just one example of the fundamental role that ports, and particularly major ports, have on our lives and the UK economy. Ninety-five per cent of the UKs physical trade with the world arrives or departs the nation by sea. Sevent-five per cent of this trade worth 585 billion in 2017 is handled by members of the organisation that I represent: the UK Major Ports Group. This includes the export of seven out of every ten cars made in the UK and the import of nearly half the UKs food and feed requirements. It is clear that UKs major ports are already substantial and successful examples of Global Britain in action, today. They are Britains main gateways to the world, enabling trade and jobs. They have also been highly successful in attracting significant overseas capital contributing to the more than half a billion pounds of investment that UK Major Ports Group members collectively make in the UK each year. This investment has helped create a major ports sector in the UK which is able to serve the worlds largest merchant vessels, providing British consumers and manufacturers with the most efficient access to global markets fundamental in delivering a successful Brexit for the UK. But there has been a lot of talk that Brexit will cripple our ports, clogging them up with paperwork and bureaucracy, with queues backing up on roads around them all over Britains coastlines. In fact, the opposite is true: Britains ports can thrive after we leave the European Union. To understand why, you first need to understand that Britains ports are unique in Europe. The UKs major ports are privately owned and operated, both as regular companies or as trusts, competing fiercely with each other. This is in contrast to their large port peers in Europe which are government owned, either at a national or regional level, and often based on a national monopoly with little competition. Secondly, huge volumes of our trade is already non-EU. Yes, port traffic through Dover is 98 per cent with the EU. However, the large ports that handle container mega carriers bringing products like the device youre reading this article on can in fact be as much as 95 per cent non-EU. UK ports already have the systems and processes in place to handle global trade highly efficiently and effectively. This shouldnt sound complacent particular types of port traffic have real challenges, and all ports need clarity on what is required from them and a pragmatic approach to implementation. But those challenges are concentrated. We need to see the bigger picture. And part of that bigger picture is to recognise those opportunities from Brexit. It is vital that the UK captures these opportunities, as well as fixing the technical challenges. The UK can set regulation that is right for our competitive, private sector-led national context, rather than being lumbered with rules written for the statist monopolies elsewhere in Europe. The greater recognition of trade as an essential priority for the UK can only be positive, and a pro-trade approach must be hard-wired into policy making and regulation. Greater self-determination gives more freedom to adopt policies that boost UK growth. A case in point is the wholly inappropriate EU-mandated Port Services Directive or PSR. The PSR is a ham-fisted attempt by Brussels bureaucrats to force competition onto a sector that is largely state run. But vigorous competition is already a hall mark of the UK major ports sector, producing benefits to consumers and exporters and delivering jobs and investment. So the PSR only succeeds in tying UK port operators in unnecessary red tape just as they should be and the country needs them to be redoubling their efforts to provide the best gateways possible for an independent trading Britain post Brexit. And, to add insult to injury, the PSR only comes into force in the UK on March 24th next year, a matter of days before Brexit happens. So whats the three-point plan from the UKs major ports to make a success of Brexit for the long term? Hardwire trade as a priority into Government and regulation for example by establishing a Cabinet Committee and incorporating trade benefits more strongly into infrastructure assessments; Use the UKs new flexibility to set a policy and regulatory landscape thats appropriate for its unique major ports sector for example by exploring the potential of free ports to drive investment and jobs around our coast and by setting environmental standards which remain high but are streamlined and reflect the specific circumstances of the UK; and On a last in, first out principle, repeal the completely inappropriate EU-mandated Port Services Directive at the earliest possible opportunity. Whilst there are some challenges from Brexit, there are also notable opportunities. Britain is at its best when it is an open, trading nation. Brexit can allow us to get rid of some of the unnecessary regulation and focus on hard-wiring a pro-trade approach into every aspect of policy-making. Britains major ports have been foundations of the nations economic success and prosperity for hundreds of years. With the right, pragmatic approach to Brexit implementation, the courage to grasp the opportunities that Brexit offers and with an infrastructure-led approach to growth, major ports are confident that they will continue to play this foundation role for centuries to come. Five years ago, the TaxPayers Alliance reported that in the last year, five times more Labour people were appointed to public bodies than Tories. Since then, the figures have varied, and some Conservative members or supporters have been selected to fill important posts. Nonetheless, it remains the case that, since it took office in 2010, our Party has punched beneath its weight when it comes to public appointments. One of the reasons seems to be that Tories simply dont apply in the same number as Labour supporters. To help remedy this, every week we put up links to some of the main public appointments vacancies, so that qualified Conservatives might be aware of the opportunities presented. National Citizen Service Trust Chair Government is committed to the continued development of the NCS programme, with around 1 billion of funding available between 2016/17 and 2019/20. The management of NCS is moving from the existing Community Interest Company to a new Royal Chartered public sector body, with an expected launch date later in 2018. This new organisation will be overseen by a new Board. We are seeking a Chair and non-executive directors to join this new Board. This is an extraordinary opportunity. The successful individual will have the chance to lead NCS through a period of organisational change and beyond, to advocate and communicate with energy and commitment, to achieve great value for money for the taxpayer, and to be responsible for transforming the lives of future generations. Time: One or two days per week. Remuneration: 400 per diem, up to 40,000 per annum. Closes: 09 May Independent Commission for Aid Impact Chief Commissioner The role of Chief Commissioner for the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) is an exciting opportunity for a self-motivated individual with strong experience in international development to lead ICAI in providing independent scrutiny of all UK government aid provision (totalling around 13bn a year), supporting Parliament to hold the government to account for its impact and value for money. A successful Chief Commissioner will demonstrate the ability to influence and improve the effectiveness of UK aid while remaining independent from government. The Chief Commissioner will lead a board of three commissioners to develop thematic reviews on strategic issues faced by the UK Governments aid provision, supported by a service provider and secretariat. Time: Full time. Remuneration: >92,776 per annum plus benefits and pension package. Closes: 08 May NHS England Chair The primary objective of the Chair is to ensure the strategic direction of NHS England, the body responsible for arranging the provision of health services in England, is aligned to wider Government healthcare policy and that members of the NHS England Board, the senior decision making structure of the organisation, are accountable to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Parliament and ultimately patients, for organisational performance. In order to deliver this objective the Chair will be required to: provide leadership and strategic oversight throughout the Boards decision making processes, ensuring affairs are conducted with probity, and that policies and actions support the Board to discharge its functions and duties effectively, in the interests of patients, so that they meet the requirements of the NHS England Mandate and Five Year Forward View Time: 2-3 days per week. Remuneration: 63,000 per annum. Closes: 10 May Single Financial Guidance Body Chief Executive As Chief Executive and Accounting Officer you will be responsible for the overall efficiency and effectiveness of a large, new and significant guidance body responsible for merging the services of three respected organisations. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the exceptional leadership and management skills required throughout the design and development phase of the new organisation, and for the successful and seamless delivery of key services to consumers during the transitional period. As Chief Executive you will be responsible for working closely with the SFGB Board to provide the vision, direction and leadership in the formulation and achievement of SFGBs strategies and objectives. Time: Full time. Remuneration: 175,000 per annum. Closes: 13 May Prison Service Pay Review Body Chair As Chair of the Review Body you will have responsibility for working corporately with members to advise the government annually on the pay of Governors, Operational Managers, Prison Officers and support grades in England and Wales and equivalent posts in Northern Ireland. This role represents an influential, worthwhile and intellectually stimulating challenge. We are looking for a new Chair with senior management level experience, and a strategic/senior level understanding of unionised environments and employee relations. To help you decide if you have the qualities and skills required for this post, we have listed below the criteria that we will apply when assessing candidates. Time: Circa 35 days per annum. Remuneration: 350 per diem. Closes: 17 May Committee on Standards in Public Life Chair The Prime Minister invites applications for the position of Chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life. The Committee on Standards in Public Life is an independent, advisory non-departmental public body established in 1994. The Committee advises the Prime Minister on ethical standards across the whole of public life in England. It monitors and reports on issues relating to the standards of conduct of all public office holders and makes recommendations as to changes in present arrangements. The Committee is currently reviewing MPs outside interests and has also commenced a new piece of work looking at ethical standards in local government. The Committee recently published its high profile and well-received report on intimidation in public life. Time: 5 to 6 days per month. Remuneration: 500 per diem. Closes: 22 May House of Lords Appointments Commission Inquiry Chair The Prime Minister invites applications for the position of Chair of the House of Lords Appointments Commission. The House of Lords Appointments Commission is an independent, advisory, non-departmental public body, established by the Prime Minister in May 2000. The Commission recommends individuals for appointment as non-party-political life peers and also vets nominations for life peers, including those nominated by the UK political parties, to ensure the highest standards of propriety. Candidates for the role of Chair will be able to operate across a wide range of issues and reach sound judgements. The Committees work takes place in London. Applications from the crossbench members of the House of Lords will be welcomed. Time: 1-2 days per month. Remuneration: 141,000 pro rata. Closes: 25 May Competition & Markets Authority Inquiry Chair The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) works to promote competition for the benefit of consumers, both within and outside the UK. Its aim is to make markets work well for consumers, businesses and the economy, with a strong consumer protection role. In order to meet these responsibilities it operates with flexibility, speed and transparency. The CMA is an independent non-ministerial department based in London. It has over 600 employees and has representatives in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. From 1 April 2014, it took over many of the functions of the Competition Commission and the Office of Fair Trading. Time: Around four days per week. Remuneration: 141,000 pro rata. Closes: 28 May Office of Rail and Road Chair The ORR is the combined economic and safety regulator for railways in the UK. It has a wide ranging and complex remit which includes monitoring the performance of Network Rail and Highways England; regulatory oversight of HS1 and the Channel Tunnel; ensuring that the rail industry provides a service that is safe for passengers and staff; overseeing a range of consumer protection obligations which sit in railway companies licences and in general consumer law; and acting as the competition authority for the railways. Time: Two days per week. Remuneration: 85,000 per annum. Closes: 29 May Ofcom Deputy Chair The person will be expected to have non-executive experience with an excellent understanding of good corporate governance as well as the ability to understand, and participate in, all of the Boards discussions across its entire remit, including the impact of convergence on regulation across broadcasting including the BBC, fixed-line and mobile telecoms, postal services and spectrum. The appointed person will be able to strongly contribute to Board consideration of the wider context of challenges that face poorly-served consumers across the UK. They should also be familiar with engaging with legislators and government. In addition to the normal responsibilities of all Board members the role has two fundamental components: standing in for the Chairman at times in his absence and conducting on behalf of the Board the annual review of the Chairmans performance. Time: Up to 2.5 days per week. Remuneration: 70,000 per annum. Closes: 31 May Nicky Morgan is Chair of the Treasury Select Committee, a former Education Secretary, and MP for Loughborough. Over the weekend, Justine Greening likened the Brexiteers to Russia at the UN wielding a veto and thereby stalling any decisions by the UN Security Council. I think many of them are like toddlers who want their favourite toy, and stamp their feet with frustration. Based on conversations shared with long-term Brexiteers outside Parliament over recent months. I think the reason for this is that they believe their Brexit will be taken away from them. One said to me that he believed the amendments being passed in the Lords on the meaningful vote were designed to allow Parliament to ultimately amend the Withdrawal and Implementation Bill to stop the UK leaving the EU. But much as I regret the referendum decision taken in June 2016, Ive always been clear that the UK ceasing to be a member of the EU must be delivered. The question now is not (and hasnt been for many months) whether Brexit happens but how. And that is why debates about borders, customs arrangements and supporting businesses with their supply chains are now on the table. However, there is an even more important question for the Conservative Party. And it wasnt even remotely answered by last weeks election results. The question is: if we want to be a Party which speaks for the whole country (or as much of it as possible), are we going the right way about it? Winning seats only in areas which voted Leave in 2016 doesnt provide any foundation for being able to answer that question in the affirmative. Last Thursdays results show that the country remains as divided as ever over Brexit and politics generally. It is clear that the Labour Party should be doing much better in local elections if they are to get anywhere near winning a general election. It will, perhaps, now take time to sort itself out over the concerns raised about anti-semitism in its members ranks. That leaves a big opportunity for the Conservatives, and a political centre-ground vacuum for us to fill by showing that we are truly on the side of the majority of people in this country. The bins and council tax message which resonated in the local elections needs to be turned into a public services, security and cost of living message nationally. But the Prime Minister and her Cabinet cant do this if they are constantly facing noises off from a minority in the Conservative Party who are so focused on the threat of Brexit not being delivered that they are prepared to turn a blind eye to its impact on the financial security of thousands of potential Conservative voters. The kind of voters who can deliver us a majority at a future general election. The Business Secretary appeared on television yesterday to warn of the impact of a Brexit without a customs arrangement on the thousands of employees working in Japanese-owned car plants who rely on just-in-time supply arrangements. Conservative MPs who should be pro-business should listen to him. For over 20 years, some in my Party have agitated and threatened and harried Party leaders to adopt more Eurosceptic poses to secure the referendum, to change the question, to get us to talk only and endlessly about the EU. Now they have decided to set some red lines accompanied by threats of leadership contests and withdrawing cooperation in Parliamentary votes. And for too long the Conservative One Nation tradition has tried to accommodate these demands. Well, enough is enough. I refuse to accept quietly that we become a Party which turns its back on the young, on those from diverse communities and on moderate middle of the road voters who want MPs to talk about the things that make a difference to their lives. How Brexit is delivered will set the tone for our Partys future. It is time therefore for One Nation Conservatives to make clear their support for a pragmatic Brexit which protects jobs and offers real security. Pandering to a small minority who think that only their version of Brexit is the right one will ultimately do us no favours with our constituents when its consequences become clear. 05/07/2018 Photo (c) Lightcome - Getty Images Conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation already wields its influence in high places, with numerous employees rotating in and out of the Trump administration and an agenda that it brags has been embraced by the president. The powerful non-profit now has the ear of Facebook executives. Leaders at the social media giant are reportedly meeting with The Heritage Foundation as part of an audit into whether the platforms news feed harbors an anti-conservative bias. During Senate hearings this year, numerous Republican lawmakers grilled CEO Mark Zuckerberg over a suspected bias that the news feed may have against conservative news outlets. The tech site Gizmodo had reported two years ago that former workers in Facebooks trending topics department suppressed trending stories if they came from conservative sources. In response to the criticism, Facebook told the site Axios last week that it is agreeing to an outside audit into its suspected liberal bias. The audit will be conducted by the Heritage Foundation, as well as former Arizona Republican Sen. Jon Kyl, now an attorney. Ranking sites by trustworthiness The foundation described Facebooks move as encouraging. From what I've heard, it sounds encouraging that Facebook is taking steps to evaluate where things stand in the marketplace, Rob Bluey, a spokesman with the Heritage Foundation, told Axios. Its just one of numerous investigations that Facebook has agreed to launch into itself recently in response to concerns about what content gets promoted in the news feed. But its numerous policies to address critics seem at times to conflict with one another. The site this year has also announced plans to crack down on fake news, or untrustworthy news sources that spread false information. CEO Mark Zuckerberg said last week that Facebook is now ranking news organizations on trustworthiness, and promoting or suppressing such organizations based on that metric, in an effort to end polarization. We put [that data] into the system, and it is acting as a boost or a suppression, and were going to dial up the intensity of that over time," Zuckerberg told reporters last week. "We feel like we have a responsibility to further [break] down polarization and find common ground. Denying climate change In that case, The Heritage Foundation would seem an unlikely partner to take part in its anti-conservative bias study. The Union of Concerned Scientists, an advocacy group of scientists, has described the Heritage Foundation as one of numerous organizations that spreads misinformation about climate science, a strategy designed to confuse the public about global warming and delay action on climate change, they write. The Climate Investigations Center says that the Heritage Foundation since its inception has used a variety of tactics to distort public opinion on climate change and influence decision making in Washington. While the Heritage Foundation says on its website that it receives funding from donors large and small, the group has well-documented ties with corporate donors that include the Koch brothers and ExxonMobil. Keeping in line with the ideologies of its corporate donors, the Heritage Foundation has for years claimed that global warming is not a serious problem or that the science is far from settled. David Kreutzer was a fellow at the Heritage Foundation when he wrote that no consensus exists that man-made emissions are the primary driver of global warming. Kreutzer briefly worked in the Environmental Protection Agency under Trump but resigned and returned to his former post at the foundation last year. True believers, the Heritage Foundation describes climate scientists and environmental advocates as, want us to accept sacrifices nowand a poorer worldin favor of unproven policies to avert warming that may or may not occur, and that may or may not be harmful. Climate scientists dont agree with that assertion, but it hasnt stopped policies promoted by the Heritage Foundation from gaining traction in the White house. The site Politico reported shortly after the 2016 election that the Heritage Foundation had taken over as Trumps shadow transition team, vetting resumes or working in the administration directly. The foundation more recently touted that Trump has embraced two-thirds of its own policy agenda. Civil rights attorney heads audit for minority suppression In addition to its efforts to combat untrustworthy news and its suspected liberal bias, Facebook has also announced an audit into whether it is suppressing the voices of minorities. For that investigation, Facebook is agreeing to an audit at the hands of civil rights attorney Laura Murphy and the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition of civil rights groups that are often at odds with the Trump administration. Facebooks press team has not yet returned an inquiry from ConsumerAffairs. 100% Website druktrips.com uses latest and advanced technologies like: JQuery and Boostrap. It supports HTTPS. The main html page has a size of 38741 bytes (37.83 kb uncompressed). This CoolSocial report was updated on 2020-11-09, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. We are analyzing the site. Please wait a few seconds.. 100% Website uin-alauddin.ac.id uses latest and advanced technologies like: JQuery. It is very popular on the web, it's within the 1 million most visited websites of the world at position 58629 by Alexa. It supports HTTPS and GZIP compression. The main html page has a size of 41088 bytes (40.13 kb uncompressed) and 6702 bytes (6.54 kb compressed). This CoolSocial report was updated on 2021-03-31, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. 100% Website wilnoteka.lt uses latest and advanced technologies. It supports HTTPS. The main html page has a size of 173050 bytes (168.99 kb uncompressed). This CoolSocial report was updated on 2021-08-26, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. CORNWALL, Ontario Mark Tyo, 33, and Robert Thibeault, 34, both of Cornwall were arrested and charged as follows: Mark Tyo Breach of prohibition order (for possessing a firearm) Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose Robert Thibeault Pointing a firearm Carrying a concealed weapon Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose Possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) Breach of prohibition order (for possessing a firearm) Breach of probation order (failing to keep the peace) Breach of undertaking (for possessing a weapon) It is alleged on April 28th, 2018 the two men were involved in an altercation in which Thibeault pointed, what was believed to be, a handgun at Tyo, who was also in possession of the item at some point in time. Police were contacted and an investigation by the Criminal Investigations Division ensued. During the investigation, Tyo was taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court on May 31st, 2018. During a traffic stop on April 29th, 2018, police located Thibeault who was taken into custody and found to be in possession of a knife and a quantity of marijuana. He was charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. ASSAULT, ASSAULT CAUSE BODILY HARM Cornwall, ON A 24-year-old Cornwall man was arrested on April 29th, 2018 and charged with assault and assault cause bodily harm. It is alleged in October, 2017 the man assaulted his sister, causing her to seek medical attention for her injuries. The man also allegedly assaulted his sister on April 29th, 2018 and police were contacted to investigate. During the investigation the man was taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court on May 31st, 2018. His name was not released as it would identify the victim in the matter. WARRANT Cornwall, ON Anson Jacco, 53, of Cornwall was arrested on April 30th, 2018 on the strength of a warrant. It is alleged the man failed to attend court on April 26th, 2018 for theft and breaches and a warrant was issued for his arrest. On April 30th, 2018 the man was located by police. He was taken into custody on the strength of the warrant and held for a bail hearing. ASSAULT Cornwall, ON A 62-year-old Cornwall man was arrested on April 27th, 2018 and charged with assault. It is alleged during an argument on April 26th, 2018 the man assaulted his common-law wife and police were contacted to investigate. On April 27th, 2018 the man attended police headquarters to deal with the matter. He was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. His name was not released as it would identify the victim in the matter. MISCHIEF, THREATS Cornwall, ON A 23-year-old Cornwall man was arrested on April 27th, 2018 and charged with threats and mischief. It is alleged during an argument on April 27th, 2018, the man threatened his ex-girlfriend and damaged a dresser in the residence. During the investigation, the man was taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court on May 31st, 2018. His name was not released as it would identify the victim in the matter. WARRANT Cornwall, ON Jonathan Leroux, 24, of Cornwall was arrested on April 27th, 2018 on the strength of a warrant. It is alleged the man failed to attend court on April 12th, 2018 for a criminal harassment charge and a warrant was issued for his arrest. On April 27th, 2018 the man was located by police. He was taken into custody on the strength of the warrant and held for a bail hearing. BREACH Cornwall, ON Tyanna Tessier, 23, of Lunenburg was arrested on April 28th, 2018 and charged with breach of undertaking for not abiding by a curfew, consuming alcohol, and failing to keep the peace. It is alleged on April 28th, 2018 the woman was seen in breach of her conditions by a member of the Cornwall Community Police Service and an investigation ensued. During the investigation she was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. ESCAPE LAWFUL CUSTODY, THEFT UNDER $5000, BREACH, RESIST ARREST, IDENTITY FRAUD Cornwall, ON Linzey Brownell, 23, of Cornwall was arrested on April 27th, 2018 and charged with the following: Escape lawful custody Theft under $5000 Resist arrest Identity theft Breach of recognizance It is alleged on April 21st, 2018 the woman attended a Thirteenth Street West business and removed items, making no attempt to pay for the items as she left the store. She was approached by an off-duty member of the Cornwall Community Police Service, at which time the woman allegedly, falsely identified herself to police and fled the scene. Further, it is alleged on April 25th, 2018 the woman attended a Tollgate Road business and removed merchandise, making no attempt to pay for the items as she left the store. On April 27th, 2018 the woman was located by police, taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. BREACH, ASSAULT Cornwall, ON A 16-year-old Cornwall youth was arrested on April 28th, 2018 and charged with assault and breach of youth probation for failing to keep the peace. It is alleged on April 28th, 2018 the youth assaulted two men known to him and police were contacted to investigate. During the investigation, the youth was taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court at a later date. His name was not released as per provision of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. MISCHIEF Cornwall, ON Wanda Ashford, 22, of Cornwall was arrested on April 28th, 2018 and charged with mischief under $5000. It is alleged on April 25th, 2018, the woman was jumping on a vehicle belonging to a woman known to her, causing damage to the vehicle. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. On April 28th, 2018 the woman was taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court on May 31st, 2018. There were 144 calls for service in the City of Cornwall in over the weekend (8am Friday to 8am Monday morning). To see whats happening in your neighbourhood visit our Crime Plot Map. CCPS reserves the right to not post all calls for service in order to protect the identity of the victims. CORNWALL, Ontario A 42-year-old Cornwall man was arrested on May 4th, 2018 and charged with sexual assault, sexual interference and indecent exposure. It is alleged the man sexually assaulted his daughter in the past and police were contacted to investigate. On May 4th, 2018 the man attended police headquarters to deal with the matter. He was taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court on June 5th, 2018. His name was not released as it would identify the victim in the matter. ASSAULT, THREATS, MISCHIEF, BREACH Cornwall, ON A 55-year-old Cornwall man was arrested on May 4th, 2018 and charged with assault, threats and mischief. He was also charged with three counts of breach of probation for being within 50 meters of his girlfriend, communicating with her and for failing to keep the peace. It is alleged during an argument on May4th, 2018 the man punched his girlfriend, threatened her and damaged property. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. During the investigation the man was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. His name was not released as it would identify the victim in the matter. THREATS, CRIMINAL HARASSMENT Cornwall, ON A 41-year-old Cornwall man was arrested on May 5th, 2018 and charged with threats and criminal harassment. It is alleged on May 4th, 2018 the man threatened his girlfriend and repeatedly communicated with her despite having been warned not to. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. During the investigation the man was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. His name was not released as it would identify the victim in the matter. ASSAULT, OVERCOME RESISTANCE Cornwall, ON A 25-year-old Cornwall man was arrested on May 6th, 2018 and charged with assault and overcome resistance (chocking). It is alleged during an argument on May 6th, 2018 the man punched and chocked his girlfriend. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. During the investigation the man was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. His name was not released as it would identify the victim in the matter. BREACH Cornwall, ON Jean Guy Beauvais, 41 of Hammond, ON, was arrested on May 7th, 2018 and charged with breach of recognizance for failing to reside at a specific address and for being in possession of a cell phone. It is alleged the man was found to be in breach of his conditions during a traffic stop on May 7th, 2018. He was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. TRESPASS BY NIGHT, POSSESSION OF PROPERTY OBTAINED BY CRIME, BREACH Cornwall, ON Darin Cooper, 22 of Cornwall was arrested on May 7th, 2018 and charged with trespass by night, possession of property obtained by crime and breach of probation and undertaking for failing to keep the peace. It is alleged in the early morning hours of May 7th, 2018 the man was found to be trespassing in the area of Fifth Street and Marlborough Street by a member of the Cornwall Community Police Service. He was taken into custody and found to be possession of stolen property. He was charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. WARRANT Cornwall, ON James Labelle, 30 of Cornwall was arrested on May 5th, 2018 on the strength of warrants. It is alleged on May 5th, 2018 police located the man who was wanted on several warrants. He was taken into custody and held for a bail hearing. CRIMINAL HARASSMENT Cornwall, ON A 40-year-old Cornwall man was arrested on May 5th, 2018 and charged with criminal harassment. It is alleged on May 5th, 2018 the man drove past his ex-girlfriend on several occasions despite having been warned by police that his actions would be deemed as harassment. He was located at his residence, taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. His name was not released as it would identify the victim in the matter. UNITED COUNTIES of SD&G, Ontario On May 3-4, 2018 Ontario Provincial Police officers conducted speed measuring enforcement in SD&G and intercepted the following vehicles for traveling at excessive speeds. The vehicles were impounded and the drivers permit seized for seven (7) days in accordance to policy. May 3, 2018 8:35pm (North Stormont); vehicle stopped travelling 153km/h (80km/h zone)(Highway 138). Male driver (27) from Ottawa, Ontario was charged with Stunt Driving (Highway Traffic Act). May 4, 2018 2:18pm (South Glengarry); vehicle stopped travelling 135km/h (80km/h zone)(Highway 401) Construction Zone. Female driver (21) from Quebec was charged with Stunt Driving (Highway Traffic Act). May 4, 2018 4:21pm (South Glengarry); vehicle stopped travelling 140km/h (80km/h zone)(Highway 401) Construction Zone. Male driver (34) from Barcelona, Spain was charged with Stunt Driving (Highway Traffic Act). DISTURBANCE (NORTH STORMONT, ON) On May 6, 2018 at approximately 8:00am, SD&G OPP officers responded to a report of a neighbour dispute at a residence in North Stormont Township. Investigation indicated that a verbal altercation had taken place between a male and his neighbours. The Investigation revealed that the male had threatened his neighbour and was causing a disturbance. A 24-year-old male from North Stormont, Ontario was arrested and is charged with; Uttering threats Causing a disturbance Enter premises when entry prohibited (Trespass To Property Act) He was held in custody and is scheduled to appear in Cornwall court on May 7, 2018. His name is being withheld in order to protect the identity of the victim. ASSAULT WITH WEAPON (SOUTH DUNDAS,ON) On May 6, 2018 at approximately 7:13 pm, Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry (SD&G) Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers responded to a family dispute in South Dundas Township. Investigation indicated that an altercation occurred between an adult male and a family member. The accused male struck the victim with a weapon. The investigation further revealed that the accused had struck the victim in the past. The victim received minor injuries and was treated and released at the scene. A 52-year -old male of South Dundas, Ontario was arrested and is charged with; Assault ( 6 counts) Assault with a weapon He was held in custody and is scheduled to appear in Cornwall court on May 7, 2018. His name is being withheld in order to protect the identity of the victim. To Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, "The world is becoming a computer computing is getting embedded in every person, place and thing." But with that increasing ubiquity comes a responsibility to protect people's security and privacy, as well as to sustain and grow economic opportunity around the world, the CEO said in his keynote at the Redmond, Wash.-based company's annual Build conference Monday. "We have the responsibility to ensure that these technologies are empowering [everyone], that these technologies are creating equitable growth by ensuring every industry is able to grow and create employment," he said. "But we also have a responsibility as a tech industry to build trust in technology." In his speech, Nadella likened the shift to cloud and edge computing to the industrial revolution, where the period's core technologies, such as electricity and internal combustion, weren't something that could be seen. He called the opportunities in the growth of cloud and edge computing, "in some sense, endless." New applications, platforms and capabilities in cloud and edge computing were the major focus of Microsoft's announcements at the 2018 Build conference. They included the open-sourcing of the Azure IoT Edge Runtime, a new Speech Devices SDK and the Project Kinect for Azure sensor developer kit. In talking about the responsibility of tech companies helping society, Nadella invoked the names of dystopian authors Aldous Huxley and George Orwell, saying "none of us want to see a future" that they imagined. He also quoted philosopher Hans Jonas, who once said, "Act so that the effects of your actions are compatible with the permanence of genuine human life." "We need to develop a set of principles that guide the choices we make because the choices we make are going to guide our future," Nadella said. Those principles include protecting people's privacy, which the CEO called a "human right." He highlighted the company's plans to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation, the sweeping set of data privacy regulations known as GDPR that are set to go into effect in the European Union later this month. He also pointed to the company's support of the federal CLOUD Act, which Congress passed earlier this year, giving the U.S. more access to data stored overseas. "We hope we can create an intergovernmental framework to ensure that customers are in control and privacy is preserved," Nadella said. The Microsoft CEO also said cybersecurity is an imperative, calling the recently announced Cybersecurity Tech Accord the "Digital Geneva Convention of our time." "We need to act with collective responsibility across the tech sector to keep the world safe," he said. With the growing prevalence of artificial intelligence within the products of Microsoft and other companies, Nadella underlined the importance of "ethical AI." As part of the company's own efforts, the CEO said Microsoft has formed an ethics board with a "very diverse group of people who govern products we build." He added that the tech industry needs "privacy-preserving AI." "We need to ask not only what computers can do but what computers should do," he said. For NextStep Networking, a Cincinnati-based solution provider, D&H Distributing literally has provided a financial lifeline to grow its education business. D&H's Assignment of Funds program has allowed the company to win big E-Rate deals that it could not have pulled over the goal line without D&H's help, said Matt Worthen, vice president of education partnerships and innovation at NextStep Networking. "That's a program specific to D&H," said Worthen. "That provided the financial vehicle to win the E-Rate business." D&H also has provided critical education and enablement around the E-Rate program, which is aimed at providing government funding assistance to help schools and libraries obtain affordable internet access. NextStep Networking has done $1 million in E-Rate Meraki business through the program over the past year, said Worthen. "The D&H Assignment of Funds program made that possible," he said. "D&H is absolutely our exclusive E-Rate distributor." The Assignment of Funds program is a testament to D&H's knowledge of the market, said Worthen. "That program has been huge," he said. "We are a small company. We don't have the capital to buy $1 million in Cisco gear, incur the costs and recoup it when the monies come from the federal government. That was a game-changer for us as a small business emerging in this space who couldn't be encumbered by those costs." Worthen, a member of D&H's Education Advisory Group, is one of many partners giving D&H high marks for its K-12 education VAR programs. The group meets regularly with top executives and sales leaders to provide feedback. Sessions include product and solution road maps with key vendors including Google and HP Inc. "They listen to their resellers," said Worthen. "I mean they really listen. They are not this big immovable object that is unapproachable. What they do is far beyond the other distributors. They truly care about our business and our voice. They collaborate and work with us. Other distributors act like they know what we want instead of allowing us to help build the programs. D&H is building programs based on our needs." Worthen had high praise for a recent seminar that D&H pulled together for partners that featured Funds For Learning CEO John Harrington, who provided tips on how to navigate the complex E-Rate application process. "How cool is that?" asked Worthen. "We had the No. 1 industry leader of E-Rate talking directly to us in a small roundtable in an intimate setting at a D&H event. Funds For Learning really helped us navigate the conversation with customers. Since Funds For Learning presented to us, it has made a world of difference." Worthen commended D&H Vice President of VAR Sales Peter DiMarco and the entire D&H team, including Rhonda Hubbard, a D&H VAR channel program manager, for the initiatives. DiMarco said the K-12 VAR enablement program includes a robust Chromebook sales offensive, which includes a "Battle Bag" in the form of a student knapsack with a Chromebook and a slew of devices that attach to Chromebooksall valued at $4,000. D&H provides that Battle Bag to about 100 VARs every year backed up by an extensive D&H education training program. "We train their entire sales team with a blueprint of a virtual classroom with all of the opportunities that can be monetized," said DiMarco. D&H also provides "white-glove services" with D&H engineers who help partners integrate technology in the field. The specialists work long hours to help D&H VARs activate devices in time for the school year. "Our engineers are working every weekend in July and August, working with VARs and school districts to get Chromebooks activated and deployed," said DiMarco. "In many cases, we are also setting up and managing access points as well. It is true post-sales support." D&H's investments have resulted in a 120 percent increase in the distributor's K-12 sales in the past two years, said DiMarco. What's more, there are 50 percent more VARs closing K-12 deals for D&H over the past three years, he said. DiMarco said he is proud of all the heavy lifting D&H has done to help partners in the education arena. "This is a place the other distributors were not paying enough attention to," he said. "Partners are telling us the investments we have made have really helped them grow their business." Carnival Maritime and the ENSM French Maritime Academy of Le Havre and Marseille, France, have announced a collaboration to train the next generation of qualified officers for the cruise industry. The collaboration aims to provide cadets with the necessary experience at sea on board the Costa Group fleet to qualify for STCW licenses as dual-purpose officers. The licence requires an internship of at most 12 months on the bridge and in the engine room. Lars Ljoen, Managing Director of Carnival Maritime, said: We are very proud to strengthen the cruise industry by enhancing the training of dual-purpose cadets in cooperation with a distinguished university such as the ENSM. Eight ENSM cadets can now serve their internship on board ships of the Costa or AIDA fleet and learn the cruise-specific requirements in accordance with our focus on safety and the protection of the environment. Patrice Laporte, Director General of the ENSM, added: This partnership meets the expectations of skilled and ambitious students who are attentive to the development of the cruise industry and the job prospects in the sector. The first cadets from the ENSM have already been selected and will join the crew on board Costa Group ships at the end of June 2018. Celestyal Cruises today named Chris Theophilides to the position of CEO, starting July 1, 2018. Theophilides has been working in the cruise industry since 2006. He was named vice president of strategy and business development at Celestyal in October 2014 and was promoted to COO in January 2017. Theophilides graduated from Rutgers University in New Jersey in 1995, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. He continued his studies at the same institution to attain a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) in 1997. From 1998 to 2006, he served as Senior Manager, Corporate Finance at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where he qualified as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The company also thanked Kyriakos Anastassiadis for his term at CEO. Anastassiadis contributed to the companys strategic repositioning as well as to the development and strengthening of the Celestyal Cruises brand internationally. Celestyal Cruises would like to thank Mr. Anastassiadis for his contribution to the development of Celestyal Cruises and wishes him good health and success in his future endeavors. Simply put, cyber resilience is a measure of how well an organization can operate its business during a data breach or cyber attack. Security teams have measures in place to detect and stop attacks, and they have recovery plans for the inevitable breach, but can they, along with IT, keep critical business processes such as order fulfillment, customer service, or accounting operating during a crisis? [ How much does a cyber attack really cost? Take a look at the numbers. | Get the latest from CSO by signing up for our newsletters. ] Not everyone has to be a security pro, but those in development or in other technical roles must understand securitys importance to the larger organization. If they dont do their part to safeguard operations, breaches and attacks can demobilize an entire business. Take NotPetya, for example, which Rob Juncker, senior vice-president of product development at software provider Code42, says shut down supermarkets and ATMs all throughout the Ukraine. Or WannaCry, which he says left hospitals unable to access patient information. Just as the biggest organizations fail and...go bankrupt because they've failed to innovate, Junker says a lack of security readiness has similar potential to bring a company down. When everyone understands the vital nature of security, devops is free to build buffers into the business that keep it resilient enough to survive. Understand the business to better protect it For starters, Don Aliberti, head of information security for financial services group Nomura Holdings America, says, If you want to protect the enterprise, protect the firm, you have to understand your firm. Take a good look at every company process that uses tech. Sure, code is being developed, but so are marketing campaigns. Maybe sales is in the middle of drafting an important proposal. Accounting is filing quarterly taxes while email and Slack send every message imaginable back and forth. If it has value and is happening on your systems, it needs to be protected. Determining value, Alberti says, requires understanding what are the main functions that keep the business going and what are the main risks to the business as far as availability, confidentiality, and integrity that potentially could hurt the business. Approach your backup systems with a business mindset If a malware attack meant development could no longer access their work, what would happen? Could the business keep going? With backups, maybe. Theyre not just there in case someone deletes something, after all. Ben Cabrera, CIO for Covanta, says backups are part of the environmental companys plan for dealing with ransomware: Disaster recovery and backups have become really important thing for us. If hackers attack, he explains, We just shut down that environment and move to the next environment, which is a warm backup. From a disaster recovery perspective, we can be back up and running within a relatively short period of time. The trick to backups is to approach them with a business -- not just security -- mindset. In deciding whether to repair or ditch an infected system, Cabrera says, You really have to make a decision in terms of what was compromised, what was damaged, and then -- at the same time -- what's the cost of information that's actually transpired since that point? If the breach was two months ago, for example, backing up to that point in time would be a loss of information and value to your business, right? Look beyond security for help building in resiliency Cabrera mentions data consultants can help with this work, but Aliberti disagrees. He says security teams hire outside consultants too often. These third parties, he explains, look at a specific application; they do an application assessment. They're looking at bits and pieces, but they never understand necessarily...the end-to-end business processes. You know your data best, he continues, you know which systems...are most important, what is the downtime that you can afford to have, what is the data move, where does the data exist. Outside parties arent in your company every day. The only way they understand your priorities is through you. That doesnt mean you shouldnt look beyond yourself for advice. Building resiliency across the entire organization takes everyone. Non-security colleagues may have better ideas than you think. Accounting, for example, knows about controls, and they understand the forensic process when something isnt right in the transaction logs. The people responsible for protecting a companys most valuable secrets will have ideas about mitigating the risk of that information getting out. Junker says, Our business used to be that everything we needed to run our business was within the four walls of our monitor. But right now, we've embraced cloud in so many different ways. We've embraced trading partners; we've embraced technologies that speed our innovation forward. Companies embrace new technologies because they help the business grow. Security, he says, is oxygen. If your company wants to continue breathing, the entire body needs a contingency plan. Attacks will come, but with this plan in place, you can survive them. In 2014, Iranian hackers attacked Sands Casino. Aliberti says, They took down all parts of their environment. It took quite a while for them to recover, but they were still able to get people booked into the hotels. You have to keep critical operations going. Insuring the entire business is a broad attack surface, Aliberti says, but if you break operations into smaller pieces, you can manage it. According to recent FortiGuard Labs research that looked at technology and threat trends among educational institutions in the US, both K-12 and higher education institutions are consistently operating at the cutting edge of technology use. This may be due, in part, that the students in this current generation of students (known as Gen Z or the iGen) never experienced a time in their lives that wasnt dominated by technology. This is good news for the future of our digital economy, as it depends on technical savvy workers and users. Two areas in particular, application usage and bandwidth consumption are good markers for measuring technical progress. However, this growth in the use of technology also creates new security challenges that need to be addressed. In 2017, the education sector had, by far, the highest average number of applications detected at 274, along with the widest variety of applications running, which falls in line with trends about technology and application use by the iGen. While this number is impressive, its actually down from 2016, which saw an average of 324 applications detected. Part of the reason for this is that after the initial explosion in technology and application usage, some natural consolidation began to occur. Educational institutions also tend to utilize the most bandwidth, consuming nearly 20GB/day of use on average, which is almost double that consumed by most other industry segments. Application Usage And while the large number of applications running certainly translates into diverse skills being developed and new platforms for collaboration, learning, and sharing being tested, many applications can also introduce security risks. Many applications are home-grown or pulled off of application stores with little regard for whether they are secure, or might create a conduit for malware and data theft to occur. Most of these are self-selected, which means that IT teams are rarely consulted before an application is downloaded and put to use between peers or in a classroom. To address this challenge, IT teams need to establish regular application inventories. The first should provide a baseline for subsequent inventories. Such inventories and assessments will not only help IT teams better understand traffic flows and usage, but also enable them to correlate application usage and risk. Once they have a handle on these they can effectively institute role-based authentication and SSO that provide teachers with elevated application access, but limit students to whitelisted sets of tested and approved applications. Cloud Usage The education segment is also experiencing a significant shift in cloud usage. For example, a growing number of IaaS applications are being detected, from an average of 39 in 2016 to 47 in 2017. This occurrence is much higher in Education, with most other segments averaging just 28 IaaS apps in 2017. This means that more educational workloads than ever are moving to cloud providers such as Amazon AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. From a security perspective cloud infrastructures and applications often translate to limited visibility, which is why IT managers need to ensure that the same controls being applied on premises can be applied to cloud-hosted applications. This may mean rethinking security vendors, and choosing those with a common set of solutions available across multiple cloud providers. Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) and Single Sign-On (SSO) technologies should also be leveraged to provide more visibility into these environments. Data Encryption As more traffic moves between local and cloud networks and applications, the volume of encrypted traffic also grows. In 2016, for example, HTTPS usage was at 54%, but by the end of 2017 it had grown to 68%. Historically, the percentage of encrypted traffic has always been higher in other industries, but in 2017 the Education sector finally caught up. The challenge with encrypted traffic is that it can be incredibly CPU-intensive to inspect and secure. And since this trend is rather new for educational institutions, they need to ensure that the security solutions they have in place, such as NGFWs, can inspect SSL-based traffic at near line speed. These trends are unlikely to reverse, so the inability to adequately inspect encrypted traffic now will eventually lead to an inability to enforce network controls in general, thereby creating a new attack vector through encrypted tunnels. Bandwidth Usage Its not just educational applications that account for the rise in bandwidth use. Netflix usage is up significantly in Education, now comprising nearly 1/3 of all streaming traffic. But that still lags behind YouTube streaming, which comprises 44% of all streaming traffic in the networks of educational institutions. Gaming bandwidth is also on the rise, with Steam (higher education) and Roblox (K-12) comprising a growing chunk of overall bandwidth usage. Contrary to the beliefs of many users, bandwidth isnt a limitless commodity. To address these growing demands, educational facilities need to be able to either scale up or put usage policies in place to limit bandwidth hogs like streaming services, gaming downloads, or P2P usage. In each case, security needs to be able to adapt to these changes, either through dynamic scalability or the ability to inspect and lock down traffic, especially traffic designed to bypass bandwidth or application controls. In terms of capacity planning, it is important to purchase solutions now that will provide performance assurance in the future through such things as dynamic scalability, the ability to span between physical and virtual security solutions, and/or purpose-built hardware designed specifically to do the heavy lifting that growing volumes of traffic demand. Security We are now observing double the number of proxy applications in Education, especially in Higher Education, than we are seeing in other industries. Students are constantly trying to circumvent web-filtering controls in order to run these applications. This is especially concerning because Fortinets Threat Landscape Report for Q3 of 2017 found that organizations that allow proxy applications detect nine times as many threats as organizations that disallow them. Two of the most common threats we are seeing on educational campuses are Adobe Flash exploits and the Pushdo botnet. Obfuscated.Flash.Exploit has been the #1 IPS attack for two years running, and was detected in 35% of all US Educational institutions both years. Likewise, Pushdo has been the #1 botnet for the past two years, but we have seen detections grow from just 16% of US Educational facilities in 2016 to 26% in 2017. Pushdo is commonly used to compromise a machine for later use in larger botnet attacks. The first recommendation is to limit Adobe Flash usage wherever possible, as it (along with many browsers and browser plug-ins) tends to be susceptible to exploit kits. Most application providers are moving towards using HTML5 instead of Flash. One good way to address this is to create a standard build using patched and tested software versions, and then limit the variations of software allowed to run. IT managers should also restrict administrative rights to minimize the impact of an exploit against Flash. For botnets like Pushdo, ensure that existing security solutions can detect C&C activity, and that there is a plan in place to root out client machines that have been compromised. And since botnet detection indicates a threat already inside the network, develop an incident response plan that documents how to detect, analyze, respond, and recover from a breach. Network segmentation also prevents malware and botnets from spreading laterally across the network, and should include isolating guest access and student BYOD networks. Addressing Growing Risks Given the rise in applications and bandwidth consumption within educational networks, and the related rise of cyber threats, it is essential that organizations focus on identifying all of the applications running in their environment and then making sure there is a legitimate business or educational need for them. Next, ensure that those needs outweigh the risk of that applications existence in the environment. Finally, consider subscribing to a threat feed and establishing a Watch List for criminal activities and exploits to be watching for. Right now, that includes older attacks such as variations of the Apache Struts vulnerability, as well as emerging threats such as Cryptojacking. So far in 2018 we are seeing a rise in Cryptojacking Trojans showing up in the US Educations top 10 security trends. An ounce of prevention, or preparation, is always better than the pound of cure required to recover from a cyber event. Check out Fortinets latest Quarterly Threat Landscape Report for more details about recent threats. Also, sign up for the weekly FortiGuard intel briefs or for the FortiGuard Threat Intelligence Service. Whats the biggest misconception people have about death? If you ask James Van Praagh, hell tell you its the belief that people are dead. There is no end to life, in his view; its just a journey. The New York Times best-selling author, producer and television personality is internationally renowned as a spiritual medium. He has said his childhood was a bit like the boys in The Sixth Sense, in that he received messages from beyond. But in his case they werent scary spirits. Van Praagh, who hails from Bayside, N.Y., didnt know what to make of it at first, but eventually began using his skills to help people realize their loved ones are always around just in a different dimension and that the love ties we create here in this schoolroom called Earth live on. During a recent phone chat, Van Praagh, 59, said having a sense of being connected with the universe is crucial for anyone who wants to feel balance and peace, and hell share more on that when he returns to Ridgefield Playhouse on Thursday, May 17. Everybody wants to know about life after death, he said. Im a teacher and educator. I explain the experiences Ive had. I share what its like when you pass away, what happens and what a soul is. I explain how our loved ones are around all the time and how you can hear from your own loved ones. Van Praagh said he shares these messages because people find them helpful. It helps them live their life now, on Earth. He also stresses the importance of acts of kindness and practicing gratitude. And he talks about meditation, which he said is a three-way connection thats all about energy. The mind has to be open to positive energy. I go through a meditation to relax everyone. Then I open my mind and invite whatever spirits are there to come in. Im not looking to the audience (for a connection). Its whoever comes first from the spirit world. Van Praagh said the first time he was at Ridgefield Playhouse he received a message from the spirit of a young man, who said his father was in the audience and wearing the young mans black shoes. Thats how it started; it was so specific. My job is to bring up names, places, events and memories that only the person in the audience and the spirit would know. I do questions and answers throughout the appearance. Then theres a closing prayer and a book signing. The show, which includes an intermission, runs about two and a half hours. I work very hard but its great; its very healing. Even if you dont get a message personally, youll relate to the messages because they are things everyone can relate to, like a father coming through to a daughter because he never had a chance to say I love you when he was alive. Van Praagh, who was a creator and producer of the CBS series The Ghost Whisperer, said spirituality and belief in the paranormal are becoming more mainstream as people search for answers, and thats a good thing. lkoonz@newstimes.com; Twitter: @LindaTKoonz BRIDGEPORT - A state Department of Motor Vehicles employee was arrested Monday following a 4-months investigation into vehicle title fraud. Aarron Soares, a motor vehicle examiner specialist, at the DMV office here, was charged with nine counts of second-degree forgery, nine counts of third-degree larceny, nine counts of motor vehicle title fraud and nine counts of third-degree computer crime. He was released after posting a $100,000 bond and pending arraignment in Superior Court on May 14. We have taken strong and quick action to address this alleged misconduct and hold our employees to the highest standard, said DMV Commissioner Michael Bzdyra. While I am extremely disappointed in this incident, the vast majority of our employees are hardworking and strive to serve the public every day. Soares has been placed on administrative leave from DMV. Police said DMVs Consumer Complaint Unit learned in December of the suspected title fraud and agency inspectors began an immediate investigation. The case is still under investigation. DERBY Local Scouts are gearing up to stage their 94rd annual Scout Gang Show this weekend, bringing a blend of old-time minstrel and variety acts to the longest-running show of its kind in the world. Members of Housatonic Council Cub Scout Pack 3, Boy Scout Troop 3 and Venture Crew 33 will present the show at 7:30 p.m. May 12 at Derby United Methodist Church, located at the corner of 5th and Elizabeth streets. Tickets are $10 and are available from any Pack 3, Troop 3 or Crew 33 Scout, or by calling 203-732-0343. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door. Proceeds will help send Scouts to summer camp at the Edmund D. Strang Scout Reservation in Goshen, as well as assist Scouts wholl represent Troop 3 in Limerick, Ireland, this summer. According to Troop 3 Scoutmaster Randy Ritter, Derby Scouts have been performing the show since 1922 (two years were missed during WWII), which remains the only gang show still performed in the U.S. Ritter said the gang show term dates back to 1932, and was created when a group of Scouts in London were rehearsing. After taking a coffee break, and then reassembling the crew, the show director shouted, Are they all back? to which a Scout replied, The gangs all here. Some of Derbys scouting alumni, including actor Brian Dennehy, Shelton aldermanic President John Anglace, Green Bay Packers Super Bowl captain Bob Skoronski and local Center Stage Director Gary Scarpa, performed in the show during their youth. For more than 70 years, the show was under the direction of the late scouting pioneer and Derby Hall of Fame member Edmund D. Strang. According to Ritter, President Ronald Reagan in 1982 sent Strang a congratulatory letter commending the annual show as Connecticuts finest example of organized chaos. Anglace is expected to attend the show and possibly perform a song, as he did 70 years ago in the 1948 edition, Ritter said. Highlights of this years show, dubbed Thank God Im a Country Boy, include Rhinestone Cowboy by Chorus Director Matthew Moran, Ive Got Spurs That Jingle Jangle Jingle by Cub Ayden Santana and Back in the Saddle Again by Scout Anthony Sullivan. Ritter will again serve as show director and interlocutor, as he has done for the past 24 years. Piano accompaniment will be provided by Christian Tracz, and lighting and sound will be under the direction of Troop 3 Committeeman Dominic Livoti. This annual show has been performed by generations of Scouts from the Valley going back to the 1920s, and some of the jokes and songs we still use are from that period, too, Ritter said. Some year well get around to contacting the Guinness World Record group to see if we qualify. Pack 3 Cubmaster Daniel Cyrul, wholl be recognized for 50 years dedicated to scouting, said the show is a blast. We have fun with the show and dont take ourselves too seriously, but we do feel the show helps in scoutings mission to build self confidence, and develop leadership in our Cubs, Scouts and Venturers, he said. Special guests include Housatonic Council President Gary Parker, St. Margaret Mary Chorus Director Sarah Widomski and Troop 3 committeeman, Town Clerk and former Mayor Marc Garofalo. Garofalo and Tracz are expected to again wow the crowd with their dueling accordions performance, said Ritter. jean.sos@snet.net US Department of Labor Last-ditch efforts by one large interest group and three state attorneys general have failed to rescue the Department of Labors (DOL) fiduciary rule, which was struck down by the 5th Circuit of Appeals in March in a 2-1 split decision by a three judge panel. The 5th Circuit decision overturned a Dallas federal judges earlier order upholding the rule, which would impose a fiduciary standard of care on broker-dealers and investment advisers that provide investment advice to retirement plan investors. The rule now appears doomed unless the U.S. Supreme Court steps in to save the embattled regulation. The 5th Circuits decision to vacate the rule goes into effect today. On April 26, a coalition of the Attorneys General for California, New York, and Oregon filed a petition in the 5th Circuit to request the courts permission to intervene in a lawsuit challenging the DOL regulation, along with a petition for rehearing en banc asking the full 17-judge court to rehear the matter. In a separate filing the same day, the AARPthe behemoth association representing older and retired personsalso moved to intervene in the suit, in a last-minute attempt to defend the DOLs rule. With the grant funds it was awarded, Members Credit Union was able to purchase Spanish seminar-in-a-box kits from CUNA, as well as materials for financial education sessions with Hispanic youth. Partnering with local organizations to conduct seminars has been a successful strategy for the Connecticut credit union. More than 80 consumers participated in three seminars Members Credit Union conducted in late 2017: In October, the credit union partnered with Family Centers to host a Spanish financial education seminar for parents who live in low-income housing. The following month, Members Credit Union conducted a Spanish financial education seminar for participants of People Empowering People. In December, the credit union hosted a seminar for Family Centers staff, many of whom are Hispanic. The focus of that event was on both personal finances and services available to their Family Centers clients. Each one of the completed seminars brought new members to the credit union, and referrals from our first generation of new members are spreading and also yielding new members, said Kathy Chartier, Members Credit Union president/CEO. AG takes up simple assault case against Somerset DA's wife It is the second case this month that Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro's office has taken up in relation to the couple. If you think you know Mexican food, you might be surprised and delighted, as I was to dine at Frontera Cocina at Disney Springs. Chef Rick Bayless, who has spent years studying and innovating Mexican cuisine, offers guests a modern take on authentic Mexican dishes at his newest restaurant. Bayless lived in Mexico for six years while writing his first cookbook, Authentic Mexican: Regional Cooking from the Heart of Mexico. From those early experiences, he built his career, which has included many Mexican restaurants, cookbooks and the Frontera line of salsas, cooking sauces and organic chips. Bayless is probably best known for winning the title of Bravos Top Chef Masters and his PBS television series, MexicoOne Plate at a Time, which has earned him multiple Daytime Emmy nominations for Best Culinary Host. Bayless also has received a great number of James Beard Award nominations in many categories, and he has won seven: Midwest Chef of the Year, National Chef of the Year, Humanitarian of the Year, Whos Who of American Food and Drink, Best Podcast, plus two for his cookbooks, according to his website. I share this background to illustrate that Bayless has spent a lifetime perfecting his interpretation of Mexican cuisine and its delicious. I recently was invited to sample Frontera Cocinas new seasonal menu, a Taste of Baja, which is available now. The restaurant will be supplementing its regular menu with a new seasonal menu representing cuisine from a different region of Mexico every three months. The Baja menu offers two cocktails: Baja Michelada (Modelo especial beer, Avion blanco Tequila, cucumber-tomatillo, jalapeno and lime) for $12 and the Blue Corn Old Fashioned (Pierde Almas white corn whiskey, blue corn cordial, Italicus liqueur, mole bitters) for $15. My tablemates and I sipped both and found the Old Fashioned to be smoother and sweeter. The Michelada had a strong taste that I didnt care for. On the plus side, it was a generous pour, for sure. We started nibbling with the Spicy Ahi Tuna Tostada (chilled spicy ahi tuna, chipotle mayo, honeycrisp apples and cucumbers), which is priced at $16 with three tostadas in the serving. This was my favorite dish of the meal. The crispy tostada paired perfectly with the tuna and other ingredients. I normally am not a person who chooses to eat fish, but I would order this again in a heartbeat. It was that good. At $16, the Spicy Ahi Tuna Tostada is the most expensive appetizer on the menu. However, it would be a bargain as a main course, and the serving size would satisfy many diners, including myself. Our table also sampled the Toasted Pumpkin Seed Hummus, which is an appetizer on the main menu. It is creamy Yucatecan pumpkin seed-habanero dip with crispy cucumber and jicama sticks and warm tortilla chips for dipping. It was quite tasty! Next, we tried the Baja Shrimp Tacos (crispy pink shrimp, Baja cabbage slaw, garlicky red beans refritos, cilantro crema and arbol chile salsa). This dish is served with warm tortillas and the guest is able to combine the ingredients however he or he pleases. It, too, was delicious. The shrimp are fried in a tempura batter, but this dish doesnt leave you with that heavy feeling after eating fried food. The Baja Shrimp Tacos cost $24, and it is a generous portion. (Note to those with allergies: the Baja Shrimp Tacos contain gluten, dairy, pork, and of course, shellfish.) Our main course was a pork dish served with greens and rice with plantains. It was made specially for our dinner by Bayless, who was in the restaurant for the launch of the Baja menu. Unfortunately, this dish is not on the regular menu or the Baja menu. The Arroz con Plantains with cilantro is, however, offered as a side dish for $6. Just when I thought I couldnt eat one more bite, we each were presented with a Paloma Tart (grapefruit and lime mousse, Avion Blanco Tequila, lime whipped cream, graham cracker crust and candied citrus zest.) Priced at $9, this dessert was light and airy and the perfect way to satisfy a sweet tooth. (Note to those with allergies: This dish contains dairy and gluten.) I tend to favor chocolate or berry-flavored desserts, but I enjoyed this very much. Overall, I would recommend everything I sampled, minus the Baja Michelada drink. My tablemates didnt care for it, either, but that may be our personal preferences. Frontera Cocina offers fresh-tasting Mexican food with a modern twist that is sure to appeal to many palates. Reservations can be through opentable.com or the My Disney Experience website or app. Theres still time to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Frontera Cocina. Drink specials and live music continue today (May 6). Next weekend, the restaurant will be honoring mothers with a free glass of wine with the purchase of a full-priced entrAe on Sunday. Plus, each mom will receive a flower, and everyone can enjoy live music with a Spanish guitarist. DISCLAIMER: I was a guest of Frontera Cocina to taste its new Baja menu. This did not affect my review; my opinions are my own. Post a Comment 1 hour ago The Top 3 Buy & Hold Healthcare Stocks for October The healthcare sector can be the perfect area of the market to look if you are a buy & hold investor since there are so many different ways that these businesses can grow over the next decade. Its also a great sector to pursue during the current market volatility, as a lot of these companies are considered to be defensive and should see steady demand for their products regardless of whats happening in the economy. Read Article Wall Street analysts have given RAIT Financial Trust 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 RAIT Financial Trust wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd. engages in the acquisition of businesses and assets in the insurance, financial services and related sectors. It operates through the following segments: HG Global/BAM, NSM, Kudu, and Other Operations. The HG Global/BAM segment refers to the White Mountains's investment in HG Global Limited, and the consolidated results of Build America Mutual Assurance Company (BAM). The NSM segment comprises of full-service managing general underwriting agency and program administrator for specialty property and casualty insurance. The Kudu Segment provides capital solutions for boutique asset managers for a variety of purposes including generational ownership transfers, management buyouts, acquisition and growth finance and legacy partner liquidity. The Other Operations segment comprises of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiary, WM Capital, its wholly-owned investment management subsidiary, WM Advisors, and its other intermediate holding companies, as well as certain consolidated and unconsolidated private capital and other investments. The company was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Hanover, NH. Read More National Fuel Gas Co. is a holding company, which engages in the production, gathering, transportation, distribution, and marketing of natural gas. It operates through the following segments: Exploration and Production, Pipeline and Storage, Gathering, and Utility. The Exploration and Production segment handles the exploration for and the development of natural gas and oil reserves in California and in the Appalachian region of the United States. The Pipeline and Storage segment transports and stores natural gas for utilities, natural gas marketers, exploration and production companies, and pipeline companies in the northeastern United States markets. The Gathering segment builds, owns, and operates natural gas processing and pipeline gathering facilities in the Appalachian region. The Utility segment sells natural gas to retail customers and provides natural gas transportation services in western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania. The company was founded in 1820 and is headquartered in Williamsville, NY. Read More IMI plc, a specialist engineering company, designs, manufactures, and services engineered products worldwide. The company operates through three divisions: IMI Precision Engineering, IMI Critical Engineering, and IMI Hydronic Engineering. The IMI Precision Engineering division develops motion and fluid control technologies for industrial automation, commercial vehicle, life sciences, energy, and rail applications. This division offers actuators, air preparation products, pressure switches, and fittings; pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, and vacuum motion solutions; solenoid valves, angle-seat valves, motorized valves, NAMUR valves, and systems for dust filters; miniature fluid control solutions; precise and accurate syringes, syringe pumps, and rotary valves; and high-pressure control valves, nuclear valves, and pressure transmitters, as well as hydraulic solutions. It provides its products under the Norgren, Bimba, Buschjost, FAS, Herion, Kloehn, Maxseal, and Thompson Valves brands. The IMI Critical Engineering division offers flow control solutions, such as specialized valves and actuators to the fossil power, oil and gas, petrochemical, nuclear, marine, and pharmaceutical markets under the IMI Bopp & Reuther, IMI CCI, IMI Fluid Kinetics, IMI InterAtiva, IMI NH, IMI Orton, IMI PBM, IMI Remosa, IMI STI, IMI TH Jansen, IMI Truflo Marine, IMI Truflo Rona, IMI Truflo Italy IMI Z&J, and IMI Zikesch brands. The IMI Hydronic Engineering division provides products for hydronic distribution systems, which deliver heating and cooling systems to the residential and commercial building sectors. This segment offers balancing and control solutions, thermostatic control and pressurization systems, dirt and air separators, and pressure step degassers under the IMI Pneumatex, IMI TA, IMI Flow Design, IMI Heimeier, and IMI Aero-Dynamiek brands. The company was founded in 1862 and is headquartered in Birmingham, the United Kingdom. Read More Valvoline, Inc. is engaged in producing, marketing and supplying of engine & automotive maintenance products and services. The company operates through three segments: Quick Lubes, Core North America and International. The Quick Lubes segment provides services to passenger car and light truck quick lube market through company-owned and independent franchised retail quick lube service center stores and independent express care stores that service vehicles with valvoline products. The Core North America segment sells engine and automotive maintenance products in the United States and Canada to retailers, installers, and heavy-duty customers to service vehicles and equipment. The International segment sells engine and automotive products in more than 140 countries outside of the United States and Canada for the maintenance of consumer and commercial vehicles and equipment. Its products include motor oil, gear oil, pro-v racing and antifreeze and radiator. Valvoline was founded in 1866 and is headquartered in Lexington, KY. Read More Varian Medical Systems, Inc. designs, manufactures, sells, and services medical devices and software products for treating cancer and other medical conditions worldwide. It operates through Oncology Systems and Proton Solutions segments. The Oncology Systems segment offers hardware and software products for treating cancer with radiotherapy, fixed field intensity-modulated radiation therapy, image-guided radiation therapy, volumetric modulated arc therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic body radiotherapy, artificial intelligence based adaptive radiotherapy, and brachytherapy, as well as quality assurance equipment. Its products include linear accelerators, brachytherapy afterloaders, treatment accessories, and quality assurance software; and information management, treatment planning, image processing, clinical knowledge exchange, patient care management, decision-making support, and practice management software. This segment serves university research and community hospitals, private and governmental institutions, healthcare agencies, physicians' offices, medical oncology practices, radiotherapy centers, and cancer care clinics. The Proton Solutions segment designs, develops, manufactures, sells, and services products and systems for delivering proton therapy for the treatment of cancer. The company has a strategic agreement with McKesson Corp. to supply treatment delivery systems and planning, services, and radiotherapy information system solutions to its U.S. Oncology Network and Vantage Oncology affiliated sites of care; and a strategic partnership with Siemens AG to represent Siemens diagnostic imaging products to radiation oncology clinics in the United States and other select markets. Varian Medical Systems, Inc. was formerly known as Varian Associates, Inc. and changed its name to Varian Medical Systems, Inc. in April 1999. The company was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Palo Alto, California. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Abbott Laboratories: 3A Nutrition (Vietnam) Company Limited, ABON Biopharm (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd., AGA Medical Belgium, AGA Medical Corporation, AGA Medical Holdings Inc., ALR Holdings, AML Medical LLC, APK Advanced Medical Technologies LLC, ATS Bermuda Holdings Limited, ATS Laboratories Inc., Abbott, Abbott (Jiaxing) Nutrition Co. Ltd., Abbott (UK) Finance Limited, Abbott (UK) Holdings Limited, Abbott AG, Abbott Asia Holdings Limited, Abbott Asia Investments Limited, Abbott Australasia Holdings Limited, Abbott Australasia Pty Ltd, Abbott B.V., Abbott Bahamas Overseas Businesses Corporation, Abbott Belgian Investments, Abbott Bermuda Holding Ltd., Abbott Biologicals B.V., Abbott Biologicals LLC, Abbott Bulgaria Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Capital India Limited, Abbott Cardiovascular Inc., Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc., Abbott Delaware LLC, Abbott Diabetes Care Inc., Abbott Diabetes Care Limited, Abbott Diabetes Care Sales Corporation, Abbott Diagnostics GmbH, Abbott Diagnostics International Ltd., Abbott Diagnostics Technologies AS, Abbott Doral Investments S.L., Abbott Equity Holdings Unlimited, Abbott Equity Investments LLC, Abbott Established Products Holdings (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Finance Company SA, Abbott Financial Holdings SRL, Abbott France S.A.S., Abbott Fund Tanzania Limited, Abbott Gesellschaft m.b.H., Abbott GmbH & Co. KG, Abbott Health Products LLC, Abbott Healthcare (Puerto Rico) Ltd., Abbott Healthcare B.V., Abbott Healthcare Costa Rica S.A., Abbott Healthcare LLC, Abbott Healthcare Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Healthcare Private Limited, Abbott Healthcare Products B.V., Abbott Healthcare Products Ltd, Abbott Holding (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding GmbH, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited Luxembourg S.C.S., Abbott Holdings B.V., Abbott Holdings LLC, Abbott Holdings Limited, Abbott Holdings Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Hungary Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Iberian Investments (2) Limited, Abbott Iberian Investments Limited, Abbott India Limited, Abbott Informatics Asia Pacific Limited, Abbott Informatics Canada Inc, Abbott Informatics Corporation, Abbott Informatics Europe Limited, Abbott Informatics France, Abbott Informatics Germany GmbH, Abbott Informatics Netherlands B.V., Abbott Informatics Singapore Pte. Limited, Abbott Informatics Spain S.A., Abbott Informatics Technologies Ltd, Abbott International Corporation, Abbott International Enterprises Ltd., Abbott International Holdings Limited, Abbott International LLC, Abbott International Luxembourg S.ar.l., Abbott Investments Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Ireland, Abbott Ireland Financing Designated Activity Company, Abbott Ireland Limited, Abbott Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Kazakhstan Limited Liability Partnership, Abbott Knoll Investments B.V., Abbott Korea Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Bangladesh) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco (Dos) SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Laboratories (Mozambique) Limitada, Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Philippines), Abbott Laboratories (Puerto Rico) Incorporated, Abbott Laboratories (Singapore) Private Limited, Abbott Laboratories A/S, Abbott Laboratories Argentina Sociedad Anonima, Abbott Laboratories B.V., Abbott Laboratories C.A., Abbott Laboratories Finance B.V., Abbott Laboratories GmbH, Abbott Laboratories Inc., Abbott Laboratories International LLC, Abbott Laboratories Ireland Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited - Laboratoires Abbott Limitee, Abbott Laboratories NZ Limited, Abbott Laboratories Pacific Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Laboratories Products B.V., Abbott Laboratories Residential Development Fund Inc., Abbott Laboratories S.A., Abbott Laboratories SA, Abbott Laboratories Services Corp., Abbott Laboratories Slovakia s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trustee Company Limited, Abbott Laboratories Uruguay S.A., Abbott Laboratories Vascular Enterprises, Abbott Laboratories d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories de Chile Limitada, Abbott Laboratories de Colombia S.A., Abbott Laboratories de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Abbott Laboratories druzba za farmacijo in diagnostiko d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories(Hellas) Societe Anonyme, Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios del Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Abbott Laboratuarlari Ithalat Ihracat ve Ticaret Ltd.Sti, Abbott Laboratorios Lda, Abbott Laboratorios do Brasil Ltda., Abbott Limited Egypt LLC, Abbott Logistics B.V., Abbott Management GmbH, Abbott Management LLC, Abbott Manufacturing Singapore Private Limited, Abbott Mature Products International Unlimited Company, Abbott Mature Products Management Limited, Abbott Medical (Hong Kong) Limited, Abbott Medical (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Medical (Portugal) Distribuicao de Produtos Medicos Lda, Abbott Medical (Schweiz) AG, Abbott Medical (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Australia Pty. Ltd., Abbott Medical Austria Ges.m.b.H., Abbott Medical Balkan d.o.o. Beograd (Novi Beograd), Abbott Medical Belgium, Abbott Medical Canada Inc./ Medicale Abbott Canada Inc., Abbott Medical Danmark A/S, Abbott Medical Devices Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Espana S.A., Abbott Medical Estonia OU, Abbott Medical Finland Oy, Abbott Medical France SAS, Abbott Medical GmbH, Abbott Medical Hellas Limited Liability Trading Company, Abbott Medical Ireland Limited, Abbott Medical Italia S.p.A., Abbott Medical Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Korea Limited, Abbott Medical Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Medical Laboratories LTD, Abbott Medical Nederland B.V., Abbott Medical New Zealand Limited, Abbott Medical Norway AS, Abbott Medical Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Medical Sweden AB, Abbott Medical Taiwan Co., Abbott Medical U.K. Limited, Abbott Medical spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Middle East S.A.R.L., Abbott Molecular Inc., Abbott Morocco SARL, Abbott Nederland C.V., Abbott Nederland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Netherlands Investments B.V., Abbott Norge AS, Abbott Nutrition Limited, Abbott Nutrition Manufacturing Inc., Abbott Operations Singapore Pte. Ltd., Abbott Operations Uruguay S.R.L., Abbott Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Overseas Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Overseas S.A., Abbott Oy, Abbott Point of Care Canada Limited, Abbott Point of Care Inc., Abbott Poland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Procurement LLC, Abbott Products (Philippines) Inc., Abbott Products (Spain) S.L., Abbott Products Algerie EURL, Abbott Products B.V., Abbott Products Distribution SAS, Abbott Products Egypt LLC, Abbott Products Limited, Abbott Products Limited Liability Company, Abbott Products Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Products Operations AG, Abbott Products Operations LLC, Abbott Products Romania S.R.L., Abbott Products Tunisie S.A.R.L., Abbott Products Unlimited Company, Abbott Resources Inc., Abbott Resources International Inc., Abbott S.r.l., Abbott Saudi Arabia Trading Company, Abbott Scandinavia Aktiebolag, Abbott Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, Abbott South Africa Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Strategic Opportunities Limited, Abbott Trading Company Inc., Abbott Universal LLC, Abbott Vascular Devices (2) Limited, Abbott Vascular Devices Limited, Abbott Vascular Inc., Abbott Vascular Instruments Deutschland GmbH, Abbott Vascular International, Abbott Vascular Japan Co. Ltd, Abbott Vascular Limitada, Abbott Vascular Netherlands B.V., Abbott Vascular Solutions Inc., Abbott Ventures Inc., Abbott West Indies Limited, Abbott drustvo sa ogranicenom odgovornoscu za trgovinu i usluge, Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Inc., Alere, Alere (Shanghai) Diagnostics Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Healthcare Management Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Medical Sales Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Technology Co. Ltd., Alere A/S, Alere AB, Alere AS, Alere AS Holdings Limited, Alere BBI Holdings Limited, Alere Bangladesh Limited, Alere China Co. Ltd., Alere Colombia S.A., Alere Connect LLC, Alere Connected Health Limited, Alere Connected Health Ltd., Alere Diagnostics GmbH, Alere DoA Holding GmbH, Alere GmbH, Alere GmbH (Austria), Alere GmbH (Germany), Alere HK Holdings Ltd., Alere Health B.V., Alere Health BVBA, Alere Health Corp., Alere Health Sdn Bhd, Alere Health Services B.V., Alere Healthcare (Pty) Limited, Alere Healthcare Connections Limited, Alere Healthcare Inc., Alere Healthcare Nigeria Limited, Alere Healthcare S.L., Alere Holdco Inc., Alere Holding GmbH, Alere Holdings Bermuda Limited, Alere Holdings Pty Limited, Alere Home Monitoring Inc., Alere Inc., Alere Informatics Inc., Alere International Holding Corp., Alere International Limited, Alere Lda, Alere Limited, Alere Limited (New Zealand), Alere Medical BVBA, Alere Medical Co. Ltd., Alere Medical Pakistan (Private) Limited, Alere Medical Private Limited, Alere North America LLC, Alere Oy Ab, Alere Philippines Inc., Alere Phoenix ACQ Inc., Alere Pte Ltd, Alere S.A., Alere S.r.l., Alere S/A, Alere SAS, Alere San Diego Inc., Alere Scarborough Inc., Alere Spain S.L., Alere Switzerland GmbH, Alere Technologies GmbH, Alere Technologies Holdings Limited, Alere Technologies Limited, Alere Toxicology AB, Alere Toxicology Inc., Alere Toxicology S.r.l., Alere Toxicology Services Inc., Alere Toxicology plc, Alere UK Holdings Limited, Alere UK Subco Limited, Alere ULC, Alere US Holdings LLC, Alere s.r.o., Alisoc Investment & Co, Amedica Biotech Inc., Ameditech Inc., American Generics S.A.S., American Medical Supplies Inc., American Pharmacist Inc., Antares S.A., Apica Cardiovascular Limited, Aquagestion Capacitacion S.A., Aquagestion S.A., Arriva Medical LLC, Arriva Medical Philippines Inc., Arvis Investments Limited, Atlas Farmaceutica S.A., Avee Laboratories Inc., Axis-Shield AD III AS, Axis-Shield AD IV AS, Axis-Shield AS, Axis-Shield Diagnostics Limited, Axis-Shield Ltd., BBI Animal Health Limited, BBI Diagnostics Group 2 Public Limited Company, Banco de Vida S.A., Bioabsorbable Vascular Solutions Inc., Bioalgae S.A., Biohealth LLC, Biosite Incorporated, Bosque Bonito S.A., Branan Medical Corporation, Brandex Europe C.V., British Colloids Limited, CFR Chile S.A., CFR Interamericas EL Salvador Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, CFR Interamericas Nicaragua Sociedad Anonima, CFR Interamericas Panama S.A., CFR Pharmaceuticals, California Property Holdings III LLC, CardioMEMS LLC, Caripharm Inc., Cephea Valve Technologies, Cephea Valve Technologies Inc., Colibri Medical Aktiebolag, Comercializadora y Distribuidora CFR Interamericas Honduras S.A., Concateno South Limited, Concateno UK Limited, Consorcio Tecnologico en Biomedicina Clinico-Molecular S.A., Continuum Services LLC, Cozart Limited, Dextech S.A., Diagnostik Nord GmbH, Distribuciones Uquifa S.A.S., Domesco Medical Import-Export Joint-Stock Corporation, Duphar International Research B.V., Endocardial Solutions, Epocal (US) Inc, Esprit de Vie S.A., European Chemicals & Co, European Drug Testing Service EDTS AB, European Services S.A., Evalve Inc., Evalve International Inc., FARMINDUSTRIA S.A., Fada Pharma Paraguay Sociedad Anonima, Fadapharma del Ecuador S.A., Farmaceutica Mont Blanc S.L., Farmacologia Em Aquicultura Veterinaria Ltda., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV Ecuador S.A., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV S.A., Fernwood Investment S.A., First Check Diagnostics LLC, Focus Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Forensics Limited, Forestcreek Overseas S.A., Fournier Pharma Corp., Fournier Pharma GmbH, Fournier Pharmaceuticals Limited, Framed B.V., Gabmed GmbH, Garden Hills LLC, Global Analytical Development LLC, Globapharm & CO LP, Glomed Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Golnorth Investments S.A., Gynocare Limited, Gynopharm Sociedad Anonima, Gynopharm de Centroamerica S.A., Gynopharm de Venezuela C.A., Hi-Tronics Designs Inc., IDEV Technologies Inc., IG Innovations Limited, IMTC Finance B.V., IMTC Holdings B.V., IMTC Technologies Inc., Ibis Biosciences LLC, Igloo Zone Chile S.A., Igloo Zone S.L., Inmobiliaria Naknek S.A.C., Innovacon Inc., Instant Tech Subsidiary Acquisition Inc., Instant Technologies Inc., Instituto de Criopreservacion de Chile S.A., Integrated Vascular Systems Inc., Inverness Canadian Acquisition Corporation, Inverness Medical (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Australia Pty Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Hong Kong Limited, Inverness Medical Innovations SK LLC, Inverness Medical Investments LLC, Inverness Medical LLC, Inverness Medical Shimla Private Limited, Inversiones K2 SpA, Inversiones Komodo S.R.L., Ionian Technologies LLC, Irvine Biomedical Inc., Kalila Medical, Kangshenyunga S.A., Knoll UK Investments Unlimited, LLC VeroInPharm, Laboratoires Fournier S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano Lafrancol S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano del Ecuador S.A., Laboratorio Internacional Argentino S.A., Laboratorio Synthesis S.A.S., Laboratorios Lafi Limitada, Laboratorios Naturmedik S.A.S., Laboratorios Pauly Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Laboratorios Recalcine S.A., Laboratorios Transpharm S.A., Laboratory Specialists of America Inc., Lafrancol Dominicana S.A.S., Lafrancol Guatemala S.A. Sociedad Anonima, Lafrancol Internacional S.A.S, Lafrancol Peru S.R.L, Lake Forest Investments LLC, Lightlab Imaging Inc., Limited Liability Company Abbott Laboratories, Limited Liability Company Abbott Ukraine, Limited Liability Company VEROPHARM, Lung Fung Hong (China) Limited, Mansbridge Pharmaceuticals Limited, MediGuide LLC, MediGuide Ltd., Medscreen Holdings Limited, Metropolitana Farmaceutica S.A., Midwest Properties LLC, Murex Argentina S.A., Murex Biotech Limited, Murex Biotech South Africa, Murex Diagnostics Inc., Murex Diagnostics International Inc., Natural Supplement Association LLC, Negocios Denia Sociedad Anonima, Neosalud S.A.C., Nether Pharma N.P. C.V., NeuroTherm LLC, Normann Pharma-Handels GmbH, North Shore Properties Inc., Novamedi S.A., Novasalud.com S.A., Nutravida S.A., OJSC Voronezhkhimpharm, Omnilab Iberia Sociedad Limitada, OptiMedica, Orgenics France SAS, Orgenics International Holdings B.V., Orgenics Ltd., PBM-Selfcare LLC, PDD II LLC, PDD LLC, PT Alere Health, PT. Abbott Indonesia, PT. Abbott Products Indonesia, Pacesetter Inc., Pantech (RF) (PTY) LTD, Pembrooke Occupational Health Inc., Penagos S.A., Pharma International Sociedad Anonima, Pharmaceutical Technologies (Pharmatech) S.A., Pharmatech Boliviana S.A., Polygon Labs S.A., Quality Assured Services Inc., RF Medical Holdings LLC, RTL Holdings Inc., Ramses Business Corp., Recben Xenerics Farmaceutica Limitada, Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Inc., Rich Horizons International Limited, SC VEROPHARM, SJ Medical Mexico S de R.L. de C.V., SJM International Inc., SJM Thunder Holding Company, SPDH Inc., Saboya Enterprises Corporation, Salviac Limited, Scanax AS, Sealing Solutions Inc., Selfcare Technology Inc., Shandong Abbott Dairy Product Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Medical Devices Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shanghai Si Fa Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Sinensix & Co., Spinal Modulation LLC, St. Jude Medical, St. Jude Medical AB, St. Jude Medical ATG Inc., St. Jude Medical Argentina S.A., St. Jude Medical Asia Pacific Holdings GK, St. Jude Medical Atrial Fibrillation Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Brasil Ltda., St. Jude Medical Business Services Inc., St. Jude Medical Cardiology Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Colombia Ltda., St. Jude Medical Coordination Center, St. Jude Medical Costa Rica Limitada, St. Jude Medical Europe Inc., St. Jude Medical Export Ges.m.b.H., St. Jude Medical GVA Sarl, St. Jude Medical Holdings B.V., St. Jude Medical India Private Limited, St. Jude Medical International Holding, St. Jude Medical LLC, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings II, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings NT, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings SMI S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings TC S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Mexico Business Services S. de R.L. de C.V., St. Jude Medical Middle East DMCC, St. Jude Medical Operations (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., St. Jude Medical Puerto Rico LLC, St. Jude Medical S.C. Inc., St. Jude Medical Systems AB, St. Jude Medical Turkey Medikal Urunler Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Standard Diagnostics Inc., Standing Stone LLC, Swan-Myers Incorporated, TC1 LLC, Tendyne Holdings Inc., Tendyne Medical Inc., Thoratec Delaware LLC, Thoratec Europe Limited, Thoratec LLC, Thoratec Switzerland GmbH, Tobal Products Incorporated, Topera GmbH in Liquidation, Topera Inc., Tremora S.A., Tuenir S.A., TwistDx, UAB Abbott Laboratories, UAB Abbott Medical Lithuania, Union-Madison Realty Company Inc., Unipath Limited (dba Alere International/aka Cranfield), Unipath Management Limited, Unipath Pension Trustee Limited, Veropharm, Veropharm Limited Liability Partnership, Vida Cell Inversiones S.A., Vida Cell S.A., Vivalsol, W&R Pharma Handels GmbH, Western Pharmaceuticals S.A., X Technologies Inc., Yissum Holding Limited, ZonePerfect Nutrition Company, eScreen Canada ULC, eScreen Inc., ( ), and Abbott Laboratories Baltics. 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.. MAXIMUS, Inc. engages in the operation of government and human services programs. It operates through the following segments: U.S. Services; U.S. Federal Services; and Outside the U.S. The U.S. Services segment offers a variety of business process services, and appeals and assessments for state, provincial and national government programs. The U.S. Federal Services segment includes process solutions, program management, as well as system and software development, and maintenance services for various United States federal civilian programs. The Outside the U.S segment comprises of national, state, and county human services agencies with a variety of business process services, and related consulting services for welfare-to-work, child support, higher education institutions, and other human services programs. The company was founded by David V. Mastran in 1975 and is headquartered in Reston, VA. Read More Brookfield Asset Management Inc. is a publicly owned asset management holding company. The firm specializes in early stage, acquisition, distressed investments, short-term financing to mid-market companies, corporate carve-outs, recapitalizations, convertible, senior and mezzanine financings, operational and capital structure restructuring, strategic re-direction, turnaround, and under-performing midmarket companies. The firm invest in attractive businesses through the public debt and equity markets or by providing financing. The firm invest in Business services, Industrials and Residential sectors. Through its subsidiaries, the firm invests in the property, power, and infrastructure sectors. Its property business includes owning and managing office properties, developing master planned residential communities, and offering clients bridge and mezzanine lending, alternative assets funds, and financial and advisory services. Through its subsidiaries, the firm operates hydroelectric power facilities, interconnections and transmission facilities in Northeast North America, and development of wind power in Canada. Through its subsidiaries, it invests in specialty funds including private equity and makes direct investments in real estate, energy, and resource assets. The firm launches and manages equity and fixed income mutual funds. It also manages real estate and hedge funds. The firm invests in equity and fixed income markets across the globe. It also invest in British Columbia, United States, Brazil, Australia, Chile, Uruguay, New Zealand. It prefers to invest between $2 million and $500 million in its portfolio companies. The firm also prefers to take both minority and majority stakes in its companies. It was formerly known as Brascan Corp. Brookfield Asset Management Inc. is based in Toronto, Canada with additional offices in Bogota, Colombia, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Calgary, Canada, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Gatineau, Canada, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, London, United Kingdom, Melbourne, Australia, Montreal, Canada, Mumbai, India, New York City, Perth, Australia, Shanghai, China, and Sydney, Australia. Read More Wall Street analysts have given Aurex Energy 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 Aurex Energy wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. Wall Street analysts have given CGI Group 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 CGI Group wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. ConocoPhillips engages in the exploration, production, transportation and marketing of crude oil, bitumen, natural gas, natural gas liquids, and liquefied natural gas on a worldwide basis. It operates through the following geographical segments: Alaska; Lower 48; Canada; Europe, Middle East and North Africa; Asia Pacific; and Other International. The Alaska segment primarily explores for produces, transports and markets crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids. The Lower 48 segment consists of operations in the U.S. and the Gulf of Mexico. The Canada segment is comprised of oil sands development in the Athabasca Region of northeastern Alberta and a liquids-rich unconventional play in western Canada. The Europe, Middle East and North Africa segment consists of operations and exploration activities in Norway, the United Kingdom and Libya. The Asia Pacific segment has explorations and product operations in China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Australia. The Other International segment handles exploration activities in Columbia and Argentina. The company was founded in 1875 and is headquartered in Houston, TX. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Amphenol: ARCAS Automotive Group (Luxco 1) S.a.r.l., AUXEL FTG, AUXEL FTG India Pvt Ltd., AUXEL FTG Shanghai Co., AUXEL S.A.S., Air LB International Development S.A., All Systems Broadband, Amphenol (Changzhou) Advanced Connector Co., Amphenol (Changzhou) Connector Systems Co., Amphenol (Changzhou) Electronics Co., Amphenol (Maryland), Amphenol (Ningde) Electronics Co., Amphenol (Qujing) Technology Co., Amphenol (Tianjin) Electronics Co., Amphenol (Xiamen) High Speed Cable Co., Amphenol Adronics, Amphenol Advanced Sensors Germany GmbH, Amphenol Advanced Sensors Puerto Rico, Amphenol Air LB GmbH, Amphenol Air LB North America Inc., Amphenol Air LB SAS, Amphenol Alden Products Company, Amphenol Alden Products Mexico, Amphenol Antenna Solutions, Amphenol Assemble Tech (Xiamen) Co., Amphenol Australia Pty Ltd, Amphenol Automotive Connection Systems (Changzhou) Co., Amphenol Bar-Tec, Amphenol Benelux B.V., Amphenol Borisch Technologies, Amphenol CNT (Xian) Technology Co. Ltd., Amphenol Cables On Demand Corp., Amphenol Canada Acquisition Corporation, Amphenol Canada Corp., Amphenol Comercial, Amphenol Commercial Interconnect Korea Co., Amphenol Commercial Products (Chengdu) Co. Ltd., Amphenol Commercial and Industrial UK, Amphenol ConneXus AB, Amphenol ConneXus Ou, Amphenol Custom Cable, Amphenol DC Electronics, Amphenol Daeshin Electronics and Precision Co., Amphenol EEC, Amphenol East Asia Electronic Technology (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Amphenol East Asia Limited, Amphenol FCI, Amphenol FCI Asia Pte. Ltd., Amphenol FCI Connectors Singapore Pte. Ltd., Amphenol Fiber Optic Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Amphenol Finland Oy, Amphenol France Acquisition SAS, Amphenol France SAS, Amphenol Germany GmbH, Amphenol Gesellschaft m.b.H., Amphenol Goldstar Electronic Systems (Baicheng) Co. Ltd., Amphenol Goldstar Electronic Systems (Yulin) Co. Ltd., Amphenol Holding UK, Amphenol Intercon Systems, Amphenol Interconnect India Private Limited, Amphenol Interconnect Products Corporation, Amphenol Interconnect South Africa (Proprietary) Limited, Amphenol International Ltd., Amphenol Invotec Limited, Amphenol Italia S.r.l., Amphenol JET (Haiyan) Interconnect Technology Co., Amphenol Japan Ltd., Amphenol Kai-Jack (Shenzhen) Inc., Amphenol LTW Technology Co., Amphenol Limited, Amphenol MCP Korea Limited, Amphenol Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Amphenol Middle East Enterprises FZE, Amphenol Nelson Dunn Technologies, Amphenol Netherlands Holdings 1 B.V., Amphenol Netherlands Holdings 2 B.V., Amphenol Omniconnect India Private Limited, Amphenol Optimize Manufacturing Co., Amphenol Optimize Mexico S.A. de C.V., Amphenol PCD, Amphenol PCD (Shenzhen) Co., Amphenol Phitek Limited, Amphenol Printed Circuits, Amphenol Provens SAS, Amphenol RF Asia Limited, Amphenol Sensing Korea Company Limited, Amphenol Shouh Min Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Amphenol Singapore Pte. Ltd., Amphenol Socapex SAS, Amphenol Sunpool (Liaoning) Automotive Electronics Co., Amphenol T&M Antennas, Amphenol TCS (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Amphenol TCS Ireland Limited, Amphenol TCS de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Amphenol TFC Fios E Cabos do Brasil Ltda., Amphenol TFC MDE Participacoes Ltda., Amphenol TFC do Brasil Ltda., Amphenol Taiwan Corporation, Amphenol Technical Products International Co., Amphenol Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Amphenol Technology (Zhuhai) Co., Amphenol Technology Macedonia Dooel Kocani, Amphenol Tecvox LLC, Amphenol Tel-Ad Ltd., Amphenol Thermometrics, Amphenol Thermometrics (UK) Limited, Amphenol Times Microwave Electronics (Shanghai) Limited, Amphenol Tuchel Electronics GmbH, Amphenol Tuchel Industrial GmbH, Amphenol Tunisia LLC, Amphenol USHoldco Inc., Amphenol-Borg Limited, Amphenol-Borg Pension Trustees Limited, Amphenol-TFC (Changzhou) Communication Equipment Co., Anytek Electronic Technology (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd, Anytek International (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Anytek International Co. Ltd., Anytek Technology Corporation Ltd, Asia Connector Services, Berg UK Ltd., Blueline Product Limited, C&S Antennas, C&S Antennas Limited, CSA Limited, Casco Automotive (Suzhou) Co., Casco Automotive Group, Casco Automotive Singapore Pte., Casco Automotive Tunisia S.a.r.l., Casco Holdings Co. Limited, Casco Holdings GmbH, Casco Imos Italia S.r.l., Casco Logistics GmbH, Casco Products Corporation, Casco Schoeller GmbH, Casco do Brasil Ltda., Cemm Thome Corporation, Cemm Thome SK, Cemm-Mex, Changzhou Amphenol Fuyang Communication Equipment Co., ContactServe (Proprietary) Limited, East Asia Connector Services, Edwin Deutgen Kunstofftechnik GmbH, Ehrlich Werkzeug & Geratebau GmbH, FCI Besancon SA, FCI Connectors (Shanghai) Ltd., FCI Connectors Canada, FCI Connectors Dongguan Ltd, FCI Connectors Hong Kong Limited, FCI Connectors Italia S.r.l., FCI Connectors Korea Ltd., FCI Connectors Malaysia Sdn Bhd, FCI Connectors Sweden A.B., FCI Connectors UK Ltd., FCI Deutschland GmbH, FCI Electronics Hungary Kft, FCI GBS India Private Limited, FCI Japan K.K., FCI Nantong Ltd, FCI OEN Connectors Limited, FCI PRC Limited, FCI Taiwan Limited, FCI USA LLC, FCIs-Hertogenbosch B.V., FEP Fahrzeugelektrik Pirna, FEP Fahrzeugelektrik Pirna GmbH & Co. KG, FEP Fahrzeugelektrik Pirna Verwaltungs GmbH, Fiber Systems International, Filec Production SAS, Filec SAS, Friedrich Gohringer Elektrotechnik GmbH, GE - Advanced Sensors Business, Guangzhou Amphenol Electronics Co., Guangzhou Amphenol Sincere Flex Circuits Co., Guangzhou FEP Automotive Electric Co., Hangzhou Amphenol JET Interconnect Technology Co., Hangzhou Amphenol Phoenix Telecom Parts Co., Holland Electronics, Intelligente Sensorsysteme Dresden GmbH, Invotec Circuits Holdings Limited, Invotec Circuits Limited, Invotec Group Limited, Invotec Holdings Limited, Ionix Aerospace Limited, Ionix Holdings Limited, Ionix Systems Limited, Ionix Systems Ou, Jaybeam Limited, Jaybeam Wireless SAS, KE Elektronik GmbH, KE Ostrov Elektrik, KE Presov Elektrik, Konnektech, Kunshan Amphenol Zhengri Electronics Co., LPL Technologies Holding GmbH, LTW Technology (Samoa) Co., LTW Top Tech (Samoa) Co., Lectric SARL, Martec Limited, Mocorp Holding A/S, Nantong Docharm Amphenol Electronics Co., PROCOM, PT Casco SEA, PerLoga Personal und Logistik GmbH, Piezotech, Piher Sensors & Controls S.A., Piher Sensors And Controls, Precision Cable Manufacturing Corp. de Mexico, Procom A/S, Procom Antennas AB, Procom France SARL, Pyle-National Ltd., RSI International Limited, S.C.I. Palin, SEFEE SA, SGX Europe SP. z.o.o., SGX Sensortech (IS) Limited, SGX Sensortech China Holdco Limited, SGX Sensortech China Limited, SGX Sensortech GmbH, SGX Sensortech SA, SSI Control Technologies, STEMFI SA, SV Microwave, Shanghai Amphenol Airwave Communication Electronics Co., Shanghai Amphenol Electronics Technology Co., Shanghai Tecvox Trading Co., Shenyang Amphenol Sunpool Automotive Electronics Co., Sine Systems Corporation, Skymasts Antennas Ltd., Societe dEtudes et de Fabrications Electroniques et Electriques, Spectra Strip Limited, TCS Japan K.K., TFC South America S.A., Tecvox Europe S.r.l., Telect, Telect Mfg., Telect de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Teradyne Connection Systems, Thermometrics Mexico, Tianjin Amphenol KAE Co., Times Fiber Canada Limited, Times Fiber Communications, Times Microwave Systems, Times Wire and Cable Company, U-Jin Cable Industrial Co., Zhongshan Feisaide Electromechanical Co., and i2s-sensors. 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 The following companies are subsidiares of CIT Group: 1143986 Ontario Limited, 1244771 Ontario Limited, 3918041 Canada Inc., 544211 Alberta Ltd., 555565 Alberta Ltd., 555566 Alberta Ltd., Baliardo Limited, C.I.T. Leasing Corporation, C2 Aviation Capital LLC, CBG LJB 21 LLC, CCERU Finance LP, CFHE Funding Company LLC, CIT Aerospace (Australia) Pty Ltd, CIT Aerospace Asia Pte Ltd., CIT Aerospace Belgium Sprl, CIT Aerospace Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd, CIT Aerospace Holdings (France) SAS, CIT Aerospace International, CIT Aerospace International (Aruba) A.V.V., CIT Aerospace International (Australia) Pty Ltd., CIT Aerospace International (Bermuda) Limited, CIT Aerospace International (France) Sarl, CIT Aerospace International Leasing II, CIT Aerospace LLC, CIT Aerospace Sweden AB, CIT Asset Management LLC, CIT Aviation Finance I (France) Sarl, CIT Aviation Finance I (Ireland) Limited, CIT Aviation Finance I (UK) Limited, CIT Aviation Finance I Ltd., CIT Aviation Finance II (France) Sarl, CIT Aviation Finance II (Ireland) Limited, CIT Aviation Finance II (UK) Limited, CIT Aviation Finance II Ltd., CIT Aviation Finance III Ltd., CIT Bank N.A., CIT CBK Funding Company LLC, CIT CBK Funding Inc., CIT CLO Holding Corporation, CIT CLO I Blocker Inc., CIT CLO I LLC, CIT CLO I Ltd., CIT Canada Finance LP, CIT Canada Finance ULC, CIT Capital Aviation (UK) Limited, CIT Capital Finance (UK) Limited (in liquidation), CIT Capital Securities LLC, CIT Capital USA Inc., CIT Cayman Coconut Palm Leasing Ltd., CIT Cayman Sandy Keys Leasing Ltd., CIT Communications Finance Corporation, CIT Credit Group USA Inc., CIT Equipment Finance (UK) Limited (in liquidation), CIT FSC Eighteen Ltd., CIT FSC Nineteen Ltd., CIT Finance & Leasing (Tianjin) Corporation, CIT Finance & Leasing Corporation, CIT Finance LLC, CIT Financial (Alberta) ULC / Services Financiers CIT (Alberta) ULC, CIT Financial (Barbados) SRL, CIT Financial (Hong Kong) Limited, CIT Financial II (Barbados) Srl, CIT Financial Ltd./Services Financiers CIT Ltee., CIT Financial USA Inc., CIT Funding (UK) Limited (in liquidation), CIT Funding Company LLC, CIT Funding LLC, CIT Funds LLC, CIT Group (Hungary) Financial Servicing Limited Liability Company "under voluntary dissolution", CIT Group (NFL) Limited (in liquidation), CIT Group (NJ) LLC, CIT Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd (In Members' Voluntary Liquidation), CIT Group (UK) Limited (in liquidation), CIT Group Finance (Ireland), CIT Group Holding (Germany) GmbH i.L., CIT Group Holdings (UK) Limited (in liquidation), CIT Group Holdings B.V., CIT Group Inc., CIT Group Italy Srl in liquidazione, CIT Group SF Holding Co. Inc., CIT Healthcare LLC, CIT Holdings (Barbados) SRL, CIT Holdings B.V., CIT Holdings Canada ULC, CIT Home Lending Securitization Company LLC, CIT Insurance Agency Inc., CIT Leasing (Bermuda) Ltd., CIT Leasing (Germany) GmbH i.L., CIT Lending Services Corporation, CIT Lending Services Corporation (Illinois), CIT Loan Corporation, CIT Malaysia One Inc., CIT Maritime Leasing LLC, CIT Mezzanine Partners of Canada Limited, CIT Millbury Inc., CIT Rail Holdings (Europe) SAS, CIT Rail LLC, CIT Railcar Funding Company LLC, CIT Small Business Lending Corporation, CIT Strategic Finance Inc., CIT TRS Funding B.V., CIT TRS Holdings B.V., CIT TRS Subsidiary B.V., CIT Technology Financing Services Inc., CIT Trade Finance Funding Company LLC, CIT Transportation Holdings B.V., CRE CT 21 OTHER LLC, CRE CT 27 OTHER LLC, CRE FFBC LLC, CRE LJ 21 OTHER LLC, CRE LJ 27 OTHER LLC, CRE LJ 4800 Riverside LLC, CRE LJ CA 2 LLC, CRE LJ CA LLC, CRE LJ CP ESCONDIDO LLC, CRE LJ TX LLC, Canadian Income Partners I Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners II Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners III Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners IV Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners V Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners VI Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners VII Limited Partnership, Canadian Income Partners VIII Limited Partnership, Capita Corporation, Capital Direct Group Inc., Centennial Aviation (Bermuda) 1 Ltd., Centennial Aviation (France) 1 SARL, Centennial Aviation (France) 2 SARL, Centennial Aviation (Ireland) 7 Limited, Direct Capital Corporation, Direct Capital Funding III Company LLC, Direct Capital Funding V LLC, Education Loan Servicing Corporation, Emerald Funding (Netherlands) C.V., Emerald Holdings C.V., Financial Freedom Acquisition LLC, IMV 11 PALM LLC, INDYMAC VENTURE LLC, Jessica Leasing Designated Activity Company, MEX CIT SERVICIOS S. de R.L. de C.V., Madeleine Leasing Designation Activity Company, Memphis Peaking Power LLC, Millennium Leasing Company I LLC, Millennium Leasing Company II LLC, NACCO (U.K.) Limited, NACCO GmbH, NACCO Rail Ireland Limited, NACCO S.A.S, Nacco Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Newcourt Financial Espana S.A., North Romeo Storage Corporation, ONEWEST VENTURES HOLDINGS LLC, OWB REO LLC, OneWest Bank N.A, OneWest Investments II LLC, OneWest Investments LLC, OneWest Resources LLC, PL Servicing LLC, Rita Leasing Designated Activity Company, The CIT GP Corporation III, The CIT Group Securitization Corporation II, The CIT Group/Business Credit Inc., The CIT Group/Commercial Services Inc., The CIT Group/Corporate Aviation Inc., The CIT Group/Equipment Financing Inc., The CIT Group/Equity Investments Inc., The Capita Corporation do Brasil Ltda, The Equipment Insurance Company, and Worrell Capital Limited. Parkland Corporation operates as a marketer, distributor, and refiner of fuel and petroleum products in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Canada, International, USA, Supply, and Corporate segments. The Canada segment supplies and supports a coast-to-coast network of 1,860 retail gas stations under the Ultramar, Esso, Fas Gas Plus, Chevron, Pioneer, and Race Trac as well as operates convenience stores under the On the Run/MarchA Express brand. Additionally it offers bulk fuel, bulk and cylinder exchange propane, heating oil, lubricants, and other related products and services to commercial, industrial, and residential customers in various industries, such as oil and gas, construction, mining, forestry, fishing, and transportation under the Ultramar, Bluewave Energy, Pipeline Commercial, Chevron, Columbia Fuels, and Sparlings Propane brands. The International segment operates retail service stations under the Esso, Shell, and Sol brands; and delivers and supplies gasoline, diesel, fuel oil, propane, and lubricants to customers in various sectors, including power, oil and gas, and mining. The USA segment operates a network of gas stations; and delivers bulk fuel, lubricants, and other related products and services under the Farstad Oil, Rhinehart Oil, Tropic Oil, Superpumper, Harts, and On the Run brands. The Supply segment manufactures transportation fuels; transports, stores, and markets fuels, crude oil, and liquid petroleum gases; and manufactures and sells aviation fuel to airlines. This segment also engages in the wholesale, supply, and distribution business. The company was formerly known as Parkland Fuel Corporation and changed its name to Parkland Corporation in May 2020. The company was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Read More Chabad moved to Iceland this month, marking the 100th country/territory exposed to Chabads reach. Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, Chairman of Chabad-Lubavitch Educational/Social Services, describes the motivation behind establishing centers all over the world. With the opening of Chabad in the 100th country/territory and now in ever smaller communities, the idea of a future in which no individual among our people is lost, resonates anew. It is astounding to anyone paying attention that, in 2018, new Chabad Houses open at a steady rate. That this is the case now, after all of the major cities and towns around the world are already well served by Chabad representatives, so that new appointees must travel farther afield, sometimes to places very remote, is more astounding yet. Add to this that the men and women who vie for the privilege of lifetime appointments as the Rebbes shluchim have never met him (most were born around the time of his passing almost twenty-four years ago)and the astonishment grows. And if that isnt enough, there are no compensation packages with benefits and perks awaiting the Rebbes emissaries. Still, they strive to join the ranks of those who live to realize the promise of the prophet. The challenges are often formidable. Many of the communities that Chabads young men and womenusually newlyweds starting their own familiesrelocate to, have tiny populations, and even tinier Jewish numbers. Posting an event on their Facebook page wont fill the house. They must seek out the Jewish souls in their towns, one by one. And they must raise the funds to finance the educational, social, and spiritual programs and services that they want to make available, even if only to a handful of people. But local resources are scant, so they work harder and more innovatively. Weve been asked before how the cost-benefit ratio justifies investing where there are so few Jews. To that, we say we learn from the midrash that tells us that if but one of the 600,000 Jews would have been missing at Sinai, there would have been no Revelation. Likewise, the Rebbe taught us, that our redemption will come through our efforts to reach every Jew; for him, the Talmudic statement that every soul represents a world, was more than a noble idea. That he took it quite literally, and taught his representatives the same, is obvious. The men and women committed to sustaining Jewish life wherever it exists, even in places like Sioux Falls, SD, or Grand Baie, Mauritius, know they will never draw a crowd. Rather, they have learned to look at the individual with eyes that see each soul as a world unto itself, and have come to cherish the value of one in ways that most of us living in larger communities may not appreciate. The same is true of donors who are putting their support behind the emissaries serving in these small outposts. In his lifetime, the Rebbe counted the people who support the work of the shluchim as partners indispensable to his project, an egalitarian arrangement, if you will, that offers emissaries and donors equal opportunity and equal responsibility to make their unique investments. Each knows that without the other, Jewish continuity and the Jewish community would not be as richly and widely served as it is by the Rebbes vision. For there is no Jewish demographic and there is no Jewish causeas the stories in this issue demonstratethat doesnt derive profound benefit from the dedication of Chabad emissaries and their partners. And soon too, as these effective partnerships continue to grow, there will be no individual Jew who will not be reached, no Jew who will be left behind. Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky is the chairman of the Chabad-Lubavitch educational and social services arms. From the February/March 2018 issue of Lubavitch International. The following companies are subsidiares of Sysco: 2234829 Alberta ULC, 2234842 Alberta ULC, A. M. Briggs Inc., A.M. Briggs, Almacen Fiscal Frionet Caldera S.A., Almacen Fiscal Frionet Limon S.A., Appert's Foodservice, Arnotts (Fruit) Limited, Asian Foods, Bahamas Food Holdings Limited, Bahamas Food Services Limited, Brake Bros, Brake Bros Foodservice Ireland Limited, Brake Bros. Foodservice Limited, Brake Bros. Holding I Limited, Brake Bros. Ltd., Brakes Foodservice NI Limited, Buchy Food Service, Buckhead Beef Co., Buckhead Meat & Seafood of Houston Inc., Buckhead Meat Company, Buckhead Meat Midwest Inc., Buckhead Meat of Dallas Inc., Buckhead Meat of Denver Inc., Buckhead Meat of San Antonio LP, Buzztable Inc., CAKE Corporation, Central Seafood Co., Christys Wine & Spirits Limited, Clafra Aktiebolag, Colorado Boxed Beef Co - Specialty meat-cutting division, Corporacion Frionet Sociedad Anonima, Crossgar Foodservice, Crossgar Foodservice Limited, Crown I Enterprises Inc., Cucina Acquisitions (UK) Limited, Cucina Finance (UK) Limited, Cucina French Holdings Limited, Cucina Fresh Finance Limited, Cucina Fresh Investments Limited, Cucina Lux Investments Limited, Curleys Quality Foods Limited (Third Party), Davigel Belgilux S.A., Davigel Espana S.A., Desert Meats & Provisions, Distagro, Doerle Food Service, Doughtie's Foods Inc., Dust Bowl City LLC, Eko Fagel Fisk o mittemellan AB, Enclave Insurance Company, Enclave Parkway Association Inc., Enclave Properties LLC, European Imports, European Imports Inc., Figg Inc., Freedman Meats, Freedman Meats Inc., Freedman-KB Inc., Fresh Direct (UK) Limited, Fresh Direct Group Limited, Fresh Direct Limited, Fresh Holdings Limited, FreshPoint, FreshPoint Arizona Inc., FreshPoint Atlanta Inc., FreshPoint California Inc., FreshPoint Central California Inc., FreshPoint Central Florida Inc., FreshPoint Connecticut LLC, FreshPoint Dallas Inc., FreshPoint Denver Inc., FreshPoint Hawaii LLC, FreshPoint Inc., FreshPoint Las Vegas Inc., FreshPoint North Carolina Inc., FreshPoint North Florida Inc., FreshPoint Oklahoma City LLC, FreshPoint Pompano Real Estate LLC, FreshPoint Puerto Rico LLC, FreshPoint San Francisco Inc., FreshPoint South Florida Inc., FreshPoint South Texas Inc., FreshPoint Southern California Inc., FreshPoint Tomato LLC, FreshPoint Vancouver Ltd., Freshfayre Limited, Fruktservice i Helsingborg AB, GHS Classic Drinks Limited, Gilchrist & Soames Inc., Gilchrist & Soames UK Limited, Guest Packaging LLC, Guest Supply, Guest Supply Asia Limited, Guest Supply Singapore Pte. Ltd., International Food Group, Isakssons Frukt & Gront AB, J & M Wholesale Meats, J. Kings Food Service Professionals, J. Kings Food Service Professionals Inc., Kent Frozen Foods, Les Ateliers Du Gout, Liquid Assets Limited, M&J Seafood Holdings Limited, M&J Seafood Limited, Manchester Mills LLC, Mayca Autoservicio S.A., Mayca Distribuidores S.A., Menigo Foodservice AB, Mitshim Etatu Supply LP, Newport Meat Company, Newport Meat Northern California Inc., Newport Meat Pacific Northwest Inc., Newport Meat Southern California Inc., Newport Meat of Nevada Inc., North Star Holding Corporation, North Star Seafood, North Star Seafood Acquisition Corporation, North Star Seafood LLC, PFS de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Palisades Ranch Inc., Pallas Foods, Pallas Foods Farm Fresh Unlimited Company, Pallas Foods Unlimited Company, Pauleys Produce Limited, Promotora del Servicios S.A. de C.V., Restaurangakdemien AB, Restaurant of Tomorrow Inc., Rohan Viandes Elaboration SAS, SMS Bermuda Holdings, SMS GPC International Limited, SMS GPC International Resources Limited, SMS Global Holdings S.a.r.l., SMS International Resources Ireland Unlimited Company, SMS Lux Holdings LLC, SOTF LLC, SYY Netherlands C.V., SYY Panama S. de R.L., Serca Foodservice, Servicestyckarna I Johannes AB, Servicios Ameriserve S.A. de C.V., Shenzhen Guest Supply Trading Co. Limited, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) Bianchi Montegut, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) De Boiseau, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) De Garcelles, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) J.D. Lanjouan, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) Le Dauphin, Specialty Meat Holdings LLC, Stockflag Limited, Stockholms Fiskauktion AB, Supplies on the Fly, Sysco Albany LLC, Sysco Asian Foods Inc., Sysco Atlanta LLC, Sysco Autoservicio S.A., Sysco Baltimore LLC, Sysco Baraboo LLC, Sysco Bermuda Partners L.P., Sysco Boston LLC, Sysco Canada Holdings S.a.r.l., Sysco Canada Inc., Sysco Central Alabama LLC, Sysco Central California Inc., Sysco Central Florida Inc., Sysco Central Illinois Inc., Sysco Central Pennsylvania LLC, Sysco Charlotte LLC, Sysco Chicago Inc., Sysco Cincinnati LLC, Sysco Cleveland Inc., Sysco Columbia LLC, Sysco Connecticut LLC, Sysco Corporation, Sysco Corporation Director's Deferred Compensation Plan Trust, Sysco Corporation Employee's 401(k) Plan Trust, Sysco Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan Trust, Sysco Corporation Good Government Committee Inc., Sysco Corporation Retirement Trust, Sysco Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Trust, Sysco Corporation Supplemental Unemployment Benefits Plan Trust, Sysco Detroit LLC, Sysco Disaster Relief Foundation Inc., Sysco EI VI S. s.r.l., Sysco EU II S.a.r.l., Sysco EU III S.a.r.l., Sysco EU IV Capital Unlimited Company, Sysco EU IV S. s.r.l.., Sysco EU V S. s.r.l., Sysco Eastern Maryland LLC, Sysco Eastern Wisconsin LLC, Sysco Foundation Inc., Sysco France Holding SAS, Sysco France SAS, Sysco George Town II LLC, Sysco George Town Limited S. s.r.l.., Sysco Global Finance LLC, Sysco Global Finance LLP, Sysco Global Holdings B.V., Sysco Global Resources LLC, Sysco Global Services LLC, Sysco Grand Cayman Company, Sysco Grand Cayman II Company, Sysco Grand Cayman III Company, Sysco Grand Rapids LLC, Sysco Guernsey Limited, Sysco Guest Supply Canada Inc., Sysco Guest Supply Europe Goods Wholesalers LLC, Sysco Guest Supply Europe Limited, Sysco Guest Supply LLC, Sysco Gulf Coast LLC, Sysco Hampton Roads Inc., Sysco Hawaii Inc., Sysco Holdings II LLC, Sysco Holdings LLC, Sysco Indianapolis LLC, Sysco International Food Group Inc., Sysco International Inc., Sysco Iowa Inc., Sysco Jackson LLC, Sysco Jacksonville Inc., Sysco Kansas City Inc., Sysco Knoxville LLC, Sysco Labs Europe Limited, Sysco Labs Pvt. Ltd., Sysco Leasing LLC, Sysco Lincoln Inc., Sysco Lincoln Transportation Company Inc., Sysco Long Island LLC, Sysco Los Angeles Inc., Sysco Louisville Inc., Sysco Memphis LLC, Sysco Merchandising and Supply Chain Services Canada Inc., Sysco Merchandising and Supply Chain Services Inc., Sysco Metro New York LLC, Sysco Minnesota Inc., Sysco Montana Inc., Sysco Nashville LLC, Sysco Netherlands Partners LLC, Sysco North Central Florida Inc., Sysco North Dakota Inc., Sysco Northern New England Inc., Sysco Philadelphia LLC, Sysco Pittsburgh LLC, Sysco Portland Inc., Sysco Raleigh LLC, Sysco Resources Services LLC, Sysco Riverside Inc., Sysco Sacramento Inc., Sysco San Diego Inc., Sysco San Francisco Inc., Sysco Seattle Inc., Sysco South Florida Inc., Sysco Southeast Florida LLC, Sysco Spain Holdings SLU, Sysco Spokane Inc., Sysco St. Louis LLC, Sysco Syracuse LLC, Sysco Technologies Cayman Ltd., Sysco Technologies LLC, Sysco UK Holdings Limited, Sysco UK Limited, Sysco UK Partners LLP, Sysco USA I Inc., Sysco USA II LLC, Sysco USA III LLC, Sysco Ventura Inc., Sysco Ventures Inc., Sysco Virginia LLC, Sysco West Coast Florida Inc., Sysco Western Minnesota Inc., The SYGMA Network Inc., Upsys, Victua SAS, Walker Foods Inc., Waugh Foods, and Wild Harvest Limited. DeNA Co., Ltd. engages in the development and operation of mobile and online services including games, e-commerce and entertainment content distribution. It operates through the following segments: Games, Electronic Commerce (EC), Sports, Automotive, Healthcare, and New Businesses and Others. The Games segment offers mobile games such as DeNA games, mobage, and AndApp. The EC segment provides e-commerce services such as Mobaoku. The Sports segment handles Yokohama DeNA Baystars, Yokohma DeNA Running Club, and Kawasaki Brave Thunders. The Automotive segment manages transportation applications such as MOV, Anyca, SOMPO DE NORU, Easy Ride, and Robot Shuttle. The Healthcare segment deals with digital healthcare services such as DeNa Healthcare, MYCODE, kencom, and Aruite Otoku. The New Businesses and Others segment includes products such as Strategic Investment Office and Delight Ventures. The company was founded by Tomoko Namba and Masayuki Watanabe on March 4, 1999 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Read More Wall Street analysts have given iShares Global Materials 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 Global Materials ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. Pine Cliff Energy Ltd. engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of natural gas, crude oil, and natural gas liquids in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. The company primarily holds interests in natural gas assets in the Southern and Edson areas; and oil and natural gas assets in the Viking Kinsella and Ghost Pine area of Central Alberta. It also holds interests in natural gas liquids assets in the Sundance, Carstairs, Garrington, and Harmattan areas of Alberta; and natural gas assets in the Cadillac area of Southern Saskatchewan. As of December 31, 2020, its proved reserves consisted 42,899 thousand barrels of oil equivalent (MBOE) and proved plus probable reserves included 54,840.0 MBOE. The company also explores for gold, nickel, and copper deposits, as well as platinum group elements in Utah, Ontario, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. Pine Cliff Energy Ltd. was incorporated in 2004 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Read More The Southern pays an annual dividend of $2.64 per share and currently has a dividend yield of 4.25%. SO has a dividend yield higher than 75% of all dividend-paying stocks, making it a leading dividend payer. The Southern has been increasing its dividend for 26 consecutive years, indicating the company has a strong committment to maintain and grow its dividend. The dividend payout ratio of The Southern is 81.23%. Payout ratios above 75% are not desirable because they may not be sustainable. Based on earnings estimates, The Southern will have a dividend payout ratio of 74.37% next year. This indicates that The Southern will be able to sustain or increase its dividend. View The Southern's dividend history. The following companies are subsidiares of Quest Diagnostics: AmeriPath, AmeriPath Cincinnati Inc. (OH), AmeriPath Cleveland Inc. (OH), AmeriPath Consolidated Labs Inc. (FL), AmeriPath Florida LLC (DE), AmeriPath Hospital Services Florida LLC (DE), AmeriPath Inc. (DE), AmeriPath Indianapolis PC (IN), AmeriPath Kentucky Inc. (KY), AmeriPath Lubbock 5.01(A) Corporation (TX), AmeriPath New York LLC (DE), AmeriPath Texas Inc. (DE), AmeriPath Tucson Inc. (AZ), American Medical Laboratories, American Medical Laboratories Incorporated (DE), Associated Clinical Laboratories L.P. (PA), Associated Clinical Laboratories of Pennsylvania L.L.C. (PA), Athena Diagnostics, Athena Diagnostics Inc. (DE), Blueprint Genetics, Blueprint Genetics FZ-LLC (UAE), Blueprint Genetics Inc. (DE), Blueprint Genetics Oy (Finland), California Laboratory Associates, Cape Cod Healthcare - Business, Celera, ClearPoint Diagnostic, Clearpoint Diagnostic Laboratories LLC (TX), Cleveland HeartLab, Cleveland HeartLab Inc. (DE), Clinical Laboratory Partners, Colorado Pathology Consultants P.C. (CO), ConVerge Diagnostic Services, Consolidated DermPath Inc. (DE), DFW 5.01(a) Corporation (TX), DGXWMT JV LLC (DE), Dermatopathology of Wisconsin S.C. (WI), Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma LLC (OK), Diagnostic Pathology Services Inc. (OK), Diagnostic Reference Services Inc. (MD), ExamOne Canada Inc. (New Brunswick), ExamOne LLC (DE), ExamOne World Wide Inc. (PA), ExamOne World Wide of NJ Inc. (NJ), Focus Diagnostics, HemoCue, Hoffman M.D. Associated Pathologists Chartered (NV), Institute for Dermatopathology Inc. (PA), Isabella Street Urban Renewal LLC (NJ), Kailash B. Sharma M.D. Inc. (GA), Kilpatrick Pathology P.A. (NC), LabOne, LabOne LLC (MO), LabOne of Ohio Inc. (DE), Laboratorio de Analisis Biomedicos S.A. (Mexico), Lancet Labs, MACL, Med Fusion LLC (TX), Med fusion, MedPlus, Mid America Clinical Laboratories LLC (IN), Nomad Massachusetts Inc. (MA), Nuclear Medicine and Pathology Associates (GA), Ocmulgee Medical Pathology Association Inc. (GA), Pathology Building Partnership (MD) (gen. ptnrshp.), PeaceHealth Laboratories, PhenoPath Laboratories, PhenoPath Laboratories PLLC (WA), Q Squared Solutions Holdings LLC (DE), Q Squared Solutions Holdings Limited (UK), Quest Diagnostics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. (China), Quest Diagnostics Brasil Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics Clinical Laboratories, Quest Diagnostics Clinical Laboratories Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics Domestic Holder LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics HTAS India Private Limited (India), Quest Diagnostics Health & Wellness LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Holdings Incorporated (DE), Quest Diagnostics Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (MD), Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NV), Quest Diagnostics India Private Limited (India), Quest Diagnostics Infectious Disease Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics International Holdings Limited (UK), Quest Diagnostics International LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Investments LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Ireland Limited (Ireland), Quest Diagnostics LLC (CT), Quest Diagnostics LLC (IL), Quest Diagnostics LLC (MA), Quest Diagnostics Massachusetts LLC (MA), Quest Diagnostics Mexico Holding Company Trust (Mexico), Quest Diagnostics Mexico S de RL de CV (Mexico), Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute (CA), Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute Inc. (VA), Quest Diagnostics Receivables Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics Subsidiary Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics TB LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Terracotta LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Venture LLC (PA), Quest Diagnostics Ventures LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics do Brasil Ltda. (Brazil), Quest Diagnostics of Pennsylvania Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics of Puerto Rico Inc. (PR), Quest HealthConnect LLC (CA), ReproSource, Reprosource Fertility Diagnostics Inc. (MA), Solstas Lab Partners, Sonora Quest Laboratories LLC (AZ), Specialty Laboratories Inc. (CA), Summit Health, UMass Memorial Medical Center - Anatomic Pathology Outreach Laboratory Business, Unilab Corporation, and Unilab Corporation (DE). Fortis Inc. operates as an electric and gas utility company in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean countries. It generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 433,000 retail customers in southeastern Arizona; and 98,000 retail customers in Arizona's Mohave and Santa Cruz counties with an aggregate capacity of 3,233 megawatts (MW), including 59 MW of solar capacity. The company also sells wholesale electricity to other entities in the western United States; owns gas-fired and hydroelectric generating capacity totaling 65 MW; and distributes natural gas to approximately 1,048,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in British Columbia, Canada. In addition, it owns and operates the electricity distribution system that serves approximately 572,000 customers in southern and central Alberta; owns 4 hydroelectric generating facilities with a combined capacity of 225 MW; and provides operation, maintenance, and management services to five hydroelectric generating facilities. Further, the company distributes electricity in the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador with an installed generating capacity of 143 MW; and on Prince Edward Island with a generating capacity of 130 MW. Additionally, it provides integrated electric utility service to approximately 67,000 customers in Ontario; approximately 270,000 customers in Newfoundland and Labrador; approximately 31,000 customers on Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; and approximately 15,000 customers on certain islands in Turks and Caicos. The company also holds long-term contracted generation assets in Belize consisting of 3 hydroelectric generating facilities with a combined capacity of 51 MW; and the Aitken Creek natural gas storage facility. It also owns and operates approximately 91,000 circuit Kilometers (km) of distribution lines; and approximately 49,500 km of natural gas pipelines. Fortis Inc. was founded in 1885 and is headquartered in St. John's, Canada. Read More Username: Password: or Register Thread Rating: 3 Vote(s) - 3.67 Average 1 2 3 4 5 Trump aides hired Israeli intel firm to find dirt on Obama's Iran deal team rep conspiracyparty Registered User User ID: kaput 05-07-2018 12:56 AM Posts: 1,025 Post: #1 Trump aides hired Israeli intel firm to find dirt on Obama's Iran deal team rep Advertisement "The idea was that people acting for Trump would discredit those who were pivotal in selling the deal, making it easier to pull out of it," a source told the UK newspaper, which has published an exclusive report based on unnamed sources. According to documents seen by the Observer, the targets included Ben Rhodes, a top national security adviser to then-US President Barack Obama, and Colin Kahl, a former deputy assistant to Obama, and VP Joe Biden's national security adviser. The brief was to investigate the two men's "personal relationships, any involvement with Iran-friendly lobbyists, and if they had benefited personally or politically from the peace deal." Additionally, the Israeli agency, also not named, would be charged with investigating if Obama's staff revealed any classified information as they attempted to create what Rhodes himself called an "echo-chamber" of media and political influencers who would whip up support for the deal. The report admits that "it is not clear how much work was actually undertaken, for how long or what became of any material unearthed," and if this was just one strand of attacks on the agreement, which Trump has repeatedly called "the worst deal ever." The White House has not denied the veracity of the documents, issuing a "no comment" in response to the UK report. According to documents seen by the Observer, the targets included Ben Rhodes, a top national security adviser to then-US President Barack Obama, and Colin Kahl, a former deputy assistant to Obama, and VP Joe Biden's national security adviser. The brief was to investigate the two men's "personal relationships, any involvement with Iran-friendly lobbyists, and if they had benefited personally or politically from the peace deal." Additionally, the Israeli agency, also not named, would be charged with investigating if Obama's staff revealed any classified information as they attempted to create what Rhodes himself called an "echo-chamber" of media and political influencers who would whip up support for the deal. The report admits that "it is not clear how much work was actually undertaken, for how long or what became of any material unearthed," and if this was just one strand of attacks on the agreement, which Trump has repeatedly called "the worst deal ever." The White House has not denied the veracity of the documents, issuing a "no comment" in response to the UK report. full story https://www.rt.com/usa/425979-trump-iran-intel-israel/ US President Donald Trump's aides hired a private intelligence firm to uncover compromising info on key foreign policy advisers to Barack Obama in a bid to undermine the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, the Observer reports."The idea was that people acting for Trump would discredit those who were pivotal in selling the deal, making it easier to pull out of it," a source told the UK newspaper, which has published an exclusive report based on unnamed sources.According to documents seen by the Observer, the targets included Ben Rhodes, a top national security adviser to then-US President Barack Obama, and Colin Kahl, a former deputy assistant to Obama, and VP Joe Biden's national security adviser.The brief was to investigate the two men's "personal relationships, any involvement with Iran-friendly lobbyists, and if they had benefited personally or politically from the peace deal."Additionally, the Israeli agency, also not named, would be charged with investigating if Obama's staff revealed any classified information as they attempted to create what Rhodes himself called an "echo-chamber" of media and political influencers who would whip up support for the deal.The report admits that "it is not clear how much work was actually undertaken, for how long or what became of any material unearthed," and if this was just one strand of attacks on the agreement, which Trump has repeatedly called "the worst deal ever."The White House has not denied the veracity of the documents, issuing a "no comment" in response to the UK report.According to documents seen by the Observer, the targets included Ben Rhodes, a top national security adviser to then-US President Barack Obama, and Colin Kahl, a former deputy assistant to Obama, and VP Joe Biden's national security adviser.The brief was to investigate the two men's "personal relationships, any involvement with Iran-friendly lobbyists, and if they had benefited personally or politically from the peace deal."Additionally, the Israeli agency, also not named, would be charged with investigating if Obama's staff revealed any classified information as they attempted to create what Rhodes himself called an "echo-chamber" of media and political influencers who would whip up support for the deal.The report admits that "it is not clear how much work was actually undertaken, for how long or what became of any material unearthed," and if this was just one strand of attacks on the agreement, which Trump has repeatedly called "the worst deal ever."The White House has not denied the veracity of the documents, issuing a "no comment" in response to the UK report.full story LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 01:10 AM Post: #2 RE: Trump aides hired Israeli intel firm to find dirt on Obama's Iran deal team rep US presidents move using Israeli private security brings prospect of a new conflict in the Middle East ever closer https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018...CMP=twt_gu thanks trump thanks trump LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 01:25 AM Post: #3 RE: Trump aides hired Israeli intel firm to find dirt on Obama's Iran deal team rep suck sh*t trumplovers. so even the mossad couldn't find dirt on Obamasuck sh*t trumplovers. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 01:35 AM Post: #4 RE: Trump aides hired Israeli intel firm to find dirt on Obama's Iran deal team rep i'd rather be a trump lover than an obama butt f**ker LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 01:35 AM Post: #5 RE: Trump aides hired Israeli intel firm to find dirt on Obama's Iran deal team rep LoP Guest Wrote: (05-07-2018 01:25 AM) [ ] so even the mossad couldn't find dirt on Obama [/size] suck sh*t trumplovers. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 01:38 AM Post: #6 RE: Trump aides hired Israeli intel firm to find dirt on Obama's Iran deal team rep LoP Guest Wrote: (05-07-2018 01:35 AM) i'd rather be a trump lover than an obama butt f**ker Why? Obama wouldn't bow to Israel. He didn't let that little shithole walk all over the USA. Trump is though. Why do you hate the USA? Why? Obama wouldn't bow to Israel. He didn't let that little shithole walk all over the USA. Trump is though.Why do you hate the USA? LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 01:38 AM Post: #7 RE: Trump aides hired Israeli intel firm to find dirt on Obama's Iran deal team rep this thread needs a pin conspiracyparty Registered User User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 01:54 AM Posts: 1,025 Post: #8 RE: Trump aides hired Israeli intel firm to find dirt on Obama's Iran deal team rep Quote: Why? Obama wouldn't bow to Israel. He didn't let that little shithole walk all over the USA. Trump is though. Why do you hate the USA? Not a fan of Obama or Trump. But essentially all presidents fall under globzio pressure Obama did return money to Iran by end of his term which is the only thing i can give him good mark for Not a fan of Obama or Trump.But essentially all presidents fall under globzio pressureObama did return money to Iran by end of his term which is the only thing i can give him good mark for LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 02:34 AM Post: #9 RE: Trump aides hired Israeli intel firm to find dirt on Obama's Iran deal team rep Wonder if Mule Head will try to find grounds for impeachment for this too. Or is only Russian collusion taboo? LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 03:02 AM Post: #10 RE: Trump aides hired Israeli intel firm to find dirt on Obama's Iran deal team rep A case could easily be made that a people that have a victim mentality shouldn't possess a nuclear arsenal. It's a ticking time bomb is why. Also, Israel isn't afraid of Iran nuking them. They're afraid of Iran having a nuke and that fact forcing Israel to come to the negotiation table. They're afraid they won't be able to steal more land in their Greater Israel plan. They fear not being able to bully everyone in the middle east anymore. Naturally that lil autocratic shithole wants to be able to threaten to nuke all of its neighbors without recourse. Here's to hoping Israhell's geopolitical landscape gets sticky soon Sincerely, A US combat veteran of a Zionist banker war. Israel has never allowed anyone to inspect its nukes. Israel won't confirm nor deny their nukes' existence.A case could easily be made that a people that have a victim mentality shouldn't possess a nuclear arsenal. It's a ticking time bomb is why.Also, Israel isn't afraid of Iran nuking them. They're afraid of Iran having a nuke and that fact forcing Israel to come to the negotiation table. They're afraid they won't be able to steal more land in their Greater Israel plan. They fear not being able to bully everyone in the middle east anymore. Naturally that lil autocratic shithole wants to be able to threaten to nuke all of its neighbors without recourse.Here's to hoping Israhell's geopolitical landscape gets sticky soonSincerely, A US combat veteran of a Zionist banker war. conspiracyparty Registered User User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 05:20 AM Posts: 1,025 Post: #11 RE: Trump aides hired Israeli intel firm to find dirt on Obama's Iran deal team rep Quote: Israel has never allowed anyone to inspect its nukes. Israel won't confirm nor deny their nukes' existence. A case could easily be made that a people that have a victim mentality shouldn't possess a nuclear arsenal. It's a ticking time bomb is why. Also, Israel isn't afraid of Iran nuking them. They're afraid of Iran having a nuke and that fact forcing Israel to come to the negotiation table. They're afraid they won't be able to steal more land in their Greater Israel plan. They fear not being able to bully everyone in the middle east anymore. Naturally that lil autocratic shithole wants to be able to threaten to nuke all of its neighbors without recourse. Here's to hoping Israhell's geopolitical landscape gets sticky soon Sincerely, A US combat veteran of a Zionist banker war. interesting take on the issue and mostly agreed. i hope more military men and veterans are aware of this. interesting take on the issue and mostly agreed.i hope more military men and veterans are aware of this. 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 Medtronic Plc is a medical technology company, which engages in the development, manufacture, distribution, and sale of device-based medical therapies and services. It operates through the following segments: Cardiac and Vascular Group; Minimally Invasive Technologies Group; Restorative Therapies Group; and Diabetes Group. The Cardiac and Vascular Group segment consists of products for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cardiac rhythm disorders and cardiovascular disease. The Minimally Invasive Technologies Group segment focuses on respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, renal system, lungs, pelvic region, kidneys, and obesity diseases. The Restorative Therapies Group segment comprises of neurostimulation therapies and drug delivery systems for the treatment of chronic pain, as well as areas of the spine and brain, along with pelvic health and conditions of the ear, nose, and throat. The Diabetes Group segment offers insulin pumps, coninuous glucose monitoring systems, and insulin pump consumables. The company was founded in 1949 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. Read More Enercare Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides home and commercial services, and energy solutions in Canada and the United States. It operates through Enercare Home Services, Sub-metering, and Service Experts segments. The Enercare Home Services offers water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, and other HVAC rental products, protection plans, and related services. This segment also provides duct cleaning, plumbing and electrical work, and other non-contracted chargeable services. The Service Experts segment is also involved in the sale, installation, maintenance, repair, and rental of HVAC systems and water heater products. The Sub-metering segment provides equipment and services to allow sub-metering and remote measurement of electricity and water consumption in individual units in condominiums, apartment buildings, and commercial properties. Enercare Inc. was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Markham, Canada. Read More Username: Password: or Register Thread Rating: 7 Vote(s) - 3.29 Average 1 2 3 4 5 Page: 1 2 3 4 5 ... 8 IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 03:38 AM Post: #16 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL Advertisement Fork Wrote: (05-07-2018 03:18 AM) Iran is preparing a barrage of missiles to launch against Israeli military positions from Syrian territory, Hebrew media reported Sunday, citing defense officials. Iran plans to avenge alleged Israeli strikes on its bases in Syria, Ma'ariv defense analyst Alon Ben David said, by targeting military targets in northern Israel. As of now, Israel isn't "on the eve of war against Iran," he said, "but the Iranians do want revenge for their losses. Iran plans to use Shiite militias already deployed in Syria along with experts from Hezbollah, according to Channel 2 News military analyst Roni Daniel. The proxies would be overseen by general Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps abroad. https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Report...ael-553644 all hype, get some sleep Chief.. all hype, get some sleep Chief.. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 03:38 AM Post: #17 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL Looky Wrote: (05-07-2018 03:31 AM) is this a cover story for an Israeli false flag? Well it's a flag at least. Bibi's show and tell speech this last week wasn't without purpose. I think both side are holding a lit match to a fuse. Either Iran attacks or Israel does claiming a peremptory need I believe it's go time. Well it's a flag at least. Bibi's show and tell speech this last week wasn't without purpose. I think both side are holding a lit match to a fuse. Either Iran attacks or Israel does claiming a peremptory need I believe it's go time. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 03:39 AM Post: #18 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL US presidents move using Israeli private security brings prospect of a new conflict in the Middle East ever closer [/size] https://twitter.com/guardian/status/9930...e=dailykos thanks trump [ ][/size]thanks trump Looky lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 03:48 AM Post: #19 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL Quote: Heres University of Michigan professor and polemicist Juan Cole, for example: Iran has not launched an aggressive war in modern history (unlike the US or Israel), and its leaders have a doctrine of no first strike. This is true of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as well as of Revolutionary Guards commanders https://www.commentarymagazine.com/forei...arted-war/ There is no advantage whatsoever for Iran to even think this. At best this is an Israeli wet dream. There is no advantage whatsoever for Iran to even think this. At best this is an Israeli wet dream. Looky lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 03:51 AM Post: #20 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL LoP Guest Wrote: (05-07-2018 03:38 AM) Looky Wrote: (05-07-2018 03:31 AM) is this a cover story for an Israeli false flag? Well it's a flag at least. Bibi's show and tell speech this last week wasn't without purpose. I think both side are holding a lit match to a fuse. Either Iran attacks or Israel does claiming a peremptory need I believe it's go time. It does look bad, maybe we need an art of the deal move. It does look bad, maybe we need an art of the deal move. Laserz let there be light User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 03:56 AM Posts: 40,916 Post: #21 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL https://www.adsbexchange.com/airborne-mi...-aircraft/ I read on twitter that 2 e6b aircraft were also in the air... but I don't see them listed. Those are the doomsday planes. so.... the RQ-4 Global Hawk is up in the air now... it's a worldwide surveillance aircraft.I read on twitter that 2 e6b aircraft were also in the air... but I don't see them listed.Those are the doomsday planes. Laserz let there be light User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 04:00 AM Posts: 40,916 Post: #22 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL LoP Guest Wrote: (05-07-2018 03:24 AM) The first Lebanese election in 9 years was today. Hezbollah and other Shia groups are being reported as being the majority winners. This matters because there was reports that Iran was holding off with any attack so as not to adversely weaken Hezbollah politically until after this election. Stay tuned. Reports that Hezbollah has gained full control of the Lebanese parliament during the general elections, unconfirmed right now. Reports that Hezbollah has gained full control of the Lebanese parliament during the general elections, unconfirmed right now. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 04:00 AM Post: #23 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL I don't believe Israel, they have a long history of lying....9/11. Laserz let there be light User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 04:02 AM Posts: 40,916 Post: #24 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL https://en.radiofarda.com/a/Israeli-pm-s...11358.html Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday accused Iran of supplying advanced weapons to Syria that pose a danger to Israel, saying it's better to confront Tehran sooner rather than later. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday accused Iran of supplying advanced weapons to Syria that pose a danger to Israel, saying it's better to confront Tehran sooner rather than later. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 04:03 AM Post: #25 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL Looky Wrote: (05-07-2018 03:48 AM) Quote: Heres University of Michigan professor and polemicist Juan Cole, for example: Iran has not launched an aggressive war in modern history (unlike the US or Israel), and its leaders have a doctrine of no first strike. This is true of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as well as of Revolutionary Guards commanders https://www.commentarymagazine.com/forei...arted-war/ There is no advantage whatsoever for Iran to even think this. At best this is an Israeli wet dream. They are desperate. I think there is a deadline of sorts and if they don't pull it off in time they are done for. They are desperate. I think there is a deadline of sorts and if they don't pull it off in time they are done for. Looky lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 04:04 AM Post: #26 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL Fork Wrote: (05-07-2018 03:56 AM) so.... the RQ-4 Global Hawk is up in the air now... it's a worldwide surveillance aircraft. https://www.adsbexchange.com/airborne-mi...-aircraft/ I read on twitter that 2 e6b aircraft were also in the air... but I don't see them listed. Those are the doomsday planes. And those must belong to Iran. And those must belong to Iran. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 04:05 AM Post: #27 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL LoP Guest Wrote: (05-07-2018 04:03 AM) Looky Wrote: (05-07-2018 03:48 AM) https://www.commentarymagazine.com/forei...arted-war/ There is no advantage whatsoever for Iran to even think this. At best this is an Israeli wet dream. They are desperate. I think there is a deadline of sorts and if they don't pull it off in time the Israeli dream is over. Hope so. Looky lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 04:05 AM Post: #28 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL LoP Guest Wrote: (05-07-2018 04:03 AM) Looky Wrote: (05-07-2018 03:48 AM) https://www.commentarymagazine.com/forei...arted-war/ There is no advantage whatsoever for Iran to even think this. At best this is an Israeli wet dream. They are desperate. I think there is a deadline of sorts and if they don't pull it off in time they are done for. Probably going to lose funding. Probably going to lose funding. Laserz let there be light User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 04:09 AM Posts: 40,916 Post: #29 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL https://theaviationist.com/2014/02/25/e-...-new-dome/ this is a RQ-4B Global Hawk http://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/D...obal-hawk/ this is a doomsday planethis is a RQ-4B Global Hawk Laserz let there be light User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 04:10 AM Posts: 40,916 Post: #30 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL Last week, Netanyahu said a "half ton" of Iranian nuclear documents seized by Israeli intelligence revealed that Iran had lied about its past efforts to produce nuclear weapons. He did not provide any evidence that Iran has violated the 2015 nuclear deal, but said the documents prove Tehran cannot be trusted. Israel is widely believed to be the only nuclear-armed state in the Middle East, but has never publicly disclosed its arsenal. European countries, which have been pressing Trump to stick with the deal, said Netanyahu's presentation only reinforced the importance of the agreement, which provides for inspections. https://en.radiofarda.com/a/Israeli-pm-s...11358.html Netanyahu's remarks came as President Donald Trump weighs whether to withdraw the United States from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. Netanyahu was an outspoken opponent of the deal, which required Iran to limit its nuclear enrichment in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions. Netanyahu says the deal will not prevent Iran, Israel's most bitter enemy, from reaching nuclear weapons capability.Last week, Netanyahu said a "half ton" of Iranian nuclear documents seized by Israeli intelligence revealed that Iran had lied about its past efforts to produce nuclear weapons. He did not provide any evidence that Iran has violated the 2015 nuclear deal, but said the documents prove Tehran cannot be trusted.Israel is widely believed to be the only nuclear-armed state in the Middle East, but has never publicly disclosed its arsenal.European countries, which have been pressing Trump to stick with the deal, said Netanyahu's presentation only reinforced the importance of the agreement, which provides for inspections. Advertisement Username: Password: or Register Thread Rating: 7 Vote(s) - 3.29 Average 1 2 3 4 5 Page: 1 2 3 4 5 ... 8 IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL Laserz let there be light User ID: kaput 05-07-2018 03:18 AM Posts: 40,916 Post: #1 IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL Advertisement Iran plans to avenge alleged Israeli strikes on its bases in Syria, Ma'ariv defense analyst Alon Ben David said, by targeting military targets in northern Israel. As of now, Israel isn't "on the eve of war against Iran," he said, "but the Iranians do want revenge for their losses. Iran plans to use Shiite militias already deployed in Syria along with experts from Hezbollah, according to Channel 2 News military analyst Roni Daniel. The proxies would be overseen by general Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps abroad. https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Report...ael-553644 Iran is preparing a barrage of missiles to launch against Israeli military positions from Syrian territory, Hebrew media reported Sunday, citing defense officials.Iran plans to avenge alleged Israeli strikes on its bases in Syria, Ma'ariv defense analyst Alon Ben David said, by targeting military targets in northern Israel.As of now, Israel isn't "on the eve of war against Iran," he said, "but the Iranians do want revenge for their losses.Iran plans to use Shiite militias already deployed in Syria along with experts from Hezbollah, according to Channel 2 News military analyst Roni Daniel. The proxies would be overseen by general Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps abroad. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 03:20 AM Post: #2 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL Iran wouldn't dare LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 03:21 AM Post: #3 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL Israel will deploy more suicide Hajjis at them in retaliation. GO GO ISIL/ISIS! FOR GREATER ISRAEL! HAJJI KILL! HAJJI! HAJJI! HAJJI! HAJ! LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 03:21 AM Post: #4 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL LoP Guest Wrote: (05-07-2018 03:20 AM) Iran wouldn't dare Probably bait. They have more to gain from Israel over-reacting. Probably bait. They have more to gain from Israel over-reacting. Laserz let there be light User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 03:23 AM Posts: 40,916 Post: #5 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL https://www.timesofisrael.com/defense-of...le-strike/ TV reports say Tehran looking to retaliate for Israeli raids in Syria without causing all-out war, likely with rockets at IDF bases rather than civilian targets LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 03:24 AM Post: #6 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL The first Lebanese election in 9 years was today. Hezbollah and other Shia groups are being reported as being the majority winners. This matters because there was reports that Iran was holding off with any attack so as not to adversely weaken Hezbollah politically until after this election. Stay tuned. Laserz let there be light User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 03:25 AM Posts: 40,916 Post: #7 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL Israel Radio said the Iranian planning for an attack was at an advanced stage. The understanding in the defense services is that Iran is looking to conduct its retaliation in such a way as to avoid full-fledged war with Israel, and will therefore likely not target civilian locations, according to the reports, which did not attribute the information to any specific source. No special instructions were given to residents of northern Israel. Indeed, the heads of local councils in the north have reportedly been told to tell citizens not to take any specific precautions and to go about their daily lives as usual. https://www.timesofisrael.com/defense-of...le-strike/ On Sunday, all of Israels nightly news broadcasts reported that the Israeli military and intelligence services had identified preliminary efforts by Iran in Syria to carry out its reprisal, using its IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps), the Hezbollah terrorist group and local Shiite militias to launch a barrage of precision-guided missiles, likely at Israeli military targets in the north.Israel Radio said the Iranian planning for an attack was at an advanced stage.The understanding in the defense services is that Iran is looking to conduct its retaliation in such a way as to avoid full-fledged war with Israel, and will therefore likely not target civilian locations, according to the reports, which did not attribute the information to any specific source.No special instructions were given to residents of northern Israel. Indeed, the heads of local councils in the north have reportedly been told to tell citizens not to take any specific precautions and to go about their daily lives as usual. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 03:26 AM Post: #8 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL LoP Guest Wrote: (05-07-2018 03:20 AM) Iran wouldn't dare I hope they do. Murder we hope LIVE BY THE SWORD, DIE BY THE SWORD. Israel attacked them first. They told our MSM to lie to us and they told our president to lie to us too and he did. They made up a chemical attack by Assad and then Trump told Assad "we're gonna bomb ya in 60 hours, at this precise location!" and all of that was cover for ItsNotReal to bomb Iran assets in Syria. The USA is declaring war on Islam on the 15th of May. You better stay in non-muslim areas after may 15th if you're white and/or American. I hope they do.Murder we hopeLIVE BY THE SWORD, DIE BY THE SWORD.Israel attacked them first. They told our MSM to lie to us and they told our president to lie to us too and he did. They made up a chemical attack by Assad and then Trump told Assad "we're gonna bomb ya in 60 hours, at this precise location!" and all of that was cover for ItsNotReal to bomb Iran assets in Syria.The USA is declaring war on Islam on the 15th of May. You better stay in non-muslim areas after may 15th if you're white and/or American. Laserz let there be light User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 03:27 AM Posts: 40,916 Post: #9 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL LoP Guest Wrote: (05-07-2018 03:24 AM) The first Lebanese election in 9 years was today. Hezbollah and other Shia groups are being reported as being the majority winners. This matters because there was reports that Iran was holding off with any attack so as not to adversely weaken Hezbollah politically until after this election. Stay tuned. thanks for the tip thanks for the tip LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 03:28 AM Post: #10 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL Fork Wrote: (05-07-2018 03:18 AM) Iran is preparing a barrage of missiles to launch against Israeli military positions from Syrian territory, Hebrew media reported Sunday, citing defense officials. Iran plans to avenge alleged Israeli strikes on its bases in Syria, Ma'ariv defense analyst Alon Ben David said, by targeting military targets in northern Israel. As of now, Israel isn't "on the eve of war against Iran," he said, "but the Iranians do want revenge for their losses. Iran plans to use Shiite militias already deployed in Syria along with experts from Hezbollah, according to Channel 2 News military analyst Roni Daniel. The proxies would be overseen by general Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps abroad. https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Report...ael-553644 why are you posting this HORSESHIT? why are you posting this HORSESHIT? DrVIP Registered User User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 03:29 AM Posts: 3,902 Post: #11 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL LoP Guest Wrote: (05-07-2018 03:28 AM) Fork Wrote: (05-07-2018 03:18 AM) Iran is preparing a barrage of missiles to launch against Israeli military positions from Syrian territory, Hebrew media reported Sunday, citing defense officials. Iran plans to avenge alleged Israeli strikes on its bases in Syria, Ma'ariv defense analyst Alon Ben David said, by targeting military targets in northern Israel. As of now, Israel isn't "on the eve of war against Iran," he said, "but the Iranians do want revenge for their losses. Iran plans to use Shiite militias already deployed in Syria along with experts from Hezbollah, according to Channel 2 News military analyst Roni Daniel. The proxies would be overseen by general Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps abroad. https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Report...ael-553644 why are you posting this HORSESHIT? he didnt know this is a russian propaganda only website. I apologize in his name he didnt know this is a russian propaganda only website.I apologize in his name Dreamily Resonant VIP LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 03:30 AM Post: #12 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL LoP Guest Wrote: (05-07-2018 03:28 AM) Fork Wrote: (05-07-2018 03:18 AM) Iran is preparing a barrage of missiles to launch against Israeli military positions from Syrian territory, Hebrew media reported Sunday, citing defense officials. Iran plans to avenge alleged Israeli strikes on its bases in Syria, Ma'ariv defense analyst Alon Ben David said, by targeting military targets in northern Israel. As of now, Israel isn't "on the eve of war against Iran," he said, "but the Iranians do want revenge for their losses. Iran plans to use Shiite militias already deployed in Syria along with experts from Hezbollah, according to Channel 2 News military analyst Roni Daniel. The proxies would be overseen by general Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps abroad. https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Report...ael-553644 why are you posting this HORSESHIT? Hey FORK you wanna know the best way to deal with your trolls? Ignore them. And report their posts. Don't reply to them and report their posts. I don't think ^^ the above post absolutely qualifies for reporting but it does qualify as one to ignore entirely. Never underestimate the power of ignoring idiots. They're trying to get a rise out of you and you feed them when you reply. <---- literal Hey FORK you wanna know the best way to deal with your trolls? Ignore them. And report their posts. Don't reply to them and report their posts. I don't think ^^ the above post absolutely qualifies for reporting but it does qualify as one to ignore entirely.Never underestimate the power of ignoring idiots. They're trying to get a rise out of you and you feed them when you reply. Looky lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 03:31 AM Post: #13 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL is this a cover story for an Israeli false flag? Laserz let there be light User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 03:36 AM Posts: 40,916 Post: #14 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL https://twitter.com/HeshmatAlavi/status/...8876297216 #Iran activists in Karaj, west of Tehran, are reporting strange & unprecedented helicopter activity in this area. #Iran activists in Karaj, west of Tehran, are reporting strange & unprecedented helicopter activity in this area. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 03:38 AM Post: #15 RE: IRAN PLANNING TO LAUNCH A BARRAGE OF MISSILES AGAINST ISRAEL LoP Guest Wrote: (05-07-2018 03:30 AM) LoP Guest Wrote: (05-07-2018 03:28 AM) why are you posting this HORSESHIT? Hey FORK you wanna know the best way to deal with your trolls? Ignore them. And report their posts. Don't reply to them and report their posts. I don't think ^^ the above post absolutely qualifies for reporting but it does qualify as one to ignore entirely. Never underestimate the power of ignoring idiots. They're trying to get a rise out of you and you feed them when you reply. <---- literal Get f**ked. now I've GIVEN you something to whine about. Get f**ked.now I've GIVEN you something to whine about. Advertisement 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 contact[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. 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Read More Username: Password: or Register Thread Rating: 3 Vote(s) - 3.67 Average 1 2 3 4 5 The relationship between USSR and Israel conspiracyparty Registered User User ID: kaput 05-07-2018 04:21 AM Posts: 1,025 Post: #1 The relationship between USSR and Israel Advertisement This essay is largely taken from Stalin and the Jewish Question, A New Analysis by Zhores Medvedev. Dr. Medvedev is a geneticist, historian and former Soviet dissident. He was imprisoned in the Soviet psychiatric prison system after revealing the Chelyabinsk nuclear accident and for his work criticizing reigning Soviet genetic theory known as Lysenkoism. The essay was translated from Russian and edited by Don Barnett. Stalin and Israel Though Truman extended de facto recognition of Israel 11 minutes after its formal birth on May 16, 1948, the U.S. did not establish full diplomatic relations with Israel until 1949. Stalin extended de jure recognition of Israel 2 days after its birth, thus the USSR was the first country to form diplomatic relations with Israel. For a while, Andrei Gromyko, the Soviet Unions first ambassador to the U.N., was the most popular person in Israel. Stalins actions had been the focus of intense interest from Arab countries, Zionist groups, Great Britain and the U.S. leading up to the creation of the new state and Stalin was the only leading figure from WW II to have maintained his position and even greatly increased his influence after the war. Roosevelt was dead, Churchill was out of power and Truman was not popular. Except for Lebanon, all countries in the region were monarchies created by Britain after WW I. The British were supplying arms to the Arab monarchies which surrounded Israel when the British mandate ended on May 14, 1948. When the armies of Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan invaded Israel on May 17, 1948, the entire Mideast was under a U.S.imposed arms embargo, which remained in force throughout the conflict. Meanwhile, the Soviets were secretly supplying the Israelis with captured German armaments including mortars, machine guns, artillery and Messerschmitt fighter planes. Together with arms supplied via Soviet satellites Czechoslovakia and Rumania, a great number of fighters arrived Jews with experience fighting the Germans. Soviet military and intelligence officers also secretly arrived. According to Lt. General Pavel Sudoplatov, director of the 4th Division of the NKVD in charge of all special operations throughout occupied European territories, the use of Soviet agents in military and diversionary actions against the British in Israel began in 1946. ... Though Truman extended de facto recognition of Israel 11 minutes after its formal birth on May 16, 1948, the U.S. did not establish full diplomatic relations with Israel until 1949.Stalin extended de jure recognition of Israel 2 days after its birth, thus the USSR was the first country to form diplomatic relations with Israel. For a while, Andrei Gromyko, the Soviet Unions first ambassador to the U.N., was the most popular person in Israel.Stalins actions had been the focus of intense interest from Arab countries, Zionist groups, Great Britain and the U.S. leading up to the creation of the new state and Stalin was the only leading figure from WW II to have maintained his position and even greatly increased his influence after the war. Roosevelt was dead, Churchill was out of power and Truman was not popular.Except for Lebanon, all countries in the region were monarchies created by Britain after WW I. The British were supplying arms to the Arab monarchies which surrounded Israel when the British mandate ended on May 14, 1948.When the armies of Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan invaded Israel on May 17, 1948, the entire Mideast was under a U.S.imposed arms embargo, which remained in force throughout the conflict. Meanwhile, the Soviets were secretly supplying the Israelis with captured German armaments including mortars, machine guns, artillery and Messerschmitt fighter planes.Together with arms supplied via Soviet satellites Czechoslovakia and Rumania, a great number of fighters arrived Jews with experience fighting the Germans. Soviet military and intelligence officers also secretly arrived. According to Lt. General Pavel Sudoplatov, director of the 4th Division of the NKVD in charge of all special operations throughout occupied European territories, the use of Soviet agents in military and diversionary actions against the British in Israel began in 1946.... conspiracyparty Registered User User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 04:22 AM Posts: 1,025 Post: #2 RE: The relationship between USSR and Israel Shortly after WW II many in the USSR and Israel considered the Soviet position on Israel to be a moral initiative. Of course it wasnt that at all. Even Golda Meir in 1947 and 1948 was convinced that Stalin was helping the Jews out of some sort of high moral calling. Israels first ambassador to Moscow and later Prime Minister writes in her memoirs: No matter how radically Soviet relations with us changed in the last 25 years, I cannot forget the picture at that time. Who knows if we could have survived the early dark days of the war without the military equipment we bought in Czechoslovakia and transported through Yugoslavia and other Balkan countries. In the first 6 weeks of the war we relied on mortar shells, machine guns and bullets which Haganah managed to buy in Eastern Europe in the face of the U.S. arms embargo on the Middle East, though, of course we did not rely on this alone. We cannot erase the past just because it does not look like the present. A fact remains a fact. No matter how sharply the Soviet Union turned against us subsequently, Soviet recognition of Israel on May 18 had enormous significance. It meant the 2 leading world powers after the war had agreed to support a Jewish nation. The recognition of Israel by the USSR, followed by that of America, has different sources. Today, I have no doubt that, for the Soviets, recognition was part of a strategy to drive Britain from the Middle East. But in 1947, during the debates in the UN, it seemed to me the Soviet spam supported us because Russians themselves had paid such a high price during the war and, empathizing with Jews who suffered so much under the Nazis, understood that they deserved their own government. In fact, in Stalins mind, the creation of Israel answered current and future foreign policy needs and interests of the USSR. By supporting Israel, Stalin drove a wedge between the USA and Britain and between the Arab world and the West. According to Sudoplatov, Stalin foresaw that Arab countries would eventually turn to the USSR, disappointed in the West for its support of Israel. In Sudoplatovs memoirs, Molotovs assistant M. Vetrov relays Stalins words: Lets agree to the establishment of Israel. It will be a pain in the ass for the Arab countries and will force them to turn their backs on Britain. In the end British influence will be ruined in Egypt, Syria, Turkey and Iraq. Stalins foreign policy prognosis was basically correct. conspiracyparty Registered User User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 04:22 AM Posts: 1,025 Post: #3 RE: The relationship between USSR and Israel Stalin and the Zionists at home While Stalin supported the creation of Israel as part of his geopolitical strategy, a seemingly contradictory chain of events had begun at home indirectly related to the birth of the new state. He had supported the creation of Israel, but not as a destination for Jews from the Soviet Union. Stalins Jewish Policy for Soviet Jews took the path of assimilation, which, in the context of Soviet society, was somewhat successful during the early years of the Bolshevik dictatorship granted, not a very comfortable context for any nationality or ethnic group, be it a minority or majority. Very broadly speaking and at some risk of oversimplification, the Soviet Jewish population could be divided into 2 groups nationalists and assimilationists. Many Jews were early supporters of the revolution. The social standing and civil rights of Russian Jews improved radically after the October revolution as Jews were allowed to leave their backwards shtetls and as a result of Jewish intellectual support of socialist ideals. The mass attraction of young urban Jews to Soviet communist culture and programs was matched, however, with resistance from religious Jewry and older Jews from the former Pale. From the end of the 20s to the beginning of the 30s the Jews abandoned their traditional way of life on a mass scale. Sacrifice of religion and tradition seemed an easy trade for status and opportunity in Soviet society. M. Agursky writes in his History of the Jews in Russia: In the past 20 years Russian Jewry has gone further and further away from its historical past killing the Jewish spirit and Jewish tradition. And a few years later on the very eve of WWII with the ascension in Russia of the Bolshevik dictatorship, the fight between fathers and children in the Jewish street has taken a particularly bitter form. Alas, there was to be no separate nationalist existence for the new Soviet man. conspiracyparty Registered User User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 04:23 AM Posts: 1,025 Post: #4 RE: The relationship between USSR and Israel Stalin was becoming increasingly suspicious of Jews in his entourage and among his in-laws and former in-laws. According to Svetlana Stalins memoirs, he told her the Zionists gave you your first husband, requiring her to divorce her Jewish husband and marry the son of Andrei Zhdanov in 1949. He told Molotov, Soviet President Kalinin and Minister of Defense Voroshilov to divorce their Jewish wives. Molotovs wife and Kalinins wife would eventually be arrested, to be released only after his Stalins death in 1953. In Stalins last days he began to move against Molotov earlier, his closest associate and presumed heir. In his last official speech Stalin used a favored tactic, bringing up the plan for settling Jews in the Crimea. There are no official minutes from Stalins speech in October, 1952 to Central Committee members during the 19th Party Congress. In his memoirs, Leonid Yefremov notes Stalins words: Molotov is dedicated to our cause ask him, and I have no doubt he would give his life for the party. But one must not overlook his unworthy actions what was the cost of his suggestion to give the Crimea to the Jews? That was a crude political blunder what was behind comrade Molotovs suggestion? We already have a Jewish autonomous republic. Isnt that enough? Let this republic grow and develop. Comrade Molotov should not be promoting unlawful Jewish designs on our Soviet Crimea. Stalins anti-Semitic fantasies, manifesting for the most part in the post war era, were multiplying. He may have miscalculated the strength of the pull of Israel on Soviet Jews. At any rate, during and after the war when Soviet Jewish nationalism began to rise first in response to Hitlers genocide against the Jews in all territories occupied by the Wehrmacht and then under the influence of the birth of Israel, Stalins Jewish policy took a fateful turn. By the time he died in March, 1953, the man who was among the most important individuals to the founding of Israel had become 2nd only to Adolf Hitler as an enemy of the Jewish people. According to those who scripted the Doctors plot, Mikhoels was acting on behalf of American intelligence and Zionist organizations. Allegedly, this connection went back to his 8-month trip to the U.S. in 1943 where, as head of the Jewish Anti-fascist Committee, he toured many cities seeking support for the Soviet war effort. According to Sudoplatov, a top intelligence agent traveled with Mikhoels to gauge the reaction of influential Zionist groups to the founding of a Jewish republic in the Crimea. The effort of our intelligence office in the U.S. to establish a relationship with the American Zionist movement in 1943-1944 was a success. Of course, Mikhoels committee was a tool of the intelligence agencies when needed. That was the case with every single organization, civic or otherwise in the USSR, especially those rare organizations with ties to the outside world.Stalin was becoming increasingly suspicious of Jews in his entourage and among his in-laws and former in-laws. According to Svetlana Stalins memoirs, he told her the Zionists gave you your first husband, requiring her to divorce her Jewish husband and marry the son of Andrei Zhdanov in 1949. He told Molotov, Soviet President Kalinin and Minister of Defense Voroshilov to divorce their Jewish wives. Molotovs wife and Kalinins wife would eventually be arrested, to be released only after his Stalins death in 1953.In Stalins last days he began to move against Molotov earlier, his closest associate and presumed heir. In his last official speech Stalin used a favored tactic, bringing up the plan for settling Jews in the Crimea.There are no official minutes from Stalins speech in October, 1952 to Central Committee members during the 19th Party Congress. In his memoirs, Leonid Yefremov notes Stalins words: Molotov is dedicated to our cause ask him, and I have no doubt he would give his life for the party. But one must not overlook his unworthy actions what was the cost of his suggestion to give the Crimea to the Jews? That was a crude political blunder what was behind comrade Molotovs suggestion? We already have a Jewish autonomous republic. Isnt that enough? Let this republic grow and develop. Comrade Molotov should not be promoting unlawful Jewish designs on our Soviet Crimea.Stalins anti-Semitic fantasies, manifesting for the most part in the post war era, were multiplying.He may have miscalculated the strength of the pull of Israel on Soviet Jews.At any rate, during and after the war when Soviet Jewish nationalism began to rise first in response to Hitlers genocide against the Jews in all territories occupied by the Wehrmacht and then under the influence of the birth of Israel, Stalins Jewish policy took a fateful turn.By the time he died in March, 1953, the man who was among the most important individuals to the founding of Israel had become 2nd only to Adolf Hitler as an enemy of the Jewish people. http://www.unz.com/article/thoughts-on-i...niversary/ (This post was last modified: 05-07-2018 05:06 AM by conspiracyparty .) AnatoliyGolitsyn Registered User User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 05:08 AM Posts: 3,299 Post: #5 RE: The relationship between USSR and Israel The takeaway is that Stalin was no legitimate opponent to International Jewry. He was aiding the exodus to the "promised land" as was Hitler simultaneously. Natura Naturans Registered User User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 06:41 AM Posts: 13,155 Post: #6 RE: The relationship between USSR and Israel "MANY WHITE RUSSIANS WHO FLED THE BOLSHEVIKI SAY STALIN WAS A JEW. ONE, A CAPTAIN IN THE CZAR S ARMIES, STATED THAT HE KNEW STALIN IN THEIR BOYHOOD AND THAT STALIN S FATHER (DZHUGASHVILI) WAS A JEWISH COBBLER. http://israelect.com/reference/WillieMar...TheJew.htm All Stalin's wives were Jewish and many of the top officials were also. That doesn't mean he wasn't purging Jews and sending them to Siberia and a special zone for Jews. He let few Jews emigrate to Israel even though he supported Israel: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stalin_and_antisemitism Thank you CP, that was an excellent article. Stalin is thought to be of Jewish extraction:"MANY WHITE RUSSIANS WHO FLED THE BOLSHEVIKI SAY STALIN WAS A JEW. ONE, A CAPTAIN IN THE CZAR S ARMIES, STATED THAT HE KNEW STALIN IN THEIR BOYHOOD AND THAT STALIN S FATHER (DZHUGASHVILI) WAS A JEWISH COBBLER. All Stalin's wives were Jewish and many of the top officials were also. That doesn't mean he wasn't purging Jews and sending them to Siberia and a special zone for Jews. He let few Jews emigrate to Israel even though he supported Israel: The highest activity a human being can attain is learning for understanding, because to understand is to be free. --Baruch Spinoza conspiracyparty Registered User User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 10:37 AM Posts: 1,025 Post: #7 RE: The relationship between USSR and Israel Quote: The takeaway is that Stalin was no legitimate opponent to International Jewry. He was aiding the exodus to the "promised land" as was Hitler simultaneously. probably true. probably true. conspiracyparty Registered User User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 10:46 AM Posts: 1,025 Post: #8 RE: The relationship between USSR and Israel Quote: Thank you CP, that was an excellent article. Stalin is thought to be of Jewish extraction: "MANY WHITE RUSSIANS WHO FLED THE BOLSHEVIKI SAY STALIN WAS A JEW. ONE, A CAPTAIN IN THE CZAR S ARMIES, STATED THAT HE KNEW STALIN IN THEIR BOYHOOD AND THAT STALIN S FATHER (DZHUGASHVILI) WAS A JEWISH COBBLER. http://israelect.com/reference/WillieMar...TheJew.htm All Stalin's wives were Jewish and many of the top officials were also. That doesn't mean he wasn't purging Jews and sending them to Siberia and a special zone for Jews. He let few Jews emigrate to Israel even though he supported Israel: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stalin_and_antisemitism Np. Havent seen enough good evidence that stalin was jewish. did read your link though. afaik dzhugashvili does not mean son of jew in Georgian. however, he was surrounded by jews, and at least one wife was jewish. by 1939 the amount of jews was greatly reduced, but even so they were around. and the doctors plot may have been real. despite being the leader to help win ww2, stalin was still responsible for large mass murder. Np.Havent seen enough good evidence that stalin was jewish.did read your link though. afaik dzhugashvili does not mean son of jew in Georgian.however, he was surrounded by jews, and at least one wife was jewish.by 1939 the amount of jews was greatly reduced, but even so they were around.and the doctors plot may have been real.despite being the leader to help win ww2, stalin was still responsible for large mass murder. (This post was last modified: 05-07-2018 10:48 AM by conspiracyparty .) conspiracyparty Registered User User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 11:21 PM Posts: 1,025 Post: #9 RE: The relationship between USSR and Israel bump AnatoliyGolitsyn Registered User User ID: 1337 05-08-2018 12:20 AM Posts: 3,299 Post: #10 RE: The relationship between USSR and Israel conspiracyparty Wrote: (05-07-2018 10:46 AM) Quote: Thank you CP, that was an excellent article. Stalin is thought to be of Jewish extraction: "MANY WHITE RUSSIANS WHO FLED THE BOLSHEVIKI SAY STALIN WAS A JEW. ONE, A CAPTAIN IN THE CZAR S ARMIES, STATED THAT HE KNEW STALIN IN THEIR BOYHOOD AND THAT STALIN S FATHER (DZHUGASHVILI) WAS A JEWISH COBBLER. http://israelect.com/reference/WillieMar...TheJew.htm All Stalin's wives were Jewish and many of the top officials were also. That doesn't mean he wasn't purging Jews and sending them to Siberia and a special zone for Jews. He let few Jews emigrate to Israel even though he supported Israel: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stalin_and_antisemitism Np. Havent seen enough good evidence that stalin was jewish. did read your link though. afaik dzhugashvili does not mean son of jew in Georgian. however, he was surrounded by jews, and at least one wife was jewish. by 1939 the amount of jews was greatly reduced, but even so they were around. and the doctors plot may have been real. despite being the leader to help win ww2, stalin was still responsible for large mass murder. Stalin was a proselyte to Jewrythrough the Marxist school. Stalin was a proselyte to Jewrythrough the Marxist school. conspiracyparty Registered User User ID: 1337 05-08-2018 08:52 PM Posts: 1,025 Post: #11 RE: The relationship between USSR and Israel last bump. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-08-2018 08:56 PM Post: #12 RE: The relationship between USSR and Israel The Jewish Bolsheviks nuff said. Builder of the Adytum Enemy of the State User ID: 1337 05-08-2018 09:34 PM Posts: 6,633 Post: #13 RE: The relationship between USSR and Israel I thought this was a callout thread for our resident Russian shill bot. My bad! 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Coming soon to a neighborhood near you, if Jewish groups have their way.The guillotines are already in place. TELL-A-VISION PROGRAMMING lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 11:05 PM Post: #17 RE: 89 yr old grandma sentenced to JAIL for questioning HOLOCAUST LoP Guest Wrote: (05-07-2018 10:57 PM) Just remember if she had been a muslim man that raped a 9yr old girl she would have went free. Let that sink in. just shows you what animals these leftist scum truly are. just shows you what animals these leftist scum truly are. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 11:07 PM Post: #18 RE: 89 yr old grandma sentenced to JAIL for questioning HOLOCAUST THE WISE ONE Wrote: (05-07-2018 11:05 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (05-07-2018 10:57 PM) Just remember if she had been a muslim man that raped a 9yr old girl she would have went free. Let that sink in. just shows you what animals these leftist scum truly are. They target the most vulnerable members of society, the children and the elderly first. They target the most vulnerable members of society, the children and the elderly first. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 11:07 PM Post: #19 RE: 89 yr old grandma sentenced to JAIL for questioning HOLOCAUST I think it's awesome. Age is no excuse for stupudity. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 11:23 PM Post: #20 RE: 89 yr old grandma sentenced to JAIL for questioning HOLOCAUST LoP Guest Wrote: (05-07-2018 11:07 PM) I think it's awesome. Age is no excuse for stupudity. They don't teach spelling anymore over at the Komintern 'Young Eagles'..? They don't teach spelling anymore over at theKomintern 'Young Eagles'..? TELL-A-VISION PROGRAMMING lop guest User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 11:51 PM Post: #21 RE: 89 yr old grandma sentenced to JAIL for questioning HOLOCAUST LoP Guest Wrote: (05-07-2018 11:07 PM) I think it's awesome. Age is no excuse for stupudity. Says the dumbass that can't spell Says the dumbass that can't spell AnatoliyGolitsyn Registered User User ID: 1337 05-07-2018 11:53 PM Posts: 3,299 Post: #22 RE: 89 yr old grandma sentenced to JAIL for questioning HOLOCAUST They will never be able to silence dissenters. TicklePickle Registered User User ID: 1337 05-08-2018 12:14 AM Posts: 1,352 Post: #23 RE: 89 yr old grandma sentenced to JAIL for questioning HOLOCAUST Spiddy Wrote: (05-07-2018 09:39 PM) Your potus and his cocksucking fanboys have massive f*ckin' problems with 'fugees. I have no problem with refugees who come from a good stock, like Boers for instance. Refugees who will actually contribute and help improve society. But they're few & far between. Spiddy Wrote: (05-07-2018 09:39 PM) So don't expect to see grandma in the welfare line anytime soon. Besides, you've already invented the ballistic missile and the atomic bomb so you don't really need to import any more Nazis. Just because the old lady questions certain aspects of the Holocaust, that doesn't make her a "nazi". And quite honestly, I have yet to see any actual evidence that jews were turned into lampshades or bars of soap. Sensational claims without any proof are just sensational claims. I have no problem with refugees who come from a good stock, like Boers for instance. Refugees who will actually contribute and help improve society. But they're few & far between.Just because the old lady questions certain aspects of the Holocaust, that doesn't make her a "nazi".And quite honestly, I have yet to see any actual evidence that jews were turned into lampshades or bars of soap. Sensational claims without any proof are just sensational claims. fnord lop guest User ID: 1337 05-08-2018 12:20 AM Post: #24 RE: 89 yr old grandma sentenced to JAIL for questioning HOLOCAUST Everybody is supposed to get so serious about the jews killed in Europe in WWII; but nobody seems to care about the Palestinians killed in Israel since then. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-08-2018 12:21 AM Post: #25 RE: 89 yr old grandma sentenced to JAIL for questioning HOLOCAUST singing wilbury spider Wrote: (05-07-2018 09:13 PM) what don't you understand in "she broke the law, repeatedly, knowingly"? go fix your own country the law is an ass the law is an ass Larrry de Seattle Up for coffee? User ID: 1337 05-08-2018 12:22 AM Posts: 1,038 Post: #26 RE: 89 yr old grandma sentenced to JAIL for questioning HOLOCAUST Europe, over all, has really turned into a big pile of sh*t. LOL Stay over there, please. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 05-08-2018 12:23 AM Post: #27 RE: 89 yr old grandma sentenced to JAIL for questioning HOLOCAUST singing wilbury spider Wrote: (05-07-2018 09:13 PM) what don't you understand in "she broke the law, repeatedly, knowingly"? go fix your own country f*#k Jew Authority! f*#k Jew Authority! piequal3because14 Angel of Love from Heaven User ID: 1337 05-08-2018 12:30 AM Posts: 27,906 Post: #28 RE: 89 yr old grandma sentenced to JAIL for questioning HOLOCAUST singing wilbury spider Wrote: (05-07-2018 09:13 PM) what don't you understand in "she broke the law, repeatedly, knowingly"? go fix your own country Oh dear God maybe at that age she is senile. I guess we should't go to extremes. Killing all the Jews,and killing all those that deny that we try killing all the Jews. Look into my eyes to see a Paradise of Love https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqtHu0XFal0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wo7PY4vbQLE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTm9ui-26F0 A group of students and professors from Dalhousie will have the opportunity to participate in a real space mission through a new Canadian Space Agency (CSA) national student space initiative. Friday afternoon (May 4), at an event hosted by the University of Manitoba, CSA astronaut Jenni Sidey announced the 15 teams made up of 37 different organizations that will take part in the CSAs Canadian CubeSat Project. The Canadian CubeSat Project will provide students with the opportunity to gain science and engineering expertise as well as valuable experience in project management, leadership and communications by building a tiny cube shaped satellite destined for space. As a participant, Dalhousie will receive $200,000 in funding from this initiative. The research team, comprised of a group of experts from the Faculties of Engineering and Science, will be led by Kevin Plucknett, associate dean of research for the Faculty of Engineering, and Zhizhang Chen, head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Testing metal alloys and solar energy Dr. Plucknett and Dr. Chens team will test a new CubeSat frame made of lightweight metal alloys to enable better space navigation capabilities, and determine the effectiveness of onboard solar energy and battery storage technology to power a stabilization wheel that will better control the position of the satellites instruments. This is an exciting opportunity for the students and professors at Dalhousie to gain valuable experience in space science and engineering, and we are extremely grateful to the Canadian Space Agency for providing the financial support, says Dr. Plucknett. In just a short time, we have already seen the immense enthusiasm of the students to design and build their own CubeSat satellite. We are all looking forward to seeing the Dalhousie CubeSat launched by the Canadian Space Agency, and to be able to assess the valuable data that it will generate for Dalhousie scientists. Throughout the project, CSA experts will guide the professors and students to make their mission a success. Once tested and ready for space, the 15 CubeSats (which measure 10 cm cubed) will be launched to and deployed from the International Space Station in 20202021. For more information about the Canadian CubeSat Project, visit the Canadian Space Agency website. New Delhi: Undeterred by the initial setback in its plans to acquire debt-laden Essar Steel, ArcelorMittal chairman and CEO Lakshmi Mittal has emphasised that his company has never defaulted on any bank loan and held that he was on firm legal ground to meet the eligibility criteria under Clause 29A that prevents promoters of defaulting companies to bid for the assets on sale. We have never defaulted on any bank loan. It is true that we had a shareholding in Uttam Galva which was declared a non-performing asset but we had no board position or management involvement in this company and no governance responsibility and we wrote off our investment in 2015, he said in an interview with Financial Chronicle, explaining ArcelorMittals involvement in the defaulting Uttam Galva Steels that has cast a shadow on worlds largest steel makers bid for Essar Steel. Earlier this week, a top executive of ArcelorMittal had claimed that the company may clear Uttam Galvas dues as a goodwill gesture. Executive vice-president (strategy, technology, R&D) Brian Aranha had told a visiting group of journalists at ArcelorMittals R&D unit in Montataire, France, that even the goodwill gesture is a substantial amount. Commenting on the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and the introduction of Section 29A, Mittal said the insertion in the code was well meaning but it had led to confusion leading to delays. Section 29A was introduced for a clear reason and the spirit of the law makes sense when you take into consideration the backdrop in India, he said. In reality, the situation it has inadvertently created is causing significant delays and confusion which is not ultimately in the best interests of the assets and its stakeholders in the process, Mittal added. I expect there will have to be some modifications and indeed I believe these are already being discussed, he said emphasising that the whole conversation is about eligibility to the detriment of price to creditors and the strength of the plans to secure the long-term sustainability of the asset. The steel baron explained the strategic significance of Essar for ArcelorMittal saying the Indian economy and the Indian steel industry are expected to grow strongly in the coming years. To support its Make in India programme, designed to boost the countrys manufacturing industry, India will need to expand its domestic steel-making capacity. Indeed it has an ambitious plan to triple it to 300 million tonnes per annum by 2013, he said, stressing that ArcelorMittals presence can help India achieve its aims through injection of capital, technology and management know-how. At present we are very much focused on Essar. Our plan for development (of) the asset is in two phases the first to stabilise the asset and to bring it back to current rated capacity and the second to grow it considerably through brownfield expansion over the longer term, he said. Once we have a footprint in the country, we can see what other opportunities present themselves over the longer-term; but this is the clear short-to-medium term priority, he said. In the first round, bids by ArcelorMittal and Numetal were termed ineligible. ArcelorMittals investment in defaulting Uttam Galva proved to be a stumbling block though its bid was reported to be Rs 35,000 crore. Also, the National Company Law Tribunal had found that ArcelorMittal was liable to repay dues to the lenders of KSS Petron as well as Uttam Galva before becoming eligible to bid. The Numetals bid, pegged at Rs 19,000 crore, also came under the scanner because of the minority shareholding of Aurora Enterprises, where Ravi Ruias son Rewant was the major beneficiary. This relationship made its bid for Essar ineligible under the terms of IBC. Both Numetal and ArcelorMittal had challenged the resolution professionals decision in the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) cancelling their bids in the first round. NCLT has now asked CoC and resolution profession to examine the eligibility of the two bidders afresh. This process is continuing at present where the companies have been asked to restructure their bids again. The enforcement directorate has registered a case of money laundering in connection with an alleged Rs 621 crore loan fraud involving UCO Bank. New Delhi: The enforcement directorate has registered a case of money laundering in connection with an alleged Rs 621 crore loan fraud involving UCO Bank, officials said on Sunday. The agency has filed a criminal complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after taking cognisance of a CBI first information report (FIR) registered last month. The CBI booked a former chairman and managing director (CMD) of UCO Bank Arun Kaul, and others in the case. Besides the Kaul, the CBI booked realty firm Era Infra Engineering India, its CMD Hem Singh Bharana, two chartered accountants, and Pawan Bansal of Altius Finserve among others. The ED will probe if the alleged defrauded bank loans were used to create tainted assets by way of money laundering. The CBI alleged that the accused persons in pursuance of a criminal conspiracy had defrauded UCO Bank to the tune of about Rs 621 crore by diversion and siphoning off the bank loans, they said. According to the CBI, Kaul, who was the CMD of a Kolkata-based bank between 2010 and 2015, allegedly facilitated the accused company in obtaining the loans. The loan was not utilised for the sanctioned purpose, the CBI alleged. The ED will also work to identify assets of the accused so that they can be attached, if required, during the course of investigation, they said. In its complaint, the bank alleged that two loans were issued to the company in 2010 Rs 200 crore in March and Rs 450 crore in October. The Rs 200 crore loan was issued for repayment of high cost debt to Central Bank of India, Punjab National Bank and IFCI. It was found that the company did not utilise the amount for the purpose for which it was disbursed and diverted the funds. The World Bank will provide a USD 200 million loan to help the government achieve its goal of reducing stunting in children 0-6 years of age. New Delhi: The World Bank will provide a USD 200 million loan to help the government achieve its goal of reducing stunting in children 0-6 years of age from 38.4 per cent to 25 per cent by the year 2022, a finance ministry statement said on Monday. "The Government of India signed a loan deal worth USD 200 million with the World Bank on Monday for the National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan)," it said. The POSHAN Abhiyaan, an overarching scheme for holistic nourishment, was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March this year at Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. A large component of POSHAN Abhiyaan involves gradual scaling-up of the interventions supported by the ongoing World Bank assisted Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Systems Strengthening and Nutrition Improvement Project (ISSNIP) to all districts in the country over a 3-year period. "The loan approved on Monday will support the first phase scale up to 315 districts across all states and union territories (UTs)," the ministry said. With a focus on improving the coverage and quality of ICDS nutrition services to pregnant and lactating women and children under 3 years of age, the project will include investments in improving the skills and capacities of ICDS staff and community nutrition workers. It also include instituting mechanisms of community mobilisation and behaviour change communication, strengthening systems of citizen engagement and grievance redress and establishing mobile technology based tools for improved monitoring and management of services during the critical 1,000 day window for nutrition impact. The ministry further said the project will additionally ensure convergence of all nutrition related schemes and provide performance based incentives to states and community nutrition and health workers, facilitating a focus on results. GST officers have started sending scrutiny notices to companies whose tax payment did not match the final sales return. New Delhi: GST officers have started sending scrutiny notices to companies whose tax payment did not match the final sales return, after revenue authorities detected underpayment of the goods and services tax (GST) by about 34 per cent, a source said. Besides, companies whose final sales return GSTR-1 did not match GSTR-2A, which is a purchase return auto-generated by system from his sellers return, have also received scrutiny notices. As per an analysis done by the revenue department in March, 34 per cent of businesses paid Rs 34,400 crore less tax between July-December while filing initial summary return (GSTR-3B). These 34 per cent of the businesses have paid Rs 8.16 lakh crore to the exchequer by filing GSTR-3B, whereas analysis of their GSTR-1 data show that their tax liability should have been Rs 8.50 lakh crore. In one notice issued by Gujarat GST commissionerate on May 4, taxpayers have been asked to explain the reason for discrepancies in return GSTR-3B and GSTR-1 for October-December by May 14. If no explanation is received by the aforesaid date, it will be presumed that you have nothing to say in the matter and proceedings in accordance with law may be initiated against you without making any further reference to you in this regard, the notice said. Tax experts said GST law provides for 30 days time to be given to taxpayers for replying to scrutiny notices, however, in the said case only 10 days time has been granted. AMRG & Associates Partner Rajat Mohan said: The government should issue strict guidelines for the officers to be reasonable and rational in disposing off the notice after giving the full opportunity of being heard to the taxpayers. In one of such notice tax officer has given 10 days (out of which four days weekly off) against a maximum 30-day period allowed in rules. EY partner Abhishek Jain said the activity of data analytics at the end of revenue authorities has commenced with various players receiving notices, seeking clarifications on differences between GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B as well as GSTR-2A and GSTR-3B. While the reconciliation between GSTR-1 and 3B is to essentially verify payment of taxes for all outward supplies made, reconciliation between GSTR-2A and GSTR-3B is to ensure that credits claimed by businesses only pertain to taxes actually paid by the suppliers and there not being any loss to the government exchequer on this account, Jain said. The government has collected over Rs 7.41 lakh crore as GST in last financial year. However, there were concerns that due to absence of anti-evasion measures there might have been leakages in tax revenue. The GST council, headed by finance minister Arun Jaitley and comprising state counterparts, had in its meeting in March decided to further analyse data gaps between self declared liability in GSTR-1 and the taxes actually paid while filing GSTR-3B. The revenue department has analysed the goods and services tax (GST) returns data filed by over 51.96 lakh businesses during July-December, 2017. The indirect tax reform GST was rolled out from July 1, 2017. The data analysis showed only 16 per cent of the summary sales returns under GST matched with the final returns till December 2017. It also showed that there was excess tax payment of Rs 91,072 crore by 49.36 per cent of businesses registered under GST between July-December. While they have paid Rs 6.50 lakh crore as GST, the GSTR-1 filed by them shows that their liability should have been Rs 5.59 lakh crore. Mumbai: State-run Pawan Hans Helicopter's plans to launch flights under the regional connectivity scheme Udan have run into rough weather amid the ongoing disinvestment process and non-availability of choppers, the company's union has alleged. Pawan Hans, in which the government has proposed to sell its entire 51 per cent stake to private players, has the mandate to fly on 11 routes across Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur and Uttarakhand under phase two of Udan scheme. Oil sector behemoth ONGC holds the remaining 49 per cent in the mini-ratna PSU. It has a fleet of 43 helicopters, with a sizeable chunk of them over 30 years old. "The disinvestment process has hit our business expansion plans badly as there are restrictions on capital expenditure and fleet expansion," a union representative said. "Besides, we are finding it difficult to launch flights on Udan routes as we don't have the required number of helicopters to run such services," he said. The disinvestment process should not come as a roadblock in the business expansion plans of the company, he further said. After announcing its plans to privatise the profit-making aviation entity in 2016, the government came out with Preliminary Memorandum of Information (PMI) for inviting expression of interest in 2017. However, as it failed to attract enough bidders, the PMI was subsequently cancelled and a fresh one was issued in lieu of that early last month. "The employees union along with the pilots union has also asked the government to settle the long-pending issues of wage revision and promotions as well as regularisation of contractual pilots before the profit-making company is handed over to private players," the union representative said. The union has already flagged these issues at a recent meeting with the civil aviation minister Suresh Prabhu, he said. Leading stock exchange BSE will launch trading in the commodity derivatives segment from October, and will focus on non-agri products to start with, a senior official said. Ahmedabad: Leading stock exchange BSE will launch trading in the commodity derivatives segment from October, and will focus on non-agri products to start with, a senior official said. Markets watchdog Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on December 28 last year had announced that from coming October, the country would have a unified exchange regime wherein stock exchanges would be allowed to offer trading in commodities derivatives. "The BSE will begin commodity exchange from October 1," its managing director and chief executive Ashish Chauhan on Monday said, adding, "We will start with non-agriculture commodities like metals, energy and base metals. We have applied (to Sebi) for non-agri commodities." Talking to reporters at the launch event of Kotak Securities' 'Free Intraday Trading', an offering for self-directed investors for intra-day trades across cash, futures, and options segments, Chauhan said intra-day traders have played a crucial role in increasing trade volume. "The first framework was automation, which took volumes by 20-100 times. Then came algorithm trading, then came derivatives - equities, commodities, currencies. Put together, internationally, volumes have increased somewhere between 5,000 and 20,000 times in the last 25 years, with most of them coming from intra-day traders," he said. Chauhan added that "robo advisory" will take off with softwares automatically deciding things, placing orders, etc. "It might take off as smaller brokers are not making good money from trading businesses, so they are trying to shift into other areas with more margins like mutual funds, brokering for properties, insurance," he said. Kotak Securities' FIT, available at an annual subscription fee of Rs 999, is expected to double its customer base in 18 months, according to its managing director and chief executive officer Kamlesh Rao. It will also offer BSE StAR MF platform for retail investors to directly invest in mutual fund schemes. What caused the collapse of the Indus Valley Civilisation, one of the first, most peaceful and richest urban civilisations of the world? Most likely, a prolonged drought-like phase caused by climate change and not foreign invasion or natural disaster, says a recent study. Climate change poses no small threat. Doomsday prophets may not be exaggerating when they speak of its destructive effects. And we dont have to look far for an example of a civilisation wiped out by climate change. Researchers have found evidence of climate change having gradually turned 1.5 million sq. km of lush green plains into an arid desert, leading to the disintegration of the Indus Valley Civilisation. Over 5,000 years ago, the Indus Valley was home to over five million people, one of the most successful civilisations of its time. But an El Nino event that occurred about 4,350 years ago led to its demise. The event triggered drought-like conditions that engulfed the region for a period of 900 years. A decrease in snowfall over the northwest Himalaya, the source of the Indus River and its tributaries, caused mass-migration as people were no longer able to practice agriculture, animal husbandry and a host of other vocations. Eventually, there was no civilisation left to speak of. Such events are not strictly behind us, they may be in our future too, and scientists warn of their consequences. We should be prepared to experience such extreme dry or wet phases in the years to come; climate is dynamic, says Prof. Anil K. Gupta, the director of the Wadia Institute of Himalaya Geology, Dehradun. He points out that drought does not only mean an absence of rainfall; drought conditions can occur when there is a reduction in rainfall or river water supply, and they can lead to aridification. Such climate changes could be cyclical over a period of millennia. The people who lived in the Indus Valley Civilisation may have tried to adapt to the drought conditions, but the arid phase continued for over 900 years, he says. Prof. Gupta and his team studied the Tso Moriri Lake in Ladhak for two years. They chose the lake because of its sensitivity to changes in the monsoon as a result of its location on the northern fringe of the inter-tropical convergence zone, which defines the path of the southwest monsoon and the monsoon trough. Their team, along with one from IIT Kharagpur, chose the Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Shanghai, to conduct extensive studies on climate-induced changes in the Tso Moriri Lake. We were looking for an expert to help us produce energy models, and so we teamed up with Dr Bern Wuennemann, a German scientist who is on a sabbatical in China, says Prof. Gupta. The researchers carried out geochemical analysis of sediments collected from the Tso Moriri. Geochemical proxies in the sediments helped us unravel climate signals and identify the occurrence of dry and wet phases in the region. These phases were directly related to the strength of the southwest monsoon. We also used carbon dating and other methods to date the sediments to obtain an accurate chronology of climatic events such as droughts and floods, adds Prof. Gupta, who is now with the Department of Geology and Geophysics of IIT Kharagpur. A paper on this study has been accepted for publication by Elseviers journal, Quaternary International. Prof. Gupta believes that the only way to mitigate the effects of climate change is to stop encroaching on lakes and rivers, and increase green cover. Shabana Azmi, a close family friend of the Kapoors, will not attend Sonams wedding on May 8. Speaking from Chicago, Azmi says, Alas! I cant attend my darling Sonams wedding. I made a commitment three months in advance to be here in the US, and Sonams wedding date has changed twice. The actor has already had a taste of some of the festivities. I was with Anil, Sunita and Sonam before I left. It was such fun! Dance practice, laughter and good cheer all around. Recalling her long association with the Kapoors, Azmi says, Anil and his wife Sunita have been friends with Jadu (Javed Akhtar) and me for 30 years. When Sonam first told her father that she wanted to be an actor, Anil sent her to me to so that I could dissuade her. I ended up doing the opposite. I encouraged her to follow her heart, much to Anils exasperation. Varsha Vinn is an Indian born, Boston-based pop songwriter, recording artist and performer. Her interest in music predominantly lies in country, pop and hip hop genre of music. This Chennai born, who studied in Bengaluru, started her musical career at the tender age of 2. Varsha adds, I was born into a family that was very musically inclined from the start. I started writing songs when I was 14. I was 15 when I got a scholarship to study in the Berklee College of Music, Boston, where I was exposed to country style of music and it was here that I decided that I wanted to be a full-time musician. She considers musicians like Johnny Cash, Shania Twain, Taylor Swift and Brad Paisley to be some of her biggest inspirations. Talking about what music means to her, she says, It is the best way I can express things I cant quite do. Whatever thought process or emotions Im feeling, its easier for me to write them down as a song than to actually talk about it. Varsha released her debut EP, which was a mix of country and pop in the year 2015. Talking more about this EP she says, This did quite well and it was played on a bunch of local country radio stations. Two songs from this EP called Magnet and Loving You From A Distance did really well when this EP was released. It was after this release that Varsha went on to switch completely to the pop-rock genre. Talking about the new single which she recently released in February, she says, Youre Not the Man is a song that I wrote right after I broke up. I think people still try and defend an ex even after they are broken up. The lyrics for this song are sort of autobiographical in nature. On her process of songwriting, Varsha says, The process changes for each song I write. Sometime the melody comes first and then the lyrics. The melody for Sweet Poison which I will release in two months came while I was taking a shower, she says with a chuckle. Talking about this single, she says, I co-wrote this single with a friend of mine Lyons from Berklee. Sweet Poison is going to be a mix of pop and Middle Eastern music. Its going to have a little bit of a Turkish element too. The visuals for this single are sort of like a home video. The song talks about women feeling sexy and confident in their own skin. Adding to this, she says, I wanted to write a song for young girls who tend to be uncomfortable in their skin. This song was written to make them feel good and sexy. Varsha is quite multi-talented as she does a whole range of artistic things when she is not busy. I love painting especially sketching. I tend to do some dark sketches when I am in a sour mood. Other than this, I love belly-dancing and reading, she signs off. A picture of Jr NTR and Ram Charan along with their wives has gone viral on social media. The picture was clicked on Saturday, on the occasion of Jr NTRs marriage anni-versary. Ram Charan surprised Jr NTR and his wife by showing up at their house with a cake. They spent nearly half an hour together, says a source close to the actor. Jr NTR and his wife are expecting their second child by the end of this month or early next month. The actor, who is shooting with Trivikram Srinivas at the moment, has been trying to spend as much time as possible with his wife. Charan and Jr NTR, who are known to be good friends, are working together in S.S. Rajamoulis next. Actor Ram Charan is not dwelling on the success of Rangasthalam. He has begun working on his next project an untitled film directed by Boyapati Srinu. We are working round-the-clock. Weve shot for a couple of days in Hyderabad. Now, we leave for a 20-day schedule in Bangkok. I will shoot some songs and scenes with my co-star Kiara Advani there, says Ram Charan. When asked if he will be accompanied by his wife Upasana Kamineni, he says, Ive left it up to her to decide whether she wants to come along. Theres nothing Id like better than to have her with me in Bangkok. But Upasana is a very successful entrepreneur; she has her own life and her own schedule. Kiara Advani, the films leading lady, came recommended by superstar Mahesh Babus wife Namrata Shirodkar. But Ram Charan claims to have no knowledge of this. I never take an interest in my films leading ladies. I am happy to work with whoever is signed opposite me, he says. The actor does not wish to divulge much information about the plot of the film at the moment. It is based in a world thats different from the rural setting of Rangasthalam, and the film deals with a very relevant subject. Thats all I can tell you. The films title will be announced after we return from Bangkok, he says. The film is slotted for a Sankranti release, one of the most important release dates in the South. It is important for people to understand that not all masks are effective at reducing exposure to particles in air pollution. (Photo: PTI) Face masks available to consumers in China for protection against air pollution vary widely in their real-world performance, suggests a recent study. Although a mask may filter tiny particles as advertised, face size and shape as well as movement can lead to leakage as high as 68 per cent, researchers report in Occupational & Environmental Medicine. Even if the filtration efficiency of the mask is high, and the mask fits the person initially, the mask may not continue to give a good fit as the person goes about their daily activities - walking, talking, and more, said senior study author Miranda Loh, an exposure and environmental scientist at the Institute of Occupational Medicine in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is important for people to understand that not all masks are effective at reducing exposure to particles in air pollution, Loh said in an email. And none of these masks reduced the concentration of pollution gases such as nitrogen dioxide. Although masks sold for workplace use generally must meet rigorous standards, there are few controls on masks marketed to consumers and little information on which mask will offer the best protection, the study team writes. Their assessment of a sampling of masks in Beijing is part of a larger project funded by the Research Councils UK, examining air pollution in the Chinese capital and its health effects. Air pollution causes an estimated 1.6 million premature deaths in China each year, the study team notes. At consumer outlets in Beijing, Loh and colleagues purchased nine different mask types that claimed to protect against fine particle pollution known as PM2.5, which includes soot, droplets and other particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter. These tiny particles are components of vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions and can penetrate deep into the lungs, and from there, enter the bloodstream. Researchers first tested each masks filtration efficiency by drawing airborne diesel exhaust through a section of the material for 30 minutes and measuring the particulate matter and black carbon concentrations on both sides. They also tested four masks on 10 volunteers who were exposed to diesel exhaust in a lab while performing tasks such as talking, sitting, standing, bending over and walking in place. In the filtration tests, the average particle and carbon penetration ranged from 0.26 per cent to 29 per cent, depending on the mask material. In the volunteers, the average leakage around mask edges ranged from 3 per cent to 68 per cent during sedentary tasks and 7 per cent to 66 per cent in active tasks. Only one mask had an average leakage below 10 per cent in both active and sedentary tests. If its important for you to protect yourself or your family with masks, choose the best one you can and look for one marketed to workplaces, said lead author John Cherrie, of the Institute of Occupational Medicine. Dont choose the cheapest option, Cherrie said in a telephone interview. Choose the one thats most likely to do the best job. The researchers are now exploring whether people tend to wear face masks only on high pollution days. They also want to know if the proportion of particles removed by the mask is enough to provide health benefits, and how long people must wear a mask to see those benefits. Air pollution is a global problem that is important for not only Beijing, but also Boston and Barcelona. Breathing pollutants, especially particulate matter, is very harmful, causing millions of early deaths across the world, Richard Peltier of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, who wasnt involved in the study, told Reuters Health by email. Future studies should recruit more volunteers, Peltier said, and focus on the main reasons why masks seem to fail - whether the material itself is faulty, the masks dont fit different people well, or they dont seem to work well for daily living conditions. Air pollution exposure is a universal burden that affects us all, and somehow we are the ones obligated to find ways to reduce our exposure with these insufficient tools, he said. A far better solution is to prevent pollution at its source. The Duchess of York is said to be deeply unhappy after being left off the Royal Familys inner sanctum guest list for this months royal wedding. (Photo: AP) According to sources the Duchess of York has been left off the UK royal familys inner sanctum guest list to this months royal wedding. She is said to be deeply unhappy for being left off. Prince Andrews ex-wife is among 600 guests invited to the ceremony in St Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19 and to the reception that is being held afterwards in St Georges Hall, it can be confirmed. However, while Andrew and their children, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, have also been sent coveted invitations for a second, private evening reception for 250 being thrown by Prince Charles for the couple, Sarah is most definitely off the guest list for that. Sources say that the 58-year-old duchess has been complaining about the snub even though many in the royal household think she should count herself lucky to be going at all. Earlier it was revealed that Prince Harry personally intervened to make sure she had an invitation to his wedding to Meghan Markle and the first reception after years in the royal wilderness. It is believed that Sarah has already been introduced to Meghan by Harry, who is close to his cousins Beatrice and Eugenie, but it is thought that Charles, who is paying for the evening reception at Frogmore House, doesnt approve. According to a story published in MailOnline, an insider has been quoted as saying, Numbers are limited to the evening party, she is not a member of the Royal Family any more and Prince Charles simply doesnt have time for her. The duchess wasnt invited to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridges 2011 wedding at Westminster Abbey, which was a much larger occasion than Harry and Meghans intimate family ceremony, and took herself off to a spa in Thailand to lick her wounds. CAIRO: A military chariot that belonged to ancient Egypts boy-king, Tutankhamen, has been moved to a new museum near the Pyramids that Cairo hopes will help bring tourists back to the country. The chariot, made from Lebanese cedar wood and animal skin, had been on display at Egypts Military Museum in Cairo since 1987. But antiquities authorities have decided to put all artefacts found in the young kings tomb in Luxor in 1922 on display together at Cairos Grand Egyptian Museum. The military chariot that arrived today from the military museum is King Tutankhamens sixth chariot, said museum director Tarek Sayed Tawfik. He said six chariots were found at Tutankhamens tomb, some for ceremonies, some for hunting and one lighter and faster than the rest for war. This had been kept at the Military Museum. For the first time, inside the Grand Egyptian Museum, these chariots will be displayed together, Tawfik said. King Tut ruled Egypt as pharaoh for 10 years until his death at age 19, around 1324 B.C. The military chariot was taken in boxes from the museum at the Cairo Citadel, to its new home just beyond the Great Pyramids of Giza, which is set to be the worlds largest archaeological museum. The tourism sector is one of Egypts main sources of foreign currency but it has struggled since a 2011 uprising that led the then President Hosni Mubarak to step down. But there are signs that tourists are beginning to return. An Egyptian official said in January the number of tourists in 2017 jumped 54 percent to 8.3 million, compared to a year earlier. The figure compares with 14.7 million in 2010 before the uprising. In 2015, the antiquities minister said that there was a 90 per cent chance that something was behind the walls of Tutankhamuns tomb. (File Photo/ AP) Cairo: Researchers at Italys Turin Polytechnic University have found no evidence of the existence of any hidden chambers behind the walls in the tomb of ancient Egypts boy-king, Tutankhamun, the Antiquities Ministry said on Sunday. Experts have been divided over the existence of a concealed chamber behind the tomb, which some believe could be the final resting place of the lost Queen, Nefertiti. International interest in Nefertiti is high. She died in the 14th century B.C. and is thought to be Tutankhamuns stepmother, and any confirmation of her final resting place would be the most remarkable Egyptian archaeological find this century. Discovery of Nefertiti, whose chiselled cheekbones and regal beauty were immortalized in a 3,300-year-old bust now in a Berlin museum, would shed fresh light on what remains a mysterious period of Egyptian history. The Egyptian Antiquities Ministry said in a statement that months of studies by Italys Polytechnic University in Turin has shown that no such chamber exists. The studies ... have shown that no chambers exist, or even an indication of any threshold or door frames, which contradicts the previous theory that had assumed the existence of passages or chambers adjacent or inside the burial chamber of King Tutankhamun, the statement quoted Mostafa Waziri, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, as saying. In 2015, the antiquities minister said that there was a 90 per cent chance that something was behind the walls of Tutankhamuns tomb after an initial reading of radar imaging suggested such a chamber existed. Mumbai police said the accused are relatives of the minor girl who was killed. (Representational Image) Mumbai: Two women were arrested on Sunday for allegedly killing a minor girl in Antop Hill area of the city last week, police said. Another suspect, a 17-year-old girl, was detained in connection with the incident, police said, adding that the accused are relatives of the victim. They allegedly strangled the minor girl in a fit of rage following an argument over some issue on May 4, a police official said. The family members of the victim had alleged that she was raped before being killed, he said. However, another police official said the injury marks were found only on the neck of the girl in the postmortem report and there was no sign of sexual assault. The accused are identified as 40-year-old Sabira Yusuf, 35-year-old Sauliya Sayyed and a teenage girl. The three of them have been charged for murder, the official said, adding that further investigation is underway. Hyderabad: In the second such incident in the state in the recent past, the husband of a Telangana Social Welfare Residential Girls School principal has been charged with sexually abusing a student of the school. In March 2017, Viluva Raju, husband of Vijayarani, the warden at a government hostel at Neredugommu village in Devarakonda mandal, was arrested for sexually abusing students. The residential school incident, which occurred in the last week of April, came to light after the student went home for the summer holidays and fell sick, following which her mother lodged a complaint with Gachibowli police. While the police are on the hunt for the suspect, Damodar, the Social Welfare Department has suspended his wife, Pramodini. Meanwhile, accusations have surfaced that the investigation may be delayed owing to Damodar's closeness to certain politicians in Andhra Pradesh, though the police have denied the accusations and said the suspect will be arrested soon. The Balala Hakkula Sangham (BHS) has demanded a high-level inquiry into the incident. The safety, care and protection of students should be assured by the government and all the staff should be transferred immediately as they were deliberately hiding the issue. There are rumours that several other students were abused by the same person. A team of women police officers should investigate the matter, said Achyuta Rao of BHS. The student in question, who is from Sangareddy district, has been at the residential school for four years. Principal Pramodini has her quarters inside the hostel campus, where her husband was a frequent visitor. Many inmates of the hostel also had free access to the principals quarters. In the last week of April, when the victim and another student were at the quarters and Pramodini at the hostel, Damodar sent the second girl away and sexually abused the victim. Two days later, the school closed for summer, and the student, who went home, complained of high fever. When her mother found out about the incident, she approached the police. A case under Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act has been registered. Madhapur ACP N. Shyam Prasad said the girl is in shock and still unable to recall the exact date of the incident. She had to be counselled for two days to get her to say more. The case is being investigated in a fair manner and the suspect will be caught soon, the ACP said. Vijayawada: A seven-year-old from Modukuru in Chunduru mandal of Guntur district was allegedly raped on May 3 by a 23-year-old masonry worker, who is also her relative. The victims parents complained to the police on Monday, and she is being treated at the government hospital in Tenali, though the hospital allegedly delayed treatment by more than seven hours on the excuse that there was no gynaecologist available. According to unconfirmed reports, the accused, Nagul Meera, is in police custody, though an official arrest is yet to be recorded. Nagul, the victims brother-in-law, reportedly entered her home after her parents had gone to work, lured her with chocolate, and took her to an unknown location. After the rape, he dropped her back home. The victim remained silent about her ordeal, though she complained of stomach-ache. On Sunday, her mother found blood stains while washing her clothes, and only then did the girl mention the incident. Doctors at a local hospital confirmed the rape, upon which the parents complained to Tsundur police, who registered a case under Section 376 (A) (B) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Under this section, if the crime is proven, the accused is liable to get the death penalty. Tsundur inspector B. Ramesh Babu said, The parents of the child learnt of the assault only on Sunday, and complained to us on Monday. We have registered a case under the new act, and since the accused is known to the victim, we will make an arrest soon. This is the third reported rape in Guntur in recent times, following the Dachepalli rape incident, and a second one at Tenali, where a pani puri seller raped two girls. The police will also be setting up more check posts on the highways to prevent influx of unsocial elements from Telangana into Karnataka in the run-up to the elections. (Representational image) HYDERABAD: About 1,000 policemen from Telangana were sent to neighbouring Karnataka to assist the local forces in ensuring peaceful polls in the State. Karnataka State will go to the polls on May 12. The polling will be held in all 224 assembly constituencies in the State in one spell. The policemen were sent after the Karnataka government officials sought help from their Telangana counterparts. The police has sent personnel dra-wn from various wings of the State police including Telangana State Special Police and Armed Reserve Personnel fr-om various districts along with officials ranking from sub inspectors to DSPs. A couple of very senior officials are also being sent. Existing police check posts bordering Karnataka in Mahbubnagar, Gadwal, Sangareddy, Kamaredy and Vikarabad will be strengthened. The police wi-ll also be setting up more check posts on the highways to prevent influx of unsocial elements from Telangana into Karnataka in the run-up to the elections. DGP Mahender Reddy said that the Additional DGP (L&O) Jitender will be the nodal officer who will be coordinating with Karnataka state. The concerned states have been directed to remain on high alert and mobilise their respective disaster management agencies to deal with any eventuality. (Photo: AP) New Delhi: Union home ministry in a fresh advisory cautioned that as many as 13 states and two union territories could be hit by powerful thunderstorms along with squall and hail in the next two days. Heavy rains are expected to impact states like Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, the Ministry said following inputs received from the Indian meteorological department. Isolated places in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh could be affected by thunderstorm, squall and hail while rain and strong winds could hit some places in Uttarakhand, the advisory added. The concerned states have been directed to remain on high alert and mobilise their respective disaster management agencies to deal with any eventuality. In addition, states like Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and some parts of western Uttar Pradesh could also experience bad weather over the next 48 hours. Similarly, strong dust storm and thunderstorm could be experienced in some parts of West Rajasthan also. Schools in Haryana have been asked to remain closed over the next two days. The home ministry alert comes after 124 people died and over 300 were injured in thunderstorms and lightning that hit five states last week. Most of the damage to life and property was reported from states like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath who was campaigning in Karnataka for assembly polls had to cut short his visit and rush back to the state. He even visited the affected areas following which both Centre and the state announced relief payment to those affected by the bad weather last week. In view of the damage caused by thunderstorm and strong winds last week we are working in close co-ordination with the Indian Meteorological Department and sending out regular warning to the concerned states. They have been directed to remain on alert and take necessary precautionary steps. If required we can rush personnel of the National Disaster Management Authority to the affected areas at a short notice, a senior ministry official said. The security officials in the province said efforts are underway by the Afghan forces and the government officials as well as the local tribal elders for the release of the Indian engineers. (Photo: AP/Representational) New Delhi/Kabul: Security officials in Afghanistan are working with local tribal elders to trace the seven Indian engineers abducted by the Taliban gunmen in the restive northern Baghlan province, media reports said on Monday. Provincial police spokesman Zabiullah Shuja said the Indian engineers of KEC International, an RPG group company, were working on a project for the construction of a power sub-station. They were abducted by the militants from the vicinity of Cheshma-e-Sher area on Saturday while they were travelling to inspect the work progress. Shuja said the Afghan driver of the engineers is also missing and an operation is underway for their release, according to media reports. Also Read: Seven Indian engineers kidnapped in Afghanistan's Bhaglan: police The security officials in the province said efforts are underway by the Afghan forces and the government officials as well as the local tribal elders for the release of the Indian engineers. Provincial governor Abdul Nemati said the security forces and the local officials are busy tracking the missing engineers and their driver. He said apart from the security forces and the government officials, the local tribal elders have also stepped up efforts for the release of the Indian nationals. Nemati assured that the missing Indian engineers and their driver will be released soon. Baghlan Governor had on Saturday said the terror group had abducted the Indian engineers and their driver, believing they were government employees. The External Affairs Ministry had said in New Delhi it is in touch with authorities in Afghanistan. Many of the earlier abductions in the war-torn country have been linked to Taliban. In 2016, 40-year-old Indian aid worker Judith D'Souza was kidnapped in Kabul. She was released after 40 days. India has provided at least USD 2 billion aid to Afghanistan for the economic development of the war-torn nation. On May 4 when he was alone at home, he set his phones camera on and after saying I Love You, he pulled out a towel and hanged himself from the ceiling, police said. (Representational Image) Bengaluru: A 22-year-old hanged himself at his residence in Marathahalli police limits and recorded it on camera. Though the incident took place on Friday, it came to light on Saturday. The deceased, Ajith Kumar, was an electrician and hailed from Uttar Pradesh. He came to the city a year ago and was staying with his friends at Munnekolala. On May 4 when he was alone at home, he set his phones camera on and after saying I Love You, he pulled out a towel and hanged himself from the ceiling. When his friends returned home, they found him hanging and alerted the police. The police said it could be a case of unrequited love, as he did not say anything about his girlfriend in the video. A senior official said that the recording was going on till his friends returned home. The Marathahalli police have registered a case. Actor Salman Khan was granted bail after spending two nights in Jodhpur Central jail. (Photo: File | PTI) Jodhpur: A Jodhpur court on Monday set July 17 as the next date to hear Salman Khan's application challenging the trial court order sentencing him to a five-year jail term in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. Minutes after Salman Khan appeared before the court, he left with the court fixing the next date of hearing in July. The Bollywood actor arrived in Jodhpur on Sunday for hearing of his application. The application was listed for hearing on Monday before Jodhpur District and Sessions Judge Chandra Kumar Songara, the actor's counsel Nishant Bora said. Khan's sisters Arpita and Alvira were present inside the court by his side. On April 5, the actor was convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment after being found guilty of killing two blackbucks in Jodhpur during the shooting of his 1998 movie 'Hum Saath Saath Hain'. Read: Salman Khan gets 5-yr jail in blackbuck poaching case, other actors let off He was later granted bail after spending two nights in Jodhpur Central jail. Also Read: After 2 nights in Jodhpur jail, Salman Khan, out on bail, reaches Mumbai Salman Khan was granted bail on a Rs 50,000 bond and the same amount as surety. Salman's 'Hum Saath Saath Hain' co-stars Saif Ali Khan, Neelam, Tabu and Sonali Bendre, and Jodhpur resident Dushyant Singh - were all acquitted due to lack of evidence. The court last month granted permission to 52-year-old Bollywood actor Salman Khan to travel abroad for shooting of his upcoming film. Khan is scheduled to shoot in Canada, Nepal, and the United States from May 25 to July 10 this year. Also Read: Salman Khan, on bail in 1998 blackbuck poaching case, can travel abroad: court Salman Khan was convicted of the same crime in 2006, but the sentence was suspended a year later and the charges re-laid in 2008. The Siddaramaiah government, on Monday, filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court saying that it has already released around 16 tmc excess water to Tamil Nadu and won't be able to share any more as it barely has enough to fulfil its own needs. (Photo: File) New Delhi: The Tamil Nadu government on Monday moved the Supreme Court over Karnatakas contention that it cannot release additional 4 tmc of Cauvery water as already more water has already been allotted. The Siddaramaiah government, earlier on Monday, filed an affidavit in the apex court saying that it has already released around 16 tmc excess water to Tamil Nadu and won't be able to share any more as it barely has enough to fulfil its own needs. The submission comes in wake of the top court directing Karnataka to release 4 tmc of water to Tamil Nadu. Read: Release 4 tmc Cauvery water to TN or face consequences: SC to Karnataka "There is a total of nine tmc water in all the four reservoirs coming under the Cauvery basin. That is not enough for our drinking needs and crops. We have a shortage," Karnataka Water Resources Minister MB Patil had told reporters last week. Also Read: We have shortage: Karnataka on SC's order to release Cauvery water to TN Tamil Nadu has now sought the top court's intervention for the release of water due to the state while reiterating its demand that the Cauvery Board be set up at the earliest, a report in NDTV said. D Jayakumar, Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister, said, "Let them (Karnataka) say whatever they have to say. We have faith in the Supreme Court and Karnataka will have to release waters according to the court's order." The Supreme Court will take up the case on Tuesday. In a landmark verdict on February 16, the Supreme Court directed Karnataka to release 177.25 tmc of water to Tamil Nadu from its inter-state Biligundlu dam, thereby increasing the share of Karnataka by 14.75 tmc. Also Read: SC Cauvery verdict: TN share reduced, K'taka gets additional 14.75 tmc water The court had also ordered setting up of a regulatory body, the Cauvery Management Board, that would monitor the release of Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu by Karnataka by March 29. The deadline expired, and the board is yet to be set up. The delay has been attributed to the Karnataka assembly elections later this week. Also Read: PM Modi busy with Karnataka polls, says Centre after SC's Cauvery order In April, a petition signed by over 60 parliamentarians called for Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra's impeachment six months before he retires, on five specific charges. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: The Congress has challenged Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu's decision to reject its impeachment move against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra in the Supreme Court. The decision is "illegal and arbitrary", said the Congress. Two Congress Parliamentarians from Rajya Sabha- Pratap Singh Bajwa and Amee Harshadray Yajnik, approached the Supreme Court challenging the Vice President's dismissal of the impeachment motion against the Chief Justice of India. "None of the reasons given by the Chairman (Venkaiah Naidu)... carry any weight or are legally tenable. It deserves to be set aside for being wholly extraneous and ultra vires to the provisions of the constitution and the Inquiry Act," says the Congress petition. Both the Congress MPs claimed in their petition said that once the initiation of removal motion is signed by the requisite number of MPs, the Vice President has no option but shall constitute an Inquiry Committee to investigate the allegations against the CJI Dipak Misra. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who is also one of the signatories of the impeachment notice, mentioned the matter for urgent listing before a bench headed by Justice J Chelameswar. The bench, also comprising Justice S K Kaul, asked Sibal and advocate Prashant Bhushan to mention the matter before the chief justice of India for urgent listing, citing a Constitution bench judgment on powers of master of roster. In April, a petition signed by over 60 parliamentarians called for Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra's impeachment six months before he retires, on five specific charges. The motion "doesn't deserve to be admitted", Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said, just three day after the opposition submitted the petition. "We cannot allow any of our pillars of governance to be weakened by any thought, word or action," said the Vice President, ascribing his quick decision to the severity of the charges directed at the Chief Justice. He also said there were unsubstantiated surmises and conjectures in the opposition's allegations. The Constitution says the Chief Justice of India can be impeached only on grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity. The opposition backed its demand on the basis of five points, which, the Congress said, equals to misbehaviour. These points included the assigning of sensitive cases to handpicked judges, which was raised publicly in January by four top judges who accused the Chief Justice of abusing his position as "master of the roster". 'I am satisfied with police investigation and will not rest till justice is done in the case,' father of the Kathua rape victim said. (Photo: ANI | Twitter) Jammu: The father of an eight-year-old girl, who was gangraped and killed in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir, said on Sunday that he has full faith in the judiciary and has devoted his life to ensure justice is done to his daughter. The Supreme Court on Monday transferred case from Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir to Pathankot. The apex court also ruled out CBI inquiry in the case. While hearing the plea of rape victim's family, the Supreme Court said that fear and fair cannot be allowed to exist together. After transferring the case, the top court also said day to day hearing would take place in the matter. The court also ordered for in-camera proceedings. The top court also allowed Jammu and Kashmir government to appoint public prosecutor in Pathankot Court and also asked it to provide security to the victim's family, their lawyer and witnesses. Read: Fear and fair can't exist together: SC shifts Kathua rape case to Pathankot The eight-year-old girl was brutally gangraped and murdered after abduction in a forest in Kathua district in January. The crime branch of Jammu and Kashmir Police, which investigated the case, had submitted a chargesheet against eight accused including a juvenile in April. Also Read: Kathua case: Meerut student travelled to J&K to rape 8-yr-old, says chargesheet I am satisfied with police investigation and will not rest till justice is done in the case. I want the accused to be given exemplary punishment for their brutality, the father of the victim told news agency PTI on phone from Ramban district where he along with his family has been camping for the last few days. Earlier, the apex court, in a stern warning, had said it would transfer the Kathua gangrape and murder case from the local court in Jammu and Kashmir in the "slightest possibility" of lack of fair trial, saying the "real concern" was to hold proper prosecution. The eight-year-old's father had moved the Supreme Court, apprehending threat to the family, a friend and their lawyer Deepika Singh Rajawat. A separate plea was also filed by two accused seeking that the trial in the case be held in Jammu and the probe handed over to the CBI. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said the understanding between the BJP and his party for the upcoming Legislative Council polls in Maharashtra didn't mean the Sena would forge an alliance with it in the Lok Sabha and assembly elections in 2019. (Photo: PTI | File) Mumbai: The Congress would emerge as the "number one party" in the Karnataka Assembly elections, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said on Sunday, taking a swipe at the BJP for mobilising the "entire central machinery" for state campaigns. He also said the understanding between the BJP and his party for the upcoming Legislative Council polls in Maharashtra didn't mean the Sena would forge an alliance with it in the Lok Sabha and assembly elections in 2019. "Whenever there are assembly polls, the entire central machinery and chief ministers of all BJP-ruled states go there (to campaign), leaving the administration of the country and of their own states in the lurch. The country is watching all this," Raut told news agency PTI in an interview. Slamming Yogi Adityanath, the Sena's Rajya Sabha lawmaker said the seriousness with which the Uttar Pradesh chief minister took his duties became evident when he was seen campaigning in Karnataka while his own state reeled under a dust storm. "Does the central leadership (of the BJP) not trust its own men in states? Why does Prime Minister Narendra Modi need to address dozens of campaign rallies when he is needed in Delhi to govern the country?" asked Raut, whose party is in alliance with the BJP in Maharashtra and at the Centre. Though an ally, the Sena has been continuously criticising the BJP and its governments in states and at the centre. "There is a 'dust storm' in Karnataka today. Once it clears, the Congress will emerge as the number one party. People have started listening to Rahul Gandhi now," Raut added. Asked if the understanding between the Sena and the BJP for May 21 Maharashtra Legislative Council elections was an indication that the bickering allies may join hands in the assembly and Lok Sabha polls, Raut replied in the negative. The BJP and the Sena have agreed to contest three seats each in the elections to six local authorities constituencies in the upper house of the Maharashtra legislature. "This arrangement is due to the sentiments of the local leadership of both the parties. Also, we are fielding candidates in three seats where the Sena has a strong presence," Raut said. "This doesn't, in any way, mean we will have an alliance in 2019. The party is firm on the decision taken by Sena president Uddhav Thackeray that we will fight (future) elections on our own," Raut asserted. "The Sena will win a majority in 2019 and the next chief minister will be of our party," he added. Raut, who is the executive editor of Shiv Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana', also claimed the BJP had not won a single election in the Northeast on its own. It formed governments in the region through the politics of "jod-tod", he said. "Take the case of Meghalaya or Arunachal Pradesh. The BJP would not have formed governments there had it not allied with local parties. So, it was on the strength of other parties that it came to power. The BJP would not have won in Tripura had there been an alliance between the Congress and the TMC," the Sena MP said. Bengaluru: With just five days left for the Karnataka Assembly elections, the politics in the state is heating up. State Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made an official challenge for a debate to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and partys Karnataka chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa. The Congress issued an advertisement on Monday in local dailies in poll-bound Karnataka. The advertisement, featuring Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, asked BJP's prospective chief minister BS Yeddyurappa to a "debate with facts". A tweet from the 69-year-old Chief Minister repeated the invitation -- with an addition: "Modi is also welcome". While the debate topic was their plans "for the future of Karnataka", the large print hinted at the context: "Stop making false accusations, allegations. Why not debate with facts and let the people of Karnataka decide who is truthful," the advertisement read. PM Modi is deliberately confusing Karnataka voters with his bombastic speeches on non-issues. All hot air & no substance. My contest is not with him. It is with Yaddyurappa. I challenge him to an open debate on issues on a single platform. Will he accept? Modi is also welcome! pic.twitter.com/34Jl6nIeOE Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 7, 2018 The Karnataka Congress led by Siddaramaiah has been attacked recently by BJP for meeting with two "declared absconders" wanted for financial fraud. The BJP on Sunday accused Siddaramaiah of being linked to two men accused of fraud who are currently absconding. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra told reporters that Siddaramaiah had met them in China during the September 2013 World Economic Forum and was seen receiving a "gift package" from them. Patra even questioned if the gift was a "premium Hublot watch" - the taunt a reference to a hugely expensive watch the Chief Minister was seen wearing once. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah rubbished the allegations, saying he met many people in course of the China visit and cannot remember them all. But the Chief Minister -- who has hugely upped his game on Twitter, matching the BJP blow for blow -- has hit back, asking Yeddyurappa reveal his plans for the state. Read: BJP shows Karnataka CM's pic with 'declared absconder', he rebuts charge Since the campaigning for the Karnataka Assembly elections started, the Congress has accused the BJP of not having any plans for Karnataka's development and using other means to deflect attention from it. The 15-minute debate challenge was issued by Congress President Rahul Gandhi to Prime Minister Narendra Modi a fortnight ago. Last week, the Prime Minister had responded with an insult, saying he challenged Rahul Gandhi to speak for 15 minutes without notes in Hindi, English or his "mother's mother tongue". Also Read: Speak for 15 minutes without reading from paper: Modi dares Rahul in K'taka Raichur: Days ahead of assembly elections, one of PM Modis biggest fans is making news in Karnataka. Sitting still for 15-hours, Basvaraj, a resident of Karnataka's Raichur district, suffered through the pain as the slow-moving hands of a tattoo artist painstakingly etched the face of the Prime Minister on his back in black ink. Basvaraj said he decided to get the large tattoo made to show his support to the Bharatiya Janata Party's campaign in the southern state. The tattoo that covers almost his entire back, shows Prime Minister Narendra Modi wearing reading glasses and sporting a thick beard. His hair is combed neatly with a side parting. Some portion of the neck is visible as well, along with what appears to be a kurta collar. "It took 15 hours to get this done. I got it made as our Prime Minister has done good work in a span of four years," said Basvaraj, a tutor in the town some 400 kilometres from state capital Bengaluru. During a BJP rally in the district, PM Modi had called out the tutor's name and encouraged him to help the party win in the Karnataka Assembly election. "He mentioned me in his rally today and said I should help BJP win elections in the state. I will never forget this day," Basvaraj said. Basvaraj, a tutor in Raichur, drew a large tattoo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his back. (Photo: ANI) Basvaraj said he also has a tattoo of Karnataka BJP legislator K Shivanagouda Naik, though he did not show it. It was not immediately known whether the tattoo was of the permanent ink type or a temporary one. Karnataka will go to polls on May 12. A total of 2,655 candidates will contest for 224 assembly seats. Counting of votes and results is on May 15. (With inputs from ANI) On May 3, the Supreme Court had directed Attorney General KK Venugopal to file an affidavit explaining the steps taken for the formation of Cauvery Management Board. (Photo: PTI/File) New Delhi: The Centre on Monday informed the Supreme Court that the scheme for sharing of Cauvery water among the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry has been finalized and would be submitted in 10 days after the Union Cabinet gives its nod for the scheme. The Centre virtually cited Karnataka assembly polls on May 12 to delay the process and reiterated its earlier stand that notifying the constitution of Cauvery Management Board (CMB) or any other authority during the time of polls would lead to massive public outrage, create serious law and order problem and may vitiate the election process. In its affidavit, the Centre said while the scheme was being finalized, Karnataka chief minister wrote a letter on April 26 suggesting that the authority should comprise of irrigation ministers of four states instead of officials. Subsequently, the scheme has been prepared which is being given a finishing touch. The scheme would be placed before this court in 10 days after obtaining approval from the Union Cabinet. The Centre explained the steps it had taken pursuant to the February 16 judgment and said a meeting of chief secretaries was held in March and their views were obtained in writing. As there were divergent views, the scheme could not be finalized before May 3, which has now been made ready. Meanwhile, Tamil nadu in its affidavit pleaded for a direction to Karnataka to release 4 tmcft of water to meet the drinking water requirements of the state. It referred to a statement made by Karnataka minister pursuant to the order passed by the apex court on May 3 that Karnataka cannot spare water to Tamil nadu. It is evident that Karnataka acts as a judge of its own cause and fails to comply with the binding order of the Tribunal as affirmed by this court. Also Read: Cant give more Cauvery water, says Karnataka; Tamil Nadu moves SC Pointing out that framing a scheme as per the February 16 verdict is the only solution, Tamil Nadu said this court should direct the central government to frame a scheme providing for an implementation authority viz., the Cauvery Management Board and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee, without any further delay and place the same before the court. There cannot be any substitute to the machinery for the implementation of the final order of the tribunal. On drinking water requirements, the state said that Karnataka has 19.834 tmc ft of water as on May 4, 2018 in its four reservoirs. (The effective storage is 9.834 tmc ft). The storage in Mettur Dam is 9.502 tmc ft (the utilizable storage being only 4.502 tmc ft). Thus, Karnataka is in a better position and can easily spare the 4 tmc ft as observed by the top court on May 3, even after meeting the requirement of drinking water supply for one month i.e. May, 2018 viz. 1.6 tmc ft. Karnataka, however, maintained that the water year 2017-18 is a distress year in the Cauvery basin and that too for third time in a row. Applying the distress formula, Karnataka had released 116.697 tmc ft of water to Tamil Nadu as against the quantum of 11.04 tmc ft. Therefore the excess water of 16.66 tmc ft had been ensured. Even in March and April this year, the state had released 1.4 tmc ft (as against 1.24 tmc ft) and 1.10 tmc ft (as against 1.22 tmc ft). Therefore the state is not in default, Karnataka said and rejected the plea for release of 4 tmc ft of water. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said there had been such a 'fall' in the party that a Congress leader went to be amid those raising slogans like 'Bharat ke tukde honge', giving them blessings. (Photo: PTI) Jamkhandi (Karnataka): Chiding Congress and its leaders for feeling "uneasiness" about patriotism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asked them to learn it from the Mudhol hound dogs of north Karnataka, which have been inducted into the Indian army. The Prime Minister said there had been such a 'fall' in the party that a Congress leader went to be amid those raising slogans like "Bharat ke tukde honge", giving them blessings. He was allegedly referring to Congress president Rahul Gandhi's visit to the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus to be with a section of students during the controversy over anti-national slogans being allegedly chanted at the campus. "When there is discussion about patriotism in our country, when there is a discussion about rashtra bhakti, raashtra geet, Vande mataram, some people are worried," said PM Modi at an election rally in Jamkhandi, Karnataka. The Prime Minister said the country won freedom because of patriotism, and "today if we have started a great campaign of development on the basis of patriotism, Congress and its companions feel a foul smell in patriotism... their health gets upset smelling patriotism." "Did anyone think that after Independence Congress has fallen to an extent that today Congress leaders are going to be amidst those who shout slogans like "Bharat ke tukde honge" and are giving them their blessings," he said. PM Modi also said the Congress and its leaders had 'fallen' to such an extent that when the Indian Army carried out a cross-border surgical strike, they asked for evidence. "Those who felt uneasiness at the mention of patriotism, those who are averse to the talk about patriotism and for those patriotism is the reason for trouble, I want to tell them if you don't want to learn from others, please don't-- whether it is your ancestors or Mahatma Gandhi's Congress. At least try to learn from Bagalkot's Mudhol dogs," he said pointing to the induction of these dogs into the Indian Army. "I know that their (Congress') arrogance has reached cloud seven. The people of the country have negated them, but they are still not ready to come on ground. So I don't expect them to even learn anything from Mudhol Dogs," PM Modi said. Mudhol Hound, also known as Caravan Hound, is an Indian dog breed which gets its name from Mudhol in Bagalkot district in north Karnataka. The lean and lanky Mudhol Hound is the first Indian breed to serve the Indian Army. The gangrape and murder of 8-year-old girl in Kathua has sparked nationwide outrage. (Photo: PTI/File) New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday transferred the Kathua rape case from Jammu and Kashmir to Pathankot. The apex court also ruled out CBI inquiry in the case. While hearing the plea of rape victim's family, the Supreme Court said that fear and fair cannot be allowed to exist together. After transferring the case, the top court also said day to day hearing would take place in the matter. The court also ordered for in-camera proceedings. The top court also allowed Jammu and Kashmir government to appoint public prosecutor in Pathankot Court and also asked it to provide security to the victim's family, their lawyer and witnesses. During the hearing on Monday, the Jammu and Kashmir government told the top court that it was ready for a fair trial of Kathua rape case in the state. The state government also said it opposed the transfer of the case to another state. The court will next hear the case on July 9. Earlier, the father and lawyer of the eight-year-old nomadic Muslim girl who was gangraped and murdered in January moved the Supreme Court asking for shifting the trial of the case from Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir to Chandigarh. The family cited that the trial of the case will not be done in a free and fair manner in Jammu and Kashmir. SSP Budgam said that the vehicle in which the family from Chennai was travelling came under stone pelting near Narabal bridge on Monday morning. (Photo: File/PTI) (Representational image) Srinagar: A tourist from Tamil Nadu died in a Srinagar hospital on Monday evening after he was hit by a stone during a clash between the security forces and protesters at Narabal near here earlier during the day. A report said that the victim identified as 22-year-old R. Thirumani from Chennai was hit in the head by a stone when the vehicle he along with his family was travelling in between Srinagar and Kashmirs premier resort of Gulmarg was caught in the clash between a stone-pelting crowd and the security forces at Narabal on the outskirts of Jammu and Kashmirs summer capital Srinagar. Four other persons including a girl from Handwara area of frontier Kupwara district were injured in the incident, the police sources said. Mr. Thirumani son of Rajaveel was rushed to a Citys hospital where he succumbed to his injuries in the evening. SSP Budgam said that the vehicle in which the family from Chennai was travelling came under stone pelting near Narabal bridge on Monday morning. He was critically injured in his face. He was rushed to hospital where he passed evening in the evening, he said. Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, visited the police hospital here after learning about the death of the tourist. She met the family members of the deceased, offered her condolences and apologized over the incident. A statement issued by her office here said Ms. Mufti has expressed deep anguish and shock over the death of tourist R Thirumany. The Chief Minister visited the police hospital late evening where she met the family of the deceased and expressed solidarity with them in this time of grief, the statement added. On Tuesday, Ms. Mufti took to Twitter to condemn the incident. She said, Its truly heartbreaking when a family saves for years to realise their dream of visiting Kashmir & while they are here they face their worst nightmare. I have no words strong enough to condemn this tragic incident or even begin to condole the family. In another tweet, she while reiterating her stance on the Kashmir imbroglio said, Without a sustained, meaningful dialogue & outreach, not just from the govt but from the entire country, J&K will get pushed deeper into this vortex of gloom. My deepest condolences to the deceaseds family & my prayers go out to the girl who was injured in the same incident." Her predecessor and opposition National Conference working president, Omar Abdullah, who is on a visit of Drass in frontier Ladakh tweeted, Weve killed a tourist by throwing stones at the vehicle he was travelling in. Lets try and wrap our heads around the fact that we stoned a tourist, a guest, to death while we glorify these stone pelters & their methods. Kashmirs chief Muslim cleric and chairman of his faction of separatist Hurriyat Conference alliance, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, also condemned the incident. He tweeted, Deeply saddened by the news of death of a tourist due to stone pelting. Condemn such hooliganism and rowdiness. It is totally against our ethos of treating tourists as respected guests and brings a bad name to the peoples movement. There has been widespread outrage in the Valley against the incident and many people also took to Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms to express their resentment and condemnation. Bengaluru: With barely five days left for the Karnataka Assembly polls, a pre-poll survey Lokniti-CSDS-ABP news poll, indicates that the Congress is inching ahead and increasing the gap with its principal rival, the BJP. A big dampener for the Congress, however, is the finding of the survey that the move of the Congress government to play the Lingayat card by recommending religion status for the dominant community, has not helped much in drawing Lingayat voters away from the BJP their preferred party in past elections. Interestingly, a Jain University-Lokniti-CSDS poll done earlier, had indicated that the electoral contest was extremely close with no party likely to secure a majority on its own. But once the selection of candidates was completed and the campaign got into full swing, the Congress appears to have secured an edge over its rivals, the BJP and JD(S), says the survey, conducted in the last week of April and the first few days of May. What should warm hearts in the Congress camp is the seat projection done by Rajeeva Karandikar of the Chennai Mathematical Institute based on the Lokniti-CSDS data which indicates that the Congress is ahead of the BJP and is likely to win 92-102 seats in the 224 seat Assembly though it will be still short of the half way mark by a few seats. The BJP is set to win 79-89 seats while the JD(S) will be a distant third with 34-42 seats. A factor that is likely to help the Congress is the clear split in the anti-Congress vote between the BJP and the JD(S). The Kuruba vote (of Siddaramaiahs community) is with the ruling party as is the minority, Dalit and tribal vote, says the survey. Hyderabad: Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (S) chief Deve Gowda on Monday expressed hope that the Chief Ministers of both Telugu states K. Chandrasekhar Rao and N. Chandrababu Naidu will make his party come to power in Karnataka Assembly elections. Our party will be ahead of other in the polls, Mr Gowda told a TV channel. We will play a key role in the formation of the new government. The Chief Ministers of both Telugu states KCR and Chandrababu will make us win. Mr Rao, who is planning to float a new Front against the BJP and the Congress had openly declared his support to the JD(S). AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who is angry with the BJP over the denial of special status to Andhra Pradesh, has given a call to defeat the BJP in the Karnataka elections. It estimated that Telugu voters will be able to influence the results in 30 Assembly constituencies in Karnataka. Mr Gowda is hopeful that the call given by both the chief ministers against the BJP will help JD(S) candidates in places with more Telugu voters. Telugus in Karnataka had taken up an online campaign against the BJP in a big way, reflcting he sentiments echoed by the two chief ministers. While poll surveys indicate that the main fight will be between the Congress and the BJP in Karnataka Assembly elections, Mr Gowda, surprisingly, has claimed that his party will be ahead of others. JD(S) is hopeful of a hung Assembly which will give it a chance in forming the government. Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Raos attempt to mobilise regional party leaders for the launch of the Rythu Bandhu scheme under which cheques of Rs 4,000 per acre will be distributed to farmers on May 10 to consolidate his position as a national leader may not materialise. The TRS supremo has been making attempts to gain national attention with Rythu Bandhu, reportedly the first-of-its-kind scheme in the country, covering over 58 lakh farmers at an estimated budget of Rs 12,000 crore per year, being touted as the biggest financial sop for farmers in India. The Chief Minister, who toured West Bengal, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu during the past month to build support for his proposed federal front, made it a point to explain the details of Rythu Bandhu to all the leaders and invited them to the launch. During his recent Chennai trip to meet DMK leaders, the TS Chief Minister addressed a joint media briefing with M.K. Stalin, where he said he had invited Mr Stalin for the launch and he would be the chief guest. With no confirmation from any of the leaders, the Chief Minister has decided to hold the public meeting in Huzurabad, Karimnagar, inst-ead of his earlier plan to hold it in his home district Medak, which is close to Hyderabad, making it convenient to transport visitors from Begumpet airport. Sources in the agriculture department said, We were informed that only the Chief Minister and his ministers will attend the meeting. We are making arrangements accordingly. Kathua rape victims lawyer Deepika Singh Rajawat, shows victory sign after Supreme Court directs fast-track trial and transfer of Kathua gangrape and murder case to Pathankot in New Delhi on Monday. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday ordered the shifting of Kathua gangrape-cum-murders trial involving an eight-year-old girl from Jammu and Kashmir to Pathankot in Punjab to ensure free and fair trial. While ordering a day-to-day in-camera trial by district and sessions judge at Pathankot, the apex court refused to hand over the probe to CBI saying that there was no need as the charge sheet had already been filed after investigation. A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, said, A fair trial is a sacrosanct principle under Article 21 of the Constitution and a fair trial means fair to the accused persons, as well as to the victims of the crime. The bench, including Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra, said, Fair trial commands that there has to be free atmosphere where the victims, the accused and the witnesses feel safe. They must not suffer from any kind of phobia while attending the court. Fear and fair trial are contradictory in terms and they cannot be allowed to co-exist. The order came on a petition by the victims father seeking transfer of the case to Chandigarh on the ground that the family was receiving death threats and that they feared for their lives. Students in Hyderabad campus, clad in black, with ribbons on their arms, holding placards, are peacefully sitting and protesting outside their classrooms. Hyderabad: Students of Bits Pilani, Rajasthan intensified their protests by launching a hunger strike on the second day of their protest on Monday, over alleged fee hike. Students in Hyderabad campus, clad in black, with ribbons on their arms, holding placards, are peacefully sitting and protesting outside their classrooms. The movement against fee hike was also supported by sister campuses in Goa and Hyderabad. The Hyderabad campus witnessed the participation of over 1,200 students as they marched from their hostels to the academic block where they sought answers from the director, deans and several key faculty members. The annual fee increase was a cause of concern for the students since a few years but the recent release of the fee structure came out as the last straw leading to wide-scale protests across all campuses. The protests were broadcasted live on a Facebook group, comprising over 30,000 Bitsians the current students and alumni which further gained attention on various social media platforms. Hundreds of students decided to spend night in the auditorium with their books and laptops, to continue their preparations for the ongoing end-semester exams. A student who participated in the protest said: The tuition fee has been hiked by 15 per cent per annum consistently since the last few years. A student entering in 2018-19 will now have to pay `1,60,000 as tuition fee against `89, 000 four years ago. This is not inclusive of hostel, mess and other advances collected by the university. The inclusive figure would come over `2 lakhs. Another student, on conditions of anonymity told this newspaper, Not only we want the fee hike to be rolled back, but also want the fee to be constant for a particular batch. The BJP might have given less tickets to women in the forthcoming assembly elections but the party seems to have made amends by making general secretary and Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP, Shobha Karandlaje the election management committee head. Amid her hectic schedule, Ms Karandlaje sat with Deccan Chronicle to explain her views on the elections. Here are excerpts from her interview. You are the chief of the Karnataka BJP election management committee. How do you feel? No, I am doing only the co-ordination work. In fact, Prakash Javadekarji and Muralidhar Raoji guide us. How different were the preparations this time compared to the earlier elections? We did not give so much emphasis and importance to setting up of booth committees in the past as we did this time. Our national president Amit Shahji was very particular about this. In the booth committees, we identified people of different castes, made caste-wise groups and brought in many defeated gram panchayat members. Then Mr Shah also introduced Panna Pramukh system under which we select a voter as head from among the voters in a particular page of the voters list. His responsibility is to get voters enlisted on that page, to the polling booths. We never did this in the state in the past. He stressed on meetings of booth committees too. You have rebels in over 30 constituencies. Will it not be a big problem for you? I don't think we have 30 rebels. In 16 constituencies, we had rebels. They have been suspended. Some of the rebels had joined JD (S) and became candidates. We tried to assuage the feelings of many who could not get tickets. Those who remained in the fray were suspended. After the suspension, our workers stopped going with the rebel candidates. Even the Congress party has rebels. Those who were 'neutralised' in this manner, may work for your rivals on polling day.. Those who are in the fray are seeking voters as independents. And we also treat these candidates as our rivals in the same way we treat the Congress or JD (S) candidates. We tell our workers to educate voters on these aspects. But when rebels like Somanna Bevinmarad, a hard core RSS and BJP man remain in the fray, won't he eat into your votes causing problems for your party candidate? No, not really. Those who want to vote for the BJP will see the face of B.S. Yeddyurappa and exercise their franchise. But both our voters and workers are clear in their mind that backing rebels means depriving Mr Yeddyurappa of a chance to become chief minister. So, rebels will not dent our prospects. The Congress party campaign has focused on the BJP's tainted leaders saying their return to power will cause damage to the state. Will this not hurt your prospects in the elections? Some mistakes had happened on our side between 2008 and 2013. Those involved are either been punished or are not with us. The court has dismissed many cases. The party has already been punished by the people for these mistakes in 2013, so, I do not think people will vote in the same way. The CM(Siddaramaiah) was not confident of fighting the election on the basis of his performance. That's why, he is dividing society and making false allegations against us. He has run away from Varuna to Chamundeshwari to Badami. This is precisely why the Congress party entered into an understanding with SDPI in Narasimharaja and Bantwal constituencies. It is the Congress is which is worried, not us. The campaign has crossed the lines of decency with both parties indulging in mudslinging.. We have not done anything. It is Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who has crossed the Laxman Rekha. He is not speaking about developmental works. Just to elicit a strong reaction from the public, he indulges in mudslinging wherever he goes. We have so many issues like corruption and blunders committed by the government. I would like to ask the CM only one question: can you win the polls on a development agenda? If yes, then why did you try to divide society? Why did you run from one constituency to the other? Does it not show you are worried about your own victory, forget about the Congress party coming to power? Your party is not lagging behind on this front... We have not crossed the line. Of course, when they attacked us, we had to react and we did that. Your manifesto was released just five days back. Was it a clever strategy or was it actually delayed? Yes, the late release was part of our strategy. This is a vision document of our party for five years. We promised only those programmes that we could implement in five years. Assuming that coastal, central and Mumbai Karnataka will back your candidates this time again, what is your assessment of Hyderabad-Karnataka, Bengaluru and old-Mysuru regions? Mark my words, Hyderabad-Karnataka will contribute a large number of seats this time. Bengaluru, I think will vote against the Congress. Yes, we have problems in old-Mysuru region and in districts like Mandya, we have issues. Here, the smaller or regional parties may benefit. We will sweep the state and form the government on our own. Hosakote /Maluru (Karnataka): Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Monday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "PPP Congress" jibe, likening him to a mobile phone on "speaker and airplane" mode and not the "work" mode. On the 9th leg of his election tour of Karnataka, he accused Modi of making personal attacks against him as he did not have to speak about on other issues. "There are three modes in a cell phone....the first is the work mode....the other two are speaker mode and airplane mode. Modi only uses speaker and airplane mode and not the work mode," he told reporters in an impromptu interaction. Rahul Gandhi was responding to a question about Modi's Tuesday remark at an election rally in Gadag where he said the Congress will become "Punjab, Puducherry, Parivar" Congress after its defeat in the Karnataka Assembly polls. " You might have seen and heard, in my speeches I speak about Narendra Modi, I question him on issues....but I speak about him with respect. Narendra Modi is an elderly man, he is aged, going to be 70. I respect those who are elder to me," Gandhi told election rallies in Hosakote and Maluru. Modi, he said, cannot speak on corruption as the party's chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa faced graft allegations. "He cannot speak about corruption as he has Yeddyurappa standing next to him. He cannot speak about farmers as he has not given them MSP, bonus, and not waived farm loan. He cannot speak about Dalits as Rohit Vemula (a dalit student of Hyderabad who committed suicide) was killed by his people, Dalit in Unnao was killed by his people. What is left? Speak ill about Rahul Gandhi, Siddaramaiah, and (Mallikarjun) Kharge. He does it," he said. During the three-day visit, Gandhi will address public meetings in Kolar, Bengaluru rural, Chikkballapura, Tumakuru districts and Bengaluru city. Gandhi said though use of such language was unbecoming of a prime minister, it was a "habit" with Modi. Alleging that atrocities against Dalits and minorities were on the rise, the Congress president said his party would not allow the Constitution to be changed, as asserted by Union Minister from Karnataka Anantkumar Hegde. "Narendra Modi folds his hands in front of Ambedkar's statue and garlands it, but the causes for which Ambedkar fought, he will not fight for it," Gandhi said, adding that, all across the country Dalits and minorities were being "beaten up, killed and crushed". About Hegde's alleged comments on the Constitution, he said, "Modi ji listen carefully, put however much strength you have you cannot change Ambedkar's Constitution because Congress party will not allow you to do it." Terming Karnataka elections as a fight between ideologies, he said on one side was the thinking of Basavanna (12th century social reformer), the Congress party, Indira Gandhi and Devraj Urs (former chief minister), and on the other were the BJP, RSS, Modi's thought. Gandhi said apart from Yeddyurappa, four former ministers who had spent time in jail, and eight people from the camp of the controversial Reddy brothers were in the poll fray so they can "loot" Karnataka. "The qualification of Yeddyurappa, Reddy brothers and four ministers...Yeddyurappa is the most corrupt chief minister the country has seen, Reddy brothers are the most corrupt people the country has seen...they will give money for marketing Modi after looting Karnataka," he said. Earlier, the Congress president rode a bicycle as he led a march against high fuel prices at Maluru in Kolar district. He later stood on a bullock cart from where he addressed a gathering. He alleged the Modi government wanted to take money from the common man to give it to its "rich friends". "Earlier in international market, the price was USD 140 per barrel, now it is USD 70 per barrel. So lakhs of crores of rupees is being saved by the government. Where is the money going?" Gandhi asked. "Why are you not telling people that you don't want to put GST on petrol and diesel? You want to take away money from the common man and want to give it to your five or ten industrialist friends....take money from the pockets of women and put it into the pocket of Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi," he said. RAICHUR: While trying to woo voters of Raichur district, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pulled up Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for his alleged failure to effectively tackle problems confronting the state. Calling the district the 'land of Haridasas,' Mr Modi said it has a rich historic and cultural heritage where traditions have flourished. "But unfortunately the Congress has learnt nothing from here. If they had learnt something, they would never have committed the sin of dividing people", he remarked. Mr Modi said Raichur had not only inspired him, but many other BJP leaders too. "When people were protesting for separate statehood here, only Bharatiya Jan Sangh supported you while the Congress opposed it," said Mr Modi. Describing Raichur as the "switch" of Karnataka's power hub, he regretted that due attention had not been paid by the state government to address its electricity shortage. "In Bengaluru the sleeping Chief Minister gets electricity 24 hours. But in Rachur, where power is generated, people sit in the dark. Should this ineffective CM stay in office", he asked. The public responded chanting "illa, illa". Describing Raichur as the 'Rice-Bowl' of the state , Mr Modi said its special variety of rice -Sona Masuri - was as famous as the Basmati variety. "But the farmers here have to struggle hard for a drop of water. Despite having Tungabhadra reservoir, the state government has failed to address the issue and ensure sufficient water. This Congress government knows how to milk cream from water too", he quipped. Chennai: Opposition parties stepped up their attack on the Centre for the manner in which CBSE traumatised over 5,000 Tamil Nadu students, sending them to distant places to take the Neet exam. They also slammed the AIADMK government for not acting tough in getting an exemption from Neet for TN students by at least ensuring they had centres inside the state. DMK working president M.K. Stalin said Neet is taking nara-bali (human sacrifice) every year and we must halt Neet before it takes one more life. Reacting to the death of Krishnasamy, who reportedly died due to a cardiac arrest in Ernakulam on Sunday after seeing off his son to the Neet centre there, Mr. Stalin said, We lost Anitha last year and now Krishnasamy of Thiruthuraipoondi, had died because of stress and anxiety. His doctor-aspirant son Kasturi Mahalingam, who hopes to save many lives after becoming doctor, will regret all through his life that he could not save his father. In a statement, Mr Stalin said the state government should take legal steps to get permanent exemption from Neet for TN students, otherwise this eligibility test would claim many more lives if the officials continue to serve as puppets to the Central government. Lashing out at the Centre, MDMK chief Vaiko said the students have been reduced to the plight of refugees like Eelam refugees, unable to write the test in their own state despite living in a free country like India. There is no clemency for the Central government for this anarchy or for the state government, which failed to protect the rights of Tamils on Neet, he said while expressing distress over the plight of parents and Neet candidates who faced hardship in not being able to get accommodation or food in Kerala. Immediately after Krishnaswamy died, he spoke to Kerala Governor Sadasivam over phone and he in turn informed the Ernakulam Collector to make arrangements to send Krishnasamys body to Tamil Nadu. This (death) is most cruel. Such a thing has never happened even during the British rule, Mr Vaiko said. RAICHUR: Probably alarmed by some media survey reports which indicated a fractured mandate in elections to the state Assembly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday made a fervent appeal to people to give a clear mandate to the BJP to enable it deliver on its poll promises. Do you want Karnataka's name to resonate in the country the way India's name resonates in the international arena now? If yes, the BJP has to get a clear majority, Mr Modi declared at a poll rally here. Asserting that the Janata Dal(S) has no strength to take on the Congress, he appealed to voters not to support it. India is being hailed in the world today not because of Modi, but because of the opportunity given to us. Similarly if Karnataka has to make a name in the country, you have to give a clear mandate to the BJP. People are spreading rumours about a hung Assembly including those sitting in AC rooms. But the response of the people here is enough to dispel such reports, Mr Modi said. Accusing the Congress of spreading canards about his government, the PM remarked that it had no agenda other than attack him in public. It (Congress) has launched a misinformation campaign against me because I have plugged the leak of Rs 80,000 crore that was being looted in the name of the poor. I caution voters to be vigilant about these designs of the Congress till the elections. Has the Chief Minister given an account of his performance? During the last 70 years the Congress has ruled the country by misleading the poor and other downtrodden sections. Through Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and the mobile phone, we have stopped the loot that was taking place. The people in other parts of the country have shown the Congress the door. Now it is the turn of people of Karnataka to do the same, Mr Modi remarked. On hearing an encouraging response to his recount of the defeats suffered by the Congress in different states during the last four years, a chuckling Mr Modi remarked, now nobody can save it (from the rout). He also attacked the Congress for not allowing the Lok Sabha to function and pass the bill which sought to establish the OBC Commission. The OBC bill was defeated because we don't have a majority in the Rajya Sabha, Mr Modi said adding that he would continue his fight to get justice for the OBCs. Referring to the measures his government had initiated for the well being of farmers, Mr Modi said they recently passed the Swaminathan Commission report which the Congress led UPA government had shelved. He congratulated state BJP Chief B.S. Yeddyurappa for the latter's announcement of various pro-farmer programmes in the manifeso. I particularly appreciate the decision to set up Raitha Bandhu Intervention Fund for market intervention, Mr Modi added. In a tweet, BS Yeddyurappa, BJPs Karnataka chief ministerial candidate, indicated that he was game for a debate with CM Siddaramaiah who had issued an official challenge for a debate in an advertisement in local dailies. (Photo: File) Bengaluru: It seems that the BJP has accepted the 15-minute debate challenge issued from the Congress. In a tweet, BS Yeddyurappa, BJPs Karnataka chief ministerial candidate, indicated that he was game for a debate with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who had issued an official challenge for a debate in an advertisement in local dailies. In a taunting tweet, Yeddyurappa said field of debate should also include issues of Lokayukta, farmers' suicides, sand mafia and transfer of honest officers. I think your Hublot watch suggests you the right time to show up for a debate. 1. Do get Vijay Eswaran, your fugitive friend along. 2. Do carry the diary of L Govindaraju. 3. Let us also debate: Turning Lokayukta Powerless, Farmers suicides, Sand Mafia, Honest Officers' Transfer https://t.co/OCgfmtOlno B.S. Yeddyurappa (@BSYBJP) May 7, 2018 On Monday, a newspaper advertisement, featuring Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, asked BJP's prospective chief minister BS Yeddyurappa to a "debate with facts". A tweet from the 69-year-old Chief Minister repeated the invitation -- with an addition: "Modi is also welcome". PM Modi is deliberately confusing Karnataka voters with his bombastic speeches on non-issues. All hot air & no substance. My contest is not with him. It is with Yaddyurappa. I challenge him to an open debate on issues on a single platform. Will he accept? Modi is also welcome! pic.twitter.com/34Jl6nIeOE Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 7, 2018 Read: Siddaramaiah challenges PM Modi, Yeddyurappa to open debate With just five days left for the Karnataka Assembly elections, the politics in the state is heating up with the ruling Congress and opposition BJP trading allegations. The Karnataka Congress led by Siddaramaiah has been attacked recently by BJP for meeting with two "declared absconders" wanted for financial fraud. The BJP on Sunday accused Siddaramaiah of being linked to two men accused of fraud who are currently absconding. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra told reporters that Siddaramaiah had met them in China during the September 2013 World Economic Forum and was seen receiving a "gift package" from them. Also Read: BJP shows Karnataka CM's pic with 'declared absconder', he rebuts charge Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah rubbished the allegations, saying he met many people in course of the China visit and cannot remember them all. Since the campaigning for the Karnataka Assembly elections started, the Congress has accused the BJP of not having any plans for Karnataka's development and using other means to deflect attention from it. The 15-minute debate challenge was issued by Congress President Rahul Gandhi to Prime Minister Narendra Modi a fortnight ago. Last week, the Prime Minister had responded with a jibe, saying he challenged Rahul Gandhi to speak for 15 minutes without notes in Hindi, English or his "mother's mother tongue". Also Read: Speak for 15 minutes without reading from paper: Modi dares Rahul in K'taka A file photo of people having lunch on the premises of Vidhana Soudha during distribution of free ration to BPL card holders under Anna Bhagya scheme, in Bengaluru. (Photo:KPN) The Lokniti-CSDS-ABP News Poll gives enough indication as to why the Congress appears to have surged ahead of its rivals, the BJP and the JD(S). Clearly, the report card of the government has many positives. The government is favourably considered for improving the condition of roads, providing more regular power supply and drinking water. Six of every 10 respondents spoke of an improvement in these key areas. However, the voter is a little concerned about the state of religious harmony and the condition of the government hospitals. When asked to compare and contrast the three major political parties in Karnataka on key variables, most of the respondents seemed to prefer the Congress for providing solutions to Karnatakas problems. They preferred the Congress over BJP and JD(S) as the best party for the states overall development, for solving the border dispute with Maharashtra, for youth, for curbing corruption, and for the respondents community. The BJP was favoured the most to resolve the Mahadayi issue and to resolve problems of towns and cities. Interestingly, the JD was the most favoured to resolve the Cauvery issue. The BJP was seen as the most corrupt and faction- ridden, and the Congress as more nepotistic. The JD(S) was a close third when it came to all the above mentioned state related issues, but a distant third on being corrupt, faction-ridden or nepotistic. Nearly eight out of every 10 voters said they were unhappy with the rising prices of essential commodities and six out of 10 with rising corruption. Dissatisfaction with availability of jobs was also evident as only one- sixth of the respondents felt that employment opportunities had increased. When asked if they or any member of their families had benefitted from any of Siddaramaiah governments welfare schemes, around six out of every 10 respondents said they had , with four in five having benefited from Anna Bhagya, and over half from Ksheera Bhagya. While the respondents had heard and benefited from the Anna Bhagya, Ksheera Bhagya, Akshara Dasoha schemes, they had heard of but not benefited from the Indira Canteen, the cycle and Krishna Bhagya schemes (only two out of 10 said they had benefited from the latter). In responding to questions on who should be given credit for the welfare schemes, the Union government, the state government, the local politician or government official, two out of every five respondents said they would credit the state government and only one out of 10 said the Union government. When asked if they had heard of the Pradhan Mantri AwasYojana, three out of every five said they had heard of its, but less than one- fourth said they had actually benefited from it. Similarly while seven out of every 10 had heard of the Rozgar Guarantee Yojana (MNREGA), close to three out of every 10 said that they had actually benefited from it. Again, while seven out of every 10 had heard of the free medical facilities provided by the National Rural Health Mission, only one third said their family members had actually benefited from it. When it came to the Prime Minister Suraksha Bima Yojana six out of 10 said they had not heard of it and only 10 per cent said that they had actually benefited from it. Similarly, while a little over half the respondents had heard of the Jan DhanYojana, only one fourth had benefited from it. On the much-publicised Swachch Bharat programme while seven out of every 10 said they had heard of it only one -third said they had benefited from it. Less than half the respondents had heard of Digital India, Prime Ministers Skill India, Make in India or Ujjwal Yojana programmes and a very small percentage claimed to have benefited from them. The most important issue for Karnataka voters seems to be development (vikasa), with three out of 10 respondents prioritizing it over everything else. This was followed by the MLAs performance and his/ her personality. This clearly shows that the Karnatakas voters do not seem to be swayed by party preferences alone, but prioritise development and the work carried out on the ground by the legislator over a particular party. These issues were followed by leadership, concerns over poverty and farmer and agriculture related issues etc. Most voters are satisfied with the Siddaramaiah government as more than seven out of every 10 voters were either satisfied or very satisfied with it. This satisfaction translates into a vote for it with four out of every 10 voters saying the Congress government should get another chance. This opinion has remained the same from the pre-poll survey conducted two weeks ago. However there is a four percentage point dip since two weeks ago in the overall perception about not giving it another chance. But despite the dip it is still quite high at 47 percent. Among those who do not want to give the Congress another chance, 53 per cent (same as two weeks ago) are leaning towards the BJP and 34 per cent (two percentage point increase since last poll) towards the JDS. Clearly the split in the anti-Congress vote is benefitting the ruling party. Dr Reetika Syal is the Lokniti Coordinator for Karnataka and Dr Priyanca Mathur Velath is an Associate Professor at JAIN- A Deemed to be University. Lokniti-CSDS-ABP News Poll: how it is done A Pre-Poll Survey was conducted in Karnataka by Lokniti, Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) for ABP News. The survey was conducted from April 27 through May 3, 2018 among 4929 voters in 224 locations (polling stations) spread across 56 assembly constituencies (the State has a total of 224 assembly constituencies). The sampling design adopted was multi-stage random sampling. The assembly constituencies where the survey was conducted were randomly selected using the probability proportional to size method. Thereafter, four polling stations within each of the sampled constituencies were selected using the systematic random sampling method. Finally, the respondents were randomly selected from the electoral rolls of the sampled polling stations. The fieldwork of the survey was coordinated by Dr. Reetika Syal of JAIN (Bengaluru) and Dr. Veena Devi of Bangalore University. The survey was designed and analyzed by Prof. Sandeep Shastri, Prof. Sanjay Kumar, Prof. Suhas Palshikar, Dr. Reetika Syal, Dr.Veena Devi, Mr. Himanshu Bhattacharya and Mr. Shreyas Sardesai. Bengaluru: With barely five days left for the Karnataka Assembly polls, a pre-poll survey- Lokniti-CSDS-ABP news poll, indicates that the Congress is inching ahead and increasing the gap with its principal rival, the BJP. A big dampener for the Congress however is the finding of the survey that the move of the Congress government to play the Lingayat card by recommending religion status for the dominant community, has not helped much in drawing Lingayat voters away from the BJP-their preferred party in past elections. Interestingly, a Jain University-Lokniti-CSDS poll done earlier, had indicated that the electoral contest was extremely close with no party likely to secure a majority on its own. But once the selection of candidates was completed and the campaign got into full swing, the Congress appears to have secured an edge over its rivals, the BJP and JD(S), says the survey, conducted in the last week of April and the first few days of May. What should warm hearts in the Congress camp is the seat projection done by Rajeeva Karandikar of the Chennai Mathematical Institute based on the Lokniti-CSDS data which indicates that the Congress is ahead of the BJP and is likely to win 92-102 seats in the 224 seat Assembly though it will be still short of the half way mark by a few seats. The BJP is set to win 79-89 seats while the JD(S) will be a distant third with 34 -42 seats. The ruling party seems to have an edge in all regions of the state-Hyderabad-Karnataka and Coastal Karnataka and Mumbai-Karnataka except the Old Mysuru region in south Karnataka where it is trailing behind the JD(S), led by former PM H.D. Deve Gowda. Interestingly, in the earlier Jain University-Lokniti-CSDS poll, the BJP was reported to be in the lead in Coastal Karnataka and Mumbai Karnataka while the current poll shows that the Congress has wrested the initiative in both regions. A factor that is likely to help the Congress is the clear split in the anti-Congress vote between the BJP and the JD(S). The Kuruba vote (of Siddaramaiah's community) is with the ruling party as is the minority, Dalit and tribal vote, says the survey. While the JDS is the preferred choice for a significant chunk of Vokkaliga voters, the Congress has made some inroads into this dominant caste too. The move of the Congress to secure minority religion status for the Lingayat community does not seem to have impacted voters of this dominant caste who still prefer the BJP. The survey also indicates that in the state assembly poll voters give priority to state issues. When it comes to the most preferred choice for CM, the Congress again seems to have an edge with the most preferred choice being incumbent, Siddaramaiah, who enjoys a six percentage point lead over the BJP's CM nominee, B.S. Yeddyurappa. The JD(S) nominee, H.D. Kumaraswamy is third with five percentage points. Given the important role that Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is now on a poll blitzkrieg across Karnataka, could play in the campaign, the survey sought public opinion on his and CM Siddaramaiah's popularity ratings and found that the PM was ahead by four percent points. Seven of every 10 respondents were satisfied with the performance of the state government. However, respondents think corruption and prices of essential commodities have increased in the last five years while the Congress government's record in generating employment opportunities too does not seem to have found favour with the people. With the BJP asserting that its real campaign will revolve around the election speeches of the Prime Minister, it remains to be seen if the trend changes in the week before the poll. Belagavi: In a clash of the titans, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address rallies in Babaleshwar constituency in Vijayapura district on Tuesday, barely 5 kms away from where his arch rival and former Congress president, Sonia Gandhi is expected to address a rally the same day. While Mr Modi will begin his rally in Sarwad village at 11 am, Mrs Sonia Gandhi's will kick off at 3 pm. Going by Minister M B Patil and AICC secretary, Manikam Tagore, who addressed a joint press conference in Vijayapura on Monday, over two lakh people are expected for Mrs Gandhi's rally being organsied on the city's outskirts. Sources in the BJP said Mr Modi was expected to confront the Congress party for projecting Mr Patil as an alternative to his partys Lingayat leader, and state BJP chief, B S Yeddyurappa through the movement for a separate religion tag for the community. Mrs Gandhis campaign is not being organised here by the Congress for fear of Mr Modi's rally. It was her choice to address a rally in Vijayapura. I feel honoured to know that Mt Modi too is campaigning in my constituency of Bableshwar,'' the Minister said. Asked about the Prime Ministers recent statements on the Mahadayi dispute, he said people were intelligent enough to understand his drama on the issue Meanwhile, the Mr Patil revealed that Kannada filmstar, Yash was campaigning in Babaleshwar for the Congress and would not campaign for the BJP as rumoured. VIJAYAWADA: BJP Karnataka unit on Monday lodged a complaint with Andhra Pradesh Governor, the Chief Election Commission and the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka urging to take suitable legal action against sponsored AP Non-Gazetted Officers Employees Association president P. Ashok Babu and eight others for instigation, criminal conspiracy and speech creating disharmony between people speaking two languages. In the complaint, BJP Karnataka state secretary and MP Shobha Karandlaje said that P. Ashok Babu along with some others had landed in Bengaluru on May 6 with an aim to instigate Telugu voters, with Andhra Pradesh origin, against the BJP party, on the ground that Prime Minister Narendra Modi belongs to North India and that they belonged to South India. The said persons had allegedly demanded to reject the BJP in Karnataka stating that the BJP is a North Indian party, thereby dividing the nation into two parts and further they had allegedly spoken against the BJP coming to power in Karnataka. The Congress appears to have made little in-road into the Lingayat vote, which remains strongly consolidated behind the BJP as in the past. Analysts of the states politics have always asserted that the real battle of Karnataka is in its many distinct regions. The Lokniti-CSDS-ABP News Poll once again stresses this point. If the Congress is ahead of its principal rival the BJP it is on account of the big lead that it appears to have established over it in Hyderabad-Karnataka and the slight advantage it has in the Mumbai-Karnataka, Central Karnataka, Bengaluru (urban and rural) and Coastal Karnataka regions. In the critical Southern Karnataka region the JDS seems to be ahead but compared to earlier polls, the indications of a Congress `catch-up` are clearly evident. Past experience shows that in order to emerge with a majority it is important for a party to do well in Hyderabad-Karnataka and Mumbai-Karnataka. It is also clear that the real contest is between the Congress and the JDS in Southern Karnataka, while the BJP and the Congress are the key contenders in Mumbai-Karnataka, Hyderabad-Karnataka, Central Karnataka and Coastal Karnataka. All the three major players seem to be in the contest in the urban and rural segments of the Bengaluru region. What are the important demographic variations in the support being extended to the three key players in the state? Mens support for the Congress appears to be marginally higher than the womens when compared to the BJP. There does seem to be a visible generation gap in terms of support with the middle-aged and the elderly expressing greater support for the Congress. Is there a rural-urban divide in support for the three political parties? The Congress has a much wider lead over the BJP in villages and in the big cities and Bengaluru and the BJP has a slight edge over the Congress in the small towns. There is not much variation in the JDS vote across the rural locales and urban centres. An important trend emerging is that the Congress seems to enjoy much higher support than the BJP and the JDS among farmers. As in the past, the Congress seems to be drawing more intense support among those who have not had access to higher education and the gap reduces when one looks at the vote preference of those who have gone to college and acquired a degree. The same trend is noticed in terms of economic status. The gap between the Congress and its rivals is much wider when one looks at the vote preferences of the economically less privileged. This gap ,especially between the Congress and the BJP, narrows when we come to the more affluent segments of society. Interestingly the JDS tends to enjoy more support among the well- to- do. The social base of the different political parties is also indicative of the nature and structure of the electoral competition. The BJP is ahead of the Congress among the upper castes and Lingayats. The Congress appears to have made little in-road into the Lingayat vote, which remains strongly consolidated behind the BJP as in the past. The Congress does not appear to have gained any significant traction among those Lingayats who respond favourably to the move of the party to accord a minority religion status to them. The vote of the other dominant caste, the Vokkaligas, seems to be consolidating behind the JDS. Yet it must be recorded that the Congress appears to draw more support from this social group when compared to the BJP. The two major religious minorities the Muslims and Christians are seen to favour the Congress. This is a critical factor as the race seems to be evenly balanced between the Congress and the BJP when it comes to the Hindu vote. The Dalit and tribal vote too has seen a consolidation behind the Congress though a quarter of this vote is with the BJP. Among the Dalit groups, the Congress seems to be doing much better among the Holeyas and Adi Dravidas, while the BJP seems to have some support among the Madigas. There is an important pattern in the non -dominant OBC vote. If one were to bring together all these castes, the Congress appears to be ahead of the BJP and the AHINDA slogan still evokes a favourable response for it. However, if one were to separate the Kururba vote, it is strongly with the Congress. On the other hand the non -Kuruba, non- dominant OBCs, seem to favour the BJP more. The perception that the Congress has given greater weightage to the Kurubas among the non- dominant OBCs could have contributed to this trend. The Congress appears to have caught up with the BJP among social media users as the survey indicates they are veering closer to the ruling party in the state than the principal opposition. Thus, the real battle of Karnataka and the indication of the electoral trends are in the distinct geographical regions and the support that each party enjoys among different social groups. (Dr Veena Devi is Karnataka State Coordinator for Lokniti Network and a Professor of Political Science at Bangalore University; Dr K C Nagesh is Karnataka State Supervisor for Lokniti Network and teaches Political Science at a Government Pre University College) Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Raos attempt to mobilise regional party leaders for the launch of the Rythu Bandhu scheme under which cheques of Rs 4,000 per acre will be distributed to farmers on May 10 to consolidate his position as a national leader may not materialise. The Chief Minister has invited West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Janata Dal (S) chief and former Prime Minister Deve Gowda, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) working president M.K. Stalin, Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to the launch, but they havent confirmed their participation so far. With only two days left for the event, CMO officials and Telangana Rashtra Samiti leaders, seem to have lost hope of the regional leaders making an appearance, so the invitation cards are being printed without their names. Over one lakh farmers are being mobilised from North Telangana districts for the huge public meeting to be addressed by the Chief Minister in Karimnagar once he launches the scheme. Hyderabad: Former MLC and Telangana Telugu Desam (TD) general secretary N. Narsireddy on Monday asked Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao why he wasnt speaking up against Prime Minister Narendra Modis moves in violation of the countrys federal spirit. He commented that while the CM has announced a federal front against the BJP and the Congress, he is silent over the Centres anti-federal measures. Speaking to the media on Monday, he also questioned the absence of Telangana finance minister Etela Rajender from the meeting of southern states finance ministers that was held on Monday at Vijayawada, as well as the previous one held in Kerala to fight against the Centres involvement in the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission. He also asked if Telangana was not part of the list of southern states. He asked the CM why he was not reacting when the Prime Minister himself was involving himself in the affairs of the Finance Commission and trying to seize the rights of states. He said that Mr KCR has failed in his promises given to Telangana during bifurcation, and asked what he is going to achieve by floating the federal front, and said everyone knows who was behind KCRs proposal. The sales of Karl Marxs large output of books have shot up after 2008. In 2018, he still sells; partly because it is his 200th birth anniversary and there are a slew of books, articles and weighty academic writings on the man who dissected capitalism, analysed the forces of history and arrived at the conclusion that a revolution of the working class was the best way to change things. He wasnt the first to think many of these thoughts. He was the best, as the market continues to affirm his relevance. And China, where the Communist Party is flourishing as is its state-capitalist economy, is an affirmation that Marx, reinterpreted by Stalin, Mao Zedong, Deng Xioping and now Xi Jinping, is a puzzle that remains to be cracked. It can be argued that if China is the alternative economic superpower, with its far-flung links of trade, investment and assets from South America to Africa, from Asia to America and Europe, then Marx is not only relevant, but the idea of a Communist Party with all its ideological underpinnings is also relevant. This raises the question why is it that in India, where the Communist movement began before 1920, its formal date of coming into existence in Tashkent, the party is struggling to be effective. The reduction of the largest Communist Party in this country, the CPI(M), in terms of size and its influence in politics, confirms theres a crisis that it must deal with. The essence of being Communist cant be framed as angst to be open to working, albeit at arms length with the Congress, or not to be. Nor can it be a promise to provide an alternative economic vision for lifting Indias poor out of poverty, reducing the ferocious inequalities where one per cent of people own 73 per cent of wealth, without spelling out what the CPI(M) thinks on the political economy, which Marx described as a natural result of the expansion of trade under which elementary, unscientific huckstering was replaced by a developed system of licensed fraud, an entire science of enrichment. The CPI(M)s problem is that its stuck over the ethics of political economy that is acquisition, work, thrift, sobriety. And, it has no solutions to the resulting tension between the real world and ethics, which was beautifully described by Marx as each sphere applies to me a different and opposite yardstick. China has sorted it out and its qualms, whatever they are, about different and opposite yardstick(s). Ideology, as the CPC understands it, has not got in the way of producing dozens of billionaires, of whom six per cent are self-made women entrepreneurs, making it the best in its class in the world. However worried Xi Jinping may be about the internal dynamics of an economy that is strongly unequal, (in China, one per cent of households own 25 per cent of the wealth, according to a Beijing University study), the fact is that the income gap is getting larger and larger, as experts within China acknowledge. Turning squeamish at the thought of being practical is fine, but only for a bunch of intellectuals with the wherewithal to support a life of activism and the privileges of living a life of the mind. The lakhs of people who voted for the CPI(M) in Kerala, Tripura and West Bengal need a successful party that offers an alternative development programme which can make them better off, protect their assets and allow them to invest in securing a comfortable future. That is what matters. As a party committed to leading a peoples struggle within the parliamentary democratic system, the challenges to defining the alternative are much greater than it is for China, where the Communists successfully led a revolution and abolished the old order, nationalising everything, and then reworked the mission of the government and party. China unleashed the animal spirits of capitalism, turned its rural population into an army of migrant workers and now has reached the point where a debate is under way on whether China is establishing a new model of colonisation, through the One Belt, One Road idea, or is its model more palliative, but as ruthless as the system that ended in 1949. To an average person, that is the vast majority who havent been anointed by the CPI(M) as bonafide cadres, China looks to have made its deal with the market, neo-liberalism and global capital. When the CPI(M) voices its opposition to neo-liberalism and questions the intentions of every political party except its own and its coalition Left partners, it really doesnt seem to have an alternative to offer. In 1957 in Kerala and again in 1977 in West Bengal, there were a slew of alternative policies and institutions that were established to implement these policies. In 1977, in West Bengal, the implementation of land reforms not only redistributed surplus land, but it also conferred on tenant farmers a legal right to cultivating the land. In 1978, it backed up these changes by putting in place a new institutional arrangement of three-tier panchayats as the first and nearest level of government. The CPI(M) government, which included men like the late Ashok Mitra, accepted there were limitations. But they found a way to push back on these limitations. The same cant be said of the ideologically puritanical spirits who continue to challenge the choices that a CPI(M) government, working within the parliamentary system, in any state is bound to face: of how to deliver development or economic opportunities to a population that lives and works within a political economy that is an entirely developed system of scientific enrichment. The political dilemma of who is the bigger enemy the BJP or the Congress has two hinges for the CPI(M): the first is secularism, communal harmony and religious diversity; and the second is neo-liberal policies and business-trade with international finance capitalism and US neo-imperialism. The hesitations over who is politically kosher extends to the regional parties as well, turning the Communists into an isolationist force of declining attraction. Dalit assertion in the wake of dalit anger that is on the rise recently is a building narrative whose effects are yet to be studied and assessed. The Karnataka polls could be a reference point on how the dalit vote, particularly strong in the states east, consolidates. While they may not be numerically strong enough to be a singular force, they could be the tipping point in the 2019 general election. Dalits are a fraction above 16 per cent of the national electorate, their numbers particularly higher in semi-rural and rural areas. The BJP, the ruling party at the Centre, has had the most baffling encounters with dalit anger even as it tries to use dalits as a votebank by paying obeisance to their icon B.R. Ambedkar and Prime Minister Narendra Modis inclusive development for all agenda. A series of recent comments from ruling party leaders may have only served to further fuel the antagonism with dalits, whose upper crust, after years of positive discrimination and avenues to education opening up, is not taking it lying down anymore. BJP leaders from UP may have further inflamed dalits with crass comments about being bitten by mosquitoes in their ongoing dalit outreach. Such programmes are opposed by the RSS core as being mere tokenism. Tokenism may ascend to positive symbolism if the outreach is genuine. However, perceptions have been changing ever since the Una flogging incident, the death of dalit scholar Rohith Vemula in Hyderabad, the violence over the Bhima-Koregaon commemoration event early this year and the more recent toppling of dalit grooms from their horses in UP baraats. The Supreme Court ruling on the 1989 SC/ST Act hasnt helped either, and in fact stoked the anger so much that it led to riots that erupted following the March 20 apex court order. The old dalit identity crisis has given way to an emerging identity awareness. To douse the flames, the PM advised his party members not to give masala to the media with their abrasive words, to which little thought seems to be given by the motormouths. A greater push in education and health for the poorest of the poor and more evenhanded government policies may come in the longer term. Meanwhile, a sense of dalit assertion grows with each incident, even as the government rushed to the Supreme Court with a review petition to seek amendments to the order, but that has run into resistance from judges. It appears at the moment that the ruling forces are fast losing the support of dalits, who helped vote them to power in 2014 and in UP in 2017. The rising disenchantment may have more to do with unfulfilled promises but the comments and ridiculous nature of dinners ordered and brought to dalit homes for the outreach arent helping much either. There is a growing unrest among the dalit community and the April 2 Bharat Bandh called by dalit groups was just an outcome of the frustration and anger that had been simmering for decades. In an interview to Yojna Gusai, BJPs dalit face and Northwest Delhi MP Udit Raj says dalits aspirations and expectations have changed, and simply eating at a dalit house will not make them feel included. The country recently witnessed a nationwide massive protest by the dalit community, which was seen as an outcome of the growing unrest among the community. Was it just because of the Supreme Courts recent judgment on the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act? It was not a sudden reaction to any one issue, but had been accumulating for many years. The April 2 Bharat Bandh was a turning point in the countrys history. For decades, dalits have been feeling neglected, their demands were being ignored, aspirations and expectations remain unfulfilled, participation in government jobs and education had been decreasing for years now. We have students who cannot get in good educational or professional institutions because these institutions are privatised. We have educated youths, who cannot find jobs in the private sector, because this sector is selective, employers here pick and choose and can fire anytime. Government jobs are still considered safe. Even in the public sector, contract system is being introduced. The Supreme Courts judgment was just a catalyst that fired up the anger and frustration that had been accumulating for decades. Here was a judgment, which brought in a third person who was responsible for deciding whether or not a person has really committed a crime against the community member. What about the accountability of this third person? What if this third person could be influenced by perpetrators of crime against dalits or could be bribed? Will s/he sanction arrest of the perpetrator/s? Dalits have suffered a lot and this order was seen as a dilution of the act, which gives them protection so they reacted very strongly against it. The SCs order on the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was catalyst for the dalit agitation? The agitation was just a venting out of the simmering anger among the community over so many issues. The apex court had earlier upheld an order by another court, which had asked universities to prepare a department-wise roster of teachers vacancies for SC and ST candidates instead of an institution wise roster. Again the number of reserved seats in universities came down drastically. These are all precipitating factors. Cases of dalit atrocities, including the Una incident (in Gujarat), dalit grooms not being allowed to ride a horse or dalits being asked to give notices in advance before marriage (in Ujjain, MP) have been on the rise. What is all this? Is this the freedom given to us by the Constitution that we talk about? Moreover, such incidents are setting a bad example before the world community. Are dalits not Hindus? What are we telling the world that Hindus perpetrate more crime on their fellow Hindu citizens? But most of these incidents took place in BJP-ruled states. The BJP has been facing flak over dalit atrocities. I will not blame any government here but would like to cite an example of the Punjab government, which took caution for the April 2 Bharat Bandh and closed government offices. I dont know why such precautionary measures were not taken by other state governments. Perhaps they failed to gauge the undercurrent of the simmering anger. But what was worst is that dalits were confronted by other group of civil societies over the bandh. The so-called dominant caste colluded with the agitators. What happened after that, those dalits arrested are still facing action but those who protested during the Patel agitation (in Gujarat), against the release of Padmaavat and during the Jat agitation in Haryana, governments decided to withdraw cases against them. Your party failed to foresee the impact of the dalit agitation? This question should be asked to our party leaders as I am speaking not as a BJP leader but as a dalit activist. This is not just a political issue for me. Such political questions should be put before those (BJP leaders) who can answer them. But have you ever taken dalit-related issues before your party leadership? I have taken such issues many times, it is for the party leadership to take note and take a call accordingly. Some BJP leaders have been in controversy over eating in dalit homes as part of the governments outreach programme Gram Swaraj Yojana I totally support this outreach programme. But each ailment requires a particular treatment. When the issue is about aspiration for jobs, education, participation in governance, fight for dignity and rights, then will simply eating at a dalits home be enough? When there is a huge gap between dalits and non-dalits, do you think eating with dalits will solve everything? There are many steps under the programme for the community, but simply eating with dalits cannot woo them. Last week, Chinese negotiators holding trade talks with US counterparts in Beijing asked the United States to hear ZTEs appeal. Chinas ZTE Corp has submitted an application to the US Commerce Departments Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) for the suspension of a business ban, it said in a filing to the Shenzhen stock exchange. Washington imposed a seven-year ban on US companies selling components and software to ZTE last month after finding the Chinese telecoms company breached US sanctions on Iran. ZTEs exchange filing did not give details of its request or say when it had been made, but it did say that the company had provided additional material at the BISs request. Last week, Chinese negotiators holding trade talks with US counterparts in Beijing asked the United States to hear ZTEs appeal, take into account the companys efforts to improve its compliance and amend the ban. US officials have said the action against ZTE was not related to trade policy, but the move has been seen by many in China as part of the broader trade spat playing out between the worlds two biggest economies. The ban on sales to ZTE, which is heavily reliant on imports of US chips, had threatened to scupper the Chinese firms smartphone business. It has also underscored Chinas heavy reliance on semiconductor imports amid growing trade tensions with the United States. ZTE has said the ban was unacceptable and threatened its survival. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Such mischievous messages have special hidden characters making them difficult to identify as spam. They have also caused a few IOS based smartphones to crash. Hyderabad: Several WhatsApp users in the city went into a panic last week as unknown pranksters found a way to make the popular messaging app freeze via a message bearing a black dot emoji, with an accompanying message saying, Don't touch here, which piqued the curiosity of several users. Abhishek Madan, a techie, said, During festivals, we often see messages like this, which redirect us to a webpage with moving celebratory images and so on. Many naturally assumed that this message was the same and were shocked when their screens froze. The trouble was seen mainly in android phones, with a pop-up stating that WhatsApp wasnt responding and if the user would like to close the app or wait. Since no loss of data has been reported, the prank was probably not staged by a hacker, though many users panicked and restarted their phones, causing loss of data. Cyber-security expert Rakesh Roshan said, All that was required was for one to close the app, but many people got scared that it would cause spamming. A similar issue occurs on Facebook, when people click on a link and obscene images or links are shared from their profiles. So to quickly ensure that nothing of that sport happened, many people restarted their phones and since many hadn't saved the work they were doing, it led to loss of data. We received a lot of calls asking for ways to recover the data. Such mischievous messages have special hidden characters written using normal text and emojis, which makes them difficult to identify as spam. The misleading message has also caused a few IOS based smartphones to crash. The storage capacity of the phone, how many apps are running and many other factors will determine if a phone will crash. What users should look out for is that these messages will have 'spaces' between characters and letters, which is where the special characters will be hidden. In light of all these messages doing the rounds, one should also not open unidentified messages, said Rakesh. More spam messages have been noticed floating around popular messaging platforms. Earlier this year, a single character in Telugu had caused iPhones to crash, which required an update by WhatsApp to fix the bug. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. The statements come ahead of a planned summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump in the next few weeks. (Photo: File) North Korea: North Korea on Sunday said that constant pressure and military threats from the United States was not conducive to addressing the issue of achieving denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. "It would not be conducive to addressing the issue if the US miscalculates the peace-loving intention of the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) as a sign of 'weakness' and continues to pursue its pressure and military threats against the latter," an unnamed spokesman for the North Korean foreign ministry said in an interview with the country's state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), citing South Korea's Yonhap News Agency. "Recently, the US is misleading the public opinion, arguing as if the DPRK's clarification of its intention for denuclearization of the Korean peninsula made through the Panmunjom Declaration adopted at the historic North-South summit is the result of so-called sanctions and pressure," the spokesman added. North Korea asserted that the US was "deliberately" provoking the former, at a time when relations between Pyongyang and Seoul have cooled down rapidly following the historic inter-Korean summit last month. "At the same time, it is making open remarks that it would not ease the sanctions and pressure until the DPRK gives up its nuclear weapons completely and also moving to aggravate the situation on the Korean Peninsula by deploying strategic assets on the peninsula and increasing its attempt to taking up 'human rights' issue against the DPRK. This act cannot be construed otherwise than a dangerous attempt to ruin the hardly-won atmosphere of dialogue and bring the situation back to square one," he further said. The statements come ahead of a planned summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump in the next few weeks. The Trump-Kim summit will be the first of its kind as it is the first meeting between a US President and a North Korean leader since the end of the Korean War in 1953. The two sides are likely to discuss the possible denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. SALT LAKE CITY Three small, remote schools in the Tooele County School District will switch to four-day weeks next fall under waivers approved by the Utah State Board of Education. Currently, schools in Dugway, Vernon and Ibapah conduct school five days a week under the state's attendance standard of 990 hours and 180 days a year. But Tooele school officials requested a waiver from the State School Board's rule for several reasons, which included higher absences on Fridays compared to other days and hour-long commutes for some students and teachers and to match up with Dugway Proving Ground's four-day work week. "There's also a ranching community out there, so I know some of those students go to help their parents (on school days). They said if they could get that additional day, it would really help just as a community," said Marie Denson, communications director for the Tooele County School District. The State School Board granted the waivers during its meeting on Thursday. While the school week will be shortened by one day, the schools will schedule longer school days the remaining days of the week to comply with the state's 990-hour attendance requirement. Schools in five rural school districts and two charter schools have received waivers to conduct school four days a week, with one exception granted as early as 2006. "The implementation of the four-day week will allow families in these rural communities to plan medical and other appointments on the day school is not in session," a letter from Tooele County School District Superintendent Scott Rogers to the State School Board and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sydnee Dickson. Each of the three Tooele District schools is very small and in remote locations. The smallest of the three, Vernon Elementary School, has just 24 students. The parents of several students who attend the school work at Dugway Proving Ground, which is on a four-day, 10-hour work week. "The four-day week would allow the students of these parents to be on a more similar schedule," application documents state. It notes that some students have left the school in Vernon to attend classes in the Tintic School District, which is already on a four-day schedule "because it is a better fit for their familys schedules." Patrons of Dugway Schools, which serve 121 students in grades K-12, also sought the four-day week to correspond with work schedules at the Army installation. The change would help with teacher recruitment and retention "because it is a long drive for most of the staff. The four-day week would save them some time away from their families and fuel costs," documents state. The Ibapah Elementary School community requested the waiver to help improve school attendance by scheduling medical or dental appointments on Fridays. The school serves 35 students. In January, the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation passed a resolution urging a change in the school week. "Our livelihood of ranching requires help from our children to do some of our work. It will help the staff with babysitting issues," the application states. The school district expects to save money by spending less on school busing and nutrition programs. The school district's letter to the State School Board said data will be collected to ensure students are progressing and not regressing. Data will be presented to our board of education after each quarter for accountability. Google will kick off its I/O 2018 annual developer conference on May 8, where we expect the company to make a slew of announcements. Android P, the next installation of the Android OS is also expected to be showcased there and ahead of the reveal, XDA developers noticed a new commit on the Android Open Source Project. It suggests that a long continuing privacy flaw could be patched with Android P as apps will be restricted from accessing activity network files, which store details about other apps that connect to the internet. Currently, Android apps have unrestricted access to the network activity files in on a device and they dont need to access them without asking for any permissions. As per the report, a commit on AOSP will start the process of locking down proc/net., where the /proc/net contains a bunch of output from the kernel related to network activity and its said that currently there is no restriction on apps accessing it. The restrictions will be applied to Android's SELinux rules for apps targeting API level 28 running on Android P and only designated apps will be able to access some of these files. Other applications who want access to the network files will be audited by the system and for compatibility purposes, XDA says that apps targeting API levels less than 28 will still have full access for now, until it will be mandatory in 2019 to apps to target API level 28. Android P is currently available as a developer preview and it comes with in-built support for devices with a notch on top of the display. There are reports that Google is also working on iPhone X-like gesture-based navigation support for Android P so that OEMs have an option of getting rid of physical buttons and provide more screen real estate to the users. At I/O 2018, Google is expected to officially unveil Android P and also give a look at how this gesture-based navigation will function on upcoming devices. Speaking of the Google I/O event, the company will be hosting it at the Shoreline Amphitheatre, which is located at Google's Mountain View headquarters in the San Francisco Bay area. We will be covering the event in detail and report everything being announced. You can read our what to expect from Google I/O 2018 here. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Shares of Air France-KLM Group plummeted in Paris after CEO Jean-Marc Janaillac resigned last week which threw the biggest airline in Europe into disarray, as strikes continue and senior politicians warn that the survival of the company is at stake. Stock fell by up to 13%, the most in close to two years. Even prior to Monday, shares lost 40% in their value. Get alerts: On Friday, walkouts led to Janaillac resigning and those have continued into this week, with close to 15% of the airlines services cancelled on Monday, it said through a post on its official website. While nearly all of its long-haul flights should operate without cancellations, one in five of its medium-haul flights out of Paris Charles de Gaulle airport will not. At the same time its short-haul flights leaving Orly have also been affected. On Tuesday this sort of action is expected to continue with the airline saying there will be additional disruptions. Janaillac has announced that he will hand over his resignation May 9 to the companys board of directors. Analysts compared the rejection of the pay proposal by airline management by workers to pressing a self-destruct button. On Sunday, the Finance Minister of France Bruno Le Maire said that the demands by the workers were not justified and urged them to show signs of responsibility. On Friday, Air France said that increasing expenses of jet fuel and the stronger Euro had and will continue to have a burden that has been caused by several walkouts by the airline staff that is fighting to receive higher wages. Janaillac put his CEO position on the line when workers voted on managements latest pay offer and he lost the bet as workers overwhelmingly rejected the airlines proposal late Friday. Air France announced that travelers will like experience delays and or cancellations that are last minute. The airline added that it would update its Tuesday flight schedule late on Monday. No word has been released as to when another offer would be made by the airline to its workers or if the walk out would be extended. Aurobindo in race to acquire generic dermatology business from Novartis Hyderabad-headquartered Aurobindo Pharma is in the race to buy the dermatology generics dermatology business of Swiss drug giant Novartis AG for about $1.6 billion. The sale of the dermatology generics business, which novartis runs under the Sandoz brand, is in line with Novartis' plan to exit some of its not-profitable businesses. See: ). If the deal materialises, this would be the largest acquisition of an overseas business by any Indian drug producer, after Lupin's 2015 acquisitions of Gavis Pharmaceuticals and Novel Laboratories for $880 million, in a cash-fre and debt deal ( Lupin buys US generics drug maker Gavis for $880 mn ). Analysts feel that Aurobindo has placed an aggressive bid for low margin assets. IIFL said, "Aurobindo has operating margins more than 23 per cent. We believe that Sandozs dermatology business could have margins less than 16 per cent, and hence, the deal would be margin dilutive. It also seems that Aurobindo has placed an aggressive bid for the low margin assets." Apart from the Aurobindo, other bidders include private equity firms and drug makers, with Aurobindo being the only Indian company in the fray. After IHH and Hero-Burman, Manipal-TPG too sweetens offer for Fortis After Malaysias IHH Healthcare and the Hero Enterprise-Burman Family combine sweetened their offers for the Fortis Healthcares assets last Tuesday, Manipal-TPG too raised their offer on Sunday. Manipal Health Enterprises, backed by US private equity firm TPG, has revised its offer for Fortis Healthcare Ltd, now proposing a merger of both entities in a three-step deal that values the Fortis at Rs8,358 crore or around Rs160 per share. Manipal Health Enterprises, backed by US private equity firm TPG, has revised its offer for Fortis Healthcare Ltd, now proposing a merger of both entities in a three-step deal that values the Fortis at Rs8,358 crore or around Rs160 per share. The new offer envisages an infusion of funds through a preferential allotment of shares, acquisition of stake in the diagnostics unit SRL from private equity investors and a merger of Manipal Health Enterprises Private Ltd (MHEPL) into Fortis Healthcare Ltd. Once the merger becomes effective, the shareholders of Manipal Health Enterprises will be issued equity shares in Fortis in accordance with the swap ratio for the merger. The expert advisory committee, led by former PwC chairman Deepak Kapoor, will meet on Tuesday to evaluate the offers and place their recommendation before the board on Thursday. Manipal-TPG has also proposed to subscribe to equity shares of Fortis for an amount of Rs21 billion (at Rs160 per share preferential allotment). The proceeds would be used to meet working capital requirements, repay existing loans and partly fund the acquisition of assets from RHT Health Trust. The preferential allotment would be subject to receive regulatory approvals, including from the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Further, Manipal has proposed to buy the stakes held by private equity firms in SRL, the diagnostic arm of Fortis Healthcare, at Rs3,600 crore. After the transaction, the SRL board will be restructured and Manipal-TPG wants to appoint a majority of directors on the reconstituted board. After the merger, Fortis will undertake a rights issue to raise additional capital. The purchase of the Singapore-based RHT's assets will be funded through debt, apart from the proceeds from the preferential allotment. This is a simpler structure that provides liquidity for the company and also cuts down the timeline (of the merger process) to six-nine months from what would have taken around 12-18 months, Ranjan Pai, chairman and chief executive of the Manipal Group, told sections of the media. We are funding Rs3,300 crore, which includes Rs2,100 crore into Fortis Healthcare and Rs1,200 crore into buying out the SRL PE stake. Manipal-TPG, however, has said their new offer does not require any further due diligence. The proposal is binding and valid until 15 May. This is the fourth offer from Manipal-TPG for Fortis. Pai said this was a compelling offer from their side that took care of all the medium to long-term needs of Fortis and created value for the shareholders. We are bringing in value addition of about Rs90 billion and that too without altering any structure of the Fortis, he said, adding that the latest offer from Manipal-TPG not only takes care of the immediate liquidity issue of Fortis but also takes care of the PEs in SRL (which is a liability for SRL), buy back the RHT assets (organise debt for the transaction if required), gives an opportunity to shareholders to participate through a rights issue. On top of it, it gives Fortis a promoter. It needs one at the moment, unlike many other bidders, who are looking at simple fund infusion, Pai said. Bidding for Fortis closed on 1 May. Manipal Hospitals, however, had a chance to revise its offer until 6 May, based on the bids received till 1 May. This is as per obligations towards Manipal-TPG consortium, Fortis had said. Last week, IHH had submitted a revised offer valuing Fortis at Rs175 per share, up from its earlier offer of Rs160 per share. Sunil Kant Munjal of Hero Enterprise, along with Anand and Mohit Burman, submitted a revised binding proposal to invest Rs18 billion directly into Fortis without due diligence. The Hero Enterprises-Burman Family office duo have also revised the validity of its offer till 15 May and have now sought three board seats instead of the two. The Munjal-Burman team has also objected to the bidding process and has asked for an equal opportunity to all bidders without any unfair advantage to one party. With L&T's Quad launcher, BrahMos missile goes 75% indigenous Indias BrahMos, billed as the worlds fastest supersonic cruise missile, will now be equipped with the Quad launcher (Quadruple Canisterised Inclined Launcher) designed and developed by L&T Defence. With this, the BrahMos, developed in collaboration with Russia, will achieve 75-per cent localisation in the next six months from the current 65 per cent domestic components that go into its production. "As of today 65 per cent of the value (in BrahMos) is created in India. We started with a very low 10-12 per cent indigenisation and today we have reached 65 per cent. In another six months, we would be close to 75 per cent," BrahMos Aerospace managing director and chief executive Sudhir Mishra said at the handing over ceremony of the prototype Quad launcher manufactured by the defence arm of Larsen & Toubro in Pune on Saturday. "Last March, we flight tested the indigenously made seeker, and booster also would be shortly tested in about two months. We would be reaching to a localisation of about 85 per cent in this," he said. The Quad Launcher has been designed for launching the Brahmos missiles in an inclined configuration from Indian Navy ships. Jayant D Patil, whole-time director (defence) and member of the L&T board handed over the newly developed Naval Weapon system- Quad Launcher, on Saturday to Sudhir Mishra at an event held at L&T Defences Strategic Systems Complex near Pune. L&T Defence is one of the leading industry partners of BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd (BAPL). The QUAD launcher provides superior firepower as compared to the twin canister, deck mounted launchers and has a capability to support and launch four missiles in a single or salvo mode. The new Quad launcher is suitable for warships which have space constraints to accommodate a Vertical Launch Module. The production units of the QCIL will be ready for deployment on Indian Naval Ships in next 18 months. Speaking on the occasion, Jayant Patil said, We have been associated with the development of BRAHMOS missile programme since 2000, when as part of the composite team led by DRDO, we engaged with the Russian Federation and embarked on this vast project. BrahMos Aerospace is a joint venture between Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India and NPO Mashinostroyenia (NPOM) of Russia. The company was established in India through an inter-government agreement signed in 1998 between The Republic of India and The Russian Federation. The company is responsible for designing, developing, producing and marketing the Brahmos supersonic cruise missile with active participation of a consortium of Indian and Russian industries. Nestle to pay Starbucks $7.15 bn for rights to sell the US chain's products globally Nestle SA, the world's largest food and beverage company today announced that it will pay US coffee house chain Starbucks Corporation $7.15 billion in cash for the rights to sell Starbucks consumer and foodservice products globally, outside of the companys coffee shops. The Switzerland-based giant said that the deal provides it with a strong platform for continued growth in North America with leadership positions in the premium roast and ground and portioned coffee businesses. It also allows Nestle to capture new growth opportunities in the rest of the world with Starbucks' premium products. "This global coffee alliance will bring the Starbucks experience to the homes of millions more around the world through the reach and reputation of Nestle, said Kevin Johnson, president and CEO, Starbucks. "This historic deal is part of our ongoing efforts to focus and evolve our business to meet the changing consumer needs, and we are proud to work alongside a company that is committed to our shared values, he added. As part of the deal, Starbucks will receive an up-front cash payment of $7.15 billion for a business which generated annual sales of $2 billion. The transaction does not include the transfer of any fixed assets. Nestle expects this business to contribute positively to its earnings per share and organic growth targets as from 2019. The agreement excludes ready-to-drink products and all sales of any products within Starbucks coffee shops. Starbucks said it now expects to return approximately $20 billion in cash to shareholders in the form of share buybacks and dividends through fiscal year 2020. Nestle is the 5th largest player, holding a little less than 5 per cent of the US market share, while Starbucks is a market leader with 14 per cent share, according to market intelligence provider Euromonitor International. Nestle, which owns Nespresso, a direct rival in the US to Starbucks's retail coffee bean business, is targeting coffee as a future high-growth market, especially the US market. In September last year, the Swiss company expanded its portfolio of US coffee businesses by buying a majority stake in California-based coffee roaster and retailer Blue Bottle Coffee and a month later went to acquire Texas-based organic cold brew producer, Chameleon Cold-Brew, for an undisclosed sum. Nestle has become an expert in cutting deal with rivals in order to gain market share. It sells General Mills Haagen-Dazs brand in the US, while US chocolate giant Hershey sells Nestles KitKat in the US. Nestle also has joint ventures with General Mills for cereal, Lactalis for dairy products and R&R for ice cream. Nestle said that its ongoing share-buyback program will remain unchanged. Around 500 Starbucks employees will join Nestle to drive the existing business and global expansion. Operations will continue to be located in Seattle. The agreement is expected to close by the end of 2018. Iranian President warns US would regret move to quit nuclear deal While American President Donald Trump has threatened pulling out of the 2015 nuclear deal struck with Iran, Hassan Rouhani, its president, has warned that the US would regret its decision to quit the deal like never before. If the US leaves the nuclear agreement, you will soon see that they will regret it like never before in history, declared Rouhani, in a televised speech. Trump must know that our people are united, the Zionist regime (Israel) must know that our people are united. Today all of Iran's political factions, whether they be from the right, the left, the conservatives, reformers and moderates are united. The nuclear deal between Iran, the US, the UK, France, Germany, Russia and China is due for its regular, three-month renewal. Under American law, the US President has to recertify the agreement every three months. Trump is opposed to the deal with Iran, signed by his predecessor Barrack Obama, which resulted in the easing of sanctions on the country for its commitment not to pursue a nuclear bomb. The American President has also asked his European allies to fix the terrible flaws, in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). But key allies including the UK and France and Germany are reluctant to back out of it. French President Emmanuel Macron has got the support of British Prime Minister Theresa May and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in continuing with the deal with Iran. And Britain is sending its foreign minister, Boris Johnson, to Washington to get support from it for the deal. Naval Commander's conference to be held on 08 May at New Delhi The first edition of this years bi-annual Naval commanders conference has been scheduled from 8 to 11 May. The conference is aimed at enabling the Navy to review its new mission-based deployments philosophy aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the region. The new deployment philosophy aims at sustained, peaceful and a responsive presence of Indian Naval ships in critical areas and choke points. The Navys focus over the past year has been on 'combat efficiency and materiel readiness', and upkeep of its large fleet of 131 ships and submarines. Various measures taken to improve combat efficiency, including the new 'transition cycle' for ships to transition from maintenance periods through a training phase and from there to full scale operations will be examined at the conference. An overhaul of the training standards of units by revamping the ship operating standards' (SHOPS) is also underway. The new SHOPS, set to be unveiled shortly, focuses on role-based training in realistic scenarios and sets standards to be met by units and also targets individual crew proficiency levels. the Naval commanders will take the opportunity to deliberate on steps to improve the teeth-to-tail ratio and new areas such as artificial Intelligence and big data analytics. The Indian Navy has been the flag-bearer of the indigenisation efforts and 27 ships and submarines are currently under construction in various Indian shipyards, including the first indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant. The Navy has put in place a 15-year indigenisation plan from 2015-30, which has laid down our plans for the next 15 years, whoich would help private sector suppiers to formulate strategies to meet the requirements of the Navy through the new strategic partnership model, notified on 17 May, and domestic R&D. Thisw is aimed at enhancing indigenous defence industrial capability extending up to the micro small and medium enterprises. 2 Rajya Sabha MPs move SC on Misra impeachment issue Two Congress members of the Rajya Sabha today moved the Supreme Court challenging Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu's decision to reject the removal motion against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra. The move comes two weeks after Naidu rejected the impeachment notice against CJI Misra (See: Venkaiah Naidu rejects 'impeachment' notice against CJI) The move comes two weeks after Naidu rejected the impeachment notice against CJI Misra ( The MPs, Pratap Singh Bajwa from Punjab and Amee Harshadray Yajnik from Gujarat, said they had challenged the decision because the removal motion was signed by more than 50 MPs as constitutionally required, and yet Naidu rejected it. In their joint petition, the MPs said that once a removal motion is signed by the requisite number of MPs the RS chairman has no option but to constitute an inquiry committee to investigate the charges. The petitioners also cast doubt on the way Naidu handled the whole situation, saying the notice by the opposition MPs was given on 20 April while it was rejected on 24 April, during which period Naidu was mostly outside Delhi on vice-presidential engagements. Then petitioners sought a direction from the SC to the RS chairman to immediately constitute an inquiry committee under the Judges Inquiry Act to probe the charges against CJI mentioned in the removal motion. Congress-affiliated lawyers Kapil Sibal and Prashant Bhushan mentioned the petition by the MPs challenging rejection of the removal motion against the CJI before a bench headed by Justice J Chelameswar, who had led the 'rebel' press conference against the CJI on 12 January. While Justice Chelameswar initially showed reluctance, Sibal and Bhushan insisted that since the CJI as master of roster is disqualified from hearing a petition on his own removal, it needed to be heard and decided by a bench headed by Justice Chelameswar. Sibal said he is not asking for any interim order but seeking listing of the petition before an appropriate bench. The bench of Justice J Chelameswar and S K Kaul said it will pass orders on listing on Tuesday morning. On April 20, as many as 64 MPs belonging to seven political parties signed the notice for removal proceedings against the CJI. They include MPs from the Congress, the NCP, CPM, the CPI, the SP, the BSP and the Muslim League. On 24 April, Vice-President Naidu rejected the impeachment notice signed by 71 opposition MPs of the upper house, seven of whom retired last month, against CJI Misra, citing absence of any proved misbehaviour or incapacity on the part of the senior judge. He ruled in a 10-page order that the grounds were insufficient to admit the petition. Sibal had earlier termed Naidus order as unprecedented, illegal, ill-advised and hasty and asserted that the party would challenge it in the Supreme Court. Strong winds, rain continue to lash several states; UP worst hit Strong winds with speeds of over 100 kmph swept through parts of Uttar Pradesh this morning, while the India Meteorological Department issued a fresh 48-hour weather alert in Agra where 48 people died in last week's storm. Early morning rains also lashed Chandigarh and adjoining areas today. The authorities in several states, especially Haryana and Punjab, are on a high alert following the storm advisory issued by IMD. Early morning rains also lashed Chandigarh and adjoining areas today. The authorities in several states, especially Haryana and Punjab, are on a high alert following the storm advisory issued by IMD. Schools in Haryana are closed today and tomorrow after a thunderstorm alert was issued for today in 13 states. The union home ministry also warned of thunderstorms along with heavy rains, strong winds and hail in the north and eastern part of the country. See: The weather department, however, noted that the impact of the thunderstorm will be lower than that of last week. The alert comes after 124 people died and over 300 were injured in thunderstorms and lightning that hit five states last week ( Fresh squally spell to hit several states tomorrow ). According to government figures, the maximum casualties were reported in Uttar Pradesh, where 73 people were killed and 91 others injured. In Rajasthan, 35 people were killed and 206 injured. Eight people were killed in Telangana, six in Uttarakhand and two in Punjab, while nearly 100 people were injured in these three states. Parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Karnataka and Kerala are likely to get thunderstorms and rain today, according to the weather office advisory. Himachal Pradesh witnessed rains on Sunday, leading to a dip in temperatures in the hill state. Himachal has been warned of thunderstorms with squall and hail today and tomorrow by the weather office. The upper regions of the state could get snow and rain till Thursday. In Jharkhand, two people were killed and several injured after being struck by lightning in a village in Saraikela-Kharswan district, 55 km from Jamshedpur. Dust storms and thunderstorms are likely at isolated places in western Rajasthan, the Met said. Seven persons were injured and about 200 houses were collapsed in a storm in Nadia district of West Bengal today, District Magistrate Sumit Gupta said. The storm with a speed of about 90 to 100 km per hour lashed places including Ranaghat, Hanskhali and Krishnagar. A massive landslide triggered by heavy rains near the Assam-Meghalaya border hit traffic on Sunday. Hundreds of vehicles were stranded on both sides of National Highway-44 that conncetcs the Assam capital with Meghalaya. There was no report of any casualty. The landslide brought down a massive mound of mud and boulders on the highway. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, who cut short his Karnataka election campaign tour in the weekend, took an aerial survey of Agra and Kanpur on Saturday, and visited the injured in hospital. Nearly 75 people were killed in last week's storm in Uttar Pradesh. Adityanath will be back in Karnataka today for campaigning. War of words between rivals intensifies days before Saturday elections With voting for the Karnataka state assembly elections to be held on Saturday, the vociferous slug of verbal warfare between the BJP and the Congress intensified over the weekend. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the Congress for its woeful lack of respect for Dalit upliftment in India. He said that when Ram Nath Kovind, a Dalit, became the President of India, Congress leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi did not even make a courtesy call. The arrogance of the Congress is at its peak, said Modi while addressing a rally in Bagalkot. A Dalit mothers child became the President and they (Sonia and Rahul) should have made a courtesy call. It has been a year, yet Soniaji has not found to time for a courtesy call and her prince (Rahul) met him seven months after he became President, just to give him a memorandum. The Prime Minister said unlike the Congress, he was committed to the welfare and security of Dalits. Referring to allegations by Rahul about the low rate of jobs being generated under his regime, Modi said there were just two mobile manufacturing companies during the UPA regime. But today, under the NDA government, there were 120 mobile manufacturers in India, generating more jobs. He also urged residents of Karnataka to be vigilant of the divisive politics indulged in by the Congress. We will not accept any division of Karnataka on the basis of caste, he said. Chief minister Siddaramaiah of the Congress, however, strongly refuted Modis charges. If BJPs callous statements on Karnataka were even remotely true, why would we be the number one state in attracting investments for two years in a row? he wondered. Referring to Dalits, he said they did need empty outreach strategies like having meals with them. What they need is empowerment with dignity and justice. Dengue virus transmission dominated by those with undetected infection, study finds People showing virtually no symptoms are likely the primary source of dengue fever, according to new research published in PLOS Pathogens. Nearly 400 million people each year are infected with dengue virus, which is transmitted through mosquitoes. The study estimates that more than 80 per cent of dengue virus infections are attributable to individuals with mild to no symptoms who do not seek treatment from a physician. The study also indicates that nearly a quarter of dengue virus transmission is the result of mosquitoes biting those already infected before the onset of symptoms. By the time those symptoms appear, the opportunity to prevent the virus from spreading has passed. "Until a few years ago, it was assumed that individuals with mild to no symptoms contributed relatively little to dengue virus transmission," said Alex Perkins, Eck Family Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame and senior author on the study. "Our research reveals that people showing no symptoms of dengue virus infection are contributing much more than was previously recognised, so that we now have a better idea of the large extent to which they contribute to the spread of this disease." Researchers at the University of Notre Dame used mathematical modeling to quantify what fraction of dengue virus infections might be caused by people whose illnesses were undetected by public health surveillance systems. Their work involved integrating data sets on the amount of virus in the blood during various stages of infection, the severity of symptoms in relation to previous infections and the proportion of infections resulting in clinical consultation. The World Health Organization currently focuses disease surveillance efforts on detecting outbreaks, monitoring trends in the number of cases and assessing the possibility of outbreaks. This surveillance encompasses the monitoring of suspected and confirmed dengue cases. "Unfortunately, based on our study, those who need to be targeted with interventions are either being identified after they have already contributed to transmission or are not being identified at all," said Perkins. "Our results indicate that it might be necessary to shift emphasis toward more proactive disease prevention strategies that do not rely as strongly on responding to detected cases." The lead author on the study is Quirine ten Bosch, a former biological sciences doctoral student and graduate fellow of the Eck Institute for Global Health at Notre Dame. She is currently a postdoctoral scholar at Institut Pasteur in Paris. Perkins and ten Bosch are affiliated members of the Eck Institute for Global Health. Underpinning the new BMW is a dedicated suspension. It uses double wishbones up front and a five link set-up at the rear in combination with standard air springs at each end. The nominal ground clearance is put at 183mm. At the press of a switch, it can be raised in two steps at either 203mm or 243mm as part of an off-road function that also includes a hill descent control. Depending on the model, buyers will be able to choose between a standard electronic steering system or an optional active rear steer system, which introduces counter steer to the rear wheels at city speeds for added manoeuvrability and parallel steering at motorway speeds for greater high-speed stability. BMW has chosen to wait until closer to the X7s unveiling in November to provide full details to the initial headlining M50d M Performance model. But with the same quad-turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six cylinder engine as the M550d M Performance it is claimed to offer 298kW at 4400rpm and generous 720Nm of torque at 2000rpm. When were handed the key it starts with a raspy blare that becomes harder and even more prominent as we get underway and dial-up the Sport mode via a button mounted next to the gear lever within the centre console. As with all of BMWs more recent M Performance models, it is a combination of proper exhaust roar and synthetically generated acoustics via the speakers. That said, the new BMW sounds genuine and entirely legitimate, its deep tone increasing and subsiding in intensity as revs rise and fall without upsetting its inherent refinement. The commanding seating places you well above the road at a height Wunder describes as being a good deal higher than any other BMW model, but theres a reassuring familiarity to the driving position and the weighting of the controls. Forward vision over the heavily contoured bonnet is excellent, though the view out back is compromised by the second-row seat headrests and rather shallow rake of the rear screen. The steering initially feels light and lacking in feedback but the electrically assisted set-up, which operates both on the front and rear wheels in the prototype were in, instantly gains weight and provides added communication as our speed rises, at which the M-Sport air suspension, which is set 20mm lower than the standard air suspension, and its adaptive damping qualities combine to provide the big BMW with a nicely controlled and relatively refined ride even with a combination of 21-inch wheels and 255/45 profile Pirelli P Zero tyres. Through challenging corners theres impressive fluidity and great poise given the obvious size of the new BMW. It never feels as big as it actually is from the drivers seat. The electronically controlled adaptive anti-roll bars and adaptive rear steering help to suppress roll and provide the X7 M50d M Performance with truly impressive agility. Sharp changes in direction are achieved with engaging eagerness. Pitch and dive are also well controlled, allowing you to push hard on entry and at the exit without disturbing the new BMWs excellent cornering composure. You occasionally sense the 2300kg kerb weight but with outstanding grip delivered by BMWs xDrive four-wheel drive system, which has been updated with new software claimed to sharpen the apportioning of drive between the front and rear wheels, you can continue to push hard over winding sections of bitumen without the front end running wide. Switch into manual mode and the gearbox holds gears up to the redline, increasing the response and further heightening the performance. Strong flexibility from the engine and hushed cruising qualities brought on by tall gearing help to provide the X7 M50d M Performance with effortless qualities in Comfort mode on the highway. Although our time with the new SUV was limited, it is clear it would make a terrific proposition for longer journeys, and with an ability to carry up to seven occupants it brings a level of functionality unmatched by any other BMW models. Our early test drive also revealed the X7 excels in rugged off-road conditions. With over 100mm of wheel travel, the ability to apportion up to 100 per cent of drive to either the front or rear wheels dependent on traction and selective braking for spinning wheels, it tackles tough tracks, steep inclines and declines and deep ruts with real authority. In combination with an optional Off-Road package, there are four off-road driving modes: X Sand, X Gravel, X Snow and X Rocks - the latter of which endows the big BMW with 223mm of ground clearance. We're going to have to wait until closer to its introduction planned before full details of the production version of the new X7 M50d M Performance are revealed, though if our early impressions of one of final round of prototypes are any indication it certainly appears to be a very capable and highly functional SUV with heady performance and a level of comfort not offered by any other BMW SUV. But with the new Mercedes-Benz GLS due out by the end of the year and improvements planned for the Range Rover, it is not going to have it all its own way as BMW seeks to impart a more luxury orientated image. 2019 BMW X7 M50d M Performance Price and Specifications On-sale: Mid 2019 Price: $200,000 (estimated) Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder quad-turbo diesel Power: 298kW Torque: 720Nm Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, AWD Fuel use: TBA New Novartis Phase III data for Brolucizumab Demonstrate Reliability of 12-week Treatment Interval Basel, April 30, 2018 - Novartis announced new positive brolucizumab (RTH258) data in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) from a pre-specified secondary analysis of the Phase III HAWK and HARRIER trials. The findings showed that patients assessed as appropriate for a 12-week treatment frequency during the first 12-week cycle after loading could reliably stay on that quarterly interval through week 48. This is the first time a high level of reliability has been prospectively demonstrated for a pre-specified secondary endpoint of a 12-week dosing interval with an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy in Phase III trials. These additional data were presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2018 Annual Meeting, in a follow-up to data presented in November 2017 at the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The new findings showed that brolucizumab 6 mg patients who were suitable for 12-week treatment intervals during the first 12-week cycle after the loading phase had an 87% (HAWK) and 83% (HARRIER) probability of remaining on this quarterly treatment interval through week 48. The ability to reliably assess the likelihood of patients remaining on quarterly dosing could help physicians and patients better manage, personalize and optimize treatment plans. "The ability to quickly identify patients who can maintain a 12-week interval has the potential to simplify treatment plans for nAMD patients," said Glenn J. Jaffe, M.D., Chief of Retinal Ophthalmology, Duke University, and an author of the presentation. "These robust data may offer physicians confidence that when 12-week dosing with brolucizumab is initially successful, there is high probability that the patient will maintain this interval through the first year of treatment." "HAWK and HARRIER previously demonstrated non-inferiority in the primary endpoint of visual acuity and superiority in several secondary endpoints assessing key anatomical outcomes versus aflibercept, with a majority of brolucizumab patients maintained on an every-12-week dosing interval following the loading phase through week 48[1]," said Dirk Sauer, Development Unit Head, Novartis Ophthalmology. "Here we show that success early on with brolucizumab appears strongly predictive of the ability of these patients to successfully maintain this 12-week treatment interval[2] through week 48. We look forward to continuing to advance brolucizumab through regulatory approvals as a welcome new option for treatment of nAMD, which is a leading cause of blindness." Brolucizumab safety was comparable to aflibercept with the overall incidence of adverse events balanced across all treatment groups in both studies[3]. The most frequent ocular adverse events (greater than 5% of patients in any treatment arm) were reduced visual acuity, conjunctival hemorrhage, vitreous floaters and eye pain[4]. The most frequent non-ocular adverse events were typical of those reported in an nAMD population; there were no notable differences between arms[4]. About Brolucizumab (RTH258) Brolucizumab (RTH258) is a humanized single-chain antibody fragment (scFv) and the most clinically advanced, humanized single-chain antibody fragment to reach this stage of development. Single-chain antibody fragments are highly sought after in drug development due to their small size, enhanced tissue penetration, rapid clearance from systemic circulation and drug delivery characteristics[1],[5],[6]. The proprietary innovative structure results in a small molecule (26 kDa) with potent inhibition of, and high affinity to, all VEGF-A isoforms[1],[7]. In preclinical studies, brolucizumab inhibited activation of VEGF receptors through prevention of the ligand-receptor interaction[1],[5],[6],[7]. Increased signaling through the VEGF pathway is associated with pathologic ocular angiogenesis and retinal edema[8]. Inhibition of the VEGF pathway has been shown to inhibit the growth of neovascular lesions, resolve retinal edema and improve vision in patients with chorioretinal vascular diseases[9]. About HAWK and HARRIER study design With more than 1,800 patients across 400 centers worldwide, HAWK (NCT02307682) and HARRIER (NCT02434328) are the first and only global head-to-head trials in patients with nAMD that prospectively demonstrated efficacy at week 48 using an innovative q12w/q8w regimen, with a majority of patients on q12w immediately following the loading phase[10]. Both studies are 96-week prospective, randomized, double-masked multi-center studies and part of the Phase III clinical development of brolucizumab[10],[11]. The studies were designed to compare the efficacy and safety of intravitreal injections of brolucizumab 6 mg and 3 mg (HAWK only) versus aflibercept 2 mg in patients with nAMD[10],[11]. In both trials, patients were randomized to either brolucizumab or aflibercept. Immediately following the 3-month loading phase, patients in the brolucizumab arms received a q12w dosing interval with an option to adjust to a q8w dosing interval based on masked disease activity assessments at defined visits. Aflibercept was dosed bi-monthly according to its label[10],[11]. Brolucizumab met the primary efficacy objective of non-inferiority versus aflibercept in mean change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline to week 48 with high statistical significance[2]. Additionally, brolucizumab demonstrated superiority in three secondary endpoints considered key markers of nAMD: central subfield retinal thickness, retinal fluid (intraretinal fluid and/or subretinal fluid) and disease activity[3]. These results were achieved while a majority of brolucizumab patients-57% in HAWK and 52% in HARRIER-were maintained on a q12w dosing interval immediately following the loading phase through week 48[3]. About neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD or wet AMD) nAMD is the leading cause of severe vision loss and legal blindness in people over the age of 65 in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia, impacting an estimated 20 to 25 million people worldwide[12],[13]. nAMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels form underneath the macula, the area of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. These blood vessels are fragile and leak fluid, disrupting the normal retinal architecture and ultimately causing damage[14],[15],[16]. Early symptoms of nAMD include distorted vision or metamorphopsia and difficulties seeing objects clearly[17]. Prompt diagnosis and intervention are essential. As the disease progresses, cell damage increases, further reducing vision quality. This progression can lead to a complete loss of central vision, leaving the patient unable to read, drive or recognize familiar faces[14]. Without treatment, vision can rapidly deteriorate[18]. About Novartis in Ophthalmology Novartis is a leading ophthalmology company, with therapies that treat both front and back of the eye disorders, including retina diseases, glaucoma, dry eye and other external eye diseases. In 2016, approximately 200 million patients worldwide were treated with Novartis ophthalmic products. Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as "potential," "can," "will," "plan," "expect," "anticipate," "look forward," "believe," "committed," "investigational," "pipeline," "launch," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational or approved products described in this press release, or regarding potential future revenues from such products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding such products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general political and economic conditions; safety, quality or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. About Novartis Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic and biosimilar pharmaceuticals and eye care. Novartis has leading positions globally in each of these areas. In 2017, the Group achieved net sales of USD 49.1 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.0 billion. Novartis Group companies employ approximately 124,000 full-time-equivalent associates. Novartis products are sold in approximately 155 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com. References [1] Dugel P, et al. HAWK & HARRIER: 48-week results of 2 multi-centered, randomized, double-masked trials of brolucizumab versus aflibercept for neovascular AMD. Presented at: The American Academy of Ophthalmology 2017 Annual Meeting on November 10, 2017, New Orleans. [2] Dugel P, et al. A Comparison of the Anatomical Efficacy of Brolucizumab and Aflibercept in Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration (nAMD): An Analysis over 16 Weeks of Matched Treatment in the HAWK and HARRIER Studies. Presented at: the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2018 Annual Meeting, Honolulu, HI. [3] Data on file. [4] Escher D, et al. Single-chain antibody fragments in ophthalmology. Oral presentation at EURETINA congress. 2015. Abstract. Available at: http://www.euretina.org/nice2015/programme/free-papers-details.asp?id=4072&day=0 (link is external). Accessed November 2017. [5] Nimz EL, et al. Intraocular and systemic pharmacokinetics of brolucizumab (RTH258) in nonhuman primates. The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) annual meeting. 2016. Abstract 4996. [6] Gaudreault J, et al. Preclinical pharmacology and safety of ESBA1008, a single-chain antibody fragment, investigated as potential treatment for age related macular degeneration. ARVO Annual meeting abstract. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2012;53:3025. http://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2354604 (link is external). [7] Tietz J, et al. Affinity and Potency of RTH258 (ESBA1008), a Novel Inhibitor of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A for the Treatment of Retinal Disorders. IOVS. 2015; 56(7): 1501. [8] Qazi Y, et al. Mediators of ocular angiogenesis. J. Genet. 2009;88(4):495-515. [9] Kim R. Introduction, mechanism of action and rationale for anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs in age-related macular degeneration. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2007;55(6):413-415. [10] ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier NCT02307682. Available at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02307682 (link is external). Accessed November 2017. [11] ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier NCT02434328. Available at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02434328 (link is external). Accessed November 2017. [12] Schmidt-Erfurth U, et al. Guidelines for the management of neovascular age-related macular degeneration by the European Society of Retina Specialists (EURETINA). Br J Ophthalmol. 2014;98:1144-1167. [13] Chopdar A, et al. Age related macular degeneration. BMJ. 2003;26(7387):485-488. [14] World Health Organization. Priority eye diseases: Age-related macular degeneration. Available at http://www.who.int/blindness/causes/priority/en/index7.html (link is external). Accessed November 2017. [15] NHS Choices. Macular Degeneration. Available at http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Macular-degeneration/Pages/Introduction.aspx (link is external). Accessed November 2017. [16] National Eye Institute. Facts About Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Available at https://nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/armd_facts (link is external). Accessed November 2017. [17] NHS Choices. Macular degeneration - Symptoms. Available at http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Macular-degeneration/Pages/Symptoms.aspx (link is external). Accessed November 2017. [18] van Lookeren Campagne M, et al. Mechanisms of age-related macular degeneration and therapeutic opportunities. J Pathol. 2014; 232(2):151-64. doi: 10.1002/path.4266. Source: Novartis Related Articles: Beovu (brolucizumab-dbll) FDA Approval History 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! A key part of any business' marketing strategy is its logo. Your logo is the public face of your company, the mark that will appear on everything from apps and websites to stationery and stickers. Making sure that your logo captures the spirit and purpose of your brand is vital. "A company needs a logo to stand out from the crowd and differentiate itself from its competition," said Pamela Webber, operations and marketing officer for 99designs. "A logo is a visual queue that communicates to customers, 'You've found us!'" she told the E-Commerce Times. Your company's name might be part of your logo, but it goes much deeper than that. "It's the experience and personality you want to convey to the world," said Matoaka Winters, client director for Landor. It's the thing that sets you apart from your competitors and is ideally unique to your company," she told the E-Commerce Times. With all of that in mind, here are some tips as you go about designing and using a logo. Look at the Big Picture Your logo will not simply be a mark on a page, screen, or package. It will be your company's message to the world. And to make sure you have the right message, you need to take a close look at both your customers and your company. "The place to start is with your target demographic," suggested Kate Austin-Avon, owner of Advokate. "You need to find their pain points and tell them how you will solve those problems for them," she told the E-Commerce Times. "Rather than thinking about what you personally like, you need to put yourself in your shopper's shoes and find out what appeals to them." After conducting your external market research, you'll need to turn your focus inward. "It's time to work on the branding," said Austin-Avon. "Is your brand more of a jokester or more of a sage? Are you casual or formal? There are many questions to ask yourself before getting to work on the logo." It's really a matter of treating logo creation as not simply a design project, but one that is tied intimately to your overall purpose, goals and mission. "It's imperative to have thought about your brand holistically before you get started on designing your logo," said 99designs' Webber. "This holistic view should take into account your mission statement as a company, your values, your desired brand personality, your target audience, and your differentiators versus the competition." Plan for Versatility Logos can turn up anywhere from small screens to coffee cups, so it's important when designing one to take versatility into account. "Context is crucial," said Webber. "Think about where you will be reaching your customers and where your logo will be used. For example, emblem marks can work really well for beer brewing companies, because beer labels allow the space to show these off. A great emblem can help your beer brand stand out on the shelf. Round beer mats also show these off perfectly." "However, if you're an online-only, men's shoe retailer, you might want to go with something more responsive that will look clean and simple when scaling to several screen resolutions, as well as on a smartphone app." It might be that you have multiple versions of your logo that will work in various contexts, and planning for this multiplicity can be part of the design process as well. "It's rare to be able to have a single design made and call it a day," said Austin-Avon. "Brands these days need a social media profile, an app icon, labels, brick-and-mortar signage -- there are many different configurations of a logo that are necessary." When to Hire a Professional It might be that you're comfortable designing your own logo, but even if you're an expert designer, it can help to bring in a professional to guide the process from conception to execution. "Attempting to design it yourself or doing it on a shoestring budget may hold you back, as a non-custom designed logo may not look credible," explained Webber. "It's hard to differentiate yourself if your logo design has been purchased by 17 other businesses," she pointed out. "Bringing in a skilled graphic designer is required to communicate a differentiated brand promise within a small -- in size only -- brand element such as a logo." A professional designer can bring, perhaps most importantly, a sense of perspective. "A lot of times you are too close to your company to know how to represent what's unique about it," said Lora Kratchounova, a principal with Scratch Marketing + Media. "Even if you know how to do this right, it is always better to get outside help," she told the E-Commerce Times. "The perspective that professional strategic designers can bring can make or break your brand." Vivian Wagner has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2008. Her main areas of focus are technology, business, CRM, e-commerce, privacy, security, arts, culture and diversity. She has extensive experience reporting on business and technology for a variety of outlets, including The Atlantic, The Establishment and O, The Oprah Magazine. She holds a PhD in English with a specialty in modern American literature and culture. She received a first-place feature reporting award from the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists. Email Vivian. Sanitary wipes are causing a crisis in sewer processing plants in New York City and urban areas across the country, according to reports from the New York Times, Washington Post and Bloomberg News. The dangers are well documented. Sanitary wipes are causing a crisis in sewer processing plants. The wipes, which consumersespecially parents of babies and young childrenhave been using in increasing numbers in recent years are being flushed down toilets, clogging the sewer system and causing millions of dollars in equipment damage. Reports of damage have been found in some of the most populated areas of the U.S., including New York City, Washington DC, Orange County, California and the San Francisco Bay Area. City officials are now being forced to use additional grinding machinery to dispose of the waste, and come up with costly measures to change residents' perceptions about how to dispose of sanitary wipes. In New York City, a bill supported by Mayor Bill de Blasio was introduced in February to stop wipe companies from advertising their products as flushable. The city's environmental staff has also begun a public awareness campaign to inform residents that they should be throwing wipes in the trash. A growing number of adults think that if it's good for baby, it's good for them," Vincent Sapienza, deputy commissioner of the city Department of Environmental Protection told Bloomberg News. Many brands may say they're flushable, but they wind up in our sewer plants fully intact." The average consumer believes if a product clears their toilet bowl, it's flushable," Jamie Rosenberg, a Chicago-based household and personal-care analyst for Mintel, told Bloomberg News. People in their homes have no idea what's going on downstream." Research suggests that wipes have grown in popularity among adults as wellone report cited in the Bloomberg News article suggests that from 2008 to 2013, sales of the moist flushable wipes had grown 23 percent to $367 million. Clearer rules about which household products are flushable" may get federal oversightaccording to the Washington Post, officials of the wastewater industry and wipe manufacturers say the Federal Trade Commission recently asked for information as part of an investigation into the flushable" label. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE The impacts of the Arctic's warmest winter on record are being felt into the spring. As April drew to a close, scientists confirmed that sea ice in the Bering Sea, the body of water between Alaska and Russia, was at 10 percent of normal levels, The Washington Post reported Thursday. "We've fallen off a cliff: very little sea ice remains in the Bering Sea," National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration climate scientist Rick Thoman tweeted on April 29. 2018 also marks the earliest start on record to the ice melt season in the Chukchi Sea, just north of the Bering Sea, University of California-Irvine climate scientist Zack Labe tweeted May 2. Sea ice extent is at a record low for both bodies of water, breaking the previous record set in 2017, Labe tweeted Sunday. The low ice is already having a very real impact on Alaskan communities, according to a report published in April by the International Arctic Research Center (IARC) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The lack of stable ice cover made it difficult for Alaska residents to travel between communities on boats or snow machines or to hunt for marine life like mammals, fish and crabs, the report found. "Without the ice, it's very difficult, if not impossible, to put food on the table," IARC climate scientist Brian Brettscheider told The Washington Post. Less sea ice also means less protection from storms, like the one that hit Little Diomede Island in February, leading to power outages and pushing ice rubble onto the beach that damaged the island's water treatment plant and helipad. "Fellow Americans are suffering from a natural disaster," Thoman told The Washington Post. "While low sea ice is not as dramatic as a wildfire or an Interstate 95 snowstorm, the impacts and hardships it produces are just as real," he said. The report said the Bering Sea's record-low 2018 ice cover was due to two factors: warmer temperatures and increased storms. Warmer air and water temperatures have interacted with lower ice levels over the past four winters to create a feedback loop leading to even greater melting. "Open water absorbs heat more than ice-covered water. Less sea ice means warmer ocean water, and warmer ocean water generally means less and thinner sea ice," the report said. The winter of 2018 also saw more storms than usual in the region, meaning that when ice did form, it was broken up again. According to The Washington Post, Bering Sea ice took a major hit during an arctic heatwave in February, when one third of it melted in a week. While ice cover increased during March, it was reversed again by storms from the south beginning March 21, leading to a low-ice spring, the IARC report said. "Communities need to prepare for more winters with low sea ice and stormy conditions. Although not every winter will be like this one, there will likely be similar winters in the future. Ice formation will likely remain low if warm water temperatures in the Bering Sea continue," the report concluded. California could become the first state in the country to require solar panels on most new homes. The state's energy commission will vote on the new standard on Wednesday, May 9 and they are expected to approve it, the Orange County Register reported. If approved, the mandate would apply to all houses, condos and apartment buildings up to three stories tall that obtain building permits after Jan. 1, 2020. The exception will be for homes that are shaded by trees or buildings or have a roof too small to accommodate solar panels. The plan will not require the home to reach "net-zero" status, which means the total amount of energy consumed is equal to the amount of renewable energy created. But homebuilders who install a battery, like a Tesla Powerwall, will get a "compliance credit" that allows them to further reduce the size of the solar array. The standards could add $25,000 to $30,000 to the construction costs compared with homes built to the 2006 code, C.R. Herro, the vice president of environmental affairs for Meritage Homes, told the Orange County Register. Herro added that the homeowner will save an estimated $50,000 to $60,000 in reduced operating costs over the solar system's 25-year lifespan. However, critics warn the new mandate could worsen the state's housing shortage by making homes more unaffordable. Other detractors argue that the proposal does not go far enough, and that California should mandate net-zero homes. The Golden State, with 19.8 gigawatts of solar PV capacity, is the nation's undisputed solar champion (it has five-times the capacity of second-ranked North Carolina.) About 15 to 20 percent of new single-family homes in California currently include solar installations. Two years ago, San Francisco became the first major city in the U.S. to require all buildings 10 floors or less to designate at least 15 percent of the rooftop for solar use. The famously green metropolis was following in the footsteps of the smaller towns Lancaster and Sebastopol. The municipalities, which are also in California, passed similar mandates in 2013. California has emerged as an environmental warrior in recent years. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, Gov. Jerry Brown and the California Air Resources Board are leading a coalition of 17 states and the District of Columbia in suing the Trump administration for blocking greenhouse gas emissions standards for vehicles that aimed to reduce air pollution and curb U.S. drivers' contributions to the global climate crisis. In an another legal blow to Monsanto, India's Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay the Delhi High Court's ruling that the seed giant cannot claim patents for Bollgard and Bollgard II, its genetically modified cotton seeds, in the country. Monsanto's chief technology officer Robert Fraley, who just announced that he and other top executives are stepping down from the company after Bayer AG's multi-billion dollar takeover closes, lamented the news. Fraley tweeted, "Having personally helped to launch Bollgard cotton in India & knowing how it has benefited farmers ... it's sad to see the country go down an anti-science/anti-IP/anti-innovation path..." Monsanto first introduced its GM-technology in India in 1995. Today, more than 90 percent of the country's cotton crop is genetically modified. These crops have been inserted with a pest-resistant toxin called Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt. Citing India's Patents Act of 1970, the Delhi High Court ruled last month that plant varieties and seeds cannot be patented, thereby rejecting Monsanto's attempt to block its Indian licensee, Nuziveedu Seeds Ltd., from selling the seeds. Because of the ruling, Monsanto's claims against Nuziveedu for unpaid royalties have been waived, as its patents are now invalid under Indian law. Royalties will now be decided by the government. Indian environmentalist Vandana Shiva, who is known for her fierce activism against corporate patents on seeds, called the top court's move a "major victory" that opens the door "to make Monsanto pay for trapping farmers in debt by extracting illegal royalties on BT cotton." She also said in a video Monday in front of the Supreme Court, "Our sovereignty is protected, our laws are protected. Our ability to write laws in the public interest [and] for the rights of farmers through the constitution are protected." "The Earth will win. Seed will win. Monsanto will lose," Shiva added. A Monsanto India spokesman told Reuters the case will be submitted for an expedited preliminary hearing on July 18. "We remain confident on the merits of the case. India has been issuing patents on man-made biotech products for more than 15 years, as is done widely across the globe," the spokesman said. I was shocked when I found out the travel industry generates nearly 10 percent of the world's GDP and rising each year. People are travelling and travelling more often. Tourism employs 1 of every 11 people in the world. Along with economic impact, travel presents opportunities for growth, learning and the exchange of ideas. Travel and tourism are critical in maintaining our economy and this is especially true in developing countries. On global and local levels tourism is essential for sustainable development. As a result, the travel industry has become a sector where you can see shining examples of environmentally-conscious principles put into action that protect the planet and lift up the world's peoples. What is sustainable tourism? As defined by the United Nations, it is that which takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities. The UN has declared 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism. According to the Secretary-General of the World Travel Organization, Taleb Rifai, this is "a unique opportunity to advance the contribution of the tourism sector to the three pillars of sustainabilityeconomic, social and environmental, while raising awareness of the true dimensions of a sector which is often undervalued." Tourism is directly associated with three of the 17 UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals: Goal 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. We have to alleviate poverty and provide people with basic healthcare, food to eat and fresh water. However, this becomes impossible if we continue to erode the natural systems that support all life. Thankfully, nature travel and learning about cultural heritage are among the world's fastest growing tourism sectors. In order to save the rhinos, elephants and tigers you have to help those that depend on the same land and resources. Tourism focused on wildlife ensures those animals become more valuable alive than dead. Fortunately, adventure tourism, which is focused on nature, wildlife and cultural experiences, has grown 65 percent year over year since 2009. Soon it will surpass $300 billion in annual revenues, reports George Washington University in their annual Adventure Tourism Market Report. According to Booking.com's 2015 survey of more than 32,000 global travelers in 16 countries, 52 percent of adult travelers said they are more likely to choose travel based on destinations that reduce environmental impact or ensure that tourism has a positive impact on the local community. And Americans (53 percent) are among the world's top sustainable-minded travelers. With this sharply growing trend hospitality and travel companies that do not keep up with sustainable travel will lose out. Since 2014, I have been participating as a judge for National Geographic's World Legacy Awards, which honors companies, organizations and destinations-ranging from airlines to hotels, from communities to countries driving the positive transformation of the tourism industry, showcasing leaders and visionaries in sustainable tourism best practices. Costas Christ, chairman of the awards, is credited with defining the term ecotourism which has now been standardized globally by the UN. Costas also serves as the director of sustainability for Virtuoso and moderated a panel I was on this year at the Virtuoso Travel Week conference. Virtuoso Travel Week is an intense five days where preferred luxury travel agents and providers come together to do hundreds of millions of dollars of business, as well as recognize industry leaders in sustainable tourism as the market continues to become more aware of the need to drive a sustainable strategy. It's about the triple bottom linepeople, profit and planet. You can stay at Ted Turner's formerly private residence on endless acres of pristine nature at Ladder Ranch with Ted Turner Expeditions. Land and biodiversity conservation is one of my family's most beloved passions. My father launched Ted Turner Expeditions (TTX) in 2015 with three properties in New Mexico. My father, a well known leader in conservation, has worked to restore the overgrazed habitat of these grand ranches to their former pre-cattle glory. Having a passion for bison since his childhood, dad has made sure this iconic species is an important part of the restoration. There has also been a commitment to preserving and enhancing biodiversity. Through the work of the Turner Endangered Species Fund biologists and other partner organizations have been working to increase the numbers of imperiled and endangered species, among them the Mexican Gray Wolf, Bolson Tortoise and Chiricahua Leopard Frog. Visitors can stay on one of a number of properties, including some of my father's formerly-private residences and immerse themselves in an incredible American landscape that has been dubbed by some as the American Serengeti. As visitors enjoy the beauty of these natural landscapes they are also becoming more aware of the importance of conserving the land and species for many generations to come. Two TTX ranches, the Armendaris Ranch and Ladder Ranch, are located in one of two of the most critically important biodiversity hotspots in North America. With TTX, my father has created a model for other private land and business owners that you can manage these landscapes for profit and conservation and the two are not mutually exclusive. With my family as we explore Iceland and their green energy economy. As you begin to plan your 2017 vacation, consider destinations and accommodations that employ environmentally sustainable best practices. You can not imagine how much good your visit can do for the local people and animals. My favorite trips have been transformative experiences in nature, topping the list are the Arctic circle, the Amazon river basin and the Galapagos. I always come away restored and more committed than ever to work to make sure these special places are available for our children and future generations. On my bucket list are the Antarctic, the awe-inspiring Sandhill crane migration along Nebraska's Platte River and central Mexico to see the wintering grounds of the imperiled Monarch butterflies. Here are 10 of the best ecolodges, according to National Geographic: 1. South Africa: Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve 2. Indonesia: Misool Eco Resort 3. Peru: Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica 4. Australia: Great Ocean Ecolodge 5. Greece: Milia Mountain Retreat 6. Nicaragua: Jicaro Island Ecolodge 7. China: Yangshuo Mountain Retreat 8. Sri Lanka: Jetwing Vil Uyana 9. Poland: Eco-Frontiers Ranch 10. Namibia: Damaraland Camp By Daisy Dunne Worldwide tourism accounted for 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions from 2009 to 2013, new research finds, making the sector a bigger polluter than the construction industry. The study, which looks at the spending habits of travelers in 160 countries, shows that the impact of tourism on global emissions could be four times larger than previously thought. The findings suggest that tourism could threaten the achievement of the goals of the Paris agreement, a study author told Carbon Brief. However, the results may still be underestimating the total carbon footprint of tourism, another scientist told Carbon Brief, because they do not consider the impact of non-CO2 emissions from the aviation industry. Tourism's Footprint The global tourism industry is rapidly expanding. Fueled by falling air travel prices and a growing global middle class, the number of international holiday-makers is currently growing at a rate of 3-5 percent per year. The new study, published in Nature Climate Change, explores how the recent growth of global tourism has impacted greenhouse gas emissions. Tourists contribute to climate change in a number of waysthrough travel by air, rail and road, for example, and by consuming goods and services, such as food, accommodation and souvenirs. For the new analysis, the researchers considered all of these factors together in order to calculate tourism's "global carbon footprint," explained study author Dr. Arunima Malik, a lecturer in sustainability from the University of Sydney. She told Carbon Brief: "Our analysis is comprehensive and, hence, takes into account all the upstream supply chains to quantify the impacts of tourist spending on food, clothing, transport and hospitality." The research finds that, between 2009 and 2013, tourism's annual global carbon footprint increased from 3.9 to 4.5bn tonnes of CO2 equivalent. This figure is four times higher than previous estimates and accounts for 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, the research finds. The rise is largely driven by an increased demand for goods and servicesrather than air travel, the research finds. The chart below shows the carbon footprint of individual purchased commodities related to tourism in 2013. However, it is important to note that the study did not consider the impact of aviation's non-CO2 emissions, such as contrails, said Prof. Stefan Gossling, a tourism researcher from Linnaeus University in Sweden, who was not involved in the study. This means the study may have underestimated the total emissions from aviation, he told Carbon Brief: "Notably, the non-CO2 warming effects from aviation, which, calculated for a given year, make aviation twice or three times as climate-relevant, are not even considered in this paper." Travelers and Destinations The new study draws on data taken from 160 countries. For each country, the researchers calculated the total amount of emissions caused by its own citizens going on holiday ("residence emissions") and as a result of tourists visiting the country ("destination emissions"). Looking specifically at resident emissions, the research finds that the U.S. has the largest carbon footprint of any country, followed by China, Germany and India. This is shown on the chart below, which displays the total carbon footprint in 2013 for international (blue) and domestic (yellow) holidays taken by each country's residents. Total residence-based accounting (RBA) carbon footprint in CO2e for different countries in 2013 for international (blue) and domestic (yellow) holidays. Lenzen et al. (2018) The results show that domestic travel accounts for a large proportion of residence emissions in the U.S. and China. This is likely to reflect the tendency of U.S. and Chinese citizens to holiday within their own country, the researchers say. Looking at destination emissions (the average carbon footprint per traveller once they arrive on their holiday), the researchers find that small islands, such as the Maldives, Mauritius and Cyprus, tend to have the highest international emissions. This means that people choosing to holiday on these small islands are causing more emissions than those taking domestic trips. These emissions are likely to be related to a demand for private travel and luxurious goods and services, such as upmarket restaurants, hotels and shops, the researchers say. The results are shown on the chart below, which displays the carbon footprints for destination countries per person in 2013 for international (blue) and domestic (yellow) holidays. Per capita destination-based accounting (DBA) carbon footprint in CO2e for different countries in 2013 for international (blue) and domestic (yellow) holidays. Lenzen et al. (2018) The results also suggest that the tourism carbon footprint of many countries, such as Germany and New Zealand, is primarily being driven by domestic trips, said study author Dr. Ya-Yen Sun, a senior lecturer in tourism at the University of Queensland. He told Carbon Brief: "Total domestic travel consumption is much higher than the total inbound tourism consumption in Germany and New Zealand. This is quite common for most countriesdomestic travel against international travel is probably at the ratio of 10:1." "Shouldering" Carbon The researchers also calculated the "net" carbon footprints of each country by taking the difference between residence and destination emissions. By doing this, the impacts of domestic travel are cancelled out and the resulting balance reflects only international travel. The chart below shows the net carbon footprints for a range of countries in 2013, on a per person basis. On the chart, countries with a net footprint close to zero are not shown. Net balance between "resident" (RBA) and "destination" (DBA) emissions (CO2e) for different countries in 2013. Countries with a balance close to zero are omitted from the chart. Lenzen et al. (2018) The results show that people from Canada, the Netherlands and Denmark can be considered "net travelers"meaning that their carbon footprint in other countries far exceeds that of other tourists in their own country. In contrast, people from the Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius are "net hosts"meaning they "shoulder much higher footprints from their visitors than they exert elsewhere," the paper notes. First Class Travel? The analysis also shows that richer nations tend to have larger tourism-related footprints than poorer ones. About half of the total global footprint of tourism from 2009-13 was driven by travel between countries with a per person gross domestic product (GDP) of more than $25,000, the research shows. In the UK, the GDP per person is just under $40,000 (29,000). Projections suggest that world's average GDP will increase from $10,750 per year in 2017 to $13,210 per year in 2022. As the world gets richer, its tourism carbon footprint is likely to grow larger, the research suggests. Using models of financial growth, the researchers find that tourism's carbon footprint could reach 5-6.5bn tonnes of COeq by 2025. This figure would account for roughly 12 percent of current greenhouse gas emissions. Much of this growth could be driven by continued economic growth in less developed countries, Sun said: "Travel activity is largely determined by income level and the total outbound number is also influenced by the sheer population size. For developing countries that embrace rapid economic development with a growing population, they are very likely to change from net destinations to net origins [for tourists]." Ecotourism Fallacy One finding of the new research is that those traveling far to partake in "ecotourism" holidays may be causing more harm to the environment than they believe, Sun said: "One main problem with ecotourism is that it cannot help to address emissions associated with long-haul travel, which is a key factor to the overall trip carbon footprint. For example, a UK visitor flying all the way to Indonesia to engage with ecotourism will produce more emissions than locals with regular domestic travel. "Thus, one key step to be low-carbon travel is to fly less, choose destinations that are close to home and pay to offset carbon emissions." Decision-makers should also play a role in limiting the growth of global tourism, he added, possibly by introducing a carbon tax on international travel: "[Policymakers should] support carbon taxes or carbon-trading schemes to encourage the speed of technology development of airline industries and other transportation sectors." Paris in Peril The findings suggest that tourism could threaten the achievement of the Paris climate goals, the scientists say in their research paper: "At least 15% of global tourism-related emissions are currently under no binding reduction target as emissions of international aviation and bunker shipping are excluded from the Paris Agreement. In addition, the US, the most significant source of tourism emissions, does not support the Agreement." Imposing stricter regulations on aviation and shipping could be key to tackling tourism-related emissions, Sun said: "[Policymakers should] incorporate emissions of international aviation and bunker shipping in targets such as those most recently drawn up under the Paris Agreement." In 2016, 161 countries agreed to "cap" their aviation CO2 emissions at 2020 levels. And, last month, countries agreed to cut shipping emissions by 50 percent in comparison with 2008 levels by 2050. Reposted with permission from our media associate Carbon Brief. (Photo: Sean Hawkey)Visitors at the monuments to North Korea's founding father Kim Il Sung and and his son Kim Jong Il in Pyongyang, North Korea. A six-person international ecumenical delegation with representatives of the World Council of Churches and the World Communion of Reformed Churches leadership has visited Pyongyang in North Korea. WCC general secretary, Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit and WCRC general secretary Rev. Chris Ferguson, the North Korean capital from May 3-7 at the invitation of North Korea's Korean Christian Federation. After the visit they released a statement saying, "We celebrate and affirm the joint declaration of commitment to realizing, through complete denuclearization, a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula." This they said is, "in the context of our efforts for a nuclear-free world through advocacy for universal ratification and implementation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)." The visit took place just a few days after the historic events of the Inter-Korean Summit at Panmunjom on April 27, where South Korean President Moon Jae-in his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong Un met. There they jointly signed the Panmunjom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and Unification of the Korean Peninsula in which they pledged to "complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula." The WCC said that these extraordinary initiatives have created a new momentum for peace which the delegation strongly wishes to affirm, support and encourage. TOZANSO CONSULTATION It said that the worldwide ecumenical movement has been engaged in promoting dialogue, peaceful co-existence and the reunification of the divided Korean people for more than 30 years, especially since the 1984 'Tozanso Consultation' convened by the WCC. The WCC said that relationships with the North Korean church body and South Korea's National Council of Churches, the WCC and WCRC member churches in South Korea have been at the center of this ecumenical solidarity movement for peace and reunification of the Korean Peninsula. "We give thanks to God that today we are able to celebrate together with KCF and the NCCK the political commitments expressed in the Panmunjom Declaration, encompassing so many long-held ecumenical hopes and aspirations for peace on the Korean Peninsula," said the WCC. It said these include especially the commitments to joint efforts to alleviate military tensions, to promoting inter-Korean exchange and cooperation, to achieving a peace treaty to replace the 1953 Armistice Agreement, "and the solemn declaration that there will be no more war on the Korean Peninsula." The statement celebrated the joint declaration of commitment to realizing, through complete denuclearization, a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. This is the context of the churches efforts for a nuclear-free world through advocacy for universal ratification and implementation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)." During the visit to North Korea, the delegation met and discussed with representatives from the KCF, as well as with Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme Peoples' Assembly and with Dr. Ri Jong Hyok, president of the National Reunification Institute. MEETING IN SEOUL Tveit and Ferguson met in Seoul prior to traveling to Pyongyang with Cho Myoung-Gyon, South Korean Minister for Unification, and the ecumenical delegation met with President Kim Yong Nam of the North Korean Supreme People's Assembly. They emphasized the "importance of the role of church leaders and faith communities in past and future efforts for peace and reunification of the Korean people." The delegation saw the Inter-Korean Summit and its outcomes as an almost miraculous new spring for peace in the region, after months and years of dangerously escalating tensions. "We visited Pyongyang in a beautiful new spring season, not only in the natural world but also in the relations between the people and governments of the Korean peninsula," said Tveit. "We know that spring is also a season in which to work, to ensure that we reap a good harvest of what has been sown." WCRC's Ferguson, "Together, the WCC and the WCRC are committed to mobilizing our churches around the world in support of these new steps towards the peace that we have so long sought and desired for the people of the peninsula and the northeast Asian region." In recent months, teachers have organized strikes and walkouts in Arizona, Colorado, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and West Virginia to protest low salaries, reduced benefits, and insufficient school resources. The protests have led to some substantial increases in school funding and pension contributions, but it is the increases in teacher salaries that are catching the most public attention. The raisessome immediate, some in the worksstarted at 5 percent and may jump to as much as 20 percent. The size of these raises ought to disturb the public not because teachers appear to be reaping windfalls, but because they reveal just how dismissive states have been toward education in recent years. And pay hikes alone do not mean states will change their underlying commitment to education. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, for instance, supports a 20 percent pay raise for the states teachers by 2020, but also touts a school voucher referendum that could drain millions of dollars out of the public education system. Many teachers feel the increases in education funding that states are offering are still far short of whats needed. And while much of the public agrees, there are those who think 15 percent or 20 percent raises for teachers are just too much. Social media is afire with critics who want teachers to stop asking for more money and just get back to work. Pay hikes alone do not mean states will change their underlying commitment to education." But these increases should not be called raises. They are not pats on the back for a job well done, cost-of-living adjustments, or estimates of teachers market value. Instead, they are closer to compensatory damages. The full picture of what states have done to public education over the past decade, and to teachers in particular, is shocking. Teachers mistreatment stretches well beyond low salaries to include changes to tenure, union rights, retirement benefits, and teacher-evaluation methods, not to mention difficult working conditions and supply shortages. North Carolina, for example, which is a right-to-work state, eliminated the possibility of tenure for new teachers. Nearly 20 other states have weakened tenure rights in recent years, according to a 2015 essay by Richard D. Kahlenberg in American Educator. And most states still rely too heavily on students standardized-test performance in teacher evaluations. While the average U.S. teacher makes close to $60,000 every year , salaries have been stagnant or falling nationwide, with a 4 percent decrease on average between the 2008-09 and 2017-18 school years. Meanwhile, the average teacher in states such as Oklahoma and West Virginia, where teachers have been protesting, made just over $45,000 per year before the protests. Compared with their peers in neighboring states, teachers in these states have been underpaid for a decade. That some state leaders have acquiesced to teachers demands for substantial salary increases is a testament to how bad education policy has been over the past decade. Far fewer people are pursuing careers as teachersall 50 states and the District of Columbia have reported shortages in at least one area and the problem may only get worse. State leaders cant be so blind as to think that their decisions havent contributed to the problem. Many states have had the capacity to treat teachers fairly for years but often chose to spend their cash on tax cuts for corporations and wealthier individuals. This raises the serious question of whether states are committed to public education. All 50 state constitutions explicitly mention obligations to support a robust public education system. Education is special in this respect. State constitutions make no mention of support for health care or infrastructure, for example. Nor do they mention low tax rates. In other words, education is not merely the first among equally important competing programs; its a constitutional obligation states must fulfill before anything else. The latest salary increases demonstrate that states have done everything but put education first. Until they do, teachers, parents, and students should continue to protest. After years of aggressive anti-tobacco campaigns aimed at teenagers, students have largely rejected smoking, but many have tried vaping, sending school leaders scrambling to revise discipline policies and drug prevention classes to confront the new trend of inhaling flavor-infused nicotine vapor. Adding urgency to those efforts: A small, sleek device that could be easily mistaken for a USB drive has joined the market of vaping and e-cigarette products. The device, called a Juul, has surged in popularity in the last year, in part because its low-profile design allows students to easily conceal their habit and inhale the flavored nicotine vapor in school restrooms, hallways, and even classrooms undetected. Like many trends among teenagers, vaping and juuling gained a foothold among young people long before adults and school administrators realized the scale of the problem, principals said, and now they are rushing to catch up. I think its everywhere, and my school is no different, said Francis Thompson, the principal of Jonathan Law High School in Milford, Conn. I think its the next health epidemic for kids. Some students are open about their vaping habits, sharing Youtube videos about how to do tricks, like blowing rings and ghosting, slang for exhaling a plume of vapor and quickly drawing it back into the mouth. In some videos, students as young as 13 share tips for concealing Juuls and other vaporizers in the sleeves of their hoodies so they can be used in school hallways and in hollowed-out markers to carry them in their backpacks without getting caught. You get super buzzed off of it, said Kyler, a teenager who posted a video about getting suspended for having a Juul. Juul Products Contain Nicotine E-cigarettes and other vaping products, like Juuls, are pitched as alternatives to traditional cigarettes for adults who want to kick the habit. But health experts and anti-smoking groups say theyve quickly grown a secondary market among minors attracted to the novelty and flavors like mango, caramel candy, and gummi bear. It is crucial that the progress made in reducing conventional cigarette smoking among youth and young adults not be compromised by the initiation and use of e-cigarettes, said a 2016 U.S. Surgeon Generals report. Vaping can quickly lead to nicotine addiction, the report warned, which may lead some teens to start smoking traditional cigarettes. In 2017, 5.4 percent of 8th, 10th, and 12th graders reported smoking a cigarette in the last 30 days, according to Monitoring the Future, a nationally representative student survey administered by the University of Michigan. Twelve percent of those students reported vaping in that time frame. Youth health advocates have long pushed for tighter regulations on the sales and marketing of e-cigarettes. In March, a group of seven public health and medical groups sued the U.S. Food and Drug Administration over a delay in implementing such regulations. As that debate raged in recent years, new products emerged, like Juul, which currently makes up about 60 percent of e-cigarette sales tracked by Nielsen data. The device, smaller and more discreet than its competitors, has attracted new users, some principals say. An April survey by the Truth Initiative, which advocates against tobacco use, found that 63 percent of Juul users ages 15-24 were not aware the product always contains nicotine. Effects of Vaping In April, the FDA responded to concerns by announcing an undercover nationwide blitz to crack down on the sale of e-cigarettesspecifically Juul productsto minors at both brick-and-mortar and online retailers. The agency also requested data from Juul Labs, the maker of the product, to understand how the product is designed and used and whether its marketing specifically appeals to young people. We dont yet fully understand why these products are so popular among youth, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the FDA commissioner, said in a statement. But its imperative that we figure it out, and fast. These documents may help us get there. Juul Labs responded to those actions by announcing $30 million in prevention efforts targeted to youths, including a push at the state and federal levels to raise the minimum purchase age for all tobacco products to 21. The San Francisco company also plans to work with Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, a Democrat, to develop a transparent and effective framework for independent research focused on the scientific and societal implications of vapor products. We want to be a leader in seeking solutions, and are actively engaged with, and listening to, community leaders, educators, and lawmakers on how best to effectively keep young people away from Juul, Juul Labs Chief Administrative Officer Ashley Gould said in a statement. Theres no research about the long-term effects of vaping. While the cartridges used in vaping devices may contain fewer harmful chemicals than traditional cigarettes, some newer models deliver roughly the same amount of nicotine as a cigarette, creating additional concerns, said Dave Dobbins, the chief operating officer of the Truth Initiative. So while vaping may be less dangerous than smoking, its still harmful, he said. Jumping off a 10-story building will kill you, and jumping off a two story building will only hurt you, he said, adding that he wouldnt recommend doing either. The organization has added vaping to some of its public awareness efforts. Youre not going to hear me say this thing is exactly like a cigarette. Its not, Dobbins said. But there are a lot of concerns about it. Educators said they are also concerned that the devices can be used to consume marijuana and that some flavor cartridges dont provide a complete ingredients list, leaving students unsure of what they are inhaling. For the longest time, nobody smoked; kids werent into that anymore, said Brad Seamer, the assistant principal of Harrisburg High School in Harrisburg, S.D. With the vaping, kids are really into that. Its not a certain kind of kids, its a cross-section of my school. Seamer says responding to vaping now takes up most of his time. Hes disciplined a student for using a Juul in a classroom. Some parents arent aware of their own childrens habits, he said. A member of the advocacy committee for the National Association of Secondary School Principals, Seamer led efforts to update the groups position statement on smoking to include information about vaping, calling on schools to update rules and prevention efforts. Why Vaping Is Hard to Detect in Schools Thompson, the Connecticut principal, said vaping is more discreet than smoking because the vapor leaves less of a trail and the smells are harder to detect. He realized the extent of the problem a few months ago, when he sought to crack down on extended bathroom breaks students were taking. The school shut down some bathrooms and tracked students use of others. In talking to students, Thompson discovered they were experimenting with the products in the schools facilities and that some considered themselves addicted. The 900-student school has disciplined about 40 students for vaping this year, Thompson said, issuing in-school suspensions as a consequence, which is the same punishment it uses for smoking. Thompson recently supplemented that discipline with cessation and counseling efforts to help students quit and to make them aware of potential hazards. Hes also invited community health groups to the school to do presentations for teachers, parents, and students about vaping and nicotine use. Thompson likened students vaping to concerns about social media and cyberbullying that emerged about a decade ago. It took a while for adults to notice the problem, but now they are taking it seriously, he said. When youre dealing with teenagers, theyre way ahead of the curve. Car stolen and abandoned in Anagh Coar Police are appealing for information after thieves stole a car in Anagh Coar. The blue Nissan Navara was taken from the rear of Lheannag Park between 11pm yesterday and 2.30 this morning. Officers found the vehicle abandoned further down the estate. Anyone who saw what happened or has further information is urged to contact Police Headquarters on 631212. People reflexively accept information as accurate if it aligns with their worldview, according to Ben-Gurion U. researchers NEW YORK...May 7, 2018 - A new study illuminates how rapid, involuntary mental processes kick in when responding to statements that correspond with an already held viewpoint, according to a study by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The research, published in Social Psychological and Personality Science, shows how people's tendency to remain entrenched in their worldviews is supported by their automatic cognitive "reflexes." The team led by Dr. Michael Gilead, head of the Social Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory at BGU, found that study participants verified the grammatical accuracy of statements about political topics, personal tastes and social issues much more quickly when they matched their opinion. In a series of experiments, the researchers asked participants to respond to various opinion statements, such as "The internet has made people more isolated" or "The internet has made people more sociable," and indicate as quickly as possible if the grammar of the sentence was correct or not. Later, they were asked if they agreed with each statement. Participants identified statements to be grammatically correct more quickly when they agreed with them, which revealed a rapid, involuntary effect of agreement on cognitive processing. According to Dr. Gilead, "In order to make informed decisions, people need to be able to consider the merits and weaknesses of different opinions and adapt to new information. This involuntary, 'reflex-like' tendency to consider things we already believe in as being true, might dampen our ability to think things through in a rational way. Future studies could explore how other factors, such as acute stress or liberal or conservative viewpoints, affect this tendency to accept or reject opinions in a 'knee-jerk' manner." Dr. Gilead collaborated on this research with Moran Sela, a doctoral student in the Department of Psychology at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and Dr. Anat Maril, a professor in The Hebrew University's Department of Cognitive Science. ### About American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (AABGU) plays a vital role in sustaining David Ben-Gurion's vision: creating a world-class institution of education and research in the Israeli desert, nurturing the Negev community and sharing the University's expertise locally and around the globe. As Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) looks ahead to turning 50 in 2020, AABGU imagines a future that goes beyond the walls of academia. It is a future where BGU invents a new world and inspires a vision for a stronger Israel and its next generation of leaders. Together with supporters, AABGU will help the University foster excellence in teaching, research and outreach to the communities of the Negev for the next 50 years and beyond. Visit vision.aabgu.org to learn more. AABGU, which is headquartered in Manhattan, has nine regional offices throughout the United States. For more information, visit http://www.aabgu.org. 1. By 2030, prostate and lung cancers expected to be the most common cancers among aging HIV population Abstract: http://annals.org/aim/article/doi/10.7326/M17-2499 URLs go live when the embargo lifts Despite declines in cancer incidence rates among HIV-infected people, cancer will remain a significant concern as this patient population ages. By 2030, prostate and lung cancers are projected to be the most common cancers among individuals aging with HIV. The findings are published in Annals of Internal Medicine. Due to their weakened immune systems, people living with HIV have a higher risk of some cancers than the general population. The development of modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) has allowed people with HIV to live to older ages and has reduced the risk of certain cancers, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma and cervical cancer, which were previously prevalent in this population. This trend, along with the aging population, has resulted in a shift in the types of cancers diagnosed in patients with HIV. As such, projecting cancer rates and the expected number of cancers in this high-risk population is necessary to inform public health efforts like cancer screening and prevention. Researchers from the National Cancer Institute used data from linked HIV and cancer registries to project cancer incidence rates in HIV-infected adults in the U.S. through 2030. They applied those rates to projections of the number of HIV-infected people from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to estimate the future cancer burden. By 2030, they expect substantial aging of the U.S. HIV population, with the proportion of HIV-infected people who are 65+ years old projected to be 21.4 percent (up from 8.5 percent in 2010). While the number of cancer cases diagnosed among adults with HIV is projected to decline, incidence of non-AIDS-defining cancers will remain a concern. Prostate cancer cases are expected to increase over this timeframe, and prostate and lung cancers will each be more common in 2030 than AIDS-defining cancers combined. According to the researchers, these findings underscore the continuing importance of cancer as a co-morbidity as people with HIV live longer and age. The findings should help to inform the priorities of targeted screening, treatment, and prevention programs. Media contact: For an embargoed PDF, please contact Lauren Evans at laevans@acponline.org. To interview the lead author, Eric A. Engels, MD, MPH, please contact the NCI Press Office at ncipressofficers@mail.nih.gov. 2. No definitive answer on whether prescription drug monitoring programs help to reduce opioid overdoses Authors caution that programs aimed at reducing prescription opioid supply should also address the supply and demand of illicit opioids Abstract: http://annals.org/aim/article/doi/10.7326/M17-3074 Editorial: http://annals.org/aim/article/doi/10.7326/M18-0883 URLs go live when the embargo lifts Evidence is insufficient to determine whether implementing prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) increases or decreases overdoses. Vast variations in programs and their administrative features make them especially challenging to study. Findings from a systematic evidence review are published in Annals of Internal Medicine. Opioid prescribing increased 350 percent between 1999 and 2015. During the same timeframe, the rate of overdose deaths from both prescription opioids and heroin also increased substantially. PDMPs have been identified as a critical tool for reducing prescription opioid-related morbidity and mortality, and are a key component of the President's Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Plan. PDMPs utilize centralized statewide data systems to transmit prescription data, which can flag patients who are potentially abusing opioids or physicians who are overprescribing. Currently, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have either implemented a PDMP or have passed legislation to begin doing so. As such, it is crucial to determine if these programs are helping to reduce opioid overdose. Researchers from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health reviewed studies addressing the relationship between PDMPs and nonfatal and fatal overdoses, and attempted to clarify the program features that might be most effective. Of the 17 studies included in the analysis, 10 linked PDMP implementation to reductions in fatal opioid overdoses. Mandatory review of PDMP data by providers before writing prescriptions was the most studied program feature associated with this outcome. Other features correlating with a decrease in fatal overdoses were frequent (at least weekly) updates of PDMP data, provider authorization to access PDMP data, and monitoring of nonscheduled drugs. The authors also identified an unintended consequence of PDMPs. Three studies included in their analysis showed an increase in heroin overdose deaths after PDMP implementation. These findings suggest that heroin substitution may have increased after PDMP inspired restrictions on opioid prescribing. They caution that programs aimed at reducing prescription opioids should also address the supply and demand of illicit opioids. Because programs and their administration varied so widely by state, the authors conclude that evidence is insufficient to draw definitive conclusions about their effect on overdoses or to determine which administrative features lead to success. Media contact: For an embargoed PDF, please contact Lauren Evans at laevans@acponline.org. To interview the lead author, David S. Fink, MPH, please contact Stephanie Berger at sb2247@columbia.edu. 3. Firearm injury prevention experts suggest setting a "firearm retirement date" for patients with dementia Position Paper Abstract: http://annals.org/aim/article/doi/10.7326/M18-0140 URLs go live when the embargo lifts Firearm injury prevention experts suggest setting a "firearm retirement date" for patients with dementia. According to the authors of an opinion piece published in Annals of Internal Medicine, discussions about firearm access strongly parallel discussions about driving. They offer recommendations for addressing the issue of when it's time to "give up the keys" with regard to gun access. Firearms pose an important risk to patients with dementia. For example, persons with dementia are at risk for suicide, and firearms are the most common method for suicide among this population. In addition, persons with dementia who have firearm access may inadvertently harm others. Delusions about home intruders or confusion about the identity of persons in their lives may lead them to confront family members, health aides, or other visitors. Access to a firearm may increase the potential for injury or death in such situations. The Veterans Health Administration system recommends that clinicians counsel veterans with dementia and caregivers on firearm safety and encourage restricted access to firearms and ammunition. While a diagnosis of cognitive impairment or dementia does not mean that a person has to give up access to a firearm, it is important to consider the level of impairment. To help patients maintain dignity and a sense of control over their lives, the experts recommend working with a trusted family member to create an advance directive that specifies when the patient should retire his or her gun privileges. According to the authors, physicians have the right and duty to inquire about guns and to provide counsel to their patients. They believe that a concerted, cooperative effort can help to prevent injuries or death while protecting the dignity and rights of older adults with dementia. Media contact: For an embargoed PDF, please contact Lauren Evans at laevans@acponline.org. To interview the lead author, Marian E. Betz, MD, MPH, please contact David Kelly at David.kelly@ucdenver.edu. Also new in this issue: Physician Burnout in the Electronic Health Record Era: Are We Ignoring the Real Cause? N. Lance Downing, MD; David W. Bates, MD, MSc; and Christopher A. Longhurst, MD, MS Ideas and Opinions Abstract: http://annals.org/aim/article/doi/10.7326/M18-0139 Transfusion-Transmitted Plasmodium falciparum in a Patient With Sickle Cell Hemoglobinopathy Salimah Valliani, MD; Pradyumna Agasthi, MD; Gloria Westney, MD, MSCR; Marilyn Foreman, MD, MS Observation: Case Report Abstract: http://annals.org/aim/article/doi/10.7326/L17-0303 ### ALEXANDRIA, Va. (May 7, 2018) - Today, 47 US and international scientific organizations and professional societies sent a letter to Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello urging him to keep the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics (PRIS) autonomous and independent. The letter is the latest show of support for the Caribbean island's only independent and dedicated source of statistics. Earlier this year, Puerto Rico's legislature was considering a proposal that would dismantle PRIS by reorganizing the agency's statistical functions and placing them under the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DEDC). The plan also requires the DEDC secretary to outsource all statistical functions currently performed by PRIS. Rossello is expected to present the latest reorganization plan in the coming days, which the legislature must approve by June 30. Currently, PRIS is an independent government agency of the executive branch with many protections established by law--including having an executive director named to 10-year terms and a board of directors composed by experts--to ensure its impartial collection, production and communication of statistical data. Such protections would be eliminated under the government of Puerto Rico's current reorganization plan. The letter sent today--led by the American Statistical Association and transmitted by American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Chief Executive Officer Rush Holt--emphasizes the importance of PRIS continuing to operate independently of political influences, bureaucracy, and conflicts of interest. In justifying this call, the letter states: "At this critical historical juncture, Puerto Rico needs accurate, objective and timely statistics. Government statistics empower the economy, serve the health and welfare of citizens, improve governance and inform decisions and policies in the public and private sectors, among many other vital functions. Government statistics are also fundamental to evidence-based policymaking, the engagement of which is on a rapid rise in local, state and federal governments. To address the challenges posed by its decade-long economic recession and the devastation of back-to-back hurricanes, Puerto Rico must chart its path toward sustainable recovery using reputable and reliable data and statistical methods." Experts believe inaccurate and dated statistical systems underlie many of the problems Puerto Rico is now facing. For example, before Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which devastated the island in September 2017, Puerto Rico lacked the appropriate statistical methods to accurately measure deaths caused by natural disasters. Despite multiple reports that indicate more than 1,000 people died because of Hurricane Maria, the official government death toll remains at 64. Recently, PRIS approved a series of methods to measure the death toll from future natural disasters in Puerto Rico, as well as to produce the final estimates of the Hurricane Maria death toll in Puerto Rico. Although PRIS has been underfunded for years and must constantly deal with resistance from other local agencies to collaborate, its accomplishments have helped the commonwealth in many ways. For example, its work helped identify Medicaid fraud, saving taxpayers $10 million annually, and revealed a statistical bias in the formulas used to compensate doctors in Puerto Rico under Medicare that cost the local economy about $120 million annually. The agency also played a crucial role in correcting the Consumer Price Index, which the government had been overestimating between 2001 and 2006, causing Puerto Ricans to unnecessarily pay more for everyday items such as gasoline. Since the plans to dismantle PRIS were announced, the organization has not only received strong and swift support from the scientific community, but from individuals and political leaders in Puerto Rico and the US. A petition, in part organized by the ASA, asking Puerto Rico's political leaders to reconsider its reorganization plans has been signed by more than 3,000 individuals, including former National Institutes of Health Director and Nobel Laureate Harold Varmus and president of the National Academy of Sciences Bruce Alberts. Signifying the importance of the issue, the number of US and international organizations that have signed today's letter rivals the 46 that signed onto this year's statement of support for former Greek chief statistician Andreas Georgiou, who is unjustly facing civil and criminal charges for his leadership to produce the economic statistical data between 2010 and 2015. There have also been multiple op-eds and articles published by outlets including BBC, NBC News, Sense about Science USA, Scientific American, The Hill, Science and Nature. ASA President Lisa LaVange sent letters to Rossello, the PR Senate president and the PR House speaker, protesting the plan. At a moment when Puerto Rico residents are demanding transparency on critical issues such as the restoration of electrical power and proposed education reforms, the island is also debating the best path forward for recovery and trying to project the effects of austerity measures on the Puerto Rican economy. Eliminating PRIS now would be counterproductive. An Institute of Statistics that is autonomous, independent, free of conflict of interests and receiving appropriate levels of funding is key for reliable and publicly accessible statistics, which in turn are of utmost importance to the evidence-based public policies that can lift Puerto Rico out of its crisis. ### See also the following ASA press releases: March 22, 2018: Efforts to Dismantle Puerto Rico Statistics Agency Being Fought on Two Intensifying Fronts February 5, 2018 Calls to Keep Puerto Rico's Institute of Statistics Independent Grow Louder About the American Statistical Association The ASA is the world's largest community of statisticians and the oldest continuously operating professional science society in the United States. Its members serve in industry, government and academia in more than 90 countries, advancing research and promoting sound statistical practice to inform public policy and improve human welfare. For additional information, please visit the ASA website at http://www.amstat.org. For more information: Steve Pierson ASA Director of Science Policy (703) 302-1841 pierson@amstat.org If you've ever been distracted by noisy people while attempting to concentrate on work within an open-plan office, 'local acoustic treatment' based on principles of listening to your own voice may be able to provide relief in the future WASHINGTON, D.C., May 7, 2018 -- Overhearing conversations from nearby workstations can be one of the most distracting aspects of working in an open-plan office. To make these environments less noisy, while still providing acoustic support for speaking and listening, researchers are creating small "acoustic islands" using high-back chairs and retroreflective ceilings to direct sound to help you hear your own conversations -- not others' -- better. An international standard, ISO 3382-3, specifies measurements of the acoustical properties of a room and it focuses on large-scale acoustic measurements and solutions. These solutions aren't always effective for the short conversational distances in open-plan offices, according to researchers in Australia, who've discovered that open-plan spaces could benefit from additional specialized and local acoustic treatments. During the 175th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America, being held May 7-11, 2018, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Manuj Yadav, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Sydney, will present his and his colleagues' work toward solutions to the speech distraction problem in open-plan offices. "The local acoustic treatment we've studied so far includes the use of high-back chairs -- with or without sound absorption near the head -- and 'retroreflective ceilings' that reflect sound back in the direction of the source, which allows you to hear your own voice reflected back to your ears much louder than is possible with flat or other types of hard ceiling surfaces or absorptive ceilings," Yadav said. People tend to "simply put, lower their voices when they receive some support in the form of reflections from the room and nearby surfaces," Yadav said. "The opposite situation is true in a conversational context, in which people tend to raise their voices if they don't think their voice is audible to the person they're talking to. A somewhat extreme example is everyone progressively raising their voices within a large gathering to talk to someone at less than an arm's length, since they can't hear others or themselves." Retroreflective surfaces aren't commonly used in acoustics today, so their use as a ceiling treatment in offices is a novel application. "We hope that our work encourages more researchers to explore the use of retroreflectors, which are likely to be useful in cases in which support for listening to your own voice is needed in the form of strong reflections from nearby surfaces," Yadav said. The researchers' work with high-back chairs is also one of the first efforts to quantify the acoustic effect of chairs or furniture ensembles. "This may encourage some manufacturers of these products, which are becoming quite popular, to actually measure their acoustic effects," Yadav said. "Unfortunately, today these products are just labeled 'acoustic' for marketing purposes -- without any data or justification." So far, Yadav and colleagues have found that their local acoustic treatment "can, in many cases, provide substantial enhancement for speech communication at short distances and reduce the disturbance due to ambient noise when you're trying to concentrate," he said. "This work, however, centers mostly on laboratory-based studies and much more needs to be done in terms of testing with actual people in different communication scenarios, but the effects are there for anyone to hear." ### Presentation 1pAA3 "The irrelevant speech effect in multi-talker environments: Applications to open-plan offices," by Manuj Yadav, is at 1:40 p.m. CDT, May 7, 2018, in room Nicollet C at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis. The 175th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America The meeting is being held May 7-11, 2018, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. USEFUL LINKS Main meeting website: http://acousticalsociety.org/asa-meetings/ Technical program: http://acousticalsociety.org/program-of-175th-meeting-of-the-acoustical-society-of-america/ Meeting/Hotel site: http://acousticalsociety.org/asa-meetings/ Press Room: http://acoustics.org/world-wide-press-room/ WORLD WIDE PRESS ROOM In the coming weeks, ASA's Worldwide Press Room will be updated with additional tips on dozens of newsworthy stories and with lay language papers, which are 300- to 500-word summaries of presentations written by scientists for a general audience and accompanied by photos, audio and video. You can visit the site during the meeting at http://acoustics.org/current-meeting/. PRESS REGISTRATION We will grant free registration to credentialed journalists and professional freelance journalists. If you are a reporter and would like to attend, contact Emilie Lorditch (elorditc@aip.org, 301-209-3029), who can also help with setting up interviews and obtaining images, sound clips or background information. LIVE MEDIA WEBCAST A press briefing featuring a selection of newsworthy research will be webcast live from the conference on Tuesday, May 8, 2018; register at http://aipwebcasting.com/webcast/registration/518asa.php to watch online. Topics and times to be announced. ABOUT THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA The Acoustical Society of America (ASA) is the premier international scientific society in acoustics devoted to the science and technology of sound. Its 7,000 members worldwide represent a broad spectrum of the study of acoustics. ASA publications include The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (the world's leading journal on acoustics), Acoustics Today magazine, books, and standards on acoustics. The society also holds two major scientific meetings each year. For more information about ASA, visit our website at http://www.acousticalsociety.org. Scientists from Germany, Denmark and the UK have built a model tool to predict what happens to marine animals when exposed to noise from the construction and operation of windfarms at sea. Using the North Sea harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) population as a case study, they demonstrate how the model can be used to evaluate the impact of offshore wind farm construction noise. This type of noise is increasingly prevalent due to the high demand for green energy, and currently there are >900 offshore wind farms at various stages of development in Europe alone. Porpoises are strictly protected in European waters, so assessing the impacts of construction noise is critical for regulators. We demonstrate how the framework can be used for spatial planning to partly mitigate population impacts of disturbances. The model - named DEPONS - builds directly on how disturbances influence animal movements, foraging and energetics, and is therefore applicable to a wide range of species. To demonstrate the model, the impact of wind farm construction noise on the North Sea harbor porpoise population was assesed. The scientists monitored the population density during construction of Gemini, a Dutch offshore wind farm, by recording the echolocation sounds that porpoises use for navigating. Afterwards a virtual Gemini landscape where wind turbines were built in the same order, and generating the same amount of noise, as in the wind farm where porpoises had been monitored. This landscape was used for running scenarios in the model. ### See more: http://www.depons.au.dk Baltimore, MD--Allan C. Spradling, Director Emeritus of the Carnegie's Department of Embryology, has been awarded the 23rd March of Dimes and Richard B. Johnson, Jr., MD Prize in Developmental Biology as "an outstanding scientist who has profoundly advanced the science that underlies our understanding of prenatal development and pregnancy." Department director and Carnegie co-interim president Yixian Zheng remarked, "Allan is a legend in developmental biology. We are all delighted by this well- deserved recognition of Allan's groundbreaking research." Spradling's decades of scientific accomplishments cover a broad spectrum of advancements. Since the early 20th century, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has been used as the model organism for understanding genetics. Spradling and colleagues have developed this fly into a model for linking classical genetics with specific physiological processes for understanding human biology. In the 1980s, Spradling co-developed with Gerald Rubin the first successful method for inserting genes into the Drosophila genome. Spradling subsequently applied engineered DNA segments to induce mutations in Drosophila genes, which was a key step in understanding the genes' functions and therefore the functions of corresponding genes in humans. This groundbreaking work helped establish Drosophila as one of the most useful model organisms for studying human genetics, development, and disease. Spradling is more recently known for his work on stem cells in living tissues and the "niches" or specialized microenvironments in which stem cells grow and change. In 1990 Spradling's group described the first stem cell niche using ovary tissue from Drosophila. He went on to define the molecular pathways that regulate stem cell behavior within their niches. His work on Drosophila stem cells and niches has helped guide mammalian stem cell research. More recently, Spradling's group has concentrated on understanding how oocytes are made, a fundamental process that underlies embryonic development. "In studying oocyte development using two quite distant organisms, Drosophila and mouse, I have repeatedly been amazed to discover new examples where corresponding steps in eggs production utilize closely related processes in both of them." Spradling commented. "The more we study life the more we see evidence that all animals are closely related, implying that they descended from a common animal ancestor. Surely this is one of the most beautiful and still little-appreciated discoveries about our world that science has given us in recent years." Spradling was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and studied mathematics and physics at the University of Chicago before switching to biology. He earned his Ph.D. at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1975. He was a postdoctoral fellow at Indiana University. Spradling joined Carnegie Institution's Department of Embryology in 1980 and was the department director from 1994 to 2016. Spradling has been awarded many prizes, appointments, and accolades for his work including the following: the Gruber Foundation Medal in Genetics, 2008; M.C. Chang Award (Reproductive Biology) 2007; President, Genetics Society of America, 2007, Treasurer, 1985; Honorary PhD, University of Chicago, 2006; E.F. Conklin Medal, Society for Developmental Biology, 2003; George W. Beadle Award, Genetics Society of America, 2003; Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1992; Member, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1991; President, Society for Developmental Biology, 1990/1; Genetics Society of America Medal, 1989; Molecular Biology Award, National Academy of Sciences, 1985; AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize, 1983; Passano Foundation Young Scientist Award, 1982; and the Maryland Distinguished Young Scientist Award, 1982. The March of Dimes Prize has been awarded annually since 1996 to honor investigators whose research has profoundly advanced the science that underlies the understanding of birth defects. The March of Dimes Foundation created the prize as a tribute to Dr. Jonas Salk shortly before his death in 1995. Dr. Salk received foundation support for his work on the polio vaccine. Since 1996, the prize has been awarded 22 times. The prize includes a cash award of $150,000 and a silver medal cast by Tiffany's in the design of the Roosevelt dime in recognition of their founding by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1938 with a mission to conquer polio. Spradling will receive the award today at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) in Toronto, Canada, where he will present a talk "Developmental pathways whose function and dysfunction underlie critical aspects of reproductive health and disease." ### The Carnegie Institution for Science has been a pioneering force in basic scientific research since 1902. It is a private, nonprofit organization with six research departments throughout the U.S. Carnegie scientists are leaders in plant biology, developmental biology, astronomy, materials science, global ecology, and Earth and planetary science. LOS ANGELES (May 07, 2018) -- Cedars-Sinai investigators, led by Waguih William IsHak, MD,FAPA, professor of Psychiatry and vice chairman for Education and Research, have been awarded $2.6 million to study and compare evidence-based approaches for treating depression in people with advanced heart failure. Heart failure affects over 26 million adults worldwide and depressive symptoms are detected in nearly half of all patients with heart failure. These symptoms, if not treated, are a risk factor for decline and death. "Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide," IsHak said. "Depressive symptoms produce worse outcomes among the medically ill and are associated with poor quality of life, longer hospital stays and increased mortality rates," says Dr. IsHak. "Detecting and treating depression effectively has great potential to prevent negative outcomes, enhance recovery and promote overall health." IsHak will lead a an interdisciplinary team studying and comparing different evidence-based approaches to treating depression. One method, called "behavioral activation" is a type of psychotherapy that emphasizesd engagement in enjoyable activities chosen by the patient. Another method is to manage depressive symptoms with prescription medication. "Treating depression in heart failure has been a significant challenge," said Michele Hamilton, MD., director of the Heart Failure Program in the Smidt Heart Institute and study co-investigator. "This interdisciplinary research collaboration with the Cedars-Sinai Psychiatry department, at one of the largest heart failure programs in the country, makes it an ideal site to study this important issue to improve both the quality of life and outcomes for patients with heart failure." Cedars-Sinai is a national leader in depression research. The Cedars-Sinai Department of Psychiatry faculty and staff work closely with healthcare providers and patients throughout the medical center to support the mental wellbeing of patients as they work towards full recovery and lasting health. Every patient at Cedars-Sinai is screened for depression as a standard part of care. The Cedars-Sinai award is one of nine new comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) studies funded by PCORI, an independent, nonprofit organization authorized by Congress in 2010. Its mission is to fund research that will provide patients, their caregivers and clinicians with the evidence-based information needed to make better-informed healthcare decisions. The awards have been approved pending completion of a business and programmatic review by PCORI staff and issuance of a formal award contract. For more information about PCORI's funding, visit http://www.pcori.org. "These latest projects reflect the best ideas for urgently needed research on topics prioritized using input from patients, caregivers, clinicians and other stakeholders," said PCORI executive director Joe Selby, MD, MPH. ### DURHAM, N.C. -- Researchers from Duke University, Massachusetts General Hospital and the International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research in Dhaka, Bangladesh have used machine learning algorithms to spot patterns within communities of bacteria living in the human gut that no human would ever be able to pick out. These patterns could indicate who among the approximately one billion people around the globe at risk of cholera infection will get sick with the diarrheal disease. "These are patterns that even the most sophisticated scientist couldn't detect by eye," said Lawrence A. David, Ph.D., a senior author of the study and assistant professor of molecular genetics and microbiology at Duke School of Medicine. "While some people are warning about artificial intelligence leading to killer robots, we are showing the positive impact of AI in its potential to overcome disease." The research, published this week in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, suggests that a focus on gut microbes may be important for developing improved vaccines and preventive approaches for cholera and other infectious diseases. "Our study found that this 'predictive microbiota' is as good at predicting who gets ill with cholera as the clinical risk factors that we've known about for decades," said Regina C. LaRocque, M.D., MPH, of the Massachusetts General Hospital Division of Infectious Diseases, a senior author of the study and assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. "We've essentially identified a whole new component of cholera risk that we did not know about before." Cholera can spread rapidly in areas with unsafe drinking water and inadequate sanitation, causing millions of cases of acute watery diarrhea every year. Despite its global impact, scientists still do not completely understand why some people who come into contact with the cholera bacterium become sick while others do not. Some studies have pinpointed a few risk factors, such as age, blood type and previous infections, but these only partially explain the differences in clinical outcomes after exposure to the pathogen. In this study, David and LaRocque teamed up with Firdausi Qadri, Ph.D., a leader in cholera vaccine research in Bangladesh, to see whether the gut's trillions of resident bacteria -- collectively known as the gut microbiota -- might also play a role in cholera risk. The researchers collected rectal swab samples from residents of Dhaka who lived in the same household with a patient hospitalized with cholera, and thus were at imminent risk of developing the disease. Of 76 household contacts studied, about a third went on to develop cholera during the follow-up period and about two-thirds remained uninfected. The researchers profiled the microbiota from the household contacts' rectal swab samples using sequencing technology and then loaded all the data into a computer for analysis. They trained the machine to scan the results from 4000 different bacterial taxa in each of the samples, looking for patterns that distinguished those who got sick from those who didn't. Eventually, the machine hit on a set of 100 microbes associated with susceptibility to cholera. "Normally, you have to eyeball the data, studying one bacterial species at a time in hopes of finding a signal that is associated with infection," said Firas S. Midani, a lead author of the study and a graduate student in David's lab. "Machines have the ability to look at a hundred species at a time, and amalgamate them into one signal." The team showed that the model generated by artificial intelligence could predict illness even better than models previously built by infectious disease experts. The model also suggested hypotheses that might explain why the patterns identified by the computer are associated with disease. For example, when the researchers picked a bacterial species identified by their model and studied it in the laboratory, they found that the bacteria promoted the growth of cholera in test tubes. Their findings indicate that the composition of the gut microbiota could create an environment that is more or less hospitable to pathogens. "Scientists have long had a hunch that gut bacteria might affect a person's susceptibility to diarrheal diseases, but our study is among the first to show this in a real-world setting," LaRocque said. ### The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health (R0AI103055, U01AI0589354, T32A1070611976, K08AI123494, T32GM071340, T32GM007171), the National Science Foundation [DGE-1545220, DGE-1106401), the Searle Scholars Program and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. CITATION: " Human Gut Microbiota Predicts Susceptibility to Vibrio Cholera Infection," Firas S. Midani, Ana A. Weil, Fahima Chowdhury, Yasmin A. Begum, Ashraful I. Khan, Meti D. Debela, Heather K. Durand, Aspen T. Reese, Sai N. Nimmagadda, Justin D. Silverman, Crystal N. Ellis, Edward T. Ryan, Stephen B. Calderwood, Jason B. Harris, Firdausi Qadri, Lawrence A. David and Regina C. LaRocque. Journal of Infectious Diseases, April 12, 2018. DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy192 Online: https://academic.oup.com/jid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/infdis/jiy192/4969495 The pangasius, originally from Vietnam, is one of the most consumed fish in the world for its low cost, mild flavor and fillet presentation without skin or thorns. It is especially requested in school canteens and senior centers. But the toxicological evaluation carried out by a team of Spanish scientists now shows that the mercury content in some samples exceeds all limits, so the consumption of other fish in the child population is recommended. Despite its low protein content and its even lower level of omega-3, the pangasius (Pangasius hypophthalmus) is one of the most consumed fish in the world, especially in Europe. Its low cost, its good flavor and a commercial presentation in the form of fillet without skin or thorns have increased its consumption, especially in schools, senior centers, the hotel sector and homes. However, the concern with the Pangasius hypophthalmus is not really its nutritional profile, but its high concentration of mercury. The fish comes from the Mekong River in Vietnam, one of the longest tributaries in the world and also one of the most polluted due to the presence of pesticides and other chemical compounds used in rice crops, or human activities such as deforestation. As a consequence, the animal itself, an omnivorous fish and a final predator, is also highly contaminated, according to several reports, including one from the World Health Organization. Pangasius hypophthalmus tends to accumulate higher concentrations of metals such as mercury. "The consumption of this fish could expose the share of the population most sensitive to different contaminants that could be in this species," explains Angel J. Gutierrez Fernandez, professor of the Toxicology Department at the University of La Laguna, to Sinc. To assess the toxic risk due to mercury that could result from eating pangasius, a team of researchers from the Canary Islands has analyzed a total of 80 samples of frozen fillets stored in three different large areas and available to the consumer in natural or marinated. Mercury limits exceeded The results of the study, published in the Chemosphere journal, reveal that some specimens, especially in their marinated presentations, exceed the maximum admissible concentrations set by European legislation at 0.5 mg / kg (Regulation (EC) Nr. 1881/2006 of the Commission, of December 19, 2006), establishing the maximum content of certain contaminants in food products. "It is necessary to exhaustively control the mercury content in this type of fish," says the researcher. The analysis, performed by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometry, shows a wide range of mercury concentrations between 0.10-0.69 mg / kg, with average value of 0.22 mg / kg. According to the researchers, although there were no significant differences between supermarkets, the average concentration of mercury in the marinade presentation (0.18 mg / kg) was higher than that obtained in the natural pangasius (0.16 mg / kg). "Once these data have been obtained and assuming a weekly consumption of 350 grams of pangasius, the percentage of contribution to the Tolerable Weekly Intake (TWI) of mercury (4 g / kg bw / week) is 32% and 27.5% for women and men, respectively, "says Gutierrez. The researchers conclude that in cases where the maximum permitted concentration is exceeded and after continued consumption there may be a health risk due to the accumulation of mercury in adults and, above all, in children. For the latter, they recommend the consumption of other fish instead of pangasius, also because of its low nutritional contribution. ### Reference: Maria Rodriguez et al. "Assessment of mercury content in Panga (Pangasius hypophthalmus)" Chemosphere 2018 Fly cells squeeze through tissue barriers in the body better when these barriers are made less stiff. This is the result of a study by Daria Siekhaus, Professor at the Institute of Science and Technology (IST Austria) and her team, including first author and postdoc Aparna Ratheesh, which was published today in the journal Developmental Cell. This mechanism was previously unknown. Like tiny building blocks, billions of cells form our bodies. But unlike building blocks, some cells are able to move around the body. This is important during development, but also when the immune system fights infections. The most notorious cell movement occurs during metastasis, when cancer cells spread from a primary tumor. To move around the body, some cell need to be able to get from one tissue into another - for example, when immune cell needs to get out of the blood vessel and into damaged or inflamed tissue. But some tissue barriers are made of cells that sit closely together, like a tight wall, making it hard for migrating cells to get through. In their study, Daria Siekhaus and her team report that in the fly, a type of immune cell called a macrophage has an easier time squeezing through when a signal is sent to change the tension of the cells within the wall. "We have found a new mechanism by which the movement of cells through tissue barriers is made easier ", explains Daria Siekhaus. New distinct mechanism The researchers studied the movement of macrophages in the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster. Macrophages, which play an important role in development, and in responding to wounds, infections, or other threats to the organism, migrate through the developing fruitfly embryo. Along their way, they need to get through a tissue called the germband. The mechanism they use to achieve this, however, was not known until now. The researchers found that migrating macrophages stall when they reach this barrier. They spend time trying to push their way in, a task that is made easier by a signal sent to the cells of the barrier that reduces their tension. This change in tension makes the barrier cells less stiff and more deformable, allowing macrophages to more easily squeeze between them. Interestingly, Daria Siekhaus and her team found that this signal which tells the tissue barrier to be softer is Eiger, the Drosophila form of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a signaling molecule that is important for inflammatory signaling in vertebrates. Binding to its receptor Grindelwald, Eiger changes the localization of another protein, Patj, that controls the activity of Myosin, a motor protein essential for generating and maintaining cellular tension. Cells as rubber bands To prove their hypothesis, the researchers used a technique that has been developed previously, called laser ablation, to cut through the edge of the cells under a microscope. Similar to when a rubber band snaps and the ends move away from one another the cut edges of the cell separate. The greater the tension in a rubber band as it snaps, the faster the ends spring apart. The same holds true for cells, and by measuring the speed of separation, the researchers can calculate under how much tension the cell was in the first place. In mutant embryos, in which no Eiger molecule signals to the barrier cells, Myosin activity in the cells is higher and the cells snap apart quicker than in wild-type cells, i.e. they are under more tension. "When tension in surrounding cells is higher, immune cell migration across the barrier is reduced. We have shown the physical effects of these molecular changes, and have defined a new pathway by which a TNF can act", Daria Siekhaus explains. Aparna Ratheesh, first author of the study, is excited by the active process of invasion they identified: "Macrophages squeeze between cells. In doing so, they force their way into a place and shape the surrounding tissue. This pushing has to be controlled and directed, and leads to an active invasion." As TNF signaling molecules also play an important role in vertebrates, their results potentially have importance beyond the fruitfly, Siekhaus says: "We have some data that TNF plays a role in the migration of immune cells during the development of vertebrates. So our results may also be important in the vertebrate context." ### About IST Austria - http://www.ist.ac.at The Institute of Science and Technology (IST Austria) is a PhD-granting research institution located in Klosterneuburg, 18 km from the center of Vienna, Austria. Inaugurated in 2009, the Institute is dedicated to basic research in the natural and mathematical sciences. IST Austria employs professors on a tenure-track system, postdoctoral fellows, and doctoral students. While dedicated to the principle of curiosity-driven research, the Institute owns the rights to all scientific discoveries and is committed to promote their use. The first president of IST Austria is Thomas A. Henzinger, a leading computer scientist and former professor at the University of California in Berkeley, USA, and the EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland. The graduate school of IST Austria offers fully-funded PhD positions to highly qualified candidates with a bachelor's or master's degree in biology, neuroscience, mathematics, computer science, physics, and related areas. CAMBRIDGE, MASS.--Genome-wide association studies, which look for links between particular genetic variants and incidence of disease, are the basis of much modern biomedical research. But databases of genomic information pose privacy risks. From people's raw genomic data, it may be possible to infer their surnames and perhaps even the shapes of their faces. Many people are reluctant to contribute their genomic data to biomedical research projects, and an organization hosting a large repository of genomic data might conduct a months-long review before deciding whether to grant a researcher's request for access. In a paper appearing today in Nature Biotechnology, researchers from MIT and Stanford University present a new system for protecting the privacy of people who contribute their genomic data to large-scale biomedical studies. Where earlier cryptographic methods were so computationally intensive that they became prohibitively time consuming for more than a few thousand genomes, the new system promises efficient privacy protection for studies conducted over as many as a million genomes. "As biomedical researchers, we're frustrated by the lack of data and by the access-controlled repositories," says Bonnie Berger, the Simons Professor of Mathematics at MIT and corresponding author on the paper. "We anticipate a future with a landscape of massively distributed genomic data, where private individuals take ownership of their own personal genomes, and institutes as well as hospitals build their own private genomic databases. Our work provides a roadmap for pooling together this vast amount of genomic data to enable scientific progress." The first author on the paper is Hyunghoon Cho, a graduate student in electrical engineering and computer science at MIT; he and Berger are joined by David Wu, a graduate student in computer science at Stanford. At the core of the system is a technique called secret sharing, which divides sensitive data among multiple servers. To store the number x, for instance, a secret-sharing system might send the random number r to one server and x-r to the other. Neither server is independently able to infer x. Collectively, however, they can still perform useful operations. If one server stored a bunch of r's and added them together, and the other added up all the corresponding (x-r)'s, then sharing the results and adding them together would yield the sum of all the x's. Neither server, however, would ever observe the value of any one x. If both servers are hacked, of course, the attacker could reconstruct all the x's. But so long as one server is trustworthy, the system is secure. Furthermore, that principle generalizes to multiple servers. If data are divided among, say, four servers, an attacker would have to infiltrate all four; hacking any three is insufficient to extract any data. In this context, however, multiplication is more complicated than addition. Multiplying two x's requires the generation of three more random numbers -- known as a Beaver triple, after the cryptographer Donald Beaver -- in addition to the r's. Those three numbers, in turn, must be divided among servers using secret sharing. Adding the secret-shared components of those numbers to the x's and r's before multiplication gives rise to an algebraic expression in which all the added randomness can be filtered out, leaving only the product of the two x's. Genome-wide association studies involve a massive table -- or matrix -- that maps the genomes in the database against the locations of genetic variations known as SNPs, for single-nucleotide polymorphisms. The SNPs will typically number about a million, so if the database contains a million genomes, the result will be a million-by-million matrix. Finding useful disease correlations requires filtering out misleading correlations, a process known as population stratification correction. East Asians, for instance, are frequently lactose intolerant, but they also tend to be shorter than Northern Europeans. A naive investigation of the genetic correlates of lactose intolerance might instead end up identifying those for height. Population stratification correction typically relies on an algorithm called principal component analysis, which requires repeated multiplications involving the whole SNP-versus-genome matrix. If every entry in the matrix needed its own set of Beaver triples for each of those multiplications, analyzing a million genomes would be prohibitively time consuming. But Cho, Berger, and Wu found a way to structure that sequence of multiplications so that many of the Beaver triples can be calculated only once and reused, drastically reducing the complexity of the computation. They also use a couple other techniques to speed up their system. Because the Beaver triples must be shared secretly, each number in the Beaver triple has an associated random number: In the two-server scenario, one server would get the random number and the other would get the Beaver number minus the random number. In Cho, Berger, and Wu's system, there's a server dedicated to generating Beaver triples and sharing them secretly. But while it needs to transmit the Beaver numbers minus the associated random numbers to the appropriate servers, it doesn't need to transmit the random numbers themselves. Instead, it simply shares the number it uses to "seed" an algorithm known as a pseudorandom number generator. The recipient servers can then generate the random numbers on their own, saving a huge amount of communication bandwidth. Finally, when performing all its multiplications, the system doesn't actually use the whole million-by-million matrix. Instead, it uses an approximation technique called random projection to winnow the matrix down while preserving the accuracy of the final computation results. Based on these techniques, Cho, Berger, and Wu's system accurately reproduced three published genome-wide association studies involving 23,000 individual genomes. The results of those analyses suggest that the system should scale efficiently to a million genomes. ### ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- More than one-third of cirrhosis cases are related to alcohol, a seven-year national study of more than 100 million privately insured people has found. Among that group, 294,215 people had cirrhosis; 105,871 (36 percent) had alcohol-related cirrhosis. The latter group was sicker and admitted or readmitted to a hospital more often, incurring nearly twice the health care costs per person: $44,835 versus $23,329. "When I look at this data, it tells me that this is a big problem," says Jessica Mellinger, M.D., a Michigan Medicine gastroenterologist and health services reserchers at the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. And it could be a particularly big problem for women, who in recent years have been diagnosed with alcohol use disorders at a rate nearly twice that of men. Mellinger's study, published in the journal Hepatology, found that women showed a 50 percent increase in alcohol-related cirrhosis during that seven-year period; men showed a 30 percent increase. Although biology doesn't explain why women appear to be consuming more alcohol then they used to, it does shed light on the effects. "Women process alcohol differently than men and they are more susceptible to damage in the liver than men," says Mellinger. "They can develop cirrhosis with less alcohol and in a shorter time frame. The hypothesis is that certain hormones make women more susceptible, though we don't know exactly why they are so much more susceptible." A costly, widespread issue To conduct their study, Mellinger and her team examined privately insured individuals ages 18 to 64 by using the Truven MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database. It is the largest dataset of claims for people with private insurance obtained through their employers. The study's goal was to determine the prevalence, health-care utilization and costs of alcohol-related cirrhosis among privately insured people in the United States. The research showed: Patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis aren't uncommon. The figures nearly surpass those of some common cancers. Health care for these patients is costly, sometimes as much as the cost for cancer patients. Cirrhosis has already progressed when many patients see a doctor for symptoms, preventing a chance for early diagnosis and treatment. But it only looked at one segment of the population. "At the time we did this study, we also considered using data sets from Medicare and Medicaid, but they were restricting reporting of claims related to substance abuse, and we knew we'd be missing information," says Mellinger. Since that time, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services began reporting substance abuse; that information is now open to researchers. Mellinger expects alcohol-related cirrhosis statistics to increase significantly after that patient data is reviewed. The reason: "Many people with [alcohol-related cirrhosis] are too sick to remain employed, so more of these patients are insured through government-sponsored insurance such as Medicare and Medicaid," she says, noting that another limitation of the study was a lack of information about race and ethnic groups. Alcohol-use treatment programs vital Prior research has shown that there is no ethical justification for deprioritizing patients from receiving a transplant because they have alcohol-related liver disease. "But first they will need alcohol cessation treatment before they can be transplanted with success," says Mellinger. "Alcohol-use treatment is effective and many patients do stop drinking, obtain transplant and do well afterward." Although there is stigma to alcohol-related cirrhosis, it is common and it's not a moral failure, she adds. "Many people in the medical community think that alcohol use is not treatable, but it is. There is a lot of collaboration at U-M to provide the right help for patients with alcohol-related liver disease." Getting that help is crucial: When patients have advanced liver disease, the only action that affects whether they live or die is if they stop drinking. "Once you have cirrhosis, or scar tissue on the liver, it's permanent," says Mellinger, who works closely with the University of Michigan psychiatry department and the University of Michigan Addiction Treatment Services. "But even though the damage is still there, your liver function can improve dramatically" if you stop drinking. Set to embark on further study with all insurance payers, Mellinger hopes her current work will help physicians better understand that alcohol-related cirrhosis is a growing problem that demands attention and resources. "We're only touching the tip of the iceberg," she says. "By demonstrating that alcohol-related cirrhosis is a high-burden health care problem that could be prevented, we hope that it will increase funding for early detection of alcohol use and for greater utilization of alcohol-use treatment programs." ### Trees falling as fragile forests become cropland is a visual shorthand for the environmental costs exporting countries pay to meet lucrative global demands for food. Yet a new study reveals a counterintuitive truth: Importing food also damages homeland ecology. In this week's Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) and their colleagues show that the decisions domestic farmers must make as imported food changes the crop market can damage the environment. "What is obvious is not always the whole truth," said Jianguo "Jack" Liu director of MSU's Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability and senior author of the paper. "Unless a world is examined in a systemic, holistic way, environmental costs will be overlooked." The researchers examine the global trade of soybeans - a demand which has exploded in China as its population becomes more prosperous. To meet the demand for soybeans as animal feed and food products, China's market gobbled up more than 60 percent of the world's exported soybeans, much of that from Brazil- and at a price Chinese farmers can't match. Brazil's massive conversion of rainforest and Cerrado to cropland has received much attention, and policies have been enacted to mitigate the environmental damage there. The widely held conclusion has been that importing countries gain environmental benefits and displace environmental costs to the source of food. This paper shows that the shift is actually just an exchange "This research demonstrates a surprising environmental impact of global agricultural trade," says Betsy Von Holle, a director of the National Science Foundation's Dynamics of Coupled Natural and Human Systems program, which funded the study. "If the importing country switches from a more sustainable crop, such as soybeans, to one that needs more water and nutrients, such as corn, the nitrogen pollution that results can harm the environment of the importing country." The research team analyzed more than 160 studies across six continents on the nitrogen left in the soil after a crop is harvested, and looked at the nitrogen change that resulted in the top countries such as Vietnam and Japan that imported soybeans from the world's two largest soybean producers and exporters - Brazil and the United States. The group also did an intensive study of the soil in China's top-producing cropland in the northeast. They found that the largest increase in nitrogen pollution there was in fields that had converted from soybeans to rice paddies, followed by corn fields. Soybean trade offers but one example of the unexpected environmental impacts of global food trade - and a heads up that negotiations of trade agreements need complete information, the paper notes. For example, once-upon-a-time cornfields in Mexico and South America now grow vegetables, and demand more nitrogen inputs, thanks to influxes of cheap American corn. And nitrogen isn't the only change. Crop decisions driven by global markets also can place increased demands on water supplies. "This study underscores the need to pay attention to both sides of international trade not rely on conventional wisdom," Liu said. "The framework of telecoupling - a new integrated way to study human and natural interactions over distances - shows us unexpected outcomes that can stand in the way of sustainability." ### In addition to Liu, "Importing food damages domestic environment: Evidence from global soybean trade" was written by Jing Sun, Harold Mooney, Wenbin Wu, Huajun Tang, Yuxin Tong, Zhenci Xu, Baorong Huang, Yeqing Cheng, Xinjun Yang, Dan Wei, and Fusuo Zhang. The work was funded by the National Science Foundation, Michigan AgBioResearch and the National Key Research and Development Program of China. The discovery of a new mechanism involved in depression - and a way to target it with a drug as effective as classical antidepressants -- provides new understanding of this illness and could pave the way for treatments with fewer side effects. In a study published in Nature Medicine, a team of scientists at McGill University and France's Institut national de la sante et de la recherche medicale (INSERM) examined the biological and molecular mechanisms at play in neurons during treatment with a classical antidepressant. Conducted simultaneously in humans and mice, the research by Bruno Giros, professor in McGill's Department of Psychiatry, and Eleni Tzavara, Director of Research at INSERM, was designed to show how antidepressants act on two neurotransmitters known to influence mood: serotonin and norepinephrine. When these neurotransmitters come in contact with receptors located on the surface of neurons, they trigger a series of signalling cascades inside the cell. Thus, much as in a relay race, various molecules pass on instructions, to be delivered to the nucleus, telling it to activate or inactivate the expression of genes involved in various biological functions. Because antidepressants act directly on two multifunctional neurotransmitters, they are accompanied by a number of adverse effects. In their study, the researchers show that in mice, one can target a single runner in this relay race, Elk-1, a molecule that steps in for the last lap of the race and that appears to be directly involved in depressive disorders. "What's interesting and rather new is that we have shown the advantage of targeting signalling modules (a runner) rather than the entire pathway," explains Giros, who is also a researcher at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute (CIUSSS de l'Ouest-de-l'Ile-de-Montreal). "This surgical approach should enable us to avoid the adverse effects of classical antidepressants." Towards better and faster treatment? For about a third of patients suffering from major depressive disorder, the path to healing can prove long because physicians have to find, by trial and error, the appropriate drug and dosage to treat them. Worse still, in approximately 33% of patients, none of the existing drugs have any effect. "The drug we've tested could also constitute a treatment with fewer failures," says Giros. "Classic antidepressants take up to three weeks to have an effect and this new approach could give quicker response times." This potential new drug, which is protected by a patent, was developed by Melkin Pharmaceuticals, a biotech co-founded by Giros. Giros's research has further indicated that Elk-1 shows promise as a therapeutic biomarker for determining which patients are more likely to respond to treatments. ### James F. Kasting, Evan Pugh University Professor of Geosciences, Penn State, has been elected to membership in the National Academy of Sciences. Membership in the NAS is one of the highest honors given to a scientist or engineer in the United States. Kasting is among the 84 new members and 21 foreign associates who were elected in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research, bringing the total number of active members to 2,382 and the total number of foreign associates to 484. He was awarded the 2015 NAS Award in Early Earth and Life Sciences. The academy is the most prestigious scientific society in the U.S., established under a congressional charter signed by former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. With the National Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council, the NAS provides science, technology and health policy advice to the federal government and other organizations. Kasting specializes in the evolution of Earth's climate and atmosphere. Kasting's investigation of the evolution of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric gases -- oxygen, methane, nitrous oxide -- provided insight into the proliferation of life on early Earth. His research also focuses on the study of habitable zones around other star systems, a field that is critical to the search for extraterrestrial life. He has made major contributions to the search for life on other planets, including refining the concept of the "habitable zone" -- the area around a star where a planet can support liquid water and possibly life. Kasting joined the Penn State faculty in 1988 as an associate professor of geosciences and meteorology. In 2012, he was appointed Evan Pugh University Professor, the highest honor the University bestows on its faculty. Kasting is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the International Society for the Study of the Origin of Life, the American Geophysical Union, the Geochemical Society and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He received his bachelor's degree in chemistry and physics from Harvard University, two master's degrees, one in physics and one in atmospheric science, and a doctorate in atmospheric science from the University of Michigan. ### HOUSTON - (May 7, 2018) - In the wake of its recent discovery of a flat form of gallium, an international team led by scientists from Rice University has created another two-dimensional material that the researchers said could be a game changer for solar fuel generation. Rice materials scientist Pulickel Ajayan and colleagues extracted 3-atom-thick hematene from common iron ore. The research was introduced in a paper today in Nature Nanotechnology. Hematene may be an efficient photocatalyst, especially for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen, and could also serve as an ultrathin magnetic material for spintronic-based devices, the researchers said. "2D magnetism is becoming a very exciting field with recent advances in synthesizing such materials, but the synthesis techniques are complex and the materials' stability is limited," Ajayan said. "Here, we have a simple, scalable method, and the hematene structure should be environmentally stable." Ajayan's lab worked with researchers at the University of Houston and in India, Brazil, Germany and elsewhere to exfoliate the material from naturally occurring hematite using a combination of sonication, centrifugation and vacuum-assisted filtration. Hematite was already known to have photocatalytic properties, but they are not good enough to be useful, the researchers said. "For a material to be an efficient photocatalyst, it should absorb the visible part of sunlight, generate electrical charges and transport them to the surface of the material to carry out the desired reaction," said Oomman Varghese, a co-author and associate professor of physics at the University of Houston. "Hematite absorbs sunlight from ultraviolet to the yellow-orange region, but the charges produced are very short-lived. As a result, they become extinct before they reach the surface," he said. Hematene photocatalysis is more efficient because photons generate negative and positive charges within a few atoms of the surface, the researchers said. By pairing the new material with titanium dioxide nanotube arrays, which provide an easy pathway for electrons to leave the hematene, the scientists found they could allow more visible light to be absorbed. The researchers also discovered that hematene's magnetic properties differ from those of hematite. While native hematite is antiferromagnetic, tests showed that hematene is ferromagnetic, like a common magnet. In ferromagnets, atoms' magnetic moments point in the same direction. In antiferromagnets, the moments in adjacent atoms alternate. Unlike carbon and its 2D form, graphene, hematite is a non-van der Waals material, meaning it's held together by 3D bonding networks rather than non-chemical and comparatively weaker atomic van der Waals interactions. "Most 2D materials to date have been derived from bulk counterparts that are layered in nature and generally known as van der Waals solids," said co-author Professor Anantharaman Malie Madom Ramaswamy Iyer of the Cochin University of Science and Technology, India. "2D materials from bulk precursors having (non-van der Waals) 3D bonding networks are rare, and in this context hematene assumes great significance." According to co-author Chandra Sekhar Tiwary, a former postdoctoral researcher at Rice and now an assistant professor at the Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, the collaborators are exploring other non-van der Waals materials for their 2D potential. ### Iyer and Rice visiting student Aravind Puthirath Balan of Cochin University are lead authors of the study. Co-authors are Sruthi Radhakrishnan, Amey Apte, Carlos de los Reyes, Vidya Kochat, Robert Vajtai, Angel Marti and Gelu Costin of Rice; Cristiano Woellner and Douglas Galvao of the State University of Campinas, Brazil; Shyam Sinha and Peter van Aken of the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart, Germany; Liangzi Deng, Banki Manmadha Rao, Maggie Paulose and Ram Neupane of the University of Houston, Ching-Wu Chu of the University of Houston and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, Calif.; and Avetik Harutyunyan of the Honda Research Institute USA Inc., Columbus, Ohio. Ajayan is chair of Rice's Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, the Benjamin M. and Mary Greenwood Anderson Professor in Engineering and a professor of chemistry. The research was supported by India's Ministry of Human Resource Development, the U.S. Army Research Office Multidisciplinary Research Institute, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the Sao Paulo Research Foundation, the T.L.L. Temple Foundation, the John J. and Rebecca Moores Endowment, the State of Texas, Shell International Exploration and Production Inc. and the Neutrino Observatory. Read the abstract at http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41565-018-0134-y This news release can be found online at http://news.rice.edu/2018/05/07/hematene-joins-parade-of-new-2-d-materials/ Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNews Related materials: Ajayan Research Group: http://ajayan.rice.edu Rice Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering: https://msne.rice.edu George R. Brown School of Engineering: https://engineering.rice.edu Images for download: http://news.rice.edu/files/2018/05/0507_HEMATENE-1-WEB-17e6wj2.jpeg Hematene created by a Rice University-led team is the first known two-dimensional non-van der Waals material. The transmission electron image shows a single sheet of hematene. Scale bar equals 0.5 microns. (Credit: Shyam Sinha and Peter van Aken/Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart, Germany) http://news.rice.edu/files/2018/05/0507_HEMATENE-2-WEB-20haxwu.jpeg A schematic shows the atomic arrangement of iron (blue) and oxygen (white) atoms in hematene, a two-dimensional material that was exfoliated from hematite for the first time by Rice University scientists and their international partners. (Credit: Cristiano Woellner and Douglas Galvao/State University of Campinas, Brazil) http://news.rice.edu/files/2018/05/0507_HEMATENE-3-WEB-18iutt2.jpeg A transmission electron microscope image shows bi-layer and monolayer hematene, exfoliated from hematite, a common iron ore, by scientists at Rice University and their international partners. The material shows promise as a catalyst for advanced solar fuel generation and spintronics applications. The scale bar equals 50 nanometers. (Credit: Ajayan Research Group/Rice University) Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. With 3,970 undergraduates and 2,934 graduate students, Rice's undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is just under 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for quality of life and for lots of race/class interaction and No. 2 for happiest students by the Princeton Review. Rice is also rated as a best value among private universities by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. To read "What they're saying about Rice," go to http://tinyurl.com/RiceUniversityoverview. HOUSTON - (May 7, 2018) - "Patient zero" isn't entirely to blame when an infection takes root in a population. According to Rice University scientists, social context in the community has a lot to do with how a disease spreads. Rice researchers who study fruit flies found that the ratio of females to males as well as the mating dynamics of the community were strong indicators of how a disease outbreak would progress. While no one genotype was at greater risk than any other, they found males in a community faced a greater risk of infection when they were moderately outnumbered by females. The study led by Rice Academy postdoctoral fellow Nick Keiser, Rice evolutionary biologist Julia Saltz and Rice community ecologist Volker Rudolf is the first to look at how the behavior of an infectious host and the social factors within a population combine to influence the spread of disease. Their results appear in the journal Behavioral Ecology. Fruit flies are a focus of study in the Saltz lab because of their rapid reproduction and ease of manipulation. A fungus, Metarhizium robertsii, that is fatal to flies and many other insects can be transmitted through close physical contact, including during mating, and in the environment. In this study, the Rice team investigated how this fungus can spread from a single infected individual to its group-mates. "There have been studies on human disease transmission networks that look at group-level and individual-level factors, but not in a way like this where we can actually manipulate those things," Keiser said. The researchers configured 66 social groups of fruit flies from three genotypes with known behavioral characteristics, including mating frequency, aggregation and aggression, and in five sex ratios ranging from zero to 100 percent female. "We measured their behaviors as a social group and then we added to each a single infected individual, a male or female patient zero, and allowed them to interact for two hours," Keiser said. Patient zero is the index case or initial patient in the population of the epidemiological investigation. "Because they all had paint dots on their backs, we could watch their social behaviors, their aggregation with one another and their mating dynamics," Keiser said. "When we separated them to see who became infected and if there were any patterns, we found no genotypic differences in infection risk. We were surprised. We thought there would be a clear link." Instead, Keiser said, the social context of each group had the most influence on infection rates. "So it's not just your traits, but the traits of the social group that you find yourself in, or maybe that you choose, that influences your infection risk," he said. Another surprise was that males in a female-dominated group were at greater risk. "That is one of the takeaways, and I think it's driven by the males' behaviors," Keiser said. "In a female-biased social group, there's more opportunities for mating. Males increase their courtship behavior and their aggressive behavior with other males, and we think they're more likely to gain this infection just from courtship or from aggressive interactions. "They change their behavior based on the social environment and inadvertently influence their own infection risk," he said. Yet another surprise was that when patient zero was female, the risk of disease to males in the community, regardless of their mating history, was four times greater than for females. When patient zero was male, the risk of infection depended more heavily on mating frequency but was identical for both sexes. "That suggests the identity of that patient zero, the primary case, may even change which mode of transmission is important, which is not something that has been shown before," Keiser said. Flies that did not appear to mate seemed safest, but were still affected, he said. Only 10 percent of virgin flies became infected, likely from encountering fungal spores on the food patch or from contact with others. Keiser said previous studies sought to link differences in infection risk solely to the traits of the initial carrier, but that is insufficient. "You're in a social context and your infection risk can be influenced by your social group as well," he said. "We wanted to manipulate those two factors simultaneously. "The link between host traits and disease risk is interesting, but no individual is an island." ### Co-authors are undergraduates Elizabeth Sartain and Emma Every, both of Rice. Saltz is an assistant professor of biosciences. Rudolf is an associate professor of biosciences. Read the abstract at https://academic.oup.com/beheco/advance-article/doi/10.1093/beheco/ary060/4975448?searchresult=1 This news release can be found online at http://news.rice.edu/2018/05/07/social-context-matters-in-spread-of-disease/ Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNew. Related materials: Keiser Lab: https://www.keiserlab.com Saltz Lab: https://saltzlab.wordpress.com/2014/05/01/welcome/ Volker Rudolf: http://www.owlnet.rice.edu/~volker.rudolf/ BioSciences at Rice: http://biosciences.rice.edu Images for download: http://news.rice.edu/files/2018/05/0507_INFECTION-1-web-2go3izy.jpg Fruit flies marked with dots of paint in a Rice University lab were used to measure how an infection is spread in communities of different genotypes, with various sex ratios and either a male or female "patient zero." The study showed the degree to which social context matters in the spread of disease. (Credit: Nick Keiser/Rice University) http://news.rice.edu/files/2018/05/0507_INFECTION-2-web-2ekzkq5.jpg This fruit fly is infected with a fungus, Metarhizium robertsii, that is fatal to many insects. Rice University scientists set up groups of flies and inserted an infected "patient zero" to see how the spread of disease was influenced by sex ratios and group behavior. (Credit: Nick Keiser/Rice University) http://news.rice.edu/files/2018/05/0507_INFECTION-3-web-29di9v6.jpg This is the "spore corpse" of a fruit fly infected with a deadly fungus in experiments at Rice University to show how social context contributes to the spread of disease. The fungus, Metarhizium robertsii, spreads through mating, contact and the environment and consumes the fly, leaving an empty husk from which the spores can spread. (Credit: Nick Keiser/Rice University) http://news.rice.edu/files/2018/05/0507_INFECTION-4-WEB-1ztrrjl.jpg Rice University researcher Nick Keiser checks a community of fruit flies. A new study by Keiser and his colleagues found that social context in the community has a lot to do with how a disease spreads. (Credit: Jeff Fitlow/Rice University) http://news.rice.edu/files/2018/05/0507_INFECTION-5-web-24mz2x6.jpg Fruit flies marked with dots of paint mingle (or not) in a petri dish in a Rice University lab. Rice scientists led a study that was the first to look at how the behavior of an infectious host and the social factors within a population combine to influence the spread of disease. (Credit: Jeff Fitlow/Rice University) http://news.rice.edu/files/2018/05/0507_INFECTION-6-web-1oyqfrl.jpg Nick Keiser, a Rice Academy postdoctoral fellow, checks experiments in a Rice University lab. In a new study, Keiser and his colleagues determined that social context in the community has a lot to do with how a disease spreads. (Credit: Jeff Fitlow/Rice University) Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. With 3,970 undergraduates and 2,934 graduate students, Rice's undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is just under 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for quality of life and for lots of race/class interaction and No. 2 for happiest students by the Princeton Review. Rice is also rated as a best value among private universities by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. To read "What they're saying about Rice," go to http://tinyurl.com/RiceUniversityoverview. In the 1890s, settlers crossed the Rocky Mountains seeking new opportunities -- and bearing frogs. A new study coauthored by a San Francisco State University biology professor draws a link between that introduction of American bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) to the western half of the United States with the spread of a fungus deadly to amphibians. The work highlights the catastrophic results of moving animals and plants to new regions. The fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has rapidly spread around the world since the 1970s, causing a skin disease called chytridiomycosis and wiping out more than 200 species of amphibians globally. In the United States, these declines have followed a curious pattern. "In the whole region east of the Rockies, there hasn't been a single outbreak of Bd," said study author Vance Vredenburg, a professor of biology at San Francisco State. "But in the West there's hundreds, if not thousands." American bullfrogs, a species introduced to the West by settlers who wished to populate ponds with an abundant source of frog legs, have for over a decade been a main suspect. Bullfrogs can carry Bd without falling victim to it themselves, making them a potential vehicle for the fungus to colonize new habitats that harbor vulnerable amphibians. Firmly placing the blame on bullfrogs, however, has been difficult. "The problem is we need a time machine to see what happened," Vredenburg explained. So he and a team of colleagues sought out historical data from around the American West to pinpoint when bullfrogs arrived in each region and how those dates line up with the first local records of Bd. In 83 out of the 100 watersheds where the team could dig up data on both bullfrog and Bd occurrence, the frogs were spotted first or in the same year. And in 13 of the remaining 17 cases, bullfrogs had previously been found in a neighboring region. The team reported their results on April 16 in the journal PLoS ONE. "Even when Bd got there before bullfrogs, the frogs were usually close by," Vredenburg explained. So these new findings are more evidence in the case scientists have built against American bullfrogs -- if their presence is a prerequisite for an outbreak, it appears even more likely that they've contributed to Bd's spread. That link between frog and fungus explains patterns in the U.S., but it's also relevant far beyond the country's borders. Thanks in part to a U.S. Agency for International Development program that shipped bullfrogs to developing countries to start frog farms, the invasive amphibians have taken hold in parts of Europe, Asia and South America. "I hope researchers will take this study and try it in other parts of the world," Vredenburg said. As for the rest of us, the study holds a simple lesson: Keep plants and animals where they are. "We need to stop introducing non-native species to areas where they don't belong," Vredenburg said. "Not just in our own backyard but globally." ### Tiffany Yap and Richard Ambrose of the University of California, Los Angeles and Michelle Koo of University of California, Berkeley were coauthors on the study. The work was supported by National Science Foundation (1258133, 1633948 and 1441652). The special robotics complex was created in Samara Polytech in order to analyse the aquatic environment. The complex consists of submarine and surface vessels and includes high-precision equipment for oceanological research. This robotics complex can be used for military and civil purposes. The project is implemented in collaboration with the Institute of Defense Research. The scientists of the flagship university have been engaged in the creation of autonomous water watercrafts for several years. Among their inventions there is the surface wave glider which is able to "soar" over the water surface due to hydrodynamics. Such gliders are used to retransmit signals from under the water, to measure the parameters of the water surface, and as charging stations. The scientists have also designed submarine vehicles that are able to examine hydrochemical, hydrophysical, and hydrobiological parameters of the water. Those can probe the temperature, the thermal conductivity, the content of various substances in the water, to identify the objects and observe them. These devices are able to move both by means of engines and due to hydrophysical principles. A complex system of inertial navigation allows them to independently determine the depth, direction, trajectory, and to cover thousands of kilometers distances. Apart from autonomous underwater vehicle, Samara Polytech scientists also develop remote-controlled devices for surveying underwater objects, video surveillance and soil analysis. Information-measuring devices for all carriers are developed by the Institute of Automation and Information Technologies of Samara Polytech. Nowadays, it is the most accurate equipment with a forty-year history in Russia. The software allows to carry out complex analysis and interpret the data. Some of the devices are able to withstand the pressure up to 1000 atmospheres, so they can dive to the maximum depth of the global ocean. The oceanologist robots of Samara developers can be used for scientific purposes, in the fishery sector and oil and gas industry. ### The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has won two TechConnect Global Innovation Awards at the TechConnect World Innovation Conference & Expo (TCWI) 2018 to be held in the United States in May. The two award winning innovations are "Omniphobic porous membrane and methods for preparing the same" and "Super Steel - A method for the fabrication of a super-strong and ductile multi-phase steel", both by the HKU Department of Mechanical Engineering. HKU Vice President (Research) Professor Andy Hor congratulated the research teams. He said:"These prestigious global awards are testimony of the potential impact of our innovations and technologies in future industries. It gives our professors and researchers the confidence that while we are advancing novel science at the fundamental frontiers, there is also room for incubation of disruptive technologies that will shape the human world." The Innovation Awards identify the top 15% of submitted technologies as ranked by the TechConnect Corporate & Investment Partner Committee. Innovation rankings are based on the potential positive impact the submitted technology will have on a specific industry sector. Over 240 submissions from about 95 organisations including global academic technology transfer offices, early-stage companies, small business innovative research (SBIR) awardees, and government and corporate research laboratories were received this year. The aim of TCWI is to accelerate the commercialisation of innovations out of the lab for applications in the industry. For over 20 years, the event has been held to connect top applied research and early-stage innovations from universities, labs, and startups with industry end-users and prospectors. HKU's award-winning innovations: 1. Omniphobic porous membrane and methods for preparing the same Professor WANG Liqiu and Mr ZHU Ping An at the Department of Mechanical Engineering developed this innovative microfluidic-droplet-based technique, for the fabrication of porous surfaces which is very much similar to shaped-cookies made by baking molds. The molds are uniform micron-sized droplets that are produced by microfluidics technology with precise control over their size, structure, and composition. Molded by microfluidic droplets, commercial-scale uniform microstructures are produced at low cost. The breakthrough will change the way liquid-repellent surfaces are fabricated for robust liquid-repellency, strong mechanical stability, and economical production at a commercial scale. It also paves the way for further progress in creating surface structures by design, and in tailoring their morphology, repellency and mechanical stability to suit a desired application in various fields. Details of the research: https://www.hku.hk/press/news_detail_17080.html 2. Super Steel- A method for the fabrication of a super-strong and ductile multi-phase steel This Super Steel developed by Dr HUANG Mingxin and Dr HE Binbin at the Department of Mechanical Engineering achieves an unprecedented yield strength of 2.2 GPa and uniform elongation of 16%. It can be produced using conventional industrial processing routes, including warm rolling, cold rolling and annealing. Raw materials cost is only 20% of the maraging steel used in aerospace and defence applications. Details of the research: https://www.hku.hk/press/news_detail_16681.html Five other HKU projects showcased at TCWI: 1. Angle Difference Method for Vehicle Navigation in Multilevel Road Networks Department of Urban Planning and Design, Faculty of Architecture 2. Arsenol - an oral formulation of arsenal Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine 3. Daidzein and other analogs as agents for purging HIV reservoir Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine 4. Light-guided Nanorobots Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science 5. OPTIClear - a tissue clearing agent School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine ### For details of TechConnect World, please visit:http://techconnectworld.com/World2018/participate/innovation/awards.html Increasing contamination of marine ecosystems by metals such as mercury, cadmium, chromium and nickel has been a global environmental concern, because elevated concentrations of metals can pose hazards to marine organisms, and humans who may consume contaminated seafood. Setting water quality criteria (WQC) of various metals (i.e., environmental safety limits) is an essential step for assessing and regulating their risk levels in the marine environment, and hence offering protection to marine organisms and ecosystem integrity. At present, the current method for deriving WQC of metals in Australia, Europe and North America is primarily based on laboratory data generated from toxicity tests with different marine organisms that are conducted at fixed laboratory conditions (e.g. a fixed combination of temperature and salinity). Such laboratory-derived WQC may not be protective to various marine ecosystems because environmental conditions in the natural environment are often very different from those of the laboratory setting. In reality, the environmental conditions vary among different geographic regions (e.g. tropics vs. temperate regions); even at the same region, environmental conditions such as water temperature and salinity change seasonally. Such changes can substantially influence the toxicities of metals to marine organisms. Over the past decade, environmental scientists have been looking for a way to predict the toxicities of metals and derive their WQC for protecting the biodiversity and integrity of marine ecosystems with different environmental conditions. This task is tremendously important to environmental protection. Professor Kenneth Leung, Deputy Director of School of Biological Sciences and Scientist of the Swire Institute of Marine Science of HKU, teams up with Professor Wu Fengchang, Director of State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment at Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences (CRAES) and Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering to jointly tackle this global issue. Their team has spent three years of effort to develop a novel empirical model for estimating the toxicities and deriving WQC for metals and metalloids in coastal marine environments with variable temperature and salinity regimes. Their method is based on an integration of temperature- and salinity-based species sensitivity distributions (SSDs) with quantitative ion characteristic relationships (QICAR) model, while parts of their model results are validated with empirical data. The team also analyses real-time environmental data of sea surface temperature and salinity in different parts of the world and applies their model to derive provisional site-specific WQC for more than 30 metals and metalloids. The research team, for the first time, successfully makes use of big data and develops the novel model for predicting metal toxicities and deriving their site-specific WQC in different marine environments worldwide. This important innovation has been published in the latest issue of the international journal Environmental Science & Technology. The results indicate that metal toxicities to marine organisms generally increase with increasing seawater temperature, but the metal toxicities are found to be the lowest at an optimum salinity and increase when the salinity increases or decreases from the optimum salinity. If an WQC of a metal is derived from a laboratory experiment conducted at optimum temperature and salinity, such an WQC unlikely be protective to marine organisms which are living in an environment with higher temperature and lower salinity. The results also suggest that marine species living in warmer waters in the tropical region (including Hong Kong and South China) are more susceptible to metal toxicities than their temperate counterparts. Many governments in Asia such as Hong Kong and Korea often employ temperate toxicity data for deriving WQC or directly adopt the WQC generated from Europe and North America, but such surrogate uses of temperate information for protecting tropical marine ecosystems pose high uncertainty in the margin of safety. The novel method developed by the team will greatly improve the management of metal and metalloids in coastal marine environments worldwide, as environmental authorities can employ this method to derive provisional site-specific WQC for facilitating better ecosystem protection with consideration of specific environmental conditions and potential influences of global climate change. Professor Wu Fengchang said: "Professor Kenneth Leung and his team at HKU have already revealed the temperature- and salinity-dependent toxicity profiles of various pollutants and produced the relevant empirical datasets, while our team at CRAES is good at quantitative structure-activity relationship modelling for metal toxicities. Our complementary knowledge and skills are prerequisite of the success of this collaborative project. We are very delighted to work together." Professor Wu also views that the results of this study will be of enormous benefit in deriving WQC of metals for different parts of marine environments in China and beyond. Professor Kenneth Leung said: "In Hong Kong, salinity in the western marine waters is relatively low due to freshwater discharge from the Pearl River, whereas the salinity in the eastern waters is consistently high because of dominant influence of oceanic currents from Pacific Ocean and South China Sea. With consideration of such salinity differences, the method developed by the team can be readily applied to derive provisional site-specific WQC of metals for enabling better protection to the eastern and western marine ecosystems of Hong Kong, respectively." "Our new method not only enables different countries to derive site-specific WQC of metals for safeguarding their marine environments, it will also bring socioeconomic benefits to societies around the world. It is because we can reduce the number of toxicity tests, use less chemicals in the tests, kill fewer animals, and greatly save money and time for conducting such tests." Professor Leung added. The research team will further investigate the influence of dissolved and suspended organic matter on toxicities of metals in seawater, with a view to improving their model. They will also make use of field-based monitoring data of metal concentrations and marine biodiversity to validate their derived provisional WQC in different water bodies. ### This research project is partially funded by Research Grants Council via a General Research Fund. CHAPEL HILL - Parenting concerns contributed significantly to the psychological distress of mothers with late-stage cancer, according to a study by University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers. Cancer is the leading cause of disease-specific death for parenting-age women in the United States, and women with incurable cancer who have children can have increased rates of depression and anxiety. To better understand how parenting concerns might relate to the quality of life for this group, UNC Lineberger researchers surveyed 224 mothers with advanced cancer. They found that parenting concerns were significantly associated with lower quality of life - almost as much as declines in day-to-day physical functioning. The findings, published in the journal Cancer, point to a need for greater support for mothers with metastatic cancer, researchers say. "As part of cancer care, we ask about patients' functional status, and how they are responding to treatment, but we are not systematically asking how cancer impacts our patients as parents, yet we know being a parent is incredibly important to their identity and well-being," said UNC Lineberger's Eliza M. Park, MD, assistant professor in the UNC School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Department of Medicine. "Among women with metastatic cancer, their health-related quality of life is powerfully interlinked with their parenting concerns about the impact of their illness on their minor children. It appears to equally contribute to someone's assessment of their quality of life as some of the clinical variables we routinely ask about." In this study, Park and her colleagues conducted an online survey of women who had stage IV solid tumor cancer -- cancer that had metastasized or spread elsewhere in the body -- and at least one child under the age of 18 years. They found mothers with metastatic cancer had, on average, higher depression and anxiety scores than did the general population in the United States. Their emotional well-being scores also were lower than for all adults with cancer. The researchers determined a mother's emotional well-being was significantly linked with whether she had communicated with her children about her illness and her concerns about how her illness will financially impact her children. When they took into account other factors that may contribute to a mother's lower quality of life, Park and her colleagues found parenting concerns made up 39 percent of the difference in the quality of life scores. This was almost the same impact on their quality of life score as the degree to which their illness was affecting their ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. "We found is that parenting-related factors contributed to the amount of variation you see in quality of life almost equally as something like your functional status," Park said. Based on these findings, Park and her colleagues are planning to investigate ways to address some of the concerns patients with children have and to better support the parents. "We're working to develop interventions for parents with advanced cancer or another serious illness to help them and their families adjust to the changes that occur with the diagnosis," Park said. "Part of the strategy may be helping them to learn how to communicate effectively with their other family members as well as their children, identifying future care planning needs if their illness gets worse, and providing education about how families can cope and promote resilience in their children." ### In addition to Park, other study co-authors include Allison M. Deal, MS, Justin M. Yopp, PhD, Teresa Edwards, MA, Sam Resnick, MS, Mi-Kyung Song, PhD, Zev M. Nakamura, MD, and Donald L. Rosenstein, MD. The study was supported by a Junior Faculty Development Award from the University of North Carolina, the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, the Foundation of Hope, the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, and the National Institutes of Health. A research duo from The University of Texas at Austin and UT Dallas have put forward a hypothesis that links the dawn of plate tectonics with "snowball Earth"--a period of climate change that sent the planet into a deep freeze that lasted millions of years. They expect their hypothesis to generate controversy. Geologists usually place the start of plate tectonics at about 3 billion years ago, while the new hypothesis puts the process in a much younger era known as the Neoproterozoic, which occurred about 542 million to 1 billion years ago. "If you look at the preserved record, diagnostic evidence for modern plate tectonics involving deep subduction is mainly Neoproterozoic and younger," said co-author Nathaniel Miller, a research scientist in the Department of Geological Sciences at the UT Austin Jackson School of Geosciences. "But most people think we had this much earlier in Earth history." Miller and Robert Stern, a professor in the UT Dallas Department of Geosciences, examined a suite of published scientific data on the geological activity during the Neoproterozoic--the era of snowball Earth--and found a link between plate tectonics and a cooling world. The research was published online in December 2017 and in the April print edition of the journal Terra Nova. The Earth is the only planet known to have plate tectonics, with its crust and upper mantle being made up of distinct pieces that move slowly and independently, creating and destroying landforms and producing volcanoes and large earthquakes. Plate tectonics is one of the most fundamental processes that shape the planet, and most geoscientists believe it has been active for most of the planet's 4.5 billion-year history. However, according to Miller and Stern, there are a variety of traces in the geologic record that could be consistent with plate tectonics not getting started until the Neoproterozoic. For example, rock formations, gemstones and chemical signatures known to be associated with plate tectonics date only as far back as this period; and computer models suggest that the Earth didn't cool to temperatures required for plate tectonic activity until then. The authors also note the geologic interval preceding the Neoproterozoic shows a lack of geological activity--a feature that has it earned it the nickname "the boring billion," and which could indicate that the Earth was covered by a single lithospheric lid rather than the many moving plates of today. The overlap in timing between the appearance of these signatures of plate tectonic activity and Earth's snowball phase led the researchers to think that they could be related, and that the drastic climate change could be a consequence of the Earth's transition from single lid to plate tectonics. "This climate crisis could have been caused by a number of proximal causes, but the overall great cause was this revolution in Earth's tectonic style," said Stern. The paper lists 22 proposed ways plate tectonic activity could have brought about global cooling that caused the Earth to be covered from pole-to-pole with ice. They include explosive volcanoes cooling the planet by releasing sulfur into the atmosphere; the shifting of the plates changing the planet's rotational axis; and increased rock weathering pulling CO2--a greenhouse gas--out of the atmosphere and back into the Earth. In the study, researchers also considered potential non-tectonic reasons for cooling that came from space--from asteroid impacts, to the collapse of ice rings that could have formed around Earth. If these were the cause of snowball Earth, Stern and Miller's theory falls apart--but there's not much evidence to support these triggers. While all the potential cooling mechanisms were first described in other research papers, Stern said that he and Miller are the first to raise the possibility that each could be related to the transition to plate tectonics--an idea that he describes as radical. "People have been saying for a long time that we have always had plate tectonics...but I think this might be a failure of imagination," Stern said. Graham Shields, a professor of geology at the University College London who was not involved with the study, said that the theory Miller and Stern propose needs more evidence before snowball Earth can be linked to the start of tectonics rather than just a period of tectonic activity. "How do we distinguish their tectonic onset hypothesis from other hypotheses, most of which are also related to tectonics and the well-established supercontinent cycle," Graham wrote in an email reply. The authors note that their paper presents a possible scenario in Earth's history, and that more research is required to test the link between the dawn of plate tectonics and snowball Earth. They hope that this research will lead other geoscientists to consider the evidence and test the hypothesis. "Revolutions in our field don't happen often or very easily," Stern said. "You plant ideas and then you go and look for more data that either supports them or refutes them." ### The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has received a nearly $1 million, five-year grant from the National Science Foundation to increase diversity and student success in computer science. Led by Turgay Korkmaz, UTSA associate professor of computer science, and Larry Clark, a computer science lecturer, the program will support high-achieving, low-income students and engage underrepresented female and minority students by offering 62 undergraduate scholarships. The new program, funded by the NSF S-STEM program, will be known as Increasing Financial Opportunities and Co-curricular Utilities for Success in Computer Science (I-FOCUS-CS). "UTSA is one of the largest minority-serving institutions in South Texas, and increasing the diversity of perspectives in our nation's pool of computer science professionals is vital to our country's prosperity," Korkmaz said. "With this new program, we'll connect with underrepresented female, minority and financially disadvantaged students to remove the implicit bias in the STEM field." The I-FOCUS-CS project will offer scholarships for high-achieving, low-income undergraduate students. Each qualifying student will receive a scholarship of up to $10,000 per year. Furthermore, to increase the diversity of UTSA computer science majors, the faculty members will develop new methods and surveys to better identify the academic needs of individual students, monitor the academic progress of each participant and integrate multiple activities based upon the learning needs and progress of individual participants. "We are aiming to increase the retention of students majoring in computer science by at least 20 percent and improve the student graduation rate in computer science by the same measure," Korkmaz said. To support student engagement and success, UTSA will implement an increase in faculty and peer mentoring, individual tutoring and a new, week-long orientation "jump start" program, biweekly group study meetings, opportunities to attend research conferences and involvement in faculty research projects. Additionally, each student's progress will be closely followed so that individualized, early interventions will be initiated, if needed, to keep all scholars on track to complete their degrees. Students will also be encouraged to participate in recruiting and outreach events to share their own stories as role models for younger students. "This combination of activities has the potential to significantly improve the retention and graduation rate of high-achieving, low-income students, and provide sustainable solutions to advancing STEM education," Korkmaz said. "This program will open our exceptional computer science program to a broader student body." Students interested in applying to the program may do so online. The first group of students will receive funding in the Fall of 2018. ### Plants know how to do a neat trick. Through photosynthesis, they use sunlight and carbon dioxide to make food, belching out the oxygen that we breathe as a byproduct. This evolutionary innovation is so central to plant identity that nearly all land plants use the same pores -- called stomata -- to take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Stomata are tiny, microscopic and critical for photosynthesis. Thousands of them dot on the surface of the plants. Understanding how stomata form is critical basic information toward understanding how plants grow and produce the biomass upon which we thrive. In a paper published May 7 in the journal Developmental Cell, a University of Washington-led team describes the delicate cellular symphony that produces tiny, functional stomata. The scientists discovered that a gene in plants known as MUTE orchestrates stomatal development. MUTE directs the activity of other genes that tell cells when to divide and not to divide -- much like how a conductor tells musicians when to play and when to stay silent. "The MUTE gene acts as a master regulator of stomatal development," said senior author Keiko Torii, a UW professor of biology and investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. "MUTE exerts precision control over the proper formation of stomata by initiating a single round of cell division -- just one -- in the precursor cell that stomata develop from." Stomata resemble doughnuts -- a circular pore with a hole in the middle for gas to enter or leave the plant. The pore consists of two cells -- each known as a guard cell. They can swell or shrink to open or close the pore, which is critical for regulating gas exchange for photosynthesis, as well as moisture levels in tissues. "If plants cannot make stomata, they are not viable -- they cannot 'breathe,'" said Torii, who also is a professor at Nagoya University in Japan. Torii and her team investigated which genes governed stomata formation in Arabidopsis thaliana, a small weed that is one of the most widely studied plants on the planet. Past research by Torii's team and other researchers had indicated that, in Arabidopsis, MUTE plays a central role in the formation of stomata. The MUTE gene encodes instructions for a cellular protein that can control the "on" or "off" state of other plant genes. The researchers created a strain of Arabidopsis that can artificially produce a lot of the MUTE protein, so they could easily identify which genes the MUTE protein turned on or off. They discovered that many of the activated genes control cell division -- a process that is critical for stomatal development. In Arabidopsis, as in nearly all plants, stomata form from precursor cells known as guard mother cells, or GMCs. To form a working stoma -- singular for stomata -- a GMC divides once to yield to paired guard cells. Since their data showed that MUTE proteins switched on genes that regulated cell division, Torii and her team wondered if MUTE is the gene that activates this single round of cell division. If so, it would have to be a tightly regulated process. The genetic program would have to switch on cell division in the GMC, and then quickly switch it right back off to ensure that only a single round of division occurs. Torii's team showed that one of the genes activated by the MUTE protein to its DNA is CYCD5;1, a gene that causes the GMC to divide. The researchers also found that MUTE proteins turn on two genes called FAMA and FOUR LIPS. This was an important discovery because, while CYCD5;1 turns on cell division of the GMC, FAMA and FOUR LIPS turn off -- or repress -- the cell division program. "Our experiments showed that MUTE was turning on both activators of cell division and repressors of cell division, which seemed counterintuitive -- why would it do both?" said Torii. "That made us very interested in understanding the temporal regulation of these genes in the GMC and the stomata." Through precise experiments, they gathered data on the timing MUTE activation of these cell division activators and repressors. They incorporated this information into a mathematical model, which simulated how MUTE acts to both activate and repress cell division in the GMC. First, MUTE turns on the activator CYCD5;1 -- which triggers one round of cell division. Then, FAMA and FOUR LIPS act to prevent further cell division, yielding one functional stomata consisting of two guard cells. "Like a conductor at the podium, MUTE appears to signal its target genes -- each of which has specific, and even opposite, parts to play in the ensuing piece," said Torii. "The result is a tightly coupled sequence of activation and repression that gives rise to one of the most ancient structures on land plants." ### Co-lead authors on the paper are Soon-Ki Han, a former UW postdoctoral researcher now at Nagoya University, and UW postdoctoral researcher Xingyun Qi. Additional co-authors are Jonathan Dang, Kristen Miller and Eun Deok Kim at the UW; Kei Sugihara and Takashi Miura at Kyushu University; and Takaho Endo at the RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences. The research was funded by the National Science Foundation, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the HHMI. For more information, contact Torii at 206-221-5701 or ktorii@uw.edu. Grant numbers: MCB-0855659, GBMF-3035. Link to full release with images: http://www.washington.edu/news/2018/05/07/stomata-the-plant-pores-that-give-us-life-arise-thanks-to-a-gene-called-mute-scientists-report/ Scientists have discovered the first leukaemia protective gene that is specific to the male-only Y chromosome. Researchers at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the University of Cambridge found that this Y-chromosome gene protects against the development of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) and other cancers. The study, published in Nature Genetics, investigated how loss of the X-chromosome gene UTX, which is known to be mutated in many tumours, hastens the development of AML. However, they found that UTY, a related gene on the Y chromosome, protected male mice lacking UTX from developing AML. The authors then show that in AML and in several other human cancers types, loss of UTX is accompanied by loss of UTY, confirming that the cancer-suppressing role of UTY extends beyond AML. Acute myeloid leukaemia is an aggressive blood cancer that affects people of all ages. It develops in cells in the bone marrow and leads to life-threatening infections and bleeding. Mainstream AML treatments have remained unchanged for decades. Women have two X chromosomes whereas men have one X and one Y chromosome. The X and Y chromosomes share many genes, but a small number of genes, including UTY, are only found on the Y chromosome. These Y-specific genes were thought to contain the genetic information required for male sexual characteristics, but were not known to have other roles. The discovery of this new role changes the way the Y chromosome is viewed and improves understanding of how AML and other cancers develop. Dr Malgorzata Gozdecka, the first author on the study from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said: "This is the first Y chromosome-specific gene that protects against AML. Previously it had been suggested that the only function of the Y chromosome is in creating male sexual characteristics, but our results indicate that the Y chromosome could also protect against AML and other cancers." Professor Brian Huntly, joint project leader from Cambridge University and Consultant Haematologist, at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "It is known that men often lose the Y chromosome from their cells as they age, however the significance of this was unclear. Our study strengthens the argument that loss of the Y chromosome can increase the risk of cancer and describes a mechanism for how this may happen." In their study, researchers studied the UTX gene in human cells and in mice to try to understand its role in AML. In addition to their discovery that UTY acts as a tumour suppressor gene, the scientists found a new mechanism for how loss of UTX leads to AML. They discovered that UTX acts as a common scaffold, bringing together a large number of regulatory proteins that control access to DNA and gene expression, a function that can also be carried out by UTY. When UTX/UTY are missing, these proteins can't regulate gene expression correctly and cancer growth becomes more likely. Dr George Vassiliou, joint project leader from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and Consultant Haematologist at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "Treatments for AML have not changed in decades and there is a large unmet need for new therapies. This study helps us understand the development of AML and gives us clues for developing new drug targets to disrupt leukaemia-causing processes. We hope this study will enable new lines of research for the development of previously unforeseen treatments and improve the lives of patients with AML." Dr Alasdair Rankin, Director of Research at Bloodwise, said: "Survival rates for AML remain tragically low, with current treatment that involves intensive chemotherapy, often combined with a stem cell transplant, only curing a small proportion of patients. This important research helps build a fuller picture of what goes wrong genetically as this highly aggressive leukaemia develops. Understanding this process is key to developing targeted drugs for AML, allowing us to move away from gruelling and often ineffective chemotherapy-based treatments." ### Contact Steve Palmer Director of Communications Wellcome Sanger Institute Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK Tel: +44 (0)1223 496928 Email: press.office@sanger.ac.uk Notes to Editors: Publication: Malgorzata Gozdecka et al. (2018) UTX-mediated enhancer and chromatin remodeling suppresses myeloid leukemogenesis through noncatalytic inverse regulation of ETS and GATA programs. Nature Genetics. DOI: 10.1038/s41588-018-0114-z Funding: This work was supported by Bloodwise, Cancer Research UK, Wellcome, the Kay Kendall Leukaemia Fund and others. For full funding information please see the publication. Selected websites: Wellcome - MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute The Cambridge Stem Cell Institute is a world-leading centre for stem cell research with a mission to transform human health through a deep understanding of stem cell biology. Our scientists study stem cell behaviour, both normal and pathological, and use their findings to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. https://www.stemcells.cam.ac.uk/ Bloodwise Bloodwise is the UK's specialist blood cancer research charity dedicated to improving the lives of people living with and beyond blood cancer. Over 40,000 people of all ages, from children to adults, are diagnosed with blood cancers and related disorders every year in the UK. It is a complex disease area made up of over 100 individual diseases. Some affect thousands of people, such as common forms of leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Others affect only a handful. But together, blood cancers are the fifth most common form of cancer and the third largest cause of cancer death in the UK. The charity's research is targeted at understanding more about blood cancer, finding causes, improving diagnosis and treatments, and running ground-breaking clinical trials for patients. The charity champions patients' needs by influencing relevant decision makers and influencers, and seeking to raise awareness of the issues faced by patients. Their patient services provide information, support and assistance to patients at every stage of their journey. http://www.bloodwise.org.uk Cancer Research UK Cancer Research UK is the world's largest independent cancer research charity it conducts research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Research activities are carried out in institutes, universities and hospitals across the UK, both by the charity's own employees and by its grant-funded researchers. It also provides information about cancer and runs campaigns aimed at raising awareness of the disease and influencing public policy. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org Wellcome Sanger Institute The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute is one of the world's leading genome centres. Through its ability to conduct research at scale, it is able to engage in bold and long-term exploratory projects that are designed to influence and empower medical science globally. Institute research findings, generated through its own research programmes and through its leading role in international consortia, are being used to develop new diagnostics and treatments for human disease. To celebrate its 25th year in 2018, the Institute is sequencing 25 new genomes of species in the UK. Find out more at http://www.sanger.ac.uk or follow @sangerinstitute Wellcome Wellcome exists to improve health for everyone by helping great ideas to thrive. We're a global charitable foundation, both politically and financially independent. We support scientists and researchers, take on big problems, fuel imaginations and spark debate. http://www.wellcome.ac.uk After an impressive run of leading the ratings chart in the English news genre since Week 1 of launch, Arnab Goswamis Republic TV turned one on May 6, 2018. According to Goswami, Managing Director, Editor-in-Chief and Co-founder of Republic, the focus now is on disrupting the digital news space and leveraging the potential of Digital +TV to maintain the growth momentum in Year 2. Republic launched its mobile-firsdigital destination republicworld.com in July last year, banking on innovations such as vertical videos, VR videos and personalization. In November, the Republic World app was launched. For Goswami, the future play is digital as the company looks to unleash a new digital first strategy this summer and rolls out new products to once again challenge legacy players in the space. Here are edited excerpts from a conversation with Goswami: If you were to give yourself a progress report on the completion of one year of Republic and Republicworld.com, how would you rate yourself? I would give ourselves 9 on 10. There is always the 1 for what you could have done better. But, there hasnt been a launch like this, and its also proof that good content works. We have had many more exclusives and put out an exclusive news report every 24 hours. We were Number 1 in election coverage, for example, during the Gujarat elections, and highly watched during the Budget. We are very solid, both during prime time and non-prime time. There is a lot of excitement about where we are going to go in Year 2 and the new things we are going to do. Republic TV and you have been in the news right since you revealed the channels name; then came the news about the investors and conflict of interest; criticism from other journalists; people resigning from Republic on supposedly ethical grounds and even people refusing to come on panels...You are the newsmaker. Your comment? All of this was a function of people trying to feed off our name. Unknown websites and entities would do stories on Republic or on me and hope that they get some hits, but beyond that it really doesnt bother us because we have been too busy working. Our focus is on our business, our product, our channel and what we will do digitally. As for our shareholders and investors, we are the only channel whose shareholding is in the public domain. Asianet has a share-holding of about 15.5% and my holding company (ARG Outlier Media Private Limited) controls the rest. Thats as independent a news organization as there can be. It actually clearly proves that we not only editorially but also financially control the organization. There is a perception that Republic TV is pro-establishment... how would you respond to that? Thats complete rubbish because nobody has been more critical of the government than us. In fact, Kathua and Unnao (rape cases) would not have been national issues had it not been for the manner in which Republic went after the ruling dispensations hammer and tongs, both in Jammu & Kashmir as well as in Uttar Pradesh, both areas where the BJP is in power. We have had the most independent coverage on all these issues. That perception has no basis. What is your take on the I&B Ministrys recent circular on fake news and then its withdrawal at the PMOs behest? Fake news is a problem area and if anybody says that fake news is not a problem, it will be wrong. Also, whats happening is that there are certain digital news organizations, with clear political funding, who call themselves fake news busters; but thats not right. If there is direct and indirect support from a politician or a political lobby, you cant be independent and call yourself fake news busters. However, the way the I&B Ministry was looking at it, it wasnt the right way. I have not seen the note in detail, I am no fan of that note, but it was one page out of some recommendations. I havent read the whole set of recommendations in detail. What are your focus areas going ahead? We have very innovative video and distribution strategies for digital. That is going to be the next game. By August/September, we would have a very integrated approach on both television and digital. The legacy players in digital should get the same kind of competition that we gave to the legacy players in TV. They are sitting on a first-mover advantage but I dont see any innovation there; thats where we will move in smartly. Are you looking at expanding and launching new channels? If yes, in what genre? We are going to grow into a big network. The question is how and when and in which markets, which languages, and on which mediums. I am very excited about digital, and I am certainly moving there. On broadcast, we are firming up our plans. And when we do it, we will do it fast. However, I will never go outside news. I wont make the mistake that NDTV made. We will grow where the market is and where we feel we are aligned editorially and in terms of business. Eventually, I want to launch a player at the global level, and the question is when I do it. I see all of this as a stepping stone towards one day serving global news to the world. How do you maintain a work-life balance? There is no balance! However, I am taking Sundays off now, which I didnt take during the first six months. But I really enjoy what I am doing and I am really immersed into it. I have become more a student here at Republic. I have understood that there is so much more to understand about peoples responses to news, what works and what doesnt. In the last few months, we have just been assessing what to do next. I usually need two new things to do every year. In the last 12 months, I have done only one. So, I am getting fairly restless. In the next six months, I will do a few new things and create new brands and products. What is different about the Arnab of today compared to Arnab a couple of years ago? I have fulfilled phase one of my dream, thats the difference. I feel very responsible as an entrepreneur. I think I delegate better now and have realized that my organizations growth will be dependent on mine and the teams ability to think strategically. I am very grateful today for what we have achieved. The best thing is that we have proven that we are not a flash in the pan and are a steady, growing player. We also spoke to the top management team of Republic. Here is what they have to say: Vikas Khanchandani, CEO, Republic Operationally we have arrested cash burn, i.e. from the first month of launch, we dont need any investor money to fund the operations. We expect a healthy three-year period for cash surplus from operations to satisfy the investors expectations on long term capital growth. Our focus is on cost as much as on revenues. So we are targeting a healthy doubling of free cash generation and a 15% YoY growth from Year 3 onwards. This will naturally mean we grow our topline at over 20% in the next year and thereafter grow revenues at a higher rate than the segment while retaining our cost efficiencies. Also, 2018 is critical for us with regard to digital reach and revenue growth. S Sundaram, Group CFO, Republic Financially, we ended our first fiscal on March 31, 2018, which was a 10.5 month period of operation for the channel, delivering healthy revenue despite fears of looming economic uncertainty around the time of our launch attributed to the remnant impact of demonetization and the introduction of GST thereafter. Our revenues over the 10.5 month period surpassed our internal projections and in terms of QoQ growth, we had an average 20% growth in the first two quarters (over the relevant previous quarter) and remained relatively flat in the last quarter (vs the immediate preceding quarter) in sync with the normal seasonal slack. Priya Mukherjee, President - Distribution and International Revenues, Republic We reach over 130 mn households pan India. We have made a conscious effort to be available across rural markets along with 1mn+ and metros. Our strategy going forward is to strive to be available in every home that has a television. We have successfully launched in the MENA region, and are available across linear and non-linear platforms. We would launch within this calendar year in the US and Canada, APAC and Europe - both on television and digital platforms. Read more news about (internet advertising India, internet advertising, advertising India, digital advertising India, media advertising India) Former Belgian minister Armand De Decker has been indicted for influence-peddling as part of the wide-ranging "Kazakhgate" probe into allegations of corruption linked to a trade agreement between France and Kazakhstan, a public prosecutor said Monday. It was the first time that Belgium authorities have charged anyone in connection with a case which has already led to charges against several people in France and raids on the offices of European aviation giant Airbus. De Decker was one of the lawyers for Patokh Chodiev, a Kazakh businessman known to have close ties to the government in Astana. The former Belgian development cooperation minister is suspected of having sought, in 2011, to facilitate the granting of a transactional procedure in favour of Chodiev, according to a statement from the prosecutors office in Mons, western Belgium. A magistrate sent a letter notifying him of his indictment for influence peddling, adding that the alleged events took place in 2011. At that time De Decker, a lawyer by training, had just joined the team in charge of defending Kazakh oligarchs, including Chodiev, in a corruption case in Belgium. De Decker, also a former vice president of the Belgian Senate, allegedly used his influence to obtain a meeting at the home of the then justice minister, Stefaan De Clerck, to plead his clients cause. In June 2011 Chodiev and his two co-defenants avoided trial and paid a hefty fine. The Kazakhgate probe, opened in March 2013 in France, to establish whether kickbacks were paid to intermediaries in a massive 2010 trade deal with Kazakhstan, which included the sale of helicopters and trains. Those already indicted in France include Jean-Francois Etienne des Rosaies, a former adviser to the French presidency and former senator Aymeri de Montesquiou, a former representative in central Asia for the then French president Nicolas Sarkozy. De Decker, who denies influence-peddling, on Monday resigned from Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michels liberal Reform Movement (MR), the party announced. mad-nal/pvh/ach A 104-year-old Australian scientist has arrived in Switzerland before his planned assisted suicide this week, unbowed about his intentions and hopeful his premeditated death will send a message to legislators back home. After petting a feisty dog in a warm welcoming crew at Basels airport on Monday, David Goodall composed himself for a handful of reporters after arriving from a visit with relatives in Bordeaux, France. The message I would like to send is: once one passes the age of 50 or 60, one should be free to decide for oneself whether one wants to go on living or not, he said. Lucid and humorous, Goodall reiterated his frustration about not being as free or as mobile in his later life as he once was. While not suffering from a terminal illness, he said he hoped his trip to take his own life in Switzerland which allows assisted suicide, unlike Australia would change legislators minds one day. I think weve got quite a way to go. I would like to see the system change, but I doubt it will happen within the next ten years, he said. Lethal cocktail Goodall is expected to meet a doctor on Tuesday who will assess his mindset. He will hold another news conference on Wednesday. On Thursday, he plans to swallow a lethal cocktail of chemicals, ending his life. After the weekend visit in France, he acknowledged he was a bit sorry to say goodbye to my family in Bordeaux. But thats the way it was. Switzerland is one of the worlds most permissive countries when it comes to assisted suicide. Representatives of the Swiss assisted voluntary death group Life Circle, which is helping Goodall, say only Switzerland and Colombia allow foreigners to travel into the country for an assisted suicide. SDA-ATS/ts A Swiss court has fined billionaire financier Urs Schwarzenbach CHF4 million ($4 million) for failing to properly declare some 200 artworks imported into Switzerland. Schwarzenbach, an art collector and owner of the five-star Dolder Grand hotel in Zurich, was found guilty by the Bulach district court in Zurich on Monday. He rejects the charges and plans to appeal. The Swiss customs authorities had accused Schwarzenbach of either failing to declare the imported art works or of underestimating their value in tax declarations. This allowed him to avoid paying duties worth CHF10 million, the authorities claimed. Schwarzenbach rejected the charges, stating that the art works had always been kept at Zurich Airport in a location which did not require any customs declarations. The billionaire denies owning some 10,000 works of art valued at several hundred million Swiss francs. Saving time The Swiss customs authorities interest in Schwarzenbach dates to 2012, when it opened an investigation suspecting him of importing artwork illegally. He was caught at Zurich Airport with a painting worth CHF300,000 and an antique elephant-shaped object worth CHF11,300, which he failed to declare correctly to customs. Schwarzenbach argued that he was simply trying to save time. The probe concluded in October 2016 that he had effectively dodged duties worth CHF10 million, which he was ordered to repay, along with a CHF4 million fine. Schwarzenbach denied any intentional wrongdoing and contested the penalty, which led to the Bulach court case and Mondays decision. In 2017, the Swiss finance magazine Bilanz estimated Schwarzenbachs fortune at CHF1.25 billion. SDA-ATS/sb Police in Switzerland have seized 14 kilograms of heroin worth over CHF2 million ($2 million) during a cross-border investigation carried out with the German authorities. Swiss police said on Monday that the drugs had been confiscated in the north-eastern town of Kreuzlingen, in canton Thurgau, located on the shores of Lake Constance at the German border. During an earlier operation in November, border guards found and seized 4kg of heroin in a car belonging to a 42-year-old Turkish man from Germany. A subsequent joint police investigation with the authorities in the German city of Cologne led to the late April arrest of a 48-year-old Albanian and another Turkish national, 43, who kept a car in Switzerland. Investigators found 10 kg of heroin inside his vehicle, which was confiscated. The two Turkish nationals are part of an international network of drug traffickers, according to the local authorities of Swiss canton Thurgau. All three individuals have been placed in preventive detention. SDA-ATS/ds Swiss food giant Nestle announced Monday it will pay $7.15 billion in cash for the global rights to market Starbucks products outside of the company's coffee shops. The agreement gives Nestle, which owns the Nescafe and Nespresso brands, a strong platform for continued growth in North America, the company said in a statement. Nestle is focusing on coffee as a main growth area and has already made some acquisitions in the sector. The Starbucks business covered by the deal currently generates around $2 billion sales annually and includes coffee beans and ground coffee that Nestle will be selling in supermarkets around the world. This transaction is a significant step for our coffee business, Nestles largest high-growth category, said Nestle CEO Mark Schneider in a statement. Both companies have true passion for outstanding coffee and are proud to be recognised as global leaders for their responsible and sustainable coffee sourcing, he said. The deal does not include any of Starbucks coffee shops and cafes. Around 500 Starbucks staff will join Nestle, the company said, but the operations would continue to be located in Seattle. Both companies would collaborate on innovation and go-to-market strategies, it said. Historic deal Starbucks president and CEO Kevin Johnson hailed the deal as historic and said it would create a global coffee alliance. Nestle, which has been under intense shareholder pressure to improve its profitability, has begun to reposition itself since Schneider took over at the start of last year. The former head of German healthcare group Fresenius has pushed for the food giant to focus in on a few areas, like bottled water, infant nutrition and pet care, with coffee a top priority. While Nestles Nespresso and other coffee products are omnipresent in Europe, they have had a harder time catching on in the United States. Over the past 15 months, the company has clearly set its sights on high-end coffee brands in North America. It snapped up a majority share in California-based Blue Bottle Coffee last September, and two months later bought Texas company Chameleon Cold Brew. At the same time, Nestle has been selling off parts of its confectionary business, handing over its US candy business earlier this year to Italys Ferrero for nearly $3.0 billion. Analysts hailed Mondays deal. Nestle has once again surprised the market with an unexpected transaction, Jean-Philippe Bertschy of Vontobel said in a research note. He said that coffee is one of the key growth pillars in the CEOs strategy, (and) allows Nestle to gain scale in the US, a weak spot so far. He acknowledged that the price might appear expensive, but given the returns, the deal could exceed the cost of capital within three to four years. Makes sense Jon Cox with Kelper Cheuvreux also said he though the deal makes sense, both for Nestle and Starbucks. It gives critical scale to Nestle in coffee in North America, but also gives it a major platform in terms of roast and ground coffee, a segment where it hasnt been traditionally, he told AFP in an email. At the same time, he said, Nestle has the distribution reach to push Starbucks products through global grocery channels everywhere. This is probably what Starbucks itself lacked. I presume Nestle will be looking to drive sales growth pretty aggressively. The transaction, which needs approval from regulators, should be finalised by the end of 2018, Nestle said, adding that the deal should start making a positive contribution to its earnings per share and its growth targets starting next year. The company saw its shares close 1.6 percent higher at 77.56 Swiss francs a piece, as the Swiss stock exchanges main SMI index was up just 0.8 percent. Starbucks, meanwhile, said it will use the cash to accelerate share buybacks. The Seattle-based company said it now expected to return some $20 billion to shareholders through buybacks and dividends by 2020. noo/nl/rl Privacy Settings This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. Which cookies and scripts are used and how they impact your visit is specified on the left. You may change your settings at any time. Your choices will not impact your visit. NOTE: These settings will only apply to the browser and device you are currently using. It was where Javier Bardem memorably declared his love for Penelope Cruz in 2010 -- now the golden couple of Spanish cinema will open this year's Cannes film festival together on Tuesday. The Oscar-winning actors both star in Iranian master Asghar Farhadis Spanish psychological thriller Everybody Knows, which will kick off the festival and is up for the top Palme dOr prize. The fiercely private couples glowing return to the spotlight in Cannes comes after Bardem emotionally proclaimed his feelings for Cruz there eight years ago as he accepted the best actor award for Biutiful. I share this joy with my friend, my companion, my love, Penelope. I owe you a lot and I love you so much, he said as Cruz blew kisses to him from her seat and her eyes welled with tears. Cruz has also won at Cannes, sharing the 2006 best actress prize with five other women for their work in acclaimed Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovars drama Volver. First Spanish Oscar-winners Bardem, 49, and Cruz, 44, have two children together and married in 2010 on an island in the Bahamas owned by their friend, US actor Johnny Depp. They also share a notable distinction they are respectively the first Spanish man and woman to win an acting Oscar. Bardem won his best supporting actor Academy Award in 2008 for his role as a determined murderer in the Coen brothers No Country for Old Men. The following year Cruz took home the best actress Oscar for playing a fiery artist in Woody Allens Vicky Cristina Barcelona. But the couple live discreetly in a Madrid suburb, where they try to keep the spotlight away from their son Leo, seven, and daughter Luna, four. They have starred in nine films together, including last years Loving Pablo, by Spanish director Fernando Leon de Aranoa, in which Bardem plays Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar and Cruz a journalist who falls in love with the infamous narco. After filming a particularly difficult scene, Bardem joked that Cruz did not want to see me anymore. She told me: Get rid of the moustache. Shave and go sleep in the living room, he recalled in an interview in March. Passion for everything Bardem was born in 1969 on Spains Canary Islands off the coast of Africa. His mother, actress Pilar Bardem, raised him after she separated from his father. Bardem dedicated his Oscar to his mother and her line of the family, which includes many actors. Cruz was born in 1974 to a modest family in a working class suburb of Madrid. Her father owned a store and her mother ran a beauty salon, where Cruz said she learnt to act by observing how clients behaved. Both stars often say that they owe everything to the late Spanish director Bigas Luna, who brought them together for the first time in his 1991 movie Jamon, Jamon. Cruz was just 17 at the time, and Bardem 22. In the film, their characters have a famous sexual encounter on top of a pinball machine, one of the most torrid scenes in Spanish cinema. The two then crossed paths in several other movies, but only began dating after shooting Vicky Cristina Barcelona in 2007 in Barcelona. While Cruz usually avoids mentioning her husband in interviews, Bardem has spoke of his wifes passion to the media. She feels passion for everything. Its what I find attractive in her. You have to have beauty and know how to be sexy. Penelope has both, Bardem told GQ magazine last year. Both declare themselves leftwing and were criticised in Hollywood in 2014 for their fierce condemnations of Israeli bombings in Gaza. This year they took part in a campaign by a Spanish NGO which rescues migrants at sea. A Greek court on Monday cleared three Spaniards and two Danes of trying to help illegal migrants enter Greece through the island of Lesbos while taking part in Aegean rescue missions. The accusation has not been proven, the judge said after the trial in the Lesbos capital Mytilene. The firefighters from Spain and volunteers from Denmark, who faced up to 10 years in prison according to Amnesty International, enjoyed massive support from aid groups, with many sympathisers on hand for the verdict. A great victory for humanitarian aid, Spanish group Proem-AID tweeted after the ruling. Two Greek coastguards had testified that the defendants, who were arrested in January 2016, had not informed the authorities of their rescue mission, and that they were not properly equipped for it. According to one of the Spanish firefighters, Manuel Blanco, the Greek coastguard arrested them in the middle of the night after they returned from a rescue mission, which had been called off as the boat being sought could not be located. The firefighters, from the southern Spanish city of Seville, had taken part in multiple refugee and migrant rescue missions in the Aegean. Andalusian regional justice minister Rosa Aguilar was among the Spanish delegation along with representatives of the city of Seville. The Spaniards worked as volunteers for Proem-AID and the Danes for Team Humanity as they sought to aid thousands of migrants, mostly Syrians, risking their lives to reach Europe via Lesbos and other Greek islands. Humanitarian aid cant be criminalised Some 5,100 migrants died in 2016 crossing the Mediterranean, according to the International Organization for Migration. More than 1,000 migrants, including many children, drowned in 2015 and 2016 in the narrow stretch of sea separating the Turkish coast from the Aegean islands. Humanitarian assistance cannot and should not be criminalised, one of the Danish defendants, Salam Aldin, told AFP. Many fishermen from the small port of Sykaminia, one of the main landing sites for refugee boats at the time, were at the court to support Aldin. The defendants were only helping to save lives while the Greek coastguard was overwhelmed, said a lawyer for the Spanish firefighters, Haris Petsikos. The Spanish defendants met in early April with Spanish Foreign Minister Alfonso Dastis, who was among the first to welcome the news of their acquittal. I am very pleased, he said in a tweet, hailing their superb humanitarian work in the Mediterranean. In Madrid, Amnesty issued a statement Monday backing the Spanish defendants, saying they had sought to prevent children, women and men from dying through drowning. Amnesty said the trial was absurd and showed moral confusion by those who try to criminalise actions of solidarity and to intimidate the defenders of human rights. Meanwhile a wooden boat with 45 migrants on board was spotted off the south coast of Crete on Monday after a distress call was sent, and relief was on its way, Greek port police said. The passengers dont seem to be in danger, police added. The Czech prime minister on Monday denied claims by the country's pro-Russian president that it had produced Novichok, the substance Britain says was used to poison a former Russian spy on its soil. The Czech Republic has never produced, developed or stored any Novichok-type substance, billionaire Prime Minister Andrej Babis tweeted, citing civilian and military intelligence reports. President Milos Zeman, a veteran leftwinger known for his loyalty to the Kremlin, also cited a Czech intelligence report last week to claim that Prague had produced the Novichok nerve agent that was allegedly used to poison Sergei Skripal and his daughter in an English city in March. The government of the Czech Republic, a NATO and EU member state, had in March rejected an allegation by Moscow that it had produced the poison. On Monday, Babiss office said in a statement that Prague had produced tiny amounts of Novichok A-230 in 2017 as part of a military programme aimed at protecting the army and civilians. The Czech foreign ministry said last Friday this micro-synthesis process is not regarded as production under international agreements, and noted that the substance was immediately destroyed. The statement said Zemans claims had resulted from a misunderstanding. It also noted that the strain of Novichok used against the Skripals was A-234, not A-230. Zeman had said a paralytic poison marked A-230 was tested in the Czech Republic last November. He added that Novichok was produced and tested here, and that its hypocrisy to pretend nothing like this has happened. The Kremlin had hailed Zemans comments as casting doubt on Britains assertion that Russia was behind the Skripals poisoning. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the Czechs acted honestly and courageously, officially recognising and revealing this information. Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for President Vladimir Putin, said Zemans words highlighted the inconsistency of the British governments claims. But Czech politicians and analysts largely slammed Zeman for the statement, with some calling him an agent of the Kremlin. Two young teenagers were shot in broad daylight in London on Sunday, the day after another teen was fatally gunned down, police said, as the British capital grapples with a surge in violent crime. Londons Metropolitan Police said the pair, aged 13 and 15, were taken to hospitals after officers found them within minutes of each other nursing gunshot wounds at separate nearby locations in the suburb of Harrow. Both suffered head injuries, with the younger victim wounded by a shotgun pellet, but neither were in a life-threatening condition, according to police. No firearm has been recovered and there have been no arrests, with officers investigating whether the incidents were linked, it added. The incident came just hours after a 17-year-old boy was shot in Southwark, south London, on Saturday evening and died at the scene, it said. The victim, Rhyhiem Ainsworth Barton, was not in a gang and aspired to be an architect, his mother said. Meanwhile a large altercation between two groups of men in Hackney, in the east of the capital, led to an acid attack that injured three men aged 17, 22 and 27, police said. At this early stage it is still to be determined whether the injuries will be life-changing, it added. London has seen a surge in stabbings and shootings this year that briefly pushed the murder rate higher than that of once crime-plagued New York and has even drawn the attention of US President Donald Trump. During a free-wheeling pro-gun address to the National Rifle Association in Texas on Friday, Trump claimed a once very prestigious hospital in London was like a war zone because of knife crime. Knife-related crimes rose by 23 percent in London last year. Since the start of 2018, more than 60 people have been murdered. The government unveiled a new multi-million pound violent crime strategy last month, but critics contend its cuts to police numbers and social services have fuelled the crisis. Monday, May 7, 2018 Suppression of women along with their submission to men has existed for centuries, and fortunately circumstances are slowly but surely beginning to change. Numerous young women have contributed to this change, most recently Emma Gonzalez, who has boldly advanced the status of females in a number of ways. Emma is a senior at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where on February 14, 2018, a gunman murdered 14 students, 3 teachers, and severely injured many more. Three days later Emma gave an 11-minute speech at a gun-control rally in Fort Lauderdale, in which she requested listeners to pressure lawmakers to change laws. After she read the names of the victims, there were 6 minutes and 20 seconds of silenceand then Gonzales stated as a reenactment of the shooting eventThe shooter has ceased shooting, and will soon abandon his rifle, blend in with the students as they escape, and walk free for an hour before arrest. Fight for your lives before its someone elses job.." Immediately after the speech, praise and astonishment erupted on social mediapeople acknowledged how extremely remarkable and powerful she is. Gonzalez then joined Twitter and acquired more than a million followers within 10 days. Emma is bisexual and says having been open about her sexuality has helped propel her activism. She has been president of her schools Gay-Straight Alliance for 3 years. She had to make a PowerPoint to convince her parents to let her shave her head. Indeed it is amazing that this teenager had the strength, conviction, and energy to honestly share with millions of people the truth of who she is. She accomplished a feat that not only educates others, but also helps humankind to soften their prejudice and to move forward in a united, loving way. Subsequent to the Parkland event, Emma has emerged as one of the most prominent people among student activists who have mobilized against gun violence. She spent almost a month urging Twitter followers to turn out for Saturday, March 24th marches. There were more than 800 rallies across the United States and worldwide on that day. Hundreds of thousands of protesters gathered in Washington, D.C., where Emma spokeagain she was silent for 6 minutes and 20 seconds while tears streamed down her face and the crowd chanted NEVER AGAIN!." A poll later indicated that 69 percent of Americans, including half of Republicans, are now in favor of stronger gun-control laws. It is truly remarkable how one eighteen-year-old, bisexual female has effected such profound change in this country and even beyond. It wasnt until I was in my early thirties that I had the strength and resolve to become an activista time when civil rights of black people were moving center stage. Wanting to do what I could to help end racial prejudice and the plight of millions of black people, I participated in Project Understandingan undertaking that involved helping civil rights marchers secure safe lodging at night. Furthermore, at one point I traveled to a rural county in Mississippi to spend time with a black family very much involved in championing civil rightseven risking death. Paradoxically, fear of death becomes secondary to the mission of those seeking freedom that had been denied for centuries. No matter who we are or where we live, we can contribute to the betterment of humankind even if by simple acts of kindness to others, as well as campaigning for equal rights. Which causes or movements speak deeply to you and why? How do you/can you participate in supporting those issues? Its never too late. Any and all comments about such involvements and contributions are most welcome! If youre in San Antonios cybersecurity cluster, you probably know that Denim Group principal John Dickson is a leader in the space with more than 20 years of experience in intrusion detection, network security and application security for the commercial, public and military sectors and that he just sold a minority stake in the company to Indias Wipro for $8.8 million. You probably also know that when hes not presenting at international technology conferences or deciphering darknet threats, hes leading a 21-member committee to improve the San Antonio International Airport. Thats just the latest in a string of public service leadership roles that hes taken on in recent years, including chairman of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Cybersecurity Committee, member of the Texas Leadership Council, past chairman of the Texas Lyceum leadership group and past chairman of the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. But what you may not know is how much Dickson, a former Air Force officer who served in the Air Force Information Warfare Center, eats that urban planning stuff up. In fact, he went to college with the goal of becoming a city manager and in 1994 was an unpaid intern for then-Mayor Nelson Wolff. Dickson sat down with the San Antonio Express-News to talk about his background, Denim Group and the quest to improve San Antonios airport. Now Playing: Business reporter Lynn Brezosky sat down to talk with John Dickson, principal at the Denim Group, a cybersecurity company. Video: San Antonio Express-News Here is an edited transcript of the interview: More Information Quick facts on John Dickson Typical morning routine : Get up at 5 typically. Spin class at 5:30 or something else at 5:45. I get back at 6:20 or 6:30 a.m. Help my wife get the kids out at about 7:30. From 7:30 maybe till 9, email and get ready preparing for the day. What book are you reading: "The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey" by Candice Millard. Favorite restaurant: Soluna. First Job with a paycheck: A bagger at Farm Fresh Food & Pharmacy. I was bagger of the year in 1983 for the record. I actually still have the vest at my house. Hobby/passion outside of work: High speed rocketry. My wife's family has a farm down in Poteet. We have to launch it down there because they go so high. If you had to pick an different career what in an entirely different industry what would it be: Archaeology. See More Collapse Q: So tell me about your background. I know you went to Texas A&M, but are you from San Antonio? A: Both of my parents went to Brackenridge High School and both sides of my family are from here. But my dad was in the military, so I grew up all over the world. So, apparently I missed the formative time of everybody in San Antonio because I didnt go to high school here. And even at 52, people ask, Hey, what high school did you go to? What I think that does is give me a very outside-in view of San Antonio. I mean, I love being from here. Both sides of my family have been here for a very long time, on my grandmas side original Canary Islanders. My grandmother speaks Spanish and I went to quinceaneras for my cousins, so Im kind of very San Antonio in that regard. Related: Port San Antonio CEO steps down under pressure from board But since I grew up in different places and travel so much, I would say that I can view San Antonio realistically through the lens that the rest of the world views us. And that is in a very positive way, but also we have our challenges. It used to be a long time ago that folks would say, What are you doing in San Antonio? And in a very kind of pejorative way. That doesnt happen anymore. Q: What do you see as San Antonios main challenges? A: Workforce is always an issue, but I mean everyone has recognized that for a very long time. I would say the airport is one of those areas thats perceived to be a constraint. I think one of our goals for this committee is to flip that around. I travel a ton and I am telling you the proximity of that airport (to downtown) is other people that travel to San Antonio say, I like the airport because its right there. Versus Denver, versus I mean every other place, it takes an hour to get to the city center. Here it takes eight minutes. Workforce is generational, right? This is something that because of the rapidly changing nature of air service in the world we have an opportunity to fix faster. I think the airport has been for a very long time a convenient, just excuse. Were never going to be a hub realistically because were within 300 miles of two of the largest hubs in North America and theres simply no desire. So in a weird way the proximity to those things absolutely dont help us. They siphon off flights. So weve got to optimize what were doing based upon that. Q: So since the airports such a big discussion, what are the options? A: The number one question up front is, new airport or not? And so, new airport, different location and if thats a yes or a no, its like a decision tree. And if its no, then what do we need to do within the current configuration? Do we need a new terminal, do we need new runways? So the big, big question is based upon demand, capacity, future of air. And if were constrained by the physical plant should we right now say weve got to burn the ships on the shore and get a new place? One thing I would pass on is that the airport did really, really well during the Final Four. Those events are kind of the litmus test of capacity. And so Ill just say thats part of the job of the committee, the consultants, the airport, is to feed us that information and say these are the constraints. Q: What fascinated you as a kid? Were you one of those 80s kids with one of those first personal computers? A: Not even that, man. I was a political science major, I liked geopolitics and thats kind of what I wanted to do. My first job in the Air Force, my first two jobs was as intelligence officer. What happened was, it was probably 92, 93, I would go on deployments and I had to administer and manage Unix systems because we didnt have techies with us. I looked up and there was a certain point where I knew Unix. And then I got some training classes where suddenly I kind of knew this stuff very well. And I kind of liked the cat and mouse of cybersecurity and attacker-defender. Read more: VIA chief Arndt keeps the buses running on time I do admire those people that have that, I wanted to be a CEO when they were like 12, junior achievement and all that. I more backed into it and thats OK. Q: But in a way it all kind of ties together A:Well now I use it all the time, absolutely. So one thing that a lot of people dont know is I was an unpaid intern for Nelson Wolff in 1994 when he was mayor and I was at Trinity. Trinity used to have an urban administration program that a lot of people went through, and Lou Fox, the former city manager, was the head of it. I enjoyed it, its just when I got out of school I got better offers doing what I originally did in the Air Force. So what Im doing now is I essentially scratch that itch with volunteer stuff like the airport. But on the cybersecurity stuff, Ive felt for a very long time that that is our competitive differentiator. We have the Air Force and NSA (National Security Agency) here, so theres going to be that talent base that other places dont have. Are we going to be able to compete with Austin on a blow by blow for tech? No way. What wed love to be is the convenient choice for cybersecurity expansion, the logical choice. And I think that with the workforce that we have here, the workforce in cyber, we dont have a workforce problem in San Antonio on that front. Q: Lets just talk briefly about the transaction with Wipro. And can you at some point explain the Denim Group name? A: Yeah, the Denim group name. Basically it kind of inferred two things: number one is the resilience, we like the concept of resilience around software and security of software. Jeans are a very American thing, relaxed but still you can use them in a formal way if need be. I like the idea of resilience and also flexibility. It was an informal name initially, but it came to mean more now that were doing security of software, fabric of software, all that. You can torture the metaphor. Wipro is one of the largest service integrator consulting companies on the planet, based in India. They do a tremendous amount of application development and quality assurance for software for many of the largest companies in the U.S. Related: Fiesta Executive Director Shaw throws San Antonio's biggest party Kind of the value proposition with us in Wipro is we do the security of software, we do application security, were one of the largest providers of that in the U.S. And what we are doing is were building a product with them with their help called ThreadFix. And we are also going and helping many of their clients focus on the security of software, which is a big trend. Q: Im just wondering and probably others are too -- With social media and internet of things, have we kind of stumbled into this Big Brother thing where we have to watch everything we do? I mean are our phones recording us, our cars, our robotic vacuum cleaners? A: The Europeans are far more privacy conscious, mostly because of traumatic history around World War II specifically and post-World War II, theyre much more aware of across the board. And theyre rolling out a, implemented a GDPR, general data protection regulations, I think that makes it even more protective. I think in a way the U.S. has been very much a wild, Wild West for a very long time. Im not sure if thats changing. But I agree that Ive become more aware. Theres a couple of groups that are out there that are privacy advocates and I used to think they were nuts, but man, I am probably much more sympathetic to their positions in the last couple of years. I did a TED talk in Vail two months ago that talked about the concept of resilient user. I make the argument that we are our own worst users. We give up freely our information where we shouldnt. People hop on the internet and they dont have their computer updated with those patches. And by the way, most of those patches that are out there are fixing security vulnerabilities these days. Theres a lot of things you can do to protect yourself. One thing I joke about is on those shared secrets, Like you can easily research where I went to college, so whats my favorite color? Its not maroon. Q: It was the tech companies who wanted a citywide cybersecurity head and they pushed for Will Garrett. And also, it was the whole push with San Antonio Tech Bloc that got the ride hailing in San Antonio. What does that say about the clout of the tech sector here? A: I would say its still early stage and growing. But that is a great example of the tech sector kind of finally standing up and pushing for something. I think we have three ex Rackspace people on that airport committee. That wasnt a mistake. I think having people from the Rackspace DNA pool will be helpful to add that viewpoint on the airport to the more traditional businesses. Read more: Texas Power Broker Staples moves from agriculture to oil You throw me in and theres four people, a minimum of four people, that are tech in that group of 21. If you look back 10 years ago Im not sure you would have had that. I was in Austin yesterday, that gets me motivated, because theres so much going on up there. But we are becoming a nice companion piece to what theyre doing. People are starting to mention Austin and San Antonio in the same breath, and I think from a regional competitive standpoint thats not a bad thing. Lynn Brezosky is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | lbrezosky@express-news.net | @lbrezosky HOUSTON Two San Antonio-area educators were among those named statewide winners at H-E-Bs 17th annual Excellence in Education awards Sunday night. Bonnie Anderson, a teacher at Coronado Village Elementary in San Antonio-area Judson Independent School District, was one of two Lifetime Achievement honorees, a category for educators with more than 20 years of experience. Anderson will receive $25,000, along with a matching grant for her school. Denisse Hernandez of McAuliffe Middle School in San Antonios Southwest Independent School District was named a Rising Star winner, an honor given to those with less than a decade of experience. She will receive $5,000, and the same amount for her school. In total, the evening celebrated the commitment of two principals, six teachers, one large district, one small district, a school board and an early childhood facility as among the best in the state. H-E-B Chairman and CEO Charles Butt handed out a combined $430,000 in cash awards and grants. The program has given away more than $9.5 million in cash and grants since its launch, in partnership with the Texas Association of School Administrators in 2002. For Anderson, it was the clarinet, which she learned to play in middle school band, that helped her go from being a C and D student to getting straight As by high school. It was that experience that led her to her career as a music teacher though that term does not do the work Anderson does justice, said her schools principal, Cynthia Davis. Bonnie Anderson is a true educator, Davis said. She finds ways to make sure that every child is valued and that every child can play a part in music, no matter what their experience and level of ability is. Anderson teaches myriad instruments, but most loves the Zimbabwean-style marimba, which she said has broader bars so that even the younger students can use their motor skills to play it. She also has launched a nonprofit named Mojo-Rimba, through which she raises money for instruments and to send her students to perform at Carnegie Hall. A lot of studies show that music, No. 1, really stimulates the brain and helps the development of the brain. In particular, the musical act that has the most stimulation is playing an instrument, she said. In accepting her award, she joined other honorees in including a message to the lawmakers in the room, referencing that research about music education, saying, Go look it up and please fund it. Hernandez, the first college graduate in her family, is teaching eighth-grade U.S. history at the same school she attended, at which 93 percent of students are considered economically disadvantaged. What makes her great is, No. 1, shes from the community so she knows what our kids go through, said the schools principal, Joseph Guidry. She still lives in the community. Shes all about the kids. She wants to make a difference with every single kid. Hernandez, who began organizing and finding sponsors to fund an annual trip to Washington, D.C., for her students four years ago, was the first member of her family to attend college. My hope for them is to know theres so much more out there, she said. I want them to have dreams and follow through and go to college, because a lot of my kids are first-generation. Theyre kind of the ones paving the way for their families much like I was. The annual Excellence in Education selection process begins with the grocery giant asking customers, employees and civic leaders to nominate educators and districts. Nominees there were more than 1,600 this year then submit applications, and are winnowed to semifinalists by a team of judges. Five regional judging panels comprised of former winners, administrators and civic leaders then select 40 teacher and principal finalists, all of whom receive prizes of between $1,000 and $2,500; a similar process is used to pick district and early education center finalists. A statewide panel of judges then conduct personal interviews with each finalist to select winners. The principals announced as statewide winners Sunday, taking home $10,000 for themselves and $25,000 for their schools, were from Laredo and the Lubbock area. The other teacher winning a Lifetime Achievement award was from the Houston area, while the other Rising Star honoree was from the Austin area. Teachers honored in the Leadership category those with between one and two decades on the job were from Dallas and Laredo. They took home $10,000 for themselves and $10,000 for their schools. Fort Bend Independent School District was named Texas best large district, earning a $100,000 grant, and the Humble Independent School District trustees won the best school board category, which carries a $25,000 prize. An early childhood center in the Lubbock area took home a $25,000 cash prize, and Lancaster ISD in North Texas took home $50,000 as the best small district. The evening also featured a keynote address from Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy, and a standing ovation for Micheal Brown, the Lamar High School senior who made national headlines for being accepted to and receiving full-ride scholarships from 20 of the nations top colleges. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, seeking a second term representing Texas, declared that his Democratic challenger from El Paso made a radical move to legalize all narcotics. The Houston Republican said in his May 1, 2018, tweet: With opioids ravaging so many American communities, Congressman Beto ORourkes radical resolution to legalize all narcotics--including heroin and other deadly opioids--is looking worse and worse all the time. David Wysong of ORourkes campaign brought Cruzs claim to our attention. By email, Wysong noted that in 2012, we rated Half True a claim that ORourke favored legalizing drugs across the board. ORourke, then a member of the El Paso City Council, favored legalizing marijuana, we confirmed, but had called only for debate about legalizing narcotics. Cruz points out Daily Caller story Cruzs tweet pointed to a May 1, 2018, story posted by the conservative Daily Caller headlined "Remember That One Time Beto ORourke Called for Legalizing All Narcotics." The story includes video of ORourke speaking at whats evidently the Jan. 6, 2009, El Paso City Council meeting, which included adoption of a resolution urging federal action to stem violence on the Mexico side of the border. ORourke, seeking to amend the resolution, said at the meeting: And Id ask that there be some language in here that would also include advocating, or looking at, rethinking our War on Drugs, which by any measure Ive looked it has been an abject failure. And also, looking at ending the prohibition on narcotics in the United States. And Im not saying that we need to do that - to end the prohibition. I think we need to have a serious discussion about doing that, and that may, in the end, be the right course of action. The resolution opens by noting criminal violence playing out in neighboring Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. It also generally urges a national shift from the war on drugs to a focus on prevention and rehabilitation. The resolution, unanimously approved by the council, doesnt state that all narcotics should be legalized. It does say that the mayor and council urge the federal government to support local law enforcement battling the illegal export of weapons to Mexico and to stiffen penalties on people who illegally traffic chemical agents used in the manufacturing of illicit drugs. The resolution also offers support to federal, state and local agencies battling money laundering, vehicle theft, gun smuggling and other cross-border criminal activity. Specific to drugs, the resolution urges funding greater efforts to reduce U.S. drug consumption and support for legislation that examines the nations policies on drugs with a focus on rehabilitation rather than incarceration. Also, the resolution states, the federal government should be supporting an honest, open national debate on ending the prohibition on narcotics. When we emailed Cruzs camp asking how he concluded that ORourke wants to legalize all narcotics, spokeswoman Catherine Frazier provided a Jan. 6, 2009, Associated Press news story headlined El Paso wants feds to consider legalizing drugs. That story slightly misquotes the El Paso council resolution, saying it calls for an open, honest, national dialogue on ending the prohibition of narcotics. Next, it quotes ORourke saying: We think it should at least be on the table and so far it hasn't. Our online search for that story led us to a Jan. 22, 2009, news story about El Paso in the New York Times stating that the conflict in Juarez has led some in El Paso to propose radical solutions. In a symbolic resolution of support for Juarez, the El Paso City Council recently voted unanimously to ask Washington to consider legalizing drugs as a way to end the violence. The story then quoted ORourke saying that ending the prohibition should be on the table. The Times story said too that the council backed off its resolution on Jan. 13, 2009 after Mayor John Cook vetoed it and and local members of Congress warned that the councils stance might imperil federal aid. But as noted in a May 2, 2018, Texas Tribune news story, ORourke later conceded that his call for open debate could have been handled better. ORourke wrote in his 2011 book, "Dealing Death and Drugs: The Big Business of Dope in the U.S. and Mexico," that after the resolution came to the council from a city committee on border relations, I asked whether we should more aggressively address the issues related to demand and prohibition. ORourke wrote that he listened to council discussion and then offered his amendment, composed on the spot, ORourke wrote, to encourage an honest, open, national debate on ending the prohibition on narcotics. ORourke elaborated: It was an artless, and even inaccurate amendment to the larger resolution (I only learned later that marijuana is not a narcotic, even though it was precisely that drug that I felt people would be most open to debating), but it got the point across. I knew we were addressing a taboo topic, one that conventional wisdom dictated that only potheads, hard-core libertarians and political suicides ever brought up. But I also knew that Juarez had gone beyond the pale and it was time to place all options on the table, even those that had been unthinkable, for me as well as others, just a year ago. On his campaign website, ORourke calls for ending the federal governments war on drugs and encouraging reforms in drug control policies. He also calls for ending the federal prohibition on marijuana. Our ruling Cruz said ORourke had a resolution to legalize all narcotics. In 2009, an El Paso City Council resolution directed at the federal government included language from ORourke urging open debate about ending the national prohibition of narcotics. The resolution, adopted but later vetoed, did not call for legalizing all narcotics nor did we spot evidence that ORourke has taken that sweeping stand. We rate Cruzs claim False: The statement is not accurate. In February 2014, Ana was in the process of moving to Laredo from the Valley. She was also considering an abortion. She had heard she wouldn't be able to find abortion services in Laredo, but she looked up a clinic on San Bernardo just in case. It had closed. So that meant that Ana, whose name has been changed to protect her privacy, was going to have to go to San Antonio. She made her decision that week, and scheduled the procedure for Feb. 15. She was 24 years old at the time. Texas law requires women seeking an abortion to receive a sonogram and state-mandated paperwork 24 hours before their procedure. However, because Ana lives more than 100 miles from the facility in San Antonio, she only had to participate in a conference call. Read more: Abortion in an altered Texas landscape Then the next day, the father of the baby, Ana's ex, drove her to the abortion clinic, where she underwent the procedure. And afterwards, they drove straight back to Laredo. "(The clinic) highly encouraged me to come back, but it was hard enough for me to go one time. So I just kind of didn't," she said. Ana has a son who was 2 years old at the time, and had to find child care for him while they made the trip. There was a lot of secrecy and lying in trying to hide what was going on from her family, she said. "I come from a very conservative, Catholic background. I thought, if I'm going to bring this up, it's going to be on my own terms. Because I think it should be up to me right now. I need to be able to face myself before I get their input," Ana said. "As good as their intentions are, I kind of have to make this decision on my own." But her family did find out about the abortion, and not through Ana. She said this caused a huge rift in her family that still exists today. Ana feels ostracized. "I always think that if I had been in Laredo for it, it could have been as simple as an outpatient procedure go back and chalk it up to a doctor's appointment," Ana said. "There was so much stigma around this, and unnecessary lying. "There were so many decisions having to be made on top of already making this life-altering decision." Ana tries to keep up her relationship with her father, who was very upset when he heard she had had an abortion. She wishes she could have told him on her own terms. Still, Ana recognizes that she was fortunate to have help from her ex when she needed it, and his car. "Not a lot of women seeking them out have that," she said. No local abortion providers since 2003 In 2001, 1,044 abortion procedures were reportedly performed at facilities in Webb County. In 2004, that number dropped to zero, where it has stayed ever since. The city's last abortion provider stopped visiting from San Antonio in 2003. And according to the Texas Department of State Health Services, no private doctors, clinics or hospitals in Webb County now perform the procedure. At one time Laredo had three women's clinics that performed abortions, City Health Director Dr. Hector Gonzalez said. "I'm sorry they left. All the politics aside, and the criticism, they provide comprehensive women's preventive care," Gonzalez said. Read more: New report shows role of drug use in San Antonio child neglect or abuse deaths So for the past 14 years, local women seeking to terminate their pregnancies would need to travel to San Antonio or the Valley for the procedure; or cross into Mexico for the "abortion pill," misoprostol. Texas Department of State Health Services data, which spans 2001 to 2015, show that the number of Webb County women who received abortions nose-dived about 74 percent over this time period from 865 in 2001 to 221 in 2015 the most dramatic decrease of any metro area on the Texas-Mexico border. Across the state, the number of women who received abortions in this time frame dropped only 27 percent. Dr. Gonzalez conceded that this decrease likely correlates with the women's clinics closing, but also with better preventative care. "I'd like to say that family planning, preventative medicine, comprehensive care, has made the difference. Because we definitely have seen, just in birth ... a 20 percent decrease. So people are waiting," he said. This decrease is reflected in the overall pregnancy rate too. In Webb County, pregnancies per 1,000 women (aged 15 to 44) has decreased 36 percent since 2001. In Texas, the pregnancy rate decreased 13 percent in that time. "Women have to have accessible health care, accessible contraceptive care, and at a place where it has licensed professional staff that know what they're doing and are going to do it professionally," Gonzalez said. Read more: Study: Texas foster children five times as likely to get pregnant than other teens As a Title X provider, the city's Health Department is prohibited from conducting abortions. If a woman comes in asking for one, staff will counsel her on other options. If she is adamant, Gonzalez said, staff is obligated to refer her to a private provider. However, they do not know of any local private doctors that will perform an abortion. "We just give them a list of the 26 (local) OB-GYNs and they have to go through and find out," Gonzalez said. "We don't have a direct referral because we don't know." Of course, if history is a guide, none of these private providers will agree to perform an abortion. In 2015, only 45 abortions across the state were conducted in physicians' offices, and only 139 in hospitals. The vast majority are performed in abortion facilities or same-day surgery centers. The Health Department will, however, provide emergency contraceptive pills, more commonly known as Plan B One-Step, when they have it. This can be used to stop a pregnancy up to five days after having sex. "Our Title X mandates that we provide every family planning contraceptive method it includes (Plan B). But many people in Laredo adamantly say that the one-step emergency pill is the same as the abortion pill, and they're not. They're totally different," Gonzalez said. "I respect those beliefs from persons who say, 'But you're still stopping the continuation of the fertilization.' But that's birth control. That's a woman's decision. We inform, we educate, they decide." The abortion pill, misoprostol in conjunction with mifepristone, is recommended to end a pregnancy of up to 12 weeks, according to the World Health Organization. Read more: Isaac claim that abortion is leading killer of black Americans mostly false In 2015, only 6,029 Texas women opted for a medical abortion, or about 11 percent. But the number of women taking the abortion pill is likely higher than is reflected in Health and Human Services data. Often Texas women will turn to Mexico for a medical abortion, where they can obtain the pills without a prescription even though this is illegal. In 2016, NPR reported that misoprostol is easy to obtain in Mexico without a prescription and far cheaper than it runs in the U.S. Dr. Gonzalez said that Mexico generally has an excellent health care system. "But are there pharmacies who still might sell (misoprostol) to you?" He gives a knowing look. "Probably. Is it legal? No. Not even in Mexico. You still need a prescription." In his 16 years at the Health Department, Gonzalez said he has never seen a patient who has attempted an at-home abortion. But they have emergency protocol in place if that were to happen, he said. In a 2015 study published by the University of Texas called "Knowledge, opinion and experience related to abortion self-induction in Texas," researchers concluded that self-induced abortions appear to be more common among Latinas near the U.S.-Mexico border and among women who report barriers accessing reproductive health services. Seven percent of abortion patients in Texas in 2012 tried to end a pregnancy on their own, the study found. Julia Wallace may be reached at 956-728-2543 or jwallace@lmtonline.com A San Antonio man accused of killing his brother and burying him in the Padre Island sand dunes gave detectives conflicting statements in a lengthy video interview shown Monday to jurors. Gregorio Barrera, 50, is on trial, charged with murder in the death of his younger brother, Andres Barrera, 46, whose remains were found Sept. 25, 2016, in 3 feet of sand in Kleberg County on the northern part of the Padre Island National Seashore. Prosecutors Kimberly Gonzalez and Ana Ochoa Nelson said at the opening of the trial May 1 that the brothers fought over the family home in the 8700 block of Sage Brush on the Northeast Side. As the trial entered its second week, jurors saw several hours of a video captured Sept. 13, 2016 at Public Safety Headquarters. In the video, Gregorio Barrera said he and his brother did not get along and at times fought. San Antonio police Detective Rachel Barnes testified that Barreras recollections of the last time he saw his brother changed throughout the interview, particularly when she asked about the shirt he was wearing a white long sleeve T-shirt from Abercrombie & Fitch. At first, Gregorio Barrera told investigators he had gone to the mall with his brother, Sept. 1, and he bought him the shirt, but shortly after changed his story and said he used the card himself, with permission from his brother, after officers told him the receipt from the store was from Sept. 4. Barrera said he could not recall the exact dates when asked if he knew where his brother was. He told detectives his brother went with someone in a dark colored Fiat and he hadnt seen him since. Last week, jurors saw video of the home the men allegedly were renovating together, the walls and ceiling covered in blood spatter. When Barnes asked Gregorio about the blood, he said he knew nothing, but that weeks earlier, he had cut himself doing work on the house. Have you seen the blood in the house, Barnes asked Barrera in the video. No, he said. The blood in the house is very strange. Its sprayed on the walls, blood on the ceiling, Barnes told Barrera in the video. Theres a pretty good chance something happened, something significant. The case is being heard in the 186th state District Court, presided by Judge Jefferson Moore. Gregorio Barrera faces up to life in prison if convicted. Elizabeth Zavala is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | ezavala@express-news.net | @elizabeth2863 DALLAS The National Rifle Association came to Texas on a mission, determined to fight the perception that Second Amendment political forces are on the defensive going into this years crucial midterm elections. They found their new rallying point here. Upward of 80,000 NRA members President Donald Trump and association officials call it a record turnout left the four-day convention to fight for Second Amendment-friendly candidates nationwide, using a Texas tragedy as a grisly counterpoint to gun-control activists who have built momentum after a deadly Florida high school shooting. The terror at a church in Sutherland Springs that left 27 dead last November was an inescapable presence at the NRAs annual meetings. In heavily produced promotional videos aired during the meetings, in speeches by NRA officials and politicians, and in conversations between rank-and-file members, it was clear that the worst mass shooting in Texas history has taken on a different feel from other rampages across the nation. While the deaths of 17 students and teachers at the Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., mobilized gun-control activists, the NRA and its advocates have cast Sutherland Springs as a counterweight of sorts. Vice President Mike Pence used the Texas drama in his Friday address to thousands of gun owners. Related: Six months later, Sutherland Springs residents count their blessings As America would learn on that fateful morning, when one man heard the gunshots, he ran toward the danger, his firearm in hand, Pence said. He shot the attacker twice and with another mans help, they pursued that murderer in a high-speed chase. While the losses that day were indescribable, what was clear later is that it actually could have been worse. Pence did not talk about the attacker, Devin Kelley, whose history included domestic violence and an Air Force court martial. Despite that, Kelley was able to get an AR-15 rifle to open fire on the church where his mother-in-law usually worshiped. Instead, Pence and other speakers focused on what happened next when a soft-spoken neighbor to the church and plumber named Stephen Willeford grabbed his AR-15 and confronted Kelley. That Willeford is also a longtime NRA member and an NRA pistol instructor made him a hero for those who argue the best way to stop would-be mass shooters is to ensure more regular citizens have guns to confront them when police cannot. None of that was lost on Chris Cox, executive director of the NRAs Institute for Legislative Action lobbying arm. If a deranged monster comes into your church and starts murdering innocent people, your best bet is an NRA member, Cox said to a standing ovation. But for the thousands of gun control activists who assembled a few blocks from the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, the story of Sutherland Springs as a success has a major flaw. A lot of people were already dead before he could get there, said Gyl Switzer, executive director of Texas Gun Sense, a nonprofit gun-control advocacy group based in Austin. Switzer said Kelleys ability to get an AR-15 and kill so many people before the good guy who lived across the street could get to the scene proves the need for reform. Their poster child Nonetheless at the convention hall, Willeford was brought on stage to be toasted and given a lifetime membership to the nations oldest gun organization. He was featured in a promotional video aired prior to Trumps speech on Friday, telling the story of what happened inside the church. Later, interviews with NRA public relations people were broadcast via closed-circuit televisions throughout the sprawling 15-acre gun show and on NRA-TV. In short, the 55-year-old Willeford is fast becoming an icon of the gun-rights movement in the mold of Charlton Heston, Ted Nugent and Wayne LaPierre. Hes right out of central casting, said Mark McKinnon, a longtime political adviser in Texas who was among those at Fridays sessions. Hes becoming their poster child. I think youre going to see a lot more of him. Hes been making his voice heard in politics, too, lending his name to U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz during the Texas Republicans re-election campaign kickoff events last month. Cruz frequently cites Willefords actions as an emblem of a Tough as Texas slogan hes building his campaign around. I think it illustrates powerfully how we can stop these mass murders before they happen, Cruz told reporters at the NRA convention on Friday. Garcia: Site-selection chair reacts to S.A.'s rejection of RNC Cruz said that, in the days after the church killings, families of the dead and wounded pleaded with him personally to not let what happened result in them losing their guns. The heros role has been a major adjustment from Willefords former, quieter life in a rural community about an hour outside San Antonio. Im nothing special, he said, peering out at the crowd from beneath the bill of his black cowboy hat. Every one of you would do what I did. Around the convention center, Willeford was mobbed by well-wishers. On his way from a bathroom break, two women stopped him to pose with him for a selfie. I guess this is my 15 minutes of fame, he said afterward, with a laugh. Eventually it will end and Ill go back to my normal life and I have a good one. Gov. Greg Abbott told NRA members bluntly why he thinks Willeford is important to the NRA and to Texas: Because he had a gun, he saved lives. While the Florida high school killings have spurred legions of young adults and teens to take up the cause for gun control, NRA leaders and members were aggressive in ensuring younger people were on display throughout the conference. Small Town, U.S.A. On Friday, Will Robertson was a self-described kid in a candy store as he walked through exhibitor displays and their array of pistols, rifles, hunting apparel and military-grade weapons. Trailing behind were his three sons, ages 6, 8 and 11, each dressed in cammo shirts. For folks like me, this is a dream, the 41-year-old Army veteran said while perusing Remington rifles. I live on a ranch west of Fort Worth. Ive been around firearms all my life. My daddy gave me my first gun at 8. His daddy did the same thing. I take my boys hunting. My wife shoots for a hobby. I know a lot of people think having guns makes me weird or crazy. But its part of the culture in Texas. Theres nothing wrong with it here. Dick Gentry, 68, agreed that guns are part of the culture, especially in rural areas and small towns where law enforcement may be too far away to respond quickly to a crisis. Gentry, who grew up in Marlin, said that he usually had a rifle nearby while working cattle. He used it occasionally to shoot a coyote or a snake. The problem with gun rights is this, he said. Most people in the United States dont have a firearm, dont have any clue how to use one safely. In Willeford and Sutherland Springs, the NRA and its supporters see a bulwark against a perceived exploitation of the Parkland tragedy. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn tried to make that point to reporters while carefully not criticizing the teenagers who survived the Florida killings. They are right to express their concerns, Cornyn said. No parent wants their child going to school to be worried about the possibility that an active shooter could break into the school and injure and kill them. But I also think we need to have our eyes wide open, too, because I think some political opportunists are going to see this as an opportunity to exploit this issue. Mike Ward contributed to this report. jeremy.wallace@chron.com twitter.com/JeremySWallace In an election marked by a record turnout and pointed rhetoric, Kerrville voters on Saturday overwhelmingly backed retired pastor Bill Blackburn and his council slate over incumbent Mayor Bonnie White and running mate Gary Cooper. Weve had about three years of controversy and conflict, and I think people are ready to move beyond that, Blackburn, who campaigned as a unifier, said Monday. Hell be sworn in as mayor May 15, along with Judy Eychner, the Place 3 victor over Cooper, and Delayne Sigerman, who was unopposed in Place 4. The election drew 4,079 voters, for a turnout of 31.3 percent, said City Secretary Brenda Craig, calling it a record for council races, although more voters did cast ballots in a past local referendum. Blackburn received 62 percent of votes, beating White 2,514 votes to 1,552. Eychner, a local real estate agent, beat Cooper 2,522 to 1,489 votes. Sigerman logged 2,943 votes. Im going to be the mayor of all the people, and that includes those who voted for my opponent, said Blackburn, a political novice who was active in numerous civic causes and served as pastor at Trinity Baptist Church in Kerrville from 1984 to 1999. But uniting the community behind the reconstituted council White and two allies had held the majority for the past year may prove an uphill battle for Blackburn, who described the campaign as vigorous and exhausting. Despite asserting that shes not bitter, White confirmed Monday that she hasnt contacted Blackburn to congratulate him, and has no plans to. There were no issues involved, for the most part, in his campaign. It was all personal attacks and character assassinations against me by Blackburns supporters, she said. For someone who claims to be a uniter, this is a bad first start. These wounds will take a long time to heal, if at all. Young voters likely swung the contests, said White, who took exception to social media commenters who cast her often rigorous questioning on city initiatives as micromanagement efforts designed to slow or defeat them. I just think there were a lot of new voters who jumped in on the rhetoric, and it was kind of a days of rage mentality to go down and join a movement, if you will I think they were believing these false stories on Facebook, she said, calling her backers very informed, mature voters. Im pleased with the job that Ive done, said White, who served one year as a councilwoman before being elected mayor in 2016. She co-owns Tularosa Interests with her husband, which deals in everything from oil and gas to real estate and commercial development. Blackburn, who was endorsed by six former Kerrville mayors, estimated he spent $30,000 on the campaign, compared with $7,000 White estimated she spent. Rejecting critics contention that hell be controlled by the former officials, Blackburn said, Im my own man I am very willing to get ideas and perspectives from those who previously served, but it doesnt mean I have to follow those things. White said she couldnt match her opponents resources, which also included supporters going door-to-door to campaign for Blackburn, Eychner and Sigerman, a former appraisal consultant and commercial real estate broker respectively. They had street walkers, and I couldnt compete with them and those numbers because I was busy doing the job of mayor, said White, calling her opponents campaign toxic. Cooper, a retired lawyer, said the campaign was light on substantive debates and got to be ugly. They talked about the City Council being divided, but in the next breath theyre saying the city is running the best it has in 30 years. If it aint broke, dont break it, Cooper said. The personal attacks on the mayor just ramped up and up and up. Blackburn also came under fire, with critics taking exception to social media posts that included criticisms of President Donald Trump, of evangelical Christians who support Trump and of the Republican party, which he fears is coming unraveled. Kerrville citizens will be shocked when they come to realize the person who they voted in as mayor is a liberal Democrat who no longer calls himself an evangelical Christian on Facebook, Cooper said Monday. Blackburn, a Democrat, noted city elections are nonpartisan and said party affiliation and posts on national issues didnt phase supporters. They just said, Get in there and do the job, he said, adding, I tried to get Republicans to run for mayor, and they all turned it down. White said she was offended by Blackburns criticism of evangelical Christians for backing Trump, adding, We have traditionally been known as a very conservative stronghold in Kerr County. Maybe were not. Eychner and Sigerman, who couldnt be reached Monday, will succeed Mary Ellen Summerlin and C. Warren Ferguson on the council, respectively. Zeke MacCormack is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | zeke@express-news.net | @zekemac BRIDGEPORT Having sunk several million dollars into lobbying to build a casino in Connecticuts largest city, MGM Resorts International on Sunday gave some money to the neighborhood where it wants to break ground. The neighborhood in question, the East End, is represented by state Sen. Edwin Gomes, whom MGM and its supporters hope will fight to pass a pro-casino bill before the legislative session ends at midnight Wednesday. During a hastily-convened press conference on Sunday, MGM Senior Vice President Uri Clinton presented East End community leaders, Gomes included, with a $50,000 check to help with the construction costs of a temporary or pop-up grocery store, expected to open in the neighborhood later this year. This is nothing more than a good faith down payment, Clinton told the small crowd gathered at 1851 Stratford Ave., the site of the pop up establishment. But the timing and suddenness of Sundays event also made it seem like last-minute lobbying. Late last week, Bridgeport legislators in the state House of Representatives orchestrated the successful passage of a bill promoted by MGM and its allies that would launch a competitive bidding process for a new Connecticut casino. Now all eyes are on the citys two state Senators, Gomes and Marilyn Moore, to get the proposal passed by their colleagues before the legislative session ends Wednesday. Gomes and the two state representatives who were present for Sundays check ceremony Christopher Rosario and Ezequiel Santiago admitted they had only been invited that morning. In a brief interview, Clinton said the $50,000 donation was the culmination of discussions that began in October over what MGM could do for the East End. It just took this long to work it out, he said, adding Of course I want him (Gomes) to have every indication well do what we say were gonna do. Gomes praised Clinton. Hes been a class person, he said. And you know me I dont believe in blowing smoke. ... He hasnt told a lie yet. Champions needed The East End is a so-called food desert because residents have no convenient access to fresh produce. A supermarket was previously announced for part of the Seaview Avenue lot where MGM wants its casino and hotel, and the company has continually reassured the neighborhood that a permanent grocery store remains a priority. Deborah Caviness, whose Greater Bridgeport Opportunities Industrial Center will provide administrative oversight for the pop-up project, praised MGM as champions of social change ... making an impact in inner city neighborhoods. Clinton during his comments at the check presentation mentioned the hoped-for Senate vote and that MGM and the East End need some champions this week to fight for the casino bill. While Bridgeports House members have been generally united in bringing a casino to town, Gomes and Moore have been less reliable. The pair last year instead backed a proposal allowing the Indian tribes that operate the two casinos in the southeastern part of Connecticut Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods to partner on an East Windsor venture. That East Windsor casino, which has stalled over a lack of federal approval, is intended to buffer competition from MGMs soon-to-open Springfield, Mass. casino. The tribes and their allies do not favor MGMs Bridgeport plan. In a prior interview, Moore, who could not be reached Sunday for comment, worried about the potential negative impacts of a casino on Bridgeport more problem gamblers and potential traffic congestion and was unsure Connecticut needs another gaming destination. Still, this session she and Gomes publicly supported and testified for the casino competition bill that Rosario, Santiago and the rest of Bridgeports House members managed to get voted on and passed, 77 to 73 votes, Friday. Bridgeports House delegation did so by threatening to bring other pending legislation to a halt. It was almost blackmail, Gomes joked with Rosario and Santiago Sunday. The (voting) margins between Republicans and Democrats have changed. They (Democratic leaders) need you. The same can be said of Gomes and Moore, who are also Democrats, in the Senate, where the two parties are tied with 18 members apiece. Rosario and Santiago said in interviews Sunday that they hoped Gomes and Moore would do all they could to get the casino bill approved in the Senate this week. I would expect nothing less than a full force effort from both to push this legislation across the finish line, Rosario said. I know Senator Gomes wants to get this done, Santiago said. Im hoping we see this same fire and passion from Senator Moore. State Rep. Jack Hennessy, D-Bridgeport, who was not at the East End event, said he spoke with Moore Saturday: She said shes got a lot on her plate, but shes going to work to get it (the casino bill) out. Its gonna be an uphill battle, Gomes said of convincing enough Senators to back the legislation. And even if it is passed, there is a question of whether Gov. Dannel Malloy would sign it or veto it. Marilyn will support it, Gomes said, but added Shes not crazy about gambling. UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. For some Pennsylvania students who want to earn a bachelors degree, starting off at a four-year institution like Penn State might not be an option. Instead, they begin their academic careers at one of the states many community colleges. But thanks to whats known as an articulation agreement, those students have the opportunity to transfer credits earned at a community college and apply them toward a baccalaureate degree at Penn State. The overarching goal is to provide access to Penn State throughout the Commonwealth for students who begin their studies at community colleges, said Penny Carlson, assistant vice president and executive director of academic services for the Commonwealth Campuses, of the articulation agreements. Essentially, the agreements are a pact between Penn State and the community colleges that gives students the chance to build on their two-year associate degree and earn a four-year bachelors degree at the University. LEARN MORE: To learn more about the path from community college to Penn State, visit https://priorlearning.psu.edu/earn-credit/transfer One of those benefitting from such agreement is Marcella Moore, a returning adult student who is an ordained minister and is working toward a degree in biobehavioral health at Penn State New Kensington. As a high school student in the early 1970s, Moore said the expectations for women graduating from school were different than they are today. You were going to go to work right out of high school, the 64-year-old mother and grandmother recalls. I took bookkeeping. You were either going to be a school teacher or a nurse. Moore focused on business-related courses typing, shorthand, accounting but the classes werent designed for women to lead. We were going to be in an assisting mode to somebody else, as a receptionist or a secretary. She went to work and raised a family, but never let go of her ultimate dream. I had a desire to go to college. Eventually, Moore began taking courses at Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC). There, a faculty member told her about a program that allowed WCCC students who complete an associate degree to transfer to Penn State to work on a bachelors degree. She chose biobehavioral health to complement her work as a minister in offering healing and deliverance. You see a lot of young people with diabetes and illnesses that we hadnt seen before, Moore said. What is going on with them? Are they using food as a comfort or a pacifier? Whats really going on with you that youre doing these things to your health? Adding access Penn State signed its first articulation agreement with Harrisburg Area Community College in November 1995. Carlson said that in the time since, the University has inked agreements with 12 of the 14 community colleges in Pennsylvania and the private Lakawanna College in Scranton. She said the agreements are a partnership between Penn State and a local community college, not a competition to recruit students away. We want students to successfully finish their associate degrees at the community college. We provide them the opportunity to transfer to Penn State to complete a baccalaureate degree, Carlson said. In many instances, students attending community colleges are adult learners who are local and are working professionals. Articulation agreements give those students access to baccalaureate degrees through the University. LEARN MORE: See the complete list of Pennsylvania community colleges that Penn State has articulation agreements with: https://priorlearning.psu.edu/transfer-agreements-pennsylvania-community-colleges She said for the 2016-17 academic year, 43 percent of community college transfer students were adult learners. Since 2004, more than 12,000 community college students have transferred to a Penn State location to pursue a bachelors degree. GEORGIA At this crossroads of the South Caucasus, history is not a thing of the past but informs every complex chess move Georgia makes in the present. Forward-thinking but proud of tradition, this is a country of ancient recipes cooked up in tucked-away taverns where toastmasters raise glasses of spirits to honour heroes old and new. Its so proud of its wine region that airport immigration officials often welcome travellers with a bottle of red along with their stamped passports. One hundred years ago, Georgia was declared an independent state in the wake of the Russian Revolution: just one of many reasons to raise a glass to toast 2018. Visitors leave mystified by the fact that the whole world isnt queuing for the experience, particularly given that nationals of many countries can travel visa-free for a whole year and stunning bang-for-buck means they can afford to do so. Cannes Ka Jalwa Reportedly Kangana has an international team that has closely been working with renowned fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee to curate Indian as well as Western looks for her. The actress is expected to walk the red carpet on 10th May. Here's Why She Is Picking Up A Sabyasachi Creation The actress told TOI, "Sabya is the best we have and he is creating an Indian and a few other international looks for me. I want to look my best but not look the best there. I want the attire to enhance my look. Impact is not the intention." Kangana On Her Cannes Visit "I've been invited to accompany Smriti Irani (Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting) and Prasoon Joshi (Chairman, Central Board of Film Certification) at the India Pavilion at Cannes this year," Kangana spilled details about her Cannes debut. The Reason Why She Is Attending Cannes Kangana said, "One of my key purposes to be at Cannes is to attend a party meant for underlining the excellence in cinema and felicitating artistes from all over the globe. I've been chosen to represent India and our industry and the great work we're doing here. On the other hand, there are plans for a conversation between Prasoon, Smritiji and me, but we are yet to discuss that in detail." Kangana Is On A Roll "I'm just very happy about this opportunity. When I was younger, I just wanted to have a job and make a living. Today, I have come so far that I can occasionally represent my nation internationally. Besides this, there will be cover shoots with international magazines. I was recently in Los Angeles; my friends from there are planning to catch up with me at Cannes. The festival is a melting pot of cinema and probably, the best place to meet talent from other parts of the world." Cannes Is More Than Just Red Carpet Appearances While the focus of coverage tends to lean towards fashion and red carpet appearances at Cannes Kangana quips, " The essence has become expression oriented - the focus is indeed on what you wear and speak and how you conduct yourself at events and discussions. I will put my best foot forward for the festival. We have an international stylist on board and apart from international looks; I will also wear something Indian at the red carpet since I am representing my country. However, focusing only on fashion at Cannes reduces its scope dramatically. It's the same with artistes, when they are reduced to a glossy image and not seen as people with their own kind of potential. Cannes is a lot more than a mere red-carpet event." Is She Nervous About Being Judged For Her Sartorial Choices By The Hawked-Eyed Fashion Critics? To this, Kangana replied, "I definitely want to look my best, but I don't want to look the best." Ahem-Ahem "That is where true fashion and expression comes from. It has to emanate from a good place and with good intentions. I don't have to wear something that people term as the outfit of the year', but it has to enhance my personality. Making an impact - good, bad, ugly, shocking - is not my intention. I just wish that whatever I wear has a subtle connect with everyone watching me," she further added. Baby Tales In the picture, baby Radhya dressed in w white frock and a bow headband is simply melting our hearts. Speaking about the little one, Esha told Mumbai Mirror, "Radhya is a happy baby unless forced to do something she doesn't want to do. She's very much my daughter and there are times when she gives me that Deol look with one eyebrow raised and I feel that I'm looking at myself in the mirror." She's Papa's Darling When Radhya was born, her father Bharat had told a leading daily, "I am very happy. I can't even express how happy I am today. I think the baby looks like me, when she smiles it seems the world smiles at you. This is a different feeling, which cannot be expressed in words." Radhya Is Like A Doll Esha's mother and Radhya's grandmother Hema Malini was earlier quoted as saying, "It's such a beautiful feeling to become a grandmom again! I am very excited right now. Even Dharmendra ji is very happy. Esha is doing well, and the newborn baby girl, whom Esha and her husband Bharat Takhtani have decided to name Radhya, is so sweet and lovely-looking, like a little doll!" Lovely Memories Before Radhya was born, Esha and her husband Bharat had visited Greece for a dreamy babymoon and had even done a stunning maternity photoshoot. Why Hema Didn't Visit Esha In The Hospital When Radhya Was Born "We didn't go to the hospital because Bharat's family went and brought her home. We were at home, making the preparations to welcome the baby. The first thing we did was aarti according to the Hindu tradition. Outside, my staff was celebrating with phuljhadis. But we didn't burst more crackers, as we did not want to disturb the child with the noise and also because it would have led to so much pollution," Hema was quoted as saying. The Big Union A Film from Mammootty-Dulquer combo and Mohanlal-Dulquer combo are in the much awaited list of all the Malayalam film audiences and AMMA Mazhavil show paved way for something much bigger. Even though not for a film, all the Big M's and the young superstar of Mollywood had offered a special surprise to the audiences in AMMA Mazhavil show. Mohanlal & Dulquer Salmaan AMMA Mazhavil had one such programme, featuring both these stars together. In one of the programmes, Mohanlal and Dulquer Salmaan shared the same stage. While Mohanlal appeared as a Gin, Dulquer Salmaan was seen in the role of Aladdin. Mammootty Too Joined The Party... Soon, the skit turned out to be a real star-studded affair, with none other than Megastar Mammootty joining the party. With this, the audiences in the stadium got to witness the three crowd-pullers of Mollywood coming together and thus entertaining the huge gathering. The Mega Event The other major Mollywood celebrities also chipped in with some memorable performances in the show. Apart from the big stars of Mollywood, popular Tamil actor Suriya was also present for the big function held at the Karyavattom Greenfield Stadium in Trivandrum. Dulquer Salmaan, who is the young superstar of Malayalam cinema is on his way to expand his popularity and fan base in the other industries as well, with his debut film in Telugu, Mahanati, getting set for a big release this week. It was recently that the audio launch ceremony of the film was held and it wouldn't be wrong to say that this man did steal the show with his amazing presence. For the Malayalam film industry, it is a produ moment with their own favourite star all set to conquer new territories. It is quite known to all that Dulquer Salmaan will be seen playing the role of yesteryear actor Gemini Ganesan in this much awaited film. Now, Dulquer Salmaan himself took to Facebook to sens out the new posters of the film, in which he could be seen flaunting the retro look and he looks as enchanting as ever. Dulquer Salmaan has also mentioned his favourite era of fashion on his new Facebook post. The actor's facebook post regarding the same was read as "So loved the styling of #Mahanati ! My favourite era for fashion has always been the 50s-60s ! Gemini was one of the coolest characters I got to play !!" - (sic) We definitely can expect yet another scintillating performance from the much loved star of Malayalam cinema. The film will be hitting the theatres in Kerala on May 10, 2018. # Divyanka Is Not Pregnant As Rajeev welcomed Divyanka on his chat show, he asked as to what she would like to have along with her favourite black coffee (anything sour) as she is expecting (according to the rumours). It is then Divyanka clarified that she is not pregnant. Both Divyanka and Vivek clarified that they are not ready for a baby yet. # How Divyanka Bagged Her First Show? Rajeev then asks about her journey to Mumbai from Bhopal. # Divyankas Mother Reveal She Was Tomboy & Wanted To Become An Army Officer! Divyanka reveals as to how she got a call for her first show, Banoo Main Teri Dulhann and she couldn't believe it. It is after they called her continuously, that she along with her parents went to give an audition. Even after shooting for the show, release of promos and hoardings, she couldn't believe that she was selected for the show. The host of the show then asks about her parents and as to how much she misses them and Bhopal. # Divyankas Other Side The actress reveals that she misses them and Bhopal a lot. An AV of her parents is shown in which Divyanka's mother reveals that she was tomboy and wanted to become an army officer when she grew up. She also narrated a funny incident in which Divyanka dealt with a guy who tried to misbehave with her while standing in a queue for taking a ticket. It is then that Divyanka reveals that she might look very soft-spoken, but if anyone misbehaves with women, she can't tolerate it and people will get to see Divyanka's other side (as she turns into 'kaali')! # How Divyanka Dealt With Heartbreak? When Rajeev asks about heartbreak, Divyanka reveals as to how hard it was to forget. She says, "When you are in a relationship, the aim is to make it work from both sides, and then suddenly is at a loss for words." She says, "I am all heart," as her eyes fill with tears. She adds that she had gone to an extent of believing in superstitions. # The Actress Is Thankful That She Got A Fracture It took time for her to realise that it was not meant to be. She also revealed as to how hard it was to shoot, as she felt like crying in between the shoot and she didn't let anybody know. She is thankful that she got a fracture after break-up as it distracted her! # Divyankas Rifle Shooting Test Rajeev praises her being strong and then changes the topic. He asks as to what was a rifle doing in her hand! Divyanka reveals that she wanted to become like her father and hence, she started getting trained for rifle shooting. She is then put on test and asked to shoot the balloons. She succeeds in hitting the bull's eye! # When Viveks Parents Interrogated Divyanka Vivek Dahiya makes a romantic entry. Divyanka reveals as to how Vivek's parents interrogated and bombarded her with questions. Funnily, after confirming that Divyanka is the best choice for Vivek, her parents confirmed whether answered their questions in real or was she acting! During their conversation, she had also told them that she doesn't know to cook. She adds that she loves the cake prepared by her mother-in-law. # Viveks Sister Ria & Divyanka Are More Of A Friend! Vivek's sister Ria enters the show and reveals as to how Divyanka is more of a friend to her. She adds that she got so close to her that she discusses and shares a lot of things with her that she can't share with her brother or anybody else. # Does Trolls Affect Vivek? When Rajeev asks Vivek as to how hard it is to deal with social media trolls as they ask him how he is married to a superstar/successful wife. He accepts that these trolls do affect, but it doesn't matter as his family and wife is important to him. # Jhoot Ka Pitara: # Divyankas Favourite Film, Aaja Meri Jaan They are asked to play 'Jhoot Ka Pitara' in which they get a chance to clarify rumours. - Divyanka reveals that she is a fan of T-series film, Aja Meri Jaan. Kishan Kumar was her childhood crush. She even sings his songs! # Vivek Isnt Expensive Actor - Vivek clarifies that he isn't an expensive actor and isn't choosy, they can try him! Divyanka recalls rumour that said she had refused for a shoot for women calendar until they took Vivek! The actor even reveals that the calendar shoot was for a sari! # Vivek Says He Is Quite Successful & Is Proud Of It - Vivek adds that people feel that he isn't successful as his wife, but he wants to break the myth. He feels that he has achieved quite a lot in four years and he is proud of it! Divyanka then interrupts and says that she finds it funny when people compare them. Chinas local-government financing vehicles LGFVs will face refinancing pressure this year due to their rising funding costs onshore. Economists and credit analysts expect Chinas government bond yields to continue to rise, which will translate into a higher interest burden for the government-linked borrowers. The 10-year bond yield, a key metric of borrowing cost for LGFVs, rose to 4% in November last year, the highest level in three years, before moderating to about 3.7% as of April 19. Most of LGFVs debt is relatively short term, in the three to five year tenor range, and this is also rising. According to... PARIS (dpa-AFX) - The survival of strike-hit Air France is in the balance, according to the country's economy minister. Bruno Le Maire's warning that Air France could 'disappear' comes as staff begin another round of industrial action over a pay dispute. Despite the French state owning 14.3% of the Air France-KLM parent group, the loss-making airline would not be bailed out, he said. On Friday Air France-KLM's chief executive quit over the crisis. Air France-KLM is one of Europe's biggest airlines, but has seen a series of strikes in recent weeks. Monday's walk-out is the 14th day of action, as staff press for a 5.1% salary increase this year. Despite the strike, the airline insisted that it would be able to maintain 99% of long-haul flights on Monday, 80% of medium-haul services and 87% of short-haul flights. On Friday, Jean-Marc Janaillac, chief executive of parent company Air France-KLM, resigned after staff rejected a final pay offer from him, which would have raised wages by 7% over four years. 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. Technavio market research analysts forecast the global wireless chargers market to post a CAGR of close to 20% during the period 2018-2022, according to their latest report. However, the growth momentum of the market will decelerate due to a decrease in the year-over-year growth. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180506005060/en/ Technavio has published a new market research report on the global wireless chargers market from 2018-2022. (Graphic: Business Wire) In this report, Technavio highlights over-the-air wireless charging as one of the key emerging trends in the global wireless chargers market. Devices are placed on top of a charger pad, which is used for connection purposes, in a conventional wireless charging. When the device is removed from the charging pad and the connection is lost, the phone stops charging. In such cases, companies are focusing on developing over-the-air wireless charging, wherein technology converts wireless signals into electricity to charge phones, tablets, and other small gadgets. This enables the phone to be charged from any place if it is connected to the wireless charger. This report is available at a USD 1,000 discount for a limited time only: View market snapshot before purchasing Save more with Technavio. Buy2 reports and get the third for FREEView all Technavio's current offers In this report, Technavio analysts highlight the increasing adoption of the Qi standard as a key factor contributing to the growth of the global wireless chargers market: Increasing adoption of the Qi standard One of the key factors driving the market is the higher adoption of the Qi standard compared with other standards by several firms globally. Qi wireless charging technology makes electronic devices and chargers from different manufactures compatible with each other. The only criteria is that both the device and the charger (receiver and charger) needs to fulfill the Qi specification. This standard, therefore, allows every Qi-enabled device to be compatible with every Qi charging transmitter, regardless of the manufacturer of the device. Various companies are developing products that comply with the Qi standard. As a result, these products can be charged at any Qi charging station. According to a senior analyst at Technavio for embedded systems, "Companies such as Apple have adopted the Qi standard and is a major driver for the market. Apple announced its favor for the Qi standard by releasing its products, such as the iPhone X and iPhone 8, to support the standard. The iPhone X and iPhone 8 models are popular smartphones. Along with top companies such as Apple adopting the Qi standard over PMA, more number of firms are expected to adopt this technology. This can be attributed to the consumer electronics market being highly competitive, and firms need to be on par with competitors by providing the newest features." Looking for more information on this market? Request a free sample report Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Global wireless chargers market segmentation This market research report segments the global wireless chargers market into the following technologies (inductive, magnetic resonance, and radio frequency), applications (consumer electronics and automotive) and key regions (the Americas, APAC, and EMEA). Of the three major technologies, the inductive segment held the largest market share in 2017, accounting for nearly 85% of the market. The market share for this technology is expected to increase nearly 8% by 2022. APAC was the leading region for the global wireless chargers market in 2017, accounting for a market share of nearly 51%. By 2022, APAC is expected to continue dominating the market and register the highest growth rate. Save big with Technavio this May! Find out what companies are venturing in to beat the heat this summer! Technavio indulges you with a massive 20% OFF on all non-alcoholic beverages reports for the entire month. OR Technavio honors the achievements and efforts of Motherhood this Mother's Day by offering a whopping 30% OFF on all cosmetics and toiletry reports. Offer valid from 7th May for a limited period. About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 10,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180506005060/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 www.technavio.com LAS VEGAS (dpa-AFX) - Wynn Resorts (WYNN) urged its shareholders to vote for All Three Wynn Directors on the WHITE Proxy Card Today. It issued statement in response to a report issued by Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. or 'ISS' related to the election of directors to Wynn's Board at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 16, 2018. Wynn Resorts said, 'We appreciate that ISS's report recognizes our Board's swift and decisive actions to promote change over the past three months, including an ongoing Board refreshment process that has already resulted in the addition of three highly qualified female directors who strengthen the Board's skill sets, experience and diversity.' Wynn Resorts said, 'However, by recommending that votes be withheld on Jay Hagenbuch, ISS has placed symbolism ahead of pragmatism. Over the 5 1/2 years that he has served on the Board, Jay has made important contributions that have benefited shareholders and shareholder value. The entire Board believes that shareholders benefit from Jay's knowledge of the Company, our financial operations and our specialized regulatory framework.' 'By recommending that shareholders not vote Elaine Wynn's blue card, ISS clearly recognizes the weaknesses in Elaine Wynn's campaign and notes that her arguments very well might be motivated by personal animosity. It also highlights her position as a member of the Wynn Board for a prolonged period of time and questions her own culpability for many of the things for which she now criticizes the Board.' 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. 20.5 Metres of 34.3% Zinc and 8.2 Metres at 42.7% Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 7, 2018) - Zinc One Resources Inc. (TSXV: Z) (OTC Pink: ZZOF) (FSE: RH33) ("Zinc One" or the "Company") is pleased to announce additional drill results from the Mina Grande Sur zone at its Bongara Zinc Mine project located in north-central Peru. To date, 81 drill holes for 1,810.6 metres have been drilled (see map below in Figure 1.), from which assays have been received for 24 holes. The table below summarizes results from nine holes that are located at the southern end of Mina Grande Sur. These holes focused on the delineation of mineralization to the south. Jim Walchuck, President and CEO of Zinc One commented, "While this portion of the Mina Grande Sur drill program was designed to determine the extent of the mineralization, we have been pleasantly surprised to obtain these additional high-grade intersections. The pit sampling and historic drilling encountered lengthy high-grade zinc intercepts which have been further delineated by the drill program. The results attest to the robustness of Mina Grande Sur and will contribute to the upcoming resource calculation." Mina Grande Sur Drill Results Highlights: Results from 11 holes were reported previously (see news release from March 29, 2018) Significant new intercepts include: MGS18016 - 4.7 metres of 26.1% zinc, from surface MGS18017 - 8.2 metres of 42.7% zinc, from 7.5 metres drill depth True vertical thickness of 5.8 metres from true vertical depth of 5.3 metres MCH18020 - 20.5 metres of 34.3% zinc, from surface True vertical thickness of 14.5 metres Mineralization at Mina Grande Sur includes zinc oxides, carbonates and silicates hosted by soils, highly-weathered carbonates, and fine- to coarse-grained dolomites. Mina Grande Sur is one of three known zones of high-grade, near-surface zinc-oxide mineralization along a 1.4 kilometre mineralized trend that is being tested by this drill program. At Bongarita, which lies approximately 1.3 kilometres northwest of Mina Grande Sur, all results from the 36 holes drilled have been reported. A second drill rig recently completed drilling at Mina Chica, an area where a high-grade zinc deposit was discovered; it lies approximately 1.2 kilometres northwest of Mina Grande Sur. Results from 30 of 53 holes drilled, for a total of 2,370.9 metres, have been reported to date. Geology and Discussion of Results The zinc mineralization at Bongara is hosted by carbonate rocks and is classified as a Mississippi Valley-type deposit. The mineralization is stratabound and is basically a tabular body with irregular boundaries. Hydrozincite, smithsonite, hemimorphite, and a zinc-aluminum-iron silicate are the primary zinc minerals that are hosted primarily by soils, heavily-weathered fractured dolomites and dolomite breccias. Given that the strike and dip of the mineralization is not known, the intercepts do not necessarily represent true thicknesses; moreover, long intercepts, e.g., MGS18-003, most likely drilled subparallel to the dip of the tabular mineralized body. At Bongarita specifically, mineralization is exclusively hosted by soils. Overall, the mineralization is focused along the axis of a doubly-plunging anticline as well as within the eastern flank of the anticline. Table 1.: Mina Grande Sur Drill Results - Bongara Zinc Mine Project Drill hole Easting* Northing* Azimuth Inclination Total depth From (m) To (m) Total (m) True vertical thickness (m) Zn (%) MGS18016 171496 9367692 0 -90 15.0 0.0 4.7 4.7 4.7 26.1 MGS18017 171496 9367692 45 -45 20.0 7.5 15.7 8.2 5.8 42.7 MGS18018 171493 9367693 225 -45 15.0 0.0 6.0 6.0 4.2 15.8 MGS18019 171496 9367729 0 -90 15.0 0.0 2.4 2.4 2.4 24.1 MGS18020 171496 9367729 140 -45 30.0 0.0 20.5 20.5 14.5 34.3 MGS18021 171498 9367734 320 -45 12.0 No intercepts of interest MGS18022 171535 9367701 0 -90 12.4 0.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 8.6 MGS18023 171535 9367701 45 -45 13.0 No intercepts of interest MGS18024 171534 9367702 225 -45 18.3 0.0 2.5 2.5 1.8 12.0 *Preliminary coordinates; land survey pending Figure 1.: Drilling and Pit/Surface Sampling - Mina Grande Sur Zone Cannot view this image? Please visit: http://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4668/34481_a1525472451627_92.jpg Sampling and Analytical Protocols Zinc One follows a systematic and rigorous Quality Control/Quality Assurance program overseen by Dr. Bill Williams, COO and Director of Zinc One. The sample from each core run is placed in a 60-centimetre long, plastic core box that has five columns. Core recovery, rock quality designation ("RQD"), and geologic features are logged and sample intervals, which are generally <2 metres, are chosen. Each core box is photographed and then sampled with a spatula (soil and heavily-weathered rock) or cut with a core saw, 50% of which is placed in a sample bag and stored on site in a secure location. The Company independently inserts certified control standards, blanks, and duplicates, all of which comprise at least 20% of the sample batch, to monitor sample preparation and analytical quality. The samples are stored in a secure area until such time they are shipped to ALS laboratory in Lima (ISO 9001 Certified) for preparation and assay. At the laboratory, samples are dried, crushed, pulverized and then a four-acid digestion is applied. This is followed by the ICP-AES analytical technique for 33 elements, including lead. The same method is used to assay zinc for values up to 20%. If zinc exceeds 20%, it is then analyzed using a titration method. The laboratory also inserts blanks and standards as well as including duplicate analyses. Qualified Person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed, verified and approved by Dr. Bill Williams, COO and Director of Zinc One, a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101. About Zinc One Resources Inc. Zinc One is focused on the exploration and development of prospective and advanced zinc projects in mining-friendly jurisdictions. Zinc One's key assets are the Bongara Zinc Mine Project and the Charlotte Bongara Zinc Project in north-central Peru. The Bongara Zinc Mine Project was in production from 2007 to 2008, but was closed due to the global financial crisis and concurrent decrease in the zinc price. Past production included 20% zinc grades and recoveries over 90% from surface and near-surface zinc-oxide mineralization. High-grade, zinc-oxide mineralization is known to outcrop between the mined area and the Charlotte Bongara Project, which is nearly six kilometres to the NNW and where past drilling intercepted various near-surface zones with high-grade zinc. Zinc One is managed by a proven team of geologists and engineers who have previously constructed and operated successful mining operations. Additional Information Monica Hamm VP, Investor Relations Zinc One Resources Inc. Phone: (604) 683-0911 Email: mhamm@zincone.com www.zincone.com Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Zinc One cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by many material factors, many of which are beyond their respective control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Zinc One's limited operating history, its proposed exploration and development activities on the Bongara Zinc Oxide Project and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Zinc One does not undertake to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. COPENHAGEN (dpa-AFX) - Denmark's industrial production declined for the second straight month in March, figures from Statistics Denmark showed Monday. Industrial production dropped a seasonally adjusted 0.4 percent month-over-month in March, following a 0.3 percent fall in February. Production in the chemical industry and oil refineries fell the most by 14.1 percent over the month, followed by furniture and other industries with 11.9 percent plunge. Meanwhile, output in the mechanical engineering industry registered a sharp rise of 10.5 percent. During the first quarter, industrial production advanced 1.3 percent compared to the preceding quarter. 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. GOTHENBURG, Sweden, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Volvo Trucks is introducing a cloud-based service, Connected Safety, which allows Volvo trucks and Volvo cars to automatically alert each other to hazardous traffic situations.Thanks to pioneering collaboration, two independent vehicle manufacturers are allowing their cars and trucks to share real-time traffic hazard information. To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8319051-volvo-trucks-volvo-cars-traffic-alert/ The passenger-car version of Connected Safety was launched by Volvo Cars in 2016. With Volvo Trucks now rolling out its version of the service, trucks and cars are able to alert each other to potential hazards. This is possible because the two companies share safety-related data between their respective clouds. "Expanded cooperation between different players is one of the most important keys to improved road safety. If more vehicles are able to exchange real-time information about the traffic situation, it will lower the risk of accidents. With Connected Safety we are opening the door to the future, with the hope that more vehicle manufacturers will join in," says Carl Johan Almqvist, Traffic and Product Safety Director at Volvo Trucks. Connected Safety was developed to send out alerts to nearby vehicles connected to the service whenever a driver activates the vehicle's hazard warning lights. "A vehicle standing still by the roadside in poor visibility risks being hit from the rear, which can have severe consequences. An alert issued well in advance gives all drivers of nearby cars and trucks the same opportunity to reduce speed, adjust their driving to the traffic situation and avoid a collision," explains Carl Johan Almqvist. In the longer term, the cloud-based service can be expanded with additional safety-enhancing functions. "As the technology undergoes further refinement and more vehicles are linked to the system, real-time information will become an important complement to the various intelligent safety and driver support systems found in our trucks today. Connected Safety marks the start of a new phase in our ongoing drive to promote safe driving and prevent accidents," says Emanuele Piga, Director Customer Solutions & New Services Development at Volvo Trucks. Volvo Trucks will initially introduce Connected Safety on new trucks in Sweden and Norway, where both Volvo Trucks and Volvo Cars account for a significant proportion of annual new-vehicle registrations. Facts, Volvo Trucks Connected Safety Here ' s how Connected Safety works: When the hazard warning lights are switched on, the truck sends a signal via the driver's Internet-connected mobile phone to Volvo Trucks' cloud service. From there the information is forwarded to the corresponding service at Volvo Cars. An alert is then transmitted to all connected cars and trucks approaching the location of the vehicle whose hazard lights have been activated. When the hazard warning lights are switched on, the truck sends a signal via the driver's Internet-connected mobile phone to Volvo Trucks' cloud service. From there the information is forwarded to the corresponding service at Volvo Cars. An alert is then transmitted to all connected cars and trucks approaching the location of the vehicle whose hazard lights have been activated. The system will be available in Sweden and Norway during 2018. Connected Safety is applicable to the Volvo FH16, Volvo FH, Volvo FM and Volvo FMX equipped with Volvo Trucks' integrated system for services and infotainment, depending on the truck's specification and choice of services. and during 2018. Connected Safety is applicable to the Volvo FH16, Volvo FH, Volvo FM and Volvo FMX equipped with Volvo Trucks' integrated system for services and infotainment, depending on the truck's specification and choice of services. Volvo Cars offers Connected Safety with all new Volvo XC60, Volvo XC90, Volvo XC40, Volvo S90, Volvo V60 and Volvo V90 models. Direct link to images in high resolution Press images are available in the Volvo Trucks image gallery at http://images.volvotrucks.com Volvo Trucks provides complete transport solutions for professional and demanding customers, and offers a full range of medium to heavy duty trucks. Customer support is secured via a global network of 2,000 dealers and workshops in more than 120 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 15 countries across the globe. In 2016, more than 102,800 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of Volvo Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks, buses and construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The Group also provides solutions for financing and service. Volvo's work is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care. For further information, please contact: Fredrik Klevenfeldt, Director Public Relations and Social Media Volvo Trucks Tel: +46-31-322-11-06; email:fredrik.klevenfeldt@volvo.com (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/686579/Volvo_Trucks_Connected.jpg ) Video: https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8319051-volvo-trucks-volvo-cars-traffic-alert/ VIENNA, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The 7th OPEC International Seminar from 20-21June 2018 in Viennawill be an exclusive gathering for high-ranking representatives from government, business, science and academia The 7th OPEC International Seminar, one of the world's most prominent forums for leading experts in the energy field, will take place from 20-21 June 2018 at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. Ministers from OPEC Member Countries and non-OPEC producing nations will come together with high-ranking representatives from international companies and organizations, as well as leading scientists and energy experts, to discuss topics related to this year's theme 'Petroleum - Cooperation for a Sustainable Future'. A total of more than 750 participants is expected. The programme also includes the presentation of the 2018 OPEC Awards for Research and Journalism at Vienna's City Hall. Highly distinguished speakers and panelists Over the course of the two days, attendees will hear from a variety of high-level speakers. Ministers from OPEC Member Countries, non-OPEC producing countries, major oil-consuming nations, as well as the heads of many intergovernmental organizations, will examine and discuss various perspectives surrounding the overarching theme in five stimulating sessions. Each session will consist of keynote speeches, followed by thought-provoking panel discussions. Confirmed speakers also include the chief executives of national and international oil companies, other industry leaders, academics and energy experts. Presentation of the OPEC Awards 2018 As part of the OPEC International Seminar, OPEC's Awards for Research and Journalism will be presented at Vienna's City Hall. 7th OPEC International Seminar 20-21 June 2018 Hofburg Palace Vienna, Austria Registration for the event is now open at: https://www.opecseminar.org/opec-seminar-ticket-registration.htm to secure limited seats to this event. Students are eligible for special ticket rates. For more information and updates, visit http://www.opecseminar.org About the OPEC International Seminar The OPEC International Seminar is one of the premier events on the world energy calendar. The first OPEC Seminar was held in Vienna in 1969, with the Seminars increasing in size and scope over the years, not only embracing petroleum-related topics, but other issues such as global finance, sustainable development and the environment. The current OPEC International Seminar series began in 2001 and has provided fresh impetus to key industry issues and developed existing and new avenues of dialogue and cooperation. About OPEC The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is a permanent, intergovernmental organization that was founded in 1960. OPEC currently has 14 Member Countries (Algeria, Angola, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, IR Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela) and is headquartered in the Austrian capital of Vienna. Media Accreditation 7th OPEC International Seminar Franziska Peterlik Administration & Coordination Email: opecseminar2018@eventplan.at Tel: +43-660-2003071 OPEC Seminar Contact Ms. Hind Zaher PR Specialist Email: seminar@opec.org Tel: +43-21112-3312 Company also announces new distributors and expanded store reach in Europe at the world's largest trade fair for the international pet industry Vernon, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 7, 2018) - True Leaf Medicine International Ltd. (CSE: MJ) (FSE: TLA) (OTCQB: TRLFF) ("True Leaf"), a plant-focused wellness brand for people and their pets, announced today that the company will present its first line of hemp-based treats specially formulated for cats at Interzoo, May 8-11, 2018, in Nuremberg, Germany. The innovative treats have a crunchy outer shell and a soft inner core made with hemp - a first to the industry world-wide. The functional treats will provide calming support for cats, promote skin and coat health, help prevent hairballs, and also support urinary tract function. "We are proud to introduce our first product line for cats to the international pet industry this week at Interzoo," said Darcy Bomford, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of True Leaf. "True Leaf Pet exists to help pets live happier, healthier lives. We will soon offer millions of cat owners a line of treats that provide the same benefits as our popular hemp-based products for dogs." True Leaf Pet has also expanded its selling power in Europe. The company has partnered with several new distributors over the past few months to bring its products to pet stores in Norway, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, and Greece. True Leaf Pet products are now available in more than 470 stores across Europe, including the Pets Corner locations in the United Kingdom. True Hemp is the first hemp-based pet product line to be marketed globally. The company's dog chews, dental sticks, and supplement oils are now sold in more than 1,800 stores across North America, Europe, and New Zealand. True Leaf Pet hemp-based pet products are also available online at www.trueleaf.com and on Amazon. True Leaf Pet will join 2,000 exhibitors from 70 countries at Interzoo, the world's largest trade fair for the international pet industry, from May 8 to 11 in Nuremberg, Germany. More than 40,000 visitors are expected to attend the 2018 Interzoo, making it the biggest event yet. Visit the True Leaf Pet team at Interzoo at Booth 2-422A in Hall 2. About True Leaf True Leaf is a plant-focused wellness brand for people and their pets. Founded in 2013, True Leaf has two main operating divisions: True Leaf Medicine Inc. and True Leaf Pet Inc. The company's goal is to provide federally-approved medicinal cannabis products that will be sold across Canada and the United States. True Leaf Medicine Inc. was launched in July 2013 to become a licensed producer of medicinal cannabis for the Canadian market. True Leaf Medicine Inc. has been granted approval by Health Canada to build its grow facility and will be subject to a Health Canada inspection upon completion to allow for the cultivation, manufacture, and distribution of cannabis products. Currently, True Leaf does not have a license to produce cannabis. Established in 2015, True Leaf Pet Inc. markets hemp-based products for the pet industry. The company launched the True Hemp pet supplement line in Canada, the United States, and Europe, becoming one of the first hemp-based pet product lines to be marketed worldwide. Media Contact: Paul Sullivan Director, Public Relations Paul@trueleaf.com O: 604-685-4742 M: 604-603-7358 Investor Contact: Kevin Bottomley (Canada) Director and Corporate Relations Kevin@trueleaf.com M: 778-389-9933 Tirth Patel (US) Edison Advisors tpatel@edisongroup.com O: 646-653-7035 Follow True Leaf trueleaf.com www.trueleafpet.eu twitter.com/trueleafpet facebook.com/trueleafpet instagram.com/trueleafpet Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and management may make additional forward-looking statements in response to your questions. Such written and oral disclosures are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and True Leaf hereby claims such safe harbour protection for all forward-looking statements. True Leaf believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions; however, True Leaf's actual results and performance and the value of its securities could differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements due to the impact of many factors summarized in the "Risk Factors" section of True Leaf's Offering Circular Form 1-A filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities and other discussions of risk factors contained in True Leaf's periodic filings or supplements to the offering circular. True Leaf's Offering Circular Form 1-A can be found at www.trueleaf.com/pages/investor. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. True Leaf undertakes no obligation to update or revise any such information for any reason after the date of this presentation unless required by law. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 7, 2018) - Appia Energy Corp. (CSE: API) (OTCQB: APAAF) (FSE: A0I) (FSE: A0I.F) (FSE: A0I.MU)(FSE: A0I.BE) (the "Company" or "Appia) is pleased to provide an update of preparations for the summer 2018 exploration program (the "Program") on the Alces Lake property (the "Property"), northern Saskatchewan. The Alces Lake property hosts some of highest-grade total and critical rare earth element ("REE") mineralization in the world, hosted within five broad surface showings that remain open in all directions (see *Note below). An excavator and field supplies were delivered to a staging area at Uranium City, 30 km southwest of the Property. The excavator will increase efficiency and safety for the overburden stripping and trenching part of the Program. In addition, the Company has commissioned construction of a helicopter-portable track-mounted diamond drill for the drilling part of the Program. The custom-built drill will reduce drill costs and helicopter reliance, and will allow more metres to be drilled this summer. The Program is currently scheduled to start in May, with initial surface exploration including overburden stripping and trenching in the Wilson and Ivan zones where sample grades of over 30 and 49 weight % Total REO were encountered in 2017. Diamond drilling will follow on selected targets. The Company anticipates producing an NI 43-101 compliant Inferred mineral resource estimate by year end 2018. All necessary permits for the Program are in-hand. The actual start date will depend on lake ice break-up to allow float plane accessibility. *Note: The Alces Lake REE grades were compared with global REE deposit grades. The global REE deposit information was derived from publicly available information as of January 31, 2018, from individual company websites, SEDAR technical report filings, and the Technology Metals Research Advanced Rare Earth Projects Index (http://www.techmetalsresearch.com/metrics-indices/tmr-advanced-rare-earth-projects-index/). About Appia Appia is a Canadian publicly-traded company in the uranium and rare earth element sectors. The Company is currently focusing on delineating high-grade critical rare earth elements ("REE") and uranium on the Alces Lake property, as well as discovering high-grade uranium in the prolific Athabasca Basin on its Loranger, North Wollaston, Eastside, and Otherside properties. The company now holds the surface rights to exploration for about 73,033 hectares (180,467 acres) in Saskatchewan. The company also has NI 43-101 compliant resources of 8.0 M lbs U 3 O 8 and 47.7 M lbs Total REE Indicated and 20.1 M lbs U 3 O 8 and 133.2 M lbs Total REE Inferred in the Teasdale Zone plus 27.6 M lbs U 3 O 8 Inferred in the Banana Lake Zone in the historic mining camp of Elliot Lake in Ontario (previously reported in the Company's news release dated August 14, 2013). The resources are largely unconstrained along strike and down dip. Appia's technical team is directed by James Sykes, who has had direct and indirect involvement with over 450 M lbs. U 3 O 8 being discovered in five deposits in the Athabasca Basin. Appia currently has 52.3 million common shares outstanding, 65.3 million shares fully diluted. The technical content in this news release was reviewed and approved by Thomas Skimming, P.Eng, a Director of Appia, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This News Release contains forward-looking statements which are typically preceded by, followed by or including the words "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance as they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward- looking statements and shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such statements. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For further information, please contact: Tom Drivas, President, CEO and Director: (tel) 416-546-2707, (fax) 416-218-9772 or (email) appia@appiaenergy.ca James Sykes, VP Exploration & Development, (tel) 306-221-8717, (fax) 416-218-9772 or (email) jsykes@uraniumgeologist.com Frank van de Water, Chief Financial Officer and Director, (tel) 416-546-2707, (fax) 416-218-9772 or (email) fvandewater@rogers.com TORONTO, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- TSX Venture: KBLT FRA: 27O Cobalt 27 Capital Corp. ("Cobalt 27" or the "Company") (TSXV: KBLT)(FRA: 27O) announces that it has agreed to acquire a 1.5% Gross Revenue Royalty ("GRR") on the Flemington Cobalt-Scandium-Nickel project located 370 kilometers west of Sydney, in New South Wales, Australia (the "Flemington Royalty") held under option by Australian Mines Ltd. ("Australia Mines"). "Large-scale nickel cobalt deposits such as the Flemington project represent important, undeveloped sources of cobalt and nickel. With ongoing geopolitical uncertainty in the DRC, which accounts for approximately 65% of current global mined cobalt output, this Australian project provides development targets in a politically stable, mining-friendly jurisdiction," commented Anthony Milewski, Chairman and CEO, Cobalt 27. "While management's priority and principal focus is on securing cobalt streaming transactions, we continue to opportunistically purchase cobalt royalties as opportunities present themselves," concluded Mr. Milewski. Flemington Cobalt-Scandium-Nickel Project Highlights Maiden Cobalt mineral resource of 2.7 million tonnes at 0.101% of (1.010 ppm) cobalt with only 1% of the Flemington project area tested to date October 2017 . . SRK Consultants concluded in the October 2017 Maiden Mineral Resource estimate, that mineralization underlying the Flemington Cobalt-Scandium-Nickel Project is the direct continuation of Clean TeQ Holdings' Sunrise Project, separated only by a tenement boundary [ 1] . Clean TeQ's Sunrise project hosts one of the highest grade and largest nickel and cobalt deposits outside of Africa . Maiden Mineral Resource estimate, that mineralization underlying the Flemington Cobalt-Scandium-Nickel Project is the direct continuation of Clean TeQ Holdings' Sunrise Project, separated only by a tenement boundary . Clean TeQ's Sunrise project hosts one of the highest grade and largest nickel and cobalt deposits outside of . Australian Mines is fast-tracking development of the Flemington Cobalt-Scandium-Nickel Project with an updated mineral resource in 2019 and pre-feasibility study scheduled to commence thereafter; Preliminary Environmental Impact Study has been completed with final Environmental Impact Study and Mining Lease Application underway; water allocation has also been secured for future mining operations. 1 A 2017 Scoping Study of the Flemington Cobalt-Scandium-Nickel Project concluded that the Flemington deposit and Clean TeQ's neighboring Sunrise mineralization constitute the same orebody (a single deposit with the Flemington deposit representing a direct continuation of the Sunrise ore body , with the deposit separated only by a tenement boundary (SRK Consulting, 2017). This finding was further reinforced by the results of Australian Mines' extensive 239-hole resource extension resource drilling program completed in 2017. In addition, Cobalt 27 has agreed to acquire a 1.7% GRR on the fully permitted and construction-ready Nyngan Scandium project. The Nyngan project is owned by Scandium International Mining ("SCY") and is located 500km NW of Sydney, 25km west of the town of Nyngan. Outside existing by-product production in Russia and China, the Nyngan project is the most advanced scandium development opportunity globally, with initial off-take contracts in place. Cobalt 27 acquired the Flemington and Nyngan royalties from Jervois Mining Limited for total consideration of US$4.5 million, comprised of US$1.5 million in cash and US$3.0 million in common shares of the Company which shares will be subject to a four month hold period from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. Completion of the acquisition of the Flemington Royalty is subject to certain customary conditions of closing, including approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, and is expected to be completed shortly. Cobalt 27 has not received any scientific or technical information in respect of the Flemington Cobalt-Scandium-Nickel Project that is not otherwise publicly available. The scientific and technical information in respect of the Flemington Cobalt-Scandium-Nickel Project in this release is derived in its entirety from Australian Mines' and Jervois Mining Limited's publicly filed disclosures, and Cobalt 27 has not independently verified any such information. In connection with the acquisition TD Securities is acting as financial advisor to Cobalt 27 and Stikeman Elliott LLP is acting as the Company's legal advisor. About Cobalt 27 Capital Corp. Cobalt 27 Capital Corp. is a minerals company that offers direct exposure to cobalt, an integral element in key technologies of the electric vehicle and battery energy storage markets. The Company owns over 2,980 Mt of physical cobalt and manages a portfolio of eight royalties. The Company intends to continue investing in a cobalt-focused portfolio of streams, royalties and direct interests in mineral properties containing cobalt, while potentially adding to its cobalt physical holdings when opportunities arise. For further information please visit the Company website at http://www.co27.com or contact: Betty Joy LeBlanc, BA, MBA Director, Corporate Communications +1-604-828-0999 info@co27.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. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this press release. Forward-Looking Information: This press release contains certain information which constitutes 'forward-looking statements' and 'forward-looking information' within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation: statements pertaining to the Flemington Cobalt-Scandium-Nickel Project (including with respect to anticipated life of mine, timing of commencement of production, future rates of production, anticipated capital and operating expenses, and mineral reserves and resources); statements pertaining to the implied value of the NSR and the length of payments; statements pertaining to the anticipated performance of operations at the Flemington Cobalt-Scandium-Nickel Project; statements pertaining to the Democratic Republic of Congo; statements pertaining to the OEM, battery and automobile industries; and statements pertaining to completion of the acquisition of the NSR and the timing thereof. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, most of which are beyond the Company's control. For more details on these and other risk factors see the Company's most recent Annual Information Form on file with Canadian securities regulatory authorities on SEDAR at http://www.sedar.com under the heading "Risk Factors". Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties underlying these forward-looking statements materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results, performance or achievements could vary materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this release and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise it to reflect new events or circumstances. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. . STAMFORD, Connecticut and LUCCA, Italy, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Selection based on non-disruptive implementation, trust in solution quality, and demonstrated business understanding CCH Tagetik, part of Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting and a leader in global performance management software solutions, today announced that ASR Nederland NV, the third largest insurance provider in The Netherlands, has selected CCH Tagetik's IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts Solution. ASR Nederland also uses the CCH Tagetik platform for Solvency II, consolidation, tax, cost allocation and disclosure management. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/492891/Tagetik_Logo.jpg ) Issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, IFRS 17 for accounting of insurance contracts goes into effect January 1, 2021, with prior-year comparative reporting required. Under IFRS 17, which replaces IFRS 4, insurance contract liabilities have to be calculated as the present value of future insurance cash flows with a provision for risk. Its goal is to increase transparency and provide greater confidence in reported numbers through the use of a single, consistent accounting model for all insurance contracts. The new reporting standard, applicable to any company issuing insurance contracts, represents the biggest change to insurance accounting in more than 20 years. "IFRS17 compliance is a major project for every insurance company since it will have significant impact on most finance and accounting processes, and will significantly alter the presentation of the financial results," said Patrick Klijnsmit, director of group accounting, reporting, and control at ASR. "Given this huge challenge, we were very conscious of time constraints and implementation risks and selected after a thorough process an IFRS 17 solution to give us enough time to plan, prepare and implement before the actual deadline." "We applaud ASR for its proactive approach to IFRS 17 and its visionary approach to modernizing finance," said Marco van der Kooij, managing director for CCH Tagetik Benelux and Nordic. "When viewed strategically, IFRS 17 can give finance teams new and powerful insights into a company's risk potential and performance drivers." CCH Tagetik's IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts Solution provides a centralized IFRS reporting hub that includes a data repository, calculation modeling, reporting, and disclosures. The solution has pre-built ETLs for easy importing and exporting, as well as workflow management and complete data auditability. The company also offers regulatory solutions for IFRS 9 (financial instruments), IFRS 15 (revenue accounting), and IFRS 16 (lease accounting). For more details, click here . About ASR Nederland NV Headquartered in Utrecht, ASR Nederland NV is one of the top three insurers in the Netherlands. Through its labels a.s.r., De Amersfoortse, Ditzo, Ardanta and Europeesche Verzekeringen, a.s.r. offers insurance, pension and banking products and services to consumers and SMEs. a.s.r. is also active as a fiduciary asset manager, particularly in the public sector. ASR is listed on Euronext Amsterdam (AEX). For more information, please visit www.asrnl.com. About Wolters Kluwer Wolters Kluwer (AEX: WKL) is a global leader in professional information services and solutions for professionals in the health, tax and accounting, risk and compliance, finance and legal sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with specialized technology and services. Wolters Kluwer reported 2016 annual revenues of 4.3 billion. The company, headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands, serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries and employs 19,000 people worldwide. Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting is a leading provider of software solutions and local expertise that helps tax, accounting and audit professionals research and navigate complex regulations, comply with legislation, manage their businesses and advise clients with speed, accuracy and efficiency. CCH Tagetik , a part of the Tax and Accounting division, provides solutions to CFOs for Corporate Performance Management. For more information about our solutions and organization, visit www.wolterskluwer.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Media Contacts: Greta Bartoli CCH Tagetik +39-058396811 office gretabartoli@tagetik.com Linda Galloway insidHR Communications +1-303-863-8620 office +1-203-733-7446 mobile lgalloway@insidhr.com Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands NLintheUSA.com WHO: Ahmed Aboutaleb, Mayor of Rotterdam; Jacqueline Cramer, Ambassador of Circular Economy for the Metropolitan Area of Amsterdam; and more than 80 Dutch representatives WHAT: The Smart Cities NY 2018 Conference WHEN: May 8-10 WHERE: Pier 36, New York City Contacts: Vera Kuipers, the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in New York, 917-438-8495 or vera.kuipers@minbuza.nl; or Carla Bundy, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, 202-274-2632 or cy.bundy@minbuza.nl A delegation of 90 representatives from the Netherlands will attend the Smart Cities NY 2018 conference. The delegation, led by Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb and Ambassador of Circular Economy for the Metropolitan Area of Amsterdam Jacqueline Cramer includes representatives from the government, business, academic sectors and local municipalities representing the Netherlands, Aruba, Curacao, and the cities of Rotterdam, Eindhoven and Amsterdam. Innovation thrives in the Netherlands, a small and resourceful nation, where issues of urbanization are tackled head on. For instance, smart cities like Amsterdam, Eindhoven and Rotterdam are setting future standards for excellence by working in close collaboration and sharing knowledge with citizens, inventors, artists, developers, research and knowledge institutions, and companies. Innovative businesses are springing up across these cities, turning old industrial areas or abandoned office buildings into places to live and work, with attractive surroundings and proper public transportation. In advancing the circular economy, the Dutch government is the first government in the world to develop a government-wide program and implementation strategy on circular economy with the goal to have a 100 percent circular economy by 2050. As countries position themselves for the future of mobility, the Netherlands is ranked by KPMG as the No. 1 country most prepared for the future of new mobility. The Smart Cities NY 2018 conference will highlight the advancements that are taking place in the Netherlands by including Dutch experts throughout the conference program with an emphasis on smart and green mobility, cross-sector smart city, circular building and government. A few highlights of the Dutch participation: On May 9 at 9:10 a.m., Mayor Aboutaleb will participate in a keynote panel discussion on resiliency, "Surviving Thriving: A Conversation with Global Mayors on Resilience." at 9:10 a.m., Mayor Aboutaleb will participate in a keynote panel discussion on resiliency, "Surviving Thriving: A Conversation with Global Mayors on Resilience." On May 9 at 9:50 a.m., Jacqueline Cramer, former Minister of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment and Ambassador of Circular Economy for the Metropolitan Area of Amsterdam, will speak in the "Circular Economy: Closing the Loop" session. On May 10 at 10 a.m., Ger Baron, Chief Technology Officer for the City of Amsterdam, will serve as a panelists on "The Superpower of Global Collaboration for Cities Transformation." at 10 a.m., Ger Baron, Chief Technology Officer for the City of Amsterdam, will serve as a panelists on "The Superpower of Global Collaboration for Cities Transformation." On May 10 at 12 p.m., Coen van Oostrom, Founder and CEO of OVG Real Estate, will participate in the panel discussion, "21st century Construction and Design." Additionally, the Dutch contingency will host a Dutch Pavilion and organize a wide range of ancillary sessions during the conference for attendees from the Netherlands, including workshops on the future of smart cities; how to develop circular city insights of the future; and doing business in the New York tech ecosystem. A key event hosted by the Dutch will be the Netherlands Network reception hosted on European Tech Night starting at 5:30 p.m. on May 8 at B. New York City at The Brooklyn Navy Yard. During this session, Mayor Aboutaleb will deliver a keynote, followed by startup pitches, and a panel led by Professor Cramer. For a full list of the representatives from the Netherlands see https://nlsmartcities.com/new-york-2018/?anchor=introduction. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180502006773/en/ Contacts: Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in New York Vera Kuipers, 917-438-8495 or Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Carla Bundy, 202-274-2632 Kudelski Security Extends Managed Security Services With Claroty Move Addresses Expanding Market for Security on OT Networks and Industrial Control Systems CHESEAUX-SUR-LAUSANNE, Switzerlandand PHOENIX (AZ), USA, May 7th, 2018 - Kudelski Security (https://www.kudelskisecurity.com/), the cybersecurity division within the Kudelski Group (SIX:KUD.S) and trusted cybersecurity innovator for the world's most security-conscious organizations, today launched a managed security service focused on the protection of Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS). To facilitate this new offering, Kudelski Security has entered into a strategic partnership with Claroty (http://www.claroty.com/), whose technology will be integrated with Kudelski Security's Cyber Fusion Centers (CFC) in Switzerland and the United States. "Operational technology represents a growing risk for clients around the world," said Rich Fennessy, chief executive officer, Kudelski Security. "While a few prominent breaches in critical infrastructures have highlighted the need for better security, many organizations still struggle to monitor their industrial environments effectively. We are addressing this gap with defined services and proven technology that help reduce risk for clients." Kudelski Security's managed security service offerings have continuously driven new innovation across Europe and the U.S., being the first to offer managed attacker deception services, early in 2017, following the launch of a suite of managed security services focused on managed detection & response (MDR). The addition of services specifically architected to monitor operational technology gives clients greater visibility and increased protection of their critical infrastructure to reduce risk exposure and the threat of a breach. "We are pleased to extend our managed security capabilities with Claroty, a leading technology for OT and ICS network protection," said Alton Kizziah, vice president, global managed services, Kudelski Security. "We are constantly looking for technologies and capabilities that answer the most complex challenges and provide client value. By addressing the specific concerns facing OT and ICS, we offer providers of critical infrastructure and companies in the manufacturing and telecommunications sectors an essential service and the ability to reduce the risk of a breach." Malicious activity on OT networks is on the rise, as evidenced by the increase in threat activity from ICS attack groups and the emergence of ICS-specific malware, including Trisis and CrashOverride. This trend is set to continue into the future and Gartner estimates that OT security-specific spending will reach between $8 and $14 billion by 2022. Kudelski Security's partnership with Claroty is designed to address real-time security monitoring and response for OT networks from a broad range of industries including energy and utilities. By integrating Claroty into Kudelski Security's CFC strategy, the company will now be able to provide operators and security analysts unrivaled visibility into their OT networks and the systems that support them, while also being completely passive. By design, normal operations are not affected so these critical systems can continue to function without interruption. The addition of Claroty to enable OT monitoring capabilies is a step toward realizing a broader, three-tiered strategy to secure the digital transformation process in both OT and IoT environments. The Group's IoT Security Center of Excellence (https://www.kudelskisecurity.com/about-us/resources/iot-security-center-excellence), launched in 2017, conducts device security assessments and provides security design services, while its IoT Security Platform (https://www.nagra.com/media-center/press-releases/kudelski-group-launches-its-new-iot-chip-cloud-security-suite) protects the security lifecycle of devices and the critical data they produce. When paired with Managed Services from Kudelski Security, this also enables the group to monitor IoT device security and provide incident response. The result is a comprehensive approach to helping companies design, run and sustain secure IoT businesses. For additional information on the threats facing OT used heavily by critical infrastructure sectors, download Kudelski Security's latest whitepaper, Operational Technology: The Next Battleground. Developed by the company's research team, the paper provides an introduction to the threat landscape, severity of the issues and provides a perspective on future trends. To access the report, click here: https://resources.kudelskisecurity.com/operational-technology-whitepaper (https://resources.kudelskisecurity.com/operational-technology-whitepaper) About Kudelski Security Kudelski Security is the premier advisor and cybersecurity innovator for today's most security-conscious organizations. Our long-term approach to client partnerships enables us to continuously evaluate their security posture to recommend solutions that reduce business risk, maintain compliance and increase overall security effectiveness. With clients that include Fortune 500 enterprises and government organizations in Europe and across the United States, we address the most complex environments through an unparalleled set of solution capabilities including consulting, technology, managed security services and custom innovation. For more information, visit www.kudelskisecurity.com (http://www.kudelskisecurity.com). About Claroty Launched as the second startup from Israel's famed Team8 foundry, Claroty combines elite management and research teams and deep technical expertise from both IT and OT disciplines, with backing from premier investors such as Bessemer Venture Partners and Innovation Endeavors. With an unmatched understanding of ICS, SCADA and other essential OT/IIoT systems, the Claroty team is building an unparalleled suite of integrated products addressing the full spectrum of cybersecurity protection, detection and response requirements. For more information, visit www.claroty.com (http://www.claroty.com). Media Contact John Van Blaricum Vice President, Global Marketing +1 650 966 4320 john.vanblaricum@kudelskisecurity.com BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - The European markets ended the first day of the new trading week in the green. Investors were pleased by some positive corporate earnings, as well as the Nestle deal to sell Starbucks products globally. The positive open on Wall Street provided further support in the afternoon. The pan-European Stoxx Europe 600 index advanced 0.61 percent. The Euro Stoxx 50 index of eurozone bluechip stocks increased 0.38 percent, while the Stoxx Europe 50 index, which includes some major U.K. companies, added 0.51 percent. The DAX of Germany climbed 1.00 percent and the CAC 40 of France rose 0.28 percent. The FTSE 100 of the U.K. was closed for a bank holiday and the SMI of Switzerland finished higher by 0.84 percent. In Paris, Air France-KLM sank 9.83 percent after a majority of Air France employees at the strike-hit airline rejected a new pay deal and the country's economy minister said the survival of the company is in the balance. Nestle rallied 1.57 percent in Zurich after the consumer goods giant announced a deal to sell Starbucks products worldwide. Swiss Re gained 0.88 percent. Talks between the global reinsurance player and SoftBank over an investment in the reinsurance company are close to collapsing after three months of discussions, the Financial Times reported. Nokia jumped 2.79 percent in Helsinki after the telecom equipment maker acquired software maker SpaceTime Insight. Healthcare equipment maker Ambu soared 17.88 percent in Copenhagen after upgrading its annual outlook for organic growth. Eurozone investor confidence weakened for the fourth straight month in May, survey data from think tank Sentix showed Monday. The investor sentiment index fell unexpectedly to 19.2 in May from 19.6 in April. The score was forecast to rise to 22.4. Germany's factory orders declined unexpectedly in March on weak foreign demand, figures from Destatis revealed Monday. Factory orders dropped 0.9 percent month-on-month in March, bigger than the revised 0.2 percent decrease in February. Orders were expected to climb 0.5 percent after falling for three straight months. Germany's construction activity returned to growth in April after severe weather had caused disruption to building work at the end of the first quarter, survey data from IHS Markit showed Monday. The construction Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 50.9 in April from 47.0 in March. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 7, 2018) - CVR Medical Corp. (TSXV: CVM) (FSE: B3BN) (OTCQB: CRRVF) ("CVR Medical" or "CVR") is pleased to announce that Canon Virginia, Inc. (CVI) will be showcasing our Carotid Stenotic Scan (CSS) at NPE 2018: The Plastics Show, the world's leading plastic tradeshow. Canon Virginia, Inc. (CVI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., Inc., provides custom manufacturing solutions, including mold making, injection molding, medical contract manufacturing and automated assembly capabilities. NPE Participants includes buying teams from over 100 countries and more than 20,000 companies comprising the entire global plastics supply chain. NPE draws over 2,000 exhibiting companies, 65,000 manufacturing representatives from every segment of the plastic industry and its vertical markets including, medical devices and supplies, automotive, building and construction, packaging and consumer products. Canon NPE Cannot view this image of the Canon NPE? Please visit [http://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/1933/34498_a1525707134240_15.jpg] to view this image CVR COO Tony Robinson states, "We are honored to have our CSS Device showcased at NPE and show off the results from what has been an incredible partnership. Working with CVI to create the best possible design, and have it manufactured with a streamlined supply chain, has made it possible for us to aim for our highest goals. They have set a new industry quality standard, and we're proud to reflect that with our device." "This year's booth at NPE will feature some of Canon's latest manufacturing technologies. We are proud CVR has partnered with us to showcase the CSS Device," said Toru Nishizawa, President and CEO, Canon Virginia Inc. "The CSS Device demonstrates both companies' commitment in making an impact on the medical device industry. Come by and see the device in booth W223." For additional information on the organization, leadership, and current news please visit the company website www.CVRMed.com About CVR Medical CVR Medical is a company that is involved in an equal parts joint venture with CVR Global Inc. (the "Joint Venture"). The Joint Venture operates in the medical industry focused on the commercialization of a proprietary subsonic, infrasonic, and low frequency sound wave analysis technology and has patents to a diagnostic device designed to detect and measure carotid arterial stenosis. CVR Medical is managed by a proven technical team. CVR Medical trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol CVM. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD: (signed) "Peter Bakema" CEO, President & Director For further information contact: Peter Bakema, CEO, President and Director Telephone: (734) 718-5115 Email: info@cvrmed.com or Marc S. Lubow Vice President, Capital Markets, Investor Relations Telephone: (904) 923 -4037 marclubow@cvrmed.com This press release contains forward-looking information that involves various risks and uncertainties regarding future events related to the Joint Venture. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements and are not guarantees of future performance of the Company. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including: (1) a downturn in general economic conditions in North America and internationally, (2) the inherent uncertainties and speculative nature associated with commercialization of technology and the practice of medicine, (3) a change in health regulations, (4) any number of events or causes which may delay or cease commercialization and development of the Joint Venture, (5) the risk that the Company or the Joint Venture does not execute its business plan, (6) inability to retain key employees, (7) inability to finance operations and growth, and (8) other factors beyond the Company's control. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by law, 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. THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE INC. HAS NEITHER APPROVED NOR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENTS OF THIS PRESS RELEASE. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. UPPSALA, Sweden, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Facebook today announced an expansion of its Lulea site to almost double its current size which will make the Lulea site one of the largest data centers in the world. Sweden has perfect conditions and is today one of the world's most attractive locations for data centers. Facebook first decided to establish a data center in Sweden in 2011, where Facebook have invested 1.2 bn USD to date. When the new data center goes operational in 2021, the Lulea campus will be more than 100 000 m2/1 million sq ft. This will make it one of the largest data centers in the world. Facebook's decision to expand their Lulea site confirms that Sweden has the best possible conditions to operate large-scale data centers. This demonstrates that we deliver on high expectations from global investors. It has been an amazing journey to work with Facebook and Lulea to help create one of the largest and most energy-efficient data centers in the world, says Tomas Sokolnicki , Head of Data Centers by Sweden at Business Sweden. Sweden has a long industrial tradition where the need for power has been crucial to operate its mission-critical industries. Sweden's secure and reliable infrastructure and production have developed over a long time, making Sweden fit for the digital era in a way that few other countries can match. Other hyperscalers are also on their way. Amazon Web Services are about to finalize the construction of three data centers in the Stockholm region and work is ongoing on the 109 ha land plot acquired by Google to prepare for a potential data center project. Sweden's unique combination of low power costs, together with a strong renewable energy production, a near zero-carbon footprint and robust fiber connectivity makes it one of Europe's most ideal locations for data centers to invest and expand their operations. Data center investors are attracted to Sweden's robust power grid, our fibre network and renewable energy. After the cost of electricity for data centers was dramatically lowered last year, interest from all kinds of data center operators, from high performance computing to colocation has reached an all-time high, says Tomas Sokolnicki . The data center industry in Sweden is currently growing at an estimated 14% per year, and is expected to employ 30 000 people in 2025. For more information, please contact: Elisabeth Somp, Head of Media relations, Business Sweden +46-72-540-93-38, elisabeth.somp@business-sweden.se This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/business-sweden/r/facebook-expands-in-lulea---confirming-sweden-as-a-world-class-destination-for-data-centers,c2515259 The following files are available for download: Technology-Driven Supply Chain Provider Expands Senior Team to Support Growth SOUTH PLAINFIELD, New Jersey, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Seldat Distribution Inc., a leading global provider of technology-based supply chain solutions, announced today the appointment of Aviram Ashkenazi as Country Manager, Israel CEO, in charge of all SELDAT divisions and activities in Israel. He will be located at Tzela Hahar 1, Modiin, Israel. Aviram brings to SELDAT over 20 years of global operations experience and leadership in supply chain, logistics, manufacturing and project management. He has managed the supply chain in three manufacturing firms with over 3 billion dollars in revenue as well as handling a $150 million project for a new logistics and distribution center at a pharmaceutical company. "I am excited to welcome Aviram to the Seldat team," states Daniel Dadoun, Seldat CEO. "His vast experience in the management of large projects and business processes is vital to the continued success of our fast-growing Israel office." Aviram holds an M.B.A. in Strategy, Entrepreneurship & Finance-Accounting from Leon Recanati Graduate School of Business Administration, Tel Aviv University. He also received a Bachelor of Technology, in Industrial Engineering and Management, Shenkar College of Engineering and Design. About Seldat Seldat Distribution, Inc. provides innovative, scalable solutions and services that help companies in every link of the global supply chain grow and prosper. Our mission is to empower businesses and consumers worldwide to find, buy, and sell anything-without the limitations of borders and logistics challenges. Headquartered in South Plainfield, New Jersey, Seldat employs more than 2,200 people across North America, LATAM, EMEA, and APAC. To learn more, please visit www.seldatinc.com, tech.seldatinc.com, and oceanstarinc.com Contact: Roe Murphy Sr. Marketing Communications Manager Seldat Distribution, Inc. Phone: 908.315.5979 Ext. 125 Email: rosemarie.murphy@seldatinc.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/687905/SELDAT_Logo.jpg CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / May 7, 2018 / Fortem Resources Inc. (OTCQB: FTMR) (the "Company") will be attending the Energy Capital Conference in Dallas, Texas hosted by Hart Energy on May 7, 2018. To learn more about the conference, please clink link below. https://www.hartenergyconferences.com/energy-capital-conference The conference will allow the Company to build on new relationships within the financial markets and other oil and gas companies. It will also allow the Company to have a better understanding of the general outlook in today's modern age oil and gas industry. Marc Bruner stated, "Based on the rise of today's oil prices, there seems to be a positive turn of interest in oil companies that can demonstrate profitability in today's market without the burden of significant debt. Fortem has the assets to prove just that. I consider our company the new wave of oil and gas companies by introducing new technologies to enhance production, become cost effective, efficient and environmentally friendly." On behalf of the Board of Directors, FORTEM RESOURCES INC. "Marc Bruner" Marc Bruner Chief Executive Officer Phone: (403) 241-8912 Email: info@fortemresources.com About Fortem Resources Inc. Fortem Resources Inc is an oil and gas exploration and production company, which holds a diversified natural resource asset portfolio in North America and Internationally. Fortem's strategy remains focused on developing quality energy projects with lower risk profiles and identified upside potential. The management team is keen on building a growth-oriented corporation through development of its current assets and deliver optimal shareholder value. The Company's common shares trade on the OTC.QB under the symbol FTMR. Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Forward looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements relating to the Company having the assets to prove profitability without the burden of significant debt; and the Company being the new wave of oil and gas companies by introducing new technologies to enhance production, become cost effective, efficient and environmentally friendly. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including the inability to raise sufficient funds for operations and property development as and when required and risks related to the business of the Company and the oil and gas industry in general. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this news release and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE: Fortem Resources Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 7, 2018) - Los Andes Copper Ltd. (TSXV: LA) ("Los Andes", or the "Company") is pleased to announce the closing of the first tranche (the "First Tranche") of its non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") announced in its news release dated April 26, 2018, for gross proceeds of $2,597,100. On May 7, 2018, the Company issued 7,870,000 units (each, a "Unit") to Resource Capital Fund VI L.P. ("RCF VI") priced at $0.33 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (a "Unit Share") and one-half of one transferable common share purchase warrant (each whole common share purchase warrant, a "Warrant"), with each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one additional common share of the Company (a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.50 per Warrant Share for a period of 5 years. The Unit Shares, Warrants and Warrant Shares issued pursuant to the First Tranche are subject to a hold period expiring on September 8, 2018. In connection with the First Tranche, RCF VI relinquished to the Company for cancellation 7,870,000 common share purchase warrants (issued pursuant to a private placement completed on December 8, 2016) (each, a "2016 Warrant"). RCF VI will relinquish the remaining 18,930,000 2016 Warrants to the Company for cancellation upon the closing of the second tranche of the Private Placement (the "Second Tranche"). The Second Tranche, which is expected to consist of the sale of 18,930,000 Units to RCF VI, is expected to close within 45 days of the date hereof for gross proceeds of $6,246,900. In the event that the Company is unable to close the Second Tranche, RCF VI shall retain the 18,930,000 2016 Warrants. The proceeds of the Private Placement will be used by the Company to complete its technical work on the Company's Vizcachitas project, with a view to completing an updated resource estimate and an updated preliminary economic assessment in the coming months, as well as for general working capital purposes. For more information please contact: Antony Amberg, President & CEO Tel: (56-22) 954-0450 Aurora Davidson, Chief Financial Officer Tel: 604-697-6207 E-Mail: info@losandescopper.com or visit our website at: www.losandescopper.com Certain of the information and statements contained herein that are not historical facts, constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the Securities Act (British Columbia) and the Securities Act (Alberta) ("Forward-Looking Information"). Forward-Looking Information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect" and "intend"; statements that an event or result is "due" or "may", "will", "should", "could", or "might" occur or be achieved; and, other similar expressions.The Forward-Looking Information in this news release includes, without limitation, statements in respect of the use of the proceeds of the Private Placement, the completion, and the timing therefor, of an updated resource estimate and preliminary economic assessment on the Vizcachitas project, the Company's ability to complete the Private Placement, including obtaining the necessary approvals in connection therewith, the size and the expected date for the closing of the Second Tranche and statements in respect of the cancellation of the 2016 Warrants. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such Forward-Looking Information; including, without limitation, the receipt of TSXV approval, one or both of the closings of the Private Placement, the achievement and maintenance of planned production rates, the evolving legal and political policies of Chile, the volatility in the Chilean economy, military unrest or terrorist actions, metal and energy price fluctuations, favourable governmental relations, the availability of financing for activities when required and on acceptable terms, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, current and future environmental and regulatory requirements, the availability and timely receipt of permits, approvals and licenses, industrial or environmental accidents, equipment breakdowns, availability of and competition for future acquisition opportunities, availability and cost of insurance, labour disputes, land claims, the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates, currency fluctuations, expectations and beliefs of management and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in Management's Discussion and Analysis in the Company's financial statements. Such Forward-Looking Information is based upon the Company's assumptions regarding global and Chilean economic, political and market conditions and the price of metals and energy, and the Company's production. Among the factors that have a direct bearing on the Company's future results of operations and financial conditions are changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, a change in government policies, competition, currency fluctuations and restrictions and technological changes, among other things. Should one or more of any of the aforementioned risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from any conclusions, forecasts or projections described in the Forward-Looking Information. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise Forward-Looking Information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 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. Not for distribution to United States Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States Traders' body CAIT on Monday said it seeks Commerce & Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu's intervention in the proposed $12-billion Flipkart-Walmart deal, saying the alliance will encourage malpractices and predatory pricing in e-commerce New Delhi: Traders' body CAIT on Monday said it seeks Commerce & Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu's intervention in the proposed $12-billion Flipkart-Walmart deal, saying the alliance will encourage malpractices and predatory pricing in e-commerce. In a letter to Prabhu, Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said the sale of Flipkart's Singapore holding company should not be allowed till the time the government frames an e-commerce policy. The traders' body argued that the government should make it mandatory that such deals can take place only when 75 percent of the sellers on an e-platform give their assent since they would be the worst sufferers. "In order to ensure free and fair e-commerce business in the country, we suggest that a policy for e-commerce should be finalised at an early date in consultation with all stakeholders including the trading community," CAIT said. Moreover, it claimed that such a deal will encourage malpractices, loss funding and predatory pricing in e-commerce in the absence of any monitoring mechanism and create an uneven level playing field where offline and online traders will be unable to compete. A high profile case of alleged corruption within the top brass of Income Tax has come to light with Director General (Investigation) writing to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to initiate action against one of the additional directors. New Delhi: A high profile case of alleged corruption within the top brass of the Income Tax Department has come to light with the Director General (Investigation) writing to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to initiate action against one of the additional directors. The matter unfolded when Union Minister of State for Agriculture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat took the matter up with the income tax authority, regarding the alleged involvement of the Additional Director, Income Tax (Investigation), Udaipur. It is learnt that recently a vigilance inquiry was ordered; however, the CBDT is yet to begin the crackdown. When Firstpost contacted Union Minister Shekhawat, he said: I wrote to then MoS Finance Minister Jayant Sinha and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. It is for the Ministry and CBDT to take a call. I did my dharma by complaining about a huge corruption case and it is now the concerned authoritys responsibility to take action. The case of alleged kickbacks for manipulating tax assessment tumbled out around two years ago when Shekhawat was a BJP MP from Jodhpur and B R Agarwal, Chairman of Pacific Medical University, met the Principal Director (Investigation). Agarwal had alleged that the said Additional Director at Udaipur took Rs 75 lakh to settle his assessment case, but eventually claimed that the university's Chairman did not manipulate tax papers and thus extended no benefit to him. Subsequently, Agarwal sought his money back. He further alleged that the said Additional Director returned only Rs 25 lakh out of the Rs 75 lakh paid to him as kickback. The Additional Director told Agarwal that he distributed Rs 50 lakh equally among his seniors -- the Principal Director (Investigation) and the then Director General (DG), Income Tax (Investigation), Rajasthan, who is now Member (Legislation), CBDT. When contacted about the matter, the said Member refused to comment. A questionnaire sent to the CBDT remained unanswered. It is learnt that when Shekhawat and Agarwal met the Principal Director in his office on 6 April, 2016, the latter immediately wrote to DD Goel, then Director General, Income Tax (Investigation) Rajasthan for dragging honest officers into the corruption row and demanded action against the Additional Director at Udaipur. The Principal Director's communique to Goel said Agarwals Pacific Medical University was searched by the Income Tax Department in August 2015 and that the Additional Director at Udaipur promised to extend undue benefits to Agarwal in the search and post search matter for a bribe of Rs 75 lakh. The Additional Director asked him to pay Rs 50 lakh to his conduit on 13 September,2015 at his residence in Shyam Nagar, Jaipur. A few days later, the remaining amount of Rs 25 lakh too was paid to the conduit, the Principal Director stated in his letter. A few weeks later when Agarwal came to know that an adverse appraisal report has been sent in his case and no undue benefit as promised by the Additional Director at Udaipur was extended to him, he sought his money back. The Additional Director, after a lot of persuasion, returned only Rs 25 lakh on 23 March 2016. This event took place at his residence in Mahesh Nagar, Jaipur. With regard to the remaining amount of Rs 50 lakh, The Additional Director at Udaipur claimed that the same could not be returned since the money was given in equal sum to his seniors. He also persuaded Agarwal not to bring the matter to the Principal Director's notice and reiterated his promise to help him with tax assistance. During the meeting with the Principal Director, Minister Shekhawat and Agarwal made it clear that they have come forward to report the matter to him directly only after they found from sources in the department as well as from outside about his reputation of impeccable integrity as also integrity of the then DG, Income Tax (Investigation), Rajasthan." The matter was immediately reported to you by me and in the afternoon, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and B R Agarwal also met you personally in my presence and reiterated the above refereed allegations in clear terms. When the Additional Director at Udaipur was called by you to your room for confrontation in their presence, they again reiterated the allegations in his presence and he had nothing to say, the Principal Director wrote to DD Goel. The Principal Director also offered himself for investigation by any agency of the government. Anguished by the Additional Director's act, the Principal Director said: Since I consider my integrity as my biggest asset, in order to clear my name in the matter, I also hereby convey my willingness to undergo a polygraph test on the issue as and when it is considered appropriate by the competent authority. I have also spoken to the former DG, Income Tax (Investigation), Rajasthan, appraised him of the allegations including the allegations concerning him. He has also expressed similar sentiments and conveyed his willingness to undergo a polygraph test on the issue to clear his hard-earned reputation. It is learnt that the matter was reported to then CBDT chief Atulesh Jindal in 2016. Subsequently, it was brought to the notice of current chief Sushil Chandra, who took over as Chairman in November 2016. Despite many allegations of conflicts of interest being faced by managing director and chief executive Chanda Kochhar, the ICICI Bank board did not discuss the controversy today Mumbai: Despite many allegations of conflicts of interest being faced by managing director and chief executive Chanda Kochhar, the ICICI Bank board did not discuss the controversy today. "Today, there was no discussion at all on this issue. The board has already clarified its stance," Kochhar said, when asked whether the controversial lending to the Videocon Group was discussed at the board meeting. Asked about the silence maintained by her as well as the bank as more details get reported about the alleged misdoings, Kochhar referred to the 28 March statement from the board which stood firmly behind her. "The board has made its stance very clear and we do not have anything more to add," Kochhar, who was speaking after the announcement of the bank's full-year results, said. "(We are) talking of Q4 results now and we should focus on that. And I think the board has already clarified," she added. The bank on Monday reported a 50 percent plunge in standalone net at Rs 1,020 crore for the march quarter as provsions jumped threefold. It can be noted that the ICICI Bank board had come out with a statement supporting Kochhar on the eve of the news getting out in the media. This was followed by a slew of reports of more alleged wrongdoings and also of there being a division within the board as well. Kochhar today confirmed that government nominee Lok Ranjan, a joint secretary in the department of financial services, was not able to attend the board meeting. She also termed the board meeting scheduled for tomorrow as a "routine" affair, where the top decision-making body will decide on its strategy and targets for the fiscal. When asked about the dent to the brand and changes in workings after the controversy, Kochhar pointed out to the growth in deposits, which rose 14 percent in FY18. "As you see, deposits speak for itself. I think we have a very strong deposit franchise, technology franchise and that continues to remain strong," she said. There are series of allegations of impropriety in ICICI Bank extending loans to some companies and enjoying reciprocal benefits. It is alleged that family members Kochhar, including her husband Deepak Kochhar, got financial favours from the borrowers against the loans sanctioned by the bank. The issue is being investigated by multiple agencies including a filing of a priliminary enquiry by the CBI, and probes by the Income Tax Department and the ED. Former Sebi chief M Damodaran had said one option for Kochhar was to step down till the investigation was over. The issue of compromising corporate governance practices came to the fore when investor and whistleblower Arvind Gupta raked up the issue in March. He also alleged quid pro quo between Videocon Group and Kochhar as well as her family members with respect to extending a loan worth Rs 3,250 crore, which for the past many years have been NPA. It was alleged that Videocon Group pumped money into NuPower Renewables, a firm owned by Deepak Kochhar, the husband of Chanda. There are also allegations that NuPower got Rs 325 crore investment from Mauritius-based Firstland Holdings, a company owned by Nishant Kanodia, the son-in-law of Essar Group co-founder Ravi Ruia. The investments from Ruia's son-in-law's firm into NuPower started in December 2010. Incidentally, the same month ICICI Bank was the lead banker in a consortium of domestic banks that extended a $530 million to Essar Steel Minnesota on 29 December, 2010. This loan too was later classified as bad loans. The Reserve Bank in its 2016 investigation in the matter had raised questions over the ownership of the Mauritius-based entity, First Land Holding, which had invested Rs 325 crore in NuPower. Also, there was no clarity over the alleged Rs 64-crore loan (unsecured fully convertible debentures) given to NuPower by Supreme Energy, which was 99.99 percent owned by Videocon group chief Venugopal Dhoot at that time. While Chanda Kochhar sat on the credit committee that approved the loan to Videocon, there are allegations of conflicts of interest in her husband's Singapore-based brother Rajiv Kochhar, performing debt-restructuring work on errant corporate borrowers from ICICI, including Videocon. The restructuring wasn't commissioned by the bank but by the borrowers. Interestingly, the bank board expressed full faith in Kochhar, whose current tenure as CEO is ending 31 March, 2019. It had reviewed credit approval processes and found them to be robust, according to a 28 March filing by the bank. Steel tycoon LN Mittal said he would be surprised if ArcelorMittal, world's largest steelmaker, will not be eligible to participate in bid for Essar Steel Dunkirk (France): Steel tycoon LN Mittal on Sunday said he would be surprised if ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steelmaker, will not be eligible to participate in the bid for Essar Steel. ArcelorMittal and Numetal are the two bidders in the race to acquire debt-laden Essar Steel, currently undergoing insolvency proceedings as it owes more than Rs 45,000 crore to over 30 banks. "Ultimately, I would be surprised if we are not eligible to participate in the bid for Essar Steel. ArcelorMIttal is the world's leading steel company we are financially strong, we are ready to invest and bring our technology and our products and processes to India," Lakshmi N Mittal, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, ArcelorMittal told PTI. The Committee of Creditors (CoC) on 2 May had met representatives of ArcelorMittal and Numetal regarding their eligibility for Essar Steel and a decision is awaited. Mittal, who has been trying to get a foothold in India for over a decade, said: "India is important to us. Of course for me personally I would like us to have a presence here in my home country". But moreover, he asserted, "India is a strategic growth market and if you look at steel industry growth then the majority of growth in the coming years is going to come from the developing economies ex China and that includes India". Emphasising that under the present circumstances, India being a growth market, Mittal said there is a strong strategic rationale for the company to establish a presence here". Asked whether they would be open to organic, inorganic growth in India, Mittal in an email interview said: "At the moment we are focussed on Essar". ArcelorMittal, last week, had said that "a swift decision" on the case will be in the best interest of all stakeholders. Unable to register its presence in India for more than a decade, the world's largest steel maker is eyeing entry in Indian steel market, which it believes has high growth potential, through Essar acquisition. It has said that ArcelorMittal would be the most credible owner of Essar Steel and the company viewed the acquisition as a compelling opportunity for it to enter the Indian steel market. The company has plans to increase Essar Steel's output in long term to 15-20 million tonne per annum (MTPA) from the current about 6 MTPA. The steel firm also said that if its bid is successful it would help India bridge its supply-demand gap and make a significant contribution to the Make-in-India initiative. ArcelorMittal had bid for Essar Steel on 12 February. ArcelorMittal has been trying for long to enter India but could not get any success so far. Over a decade back, it had announced to set up two plants - 12 million tonnes each in Jharkhand and Odisha. ArcelorMittal is the world's leading steel and mining company with a presence in 60 countries and an industrial footprint in 18 countries. It is a leading supplier of steel in major global markets. In 2017, ArcelorMittal had revenues of $68.7 billion and crude steel production of 93.1 million tonnes, while its own iron ore production reached 57.4 MT. It is listed on the stock exchanges of New York, Amsterdam, Paris, Luxembourg and Spain. Manipal Health also offered to subscribe to the equity shares of Fortis by way of preferential allotment for Rs 2,100 crore at a price per equity share of Rs 160. New Delhi: Manipal Health Enterprises Pvt Ltd (MHEPL) on Sunday revised yet again its offer for Fortis Healthcare Ltd (FHL), raising the value to Rs 8,358 crore. "For the purpose of the merger, we propose a value of Rs 8,358 crore to be attributed to FHL and a value of Rs 6,070 crore to be attributed to MHEPL," the revised offer said, according to a Fortis filing on the BSE. It translates into Rs 160 per equity share. Manipal also offered to subscribe to the equity shares of Fortis by way of preferential allotment for Rs 2,100 crore at a price per equity share of Rs 160. The move is aimed at helping the Fortis deal with short term liquidity concerns, repayment of existing loans and payment for the acquisition of the relevant Indian entities from Religare Health Trust, MHEPL said in its revised offer to the Fortis board. Manipal Health has also offered to merge itself with FHL to create one of the leading healthcare platforms in India, the filing said On 24 April, MHEPL had revised its offer for Fortis Healthcare again, raising the value to Rs 6,322 crore. The earlier revised offer of 10 April valued Fortis hospital business at Rs 6,061 crore. As per Sunday's offer, MHEPL said that post the acquisition of the SRL stake from PE investors, the SRL board would be restructured so as to ensure that no member of the promoter group of FHL is part of it. "The implementation of the new offer does not require any further due diligence to be conducted by us and we are ready to work with FHL and its management to ensure swift execution of the steps required to be taken to implement the revised offer," MHEPL further said. The company recognises the significance of the acquisition of assets from RHT and the preferential allotment will help FHL to partly fund the acquisition of assets from RHT, it added. IHH Healthcare Berhad and the Munjals-Burmans combine have already revised upwards their offers for Fortis ahead of the deadline set by the board of the healthcare chain for submission of binding bids. While IHH increased its offer to directly invest in Fortis Healthcare at Rs 175 per share, the Munjals- Burmans also said they would increase their investment to Rs 1,800 crore, without any due diligence, from a previously revised offer of Rs 1,500 crore. Fortis board is scheduled to meet on 10 May to take a decision on the binding bids for the company as recommended by the expert advisory committee (EAC). Fortis has received binding offers from four entities - KKR-backed Radiant Life Care, IHH Healthcare, Manipal/TPG consortium, and Munjal and Burman family offices. The fifth bidder, Fosun Health Holdings, an arm of Fosun International, which made a non-binding proposal to invest a total of $350 million (over Rs 2,295 crore) at a price up to Rs 156 per share, has so far not revised its offer. Labour Ministry is likely to notify this week 8.55 percent interest on PF for 2017-18, paving way for EPFO to credit returns into accounts of subscribers The Labour Ministry is likely to notify this week the 5-year low 8.55 percent interest on PF for 2017-18, paving the way for retirement fund body EPFO to credit returns into the accounts of around 5 crore subscribers. The Finance Ministry has ratified 8.55 per cent rate of interest on EPF for last fiscal. The labour ministry has sought Election Commissions approval to notify rate of interest for crediting the same into members accounts by the EPFO in view of model code of conduct for Karnataka elections, a source said. The nod is expected anytime this week to provide 8.55 percent rate of interest to the EPFO subscribers, the source said. The recommendation on the rate of interest by the Central Board of Trustees, the apex decision making body of Employees Provident Fund Organisation(EPFO), is sent to the finance ministry for its concurrence. Once ratified, the Labour Ministry notifies the rate of interest and the EPFO credits the return for the particular year into its members account. The CBT, headed by the labour minister, had decided to fix 8.55 percent rate of interest for last fiscal in its meeting held on 21 February, 2018. It could not be implemented for the want of Finance Ministrys concurrence and was further delayed due to the model code of conduct for Karnataka elections on 12 May. EPFO had provided 8.65 percent interest for 2016-17. The members got 8.8 percent in 2015-16 and 8.75 percent each in 2013-14 and 2014-15. In 2012-13, EPFO had provided 8.5 percent rate of interest on EPF. Thus, at 8.55 percent for 2017-18, it is a five year low. A bank account subtly shifts the balance of power in the family towards the woman. Anand: Money means you are free to do what you want and carve a better life for your family, says Sangita Padhiyaar, a resident of Vadod village in Gujarat. I tell women to put their money in the bank, so they can save and can use it when they really need to. Padhiyaar, 33, is a village health worker with the Tribhuvandas Foundation (TF), a corporate social responsibility initiative of the National Dairy Development Board. It is my job and privilege to look after health and well-being of all women in the village, and I guide them to do what is best, she says. In a village of about 8,000, she knows almost all the women personally, and they come to her to buy medicines that are sold at a nominal rate. For example, a branded antibiotic medicine sold for Rs. 60 in the market is sold at Rs. 20. The health workers not only dispense medicine, they spend two hours a day checking on the health and mental well-being of pregnant women. Says Bhavna Panchal from Chikodra village near Anand, When I came to this village after marriage and stayed here for 10 years, I knew about 10 people outside my family and neighbourhood. After 12 years as a health worker, I know almost the entire village. Though I passed Class 12th exam, keeping accounts was never my strong point, says Panchal. But with TF making us use the banks, I will have to slowly learn. TF has a project manager who guides field workers. A field worker oversees 20 to 25 villages, each of which have a dedicated health worker. The health workers are trained in first aid and general and maternal health. They are the frontline of TFs newly launched Jaatan programme, a 1,000-day programme designed to give holistic care to expectant mothers. Health workers document their food habits, vitamin intake, prenatal tests, participation is recreational activities, yoga, mental wellbeing and exercise regime. They are required to fill up a form on behalf of the expecting women and are paid Rs. 200 per form. Over 2,250 forms have been filled and submitted so far. We stand for womens empowerment, says Dr Kharod, CEO of TF. The linking of bank accounts to the incentive we give to health workers is a small first step to ensure that women are empowered and get integrated into the mainstream. Also, the bank account ensures that the cash does not slip out of womens hands. We wish to link all transactions to the bank account, including the medicine sales, the economic empowerment activities and future environmental activities, explains Dr Kharod. We are in fact looking to expand the role of our health workers. The women have good social standing, and now we want to see if they can act as change agents to build self-esteem among all women in the village. A bank account subtly shifts the balance of power in the family towards the woman, the TF believes. They started with training 70 field workers about the basics of banking, including procedures and documentation required for opening a bank account. They, in turn, have train the 835 health workers. TF had first thought of partnering with the State Bank of India (SBI) to open accounts for the health workers but when they discovered that it had a limited presence, they also included Kheda District Cooperative Bank. Today, TF has its health worker accounts with five banks including Axis Bank and Bank of Baroda. But women are deterred by the lack of bank branches; they dont see the need to differentiate between their own account and one in their husbands name; theyre concerned about the minimum balance requirement; but, more than anything else, they hate the process. Savita Panchal, 49, of Moriya village in Tarapur, is apprehensive about opening a bank account. This will require reading and writing and I dont think I am up to it. Basically, it will increase my work and I might discontinue my position as a health worker. She has been a health worker in her village of around 4,500 people for the past 10 years and her field worker, Meenaben, the field worker of Tarapur, whom she reports to, assures her shell get all the support she needs. We will slowly coax the women to transact at the banks, says Smita Patel, a field worker for Anand, whos been associated with TF for 26 years. They are independent and this idea of having a bank account will add to it. They will be able to act as role models for other village women, She is teaching Kamla Parmar, 55, of Denapura village, who has been a health worker for 26 years, how to use her bank account. Parmar, who is a widow, recently lost her only son in an accident. I manage by working as a daily labourer and selling medicine from TF. It is good to be helpful to others. Our ex-sarpanch, Manjula Parmar, helped me open a bank account and I am now telling everybody how easy it is. But I will have to learn to operate it on my own, says Parmar. The same thought is echoed by Tejal Chauhan, 26, a resident of Vaghasi village near Anand. I usually dont operate the account and whatever money I earn gets spent. But TF is now making me understand that I should save some money in the bank. In fact, if I dont get cash payments, it helps in saving the money as cash gets spent easily. If we have to go to the bank to withdraw money, we get time to think over our impulse to buy and think on what we are spending. Although the ICICI Bank board meeting agenda is limited to financial results, some board members may raise the issue of corporate governance, sources said, adding that it is up to the Chairman M K Sharma to allow deviation from the scheduled agenda. New Delhi:The board of ICICI Bank, which will meet today for approving the annual earnings of 2017-18, may see some discussion on the allegations of conflict of interest against the lenders CEO Chanda Kochhar, sources said. There are series of allegations of impropriety in ICICI Bank extending loans to some companies and enjoying reciprocal benefits. It is alleged that family members Kochhar, including her husband Deepak Kochhar, got financial favours from the borrowers against the loans sanctioned by the bank. The issue is being investigated by multiple agencies including CBI, Income Tax Department. ICICI Bank spokesperson said, the banks board meeting on May 7 will consider the approval of the audited annual accounts for the financial year ended 31 March, 2018 and discuss other routine matters. Amid controversy of alleged conflict of interest involving ICICI Bank and its CEO, former Sebi chief M Damodaran has said one option is for her to step down for a period of three or four months till the investigation is completed. Although the board meeting agenda is limited to financial results, some board members may raise the issue of corporate governance, sources said, adding that it is up to the Chairman M K Sharma to allow deviation from the scheduled agenda. The board has seven independent directors, including chairman and government nominee director. On the issue of ICICI board discussing corporate governance and issues related to Kochhar, the spokesperson said it is not on agenda. The statement went on to say that the board discussing Kochhars fate is baseless and speculative in nature. The issue of compromise of corporate governance came to the fore when investor and whistleblower Arvind Gupta racked up the issue in March. He alleged quid pro quo between Videocon Group and ICICI Bank's chief executive officer (CEO) as well as her family members with respect to extending a loan worth Rs 3,250 crore. It was alleged that Videocon Group pumped money into NuPower Renewables, a firm owned by Deepak Kochhar, husband of Chanda Kochhar. There are also allegations that NuPower got investments of Rs 325 crore from Mauritius-based Firstland Holdings, a company owned by Nishant Kanodia, son-in-law of Essar Group co-founder Ravi Ruia. The investments from Ruia's son-in-law's firm into NuPower started in December 2010. Incidentally, the same month ICICI Bank was lead banker in a consortium of Indian banks that extended a USD 530 million loan to Essar Steel Minnesota LLC on 29 December, 2010. This loan was later classified as NPA. The Reserve Bank in its 2016 investigation in the matter had raised questions over the ownership of the Mauritius-based entity, First Land Holding, which had invested Rs 325 crore in NuPower. Also, there was no clarity over the alleged Rs 64-crore loan (unsecured fully convertible debentures) given to NuPower by Supreme Energy, which was 99.99 percent owned by Videocon chief Venugopal Dhoot at that time. While Chanda Kochhar sat on the credit committee that approved the loan to Videocon, there are allegations of conflict of interest in her husband's brother, Singapore-based Rajiv Kochhar, performing debt-restructuring work on errant corporate borrowers from ICICI, including Videocon. The restructuring wasn't commissioned by the bank but by the borrowers. Interestingly, the board of ICICI Bank expressed full faith in Chanda Kochhar, whose current tenure as CEO is set to end on March 31, 2019. It had reviewed credit approval processes and found them to be robust, according to a March 28 filing by the bank. India has urged the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to focus more on West and South Asia regions after successful East Asia interventions New Delhi: India has urged the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to focus more on the West and South Asia regions after successful East Asia interventions by the multilateral lender and has said there is no case for increasing the cost of its loan instruments as it has no capital deficiency, an official statement said on Sunday. In his intervention on Saturday at the ADB's annual meeting in Manila, Economic Affairs Secretary SC Garg also made a strong case for ADB to adopt "country systems" for procurements and environmental safeguards and called for increasing lending for the private sector in developing countries, a Finance Ministry release said. Garg, who is an Alternate Governor on the ADB Board, the ADB "strategy should focus more on West Asia and South Asia as interventions in East Asia are already done fairly well," the statement said. "He emphasized that the private sector operations of ADB as envisaged in the strategy should be enhanced and there should be more focus on equity participation. "He also stated that there is absolutely no case for increase of cost of various loan instruments as there is no capital deficiency in ADB," it said. "Garg also argued that there is a strong case for ADB to adopt Country Systems for procurements and environmental safeguards and called for concerted efforts towards increasing lending for the private sector in developing member countries," it added. According to the statement, he also highlighted the need for taking into account the likely impact technical advancements such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics, so that ADB can equip the member countries to reap maximum benefit. The Indian delegation to the ADB also held bilateral meetings with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation. (Reuters) - Monsanto Co said on Monday Chief Executive Officer Hugh Grant will step down after the seeds company completes a deal to be acquired by Bayer AG. Grant, a company veteran, took over as chief executive in 2003. Along with Grant, other senior executives including Chief Financial Officer Pierre Courduroux and Chief Technology Officer Robert Fraley will also leave following the deal's close, the company said. German conglomerate Bayer is preparing to close its $62.5 billion takeover of Monsanto this quarter in a deal that will give it control of more than 25 percent of the world's seed and pesticides market. Bayer has also been divesting significant assets to win over antitrust regulators for its proposed takeover of Monsanto. Grant said he has "made the decision to pursue new opportunities following the closing" of the deal but did not mention details. (Reporting by Anirban Paul in Bengaluru; Editing by Sai Sachin Ravikumar and Shailesh Kuber) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. The freeze doesn't apply to machinery and Nokia can sell machinery housed within the Sriperumbudur facility. While India and Finland reached an agreement on a high profile tax case involving Nokia Corp last month, the freeze on the Finnish firm's plant near Chennai will reportedly continue until all other legal disputes between the Indian government -- both at the Centre and at the state levels -- and the company are resolved. There are several ongoing cases between the government and Nokia on issues like local taxes, tolls, etc. Small demands have been raised in some cases as well... Unless these are resolved, the asset freeze will not be lifted, a person familiar with the development was quoted as saying by The Economic Times. However, the freeze doesn't apply to machinery and Nokia can apparently dispose machinery housed within the Sriperumbudur facility, the newspaper added. On 20 April, India and Finland reportedly settled the tax dispute under the Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP), which essentially closes all pending proceedings related to a tax matter. Nokia's assets in India had been frozen over the unresolved tax case. Nokia employs 6,300 people in Finland and around 102,800 globally. The firm turned profitable again in India, just over a year after the relaunch of its phones. Amit Goyal, Global Business Head (north & east), HMD GLobal, in April, said 70 million Nokia units were sold globally in 2017 and feature phones accounted for a major share of that pie. HMD Global is the global licensee of the Nokia brand for a 10-year period. The company will continue to focus on feature phones as 50 percent of the Indian market is ruled by this segment. Nokia ruled the global mobile phone market a decade ago and was a dominant economic engine for Finland, contributing four percent of the nation's GDP and 20 percent of its exports. Nokia's collapse was a major reason for Finland's decade of stagnation from which it is only just recovering. With inputs from PTI The government must improve power supply, telecoms connectivity to make its digital dreams a reality. Easier ways to deposit and withdraw cash would be welcome. Shillong, Meghalaya: The government of India might be closer to creating a cashless society than it realises. With few bank branches and even fewer ATMs, the rural folk of Meghalaya have little access to immediate cash at the best of times. In August 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched an ambitious financial inclusion programme, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, under which every citizen would have a bank account and a debit card. The message hasnt reached Meghalaya, apparently. According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data collected until December 2017, very few ATMs are installed in Meghalayas villages, where the vast majority of the unbanked population lives. Given the relatively small geographical area and populations of the northeast states like Meghalaya (with 411 ATMs), the per-capita availability of ATMs is not far from the average for bigger states like Maharashtra (25,662), Uttar Pradesh (19,855) and Karnataka (17,683). Total number of ATMs in other NE states: Manipur- 355; Mizoram- 171; Nagaland- 320; Sikkim- 194; Tripura- 498; Arunachal Pradesh- 244 In emergencies, we have to travel a few kilometres to get to an ATM. And finding one that works is even harder, says Apkyrmen Lyngdoh of Mawsiatkhnam, on the outskirts of Shillong. Forced to keep cash at home Lyngdoh said that the lack of ATMs in the vicinity brings a lot of hardship since one has to spend time and money to visit his bank to withdraw cash. He also said that since ATMs are not available in the area where he stays, sometimes he is forced to keep a large amount of cash at home. But to keep money in the house is not safe, Lyngdoh said. Hilar Sylliang of Mawhati, Ri-Bhoi district said that he feels insecure about keeping large amounts of cash at home since Mawhati lies in the border with Assam where militants are active. Sylliang said that since ATMs and banks are not available in the area where he stays, he seldom deposits the money he earns in the bank. We have no other option but to keep at home. Even though we fear that militants may come and extort the money, Sylliang added. With just 411 ATMs available, more than half are in the urban centres. So, the citizens of rural Meghalaya in particular, find it hard to access cash in emergencies. Out of the 411 ATMs in Meghalaya 230 ATMs belongs to the State Bank of India (SBI). As of March 2017, the SBI had installed 84 Micro ATMs in Meghalaya for activation of Rupay card, PIN generation and for deposit, withdrawal and transfer of money. The first mobile ATM in the North East was launched in Meghalaya on 23 June last year. The minutes of the State-Level Bankers Committee (SLBC) meeting held on 29 June 2017 at Shillong, reveal that of the 6,459 villages in Meghalaya with a population below 2,000, some 5,389 villages are covered but mostly by business correspondents. The SLBC meet recommended opening more branches and ATMs in South Garo Hills. As of June 2017, there were only seven branches and two ATMs in Baghmara, which is insufficient to cater to the people of the area. Theres a proposal to install one more ATM and civil work is going on for the same at Gasuapara, South Garo Hills district. Better infra, connectivity needed for Digital India According to Anurag Asthana, General Manager, RBI, the district authorities were asked by banks to provide safe places within the campus of a government institution to set up ATMs, especially in rural and remote areas. Such places could be a police station or an office of the block development officer. But nothing has happened yet, Asthana said. Congress legislator from Umroi, George Bankyntiew Lyngdoh, in a recent debate in the Meghalaya Assembly complained that, Banks try to set up branches within comfort zones and profitable areas. Lyngdoh pointed out that only 25 percent of the villages in the state are banked, referring to villages at a maximum distance of five kilometres from a bank branch. He urged the government to look at the banking network and ensure deeper penetration of the banks into the rural areas to help farmers. Lyngdoh said that due to long distances people are forced to travel to access their bank accounts, the direct benefit transfer (DBT) efforts of the government are being defeated. This may also be the case with ATMs too. According to SLBC, setting up ATMs, especially in rural and remote areas of Meghalaya is difficult because of lack of connectivity. The SLBC also pointed out it also may not be always feasible since there may not be enough customers to justify the expense. The government must improve power supply and telecoms connectivity to make its digital dreams a reality. In the meanwhile, easier ways to deposit and withdraw cash would be welcome. (Kyrmenlang Uriah is a Shillong - based freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.com, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters) By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House on Saturday sharply criticized China's efforts to force foreign airlines to change how they refer to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, labeling China's latest effort to police language describing the politically sensitive territories as "Orwellian nonsense." Amid an escalating fight over China's trade surplus with the United States, the White House said China's Civil Aviation Administration sent a letter to 36 foreign air carriers, including a number of U.S. carriers, demanding changes. The carriers were told to remove references on their websites or in other material that suggests Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau are part of countries independent from China, U.S. and airline officials said. The White House said in a statement that President Donald Trump "will stand up for Americans resisting efforts by the Chinese Communist Party to impose Chinese political correctness on American companies and citizens." "This is Orwellian nonsense and part of a growing trend by the Chinese Communist Party to impose its political views on American citizens and private companies. ... We call on China to stop threatening and coercing American carriers and citizens." Taiwan is China's most sensitive territorial issue. Beijing considers the self-ruled, democratic island a wayward province. Hong Kong and Macau are former European colonies that are now part of China but run largely autonomously. On Sunday, China's foreign ministry responded to the White House comments, saying that overseas companies operating in China should respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, follow Chinese law and "respect the national feelings of the Chinese people". "No matter what the United States says, it cannot change the objective fact that there is only one China in the world and that Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan are indivisible parts of Chinese territory," spokesman Geng Shuang said in a statement on the ministry website. The White House's sharp criticism follows contentious trade talks between senior U.S. and Chinese officials last week. The Trump administration demanded a $200 billion cut in China's trade surplus with the United States by 2020, sharply lower tariffs and a halt to subsidies for advanced technology, people familiar with the talks said. My group just got back from China. Were going to have to rework China because thats been a one-way street for decades, Trump said at an event in Cleveland on Saturday. We cant go on that way, he said, although he also said he has a lot respect for Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump earlier this week praised his relationship with Xi but there were no signs of significant progress at the talks on Thursday and Friday, raising fears of a trade war between the worlds two largest economies. China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday discussed bilateral ties by phone, with Yang saying relations were at "an important stage", according to the Chinese foreign ministry. It was unclear if the call came after, or was a response to, the White House statement - or if the two had even discussed the issue of how Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau are referred to by U.S. companies. According to a Chinese foreign ministry statement late on Saturday, Yang told Pompeo the two countries should strengthen exchanges, maintain close communication over economic and trade issues and respect each other's "core interests and major concerns". China and the United States should "properly settle disputes and sensitive issues", keep up communication and coordination on major international and regional issues and "push bilateral relations forward along the right track", Yang said. TARIFF THREATS Trump has already proposed tariffs on $50 billion of Chinese goods which could go into effect next month. China has said its own retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, including soybeans and aircraft, will go into effect if the U.S. duties are imposed. It has also requested that Washington treat Chinese investment equally under national security reviews and stop issuing new restrictions on Chinese investment. The dispute over how airlines refer to Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau is another area of tension in U.S.-China relations. A spokesman for Airlines for America, a trade group representing United Airlines, American Airlines and other major carriers, said on Saturday it was working with the U.S. government to determine "next steps" in the dispute. In January, Delta Air Lines, following a demand from China over listing Taiwan and Tibet as countries on its website, apologized for making "an inadvertent error with no business or political intention," and said it had taken steps to resolve the issue. Also in January, China suspended Marriott International Incs Chinese website for a week to punish the worlds biggest hotel chain for listing Tibet, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau as separate countries in a customer questionnaire. The apparent intensification of efforts to police how foreign businesses refer to Chinese-claimed territories - even if only in pull-down web menus - underscores how sensitive the issue of sovereignty has become in China. China's aviation authority said in January it would require all foreign airlines operating routes to China to conduct comprehensive investigations of their websites, apps and customer-related information and strictly comply with Chinas laws and regulations to prevent a similar thing from happening." Australias Qantas Airways said in January it had amended its website to no longer refer to Taiwan and Hong Kong as countries rather than Chinese territories after China issued a similar warning. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Additional reporting by John Ruwitch in SHANGHAI; Editing by Leslie Adler, Jonathan Oatis and Richard Borsuk) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. In Baghlan, there is no reason for the Taliban to target Indians specifically, nor to undercut the power project which has the full support of locals. The conflict in Afghanistan has come closer to home. A bloody war, which is hardly even noticed by most Indians, nevertheless came into living rooms as the media confirmed that seven Indians and their Afghan driver were abducted as against kidnapped in the remote northern province of Baghlan as they were going to work near the capital of Pul-e Khumri. The Indian engineers were part of a group undertaking a power project in the area, and as of now, there is no confirmation of any particular group having abducted the Indians. It will become an official 'kidnapping' once these details are known and a ransom amount or demand made. These are the finer details that are will ultimately decide their fate. First, the news about Baghlan is not good. Recent news reports indicate that the Taliban are going full throttle in the province following the announcement of its spring offensive 'Al Khandak'. The Taliban news site Almerah reports a series of apparent victories in the area, including the killing of a senior Afghan army officer. A video released on 25 April, 2018, shows training of its cadres in the 'Mullah Akhtar Muhammad Mansour Camp' in the province. The camp is named after the Taliban leader who was picked off by air attacks well inside Pakistan in Baluchistan in May 2016. The video shows Taliban cadres moving freely around a town and even stopping traffic to allow its formations to pass through. Available reportage from other sources indicates that the Taliban are well entrenched in the area, including in parts of Pul-e Khumri, the capital of the province. Second, Afghan media reported the arrest of a prominent Taliban leader Qari Bakhtiar just outside the capital. Bakhtiar was described as 'in-charge of organising roadside bombings and targeting security personnel' in the northern Baghlan province. A day earlier, an Afghan news source quoting the National Directorate of Security (NDS) said that Tariq, son of Bakhtiar, described as the Taliban's deputy shadow governor and his two friends, Obaidullah and Faisal, were detained during a raid in Pul-e Khumri. If Bakhtiar is, in fact, a deputy Shadow governor as claimed, then the Taliban leadership will stop at nothing to get him released. That's bad news. Third, the Taliban have been recently attacking power projects in the area. Pul-e Khumri is an important transmission point for the lines that go to power Kabul. India had earlier donated a power transmission line and substation at Chimtala. The KEC seems to have been involved in a later contract for a similar project secured through DABS (Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat) which is the concerned Afghan agency. The whole project is vital for plans to bring in power from Uzbekistan into the Pul-e Khumri power grid, through a project funded by the Asian Development Bank. Kabul is starved of electricity, and the Taliban think it's a good idea to hold the city hostage by blowing up power lines. That's precisely what they've been doing last week. But here's the odd thing. They're doing all of this as part of urging DABS to complete welfare projects in Baghlan first. In short, the Taliban can either project themselves as champions of the people in the area, or they can let the Indians go free to complete the project on time. They can't do both. That's some good news. Reports suggest that the Afghans are using tribal elders to negotiate a release of the Indians. There is also an intriguing statement that the whole operation was a "mistake" since the Taliban (or whoever) mistook them for government officials. Abductions are common in Afghanistan, with this happening either with an eye on ransom or as part of revenge against a particular group or country. The United Nations has had its aid workers targeted with 149 abducted in 2017, marking a six percent increase. Indians are, however, rarely abducted probably because there are so few in the country, outside of those engaged in specific activity related to the Indian government. In June 2016, Judith D'Souza who worked with the Aga Khan Foundation was abducted, but released safely, after a month of captivity. Her abductors were freewheeling criminals with no links to the Taliban. It was an entirely different story when in 2005, a driver with the Border Roads Organisation was kidnapped and killed by the Taliban. Three months later, another Indian, K Suryanarayana, who was engaged in a telecom project with a Bahrain company was similarly killed. But that was entirely linked to the then Taliban demand that all Indians leave Afghanistan. In 2005, that demand came from a Taliban that was heavily dependant on Pakistan for everything and anything across the board. That is no longer the case. There are others who are also assisting the Taliban, particularly in the north. In Baghlan, there is no reason for the Taliban to target Indians specifically, nor to undercut the power project which has the full support of locals. There is always the possibility that matters may change if instructions are received from their masters in Pakistan. Hopefully, that will not happen. Every electronic ear belonging to every intelligence agency is tuned in that direction. What the ears can perceive can quickly become public knowledge. Hopefully, Rawalpindi is well aware that Pakistan is not anyone's favourite country at the moment. Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen has said that namaz should be offered at mosques or eidgahs, and similar rules should apply for other religions as well. Just a day after Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar said namaz should be restricted to mosques, eidgahs or private places, Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen has said that it "should be applicable for other worshippers too." In a tweet, Nasreen said that "namaz should be offered at mosque and eidgah. Makes sense. Should be applicable for other worshipers too. Blocking public places not good." Namaz should be offered at mosque and Eidgah. Makes sense. Should be applicable for other worshipers too. Blocking public places not good. pic.twitter.com/cs76oKVFf6 taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen) May 6, 2018 Khattar had said, "Our point of view is that namaz should be offered in the precincts of religious places like mosques and Eidgahs, and if there is shortage of place for offering namaz, it should be done at private places." His remarks came in the wake of alleged disruptions of namaz by right-wing groups at multiple locations in Gurugram. Over the last two weeks, namaz was disrupted at Wazirabad, the Atul Kataria Chowk, the Cyber Park, the Bakhtawar Chowk and at the South City, the police said. The disruptions were caused allegedly by members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, the Bajrang Dal, the Hindu Kranti Dal, the Gau Rakshak Dal and the Shiv Sena, they said. Meanwhile, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has said that prayer promotes peace and no tension should be allowed in the name of worshipping God. The minority affairs minister also said the Haryana government was "very sensitive" towards the issue and that Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar himself had clarified that his regime was not against offering prayers. Naqvi, however, added that if there was any complaint in this connection, the issue had to be settled amicably. With inputs from agencies The CIC in its ruling has directed the PMO and Ministry of External Affairs to find out the documents that could satisfy these important questions and seek help from India office in the UK or with UK authorities in tracking the valuable piece of documents. New Delhi: Amid the row over Muhammad Ali Jinnah portrait in Aligarh Muslim University, the officers in Prime Minister's Office(PMO), Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Culture are busy in tracing the documents related to Indias independence and Partition of Pakistan. While political parties are at each others throat, babus are struggling to answer simple questions -- how did we get the freedom and who signed on the Partition papers. The government machinery was startled by an RTI application filed by Madan Lal Narula, who had asked the PMO to provide certified copies of all written documents and allied information pertaining to Partition of India on 14th and 15th August 1947, certified copies of official papers bearing signatures of all the authorities, freedom fighters, politicians before Pakistan came into existence. The PMO replied no such documents were available and the matter was escalated to the Central Information Commission (CIC). The government has argued that only document they could think of related to Independence and Partition, was Indian Independence Act, 1947 that was passed by the British Parliament. The government said it is still looking to reasonably respond to the questions -- who granted us freedom? Did Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru sign any papers? Is there any pact regarding the Independence of India? How was the power transferred from the British queen to India and personalities associated with the process? Sources in the PMO said they have asked concerned departments and ministries including Ministry of Culture to trace the documents that could address the issue of Independence and Partition raised by the applicant. The CIC in its ruling has directed the PMO and Ministry of External Affairs to find out the documents that could satisfy these important questions and seek help from India office in the UK or with UK authorities in tracking the valuable piece of documents. The CIC also observed that independence could not have been achieved through a pact and appellant (RTI Applicant) request for information needs serious attention. "The people who question who gave us independence, that independence means really independence and it does not mean grant or pact etc. People of India are proud that their leaders achieved it, and not begged for anybodys grant. The appellant raised an important issue of tracing documents regarding the transfer of power, which is an interesting research question that should have been authentically answered," the CIC said directing the PMO and Ministry of External Affairs to collect all authentic documents. When contacted by the Firstpost, applicant Narula, a resident of Ferozepur Punjab said he has also asked for the certified copies related to Kashmir and correspondence of then prime minister Nehru with other concerned personalities on the issue. "It is important to know what transpired behind the scene. What communications took place within the British government machinery before freedom fighter Bhagat Singh was hanged? The freedom was achieved by our leaders and there was a long process which must have been documented and we need to know about it," Narula said. Independence Act Independence Act passed in the UK Parliament partitioned British India into the two new independent dominions of India and Pakistan. The act received the royal assent on 18th July 1947. The act said: the dominion of India may be regarded as an expression of the desire for self-government of the all people in India, and the dominion of Pakistan as the expression of the demand for self-government by the Muslims and the 15th August was declared as the appointed day for the Partition. The act further said the legislature of each dominion was given full powers to make laws for that dominion, including laws having extraterritorial operation. "No act of Parliament of UK passed after the appointed date would be extended to the territories of new dominions. The title of emperor of India was dropped from the titles of the British crown. The treaty relations between Britain and the Indian states would come to an end, and on 15th August 1947 the suzerainty of the British crown was to lapse. They would be free to accede to one or the other of the new dominions," salient features of the act said. Subsequently, the India Independence Act was repealed by the Article 395 of the Constitution of India and Article 221 of the Constitution of Pakistan of 1956 to obtain true independence for the new states. Though technically the new Constitutions did not have authority to repeal this act, it was done to sever the legal chain of validity and establish the Constitution as an independent legal system. CIC said: "It is also mentioned in various sources that the legislation was formulated by the government of Prime Minister Clement Attlee and the governor general of India, Lord Mountbatten, after representatives of the Indian National Congress (Jawahar Lal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel and Acharya Kripalani), the Mulsim League (Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Liaqat Ali Khan and Abdul Rab Nishtar, and the Sikh Community (Sardar Baldev Singh) came to an agreement with the viceroy of India, Lord Mountbatten of Burma, on what has come to be known as the 3 June plan or Mountbatten plan. This plan was the last plan for the independence." Jinnah documents On 6 December 1945, Jinnah made a speech, which is now part of the records with the UK government. Jinnah citing breakdown of the Simla Conference on 15 July 1945 invoked Stafford Cripps statement saying there will be no agreement possible till the Pakistan issue is solved. Jinnah said: "Muslim India will never accept any method of framing the Constitution of India by means of one Constitution-making body for all India, in which the Mussulmans will be in a hopeless minority and the conclusions are foregone in such an assembly. Nor will they agree to any united India Constitution, federal or otherwise, with one Centre, in which, again, they will be in a hopeless minority, and will be at the mercy of the perennial Hindu majority domination. Further, any attempt to set up a Provisional Government at the Centre, which would in any way prejudice or militate against the Pakistan demand, will not be acceptable to us, as the thin end of the wedge, as it is sought by Hindu India under the term of the Provisional "National" Government of India....it is high time that the British Government applied their mind definitely to the division of India and the establishment of Pakistan and Hindustan, which means freedom for both, whereas a united India means slavery for Mussulmans and complete domination of the imperialistic caste Hinduraj throughout this sub-continent, and this is what the Hindu Congress seeks to attain by constant threats to all and sundry, and this is what we are determined to resist with all that lies in our power." There is another letter available with the UK government, which throws light on Jinnah's exercise for Partition. On 9 February 1946, Jinnah wrote to Stafford Cripps from his 10 Aurangzeb Road house seeking immediate resolution for a new state-Pakistan. Jinnah wrote: "The Government should, without any further delay, make a clear declaration of its policy accepting Pakistan as the only solution of India's constitutional problem and I am hopeful that once the principle has been accepted the details can be adjusted.....the idea of a single Constitution-making body is fundamentally opposed to the basic principles that the Muslim League has declared times out of number. It will be perfectly futile to force such a measure upon Muslim India, as it must result in disaster, not to say that it will be a breach of the solemn declaration of August, 1940 and the repeated assurances of His Majesty's Government to that effect, given from time to time." A speech of Jinnah is also part of the record that was made on 4 May 1947, just months before India was decolonised. Jinnah said: "the question of a division of India, as proposed by the Muslim League, is based on the fundamental fact that there are two nations- Hindus and Muslims- and the underlying principle is that we want a national home and a national state in our homelands which are predominately Muslim and compromise the six units of the Punjab, the N.W.F.P., Sind, Baluchistan, Bengal and Assam." A month later on 4 June 1947 Lord Mountbatten, the Viceroy came on the radio to announce the Partition saying the transfer of power is to be effected in a peaceful and orderly manner, every single individual must bend all his efforts to the task. "This is no time for bickering, much less for the continuation in any shape or form of the disorders and lawlessness of the past few months. Do not forget what a narrow margin of food we are all working on. We cannot afford any toleration of violence. All of us are agreed on that." There is also excerpts from Stafford Cripps earlier statement on Britain's position on India that was made on 27 July 1942, who argued that Muslims are opposed to Hindu domination. "The Moslems, of whom there are at least 80 million, are deeply opposed to Hindu domination as are also the tens of millions of the depressed classes. To have agreed to the Congress party or to Mr. Gandhi's demands would have meant inevitable chaos and disorder. This is not merely my assertion, it is stated by Mr. Gandhi himself. Quite recently he has said: "Anarchy is the only way. Someone asked me if there would be anarchy after British rule. Yes, it will be there, but I tell the British to give us chaos."" Two youths wanted in connection with the violence in the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) on 2 May have been arrested by the police for allegedly trying to breach peace and posting inflammatory material on social media. Aligarh: Two youths wanted in connection with the violence in the Aligarh Muslim University on 2 May have been arrested by the police for allegedly trying to breach peace and posting inflammatory material on social media. Amit Goswami and Yogesh Varshney, former city president of Hindu Yuva Vahini, were arrested late Sunday and sent to jail, police said. According to the SO, Civil Lines, Javed Khan, they were arrested under sections 147 (rioting), 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on ground of religion) of IPC. According to the police, after the AMU campus violence, the duo had allegedly posted objectionable material on social media which had led to temporary suspension of internet service in the city. Meanwhile, security arrangements in the city have been further tightened since Sunday evening after some youths took out a procession on motorcycles in sensitive areas and later made an abortive attempt to take out a procession from the Varshney Degree College to vent their anger against the AMU for displaying a picture of Mohammad Ali Jinnah. IG, Aligarh Zone, Dr Sanjeev Gupta told PTI that two youths arrested on Sunday were also active in the attempts to disturb peace in the old city. Gupta said precautionary measures have been enforced and police patrolling in all sensitive areas intensified. Sunday afternoon, Shahar Mufti and Maulana Khalid Hameed had informed police that the presence of such slogan-shouting youths could push the city to an edge if the situation is not controlled immediately. Former Congress MP Chaudhary Bijendra Singh has urged district authorities to take preventive action against anyone who tries to breach the peace of the city. He has also asked the district magistrate to immediately institute an inquiry into yesterday's incident in which some youths pasted Jinnah's photographs in the toilets at Dharam Samaj Degree College. He has also asked district magistrate as to how a portrait belonging to AMU founder, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, which was installed in the hall of PWD guest house in Khair, was allegedly removed and replaced by a portrait of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is reported that the PWD guest house at Khair had portraits of prominent historical personalities belonging to Aligarh city. Narendra Modi has put the finger on the buzzer. Outrage over the 'angry Hanuman' poster shows is an example of 'liberal bigotry' targeting Hinduism. Trust Narendra Modi to set the terms of the debate. As I have argued earlier in these columns, the prime minister is a master communicator adept at shaping the narrative. So it is that during an election rally on Saturday he applauded Karan Acharya the Mangaluru-based graphic artist whose stylised version of Hanuman has become ubiquitous in India for his creativity and talent. But Modi didn't stop there. He went on to criticise the Congress and its "ecosystem" for dragging the young artist's creation into controversy. "I want to applaud artist Karan Acharya whose image of Hanuman ji has become wildly popular across the country and has set a trend. He deserves high praise for his creativity. I noticed all TV channels have queued up for his interview. This is the triumph of his art, talent and imagination. He is the pride of Mangaluru," Modi said during a rally at Nehru Maidan, adding a swipe: "However, there are some who seem to be very uncomfortable with the turn of events". "The Congress ecosystem cannot tolerate even the magnificent art of Karan Acharya whose Hanuman ji has captured the country's imagination. Unable to digest its popularity, the Congress tried miring it in a controversy and defaming it. There is not an iota of democracy in the minds of the Congress members Such a party does not deserve to rule Karnataka even for a day more," he said. By now, many are aware of the details of the vector graphic which Acharya had created in 2015 to cater to the demands of a local youth club. The image of a pensive Hanuman, furrowed brows and intense eyes, soon became a rage across India, taking even its creator by surprise. The graphic, done in saffron and black, now adorns T-shirts, rear-view mirrors, windshields, motorbikes, smartphone displays, accessories and so on. In an interview to Hindustan Times, the 28-year-old artist said he is now being called as "Hanuman ji ka artist" and is apparently getting a lot of work offers. Modi's allusion to 'Congress ecosystem' and its attempts to "defame" the creation stems from recent references that have called Acharya's artwork an 'angry' reflection of 'militant Hinduism'. The frown, saffron-and-black shades have become the reinforcement of political Hindutva that seeks to propagate 'naked majoritarianism'. Hanuman, apparently, is no longer a "benign" bhakt of Lord Ram but the symbol of religious chauvinism, and its viral representation in popular culture the ostensible "proof" of BJP's political and cultural dominance. It hasn't stopped there. The interpretation has led to "secular" activism from rootless "progressives" whose actions reflect the very intolerance that they claim to despise. The wings of Hinduism have been clipped, its pluralism reduced to a binary and its totems and symbols subjected to Abrahamic demonisation. And this illiberal interpretation of a liberal religion has become a project for 'liberalism' aided by strong moral overtones. If this isn't reductio ad absurdum (reduction to absurdity), one doesn't know what is. A much-discussed article in The Wire refers to the viral artwork as 'Hanuman 2.0" and a symbol of "militant Hinduism". "Hanuman 2.0 is not benign. The smile on his face has been replaced with strong frown lines. He radiates mean energy against a black and saffron background. His thunderous expression spells danger, and makes it clear he is no longer a server but a destroyer," it contends. Some articles call it the "angry Hanuman" and try to trace how it "became a rage" in India. I completely understand that symbols can be interpreted in various ways but it is so hard to not relate this to politics and political ideology. The fact that it is black and saffron and already the new face of outfits like Bajrang Dal is very scary, one journalist is quoted, as saying in a News18 article. The piece also quotes a content writer, as saying: "Every time I see these stickers, I am reminded of two things the expression of saffron nationalism. And not just by a nationalist, but by an angry mard (man)," said Sharma." A Kerala-based writer and activist said she would boycott all public vehicles that flaunt posters of the "angry Hanuman". According to an article in the News Minute, J Devika made the statement while participating in a panel discussion for a TV channel, "In Thiruvananthapuram, there are so many autorickshaws that bear posters of the rudra Hanuman. I will not get into any such auto, even if I have to walk for 2 kilometers. Moreover, I will not engage with anyone who bears symbols of extreme Hindutva, and I refuse to help in making profits for any organisation that bears such marks." Her statement that she would "boycott anyone or any organisation using the Angry Hanuman symbol" was apparently endorsed by many on social media. Some have suggested shunning cabs from taxi aggregators. Deccan Herald reports that Resmi R Nair, an activist and Bengaluru-based model, has posted on Facebook against cabs with the Hanuman sticker, describing it as a symbol of aggressive Hindutva. She said she wouldnt board such cabs or pay cancellation charges. The problem seems to be that it is an expression of aggressive Hindutva centred around a culturally appropriated image of Hanuman that is apparently "far removed" from its benign roots. To begin, it isn't clear why the image is being called "angry", or "rudra". The artist himself has clarified that his unsmiling Hanuman isn't "angry". He has no clue why it is being called so. Acharya says his Hanuman has "attitude". But since this is art, it is open to interpretation. Professor Philip Lutgendorf, author of Hanumans Tale, The Messages of a Divine Monkey, was quoted as saying by Scroll that the rise in devotion for Hanuman has been going on for quite a few centuries and has gotten intensified in the 20th century, probably in the same way that just about all religious activity in India has gotten intensified.. None of this (is) specifically tied to a kind of Hindutva or anti-minority message, but it can easily be. I dont argue with the possibility that it gets interpreted that way. A group that distributes food to the poor uses Hanuman stickers because "it is different and gets your attention". For 'Balaji Kunba a family against hunger', Hanuman is angry, but its ire is directed towards hunger and poverty, according to a report in The Times of India. Even if we consider the artwork as an expression of "anger", it isn't clear why that should trigger calls for boycott. In the article that discovers 'militant Hinduism' in the image, what strikes one is the fallacy in taking one avatar of a Hindu god as the reference point. Hanuman is benign, docile and submissive but he is also a ferocious warrior, a soldier, a fearsome destroyer whose rage cannot be contained and whose one roar is enough to make the three worlds tremble. Evil vanishes at the utterance of his very name, writes Tulsidas in Hanuman Chalisa. Aapan tej samharo aapai/ Teenhon lok hank te kanpai Bhoot pisaach Nikat nahin aavai/ Mahavir jab naam sunavae All of this is "true". It isn't just misinformation to reduce such a ferocious warrior who burnt Lanka down to cinders to a one-dimensional, "benign" creature. It is worse, because the writer misses the very first point of Hinduism which encourages plurality and multiplicity of views, not adherence to one view. There is no 'one truth' in Hinduism, there are 'many truths'. Or maybe the discomfort lies with the assertiveness of Hindutva because it militates against the notion of a benign, non-proselytising religion that is expected to roll over and make space for Abrahamic faiths and the unsmiling Hanuman verily looks as if he ready to fight that eventuality? The issue, ultimately, isn't whether the imagery is "angry", pensive", or "benign". It is about the vilification of a religion and its practitioners based on an ill-informed and mischievous interpretations. The poster of Hanuman has not been associated with any acts of crime or violence, and therefore, to call for boycott of public vehicles that display the image is intolerance, elitism, bigotry and cultural chauvinism all rolled into one. As senior journalist Charmy Jayasree Harikrishnan, protesting against these unjustified calls for boycott has written: "India is still a free country and there is nothing to suggest that all those who display a particular poster of Hanuman belong to a group that harass or rape women And stop insisting that Hanuman should be smiling. You are displaying the worst traits of those whom you claim to oppose. You are not only trying to establish mob justice and calling for subversion of freedom of expression, but this also amounts to blatant discrimination and denying employment due to prejudices," according to a report in The News Minute. These misappropriations have also led to lopsided cultural wars. One VHP functionary was rightly condemned for tweeting that he had cancelled a ride from a taxi aggregator "because the driver was a Muslim". His misdemeanor has been called out by many. In righteous indignation, some have called for Abhishek Mishra, the VHP member, to be punished for his hate speech Yet, this condemnation was singularly missing when it came to censoring Resmi Nair, the Bengaluru resident who was openly discriminatory against cabs which had the temerity to display the "angry Hanuman" picture even though, as has been pointed out, that image has not been associated with any acts of violence or crime. This prejudice has slipped through gaping holes of our collective consciousness. The unfortunate conclusion is that Hinduism and its practitioners continue to be at the receiving end of 'liberal bigotry' a wolf dressed in sheep's clothing of moral uptightness. Modi has put the finger on the buzzer, yet again. The Board of Secondary Education, Odisha declared the BSE Odisha Class 10 (Matric) Results 2018 today at 9 am. Students can check their score on bseodisha.nic.in, orissaresults.nic.in and results.nic.in The Board of Secondary Education, Odisha declared the BSE Odisha Class 10 (Matric) Results 2018 today at 9 am. Students can check their score on board's official results portals bseodisha.nic.in. However, if students are facing difficulties in accessing the official website, they can check results for the Class 10 Board exam on orissaresults.nic.in or results.nic.in as well. According to NDTV, Baleswar district has recorded the highest pass percentage of 88.25 percent, whereas the overall pass percentage stands at 76.23 percent. Odisha School and Mass Education Minister Badri Narayan Patra released the BSE Class 10 results from the Cuttack Central Office of the board, the report said. Over 6 lakh students appeared for the Class 10 Matriculation exams that were held between 23 February to 8 March, Zee News reported. The Board of Secondary Education, Odisha is a committee formed under the Odisha Secondary Education Act, 1953. The board regulates and develops secondary education in Odisha. Steps to check the result - Go to the websites bseodisha.nic.in or orissaresults.nic.in - Click on 'Class 10th Result 2018' and enter name and registration number - Click submit and take a printout of the result for future reference Karnataka told the Supreme Court that it has supplied 116.697 tmcft of Cauvery water, instead of 100.04 tmcft, to Tamil Nadu by applying the distress formula, even though the current year has been water deficient New Delhi: Poll-bound Karnataka on Monday told the Supreme Court that it has supplied 116.697 tmcft of Cauvery water, instead of 100.04 tmcft, to Tamil Nadu by applying the distress formula, even though the current year has been water deficient. Karnataka, which was hauled up on 3 May by the apex court for not releasing sufficient Cauvery water, on Monday filed an affidavit through its chief secretary, claiming that 2017-18 has been a "distress water year in the Cauvery basin" the third time in a row. However, Tamil Nadu, in its affidavit, on Monday alleged that Karnataka was acting like "a judge of its own cause" and has failed to comply with the order of the tribunal affirmed by the top court. It demanded the framing of the Cauvery Management Scheme by the Centre. In its affidavit, Karnataka said "on applying the alleged distress sharing formula based on 'recorded flow' as relied upon by the state of Tamil Nadu...before this court claiming damages or short supply in distress year 2012-13, the share of Tamil Nadu, at the end of April 2018 at the inter-state border work out to 100.04 tmcft. "However, Karnataka has ensured 116.697 tmcft at Billigundulu. Therefore, the excess ensured is 16.66 tmcft." It said that even in the months of March and April of this "distress year", the share of Tamil Nadu "has been met by ensuring 1.4 tmcft as against 1.24 tmcft for March and 1.10 tmcft as against 1.22 tmcft for the month of April. Therefore, Karnataka has not committed any default in ensuring water releases, as alleged." Karnataka has been reporting the status of water flows to the supervisory committee constituted after the top court's order of 10 May, 2013, its affidavit said. "Even if Tamil Nadu were to draw for drinking water etc, at the rate of 719 cusec for the remaining 28 days in May and 30 days in June (if rainfall is delayed), the total drawls would be 3.60 tmcft. Therefore, there is no shortage for drinking water in the Cauvery basin area in Tamil Nadu," it said. In its affidavit, Tamil Nadu on Monday alleged that Karnataka has been acting as "a judge of its own cause and fails to comply with the binding order of the tribunal as affirmed by this court." It said it would be appropriate that the issues relating to the implementation of the decision including the release of water are dealt by the Cauvery Management Board. "There cannot be any substitute to the machinery for the implementation of the final order of the tribunal," Tamil Nadu said, adding, "the central government is duty bound to implement the apex court's order on framing of Cauvery Management Scheme". Earlier, a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra had warned Karnataka and asked it to apprise the bench "as to how much water can be released" and fixed the matter for hearing on Tuesday. It had also taken strong note of the Centre for not yet framing the Cauvery management scheme to implement its verdict on river water sharing between four southern states, even as Tamil Nadu had attacked the union government for its "partisan" attitude saying this was the "end of cooperative federalism". Earlier, the court had also asked the Centre to file an affidavit by 8 May giving details of steps taken to frame the scheme, which was ordered for the smooth release of water from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry. Attorney General KK Venugopal had said the hearing on setting up of the scheme, under which Cauvery Management Board (CMB) has to be constituted, be deferred by ten days till the Karnataka polls are over as the prime minister and his cabinet colleagues were busy campaigning. Venugopal also said the draft scheme, which has to be approved by the Union cabinet, could not be put for approval due to the ongoing campaign. On 9 April, the court had asked the Centre to formulate and file the draft Cauvery management scheme before it by today and directed Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to ensure peace in the meantime. The bench had made it clear that the judgment has to be complied with all the stakeholders. The apex court had asked the Centre to formulate a scheme to ensure compliance with its 465-page judgement on the decades-old Cauvery dispute. It had modified the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) award of 2007 and made it clear that it will not be extending time for this on any ground. The top court had on 16 February raised the 270 tmcft share of Cauvery water for Karnataka by 14.75 tmcft and reduced Tamil Nadu's share, while compensating it by allowing extraction of 10 tmcft groundwater from the river basin, saying the issue of drinking water has to be placed on a "higher pedestal". With the apex court's verdict, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Union Territory of Puducherry would be annually entitled to 404.25 tmcft, 284.75 tmcft, 30 tmcft and 7 tmcft of Cauvery water respectively out of the total of 740 tmcft. Two weeks after Venkaiah Naidu rejected the impeachment motion against Dipak Misra , two Congress members of Parliament moved SC against the rejection Two weeks after Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu rejected the impeachment motion against the Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra citing "no proof of misconduct" by him as alleged by the Opposition parties, two Congress members of Parliament moved the Supreme Court on Monday against the rejection. Pratap Singh Bajwa and Amee Harshadray Yajnik, Rajya Sabha members from the Congress, approached the Supreme Court challenging Naidu's dismissal of the impeachment motion against Misra, ANI reported. Both the Congress MPs claimed in their petition that once the initiation of removal motion is signed by the requisite number of MPs, the Vice-President has no option but shall constitute an Inquiry Committee to investigate the allegations against the CJI Dipak Misra ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2018 Senior advocate and Congress leader Kapil Sibal mentioned the plea for urgent listing before Justice Chelameswar, PTI reported. Sibal said the impeachment notice was against the Chief Justice of India, hence the senior-most judge can direct for listing of the petition. Prayer - asks for quashing the order of VP, order an enquiry under the Judges Inquiry Act, constitute a committee for making an investigation. Read Full Prayer pic.twitter.com/JhRL4AyBfA Bar & Bench (@barandbench) May 7, 2018 The bench, also comprising Justice SK Kaul, asked Sibal and advocate Prashant Bhushan to mention the matter before the chief justice of India for urgent listing, citing a Constitution bench judgment on powers of master of roster. Sibal said he was aware of the constitution bench judgment on master of roster but since the impeachment notice concerns the CJI, the senior-most judge of the apex court can order for listing. "I am aware of the procedure but it can't be mentioned anywhere else. A person cannot be a judge in his own cause. I am just asking for urgent listing and not seeking any interim relief," Sibal said. In April, the Congress and six other Opposition parties moved a notice for the impeachment of CJI, accusing him of five counts of "misbehaviour" and "misusing" authority. The charges against the CJI included taking a bribe, illegally acquiring land and 'choosing to send sensitive matters to particular benches by misusing his authority '. The Opposition parties met Naidu and handed over a notice for the impeachment of the CJI with signatures of 64 sitting MPs of the Upper House. Naidu then held discussions with a number of constitutional and legal experts, including Attorney General KK Venugopal, and former top law officer K Parasaran. Naidu spoke to former Lok Sabha secretary general Subhash Kashyap, ex-law secretary P K Malhotra and former legislative secretary Sanjay Singh as well about the issue, officials said. He also held deliberations with senior officials of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, they said, adding that Naidu also spoke to former Supreme Court judge B Sudarshan Reddy. These are some of the reasons Naidu rejected the notice: -Motion undermines independence of judiciary -No credible/verifiable facts. -Going to press by MPs denigrated institution of CJI -MPs are unsure of their own charges -Some charges are internal matters to be resolved by Supreme Court itself With inputs from PTI The Rohini court in Delhi has ordered the registration of an FIR against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Ashutosh for allegedly making an inflammatory speech against former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Jawaharlal Nehru back in 2016. The Rohini court in Delhi has ordered the registration of an FIR against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Ashutosh for allegedly making an inflammatory speech against former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Jawaharlal Nehru back in 2016. #BREAKING: Rohini court has ordered registration of an FIR against AAP leader Ashutosh for allegedly making an inflammatory speech against former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Jawaharlal Nehru pic.twitter.com/GgFgmySP3E TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) May 7, 2018 In 2016, in a blog, the journalist-turned-politician defended sacked AAP minister Sandeep Kumar, who was expelled from the party on charges of rape. Ashutosh had referred to the reported relationships of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru with women to defend Kumar over the "objectionable" CD showing him in a compromising position with a woman and claimed that he was sacked as a minister for "perception management". "We have received the complaint against Ashutosh and it is being looked into for further action. No case has been registered so far," said a senior police officer as per the DNA report. Ashutosh has come under sharp attack from the Opposition parties as well as some AAP leaders, who had criticised his blog. At that time, the Delhi Police has registered a complaint against him. The complaint filed at Jyoti Nagar Police Station in northeast Delhi had demanded that police send Ashutosh for a "mental check-up" and register a case against him under appropriate law. According to the DNA report, complainant Subodh Jain, an RTI activist and former journalist, said Ashutosh's argument in defence of Sandeep Kumar that it was a matter of his "personal life" is a sign of his "warped mindset". "Now that the debauchery of his own party leader has been exposed Ashutosh's argument of private life and his questioning of Mahatma Gandhi's character is a sign of his warped mindset," Jain said in his complaint. The complainant further added that Ashutosh's "low-grade" argument has "deeply hurt" him as well as a large number of people in the country and all over the world. A CRPF jawan was injured in a grenade attack by militants in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. Srinagar: A CRPF jawan was injured in a grenade attack by militants in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, police said. The ultras hurled a grenade at the security forces at Tahab in Pulwama district this afternoon, resulting in injuries to the jawan, a police spokesman said. He added that the injured jawan was taken to a hospital, where his condition was stated to be stable. Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a hunt for the militants. Condemning the violence on the Aligarh Muslim University campus, the Delhi chapter of the AMU Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) has demanded a time-bound judicial inquiry and immediate arrest of persons involved in the 2 May incident New Delhi: Condemning the violence on the Aligarh Muslim University campus, the Delhi chapter of the AMU Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) has demanded a time-bound judicial inquiry and immediate arrest of persons involved in the 2 May incident. In a meeting held in New Delhi on Sunday, the Delhi chapter of the alumni association also passed a resolution, to be submitted to President Ram Nath Kovind, with their demands. Violence broke out on the AMU campus on 2 May after a row over Muhammad Ali Jinnah's portrait on the campus triggered a right-wing protest. At least six persons were injured when police lobbed teargas shells to disperse AMU students, who demanded the arrest of the protesters who had earlier barged into the campus. The association is deeply aggrieved by the partisan role played by the Aligarh police and the brutal lathi-charge on AMU students who were protesting the police inaction. More than a dozen students were seriously injured, the Delhi chapter of AMUOBA, which was formed in 1973, said in a statement on Monday. The association demands immediate arrest of those who tried to attack former vice-president Hamid Ansari and barged into the campus brandishing weapons and shouting provocative slogans, thereby leading to an extremely volatile situation. A time-bound judicial inquiry is also among the foremost demands. AMUOBA also demands action against the policemen who were complicit in what appears to be a coordinated and politically motivated attack on the university, it said. The Delhi chapter, an offshoot of the 1899-formed AMOUBA, also demanded that the cases against AMU students be withdrawn. The said demands must be met the soonest if the (Aligarh) district administration wants to restore the confidence of the AMU community in the administration and peace to prevail, the statement added. Amid a major protest by the students and boycott of academic activities, which has resulted in the postponement of the examinations that were scheduled to begin today, the AMOUBA appealed to the Aligarh district as well as the AMU administration to ensure that academic activities and annual exams are resumed as soon as possible. We request the media, particularly the TV news channels, to present the facts regarding AMU with fairness and without any bias, it requested, in the wake of purported video clips on social and broadcast media showing students raising slogans of Azadi' (freedom). The university officials, as well as its former vice-chancellor Lieutenant General (retired) Zameer Uddin Shah, have earlier clarified that the slogans by students demanding azadi was freedom from right-wingers and unfair treatment. On 5 May, the AMU Alumni Association of Maharashtra had also demanded a judicial probe into the violence on the varsity campus and called for "strictest possible action" against the culprits. Meanwhile, security arrangements in Aligarh were stepped up last evening after some youths took out a procession on motorcycles in sensitive areas and later made an abortive attempt to take out a procession from the Varshney Degree College to vent their anger over the Jinnah portrait finding a place in the university. Two youths, including a former Hindu Yuva Vahini city unit chief, have been arrested in connection with the violence in the Aligarh Muslim University on 2 May for allegedly trying to breach the peace and posting inflammatory material on social media, the police said. The Delhi government has put search and rescue teams on standby in every district following the meteorological department's warning about heavy rains and thunderstorm. New Delhi: The Delhi government has put search and rescue teams on standby in every district following the meteorological department's warning about heavy rains and thunderstorm. The revenue department of the government has issued directions to all district officers and said water and power utilities would also keep restoration teams ready . "The district and sub-district search and rescue teams have been put on standby," a senior official of the department said. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds are very likely at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh on Monday and Tuesday. At least 124 people were killed and more than 300 others injured in five states due to dust storms, thunderstorms and lightning last week. US president Donald Trump has indicated that he could take more radical anti-immigration measures, threatening that he could 'close up the country'. Washington: US president Donald Trump has indicated that he could take more radical anti-immigration measures, threatening that he could "close up the country" if Congress does not fund his controversial border wall with Mexico, drawing sharp criticism from a top Indian-American Democrat lawmaker. Trump has escalated his rhetoric against illegal immigration in recent weeks, especially in the wake of an annual migrant caravan that is seeking asylum in the US. He has also ordered the National Guard to deploy troops to the border to address what the administration calls a "crisis" there. Addressing his supporters in Cleveland, Ohio, Trump slipped in the idea that people might "have to think about closing up the country." "They don't want the wall, but we're going to get the wall, even if we have to think about closing up the country for a while," Trump was quoted as saying by CNN. "We're going to get the wall. We have no choice. We have absolutely no choice. And we're going to get tremendous security in our country," he said. President Trump has made it clear that he plans to build an "impenetrable, physical, tall, powerful, beautiful, southern border wall" between the US and Mexico. The border is about 3,100 kilometre long and traverses all sorts of terrain. Trump says his wall will cover some 1,600 kilometre and natural obstacles will take care of the rest. Trump claims the total cost of the wall will be $10 billion to $12 billion. But experts say the cost could be much higher. Trump then mentioned the notion a second time, saying, "And, we may have to close up our country to get this straight, because we either have a country or we don't. And you can't allow people to pour into our country the way they're doing." It was not immediately clear what Trump meant by the remarks. CNN has reached out to the White House for comment, the network said. Meanwhile, Democratic House of Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington told CNN that Trump "is absolutely out of his mind to think that is any kind of a reasonable solution for our economy or compassionate or in line with our values." "This president has done everything he can every time he's in trouble to turn around and try to turn it against immigrants, and it really deeply saddens me," she said. While in Cleveland, Trump criticised Democrats, including Ohio's Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown, for their opposition to a border wall to stop illegal immigration. On Friday, Trump said America's southern border is "under siege." That tweet, however, came a day after his administration released statistics that showed illegal border crossings held steady in April from the month before and are in line with historical trends. Although there was a significant spike in border crossings in March, figures released by US Customs and Border Protection show that the number of apprehensions in April roughly held steady compared to that month. Border crossings also remain in line with historic seasonal trends, and numbers are still consistent with Obama administration years slightly below fiscal years 2013 and 2014 but slightly above 2015 and 2016. Trump's claim on Friday that Mexico is "doing little to help" also contrasts with some public statements by members of his administration, including Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, who thanked Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto in March for "helping to foster a close partnership" with her department, US media reported. Trump also told supporters at a speech in Michigan last weekend that if Congress did not meet his funding demands for border security, he may support a government shutdown this fall. An FIR was lodged on Sunday against a medical college owned by a Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP from Bihar for allegedly publishing a prospectus featuring a map of India without the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), police said Katihar: An FIR was lodged on Sunday against a medical college owned by a Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP from Bihar for allegedly publishing a prospectus featuring a map of India without the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), police said. The incident triggered sharp reactions from the ruling BJP-JD(U) alliance, which termed it an act of sedition. In its prospectus for the 2018-2019 session, the Katihar Medical College and Hospital (KMCH) has not featured PoK in India's map. The college authorities said it was an error committed by the printing press and that it was being rectified. Ahmad Ashfaque Karim was elected to the Rajya Sabha as an RJD nominee along with five others in March. On the directive of the Katihar district magistrate, the FIR was lodged with Katihar Mufassil police station on Sunday evening against the KMCH management and others for distorting the map of India, Katihar Sub-Divisional Police Officer Anil Kumar said. After a video on the truncated Indian map went viral on social media, the district administration sent Anil Kumar and Katihar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Niraj Kumar to the KMCH for an enquiry. They seized the prospectus in question and some other documents from the medical college, Anil Kumar said. The FIR was registered after Niraj Kumar submitted his report to Katihar District Magistrate Punam. KMCH owner and RJD MP Ahmad Ashfaque Karim said the printing press was to be blamed for the mistake. "It is a big mistake which should not have happened. It is an error by the printing press. We had asked the press to rectify the error on 24 April itself. The prospectus is not being sold for the past 15 days," Karim told a news channel. In response to a question, he said, "Entire Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. None can separate it from the country." Reacting to the incident, Union minister and BJP leader Giriraj Singh described it as an act of sedition designed to split India. Referring to the ongoing controversy over a portrait of Pakistan Founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah on the Aligarh Muslim University campus, Singh said "Jinnah's jinn (spirit) has entered India". JD(U) spokesman Ajay Alok demanded that President Ram Nath Kovind and Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu should look into the issue. Training his guns at RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav for sending Karim to the Rajya Sabha, Alok said the country is facing such a situation because of "anti-national elements". RJD vice-president Shivanand Tiwari said he has not seen the KMCH prospectus and the medical college authorities should apologise to the people. "I have not spoken to Ashfaque Karim on this issue. But if such a thing has happened even by mistake, the college administration should say sorry and rectify the mistake," Tiwari said. The Opposition parties in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday condemned the killing of civilians near an encounter site in Shopian, alleging that the situation is a fallout of wrong policies adopted by the state as well as the central government. Srinagar: The Opposition parties in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday condemned the killing of civilians near an encounter site in Shopian, alleging that the situation is a fallout of wrong policies adopted by the state as well as the central government. Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president GA Mir expressed profound grief over the civilian killings in Shopian and described it as highly unfortunate and painful. "The civilian killings are fallout of wrong policies adopted by both the state and central government. The Centre lacks any Kashmir policy, which is responsible for extremely volatile situation in the valley," a party spokesman said in a statement in Srinagar. Five civilians died during clashes between protesters and law enforcing agencies near the encounter site in Shopian district on Sunday. Senior CPM) leader MY Tarigami alleged that the killings have become an everyday norm in Kashmir now and "it seems the government is least bothered about this unfortunate tragic situation." "How long it will take the government to wake up from the slumber and initiate a dialogue to address this mass unrest?" he asked. "For how long the blood of civilians will continue to flow in Kashmir? We have been reiterating it that there is no military solution to address this issue except to imitate a credible process of structured dialogue with all stakeholders. Unfortunately, political leadership is not responding to this worsening situation through political process, Tarigami said. He claimed that the "indifferent and callous attitude" of those in power in Delhi and Srinagar is only "inflaming the already worsening situation further." "I have no words to condemn these killings as mere condemnations every time a civilian is killed isn't enough. Ordering a probe after every killing is not a solution to the problem as people have lost faith in such probes," he said. While expressing solidarity with the bereaved families, he demanded an immediate end to "impunity to security forces in such cases". Lecturer-turned militant Mohammad Rafi Bhatt, who survived for less than 40 hours in his new incarnation as a militant, was perhaps the most educated militant in 27 years of insurgency in Kashmir Valley Chunduna, Ganderbal: Among thousands of mourners, more than a dozen students sat in a line, waiting for the dead body of professor Mohammad Rafi Bhat to arrive in Chunduna village of Central Kashmirs Ganderbal district on Sunday evening. As the family members carried the bullet-ridden body of the lecturer, who was killed in Shopian district of south Kashmir during an encounter, inside the house, every ten minutes, one of the students would break down. More than a teacher he was a friend and a guide, Malik Abdul Momin, a Master's student from the Sociology Department of Kashmir University, told Firstpost. His death and his decision to join militancy have left us devastated, he added. Last Friday morning these students had gifted, Rafi, an assistant professor at the Department of Sociology in Kashmir University, a wristwatch after he informed them that he was leaving the varsity for another assignment in Hyderabad. Rafi, 32, was among the five militants killed on Sunday morning in Badigam village of south Kashmirs Shopian district. The clashes that broke during the encounter and afterward left five civilians dead as well, and more than 50 people injured, according to police and doctors. Hizb-ul-Mujahideen suffered a major setback on Sunday as four of its longest surviving A++ category militants were killed within a few hours in Shopian district. Saddam Paddar, Bilal Ahmad Mohand, Adil Ahmad Malik, and Tawseef Sheikh were at the top in Hizb-ul-Mujahideen hierarchy and were considered most wanted by the security agencies. Paddar had joined Hizb-ul-Mujahideen in 2014 when Burhan Wani was the chief of the outfit in Kashmir. He comes from a well-to-do and influential family which owns several orchards in Kashmir. He was the only surviving militant in a photograph that had gone viral in early 2014. Back in Chunduna, more than Rafi's death what has shaken the entire area is the professor's decision to join militancy. Though he survived for less than 40 hours in his new incarnation, Rafi was perhaps the most educated militant in 27 years of insurgency in Kashmir Valley. He served as an assistant professor for little more than a year at Kashmir University where he completed his PhD last year. An MPhil and a Master's degree holder, Rafi had cleared the National Eligibility Test (NET) twice, JRF once, and for his meritorious academic record, he was given a job in the same department. Peerzada Amin, head of the Department of Sociology at Kashmir University, was among the thousands of people who joined the funeral prayers of the doctor, as he was known at his native village Chunduna. He was not just a brilliant scholar but a dedicated teacher as well, says Amin while speaking of Rafi, a former student, and colleague. On Friday morning, Rafi gave his last lectures one on Indian society and another on post-structuralism. At 3.06 pm on Friday, 25 minutes before he disappeared, Rafi posted a poem that one of his students had dedicated to him, on Facebook. "Gift from my students. I will remember your love and respect," he wrote, adding, "Allah bless you all." At around 3.30 pm on Friday, he left his department at the Kashmir University, with a sling bag and a backpack. That was the last time anyone saw him alive. After he went missing, the students of Kashmir University held a protest demanding the whereabouts of their teacher. "No one could have thought that he was leaving to become a militant," Jehangir Ahmad, another Master's student at the Department of Sociology, Kashmir University, told Firstpost. At 7.30 am on Sunday, Rafi's father Abdul Rahim Bhat received a call. It was his lecturer son on the other side. "I am sorry if I have hurt you and this is my last call as I am going to meet Allah," Rafi told his father. Rahim was taken aback when his son told him that he was trapped with other militants in Badigam village deep south in Shopian district. "When did you become a militant?" the astonished father asked his son. The call got disconnected. He received another call, this time from the SSP of Shopian, asking him to come to Shopian to try to motivate his son to surrender. The surrender did not happen. The police brought his family including his father, brother, and wife, to get him to surrender. Rafi had married four years and has no children. A police official in the district said that the lecturer wanted to surrender, but was not allowed by another slain militant, Sadam Paddar. Rafi's father Abdul said that he had kept a close watch on his son after two of his cousins one in 1991 and another in 1993 died trying to join militancy. He said he did everything to give his children a good education. "But I think somehow my efforts failed, Abdul said. Police in the Shopian district said when they came to know that Rafi was trapped inside the house, they halted the operation and got his family. "But they refused to surrender," said Shalinder Misra, SSP, Shopian. Rafi had completed his PhD in 2017 on globalisation and emerging trends in consumerism: comparatives Study of rural and urban Kashmir. Before the degree was even awarded, he was offered a job at Kashmir University. When educated and gainfully employed young men choose the path of militancy it should serve as a wakeup call for those who have turned a deaf ear towards repeated pleas for initiation of dialogue with all stakeholders to find a solution to this quagmire, Omar Abdullah, the National Conference leader, said in Ladakh region on Sunday. "Turning a blind eye towards the alarming situation wont change reality. The growing levels of alienation and isolation are alarming signs and need to be acknowledged and addressed politically. This is not an economic issue and cannot be resolved through economic packages," he added. At least 114 people have been killed in militancy-related violence in the Valley in the first four months of this year. Among them, 53 were militants from Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad, 33 civilians, 14 policemen, 13 army men and one BJP worker. The BJP said if a report questioning the chargesheet filed by the police in the Kathua rape and murder case was true then the onus was on the Home Minister Mehbooba Mufti to issue a clarification on it. Jammu: The BJP on Sunday said if a report questioning the chargesheet filed by the police in the Kathua rape and murder case was true then the onus was on the Home Minister Mehbooba Mufti to issue a clarification on it. A citizen's group which conducted an individual probe into the rape and killing of an eight-year-old girl had claimed that the chargesheet filed by the Crime Branch had discrepancies and the investigation was botched-up. They had demanded a CBI probe in the case. "If the recent findings questioning the facts of chargesheet are true, then onus lies on the state home minister to clarify," senior BJP leader and party MLC Surinder Ambardar told reporters. He was replying to question on whether Mufti, who is the chief minister of the state, should resign in view of the new revelations in the case. He had also referred to a report by a panel of the Bar Council of India which had said that the local lawyers' body in Kathua had not obstructed the police or the counsel of the victim's family. It also supported their demand for a CBI probe in the matter. The body of the girl, from a nomadic minority community, was found in Rasana forest on 17 January, a week after she went missing while grazing horses in the forest area. On 23 January, the government had handed over the case to the crime branch of the Jammu and Kashmir Police which formed a Special Investigation Team and arrested eight people, including two Special Police Officers (SPOs) and a head constable. Jammu has been tense since the brutal rape and murder of the girl. The Supreme Court is likely to hear the Kathua gangrape-and-murder case on Monday along with the petitions seeking shifting of the trial to Chandigarh and handing over the investigation to the CBI. New Delhi: The Supreme Court is likely to hear the Kathua gangrape-and-murder case on Monday along with the petitions seeking shifting of the trial to Chandigarh and handing over the investigation to the CBI. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, which had stayed the trial in the case till Monday, would deal with the prayer of the victim's father for shifting the trial to Chandigarh and the plea of the accused seeking handing over the probe to CBI. The victim, an eight-year-old girl from a minority nomadic community, had disappeared from near her home in a village near Kathua in the Jammu region on 10 January. Her body was found in the same area a week later. The apex court had earlier given a stern warning and said it would transfer the Kathua gangrape-and-murder case from the local court in the "slightest possibility" of lack of fair trial, saying the "real concern" was to hold proper prosecution. The girl's father had moved the apex court earlier, apprehending threat to the family, a friend and their lawyer Deepika Singh Rajawat. A separate plea was also filed by two accused seeking that the trial in the case be held in Jammu and the probe handed over to the CBI. 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. The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a plea seeking a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the Kathua rape and murder case. The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a plea seeking a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the Kathua rape and murder case, media reports said. The case had sparked vociferous protests across the country seeking measures for the protection of girls and women from sexual assault. The apex court order comes shortly after Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti spoke out against a CBI inquiry in the matter. Mufti had said there is "absolutely no need for a CBI inquiry" into the incident. The court has transferred the case to Pathankot in Punjab. It has also passed a slew of directions for the manner in which the case should proceed including fast-tracking of the case, in-camera trial and daily hearing. The court has also said that the Jammu and Kashmir government is free to appoint a special public prosecutor to conduct the case. Speaking to reporters after the order, the victim's lawyer Deepika Singh Rajawat said, "We are very thankful to the Supreme Court for the verdict. The basic concern is to ensure a fair trial and speedy justice." According to a report in Firstpost, while the victim's family said that they were satisfied with the probe by the Crime Branch, the residents of the village where the incident occurred had sought a CBI probe. The Supreme Court was dealing with the plea of the victim's father for shifting the trial to Chandigarh and the plea of the accused seeking handing over the probe to CBI. The victim, an eight-year-old girl from a minority nomadic community, had disappeared from near her home in a village near Kathua in the Jammu region on 10 January. Her body was found in the same area a week later. The apex court had earlier given a stern warning and said it would transfer the Kathua gangrape-and-murder case from the local court in the "slightest possibility" of lack of fair trial, saying the "real concern" was to hold proper prosecution. The girl's father had moved the apex court earlier, apprehending threat to the family, a friend and their lawyer Deepika Singh Rajawat. A separate plea was also filed by two accused seeking that the trial in the case is held in Jammu and the probe handed over to the CBI. The state police's Crime Branch, which probed the case, filed the 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. With inputs from PTI Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner (South) Meeraj Khalid said, 'We have intercepted the taxi. A case has been lodged at Rabindra Sarovar police station. We are talking to the witnesses and the victims. We will soon arrest the culprits.' Kolkata: Six persons, including five women in their early 20s, were injured when unidentified persons allegedly threw some chemical, supposedly acid, at them from a moving taxi last night at Panditia Road in the southern part of the city, police said on Monday. The victims were passersby and the incident took place around 9.30 pm last night, the police said. Locals chased the yellow taxi but the riders including the driver escaped leaving the vehicle behind, a senior officer of Kolkata Police said. "They (people in the car) attacked the people indiscriminately and randomly and no one was the target, in particular," he added. Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner (South) Meeraj Khalid said, "We have intercepted the taxi. A case has been lodged at Rabindra Sarovar police station. We are talking to the witnesses and the victims. We will soon arrest the culprits." "We are yet to get hold of the driver Ricky Mondal, who was appointed by the owner. We found the room where he was staying in Kalighat area under lock and key. We have launched a search for him," the investigating officer. "Going by the eye witnesses version it seems there were around four to five men inside the taxi. We have asked for the CCTV footages of the area," he added. A case was lodged at the Rabindra Sarovar police station and a search has been launched for the attackers using the vehicle's registration number, he said. The injured were discharged after preliminary treatment at a state-run facility. Police were trying to find out the nature of the chemical which was allegedly hurled at the victims. "We have collected samples of the liquid from the spot and send it for testing at the laboratory. We are not sure whether the liquid was acid because there were no serious injuries on the victims. They only complained of a burning sensation," the police officer added. Several voices have joined the chorus for a CBI investigation into the Kathua rape and murder case, while others have spoken against it. Among those against the demand is Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti who asserted that there was 'absolutely no need for a CBI inquiry' into the incident. The Supreme Court is expected to hear the petition filed by two accused in the Kathua rape-and-murder case seeking transfer of probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday. While several voices have joined the chorus for a CBI investigation into the case, others have spoken against it. This includes Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti who asserted that there was "absolutely no need for a CBI inquiry" into the incident. Here is a look at some of the reactions to the demand for a CBI investigation. Absolutely no need for CBI inquiry, says Mehbooba Mufti According to The Indian Express, the Jammu and Kashmir chief minister firmly rejected the call for a CBI probe into the Kathua case and said that if you dont trust Jammu and Kashmir Police, there is no one left to be trusted in the state. The chief minister expressed confidence in the investigation carried out by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and stated that "there is absolutely no need for a CBI inquiry". "I am very clear about this case. The Jammu and Kashmir Polices Crime Branch has done a very good investigation, collected all the evidence scientifically. Now the trial will be in the court, which will decide the outcome. We are convinced that there is absolutely no need for a CBI inquiry. We cannot take such a decision because the accused are demanding it, Mufti was quoted as saying in the report. Mufti further alleged that those who question the Crime Branch investigation have a vested interest and their aim is to protect the perpetrators of this heinous crime. Nothing wrong in demand for CBI probe: Kavinder Gupta The new Jammu and Kashmir deputy chief minister Kavinder Gupta, however, appeared to contradict the chief minister, saying that there was nothing wrong in the demand for a CBI probe into the case. Its good if people are demanding a CBI inquiry into Kathua rape-and-murder incident. They should demand a CBI inquiry. The matter is in the Supreme Court, Gupta was quoted as saying by Greater Kashmir. Centre has no objection to CBI probe: Jitendra Singh Union minister Jitendra Singh had asserted that the Centre had no objection to the handing over of the Kathua rape-and-murder case to the CBI, provided the state government comes out with a reference. As far as we are concerned, we don't have any problem or objection to hand over the case to the CBI. If the state government comes out with a reference, we will hand over the case to the agency today itself," Singh had said to reporters on the sidelines of a function in Jammu. Jammu and Kashmir Police targeted innocent individuals: Ashok Kaul Claiming that the Jammu and Kashmir Police targeted several innocent individuals in the Kathua case, Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Jammu and Kashmir state general secretary Ashok Kaul had asserted that the BJP would continue to press for a CBI probe into the incident, The Economic Times had reported. "We still demand that the case should be handed over to the CBI. The crime branch is harassing and has targeted many innocents. If some police officials are involved in the crime, does it not raise a finger at the whole institution? The SP of the district should have resigned by now," the report had quoted Kaul as saying. Unthinkable that father-son duo can plan rape: Hindu Ekta Manch The Hindu Ekta Manch has strongly demanded a CBI investigation into the Kathua case, saying that it was unthinkable that a father-son duo could plot a rape and murder together and eight people could rape an eight-year-old, The Economic Times had reported. The family members of the accused along with the Hindu Ekta Manch members had protested in Kathua, demanding a CBI probe. Do not support accused but want fair probe: Jammu Bar Association The Jammu Bar Association had sought a CBI probe into the Kathua rape and murder case while asserting that it did not support the accused but wanted a fair probe. BS Slathia, president of the bar association, had also said that attempts were being made to project the lawyers as the supporters of the accused. "Lawyers of Jammu are being maligned in order to divide the state along communal lines. All we have been saying is that the investigation of the case should be transferred to the CBI. Does anyone say that the CBI is communal," Slathia had asked. Demand for CBI probe appears to be justified: Bar Council of India committee A Bar Council of India (BCI) committee, headed by former high court judge Justice Tarun Agarwal, had supported the demand of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association, Jammu, and Kathua District Bar Association seeking a CBI probe, in the Supreme Court, saying that the demand "appears to be justified". Group of Intellectuals and Academicians demand CBI probe The demand for a CBI investigation also came from a group of five women comprising retired judge Meera Khadakkar, Supreme Court advocate Monika Arora, Delhi University professor Sonali Chaitalkar, social activist Monicca Agarwaal and journalist Sarjana Sharma, who submitted a "factual" report on the brutal rape and murder of the eight-year-old girl in Kathua to Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh. The report claimed that the chargesheet filed by the Jammu and Kashmir crime branch in the case had discrepancies and the investigation was "botched-up". The women, who call themselves a Group of Intellectuals and Academicians (GIA), said they had met more than 25 people, including the victim's family, the family members of the accused, and some influential people from the nomadic community to which the girl belonged. During their stay in Jammu and Kashmir, they had also called on Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. With inputs from agencies As the head of this government, it is hoped Narendra Modi can order it stopped. Indians who live abroad are usually self-conscious of making any critical comment be it financial, social or political about the home country. There is a general belief that NRIs have lost the right to criticise because they've left their country's shores and their commentary is, therefore, unwelcome and presumptuous. However, off and on, NRIs bring a certain fresh perspective that separates the forest from the trees. On a recent trip home, I decided to take such a liberty after observing in person, the fawning and unctuous conduct of our rank and file to their political masters. To my eye, it is absurd and obscene besides being such a colossal waste of money. I am watching Prime Minister Narendra Modi being received in Karnataka at one of those unending rallies. He is inundated with garlands and sundry offerings in various shaped vessels. He quickly dispenses with these items without even looking at them and hands each offering to security and aides in uniform whose job is reduced to playing passing the parcel and being compromised from the surveillance they should be conducting. Each garland spends about an average of three seconds around his neck before being tugged off. The garlands keep coming. There is just no stopping them and they have now become an integral symbol of the sycophantic subject to the superior lord and master equation. We do it in adulation, in our fawning surrender to political power and its often clay-footed idols, in arrivals and departures and at every public function, strike, rally, VIP entry ad nauseum ad infinitum. Not just in the reception, but even in the decor that surrounds the luminary. Even in death we dont stop. And its competitive nature is so intense it is almost a fight to see who has the best garland or design. The prime minister doesnt care. Nor should he. I am sure he is sick of this pointless ritual. As the head of this government, it is hoped he can order it stopped. Every year, over 800 million tonnes of flowers are exhausted in pleasing the gods and on religious festivals, according to Helpusgreen, who have launched a waste gathering initiative aimed at picking up these flowers which have been left behind. Alive or dead, our political masters probably go through a lot of them. Jayalalithaas gun carriage had two tonnes of flowers. Karnataka election fever creates a spike in flower sales. There is so much of this felicitation going around. Arguably, it would be fair to say we are the only nation which takes flower power to this incredible degree. Even our neighbours, who share similar cultures have held back in comparison. Pakistan is quasi-military so their floral flaunting is muted. The Chinese are seldom seen combating a floral assault beyond clutching the occasional bouquet. Sri Lanka does a bit but not much. In Bangladesh, you dont see it very much. In the western world, where the tactile exchange is limited to a handshake, you wont see British prime minister Theresa May or German chancellor Angela Merkel choking under 20 marigold garlands. Imagine the grumpy US president Donald Trump going onto a raat ki raani noose. The only time Russian president Vladimir Putin would allow flowers around his neck is if he visited India. No sheikhs, kings or presidents allow themselves to be snowed under pretty petals either. It is not our culture. It is just poor floral sucking up. There is no respect for it, the recipient at best is dismissive and it is money down the drain. It is something we have to end because it serves no purpose. Imagine when you count the hundreds of thousands of national, state, local level and self-styled VIPs attending daily events or being received or dispatched and the prodigious mountain of flowers destroyed that this saving could be used to create schools, hospitals, old age homes and toilets. Almost every time I have been to an airport, I've witnessed a gaggle of hangers on waiting for the political or religious master to fetch up, golden orange garlands in hand and a lickspittle ingratiating grin on their faces. And minutes later, the welcome is over, the petals lie crushed on the floor and the sweeper comes along to sweep them away. Why not just sweep away this stupid habit? Narendra Modi is paying a two-day state visit to Nepal on 11-12 May at the invitation of his Nepalese counterpart KP Sharma Oli. Kathmandu: Kathmandu's local governing body will hold a civic reception in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Nepal this week. Modi is paying a two-day state visit to Nepal on 11-12 May at the invitation of his Nepalese counterpart KP Sharma Oli. Kathmandu Metropolitan City mayor Bidya Sundar Shakya will read out the letter of felicitation to be handed over to Modi and hand over a symbolic key to him during the civic reception, according to deputy mayor Hariprabha Khadgi Shrestha. Handing over a symbolic key has a historic and cultural importance," she said, adding Oli will also attend the function. KMC will also present a special gift to Modi along with the letter of felicitation printed on traditional painting. The reception will be organised at City Hall in Kathmandu. A grand welcome gate decorated with national flags of Nepal and India as well as posters of Oli and Modi will also be installed near the venue. KMC has already started work for beautification of different places in the city ahead of Modi's visit. Some of the works being carried out by KMC include blacktopping major roads, painting city walls and planting new flowers and shrubs along major routes. Prior to his arrival in Kathmandu, Modi will visit Janaki Temple in Janakpur situated in southern Nepal and Muktinath Temple situated in Mustang district of northwest Nepal on Friday. In Janakpur, the provincial government will separately organise a civic reception in honour of Modi before he flies to Mustang and Kathmandu. Just a month after Nepal's prime minister KP Oli paid a three-day diplomatic visit to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to make a reciprocal visit on 11-12 May. Just a month after Nepal's prime minister KP Oli made a three-day visit to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make a reciprocal visit on 11-12 May in a bid to further bolster relations between the two countries. Prior to his arrival in Kathmandu, Modi will visit Janaki Temple in Janakpur situated in southern Nepal and Muktinath Temple situated in Mustang district of northwest Nepal on Friday. In Janakpur, the provincial government will separately organise a civic reception in honour of Modi before he flies to Mustang and Kathmandu. One of the key highlights of his visit will be the inauguration of the 900 MW Arun 111 hydropower project. This is seen as a move to integrate Nepal's economy with that of India, something analysts say will go a long way to counter China's growing influence in the Himalayan nation, as Livemint reported. Preparations have reached the final stage and security has been stepped up. Security has been increased in Mustang district, home to famous Hindu pilgrimage site Muktinath. "Security has been tightened throughout the district with the Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, the Nepal Army and the National Investigation Department conducting security surveillance," Chief District Officer Sishir Poudel told PTI. The security arrangements ahead of and during the visit assume an even greater significance because a pressure cooker bomb went off outside an Indian consulate office in Nepal's Biratnagar last month. In the backdrop of the blast, the security situation has been tightened. Security concerns In a rare attack on a foreign mission in Nepal in April this year, a pressure-cooker bomb exploded outside the office of the Indian consulate in the country's eastern Biratnagar city damaging its wall but no one was hurt. The bomb was triggered by an unknown group in an open space behind the building and created a small hole in the wall, the police said. "A minor explosion took place along the rear boundary wall of the camp office of embassy of India at Biratnagar, Nepal at about 20:15 hours on April 16. No one has been injured in the incident," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. Another blast happened at the office of a hydroelectricity project in Nepal developed with Indian assistance, just weeks before its inauguration by Modi. The compound wall of 900 MW Arun III Hydroelectric Power Plant's office in Khandbari-9, Tumlingtar, nearly 500 kilometres from Kathmandu, suffered minor damage after the explosion, My Republica reported. The project is slated to come into operation by 2020. A Project Development Agreement (PDA) for Arun III was signed with India's state-owned Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) on 25 November, 2014 in the presence of the then Prime Minister Sushil Koirala and Modi, the report said. Trilateral cooperation: India, China and Nepal Just before Modi's visit to Wuhan, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi had proposed to his counterpart from Nepal Pradeep Kumar Gyawali trilateral cooperation between India, Nepal and China in building an economic corridor. Welcoming the 'informal' meet between Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping, Gyawali told Xinhua, "Nepal is always open and positive toward the concept of trilateral cooperation with China and India in many fields, including economic development." While India has reportedly not shown much interest in the trilateral cooperation since it was mooted, an ORF report said that it will be advantageous for Nepal to go ahead as the proposed infrastructure project would connect with China. With Nepal seems to be leaning a little more towards China, Modi's visit to the nation might ease tensions and give a fillip to bilateral ties. While KP Oli asserted that his Indian visit was 'significant and fruitful', Modi's visit would "mark the beginning of the end of a bitter chapter in bilateral relations," according to The Indian Express. KP Oli's India visit After a three-day diplomatic visit to India, Oli said the tour helped clear misunderstandings and mistrust between the two nations, and strengthened mutual trust. "The bilateral relations will move forward in a new direction on the basis of equality and mutual interest. We have agreed to expedite past agreements and understandings reached between the two countries," he said. An interlocutor involved in backchannel talks told Hindustan Times, "India has to engage with the elected government of Nepal. Oli has said categorically that he will not allow Nepali soil to be used against Indian interests. His India visit was successful and interactions here went well. By paying a reciprocal visit, Modi wants to maintain the momentum in ties and truly put past differences behind us." With inputs from agencies The NHRC has sent notices to the Tamil Nadu government and the CBSE over alleged hardships being faced by students who had to travel long distances to write their National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). New Delhi: The NHRC has sent notices to the Tamil Nadu government and the CBSE over alleged hardships being faced by students who had to travel long distances to write their National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). The commission in a statement on Monday observed that the state government and CBSE authorities had "failed" to provide examination centres to aspirants within Tamil Nadu, resulting in hardships for not only students but also their parents. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) chairperson and the Tamil Nadu chief secretary, seeking a detailed report explaining as to why students had to travel across the state to appear for the examination. The commission also said it would like to know as to what steps were being taken by both the authorities to ensure that such incidents do not recur. "The NHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report alleging that a lot of hardships were faced by young students, who had to travel across the state to write their NEET, organised by the Central Board of Secondary Education," the rights panel said in the statement. "In one such incident, a 46-year-old man from Tamil Nadu, who had to travel a long distance of 500 kilometres with his son to appear in the NEET at a centre in Kerala, died due to cardiac arrest on Sunday," the NHRC said. According to the media report, carried on Monday, a statement issued by the CBSE said that "at least 3,685 medical aspirants from Tamil Nadu had to travel out of state to take the exam". The commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights. "The students pass through tremendous pressure due to examination. It is the duty of the state to ensure that they should not be subjected to any kind of discomfort, while they are appearing for the entrance examinations," it said. However, as per a news report, CBSE and NEET authorities have not commented on why they "failed to create enough exam centres within Tamil Nadu", the NHRC said. "It is also mentioned that in the news report, the Tamil Nadu state government had announced on May 5 that every student from Tamil Nadu, who travelled to other states to appear for the NEET, will be given train fare in addition to the monetary assistance of Rs 1,000 per candidate," the statement said. Over 13 lakh candidates appeared for the national medical entrance exam NEET yesterday at 2,225 centres across the country. Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said the government was working 'seriously' to have women in combat uniforms. New Delhi: Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said the government was working "seriously" to have women in combat uniforms a vow which, if fulfilled, will bring gender parity in the Indian armed forces and enable women to be deployed on-board submarines of the navy and tanks of the army. "Women are keen to join armed forces in uniform. The Indian Air Force has already inducted women fighter pilots. About commissioning of women in the army and related forces, several cases are being fought in various courts. In the navy, women are not allowed in the sea, but we are working seriously towards opening up defence forces for women," Sitharaman said. She was speaking at an event to release a Gender Parity Index for the year 2017-18, a special study commissioned by FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO), the women business wing of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Women in combat roles in the armed forces has been a long pending demand. Then president Pranab Mukherjee in February 2016 announced that women will be allowed to take up combat roles to remove gender disparity in one of the world's most male-dominated professions. The Indian Air Force in July last year inducted three women Mohana Singh, Avani Chaturvedi and Bhawana Kanth as the first female fighter pilots. The Indian Navy has also offered a permanent commission to women officers. In 2016, it started with a modest group of seven and vowed to expand the numbers. Sitharaman, India's first full-time woman defence minister, stressed on the need to make women empowerment steady. "For every frontier touched or broken by women that frontier should be sustained with more and more women." Opposition parties slammed a Tripura government committee's proposal to introduce Hindi as a medium of news on all local TV channels instead of 'Kokborok', the state's second official language since 1978 Agartala: Opposition parties on Monday slammed a Tripura government committee's proposal to introduce Hindi as a medium of news on all local TV channels instead of "Kokborok", the state's second official language since 1978. The Information and Cultural Affairs Department committee on 6 April proposed that "instead of using 'Kokborok' as a medium of news, Hindi may be introduced as it would promote nationalism and people from outside the state also could follow". The main opposition Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) condemned the proposal, saying Hindi may be promoted but not at the cost of "Kokborok", the official language of the indigenous tribals. "Hindi may be promoted, but the regional and tribal languages should also be given due importance and recognition. We strongly oppose the proposal," CPM's Tripura state secretary Bijan Dhar told the media. He said the first Left Front government headed by former chief minister Nripen Chakraborty in 1978 had introduced "Kokborok" as one of the official languages of Tripura. Congress vice-president Tapas Dey called the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government "anti-tribal" for taking the "undemocratic decision". "The proposal was announced a month ago and the state government has remained silent. We demand its immediate rejection," Dey said. However, the BJP has rejected the opposition's claims saying that "a committee's recommendation could not be a government's decision". BJP ally, the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT), said it was "unaware of the proposal". "We don't know anything about such a proposal," IPFT leader Ananta Debbarma said when contacted by IANS. Amidst the controversy, Information and Cultural Affairs Department Director Bishnupada told IANS that "Kokborok" news would continue. BJP spokesperson Mrinal Kanti Deb said that an official notification has not been issued and they were "working to promote 'Kokborok' language". "As far as Hindi is concerned, it is necessary to introduce it for bringing Tripura into the same group with other major states. It does not mean that 'Kokborok' would be suppressed." Rajya Sabha has, over time, whittled away its legislative influence in Parliament, as well as its ability to represent states' interests at a federal level. Editor's note: The recently concluded Budget Session of Parliament was, by all accounts, the least productive in at least a decade, marked by protest, adjournment, and very little constructive debate, let alone passage of bills. Firstpost will examine, by way of a multi-part series spread across a six-week span, the reasons why the Parliamentary process in particular, and the democratic apparatus in general, has failed India's citizens. The clutch of essays, written by experts in the Constitution and constitutional law, will investigate the defects, introduced by design, that have enabled the degeneration of legislative functioning. Series has been curated by Bangalore-based lawyer and tutor of democracy and active citizenship, Malavika Prasad. The Constitution of India envisages a bicameral legislative system at the federal level comprising the Lower and Upper Houses of Parliament. Political scientists consider the Upper House (Rajya Sabha) to be 'co-equal with restrictions' with the Lower House (Lok Sabha) in terms of design, power, and function. This implies that through institutional design, the Rajya Sabha is at parity with the Lok Sabha, except in case of financial legislation. In other areas of legislation, disagreement between the two houses is to be resolved through a joint sitting. Despite this apparent parity, the period following the early 2000s has witnessed a gradual decline in its role as a second legislative chamber of Parliament. While two houses of Parliament are not necessarily a better thing in terms of legislative outcomes (there have been instances of countries abolishing their upper houses, Portugal in 1926; Sweden in 1970 both unitary in their nature of government), there are good reasons to retain the bicameral system of legislative organisation in countries which are federal in nature. The principle of legislative federalism, which presupposes that the representatives from states are able to better frame laws which pertain to their interests, finds expression in the Indian Constitution through the division of legislative power between the central and state governments. An additional way of operationalising legislative federalism is through an Upper House of Parliament where states' representatives can articulate their distinct interests, and it is this function of the Rajya Sabha which has witnessed a gradual whittling away and requires reconsideration. Quality, stability, and revision The reasons for adoption of the bicameral system fall broadly into two categories. First, there are functional arguments to indicate that members of the upper legislative chamber could, as a result of the permanent nature of its tenure, develop legislative expertise over time. Writing in the Federalist Papers in 1788, Alexander Hamilton argued that an Upper House in the United States would serve as an anchor for legislation which was exposed to the changing compositions and interests represented in the Lower House, which was characterised by a "mutability... arising from a rapid succession of new members". In a similar vein, Montesquieu provided a justification for a second legislative chamber in European polities which would provide representation to a diverse range of interests, including representation of the wealthier aristocracy, as well as the members of a rapidly emerging commercial class in the wake of the Industrial Revolution. Gradually, although the power granted to second chambers began to wane in countries with unitary systems of government like France and Britain, they retained influence. This was primarily because they were seen as having a moderating influence upon the agenda of the Lower House, with legislative expertise cultivated over time, as well as its relative independence from the popularly elected chamber. Therefore, while the normative justifications advanced for the establishment and continuation of an Upper House have evolved over time, certain advantages which result from its design and composition continue to hold salience. In India, the nature of the Rajya Sabha's procedure of selection, its eligibility criteria, as well as the presence of nominated members, indicate that its democratic legitimacy has indirect moorings, and its purpose is distinct from the Lok Sabha, which possesses direct democratic legitimacy. One of the ways in an Upper House of Parliament can exercise its influence on legislative agenda in cases where there is a clear Lower House majority is through private member bills. In the period between 1952-2001, there have been fourteen private member bills introduced in the Rajya Sabha which became law, out of which five were in the first twelve years of the institution. Recent sessions of the Rajya Sabha, which have seen a large number of private member bills being introduced, have rarely seen any of them being passed, a matter discussed in greater detail here. This has greatly impacted the ability of non-majority parties in the Rajya Sabha to influence the legislative agenda. Inter-cameral engagement on legislation which shuttles between the upper and lower houses has also been minimal, for reasons which have been explored in other pieces in this series, but it increasingly clear that legislative activity has been minimal in the Upper House. One of the ways in which the Australian Senate has ensured a multiplicity of partisan interests is through its system of electing senators through proportional representation, where a party is able to secure representation by getting a certain minimum vote share. This is in contrast to the first-past-the-post system (FPTP) used in India, where the candidate with the maximum number of votes is declared the winner. In FPTP electoral systems, votes garnered by losing parties do not translate into even minimal representation in a legislative body. Electoral systems with proportional voting have the ability to be more representative of the diversity of interest in a polity but are criticised for contributing to unstable, fractious and inefficient legislative bodies. The Australian political arena has seen parties with a governing majority in the House of Representatives frequently being required to satisfy divergent interests in order to carry forward their legislative agenda. It is because of this that it is considered one of the strongest upper houses in the world, with considerable leverage over the legislative agenda and budget bills. Such multi-partisan consensus building can be operationalised through joint sittings of the upper and lower houses, without a concomitant loss of the numeric supremacy which the Lok Sabha enjoys. It is another matter that the last time this occurred was in 2002 due to the logjam caused by the Prevention of Terrorism Bill. A differentiated whole The second category of argument advanced in favour of a second legislative chamber invoke federalism. The nature of Indian federalism necessitates the representation of state interests at the federal level. Federated countries are classified into two kinds by the political scientists Alfred Stepan, Juan Linz, and Yogendra Yadav. Conceptually, India is best described as a 'state-nation', in contrast with a 'nation-state'. In 'state-nation' polities, there is an 'awareness of, or attachment to multiple cultural traditions', which does not preclude identification with a common state identity. In 'state-nations', ethnocultural cleavages are salient, recognised, and democratically managed within a federal system which is usually asymmetric in nature. India, for example, retains a constitutional arrangement in which states are at an unequal bargaining relationship with the central government as a matter of design. Institutionally, one of the ways in which this aspiration to democratic management finds expression is the creation of an Upper House of federal Parliament. In India, this is seen in the Rajya Sabha, which was intended to advance the representation of states' interests at the federal level. The composition of the upper houses and their manner of election is also relevant in the US and Australia, where each state is permitted an equal number of senators. In this way, the ability of more populous states to exert a disproportionate influence on the activity of the House is curbed. Of course, this is not the only way in which an Upper House may be designed. Such is the case with India, where Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh, which are of comparable spatial dimensions, are permitted 12 and 31 representatives in the Rajya Sabha due to their divergent populations. At a time when the inequitable nature of fiscal federalism in India is a matter of public discourse, this idiosyncrasy of Indian institutional design is important to consider. In the course of the Constituent Assembly Debates, LM Singhvi, perhaps moved by American nomenclature, argued that the Council of States be called a 'senate', which would serve not as a revisionary chamber, but would "represent the federal ethos in India", which would be a "grand inquest of the nation", and represent the "diversities of languages of cultures perceptions and diversities of interests". In this way, it was seized with a representative nature which Shankar and Rodriguez describe as a 'differentiated whole'. That the Rajya Sabha was intended as an aggregator of states' interests is evident from its ability to pass laws on a state subject in certain cases, its ability to create all-India services, as well as its emergency powers when the Lok Sabha stands dissolved. This, however, has become gradually eroded over time, for a number of reasons, one of which was a judicial pronouncement removing the domiciliary requirement in order to be a member of the Rajya Sabha in 2003, a move which has since been criticised. Consequently, a Rajya Sabha member is no longer required to have any ties with the state of which she is a member. It is not difficult to see that this does disservice to its intended purpose. It may be prudent to reconsider whether this move best serves the intended institutional interests of the Indian Upper House in representing the varied and distinct interests which states may have, at a federal forum. Conclusion Upper houses of parliament were historically designed to ensure a measure of temperance to the legislative agenda of popularly elected lower houses of parliament, as well as to ensure the representation of a more diverse set of interests, whether it be of a certain social class in unitary states like Britain, or of states in the US. India's Upper House has, over time, whittled away its ability to exercise its legislative influence over policy issues, as well as its ability to represent states' interests at a federal level. In doing so, it has become an institution in search of a mission. If we are to take India's commitment to legislative federalism seriously, its role and function in Indian democracy require a rethink. The author is a lawyer and doctoral candidate in comparative constitutional law at the Central European University, Budapest. Read about the series: Budget Session 2018 washout, worst in over a decade, shows why legislature desperately needs reform agenda Read Part 1: Obsolete system of voice votes needs to be replaced with electronic voting Read Part 2: Examining legislative avenues available to keep govt accountable, exercise necessary oversight Read Part 3: Core problem cannot be fixed till we introduce checks on Speaker's discretionary powers Read Part 4: Strengthening committee system can improve quality of drafted laws, fast-track implementation Read Part 5: 'Bye-Partisanship'; What Indian legislature needs to break deadlocks, improve discourse Read Part 7: Political parties must be tamed, their incomes regulated to revive Indian democracy Read Part 8: Anti-Defection Law must be curbed to empower legislature, promote deliberative democracy Read Part 9: Corporate funding of elections continues to bankrupt legislative morality, weaken electoral integrity Read Part 10: Enabling stakeholder consultations in policy-making can deepen democracy, improve transparency Read Part 11: Time, the unseen yet powerful factor of politics, holds key to controlling legislative discourse Read Part 12: Understanding 'political value' of time and how it is weaponised in democracy Dalits and Thakurs in Saharanpur are spending enormous resources on asserting caste identities. These resources could have been used for their development. Editor's note: The BJP, its ideological lodestar RSS, and even the BSP, a party with moorings in Dalit identity, have, in recent months, outdone themselves to court the Dalit constituency. The community itself has found new ways to assert its leverage over Indian political parties and reinforce its place in society. Firstpost will travel across UP, the test bed of India's Dalit politics, to record how these changes have altered life in its villages, towns and cities. In Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, the presence of statues of Dr BR Ambedkar and Maharana Pratap has increased. There appears to be a kind of contest between the Dalit and the Thakur communities to assert their identities. Ambedkar statues are being erected in every other Dalit-dominated area. As a reaction to this, the Thakurs are putting in place statues of Maharana Pratap. For a dominant caste, the assertion of collective identity through statues in this manner is uncommon. The population of Saharanpur is 34 lakh, out of which 17 percent are Dalits and about 10 percent belong to the Rajput community. A similar contest plays out in the way Ambedkar Jayanti and Maharana Pratap Jayanti are celebrated in public spaces. During such celebrations, DJ consoles and loudspeakers are becoming a common feature. In Maheshpur, which falls in the Deoband tehsil, along with Maharana Pratap, statues of a saint from Rajasthan who holds spiritual significance for the locals, are also being seen at some places. On 5 May, which marked completion of one year since gory caste clashes took place in the district, a group named Rajput Chetna Manch garlanded a large statue of the Rajput king of Mewar and also offered a candlelight tribute to Sumit Rana, who lost his life in the violence. Communities are finding ways to remind themselves of the enmity through performance and prayer. Members from either caste are still locked up in jail, which also keeps hatred alive in public memory. Sudhesh Kumar is the brother of the former gram pradhan Shiv Kumar, who is still in jail under the National Security Act, 1980. Recounting what led to last years incident, he says that some Dalits were planning on setting up an Ambedkar statue inside a Ravidas temple and a stage was being pieced together inside the temple on which the statue was to be placed. But the Thakurs complained to the police who showed up at the temple and halted the construction. The Ravidas statue is still damaged. Sudhesh Kumar cites this as proof that the local administration isnt sensitive towards Dalits. The land, he says, belongs to the gram samaaj, land granted to the village for welfare of local communities and the prime reason for last years clashes was the resistance towards Dalit identity assertion by dominant castes and the police administration. Just outside Shabbirpur is Badgaon, inhabited by Pundir Rajputs. Here, Manoj runs a small chaat stall next to a statue of Maharana Pratap that stands on a shaky pedestal. He says that some years ago, a bunch of Thakur boys fought with the police to place the statue in the Deoband constituency. However, BJP MLA Kunwar Brijesh Singh says there isnt any controversy regarding this particular statue as it has been around for long. Nearly 35 kilometres away is a village named Khushalipur that has been adopted by BJP MP from the region Raghav Lakhanpal Sharma. Here, members of the Dalit community complain that lanes havent been cemented, drains havent been built and the construction of small bridges over drains hasnt been completed. Meanwhile, Vinod Singh, a Dalit farmer from Khushalipur, says that on the birth anniversary of Ambedkar (14 April), a large celebration with food and music was organised for the first time and Dalits from neighbouring villages were invited too. The assertion of caste identities in a place like Shabbirpur also causes financial strain on communities and may end up redirecting their limited resources away from exercises that could have led to the development. This article is the second part of a series of articles. You can read the first part here. The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice on a fresh plea by a woman seeking to declare the practices of polygamy and 'nikah halala' among Muslims as unconstitutional. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice on a fresh plea by a woman seeking to declare the practices of polygamy and 'nikah halala' among Muslims as unconstitutional. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud sought response from the Centre and others on a plea of Rani alias Sabnam challenging the practice of polygamy and 'nikah halala' in the community. She and her three minor kids were allegedly thrown out of the matrimonial home after her husband had re-married. The bench after hearing senior lawyer Shekhar Naphade and advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay ordered tagging of her petition with a batch of pleas to be decided by a five-judge Constitution bench. While polygamy allows a Muslim man to have four wives, 'nikah halala' deals with the process in which a Muslim woman, who wants to re-marry her husband after divorce, has to first marry another person and get a divorce from him after the consummation. The apex court, on 26 March, had referred to a five-judge constitution bench a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of polygamy and 'nikah halala' among the Muslims. Rani alias Sabnam, in her petition, referred to the sequence of events in her life and said she had married one Muzammil on 8 February, 2010 as per the Shariayat rites and was blessed with two sons and a daughter. She said her parents spent about Rs five lakh, including gold and silver ornaments as dowry, in her marriage. However, she was later harassed and forced out of the matrimonial home here after her husband re-married. The woman, who is currently living with her children at the home of in-laws in Bulandshahr town of Uttar Pradesh after neighbours came forward in their support, has moved the top court for declaring these practices as unconstitutional. "The instant petition raises an important issue of General Public Interest, that is prevalent practice of polygamy including nikah halala which is unconstitutional and even then the same is prevailing in our country. The said practices which certainly comes within the domain of personal law cannot be immune from judicial review under the constitution," it said. The plea said that "extra-judicial talaq" amounted to cruelty and be made an offence under section 498A (subjecting a married woman to cruelty) of the IPC. It also sought that the practice of 'nikah halala' be considered as the offence of rape under the IPC. Union ministries of Woman and Child Welfare, Law and Minority Affairs and National Commission for Woman have been made parties to the litigation. The top court had on 23 April directed the Centre to respond to a separate plea seeking to declare the provisions of Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) validating the practice of polygamy and 'nikah halala' as unconstitutional. It had also ordered tagging of the petition, filed by Lucknow resident Naish Hasan on the same issue. Hasan, in the petition, had said the pivotal issue that needed to be answered was whether under a secular Constitution, women, merely by virtue of their religious identity, can be relegated to a status significantly more vulnerable than their counterparts professing other faiths. The apex court had on 26 March referred a batch of pleas challenging the practice of polygamy and others to the constitution bench. The bench had considered the submission that an earlier five-judge constitution bench, in its 2017 verdict, had kept open the issue of polygamy and 'nikah halala' while quashing triple talaq. By a majority of 3:2, a five-judge constitution bench, on 22 August last year, had banned the 1,400-year-old practice of instant 'triple talaq' among Sunni Muslims and set it aside on several grounds including that it was against the basic tenets of the Holy Quran and violated the Islamic law Shariat. The story of Showkat Ahmad Tak, a Lashkar-e-Taiba militant who was killed by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, speaks of the larger resentment gripping the new generation of Kashmiris. Scores of them have already left home to become militants. Many more, intelligence inputs claim, are on the waiting list Panzgam, Kashmir: When pre-dawn fireworks rattled the congested Chattabal locality of downtown Srinagar on 5 May, the government forces were oblivious of the fact that they were finally up against the most mysterious Lashkar-e-Taiba commander in Kashmir, who for the last seven years had managed to bypass cordons, changed appearances and emerged as the instrumental force of Hafiz Saeeds militant group in Kashmir. Eight hours and multiple boomeranging blasts later, an under-construction "safe house" yielded three bodies buried under the torn ceiling and brick walls. Among the slain militant trio was Showkat Ahmad Tak, Lashkars top commander in Kashmir. But it took security agencies a while to confirm and reveal his identity. Apparently, they were aware of how they had cut a sorry figure for themselves six years ago when they had confused a militant killed in a Kulgam gunfight in November 2012 with Tak. However, when the body was handed over to his family, they turned it away, saying it was a case of mistaken identity. "There was a resemblance between the dead man and my son. We told police it was not him, Ghulam Hassan Tak, father of the slain militant told Firstpost at his home on Sunday morning. The incident had taken place a year after Tak went missing from a seminary in north Kashmir to join militancy. Since then, like a textbook militant, he didnt give much of a clue about his operations to security forces and continued bypassing the surveillance, until his last moves were traced to a congested Srinagar neighbourhood on Saturday. The Tak family lives in abject poverty. The senior Tak was a utensil maker, who stopped working a few years back. Showkat's two brothers work as daily wage labourers. They live in a four-room single storied house in Panzgam village. Ghulam told Firstpost that he never saw his son after he became a militant. He never came back to his village. Yesterday evening the police called to say that we should identify the dead body of Showkat, Ghulam said, adding, "He was given to me by God. He took him back, rest I have nothing to add," he said. As per the police officers involved in the operation, Showkat was LeTs mover and shaker in the Valley especially after the outfit lost scores of commanders last year. In seven years as a militant, Showkat rose in the ranks to become Lashkars Pulwama chief, but according to the police, surprisingly, he hardly stayed in the area. "Most of the times the intelligence gathered by various agencies found that he was either in north Kashmir or in Srinagar and its adjoining areas," said Mohammad Aslam, SSP, Pulwama. On close heels of launching Operation All Out against active militants in Kashmir in summer 2017, Showkat figured in the Indian Armys 'kill list'. Among the 12 wanted militants, Showkat enjoyed a reputation of being one of the oldest hands in Kashmir insurgency, who had survived many anti-militancy operations. One police officer, regularly seen leading the counterinsurgency operations in the Valley, describes Showkat as a "model militant"."As a militant, he was very proficient in executing a low-profile strategy to his success," the officer says. "This is how Hizb-ul-Mujahideen survived after it was decimated from the mid-90s to early 2000s. Besides a low-profile militant, Showkat was a local contact of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba militants. His killing is indeed a big dent for the outfit," he added. Even though Showkat didnt become a household name like Burhan Wani, he had become one of the "deadliest militants" for security forces in the Valley. A resident of Panzgam village in Pulwama district in south Kashmir, Showkat was 21 when he left home to join militancy. He was memorising the Holy Quran in a Darul Uloom in Bandipora in north Kashmir when one day, in October 2011, he left to join the Lashkar-e-Taiba. Like most of his militant methods, the trigger behind his rebel foray stays mysterious. He had landed in the seminary after clearing his 12th class. A quick look at his pre-militant profile reveals that Showkat hardly had any history of harassment at the hand of security forces, which, as per the families of many militants, force the Kashmirs new generation on the path of militancy. His (Showkats) was a clear case of conviction, said Muzamil Ashraf, a friend of Showkat who was present at the funeral. "During our school days, he used to get very much disturbed over the manner India was handling Kashmiris and their legitimate demand of freedom, with a brute force. Not everyone can make peace with a life, which comes with daily harassment. Showkat was one of them," he added. Showkat's militant tribe, his friend says, sees only one solution to the long pending promise of 'right to self-determination', made by New Delhi to Kashmiris. And thats a gun solution, he says. Today, most of them prefer dying as militants than make peace with the so-called normalcy, which is bleeding every other day in Kashmir now. I believe, its high time for the (Narendra) Modi-led Indian government to think why youngsters like Showkat are leaving behind all possible comforts of life and die fighting its forces, which they denounce as an occupation force, in Kashmir? Such anguish is nothing new during militant funerals in Kashmir. But in case of Showkat, it speaks of the larger resentment alarmingly gripping the new generation of Kashmiris. Scores of them have already left home to become militants. Many more, intelligence inputs claim, are on the waiting list. On the other side, the security forces now frequently entering into gunfights with militants in Kashmir are in a celebratory mode. "Showkats elimination is a big success for us because as a commander he was swelling the Lashkars Kashmir base by recruiting young boys," a top police officer says. He was very much proficient to do that, as he had his schooling under LeTs biggest guns in Kashmir, including Abu Qasim, Abu Dujana, and others. The sleuths would often trace Showkat's movements to Srinagar outskirts throughout his seven-year-long militant stint in which he rose to become an A++ category militant. Militants of Showkats stature are beyond the usual gun-yielding guerrillas, the police officer said, adding, "They are the brain behind the war of attrition against Indian State in Kashmir." Outside Showkat's house in a makeshift tent, after his funeral was attended by thousands of people, a man with a long flowing beard stood up and read Islamic verses from the Holy Quran. "This is the death we all aspire for," he said, and the mourners nodded their heads in agreement. "If he were a drunkard you would not even care, but he was a Mujaheed. You all want to die like him. One is dead, another is born. Don't think it will stop. It won't," he added. St Stephen's vandalisation has to be seen in the context of recent JNU, AMU incidents. Such acts are an attack on freedom of thought and critical thinking. For Stephanians, college is as important as the country. Every citizen has different identities viz, as a son, daughter, father, mother, college, state, country. And each identity is equally important. We Stephanians are aghast by the vandalisation in the college. It has hit not only at the core of the liberal and secular ethos of the college but the principles enshrined in the Constitution of India. Some apologists are calling it a prank, as the College has a rich tradition of practical joke week, PG Wodehouse Society and underground magazines like Spice, Katy. But the vandalism cannot be called a prank. It is sinister and diabolical. The vandals have indulged in sacrilege by defacing the grave of the founding father of St Stephen's College, Reverend Samuel Scott Allnutt. He served as the first principal of the college. The vandalisation has to be seen in the context of recent attacks on prestigious institutions of the country, like Jawahar Lal University (JNU) and Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). In JNU, fake news of the "tukde-tukde gang" was created by various TV channels, allegedly to malign the students of the university. In AMU, a silly controversy was initially created over a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, which was blown out of proportion by pseudo-bhakts and amenable media. Attempts have been made to tarnish the image of institutions with secular and liberal ethos. These institutions, like any educational institution, encourage critical inquiry, thinking and freedom of thought. Such acts are an attack on the freedom of thought and expression and critical thinking. Colleges and universities are spaces where one questions ideas, thoughts, narrative etc. The growth of a nation is finally dependent on critical inquiry thought. But that seems to be under attack, and it is a dangerous and regressive trend. The vandalism has shocked Stephanians across the world. It has prompted a petition on Change.org to the President of India: "We, the alumni of St Stephen's College, New Delhi are writing to condemn the act of vandalism discovered on the college chapel on Friday, 4 May, 2018, where the chapel door was defaced with the words 'mandir yahin banega', and the cross graffitied with 'I'm going to hell'. We demand a police case be registered, an appropriate investigation is conducted, and the perpetrators be swiftly booked. The hate crime was clearly an attempt to disrupt college functioning and polarise the population of Delhi University just weeks ahead of university exams. We ask that the college and university administrations act speedily and surely in quelling any attempts at communalising the campus. Further, we recognise this as part of a larger national pattern of the last four years to destabilise higher education and attack undergraduate and graduate institutions across the country. We refuse to stand by as democratic principles, enshrined in our Constitution, are systematically dismantled. St Stephen's College has an exemplary record of producing leaders, innovators and changemakers in every field in India and abroad. We, the alumni, are grateful to our alma mater for promoting the values of critical thinking and responsible citizenship in all of us and take these values to our various roles across the globe. We reject the agenda of hate that such an attack on the college chapel represents. We will not let it divide us on ideological grounds. We also commit ourselves to being vigilant against future provocations and holding those who make them accountable. Sincerely, Alumni of St Stephen's College" The defacement of the grave of the founding father of the college and smearing of the door of the chapel is not only an attack on the liberal and secular ethos of the college but also on the minorities of India. An attack on minorities and their institutions is a very dangerous trend and could adversely impact the secular and democratic fabric of our country. One of my classmates and now a professor in the college sent me this message: "Right-wing group attacked the chapel of St Stephen's College and also the grave of its founding father Samuel Scott. This can happen in other minority institutions-schools, colleges hospitals, places where we have studied and grown up, like Mater Dei, St Xavier, CJM Carmel, Presentation. In fact, a worse attack than the one in Aligarh Muslim University can take place. This needs to be opposed and we all need to stand for the secular and democratic fabric of our country." The fear is such that she does not want her name to be quoted. How can one imagine any educational institution to be in a grip of fear? It is indeed sad for India, which in many a sense is a civilization. As the maxim goes: "In any country, the faith and confidence of the minorities in the functioning of the state in an impartial manner is an acid test of its being a just and civilized state." Professor Sumit Sarcar in the final paragraph of his seminal book 'Modern India 1885-1947' wrote: "The six decades of India and its history that we have surveyed thus find meaning and relevance if considered as a complex process of change through struggle, which is still far from complete. Perhaps the reflections of a British socialist writer on history and its contradictions can serve as an appropriate epitaph: 'pondered how men fight and lose the battle, and the thing that they fought for comes about in spite of their defeat, and when it comes turns out not to be what they meant, and other men have to fight for what they meant under another name (William Morris, A Dream of John Ball, 1887).'" In other words, though India won freedom from the British in 1947, it has to yet to win freedom from social, economic inequality, casteism, superstition, fundamentalism fanaticism and communal hatred. The struggle for real freedom for India still continues. The author is Controller, Communications, Uttarakhand. He was the nodal officer for implementation for the recommendation of the Sachar Committee Report. He's a St Stephen's College alumnus. A tourist from Chennai, injured in stone pelting on Srinagar-Gulmarg road on Monday, succumbed to critical injuries in a hospital in Srinagar, police said. A tourist from Chennai, injured in stone pelting on Srinagar-Gulmarg road on Monday, succumbed in a hospital in Srinagar, police said. The tourist, identified as R Thirumani, 22, son of Rajwali, of Chennai was injured when stone pelters attacked a tourist vehicle in Narbal area on Srinagar-Gulmarg road. "He was shifted to Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura in Srinagar but succumbed to critical injuries this evening," a police source said. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti went to the SKIMS hospital immediately after she was informed that the tourist had passed away. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, expressed anguish over the attack on tourist vehicle and the death of Thirumani. "This young man from Chennai died in my constituency & while I dont support these goons, their methods or their ideology Im deeply, deeply sorry that this happened at all & that too in an area Ive been proud to represent since 2014," Omar tweeted. He also wished a speedy recovery to the injured in the incident. "Im also pained to know that among the injured from the stone pelting in Narbal is a young woman from Handwara in North Kashmir. I pray she & the others injured make a quick recovery," he said. With inputs from agencies As per the woman's complaint, the BJP worker 'raped' her many times by 'cheating' and 'offering allurements' to her. Sehore: Police in Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh have registered a case of rape against two local BJP workers and arrested one of them. Raja Ram (35) was on Sunday arrested for allegedly raping a 28-year-old woman repeatedly for the last two years, Ashta Sub Divisional Officer of Police GP Agrawal said. Ram's friend Mukesh Thakur (32), also accused of raping the woman, was absconding, he said. Thakur is a local representative of BJP MP Manohar Untwal. Agrawal said that Ram, who a working committee member of the state BJP's Scheduled Caste Cell, ran a centre under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas (Skill Development) Yojana. He gave a job to the woman in April 2016. As per the woman's complaint, he `raped' her many times by "cheating" and "offering allurements" to her. He also threatened her and forced her to sleep with his friend Thakur on some occasions, the woman said in her complaint, lodged on Saturday. Police arrested Ram and efforts were on to nab Thakur, the police officer said. A case under IPC sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) was lodged against the duo, Agrawal said. When contacted, district BJP chief Sitaram Yadav said he had sought a report in this regard from the Ashta unit of the party. "After getting the report we will take appropriate action," he said, when asked if the BJP will expel the two men. On Monday, the UP government published a full-page advertisement, listing the measures taken by the state to improve women's safety On Monday, the Uttar Pradesh government published a full-page advertisement on the front page of several editions of Hindustan Times, listing the measures taken by the state to improve women's safety. Titled 'Women empowerment", the ad which appeared in the Delhi, Gurugram, Jaipur, Lucknow and Noida editions of of the national daily lists 26 separate "state government policies and programmes for welfare of women" that are currently in force. This comes only weeks after Kuldeep Singh Sengar, an MLA of the ruling BJP, was caught in a controversy after he was accused of raping a minor in 2017. The four-time lawmaker and his brothers allegedly gang-raped the girl in Unnao who attempted suicide outside the chief minister's residence in Lucknow and were also accused in the custodial death of the victim's father. Arrests in the case came only after nationwide outrage and protests demanding justice for the survivor. "The Uttar Pradesh government, under the leadership of Yogi Adityanath, showed its commitment towards security and welfare of women in the state from the first day of assuming office last year... The government has strictly followed zero tolerance policy against crime with no interference in the functioning of police, ensuring rule of law in the state," the ad reads. However, reports from last year reveal that crimes against women were rampant even in the months following the change of government. In the first two months of the new government, over 800 incidents of rape were reported. "Between 15 March and 9 May, 729 murders, 803 rapes, 799 loots, 2,682 kidnappings and 60 dacoities took place," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna said. From the gangrape of a Dalit woman at gunpoint just days after the government swore-in in March and the kidnapping and rape of a minor in April to the rape of a woman in a vehicle in May and the rape and murder of a minor in Aligarh in June last year, crimes against women in Uttar Pradesh have made national headlines every single month since the BJP government took office. The numbers of the previous administration, however, were no better. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of crimes against women in 2016, according to the data released by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). The state registered 14.5 percent (49,262 cases) of total cases of crimes against women that year, and 20,000 cases rape involving minors. Monday's ad also boasted of trademark schemes of the BJP government, such as Anti Romeo Squads. "In its first cabinet meeting, the Anti-Romeo Squad was constituted to check and prevent harassment and eve teasing of girls," it says. The squads, made up of plainclothes and uniformed police officers, were introduced in March 2017 to protect women from sexual harassment in public places. With six cases registered everyday on average and 3,003 people implicated over a nine-month period in 1,706 incidents, Uttar Pradeshs anti-Romeo squads are considered among the biggest achievements of the government, as The Indian Express pointed out in a January report. The anti-Romeo squads also issued warnings to at least 9.33 lakh people and inspected over 21 lakh individuals in almost eight lakh visits until Republic Day 2018. But merely a month after the launch of the programme, these squads were reported to have suddenly vanished from parts of the state. "The anti-Romeo squads vanished from here within a month of its launch. Commuting in the area has become tough," The Times of India quoted locals of Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat district as saying. "It is becoming really difficult for girls to pass through the road and enter colleges. There is no security at all. The anti-Romeo squad is only on papers." On the other hand, several womens rights activists who include human rights lawyers Indira Jaising and Vrinda Grover, and womens rights campaigners Aruna Roy, Kavita Krishnan and Kamla Bhasin say these groups should be disbanded because their heavy-handed tactics and moral policing leave people insecure and fearful. The ad also spoke about the "women helpline 181", which it says has strengthened and is now equipped to tackle crime, "especially domestic violence". A December report revealed that Uttar Pradesh registered 1,99,464 cases related to harassment and violence against women on the UP police helpline in 11 months. The helpline also managed to resolved 95 percent of the cases in that period, the report said. The ad goes on to mention the government's efforts in preventing sex determination before birth and promoting education among girls, among others. Undeterred by allegations of 'fake encounters' by the Opposition, the Uttar Pradesh Police under Yogi Adityanath's chief ministership has killed 50 criminals in over 1,400 encounters in the past over one year Lucknow: Undeterred by allegations of "fake encounters" by the Opposition, the Uttar Pradesh Police under Yogi Adityanath's chief ministership has killed 50 dreaded criminals in over 1,400 encounters in the past over one year, officials said. The 50th case of a criminal being shot dead in an encounter, since the BJP government came to power last March, was on 3 May when notorious criminal Rehan, who was carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 was gunned down in Muzaffarnagar district, they said. Rehan, an active member of Mukeen Kala gang, had 15 serious criminal cases against him, police officials said. In the past one year, as per figures up to March, 50 criminals were killed and another 390 injured while 3,435 history-sheeters were put behind bars following encounters. Four police personnel were killed and 308 injured in these gun-battles. According to official data, ever since the Adityanath government came to power, there have been over 1,478 police encounters in the state between 20 March, 2017 and 25 March, 2018. The highest number was reported from Meerut zone where 569 encounters took place followed by Bareilly zone which had 253 encounters. Third on the list was Agra zone with 241 encounters followed by Kanpur zone with 112 encounters. There were 51 encounters in Gorakhpur, the home turf of Adityanath. The police have invoked the stringent National Security Act (NSA) against 188 criminals and seized assets worth over Rs 150 crore, officials said. Under the NSA, a person can be detained without bail or trial and the authorities need not disclose the grounds of detention if they believe the detainee can act in a way that poses a threat to the security of the state/country or the maintenance of public order. During this period, Gangster's Act was imposed on 1,455 persons and 4,881 criminals were arrested. Among those killed included Balraj Bhati (who carried a reward of Rs 2.5 lakh) in Noida, Shravan (reward Rs one lakh) in Noida, Bagga Singh (reward Rs one lakh) in Kheri. Besides Mukesh Kumar Rajbhar in Azamgarh, Mohan Pasi in Hapur, Nitin, Furkan and Shamim in Muzaffar Nagar, Sabir and Akbar in Shamli, Noor Mohammad in Meerut, Sumit Gurjar, Aslam in Noida, Vikas and Ramjani in Aligarh and Sonu Kumar in Bulandshahr were gunned down. All of them were carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 each on their arrest. Magisterial probes are underway in all these encounters, police said. However, in what may appear as phenomenal success against crime, has not satisfied the opposition. "They are using encounters for settling political scores. In the name of maintaining law and order, the encounters were started but with police resorting to fake encounters there is no impact of it. Crime is increasing and the BJP government has failed to check it," SP MLC Rajpal Kashyap claimed. Defending the government, BJP spokesman Shalabh Mani Tripathi said, "When a criminal opens fire on our force, they are free to retaliate. In Yogi's regime, police has been given a free hand. Due to fear of police, criminals are leaving the state. We are committed to maintain law and order and criminals will not be tolerated." However, as the BJP government goes ahead with its no-tolerance policy against crime, it is also realising the encounters may come with their own baggage. The killing of Sumit Gurjar, shot dead by the police in Noida, had raised eyebrows and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sent a notice to the UP government over it. Two farmers from Yavatmal Shankar Chayare and Madhavrao Rawate had killed themselves on 10 April and 14 April, respectively, apparently due to indebtedness. Yavatmal: A 60-year-old farmer from Maharashtra's Yavatmal district is critical after he allegedly set himself ablaze over 'indebtedness' in the early hours of Sunday, his family members and a district official said on Monday. However, the senior official said it cannot be immediately confirmed whether the farmer attempted suicide over an outstanding loan as being claimed by his kin. The incident occurred within a month after two farmers allegedly committed suicide in the district over indebtedness. Shyamrao Bhopale, a resident of Marlegaon village in Umarkhed taluka of the district, allegedly doused himself in kerosene in front of his house before setting himself on fire, said Resident Deputy Collector (RDC) Narendra Fulzele. Bhopale was rushed to a rural hospital in Umarkhed, from where doctors referred him to Nanded government medical college, he said. Bhopale's condition is critical, he said. The farmer's sons Ramdas and Pandurang have claimed that their father attempted suicide due to loan liability and failure of crops. Bhopale, who owns 1.5 acres of land, had sown tur and soybean crops which failed to produce expected yield, they said, adding that the gram crop he had sown during Rabi season too had failed. "Our father had a loan outstanding of Rs 17,360 as on 10 June, 2016. He became a defaulter on 30 June, 2017," they claimed, adding that Bhopale was not entitled to avail the loan waiver benefit under the state government scheme. While one of the two sons of Bhopale is disabled, another son works in Mumbai as a daily wager. All his three daughters are married. Resident Deputy Collector Fulzele said Bhopale sustained 80 percent burns. He said Bhopale had loan outstanding of over Rs 17,000. "However, it is not known yet whether he attempted to take his life due to the loan burden," the officer said. Yavatmal district in eastern Maharashtra is notorious for suicides of farmers. Two farmers from the district Shankar Chayare and Madhavrao Rawate had killed themselves on 10 April and 14 April, respectively, apparently due to indebtedness. In a tweet, Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said, "the Govt has not yet awaken and extended its help to the farmers even after the recurring suicides and Shyamrao's attempt to suicide is the consequence of the Govt's apathy towards the problems faced by the farmers. The astute politician that he is, Nitish Kumar is quite aware of the limited scope of his appeal in Karnataka Time was when Ramakrishna Hegde was the chief minister in Karnataka. A Brahmin by caste, he was beheld as a powerful leader for his moral standing, astute administrative skills and commitment to a political ideology consistent with the socialism of Ram Manohar Lohia and Jayaprakash Narayan. Much before Karnatakas politics degenerated into a den of corruption, the state boasted a legion of political leaders such as S Nijalingappa who broke off from the Congress and aligned themselves with a new variant of politics that was egalitarian and averse to one-family dominance. Nijalingappa mentored Hegde and many others. From the 1960s till the 1990s, political socialism dominated the state before it got mutated into a virulent form of corrupt politics ceding ground to the BJP. In todays Karnataka, it would appear to be a tale from a forgotten era to recall that Hegde resigned twice as chief minister on moral grounds: More so in a scenario where the state is believed to be fighting the most expensive elections in the country. Money has just been flowing like an unending stream of a mighty river, and not Cauvery, which is dried up for want of water. While driving in the state, one regularly comes across ATM booths which do not have cash. But cash is the king in this election. Take, for example, the pompous and unashamed proclamation of a candidate from a national party that he has earmarked Rs 50 crore for the elections: Several times the mandated expenditure limit. In effect, he plans to distribute money, which would mean nearly Rs 5,000 to each voter. His main rival is no less flamboyant when it comes to spending money. There are many constituencies where candidates have been spending recklessly and yet remaining under radar to avoid scrutiny. In such a setting, the discussion about socialism and its old proponents is not only irrelevant but also ridiculously archaic. This is the precise reason why Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar was the odd man out when he came here on Sunday to campaign for the eight candidates of his Janata Dal (United). While driving down from Bengaluru airport, Kumar turned nostalgic and said, This place used to be a bastion of the socialist leaders ranging from Nijalingappa, Virendra Patil, Ramakrishna Hegde and JH Patel to SR Bommai and HD Deve Gowda not to forget the redoubtable George Fernandes... Why did socialist leaders cede space to parties like the BJP? I asked, while prodding him to explain his perspective on the decline of a powerful ideology within a span of three decades. You see, the problem arose as a large group of socialist leaders could not cohere as a group and also as leaders, though brilliant in their own right, they turned out to be individualistic, Kumar said, looking forlornly at the hill-dotted landscape considered a BJPs stronghold on account of significant concentration of Lingayats. Following the ritual of paying obeisance at the most prominent Lingayat Mutt in Tumkur to seek blessings of the 111-year-old seer, Shivakumara Swami of Siddaganga Mutt, Kumar said the significance of religion in public life was also undermined by a section of succeeding socialists who, by promoting cronies and their own family, went against the basic ethos of socialism. Lohia was quite emphatic about respecting peoples sentiment irrespective of their religions and castes. He wrote a beautiful essay on Ram, Krishna and Shiva, and emphasised their relevance in contemporary context, Kumar added. Kumar drove nearly 300 kilometres away from Bengaluru: To Davangere district, to campaign for his party candidate, Mahima Patel, son of former Karnataka chief minister JH Patel. He called other seven candidates of the neighbouring constituencies to Chennagere and made a fervent appeal to voters to bring fresh air to Karnataka politics, which is seemingly smothered by casteism, communalism and corruption. On the dais, Kumar deftly dealt with an uncomfortable question on his alliance with the BJP raised by one of the speakers. He said he had never compromised on corruption, crime and communalism notwithstanding his political alliance with any party. The astute politician that he is, Kumar is quite aware of the limited scope of his appeal in Karnataka amid the din of an election campaign punctuated by high-decibel rhetoric on caste and religion, and infused with cash on an unprecedented scale. On his way back, he recalled the manner in which Lohia turned around the countrys politics in 1967, only two decades after Independence, by helping throw out Congress regimes in many states. In a political atmosphere that reeks of slush money and subterfuge, such memories alone offer a whiff of fresh air. BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi on Tuesday said the Congress approaching the Supreme Court, challenging the rejection of the impeachment notice against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra by the Rajya Sabha chairman on the ground that there was 'no proved misbehaviour', was a 'deceptive methodology' to constantly remain in news. New Delhi: BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi on Tuesday said the Congress approaching the Supreme Court, challenging the rejection of the impeachment notice against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra by the Rajya Sabha chairman on the ground that there was "no proved misbehaviour", was a "deceptive methodology" to constantly remain in news. She said there was no merit in the case because the decision of Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu was based on facts, which could not be disputed. The BJP leader said the move was "more of a battle of perceptions being fought through media than facts". "There is no merit in the case because the decision of the vice president is based on facts that cannot be disputed. His discretion cannot be questioned. The petition itself uses words like maybe, likely and appears to be unsure of its contents. This is only a gimmick," she said. The New Delhi MP alleged that the Congress wanted to use the media to constantly remain in the news and the petition only cast aspersions, adding that there was no petition pending before Parliament. "This is a deceptive methodology adopted by the opposition, because neither the facts, nor the law is on their side," Lekhi said, adding that there was "no case" as the "petition has not given even a single instance to support their contention". Pratap Singh Bajwa and Amee Harshadray Yajnik, the Congress's Rajya Sabha MPs from Punjab and Gujarat respectively, have moved the petition in the apex court. Prithvi Reddy,convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party's Karnataka unit views the upcoming Karnataka Assembly election as a stepping stone in the party's long journey ahead Bengaluru: Prithvi Reddy, the 47-year-old convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Karnataka unit views the upcoming Karnataka Assembly election as a stepping stone in the party's long journey ahead. He hopes to be able to provide people with a credible alternative to the usual national parties and says all decisions are being taken in the state and have the full support of the national team. This comes despite the fact that Arvind Kejriwal hasn't been seen aggressively campaigning in Karnataka like other national leaders. Reddy also remarks that the amount of money being spent on elections is also responsible for the "loot of public money". Edited excerpts of the interview with Reddy follow: Since this is the first time AAP is contesting state elections in Karnataka, what kind of records will you be placing in front of the public? On what basis can the people be persuaded to vote for you? I believe that what happened in Delhi three years ago was truly revolutionary. The interesting thing is what's happened since then. In the first 15 days, we gave 20,000 litres of water free per family per month, we have reduced current electricity bills by 50 percent. We have built world-class public schools. We got our teachers trained in places like Singapore, Oxford (UK) and Stanford (USA). This has shown results. In Delhi, the pass percentage in public schools is 89 percent; in Karnataka, it's just about 50 percent. Today, I have just come off a campaign and almost 75 percent of the families I met struggle to pay their childrens school fee irrespective of the income group, because the government is not providing quality education free of cost the way it is the world over. Five years ago, if you spoke about honest politics, it was a like a dream, but now you have proof of concept. Speaking of primary healthcare, in this entire area of Sarvagnanagar where I am standing, for a population of six lakh people, there is not a single decent government school or hospital but on every street or ward, there are private clinics, schools and colleges. Apart from this, we have delivered on a very key issue wherein we have passed a bill to deliver 40 government services to your doorstep (income certificate, gas certificate etc) for which typically you will have to go to government office and pay bribes. It will truly change people's lives. Is AAP in Karnataka insulated from the troubles of AAP in the National Capital? Let me say AAP in Karnataka is still new. When you say problems in Delhi we have broken the backs of the water mafia, the private school (mafia), hospital (mafia), electricity mafia, and when you do such things, the system comes to get you. And I believe there is an attempt to try and bury the very concept of good politics. What are some of the tough questions you have been asked so far on the campaign trail? The biggest problem we face is that people have given up on the idea of honest politics. The moment you meet them they are so dejected, they say we have tried everyone, we are fed up. In my constituency they have the lowest voter turnout: It's just 50 percent. Our MLA has won four terms in all and the vote share he has been getting is growing in 2008, it was 15 percent and now it's around 22 percent. In a democracy, it's very dangerous that 15 percent of the people can decide who your elected representative is. So the biggest challenge is changing people's notion of politics. Tell us about the process of choosing AAP candidates in the state. Why was it limited to 29 seats? Do you feel AAPs appeal only lies in urban areas? Not at all. We actually fielded 31. Our nominations were rejected, so it was reduced to 29. Out of 29, only 11 are in Bengaluru. So we are certainly not urban-based. We have fielded candidates in places as far as Bidar, Belgaum, Kittur etc wherever we could find good people. Unfortunately, politics is still a bad word in our country and good people hesitate to fight elections because they don't think good people can win. We have to break that notion and that's why we found some amazing candidates from different age groups. Our youngest candidate is 26. So we are trying to completely turn traditional notions on the head. A lot of people who didn't get tickets from traditional parties were trying to get them from us, but we refused saying that's not the kind of politics we want to do. In the case of a hung Assembly, which party will AAP support? When I said this a couple of weeks ago, someone laughed. I said there is a greater likelihood of the BJP and Congress forming an alliance because they are like-minded. We will play the role of a constructive Opposition, as long as whoever is in power plays the role of a responsible government. We will be the people's voice and ensure that we keep pushing them to do the right thing. We will not join any kind of alliance but we are willing to support any good initiative of the government as a responsible Opposition. How many seats do you expect to win? Our responsibility is giving people an alternative. Even if we win one seat, that one MLA will represent a completely different kind of politics and that constituency will be a model constituency for the rest of the state. So it's not the numbers we are interested in. It's about getting into the Assembly, voicing the concerns of people and taking on the corrupt, criminal, communal forces that we believe are doing harm to this country. Kejriwals micromanagement and dictatorial tendencies were a problem, an ex-AAP member from Bengaluru had said. These elections are being fought by the Karnataka team and each candidate. Someone asked me why is it that if Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi are coming here, Kejriwal is not campaigning? So you are damned if you do and you're damned if you don't. All decisions are being taken by the local team and we have full support of our national team. And ours is politics of principle, it's not politics of personality. I don't think Kejriwal is a dictator at all. The kind of freedom he has given us, I don't think it's available in any political party. What are the key points in your manifesto? One is, of course, corruption. Due to the economic boom in Bengaluru and Karnataka, everybody knows that we have gone to another level of corruption. I think we are going to witness one of the most expensive elections that this country has ever seen. This election has been reduced to an auction. And as a result of the amount of money being spent on elections, the amount of loot of public money that is happening is also going up. Farmer distress is a huge issue. Sixty percent of Karnataka is rural and we behave like Bengaluru is the only concern in Karnataka. Water is a big problem and the issue of water either between Karnataka and Maharashtra, Goa or Tamil Nadu has been politicised. You need to make all the stakeholders realise that water is becoming a scarce commodity and we need to use it responsibly. The complete collapse of Bengaluru everybody is talking about road-widening, but you'll never solve these problems because our city has reached its capacity for growth. We are not able to handle garbage and sewage. The only real longterm solution is to decongest the city. In our manifesto, we have a commitment that we would like to build around five regional capitals. That is how you create jobs. You dont need someone from Bidar or Gulbarga to come here for a job. You need to take the industry and jobs there. Our exports are going through Mumbai and Chennai. Why cant they go through Mangaluru or Karwar? The author is a Bengaluru-based freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.com, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters Aiyar, speaking in Lahore at an event, addressed the founder of Pakistan as Quaid-e-Azam Jinnah, a term fondly used by Pakistanis. Suspended Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar further stoked the controversy surrounding the Mohammad Ali Jinnah portrait in Aligarh Muslim University. Aiyar, speaking in Lahore at an event, addressed the founder of Pakistan as Quaid-e-Azam Jinnah, a term fondly used by Pakistanis. Besides, seemingly in an attempt to take potshots at the BJP, he also suggested that it was Veer Savarkar, and not Jinnah, who first promulgated the idea of two nations, ANI reported. He said that Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, by "inventing" the word "Hindutva", first laid down seeds of the two-nation theory. "In 1923 a man called VD Savarkar invented a word which doesn't exist in any religious text, 'Hindutva'. So the first proponent of the two nation theory was the ideological guru of those who are currently in power in India," Aiyar was quoted as saying by ANI. He had, on Sunday too, referred to Jinnah as the Quaid-e-Azam triggering much outrage in India. He, however, defended his use of the term suggesting that Quaid-e-Azam was the widely accepted term to refer to Jinnah like the 'Mahatma' title before MK Gandhi's name. "I referred to Jinnah as the Quaid-e-Azam and the hysterical Indian TV anchors are demanding to know how an Indian can go to Pakistan and say this. I know many Pakistanis who called MK Gandhi as Mahatma Gandhi, does that make them unpatriotic Pakistanis?" he said. Aiyar's comments come in the backdrop of the violence that unfolded in AMU after BJP's Aligarh MP Satish Gautam objected to the Pakistan founder's picture on the walls of the AMU student union office. Speaking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Aiyar said that his victory was just an "aberration" and hoped that Modi does not come back into power. "Present situation in India is an aberration. Seventy percent of Indians didn't vote for Modi in last elections but (other parties) lost because they were completely factionated among themselves, it is my hope that a great number of this 70 percent will come together to put an end to the aberration we've been suffering (from) in our country," Aiyar said. BJP president Amit Shah took to Twitter to hit out at Aiyar, alleging "amazing telepathy" between the Congress party and Pakistan. "Yesterday, Pakistan government remembered Tipu Sultan, whose Jayanti Congress marks with fanfare and today, Aiyar admires Jinnah. Be it Gujarat or Karnataka polls, I fail to understand why Congress involves Pakistan," Amit Shah tweeted on Saturday. On Monday too, speaking to India Today, Shah said that the Congress used Aiyar before every election to divide the society but the move will fail this time. In February, Aiyar had sparked another controversy when he had said that he received "much more hatred in India" than the love he receives in Pakistan. Aiyar added that while there has been a change in mindset across the border, India is still caught in a "partially 1947 situation". Senior Congress leaders reacted strongly to these remarks, while some wrote to party president Rahul Gandhi to urge him to expel Aiyar. "Being such an educated person, he is making such frivolous statements. Because of him, this generation is suffering. Better he should stop talking such weird things because it can distract majority workers of Congress party," Congress leader Hanumantha Rao had said. Aiyar was suspended from the Congress' primary membership after he triggered a storm by calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a neech aadmi (vile man), a comment which was being seen fraught with adverse consequences for the party in poll-bound Gujarat. Under relentless attack from Modi and other BJP leaders, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah issued a notice of defamation against Modi, BJP President Amit Shah and BJP's Chief Ministerial face BS Yeddyurappa for their attacks on him on corruption like 'sidda rupiah government'. Bengaluru: With just three days left, campaigning in the Karnataka Assembly elections reached a feverish pitch with former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday launching a blistering attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Centre's handling of the economy and accusing him of stooping low in his attacks on political rivals. Singh and his party President Rahul Gandhi, who was campaigning in Kolar, also alleged that the government had collected Rs 10 lakh crore in taxes on petroleum products but refused to pass on the benefit of low international crude prices to the common man. Under relentless attack from Modi and other BJP leaders, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah issued a notice of defamation against Modi, BJP President Amit Shah and BJP's Chief Ministerial face BS Yeddyurappa for their attacks on him on corruption like "sidda rupiah government". On his part, Modi rejected the Congress accusation against his government of not creating enough jobs and claimed that several of its initiatives led to the creation of jobs in public and private sectors. Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Singh said: "No Prime Minister in our country has used the Office of the Prime Minister to say things about his opponents that Modi has been doing day in and day out. It doesn't behove a prime minister to stoop so low and it is not good for the country as a whole as well." He added: "Petrol and diesel prices in India are at a historic high. This is in spite of lower international crude oil prices because the Modi government chooses to levy excessive excise taxes. "Instead of passing on the benefit of low prices to the people, the Central government has sought to punish our people," the Congress leader said. "During our (UPA government) tenure (2004-14), in the face of high crude oil prices, we cushioned the common man against their effects. Since the present government assumed power, the international oil prices declined 67 percent, but petrol and diesel prices have increased 110 per cent," he said. Reeling out facts and figures, Singh, who had also been a finance minister, said the BJP-led NDA government had projected to earn over Rs 10 lakh crore through constant increase in taxes at the cost of the common man. "We must demand answers as to what use this money was put to? A healthy economy requires a well-functioning banking sector. Neither banks are lending nor is the private sector borrowing to make new investments." The Modi government's "lack of reasoning and analysis was affecting India and our collective future", he said. Manmohan Singh also railed against the government for not making good in terms of growth rate despite favourable international climate, something, he said, its predecessor had done despite facing "turbulent global conditions". He said the two avoidable blunders of the government demonetisation and hasty implementation of the GST had hurt the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, resulting in loss of thousands of jobs. "The economic mismanagement of the Modi government ... is eroding the trust of the public in the banking sector." Rejecting the Congress accusation against his government of not creating enough jobs, Modi, in turn, held the Congress responsible for the unemployment situation and accused it of opposing technologies/initiatives like the EVMs and Aadhaar. "With emphasis on public and private sectors, we are also focussing on personal sector for employment. The pace of work on the infrastructure projects has been increased," Modi said in response to a query while addressing Bharatiya Janata Party Yuva Morcha 'karyakartas' through his NaMo app. Modi said the country's infrastructure sector was growing rapidly and added that without employing more people it was not possible to achieve this growth. Modi said that due to government initiative, India had emerged as the best destination for foreign investment and this has been approved by various credit agencies. "The Foreign Direct Investment in India has reached its highest level, which is consistently increasing," he said. The Prime Minister said that under the Mudra Yojana, loans of Rs 1.27 crore have been disbursed to the youth of Karnataka without any collateral. Modi said that in the last few years, immense growth was seen in the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) accounts. "Due to demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax, there has been a great change in the formal sector. Workers are getting proper benefits in the social sector. The figures of EPFO accounts prove that there has been growth in the formal sector," he said. Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter and attacked the BJP government accusing it of "loot" in the name of "fuel" by collecting Rs 10 lakh crore in taxes on petrol, LPG and diesel and not passing on the benefit of falling international crude price to the common people. Gandhi shared a one minute forty two seconds long video on Twitter, saying "this video shows the truth about fuel prices under PM Modi". Siddaramaiah challenged Modi and BJP's Chief Ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa to an open debate with him. "Modi is deliberately confusing Karnataka voters with his bombastic speeches on non-issues. All hot air and no substance. My contest is not with him. It is with Yeddyurappa," tweeted Siddaramaiah. "I challenge him to an open debate on issues on a single platform. Will he accept? Modi is also welcome," he added. Karnataka Assembly elections are scheduled for 12 May. A number of criminals or, lets say, potential criminals may get entry to the Karnataka Assembly to represent over 6 crore Kannadigas A number of criminals or, lets say, potential criminals may get entry to the Karnataka Assembly to represent over 6 crore Kannadigas, many with the labels of national political parties including the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Beyond the Narendra Modi Vs Siddaramaiah verbal spectacle in the run-up to the Karnataka state polls, it is worth taking a look at the personal profiles of the contesting netas to get a clearer picture of the unfolding political landscape in the state which for sure isnt a state-specific phenomenon. As this report in The Hindu points out, contesting the 225 seats are 2,655 candidates. The Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) has analyzed the affidavits of 2,560 candidates filed with the Election Commission (rest are incomplete or not available). Of this, a good number, 391, including those from the two major national political parties--BJP and the Congress party--are facing criminal charges. Looking closer at the details, of the 391 candidates, 254 are facing serious criminal charges. The Hindu report, quoting Trilochan Sastry of the ADR, said BJP has fielded 83 candidates facing criminal charges in the southern state while the Congress has 59 such candidates. Janata Dal (Secular) has 41 of them. Now, the logical question is: Why are both the parties, BJP and the Congress, which have been preaching cleaning-up of the political system as a priority in their to-do list, so fond of fielding potential criminals to represent over 6 crore Kannadigas in the Assembly? It is interesting to note the recommendation of ADR in its 18 April report on Karnataka polls raising a big question mark on the logic behind major political parties continuing to give poll tickets to criminals. Its not just the element of criminality in the candidate profile that is worth noticing. One needs to see this data in conjunction with the asset details of candidates. To be sure, rich criminals contesting elections isnt confined to the state of Karnataka but elsewhere as well. There is enough empirical evidence for that. Now, see this trend with the persisting opaqueness in political funding. As this writer pointed out in an earlier column, on an average 75-80 percent of the total political funding continues to come from "anonymous sources". In other words, the promise to bring transparency has remained a promise so far. This certainly doesnt augur well for India and for the BJP in particular, since transparency in political funding was one of the key promises from the party. When looking at the conduct and asset profiles of candidates, one must keep in mind the trend in the inflow of income of certain political parties, especially in the last few years. According to a recent report from election watchdog ADR, the ruling party has seen its income rising from Rs 570.86 crore during FY 2015-16 to Rs 1,034.27 crore in FY 2016-17, while the income of the Congress party decreased by 14 percent (Rs 36.20 crore) from Rs 261.56 crore during FY 2015-16 to Rs 225.36 crore in FY 2016-17. Since it came to power in 2014, BJPs moneybag has expanded by about 53 percent from Rs 673.81 crore in 2013-2014 to Rs 1034.27 crore in 2016-2017. The Congress party, during the period, has actually seen its income declining by 62 percentfrom Rs 598.06 crore to Rs 225.36 crore. In Karnataka, the average assets of candidates in the Congress partys first list is Rs 28 crore while that of the BJP is Rs 8 crore and JD(S) Rs 14 crore, meaning most of them have come to the battle scene with money power. The Karnataka candidate profile is an indicator to the larger malaise in the political system. Assuming an overlap (which is very likely) between the sets of candidates facing serious criminal charges with that of wealthy contestants, what we have here is a group of rich, potential criminals with political power posing a fundamental threat to the democracy. Unfortunately, a good number of them are backed by leading national level political parties. Both Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi--star campaigners of their respective political parties-- have remained silent all along about the inclusion of criminal accused in their candidate list. As the ADR recommends, it is time for political parties to take a stand and refrain from giving tickets to candidates with a criminal background, misuse of money power that in all probability will lead to bribing of voters and distribution of freebies. Further, political parties should move towards transparency and disclose the criteria for selection of candidates during elections. Else, the glaring disconnect between their promises and action on the ground stand exposed. With less than a week to go before the crucial Karnataka Assembly polls on 12 May, opinion polls have indicated that the results are likely to throw up a hung Assembly third such instance in the state's history if it takes place, Editor's note: This article was originally published on 7 May, 2018. It has been republished in the light of BS Yeddyurappa resigning as chief minister of Karnataka two days after taking over the post. With less than a week to go before the crucial Karnataka Assembly polls on 12 May, some opinion polls have indicated that the results are likely to throw up a hung Assembly third such instance in the state's history if it takes place with HD Deve Gowda's Janata Dal (Secular) emerging as the kingmaker. However, all the major parties in the fray Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and JD(S) have maintained that each is capable of forming government on its own. JD(S) state president, and Deve Gowda's son, HD Kumaraswamy has consistently dismissed claims of joining hands with either the BJP nor Congress, while exuding confidence of being able to sweep over the entire state on its own. In a similar vein, Congress said that the possibility of a hung Assembly is "impossible" and that they will return to power again. BJP's chief ministerial candidate and former Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa also recently asserted the saffron party will form the next government in Karnataka with an absolute majority, while ruling out the question of a coalition with JD(S). "There is only Modi wave and we are going to sweep not only the coastal region but the entire state. There is no question of post-poll alliance with JD(S) as of now." This sentiment was also echoed by his son, BY Vijayendra, who said, "There is no scope for a hung Assembly in Karnataka; people have already had a bad experience in 2005-2006. I am sure the BJP has an edge and we will come back with an absolute majority." The last time there was a hung Assembly in Karnataka, it was during the 2004 state election, when BJP emerged as the largest party in the state with 79 seats. However, it failed to hit the majority mark of 113 in the 224-seat Assembly. This was a time when Siddaramaiah was still a JD(S) leader. The Congress and JD(S), eager to seize control, decided to form the first coalition government in the history of Karnataka politics. Congress. JD(S) alliance in 2004 It was the second time, since 1983, that the electorate had thrown up a hung Assembly in Karnataka. The results were declared on 12 May, 2004, where the BJP emerged as the single largest party in the state with 79 seats, followed by the Congress at 65 seats and JD(S) with 58 seats. It was a surprise as in the 21 years prior to it, the state always voted ruling parties out of power. The year 2004 was also the first time BJP had emerged as a major party in the south. However, denied a clear majority, it was up to Deve Gowda's JD(S) to side with either Congress or the saffron party. In the run-up to the 2004 polls, Gowda had firmly asserted that he would not support either the BJP or the Congress. In an interview with The Hindu he said, "I am confident the JD(S) will form the government in Karnataka on its own. The party will maintain equidistance from both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party." Nevertheless, he changed his mind in a matter of 15 days after the results were announced. For two weeks after the Assembly results were announced, Karnataka Congress Legislature Party leader, N Dharam Singh, held negotiations with Gowda in New Delhi, to enter an alliance and form a coalition government. The JD(S) supremo was known to be close friend of the erstwhile Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Both parties decided to bury the hatchet and "keep the fundamentalists out", according to an India Today report. During this time, BJP's Arun Jaitley flew down to Bengaluru to open talks and negotiations with JD(S). Gowda's party was not convinced even when then BJP president M Venkaiah Naidu flew down to Bengaluru to support BJP's win in the state. For Congress and JD(S), BJP was a common enemy and they decided that the two secular parties should keep "communal forces" out of the state. According to The Hindu, the two parties agreed to follow the Maharashtra model of coalition with JD(S) leaders landing major portfolios such as Home, Finance and Power. A chief ministerial aspirant, Siddaramaiah had to settle for the post of the deputy chief minister, after the Congress remained firm on its stand to nominate one of its party members as the chief minister. Incidentally, it was Kumaraswamy who convinced the former to accept the position. Thus, on 28 May, 2004, N Dharam Singh was sworn in as the Karnataka chief minister after having narrowly missed out on the chance in 1999 to SM Krishna. No BJP leader attended the swearing-in ceremony. Fissures in the coalition Over the course of next 20 months, cracks developed between the coalition partners. It became evident when the Congress won the district and taluk panchayat elections across Karnataka but refused to tie-up with JD(S) at the local level, as per an India Today report. Meanwhile, there was growing resentment within the state Congress unit against Singh. Leaders like DK Shivakumar and Mallikarjuna Kharge, who still supported SM Krishna, kept asking the Congress command in New Delhi to sever ties with JD(S). India Today quoted Kharge as saying, "My main job is to make sure that we are in a majority and we are not interested in tie-ups with anybody. We would like to be the number one party." In all this time, both Singh and Gowda maintained that the coalition was safe and sound. The acrimony between the two parties reflected in the state government's workings where for nearly seven months since swearing-in, no ministers were appointed to 20 major portfolios. Meanwhile, Gowda kept up the pressure on Congress by writing letters to Singh and then governor TN Chaturvedi alleging irregularities and corruption in the Mysore-Bangalore Infrastructure Corridor project. He also indirectly alleged the involvement of former Congress ministers, reported Frontline. Deputy chief minister Siddaramaiah was also dropped from his position in August 2005 for attending a AHIND convention in Hubli, which the JD(S) viewed as an act of indiscipline, according to Frontline. The report also mentioned both Gowda and Siddaramaiah shared a cold relationship as the former reportedly felt the latter stood in the crosshairs of his son's political ambitions. On the other hand, Siddaramaiah felt he could have been the chief minister if Gowda had backed him enough. While trying to juggling the political balancing act, the state government was also failing to keep up its promises, resulting in a palpable disenchantment among the public. Meanwhile, as the Opposition party, BJP prayed for a fallout. On two previous occasions, when Congress and JD(S) appeared to have a rocky relationship, the saffron party reached out to JD(S) but was rejected by the Gowda who said he did not want anything to do with "communal forces". Kumaraswamy breaks up Karnataka government As much as JD(S) supremo Gowda expressed his disapproval of the BJP, his politically ambitious son Kumaraswamy had other plans. Kumaraswamy felt the Congress did not care about the JD(S) and did nothing to satisfy their demands. When Gowda installed Kumaraswamy as the JD(S) state president, his directive was to build the party and remove the Congress from the equation in the next election. Except, Gowda didn't expect it to happen so soon. In January 2006, gathering 46 JD(S) legislators and 77 BJP MLAs, Kumaraswamy decided to withdraw support from the Congress government and form a new one with BJP. "The Congress did not fulfill many promises and we had to dump them," India Today quoted Kumaraswamy as saying. In protest, Gowda resigned as the JD(S) national president and, as per India Today, said,"At least, he held the party legislators together, and that is not a small task. I have, however, told him that I am against aligning with communal parties like the BJP." The report also mentioned there was murmur of all of it being planned. A meeting between Gowda and BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee on 8 January led observers to believe that the Kumarswamy-led coup had the JD(S) supremo's blessings. Both BJP and JD(S) agreed to govern the remaining 40 months together with each party nominating a chief minister on a rotational basis of 20 months. In February, Kumaraswamy was sworn-in as the 25th chief minister of Karnataka, and Yeddyurappa as the deputy chief minister, to accommodate the BJP, reported The Hindu. Incidentally, Singh was the lone Congress leader present at the ceremony, a gesture that was appreciated by many. BJP-JD(S) coalition falls through Twenty months after the JD(S) dislodged the Congress in Karnataka, the BJP-JD(S) coalition fell through as Kumaraswamy refused to give the chief ministerial position, as was the power sharing agreement. By October 2007, 18 BJP ministers had submitted their resignations. Meanwhile, BJP legislator and now-tainted mining baron Janardhan Reddy had also accused the chief minister and forest minister of taking bribes from illegal miners in Ballari. In a jolt to JD(S) in 2006, Siddaramaiah too had announced his exit from the party and joined the Congress. The collapse of the JD(S)-BJP coalition paved the way for polls which saw the saffron party form its first government in the south in 2008. This time around, it remains to be seen how the three parties will react if the polls throw up a hung Assembly again, considering Kumaraswamy has said: "There is no question of going with the BJP." Follow all the buildup and LIVE updates ahead of the Karnataka election here With just six days left to go for the Karnataka elections, opinion polls remain divided between predicting an outright BJP victory and a hung Assembly. Just one pollster has predicted a clear majority for Congress in the 224-member House. With just six days left to go for the Karnataka elections, opinion polls remain divided between predicting an outright BJP victory and a hung Assembly. Just one pollster has predicted a clear majority for Congress in the 224-member House. Clear BJP win The TV5 News poll, released on Monday evening, predicted the BJP would receive a clear majority with between 110 and 120 seats, the Congress could nab between 65 and 75 seats and the Janata Dal(Secular), which has tied up with the BSP, could net between 38 and 42 seats. The poll, conducted across 32 randomly selected segments between 13 April and 4 May, covered a cross-section of the voting public (SC, ST, OBC, government employees, farmers, labourers, students, private sector employees) and obtained opinions of 38,400 people randomly selected from the voter list. The BJP's estimated vote share was pegged between 36 and 38 percent, the Congress' vote share was predicted to be between 33 and 35 percent and the JD(S) was approximated between 20 and 22 percent. Drinking water and drainage emerged as the voters' biggest problems, and the poll found that Karnataka was divided on the performance of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Congress government. The respondents also preferred BS Yeddyurappa as the chief minister of the state over the incumbent by just one percent. Sixty-one percent of people polled said Lingayats should not be given a separate religious status and 55 percent preferred Narendra Modi as prime minister. On 3 May, the Jan Ki Baat opinion poll also gave the BJP the upper hand, however, without a clear majority. The poll predicted the saffron party, which has seen Modi, Amit Shah and Yeddyurappa campaign for it, could win anywhere between 102 and 108 seats. The poll said that the Congress, represented by Siddaramaiah and party president Rahul Gandhi could win from 72-74 seats. It also estimated the JD(S) tally between 42 and 44 seats. The BJP was predicted to nab 40 percent of the vote share, the Congress was estimated to get 38 percent and JD(S) was approximated at 20 percent, according to the poll. Hung Assembly According to the ABP News-CSDS opinion poll which was released earlier on Monday, Karnataka is likely to throw up a hung Assembly with the ruling Congress emerging as the single-largest party, closely followed by the BJP and the JDS-BSP combine playing kingmaker. According to the survey, the Congress could win as many as 97 seats in the 224-member House, while the BJP is estimated to win 84 seats. The poll also projected that the JD(S) could net 37 seats and emerge as kingmaker. The survey said the Congress might get 38 percent of votes, the BJP 33 percent and the JD(S) may reel in 22 percent vote share. Also in April, a Times Now-VMR poll estimated that the Congress would get 91 seats, the BJP would nab 89 seats and the JD(S) and BSP combine was likely to win 40 seats. According to the poll, Congress would net 38.6 percent vote share, the BJP would nab 35.03 percent vote share and JD(S)-BSP would receive 21.33 percent of votes. Congress to prevail In April, a C-Fore opinion poll found the Congress comfortably ahead of BJP and JD(S), and predicted the grand old party could get a clear majority with 118 to 128 seats. The survey said the BJP was likely to get between 63 and 73 seats and the JD(S) would get from 29 to 36 seats. The survey data said the poll was carried out in 61 of the 224 Assembly segments and 6,247 voters were interviewed. C-Fore put the margin of error at two percent and said they have a 95 percent confidence level. Campaign gathers steam As the date of polling draws close, campaigning has gathered steam as the Congress, the BJP, and the JD(S) are pulling out all stops to woo voters. Both Modi and Rahul have been busy with campaigning as the BJP is making a strong bid to unseat the Congress. Addressing as many as four rallies on Sunday, Modi flayed the Siddaramaiah government in Karnataka for celebrating the "jayantis of Sultans" for the sake of "vote bank politics". "Look at the Congress character....whose jayanti needs to celebrated with respect, from whom we have to draw inspiration for generations to generations, they can't think about celebrating their jayantis. Veera Madakari and Onake Obavva are forgotten, but for the sake of vote bank politics they are into celebrating jayantis of Sultans," Modi said. Batting for the Congress' return in Karnataka, party leader P Chidambaram said on Twitter that the voters would compare five years of "development" under Siddaramaiah versus five years of "instability" from 2008 under BJP's three chief ministers. The former Union finance and home minister claimed on Saturday that the people would remember that it was the same three "incompetent" men, who were leading the BJP's campaign in 2018. BS Yeddyurappa, DV Sadananda Gowda and Jagadish Shettar were the chief ministers when the BJP was in power in Karnataka from 2008 to 2013. Meanwhile, Pakistan urged BJP to stop dragging Islamabad into the election campaign. "BJP's concoctions continue unabated. Be it Gujarat or Karnataka, Pakistan is sadly invoked to try to get electoral gains within India," foreign office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal tweeted on Saturday. Karnataka is set to hold elections to its 224-seat Assembly on 12 May. Results will be declared on 15 May. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the fourth day of his campaign in poll-bound Karnataka held rallies in Raichur, Chitradurga and Kolar on Sunday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held rallies in Raichur, Chitradurga and Kolar districts on Sunday, his fourth day of campaigning in poll-bound Karnataka. Modi continued his attack on the ruling Congress as well as the HD Deve Gowda-led Janata Dal (Secular), while sounding confident of a sweep for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Firing barbs at the Congress, Modi labelled it as a "deal party" that is being completely uprooted from the country. He also accused the Congress of "distorting history" as part of its "conspiracy to divide the society". At the rallies in Chitradurga and Raichur, he flayed the incumbent Siddaramaiah government for celebrating the "jayantis of sultans" (referring to the 'Tipu Jayanti' controversy) for the sake of "vote bank politics". "By celebrating this jayanti, the Congress has the insulted people of Karnataka and Chitradurga. They have played with sentiments and feelings of people of Chitradurga," Modi said, while recalling Onake Obavva, a woman from the 18th century Chitradurga kingdom who fought against then Sultan of Kingdom of Mysore Hyder Ali. Modi added: "Sadly, the Congress forgot these brave men and women." Targeting Siddaramaiah, the prime minister said he always keeps character certificates ready in his suitcase. "Whenever an allegation of corruption against a minister is made, he immediately takes out a character certificate, writes the name and tells the people he is honest", Modi remarked. "The time has come to bid farewell to the Congress party that is not interested in your welfare. Make it a clean sweep for the BJP and send this chief minister home as he only goes around giving clean chits," Modi told the crowd. Congress disrespects Ambedkar, Ninjalingappa Accusing the Congress of sidelining prominent leaders like BR Ambedkar and former Karnataka chief minister S Nijalingappa, he said that the Grand Old Party was interested in promoting only one family and naming "thousands of schemes" after them. "On one side is the BJP with the mantra of 'sab ka saath, sab ka vikaas'. On the other side is the Congress party that believes in doing everything for one family," Modi said. "Inspired by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, the NDA government has undertaken many efforts to positively transform the lives of the SC and ST communities. On the contrary, Congress has always disliked and humiliated Dr Ambedkar," Modi further said. While at his rally in Chitradurga, he said, "The Congress is a party that neither has dil (heart) nor is it pro-Dalit. It is a deal party." "A Dalit was chosen as president. Even after a year, Sonia Gandhi has not given a courtesy call," Modi said while lauding his government's move to appoint a Dalit president. "When I became the prime minister, we had sufficient power to decide who would become the president. But we made Ram Nath Kovind a Dalit the President of India," he said. Meanwhile, at Raichur, Modi said that the Congress' new mantra is to spread lies. The Congress has realised its 'vote bank politics is shaken' and, therefore, it has started a campaign for "misleading and spreading lies" among Dalits, Modi said. Congress stalling parliamentary proceedings out of fear The prime minister also accused the Congress of not allowing the Parliament to function because it feared he was "gaining the trust of the people by completing his works successfully one after the other". "Congress doesn't let the Parliament function. They are afraid Modi is actually doing some work and so they disrupt the functioning. But BJP is committed to people's development and nobody can stop us," said the prime minister. He said the Karnataka elections were a contest between the Congress' "misdeeds and people's aspirations". While the BJP was fighting against the corrupt system, the Congress protects the corrupt, he alleged. The BJP was progressing in politics with the"blessings of people", while the Congress was dividing people, creating a rift between brothers and following a divide-and-rule policy, Modi said. The prime minister further asked the Congress to give an account of its work in Karnataka in the last five years. "Congress only makes false promises and never fulfilled any when they were in power. Have they ever given you an account of what they have done for the state? Apart from levelling charges against me, have they done any other work here? It is time to bid them farewell," said Modi. Modi also accused the Congress of supporting "anti-national elements". "Congress leaders are standing on the stage with the antinational people who chant slogans like 'Bharat tere tukde honge,' they give such people their aashirvaad," Modi said. "We are proud of all those who sacrificed their lives for our country but sadly, a few people feel uncomfortable when they hear the National Song", Modi added to his attack on the Congress. Calling Raichur, the 'land of Haridasas,' Modi said that it has a rich historical and cultural heritage where traditions have flourished. "But unfortunately the Congress has learnt nothing from here. If they had learnt something, they would never have committed the sin of dividing people", he remarked. 'My government is here only to work for the poor' Lauding his government's policies and moves like death penalty ordinance for child rapists, Modi said "The crimes against women are always in news. The issue is that some people assault our daughters with such vicious mindsets. Our government has brought in a law to hang rapists". He further said that "we introduced the Jan Dhan Yojna and the Aadhar card to end corruption in the country. More than 1.5 crore fake ration cards were unearthed. We stopped all of it, and deposited all that money in the poor man's account". Modi also claimed, "we are connecting distant places with airways, we are expanding the aviation sector. We want to build a New India where children get a good education, youth get jobs, elderly get proper healthcare and where there is no discrimination on the lines of caste". "My government is committed to the upliftment of the poor. Today, the Centre provides free food for the poor form the taxpayer's money. But the Karnataka government never tells you that Central funds are used as well," Modi said. Earlier, speaking at Chitradurga, Modi said, "It is our government that has strengthened the SC/ST Act. We will always work for justice for the SC and ST communities". "I am from the deprived class. I am one of you, and that is why I am committed to your welfare, Modi further said. Touching upon Raichur's power crisis Modi said, "Our Raichur is Karnataka's main switch in terms of electricity. In Bengaluru, the chief minister gets 24 hours of electricity, but in Raichur, where electricity is generated, people sit in the dark". He further blamed the Congress for corruption in the sector, "Look at this corrupt Congress system. In Sonia Gandhi's time, the LED bulb was sold at Rs 350 and now with BJP in power, it is just Rs 30-40. Who received the Rs 300? Shouldn't we fight this? I promise you that I will continue fighting against this corrupt system," said Modi. Holding the state government responsible for keeping the district in the dark, Modi said, "Raichur generates most of the energy that the state consumes. Yet, it lives in darkness. The sleeping government and sleeping chief minister never bothered about this. This is the injustice done by Congress," he said. Modi then promised the Raichur people that by 2022 his government will provide double electricity to the people. Heeding to farmers' distress Talking about the state of farmers across Karnataka, Modi said, "The Swaminathan Commission report (for farmers), during Sonia's rule, was never opened. When we came to power, we ensured the farmers get 1.5 times of MSP to cover their costs. I want to congratulate farmer-friend Yeddyurappa and Karnataka BJP. In the manifesto, they said they will launch a Raithabandhu fund," Modi said. "Our government has also decided to provide financial support to cane farmers", he said. "Congress has an excellent system of looting. Those who should have a ration card, they don't have it. Middlemen fleeced them. Ration cards with fake names were given ration cards. That was the Congress ecosystem", Modi alleged. "Congress ruled India for 70 years but look at the condition of farmers. We are working to end Congress sins", he remarked. "This election will be fought on issues like employment, women safety and farmers welfare, Modi further said. At Chitradurga, he remarked, "This land of Chitradurga is synonymous with the Mantra of - Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan and Jai Vigyaan. This land is prone to drought but the farmers here have been innovating and turning adversities into opportunities". The water crisis in Raichur "The Congress government had promised to complete the process for the Tungabhadra Dam in five years", Modi stated. "Raichur is known as the rice bowl. It cries for water. But this Congress government knows how to milk cream from water too. Will such people do anything for the state?" Modi asked the people. Modi alleged that the Congress had an "eco-system of looting". "Jan Dhan-Aadhaar and Mobile number (JAM) trinity of our government has stopped leakages. No wonder Congress is angry on me and abusing me. Congress is worried that if we come to power in Karnataka, they will face difficulty in looting the poor", he said. "No question of a Hung Assembly" "There are many people who are sitting in AC rooms and saying there will be a hung assembly. I want to tell them- come here to Raichur and see the mood on the ground. People of Raichur will give a befitting reply to those who talk about hung assembly", Modi said with confidence. Attack on Congress Launching a direct attack on the Rahul Gandhi-led party, Modi said, "Congress is obviously uncomfortable today because the highest offices of the land are occupied by people from poor and humble backgrounds. That is why now Congress prefers to mislead in the name of the Dalit community. Congress keeps chanting about the poor to win elections but since a poor mans son become the prime minister their time to cheat people has ended," he said. "Congress leaders are caught with large stashes of cash and when our Government takes action, they keep on saying that Modi is vindictive", Modi said. Directing his attack on the Congress high-command, Modi said "Congress President and Smt. Sonia Gandhi Ji must answer people why they are out on zamaanat". I don't have to answer to Rahul but will answer to Karnataka's people, Modi further remarked. Attack on Siddaramaiah, JD(S) "On one hand, we are promising development while on the other hand, the present Karnataka chief minister believes in superstition. Everyone knows what happened when a crow sat on his car", Modi said. "If anyone is protecting the Congress, it is the JD(S). Congress and JD(S) have a secret understanding, an understanding behind the curtains," Modi alleged. With inputs from agencies. Follow all the buildup and LIVE updates ahead of the Karnataka election here Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah sent a legal notice to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP, Amit Shah and BS Yeddyurappa for criminal and civil defamation in response to the national ruling party's corruption charges against him. Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Monday sent a legal notice to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP, Amit Shah and BJP's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa for criminal and civil defamation in response to corruption charges against him. The notice has been sent after the prime minister called Siddaramaiah, "seedha rupaiya CM" and a "10 percent CM." On Sunday, Siddaramaiah had lashed out at Modi for making "personal attacks" and speaking at a "low level". The prime minister was using language that did not befit the office he held, the Congress leader said, taking exception to Modi calling his dispensation a "10 percent government" and "seedha rupaiah sarkar" while attacking him over alleged corruption. Siddaramaiah also mocked the Karnataka BJP, saying it solely depended on the prime minister as regards the 12 May state Assembly polls as it had no leader with a "face value". The same day, while firing a barrage of barbs at the Congress, Modi had labelled it as a "deal party" that was being uprooted from all over the country and said no one can save it now. Taking the BJP's campaign in poll-bound Karnataka to full throttle, he also accused the Congress of "distorting history" as part of a conspiracy to divide the society. At poll rallies in Chitradurga and Raichur, he flayed the Congress government led by Siddaramaiah for celebrating the "jayantis of sultans" (birth anniversaries of Muslim rulers) for the sake of "vote bank politics". Modi accused the Congress of protecting the corrupt, adopting a divide-and-rule policy, making false promises and having no agenda other than "abusing Modi." On 5 May, hitting back at Modi over his "Punjab, Puducherry, Parivar- Congress" jibe against Congress, Siddaramaiah had called BJP a "prison, price rise and pakoda" party. "Dear Modiji, heard you spun a new abbreviation 'PPP' today. Sir, we have always championed the 3 Ps of democracy: 'Of the People, By the People, For the People'," Siddaramaiah said in a tweet shortly after Modi's attack. With inputs from PTI In at least eight constituencies Muslims make up at least half the population and in a dozen more seats they can play a decisive role in deciding the winner Bengaluru: "To the Muslims in Karnataka, the BJP is a monster, a huge cultural and security threat," says Muzaffar Azadi, professor at Department of Political Science at Mysore University. "Id say they trust Siddaramaiah more than the Congress party," Azadi says, which should be good news for the party, given that Muslims, comprising 13 percent of the population according to the 2011 census, are the largest religious minority in the state, and the second largest voting bloc after the SCs and STs. In at least eight constituencies Muslims make up at least half the population and in a dozen more seats they can play a decisive role in deciding the winner. Not surprisingly, the BJP does not have a single Muslim candidate. The Congress and JD(S) do have Muslim candidates, but their numbers in the Assembly have been dwindling with each election, even though it is expected that this election will see caste and religious lines being drawn more sharply than usual. "There are no surprises in the number of minority candidates fielded by any of the major parties, says Azadi. Most of the tickets have been given to candidates who have been MLAs before or are related to former MLAs. Even in seats which have a substantial Muslim population, parties have been hesitant to put up a Muslim candidate as their winnability was not certain. The Congress has fielded 15 Muslim candidates (Congress Muslim leaders had demanded 30), while the JD(S) has 17. But the JD(S) faces a trust deficit among Muslims as they are seen as having helped the BJP grow in the state, said Azadi an argument vehemently refuted by the partys state minority president Syed Mohid Altaf. We are the natural choice for Muslims, Altaf argued, Obviously the BJP doesnt care about minorities. And Congress only uses the Muslim community as a vote bank. Congress state minority cell chief Ahmed Syed was quick to rebut this, saying the minority community is behind us given the many benefits they have received from the current government. Apart from the Bhagya schemes and loan waivers, the governments setting aside the cow slaughter bill passed by BS Yeddyurappa the minorities will remember come polling day. This potential division of the Muslim vote is what the community fears most, though Azadi insists that the "the general sentiment now among Muslims is strongly pro-Congress. However, Altaf points out that many important Muslim leaders now in the Congress like Roshan Baig, CM Ibrahim and Zameer Khan were initially discovered by the JD(S), and it was Deve Gowda who introduced 4 percent reservation for Muslims" in education and employment. "Our party also initiated Tipu Jayanti celebrations, he said. Also, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi will campaign for the party although a proposed seat sharing proposal fell through. But Azadi sticks to his view of Muslims supporting Congress this time, saying there is even a call among the community that they should vote for Congress rather than anyone else. Amidst speculation of who will get the Muslim vote, the BJP remains aloof, with senior party leader Anwar Mandipaddy, despite the party not having a single Muslim candidate, claiming they are very much a part of us". "Our manifesto will definitely open the eyes of Muslims and will see them flooding to BJP, Mandipaddy said. He said the party is scouting for good minority community candidates although some like him are not keen to contest. "When we are sure they are able to contest elections successfully, we will definitely give them seats. Besides, Yeddyurappa gave the greatest gift to Muslims by ensuring that illegal encroachment of wakf property doesnt happen, he said. But it remains to be seen if that be enough to allay the Muslims greatest fear as articulated by Prof Muzaffar Azadi, that if the BJP comes to power, it will be the end of the community, their practices, lifestyle, even their identities. The author is a Bengaluru-based freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.com, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters Prayer promotes peace and no tension should be allowed in the name of worshipping God, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said on Monday after a minister in the Haryana government reportedly said namaz could not be offered anywhere in the open 'with the intention of grabbing land'. New Delhi: Prayer promotes peace and no tension should be allowed in the name of worshipping God, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said on Monday after a minister in the Haryana government reportedly said namaz could not be offered anywhere in the open "with the intention of grabbing land". The minority affairs minister also said the Haryana government was "very sensitive" towards the issue and that Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar himself had clarified that his regime was not against offering prayers. Naqvi, however, added that if there was any complaint in this connection, the issue had to be settled amicably. "Prayer promotes peace and not tension. Hence, no tension should be allowed in the name of prayer. According to provisions, prayers are to be performed at authorised places," he told reporters here. "The state government is sensitive (towards the issue) and the chief minister has also clarified that they are not against offering prayers. But if anybody is complaining, it is better to settle the issue amicably," Naqvi added. The Union minister said those offering namaz were aware of the rules in the Islam regarding where to offer prayers and hence, it was not right to fight over it. To a question on the row over a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), he said the students and the administration of the institute should put an end to the "uncalled for controversy". "Jinnah is not a role model for the country or its Muslims. Hence, this controversy has to be brought to an end and it should be ensured that the university's dignity is maintained," Naqvi added. According to media reports, Haryana's Health Minister Anil Vij has said if someone needs to offer namaz, he has the religious freedom to do so, but one cannot offer namaz anywhere in the open with the intention of grabbing land. Vij's statement comes in the wake of Khattar's clarification that he did not speak about stopping anyone from offering prayers, after having said that namaz should be offered only in mosques and idgahs. Narendra Modi rejected the Congress accusation against his government of not creating enough jobs and claimed that several of its initiatives led to the creation of jobs in the public and private sectors New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday rejected the Congress accusation against his government of not creating enough jobs and claimed that several of its initiatives led to the creation of jobs in the public and private sectors. Modi, in turn, held the Congress responsible for the unemployment situation and accused it of opposing technologies/initiatives like the EVMs and Aadhaar. "With an emphasis on public and private sectors, we are also focussing on the personal sector for employment. The pace of work on the infrastructure projects has been increased," Modi said in response to a query while addressing Bharatiya Janata Party Yuva Morcha 'karyakartas' through his NaMo app. Highlighting how the National Democratic Alliance government was strengthening the personal sector, he said that the country's infrastructure sector was growing rapidly and added that without employing more people it was not possible to achieve this growth. He mentioned a World Bank report on easing business environment in India and how through the Mudra Yojana a platform was being provided to budding entrepreneurs across the country. Modi said that due to the government initiative, India had emerged as the best destination for foreign investment and this has been approved by various credit agencies. "The Foreign Direct Investment in India has reached its highest level, which is consistently increasing," he said. The prime minister said that under the Mudra Yojana, loans of Rs 1.27 crore have been disbursed to the youth of Karnataka without any collateral. "This constitutes 11 percent of the total Mudra loans disbursed so far. Youngsters are not only becoming self-dependent but also creating jobs for others," he said. Modi said that in the last few years, immense growth was seen in the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) accounts. "Due to demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax, there has been a great change in the formal sector. Workers are getting proper benefits in the social sector. The figures of EPFO accounts prove that there has been growth in the formal sector," he said. Dubbing the Congress criticism on employment and job creation fronts as a "conspiracy", he said that the Opposition party has been putting the blame on the BJP government because it failed to do anything during its 10-year rule from 2004-14. "The Congress has nothing to say about its own achievements. They ruled the country for 60 years and what did they do for employment generation? If there is unemployment, is that due to four years of our government? So, they find it easy to accuse us and spread lies," he said. Modi said that the Congress is spreading lies and hatching conspiracies to put the onus on the NDA government for its own failures. Terming employment generation as the "biggest problem" in the country, Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been attacking the Centre for not fulfilling the promise of creating two crore jobs every year, which the BJP made ahead of the 2014 elections. Responding to a query over rising political violence, the prime minister said there can be no place for such violence in Indian democracy. "But of late, I have seen that such violence is on the rise in some states. In Karnataka too, we have seen how brutally our 'karyakartas' have been murdered. It's highly condemnable. "Violence in any form should not be allowed by any political party or ideology in democracy. I appeal to BJP's youth workers in Karnataka not to act with vengeance even when they have lost their several colleagues in political violence," he added. Modi accused the Congress of opposing technologies/gadgets like the Electronic Voting Machines and the Aadhaar initiative and noted how the BJP was promoting technology in every sector. "In this age of artificial intelligence, India cannot lag behind. Through technology, we are promoting skill development," he said. On a question on strengthening the demographic dividends of the country, he said that the government's stress was on quality of education and quantity of opportunities. "The government is committed to increasing higher education facilities," he said while shedding light on the Atal Innovation Mission. He said the initiative was promoting research and scientific temper among the students. Both the RSS and the VHP have underlined in the past that 'reservation should continue'. With Assembly elections just around the corner in Karnataka, and the country preparing for the big Lok Sabha election next year, the political parties are busy invoking the 'electorally important' Dalit vote bank to meet their political goals. And in this pursuit, the latest accusation was levelled by the Congress party on RSS and BJP for holding a 'anti-Dalit' mindset. However, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliated body Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) have taken strong exception to the Congress party's stand and asked its chief Rahul Gandhi to furnish proof to substantiate his claim that 'both RSS and BJP are anti-Dalit'. Both the RSS and the VHP have underlined in the past that 'reservation should continue'. Rahul targeted BJP-RSS for having an "anti-Dalit mindset" during an election rally in Karnataka on Sunday. He said that as per the 'fascist ideology' of these outfits, Dalits should continue to remain on the bottom rung of society. The Congress president also questioned the 'silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi' on the rising incidents of atrocities against Dalits in the country. However, the RSS, which does not see itself as a political body, has not only condemned Rahul's statement, but it also tried to underline the fact that it has adopted the position of BR Ambedkar. "Both the RSS and the VHP are of the opinion that the reservation should continue. The Constitution has served us well; there's no requirement of an overhaul," Sah-Prant Sanghchalak of RSS, Delhi, Alok Kumar told Firstpost. Kumar is also the new working president of VHP. Rahul had also put up a 2.38 minute-long video on Twitter using hashtag #AnswerMaadiModi (Answer us Modi) aalong with this caption: "In this disturbing video, the dangers of this mindset and how it's openly propagated by senior RSS/ BJP leaders is revealed." Central to the RSS/ BJP fascist ideology, is that Dalits & Adivasis must continue to exist at the bottom rung of society. In this disturbing video, the dangers of this mindset and how its openly propagated by senior RSS/ BJP leaders is revealed. #AnswerMaadiModi pic.twitter.com/gX2NwL0q27 Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 6, 2018 Reacting sharply to Rahul's video, the Sangh has hit back at the Congress chief stating that his allegation are 'absolutely baseless and false.' It has accused the Congress president of indulging in 'low level politics'. "Congress party and its president Rahul Gandhi, by taking recourse to lies, have been trying unsuccessfully to confuse the society. Rahul Gandhi, in his official Facebook page, has posted lies about me and RSS Sarsangchalak Mohanrao Bhagwat that we want to abolish the reservation given to the SCs and STs in the Constitution. This is absolutely baseless and false without any official reference or source," said RSS joint general secretary (Sah-Sarkaryavah), Manmohan Vaidya in his statement. "The official stand of RSS is that the reservation provided by the Constitution to SCs and STs should continue, and this has been established from time to time in our Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi SabhaRahul Gandhi and Congress must furnish proof to substantiate their claim and source," he added. RSS and Ambedkars ideological view The Sangh has also maintained that it has adopted the line given by BR Ambedkar, which propagates reformation within Hindu society, besides unity and integrity of nation. Organiser and Panchajanya English and Hindi weeklies published by RSS' publication wing Bharat Prakashan brought out special issues to this effect on the 125th birth centenary of BR Ambedkar in 2016. Through this special issue (17 April 2016), the RSS magazines tried to present various aspects of Ambedkar, his contribution to Indian polity and society, his vision for Dalit community at large, and about his ideology. "Dr Ambedkar is erroneously projected as a divisive figure by certain vested interests but recognition of his contribution will finally prove to be a unifier for Bharat. He was a national icon with multi-dimensional personality. Besides drafting our Constitution, on one hand he had a clear vision on economic planning and on the other, he worked for the emancipation of women and marginalised section of the society. Our objective behind bringing out the special issue was to question why should he be projected as the leader of only one community?" Praful Ketkar, editor, Organiser told Firstpost. "Rahul Gandhi instead of fighting an electoral battle politically, has taken recourse to maligning RSS through rumours, false perceptions and hate statements. Earlier, Congress levelled allegations against the RSS over Mahatma Gandhi's assassination, and now it has been replaced by 'anti-dalit' narrative, which is very unfortunate. Today the credibility of Congress has become questionable due to such kind of statements. Today, while the RSS has reached every corner of the country, the Congress has shrunk," added Ketkar. Find latest and upcoming tech gadgets online on Tech2 Gadgets. Get technology news, gadgets reviews & ratings. Popular gadgets including laptop, tablet and mobile specifications, features, prices, comparison. highlights read more LIVE NEWS and UPDATES ONLINE 23:36 (IST) Thank You for joining us. You can head to our home page ( http://tech.firstpost.com/ ) for all the updates on Microsoft's Build 2017 conference for the coming days. 23:09 (IST) Real time translation capabilities demoed using PowerPoint translator. The system uses AI to bring Office to life. 22:53 (IST) Microsoft Cognitive Services powers the backend of Starship Commander. 22:36 (IST) Adobe talks about how Azure helps with Adobe Creative Cloud. 22:10 (IST) Alaska Airlines uses Microsoft's Azure to scale up when necessary and provide non-interrupted services for its customers. 22:08 (IST) Azure Cosmos DB is officially available today. 22:07 (IST) Azure Cosmos DB announced! 21:51 (IST) Microsoft will launch a new Azure Database Migration Service. The new service will works with existing SQL Database services and requires no changes. 21:42 (IST) Visual Studio now comes to Mac! 21:37 (IST) Say hello to the Azure mobile app for Android and iOS! 21:30 (IST) Scott Guthrie, Executive Vice President of the Cloud and Enterprise, takes to the stage. 21:24 (IST) Microsoft's Intelligent Cloud works with multiple devices, Artificial Intelligence and are server less. 21:20 (IST) Project Roam SDK will allow devs to bridge the gaps between people and devices. 21:19 (IST) Cortana is aware of the device and will "automagically" connect the user to the device. 21:18 (IST) 21:17 (IST) Wow Cortana is able to change your auto reply message! Cortana can work and remember things across devices and meetings. 21:16 (IST) Hello Cortana-enabled Harman Kardon speaker! 21:15 (IST) Nadella gives the simple example of a meeting. How people want to access every single part of a meeting (before, during and after). Intelligent meetings are Microsoft's answer 21:13 (IST) Nadella says that it's not just people, but the objects and technologies that they use that make for a smarter cloud. 21:10 (IST) We wonder what happens to privacy with such a system in place. 21:09 (IST) Using a smartphone, policies can be controlled and entered into the system to alert managers about hazards. 21:09 (IST) 21:07 (IST) It can even detect if a particular piece of equipment (or tool) is placed incorrectly. It is processing 27 millions calculations per second! 21:06 (IST) Microsoft's technology can recognize both people and hardware using standard cameras. Impressive! 21:05 (IST) Using existing cameras and the power of AI, workplace accidents can be prevented thanks to Microsoft's cloud services. 21:02 (IST) "Accidents at the workplace can be prevented if we could detect anomalies before they happened" says Nadella. 21:00 (IST) Response time is now in the range of 103 ms for Sandvik thanks to Azure IoT cloud. 20:57 (IST) George showcases an operational dashboard using the cloud. Each machine can be monitored from the cloud using Azure IoT edge. 20:56 (IST) 20:55 (IST) 20:54 (IST) Sam George takes to the stage to demonstrate how Sandvik Coromant is using Azure to check machine maintenance. 20:54 (IST) 20:52 (IST) First is demo is from Sandvik a company that uses metal cutting machinery. 20:51 (IST) Let the demos begin! 20:48 (IST) Nadella discusses Microsoft's plans for an 'intelligent cloud' that helps personal assistants get smarter and works across devices. 20:48 (IST) 20:47 (IST) "We are moving from a mobile first cloud first world to a new world that is made up of an intelligent cloud an intelligent edge" 20:44 (IST) "Over 90 percent of the Fortune 500 is using our cloud today" says Satya Nadella 20:44 (IST) Nadella talks about the Cortana Skills SDK. How developers can use the same to develop better apps and products. 20:43 (IST) There's going to be a focus on the Windows Store today for sure! 20:41 (IST) Not hard to notice those Cortana-enabled Harman Kardon speakers on the demo table up on stage! 20:40 (IST) "Building trust in technology is crucial" says Microsoft's Satya Nadella. 20:39 (IST) 20:39 (IST) Satya Nadella praises how important developers are in solving the world's problems. 20:34 (IST) Welcome to the Microsoft's Build 2017. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella takes to stage to discuss the company's progress so far. Microsoft's annual developer event 'BUILD' is scheduled to start 8.30 PM IST. Like last year, the 2017 edition of Build is expected to be an event for developers and users alike where Microsoft will give its vision for the future. Some of the rumored and speculated announcements include the demo and unveiling of the Harman Kardon Invoke speaker which will be powered by Cortana. This also means that Microsoft will announce the next big set of functionalities that will be coming to their virtual assistant including the availability of the Cortana Skills Set SDK. The biggest announcement that is expected is Project Neon. This will be Microsofts new design language which should come with the Redstone 3 update that is said to drastically improve the look and feel of Windows 10. Project Neon is said to accomplish this by adding translucency delivering some visual depth. Apart from that the conference is expected to have update announcement around bots, Windows 10 Mobile and universal Windows platform. You can live stream the event over here and follow the instructions. Also, make sure you follow our live liveblog to get all the action from the conference itself. IANS Showing his concern about the threat to the insurance industry, CEO of multinational conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway Warren Buffett has said that cybersecurity risks will get worse in the years to come. "Cyber is uncharted territory. It's going to get worse, not better," CNBC quoted Buffett as saying at the company's annual meeting held at Omaha city in the US state of Nebraska late on Saturday. He said he believed that cybersecurity incidents would rise and with it the potential to significantly harm the insurance industry. "There's a very material risk which did not exist 10 or 15 years ago and will be much more intense as the years go along," he added. Buffett said he does not want "much underwriting exposure to cybersecurity threats for Berkshire's insurance businesses". According to the executive, the company has a "pretty good idea" on how to properly assess the probabilities for earthquakes in California and hurricanes in Florida, but not with computer hacking threats. The investor expressed scepticism that any insurance company can assess the risk for cybersecurity events, the CNBC report said. "We don't want to be a pioneer on this... I think anybody that tells you now they think they know in some actuarial way either what (the) general experience is like in the future, or what the worst case can be, is kidding themselves," he added. Buffett also announced that Berkshire Hathaway has acquired another 75 million shares of Apple and now has 5 percent stake in the company. At the end of the first quarter of 2018, Berkshire owned $40.7 billion of Apple's shares, up from $28.2 billion at the end of 2017, The New York Times reported. tech2 News Staff HMD Global-owned Nokia has made something of a remarkable comeback last year in the smartphone segment with its Nokia 3, 5 and, 6 smartphones. This year at MWC 2018, it launched the Nokia 7 Plus and the Nokia 8 Sirocco. When reviewing the two devices, we were not too keen on the Sirocco, but fell in love with the Nokia 7 Plus, going on to describe it as offering 'perfectly balanced value for money with no competition in the Rs 25,000 segment'. Now it seems the phone is about to get even better. Earlier, the Nokia 7 Plus had support for 4G VoLTE, but only for one SIM. The other only had support for 3G. However, it would seem that Nokia will be addressing the problem with a software update. As HMD CPO Juho Sarvikas tweeted, the Nokia 7 Plus will soon get a software update which will enable 4G VoLTE on the second SIM slot as well. Thanks Sid for the awesome review and don't worry, 2nd sim will support LTE shortly! Juho Sarvikas (@sarvikas) May 4, 2018 The Nokia 7 Plus is an Android One smartphone which had gone on sale last week. The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 660 SoC and has a 6.0-inch IPS LCD full HD display with a resolution of 2160 x 1080 pixels. The phone offers 4 GB RAM and 64 GB of storage. Reuters Britains data privacy watchdog has ordered Cambridge Analytica to hand over all the personal information it holds on a US academic, confirming the right of people abroad to seek data held by a UK firm. Data privacy activists say that it sets a precedent that would enable millions of other US voters to request information that the company had collected on them. The Information Commissioners Office served notice to SCL Elections, Cambridge Analyticas parent, to provide the information it holds on David Carroll, saying failure to do so would be a criminal offence punishable by an unlimited fine. The order comes days after both firms filed for insolvency after reports that Cambridge Analytica had improperly obtained data on tens of millions of Facebook users without their knowledge or consent. Cambridge Analytica advised US President Donald Trumps election campaign, building psychographic profiles of the electorate to help micro-target voters with advertising in key swing states. Its managers have denied, however, using data harvested by Cambridge University psychologist Alexandr Kogan through a personality quiz on Facebook, in the 2016 US election. The company has consistently refused to cooperate with our investigation into this case and has refused to answer our specific inquiries in relation to the complainants personal data, Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham said. The right to request personal data that an organisation holds about you is a cornerstone right in data protection law and it is important that Professor Carroll, and other members of the public, understand what personal data Cambridge Analytica held and how they analysed it. The case rests on the principle that, because a British company processed his data, Carroll is entitled under UK data protection law to receive the data a company holds on him even though he is a US resident. The ICOs decision will provide us all with answers about what Cambridge Analytica did with peoples data, how it was used and who it was given to, said Carrolls UK lawyer Ravi Naik. Cambridge Analytica and its insolvency administrators did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment on Sunday. Reuters Chinas ZTE Corp has submitted an application to the US Commerce Departments Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) for the suspension of a business ban, it said in a filing to the Shenzhen stock exchange on Sunday. Washington imposed a seven-year ban on US companies selling components and software to ZTE last month after finding that the Chinese telecoms company breached US sanctions on Iran. ZTEs exchange filing on Sunday did not give details of its request or say when it had been made, but it did say that the company had provided additional material at the BISs request. The Chinese firm is heavily reliant on imports of US chips and the ban on sales threatens to scupper its smartphone business. ZTE has said the ban is unacceptable and threatens its survival. Last week, Chinese negotiators holding trade talks with US counterparts in Beijing asked the United States to hear ZTEs appeal, take into account the companys efforts to improve its compliance and amend the ban. US officials have said the action against ZTE was not related to trade policy, but the move has been seen by many in China as part of the broader trade spat playing out between the worlds two biggest economies. DBS Vickers analyst Tam Tsz-Wang said the ZTE request appeared to be procedural. (This) doesnt make me turn all positive, Tam told Reuters. The outcome is more an issue that depends on the negotiation between US and China, he added, declining to speculate. The ban on sales to ZTE has also underscored Chinas heavy reliance on semiconductor imports amid growing trade tensions with the United States. ZTEs Chairman, Yin Yimin, wrote in an internal letter dated May 4 that the company was proactively taking actions under the guidance of the Chinese government, pushing for a resolution as soon as possible. However long a road, it has an end. However long a night, it also has an end. Lets be confident, hopeful, and welcome the light of dawn, Yin added. Amnesty International on Monday accused Egypt of keeping prisoners behind bars on politically motivated charges in prolonged solitary confinement and subjecting them to physical abuse, saying the practice amounts to torture. Beirut: Amnesty International on Monday accused Egypt of keeping prisoners behind bars on politically motivated charges in prolonged solitary confinement and subjecting them to physical abuse, saying the practice amounts to torture. "Dozens of detained human rights activists, journalists and members of the opposition held in solitary confinement are being targeted with horrendous physical abuse," the human rights group said in a summary of a report. Amnesty's investigation "reveals that prisoners detained on politically motivated charges are being held in prolonged and indefinite solitary confinement in Egypt at times for several years which in and of itself amounts to torture. They are locked in their cells for 24 hours for weeks at end, denied any human contact and kept in horrific cell conditions". The London-based group said it documented 36 cases of prisoners being held in prolonged and indefinite solitary confinement. It said they are allowed up to an hour of exercise daily but are barred from contact with other prisoners as well as denied family visits on a regular basis. "Due to the seriousness of the findings, Amnesty International submitted a memorandum containing a summary of this research to the Egyptian authorities on 16 April. No response has been received," Amnesty said. Thousands of people, mostly Islamists but also secular dissidents, had been rounded up after the military overthrew Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013. Morsi's overthrow, after millions took to the streets demanding his departure, unleashed a bloody crackdown on his followers. The government has repeatedly denied systematic rights abuses and says there are no political prisoners in its jails. US President Donald Trump is set to reveal his decision on whether to keep the U.S. in the Iran deal on Tuesday, a move that could determine the fate of 2015 agreement that froze Iran's nuclear program. Washington: US President Donald Trump is set to reveal his decision on whether to keep the U.S. in the Iran deal on Tuesday, a move that could determine the fate of 2015 agreement that froze Iran's nuclear program. The announcement is set to cap more than a year of deliberation and negotiation that has at time pitted Trump against some of his closest aides and key American allies. Trump is facing a self-imposed May 12 deadline over whether to uphold the 2015 nuclear agreement, which he long has criticized. The president has signaled he will pull out of the pact by the deadline unless it is revised, but he faces intense pressure from European allies not to do so. "I will be announcing my decision on the Iran Deal tomorrow from the White House at 2:00pm," Trump tweeted Monday. The president has been the subject of an intense lobbying effort by American allies to maintain the agreement, with British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson making a last-ditch appeal to the administration in a visit to Washington this week. European leaders say that they are open to negotiating a side agreement with Iran, but the existing framework must remain untouched for that to happen. It is not immediately clear what Trump will announce Tuesday or whether he will announce the end of the deal or push for a renegotiation. Trump in October "decertified" the deal with Iran, but did not move to re-impose sanctions, known as a "snap-back." On Monday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Iran would be willing not to abandon the nuclear deal even if the United States pulls out, providing the European Union offers guarantees that Iran would keep benefiting from the accord. Rouhani said that "what we want for the deal is that it's preserved and guaranteed by the non-Americans" a reference to other signatories of the 2015 agreement. U.S. officials and European allies share the conclusion that the deal, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), has halted Iran's development of nuclear weapons. Trump has objected to a sunset provision that would allow Iran to restart some nuclear development in 2025. Earlier Monday, Trump criticized John Kerry after reports that the former secretary of state has been promoting the Iran nuclear deal. Trump said on Twitter: "The United States does not need John Kerry's possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran Deal. He was the one that created this MESS in the first place!" Kerry, who was also the lead negotiators for the Obama administration on the Paris climate accord, has been promoting both agreements since he left office. The Boston Globe reported Friday that Kerry, the lead negotiator on the deal for the Obama administration, had been privately meeting with foreign officials to strategize on how to keep the U.S. in the deal. Kerry has met with Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. At least one of their meetings was at a June 2017 public event in Oslo, Norway, where they sat on the same panel with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and extolled the virtues of the nuclear deal. Kerry, a keen environmentalist who regularly derided climate change skeptics and championed ocean health while secretary of state, has also continued to speak out on those issues since becoming a private citizen. Last week at an event in Dallas, Trump mocked Kerry over a bicycle accident he had three years ago. US president Donald Trump's former personal attorney could have made payments to women other than adult film star Stormy Daniels if 'necessary', his new lawyer Rudy Giuliani said on Sunday. Washington: US president Donald Trump's former personal attorney could have made payments to women other than adult film star Stormy Daniels if "necessary", his new lawyer Rudy Giuliani said on Sunday. Appearing on a Sunday talk show, Giuliani exuded confidence that Trump would come out clean on the issue and this is unlikely to affect his presidency. Former New York mayor Giuliani succeeded Michael Cohen as the new personal attorney for Trump. "I have no knowledge of that but I would think if it was necessary, yes," Giuliani told ABC News in an interview. He was asked if Cohen made payments to other women for Trump. "He (Cohen) made payments for the president, or he conducted business for the president, which means he had legal fees, monies laid out and expenditures, which I have on my bills to my clients, Giuliani said. "Are you confident that his testimony and the Stormy Daniels payment won't contradict the president? he was asked. "Not in any material respect. If it didn't contradict it at all, then somebody would be lying. I remember that great cross examination when the person just repeated the things over and over again the same way. Of course there'll be minor details," he noted. "On the two main facts, was it for another purpose other than just campaign, even if it was campaign? Yes. It was to settle a personal issue that would be embarrassing to him and his wife. Number two, did he repay it over a period of time and then find out ultimately what it was about? Yes," Giuliani said. "I'm comfortable with that. That's 100 percent. That's why these people who think they're chasing this down are involved in the same witch hunt that Judge Ellis was so concerned about with (ex-FBI director) Robert Mueller," he said. During the interview, Giuliani said that people do not go away with $130,000 for a meritorious claim. Days before the presidential elections, Daniels received $130,000 from Trump's personal attorney Cohen so as not to go public with her alleged intimate encounter with Trump years ago. Giuliani did not deny an old picture of Trump and Daniels appearing in the media, but appeared to have strongly refuted the allegations against the president. "I know this sounds funny to people there at home. I never thought $130,000 was a real payment, it's a nuisance payment. When it was real or a real possibility, it's a couple million dollars, not $130,000," he asserted. PARIS (Reuters) - France's prime minister told labour union leaders on Monday that he expected the debt-ridden SNCF rail company to reach financial breakeven by 2022 and, according to one union boss, promised to make announcements on the issue before the end of May. Seeking to end a strike that has crippled rail services for much of the past month, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe met the main protagonists one at a time in a bid to revive discussions the unions halted last month. SNCF's 46 billion euros ($55 billion) of debt is one of the main flashpoints in a showdown prompted by an SNCF shake-up aimed at ending its domestic passenger rail monopoly and ending the hiring of rail staff on more protective contracts than other sectors. Philippe, who seemingly stopped short of concrete proposals, promised announcements on debt management between now and the end of May, said Laurent Berger, head of the CFDT union. The union leaders all said industrial action was set to continue, but Berger said his union was also open to negotiation if the government proved willing in the weeks ahead, before the law on the SNCF reform goes to the Senate on May 29. The reform, the biggest since railway nationalisation in the 1930s, has turned into a test of President Emmanuel Macron's determination to pursue a raft of economic reforms as his first of five years in power comes to an end. Unions have programmed strikes two days out of every five up to the end of June, and disruption since rolling strikes began on April 3 remains significant even if it has waned somewhat since the early days. The CFDT and the UNSA unions both said they were keeping an open mind after Monday's meetings, suggesting the government may be able to break the united union front in the coming weeks. The more hardline unions, chiefly the CGT and also Sud Rail, showed no sign of changing tune. CGT leader Philippe Martinez and other representatives of that union, which opposes the principle of liberalisation, said after meeting Philippe that the strike would go on and that nothing had changed as far as they saw it. ($1 = 0.8390 euros) (Reporting by Jean-Baptiste Vey and Simon Carraud; Writing by Brian Love; Editing by Hugh Lawson) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Amid heightening tensions, Israel on Monday warned that it will eliminate Syrian president Bashar Assad if he continues to let Iran operate from his countrys territory. Amid heightening tensions, Israel on Monday warned that it will eliminate Syrian president Bashar Assad if he continues to let Iran operate from his countrys territory. Israel considers Iran to be its most dangerous foe, and has repeatedly vowed to block it from building a nuclear bomb or establishing a permanent presence in Syria, where it is helping to prop up government forces. If (Syrian President Bashar) Assad continues allowing the Iranians to operate out of Syria, Israel will eliminate him and topple his regime, Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz told news portal Ynet in an interview. If Assad allows Iran to turn Syria into a forward operating base against usto attack us from Syrian soil, he should know that will spell his end, Steinitz, a close aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said. Its unacceptable that Assad sits quietly in his palace and rebuild his regime while allowing Syria to be turned into a base for attacks on Israel, he asserted. Israel has been bracing for the possibility of an Iranian revenge attack from Syria in the near future in the form of rocket and missile launches on its northern border. Israeli officials have been quoted as saying to the local media that Iran is determined to retaliate for the 9 April airstrike on Syrias T4 airbase in which seven Iranian military advisers and members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards were reportedly killed. Iran blamed Israel for the attack but Jerusalem did not confirm or deny responsibility. Israel has prepared for extensive protective measures against any possible missile fire, including its battery of anti-missile systems. Responding to a question regarding preparations of Israels home front for a possible war in the north, Steinitz said there was no absolute readiness. Addressing the Iranian threat, Netanyahu at the beginning of weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday said that Israel would do anything to defend itself. We are determined to block Irans aggression against us, even if this means a (military) conflict. Better now than later. We do not want an escalation but we are ready for any scenario, the Israeli prime minister said. He also asserted that Israel maintained full freedom of action to defend itself. Sunni prime minister Saad al-Hariri is frontrunner to keep his job and form a new coalition government after an election seen as vital to Lebanons economic stability Beirut: Lebanese voted in their first General Election for nine years on Sunday, with the Tehran-backed Hezbollah group and its allies expecting to emerge stronger, a result that would affirm Irans regional ascendancy from its own borders to the Mediterranean. Sunni prime minister Saad al-Hariri is frontrunner to keep his job and form a new coalition government after an election seen as vital to Lebanons economic stability, but his Future Movement was widely expected to lose seats. For many younger Lebanese, Sunday brought a first chance to vote in a national election after parliament twice extended a term that expired in 2013, but Interior Ministry figures from early in the day suggested turnout would be low. President Michel Aoun appeared on television late in the afternoon to urge people to vote. Voting ended at 7 pm to all except those already waiting in polling stations. Although the election used a new proportional system, many voters said they expected the countrys entrenched, sectarian elite to remain on top but others were optimistic. We hope we will open a new era, said Mahmoud Daouk, voting in Beirut in one of the areas where new faces were taking on the old sectarian elite. Party flags flew from cars and mopeds, loudspeakers blared campaign songs and young people wore T-shirts bearing the faces of political leaders. The vote was held under a new proportional system that has confused some voters and made the contest more unpredictable. But it still preserves a sectarian power-sharing system and another coalition government including most of the major parties, like the one Hariri has led since 2016, looks likely, analysts say. While foreign monitors gave a generally positive assessment, tensions flared in several locations. Missiles were thrown during street clashes in Beirut, a candidate claimed her car was attacked in the Bekaa Valley town of Zahle, and rival groups clashed in the northern city of Tripoli. High debt Investors are keen to see a government in place quickly as a guarantee of economic stability. Lebanon has one of the worlds highest debt-to-GDP ratios and the International Monetary Fund has said its fiscal trajectory is unsustainable. The situation is actually worse now, not better... we lost the chance to hold them accountable nine years ago, said Fatima Kibbi, 33, a pharmacist. Informal results are expected to start coming in overnight and official tallies in the coming days. Analysts are closely watching the performance of Hariris Future Movement party and that of the Shiite Hezbollah group and its allies. Iran and Saudi Arabia have often battled for influence in Lebanon as part of their wider regional rivalry. An anti-Hezbollah alliance led by Hariri and backed by Saudi Arabia won the majority in 2009. But the anti-Hezbollah alliance known as March 14 has disintegrated since then and Riyadh has turned its focus and resources to confronting Iran in other parts of the region. Though Hezbollahs opponents still want it to disarm, the demand has slipped down the political agenda. Lebanese leaders are mostly concerned with a dire economic situation and the strain of hosting 1 million Syrian refugees. Donors pledged $11 billion in soft loans for a capital investment programme last month, in return for fiscal and other reforms, and they hope to hold the first follow-up meeting with the new government in the coming weeks. Debt ratings agencies had stressed the importance of Lebanon going ahead with the election after parliament had extended its term several times. Political strains After the last election in 2009, the onset of Syrias civil war, the arrival of over a million refugees and a series of militant attacks aggravated internal political rifts. Rival blocs in parliament could not agree on a new president between 2014-16 and repeatedly decided to delay elections, partly because of disagreement over moving from a winner-takes-all system to a proportional one. The new rules are seen as unlikely to undermine the long-entrenched political elite, a group that includes local dynasties and former warlords. Mustapha Muzawwaq, 65, was sitting with neighbours in a side street drinking coffee. We want the situation to stay as it is ... At least we know the current MPs, he said. In municipal elections two years ago, independent candidates did well against established parties by drawing on public anger at poor government services, including a garbage crisis. Jonathan Dagher, 27, a campaigner for an independent candidate in the Chouf-Aley district of Mount Lebanon, said he was optimistic. Parliament seats are divided evenly between Muslims and Christians, and further subdivided among their various sects. Lebanons president must always be a Maronite Christian, the prime minister Sunni Muslim and the parliament speaker Shiite. Voters are registered not where they live but in the district their ancestors came from, meaning that many Beirut residents have to travel to villages across Lebanon to vote. Some acts of violence and intimidation connected to the election were reported in recent weeks. A candidate in Zahle accused her rivals of intimidation. They accused her party of bribery. Security around polling stations was heavy from early in the day and a Reuters reporter saw a column of armoured vehicles and other troop carriers driving slowly into the capital. LAGOS (Reuters) - Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said on Monday he was travelling to Britain to see his doctor. 'I will be travelling to the United Kingdom tomorrow, to see my doctor, at his request. Will be away for four days; back in Abuja on Saturday, May 12,' he said on his official Twitter feed. LAGOS (Reuters) - Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said on Monday he was travelling to Britain to see his doctor. "I will be travelling to the United Kingdom tomorrow, to see my doctor, at his request. Will be away for four days; back in Abuja on Saturday, May 12," he said on his official Twitter feed. Buhari, 75, spent much of 2017 in London receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment. (Reporting by Alexis Akwagyiram; Editing by Kevin Liffey) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. The Swedish Academy which awards the Nobel Literature Prize on Monday said four members who are traditionally appointed for life were granted leave after a sexual assault scandal scuppered this year's award. Stockholm: The Swedish Academy which awards the Nobel Literature Prize on Monday said four members who are traditionally appointed for life were granted leave after a sexual assault scandal scuppered this year's award. The body has been in turmoil since November when Swedish daily Dagens Nyheter in the wake of the global #MeToo campaign published the testimonies of 18 women who claimed to have been raped, sexually assaulted or harassed by an influential figure with long-standing ties to the Academy. Disagreements within the prestigious institution on how to deal with the issue sowed deep discord among its 18 members and prompted six to quit, including the first woman permanent secretary Sara Danius. "Lotta Lotass, Klas Ostergren and Sara Stridsberg have asked for and with immediate effect been granted leave from the Swedish Academy," it said in a statement. The fourth member, Kerstin Ekman, who had been inactive since 1989 over the Academy's refusal to condemn a fatwa against British author Salman Rushdie, was also granted leave. The Academy finally did condemn the fatwa 27 years later. Lotass has also been inactive since 2015. Technically, Academy members are appointed for life but they can leave their seats empty if they so wish. However, the scandal has led its patron, Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf, to change the statues and make it possible for members to resign and be replaced. The Academy is currently down to 10 active members while its statutes stipulate that 12 are needed to elect new members. It said it would announce two prizes in 2019. Islamic foreign ministers launched a campaign to mobilise international support for action against Myanmar over the Rohingya refugee crisis, officials said Dhaka: Islamic foreign ministers on Sunday launched a campaign to mobilise international support for action against Myanmar over the Rohingya refugee crisis, officials said. Foreign ministers and diplomats of the 53-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) set up a campaign committee during two days of talks in the Bangladesh capital Dhaka. OIC secretary-general Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen called the move a key step toward ending a crisis caused by the exodus of about 7,00,000 Muslim Rohingya from Buddhist-majority Myanmar into camps in Bangladesh. He said the new committee would "mobilise and coordinate international political support for accountability for human rights violations against the Rohingya community." "This is very important. This is one of the concrete steps that has been taken to alleviate the problem for our (Rohingya) brothers and sisters," he said. A military campaign launched in Myanmar's Rakhine state in August last year set off the massive influx of the Muslim minority into Bangladesh where they joined 3,00,000 refugees already living in squalid camps following previous violence. The United Nations and the United States have said the crackdown amounted to ethnic cleansing. The Myanmar army has said it only targeted militants. Rohingya civilians have told of murders and rapes as they fled. They say the army burned hundreds of Rohingya villages to the ground. Al-Othaimeen said Muslim nations had to "pressure the international community". "This is not religious, this is human basic rights of our brothers and sisters in the last 50 years," he said. The International Criminal Court prosecutor has already called for the tribunal to rule on whether it can investigate the allegations of mass rape and killings. Bangladesh has put huge diplomatic effort into pressuring Myanmar to take back the refugees in safety. The two nations signed a repatriation deal in November, but nobody has since returned. The Rohingya have been persecuted for decades in Myanmar, where they are regarded as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and denied citizenship. Last month a UN Security Council delegation visiting the camps called for the safe return of the Rohingya and an end to discrimination against them. Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland also called for "accountability" when she toured the Rohingya camps this week. Bangladesh Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali said the OIC meeting had urged "strong action against the Myanmar government" on the Rohingya crisis. A Pakistani man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Maryland to failing to disclose lobbying work on behalf of the Pakistani government. Washington: A Pakistani man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Maryland to failing to disclose lobbying work on behalf of the Pakistani government. The Justice Department says Nisar Ahmed Chaudhry entered his plea Monday and faces up to five years in prison. Federal law requires people to disclose to the Justice Department when they lobby or perform other political activities in the U.S. on behalf of foreign governments. But the Justice Department has rarely brought criminal cases, choosing instead to encourage people to comply with the law rather than prosecute them when they fail to do so. As part of his plea, Chaudhry admitted that he acted as an unregistered agent of the Pakistani government. A federal defender listed as representing Chaudhry did not immediately return a message seeking comment. The attacker was identified as Abid Hussain, 21, who belongs to the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Yarasoolallah Pakistan (TLYP), according to a preliminary investigation. Lahore: Pakistan's Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal was injured on Monday in an assassination attempt when a man opened fire at him after he had addressed a political rally in Punjab province, police said. Iqbal, 59, a senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader, was hit by a bullet on his right shoulder in the attack, the police said. His condition is stated to be out of danger. The attacker was identified as Abid Hussain, 21, who belongs to the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Yarasoolallah Pakistan (TLYP), according to a preliminary investigation. "Doctors are operating upon Mr Iqbal to take out a bullet from his stomach. He sustained a bullet injury. The bullet after brushing his arm hit the stomach. Now doctors are conducting the operation to take out the bullet from his stomach," Punjab minister Zaeem Qadri told reporters outside the Services Hospital in Lahore. "The man who opened fire on the interior minister belongs to the religious outfit - TLYP. We know the motive of this attack but I want to tell that this is a very dangerous game being played against the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)," Information Minister Marrium Aurengzeb said adding that "this politics of hatred" should be stopped now. Iqbal was leaving a venue after addressing a rally in his hometown Narowal, 150 kms from Lahore, at 6.15 pm when Hussain fired at him, injuring his arm and stomach. A senior police officer said the suspect told investigators that he opened fire on the minister to take revenge from the ruling PML-N for trying to delete the clause related to the Khatm-e-Nabuwat (the finality of Prophet Muhammad) from the Constitution. "The suspect belongs to a religious family and is a worker of the TLYP. We are interrogating him to find out whether he acted alone or at the behest of someone," he said. "The moment Hussain opened the fire on the interior minister the PML-N workers present there grabbed him and gave him a sound thrashing before handing him over to the police," police officer Imran Kishwar said, adding that the security personnel did not get a chance to throw a cover around the minister to protect him. Iqbal's son confirmed that his father is out of danger. The attacker fired with a 30-bore pistol from a distance of around 18 metres. He was about to fire a second shot when he was apprehended, police said, adding that the weapon has been recovered. Punjab Assembly lawmaker Rana Manan said Iqbal was about to sit in his vehicle when the attacker fired at him. TLYP is a radical Islamic party which is known for its widespread street power and massive protests against any change to Pakistan's controversial blasphemy law. The attack on the interior minister highlights the issue of security of high-profile politicians ahead of the election scheduled to be held after June. Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa condemned the attack. Asif Ali Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto and other Pakistan Peoples Party leaders also condemned the attack, as did Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan. Iqbal was once seen as a potential prime minister when Nawaz Sharif was ousted by the Supreme Court last year. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif described the incident as an "assassination attempt". A couple of months ago Iqbal had also faced a shoe-attack in his hometown. However the man who hurled the shoe was arrested and later freed after Iqbal pardoned him. The suspect then claimed that he committed the act because he was upset with the PML-N government over the change to the offending clause in the Constitution. Similarly, ousted prime minister and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and former foreign minister Khwaja Asif also faced shoe and ink attacks in Lahore and Sialkot, a couple of months ago. Their attackers were also members of the TLYP who alleged that the PML-N leadership had committed blasphemy by changing the constitutional clause which had provoked the attacks. Punjab governor Salmaan Taseer was gunned down in 2011 by his own police guard who confessed that he killed him because of his opposition to the blasphemy law. NAIROBI (Reuters) - The Islamist militant group al Shabaab has killed nine Kenyan soldiers in Somalia, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said on Monday. The president's office offered no other details on the incident that led to the soldiers' deaths. 'Earlier today, I was appalled and saddened to learn that we had lost nine young patriots to a cowardly terrorist attack in Somalia,' Kenyatta said in a statement. NAIROBI (Reuters) - The Islamist militant group al Shabaab has killed nine Kenyan soldiers in Somalia, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said on Monday. The president's office offered no other details on the incident that led to the soldiers' deaths. "Earlier today, I was appalled and saddened to learn that we had lost nine young patriots to a cowardly terrorist attack in Somalia," Kenyatta said in a statement. A military source with knowledge of the incident said the soldiers had been killed by an improvised explosive device in Dobley on Sunday afternoon. Al Shabaab is fighting to topple Somalia's central government and establish its own rule based on its strict interpretation of Islamic law. The group also conducts frequent assaults in Kenya, mostly in the region bordering Somalia, to put pressure on the Kenyan government to withdraw its peacekeeping troops from Somalia. Kenya forms part of the African Union force AMISOM, which is defending Somalia's government against al Shabaab. (Reporting by Humphrey Malalo in Nairoi and Noor Ali in Isiolo; Writing by George Obulutsa; Editing by Kevin Liffey) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Nate Raymond BOSTON (Reuters) - Massachusetts' top court on Monday ruled the Massachusetts Institute of Technology cannot be held responsible for not preventing a PhD candidate from killing himself but said universities at times do have a legal duty to prevent student suicides. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court upheld the dismissal of a closely watched lawsuit by the father of Han Nguyen, a student who jumped to his death at the age of 25 from the top of a building at the prestigious university in 2009. By Nate Raymond BOSTON (Reuters) - Massachusetts' top court on Monday ruled the Massachusetts Institute of Technology cannot be held responsible for not preventing a PhD candidate from killing himself but said universities at times do have a legal duty to prevent student suicides. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court upheld the dismissal of a closely watched lawsuit by the father of Han Nguyen, a student who jumped to his death at the age of 25 from the top of a building at the prestigious university in 2009. A lawyer for his father had argued that MIT knew Nguyen was a suicide risk and was negligent in not preventing his death. But the court said the student, who was enrolled in a marketing program, never told MIT employees he planned to commit suicide. Justice Scott Kafker in the 5-0 ruling wrote that a college or university nonetheless does have a duty to prevent a suicide if it knows a student either has previously tried to take his or her own life or has stated a plan to do so. "It is definitely not a generalized duty to prevent suicide," Kafker wrote. "Nonclinicians are also not expected to discern suicidal tendencies where the student has not stated his or her plans or intentions to commit suicide." In those limited circumstances, a university must take reasonable measures such as initiating a suicide prevention protocol; getting medical attention for the student; or contacting police, fire or emergency medical personnel. Jeffrey Beeler, a lawyer for Nguyen's father, Dzung Duy Nguyen, in a statement said that while he was disappointed by the ruling, the rule the court established would give schools an incentive to prevent future suicides. MIT did not respond to a request for comment. The case was closely watched by other schools in the Massachusetts, home to many institutions of higher education. Eighteen schools including Harvard University and Tufts University filed papers arguing that a ruling against MIT would unreasonably force faculty and staff without clinical expertise to secure students against harming themselves. In court papers, Beeler said MIT faculty had discussed Nguyen's mental health, with one professor recommending his colleagues avoid failing him because they might have "blood on their hands." But Kafker said Nguyen never communicated to anyone at MIT that he intended to commit suicide and made clear he wanted to keep his mental health issues separate from the school by seeking psychological help off-campus. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by David Gregorio and Marguerita Choy) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Lawrence Hurley WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court on Monday blocked President Donald Trump's administration from immediately transferring an American citizen accused of being an Islamic State member from military custody in Iraq to an unidentified country, apparently Saudi Arabia. By Lawrence Hurley WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court on Monday blocked President Donald Trump's administration from immediately transferring an American citizen accused of being an Islamic State member from military custody in Iraq to an unidentified country, apparently Saudi Arabia. The man, who holds dual American-Saudi citizenship and whose name has not been released, was captured in Syria and had been held in Iraq without legal representation until the American Civil Liberties Union intervened on his behalf in U.S. federal court last October. The administration was seeking to transfer custody of the man even though U.S. courts had not resolved the legal challenge launched to win his release. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled 2-1 on Monday to uphold U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan's ruling last month that had stopped the planned transfer. The appeals court's reasoning was unknown, as both its majority opinion and the dissent were issued under seal. Saudi Arabia is believed to be the country to which the United States is seeking to send the detainee, based on media reports and an unredacted reference in a court filing. The ACLU filed a so-called habeas corpus petition on his behalf, saying the United States had no legal right to detain an American citizen without charges and that he had the right to challenge his detention in court. The ACLU has argued that his detention violates the U.S. Constitution's promise of due process of law. The man was caught last September by Syrian Democratic Forces, an alliance of militias fighting against Islamic State, before being handed over to the United States. The United States said it has evidence that he signed up as an Islamic State foreign fighter in 2014 and entered Syria in January 2015, according to court papers. The detainee, who has a degree in electrical engineering, is married with one child, according to court papers. The ACLU has said the Trump administration has presented no evidence that the man fought for Islamic state, adding that if it has evidence of criminality it should charge him in a U.S. federal court, where he has the ability to exercise his constitutional rights. (Reporting by Lawrence Hurley; Editing by Will Dunham) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Stephen Farrell JERUSALEM (Reuters) - U.S. By Stephen Farrell JERUSALEM (Reuters) - U.S. Embassy road signs went up in Jerusalem on Monday ahead of next week's opening of the mission in accordance with President Donald Trump's recognition of the city as Israel's capital. Trump says he is making good on U.S. legislation and presidential pledges dating back decades. Other world powers have not done so, sidestepping one of the thorniest disputes between Israel and the Palestinians, who want their own state with East Jerusalem as the capital. Workmen installed the black-and-white signs, in English, Hebrew and Arabic, along roads leading to a U.S. consulate building in south Jerusalem that will be remodelled as the embassy when it is formally relocated from Tel Aviv on May 14. "This is not a dream. It is reality. I am proud and moved to have hung this morning the first new signs that were prepared for the U.S. Embassy," Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat wrote on Twitter. Israel captured East Jerusalem from Jordanian control in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed it in a move not recognised internationally. The last round of peace talks on a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip collapsed in 2014. "This (embassy) move is not only illegal but will also thwart the achievement of a just and lasting peace between two sovereign and democratic states on the 1967 borders, Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security," Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said in a statement. "THRILLED" At the consulate site, mechanical diggers cleared scrubland as workers posted embassy signs along city roads and hung U.S., Israeli and Jerusalem flags from street lights. "We are thrilled that the American Embassy is coming here, finally," said Ruthann Nahum, 64, a New Yorker who moved to Israel 35 years ago. A restaurateur, she lives in the overwhelmingly Jewish neighbourhood of Arnona. "Welcome Trump, we belong here, forever. Jerusalem is our capital," she said. The Trump administration has left the diplomatic door open to a negotiated settlement between Israel and the Palestinians on defining Jerusalem's borders. "By recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the seat of its government, we're recognising reality," U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said during a visit to Israel last week. "I also stress, as President Trump has said in December, the boundaries of Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem remain subject to negotiations between the parties, and we remain committed to achieving a lasting and comprehensive peace that offers a brighter future for both Israel and the Palestinians." On Monday Paraguay said it was planning to move its embassy from near Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 21 or 22. In March, Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales said his country would relocate its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 16, two days after the U.S. move. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in April "at least half a dozen" countries were now "seriously discussing" following the U.S. lead, though he did not identify them. (Writing by Dan Williams, Editing by Jeffrey Heller and Mark Heinrich) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Britain has appealed to US president Donald Trump not to abandon the Iran nuclear deal as a key deadline approaches, saying that while it is not perfect there is no better alternative. Washington: Britain has appealed to US president Donald Trump not to abandon the Iran nuclear deal as a key deadline approaches, saying that while it is not perfect there is no better alternative. The call came in an op-ed piece in The New York Times that was signed by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, ahead of a meeting with officials from the US administration in Washington on Monday. Trump has threatened to withdraw from the agreement when it comes up for renewal on 12 May, demanding his country's European allies "fix the terrible flaws" in it or he will re-impose sanctions on Iran that were eased under the historic accord. The nuclear deal was struck in 2015 among Iran and Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States, then led by Barack Obama. Under the pact, sanctions were eased in return for a commitment from Iran not to pursue a nuclear bomb, but Iran says it is not reaping the rewards despite complying with the deal. "At this delicate juncture, it would be a mistake to walk away from the nuclear agreement and remove the restraints that it places on Iran," Johnson wrote in the Times piece. He argued that inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency have been granted extra powers to monitor Irans nuclear facilities, "increasing the likelihood that they would spot any attempt to build a weapon". "Now that these handcuffs are in place, I see no possible advantage in casting them aside. Only Iran would gain from abandoning the restrictions on its nuclear program," Johnson wrote. He added: "I believe that keeping the deal's constraints on Iran's nuclear program will also help counter Tehran's aggressive regional behavior. I am sure of one thing: every available alternative is worse. The wisest course would be to improve the handcuffs rather than break them." Vladimir Putin took the oath of office for his fourth term as Russian president and promised to pursue an economic agenda that would boost living standards across the country Moscow: Vladimir Putin took the oath of office for his fourth term as Russian president on Monday and promised to pursue an economic agenda that would boost living standards across the country. In a ceremony in an ornate Kremlin hall, Putin said improving Russia's economy following a recession partly linked to international sanctions would be a primary goal of his next six-year term. "Now, we must use all existing possibilities, first of all for resolving internal urgent tasks of development, for economic and technological breakthroughs, for raising competitiveness in those spheres that determine the future," he said in his speech to thousands of guests standing in the elaborate Andreevsky Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace and two adjacent halls. "A new quality of life, well-being, security and people's health that's what's primary today," he said. Although Putin has restored Russia's prominence on the world stage through military actions, he has been criticized for inadequate efforts to diversify Russia's economy away from its dependence on oil and gas exports and to develop the manufacturing sector. Putin held onto the presidency in March's election when he tallied 77 percent of the vote. Putin has effectively been the leader of Russia for all of the 21st century. He stepped down from the presidency in 2008 because of term limits, but was named the prime minister and continued to steer the country until he returned as president in 2012. With its stock cut in half since the start of the year and hovering near its 52-week low, Northern Dynasty Minerals (NYSEMKT:NAK) may be drawing increased attention from investors who are keen on adding some luster to their portfolios. A mineral exploration company, Northern Dynasty is dedicated to the development of the Pebble Project, a copper-gold-molybdenum deposit -- one of the largest in the world -- located in southwestern Alaska. Northern Dynasty certainly has the potential to be a boon for shareholders, but this is far from enough reason to open a position. Instead, investors should tread carefully with this highly speculative stock, so let's dig in and examine several of the poorer reasons for opting to pick up shares. 1. Making America great again With the election of Donald Trump, an outspoken advocate of domestic mineral production, many people believed that Northern Dynasty was now in a good position to complete the permitting phase of the Pebble Project and head farther down the path toward construction of the mine. This position seemed to be validated last summer when the company announced that the US Environmental Protection Agency was in the process of withdrawing its 2014 Clean Water Act Proposed Determination, something which would have restricted development of the mine. Pinning one's hopes of Northern Dynasty's success in Alaska to the changing faces in Washington, however, is tenuous at best. In January, for example, EPA administrator, Scott Pruitt, cast doubt on the Pebble Project's development when he stated, "It is my judgment at this time that any mining projects in the region likely pose a risk to the abundant natural resources that exist there." The development of the Pebble Project, which has been fraught with adversity for years, requires many more strokes of luck than the election of any one individual. In the days ahead, investors should keep this in mind. Neither the reelection of Donald Trump nor the election of another candidate who advocates for domestic mining will present Northern Dynasty with a yellow brick road to successful development of the mine. 2. Keeping things in balance Prior to investing in any stock, it's critical that investors have a sense of the company's financial position. The bright promise of a company's potential, for example, can easily be overshadowed by a crippling debt load. In the case of Northern Dynasty, this is hardly the case, and one may be tempted to interpret the lucrative potential of the Pebble Project juxtaposed with the company's lack of debt as a compelling opportunity. The accuracy of this assessment, however, is tenuous at best. Granted, it's advantageous that the company finds itself without debt -- especially since it has no source of revenue -- but it raises the question of how the company manages to keep the lights on. Instead of tapping the debt markets, the company is keen on raising equity to fund the development of the Pebble Project. Over the past five years, for example, shareholders have suffered dilution as the company's share count has more than tripled. Shareholders, moreover, can be fairly certain that further dilution is on the horizon. Whether it comes at the hands of the agreement with First Quantum Minerals Ltd., which has the right to to acquire a 50% interest in the Pebble Project for $1.35 billion or another deal (or maybe both). 3. What's in a name? On its website, Northern Dynasty characterizes the Pebble deposit as "one of the greatest stores of mineral wealth ever discovered, and the world's largest undeveloped copper and gold resource." With a moniker like that, it's understandable how investors may be inspired to shell out some green for the chance to prosper from the bounteous gold waiting to be dug up in Alaska. Using the company's characterization of the deposit as a rationalization for an investment, however, is more akin to an investment thesis grounded in quicksand than terra firma. Even if the company secures the necessary permits, constructs the mine, and commences mineral production, there's no guarantee that the project will maintain a cost profile which makes the Pebble Project a profitable endeavor. The questionable economics of the project, in fact, is nothing new. In a critical report on Northern Dynasty, Kerrisdale Capital cites the previous owner of the Pebble deposit, Anglo American, which estimated that "building the mine would destroy billions of dollars of value." Cutting through the illusion of the Pebble Project's value, Kerrisdale Capital -- which maintains a short position in the stock -- echoes the opinion of Anglo American, going so far as identifying Northern Dynasty as "worthless." Investor takeaway Since its discovery nearly 30 years ago, the Pebble deposit has inspired investors' hopes of striking it rich, but it's beleaguered history illustrates the rocky road which lies before anyone who aspires to dig its riches from the ground. Furthermore, one doesn't need to be the savviest of investors to recognize that an investment in Northern Dynasty bears an inordinate degree of risk. For some, the amount of risk may be tolerable; however, they would be best-suited to have investing theses which transcend flimsy factors like the personnel in Washington, the company's balance sheet, and the deposit's untapped mineral wealth. Deus Ex series isnt dead yet, according to Eidos Montreal studio head David Anfossi. The Canadian software house is working on Shadow of the Tomb Raider in collaboration with Crystal Dynamics now. Considering that this is going to be the last adventure of the younger Lara Croft, theres a possibility that the development team could get back to doing the things its used to do, like the Deus Ex franchise and grand finale for Adam Jensens journey. Deus Ex is here. We did not forget Deus Ex, we built the studio with this franchise. We gave out blood, sweat, everything to reboot this franchise and be true to it, so its not dead. Its not dead, he claimed in a recent interview. We just need to think about the future of it and make it correctly and respectfully. Its likely that the studio accepted to work on Tomb Raider while Crystal Dynamics is busy doing its stuff on Project Avengers in exchange for a chance to build the last Deus Ex title. Mankind Divided was a bit divisive both in terms of critics and sales, and that was the main reason why publisher, studio and IP owner Square Enix decided to put the franchise on hold for a while. So, its perhaps the time to try and reinvent the intellectual property once the series gets back? Well see how things develop in a couple years from Shadow of the Tomb Raiders release, which is slated for mid-September. Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021. The Guardian names Georgia as an alternative to the Alps - GeorgianJournal De facto Ministry of Abkhazia criticizes Council of Europes support towards new peace initiative of Georgia - GeorgianJournal Endangered bear cubs found in Tsageri handed over to Tbilisi Zoo - GeorgianJournal 300 million smartphones with Notch Display will be sold in 2018 News oi-Priyanka Android smartphones will contribute to 55 percent of such devices with Apple accounting for the rest. According to Counterpoint Research's Market Forecast 208, 300 million smartphones, which equates to 19 percent of the total to be sold this year, will have a notch display. The report said that Huawei, Oppo, Vivo and Xiaomi smartphones with "notch displays" are likely to exceed 100 million units in sales in 2018. Android smartphones will contribute to 55 percent of such devices with Apple accounting for the rest, the report added. Apple, however, will lead the segment by likely capturing 45 percent of smartphones with notch displays, as we expect Apple will adopt the notch display in its next series iPhones, the report further added. The adoption of notch displays in sub $200 price bands from tier-one brands will depend on a combination of competitive pressure and consumer feedback. Android creator Andy Rubin's Essential Phone was first to embrace the "notch display". iPhone X users decided to embrace the notch and the trend has recently shifted to Android camp with tier-one brands launching their flagships with notch displays. "Smartphones with the notch display emerged because of Apple. Android OEMs have followed Apple's design lead, not having too many other options to choose from, Tarun Pathak Associate Director said. He said, "We expect Android devices with notch display to stay around at least for a couple of years. Google too, has recently announced the first Android P developer preview, where it is offering native support for notches. Android P will try to bring support for the notch, but to reach mass market it will also have to be adopted in Android One and Android Go devices." Smartphones such as Asus Zenfone 5 was launched during Mobile World Congress (MWC), followed by Oppo F7, Vivo V9, Huawei P20 and P20 Pro are some devices that feature notch screen design. Vivo V9 Unboxing and First Impressions The report also pointed out that the reason for using a notch display varies among OEMs like Apple, it was the result of a complex trade-off - moving to a full screen meant losing the home button and its fingerprint sensor. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Samsung Galaxy S10 codenamed 'Beyond' tipped for a January 2019 launch News oi-Karan Samsung is developing it upcoming Galaxy S10 flagship under the codename Beyond.The report suggests that the Galaxy S10 will arrive at CES 2019 as opposed to MWC in February or in early March. Samsung has unveiled it S9 and S9 Plus flagship a couple of months back at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2018 in Barcelona. Now, the rumors about the company's upcoming smartphone are already started surfacing on the web. The recent report claims that Samsung has already started working on its next premium device, which is also said to be the anniversary flagship of the company. The report suggests that it could be the Samsung Galaxy S10. According to The Bell, South Korean giant Samsung is developing it next S series flagship under the codename "Beyond". If you remember the Samsung Galaxy S8 was named as "Dream" and the Galaxy S9 was codenamed as "Star" going with that logic "Beyond" could possibly be the Galaxy S10. The report suggests that the Galaxy S10 will arrive at CES 2019as opposed to MWC in February or in early March. Usually, Samsung launched its Galaxy S flagship smartphones in this timeline only. However, hearing about the launch timeline of an upcoming smartphone is common, but it seems that Galaxy S10 will come early than expected. The report also suggests that Samsung is also working with companies like Qualcomm, Synaptics, and Taiwan's Exestek to develop on-display biometric sensors. The report says Samsung has not confirmed the vendor for Galaxy S10 so far. However, it has been rumored that the company will work with multiple vendors to make sure they have sufficient FODs (Fingerprint on-display ) during mass production. Samsung seems to be planning to introduce a 3D sensing module in the upcoming anniversary model. This feature will enable the company to add iPhone X like 3D face mapping technology to the Galaxy S10. Its been reported that the company has asked Mantis Vision and Samsung Electronics Institute of Technology to develop the 3D sensors. The reports also claim that Samsung has asked for the shipment of components for its much-rumored foldable phone, and the device might see the limelight of the MWC 2019. The Galaxy S10 is marked as the tenth-anniversary flagship of the company. Samsung is scheduling the launch of both the devices at a different timeline so that the demand and interest will not clash at the time of launch. Belkin Boost Up Wireless Charging Pad Quick Look Source Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Smartphone shipments declined 3% annually in Q1 2018 News oi-Priyanka Samsung shipments grew 5 percent with the launch of its latest flagship, the Galaxy S9, and S9. Smartphone shipments declined 3 percent annually in the first quarter of 2018, according to a new data shared by research firm Counterpoint. However, Samsung remained the leader, shipping 78 million devices and capturing 21.7 percent market share. Samsung shipments grew 5 percent with the launch of its latest flagship, the Galaxy S9, and S9. Apple which surprised the analysts with a strong fiscal 2018 second-quarter results, shipped 52.2 million devices, reporting 14.5 percent market share at the second spot. The firm said that top 10 players now capture 76 percent of the market, thereby leaving over 600 brands competing for the remaining 24 percent of the market. Tarun Pathak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research said: "The waning smartphone demand is due to a slowdown in developed markets where replacement cycles are lengthening with overall smartphone features and design reaching its peak. However, emerging markets still offer a sizeable opportunity for OEMs to expand and grow as smartphone penetration by users in still around 45 percent." The firm further said that Huawei with 10.9 percent and Xiaomi with 7.5 percent market share followed Samsung and Apple. OPPO with 6.1 percent share was at the fifth place. "The saturating China smartphone market is forcing the Chinese smartphone players to invest and expand beyond their home market. The efforts have been realized as the performance of Chinese brands in MEA, Europe and the rest of the Asian markets has been strong," said Research Analyst Shobhit Srivastava. "The ideal smartphone market for Chinese brands are the emerging smartphone markets such as Bangladesh, Myanmar and Middle East & Africa where LTE is being launched for the first time or the network is expanding to more covered geographies. The North America market has been problematic for Chinese brands and the ban on ZTE will further decline their share in the region," he added. Meanwhile, Nokia HMD, iTel, Xiaomi, Tecno, OnePlus and Huawei were the noted brands in the fastest growing category. OPPO, vivo, Samsung in the top 10 smartphone category reported declines in Q1 2018. Amazon Echo Spot First Impressions iTel entered the top 10 smartphone market for the first time, together the three smartphone brands of Transsion holdings (Tecno, iTel, and Infinix) accounted for over 10 million smartphones shipped in Q1 2018. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Windows 10 (Redstone 5) update: Microsoft has just released the April 2018 update for Windows 10 which brings a set of changes for its platform. Microsoft is also expected to roll out the Redstone 5 release by the end of this year. Users might also be aware that it Microsoft will be bringing some cool new features. The new features will include Drag and Drop' support for app tabs between and within Set Windows, along with new shortcuts with the File Explorer tabs, new context menu for the Edge tabs, and set of various other changes. It would be interesting to see if Microsoft will also announce about the changes that we are expecting from the upcoming update. Office 2019 Microsoft has just released a preview build of Office 2019 for the commercial customers. With the newly released preview of Office 2019, Microsoft might also give some details regarding a few important features of the software at its Build Conference. However, it is also being said that the Office 365 might not get any new feature. It shouldn't be surprising for the users if the company intends on spending some time on the Office considering the fact that this has been the tech giant's strongest performer year after year. Windows Mixed Reality Mixed Reality was one of the hot topics last year. However it seems like that Microsoft was not able to attract users as it had expected it to be. A user had a number of options when it came to Mixed Reality headsets. This majorly included MR headsets from HP, Acer, Asus, Lenovo and others. It is quite strange that Microsoft didn't offered much when it came to VR and AR platform. It is expected that the real' audience for AR/VR/MR will be at the E3 in June. Microsoft might make use of the opportunity at the Build to present some aspects of the platform to the developers in such a way that it attracts more developers to the platform. Surface It is expected that Microsoft might announce its plans for the upcoming Surface device at Build 2018. However the Surface tablet might just not see the light of the day anytime soon. This is because the Surface production has not just began yet and it is like to stay like that until further updates are rolled out. Xbox It is also being speculated that Microsoft will unlikely not discuss the Xbox and its related software at the Build 2018. Microsoft Build has been more of a developer conference rather than being an open stage for all. So it is highly unlikely that Google might discuss the same at the event. So, the Xbox users need to wait a few more weeks in order to get the updates related to Xbox. How to disable or control notifications on Windows 10 AI and Cortana AI has become one of the most important aspects of technology today. Most of the tech giants are focusing on releasing their devices that run on AI in order to make the life of a user simpler. We might have seen a number of devices featuring AI; however, Microsoft has not been able to hold up its position when it comes to AI. Microsoft is facing direct competition from Google, Apple and Amazon when it comes to AI capabilities. It is being expected that Windows Machine Learning (WinML) API enables the developers to integrate machine learning models into their apps. Microsoft is also laying emphasis on its AI-based voice assistant, Cortana, however, it is still not clear whether the company will announce anything new related to the same. News - Mercedes-AMG - G63 Skunkworks co-op with AMG improved G-Class breed Benz worked to preserve G-Class iconic looks and off-road prowess MERCEDES-BENZ has revealed that the all-new G-Class was the product of a skunkworks attitude with a relatively small team of highly skilled and focused engineers from Benzs Sindelfingen headquarters, its in-house performance arm AMG and manufacturer Magna Steyr. Developed over just four years, a near-record according to Daimler AG G-Class development head, Oliver Metzger, the new Gelandewagen was overseen by about 250 people based at Magna Steyr in Austria. There are usually more than 4000 people who normally look after Mercedes-Benz vehicle development at Sindelfingen. Magna, which also builds E-Class 4Matic all-wheel drive, has built all G-Classes since the series was released in 1979. A big challenge was that we have such a small team working on the Gelandewagen, Mr Metzger gold GoAuto at the international launch in France late last month. But there is lots of passion among us all and everybody had a very clear vision of what we wanted to have. With more than 300,000km of high fatigue off-road testing, prototypes underwent extensive and punishing hot-weather shake downs in Death Valley in the US, Spain and Morocco, as well as winter tests in Sweden and Germany. Mercedes-AMG was instrumental in pushing for double wishbone suspension up front and a five-link solid rear axle replacing the outgoing models MacPherson struts and leaf spring set-up to meet performance and dynamic targets. While a three-link design for the rear was originally confirmed until sometime into its development, the team realised that the rear could not match the front suspensions on-road performance capabilities. Mr Metzger also revealed that a number of other suspension systems including air suspension were also discussed, but were dropped on cost or complexity grounds. Air suspension was briefly considered but the idea was discarded, he said. For it to even approach our off-road goals the airbags had to be inflated to a very hard level, which was not comfortable enough, he said. The newcomers centre of gravity is a little higher than before, given the rear end has been raised slightly for greater ground clearance, now rated at 270mm. Off-road benchmarks included the Toyota HiLux and Volkswagen Amarok, while the Bentley Bentayga and Infiniti QX80/Nissan Patrol served as the surprising yardsticks for on-road comfort and control. Also name checked was the Range Rover and new Land Rover Discovery for premium interior feel, quality and overall presentation. Also new to the G-Class is an electromechanical rack and pinion steering system, which has a far lower ratio than the previous hydraulic recirculating ball item. It is shared with the upcoming next-generation GLE SUV out next year. Mr Metzger said that as Daimler management insisted on retaining a mudguard-sited indicator position, his team had to develop a way that these could pass pedestrian impact legislation, as they can pose threats of serious injury. The solution is a novel breakaway system that disintegrates on that sort of impact but keeps its integrity in the rough and tumble of everyday situations such as car washes. Another challenge was the desired, distinctive clang when the doors shut an easy enough thing to achieve with the previous steel items, but something of a headache with the switch to the lighter aluminium items (as part of a 170kg weight reduction). It took many months of development to achieve the desired sound, Mr Metzger admitted. But it is seen as very important to sound like the original G-Class this is what the research has shown. As with the preceding version, about 100 are set to be made each day, and while the manufacturing process has eased with advances such as a single-piece rather than three- piece side panel stamping (which has the benefit of also adding stiffness and cutting noise path transmission as well as controlling quality), much of the vehicle still takes the same amount of time to put together. There are no robots on the Graz production line. Triple seals now feature around some of the door and tailgate apertures, although not on all as originally intended due to cost and complexity constraints, after it was discovered that the singles and doubles met noise targets where applied. The G-Class 170kg cull also came from a substantial increase in the use of high and ultra-high strength steels, however Daimler managements originally stated target of an unreasonable 400kg weight drop was seen as achievable but at too much of a compromise to the quality, off-road ability and refinement benchmarks, considering the capability bandwidth demanded by the new model. To save cost and speed up development, the current E-Class electrical platform was adopted for the G-Class, so while it features the large luxury sedans advanced multimedia system, it misses out on the next-generation MBUX touchscreen intuitive interface that debuts with the all-new A-Class, also out from July in Australia. MBUX is only workable on the MFA (Modular Front-Drive Architecture) vehicles, Mr Metzger explained, adding that he would have liked to see the latest technology in the companys SUV flagship. Another parts-bin saving was using the X-Class utilitys transfer case, which the Mercedes veteran engineer insists is the only item that the G-Class shares with the pick-up truck, despite similar wheelbase and track dimensions that suggest the two models are related. With an impressive 55 per cent rise in overall rigidity allowing the latest G-Class to achieve hitherto unachievable on-road noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) targets as well as off-road prowess for the series, it did come at a small packaging cost. While the rear seat area now offers nine positions, a proposed sliding bench was nixed as it would have compromised the desired level of stiffness in the rear half of the body. The Mercedes adopts an eight-point mounting system for the body on frame that further cuts NVH, while the B, C and D pillars have a bracing ring for additional torsional reinforcement. There are also other bracing elements in the rear floor to further boost the lower body area integrity, especially off road, but this has meant that the floor is not flat for easier cargo carrying. We had to at least match the old G-Class famous 4x4 reputation, Mr Metzger explained. Among a host of little battles that were won, Mr Metzger highlighted how the reversing camera was relocated to under the spare wheel as part of the cover since the tailgate-mounted spare of old all but blocked the view. Another involved the new 4.0-litre bi-turbos air intake, which is susceptible to water egress during river fording a sensor closes a flap when required and so air is diverted from behind the headlights. It was our small teams passion for the G-Class that came up with answers to problems like these, Mr Metzger beamed. That said, he is most proud of delivering a thoroughly modern SUV underneath a retro exterior, even though compromises like wind noise from the upright pillars and exterior mirrors (also cribbed from the next-gen GLE) result due to the much-loved design. It was felt that streamlining the silhouette would have diluted the newcomers appeal considerably. Considering the level of advanced technology that the G-Class achieves, this is the biggest achievement, Mr Metzger said. It was not easy at all to keep the iconic shape in some aspects. We had to ask ourselves, Is it good for the icon that is a Gelandewagen? The Road to Recovery podcast series Read more 5th of May 2018 First drive: Benz set to double G-Class sales Sole Mercedes-AMG G63 defies physics with incredible capabilities on and off road 13th of February 2018 Geneva show: Mercedes-AMG uncovers 430kW G63 Potent Mercedes-AMG G63 off-roader to launch new-generation G-Class range in Q3 15th of January 2018 Familiar styling hides big Mercedes G-Class changes Mercedes-Benz reveals second-generation G-Class ahead of Q3 launch 13th of December 2017 Mercedes-Benz refines new G-Class interior Premium soft-touch materials and modern tech for Mercedes new G-Class off roader A New Haven judge sentenced two Long Island men to six-year prison sentences for investment frauds that included a scheme in which a Connecticut resident was bilked of $475,000 investing in a yacht-sharing club. The office of U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut John Durham announced the sentences for Thomas Heaphy Jr., a 43-year-old resident of East Moriches, N.Y.; and Brian Ferraioli, 41, of Sayville, N.Y. The investigation included the FBI, the Connecticut Department of Banking and the Stamford Police among other agencies. Mom's spend their lives taking care of others, so they deserve something special on Mother's Day. Sure, you could get her flowers from a local florist or buy her a gift, but what she probably really wants is to spend time with her family. There are plenty of opportunities to spend some quality time with mom in southwestern Connecticut this weekend. Click through the slideshow above for some suggestions. According to history.com, Mother's Day started in the United States in 1914 by a woman named Anna Jarvis who wanted to honor her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis. "In the years before the Civil War (1861-65), Ann Reeves Jarvis of West Virginia helped start Mothers Day Work Clubs to teach local women how to properly care for their children...In 1868 Jarvis organized Mothers Friendship Day, at which mothers gathered with former Union and Confederate soldiers to promote reconciliation," history.com writes. Anna Jarvis felt that American holidays were biased toward men, so she started a campaign to instate a day honoring mothers. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure officially establishing the second Sunday in May as Mothers Day. Today, it has become somewhat of consumer holiday as the tradition is to buy mom flowers and jewelry or take her out to eat. But, "at times Mother's Day has also been a date for launching political or feminist causes," history.com writes. "In 1968 Coretta Scott King, wife of Martin Luther King Jr., used Mother's Day to host a march in support of underprivileged women and children. In the 1970s women's groups also used the holiday as a time to highlight the need for equal rights and access to childcare." GREENWICH Republicans and Democrats are both likely heading to primaries in August to settle each partys nomination for the fall gubernatorial election. And with those primaries potentially looming, Greenwich is reminding voters that a major deadline is nearing. The only voters who can cast ballots in a primary are those who are registered with a party. That means that only registered Democrats can vote in that partys primary and same for Republicans. And for any voter who wishes to switch parties to be able to participate in the August primary must change their registration with the town by May 14. According to the registrars office, residents can go to www.greenwichct.org/vote and click on the check to see if Im registered link to see their status. On the site is a link for registering to vote, which can also be done in person at Town Hall from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. New voters have plenty of time to register for the primary. Town Republican Registrar of Voters Fred DeCaro III said residents can sign up until the day before the Aug. 14 primary. And those who are unaffiliated voters and want to switch their registration can do so by mail until Aug. 9 and in person at Town Hall until Aug. 13. But anyone who is switching from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party or vice versa is looking at a three-month waiting period for the change to take effect, DeCaro said. That also includes voters who are registered with minor parties, including the Green Party, the Libertarian Party or the Independent Party, and who want to become Republicans or Democrats. The primaries could have familiar names on the ballot. First Selectman Peter Tesei is seeking the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor on a ticket with New Britain Mayor and gubernatorial candidate Erin Stewart. And on the Democratic side, Ned Lamont, a former selectman and member of Greenwichs Board of Estimate and Taxation, is seeking the nomination for governor. Lamont famously defeated then-U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman in a 2006 Democratic primary. Though Lieberman successfully ran as a third party candidate, Lamonts political profile was significantly raised. And he is not the only Greenwich resident seeking the governors mansion. Guy Smith, a business executive and former member of the administration of President Bill Clinton, is also running as a Democrat. David Stemerman, a former hedge fund manager, is running for the Republican nomination as is businessman and builder Peter Thalheim. At the party conventions, candidates who receive 15 percent of support from the delegates will be eligible to run in the primary. Candidates can also petition their way into the primary by collecting signatures from registered Connecticut voters from their political parties. Two Greenwich residents are also in the race for state treasurer. Both John Blankley and Dita Bhargava are seeking the Democratic Partys nomination and have their sights set on August. "We're confident that she will be on the ballot following the convention, and we look forward to giving voters the best choice in the August primary," said Josh Dellaquila, campaign manager for the Bhargava campaign. Blankley said he would not seek to be a petition candidate and rather wanted delegate support. "I am committed to running in the primary by getting support at the convention and am confident that I will do so," he said. "Thats what I have been working on for the past year by traveling all around the state introducing myself and my plans to solve our states financial problems." Despite the possibility of multiple Greenwich residents on the primary ballot, DeCaro isnt sure how much of an impact it will have. "Were certainly enthused any time there is something to spike the turnout, but the reality is there really hasnt been much that has pushed turnout above its standard level year after year," he said. "We always want to see more people coming out for an election in a non-presidential year." In the 2012 GOP primary for U.S. Senate, where town resident Linda McMahon was a candidate, 24 percent of eligible registered voters cast ballots. In 2014, the Republican primary for governor, which involved Greenwich resident Tom Foley, had a voter turnout in town of 15 percent. DeCaro said the typical turnout, especially for an open seat, is at 25 percent. The towns Democratic Registrar of Voters Michael Aurelia said it could be a busy primary. Lamont is considered the front-runner for the gubernatorial nomination, but he is not the only Greenwich Democrat. Guy Smith is also seeking the nomination and has already begun collecting signatures, including in his hometown, for a petition to get on the ballot. "I think a number of Democrats are going to seek to be petition candidates regardless of the results of the convention," Aurelia said. "At the very least I would expect a primary for governor. I think there could be a very good turnout for it, too. There are national issues that are sparking interest in the right to vote, and there has been a lot of interest from kids who have become more active after the (Parkland, Florida high school shooting) and have wanted to get involved. I think you will see a lot of interest from 18-year-olds who will be voting for the first time." But August is a time when many Greenwich residents are out of town for late summer vacations. Aurelia admitted that can make turnouts more of a challenge for primary elections. "I would like to see the primary moved to another month when there are more people around, but that is the traditional time its done in the state," he said. The level of turnout will depend on the amount of campaigning done in town, DeCaro said. "The candidates seem to spend a lot of time campaigning in other parts of the state," he said. "Its a balancing act between how much their name recognition can carry them in their hometown and how much time they spend their campaigning. People like to hear candidates state their positions in their hometown, and you cant just rely on name recognition if a candidate expects to be rewarded with votes." kborsuk@greenwichtime.com NORWALK Growing up, Chaz Bethel-Brescia wasnt aware that people viewed his family differently until third grade. Thats when his peers started to press him about how it was possible for him to be born if he had two moms. He felt like he was met with the same question later on, when his teacher crossed out moms in his assignment and corrected it to mom. Or when he had to fill out forms that asked for information about his mom and dad. Having other people not understand the concept of having a sperm donor or gay parents made me feel almost invalidated and instilled some insecurities in me, he said. It made me doubt myself a lot. But now, the Norwalk High School senior said the experience of being raised by two moms has helped him grow into his own version of manhood instead of letting his peers or society define it for him. He wrote about this experience in his college admissions essay, challenging social expectations that seem to equate manhood with demonstrating authority or not showing emotion. This did not reflect his experience growing up as the only male in the household, with two moms and a younger sister. Perhaps the expectations of males in society should be redefined: Acquiring authority through pursuing passion. Manifesting manhood through sophistication. Earning reputation by showing respect. Demonstrating strength through vulnerability, he wrote. This essay helped Bethel-Brescia get into all 10 of the schools he applied to, including four Ivy League schools Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Yale University and Princeton University, the school he chose and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This a rarity at Norwalk High School, according to Dan Sullivan, head of the schools guidance department. Sullivan said the essay is the best hes read in his 20 years as a guidance counselor at the school. Chaz is in a very rarefied era here in that, Sullivan said. And we want there to be other Chazes coming up, and see that he did it and that other kids can do it. For Bethel-Brescia, receiving 10 college acceptance letters served as a form of validation of the work ethic and passions he developed from a young age and of the person hes become today. The list of activities and accomplishments on his resume helped tell his story: vice president of his senior class, member of the schools volunteer club, and a longtime pianist, bassist, percussionist and vocalist. This process has definitely made me realize my own worth as an individual and that I shouldnt doubt myself, he said. I was just about to say that, his mother Tina Brescia chimed in. You can stop doubting now. Bethel-Brescia said he is proud to put Norwalk on the map and to represent the city and its diversity at Princeton University, his dream school. He credits his moms for providing the right environment that allowed him to discover who he is as a person without any pressure or restraint. His mother Phyllis Bethel said they noticed his motivation and drive early on, and tried to encourage his academic and extracurricular pursuits as much as possible. Both of them work as music therapists at the Music Conservatory of Westchester. We always thought that hed be able to write his own ticket before he went to school, Bethel said. But getting in was such a relief when he got into all those schools. Bethel-Brescia looks forward to doing his best at Princeton, where he wants to further his studies in the STEM field and earn a minor in music. Im hoping to learn a lot, grow as a musician, challenge myself, grow as a person and not to doubt myself as much during that process, Bethel-Brescia said. I know now the next journey is just beginning. Correction: An earlier version misstated that Chaz Bethel-Brescia is the co-editor-in-chief of the school newspaper and co-president of the Spanish National Honor Society. skim@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2568. HARTFORD - An energy bill mandating that 40 percent of the states electricity come from renewable sources by 2030 easily passed the state Senate despite opposition to changes in how customers pay for solar power. "Connecticut has been a national leader in policies designed to combat the effects of climate change and this bill is no exception," said Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. The bill passed by a 29-3 vote in the Senate late Monday evening and heads to the House, where it is also expected to be adopted. However, provisions in the bill drew opposition from solar power producers and some state environmental groups upset over a change in renewable energy pricing called net metering. The new pricing plan creates a flat rate for solar a move opponents say is a nod to electric companies. Under net metering, homeowners and businesses receive a credit on their electric bill for the solar power produced by their system. It is regretful that the Senate voted to terminate one of the most successful solar energy policies in the nation, net metering, a coalition of environmental groups and solar producers said in a statement after the vote. States like Nevada that hastily ended net metering lost thousands of solar jobs and have since reinstated productive policy for distributed generation, said the coalition, which includes the Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Litchfield Hills Solar and Solar Connecticut. But other environmental groups supported the bill, saying there were enough important provisions to warrant passage. While we know that the bill also includes problematic new limitations on net metering, we believe the gains are extensive and should be passed this year, said a coalition that includes the Connecticut Fund for the Environment, the Nature Conservancy and the Sierra Club. We will continue to fight for the best possible result for net metering, the CFE-led coalition said. And we will be back next year for a better fix in the legislature. Malloy noted the pricing change revises net metering so Connecticut residents pay a more affordable rate per kilowatt-hour basis. Malloy added "by promoting clean, renewable energy, we will not only reduce our overall emissions, we will create good jobs in the green economy." Electric costs Along with increasing the states mandate for renewable energy to 40 percent by 2030, the bill expands opportunities for municipalities, state agencies and agricultural customers to deploy renewable energy sources under an auction structure. The legislation creates a statewide shared clean energy program that targets low to moderate income customers and new "successor" programs to grow renewable energy. "Todays vote is an important step in helping Connecticut meet not just its climate change goals, but in helping bring down the cost of renewables," said Robert Klee, commissioner of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. "Climate change is real, and its effects are impacting those around the globe," Klee said. State Sen. Len Suzio, R-Meriden, said one of his main concerns with the bill is its difficult to predict the impact on current electricity costs. "Connecticut is already the second highest cost of electricity in the country, in part of which because we have adopted renewable portfolios and this is gong to accelerate that mor," Suzio said. "We can only project and its a guess for all of us and who knows what technology will be in the future," Suzio said. State Sen. Gary Winfield, D-New Haven, conceded the bill could cause short term increases in energy costs but over the long run will help bring down prices. "There is potential for movement in many directions," Winfield said. "Some would say it would increase cost and some say in long run it might go in the other direction. Its guess work and depends on time frame you are looking at." bcummings@ctpost.com Elon Musk has been busy talking over the past week. First, he alienated Wall Street on Teslas Q1 earnings call by calling some questions boring and bonehead[ed]. Then, he alerted the public that the short burn of the century was coming soon (even tweeting that flamethrowers should arrive just in time). Finally, he sparred with Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett, dismissing the famed investors tenet about moats, or building a competitive buffer around a company. Buffett fired back at his companys annual meeting, reiterating his belief in moats and postulating that Musk wouldnt want to take him on in the candy market. Musk, in turn, tweeted: Im starting a candy company & its going to be amazing, followed by I am super super serious. From all this, one thing is clear: Elon Musk probably needs a vacation. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO reportedly works about 85 to 100 hours per week, and for him, lunch break is a misnomer since hes known to wolf down food in five minutes and during a meeting. Hes not alone in subscribing to the idea of being a work martyr. According to Project: Time Off, many Americans sacrifice vacation time because they falsely believe that no one else can do their job and that giving up time off will help them get ahead. However, skipping vacation can lead to a host of health issues -- perhaps most notably a potential 30 to 50 percent spike in heart attack risk, according to one long-term study. Experts say it can also lead to increased stress and blood pressure, as well as a dip in mental focus and clarity. This is related to two types of cognitive capacity: working memory (how to perform tasks youre used to) and fluid intelligence (the part of the brain that works on novel problems, or things youve never done before). Successful people are well-versed in alternating between the two -- they balance the daily grind with the energy it takes to dream up wild, crazy things, says Mary LoVerde, work-life balance expert and author. We have a limited cognitive capacity, LoVerde says. Even Elon Musk. Its possible to exceed your cognitive capacity -- and overwhelming it can lead to confused behavior, irritability, irrationality and saying things you wouldnt normally say. Its fair to say many Americans overwhelm their cognitive capacity with work, which is their second most common stressor (second only to money), according to the American Psychological Associations annual Stress in America survey. The top reported symptoms: feeling irritable/angry, feeling nervous/anxious or exhibiting a lack of interest/motivation. Our minds tend to unravel somewhat when we ignore the signs were exceeding our cognitive capacity, and working 100 hours a week can certainly overwhelm the part of your brain that lets in stimuli, LoVerde says. The only way to reset it is to be still and rest. Based on Musks public performance over the past week, some time in the tropics -- away from all talk of electric cars and rockets -- might be just what the doctor ordered. Should Elon Musk take a vacation? Entrepreneur (@Entrepreneur) May 7, 2018 Related: How 3 Tech Superstars Mastered Personal Productivity Why Elon Musk Should Take a Vacation Elon Musk and Warren Buffett Get in a Candy Fight! 3 Things to Know Today. Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. Last week we wrote about not one, but two reports that Xiaomi is already the 4th biggest manufacturer in the world. Wang Xiang, Senior VP at the company revealed their team has no plans of stopping and will officially launch Mi devices in France on May 22 and Italy on May 24. The arrival on both European markets should help Xiaomi solidify its fourth position in Europe as well, as reported by Kantar last Thursday. The expansion in France and Italy might mean the countries will finally get a Mi Store. Up until now Xiaomi was available only through retailers like Carrefour or Media World. Since European users are more willing to purchase a phone through a carrier, it is very likely for Redmi and Mi phones to finally appear at telecoms such as Orange, SFR, Vodafone, and TIM. An expansion in these major markets may mean that Xiaomi could arrive in other EU countries, giving exposure of the brand across the Old Continent and refreshing the stale market. Source ZTE was banned from buying Qualcomm chipsets for the next seven years after not following through with a settlement breaching a trade embargo. The company had to reprimand or fine 35 employees but didnt comply, and now it faces losing its Android license as well. According to Reuters, the manufacturer has given additional material to the Bureau of Industry and Security of the US Commerce Department to have the ban lifted. The source does not reveal what type of documents they were or when exactly they were filed. ZTE is heavily reliant on the Snapdragon chipsets, and such a ban is unacceptable and threatens its survival, the company was quoted by Reuters. Last week Chinese negotiators held trade talks with US counterparts in Beijing asking them to hear the appeal and take into account efforts to improve its compliance. The trade relations between USA and China are not great lately, but US officials said the ban has nothing to do with the issue between the worlds two biggest economies. Analysts, though, think it is exactly the opposite. According to Tam Tsz-Wang from DBS Vickers, the outcome is more an issue that depends on the negotiation between US and China. If the ban stays, the market is unlikely to see the upcoming Axon 9 and Axon 9 Pro that were recently trademarked. Source Havre Police Department A First Street business caller reported Friday at 1:58 p.m. a room was broken into the previous night. A caller reported a vehicle crash on Fifth Avenue Friday at 3:25 p.m. Kim Allen Norquay Sr. of Hays, 59, was arrested on a charge of trespassing reported by a Fifth Avenue business caller Friday at 7:22 p.m. A caller on U.S. Highway 2 West reported Friday at 7:41 p.m. hitting a deer. Patrick Charles Zieman of Great Falls, 56, was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and an open container in city violation after a Friday 8:44 p.m. caller reported two intoxicated people walking near First Street. Garth Edward Elvbakken of Spokane Valley, Washington, 26, was arrested on a Justice or City court warrant and on charges of driving with a suspended or revoked drivers license and driving without vehicle insurance, during a vehicle stop on First Street Friday at 11:34 p.m. Nikolas John Keller of Havre, 19, was arrested on charges of driving under the influence, open container on highway and minor in possession after a McKinley Avenue caller reported suspicious activity Saturday at 1:48 a.m. Jessica Lee Schweigert of Havre, 38, was issued a summons on a charge of shoplifting after a First Street business reported a woman shoplifting Saturday at 10:46 a.m. Regina Therese Hindsley of Havre, 42, was issued a summons on a disorderly conduct charge after a caller at the Armory Gymnasium reported a woman causing a disturbance Saturday at 12:09 p.m. Dustin Paul Kessel of Havre, 41, was issued a summons on charges of shoplifting and a violation of conditions of release after an 11th Street West business caller reported Saturday at 12:35 p.m. that someone had stolen beer. Clayton Gary Bailey of Big Sandy, 46, was arrested on charges of obstructing a peace officer or other public servant and false reports to law enforcement after a Beaver Creek Road caller reported a man and a woman walking with a gun at 8:18 p.m. Saturday. Katelyn Ilene Bouyer of Billings, 23, was arrested on a charge of partner or family member assault after a Saturday 11:43 p.m. call from Sixth Avenue of a domestic disturbance with multiple people. Kyle Jay Rummel of Missoula, 29, was issued a summons on a criminal contempt charge related to a 24/7 Sobriety Program violation Sunday at 8:35 a.m. Officers issued a summons on a Sunday 8:37 a.m. complaint at the police station, but no details were provided. Raymond OClaray of Havre, 39, was arrested on charges of aggravated DUI, careless driving, driving with an expired registration and open container in a vehicle on the highway after someone on First Street made a complaint Sunday at 8:49 a.m. A Sunday 7:52 p.m. caller reported items missing from her Second Street house. Hill County Sheriffs Office Carol Ivy Meyers of Havre, 56, was arrested on a state District Court warrant served Friday at 4:07 p.m. at Hill County Detention Center. Vandalism was reported at 8:11 a.m. Saturday at Box Elder School. A caller on U.S. Highway 2 West asked Saturday at 6:34 p.m. to speak with a deputy. Clayton Gary Bailey of Big Sandy, 46, was arrested on charges of shoplifting and obstructing a peace officer or other public servant after a U.S. Highway 2 West business caller reported two shoplifters Saturday at 6:58 p.m. Keaton Todd John Kaul of Havre, 19, was issued a summons on a charge of driving without vehicle insurance after a caller in Beaver Creek Park reported a vehicle hot rodding Saturday at 8:42 p.m. Samatt Hugh Topsky of Havre, 34, was arrested on charges of violation of a protective order and partner or family member assault after a caller at a Box Elder establishment reported a disturbance Saturday at 9:39 p.m. Colton Daniel Otto of Pine Haven Dr., Wyoming, 19, was arrested on charges of DUI and minor in possession after a Sunday 6:17 a.m. caller on 82 Avenue West reported a pickup in the ditch with a driver passed out inside. A U.S. Highway 2 East caller requested assistance Sunday at 4:42 p.m. retrieving personal items. Havre Fire Department Emergency medical personnel responded to three calls Friday, seven calls Saturday, two calls Sunday and one call today. Fire crews responded to a report of a gas smell Saturday at 8:02 p.m. on the 500 Block of Fifth Street North. Neither firefighters nor NorthWestern Energy could detect a gas smell. Fire crews responded to a report of smoke Sunday at 6:04 a.m. on the 100 Block of 9th Avenue and found a cigaret ash had fallen into an outside chair and had started smoldering. Fire and NWE crews responded to a 2:51 p.m. Sunday call from the 1700 Block of U.S. Highway 2 Northwest about a smell of burning electricity. NWE crews suspected a transformer. Fire crews responded to a 5:39 p.m. call about a gas smell on the 600 Block of 10th Street and found a propane leak on a barbecuer. Havre Animal Shelter This morning the shelter held two medium-hair cats whose sex is listed as unknown, three medium-hair male cats, two medium-hair female cats and two female short-hair cats. The shelter held this morning a 4-year-old female German shepherd-Labrador retriever cross, a 4-year-old female border terrier-terrier cross and a 1-year-2-month-old male Labrador retriever-Boston terrier cross. Republican Darrold Hutchinson spoke to the North Central Pachyderm Club at the Duck Inn Friday about his campaign for the House District 27 seat in the Montana House of Representatives. Hutchinson is a farmer and aviator from north of Hingham who unsuccessfully has run twice for a seat in the Legislature. The seat he is running for is in House District 27, which stretches from the Canadian border in Liberty and Hill counties west of Havre down to just outside Great Falls. Incumbent state Rep. James O'Hara, R-Fort Benton, has opted not to seek re-election and is instead running to go back onto the Chouteau County Commission. Hutchinson faces Joshua Kassmier, a crop adjuster and former Fort Benton mayoral candidate, in the June 5 Republican primary. The winner will face in November's general election Democrat Dan Nelsen, a retired school administrator who lives in Fort Benton. Hutchinson said that nearly every candidate running for office will say they want a government that is more fiscally responsible, to cut spending, create better higher-paying jobs and create a better future for their children and grandchildren. "So I would like to clear the air on all that by saying I'm in favor of that, too," he said. Hutchinson said he would like to look at overhauling the state's business equipment tax. Business owners should only have to pay the tax on a piece of equipment for 10 years. "I think that after paying taxes on something for 10 years, that is enough," he said. The change to the tax would help small businesses in Montana including agriculture producers, he said. Hutchinson said he does not have much of an agenda he wants to implement if elected. Oftentimes candidates with an agenda get elected to the Legislature and find out that they can't get their agenda enacted, he said. They then become frustrated and ineffective as lawmakers. "I just don't want to be that kind of person," he said. Instead, Hutchinson said, he wants to go to Helena with an open mind and be willing to learn about whatever comes up. He said the state is often greedy with taxpayer money, taking much of the revenue generated by the income tax and other fees for itself and then only letting a little trickle down to cities and counties. If elected, Hutchinson said he will look at and vote on bills based on how they will impact Montana cities and counties. Hutchinson said he has received mail and email from out-of-state groups trying to influence policy in Montana. He checks every piece of mail he receives and if it has an out-of-state address or phone number, he deletes it or throws it away. "I sincerely think we Montanans are intellectually capable of figuring out what is best for us," Hutchinson said. "We don't need out-of-state interests to tell us what we need." One of the most common complaints Hutchinson said he receives on the campaign trail is that people have a difficult time contacting their state legislators. Hutchinson said his name and number are in the phone book. "You can call me," he said. After years of helping with many Republican campaigns, Brad Lotton is running his own as he mounts a primary challenge against an incumbent state senator. Lotton, owner of Lotton Construction in Havre and finance director of the Hill County Republican Central Committee, faces Sen. Russ Tempel, R-Chester, in the June 5 Republican primary. The winner will take on Democrat and Bear Paw Development Corp. Executive Director Paul Tuss of Havre in the general election. District 14 extends from the Canadian border in Liberty County down to just above Great Falls to just east of Havre. Tempel wa... In judicial role, town boards have limited fexibility Coming off a contentious and emotional public hearing on a widely opposed zoning application, Laurel Park Town Council members got a tutorial from its attorney on their role as decision-makers in judicial-like setting. Related Stories The council asked for the legal explanation of its its authority and the boundaries of that authority after its OK earlier this year of a conditional use permit for phase 1 of the Cottages at Arcadia View, which neighboring homeowners have strongly opposed. Town Attorney Sharon Alexander told council members that state law gives them little latitude when they sit as a quasi-judicial body. That question has come up, too, in Hendersonville. Council members there were so uncomfortable with the role that they ordered a rewrite of the zoning code to eliminate most quasi-judicial hearings, which tend to frustrate constituents who are told their objections dont qualify as legal evidence or that they dont have legal standing to participate as witnesses. State law, not a towns land-use code, governs the process. While theres no inherent authority, theres a whole lot of almost inherent limitation imposed on you, Alexander told Laurel Park council members. You cant listen to your constituents, be lobbied in the grocery store. You cant use any of that to make your decision because youre acting like judges. The council sits as a quasi-judicial body when it decides conditional use permits or appeals of a staff decision. Everybody who has standing gets the right to present evidence, evidence thats not opinion but evidence, she said. Everybody with an interest, the applicant and landowners, can confront the evidence, cross-examine the evidence thats presented. Part of the reason you cant talk outside the meeting is everybody is entitled to know what the evidence is that you all are basing your decision on. Its unavoidable that the council hears opinions about controversial matters before it decides. It doesnt mean youve heard nothing at all, she said. It is that whatever youve heard, you can set it aside, you can be fair and impartial to all sides of that matter. The appeal from you is to Superior Court. When they go to court, they take all that evidence in the record and they take each finding and look for the evidence you received that supports that finding. If an appellant asserts that you acted outside your authority or you acted arbitrarily that can be a difficult issue to prove but it also can be a difficult issue to defend. The process is a lot about protecting the record that supports your decision and protects you. If they satisfy the requirement, you have to issue. It makes it, not an easy job I guess, but an easy decision to defend, she said. Sitting in a quasi-judicial role, she said, the council has no leeway if a zoning applicant meets or fails to meet the requirements set out in a conditional use permit. If its there, youve got to do it. If its not, you cant do it, she said. Council members agreed that its impossible to explain to a roomful of anxious homeowners that most of their objections dont qualify as factual evidence. Thats my dilemma, said George Banta. How do we convey to the general public that we are bound by these rules and regulations? We cant just vote no because you dont like it. Theres not much the town board can do, the attorney responded. Theyre really going to be dealing in a very emotional part of their life and they frankly arent going to be able to hear it, I dont believe, she said. Tragic mother Selina Hall with baby Cian, who was treated at the Coombe Hospital. Up to 100 babies each year are born in the Coombe Hospital to mothers on methadone. The figure was revealed at the inquest of baby Cian Hall, who was treated for withdrawal symptoms following his birth in February 2016. Expand Close Coombe Hospital. Photo: Collins / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Coombe Hospital. Photo: Collins Drugs are used to treat the infants born with withdrawal symptoms following exposure to opioids in the womb. Baby Cian was treated successfully and released home, where he died due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome on the day after his release. Prof Martin White, consultant neonatologist at the Coombe Hospital, told the inquest that up to 100 babies are born in withdrawal, having been exposed to drugs in the womb. Withdrawal Half of the affected babies will remain on the ward for up to five weeks. Around 25pc of them need medication to help them through withdrawal. "We try to avoid giving medications to babies. Only around a quarter of the overall number will require medications," Prof White said. "Some may stay on for up to five weeks while they are withdrawing from drugs they were exposed to in the womb." Baby Cian's mother, Selina Hall, of Cherry Orchard, Dublin 10, was on a methadone programme along with prescribed medication, which prolonged the infant's withdrawal symptoms. He was treated in the Coombe Hospital for six weeks before he was released home to live with his parents and four siblings. "We try to get them home to their families when they are well. Cian was well," Prof White said. Families receive training to administer phenobarbital, a sedative drug that works on the central nervous system. The medication is used to settle the baby. Families are trained by medical staff at the Coombe Hospital before infants are discharged. In baby Cian's case, his grandmother, Marie Daly, was trained to administer his medication in liquid form as part of his bottle feed. Cian was discharged home at six weeks to live with his parents on April 5, 2016. His grandmother arrived that evening to give him his medication. Around an hour-and-a-half later, the child was found un- responsive and taken to hos- pital. He died the next day. A post-mortem report gave the cause of death as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. On the night before her own death three days later, his mother told relatives she wanted to enter rehabilitation to come off methadone. She was promised support to achieve this. She was found dead in bed on the morning of April 9. A post-mortem found she died due to multi-drug toxicity, with evidence of diazepam, methadone and alcohol in her system. The coroner returned a verdict of death by misadventure. Addiction Her eldest daughter, Chloe Hall White, said her mother was loving, dedicated and devoted despite her addiction. "She lived for her kids. She was a great mother. The methadone didn't stop her from being a brilliant mam. I never wanted for anything growing up," she said. "She was on methadone but she was clean. She wanted to stop taking it. I know that she wouldn't have wanted to leave us but she was heartbroken over baby Cian. She couldn't live without him." Ms Hall White has since given birth herself and said the loss of her mother is more difficult. "I'd love to have her around now because she adored all of us and she would be a huge support to me now." A car used as the ultimate getaway vehicle in the murder of David Douglas was set alight in a seaside car park three days after the killing, a murder trial has heard. Freddie Thompson (37) is not alleged to have been the gunman, but he is alleged to have provided logistical support in the shooting. "There was one hand on the gun at the time but there were many fingers on the trigger," said prosecutor Sean Gillane SC in his opening speech. "It is the prosecution case that one of those belonged to the accused." Mr Thompson, of Loreto Road, Maryland, Dublin 8, has denied the murder of Mr Douglas (55), who was shot six times at his partner's shop on Bridgefoot Street, Dublin 8, on July 1, 2016. Spotter Expand Close Murder victim David Daithi Douglas / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Murder victim David Daithi Douglas It is the State's case that Mr Thompson provided logistical support in the planning and execution of a murder and was the driver of one of two "spotter" vehicles. Gardai have alleged that four vehicles were used in the murder: a silver Mercedes - which was the "murder vehicle" - a silver Suzuki Swift, a blue Mitsubishi Mirage and a silver Ford Fiesta. The Mercedes was found burnt out at Spitalfields shortly after the killing, and it is alleged that the Suzuki was the ultimate getaway vehicle. Yesterday, the Special Criminal Court heard from Deivydas Kukanavza, who said that he and his then girlfriend were parked in the car park at Strand Road, Dublin 4, on July 4, 2016. Mr Kukanavza said that at around 11.25pm he saw a Mitsubishi car come into the car park and hit the back of a silver car, previously identified to the court as a Suzuki Swift, parked behind his girlfriend's car. The silver car, which had been stolen in June 2016, was hit from behind three times. Mr Kukanavza said he then saw a man get out of the Mitsubishi. He was holding a petrol can and poured it around the silver car. Mr Kukanavza said he asked the man what he was doing but he did not answer, and he set the car alight. There were two other men in the Mitsubishi, and the third man got back into the car and the Mitsubishi drove away, Mr Kukanavza said. Iveta Sutkote, Mr Kukanavza's then girlfriend, said she was sitting in her car facing the beach when another car, a Mitsubishi, hit a silver car parked behind her. Ms Sutkote said it appeared as if the Mitsubishi was trying to smash the parked car. She said a man then got out and ran toward the parked car and poured petrol around it. She asked him, "what are you doing?", but he ignored her and set the silver car alight. He jumped back into the Mitsubishi and the car drove away. Earlier this week, the Special Criminal Court heard that Mr Thompson's fingerprints were found on the rear-view mirrors of two cars which were allegedly used as "spotter vehicles" in the murder of Mr Douglas. Mr Thompson's DNA was also found on an inhaler visible on the floor of one of the cars. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding, with Judge Gerard Griffin and Judge Flann Brennan. One of the men pictured was wearing priests vestments. Photo: Anyka A rural parish is continuing to hold Mass at a church where an alleged sex act was caught on camera. A garda investigation has been launched into the incident after photographs emerged showing two men engaging in an apparent sex act on the church's altar. Despite the controversy surrounding the parish, it is understood that Mass has still been taking place at the church in the wake of the garda complaint. The photographs, which began to circulate last week, show a man in priest's vestments engaging in a sex act on the altar of the parish grounds. A source told the Herald that, as the garda investigation is still ongoing, no internal action has yet been taken. The church is still operating "as normal" until the full facts of what actually happened are confirmed, the source added. Mass times have been scheduled for a number of days in the parish, including two yesterday. A spokesperson for the diocese in question said that they could not comment until gardai had concluded their investigation. On May 2, a complaint was made to a garda district, and officers were last week in the process of verifying the images which captured the sex act. A person who obtained the images, who wished to remain anonymous, described the incident as "an abomination". They also questioned how many people had received communion at the altar of the parish church since its violation, or had been confirmed, buried or married. The individual also called for "some sort of exorcism" of the church. "The photographs depict something that appears to be somewhat satanic," they told the Herald. The graphic images show two men across what appears to be the altar of a small country church, and engaged in intimate poses. There is no suggestion that the act is not consensual. Sacrilege It is not known what - if any - offence has been committed, although gardai will look at a range of legislation including those involving a lewd act. The diocese concerned declined to give an indication as to whether the church has been re-consecrated. The Catholic Church teaches that sacrilege occurs when sacred objects are used for an unworthy purpose. This includes the profane use of sacred vestments. Church law also teaches that defiling a sacred place by sexual acts is sacrilege. The images come as the Catholic Church in Ireland is facing many challenges, including the upcoming abortion referendum. Meghan Markle is expected to become the Duchess of Sussex when she marries Prince Harry. The former actress will become a fully-fledged member of the British royal family, with an HRH title to match. Expand Close Prince William and Kate Middleton became the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Photo: Chris Ison / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prince William and Kate Middleton became the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Photo: Chris Ison Tradition dictates that royal men receive a title on the morning of their wedding, with Harry looking set to become the Duke of Sussex. He is expected to be given a dukedom by his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth. Genealogist Charles Kidd said he believed the Duke of Sussex would be chosen for Harry, meaning Meghan would become Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex. "They're quite limited in the titles that are available. The Duke of Sussex is the front-runner without any doubt," he said. "I think the others are highly unlikely. Clarence hasn't been used for a long time and it's been sort of tainted by bad luck. "One Duke of Clarence was the eldest son of Edward VII and there have been a lot of fairly salacious stories surrounding him. "Another Duke of Clarence was executed for treason and allegedly drowned in a butt of Malmsey wine. "Connaught, with its links to the Republic of Ireland, might not be suitable at the moment. "The dukedoms of Cumberland, Albany and Teviotdale are all suspended, meaning there could be claims to those titles." Windsor, last used by the abdicated Edward VIII, is likely to be off the table. Although it would reclaim the title for a new generation, Wallis Simpson - the last Duchess of Windsor, who sparked the abdication crisis of 1936 - was, like Meghan, an American divorcee. Other options could include Avondale and Kendal. Surprise Harry, whose full name is Prince Henry of Wales, could turn down a title, but that would be a surprise move. In that case, Meghan would be known as HRH Princess Henry of Wales. She is not entitled to be "Princess Meghan" because she is not a princess in her own right, only through marriage. William and Kate, known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, were also given titles linking them to Scotland and Northern Ireland, becoming the Earl and Countess of Strathearn and Baron and Baroness Carrickfergus, meaning Harry and Meghan might also be given multiple ones as well. Meanwhile, plans to clear rough sleepers from Windsor's streets ahead of the royal wedding on May 19 have been dumped. The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead proposed fining the homeless up to 100 (113) for "aggressive begging" or leaving bedding in public places. However, widespread public outrage, a petition and high-profile criticism meant the authority dropped the initial plans. Protesters organising on Facebook said they plan to camp out with rough sleepers in solidarity. Postman David Byrne, who has a degenerative eye disorder, was found guilty of dangerous driving causing death A Dublin family says it will never forgive the visually-impaired man convicted of dangerous driving causing their 70-year-old mother's death. John Dunne, son of Patricia Dunne, described how postman David Byrne (42) put them through two weeks of hell in court by not pleading guilty to the dangerous driving causing death charge. Reading from his victim impact statement, he said the family believed his mother's death was a factor in the death of his father. He stated that Byrne should not have been driving, and that there was no remorse and no apology for the death of his mother, who he described as kind, compassionate, loving and very popular. Dangerous During the trial, the court heard Byrne had type two Usher syndrome, which is a degenerative eye disorder resulting in peripheral vision loss. Michael O'Higgins SC, defending, asked the court to take into account that his client's offer to plead guilty to careless driving causing death was rejected by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Byrne (42), of Sunnyhill, Castlemartin Lodge, Kilcullen, Co Kildare, had pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Ms Dunne at Collins Avenue East, Killester, Dublin, on October 16, 2015. The father-of-two had also pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to dishonestly inducing the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS) to issue him with a driving licence on September 30, 2014. He had further denied making a false or misleading statement while taking out insurance on September 16, 2015. He was found guilty by a jury of all three charges. He had no previous convictions. Judge Patricia Ryan said she was going to consider the evidence and a psychological report, and remanded Byrne on continuing bail until his sentence finalisation next Friday. Mr Dunne, in his victim impact statement, said that the family never recovered from the shocking way in which they lost his mother, and that his father, Ms Dunne's husband of 52 years, never talked about it and "died a broken man". "We will never forgive [Byrne] for killing our mum," he said. Mr O'Higgins said his client wished to extend his apologies to the Dunne family. He said this might appear to be coming "at the 11th hour", but due to the nature of the case it would have been very difficult to extend an apology until the criminal litigation had run its course. At the trial, the court heard that Ms Dunne had been walking home pulling a shopping trolley around noon when she began to cross the road. A van slowed to allow her to cross, but Byrne's car then hit her and she was "flung up in the air" before the vehicle came to a stop. Yesterday, Garda Pamela Dunne told Fionnuala O'Sullivan BL, prosecuting, that Byrne went to the garda station the following day and gave consent to access his medical records. He told gardai he could not recall being advised not to drive in 1997. Crushed Gda Dunne said Byrne had claimed he had no condition affecting his peripheral vision or his ability to drive when applying for his driving licence and insurance. Mr O'Higgins told Judge Ryan that the prosecution did not bring evidence in the subsequent trial to show what progression Usher syndrome had on his client's eyes since diagnosis in 1997. Counsel submitted that this was the only accident in 20 years of Byrne driving with the disease. He told Judge Ryan his client was "overcome and crushed with remorse" for his actions on the day of the accident. Mr O'Higgins asked Judge Ryan for maximum leniency, submitting that his client had already been rehabilitated and will not come to garda attention in the future. President Rodrigo Duterte expressed confidence that the Asian Development Banks role in Build, Build, Build program for its key role in supporting projects in the country, especially in Mindanao, would further push the countrys economic and development growth in the coming years. The President made the announcement during the 51st Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank held at the EDSA Shangri-La, and reiterated his commitment to improve the plight of ordinary Filipinos through massive infrastructure development with assistance from major financial institutions and investors. The Chief Executive also expressed his gratitude to ADB for its key role in supporting the countrys major development initiatives. Over the years, the ADB has evolved into a persevering ally and formidable partner of the Philippines as it zigzagged its way towards sustainable and enduring growth and development, the President said. The fact that several decades ago, the ADB chose the Philippines as its headquarters in this part of the world continues to inspire and suffuse us with immeasurable pride, he said. Your presence since then is proof of your faith in the capacity of the Philippines to exorcise its financial and economic demons. Your contribution to our countrys development is too evident to be ignored, and we cannot thank you enough for that, he added. The President noted that over the past two years, the Philippines gross domestic product growth rate averaged 6.8 percent, with a target to sustain a growth rate of seven percent in the next few years. This will enable us to achieve and sustain our goal of bringing down the poverty rate to only 14 percent by 2022, he said, noting that his administrations goal is not just to further develop the economy but to make sure that it trickles down to the masses. Duterte said a key element to ensure sustainable growth is through a massive infrastructure program.Build, build, and build and we Link and link and linkthat is the battle cry of the moment. Build and link all these islands and all communities so that united in purpose and acting as one, we will bring our infrastructure base to match or even surpass those of the neighboring economies. That will allow us to [compete] for investments on even or more attractive terms, Duterte said. Vito Barcelo He also noted the need to fix the transportation system and stop corruption, and continue the governments campaign against illegal drugs. He also said his administration will focus its development on Mindanao, which has been neglected by the central government for decades. With the massive infrastructure investments, we expect Mindanao to lead in the nations growth. These investments shall be accompanied by intensive efforts and reforms in governance, Duterte said. To realize our potentials, we have to extract the wealth from the earths bosom. Thus, we shall continue to rely on the Asian Development Bank for financial assistance, be it in the form of loans or grants, he said. ADB has been one of the countrys source of development fund. Records show that as of December 2017, ADB is the countrys third largest source of official development assistance (ODA) with 14 active loans and 17 grants. Cumulative assistance to the Philippines has reached 213 public sector loans amounting to $16.85 billion. The public sector loans amounting to 28 grants stand at $82.6 million. Week 6 football: 'Game of the year' is big for different reasons now THE governments soft approach to Chinas militarization of the South China Sea will erode the advantage the Philippines gained when the UN arbitral tribunal recognized Manilas claim over disputed territories in the area, a maritime law expert said Sunday. This soft position is not working. The only thing happening is we keep giving and giving, said Jay Batongbacal of the University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea. In an interview with radio dzMM, Batongbacal said Chinas continued militarization would enable it to take control of the disputed area. He said the recent deployment by China of surface-to-sea and surface-to-air missiles on three islands claimed in the Spratlys claimed by the Philippines showed that its goal was to take control of the South China Sea. Batongbacal also hit President Rodrigo Duterte for blaming his predecessor, former President Benigno Aquino III for doing nothing to enforce the UN decision, noting that the tribunals ruling in the Philippines favor came after Aquino left office, or during the Duterte administration. Dutertes stand on China was a total reversal of the Philippines earlier position to assert its claim to its territory. He also said Duterte should stop insisting that the dispute with China would lead to war, which the Philippines would lose. The President is very vocal when it comes to the issue of sovereignty but when it comes to China, hes very soft, Batongbacal said in Filipino. Earlier, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano slammed critics who said the government has not acted on the militarization in the South China Sea, saying that diplomatic efforts were aimed at resolving the dispute. Those who say we are doing nothing do not know what theyre talking about, Cayetano said in Filipino late Saturday. There are diplomatic actions being taken, and just because we dont shout about it doesnt mean were doing nothing. Cayetano acknowledged that the deployment of missiles by China was of grave concern, given the Philippines territorial claims in the area, but said there were other claimants as well. Its not just between the Philippines and China. Its between China and the neighbors in the region. Its between the claimants and non-claimants. Its between the claimants and the non-regional players.But opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes IV denounced Duterte for continuously allowing himself to be a lapdog of China. We, as a nation, should be alarmed by Chinas militarization of the West Philippine Sea [WPS], said Trillanes. Militarily, in the short term, we should fast track the implementation of the Edca , and encourage freedom of navigation patrols by the US and other allies, he said. In the medium term, the senator said, the Philippines should strengthen our security alliances with the US, Japan, Australia and the Asean; and continue the modernization of its Armed Forces. Diplomatically, we should reassert our victory in the Arbitral tribunal. We should also initiate a regional security summit to raise international awareness on the WPS situation, he said. Also on Sunday, Muntinlupa City Rep. Rozzano Rufino Biazon raised concern over the Chinese missiles. Well, we already know the history. There was limited movement for our fishermen [there]. So while its [China] military presence [in the area] gets stronger, our concern on restrictions is escalating. This is true not only of the Philippines, but other countries, too, Biazon tod radio dzBB. The government must take diplomatic actions to manifest its displeasure over the creeping militarization and creeping invasion in the area, he said. That is very alarming since it is our territory, some of the islets are within an exclusive economic zone, That is why we should have a corresponding action. We should not just ignore it, he said. ALIAGA, TurkeyThe Turkish trial resumed on Monday of US pastor Andrew Brunson who faces up to 35 years in jail on terror and spy charges in a case condemned by the United States. Brunson, leader of a small Protestant Christian church in the western city of Izmir named Yeniden Dirilis (Resurrection) and described by US President Donald Trump as a fine gentleman, was detained in October 2016. Turkish prosecutors accuse him of activities on behalf of the group led by US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulenwho Ankara says is behind a failed 2016 coupand the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Both the Gulen movement and the PKK are banned by Turkey as terror groups. Brunson, who has lived and worked in Turkey for over two decades, is also accused of espionage for political or military purposes. He rejected all the accusations directed against him during the first hearing in the town of Aliaga, north of Izmir last month, and from time to time broke down in tears. I havent done anything against Turkey. On the contrary I love Turkey. I have been praying for Turkey for 25 years, he told the judge. US embassy charge daffaires Philip Kosnett as well as Sandra Jolley, vice chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, were present at Mondays hearing. The case has further inflamed the tensions between Turkey and the United States. Trump said the pastor was on trial and being prosecuted for no reasonin a strong tweet after the Turkish court ruled to keep him in jail.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! Trump said. The State Department then said it had seen no credible evidence that Brunson was guilty of a crime. Top US officials have raised the pastors case in meetings with Turkish authorities and have called for Brunsons release. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, who will soon meet with US counterpart Mike Pompeo in Washington, said Brunsons case was a legal one. They say the government should release him. Is it up to me? Cavusoglu told the private CNN Turk broadcaster in an interview on Sunday. This is a decision the judiciary will make, he said. Turkish-US relations are already strained over American backing for a Kurdish militia in Syria which Turkey says is linked to the PKK, as well as the jailing of two employees from American missions in Turkey. In September, Erdogan suggested that Turkey could free Brunson if Washington handed over Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvaniaan offer brushed off by Washington. Muslims in Karnataka say they will take their chances with a known devil and vote for the safe alternative of the Congress party to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party in the May 12 assembly elections. Syed Alhamir, a resident of Tilak Nagar in Bengaluru, insists the majority of Muslim voters will support the Congress this time as they are apprehensive that the Janata Dal (Secular) of former prime minister HD Deve Gowda could align with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after the elections. A known devil is better than an unknown angel. The Congress is a lesser evil as compared to other parties, Alhamir says. Khalil-ur-Rehman Subhani, who owns a furniture factory, agrees. The JD(S) has done business with the BJP in the past. And there is no doubt that the two parties have a tacit understanding even this time, he says sipping tea in his showroom in Bengalurus Infantry Road. Prime Minister Narendra Modis praise of Deve Gowda at a rally in Udupi on May 1 has strengthened that perception, adds Syed Imitiyaz, a businessman, as he joins the conversation. Modis praise came in response to Congress president Rahul Gandhis claim that the JD(S) is a B-team of the BJP. Though the Prime Minister tried to do damage control next day, the message had already gone to the voters, says Abdul Subhan, who runs the Shaheen Group of Educational Institutions across Karnataka. There exists a huge trust deficit between the Muslims and the JD(S) and such statements add fuel to the fire. Moreover, the fear factor is also pushing them to the Congress, he adds. Senior JD(S) leader Kunwar Danish Ali, however, dismisses the suggestion and alleges that there is an unspoken agreement between the Congress and the BJP to eliminate the regional secular forces. Modi is a master in exploiting the sentiments. By praising Deve Gowda ji, who is the only Kannadiga to have been the prime minister, Modi wanted to make a point that Siddaramaiah had removed his portrait from the chief ministers chamber and exploit that sentiment, he says. Ali says the Congress leaders instead of wasting their energy by trying to eliminate the regional secular forces should utilise that in fighting the communal forces. Today, the BJP is out of power only in those states where there are strong regional forces. And the BJP is in power in states where it is in a direct fight with the Congress, which should not make this blunder of trying to eliminate the JD(S). It will be the JD(S) which will stop the BJP chariot in south Karnataka, he adds. To negate the perception that it might join hands with the BJP post-poll, the JD(S) has managed to secure the support of the Bahujan Samaj Party of Mayawati and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen headed by Hyderabad Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi. But Karnataka Congress leader Shakir Sanadi says the Muslims have often reposed their trust in the grand old party because of its commitment to secularism. They know the importance of the concept of secularism and the Congress partys efforts to protect it, he says. Muslims constitute around 16% of the states population of 65 million and both the Congress and the JD(S) claim the community to be their traditional vote bank. While the JD(S) has fielded 17 Muslim candidates, the Congress gave tickets to 15 members of the minority community. Out of the total 224 assembly seats, the Muslims could influence the outcome in 65 constituencies though some studies put the figure between 90 and 120. In the 20 constituencies in Bengaluru city, the Muslim voter population ranges from 10% to 50%. However, the Muslim representation in the state assembly has declined in the past 30 years. In the outgoing House, there were only nine Muslim legislators. While the highest representation of 16 legislators was in 1978, there were only two Muslims in the state assembly in 1983 during Ramakrishna Hegdes rule. Imams in mosques across Karnataka are urging Muslims after every Friday prayers for the past several weeks not only to exercise their franchise in large numbers but also ensure their vote is not divided and goes to a political party which gives them a sense of security. Many private organisations have also launched campaigns on social media platforms to create awareness among the Muslims and the need to vote en bloc. Political analysts suggest that the polls this year will see strategic voting by the Muslims, who are wary of reposing their faith in other secular outfits. Though there is a broad Muslim consolidation behind the Congress, the community members might opt for JD(S) candidates in constituencies wherever they are in a strong position than the Congress contestants, Chandan Gowda of Bengaluru-based Azim Premji University says. Former legislator Qazi Arshad Ali of Bidar, who has written a book Karnataka Muslims and Electoral Politics and has been studying the voting pattern of the minority community, agrees. The options before Muslims are limited. They might go for tactical voting but one thing is clear that Muslims will support those candidates who are in a position to defeat the BJP, Ali says. Mangalore-based political analyst Abdussalam Puthige says Muslims will vote for the Congress, not for any of its programmes and policies or promises but to keep the BJP out of power. On the other hand, the JD(S) is considered to be a party of Vokaligas and that is the reason the other communities are wary of supporting it, he said. When it comes to the babies of Bollywood, even their celebrity parents pale in comparison. Joining a long line of celebrity babies is Radhya Takhtani. Mother Esha Deol shared the first picture of her bonny little girl on her Instagram and wrote: Radhya Takhtani ... our darling daughter @bharattakhtani3 #radhyatakhtani. The chubby little girl looks quite like her mommy actually. Dressed in a pale pink dress with a pink ribboned headband, Radhya is a picture of cuteness. Her innocent big eyes speak of innocence and loveliness. Radhya is the granddaughter of Hema Malini and Dharmendra. In October last year, Esha and husband Bharat Takhtani welcomed their first baby together. Their bundle of joy was born in October at Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai. Eshas mom, actor and politician Hema Malini became grandmother for the second time -- her younger daughter Ahaana welcomed her son, Darien, nearly three years ago. A glimpse of Radhya !!! A post shared by Esha Deol (@imeshadeol) on Jan 9, 2018 at 9:00pm PST Esha had been sharing pictures all through her pregnancy on her Instagram account and they were gorgeous to say the least. From a scenic holiday in Greece to two elaborate baby showers, the pictures said it all. Esha and Bharat tied the knot in 2012. Follow @htshowbiz for more Is the daku thriller back in Bollywood? Decades after we saw the likes of Vinod Khanna and Dharmendra taking up roles of dakus and heading to Chambal, films with dacoits as their protagonists have again been announced in Bollywood. Close on the heels of Sushant Singh Rajputs Sonchiriya, Yash Raj Films has announced Shamshera which will see Ranbir Kapoor as a deadly dacoit. The announcement of Shamshera came with a short video which makes it clear that it will be a period film, for instead of a Bollywood dakus favourite weapon, the donali, Ranbir is carrying an axe and a quiver full of arrows. The films tagline goes: Karm se dakait, dharm se azaad. Does this mean it will be set in a time when India was still under colonial rule? Well, we need to find out more to be sure of that. Watch Ranbir Kapoor in and as Shamshera , Presenting #RanbirKapoor in a never seen before avatar in YRF's next action adventure #SHAMSHERA. Directed by @karanmalhotra21 | @ShamsheraMovie pic.twitter.com/5Dqg7GDOhQ Yash Raj Films (@yrf) May 7, 2018 Ranbir who is known for his urbane avatar vanishes into the daku whose face is marred by scars, souvenirs perhaps of all the fights that he has fought. With a bandana on his head and an anklet on his feet, his eyes shine with determination and readiness to take on anyone who comes in his way in the Shamshera first look. He stands in a dusty ground with an army behind him. Talking about the movie, Ranbir Kapoor says, Shamshera is exactly the film I was looking for. While growing up watching Hindi commercial cinema, I had an image of what a film hero should be doing. Shamshera allows me to do everything that I had imagined and its a very exciting project for me. Karan is going to take me completely out of my comfort zone and Im looking forward to this challenge. The film will be directed by Karan Malhotra and produced by Aditya Chopra. The actor is also awaiting release of Sanjay Dutt biopic, Sanju, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, and shooting for Brahmastra opposite Alia Bhatt. Ranbir is said to be playing a superhero in the Ayan Mukherji film that also stars Aitabh Bachchan. Sonam Kapoor wasnt the most vocal about her relationship with Anand Ahuja before the couple announced their wedding recently, but she never shied away from posting pictures with the businessman on social media. In an interview to Firstpost ahead of her May 8 wedding (although the video seems to have been shot before the announcement was made), Sonam, along with Buzzfeed India editor Rega Jha, discussed the pros and cons of social media. But during the course of the 14-minute chat, we also got a few tidbits about Sonams relationship with Anand. When Sonam was asked about why Bollywood celebs dont discuss their relationships in public, Soman said, I will not talk to the media about my private life, but social media is still in my control. Im not going to disrespect the person and be like this person doesnt exist in my life, but at the same time Im not going to disrespect that person by speaking about him, Sonam continued. The actor was asked if she tells Anand when shes about to post videos of the two of them Skyping. He has no idea, Sonam said. She then appropriated a thick American accent and said, Hes like, I cant believe you put that out there. Host Janice Sequiera asked Sonam if she just put on an accent, to which Sonam said, His accent is becoming more Indian now, because I have such a thick Indian accent. Sonams secret posts about Anand put him on alert, the actor said. Now hes always asking me, Babe, are you recording me? and Im like yeah, she said sheepishly. After weeks of speculation, the star couple confirmed their wedding date last week. While the mehendi ceremony was held on Sunday, the sangeet will take place on Monday (May 7). The wedding is on May 8, followed by a reception in Mumbai. The functions will be held at Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra Bandstand and The Leela hotel. Read more about Sonam and Anands wedding here: Sonam Kapoor, Anand Ahuja mehendi videos are full of fun and laughter Sonam Kapoors mehndi inside pics: Janhvi Kapoor, Karan Johar among the guests Sonam Kapoor, Anand Ahuja make the cutest couple and their mehendi pics are proof Follow @htshowbiz for more Fortis Healthcare Ltd. received a revised takeover offer from its first suitor, Manipal Health, backed by private equity firm TPG, ahead of a board meeting to decide a winner in the bidding war for the countrys second-largest hospital chain. Manipal Health Enterprises Pvt. has proposed merging with Fortis in a deal that will value the latter at Rs 8358 crore ($1.3 billion), translating into Rs160 a share, it said Sunday in a letter to Fortis board. While Manipal has proposed a rights issue of the merged entity, it has offered to subscribe for a preferential allotment of Fortis shares at the same price per share, totaling Rs 2100 crore, for short-term liquidity needs, according to the letter. With the Fortis board set to meet May 10 to decide on which of the proposals to refer to shareholders for a vote, the race for the hospital chain is getting closer to the finish line. Still, the stockholders will have to decide on a motion to remove the majority of the board members before voting on the selected bid. An extra-ordinary meeting is scheduled for May 22. The takeover battle for Fortis was kicked off earlier this year when its founders lost control of their shareholding because of their mounting debts. Indias fraud office began investigating the company after Bloomberg News reported people with knowledge of the matter as saying the founders had taken millions of dollars out of the company without board permission. Intense race Fortis has since drawn international bidders intent on securing a place in one of the most under-served health-care markets in the world. India has about half a hospital bed for every thousand people, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, even as faster growth than many other large economies increases patients ability to pay for better health care. Manipal Health has offered to buy the stake held by private equity firms in SRL Ltd. at a price that values the Fortis unit at 36 billion rupees, subject to an agreement with the holders. Fortis has also drawn offers from IHH Healthcare Bhd., Asias most valuable hospital operator, KKR & Co.-backed Radiant Life Care Pvt., Chinese conglomerate Fosun International Ltd. and a joint bid from an alliance of two Indian business families. Fortis has appointed Arpwood Capital to advise it on the offers. The offers range from about Rs 156 per share from Fosun to IHHs Rs 175 apiece. Each proposal also varies in structure. IHH has proposed making an immediate equity investment, and putting in more after completing due diligence. Fortis has said it will only examine binding bids, and Fosuns is the only one with no binding elements. Meanwhile, Jupiter India Fund and East Bridge Capital Master Fund, which own a combined 12.04% of Fortis, have put forward a motion to remove four Fortis board members and replace them with three others. While the three were inducted into the Fortis board, the four they sought to remove remain. There are some benefits and disadvantages of working in a newsroom. The advantage is that you get news earlier than others. The disadvantage: The sensibilities of journalists are also affected earlier than many others. As soon as a news alert about an attack on 35 children in South Kashmirs Shopian by stone-pelters appeared on my smartphone, I was besieged with grief and anger. Who can bear to see the fearful faces of children, their eyes reflecting the panic and dread of broken windows and glass shards strewn on the seats of their school bus, the first thing in the morning? The perpetrators who shot down 132 children at a school in Peshawar on December 16, 2017 were terrorists. Despite this nobody expected them to resort to this disgusting act. The people pelting stones in Kashmir were not merchants of terror. They were young people from the same region. They were expected to take care of their neighbourhoods and the people who stay there. Why did they not hesitate before unleashing terror on innocent children from their neighbourhood? The statements made by the children and the bus driver are heart-rending. The stone-pelters first surrounded the bus and asked the driver to turn back. With folded hands, the driver requested them to let the children reach the school. They were from the same neighbourhood, please let them pass he reasoned. Enraged, the young men began pelting the bus with stones from all four directions. The children were pointed at and targeted, they later said. The Valleys atmosphere has been vitiated so much that those advocating peace and social harmony through the poems of Lal Ded (a 14th century Kashmiri mystic poetess also known as Lalleshwari) and the lyrics of Sufi saints will have to stop those destroying the regions social harmony or face annihilation. Let me make it clear. The people of Kashmir face greater danger from these snakes in their backyard than security personnel from the Centre. This is the situation after the states chief minister Mehbooba Mufti recently granted general amnesty to those booked for pelting stones in 2008. The killers of Peshawar were proclaimed terrorists who knew they would be taken out by the authorities sooner or later. But the ones in Shopian, who have scarred the children and their family members for life, know that the government will grant them the umbrella of amnesty sooner or later. That is why they are aggressive and display no remorse. While providing amnesty to stone-pelters, it should have been borne in mind that they are products of agencies encouraged by Pakistan. It is easier to indoctrinate those accused of pelting stones into terror. The reason? Trying to evade the police, these impressionable youngsters easily fall prey to handlers. In the name of providing them safety, they brainwash them and within a short time they are seen brandishing weapons on social media. At one time both Burhan Wani and the recently killed Samir Tiger used to be stone-pelters. The time has come when the government in Jammu and Kashmir should impress upon its young people that the winds of change are sweeping the entire world. When political activisim in the entire world is increasingly adopting peaceful methods, what is the use of luring Kashmiris with the pipedreams of of what such a violelnt struggle can produce? A combination of separatism, terrorism and political misdeeds has already made the day-to-day life of people in the Valley difficult. After the Shopian incident, the people of Kashmir will have to think hard: Those who can pelt stones at their children and pull young people out of their homes to shoot them cannot be their protectors or their saviours. If this sentiment gains momentum, the terrorists will keep losing sympathy and fall by the wayside. Fortunately, there are indications that this is beginning to happen. The manner in which many youngsters in the Valley have shunned violence and returned to mainstream has kindled some hope. It was local informers who helped the Army target Burhan Wani and Samir Tiger. If the government in Srinagar makes an honest attempt to disclose the immoral actions of the terrorists to the common people, this sentiment can become even stronger. What is happening is to the contrary. If Mehbooba Mufti talks about a dialogue with Pakistan, Omar Abdullah begins to see a yearning for freedom in the actions of those pelting stones. All this emboldens those who want to spread terror. This tendency has to be curbed. Shashi Shekhar is editor-in-chief, Hindustan letters@hindustantimes.com Unmanned Aerial Vehicles fitted with high resolution cameras will now keep a close watch on the 350 km India-China border touching Uttarakhand. In that connection, the army has requested the state government to provide 60 acres of land in Pantnagar for landing and takeoff by UAVs, officials said. The army put in the request to the Uttarakhnd Civil Aviation Department (UCAD) through the Airport Authority of India (AAI). The request has been made as part of the AAIs master plan for upgrading the Pantnagar airport as an international airport, Udham Singh Nagar district magistrate Neeraj Khairwal said. The AAI requested for 60 acres area so that the runway of the proposed international airport has enough space for landing and takeoff by both big size aeroplanes as well as UAVs. Khairwal refused to comment on reports that the army put in a request for 60 acres of land so that UAVs could keep a close watch on the movements of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) on the India-China border touching the mountain state. They (army) will use the proposed Pantnagar International Airport to facilitate their UAV related operations for strategic reasons, he said. Officials, however, said the army plans to deploy UAVs to keep a close watch on the India-China border touching Uttarakhand that has witnessed several transgressions by the Chinese army through land and air in the recent past. The army also put in a request to UCAD for land to set up an airstrip in Chaukhutia in the hill district of Almora, another official said. The state government will put up both the proposals before the Cabinet in its next meeting. In all likelihood, the (proposals) will be approved, he said referring to the proposed airstrip in Chaukhutia and the land the AAI has sought to facilitate its UAV operations on the India-China border. Officials said the state government was likely to approve the armys request for the 60 acre land for expansion of the Pantnagar airport. Its (army) request has been included in the AAI master plan for expansion of the Pantnagar airport following the Centres nod to upgrade it as an international airport, an official said. Chief secretary Utpal Kumar Singh along with state government officials and those from the AAI discussed the master plan at a meeting held here on May 3. The second meeting to discuss the master plan is scheduled on May 15. In the proposed meeting, Udham Singh Nagar district magistrate Khairwal will make a presentation on the proposal relating to the land that will be required for upgrading the Pantnagar airport as the international airport. Khairwal said that in the next meeting with the chief secretary, he would present before the latter a proposal relating to the land to be acquired for the expansion of the (Pantnagar) airport. The Centre swung into action and started upgrading vigil on the India-China border touching Uttarakhand following the last years military standoff between both the nations in Doklam along the international border east of Sikkim. Besides, frequent transgressions of Indias air and land space in Uttarakhand by Chinese army also prompted the Centre to mount military vigilance. On July 25 last year, Chinese soldiers transgressed one km into Barahoti in the mountain states border district of Chamoli. Almost a month later (on June 3), a suspected Chinese helicopter violated the Indian air space by hovering over Chamoli area, close to Sino-India border. Superintendent of Police, Chamoli, Tripti Bhatt had said the chopper was not a military aircraft but admitted that it did violate the airspace because it had entered into the Indian territory without any prior permission. Former chief minister Vijay Bahuguna is on record stating that Chinese troops intruded into Barahoti 35 times during his about two-year tenure that ended in 2014. WASHINGTONBritain has appealed to US President Donald Trump not to abandon the Iran nuclear deal as a key deadline approaches, saying that while it is not perfect there is no better alternative. The call came in an op-ed piece in The New York Times that was signed by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, ahead of a meeting with officials from the US administration in Washington on Monday. Trump has threatened to withdraw from the agreement when it comes up for renewal on May 12, demanding his countrys European allies fix the terrible flaws in it or he will re-impose sanctions on Iran that were eased under the historic accord. The nuclear deal was struck in 2015 among Iran and Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States, then led by Barack Obama. Under the pact, sanctions were eased in return for a commitment from Iran not to pursue a nuclear bomb, but Iran says it is not reaping the rewards despite complying with the deal.At this delicate juncture, it would be a mistake to walk away from the nuclear agreement and remove the restraints that it places on Iran, Johnson wrote in the Times piece. He argued that inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency have been granted extra powers to monitor Irans nuclear facilities, increasing the likelihood that they would spot any attempt to build a weapon. Now that these handcuffs are in place, I see no possible advantage in casting them aside. Only Iran would gain from abandoning the restrictions on its nuclear program, Johnson wrote. He added: I believe that keeping the deals constraints on Irans nuclear program will also help counter Tehrans aggressive regional behavior. I am sure of one thing: every available alternative is worse. The wisest course would be to improve the handcuffs rather than break them. The Supreme Courts decision on government housing for former Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh is welcome in a country where many members of the political class assume that they are entitled to government-anything (cars, houses, staff) long after they have ceased to be in office. While this may be understandable in some cases former presidents and Prime Ministers, for instance it isnt clear why this perk (for that is what it is) needs to be extended to those no longer in public office. The Supreme Court has been scathing in its comments on this habit on many previous instances, especially with reference to the part of the capital called Lutyens Delhi, where most government bungalows and offices are located. In 2013, it laid down a 20-point guideline on this, slamming the practice of former MPs, and even retired bureaucrats in some cases, continuing to occupy houses to which they were no longer entitled. While doing so, it also frowned on the practice of declaring the houses occupied by some popular leaders, memorials after their death. Legal experts say that while the Supreme Courts ruling related to Uttar Pradesh specifically, an amendment to a law introduced by the state government in 2016, days after the Supreme Court said former chief ministers werent entitled to government housing it could have a bearing on government housing rules and policies in other states, and at the level of the central government. The Supreme Court itself, in a previous judgment (in 1997) exempted former Prime Ministers, Presidents, and Vice-Presidents from such rules. That, by itself, is a far more liberal housing-for-former-office-bearers policy than that of a few other countries. In the US, for instance, even past presidents are entitled to a pension, healthcare, travel allowance, and reimbursement for an office no housing. And in the UK, even past Prime Ministers are eligible to a pension, and, in some cases (and if they are not leader of the opposition), a few allowances no housing. Political reaction to the courts judgment has been muted. Politicians across parties have usually been united when it comes to their own interest. As have bureaucrats. In Lutyens Delhi especially, politicians and bureaucrats believe their address says a lot about their importance. It isnt unknown for bureaucrats nearing retirement to desperately seek government sinecures that come with housing. As for some politicians, they simply stay put. The central government and state governments should take inspiration from the court ruling when it comes to housing for retired politicians and bureaucrats. One would expect the Narendra Modi government, which did away with beacons on cars for VIPs, to welcome the move. At this government-run primary school in Sarojini Nagar, the students begin their day with the morning prayer: Tan Ho Sundar, Man Ho Sundar, Prabhu Mera Jeevan Ho Sundar. Soon afterwards, they are made to follow the prayer quite literally. Students who have come without taking a bath are identified, and made to take a shower using a hosepipe on the school premises itself. Soap and towels are provided, and the students nails, nose and ears checked. While boys are made to take off their shirt and trousers, girls are taken to a separate location and only made to wash their hair. This initiative was made possible by a group of five to six students from different universities and degree colleges, who run a campaign called Innovation For Change (IFC). Harshit Singh, IFC president and a final-semester student of Masters in Social Work at the University of Lucknow, works voluntarily with other members of his group at this school. Students are also happy with this initiative. Ankit and Shiva, both Class 2 students, say, We got up late today. We just rushed to the school without taking a bath and were caught by the volunteers. But it was fun taking a shower with friends on the school campus. Over Rs 1.5 lakh raised as donation Until the last academic session, the students had no furniture and were forced to sit on the floor. IFC volunteers raised over Rs 1.5 lakh through donations to remedy this. Raj Smriti, writer and founder of FolkTales, helped us generate money by roping in people through her Facebook page. We were happy to see that several individuals contributed up to Rs 10,000 each, said Harshit. Using that money, the volunteers bought colourful tables and benches. Jyoti Rai and Anmesha, both Class 4 students, said, Things have changed for the better ever since this young group of people started coming to our school. We sit on benches now. We also attend school regularly. As there were was no proper drinking water facility at the school, IFC volunteers installed a submersible water pump. We are in the process of installing interlocking tiles on the school premises, so that water does not accumulate during the rainy season. We have also raised the height of boundary wall, so outsiders are unable to enter the school to urinate or defecate, said Harshit. We are not here to interfere with the teaching process, which is mostly being done by para-teachers. We carry out parallel activities in the school to ensure that students remain healthy, said Vishal Kannojiya, secretary of the IFC and a final-semester student of MSW at the Shakuntala Misra University. Things didnt change overnight Last November, IFC members began their mission after zeroing in on this school. They found that several students used to come to class without taking a bath, and it was starting to affect their health. So, when the new session began in April, such students were coaxed to do it on the school premises, said Ashish Kumar, an undergraduate student of the Jai Narain PG College. School principal Sudha Srivastava cant stop praising these volunteers, who are working hard to bring about change. Officials of the basic education department are also delighted to see the positive change that can be brought about through public participation, and want to replicate the model at all government schools. Welcome initiative Joint director (basic education) Lalita Pradeep described it as a wonderful initiative. My heart goes out to all the members of Innovation For Change (IFC) and FolkTales who were so concerned about the well being of these government school students, their health and hygiene, she said. She has also asked others to take similar steps, thereby helping government-run schools function better. Members of the IFC recently felicitated those who helped them collect Rs 1.5 lakh for the cause. They also produced a balance sheet, so donors could better understand how the money was utilised. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2015 blockbuster Jurassic World, will release in India two weeks before its US release, Universal Pictures India said in a statement Monday. The film will hit theatres in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu in 2300+ screens around the country, which is more than the 2000 allotted to Avengers: Infinity War. Infinity Wars record-breaking run in India could possibly have contributed to this move. The film has grossed over Rs 200 crore in the country. The first Jurassic World was also a huge hit in India - it made Rs 140 plus - and was also released one week before the US release. Directed by JA Bayona, the film will welcome back Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard in their roles from Jurassic World as Owen and Claire, respectively. Bringing back one of the most loved characters from the 1993 original Jurassic Park, actor Jeff Goldblum returns as Dr Ian Malcolm in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. READ | New Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom trailer takes the series back to its horror roots A third sequel, to be directed by Jurassic Worlds Colin Trevorrow, has also been announced for a 2021 release. Meanwhile, star Chris Pratt is coming off the global success of Avengers: Infinity War, and will move on to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 soon. He also has The Lego Movie Sequel lined up, making him the only stars in the world to juggle three franchises at once. Follow @htshowbiz for more Hot on the heels of the news that Ranveer Singh, undoubtedly the Bollywood star who most enthusiastically follows Deadpools maxim of Maximum Effort, would be voicing the superhero in the Hindi version of the upcoming Deadpool 2, a new trailer for the film was released on Monday. Ranveer brings his trademark brand of energy to the trailer, cursing without abandon, switching between Marathi and Punjabi accents without a care in the world. Interestingly, Ryan Reynolds also reacted to the Hindi trailer tweeted by Ranveer Singh and said, Well if I tried to curse in Hindi, pretty sure there would be an international incident. Well if I tried to curse in Hindi, pretty sure there would be an international incident. https://t.co/cxeRIiUy5o Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) May 7, 2018 This isnt the first Hindi trailer we've seen of the film. The first one, featuring a different voice actor -- in which the foul-mouthed superhero makes his love for PM Modis Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan and Jackie Shroffs signature swearing known -- was released in March. Ranveer was previously rumoured to have turned down the role due to scheduling conflicts with Zoya Akhtars Gully Boy. According to a report in Mumbai Mirror, Ranveer was offered the big dubbing role in the film, which he had to back out of due to prior commitments. A source told the daily that the Deadpool team wanted to hire Ranveer for his mannerisms and mischievous spirit. Ranveer was extremely keen but he just couldnt make time in his Gully Boy schedule as he is shooting at night every day, the source said. READ | Deadpool review: Like Ryan Reynolds, this movie is a gift from God Ranveer unveiled his participation on Twitter, along with a photo in which the star reveals his face behind a Deadpool mask. Indian stars have previously flirted with Marvel superheroes when Varun Dhawan voiced Captain America in Captain America: Civil War, Tiger Shroff voiced Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Homecoming and Rana Daggubati voiced Thanos for the Telugu version of Avengers: Infinity War. The sequel, directed by David Leitch, also features Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin, Karan Soni, Zazie Beetz, Brianna Hildebrand, Stefan Kapicic and Leslie Uggams. The film is scheduled for release on May 18. Follow @htshowbiz for more Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has lent his voice to Ryan Reynolds Deadpool in the Hindi version of Hollywood film Deadpool 2. The studio wanted a star who would resonate with Deadpools personality and Ranveers wit and edgy personality was a perfect match, read a statement to IANS. READ | Deadpool review: Like Ryan Reynolds, this movie is a gift from God Like Deadpool, Ranveer is known for his smart, witty with irreverent humour. Hes a hugely daring and powerhouse actor and we absolutely relished having him on board for our biggest superhero film, said Vijay Singh, CEO Fox Star Studios. A new Hindi trailer, featuring Ranveer, is scheduled to release on Monday. The trailer will also be A-rated as the studio wanted to stick to the tone of the English film which has Reynolds mouthing cuss-words. Ranveer was previously rumoured to have turned down the role due to scheduling conflicts with Zoya Akhtars Gully Boy. According to a report in Mumbai Mirror, Ranveer was offered the big dubbing role in the film, which he had to back out of due to prior commitments. A source told the daily that the Deadpool team wanted to hire Ranveer for his mannerisms and mischievous spirit. Ranveer was extremely keen but he just couldnt make time in his Gully Boy schedule as he is shooting at night every day, the source said. A Hindi trailer for the film has already been released, but will have to be redubbed with Ranveer. READ | Fox made Ryan Reynolds cut a Disney joke from Deadpool 2, and hes sore about it The sequel also features Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin, Karan Soni, Zazie Beetz, Brianna Hildebrand, Stefan Kapicic and Leslie Uggams. Follow @htshowbiz for more A new book has claimed that late actor Robin Williams struggled to remember his lines as he unknowingly suffered from a brain disorder in his final days. According to the New York Post, Dave Itzkoffs new biography, Robin, seeks to answer the lingering puzzle over Williams chaotic life and sudden death, reports dailymail.co.uk. It reveals his final days from the eyes of some of his closest family and friends and admirers in Hollywood. According to the book, while the Oscar-winning actor was filming Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, the third movie in the franchise, he was unable to remember his lines. Robin Williams gestures during a panel discussion at the Television Critics Association Cable summer press tour in Pasadena, California. (REUTERS) He was sobbing in my arms at the end of every day. It was horrible. Horrible. I said to his people, Im a make-up artist. I dont have the capacity to deal with whats happening to him, said make-up artist Cheri Minns. The book reveals that Williams was a deeply complicated and contradictory man who battled not only alcohol, drugs and rampant infidelity but lifelong loneliness and crushing insecurity. Williams was both wildly outgoing and painfully introverted, the book claims. As per Williams third wife, Susan Schneider, the actor started complaining about a variety of symptoms that included trouble urinating, insomnia, loss of his sense of smell and a slight tremor in his left hand. It was like playing whack-a-mole. Which symptom is it this month? I thought, is my husband a hypochondriac? Were chasing it and theres no answers, and by now wed tried everything. His wife later wrote about her husbands symptoms in a journal for Neurology. Actor Billy Crystal also talks about seeing his friend after a four-month absence. Crystal said Williams was frail and uncharacteristically quiet. After they had dinner and were preparing to say their farewells, Williams suddenly burst into tears. Whats the matter? Crystal asked. Oh, Im just so happy to see you. Its been too long. You know I love you, Williams replied. Robin Williams star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (Shutterstock) On August 11, 2014, the comedians personal assistant, Rebecca Erwin, became concerned about the comedian after he still had not left his room by 11 am. She then used a paper clip to open his locked bedroom door and found him hanging by his belt. Williams had left no note nor had he given any warning. Follow @htshowbiz for more Around a hundred people fell all after a wedding feast in Bihars Bhojpur district on Sunday night due to suspected food poisoning. Police said the people started vomiting and complained of stomach ache soon after the dinner at Barauli village, 92 km southwest of state capital Patna. Police suspect that the food which was prepared earlier in the day had turned stale by the time it was served to the guests. Station house officer Janmajay Rai of Piro police station said the affected people were immediately taken to the primary health centre, which referred them to Sadar hospital at district headquarters Ara, about 45 km from Barauli. Some affected people were also admitted to private nursing homes at Ara, Rai said. Bhojpur civil surgeon Dr Ras Bihari Singh said 85 people were brought to Ara Sadar hospital at 3.30 am on Monday. Thirty five people were discharged after primary treatment, Singh said, adding that 50 others were still undergoing treatment at the government health facility. The rush of patients overwhelmed the facilitys emergency ward which has only 10 beds and many patients had to lie on the floor during the treatment. If patients come in such a large number, there will be scarcity of beds. But all the patients were provided proper treatment and they are out of danger, Dr Singh added. Security officials in Afghanistan are working with local tribal elders to trace the seven Indian engineers abducted by the Taliban gunmen in the restive northern Baghlan province, media reports said on Monday. Provincial police spokesman Zabiullah Shuja said the Indian engineers of KEC International, an RPG group company, were working on a project for the construction of a power sub-station. They were abducted by the militants from the vicinity of Cheshma-e-Sher area on Sunday while they were travelling to inspect the work progress. Shuja said the Afghan driver of the engineers is also missing and an operation is underway for their release, according to media reports. The security officials in the province said efforts are underway by the Afghan forces and the government officials as well as the local tribal elders for the release of the Indian engineers. Provincial governor Abdul Nemati said the security forces and the local officials are busy tracking the missing engineers and their driver. He said apart from the security forces and the government officials, the local tribal elders have also stepped up efforts for the release of the Indian nationals. Nemati assured that the missing Indian engineers and their driver will be released soon. Baghlan governor had on Sunday said the terror group had abducted the Indian engineers and their driver, believing they were government employees. No group has, however, claimed responsibility for the abduction. The external affairs ministry had said in New Delhi it is in touch with authorities in Afghanistan. Many of the earlier abductions in the war-torn country have been linked to Taliban. In 2016, 40-year-old Indian aid worker Judith DSouza was kidnapped in Kabul. She was released after 40 days. India has provided at least $2 billion aid to Afghanistan for the economic development of the war-torn nation. The Peoples Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN) is here to stay in the Indian Ocean and its military movement has fuelled concerns about Chinas intent in the region, Indias senior-most military commander has said. Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba said the Navy is keeping a sharp eye on the pattern and periodicity of extra-regional deployments in the Indian Ocean Region. A fleet of 50 combat-ready Indian warships is carrying out round-the-clock surveillance, he said. Their (PLAN) headquarters is now used to handling forward deployments. Over the last decade, China has developed the capacity to operate its warships at a great distance from its shores and for long periods of time, Lanba said in an interview. He is the countrys top military leader as chairman, chiefs of staff committee a panel consisting of the three service chiefs. Lanbas comments come at a time when Chinas growing military assertiveness in IOR is being discussed internationally. There were tensions between the US and China last week, with the Trump administration accusing China of directing powerful lasers at US aircraft flying over a Chinese military base in Djibouti. The navy chief said China had deeper pockets than India and it was going about systematically increasing its presence and investments in the region. There is a degree of debt-dependence of countries such as Djibouti on China, Lanba said. China began deploying troops to its first overseas naval base at Djibouti in the Horn of Africa in July 2017, in what some global experts said was the outcome of Beijings debt-trap diplomacy. Mounting debts have led countries such as Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Pakistan to give control of territories, which are of strategic significance, to China. The base in Djibouti has shored up Chinas capabilities to sustain naval units in the Indian Ocean. In February, Lanba cautioned weaker nations to be watchful of the intent under the garb of cooperation of their economically and militarily superior partners. China is very focused on the IOR to secure and further its national interests. And for this, it will strengthen and use its naval power, said Sudarshan Shrikhande, a retired rear admiral. He said China would become a more capable and versatile sea power in the coming years and India would have to do a lot more to sharpen its naval edge. Lanba said the pattern of deployment of Chinese warships in the IOR was being mapped. At any given time, they (China) have six to seven warships deployed in the region. Also, they send two conventional submarines to the area every year. This year we have detected no submarine movement, he said, adding that the Indian Navy was focused on extending its own sustenance and reach in IOR. They number around 16% of the states 64 million population. And, as the battle for Karnataka heats up, two political parties are fighting to claim the Muslim community as a loyal vote bank. The Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) have fielded 15 and 17 Muslim candidates, respectively for the May 12 polls.Of the 224 assembly seats, Muslims could influence the outcome in at least 65 of them, say experts. There has been frenzied poll activity in many Muslim-majority areas in the past few weeks as imams in mosques across Karnataka after Friday prayers urged their followers to not only exercise their franchise in large numbers but also ensure their vote is not divided and goes to a political party which gives them a sense of security. Besides, many private organisations have launched social media platforms to create awareness among the Muslims and the need to vote en-bloc: Their common objective is to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that has not nominated a single Muslim candidate. While no broad trends are visible, many in Muslim community say they might end up voting for the Congress as the JD(S) is perceived to be close to the BJP. A known devil is better than an unknown angel. The Congress is a lesser evil as compared to other parties, Syed Alhamir, a resident of Tilak Nagar in state capital Bengaluru, said. He insisted that many Muslims are apprehensive that the JD(S) could align with the BJP after the polls. Khalil-ur-Rehman Subhani, who owns a furniture factory, agrees. The JD(S) has done business with the BJP in the past. And there is no doubt that the two parties have a tacit understanding even at this time, he said, sipping tea at his showroom in the citys Infantry Road. Prime Minister Narendra Modis praise of JD(S) founder Deve Gowda at a rally in Udupi on May 1 has strengthened that perception, said Syed Imitiyaz, a businessman. Though the PM tried to do damage control the next day, the message had already gone to the voters, said Abdul Subhan, who runs the Shaheen Group of Educational Institutions across Karnataka. There exists a huge trust deficit between the Muslims and the JD(S) and such statements add fuel to the fire, he added. Political analysts suggest that Muslims are likely to vote strategically. Though there is a broad Muslim consolidation behind the Congress, the community members might opt for JD(S) candidates in constituencies wherever they are in stronger position than the Congress contestants, said Chandan Gowda of Bengaluru-based Azim Premji University. Former legislator Qazi Arshad Ali of Bidar agrees. The options before the Muslims are limited. They might go for tactical voting but one thing is clear that they will support candidates who are in a position to defeat the BJP. To negate the perception that it might join hands with the BJP, the JD(S) has roped in the Bahujan Samaj Party and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen headed by Hyderabad Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi. By praising Deve Gowda ji, who is the only Kannadiga to have been the prime minister, Modi wanted to make a point that Siddaramaiah had removed his portrait from the chief ministers chamber and exploit that sentiment, said senior JD(S) leader Kunwar Danish Ali. Ali said the Congress leaders shouldnt waste energy in trying to eliminate regional secular forces, and should fight communal forces instead. Today, BJP is not in power only in states where there are strong regional forces. And it is in power in states where it is in direct fight with the Congress. It will be the JD(S) which will stop the BJP chariot in south Karnataka, he said. But Karnataka Congress leader Shakir Snadi said Muslims have often reposed their trust in the grand old party because of its commitment to secularism. They know the importance of the concept of secularism and the Congresss efforts to protect it. The BJP accused the Congress of playing vote-bank politics while neglecting the development needs of the community. Muslim have seen through the Congress design and will vote in this election on the basis of governance concern and not pander to the communal overtone of the Congress campaign, said party spokesperson and Rajya Sabha member GVL Narasimha Rao. Muslim representation in Karnatak assembly has declined since 1978, when they had the highest representation with 16 MLAs. In the outgoing assembly, there are nine Muslim MLAs, while the lowest (two) was in 1983. President Duterte rejects being called a strongman in the latest issue of TIME Magazine. He was put in the company of other world leaders like President Vladimir Putin of Russia, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, and Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary. According to the author, Ian Bremmer, the strongman is a tough-talking leader. But President Duterte said that he is not a strongman because he would not go after his critics so long as they are Filipinos. Now, if they are foreigners, thats a different story. Coming right down to it, the country with all its problems and challenges does need a strong and decisive leader. Only through this can we achieve change and overcome the ills that we have. The editorial of Manila Standard last Sunday put it so wellleaders will ultimately be judged by the wisdom they use to guide their strong decisions and actions, by the fairness and justice they go by in ensuring that the law is observed and applied in equal measure to each citizen, by the honesty with which they conduct themselves and by the humility with which they accept their shortcomings and constructive input from others. * * * In the wake of revelations of conflict of interest concerning Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo Teo, President Duterte is being challenged to make good on his vow to fire public officials with even just a whiff of corruption about them. The Commission on Audit found that the media outfit owned by Teos brothers received P60 million worth of ad placements from the Department of Tourism. Thats more than a whiff of corruptionthats graft, my gulay! Along with Teo, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar should also resign, having made the ad placement possible knowing full well the conflict-of-interest situation. Teo cannot feign ignorance of the connection between Andanars PTV 4 and its blocktimer, her brothers. I think this will be an acid test of how serious President Duterte is in his fight against corruption. * * * Whether the Duterte administration likes it or not, the incursion of China into our Exclusive Economic Zone puts it in a dilemma.Many sectors are urging Mr. Duterte to strongly protest the landing of Chinese military planes and even the presence of missiles. The country has found itself in a nightmare where there is no escape because of mutually conflicting or dependent conditions. Thats why we see Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano unable to do what is expected of himprotest the actions of China is swallowing islands and reefs within our EEZ. Thats why he and Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque look so pathetic in trying to extricate themselves from a situation that is the governments own making. How will the Philippines now strongly protest Chinese incursion when President Duterte has made no secret of his adoration of Chinese president Xi Jinping? Even now, the President is saying that those military planes and missiles are not intended for the Philippines. So how could Cayetano protest? Thus, when he says the government will take diplomatic action against China, he lies. He knows he cannot do anything. Santa Banana, the Philippines cannot even go to the United Nations to protest since China has veto powers. And even if the UN intervenes, will China accept a UN decision? Remember it has ignored the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. What can we do? We cannot go to war because we cannot expect to win. I guess we have to consent passively. Are the investments and aid from China to the Duterte administration worth the price we are paying for this? * * * The recent results of the Bar exams is a reflection of the new lawyers we have and the schools they come from. This year, the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University and San Beda did not figure at the top. Passing the Bar is a result of how much one studiedplus luck. When I took the Bar, we would answer the questions in essay form. Now they have a multiple-choice format. Thats perhaps why top students came from provincial and city law schools. Then again, a lawyer is not wholly defined by his performance in the Bar exams. Its how he practices and upholds the law. The Delhi government has decided to partially close down schools on Tuesday and Haryana cancelled leaves of officials in municipalities after a weather department forecast warned of thunderstorms and squall in several parts of northern and eastern India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday thunderstorm, accompanied by squall and hail, was very likely at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on May 8. Such weather conditions are likely at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh and sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim. At some places, the wind speed may go up to 50-70 kilometers per hour, it said. The weather department has forecast inclement weather conditions at some places ever since at least 124 people were killed and more than 300 others injured in five states due to dust storms, thunderstorms and lightning last week. In the light of inputs from State Disaster Management Authority, it has been decided that government, government-aided & recognised unaided school under directorate of education running in evening/IInd shift shall remain closed on May 8 as a precautionary measure, a Delhi government circular said. Other schools are also advised to not hold outdoor activities/extra-curricular activities during the above said time period (from 3pm to 7pm). The government also issued a list of dos and donts, and decided to put search and rescue teams on standby. The revenue department of the Delhi government has issued directions to all district officers and said water and power utilities would also keep restoration teams ready . The traffic police has asked commuters to check weather conditions before travelling while the Delhi Metro too has decided to exercise extreme caution in running of trains in the wake of the warning. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), which operates trains in the national capital and NCR, said it would exercise extreme caution in running of trains. If wind speed is reported in the range of 70-90 kmph then train movement will remain normal but trains will enter with a restricted speed of 40 kmph or less at the platforms on elevated section. If wind speed is reported more than 90 kmph then trains will be put on hold at platforms and no train will enter platform with a speed of more than 15 kmph, a senior DMRC official told PTI. At the same time, the Delhi Traffic Police has advised commuters to plan their journey after checking the weather conditions. It has alerted the field formations to be ready to get obstacles such as fallen trees removed. The advisory has asked commuters to avoid travelling during the storm. The Haryana government has cancelled leave of all officials in civic bodies across the state, in view of the IMD issuing an alert forecasting thunderstorm and squall tomorrow in several parts of north India. Fire and other emergency services, too, have been directed to remain alert. According to the IMD, thunderstorm, accompanied with gusty winds, is very likely at isolated places over Punjab, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, Bihar, western Madhya Pradesh, east Uttar Pradesh and East Rajasthan, Coastal and South Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Heavy rains were very likely at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, south interior Karnataka and Kerala. A visually impaired 8-year-old girl was allegedly raped and murdered at a village in Madhya Pradeshs Dindori district, police said on Sunday. Police arrested a 22-year-old man of the village, about 400 km east of Bhopal and booked him for the rape and murder of the standard two student. The child used to call him Mama (maternal uncle) even though they were not related, said inspector Anil Patel who is investigating the case. He allegedly waylaid the child on Friday evening when she was going to a friends house in the neighbourhood to sleep. Police said that despite her visual impairment, she was not afraid to go out on her own and usually went to school with her friends. Her father is a farmer. After she did not return on Saturday, her parents searched for her frantically. After a while, they found her body, with the head smashed, said Patel. The post-mortem report suggested she was raped before she was murdered, Patel added. Police suspect the accused, a daily wage earner, murdered the girl by smashing her head with a stone because he feared that she would tell her parents about the sexual assault. Reacting to reports of the childs rape and murder, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Congress MP from Guna, tweeted that it was the height of depravity. Such heinous crimes were taking place routinely in Madhya Pradesh, but the state government was a mute spectator, he said. Madhya Pradesh has the countrys worst record of womens safety. According to the National Crime Records Bureaus report for 2016 which was released last December, Madhya Pradesh topped the list of crime against women with 4882 rape cases. Two days after the NCRB report was released the state assembly unanimously passed a bill to amend the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to impose the death penalty on those found guilty of raping girls aged 12 and below. The bill also recommended life term as the minimum punishment for people convicted of raping girls in this age group. A 28-year-old aspiring fashion designer, Arpit Dixit of Shahjahanpur district, was found murdered in a hotel in Qaiserbagh police area here on Sunday. The deceased and his friend, a teacher at a polytechnic college in Bahraich, had checked into the hotel room on May 3. The teacher is missing and is a prime suspect in the murder, police said. According to the police, the house keeping staff of the hotel reported that the guests in room number 203 were not responding to calls and a Do not disturb slip was pasted on the rooms door on Sunday afternoon. The hotel staff then called the police control room when foul smell started emanating from the room. When the police reached the spot, they found Dixits body in a decomposed condition. The body was sent for post-mortem which confirmed strangulation. Additional superintendent of police (west), Vikas Chandra Tripathi said the deceased was identified as Arpit Dixit of Sadar Kotwali locality of Shahjahanpur. Arpit was doing a course in fashion designing from an institute in Rae Bareli. He, along with one Abhinav Pal, had checked in to the hotel room on May 3, he said. He said Abhinav Pal, who is a native of TP Nagar locality of Kanpur and a teacher at polytechnic college in Bahraich, had booked the room online and had submitted the photocopy of his identity card. It is a case of murder. The injuries could not be detected as the body was found in a highly decomposed state and Abhinav is the prime suspect, the ASP said. A month after Kerala hosted a meeting of finance ministers of southern states, finance minister of five non-BJP ruled states are meeting in Andhra Pradeshs capital Amravati on Monday to discuss the impact of terms of reference of the 15th Finance Commission on the states. Though it was expected that 11 states would take part in the conclave, the agenda has listed the confirmed participation of Delhi, Puducherry, West Bengal, Kerala and Punjab, apart from host state Andhra Pradesh. Besides finance ministers, finance secretaries, and economists would also take part in the one-day workshop, an official statement from Andhra Pradesh finance minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu said on Sunday. He said the meeting would discuss the concerns on Terms of Reference (ToR) and recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission and adopt a resolution against those which will be sent to President of India. Ramakrishnudu questioned if the states had to kneel down before the Centre for funds which they rightfully deserved. As against the federal spirit, the Centre is suppressing the progressive states that are maintaining fiscal discipline. The centre is saying it will incentivise the states implementing the central schemes effectively but it is attempting to deprive states of their funds. This will hurt the states own welfare schemes, he said. He pointed out that Andhra Pradesh alone would lose Rs 8,000 crores per annum because of the 15th Finance Commissions recommendation to use 2011 census for devolution of funds. Similarly, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala, Karnataka, Puducherry, Odisha, Punjab, West Bengal, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Mizoram would suffer badly, he said. He said apart from the controversy about the use of the 2011 population instead of 1971, which may result in smaller shares from the common pool of revenues for some states, the terms of reference were heavily loaded in favour of the Union government. The terms of reference given to the 15th Finance Commission recommends using the population from 2011 census. However, it does not specify the weightage to be given to the population. In 14th Finance Commission, 2011 population was given 10% weight whereas 1971 population was given 17.5%. Last month, Kerala hosted a similar meeting which was attended by finance ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka and the Union territory of Puducherry who strongly opposed the terms of reference for the 15th Finance Commission for the devolution of funds to states. Tamil Nadu and Telangana did not participate in that meeting. Ramakrishnudu had then said that the Centre arbitrarily decided the terms of reference for the new policy, without consulting state governments. The Gujarat high court on Monday struck down a state government rule debarring students of deemed universities from applying for admission to medical post graduation courses under the provision of 50% state quota. The court verdict allows deemed university students to apply for admission in medical courses under the seats reserved for pupils from Gujarat. A division bench of Chief Justice R Subhash Reddy and Justice VM Pancholi quashed rule 4(2) of the Gujarat Professional Post Graduate Medical Educational Courses (Regulation of Admission) Rules, 2018, terming it illegal and arbitrary. The regulation 4(2) states candidates shall be eligible for applying for admission to professional medical colleges only when they have completed the recognised MBBS or BDS course from a university established under any law of the government of Gujarat. The HC order came after some students, who were denied permission to apply for admission in state medical colleges under the 50% quota provided to students from Gujarat as per the law, moved a set of petitions before the court, challenging the constitutional validity of the regulation. The petitioners last year appeared for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and said they had applied for admission to PG medical course in Gujarat universities under the 50% state quota. NEET is the national-level entrance exam for admission to medical and dental colleges across the country. In their petitions, they said despite fulfilling other criteria for 50% state quota, they were denied admission on ground they had studied in a Gujarat-based deemed university, established under the UGC Act, which was not covered under the state quota rules. They said a deemed university, established under the UGC Act, is arbitrarily and unreasonably excluded from the purview of the state quota. Such an exclusion suffers from vice of arbitrariness as envisaged under Article 14 of the Constitution (which deals with equality before law), the petitioners argued. The petitioners said last year, students from both the state and deemed universities were allowed to apply for admission under the state quota. The students maintained they were under the impression that they will be qualified to apply under the state quota this year as well. The father of an eight-year-old girl, who was gang-raped and killed in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir, said on Sunday that he has full faith in the judiciary and has devoted his life to ensure justice is done for his daughter. The Supreme Court will hear the matter on Monday. On April 27, the Supreme Court stayed till May 7 the trial in the case, after it was seized with petitions seeking shifting of the trial from Jammu to Chandigarh and handing over the investigation into the case to the CBI. A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices DY Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra had said it would deal with the plea of the victims father for shifting of trial to Chandigarh and plea of the accused seeking handing over the probe to the CBI. The eight-year-old girl was brutally gang-raped and murdered after abduction in a forest in Kathua district in January. The crime branch of Jammu and Kashmir Police, which investigated the case, had submitted a charge sheet against the eight accused, including a juvenile, last month. I am satisfied with police investigation and will not rest till justice is done in the case. I want the accused to be given exemplary punishment for their brutality, the father of the victim told PTI on phone from Ramban district where he along with his family has been camping for the last few days. Earlier, the apex court, in a stern warning, had said it would transfer the Kathua gang rape and murder case from the local court in Jammu and Kashmir in the slightest possibility of lack of fair trial, saying the real concern was to hold proper prosecution. The eight-year-olds father had moved the apex court, apprehending threat to the family, a friend and their lawyer Deepika Singh Rajawat. A separate plea was also filed by two accused seeking that the trial in the case be held in Jammu and the probe handed over to the CBI. After a change of guard in their respective organizations barely seven months before the assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress are going full steam for booth-level micro management and innovative ideas to get the better of each other. In the meeting of workers and office-bearers both parties continue to emphasise on booth level management but are simultaneously reaching out to more and more people in every ward in cities and in every panchayat in rural areas. The outreach programme seems to be one of the top priorities on their agenda. Both the BJP and the Congress state units recently saw changes at the top. While Rakesh Singh replaced Nandkumar Singh Chauhan as the state BJP chief, veteran Congressman Kamal Nath took over as the new state Congress president replacing Arun Yadav. BJP wants its office-bearers and public representatives to adopt a panchayat each and go the whole hog to strengthen the party base there. The partys BJP national general secretary Ram Lal told the party office-bearers recently, the work of panchayat in charge includes monitoring work of booth committees and panna pramukh (in charge voters list page), preparing a list of key voters, contacting each and every member of voters families, coordination between the booth committees and public representatives. He also said the job includes identifying booths where the party didnt perform well in the previous election, getting grievances of party workers in particular and voters in general addressed by MP, MLA and other public representatives, forming groups of party workers on Whatsapp, apprising people of central and state governments schemes and achievements etc. BJP national president Amit Shah made it clear during his recent visit that popular leadership of Narendra Modi and Shivraj Singh Chouhan notwithstanding, the party leadership wishes to win the elections on the strength of the party. The Congress on its part having adopted Keralas organisation set up to decentralise the block in charges authority up to mandlam (consisting of 25-30 booths) and sector (consisting of 10 booths) units in charge, is looking for appointing localities in-charge. The work of a locality or basti in-charge will be almost same as those of panchayat in-charge in BJP. The Congress is already working on constitution and strengthening of working committees and assigning each and every page of voters lists to party leaders. The party also wants to engage retired government employees and officers in its task of booth to ward and panchayat level election management. The party is also working on how to take pro-Congress voters to the booth and identifying the workers and leaders who can do it. Panna in-charge system did well for us during Kolaras and Mungaoli assembly seats by-polls held sometime back. We detected a huge number of fake voters and complained to Election Commission of India (ECI) about the same. The result was that we won both the seats despite the entire cabinet of Shivraj Singh Chouhan government camping in the areas and misusing the government machinery, said Pankaj Chaturvedi, state Congress in-charge. But the BJP dismisses the Congress efforts, insisting that it is trying to replicate the saffron partys approach. Congress doesnt believe in ideology and organisation but a family. They are trying to imitate BJP as far as constitution of booth committees is concerned but BJP has its committed cadre which works round the clock for strengthening of the party and welfare of people, state BJP spokesperson Rajnish Agrawal said. Both the parties are also working vigorously on their social media campaigns this time. Whatsapp is expected to be used in a major way in their campaigns. Congress lost to the BJP in a humiliating defeat in 2003, recording its lowest tally in the state assembly with 38 seats after two consecutive terms in power from 1993 to 2003. Since then, the saffron party has not looked back going strength to strength despite infighting in the party leading to change of guard in the government twice- in 2004 and 2005. There are 65197 polling stations in the state for the ensuing assembly elections in 2018, including 48374 in rural areas and 16823 in urban areas covered under 230 assembly constituencies. The state has 313 blocks. India signed an agreement with the World Bank on Monday for a $200-million loan for the National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan) to achieve its goal of reducing stunting in children aged 0-6 years from 38.4 per cent to 25 per cent by 2022. The loan will support the first phase of scaling up of interventions in 315 districts across all states and union territories, according to an official statement. POSHAN Abhiyaan was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 8 in Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan. A large component of POSHAN Abhiyaan involves gradual scaling-up of the interventions supported by the ongoing World Bank-assisted Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Systems Strengthening and Nutrition Improvement Project (ISSNIP) to all districts in the country over a three-year period. With a focus on improving the coverage and quality of ICDS nutrition services to pregnant and lactating women and children under three years of age, the project will include investments in improving the skills and capacities of ICDS staff and community nutrition workers, and grievance redress and establishing mobile technology based tools for improved monitoring and management of services for better outreach to beneficiaries during the critical 1,000 day window for nutrition impact, the statement said. The project will additionally ensure convergence of all nutrition-related schemes and provide performance-based incentives to states and community nutrition and health workers, facilitating a focus on results. An India-UK bilateral agreement on returning illegal immigrants could not be signed when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited London this April because of a range of concerns such as the fear of mass deportation, a consent clause and possible security breaches, officials said. According to British authorities, who have been pressing consistently on returning such Indian citizens, the largest group of illegal migrants in the UK is from India, numbering between 75,000 and 100,000. Latest data show around 5,000 Indians voluntarily returned to India in 2017 and around 700 were deported. An Indian official, familiar with the proposed pact, said issues such as a consent clause, security concerns and fears of large-scale deportation have to be resolved before an agreement can be reached. The consent clause is whether a persons approval is sought before the process to ascertain his or her nationality is started. India wants this clause, which will give relief in certain cases, but the UK is not keen as this would effectively be making an exemption for a person staying illegally in Britain. India is worried that a large number of Indians can be sent back without any humanitarian consideration thats shown to economic migrants or irregular migrants who could be in the UK today and in another country the day after, another official said. During discussions over the proposed memorandum of understanding (MoU), the UK assured India that the agreement is merely codifying the existing immigration rules and it has similar pacts with Nigeria, China, Pakistan and Ghana countries with a large number of citizens living illegally in Britain. Another India official, who requested anonymity, said the UK contended that the MoU will streamline the migration process. For instance, it envisages that if the returnee has an Indian passport, the verification should take place in 17 days and if he or she is without a travel document the process of verification should be done in 70 days. In other words, the MoU would be facilitating the return of illegal migrants within a stipulated time. Once the nationality of the person is ascertained to be Indian, the countrys missions should issue an emergency travel certificate. The external affairs ministry didnt formally responded to HTs queries on the stalled UK pact. A government official, who doesnt wish to be named, said: We cant comment on the specifics as the pact is still being discussed. According to a spokesperson of the British high commission in New Delhi, the UK looks forward to further discussions with India on the MoU. Hope it will be ratified and implemented soon. With voters in the southern state of Karnataka headed to the polls on May 12, Indians will soon be hit with a barrage of analyses suggesting that the extent of voter turnout in the assembly polls will give us a clear indication of whether the incumbent Congress or the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will emerge victorious on May 15, when the votes are finally counted. Over the years, a widely-held belief has taken root among Indias election analysts that an increase in voter turnout is inherently bad news for incumbents. While the origins of this received wisdom are unclear, it is repeated ad nauseam nearly every election cycle. Proponents of this view argue that an increase in voter turnout in the current election relative to the previous election signals that an angry electorate is in the mood for change. Rising turnout is, therefore, an early indicator of trouble for the incumbent. For instance, when discussing the stark growth in voter turnout during Indias 2014 general election relative to the previous election in 2009, economist Surjit Bhalla claimed that such a phenomena [sic] always goes against the incumbent. It is, if you will, bad news for the incumbent. Similarly, after the 2016 state elections in Tamil Nadu, one election analyst proclaimed, It is true that a huge voter turnout actually indicates an anti-incumbency wave. People turn up in huge numbers to vote out the government. Opinion | 2019 general election will be no cakewalk for Narendra Modi, BJP Not everyone believes that this received wisdom reflects facts on the ground. To the contrary, many election experts claim that the purported relationship between anti-incumbency and turnout is non-existent. Psephologist Sanjay Kumar once remarked: I dont know how this idea that high turnout is associated with anti-incumbency has persisted from generation to generation. The relationship has never existed. In fact, some have even argued in favour of the oppositethat is, that a spike in voter turnout is pro-incumbent. In 2012, the then-chief minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, attributed an increase in state voter turnout to a surge of support in favour of his incumbent BJP government. This is the record polling after the formation of the state. We have a popular term in anti-incumbency but after this state election, political pundits will have to adapt and discuss the term pro-incumbency, Modi said. A Mixed Picture Recent electoral history presents a mixed picture; one can find examples linking a sharp rise in voter turnout to both incumbent defeats and victories. Consider two elections: the 2010 assembly elections in Bihar and the 2011 assembly polls in Tamil Nadu. In Bihars case, voter turnout grew by 6.8 percentage points between 2005 and 2010 as part of an underlying trend toward rising voter participation. Notwithstanding this increase in voter mobilisation, the incumbent National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition, headed by sitting chief minister Nitish Kumar of the Janata Dal (United), won a rousing re-election: the coalition grew its vote share by 3% and increased its share of seats in the Bihar assembly by nearly 26%. Contrast this with Tamil Nadus 2011 polls, which saw a 7.2 percentage point increase in voter turnout over 2006. In this case, rising voter turnout coincided with an incumbent loss. In the 2011 election, the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) alliance suffered a sharp defeat at the hands of its arch-rival All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), losing 3% of its vote share and more than 43% of its seat share. In the prior 2006 polls, which also saw a large increase in turnout, the incumbent AIADMK suffered a similar fate. Examining State Elections So who is right and who is wrong? In a recent article published in Studies in Indian Politics, we attempted to settle this debate. To do so, we scrutinised the link between turnout and electoral outcomes by examining 128 elections held across 18 major states of India that account for 93% of the population between 1980 and 2012. Rather than focus on any one measure of incumbency in isolation, we looked at three different metrics: whether the incumbent was re-elected, the change in its seat share, and the change in its vote share. Re-election is a blunt measure of incumbent performance because it does not fully account for the vagaries of Indias first-past-the-post electoral rules, in which small changes in vote shares can have a dramatic impact on the number of seats won. Changes in votes and seats provide more granular assessments of the electorates preferences, since it is often the case that incumbents may win re-election despite losing votes, seats, or both. Out of 128 total elections we examined, determining incumbency (due to messy political breakdowns) was impossible in five cases. Of the 123 remaining elections, incumbents were victorious in 36.6% of cases, seemingly confirming the longstanding proposition that incumbents are rather unusually disadvantaged in Indiaa situation that stands in stark contrast to many other longstanding democracies such as the United States. Indeed, the average change in an incumbents vote share (in our data) is a decrease of 7.3%, while their average change in seat share is a decline of 24.5 %. However, there is an interesting variation over time: while incumbents emerged victorious in 44.7 % of elections held in the 1980s, this number plummeted to just 21.1% in the 1990s, a period of significant political tumult and fragmentation in India. The incumbent re-election rate rebounded in the 2000s to 42.6%, slightly below where it stood in the 1980s. The average change in turnout from one election to the next is 1 percentage point, but there is marked variation across states and over time. We had to set aside six state elections in which turnout rose or dropped by 20 percentage points or more from these previous election as outliers; all of these were in states with a checkered history of insurgency or wide-scale violence. When one looks in the aggregate at the relationship between turnout and incumbent performance, the data suggest there is no clear association between the two, irrespective of how one measures incumbent performance. While there is a modestly positive relationship between turnout and our measure of incumbency (which suggests higher turnout is pro-incumbent), there is no evidence of any relationship between turnout and an incumbents share of the vote or seats. Figure 1: Relative Voter Turnout and Incumbent Performance Another way of looking at this relationship is to create categories (or quintiles) of relative turnoutwith the first category representing those cases where turnout change was smallest (or negative) and the last category representing where the change in turnout was the greatest. If higher turnout is really bad for incumbents, we should see a clear trend as we move from one end of the spectrum to the other. The data reveal an interesting pattern: extreme turnout changes (both positive and negative) appear to be bad for incumbents; the middle of the turnout distribution is the safest place for incumbents to find themselves. There is evidently no simple, linear relationship between the two. Figure 2 : Quintiles of Relative Voter Turnout and Incumbent Performance More sophisticated regression analyses those that account for other political factors like the invocation of Presidents Rule, the partisan identity of the ruling party, or the incumbents coalition status also fail to turn up a straightforward pattern between the change in turnout and how well an incumbent performs. Conclusion What our analyses do reveal is that, despite the popularity of the notion that citizens come out to the polls in greater numbers when they are motivated to punish the incumbent government, three decades of electoral data present a more ambiguous picture. Voter turnout, the data suggest, is not necessarily pro- or anti-incumbent; rather, the relationship between these two variables is likely shaped by the specific context at hand. Similar analyses using national election data conducted by other researchers tell a comparable story: changes in voter turnout are not highly informative of future electoral outcomes. So why does this popular trope get repeated election after election? For starters, there are several cases where higher turnout does coincide with poor incumbent performance. Nearly every election expert can point to this or that anecdote to prove the point. Second, focusing on changes in turnout feeds pre-election chatter and punditry during the seemingly interminable period between the time votes are cast and counted. Third and finally, the idea that higher turnout reflects voter disenchantment intuitively feels right: after all, why would voters who previously stayed home show up, other than vote a particularly bad incumbent out? Unfortunately, hard election data leaves these explanations wanting. Milan Vaishnav (@MilanV) is senior fellow and director of the South Asia program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Johnathan Guy (@johnathanjguy) is a graduate of the University of Chicago. This article is part of the India Elects 2019 series, a collaboration between Carnegie and the Hindustan Times, and draws on a recent study by the authors (http://ceip.org/2KctU0v) Posted Monday, May 7, 2018 5:15 am Eric Christiansen of Eric's Upholstery cuts the ceremonial ribbon April 19 to celebrate the business' new status as a Chamber Partner in the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Christiansen was joined by his wife, Ramona, who specializes in silk floral arrangements, which are also handled through the store. Eric's Upholstery is located at 1100 Spur Drive, Suite 240, and can also be found online at www.ericsupholstery.com Just days ahead of the Karnataka assembly elections, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday served a Rs 100-crore legal notice on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah and partys state unit chief BS Yeddyurappa for alleged defamatory speeches and advertisements against him in the media Congress president Rahul Gandhi held a road show in Kolar and addressed rallies in Hoskote and Devenahalli while former prime minister Manmohan Singh attacked the Narendra-Modi led NDA government over economic mismanagementin Bengaluru on Monday. Karnataka goes to polls on May 12 and votes will be counted on May 15. Highlights: 6.50pm: BJP national president Amit Shah holds a roadshow in Rajarajeshwari Nagar assembly constituency. Earlier in the evening, he held a roadshow in Harapanahalli constituency of Davangere. 6.02pm: Gandhi says the amount looted by Reddy brothers from Karnataka is roughly the same amount the UPA had allocated for MNREGA. 5.50pm: Gandhi urges people to go through any of his speeches. There is not a single one in which I have spoken lies, he says. 5.42pm: Rahul Gandhi says that in the next five years the Congress would - provide 50 lakh houses for the poor - double irrigation scheme for farmers - provide one crore jobs for youth - and 33% reservation for women in government jobs. 5.35pm: Arun Jaitley and PM Modi were not ready to forgive farmers debt but Siddaramaiah announced a loan waiver of Rs 8000 crore for farmers, says Gandhi. 5.31pm: Gandhi says that in the next five years, no person in Karnataka will go hungry. 5.29pm: Congress President Rahul Gandhi addresses a gathering in Devanahalli. Is Janata Dal truly secular or are they helping Modi, Amit Shah and Yeddyurappa? JD(S) should tell the public which side they are on? Gandhi says. Read: Rahul, Manmohan step up Karnataka election campaign, attack Modi govt economic polices 5.20pm: Twenty three BJP workers were killed in Karnataka. But instead of providing support to the families of the victims, Congress backs the killers, says Adityanath. 5.15pm: At Belgavi, Adityanath says, Where every poor person has a roof above his head, a toilet, an LPG gas connection, every member of the house is employed, that is Ram rajya. A place where there is no division, where there is security and respect is guaranteed. 5.10pm: Adityanaths comment comes days after Siddaramaiah took a dig at the UP chief ministers presence in Karnataka. At least 64 people have lost their lives due to a storm in Uttar Pradesh. My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. I am sorry your CM is needed here in Karnataka. I am sure he will return soon & attend to his work there. https://t.co/RwgDrhdn82 Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 3, 2018 5.07pm: UP CM Yogi Adityanath addresses a public meeting at Gokak, Belgavi in Karnataka. He says, Recently there was a thunderstorm in UP that affected many people. Our government provided relief within 24 hours. Did Siddaramaiah ever pay a visit to families of farmers who committed suicide in Karnataka? 4.25pm: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah sends legal notice for criminal and civil defamation to BJP, Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and BS Yeddyurappa, over BJPs corruption charges against him. 4.05pm: Rahul Gandhi says the Congress stands united to defeat the BJP in Karnataka. We will win and form a peoples government, he says. 4.03pm: In the next five years, every person in Karnataka will own a house. Unlike PM Modi, we keep our promises, says Gandhi. Gandhi says Congress will focus on creating a network of food-processing plants across Karnataka for the benefit of farmers. 4.01pm: Gandhi says the farmers of this country are suffering but PM Modi has turned a deaf ear to them. Our government in Karnataka has delivered what it had promised. The success of our various welfare schemes speaks for itself, he says. 3.59pm: PM Modi rode to power on the promise of reducing fuel prices. He should explain to the people why fuel prices are rising and why is he unable to curtail them, says Rahul Gandhi. 3.58pm: Commenting on the Prime Ministers confidence, Gandhi says PM Modi went to China but didnt talk about Doklam. 3.55pm: Gandhi says that PM Modi speaks of anti-corruption but shares the stage with people who have spent time in jails for corruption. On stage, Modi ji has Yeddyurappa on his right whom Amit Shah had called the most corrupt chief minister and on his left are four minister who went to jail with Yeddyurappa. In the line behind them are the Reddy bothers. 3.52pm: This election has the philosophy of Basava, the Congress party and Indira Gandhi on one hand and BJP and RSS on the other, Rahul Gandhi says. 3.50pm: Gandhi says that the strength of Karnataka is in the hands of its farmers, women, youth, small businessmen and all its people. 3:48pm: Rahul Gandhi promises that in 5 years, no one in Karnataka will be homeless. 3:45pm: The Congress government, when it comes to power in 2019 (Lok Sabha elections), will waive farmers loans in 10 days of getting elected: Gandhi 3:40pm: The Congress president keeps up the partys attack on PM Modi over high prices of petrol in the country. He says that despite the prices falling across the world, fuel rates increased under the NDA government. 3:30pm: Rahul Gandhi addresses a rally in Hoskote, hitting out at the BJPs Reddy brothers and BS Yeddyurappa over alleged corruption charges. 3pm: BJP doesnt believe in social justice, good for poor and socialism. Ananth Kumar Hegde is not fit to be a gram panchayat leader and they have made him a Union minister. If Narendra Modi tries to change Constitution there will be bloodshed in this country, ANI quotes Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah as saying. 2:30pm: Siddaramaiah challenges BJPs chief minister candidate BS Yeddyurappa to an open debate. He says PM Modi is welcome to join the debate. I have asked @BSYBJP to join me in an open debate. @narendramodi is welcome to join... I will speak extempore. They can bring paper... Come on BSY avare let people see who they are voting for beyond the smokescreen created by hot air from Modi-Shah-Yogi team, he wrote on Twitter. 2:10pm: After the protest, Rahul Gandhi rides a bicycle in Kolar. 1:30pm: Rahul Gandhi begins his protest in Kolar against soaring fuel prices, addresses a crowd. Neither Narendra Modi, nor RSS will be able to alter Indias constitution: Gandhi says during the protest. 1:15pm: Its the ego of Siddaramaiah that people in Karnataka have been deprived of water of Mahadayi in this region, the BJP president says. 1:09pm: 24 BJP workers were killed in Karnataka, but the Siddaramah government did not arrest anyone: Amit Shah 1pm: We arent just fighting elections to win. People need to ensure that Congress lose so badly that they lose their deposit in Nargund : Amit Shah at the public gathering. 12: 55pm: BJP president Amit Shah says in a rally in Gadag that Rahul Gandhi has already conceded defeat in Karnataka. 12:50pm: Congress president Rahul Gandhi holds a road show in Kolar. 12:45pm: Karnataka chief minister re-tweets Rahul Gandhis video on fuel prices and slams the BJP for diverting attention from its failures. BJP goes into the PAST to divert attention from its failures in the PRESENT thus endangering your FUTURE. Petrol price rise despite low international crude prices is the issue of the PRESENT dogging our people. #BJPReducePetrolPrices https://t.co/jgyNpUCV35 Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 7, 2018 12:44pm: I expressed my anguish about what the PM said about me during Gujarat elections. I take the same position now. 12:40pm: As far as Nirav Modi is concerned, it was obvious that in 2015-16, that something is going around with the affairs of Modi. Yet the Modi government didnt do anything. If blame has to be cast, it has to be on the govt of mandate: Manmohan Singh says in Bengaluru In fact, the PM was in Davos in the company of Nirav Modi & only a few days later he ran away from the country. That itself is the reflection of sad state of affairs in this wonderland of Modi government: Former PM Manmohan Singh in Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/KaG6LnwhC0 ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2018 12:38pm: PM Modi should practice the advice he gave me. Unfortunately, he hasnt held a single press conference in four years: Manmohan Singh 12:36pm: It is shocking that the PM of India stoops so low... I think no PM has used this election time to say things in a manner Modi ju has been trying. I hope he will learn the lesson and not seek to polarise the society in Karnataka: Dr Singhs hard-hitting reply on alleged polarisation of masses. 12:35pm: The Modi govt is deliberately painting a rosy picture than the hard facts available: Manmohan Singh on Indias economic progress 12:33pm: What happens in Karnataka will have implications on the rest of the country, Dr Singh says in an answer to a question. 12:31pm: Currently, investment in the single biggest weak point in the management of our economy: Manmohan Singh says. 12:30pm: Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Sujrewala opens the stage for questions at the press conference in Bengaluru. 12:15pm: True leadership creates opportunities, it does not destroy them, the former PM says on employment rate under the Modi govt in India. 12:22pm: Under Modi govt, we are missing out on crucial years that require careful planning for development, says Manmohan Singh at the press conference. He goes on to list the achievements of the Siddaramaiah government in Karnataka. 12:18pm: PM blames the 70 years of Congress governments when questioned about issues. He forgets the Green revolution... and he forgets to mention that policies of UPA 1 and UPA 2 that brought millions out of poverty: Singh 12:17pm: In four years, Modi ji has reversed successes of the UPA govt, the former PM says citing economic parameters. 12:15pm: Where is the capital for growth of SMEs in India, questions Manmohan Singh. Demonetisation and GST have hurt the MSMEs and resulted in the loss of tens and thousands of jobs, he adds. The economic mismanagement of the Modi govt is slowly eroding the trust of the people in the banking system: Dr Manmohan Singh #INC4Karnataka Congress (@INCIndia) May 7, 2018 12pm: Former prime minister Manmohan Singh criticises Modi govt for rise in fuel prices at a press conference in Bengaluru. It is in the banking sector that the mismanagement of the Modi govt is visible: Singh 11:15am: UP CM Yogi Adityanath visits Chennabasava Patta Devara Mutt in Bhalki. 11am: Rahul Gandhi tweets about Modi governments economic policies and increase in fuel prices in India: The BJP Govt. collected 10 Lakh Crore in taxes on Petrol/LPG/Diesel since 2014. Yet, NO relief in prices for our citizens. This video shows the truth about fuel prices under PM Modi. I will lead a protest against these prices in Kolar at Noon, today.#BJPReducePetrolPrices pic.twitter.com/YCnKwDPm6W Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 7, 2018 10:10am: HD Kumaraswamy and other leaders of Janata Dal (Secular) release the partys manifesto in Bengaluru. 9:45am: The enthusiasm I have witnessed in Karnataka polls amid heat shows people are fighting this election: PM Narendra Modi to BJP workers 9: 35am: The UPA government was responsible for joblessness, BJP is working to create more jobs for the youth : PM 9:30am: There should be discussions, but violence has no place in a democracy, says PM Modi while addressing BJP youth workers. In 1984 there was a phase of violence after Indira Gandhis assassination. Since then it seems violence has become a part of the political system. Our workers were killed in Tripura, Kerala, Karnataka. This doesnt suit democracy. Violence must be opposed, he says. 9:15am: We have a special focus on Karnataka in our manifesto. If a BJP government is formed here, 60 Namma BPO complexes will be set up here, PM Narendra Modi tells Yuva Karyakartas of BJP Karnataka. 9:10am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins interaction with the Karnatakas Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Yuva Morcha Karyakartas through the Narendra Modi App. 8:30am: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath will resume campaigning in Karnataka today. He is expected to visit Chennabasava Patta Devara Mutt in Bhalki town at 10:10am and address a public meeting, news agency ANI reports. Adityanath was scheduled to campaign in Karnataka till May 5 but he had to cut short his election campaign tour after the deadly dust storms in Uttar Pradesh. Life remained at a standstill in Kashmir on Monday, a day after 10 people five militants and an equal number of civilians were killed in the southern district of Shopian. Although the civil secretariat opened in the states summer capital of Srinagar, its roads and markets wore a deserted look following a strike call issued by separatists. Commercial establishments remained closed, and the government shut educational establishments to prevent students from flooding the streets in protest. The authorities also imposed restrictions in half of the city, and put up barricades as well as concertina wires in view of a protest march called by separatists. The Valley was shut down on Sunday as well to protest the death of a youngster under a police vehicle in Noorbagh the previous day. Mobile Internet services have been suspended since Saturday. A Hizbul Mujahideen commander and an assistant professor of Kashmir University were among the five militants killed in a gunfight with security forces in Shopian early on Sunday. The academic, Mohammad Rafi Bhat, had reportedly gone missing from his home on Friday and joined militant ranks. The five civilians had succumbed to bullet injuries in clashes with security forces. A police officer said restrictions have been imposed in the jurisdictions of seven police stations Khanyar, Nowhatta, Safa Kadal, Maharajgunj, Rainawari, Maisuma and Kralkhud besides Pulwama and Shopian towns in south Kashmir. The situation has been under control so far, he added. While separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani continues to be under house arrest, Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front leader Yasin Malik is in detention. Moderate Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar was also taken into custody after he violated his house detention and tried marching towards the secretariat, a spokesperson said. Scores of National Conference workers held a protest march in Srinagar to condemn the rising bloodshed across the Valley. People are dying, sometimes 20 at a time. This government is sustaining (itself) on military options. They are not winning people by political options. The dialogue process is yet to be initiated. We are protesting against all this. Raids, arrests and crackdowns are conducted at night across south, north and central Kashmir under Operation All Out. A teenager was crushed under a police vehicle. This is the limit, said Ali Mohammad Sagar, senior National Conference leader and former law minister. The authorities foiled an attempt by traders to picket the Secretariat during the course of the day, and suspended railway services between south and north Kashmir. Kashmir University suspended classes for Monday and Tuesday, and postponed the upcoming examinations as well. As many as 41 people including militants, civilians and security personnel were killed in various instances of violence across Kashmir in April. Eighteen have died so far this month. Suspended Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Monday kicked off yet another controversy by saying that Hindu Mahasabha leader Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was the first proponent of two-nation theory and added that he invented the term Hindutva to create religious divide in society. His remark came at time when Mohammed Ali Jinnahs portrait at the Aligarh Muslim University has sparked off a row. The Congress party, however, distanced from his remark. The Congress had suspended Aiyar from its primary membership and slapped a show-cause notice on him for his neech remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which had mushroomed into a massive controversy just ahead of Gujarat polls. Situation in India is an abhorrent one. In 1923, a man called VD Savarkar in his book invented a word which doesnt exist in any religious text, Hindutva. So, first proponent of two-nation theory was ideological guru of those who are currently in power in India, Aiyar said at an event in Lahore. Approximately 70% of Indian electorate did not vote for Modi in the last election, but lost because they were completely fractioned among themselves. It is my fervent hope ... that a great fraction of this 70% who did not vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the last election, will come together adequately to be able to put an end to the aberration that we have been suffering in our country, he said. Aiyar further said that he referred to Jinnah as the Quaid-e-Azam and the hysterical Indian TV anchors were demanding to know how an Indian could go to Pakistan and say this. I know many Pakistanis who called Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi as Mahatma Gandhi; does that make them unpatriotic Pakistanis? he added. BJP president Amit Shah attacked Aiyar and the Congress party for his remark and tweeted, Congress and Pakistan have amazing telepathy. First, Pakistan government remembered Tipu Sultan, whose Jayanti Congress marks with fanfare and now Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar admires Jinnah. Be it Gujarat or Karnataka polls, I fail to understand why Congress involves Pakistan! Congress and Pakistan have amazing telepathy. Yesterday Pakistan Government remembered Tipu Sultan, whose Jayanti Congress marks with fanfare and today Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar admires Jinnah. Be it Gujarat or Karnataka polls, I fail to understand why Congress involves Pakistan! pic.twitter.com/isH9GmgET2 Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 5, 2018 During Gujarat elections we saw how dinner meetings with topmost Pakistan officials were held to defeat BJP and now mutual love for Tipu Sultan and Jinnah. I appeal to Congress not to involve foreign nations in our domestic politics. Lets keep the discourse civil and positive, he added. During Gujarat elections we saw how dinner meetings with topmost Pakistan officials were held to defeat BJP and now mutual love for Tipu Sultan and Jinnah. I appeal to Congress not to involve foreign nations in our domestic politics. Lets keep the discourse civil and positive. Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 5, 2018 Reacting to Aiyars remark, senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said: He (Aiyar) has been suspended from the Congress party. So, nobody should take cognizance of what he says. Unfortunately, he is a habitual in speaking the language he has spoken. I wonder why he is going to Pakistan everytime. It looks that something is wrong with him. He should retire from politics and sit at home, Azad added. Former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Monday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the state of Indias economy, saying the country was facing crises that were avoidable. Our nation today is experiencing difficult times. Our farmers are facing an acute crisis, our aspirational youth are not finding opportunities, and the economy is growing below its potential. The unfortunate truth is that each of these crises was entirely avoidable, he said, addressing a press conference in Bengaluru ahead of the May 12 state polls. Singh said it pained him to see the government stifle dissent when deficiencies were pointed out, rather than stand up to challenges. The former prime minister said it was important to pay careful attention to policy making as it affected peoples lives, and, hence, it was crucial to not act on mere whims and fancies. The United Progressive Alliance delivered an average growth rate of 7.8% despite turbulent global conditions. The NDA, on the other hand, has managed lesser growth rate despite a favourable international climate and low oil prices. In fact, growth rate under the NDA is lower in spite of the change in methodology, which paints a rosier picture than reality, Singh said. Singh criticised the move to demonetise high-value currency and the hasty implementation of GST (goods and services tax), calling them blunders that severely affect micro, small and medium enterprises, causing the loss of tens of thousands of jobs in the process. He also criticised the government for not passing on the reduction in international crude oil prices to consumers. In spite of lower global crude oil prices, petrol and diesel prices are at a historic high because Modi government chooses to levy excessive excise taxes. Instead of passing on the benefits of low prices to the people, the Modi government has punished the people, he said. Singh said it did not behove the office of the prime minister for Modi to make adverse comments on opponents. No other prime minister has used the office in such a manner, he said. Refuting the charges, state BJP spokesperson S Prakash claimed the former PM had left a depleted economy for the current government. We have tried to rehabilitate the economy and are doing so successfully, he said. Prakash said Congress had no answers to Modis charisma and as a result was saying he was using foul language. Indira and Rajiv Gandhi also used to campaign just as much for their parties. When it comes to language, Singh should take a look at the way the chief minister and some of his colleagues speak about the prime minister, he said. At the Bengaluru speech, Singh said since 2014, international crude oil prices had declined to 67%. However, petrol and diesel prices have on average increased at 110% on both these products. Through constant increase in taxes and at the cost of the common man, the government is projected to have earned over Rs 10 lakh crore. India must demand answers as to what use this money was put to, he said. The former prime minister said banks were neither lending nor was the private sector borrowing. The growth engines of the economy are spluttering. Perhaps it is here that the mismanagement of the Modi government is most evident, he said. The proportion of gross non-performing assets (NPAs) trebled since Modi assumed office and frauds in the banking sector almost quadrupled from Rs 28,416 crore in September 2013 to Rs 1.11 lakh crore in September 2017, Singh said, adding the perpetrators of these frauds escape with impunity. He said it was the governments duty to have dealt with the NPAs, questioning why Modi attended an event in Davos where jeweller Nirav Modi was present. Singh said the recent shortages of cash were preventable, but instead of taking prompt corrective action, the government has been busy providing excuses and peddling conspiracy theories as to what led to the problem. What took years of hard work to make the Indian economy the third largest in the world is being dismantled through systematic efforts that have no grounding in logic, the former PM said. When asked to explain reasons for economic ills of the last four years, Prime Minister Modi tends to blame everything on the 70 years of Congress rule. He forgets the role of the Green Revolution. He does not mention the role of policies of economic liberalisation of the 1991-96 in transforming the industrial economy, he said. Singh said development of cities required sustained funds and innovation. Instead, the Modi government has been content to simply come up with catchy tags like AMRUT and Smart Cities, which have underperformed spectacularly, he said. Contrary to Modis assurances, Singh said, in the age group of 15-24, about 7.2 million jobs were lost over the last four years. This usually happens when external factors are unfavourable. However, job destruction in India is due to mismanagement on the part of Modi and his team. True leadership creates opportunities, it does not destroy them, the former prime minister said. Singh warned that the countrys position as an IT superpower was under threat. The situation could get worse if the Modi government fails in its duties at protecting H1, H4 and L1 visas for our professionals, he said. Reduced budgets, administrative takeovers, and harassment of students and dissenting voices are a violation of our Constitutional norms. It does not help that ministers in Modis cabinet and even BJP chief ministers regularly make comments promoting irrationality, he said. When a 29-year-old man from Jaipur swiped right on the profile of a woman on Tinder, he would not have expected to end up dead days later chopped up into pieces and stuffed in a suitcase. The man, Dushyant Sharma, was held captive by 27-year-old Priya Seth, her boyfriend and a friend at a rented flat in Bajaj Nagar last week with the motive to extort money, according to the police. On May 2, Seth allegedly invited Sharma to her flat and asked him to pay R10 lakh. With the help of Dikshant Kamra (20) and Lakshya Walia (21), Seth also robbed Sharma of his ATM card after tying him up with wires and calling his father for a ransom. The father said he did not have the said amount and agreed to deposit ?3 lakh into his sons bank account, Jhotwara station house officer Gur Bhupendra Singh said. The police said Sharma appears to have misrepresented his details on the dating app. The profile said his name was Vivan Kohli, a Delhi resident who earned crores of rupees every month. Seth got friendly with him with an intention of robbing him because he appeared wealthy, said an officer interrogating the three at the Jhotwara police station, where they are in police custody until May 11 after being arrested last Friday. But when Sharma visited her, she found out that he was from Jaipur and did not have much money in his account. They thought if he was allowed to go away, he may blow the lid on them so they killed him, the officer said. The three accused allegedly strangled Sharma and chopped his body into pieces on Wednesday morning. Seth then visited an ATM and withdrew ?20,000 from Sharmas card, the police said. The suitcase the accused used to dispose of Sharmas body was found in Amer near Jaipur on May 3. The police said the accused had been involved in several other criminal cases including extortion and ATM theft in the past. Hindustan Times had spoken to Seth on March 21 in connection with an extortion charge by a man she was in a live-in relationship with in Noida. She had denied the extortion charge after being accused of faking a pregnancy. I loved him but he left me in the lurch. He even beat me when we lived in Noida, she said. Seth is the daughter of a lecturer at a government college in Pali. She moved to Jaipur in 2012 to get enrolled at a college. The police said she came in contact with an agent through an advertisement for a part-time job. The agent asked her to rent an apartment that would be used for prostitution and assured her of good money in exchange, a charge Seth has denied. She would befriend wealthy people through dating platforms and escort service websites and invite them to her flat. When the men arrived, she would threaten to register a rape case against them if they did not give her money, a police officer investigating the case said on condition of anonymity. The officer said that during the course of their investigation, they found she had a history of drug use. Union minority affairs minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Monday said prayers promote peace and no tension should be allowed in the name of worshipping god. Naqvis comments came a day after Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar said namaz should ideally be offered in mosques or at ones home. The comments were made after right-wing protesters allegedly disrupted prayers by Muslims in at least 10 public places in Gurugram. Naqvi said the Haryana government is very sensitive towards the issue and CM Khattar had himself clarified that his regime is not against offering prayers. There has been an increase in occurrence of namaz being offered at public places. It is fine till no one objects. But ideally namaz should be offered in the precincts of a religious place or at ones home, Khattar said on Sunday. On Monday, certain media reports quoted Haryana health minister Anil Vij as saying that if someone needs to offer namaz, he has the religious freedom to do so, but one cannot offer namaz anywhere in the open with the intention of grabbing land. Naqvi, however, added that if there was any complaint in this connection, the issue had to be settled amicably. Prayer promotes peace and not tension. Hence, no tension should be allowed in the name of prayer. According to provisions, prayers are to be performed at authorised places, he told reporters in New Delhi. The state government is sensitive (towards the issue) and the chief minister has also clarified that they are not against offering prayers. But if anybody is complaining, it is better to settle the issue amicably, Naqvi added. The Union minister said those offering namaz were aware of the rules in the Islam regarding where to offer prayers and hence, it was not right to fight over it. To a question on the row over a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), he said the students and the administration of the institute should put an end to the uncalled for controversy. Jinnah is not a role model for the country or its Muslims. Hence, this controversy has to be brought to an end and it should be ensured that the universitys dignity is maintained, Naqvi added. Protesting against the high petrol and fuel prices, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday rode a bicycle as he led a march on the issue while campaigning in Karnatakas Kolar district. Later, standing on a bullock cart, he addressed a gathering where he alleged that the BJP-led government wanted to take money from the common man to give it to its rich friends and asked it to tell the people why they were not reducing the price of petrol in the country. Gandhi, who resumed his poll campaign for the May 12 assembly polls, took out a protest march in Maluru in Kolar against rising petrol prices by riding a bicycle with other Congress workers walking or running behind him. The world over petrol prices were decreasing, but in India prices were still high, he lamented. Earlier in international market, the price was $140 per barrel, now it is $70 per barrel. So lakhs of crores of money is being saved by the government. Where is the money going? Gandhi asked. Why are you not saying to people that you dont want to put GST on petrol and diesel? You want to take away money from common man and want to give it to your five or ten industrialist friends, he said before the gathering. You want to take money from the pockets of those driving scooter, truck, bus and other vehicles in the country and want to give it your rich friends, the Congress leader said. During his three-day visit, Gandhi will be campaigning in Kolar, Bengaluru Rural, Chikkballapura, Tumakuru districts and Bengaluru city. The Narendra Modi governments disastrous economic policies are costing the nation its future, said Congress leader and former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Monday, coordinating his statements as party president Rahul Gandhi protested in Karnataka against high fuel prices. Our nation today is experiencing difficult times. Our farmers are facing an acute crisis, our aspirational youth are not finding opportunities, and the economy is growing below its potential, said Singh at a press conference in Bengaluru. It pains me to see how rather than standing up to all these challenges, the governments response has been to stifle dissent when deficiencies are pointed out, he was quoted by PTI as saying. India is a complex and diverse country and no one person can be the repository of all wisdom, he said without naming Prime Minister Modi. Modis National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government had recorded low growth rate despite a favourable international climate and low oil prices. Its lack of reasoning and analysis is costing India and our collective future, said Singh. True leadership creates opportunities, it does not destroy them. He said every time an answer was sought for any of the disastrous policies of the BJP government, all we hear is that the intentions are virtuous. Singh said petrol and diesel prices were at a historic high despite a fall in international crude oil prices because the government had chosen to levy excessive excise duty. Party president Gandhi said on Twitter this morning he will protest in Kolar, southern Karnataka, against the governments fuel price policy. Despite international crude prices dropping upto [sic] 67% in 4 years of Modi government petrol-diesel prices are skyrocketing in India but the government that promised acche din is silent. BJP is cruel. They loot in the name of fuel, he said. . Authorities imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar and some other places in the valley on Monday to prevent separatist-called protests and a sit-in outside the Civil Secretariats. The protest shutdown and sit-in was called by the Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), a separatist conglomerate headed by Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik, against the killing of 10 people on Sunday, including five civilians on Sunday. The Civil Secretariat that houses the offices of the Chief Minister, her colleagues and senior bureaucrats is opening on Monday after a six-month sojourn in Jammu. Security forces on Sunday killed five militants, including an assistant professor of the Kashmir University who had joined their ranks, leading to major street protests that claimed the lives of five civilians. Authorities have placed Geelani and the Mirwaiz under house arrest while Malik has been taken into preventive detection. All educational institutions have been shut in the valley. Exams scheduled for Monday were postponed. Rail services were also suspended as a precautionary measure. Mobile internet services remained suspended in all south Kashmir districts since Sunday i n addition to Srinagar and Ganderbal districts in the north of the valley. Security have been deployed in the areas where restrictions and also at other law and order vulnerable places. Just a few months ago, the Samajwadi Party (SP) appeared to have been consigned to history; thrashed by a resurgent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and then again in the 2017 assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh. And a feud in the SPs first family was only making things worse for the party that once played kingmaker at the Centre. But politics is all about perception and the SPs recent electoral successes may have broken the shackles on the party and given it the platform to launch a fightback against the dominant BJP in the general elections next year. Much of this hope stems from an unlikely alliance between the SP and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) led by Mayawati, a tie-up which led to the SPs spectacular victory in the recent Lok Sabha bypoll in Gorakhpur, the once invincible fortress of chief minister Yogi Adityanath. We have shown the shape of things to come, SP president Akhilesh Yadav said after the victory. I am ready to make sacrifices...I will be big-hearted when the time comes. In the political context, UP is Indias bellwether state with 80 Lok Sabha seats, the highest among all states. The countrys most populous state is also the personal electoral battleground for Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. And it is widely acknowledged that the party which wins the most number of seats in UP holds the key to forming the government at the Centre. For the record, the BJP had won 71 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in 2014 and 312 assembly seats out of 403 in 2017. In contrast, the SPs numbers fell to 5 from 23 in the Lok Sabha and to 43 from 224 in the assembly. It had never been so bad for the party formed by Mulayam Singh Yadav, a wrestler-turned-politician and father of Akhilesh, in 1992. It won 16 seats in its very first Lok Sabha polls in 1996 and continued to get better (see chart). Until a series of events threw Akhileshs house into total disarray. Just before the assembly polls, Akhilesh was engaged in a bitter power struggle with his uncle Shivpal Yadav. Mulayam sided with Shivpal, turning it into a three-front war between father, son and uncle. The successive electoral debacles were also telling on the party with four members of the legislative council the upper house of the bicameral legislature and four members of his erstwhile cabinet switched to the BJP. Then, in the presidential elections in July last year, Shivpal and some of his camp members, apparently on the instructions of Mulayam, voted for the National Democratic Alliance candidate Ram Nath Kovind, defying Akhileshs whip to vote for United Progressive Alliance (UPA) candidate Meira Kumar. The turnaround began when Akhilesh was re-elected the SPs national president in October last year with the backing of Mulayam. Shivpal had no option but to grudgingly fall in line. Akhilesh also held a series of talks with Mulayam which, party insiders say, were aimed at convincing the elder Yadav about the need for unity to take on the BJP. Then came Akhileshs tactical move of joining hands with Mayawati, the worst sufferer of the BJPs onslaught. She did not win a single LS seat in 2014 and managed only 19 assembly seats in 2017. Mulayam was quick to support Akhilesh on the deal with Mayawati; it was, after all, replicating what Mulayam himself had done in 1993 with Mayawatis mentor Kanshi Ram. The 1993 polls were fought in the backdrop of the Babri Masjid demolition in December 1992 and the BJP was riding a wave in its favour in a communally-polarised state. At that time, UP had 425 seats in the assemblys lower house as Uttarakhand was yet to be formed. Mulayams SP contested in 267 seats and BSP 156 under the pact. The SP won 109 and BSP 67. The BJP was halted at 177. Despite the BJP emerging as the single largest party, SP-BSP, along with 27 MLAs from Janata Dal (JD), formed the government and Mulayam became the chief minister. Though the government did not last long, the experiment was proof that such a political alignment was possible. Political experts say that Akhilesh is trying the same strategy for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. In 1993, the BJP had blurred the caste lines; Akhilesh and Mayawati are magnifying them again. The formula is simple: Muslims+Dalits+Yadav+OBCs (non-Yadav other backward classes). The combination is formidable, said SK Dwivedi, a political analyst who is the former head of the department of political science in Lucknow University. Muslims form 19% of UPs population, Dalits 21%, Yadavs 7%, and non-Yadav OBCs 32%. So, SP on its own is not a challenger to BJP, but with BSP, it is powerful. Both the parties have their strong individual base, he added. That Akhilesh is open to alliances was evident in 2017, when he tied up with the Congress but the move was a spectacular failure. For the recent Gorakhpur and Phulpur bypolls, Akhilesh began with the small parties: Peace Party and Nishad Party, players with pockets of influence. With Mayawatis backing, the SP pulled off upset victories in the seats once held by Yogi Adityanath and the deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya. SP leaders say that Akhilesh is keen on having an alliance of all like-minded parties for 2019, though neither he nor Mayawati has given any hints if they would like to have the Congress on board. ...If the two parties (SP and BSP) and like-minded parties, including the Congress, come together, then it is certain that they will be able to wipe out the BJP in UP (in 2019), said Zishan Haider, spokesperson of the UP Congress. Akhilesh is also in touch with the leaders outside UP, including West Bengals Mamata Banerjee and Bihars Lalu Prasad Yadav besides former prime minister HD Deve Gowda. MP Ahirwar, a Dalit thinker and a professor at Banaras Hindu University, described the SP-BSP alliance as a mature decision and added it was inherently capable and has the potential to defeat BJP in UP in 2019. To be sure, the alliance faces potential pitfalls. The battered SP may have emerged as a challenger, but the BJP led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and Adityanath is not the BJP of 1993 when Mulayam managed to checkmate it. And alliances have never been long-lasting in UP, often falling under the weight of their own contradictions; from a clash of personal egos to distribution of seats, anything could be a flashpoint. Since the first tie-up in 1993, the SP and BSP have been bitter rivals. Leaders of both parties agree that seat-sharing could be a tricky issue. The BJP tried to brush aside any threat from the alliance. Vijay Bahadur Pathak, the general secretary of the state BJP, said the party is working on a strategy to ensure 50% of the votes. So it hardly matters if SP and BSP come together or all the other parties come together. If we have 50% vote share, then we are the winners, he added. An alliance may well be the last weapon left for the opposition parties in the face of a political juggernaut that has perfected the art of winning elections. If these parties wish to end the dominance of one party, then they must unite in an organised manner with a common minimum programme in place in advance. The BJP too doesnt have its 2014 popularity any longer, political analyst Dwivedi said. Posted Monday, May 7, 2018 7:45 am University of Missouri Extension agronomists voiced concern during a teleconference that cool, dry conditions are causing delayed planting and slow forage growth statewide. MU Extension climatologist Pat Guinan reported double-digit departures from normal temperatures for northern Missouri during the first three weeks of April. Much of the state also suffers from a lack of moisture, he said. Missouri typically receives 4 inches of precipitation in April. This year, some parts of northern and central Missouri are reporting less than 1 inch. Almost 20 percent of the states topsoil moisture is in short to very short supply, according to USDAs National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Forage growth suffering; hay in very short supply State extension forage specialist Craig Roberts said forage growth is at least two weeks behind normal. Cattle producers statewide already face a shortage of hay after a dry fall. Many producers typically allow cattle to graze on fields all winter because of high stocking rates. This year, cattle grazed longer and hay was either unavailable or of poor nutritional quality. When this happens, cattle eat down to the carbohydrate reserve, which stunts regrowth after green-up. Growers hoping to stimulate regrowth by adding nitrogen to fields this late in the year should limit rates. Nitrogen stimulates regrowth, but the first cut will be stemmy and lack nutrients. It may produce hay, but not the kind you want, Roberts said. Those who still want to add nitrogen should apply at a rate of 30 pounds per acre instead of the usual 60 pounds, Roberts said. Clipping seed heads and harvesting the second cutting will be best. Otherwise it may be toxic and low, low energy on the nutritional side, he said. When seed heads emerge, the forage becomes less digestible. NASS reported on April 23 that 57 percent of the states hay supply is in short or very short supply. It also reported 25 percent of the states pastures are in poor to very poor condition, with 52 percent rated fair. Corn planting behind, but full steam ahead Agronomists reported that corn planting is well underway, although far behind the average. According to the April 23 NASS report, planting was 16 percent complete, up from 4 percent the previous week. By comparison, Missouri farmers had completed 42 percent of corn planting this time last year. MU Extension agronomist Bill Wiebold said corn producers should watch for imbibitional chilling injury. Corn seed can die or produce poor stands when planted in cool, dry soil followed by cold rain. Cold water rushes into the dry seed, rupturing the membranes. Most cases of chilling injury happen within 48 hours of planting. As soils warm, the risk of injury decreases. A lot of corn could still go in the ground with todays large equipment. Timing and the right conditions are critical. Wiebolds data from eight years of research shows that corn yields in northern and central Missouri begin to drop after May 5. The good news Cool, dry weather also delayed weed germination, said MU Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley. Giant ragweed, one of the earliest weeds to emerge, seems to be the only weed on target. Agronomists reported no insect problems, except for sightings of winter grain mite in southwestern Missouri. The Supreme Court on Monday came to the rescue of a Karnataka politicians 26-year-old daughter, who has been married off by her family allegedly without her consent, and asked the state police to provide her security, after she claimed there was a threat to her life from her kin. The woman, a computer engineer who was named Ms X in the plea, appeared before a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra and submitted that her marriage be set aside as she did not consent to it and that she be granted protection as she wanted to pursue further studies and job in Bengaluru. The bench, also comprising justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, said that it has already made clear that it will not deal with the constitutionality of the provisions of the Hindu Marriage Act and validity of her forced marriage. The bench, however, considered the plea of woman for grant of security and asked the Karnataka police to provide it to her at Bengaluru where she would be residing for work and further studies. You (woman) are a major. You are independent to go wherever you want to go, the bench said, adding that nobody, including her family members and the husband, can force or coerce her. It considered the submissions of senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for the woman, who had requested that the her identity and that of her family not be disclosed, that her parents be asked to give back the documents like educational certificates, Aadhaar card and passport. Jaising, who initially sought setting aside of marriage on the grounds of lack of consent, later said that the woman would be pursuing the remedy for dissolution of marriage at an appropriate forum. The bench then discharged Delhi police and the Delhi Commission for Women, which were granting protection and pursuing her case respectively, of their responsibility as the woman said that she would be going back to Karnataka. Earlier, the apex court had asked the Centre and the Delhi Police to grant her protection during the stay in the national capital. The woman had sought striking down of sections 5 and 7 of the Hindu Marriage Act (HMA) to the extent that they fail to prescribe free, fair, valid prior consent of the parties to a marriage. We can deal this petition as habeas corpus petition only. We will not get into the constitutionality of the provisions of the HMA, the bench had said. The woman had sought quashing of her marriage conducted on March 14, 2018 on the grounds that it was solemnised without her free, fair and valid prior consent by her family members. The court had said such a declaration that lack of explicit consent would render the marriage invalid can be decided through appropriate proceedings emanating from family court. She had claimed that her fundamental right to choose her life partner, has been brazenly trampled by her family members, who in connivance with each other, have coerced, threatened, blackmailed, harassed, pressurized, abused, compelled and tricked her into getting married to the man, against her wishes and free consent. The woman had also claimed that she had escaped from the clutches of her abusive family in Karnataka and reached Delhi and further sought direction to the authorities from the apex court to provide her adequate security in order to safeguard her life, liberty and limb which was under threat from her own family members who are politically active in Karnataka. She had also said her familys conduct was indicative of resulting in the ghastly act of honour killing as she wanted to get married to a person outside her caste. The woman, an engineer by profession, alleged that she was forced to discontinue her studies in January this year as her parents forced her to marry against her wishes. A case has been registered against a government residential school principals husband in Hyderabad for allegedly groping a minor girl student, police said today. While police said they registered the case against Damodar last week, official sources said the principal has been suspended in connection with the alleged incident. Police said the 14-year old girl was allegedly groped during Diwali festival last year at the quarters of the principal located on the premises of the residential school. But, the case was registered last week after the girls mother lodged a police complaint about a week ago, they said. A case under relevant sections of IPC and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was registered against Damodar last week, a senior police official said. Police said teams have been formed to nab the accused, who is absconding. The conclave of fiscal federalism attended by six non-BJP states at the Andhra Pradesh state secretariat in Amaravati on Monday resolved to put up stiff resistance to the Centres alleged attempts to stifle the finances of better-performing states through the 15th Finance Commission. This was the second conference held by states sharing a common concern over the terms of reference of the 15th Finance Commission, after the first one in Kerala on April 10. Five states Puducherry, Kerala, West Bengal, Punjab and Delhi attended the event, besides the host state of Andhra Pradesh. While chief minister V Narayana Swamy came on the behalf of Puducherry, Delhi sent deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia to the meeting. The other three visiting states were represented by their finance ministers. In his address at the conclave, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed concern over the Centres efforts to penalise performing states by imposing unnecessary conditions. The Modi government should respect cooperative federalism, he said. Naidu accused the Centre of violating constitutional norms and depriving states of borrowing powers under the fiscal responsibility and budgetary management act. He also said the 15th Finance Commission should not make recommendations on the basis of the 2011 population census. We will continue our fight until the Centre mends its ways and respects the powers of the states, the chief minister said. Narayana Swamy said the Centre was discriminating against Delhi and Puducherry in terms of fund allocation by stating that they were union territories. At the same time, it was collecting heavy taxes on a par with other states, he added. The Centre is not compensating the expenditure incurred by us on welfare programmes. The Goods and Services Tax has turned out to be a burden on union territories, Narayan Swamy said, adding that the Centre should take any decision on the devolution of funds only after due consultations with states. Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia alleged that the Centre has been violating the spirit of the Constitution. It has been trying to take over Delhis administration, he said, stressing on the need to protect the interests of states. Kerala finance minister TM Thomas Issac said the Centre should not allocate funds on the basis of the 2011 population census, and questioned the manner in which it plans to compensate the states. Punjab finance minister Manpreet Singh, for his part, lamented the slowing industrial development in his state due to sops given to special category states. The Union government was trying to push its own agenda on states, he said, bemoaning how Punjab gets just 29% devolution of funds from the Centre. West Bengal finance minister Amit Mitra alleged that central government was trying to squeeze the states for funds in violation of the basics of federalism. They have even stopped releasing funds for several national welfare programmes, he alleged. Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, the finance minister of Andhra Pradesh, said a draft common memorandum incorporating the common concerns of all the participant states will be submitted to the President Ram Nath Kovind. The document would urge Kovind to help reframe the terms of reference of the 15th Finance Commission, he added. Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday appealed to the Centre to find a middle path for ending the cycle of violence in the Valley which was consuming the lives of poor youth and security forces. Five militants, including a top commander and a university professor, were killed in an encounter in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir. Five civilians died during clashes between protesters and law enforcing agencies near the encounter site. The tragedy in which five civilians were killed yesterday is very painful. I appeal to Government of the country (Centre) to find a way for ending this bloodshed, she told reporters at the reopening of Civil Secretariat in Srinagar as part of the traditional Darbar move practice. She also appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the parents, to value life. Allah has given us life to live it well, not to embrace death at 18 or 19 years of age, she said. Mehbooba said a way out has to be found to end this cycle of violence which is consuming young lives in the state. The stones and guns are in the hands of poor (youth). We have to find a middle path to ensure that these boys do not get killed and our army men and policemen also do not get killed, she said. In a statement on Sunday, the chief minister had said: It sounds very depressing to note that our State is losing young lives to the unending cycle of violence who could otherwise be utilized for a positive contribution to the State. The chief minister said political issues need political intervention. I have reiterated it time and again that political issues need political interventions. I appeal youth that their energies, youthfulness, dreams and aspirations are far more important and sacred to the society than their dead bodies or graves, she said. The chief minister also appealed all sections of civil society, media, students, parents and other stakeholders to rise to this critical occasion, play their role and help in putting an end to this cycle of bloodshed in the state. Mehbooba reiterated her stand that issues in Jammu and Kashmir can be resolved only through a sustained dialogue between all stakeholders. The three decades long violence in the state is a testimony to the fact that guns from either side cannot ensure peace, but a compassion driven reconciliation process based on mutual respect surely can. In this regard, I appeal the national leadership of the country to show the element of compassion and empathy as required by the present day situation here and display the statesmanship to get J-K out of the quagmire of killings by engaging in a meaningful dialogue in the State. The sooner it happens, the more we can get our state out of the vicious cycle of killings and destruction, she said. The Supreme Court on Monday transferred the Kathua gang rape and murder case outside Jammu and Kashmir to Pathankot in Punjab even as it ruled out a CBI probe. A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra ordered an in-camera hearing of the case and said the trial should be conducted on a day-to-day basis to avoid delay. The Jammu and Kashmir government was given the liberty to appoint its own public prosecutor to conduct the trial. SC ordered the district and sessions judge to personally undertake trial proceedings and not assign it to any other judge. It directed there should be no break between examination and cross-examination of the witnesses, who will be provided police protection by state government when they travel to Pathankot. The bench also ruled that the top court would monitor the case and that no court, except the SC, will hear any petition related to it. The order came on the petition filed by the murdered girls father seeking the transfer of the case because of a threat to the family, their friends and their lawyer Deepika Singh Rajawat. Lawyers in Kathua had allegedly stopped the police from filing the charge sheet against eight accused before the magistrate court, forcing the officials to approach the judge at his residence. SC said the trial would be in accordance with the provisions of Ranbir Penal Code, applicable in J&K. The state was directed to translate statements and records of the case from Urdu to English. Security will continue to be provided to the victims family, their lawyer, witnesses and all accused, including a juvenile, the court said. The court transferred the case despite the accused and the state objecting to it. Gopal Subramanium, senior advocate and solicitor general during the UPA regime, appeared for PDP-BJP government in J&K. He assured the court that the state was only concerned with investigation and fair trial. The top court said it will not look into the plea for a CBI probe, as demanded by the accused, and fixed July 9 to hear the matter again. The apex court said the trial must be fair to the victims family and accused. The victim, an eight-year-old girl from a nomadic community, had disappeared from near her home in a village near Kathua in the Jammu region on January 10. Her body was found in the same area a week later. SC considered several options within J&K before transferring the trial out of the state. Udhampur, Jammu, Ramban and Sambha were some of the places discussed. The petitioner was not in favour of any other place except Ramban. However, the choice of Ramban was shot down by the accused who claimed the situation there is not conducive to a fair trial since the place is dominated by another community. SC had last week issued a stern warning and said it would transfer the case from the local court at the slightest hint of a lack of fair trial, saying the real concern was to hold proper prosecution. 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 Kathua last week. The charge sheet has revealed chilling details about how the girl was allegedly kidnapped, drugged and raped inside a place of worship before being killed. External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj has requested the Afghan government to provide all possible help in freeing the seven Indian engineers abducted by Taliban militants in the restive northern Baghlan province. Swaraj, during a telephonic conversation with her Afghan counterpart Salahuddin Rabbani, conveyed Indias concerns about the abducted Indians and requested him for help in tracing and freeing them, official sources said. They said the Afghan foreign minister assured Swaraj that his government would make all possible efforts to rescue the abducted Indian engineers. Rabbani assured the Indian external affairs minister that Afghan security forces would not spare any efforts in rescuing and ensuring the security and safety of engineers, the Afghan foreign ministry said in a statement. According to Afghan media reports, the engineers were abducted by the militants from near the Cheshma-e-Sher area in Baghlan on Sunday. The Indian engineers of KEC International, an RPG group company, were working on a project for construction of a power sub-station in the country. The Pajhwok Afghan News quoted provincial police spokesman Zabiullah Shuja as saying that those abducted were in good health, citing initial information. He also said authorities were trying to find their location and rescue them. India has been carrying reconstruction activities in the war-torn country. It has already provided at least $2 billion aid to Afghanistan. The BJP administration in Tripura has asked the CPI(M) and Congress to vacate over 100 party offices built on government land, or face eviction. Police said a few party offices were bulldozed at Old Motor Stand in Agartala on Monday, soon after a notice was issued in this regard. While the two opposition parties did not deny the governments claim, they objected to the manner in which the operation was being carried out. Its true that these structures were built on government land many years ago, but the decision to demolish them is with the intention of suppressing opposition activities in the state. We want the government to withdraw its decision, said CPI(M) state secretary Bijan Dhar, adding that deadlines for vacating party offices vary from place to place. The party claimed that 99 of its offices in various parts of the state were served notices. They were given a weeks time to move out. The Congress, for its part, plans to protest against the governments decision at Agartala on May 17. As many as 35 of our offices received notices from the government. While it is true that many of them were built on government land, the administration has served the notices without calling an all-party meeting, said party president Birajit Sinha. West district magistrate Dr Ramteke has directed that party offices in his jurisdiction be vacated by May 6. If it is not done by that time, the administration will take the help of the police and if required paramilitary forces to demolish the offices from May 7. We will not be responsible for the destruction of any property kept in those structures once the deadline has lapsed, he said. Meanwhile, the Congress launched an agitation in front of the west district magistrates office to protest against the move on Monday. They were arrested, and later released. Over 200 offices belonging to the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) a workers organisation affiliated to the CPI(M) have already been destroyed until now, said CITU president Manik Dey. We are ready to cooperate if those places are required for developmental purposes. But the government should have made alternative arrangements before bulldozing the structures, he added. Rajya Sabha Secretary General Desh Deepak Verma said on Monday that a committee has been formed to take a re-look into the rules of the Upper House, including those related to notice of privilege, to increase its productivity. The two-member committee was formed by Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu to curtail frequent adjournments and increase the productivity of the Upper House. Verma said that like the Lok Sabha, there was no provision in the Rajya Sabha for automatic suspension of the members who persistently and willfully obstruct the proceedings of the House by shouting slogans or coming into the well of the House. And as a result, many a time the Chair is left with no other option but to adjourn the House in the eventuality of grave disorder, he said. Verma also said that some Rajya Sabha rules related to notice of privilege, points of order, suspension of rules seem to be inadequate and are not very specific. Therefore, the chairman has constituted a two-member committee headed by former Rajya Sabha Secretary General V K Agnihotri and retired Joint Secretary and Legislative Counsel in the Law Ministry S R Dhaleta, he said. The committee shall review the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States, particularly those provisions which seem to be inadequate and (are) not very specific as compared to the rules in the Lok Sabha and suggest suitable amendments, Verma said. After the last session in which more than 72 per cent of the total allocated time was lost due to disruptions, it was felt that there was a need to make some changes so that the rules are more effective for smooth conduct of the proceedings and the chairmans hands are strengthened in controlling the proceedings, he added. The purpose is to enhance the productivity of the Upper House and curtail frequent adjournments which result in wastage of taxpayers money, Verma said. He said that the opinion of all stake holders and political parties would be taken on the recommendations of the panel so that a robust, fair, and democratic system is put in place to ensure that the time of the House is gainfully utilised. Verma said that the chairman had on March 28 announced in the House that the Rajya Sabha Secretariat was taking a re-look into the Rules and Procedures and Conduct of Business in the Council of States. The father of an eight-year-old girl who was gangraped and killed in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua district welcomed the Supreme Courts decision on Monday to transfer the case to Pathankot, stressing that he had full faith in the judiciary. The grieving father, belonging to a nomadic Muslim community that earns its livelihood by raising cattle, also said he did not favour a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the case that has sent shock waves across the nation and sparked a country-wide outrage. We only want justiceI have full faith in the judiciary and the government, the father told PTI over phone from Ramban district. His community is moving on foot to the higher reaches of Kashmir in search of greener pastures and has set up a temporary shelter in Ramban along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway due to inclement weather. Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court ordered that the trial of eight men accused in the rape and murder case be moved to another state, Punjab, after her family and lawyer said they faced death threats. Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti tweeted: I welcome todays decision by the Honble Supreme Court in the Kathua case. This will go a long way to boost the morale of our @JmuKmrPolice force who in the face of great adversity have left no stone unturned to ensure that the deceaseds family gets justice. The girl was drugged, held captive in a temple and sexually assaulted for a week before being strangled and battered to death with a stone in January. The child had disappeared from a forest near her home in Kathua district of 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 chargesheet against seven persons and a separate chargesheet against a juvenile in a court in Kathua district last month. In the top court, a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra directed that the trial should be held in-camera, be fast-tracked and conducted on a day-to-day basis to avoid any delay. Deepika Singh Rajawat, lawyer for the girls family, said: The basic concern is fair trial, basic concern is speedy trial. That is the reason the court said there will be day-to-day hearing. Rajawat had said she herself faced the risk of personal attack for taking up the case of the girl. The girls father had moved the court, citing threat to his family, a friend and lawyer Rajawat. A separate plea was filed by two accused seeking that the trial in the case is held in Jammu and the probe handed over to the CBI. Advocate Ankur Sharma, who is defending the eight accused arrested by the Crime Branch, said, We will file fresh writ petition in the Supreme Court for a CBI probe in a few days. The CBI demand has not been rejected by Supreme Court. Only the case has been fast tracked (to be heard on day to day basis) and transferred to Pathankot, Sharma said. Forced to return home from the campaign trail in Karnataka following large scale death and destruction in Uttar Pradesh last week in a severe dust storm, chief minister Yogi Adityanath will resume the final leg of his campaign in the Congress-ruled southern state from Monday. Adityanath has back-to-back public meetings lined up till Tuesday. Party strategists say Adityanaths campaign could be extended till Thursday as the BJP pulls out all stops to regain power in Karnataka. If that happens, Adityanath will be campaigning in Karnataka till May 10, the last day of the campaign before polling on May 12. There are many young people in Karnataka who are hooked on to nationalism and take great pride in Hindutva. Thats why they are coming to Yogijis public meetings in large number, Yarrappa Karrari, coordinator of Adityanaths four public meetings in Belgaum rural region, told HT on phone. Adityanaths campaign on Monday is scheduled to start with a visit to a Mutt and meeting with saints in Bhalki in Bidar district soon after landing there in a special plane. After attending his first public meeting in Bidar, Adityanath is scheduled to visit the famous Veerabhadrahwara temple in Humanabad, a popular pilgrimage center. Veerbhadra, who as per a Hindu belief was created by an angry Shiva to destroy the yagna of King Daksha after his wife Sati, upset over Shivas humiliation by her father Daksha, had immolated herself. Veerbhadra has great following in the South and Yogis temple visit has been scheduled to play up the Hindutva appeal, party leaders suggest. RP Singh, co-incharge of national programmes and meetings said that on an average Yogi would have about 5 public meetings lined up for the next few days. He also has several public meetings lined up in Dakshin Kannada and Uttara Kannada that have several spiritual and pilgrimage centres. The areas, along the Arabian Sea coastline, where Adityanaths public meetings have been planned have strong presence of RSS and other right wing groups as the BJP plans to use the appeal of a monk to connect with those religiously inclined, a BJP leader said. The party has already decided to increase the number of Modi rallies in Karnataka, party leaders said. When he was here campaigning a few days back, he had described the Congress as a party with jihadi mindset. The narrative would grow further, a BJP leader who did not wish to be named said underlining the UP CMs importance in BJPs scheme of things in Karanataka. Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah had criticised Adityanath for remaining in Karnataka even after his own state was hit by the storm. The calamity forced the UP CM to fly out of Karnataka on May 4 while his original plan was to stay on till May 6. Posted Monday, May 7, 2018 7:15 am Appalachian preacher Seymour Wattenbarger, who has a knack for painting vivid pictures with words, gave me a good chuckle the other day with his descriptions of lazy people. If breathing didnt come natural, theyd smother to death, Seymour said, talking about church members who sit at home, never taking the time or initiative to go out and share the gospel. Ill never forget the time, Seymour said, that I saw this one fellow sitting under a shade tree, his hair blowing in the breeze, and him too lazy to run and get it. Jesus told us in scripture, using terminology that most everyone in Americas breadbasket is familiar with, that more people are needed in sharing the gospel: The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few. (Luke 10:2) I read a story the other day about a fellow named Nevest Coleman, a grounds crew worker for the Chicago White Sox, who was arrested and sent to prison in 1994 for crimes he didnt commit. He spent 24 years behind bars before DNA evidence proved he was innocent. After a judge ordered him released, Nevest eagerly went back to work on the grounds crew earlier this year. They didnt have to hire me back, Coleman said. I appreciate the White Sox giving me the opportunity to come back to work. Perhaps something has taken you away from doing the work that Jesus has called you to do. Perhaps its been far too long since you told someone about the salvation available through Jesus. You know He would be thrilled to have you back on the job. He will put you right back to work. Im convinced that its not laziness that sidelines most Christians. Instead, it seems to me that people dont share their faith simply because they dont take seriously the scripture that says: Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel. He who believes and is baptized shall be saved. But he who believes not shall be damned. (Mark 16:15-16) We need to grasp the seriousness of those words commissioning us to share the good news of Jesus Christ. If we dont go and tell, people cant know the good news. And if they dont know the good news, they cant believe it. And if they dont believe the good news, they will be eternally lost. So, you see, its serious business. Never let it be said of us that were too lazy to chase a wayward wig or a wayward soul. Roger Alford offers words of encouragement to residents of Americas heartland. Reach him at rogeralford1@gmail.com. West Bengal state election commissioner AK Singh on Monday described the allegations that he had received threats from the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) as completely baseless. Yesterday (Sunday), a political party claimed that I have received death threats from the ruling TMC. I want to say it clearly that I have never ever received any such threat from any political party. The allegations are completely baseless, Singh told reporters in Kolkata. His comments came a day after BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha alleged that Singh has been receiving threats from the TMC over conduct of panchayat polls, and his mobile phone was being tapped and land line calls recorded. The SEC said, This is just an allegation. Some people dont have control over their tongues. I have not decided on whether to take action against it or not. Singh said if he ever received such a threat, he will lodge a police complaint. He also denied Sinhas claim that his conversation with other political parties are being recorded. The SEC has been facing the flak of opposition parties over violence during the panchayat poll nomination process. The opposition parties have even accused Singh of working on behalf of the TMC and the state government and demanded his resignation. The SEC has denied the charge. The Special Task Force of Kolkata Police on Monday busted an inter-state racket that has been allegedly smuggling automatic rifles and other weapons out of Rifle Factory Ishapore (RFI) for the past eight years and selling these to Maoists and criminal gangs. Six people, including two junior officers of RFI, were arrested by an STF team at Babughat near the Hooghly river in Kolkata. Six revolvers, a 9 mm carbine (commonly referred to as Sten gun), a magazine for the carbine and some ammunition were seized from them. The carbine was partially dismantled. The police operation bought to light serious security lapses at the factory, said STF officers. Four of the men nabbed on Monday are residents of Bihar. The two RFI employees were identified as S Murmu and Sushanta Basu. RFI is Indias oldest defence establishment and it armed British and allied forces during two World Wars and Indian soldiers later on. The factory is located around 40 km to the north of Kolkata. One of the accused, Ajay Kumar Pandey, a resident of Bihar, told police that he and the others used to sneak into the factory at night and smuggle out weapons from a place where these used to be kept as scrap. Read: CBI, police probing defalcation of funds, smuggling of weapon parts at Indias oldest army rifle factory The gang had been operating for years. We found during investigation that between 2013 and 2018 they smuggled out 16 INSAS rifles and 4 SLRs. We suspect that these were sold to Maoists. We have to interrogate these people and get details of the operation, said Muralidhar Sharma, deputy commissioner of police, STF. We will contact the RFI authorities. Ajay Kumar Pandey told us that he has been smuggling out weapons from RFI since 2008, Sharma added. The 5.56 mm INSAS is the standard issue rifle of the Indian Army and is used by paramilitary forces and even some police units. The 7.62 mm SLR (self-loading rifle) used to be the standard issue rifle of the Indian military before it was replaced by INSAS in mid-1990s. The gang had allegedly sold pistols to Maoists and criminals for anything between Rs 40, 000 and 60,000 a piece while price of the INSAS and SLRs ranged between Rs 2 lakh 4 lakh, STF officers said. Read: First ever recovery of German G-3 rifle from Chhattisgarh Maoists: Police None of the top officials at RFI were available for comment. The BSNL landlines at the offices of general manager D K Mahapatra, and additional general managers O P Rawat, R N Mishra, P K Agarwal and S P Shendre were either busy or out of order on Monday. Incidentally, this is not that first people linked to RFI have been arrested on charge of gun running. On September 21 last year, the STF arrested Sambhu Bhattacharjee, a junior works manager, for allegedly smuggling out parts of the SLR and NSAS. These components were allegedly sold to gunsmiths who cater to the underworld. Deepak Shaw, who allegedly dealt in illegal firearms and had links with gangs in Bihar, was arrested along with Bhattacharjee. About two dozen magazines of semi-automatic rifles and several components, including firing mechanisms and triggers, were seized by STF. The STF went into action last year after Lalu, a contractual labourer who used to work at the pistol section of RFI, was arrested in Kolkata on September 18. A 9 mm pistol, assembled with components made at the factory, was seized from him. The discovery shocked the administration. Chartered accountant Kirti Vyas, 28, was strangled while crossing a seven-minute stretch between Grant Road and Mumbai Central in her colleagues car, according to the police. The colleagues Khushi Sahjwani, 42, and Siddhesh Tamhankar, 28, were arrested on Saturday. On March 16, the two picked up Vyas in a Ford Ecosport from her home at Grant Road. She is seen sitting in the front seat while passing Navjivan society around 9.18am. Around 9.25am, when the SUV passed Saat Rasta, she isnt seen on the front seat. They may have strangled her, pulled her on to the rear seat and pushed her into the cars boot [the rear seat is foldable] within seven minutes, said a police source close to investigation. Vyas worked with a popular salon in Andheri as the manager of the accounts department. As she did not return home till midnight, her family lodged a missing persons complaint. According to the police, they arrested the two, who were in a relationship, as the DNA sample of the bloodstains near the foot mat of the seat next to the drivers and cars boot matched with that of Vyass mother. During interrogation, the two allegedly broke down and confessed to killing Vyas, said police. The source said after pushing the body in the boot, Tamhankar searched Vyass bag. He switched off the two mobile phones in it near Worli. From there, the two went to Sahjwanis society, parked the SUV, and left for work. After leaving from office in the evening, they took the car and drove it to Wadala, where they are suspected to have dumped Vyass body in a creek. The police have arrived at the conclusion after recreating the incident along the stretch at least five times. They scrutinised the feeds of more than 500 CCTV cameras from Grant Road to Andheri to Wadala TT. The timings of the footages when Sahjwanis SUV was captured were put on a map along with the details of the tower locations of the suspects. The motive is still unclear, and the body is yet to be recovered. One of the theories is that Vyas had given a notice to Tamhankar, asking him to improve his performance or get sacked. The notice period was to end on March 16. The search for the body took the investigators to four locations, one in Bandra and three in Wadala. In Bandra, their stoppage was more than normal making us suspect they may have dumped the body there. But as it is not a deserted spot, we focused on the three spots in Wadala-Mahul port trust area, where they halted for more than normal, said another source. A month ago, the DB Marg police had also visited the spot in Wadala, but did not find the body. In her earlier statement, Vyas sister Shefali told the police that Vyas had seen Khushi and Tamhankar together after office hours, She had told this to me, but she said she was not interested in their private matter, said Shefali. The police suspect that when Vyas gave a notice to Tamhankar, he might have threatened her. We suspect that Vyas might have responded to it with a threat to make their affair public, which might have irked the couple as Khushi was married and did not want her husband to find out, said an officer. A six-month-old boy died after falling off the second floor of a banquet hall in Kalyan on Sunday, said police. An accidental death report has been filed. The family from Ulhasnagar had come to Matoshree hall to attend a wedding. Femida Shaikh, 23, was carrying her son, Mohhammad, in her arms while coming down the second floor. As she was wearing stilettos, she lost her balance. The child slipped out of her hands and the gap between the railings and fell to the ground, said an officer from Mahatma Phule police station. He was rushed to Rukminibai Hospital in Kalyan, where he was declared dead on arrival, the officer said. Workers from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) objected to and stalled a land survey that was underway near Shil Phata in Thane district for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project on Monday . At least 30 workers interrupted the survey around 11am and did not allow the district authorities to resume. Around 39.66 km of the bullet train route will pass through Thane district, and Shil is one of the villages where several farmers will lose their land; the government plans to acquire around 2.41 hectares of land in Shil for the ambitious project. District authorities have been conducting the land survey in Shil for the past few days. We are against the project, and we will not allow authorities to grab our poor farmers lands, said Sandeep Pachange, Thane city president of the MNS youth wing. There is no need for a bullet train in Maharashtra; its being planned only to fulfil the BJPs dreams. There are many other important issues in Maharashtra that need the governments attention. MNS chief Raj Thackeray is strongly opposed to the bullet train project, and has proclaimed that he will not allow the project to come up until Mumbais suburban rail network is upgraded. I shall not allow even a brick for the bullet train project to be laid. First resolve all the basic problems of Mumbai commuters. If Modi wants, let him construct it in Gujarat, Thackeray had said after the Elphinstone Road station stampede, that claimed 23 lives in September 2017. Thackeray, who kickstarted his state-wide tour on May 1, has been telling farmers not to give away their lands. R Dhumal, assistant commissioner of police, zone 1, Thane, said: Around 25 to 30 MNS workers came to the survey spot in the morning and stopped the survey work. They are now discussing matters with the district authorities. We have not arrested or detained anyone as of now. The situation is under control. Independent Indias first flyover bridge, the one in Kemps Corner at Pedder Road, will soon undergo a structural audit at the hands of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), after a popular social media site was flooded with photos of a large fissure on the flyover on Sunday morning. BMC has declared that the bridge is safe and the fissure is a fault in the design of the bridge caused by its alignment dating to the period in which it was built in 1965. However, it will conduct the audit nonetheless, the civic body said. On Sunday early morning, a photo of the fissure on the Kemps Corner flyover started doing rounds on Twitter. Several citizens tagged the Mumbai police and BMC. S O Kori, chief engineer of the bridges department, BMC, said, The bridge is absolutely safe. The fissure is not a crack. It is a fault in design, right from the time the bridge was constructed, due to alignment. My department recently concluded a structural audit of the bridge, and found it in good condition, needing only minor repairs. Yet, due to the number of complaints, we are working on finding a way to fix the alignment via another audit. The fissure is not a crack. It is a fault in design, from the time the bridge was constructed, an official said. (Anshuman Poyrekar/HT Photo) When the bridge was being constructed, there was a problem of fitting the correct kind of joint between two slabs. To get the right kind of joint, engineers would have to wait 3 to 4 months to import it. So they went ahead with this design. The bridge was constructed in a record time of seven months. It is not unsound or unsafe, Kori said. Responding to the outrage, Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray, tweeted, Regarding the photo of Kemps Corner Flyover, I spoke with Honble Municipal Commissioner. Albeit the concern is legitimate, I request everyone not to panic as the alignment of the joint has a fault of leveling since its construction in 1965. However, the Honble MC has asked the BMC to anyway carry out an audit again soon and take necessary steps, if any, for the safety of our citizens. In 2016, BMC ordered a structural audit of all 314 bridges in Mumbai after a bridge collapsed at Mahad on the Mumbai-Goa highway, killing over 40 people, the same year. The audit, which included the flyover at Kemps Corner, was completed this earlier this year. The citys air is full of deadly, tiny pollutant particles that are less than a micrometre in diameter a human hair is 100 micrometres a new study of air pollution levels in three Indian cities found. Just days earlier, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mumbai the fourth most polluted mega city in the world. So just how harmful are these particles, called particulate matter 1 (PM1), and why should it worry you? PM1 particles are like micro needles that can travel to different organs of the body through our blood, said Gufran Beig, project director, System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), which conducted the study. The study found that Mumbai recorded the highest concentration of PM1 in the larger PM 2.5 pollutants that float around in the air, across seasons in 2017. PM 2.5 are slightly larger particulate matter 2.5 microns in diameter and are also harmful as they easily enter the lungs. Unlike PM2.5, and the even larger, coarser PM10, there are no international or Indian standards determining a safe limit for PM1. This means, calculating its levels as a part of PM2.5 is one of the few ways to assess how much damage it can do to the human body. The study found the average concentration of PM1 in PM2.5 was the highest in Mumbai (50%) in summer, winter and monsoon 2017. In Delhi, it was 48% and in Ahmedabad, 38%. The high concentration of PM1 in Mumbais air is a health concern because 50% of the PM2.5 pollutant in Mumbais air is made up of PM1, Beig said. This is dangerous for all citizens, but especially children and senior citizens. Beig said that while the overall concentration of PM1 levels in Mumbai was lower than Delhis, its high concentration in PM2.5 showed that more citizens were breathing polluted air. Further, the probability of inhaling PM1 particles is high as they stay suspended in the air and closer to the surface much longer when compared to coarser particles that get dispersed faster, Beig said. According to the SAFAR study, the share of PM1 in PM2.5 for Mumbai during the monsoon and summer was 67% and 46%, the highest among all three cities. Delhi recorded 61% during the monsoon and 44% during summer, while Ahmedabad saw 40% and 35% during both seasons. During the winter, Delhi saw the highest concentration of PM1 in PM2.5 at 47%, followed by Mumbai and Ahmedabad at 46% and 41%. Meanwhile, the average individual concentration of PM1 in 2017 was the highest in Delhi at 48 microgrammes per cubic metre (g/m3), followed by Mumbai at 30g/m3 and Ahmedabad at 27g/m3. The individual concentration of PM1 is not indicative of a pollution problem as there is no safe limit for the pollutant. However, when the concentration is high within PM2.5, it shows how citizens are exposed to these tiny, deadly small pollutant particles, said Beig. READ: PM2.5 in Mumbai in 2017 was six times the safe limit: SAFAR study Where is PM1 coming from? SAFAR found the major source as the transport sector. Vehicular emissions at busy traffic junctions are the main source of PM1 in PM2.5. This can be tallied as the number of vehicles in Mumbai and Delhi is much higher as compared to Ahmedabad, said Beig, adding the three-city study highlighted the sources of PM1 that need to be controlled in order to reduce this invisible killer pollutant. During the summer and monsoon months, owing to high humidity and low wind speed in Mumbai, pollutants remain suspended close to the surface longer. The other source of this pollutant, mainly observed in Delhi and some parts of Mumbai was bio-fuel emissions, most likely be black carbon from domestic cooking. Higher the fossil fuel emissions, worse is the PM1 problem. Doctors said health ailments such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis (inflammation of lung tissue) and asthma are all triggered as a result of these ultrafine particles. PM1 particles can damages our respiratory system the most, as compared to any other pollutant. Our cerebral system can also be affected as these particles are minuscule and can travel through our bloodstream, said Dr Sanjeev Mehta, pulmonologist and senior specialist, Lilavati Hospital, Bandra. In a move that will come as a relief to commuters who use smart cards, the Western Railway (WR) is planning to install 125 new automatic ticket vending machines (ATVMs) across stations on Mumbais western line. Railway authorities are currently in the process of buying the ATVMs. Every day, around 36 lakh commuters travel on the western line, many of whom use the smart-card based ATVMs. WR officials said they have already received bids from firms interested in supplying the new ATVMs. If everything goes as per plan, installation of the new ATVMs will begin within a month or two. As of now, WR has 358 ATVMs installed across its stations in Mumbai division. However, many of these ATVMs are damaged or defunct, so the actual figure is much lower. Smart cards are used mostly for booking single-journey tickets and monthly passes. The ATVMs can also be used to book outstation train tickets. For those who dont have these cards, the WR has appointed AVTM facilitators, who issue tickets through the machines. Recently, the Central Railway bought around 318 ATVMs that have a new design. Earlier, it had purchased around 600 ATVMs in phases, but many of those machines had stopped working. The Indian Railways introduced ATVMs on Mumbais suburban network for the first time around a decade ago, primarily to try and reduce long queues at the ticket booking windows. To promote the use of smart cards, the railways used to give passengers a 5% discount on the recharge amount. However, recently the railway board, the policy-making body, reduced the discount to 3%. The volatility of the security situation in Afghanistan was once again highlighted on May 31 when more 50 people died in a coordinated double suicide bombing in Kabul and a shooting in the eastern Khost province. Those killed included 10 journalists. The Taliban and Islamic State are now competing with each other, and, in the process, the level of destruction is reaching unprecedented levels. The attacks are also symbolic of the growing capacity issues facing the country. Less than 60% of Afghanistan is now being controlled by the government forces and as per the latest report of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, the Afghan army and police together have 36,000 fewer personnel today than they did last year as a result of desertions and casualties. Recognising its limitations, the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani made an effort in February to restart the peace process by offering to recognise the Taliban as a legitimate political group. But the Taliban have so far not considered it important enough. Instead they want direct talks with the United States. Now, enter China and India with their talk of a joint economic project in Afghanistan. This was reportedly decided at the informal summit in Wuhan on April 27-28 between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. If this gets operationalised, it has the potential to reshape the geopolitics in and around Afghanistan. Despite some initial optimism that India and China would find it easy to cooperate in Afghanistan given their shared concerns regarding terrorism and Islamist extremism, the two nations have been struggling to move forward. The counter-terror dialogue between the two started partly as a response to what was happening in Afghanistan, but failed to get off the ground because of Chinas propensity to shield Pakistans behaviour in Afghanistan. Pakistan has been central to nurturing terror groups for pursuing its policy of strategic depth vis-a-vis India in Afghanistan. It has single-handedly wrecked all serious efforts at finding a sustainable solution to lasting peace in Afghanistan. Once the gloves came off in Washington, the China-Pakistan axis has managed to scuttle any regional effort at stabilising Afghanistan. Now with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) being Xis pet project and India opposing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), new ways are being found so that two nations can engage each other. A joint project in Afghanistan will unsettle Pakistan which has been discussing with China the possibility of extending CPEC to Afghanistan. Indias engagement with Afghanistan has been substantial since 2001 and has been expanding consistently based on converging interests. New Delhi remains Kabuls best friend in popular imagination and India has been investing in building capacities at various levels for the nascent Afghan state. Despite Pakistans obstructionist policies, India-Afghan ties upward trajectory is clearly underscored by the activation of the India-Afghanistan air corridor and the finalisation of a trilateral agreement with Iran over the Chabahar port. So the idea of partnering with China, which would also like to see a stable and economically-viable Afghanistan with a strong central government, becomes attractive for India. What it demonstrates is some new thinking in New Delhi and Beijing on how to mitigate the costs of the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan. But there have been too many false dawns in the past, especially when it comes to India-China ties, and it remains to be seen if anything of significance will come of this latest idea. Harsh V Pant is professor, Kings College London and distinguished fellow, Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi The views expressed are personal Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand, Napoleons famous foreign minister, prescribed a basic rule for pragmatic foreign policy: by no means show too much zeal. In Indias case, oozing zealousness, gushy expectations and self-deluding hype have blighted foreign policy under successive leaders, except for a period under Indira Gandhi. Zeal has been to Indias male prime ministers what grand strategy is to great powers. India has rushed to believe what it wanted to believe. Consequently, India is the only known country to have repeatedly cried betrayal, not by friends, but by adversaries in whom it reposed trust. Indias foreign policy since Independence can actually be summed up in three words: hug, then repent. Consider Prime Minister Narendra Modis abrupt U-turn in China policy. Stemming the deterioration in relations with Beijing makes eminent sense so as to create more strategic space for India. With escalating US sanctions forcing Russia to pivot to China even as Washington still treats Beijing with kid gloves, India can rely on an unpredictable and transactional Donald Trump administration only at its own peril. During the Doklam standoff, for example, Washington stayed neutral. To leverage any policy change, the shift must be subtle, nuanced and measured, with the country displaying not zeal but a readiness to move forward reciprocally. Modis first attempt to reset ties with China in 2014 boomeranged spectacularly. Still, his latest reset effort began as a jarring volte-face, or what a Global Times commentary hailed as Indias prudence in addressing Beijings concerns over the Dalai Lama. The cabinet secretarys intentionally leaked advisory to peers in February was a propitiatory message to China that India has changed its policy to shun official relations with the Dalai Lama and other exiled Tibetan leaders. It was Modi who sought an informal summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, conveying his readiness to travel to China for such a meeting. In this century, Chinese presidents or premiers have visited India a total of seven times, including twice for BRICS summits. But Modi, in office for barely four years, will be making his fifth visit to China next month for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. To be sure, Modis predecessor, Manmohan Singh, displayed no less zeal toward China. With the era of Hindi-Chini bhai bhai now back, Congress president Rahul Gandhi plans to shortly visit the sacred mountain-and-lake duo of Kailash-Mansarover, access to which China punitively cut off for Indians last year. Beijing has now agreed to reopen such access and also resume transfer of hydrological data, but only after it demonstrated its right to act punitively, whenever it wants, even by breaching binding bilateral accords, as on sharing Brahmaputra and Sutlej flow data. For China, the return of the Hindi-Chini bhai bhai era creates a win-win situation. It means India will mute its criticisms and not challenge China. Nor will India leverage trade or threaten Trump-style punitive tariffs to level the playing field. China thus will have its cake and eat it too it will savour a fast-growing trade surplus (which has already doubled under Modi) while it mounts strategic pressure on multiple Indian flanks. So, Xi seized on Modis overtures by inviting him to his Wuhan parlour the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy, to quote a line from the poem The Spider and the Fly. Xis generous hospitality extended to glowing State-media coverage. But what did Modi return with? Tellingly, Chinas press release supports neither of Indias two key claims that Xi and Modi issued strategic guidance to their respective militaries to prevent further border friction and that the two agreed to balanced and sustainable trade. Winston Churchill famously said, An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile hoping it will eat him last. Modis Reset 2.0 seeks to feed the giant crocodile across the Himalayas in the hope of buying peace for India. Modis faith in the power of his personal diplomacy is redolent of Jawaharlal Nehrus similar approach to foreign policy. But as happened under Nehru, Modis fond hope conflicts with Chinas grand strategy. Xi is determined to make China great again by fair means or foul, including keeping a potential peer competitor like India in check. If Modis Wuhan trip is not to bring trouble like his Lahore visit, which engendered deadly, Pakistan-scripted terrorist attacks on army bases, India will have to be on its guard. China has already outflanked India by stealthily occupying much of Doklam. As the philosopher George Santayana warned, Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. Brahma Chellaney is a geostrategist and author The views expressed are personal Iranian President Sunday pledged to withstand US threats to pull out from the nuclear deal, vowing that Iran will not relinquish its defense and military program whatever the threat. The fate the three-year old nuclear deal between Iran and world powers is on line as US leader Donald Trump is due next week to decide whether to remain part of the pact or leave it. The American leader has slammed the deal calling it rubbish as, he claimed, it contains flaws. In a speech Sunday, President Hassan Rouhani indicated that the US will regret its decision and that the Islamic Republic will resist whatever decision may come from the White House. We have plans to resist any decision by Trump on the nuclear accord, Rouhani said in the speech aired on state television. America is making a mistake if it leaves the nuclear accord, he added. The same day, Rouhani warned that Iran will scale up its military program despite the US threat. We will not negotiate with anyone about our weapons and defenses, and we will make and store as many weapons, facilities and missiles as we need, he said in another speech in the northeastern part of the country. Trump has taken swipe at the deal arguing that it failed to control Irans ballistic missile program, which, according to him, is threatening US allies in the region, namely Saudi Arabia. European US allies have been struggling to convince Trump not to pull out from the deal, arguing that despite being bad, the deal is the best solution for stability in the region. After the Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed a fine of Rs 3.57 crore on six firms for colluding with Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials in a bid-rigging scam, opposition parties have demanded authorities to blacklist the companies. Leaders from opposition parties in the PMC have unanimously appealed civic authorities to blacklist all the six companies accused in the bid-rigging scam. Chetan Tupe, opposition leader in PMC, said, We have written a letter to the Pune municipal commissioner demanding him to immediately blacklist all the contractors involved in the bid-rigging scam. This has exposed the corruption in PMC under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ruled establishment. He further added, Not only should the companies be blacklisted, but PMC should terminate all their existing contracts with these companies and refrain from awarding them with any work in the future. Arvind Shinde, Congress leader, said, Civic authorities must act tough on all those accused in the bid-rigging scam. Also, they should be quick in implemeting displinary action. Responding to the demands of opposition leaders, Yogesh Mulik, standing committee chairman, PMC, said, We will be conducting an internal inquiry on the officials named in CCIs final order. Post the inquiry, if the officials are proven guilty and the nexus between them and the six contractors is established, we will blacklist all the contractors involved in the scam. The nexus between PMC officials and contractors for rigging the bids was exposed in detail by Hindustan Times in a series of reports in October 2017. The CCI conducted an enquiry on the basis of a complaint from Nagrik Chetna Manch, an NGO of alert citizen-activists. Mulik added, Corruption wont be tolerated at any cost. However, our actions will be entirely based on the final report of our internal inquiry. We might consider terminating all the contracts with these six companies if the charges against them are proven, added Mulik. The tenders pertained to seven thermal composting plants at various locations including Kharadi, Ghole Patil road and Peshwe Park, and were worth Rs 14 crore. In the final order of CCI, the Commission observed that various individuals, including proprietor, partner and director of the firms coordinated to rig the tenders by way of submitting proxy/cover bids. The CCI, established under the ministry of corporate affairs for the administration, implementation and enforcement of the Competition Act, 2002, has directed all the parties to deposit the penalty amount within 60 days from the receipt of the order. Fine imposed 1) Mahalaxmi Steels: 1,68,10,166. 2) Sanjay Agencies: 90,63,874 3) Ecoman Environ Solutions Pvt Ltd.: 33,90,500 4) Lahs Green india Pvt Ltd.: 21,00,258 5) Raghunath industries Pvt ltd.: 30,54,943 6) Fortified Security Solutions: 1,30,72,40 Apart from these firms, the commission has also imposed penalty of Rs 3,61,368 on five individuals holding key positions in the six companies: Penalty imposed on individuals: 1) Sanjay Harakchand Gugle: 1,38,570 2) Bipin Vijay Salunkhe: 72,500 3) Vijay Raghunath Salunke: 97,480 4) Piramal Salunkhe: 34,605 5) Saiprasad Sharaschandra Prabhukhanolkar: 18,213 Local Congress leaders assured the Dalit community that the state government will ensure to rename the Goal Chowk in the town as the Samvidhan Chowk during the bhog ceremony of Dalit youth Yashwant Bobby at the Amar Palace here on Sunday. The youth, who had sustained bullet injuries during the clash between Dalits and members of right-wing Hindu organisations over the renaming of the Gol Chowk on April 13, died in Ludhianas Dayanand Medical College and Hospital on April 29. During the ceremony, members of various Dalit organisations raised slogans calling deceased Bobby a martyr. Congress leaders, including Congress Punjab SC cell in-charge and Chabbewal MLA Raj Kumar, district Congress chief Joginder Singh Mann, said they will ensure that Dalits demand is fulfilled as the youth sacrificed his life for the renaming of the chowk. Other leaders, including Shiromani Akali Dals Adampur MLA Pawan Kumar Tinu, BSP Punjab chief Rashpal Raju, BSP leader Mohan Lal Banga, former Union minister Santosh Chaudhary, Lok Insaaf Party leader Jarnail Nangal and some local municipal councillors also supported the demand of the renaming of the Goal Chowk as Samvidhan Chowk. Though tension gripped the town, Bobbys bhog ceremony passed off peacefully. Besides police force, personnel of the Rapid Action Force, the BSF and anti-riots squads were deployed in the town to maintained law and order. Jalandhar range inspector general of police (IGP) Naunihal Singh and AIG (intelligence) Harkamalpreet Singh Khakh monitored the law and order situation. Deputy commissioner Mohammad Tayyab said that the situation remained under control and no untoward incident was reported in the town. Vehicular road traffic to Phagwara from Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Hoshiarpur, Nakodar was diverted via link roads. At the start of the ceremony, family members of the youth appealed to all political leaders not to issue any political statement and try to ensure peace and harmony in the town. Meanwhile, Dalits demanded the arrest of the remaining Hindu right-wing leaders named in the FIR and cancellation of their names from the case, registered by the police on April 14, a day after the clash, in which around 100 people, including 33 by name, were booked on charges of attempt to murder and hurting religious sentiments besides other sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Arms Act, and National Highways Act. A week after the Panjab University syndicate revoked its powers assigned to vice-chancellor Arun Kumar Grover after he refused to withdraw his affidavit submitted before the Punjab and Haryana high court suggesting governance reforms, the issue led to a five-hour heated debate in the senate. The senate asked the V-C to withdraw the affidavit, but he refused. Finally, the senate unanimously decided that the registrar should be directed to approach the court to withdraw the affidavit filed by Grover and file a fresh affidavit. The varsity is governed by the senate, comprising elected members as well as those nominated by the Vice-President of India, who is the varsity chancellor. Day-to-day affairs are taken care of by the executive body called syndicate, where those from the senate are elected for a year. Four months before his retirement, Grover on April 17 had submitted an affidavit in the HC stating that the universitys governing structure needed serious reforms. Taking note, the court had put the Centre on notice. The affidavit stated that groupism in the 91-member PU senate has reached such a sorry state that discussions do not happen on merit and factionalism prevails. It also put a question mark on elections for deans of faculties and graduate constituency of the senate. In its meeting on April 21, the 15-member syndicate had asked the V-C to withdraw the affidavit as he had not consulted it before submitting the document. After the V-C refused and said he will inform the court that the affidavit was submitted in his personal capacity, the syndicate on April 29 withdrew the powers delegated to him. Restore V-Cs powers Several senators, including Pawan Bansal, VK Sibal, and Jarnail Singh, asked the syndicate to restore powers delegated to the V-C, suggesting the move was not in the interest of the university. The senators said several pending works will be halted if the decision taken during the meeting last Sunday is not reversed. Powers delegated to the V-C include filing appeal in a court of law besides issuing of appointment letters while anticipating senates approval, appointment of heads of departments where incumbents have completed the term and adjustment of dates in leave. Meanwhile, senator Ashok Goyal said the V-C can exercise the delegated powers, but he will have to inform certain matters to the syndicate. What is the hitch? During the senate meeting on Sunday, Prof RP Bambah suggested that a committee should be formed to discuss and take a call on the issue of affidavit rather than having a debate in the senate. We should not compromise the dignity of the V-C, senate and syndicate, he said. Senator Tarlochan Singh, too, supported this view, while suggesting to resolve the issue amicably. However, the suggestion did not go down well with other senators. Forming a committee is procrastination, it is postponement. It needs immediate discussion, said Shelly Walia. As other senators endorsed the view, the debate continued. Anu Chatrath called the affidavit premature as a reforms committee is already working on a proposal. Let the committee come to a conclusion, she said. Meanwhile, senator Pawan Bansal said the V-C shouldnt have filed the affidavit and the registrar represents the university in all legal matters. Unless we withdraw the affidavit, the germs of disinfection will remain. What is the hitch if you withdraw the affidavit? Are you justified in filing an affidavit using all those words for members of the senate? he asked the V-C. The senators said they all want governance reforms, but after discussions. Members of the reforms committee said their report will be available within 10 days and there could be a discussion after that. Senator Gurjot Malhi proposed that the senate, with the approval of the chair, unanimously decide to direct the registrar to approach the court to withdraw the affidavit filed by the V-C, and file a fresh affidavit in due course. The senate approved it as the V-C refused to withdraw the affidavit. Furore over legal opinion Several senators, including the sub-committee constituted by the syndicate over the affidavit issue, accused the registrar, Col GS Chadha (retd), of taking directions from the V-C. The sub-committee had asked the registrar to take legal opinion on the matter. In the legal opinion dated May 2, senior advocate Girish Agnihotri had written: There is no need to withdraw the affidavit filed by the PU V-C, which is stated to be filed and drafted by worthy vice-chancellor personally. On this, senators Ashok Goyal and Subhash Sharma asked the registrar as to why the legal opinion was not on the terms it was seeked on. We did not ask the counsel whether there is or isnt any need to withdraw the affidavit. The syndicate had asked the Registrar to initiate the process of withdrawal of affidavit. Why is the V-Cs letter to the syndicate members quoted in the counsels statement? How the reply of the V-C became the terms of opinion of the counsel? Goyal questioned, while mentioning that registrar and the V-C went together to meet the advocate. The V-C said he had taken Agnihotris appointment and he went in the registrars car as his car was not available. He said the registrar talked to the advocate independently. I did not consult the V-C, said the registrar. From the Punjab civil secretariat plunging into darkness to Harsmirats chocolate gift, here is a round up of all that made news: Haryanas Mossad connect The high-level delegation, led by chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, which left for Israel on Sunday to study good practices in agriculture comprises three senior IPS officers as well. But they are not getting down at Tel Aviv to learn farming. Additional director general of police (law and order), Mohammad Akil, inspector general, CID, Anil Rao and inspector general (Rohtak Range) Navdeep Virk are scheduled to have an interaction with Israels security and intelligence institutions including the renowned national intelligence agency of Israel, Mossad (Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations). The officers will get access to the state-of-the-art intelligence gathering and surveillance apparatus, tactical weapons and training modules. Chief minister Khattar said the police need to have better knowhow and expertise in tackling internal security issues. Certainly Haryana Police, after committing blunders in tackling the Jat quota agitation and Dera Sacha Sauda violence, is desperately looking to innovate and improve. Sukhbir keeps distance from Khaira Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal seems wary of getting into a war of words with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira. Asked to comment on observations made by Khaira, who is also the leader of opposition in Punjab assembly, on shortcomings in Class-12 history book, Sukhbir replied: Dont ask me any question related to Khaira. He is not of my standard. We have (former revenue minister) Bikram Singh Majithia to deal with him. The former deputy chief minister flatly refused to respond to Khairas allegations that Akalis were equally responsible for the new history book as the process to rewrite it started during the SAD-BJP government in 2014. Pitch black at Punjab civil sectt The Punjab civil secretariat plunged into darkness when a high velocity storm hit Chandigarh on Wednesday. There was no electricity on the second floor which houses the offices of chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh and his core team, including his chief principal secretary, principal secretary and key advisers. At the same time, animal husbandry and labour minister Balbir Singh Sidhu, a new entrant to the state cabinet, was guided through the dark corridor on the 7th floor with the help of mobile phone light. Cheemas challenge makes Maluka uneasy Akali spokesperson and former education minister Daljit Singh Cheema was in his element during the ongoing history book controversy. When three Congress ministers Manpreet Badal, OP Soni and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, who were fielded by the government to reply to the charges of deletion of chapters on Sikh history from the Class 12 book, threatened to reinvestigate the books scam of the SAD-BJP government, Cheema challenged them to act. I am ready to face any inquiry, jail and give my life for Sikh history, he said. Another former education minister Sikander Singh Maluka was left red-faced, though. The books controversy had taken place during his tenure and he was shifted to make way for Cheema. Harsmirats chocolate gift When Union minister for food processing industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal visited Ludhiana to attend the convocation ceremony at Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College the other day, she brought smiles on the faces of students. The minister, while concluding her address to the college students, announced that she had got boxes of chocolates for them. The minister brought 5,000 boxes and the delighted students were later seen relishing the chocolates. Khattars justifies HUDAs rechristening Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar has offered a new justification for changing the name of Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA). Since HUDAs de-abbreviated form also meant Harassment Until Death of Allottee, we changed its name. And with that harassment has also ended, he said in reference to the governments decision to give 40 % rebate to plot allottees for paying enhancement of land cost. Missing Cong bicycles Haryana Congress president Ashok Tanwar will start the second phase of the cycle yatra from Chautala village, the citadel of Chautalas in Sirsa district, from May 17. But what has become a talking point among the party workers is that some of the 1,000 bicycles bought by the state unit two months ago are missing. While there is talk that some workers took the bicycles home for personal use, party leaders said they would come back at some point to join the yatra again. In any case, these bicycles are to be given to the needy people or workers only, ultimately, said Tanwar. Taken for a ride, shall we say? Vijs laughter goes viral Haryana health minister Anil Vij responded with a hysterical laughter when he was asked by reporters if chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar will get a second term as the CM of the state. The video of the incident has gone viral on social media. The video showed the minister, after having a hearty laugh, replied, zaroor banenge ji (he will definitely become CM). Vij apparently found the question so funny that he started laughing again. In the past, Vij has been vocal in his criticism of the CM. He has also accused Khattar of interfering in his departments. HP education ministers new worry Himachal Pradesh education minister Suresh Bhardwaj has announced many initiatives to improve education standards in the schools across the state. But he is now upset over the way schoolteachers are running after him to get postings of their choice. At a function held by a teachers union to felicitate him, Bhardwaj told them to focus on their work rather than seeking transfers to government schools close to their homes. I wanted to do so many things to improve education, but they have kept me busy in transfers so far, he said. Appeasement: BJP govt going Cong way When it was in the opposition, the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) made hue and cry over the Virbhadra Singh governments decision to give extension to employees after retirement, calling it a government of retired, tired and hired persons. But there is complete turnabout in its position now. The Jai Ram Thakur government is bending backwards to appease the high-ranking government officials. It has given extension to private secretaries of former chief ministers Prem Kumar Dhumal and Shanta Kumar. Also, the driver of additional chief secretary and principal secretary to chief minister Manisha Nanda has been granted extension. The more things change, the more they stay the same! Kapoors bad manners! Himachal food, civil supply and consumer affairs minister Kishan Kapoor often becomes the butt of jokes for his faux pas. However, the outspoken minister faced flak for a different reason this time. Kapoor, while attending an event held by the Dharamshala Municipal Corporation recently, was sitting cross-legged with his shoe facing a woman officer. Though the officer did not say anything, her expression was enough to tell that she was feeling uncomfortable. A photo of the moment went viral on social media and the minister was trolled for his bad manners. (Contributed by Gurpreet Singh Nibber, Aneesha Sareen Kumar, Hitender Rao, Rajesh Moudgil, Hardik Anand, Gaurav Bisht, Naresh K Thakur) The station house officer (SHO), inspector Parminder Singh Bajwa, who came into the limelight after registering an FIR against Congress candidate for the Shahkot assembly bypoll, Hardev Singh Ladi Sherowalia, said on Monday that he did the right thing and will stand by it. Everybody knows the illegal activities of Ladi, and even a sting video shows that he is involved in it. I will arrest Ladi when I join duty, the SHO said, adding that if there is pressure for cancellation of the FIR, he will go to the Punjab and Haryana high court. Asking about alleged hurry in lodging the FIR it was registered early morning, hours after Ladi was named candidate Bajwa said that if he did not do it, the FIR wont have been registered at all due to the pressure. The answer (to Election Commission communique for response to allegations), that Ladi has no involvement in illegal mining was ready with my staff, but I didnt sign it. I preferred to lodge the FIR against Ladi. He asks for mahina (monthly payment) from all officers, but I refuse to give him that, he alleged. Ladi has denied all allegations. Bajwa further said he had called up the senior superintendent of police (SSP), Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, to inform him about lodging the FIR: He said he was busy with his NRI guests, and asked me to look into the matter. He added, I also called the SDM, mining officer and tehsildar, but nobody was available. Lodging the FIR is not such a big thing as, after receiving a complaint, an SHO can do it. On his resignation that he withdrew later, Bajwa said that he had sent it to SSP Bhullar, but, instead of accepting it, he pressurised me to write another note saying I had written the resignation due to stress. He named an SP who asked me to go on leave for two days citing high blood pressure. Now again my superiors forced me to take leave for another five days, he said, alleging that till May 30 (when bypoll will be over), the department wont allow me to join duty or can even get me transferred out. He said the police department has withdrawn his security and official weapons, but I have my own licensed weapons and I am prepared to face any threat. The SHO denied having talked to SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema and leader of opposition Sukhpal Singh Khaira prior to registering the FIR. They have not denied it. SSP Bhullar didnt comment on the issue. Filmmaker Kasthuri Raja, known for launching his son Dhanushs career with the film Thulluvadho Ilamai, is all set to return to direction after a decade. The veteran directors next film, titled Paandi Muni, which will feature Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff, as one of the leads. According to a Times of India report, Jackie will be seen playing an Aghori sadhu. The film also stars Nikesha Patel and Meghali in crucial roles. This is a role that Jackie has probably never done before in his career. The report said that the film is a war between the God and the ghost and will see a clash between characters essayed by Jackie and Meghali respectively. Jackie had loved the narration and was quite thrilled about his character. He will be in Chennai on May 7 for the official announcement of the project, it added. Jackie was last seen Tamil thriller Maayavan, in which he played the antagonist. Best remembered for his role as a gangster in national award-winning Tamil film Aaranya Kaandam, Jackie is expected to commence shooting for Paandi Muni from later this month. Rajas last directorial project was 2006 film Idhu Kadhal Varum Paruvam. Aghori sadhus, it may be recalled, are Shaiva sadhus who engage in post-mortem rituals. Follow @htshowbiz for more ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop Director Nag Ashwin had revealed that as Keerthy Suresh transforms into Savitri, she has 110 different looks. To add a bit of a perspective, in a usual commercial film, a female lead would have a maximum of 40 changes to play her part. Actor Keerthy who plays the part of Savitri in the biopic had to go through 110 changes so that she could do justice to the role of Savitri. In the last couple of weeks, the filmmakers have revealed about 20 of the 110 looks through posters, movie stills and teaser. Keerthy has a canny likeness to Savitri in all of the stills and the looks have only helped in creating a good buzz around the film itself. See | 20 looks of Keerthy Suresh in the upcoming film Mahanati From the black and white looks that were recreations of how Savitri looked in her films to the off screen appearances and her personal time, each of the appearance was meticulously developed. Director Nag Ashwin had earlier said, Savitri garu had a certain way of doing her makeup, especially her eyebrows. She used sun glasses of a particular style and she would apply makeup even for appearances. We kept all of this in mind when the looks were decided. One should also take note that for a female actor, a film has about 40 changes, but in Mahanati, Keerthy had to go through 110 changes. Mahanati in Telugu and Nadigaiyar Thilagam in Tamil is slated to release on silverscreen on May 9. The film has music scored by Mickey J Meyer and is produced by Vyjayanthi Films. Follow @htshowbiz for more ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop Superstar Rajinikanth planned his return from the US in such a way that he was around for his grandson Veds birthday. On Sunday, Soundarya Rajinikanths son, Ved Krishna, turned three. Pictures from his birthday party were shared on Twitter by his mother and they look adorable. Present in one of them is proud grandfather as he watches his grandson blow the candles on his birthday cake. Rajinis wife Latha, actor and son-in-law Dhanush and composer Anirudh Ravichander also attended the birthday party. In one of the pictures Soundarya shared on Sunday, we get a glimpse of Veds birthday party which is filled with kids. The cake itself is pretty interesting -- it is a fire engine. Thalaivar and his wife Latha lean over as Ved blows the candles. Soundarya captioned it: Thats celebration with family. Other pictures too give us a peak into the Rajinikanth household. In one of them, Ved and uncle Dhanush are having a gala time. Theres another picture of aunt Aishwarya and Ved and it is overflowing with love. In yet another we see Soundarya, mother Latha and music composer Anirudh Ravichander in a single frame with the birthday boy in his grandmothers arms. Describing her son as an angel, Soundarya said he was a miracle of her life. Soundarya married Chennai-based industrialist Ashwin Ramkumar in 2010, but their marriage fell apart in 2015. The couple, who separated two years, officially divorced year back. Having started her career as a graphic designer, Soundarya moved to working in films such as Baba, Majaa, Sandakozhi and Sivaji. She made her directorial debut with her father starrer Kochadaiyaan, apart from founding Ocher Picture Productions. Last year, Soundarya directed VIP 2 with her brother-in-law Dhanush. Follow @htshowbiz for more ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop Ugandan authorities were on Monday hunting for a leopard that snatched and ate the three-year-old son of a female ranger working in the popular Queen Elizabeth National Park. The boy had been left in the care of a nanny at the unfenced staff quarters of a safari lodge in the park, when he was taken by the leopard on Friday night. Wildlife authority spokesman Bashir Hangi said the child had followed the nanny outdoors. The maid was not aware the child followed her. She heard the kid scream for help, she intervened but it was too late the leopard had vanished with it in the bush and a search was mounted until we got the skull the next day, he said. The hunt is on with the intention of capturing the leopard and removing it from the wild because once it has eaten human flesh, the temptations are high to eat another human being, it becomes dangerous, he added. German police are hunting for an 89-year-old woman convicted on several occasions for Holocaust denial, after she failed to turn herself in to serve her prison sentence. Ursula Haverbeck, dubbed Nazi-Oma (Nazi grandma) by the German media, was convicted in October on eight counts of incitement and sentenced to two years in prison. But she did not report to prison to serve her sentence by the April 23 deadline. After the convict failed to report to the relevant penal institution within the deadline, prosecutors in Verden on May 4, 2018 issued an order to execute the sentence and have charged police with its implementation, prosecutors said in a statement. The convict has so far not been arrested. Haverbeck was once chairwoman of a far-right training centre shut down in 2008 for spreading Nazi propaganda. She has been sentenced on several occasions to jail for Holocaust denial. During a trial in 2015, she insisted that Auschwitz was not historically proven to be a death camp. That is only a belief, said Haverbeck then. She has also gone on television to declare that the Holocaust is the biggest and most sustainable lie in history. Some 1.1 million people, most of them European Jews, perished between 1940 and 1945 in the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp before it was liberated by Soviet forces. Medical sources in Gaza enclave ruled by Islamist movement Hamas have reviewed to six the death toll of fighters of the resistance group killed in an accidental bomb blast. An initial toll of five deaths has been reviewed to 6 by the health ministry run by the movement. The men belonged to Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Islamist Hamas movement in control of the strip since 2007. They died Saturday in an explosion in the central part of the enclave while reportedly explosives they were handling went off. The explosives according to al-Qassam were booby-trapped spying equipment planted by Israel during the past decade in Gaza. Hamas swiftly charged Israel for the death of its operatives and vowed revenge. The movements military wing noted that the fatalities occured during a complex security and intelligence operation. Previous similar explosions took place in the enclave killing several fighters. A grouping of Islamic countries said Myanmars treatment of Rohingya Muslims is a serious and blatant violation of international law and it is calling for international support in solving the crisis. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation issued a joint statement Sunday at the end of a two-day conference in Bangladesh, which has taken in more than 700,000 Rohingya who have fled violence in Myanmar since August. The statement said the grouping will continue to work the UN and other global platforms to address the rights violations taking place in Myanmar. The grouping echoed previous international statements saying ethnic cleansing is taking place in Myanmar. Bangladesh foreign minister AH Mahmood Ali said delegates pledged solidarity with his country in the face of the huge Rohingya influx with its humanitarian and security consequences. Security forces in Buddhist-majority Myanmar launched a scorched-earth campaign in late August in response to attacks by a Rohingya insurgent group. Thousands of people are believed to have been killed in the crackdown, which many rights activists believe was a calculated attempt to drive Rohingya from the country. Rohingya are denied citizenship in Myanmar, where they have long faced persecution. Many in Myanmar see them as illegal migrants from Bangladesh, and deride them as Bengalis. Most have long lived in poverty in Myanmars Rakhine state, next to Bangladesh. The hundreds of thousands who fled now live in squalid camps across the border in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society estimates that at least 100,000 refugees will be exposed to extreme dangers during the coming monsoon season. An Afghan official says that at least five police officers have been killed in a Taliban attack on their patrol in southern Kandahar province. A spokesperson for the provincial chief police in Kandahar says nine other police were wounded in Sundays attack in Marouf district near the border with Pakistan. The spokesperson, Zia Durrani, says 15 Taliban fighters were killed and 11 others were wounded in the gunbattle. Durrani said Monday that the battle lasted several hours after reinforcements arrived. A spokesperson for the Taliban, Qari Yussouf Ahmadi, claimed responsibility for the attack in Kandahar in a statement sent to media. The insurgent group routinely targets Afghan officials and security forces across the country, though it is more active in southern provinces. Jennifer Reindl says it is a miracle that her 13-year-old son is alive. Trenton McKinley battled for his life for months and managed to come back from the brink of death after severe brain injuries. McKinley from Mobile County, Alabama, met with an accident in March and was left with seven fractures in his skull. He was rushed to USA Medical Center and remained unresponsive for 15 minutes, Reindl was quoted as saying by Fox10. The doctors managed to bring him back but told Reindl his chances of recovery were slim. When he came back, they said he would never be normal again. They told me the oxidation problems would be so bad to his brain, that he would be a vegetable if he even made it, Reindl added. She lost all her hope after her teenage son remained brain-dead for days and did not show any sign of recovery even after multiple attempts to resurrect him. She then decided to put McKinleys organs for donation and even signed the papers. Five kids needed organs that matched him. It was unfair to keep bringing him back because it was just damaging his organs even more, Reindl was quoted as saying by Fox10. But fate had other plans for McKinley. A day before doctors decided to pull the plug, he showed signs of consciousness. Well our Trenton is awake and in good spirits today. We are beyond thankful to god for healing and continuing to heal Trent. Thanks so much to each and every one of yall for your prayers and support. We send our love from Birmingham (sic), Reindl posted on April 26 on Facebook. It is, however, a long way for him to full recovery. McKinley continues to suffer from nerve pain and daily seizures and will have to go through a final surgery to reconnect the missing pieces of his skull. He has already had three brain surgeries so far. Reindl has created a page on Facebook to collect funds for her sons treatment and 189 people have donated $10,210 in 48 days. Vladimir Putin will be inaugurated for a historic fourth term on Monday, extending his almost two-decade rule by another six years after predictably winning Russias March presidential election. But with no successor and no political competition, what are the possible scenarios when his term ends in 2024? Fight for influence Without constitutional reform, Putin will not be able to run for a fifth time -- Russian law forbids serving more than two consecutive terms. Putin, who will turn 72 in 2024, could decide to leave the Kremlin after 24 years in power, making way for a successor. Russian politics is now dominated by infighting between rival clans of technocrats and the siloviki -- representatives of the security services and the army. There is already a fight for influence, said political analyst Nikolai Petrov. Nobody will wait passively, each group will try to promote its interests, he added. In a March interview to American TV channel NBC, Putin said he had been thinking of a potential successor since 2000. There is no harm in thinking about it but at the end of the day it will be the Russian people who decide. But in making sure no one can compete with him, no politician is currently popular enough to succeed the Kremlin chief. Many analysts say Putin leaving power in six years is unlikely. Role swap One way Putin could continue ruling Russia after 2024 is to stay in power in a different role. The Russian strongman could revisit his 2008 move, which saw him put forward Dmitry Medvedev as president while he himself became prime minister before returning to the Kremlin in 2012. Putin may prepare the regime for a transfer of power. But not from Putin to another president but from Putin to Putin in some other role, said Petrov. But memories of mass protests in Moscow when Putin and Medvedev swapped back and Putin returned to the Kremlin may put the Russian leader off this option. Putins age also makes this scenario problematic. Putin will be 78 in 2030, when he is constitutionally allowed to run for another term. Protesters attend a rally in St. Petersburg, Russia, two days ahead of the inauguration of Vladimir Putin for a fourth term as Russian president. (AP File Photo) Konstantin Kalachev, head of the Political Expert Group think tank in Moscow, said Putin knows his successor will have to introduce unpopular economic reforms and wants to go down in history as the man who did not lose at anything. Needs protection Putin could choose to follow Chinas Xi Jinping in abolishing presidential term limits, thus allowing him to remain president for life. I dont think he will refuse power in 2024 even if he has had enough, he is (already) visibly tired, said independent political analyst Dmitry Oreshkin. He cant leave because he does not believe that anyone will protect him, he added, saying that Putin has built a system in which everything depends on who is at the top. So far, Putin has ruled out ruling Russia for life. I never changed the constitution, especially for it to benefit me and I do not have this kind of intention today, he told NBC in March. Oreshkin said Putin does not want to be remembered for changing the constitution and that if he were to remain president for life, it would be done more elegantly than in China. Vladimir Putin was sworn in for another six years as Russian President on Monday. Standing in the Grand Kremlin Palaces ornately-decorated Andreyevsky Hall with his hand on a gold-embossed copy of the constitution, Putin swore to serve the Russian people, safeguard their rights and freedoms, and defend Russian sovereignty. Putin was inaugurated for his fourth term as president two months after more than 70% of voters backed him in a presidential election in which he had no serious challengers. His most dangerous opponent, Alexei Navalny, was barred from running in that vote and on Saturday Navalny and hundreds of his supporters were detained by police while protesting over Putins new term under the slogan: Putin is not our tsar. Putin, who is 65, embarks on his fourth term in office buoyed by widespread popular support but weighed down by a costly confrontation with the West, a fragile economy and uncertainty about what happens when his term ends. The Russian constitution bars him from running again when his new terms ends in 2024. Saudi Arabia has green-lighted construction of churches after it inked a deal with the Roman Catholic Church as it seeks to improve its image and crackdown on radicalism. An agreement to this end was signed between the Secretary General of the Muslim World League Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdel Karim Al-Issa and the President of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue in the Vatican and the French cardinal of the Catholic Church Jean-Louis Tauran. The agreement signaled another significant development in the kingdoms openness and thrive to polish its image as home to radical Islam. According to press reports, the agreement was signed during a visit of Jean-Louis Tauran to Saudi Arabia last month 13-20. During the visit, Tauran met with the kingdoms Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman who is the driver of the reforms, which are dragging the kingdom at the international front as an open country accepting diversity. The French Cardinal who heads the Vatican inter-religious dialogue Council also met with some of the Christian population living in the kingdom where open worships are banned and subject to police arrests. Most of the Christians are expat workers from Egypt, Philippines, India and also from Korea, French media La Croix reports. There are around 1.5 million Christians in the kingdom, the media notes. In an interview with the Vatican-run Losservatore romano upon his return, Tauran lauded the ongoing reforms in the kingdom and the rapprochement between the Vatican and Saudi Arabia. All religions must be treated the same way, without discrimination. Believers, like citizens who do no profess any religion, must be treated the same way, the Cardinal was quoted as saying. The April meeting between the Vatican inter-religious Council and Muslim World League also advanced the establishment of a coordinating joint committee comprising two representatives for both sides to organize future meetings. The Crown Prince in March during a state visit in Egypt met with the top clerics of the Coptic Church. The meetings were the first ever made by a Saudi high key official. Supplier News 7 May 2018 Dallas, TX -- As travelers become more favorable towards implementing technological advances in their trips and experiences, the same desire for streamlined accessibility and convenience has emerged for their hotel check-in and home-living as well. That's why Mayumi, a new 35-unit boutique hotel nestled in Culver City, California, has partnered with OpenKey, the industry standard for universal mobile key technology in hotels. Through this partnership, the Mayumi Hotel now offers an experience-focused technology platform with a mobile access solution that grants guests keyless access to their short- and long-term living spaces. "Our demographic is all about openness, sharing, collaboration, and disrupting the more traditional living experience. We're excited to see how this product takes shape with existing and new visitors to residents in the area, and we couldn't think of a better way to hand them the keys to our creative communal-living space than by putting access to the property residences right on their smartphones," said Robert Herscu of Mayumi. Mobile technology offering entry access without a key or a key card is a recent focus of technological advancement in the hotel industry. OpenKey is pushing past the borders of the hotel industry and now establishing a name for the technology in the creative living space realm. OpenKey has made much of that opportunity. Since launching in 2014, the Dallas-based company has grown from three to 30 employees globally and services hotels in eleven countries across four continents. The partnership with The Mayumi, a new boutique hotel under the umbrella of HQ Development, a Los Angeles-based developer of upscale creative office space, is the first step for OpenKey beyond hotels and into creative stay and living spaces. Along with keyless access to their residences, short- and long-term occupants of the Mayumi can employ the OpenKey app to book amenities, notify the property of early or late arrival, receive property announcements and access Wi-Fi codes. Another plus for the civic-minded, environmentally conscious guests typically drawn to shared live and work spaces: OpenKey technology eliminates the need for disposable plastic keys. Housed in Culver City, The Mayumi has been transformed into a creative stay and work space with design by architecture firm, Shubin Donaldson. The two-story property offers 35 units with private bathrooms, modern-luxury furnishings, storage, flat-screen smart televisions, smartphone controls and more. Residents share common spaces including a full kitchen with top of the line appliances and an expansive courtyard area equipped with work stations and dining areas including BBQ and fire pit areas as well as a shared complimentary laundry room. The Mayumi provides an affordable stay alternative for guests as nightly rates starting at with special arrangements for month-to-month stays. "We are excited to go beyond our usual base in the hotel industry and introduce our experience-focus technology platform to the Mayumi," said TJ Person, CEO at OpenKey. "As demand for creative hospitality space grows, guests will desire more and more technological innovation within their living arrangements. It's exciting to be able to establish a foothold within this new segment of home-living in its early stages of development." Press Release 7 May 2018 DUBAI -- Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India, Swiss-Belhotel International, unveiled the group's expansion plans for the region at the Global General Managers' Conference held in Jakarta, Indonesia, last week. Advertisements Laurent stated, "We have chalked out a very aggressive expansion strategy for the Middle East and Africa with 17% of our global portfolio of hotels comprising 3500 rooms centered in the region. Our goal is to have 20 hotels in operation and 10 under construction by 2021. Out of these five projects would be in Africa while the remaining will be in gateway cities across the Middle East with a significant presence in the GCC. Built on a heritage of passion and professionalism, our ultimate aim is to position Swiss-Belhotel International as the best alternative to blue chip companies offering superior returns, unbeatable value and unforgettable experiences." Commenting on the industry's long-term economic outlook in the region, Laurent said: "Tourism performance in the main cities across the Middle East is expected to remain strong with the fruition of major infrastructure projects such as airport expansions, increased global connectivity and growth of low-cost carriers, new leisure attractions, enhanced business facilities and a year-long calendar of regional and international events." Swiss-Belhotel International was recently named by TOPHOTELPROJECTS among the top ten most active brands in Saudi Arabia. "KSA is a very significant market for us with 35% of our development pipeline concentrated in the Kingdom. In 2018 we have six new hotels opening in quick succession and out of these three are located in Saudi Arabia. Our success is testament to the relationships we have built with owners and investors in the region. With 14 well-established brands, we are well equipped to meet the needs of every segment of the market. This diversity of brands allows owners the flexibility to pick the right fit for their property." External Article 7 May 2018 Guntu is a nineteen-room hotel floating in the Seto Inland Sea in southwestern Japan. The 266-foot ship sets sail from the Bella Vista Marina in Onomichi, a one-hour drive from Hiroshima Airport, which itself is just an 80-minute flight from both Tokyo and Seoul. From there, it embarks on a highly scenic route along the Chugoku and Shikoku coastlines, which feature multi-layered mountain ridgelines and sunsets worth writing home about. Guests can choose to stay one, two or three nights onboard, selecting between several distinct routes. Guntu's maiden voyage took place in October, 2017, and it's been delighting ever since. Performance 7 May 2018 According to the recent United States Construction Pipeline Trend Report from Lodging Econometrics (LE), the franchise companies with the largest construction pipelines are: Marriott with 1,383 Projects/177,926 Rooms, Hilton with 1,337 Projects/149,075 Rooms and IHG with 923 Projects/94,296 Rooms. These 3 franchise companies comprise 69% of all projects in the Total Pipeline. The largest brands for each of these companies are: Marriott's Fairfield Inn with 293 Projects/28,418 Rooms and TownePlace Suites with 206 Projects/21,193 Rooms; Hilton's Home2 Suites with 377 Projects/39,474 Rooms and Hampton Inn & Suites with 316 Projects/32,132 Rooms; and IHG's Holiday Inn Express with 438 Projects/40,657 Rooms, the largest brand pipeline in the country, and Staybridge Suites with 139 Projects/14,740 Rooms. By the close of 2018, Marriott is forecasted to open 348 Projects/43,415 Rooms, Hilton is set to open 296 projects/33,171 Rooms and IHG expects 172 Projects/18,031 Rooms to open. Marriott also leads in new openings for 2019 with 336 Projects/42,286 Rooms, Hilton is anticipating 281 Projects/30,983 Rooms to open next year and IHG expects 230 Projects/22,807 Rooms. At this point, who hasn't accused Birdman of not paying them what they were promised? Of course, the most notable of the several lawsuits against Birdman and Cash Money is Lil Wayne's as he claims he has been cheated out of millions of dollars. However, a new lawsuit has just been filed by a former employee of the music mogul's, claiming that he is owed over $20K in unpaid wages. According to The Blast, Nicolas Penzo, a property manager who worked for Birdman and Cash Money Records from 2015 to 2017, is suing both Birdman and Cash Money for $23,900 in unpaid salary. The court documents were filed last month in Florida, with Penzo claiming that he is owed $8,900 in wages and an additional $15K for overtime, based on his daily rate of $150. The former employee used to handle several duties for Birdman while he worked for the star, handling cleaning services, working with contractors on necessary repairs and doing electrical work. Penzo alleges that he was only paid every few months, usually in the form of a check or simply with cash. Of course, these sorts of allegations are nothing new for Birdman. At this point, it appears as though most of the people who have worked with the mogul have had financial difficulties with him. What do you make of these newfound allegations? Hafthor Julius Bjornsson, more famously known as Gregor The Mountain Clegane from Game of Thrones, is a monster on the HBO series. After being "killed" by Prince Oberyn, and then coming back to life long enough to squeeze his head into a bloody pulp, The Mountain was resurrected by science and presumably dark magic. Now, he carefully guards Cersei Lannister, and may be the strongest character on the hit HBO show. In real life, Bjornsson is just as strong. Standing at 6'9, and weighing 400 lbs, Bjornsson placed second in the last two World's Strongest Man contests (in Manila). Finally, he has achieved the highly respected first place position. According to The Washington Post, Bjornsson finished first in the vehicle deadlift, max overhead and loading race. He then placed fourth in the frame carry and second in the truck pull. Bjornsson finished fifth in the final test, the atlas stones, but his accomplishments in the previous tasks gave him enough of a lead to take first place overall. "Want to thank all of my family, friends and fans for supporting me along the way," wrote Bjornsson on Instagram. It will be interesting to see how "The Mountain" will fair in the fantasy world of Westeros when the final season of Game of Thrones debuts in 2019. Last week we posted about Kanye's trip back to Wyoming where he's reportedly adding the finishing touches to the numerous G.O.O.D. music that's set to drop soon. Jackson Hole sources said he was granted private access to the mountain resort where he's posted up in a $5K per night suite, having his entourage and music makers come through as the resort is closed to the public. A new photo has surfaced that sees Ye taking a break from the resort to go for a stroll through the hills with his security trolling behind. It must have been one refreshing, worthy walk as he tweeted about his activity saying: "take a walk outside. Fresh air is healing." Check out the photo here. Amid all the controversy going on about Kanye, his mother-in-law, Kris Jenner, spoke on his choices, seemingly hopeful that he will soon explain the meaning behind the madness. "You know, Kanye has a lot of love for all of you, all of his fans, and everybody whos been there to support him forever, and, I know that he will explain himself in his own way," she said. "I just think this is important to say is, he always does things with really good intentions. Im going to let him explain himself when the time is ready and I just keep rolling on. Trying to keep up with the Kardashians." Burkina Faso has harvested 4 million tons of cereals during the 2017/2018 crop year, a drop of 11% compared to 2016/2017, a balance sheet published by the government showed. The sharp drop in production for crops such as rice and wheat is mainly due to drought, armyworm attacks and grain-eating attacks, according to Ecofin news agency. The government said the underperformance has widened a cereal deficit of 477,448 tons and is expected to worsen the countrys food situation in the coming months. Jihadist uprising in northern Burkina Faso has also plunged the region into a humanitarian crisis. Much of West Africas Sahel, a semi-arid belt below the Sahara, is facing its worst hunger in years after erratic rains caused little vegetation to grow. In Burkina Faso alone, more than 2.6 million people are expected to suffer from food shortage in the period from June to August. About one person in ten already suffers acute malnutrition in the north, government statistics show. Up to 6.8 million people across the Sahel could need food aid by August, i.e. a 60 percent increase from the number estimated late last year, the United Nations said. When Meek was finally released from prison back in April, everyone wondered what he was going to do next. Of course the fans were looking forward to new music, but Meek's time in prison was unique in the corruption from the criminal justice system that was on display, and the social and political powers that mobilized to finally free him. Shortly after his release, Dateline previewed their interview with Meek, his first since leaving prison. The full length interview with Meek aired on Sunday's episode of Dateline, and in it, Meek expresses his desire to work to reform the criminal justice system in order to help others who are in the same position as he was. "At this point, its not all about me having the light to shine on my situation," says Meek. "Its about the thousands of others thats caught up in that situation. Lets continue, lets retire the free Meek Mill hashtag and make it hashtag justice reform." Meek is already making good on his promises, as last week he introduced Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf at a press conference, but not before admitting some hard truths about his situation living under parole for the past ten years. He's also signed up for a documentary series about the broken legal system which will premiere on Amazon's streaming service. Hopefully he, and those who petitioned for his release, continue to fight against injustice. You can check out the whole Dateline interview with Meek [HERE], or you can watch the preview of the interview down below. A candlelight vigil for rapper, Lil Lonnie, was brought to an early close by an unknown individual who fired shots at the memorial on Friday. It was reported that Lil Lonnie, an up-and-coming rapper from Jackson, Mississippi, had been shot and killed on Monday, April 30, while driving in his car, crashing into the front of a house. Police still have not identified the culprit responsible for his murder. Over 1000 people gathered outside of a church in Jackson for what was the second of two candle light vigils for Lonnie. One participant was streaming on Facebook Live and captured the whole incident. A man is seen giving a speech about gun violence when the sounds of gunshots and people screaming is heard. People are then seen running for cover, and voices in the video claim that the shooting was firing from inside a car. According to WAPT news in Jackson, none of the attendees of the vigil were hurt by the gunfire. Jackson mayor, Chokwe Antar Lumumba, went on WAPT to ensure Jackson citizens that the city will remain a safe place to live, and that the police are heavily investigating this incident, as well as the murder of Lil Lonnie. "I want to be clear, that those individuals who are intent on negative behavior, that it won't be tolerated," said Mayor Lumumba. "We won't have any type of harassment in our community, we will not be terrorized." Follow the link above to see the footage of the memorial service. Rest in peace, Lil Lonnie. Johannes Brahms A German Requiem is one of the pillars of the big orchestral repertoire, a largescale work requiring a host of musicians on stage, a work that conductors long to put their stamp on. Thursday night at Jones Hall, Houston Symphony Music Director Andres Orozco-Estrada made his mark on the monumental work in a performance that emphasized finesse and orchestral transparency, lacking only in moments of dramatic potency, and occasionally bogged down by extraneous and distracting elements. Orchestras are forever looking for new ways to package their product, and The Houston Symphony is no exception. Some of these innovations work really well; some dont. The novelties The Houston Symphony employed Thursday night mostly fell flat, including a short film of Orozco-Estrada and principal clarinetist Mark Nuccio, soloist in Mozarts Clarinet Concerto, the first work on the program. The film simply showed the two rehearsing, and didnt offer much illumination of the work. Similarly, beginning each of the 7 movements of the Brahms Requiem by turning down the lights onstage to display an epigraph served only to break up the movements, and confuse some audience members into thinking it was time to applaud. Just plain baffling was the decision to have some of the Houston Symphony Chorus members slowly step down from the choral risers during the final pages of the Requiems last movement, slowly walking through the stands and then standing amongst the orchestra til the end. The musical performances didnt need all this help. Mozarts Clarinet Concerto showcased both Orozco-Estradas idiomatic way with Mozart, as well as Nuccios sensitive solo work, successively buoyant, languorous and lively in each of the three movements. Nuccio capped his portion of the evening with jazzy indifference in his encore: Gershwins Promenade (Walking the Dog). The evenings second half was given over to Brahms. Orozco-Estradas reading of A German Requiem was characterized by lyricism and textural clarity without sacrificing the composers burnished orchestral sound or the works profundity. This transparent orchestral texture in the opening movement allowed the audience to hear each section of the orchestra clearly, not just the dominant lower strings. When the approximately 150 members of the Houston Symphony Chorus made its hushed entrance - Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted - it was with beautifully balanced, modulated sound that seamlessly blended with the orchestra. At full volume, the chorus tended to sacrifice diction to make it through Brahms exceedingly long vocal lines, but elsewhere they sang with distinction, their word pointing and accenting to open the 6th movement creating a palpable sense of foreboding and anticipation. Yet it was in the 6th and 2nd movements that Orozco-Estradas interpretation proved too genteel. In a score that is predominantly quiet and contemplative, these movements contain moments of release that are critical, and in this performance there just wasnt quite enough amplitude when the chorus ominously pronounces that All flesh is as grass in the 2nd , or when the trumpets sound in the 6th movement. Both soloists fit well into Orozco-Estradas lyrical concept. Russell Brauns smooth, lyric baritone was occasionally swamped by the massed sound of the orchestra and chorus in cavernous Jones Hall. Houston Grand Opera Studio alumna Nicole Heaston didnt face such challenges in her 5th movement solo, her soprano soaring in and out of its effortlessly beautiful upper register. It was a performance that had much to recommend it, particularly in its many quiet moments. And while its to The Houston Symphonys credit that they continue to try to enhance the performance experience for audiences, in this case it would have been better simply to let Brahms score speak for itself and not try to gild the lily with extra-musical distractions. Eric Skelly is a writer in Houston. SAWYER YARDS SPOT OPENING SOON Poitin, the anticipated restaurant in First Wards Sawyer Yards development, 2313 Edwards, will open Monday. Owner Ian Tucker, an Irishman who arrived on the local dining scene last year with his Balls Out Burger in the Heights, calls Poitin (pronounced PUUT-cheen, the name of a traditional Irish distilled beverage) a high-energy restaurant with cross-cultural cuisine. Expect dishes such as low-braised lamb neck with harissa and cauliflower couscous; Marble Ranch wagyu with chimichurri and dulce de leche carrots; and herb-infused ricotta ravioli from executive chef Dominick Lee, formerly of Kirans. MEMPHIS CHICKEN ARRIVES IN HOUSTON Two years after it was first teased, Houstons own Guss World Famous Fried Chicken opens this week at 1815 Washington. The famed Memphis-born chain has locations from California to Maryland. The Houston outpost joins Texas locations in Fort Worth and Austin. Must-try menu items, besides the fried chicken, include the baked beans, fried okra, mac and cheese, and sweet potato pie. The sweet iced tea is also highly addictive. ORIGINAL BEAVERS IS BACK Closed since the summer for retooling, the original neo-icehouse and quasi-barbecue shack Beavers at 2310 Decatur has reopened. (Theres a second, newer location on Westheimer near the Galleria.) For now, the restaurant will be open for bar service with bar bites and a limited cocktail list; the full food menu should be available soon. Got Houston restaurant news? Send it to greg.morago@chron.com. Who: Matt Crawford, the general manager of State of Grace, where he oversees a list of some 300 wines from around the world Background: Having grown up in Greenville, S.C., Crawford moved to Houston from Atlanta in 2016 to open State of Grace. He has been involved with wine professionally since 2004 and in 2011 began pursuing certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers, earning Advanced status in 2017. Hell sit for his Masters theory exam in July. He calls his wine preferences vast but acknowledges that, if he had to choose one region, it would be Burgundy because of the history and the uniqueness but, most of all, how delicious and enchanting the wines can be. Northern Rhone syrah, Barolo and cool-climate pinot noir are at the top of his list, too. What: 2016 Littorai Pinot Noir, Savoy Vineyard, Anderson Valley Why: This is a classic cool-climate pinot noir. The Savoy Vineyard has been a source of fruit for Littorai winemaker Ted Lemon since the mid-1990s and is one of Anderson Valleys most famous. Crawford calls Lemon a legend in the industry and with good reason, pointing out how he precociously became, at 25 in 1982, the first American to be put in charge of winemaking and vineyard management at a Burgundian estate. And it wasnt just any estate, Crawford added. It was Domaine Roulot (an iconic Meursault producer). I would open his bottle of wine for any special occasion to have the opportunity to enjoy an exquisite expression of New World pinot noir through Lemons lens. Hes a master at expressing a true sense of place (in his wines). Crawford suggests pairing the Littorai with chef Bobby Matos duck carnitas, a confit broiled to crisp the skin for a great contrast of texture. It comes with our take on a classic mole with deep and rich flavors of spice, chocolate and roasted chilies, then topped with Thai herbs, cotija cheese, pickled red onion and served with house-made tortillas, which have a little bacon fat in them. Price: $150 for a bottle at State of Grace, 3258 Westheimer Dale Robertson Two Harris County sheriff's deputies rescued a man Sunday morning who was trying to jump from an overpass onto Interstate 45. The man was on the bridge across I-45 at Richey Road in north Houston, said Deputy Thomas Gilliland of the Harris County Sheriff's Office. A little after 11 a.m., he said, a bystander made a 911 call to report that a man was trying to jump from a bridge onto the highway below. When Deputies J. Leal and R. Cruz arrived, Gilliland said, the man was lying across the bridge's concrete retaining wall. A bystander captured on video what happened next: The man dangles from the side of the bridge, nearly falling as people gather below to try to help or catch him. Just as it appears he'll let go and fall, the deputies' arms reach down to grab his, pulling him back over the wall to safety. The deputies didn't want the man to jump when he saw them moving closer, Gilliland said. So one of them distracted the man by talking to him, while the other moved in and got a good grip on the man. They managed to pull him back over the retaining wall and away from danger, but the man was determined, Gilliland said; he jumped up and moved toward the wall again, still trying to jump. This time, the deputies managed to pull him to the ground and handcuff him. The man, who is 19 or 20 years old, was taken to Ben Taub hospital for a mental health evaluation, Gilliland said. Leal injured his knee and back in the struggle; he was treated for his injuries Sunday afternoon. "Heroic work here to save this man's life - good outcome," Sheriff Ed Gonzalez tweeted Sunday afternoon. A man already wanted in a deadly shooting last year has been charged in the stabbing of an acquaintance in a southwest Houston apartment complex Saturday, police said. Josue Daivid Celis-Maltes, 38, was charged with aggravated assault after a late-night argument turned violent, police said. He is accused of stabbing Walter Rubino, 29, at the Happy Home apartment complex on Club Creek Drive, which runs just south of Chinatown. Rubino was visiting a friend at the complex when Celis-Maltes arrived just before 11 p.m. The two men, who are acquaintances, got into an argument, police said. That's when Celis-Maltes allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed his acquaintance several times, including twice in the chest. Rubino was taken to a local hospital in critical condition, but police said he was listed stable after having surgery. Police found Celis-Maltes in a vehicle near his residence in the apartment complex. He was charged Sunday. Police are still investigating to figure out what happened just before the stabbing. His bond is set at $30,000. Celis-Maltes has outstanding warrants for murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. His bond in the murder case is set at $100,000. The murder case involves the fatal shooting of Jaime Castillo-Vasquez on June 28. He was shot in the head, according to court records filed with the Harris County District Clerk's office. While participating in a panel discussion at the Texas Wine Revolution Rose Festival on a recent weekend in Marble Falls, I got into an amiable disagreement with fellow panelist Chris Brundrett, the Chris half of William Chris Winery and one of our states new wave of cellar stars. Ultimately, though, I think we were both right. Brundrett had taken exception to my suggesting that Texas wines, to be fully embraced by the broad market and not just Lone Star State loyalists, must very closely mimic the flavor profiles of wines from the worlds reference-standard terroirs. In other words, for a Texas cabernet sauvignon to be considered great by outsiders at large, it had better have the capacity to convince them in a blind tasting that they might be sipping a special California cab or a top-draw bottle from Bordeaux or Bolgheri. Theres a reason imitation is the sincerest form of flattery became a cliche. Because its true. But Brundrett, understandably, thinks Texas winemakers should forge ahead and keep setting their own course, making every effort to come up with uniquely nuanced notes for their wines. He and his fellow young guns are artists, not automatons. Reinventing the wheel is boring. Nonetheless, I think their creative juices can be sufficiently whetted by continuing to push the envelope with less mainstream varietals, and blends of those varietals, that happen to grow especially well in Texas various AVAs. Ben Calais, for example, has made a superb, slightly oaked Newsom Vineyards Albarino from Neal Newsoms fruit from the 2015 harvest in the Texas High Plains. Sadly, production was tiny, and the wine is available only at the Newsom Winery tasting room in Comfort. Calais, now based in the Hill Country town of Hye after launching his winery in Dallas Deep Ellum District, also brilliantly utilizes the white Rhone varietals marsanne, roussanne and viognier, as well as the grape that was made famous in the Loire Valley, Chenin Blanc. On the red side of things, the Duchman Family Winerys Aglianico more than holds its own against its reference-standard cousins from Italys Campania. Winemaker Dave Reilly knows his way around montepulciano, too, as well as tempranillo, the grape so many of his Texas peers are wisely hanging their hats on. Brundrett, for his part, is on the cutting edge with his rose Petillant Naturel, a tart, citrusy, naturally sparkling old-style wine thats bottled before primary fermentation with no added yeasts or sugars. He also brings an impressive mix of still roses to market that express the variable flavors of Texas Hill Country and High Plains. But, if youre going to make a cabernet dont fix something that aint broke. Let me explain. Bob Young, the former doctor turned vigneron at Bending Branch Winery near Comfort, has an expensive Flash Detente machine, which gives Texas grapes a fighting chance to fully express themselves despite the vagaries of our climate, which impact the fruit in myriad, mostly threatening ways. The only one in Texas so far this semi-trailer-sized Rube Goldberg-esque contraption (the technology is French in origin, although Bending Branchs was made in Italy) makes thermovinication possible. At the risk of oversimplifying, it utilizes extreme heat to blow up the grapes, shattering them all the way down to their cell structure, allowing for maximum extraction of the oft-buried goodies that make a wine wonderful. To quote winemaker Gonzalo Carcamo of Vina La Rosa, which has a Flash Detente of its own in Chile: (Thermovinication) has enabled us to modify the profiles of our wines, making them fruitier and rounder and perfectly suited to the expectations of the world market. Young calls the technology a quantum leap for winemaking in Texas, and he speaks with gravitas. Bending Branchs tasting room is home to the saddle awarded to the 2018 Top Texas Winery by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeos International Wine Competition. On my recent visit, he conducted an experiment that he insisted justified the expense. He was able to get his hands on a small amount of prized fruit from the 2014 vintage that grew on Napa Valley vines very close to where Screaming Eagle harvests. So, for the first and probably only time, he made two 2014 Bending Branch cabs, one from the California fruit and one from Texas High Plains fruit that had been processed through the flash detente. My traveling companion, Russ Kane, author of the Texas Wineslinger Chronicles, and I tasted them side by side. Though subtly different, as wines from varying terroirs should be, they were both excellent and also similar enough that, without knowing which was which, wed have readily assumed both hailed from California. I know what youre thinking. No, this isnt about one-size-fits-all homogenization. Its about conforming to certain parameters, giving the customer familiar base fruit flavors rather than the off-putting ones that result from either under-ripened or too-quickly-ripened fruit. In the old days, many Texas reds had a funky, almost astringent element that immediately betrayed their origin. We far less frequently encounter those today, and going the extra mile with technology such as the flash detente or techniques such as cryomaceration Young has long been a huge proponent of that, too takes the Texas wine industry further down the right path. Cryomaceration is essentially the opposite of flash detente, using cold instead of heat to ring maximum flavor from the fruit. Deep-freezing the grapes also breaks apart their cell structure, drawing out more tannins, anthocyanins and, hence, pigment. But, Young has conceded in the past, the process mutes a wines aromatics a bit, whereas flash detente does not. Hes hardly tunnel-visioned in his pursuit of straight-ahead, cab-is-king excellence, though. Bending Branch, in fact, is arguably most famous for its Tannat, a wine thats at least the equal of the best from Uruguay. And Bloombergs wine critic, Elin McCoy, chose the winerys 2014 Souzao as one of the nine best wines in the world that she tasted during 2017, calling it rich (and) polished with wild, exotic flavors. No, this Portuguese grape doesnt taste remotely like cabernet thats grown anywhere. Nor, of course, should it. dale.robertson@chron.com twitter.com/sportywineguy Claudia Farinola had gathered hundreds of photos over the years, as she was imagining what her dream home would be like. It started with a couple of folders that soon were bulging with pages torn from magazines and newspapers, until finally she bought a book to paste them into. On the outside she wrote Build a Home, and filling it became her guilty pleasure. Like a Houzz vision board or Pinterest page, Farinola aggregated hundreds of pages of pretty things. And a major theme was clear: She is a fan of modern design and Houston architect Christopher Robertson of Robertson Design. I had photos from four different publications about his Main Street house. I had articles on the Gramercy project. I really was a stalker, said Farinola, 53, of the photo collection she started long before she met her husband, Brad Dorsey. I spent a lifetime driving by his dads Main Street house. I was the car moving slowly with the flashers on. When she and Dorsey interviewed other architects, none could translate their ideas into a home that felt right. Farinola thought Robertson, whose grand designs have been featured in national magazines, wouldnt take on such a small project a 3,500-square-foot home in a neighborhood of mostly older townhomes. I said, Lets just call him maybe the timing is good, said Dorsey, 52. We called, and they were up for the project. For Claudia, it was like meeting a rock star. HOME DESIGN: Extend your home outdoors with these furnishings The dream book was Farinolas, but Dorsey loved every idea. They wanted a modern home that was clean and open. Both have always worked in the food industry Brad co-owns three Houston-area Crave Cupcakes bakeries with another couple so everything would revolve around their kitchen. Both are University of Houston graduates, and Farinola grew up around Pinos Italian restaurant, which her parents, Pino and Lenora Farinola, opened in 1960s. Dorsey, a Dallas native, worked in the restaurant industry in Houston and, later, in California before returning to Texas. He ended up in Houston because he and a business partner thought it would be a better location for their bakeries and because his mother needed medical care here. The bakeries are thriving, his mother is doing well, and Dorsey met and married Farinola. We met through Ziggy Gruber of Kenny & Ziggys deli, Claudia said. Without any advance notice, Ziggy called and said, Claudia, Im picking you up, and Im going to tell you where to sit; theres someone youve got to meet. We walked into Queen Vics pub, and he said, You sit there next to Brad. Five months later we eloped. It was instant. Her parents had a lot in the Hammersmith neighborhood off Voss that they had owned for 40 years, and they offered it to the newlyweds. I thought, We just got married can we survive building a house? Dorsey said. We lived in her parents guest house for two years. Farinola and Dorsey knew exactly what they wanted for their kitchen. And the Robertsons had a vision for the exterior. We wanted something minimal and modern but at the same time attractive and expressive, Christopher Robertson said. His wife, architect Vivi Robertson, devised an intricate, hinged model that opens like a miniature dollhouse. Farinola and Dorsey who fired their builder a week or so into framing became their own contractors and carried that model to their jobsite nearly every day to show trade workers how the steel, stone and concrete structure should come together. We knew the plans, and were such micromanagers that we could do it, Farinola said. Some of the subs were ours from past (restaurant) jobs. We just rolled up our sleeves and did it. Christopher Robertson marveled at the job they did. We didnt give them an easy task, Robertson said. The house seems like, its a box, its easy. You know the famous Mies van der Rohe saying, less is more? Well, theres another saying, Less is more work. First, theres an intricate assembly of blocks laid push-pull style up the exterior wall of the home. From the street, it looks like it could be a sleek rock-climbing wall; in reality, it shapes the terrace accessed from the living/dining/kitchen area on the first floor. It went up in steamy August heat with painstaking effort and a color-coded spreadsheet that Dorsey devised from the Robertsons detailed drawings. Because the home is in such a busy spot, they created a double front entry with a locked gate, then a door to enter the home. Inside, the main floor is a mix of gleaming Terrazzo tile, white walls and counters and accents of tall panels of natural wood that hide a pantry, storage and coffee-service area. Modern design doesnt allow for a lot of counter clutter, so all of that stuff gets hidden away in that storage area and behind Italian Pedini cabinet doors and drawers. The three-story home allows for a towering atrium over the kitchen, and its skylights have solar-powered shades. The front of the home is two stories, with a master suite perched above a tall sitting room. The back has living space on all three floors, with a second-floor TV room/guest suite that two of their nephews claim as their own. The third floor has another guest suite. Dorsey and Farinola have blended a close-knit family in their seven years together. Their teenage nephews have the run of the house. Dorseys mother and sister live nearby. Farinolas sister and brother are in walking distance. No worries that the three-story home has so many white oak stairs. It also has a three-story elevator, even if its biggest fan is their 8-year-old dog, Lucky. NEW BOOK: Houston architect Jay Baker's monograph captures the spirit of 'Making Things' Furnishings are modern and midcentury, including eight original Milo Baughman chairs given to Claudia from an uncle and her godfather. Bathrooms have a European feel, with Italian Pedini cabinets, Spanish Porcelanosa tile and German Duravit fixtures. A touch of whimsy in the master bathroom comes from the David Trubridge chandelier, a quirky lattice globe lined in lime green. Its appropriate everything feels European because thats what their Hammersmith neighborhood feels like, too, even though it was a 1960s-era American creation that went up when this section of Voss was a rural two-lane road. Hammersmith is just a handful of streets with a common central pool and community area. Neighbors walk its quiet streets and know each other by name. This neighborhood has four book clubs, Farinola said. They play rummy, mahjong, hand-and-foot. At 5 oclock, youll see people with a basket of something and a glass of wine walking to the pool. diane.cowen@chron.com Millennials that influential demographic cohort so linked to technology and social media also have a thing for color. In 2015 they loved millennial pink, a shade that ranged from a very-toned-down Barbie pink to apricot or salmon and was everywhere in fashion, home decor and even electronics. Those popular rose gold smart phones? Theyre no accident. Then in 2017, millennial yellow came along, although color watchers say it didnt have the same impact in America that it did elsewhere. And now millennial lilac is on a hot streak. Its a dusty plummy purple thats meant to appeal equally to men and women. Craving modern: Cupcake bakery owners get their dream house. It may have been prophetic when Pantone named Ultra Violet, a blue-based purple, its 2018 Color of the Year, and in 2017 when Violet Verbena, a calming gray-purple, earned PPG Paints top spot. Were a very societal-based group, in tune with our friends and whats new and next, said Amanda Mahle, 25, a millennial and interior designer at Chairma Design Group. Its exciting to see new colors. The lilac thats coming out is beautiful and feels like a breath of fresh air. Weve been inundated for so long with millennial pink its tagged to us whether we want it or not. Millennials are grabbing onto color like perhaps no other generation in a very long time. They dont just like color they identify it fairly specifically and claim it as their own. We are not afraid of color. This generation embraces it, Mahle said. Its inspiring and encouraging to see people take an interest in fashion and color and design and make it unique for themselves. They dont want the same thing everybody else has - its very personalized. Black, white and denim are their neutrals. Rose gold is their metal gold was their parents and silver was their grandparents. And they dont even want to look at tan or khaki, they remind millennials of those awful uniforms they suffered through in school. Its the same colors but they are more gray and dusty, said Mahles colleague Valerie Wofford, a senior interior designer at Chairma and, at 32, also a millennial. Theres less saturation, and theyre more earthy. They dont feel too feminine for the men in our lives. My fiance likes the gray plummy purple tone. Woffords own picks reflect the trend: Her engagement ring is rose gold, and she recently added a few purple streaks to her hair. They may or may not still be around on her wedding day. Cori Reitz and her husband moved into a new home two months ago and are updating its color palette from the home they bought as newlyweds. She favors dusty pinks, cream and navy blue and didn't even realize they were part of a millenial trend. "I think colors express who you are not that I'm dusty by any means, but I don't want it to be too loud," said the 31-year-old Klein ISD teacher. She's Wofford's design client and was also recently introduced to the "greige" color trend that mixes gray and beige. Doesn't always see herself as a millennial but I get it with the colors. "Valerie told me they were millennial colors and I didn't even know that," she said. "I googled it and thought 'I totally am.' I'll take it. I showed her this palette of colors with cream and pink and navy and dusty teal, and, it's funny, they're the millennial colors." Authentic experiences: Millenials, others drawn to organic nature of Axelrad in Midtown. Ryan Khanh Vu, a 25-year-old senior at Sam Houston State University whos the student representative on the board of the American Society of Interior Designers Texas Gulf Coast chapter, said this dusty lilac might play well with men who tend to not care about individual colors in home decor but prefer to assess a room as a whole. Yellow and pink are more freshing and more active, but when I think of lilac, I think of something thats flexible and not so strong, he said. Misty Yeomans, senior color marketing manager at Glidden Paints, said these colors are popular with millennials because theyre warm and inviting. Millennials along with the even larger Generation Z that follows are truth seekers who see these shades as honest, perhaps even with a nostalgic tie to colors from their childhood, she said. She said it feeds into the hygge movement the Scandinavian term thats not easily definable but focuses on home comforts. (Think of being in your pajamas snuggled up in a blanket with a cup of hot cocoa in front of a fireplace thats hygge.) While baby boomers relax in homes filled with pale neutrals like gray, taupe and white, millennials want to go home to mood lifters, homes with colors that are comforting soft, but more than pastel. They care about its presence in every part of their lives, Mahle said. Its how we present ourselves in fashion and in our homes. Were inundated every day with all sorts of things on technology, social media, news media, in our jobs and relationships plus whatever side gigs if were working multiple jobs or have a job and a lifestyle brands we have our hands in a lot of pots, Mahle said. At end of the day, we want to go home to a relaxing, uplifting space. These colors are mood lifters. Theyre very uplifting and relaxing its enriching to your life experience. Using lilac, pink or yellow might be easy in fashion you can easily change your shirt or shoes but takes a different hand in home doecor. Yeomans suggests painting a bathrooom. Factoring in tile and doorways, very little wall is left to paint. Its almost an accent color by default, she said. Mahle noted that many millennials are still finding their way in the job market and arent yet homeowners. Renters cant really paint walls. Its so easy to transform a sofa with a throw blanet or pillows and throw in a fun ottoman or change out plates and flatware on the table, Mahle said. I invest in artwork. Its super easy to fix a nail hole. I have large artwork thats rejuvenating to me. Even as lilac is being declared the new it color, Yeomans, Mahle and Wofford already know its days are numbered. Lilac will have its moment, but green is on its way in, Mahle said, describing the hue as the dark shade of eucalyptus with that dusty gray-white powder on top. There are a lot of florals that are just greenery, and a lot of focus on having a home with greenery. Thats an energizing space to be in. We see green as being a big story for 2019 because itss tied to nature, said Yeomans, one of Glidden/PPGs color predictors. As a society its a great thing that were going back to nature, and were seeing it being incorporated into new construction, architects are bringing nature in. Nature has this overwhelming ability to heal, to cleanse your soul and spirit and mind. In Asia were also seeing people taking off their shoes and walking into the forest. Its called biophilia, Yeomans said of the term coined by a Harvard scientist to describe our desire to be in natural settings. And baby boomers thought they were just running barefoot in the backyard. US Assistant Secretary Says Georgia Achieved Economic Progress By Tea Mariamidze The United States Assistant Secretary of State, Wess Mitchell stated that Georgia has achieved strong economic growth and created jobs during the recent years.Mitchel made the statement while delivering speech at NATO-Georgia Public Diplomacy Forum, held on April 30-May 1 in Tbilisi.He praised the governments 4-point plan which refers new tax benefits, infrastructure plans, governance reforms and an overhaul of the education system.I am going to support his team with large-scale programs for economic engagement and assistance," said the US Assistant Secretary of State.Wess Mitchell stated that the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo underscored that the US supports Georgias integration with NATO and the EU.NATO's door remains open for all European democracies that share NATO values and contribute to our common security," he said.According to the US Assistant Secretary of State, Georgia is a strong symbol of freedom, adding it can choose its future itself.This year we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the NATO Bucharest Summit declaration, according to which, Georgia will become a NATO member. Alliance strongly supports this declaration. President Trump supports the Bucharest Summit Declaration of 2008 and calls on the members of NATO to fulfill their commitment," he added.Wess Mitchell also condemned occupation of Georgian territories."We urge Russia to repeal the recognition of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali as independent states and ensure free humanitarian access to these regions," he said.NATO-Georgia Public Diplomacy Forum has been underway in Georgia for the third time. It was opened by Georgias Vice-Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mikheil Janelidze, who talked about Georgias Euro-Atlantic aspirations and current challenges that NATO faces, including Anti-Western propaganda and misinformation.Georgia's NATO membership is supported by the majority of the population, but open and hidden anti-Western propaganda and anti-NATO campaign are aimed at increasing distrust and nihilism in the society, he said, adding Georgia has never been so close to NATO as it is today.Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili and the Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili also addressed the forum participants.The NATO-Georgia Public Diplomacy Forum provides an opportunity for public diplomacy and communication professionals from all over the continent to come together to develop strategies, share the best practices and actions required to effectively respond to new challenges facing the allies and partners.This event also draws attention to the needs of the countries in the region and enables them develop robust strategies and measures together with NATO member states. Texas Politics GOP lawmakers swear new Texas redistricting maps are 'race blind' While Texas has roughly equal proportions of Latino and Anglo residents, there are twice as many majority-Anglo congressional districts in the state as Hispanic-majority districts a disparity that is growing even... Fort Bend County commissioners agreed Tuesday to fund a study that would determine the cost and feasibility to add a levee to enclose the back of Barker Reservoir, which contributed to flooding in the area after Hurricane Harvey. The study, approved unanimously, would allow AECOM Technical Services to complete the project for about $67,200. "We've had major floods in three years," Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert said after the vote. ""We're looking at the reservoir because it's an option that we need to understand." The study comes after a Houston Chronicle investigation found that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers predicted that Barker and Addicks reservoirs would have record flooding from Harvey days before officials alerted the public. More than 3,000 homes in the Fort Bend County area were flooded from the Barker Reservoir after Harvey, Hebert said. Altogether, 6,800 homes were damaged during the storm and its aftermath, when more than 200,000 people were evacuated. Harris County homeowners and businesses sued the federal government last year and accused the Corps of Engineers of "knowingly condemning their properties by releasing water from the Barker and Addicks reservoirs after Hurricane Harvey." Fort Bend County Commissioner Andy Meyers said he supports the levee study because he believes it's a cost-effective solution that will prevent homes from future flooding. He said he also supports possible creation of a third reservoir in Cypress Creek. "My solution to the deal is a levee that would protect them. It doesn't matter how the Corps of Engineers operated their reservoir." Meyers said. "They would not be able to flood those people because obviously there would be a levee blocking the water from doing so." Engineers will have 90 days to complete the study and results will be released to the community. Hebert and Meyers said they want to know the cost of the levee in comparison to other flood control projects. "What I'm trying to come up with is a solution that would absolutely prevent the Corps of Engineers from flooding those private properties again," Meyers said. "When I started looking at the few alternatives that were being suggested, they were all very extensive and very long-term.... In the meantime, building a levee could actually work in conjunction with deepening of the reservoirs. It doesn't have to be an either/or type situation." Fort Bend County has 20 levee systems that were designed to protect developments from flooding. Representatives from the Willow Fork Drainage District, various engineering firms, the Harris County Flood Control District, and Stephen Costello, the city of Houston's chief resilience officer, were also consulted about the project before the study was approved on Tuesday, officials said. "These people never expected to flood," Meyers said. "They didn't have flood insurance and yet they got hammered. So, we're doing everything we can." Retired Marine Lt. Col. Oliver North, a central figure in the Iran-contra affair in the 1980s, has been named president of the National Rifle Association. The NRA's board of directors chose North to be the organization's president Monday morning after NRA President Pete Brownell decided not to seek a second term. "This is the most exciting news for our members since Charlton Heston became president of our Association," NRA Executive Vice President and CEO Wayne LaPierre said. "Oliver North is a legendary warrior for American freedom, a gifted communicator and skilled leader. In these times, I can think of no one better suited to serve as our president." North will assume the presidency in coming weeks and has retired from Fox News, where he was a commentator, effective immediately. "I appreciate the board initiating a process that affords me a few weeks to set my affairs in order, and I am eager to hit the ground running as the new NRA President," North said in a statement. North, 74, worked on the staff of the National Security Council in the Reagan White House when some within the administration arranged to sell U.S. arms to Iran in exchange for hostages and diverted part of the proceeds from those sales to help Nicaraguan contra forces. That type of aid was banned by Congress. North was convicted in 1989 of charges including obstructing Congress, unlawfully mutilating government documents and taking an illegal gratuity. He was fined $150,000 and was given a three-year suspended sentence and two years' probation. A federal judge dropped the criminal charges against North in 1991. North has long been active in the NRA, and he is a member of its board. He attended a prayer breakfast at the NRA's annual meeting in Dallas on Saturday. "I want my grandkids to say that Granddad was a person who taught me how to fight the good fight, how to finish the race, how to keep the faith," North said. "You see, that's the most important lesson of all: We're in a fight. We're in a brutal battle to preserve the liberties that the good Lord presents us." North was an active Marine for 22 years. He hosted "War Stories with Oliver North," a series of military history documentaries, on Fox News, and worked as a contributor for the network before retiring Monday. North ran for Senate in 1994 as a Republican in a bitter race against Democrat Charles S. Robb in Virginia. North and Robb were in a statistical tie fewer than two weeks before the election when former first lady Nancy Reagan blasted North, saying he lied about her husband's role in Iran-contra. "Ollie North has a great deal of trouble separating fact from fantasy," Nancy Reagan said at the time, "and he lied to my husband and lied about my husband, kept things from him that he should not have kept from him." Robb won the race by three percentage points. North was one of the few Republicans to lose in the 1994 election, when the party took over Congress. North is taking over the NRA presidency as the organization has been directly challenged by students, activists, corporate America and politicians in th wake of a February shooting in Parkland, Fla., that left 17 dead. "Perhaps the NRA is feeling the pressure from the past few months to change their leadership, but it's downright baffling that they'd choose to install a walking lightning rod at the top of the organization," said Kris Brown, co-president of the Brady Campaign and Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence. "Instead, they are doubling down on a polarizing leadership style that serves only the interest of gun manufacturers at the expense of real American freedom - the right to live life without the fear of being shot." NRA spokeswoman Dana Loesch tweeted that North is a "total warrior for freedom" and "the last person that anti-gun advocates would want as the new president of the NRA board." The NRA's 147th annual meeting drew tens of thousands of people to Dallas last weekend; President Trump and Vice President Pence addressed the meeting Friday. --- Video Embed Code Video: Retired Marine Lt. Col. Oliver North, named president of the National Rifle Association on May 7, gave the invocation during the NRA convention in Dallas on May 4.(The Washington Post) Embed code: Houston Community College is shutting down its Holman Street campus Monday due to a shooting threat made on social media over the weekend, the school said Sunday evening. The FBI and local law enforcement are helping investigate the threat, which was published on Facebook, HCC spokeswoman Linda Toyota said. "HCC takes all matters with implications for the security of its students, faculty and staff seriously," the college said in an email. "HCC and its police department are actively working with other law enforcement agencies to identify the source of the threat in an effort to eliminate the risk of harm." READ ALSO: High expectations surround Ruth Simmons' presidency at Prairie View A&M University Now Playing: Latest Education Videos Video: Houston Chronicle Officials did not offer details about what the threat said. Toyota said no individuals were named in the threat, which was anonymous and specific to Central Campus on Holman. Other HCC campuses will still be open Monday, and the college promised to provide additional security at those locations. Toyota said HCC was made aware of the threat on Saturday. The Facebook post was deleted that same day, she said. READ ALSO: 1 arrested after argument in hair waxing salon leads to shooting at Pearland shopping center About 150 course finals slated for Monday at the Central Campus will be rescheduled to Friday, Toyota said. She said it is the first time the college has had to respond to a threat from an unknown person. "Usually," she said, "we can resolve it pretty quickly." Anyone with information related to the case can notify campus police at 713-718-8888. It's been a busy summer for the Texas prisons' transportation department beginning with a federal court order to place vulnerable inmates at a geriatric unit in air conditioned facilities, followed weeks later by an epic hurricane that triggered evacuations at three prisons along the swollen Brazos River. And now a new court order is prompting Texas Department of Criminal Justice officials to hit the roads again. Beginning Friday, officials plan to move the majority of a Rosharon facility's inmates who were housed during the storm in a non-air-conditioned facility in Navasota, to a third site in Beaumont. More than 700 heat-sensitive evacuees will be transferred on Friday. Once the inmate evacuees from the A.M. "Mac" Stringfellow Unit set foot at the Wallace Pack Unit in Navasota, they were protected under an emergency injunction issued by U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison, requiring cool living quarters to heat vulnerable inmates. Ellison found the indoor living conditions were dangerous for vulnerable Pack inmates in July. Prison officials chose to move the Pack inmates rather than bring in temporary air conditioning. Those accommodations were approved by the judge and transfers to air-conditioned prisons began in early August. During Hurricane Harvey, officials decided to make use of the mostly-vacant Pack Unit, citing it as an extraordinary circumstance in which they needed to consider inmates' safety. Jeff Edwards, an Austin attorney handling class action by the Pack inmates, called TDCJ's leadership short-sighted, saying a more clear-cut solution would be to provide temporary air-conditioning on site. "At some point, the leadership at this agency has to be held accountable not just for its indifference but also its incompetence," he said. The judge issued his original order in a civil rights lawsuit brought by Pack Unit inmates, suing after 23 inmates died as a result of heat exposure at Texas prisons. Now Ellison has issued a second court order. Prison officials will move heat-sensitive Stringfellow evacuees. Buses are expected to complete the transfer 710 inmates on Friday, with heat sensitive Stringfellow evacuees moving from the Pack Unit to the Richard P. LeBlanc facility in Beaumont. In addtion, 382 inmates housed at Travis State Jail, who were part of the initial heat vulnerable group at Pack, will also be transferred to LeBlanc, according to Jason Clark, the TDCJ spokesman. In all, Clark said he expects 3,352 inmates will board buses and change facilities in the coming days to accommodate the heat-related transfers, although some of these may include the same inmate boarding a bus twice: -710 inmates originally at Stringfellow who were evacuated to the Pack Unit during Hurricane Harvey will be transferred to the LeBlanc Unit, which has air-conditioning. -1,130 inmates at LeBlanc will be moved to nearby Larry Gist State Jail to accommodate the transfers. -750 inmates from Gist will be moved to the Stringfellow Unit. -382 inmates originally at the Pack Unit, who were transferred to Travis State Jail, will now be moved to LeBlanc. -380 inmates from Gist will be transferred to the Travis State Jail. Gabrielle Banks covers federal courts for the Houston Chronicle. Follow her on Twitter or send tips to gabrielle.banks@chron.com Published Monday, May 7. The heat woke him early. Keith Milo Cole would sit bolt upright in his prison bunk, and then soak his shirt in the sink and slide it on again. Hed sit by the fan, sucking in deep gulps of air. Or lie on the concrete floor. The former Alief resident, who has spent decades in Texas prisons, saw guards and inmates collapse during annual heat waves. Sometimes Cole, 64, who has diabetes, hypertension and cardiac problems, said his heart would beat so fast he thought he positively, absolutely could die. UPDATE: Texas prison system reaches deal with inmates over air conditioning for cells But this summer will be different. After a historic four-year court battle for what inmates contend is a basic human right, air conditioning is now installed at the Pack Unit in Navasota, offering relief to the 1,400 inmates at the low-security geriatric facility. And the landmark class-action lawsuit brought by Cole and other inmates over dangerous heat conditions could finally be resolved after a federal court hearing Tuesday on a proposed settlement. Other inmates could also benefit. Even before negotiating a deal, Texas prison officials began looking to move tens of thousands of vulnerable inmates into cooler quarters, perhaps to avert a swarm of additional lawsuits from other prisons. Im not sure it would have happened without a federal lawsuit, said state Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, chair of the Texas Senate's corrections committee. Its an attitude among the public and the Legislature, which speaks for the public, that we dont want to spend money on people who are murderers and rapists. The 2014 suit filed by the Pack inmates challenged the deadly hot conditions inside the rural prison, saying they violated constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment. U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison has already concluded the state showed deliberate indifference to inmate conditions. RULING: Federal judge orders a/c for heat-sensitive Texas inmates Cole, who is serving a life sentence for killing his estranged wife on a west Houston street 24 years ago, knows he and his fellow inmates dont generate sympathy from all sectors of the public. Ive gotten letters from people that say, Extreme heat? You can die and go to hell, Cole said, during a visiting-room interview with the Houston Chronicle in February. But the fact of the matter is most people in the free world dont realize this is a life-or-death situation. Prison officials acknowledged that 22 prisoners died from extreme indoor heat over 14 years in prisons from South Texas to Dallas. But human rights and health experts who visited Texas prisons estimated that the actual number of heat deaths is much higher. *** The historic settlement expected to be finalized this week requires that temporary air conditioning at Pack be replaced pending legislative approval by permanent cooling systems by May 2020. It also resolves lawsuits involving eight wrongful deaths and a wrongful injury at other prisons and awards the Edwards Law firm in Austin $4.5 million for trying the case. And already, Bryan Collier, executive director of the Texas prison system, is planning to relocate at-risk prisoners at 75 uncooled units to 29 prisons already equipped with air conditioning, according to two lawmakers briefed on the plan. The prisons will "take appropriate precautions" for inmates at high risk for heat stroke across the Texas prison system while "minimizing the likelihood of future litigation," said Jeremy Desel, spokesman for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. "The department has been, and continues to be, committed to the safety and well-being of all offenders. The agreement, which is now filed in Federal court and is subject to final court approval, will end the protracted legal proceeding and provide additional safeguards for offenders at the Pack Unit who may be susceptible to extreme heat," Desel said. Collier has proposed applying 26 medical categories outlined in the Pack deal such as people 65 or older, with diabetes, coronary artery disease, asthma or who take antipsychotics or diuretics to identify inmates across Texas in greatest need of protection. He hopes to make use of the systems existing 32,000 air-conditioned beds as needed, but may need additional fencing and cameras to secure potentially violent prisoners. It could take a few years before the transfers are completed but would be cheaper than trying to air-condition the old cell blocks. TRANSFERS: Moonlight ride takes heat-sensitive Texas inmates to cooler quarters We have a moral responsibility to keep people safe and healthy and ensure were not inflicting cruel and unusual punishment, said Rep. James White, R-Hillister, who chairs the Texas House corrections committee. Whitmire, a longtime advocate for prison reform, said he was optimistic about the proposal after more than a dozen discussions and walks through Texas cell blocks with Collier. They dont want to be back in court, he said. Theyre going to be proactive. I think theyve come a long way. A spokesperson for Gov. Greg Abbott said he would not comment before the Pack settlement was finalized. State Sen. Joan Huffman, a Houston Republican on the corrections committee, also declined to comment. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who plays a key role in prison policy, did not respond to requests for comment. *** The flood of civil rights lawsuits came after 12 inmates died at 10 Texas prisons during heat waves in 2011 and 2012. Among others, family members sued on behalf of Larry McCollum, a 58-year-old inmate at the Dallas-area Hutchins Unit with less than a year left on a check-cashing conviction. He died after guards found him with a body temperature of 109. FATALITIES: Families sue prison system over heat wave deaths at Texas lockups In contrast to these claims, the 2014 class action suit set out to protect living inmates at the Pack Unit. While no heat deaths were officially recorded there, inmates said the prison failed to adhere to contemporary standards of decency and subjected the units geriatric and medically compromised population to substantial risk of serious injury or death during the summer months. Also prompted by the heat deaths, a group of law students from the University of Texas Human Rights Clinic started to visit prisons and collect data about the health effects of unmitigated heat. Their report, flagging at last 40 deaths at Texas prisons in which they suspected extreme heat as a contributing factor, drew concern from the United Nations Committee Against Torture and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The UT study also identified extreme heat deaths at jails and prisons in California, Arizona, Florida, New York and Michigan. ONE-ON-ONE: Federal judge asks warden if there are risks he'd take for inmates These are, in some ways, the most vulnerable people in the country because they are at the hands of the state 24 hours a day, and theres no other way for inmates to protect themselves, said Ariel Dulitsky, director of the UT Human Rights Clinic. State lockups in Texas have been slower to modernize their cooling systems than county or federal facilities. Since 1976, state standards call for county jails to keep the temperature between 65 and 85 degrees. The Bureau of Prisons also offers air conditioning at all but seven of 122 federal units. But most of the 1.3 million people in state facilities nationwide arent privy to these advances. A survey of state correctional systems by the Chronicle found that five states provide air conditioning for all inmates, while 21 other states offer it for at least half their prisoners. Texas is among six southern states that dont have cooling for the majority of inmates. Unmitigated heat presents a unique threat in Texas because hot spells are protracted. Pack staffers logged 74 days in 2011 when the temperature surpassed 100 degrees. Heat is perilous for people who are compromised and many people in our prisons are compromised, said Susi Vassallo, a certified corrections physician who studied the effect of heat at prisons across the south and testified as an expert for the Pack inmates. She said the elderly are at the greatest risk, as well as people who have conditions or take medicine that impede the bodys ability to regulate heat. Being held all day in extremely hot, humid spaces forces the heart to pump faster and the body to sweat to the point of dehydration. Air conditioning eliminates these threats, she said. State officials, however, voiced concerns about the cost of infrastructure improvements, suggesting that air-conditioned respite rooms, cool showers and ice water provided sufficient alternatives during heat spells. WATER WOES: Federal judge mandates water without arsenic for Texas inmates But Vassallo told the Chronicle that Texas wardens dont hesitate to aid inmates during other emergencies. Its inconceivable that we would not rescue these prisoners from the dangers of flooding, fire, electrocution, drowning, bacteria, cold or illness, so why would we not protect them when we know heat is a proven, measurable threat? she asked. *** Ellisons emergency order after testimony from prisoners who experienced heat-related nausea, fainting and hospitalization established for the first time at a Texas facility that vulnerable inmates cannot be housed in rooms that surpass an 88-degree threshold. Lawsuits by inmates seeking relief from unacceptable living conditions are particularly tough to win, legal scholars said. These cases are really hard-fought and typically prison officials resist improving their conditions as much as they possibly can, said Sharon Dolovich, director of the prison law and policy program at the University of California at Los Angeles. Prisoners are not a popular constituency. Inmates rights cases face a high threshold under the Prison Litigation Reform Act of 1996, law professors said. They have to show theres a serious threat of harm and prove that officials are aware of the threat. HARVEY TRANSFERS: Texas prisons make move evacuated inmates to a/c facilities Jeff Edwards, whose small Austin firm joined the Texas Civil Rights Project in representing the Pack inmates, said building a case against a $3 billion state agency is laborious. People arent running to go make money doing prison litigation, he said. Cole said being at an air-conditioned facility since the courts 2017 injunction improved his physical and mental health, but his brother Derek said that Cole didnt sign the settlement because it doesnt address all his concerns. Hes among dozens of inmates who say the lawsuit prompted retaliation, including excessive use of air conditioning on cold days. But another inmate, Richard Elvin King, who is incarcerated for three 1989 murder convictions, signed off on the deal. We might have done an inhuman deed, but were still humans, King said during an interview in February. Some of the guys come in with a 10-year sentence thats not aggravated and they end up dying because of the heat. King, 72, a Vietnam War veteran and former railroad engineer from Nacogdoches, has high blood pressure and diabetes. He said the heat is a constant threat. Somebody beating you up? You try to avoid that and you can avoid it. If somebody wants to stab you, you can stay out of the way, he said. But the heat is there all the time Theres no getting away from it. Gabrielle Banks writes about inmates' rights, voting rights and discrimination cases. She wants to hear about people challenging the police, prison wardens and public institutions for violating civil rights and to investigate criminal prosecutions in the Southern District of Texas. Help Gabrielle unveil stories about justice -- served and denied. Follow her on Twitter at @gabmobanks. About the series Banks explored the wrongful death lawsuits brought by family members of inmates who died of heat stroke amid sweltering summers of 2011 and 2012, and the 2014 class-action lawsuit that alleged living without air conditioning at a geriatric unit northwest of Houston amounted to "cruel and unusual punishment." She dug into the medical issues involved in heat exposure and the policy decisions prisons had made about climate control. Subscribe The Houston Chronicle is dedicated to serving the public interest with fact-based journalism. That mission has never been more important. Show your support for our journalism at HoustonChronicle.com/subscribe. *** Houston Community College's Central Campus will remain closed on Tuesday as the college continues to investigate a shooting threat posted on social media over the weekend. College officials announced the continued closure Monday afternoon. It follows a Sunday decision to shut down all Monday operations on the Midtown campus as HCC police inspected campus facilities, enacted new security measures and tried to identify the person who made the threat. Other HCC campuses restricted access to buildings and grounds and bolstered security but remained opened Monday. The college said that the same measures would take place on Tuesday. HCC spokeswoman Linda Toyota said the community college decided to keep campus closed for an additional day to implement additional security measures recommended by local and federal law enforcement. She declined to identify those measures. Toyota said the college does not believe there is an ongoing threat of violence connected to the post, which was made on Facebook over the weekend. HCC officials learned of the post on Saturday, and Toyota said it was deleted that day. The FBI and local law enforcement have not identified the person who posted the threat and would continue to work on the case, FBI spokesman Orlan Streams said. Officials are close to identifying and arresting a suspect connected to the post, which threatened violence on Monday, according to a person familiar with the investigation. HCC is running the investigation. The FBI is not taking the lead, the person familiar with the investigation said. HCC Police Chief Greg Cunningham and HCC Chancellor Cesar Maldonado will hold a news conference at noon on Tuesday. "We will remain vigilant and respond thoroughly whenever any reports of a concerning nature are received," Maldonado said in a provided statement Monday. "HCC is a place of learning. We also want it to be a place where everyone is safe." By mid-day Monday, the campus was quiet, save for a few police vehicles circling the perimeter to turn away students. The decision to close campus required HCC to reschedule about 150 final examinations on Monday. More scheduled for Tuesday will be pushed to Thursday. Student Logan Stanley said he did not realize the campus was closed until he arrived Monday morning. He didn't see the evening email, he said. "Something like this should probably be a city-wide notification, in all honesty," he said. Alejandra Villarreal, an 18-year-old student at the Houston Academy for International Studies who takes early-college high school classes at HCC, had her astronomy final rescheduled to Friday due to the shooting threat. Though she would have preferred to take her final Monday, Villarreal said she understands why college officials would want to close the campus, which is open to outsiders who may not be students. "You'd be surprised at how many people come on campus," Villarreal said. The weekend shooting threat is the latest scare in Texas amid an uptick of threats after the Parkland, Fla., mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February. Incidents and threats to U.S. schools soared by more than 300 percent in the 30 days after 17 people were shot and killed in Parkland, according to the Educator's School Safety Network, which tracks shooting threats. Earlier this year, multiple University of Houston students flagged posts to Instagram threatening violence. University officials found no threat, and the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office said the person responsible for the social media posts had been in the hospital at the time of the posts. The Educator's School Safety Network said that in the 30-day period after Parkland, 45.6 percent of threats made came from social media. More than 1,850 schools received those threats, and the majority of those schools were high schools, not colleges or universities. Now Playing: FOX 26 Morning News Extra Video: Fox 26 Houston Anyone with information related to the HCC case can notify campus police at 713-718-8888. Gabrielle Banks contributed to this report. Larry McCollum arrived at the Hutchins prison unit near Dallas to a grim greeting. "Welcome to hell," the guards told him. A cab driver with the look and physique of Santa Claus, McCollum was to finish an 11-month stint there for cashing a hot check. Instead, after six sweltering days on the cell block, the 58-year-old died of heatstroke. McCollum shared his experiences in a letter that he wrote before his death. "I can't imagine what my dad was going through," said his daughter, Stephanie Kingrey. "How scared he probably was, not knowing what was going to happen." McCollum is among 22 people who have died as a result of indoor weather conditions at 15 state prisons since 1998, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The majority of Texas prisons do not have air conditioning in living areas. The lawyers handling McCollum's wrongful-death lawsuit against the TDCJ also are tackling the rights of current and future inmates in a separate lawsuit that will be heard in Houston this week. The case centers on six inmates at the Wallace Pack Unit in Navasota, about 75 miles northwest of downtown Houston. The plaintiffs argue that the cooling mechanisms the prison provides - fans, showers and cool drinking water - won't protect inmates from the dangers of extreme heat. Being locked inside with humidity and temperatures topping 100 degrees, they argue, amounts to cruel and unusual punishment. U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison has granted class-action status to the case, and the lawyers this week are requesting immediate relief for all Wallace Pack inmates - healthy and sick, young and old. State criminal justice officials argue it's too expensiveto provide air conditioning throughout housing units. They say the warden and top administrators understand the danger of rising indoor temperatures during heat waves and take steps to mitigate it. "We are prepared to vigorously defend our position in court," said Jason Clark, a spokesman for TDCJ. "The well-being of staff and offenders is a top priority for the agency, and we remain committed to making sure that both are safe during the extreme heat." Prison officials uniformly take a variety of precautions to help reduce heat-related illnesses, Clark said. Water and ice are provided to staff and inmates; activity is restricted during the hottest hours of the day; and staff is trained to identify symptoms of heat-related illnesses and refer people for treatment. The inmates, represented by Austin-based Edwards Law, contend such efforts are inadequate. They note in court documents that TDCJ requires cool air and ventilation for its hog barns with mist-generators that automatically turn on when the temperature rises above 74 degrees. And yet, "TDCJ has no similar policies to protect humans." More Information The following inmates are part of a lawsuit challenging the lack of cooling at a prison unit northwest of Houston: Keith Cole, 63, has diabetes and hypertension and takes medicine that inhibits his ability to regulate his body temperature. He had been treated for heat exhaustion and has spent time in the air-conditioned infirmary. Jackie Brannum, 63, has diabetes and hypertension and takes medication for depression, Schizoaffective disorder and back pain that effect his body's abilities to thermoregulate. He has been treated at the infirmary for dehydration, dizziness and extreme headaches brought on by the indoor heat. Richard King, 70, has diabetes, hypertension and obesity. He has lost his coordination and skipped meals due to the heat. His conditions impair his ability to thermoregulate. Fred Wallace, 74, has hypertension, obesity and depression. His medications for depression and hypertension inhibit his ability to thermoregulate. He had been to the infirmary for dizziness and dehydration from the heat. Marvin Yates, 72, is a cancer survivor who has hypertension, chronic obstructive plumonary disease, coronary artery disease, asthma, diabetes and arthritis. He takes beta blockers and has a stent in his heart. His disabilities and medicaitons impair his ability to thermoregulate. He has experienced dizziness, muscle cramps, fatigue, blurred vision and headaches due to heat. Michael Denton, 39, does not have disabilities or take medications. See More Collapse The debate boils down to a civil rights matter, said Carter White, director of the civil rights clinic at the University of California Davis School of Law, who has experience with class-action suits involving inmates. "When people get sentenced to time in prison, it's not a death sentence," White said. "They're supposed to be housed in humane conditions that don't cause these heat-related illnesses." Cooling off Only 28 of the state's 107 state prison facilities provide air conditioning in housing areas, according to TDCJ. Medical, psychiatric and geriatric facilities are air-conditioned in all areas. Many state facilities were built before air conditioning, and most built afterward do not have it because of costs for construction, maintenance and utilities, said Clark, the TDCJ spokesman. The Pack Unit, a minimum-security facility built in 1983, houses more than 500 inmates with medical needs. In May, it was near capacity with 1,478 men. Half the prisoners have been over age 50, and 200 or so are over 65. About 200 inmates are young and healthy, shouldering the bulk of the labor, according to lawyers with Edwards Law. Some portions of Pack have air conditioning - including solitary cells and the infirmary - but not the prisoner's dormitories. Officials have designated some indoor areas where inmates can go for respite, but inmates can't spend all their time in these areas. During extreme heat, officials say, the prison restricts outdoor activity, provides water breaks for workers and offers cold showers and extra drinking water and ice when available. It provides blowers and fans and attempts to ventilate the units. Guards encourage inmates to wear shorts. But every summer some Pack inmates require treatment for heat-related illnesses, documents indicate. The windows in the dorms are sealed shut, and inmates often sleep on the concrete floor because it is cooler than on their bunks. Each of the Pack inmates in the lawsuit has suffered setbacks as a result of indoor heat - five have medical complications and take medications that put them at heightened risk for heat exposure; the sixth is healthy. The inmates are asking the court to require an explicit heat wave policy at Pack Unit with remedies for inmates at different risk levels. They also want the judge to force the prison to lower the indoor temperatures during heat waves and mandate on-demand showers, portable coolers, open windows with bug screens and three-hour periods of respite in air-conditioned parts of the facility. Among other details, they want the prison to monitor inmates' water consumption, provide wellness checks and announce the temperature hourly during heat waves. Ellison's ruling could set a precedent that would enable inmates at other facilities to challenge policies and practices, said Jennifer E. Laurin, a professor of criminal and civil rights law at University of Texas. "If the judge orders changes to the prison," she said, "prisoners at other facilities could seek the same reforms." Short but deadly stint McCollum, a grandfather who drove a Yellow cab, was living with his wife in Waco when he was arrested. Someone had approached him outside a bank and asked him to cash a check with proceeds from a stolen car, his daughter said. McCollum, who had previous convictions for DWI and theft, was sentenced to 11 months in prison When it came time to transfer him from the county jail to Hutchins Unit to serve his sentence, McCollum was scared, his family said. He had heard terrible things about the place. After McCollum died, his wife Sandra received a letter he had written the day he arrived at Hutchins. When the prisoners arrived at the facility, the letter says, the guards taunted him with the grim greeting. McCollum, who was diabetic with arthritis and high blood pressure, was given a top bunk. Per prison system policy, he wasn't issued a water cup, forcing him to use his hands to scoop water when he was thirsty, his family claims in court filings. But he rarely did that, the family believes, because he had trouble getting down from his bunk. On July 22, 2011, fellow inmates found him having convulsions on the top bunk. He was taken to Parkland Hospital in Dallas, where his body temperature was found to be over 109 degrees. His family kept vigil for six days before cutting off life support. Ten inmates died from heat exposure over a three-week period that summer at prisons in Palestine, Rusk, Huntsville and Kenedy, according to TDCJ records. Kingrey and her family were the first relatives of a heat-illness victim to bring suit against TDCJ. Her aim, she said, is "to prevent other families from going through the hell we're going through." "It's not humane," Kingrey said. "It makes me sick to my stomach knowing that other men and women living in Texas and all the other southern states get so hot and they have no relief whatsoever." Even before Hurricane Harvey dumped 14 months worth of rain on the Houston area in four days, government and business leaders were discussing the need to build a third reservoir west of the city a key step in completing a 78-year-old plan to protect the heart of Houston from devastating floods. That 1940 plan by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers included several projects that were never built, including a reservoir on White Oak Bayou, a levee on Cypress Creek, and about 50 miles of canals. The engineers who drew up that plan might have gaped in astonishment at Greater Houston, 2018 - a vast agglomeration of glittering skyscrapers and humble bungalows, narrow streets and 24-lane freeways, cell phone towers and salvage yards, strip clubs and construction cranes. Yet even as the region and its needs have changed, the vision of an additional reservoir has endured. Eight months after Harvey, area leaders generally agree that a third reservoir is needed to supplement the protection provided by the Barker and Addicks reservoirs - two projects in the 1940 plan that did come to fruition. Unresolved issues involving the location, design and primary goal of a third reservoir, however, reflect broader questions about regional values and priorities. These questions were highlighted in a report last month by the Greater Houston Flood Mitigation Consortium, a panel of experts examining flooding issues. The report noted that a third reservoir concept known as Plan 5, discussed in a 2015 Harris County Flood Control District study, was designed chiefly to enable new development rather than to protect places where people already lived and worked. REPORT: Houston area must take fresh approach on flooding The same debate emerged during planning and construction of the Grand Parkway, the areas outermost ring road. Critics said - and planners at times acknowledged - that the road was intended to open up new areas for development rather than to increase mobility in existing communities. The essence of this dispute is whether to focus on planning to meet the needs of future residents or on enhancing the lives of those already here. Harris County Commissioner Jack Cagle says this is a false choice. Cagle, whose northwest Harris County precinct includes areas likely to be affected by a third reservoir, is calling for an approach that he says would facilitate responsible development, benefit existing neighborhoods and protect significant portions of the Katy Prairie west of Houston, where vegetation and wetlands provide natural flood protection. The prairie can be the thing that saves us, said Cagle, who calls his concept Plan 7. Cagle says the reservoir could be designed to spread out over a broad area of the prairie, in keeping with a Dutch flood control concept known as make room for the river. We need to try to create a system that integrates with the other two reservoirs, and is of a robust size that could actually handle a Harvey-size storm or larger and provide some protection downstream, Cagle said. Cagle said more study is needed to flesh out the details of a third reservoir. The study and subsequent design and construction, he said, could proceed more quickly under local management rather than through the Corps of Engineers, which manages the Addicks and Barker reservoirs. Corps projects, Cagle said, tend to be ploddingly planned. County Judge Ed Emmett agreed that the state or the county should build and operate the third reservoir. Moreover, Emmett said he wants the state or federal government to protect significant portions of the Katy Prairie by creating a preserve. Im making calls toward that goal, he said. OPEN LAND: Protecting Katy Prairie would signal new attitude, Emmett says Emmett said the reservoir should not be located in the Katy Prairie, although it should be sited and designed to protect the Cypress Creek watershed in the same area. Estimates of the cost of a third reservoir have hovered around $500 million, and officials generally say the funds should come from the state or federal government. Theoretically, a third reservoir could be among the projects included in a multibillion-dollar Harris County flood bond election scheduled for Aug. 25. The concept also has drawn support from Harris Plus Flood Solutions, a nonprofit founded in January by the West Houston Association, a business group, and the Greater Houston Builders Association, a trade group for home builders. Harris Pluss advocacy arm, known as Houston Stronger, has developed a wish list of projects with a total cost of $58 billion. Augustus Campbell, the CEO of the West Houston Association, said the plan is conceptual and subject to change. He said the organization agrees that more study of the details of the third reservoir is needed, but he did not directly answer a question about whether the industry groups support the Plan 5 approach. In addition to obvious issues like cost and location, backers of a third reservoir must wrestle with potential confusion based on terminology. A reservoir, after all, is simply water pooled behind some obstruction logs piled up by beavers, compacted earth stretched across or parallel to a stream, or a massive concrete edifice like the Hoover Dam. EDITORIAL: Second thoughts on third reservoir The levees at Addicks and Barker are made of compacted earth, with ends tapered toward the ground and covered in concrete. Each taper is at a different elevation to make sure the rate of spillage only gradually increases (since all of the water is going to the same bayou) instead of gushing out both sides at once, Houston engineer Michael F. Bloom writes in a discussion of the reservoirs on his blog, Riparian Houston. Addicks and Barker also have gates to control the release of water from the reservoirs behind the earthen levees. During Harvey, as unprecedented rainfall filled the reservoirs, Corps of Engineers officials opened these gates, flooding hundreds of houses downstream. CITY'S VIEW: Turner urges lawmakers to back third reservoir A reservoir with gates creates the potential for pools behind the levees to remain in place for longer periods of time. If the third reservoir is built in the Katy Prairie, this could damage vegetation that helps to absorb floodwaters, provides wildlife habitat and purifies water, said Mary Anne Piacentini, the CEO of the nonprofit Katy Prairie Conservancy. A levee (without gates) would hold water, but it would seep out naturally, she said. Piacentini said she had consulted with an ecologist who determined that prolonged inundation could interrupt the life cycle of the vegetation and make the soil less absorbent. Cagle said his notion of spreading out the water over a large area would keep it shallow, allowing sunlight to penetrate and sustain the valuable prairie grasses. The commissioner acknowledged potential tension between the need to take action before memories of Harvey fade, and the risks of making huge investments without fully exploring the benefits and risks of each project. Im wanting us to move quickly, Cagle said. Im highly motivated on this. mike.snyder@chron.com NAVASOTA - A plain, white school bus left the Wallace Pack Unit under moonlit skies Wednesday morning, transporting the first group of more than 1,000 heat-sensitive inmates to cooler climes under federal court order. The bus entered the rural Grimes County facility at 4:13 a.m. and returned around 5 a.m. along an access road that smelled of fresh manure, likely emanating from the prison's swine and cattle operations. The air-conditioned bus carried 43 passengers, officials said, but its windows reflected only the dark night sky. The predawn transit marked a major turning point in a legal battle over inmates' living conditions at the Pack Unit that has played out in a closely watched civil rights lawsuit. "This is the first time that the department has taken actual steps which we can say for certain will reduce the risk that these inmates will suffer a senseless heatstroke," said Jeff Edwards, the lead lawyer representing the Pack inmates. Texas Department of Criminal Justice officials assured U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison in a Houston courtroom Tuesday that this Blue Bird bus outfitted for correctional use would be air-conditioned, as would all other vehicles used to deliver elderly and medically compromised inmates from the sweltering conditions in the Pack quarters. Ellison ordered prison officials to complete the transfers within three weeks, giving what he said was sufficient time for "a massive move of humanity." Just one bus left the Pack Unit on Wednesday with 43 heat-sensitive inmates headed for the Mark W. Stiles Unit, a facility near Beaumont that can accommodate CPAP machines and other medical devices, officials said. "The transfer went smoothly, and we do not anticipate any issues at this time," TDCJ spokesman Jason Clark said Wednesday. "The agency has significant experience in moving inmates and doing so in a safe and secure manner." Two transports are set for Thursday, with more on Saturday. The bulk of the transfers to 11 air-conditioned facilities around the state is set to take place next week, another official said. Inmates displaced by the Pack Unit transfers will move to state prisons that are not air-conditioned, but the move will be temporary - the state plans to return the Pack inmates to the Navasota site once the hot weather subsides. Inside the prison, inmates were told to gather only legal papers, hygiene products and personal fans. The rest will be shrink-wrapped and loaded onto pallets for transport, according to Gaylyn Dutton, whose 55-year-old son, Stephen Parker, is serving his sentence at the Pack Unit. Dutton said her son, who has hypertension, called to tell her 100 inmates had been moved to the gym for the next group of transfers. He wasn't one of them. "He sounded real down, just not knowing what's going to happen, just the uncertainty of not knowing," she said. "He doesn't know how soon they will let him know and tell them to get on board." Dutton questioned why the prison system couldn't just add a cooling system to the Pack Unit. "They could have used the money they used to fight (the lawsuit) to take care of the problem and not have to move a bunch of people," she said. "I've heard of too many accidents. Everybody I've talked to on Facebook, the mothers, that's a concern." The rapid-fire transfers also stirred concerns among prison guards. "The transfer of so many has everyone on needles to make sure that it's done quickly yet accurately," said one guard, who asked not to be identified because he did not have permission to comment. A group of inmates at the minimum-security Pack Unit filed a federal lawsuit in 2014, accusing the state of violating their constitutional rights against cruel and unusual punishment and the Americans with Disabilities Act after a series of heat-related deaths. The unit houses more than 1,400 inmates, many of whom are elderly, mobility impaired or have health problems. In July, Ellison issued a temporary injunction ordering the state to find cooler living quarters for Pack Unit inmates who are vulnerable to heat. In a court hearing Tuesday, officials finalized plans for the transfers and outlined potential adjustments to the prison's heat wave policy. The suit is being closely watched by civil rights groups and inmate advocates who see its potential to turn the tide in Texas. More than 30,000 inmates in Texas have been designated as sensitive to "extreme temperature" because of age, health conditions or medicines they take, according to documents obtained by the Chronicle through the state open records law. A series of inmates Monday offered vivid accounts of daily life locked inside prison dormitories without air conditioning in sweltering summer heat. You can't read because sweat pools up in your eyes. You can't write a letter because the ink gets smeared with sweat. You accidentally brush against your bed post and it's like touching an oven that got left on. "It's undescribable. It's real misery," said Thomas Pennington, a 52-year-old serving a life sentence. "You sit on your bunk, put your head down and you just sit there, you're soaking wet, clothes stuck to you." Heat-induced illnesses Pennington and four other inmates described sleepless nights, headaches, dizziness and nausea. One inmate, Carlos Huerta, 30, went to the emergency room for heat exhaustion with a body temperature of 102.3 and on another oppressively hot day, Huerta saw a sweat-soaked guard on his unit collapse. The testimony came in a federal lawsuit by inmates seeking emergency relief from "cruel and unusual punishment" of indoor heat that sometimes tops 100 degrees in the summertime. Lawyers for six inmates at the Wallace Pack Unit northwest of Houston say the heat is especially dangerous for sick and elderly inmates and those who take medicine that inhibits their bodies from cooling itself. U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison previously ruled that the inmates needed a safer water supply because the well at Pack Unit had elevated levels of arsenic. Twenty-two inmates have died from heat-related illness at the state prisons since 1998, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Most state prisons in Texas do not have air-conditioning in the housing units. Inadequate remedies Lawyers for TDCJ questioned the inmates about the remedies the prison has provided - including ice water, respite rooms and wellness checks. The Pack inmates testified that the ample ice water and fans aren't enough to mitigate the heat. The cool showers help for about as long as it takes to walk back to one's bunk from the shower. The respite areas - including the craft shop, the barber shop and an administrative hallway - offer limited space for limited time periods. Keith Cole, 63, told the judge the situation has improved since he and others sued the prison. There's always ice water available, for example. But he said only truly assertive inmates like him take advantage of the respite areas on a daily basis. The fans just blow hot air. The dorms don't have cross-ventilation because the windows are sealed shut. One of Cole's biggest fears is shortness of breath, which he says affects him every summer when the temperature rises. "The best way to describe it is it feels like you're sucking in air, but you're not sucking in air. You have the sensation that you're suffocating," Cole said. The hearing is expected to last into next week. HOUSTON As summer heats up across the South, a federal judge here is expected to decide in the coming weeks whether prison inmates have the right to live in cooled housing areas when the mercury rises above 90 degrees. In anticipation of the coming heat, U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison held a landmark two-week hearing concluding Thursday in a lawsuit brought by inmates at the Wallace Pack Unit northwest of Houston, where prisoners including the elderly and infirm want emergency relief. The case comes in the wake of 22 indoor heat deaths at Texas Department of Criminal Justice units since 1998. Lawyers for the six inmates who sued say the hearing marked the first time a group of inmates collectively testified about their exposure to heat and what its like to live day to day in un-air-conditioned prison housing units. According to Jeff Edwards, one of the team of lawyers who argued the case for the inmates, the case boils down to two questions: Do the Pack Unit inmates face a substantial risk of harm from extreme heat, and is Texas violating the Constitution by exposing them to cruel and unusual punishment? The team from Edwards Law in Austin and the Texas Civil Rights Project argued that standards of human decency dictate that inmates especially those who take medicines that affect their bodies ability to fight heat, and those with diabetes, hypertension and other conditions that make them sensitive to heat should be allowed to live in temperatures below 88 degrees. TDCJ administrators testified that the prisons make every reasonable effort to protect inmates during heat waves, offering an unlimited supply of ice water, cold showers and respite areas. But they told the judge that given their budgetary constraints, air-conditioning the entire facility is not economically feasible. Based on court documents and testimony during the hearings, the temporary cooling systems the judge is considering range from $100,000 to just over $1 million. A permanent fix would cost between $450,000 and $22 million, plus yearly operating costs. Court testimony revealed that the TDCJs budget is $3.3 billion, including profits from the agencys commissary of $30 million. Robert Herrera, warden at the Pack Unit since 2010, told the judge that hed personally spoken with hundreds of inmates about drinking the water, taking cold showers and going to respite areas if theyre hot. But he said he was limited in terms of implementing policies to relieve the heat. How many heat illnesses was too many? he was asked. Any incident is one too many, Herrera said. Cody Ginsel, the highest-ranking TDCJ official to take the stand, echoed that sentiment when asked about the heat deaths at state facilities. Any death is one too many, but we have improved following the deaths, said Ginsel, who now oversees private prisons but was formerly deputy director of correctional institutions. Several inmates took the stand, in handcuffs and leg irons, saying they have headaches and feel dizzy when its hot and humid in the dorms. They slept on the concrete floor and blanketed themselves in wet clothing. Michael Ray Denton, 39, who does not have heat sensitivity, said hed experienced heat illness on two occasions in his unit, where the windows dont open. He testified that in the summer of 2009, he became dizzy and vomited. Honestly, my head was hurting so bad I felt like someone was sticking an ice pick in my brain, he testified. In the summer of 2015, Denton asked the guards for respite in the air-conditioned areas of the prison, which TDCJ officials said they permit any time as needed. He was told he could go to the infirmary but would have to permit the staff to check his core temperature using a rectal thermometer. He passed on respite for this reason, and others testified that they did as well. A doctor called by the state testified that enough preventative measures were in place for inmates to avoid substantial harm when it is hot indoors. Attorneys for the inmates cited previous testimony from Dr. Susi Vassallo, a national expert on heat illness, who said humans need more than occasional exposure to cooling to endure a multiple-day heat wave. In addition to air conditioning in the dorms, the inmates lawyers are asking for insect abatement, an explicit heat wave policy and special accommodations for heat-sensitive inmates. Ellison is expected to rule before the end of July on the temporary fixes. His findings will apply to all 1,400 inmates at the Pack Unit. Were missing something important, indeed fundamental, in all the legal-political chatter about whether Donald Trump will answer questions from the special counsel and what might happen if the president refuses. We need to keep in mind: This is the president, not an ordinary witness or, to be more precise, ordinary subject in a run-of-the-mill criminal investigation. That fact counsels, on the part of prosecutors, more respect for the presidents time and office than in the usual case. But it also calls for, on the part of the chief executive, more respect for and accommodation of the reasonable needs of the criminal justice system. Please stop laughing. I know. This president has, for months, demonstrated the precise opposite, seeking to undermine the legitimacy of the Justice Department generally and special counsel Robert Mueller in particular. This is a witch hunt like nobody has ever seen before, Trump said Friday of Muellers probe. The problem we have is that you have 13 people theyre all Democrats, and theyre real Democrats; theyre angry Democrats. EDITORIAL: Trump unbound puts nation at risk It is on us, the American people, not to accept this. We must not collude with him, however unwittingly, in lowering the bar for the behavior we should expect from a president. In the current context, that would not only mean refraining from the kind of scurrilous criticism that has emanated from the president and his minions about the Justice Department and the Mueller investigation. See, for another example, Rudy Giuliani describing the New York FBI agents who raided the office and home of Trump lawyer Michael Cohen as stormtroopers. It would also include a pledge to cooperate, to the extent possible, with investigators requests for documents or testimony. (This was, in fact, the approach of soon-to-depart White House lawyer Ty Cobb.) Yes, attorneys for an ordinary person in Trumps circumstances would strongly advise him not to voluntarily answer questions from Muellers team. That advice would be amped up a thousand-fold by the reality-bending nature of Trumps ordinary discourse, and the attendant additional legal jeopardy that presents. But do we not at least, should we not demand more of a president than that he protects his own legal interests? Not out of the goodness of his heart that naive Im not but out of a sense that the public expects more than simple compliance with the letter of the law and, more to the point, will punish a president who fails to live up to a higher standard? OPINION: George W. Bush's unmistakable takedown of Trumpism Take a look at the topics about which Mueller is said to want to question Trump. They are all logical outgrowths of factual predicates. Theyre ridiculous questions, Giuliani scoffed in an interview with Fox News. What did you think? What did you feel? But of course state of mind is central to any potential obstruction case. Any prosecutor would be derelict not to ask. Under ordinary circumstances, although little is ordinary when a president is under criminal investigation, political considerations constrain legal strategy. What would be the fallout from facing a subpoena versus testifying voluntarily? What would be the political implications of claiming executive privilege? Of asserting the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination? Compare Bill Clinton then to Trump now. Certainly, Clinton was no model of civic virtue or transparency. But his behavior looks like pattycake in contrast to Trumps. Clinton was the one to call for a special counsel to investigate Whitewater, albeit under intense political pressure; Trump has never conceded the need for a special counsel. Clinton and advisers griped about the vast right-wing conspiracy against them and an out-of-control prosecutor in the form of Kenneth Starr, but with nothing like the venom exhibited by Trump. RELATED: Trump evangelicals have lost their gag reflex When Starr sought Clintons testimony on Monica Lewinsky, Clintons lawyers slow-walked the independent counsel for months, and then bargained him down to a single, four-hour interview at the White House. But the prospect of Clintons refusing Starr and invoking his Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination was politically unthinkable. Clintons political advisers told him that it was like placing a loaded gun to his head, Ken Gormley wrote in his authoritative account of the investigation. Invoking the Fifth Amendment sounded like admitting guilt, which seemed like a perfect recipe for impeachment and removal. That it is possible, now, to imagine Trump taking the Fifth and surviving is a measure of the brilliance and effectiveness of his scorched-earth strategy to discredit the investigation and investigators. If everything is rigged and everyone is crooked, good faith compliance is for chumps. But buying Trumps narrative would make chumps of us all and a laughingstock of the rule of law. We cannot let that happen. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, seeking a second term representing Texas, declared that his Democratic challenger from El Paso made a "radical" move to legalize all narcotics. The Houston Republican said in his May 1, 2018, tweet: "With opioids ravaging so many American communities, Congressman Beto ORourke's radical resolution to legalize all narcotics--including heroin and other deadly opioids--is looking worse and worse all the time." David Wysong of ORourkes campaign brought Cruzs claim to our attention. By email, Wysong noted that in 2012, we rated Half True a claim that ORourke favored legalizing drugs across the board. ORourke, then a member of the El Paso City Council, favored legalizing marijuana, we confirmed, but had called only for debate about legalizing narcotics. Cruz points out Daily Caller story Cruzs tweet pointed to a May 1, 2018, story posted by the conservative Daily Caller headlined "Remember That One Time Beto ORourke Called for Legalizing All Narcotics." The story includes video of ORourke speaking at whats evidently the Jan. 6, 2009, El Paso City Council meeting, which included adoption of a resolution urging federal action to stem violence on the Mexico side of the border. ORourke, seeking to amend the resolution, said at the meeting: "And Id ask that there be some language in here that would also include advocating, or looking at, rethinking our War on Drugs, which by any measure Ive looked it has been an abject failure. And also, looking at ending the prohibition on narcotics in the United States. And Im not saying that we need to do that to end the prohibition. I think we need to have a serious discussion about doing that, and that may, in the end, be the right course of action." The resolution opens by noting criminal violence playing out in neighboring Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. It also generally urges a national shift from the war on drugs to a focus on prevention and rehabilitation. The resolution, unanimously approved by the council, doesnt state that all narcotics should be legalized. It does say that the mayor and council urge the federal government to support local law enforcement battling the illegal export of weapons to Mexico and to stiffen penalties on people who "illegally traffic chemical agents used in the manufacturing of illicit drugs." The resolution also offers support to federal, state and local agencies battling money laundering, vehicle theft, gun smuggling and other cross-border criminal activity. Specific to drugs, the resolution urges funding "greater efforts to reduce" U.S. drug consumption and support for legislation "that examines the nations policies on drugs with a focus on rehabilitation rather than incarceration." Also, the resolution says, the federal government should be supporting "an honest, open national debate on ending the prohibition on narcotics." When we emailed Cruzs camp asking how he concluded that ORourke wants to legalize all narcotics, spokeswoman Catherine Frazier provided a Jan. 6, 2009, Associated Press news story headlined "El Paso wants feds to consider legalizing drugs." That story slightly misquotes the El Paso council resolution, saying it calls for an "open, honest, national dialogue on ending the prohibition of narcotics." Next, it quotes ORourke saying: "We think it should at least be on the table and so far it hasn't." Our online search for that story led us to a Jan. 22, 2009, news story about El Paso in the New York Times stating that the "conflict in Juarez has led some in El Paso to propose radical solutions. In a symbolic resolution of support for Juarez, the El Paso City Council recently voted unanimously to ask Washington to consider legalizing drugs as a way to end the violence." The story then quoted ORourke saying that ending the prohibition should be on the table. The Times story said too that the council backed off its resolution on Jan. 13, 2009 after Mayor John Cook vetoed it and and local members of Congress warned that the councils stance might imperil federal aid. But as noted in a May 2, 2018, Texas Tribune news story, ORourke later conceded that his call for open debate could have been handled better. ORourke wrote in his 2011 book, "Dealing Death and Drugs: The Big Business of Dope in the U.S. and Mexico," that after the resolution came to the council from a city committee on border relations, "I asked whether we should more aggressively address the issues related to demand and prohibition." ORourke wrote that he listened to council discussion and then offered his amendment, "composed on the spot," ORourke wrote, to "encourage an honest, open, national debate on ending the prohibition on narcotics." ORourke elaborated: "It was an artless, and even inaccurate amendment to the larger resolution (I only learned later that marijuana is not a narcotic, even though it was precisely that drug that I felt people would be most open to debating), but it got the point across. "I knew we were addressing a taboo topic, one that conventional wisdom dictated that only potheads, hard-core libertarians and political suicides ever brought up. But I also knew that Juarez had gone beyond the pale and it was time to place all options on the table, even those that had been unthinkable, for me as well as others, just a year ago." On his campaign website, O'Rourke calls for ending the federal government's war on drugs and encouraging reforms in drug control policies. He also calls for ending the "federal prohibition on marijuana." ORourke told residents of Sonora, Texas on April 28, 2018, that hes among co-sponsors of legislation to decriminalize marijuana under federal law. Congressional records show ORourke in May 2017 signed on as a co-sponsor of an act removing marijuana from the federal controlled substances list. The acts author, Rep. Thomas Garrett, R-Va., said in a statement that his proposal would leave it to individual states to determine appropriate medicinal uses of marijuana. Our ruling Cruz said ORourke had a resolution to legalize all narcotics. In 2009, an El Paso City Council resolution directed at the federal government included language from ORourke urging open debate about ending the national prohibition of narcotics. The resolution, adopted but later vetoed, did not call for legalizing all narcotics nor did we spot evidence that ORourke has taken that sweeping stand. We rate Cruzs claim False. FALSE The statement is not accurate. Click here for more on the six PolitiFact ratings and how we select facts to check. See Figure 1 on PolitiFact.com I was flying from Frankfurt to New York the other day and I was listening to the pilot welcoming everybody the pilot was a woman, she said. It was the biggest airplane in the world, the A380. I thought, great, finally a woman flying the biggest airplanes! Then when we were flying over Greenland, it was very turbulent. I was thinking to myself, wow, I hope she has it under control. If it was a male pilot flying the plane, I would not have thought about it. I got so upset at myself because Im talking about unconscious bias all the time and I still had it. Applied to HR processes, unconscious bias can affect diversity numbers right from the very beginning of the recruitment process in job postings. Capsule hotels in Japan were once the domain of salarymen looking for a cheap, fuss-free spot to crash after a late night. But a new crop of guests has helped spur their resurgence, with growing numbers of novel and upmarket versions opening in the last year. Capsule hotels in Japan were once the domain of salarymen looking for a cheap, fuss-free spot to crash after a late night. But a new crop of guests has helped spur their resurgence, with growing numbers of novel and upmarket versions opening in the last year. The capsule hotel also known as a pod hotel provides simple little rooms with single size mattresses measuring around 1.2 meters wide, two meters long and one-meter high. They first became popular during the 1980s and 90s with local businessmen. The new versions have broken the mold think communal lounges with complimentary drinks and massage chairs, stylish rooms with personal grooming products and public bathing areas. The Millennials, a new capsule-hotel brand, was even feted for its artistic pods in its latest Shibuya outfit, which feature the works of 20 Tokyo artists and designers. The recent iterations of the capsule market show how the segment and guest profile have evolved, says Atsushi Murai, Senior Vice President of Investment Sales Asia, JLL Hotel and Hospitality Group. Capsule hotels are catering less to the salarymen market; these days, transiting business travelers, foreign tourists on a budget and even Millennial couples and families tend to make up the bulk of the guests. They also have ambitious plans to woo even more travelers, taking advantage of an accommodation crunch in Japan amid growing tourism numbers. Its spurring innovation in the market, from women-only hotels to smart technology, enabling guests to control lighting, air conditioning and even the door lock through their smartphone. There will probably be more interesting capsule hotels entering the market, says Murai. The pie is growing and more travellers are willing to give it a go instead of staying in a typical hotel since its usually just for a night or at very most two. Going global Revenue from capsule hotels in Japan will hit US$167.4 million by 2022 from US$123.84 million in 2016, according to Statistica. The global market for capsule hotels is increasing at a compound annual growth rate of six percent, driven primary by Asia, as similar concepts take off in the region from Australia to India. A Japanese capsule hotel manufacturer, Capsule, has even tied up with a local partner to open a hotel in Jakartas Soekarno-Hatta airport. However, Murai does not foresee Japanese operators venturing too far afield into other Asian countries, preferring instead to concentrate on the domestic market. Theres enough domestic demand in Japan, in particular the key gateway cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, he says, noting competition risks abroad. It does not take much to set up a capsule hotel concept, it can be easily replicated by anyone overseas and you dont need a high level of expertise for it. Hitting the right notes for the future The demand for capsule hotels is likely to grow steadily in Japan, even in the face of new accommodation options as a new law legalizing Airbnb-style rentals come into effect this June. Minpaku, or private residences rented out by their owners as short-term lodging, are not in the same market segment as capsule hotels. They appeal more to travellers who want space and compete against traditional hotels. Capsule hotels are unlikely to be affected at all, says Murai. Instead the popularity of manga kissaa (comic cafes) could well be the unlikely competition. Open 24 hours and offering facilities such as an Internet connection, showers and drinks as well as cosy individual booths where you can nap, these cafes have become increasingly popular among students and the working crowd who missed their last trains home. Some are charge a rate of 1,500 yen (US$6) for six hours, which is cheaper than the average rate of a capsule hotel which is about US$30 a night. Still, Murai believes that capsule hotels will be here to stay, at least for the near future, before hotels start lowering prices if theres an oversupply. Capsule hotels are in a fringe market and the beauty of them is that they are very easy to set up and demolish, he adds. Building owners can have the space quickly repurposed to be turned into offices or warehouses if need be or when demand falls. This article originally appeared on JLL Real Views. Daily News Delivery Join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest all industry news and trends. Subscribe 2021 Hospitality Trends EU launches project to combat IUU fishing in Western Africa May 07,2018 | Source: FIS Worldnews The European Union has launched a project funded under the European Development Fund (EDF), including a component aiming to improve the fight against illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing activities in Western Africa. The five-year project, called PESCAO, aims to improve regional fisheries governance in Western Africa through different measures such as developing a regional fishing policy, putting in place regional coordination against IUU fishing and improving fish stock management at regional level. The EUR 15 million project is one of the many significant commitments to ocean conservation made by the European Union at the 2017 Our Ocean Conference hosted by the EU in Malta. The European Fisheries Control Agency is eager to extend its existing cooperation with fisheries control authorities in the European Union Waters to its two African partners in this project, pointed out Pascal Savouret, Executive Director. He also stressed that the Agency considers the PESCAO project of cooperation as a game changer aiming at improving sustainability of fisheries resources through improved monitoring, control and surveillance at national and regional levels. Theme(s): Post Harvest Technology and Trade, Landing Centres, Communities and Organisations, Fisheries Development and Aquaculture, Fisheries Resources, Others, Coastal Ecosystems and Threats, Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods, Freshwater ecosystems and threats. Angola looks beyond crude oil, targets fish industry May 07,2018 | Source: Bborneo Bulletin Angolan President Joao Lourenco has named diversifying the oil-dependent economy as his top priority after he became the countrys first new leader in 38 years. And one natural and readily available resource that has been identified is fish but a lack of equipment and know-how has meant the industry has struggled. Lourenco, part of the MPLA party that has ruled Angola since 1975, took office in September promising to deliver an economic miracle that would transform the southern African nation, where the UN says more than half of the population lives on less than USD2 a day. The collapse in 2014 of the price of crude oil, which provides 70 per cent of all revenues and nearly all hard currency, put immense pressure on the country to diversify. Even though global oil prices have since recovered somewhat, Lourenco still plans to push forward. He is betting the 1,600 kilometres of Atlantic coast could provide a fishing bonanza. The diversification of the economy is our priority, Lourenco said recently. Were going to relaunch fishing and agriculture and we will open the country to foreign investment. To demonstrate his commitment, Lourenco visited fish factories in Tombwa on the southwest coast. One of the sites is equipped to freeze the catch, while the other processes fish into oil and fishmeal. Fish oil is highly sought after by the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, while fishmeal is used by farmers as animal feed. Lourenco vowed to improve the infrastructure to support fishing and the transformation of processing, according to the governments latest six-year plan. Fishing Minister Victoria de Barros previously announced plans to build a new port with refrigerated storage in Tombwa at a cost of USD23.5 million. The government is seeking to increase the annual fish catch by 16 per cent over the next four years to 614,000 tonnes. Meanwhile, it is aiming for a 50 per cent increase in fishmeal production to 30,000 tonnes over the same period. Reducing dependence on oil is proving to be a tough task for a country that has been heavily dependent on the black gold for decades. We have a fish industry but we dont have the capacity to meet international demand, said Jose Gomes da Silva, the government director of fishing in the coastal city of Benguela. In the city, the fishing sector employs thousands of people a very important economic force, according to Da Silva. But more could be done. In the Baia Farta, 30 kilometres from Benguela, the privately owned Pesca Fresca business transforms frozen fish into fishmeal and oil, which is then exported to South America, China, Namibia and South Africa. As well as being supplied by industrial fishing ships, Pesca Fresca sources some fish from small-scale fishermen like Orlando Eduardo. Our salvation was fishing, said 32-year-old Eduardo, barefooted and sporting a hat. Fishermen like Orlando gather on the sun-baked beach to drop off their catches of sardines, bass and mackerel from their small, colourful wooden boats. On good days, Orlando earns 20,000 kwanza (USD90) enough to cover his costs with a little left over. Angola has a critical lack of large fishing ships and processing factories. We face maintenance difficulties which seriously endanger the fishing industry, said Pesca Fresca director Jose Neves. To stimulate fishing, the government recently announced the purchase of a specialised fishing vessel for USD3.7 million. But experts are unconvinced that such acquisitions will make a significant impact. Some economists have also greeted Lorencos ambitious plans with scepticism. The fishing industry represents less than one per cent of GDP, noted Alves da Rocha of the Catholic University of Angola. Theme(s): Post Harvest Technology and Trade, Communities and Organisations, Fisheries Development and Aquaculture, Landing Centres, Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods, Freshwater ecosystems and threats, Coastal Ecosystems and Threats, Fisheries Resources, Others. Governor Brown to Attend Peace Officers' Memorial Ceremony, CHP Memorial Ceremony Tuesday Sacramento, California - Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. will attend the 42nd annual California Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony today in Sacramento and on Tuesday will deliver remarks at the California Highway Patrol Memorial Ceremony in West Sacramento. California Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony Following a private ceremony for honored families, Governor Brown will participate in the Walk of Honor and speak at the Enrollment Ceremony. When: Tomorrow, Monday, May 7, 2018 at approx. 10:30 a.m. Where: The Walk of Honor will begin on the West Steps of the State Capitol. The Enrollment Ceremony will commence upon conclusion of the procession, at 10th Street and Capitol Mall, Sacramento, CA 95814. CHP Memorial Ceremony When: Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. All media must be in place and setup by 9:15 a.m. Where: California Highway Patrol Academy, 3500 Reed Ave, West Sacramento, CA 95605. The News in Brief By Mariam Chanishvili UNDP Supports Georgias Tobacco-control Law The UN Country Team in Georgia has welcomed the implementation of the tobacco-control legislation endorsed by the Parliament of Georgia a year ago. All national stakeholders are encouraged to secure its implementation, and consequently protect present and future generations from catastrophic consequences of tobacco use, the press release by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Georgia reads. Starting May 1st, 2018, the following measures enter into force: smoke free policy introducing ban on smoking in enclosed public and workplaces as well as some open areas and in public transport, ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. Georgia still belongs to the countries with very high tobacco consumption. Tobacco smoking causes addiction and results into devastating consequences for individuals, their families and all of society, the statement says. UNDP Georgia stated that In Georgia the prevalence of smoking among men is among the highest in the world at approximately 57%; the official prevalence rate of smoking among women, despite still being relatively low (about 10%), has almost doubled in the recent years. Every fourth child at the age 13-15 year uses tobacco product, UNDP Georgia reports. The UN team says that each year, tobacco costs the Georgian economy GEL 824.9 million, equivalent to 2.43% of Georgias GDP in 2016, including direct healthcare expenditures totaling GEL 327.3 million, and economic losses due to premature mortality, disability, and workplace costs amounting to GEL 497.5 million. Private Banks Oppose Regulation Imposed by Central Bank of Georgia The Director General of the TBC Bank, of one of the most powerful private banks in Georgia, Vakhtang Butskhrikidze, says that the new regulation announced by the National Bank of Georgia will affect private banks active in the country. The regulations concern not giving loans to those who lack relevant incomes to fulfill financial obligations. Butskhrikidze claims that the volume of overdue loans is manageable and that the Georgian banking sector is in good condition compared to other Eastern European countries. Over the last year, the regulation has been discussed by representatives of the National Bank, as well as by the members of the government. This regulation will reduce the activity of banks and micro financial organizations, he said. The National Bank intends to impose regulations on commercial banks, demanding from the banks to refrain from giving loans to people who are likely not to pay them, based on their amount of incomes. The new regulations will enter into force on May 7, 2018. 14 Charged with writing fake prescriptions to make Lean Columbus, Ohio - Law enforcement officials arrested 14 individuals today in Operation Purple Drank. The 14 were previously indicted by a federal grand jury on charges unsealed today of conspiring to distribute codeine-promethazine, obtaining controlled substances by fraud and illegally using DEA registration numbers. Timothy J. Plancon, Special Agent-in-Charge of DEAs Detroit Division and Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio announced the charges. This investigation began when law enforcement officials with the Wooster Police Department, MEDWAY Drug Enforcement Agency in Wayne County and Parma Police Department identified multiple fictitious prescriptions. In addition, the Warren County Drug Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Delaware County Sheriffs Office, Hocking County Major Crimes Unit and the Columbus, Dublin and Gahanna police departments also investigated this case. According to the indictment, from January 2016 until February 2017, the co-conspirators allegedly created a significant number of fraudulent and forged prescriptions for codeine-promethazine syrup. It is also alleged that individuals were recruited to travel from Columbus, Ohio to various pharmacies in Ohio to fill the fake prescriptions. Those charged include: Name Age City Mohamed A. Mohamed 25 Grove City Sade S. Abdisaliis 21 Columbus Abulkadir A. Yusuf 28 Columbus Siyad A. Haji 26 Columbus Mahdi H. Mohamed 23 Columbus Abdirashid M. Ahmed 24 Columbus Liban A. Hassan 25 Alinoor S. Alinoor 23 Samatar A. Haji 23 Ibrahim A. Shoble 29 Columbus Abdifahi H. Abdirizak 21 Ismail C. Cusmaan 22 Alla-Magan M. Gani 21 Mohamed H. Hashi The 17-count indictment includes 13 counts of obtaining substances by fraud. It also includes use of a fictitious DEA registration number and use of anothers DEA registration number. U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the cooperative investigation of this case by federal, state and local law enforcement, including the assistance of more than 25 police departments statewide, as well as Assistant United States Attorney David J. Bosley who is prosecuting the case. An indictment merely contains allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Advancements in communication have revolutionized the workplace--including your doctor's office. Enter DotCom Therapy, a telehelp company founded in 2015 by Emily Purdom and Rachel Robinson. It partners with schools to provide speech therapy, occupational therapy, mental health, and teleaudiology services. In other words, if you or your child has a communication disorder and you can't travel for therapy, this company has you covered. "Now is the time when everyone has a laptop, a tablet, a phone, and this is the first time in history when everyone's connected," says Robinson. "So whether you're living in Downtown Chicago or rural Alaska, you have a way of accessing this technology." Staffed by a small army of 91 therapists with laptops at the ready, the Springfield, Missouri, company took in roughly $2 million in revenue in 2017. With the exception of raising $250,000 from friends and family, DotCom Therapy is self-funded--and during the first quarter of 2018, it became profitable. "They've taken the telehealth approach to speech therapy and really standardized it in a way that no one else has done," says Colleen Kraft, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics and one of DotCom Therapy's advisory board members. An Urgent Call to Action When the founders first met in speech pathology school in 2010 at Missouri State University, telehealth wasn't at all part of their curriculum. "It just was not addressed," says Purdom. "Telepractice, teletherapy, telehealth--those words were glazed over in grad school because everybody was afraid of telehealth. They thought you had to be in the room to really be able to have that relationship with the student or the patient or the client." Meanwhile, those face-to-face interactions were wearing them down, while costing their patients valuable time. Five years after graduating, Purdom was spending two to three hours a day driving to rural schools to treat kids with speech problems, while Robinson's wait list at an outpatient neurological hospital was nearing three months due to high demand. "You can imagine that if you have a child with disabilities or someone who suffered from a stroke, you want them to see a professional right away," says Robinson. The final push came in 2015 when Purdom received an urgent message from a friend living in Thailand whose daughter wasn't speaking. She asked if Purdom could hop on Skype and give her some tips and tricks. After a few successful sessions, Purdom felt confident she could make teletherapy work for others. She and Robinson launched DotCom Therapy two months later. Their first connection was a district in Alaska, desperate for help. "They said, 'Fly up here and see our kids, and we'll see if between our visits we can do telehealth services,'" says Robinson. "We would take these little bush planes held up by duct tape and sleep on the floors of classrooms in rural Alaska. We'd be up there for about 10 days, fly home, and carry out all the services online." Though not without its hiccups, the model stuck. Today, DotCom Therapy partners with schools in 28 U.S. states and seven countries. While their partner schools pay an annual fee that ranges depending on school district, individuals can also log on and pay for sessions by the unit. A 15-minute session, or one unit, starts at $30. The Trouble With Telemedicine While the industry expands, it faces a new realm of inefficiencies. A large portion of DotCom Therapy's patients rely on Medicaid, and in accordance with the State Practice Act, therapists may need to be licensed in the state in which a patient resides to provide care. Depending on the state it could take up to 30 days to get the right papers. "It's a really big problem in telehealth in general," says Kraft. "You've got 50 different states, 50 different plans, with different licensure requirements, and it's made it very, very tedious." DotCom Therapy's founders say they've removed insurance as a barrier by providing services at what they deem an affordable rate. "Patients can typically afford our products without it," says Robinson. "There are so many difficult variables across states that we've found that where we are right now, if we can disrupt the market by removing insurance from the equation, then that's a successful road for us." That strategy speaks to DotCom Therapy's plans for future growth: to provide everyone, everywhere access to therapy. "We take that pretty seriously," says Purdom. "When we look at our target market, it's not just the U.S.; it's global." EXPLORE MORE 30 Under 30 2018 COMPANIES It all began when Toni Sacconaghi, an analyst covering Tesla for an investment management company asked about Tesla's need to raise additional money from investors. "So where specifically will you be in terms of capital requirements?" he asked. "Excuse me," Mr. Musk responded. "Next. Boring bonehead questions are not cool. Next?" Another analyst then asked a question about the Model 3, the mass-market car that many see as holding the key to Tesla's future success. "We're going to go to YouTube," Mr. Musk responded. "Sorry. These questions are so dry. They're killing me." (Musk then turned the call over to Galileo Russell, the host of a financial talk show on YouTube.) The next day, Musk defended his remarks in a series of tweets (which I've collected together): "The 2 questioners I ignored on the Q1 call are sell-side analysts who represent a short seller thesis, not investors. The reason the Bernstein question about CapEx was boneheaded was that it had already been answered in the headline of the Q1 newsletter he received beforehand, along with details in the body of the letter...Reason RBC question about Model 3 demand is absurd is that Tesla has roughly half a million reservations, despite no advertising & no cars in showrooms. Even after reaching 5k/week production, it would take 2 years just to satisfy existing demand even if new sales dropped to 0." On the surface, this seems like a reasonable explanation. But Musk forgot a simple, undeniable fact: Those questions weren't just for the benefit of two financial analysts. They were for everyone in the world who is interested in Tesla. Musk himself viewed his handling of the situation as a mistake, as revealed by another tweet just a few minutes later. After a fellow tweeter suggested that he just block such questioners ahead of time, so he never has to hear such questions live, Musk responded with the following: True. And once they were on the call, I should have answered their questions live. It was foolish of me to ignore them. -- Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 4, 2018 "True. And once they were on the call, I should have answered their questions live. It was foolish of me to ignore them." By contemptuously dismissing the analysts' questions, Musk missed a golden opportunity. Not to inform the analysts, or Tesla's critics, many of whom have no interest in seeing Tesla succeed. Neither will Musk's response have much effect on his die-hard fans, to whom their fearless leader can do no wrong. Rather, Musk missed the chance to show the others--potential investors (and even customers) who are still trying to figure out what kind of company Tesla's shaping up to be--that he sees the big picture and knows what he's doing. Musk tried to do that the next day...but the damage had already been done. For many, Musk came off as arrogant, disrespectful, and painfully dismissive. We've all been in situations like this, where we let our emotions get the best of us and handle a situation in a way that we later regret. What can help? Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify and understand both your own emotions and the emotions of others, and to use that information to inform and guide behavior. The questioner accuses Jobs of ignorance, after which he gives an example of what he means. He then presses Jobs to tell the audience what exactly he's been doing for the past seven years. Unlike Musk, Jobs realized he wasn't just answering a single developer. He knew he was being observed by several hundred developers, Apple employees, and anyone who would watch the recording of the conference. How would Jobs respond? 1. He paused. Jobs's initial response is no response at all. Instead, he pauses, sits in silence, and thinks. It may seem like an eternity, but in reality it's about 10 seconds before Jobs speaks again. "You know," he begins his reply. "You can please some of the people some of the time, but ... " He then pauses for another eight seconds, reflecting on both the criticism and the question. The pause is valuable because it allows you to get your emotions under control and respond in a way that's consistent with your goals and values. By pausing, Jobs gives himself the time he needs to compose himself and come back with a thoughtful and remarkable response. 2. He emphasized the big picture. Under Jobs, Apple's goals were bold. He tried to get the audience to see things from his perspective, namely, how current decisions would fit into "a cohesive, larger vision, that's going to allow you to sell eight billion dollars, 10 billion dollars of product a year?" Often, what looks good in the short-term is not in the best interests of your company, or even your career. If you find yourself in an emotionally charged moment, step back and think forward to the consequences of your actions: How will this decision affect you in a month? A year? Ten years? Doing so can help you achieve clarity of mind and make better decisions. Musk has demonstrated remarkable emotional intelligence through the years, especially in his ability to communicate with employees and customers. I think he'll learn from this experience. Israel has won the Eurovision Song Contest several times since first participating back in 1973, with their most recent triumph twenty years ago when Dana International snatched the crown at the Birmingham NEC with her iconic disco anthem "Diva". But 1998 was a long time ago, and Israel has been waiting for a victory for as long as the UK has. This could be about to change. Welcome to the stage Netta Barzilai! A compelling blend of Bjork, Yelle and M.I.A, Netta stands out from the pack and is justifiably one of the favourites to win on Saturday 12 May, should she qualify from her semi final (Tuesday 8th, BBC Four). Her track "Toy" is a mixture of quirky vocal loops, maneki-neko, Pokemon references and chicken dance moves (which you can - and should - learn, and yet despite all this it doesnt feel gimmicky in the slightest. Along with Moldova and Norway, this is the entry youre going to remember then the voting starts and youre five Caipirinhas in on Saturday night. We caught up with a very excitable Netta ahead of the opening ceremony Hey Netta, according to your lyrics youll be taking your Pikachu home - so which other Pokemon are in your squad for the finals? This is an amazing question and Im glad youve asked it! Bulbusaur because hes sassy and hes a good friend and his vines would help me reach whatever I want. Also, Jigglypuff as he can sing and that could help me to sleep, as Im having trouble sleeping because Im over excited about everything thats happening. Also he paints on peoples faces when theyre asleep which Ive done too. Finally Snorlax. Hes fat and amazing. Toy is peppered with pop culture references - is that important to your musical style? Of course! I am a very poppy little girl. I wasnt allowed to be poppy at first because yknow in my mind, pop stars are thin and beautiful and light, and Ive never felt beautiful, skinny and light. When you are a big girl you are told to think of yourself certain things: that if you are a musician you have to have a big mama voice, you have to sing Adele or Aretha Franklin. People expect to be moved by your voice in that way. I fell into that for a very long time. [I was told] dress like you have nothing to celebrate. Dress in black. Dress big. Short skirts are not for you. Short sleeves are not for you. Youre not sexy or beautiful. Youre funny - thats what you are. And you are a good friend. Well I am here to break that because this is a great evil that is done in the word to so many people. Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up People are locked in this state of mind and when I decided that this [Netta gestures to herself] is who I am then that was that. I always wanted to explore pop culture in my music and I didnt have a chance because being me and presenting that music its not existing. (Eurovision (Eurovision) So youre being true to yourself now? Yes. When I went on to HaKokhav HaBa [Rising Star - Israels version of X Factor, where the prize is a chance to represent the country at Eurovision] I told them how this is going to happen. I wanted to be me and I told then were both gonna need balls to do it this way. The biggest mainstream show is going to take a chance on this big girl who makes funny noises with a looping machine. A little history was made in Israel when I won and they chose me over a lot of standard, more conventional but really, really amazing artists. "Toy" really stands out from the pack this year - what are the influences behind it? I dont sing beautifully or grandly or in a very moving way. I am me - which is not very beautiful at times, and not very organised or regular. Im very hard to take in but its worth it to be me. I love bands like Die Antwoord - theyre amazing, amazing, amazing - the sounds are like what am I hearing? I love it/I hate it [Netta laughs] this is the wave that I would like to pursue. Your performance is going to be very memorable - hows it come about? I see my music as a visual thing. When Im on stage I am very expressive with my face and through my performance - kind of like an actress but not really, it just rises up from inside with the music. Israel's 2018 Eurovision entry Netta (Supplied) I work with an amazing team - I have a stylist and a hairdresser and make-up artist who are always wondering what I am going to do next! This was so hard for them because they are very big in the industry and they were doing a lot of super models before me and it took time for them to understand what am I dreaming about what am I inside? For me, I learned not to be afraid to say hey - lets do it this way. Im a pop star after so many years singing the blues. And for them [my stylists] not to be afraid to put a short skirt on a big girl. Israeli contestant Netta practices during Eurovision rehearsals (Eurovision) Have you had any words of encouragement from Dana International? Yes! Shes spoken to me. Shes so funny and peculiar in her own way. She says that shell jump in the fountain if I win! People jumped in the fountain when she won - its a very happy gesture. She is amazing. She changed so many things in the world and I have so much respect for her. Netta performs Toy in the Eurovision Song Contest first semi final on Tuesday 8 May, BBC Four. The Eurovision grand final airs on Saturday 12 May, BBC One When Elon Musk and his team at SpaceX were looking to make their Falcon 9 rocket even more powerful, they came up with a creative idea keep the propellant at super cold temperatures to shrink its size, allowing them to pack more of it into the tanks. But the approach comes with a major risk, according to some safety experts. At those extreme temperatures, the propellant would need to be loaded just before takeoff while astronauts are aboard. An accident or a spark, during this manoeuvre, known as load-and-go, could set off an explosion. The proposal has raised alarms for members of Congress and Nasa safety advisers as the agency and SpaceX prepare to launch humans into orbit as early as this year. One watchdog group labelled load-and-go a potential safety risk. A Nasa advisory group warned in a letter that the method was contrary to booster safety criteria that has been in place for over 50 years. Concerns at Nasa over the astronauts safety hit a high point when, in September 2016, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket blew up while it was being fuelled ahead of an engine test. No one was hurt, but the payload, a multimillion dollar satellite, was lost. The question on many peoples minds at Nasa instantly became: what if astronauts were on board? The fuelling issue is emerging as a point of tension between the safety obsessed space agency and the maverick company run by Mr Musk, a tech entrepreneur who is well known for his flair for the dramatic and for pushing boundaries of rocket science. In this culture clash, SpaceX is the daring, Silicon Valley style outfit led by a man who literally sells flamethrowers on the internet and wholeheartedly embraces risk. Mr Musk is reigniting interest in space with acrobatic rocket booster landings and eye popping stunts, such as launching a Tesla convertible towards Mars. His sensibilities have collided with a bureaucratic system at Nasa that has been accused of being overly conservative in the wake of two shuttle disasters that killed 14 astronauts. The concerns from some at Nasa are shared by others. John Mulholland, who oversees Boeings contract to fly astronauts to the International Space Station and once worked on the space shuttle, said load-and-go fuelling was rejected by Nasa in the past because we never could get comfortable with the safety risks that you would take with that approach. When youre loading densified propellants, it is not an inherently stable situation. SpaceX supporters say tradition and old ways of thinking can be the enemy of innovation and thwart efforts to open the frontier of space. Greg Autry, a business professor at the University of Southern California, said the load-and-go procedures were a heated issue when he served on president Donald Trumps Nasa transition team. Nasa is supposed to be a risk taking organisation, he said. But every time we would mention accepting risk in human spaceflight, the Nasa people would say, but, oh, you have to remember the scar tissue and they were talking about the two shuttle disasters. They seemed to have become victims of the past and unwilling to try anything new, because of that scar tissue. In a recent speech, Robert Lightfoot, the former acting Nasa administrator, lamented in candid terms how the agency, with society as a whole, has become too risk-averse. He charged the agency with recapturing some of the youthful swagger that sent men to the moon during the Apollo era. I worry, to be perfectly honest, if we would have ever launched Apollo in our environment here today, he said during a speech at the Space Symposium last month, if Buzz [Aldrin] and Neil [Armstrong] would have ever been able to go to the moon in the risk environment we have today. Tomorrow's workplace: How the world will look like in 2030 Show all 6 1 /6 Tomorrow's workplace: How the world will look like in 2030 Tomorrow's workplace: How the world will look like in 2030 Superstructure printer Inspired by Disrupt to Stabilize: How Youth are Shaping a Fractured World Florian de Gesincourt /AKQA Tomorrow's workplace: How the world will look like in 2030 Remote robotic surgeon Inspired by Transforming Healthcare in the 4th Industrial Revolution Florian de Gesincourt /AKQA Tomorrow's workplace: How the world will look like in 2030 Public Technology Ethicist Inspired by in Technology We Trust? Florian de Gesincourt /AKQA Tomorrow's workplace: How the world will look like in 2030 Landfill Recycler Inspired by From Linear to Expotential Value Chains Florian de Gesincourt /AKQA Tomorrow's workplace: How the world will look like in 2030 Blockchain Banking Engineer Inspired by the Remaking of Global Finance Florian de Gesincourt /AKQA Tomorrow's workplace: How the world will look like in 2030 National identify conservationist Inspired by WPP Best Countries Breakfast Florian de Gesincourt /AKQA Nasa is requiring SpaceX and Boeing to meet a requirement that involves some complicated calculations: the chance of death can be no greater than one in every 270 flights. One way to ensure that, as Mr Lightfoot said during his speech, is to never fly: The safest place to be is on the ground. Still, the scar tissue runs deep. Nasa lost 14 astronauts in two space shuttle disasters, the result of deep systematic problems of a once young and swashbuckling agency that many said had grown sclerotic. In the investigation into the 2003 disaster, the Columbia Accident Investigation Board blasted Nasa for failing to learn the bitter lessons from the Challenger explosion in 1986. Columbia was lost as much by a broken safety culture as much as the chunk of foam that broke off and damaged the shuttles heat shield. That second disaster helped lead to the retirement of the shuttle in 2011, leaving Nasa in the position of being unable to fly astronauts from US soil. Instead, Nasa pays Russia to ferry its astronauts to the International Space Station, an arrangement that costs the agency millions. In 2006, Russia charged $21.3m (15.7m) seat. That jumped to $81.9m by 2015. To end the dependence on Russia, Nasa has turned to the private sector, outsourcing the responsibility of flying astronauts to the space station to two companies SpaceX and Boeing that have been awarded $6.8bn in contracts combined. Other private companies eventually could compete for other government launch contracts including Blue Origin, which was founded by The Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos but none are expected to send people to the space station anytime soon. The pivot to private companies is enabling Nasa to focus on deep space. But SpaceX and Boeing have both faced challenges and delays. Now, as the drought in human spaceflight extends into its seventh year, Nasa is facing the prospect of even more delays and questions about whether the contractors it plans to rely on will have a better track record than the agency that put men on the moon. It really is a very, very difficult problem to do human spaceflight, said Phil McAlister, the director of Nasas commercial spaceflight development division. Youve got thousands of pounds of really highly energetic propellants on board. Youve got mini controlled explosions going off. Youve got to survive the rigors of space, which is not very friendly for the human body. And then youve got to re-enter the atmosphere and the spacecraft gets heated up to thousands of degrees. SpaceX pulled off 18 successful launches last year, a record and is aiming for more this year. But it has also lost two of its Falcon 9 rockets in explosions and amid all its triumphs, it has never attempted flying humans. Recommended Elon Musk deletes Facebook pages of SpaceX and Tesla as dare The first failure happened in 2015, when a rocket blew up a couple of minutes after lift-off as it was flying cargo and supplies to the space station. No one was on board and no one was injured. Then, just over a year later, another rocket exploded, this time on the launch pad while being fuelled ahead of an engine test. At the time, Mr Musk declared that if crews had been aboard they would have been safely ferried away by the rockets abort system. Still, that mishap is forcing the company to redesign bottles of pressurised helium that sit inside the rockets fuel tanks. Now SpaceX is getting ready to fly astronauts on an upgraded version of the same rocket. And its decision to add propellant to the rocket with astronauts on board is attracting scrutiny. To get more power out of its rocket, SpaceX brings its propellants liquid oxygen and refined kerosene to unusually low temperatures. That causes them to become dense, meaning SpaceX can pack more fuel into its rockets. To SpaceX, the approach is another example of how it is breaking the mould. The densified propellant provides greater propellant margin for increased reliability, the company said in a statement. In other words, should something go wrong on the mission, the rocket would have more propellant to adjust to emergencies. SpaceXs dramatic booster landings also require additional propellant. But to others it is an unnecessary risk. At a Capitol Hill hearing earlier this year, members of Congress pressed Hans Koenigsmann, SpaceXs vice president for build and flight reliability, about the safety of the load-and-go procedure. Ms Koenigsmann said that the fuelling takes only about a half hour, a relatively quick procedure and we believe that this exposure time is the shortest and therefore the safest approach. And the company points out that if anything goes wrong during fuelling, the rockets launch abort system would allow the astronauts to escape safely. It also conducts a static fire, a quick test firing of the engines in the days leading up to the launch to make sure the rocket is operating properly. And since its rockets and its Dragon spacecraft are reusable, the company gets to inspect them after each flight, giving it an in-depth understanding of how the vehicles perform. As with all hazard analyses across the entire system and operations, controls against those hazards have been identified, and will be implemented and carefully verified prior to certification, the company said in a statement. But in a 2015 letter to Nasa, Thomas Stafford, a retired United States Air Force lieutenant general and then chairman of the agencys space station advisory committee, wrote that there is a unanimous and strong, feeling by the committee that scheduling the crew to be on board the Dragon spacecraft prior to loading oxidizer into the rocket is contrary to booster safety criteria that has been in place for over 50 years, both in this country and internationally. At the hearing this year, William Gerstenmaier, Nasas associate administrator for human exploration and operations, said the agency had not decided whether it would allow SpaceX to load crews before loading the fuel, but he did not rule it out. He vowed that the agency would make sure that were really, really safe to go fly, and the system is ready for crew before we put them on board. In an interview, Mr Lightfoot, the former acting Nasa administrator, said the agency is in deep discussions with SpaceX about the safest way to go. The agency has a long history with SpaceX, first hiring it to fly cargo to the station and now looking for it to send humans into space. Its a matter of having a good risk discussion so that we understand that, he said. I would just say that instead of working it in the press, we work in the engineering review boards. For all its push-the-envelope swagger, SpaceX says it is serious about flying people safely and is going to great lengths to study every aspect of the vehicle, down to individual valves, so that it will meet and surpass the one in 270 chance of death metric, said Benji Reed, the director of SpaceXs commercial crew programme. When Mr Reed was down at Cape Canaveral, Florida, on a recent trip, he came across a room on a special tour where the astronauts families from the shuttle programme used to wait ahead of the rocket launch. They were stunned to see that a whiteboard with drawings made by the children of the crew lost in the 2003 Columbia disaster was still there, preserved. That really drives it home, Benji Reed said. This isnt just the people that were flying these are all of their families. So we take this extremely seriously and we understand that our job is to fly people safely and bring them back safely. To do that you have to humanise it. You have to see them as your friends and as your colleagues. But even with some of the best engineering minds at Nasa, calculating risk is an imperfect science. There are too many unknowns in systems that are inherently dangerous and complex. Even identifying all of the risks is impossible, Mr Gerstenmaier said during a speech last year. Also, risk cannot be boiled down to a single statistic. Before the very first shuttle flight, Nasa estimated that the chance of death was between one in 500 and one in 5,000. Later, after the agency had compiled data from shuttle flights, it went back and came up with a very different number. The chance of death was actually one in 12. The Washington Post North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has reportedly agreed to meet with President Donald Trump in the Korean demilitarised zone, according to news reports on Tuesday. For Kim, the meeting will mark a rare moment in the public eye. The enigmatic leader visited the DMZ last week to meet with South Korean President Moon Jae-In, and in March he travelled to China to meet with President Xi Jinping, but otherwise has not left his native country since he took office in 2011. Kim's previous turns on the international stage have revealed some of his curious travel habits, like his need for a "personal toilet" to accompany him and his insistence on bringing a special noodle machine on trips. Read on to read about the unusual things Kim does when he goes on international trips. A human motorcade surrounded his car North Korean security guards run alongside a car carrying Kim Jong Un (AP Images ) (AP Images) As Kim's car arrived at the start of peace talks with South Korean president Moon Jae-In last week, cameras caught an unusual sight: a fleet of 12 bodyguards, dressed in full suits and black dress shoes, surrounding the vehicle and running alongside it. The "human motorcade," as some news outlets called it, kept pace with the vehicle and stayed in perfect formation as it drove around turns in the road. He rides a slow-moving, bulletproof train Kim Jong-un waves from inside his train as he prepares to depart from Beijing, in this photo released by KCNA (AFP/Getty Images) Most world leaders travel by aeroplane, but much like his father and grandfather, Kim Jong-Un's preferred mode of transportation is private train. Whenever Kim travels, as he did to China last month, three trains are needed: an advance security train, Kim's train, and another train for bodyguards and supplies, according to The New York Times. Each of Kim's 90 high-security carriages is bulletproof, and with all the extra weight, the trains top out at just 37 miles per hour, The Times reported. He doesn't use public restrooms when he travels he uses a 'personal toilet' instead Apparently, Kim Jong-un doesn't use public restrooms when he travels, instead opting for a "personal toilet," Lee Yun-keol, a former member of the North Korean Guard Command unit, told The Washington Post. And the reason has nothing to do with cleanliness. "Rather than using a public restroom, the leader of North Korea has a personal toilet that follows him around when he travels," Lee told The Post. "The leaders excretions contain information about his health status so they cant be left behind." In 2015, South Korean news agency DailyNK reported that a customized bathroom is built into one of the cars of Kim's convoy of armoured vehicles. He brought a special noodle machine from Pyongyang Kim's meticulously planned meeting with South Korean president Moon Jae-In accounted for the personal tastes of both leaders. For Kim, that meant bringing a special noodle machine to make "naengmyeon," a dish of cold buckwheat noodles. According to Vice News, the meal was prepared by the head chef at Okryu-gwan, a famous restaurant in Pyongyang. His only international visit was shrouded in secrecy (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP) Kim's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in March was notable for a few reasons. For one, it was Kim's first international trip since assuming power in 2011, but the visit was also noteworthy for the mystery surrounding it. Kim's visit wasn't made public until it was already over, confirming for intrigued observers that the armoured train that arrived in Beijing was indeed carrying the North Korean leader. And he's never far away from one of his private airstrips Kim is known for his penchant for his extravagant tastes, and that applies for state travel as well. The leader reportedly ordered the construction of five private airstrips for his personal use, according to The Telegraph. The airstrips are located next to Kim's multiple palaces and private train stations, The Telegraph reported. How much the best paid workers in 20 professions earn Seven outdated mens style rules that you can now ignore 16 skills that are hard to learn but will pay off forever Read the original article on Business Insider UK. 2016. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter. A team of police officers in Florida took a night off from their regular duties on Saturday night to escort local high school students with special needs to their senior prom. After one retired officer came up with the idea in a bid to ensure these students had just as much fun as everyone else, the Boynton Beach Police officers pooled together to accompany them to John I. Leonard Community High School's prom. Documenting the occasion on their social media channels, the police officers can be seen taking to the dance floor themselves in a series of clips that have proven widely popular online. The prom took place at the Raymond F Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach and photos uploaded to Twitter illustrate the police officers helping students with their corsages ahead of the nights proceedings. In a short clip, two of the police officers can be seen dancing to Big Seans 'Bounce Back', in a tweet captioned: This prom is turnt up! Another image depicts six students and eight officers posing together at the end of the evening alongside the caption: We came. We danced. We rocked prom. The idea has been widely praised on Twitter, with commenters lauding the police officers for engaging with the community in such a touching way. Big props to @bbpd for showing some love and making prom a very special time for some special needs kids, wrote one person. What a great thing you are all doing taking these students to the prom, added another. It was retired officer Scott Harris' idea to escort the students; his wife is a special education teacher at the high school. "It was a tremendous honour to be able to escort them to prom," said Stephanie Slater, public information officer. "Their smiles, the joy... it was a life changing experience for all of us," she told The Independent. "As much as it meant to them, it meant even more to us to be able to share prom with them." One million more children in working households are growing up in poverty than did so in 2010, largely because of cuts to in-work benefits and public sector pay freezes, research for the Trades Union Congress has found. A study by Landman Economics found that child poverty in working families will hit 3.1 million in the 2018-19 tax year up almost 50 per cent from 2.1 million when the coalition government came to power. Around 600,000 of those children have been pushed into poverty by pay freezes and benefits cuts, the study calculated. Weak wage growth and the spread of insecure work have also contributed the overall rise of one million, while some is a result of population growth. Recommended UK child poverty hits highest level since 2008 financial crisis The number of children in poverty has grown by at least 30 per cent in every region of the UK, the research found, with the East Midlands experiencing a 76 per cent jump the largest in the country. Families in which both parents work in the public sector have been hit hardest, having seen their average household income fall by 83 a week in real terms, while households with one parent who works in the public sector have lost 53 a week, according to the study. Workers in health and education have been taken a 13.3 per cent pay cut in real terms since 2010 for while workers in public administration have seen wages slashed 14.3 per cent. The research is published as workers prepare to march in London on Saturday as part of a TUC demonstration demanding a better deal for working people. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is due to address a rally in Hyde Park, that will also feature speeches by TUC general secretary Frances OGrady and frontline workers. 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 Ms OGrady said: Child poverty in working households has shot up since 2010. Years of falling incomes and benefit cuts have had a terrible human cost. Millions of parents are struggling to feed and clothe their kids. The government is in denial about how many working families just cant make ends meet. Thats why tens of thousands will be marching in London this Saturday to demand a new deal for working people. We need ministers to boost the minimum wage now, and use the social security system to make sure no child grows up in a family struggling to get by. A Government spokesperson said: We do not recognise the TUCs figures. The reality is there are now one million fewer people living in absolute poverty compared with 2010, including 300,000 fewer children. We want every child to get the very best chances in life. We know the best route out of poverty is through work, which is why its really encouraging that both the employment rate and household incomes have never been higher. Nestle will pay Starbucks $7.15bn (5.28bn) to sell coffee with the global chains brand, it has been announced. The owner of Nescafe and Nespresso is paying the US coffee chain for the rights to sell Starbucks products in supermarkets and restaurants around the world. It is the first time that Nestle has joined forces with a major coffee rival. Starbuckss out-of-shop sales including roast and ground coffee, and capsules for coffee-making machines generate $2bn in annual revenue. The proceeds from the deal will be used to accelerate share buybacks, Starbucks has said. The firm expects to have returned $20bn to shareholders by the end of its 2020 fiscal year. Mark Schneider, chief executive officer of Nestle, said in a statement: With Starbucks, Nescafe and Nespresso, we bring together three iconic brands in the world of coffee. This is a great day for coffee lovers around the world. Around 500 Starbucks employees will join Nestle as part of the deal, and operations will continue to be located in Seattle. The agreement is expected to close by the end of 2018. Nestle will use the Starbucks brand in its Nespresso and Dolce Gusto capsule systems next year. 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 Kevin Johnson, CEO of Starbucks, said: This global coffee alliance will bring the Starbucks experience to the homes of millions more around the world through the reach and reputation of Nestle. This historic deal is part of our ongoing efforts to focus and evolve our business to meet changing consumer needs, and we are proud to work alongside a company that is committed to our shared values. A teenage boy has been charged with stabbing a Syrian refugee in a suspected racially-motivated attack in Scotland. Shahbaz Ali, 25, fled his home country with his family five years ago and had been housed in a council-run hostel in Edinburgh. Police said he was attacked at the property in Upper Gilmore Place shortly after midnight on Thursday and remains in a serious condition in hospital. A 17-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with this incident and appeared before Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Friday, a spokesperson for Police Scotland added. The Independent understands the stabbing is being treated as having a racial element. Detectives continue to appeal for information on the incident, which campaigners said involved a group of two women and two men. Robina Qureshi, of the Positive Action in Housing charity, said Mr Ali had intervened on behalf of his young female cousin who lives in the same hostel when he was stabbed multiple times. 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 His father, who was on the phone to his son at the time, claimed he heard someone shout: Why are you still here, why are you not back in your own country? The attack on Mr Ali, who was working as a barber in the Portobello district, drove well-wishers to set up a crowdfunding page to help him recover and rebuild his life in Scotland. The campaign has raised almost 4,000 so far and a pro-refugee protest is due to be held in Edinburgh on Thursday. Stand Up To Racism said the demonstration was called to protest the attack on Mr Ali and say refugees and migrants are welcome here. Edinburgh is a multicultural city with different communities living side by side; however, people are too often being encouraged to turn on each other to explain deprivation and lack of resources, organisers said. We have to fight for unity and not let racism divide people. Scottish authorities pledged to provide homes for 2,000 Syrian refugees in 2015 and met its target three years ahead of schedule in December. Sabir Zazai, chief executive of Scottish Refugee Council, said: Scotland is home to many people fleeing conflict and human rights violations around the world and this attack will not undermine our peaceful coexistence and legacy of a welcoming nation. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. A woman was left with a circular hole in her skull after she was attacked with a drill during a suspected homophobic attack, a court has heard. Brenda McLaughlin believes she was targeted during the incident in Strabane, Northern Ireland on Saturday because she is homosexual. Omagh Magistrates' Court was told Ms McLaughlin had been standing outside Rubys nightclub in the town with the alleged male assailant, 17, who cannot be named for legal reasons, before the attack took place. Police had been called to the venue by members of the public, who reported a woman lying injured on the ground with blood pouring from her head, suffering from fits and seizures. Ms McLaughlin, 38, was taken to a high-dependency unit at Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry, where her condition was initially life-threatening before being downgraded. "The victim has since told medical staff that she heard the noise of the drill and felt her head being twisted," an unnamed Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) detective told the court. "There does appear to be some sort of hole in the skull but I cannot say how severe it is." The officer revealed no damage had been caused to Ms McLaughlins brain, although she had been left with a "circular" hole in her scalp. "It does not appear to be deep," he added. The teenager is accused of causing grievous bodily harm, as well as being in possession of an offensive weapon a power drill. He is further charged with stealing the drill from the nightclub. District Judge Peter King said it was a "grossly violent, inexplicably violent incident". UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 4 October 2021 A delegate passes a street cleaner on the second day of the annual Conservative Party Conference being held at the Manchester Central convention centre AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2021 Margaret Thatcher-themed mugs for sale at the annual Conservative Party conference in Manchester EPA UK news in pictures 2 October 2021 A couple make their way through a flooded underpass in Bristol as a yellow weather warning for rain and wind is issued for parts of the UK Tom Wren/SWNS UK news in pictures 1 October 2021 A driver talks to members of the media after passing his HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) driving test at National Driving Centre in Croydon, south London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 30 September 2021 The centrepiece One Thousand Springs by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota is seen ahead of the beginning of the Japan Festival, a celebration of the countrys plants, art and culture running from 2-31 October, at Kew Gardens in London PA UK news in pictures 29 September 2021 The family of Betty Campbell unveil the bronze sculpture of her during the unveiling of the statue in Central Square, Cardiff, of Betty Campbell, Wales' first black headteacher PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2021 A sign referring to the lack of fuel is placed at the entrance to a petrol station in London AP UK news in pictures 27 September 2021 Police officers detain a protester from Insulate Britain occupying a roundabout leading from the M25 motorway to Heathrow Airport in London PA UK news in pictures 26 September 2021 Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer watches the Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur match at The Font pub in Brighton PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2021 Scottish pro-independence supporters hold a march and rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK news in pictures 24 September 2021 Police officers remove two protesters from the top of a tanker, as Insulate Britain block the A20 in Kent, which provides access to the Port of Dover in Kent. The environmental activists have moved location after been banned from campaigning on the M25 motorway in London PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2021 Gabriella, the seven year old daughter of imprisoned British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, joins in a game on a giant snakes and ladders board in Parliament Square, to show the ups and downs of her mothers case to mark the 2,000 days she has been detained in Iran AP UK news in pictures 22 September 2021 A new sign hangs on the Millicent Fawcett statue after it was altered by CrackTheCrises coalition activists to highlight the climate crisis as a feminist struggle in Parliament Square in London EPA UK news in pictures 21 September 2021 Gabriella Diment prepares a monumental bronze patinated fibreglass wall sculpture depicting household cavalry soldiers on horseback which is expected to be sold for 12,000-18,000 when it goes up for auction at Summers Place Auctions in Billinghurst, Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2021 Florist Judith Blacklock puts the finishing touches to a floral carousel installation in Halkin Arcade, which she has designed with Neill Strain for the Belgravia in Bloom festival, running from September 20-26, in London PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2021 Bubbles surround Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against West Ham at London Stadium Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 18 September 2021 Children take part in the Settrington Cup Pedal Car Race as motoring enthusiasts attend the Goodwood Revival, a three-day historic car racing festival in Goodwood, Chichester, Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2021 Hugo, 7, from London rides past a 4x7 metre rainbow arch, made entirely of recycled aluminium cans, which has been installed by recycling initiative 'Every Can Counts', in partnership with The City of London Corporation in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London, to encourage members of the public to recycle their drinks cans ahead of recycling week, which starts on 20 September PA UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. 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 The detective added: "The victim said she believed it was in relation to her homosexuality." Ciaran McGuinness, solicitor for the accused, said his client told police he had homosexual relatives and did not bear any ill will. District Judge King said there was a risk to the public and remanded the teenager in custody, to appear by video link at Strabane Magistrates' Court on 18 May. The accused, wearing a tracksuit, appeared emotional and hugged his mother in the public gallery afterwards. Additional reporting by PA Boris Johnson has appeared on Donald Trumps favourite television show in an effort to speak directly to the US president amid fears he will scrap the Iran nuclear deal. The foreign secretary is on a two-day visit to Washington where he is mounting last-ditch efforts to save the international agreement, which has eased sanctions on Tehran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme. Mr Trump has been highly critical of the nuclear deal, describing it as disastrous and the worst ever, and has given Britain and its allies until Saturday to fix the agreement, which he believes is too lenient. Recommended Boris Johnson heads to Washington as Trump considers Iran nuclear deal As well as meeting senior figures in the Trump administration, Mr Johnson also tried to reach the president during an appearance on Fox & Friends on Monday, a right-wing morning news programme that Mr Trump frequently tweets about. Striking a conciliatory tone, he said: The president is right to see flaws in it and he has set a very reasonable challenge to the world. Look, Iran is behaving badly, Iran has a tendency to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles and we have got to stop that. We have got to push back on what Iran is doing in the region, we have got to be tougher on Iran. Mr Johnson urged the president not to throw the baby out with the bathwater as the Iranians could rush for a nuclear weapon. Scrapping the deal could prompt a nuclear arms race in the Middle East, with Iran dashing for a bomb, the foreign secretary also argued in an opinion piece for The New York Times, which Mr Trump is known to read. Writing in the newspaper, Mr Johnson said: What has been gained from the nuclear deal? Imagine all the mutually contaminating civil wars and internecine conflicts that rage across the Middle East today. Then turn the dial and add the possibility of a regional nuclear arms race triggered by Iran dashing for a bomb. That is the scenario which the agreement has helped to prevent. He acknowledged that the deal had weaknesses but said he was convinced they can be remedied by British, French and German diplomats who have been working with US counterparts for weeks to save the deal. The agreement had put restrictions on Irans nuclear programme and now that these handcuffs are in place, I see no possible advantage in casting them aside, Mr Johnson added. The president gave allies until Saturday to fix his concerns with the 2015 deal signed by Britain, Germany, Russia, China, the US, and France, with Iran which include the failure to address Irans ballistic missile programme and the terms of how inspectors visit suspected sites. UK ambassador to the US, Sir Kim Darroch, said efforts were ongoing to find some language, produce some action that meets the presidents concerns. He told CBS: We have been talking at senior official level to the administration with our French and German colleagues for several weeks now. 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 We think were making progress. We havent got there yet. We have a few days left to see if we can find a way through. Sir Kim said that Plan A is that the US stays in the deal but we are looking at all eventualities. Mr Johnson is due to meet vice president Mike Pence and Mr Trumps hawkish new national security adviser John Bolton on his visit to Washington. He was also expected to discuss North Korea, ahead of President Trumps planned meeting with Kim Jong-un, and the situation in Syria. Jeremy Hunt has been urged to intervene in Brexit talks to stop British people from losing their right to free healthcare on the continent amid warnings that changes could prevent those with long-term conditions from leaving the country at all. A cross-party group of British MEPs, including from the health secretarys own Conservative Party, has written to Mr Hunt asking him to safeguard the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) a perk of EU membership that entitles UK residents to the same subsidised care as local patients. Medical charities have warned that 29,000 kidney dialysis patients who need to attend hospital every other day would face insurmountable costs of more than 800 a week if the card goes, effectively putting holidays and rest breaks out of reach for people on ordinary incomes. Recommended Juncker asks Belgium to give citizenship to British EU officials The status of the EHIC is uncertain in Brexit talks, with limited guarantees after a year of negotiations between Britain and the EU. The 16 MEPs, from the Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat, SNP, Green, and Plaid Cymru parties, called on the health secretary to stand up for dialysis patients, who on top of struggling to comprehend their diagnosis, now risk losing the freedom that the EHIC card permits them. Private travel insurance does not provide a viable alternative to EHIC card for dialysis patients, they wrote. Insurance companies will not cover the treatment, as a pre-existing condition. The cost of paying privately for dialysis sessions in the EU is up to 1,000 (880) a week depending on the circumstances and procedures used. Jeremy Hunt supported Remain during the referendum (Getty) Charities echoed the MEPs comments, warning that long-term conditions would continue to cross borders whatever the political status of the UK. Fiona Loud, policy director at the charity Kidney Care UK, told The Independent: Every day we hear from people who are anxious about the very real possibility that their freedom to travel could be curtailed due to changes in reciprocal healthcare rights. Whatever happens as we leave the EU, the needs of people with long-term conditions will continue to cross borders. Fiona Loud, Kidney Care UK For the 29,000 people in the UK who have kidney failure and who need dialysis to stay alive, the EHIC system is essential to allow them to travel in Europe. Everyone has the right to live their lives to the full, including people on dialysis so we need a clear commitment from the government to protect kidney patients post-Brexit. Whatever happens as we leave the EU, the needs of people with long-term conditions will continue to cross borders. In the early stages of withdrawal talks, the EU guaranteed that anyone abroad at the point of Brexit would be able to retain their EHIC card. But there has been no reported movement on the status of the card for other travellers, making up the vast majority of the population. Catherine Bearder, a Liberal Democrat MEP and one of the letters signatories, added: Far from providing a boost to the NHS Brexit means all patients lose their free healthcare rights when travelling abroad in the EU. Its time Jeremy Hunt stood up for the NHS and the vulnerable in these negotiations. Whatever the Brexit deal looks like, the British people should have the final say on whether they think it is as good as the deal we have now inside the EU. 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 letter was signed by Ms Bearder for the Liberal Democrats; Charles Tannock for the Conservatives; Molly Scott Cato, Keith Taylor and Jean Lambert for the Greens, Alyn Smith for the SNP and Jill Evans for Plaid Cymru. It was also signed by Labour MEPs Seb Dance, Jude Kirton-Darling, Clare Moody, John Howarth, Julie Ward, Richard Corbett, Derek Vaughn and Mary Honeyball. A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said: We want to secure the continuation of European Health Insurance Card rights for current and future UK EHIC holders, subject to a reciprocal deal with the EU. We welcome the progress that has been made in negotiations and have been clear that we want all current and future UK nationals to continue to benefit from EHIC rights. A Labour MP will launch a parliamentary bid for a public vote on the final Brexit deal, in a move that will add to growing pressure on the partys front bench over its stance on leaving the EU. Former trade minister Gareth Thomas is calling on the government to take back control from Brexit ideologues by letting the people determine the terms of Britains exit from the bloc through a fresh referendum in the autumn. In a week set to be dominated by Brexit, Mr Thomas will use a 10-minute rule motion to test parliamentary support for a public vote, an idea he believes has cross-party backing. It comes as Jeremy Corbyn faced calls to soften his stance and allow peers to back a crunch vote in the Lords on Tuesday, which would effectively keep the UK in the single market after Brexit. Mr Thomas said he believed there was growing support in all parties for a vote on the final deal but acknowledged his bill was unlikely to become law. He told The Independent: Given that every analysis by the government shows Britain worse off under all possible variations of Brexit, and given claims of more funding for the NHS and other key services after we leave are now clearly false, the public should have the right to vote on whether to accept the final deal. As a former trade minister, I know that the trade deals ministers want to negotiate will involve significant immigration into the UK a truth ministers have been reluctant to explain to those who voted Leave, for this issue. The Harrow West MP said he does not want to stop Brexit, adding: A peoples vote would give the British people the chance to take back control over Brexit from a small cabal of Leave ideologues and instead to determine together our countrys economic, social and cultural futures. On an issue as significant as this for all our futures I believe the people of our country should have the final decision on whether the deal the government negotiates is good enough. Fellow Labour MP, Geraint Davies, has also brought forward a private members bill calling for a public vote, which will be heard in Parliament on Friday. Both Labour and the Conservatives have ruled out allowing a further referendum but pro-EU MPs have been emboldened by recent defeats of the government in the Commons and the Lords, as well as a softening of Labours Brexit stance in favour of staying in a customs union with Europe. Both Sir John Major and Tony Blair have backed another referendum but only the Liberal Democrats and the Greens are officially in favour. It comes as pro-EU politicians accused the Labour leadership of cowardice and adopting a ridiculous position by telling peers not to support a call for the government to negotiate a Norway-style Brexit within the European Economic Area (EEA). Tory rebels told The Independent they have enough support to defeat the government if Labour joins them but party bosses have ordered peers to abstain preventing it from being voted on in the Commons. 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 Former shadow cabinet minister Chuka Umunna said it would go against Labours progressive values not to back the move in Parliament on Tuesday. Given the numbers of Conservative MPs now supporting the UK continuing to participate in the EEA, Labour is looking a gift horse in the mouth, said Mr Umunna, a supporter of the pro-EU Open Britain campaign. Labours Lord Alli, one of the signatories to the amendment, accused the party leadership of complete cowardice by ordering Labour peers to abstain. But shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner told the BBCs Sunday Politics: The EEA option would actually have less control, we would be bound by the regulations but we would have no seat at the table in deciding what those regulations were. He added: We should not vote for a substantive amendment that talks about staying in the EEA. A former Conservative cabinet minister has said Brexiteers are acting like toddlers who stamp their feet as splits deepen in Tory ranks over post-Brexit customs arrangements. Nicky Morgan, who chairs the Treasury Select Committee, mounted an outspoken attack on Eurosceptic colleagues for issuing threats about leadership contests and failing to cooperate on parliamentary votes if Theresa May crosses their Brexit red lines. The prime minister has enraged Brexiteers with her customs partnership proposal under which the UK would collect import tariffs on behalf of Brussels as they think it would keep Britain tied too closely to EU rules. Ms Mays Brexit war cabinet is deadlocked over the plan and divisions were compounded when pro-EU business secretary Greg Clark argued that thousands of British jobs depend on frictionless trade with Europe, in what was seen as an attempt by Downing Street to revive the customs partnership model. Writing on the ConservativeHome website, the pro-EU Tory said: I think many of them [Tory Eurosceptics] are like toddlers who want their favourite toy, and stamp their feet with frustration. Based on conversations shared with long-term Brexiteers outside parliament over recent months, I think the reason for this is that they believe their Brexit will be taken away from them. The Loughborough MP warned it could hit the partys future election chances as the prime minister is constantly facing noises off from a minority who are prepared to turn a blind eye to the impact of Brexit on the financial security of potential voters. She added: For over 20 years, some in my party have agitated and threatened and harried party leaders to adopt more Eurosceptic poses to secure the referendum, to change the question, to get us to talk only and endlessly about the EU. Now they have decided to set some red lines accompanied by threats of leadership contests and withdrawing cooperation in parliamentary votes. And for too long the Conservative One Nation tradition has tried to accommodate these demands. Well, enough is enough. Former education secretary Justine Greening accused Brexiteers of acting like Russia at the UN by vetoing things they dont like. Tory veteran Nicholas Soames also called for the holding to ransom of the PM by the pro-Brexit European Research Group, an influential wing of Eurosceptic backbench MPs led by Jacob Rees-Mogg, to end. The decision on the governments preferred customs option has been postponed after senior ministers failed to reach agreement over whether to go for Ms Mays customs partnership or the so-called maximum facilitation model favoured by Eurosceptics, which relies on technology to minimise border checks. The prime minister has risked Brexiteer anger by reportedly telling colleagues that they could be forced by parliament to accept a full customs union with the EU if they did not support her compromise plan. The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Show all 8 1 /8 The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Post-Brexit immigration workers sorting radishes on a production line at a farm in Norfolk. One possible post-Brexit immigration scheme could struggle to channel workers towards less attractive roles - while another may heighten the risk of labour exploitation, a new report warns. PA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Customs union A key point in the negotiations remains Britain's access to, or withdrawal from, the EU customs union. Since the referendum there has been hot debate over the meaning of Brexit: would it entail a full withdrawal from the existing agreement, known as hard Brexit, or the soft version in which we would remain part of a common customs area for most goods, as Turkey does? No 10 has so far insisted that Brexit means Brexit and that Britain will be leaving the customs union, but may be inclined to change its position once the potential risks to the UKs economic outlook become clearer. Alamy The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Northern Ireland-Irish border Though progress was made last year, there has still been no solid agreement on whether there should be a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. To ensure borderless travel on the island, the countries must be in regulatory alignment and therefore adhere to the same rules as the customs union. In December, the Conservative Partys coalition partners, the DUP, refused a draft agreement that would place the UK/EU border in the Irish Sea due to its potential to undermine the union. May has promised that would not be the case and has suggested that a specific solution would need to be found. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Transition period Despite protests from a small number of Conservative MPs, the Government and the EU are largely in agreement that a transitional period is needed after Brexit. The talks, however, have reached an impasse. Though May has agreed that the UK will continue to contribute to the EU budget until 2021, the PM wants to be able to select which laws made during this time the UK will have to adhere to. Chief negotiator Michel Barnier has said the UK must adopt all of the laws passed during the transition, without any input from British ministers or MEPs. EPA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Rights of EU citizens living the UK The Prime Minister has promised EU citizens already living in the UK the right to live and work here after Brexit, but the rights of those who arrive after Brexit day remains unclear. May insists that those who arrive during the transition period should not be allowed to stay, whereas the EU believe the cut-off point should be later. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Future trade agreement (with the EU) Despite this being a key issue in negotiations, the Government has yet to lay out exactly what it wants from a trade deal with the EU. Infighting within the Cabinet has prevented a solid position from being reached, with some MPs content that "no deal is better than a bad deal" while others rally behind single market access. The EU has already confirmed that access to the single market would be impossible without the UK remaining in the customs union. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Future trade agreements (internationally) The Government has already begun trying to woo foreign leaders into prospective trade agreements, with various high profile state visits to China, India and Canada for May, and the now infamous invitation to US President Donald Trump to visit London. However the UK cannot make trade agreements with another country while it is still a member of the EU, and the potential loss of trade with the world's major powers is a source of anxiety for the PM. The EU has said the UK cannot secure trade deals during the transition period. EPA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Financial services Banks in the UK will be hit hard regardless of the Brexit outcome. The EU has refused to give British banks passporting rights to trade within the EU, dashing hopes of a special City deal. However according to new reports Germany has suggested allowing trade on the condition that the UK continues paying into the EU budget even after the transition period. Getty Her ally Mr Clark, the business secretary, insisted the plan was still on the table in an appearance on the BBCs Andrew Marr Show, where he warned that thousands of jobs could be put at risk at manufacturing firms such as car giant Toyota, if extra customs checks are brought in. However Mr Rees-Mogg, a prominent Eurosceptic, dismissed the warnings as Project Fear and said that the customs partnership plan would amount to keeping the UK in the EU. The Brexit war cabinet is due to meet on Thursday, while Ms May also faces a crucial Lords vote this week, where rebel Tories believe they have enough support for plans to effectively keep Britain in the single market. More than half of British people believe that the Windrush scandal has shone a light on deeper problems in the immigration system, a new poll has revealed. The exclusive survey for The Independent indicated that a majority also want an inquiry into the debacle, which saw British citizens wrongly threatened with deportation by immigration officials. Immigration remains a divisive issue as large numbers of people still believe the UK has a serious problem with illegal migrants, with some 40 per cent showing support for hostile environment policies blamed for the scandal. The BMG poll also cast doubt on hopes that Amber Rudds resignation would draw a line under the fiasco, as twice as many people hold Theresa May responsible for the policies than blame the former home secretary. It comes after protesters descended on Downing Street to call for Ms May to resign, where shadow home secretary Diane Abbott told activists: When it comes to the Windrush scandal, all roads lead back to Theresa May. The row began when it emerged that some Windrush immigrants who moved to the UK between 1940s to 1970s had lost their jobs, been refused medical care or been threatened with deportation as they did not have the right documentation. Hundreds of British citizens appear to have been caught up in the row, which also overshadowed the recent Commonwealth summit in London and forced the prime minister to make a grovelling apology to Caribbean leaders. Ms Mays time at the Home Office has also come under scrutiny, where she introduced the hardline hostile environment policies blamed for the aggressive targeting of Windrush citizens, many of whom travelled to the UK as children and never received passports. The poll asked 1,500 people a string of questions on immigration and the Windrush scandal in the days following Ms Rudds decision to stand down. Some 56 per cent said they felt the Windrush scandal highlighted wider problems with the British immigration system, while 26 per cent believed it was an isolated incident. The majority backed an inquiry into the governments handling of the scandal, with 58 per cent in favour and just 11 per cent against the idea. However, the poll also suggested support for a tough stance on illegal immigration, as 40 per cent backed policies which amount to hostile environment, such as preventing those in Britain illegally from getting a job, renting a home or accessing medical treatment without the right documents. Some 38 per cent said they explicitly wanted illegal immigrants to face a hostile environment in Britain. The survey showed that 30 per cent of people lay the blame for the debacle at Ms Mays door, while 15 per cent blame Ms Rudd. Recommended Sajid Javid has a chance to change the toxic debate over immigration Ministers hope that the appointment of Sajid Javid as Ms Rudds successor could draw a line under the row, after Ms Rudd dramatically stood down last week over her handling of immigration policy. Mr Javid, who is the first BAME home secretary, used his first outing before MPs to disown the term hostile environment and to pledge to do right by the Windrush generation. He told the Commons: Like the Caribbean Windrush generation, my parents came to this country from the Commonwealth in the 1960s. They too came to help rebuild this country and offer all that they had. So when I heard that people who were longstanding pillars of their community were being impacted for simply not having the right documents to prove their legal status in the UK, I thought that it could be my mum, my brother, my uncle or even me. Thats why I am so personally committed to and invested in resolving the difficulties faced by the people of the Windrush generation who have built their lives here and contributed so much. 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 Home Office officials have received more than 3,800 calls to the official helpline, with around 1,360 cases identified as potential Windrush cases, MPs were told. BMG interviewed a representative sample of 1,500 adults living in Great Britain between 1 and 4 May. Data are weighted. BMG are members of the British polling council and abide by their rules An award-wining film director was headbutted to death by a giraffe while shooting footage at a safari lodge in South Africa. Carlos Carvalho, 47, was taking closeups of the animal named Gerald when it suddenly swung its neck and knocked him flying through the air. Mr Carvalho died of his injuries that night after being flown to a Johannesburg hospital, said filming agency CallaCrew. He had been shooting scenes at the Glen Afric farm in Broederstroom, which is famous for featuring in the British TV series Wild at Heart. Richard Brooker, whose family owns the lodge, said the bull giraffe would not be put down as he was not considered dangerous. When Carlos was standing in front of the giraffe, the animal spread its legs, bent its neck and swung its head at Carlos, he said. Gerald will remain at the lodge. He did nothing wrong, Mr Brooker told The Telegraph. A spokesperson for Glen Afric also suggested that Carvalho had gone off on his own and ignored safety instructions not to approach the animals. Drikus Van Der Merwe, a member of the film crew, was standing next to Mr Carvalho when the incident occurred on 2 May. The giraffe started chasing the boom swinger who joined our unit, he told the Sun. We didnt feel threatened because he just seemed to be inquisitive. We started shooting closeups of its body and its feet. Then while Carlos was looking through the camera eyepiece Gerald swung his neck and hit him against his head. It came out of nowhere and Carlos didnt even see it coming. He wasnt aware of the danger. I knew he had a severe head trauma. But I never thought he would die. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty Mr Carvalho won a Cannes Lion award for a South African Childline public service announcement in 2003 and was the director of photography for The Forgotten Kingdom, the first feature film produced in Lesotho. Tributes were paid on Facebook to the father-of-two from Johannesburg as a wonderful human being. Chris Roland said: Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Carlos Carvalho, a very nice guy and talented DOP [director of photography] I had the honour of working with twice. A great loss to the industry. Farewell Carlos! Props master Thabiso Mohapi said: RIP my brother! Meeting and greeting you that morning at breakfast shooting the first scenes of the morning didnt know it was our last time together. A leopard snatched and ate the three-year-old son of a ranger at a popular national park in Uganda. The animal attacked the toddler named in local reports as Elisha Nabugyere at a safari lodge near the shore of Lake Edward on Friday night. Ugandan authorities recovered the childs skull the following day. The leopard is now being hunted down before it kills again. Once it has eaten human flesh the temptations are high to eat another human being, it becomes dangerous, said Uganda Wildlife Authority spokesman Bashir Hangi. The boy was in the care of a nanny at the unfenced staff quarters for the Uganda Wildlife Authority at the Queen Elizabeth National Park when the leopard struck at around 7.30pm. The maid was not aware the child followed her, Mr Hangi said. She heard the kid scream for help. She intervened but it was too late the leopard had vanished with it in the bush. A search was mounted until we got the skull the next day. The hunt is on with the intention of capturing the leopard and removing it from the wild. The boys father, Francis Nabugyere, a police officer, told The Kampala Post his sons remains were presented to him in a coffin for burial. 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 Last week in South Africa a filmmaker was killed by a giraffe at a safari lodge, and the British owner of a wildlife park was mauled by a lion he had raised since it was a cub. In India a man was mauled to death by a bear after reportedly stopping to take a selfie with the animal. Radar scans of King Tutankhamun's tomb have proved there are no secret chambers packed with buried treasure. The disappointing end to a three-year search for the hidden rooms was announced by the Egyptian Antiquities Ministry. It scotches the theory proposed by British Egyptologist Nicholas Reeves that Queen Nefertiti's tomb could be concealed behind wall paintings in the pharaoh's burial chamber. Experts had been divided over the existence of the hidden rooms after scans by American and Japanese scientists proved inconclusive. A team from the Polytechnic University of Turin started a new search in February 2017 using ground penetrating radar. "Our work shows in a conclusive manner that there are no hidden chambers, no corridors adjacent to Tutankhamun's tomb," said Francesco Porcelli, presenting the findings at an international conference in Cairo. "As you know there was a theory that argued the possible existence of these chambers but unfortunately our work is not supporting this theory." Egyptian officials had claimed in 2015 that there was a "90 percent" chance that something was behind the walls of Tutankhamen's tomb. Radar scanning of a wall in King Tutankhamun's burial chamber (AP Photo/Amr Nabil) It had been hoped the discovery of the final resting place of Queen Nefertiti would shed new light on a mysterious period of Egyptian history. Nefertiti, who died in the 14th century BCE, is thought to have been Tutankhamun's stepmother. Her face was immortalised in a 3,300-year-old bust now in a Berlin museum but her mummy has never been formally identified. The search for the famous queen will now have to focus elsewhere. Mostafa Waziri, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, confirmed the search did not reveal any man-made blocking walls or corridors as earlier suspected. "The studies have shown that no chambers exist, or even an indication of any threshold or door frames, which contradicts the previous theory that had assumed the existence of passages or chambers adjacent or inside the burial chamber of King Tutankhamun." King Tutankhamun's treasures are currently being transferred to a new museum near the Giza Pyramids outside Cairo. Discovery of Tutankhamuns tomb - in colour Show all 21 1 /21 Discovery of Tutankhamuns tomb - in colour Discovery of Tutankhamuns tomb - in colour Carter and a worker examine the solid gold innermost sarcophagus, October 1925. Image courtesy of Griffith Institute, University of Oxford, colourised by Dynamichrome Discovery of Tutankhamuns tomb - in colour Carter examines Tutankhamun's sarcophagus, October 1925. Image courtesy of Griffith Institute, University of Oxford, colourised by Dynamichrome Discovery of Tutankhamuns tomb - in colour Carter, Callender and two Egyptian workers carefully dismantle one of the golden shrines within the burial chamber, December 1923. Image courtesy of Griffith Institute, University of Oxford, colourised by Dynamichrome Discovery of Tutankhamuns tomb - in colour Carter, Mace and an Egyptian worker carefully roll up the linen pall covering the second shrine, 30th October 1923. Image courtesy of Griffith Institute, University of Oxford, colourised by Dynamichrome Discovery of Tutankhamuns tomb - in colour Inside the outermost shrine in the burial chamber, a huge linen pall with gold rosettes, reminiscent of the night sky, covers the smaller shrines within, December 1923. Image courtesy of Griffith Institute, University of Oxford, colourised by Dynamichrome Discovery of Tutankhamuns tomb - in colour Carter, Callende, and two workers remove the partition wall between the antechamber and the burial chamber, 2nd December 1923. Image courtesy of Griffith Institute, University of Oxford, colourised by Dynamichrome Discovery of Tutankhamuns tomb - in colour A statue of Anubis on a shrine with pallbearers' poles in the treasury of the tomb, ca.1923. Image courtesy of Griffith Institute, University of Oxford, colourised by Dynamichrome Discovery of Tutankhamuns tomb - in colour Arthur Mace and Alfred Lucas work on a golden chariot from Tutankhamun's tomb outside the "laboratory" in the tomb of Sethos II, December 1923. Image courtesy of Griffith Institute, University of Oxford, colourised by Dynamichrome Discovery of Tutankhamuns tomb - in colour Howard Carter, Arthur Callender and an Egyptian worker wrap one of the sentinel statues for transport, 29th November 1923. Image courtesy of Griffith Institute, University of Oxford, colourised by Dynamichrome Discovery of Tutankhamuns tomb - in colour In a "laboratory" set up in the tomb of Sethos II, conservators Arthur Mace and Alfred Lucas clean one of the sentinel statues from the antechamber, January 1924. Image courtesy of Griffith Institute, University of Oxford, colourised by Dynamichrome Discovery of Tutankhamuns tomb - in colour Ornately carved alabaster vases in the antechamber, December 1922. Image courtesy of Griffith Institute, University of Oxford, colourised by Dynamichrome Discovery of Tutankhamuns tomb - in colour Chests inside the treasury, ca.1923. Image courtesy of Griffith Institute, University of Oxford, colourised by Dynamichrome Discovery of Tutankhamuns tomb - in colour A gilded bust of the Celestial Cow Mehet-Weret and chests sit in the treasury of the tomb, ca.1923. Image courtesy of Griffith Institute, University of Oxford, colourised by Dynamichrome Discovery of Tutankhamuns tomb - in colour Under the lion bed in the antechamber are several boxes and chests, and an ebony and ivory chair which Tutankhamun used as a child, December 1922. Image courtesy of Griffith Institute, University of Oxford, colourised by Dynamichrome Discovery of Tutankhamuns tomb - in colour A gilded lion bed and inlaid clothes chest among other objects in the antechamber, December 1922. Image courtesy of Griffith Institute, University of Oxford, colourised by Dynamichrome Discovery of Tutankhamuns tomb - in colour An assortment of model boats in the treasury of the tomb, ca. 1923. Image courtesy of Griffith Institute, University of Oxford, colourised by Dynamichrome Discovery of Tutankhamuns tomb - in colour A gilded lion bed, clothes chest and other objects in the antechamber. The wall of the burial chamber is guarded by statues, december 1922. Image courtesy of Griffith Institute, University of Oxford, colourised by Dynamichrome Discovery of Tutankhamuns tomb - in colour A ceremonial bed in the shape of the Celestial Cow, surrounded by provisions and other objects in the antechamber of the tomb, December 1922. Image courtesy of Griffith Institute, University of Oxford, colourised by Dynamichrome Discovery of Tutankhamuns tomb - in colour Howard Carter, Arthur Callender and an Egyptian worker open the doors of the innermost shrine and get their first look at Tutankhamun's sarcophagus, 4th January 1924. Image courtesy of Griffith Institute, University of Oxford, colourised by Dynamichrome Discovery of Tutankhamuns tomb - in colour Tutankhamun's burial mask, November 1925. Image courtesy of Griffith Institute, University of Oxford, colourised by Dynamichrome Discovery of Tutankhamuns tomb - in colour Lord Carnarvon, financier of the excavation, reads on the veranda of Carter's house near the Valley of the Kings, ca.1923. Image courtesy of Griffith Institute, University of Oxford, colourised by Dynamichrome On Saturday the pharaoh's sixth and final chariot, made from Lebanese cedar wood and animal skin, was moved to the under-construction site. The first phase of the project will be completed by the end of this year but the grand opening is not scheduled to take place until 2022, the 100th anniversary of the discovery of King Tut's tomb by the British archaeologist Howard Carter. Additional reporting by agencies Tourists are unwittingly destroying 200-million-year-old dinosaur footprints in Utah by throwing stone slabs into a lake, according to officials. At least ten prehistoric raptor tracks measuring up to 17 inches long have disappeared from Red Fleet State Park in the last six months. "It's become quite a big problem," said park manager Josh Hansen. "They're just looking to throw rocks off the side. What they don't realise is these rocks they're picking up, they're covered in dinosaur tracks." One teenager was recently caught hurling slabs of sandstone into the 750-acre reservoir at the site, said Mr Hansen. When challenged he was holding another slab bearing two toe imprints from a dilophosaurus track. Some of the tracks are very distinct to the layperson but just as many are not," Mr Hansen told the Associated Press. "That is why it is important to not disturb any rocks at the dinosaur trackway. Staff have started adding extra signs to try and prevent further vandalism. The park, which attracts more than 30,000 visitors a year, is also considering sending a diving team into the reservoir to try and recover the footprints. However it is feared that many have been lost forever, either because they shattered on impact or dissolved in the water. 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 "Education can play a big part in stopping this kind of behaviour," said Utah State Parks on its blog about the problem. "To help combat it, we are asking everyone to spread the word. Please, do not throw any rocks in the dinosaur track area at Red Fleet State Park. "Help us keep the area preserved and beautiful for visitors both tomorrow and for generations to come." The dilophosaurus, which weighed up to 400kg and is thought to have hunted in packs, is probably best known from the Jurassic Park movie. In the film it was given an expanding frill to warn predators and the ability to spit venom to a distance of six metres. Associated Press contributed to this report US Assistant Secretary: The World Remembers Russias Occupation in Georgia By Gvantsa Gabekhadze There was the war here 10 years ago and I am here today to remind Russia that the world has not forgotten these events, Wess Mitchell, the US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Issues, said in the village of Odzisi, near the occupation line between Georgia and its occupied Tskhinvali region on Tuesday."We do not recognise this dividing line as an international border, we are very concerned about the security situation of those Georgians living beyond this line. We condemn any action related to the detention, torture and murder of Georgian citizens and offer our condolences to their families, Wess Mitchell said.He called on the Russian government to comply with the 2008 ceasefire agreement obligations and withdraw the recognition of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali.The United States is committed to Georgia and its security and we appreciate the effort that comes from the government, parliament and people- to show commitment to democratic reforms and to have a successful and democratic country, Mitchell stated.During the visit in the village Mitchell was accompanied by Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze and a representative of the Analytic Department of the State Security Service.Wess Mitchell arrived in Georgia on April 29 and left the country on May 1st.He participated in the NATO-Georgia public diplomacy forum in Tbilisi on April 30, where he said that the US President Donald Trump supports the 2008 NATO Bucharest declaration and appeals to alliance member states to adhere to the obligations taken within the declaration.The Bucharest declaration contains promises that Georgia will become a NATO member state. The Trump administration is to seek the criminal prosecution of every person caught trying to enter the US illegally, a policy that will likely split up more families and which the government hopes will act as a deterrent. Under a new directive issued by Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, agents are to pursue a zero-tolerance policy as outlined by Attorney General Jeff Sessions. It means that even if someone caught at the border illegally has a valid asylum claim, they could have a federal criminal conviction on their record, even if a judge later decides they have the right to stay in the country legally. The separation of families, often for lengthy periods of times, was something that members of a migrants caravan that arrived at the USs southern border late last month, were warned about by US lawyer providing free advice. Recommended Trump questions need for immigration judges We are the bearers of horrible news, Los Angeles-based lawyer Nora Phillips told the Associated Press in Tijuana, while holding free legal workshops for migrants two weeks ago. Thats what good attorneys are for. Confirming the new policy at an appearance in Arizona on Monday, Mr Sessions said: If you cross the border unlawfully, even a first offence, were going to prosecute you. Donald Trump attacks Mexico for letting in 'caravans' of people Speaking at a gathering of the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, he added: If youre smuggling a child, were going to prosecute you, and that child will be separated from you, probably, as required by law. If you dont want your child to be separated, then dont bring them across the border illegally. Politico said the stepped up enforcement of federal immigration law comes as arrests on the border have climbed in recent months. It said Border Patrol agents caught about 38,000 people at the US-Mexico border in April, more than three times the level during the same month a year earlier. Life on the US-Mexican border Show all 12 1 /12 Life on the US-Mexican border Life on the US-Mexican border Tijuana, Mexico A house stands next to a section of the border fence separating Mexico and the US Reuters Life on the US-Mexican border Tijuana, Mexico The border fence in Tijuana stretches all the way to beach Reuters Life on the US-Mexican border Tijuana, Mexico Migrants can often be spotted trying to cross the rusty barrier Reuters Life on the US-Mexican border Tijuana, Mexico Joaquin, 36, a chef from Guatemala who says he was deported from the US Reuters Life on the US-Mexican border Tijuana, Mexico A shack stands next to a section of the border fence Reuters Life on the US-Mexican border Tijuana, Mexico Tourists pose for a picture at the border Reuters Life on the US-Mexican border Tijuana, Mexico A family burns rubbish near the fence Reuters Life on the US-Mexican border Tijuana, Mexico Joaquin makes a living by selling rubbish Reuters Life on the US-Mexican border Tijuana, Mexico Neither Trump nor the wall is going to stop anyone, says Pedro Reuters Life on the US-Mexican border Tijuana, Mexico Mexicans have built homes right next to the fence Reuters Life on the US-Mexican border Tijuana, Mexico Mexican Carlos, 27, who says that he was deported from the United States, heats up tortillas at his house near the double fence that separates Mexico and the US Reuters Life on the US-Mexican border Tijuana, Mexico A girl climbs stairs near a section of the fence The DHS has said there had been a significant increase in apprehensions at the border over the 12 months, including the number of family units and unaccompanied alien children. From April 2017 to April 2018, the number of apprehensions and inadmissible aliens tripled, said a DHS official, asking not to be identified. According to the AP, Mr Sessions said: The Department of Justice will take up as many of those cases as humanly possible until we get to 100 per cent. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has sued the Trump administration, seeking to halt the separation of families at the border. Last week, seeking a preliminary injunction to prohibit family separation unless the parent is determined to be unfit or poses a danger to the child, the organisation sued on behalf of a Congolese woman who was separated from her seven-year-old daughter for five months after seeking asylum at a San Diego border crossing. President Donald Trump has defended his embattled nominee for CIA director, claiming Democrats only oppose his pick because she is too tough on terror. Mr Trumps nominee, Gina Haspel, reportedly offered to withdraw from the nomination last week, as questions grew about her role in the CIAs controversial interrogation programme including instances of waterboarding and other techniques some have called torture. The president made it clear on Monday that he did not accept her offer. My highly respected nominee for CIA Director, Gina Haspel, has come under fire because she was too tough on Terrorists, he tweeted. Think of that, in these very dangerous times, we have the most qualified person, a woman, who Democrats want OUT because she is too tough on terror, he added. Win Gina! The White House Press Office followed up with an email declaring Ms Haspel the "best choice for CIA director," quoting snippets of praise from various newspaper editorials. Ms Haspel, a 33-year CIA veteran, offered to withdraw her nomination on Friday, according to the Washington Post. Administration officials had summoned her to the White House to discuss her role in the post-9/11 CIA interrogation programme. Ms Haspel reportedly told the officials that she did not want to damage her reputation, or that of the CIA, in her Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday. She added that she did not want to be the next Ronny Jackson a reference to Mr Trumps nominee for head of Veterans Affairs, who withdrew his nomination under scrutiny of his drug prescribing practices. White House legislative affairs director Marc Short and White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders reportedly rushed to CIA headquarters in Virginia after the meeting, to convince Ms Haspel to stay in the running. Ms Sanders tweeted her support for the nominee on Saturday, adding that any Democrat who claims to support women's empowerment and our national security but opposes her nomination is a total hypocrite. 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 To pass her confirmation hearing, Ms Haspel will need the support of nearly every Republican in the Senate, where the GOP holds a slim 51-to-49 majority. Several Republicans are still quietly questioning their vote, according to NBC News. Democrats have been more vocal in their opposition, demanding access to more documents about Ms Haspels three-decade CIA career most of which was spent undercover. The 61-year-old oversaw a CIA black site prison in Thailand in 2002, during which time at least one detainee was waterboarded. Groups like Human Rights First and Physicians for Human Rights and even the British government have called such techniques torture. A Senate Intelligence Committee report from 2014 found the CIA interrogation programme was flawed and that officials portrayed it as more effective than it was. The extent of Ms Haspels role in the programme is not known publicly, with the report's executive summary which obscured names of agency operatives being the only pages released. In 2005, Ms Haspel wrote a cable ordering the destruction of more than 100 videotapes of waterboarding sessions at the black site. The incident set off a Justice Department review, in which a special prosecutor declined to bring charges against anyone involved. The CIA recently declassified a disciplinary review conducted by former CIA Deputy Director Michael Morrell, which absolved Ms Haspel of any responsibility in the incident. The review found Ms Haspel had no fault in the destruction of the video tapes, noting that her boss at the time was the one to sign and send the cables. The release did not satisfy Democratic Senators Dianne Feinstein, Ron Wyden, and Martin Heinrich, who called the CIAs response to their requests for information wholly inadequate. Concealing [Ms Haspels] background when no sources and methods are at stake shows nothing but contempt for the Senate and the public, the senators wrote in a joint statement. We believe senators and the American public have the need to know whether or not the nominee before us was a senior manager for a program that has been shown to be deeply flawed, as well as a number of other disturbing facts about her record. Donald Trump has accused former Secretary of State John Kerry of shadow diplomacy for attempting to save the Iran nuclear deal, as the president prepares to announce whether he will pull out of the historic accord. Mr Kerry, who helped negotiate the agreement under former President Barack Obama, has reportedly taken meetings with key architects of the deal in recent weeks, in an attempt to pressure the Trump administration into preserving it. Mr Trump has made no secret of his disdain for the 2015 deal, repeatedly calling it the worst deal ever made. He lashed out at Mr Kerry over his attempts at shadow diplomacy" on Monday, before announcing that he would make his final decision the next day. The United States does not need John Kerrys possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran Deal, he wrote. He was the one that created this MESS in the first place! Hours later, Mr Trump tweeted the he would announce his decision at 2 pm on Tuesday days before his self-imposed deadline of 12 May. Iran president Rouhani: US ending nuclear deal will be "historic regret" Mr Kerry met with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif twice in two months to discuss ways of preserving the deal, according to the Boston Globe. He also talked separately with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, French President Emmanuel Macron, and European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, according to CNN. He has also reportedly placed dozens of calls to members of Congress like Speaker of the House Paul Ryan. A spokesman for Mr Kerry released a statement defending the former diplomat, saying that he thought all Americans would want "every voice possible urging Iran to remain in compliance with the nuclear agreement that prevented a war. Secretary Kerry stays in touch with his former counterparts around the world just like every previous Secretary of State," spokesman Matthew Summers said. "Like America's closest allies, he believes it is important that the nuclear agreement, which took the world years to negotiate, remain effective as countries focus on stability in the region." Iran's 'Trumpism' contest Show all 10 1 /10 Iran's 'Trumpism' contest Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Iran's 'Trumpism' contest AFP/Getty Images Mr Trump has repeatedly critiqued the deal for not going far enough on Iran's nuclear energy programme. He has also attacked the Obama administration for its role in the negotiations. At a recent National Rifle Association event, Mr Trump joked that Mr Kerry was not the best negotiator weve ever seen. He never walked away from the table except to be in that bicycle race where he fell and broke his leg, he added, referencing an incident in which Mr Kerry fractured his femur while biking in the French Alps. It is unclear where Mr Trump will land on the deal, in which six countries agreed to lift sanctions on Iran in exchange for limits on the country's nuclear energy production. Diplomats familiar with the negotiations told the New York Times it was likely that Mr Trump would pull out of the deal and re-impose sanctions on Iran. Mr Macron signalled as much in a recent visit to the US, where he said the president would likely pull out for domestic reasons. Mr Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have both urged Mr Trump to stay in the deal. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, meanwhile, has said the US will face historic regret if Mr Trump pulls out. We have plans to resist any decision by Trump on the nuclear accord, he said at a televised rally. Orders have been issued to our atomic energy organisation ... and to the economic sector to confront Americas plots against our country. Donald Trump has announced that he will pull the US out of the Iran nuclear deal, a decision that has reverberated around the world. It is important to note that in February, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Iran was in compliance with the deal, something that was welcomed by the various parties, including the US. So the president's decision to pull the US out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was brokered by seven parties and signed in 2015, it would place everyone in uncharted territory. Despite that, some things are already clear. What are the options for Donald Trump? Under the terms of the deal, the US has issued waivers to longstanding sanctions imposed long before Mr Trump came to office that have sought to punish Iran for its nuclear programme. Iran, in turn, restricted its programme and allowed more international inspections. The US president must decide whether to renew the waivers that eased one basket of sanctions: those on Irans central bank, intended to hit Iranian oil exports, and which would force global companies to reduce their purchases of oil from Iran. The Associated Press said another basket of sanctions waivers are up for renewal on July 11, and three of those focus on more than 400 specific Iranian companies, individuals and business sectors. One of Mr Trumps options, being called the nuclear option by some experts, would re-impose all the sanctions at once. That would put the US in immediate violation of the deals terms, which say sanctions remain lifted as long as Iran is complying with its terms. Almost everyone, including US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, has said Iran is complying. The most recent IAEA compliance report was in February What is Mr Trumps motivation? Mr Trump has never hidden his distaste for the Iran nuclear deal, which he has referred to as the worst deal ever. At the same time, he has expressed a willingness to work to improve the arrangement. He has particularly objected the accords sunset clause, which allows Iran to resume part of its nuclear programme after 2025. While Mr Trump may have concerns about the deal, many observers believe he is being put under pressure from hawks in his party who never liked the deal and, figures such as Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu, who considers Iran an existential threat. Last week, the prime minister of the only country in Middle East generally believed to already possess nuclear weapons, claimed Tehran was in breach of the 2015 deal and had been hiding its true intentions from the other signatories to the deal. It also seems Mr Trump likes the idea of being able to turn to his core supporters and say: Look, Ive delivered on another promise. Yet, there is concern that Mr Trump has not thought through where this will lead. In a conference call for the media, organised by Diplomacy First, a group of former diplomats and officials seeking to retain US participation in the deal, Jake Sullivan, former Deputy Assistant to Barack Obama and a senior advisor during the negotiations, said: What will be immediately obvious after May 12th is that President Trump is throwing the United States and the Iran deal into a new nuclear crisis, essentially to cater to his political base, and neither the president nor his administration appear to have any strategy or plan for what comes next. Iran president Rouhani: US ending nuclear deal will be "historic regret" What about Europe? Senior figures from Britain, France, Germany and other members of the EU have urged Mr Trump to stick with the deal, saying it is the best way to retain a handle on what Iran is doing and ensure inspection teams have access. Both French president Emmanuel Macron and British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson have suggested the deal has sufficient elasticity to be strengthened and tweaked to satisfy Mr Trumps concerns. Mr Johnson appeared on one of the US presidents favourite cable shows, Fox and Friends, to urge the him to keep with it. We have to be tougher on Iran and we've got to fix the flaws in the deal, said Mr Johnson. He said the agreement can help avoid a nuclear arms race, one that would also include Saudi Arabia and other nations in the Middle East. He added: Plan B does not seem, to me, to be particularly well developed at this stage. On Monday German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said it was clear that the agreement had made the world more secure. We don't think there is any justifiable reason to pull out of this agreement and we continue to make the case for it to our American friends, Mr Maas said during a joint news conference with visiting French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. We'll deal with the [US] decision but like Jean-Yves said, we want to adhere to this agreement. Yet the AP pointed out that while the EU has said it will remain with the deal even if the US pulls out, it might not matter much given that the global financial system is so interconnected and tied to the US. It would be almost impossible for anyone anywhere in the world to continue their business with Iran without risk of violating US sanctions. Iran protests in pictures Show all 11 1 /11 Iran protests in pictures Iran protests in pictures University students at an anti-government protest inside Tehran University, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests in pictures A university student at a protest inside Tehran University while a smoke grenade is thrown by anti-riot Iranian police, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests in pictures University students at a protest inside Tehran University, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests in pictures University students run away from the police during an anti-government protest inside Tehran University, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests in pictures An image grab taken from a handout video released by Iran's Mehr News agency reportedly shows a group of men pulling at a fence in a street in Tehran, 30 December 2017 AFP/Getty Iran protests in pictures Demonstrators gather to protest in Tehran, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests in pictures Iranians chant slogans as they march in support of the government near the Imam Khomeini grand mosque in Tehran, 30 December 2017 AFP/Getty Iran protests in pictures Iranians chant slogans as they march in support of the government near the Imam Khomeini grand mosque in Tehran, December 30 2017 Iran protests in pictures Iranian clerics take part during a state-organized rally against anti-government protests in the country, in the holy city of Qom, south west Iran, 3 January 2018 EPA Iran protests in pictures In this photo provided by the Iranian Students' News Agency, a clergyman takes a picture of a pro-government demonstration in the southwestern city of Ahvaz, Iran, 3 January 2018 ISNA via AP Iran protests in pictures Pro-government demonstrators gather at the Massoumeh shrine in Iran's holy city of Qom, some 130 kilometres south of Tehran, 3 January 2018 AFP/Getty What will Iran do? Iran wants the US to remain in the deal, which has helped improve the countrys economy and strengthened the hand of relative political moderates such as the nations president, Hassan Rouhani. On Monday, Mr Rouhani said the US would regret any decision to leave the deal and vowed to resist US pressure. If they want to make sure that we are not after a nuclear bomb, we have said repeatedly that we are not and we will not be, he said in a televised speech, according to Reuters. But if they want to weaken Iran and limit its influence whether in the region or globally, Iran will fiercely resist. Observers believe the hand of hardliners would be strengthened if the US pulled out. Tehran has already said it would step up its nuclear activities if sanctions were to be reimposed. It would also increase its testing of missiles and support for militant groups. We are not worried about America's cruel decisions...We are prepared for all scenarios and no change will occur in our lives next week, said Mr Rouhani. If we can get what we want from a deal without America, then Iran will continue to remain committed to the deal. But if not, Tehran will continue its own path. The AP highlighted that while Iran would still technically remain obligated to permit inspections as a signatory of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, it would no longer be bound by the more rigorous inspections regime by the IAEA that it agreed to in the deal. That regime included the so-called Additional Protocol, which expanded the IAEAs access to sites in Iran, including giving inspectors insight into all parts of the nuclear fuel cycle, access on short notice to all buildings at an acknowledged nuclear site, and the right to obtain samples from military sites. What would North Korea make of all this? Some observers believe it is possible that Mr Trump will recertify the deal in order to persuade North Korea to carry out its stated wish to hold a summit with the US president. Alexandra Bell, a senior policy director at the Washington-based Centre for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, told The Independent that if the US reimposed sanctions it would be in violation of the deal it signed three years earlier. We lose our credibility as someone who can he trusted, she said of such a scenario. Why would North Korea sign any sort of deal after that? What is Mr Trump most likely to do? One thing the US president has proven since he entered the White House, is that it can be a hopeless task to try and guess his actions. Mr Sullivan, the former Obama advisor, said last week all signs right now point to the administration deciding not to issue the waivers that are coming up for renewal on May 12th. But things are not necessarily so black and white. There are at least three possible steps Mr Trump could take. Firstly, he could sign the waiver again as he has done every four months since taking office, but add a series of demands and caveats. This would keep the deal alive and allow those European nations who have said they will work to fix the deal, to try to do so. Secondly, he could refuse to sign the waiver but not push immediately for the reintroduction of sanctions. Anshel Pfeffer of Haartez, wrote: The sanctions that target Irans central bank, and are mainly aimed at hampering its international oil deals, do not come into effect for another 180 days - effectively giving the administration and the other signatories five more months to search for a compromise. At this point, the Europeans will be scrambling in both directions: To try to find a solution that could still make Trump backtrack and sign the waivers, better late than never; and, at the same time, prevent the Iranians from pulling out of the JCPOA. The third scenario, the one that Iran, Europe and the other signatories of the deal want to avoid is, Mr Trump refusing to sign the waiver and pushing ahead with new US sanctions, putting Washington at sharp odds with its supposed allies in Europe. Trump could go to the UN and start the process demanding UN sanctions, said Jeffrey Lewis, director of the East Asia Nonproliferation Programme at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. I think this is the least likely as it would trigger a major crisis. A bomb blast at a mosque being used as a voter registration centre in Afghanistan has killed at least 17 people and wounded 34, officials say. The attack is the latest in a string thought to be aimed at early preparations for parliamentary elections due to be held in October. The Taliban and a local affiliate of Isis both oppose democratic elections and have targeted them in the past. Basir Bina, a provincial police spokesman, said people had gathered after afternoon prayers in the mosque, in the eastern province of Khost, a mountainous region bordering Pakistan. Recommended First woman Afghan military pilot wins US asylum after fleeing Taliban He said the blast appeared to have been caused by explosives left in the mosque rather than a suicide bomber. But although the Taliban has warned people against taking part in the election process, it issued a statement denying any involvement in the bomb attack. Medical aid group Medecins Sans Frontieres said it had donated emergency supplies to the Khost provincial hospital, where many of the wounded were taken. The Taliban and Isis have carried out a wave of attacks this year and fighting has spread across the country. Last month, 60 people were killed and at least 130 others wounded when an Isis suicide bomber attacked a voter registration centre in Kabul. 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 Afghanistans October elections will be the first since 2014. A vehicle carrying shopkeepers on their way to a market struck a roadside bomb in the northern Faryab province, killing seven of them earlier today. Agencies contributed to this report. A 17-year-old girl is fighting for her life after being raped and set on fire just days after another teenager in the same Indian state died after being raped and burnt. The victim is being treated in hospital for 95 per cent burn injuries, having been attacked and doused in kerosene, police say. A local man, who had reportedly waited until she was alone at home before he pounced, has been arrested. It is the latest case in Indias rising tally of violent sexual crimes against women and girls this year, which includes the murder of an eight-year-old. Last week police arrested 14 people over the alleged gang-rape and murder of a 16-year-old in the eastern state of Jharkhand. Police have not indicated the two cases are linked. But the string of rapes and murders have rocked India, prompting mass protests in the country and international condemnation. Officers investigating the latest attack say the rapist waited until the 17-year-old was alone at a relatives house in Pakur district, then broke in and attacked her before setting her alight. Indian people protest about the rapes in Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir (EPA) Neighbours reportedly rushed to the house when they heard her screams and took her to hospital. Jharkhand police took a statement from her in hospital. The accused told us that he wanted to marry the victim but she wasnt ready, police officer Shailendra Barnwal told the BBC. Another officer, Shrawan Kumar, was quoted by local media as saying: A team of police officers has been constituted and sent to Berhampur in West Bengal where the girl is undergoing treatment at a private hospital. On the basis of the complaint, the accused has been arrested and sent to jail. In last weeks case, the main suspect and 14 others have already been arrested. The death penalty has been introduced for child rape as a result of the outrage over the spate of such crimes. About 40,000 rape cases were reported in India in 2016. Six other suspects were also recently arrested in a separate rape case in eastern India. A total of 22 people have now been arrested in connection with three separate rape cases involving teenage girls, officials say. Reported rape cases in India have climbed steadily in recent years, despite tougher penalties. Many more cases are believed to go unreported. Child rape accounts for about four in 10 of reported cases. In the gilded halls of the Grand Kremlin Palace, its construction a nod to the durability of autocracy, Vladimir Putin was on Monday officially returned to the Russian presidency. Hand on the constitution, the fourth-term president, who was first elected in 2000, swore allegiance to his people and country, inspected his presidential guard, and then watched as a 30-cannon salute marked the start of a new era. But for many, Mr Putins new term began on Saturday, with the message sent by the uncompromising clampdown of an opposition rally. Organiser Alexei Navalny was one of a record 1,600 people detained in nation-wide protests that day. The arrests were often violent, and sometimes with the support of unofficial vigilante forces. Police released Mr Navalny later that evening, but many of his supporters remained in custody throughout the inauguration. Todays ceremony mainly followed the protocol of previous years, but there were departures. The major innovation was the debut of Mr Putins new 12.5bn ruble limousine, the Kortezh. But the car would not sweep through central Moscow as six years ago. The image of a depopulated city centre on lockdown that day left an awkward aftertaste, and today there would be no repeat. Instead, Mr Putins new limousine made the short trip from his Kremlin offices to the ceremonial halls. Inside, dignitaries included some of Mr Putins closest friends, like the former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and American actor Steven Seagal. There were the stars of Russias beau monde from film director Nikita Mikhalkov to rapper Timati. And there was a mix of the stranger symbols of Mr Putins rule: biker Alexander Zaldostanov, aka the surgeon; the uber-loyal head of the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill; and the tsar-worshipping, ultra-conservative Natalia Poklonskaya. Pro-Kremlin youth and the heads of the regional electoral commission were also on the guest list. These groups were the sergeants of Marchs presidential elections, considered a great success. That vote returned Mr Putin with a 77 per cent share, and proved to be a disaster for the liberal opposition. Looking relaxed, contented, and not without swagger, Mr Putin delivered a short address. The message was simple enough. The president repeated the promises of a decisive technological breakthrough he first made during his state-of-the-nation speech in March. But he was notably less belligerent this time. Nuclear weapons had given way to motherhood, youth and raising living standards. Russia has been through troubles before, he said. And we always rise above them, like a Phoenix. Later in the day, the president confirmed that, as expected, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev would retain his role as head of the government. According to some sources, Mr Putin was also likely to appoint the liberal reformer Alexei Kudrin to a top economic post. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty Mr Putins fourth term is likely to be characterised by new investments in healthcare, education, and in technical modernisation. These will mostly be paid for by increased taxes, given the limited appetite for serious reform. No one is debating whether to reject crony capitalism, state control of business and the economy, or the confrontation with the West, said Valery Solovey, professor of the Moscow State Institute for International Relations. Of course, this is why there will be no real breakthrough. According to a poll published on Monday by the independent Levada Centre, Russians say welfare and inequality remain the governments biggest failure to date. The Kremlin fares better when it comes to foreign policy, with half mentioning the return of great power status as Mr Putins major achievement. The combination of both factors means political liberalisation is unlikely to be around the corner, Mr Solovey said. It is too early to make strategic conclusions, said Mr Solovey. But if confrontation with the West and social tensions continue on their current trajectory, domestic policy is only going to get tougher. The lawyers representing an Emirati princess believed to be detained in the UAE have asked the UN to urgently intervene to help secure her release. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammad al-Maktoum the daughter of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum tried to escape the UAE in February before the boat she was on was allegedly intercepted off the coast of India and she was forcibly returned home. The whereabouts of Sheikha Latifa is currently unknown. However, given the circumstances and reports in the media, it is believed that she is in the custody of the UAE authorities, detained against her will, Toby Cadman, of law firm Guernica 37 International Justice Chambers, told The Independent. As such, he added: She is subject to enforced or involuntary disappearance and further, if it is confirmed that she is in the custody of the UAE authorities, she is being arbitrarily detained. Tiina Jauhiainen, a Finnish friend of Ms Maktoums, told Human Rights Watch she was also involved in the escape attempt, and that the two of them left the UAE in late February, boarding a boat belonging to French-American dual citizen, Herve Jaubert. Guernica 37 is also representing Mr Jaubert and Ms Jauhiainen. On 4 March the boat was intercepted by armed men, said Ms Jauhiainen, off the coast of India and they were forcibly returned to the UAE. Upon Ms Maktoums disappearance, a video was released in which she said: Im making this video because it could be the last video I make. Guernica 37 has now lodged an appeal with the UN Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture. We alleged that both [the UAE and India] are responsible for the enforced disappearance of Sheikha Latifa, said Toby Cadman. 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 UN working groups now have to decide whether to pass on the communication to those two countries, Mr Cadman said. Once communicated to the concerned states they will be invited to respond as a matter of urgency. They can refuse or decline to respond or they can respond to the substance of the allegations. We would encourage both states to respond and to clearly set out where she is being detained, why, and to release her forthwith. We will then urge the UN to take greater action in securing her immediate release. An Indian English-language newspaper reported that the Indian Coast Guard intercepted the boat, at the behest of Emirati authorities something denied by both India and the UAE. A source close to the Dubai government said in April that the princess was brought back to the Gulf country. But while Ms Jauhiainen was later released, after being forced to sign a confession in Arabic, Ms Maktoum has not been let go, according to the source. UAE authorities should immediately reveal the whereabouts of Sheikha Latifa, confirm her status, and allow her contact with the outside world, said Sarah Leah Whitson, Human Rights Watchs Middle East director. If she is detained she needs to be given the rights all detainees should have, including being taken before an independent judge. Radha Stirling, the founder of Detained in Dubai, an international authority on UEA law, told The Independent that she last spoke to Ms Maktoum as the yacht was allegedly being raided off the coast of India, and she has not been heard from since. All their communications were then severed, and we believe there was electronic warfare aircraft above the boat, blocking contact with the outside world. And while Ms Jauhiainen and the crew members were held in the UAE for three weeks, and threatened not to speak out about the case, they are now doing so as they believe it is the only way to help Ms Maktoum be freed. At first they were very nervous, of course, said Ms Stirling. But they thought it was the only way for Latifa to have a chance at freedom. Ms Maktoum had previously tried to escape in 2002, she said in the video released in March, but UAE authorities stopped her at the border, returned her to Dubai and held her in a detention facility, where she was tortured, for three years. At this weekends Kentucky Derby, friends in the US skydiving community flew a banner saying: DUBAI, WHERE IS PRINCESS LATIFA? Friends of Latifa al-Maktoum flew a banner at this weekends Kentucky Derby Ms Stirling is quietly optimistic the renewed focus on her case will mean she might soon be released. We are hopeful. It becomes very difficult for them when you have the UN involved and Human Rights Watch, and the whole world talking about it it looks extremely bad for them to keep her locked up. She has faced torture and abuse and detention, and forced medication for years. An assurance from the government of the UAE isnt enough people arent going to stop campaigning for her absolute freedom. The Emirati authorities have not responded to a request for comment. Lebanons powerful Hezbollah and its allies appear to have won more than half of Lebanons parliamentary seats in the countrys first general election in nearly a decade, unofficial results indicate. Preliminary results from Sundays vote released by the authorities on Monday suggested that the Iranian-supported organisation and allied smaller parties won at least 67 seats in the 128-seat parliament. Another unity government will be formed in which the Shia bloc will hold enough power to veto bills they dislike. The vociferously anti-Hezbollah, right-wing Christian Lebanese Forces party are expected to be the biggest winners of the election, almost doubling their number of seats from eight to 15. Lebanon Prime Minister Saad Hariri says resignation on hold awaiting talks Turnout across the country, where voters have to return to their place of birth to cast a ballot no matter their current residence in the country, was low, at an estimated 49 per cent. It is widely believed Sunni voters, angry at perceived concessions made by Future Movement leader and prime minister Saad Hariri to his Christian allies, stayed at home, allowing the Shia and Christian parties to make gains. Lebanese newspaper Al-Akbhar, which is loyal to Hezbollah, carried a picture of a dour-faced Mr Hariri on Mondays front page, headlined simply The Slap. Civil war-period figures and pro-Syria politicians made comebacks from the 2005 election, which was dominated by debate over Syrias influence in the country. Robert Fisk: Lebanon in limbo: a nation haunted by the murder of Rafiq Hariri Show all 3 1 /3 Robert Fisk: Lebanon in limbo: a nation haunted by the murder of Rafiq Hariri Robert Fisk: Lebanon in limbo: a nation haunted by the murder of Rafiq Hariri REUTERS Robert Fisk: Lebanon in limbo: a nation haunted by the murder of Rafiq Hariri EPA Robert Fisk: Lebanon in limbo: a nation haunted by the murder of Rafiq Hariri AP Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouk is expected to announce the official results later on Monday. Lebanon went to the election booth at the weekend under a set of complicated new rules designed to move the country towards a proportionally representative system for the first time, allowing space for more independent candidates. In the end, only two new civil society candidates, from the Li Baladi party are thought to have won seats. One the journalist Joumana Haddad, also one of the only women thought to have won was thought to have won a seat in Beirut on Sunday night, only for the state to then say in a recount it believed the Free Patriotic Movements Antoine Panos had won. Recommended Lebanon holds first elections in almost a decade A protest in Beiruts Martyrs Square to demand a third recount for Ms Haddads seat has been organised for Monday night. Lebanese media have been dominated in recent weeks by pundits angry that the countrys biggest issues the heavily indebted economy, the disarmament of Hezbollah, Syrian refugees and crises in public services such as electricity and garbage have for the most part been sidelined in campaigning. The major parties are seen as being too preoccupied with forging allegiances to maintain the status quo to assure voters they will do what is best for the country. Analysts believe that the election results which reflect Lebanons position in the region and the Middle Easts wider power struggles will be viewed by other parties such as Iran and the US through the lens of other concurrent events in the region, such as Iraqs elections on 13 May. In a downtown core jammed with architectural gems built during the French protectorate era, Casablanca serves as an open-air architectural museum. But, as with many cities, the low-rise buildings are at risk of disappearing as developers encroach to make room for larger, multistorey towers. After losing the Vox the largest cinema in Africa as well as the citys municipal theatre and modern villas, one association is trying to save downtown before its too late. Created in 1995, Casamemoire is dedicated to raising awareness of and safeguarding the citys 20th-century architecture. Its annual heritage days, held from 9 to 13 May 2018, provide an exclusive opportunity to step inside select buildings constructed in the early to mid-1900s and access areas that are otherwise closed to the general public. Casablancas unique style all began when General Lyautey came to town during the protectorate era and turned to city planner Henri Prost to help realise his visions of transforming the place into a significant port and economic hub. International architects working with local craftsman were afforded the freedom to develop the downtown with a mix of architectural styles, mixing modernity with tradition an innovation at the time, according to Florence Michel, a guide with Casamemoire. Casablanca has many architectural gems (Casamemoire) (Casamemoire) Growing out of the neo-Moorish style seen throughout Tunisia and Algeria, a distinct neo-Moroccan style emerged, blending art deco and art nouveau techniques popular at the time. Its best seen on Banque al-Maghribs facade, where carved stone replaced tilework, a technique typical in neo-Moorish style. Push open the monumental door weighing five tons and the grandeur continues the art deco interior is decorated with zellij patterns in modern rose and blue hues, and Italian marquetry is used to create Amazigh patterns in the buildings boardroom, all signifiers of the citys prosperity at the time. Across the street, colourful tilework decorates the entrance of the still operational neo-Moorish central post office, inspired by the central post office in Algiers. The medallions on the buildings exterior serve as a reminder of the citys importance in advancements of airmail. Colourful tiles decorate the entrance of the central post office (Casamemoire) The wilaya (city hall) opposite was constructed in a neo-Moroccan-meets-art deco style, but step inside and the architecture takes an Arab-Andalusian feel where, from under the arches, local government officials offices overlook a central patio and fountain. Add to this a streamliner interior, monumental staircase, touches of Venetian style on the exterior and a modernist clock tower, and you have a building that is testament to the citys innovative architectural heritage. Nearby neo-Moorish gems like the Excelsior Hotel once accommodated European families for up to three years while sprawling apartment blocks like the Glaoui and Tazi building, named after the families who constructed them, were erected to house the influx of inhabitants moving into town. Constructed with European comforts, the apartments came complete with central heating, lifts and parking. Today the buildings are home to local residents. Casamemoire is dedicated to safeguarding the citys architecture (Casamemoire) (Casamemoire) Looking down the citys main Boulevard Mohammed V, neo-classical structures and art deco edifices sit happily side by side; one art nouveau number stands proudly on the corner, while further along the Maroc-Soir building has neo-Moroccan swagger in abundance. A wander through the immense Glaoui Building, where the central passage remains, leads to an independent cafe the perfect place to stop for a coffee. Yet the city centre is at risk. People dont see the architecture as something that needs to be protected, but rather something thats left behind from the French era, says Lahbib El Moumni, architect and Casamemoire member. During the tours we encourage people to find something within the architecture that relates to our Moroccan culture interior courtyards, the use of traditional crafts like zellij, ceramics, and how respect for the climate was incorporated into the builds. This was very important for architects working from the 1940s until the 1980s. While the administrative centre remains operational, other buildings sit vacant and even abandoned. As El Moumni says: Its not enough just to save a building from demolition; it must also survive. One solution is to transform buildings to meet the communitys needs, something members of the association are happy to consult on if it means saving a historical building. The gothic-meets-art deco style Sacre Coeur cathedral is a great example of how this can work in practice its reopened as a cultural centre following restoration. Casablancas low-rise buildings are at risk of disappearing (Casamemoire) Throughout Casamemoires five-day event, cultural happenings and tours of the citys neighbourhoods, including the industrial zone, are also organised. Getting the youth out to these events is very important, as they are the generation that may protect the architecture, says El Moumni. Beyond the event, the association is applying for Unesco World Heritage Site status. If successful, they may finally have ensured that this incredible piece of history will live on. Travel essentials Getting there Royal Air Maroc flies direct to Casablanca from London Gatwick from 126 one way. Staying there The cascading seafront Four Seasons Casablanca is a modern hotel where some of the suites offer ocean-front views, and with on-site spa, ocean-level outdoor pool, and 24-hour business centre. Doubles from 260 (230), room only. More information muchmorocco.com Protest Against Human Rights and Civil Integration Committee By Vladimer Napetvaridze On May 1st, two demonstrations were held in front of the Parliament simultaneously. The members of the first rally were representatives of the organization "Equality Movement" who protested the statement of the chairperson of Parliament's Human Rights Committee Sopo Kiladze.They protested the decision of the Human Rights Committee to not mark May 17th, the international day against homophobia.Representatives of the counter-meeting were those against marking the international day against homophobia. They threw eggs to the members of the first meeting and stated that they wouldn't allow celebrating May 17. Three people were detained after the fact.Several participants of the rally attended a meeting of the committee later on. They demanded an explanation of committee's decision to cancel all the events planned for May 17. Kiladze responded that according to the Constitution of Georgia every citizen is equal. She didnt provide any specific reason why the Human Rights Committee changed its opinion about the May 17.Everything started after Kiladze made a statement on April 30, saying that the Human Rights Committee does not intend to mark the international day against homophobia, despite the fact that it was written in 2017-2020 action plan. In response to this decision, the chairperson of the Human Rights Committee Kiladze provided a vague explanation: "We are not going to mark this day. It is our decision either to mark it or not. This is my answer but you don't like it," Kiladze told the news agency "Liberali".The Human Rights Committee adopted and presented the 2017-2020 action plan in 2017. One of the chapters reads: "marking days against violation of the human rights will increase solidarity and respect to the victims of violence and raise public awareness about this issue. In this process, in order to jointly organize public events, the Committee should cooperate with civil society organizations.The attitude of the Committee has changed, causing the protest in a part of the society. However, in response to the protest, the chairman of the committee said that the statement was not homophobic and the committee protects the rights of each citizen: "Our duty is to protect the rights of every citizen and no homophobic statements have been made. I can only say that everyone has the right to hold the demonstration," said Kiladze.For the past few years, May 17 has been associated with confrontation and protest meetings in Georgia. In 2013, a few thousand citizens dispersed a small protest meeting against homophobia, after this fact, the government pays special attention to the May 17 to avoid possible tensions. The Parliament adopted an action plan to undertake measures to increase public awareness. Despite the fact that the document was approved, the Human Rights Committee, decided to not mark May 17, the international day against homophobia. The only explanation made by the chairperson of the committee was that it is their decision to mark the day or not.Kiladzes response does not require a thorough analysis, but it is important that the Members of Parliament, especially the chairperson of the committee knows they have a responsibility to protect the interests of the society and to inform the population about each decision made. The UKs Office for National Statistics (ONS) has recently produced estimates of the number of British citizens living in the European Union (EU). The numbers, apparently, have declined from 1.22 million prior to 2017 to around 900,000 (January 2017) and more recently to 784,900 (April 2018). Meanwhile, our research has revealed that most informed commentators (academics, local government officials, consular offices, and others who work with the British abroad) understand numbers to have changed little since 2008, and that the correct, conservative, estimate is closer to 1.8 million. So, what is going on? Where do these estimates come from? And why does the drop matter? According to the ONS, its estimates, which are reproduced widely by campaign and interest groups, academics, politicians and journalists, are published in response to an increased user need for data about the people who may be most likely to be affected by the UKs decision to leave the EU. The ONS argues that the heretofore trusted United Nations data (source of the 1.22 million estimate) are unreliable high-level estimates based on extrapolating out from census data. The ONS said in 2017 that it prefers to use more detailed census data, leading to the first, inadequately explained, reduction to 900,000. Recommended The best Brexit deal does involve leaving the customs union But the perhaps more insidious reduction is that between the 2017 report and the April 2018 report, when the estimates dropped even further to a suspiciously precise 784,900. Apparently, this new estimate was produced because new data were available. But close examination reveals that the only new data being used come from the European Labour Force Survey, and the final appendix of their 2018 report states that since the 2011 round of censuses, there has been little change in the estimates of British citizens living in these European countries. The drop is not explained by analysis of new data then. Then there is the caveat that the April 2018 estimates exclude Ireland. The difference between 900,000 and 748,900 is 115,100 and the estimated number of UK citizens in Ireland in January 2017 was 112,090. So, the exclusion of Ireland pretty much explains the change in estimates. The (somewhat odd) argument for excluding Ireland is that citizenship is not a suitable definition and so the data would not be comparable. The April 2018 report defines British abroad using citizenship rather than country of birth, because the latter can miss some groups of citizens, and because Irish and British citizenship are complex. Well, given that dual citizenship is available in most EU27 states, I would argue it is complex for everyone. At least the 2017 report provided a distinction between the two definitions, with helpful comparison estimates. Comparing these estimates, it becomes clear that using British citizen rather than country of birth has made very little difference to the overall numbers once Ireland has been removed 3,010 people, to be precise. Heathrow airport is the busiest in the European Union by passenger traffic (Shutterstock) What has been achieved, amid all this obfuscation, is that the April 2018 estimates look very precise, and are greatly reduced since January 2017. This is worrying given the attempts of diverse interest groups (such as British in Europe or The 3 million) as well as our own project to provide information and support on behalf of these citizens as Brexit proceeds. Reducing their numbers only serves to reduce their relevance, while providing a precise estimate lends gravitas to the estimates. Statistics are political. But I have further concerns about the ONS estimates. First, they only include long-term residents, that is people who intend to or have lived abroad for one year or longer. This excludes all seasonal workers, second-home owners, students and other mobile individuals who move backwards and forwards. These are numerous by any estimate and I have no idea why they would be considered irrelevant for the purposes of the exercise. Surely these people, who have exercised their rights to freedom of movement, are as likely as any to be affected by Brexit. Also, it is entirely unclear how the data they have collected can identify this distinction. Population registers, for example, are unlikely to distinguish length of stay, still less intention. The ONS reports use Eurostat data and Migration stocks data, which in turn use population censuses and registers. Census data are often out of date and notoriously unreliable for counting migrants, so that even the best censuses are likely to be underestimates. And population registers are hardly more reliable given many people do not register, and some countries do not even have registers, as has been argued endlessly for this population. We estimate that between 1.8 million and 3.6 million UK citizens in the EU could be affected by Brexit (Shutterstock) While we in the Brexit Brits Abroad project welcome the aim of these reports, and especially the nuanced analysis that, for example, challenges assumptions about the age and employment status of the majority of British in Europe, we are anxious about the way in which data sets are analysed in crude form with no attempt to improve estimates based on expert or insider knowledge (see this IPPR report for just one example of how to estimate in an informed and critical way). We are also anxious that the outcome is to continue to dismiss the concerns, interests and contributions of Brits abroad, as we have highlighted in our project and again was raised seriously by IPPR in 2010. Given our goal is, like the ONS, to provide estimates of numbers of British living in the EU27 who are likely to be affected by the UKs decision to leave the EU, and based on our knowledge and understanding of this population in all its diversity, we estimate there are in fact 1.8 million to 3.6 million British people living part-time or full-time in the EU27 for whom Brexit is proving disruptive. This estimate is derived by taking the ONSs original estimate of 900,000 and multiplying it to take account of the estimated one (a conservative estimate) or two (a more radical estimate) out of every three people who are not on any register or census for the reasons outlined above. Karen OReilly is a professorial research fellow at Goldsmiths, University of London. This article first appeared on The Conversation (theconversation.com) Update. The Office for National Statistics has asked us to make clear its position that it has not reported a decline in the number of British citizens resident in EU. The one-off estimates ONS has published seek to quantify the expatriate population which holds no citizenship other than British and who are therefore most likely to be affected by the UKs decision to leave the EU. In their latest report, ONS didnt include British citizens living in Ireland because their rights under the Common Travel Area will continue after the UK has left the EU. 15/5/18 Anmol, 17, slips 500 rupees into his pocket as he swaggers down the stairs on bowed legs, after escorting American tourists to the pizzeria in Assi. Anmol reads faces to survive. If a tourist has a good face, he approaches, tests the waters in his broken English, and buys them a chai. Trust is most important because tourists dont trust you fast, explains Anmol. In Assi, a neighbourhood of bustling cafes and temples in Varanasi Indias most holy city most people depend on tourism to make a living: building up that trust allows them to eat. According to the Uttar Pradesh Department of Tourism in 2017, more than 300,000 foreign and 5 million domestic travellers visited Varanasi. During the peak tourist season between October and March, Anmol earns between 2,000 to 7,000 rupees as a guide (thats 22 to 77). In the low season, he earns little or nothing. I also know how to do ceremony, says Anmol, pulling out his smartphone to show shots of himself waving a lamp in front of a goddess. For a few hours, he helps his father, a priest, at a shrine, earning 50 rupees a day. Now, he has hatched another plan with advice from his Peruvian friend on Facebook to learn how to play traditional tabla drums, so that he can make a little money teaching tourists keen on Indian culture. If all else fails, he will get a drivers licence. Like many others his age, Anmol is struggling to claw his way out of poverty. The average monthly income he cobbles together is just above the World Banks poverty line of $1.90 a day. Anmol is trying to acquire valued skills, and he is not among the abject poor, nor accounted for in government statistics about poverty. Yet he remains vulnerable, at constant risk of slipping backwards. When Anmol moved to Varanasi nine years ago from Bihar, his family circumstances were so strained that he had to choose between education and food. The locals have a cautionary saying about Biharis like him: Ek bihari sau pe bari one Bihari is shrewder than hundred local people. Largely disdained by locals for corrupting their culture, most Bihari migrants in Assi work in the informal economy. Tour guides and tourists in Assi. Across India, tourism accounts for nearly 10 per cent of the GDP (Johan Sandsjo) When I ask Anmol who benefits from economic development, he replies: Everybody benefits, but especially the hotel-wallah, restaurant-wallah, boat-wallah. Those who own prime real estate, or are directly tied to the tourist industry such as the boatmen who ferry visitors to watch the sunrise have gained the most. But there has been no systematic effort to document who benefits from tourism, and in what ways. Across India, tourism accounts for nearly 10 per cent of the GDP, and is the third largest foreign exchange earner. One advantage of the tourism industry is that it can absorb even unskilled workers. The UN World Tourism Organisation has long held that tourism can be a key agent in the fight against poverty. But some experts are more sceptical, arguing that tourisms value is overstated: it creates menial, seasonal jobs and mainly benefits the skilled elite. Boatmen setting out at sunrise (Manini Sheker) Inclusive pro-poor tourism, which creates employment for vulnerable residents, is a priority in the government of Uttar Pradeshs 2016 tourism policy and Indias 12th five-year plan. Yet there is a lack of clarity around what pro-poor tourism should actually achieve. For Avinash Mishra, joint director of Uttar Pradesh Tourism, it means building skills for those in the sector. For others, tourism is only pro-poor if it reduces absolute poverty or inequality. The local government has not thoroughly mapped how much money from tourism goes to the poor in Varanasi, or other areas. Nor has it identified the bottlenecks preventing the poor from earning a greater share, which vary from one destination to another. A value chain analysis which describes the full range of activities required to bring goods or services from conception to completion could help the government decide whether to invest in skills development or marketing, strengthen local food supply chains or reform local laws. Research by the Overseas Development Institute, an international development think tank based in the UK, suggests that there are many ways to help spread benefits of tourism. In general, the poor do better when tourists spend on local products, rather than big ticket items such as accommodation and tour operators. They also benefit when tourist establishments buy supplies locally, and when they can get jobs where the wages are set relatively high. Enforcing a minimum wage can ensure the benefits are more widespread. According to Mishra, in Varanasi nearly half of foreign tourists come through package tours, so much of the profit will never reach local communities. Foreigners travelling independently are more helpful to locals. It is hard to regulate private sector development, says Mishra, but government intervention comes with its own issues. In Varanasi nearly half of foreign tourists come through package tours, so much of the profit will never reach local communities (Nomi Tripathi) (Nomi Tripathi) Once the government comes in, theres corruption. So we have the principle of the survival of the fittest, he told me. A family of upper-caste priests, who own much of the local land, are well-equipped for competition. But young people such as Anmol must fend for themselves; if they survive, its because of their own ingenuity, resilience and risk-taking. Many of the young men who came of age in the wake of Indias economic liberalisation now find that the opportunities and lifestyles represented on the internet and television linger just beyond their reach. They are often more educated than their parents, yet they lack the connections and money which could enable them to fulfil their aspirations. Manini Sheker is a PhD candidate in social anthropology at the University of Sussex. This article first appeared on The Conversation (theconversation.com) Travelling the world on a shoestring might sound romantic, but its certainly not realistic, as one new round-the-world cruise trip proves. The worlds longest continuous cruise is set to depart from London in August 2019 and will last eight months, taking travellers to 59 countries in every continent apart from Antarctica. However, in order to be one of the lucky 930 passengers embarking on the trip-of-a-lifetime, youll need a cool 66,990. The trip is organised by Norwegian-owned cruise line: Viking and will call at 113 ports over a period of 245 days. Starting in Greenwich, passengers will travel across the UK and Norway before crossing the Atlantic Ocean to arrive in Greenland. After making the rounds in Canada and the US, with stops in Montreal, New York City and Bermuda, the ship will pay a visit to Barbados before cruising the Amazon river and taking passengers around South America. Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, China, Singapore, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand are also all key features of the extensive itinerary. The ship itself consists of two swimming pools, a Nordic spa and eight restaurants, featuring a range of world cuisines. The voyage concludes with a trip along the west coasts of Spain and Portugal before returning to the UK. There are a number of different accommodation options on board, a number of which have already sold out, with the cheapest starting at 66,990 for a 270 square foot veranda room. In addition to various penthouse suites, ranging from 81,390 to 100,090, theres the expansive Owners Suite, which features a private library in addition to a living room and dining area. Naturally, this luxury option will set you back 194,390 - it has already been booked. "For more than 20 years we have been offering guests the most culturally immersive journeys available in the industry and we are pleased to announce the most extensive itinerary in our history," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. "Our World Cruises offer guests the rare opportunity to unpack once and explore dozens of the best destinations on earth at a value that is unprecedented in the travel industry." With 71 per cent of travellers having regrets over missed travel opportunities, according to research conducted by Booking.com, theres no doubt that Vikings round-the-world trip will curb any fears of missing out. However, given that the average British family spends 1,284.54 per person on holiday, its unlikely that such a trip will be nothing more than a distant dream to most people. On Wednesday this week the House of Commons votes on the Data Protection Bill: a bill to regulate the way in which our personal information is processed. As we all finally wake up to the importance of more protections over our personal data, the need for such a piece of legislation seems obvious, surely? Yet, as is so often the case with new laws, we are in grave danger of ushering in one protection only to eliminate others: in this case, the protections afforded to and by a free press. That is because Lords and MPs alike have sought to use this bill as a way of sneaking back into law restrictions on the press that the current government has said it will not implement, namely forcing any publisher who refuses to sign up to a state-backed regulator to pay the legal costs of any data protection case brought against them, even if they win. Such a measure would, in effect, invite anyone seeking to prevent exposure in the press including those cases in which exposure, such as the Windrush scandal or MPs expenses, is in the public interest to threaten legal action to silence a potential publisher. In earlier proposed amendments, any organisation including non-profit organisations like Index on Censorship that refused to sign up to a state-approved regulator would be liable to pay both sides costs. The latest amendment on the question of costs-shifting attempts to close that loophole by exempting small publishers but this just makes a mockery of the entire endeavour: either the rules apply to everyone or no one. The ability to hold power to account and expose the corrupt should not be left to one kind of media organisation. CPJ names Donald Trump the world's most oppressive leader toward press freedom Of course, there should be protections for those wronged by the press: but the threat of financial penalties on potential public interest journalism is not the way to do it. Far better is to encourage low-cost, easily accessible and swift redress for all. The argument often thrown back at Index in these debates is this: just join Impress (currently the only state-approved press regulator). So it is worth perhaps restating why Index refuses to do so. For the past four decades, Index has monitored state interference in news reporting, from authoritarian Chile in the 1970s to North Korea today. With a history of scrutinising government pressure on media, we were never going to join Impress or any other state-approved body, no matter how arms-length that regulator purports to be. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 6 October 2021 A protester, wearing a mask of Johnson, holds a sign reading Question it all on the final day of the Tory conference Getty UK news in pictures 5 October 2021 Members of Insulate Britain outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, before a hearing over the injunction banning the environmental activists from blocking the M25 PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2021 A delegate passes a street cleaner on the second day of the annual Conservative Party Conference being held at the Manchester Central convention centre AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2021 Margaret Thatcher-themed mugs for sale at the annual Conservative Party conference in Manchester EPA UK news in pictures 2 October 2021 A couple make their way through a flooded underpass in Bristol as a yellow weather warning for rain and wind is issued for parts of the UK Tom Wren/SWNS UK news in pictures 1 October 2021 A driver talks to members of the media after passing his HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) driving test at National Driving Centre in Croydon, south London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 30 September 2021 The centrepiece One Thousand Springs by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota is seen ahead of the beginning of the Japan Festival, a celebration of the countrys plants, art and culture running from 2-31 October, at Kew Gardens in London PA UK news in pictures 29 September 2021 The family of Betty Campbell unveil the bronze sculpture of her during the unveiling of the statue in Central Square, Cardiff, of Betty Campbell, Wales' first black headteacher PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2021 A sign referring to the lack of fuel is placed at the entrance to a petrol station in London AP UK news in pictures 27 September 2021 Police officers detain a protester from Insulate Britain occupying a roundabout leading from the M25 motorway to Heathrow Airport in London PA UK news in pictures 26 September 2021 Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer watches the Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur match at The Font pub in Brighton PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2021 Scottish pro-independence supporters hold a march and rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK news in pictures 24 September 2021 Police officers remove two protesters from the top of a tanker, as Insulate Britain block the A20 in Kent, which provides access to the Port of Dover in Kent. The environmental activists have moved location after been banned from campaigning on the M25 motorway in London PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2021 Gabriella, the seven year old daughter of imprisoned British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, joins in a game on a giant snakes and ladders board in Parliament Square, to show the ups and downs of her mothers case to mark the 2,000 days she has been detained in Iran AP UK news in pictures 22 September 2021 A new sign hangs on the Millicent Fawcett statue after it was altered by CrackTheCrises coalition activists to highlight the climate crisis as a feminist struggle in Parliament Square in London EPA UK news in pictures 21 September 2021 Gabriella Diment prepares a monumental bronze patinated fibreglass wall sculpture depicting household cavalry soldiers on horseback which is expected to be sold for 12,000-18,000 when it goes up for auction at Summers Place Auctions in Billinghurst, Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2021 Florist Judith Blacklock puts the finishing touches to a floral carousel installation in Halkin Arcade, which she has designed with Neill Strain for the Belgravia in Bloom festival, running from September 20-26, in London PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2021 Bubbles surround Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against West Ham at London Stadium Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 18 September 2021 Children take part in the Settrington Cup Pedal Car Race as motoring enthusiasts attend the Goodwood Revival, a three-day historic car racing festival in Goodwood, Chichester, Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2021 Hugo, 7, from London rides past a 4x7 metre rainbow arch, made entirely of recycled aluminium cans, which has been installed by recycling initiative 'Every Can Counts', in partnership with The City of London Corporation in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London, to encourage members of the public to recycle their drinks cans ahead of recycling week, which starts on 20 September PA UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. 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 A free press is fundamental to democracy. Investigative and campaigning journalists have exposed scandals that have helped save lives: such as the work done by Index on Censorships patron, Sir Harold Evans, on the Thalidomide scandal while editor of the The Sunday Times. More recently, work by journalist Carole Cadwalladr at The Observer broke the Cambridge Analytica story wide open, while Amelia Gentlemans reporting at The Guardian has driven the story on Windrush. Without an environment in which such journalists are encouraged to report without the fear that they might face costly court cases even for reporting stories that are true who will hold the corrupt to account? It is easy to dismiss such concerns as the hysterical whinging of the mainstream media, the crocodile tears of moguls such as Rupert Murdoch, or all-powerful editors like Paul Dacre, who fear their control on the news agenda slipping. That would be a huge mistake. A genuinely free press one in which both independent investigative journalist outfits and mainstream media organisations can operate benefits everyone. We crush media freedom at our peril. The democratic gains being eroded in Turkey, Russia, Poland, Hungary and elsewhere have all been accompanied by a loss of press freedom: a freedom that is hard won but easily lost. Let us not see the same happen here. Jodie Ginsberg is chief executive of Index on Censorship If Hollywood producers are hunting for dramatic subject matter to make a sequel to The Social Network David Finchers brilliant 2010 film about Mark Zuckerbergs founding of Facebook they will find plenty of promising material in the social media giants real life boardroom battles of the past few months. It would seem Menlo Park has been the arena not only for a titanic clash of billionaire personalities but also a profound philosophical disagreement over privacy. And the fallout of this row could help shape the future of the internet and the entire global digital economy. Any screenwriter worth their salt should be able to make something out of that. This weeks resignation of the WhatsApp founder Jan Koum from Facebooks board was plainly a long time in the making. Indeed, one could argue that it was inevitable from the moment Facebook snapped up Koums messaging app phenomenon for $19bn in 2014, netting Koum personally around $7bn. Facebooks business model is essentially monetising the personal data of its 2.2 billion strong active user base. The site scrapes your data off your page in order to serve you up with targeted advertising. Its hard to overstate Facebooks reliance on selling adverts. Of the firms $12bn of revenues in the first quarter of 2018, more than 98 per cent came from this source. WhatsApps business model was historically very different. There has never been any advertising on the ubiquitous app. Indeed, Koum once described online ads as an insult to your intelligence and the interruption of your train of thought. Mark Zuckerberg says that Facebook obtaining information from phone calls is a 'conspiracy theory' When it was founded, WhatsApps revenues came from a $1 a year subscription price. And, unlike Facebook, WhatsApp has always refused to gather any data on users except their phone number. The app has also, unlike Facebook, traditionally put a high premium on users privacy, with Koum claiming this was motivated by his upbringing in the repressive Soviet Union. In 2016 WhatsApp even introduced end-to-end encryption of messaging, something that once irritated our former home secretary Amber Rudd. But when WhatsApp was folded into the Facebook empire it also surrendered ultimate control. And in 2016 the WhatsApp subscription charge was scrapped. So: no advertising, no subscription price, no personal data. Where was the profit from WhatsApps 1.5 billion users, which Facebook needed to justify that lofty acquisition price, to come from? The answer came two years ago when Facebook updated WhatsApps terms of service and privacy policy to include data sharing across the social network. And there seems to have been pressure from Zuckerberg for more. We dont know precisely what there are reports about a weakening of encryption but it was plainly enough for Koum to walk. WhatsApps other founder, Brian Acton, left Facebook last November. And he seems to be even more disaffected than Koum. Acton recently suggested on Twitter that the Cambridge Analytica scandal which has seen some 87 million Facebook users data transferred to a political consulting firm meant it was time for people to delete Facebook. Pretty remarkable from someone who earned an estimated $3.8bn from Zuckerbergs buyout of his company. 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. Acton is investing some of that Facebook cash in something called the Signal Foundation whose mission is to develop open source privacy technology that protects free expression and enables secure global communication. That sounds rather like a potential rival to WhatsApp, perhaps even to Facebook. Koum has said he now wants to spend more time playing ultimate Frisbee. But perhaps he might be persuaded to lend a hand to his old partner. We seem to be at a crossroads in the development of the digital economy. Privacy breaches, tax dodging, fake news and a host of other scandals mean the golden aura of media and political favour in which the technology leviathans once basked has faded. The age of indulgence for Silicon Valley is over. But now comes the money question. How much do users truly value their personal data, or even understand it? Has the penny dropped among the public that Facebook is not and never was a free service? Do enough people care to make a viable market for privacy-focused rivals? Perhaps the answer is no, in which case Facebook can, having done its penance and tightened up its data rules, return to delivering Zuckerbergs project of global digital domination. But if the answer is yes, then we might, just, be living through the beginning of the end for one of the fastest-growing and most highly valued companies the world has ever seen. With his inauguration for the fourth time as president, Vladimir Putin has been in power in Russia for 18 years. It will be nigh on a quarter of a century by the time this term ends: a tenure longer than Vladimir Lenins rule of seven years, albeit considerably shorter than Josef Stalins 31, Ivan the Terribles 51 or Peter the Greats 43. Putin has inevitably been compared to the leaders of the Soviet Union and tsars of imperial Russia as an absolute ruler. And indeed, his dominance of his countrys politics, as well as the influence wielded over its economy, appears currently to face no strong opposition. Recommended Vladimir Putin inaugurated for a fourth time The Russian presidents power and reach has, according to some polls, led people in parts of Europe (including in France, Germany and Italy) to view him as the most powerful man in the world. In Britain and the US Donald Trump now holds that position. The unfolding course of international relations will depend on the actions of these two men. In his inaugural speech, 65-year-old Putin declared that as head of state I will do all I can to multiply the strength and prosperity of Russia. We need to break through in all aspects of life; I am deeply convinced that such a leap forward can only be secured with a free society that accepts all that is new and advanced. He stressed that in the past Russia had risen again from setbacks like a phoenix. The words may be standard for such an occasion, but they do reflect some of the key aspects of Putins reign. His arrival on his countrys political scene in the late 1990s was timely: he was seen as the strong leader ordinary people wanted at a time when the economy was in a state of flux, basic state functions were unravelling, and the bloody violence of separatist wars in Chechnya and elsewhere in the Caucasus had reached ferocious levels. There was also the bitter feeling that Russia had been deliberately humiliated by the West since the end of the Soviet Union. 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 Putin played up his image of toughness the former KGB officer, man of action, judo black belt, bare-chested rider, deep sea diver. But many of the problems his country was facing were genuinely addressed by him, with oil and gas revenue fuelling prosperity, the economy stabilising and with investment in infrastructure. However, at the same time, the free society that Putin now hails came under oppressive state pressure. The independent media was curtailed and opposition figures were jailed or driven to exile. On the eve of his most recent inauguration riot police were used against protestors in Moscow and other cities, with more 1,600 arrested. The best known opposition figure, Alexei Navalny, was briefly arrested. He had been barred from standing against Putin in the election because of a conviction for embezzlement, a charge he has denied and which he claims was politically motivated. Recommended Key Putin opponent among hundreds arrested in violent Moscow clashes Putin was re-elected with 76 per cent of the vote, his strongest ever election performance. There were allegations, as in previous elections, of irregularities (including ballot rigging) but the fact remains that his personal popularity among Russians remains very high. Nevertheless, alongside the victory there has been a rise in complaints. A recent poll by the independent Levada Centre found that 45 per cent of respondents blamed the President for failing to ensure an equitable distribution of income in the interests of ordinary people, up from 39 per cent in the survey three years ago. Another 39 per cent said he had failed to reimburse the capital lost in the course of reforms to ordinary people. The percentage who are unhappy with low wages, pensions and other benefits doubled from 15 to 32 per cent in the same period. As well as waging military campaigns in the Caucasus, Putin has re-asserted Russian power abroad, most recently in Syria, where the swiftness of his decision to support Moscows ally, Bashar al-Assad, was in stark contrast to the Wests lack of backing of the rebels who had been enticed to rise up against the Damascus regime. This decisiveness raised Putins stock internationally, and has now made Russia a key player in the Middle East after decades of absence. Recommended Tony Blair says UK should launch military action in Syria Russia has also engaged in two wars in Europe under his presidency: against Georgia, which led to the regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia being detached from the country; and then in Ukraine, with the annexation of Crimea and the backing for separatists in the east. The latter, in particular, led to a serious international crisis, with the European Union and the US imposing sanctions which had a damaging impact on Russias economy. There was a possibility of the sanctions being relaxed, but then came the accusations of Kremlin interference in elections in the US, France, Germany, and in the Brexit referendum. The charge by Britain of Russian culpability in the attempted assassination of former MI6 spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia with a nerve agent led to further acrimony and the expulsion of Russian diplomats by the West and its allies in retaliation. The international crisis has not affected Putins ratings at home, however, with the same poll that reflected unhappiness with domestic issues also showing that 47 per cent find his actions in seeking to restore Russia as a great power long overdue and praiseworthy. Moscow protests: Russian opposition leader Navalny detained But relations between Russia and the West are dire: worse than at the time of the Cold War, as both sides say. The arrival of Donald Trump in the White House, the man whose election the Kremlin supposedly helped engineer, has hardly led to an outbreak of amity: although both the Russians and some Trump supporters hold that the US president has been forced into taking an abrasive stance by Americas vested interests and the dark forces of the Deep State. Still, the interaction of the Putin presidency with the outside world in these volatile times will depend to a significant extent on the actions of the Trump administration. Moscow, facing a hostile West, will need to stand by its allies and cultivate new ones. If Donald Trump carries out his threat to tear up the Iran nuclear deal, Moscow will have to put its backing behind Tehran. Any deal the US president may reach with North Koreas Kim Jong-un albeit an unlikely scenario will lead to recalibration in east Asia; while Trumps threat of a trade war with China has already led to Beijing and Moscow seeking to further strengthen business and strategic links. Donald Trump is set to meet Kim Jong-un later this month (Getty) (Michael Reynolds/Getty Images) And there is always the possibility that the Republicans lose in the mid-term US elections and a Democrat-controlled Senate and House of Representatives begin impeachment proceedings against Trump, introducing a new set of variables. Domestically, the Russian economy is making a slow recovery from recession but Western sanctions, especially new American ones against institutions and individuals close to Putin, are creating major problems. At his inauguration the president spoke of the colossal sense of responsibility he felt in office. Would that prove just too tiring at the end? In a television interview two months ago with NBC, Putin maintained he had been thinking about a potential successor since as early as 2000. There is no harm in thinking about it, but at the end of the day, it will be the Russian people who will decide, he stated. Putin will be 72 by the time of the next election in 2024. Without constitutional changes he would not be able to run for a fifth term. A successor may emerge from the infighting between the rival groups of technocrats and the Silvoki, the security establishment; but as yet Putin has expressed no preference for any individual in either faction. Putin could reprise his move in 2008 when he put forward Dmitry Medvedev as president while he retained the real power as prime minister. He could even emulate Xi Jinping in China and abolish presidential term limit, allowing him to remain president for life. The president insisted in his March interview: I never changed the constitution, especially for it to benefit me, and I do not have this kind of intention today. But it seems unlikely that the man who said in taking up the post for the fourth term that the object of my life and my work will be to serve the people and the Fatherland will simply disappear into a quiet life in the foreseeable future. The UK does not need to remain in the customs union to keep a "free flow" across the Irish Border, according to DUP leader Arlene Foster. Ms Foster, whose party props up Theresa May's government in Westminster, hit out at Brussels over the EU's stance on customs. Expand Close Theresa May and husband Philip leave after a church service near Maidenhead yesterday. Photo: PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Theresa May and husband Philip leave after a church service near Maidenhead yesterday. Photo: PA She also said she would like to see "less rhetoric" and "more engagement" from the EU on the way forward. However, there is still little in the way of tangible solutions to solve the conundrum of the Border after Brexit. She told the BBC's 'Andrew Marr Show': "We don't believe that we have to stay in the customs union to have free flow between ourselves and the Republic of Ireland. We believe that there are ways to deal with this, and indeed, back in August of last year, as you know, the [UK] government put forward various proposals. We were disappointed there wasn't the engagement from the European Union at that time. "What we would like to see from the European Union is less rhetoric and actually more engagement in relation to the pragmatic way forward." Expand Close Jacob Rees-Mogg is among Tory MPs pushing Mrs May on Brexit. Photo: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jacob Rees-Mogg is among Tory MPs pushing Mrs May on Brexit. Photo: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire On a recent visit to Ireland, EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier warned talks were in jeopardy if the UK did not soften its red line on the Border issue. "What he [Mr Barnier] was saying was that it was up to the UK to come up with a solution and they would wait for that solution to come and that is not the way forward," Ms Foster told the BBC. "The way forward is to have a negotiation where both sides are engaged in the negotiation and we look for a solution that will make the difference." Ms Foster also said she had a phone conversation with Mrs May on Saturday about customs solutions. Separately, Theresa May has been accused of silencing Eurosceptics while allowing her pro-European Business Secretary to resurrect "Project Fear" over plans for a post-Brexit customs partnership with the EU. Greg Clark, the Business Secretary, suggested that 3,500 jobs at Toyota could be at risk if the Prime Minister bowed to pressure from other Cabinet members and dropped the plans. Eurosceptics ministers thought they had "killed off" the plans after a meeting of the Brexit "war cabinet" last week amid concerns that it would lead to Britain staying in the customs union. However Mr Clark said it was still "on the table", adding that he felt "very strongly" and was "clear-eyed" about the need to protect jobs after Brexit. He suggested that a transition period on customs could be extended until 2023. Within minutes of his comments, the CBI group of business leaders, which is campaigning for Britain to stay in the customs union, sent out supportive comments. His intervention prompted a furious backlash from Eurosceptics, who said that his intervention had been "licensed" by Downing Street. They accused No 10 of double-standards, highlighting the fact that Eurosceptics opposed to the customs partnership plan like Boris Johnson, Michael Gove and David Davis are unable to voice their views publicly. Downing Street denied it had orchestrated Mr Clark's intervention. A Eurosceptic Cabinet source said: "It's Project Fear all over again, it's not going to work. "These tired old arguments were all trotted out during the referendum and the electorate wholeheartedly rejected them. "It's time we stopped fighting the battles of the past and went for a true Brexit." 'In the past fortnight, global firm PCI Pharma Services has cited Brexit as a reason behind plans to create up to 130 jobs in Co Louth and Co Meath' (stock photo) Ireland can become the regulatory gateway to the EU for pharmaceuticals - but must safeguard its 3.22bn annual exports to the UK, according to an industry expert. Some 30,000 people are directly employed in the pharmaceutical industry here, and all of the world's top 10 companies have substantial operations in Ireland. In the past fortnight, global firm PCI Pharma Services has cited Brexit as a reason behind plans to create up to 130 jobs in Co Louth and Co Meath. Separately, Chinese firm WuXi Biologics also announced it would create 400 jobs with a 325m investment in Dundalk, Co Louth. Pharmaceutical regulation means separate regimes may apply in the EU and UK post-Brexit, and the supply of medicines could be disrupted without proper planning. "Brexit is a huge opportunity for Ireland to accommodate companies who previously saw the UK as their gateway to Europe," said Ann McGee, a 30-year veteran in advising and supporting pharmaceutical companies. "These companies are now going to need a European regulatory base because every batch of product released has to be signed off by a qualified person based in the EU - a role defined by EU legislation," she said. "If a product is manufactured in the UK, their qualified person will have no legal standing in the EU." Ms McGee, the managing director of PharmaLex Ireland, added: "We cannot afford to rely on the hope that there will be a deal, and we must presume that the UK and the EU will now be two separate jurisdictions, which will present huge problems to the pharmaceutical industry. "As the seventh largest exporter of pharmaceutical products in the world, it makes absolute sense for Ireland to capitalise on this and become the gateway both into and out of the UK." Aer Lingus sister airline Level may look to start a low-cost transatlantic service from Ireland, regardless of any tie-ups with Norwegian. IAG's Level has just been given board sign off to lift its fleet of five Airbus SE A330 jets to seven, IAG CEO Willie Walsh told the Irish Independent. Level is a lower cost sister airline of Aer Lingus, British Airways and Iberia, established by IAG as a standalone, low-cost transatlantic operator. Level's low cost, transatlantic business is a similar model to Norwegian Air Service. The two are rivals but IAG last month bought a stake and made a takeover approach for Norwegian. Level is small but has been growing. The airline currently has three planes based in Barcelona and two based in Paris' Orly Airport. Willie Walsh said bringing in two additional planes will also mean the airline looking to expand the network to "at least one other European city". IAG is looking in particular at three alternatives, Mr Walsh said. Dublin is not one of them, but could be looked at, he added. Norwegian is already flying from Ireland to the US. Icelandic carrier Wow Air Ehf, which is also targeting the emerging low-cost transatlantic market, has also indicated that it could look to operate from either Dublin or London. Transatlantic flights are a core part of Aer Lingus' business, and Ireland is an increasingly important hub for Norwegian. However, IAG launched Level in Spain, despite running the huge Iberia airline there. Willie Walsh previously told this newspaper that Aer Lingus could eventually operate alongside Level in the Irish market. He also insisted that even if his group sealed a deal for Norwegian, it would not mean mothballing Level, which has performed ahead of all commercial and financial plans to date, he said. IAG's decision to boost Level's capacity came as the airline group's effort to buy Norwegian appear to have stalled. On Friday, IAG indicated that it was under no pressure to make a formal bid for Norwegian, despite its earlier stake building. Norwegian responded by releasing its own statement, which revealed for the first time that two "separate conditional proposals" to its board had been made by IAG. Norwegian management also insisted earlier in the month that it was also the subject of rival interest. The chief executive of the IDA, Martin Shanahan, has said Ireland has to remain "vigilant" about competitiveness in order to ensure the country remains an attractive place to invest. Mr Shanahan was speaking after IDA client companies last week announced 600 jobs in the north-east and midlands, and 250 new jobs in the capital. Louth welcomed 400 new jobs after Hong Kong-listed WuXiu Biologics announced plans to invest 325m at its new facility in Dundalk. Longford also received a boost of 200 jobs after New York-listed Avery Dennison Corporation expanded its medical product manufacturing operations there. Software provider Aptiv has also relocated its global HQ to Dublin, generating 250 new roles by year end. Mr Shanahan said that the IDA was targeting a minimum increase in investment of 30pc to 40pc in each region outside Dublin, but warned this was extraordinarily challenging. "We must not be complacent," he said. "The investor landscape is changing constantly and Ireland has to remain vigilant about its competitiveness. Business models evolve while technology continues to disrupt most industries so there is an ongoing need for Ireland to win investments, but also to replace where downsizing or restructuring has taken place." The chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Sean Fleming, has warned of "potential risks" to future Exchequer revenues if the Revenue Commissioners and Department of Finance do not clarify the extent and cost of repeated losses carried forward by companies, including banks, which could significantly reduce our corporate tax take. Mr Fleming was commenting on a series of recommendations, including a proposed sunset clause limiting the capacity of banks to offset historic losses against their current tax bills - effectively allowing them to pay no corporation tax indefinitely - contained in a new draft report on Ireland's corporation tax regime. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has previously stated that he doesn't intend to change how losses are taxed for Irish banks as such a move could adversely affect banks' share prices and could trigger further capital shortfalls on the banks' balance sheets. The current rules on "deferred tax assets" mean that AIB and Bank of Ireland, which both made over a 1bn in profit last year, will not be liable to pay corporation tax here for at least 20 years. Some 218bn in trading losses by a variety of sectors were carried forward at the end of 2015 to be offset against future corporation tax liabilities, a figure which the draft report on the examination of matters in relation to receipts from Corporation Tax describes as "alarming". Almost 60pc of the losses related to the financial and insurance activities sector, with almost 10bn carried forward by the construction sector. The PAC was informed that the 218bn in losses carried forward at the end of 2015 comprised actual trading losses and unused capital allowances. However, when the committee requested a breakdown of the losses figures into these two components, Revenue informed the committee it was unable to provide the analysis requested. "We need to know how far back companies are carrying forward trading losses," said Mr Fleming, who added that many countries have restrictions on how far back historic trading losses can be carried forward. "There are potential risks to future revenues if we don't analyse and get a hold on this now," he added. The draft report, circulated to committee members last Friday, says that Revenue data is lacking in detail on the breakdown of such losses carried forward. The draft report, which will be discussed in detail by the oversight committee in the coming weeks, says that Revenue should put in place procedures to analyse losses carried forward in order to identify those relating to trading losses and those relating to unused capital allowances. It also recommends that Revenue carry out an age analysis of current losses carried forward and put in place procedures to ensure that such an analysis is carried out on a regular and systematic basis. The draft report says the highly concentrated nature of corporation tax receipts represents an "unacceptable level of risk to the sustainability of the corporation tax regime and to overall Exchequer income". It also urges the Department of Finance to carry out a review of Ireland's Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) regime to ensure that domestic and EU ownership is being encouraged appropriately. The draft report also recommends changes to R&D relief schemes to promote growth among Irish indigenous businesses. Men and women will soon have the right to know if they are being paid differently based on gender. Employers will have to show the differences in the pay of male and female staff under the Government's proposed gender pay gap legislation, due to be published in the coming weeks. Any differences in the pay of male and female employees, including the nature and scale of such differences, will have to be made public, according to plans by Minister of State for Equality David Stanton. The new regulations will initially be phased in as mandatory for companies with 250 people or more. After that, the threshold will likely be reduced to 150 employees after two years, and to 50 - as in the Programme for Government - a year later. "We want to take the issue of gender pay inequality seriously," said a Government spokesperson. Expand Close Minister David Stanton. Photo: Tom Burke / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Minister David Stanton. Photo: Tom Burke Both wings of Government, the Independents and Fine Gael, say they are "committed" to ending gender pay disparity. Part of the object of the proposals is to ensure that for the first time, the Government will have real-time information about the gender pay gap, and can act accordingly. Bonus Employers will be required to publish information in relation to the difference between the average hourly pay of male employees and that of female employees. They will also be required to disclose the difference between the bonus pay of male and female employees. The law will apply to the pay of part-time employees and those on temporary contracts. The bill is due to come before Cabinet later this month and the legislation should be before the Houses later his year. The Department of Justice will carry out inspections to ensure enforcement of the new legislation. Officials will be able to enter any place of work or premises, inspect and take copies of or remove records, and require management to give information and assistance or answer questions, or examine persons under caution. The regulations apply also to Government departments, An Garda Siochana and the Defence Forces where gender pay gap information for each of the organisations will be made public. This legislation has support from the ICTU trade union, as well as employers group Ibec and is broadly in line with a Labour Party Private Members' Bill. It emerged last summer that RTE News host Sharon Ni Bheolain was being paid between 60,000 and 80,000 less than her then co-anchor, Brian Dobson, on the flagship news show of the national broadcaster. Abortion is "already here" but needs to be made safe, the chair of the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Dr Peter Boylan, has said. Launching the Together For Yes national campaign in Athlone yesterday, Dr Boylan described the Eighth Amendment as "a failed experiment". "The vote on May 25 is not a Yes or No vote to introduce abortion because it is already here in Ireland. In the last year alone, 2,000 women imported illegal abortion pills from online providers," he said. "These pills are very safe when used under medical supervision. However, if taken in the wrong dosage or at the wrong time they can cause serious, potentially fatal problems such as uterine rupture and haemorrhage. "We cannot ignore today's reality and risk waking up one morning to the news that a woman has bled to death, alone in her bathroom." Dr Boylan said that as long as the Eighth Amendment was in place, doctors "can do nothing about fatal foetal anomalies, pregnant rape victims, or some cancer patients". Meanwhile, well-known actors including Saoirse Ronan, Cillian Murphy and Liam Cunningham have thrown their support behind the Together For Yes campaign. The actors have taken part in a video released last night which lists a variety of ways women in Ireland are affected by the Eighth Amendment. It calls for this to change "for women's safety, for a just society, for a fairer Ireland". The script states that "a Yes vote is a vote for compassion", with various actors saying it will help your sister, your daughter, your mates, your niece, your girlfriend, yourself, your mother or your wife. It concludes with 'Sherlock' star Andrew Scott saying: "This is a once-in-a lifetime vote", and Saoirse asking viewers to "please vote Yes". Other participants include Pauline McLynn, Sinead Cusack, Tom Vaughan Lawlor, Victoria Smurfit and James Nesbitt. Award-winning actors, including Saoirse Ronan (pictured), Cillian Murphy, Liam Cunningham, Aoibhinn McGinnity, Andrew Scott and Tom Vaughan Lawlor, have united in support of the Together4Yes campaign in a video appeal released yesterday urging voters to repeal the Eighth Amendment. Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for IFP A bishop warned Mass-goers that abortion was a "criminal practice" and "gravely contrary to the moral law", as the Catholic Church raised the pressure for a No vote in the coming referendum. A series of pastoral letters starkly warning of the consequences of repealing the Eighth Amendment were issued over the course of the weekend. Expand Close Bishop John Kirby. Photo: Tony Gavin / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Bishop John Kirby. Photo: Tony Gavin Bishop Phonsie Cullinan told the faithful of the diocese of Waterford and Lismore that their vote on May 25 "will determine whether many Irish babies live or die" and the matter was "about life and death". He described the amendment as the only defence against the "ruthless introduction of the deliberate and awful taking of innocent human life as happens in Britain and elsewhere". In the diocese of Clonfert, Bishop John Kirby cited the 'Catechism of the Catholic Church' to warn his flock that "direct abortion...is a 'criminal' practice gravely contrary to the moral law". Stressing that the intentional killing of the baby in the womb was "fatally wrong", he said if there was a Yes vote, the mother would have a choice, but the baby would have none. "The consequences of what is being proposed are far-reaching. It will not just be about the pregnant woman. Healthcare facilities and workers here may well be obliged to participate in abortions or give referrals to abortion providers, even if they do not believe in abortion," he warned. Meanwhile, in Kerry, Bishop Ray Browne hit out at politicians, claiming the majority would "support a system of abortion similar to Britain". He added: "The unborn child does not just become human at birth. The right to life of the unborn child is a fundamental right." Referring to a recent poll in which 70pc of GPs said they were opposed to being involved in carrying out abortions, Dr Cullinan said: "It is a fact that maternity care in Ireland is one of the best in the world, better than in countries like the US and UK, where abortion is available on demand." Separately, the Association of Catholic Priests, which represents over 1,000 clerics, said it was concerned that parishes were "allowing their pulpits to be used by campaigners during Mass". It said the practice should be stopped. Meanwhile, Fianna Fail Senator Ned O'Sullivan last night said a member of the public had called his presence outside a church "an insult" because of his support for a Yes vote. He was outside his local church in Listowel, Co Kerry, collecting for the Fianna Fail national collection. He said he was "berated" for standing outside the gates of the church on the basis he was voting Yes. My first daughter Rose was born in 2015 and one year later I gave birth to her sister Alice. They were both born in February, one year apart. I have found that becoming a mother has changed me in ways that I never knew possible. Although physically separate, your children are part of you. Even when they are not with you, you think of them, you feel for them and you always want to protect them. I gave birth to Alice in the National Maternity Hospital in Holles Street under the care of wonderful midwives and doctors who had looked after us throughout my entire pregnancy. When Alice was born, my husband Yousef rang our families to share the good news that mother and daughter were doing well. Over the next few days our phones did not stop pinging, vibrating and ringing as word spread. Expand Close Amy, Yousef and baby Alice / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Amy, Yousef and baby Alice That evening, our parents came to visit us at the hospital, laden down with cards, gifts and well-wishes for our daughter from neighbours, colleagues, family and friends. It seemed as if the whole world was celebrating Alices birth with us. Similarly, when my daughter Rose was born, my husband rang our families to let them know that she had arrived and that I was being looked after. He also contacted our close friends. I don't remember what he said to them. I couldn't hear him over the sound of my own tears. I remember the silence. Our phones did not ring, ping or vibrate. There were no congratulatory text messages. There were no new baby cards or gifts from well-meaning family and friends. Our families did not come to visit. Yousef, Rose and I were in a hospital in a foreign country, in a city where I had never been before. Alone, together, surrounded by silence. My pregnancy with Rose started off like any normal pregnancy but a scan at 12 weeks indicated that there was a problem. The scan showed that the placenta wasnt working properly and the baby wasnt moving the way a baby should be moving. By 14 weeks it was clear that Rose had stopped growing. Her lungs and chest were comparatively smaller than the rest of her body. I was told that her lungs would never develop and she would never be able to breathe. I was told that her heart would never survive the stress of labour. It was predicted, however, that her heart would most likely stop beating long before that moment. Diagnostic tests confirmed that my daughter had a very rare chromosomal condition called triploidy. The severity of the variant was fatal. No intervention could save her. Second and third opinions from consultants and professors of foetal medicine in the UK and Australia re-confirmed that our daughter had what is medically classified as a fatal foetal abnormality. She would never be born alive. I was told that if I wanted to remain in the Irish hospital system and, under the care of the doctors and midwives who were looking after us, I would have to remain pregnant and wait for my daughter to pass away naturally. I was overcome with grief but I knew that I needed my family to be with me when I lost my daughter. I wanted to meet her. I wanted her grandparents to meet her. I wanted to give our family and friends a chance to grieve for her with us. I decided that we would wait for our daughter to pass away naturally. However, as my pregnancy progressed and her condition continued to deteriorate, I began to question if it was right for me to stand back and let the pregnancy continue. Expand Close Amy Walsh's maternity bag for her daughter Alice / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Amy Walsh's maternity bag for her daughter Alice Rose had begun to collect fluid on her lungs and her brain. She had also developed a large blockage in her colon and her growth was so restricted it was illustrated as a flat line instead of a curve on her growth chat. I would lie in bed at night unable to sleep wondering if she was in distress. It soon became apparent that my physical health was at risk. My blood pressure started to rise and I was at risk of developing pre-eclampsia, a complication associated with triploid pregnancies that continue into the third trimester. I was told, however, that doctors could not intervene and induce my labour because my daughter's heart was still beating and my life was not at immediate risk. Expand Close The maternity bag for Rose. Credit: Amy Walsh / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The maternity bag for Rose. Credit: Amy Walsh So at 24 weeks my husband and I made the very Irish decision to travel. We found ourselves on the ferry, with my hospital files, a maternity bag, a memory box, some sterling and directions to a hospital in a city where I had never been. Even though we were together, I felt alone and abandoned by my country. I was terrified. However, when we arrived at Liverpool Womens Hospital we were shown kindness, care and compassion in so many ways. The midwife held me and told me how sorry she was for my loss. The doctors told me they were sorry that it was they, who as strangers, were now taking over our care. A priest held a blessing for our daughter after she was born. After Rose was born, a midwife gave me a beautiful white dress and angel blanket to put her in. She also gave me tiny clothes for Rose, knitted especially for my daughter by a mother who lost her baby in similar circumstances. As I washed and dressed Rose and held her in my arms, I realised I had become part of the group of mothers that nobody wants to be part of. The group of mothers that Ireland turns its back on. Mothers who are bonded through our shared experiences. We were all pregnant with our much-loved and much-wanted babies who never lived. We gave birth and had to leave our babies in a hospital in a foreign country, while we returned home. Some mothers had their baby's ashes sent to Ireland by courier, while others returned to the UK to collect their baby's ashes - those women then had to carry their remains through airport security. Others travelled to the UK by ferry so that they could bring their baby home and bury them in Ireland, travelling with their baby's remains in the boot of a car. Yousef and I travelled to Liverpool by ferry as we had wanted to bring our daughter's body home with us. But when she was born she was very tiny and fragile and we were told that her body would probably not survive the journey home intact. We decided that it would be more respectful to our daughter to leave her body in the care of the midwife who delivered her and have her cremated in Liverpool. Leaving Ireland pregnant and returning home without my daughter was one of the hardest and saddest moments of my life. Our family and friends didn't get to meet her. It felt as if my country had denied her very existence. There is no etiquette for our situation and when the accepted mourning traditions of wake and funeral are removed, you are left with a vacuum of grief. We did receive flowers, sympathy cards and mementos and gifts and that acknowledgement. Most people didn't know what to say. Now that Alice is two-years-old, I am usually asked if she is my first-born and I never really know how to answer this question. I can either lie and say 'yes she is my first', or I can answer truthfully and say 'my first daughter Rose was stillborn in Liverpool Womens Hospital'. This answer is usually followed by silence. Silence, so much silence. In Ireland we are good at brushing things under the carpet and pretending it never happened but I never want to deny my daughter's existence, even if we had to leave the country. I'm still the mother of two beautiful daughters. My daughter Alice lives with me and I have the privilege of watching her grow and turn into to a smart, funny two-year old who loves dinosaurs, stickers and running. My other daughter Rose, lives in my heart and my memories. While some women and couples will decide to continue with their pregnancies after receiving a diagnosis like mine, others find themselves in a suspended state of mourning, trapped in a pregnancy with no happy ending and they seek medical intervention to bring their pregnancies to an end sooner than would happen naturally. Travelling to Liverpool was the right decision for my family. It allowed my daughter to pass away peacefully and it enabled me to protect my health and my ability to have a family in the future. Travelling to Liverpool allowed me to protect my daughter from what could have been a very traumatic labour and birth. Amy Walsh is a member of Termination for Medical Reasons Ireland, a group that is campaigning for a change to Ireland's ban on abortion. A reveller who used foul language towards gardai after they found him wandering and covered in mud is "not sure what happened". Thomas Ward (26) was dazed and highly intoxicated, but he became abusive to officers when they tried to help him. Judge David McHugh ordered Ward to donate 150 to Blanchardstown Hospice and said he would strike out the charges, leaving him without a conviction. The defendant, of Wellview Crescent, Mulhuddart, admitted before Blanchardstown District Court to public drunkenness, threatening and abusive behaviour and resisting arrest by Gda Declan Meehan. The public order incident took place at Fortlawn Avenue, Clonsilla, on April 3 last year. Sgt Geraldine McManigan said gardai were on patrol shortly before 1am when they saw the defendant wandering around dazed and covered from head to toe in mud. Sgt McManigan said Ward was highly intoxicated, and was arrested after he used foul language and became verbally abusive. The court heard Ward had never been in trouble before. Defence lawyer Ciaran Mac- Loughlin said that Ward had been out drinking with friends. He said the defendant was "not quite sure" what had happened or how he got covered in mud. "He believes that he got a call from a good friend in Australia asking him to visit his mother, who had just come out of hospital, and he believes that he went to do that," said Mr MacLoughlin. The court heard that Ward's partner lived in the UK and he planned to emigrate there soon. He had one child, who is nine-months-old, the lawyer said. Mr MacLoughlin also added that Ward wished to apologise for his behaviour, which had been completely out of character. The back of the taxi after the accident Insurers have a duty to customers to keep defending against "accident prone" claimants and exaggerated claims, the head of fraud with one of Ireland's leading insurance companies has said. Rob Smyth, Head of Fraud at Aviva, has welcomed the dismissal of eight recent motor claims against drivers insured with the company. In one case heard in Tullamore, Co Offaly, a judge dismissed claims by three occupants of two vehicles who only noticed injuries hours after a collision that happened in 2014. Phyllis McDonagh (38) of St Columbas Place, Tullamore was a passenger in a car that rear-ended a taxi carrying five people. Along with McDonagh, two of the passengers in the taxi brought personal injury claims. The two other claimants, Robert Vicars (33) of Thornsberry Estate, Tullamore and Samantha Dunican (21) of Cluain Darach, Tullamore, and Phyllis McDonagh were known to each other prior to the accident. Independent.ie has obtained pictures of the taxi involved in the accident. The taxi driver, Mr Michael Harrington, said in court that "there was no damage done" to either vehicle. He compared the impact to a "vehicle being pushed by a couple of people when another set of hands joins in on the pushing". Mr Harrington did not bring a personal injury claim in relation to the incident. Ms McDonagh said she suffered from a pain in her lower back following the incident. It also emerged in court how Ms McDonagh had been involved in a number of other previous accidents, but only mentioned one of them to the Injuries Board. Ms Dunican said she went to A&E the next day. She said she hurt her neck again in a later accident when her brother crashed in Dundalk and a claim was also brought. Taking the taxi driver's version of events into consideration and the inconsistencies in the plaintiffs' evidence, the judge dismissed the case. Speaking to Independent.ie, Rob Smyth says Aviva will continue to fight against exaggerated claims. "If these claimants had been successful in their court actions, the pay-outs could have been as high as 200,000. The judge found that the alleged injuries were exaggerated. These are recurring features of personal injury claims. Aviva will continue to fight against these kind of claims. "That is our duty to our customers. But for society at large, I think its now important that the gardai take appropriate action in these cases and, where appropriate, proceed to criminal investigation." Northern Ireland's most prolific flasher will spend yet more time behind bars after being convicted of exposing himself for the 26th time. Serial sex offender Jason Leonard Shaw - notorious for pleasuring himself in public and causing distress to women - was given a 10-month sentence at Craigavon Crown Court last week after pleading guilty to a single charge of exposing his genitals last September. The judge also activated a suspended sentence put in place last year at Belfast Crown Court for a similar charge. Her Honour Judge Donna McColgan reduced the suspended sentence from one year to six months, to run consecutively. The 48-year-old is already in prison after being jailed last November for another exposure offence. Shaw is also on the sex offenders register for another 10 years. Sunday Life is barred from publishing Shaw's address due a reporting restriction put in place under the Human Rights Act. The apparently incurable sleazeball has a record for similar offences stretching back nearly 30 years, with another 20-plus other unrelated crimes also on his record. Shaw is currently languishing behind bars after being sentenced to 13 months for exposing himself to a woman in south Belfast in February last year. At his sentencing hearing last November, Belfast Crown Court heard that a man with his face covered approached her car window. After 30 seconds he ran away but came back several minutes later and exposed his penis and handled it in full view of the woman. She blasted her car horn several times, causing Shaw to flee but she was left shaken by the ordeal. After a photofit of the suspect was created by police an officer recognised Shaw and the victim also later picked him out in an identification procedure. Shaw's barrister said his offending was linked to events in his childhood. Jailing Shaw, Judge McFarland said the events were "unpleasant and shocking" for his victims, adding that any remorse expressed was "a little hollow". The creep was warned he risked being sent to jail during another regular appearance at Belfast Crown Court in May that year. On that occasion he was handed a suspended sentence for exposing his genitals to two female Spanish students in his favoured preying patch near Queen's University. A prosecution lawyer said the women were walking to Elmwood Hall when they saw a man "standing at the bus stop when he pulled down his underwear and exposed himself''. The police were called and found Shaw in the grounds of a chapel on Derryvolgie Avenue. Last year he was also fined for punching Sunday Life reporter Christopher Woodhouse outside Belfast's Laganside courts on the day he narrowly avoided jail after he was convicted of pleasuring himself outside a woman's living room window on Botanic Avenue in May 2015. Aline Costa, Andressa Coelho and Luna Witkowski from Brazil make the most of the good weather on Dublin's Dollymount Strand, while Elena and Ines Reyes from Mexico (background) decided to stay wrapped up. Photo: Gerry Mooney Ireland sizzled on the hottest day of the year so far with temperatures reaching 23C in eastern counties yesterday. And there will be more sunshine for the final day of the long weekend as thousands head for the beaches or parks to cool down. In fact, Ireland was hotter than Lanzarote and Ibiza during the mini-heatwave that has lasted all weekend. But enjoy the glorious sunshine while you can because, according to Met Eireann, its all downhill from tomorrow. Expand Close Moya O'Brien and Shannon Mernagh at Loftus Hall, Co Wexford, at the Bealtaine 'Festival of Fire'. Photo: Patrick Browne / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Moya O'Brien and Shannon Mernagh at Loftus Hall, Co Wexford, at the Bealtaine 'Festival of Fire'. Photo: Patrick Browne The spell of sunny weather that has brought out flashy sunglasses and bright summer outfits is about to recede behind the clouds as the country is expected to see a return to cooler temperatures and rain. Met eireann forecaster John Eagleton warned: Therell be a change in the temperatures come Tuesday. While warm and sunny conditions will continue today, temperatures tomorrow will drop to about 15C. The week ahead looks very bad, said Mr Eagleton. He said there would be disappointing temperatures for the time of year. Expand Close Aoife Fitzgerald of Artastic Street Theatre at Riverfest, Arthur's Quay Park, Limerick. Photo: Sean Curtis / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Aoife Fitzgerald of Artastic Street Theatre at Riverfest, Arthur's Quay Park, Limerick. Photo: Sean Curtis Ed Sheeran fans definitely werent complaining, as tens of thousands flocked to see the pop icon perform last night in the Cork leg of his Irish tour. Meanwhile, a magical fireworks display sizzled over the Limerick skyline last night as the city sailed through its 14th annual Riverfest. This years event saw record numbers of well over 85,000 visitors flow towards the River Shannon, which is the core attraction of the annual riverside celebrations. The May The Fourth Festival, which saw Star Wars fans travel to Co Kerry, also came to a close yesterday. Gorse fires have lit up the Dublin Mountains as dry weather conditions have led to an increased fire risk. Firefighters from Rathfarnham, Tallaght and Glencullen attended the scene of a gorse fire in Glencullen this morning. Last night, eight units attended two different gorse fires in Glencullen and Barnacullia. Expand Expand Previous Next Close Photo: Dublin Fire Brigade Photo: Dublin Fire Brigade / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Photo: Dublin Fire Brigade "Dry conditions at the moment have led to an increased fire risk," Dublin Fire Brigade said on their Twitter account. An Orange fire warning was issued by the Department of Agriculture on Friday. "Arising from current and forecast weather associated with Atlantic high pressure systems, a high fire risk is forecast in all areas where hazardous fuels exist," the warning said. Dublin Fire Brigade issued the following advice to help prevent gorse fires: Vicky Phelan who received incorrect smear test results in 2011 and was subsequently diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014. Photo: Fergal Phillips The Health Service Executive has apologised to the thousands of women yet to receive a callback after phoning the CervicalCheck helpline. The Irish Independent revealed today how more than 5,500 worried women who phoned the CervicalCheck helpline in the wake of the cancer scandal have yet to receive a callback. National director with the HSE, Damien McCallion, said they are working to increase the number of healthcare professionals involved with the helpline. "We are sorry it is taking so long to get back to the many women that have called us," he told RTE's News at One. "These calls do take time and we are working through the concerns that people have. We have increased the number of healthcare professionals we have available and we are looking to increase that throughout the week. "We've looked at options around overtime, we've had a huge input from staff over the Bank Holiday and we are hoping to grow that through next week." Expand Close CervicalCheck facing surge of claims / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp CervicalCheck facing surge of claims Despite the panic and anxiety about the accuracy of smear tests, it has emerged that only 1,962 of the 7,575 women who requested a return call have had a response so far. The helpline, which was set up last weekend in a bid to alleviate womens fears, has received 10,801 calls so far, including 54 as late as yesterday. The helpline was swamped after revelations that Vicky Phelan, a mother-of-two from Co Limerick, developed terminal cervical cancer in 2014 after getting an incorrect smear result in 2011. It was only thanks to the High Court case brought by Ms Phelan that it emerged that 209 women who developed cervical cancer and whose test result gave a false negative had an internal report carried out on them confirming the mistake. But the majority were not told of the review. The HSE said yesterday that calls were being returned to women following a careful exercise of checking records, checking data quality and assigning calls to health professionals. To date, 1,962 calls have been returned to women. Calls are being returned throughout this weekend and will continue through the week. It has still to contact all the 209 women or their next of kin about the internal CervicalCheck reports. As of yesterday, a total of 198 women or their families had been contacted. Seventeen of the women have died and just two were told of the report confirming the test result mistake before they died. Hospitals where the women were treated have been working for the past week to contact all the women affected and to discuss the audit with them, said a HSE spokesman. Thousands of women are expected to take up a free smear re-test which is being offered at GP surgeries and clinics. Fianna Fails Stephen Donnelly said the Oireachtas Health Committee was told the HSE would work through all the calls in about three days. That was Friday or Saturday. With a scandal of this level Saturday and Sunday need to count as working days, he said. Mr Donnelly said getting the response right falls to Tony OBrien as well. Clearly that has not happened, so you could turn the question on its head and ask what is the reason for him to stay at this stage. Meanwhile, the Irish Cancer Society said that over the past week, the nurses on its freephone Nurseline 1800 200 700 had been providing one-to- one information and advice to women worried about their smear tests. While it is understandable that many women are worried about their smear tests as a result of this scandal, it is essential women continue to avail of CervicalCheck, said a spokesperson. Vicky Phelan has repeatedly urged other women not to let her experience put them off going for their free smear tests. Cervical screening has saved many womens lives and will continue to do so as long as women use the service. The Irish Cancer Society repeats Vickys calls to continue to get screened. If you receive an invitation from CervicalCheck, BreastCheck or BowelScreen, please take it up. "Encourage your female friends and family to do the same, said the spokesperson. 'A Garda investigation has been launched into the incident after photographs emerged showing two people engaging in an apparent sex act on the church's altar' (stock photo) A rural parish is continuing to hold Mass at a church where an alleged sex act was caught on camera. A Garda investigation has been launched into the incident after photographs emerged showing two people engaging in an apparent sex act on the church's altar. Despite the controversy, it is understood that Mass has still been taking place at the church in the wake of the Garda complaint. The photographs, which began to circulate last week, show a man in priest's vestments engaging in a sex act on the altar. A source told the Irish Independent that, as the Garda investigation was still ongoing, no internal action has yet been taken. The church is still operating "as normal" until the full facts of what occurred are confirmed, the source added. Mass times have been scheduled for a number of days in the parish, including two for yesterday. A spokesperson for the diocese said they could not comment until gardai had concluded their investigation. On May 2, a complaint was made to a Garda district, and officers were last week in the process of verifying the images. A person who obtained the images, who wished to remain anonymous, described the incident as "an abomination". A PLAN by Tony OBrien to take four weeks holidays before formally stepping down as HSE chief has served only to intensify calls for his resignation. Fianna Fail believes Mr OBriens position has now become a distraction, while Sinn Fein is intent on tabling a Dail motion of no confidence this week. Director general Mr OBrien indicated to the Government over the weekend that he was willing to take annual leave from the end of June, a month ahead of his scheduled retirement. It was hoped the move would lift the political pressure on him and the Government but Fianna Fails Stephen Donnelly told the Irish Independent his party stands by a call for Mr OBrien to resign. Mr Donnelly said the inadequate response to the concerns raised by women over recent days meant Mr OBrien tenure should end. Its a distraction. He needs to not be the story. The story needs to be around getting to the truth and getting support for women, Mr Donnelly said. He added that the director general should step down without prejudice so that the inquiry team can do its work. The Irish Independent understands Mr OBrien spent yesterday working at the CervicalCheck offices in Co Limerick. Government sources said he had a number of weeks annual leave to take before his retirement and that both sides felt late June would give enough time for him to oversee the initial response to the scandal. If we were talking about a man with many months or years to serve, it would be different. Were talking about eight weeks. Is it better to have the DG spending significant amount of time in CervicalCheck office and reporting to the minister or to create a vacuum? The source added: Its a marginal call. Nobody is holding a candle for Tony OBrien. The Cabinet is expected to discuss Mr OBriens position tomorrow, when Health Minister Simon Harris brings a memo on his planned response to the crisis. He will brief ministers on the terms of reference for a scoping inquiry that will be headed by one or two international experts. They will be tasked with answering initial questions on why women diagnosed with cervical cancer were not told that early signs were missed in previous smear tests. The experts will also be told to compile a list of questions that will require further probing, possibly through a commission of investigation. The woman whose court case unearthed the scandal, Vicky Phelan, will be a direct participant in the inquiry. It is understood other women affected will be invited to make written submissions. Mr Harris will also ask for Cabinet approval to publish patient safety legislation, including new laws around mandatory reporting. He also plans to fast-track the establishment of a HSE board. The Ceann Comhairles office will also decide tomorrow whether to allow a Sinn Fein motion calling for Mr OBrien to resign or be sacked. Mary Lou McDonald indicated last night that his early departure will not affect her partys plans to try to force him from office. It is clear that the leadership of the HSE is unable to take responsibility for this scandal. The only way to begin to rebuild confidence in the screening programme, the HSE and department is for the director general of the HSE to step aside or failing that for the minister to act, she said. Sinn Fein will be pushing for a vote in the Dail on this matter as we strive to rebuild confidence in the screening programme. However, when asked whether Fianna Fail would back such a motion, health spokesman Mr Donnelly said that some of Sinn Feins commentary on the crisis had been grossly irresponsible. He said Fianna Fail would be very careful about anything Sinn Fein proposes on the issue. Gardai at the scene of the crash in Finglas,Dublin Picture: Stephen Collins/ Photos A HANDGUN was taken from the scene of a crash in which a motorcyclist lost his life on Sunday afternoon. The 35-year-old died when his bike collided with a pole on Dunsink Park, Finglas in Dublin at approximately 3pm. He was rushed to James Connolly Memorial Hospital where he was treated for serious neck injuries. However, he was pronounced dead a short time later. The dead man had survived an attempt on his life in 2006 and was closely linked to a criminal involved in a feud in the Finglas area that had escalated in recent weeks. Immediately after the fatal collision, a firearm was discovered as paramedics from the Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) were treating the man at the scene. However, before gardai arrived, an unknown male emerged from the crowd that had formed around the crash and picked up the handgun before fleeing the scene. Gardai do not believe that the motorcyclist was being chased before the crash, and are now attempting to establish what led to the collision and the firearm being found. Garda forensic collision investigators attended at the scene, the road iwas closed and local diversions were in place. Gardai are appealing to any persons or motorists who may have witnessed the collision to contact them at Finglas Garda Station on 01 - 6667500, the Garda Confidential Line 1 800 666 111 or any Garda Station. The first time Shona Maguire (31) heard the sound of waves, she nearly jumped out of her skin. Given that this was a relatively recent event, it's safe to assume that this young vet has faced enormous challenges over the years. Shona's problems began as a toddler, growing up in Swords, Co Dublin, when she experienced recurring chest infections. "There was a lot of back and forth to doctors," she recalls, "until finally, they looked in my ears." What they found was a worrying growth in one of her ears. Eventually, she was diagnosed with cholesteatoma. This occurs when abnormal cells collect deep inside the ear. These non-cancerous growths can cause a discharge from the ears, hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus. If left untreated, they can cause permanent hearing loss and, in very rare cases, may result in potentially serious conditions such as meningitis. The usual treatment for cholesteatoma is surgery. However, when Shona had her first intervention as a two-year-old, that specific procedure was new in Ireland. "We were pioneers," she says. "I was one of the first, if not the very first, to have it in this country. Before the operation, my parents were presented with worst-case scenarios. For example, they were warned that I might lose my hearing altogether." Thankfully, the surgery was successful as far as the growths were concerned; but they had already irreparably damaged her inner ear, causing some hearing loss. The following year, Shona had to go through that ordeal all over again when she got a similar growth in her other ear. These problems caused her to take longer than most children to find her voice. "I needed intense speech therapy because I was missing so much of what I should have been hearing," she explains. Over the years, Shona had about six significant surgical procedures to reshape her ear canals, which had been damaged by the growths. "They were scarred and too narrow; they needed to be widened to prevent infections," she says. "I also had a number of other, more minor procedures." She was treated at St James's Hospital in the early years and then at Beaumont Hospital. Understandably, in spite of all the worthy medical interventions, her hearing was partially damaged. So, she was supplied with hearing aids by the public health system. As the years progressed, her main problem was hearing what was being said in the classroom and during examinations. Because the old-style hearing aids were so basic, Shona was forced to fall back on lip-reading a lot of the time, which placed an additional strain on her, educationally. Nonetheless, once she went to secondary school, Shona began to shine. And even though she had a natural ability for maths, she was shocked, one day, to discover long division was just "gobbledegook" to her. "It must have been one of the many times I was off sick, when they did that at school," she explains. Fortunately, she was able to catch up and did extremely well in her Leaving Certificate. Another problem for Shona was the appearance of mobile phones. "I could hear all these phones ringing in my hearing aids," she says. "Because the hearing aids the public health system supplied were so basic, they amplified everything. The constant ringing drove me crazy. That went on until we eventually persuaded the authorities to upgrade me." What is notable about Shona is that she knew from a very young age that she wanted to become a vet and she never allowed her hearing problems to sway her from that path. "I was very focused all through secondary school," she admits. So, she had no problem securing a place at UCD's prestigious School of Veterinary Medicine. Shona says that even though it was tough going, she was determined to succeed. "In second year, our day would start at 8am and end at 5pm, often with no lunch break factored in; then you had to study," she explains. "In fifth year, you're basically working as an unpaid vet - long hours, night shifts and weekends - and then you also have to study. But I guess that's a fair representation of what you face when you qualify." But college wasn't all plain sailing. In 2010, in her final year, Shona woke one morning to find the world was spinning. Her mother rushed her to Beaumont Hospital A&E, so she could be seen by her usual ear, nose and throat consultant. He identified another benign growth. "The cholesteatoma was back," Shona recalls. "We'd always known this could happen, but still it was a shock. I ended up in hospital for a month as the growth had eroded the inner ear. They had to remove a lot of scar tissue and do a bone graft to repair the damage. That was in January, and my finals were in May." Nonetheless, Shona passed with flying colours and is now working as a locum, while pursuing her dream of having her own practice, which will incorporate ram-and-bull fertility testing. She will undoubtedly be well supported by her partner, farmer John Kearney. They live in Bagenalstown, Co Carlow, with a cat, two dogs and lots of farm animals. About four years ago, Shona decided to try the private sector for hearing aids and went to Hidden Hearing. "It was an unbelievable experience," she says. "The audiologist spent a lot of time ascertaining which areas were most troublesome for me with my hearing. He really went into it in depth. In the public system, it was a case of, 'Here are your hearing aids, now off you go'. "This time my two high-tech digital hearing aids, which were programmed specifically for me, fitted perfectly," she says. "That's the first time I remember two fitting so well at the same time. Once they were in place, I heard the audiologist's footsteps on the carpet and that was a sound I'd never heard before. "And when we went to a restaurant that night, I was amazed to be able to follow a normal conversation within a group. The main problem for people with hearing difficulties, is that the background noises get all mushed up together. But apparently, modern technology can deal with that." And when she went to the beach, Shona got yet another surprise. "When I heard the waves crashing on the beach, I jumped away in fright. I'd never heard that noise before," she says smiling brightly. For more information contact Hidden Hearing. See hiddenhearing.ie and also campaignforbetterhearing.ie Add personality by displaying a few kitchen favourites. Seen here, Neptunes Chichester kitchen in snow, Neptune.com Query: We have recently bought a new house, and look forward to making it our home. We especially love the spacious, bright kitchen, but feel it's a bit cold and impersonal. How can we make it more homely? Answer: Your question raises an important issue regarding contemporary architecture: how to create designs with a sense of place, and with a strong cultural and individual identity? What makes a design truly Irish? And does it respond to my personal needs and wants? To make a kitchen more homely, space must be personalised, responding to individual needs, heritage and values. The use of racks, rails and hooks offers an effective and beautiful way to achieve this, allowing you to display your kitchen tools in all their worn glory, from mother's cast-iron pan to your favourite Alessi wine opener. This discourse calls for both aesthetic and practical considerations. We learn from professional kitchens the advantages of having everything readily accessible, within arm's reach. Choosing optimal locations for the placement of racks, rails and hooks will allow you to weave together the more disparate parts of the kitchen, improving workflow and adding to its visual appeal, helping define that set of personal qualities that make the kitchen your own. Displaying treasured items is a great way to add personality to a kitchen but carefully choose what to keep on full display. Only utensils and wares of frequent, near everyday use, should pass the test. Spice racks and other such dust-gathering vessels can be happily housed in a cabinet nearest the hob. A linear arrangement of pots and pans on a wall over a fireplace is both evocative and a daily source of inspiration. I advise against storing pots and pans over a kitchen island. It proves visually disruptive to the overall space and impractical, struggling to be both easily accessible and out of harm's way. Wall-mounted rails and hooks located in proximity of a cooker are best suited for the arrangement of ladles, spoons, tongs and whisks. A medley of non-stick, steel, and wooden utensils adds visual richness and complexity to the kitchen design. A wire rack, tiered and nestled nicely near a stove, provides a single point platform to store and display stacks of pots and pans, flanked by chopping boards, serving trays, dishes, and more. It offers a practical and attractive alternative to the high and low reaches called for by wall and base cabinets. Personal identity is a fundamental consideration manifested in great works of architecture. The kitchen should work for you. It should reflect and respond to your personal idiosyncrasies. Having your wares easily accessible and on display will allow you to make a kitchen space your own. David O'Halloran and his husband Martin Buckley enjoyed getting married so much, they went and did it twice. The first time was just by themselves, while they were on a wine appreciation trip to Napa Valley in California. The reason behind getting married abroad was that they wanted full marriage rights, not thinking marriage equality would come here, but their families were disappointed they weren't present. So when the law changed here, they did it all over again, this time having a humanist ceremony at Maryborough Hotel in Cork. David's mother Susan gave him away, and Martin's sister Geraldine gave him away as his mum Mary has passed on. They had a Celtic hand-fasting ritual and the City of Cork Male Voice Choir provided the music for the ceremony. Mind you, Martin (29) was sure that he wanted to get married early on in the relationship and wasn't taking any messing around, so he gave David (33) three years to put a ring on it, so to speak. "Martin would have gotten married the very first month," laughs David. "I packed a picnic basket with champagne and proposed to him after two-and-a-half years on Rossbeigh beach in Kerry." Martin and David live and breathe their passion for food and hospitality, and now own their own gastropub, The Lifeboat Inn, in Courtmacsherry in Cork. Martin is the chef and David looks after front of house. The pair met in 2009 at CIT, as David was there for 10 weeks as part of his training to become a plumber. Martin was studying professional cookery while working part-time at Hayfield Manor. They first set eyes on each other at a college LGBT society support group, and were mutually smitten. The following week, David asked Martin and his best pal Mary Jo to go for a drink, and they ended up becoming each other's first boyfriends. "David was different and very cool and honest and I really liked that," says Martin. "I was very nervous that first date because I had really fallen for him. I always felt that I could be honest around him and be who I was, and he's a very loyal person too." David was first drawn to Martin because he's so jovial. "He makes me laugh every single day and that's the foundation of our relationship," he says. "He's very bubbly and we're a pair of messers and we don't take anything too seriously." The problem was that David was in Cork for only 10 weeks, and after that he returned home to the family farm in Portroe, Tipperary. He has a huge family there, as he's the baby of Susan and the late Con's 14 children, and already has over 40 nephews and nieces. They had a long-distance relationship initially as Martin, the youngest of Tim and the late Mary's five children, grew up on a farm in Inchigeela, Macroom, Co Cork, where he used to be based. The recession was kicking in then and David lost his job, so he decided to move back to Cork to be with Martin. He left plumbing aside to work in a restaurant, as it was an area that really interested him. He and Martin were together only a month when his dad Con passed away from heart problems, and Martin's mum Mary died from cancer a few months later. The two deaths made them focus on their futures, and they knew early on that they wanted to open a restaurant together. First they needed to get top-class experience, so they went to London for three years to work in Michelin-starred restaurants. Martin spent the three years at Michel Roux's restaurant Le Gavroche while David went to Chez Bruce for a year, followed by two years at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea. "I worked 80-hour weeks and it was a very tough restaurant, but it very rewarding and I learned a lot," he says. They then moved to Dublin, where Martin spent a year at Chapter One and David took up a position as restaurant manager at Cliff Townhouse. Martin joined him there after a year as a chef de partie, and they got valuable experience in seeing if they could work together. The fact that Cliff's walls are still standing is testament to the fact that it worked. "We found that we had the same standards and goals and way of thinking," says Martin. Last year, they took the plunge and decided to move to Courtmacsherry in West Cork, because they loved the idea of living in a community. They bought The Lifeboat Inn and opened it in June 2017. They serve wholesome food in a casual and relaxed setting, and lean towards seafood. They live above the restaurant, and say that the first year has been challenging and a labour of love but they are loving it all. The restaurant has become very popular already and they love the community around them, who are very supportive. While they hope to keep developing the restaurant and really putting it on the map, Martin and David also hope to have a family of their own one day in the future. For the moment, their cockerpoo Murphy keeps them on their toes, and makes them take breaks and get fresh air. While many couples find working together stressful, they love it and say they rarely fall out. "We left that behind up in Dublin," says David. "Even now, if we get into an argument, one of us would say something smart after two minutes and we'd start laughing again." The Lifeboat Inn, Main Street, Courtmacsherry, Cork. Tel. 023 886 4656. www.lifeboatinn.ie Eoghan Murphy might not have been happy to see another health scandal dominate the media in the last week, but he was certainly helped by it. Because he was in the middle of his own little scandal. The hard-hatted minister gives the impression of a middle-class Stakhanov, a man of action, shirt sleeves permanently rolled up, ready to build those houses himself if he must. But there are signs that his activity included him actively manipulating the homelessness figures to avoid them reaching 10,000. That's the number of homeless people that ministers had said they did not want to see breached. The Department of Housing claimed that the homelessness figures, which had seen record rises in January and February this year, were actually lower than reported. They estimated that 600 people were incorrectly included in the figures, and most of them have been removed in the March figures. The March total of 9,681 homeless people would have hit the 10,000-mark had it not been for that adjustment. A leaked memo to Louth County Councillors, in which the council claimed that some people had not been counted in its figures at the request of the Department, but that the council still regards them as effectively being homeless. Measuring stuff isn't as easy as we think. Some measures that had been useful can become meaningless. Ireland's GDP is a good example, where on some estimates iPhone sales account for a quarter of Ireland's record GDP growth last year. We should just ignore those growth figures. Any measure is a result of human decisions about what to include or not include. For many when asked what we mean by homeless we might initially think rough sleepers. But what about families living in emergency accommodation because they can't afford rents in the private rental market? Well they're also counted. Or what about a 30-something living with her parents because she can't afford rent. She's not counted. The dispute centres on who to include. Louth and other councils are using 'Section 10' funding - that is funding paid to councils and charities to help homeless people - to keep tenants who would otherwise have been made homeless in their existing rental accommodation. They remain in their homes, but they are no longer in their normal tenancy. It's a sensible thing to do, which no one disputes. What is disputed is how they should be categorised. The minister claims that as they are not in a hotel, B&B, or emergency accommodation they can't be considered homeless. We might say that they are effectively in emergency accommodation because they could be moved at any time. Louth County Council suggests that given the money paying for this is from the Section 10 budget, they should be treated as homeless. Who's right depends on how you look at things, but the very fact that the department spent its energy on revising this data shows that it cares about the self-imposed 10,000-person limit. In a week that also saw that rents have continued to rise across the country, it might have had better things to do. A daft.ie report shows an 11.5pc rise in new rents, and that average new tenancies in Dublin are 1,875. There are themselves problems with the daft.ie measures, because many people don't advertise on daft.ie and it doesn't include renewed leases. But it suggests that the department's flagship policy of rent pressure zones has failed - as I suspect even the department knew it would. It would seem that unless Eoghan Murphy gets really good at manipulating figures, the 10,000 figure will be breached. The problem with these type of figures is that they become hostages to fortune. In 1978 the Taoiseach, Jack Lynch, suggested that any government that saw unemployment rise above 100,000 should resign. Even at the time, economists disputed the State's own unemployment figures. They claimed it under-reported unemployment by about 30,000. The 100,000 figure was soon breached, but Lynch's government didn't resign. Instead serious efforts were made in the 1980s to take people off the register by putting them into training schemes where they would not be counted as unemployed. These sorts of targets mean that organisations change behaviour to hit or avoid them. And sometimes that changed behaviour includes massaging the data. When UK police were given targets to reduce crime, rather than concentrate on actually reducing crime, many of the police forces actively re-designated crimes. What might have been a serious crime was counted as a less serious one. Overnight robberies became burglaries. This is an example of Goodhart's Law - whenever a measure becomes a target it ceases to be a good measure. The idea that Charles Goodhart, an English economist, struck upon was that because we use measurement to evaluate things, that measurement will be subject to gaming. We don't see the activities being measured change in the way we want to, we see unwelcome changes in the way the activities are measured. In the UK, where targets were an obsession for the New Labour government, hospital A&E wait times fell dramatically not because of a genuine fall in the wait times, but because of 'Hello Nurses'. Wait times were measured by how long it took to see a clinician. The 'Hello Nurse' would see any patient as they entered A&E, check them, and once it was established they weren't about to bleed to death, or their head wasn't falling off, they'd be put in the same, slow queue. But for the purposes of the statistics, they'd been seen by a clinician. It could be that the almost wholly fictitious Garda breath test statistics were due to informal targets to increase testing. The Leaving Certificate is by now an almost meaningless measure of education now that schools just teach to the test. The Leaving Cert is what motivates teachers, pupils and parents. It is not an independent test at the end of our school years. Now the Minister for Housing is given to actively gaming the figures, rather than just fixing the problem, the homeless are likely to become yet another victim of Goodhart's Law. Eoin O'Malley is director of the MSc in Public Policy at the School of Law and Government in DCU Actor Tom Sizemore is being sued over groping claims (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) A woman is suing Hollywood star Tom Sizemore for allegedly groping her at a photo shoot when she was 11. The lawsuit filed on Monday says the 2003 incident during production of the Born Killers film left the woman, from Utah, with post-traumatic stress and drug and alcohol addiction. She is seeking at least $3 million in damages. Sizemore denied the highly disturbing allegation when it surfaced last year, saying he would never inappropriately touch a child. His spokeswoman Michelle Salem has not commented on the lawsuit. Salt Lake City police investigated the allegation in 2003, but prosecutors did not file charges, citing witness and evidence problems. Sizemores career has included prominent roles in Saving Private Ryan and Black Hawk Down, but hes been dogged by drug abuse and domestic violence arrests. North Koreea keader Kim Jong-un and his sister Kim Yo Jong at the Inter-Korean Summit in Panmunjom, South Korea, last month. Photo: Getty Images With just weeks to go before US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un are expected to hold their first summit, Pyongyang yesterday criticised what it called "misleading" claims that Mr Trump's policy of maximum political pressure and sanctions is what drove the North to the negotiating table. The North's official news agency quoted a Foreign Ministry spokesman warning the claims are a "dangerous attempt" to ruin a budding detente on the Korean peninsula after Kim's summit late last month with South Korean President Moon Jae-in. At the summit, Mr Kim agreed to a number of measures aimed at improving North-South ties and indicated he is willing to discuss the denuclearisation of the peninsula, though exactly what that would entail and what conditions the North might require have not yet been explained. Mr Trump and senior US officials have suggested repeatedly that Washington's tough policy toward North Korea, along with pressure on its main trading partner, China, have played a decisive role in turning around what had been an extremely tense situation. Just last year, as Mr Kim was launching long-range missiles at a record pace and trading vulgar insults with Mr Trump, it would have seemed unthinkable for the topic of denuclearisation to be on the table. But the North's statement yesterday seemed to be aimed at strengthening Mr Kim's position going into his meeting with Mr Trump. Pyongyang claims Mr Kim himself is the driver of the current situation. "The US is deliberately provoking the DPRK at the time when the situation on the Korean peninsula is moving toward peace and reconciliation," the spokesman was quoted as saying. DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the North's formal name. Mr Kim and Mr Trump are expected to meet later this month or in early June. Mr Trump has indicated the date and place have been chosen and said he believed the demilitarised zone that divides the Koreas might be a good venue. Singapore was also believed to be a potential site. Experts are split over whether Mr Kim's statement made with Mr Moon at the DMZ marks a unique opening for progress or a rehash of Pyongyang's long-standing demand for security guarantees. Yesterday's comments were among the very few the North has made since Mr Trump agreed in March to the meeting. The spokesman warned the US not to interpret Pyongyang's willingness to talk as a sign of weakness. He also criticised Washington for its ongoing "pressure and military threats" and its position that such pressure wouldn't be eased until North Korea gives up its nuclear weapons completely. Before Mr Trump meets Mr Kim, Washington is hoping to secure the release of three Korean-Americans accused of anti-state activities. Mr Trump hinted the release of Kim Dong-chul, Kim Hak-song and Tony Kim was in the offing. There was no sign of an imminent release yesterday, though the men had reportedly been moved to the capital. The White House, meanwhile, has announced a separate meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Moon at the White House on May 22 to "continue their close coordination on developments regarding the Korean peninsula". Rohingya refugees rebuild their makeshift homes in preparation for the approaching monsoon season at the Rohingya refugee camp in Kutupalong. Photo: AP AID agencies have warned that Rohingya Muslims living in Bangladesh's squalid refugee camps are facing yet more destruction and death due to an impending monsoon. Since August last year, 700,000 Rohingya have fled from Rakhine state in Myanmar, where, as a Muslim minority, they were persecuted by the Myanmar army and police. They have joined an existing population of 300,000 Rohingya refugees, who left the former Burma in earlier decades, in one of Bangladesh's poorest and most disaster-prone regions. Conditions in the overcrowded camps are precarious, with little access to clean water and disease rife. Now the camps risk being wiped out altogether by the monsoon season. "The monsoon is not a one-off weather incident, but a sustained series of mini-disasters over six months," said Caroline Gluck, a spokesman for the UN's Refugee Agency in the region. Several other aid organisations are also bracing themselves for mass deaths and large-scale destruction of the camps. Few shelters will withstand monsoon winds and rain, and large numbers of refugees could easily end up homeless, while flooding dramatically increases the risk of water contamination and diseases such as cholera. Most of the Rohingya refugees currently cook on small open fires. "Our main worry is how we will eat," said Ojiba, a mother of three. "What will we do when all the wood is wet?" Stoves are just a small part of the massive preparation operation being undertaken by aid organisations and the Bangladeshi government. New, deeper tube wells and latrines are being dug and the main road into the camp is being paved, to allow access if other routes are cut off. Many fear that the response has been left too late. "Time is running out," said Ms Gluck, "the rains have already started." The Hezbollah group and its allies have scored significant gains in parliamentary elections in Lebanon while the Western-backed PM Saad Hariris Future Movement sustained losses, according to unofficial results. The preliminary results, which are expected to match the official count, show that Mr Hariri, a Sunni politician with close ties to Saudi Arabia, has so far lost five seats in Beirut, once considered his partys stronghold. This indicates Sunni voters are losing faith in his party amid a stagnant economy and general exasperation over the civil war in neighbouring Syria, which has brought a million refugees to Lebanon. Mr Hariri would still have the largest Sunni block in parliament, facilitating his return as prime minister to form the next government despite the losses. Expand Close Hezbollah deputy chief Sheik Naim Kassem shows his ink-stained finger after casting his vote / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Hezbollah deputy chief Sheik Naim Kassem shows his ink-stained finger after casting his vote Official results are expected to be announced later by interior minister Nouhad Machnouk. The next government, like the outgoing one, is likely to be a unity government that incorporates Mr Hariris opponents from the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. Hezbollah and its allies appear set to take at least 47 seats in the 128-seat parliament, which would enable them to veto any laws the Shiite militant group opposes. Expand Close Saad Hariri meets supporters / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Saad Hariri meets supporters The election, the first in nine years, was marked by a lower turnout than before, reflecting voter frustration over endemic corruption and a stagnant economy. Mr Machnouk put national turnout at 49%, compared with 54% in 2009. In Beirut precincts, the turnout was between 32% and 42%. The drop came despite a reformulated electoral law designed to encourage voting through proportional representation. Expand Close A member of the clown troupe Clown Me In pokes fun at the elections / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A member of the clown troupe Clown Me In pokes fun at the elections The preliminary results show two candidates from a civil society list both of them women journalists won seats in parliament. That is considered a breakthrough for political outsiders who faced an uphill battle against Lebanons political titans and religious leaders. The main race was between a Western and Saudi-backed coalition headed by Mr Hariri and the Tehran-backed Hezbollah, part of a region-wide power struggle that is tearing apart the Middle East. The elections were the first since war broke out in neighbouring Syria in 2011, sending over a million refugees to Lebanon, a small country with a population estimated at around 4.5 million. The war has divided Lebanon, pitting parties supporting Hezbollahs intervention in Syria to aid President Bashar Assads forces against Saudi-aligned parties opposed to it. According to the unofficial results, several pro-Syrian politicians allied with Hezbollah also won seats in the new parliament. President Hassan Rouhani has said Iran would be willing not to abandon its nuclear deal even if the US pulls out, providing the European Union offers guarantees that Tehran would keep benefiting from the accord. Mr Rouhanis remarks came ahead of President Donald Trumps decision expected later this week on whether to pull the US out of the landmark deal between Iran and world powers. Speaking during a meeting with officials in the north-eastern city of Mashhad, the Iranian leader said a US pullout would be a strategic mistake. He said: What we want for the deal is that its preserved and guaranteed by the non-Americans a reference to other signatories of the 2015 agreement. He added that in this case then the US pullout will be OK. Expand Close Donald Trump is expected to announce his decision later this week / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Donald Trump is expected to announce his decision later this week The foreign ministers of France and Germany said later that they will stick to the nuclear agreement, regardless of Mr Trumps decision. Frances top diplomat, Jean-Yves Le Drian, said the three European countries that were part of the deal France, Germany and the UK are committed to maintaining it. Mr Le Drian said: We will continue it independently of the American decision. His German counterpart, Heiko Maas, said Berlin also wants to stick by the deal, which makes the world a safer place and without it the world would be less safe. Air strikes by the Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen's Shiite rebels have targeted the presidency building in the heart of the Yemeni capital, leaving at least six people dead and 30 wounded, according to health officials. The officials said the six killed were all civilians. It was not known if there were any Houthi rebel leaders inside the presidency at the time of the strikes in Sanaa and if there were any casualties among them. The three-storey presidency building was completely flattened while surrounding buildings in the city's busy Tahrir district - including a famous five-star hotel - were heavily damaged. Cars were charred and pools of blood covered the pavement, and many were believed to have been buried under the rubble. Ambulances rushed to the area to retrieve the casualties. The Saudi-led coalition has been at war with the Houthis since 2015 to restore the country's internationally recognised government to power. The war has killed more than 10,000 people and driven three million from their homes. Last month, the coalition killed a top Houthi leader, Salah al-Sammad, in the Red Sea port city of Hodeida. He was the acting president of the territory under rebel control while the Houthis' leader, Abdel-Malek al-Houthi, has mostly kept out of the public eye, addressing Yemenis only in occasional newscasts on rebel-run outlets. Monday's air strikes appeared to have targeted al-Sammad's successor, Mahdi al-Mashat. Windows of surrounding houses were shattered while the nearby Sheba hotel had its window and entrance door blown out. Security forces cordoned off the area and forced journalists away from the area. The sprawling presidency compound in Tahrir consists of several buildings, walled off from the rest of the district. Images on social media in the aftermath of the strikes show bloodied faces of the wounded and columns of smoke rising over Sanaa. Stormy Daniels with Alec Baldwin as Donald Trump in an NBC picture from Saturday Night Live comedy show Adult film actress Stormy Daniels, who claims she had an affair with US President Donald Trump, played herself in a sketch on the comedy programme 'Saturday Night Live' in which she warns Mr Trump that "a storm's a-comin' baby". In the show, Mr Trump, played by actor Alec Baldwin, asks his lawyer, Michael Cohen, played by Ben Stiller, to call Daniels and try to fix their ongoing legal battle "once and for all". Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, sued Mr Trump in March to get out of a "hush agreement" over their alleged relationship in which she was paid $130,000 by Cohen to keep quiet. Mr Trump has denied he had an affair with Clifford. In the sketch aired on Saturday night, Mr Trump listens in to the conversation between Cohen and Clifford and soon cuts his lawyer off to speak directly with her. "What do you need for all this to just go away?" he asks. "A resignation," Clifford says. Mr Trump persists, saying: "I solved North and South Korea, why can't I solve us?" Clifford says that it's too late for that. "I know you don't believe in climate change, but a storm's a-comin', baby," Clifford says, before she and Baldwin break off to give the show's trademark introduction "Live from New York, it's 'Saturday Night Live'!" ( Daily Telegraph, London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] @FrancoOrdonez The Trump administration on Monday is expected to call on Venezuela to suspend its May 20 presidential elections as part of a coordinated push by top U.S. officials this week to build international support and isolate the Caracas regime. Vice President Mike Pence will be the first to call for the suspension of the Venezuelan election during a speech to ambassadors of more than 30 nations at a special meeting of the Organization of the American States in Washington, two senior administration officials told McClatchy. The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, is expected to pick up the theme on Tuesday at the State Department, ,where shell give the keynote address at the annual conference of the Council of the Americas. It will then be reinforced again by members of the departments of State, Treasury and others during speeches and conversations throughout the week focusing on what the administration sees as a corrupt Venezuelan election with a foregone conclusion. Were continuing the drum beat, said a senior administration official. Weve called it a sham election. Well continue to call it a sham election. Show your fatherland card and win a prize. That is blatant vote buying. Click here to read the rest of the story. Picture: When President Trump announced that he would not attend the Summit of the Americas in Peru, Vice President Pence stepped in. (Associated Press) Relatives of the 16-year-old mourn in the village of Raja Kendua Indian police have arrested the chief suspect in a case of gang rape and murder in which a girl was burnt to death in front of her family. In another gruesome case that has rocked the country, 18 men are wanted over the death of a 16-year-old girl in the hill state of Jharkhand. The case comes amid public outrage in India over the treatment of women and children in light of several high-profile rape cases, starting with the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kashmir. In response to protests across the country and calls for stricter laws, the government announced last month that it would be introducing the death penalty for convicted child rapists. Minimum sentencing terms have also been raised and provisos issued that no rape case should take more than two months to prosecute. Sixteen suspects have been arrested in the Jharkhand case with two more wanted, according to police, at a village in the district of Chatra. "No one involved in the incident will be spared. We will provide security to family members till they feel secure," said Shambhu Thakur, Inspector General of Chatra police. Three were arrested on Friday night while 11 others were held on Saturday, he said, with two more yesterday. Insp Gen Thakur added that the arrested include two village council members, Mukhiya Tileshwari Devi and Panchahyat Samiti. Senior police and state officials have descended on the village of Raja Kendua, 160km from the state capital of Ranchi, after the horrific case made national headlines. The girl was allegedly abducted by four young men from near her house and raped while the rest of the family had gone to attend a wedding party, said police. The incident was raised at the village panchayat (elders' council) on Friday morning, and the tribal chiefs told the accused to pay 50,000 rupees (625) to the victim's family as restitution. Enraged over the panchayat verdict, the four youths allegedly went to the house of the girl, assaulted family members and burnt her to death, say police. Police mobilised into action when the state's chief minister, Raghubar Das, tweeted and expressed grief over the incident. Mr Das also assured people that no one involved in the incident would be spared. Action will also be taken against the village leaders for mishandling such a serious matter, police said. The state administration also announced a financial support of 250,000 rupees to the victim's family. ( Daily Telegraph, London) Hawaiis Kilauea volcano has destroyed 26 homes and spewed lava hundreds of feet into the air, leaving hundreds of residents displaced. Hawaii County officials said another four unspecified structures had been covered by lava. The destroyed homes were in the Leilani Estates area, where molten rock, toxic gas and steam have been bursting through openings in the ground created by the volcano. Expand Close US Volcano / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp US Volcano Some of the more than 1,700 residents who were evacuated were allowed to briefly return to gather medicine, pets and other necessities. Officials said residents would be able to do so each day until further notice as authorities monitor which areas are safe. Lava has spread around 387,500 square feet surrounding the most active fissure, though the rate of movement is slow. There was no indication when the lava might stop or how far it might spread. Theres more magma in the system to be erupted. As long as that supply is there, the eruption will continue, US Geological Survey volcanologist Wendy Stovall said. Latest @usgs press release on #LeilaniEstatesEruption on #Kilauea: Lava eruption continues with several new fissures opened in the past day. Not all fissures remain active and no lava flows have formed. #HVO geologists monitoring closely. Photo taken May 4 https://t.co/hhD13iKNpl pic.twitter.com/Zq4yx6kfLq USGS Volcanoes (@USGSVolcanoes) May 5, 2018 About 250 people and 90 pets spent Saturday night at shelters, the American Red Cross said. The number of lava-venting fissures in the neighbourhood grew overnight from eight to as many as 10, Ms Stovall said. Some have quietened at various points, but USGS scientists expect fissures to keep spewing. The lava could eventually be channelled to one powerful vent while others go dormant, as has happened in some previous Hawaii eruptions, Ms Stovall said. Expand Close Leilani Estates resident Sam Knox watches the lava / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Leilani Estates resident Sam Knox watches the lava Kilauea, one of the worlds most active volcanoes, has been erupting continuously since 1983. The USGSs Hawaiian Volcano Observatory issued a notice in mid-April that there were signs of pressure building in underground magma, and a new vent could form on the cone or along what is known as the East Rift Zone. Leilani Estates sits along the zone. The crater floor began to collapse last Monday, triggering earthquakes and pushing lava into new underground chambers that carried it towards Leilani Estates and nearby communities. A magnitude-6.9 earthquake Hawaiis largest in more than 40 years hit the area on Friday. Donald Trump is to reveal his decision on the Iran deal on Tuesday (Scott Applewhite/AP) President Donald Trump is set to reveal his decision on whether to keep the US in the Iran deal on Tuesday, a move that could determine the fate of the 2015 agreement that froze Irans nuclear program. The announcement is set to cap more than a year of deliberation and negotiation that has at time pitted the president against some of his closest aides and key American allies. Mr Trump is facing a self-imposed May 12 deadline over whether to uphold the 2015 nuclear agreement, which he has long criticised. He has signalled he will pull out of the pact by the deadline unless it is revised, but he faces intense pressure from European allies not to do so. I will be announcing my decision on the Iran Deal tomorrow from the White House at 2:00pm, Mr Trump tweeted on Monday. The president has been the subject of an intense lobbying effort by American allies to maintain the agreement, with British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson making a last-ditch appeal to the administration in a visit to Washington this week. European leaders say that they are open to negotiating a side agreement with Iran, but the existing framework must remain untouched for that to happen. Expand Close Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has spoken out in favour of keeping the pact (Iranian Presidency Office/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has spoken out in favour of keeping the pact (Iranian Presidency Office/AP) It is not immediately clear what Mr Trump will announce or whether he will announce the end of the deal or push for a renegotiation. In October he decertified the deal with Iran, but did not move to re-impose sanctions, known as a snap-back. On Monday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Iran would be willing not to abandon the nuclear deal even if the United States pulls out, providing the European Union offers guarantees that Iran would keep benefiting from the accord. Mr Rouhani said that what we want for the deal is that its preserved and guaranteed by the non-Americans a reference to other signatories of the 2015 agreement. Earlier on Monday, Mr Trump criticised John Kerry after reports that the former secretary of state has been promoting the Iran nuclear deal. He said on Twitter: The United States does not need John Kerrys possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran Deal. He was the one that created this MESS in the first place! Mr Kerry, who was also the lead negotiators for the Obama administration on the Paris climate accord, has been promoting both agreements since he left office. The Boston Globe reported on Friday that Mr Kerry, the lead negotiator on the deal for the Obama administration, had been privately meeting with foreign officials to strategise on how to keep the US in the deal. New Delhi, May 7 (IBNS): At least 13 states and two union territories have been put on alert after met department predicted that thunderstorms and rain might hit parts of the country. In its weather forecast for Monday, the IMD said in a statement: "Thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds very likely at isolated places over West Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal & Sikkim, Odisha, Assam & Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura, Interior Karnataka and Kerala." Speaking on the national capital, it said: "Thunderstorm accompanied with squall and hail very likely at isolated places over Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjab. Thunderstorm accompanied with squall very likely at isolated places over Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi." The IMD said dust storm might hit parts of Rajasthan on Monday. According to reports, as a precautionary measure, schools in Haryana have been directed to remain closed for the next two days. At least 124 people were killed in thunderstorms and lightning which hit five states in the country last week. The incident left 300 others injured. Kolkata, May 7 (IBNS): To identify educational strategies and introduce technology-based learning, the Bengal Chamber, in association with Sister Nivedita University and IIHM. recently organised a seminar titled The Millennial Learning-Education Strategies for the Gen Next, in Kolkata. Usually, those born between 1980 and the mid 1990s are referred to as the 'millennial generation'. Spread over three sessions, the seminar focused on the dynamic changes in educational systems and how technology and smart learning can slowly take over conventional classroom studies. Suborno Bose, President of the Education Committee of Bengal Chamber, said, The vision for higher education is the value-based excellence, which will be leading to innovation, employment and entrepreneurship. Dr. Anil Sahasrabudhe (Chairman, All India Council for Technical Education); Bruce Bucknell (British Deputy High Commissioner, Kolkata); (Prof) Dr. Ranjan Saxena (Vice-Chancellor, NMIMS) and Leonie Muldoon (Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, Australian Trade and Investment Commission, New Delhi) were some of the key speakers. Leonie Muldoon, who spoke on Higher learning ecosystem and the strategic application to education in Australia said, This generation has never lived without gadgets and this means that the education system should also reorganize and change. IBNS asked Dr. Sahasrabudhe if the paradigm shift in the educational field will entail economic pressure on the institutions and learners. "Not all equipment are expensive and the colleges can afford them, while for industry level training internship in the best gateway to succeed, replied Dr. Sahasrabudhe. While replying to IBNS's query on training teachers in the new processes, Dr. Sahasrabudhe said, "We are doing a lot of things to see that those getting recruited have sound knowledge of the industrial world. The question of English language training was also raised. Bruce Bucknell emphasized on the training programmes provided by the British Council. The launch of The Skill India Mission in 2018 by the Central government to make India the largest workforce producer in the world by 2022 was also discussed. (Reporting by Sourajit Choudhury) Srinagar, May 7 (IBNS): Attacking Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti over the death of five people in Shopian on Sunday, former CM Omar Abdullah on Monday said the PDP and BJP are 'partners in crime'. "Your tweet has a hollow ring to it. At least your brother was more honest than you. This blood is the price Kashmiris are paying for you to remain CM & for PDP & BJP to remain 'partners in crime',"he tweeted. Your tweet has a hollow ring to it. At least your brother was more honest than you. This blood is the price Kashmiris are paying for you to remain CM & for PDP & BJP to remain partners in crime. https://t.co/KTy5uclfPG Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) May 7, 2018 Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has expressed deep anguish and grief over the death of five civilians on Sunday at Shopian during a security operation. In a statement, the Chief Minister said it sounds very depressing to note that the state is losing young lives to the unending cycle of violence who could otherwise be utilized for a positive contribution to the State. She said Sundays deaths have brought a stark fact to fore, that gun, either way of a militant or that of security forces, is no solution for resolving issues. I have reiterated it time and again that political issues need political interventions, she said while appealing to youth that their energies, youthfulness, dreams and aspirations are far more important and sacred to the society than their corpses or graves. Mehbooba appealed to all sections of civil society, media, students, parents and other stakeholders to rise to this critical occasion, play their role and help in putting an end to this cycle of bloodshed in the state. The Chief Minister reiterated her stand that issues in Jammu and Kashmir can be resolved only through a sustained dialogue between all stakeholders. She said the three decades long violence in the State is a testimony to the fact that guns from either side cannot ensure peace but a compassion driven reconciliation process based on mutual respect surely can. In this regard, the Chief Minister appealed to the national leadership of the country to show the element of compassion and empathy as required by the present day situation here and display the statesmanship to get Jammu and Kashmir out of the quagmire of killings by engaging in a meaningful dialogue in the state. The sooner it happens, the more we can get our State out of the vicious cycle of killings and destruction, she added. Jodhpur, May 7 (IBNS): Bollywood superstar Salman Khan arrived in Jodhpur on Sunday as he will appear before a court in the city in connection with the blackbuck poaching case. Khan, who will soon be seen in Bollywood movie Race 3, will appear before the court for the hearing of his application before a sessions judge challenging the trial court order that sentenced him to a five-year jail term in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. The 52-year-old actor was sentenced to five years in jail on Apr 5 for killing two blackbucks in 1998 in Kankani village, near Jodhpur in Rajasthan, during the shooting of a multi-starrer, "Hum Saath Saath Hain". His co-actors Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Neelam Kothari and Sonal Bendre, who were in the SUV that the "Dabangg" actor was driving during their alleged late night hunting outing, were, however, acquitted by the Jodhpur sessions court. He spent two nights in the prison. Khan was released on Apr 7 after he was granted bail. Jodhpur, May 7 (IBNS): The petition of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who has been convicted in a 20-year old blackbuck poaching case, against his five-year jail term will be heard on Jul 17, media reports said. Salman had appeared in the Jodhpur court on Monday. He reached the city in Rajasthan on Sunday night along with his sister Alvira Khan, friend Baba Siddiqui and lawyers. The 52-year-old actor was sentenced to five years in jail on Apr 5 for killing two blackbucks in 1998 in Kankani village, near Jodhpur in Rajasthan, during the shooting of a multi-starrer, "Hum Saath Saath Hain". His co-actors Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Neelam Kothari and Sonal Bendre, who were in the SUV that the "Dabangg" actor was driving during their alleged late night hunting outing, were, however, acquitted by the Jodhpur sessions court. He spent two nights in the prison. Khan was released on Apr 7 after he was granted bail. New Delhi, May 7 (IBNS): The Supreme Court on Saturday ruled that no former Uttar Pradesh Chief Ministers can stay in government bungalows, quashing the law passed by the Samajwadi Party-led state government in 2016, media reports said. The top court said the former CMs are not entitled to government bungalows. The Supreme Court has been quoted by Hindustan Times, "Section 4(3) of UP Ministers (salaries, allowances & miscellaneous provisions) Act, 2016 is unconstitutional." In 2016, the UP government had passed a legislation allowing all former CMs to stay in government bungalows indefinitely. Former UP CMs Mayawati, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Rajnath Singh will have to vacate their offices after the top court's rule. The petition against the law was filed by a non-profit organisation. New Delhi, May 7 (IBNS): The Congress MPs on Monday moved the Supreme Court to challenge Vice President Venkaiah Naidu's rejection of impeachment motion, which was brought against Chief Justice Of India, Dipak Misra, media reports said. Naidu had rejected the motion, which was brought by seven opposition parties, including the Congress. Naidu earlier consulted legal experts on whether the opposition's notice for impeachment of Misra will be accepted or rejected. As the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, he is the only person to decide on the issue. Leaders of seven opposition parties had submitted a notice for the impeachment of Misra to Naidu, reports said. The move by the opposition came in the wake of the Supreme Court (SC) judgment, which dismissed the demand for an investigation into the death of CBI judge BH Loya. As many as 64 members of the Rajya Sabha, belonging to seven political parties, signed the notice for impeachment proceedings against the CJI. The MPs were from Congress, NCP, CPM, CPI, SP, BSP and Muslim League. The notice mentioned five grounds of misbehaviour for the CJI's impeachment. The impeachment move has its genesis in the public complaint made by four senior judges of the top court- Justices Jasti Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, Madan B Lokur and Kurian Joseph- that cases with far reaching consequences were assigned to selective judges. Justice Chelameswar, who represented the four judges in an unprecedented press conference, said they had approached the CJI with a letter but failed to convince him. Chennai/New Delhi, May 7 (IBNS): Tamil Nadu has moved the Supreme Court against Karnataka regarding the release of water from the Cauvery river, according to media reports on Monday. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter on Tuesday, reports said. Tamil Nadu, in its appeal to the apex court, has said that Karnataka has to release 4 tmc of water . Th Supreme Court (SC) of India, on May 3, had asked the Karnataka government to release at least 4 tmc of water to Tamil Nadu for April and May by Monday, according to media reports. Meanwhile, the Centre on May 3, informed the apex court that it was not able to frame the draft of Cauvery water sharing scheme between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka as many of the ministers of the central government, including PM Naendra Modi, are travelling, reports said. SC, on April 9, had given May 3 as the deadline to submit the draft scheme. Bengaluru, May 7 (IBNS): Campaigning for the upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday held a bullock cart protest march in Kolar against rising petrol prices, according to media reports. Thus began the ninth phase of his 'Jana Aashirwada Yatre' in Karnataka. The media quoted Rahul Gandhi as saying, "Global fuel prices are down. Where is the money going?" The Congress President also tweeted, "The BJP Govt. collected 10 Lakh Crore in taxes on Petrol/LPG/Diesel since 2014. Yet, NO relief in prices for our citizens." While Rahul Gandhi is visiting Kolar and Bangalore Rural, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressed a press conference in Bengaluru. Image: INCIndia/Twitter Jaipur, May 7 (IBNS): Around 22 people, including 20 children, were injured in a bus accident on Monday on the Jaipur-Delhi highway near Kotputli village of Rajasthan, according to media reports. The school bus carrying the children collided with a Haryana Road Trasport bus, reports said. The injured children were rushed to nearby hospitals. In April, there were two major accidents involving school children, On April 27, 13 children died on the sport during a bus-train collision at an unmanned railway crossing near Kushinagar in Utta Pradesh. On April 10, 30 people, including 27 children, died when a private school bus fell into a gorge in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Kolkata, May 7 (IBNS): At least six persons were injured after few 'unidentified' youths allegedly threw acid at pedestrians from a running taxi at Panditya Road under Rabindra Sarobar Police Station in south Kolkata on Sunday night, reports said. According to eyewitness accounts, three youths and a driver of the yellow cab threw acid-like liquids indiscriminately and randomly from the running vehicle at least three times in a distance of just 150 metres around 9 pm. "It seems like women pedestrians were the targets of the acid-attackers," an eyewitness told IBNS. "The liquid, which was thrown from the taxi, is believed to be acid because victims claimed a burning sensation and irritation on their skin that came in contact with the said liquid," the man added. The injured were rushed to state-run SSKM hospital and discharged after providing first-aid. Minutes after the incident, locals caught the yellow cab, but its driver and other three passengers managed to escape the scene. Police, however, has seized the taxi (WB-04-F-7593) and started a probe into the matter. "We interrogated the owner of the yellow taxi, Jayanta Mondal, and based on his statement, driver of the taxi has been identified as Ricky Mondal," a local police official told IBNS. "We are talking to the victims and eye-witnesses and examining the CCTV footage of the area to know exactly what happened last night while our search operation is on to catch the accused taxi-driver," the official added. (Reporting by Deepayan Sinha) Kolkata, May 7 (IBNS): Kolkata Police's Special Task Force (STF) arrested six persons, including two employees of Cossipore Gun and Shell Factory, on Monday morning,for their alleged involvement in an illegal firearms smuggling racket, officials said. "Acting on specific source inputs, we held six persons, including two employees of Cossipore Gun and Shell Factory- Sukhda Murmi alias Munmun and Susanta Basu alias Basuda, from Babughat area in connection with an arms smuggling racket, and seized seven revolvers, one carbine and 10 rounds of ammunition from their possessions," Deputy Commissioner (STF) of Kolkata Police, Murli Dhar Sharma, told IBNS. "We have information that a few employees of ordnance factories were involved in the racket. They used to collect scrapped rifles and revolvers from Gun and Shell Factory's store and after repairing the firearms, smuggle those through Bihar-based operatives," Murli Dhar said. "We are interrogating the arrested and trying to identify others involved in this arms smuggling racket," the senior IPS official added. A source in the city police told IBNS that the arms and ammunition were reportedly smuggled to mafias, Maoists and other extremist groups in Bihar, Jharkhand and Nepal. The arrested will be produced before a city court on Monday. (Reporting by Deepayan Sinha) New Delhi, Mar 7 (IBNS): The Supreme Court on Monday ordered the Kathua rape and murder case trial to be moved to a court in Pathankot (Pumhab), according to media reports. The family of the victim had requested the trial be moved out of Jammu and Kashmir as their advocate faced obstructions from lawyers in Jammu and Kashmir when the chargesheet was being filed, reports said. However, the apex court has ruled out any probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The Supreme Court has ordered for day-today hearing and said that adjournments stand in the way of speedy trial. The top court will also monitor the trial, reports said. There will be in camera hearing to protect witnesses, reports quoting the SC said, Meanwhile, the Kathua court on Monday posted the hearing for the case involving the juvenile accused in the rape and murder of the eight-year-old girl in Kathua for the third week of May, reported NDTV. Chief Judicial Magistrate AS Langeh fixed the hearing for Tuesday, May 22. The incident, in which an eight-year old girl was allegedly raped, mutilated and murdered by eight men inside a temple in Rassana area of Heeranagar, in Jammu and Kashmir, created an uproar across the country. New Delhi, May 7 (IBNS): The Embassy of Israel on Monday said it is happy to welcome Chief Minister of Haryana, Manohar Lal Khattar, Minister of State for Panchayati, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Parshottam Rupala, Agriculture Minister of Maharashtra, Pandurang Pundalik Fundkar, Senior Officials from the State of Punjab, as well as over 100 Indian company representatives to Agritech 2018 in Israel. In all, over one thousand representatives from India will attend the two-day conference. Agritech 2018 is the 20th conference on agricultural technologies taking place in Israel. The conference, beginning on Tuesday, features speakers from Israel and around the world, sharing know-how, innovation and technology in agriculture and food processing. The theme for this years conference is Agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions, a topic relevant to large parts of India. Ahead of the conference, Ambassador Daniel Carmon said, Agriculture is one of the pillars of the Indo-Israel Growing Partnership, manifesting among others in MASHAV-MIDH centers of excellence of the Indo-Israeli Agricultural Project. We are proud to host such a prominent and large delegation from India in Agritech this year. We look forward to working with the Indian federal government and the governments of Haryana, Punjab and Maharashtra - as well as other states - to integrate relevant Israeli technology and innovation in the Indian agricultural ecosystem. Image: facebook.com/Siddaramaiah.Official Bengaluru, May 7 (IBNS): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sent defamation notice to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Amit Shah and the party's Chief Ministerial candidate in poll-bound Karnataka, BS Yeddyurappa, for accusing the CM of corruption, media reports said. Siddaramaiah has demanded a public apology from all the three. The CM has accused the trio of bringing "untrue and baseless" allegations against him during the poll campaign on last Saturday. The defamation notice has been quoted by NDTV as saying, "... you are called upon to cease and desist from making such statements forthwith and give an unconditional public apology immediately through electronic, print and social media etc. in which the statements and advertisements have appeared." Karnataka will go into polls on May 12. The results will be announced on May 15. The polls will see bigwigs Yeddyurappa and Siddaramaiah take on one another. Karnataka is one of the few bastions left ruled by the Congress party. Bengaluru, May 7 (IBNS): Launching an attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his immediate predecessor Dr. Manmohan Singh, has accused the former of misusing his office by targeting his opponents "day in and day out", media reports said. Singh has been quoted by NDTV, "No prime minister in our country has used the office of prime minister to say things about his opponent the way Mr Modi has been doing day in and day out.... It is very shocking to see the Prime Minister of the country stoop so low and use language and frame ideologies that are unbecoming of a Prime Minister. "I sincerely hope that Modi learns his lesson and does not polarize the society in Karnataka." At a press conference in Karnataka, Singh has hit out at the Modi-led government for its "disastrous policies". Referring to bank frauds, the former PM said: "Perpetrators of these frauds meanwhile escape with impunity. The economic mismanagement of the Modi government, and I say this with great care and responsibility, is slowly eroding the trust of the general public in the banking sector." "Our farmers are facing an acute crisis, our aspirational youth are not finding opportunities, and the economy is growing below its potential." The press conference was a part of Congress' election campaign in Karnataka. Karnataka will go into polls on May 12. The results will be announced on May 15. The polls will see bigwigs Yeddyurappa and Siddaramaiah take on one another. Karnataka is one of the few bastions left ruled by the Congress party. Srinagar, May 7 (IBNS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday lauded the Supreme Court's order to move Kathua rape and murder case trial to a court in Pathankot (Punjab). I welcome todays decision by the Honble Supreme Court in the Kathua case. This will go a long way to boost the morale of our @JmuKmrPolice force who in the face of great adversity have left no stone unturned to ensure that the deceaseds family gets justice. Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) May 7, 2018 The family of the victim had requested the trial be moved out of Jammu and Kashmir as their advocate faced obstructions from lawyers in Jammu and Kashmir when the chargesheet was being filed, reports said. However, the apex court has ruled out any probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The Supreme Court has ordered for day-today hearing and said that adjournments stand in the way of speedy trial. The top court will also monitor the trial, reports said. There will be in camera hearing to protect witnesses, reports quoting the SC said, Meanwhile, the Kathua court on Monday posted the hearing for the case involving the juvenile accused in the rape and murder of the eight-year-old girl in Kathua for the third week of May, reported NDTV. Chief Judicial Magistrate AS Langeh fixed the hearing for Tuesday, May 22. The incident, in which an eight-year old girl was allegedly raped, mutilated and murdered by eight men inside a temple in Rassana area of Heeranagar, in Jammu and Kashmir, created an uproar across the country. Srinagar, May 7 (IBNS): A group of tourists from Chennai who were traveling in tempos came under attack from stone pelters on Monday night in Budgam a Central district of Kashmir valley, resulting in death of one tourist and injury of several others. The incident took place near Narbal Village of Budgam on Monday night at around 8:30pm. Unruly mob attacked a tourist cab resulting in injuries of many including two young girls. All injured were shifted to SKIMS Soura for advanced treatment, where one injured tourist, Thirumani (22), son of Rajwali of Chennai died. Soon after the incident, Jammu and Kashmir Police registered murder case at Police Station Magam. Investigations into the incident have been initiated and culprits involved in the incident may be nabbed soon. (Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri) Islamabad, May 7 (IBNS): Condition of Pakistan's interior minister Ahsan Iqbal, who survived an apparent assassination attempt, is satisfactory, media reports said. He is currently undergoing treatment in a hospital. Iqbal, who was shot in the arm Sunday evening during a rally in his constituency Narowal, was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after his surgery was completed, reported Geo News. "My father is now out of danger," Ahmed Iqbal, the minister's son, told Geo News. He said the minister will be kept under observation for 24 hours in the ICU. Inspector General of Police (IGP) retired Capt Arif Nawaz told Dawn News that they had arrested a suspect, a 22-year-old man, from the spot in the Kanjroor town of the Shakargarh tehsil, who confessed to opening fire on the minister due to the Khatm-i-Nubuwat issue. Arif Nawaz said they are investigating into the matter. PTI chief Imran Khan condemned the attack.He tweeted: "Strongly condemn attack on Ahsan Iqbal today." Image: Internet Wallpaper Dhaka, May 7 (IBNS): Police have arrested a person for allegedly raping a seven-year-old girl at Sundorpur village in Chunarughat upazila of Bangladesh's Habiganj district, media reports said on Monday. The arrested person has been identified as Shaidul Ali. The victim's father was quoted as saying by The Daily Star that neighbour Shaidul called his seven-year-old daughter to his house on Saturday afternoon alluring her with a mango. He said her wife rushed to the spot and rescued their daughter after hearing her screams. Shaidul managed to escape from the spot. Police said the girl is currently undergoing treatment in hospital. On Saturday night, the victim's father filed a case against Shaidul in connection with the incident, KM Azmiruzzaman, officer-in-charge of Chunarughat Police Station told The Daily Star. Image: screenshot grab/CBC News Atlanta, May 7 (IBNS): An Ontario woman has been jailed by the Georgia police in the US for driving with her Canadian license, media reports said. About a month ago, 27-year old Emily Nield was reportedly driving through Georgia to Tennessee when she was stopped by police. Pulling her over for exceeding the speed limit, police asked the woman to furnish her driving license. When she produced her Canadian license, police denied to accept it as it was not of the US. Though the woman repeatedly said the license will work even in the US, the police denied to accept it. The police then went inside the car though a window and got her handcuffed. She has been quoted by CBC News, "When I failed to produce it, she reached through the window of my car and she put handcuffs on me." "She told me that I have just been arrested for driving without a licence and that I needed to go to jail." Explaining the incident, Emily said told CBC News, " It was the most horrendous incident of my life. It was mortifying. I was terrified the entire time." The Ontario woman then took to snapchat to send a video to her friends where she described the whole incident in absence of police. Emily is looking for an apology from the Georgia police. Image: Youtube/Creative Commons Ottawa, May 7 (IBNS): The Canadian government has announced new measures to deal with the asylum seekers, media reports said on Monday. Canadian Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Ralph Goodale, met with several other ministers to discuss the ways to tackle the situation. The federal government is trying to reach out to the asylum seekers, who are crossing into Quebec from the United States. The announcement has been made after the Liberals were questioned by the Conservatives as to how the government will handle the situation. However the details of the discussion are yet to come. Last year, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his concern for the border issue. "Our team is working hard to address the situation at the border thread from Minister," the PM had tweeted. Countering Trudeau's comment, Conservative MP Michelle Rempel tweeted to say: "No, you've broken our system. Check out this thread from me." Blaming the government's approach towards the whole situation, Conservative MP Michelle Rempel said the government's sought solution is not a long term. She told the Star that such step will only encourage more people to migrate into the country. (Reporting by Suman Das) Good timing, and some luck, may be on the side of the Pamunkey Tribe as it pursues a casino in Virginia. The state opened the door to wagering on "historical" horse races in April. Gov. Ralph Northam (D) quickly directed the Virginia Racing Commission to develop regulations for the new machines on the same day he signed the authorizing bill. "Certainly the stars seem to have been aligned," D.G Van Clief, Jr., the chairman of the commission, said at an April 18 public meeting , just a week after the machines became law . "This is historic in nature and in the direction that I think will enable us to go forward." The Pamunkeys are poised to benefit from the alignment of those stars. Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act , tribes can offer the same types of games that are legal in a state. According to the National Indian Gaming Commission's Model Gaming Ordinance , wagering on horse racing falls into the Class III category. That means the tribe might be able to offer other types of Class III games if it enters into a compact with the state. Indianz.Com on Google Maps: Pamunkey Tribe - Homelands and New lands in Virginia We would love to not be reliant on federal programs, Chief Robert Gray told The Washington Post of his tribe's desire to enter the Indian gaming industry, to have our own economic drivers funding the programs that we want to provide for our tribal members housing, medical, job placement, education. Itd be great if we could just pay for that ourselves. Whether historical horse racing automatically opens the door to Class III games remains an open question. But after Idaho legalized the same types of games, tribes complained that doing so violated the exclusivity provisions of their compacts because the devices installed at non-Indian racetracks looked a lot like slot machines, which are Class III. The state eventually rescinded the authorizing law Class III gaming otherwise isn't legal in Virginia. But officials, including the governor, are taking an interest, especially since neighboring Maryland is home to several casinos, including the MGM National Harbor, a large facility just outside of Washington, D.C. MGM, incidentally, had tried to derail the Pamunkeys during the federal acknowledgment process. I think there is the potential for it. Obviously, were going to take it one step at the time, Northam told The Washington Post. After Northam won election last November, Indianz.Com asked his campaign about his position on tribes but didn't hear back. In most states, the governor is charged with negotiating Class III gaming compacts. Besides a compact, the tribe still needs land for a casino and that land would need to be placed in trust. The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Carcieri v. Salazar poses hurdles because the Pamunkeys only gained official recognition of its federal status in 2016 , long past the 1934 date in the ruling. The tribe has a state-recognized reservation but doesn't plan on building the casino there. Sites close to the reservation, which is about an hour east of Richmond, the state capital, are being considered for the $700 million development. Read More on the Story: Long opposed to casinos, Virginia may be ready to gamble (The Washington Post May 5, 2018) New Kent supervisors to hold town hall meeting on possible casino, sale of Colonial Downs (The Richmond Times-Dispatch April 30, 2018) Some Opinions: Editorial: Is Virginia money worth the wager (The Newport News Daily Press May 5, 2018) DONNIE JOHNSTON: Don't bet on latest effort to revive Colonial Downs (The Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star May 4, 2018) Roger Chesley: You can bet on casinos coming to Virginia, courtesy of the Pamunkey (The Virginian-Pilot May 3, 2018) Join the Conversation Related Stories Notes from Indian Country The mighty buffalo was not hunted to near extinctionBy Tim Giago (Nanwica Kciji Stands Up For Them) Some call it the Governors Buffalo Roundup and it is an event staged annually at Custer State Park in South Dakota. Simply put, once per year a group of white cowboys herd the huge buffalo herd at the Park into pens to be counted and sorted. There are about 14,000 spectators that show up every year for this spectacle. I have written about it because there is one element missing from this roundup: Lakota warriors Last year just before the event, Governor Dennis Daugaard wrote about how the buffalo disappeared and an article in our local daily addressed the topic by reporting how the vast buffalo herds were hunted to near extinction. Both the Governor and the local newspaper do not know the history of the buffalo and of South Dakotas role in bringing the herds to near extinction. Go back a thousand years as a starter. The buffalo wasnt just an animal; the buffalo was a brother to the Native Americans of the Plains. The buffalo provided food, clothing, shelter and tools to them. The Tribes such as the Lakota, or Sioux as they were known then, didnt need anything else to survive. And as the movement west approached its frenzy and gold became the driving force the only road block to the total domination of the land was the Indian. The settlers knew this as did the federal government. There was one sure way to subdue the Indian; kill his source of survival. Bounties were set on buffalo and the slaughter began. Herds that once approached 60 million in numbers were reduced to a handful. In 1840 once could stand on a hill in Kadoka, South Dakota and look to the South and the North and watch herds of buffalo as far as the eye could see in either direction. Young Lakota boys learned to ride a horse from the time they were two to three years old. It was their ambition to join their fathers and brothers on the buffalo hunts. There was a spiritual ritual each spring held in every Lakota camp as the men and boys prepared for the spring hunt. Now that was a true hunt and not a so-called hunt to bring an extinction to the vast herds of buffalo in order to bring the Indians to their knees. The white people knew the buffalo provided everything to the Lakota, but they never knew the spiritual and religious significance or symbolism that was also a major part of the Sioux Indians relationship to the buffalo. And that is why I suggested that Custer State Park include Lakota riders to participate in the buffalo roundup. But the spiritual connection it held for the Lakota people flew over the heads of the Park managers and of the governor of the State of South Dakota. If they were putting on a show to draw 14,000 annual visitors to the state just think of how many they would draw if there were true Lakota warriors riding in that roundup. The significance and the symbolism of this small gesture is totally oblivious to South Dakotas Game Fish and Park leaders as well as to the governor. To the Lakota riders it would be more than just chasing a herd of buffalo; it would be a religious symbol of their culture and traditions and yet because of the stupidity of those who could make it happen, the Lakota riders are denied that opportunity. Last year a Game Fish and Parks representative sent me an application that each rider would have to fill out if they wanted to participate. What was I supposed to do with that application? It is my belief that in order to extend the idea of reconciliation brought about by Governor George Mickelson and myself 28 years ago those people with little or no vision should step aside. What we need now in the year 2018 are people of vision. We need people to put away the prejudices and stupidity of years gone by and to think creatively. Lets get this done. It would be one of the happiest days of my life and I am sure in the life of many Lakota elder to see Lakota warriors dressed in their finest apparel riding across the He Sapa (Black Hills) in the traditions of their ancestors in pursuit of their brothers the Tatanka. I am sure that tourists from as far away as Germany would stand there with tears in their eyes to see such a glorious sight. Contact Tim Giago, founder of the Native American Journalists Association, at najournalist1@gmail.com Join the Conversation Unless you've been living under a rock, know that Isha Ambani, the daughter of India's richest man Mukesh Ambani, is not single anymore. She has accepted a recent proposal that was extended to her by her long-time friend, 33-year-old Anand Piramal. But how well do you know this man? Work Anand is currently serving as the Executive Director of Piramal Group and is heading the real-estate business for them. Before Anand joined the group, he founded a start-up called Piramal eSwasthya, which aspires to democratise healthcare. He's been a coherent and active member of Piramal Foundation, undertaking many activities at a time. The Piramal website tells us that Anand's contribution in the group's success has been pivotal, especially in the role of acquisition of prime land parcels across Mumbai. In 2015, he raised a whopping $434 million from Goldman Sachs and Warburg Pincus for his organization and fabricated one of country's largest private equity investments in real estate. Education He did his graduation from the coveted University of Pennsylvania and was part of the 2006 batch. Then he went on to pursue his MBA from one of the world's best, the prestigious Harvard Business School in the year 2009 and successfully completed in the year 2011. Recognition and more Anand is the youngest President of the Indian Merchant Chamber- Youth Wing. In 2018, he was awarded the Hurun Real Estate Unicorn of the Year 2017 by Hurun India and Young Business Leader award by Hello! magazine. The awards recognize Anands role in steering Piramal Groups successful foray into the real estate industry and growing Piramal Realty to one of the most admired real estate companies, reads Anand's profile on the website. The couple will get married in December this year, claims IANS. Isha is part of the core Board team of Reliance Jio and Reliance Retail. Her twin brother Akash recently made headlines for having proposed Shloka Mehta, who is the daughter of diamantaire Russell Mehta. She graduated in Psychology and South Asian studies from Yale University in October 2014. Salman Khan was given a five-year jail term by the Jodhpur court for killing the black buck while he was shooting for his film Hum Saath Saath Hai in 1999 on April 7. Twitter The actor even had to stay in Jodhpur jail for two days in April and was later released on bail. Salman has now filed a petition for the suspension on his five-year jail term. While he was convicted, the judge termed him as a 'habitual offender'. (Also read: Salman Khan Granted Bail After Spending Two Nights In Jodhpur Jail) Twitter Last night, the actor visited Jodhpur court, today morning, the court gave him the date of July 17, 2018, for his next hearing. He was accompanied by sister Alvira and politician friend Baba Siddiqui. (Also read: Heres All That Has Happened After Salman Khans Conviction In The Blackbuck Poaching Case!) Twitter For the unversed, the Sultan star was convicted while his Hum Saath Saath Hai co-stars Tabu, Sonali Bendre, Saif Ali Khan, Neelam Kothari were acquitted by the court due to lack of evidence. (Also read: Here's How Celebs Are Reacting After Salman Gets 5-Year Jail Term In Blackbuck Poaching Case) Take a look at 7 points on Salman Khans case. 1. The actor was granted bail by the Jodhpur session court on April 7, 2017 2. Salman Khan was allowed to travel abroad by the court from May 25 to July 10. He will be shooting in USA, Canada, and Nepal for his upcoming films, Bharat and Race 3. 3. In the past, Salman has spent 20 days jail in 2006 and 2007. 4. After the actor returned to Mumbai from serving two-day jail in Jodhpur, he thanked his fans for all the support on Twitter, Tears of gratitude. To all my loved ones who are with me and never lost hope. Thank you for being there with all the love and support. God Bless. 5. On April 23, the Supreme Court stayed criminal proceedings against the actor, in cases lodged against him for allegedly making derogatory against Valmiki community members during the promotes of Tiger Zinda Hai. 6. Currently, the actor is shooting for his next film Race 3 along with Jacqueline Fernandez, Bobby Deol, Daisy Shah and Saqib Saleem 7. The actors next hearing on Blackbuck case has been scheduled on July 17, 2019. Nine-and-a-half-year-old Pratik G.K, who is attached to the Chennai-based Space Kidz India, was one of the around1,38,899 people from India who departed for Mars at 4.36pm on Saturday on a Nasa mission called InSight (Interior Exploration Using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport). AFP/Representational Image Pratik was among one of the thousands to be included in response to a global call to submit names for the Mars mission. Their names were etched on a silicon wafer microchip using an electron beam. The chip was attached to the top hull of the lander. According to Nasa, the inclusion of names was in response to a global call to submit names for the Mars mission. Those who replied were provided boarding passes for the flight. The people on the mission will land on Mars on November 26, 2018, in a region called Elysium Planitia. This mission has three firsts one, it will be the first mission to study the interior of Mars probing as much as 2,000 miles below the surface. Second, it will be the first Nasa interplanetary mission to lift off from Vandenburg Air Force Base in California and third, the two CubeSats, hitchhiking on the flight, will be the first time CubeSats will go into deep space. Security officials in Afghanistan are working with local tribal elders to trace the seven Indian engineers abducted by the Taliban gunmen in the restive northern Baghlan province, media reports said on Monday. Provincial police spokesman Zabiullah Shuja said the Indian engineers of KEC International, an RPG group company, were working on a project for the construction of a power sub-station. Twitter/Representational Image They were abducted by the militants from the vicinity of Cheshma-e-Sher area on Sunday while they were travelling to inspect the work progress. Shuja said the Afghan driver of the engineers is also missing and an operation is underway for their release, according to media reports. The security officials in the province said efforts are underway by the Afghan forces and the government officials as well as the local tribal elders for the release of the Indian engineers. Provincial governor Abdul Nemati said the security forces and the local officials are busy tracking the missing engineers and their driver. He said apart from the security forces and the government officials, the local tribal elders have also stepped up efforts for the release of the Indian nationals. youtube/Representational Image Nemati assured that the missing Indian engineers and their driver will be released soon. Baghlan governor had on Sunday said the terror group had abducted the Indian engineers and their driver, believing they were government employees. No group has, however, claimed responsibility for the abduction. The external affairs ministry had said in New Delhi it is in touch with authorities in Afghanistan. Many of the earlier abductions in the war-torn country have been linked to Taliban. TOI In 2016, 40-year-old Indian aid worker Judith D'Souza was kidnapped in Kabul. She was released after 40 days. India has provided at least $2 billion aid to Afghanistan for the economic development of the war-torn nation. After putting efforts in improving the condition of government schools in Delhi, CM Kejriwal led Delhi government had now decided to take on private hospitals and keep a check on heavy profit guzzled by these hospitals which eventually burn big holes in peoples pockets. Based on the expert panel s opinion and recommendations, Delhi government is likely to come out with a policy this week to cap profit margins of city hospitals on drugs and devices. The nine member was formed in December last year to find the possibilities of capping the profit of hospitals to make healthcare in private hospitals a little affordable. We submitted the recommendations about two months ago and the new policy on capping of profit margin by hospitals should be out by this week, a top official told PTI. The decision in wake of Fortis dengue case The decision had been taken after the news of Fortis hospital charging a parent Rs 18 lakh for the treatment of his daughter who later succumbed to dengue. It was one of the several cases which got highlighted otherwise there have been several cases of autocratic charging by private hospitals on service provided by them which usually go unreported as these services dont have set guidelines from the government including the capping on profit. Pricing on drug and devices inflated In the wake of Fortis case, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) had found that the private hospital had charged as high as 1,700 per cent margin. Medicines and devices used for the treatment of the dengue patient. The Delhi government formed a panel as health minister Satyendra Jain had said that his ministry received several complaints related to overcharging, rude behaviour, making a purchase of drugs mandatory from in-house pharmacy, delay in initiating medico-legal cases and not providing accident victims with immediate aide and medical care. AFP Jain had said his department had received several complaints related to overcharging, refusal or delay in providing immediate medical care to victims of crime or road accidents, or hospitals compelling patients to purchase drugs from in-house pharmacy, rude behaviour by healthcare workers and delay in initiating medico-legal cases. Jain, in his December press conference, had said, They will not be mere recommendations. The Delhi government will use them to come up with protocols related to medical services. afp On what prompted the setting up of the panel, Jain had said his department had received several complaints related to overcharging, refusal or delay in providing immediate medical care to victims of crime or road accidents, or hospitals compelling patients to purchase drugs from in-house pharmacy, rude behaviour by healthcare workers and delay in initiating medico-legal cases. NSSO surveys say private hospital care cost 6.5 times more In 2015, the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) had conducted a survey had revealed that on an average a hospital admission would be more than three times as costly in a private hospital as in a government facility. AFP In some cases, like eye diseases, private hospitals can cost up to 6.5 times more than government ones, and for an obstetrics or neonatal case, this cost goes up by seven times. Indiatimes Childbirth is something that people prefer to private hospitals over the government despite it costing up to eight times. The survey was conducted in pan India bases which may not give a clear picture of Delhi which is considered as costly when it comes to medical care. The survey had also found out that 58 percent rural India go to private hospitals whereas this number was 56 percent in 1995-96. In an urban area, 68 percent people would go to private hospitals in 2015 which was 57 percent in mid-1990s. In the age of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, 2018 has been a threatening year for women. Much like the 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape case, the brutal gangrape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua, Jammu rocked the country. The national capital remains as unsafe for women as ever. According to a report released by Delhi Police, more than five women were raped every day in the national capital in the first three and a half months this year. The police claimed that in 96.63 per cent of the rape cases reported last year, the accused was known to the victim. According to the data, 578 rape cases were reported to the police till April 15 this year as against 563 in 2017 during the same period. Also read: Death Penalty To Rapists Of Children: DCW Chief Ends Fast After Winning 'Historic' Battle The police say that the rise in the number of cases is due to an increase in rapid registration of cases. Most cases earlier went unreported due to the stigma surrounding the rape survivor and the family. Delhi-NCR: National Crime Region Six years after the fatal gangrape of a student on a bus in New Delhi, and despite stringent gender laws, and an open conversation on sexual violence in a largely conservative, patriarchal country, nothing has changed in the capital. Delhi, a metropolis of more than 26 million people remains to be known as Indias rape capital. AP Girls molested in schools, professional women raped by taxi drivers and male colleagues while commuting home, village teens duped, trafficked and sold to brothels in the red-light districts of cities make up for daily headlines in newspapers and digital news. According to the 2016 National Crime Records Bureau Data, which is also the latest, Delhi has consistently reported an increase in number of sexual crimes against women. It has also topped the charts for crimes such as dowry deaths, acid attacks, cruelty by husbands, kidnapping and abduction and stalking, among 19 metropolitan cities of the country from where data was analysed. Also read: 94% Of Rape Accused Are Known To Victims, 89% POSCO Cases Still Pending, Reveals Govt Record Delhi also sealed the top spot for the most number of rape cases, attempt to rape cases, acid attacks, dowry deaths, kidnapping and abduction, sexual harassment, forceful attempt to disrobe, voyeurism, paraphilia and stalking, confirming claims that despite several measures taken by the authorities, Delhi has remained unsafe for women. Reuters According to the Delhi Police report, in 2017, as many as 944 cases of assault on women were reported till April 15, while 883 cases were reported this year during the same period. The national capital recorded the highest crime rate 182.1 compared to the national average of 77.2. Chennai has reported the highest number of cases of Special and Local Laws (SLL) crimes, accounting for 32.9 per cent of total reported cases among the 19 cities, followed by Kochi (12.9 per cent) and Surat (12.6 per cent) during 2016. Delhi reported the highest number of kidnapping and abduction - 5,453 cases (48.3 per cent) followed by Mumbai with 1,876 cases (16.6 per cent) and Bengaluru 879 cases 7. 8 per cent during 2016, says the NCRB data. Also read: Kathua And Unnao Horror: Rape Of Children In India Rose By A Staggering 82% Since 2016 Recently, the Indian government cleared the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance 2018, which was promulgated by the president on the April 21. The ordinance has, controversially, introduced the death penalty for rape of a girl below 12 years of age, while also increasing the mandatory minimum sentences for rape. The response has been celebrated however, it is far from clear whether the ordinance will achieve its goal. Undeterred by allegations of "fake encounters" by the opposition, the Uttar Pradesh Police under Yogi Adityanath's chief ministership has killed 50 dreaded criminals in as many encounters in the past over one year, officials said. The 50th case of a criminal being shot dead in an encounter, since the BJP government came to power last March, was on May 3 when notorious criminal Rehan, who was carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 was gunned down in Muzaffarnagar district, they said. BCCL/Representational Image Rehan, an active member of Mukeen Kala gang, had 15 serious criminal cases against him, police officials said. In the past one year, as per figures up to March, 50 criminals were killed and another 390 injured while 3,435 history-sheeters were put behind bars following encounters. Four police personnel were killed and 308 injured in these gun-battles. According to official data, ever since the Adityanath government came to power, there have been over 1,478 police encounters in the state between March 20, 2017 and March 25, 2018. The highest number was reported from Meerut zone where 569 encounters took place followed by Bareilly zone which had 253 encounters. Third on the list was Agra zone with 241 encounters followed by Kanpur zone with 112 encounters. There were 51 encounters in Gorakhpur, the home turf of Adityanath. BCCL/Representational Image The police have invoked the stringent National Security Act (NSA) against 188 criminals and seized assets worth over Rs 150 crore, officials said. Under the NSA, a person can be detained without bail or trial and the authorities need not disclose the grounds of detention if they believe the detainee can act in a way that poses a threat to the security of the state/country or the maintenance of public order. During this period, Gangster's Act was imposed on 1,455 persons and 4,881 criminals were arrested. Among those killed included Balraj Bhati (who carried a reward of Rs 2.5 lakh) in Noida, Shravan (reward Rs one lakh) in Noida, Bagga Singh (reward Rs one lakh) in Kheri. Besides Mukesh Kumar Rajbhar in Azamgarh, Mohan Pasi in Hapur, Nitin, Furkan and Shamim in Muzaffar Nagar, Sabir and Akbar in Shamli, Noor Mohammad in Meerut, Sumit Gurjar, Aslam in Noida, Vikas and Ramjani in Aligarh and Sonu Kumar in Bulandshahr were gunned down. All of them were carring a reward of Rs 50,000 each on their arrest. Magisterial probes are underway in all these encounters, police said. However, in what may appear as phenomenal success against crime, has not satisfied the opposition. BCCL/Representational Image "They are using encounters for settling political scores. In the name of maintaining law and order, the encounters were started but with police resorting to fake encounters there is no impact of it. Crime is increasing and the BJP government has failed to check it," SP MLC Rajpal Kahsyap claimed. Defending the government, BJP spokesman Shalabh Mani Tripathi said, "When a criminal opens fire on our force, they are free to retaliate. In Yogi's regime, police has been given a free hand. Due to fear of police, criminals are leaving the state. We are committed to maintain law and order and criminals will not be tolerated." However, as the BJP government goes ahead with its no tolerance policy against crime, it is also realising the encounters may come with their own baggage. The killing of Sumit Gurjar, shot dead by the police in Noida, had raised eyebrows and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sent a notice to the UP Government over it. Indian and Malaysian armies are doing a joint military exercise and this is the second phase of the exercise. "Harimau Shakti' began today in which two armies are battling and practising against each other. Here are the major facts about the exercise. 1: The exercise is being conducted in forests in Malaysia under tough and humid environment. 2: During the field training exercise, Indian army's combat engineers defused the Improvised Explosive Device (IED). 3: The sappers team from 3 Engineer regiment of the Indian Army are training with the Malaysian Army combat engineers as a part of their first joint exercise. 4: The joint exercise, which will go on till May 13, is aimed at sharing the expertise of both the contingents in conducting counterinsurgency operations in a jungle terrain. 5: The Malaysian contingent is being represented by troops from 1 Royal Ranger Regiment and the Royal Malay Regiment, known for their experience in jungle warfare. adgpi/twitter The military exercise comes a month after the Indian Air Forces massive exercise named Gagan Shakti. From Sukhoi 30 to C-17, over 1,000 aircraft participated in the largest exercise of the Indian Air Force in three decades. The military exercise began on April 10 and concluded on April 23. The IAF mobilised more than 1,100 combat, transport and rotary wing (helicopter) aircraft in order to practice the real time scenario. The day and night exercise, was being conducted along Pakistan border in the Western areas. The forces later switched to China border in the Northern areas. adgpi/Twitter As per the protocol, both Pakistan and China were informed about the military exercise. However, the sheer scale of Gagan Shakti may have worried Islamabad and Beijing. All this despite the fact that the Indian Air Force has just 31 fighter squadron instead of 42 required for a two-front war. In order to maintain optimum turn around, keeping the aircraft Combat ready; Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) had placed their technicians at the maintenance bases. Every small step, every big stride in the field of technology is changing the conversation about privacy. Do the rules of privacy apply to the deceased? Can their fingerprints be used to unlock iPhones? Is that legal? Most maintain that using the fingerprints of the recently deceased to unlock their iPhones to gather more evidence is a legal process. The police are following this technique. According to a report in The Sun and various others, 'the technique is increasingly being used in criminal investigations and could easily extend to the iPhone X as well.' 'And there's nothing stopping them from doing the same with faces to access a deceased person's iPhone X.' The start AP/Washington Times The first reported case that followed this process first emerged in 2016. When Somali-born student Abdul Razak Ali Artan went on a stabbing spree at Ohio University, and was eventually shot dead, his bloodied fingertips (the index finger in this case) were used by the FBI to unlock his iPhone. Unfortunately for the team, this didn't seem to work. The locked phone could not be unlocked. According to an article in Forbes, 'in the hours between his death and the attempt to unlock, when the feds had to go through legal processes regarding access to the smartphone, the iPhone had gone to sleep and when reopened required a passcode.' The iPhone, now in evidence, had to be sent down to forensics, and the information was eventually extracted. The data collected, connected Artan's attempt to kill innocents to the ISIS. The science of it Representational image/reuters According to a report on livescience.com, Anil Jain, a professor of computer science and engineering at Michigan State University with years of experience working on fingerprint recognition claims the longer a person has been dead, the more difficult it gets to unlock their phone using their fingerprint. 'This is because, on most smartphones, fingerprint identification works through electrical conductance.' The electricity that escapes your finger tips when the weather is exceptionally dry is generated by our body. Capacitors, the tiny devices that store this electrical charge from our body do so basis how much the ridges and the valleys (the patterns that help form a detailed fingerprint) are letting through. The same electrical charge ebbs and declines the longer a person is dead, and barely interacts with the scanner on the phone. This explains why when a person is deceased, the fingerprint is dead too. The Face ID, however, changes this. Now... reuters Reportedly, now it's relatively common for the fingerprints of the dead to be used in unlocking iPhones. Apple's increasingly powerful and idiot-proof encryption is not exactly hindering the process. More often than not, the process is used in cases of death due to overdose. Is it legal though? As mentioned earlier and all ethical dilemmas aside, the process is legal. The dead can't defend themselves and this holds true in this context: 'they no longer have standing in court to assert privacy rights.' The relatives of the deceased have little say in the matter. The cops on the other hand don't require a search warrant to comb through the information on the deceased's phone. And Face ID? Reuters One step up from using fingerprints, the police is now considering using Apple's facial recognition technology, the one iPhone X. One doesn't exactly remember seeing the requirement of a living person's face in the ad. This tech requires and uses a combination of eye movement but bend the rules a little and photos of open eyes will do the trick. What's probably going to make some more anxious is the fact that this trick can be pulled off from any angle, not just one. There are no reports on the Face ID being used on the deceased yet, but the way matter is taking shape this isn't a distant possibility. Face ID also does away with the need to scan the electrical charges coming off of the person's fingertips. And, so... There's ethical dilemma, certain groups are jittery and some others anxious. This still doesn't shadow the fact that the process is completely legal. There are no rules that apply. Yet. If for a second we forget the hackers, there's also a whole bunch of forensic experts trying to circumvent the technology but for the sole purpose of finding answers. What Apple does next is yet to be seen. Kuwaiti plane lands in Turkey following bomb threat AP - 28 minutes ago ANKARA, Turkey (AP) A Kuwaiti passenger plane made an emergency landing at Trabzon airport in northern Turkey on Thursday following a bomb threat reported to the airline's headquarters, an official... $SPX : 4,363.55 (+0.41%) $DOWI : 34,416.99 (+0.30%) $IUXX : 14,766.75 (+0.63%) German DAX Elliott Wave Analysis: Looks To Move Higher EW-Forecast.com - 34 minutes ago DAX came sharply down from 15763 swing high and trendline resistance, clearly with an impulsive personality that can be wave C, the final leg of a complex seven swing correction DAX : 31.53 (-1.13%) Russia's infections reach the highest level so far this year AP - 1 hour ago MOSCOW (AP) Russias daily coronavirus infections soared Thursday to their highest level so far this year as authorities have struggled to control a surge in new cases amid a slow pace in vaccinations... $SPX : 4,363.55 (+0.41%) $DOWI : 34,416.99 (+0.30%) $IUXX : 14,766.75 (+0.63%) DC Lends a Hand Market Tea Leaves - Thu Oct 7, 4:57AM CDT Yesterday the markets advanced based on news from DC. Will this continue today? USDJPY Bull Flag Consolidation Since April Near Complete Tradable Patterns - Wed Oct 6, 11:28PM CDT The USDJPY is in the advanced stages of a week plus Bull Flag consolidation (on the daily chart), firming just below last weeks intraweek burst to a new 2021 high. Significantly, the USDJPY is arguably... ^USDJPY : 111.353 (-0.05%) FXY : 84.35 (+0.08%) Los Angeles OKs one of strictest US vaccination mandates AP - Wed Oct 6, 7:44PM CDT LOS ANGELES (AP) Los Angeles leaders on Wednesday approved one of the nation's strictest vaccine mandates a sweeping measure that requires the shots for everyone entering bars, restaurants, nail... $SPX : 4,363.55 (+0.41%) $DOWI : 34,416.99 (+0.30%) $IUXX : 14,766.75 (+0.63%) Corn Markets Red for Close Barchart - Wed Oct 6, 4:44PM CDT Corn futures end the midweek session on a pullback. Prices initially bounced back from the turnaround Tuesday, but the board ultimately closed 3 1/4 to 5 1/4 cents in the red. EIA data reported ethanol... ZCZ21 : 534-4 (+0.42%) ZCPAUS.CM : 5.1026 (-0.85%) ZCH22 : 543-2 (+0.42%) ZCZ21 : 534-4 (+0.42%) He has over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry the last 14 of which he spent in key leadership positions with AAA and CSAA Insurance Group. Prior to his new appointment, Valliere was most recently vice-president of policyholder service. Before joining AAA Northern California in 2004 as regional claims executive, Valliere was with Amica Mutual Insurance as a senior assistant vice-president in the claims department. I have great confidence in Bob, whose strong track record of achievement and demonstrated passion for customers align well with our mission of creating members for life by fulfilling our promise to be there when they need us, said Downey. Valliere received his bachelors degree in accounting from the University of Connecticut School of Business. He also currently serves on the J.D. Power Insurance Advisory Board. Im honored to join the executive leadership team of this organization as we start a new chapter in our history with a broader vision of how we can provide value to AAA members, commented Valliere. Im grateful to work with such a talented team as we strive to improve operations, build products that provide the peace of mind people expect from AAA, and deliver on our promise to be there when members need us. Related stories: When you look at it from an insurance perspective, I think the entire thing needs to be structure around the price of the commodity, said Hunter Garth, managing director of Iron Protection Group and a speaker at the upcoming Cannabis Cover event a multi-city masterclass in May with upcoming stops in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Its literally the lifeblood of every single business that comes in, including ancillary businesses like mine. The traditional ways of doing business in insurance arent going to fly for the cannabis industry, explained Garth. I think insurance has to come in here, into the space, and look at it from a non-traditional way and understand that the economics are moving so rapidly and changing so rapidly that they have to be willing to be as nimble as every other company in the space, he told Insurance Business. Drawing comparisons to other legal businesses as a way of learning how the cannabis market and insurance for it will play out is futile. Ultimately, you have all these traditional industries where business plans make sense. You can put together a business plan, you can look at insurance as a line item, and it just becomes part of the everyday activity of operating a business, said Garth. In cannabis, because of the discussion of price compression and regulation, the insurance companies have to understand that they will not be treated as an everyday item. Theyre consistently going to be priced out, theyre consistently going to look for a higher level of service, they're going to be consistently tested for their ability to pay out insurance claims and thats a big deal. And whether the feds finally decide for the legality of marijuana or against it, the landscape of cannabis regulations will still have to be determined by states. Even if the federal government came forward and said, were going to fully legalize it, unless it was a free market, each state is still going to be responsible for implementing their own purpose. As that happens, everyones still fearful no one really knows what this looks like. Even with five years of data, we still dont really know how this shakes out. Hunter Garth will be speaking on a panel about innovations in underwriting and the provider perspective at the Cannabis Cover event being held on May 15 and 31 in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Click here for more details and to register. Related stories: Still largely uninsured - but cannabis growers that have cover starting to see the benefits Is legal cannabis the answer to America's opioid crisis? As autonomous vehicle technology becomes more readily available and consumers get used to purchasing vehicles with connected capabilities, insurers and brokers need to offer products to meet new demands. From an independent agent or insurance broker perspective, when a customer approaches them asking for auto insurance on a vehicle with certain autonomous safety features like lane departure technology or automatic braking they will seek carriers who are offering discounts and incentives based around those enhanced features, Super told Insurance Business. The key driver of broker satisfaction is satisfying the end-consumer, he added. To do that, they have to offer high levels of servicing and find insurance products that meet customer needs. They also have to find carriers that are committed to their market, especially in the more specialized areas of commercial lines. However, the inaugural J.D. Power 2018 US Independent Insurance Agent Satisfaction Study released in January, suggested levels of satisfaction among independent agents and brokers are not as high as they could be and this is partly due to the carriers. The study found agents overall satisfaction with insurers is just 696 (on a 1,000-point scale) for personal lines and 686 for commercial lines, which are among the lowest scores for business-to-business relationships in J.D. Power satisfaction studies. This low satisfaction means independent agents and brokers are having to maintain a high level of carrier relationships (on average, eight carrier relationships for personal lines and 11 relationships for commercial lines) in order to find the products and services that best meet the needs of consumers, Super commented. Theyre not necessarily finding that any particular carriers are servicing and meeting all of their needs, and so theyre forced to build multiple relationships. In the autonomous vehicle space, carriers can up satisfaction levels by offering consumer discounts related to the evolution of autonomous vehicle technology, according to Super. They can partner with autonomous vehicle technology providers in order to offer product features that will satisfy consumers, and therefore brokers, as the industry moves towards full autonomy. Related stories: Insurance prospects in the race to autonomous vehicle tech Call for insurers to "directly control" autonomous vehicles In May of that year, Williams suffered another injury and filed yet another claim meaning he was collecting workers comp from two different employers. The California Department of Insurance said Williams misrepresented his employment status and his earnings in order to continue collecting benefits. He also allegedly lied to a medical examiner. The Department of Insurance also accused Williams of using his employers credit card to buy an engagement ring and pay for other personal expenses, Patch reported. Individuals who file fraudulent workers compensation claims take advantage of a system designed to help honest workers injured on the job, Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones said. My department will remain diligent in investigating insurance fraud to protect California consumers and businesses. Related stories: Navy personnel charged in insurance NC man accused in $5.6 million crop insurance scam This post is part of a series sponsored by CoreLogic. Situated along the eastern edge of the Pacific Oceans Ring of Fire, California is in the middle of earthquake country, and planning for the next one is crucial. The Hayward Fault is one of the most active faults in Californias San Francisco Bay area. The most recent large earthquake on the Hayward Fault occurred on October 21, 1868 (M6.8) causing minimal damage to the sparsely populated region.[1] Todays San Francisco Bay Area is a very different from San Francisco in 1868, though, and a recurrence of this earthquake today could cause significant damages. The 2014 Working Group on California Earthquake Probabilities calculated that there is a 33 percent likelihood of a large (magnitude 6.7 or greater) earthquake occurring on the Hayward Fault within three decades.[2] Planning for the occurrence of a major earthquake along this fault is essential to protecting homes and businesses from personal and financial catastrophe in Northern California. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) developed the HayWired Scenario as a planning tool to enable better action plans for preparing for this massive earthquake. The scenario postulates a magnitude 7.0 rupture along the Hayward Fault, and 16 aftershocks. By illuminating the likely impacts to the present-day built environment, well-constructed scenarios can and have spurred officials and citizens to take steps that change the outcomes the scenario describes, whether used to guide more realistic response and recovery exercises or to launch mitigation measures that will reduce future risk.[3] In conjunction with the USGS, CoreLogic provided a perspective of the insured losses for this scenario. The goal of the analysis and accompanying report is to better prepare the industry for such an event and begin to rethink how we respond to these disasters, thus improving our ability to recover. Applying CoreLogic real estate and insurance data and analytics to this scenario determines that this shaking scenario (evaluating shake-including liquefaction, earthquake sprinkler leakage, and fire-following perils) would likely cause about $170 billion of damage in the San Francisco Bay Area. Insurance recoveries would only provide about $30 billion for restoration, leaving a $140 billion financing deficit. A detailed analysis of housing determines that approximately 1 million homes would be damaged, almost 10 times the 114,000 residential and commercial structures damaged in the 1994 Northridge, California earthquake[4]. An earthquake of this severity is unprecedented in modern California history. The 2018 HayWired scenario includes 16 aftershocks with the largest being a magnitude 6.4 occurring closer to San Jose; the aftershocks contribute to almost 10 percent of the total estimated damages from this scenario. This analysis included estimation of the incremental damage (shaking damage to properties that were already damaged) and earthquake insurance contract terms which includes an earthquake occurrence definition that covers all aftershocks within a specific time interval. With aftershocks distributed throughout the Bay Area, this scenario highlights the need to prepare for a broader potential damage area. Earthquakes present a threat to the continued operations of our real-estate economy. Preparing for realistic scenarios helps us shift from a shift from a tradition of reacting to events to a culture of prevention and resilience. Read the full CoreLogic HayWired special report to learn more about the losses, damage, and impact the scenario would have on the regionand what this teaches us about where we stand today. [1] Detweiler, S.T., and Wein, A.M., eds., 2017, The HayWired earthquake scenarioEarthquake hazards (ver. 1.1, March 2018): U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 20175013AH, 126 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20175013v1 [2] Field, et al. Long-Term Time-Dependent Probabilities for the Third Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast (UCERF3). Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, Vol. 105, No. 2A, pp. 511543, April 2015 [3] Detweiler, et al. 2018 [4] Petak, William, and Elahi, Shirin. 2001. The Northridge earthquake and its economic and social impacts, Presented at EuroConference on Global Change and Catastrophe Risk Management Earthquake Risks in Europe, IIASA, Laxenburg Austria, July 6-9, 2000. http://resilience.abag.ca.gov/wp-content/documents/resilience/toolkit/The%20Northridge%20Earthquake%20and%20its%20Economic%20and%20Social%20Impacts.pdf Topics Catastrophe California Natural Disasters Trends USA Earthquake A judge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania awarded summary judgment to an insurer accused of bad faith after denying a mans claim for losses exceeding $1 million. The court found that evidence suggested the insurer conducted a reasonable investigation into whether the losses actually occurred before denying the claim. The case comes after American National Property and Casualty Company denied Daniel Felixs claim under his homeowners insurance policy when a fire destroyed his house in January 2016. After American National received Felixs claim, it assigned his case to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for red flags suggesting fraud. In particular, it found Felixs previous home had burned down less than three years earlier under similar circumstances and resulted in Felix filing an insurance claim with American National, receiving a payment of more than $400,000. The SIU assigned SIU investigator Kip Mathena to Felixs claim, and Mathena hired attorney Joseph Hudock to represent American National in connection with the claim. After Felixs claim was denied, he submitted a proof of loss to American National with an itemized list of hundreds of personal items he lost in the blaze, particularly a set of 1.5 carat diamond earrings and a Louis Vuitton purse. He confirmed that before the fire, he purchased the purse for his ex-fiancee, Kelly Madison, but she returned it to him after their relationship ended. Hudock then spoke with Madison, who reported she was in possession of a Louis Vuitton purse and a set of diamond earrings from Felix. Madison forwarded American National pictures of a brown Louis Vuitton purse and a pair of diamond stud earrings. She also informed Mathena and American National of text messages she received in May and June of 2016 in which Felix had repeatedly asked about the Louis Vuitton purse and pressured her to send a photo. Hudock concluded Felixs material misrepresentations entitled American National to deny his entire claim because Pennsylvania follows the majority view that a single fraudulent material misrepresentation can void the entire policy. American National denied the claim and filed a lawsuit against him. Its complaint filed in court contained a claim for declaratory judgment that Felixs policy is void because of his material misrepresentations and a claim against Felix for civil insurance fraud. Felix responded by filing an answer and counterclaims against American National for breach of contract and statutory bad faith. During his deposition, Felix testified that before the fire, he had two sets of purses and earrings: one set in Madisons possession, which the fire did not destroy, and one set in Felixs house, which were lost in the fire. He stated that when he prepared his proof of loss, he may have mistakenly claimed the wrong purse and set of earrings were lost in the fire. In her deposition, Madison testified Felix never gave her a second Louis Vuitton purse, and she had no knowledge about whether Felix purchased a second pair of earrings for her. Madison also stated she had no knowledge of whether Felix actually lost a Louis Vuitton purse and diamond earrings in the fire. Felixs friend and sister, however, both testified that they saw a white Louis Vuitton purse and a set of diamond hoop earrings in Felixs home shortly before the fire. To succeed on a statutory bad faith claim in Pennsylvania, the insured must prove the insurer did not have a reasonable basis for denying benefits under the policy, and the insurer knew of or recklessly disregarded its lack of a reasonable basis in denying the claim. Because Felix stated on his proof of loss that he lost a Louis Vuitton purse and a pair of 1.5 carat diamond earrings, affirming he accurately listed the items lost under the pains and penalties of perjury, the court rejected his assertion that American National lacked a reasonable basis for denying his claim. The court also granted summary judgment in favor of American National on Felixs bad faith claim, as it found no reasonable jury could conclude that American National failed to conduct a reasonable investigation or lacked a reasonable basis for its decision to deny Felixs claim. As a result, the court granted American Nationals motion for partial summary judgment pertaining to all claims of bad faith, and Felixs statutory bad faith claim was dismissed along with his breach of contract claim to the extent it asserts a common law bad faith claim. The claims that remain are American Nationals claim for declaratory judgment, American Nationals claim for civil insurance fraud and Felixs counter-claim for breach of contract to the extent it asserts a breach of contract claim rather than a bad faith claim. The case is prepared for trial. Topics Carriers Claims Fraud Pennsylvania A state appeals court has reinstated a lawsuit against operators of a website that facilitated the purchases of a gun used in a mass shooting in suburban Milwaukee, Wisconsin, five years ago. Radcliffe Haughton killed his wife, Zina Daniel Haughton, and two of her co-workers at Azana Salon & Spa in Brookfield in October 2012. He also wounded four people before he killed himself. Zina Daniel Haughton had taken out a restraining order against her husband that prohibited him from possessing a firearm. According to court documents, he bought a gun and ammunition anyway from a person he met through gun trading website Armslist.com. Gun buyers and sellers can use the site to find and contact each other. Daniel Haughtons daughter, Yasmeen Daniel, filed a lawsuit in 2015 alleging the websites operator, Armslist LLC, is liable for the incident. She argued in the lawsuit that the site allowed prospective buyers to limit searches for sellers to private sellers who dont have to conduct background checks and the site prevented users from flagging content as illegal. She also maintained that users werent required to register their account with the website and the site was designed to enable buyers to evade waiting periods by enabling deals with private sellers. Milwaukee County Judge Glenn Yamahiro dismissed the complaint, finding that federal law states website operators arent liable for publishing information provided by someone else and Daniel failed to allege that Armslist created or develop illegal content on its page. The 1st District Court of Appeals reversed Yamahiro. The appellate court found that Daniels lawsuit doesnt treat Armslist as the publisher of information provided by someone else but instead seeks to hold the company liable for its own conduct in designing and running the website in ways that caused injury. (The law) does not protect a website operator from liability that arises from its own conduct in facilitating user activity, as is the case here, the court said. Armslist attorney Joshua Maggard didnt immediately reply to an email seeking comment. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Wisconsin Congress is headed for a major showdown over the flood insurance program, according to an insurance broker lobbyist who notes that the program expires July 31, right in the middle of hurricane season. That also happens to be the very day that Congress goes on recess. Joel Wood, senior vice president, the Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers, told RIMS annual conference attendees that while there is pressure on Congress to not only renew but also reform the flood program, there is no guarantee Congress will do either or get much else done. Wood was joined by James McIntyre, an attorney with McIntyre and Lemon who represents RIMS on Capitol Hill, at the RIMS Annual Conference to provide an update on insurance politics in the nations capital. Although there are issues the industry would like to see addressed, including flood insurance, cyber security, federal disabilities act reform, healthcare and terrorism reinsurance, Wood and McIntyre expressed skepticism that Congress will accomplish much before the midterm elections in November. CIAB is also waiting for the Trump Administration to clarify whether its insurance brokerage members are eligible for major tax relief under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), the Presidents signature legislative achievement. Dysfunction Over Flood Insurance The way Congress has been kicking the flood insurance can down the road for years symbolizes the dysfunction in Washington, according to CIABs Wood. Congress has simply been attaching the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) reauthorization to continuing resolutions for appropriations for several years, rather than dealing with the NFIP and reforms. We have had periods in the past where the program has expired for a week or few days, but Congress has always been in session then, so if some major event were to intervene, they could make it retroactive. But, he warned, Congress gets out of town on July 31. Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R.-Texas, chair of the House Financial Services committee, has been trying to box in the Senate to force consideration of a package of flood reforms. House leadership has finally agreed to disengage the NFIP from the appropriations process. Hensarling is someone who has long advocated for actuarially sound rates in the NFIP. The key committee chairman has succeeded several times in getting the House to pass bipartisan reforms that would move the NFIP toward actuarial rates and reduced subsidies, but the Senate has not been willing to engage on the issue. Hensarling hasnt been successful in jamming the Senate on much of anything over the last five years, according to Wood, so the prospects for key flood reforms including private market incentives remain dim. They remain dim even within the House GOP ranks because of the positions of two prominent players. In Woods analysis, one difference between regular dysfunction in Congress and the dysfunction surrounding flood insurance is that flood insurance breaks along coastal versus non-coastal, rather than partisan lines. That divide sets up what Wood sees as a pending showdown pitting Hensarling, a leader of a key committee, against Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Louisiana, a member of the GOP House leadership as majority whip, who Wood calls the guy to watch. Wood is skeptical of anything happening because Scalise represents part of Louisiana including New Orleans and Metairie that are highly susceptible to flooding and whose residents would pay a lot more for flood insurance under actuarially sound rates than they now pay. Half his district is under sea level, said Wood, adding that when Hensarling talks about actuarial soundness, in a district like Scalises, were not just talking about mega mansions on the Florida coast. For a $75,000 ranch house in Metairie, actuarial soundness in the NFIP might mean they have to pay $20,000. This is going to be a major showdown at the end of July, Wood said. Flood insurance remains the biggest remaining issue in property/casualty with a chance of being addressed before the midterm elections. While the July 31 deadline could see Congress heading home in the middle of hurricane season without having acted at all, McIntyre thinks the deadline could also turn out to be a positive force because it creates leverage to get politicians to do something. Theres a lot of pressure on Congress to reauthorize this program, said McIntyre, citing not only lobbying by insurance and risk managers, but also by builders and lenders. McIntyre believes Congress will renew the NFIP but agrees with Wood that any real reforms will likely be placed on a back burner again until after midterm elections. Wood said RIMS has been encouraging the Trump Administration in the meantime to use its regulatory flexibility to encourage more private flood insurance in the excess and surplus insurance markets. Tax Relief Uncertainty Congress did manage to pass tax reform, a Republican priority. But Wood said that because of the tortuous behind-closed doors way it was drafted, there remains uncertainty about the tax breaks for two-thirds of CIABs member-firms that are pass-through organizations including S-Corps, LLCs and partnerships. According to Wood, while some provisions of the tax law indicate tax relief is not available to services firms, other provisions suggest otherwise. Businesses are awaiting clarification from the Treasury department, which Wood said has to make its way through an incredible thicket to determine which businesses are entitled to relief and how much. We will be seeing in a couple of weeks if they are going to put their finger on the scale toward granting the most possible 20 percent pass-through tax relief for the most possible number of entities. So thats a big, big issue out there, Wood said. While lower taxes should put downward pressure on insurance rates, the law also contains taxes targeting reinsurance ceded to a foreign reinsurer that some worry could raise reinsurance costs, according to Wood. RIMS opposed the reinsurance provisions, which have been pushed for years, and RIMS is concerned they could affect availability and pricing of reinsurance. McIntyre suggested proponents of the provisions succeeded due in part to a climate of political animosity towards foreign companies in Washington. The jurys still out in terms of what impact its going to have, McIntyre said, although he said risk managers he has spoken with have not yet seen any pricing effect on reinsurance contracts. Cyber Security The two experts cited cyber security as another legislative priority for their members, albeit one Congress is unlikely to address for a while. Its important for the nation, McIntyre said. All states now have a cyber statute but its a patchwork quilt. If you do business in a number of states, then you have to comply with each states laws, and thats a real hassle. Risk managers would like to see a national standard for reporting and some uniformity in timelines and requirements for corporations when there are data breaches. Wood said New Yorks cyber regulations have almost become the de facto national standard in the absence of a federal law, while the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has a model law that some states may adopt. The higher standards under the European Unions new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that become effective May 25 of this year could also be an option for some businesses. When you look at how fragmented all of this is and what a compliance nightmare there is, if you are looking to those GDPR standards, youre pretty much going to be in compliance with everything that is underneath it, Wood said. However, the worry is that even the EU standards represent just a floor in terms of dealing with cyber security, he said. While risk managers may be hoping for a federal standard from Congress, Wood doesnt see that happening in todays Washington. This is another issue that doesnt necessarily break down along Republican versus Democratic lines. Even the insurance industry cant agree on cyber regulation. There is one thing that could motivate lawmakers to move a bill forward: another significant, national headline-grabbing data breach. After the next Equifax, theyre going to move on it, he predicted. A federal cyber bill put together by Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R- Missouri, could then move to the rocket docket. McIntyre noted that state attorneys general have opposed Luetkemeyers bill as an infringement on state rights. Its not easy to get things done even when youve got bipartisan support, McIntyre added. Wood predicted that there is not going to be a uniform standard for data breaches, noting that while the insurance industry can be selective about when it supports state rights, it does when it comes to tort reform and regulation of insurance, even cyber. He harkened back to the industrys own debate over an optional federal charter and the fears that federal intervention would not replace state rules, but would result in an additional layer of regulation (like the Dodd-Frank Act) on top of existing state regulations. Healthcare Warning Wood warned that a dismantling of the individual health insurance market and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) could have implications for the employer-based market, where some of CIABs members operate. This could include encouraging a wave of support for single payor healthcare. Citing difficulties in individual markets, the ending of certain subsidies, states moving away from the ACAs mandated benefits, and Republican efforts to replace employer-based insurance with a consumer-based model, he cautioned: The more we see that market [individual] faltering, the more stress there will be on employer health market. Too many stakeholders in the health market are battling each other rather than paying attention to the threat of the single payor movement, he said. Political Climate Taking stock of the current political climate in Washington, Wood sees Washington as a polarized environment where too many elected representatives let politics get in the way of normal civil life. He said in the Reagan era when he first came onto the Washington scene, right wing Republicans disagreed with left wing Democrats, but they liked each other, and their families lived near one another and they socialized together. You never see that today, he said. He also blamed a lack of expertise and experience among todays Congressional members, 70 percent of whom only know an omnibus approach to the federal budget and have never been through a normal appropriations process that involves more than a dozen separate funding bills. McIntyre agrees the city is polarized and blames some of it on gerrymandering, which has created electorally safe districts that allow politicians to stick to their extreme right or left views because they do not need to worry about re-election. Wood thinks Democrats will take control of the House in the midterm elections, while McIntyre thinks they will fall short. Wood said the elephant in the room is President Trump. He said Republicans feel vulnerable because of Trumps low poll numbers. Wood said House Speaker Paul Ryans retirement reflects the full repositioning of Republicanism from supply side policies to Trumpism. Quoting a Virginia representative, Wood added: The Republican base has moved from the country club to the country. Topics Cyber Legislation Flood Washington Reinsurance Market Risk Management A federal judge has asked the Connecticut Supreme Court for a better definition of the word collapse that could help decide whether homeowner insurance policies should cover repairs to thousands of homes with crumbling foundations caused by defective concrete. The Connecticut Law Tribune reports U.S. District Judge Stefan Underhill asked for the opinion last week as part of one of many lawsuits against insurance companies for failing to cover the damage. An estimated 30,000 or more homes and condominiums in eastern and central Connecticut could have failing foundations because of a mineral that causes concrete to crack and crumble. Insurers say policies would only cover fixing foundations if homes collapse. Lawyers for homeowners argue that a 1987 state Supreme Court ruling said collapse also can mean impairment in structural integrity. Related: Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Connecticut The New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) has fined Chubb Ltd. and its subsidiary, Illinois Union Insurance Company, $1.3 million for underwriting the National Rifle Association (NRA)-branded Carry Guard insurance program in violation of New York insurance law. Through a consent order with DFS regarding the Carry Guard program, Chubb consents to certain violations of New York law governing the sale of policies in the states excess lines market, according to a Chubb statement obtained by Insurance Journal. Chubb recognizes its responsibility to ensure that its policies comply with New York law, according to the statement. Chubb/Illinois Union represented to DFS that between approximately April and November 2017, 681 Carry Guard insurance policies were issued to New York residents, and no claims have been submitted under the Carry Guard insurance policies to date by New York residents, according to the consent order. The company provided notice in October 2017 that it was voluntarily terminating its participation nationally in the Carry Guard program following the initiation of a DFS investigation involving Chubb, Lockton and the NRA in the Carry Guard insurance program. Chubb and Illinois Union suspended participation in the program around November 2017 and ceased making Carry Guard policies available for New York residents to purchase. Chubb at all times intended and believed its coverage to be in full compliance with New York law, the companys statement continued. Chubb believes that this settlement is the best way to resolve the coverage questions raised by the department and is fully committed to cooperating with the department to remediate any issues or concerns regarding the Carry Guard program. The Chubb settlement comes after Insurance Journal reported last week that insurance broker Lockton will pay a $7 million fine for administering the Carry Guard program through its Lockton Affinity subsidiary, which is a licensed excess line broker in New York. The settlement with Lockton was considered the first in New York regulators broader investigation of the matter. In a related development, the NRA is also suing Lockton Cos., alleging the insurance broker breached its contract with the firearms lobbying group. The NRA suit, filed in the Eastern District of Virginia, alleges the New York investigation was orchestrated by the gun control organization Everytown for Gun Safety, Bloomberg reported. During its investigation, DFS found the NRA Carry Guard program unlawfully provided liability insurance to gun owners for acts of intentional wrongdoing and improperly provided legal services insurance for costs and expenses, as well as for any act of self-defense covered under the policy for gun owners and their resident family members who may be charged with a crime involving a legally possessed firearm, according to a DFS press release. The NRA, which does not have a license from DFS to conduct insurance business in New York, actively marketed and solicited for the Carry Guard program through a website, email and direct mail, among other channels, the release stated. The Carry Guard program provided coverage in any criminal proceeding against the policyholder or the policyholders family members, including coverage for bail money, premiums on bonds, attorney consultation fees and retainer expenses, expenses incurred for the investigation or defense of criminal charges and costs taxed against the insured or the insureds resident family member in a criminal proceeding arising out of a shooting, according to the DFS release. The policy further covered expenses for psychological counseling support for the insured or the policyholders resident family member. Todays action is another step in addressing the unlicensed and improper activity connected with the NRAs unlawful Carry Guard program, said New York DFS Superintendent Maria T. Vullo in the release. DFS will continue its comprehensive investigation into this matter to ensure that New York Insurance Law is enforced and that consumers are no longer conned into buying so-called self-defense insurance coverage. According to the DFS press release, Illinois Union has agreed, in addition to the fine, to refrain from: Participating in the Carry Guard insurance program or any similar program in New York and from providing Carry Guard or similar insurance policies for New York residents regardless of where they are written. Entering into any other agreement, including any affinity-type insurance program, involving any line of insurance involving a contract of insurance involving the NRA, directly or indirectly. Issuing or delivering insurance policies covering a New York resident that provides liability insurance for any act of intentional wrong doing or provides legal services insurance in a civil or criminal proceeding, including but not limited to: insurance for bail money, premiums on bonds, attorney consultation fee and retainer expenses, expenses incurred for the investigation or defense of criminal charges and costs taxed against the insured or the insureds resident family member in a criminal proceeding. Issuing or delivering insurance policies covering New York residents that provides insurance for expenses incurred for psychological counseling support, because Illinois Union is not authorized to provide such insurance. As the NRA has previously stated, it acted appropriately at all times, said William A. Brewer III, partner at Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors and counsel for the NRA, in a statement regarding the consent order. The NRA relied upon Lockton and its assurances that the Carry Guard program complied with all applicable state regulations. Brewer continued, We are disappointed, but unfortunately not surprised, to see that todays consent order prevents Chubb from entering into any affinity-type insurance programs with the NRA. We believe such limitations are unjustified explained only as being part of the Department of Financial Services politically-motivated attack on the NRA and its law-abiding members. Illinois Union must also provide notice to New York policyholders within 10 business days of execution of the consent order that it is canceling all Carry Guard insurance policies 90 days from the date of notice and must return the policyholders premiums, the release stated. No other state insurance regulators have indicated they are probing the NRA programs. A DFS spokesperson referred to the DFS press release when reached for comment. Related: Topics New York Underwriting Illinois Chubb Lockton Rescue teams have confirmed the death of a second Polish coal miner and are searching for three more trapped nearly a kilometer underground after a quake, the chief executive of the mine owner said. The quake hit the Borynia-Zofiowka-Jastrzebie coal mine in southern Poland on Saturday morning, initially trapping seven miners at a depth of about 900 meters (2,950 feet). It was the mines strongest quake going back to 1989. Two miners were rescued on Saturday after the tremor caused part of the tunnel where they worked to collapse. The energy released by the quake amounted to 40 percent of all energy released in the roughly 110,000 tremors recorded at the mine since 1989, Daniel Ozon, the chief executive of mine owner JSW, told reporters. Ozon said that the quake had a magnitude of 3.5 to 4.0. Earlier estimates by state mining supervisor WUG put its magnitude at 3.4. The two rescued miners were taken to a hospital in the city of Jastrzebie-Zdroj. They were in relatively good condition and could walk unaided, Ozon told reporters on Saturday. About 250 people were working in the mine at the time of the quake, JSW said. The missing miners were from a team of 11 that was drilling a new tunnel. Four escaped by themselves. Rescue operations was hampered by high levels of methane, which reached a concentration of up to 58 percent. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, who reached the mine on Saturday evening, said the rescue operation was difficult and that he hoped the remaining miners would be saved. President Andrzej Duda reached the mine on Sunday noon. The state mining supervisor said the quake was a type that can occur in coal mines deposits are removed. (Reporting by Marcin Goettig and Pawel Sobczak; editing by Adrian Croft, Larry King) Topics Mining It was the last day of the World Economic Forum in Davos and Wayne Caines, Bermudas minister of national security, was about to head home after an exhausting week. But before leaving, he told a group of blockchain enthusiasts, If you are really serious about advancing this space and working with us, meet us in Bermuda on Monday. Then it actually happened. A handful flew to the British territory on their own dime with the same suitcases they had brought to Switzerland, and spent the day with Bermudian government officials laying out a road map to embrace the nascent industry. It was the coolest thing Ive ever been involved with, Caines said in an interview at Bloombergs New York headquarters on Thursday. There was just so much brilliance in the room and people were so passionate. What I like about people in the blockchain space is they actually want to change the world. Less than three months later, Bermudas lower house of parliament approved rules to regulate initial coin offerings, and the government signed an agreement with Binance, the worlds largest cryptocurrency exchange, promising investments in blockchain companies, jobs and education for Bermudians. Bermuda is already at work on a new law, the Digital Asset Business Act, to encourage and regulate investment in the distributed ledger technology and cryptocurrency businesses. There are so many projects in the works that Bermuda Premier E. David Burt jokingly refers to Caines as the minister of blockchain. We are building an ecosystem here, Burt said. Bermuda is already an innovation hub, thanks to the reinsurance industry. At the meeting with the group from Davos, the focus was on the technical aspects of blockchain and how it could fit into regulation, said John Narraway, an emerging technologies consultant at the Bermuda Business Development Agency. It was just markers out with the smartest people Ive ever been in a room with, he said. We mapped it out within, I think, probably five hours. Bermuda already is putting property records on the blockchain, and counts about another dozen businesses underway or looking at investing. Patrick Byrne, the chief executive officer of Overstock.com Inc., an online retailer that accepts payment in Bitcoin, also signed an agreement with the government, to set up a blockchain laboratory there. The key to turning Bermuda into an incubator for fintech companies is to build on the countrys legal and regulatory structure, which is key to the success of its reinsurance industry. The governments sandbox will allow companies to work on emerging financial technologies, while communicating directly with regulators. Bermudas strategy isnt without risk. Regulators worldwide are struggling with how to handle ICOs, which raised about $6 billion worldwide last year, often with little or no documentation and frequently providing no return to investors. Financial watchdogs have started to crack down after Bitcoins 1,400 percent surge last year attracted scammers to the crypto world. The top digital coin, now worth around $9,700 apiece, has lost about half of its value since hitting a record high in December. Binance, founded last year in Hong Kong, has had troubles of its own. The company is opening an office in Malta after pulling out of Japan to avoid a clash with local regulators, Chief Executive Officer Zhao Changpeng said in an interview last month. Japans Financial Services Agency issued a warning to the exchange for operating without approval. The exchanges troubles mirror those faced by other crypto firms that are trying to figure out how to operate without concrete guidance from regulators. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has said that platforms serving as trading venues for digital assets deemed to be securities will need to register with the agency as a national exchange, or qualify for an exemption. The regulator also subpoenaed firms and individuals behind coin offerings it believes might be breaking the law, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said earlier this year. Binance signed a pact with Bermuda, agreeing to spend as much as $15 million to offer college classes on blockchain and invest in companies working with the technology. The courses will start as early as this summer and will focus on compliance and software engineering, Burt said. Professors will be paid to come teach in Bermuda. Were hoping this fintech push mirrors the success we had with the insurance industry in the eighties, said Sean Moran of the Bermuda Business Development Agency. You have to continue to find whats next. Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. Topics Legislation Reinsurance Bermuda THB UK Risk Solutions, the UK broking operation of the specialist insurance and reinsurance broker THB, has named two new motor fleet brokers, bolstering its new business team. Kevin Searle, joining from Wrightsure, and Andrew Hines, formerly at Towergate and Wrightsure, have both worked with THB previously. Darren Nightingale, CEO of THB UK Risk Solutions, said that since the London market and Peterborough operations were placed under one leadership, the firms combined network has grown to 1,200 brokers. Topics Agencies Wells Fargo & Co. agreed to pay $480 million to settle a class-action lawsuit in which investors accused the bank of securities fraud related to its fake-account scandal. The settlement resolves the main class-action suit brought by shareholders targeting the banks allegedly deficient disclosures related to its sales practices. It had previously set aside reserves for the settlement, according to a regulatory filing Friday. Wells Fargo said in a statement that it denies the allegations in the suit. Moving to put this case behind us is in the best interest of our team members, customers, investors and other stakeholders, Chief Executive Officer Tim Sloan said in the statement. This is the latest cost for Wells Fargo from a consumer banking scandal that arose in September 2016. That issue, in which employees opened as many as 3.5 million bogus accounts, ultimately cost then-CEO John Stumpf his job. The bank still faces a bevy of other lawsuits on related matters. Last month, the San Francisco-based bank settled with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for an unprecedented $1 billion to cover issues in auto lending and mortgages. In February, the Federal Reserve imposed a sanction prohibiting the bank from boosting total assets beyond their level at the end of 2017 until it fixes shortcomings. The lender said in a filing Friday that reasonably possible legal charges could be as high as $2.6 billion beyond reserves as of March 31. This is down from $2.7 billion in the previous quarter. Wells Fargo executives are set to update analysts and shareholders on financial targets and regulatory matters at an investor day scheduled for May 10. The shareholder case is Hefler v. Wells Fargo & Co., 3:16-cv-05479, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (San Francisco). Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. Topics Lawsuits Warren Buffett said he doesnt want Berkshire Hathaway Inc. being a leader on cyber insurance because neither he nor others in the industry really know the risk. I dont think we or anybody else really knows what theyre doing when writing cyber insurance, Buffett said Saturday at his firms annual meeting in Omaha, Nebraska. We dont want to be a pioneer on this. Buffett said that cyber risk is part of his estimate that every year carries about a 2 percent chance of a super catastrophe that would cause $400 billion or more of insured losses. While that kind of disaster will wipe out many companies, Berkshire will aim to keep its exposure low enough to remain profitable in such a year, the 87-year-old chairman said. Buffett said hes fine with writing some cyber policies to remain competitive, but doesnt want to be among the top three in the industry. Anyone who claims to know the base case or worst case for losses is kidding themselves, he said. [Property/casualty insurers wrote $1.35 billion in direct written premium for cyber insurance in 2016, a 35 percent jump from 2015, according to reports by Fitch Ratings and A.M. Best. According to the reports, the largest cyber insurance writers are American International Group, XL Group and Chubb. These companies had a combined market share of approximately 40 percent at year-end 2016. The top 15 writers of cyber held approximately 83 percent of the market in 2016. Completing the top 10 writers of cyber ranked by direct premium written are: Travelers, Beazley, CNA, Liberty Mutual, BCS Insurance (owned by Blue Cross licensees), AXIS Insurance Group and Allied World.] Related: Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. Topics Cyber Leadership Miami Beachs tourism industry has suffered one blow after another in recent years. First, Brazils economy tanked and a strong U.S. dollar prompted would-be international travelers to stay home. Then Zika scared off visitors. By the time Hurricane Irma hit last September, hotels and other tourism-dependent businesses were already reeling. And it wasnt just the tourism industry that suffered. Miami Beachs tax revenue also took a hit. Now, the city is considering a novel solution: an insurance policy for resort tax revenue to help make up for unexpected budget shortfalls. Resort taxes, which include taxes levied on hotel stays and restaurant tabs, make up more than 10 percent of Miami Beachs primary operating budget and contributed about $83 million to city coffers last fiscal year. The money can be used to help pay for tourism-related expenses, like construction on the Miami Beach Convention Center and maintenance at South Beach parks, for example. Its a very large revenue source for us, said John Woodruff, the citys chief finance officer. Resort taxes tend to be pretty variable depending on economic conditions. They can move around on you. While resort tax revenue usually grows by 3 to 5 percent a year, Woodruff said, the amount of money the city collected stayed almost flat between the 2016 and 2017 fiscal years. That got city officials thinking. An emergency response committee convened last year with representatives from the tourism industry came up with recommendations. Among them: Take out an insurance policy for resort taxes. Miami Beach has asked an insurance broker to run the numbers on how much such a policy would cost. The request is more complicated than it might seem the city would likely be the first in the country to insure its resort tax revenue. Were obviously just in the exploratory phase, but its interesting and it may be something that provides a measure of confidence and continuity, Mayor Dan Gelber said. Its not unlike the business interruption insurance that is available in the private sector for often the same events. We have a very unique economy so thinking about ways to protect it makes sense. The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau declined to comment on the proposal until more information is available. Although the details are still being worked out, the insurance policy would depend on certain triggers, said Sonia Bridges, the citys division director for risk management and benefits. If winds reached a certain speed or water rose to a certain level during a hurricane, for example, or if Miami Beach saw an unexpected drop in resort tax revenue, the city would automatically get an insurance payout. This type of insurance policy, known as parametric insurance, is still fairly new in the United States, Bridges said. Miami Beach already has more traditional types of insurance, like property insurance for publicly owned buildings, but has no insurance on its tax revenue. Were making sure that as a city were resilient whether its mosquito-borne illnesses or unforeseen circumstances that could potentially hurt the economy, said Commissioner Micky Steinberg, who served as the chair of the emergency response committee. Were looking at creative ways to protect revenue and the community at large. So far this year, things are looking up for Miami Beachs tourism industry and for the citys bottom line. Resort tax revenue is on track to increase by 10 percent this fiscal year, Woodruff said. But with a busy hurricane season looming, an insurance policy could give city officials more certainty when they come up with a budget. It gives you stability and predictability that you would not normally have, Woodruff said. Even if something abnormal happened, youd always get a certain amount of revenue. And if the idea works for resort taxes, he added, it could also be applied to other volatile sources of revenue, like the money the city gets from parking. Miami Herald staff writer Chabeli Herrera contributed to this report. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Profit Loss A roofing company in West Virginia has been assessed $57,600 in proposed fines for workplace safety violations. The Charleston Gazette-Mail reports the Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Master Roofers and Builders Inc. of Beckley for 13 violations stemming from work done at a Mount Hope church. Among the violations, inspectors found employees did not wear protective helmets, had inadequate training and were exposed to potential electrical hazards. Some of the citations were for repeat violations. In 2013 the roofing business was fined $6,000 for safety violations. Business owner Wayne Stegel says hes not going to contest the violations. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Commercial Lines Business Insurance Virginia A grocery store in San Diego, Calif. subjected Hispanic employees to harassment and a hostile work environment by implementing a no-Spanish language policy, federal officials said in a lawsuit. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a lawsuit alleging store managers at Albertsons publicly reprimanded Hispanic employees who were caught speaking Spanish. The workers were barred from speaking Spanish around non-Spanish speakers, even during breaks or when talking to Spanish-speaking customers, the lawsuit said. No action was taken despite employee complaints, causing some workers to transfer to other stores, according to the EEOC. Albertsons wouldnt comment on the lawsuit but said in a statement that it does not require its employees speak English only. Albertsons serves a diverse customer population and encourages employees with foreign language abilities to use those skills to serve its customers, the statement said. The conduct violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the EEOC said. It is extremely important for workers to feel safe in coming forward to report harassment, said Christopher Green, director of the EEOCs San Diego office. It is equally important for employers to make certain that harassment is investigated and addressed appropriately. The Albertsons chain is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the U.S., employing about 280,000 people in 35 states. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits California Food delivery company GrubHub Inc. may be one of the first tech firms to feel the impact of a ruling this week from Californias highest court that makes it easier for workers to prove they are a companys employees and entitled to costly legal protections. Lawyers for a former GrubHub delivery worker last week asked a U.S. appeals court in San Francisco to send his closely watched case against the company back to a judge who had previously dismissed it. In light of the California Supreme Courts decision, the lawyers said, the judge should reconsider Raef Lawsons claims that he was an employee entitled to overtime pay and reimbursement for expenses. Gig economy companies such as GrubHub, Uber Technologies Inc. and TaskRabbit Inc. rely heavily on the use of independent contractors to contain costs. The California courts ruling on Monday could push some companies to rein in their use of contractors, according to several employment lawyers. Companies must pay taxes and contribute to unemployment and workers compensation funds on behalf of employees, pay them the minimum wage and overtime, and cover their work-related expenses. Contractors can cost up to 30 percent less, according to several studies. In February, a judge ruled Lawson was not GrubHubs employee because the company did not control how he made deliveries. Many gig economy companies have faced similar claims, but the GrubHub case was the first of its kind to go to trial. GrubHub, which has denied that delivery workers are its employees, did not respond to a request for comment on Fridays filing. Before Mondays high court ruling, workers had to show that companies controlled how they did their jobs, among other factors, to win on claims that they are employees rather than contractors under California law. Now, the burden is on businesses to prove that workers are not under their direct control, do not perform a core function of their business, and are engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, or business. In Fridays filing, Lawsons lawyers said the judge who dismissed the case found delivery drivers were vital to GrubHubs business. Under the new test, that means Lawson was the companys employee, they said. Similar tests have been adopted by courts in several states, including New Jersey, Illinois and Massachusetts. But California is home to many of the largest gig economy companies and its courts are a hub for lawsuits against them. A majority of gig companies emerged out of Silicon Valley, and California courts have always been seen as the incubator for how these cases should be decided, said employment lawyer Richard Meneghello. Shannon Liss-Riordan, who represents Lawson in the GrubHub case, said Mondays decision provides stronger legal protections for workers and could stem companies increasing reliance on contractors. The decision could also affect pending cases accusing Uber, home-services provider Handy, and other companies of improperly treating workers as contractors. However, it is not clear whether courts will agree to apply the new test to older legal claims, such as those in the GrubHub case. Judges could find it unfair to apply the new standard retroactively, said employment lawyer Richard Reibstein. But moving forward, he said, companies in the gig economy and beyond will need to consider major changes. Businesses operating in the state will need to re-evaluate their use of (contractors) and restructure their businesses to comply with this new decision, Reibstein said. The case is Lawson v. GrubHub Inc., 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 18-15386. (Reporting by Wiessner in Albany, New York, and Somerville in San Francisco; editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Jonathan Oatis) Topics California Contractors What Is the CFP Franc (XPF)? The CFP franc (XPF) is the official currency of four French overseas island collectivities: French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Wallis, and Futuna. The currency was introduced in 1945 to protect the colonies from the post-Second World War devaluation of the French franc and is subdivided into 100 centimes. The XPF, the ISO currency code of the CPF franc, is pegged to the euro. As of Sept. 20, 2021, $1 USD is equal to 101.9 XPF. Key Takeaways The CFP franc (XPF) is the official currency of French Polynesia and its neighboring French protectorates. CFP stands for Central Pacific franc and is also known as the franc Pacifique, due to its use in the Pacific Ocean region. Currently, the CFP franc is pegged to the euro at a rate of 1 EUR = 119.332 XPF. Understanding the CFP Franc (XPF) CFP stands for Central Pacific franc and is also known as the franc Pacifique, due to its use in the Pacific Ocean region known as French Polynesia. The currency symbol for XPF is F and bills are denominated in 500, 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 increments, while coins are minted in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 increments. Paris-based Institut d'emission d'Outre-Mer (IEOM) issues the XPF. Initially, the CFP franc had a fixed exchange rate with the U.S. dollar (USD), which played a significant role in the economies of the French Pacific territories after World War II. In 1949, the CFP franc changed to have a fixed exchange rate with the French franc (F). When France transitioned to the euro, so too did the XPF peg. Currently, the CFP franc is pegged to the euro, with the 10,000 F, the highest denominated CFP note, being equal to 83.8 euros. The CFP franc is one of two currencies that France introduced after the Second World War to combat the weakness of the French franc. The other money issued at this time was the West African CFA franc (XOF). The Central Bank of West African States located in Dakar, Senegal, now regulates the West African CFA franc, as well as the West African Economic and Monetary Union, which includes Benin, Burkina Fasso, Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo. History and Background of the CFP Franc (XPF) After the economic turmoil of the Second World War, France and other nations ratified the Bretton Woods Agreement. The Agreement forced the devaluation of many currencies, including the French franc. The document also stipulated the pegging of the French franc to the U.S. dollar. To spare the French colonies from the impact of the massive devaluation, France created two new independent currencies, the West African CFA (XOF) and the Polynesian CFP Franc (XPF). At first, there were three distinct forms of the currency for French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and the New Hebrides, respectively, with Wallis and Futuna using the New Caledonian franc. Now all banknotes are identical, with one side exhibiting landscapes or historical figures of French Polynesia and the other side displaying landscapes or historical figures of New Caledonia. There are still two sets of coins, however. From New Caledonia to French Polynesia, one side of the coins remains the same, while the reverse side will vary, appearing with either the name Nouvelle-Caledonie (New Caledonia, Wallis, and Futuna) or the name Polynesie Francaise (French Polynesia). Similar to how the euro coins function, with one side that exhibits a national theme but is legal tender in all eurozone countries, the CFP coins can be used in all countries that are part of the eurozone, as well as all of the French territories. By John Daly Next month, scheduled air services between Dublin and Hong Kong take flight. The first direct service between Ireland and the Asian mainland, via Cathay Pacific, underlines the growing trade links with the Far East, even as Norwegian Air axes its Cork to Providence winter schedule service, just six months after its high-profile launch. While Norwegian blamed lower demand, which also hit Edinburgh and Shannon, it comes as little comfort to the Cork business and political interests who championed the service, even in the face of sustained US union opposition. While I understand that airlines must make commercial decisions, I am actively reminding Norwegian Airlines that the US strongly resisted the granting of the licence, and yet it was through massive political and business support, in the Munster region, that supported the award of the licence, on the basis of a year-round transatlantic flights from Cork, as headlined by the airline, said Ireland South MEP, Deirdre Clune. More wounding still for Cork was the airlines announcement of plans to develop a Dublin Airport base. I warned that this was a Trojan horse for Dublin Airport and, regrettably, so it has proved, said Labour TD Alan Kelly. While Corks discontent is justified, the bigger picture shows Norwegian negotiating turbulence in terms of income and operational costs. Betting that fuel prices would recede from their three-year highs, the airline started scaling-back its hedged positions last year, but costs have continued on an upward increase of over 20%, putting further pressure on its stretched balance sheet. Expansion plans have also been temporarily choked by engine problems on the airlines Dreamliner 787 aircraft, with restrictions imposed by European and US safety regulators. Norwegian, and several airlines worldwide, have, unfortunately, been forced to conduct extraordinary inspections on a number of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, due to issues with the specified type of Rolls Royce engines, said a spokesman. This will affect our operations going forward, but it is too early to predict the scale of the issue. Bjorn Kjos, who controls a 27% stake in Norwegian, is an industry maverick, often compared to Freddie Laker, the pioneer who introduced low-cost, trans-Atlantic flights, with Laker Airways, in the late 1970s. He helped usher in the modern era of affordable air travel. Kjos entered the industry in 2012, with the purchase of 200 fuel-efficient Boeing Dreamliner aircraft for 13bn, at a time when global carriers were in recessionary retreat and American Airlines had entered Chapter 11 in bankruptcy. When the hour is darkest is the time to think counter-cyclically and act boldly, he said at the time. Norwegian Air launched multiple routes to become Europes third-biggest budget carrier, winning a 5% seat share on the North Atlantic. The big picture got even more interesting when IAG, the parent company of British Airways and Aer Lingus, headed by Willie Walsh, bought a 4.6% share. The minority investment is intended to establish a position from which to initiate discussions, including the possibility of a full offer for Norwegian, said AIG. However, the news last Friday, that Norwegian had rejected two takeover proposals from IAG, because they undervalued the airline and its prospects and was considering options on how to proceed, adds further impetus to the takeover tango, which will clearly make a few more rounds of the dance floor, before any kind of commercial marriage is agreed. There is much to play for. The acquisition of Norwegian would not only eliminate a bold competitor who has shaken up the industry with its aggressive, low-cost, long-haul flights, but would also give IAG access to a new fleet of fuel-efficient aircraft to consolidate its premier position into the USA. Given the bigger game around Norwegian Airs possible IAG takeover, the discontent of the Cork business will not abate. By Fiachra O Cionnaith Hollywood A-listers and stars of the small screen have joined forces to call for a yes vote on the May 25 Eighth Amendment referendum as part of a video campaign launched last night. Stars including Saoirse Ronan, Cillian Murphy, Tom Vaughan Lawlor and Victoria Smurfit publicly said they are supporting the yes campaign as both sides of the debate began nationwide tours. In a star-laden video, the Hollywood actors and Irish stars of the small screen said they believe the Eighth Amendment needs to be repealed. Reading from a shared script outlining their views, they said: In Ireland today, if the woman sitting next to you is pregnant she does not have full rights over her own body. In Ireland today, women who find themselves in crisis pregnancies, be it a scared 15-year-old who has been sexually abused or a terrified woman who has been raped, are forced to carry the pregnancy to term. This must stop. In Ireland today, things can change. This is a once in a lifetime vote. Please vote yes. The video was launched in tandem with a Together For Yes national campaign which will see pro-choice activists travel to 22 counties across Ireland over the next 12 days to urge a yes vote on Friday May 25. The bus tour will be rivaled by a similar campaign by the pro-life Love Both group, which left from Dublin City Hall on Saturday. Responding to the video, Cora Sherlock of the Love Both campaign said many people will be disappointed. "I'm sure many people feel very let down to see celebrities join in with the political chorus that is trying to persuade the Irish people to introduce abortion on demand into this country, a course of action that would only repeat the mistakes made in England and other European countries," said Ms Sherlock. She added: "Its very disappointing that Irish celebrities have chosen to use their voice, not in defence of the weak but in defence of a Government proposal to take the right to life out of the Constitution. "Have people like Liam Neeson actually thought about what is involved in allowing abortion without restriction on children up to 12 weeks old, when they already have perfectly formed little arms, legs, and a beating heart?" - Irish Examiner By Louise Roseingrave Up to 100 babies are born in the Coombe Hospital to mothers on methadone every year, figures revealed at an inquest show. The figure was revealed at the inquest of baby Cian Hall who was treated for withdrawal symptoms following his birth in February 2016. Drugs are used to treat the infants born experiencing withdrawal symptoms following exposure to opioids in the womb. Baby Cian was treated successfully and released home where he died due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome the day after his release. Consultant Neonatologist at the Coombe Hospital Professor Martin White told the inquest that up to 100 babies are born in withdrawal having been exposed to drugs in the womb. Half of the affected babies will remain on the ward for up to five weeks. Swaddling, wrapping and feeding helps settle the infants and around 25% of the babies require medication to help them through withdrawal. We try to avoid giving medications to babies. Only around a quarter of the overall number will require medications. Some may stay on for up to five weeks while they are withdrawing from drugs they were exposed to in the womb, Professor White said. Baby Cians mother Selina Hall, from Cherry Orchard, Dublin 10 was on a methadone programme along with prescribed medication, which prolonged his withdrawal symptoms. He was treated in the Coombe Hospital for six weeks before he was released home to live with his parents and four siblings. Selina and Cian Hall. We try to get them home to their families when they are well. Cian was well, Professor White said. Families receive training to administer phenobarbital, a sedative drug that works on the central nervous system and the medication is used to settle the baby. Families are trained by medical staff at the Coombe hospital before infants are discharged from hospital. In baby Cians case, his grandmother Marie Daly was trained to administer his medication in liquid form as part of his bottle feed. Cian was discharged home to live with his parents aged six weeks on April 5th, 2016. He grandmother arrived that evening to give him his medication. Around an hour and a half later the child was found unresponsive and rushed to hospital and died the following day. Tragically, the night before her own death three days later, baby Cian's heartbroken mother Selina told relatives she wanted to enter rehabilitation to come off methadone and she was promised support to achieve this. She was found dead in bed on the morning of April 9th. An autopsy found she died due to multi-drug toxicity with evidence of diazepam, methadone and alcohol in her system. The coroner returned a verdict of death by misadventure. Selina, Cian and Chloe Hall. Selinas eldest daughter Chloe Hall White said her mother was loving, dedicated and devoted despite her addiction to methadone. She lived for her kids. She was a great mother. The methadone didnt stop her from being a brilliant mam to us. I never wanted for anything growing up, she said. She was on methadone but she was clean. She wanted to stop taking it. I know that she wouldnt have wanted to leave us but she was heartbroken over baby Cian. She couldnt live without him. Chloe has since given birth to her own baby and said the loss of her mother is more difficult. Id love to have her around now because she adored all of us and she would be a huge support to me now with my little one. She was such a great mam, I could never fault her for anything. I miss her so much, Chloe said. Buzzards are returnees. Extinct in the late 1800s, they slowly began recolonisation in the 1930s, writes Damien Enright May is here, and everything is in flower. Looking down from a plane on continental Europe, one would think a bright yellow mould infects the land. Its not mould; its fields of flowering rape seed. In Ireland, we prefer grass and cows. My son tells me that in the ancient baroque town of Budejovice in Bavaria, rape seed blows in from the fields and blankets everything, even cats sleeping in sunny doorways. The statues of the biblical hero, Samson, and his companions on the famous town fountain, wear yellow berets and yellow capes, and sounds of cars and footsteps are as muted as after a dusting of snow. A few years ago, flying from Cork over Britain, I saw the earth below me patterned by rectangles or squares of vivid yellow rape between the green swathes of pasture and brown plains of tillage. In the sunlight, the landscape for miles was like a vast artwork by the Dutch painter Piet Mondrian, except that the shapes were not blocks of primary colours but all the gradations of yellow created by the plants and the sun. Flying over Ireland at 33,000ft (or whatever) a couple of weeks ago on our return from the islands in the sun, the Canaries, we hit a remarkable day for the time of year mentioned in last weeks column and have had some truly sunscreen, West Cork weather 70% of the time since. Often, the days have been sunnier than La Gomera (although I wouldnt venture in the sea). In the Canaries this year, weather patterns were reversed (as in many other places). We know, from 37 years experience of La Gomera, that in December, January, and February, the very worst one can expect is a few days of rain, cloud or chilly wind per month 30% non-typical Canary Islands weather against 70% of the usual sun and clear, blue skies. This year, it was 70% dull and 30% sparkling. Some one-week holidaymakers got no more than a single day on the beach. Hikers seeking good walks, rather than the sun, didnt mind. In the Gomeran forests, laurel and heather trees reach over 10m high, and only dappled light reaches the paths. The woods, all through April, were a choir of blackbirds singing as if to outdo one another. Id never realised there were so many up there in the cloud forests. On some hillsides, devastated trees are still apparent from the enormous fires of 2012, but some recovery is evident. In January, this year three dead buzzards were found dumped in a field at Ring near Clonakilty. National Parks and Wildlife Service staff took them to Cork for post-mortems. X-rays showed no sign of lead shot, but two birds were headless and one was missing a leg. Toxicology results showed high levels of carbofuran poison and two rodenticides in the birds livers and stomachs. Carbofuran is illegal in Ireland. Buzzards principally prey on rats and mice, but also eat voles, rabbits, birds, frogs, beetles, and earthworms. They pose no threat to livestock. Why were they poisoned? Could it be a shooter? If it was a self-appointed (or, more likely, self-interested) pheasant-protector (one who raises birds destined to be shot out of the sky with small lead pellets smacking into them at high velocity), I would suggest that pheasants are already very well protected, raised in nurseries, with food and shelter provided by those that intend to shoot them once they reach a sporting size. Wild buzzards do not have such nurturing. They must hunt for food. In past times, when every farm raised its chickens and ducks, their unwelcome presence was understandable. Times were hard and the birdstock ranked second to the livestock in feeding the family. Necessity, not sport, signed the buzzards death warrants. However, are they now agonisingly poisoned purely in order to promote sport? And what about the missing heads, the missing leg? Its strange indeed that the poisoner troubled to recover the birds and mutilate them. Was it a hate crime, I ask? Or was it ritualistic? Maybe the killers werent sportsmen at all but had some notion that these newly-localised birds embody evils spirts which, by flying in our West Cork skies, will bring pestilence to the land? Visitors, reading accounts, might wonder ... Buzzards are returnees. Extinct in the late 1800s, they slowly began recolonisation in the 1930s. Buzzards are only relatively recent arrivals to this part of Ireland, the first birds breeding around Clonakilty within the last 10 years, said the local conservation ranger. This area is close to the western edge of their range in Ireland so its particularly sad to lose them. Ten years before Thatcher and Reagan lurched the world to the right, the young people of Paris took to the streets with a very different view of the world, says TP OMahony. Today, Caroline de Bendern, a British woman, is 77 and lives in France. A former fashion model, it was while she was pursuing that career in Paris during the tumultuous events of May 1968 that a photograph of her went viral (though of course that word wasnt in common usage back then). Recreating a 19th century masterpiece of Liberty leading the People, a statuesque portrait of Caroline de Bendern emerged as a defining image of the protests that swept Europe in the summer of 1968, wrote Abigail Frymann Rouch in The Guardian last year after interviewing Ms de Bendern as she prepared to carry an EU flag in an anti-Brexit march in London. But it was in Paris 50 years ago that the then young model first symbolised the national mood. The image of her holding the Vietcong flag at the height of opposition to the US war against Vietnam over a sea of young protesters, was reproduced worldwide. Last week, during five days in the French capital, I saw that image again on newsstands as papers such as Le Monde, Le Figaro, and Liberation used it to advertise supplements to mark the 50th anniversary of protests, demonstrations, and violent street clashes that evoked memories of the Paris Commune of 1871. In May 1968, 27-year-old de Bendern was a fashion model living in the Latin Quarter, near the Sorbonne University, which would become one of the centres of the student protests. She was really an innocent bystander until, on May 15, she decided on a whim to join a march to the Place de la Bastille, where the French Revolution started on July 14, 1789. When she got there, one of the student leaders hoisted her on to his shoulders and asked her to hold a flag for him. The flag of Vietnam suited me, de Bendern recalls years later. In protest against the Vietnam War. Within minutes, the attractive blonde Englishwoman was surrounded by photographers. The instinct of the fashion model that I was awoke in me. I started to play a role. Lots of ideas went through my head. I even thought of the French Revolution me the daughter of a good English family! My body stiffened. I held my arm up and my expression became serious. Thats when the photograph was taken. Fifty years on, May 1968 remains a watershed moment. Some galleries in the city have mounted exhibitions, and the black and white photographs of students in the Latin Quarter ripping up cobblestones and tossing them over barricades at riot police are emblematic of a defining episode in modern French history. And the photograph of de Bendern which has been compared to the famous 1830 Eugene Delacroix oil painting, Liberty Leading the People, remains the single most enduring image. Looking back, she says she never regretted her involvement. We were bubbling with dreams, she says. The world was opening up to us. Young people felt strong, inspired and also impatient. The protests had started at the university faculty at Nanterre on the outskirts of Paris. In his book, The History of Modern France, Jonathan Fenby says student discontent was spurred on by overcrowding and the selection process backed by the government of Charles de Gaulle, who had been president of France for 10 years. Fenby writes: The faculty in the Paris suburb of Nanterre became the fulcrum of agitation stemming from anger at rules in sexually segregated hostels where students were not allowed to receive visitors in their rooms or make any alterations such as hanging pictures. A galaxy of groups mobilised, calling for a new social and human order with a greater place for the individual. Among the leaders of this galaxy was a red-haired, baby-faced German student. He was 23-year-old Daniel Cohn-Bendit, who would soon be nicknamed Danny the Red by the media. Today he is an MEP for the German Green party. But the real problem was the ageing man in the Elysee Palace. In the tenth year of his governance of France, the 77-year-old President of France had lived too long in his own cocoon, according to Fenby. How could he grasp the appeal of the teachings of Herbert Marcuse, the Structuralists, and the other gurus of the protestors? As they got on a plane for a visit to Poland, Madame de Gaulle asked him joyously: So, its true, you are going to ban miniskirts? Told that such a measure would not be feasible, she showed deep disappointment. Parallels with Eamon de Valera and the repressive climate of Ireland of the 1950s and 1960s spring to mind. In France, workers were to join the students; strikes were widespread, in the end involving 10m workers. Its my departure they are calling for, a dejected de Gaulle acknowledged to his ministers. On May 27, with the Communist daily LHumanite calling for a government of the people, a deal was reached between the government, unions and employers for an average salary increase of 10% and a reduction in working hours. As for the students, they won concessions from the education minister. At last, I have slept, de Gaulle told Pompidou, his prime minister. An end to the protests, the sit-ins, and the factory occupations seemed in sight. Unconvinced, the CIA director Richard helms told Lyndon Johnson France was on the brink of disaster and possible civil war, says Fenby. But the demonstrations petered out, and de Gaulle would hang on for another 11 months. That impatience for change, for reform, that de Bendern talked about wasnt confined to France in 1968. The turmoil left an indelible mark on France, says Fenby, which was echoed by events elsewhere the Prague Spring, which would be put down by Soviet tanks, the campus revolts and anti-Vietnam demonstrations in the United States and cries for freedom on their own terms by young people in many other countries, primarily in the developed world. Things were also beginning to stir in Northern Ireland where young Catholics, drawing inspiration from the civil rights movement in the US and events in Paris, were starting to mobilise. The first civil rights march took place in Derry on October 5, 1968, the marchers defying the ban on processions in certain parts of the city. Fifty people were taken to hospital after clashes between police and marchers. A process was gathering momentum that would change the North forever but at terrible cost in the end, when the peaceful movement for reform and constitutional change, spearheaded by the likes of John Hume, was hijacked by the Provisional IRA, who turned it into an armed struggle which their apologists continue to justify to this day. Elsewhere, too, the desire for reform and the violent opposition to it would claim high-profile victims. A month before the protests and marches that brought Paris to a standstill, Martin Luther King who had re-energised the civil rights movement with his famous I have a Dream speech at a huge rally in Washington DC in 1963 was assassinated (April 4, 1968) in Memphis. And on June 5, 1968, Robert Kennedy, having declared himself a candidate for the presidency, was assassinated in the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. In a four-part Netflix documentary entitled Bobby Kennedy for President, one commentator, speaking in 1968, says that no American in this century has ever been so likely to be president as Robert Francis Kennedy. The final line in the four-part series is Kennedy quoting Tennyson: Come my friends, he intones, tis never too late to seek a newer world. It seemed for a while that such a world was possible the students in Paris, as well as the marchers in Derry, certainly thought so. Instead, within just over a decade, we were in the era of Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan where politics in Britain and in the USA moved sharply to the right. If in the years ahead, after leaving the White House and returning to civilian life, Donald Trump decides to write or have ghost-written another book, it could usefully bear the title How I made America Grate Again. Almost every week, Trump appears to sink to a new low. He has now sparked fury in France and Britain by suggesting looser gun laws could have helped prevent deadly attacks in Paris in 2015, and linking a wave of knife crime in London to a handgun ban. It is less than two weeks since French President Emmanuel Macron was enduring a comical bromance with Trump in Washington. Macrons state visit was intended as a charm offensive to challenge the US presidents ultra-nationalistic political philosophy and world view. In particular, he sought to convince the Trump administration to support multilateral efforts to shut down Irans nuclear programme, to battle climate change and to safeguard free trade. Overall, Macron wants to position France as the main conduit between the US and the EU, a process bolstered by Brexit and by German chancellor Angela Merkels weakened political position. During the visit, the New York Times noted that Macron had struck an apparent rapport with the mercurial American president, who has taken pride in testing, even alienating, some of the United States oldest and truest allies. He was prepared to endure touchy-feely moments with Trump, which he compared to the kissing, hugging and hand shaking that went on between US founding father Benjamin Franklin and the French philosopher Voltaire. It followed a visit by British prime minister Theresa May, who went to Washington to cement the so-called special relationship between the US and the UK. She too had moments of embarrassing kisses and hand-holding by Trump. Far from showing any respect, understanding, or empathy with Americas oldest allies, Trump has alienated them further. Addressing a US gun lobby group, he caused outrage in the UK by suggesting that guns could help combat knife violence in London, and infuriated the French by imitating the 2015 Paris attackers and suggesting the carnage could have been halted if the victims had been armed. The president cruelly mimicked the terrorists slowly killing their victims when, in reality, they were armed with automatic weapons and bombs. It is hard to imagine a more grotesque parody of a world leader than the current occupier of the Oval Office. The problem, though, is not so much Trumps burlesque buffoonery but his combination of arrogance and ignorance. In less than a week, he is to decide on whether or not to withdraw the US from the 2015 deal in which Iran agreed to curb its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. Macron has warned that war could ensue if he does. It is worth remembering that the Americans were the first to use nuclear weapons in anger. The danger is that they could also be the last. At the end of February, 460 people with refugee status were still living in direct provision centres, data provided to the Irish Examiner, under Freedom of Information, shows. In each of 17 centres, there were at least 10 people with status still living there, while Mosney, in Co Meath, had 96 residents with status. Reuben Hambakachere, a transitional support worker for the Meath-based Cultur group and a former resident of Mosney, said none of those 96 people had much chance of moving into private rented accommodation. I was on the ground and I spoke with 15 families last week, he said. They said: If I dont move during the summer, I will have to wait until next year. The difficulties of changing schools was the main reason, but Mr Hambakachere said a sample of families in Mosney had shown why people had not moved on once their application to remain in Ireland had been successful. The main obstacle was money, not just for deposit and start-up costs, but even to attend viewings. Mr Hambakachere also said many people who had been living in a direct provision centre for a number of years had genuine fears about moving out. They had become institutionalised. He added that while people leaving direct provision were at risk of becoming homeless, they often could not access the same supports that were available to other people in the same situation. The centre with the second-highest number of residents with status is the Towers, Clondalkin. It has 84. A three-year project, funded by the European Commission and operated by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) and the Peter McVerry Trust, has just completed the first year of its work. It transferred 46 people out of the centre, with 100 to follow over the next two years. David Moriarty, assistant director of the JRS, said that, by and large, the reason that people with status remain is because there are barriers to leaving. He said the housing crisis had exacerbated the problems. Figures published last week by Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy showed that 9,681 people were living in emergency accommodation at the end of March, although that figure is in dispute, because of claims that it might include hundreds of people who were not technically homeless. The Paths project, run by the JRS and the Peter McVerry Trust, enables clients to secure an enhanced housing assistance payment, but does not provide any money for rent or deposit. Instead, support workers engage with landlords, and vouch for former direct provision residents with references and assurances to the property owner. Only on securing a tenancy will it provide a few hundred euro in start-up money. Mr Moriarty said while 46 people had moved in the first year of Paths, 103 people had been assessed, with tenancies explored and secured through websites like daft.ie. Mr Moriarty also said that any delays in the processing of asylum applications were also likely to have a knock-on effect at a later stage, if and when someone was hoping to move to private, rented accommodation. The cost of the project, over three years, is 240,000, while a similar project in Laois costs 400,000. Documents released under FOI have revealed how Irish Water also had to pay for external legal advice over arrangements for John Tierney to retire on full pension at age 57 and with a 100,000 severance payment. Speaking notes prepared for Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy explained that the retirement deal could not be sanctioned without sign-off from him and two other ministers. A list of redline issues was prepared for Mr Murphy included an explanation of how the retirement package meant an internal pension scheme had to be amended and a new severance gratuity scheme created. Mr Murphy was told to prepare for Opposition comment, suggesting he would be asked about the extraordinary high costs involved in the establishment of Irish Water. The speaking notes said that the department should also be prepared for questions on whether the State would be vulnerable to any potential legal challenges. The Department of Housing and Department of Public Expenditure had on several occasions refused to release documents relating to Mr Tierneys pension. However, the documents were eventually released and shed light on why the pension package had to be approved and new rules introduced to allow for it. A letter from John McCarthy, secretary general of the Department of Housing, to Robert Watt, his equivalent in the Department of Public Expenditure said there had been a difficulty in relation to the retirement terms. It explained how Mr Tierney had ended up in the pension scheme of Ervia, the parent company of Irish Water, but that it did not allow for the retirement terms he believed he was entitled to. The letter said: Dr Tierney considers, and Ervia, following legal advice accepts that it was intended under the terms of his contract that his [pension] arrangements would be the same as operated under the Local Government Superannuation Scheme. Effectively, this means that he would be paid his pension without actuarial reduction and a severance payment of 100,000 on completion of his contract. It said the changes needed to the Ervia scheme could not be approved without sign-off from three different departments: Housing, Communications, and Public Expenditure and Reform. A briefing for Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe said the only person who would benefit from the changes would be Mr Tierney. A separate briefing document from the Department of Housing said the Attorney General also recommended that Mr Tierneys pension deal be agreed upon. The Department of Housing said the severance and pension package were justified as they were part of a contractual commitment. Stephen Teap added his voice to the quit calls as the HSE confirmed Mr OBrien will leave on July 1, four weeks earlier than planned but point blank refused to reveal his pension and pay-off entitlements. Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Mr Teap said his wife Irene, from Carrigaline, Co Cork, was diagnosed with stage two cancer in 2015 and died on July 26 last year, leaving behind two young sons, after two false negative tests in 2010 and 2013. The widower, a corporate sales manager at Volvo Cars, said regardless of who is personally responsible Mr OBrien should step down with immediate effect. I want Tony OBrien gone and to help get rid of the panic thats out there. Tony OBrien cannot remain on while an investigation into Cervical Check takes place, said Mr Teap. He said this was because, as Mr OBrien previously worked for the cancer screening programme and knows how to find answers, he also knows the places to avoid if he doesnt want answers. The widower made the comments as it emerged Mr OBrien is to quit four weeks earlier than planned amid a growing backlash from cervical cancer tests scandal victims, opposition politicians and at least one Government TD. Despite refusing to say how much money the HSE director general will receive in his pension and pay-off package, claiming it would require an actuarial assessment, the HSE confirmed yesterday Mr OBrien will leave on July 1. The decision is because Mr OBrien still has four weeks of holiday entitlements, with Government sources insisting he was not encouraged to use them to fast-track his departure. Stephen Teap says he wants a public inquiry into his wifes death, but not one that drags on for years. Meanwhile, the Dail is set to debate a Sinn Fein no confidence motion in Mr OBrien as part of an amendment to a wider health motion tomorrow evening, with growing suggestions Fianna Fail will back the quit call. Despite Fine Gael TD and junior minister for mental health Jim Daly describing the demand as knee-jerk and Independent Alliance junior minister for skills John Halligan saying there is no point in looking for a head or a sacrificial lamb, Fine Gael TD Fergus ODowd said its too grave for him not to step down. And the pressure grew further, as Fianna Fail TD John McGuinness yesterday told RTE Radios This Week programme Tony OBrien should resign with immediate effect backing a similar demand from party health spokesman Stephen Donnelly on Friday. In another fast-moving day in the cancer tests scandal, it also emerged: 11 of the 209 women known to be affected by the cervical cancer tests scandal have yet to be told; Department of Health sources said a patient advocate may be included in any new HSE board in January; The Irish Patients Association, the Irish Cancer Society and the Marie Keating Foundation are considering holding public meetings with potential cervical cancer tests victims across the country; Just 1,920 of the 7,521 call back requests to the HSEs emergency helpline have been returned to date due to the number of calls. Health Minister Simon Harris is also expected to bring a series of cervical cancer tests scandal memos to cabinet tomorrow, including the exact terms of reference for the month-long scoping exercise which will decide if a commission of investigation is needed. Mr Harris will also bring forward long-flagged mandatory open disclosure laws, in addition to discussing exactly how a redress compensation scheme could operate and whether the State or the US lab involved is liable. Helpline: 1800 45 45 55 (9am to 6pm daily) Bereaved husband considering legal action The husband of a woman who was twice given incorrect smear test results and subsequently died of cervical cancer is considering legal action. Stephen Teap said he has consulted a medical negligence legal firm since learning last week that his wife, Irene Teap, was twice given false negatives in 2010, and 2013, in relation to smears conducted by CervicalCheck. Mrs Teap, from Carrigaline, Co Cork, was diagnosed with stage two cancer in 2015 and died on July 26 last year, leaving behind two young sons. Mr Teap also revealed how he was sent on his way with no supports offered after he attended a meeting last Wednesday with his wifes gynaecologist. Nothing was offered to me, he said. It was a case of good luck and goodbye. There was no offer of counselling or any support services. I have a three-year-old at home who doesnt understand why his mum is not there. He was sick for the last few days and he was looking for her. There is no manual on how to deal with childrens grief when you are trying to deal with your own. Mr Teap, a corporate sales manager at Volvo Cars, also called for HSE chief executive officer Tony OBrien to step down with immediate effect. The purpose of my speaking out is that I want Tony OBrien gone and to help get rid of the panic thats out there, he said. Tony OBrien cannot remain on while an investigation into CervicalCheck takes place. Mr Teap said this was because while he previously worked for the cancer screening programme and was in a position to know how to find answers, at the same time he knows the places to avoid if he doesnt want answers. Mr Teap also called on the Government to show that it has the CervicalCheck scandal under control. He said it was never going to be able to do that as long as Tony OBrien is there, that he had shown a lack of leadership... if you cant take responsibility for the people you lead and who report into you. And if they cant bring it under control, maybe they are the ones that need to go, he said. Mr Teap said he favours a public inquiry into the scandal, but not one that drags on for years, as several tribunals have. He said the timeframe could be addressed in the terms of reference for the inquiry. An element of this scandal is the cover-up, so we cant have an inquiry behind closed doors, said Mr Teap. Following a phone call from the HSE last Tuesday, Mr Teap discovered that his wife was one of the 17 women to receive incorrect smear test results and who have since died. Fifteen of the women were not told that an audit had found earlier smears had erroneously recorded false negative results. At a meeting in St Finbarrs Hospital in Cork last Wednesday, Mr Teap asked his wifes consultant why she had not been told of the errors. He was told it was because by the time the doctor found out, his wife had only weeks to live. Mr Teap said the doctor apologised for not passing on the information. With demand for more of the several thousand students expected to enrol annually at Corks third-level colleges in the next decade to be accommodated in built-for-purpose housing, developers have responded with a raft of projects. Permission has been granted for a number of purpose-built student accommodation schemes in what Cork City Council member John Buttimer describes as a corridor from South Main St in the heart of the city to the lower gates of UCC at Western Rd. Another group of projects have been built, secured planning permission, or await approval either side of the main UCC campus, between The Lough and the Lee Fields at the Carrigrohane Road on the citys western outskirts. Nearer to the main Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) campus in the western suburb of Bishopstown, Mr Buttimer sees far less development. One project got permission late last year on a former packaging plant site right next to CIT, just off Melbourne Rd. If it is built, it would provide beds for nearly 350 students. Cork student apartment boom poses questions for citys local communities Cork City is in the middle of a boom in student apartment building, but the location of schemes is causing concern, writes Niall Murray. Student apartments are being built around Cork City at unprecedented rates in the past two years, but the number and location of projects are causing concern. With demand for more of the several thousand students expected to enrol annually at Corks third-level colleges in the next decade to be accommodated in built-for-purpose housing, developers have responded with a raft of projects. Construction under way on the student apartments overlooking the south channel of the River Lee. Picture: Larry Cummins Permission has been granted for a number of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) schemes in what Cork City Council member John Buttimer describes as a corridor from South Main St in the heart of the city to the lower gates of UCC at Western Road. Another group of projects have been built, secured planning permission, or await approval either side of the main UCC campus, between The Lough and the Lee Fields at the Carrigrohane Road on the citys western outskirts. Nearer to the main Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) campus in the western suburb of Bishopstown, Cllr Buttimer sees far less development. One project got permission late last year on a former packaging plant site right next to CIT, just off Melbourne Road. If it is built, it would provide beds for nearly 350 students. But as a local councillor, Mr Buttimer considers some land nearer to CIT to be more suitable than sites currently or recently the subject of planning applications for purpose-built student housing. The two colleges should talk to each other. CIT has available land that would be very appropriate for PBSA, and UCC has finance available to facilitate it. If you had sufficient numbers, they could attract private investment into viable transport to link the colleges, Mr Buttimer said. The ironic situation is that laws around State borrowing prevent institutes of technology from borrowing for capital purpose, although a 2015 report from the Higher Education Authority on student accommodation recommended this be addressed. The Department of Education told the Irish Examiner that there is an ongoing examination of potential funding models for the development of PBSA by the Institute of Technology sector. The universities have much greater freedom to do so, and UCC is one of many which have been availing of cheaper finance from the European Investment Bank to progress projects. Artists impression of the new pedestrian bridge and student apartments, now under construction, planned for a site adjacent to the proposed event centre. LAST years amendments to planning laws to facilitate elements of the Governments housing strategy allow third-level colleges borrow from the Housing Finance Agency to help finance student accommodation. From the councils perspective, much of what John Buttimer considers in need of addressing may be incorporated into amendments to the city development plan. Cork City Hall officials have been working since late last year to assess current and future supply and demand, and to look at how a more strategic approach to developments of PBSA could be adopted. Their report earlier this month to the councils strategic planning committee came before the full council on Monday, April 23. It does not designate any specific sites or areas of the city as definite locations where PBSA should or should not be provided. However, if adopted by the council after a public consultation exercise, it could allow for more controlled delivery of accommodation that meets the requirements of a growing student population, but which also takes account of the wider community. What officials propose is a wording in the Cork City Development Plan 2015-2021, which recognises the local authoritys obligations in support of the National Student Accommodation Strategy which was published by the Government last summer. The former Coca-Cola plant on the Carrigrohane Road is to be developed as student apartments. Picture: Denis Minihane On this basis, it sets out that the council would support the provision of high quality and managed, purpose-built student accommodation, on campus, in areas in close proximity to third-level institutes and in locations within easy access of public transport corridors and cycle routes to third-level institutes. While it is not a current policy requirement, for example, any future purpose-built developments would be required to have an agreement with the council around how their facilities would be subject to full-time on-site management. Such provisions have been set out by companies seeking planning permission in recent years already, many of them from firms with national or international experience in this market. The proposed new policy might make it harder to provide PBSA outside the immediate area in which colleges are located. However, these could be argued to include some of the many offshoots of UCC and CIT being provided near the city centre in recent years. For example, UCC and CITs jointly-run school of architecture will move soon from its temporary home in Copley Street near Anglesea Street to a newly-built location off Douglas Street. CITs constituent Crawford College of Art & Design has refurbished the nearby former City Club on Grand Parade to accommodate some of its courses. A view of the student accommodation development on Western Road on the site of the former filling station. In addition, also nearby are CITs Cork School of Music, and St Johns Central College and Cork College, both run by Cork Education and Training Board, This hub of third-level and further education colleges could encourage private developers to argue a justification for PBSA schemes in that area of the south inner city. Within the city centre area, one of the largest permitted student accommodation schemes is already under construction at part of the Brewery Quarter development on the old Beamish & Crawford site on South Main St. The developers BAM began work there last November and will plan to have 413 bed spaces ready for occupation within 18 months, possibly over 450 if a current planning application to add an extra floor succeeds. This is one of a number of schemes on which building work is already underway, with close to 200 bed spaces due to come on market at the former Muskerry service station near the lower gates of University College Cork by this autumn. These and other schemes under construction suggest the increased provision of PBSA by next year could be a little more than was anticipated by 2019 in Cork by last years Government strategy on the topic. But with rising demand for student rental accommodation in all forms, including PBSA but also the private rental sector, house-share arrangements and traditional digs, the rising supply is not likely to keep pace. The current overall demand is estimated at around 13,000 bed spaces, nearly 3,800 of which were being in PBSA. The former Coca-Cola site on the Carrigrohane Road has been demolished to make way for a new student apartment development, of which this is an artists impression. Picture: Pedersen Focus AS MORE international students arrive here and as colleges report more Irish students prefer to live in PBSA beyond the more traditional first-year only use of these facilities, demand for those purpose-built units is rising too. Based on the 2017 National Student Accommodation Strategy, that could increase from nearly 5,500 to almost 6,500 by 2019. Even with slightly higher-than-projected increases in supply, there will still be a shortfall of around 2,000 bed spaces a year for those students wishing to spend the academic year in purpose-built apartments. That could remain the case through to 2024, meaning PBSA is far from the silver bullet that some commentators and even policy-makers suggest in relation to freeing up private houses and apartments for the under-pressure housing market. The experiences of residents living in those areas where the existing private rental accommodation is let out in large proportions to students may make it understandable why some of the PBSA schemes are the subject of large numbers of local objections. The old Gillan House, Farranlea Road, where 145 student apartments are planned. Picture: Denis Minihane Between UCCs main campus and The Lough, plans for a student apartment development on the site of a former joinery business at Denroches Cross were the subject of more than 100 submissions to the council. In one of several appeals against the councils decision to grant permission, local residents wrote: The placing of 350 students in a mature residential area of the city with an ageing population is not consistent with the [city development plans] strategic vision for high quality and sustainable living communities. A decision on that application, which was reduced by the developer to 322 bed spaces during local authority planning stages, is due from An Bord Pleanala by May 21. There are concerns from residents about the impact of another proposed PBSA development in the Farranlea Road area between Model Farm Road and Victoria Cross, not far from either CIT or UCC main campuses. That scheme of 145 bed spaces was given conditional permission by Cork City Council in January and the outcome of appeals is expected in June. Aside from the control and regulation of PBSA provision, Cllr Buttimer thinks Cork City Council can play a more useful part in how individual houses or apartments let out to students are policed. Residents in some communities, particularly those close to UCC, in regular communication with him about rowdy parties, on-street drinking and other anti-social behaviour. ORiordans Joinery, Bandon Road, Cork. A student apartment development is currently under appeal to An Bord Pleanala. Picture: Denis Minihane Crucially, he points out, no matter if all the current proposals for PBSA were to be approved and built, there will still be a requirement for students to avail of rooms in such private rented homes. He feels that enforcement of local authority bye-laws are minimal and inspection levels need to be increased. While officials will point to their limited role in many aspects, Cllr Buittmer says there are areas in which they have responsibilities. The council has the right to inspect private rented accommodation registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board. But there are also rights to inspect under litter acts, and the HSE also has rights to inspect, he said. If we can raise the quality and standard of [of private rented houses], it would help. Because if you do so, there would also be an improvement in general behaviour of tenants and upkeep of their property, he said. State of play on bed spaces across city Former Muskerry service station, Western Rd: 190 bed spaces Under construction and due for occupation by September 2018. Through the planning stages, the project was associated with UK student accommodation specialists Ziggurat, but was part of a recent acquisition of several projects by an international joint venture in the same market. Brewery Quarter, part of Beamish & Crawford site, South Main St: 413 bed spaces Under construction, and capacity could rise to 455 if a current application for an additional floor is successful. The project is due to be ready for first lettings by September 2019. It is also part of the recent bundle of projects bought in Ireland by Harrison Street Real Estate Capital and Global Student Accommodation Group, to operate under the Uninest student residences brand. Copley Street: 126 bed spaces An extra 126 bed spaces will be provided by Septem ber 2019, through the conversion of part of an existing facility, which has been in use by the CIT-UCC school of architecture. This will result in the provision of a total of 260 bed spaces at this location. Crows Nest site, Victoria Cross, with 250 bed spaces planned. Former Coca-Cola bottling plant, Carrigrohane Rd: 484 bed spaces Planning permission is in place since May 2017 for 484 bed spaces at this brownfield site. The site has been cleared, having been the subject of a previous successful application dating back to 2007. Former OMahony Packaging site, Melbourne Rd (off Model Farm Rd): 344 bed spaces Last November, An Bord Pleanala granted permission for this project, close to CIT, for which an application was lodged with Cork City Council in August 2016. Crows Nest site, Victoria Cross: 250 bed spaces In one of the first cases in which An Bord Pleanala decided an application on student accommodation under 2017 housing regulations, permission was granted in March. Although Cork City Council recommended one less floor than UCC applied to build, the board approved the height originally sought. UCC expects it will be September 2020 before this scheme is open to students. ORiordan Joinery site, Bandon Rd (Glasheen Rd/Magazine Rd junction): 322 bed spaces This development is under appeal to An Bord Pleanala. A decision is due by May 21. The former Kellehers Tyres premises, Victoria Cross Road, where a five-storey block for 124 students is proposed. Picture: Denis Minihane Farranlea Road (between Model Farm Road and Victoria Cross): 145 bed spaces The former Gillan House warehouse was permitted by Cork City Council in January to be demolished and replaced with a scheme with 145 student bedrooms, but the case was referred to An Bord Pleanala and a decision is expected by June 11. Former Square Deal store, Washington St West: 228 bed spaces A block fronting Washington St West, and stretching back to Lynchs St, is subject of a recent planning appeal. A decision is expected from An Bord Pleanala in August. Kelleher Tyres site, Victoria Cross Rd: 124 bed spaces A planning application for this site was submitted to Cork City Council at the end of February. It proposes the construction of a five-storey apartment block with room for 124 students, but planners have asked for further information and revisions in relation to a number of aspects of the project. Data protection specialist Noel Doherty said the Government had known for two years the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), comes into effect on May 25, yet it is in a race against time with its own bill. The Government has been remiss in the delay in bringing the Data Protection Bill forward to provide the framework for the application of the GDPR in Ireland, said Mr Doherty. Fianna Fail, Sinn Fein, and charities lashed out at Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy and the suggestion last night, despite Government sources insisting it was an attempt to ensure those affected were not stuck in long-term homelessness. Leaked reports to a Sunday newspaper revealed that the Department of Housing was considering removing non-EU nationals who are without housing or without working rights in Ireland from official homelessness figures. People in some long-term health addiction care may also be affected. Currently, a small number of non-EU nationals who are homeless are placed in hotels and bed and breakfasts by the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive, despite questions over whether they are legally entitled to the help. In addition, it has been claimed up to 2,000 people in some long-term healthcare facilities might be incorrectly classed as homeless, as they are in addiction and mental health services. Last night, Government sources said any potential changes were only being considered, as otherwise the non-EU nationals would be stuck in a homelessness cycle. The sources said some non-EU nationals would be better able to access homes and working rights, if re-classed. However, just days after a separate row with county councils, over attempts to remove hundreds of people from the official homeless statistics and after further Government attempts to only release figures every three months, instead of every month, opposition parties and charities last night lashed latest plans. I was absolutely stunned when I saw this, said Fianna Fail housing spokesman Darragh OBrien. There is no reason in the whole wide earth why you would do that, other than to make the figures look better. Its disgusting, he said. His Sinn Fein counterpart, Eoin O Broin, said the leaked suggestion was another example of the Government massaging figures, and added that some Department of Housing officials are either confused or incompetent. Mr OBroin said he had written to the Dails cross-party housing committee chairwoman, Fine Gael TD Maria Bailey, requesting an emergency meeting with Mr Murphy, a view Mr OBrien also backed. The Simon Community and Focus Ireland said homeless figures must include all who are affected. A spokesperson for Mr Murphy said the department awaits an inter-departmental report on the reasons for homelessness, adding the most important thing is that we show compassion for people in times of crisis. Sitting at Dungarvan District Court, Judge Terence Finn signed the orders after only 17 of 44 people listed for enforcement on the day had either paid their fines or were represented in court. The non-payments follow the introduction of the 2014 Fines (Payment and Recovery) Act, which effectively came into force in 2016. The act was introduced amid increasing concern that people were being incarcerated for non-violent crimes, petty offences, and situations arising from circumstances such as loss of employment or inability to pay. In many cases, it was costing the State more to imprison them than the amount of the unpaid fines. The act replaces imprisonment for non-payment of a fine with prior alternatives, namely: Payment by instalment; Attachment to earning;. Recovery orders if the fine is more than 500 or is a corporate fine; Jail may be imposed if an alternative is not met. The enforcement actions in relation to the Dungarvan court sitting pertained to due dates up to the end of April 2016. The offences in question involved indictments that included misuse of drugs, driving violations, public order offences, non- possession of a TV licence, and burglaries. The fines ranged from 150 up to 500. Several of those who were summoned to court had paid up in advance of the hearing, while others made their representations through a solicitor. Issuing the warrants, Judge Finn noted that since the new act, there seemed to be a perception amongst some people that failure to meet a financial penalty imposed by the court carries no consequences. However, he warned: I wish to assure the public that it will have consequences! The HSE yesterday confirmed that Mr OBrien will leave in just seven weeks time on July 1, but refused to say what the beleaguered health bosss pension and settlement terms will be. In a move seen as a bid to contain the anger surrounding the cervical cancer tests scandal and which Government sources last night insisted they did not encourage, Mr OBrien will leave four weeks early by taking his remaining holiday days. However, despite his fast-tracked departure, calls for him to step down or be sacked immediately are growing due to the scale of the crisis. Speaking on RTEs The Week In Politics, Fine Gael TD and junior minister for mental health Jim Daly said that Mr OBrien is quitting his position early to take some period of leave and described calls for him to resign as knee-jerk and opportunistic. On the same programme, Sinn Fein health spokeswoman Louise OReilly whose party has put down a no- confidence motion in Mr OBrien that will be heard in the Dail tomorrow evening said the HSE boss must go now. Labelling Mr OBriens decision to take his four weeks holiday entitlements as absolutely outrageous, she claimed the situation is further proof of the need to remove him immediately and not wait until July. Independent Alliance junior minister for skills John Halligan told the Irish Examiner last night he did not see the point in looking for a head or a sacrificial lamb by seeking Mr OBriens resignation, but the quit call was echoed by Fine Gael TD Fergus ODowd, who said: Its too grave for him not to step down. Fianna Fail TD John McGuinness yesterday told RTE Radios This Week programme: Tony OBrien should resign with immediate effect. Mr McGuinness said the Fianna Fail frontbench will discuss its position on the Sinn Fein motion tomorrow morning, but he personally asked the party last week to back the call. He added that the Dail finance committee will meet with the State Claims Agency on Wednesday about why it is using taxpayers money to beat up our citizens. The HSE last night refused to say what pension and pay-off entitlements Mr OBrien will receive . In a statement to the Irish Examiner, a spokesperson said: We cannot provide you with the pension figure as it would require an actuarial assessment and there are many years until he draws down his pension. Nine in 10 parents who took part in the survey, by One Family, a national organisation for one-parent families, said the posters were not helpful. Three quarters said the campaign has led to discussions about abortion with their children. Karen Kiernan, One Family CEO, said that many parents felt the posters should not have gone up in the first place, or that text, without images, would have been more appropriate. Perhaps in the future, consideration should be given to not using pictures, which in some cases are graphic and disturbing, said Ms Kiernan. One Family, which provides crisis pregnancy and post-abortion counselling services, launched the survey last week following an escalation in the number of people seeking its counselling and parenting services, particularly its tips on how to speak to your child about abortion. The majority of those seeking support said they had done so after they, or their children, had seen graphic campaign posters. Ms Kiernan said: What we are finding is that parents are being triggered by the images into a conversation with their children that they are just not ready for." She said parents were particularly annoyed that posters were placed near schools. The survey was conducted online by One Family through its social media and e-zine followers, as well as via other organisations working with families and had over 300 respondents. It included community and voluntary child and family organisations. Last week, anti-repeal campaigners the Irish Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform were criticised for displaying graphic imagery showing foetuses outside Dublins three maternity hospitals. With less than three weeks to run to the referendum vote on Friday, May 25, a poll published yesterday in the Sunday Independent found the Yes side is narrowly ahead. When the undecideds are included, the poll shows 45% in favour, 34% against, with 18% undecided and 4% who did not express an opinion. The referendum will ask if citizens want to delete the Eighth Amendment, and insert new wording enabling the Dail to make laws allowing women to access abortion in Ireland. Together For Yes welcomed yesterdays poll, saying it shows consistent support for a yes vote. The group launched its Get Together For Yes conversations tour in Athlone, Co Westmeath. The Love Both campaign, which opposes repealing the Eighth Amendment, also welcomed the Sunday Independent/Kantar Millward Brown opinion poll, saying it represented a further drop in support for the Governments abortion proposal and increased support for a no vote. One Familys parenting tips are available at onefamily.ie/how-to-talk-with-your-child-about-abortion-a-guide-from-one-family/ Stars including Saoirse Ronan, Cillian Murphy, Tom Vaughan Lawlor and Victoria Smurfit publicly said they are supporting the yes campaign as both sides of the debate began nationwide tours. In a star-laden video, the Hollywood actors and Irish stars of the small screen said they believe the Eighth Amendment needs to be repealed. Reading from a shared script outlining their views, they said: In Ireland today, if the woman sitting next to you is pregnant she does not have full rights over her own body. In Ireland today, women who find themselves in crisis pregnancies, be it a scared 15-year-old who has been sexually abused or a terrified woman who has been raped, are forced to carry the pregnancy to term. This must stop. In Ireland today, things can change. This is a once in a lifetime vote. Please vote yes. The video was launched in tandem with a Together For Yes national campaign which will see pro-choice activists travel to 22 counties across Ireland over the next 12 days to urge a yes vote on Friday May 25. The bus tour will be rivaled by a similar campaign by the pro-life Love Both group, which left from Dublin City Hall on Saturday. Group spokeswoman Katie Ascough said: The bus tour for the next three weeks will take us to towns and villages all over the country where we will do street outreaches and canvass blitzes, all with one purpose - to let people know that a vote for repeal would hand complete power over to the Government to make our abortion laws. Meanwhile, Tanaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney will be among a number of politicians to take part in a cross-party pro-choice Cork Together For Yes event in Cork City at midday today. The event has been organised to highlight the level of cross-party support for a yes vote, despite the fact a significant number of TDs are also opposed to repealing the eighth amendment. Speaking on RTEs The Week in Politics, Fine Gael TD and junior minister for mental health Jim Daly said the time has come for Ireland to stop giving women Ryanair and Aer Lingus tickets instead of helping them when it is needed. However, on the same programme, Independent TD for Cork South West Michael Collins said even in rape cases he knows of women who have had beautiful babies and said women travelling abroad for abortion is like people travelling abroad for health issues such as cataracts. The sun beamed down on the third and final night of Sheerans three-night stand at Corks Pairc Ui Chaoimh, with fans left delighted thanks to a man who can seem to do no wrong. Vicky Phelan, who has thrown the spotlight on the cervical smear scandal in recent weeks, revealed on Twitter that her daughter, a huge Sheeran fan, was due to meet her hero as she attended one of the concerts over the weekend. She was just one of the tens of thousands of people who packed out the three shows to leave with a smile on her face as the Grammy award winner rattled off his hits. At least 120,000 people attended all three concerts on Leeside, with both Saturday and Sunday shows a complete sell-out. As the city basked in the afterglow of a huge feelgood factor, gardai reported that there had been no problems whatsoever. A Garda spokesman in the city said: The weather also helped it turned up trumps for us. Leeside was buzzing with anticipation even before Friday nights first concert and Cork Chamber said it had brought millions of euro into the city. Cork Chamber president Bill OConnell said the atmosphere around the city had been fantastic. It started really on Thursday when you saw the infrastructure being put in place, he said. It shows up the city for what it can do and what it can offer hopefully it is the first of many. Every hotel room was sold out, B&Bs were doing a wonderful trade, the bars were going well it ticked every box. However, there were some grumbles. While access into the venue seemed to operate well, some gig-goers complained that if they stayed until the end of the concert, by the time they trekked back into the city centre, the last buses to outlying areas such as Ballincollig, Carrigaline, and Blarney had already gone. On a more serious note, it was confirmed that on Saturday night a 19-year-old woman was hospitalised after falling through the roof of a commercial premises close to Pairc Ui Chaoimh. It is thought the woman might have got onto the roof of the building on Monahan Rd to catch a view of the concert when she fell shortly after 9pm. She was taken to Cork University Hospital but it is understood her injuries were minor. Away from that, however, it was good vibes only. Every chip and ice cream van on the route to the stadium was playing one of Sheerans hits and one house had a homemade sign outside offering use of the toilet for a fiver. A group from Mallow, Co Cork, arriving at the concert via Monahan Rd. Picture: Larry Cummins Fans travelled from near and far, among them 10-year-old Matteo Formisano, attending his first big concert with his mother, Katherine, and Eithne and Evan McGuckian. The quartet had travelled in from Watergrasshill and said they were confirmed fans of everyones favourite redhead. Its a great boost to the city, theres a lovely atmosphere, Eithne said. We want more. Bring on the Events Centre. It was Matteos big gig debut and he seemed excited, while Katherine said: He was joking they are escorting their mums. Breda Ross and Mary Walsh from Wexford were also making their debut at an Ed concert. The songs, the music, the personality we love him, Breda said. He has a Wexford granny as well. Breda joked that shed had her photograph taken with the main man earlier in the day, but Mary revealed it was a cardboard cut-out. My son thought it was real anyway, Breda joked. Trevor ODriscoll from Carrigaline was accompanying his six-year-old daughter Abbie to last nights concert but said his wife had already caught last Fridays show. As for Abbie, she loves Ed she watches him on YouTube all the time. Support acts Beoga, Jamie Lawson, and Ann Marie keep the crowd going as more and more people poured in ahead of the main event. Ed Sheeran has opened proceedings on Friday by wearing a Cork GAA jersey fitting attire given his surroundings and the love-in continued over the weekend. As the sun dipped shortly after he took to the stage to a rapturous reception, those watching the last hurrah for this run of gigs would probably use one of his hit songs to sum it up: Perfect. Features Dissent in the Naga Hills as India-Myanmar Border Follies Linger Nyukha, the head village chief of Dan village, standing near the International Trade Center inauguration stone and border pillar number 146 in Dan village. / Bidhayak Das Even as India is busy courting Myanmar to advance its much-touted Act East Asia Policy, with promises and talks to open up borders and enhance people to people contact, far away in the remote Naga hills a slow but definite dissent is brewing against both New Delhi and Naypyitaw. The dissent has its roots deeply embedded in the decisions that were taken by governments of both these countries in 2016 to collaborate in fencing an imaginary boundary along the picturesque Dan village in the Noklak district of Nagaland. Surrounded by the majestic Saramati highlands of Nagaland on its west, the tiny hamlet of Dan and other adjoining villages like Pangsha have been in the news since an abortive attempt was made by the Myanmar government to fence about three kilometers of an imaginary border that passes through these villages. The fencing work, which was stopped following massive protests from locals of Dan, Pangsha and other villages as well as several Naga organizations, threatens to convert about 3,500 hectares of cultivable area into no mans land and divide the Khiamniungan Naga families that inhabit these hills. The Khiamniungans are one of the major tribes among the Nagas and spread across the eastern part of Nagaland state in India and the western part of Myanmar. Khiamniungan literally means source of great water or river, (Khiam means water, Nui means great and Ngan means source). The nomenclature is said to derive from the biggest river of the land (Laang) and the Chindwin river downhill with which the former converges. Apart from the Konyaks, the Khiamniungan Nagas were also known to be among the most ferocious Naga headhunters before they converted to Christianity. Their encounters against the British in 1936 and 1939 after their villages were burned by the latter are well documented. The Khiamniungan Naga are restive. On the one hand, there is the fencing that Myanmar may resume any time and on the other Indian military forces, deployed to man a security post that was set up in Dan soon after the fencing work had started, are continuously harassing local residents. Our people are literally at the mercy of the Indian military personnel to live their lives on their own land, stopped, checked and questioned whenever they make any attempt to find their way to their fields, to hospitals, to markets, to schools and even to visit their family members, rued Pape, the 80-year-old gaobura (village headman) of new Pangsha village, the wrinkles on his forehead deepening into several stripes. So why should we not fight back; we will if our lives and traditions are disturbed. We shall stop being good Indian citizens and prepare for something big, asserted P Beshim, a Khiamniungan elder in his mid-80s and an adviser of the Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC), an umbrella organization of all Khiamniungan Nagas. This was perhaps an indication of an armed uprising. When asked to explain, the answer from Beshim and members of the KTC was, Such a thing has never happened to us, our feelings are hurt as if our body has been cut into two and if they dont stop harassing we shall go to any extent. Truth Versus Hype: A Visit to Dan and Pangsha The visit to Dan was long overdue and especially after the fencing fiasco broke out in 2016 it was important to get a sense of how things evolved since then. On reaching Pangsha covering several hundred miles, Baba (as Pape the gaobura is known) invited me to trek with him through the hilly terrain between the Dan mountains (the Dan village derives its name from the mountains) and meet his Khiamniungan brothers and sisters from the other side. I readily agreed but little did I realize that we were heading straight into trouble. Perhaps Baba knew but he did not let it dampen my excitement. As we approached the Indian security checkpoint, we were greeted by automatic machine gun barrels pointing at us from the bunkers that were located right in front of the entrance. Inside the bunkers sat soldiers with their fingers on the triggers and outside an Assam Rifles (an Indian paramilitary force) officer sat where all passersby from both sides were made to record their names in a register and questioned. It was a painstakingly slow process and decisions on granting permission to move in and out through this route were rather arbitrary. While we were allowed to go after entering our names on a register, a young Naga woman who was injured on her left leg and needing urgent medical attention was stopped and made to wait for hours even as she was turning pale from the pain she was in. The woman was driven up by her relatives on a motorcycle from Lahe on the Myanmar side. Lahe is a town in the Naga Hills of Sagaing Division on the northwest frontier of Myanmar and is grouped together with Leshi and Nanyun in the Naga Self-Administered Zone under Myanmars military-drafted 2008 Constitution. We want to take her to Kohima for treatment as she is serious, said her escort, while pleading with the Assam Rifles officer who seemed to turn a deaf ear to the pleas. Please do something and take her with you to Noklak at least, said another of her relatives this time turning to me, but to my utter helplessness as I was also awaiting a final clearance to move along the boundary area. The army officer on duty saw this and walked to where I was standing and spoke to me in his native Bangla. He said, Aye Naga ra boja ne khali bike kore asa jawa kore, aita bishon sensitive jayaga, Burma bomb kor te para kono somay, (These Nagas want to move in and out, they dont realize this is a very sensitive place. Myanmar can bomb any time). I thought to myself, Is this the kind of fear psychosis that the Indian establishment is trying to create in the minds of the Nagas of these areas? I felt like telling the army officer that I have spent over 10 years in Myanmar and havent heard of any decision that the Myanmar government would take to bomb the hills of Nagaland. However, I had to move on to see the fenced section of the border. Before I could move, Baba held my hand and said, Look this is what has been happening here, our lives have changed. We have not been consulted before such restrictions were imposed on us; our people are suffering. It is our land and we shall not allow our lives to be cut into halves. Moments before that, Baba was seen confronting a Naga officer in the Assam Rifles telling him in no uncertain terms, You are forcefully occupying our place and disturbing our lives. Please get out of here. A day after my visit there was another incident reported, this time with an administrative officer of Lahe who got into a verbal altercation with an Indian security officer after he was prevented from taking his vehicle to reach a Naga village under his jurisdiction that could be accessed only through the Indian side. Incidentally, the nature of mountainous terrain makes it difficult to access villages that are under one administrative jurisdiction especially on the Myanmar side of the Naga Hills. Incidents such as this have been on the rise over the last two years. Genesis of the Imaginary Boundary and the Fencing Story: Who is Fencing and Why? The imaginary line that cuts across Dan village and parts of new Pangsha is shrouded in mystery. While it is well known that the Naga hills were divided by the Anglo-Burmese Yandabo agreement in 1826 and later in 1953 under the Indo-Burmese demarcation in Kohima on the Naga territory by Jawaharlal Nehru and U Nu, the then prime ministers of the two countries, there is virtually no information to suggest drawing of an imaginary line across the hills that houses villages belonging to the Khiamniungan Nagas. Elderly members of the KTC remember two futile attempts, once a joint India-Myanmar initiative in 1970 when soldiers of both nations suffered heavy casualties after they were confronted by underground groups and 35 years later in 2004 by the Lahe administration of Myanmar. Each time the Khiamuingans stood up to thwart attempts to fence the border. The British never told us of any imaginary line after 1947. We lived as free Nagas and will do so forever, claimed KTC president L Ngon. There have been conflicting stories regarding the fencing with most media reports apportioning the blame squarely on the Indian government. Indias Ministry of External Affairs has been quoted in several new media outlets as saying India has nothing to do with the fencing. The KTC is of the view that both India and Myanmar are responsible. The Myanmar government constructed the fences with their men and labor, with the Indian army guarding them. A walk from border pillar number 139 to pillar number 146, which is at the edge of a helipad that was used during the World War II, reveals that about three kilometers of land have been cleared to make way for the fences. The fences lie half-done with only the skeletal frame made of iron rods on two sides covering about half a kilometer. The fencing plan runs through agricultural land, a playground and even a school called the Straightway Mission school that caters to the education needs of the Khiamniungan Nagas on both sides of the imaginary line. As many as 244 villages, 44 on the Indian side and 200 in Myanmar, are facing the brunt of the fencing. The villages that have found repeat mention though are Dan, old and new Pangsha on the Indian side and Pounyiu and Woilan on the Myanmar side considering their strategic location, proximity to the Indian security post, and the bigger size of their land area and population. A visibly upset Bishem, who has roamed the hills and mountains since his childhood, is afraid that the fencing will rob the villagers of 3,500 hectares of their cultivable land and destroy the age-old traditional jhum (slash and burn) cultivation cycles forever. Over 10,000 peoples livelihood will be affected. The most hard-hit will be our fellow Nagas from the other side and we cant allow this, he affirms, saying: If the free movement regime (FMR) is taken away then we will have to decide to leave all the 244 villages either in India or in Myanmar. We cannot live in two countries if the FMR is taken away. An FMR billboard inside the Indian security checkpoint clearly states that citizens of India and Myanmar living within 16 km of the border are most welcome to cross the Indo-Myanmar border. It also states that the free movement regime has been formalized to promote economic and social interaction between the two friendly countries, and that the free movement regime will safeguard the rights of the tribal communities accustomed to free movement across the land borders. On the eve of my departure to these villages, KTC members planned a meeting in Noklak to give me a birds eye-view of the problem and its implications on peoples lives, livelihood, the Naga peace process and the potential of a new armed conflict. Fencing Gains and Losses for India and Myanmar From my interactions with the KTC, village council members, farmers, local administrative officials and elderly folks that have lived in these hills for almost 100 years have convinced me that the losses far outweigh the gains if any at all. Firstly, most of the population in Pounyiu and Woilan have been dependent on Dan and Pangsha to eke out a livelihood by selling and buying goods and food. We dont have any hospitals and medical centers so we have to bring our patients to Nagaland for treatment, was what one of the relatives of the injured woman at the checkpoint had told me as if to corroborate what I have been hearing from the KTC and Village Council members of Noklak. Finding a doctor and a hospital in Nagaland is 10 times easier than having to travel to the nearest town in Sagaing or to Mandalay, which could take days if not weeks. People living in these hills have developed a robust and self-sustaining economy of sorts which in many ways should lessen the worry for local administrators in Lahe and in Naypyitaw. For the Myanmar government, the Naga hills have always been difficult and inaccessible terrain and thus a fence, which they are eager to construct, would only add to their worries. So the push for a fence is intriguing to say the least and perhaps is a million-dollar question that only Naypyitaw can answer. For India too, supporting the local economy would be perhaps more prudent so as to prevent food scarcity, reduce pressure on the land and forest and prevent changes to climate and the environment. On the security front, India stands only to lose. The argument that the checkpoint will contain cross-border insurgency especially in checking movements of the banned Naga insurgent groupthe National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K)does hold not much water. If this was the case, then why for so long, especially when insurgency was at its peak before and during the 80s and the 90s, did neither government seem to think that fencing was a plausible solution to contain the insurgency? Besides, it would seem bizarre to say that fencing and a security post would suffice to check cross-border movements when there are many more passages along the snaky mountains and forests through which movements would continue and would be virtually impossible to fence. Going by the interaction with an Indian army major at Dan, I am given to understand that protecting the border is part of national sovereignty. The army officer referred to an attack on the post by the NSCN-K only eight months prior, which left an Indian army officer dead and also casualties suffered by the insurgent group. NSCN-K which currently operates out of Myanmar had in 2015 abrogated a 2001 ceasefire accord it signed with the Indian government and since then it has been engaged in offensives and counter-offensives with the Indian security establishments in and along the international border with Myanmar in Nagaland and Manipur. The Khiamniungans too seem to agree that the presence of NSCN-K cadres could be most visible reason for the border fencing, but they also feel thats its unfair for both the Indian and the Myanmar governments to unleash their anger against the outfit on the Khiamniungan Nagas. But there are also reasons to believe that the Khiamniungan Nagas could play a role in enhancing people to people contact and thereby reduce tensions in the areas. The Politics of Open and Closed Borders I had no answers to some of the questions that were asked by the Khiamniungan Naga youth such as what is this hypocrisy regarding the Act East Asia policy that talks of opening borders? Interestingly, the Indian government began the process of developing Dan as an international trading post in the early 90s. The former Chief Minister of Nagaland S C Jamir laid the foundation stone of an International Trade Center (ITC) in November 1996, which stands right in the middle of the imaginary line where the fencing was coming up. The land now falls on the Myanmar side. Subsequent state governments under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio (who is also the current chief minister of Nagaland) developed other infrastructure like a marketing shed and a rest house, which have all now fallen into Myanmar territory. The youth are demanding that they get back the 500 hectares of land that they donated to the Indian government for setting up the ITC. The Pangshas (as the Khiamniungans living in the vicinity of the boundary villages are also called) want their land back and we also want to know why land was taken from us to construct the infrastructure on the Myanmar side, said Hanching, a youth leader from Pangsha. Most of the youth were baffled that instead of bringing up development activities, the ITC India is providing security for the fencing. Hanching was of the opinion that if India is serious about implementing its Act East Policy then it should be concerned about peoples well-being. The policy is about connecting people, not dividing people. This baffles us and we cannot find the answer. He is definitely right, as the very idea of fencing is antithesis of the aims of the Act East agenda. Other states are constructing roads and bridges to connect but in our area, fences are being constructed even though we also share the same strategic space with other states that are connected to Myanmar. Besides, at a time when the Indian government is in a peace mode with Naga insurgent groups led by the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah faction (NCSN-IM) and the chance of the NSCN-K joining the fold is not being ruled out by New Delhi, the developments in Pangsha and Dan only raise more eyebrows. The Khiamniungan Nagas appear to not be convinced as well. The Indian government is not truthful, retorted octogenarian Beshim, who has been a part of several administrations in Pangsha and also in Lahe after India and Myanmar became free nations. I have grown up seeing this, and I can tell you that if fencing has to be done, it should be done everywhere, not just here at Dan, he asserted, sending out a stern warning. We are Mongoloids and from a small community that endears its lands and people so any form of pressure on us could force a big outcome. His caution resonates with what Baba said when he saw me at a cliff near an inauguration stone for the ITC. Baba said, We shall cooperate and try to find a solution but if a fence is created and our land is occupied, go and tell the Myanmar government and the Indian government that we still can use the dao to defend ourselves. The author is a former senior journalist who has worked for national and international news media in India and elsewhere. Currently he is a contributing editor for The Irrawaddy. Food The Sule Shangri-La Turns on the Style for Mango Season Sein Ta Lone mango gift boxes go on display at the Sule Shangri-La last friday. Mangoes are among the most popular fruits in the world and Myanmar is blessed with a wide range of the tropical delicacy. Mangoes are currently in season in Myanmar and the Sule Shangri-La is celebrating with an overload of mango goodness throughout its restaurants and bars. The hotels two-month long Mango Festival will tempt guests with the sweet and rich taste of mangoes in a number of delicious and different forms. There are over 400 varieties of mangoes in the world and Myanmar is said to have more than 100 types that come in a wide range of tastes, colors and shapes. But for the Sule Shangri-La there is one variety that is king of them all: the Sein Ta Lone. Our chef is using the Sein Ta Lone (variety) and we collect them from the best local mango suppliers, said Ms. Mildred Amon, director of communications at the Sule Shangri-La. She added that many people regard the Sein Ta Lone as the best mango in the world because of its delightful smell, sweetness, juiciness and non-fibrous flesh. The Sule Shangri-La prepares Sein Ta Lone mangoes in a number of ways so they can be consumed as part of a meal, a snack or even as a drink at its Gourmet Shop, Peacock Lounge, Gallery Bar or Summer Palace. The hotel is also preparing mango gift boxes, with each box containing six high-quality Sein Ta Lone mangoes that will make the perfect gift for someone or that simply can be enjoyed at home. The gift boxes are available at the hotels Gourmet Shop. The shop also offers a wide selection of other mango-based goodies, such as homemade mango yoghurt, mango bread, mango tarts and cupcakes. The star of the show, however, might be a special Sein Ta Lone cheesecake, which costs USD$28 per kilogram. For afternoon high-tea lovers, the Shangri-La is laying on a mango-inspired high tea set at the Peacock Lounge for only USD$15. The Lounge also offers a mango juice, mango icy shake, mango mocktails, mango margarita and other seasonal temptations. My all-time favorite seasonal mango juice is fluid, thick and fragrant of the Sein Ta Lone. Its so good; just one sip of the juice is instantly refreshing not too sweet and not too sour. The hotel is also offering a mango salad with dried shrimp Thai sauce (US$8), deep-fried rice paper roll with beef and mango (US$12) and many other foods infused with mango at the Shangri-Las Summer Palace Restaurant. Among the range of Sein Ta Lone, the hotels is offering only Ma Chit Su (a kind of mango) with chilli powder. This spicy mango dessert is usually sold by street vendors and foreigners dont dare try it but the Sule Shangri-La will be offering the item for US$3. The Mango Festival lasts for only two months and will end in June. So, if you are mango lover, dont miss this chance to taste these different foods made of mangoes. For orders, to make a reservation or for further information, email [email protected] Asia Thai Environment Protesters Claim Victory in Battle over Forest Housing The construction site of a government luxury housing project earmarked as homes for judges on land in the foothills of Doi Suthep mountains is seen in Chiang Mai, Thailand, May 6, 2018. / Reuters CHIANG MAI, Thailand Environmental activists in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai claimed victory after the countrys military government agreed in talks on Sunday not to use forested land to develop luxury property. It follows a protest in Chiang Mai last week in which more than 1,000 demonstrators protested against the construction of a government luxury housing project earmarked as homes for judges on land in the foothills of the provinces famous Doi Suthep mountains. Last weeks gathering was one of the largest since Thailands junta took power following a 2014 coup. It was also one of a growing number of anti-government protests around Thailand, including in the capital Bangkok, that are putting pressure on the military government before a general election planned for early 2019. Green ribbons symbolizing the environmental movement have appeared in public places in Chiang Mai, including on lamp posts and on cars, over the past week. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha sent Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana, a minister to the Prime Ministers Office, to Chiang Mai on Sunday to talk to protest leaders. We have concluded that no one will be living in this housing estate, Suwaphan said after a meeting with the activists, adding that the area will eventually be restored to the forest. Decisions on the future use of the land currently under development, which includes 45 houses, will be taken later this week, Suwaphan said, adding that the government will form a committee with activists and representatives from the local community to determine further steps to restore the land. However, Suwaphan said construction of the homes already under way would have to continue in order for the government to honor its agreement with the construction firm involved. He added that nobody would live in the finished homes. Activists hailed the decision as a victory. What we have now is a promise that Doi Suthep forest will be restored, said Teerasak Roopsuwan, one of the movements leaders. I think this could be a model for other parts of the country that public projects must not only be legal, but they must also consider local peoples opinions, Teerasak said. Sawat Chantalay, a Chiang Mai environmental activist, told Reuters that the activists will continue to organize public events to create awareness about such issues. This housing estate is like an open wound that reflects layers of problems Thailand has accumulated over many years, said environmental activist Wattana Wachirodom. But if the government doesnt fix this then people could rise up, said Wattana. Burma Army Rebuffs UN Security Council Request to Investigate Rights Abuses in Rakhine UNSC envoys meet with senior Myanmar Army officers on May 4 to discuss their concerns about rights abuses in Rakhine State. / Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing / Facebook The UN Security Council asked the Myanmar Army to let it investigate rights abuses in Rakhine State, but the army refused, saying it was an internal matter, according to a detailed statement issued via Facebook by Commander-in-Chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing. Olof Skoog, a member of a visiting UNSC delegation, said during a meeting with several top army generals that the Security Council was deeply concerned about reports of human rights abuses in Myanmar. The UNSC wanted to investigate these cases and he asked the army for its view on this. Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing rebuffed the diplomat, saying it was an internal matter and that reports of abuses in northern Rakhine, including in Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships, had been exaggerated by certain groups to drag the international community into the affair. He said the army and the government had investigated accusations of human rights abuses in 2012 and 2016 and had punished those who had committed violations. He said that some organizations came to Myanmar and tried to do what they wanted to do and this could have far-reaching impacts on the country.For us, we have investigated enough already. But it is actually not up to the army to decide on whether to let the UNSC investigate human rights abuses. Only the government has the authority to do that, Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing said. The army chiefs comments came at the end of a four-day mission to Bangladesh and Myanmar by the UNSC team. It visited Bangladesh first where the envoys met some of the 700,000 Rohingya refugees who had fled Buthidaung and Maungdaw since August amid a brutal Myanmar Army crackdown against Muslim extremists. The refugees told the UNSC team tales of systematic rape and killing by members of the security forces. The refugees said they wanted to return to their villages in Rakhine, but they did not feel it was safe yet. In response to Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaings assertion that the Rakhine case was an internal matter, Kelley Currie, the US Ambassador to the UN Economic and Social Council, said this was clearly not the case as 700,000 people had to fled to another country, Bangladesh. As such, the situation demanded that the UN Security Council take action as the case had become an international affair. Another delegate, Kairat Umarov, said that many refugees told stories of how they were raped. For us, it was difficult to know how to believe it,he said, adding that the UN envoys wanted Myanmar to agree to the investigation. Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing noted that Myanmar is a Buddhist country and that many people could not accept the rape accusations, especially the implication that soldiers were involved. There were a total of 1,116 rape cases in 2016. Army personnel were involved in 16 of those cases and the army punished all of the perpetrators with 20-year prison sentences. Even though there were 1,422 reported cases of rape in 2017, army personnel were involved in just 17 cases, and the convicted assailants were again sentenced in prison terms of 20 years, the army chief said. The army has a duty to protect local ethnic people living in Rakhine, he said, adding that the army would not have launched its offensive if armed men had not attacked police bases and local people. A total of 72 local people were killed in attacks by Bengalis between 2012 to 2018 and 13 others were wounded,he said, using the militarys preferred term for Rohingya Muslims, implying they are interlopers from Bangladesh. Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing said there were several reasons why the refugees were afraid to come back to Myanmar. Some had fled to Bangladesh as they were involved in the attacks on the police bases and army units or had killed local Buddhist men, he said. Therefore, they had run away to Bangladesh. Additionally, the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), which had orchestrated the attacks on the security forces, had also warned them not to go back to Myanmar. ARSA, which the Myanmar Army calls a terrorist group, did not want the people who had fled to Bangladesh to return to Myanmar, so they had threatened to kill people who wanted to come back, he said. Violence first broke out in Rakhine State in 2012. It worsened in 2016 when armed men attacked several police bases, killing security officers and looting many guns. ARSA attacked again in 2017, but when the army launched a counter offensive, the attackers ran away without achieving the goals of their plan, the army chief said. The situation was now stable in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships and the army had already withdrawn its troops and handed the responsibility for maintaining security back to the Interior Ministry, Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing said, adding that the army would even help refugees if they came back. Those refugees would not face any danger if they returned through army-approved border points. In the case the army needed to take care of security again in Maungdaw and Buthidaung, it would first seek permission from the government, Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing said. Burma Leaders of Alleged Cult Sentenced to Jail for Kidnapping Nilaw Tun. / DBV TV PATHEIN TOWNSHIP, Irrawaddy Region An Irrawaddy Region court on Friday sentenced two leaders of the Christian Soul Family group to three years in prison for kidnapping a teenage girl. The father of a 15-year-old girl from Sagaing Regions Kantbalu Township filed a complaint with police in Irrawaddys Kyonepyaw Township in 2016 when his daughter refused to return home after attending a 40-day class the group reportedly ran for would be disciples in the village of Hlel Seik. Many of the other students, all about 20 years old, had also reportedly refused to return home after the class. The girl from Kantbalu saw their class on the Internet and came to Hlel Seik to attend. Her parents came to bring her home after the class, but she refused to go back. The cult then hid the girl in Pathein, Mahn Htwng Sen, a member of the Myanmar Council of Churches, told The Irrawaddy. Only after her parents filed a complaint with the human trafficking squad in Pathein were they able to bring her back home. Her father was not happy and filed a complaint at the Kyonepyaw police station for kidnapping the girl, he said. Mahn Win Myint and Nilaw Tun, the two group leaders sentenced to jail on Friday, face another charge filed in Kyonepyaw by Mahn Htwng Sen for insulting religion, which carries a maximum jail sentence of two years. According to the Council of Churches, the group has branches in Karen States Thandaunggyi Township, Karenni States Loikaw Township, Bago Regions Toungoo and Pauk Khaung townships, Yangon Regions North Dagon and Sanchaung townships, and in Irrawaddys Kyaunggon, Kangyidaunt, Myaungmya and Pathein townships, as well as in Singapore and Thailands Mae Sot district. It says there are hundreds of young students at those branches refusing to return home. Those who have left the group say members were asked to do unpaid work as an offering to God, raising suspicions of human trafficking and forced labor. The leader, Mahn Kyaw Soe, allegedly urged his young students to shun their families and arranged marriages for them without their parents consent. Were satisfied with the punishment given to the two. My elder sister has been in their cult for three years and still refuses to come back home. But we cant file a complaint because she has reached the legal age [18], Nawng Aye Aye Aung, who lives in Yangon Regions Hlaingtharyar Township, told The Irrawaddy. There are many other people like my sister who refuse to go back home. I want the government departments to help bring them back to their families, she said. In November, after 14 families urged the Irrawaddy Region government to abolish the alleged cult, the government imposed a ban on prayer gatherings at the house of U Nyan Tun Kyaw in Hlel Seik village, where the group is based, and warned of legal action if the ban were violated. The Myanmar Baptist Convention and Myanmar Council of Churches have also distanced themselves from the group, saying that its sermons do not conform to the teachings of the Bible. Burma One Killed, 2 Injured in Landslide at Rohingya Refugee Camp A Rohingya refugee camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, on Sept. 19. / Reuters DHAKA A Rohingya girl was killed and two other children were injured Friday morning in a landslide at the Kutupalong refugee camp in Ukhiya on the outskirts of Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh. Mohibullha, a Rohingya community leader in the camp, said the three children had gone to collect firewood and were struck by the landslide when they stopped for a rest on the way back at the foot of a hill, according to the New Age, a Dhaka-based daily. The 10-year-old girl reportedly died at the scene while the two others were rescued by locals and taken to an area hospital in critical condition. Coxs Bazar deputy police chief Afruzul Haque Tutul confirmed the death and injuries but did not elaborate. It is the first known death caused by a landslide at the camps due to rain. Police say a person died a few weeks ago in a landslide caused by construction work. UN Sends More Aid At a press conference in Geneva on Friday, a spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Andrej Mahecic, said the agency was rushing additional aid to Bangladesh, where the first rains of the monsoon season have hit Coxs Bazar. Some 700,000 mostly Rohingya refugees have taken shelter in Coxs Bazar since fleeing Myanmar amid a military crackdown on their communities in northern Rakhine State triggered by militant attacks on security posts there in late August. In a press release, the UN refugee agency said the first of three scheduled humanitarian airlifts carrying additional shelter materials arrived in Bangladesh on Tuesday. The 1,400 tents are the first of 10,000 the agency plans to deliver by the end of May for 60,000 refugees living in areas most at risk of landslides and flooding. Aid is also arriving by sea, including more tents, 170,000 tarpaulins and other essentials. Humanitarian partners estimate that between 150,000 and 200,000 Rohingya refugees will be at risk this monsoon season and in urgent need of relocation. Of this number, 24,000 people are at critical risk due to the severe instability of the land on which their shelters have been constructed, Mahecic said. The Bangladesh government has recently allocated new land for the refugees. Work crews have already begun clearing the area and the UN refugee agency hopes to move some 5,000 people there by the end of the month. In the absence of more available and usable land, UNHCR has made temporary emergency relocation arrangements, which will be activated as needed Mahecic said. In addition to the 60,000 refugees to be housed in emergency shelters, the UN refugee agency said, another 35,000 can be hosted by other refugees living in safer areas and the same number can be moved to communal shelters in the camps. But the agency added that these were only short-term solutions to address imminent risks. OIC Delegation Visits Camps The Bangladeshi Daily Star reported that a delegation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also visited the Coxs Bazar camps on Friday, ahead of a foreign ministers summit in Dhaka. According to the report, OIC Assistant Secretary-General Hashmi Yousuf apologized that the organization had not responded to the refugee crisis sooner and said it would work with the international community to repatriate the Rohingya to Myanmar. Fridays visit to the camps was joined by Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus special envoy to Myanmar, Bob Rae, Canadas special envoy to the OIC, Masud Husain, and Bangladesh Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, among others. A UN Security Council delegation visited the camps on April 28 during a four-day mission to Bangladesh and Myanmar and said the refugee crisis would remain one of the councils top priorities. However, a provisional program of the UN Security Councils work for May tweeted by Poland on Tuesday makes no mention of the refugee crisis. Burma Tatmadaw Allows Evacuation of 125 Kachin Villagers Villagers from Lai Nawng Hku prepare to board trucks at the halfway point on their journey to Kamaing Township on Monday. / U Oo Cho / Facebook MYITKYINA, Kachin State The Myanmar Army (or Tatmadaw) on Monday allowed government officials to evacuate 125 Kachin IDPs to Kamaing sub-township. The operation to rescue the IDPs, who had been trapped by fighting in their home village of Lai Nawng Hku (Man Wai), followed the evacuation of 22 people from the same village the previous day. The villagers had previously been blocked from leaving the area by the Tatmadaw, which has recently stepped up attacks against the Kachin Independence Army. U Khin Maung Myint, an Upper House lawmaker from Hpakant constituency, told The Irrawaddy that 125 villagers were on their way to Kamaing on Monday. Two families of five refused to leave their homes and opted to stay in the village to take care of their cattle. The evacuees from Lai Nawng Hku will stay in temporary shelters in Kamaing before joining relatives there, he said. On Sunday, a government relief team led by a municipal deputy director arranged transport for the initial 22 evacuees from Lai Nawng Khu, according to Daw Hla Kay Thi Mar, the director-general of the Kachin State Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement. She told The Irrawaddy on Sunday that they were taking shelter at the Shwe Myintzu community hall in Inndawgyi Town and would be taken to meet relatives in Kamaing later on Monday. Over 3,000 residents of various villages in Kamaing, Injangyang and Tanai townships have been trapped since April 11, when fighting broke out between the Tatmadaw and the KIA. Since April 30, more than 1,000 Kachin youth have been staging a sit-in protest in downtown Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State, demanding the evacuation of trapped IDPs. Last Monday, the protest drew over 5,000 people. Permission for the evacuation operation was negotiated by Dr. Win Myat Aye, the Union social welfare, relief and resettlement minister, who arrived in Myitkyina on Saturday. The same day, he also met with the protesting youths and pledged to help the trapped IDPs. Daw Hla Kay Thi Mar said officials would continue to provide the necessary support to the IDPs. She said the Union minister visited three IDP camps in Namti and another in Myitkyina and distributed food rations and money to disabled people, pregnant women and children. Last Thursday, Kachin State Chief Minister U Khet Aung agreed to help the trapped villagers after meeting with protest leaders, religious leaders and representatives of the Kachin Peace Talk Creation Group, but urged the protesting youth to shut down their campaign. The following day, however, Tatmadaw troops turned away an evacuation team comprising representatives of the state government, the PCG, youth protesters and religious leaders who were attempting to travel to Kamaing Township. Leaflets distributed in April to IDPs by the Tatmadaw and signed by its Northern Command stated that the villagers of Lai Nawng Hku were not trapped, and claimed that the Tatmadaw had distributed food and household utensils to local residents. However, the Lai Nawng Hku villagers asked for help from the religious and protest leaders, saying they were trapped in the conflict zone and that the Tatmadaw had prevented them from leaving. Zau Jat, a protester, told The Irrawaddy that the sit-in would continue until all the trapped villagers are freed. But so far, we have heard that [only] the migrant workers are allowed to travel. We are not satisfied with only the migrants being allowed to travel. We want a peaceful relocation for the local residents of these villages, who do not have enough food. On April 20, a Myitkyina-based Red Cross team went to rescue villagers trapped in Awng Lawt in Tanai Township, but the more than 2,000 local residents were not allowed to travel. Meanwhile, more than 200 migrant workers who had come to work at the amber and gold mines in Tanai Township were cleared to leave. However, now that the Union government has intervened in the situation, and following an order from the Presidents Office on Sunday ordering the Kachin State government to form committees to oversee rescue work at different levels, U Khin Maung Myint said he is optimistic that other trapped villagers would eventually be freed. Burma Trump Assures Bangladesh of US Support Amid Rohingya Crisis Rohingya refugees line the streets as a United Nations Security Council convoy passes by, outside Kutupalong Refugee Camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, April 29, 2018. / Reuters DHAKA US President Donald Trump has assured Bangladesh of US support in dealing with the Myanmar Rohingya refugee crisis, a Bangladeshi official said on Friday. A letter from Trump was handed to Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at a meeting with US Ambassador Marcia Bernicat in Dhaka on Thursday, said Ihsanul Karim, the Prime Ministers press secretary, and a US embassy official. The United States will continue to pressure Myanmar to create necessary conditions for the safe and voluntary return of the Rohingya people to their homeland, Trump said in the letter, according to Karim. Last month, Hasina said more international pressure was needed on Myanmar to take back Rohingya refugees. UN officials say some 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. In the letter, Trump also said those in Myanmar responsible for instigating the crisis must be held accountable, said Karim. He said Hasina reiterated her call for the international community to continue to pressure the Myanmar government to repatriate its people from Bangladesh. Royalti Blockchain Group is BitFurys authorised Australian integrator and approved partner and will house the BitFury Containers off the grid at the IOT Blockchain Application Centre based at Hunter Energys power station in the Hunter Valley. The 10-year contract is to supply 20 megawatts of power to Royalti Blockchain Group to install Bitfurys Blockchain Hardware Solutions to operate within the proposed IoT Blockchain Applications Complex behind the Grid at the Hunter Energy Power Station in the Hunter Valley, said founder and executive director of the IoT Group, Sean Neylon. It will generate almost $20,000,000 per year for 10 years. In addition there has been incredible interest from other cryptocurrency groups which will be signed up over the coming weeks which will deliver substantial revenues and profits to the IOT Group. According to Neylon, blockchain is an evolution that is changing the way we do business and communicate. The establishment of the BAC is enormously beneficial to Australia because its bringing a whole new tech industry to the country. Previously the Bitcoin and cryptocurrency miners would not even dream of coming here because the cost of power is too high. With the IOT Group taking power from Hunter Energy before it goes on the grid, they are able to the power to the cryptocurrency miners at a less expensive rate than anywhere in Australia. The IOT Group will only be using a small portion of the power generated by Hunter Energy and IOT are also negotiating with renewable power suppliers to offer a similar arrangement around Australia to accommodate all of IOTs cryptocurrency clients. We have an enormous amount of blockchain cryptocurrency mining interest. Kogan's famous pre-sale pricing is in place for four new smart TVs, which are smarter and more affordable than ever so you can smartly see much more for less at "under $300". Setting up "new pricing benchmarks" is Kogan, with its perennially cunning stunts always talking up a linguistic lexicon of pricing perfection. Kogan loves to shock, with its new range introducing four new smart TVs with the first at a dollar under $300 (not including the inexpensive delivery charge) and which is "available on presale now". Naturally, Kogan points to Aussies looking to add a new smart product to their home, without breaking the bank, and obviously offering the solution of "more choice than ever". Three of Kogan's new models, the Kogan 43, 49 and 55 Smart HDR 4K LED TVs, feature high-quality 4K Ultra HD LG panels, and are "available for pre-sale today at $439, $499 and $559 respectively". As you'd expect, they're all streaming capable, with streaming content at high resolution today's reality for TV viewers, and, of course, it's easier and cheaper than ever. However, even Kogan's budget range includes high-end technology like High Dynamic Range that brings the colours on the screen to life, so you don't have to splurge thousands just to get the vibrant colours that HDR promises. The new TV range also allows for "screen mirroring, so you can mirror your mobile device's content to your TV screen without the need for any cables". Of course, there's built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, so avid streamers can access Netflix, YouTube and Catch Up TV at the click of a button we do live in a push button world, after all. And for the truly budget minded, Kogan's 32-inch low-priced headline model is at $299 on pre-sale pricing, as noted above. As always, Kogan has a man who knows 'y' so well that it is embedded into his name four times. That man is Sergiy Bobrovnychyy, product manager at Kogan.com, who said: High-quality smart televisions dont need to come with a high price tag. From today, were setting a new pricing benchmark with a new range of even better value smart TVs. Kogan.coms newest smart TV range is packed with all the great features you would expect in its closest competitors. We are proud to be able to offer Australians even more affordable options on a range of products, from laptops to mobile phones to TVs. TVs are our flagship product range and were excited that the everyday Aussie will be able to enjoy the latest technology in their own homes, at more accessible price points. Here are the headline details of each model with direct links: Kogan 55 Smart HDR 4K LED TV $559 LG Panel 4K Ultra HD 3840 x 2160 resolution at 60Hz High Dynamic Range (HDR) Linux operating system MiraCast Wi-Fi and LAN connectivity 2 x USB and 3 x HDMI 2.0 Personal Video Recorder (PVR) Netflix 4K, YouTube 4K, Catch Up TV (ABC iView, SBS On Demand, 7Plus, 9Now, tenplay) Screen mirroring for compatible Android and Windows 10 devices Kogan 49 Smart HDR 4K LED TV $499 LG Panel 4K Ultra HD 3840 x 2160 resolution at 60Hz High Dynamic Range (HDR) Linux operating system MiraCast Wi-Fi and LAN connectivity 2 x USB and 3 x HDMI 2.0 Personal Video Recorder (PVR) Netflix 4K, YouTube 4K, Catch Up TV (ABC iView, SBS On Demand, 7Plus, 9Now, tenplay) Screen mirroring for compatible Android and Windows 10 devices Kogan 43 Smart HDR 4K LED TV $439 LG Panel 4K Ultra HD 3840 x 2160 resolution at 60Hz High Dynamic Range (HDR) Linux operating system MiraCast Wi-Fi and LAN connectivity 2 x USB and 3 x HDMI 2.0 Personal Video Recorder (PVR) Netflix 4K, YouTube 4K, Catch Up TV (ABC iView, SBS On Demand, 7Plus, 9Now, tenplay) Screen mirroring for compatible Android and Windows 10 devices Kogan 32 Smart LED TV $299 BOE Panel HD 1366 x 768 resolution Linux operating system MiraCast Wi-Fi and LAN connectivity 2 x USB and 3 x HDMI 2.0 Personal Video Recorder (PVR) Netflix HD, YouTube HD, Catch Up TV (ABC iView, SBS On Demand, 7Plus, 9Now, tenplay) Screen mirroring for compatible Android and Windows 10 devices More on the new Kogan Smart TV range here. A new variant of the SynAck ransomware that infects Windows systems has been spotted by researchers from Russian security firm Kaspersky Lab who say it appears to be targeted malware as attacks have only been observed in the US, Kuwait, Germany and Iran. SynAck has been around since September 2017 but the new variant has some added functions which make it able to operate below the radar. It uses the Process Doppelganging technique, basically a way in which malicious code is disguised as a legitimate Windows process. The technique was demonstrated at the Black Hat Europe security conference in December 2017 by the firm enSilo. In describing the technique, enSilo said: "(It) allows bypassing real-time file scanning of all tested AV and NGAV products on Microsoft Windows starting from Windows Vista." Kaspersky researchers Anton Ivanov, Fedor Sinitsyn and Orkhan Mamedoc said they had first spotted the new SynAck variant in April. They said the ransomware used Process Doppelganging to avoid being detected by security software. Additionally, the new variant was compiled with additional code in order to make the task of decompilation and reverse engineering more difficult. On infected systems, the ransomware at times adds custom text to the Windows log-on screen (screenshot above). Screenshot: courtesy Kaspersky Lab The Australian Government has come a long way in offering grants and tax incentives for the start-up community and its investors, but according to one tech start-up it is still very difficult to get the right level of support for a startup in Australia to truly thrive. Speaking ahead of tomorrows Budget to be handed down by Treasurer Scott Morrison, Tim Bos, co-founder and chief executive of sharing services marketplace ShareRing, said in Australia, the government needed to do more to fund the overseas expansion or relocation of a start-up. In addition to this, whilst we have a great R&D Tax Incentive, it is only good if you can afford to hire the majority of the skills from within Australia. Sometimes this is just not possible, either because of cost, or resource availability. It would be great to see the government take a more global approach to these types of incentives. According to Bos, the government seems to reward a start-up for doing everything in Australia, which he says stymies our ability to actually grow our companies to a point where we can find the best talent and the most customers. For example, in Silicon Valley, a lot of governments from other countries actually support a company when they decide to relocate part of their business there, because they know that, ultimately, the skills and income will likely flow back to that countrys economy. Australia almost got there with their launch of the 'landing pad' in San Francisco, but it was an underfunded, half-baked effort to build the Australian start-up community there. In pre-Budget comment, another start-up chief co-founder and head of Strategy of Blockchain venture studio Typehuman, Julian Waters-Lynch says he wants to see measures that contribute to well-informed regulatory evolution towards cryptoassets. Just like the Internet, the technological revolution that began with the bitcoin blockchain creates great opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation, but it requires appropriate regulation to unlock. Our interest is in the potential of blockchain technology to unleash a wave of innovation that addresses many current social challenges, and an area we are particularly interested in is regulatory development towards cryptoassets. According to Waters-Lynch, many places around the world are rethinking their regulatory approaches to blockchain-based innovations. Countries like Singapore, Estonia and Switzerland have led the way here, other countries are catching up. France, for example, just reduced its capital gains tax obligations on cryptoassets from 45% to 19%. Waters-Lynch says he believes cryptoassets should be redefined as a novel asset class, with particular clarification of the legal difference between security tokens and utility tokens. We are seeing some interesting regulatory innovation emerge on the subject, most recently in the state of Wyoming in the US. In Australia, we find many entrepreneurs and startups want to do the right thing, but the regulatory details around how they handle and issue cryptoassets is still a grey zone. In his pre-Budget comments, Dr David Ballerini, the co-founder of Melbourne-based payments start-up Liven, said the innovation agenda was released only two years ago, but he maintains the Turnbull Government has failed to live up to its promises. In late 2015 the Turnbull Government talked the talk, saying they were committed to embracing innovation and science in Australia, but they failed to walk the walk and back this up in the 2017 Budget, proving that the innovation agenda was more hype than substance, with most of the benefits going to traditional industries instead of start-ups. As they neglected the start-up community in 2017, it seems likely they will again with this year's Budget, with recent talks of capping the R&D Tax Incentive scheme already scaring away investors from Australias nascent start-up environment. According to Ballerini, if the government continues to let down the entrepreneurs of Australia with this year's Budget, they risk accelerating the "brain drain" of Australias best and brightest entrepreneurs those who have the passion and capability to shape the future of our economy, instead look overseas to locations where they are better supported in their project endeavours. Ballerini says that in addition to losing Australias best entrepreneurs, the government neglecting Australian start-ups will also run the risk of alienating investors, particularly those from overseas. This would be a huge blow to early-stage companies looking to raise the capital that is essential to their growth, he warns. As well as helping contemporary startups get a leg-up in the competitive international landscape, it is critical that the budget lay a strong foundation for the next generation of budding entrepreneurs, and the best way to achieve that is to invest in education and in particular the STEM fields. We are on the brink of a technological revolution as blockchain explodes across global industries. Investing in technology and innovation is Australias best bet for getting ahead, and ensuring students have access to the resources required to help them develop into leaders. Information technology is critical for Australias economy as we move away from manufacturing industries and into a service economy. According to Ballerini, its time the government bring back and build upon programs such as the defunded Commercialisation Training Scheme to give STEM students and researchers the tools they need to translate their tech skills into entrepreneurship and market-focused innovations. If the Turnbull Government is serious about innovation, as it has claimed to be in the past, then instilling entrepreneurial spirit into the next generation of young Australians should be leading the agenda. Invest in programs that educate our rising techstars on topics of entrepreneurship and commercialisation of technology. These values have not typically been included in the curricula of Australian schools and universities in the past, but it is essential that they become mainstream within Australian culture if we hope to remain at the forefront of global innovation, Ballerini concludes. There should be no talk about R&D programs being reduced or capped, rather R&D incentive schemes should be expanded, warns Ben Thompson, founder and chief executive of HR, payroll and benefits platform Employment Hero. Thompson says the biggest technology companies on earth (Apple, Amazon, Google, Facebook and Microsoft) are growing by about 40% each year and collectively spend $70 billion on R&D. This compares to just $20 billion spent by all Australian businesses combined. This year's budget needs to help Australian businesses keep pace by opening up, rather than narrowing, the opportunity for R&D subsidies, Thompson suggests. And, Shendon Ewans, co-founder and chief executive of digital bill payment service Gobbill, says the R&D tax incentive is an important lifeline for start-ups to continue investing in innovative solutions. Gobbill has spent the last three years and most of our funding on R&D to develop artificial intelligence in fraud checking and bill payment automation, which has allowed us to file local and international patents and export contract opportunities. This is testament to the fact that the tax incentive should remain. Any notion to reduce or cap it may have an adverse effect on Australian innovation, Ewans cautions. As iTWire has also reported, a number of ICT firms have expressed fears that the federal government may change the R&D Tax Incentive in Tuesday's budget, making their existence in Australia that bit more difficult. Vodafone Australia is slashing 100 jobs from its call centre in Hobart, the same centre for which it received a federal grant in 2013 on the promise that it would be expanded. The company has also received aid from the state of Tasmania amounting to $850,000 and payroll tax relief. Aid from the federal government to the tune of $4 million was provided by the Gillard government in 2013. At that time, it was said that the Hobart staff would grow from 680 to 1430. But the sackings announced today will cut the number of workers from 400 to 300. Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman said Vodafone's decision was devastating and a terrible blow. He has, however, to take back any public funds if Vodafone is found to have broken any of the funding agreements. Vodafone chief strategy officer Dan Lloyd said in a statement said the decision had been taken due to a fall in call volumes and complaints and customers' preference for online self-service. "We have invested around $200 million in our Hobart contact centre since 2013, and the centre will continue to be a key part of our business," he said. A Vodafone Australia spokesperson added: "On federal funding, this agreement expired in July last year. We returned some funding due for unmet targets. "We have not received federal or state funding since July last year. "There is an audit process in place and if any state funding needs to be returned, we will, of course, do that." HPE is rolling out the next generation of its Nimble Storage platform, overhauled to better meet the ever-increasing performance demands on data-center workloads, including real-time web analytics, business intelligence, and mission-critical enterprise resource applications. The new HPE Nimble Storage All Flash arrays as well as Nimble Adaptive Flash arrays for hybrid implementations (mixing solid state drives and hard disk drives, for example), are generally available from May 7 and have both been engineered to support NVMe (non-volatile memory express), an extremely fast communications protocol and controller designed to move data to and from SSDs via the PCIe bus standard. NVMe SSDs are expected to offer two orders of magnitude speed improvement over prior SSDs. Both the all flash and adaptive flash arrays also support storage-class memory (SCM), or persistent memory, a hybrid memory/storage technology that offers a level of performance somewhere between today's flash SSDs and DRAM. SCM offers up to 10 times lower latency than NAND flash technology, HPE says. Vendors are getting on board with NVMe Smaller storage vendors such as Excelero, E8 Storage, Pavilion Data Systems and Apeiron Data System have been shipping NVMe-ready storage products for specialized workloads like trading analysis for some time, and now the bigger vendors are stating to jump in, noted Eric Burgener, research vice president for storage at IDC. Pure Data last year announced support for NVMe, and just last week Dell Technologies announced PowerMax, the new high-end storage platform that is taking over where its VMAX line left off, and which also supports NVMe and SCM. For its part, HPE is backing up its Nimble All-Flash array with a "Store More" guarantee, which assures users that they will be able to store more data per raw terabyte of storage than any competitor's all-flash array. "If we fail in meeting that guarantee, the additional storage capacity to meet the guarantee is on us," said Milan Shetti, general manager of HPE Storage. HPE Milan Shetti, general manger, HPE Storage The new arrays incorporate the InfoSight predictive analytics platform for flash storage, which has been enhanced with an AI-based recommendations engine. InfoSight collects infrastructure information from sensors and runs analytics to detect patterns in order to predict, for example, when a user might run out of storage capacity. The sensors are in the storage devices but also collect network, compute and hypervisor data. HPE's 3Par storage line, generally aimed at higher-end enterprise use than Nimble, is also now shipping with InfoSight. "The vision is to simplify and revolutionize the storage industry," Shetti said. "We are already revolutionizing the storage industry because we are delivering insights into data. We believe the future of the data center will be autonomous and powered by artificial intelligence meanwhile, the Store More guarantee goes to the simplification part of the vision." By engineering the storage arrays to support NVMe and SCM, HPE is trying to "future-proof" the storage technology for its users, Shetti said. In fact, though HPE does ship its Gen 10 servers with NVMe SSDs now, it does not plan to ship NVMe SSDs with the Nimble storage arrays just yet. Though the arrays have slots where NVMe SSDs can be plugged in, users scanning a price list for various options for the arrays won't notice NVMe SSDs listed. Noting that the market for SSDs has been hit over the past year or so by shortages and high prices, Shetti said that mainstream use of NVMe SSDs and SCM drives is about 12 months out,. "SCM and NVMe right now in the supply chain and from the supply curve standpoint are not mainstream scale," Shetti said. "I mean people could use them but the cost factor is still not there; the reality is most of the customers are going to wait for the price curve to hit." HPE The new HPE Nimble Storage All Flash Array now supports NVMe and storage class memory. Flash storage technology know-how had existed for decades, but it took the advent of the iPhone and iPad for manufacturers to gear up to fabricate them at a scale where costs made sense to bring the technology into mainstream enterprise storage, Shetti noted. The demand for NVMe and SCM for IoT systems over the next year will increase demand and bring costs down, Shetti said. Users of the new Nimble systems will be able to add a new chassis or new storage bays into the array and plug in the new NVMe SSDs, or swap out older drives. The Nimble platform will also support NVMe over fabric, Shetti said. NVMe over fabric extends the same performance advantages of NVMe inside of an array to the network, so that users can get extremely low-latency, high-bandwidth capability from the servers to the array, over the network, said IDC's Burgener. "Thats really when the full promise of the performance of NVME starts to take effect." The new Nimble arrays "are targeted at existing customers who are maybe thinking about adding workloads that need more performance than what they can get out of their current platform, and they want to have a migration path to these future technologies like SCM and NVMe over fabric without having to go through a disruptive upgrade in the future so when those technologies ship they can just connect that hardware in to those platforms, they dont have to do another forklift upgrade or anything like that," Burgener said. Both the all-flash and adaptive-flash arrays use the same compaction technologies, Shetti noted, offering 5-to-1data reduction from variable block in-line deduplication and compression. The all-flash arrays deliver up to 220 percent greater priceperformance than the prior generation did, while the adaptive flash arrays deliver up to 150 percent greater price-performance, HPE claims. The all flash arrays start with a 6TB, single, entry-level array, expected to carry a street price of about 20 percent less than the prior generation, which started at a little less than $50,000. The all flash arrays scale out to a 4 petabyte, four-array cluster, with each array offering two all-flash shelves. Onboard ports are 10GbaseT. Optional ports are 1GBaseT, 10GBaseT or 10GbE SFP+. More details are available on the HPE Nimble Storage page. Illinois Wesleyan Celebrates Class of 2018 May 6, 2018 BLOOMINGTON, Ill. Illinois Wesleyan University celebrated more than 400 graduating members of the Class of 2018 during Commencement exercises on Sunday, May 6 in the Shirk Activity Center. Board of Trustees President George Vinyard 71 congratulated the more than 380 graduates who attended Commencement and cited the Universitys motto Scientia et Sapientia, generally translated as knowledge and wisdom. In your time here on campus we trust that you not only developed your intellects but also cultivated the essential curiosity, perceptiveness and values to set a pattern that will serve you well as you strive to live fulfilling lives of reason, romance, passion, integrity, good humor and joy, Vinyard said. President of the Alumni Association Board of Directors Scott Huch 86 shared that the Class of 2018 consists of 25 legacy graduates, with at least one parent or another close relative who attended Illinois Wesleyan before them. Huch further noted that 44 international graduates signify the Universitys largest-ever class of international students. For the first time in school history, Sundays Commencement ceremony was real-time translated in Mandarin and Spanish according to Huch who also announced the launch of Illinois Wesleyans International Alumni Network. He concluded by congratulating the Universitys newest alumni. See a Commencement Photo Gallery or watch a video of the ceremony. Whatever you do, and wherever your life takes you from here, never forget your teachers and this place, Huch said. Illinois Wesleyan has been good to you, so please always be good to Illinois Wesleyan. Keep in touch, and dont be strangers. Class of 2018 President Alex Stogin 18 told his fellow classmates that, as graduating seniors, they had reached the top of the undergraduate ladder. However, they will soon start their journey up yet another symbolic ladder by either beginning their career or starting graduate school. Thanks to everything we have learned here from the liberal arts foundation, from each other, and from our mentors I am confident that we will continue to climb the ladder, Stogin said. Representing the faculty, the Class of 2018 Most Influential Professor Ellen Furlong credited her father and her first-year advisor Nancy Wolsk who helped Furlong land an internship at the Louisville Zoo as major professorial influences. Furlong, an assistant professor of psychology, said she is pleased to now find herself among faculty who move mountains to create opportunities for you, challenge you to reach goals you thought you could never attain, and inspire you by their obvious delight in their chosen fields. Furlong credited the Class of 2018 with supporting and challenging each other, and she said, as new graduates, it is now their turn to become influencers. Introduce someone to something youre passionate about. Create opportunities when you can. Give a pep talk when its needed. Provide quiet, every day influence. Provide big life-changing influence. Get out there and use your good influence, Furlong said. President Eric Jensen and Provost and Dean of the Faculty Mark Brodl then conferred an honorary doctor of humane letters upon Kirk Schroeder 84, a life science researcher and entrepreneur who has co-founded two life science companies. In his Commencement address, Schroeder related some of his career and life experiences to three topics: Fences and barriers; Moving the ball forward; and, Inspiration. While discussing crossing fences and breaking down barriers, Schroeder said after studying physics and engineering in college, he spent the majority of his career conducting cell biology research despite having never taken a single biology course. Out of necessity, he became adept at cell biology. Schroeder told the graduating class that, like him, many of them will be faced with adapting the focus of their careers. Kirk Schroeder 84 told graduates that their education has created an ability to adapt and succeed. Your liberal arts education at Illinois Wesleyan has prepared you to handle that, Schroeder said. Id like to think that as a science major taking courses in philosophy, history and religion at the very least it creates a willingness to explore the other side. And, if you mix that with a little bit of innate curiosity, in my opinion, that might be the key to your success. Schroeder told the graduates that, to him, moving the ball forward means leaving the world in a better place than you found it. He charged the Class of 2018 with this responsibility. You believe you can change the world, and because of that belief, you probably can, Schroeder said. You should all make something happen now. Inspirational leadership, Schroeder told the graduates, is one of the best ways to accomplish greatness and accomplish change. Inspiration, he said, can be the source for a lifes best achievements. If you can get everyone rowing the boat in the same direction and lead by inspiration, its a great thing. Inspiration makes people work in unselfish ways toward one common goal. Schroeder concluded by congratulating the graduates. After conferring degrees upon the Class of 2018, Jensen offered a parting thought. Remember who you are, remember how you got there, and remember Illinois Wesleyan. By John Twork Vous etes confrontes a une infestation par la puce, la punaise de lit ? Voici plusieurs actions qui sont a mettre en uvre pour faire [] Summerville, SC (29483) Today Cloudy this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 82F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. Reddit Email 365 Shares Natalie Portman, the Oscar-winning actress, recently kicked off a massive storm of controversy when she pulled out of a prestigious award ceremony in Israel because, she said, she did not want to appear as endorsing Benjamin Netanyahu. The response to Portmans refusal to appear alongside Israels prime minister was intense. She was denounced by right-wing Israeli politicians. One labeled Portmans decision as borderline anti-Semitic. Another suggested that her Israeli citizenship should be stripped. Born in Israel, Portman is a dual American-Israeli citizen. The reaction within the American Jewish community was more divided. Some assailed her for being disloyal, deluded, or, at best, misguided. Others hailed her as a hero for publicly voicing her opposition to Netanyahu and his governments hard-line policies. Portmans protest touched a raw nerve not just because of who she is a world-famous Jewish celebrity and a well-known supporter of Israel but also because of whom she is seen to represent. Her outspoken opposition to Netanyahu has been portrayed as typical of her generation of young American Jews whose attitudes toward Israel tend to be more critical than that of their parents and grandparents. The end of Israel, right or wrong American Jews were initially indifferent or even hostile to Zionism when it first appeared. It took decades, and the mass murder of European Jewry in the Holocaust, to change their attitude. But after playing an important role in Israels establishment in 1948, most American Jews returned their attention to their own economic needs and social mobility, paying scant attention to the faraway, fledgling Jewish state. It was only after Israels stunning victory in the 1967 Six-Day War that American Jews fell in love with Israel, which was then widely seen as the underdog in the Arab-Israeli conflict and an exemplar of a socially progressive, egalitarian society. Supporting Israel came to dominate American Jewish public life and politics and became the one thing that almost all American Jews had in common. Their support tended to be unconditional and uncritical, especially during the two decades following the 1967 War when pro-Israelism became central to the American Jewish civil religion. It is not only what Israel does that bothers them, but also what Israel is. Even if they disagreed with what the Israeli government did, American Jews generally toed the line in public, as vocal criticism of Israel was taboo within the American Jewish community. Even in private, criticism was frowned upon. The prevailing belief was that only Israelis had the right to criticize their government since it was their lives at risk. There has been a profound shift happening in American Jewrys attitude toward Israel for some time (as I show in my book Trouble in the Tribe: The American Jewish Conflict Over Israel). Public criticism of Israel and acts of protest by American Jews have gradually become much more common, though they remain highly contentious as is evident from the vitriolic reactions to Portmans protest. Portman, then, is hardly a trailblazer. She is simply continuing what has by now become something of a tradition of American Jewish protest against Israeli government policies. These protests have become much more frequent in recent years during Netanyahus second term in office. Nor is Portman as typical of her generation of young American Jews as her many detractors and defenders seem to believe. Discomfort with idea of Jewish state Younger American Jews are overwhelmingly liberal in their politics even more so than other young Americans. They are also dovish in their attitudes toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In a major survey of American Jews by the Pew Research Center in 2013, for instance, only a quarter of Jews aged 18 to 29 believed that Netanyahus government was making a sincere effort to bring about a peace settlement with the Palestinians. But the brand of liberal Zionism that Portman espouses supportive of Israel, but often critical of its behavior, especially (but not only) toward Palestinians is actually becoming unfashionable among her highly educated and politically engaged American Jewish peers. For many, their problem with Israel is not just its current prime minister, its governments policies and its nearly 51-year-long occupation of the West Bank. It is also Israel itself that they are uncomfortable with, specifically its identity as a Jewish state. It is not only what Israel does that bothers them, but also what Israel is. In a recent survey of Jews living in San Franciscos Bay Area, just 40 percent of those between the ages of 18 to 34 said they were comfortable with the idea of a Jewish state. Just over a third thought that a Jewish state was very important. Most older Jews, by contrast, said they were comfortable with the idea of a Jewish state and thought it was very important to have one. Colliding beliefs Most young American Jews have been raised with two complementary belief systems: a political liberalism that emphasizes equality and opposes all forms of discrimination, and a non-Orthodox Americanized Judaism that emphasizes universalism and a commitment to social justice. Many find it hard to reconcile the values they have internalized from these belief systems with the idea of a state that gives preferential treatment to Jews at the expense of its non-Jewish citizens, most notably its Arab minority as Israel does. Not only do many young American Jews take issue with what they regard, correctly or not, as the inherently discriminatory nature of a Jewish state, they also see less of a need for such a state. Their chronological and emotional distance from the Holocaust which more than anything else convinced earlier generations of American Jews of the need for Jewish statehood is no doubt a large part of the reason why younger American Jews are less likely to believe that Jews need a state of their own to shelter and protect them. Indeed, a 2012 survey showed that the Holocaust had a much greater influence on the political beliefs of older American Jews than younger ones. Younger American Jews are also far more accustomed to feeling secure in the United States. This sense, though, has been challenged over the past couple of years as the American far right has become emboldened and anti-Semitic incidents have sharply increased. Nevertheless, they have grown up during an era in which American Jews are more assimilated, more affluent and more influential, culturally and politically, than ever before. These younger Jews are less inclined to believe that gentiles are hostile to Jews and that Jews are always at risk, as older generations of Jews have generally done. Indeed, many younger American Jews, such as the writer Emma Goldberg, are more likely to identify with the notion of white privilege than with the notion of Jewish victimhood. If, in their eyes, a Jewish state is discriminatory and no longer really necessary, then many younger American Jews struggle with supporting it. They feel ambivalent about Israel, if not altogether alienated from it. This is particularly true for the children of interfaith marriages now almost half the population of young American Jews whose Jewish identities tend to be less ethnic and more cultural. As Israel approaches the 70th anniversary of its establishment on May 14, many older American Jews will be happily celebrating the achievement of Jewish sovereignty after two millennia of statelessness. Many younger ones will be wondering whether the Jewish state is really something to celebrate at all. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Asanko Gold Inc. (Asanko or the Company) (TSX:AKG) (NYSE American:AKG) today publishes its 2017 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report, which provides a detailed review of Asankos CSR strategy and performance during the year, including its contribution to both the local communities in which it operates and its host country, Ghana. Peter Breese, President and CEO, said, We believe genuine sharing of the benefits generated by the mine is key to supporting economic development and growth in our local communities and host country, ultimately underpinning the future success of our business. In 2017, we expanded the involvement of indigenous companies in our operations and awarded the open pit mining contracts for the Akwasiso and Dynamite Hill satellite deposits to locally-based companies, Thonket and Rocksure respectively. As a result, we now have Ghanaian businesses involved in every aspect of our mine, from mining contractors through to key supplies, power, fuel, to catering and transport. 99% of our workforce is Ghanaian, of which 37% are from the local communities surrounding the mine. In 2017, our economic contribution to Ghana was just over $255 million, supporting 277 Ghanaian businesses, 78 of which are from the Ashanti region where the mine is located, with the purchase of goods and services valued at $167 million. To learn more about Asankos CSR activities, please view the 2017 CSR Report on the Companys website: www.asanko.com. About Asanko Gold Inc. Asankos vision is to become a mid-tier gold mining company that maximizes value for all its stakeholders. The Companys flagship project is the multi-million ounce Asanko Gold Mine located in Ghana, West Africa. Asanko is managed by highly skilled and successful technical, operational and financial professionals. The Company is strongly committed to the highest standards for environmental management, social responsibility, and health and safety for its employees and neighbouring communities. Neither Toronto Stock Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. TORONTO, May 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Compass Gold Corp. (TSX-V:CVB) (Compass or the Company) is pleased to provide an update on the previously announced (see Compass news release dated April 3, 2018) ongoing deep soil auger geochemical survey program at the Ouassada exploration permit on its Sikasso Property in Southern Mali. Highlights Deep soil auger sampling has identified a broad 1.5 km wide long and 12 km long zone of anomalous gold at an average depth of 13 m beneath and coincident with the previously reported shallow soil sampling areas. This anomaly, which closely correlates with the bedrock geology, remains open to the north. Gold concentrations up to 2,600 parts per billion (ppb) gold (Au) (2.6 grams per tonne (g/t) Au) occur at the artisanal workings at Farabakoura, and up to 722 ppb Au located 500 m southeast of the workings at Kabangoue North. Highest gold concentrations are not restricted to areas of known workings. Close correlation of anomalous zones with shallow soil geochemistry and a mapped fault bounded Birimian volcanoclastic unit. A total of 1,786 3-m composite deep soil auger samples from 11,556 m of drilling were analyzed over target area 1. Compass CEO, Larry Phillips, commented, The initial results from the soil auger sampling program at Ouassada are highly encouraging, particularly as they demonstrate strong gold anomalism closer to the bedrock. They closely follow the known geological structures and lithologies for at least 12 km and correlate well with the previously reported shallow soil results. We continue to be very pleased with both the rate at which our field team has advanced our exploration program and especially the results were seeing in an area where several gold companies are now in production or are developing significant gold deposits. Deep Soil Auger Sampling Subsequent to the Companys April 3rd progress report relating to shallow soil geochemistry, the Company is pleased to report the first results of 1,786 composite deep soil auger assays, collected in the first of three broad prospective zones predominantly within the Ouassada permit (termed target areas 1, 2 and 3; target area 3 also continues onto the Sankarani permit). Target area 1 contained 893 sample points. The targets were identified by interpreting airborne geophysical data, the presence of an extensive zone of artisanal mining (containing bedrock, vein-hosted, gold mineralization) and the similarity of the geological and structural setting to the Yanfolila gold mine, located 40 km along strike to the southwest (see Figure below). Detailed Auger Soil Results The 1,786 auger sample composites were collected over the permits at depths that varied from 1 to 23 m, with an average depth of 13 m. The grid was oriented east-west with a line spacing of 500 m and a sample spacing of 100 m, identical to the location of the shallow soil samples. One metre intervals of soil were collected from the bore holes at the sample site, with the top 3 m, and the bottom 3 m sent to SGS (Bamako) to be dried, split and composited into 3 m intervals. The top and bottom 3 m composites were then analyzed for gold by fire assay analysis at the SGS geochemical laboratory. Top and bottom composites from the same locations were generally in good agreement (R2= 0.79 for all data), and it was decided that only the deeper composite sample would be reported here. Simple statistical analyses were performed on the data on target area 1, to determine the degree of sample anomalism for the bottom 3 m composite. Background values were considered to be 8 ppb Au or less (number (n) = 651), weakly anomalous (8 - 14 ppb Au, n = 147), moderately anomalous (14 - 22 ppb Au, n = 55), strongly anomalous (22 - 90 ppb, n = 31), and extremely anomalous (> 3 standard deviations from the mean, 90 - 2600 ppb Au, n = 9). The results are illustrated in the figure above. The results from these deep soil auger samples in target area 1 identified a 12-km long continuous anomaly extending from the artisanal gold workings at Kabangoue, through the largest concentration of workings at Farabrakoura, and continuing for an additional 9 km to the north-northwest. The full northern extent of the anomalism on target 1 is unknown, since complete assay results for the remaining 2.5 km are pending. However, an isolated sample containing 352 ppb Au is present in this area. Unlike the shallow soil sampling, reported on April 3, 2018, which suggested that five north-northwest trending anomalies were present in target area 1, the current deep soil auger results are interpreted to be one north-trending anomaly with a width of up to 1.5 km. This zone corresponds to the underlying geology, which is mapped as a fault-bound Birimian volcanoclastic package. The variance between the shallow soils and the deep soil auger results is likely caused by the effects surface drainage. Ouassada Target 2 and Ouassada-Sankarani Target 3 Deep Soil Auger Sampling Approximately 1,500 holes have been drilled on target areas 2 and 3 by the truck-mounted power augers. The composite soil samples collected are currently at the laboratory, and the Company is eagerly awaiting these next assay results. Once all of the deep soil auger samples have been received, they will be integrated into the remote sensing and geophysical reinterpretation studies to determine the location of drill holes to test the presence of bedrock mineralization. Sankarani Sampling Shallow soil sampling was completed in Sankarani on April 6th, with a total of 1,715 samples collected on the main part of the permit. Results have started to arrive from the ALS assay laboratory in Burkina Faso, and the results are expected by the end of May. Kale Sampling The shallow soil sampling teams have now been redeployed to Kale 285 km southeast of Ouassada, where they are collecting samples over priority targets within the permit, before moving to priority targets in the Kourou and Tieloulena permit areas. It is anticipated that the work can be completed before the summer rainy season begins in June. The remaining lower priority samples will be collected after the rains in October. Next Steps The Company looks forward to reporting the results of the completed auger drilling programs on target areas 2 and 3, and the shallow soil program on the Sankarani permit. Field teams are currently collecting shallow soil samples from priority targets at Kale and, once complete, will progress to Kourou and Tieloulena. Follow-up sampling, possibly including bedrock drilling, will be planned after reviewing all of the geological and geochemical data, and combining it with the results of the previously noted remote sensing and geophysical studies. The work program is progressing as planned; on time and within budget. About Compass Gold Corp. Compass, a public company having been incorporated into Ontario, is a Tier 2 issuer on the TSX-V. Through the recent acquisition of MGE and Malian subsidiaries, Compass holds gold exploration permits located in Mali that comprise the Sikasso Property. The exploration permits are located in three sites in southern Mali with a combined land holding of 1,179 km2. The Sikasso Property is located in the same region as several other multi-million ounce gold projects, including Morila, Syama, Kalana and Kodieran. The Companys Mali-based technical team, led in the field by Dr. Diallo and under the supervision of Dr. Sandy Archibald, P.Geo, is initiating a new exploration program. They are examining the first of numerous anomalies noted for further investigation in Dr. Archibalds August 2017 National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report on the Sikasso Property, Southern Mali. Qualified Person The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Sandy Archibald, P.Geo, Compasss Technical Director, who is the Qualified Person for the technical information in this news release under National Instrument 43-101 standards. ForwardLooking Information This news release contains "forwardlooking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the Companys planned exploration work and management appointments. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forwardlooking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by such information. The statements in this news release are made as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forwardlooking information except as required by applicable law. For further information please contact: Compass Gold Corporation Compass Gold Corporation Larry Phillips Pres. & CEO Greg Taylor Dir. Investor Relations & Corporate Communications This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. T: +1 416-596-0996 X 302 T: +1 416-596-0996 X 301 Website: www.compassgoldcorp.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. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Pacific Mining Corp (CSE:USGD) (FWB:1QC) (OTCPK:USGDF) (APM or the Company) is pleased to announce the addition of business development entrepreneur, Mr. Joness Lang, to the Board of Advisors. Mr. Lang is currently the President of English Bay Capital, a private consulting firm providing capital markets advisory and corporate development services for public companies in the natural resource sector. Mr. Lang joined the team at Maple Gold Mines Ltd. as Vice President of Corporate Development in June 2017, transitioning from Riverside Resources Inc. where he had previously served as a Vice President as well. I have known Joness for a number of years now, commented Warwick Smith, CEO of APM. I am very familiar with the value hes delivered for his clients in senior executive roles over the years and his experience, knowledge and network in the gold space runs deep. We are very pleased to have him join our advisory board. Mr. Lang has nearly a decade of capital markets experience in the natural resource sector with precious metals being his primary focus. He has raised significant capital in his career and spent several years sourcing new gold-silver assets. During his tenure with Riverside Resources, Mr. Lang secured partner funding by negotiating and structuring new joint-venture, strategic alliance and spin-out partnerships. Mr. Lang earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree from Royal Roads University, graduating with distinction, and was also an honors student at the British Columbia Institute of Technology where he earned his Marketing Management Entrepreneurship diploma. About Us American Pacific Mining Corp. is a new gold explorer focused on precious metal opportunities in the Western United States. Tuscarora is a high-grade, early stage gold project located in a prime precious metal district in Nevada, only 35km northeast of the Carlin trend, 20km southwest of the Jerritt Canyon deposit, and 50km east-northeast of the Midas deposit. American Pacific is Eyeing a Gold Discovery amidst golds next bull market. On Behalf of the Board of American Pacific Mining Corp. "Warwick Smith" CEO & Director Corporate Office: Suite 910 510 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC, V6C 3A8 Canada Investor Relations: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Phone: 1-866-646-5389 Forward-looking Information Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information (within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation) including, without limitation, statements as to planned exploration activities and the expected timing of the receipt of results. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, without limitation, customary risks of the mineral resource industry as well as the performance of services by third parties. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "aims," "potential," "goal," "objective," "prospective," and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "can," "could" or "should" occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions that Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. It was an eventful week for transitional justice. Human rights activists in the Democratic Republic of Congo called on the oft-criticized International Criminal Court (ICC), whilst Human Right Watch said the ICC is inciting national jurisdictions to act. And in France, two Rwandan mayors accused of genocide returned to court for appeals proceedings seen as a test for universal jurisdiction. This week also saw World Press Freedom Day, with this years focus on the link between information, justice and the rule of law. Freedom of information is under more threaten than ever, in both developing and developed countries, as JusticeInfo notes. This is the case in countries such as the United States, Turkey, Egypt, Hungary and many more. But another obstacle is the indifference of which we are all guilty. Indifference to reconciliation processes, the slow work of Truth Commissions, the interminable trials of the International Criminal Court, seen as not spectacular or sexy enough for much coverage in the media or on social networks, writes JusticeInfo.net. The DRC is an example of where human rights activists are asking the ICC to be more active in prosecuting the real perpetrators of intercommunal violence manipulated by the authorities to stay in power. The response of ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda on a visit to the country was cautious, as she urged the Congolese courts to act. This is talking to the wind, according to activists, who know the hold the Kabila government has on all the apparatus of State. However, in some cases the ICC has provoked national courts to act, writes our Hague correspondent Stephanie Maupas. In Pressure point: The ICCs impact on national justice, Human Rights Watch also looks at four cases Guinea, Colombia, Georgia and the UK, where the ICC has used its preliminary examination tool. In Guinea, a massacre was perpetrated in Conakry stadium on September 28, 2009, leaving at least 156 people dead, writes JusticeInfo. The ICC Office of the Prosecutor decided to open a preliminary investigation, which pushed the country to open its own investigations. The proceedings of the national judicial authorities have been monitored all along by the ICC Prosecutor, and last December twelve people were charged in Guinea, including former president Moussa Dadis Camara. It remains to be seen if they will be brought to trial. The Guinea case could set a precedent. But other ICC preliminary examinations have proven ineffectual and stemmed more from a visibility policy than a real strategy, writes Stephanie Maupas, who concludes that Human Rights Watch is simply urging the ICC to use the powers it has, without over-estimating the chances of success. Another success for transitional justice is the 15 year jail sentence handed down in Switzerland on former Guatemalan police chief Erwin Sperisen, found guilty in a re-trial of complicity in the murders of seven prisoners in 2006. Meanwhile in France, appeals proceedings opened in Paris on May 2 for two former Rwandan mayors accused of genocide and crimes against humanity. This new trial under universal jurisdiction comes 24 years after the crimes and 6,000 kilometres from their little commune of Kabarondo in eastern Rwanda, writesJusticeInfo.net. On the other hand, things appear to be going backward in Tunisia where, according to lawyer Halim Meddeb, transitional justice is under threat. Transitional justice has always been in danger in Tunisia, says Meddeb of Lawyers without Borders (ASF) in an interview with JusticeInfo.net. Neither the current authorities nor the previous ones have supported this process. The authorities want to end the work of the Truth Commission and bury the whole process in its wake. A 15-year prison sentence handed down by a Geneva court on former Guatemalan police chief Erwin Sperisen for complicity in the 2006 murder of seven prison inmates is an important step in the fight against impunity for State crimes, says Swiss NGO Trial International, which helped bring the case. It is a rare case of a person being tried in Switzerland for crimes committed on foreign soil. The court also awarded the plaintive, the mother of one of the murdered prisoners, CHF 30,000 as compensation. This verdict demonstrates the healthy functioning of our institutions, and gives hope to victims as well as to individuals and organizations committed to the fight against impunity in Guatemala, says Trial Internationals director Philip Grant in a press release. Sperisens lawyers say they are appealing to Switzerlands Federal Court. And despite the sentence, the former police chief has not been sent back to jail, from which he was freed last autumn and put under judicial surveillance. He has already spent five years in preventive detention, which will be reduced from his final sentence. On April 27, 2018, the Geneva Court of Justice found Sperisen criminally responsible for contributing to a 2006 operation aimed at taking back control of the Pavon prison in Guatemala, during which seven prisoners were summarily executed. The court deemed that Sperisen had acted as an accomplice in the murders, but did not find him fully responsible as a co-author. The former police chief was tried in Switzerland because he has dual Guatemalan and Swiss nationality, and Switzerland does not extradite its citizens. A long saga But the judicial process has been long, with many twists and turns. Sperisen was first sentenced to life imprisonment by a Geneva court in 2014, and the verdict was upheld in 2015, when his first appeal against a lifetime jail sentence was denied. However, Switzerlands Federal Court last year ordered a re-trial. The Federal Court considered that Sperison had not been granted the necessary rights in terms of bringing witnesses. But it confirmed a substantial part of the facts, notably that the detainees deaths were planned and were not the result of an armed conflict but brought about by members of the police and close associates of Sperison. Trial International says it welcomes the fact that the Geneva authorities conducted the trial to its end, fulfilling their responsibility in providing justice to victims of the gravest human rights abuses. And so Sperisen was finally found guilty of complicity, rather than direct responsibility for the murders, as he was originally charged. We are satisfied with the verdict, which recognizes the guilt of Erwin Sperisen and sentences him to 15 years in prison for complicity as Guatemalas police chief in extrajudicial executions, says Trial Internationals head of criminal law and investigations Benedict De Moerloose. That is a very serious crime. Important for Guatemala and Switzerland This verdict has been met with great satisfaction on the part of the victims and all those fighting to defend human rights in Guatemala, De Moerloose told JusticeInfo. For example, one Guatemalan human rights activist writes that this decision comes at a difficult time for the fight against impunity in Guatemala. It is a source of hope renewed for justice. Indeed, the Swiss courts sentence comes at a time when the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), a UN-sponsored body created in 2007 to help Guatemala combat crime and impunity, is under pressure from elements of the elite. De Moerloose says the verdict is also important for Switzerland. For Switzerland, this verdict shows not only that our country has an important role to play in the fight against impunity, but also that it has the means to carry it out, he told JusticeInfo. As for the length and cost of the judicial procedures, De Moerloose has no doubt they are worthwhile. The impact of such a judgment is immense, and since Erwin Sperison has Swiss nationality, it was natural that a Swiss court try his case, he says. The cost is small compared with the price paid by the victims and the price paid by the international community for State crimes. Mostly pro-government lawmakers in Nicaragua on Sunday set up a truth commission to investigate the deaths of at least 45 anti-government, mostly student demonstrators, over two weeks. The five-member panel of investigators, which will act outside the legislature, is free to probe as they deem appropriate, said legislature speaker Gustavo Porras, an ally of President Daniel Ortega. The investigators are due to report back to lawmakers within a three-month deadline. The protests against Ortega erupted on April 18 and claimed at least 45 lives, according to human rights groups. Officials stopped updating their toll after counting 10 deaths in the first three days. Initially triggered by reforms to cut spending on Nicaraguas deficit-laden social security system later abandoned by Ortega the protests swelled to include other grudges against the 72-year-old president, widely seen as autocratic and distant. The protests are the worst Ortega has faced in the past 11 years, since the leftist former Sandinista rebel returned to power after a lengthy stint in opposition. The demonstrations however have become more peaceful in recent days. Ortega has said he is willing to hold talks to calm the situation but made few moves to follow through. The students have also already demanded an independent commission be set up to investigate the protest deaths, and given a deadline of Tuesday. Students and the political opposition have called for a nationwide demonstration for Wednesday. The presidents Sandinista party has an absolute majority in the one-chamber assembly in Managua. The annual Kilkenny College Transition Year (TY) Tractor Run rolled back into Kilkenny College last Thursday evening and raised over 3,500 for charity. This yearly fundraiser was organised by a small but hard working TY group headed up by Louise Tracey. The nominated charity was the Bishops Appeal and Bishop Michael Burrows was on hand to see the 40 tractors enter Kilkenny College and described it as quite wonderful. Speaking at the conclusion of the run TYs Louise Tracey said; This would not have been possible without help from many people. JVW Transport have been very good to us for the last six years allowing us to gather safely and depart from their yard. Kilkenny Gardai Community Policing Unit have again supported us. I like to thank Garda Aidan Fitzpatrick and Garda Andrew Neill for their help." The 40 tractors included a Marshall Steam Engine from 1912 as well as a variety of tractors of varying age. The convoy travelled the 16km in the Carlow Road along the hard shoulder before turning down the Ring Road. It was a short run along the Castlecomer Road before a noisy reception awaited the drivers in Kilkenny College. As well as the 435 boarders who were on hand, a large number of day pupils and members of the school community turned out to welcome the drivers back to school. The Hegarty Transition Year Tractor Run Cup was awarded to David Lewis. The judges were William Hutchinson, Robin Wallace and Bryan Daniels who all have extensive agricultural experience and are past pupils of the College. The sub Committee thanked JVW Transport, Kilkenny Community Policing Unit, McCarthy Commercials as well as Agco Finance for their support. The girls and boys raised 3,751.56 The Bishops Appeal. Islamic terror attacks in the West are far less common since 2017 Barry Soper writes: The seven Maori seats in Parliament should be scrapped. The need for them has long passed. Originally they were only meant to be there for five years to give Maori the right to vote in the general election 150 years ago this year. That was extended by another five years but in 1876 it was extended indefinitely. Now we have a bill pulled out of the ballot box aimed at entrenching the seven Maori seats, sponsored by Labours Rino Tirikatene. Its hardly surprising given at the last election all the seats went back to their natural home, Labour. To entrench the seats means 75 percent of Parliament would have to vote to get rid of them. Currently they could be scrapped with a simple majority. To entrench them would in itself need a 75% majority in Parliament, so this is not going to happen as National and ACT are against. But the 75% vote is only needed at committee of the whole stage so it might get through first and second reading if NZ First vote for it. Without the seats Labour wouldnt be the Government today but their retention has always been up for debate. Actually they would be, as without them they would have seven more List MPs. The Royal Commission, which proposed our MMP electorate system, said if it was adopted the Maori seats should go. It rightly argued that under MMP all parties would have to pay attention to Maori voters and their concerns and they felt their continued existence would marginalise those concerns. And the Royal Commission was proved right. And today there are the most Maori MPs ever in Parliament, 29 with our indigenous cultures heritage, or 24 percent of Parliament and most coming from the general electorate roll. All of the political leaders with the exception of Jacinda Ardern and James Shaw lay claim to Maori heritage. So surely Maori are, or should be, better catered for then ever before. The seats have become redundant, other than a political crutch for Labour, they serve no purpose and rather than entrenching them, Parliament should be doing away with them. Even without the seven Maori seats, Maori would be over-represented in Parliament. Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn More Reddit Pinterest Print Tumblr Tehran [Iran], May 6 (ANI): In a fresh warning, Iran has cautioned the United States (US) that it would suffer "historic remorse" if it pulls out of a nuclear agreement with Tehran formally called as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. According to several media reports, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, in a televised speech, said, "We have plans to resist any decision by Trump on the nuclear accord. If America leaves the nuclear accord, this will entail historic remorse for it." This comes less than one week before US President Donald Trump is due to decide on May 12, whether to continue to abide by the 2015 deal by waiving US sanctions on Iran. Trump lambasted the nuclear agreement reached with Iran in July 2015 as the "worst deal ever." According to CNN, Rouhani even stated that Iran had plans for "whatever decision is made by Trump" and that "when it comes to weapons and defending our country, we will not negotiate with anybody." Rouhani had earlier warned that if the US pulled out of Iran's nuclear deal, it would have to face severe consequences. The Iran nuclear deal was signed between six countries in 2015 - Iran, US, Britain, Germany, Russia, France and China for lifting economic sanctions on Tehran in exchange for limitations to the country's nuclear programme. It guarantees the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme. Following that Iran had pledged to not develop or acquire nuclear weapons in exchange for the cancellation of sanctions imposed against the country.(ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Gospel musician Kevin Bahati recently unveiled his record labels(EMB) newest addition, Rebecca Soki Kalwenze. The Kenyan based Congolese musician opened up to Buzz about her struggle to burst into the local gospel music scene and what she intends to bring to the EMB stable. Many people have only learnt about you after your unveiling, has your musical journey just began? Not really. I started doing music as a little girl back home in Congo. My dad is a pastor and he got me enrolled in the church choir. Thats how I started singing. Basically, I would say I have been singing all my life, regardless of the places I have been to. So how did you end up in Kenya? I came here in 2006, being a part of a missionary team from Congo that came to start a church in Nairobi. I was the head of the choir team. However, I was only here for a year and a half, then went back to Congo to finish my studies, before returning to Kenya in 2011 with the full intention of focusing my energies in starting my career as a gospel artiste. Too bad, it didnt turn out so well as I had expected. 2011 to date isnt such a long time to get people to finally notice your work? It has been a hustle my brother, a seven-year struggle, to break into the gospel industry. But I am grateful that at last I get to see some light at the end of the tunnel. I can attest to that, if the response I have received for my first single under EMB Baraka Zangu is anything to go by. Gods timing is surely the best. What was the seven years struggle like, being a foreigner trying to break into the Kenyan market? Doing music is not a walk in the park, any artiste will tell you that. Whereas I was dedicated to the course, I lacked the finances and the correct people to push me through. I did a couple of collabos here that would have put me on the map, but, like I said, a lack of proper management team stalled my advancement. At some point I got signed to labels that only exploited me, they would distribute my music via different apps or sell it as ring back tones but I wouldnt get a dime. Theyd also organise shows that I ended up not getting paid for, as they took everything. But what made it even worse was when I was poisoned. Did you say, poisoned? Why would someone do that to you? Yes, you got me right, some people who pretended to be my friends spiked my milk and thats how I ended up consuming the poison. For a whole year I couldnt speak, I lost the ability to talk and all I could do was to just whisper. This was the breaking point of my struggle in music. I decided to quit and go back home. Wait a minute, why would your friends poison you? I have never known why, but I think they felt I posed a threat and that someday I would eventually burst into the limelight. Clearly, they werent happy about it. These friends are my fellow musicians from Congo and together we had been struggling to make careers in Kenya. During the period of our hustle, I travelled to Dubai for a mission that I had been invited to. I was going to spend some time there and so I left the key to my house in Nairobi with one of my trusted friends. I had warned her about inviting these other fake friends to my residence, but for some reason they were able to convince her that they never meant any harm. So they kept visiting my place. When they learnt of my intended return in September 2016, thats when they paid a visit as usual and spiked my milk. When I drunk it, I collapsed. Interestingly, they even visited me at home while I was in bad health, I guess they just came to check if I was actually dying. So what followed? I remained on treatment for the whole year without telling my parents because I did not want them panicking, bearing in mind I was kilometers away from home. But after exhausting my savings, thats when I decided to return home in 2017, swearing to never come back to Kenya. But that did not happen? It didnt. At home I kept praying to God to never make me return to Kenya. I said, if its serving Him, I can do that even in Congo. I wasnt ready to spend a single cent from my hustle to come back. But again I prayed hard that if I was to return to Kenya, then God should provide a stranger who would pay my air ticket back and offer support until I would find my footing again. And true to His word, thats how Bahati came for me. You mean BahatI travelled to Congo to fetch you? No, he didnt. But during that time, while back home, I fully recovered and started singing again in church. Throughout this time, Bahati had been looking for me in Kenya; he had just started the EMB Records. We had met before in various gospel functions like Groove Awards and he had told me how he was a great fan of my works, despite me being not in the limelight. So, when he couldnt find me in Kenya he sent me a text on Whatsapp to make contact. He wanted me to come back but I remained reluctant, and he kept insisting. At the last point he offered to pay for my air ticket and and promised to look after me for a while. Thats how I made my return. So whats the pact between you and EMB? Hehehe! I will not go into details, but I am grateful of the terms. I will get to record music under the label, they will do the pushing of the content, get gigs for me, among other things. Besides, currently EMB is taking care of my rent bills for a given time and once that time is up, I will soldier on, haha! Baraka Zangu has been massive what next? I am so grateful and I look forward to doing more. However, I cant promise much for now because its like I am starting to build my foundation all over again, but time will tell. Lastly, a few influencers in the gospel industry have compared you to the late Angelina Chibalonza. What do you make of this? Since the time I arrived in Kenya, I have been told that very often. Its a positive compliment for me and I have a feeling it could be God talking through people. I look forward to emulating her because she clearly blessed so many souls with her music. Guatemala City [Guatemala], May 7 (ANI): Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday reached Guatemala as part of his three-nation visit to Latin America. The Vice President was received by the Foreign Minister of Guatemala, Sandra Jovel and the Ambassador of India to Guatemala Sajeev Babu Kurup at the airport. He inspected a guard of honour on his arrival in Guatemala City. Naidu is on a five-day visit to Latin America's Guatemala, Peru and Panama commencing from May 6. This is the Vice President's first overseas visit after assuming office last year. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Minister of State (MoS) for Tribal Affairs Jasvantsinh Sumanbahi Bhabhor, four Members of Parliament and senior officers of the Government of India, as said in a press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on May 3. A range of bilateral issues including the strengthening of institutional mechanisms for political interactions, multilateral matters, trade and commerce, investments, information technology, capacity building, traditional medicines, space, defence, and culture are expected to be discussed during his visit. He is also scheduled to hold meetings at the highest levels in Guatemala, Peru and Panama. Further, the Vice President will interact with a score of respective parliamentarians of the three countries. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) May 7, 2018, 5:32pm ET Former Google AI head aims to launch self-driving cars by July The startup will launch its first self-driving car service in Frisco, Texas. Drive.ai, another startup founded by Google alumni, hopes to launch self-driving taxi rides this year. A team of Stanford graduates headed by Andrew Ng, founder of the Google Brain Deep Learning Project, has been quietly working on autonomous vehicles since 2015. The startup has since built a full stack of self-driving software in-house, preparing for service launch this year. The company is taking a unique approach that relies on remote monitoring, described as "tele-choice" technology, allowing the autonomous vehicle to hand off potentially tricky decisions to humans managing multiple vehicles from a centralized location. "Comprised of deep learning natives, the team has designed a self-driving architecture using modern AI from the ground up," says Ng. "Further, by developing the full software stack for self-driving in-house -perception, motion planning, mapping, localization, fleet management software, mobile app, communications, our "tele-choice remote assistance system, and more the team is able to move quickly and resolve any dependencies between systems." The company plans to initially launch its service in Frisco, Texas, by July 2018, with a limited set of routes from HALL Park offices to The Star. A safety driver will initially be behind the wheel, mirroring Waymo's current state of operations, but 'soon' the safety driver will be replaced by a 'chaperone' riding in the passenger seat. Eventually, the company will remove the chaperone and allow the cars to operate independently with remote monitoring. May 6, 2018, 5:01pm ET Genesis reverses plan to limit standalone dealerships The luxury marque could now launch with more than 100 stores. Genesis has once again made significant changes to the luxury marque's upcoming launch as a standalone brand. The decision reverses a plan announced in January and may result in a much larger dealer network than initially planned. Automotive News reports that Genesis has gone back on a January announcement that standalone Genesis showrooms would be limited to 100 stores in 48 major urban markets. Many of parent company Hyundai's 350 elite-level dealers were upset that they would be competing for a limited number of chances to open a Genesis franchise. However last week, Erwin Raphael, Genesis's general manager, told Hyundai dealers that the Genesis launch could have more than 100 stores, and that all US Hyundai dealers could have the chance to sell Genesis cars. The opportunity can be lucrative, as starting in 2019 only standalone Genesis dealers will be able to purchase Genesis cars wholesale. Only Genesis dealers will be allowed to perform warranty repair work on Genesis cars as well. Currently, Genesis offers two models, the G80 and G90, but a BMW 3-Series fighter called the G70 will arrive this summer. The first Genesis showroom was announced in January and will be built in an upscale district of Seoul, South Korea. The Midlands Park Hotel won the Hotel Team of the year Award at the recent Irish Hospitality Awards. The award comes upon the first birthday of the hotel, in the heart of Portlaoise town. In May 2017 the former Portlaoise Heritage Hotel was rebranded to become the Midlands Park Hotel after receiving a 7 million transformation. The renovation saw the redesign of 115 deluxe guest bedrooms, including a new exclusive floor of 5 specially designed executive suites, together with an opulent and indulgent bridal suite, Kellys Steakhouse Restaurant, Triog Restaurant, an extended and transformed Charter Bar and Leisure Club. Only this month Jule Day Spa has opened, offering another element to this fantastic property. Dara Cruise, General Manager of the Midlands Park Hotel over the past year is very excited about winning such a prestigious award coming up his year milestone working for the hotel. This award is all down to the tremendous team we have here at the Midlands Park Hotel. It is with great pride that we have grown our employee numbers over the last year from 130 to now over 200 employees. Dara accredits the success of the past year to the hard work and dedication from all the staff, as well as the loyal support of valued customers. Over the past year the quality of our employees and of their highly skilled work continues to receive excellent feed-back from our customers who highly value the friendliness and professionalism of all our staff, he said. The Hotel has devoted a great deal into their staff to ensure that they are an employer of choice in the area. Over the past year the hotel has promoted 8 employees to supervisor positions, invested in training courses; Invisio Management Training, Supervisory Management Course all run by LOETB and Customer Excellence with Failte Ireland, to name a few. The hotel's mission statement, Our mission will always be to look after each other, while we look after our guests. Our focus must always remain on the present and future success of the business. The changes are already making waves in the hospitality industry with Kellys Steakhouse Restaurant, one of the hotels two on-site restaurants, recently receiving a coveted award for Best Casual Dining Restaurant in Laois in the 2018 Irish Hotel and Restaurant Awards, hosted in March. The Hotel is nominated for 5 awards for the upcoming Midlands 103 awards which the hotel is hosting. There will be 340 guests for a black-tie event on the 21st May. The entire team at the Midlands Park Hotel & Conference Centre has a proven track record and we will continue to offer our customers an impeccably high level of service and personalised care and look forward to welcoming everyone over the next few months to the Midlands Park Hotel, said Dara Cruise. 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. Quelque 83 series de 19 pays differents ont ete presentees dans trois salles differentes, et des animations diverses ont ete organisees, selon un communique du festival. En 2017, pour la 8e edition parisienne, Series Mania avait enregistre une frequentation alors record, avec plus de 53.000 spectateurs contre un peu moins de 40.000 en 2016. L'organisation de l'edition lilloise refuse toutefois de comparer les chiffres, "dans la mesure ou les projections ont ete faites autrement." Offre d'ete : Profitez de l'offre speciale 2 mois pour 1 Je m'abonne Une deuxieme edition a Lille doit avoir lieu en 2019, a une date qui n'a pas encore ete fixee. STUDENTS with mobility challenges should not be discouraged from taking part in international opportunities such as the Erasmus programme, a former University of Limerick student has advised. Jessica Gough, a former UL applied languages student who has a form of cerebral palsy, has had many successful experiences while studying abroad. You need to have a positive attitude and know your own needs, Ms Gough said. Ms Gough now acts as Irelands Erasmus Student Ambassador. I researched each placement, finding out who to contact in each country before I travelled and this helped me overcome the challenges of my disability. Ms Gough was speaking at the launch of a new report into improving access to international opportunities by removing barriers that exist for students. The Enhancing Mobility for Access Students Ireland report and an online student resource, mobilitytookit.ie, was launched by Minister of State for Higher Education Mary Mitchell OConnor at the University of Limerick. The report, which was produced by the Irish Universities Association (IUA), looks at ways to increase student participation in programmes like the Erasmus+, for non-traditional students, like mature students, students with disabilities or from lower socio-economic groups. As a student with a disability, Gerard Gallagher believed that the Erasmus experience was not an option for him. Now a disability advisor, Mr Gallagher encourages his students to embrace every opportunity. I believe that life experience and skills gained on Erasmus+ are transferable for success in education and employment, he said. In recent times, he has supported many students with significant disabilities to study abroad, he added. TWENTY households in an estate in County Limerick continue to rely on bottled water for drinking, eight months after a smell of petrol in their water supply sparked concern. Last August, Irish Water told the Ardagh residents there they would be taking samples of the water as recent results have shown slightly elevated levels of hydrocarbons. There is no requirement to alter your use of the water, Irish Water said as the elevated levels were within drinking water guidelines. However, in late September Irish Water again wrote to residents telling them that the HSE advice was not to drink the water or use it for prepared food, ice making or brushing of teeth. However, unless any petrol type odour is noted, this water can be used for toilet flushing bathing, showering, laundry and dishwashing, the residents were told. This advice is on a precautionary basis, Irish Water has stressed repeatedly. While the level of hydrocarbons detected is above expected background levels, it does not breach the Drinking Water Regulations, a spokesman for the company told the Limerick Leader. In the meantime, Irish Water, in partnership with Limerick City and County Council have undertaken investigations into the possible source of the pollution but, Deputy Niall Collins was told last week, no definitive source can be established. Note that this is a localised issue with no detections in other areas within the Newcastle West water supply scheme, Deputy Collins was told. Irish Water now propose to carry out ice pigging of the supply pipework, within the estate, to deep clean the pipework and to follow up with additional sampling. This is currently being arranged by Irish Water, Deputy Collins has been told. He said the response was unacceptable given the time that had elapsed. He intends to follow up and track the matter, he said. In the meanwhile, bottled water has been supplied to residents of O Connor Park on request. Water Tankers (on loan from Clare County Council) were provided in early December but their use was discontinued due to low uptake. We provided additional supplies of bottled water to residents of OConnor Park. In December, a spokesman for Irish Water told the Limerick Leader that some hydrocarbons, at low levels, had previously been detected in the network in Ardagh village. It is thought that this may have been coming from OConnor Park, so a non-return valve has been fitted on the pipe into the park and regular monitoring is carried out on the Ardagh supply, he said. Irish Water, he added, has been liaising with the HSE and the EPA on the matter. X RECRUITERS for Google, Facebook and Twitter will be heading to Scoil Pol in Kilfinane after their students success in the National Scratch Coding competition. They took home not one, but two prizes at the event held in the Kemmy Business School, UL, last week as part of Tech Week 2018. The winners were selected from over 500 entries nationwide and judged to be the best in their respective categories. Niamh Kennedy and Dani Sabadell Marib took home the top prize in the best animation category for their project Behind the Bully. While Dewi Goldenberg won in the fourth to sixth year category for her entry Clean up our Streets. Scratch is a visual programming language that makes it easy for young people to create their own interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art and share their creations on the web. Scratch allows students to develop creative and critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills as they work collaboratively or individually on Scratch projects. In operation since 2010, the competition has established itself among both teachers and students as a leading platform and showcase for Irelands aspiring digital creators. It is run by the ICS Foundation, social enterprise arm of the Irish Computer Society and supported by Lero, the Irish Software Research Centre. Tech Week provides hands-on opportunities to learn about how computing and related technology are shaping every area of life. The aim is to stimulate thinking around future opportunities for study and careers in technology, through learning in the wider areas of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects. Jim Friars, CEO Irish Computer Society, and Clare McInerney, Lero, congratulated all the participants of the National Scratch Coding competition. Mr Friars said: All of the judges were impressed with the quality and effort that went into each entry. With the shortage of qualified IT professionals growing every day, we need to move decisively and quickly to inspire students to pursue education and career paths in technology that will help us meet the needs of our new digital economy. Ms McInerney said: The standard each year just gets better and better. This event is unlike any in the country and exposes students of all ages and levels to coding. It provides young students with a hands-on, real experience of what technology is and how important it is in our everyday lives. Petra Bockle is a rising rap star and one of the most promising femcees out of Kenya. Her raw and hard-hitting rap style has seen her get likened to Americas Cardi B. She is currently riding high on her most recent release I Got That featuring Victoria Kimani. Before I Got That, Petra killed it on the Khali Cartel alongside Khaligraph Jones. What most people dont know about Petra is her personal life. She talked to Pulse: Youre quite different in person from your rap persona. How comes? I get that a lot. Im introverted. I do better by myself and get nervous around huge crowds. The rap persona just happens to come out whenever Im in the studio. Thats the way I express myself. Otherwise, Im a chilled out person. How would you do describe yourself? I am all about family. I love being a mom and wife. Im God-fearing, above everything else. And as you might have guessed, music is my passion. I got the passion for music from my dad. Before he passed on, he had all these vinyl records at his place and used to be a DJ from time to time. I get the strong will from my mom. I am the middle child of 2 siblings. You grew up in Mombasa. How would you compare the coastal city to Nairobi where you now reside? Nairobi is much faster. It definitely has more opportunities and people are generally more focused on their careers. After Ligi Soo, its like you just fell of the wagon. What happened? If you see my catalogue from last year, its consistent. Thats because everything was planned. When the remix (Ligi Soo) came out, I still had no inside knowledge of how the industry works. I took a break to strategise and learn. I did not want to come out with just another sub-standard product. Its also around the same time I settled down to start a family. Its not every other day you hear of 19 year-old girls ready to settle down and start a family. What prompted that? Ive always lacked patience for flings and short-term relationships. I wanted to grow up and have a family like my mom. My husband was actually shocked when I first told him that I want to get married and start a family. I actually asked him if he was game. How did you two meet? Ive known him actually since I was 15 years old. He was way older, theres a 9-year gap in our age, which was a plus for him. He brushed me off during those early years. He actually said I was too young. Fast forward year later, we have been together for 6 years and been married for 4 years. I wouldnt have it any other way. Was it like a church wedding or at the Attorney Generals? And why was it like a secret wedding? The public only got to know about it months later It was an AG office marriage. We decided to go for a small, intimate ceremony as both of our parents werent able to attend because of other commitments. My mom was out of the country on the set date. Actually, we just celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary this past Monday. So we decided that perhaps well do a bigger more public one in one of our future anniversaries. Why him though, at 19, he met all your qualifications? Hes mature. He has the utmost respect for women and respects God. Thats what attracted me to him. He was different from other guys, years later. Im sure a lot of artistes wanted to work with you after Ligi Soo remix. Is there a particular formula one needs to have to land a collabo with Petra? I respect Tanzanias Diamond a lot. Actually I look up to him. And I wouldnt mind if he refused to do a collabo with me. I would fully understand. He has gone out of his way to grow his fan base and numbers. If you have low numbers and Im also here trying to push my digits up, I dont see how we can help each other much. Push as I pull on the opposite side and perhaps one day we can do a project together when the timing is right. It has to be the right fit for us to work together. Tell us about your daughter? Shes like her mummy. Fast learner and determined to get her way in every way. How is it balancing being a mom and a showbiz star? It is tough. Like now, the nanny had to leave and I couldnt get someone to look after the baby to make it to this press interview. But Im learning a lot and the hubby is really supportive. What about school? Where did you go to school? I was in Aga Khan International School till Year 8 when I got suspended. Some fellow classmates, being teenagers, started teasing me when my dad did not show up for a parents meeting. Ive always kept to myself and they didnt know my dad had passed away. Their insults kept coming and I honestly felt provoked. Thats when the rap persona that you see in my music came out. They were 3, I beat them up real good. They didnt see it coming. I later got suspended. I refused to go back after the suspension and my mom later got me admitted to Coast Academy where I finished my senior school. I did air ticketing at Aviation College but that was about it for me a far as college is concerned. I paused for a bit to allow my sister to proceed with her University education as our family had financial constraints that couldnt allow us to both pay for our tuition fees. THE windows at the former St Johns Church in Johnsgate village were smashed overnight in an incident described as pointless, deliberate vandalism. The building, which lies in the shadow of St Johns Cathedral, has been home to Dance Limerick, and is held in trust by Limerick City and County Council. Prior to this, it was widely known as the Daghda Dance Hall, before the group renamed. Limerick Leader columnist Nigel Dugdale, who lives in the area and has written about the issues it faces in the past, described the move as another reflection of how low the area of Johnsgate has stooped. Sinn Fein councillor Seighin O Ceallaigh called for greater garda visibility in the area, with the vandalism understood to have been carried out by local youths. And Sheila Deegan, arts officer with the council, pledged the facility will remain open. Its just an act of vandalism. The windows themselves are of no historical value. They were only put in back in 2004. In fact, they were due to be replaced from a heat point of view later this year, she said, These things happen in cities. Its not acceptable. Its a resource for the public and dancers, and we will be ensuring this continues. One local resident, who requested not to be identified, said: The windows are protected by metal bars. They actively went under these. It was a deliberate attempt to try and smash windows, and they have nearly done every one. Not only is it pointless, its also deliberate vandalism. The area has become an absolute mess in terms of people hanging around, they said, People are climbing the walls, drinking and doing drugs in the graveyard. Cllr O Ceallaigh, who represents the area, and also chairs the councils cultural committee, added: There is anti-social behaviour and then theres crime. Its time to call crime what it is. People in that area are being terrorised by young thugs who see no consequence for themselves. They dont care. Some of them have not made their confirmation yet, and they are out there causing havoc. The Gardai have been notified about the incident. Contact Henry Street garda station at 061-212400. Apr 28, 2021, 7 AM Two recent stamps from Monaco depict posters for the Grace Kelly films High Society and Green Fire. The stamps are part of a series that started in 2014. New Stamps of the World By Denise McCarty On Jan. 17, Monaco issued two more stamps in its series honoring the films of Grace Kelly. This series began in 2014 with additional stamps issued each year after that (Scott 2743-2744, 2783-2784, 2845-2846 and 2865-2866). All of the stamps reproduce film posters. This years stamps feature the 1956 film High Society, 1.56; and Green Fire from 1954, 2.40. The last film before she became Princess Grace of Monaco, the musical comedy High Society also starred Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. The stamp depicts the three stars, along with Louis Armstrong playing trumpet. Pictured along with Kelly on the stamp honoring the adventure film Green Fire are co-stars Stewart Granger (in the foreground with Kelly) and Paul Douglas (on the right). Connect with Linns Stamp News: Sign up for our newsletter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Creaphil designed the stamps. Philaposte printed them by offset in sheets of six. In his philosophy honors thesis, Ben Goldfein argues that we need to shift the current ethos of technological progress and start realizing that it is not just the end results which matter, but also the means to get there. Emory Photo/Video Artificial intelligence, the ability of computers to spot patterns in large volumes of data, has advanced so rapidly that researchers promise self-driving cars and medical diagnoses from facial scans soon. The ascent of AI into the domain of human exceptionality has prompted as much anxiety as hope. Science fiction is littered with stories of AI, programmed to protect human life, becoming sentient and murderous. Ben Goldfein, a senior in Emory College of Arts and Sciences, argues in his philosophy honors thesis that the answer to this modern angst lies in Aristotles ancient Nicomachean Ethics, which describe moral action as doing the right thing to the right thing at the right time, toward the right end and in the right way. Aristotles virtuous ethics eliminate a constant right answer, forcing the best possible answer in a given situation. Such consideration would turn AI far more like us than something like Amazons Alexa and expand what it means to be human in the ever-shifting technological landscape. There will be a point when we no longer have control over AI beyond the set of rules we give or the outcomes we want, Goldfein says. We need to shift the current ethos of technological progress and start realizing that it is not just the end results which matter, but also the means to get there. He will continue to explore these questions after graduation as he pursues a master of letters in moral, political and legal philosophy through the Robert T. Jones Jr. Fellowship. The fellowship is part of the Bobby Jones Scholars program that honors the most outstanding representatives from Emory and the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where Goldfein will study. Cutting-edge technology, lagging ethics As AI broke free from abstract theory to everyday reality in recent years, consideration of its ethical implications has lagged. The European Union is at the forefront, just pledging this spring to have guidelines for use of AI by years end. So far, many of the alarming AI headlines such as the facial recognition that helped police spot and arrest a fugitive in a crowd of 50,000 concertgoers in China, and a patent pending to allow Alexa to listen to all conversations highlight the actions of the people behind the machines. At the current pace of technology, though, its not unreasonable to begin questioning the moral responsibility of the computers themselves, says Thomas Flynn, Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor of Philosophy, who oversaw Goldfeins thesis. The question is just starting to arise, whether as these machines develop their problem-solving strength, does it bring any moral conscience with it, Flynn says. Can a computer beat us in chess? Yes. But does it care it can beat us, and what are the limits of the machines responsibility for what is done? The questions are not simply academic. One of Goldfeins neighbors was in a crash involving an early example of an autonomous vehicle. A driver was test-driving a Mercedes that the salesperson said had the ability to stop itself at a stop sign. It didnt. Goldfeins neighbor was injured. The legal system, though, has yet to decide who, or what, was responsible. The driver blamed the salesperson. The salesperson blamed the manufacturer. The manufacturer blamed the computer. It sounds fake, but youre asking if you can punish a computer and if justice, which is a feeling, can apply to a developed machine, Goldfein says. Its so fascinating because this isnt science fiction. This is happening. Just for fun At first blush, Goldfein seems an unlikely candidate for considering the moral behavior of AI and the people who design such machines. The Atlanta native and son of two Emory alumni arrived on campus prepared to major in business and theater studies the fields most likely to be helpful in his goal of becoming a career magician. I wanted to be the next David Copperfield, says Goldfein, who was named a Rising Star by the Society of American Magicians when he was 16. He ended up a philosophy major, with an ethics minor, because he promised himself to take one course every semester just for fun. The spring of his first year at Emory College, his pick for fun was an interdisciplinary philosophy course, the ethics of violence. The course, which included reading Crime and Punishment and debated questions such as whether a more brutal death would involve the dull or the sharp end of an ax, was revelatory. Other fields taught him what to think about a certain topic, Goldfein says. Philosophy was about how to think. He has challenged the ideas of ethics and emotions just as philosophy is reconsidering its old idea that ethical thinking requires only reason, says Cynthia Willett, Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor of Philosophy, who served on Goldfeins thesis committee and has taught him in graduate seminars. Now we realize people cant set feelings aside because we think through our emotions, adds Willett, who is working with Goldfein on a follow-up paper to his thesis. With all of the science and technology, you have to be there with the humanity, too, which is why Bens work is so timely. Considering the human question Goldfeins work has focused deeply on the high-level steps AI programmers and architects should take, or be removed from, rather than focusing on the programming itself. His research included a year spent as a visiting student at the University of Oxford in England. He studied philosophy, politics and economics, with a focus on analytic and moral philosophy in the St. Peters College Visiting Student Programme. Goldfein was also an Undergraduate Honors Fellow at the Fox Center for Humanistic Inquiry. His coursework and honors were not confined to the humanities. Goldfein was Emorys first Mt. Vernon Fellow, a competitive leadership program in Washington, D.C. He also chose to take neuroscience classes instead of computer science to understand the next level of AI, the deep learning that mimics the human brain. Some of the questions of moral sentience not only if machines could achieve it but also the array of factors that go into it helped lessen the burden on a programmer to code ethics or virtue into devices, says Andrew Kazama, a lecturer in the Department of Psychology. From a neuroscience perspective, there are so many things controlling our behavior, from stimuli in our environment to the reinforced learning which machines do now, says Kazama, who taught Goldfein and served on his thesis committee. Bens thesis is an important piece of writing because it shows there are so many things that scientists are going to have to grapple with, not just the technology, if we want our work to be used for good, Kazama adds. Goldfein envisions a future working for good and is considering a masters degree in bioethics, with a career as a lawyer, researcher or academic. Technology research has often been kept to the hard sciences, but anything that concerns humanity must consider these questions, Goldfein says. Im fascinated by the human aspect of what we can do and whether or how we should, and I am excited to continue this research in hopes of creating meaningful change. During the last ice age, a small horse about the size of a Shetland pony somehow trampled into a big lake. It's unclear how the animal died, but its body fell to the bottom of the lake, where it lay buried for about 16,000 years that is, until this past fall, when landscapers in Utah unexpectedly unearthed the horse's remains in their backyard. The discovery is a rare one. Horses lived in North America from about 50 million to 11,000 years ago, when they went extinct on the continent before being reintroduced by the Europeans thousands of years later, but it's uncommon to find horse remains in Utah, a state that was partly covered by the prehistoric Lake Bonneville. (This ancient lake has since dwindled, forming several smaller lakes, including the Great Salt Lake.) It's impossible to know how the horse died, but Rick Hunter, a paleontologist at the Museum of Ancient Life, in Lehi, Utah, who is studying the horse's remains, has several ideas. Perhaps the horse made its way into the lake and then drowned while trying to escape from an ice age predator, such as a short-faced bear or saber-toothed cat, he said. Or maybe the horse died in a stream whose waters emptied into the lake. [10 Extinct Giants That Once Roamed North America] "We really don't know for sure," Hunter told Live Science. The skull may be missing, but the rest of the horse's body is largely intact. (Image credit: Thanksgiving Point) Though the horse's death will remain a mystery, researchers are excited to study its remains. Utah resident Laura Hill and her husband, Bridger Hill, found the skeleton in their yard in September 2017, after landscapers stumbled across it, according to The New York Times. At first, they thought it was a cow skeleton, because Lehi used to be farmland. But then, Laura Hill asked her neighbor, a geologist at Brigham Young University, to look at the bones. He suspected the bones belonged to a horse from the Pleistocene, an epoch that lasted from 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago, The New York Times reported. Just last week, the Hills told the Museum of Ancient Life about the horse. The bones were a little worse for wear; they'd been exposed to the air for about eight months, children had poked and prodded them, and the landscapers' heavy equipment had destroyed the skull, Hunter said. Paleontologists excavate the horse's bones. (Image credit: Thanksgiving Point) Even so, it's a prize specimen, he said. Based on the sediment layer where the horse was found, it is likely between 14,000 to 16,000 years old, Hunter said. It's unclear whether the horse was male or female, but it was likely a bit older, given that it had arthritis in its back vertebrae and a bone growth on its right hind leg that looks cancerous, Hunter said. A quick examination showed that the horse was short and stocky. Its "femur appears to be as bulky as a modern-day horse, but shorter," Hunter said. He noted that the horse's remains aren't fossilized into mineral like some dinosaur bones are. "This animal isn't old enough yet for that to have happened," Hunter said. Rather, the horse's bones stayed moist in the wet ground for thousands of years. When damp, ancient bones are exposed to the dry air, they can dry too quickly and crack. To save the bones, researchers can bury them in containers with wet sand and let the water evaporate slowly over several months, Hunter said. Paleontologists used a grid to help document the excavation site. (Image credit: Thanksgiving Point) "I've seen mammoth bones in the past that have come out of the ground," Hunter said. "Without doing that [wet sand] procedure, they actually just develop really big splits longitudinally down the bone." Once the horse's bones are properly preserved, the researchers plan to do more accurate dating on them and determine the species. The Hills still own the horse, because it was found on their land. But the museum is in discussions with them about possibly donating it so that it can go on public display, Hunter said. Original article on Live Science. As a historian, I well know that the past has a habit of coming back. And, sometimes, it wreaks havoc on the present. That's the situation now confronting Iran after a mummy was discovered during construction on a building in Tehran. Everything old is new again Iran's 1979 Revolution brought into power a conservative Islamic regime. When that happened, some Western scholars myself included feared that the new ayatollahs would visit destruction on anything non- or pre-Islamic. I was part of a group of academics who created a new association of Iranologists in Europe to ensure continued study of Iran's past. To our relief, the new government admirably continued scholarly research on the past, both Islamic and pre-Islamic, maintaining archaeological excavations and publishing the results. But the revolutionary Islamic government did seek to erase one inconvenient part of Iran's past. After the last Iranian monarch, or shah, fled the country in early 1979, a group of Revolutionary Guards demolished the mausoleum of his father, Reza Shah. Reza Shah, the founder of Iran's Pahlavi dynasty, died in exile in South Africa in 1944, after being deposed by the British during World War II. His body was brought to Cairo, where it was mummified in order to preserve it. It remained there until his son, Muhammad Reza Shah Pahlavi who had succeeded him on the Iranian throne brought it to Tehran and interred it in a specially built mausoleum. When the mausoleum was destroyed in 1979 during Iran's revolution, Reza Shah's mummy disappeared in the rubble. Nothing was known of its fate. Unearthing the shah's dynasty Now, construction at a shrine on the site of what used to be the mausoleum has turned up a mummified body. Since mummification is extremely rare in Islam, most observers believe that it is the late shah. I agree. Judging by the pictures I've seen online, the dead man was a person of some significance, with a military bearing. The mummy's well-preserved face even bears a certain eerie resemblance to Reza Shah's son, the Shah Muhammad. This mummy is attracting global attention and not just for its archaeological interest. It is also politically charged. Politics in Iran today are fluid and volatile. The ruling Islamic regime is split, as is often the case, between leaders who seek more positive engagement with the West and those who maintain an anti-American foreign posture. As President Donald Trump contemplates scrapping the Iran nuclear deal, Iranians are now hotly debating how the country should react if the agreement is indeed undone. These discussions exacerbate existing divisions within the government. Meanwhile Iran's economy is weak and its currency in free fall. Nationwide protests erupted in cities across the country in early 2018, with crowds shouting anti-regime slogans some of them praising the last shah or expressing nostalgia for his reign. For some demonstrators in Iran and in exile, the mummy of a once-powerful shah appears to hold promise. It is a symbol of a different era a reminder that Iran hasn't always been an Islamic Republic. A crown prince in exile For those in power, however, the return of a dead shah represents a threat. The ayatollahs are not, I think, worried about a return of the Pahlavi dynasty. They know very well that most supporters of Iran's former monarchy are in comfortable exile in Los Angeles and Europe. And though opposition to Iran's current regime has spiked in recent months, domestic support for a return of the Pahlavis is negligible. But the shah's mummy still has galvanizing power among those opposed to Iran's hard-line current regime because it symbolizes a government not built on religion. The Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran's last shah, lives in exile in the United States. He has called on the government in Tehran to treat his grandfather's body respectfully, in accordance with the requirements of the Quran. But, in this context, demanding respect for the dead is also a political calculation. Calling the Iranian people the true guardians of Reza Shah's legacy on Twitter, the crown prince has asked citizens to support his family. By this, it's fairly clear he means not only his mummified grandfather but also his own claim to the throne. In interviews from Los Angeles, the exiled crown prince is increasingly open about wanting to see Iran's monarchy restored. Meanwhile the government has taken the mummy into custody while DNA tests are done to confirm its identity. But, conveniently for the regime, that process could take weeks or months long enough for the protesting crowds to lose interest. As a catalyst for those hostile to Iran's Islamic regime, the dead shah's body may work for a while. But if Iran's fragmented opposition is to get rid of the powerful ayatollahs, they'll need more than a mummy. David J. Wasserstein, Professor of History and Jewish Studies, Vanderbilt University This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. Hawaii is poised to ban certain sunscreens from sale within its borders in the name of protecting coral reefs. But vacationers will still be able to protect themselves from skin cancer while snorkeling and frolicking in the waves but might look a little funny. On Tuesday (May 1), Hawaii's Legislature passed a bill to ban sunscreens containing the common chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, effective Jan 1, 2021. The bill is now awaiting a signature from Gov. David Ige. The ban follows research suggesting that sunscreen drifting off the skin of tourists can damage coral. But only chemical sunscreens are affected mineral sunscreens that use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to physically block the sun's rays are still allowed. These sunscreens have fallen out of favor because they often leave a white sheen on the skin, but marine biologists say it's worth looking a little goofy to save reefs. [5 Things You Didn't Know About Sunscreens] "Any little thing we can do could have a huge impact, because corals are getting it from every side," said Nikki Traylor-Knowles, a biologist who studies stresses on corals at the University of Miami. What's in a sunscreen? Coral reefs the world over face a whole load of threats. The most pervasive is climate change, which warms and acidifies ocean waters and causes frequent coral bleaching events. Corals live in symbiosis with algae that conduct photosynthesis from the safety of the coral's bony structure and, in return for that protection, provide the coral food. Bleaching occurs when corals get stressed and expel the algae. Coral can recover from bleaching, but recovery becomes less likely if the ocean conditions remain stressful or if bleaching occurs year after year. Pollution, including runoff from storm water and untreated sewage, can damage reefs as well, according to the National Ocean Service. But in recent years, scientists have pointed to sunscreen-slathered tourists as a previously unrecognized source of water pollution. Two sunscreen chemicals, oxybenzone and octinoxate, have been shown to damage corals in a variety of ways. According to 2016 research in the Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, which John Fauth, a biologist at the University of Central Florida, helped conduct, oxybenzone damages coral DNA, causes coral to bleach, and even prompts free-swimming coral larvae to excrete a hard skeleton prematurely, entombing themselves. The bleaching may be the result of the sunscreen compounds promoting viral infections in the coral, according to a 2008 study. The chemicals are also endocrine disruptors, Fauth said, so they damage corals' ability to reproduce. Everything counts It might seem mind-boggling that a few humans slathered in sunscreen could make an impact in the world's biggest ocean, or any ocean for that matter, but these compounds can have effects down to the parts per trillion, Fauth told Live Science. In addition, Traylor-Knowles said, sunscreen can quickly become concentrated in the sheltered coves and lagoons where people love to snorkel and swim. "Other animals, like fish, can swim away from an area that is being impacted by a chemical, right, but corals can't do that," Traylor-Knowles told Live Science. "They just have to sit there and take it." Hawaii's likely ban of the chemicals is hugely heartening, both Fauth and Traylor-Knowles said. A few tourist areas in Mexico have enacted similar bans, Fauth said, and Hawaii might be the "tip of the spear" for other island nations that depend heavily on tourism. So, what is a sun-sensitive but coral-loving tourist to do? Cover up and wear mineral sunscreens (though avoid mineral sunscreens that use a nano-form of minerals, which might affect phytoplankton, the base of the ocean food chain). For their research on sunscreen, Fauth and his colleagues said they were careful to avoid contaminating the water while they took samples: They showered, rinsed all their gear with harsh lab soap and avoided all personal care products, even deodorant, for a week. "We sort of looked at each other and said, 'This is going to be a smelly mess by the end of the week,'" Fauth said. But with the help of protective clothing, hats, rash guards and judicious use of shade, the researchers managed to avoid sunburn. Mineral sunscreens make sun protection even easier, and should be seen as a badge of honor, Fauth said. "You've got on something that's protecting you," he said, "and meanwhile, it's not harming the marine life." Original article on Live Science. A portion of "The Alchymist, In Search of the Philosophers Stone, Discovers Phosphorus, and prays for the successful Conclusion of his operation, as was the custom of the Ancient Chymical Astrologers," by Joseph Wright of Derby, now in Derby Museum and Art Gallery, Derby, U.K. A prominent researcher of machine learning and artificial intelligence is arguing that his field has strayed out of the bounds of science and engineering and into "alchemy." And he's offering a route back. Ali Rahimi, who works on AI for Google, said he thinks his field has made amazing progress, but suggested there's something rotten in the way it's developed. In machine learning, a computer "learns" via a process of trial and error. The problem in a talk presented at an A.I. conference is that researchers who work in the field when a computer "learns" due to a process of trial and error not only don't understand exactly how their algorithms learn, but they don't understand how the techniques they're using to build those algorithms work either, Rahimi suggested in a talk presented at an AI conference covered recently by Matthew Hutson for Science magazine. Back in 2017, Rahimi sounded the alarm on the mystical side of artificial intelligence: "We produce stunningly impressive results," he wrote in a blog. "Self-driving cars seem to be around the corner; artificial intelligence tags faces in photos, transcribes voicemails, translates documents and feeds us ads. Billion-dollar companies are built on machine learning. In many ways, we're in a better spot than we were 10 years ago. In some ways, we're in a worse spot." [Super-Intelligent Machines: 7 Robotic Futures] Rahimi, as Hutson reported, showed that many machine-learning algorithms contain tacked-on features that are essentially useless, and that many algorithms work better when those features are stripped away. Other algorithms are fundamentally broken and work only because of a thick crust of ad-hoc fixes piled on top of the original program. This is, at least in part, the result of a field that's gotten used to a kind of random, trial-and-error methodology, Rahimi argued in that blog. Under this process, researchers don't understand at all why one attempt at solving a problem worked and another failed. People implement and share techniques that they don't remotely understand. Here's the complete painting. (Image credit: Public Domain) Folks who follow AI might be reminded of the "black box" problem, Hutson noted in his article the tendency of AI programs to solve problems in ways that their human creators don't understand. But the current issue is different: Researchers not only don't understand their AI programs' problem-solving techniques, Rahimi said, but they don't understand the techniques they used to build those programs in the first place either. In other words, the field is more like alchemy than a modern system of research, he said. "There's a place for alchemy. Alchemy worked," Rahimi wrote. "Alchemists invented metallurgy, ways to make medication, dy[e]ing techniques for textiles, and our modern glass-making processes. Then again, alchemists also believed they could transmute base metals into gold and that leeches were a fine way to cure diseases." In his more recent talk (and accompanying paper) at the International Conference on Learning Representations in Vancouver, Canada, Rahimi and several colleagues proposed a number of methods and protocols that could move machine learning beyond the world of alchemy. Among them: evaluating new algorithms in terms of their constituent parts, deleting parts of them one at a time and testing if the overall programs still work, and performing basic "sanity tests" on the results that the algorithms produce. That's all because AI, Rahimi argued in his 2017 blog, has become too important in society to be developed in such a slapdash fashion. "If you're building photo-sharing services, alchemy is fine," he wrote. "But we're now building systems that govern health care and our participation in civil debate. I would like to live in a world whose systems are built on rigorous, reliable, verifiable knowledge and not on alchemy." Originally published on Live Science. Lava channel (Image credit: U.S. Geological Survey) Geologists have had their eye on Kilauea volcano, on Hawaii's Big Island, since March 2018. That's when the Pu'u 'O'o vent began to inflate in size as magma welled up underneath it. Then, in late April, that magma moved southeast of Pu'u 'O'o, erupting in a residential neighborhood. In this photo, a lava flow emerges from Fissure 22 on May 23. Notice how the lava is flowing downhill, from right to left. [Read complete coverage of the Kilauea Volcano eruption] Blue Flame (Image credit: U.S Geological Survey) Spooky blue flames burned in Leilani Estates the night of May 22, as lava scorched plants, which in turn produced methane, a colorless gas that burns blue. [Read more about the blue flames here] Solidified lava (Image credit: U.S. Geological Survey) A chunk of solidified lava from Fissure 17, photographed on May 22. The chunk has the consistency of toothpaste, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Lava fountains (Image credit: U.S. Geological Survey) Lava fountaining at Fissure 22 on May 21. One entry point (Image credit: U.S. Geological Survey) By the end of May 21, just a single ocean entry from Fissure 22 was active. Ocean entry (Image credit: U.S. Geological Survey) The Civil Air Patrol snapped this photo May 20 as lava entered the Pacific Ocean at two different points. Laze plume (Image credit: U.S. Geological Survey) Lava from Fissure 20 reached the ocean late in the evening on May 19. When lava and ocean meet, a white "laze" plume of hydrochloric acid, steam and fine glass particles is created. This laze plume can be hazardous to people nearby and downwind. Lava river (Image credit: U.S. Geological Survey) A helicopter flight on May 19 shows lava from fissures 16-20 forming channels. The lava channel is flowing from the upper center to the lower left of the photo. Ocean ahoy (Image credit: U.S. Geological Survey) An early flight the morning of May 18 allowed photographers to capture the lower, very active part of the fissure system. Notice the ocean in the distance. [Read complete coverage of the Kilauea Volcano eruption] Smoky lava (Image credit: U.S. Geological Survey) Lava from Fissure 15 smokes on Pohoiki Road on May 18. (Image credit: U.S. Geological Survey) Ash covers a visitor sign at the Halema'uma'u crater on May 17. Compare the black-and-white plume on the sign, from May 1924, to the plume in the background. When a California woman was diagnosed with a brain tumor in her ninth month of pregnancy, her doctors decided to delay any treatment until after the baby was born. But when she returned to the hospital for a brain scan three months after giving birth, her doctors found an unusual sight: The tumor had nearly disappeared, according to a recent report of the woman's case. The scans weren't showing some mistake. Instead, the mass on the woman's brain had seemingly done a vanishing act now you see it, now you don't so her doctors dubbed it a "Houdini tumor," after the well-known magician and escape artist Harry Houdini, according to the case report, published online April 8 in the journal World Neurosurgery. Neurologists first saw the 23-year-old woman in her 37th week of pregnancy. At the time, she told doctors that she'd had severe headaches on the left side of her forehead for one month, accompanied by nausea, vomiting and occasional episodes of blurry vision. Although this was her third pregnancy, she had never experienced these symptoms before. [27 Oddest Medical Cases] An MRI revealed the woman had a meningioma a common type of tumor that forms in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges on the left side of her head behind the ear. Meningiomas aren't technically brain tumors, because they don't form in brain tissue but instead form in the tissue lining the brain, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, the tumors are sometimes categorized as brain tumors because they can compress and squeeze brain tissue, nerves and blood vessels, the Mayo Clinic says. It's unclear when the woman's tumor first appeared, but in some cases, meningiomas may be stimulated by the release of hormones during pregnancy, said case report lead author Dr. Vikram Chakravarthy, who is a neurosurgery resident at the Cleveland Clinic but who treated the woman while he was at Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California. It's possible that there was a small growth on the woman's brain before she became pregnant that increased in size during pregnancy, Chakravarthy told Live Science. The doctors suspect that pregnancy-related hormones may have played a role in the growth of her tumor during pregnancy and in its sudden disappearance not long after she gave birth. The curious case of the vanishing tumor One month after giving birth, the woman said the headaches on the left side of her head hadn't gone away but she no longer had any blurred vision when the pain arose, according to the case report. But because the woman still had significant swelling in her brain, doctors decided that surgery was needed to remove the tumor, and they scheduled it for one month later. During the woman's final medical appointment before the operation, she had another MRI. This scan, taken three months after she had the baby, showed the tumor had shrunk significantly and the swelling in her brain had disappeared, according to the case report. When the tumor was initially discovered in the woman's final month of pregnancy, it was about the size of a grape, Chakravarthy said. Three months after she gave birth, it had shrunk to about the size of a sunflower seed, he said. There have been other case reports of meningiomas that have enlarged or become symptomatic during pregnancy, as well as other published reports of symptoms decreasing and tumors reducing in size after delivery, but it is a "relatively uncommon occurrence," according to the case report. It's not entirely clear what role pregnancy may have played in the tumor's appearance during pregnancy and sudden disappearance after delivery. There is a subgroup of meningiomas that appear to have receptors for estrogen and progesterone, which may cause them to swell during pregnancy when levels of these hormones increase, Chakravarthy said. But when hormone levels drop during the postpartum period, the tumors may shrink, he said. The shrinkage of the tumor on repeat brain scans also seems to suggest that this was a benign, or noncancerous, tumor, Chakravarthy said. Because the woman's tumor had shrunk significantly on its own, she no longer needed surgery. Doctors will continue to monitor her case by periodically repeating the brain scans to ensure that the tumor continues to shrink and behaves in a benign manner, Chakravarthy said. Originally published on Live Science. At first, doctors just said that a Nebraska woman's runny nose was caused by allergies, plain and simple. But the woman, Kendra Jackson, knew it had to be something else. In 2013, Jackson was in a car accident, and she hit her face on the dashboard, according to KETV-7 ABC. Several years after that, her symptoms started: an endless runny nose, painful headaches and trouble sleeping. "[It was] like a waterfall, continuously, and then it would run to the back of my throat," Jackson told KETV-7 ABC. It wasn't until Jackson saw an ear, nose and throat specialist at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha that she learned her runny nose wasn't from allergies, but in fact cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaking from her brain. Doctors told Jackson that she was losing about 8 ounces (237 milliliters) of fluid a day. (The brain produces roughly 17 ounces [503 mL] of CSF a day, Live Science previously reported.) CSF is a clear liquid that flows between the brain and its outer covering, and between the spinal cord and its outer covering. The fluid cushions the brain and spinal cord, and helps clear waste from the brain. The clear fluid, if it leaks from a nostril or down a person's throat, can have a metallic taste, Live Science reported in 2015. Though brain fluid leaking out of your nose certainly sounds alarming, people may have the condition, known medically as CSF rhinorrhea, for years before serious problems emerge, according to the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. One such complication is bacterial meningitis, a serious infection that causes inflammation of the meninges, or the lining of the brain and spinal cord. In Jackson's case, Nebraska Medicine rhinologist Dr. Christie Barnes and neurosurgeon Dr. Dan Surdell operated to fix the problem, the hospital said in a Facebook post. The team identified the source of the leak: a very small hole between Jackson's skull and nostrils. Entering through the nose, the doctors were able to plug up the leak with some of Jackson's own fatty tissue, KETV-7 ABC reported. She's expected to make a full recovery. Originally published on Live Science. Your 'behavioral immune system' is a thing, and it might be making every potential love interest seem too disgusting to date. To bae or not to bae? That is the question of dating. And while you might believe the answer hinges mostly on "chemistry" or mutual interests, a team of psychology researchers from McGill University in Montreal suggests that there's an unlikely judge ultimately making the call: your behavioral immune system. Unlike your physiological immune system that collection of cells, organs and lymph nodes that defends your body from invading pathogens and sweeps up the microscopic debris cluttering your tissues your behavioral immune system relies on subconscious sensory impulses to steer you away from potential germ-ridden danger. (While the concept of a second immune system is only about 10 years old, the notion that humans and other animals noticeably change their behavior to avoid communicable diseases has been demonstrated in hundreds of studies.) This system may be the reason you feel compelled to switch bus seats when the person sitting next to you is constantly hacking up phlegm, why you feel disgusted by certain smells and why you balk at pimple-popping videos on YouTube. Your reactions to gross stimuli like these can prime your white blood cells for action. And this immune response may also ruin your hot date, according to the researcher's study in February 2018 issue of the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. [Love Is Scary: 12 Weird Phobias] "We found that when the behavioral immune system was activated, it seemed to put the brakes on our drive to connect with our peers socially," study author Natsumi Sawada, a psychologist and former student at McGill University, said in a statement. Immune to romance? In the study, Sawada and her colleagues recruited several hundred people ages 18 to 35, who were single and heterosexual, to participate in either an in-person or online speed-dating experiment. Before the dating events began, each participant answered a questionnaire to measure what the researchers called "perceived vulnerability to disease" (PVD) basically, how germ- and disease-conscious the person was. (Sample prompt: "I avoid using public telephones because of the risk that I may catch something from a previous user.") Next, participants either sat down for a 20-minute conversation with an attractive student, ran a gauntlet of 3-minute speed dates or rated a series of online dating profiles custom-made for the study. After each dating encounter, the singles rated their potential partner's attractiveness, "dateability," and how friendly or withdrawn they seemed. Across every trial, daters who were more concerned with germs and infection (measured by higher PVD scores) were consistently rated as less friendly than daters who weren't. Germophobes also reported feeling less romantic interest in their partners than the less-finicky participants did. To make sure this correlation was more than a coincidence, the researchers ran a final speed-dating experiment in which half of the participants first watched a 2-minute video called "Top 10 Revolting Hygiene Facts," while the other half watched a control video about words with no English equivalents. During the following speed-dating game, participants primed with the gross-out video reported "significantly less romantic interest" than the control group did, according to the study. "The results suggest that, beyond how we consciously or unconsciously think and feel about each other, there are additional factors that we may not be consciously aware of such as a fear of disease that may influence how we connect with others," Sawada said. If this resonates with your own love life, consider that kissing itself may have evolved as an immunological tool. Every time you swap saliva, you also swap pheromones, hormones and millions of bacteria that may contain important genetic information about your partner. Whether you'd prefer to learn that information this way is up to you and your immune system, of course. Originally published on Live Science. How It Happened By Michael Koryta Little, Brown. 354 pp. $27 --- Michael Koryta's ingenious new thriller, his 13th, has an apt title. "How It Happened" starts with a confession that is long, fluent, rich in vivid detail - and prompted by a clever move on the interrogator's part. FBI Agent Rob Barrett confronted his jailed, closemouthed suspect, Kimmy Crepeaux, with a sympathy card she'd sent to a classmate years earlier. As Rob had hoped, this throwback to her younger, more compassionate self loosened Kimmy's tongue. At his request, Rob has been detailed from Boston to the fictional town of Port Hope, Maine, where the case arose, because he grew up there. Kimmy admits to him, first, that she took part in a hit-and-run killing while riding in a pickup truck driven by her buddy Mathias Burke. Second, she helped Burke cover up the related murder of two friends: that old classmate who received Kimmy's sympathy card years earlier and the classmate's boyfriend, both of whom had the misfortune to witness the fatal accident. Third, drugs were involved - one new feature of Port Hope since Rob moved away is its entanglement in the nationwide opioid-abuse epidemic. Rob's satisfaction with a job well done is short-lived, however. Kimmy asserts that she and Burke stashed the corpses in a pond, but divers come up empty-handed. Then, thanks to an anonymous email, the bodies are found - buried in dry ground nowhere near the pond. Also, a striking insignia that Kimmy recalled seeing on the hood of the "guilty" truck is missing from the same-model vehicle when it is found with the victims' bloodstains inside, and police techies are certain that the hood has never been repainted. Kimmy insists she is telling the truth, and Rob wants to believe her, but standing in the way are those contradicting corpses, that vanished decoration and the great esteem in which Mathias Burke is held. Far from being thought of as the hit-and-run type or a coldblooded murderer, Burke is "the paragon of the peninsula" on which Port Hope is located, a hard-working young businessman who takes care of the region's many vacation homes in the offseason. There is also a troubling statistic: "Of the first two hundred and fifty people the Innocence Project [a nationwide NGO] exonerated through DNA evidence, an astonishing 16 percent had at some point confessed to crimes they hadn't committed." Rallying behind Burke, the townspeople and the local authorities dismiss Kimmy as one more self-deluding liar. Rob is ordered to drop the case; when he disobeys, he is exiled to an FBI field office in Montana. Impressed by Kimmy's refusal to recant, he sneaks back to Maine, determined to find out "how it happened." Burke, in his encounters with Rob, makes for a riveting antagonist - preternaturally calm when confronted with evidence pointing to him, happy to toy with the hot-tempered federal agent. And in a powerful scene, Koryta bares the anatomy of a situation that could easily have culminated in a wrongful killing by the police. "Even the simulator programmers [at the FBI training facility] weren't that sadistic," Rob muses about the close call, which centered on a suspect holding a gun - on closer inspection, a paint gun. Koryta's plotting is sure-footed, and the secrets he discloses, one by one, at the novel's end are both surprising and plausible. My main reservation about "How It Happened" is the massive amount of violence inflicted on Rob, from which he bounces back too readily. The beatings serve the authorial purpose of stilling Rob's last remaining doubts as to Kimmy's veracity - why bother to brutalize such a discredited investigator unless he is on to something? But the savagery and Rob's amazing recoveries seem out of place in a novel that trades so briskly in finesse. Yet Koryta has seized upon such an unusual and engrossing premise that the excess punishment heaped on his hero can be overlooked. In the last few pages, one of the guilty parties states that premise with chilling clarity: "When you kill someone, you have two choices. The first one is to try to hide how you did it, which is what almost everyone does, and almost everyone gets caught. The second one is to show exactly how you did it - and then prove it couldn't have happened that way." Watching that second choice play itself out makes "How It Happened" a book the reader won't soon forget. -- Drabelle is a former mysteries editor of The Washington Post Book World. Robin By Dave Itzkoff Henry Holt. 544 pp. $30 --- Robin Williams and I both moved to Los Angeles from San Francisco at the tail end of the 1970s and were hired for our first jobs in TV to work on the doomed reboot of "Laugh-In." I sat in one of many cubicles in an isolated office with a large, inexperienced writing staff. He was in front of the cameras, the breakout star of the cast. He visited my cubicle a few times, but we didn't communicate much. Once during a show hiatus, though, when I was visiting my parents in San Francisco, I saw him walking ahead of us on the street. After I yelled out his name, he turned and shouted, "Sister Comedy!," and then ran over and gave me a hug. The warm feeling that gave me remains to this day. Otherwise, we didn't maintain a friendship. He was a busy show-business star on the rise, and, to be honest, I found him hard to talk to. There was an impenetrable wall inside him somewhere. Or, as our mutual friend Dave Letterman once put it, "He's like a guy within a guy." So apart from what I gleaned from public gossip or the personal anecdotes of mutual friends, some of whom he dated, I never knew much about his real life. Which brings us to "Robin," this immersive, intimate and incredibly detailed new biography by Dave Itzkoff. It's a revealing, warts-and-all portrait of a man of great talent trying to design a career and a life while being buffeted around by a cacophony of contradictory voices and impulses. At almost 500 pages, the book is the result of exhaustive research and fan-like devotion. Williams was the son of a Ford executive father and a socialite mother who traveled together a lot, both for business and pleasure. As parents, they provided the comforts of wealth and a genetic strain of alcoholism with which Robin struggled for the rest of his life. "I didn't realize how lonely Robin had been"his mother said many years later, finally acknowledging that her son "had some very lonely years. You think you're being a wonderful mother, but maybe you aren't." Williams' world-class improvising talent may have begun as a brilliant child's solution to loneliness, but his move to L.A. instantly brought him the attention and companionship he was seeking. I was a stand-up neophyte in the late 1970s and witnessed how his ability to make a comedy monologue look like a free-form spontaneous joke cyclone stunned everyone. Characters! Voices! Accents! Improv! Williams was so good at spewing out an endless stream of new material that it took multiple viewings to discern where he was hiding the structure in this magic trick. Show business began to fall all over itself looking for ways to incorporate his unique abilities. I was also there when comics started to complain that he had lifted lines from their acts. Once I even heard one of my own lines go whizzing by. When confronted, Williams explained that this was just a guileless behavioral tic over which he had no control once the comedy spigot had been turned on. Most of us were unwilling to buy his excuse. But now, viewing that moment through the wider-angle lens of Itzkoff's biography, I can see how the endless stimulus, showbiz pressures, relationship tumult, desperate neediness, burgeoning family responsibilities and drugs and alcohol engulfed a guy in his 20s. Williams was launched into a life remarkable for its highs and lows: A Grammy for best comedy album! A terrible divorce! A happy remarriage! A People magazine expose! A sold-out tour! A fall off the wagon! The birth of a child! A lawsuit about herpes! A Broadway hit! Open heart surgery! Big movie successes followed by other films so widely despised that their titles (e.g. "Patch Adams") became shorthand for terrible. "I'm trying to play characters that allow us to look at who and what we are as a species," Williams once said, explaining his artistic decisions. "Robin Williams, enough already!," complained a reviewer in the LA Times. "Enough with the compassionate roles. ... Remember being funny? Maybe you could try that again." "Dad's happiness was correlated very much to how he was doing career-wise," says his son Zak, who seems to have pursued a life the opposite of his father's. "When there were films that would be less successful, he took it very personally. He took it as a personal attack. That was really hard for us to see." "People expected too much of him," his longtime friend Billy Crystal explains. "They wanted him to plug that burst, that comet, into every movie, and it just wasn't fair. Then, when he would do a more sentimental piece, they would just crucify him as sappy, and it would crush him." By the time Williams won an Oscar for his role in "Good Will Hunting," he was so discombobulated that he recalls, "I forgot to thank my mother, and she was there. Even Freud would go, (BEGIN ITAL)You must work on zis(END ITAL)." In time, he found himself at the mercy of those all too common uncontrollable insecurities. Itzkoff says that Williams worried "that his position in the comedy world could be usurped at any moment by a younger, up-and-coming star." His longtime makeup artist Cheri Minns recalls how he "got completely freaked out about Jim Carrey, that he was going to take over. [His wife] Marsha had to step in and tell him, 'There's room for other people. You don't have to freak out. There's room.'" Itzkoff also includes those Robin Williams moments that wouldn't be tolerated now. Pam Dawber, his co-star on "Mork and Mindy" recalls, "I had the grossest things done to me - by him. ... I was flashed, humped, bumped, grabbed. I think he probably did it to a lot of people." But she adds, "I never took offense." She remains so unperturbed by his sexual overtures that she still refers to "that magic" he had. In the end, Itzkoff describes Williams' last act through reporting that's detailed enough to allow us to make some sense of his despair. I guess it's better to understand that, when he took his own life, he'd been transformed by the throes of dementia. Sadly, that doesn't make the tragedy any easier to bear. --- Markoe is a humorist, television writer and the author of several books. Her audiobook "The Indignities of Being a Woman" will be released this summer. WASHINGTON - I had never seen the Holocaust Museum's permanent collection. As the daughter of a Jewish refugee, I knew it would feel deeply personal, prompting me to think about what might have happened had my father not fled Germany and found safety in 1938, and to mourn the millions of victims who hadn't. As I made my way through the museum last year, I heard a man's voice. I was on the middle floor, which details the Nazis' concentration camps, gas chambers and killing fields, when he walked past me. The man was jabbering loudly about his dinner plans - on his phone. The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum asks us to be respectful of fellow visitors. But shouldn't that be obvious? Not today. We've become so accustomed to interacting through our phones that we've forgotten about everyone else in the room. That obliviousness has found its way into more and more exhibitions across the country, as museums rebrand themselves as community spaces that foster "interaction" with hashtags and tweets. Encouraging that interaction has come at a cost. Consider the Renwick Gallery's latest exhibition, "No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man." The artwork is exactly what you'd expect to see on Instagram: immersive, interactive, eye-catching. And sure enough, the museum invites visitors to use a hashtag that's been on Instagram more than 8,000 times. What isn't apparent on Instagram is the crush of humanity that results when everyone points their phone at a single object. During a weekend visit to the Renwick in April, wherever I walked I was either stuck behind someone snapping a photo or stepping into someone else's shot. It didn't help that the place was packed. (In its first month, "No Spectators" had more than 130,000 visitors.) But this has nothing to do with crowds. It's about priorities. Those visitors were so concerned with their own photos that they neglected people like me who were trying in vain not to trip over a crouched Instagrammer or an outstretched arm. I have nothing against taking pictures of art. If you want to be among the crowds that snap photos of the Mona Lisa, by all means: Go ahead. There's an important debate to be had over the effect Instagram has had on art lovers, and whether people can truly connect with art when they're looking at it through a camera lens. Blame this all you want on the rise of social media or on millennials like me, but this isn't about that, either. It's about how we treat one another, and the role technology is playing in our human - not digital - interactions. I'm firmly against talking on the phone at the Holocaust Museum. I'm also against snapping a photo of the Mona Lisa with complete disregard to the person behind you - who, by the way, is now looking at her famous gaze through the tiny screen in your hand. In the past, a museum was where you could lose yourself in a world fashioned out of oil paint. The etiquette was clear. Visitors were expected to stand at a distance, not only to protect the art, but also because this allowed the rest of us to see it, too. Now the rules are hazier. Museums are doing away with the velvet rope that separated mere mortals from the masterpieces. Some - including the Renwick and Hirshhorn - are encouraging us to touch the work. When the paintings of Barack and Michelle Obama debuted at the National Portrait Gallery in February, the museum accommodated the crowds by establishing lines for photo-taking. The result is that museums have never felt more welcoming. Art is no longer cold, standoffish, unapproachable. Works by artists such as Yayoi Kusama, whose exhibition at the Hirshhorn inspired countless selfies and never-ending lines, have shattered those stereotypes by creating viral installations that allow viewers to step inside the art. Much of the debate surrounding the rise of "made-for-Instagram" exhibitions has targeted museums. But Nora Atkinson, the curator behind "No Spectators," disagrees with the notion that the Renwick chooses large-scale installations only for the Instagrams. For her, it's about showcasing imaginative works, and challenging the idea that art is a secret language few understand. The result may be Instagrammable, though only by chance. "That's the way visitors communicate these days," Atkinson said. "Twenty-first-century museums are as much about being a social space as an educational space." So phones are encouraged. The use of hashtags is celebrated. And, according to Atkinson, the photos will never stop. Museums will continue to encourage photography, even as some of us yearn for at least a middle ground. "I personally can understand why some people might be annoyed with it," she said. "It's not my place to be telling people how they should interact with the artwork." The problem is how we interact with other people, and whether anything will fill the void left by more traditional exhibitions. Freeing ourselves from Twitter and breaking-news alerts has never left more necessary. The etiquette that allowed for that in museums is gone - and it's not phones, but people, who have ruined it. The late Tejano legend Emilio Navaira is known for songs like "Como Le Hare " and "Donde Andara," but his fans will have another song to enjoy after a local radio station releases a never-heard-before track two years after his death. San Antonio Tejano station KXTN 107.5 announced "En San Antonio" would be released at 5 p.m.on Monday. Eight-liner establishments remain ever-topical as City Council will discuss approving an ordinance at their Monday meeting that would establish new rules and regulations for the businesses. This ordinance has been months in the making as the Laredo Police Department and District Attorney's Office have cracked down on dozens of the illegally-operating establishments since October. These offices and Mayor Pete Saenz requested that City Council enact a moratorium on approving new permits for maquinitas until city staff could come up with better regulations. However this idea was voted down by the majority of council in March. READ ALSO: Moratorium on new permits for maquinitas voted down Also on the agenda for Monday's meeting is a request by Councilman George Altgelt to reconsider this action. "In light of the April 17th armed robbery and aggravated assault that happened at a local gambling establishment, discussion and possible action to have once again Council Members 8, 6, 4, 3, 2, and 1 to reconsider making gambling establishments safer for the general public through the installation of commercially reasonable security measures," his agenda item reads. The introductory ordinance that City Council will be voting on was not available in their full packet as of Friday evening. The saga of the El Pico Water Treatment Plant also continues as City Council will consider choosing a law firm and partnering with the Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool to address the construction and design problems that have arisen at the plant. This comes almost a year after council initially met with the Texas Municipal League, their insurers on this project. RELATED: Laredo Police Department arrests 20 individuals following maquinita raids El Pico opened in May 2015, and cost the city nearly $100 million to design and build. In Fall of 2016, two of the three pumps that shoot water up from the river to be treated at the plant malfunctioned and failed. The third pump failed a few months later. Utilities Director Riazul Mia said these pumps should function properly for a minimum of 10 years. Dannenbaum Engineering, which remains tied to the city for their connection to a year-old FBI public corruption probe, did the design and construction oversight for El Pico. They collected about $9.3 million for the project. Several other interesting topics will be discussed Monday as well, such as Laredo hosting the PONY South Zone World Series Girls Fast Pitch Softball Tournament at a cost of $191,000, requesting qualifications from firms for the design and construction of a skate park at North Central Park, mural proposal recommendations, the refunding for two bonds from 2009, preparing a design analysis report to construct Department of Homeland Security facilities at the Laredo International Airport. Q: What's going on with the parking situation in downtown Troy? To say that parking is limited during business hours is the mother of all understatements. I've noticed some changes over the last few days, but I don't really know if it will benefit people desperate to park. Brian Smith, Troy A: Parking certainly is at a premium in the Collar City. With this in mind, the city began a phased implementation plan this month to improve parking in the Central Business District. Work is underway to make better use of downtown Troy's limited on-street parking, including designating visitor parking areas, changing parking times in areas beyond downtown, adding signs to identify parking areas and beginning online payment for metered street parking. "As Troy's downtown business district continues to grow and thrive, we must continue to improve our available public parking options to meet demand," said Mayor Patrick Madden. "These necessary upgrades will expand available parking options and modernize management to help our rapidly growing downtown and waterfront." The city is increasing the number of metered parking spaces on downtown streets by 50, a move expected to increase revenues. It is also adding new signs to direct drivers to off-street parking in the municipal garages, lots and streets outside of the downtown parking network. Parking fees will remain the same at $1 per hour at the meter, $8 daily in a garage or lot and $60 for a monthly parking pass. Additional improvements are expected to be announced later this year. Do you have a question about transportation? Email gettingthere@timesunion.com. Please include your name, town and telephone number. A murder defendant who evaded authorities for four months before he was arrested last year in California appeared in court recently to request a modification to his bond restrictions. Joe Angel Landin, 18, posted bond on Feb. 23, exactly one month after LPD took custody of him for allegedly killing a 32-year-old man during a drug-related shooting in south Laredo. A grand jury indicted him on a murder charge on Feb. 14. Philip Del Rio, Landin's attorney, asked 111th District Court Judge Monica Z. Notzon to allow Landin to do his weekly reporting to pretrial services, a condition of his bond, in Bexar County. Landin moved to San Antonio soon after he bonded out of jail, Del Rio said. He added that he filed a waiver of arraignment on his client's behalf last week since he was already living out of town and was looking for a job. READ ALSO: LPD: Man assaults officer after being pulled over for speeding "Requiring him to stay in (Webb County) would pose a financial impossibility," Del Rio said. Notzon said she'd be willing to consider allowing Landin to do the weekly reporting in Bexar County, but that he still needed to report in Webb County since the alleged offense happened here. "There isn't a geographical restriction, but he has to report weekly in Webb County," Notzon said. Assistant District Attorney Francisco Mendoza voiced the prosecution's opposition, saying Landin posed a flight risk. "The state is concerned because of the fact that he was found crossing into California from Mexico," he told the court. Notzon ultimately granted the defense's motion with the condition that Landin report to pretrial services in Webb County once a month. The amended court order states that Landin still has to abide by all the other conditions of release, which include a ban on out-of-state travel, abstaining from the use of drugs and consumption of alcohol, avoiding any locations or establishments that sell alcoholic beverages and adhering to his 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. Shooting death An arrest affidavit filed by Laredo police states that Landin shot Jose Roberto Capetillo, 32, after confronting him for selling drugs. Authorities said Landin has a relative who controls the drug distribution on the block. The case unfolded at about 1:30 a.m. Aug. 8, when police responded to reports of shots fired in the 3100 block of San Luis, located off South Ejido Avenue. Officers said they found Capetillo in a pool of blood with multiple gunshot wounds to his body. Paramedics took him to Laredo Medical Center, where he later died. Three spent casings were recovered from the scene. On Aug. 14, police learned that a man by the name of "Angel" had shot Capetillo and was hiding at the house of a relative who controls the drug distribution in the 3100 block of San Luis, the arrest affidavit states. Investigators said that on Aug. 21, they found out a woman had mentioned that her nephew, "Angel," was responsible for Capetillo's death. Police said they learned that Landin had been at a home in the 600 block of Buckwheat Drive after the shooting. There, Landin allegedly confided to a man that he "had shot someone because that person was getting aggressive with him," the affidavit states. RELATED: Judge revokes bond of Laredo man charged with murder Authorities also learned that Landin allegedly discarded two pieces of a handgun in an empty lot behind the 600 block of Buckeye Drive. A search of the area yielded a barrel and a slide, and a lower frame of a black 9mm Tri-Star semi automatic handgun. On Aug. 22, a witness stated to police that Landin had told him he had seen Capetillo selling drugs and confronted him, according to the affidavit. That's when Capetillo "got crazy" and Landin allegedly shot him, the record states. Landin had been on the lam until Dec. 12, when San Diego, California authorities arrested him after he attempted to enter the country illegally through Tijuana, Mexico. Joana Santillana may be reached at 956-728-2528 or jsantillana@lmtnonline.com. LMT reporter Cesar G. Rodriguez contributed to this report. A woman whose Bear Creek-area home was filled with dead and malnourished cats in March has a warrant out for her arrest, authorities said. Valerie Joanne Hooper, 59, is facing four Class-A misdemeanor counts of failure to provide food, water, care or shelter of an animal, which could land her in jail for up to a year. Detectives with the Harris County Precinct 5 Constable's Office said Hooper is currently wanted. MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin shook hands with just three people in the audience after he took the oath of office on Monday. They were the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill; Putin's longtime prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev; and former German chancellor Gerhard Schroder. It was a remarkable and revealing moment. At Russia's biggest political event of the year, just two days before the country celebrates the Soviet World War II victory over the Nazis, a front-row spot of the utmost honor was granted to a former German leader. Schroder's placement, captured repeatedly by state TV cameras and broadcast on the evening news, showed the depth of the ties between Putin and his perhaps most important foreign friend. It served as a reminder that the former East Germany-based KGB officer who now rules Russia continues to look to Berlin as his key bridge to Europe. And it looked to be an effort to show Russians - and the West - that the Kremlin still has allies abroad despite sanctions and criticism. "This was a signal that those who take a positive position in relation to the Kremlin will be supported by it," said Alexey Chesnakov, a former Kremlin adviser turned pro-Putin commentator. Schroder took office in 1998, just over a year before Putin, and soon bonded with him at international summits, where the Russian president was often the only other world leader who also spoke German. After losing his reelection bid in 2005, Schroder shrugged off criticism to go to work for Nord Stream, the gas pipeline project linking Russia to Germany. In the fall, Schroder doubled down and became chairman of Russia's biggest oil producer, Rosneft. Among other things, Schroder has been lobbying for Nord Stream 2, a new pipeline that critics say will boost Moscow's ability to use its energy supply for political leverage in Europe. Putin has long been intent on building closer ties to Germany, and analysts say he was shocked when Chancellor Angela Merkel pushed for European Union sanctions against Russia amid the Ukraine crisis in 2014. Another close Putin friend from Germany stood behind Schroder at Monday's inauguration: banker Matthias Warnig, a former East German secret police agent who, like Putin, worked in Dresden in the twilight of the Cold War. Both men also attended Putin's 2012 inauguration, but video footage of the event shows that Schroder didn't have a prime front-row spot next to the patriarch. The Germans' placement on Monday provoked a torrent of criticism. In Russia, opposition leader Alexei Navalny said it showed the meaninglessness of the Kremlin's "talk of 'greatness and independence from the West.'" In Berlin, the conservative Welt newspaper said Schroder's "depressing" appearance showed he had left "his moral compass in the Kremlin cloakroom." Schroder's visit came as Western governments, including Germany's, have been criticizing Russia over the arrest of more than 1,600 protesters who participated in anti-Putin rallies Saturday. Schroder's office didn't respond to a request for comment. A spokesman for Merkel, who has taken a tougher line on Russia but has allowed the Nord Stream 2 project to proceed, declined to comment on Schroder's appearance. A German official close to Merkel, however, wrote in a text message: "I'm quite sure that this is not the path that Merkel will take after her tenure." President Donald Trump represents the United States, but he is not representative of federal employees. If they, like he, repeatedly lied and disgraced the nation, they would face termination. Federal regulations allow for action against employees who engage in "dishonest, immoral, or notoriously disgraceful conduct." A Trump emoji would be well-placed next to that line. While it certainly describes Trump, it is just the opposite of federal employees who are devoted to mission, whose examples could provide needed instruction to the chief executive. Now it's time to honor the workers, particularly those whose accomplishments are exceptional. This is Public Service Recognition Week. The Partnership for Public Service, a primary driver of the celebration, kicked it off Sunday with the release of the names of 27 finalists for the Service to America Medals, better known as the Sammies. This is a big deal. The finalists save lives, save money and innovate. The winners will be celebrated at an annual formal gala in October that always draws Washington's big names. Think of the Sammies as cousins to the Oscars. "Amid the political headlines, it's easy to overlook our nation's career public servants who perform the essential day-to-day work of government," said Max Stier, the partnership's president and CEO. "That's why the Service to America Medals are so important - they showcase the many remarkable men and women who assist their fellow Americans with passion to maintain the safety, health and prosperity of the nation." But this time, the week comes with its own controversy. This year, Oct. 13 to be exact, marks the 40th anniversary of the Civil Service Reform Act. As part of the week's programs, the partnership will host a forum Wednesday on civil service reform. Oddly, the panel on a subject that directly affects the lives of more than 2 million federal employees has no representatives of rank-and-file federal employees. The announced panelists are dominated by current and former federal executives, plus a couple of other experts. Make no mistake: The partnership, Stier in particular, is among the strongest advocates for the federal workforce. Feds are the focal point of programs and publications of the partnership, which concentrates on federal management and workplace issues. That makes the absence of the employee voice on the panel during a week recognizing employees all the more noticeable. When the American Federation of Government Employees, the largest federal union, learned about the forum, it asked to participate. "The request was denied," said Jacqueline Simon, the organization's public policy director. "We were told that we were welcome to be part of the audience and to ask questions, but we were not to be included in the formal discussion. It's unfortunate that federal employees are not to have a seat at the table. As the saying goes, if you're not at the table, you're probably on the menu." Union representation would have added another dimension to the discussion because union leaders think the civil service needs much less reform than top officials and other good-government types generally do. Stier defended the panel's makeup, saying, "We do a ton of different events and we've done many conversations with employee groups and with the SEA," referring to the Senior Executives Association. "And in this particular event we're looking and talking to people who've actually led organizations. So it's different; it's a different purpose." Two federal union presidents, including the AFGE's, did help select the Sammy finalists, who, unlike Trump, represent the finest in public service. Trump's Washington Post Fact Checker prevarication rate is almost 6.5 a day. "If federal employees were in the newspapers on a regular basis as someone who knowingly misrepresented the truth, there would be grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including removal under the government standards of conduct," said John Palguta, who was a senior executive for more than 20 years with the federal Merit Systems Protection Board, after working at the Office of Personnel Management. Many feds deserve to be in the news for the incredible work they do, especially these finalists: --Career achievement medal finalists Gerald Ankley, Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, Minnesota. Judith Lynn Allaire DesHarnais, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul, Minnesota. Allen R. Hefner Jr., National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland. John J. Sammarco, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pittsburgh Marshalyn Yeargin-Allsopp, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta --Homeland security and law enforcement medal finalists Mark L. Bathrick and team, Interior Department, Boise, Idaho Stephen C. Curren and the Cyber Incident Response Team, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington Karen D. Dodge, Federal Trade Commission, Chicago; and Margaret Moeser, Justice Department, Washington; and their teams Blake Douglas Rowe, Army Criminal Investigation Command, Forest Park, Georgia. Jeffrey Elliott Wood Jr. and the North Shore Gang Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Chelsea, Massachusetts. --Management excellence medal finalists Guy Demeter, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Washington Ariel Gold, Department of Transportation, Washington Marcella Jacobs and the Digital Services Team, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington Andy Neal and the National Flood Insurance Program Reinsurance Program Team, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Washington --National security and international affairs medal finalists Andrew M. Herscowitz and the Power Africa Team, U.S. Agency for International Development, Pretoria, South Africa David Huizenga, National Nuclear Security Administration, Washington Matthew Nims and team, U.S. Agency for International Development, Washington Hoa Thi Tran and team, State Department, Washington --Promising innovations medal finalists Barney S. Graham and Theodore C. Pierson, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland. Parimal Kopardekar, and team, NASA, Moffett Field, California. Jordan T. Manos, Veterans Affairs Acquisition Academy (on detail to FEMA in 2017), Frederick, Maryland. Alison Smith, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Indiana. --Science and environment medal finalists Margaret Honein, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta Daniel L. Kastner, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland. Barbara G. Kutchko, Department of Energy, Pittsburgh Soheila J. Maleki, Agricultural Research Service, New Orleans Tim Schmit, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Madison, Wisconsin. Four men accused of stealing a car in South Africa inadvertently drove it straight to prison. Cape Town law enforcement spokesman Wayne Dyason said the alleged robbers were being chased by police when they drove it into Pollsmoor Prison - where anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela was once jailed. "They got out and ran into the grounds of the prison where they were arrested," Mr Dyason was quoted by South Africa's News24 site as saying. The Cape Town ETC news site branded them the city's "dumbest criminals". But Mr Dyason suggested that they were extremely dangerous, saying that when police did a check, they found the four had about 35 cases of murder, attempted murder, theft and possession of illegal firearms pending against them. BBC ISLAMABAD - By voting last week to revoke an honor bestowed on the first Pakistani to receive a Nobel Prize in science, Pakistan's National Assembly opted for political expediency in the face of a fast-rising Muslim group that denounces members of the late physicist's faith as blasphemers. Mohammad Abdus Salam, who died in 1996, was a member of the Ahmadiyya minority sect, and no politician was eager to challenge the Muslim group, known as the Movement in Service to the Prophet. Analysts viewed the lawmakers' decision to take his name off a renowned physics center as an embarrassing but prudent move. But on Sunday, when a young man belonging to the movement shot and severely wounded Pakistan's interior minister at a public gathering, the attack drew immediate condemnation across the political spectrum and a flood of horrified comments on social media. "This menace of hatred will destroy everything," tweeted former foreign minister Khawaja Asif. "For God's sake, we have to work together for our country." In another tweet, Afrasiab Khattak, a retired senator and human rights activist, warned, "Weaponizing religion is a path to horrible disaster." While Pakistani officials claim to have eradicated Islamist extremism and terrorism from their country after years of conflict, a new threat to public order and religious peace has risen in their place. The Movement in Service to the Prophet, which professes the benign agenda of defending Muhammad as the final prophet of Islam, also exhorts followers to violence in that cause and targets members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim sect, called Ahmadis, as dangerous heretics because they believe in a later prophet. Neither the legislative resolution against Abdus Salam nor the assassination attempt on Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal was openly supported by officials of the movement. But analysts here said there was no doubt that the group's emotional fervor, widespread appeal to mainstream Sunni Muslims, demonization of Ahmadis and relentless attacks on political opponents had played a role in both. And while insulting a long-dead scientist did no actual harm, the close-range attack on Iqbal, who was hospitalized with a gunshot wound in the shoulder, was a terrifying response to his official role in trying to quell a weeks-long sit-in last November by the movement. The 23-year-old attacker said the idea to kill the minister came to him in a dream. The protest leaders charged that an election law had been stealthily changed to give more political rights to Ahmadis; officials denied this and apologized. But the protests persisted until the police were sent to quell them and failed. Later, the army was called in to negotiate and agreed to many of the group's demands. "When the state surrenders before a bunch of extremists and political parties try to exploit" religious causes, then attacks like [the one on] Ahsan Iqbal happen," newspaper columnist Mubashir Zaidi said in a tweet Monday. "Now the monster is out." The attempt on Iqbal's life also brought a chilling reminder of the 2011 death of Salman Taseer, then governor of Punjab province. He was killed by his own bodyguard for criticizing the country's harsh blasphemy laws. The guard was hanged in 2015, but many Muslims viewed him as a martyr to Islam, and the Movement in Service to the Prophet was created around his example. The country's uncertain leadership situation has added fuel to the combustible mix of religion and politics as the Muslim-majority nation heads toward national elections later this year. The most bizarre aspect concerns the contradictory roles played by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his son-in-law, Safdar Awan. Sharif was ousted by the Supreme Court last year after facing corruption charges. It was Sharif, then a popular premier, who decided 16 months ago to honor Abdus Salamby naming a physics center at the prestigious Qaid-i-Azam University here after him. Human rights groups hailed the gesture as a hopeful turning point in the history of discrimination and violent attacks against Ahmadis in Pakistan. "The government should be congratulated for correcting a historic injustice," Pervez Hoodbhoy, a physics professor and rights activist, said at the time. Now, he added, perhaps Pakistan is "ready to move ahead in science, irrespective of faith. It will help soften Pakistan's image" as "intolerant and terrorist." But one of the most outspoken critics of the honor was Awan, the husband of Sharif's daughter Maryam. Last year, Awan gave a vituperative speech against Ahmadis in parliament, and he sponsored the resolution to remove Abdus Salam's name from the building and give the honor instead to 12-century Byzantine astronomer Abul Fath Abdur Rehman al-Khazini. Some Pakistani commentators said Awan had come under political pressure from the Movement in Service to the Prophet. Others suggested he was playing a good cop/bad cop role to appease the religious group and help the sagging fortunes of the Sharif family's political party, the Pakistan Muslim League-N, which will face stiff competition in the upcoming polls. But the shooting of Iqbal, a well-liked and longtime aide to Sharif and the Muslim League, seemed to eclipse party politics and bring the potential dangers of fomenting religious hatred into sharp national focus. While the Movement in Service to the Prophet has galvanized fervent support from Muslims across the country, the attack has also aroused popular concern that it may have gone too far. Among Ahmadis, though already accustomed to being ostracized and misunderstood, there is a growing sense that their place in Pakistani society is being threatened as never before - and that the growing influence of the Movement in Service to the Prophet is making antagonism to Ahmadis an unprecedented and dangerous litmus test for millions of mainstream Muslims. "The fight against Ahmadis has become a struggle for the soul of the country," Ahmad Usman, a photographer and journalist based in Pakistan, wrote in the online Naya Daur Media. "The good Pakistani and the good Muslim [are] increasingly defined by their hatred of Ahmadis." Abdus Salam and others like him "are exactly the kind of heroes Pakistan needs," he added. But when public life is infected by the "virus of hatred, they are not the heroes the country deserves." There are 75,000 genetic tests available for sale today - a flood of information that could provide major new insights into health or an unwieldy abundance of information that overloads doctors and drives medical spending higher. A new study in the journal Health Affairs reveals an explosion of genetic tests over the past four years, with about 10 new ones entering the market each day. Another study, of hundreds of primary-care providers in New York City, found only a third had ever ordered a genetic test or referred a patient for counseling. A minority - 14 percent - said they felt confident interpreting results. The studies point to the huge opportunity and challenges that face the booming business of clinical genomics, which is forecast to grow to a $7.7 billion global industry by 2020. As the cost of sequencing genes has plummeted and tests have proliferated, the knowledge about the best practical uses of such information in the real world has remained relatively nascent. Doctors want better tools to support their decisions. "If I were a provider trying to figure out what to order, that's where this is in some way the Wild West, because we have so many tests out there," said Kathryn Phillips, a professor of health economics and health services research at the University of California at San Francisco. "Trying to sort out what to use, when and how much to pay for a test is pretty complicated." Phillips led the work to tally up the number and type of genetic tests in circulation. Her team limited their search to clinical tests ordered by doctors - leaving out genetic tests marketed directly to consumers. Of the 75,000 tests identified as of August, many were redundant - there were only about 10,000 unique test types, because tests offered by different laboratories may test the same genes or a panel of genes. That adds to the difficulties for doctors, who have to figure out which tests are appropriate and worth the price and also make sure they can translate the results into meaningful information for patients. Genetic tests for pediatric and rare diseases are growing fastest, followed by prenatal, cancer, hematology and neurology tests. To Diane Hauser, a senior associate at the Institute for Family Health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, the growth in genetic tests shows the complexity of the landscape facing health care providers. "Ten new tests a day - no one can be expected to master that," said Hauser, who separately found that most primary care providers have little confidence in their ability to interpret test results and low trust in companies that offer genetic testing. Phillips also analyzed claims for genetic tests from commercial insurers to understand the breakdown of spending on these tests. Most of the spending was on prenatal tests, followed by hereditary cancer tests and pharmacogenetic tests used to help choose the optimal drugs for people. To Phillips, the growth in prenatal testing was a surprise - and a testament to how insurance coverage and acceptance of a new test can drive utilization. "It was one of the most rapidly adopted and covered tests," Phillips said. "It got huge market acceptance, and insurers now cover it pretty routinely for high-risk women." Hauser and Carol Horowitz, a professor of population health science and policy at Mount Sinai, conducted their survey in part because they are concerned about how such decisions by doctors, insurers and companies affect underserved, minority communities. They decided to focus on how primary care providers might use genetic testing to understand chronic-disease risk. The providers who took their survey were about to enroll patients with African ancestry in a clinical trial to test for versions of genes that greatly increase risk of kidney failure. These were not hypothetical questions to providers about their feelings about genetic tests but surveys of clinicians whose patients would soon receive genetic test results. "Slightly more than 1 in 10 had any confidence in interpreting these genetic tests results. Those with more experience of genetic testing, of any kind, did not feel more prepared or more confident," Horowitz said. "How are we going to help primary care providers, who are barraged with all these genetic tests - some of which are very actionable and important, and some of which are not." The judge overseeing more than 600 lawsuits targeting opioid makers is demanding local governments' lawyers turn over any litigation-funding agreements so he can insure lenders have no control over the cases. U.S. District Judge Dan Polster in Cleveland issued the order Monday saying he wants to ensure the agreements don't create conflicts of interest by affecting plaintiffs lawyers' judgments in pursuing cases against opioid makers, such as Purdue Pharma and Johnson & Johnson, and distributors such as McKesson Corp. and Cardinal Health Inc. It would be improper for such financing agreements to give lenders "any control over litigation strategy or settlement decisions,'' Polster said in the order. J&J officials have questioned use of third-party funding in past mass tort cases, such as lawsuits from women who complained vaginal-mesh inserts damaged their organs and left them in pain. J&J accused litigation-funding firms in 2015 of using telephone solicitors to encourage women to get mesh-removal surgeries, whether the devices were causing them pain or not, so they could sue the device maker. Some women said the phone callers encouraged them to lie about whether they'd already had surgery so they could demand a settlement. Still, the complaints didn't stall the litigation. J&J has lost at least six jury awards totaling more than $90 million over the mesh inserts since 2014 and settled others. Polster-ordered settlement talks between pharma companies and local governments continue while both sides prepare for the first trial next year. State attorneys general also are holding separate settlement negotiations. Hard-hit states including Ohio and Kentucky have accused drugmakers and distributors of understating the risks of prescription opioids, overstating their benefits, and failing to halt suspiciously large shipments to pharmacies. They're seeking to recoup the costs of dealing with the nationwide epidemic. Andrew Wheatley, a spokesman for J&J, didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Kristin Chasen, a McKesson spokeswoman, declined to comment. Robert Josephson, a Purdue spokesman, said he couldn't immediately comment. 'Natural History' symphony PBS documentary If you've ever been to Crater Lake in southern Oregon, you know all about its grandeur. The United States' deepest lake, its brilliant, pure waters are often obscured by clouds. But when it peeks out from beneath the fog, the lake's unforgettably blue waters are a reminder of nature's most potent wonders. Now those marvels have been captured in song by composer Michael Gordon, whose symphony "Natural History" was inspired by and performed next to Crater Lake. It took Gordon a year to compose the work, which evokes the lake's unique majesty and tumultuous story. Crater Lake was formed about 7,700 years ago when Mount Mazama, a volcano, collapsed into a massive circular crater. Then, rain and snowfall filled the bowl with water, creating a kind of scientific curiosity. Because Crater Lake has no inlets or outlets, it's nearly pristine. That makes it an incredible lab for scientists who use it to study its diverse plants, its unique geological features and the endangered species that make it their home. Gordon drew on that natural heritage when writing a symphony designed to bring out the lake's natural sounds. In 2016, his work was conducted by Teddy Abrams and performed on the lake's edge by more than 130 classical musicians. Joining them were drummers from the Klamath people, who have long celebrated the lake as a spiritual place. The work was commissioned by the Britt Music & Arts Festival to celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service. "Symphony for Nature: The Britt Orchestra at Crater Lake," a documentary that tracks Gordon's composition and shows the concert, is airing on select PBS stations. It's also available through PBS Passport, which provides on-demand access to public television programs. The film offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how history, science and culture come together in a musical piece that manages the seemingly impossible: Giving voice to a body of water. MOSCOW - President Vladimir Putin, already the longest serving leader of Russia since Stalin, launched into a fourth presidential term on Monday promising to focus on improving Russians' lives at home but without backing down in his confrontation with the West. Putin, in a brief inaugural address to thousands of invited guests at the Kremlin, emphasized the work he has to do at home, nodding to the long-term challenges Russia faces with a stagnant economy and a declining birth rate. He said Russia needed to expand freedoms for entrepreneurs and scientists, to invest in regional development, and to raise the quality of education and health care. A particular focus on "traditional family values," he said, would ensure as many births as possible. "Russia is a strong, active, and influential participant in international life," Putin said. "But now we must use all the means we have at our disposal to, first, resolve domestic, most vital challenges of development." As are many of Putin's events, Monday's inauguration was meticulously choreographed for a television audience. Before his speech, the 65-year-old leader arose from his office desk, donned a suit jacket and walked, for considerable time and with signature swagger, down the red-lined Kremlin halls to a Russian-made limousine, state television showed. Putin then took the oath of office in the resplendent pink marble Andreyevsky Hall, the throne room of Russia's czars in the Grand Kremlin Palace. The lavish ceremony was full of pomp and splendor, featuring cavalry in brocaded livery and simultaneous cannonfire. In an apparent bid to show the breadth of Putin's popularity, activists and volunteers from Putin's reelection campaign joined official dignitaries among the 6,000 guests. Also attending was American action star Steven Seagal, whom Putin presented with a Russian passport in 2016, and the leather-clad leader of a pro-Kremlin motorcycle club who is known as "The Surgeon." Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder also came, prominently standing on the front row besides Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Orthodox Church, and Dmitry Medvedev, who served as prime minister in the last term and has been nominated for a new term. "The purpose of my life will be, as before, service to the people, to our fatherland," Putin said after he swore on Russia's constitution. Under the constitution, this six-year term is supposed to be Putin's last, but speculation has mounted in Moscow that he will seek to hold on to power in some way after 2024, perhaps by taking on a new, leader-of-the-nation role. For now, Putin's dominance of the nation's political system seems ironclad. His popularity surged after he annexed the territory of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, and many Russians have accepted his call to unite around the Kremlin amid the confrontation with the West. To his supporters, Western sanctions and accusations of Putin's complicity in U.S. election interference or Olympic doping are simply means of keeping their country down. In his patriotic inauguration speech, Putin focused entirely on Russia, but hinted at the standoff with the West when he said, "The country's security and defense capabilities are reliably ensured. We will continue giving these issues the constant attention they need." And while Putin's foreign-policy legacy after nearly two decades in power reflects a rise in Russia's geopolitical ambitions that many Russians support, his accomplishments at home are less clear cut. Putin benefited from rising oil prices early in his tenure, but since 2008, Russia's stagnant economy has grown at an average of just over 1 percent a year. Showcasing Russia's manufacturing potential, Putin swapped his armored Mercedes-Benz for the domestically made Cortege on Monday. Officials and analysts took to Russian state television to praise the car, hailing the automobile's entrance on the market as an achievement for the Russian people. In his state-of-the-nation address in March, Putin'promised to halve the poverty rate over the next six years and to double government spending on roads, health care and regional development. Whether he intends significant economic reform could become clearer as he forms his government in the coming weeks. The relatively liberal former finance minister, Alexei Kudrin, could rejoin the government, analysts say, but hardliners within the Kremlin who are prepared to keep up the confrontation with the West are unlikely to lose their influence. Until now, Putin's promises to improve Russians' lives at home have been overshadowed by conflict with the West - with everything from nuclear saber rattling to the poisoning of a former Russian spy in England for which Britain blames the Kremlin. There are some signs that Russians are growing impatient with slow economic growth and public corruption. Protests in the aftermath of a Siberian mall fire that killed 60 led to the resignation of a regional governor in April. Anti-Putin rallies organized by opposition leader Alexei Navalny across the vast country on Saturday brought tens of thousands of people onto the streets, and more than 1,600 of them were arrested. As the guests filed out of the Kremlin after Monday's ceremony, there was little talk of rapprochement with the West. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said countries in the West needed to "normalize their attitude toward Russia." The biker-group leader known as "The Surgeon," Alexander Zaldostanov, said he expected the pressure on Russia to increase -- and that Russians would respond by uniting even more around their leader. "Our president will collect everyone in his fist," Zaldostanov said in an interview, after stating that the Kremlin celebration marked the first time he had worn a white shirt. "I'm ready not to eat enough, not to sleep enough -- but you can't put me down." - - - The Washington Post's Natalia Abbakumova contributed reporting. Justify's ownership team took home $1.24 million after the favorite won Saturday's Kentucky Derby, the $500,000 they shelled out for the colt in 2016 looking like money well spent. A woman from Austin, Texas, scored nearly the same payday after Justify's victory on Saturday. She only had to put down $18. 23:44 BJP President Amit Shah today alleged that fearing defeat, the Congress has colluded with "anti-national" Social Democratic Party of India and Popular Front of India in the Karnatkaa assembly polls. He said the BJP and RSS lost their 24 workers in the last four years but the Siddaramaiah government "did not arrest the murderers." Shah said once the BJP comes to power, it will send every culprit behind the bar even if they were hiding in the remotest corner of the world. "Fearing defeat, the Congress government is sitting with the anti-national forces. They aren't ashamed to take the support of PFI and SDPI. JD-S has taken the support of (AIMIM chief Asaduddin) Owaisi," said Shah at an election rally in Nargund. The SDPI is the political wing of Islamic outfit PFI. Referring to the Mahadayi river water issue involving Karnataka and Goa, Shah said the river water would flow into the taps of every house and every field in North Karnataka within six months of his party coming to power. Calling the Congress government 'anti-farmer', he said the 'ego' of chief minister Siddaramaiah was responsible for blocking the Mahadayi river from flowing in the Mumbai-Karnataka region. "Congress is anti-farmer.I am asking you to form the BJP government here. Within six months we will bring the Mahadayi river water to entire Karnataka. Mahadayi river will flow intoyour taps and agriculture fields," he said. He accused the Siddaramaiah government of remaining unperturbed even in the face of farmers committing suicide. "The ego of Siddaramaiah government has bereaved the people of Mumbai-Karnataka region of Mahadayi river water. The chief minister of a state is in slumber where 3,500 farmers have committed suicide," Shah charged. The BJP president told the crowd that the BJP will waive loan up to Rs 1 lakh either of cooperative bank or the nationalised bank once it comes to power. -- PTI TODAY (MONDAY) No services listed. TUESDAY Hobrock, Dorothy Louise (Collins) Nanna Sis. 11 a.m. Tuesday at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beardstown. The family will meet with friends 9-10:45 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Following the visitation, Emblem Memorial Services will be held in the First Evangelical Lutheran Church Hall. Thorp, George Church. 11 a.m. Tuesday at the United Methodist Church, Clinton, with military honors at Oak Park Cemetery, Clinton. Visitation 6-8 p.m. today at the Calvert Funeral Home in Clinton. WEDNESDAY Dodds, Glenn Arthur. Memorial service 6 p.m. Wednesday at Worthington Funeral Home. Military rites will be conducted. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. Wednesday until the time of services at the funeral home. Fair, Michael Ray. Noon Wednesday at Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Carrollton. Visitation 10 a.m. Wednesday until the time of services at the funeral home. Schnelten, Jan E. (Proffer). A Funeral Mass 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Johns Catholic Church in Carrollton. The family will meet friends 9-11 a.m. at the church. THURSDAY Groat, Doris Mae. Memorial service for Doris and her late husband, Lee Groat, 11 a.m. Thursday at Green Pastures Christian Retreat Center near Meredosia. The family will meet friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at Green Pastures. Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge. FRIDAY Patton, Mary Eloise (Bridgewater). 11 a.m. Friday at the Hendricker Funeral Home in Mount Sterling. Visitation 5-7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Friends may also call 8 a.m. until the time of services Friday at the funeral home. SATURDAY, MAY 12 Wright, Alice Lucile. Memorial service 2 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville. Visitation 1-2 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at the funeral home. Not long after U.S. authorities filed sealed charges against Volkswagen's old chief executive officer, they granted the new CEO a rare safe-passage deal. The Justice Department agreement allows Herbert Diess, promoted last month to lead the German automaker, to travel the world freely without fear of being arrested in connection with the U.S.'s diesel-rigging investigation, according to two people familiar with the matter. Diess also received a spoken assurance that he would be given advance notice should prosecutors seek to charge him in its emissions cheating probe, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the deal is confidential. Diess, who joined the automaker a couple months before the scandal became public in September 2015, isn't accused of wrongdoing. The agreement essentially makes it possible for Diess to effectively run the sprawling 12-brand behemoth, which has 120 factories spread across the world. As CEO, one of his primary tasks will be hopping around the globe to represent the automaker at major events such as car shows, plant openings and new model releases. The deal was approved after the former CEO, Martin Winterkorn, who won't enjoy the same freedom of movement, was indicted under seal in March. The charges against him were made public on May 3. Former prosecutors and criminal defense lawyers described such a deal as uncommon -- implying, possibly, that the U.S. believes it won't charge Diess, or that he may be providing useful information in the ongoing investigation. The Justice Department agreement also suggests that Diess has some concern about potential scrutiny by U.S. authorities, or at least wanted extra insurance against being detained during his frequent travels leading a global company. Volkswagen and the U.S. Department of Justice declined to comment when asked about the special arrangement for Diess. Diess has spent more than two decades in the German auto business, including at Robert Bosch and BMW. As a fresh recruit at VW, Diess participated in a routine "damage table" meeting on July 27, 2015, in Wolfsburg, where emissions irregularities in the U.S. were explained to senior managers, according to a 2016 company statement. That meeting was a key moment in the conspiracy -- one where Winterkorn "approved the continued concealment of the cheating software from U.S. regulators," U.S. prosecutors said in the unsealed indictment against the former CEO. Because Diess attended that meeting, he would know what was said by Winterkorn and others when they were together in the room. Diess is already under investigation in Germany -- along with Winterkorn -- for possible market manipulation for not going public sooner about the scandal. It's unclear what remarks, if any, Diess made at the gathering in question. Diess didn't help with the case against Winterkorn, according to the people familiar with the matter. Prosecutors routinely use safe-passage letters with witnesses and subjects of investigations that allow travel for interviews or testimony. Lawyers for possible targets are sometimes allowed an opportunity to argue against prosecution ahead of any decision to bring charges. Prosecutors also sometimes give advance notice to those about to be charged if they're in the U.S. and not considered a flight risk, so they can turn themselves in rather than face public arrest. But it's unusual for prosecutors to allow a blanket safe-passage agreement, former prosecutors said. It's also rare to offer to give a heads-up about impending legal action to someone who may be outside the country and couldn't be extradited easily, these people said. One explanation for such an arrangement is that the Justice Department isn't finished investigating but has already determined that Diess is unlikely to be charged, said Michael Koenig, a formal federal prosecutor now at Hinckley Allen & Snyder. "This is certainly a unique situation, and there are likely facts that the general public is not aware of that would allow for such an arrangement," Koenig said. Or, Diess may be providing useful information for the wider investigation, said Andrew Friedman, a white-collar defense lawyer at Shulman Rogers Gandal Pordy & Ecker. "I would anticipate there is some level of cooperation and some level of value this individual has," Friedman said. Among the eight individuals charged in the case, two have been brought to court. One executive, Oliver Schmidt, was arrested in Florida while vacationing there last year. Schmidt -- one of two employees who made presentations to Winterkorn, Diess and others at the July 2015 meeting -- didn't initially cooperate with investigators. He later pleaded guilty and was sentenced in December to seven years in prison. As for Winterkorn, Germany's Justice Ministry said on May 4 that the former CEO wouldn't be sent to the U.S. because the country refuses to extradite its citizens to countries outside the European Union. That means Winterkorn can't be arrested unless he leaves his home country. - - - Bloomberg's Chad Thomas contributed. NAGAOKA, Japan- A woman was allowed to enter the ring at a traditional bullfighting event in Nagaoka, for the first time on Friday - marking a change to the customary practice of only permitting men into the ring. The organizers of the event, which is called Ushi no Tsuno-tsuki (oxen horn-butting), made the move as fresh discussions continue about whether the Japan Sumo Association's policy of not allowing women to step into the dohyo ring should be reviewed. Friday was the first day of this year's bullfighting. Yu Araki of Kobe entered the ring with her ox for a post-match routine - becoming the first woman to do so. "I felt happy that the local residents kindly got me into the bullring," the 44-year-old owner said. In Ushi no Tsuno-tsuki, which has been designated by the central government as an important intangible cultural asset, women were previously barred from entering the bullring after a purification ceremony had taken place. The ceremony, held in preparation for the fighting, involves spreading salt and sake around the ring. Consequently, female owners were also banned from taking their oxen around the ring after fights. Currently, three of the about 30 oxen owners who are members of traditional bullfighting organizer Yamakoshi Togyu-kai are women. Akiko Moriyama, a 39-year-old nursing care worker in Nagaoka, is one of the three. She has owned her ox, Azuki Maru, for the past two years, and has longed to take her ox around the ring, just like the other proud owners. Last year, Moriyama told the organization's head Tomie Matsui that she wanted to take her bull around the ring to acknowledge his fighting. Her appeal prompted the group to discuss the matter on several occasions. It made its final decision at a meeting on Friday. "How much you care about the bulls has nothing to do with gender," Matsui, 36, said. "Now, 40 years have passed since the designation. We'd like to focus on how we can hand down our bullfighting in the future." We are as proud as a peacock of all our students, Ash High School Principal Rodney Wallace said, explaining the peacock theme of the campuss annual awards banquet held on Thursday, May 3, in the school cafeteria. The program, led by the campus student council, gave evidence of the accomplishments of students attending the alternative high school this year and highlighted the many reasons staff and parents had to be proud of the students celebrated. The Mitchell Lake Audubon Center will celebrate the Year of the Bird with the Migratory Bird Fest, one of SA 300s partner events, on Saturday. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., people who visit the center at 10750 Pleasanton Road will be able to participate in bird-themed games, nature walks and bird photo opportunities, and learn about birds from SeaWorld San Antonio experts. At 1 p.m., Last Chance Forever will have a bird of prey show. There also will be food trucks and a sale of native bird-friendly plants and seeds. The event honors World Migratory Bird Day, which occurs every second Saturday of May around the world. This year is also the centennial anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Many people arent even aware of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, said Sara Beesley, center director. So this is an opportunity to bring attention to it and the importance of it, especially when its threatened by the current administration. Beesley said the festival allows San Antonians to have a global impact by advocating locally and having fun at the same time. The activities on Saturday will engage, educate and entertain guests while promoting sustainable and bird-friendly communities. All exhibits and activities are free and the first 500 people will receive a free reusable water bottle from SAWS Conservation. To commemorate 2018 as Year of the Bird, the National Audubon Society, National Geographic, BirdLife International and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology have partnered with more than 100 agencies and millions of people across the world. Just 20 minutes from downtown San Antonio, the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center was founded in 2004. Its mission is connecting people to nature through conservation and community education focused on birds and their habitats. The event is sponsored by Brooks, Bexar Audubon Society, H-E-B, the San Antonio Audubon Society, San Antonio Water System, Texas Public Radio and Texas A&M University-San Antonio. For more information about the fest, call 210-628-1639 or go online at mitchelllake.audubon.org/migratory-bird-fest. vtdavis@express-news.net Broadway icon Chita Rivera visits UF students After decades on Broadway, Chita Rivera had plenty of stage secrets to share when she visited musical-theater students at the University of Florida. But her foremost advice applies to any field: Dont lose your sense of humor, she said. It will get you through a lot of stuff. The two-time Tony-Award winner received an honorary doctorate at the University of Floridas commencement ceremony May 4, where three College of the Arts students performed in her honor. Then she joined students, faculty and donors for a question-and-answer session led by professor Tony Mata, the head of UFs musical theater program. Whats your secret for having such amazing passion for theater for over 50 years? Mata asked. Insanity, Rivera laughed. Rivera reflected on her roles in the original cast of Guys and Dolls, West Side Story and Bye Bye Birdie, her upcoming Tony Lifetime Achievement Award, and what it was like to win a Presidential Medal of Honor, which she wore pinned to her commencement regalia. When she complimented senior Valerie Torres-Rosario, who sang Somewhere during the ceremony, Rivera mentioned a casting call for an upcoming West Side Story movie. Torres-Rosarios classmates shouted out the good news: Torres-Rosario had already auditioned and got a callback. Rivera jumped up to give Torres-Rosario a congratulatory hug. Im just thrilled to death to be here, Rivera said. Im not going to forget you guys. MIGUEL ALEMAN, Tamaulipas, Mexico As the bloody drug war engulfed this hardscrabble border city in 2010, unclaimed dead were buried in a mass grave at the edge of town, week after week, month after month. In the first project of its kind in Tamaulipas, archaeologists and forensic anthropologists are now exhuming the remains of an estimated 350 people buried there in an effort to identify them and bring closure to some families. In a state dotted with mass graves and the highest number of disappearances in Mexico officially 5,989, though many say the actual number is far higher the project has rekindled hope and stirred traumatic memories. Subscriber site: The breakdown of one of Mexico's most powerful cartels is driving violence in a valuable border city My daughter probably isnt here, said Graciela Perez Rodriguez whose 13-year-old daughter, brother and three nephews disappeared in a distant corner of Tamaulipas in 2012. Whats important is that the exhumations continue. For years, families searching for their missing in Tamaulipas have done so amid warring drug cartels and authorities indifferent to their plight and sometimes complicit in the disappearances. As the victims mounted, local authorities often buried unidentified victims in municipal cemeteries. But under the administration of Governor Francisco Garcia Cabeza de Vaca, authorities in January 2017 quietly broke ground in Miguel Aleman, a town of around 30,000 residents across the border from Roma, and built 50 storage units in the ground, each with the capacity of 10 sets of remains. The exhumation began in mid-April at the Municipal Pantheon United for the Memory with a team of 49 specialists from the Tamaulipas Attorney General of Justice, human rights observers and consultants from the German Agency for International Cooperation and the Foundation and the Guatemalan Forensic Anthropology Foundation. Exhumations will continue later this year in Reynosa, followed by projects in Nuevo Laredo and Ciudad Victoria. Perez hopes the fifth site, which has not been determined, will be near Mante in the southern part of the state, where her family vanished on their way home to San Luis Potosi. Subscriber site: Border woes: McAllen fights to keep prosperity amid travel warnings to neighboring Mexican state Dozens of families from across the state and north of the international border have visited the cemetery. Most arrive with photos of their disappeared and a few documents chronicling their search. Tetanus shots and a psychologist are available at the site for those who want to put on a mask and scrubs to observe the exhumation work up close. They also have blood drawn for genealogical data that will be compared with the genetic material of the exhumed. Perez, who is a founding member of the project Forensic Citizen Science, a citizen bio bank of DNA of relatives of disappeared, has spent years in Tamaulipas sifting through debris left by cartels on ranches and in abandoned buildings at considerable risk to her safety. But standing over forensic specialists raising bodies from the sandy loam one recent day, she found herself disturbed by the thought her daughter, Milynali, may have been unceremoniously buried in a municipal cemetery in plain sight. This should have done years ago, Perez said. This isnt an achievement. Its a wake. For many, the significance of the project is easily obscured by the painful reminder that most will not find closure here. Marisela Valdezs son, Roberto, 28, was taken in 2014. He prepared food that Valdez, 58, sold to factory workers in Reynosas maquiladora sector. When she refused to be extorted by cartel members she and her son were kidnapped. Valdez was savagely beaten and left for dead on the side of highway. It would require months of therapy before she could walk again. Still the threats continued until she fled with her daughter to Mexico City. They took my son, our house, they took everything, Valdez said. The cartel controls everything here. Around 32,000 people have been reported missing in Mexico since 2006, according to government data, yet authorities fail to investigate many cases, leaving families like the Valdezes to search for answers on their own. Late last year, Mexicos Congress passed and President Enrique Pena Nieto signed into law the General Law on Disappearances, creating a national commission to track and investigate disappearances. In Tamaulipas, forensic scientists are building a database with genetic material from the exhumed bodies and DNA samples taken from families. The Tamaulipas database, which has around 6,000 family DNA samples, will also cross-reference results with a national DNA database. Its important that theyre actually starting somewhere, and if this works, great, said Maureen Meyer of the Washington Office on Latin America, a human rights advocacy group. Its a huge undertaking. At a minimum it could lead to some closure for families. Valdez remains skeptical of government efforts. One recent morning, Valdez and Martha Castillo Olmedo, the 54-year-old mother of five missing children and two grandchildren, ranging in age from five to 25, pressed city officials for answers. Why had 350 people been buried with no apparent effort to identify them? Here they tried to hide the problem, Valdez said. They lied and deceived the victims. They didnt search for our sons, they made us suffer. It was a harrowing time, explained Ricardo Rodriguez Garcia, city secretary. The Gulf Cartel and its former enforcers Los Zetas were at war for the lucrative trafficking corridor. Gunbattles raged through the night, and the dead were delivered to the only funeral home in town, Funeraria Rodriguez. There were times wed receive a call in the middle of the night of a death from natural causes, said Jorge Rodriguez, manager of Funeraria Rodriguez. We had to tell the families to wait until the following morning. Everyone understood. Rodriguez had neither the money nor the facility to store the dead. After a few days they were buried, a practice that started in 2010 and continued through 2016, state officials said. Security has improved in the area, but the violence remains. During the second week of exhumations here, news of kidnappings in town spread fear across the cemetery. By the third week of exhumation only a handful of stalwart mothers, representing collectives of families of disappeared from across state, could be found at the Miguel Aleman cemetery. While Valdez is voluble, Castillo is painfully quiet. The women share a hotel room where several mothers and government forensic specialists retire at the end of each day. The work is emotionally taxing, and Castillo rubbed her temples at the end of a long day. She carries the photos of her missing children and grandchildren, which are taped together, folded accordion style, in her purse. One son went missing in 2013, the others vanished in 2014. The mere mention of her loss still lays bare her pain. They took them, Castillo, tears welling up in her eyes. anelsen@express-news.net | Twitter: @amnelsen The trial of a San Antonio man accused of killing his brother in 2016 over the family home, and burying him in a shallow grave in the dunes of the Padre Island National Seashore, enters its second week as testimony resumes today. Gregorio Barrera was 48 when he was charged with killing his younger brother, Andres Barrera, 46, whose decomposing remains were found Sept. 25, 2016, in 3 feet of sand in Kleberg County on the north shore. Prosecutors began presenting evidence in their case Tuesday. RELATED: Trial begins for San Antonio man accused of killing brother burying him on Padre Island Eric Mouton, an oil field worker, testified last week that he and his son were walking in the dunes, looking for crabs, when they came upon the shallow grave in the dunes. I thought it was a deer carcass, he told the court. As he approached, he noticed it was human remains, and he called 911. The jury then was shown video of the crime scene and the remains, which were so decomposed that a Nueces County medical examiner testified he believed the body had been there for weeks. Relatives testified they had tried to contact the victim on Labor Day weekend, which fell on Sept. 3-5 that year, and reported him missing Sept. 12. The remains were decomposed; there was loss of soft tissue, the bones and skull exposed, Nueces County Medical Examiner Dr. Ray Fernandez told the court under direct questioning by prosecutor Kimberly Gonzalez as several crime scene photographs were shown. Fernandez said the remains were so decomposed, internal organs were not visible; some bones were missing, likely from animal involvement, and most of the soft tissue was gone. He told the jury Andres Barrera was neither stabbed nor shot, and pointed to a skull fracture and plastic around the victim's neck as possibly causing the death, which he ruled as homicidal violence. Authorities were able to get a fingerprint from one of the fingers to identify the victim. Two sisters testified that Andres Barrera lived by himself at an apartment in the 100 block of Camino De Oro, but he paid the mortgage at the family home in the 8700 block of Sage Brush on the Northeast Side. Martha Barrera testified that Gregorio Barrera took care of their mother at the home until she died in 2014, and he continued to live there after her death, with friends and six dogs. She said the family was remodeling the home, and the brothers fought. She said Andres Barrera had his brother evicted from the home. Another sister, Mary Frances Rodriguez, told the jury that when relatives could not reach Andres Barrera, they went to the home and found all of his belongings in a room, and also found his pickup truck. That is when they called the police. Video taken by investigators after police arrived at the Sage Brush home showed pieces of bloody wood, blood spatter on the walls, ceiling and on the blades of a ceiling fan. Pieces of wood with blood also were found in a garbage bin. The trial is being heard in the 186th state District Court, presided by Judge Jefferson Moore. If convicted, Gregorio Barrera faces five to 99 years or life in prison. Elizabeth Zavala is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | ezavala@express-news.net | @elizabeth2863 And just like that, its over for the Sharks. As was the case for much of the series, San Jose just couldnt solve Vegas goalie Marc-Andre Fleury on Sunday, and the Golden Knights won Game 6 3-0 at SAP Center to advance to the Western Conference finals. Throughout the series, we didnt get enough from all 20 who dressed, and that was the issue, Sharks forward Logan Couture said. To go far in the playoffs, you need everyone every night and I dont think we had it this series. Fleury stopped 28 shots and got plenty of help from the iron that frames the 6-by-4 goal throughout to record his fourth shutout of these playoffs and the 14th of his career. Fleury played unbelievable, Sharks defenseman Brent Burns said. It was tough to get goals, and obviously we didnt get any tonight. Down 2-0 after 40 minutes and with their season on the line, the Sharks mustered only 10 shots on goal in what should have been a much more desperate final period. We tried to force plays, Couture said. We came through the neutral zone and took chances. We had the defense join to try to create odd-man opportunities. I think if we had it to do over again, we wouldnt have done it so early in the third. We should have got back to what we had success with in the series, dumping it in, making them play defense and taking pucks to the net. For some reason, we didnt want to do that. ALSO Sharks sue to slow BART San Jose extension in parking dispute Vegas wing Cody Eakin filled an empty net at 18:09 of the third period with Sharks goalie Martin Jones pulled for an extra attacker. Handshakes quickly followed as San Jose skates into an uncertain offseason and the startling success of the first-year Golden Knights continues. Expansion Vegas will face the winner of the Nashville-Winnipeg series in the next round. Credit Vegas 109 points in the regular season, sweep L.A. we knew their game was for real, Sharks head coach Peter DeBoer said. There were some swing moments in the series like there always are when you win and when you lose. But the bottom line for me is we were just chasing the game every game in the series other than the 4-0 win here at home. I thought we had some good starts, some quality chances early in those games, and Fleury was great early in those games and allowed them to get their feet under them. We were chasing five of the six games. After the Sharks had so many close calls during the first 26 minutes, the Golden Knights broke on top early in the second period. Sharks defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic committed a turnover and the puck ended up on the stick of Jonathan Marchessault. The Vegas left wing managed, while alone in front, to punch his fourth goal of the postseason between Jones pads at 6:33. The Golden Knights top line accounted for eight goals and 25 points in the series. They make a lot of plays, Sharks forward Chris Tierney said. Theyre opportunistic when they get chances and they can score. They scored a lot, and their depth guys scored, too. MORE: Sharks' banged-up top line fails to deliver in Game 6 loss Vegas doubled its lead later in the second, but no one knew it at the time as play continued for 25 seconds before the arena horn sounded to halt play because the replay officials in Toronto determined the shot from defenseman Nate Schmidt from the blue line struck the left post and ricocheted quickly off the television camera mounted inside the goal. Schmidts second goal of the playoffs gave the Golden Knights a 2-0 lead at 15:38. A seeing-eye shot that picks the corner perfectly, Tierney said. That being said, weve got to find a way with either me winning the face-off or one of us getting a block on it. Ross McKeon is a freelance writer. Twitter: @rossmckeon The series Knights win 4-2 Game 1: Knights 7, Sharks 0 Game 2: Sharks 4, Knights 3, 2OT Game 3: Knights 4, Sharks 3, OT Game 4: Sharks 4, Knights 0 Game 5: Knights 5, Sharks 3 Game 6: Knights 3, Sharks 0 1 Dog attacks: Packs of feral dogs have killed six children in the last week in northern India, terrifying villagers who have begun keeping their children home from school and killing any dogs they encounter. At least two dozen more children have been injured. The killings have occurred in and around the town of Sitapur, police said. Twelve children have been killed in dog attacks in the area since November. India has millions of strays that wander the streets in even the most exclusive neighborhoods. While injuries from dog attacks are fairly common, a string of fatalities in one area is rare. Some believe the attacks began after a nearby slaughterhouse closed, making the dogs more aggressive after they were left without a major source of food. 2 Yemen bombing: Air strikes by the Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemens Shiite rebels targeted the presidency building in the heart of the capital on Monday, leaving at least six people dead and 30 wounded, health officials said. The officials said the six killed were all civilians. It was not known if there were any Houthi rebel leaders present at the time of the strikes in Sanaa. The three-floor presidency building was completely flattened, while surrounding buildings were heavily damaged. The Norwegian Refugee Council, an aid group operating in Yemen, said it was appalled by Saudi-led coalition strikes on a highly-populated business district. The coalition has been at war with the Houthis since 2015, hoping to restore the countrys internationally recognized government. Tech & Science, Nature & Weather, Local News, Health & Wellness, Politics By Long Island News & PR Published: May 07 2018 Rule Would Limit Use Of Scientific Evidence In Protecting Health And Environment, Schneiderman Says. New York, NY - May 7, 2018 - Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman, leading a coalition of eight Attorneys General, today called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to halt a proposed rule that would limit the body of scientific evidence that the EPA could consider when adopting regulatory standards for protecting public and environmental health. The Attorneys General called on the EPA to consult with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and other independent scientists and science organizations before moving forward with proposed changes to how EPA uses science in its decision-making. Its absurd that the Environmental Protection Agency would consider limiting the scientific evidence used in its decision making although its certainly not surprising, as the Trump administration continues to put special interests before New Yorkers health and environment, said Attorney General Schneiderman. Leading independent scientific organizations have strongly objected to the Trump EPAs proposal. The administration should immediately halt this proposal and consult with truly independent scientists and organizations before moving forward. Attorneys General havent hesitated to take the Trump administration to court, and well continue to use the full power of our offices to protect those we serve. In todays letter , the coalition expresses deep concern about the Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science rule, proposed on April 30, 2018. This concern arises both from the truncated timeline under which EPA seeks to change fundamental agency policy and from the vagueness of the proposal. The coalition argues that a review of the proposal by NAS and other independent scientists and organizations is necessary [i]n light of the far-reaching impacts the proposal could have on EPAs mission to protect human health and the environment. A number of major independent scientific organizations has expressed concern about the Trump EPA proposal. For example, editors of leading peer-reviewed scientific journals, including Science and Nature, and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, published a joint response to the proposal cautioning that [e]xcluding relevant studies simply because they do not meet rigid transparency standards will adversely affect decision-making processes. The American Association for the Advancement of Science issued a statement that [t]his proposal appears to be an attempt to remove valid and relevant scientific evidence from the rule-making process. If Administrator Pruitt refuses to withdraw the proposal, the coalition calls for the current 30-day comment period for this tremendously consequential proposal to be extended by at least 150 days. The extension would provide for appropriate consultation with the NAS and other independent scientists and science organizations on the proposed changes, and to allow the public and other stakeholders sufficient time to evaluate the proposal and its implications for the agencys ability to meet its obligation to protect public health and the environment under federal environmental laws. The letter argues that a much more deliberate pace than the current 30-day comment period is necessary given the profound potential impacts on the regulatory processes for all or nearly all of the statutes EPA implements and enforces. President Fuchs addresses newest Gator graduates UF President Kent Fuchs addressed graduates over the weekend during spring commencement ceremonies. His speech is below. Before we begin, I want to say as I did at yesterdays graduation, that we are so proud of the nearly 10,000 students who are UFs Spring 2018 graduates. Yesterday, we inappropriately physically rushed a number of students across this stage. I want to apologize personally, and on behalf of the University of Florida. I want our students to know that we have changed that practice, and we want each of you to know we celebrate with you...your graduation and your accomplishments Graduates, I am so happy that you have completed your exams, papers and projects, and that together this year we survived Tide Pods, and the stiff-armed dance. Your graduation from the University of Florida is an incredible achievement one that will remain with you forever one that no one can ever take away: Today, you graduate from one of the nations great and greatest universities! I love two things about commencement ceremonies. First, this is the day we are celebrating the achievements of you, our students. Today we are celebrating every one of you. Second, Ive come to love the pomp, pageantry and regalia of commencement, and how it represents a community of scholars. Just look at what all of us are wearing. For my regalia, I get to wear this robe and this gold chain. Its officially known as the chain of office. But I call it my presidents bling. The chain is etched with the names of all previous UF presidents, and this medallion includes a 1.3 carat diamond. The diamond was manufactured in collaboration with our materials science and engineering department. UF researchers engraved the diamond with tiny one-micron photographs of all the previous 11 presidents using a focused ion beam. The photographs are so small they can only be seen with an electron microscope. Someday, when they etch my tiny photograph on the diamond, I am going to insist that Im holding a wiener dog. Or maybe the photo will be a selfie! My colleagues regalia here on the platform represents their alma maters, particularly where they obtained their graduate degrees. When you cross the stage for your individual recognition this morning, youll shake the hand of your college dean. Let me show you some of their regalia. Would the Associate Dean of the College of Design, Construction and Planning, Abdol Chini, please stand? Dean Chinis regalia represents his alma mater, the University of Maryland at College Park, where he earned his doctorate in structural engineering. Thank you Dean Chini. Would the Dean of the College of Journalism, Diane McFarlin, please stand? Dean McFarlin earned her bachelors degree in journalism from our very own UF College of Journalism and Communications. The color of her hood, which she describes as burgundy, signifies the journalism degree. She says that the color clashes with orange and blue and might seem more suitable for a certain university up the road in Tallahassee. But, Dean McFarlin is hugely proud to wear her hood and to represent journalism! Thank you Dean McFarlin. Would the Dean of the College of Health and Human Performance, Mike Reid, please stand? The three bars on Dean Reids sleeves and blue trim on his robe signify his PhD degree, which is in physiology. His orange and blue hood reflects his alma mater, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Hes also wearing a medallion from the University of Kentucky, where he was a professor and chair before coming to UF. Each of his sons wore the very same medallion when they graduated the University of Kentucky. Thank you Dean Reid. Graduates, along with your tassels representing your disciplines, many of you are wearing personally customized mortarboards. Some of you shared photos of your decorated mortarboards on social media, and there are some great ones here today. I decided for the first time in the history of commencements that the president should also decorate his mortarboard! In researching the tradition of commencements and our regalia, I discovered Stephen Wolgast, a journalism professor at Kansas State University who studies the history of academic dress. Mr. Wolgast edits The Transactions of The Burgon Society which was founded to promote the study of Academical Dress. Yes you heard correctly. I did say academical. And graduates, you certainly look academical today! We spoke by phone with Professor Wolgast in his office at Kansas State in Manhattan, Kansas. He explained that our robes trace their origins to the common clothing of medieval Europe and the earliest universities of the 1100s. Those universities were connected to religious orders, so scholars wore simple robes to indicate their humility. Professor Wolgast said that in the U.S., the first references to academic robes occur in the 18th century, before the American Revolution. At Columbia University in New York City, the fifth-oldest U.S. university, students were required to wear robes all the time, like uniforms. Mr. Wolgast said this was done to discourage students from misbehavior, such as visiting a seedy neighborhood nearby. I wonder what it would be like here at UF if we had such a policy. Midtown would never be the same! If we were to require students to always wear robes, it would only be fair if we required the same of the faculty and maybe the President should always wear a wig! The tradition of gowns faded between the Revolution and the Civil War but returned for commencement ceremonies as universities transitioned from elitist to public institutions in the latter half of the 19th century, including here at UF. This renaissance was aided by a single enterprising graduate of Williams College named Gardner Cottrell Leonard. Gardner either didnt get to wear a gown, or didnt like the one he did wear, at his Williams commencement ceremony in 1887. Subsequently he visited England to study regalia and began writing articles and speaking about it in the U.S. In fact, we owe the various colors for the disciplinesin tassels and hoods entirely to Gardners creativity. He chose green for medicine, for example, because it reminded him of the color of herbs used in healing. Many of Gardners ideas were codified in the 1896 Intercollegiate Code of Academic Costume, the basis for commencement regalia to this very day. I love how this commencement ceremony celebrates your individual achievements. Indeed, we will recognize your personal accomplishment in a few minutes when each of your names is read aloud as you cross the stage. Yet this ceremony also identifies us as an academical community of scholars, bonded across centuries. In this, we join other scholars across the globe while affirming we are part of our own unique University of Florida community. As students, youve grown tremendously from being part of this community and all the many smaller communities within it. Youve learned how to work together in the micro-communities we call teams. Youve nurtured personal passions with like-minded students in groups and campus organizations. Youve felt the power of becoming one with thousands of others in the stadium or here in the ODome in the community of fans. Being part of a community can sometimes be difficult, as you may have discovered when you struggled with fellow students you didnt agree with, found hard to work with, or who had different visions. But communities can also have an enormous impact, greater than simply the achievements of the individuals in the community. The power of a community can be profound, indeed transformational, particularly when people with different talents and different life experiences work effectively together. Let me give two examples -- More than 10,000 people start fundraising campaigns through GoFundMe every single day, ]and more than $5 billion has been raised through this community of philanthropy. In the world of science, citizens around the globe are crowdsourcing scientific progress that no single individual could accomplish on their own. Here at UF, even I took part in a crowdsourcing effort last month, led by the Florida Museum of Natural History, to catalogue butterfly species online. There is nothing more beautiful than an orange and blue butterfly! The power of a community can also be very personal. Just think about the person you are today, compared to the person you were on the day you first arrived here on campus. The difference in you arises from two things: First, what you have learned and achieved on your own and second and even more important what you have learned about working and living in a community and what you have been able to achieve because of the UF community. Graduates, my request, as you leave UF, is that you will strive to build, be part of, and lead communities wherever you are headed for you have only just begun to experience the power of community. Indeed, your potential for creating, being a part of, leading and harnessing the power of communities is greater than any graduating class before you. Your communities can consist of just a handful or thousands of people. Your communities may be broadly enabled with technology, or they may be local and physical. I encourage you to embrace these communities, from your new coworkers to your new neighbors, from your new urban centers to suburbs to rural lands. With your UF degree, you will achieve great things as individuals. I know you will achieve even more by being a member and leader of your new communities. Through the power of your communities, the UF Class of 2018 will make a difference in the grand challenges facing our world, including poverty, healthcare, shelter, food and water for all the planets people. I also know that you will make a positive difference in the local communities where you live and work, and in the lives of those you encounter throughout the remainder of your life. Finally, although you are about to become a member of many new communities, I ask that you never leave your UF community. However much change you experience beyond this campus in the coming years and decades, the University of Florida will always be here, and we will always be here for you. In researching commencement traditions I learned that the phrase alma mater means nourishing mother. Graduates, we are a family. I cant be your nourishing mother, but Ill always be your Gator dad! Let me leave you with an old Irish blessing that expresses my personal affection for each one of you. May the sun shine gently on your face. May the rain fall soft upon your May the wind be at your back. May the road rise to meet you. And may the Lord hold you in the hollow of his hand. Until we meet again. Graduates, congratulations! Four Women Arrested During Raid of Hauppauge Massage Parlor, SCPD Reports Local News, Crime By Long Island News & PR Published: May 07 2018 Officials: The suspects were all charged with Unauthorized Practice of a Profession; in addition, two were also charged with Prostitution. SCPD reports the arrests of (L to R) Hailian Shen, Guiyu Piao, Chunhua Cui, and Aihong Wang during a raid of a Hauppauge massage parlor. Hauppauge, NY - May 7, 2018 - Suffolk County Police today arrested four women for unlicensed massages during a raid at a massage parlor in Suffolk County Police today arrested four women for unlicensed massages during a raid at a massage parlor in Hauppauge In response to numerous community complaints, Suffolk County Police Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers, and Town of Islip Fire Marshal executed a search warrant at the Royal Spa, located at 901 A Motor Parkway in Hauppauge at approximately 4 p.m. Hailian Shen, 49, of Flushing, Chunhua Cui, 50, of Flushing, Guiyu Piao, 48, of Flushing, and Aihong Wang, 49, of Little Neck were all arrested and charged with Unauthorized Practice of a Profession, a Class E Felony under the New York State Education law. In addition, Cui, Piao and Wang were also charged with Prostitution. During the investigation conducted by the Town of Islip Fire Marshal numerous violations and summons were issued. The arrestees were arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on May 5. Local News, Business & Finance, Politics By Long Island News & PR Published: May 07 2018 Funding Will Increase the Economic Competitiveness of Upstate Communities and Provide Critical Support for Business Development. Albany, NY - May 7, 2018 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that $20 million in new state funding is now available to support safety improvements, modernize operations and enhance the economic competitiveness of New York airports. The Airport Capital Grant Program provides support for projects statewide that enhance airport safety, modernize operations, and increase general and business-related aviation capacity. "New York's airports are the front door to diverse destinations, attractions and culture found across this great state," Governor Cuomo said. "By making funding available for New York's aviation industry, we are supporting the state's thriving tourism sector, helping businesses expand to boost our regional economies, and ensuring our transit hubs are modernized to provide safe, reliable travel for everyone." "As one of New York's most frequent flyers, I have seen dramatic changes in our airports -- which not only improve service to travelers, but are also a point of pride for the local community," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "We're making significant enhancements to our airports, from New York City to Rochester and Syracuse. New York is committed to making travel more reliable and safe, while supporting improvements to modernize our airports for the 21st century." Previous grant awards have funded new airport hangars, airport terminal building renovations, taxiway resurfacing, security fencing, and fuel farm modernizations that improve security and spill prevention. The Aviation Capital Grant Program is open to public-use airports listed in the State Airport System Plan . Eligible project activities include safety projects, preservation projects, new construction, and other projects that enhance economic competitiveness. Projects will be selected through a competitive solicitation process and rated based on established criteria including: Economic benefits for surrounding communities and businesses, Adherence to regional economic development plans; and Improved operational efficiency. The New York State Department of Transportation will be accepting applications for this funding opportunity through Friday, June 29, 2018. Program guidance and applications may be found at: www.dot.ny.gov/aviationgrants This funding is in addition to $200 million Governor Cuomo made available through the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization competition. The competition includes $190 million to support airport projects and $10 million allocated through the Governor's Aviation Capital Grant Program. In the first round of the Upstate Airport Competition, $40 million was awarded to Elmira Corning Regional Airport and $39.8 million in funding was awarded to the Greater Rochester International Airport. In round two, Plattsburgh International Airport will receive $38 million and Syracuse Hancock International Airport will receive $35.8 million towards their transformation. The bold plans and designs developed by these airports will enhance safety, improve operations and access, reduce environmental impact, and create a better passenger experience. DOT Acting Commissioner Paul Karas said, "Governor Cuomo's unparalleled investments in airports across the State have created jobs and facilitated regional economic development opportunities. Airports continue to be a key component of the vibrant State economy and these targeted investments will ensure their continued safe and efficient operations for all New Yorkers." Chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation Joseph E. Robach said, "As Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, I believe that it is critically important to invest in safety improvements and the modernization of operations for airports across New York State. These grants will allow communities across our state to improve the economic competitiveness of their airports while ensuring residents, and visitors to our great state, have the ability to use airports that are safe and efficient. Continuing to improve our state's airports is an important step in bringing a 21st Century transportation infrastructure to New York State." Co-Chair of the Legislative Aviation Caucus Senator Phil Boyle said, "The economic boon generated from this type of funding access can dramatically change the financial scope of a community. Assisting regional airports with funding resources to improve safety and modernize aging facilities is a critical step in job growth, business expansion, and a potential tourism boost to regions across the state. I applaud the Governor and the State's DOT on this important grant program and encourage all airports across the state to apply for these crucial jumpstart funds." Chair of the Assembly Committee on Transportation David F. Gantt said, "As Assembly Transportation Committee Chair I am pleased to see that our state's airports are eligible for funding to help make them safer, more competitive, and more effective in general for travelers, for the communities where they are located and for our State's economy." Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Politics By Long Island News & PR Published: May 07 2018 Issues Update on Severe Weather in the Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, and North Country. Albany, NY - May 7, 2018 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today directed the National Guard to deploy personnel to Washington County to assist local emergency responders with tree and debris removal. National Guard personnel are prepared to assist additional storm impacted areas as necessary. The Governor also issued an update on the severe storms that moved through the eastern portion of upstate New York yesterday afternoon and evening. Storms accompanied by strong, gusty winds of 40 mph to 60 mph knocked out power to over 100,000 customers and toppled trees and limbs, damaging some homes in these regions. "In the wake of yesterday's storms, we will ensure that all impacted areas receive the help and resources they need to restore power and return to normalcy," Governor Cuomo said. "Rest assured, National Guard and state agency personnel will remain in the field working with our local partners until recovery efforts are complete." Additionally, personnel from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Police, Department of Public Service, and the Department of Transportation, and the Thruway Authority are on the ground with local officials to assess recovery efforts from damage in affected communities, removing downed trees and restoring power as quickly as possible. This morning, the Department of Environmental Conservation Rangers and mobile units from the State Police assisted local fire departments in the rescue of a female victim who was trapped under a large tree at Rock Pond near Putnam Pond Campground in Ticonderoga, Essex County. In addition, a coordinated effort between the Village Mayor, DEC and DHSES has resulted in the decision to open the gates at the lower locks and village dam at Saranac Lake to control water releases starting at noon today. The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for Southeastern Franklin County and Northwestern Essex County until 4:30 a.m. Sunday due to rain and snowmelt. State Agency Actions Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is prepared to respond to requests for assistance with assets from its stockpiles, including 752 generators, 260 light towers, 1,254 pumps, 13 sandbaggers, more than 1,700,000 sandbags, more than 56,000 ready-to-eat meals, more than 430,000 bottles and cans of water, over 9,000 cots, approximately 12,000 blankets and 13,000 pillows, over 4,000 flashlights, 960 traffic barriers, 594 traffic barrels, and over 6,000 feet of aqua dam. Thruway Authority The Thruway Authority stands ready to respond with assets and personnel for any weather-related issues. The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway by following www.thruway.ny.gov/tas/index.shtml . For real-time updates, motorists can follow @ThruwayTraffic on Twitter or by visiting www.thruway.ny.gov to see an interactive map showing traffic conditions for the Thruway and other New York State roadways. New York State Department of Transportation The State Department of Transportation has deployed more than 200 personnel including more than 30 supervisors to 12 impacted counties. They are currently clearing trees and debris, and making sure that roads are safe for drivers and utility personnel. Crews have been working through the night since the storm hit and will continue to be on the scene throughout the day until the roads are clear. Motorists are reminded to check 511NY by calling 511, or visiting www.511ny.org before traveling. The free service allows users to check road conditions and transit information. Mobile users can download the free 511NY mobile app from the iTunes or Google Play stores. The app features Drive mode, which provides audible alerts along a chosen route while a user is driving, warning them about incidents and construction. Users can set a destination prior to departing and receive information on up to three routes. Department of Public Service As of 2 p.m. there are over 90,000 customers without power statewide. There are currently approximately 4,300 utility workers deployed statewide, with additional crews en route to the most impacted areas in North Country and north of Capital Region. National Grid and NYSEG have secured approximately 250 workers from Connecticut, Canada, and continue to request additional crews from out of state. As a result of the power outages, the Department of Public Service will extend Call Center Helpline hours starting Sunday, May 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., as needed, to assist consumers in their storm restoration efforts. The Department of Public Service Call Center Helpline can be reached by calling 1-800-342-3377. Severe storms have been responsible for nearly 200 deaths across the United States in 2017 and on average, over the last ten years, nearly 200 people die each year throughout the U.S. from severe weather. Governor Cuomo recommended the following safety tips to prepare and keep you and your family safe before a storm: Have a plan and practice it. Know what to do, and where to go if a watch or warning has been issued for your area. Have multiple ways to receive emergency weather information. New Yorkers are reminded to download NY-Alert for up to date weather, transportation and other emergency alerts. NY-Alert is free and can be downloaded at NYAlert.gov At home and at work, keep a battery-operated radio and flashlight on hand, as well as a supply of batteries. Keep an emergency supply of water, medications, and non-perishable foods handy. If you use medication that requires refrigeration, most can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem - check with your physician or pharmacist. Have an emergency supply kit for your home, your vehicle, and a separate kit for each of your family members if you have to evacuate quickly. For a list of supplies visit www.prepare.ny.gov/be-prepared Governor Cuomo also urges residents to stay away from any lines that are down as they may be live and should be considered extremely dangerous. Motorists are reminded that State Law mandates that if an intersection is "blacked out" and the traffic signal is not operational, the intersection is automatically a "four way" stop. In the event of closed or blocked roadways due to flooding, downed power lines or debris, motorists are advised to exercise caution and obey all traffic signs or barricades in place, regardless of whether a roadway looks clear. The Governor is offering these additional safety tips: Make sure you have alternative charging methods for your phone or any device that requires power. Charge cell phones and any battery-powered devices. If you have space in your refrigerator or freezer, consider filling plastic containers with water, leaving an inch of space inside each one - this will help keep food cold if the power goes out. If You Lose Power Call your utility provider to notify them of the outage and listen to local broadcasts for official information. For a list of utilities, visit the New York State Department of Public Service. Check to see if your neighbors have power. Check on people with access or functional needs. Use only flashlights for emergency lighting - candles pose the risk of fire. Keep refrigerators and freezer doors closed - most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for several hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for approximately four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Do not use a charcoal grill to cook indoors - they could give off harmful levels of carbon monoxide. Take a few moments to check the battery or battery back up on your smoke and carbon dioxide alarms. After a Power Outage Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40F (4C) for two or more hours, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture. "When in doubt, throw it out!" If food in the freezer is colder than 40F and has ice crystals on it, it can be re-frozen. If you are concerned about medications having spoiled, contact your doctor. Restock your emergency kit with fresh batteries, canned foods and other supplies. Flood Safety Tips Below are flood preparation safety tips: Learn the safest route from your home or business to high, safe ground should you have to leave in a hurry. Develop and practice a 'family escape' plan and identify a meeting place if family members become separated. Make an itemized list, as well as potentially photo and video documentation, of all valuables including furnishings, clothing and other personal property. Keep the list in a safe place. Plan what to do with your pets. Have a portable radio, flashlights, extra batteries and emergency cooking equipment available.Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days. Have a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car. Find out how many feet your property is above and below possible flood levels. When predicted flood levels are broadcast, you can determine if you may be flooded.Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber handy for emergency water-proofing. Check on your insurance coverage. Homeowners' insurance policies generally do not cover flood damages. Only flood insurance can protect your home against flood damages. You can purchase flood insurance whether or not you live in a mapped flood zone. Local News, Crime, Community, Charity & Cause By Long Island News & PR Published: May 07 2018 SCPD to provide daily demonstrations of Canine, Aviation, Emergency Service Sections. SCPD opens its doors to students of all ages during Police Week beginning May 7. Suffolk County, NY - May 7, 2018 - The Suffolk County Police Department will open its doors to give students of all ages an up-close look at police operations during Police Week beginning May 7 at Police Headquarters in The Suffolk County Police Department will open its doors to give students of all ages an up-close look at police operations during Police Week beginning May 7 at Police Headquarters in Yaphank More than 700 students from 16 high schools will participate in the distracted driving program on May 7 beginning at 9 a.m. The department has teamed up once again with Stony Brook University to provide students with a first-hand look at the dangers of driving and texting and driving while under the influence. Students will have the opportunity to wear a distracted driving simulator and alcohol impairment simulation goggles. Students will also see mock car stops to learn what they should do when stopped by the police. A Criminal Intelligence analyst will also be on hand to discuss how the department identifies crime patterns and other trends. Crime Scene, Emergency Service Section and Marine Bureau will have displays for students to tour. Canine Section, Aviation Section and instructors from Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) will present demonstrations during the day. Various police vehicles, equipment and antique police cars will be on display. by Tanya Gazdik , May 7, 2018 A three-month digital marketing pilot program at Hyundai dealerships in Canada yielded an 87% increase in appointment requests and a 69% jump in website conversions. Other results include a 50% boost in website traffic and a 14% jump in sales. The multi-tier digital strategy program was conducted by Search Optics and Innocean Worldwide Canada for Hyundai Auto Canada. The company is calling it a first-of-its-kind, fully-integrated digital marketing strategy spanning all of Hyundais dealerships across the Canadian market, said David Ponn, chief executive officer, Search Optics. Through transparency, trust and shared audience insights, were breaking down the barriers that traditionally prevent OEMs from engaging with their dealers to build effective brand consistency in the market, Ponn says in a release. advertisement advertisement These results were realized utilizing the integrated programs full range of channels, including search, display advertising, social media, SEO and analytics. Search Optics is based in San Diego, Calif., and Ferndale, Mich. Currently in launch phase, the partnership establishes a single-source digital marketing solution that drives brand consistency across corporate, dealer advertising associations (DAA), and dealership communications on a nationwide scale. Dealership marketing efforts will be fully aligned with brand and DAA initiatives for the first time, with a goal of enabling dealers to meet and exceed their monthly sales targets while also delivering a powerful and connected customer experience. The partnership will align dealer campaigns with Hyundai Auto Canada brand marketing across a variety of digital channels, according to Lawrence Hamilton, director of marketing, Hyundai Auto Canada. Were excited to leverage Search Optics proven track record to implement a program that strategically supports our business goals, said Hamilton in a release. This synergistic effort impacts all of our dealers across the country in terms of revenue and marketing ROI and has already generated impressive results. The partnership marks a deepening of the three companies global business relationship following a successful collaboration on a recent high-impact digital marketing program in the Brazilian market. An Australian market pilot program similar to the Canadian initiative is also in the planning stages, with initiatives in additional global regions likely to follow. By uniting all Canadian Hyundai dealerships under the same integrated digital marketing strategy as Corporate and DAA, well be able to amplify our marketing messages, increase the value of our digital media investments, and share powerful audience data insights to better understand the customer journey, said Caroline Canlas, senior director, Biddable Media, Innocean Worldwide Canada. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, May 7, 2018 Verizon is following Facebook in dropping out of a coalition opposing a sweeping California ballot proposal aimed at enhancing privacy rights. "Verizon has decided not to continue with the coalition so that we can focus our efforts on creating a national framework for privacy and related issues -- and not a state-by-state approach," a spokesman says. The California Consumer Right to Privacy Act would give consumers the right to learn what personal information has been collected about them by companies. The proposed measure also gives consumers the right to prevent data about them from being shared. Backers have submitted 625,000 signatures in favor of placing the initiative on the ballot -- almost twice as many as needed. advertisement advertisement The initiative's sweeping definition of personal information includes not only names, street addresses and email addresses, but also information that many marketers don't consider personally identifiable -- like IP addresses, device identifiers and web-browsing history. In addition, the measure would increase fines and penalties for businesses that fail to implement reasonable security to protect consumers' data. Verizon and Facebook previously donated $200,000 to a coalition opposing the proposal. Google, Comcast and AT&T -- which are part of the coalition fighting the measure -- have also contributed $200,000 each to defeating it. The opposition group, which calls itself the Committee to Protect California Jobs, is led by executives from the Silicon Valley lobbying group Internet Association, TechNet and the California Chamber of Commerce. Other organizations to join recently include the California New Car Dealers Association, the Software & Information Industry Association, and the Personal Insurance Federation of California. by Larissa Faw , May 7, 2018 Arnold Worldwide is "sounding the alarm" with the American Red Cross to educate people about the danger of home fires, the most common disaster is the U.S. FCB Health is tackling water safety in time for the month devoted to it. The Arnold WW-ARC campaign is a socially driven effort focused on preparedness. It encourages people to wake up a friend or family member in the "most creatively alarming yet, safe way" possible, film it, and post it to their social channels using the #WakeUpChallenge hashtag. With the help of several social influencers and comedian Jimmy Kimmel, the hope is this project follows the viral success of the ALS Association's infamous Ice Bucket Challenge. The campaign is supported through a variety of paid social ads across Facebook and Instagram, all driving to a landing page at www.RedCross.org/WakeUp where visitors can learn more about the cause and donate to help install free smoke alarms in at-risk homes and to help fire victims recover. advertisement advertisement The Red Cross is also hosting Sound the Alarm home fire safety events between April 28 to May 13 at more than 100 high-risk communities to install more than 100,000 free smoke alarms. FCB Health is working with water safety advocacy group Colins Hope for a pro bono project to share basic water safety information during May, which is National Water Safety Month. FCB Health and Colins Hope are "strategically promoting" water safety with social posts that inform readers about water safety and drowning awareness. The posts are tagged with a #NotOutOfTheWater hashtag. These posts will appear across social channels managed by FCB Health, Colins Hope and FCB Global. In addition, a new website dispels myths and misconceptions about drowning, providing parents and caregivers with the most accurate information so that they can act accordingly. Colins Hope is a Texas non-profit dedicated to water safety issues and named after Colin Holst, a four-year who tragically drowned in a public pool a decade ago. A significant number of men in the United States and across the world face a diagnosis of prostate cancer, and in some cases, recurring tumors are so resilient that they do not respond to treatment. New research may have found out why, and potentially how to destroy these stubborn tumors. Share on Pinterest Could an experimental drug be the way forward in treating aggressive prostate cancer? The National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimate that 164,690 people will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018. They suggest that more than 11 percent of men will receive this diagnosis at some point during their lifetime. Treatments for prostate cancer can include radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. But unfortunately, in many cases, tumors that recur after the initial treatment become largely unresponsive to therapy. In a landmark study, scientists from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) have not only pinpointed the factors that render some prostate cancers so resilient, but they have also identified an experimental drug that can neutralize these defenses and eliminate the tumors. We have learned, says senior study author Davide Ruggero, that cancer cells become addicted to protein synthesis to fuel their need for high-speed growth, but this dependence is also a liability: too much protein synthesis can become toxic. We have discovered the molecular restraints that let cancer cells keep their addiction under control and showed that if we remove these restraints they quickly burn out under the pressure of their own greed for protein. The researchers findings were published in the journal Science Translational Medicine. Aggressive forms control protein synthesis Previous research led by Ruggero and other researchers revealed that numerous types of cancers are hooked on proteins they contain genetic mutations that encourage a high rate of protein synthesis. This excess, the scientist explains, could in fact set off the process of cell death. This is part of the cellular stress response, which encompasses any changes that occur in a cell as a result of exposure to stressors in its immediate environment. However, the same does not appear to hold true in the case resilient prostate cancer cells. These, Ruggero and team explain, often contain not one, but several genetic mutations that drive a heightened protein production. Yet, contrary to all expectations, this does not trigger cell death in prostate cancer tumors. So the scientists asked: how do these cancers protect their own integrity, and how can we disrupt that defense mechanism? In order to answer this question, the researchers worked with mice that had been genetically engineered to develop prostate cancer specifically, tumors presenting a pair of genetic mutations found in almost half of all individuals with treatment-resistant prostate cancer. These mutations promote the overexpression of the MYC oncogene (which promotes the growth of cancer) and inhibit the expression of the gene PTEN (which has been linked to tumor suppression). But, to the teams surprise, prostate cancers presenting these mutations also had lower levels of protein synthesis unlike less aggressive types of cancer, which presented only one mutation. I spent 6 months trying to understand if this was actually occurring, because its not at all what we expected, confesses study co-author Crystal Conn. Experimental brain drug proves effective What Conn eventually understood was that the pairs of mutations that controlled the expression of MYC and PTEN, when put together, also activated something called the unfolded protein response at cellular level. This response allows the cancer cells to become resistant to cellular stress by lowering the levels protein synthesis. It does that by turning a protein called eIF2a , which helps to facilitate protein production, into a different kind of protein called P-eIF2a. This has the opposite effect: to downregulate synthesis. Further analyses conducted on human prostate cancer tumors revealed that high levels of P-eIF2a were a strong predictor of negative health outcomes in patients with resilient forms of cancer. So, the researchers decided to go ahead and test if blocking P-eIF2a production would change the cancer cells response to cellular stress and render them vulnerable to cell death. They collaborated with Peter Walter, also from the UCSF, whose own team of researchers found that a molecule referred to as the integrated stress response inhibitor (ISRIB) can reverse the effects of P-eIF2a. ISRIB had not previously been considered as a useful tool in cancer treatment. Instead, Walter and his laboratory used it as a drug that could reverse the impact of severe brain damage in rodents. The mechanism by which it does this, however, is probably by upregulating protein synthesis in affected neurons. OTTAWA May 7, 2018 Canada Louise Bradley Canada Canada /CNW/ - The Mental Health Commission of(MHCC) is proud to stand with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and all our partners, to urge Canadians to #GETLOUD in support of mental health.The 67th annual Mental Health Week offers us an important opportunity to urge investments in critical community-based services, including prevention and promotion initiatives to address the social determinants of health like education, housing and child care.In 2018, one in five Canadians will experience a mental health problem or illness. But five out of five Canadians should be monitoring their mental state with the same interest they devote to managing their blood-pressure or any other physical concern. Whether you are living with a diagnosable mental illness, or managing the stresses of daily life, we all have mental health needs. Just as a person living with diabetes can be the picture of health through careful disease management, the same is true of someone living in recovery from a mental illness.Through 67 years of concerted public awareness, CMHA has helped raise our collective consciousness around mental health problems and illnesses. Help us leverage that knowledge and act. Enroll in a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course or #sharehope with those who may be struggling. We can all take steps to become more compassionate, aware and involved.This week, we encourage Canadians to #GETLOUD in support of mental health.President and CEO, Mental Health Commission ofFollow MHCC on FacebookFollow MHCC on TwitterFollow MHCC on LinkedInFollow MHCC on InstagramSubscribe to MHCC on YouTubeSOURCE Mental Health Commission of Advertisement Dr. Leung and colleagues report on a cross-sectional study, using population-based, nationally representative data, to estimate the prevalence and characteristics of blood pressure in Canadian adults between the ages of 20 and 79 meeting SPRINT eligibility criteria. They found that 1.3 million (5.2 percent) Canadian adults met the criteria. If fully implemented, lowering the systolic blood pressure target to <120 mmHg in SPRINT-eligible high-risk individuals would prevent 100,000 deaths annually, but would substantially increase the proportion of Canadian adults receiving initiation or intensification of treatment for high blood pressure. Over 180,000 people, who were not previously considered to have hypertension or need for antihypertensive therapy, would be included. In addition, around 750,000 older individuals (or one in five) above the age of 50 currently treated for high blood pressure would require more medication to reduce their blood pressure further."Adopting intensive systolic blood pressure targets would result in a large number of individuals with treated hypertension being relabeled as inadequately controlled, as well as a significant proportion of the general population not previously considered to have elevated blood pressure being reclassified as requiring blood pressure lowering therapy," noted Dr. Leung. "Such a change would have far-reaching implications on healthcare resource utilization, public policy, and healthcare delivery." In the second study, Remi Goupil, MD, MSc, from the Hopital du Sacre-Coeur de Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and colleagues examined the differences between the 2017 Hypertension Canada and 2017 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) blood pressure guidelines. "The 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines present a paradigm shift in the definition of high blood pressure, while updating treatment initiation thresholds and blood pressure targets," said Dr. Goupil. "This has led to many questions about the impact of such fundamental changes in blood pressure management, and whether it should be implemented in Canada."The investigators assessed the number of individuals with a diagnosis of hypertension, blood pressure above thresholds for treatment initiation, and blood pressure below targets using the CARTaGENE population-based cohort. CARTaGENE is a population-based cohort designed to study demographic, clinical, and genetic determinants of chronic diseases. Individuals from the province of Quebec were randomly selected, based on provincial health registries, to be broadly representative of the general population. In total, 20,004 individuals 40-69 years old were selected in four distinct urban areas. It would also result in a change in blood pressure targets in a high proportion of hypertensive patients already receiving treatment. This would represent approximately 1.25 million more individuals with hypertension, and 500,000 more individuals requiring antihypertensive treatment."Switching to these new guidelines would result in a higher prevalence of hypertensive individuals in Canada and an increase in the number of people that would need to be treated," remarked Dr. Goupil. "Almost one in five individuals needing treatment would have a different blood pressure target from one guideline to the other. These changes would greatly impact the lives of millions of Canadians and result in a significant increase in the economic burden of this condition, with uncertain effects on cardiovascular complications." In an accompanying editorial, Ross Feldman, MD, Medical Director of the WRHA Cardiac Sciences Program, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, points out that undertaking these more aggressive goals should be based on frank discussions with patients outlining both benefits and risk, and that management should be based on automatic office blood pressure (AOBP) readings, as used in the SPRINT trial, which may well correspond with higher ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) readings. Dr. Feldman is past President of the Canadian Hypertension Society and Hypertension Canada and has been involved in the Canadian hypertension guidelines since 1991."Regardless of the guidelines we use, in the post-SPRINT era there are more patients than ever who can expect clear benefit from applying lower targets for their blood pressure control--but with increased risk of adverse effects. These studies remind us that on a public health basis, getting the guidelines right does matter. For every adjustment in blood pressure targets, there are benefits and there are costs--both for patients and in our publicly-funded healthcare system, for all Canadians," remarked Dr. Feldman. However, Dr. Feldman also points out that more important than any of the fine details of a guidelines process is the effectiveness in their dissemination and implementation. "It is better to have suboptimal guidelines that are followed than it is to have 'perfectly' crafted and up-to-date guidelines that are ignored."Source: Eurekalert Advertisement The study found that ET is feasible in young TD pediatric patients and those with marked ELDs. Word comprehension as measured by accuracy significantly increases as a function for normal development. Accuracy in children with expressive language delay (ELD) is significantly lower compared to TD children of the same age, suggesting a more diffuse cognitive impairment."The goal of the study was to evaluate eye tracking as a tool for measuring receptive language ability in pediatric patients," said Dr. Mary Vernov, one of the authors of the study. "Findings show that eye tracking can be explored as a modality for assessing receptive language in children. This has important implications for evaluating children with developmental delays and may be used as an alternative form of communication in those with expressive language delays."Source: Eurekalert Advertisement Provision of water and maintains a sustainable living environment for displaced victims Provision of basic health care in war torn areas as well as treating the sick and injured Provision of food, clothing, shelter and hygiene to war victims and aim to give families economic security Preventing and helping victims of sexual violence Reminding authorities and other officials to follow and respect international human rights law and international humanitarian law Helps unite families and track missing persons in war and other disasters Protection of refugees and asylum seekers as per guidelines of international law Ensuring humane treatment of prisoners and detainees irrespective of the reasons for their arrest Raising awareness of the rights and needs of people affected by war or violence Helping to rehabilitate of physically disabled persons due to war Handling bodies of victims of war and violence with respect and dignity Maternal and child care services Family welfare clinics Blood banking services Providing vocational training to the women from poorer sections of society and teaching them to be independent Training women in nursing and mid-wifery What We Can Do to Help The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement Using social media such as Facebook and Twitter to share messages and post and share pictures and videos that can be downloaded online Adding filters (Twibbons) to social profile pictures to show support and solidarity for the campaign Organizing a fundraising campaign and donating the proceeds to the local or regional Red Cross Society Making a personal or corporate contribution to aid the Red Cross serving in war torn areas Leaving a legacy in honor of the Red Cross for its humanitarian activities Volunteering to serve in war torn or disaster affected areas to help the sick and injured Using the print and visual media to raise awareness and spread the message about the activities of the Red Cross and help the organization The ICRCacross the world.The ICRC responds fast and in an efficient. They also respond toin conflict areas, because the effects of a disaster are amplified in a country already affected by war.Theof the ICRC in regions torn byto help affected victims include:Other activities in the communityespecially in the under developed countries include offering:Organizations like Red Cross need all the support they can get to continue their work worldwide. We can spread the message about their activities in regions currently torn by conflict such as Syria, Iraq and other places in one or more of the following ways:War and other mindless violence kills persons including women and children and subjects people to unspeakable horrors and misery. Organizations such as the Red Cross and its volunteers deserve our support and encouragement in every little way that we can to put the smile back on the faces of the hundreds of persons affected by these events.Source: Medindia World Laughter Day is an annual event observed every year on the first Sunday of May to raise awareness about laughter and its healing benefits. Dr. Madan Kataria, the founder of the worldwide Laughter Yoga movement was the one who arranged the first celebration on May 10, 1998, in Mumbai, India, which is being celebrated till date. Advertisement Laughter helps relax the whole body, boosts the immune system, protects the heart from various diseases, burns calories controls anger and can even help you live longer. These genes, consisting of DNA, are inherited in pairs called alleles, one from the mother and one from the father. Once transferred to the offspring, the properties of these genes are said to be inherited. In humans, like other living beings, all the information is stored in structures called genes, which are located within the nucleus of cells. These genes are made up of a chemical called DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), which is present in the form of double strands with rungs, much like a ladder. But the only difference is that unlike a ladder, the DNA molecule is twisted into a helix. Alkaptonuria, also known as black urine disease, is a rare inherited disease that was first described by Sir Archibald Edward Garrod in 1902, along with three other diseases, which are all caused by metabolic abnormalities. These four diseases were originally classified as inborn errors of metabolism , a term coined by Garrod himself. He shared his thoughts and ideas on the subject in his celebrated Croonian Lectures held at the Royal College of Physicians in 1908. These genes are responsible for producing all the proteins in the cells that carry out a multitude of functions. This is the basis of human inheritance. However, in certain situations, the DNA sequence of these genes can be rapidly and randomly changed, which is termed as mutation. A mutated gene is said to be defective as it produces a defective protein that cannot perform its normal function. Genetic Basis of Alkaptonuria Alkaptonuria is a disease where a specific gene homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase ( HGD ) is mutated, giving rise to the corresponding defective HGD enzyme. ) is mutated, giving rise to the corresponding defective HGD enzyme. In this disease, the body cannot properly metabolize phenylalanine and tyrosine, which are two of the 20 amino acids (building blocks of proteins) leading to accumulation of homogentisic acid, one of the by-products of their metabolism. Homogentisic acid (HGA) and its oxidized product benzoquinone acetic acid (BQA), commonly known as alkapton are excreted in the urine hence the name Alkaptonuria . are excreted in the hence the name . In this condition, the patients urine exhibits a characteristic black color upon exposure to air. Alkaptonuria is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait (characteristic). Recessive genetic disorders occur when a person inherits the same abnormal gene for the same trait from both the parents. This means that in order to get the disease, both the parents must have a copy of the defective gene, which in this case is the HGD gene. However, if that person receives a functional gene from one parent and a defective gene from the other, then he/she will be a carrier of the disease but will not exhibit any symptoms. Thus, both parents will be carriers of the gene but do not suffer from the condition. The prevalence of alkaptonuria in most populations varies between 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 250,000 people. However, in certain countries such as Slovakia, the Dominican Republic and Germany, its incidence is much higher. For example, in Slovakia the incidence is as high as 1 in 19,000 people. Scientists have found that the underlying reason for this higher incidence is due to occurrence of up to 12 mutations simultaneously in the HGD gene, instead for the usual single mutation. Alkaptonuria is caused by mutations in the HGD gene, which encodes the enzyme homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase (HGD). This enzyme helps breakdown the amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine, which are important building blocks of proteins. Mutations in the HGD gene produce a defective HGD enzyme, which hampers its role in the breakdown of phenylalanine and tyrosine. This results in the accumulation of HGA, which is an intermediate product of phenylalanine and tyrosine metabolism. From early childhood, this acid is excreted in the urine, which has a characteristic black color. Homogentisic acid slowly accumulates in the connective tissues, which causes darkening of the skin and cartilage. Over time, usually after reaching adulthood, the affected tissues can become blue-black in color. Moreover, a build-up of HGA in the joints leads to osteoarthritis. There are several symptoms and signs of alkaptonuria, which are briefly highlighted below: Black Colored Urine: Urine becomes black in color upon exposure to air. Sweat and earwax can also exhibit a black color. Urine becomes black in color upon exposure to air. Sweat and earwax can also exhibit a black color. Ochronosis: This occurs due to deposition of HGA in the connective tissues, especially cartilages. The cartilage of the ear lobes can become thickened, irregular and blue, grey or black in color. Dark spots can also occur on the sclera (whites of the eyes). This occurs due to deposition of HGA in the connective tissues, especially cartilages. The cartilage of the ear lobes can become thickened, irregular and blue, grey or black in color. Dark spots can also occur on the sclera (whites of the eyes). Tendinitis: The tendons can become thickened, inflamed and painful, technically termed as tendinitis. The thickened Achilles tendon is especially prone to tearing or rupturing. Eventually, discoloration of the tendons can become visible on the overlying skin. The tendons can become thickened, inflamed and painful, technically termed as tendinitis. The thickened Achilles tendon is especially prone to tearing or rupturing. Eventually, discoloration of the tendons can become visible on the overlying skin. Kidney & Prostate Stones: Kidney stones can develop in 50% of affected individuals over 64 years of age. Men with alkaptonuria may also develop prostate stones. Passage of these black stones can be extremely painful. Kidney stones can develop in 50% of affected individuals over 64 years of age. Men with alkaptonuria may also develop prostate stones. Passage of these black stones can be extremely painful. Ochronotic Arthropathy: There can be chronic joint pain and inflammation (arthritis). When the spine and large joints such as the hips and knees are affected, it is technically termed as ochronotic arthropathy. There can be chronic joint pain and inflammation (arthritis). When the spine and large joints such as the hips and knees are affected, it is technically termed as ochronotic arthropathy. Ankylosis & Kyphosis: Intervertebral discs can flatten, calcify and eventually fuse. This can result in ankylosis, (a condition where the affected joints become stiff and immobile). Moreover, kyphosis or hunchback may occur, where there is an excessive convex curvature of the spine. Intervertebral discs can flatten, calcify and eventually fuse. This can result in ankylosis, (a condition where the affected joints become stiff and immobile). Moreover, kyphosis or hunchback may occur, where there is an excessive convex curvature of the spine. Stiffening of Heart Valves: Accumulation of HGA within the aortic or mitral valves can cause thickening of the valves and narrowing (stenosis) of their openings due to calcification. In some cases, calcification of the coronary blood vessels may also occur. Alkaptonuria can be suspected in an adult if the urine turns black upon exposure to air. In case of babies, diapers having black stains due to drying of urine can be indicative of alkaptonuria. Moreover, a thorough family history can reveal the likelihood of occurrence of alkaptonuria in an individual. However, there are some definitive tests that can clinch the diagnosis for alkaptonuria. These are highlighted below: Detection of Homogentisic Acid in Urine: A 24-hour urine sample can be tested by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to detect the presence and quantify the amount of HGA in the urine. A 24-hour urine sample can be tested by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to detect the presence and quantify the amount of HGA in the urine. Molecular Genetic Testing: Molecular techniques such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be used to detect the presence of mutations in the HGD gene in urine or tissue samples. This is the ultimate confirmatory test. There are very few options for the treatment of alkaptonuria. Since there are currently no licensed medicines for alkaptonuria, the main focus is providing symptomatic relief, preventive measures, and supportive care. Some of the treatment strategies are briefly highlighted below: Ascorbic Acid: Large doses of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) has sometimes been recommended for the treatment of alkaptonuria since it prevents the accumulation of HGA in the tissues. However, research studies have shown that long-term use of ascorbic acid is generally ineffective for the treatment of this condition. Large doses of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) has sometimes been recommended for the treatment of alkaptonuria since it prevents the accumulation of HGA in the tissues. However, research studies have shown that long-term use of ascorbic acid is generally ineffective for the treatment of this condition. Nitisinone: A new drug named nitisinone is under investigation as a potential treatment for alkaptonuria. Nitisinone is classified as an orphan drug by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and has been approved for the treatment of a metabolic disorder known as tyrosinemia. Studies have shown that nitisinone therapy can reduce plasma and urinary HGA by more than 95%. The main drawback is the accumulation of tyrosine, the long-term risks of which are unknown. A new drug named nitisinone is under investigation as a potential treatment for alkaptonuria. Nitisinone is (USFDA) and has been approved for the treatment of a metabolic disorder known as tyrosinemia. Studies have shown that nitisinone therapy can reduce plasma and urinary HGA by more than 95%. The main drawback is the accumulation of tyrosine, the long-term risks of which are unknown. Diet: Dietary restriction of protein may help in reducing the intake of phenylalanine and tyrosine, thereby slowing the progression of the disease by reducing the production of HGA. Dietary restriction of protein may help in reducing the intake of phenylalanine and tyrosine, thereby slowing the progression of the disease by reducing the production of HGA. Pain Medication: Painkillers and anti-inflammatory agents such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and naproxen can help to relieve pain and swelling. Procedures like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can help in appreciably reducing pain by numbing the nerve endings of the spinal cord. agents such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and naproxen can help to relieve pain and swelling. Procedures like (TENS) can help in appreciably reducing pain by numbing the nerve endings of the spinal cord. Surgery: Surgical intervention may be necessary if joint replacement or heart valve replacement is required. The disease is progressive in nature. There is usually a slow but progressive functional decline in the patient. Complications such as arthritis in the spine, hips, shoulders and knees can develop. There is a greater propensity for the Achilles tendon to rupture and for kidney and prostate stones to develop. The aortic and mitral valves as well as the coronary arteries may become stiff and hardened. The patients experience increased pain and loss of mobility as time progresses, often requiring the use of physical mobility aids such as crutches or wheelchairs. Although cardiac complications may worsen the prognosis, life expectancy is not significantly reduced. Television technology has seen some vast improvements and advancements in the recent past, where it is getting more accessible for consumers. 4K television sets are getting cheaper with companies like Xiaomi introducing products at an unbelievable price. If you are a fan of watching 4K movies or want to get the best experience possible when streaming on Netflix or Amazon Prime, you need to have a TV with a kickass display. Full HD TVs have become a thing of the past and we decided to compile a list of TVs you should be investing in the near future: 1. TCL L43P2US 43 Rs. 33,490 TCL TCL is yet another Chinese brand that has been selling 4K TVs in India for an unbeatable price. It has a resolute of 3840 X 2160 (4K UHD) and has two HDMI inputs. This may be a drawback for users who use multiple connected devices. The TV is already HDR ready but lacks good audio quality which may require you to buy a sound-bar or a home theatre separately. Buy Here 2. Xiaomi Mi TV 4 55 - Rs. 44,999 Xiaomi Xiaomi has made a huge dent in the TV market with their brand new Mi TV 4 that launched earlier this year. It is probably the world's thinnest TV at the moment and supports 4K content. We reviewed the TV at the launch and if you want to know our detailed opinions about the TV, you can read our full review here. Buy Here 3. Vu LEDN50K310X3D 127 50 Rs. 46,890 VU A bit more expensive than what Xiaomi's offering, however, the panel on this TV is of great quality that is capable of emitting great colors and sharpness. It has two HDMI ports and has some built-in apps for content viewing. If you are looking for a TV to watch downloaded 4K content, this TV comes right at the top. Buy Here 4. Panasonic Viera TH-43EX600D 4K UHD LED TV 43 Rs. 45,500 Panasonic This is one of our favorite TV panels from the list, as it not only has a great 4K display, it even has a refresh rate of 120 Hz. This, in turn, makes the experience of watching 4K content even more special and can also be used for gaming purposes. Buy Here 5. Sanyo XT-49S8200U 4K UHD LED Smart TV - 49 Rs. 44,990 Sanyo The Sanyo 4K UHD TV is the only television from this list that has native support from apps such as Netflix, YouTube, and other services. If you do not own a Fire Stick TV or a Chromecast, this is probably the best investment you can make. It's got a resolution of 3840x2160 and is also HDR ready. Buy Here A 53-year-old man was caught and arrested at Indira Gandhi International Airport for smuggling 100 sets of iPhone X. The air intelligence unit received information that the man would be coming to the airport on Friday. MensXP/Naasir Jamaal "Hundred iPhone X handsets worth a total of Rs 85.61 lakh were seized from his baggage after a thorough search," Additional Commissioner of customs at the airport, Amandeep Singh, said. The mobile phones were seized under Section 110 of the Customs Act, 1962. The iPhone X is sold in India for a considerably higher price when compared to other countries. The iPhone X (64GB Model) costs Rs 84,990 in India and can go up to Rs 108,930 for the 256GB variant. The reason for high prices for the iPhone X is mostly due to high import duties as Apple does not manufacture the model in India. Due to rising prices, people often opt to purchase iPhones from countries that sell it at a cheaper price. Reuters Apple recently announced worldwide warranty for iPhones that encourages customers to obtain Apple's latest iPhone for a cheaper price. The iPhone X costs AED 4,965 in Dubai which is roughly INR 78,294 and is quite lucrative for smugglers to sell Apple's products at a higher profit margin. Apple's iPhone X is currently the world's best selling smartphone according to research firm Strategy Analytics and it seems like the demand for a cheaper iPhone X isn't going to slow down anytime soon. You must have heard great things about one of the smartest investor of all time, Warren Buffett and how he manages to wow us all with his skills. But here is a look at a slightly quirkier aspect of his life that most of us are unaware about. 1. He once ran away from home. Reuters Warren, along with two of his friends, once tried to run away from home. He says, We got out to Wisconsin Avenue and we started hitchhiking. Three kids hitchhiking was not the easiest thing to do." He further adds, The first guy that picked us up was a real nut. We all got into the car and we said, 'Where are you going?' And he said, 'I'm going to hell, do you want to come along?' And we immediately decided this was not exactly what we'd expected." They eventually made their way home but not before reaching Hershey, Pennsylvania. 2. He shoplifted from Sears as a teen Reuters Warren spent the majority of his life in Omaha, Nebraska but later his father was elected to Congress and they had to move to Washington, D.C. for a while. Things did not tune in so well for Warren, who wasn't too happy about the move. He says "I was rebellious at first in school, for about year. I made a real pain of myself, but I calmed down after a while." One of his rebellious acts included shoplifting from a local Sears. Warren says, "I wasn't doing it for any reason, except rebelling, and that ran out after a while." 3. He earned $175 a month delivering papers Delivering papers for The Washington Post was one of the first few jobs Warren had tried his hands on. That newspaper delivery job earned him $175 a month. 4. He still uses coupons Twitter The self-made billionaire investor still values a good deal if it comes handy. Warren once bought Bill Gates, lunch at McDonald's with coupons. Have you been shying from using coupons all the while till now? 5. His love for soda. YouTube Did you know Warren spent more than $1 billion on Coca-Cola stock in 1988? He says, "I'm one quarter Coca-Cola. If I eat 2,700 calories a day, a quarter of that is Coca-Cola. I drink at least five 12-ounce servings." 6. His high school yearbook called him a 'future stock broker' In the yearbook from Woodrow Wilson Senior High in D.C. Warren was listed as "a future stock broker." Today as we all know rest is history and Warren is undoubtedly the smartest investor of our time. Warren says, "Before I came to Washington, I had about $120 and when I left, I had about $10,000. Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Katrougalos, today met, in Rabat, with the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, and the Minister Delegate for International and African Cooperation, Mohcine Jazouli. A shared will for dynamic reinvigoration of bilateral economic relations was ascertained in the meetings, which took place in a very positive climate. The first immediate steps are activation of the Greek-Moroccan business council and the holding of a Joint Interministerial Committee meeting in Athens in the autumn of this year, after an eight-year hiatus. Beyond the development of bilateral economic relations, it was noted that Morocco can serve as a gateway to West Africa for Greek enterprises in a number of sectors, including construction, shipping, renewable energy sources, pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical products. In the immediate future, fresh momentum will be imparted to the tourism sector by the inauguration of a direct air link between Greece and Morocco. Japan and China are unlikely to mention that the waters and airspace around a group of uninhabited islets controlled by Japan and claimed by China are subject to a bilateral communication mechanism aimed at averting unintended clashes, Japanese government sources said Monday. Not making any specific geographic reference is a compromise on the part of both nations, whose relations have been buffeted by tensions over access to the waters and airspace around the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, the sources said. How the two countries address the matter will be one of the most closely scrutinized aspects of a meeting Wednesday between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on the sidelines of a trilateral summit with South Korean President Moon Jae In. On the economic front, Japan and China are making arrangements to launch a public-private sector council to consider specific projects of cooperation related to Beijing's "One Belt, One Road" cross-border infrastructure initiative, according to the sources. Tokyo is hoping to further improve ties through the launch of the council to focus on infrastructure development in third countries. There has been a recent thaw in bilateral relations strained by wartime history issues and the Senkakus, which China claims and calls Diaoyu. The islets are also claimed by Taiwan, which refers to them as the Tiaoyutais. The territorial row intensified after Japan decided to bring the Senkakus under state control in 2012, prompting China to send vessels into the waters around the islets. But last month, Japan and China held a high-level economic dialogue in Tokyo after a roughly eight-year hiatus, and also agreed to plan mutual visits by Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Japan is of the view that the waters and airspace around the islands should not be subject to the "Maritime and Aerial Communication Mechanism," while China has argued otherwise. The state department of public health is asking employers and managers to raise awareness about deadly falls in the workplace, as this is National Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction Week. Falls are the top cause of construction worker deaths in the country, accounting for a third of on-the-job fatalities in the industry, accord to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. In Connecticut, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report that 20 people in the construction business died as a result of falls, slips and trips between 2012 and 2016. A news conference on the 2018 Ningbo-Nice International Carnival takes place in Beijing on May 2. [Photo/Ningbo Fabu WeChat] The 2018 Ningbo-Nice International Carnival is scheduled to take place in Jiangbei district, Ningbo, Zhejiang province, from Sept 29 to Oct 3, according to an official news conference on May 2. The Nice Carnival is one of the world's most well-known carnivals, taking place in Nice every February. Its arrival in China is a result of joint efforts between Ningbo and the French city. With a "King of the Universe" theme, the Ningbo-Nice International Carnival will be a cultural feast featuring a combination of giant floats, themed parades, dancing and music. Performances featuring Ningbo cultural elements will be staged as well, such as the wedding custom "Ten-Mile Red Dowry". "Ningbo, a beautiful coastal city in Zhejiang province, shares many similarities with the city on the French Riviera," said Rudy Salles, deputy mayor of Nice, explaining that the two cities have been connected by the Maritime Silk Road since ancient times and that the Ningbo-Nice International Carnival plays an important role in further strengthening their connection. Xu Yanan, deputy mayor of Ningbo, said that though Ningbo has witnessed great progress in its tourism industry in recent years, it still lacks global influence. He hopes the carnival can help put Ningbo on the world stage. In late February, a delegation of the organizing committee of the 2018 Ningbo-Nice Carnival went to France to promote Ningbo's tourist resources and get a clear picture of the carnival's overall structure. The Ningbo-Nice International Carnival has been listed as an official event of China-EU Tourism Year 2018. In addition, March 3 has been selected as the carnival's "Ningbo Day" by the mayor's office in Nice. Ningbo's wedding custom "Ten-Mile Red Dowry" joins the parade at this year's Nice Carnival on March 3 in Nice, France. [Photo by Pan Xuguang] This Sikh Marine Is Ready to Sue the Service to Wear a Beard and Turban at All Times First Lt. Sukhbir Toor applied in March for a religious accommodation to wear a beard and turban and to not cut his hair. Families of some of the 17 sailors killed in two U.S. Navy collisions in Asia last summer say the courts-martial beginning this week probably won't give them closure. What they really want is answers. How is it possible that two months after the USS Fitzgerald collided with a merchant container ship off the coast of Japan on June 17, 2017, killing seven sailors, another destroyer, the USS John S. McCain, collided with a commercial tanker in the Straits of Singapore, killing 10 more? Why were the Navy crews allowed to get so tired they couldn't perform, so undermanned and overtasked that they were working 100-hour weeks and given no time for training? How could the Navy let readiness erode, allowing so many things to go wrong -- twice in a row, following at least two nonfatal mishaps in 2017 in the Japan-based 7th Fleet? "Ten died, five injured, and we are blaming two people?" said Rachel Eckels, referring to those aboard the McCain, where her son, Petty Officer 1st Class Timothy Eckels, died. "These things should not be happening in peacetime. They shouldn't be sailing in the ocean blue, crashing into things," she said. "It happened in January. It happened in June. It happened in August. And nobody is answering how this happened." Reports have been filed and some punishments doled out. But when the first scheduled court proceeding opens at the Washington Navy Yard on Tuesday, the Navy will publicly begin hashing out what went wrong and who should be held accountable. An unnamed junior officer aboard the Fitzgerald is expected to offer a plea Tuesday. An Article 32 preliminary hearing will be conducted Wednesday to determine whether to proceed with charges against two other unnamed junior officers from the Fitzgerald. The destroyer's former commanding officer, Cmdr. Bryce Benson, is slated for an Article 32 hearing May 21. He faces charges that include negligent homicide, hazarding a ship and dereliction of duty. A date has not been finalized for an Article 32 for the relieved commanding officer of the McCain, Cmdr. Alfredo Sanchez, who is facing similar charges for the Aug. 21, 2017, collision. In the months since the deadly collisions, the Navy has acknowledged that its forward-deployed 7th Fleet in Japan had been stretched too thin. Reports about the collisions point to mistakes by the crew and commanders, calling the deadly mishaps "avoidable" and caused by human error. The reports showed that errors on both ships were compounded, and opportunities to recognize and avoid grave danger were squandered. Since then, emerging reports have revealed an exhausted fleet conducting so many operations that training fell through the cracks, ship maintenance was deferred and basic seamanship skills were neglected. A Navy review reiterated what had been ignored in earlier warnings: The fleet was undermanned and overworked; readiness was eroding because of a culture that demanded getting the job done no matter the obstacle. "I think the main culprit for these collisions was that we allowed the training of our surface warriors to atrophy," retired Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin, who was fired as commander of 7th Fleet, wrote in an article last month in the U.S. Naval Institute magazine Proceedings. Aucoin accepted responsibility for his decisions but expressed concern that the Navy might not be learning needed lessons. "I made clear to the Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, of the impact of increased operational demand on training and maintenance" well before the guided-missile destroyers' collisions, he wrote. "Despite these explicitly stated concerns, the direction we received was to execute the mission." Like many of the family members, Eckels knows that holding the ship's commander accountable won't bring her son back. Still, she wants to look him in the eye at the proceedings. "He needs to see the anguish on our faces, the hurt, the pain," she said. At the same time, she and other parents say the fix has to be bigger than blaming a few people. "It is a Navy problem, period," said Darrold Martin, whose only son, Xavier, was a petty officer aboard the Fitzgerald. "This whole blame game -- come on," he said. "This is not one seaman's fault." The collisions left Navy families reeling with grief and fuming. "I would have felt more comfortable if he had been in a car accident," Martin said. "This should never have happened." Martin raised his son as a single parent after a bitter divorce 15 years ago, and the two were inseparable. As a kid, Xavier often traveled with his father, who called him his roadie. Xavier grew up an honor student and followed his father's footsteps into the Navy, his father said. He was bright and responsible, and he was tapped by the ship's commanding officer to be his personnel administrator on board. Martin said his son was working 100-hour weeks and always running. Still, they emailed and talked online several times a day. Two months before his death, Xavier Martin showed his dad a tattoo he had inscribed in old English on his inner wrist. It said, "We will figure it out." He told his father it was because as a kid, when he came to him with a problem, that was what his dad would say. Darrold Martin laughed. He'd say that because he was busy. But Xavier Martin saw more meaning. "It meant you had me -- I didn't have to worry about it," he told his father. Two weeks before the collision, Darrold Martin got a tattoo on his inner wrist. In old English, it says, "We will figure it out." Loved ones have been asked to give impact statements for the court. Darrold Martin describes one piece of his grief as follows: A parent falls in love with their child and drives home each day with the emotional anticipation of seeing his love. But when he gets there, that love is gone, and he has no forwarding address. He's been abandoned. "I am in a glass prison," he said. "It's like wearing dirty glasses. Nothing is as crisp as it used to be." He used to tell his son to date but not get too serious. "You are young," he'd say. It struck him recently that he will never be a grandfather. USS Fitzgerald collision The USS Fitzgerald was navigating out to sea near Yokosuka Port in Japan when it failed to recognize the dangers of three ships heading across its path in the early hours of June 17, 2017. They were close enough to present risk of collision, according to a U.S. Navy report. Two of the ships maneuvered to avoid a collision. The third, a merchant container ship called the ACX Crystal, did not. Commanding officer Cmdr. Bryce Benson was not on deck, and the officer of the deck -- the person responsible for navigating -- did not recognize the danger until it was too late, the report said. The collision tore a 13-foot-by-17-foot hole in the side of the Fitzgerald, allowing water to rush into a lower berthing section. Twenty-eight sailors escaped the flooded sleeping quarters. Seven died in the bowels of the ship. Benson and other sailors aboard suffered traumatic brain injuries. Some who managed to get out nearly drowned. USS McCain collision The USS John S. McCain was navigating entry into Singapore Straits on Aug. 21, 2017, when the commanding officer saw the helmsman having trouble steering the ship while adjusting the throttles for speed control, a U.S. Navy report said. He ordered the speed control to be shifted to a second sailor, but steering was inadvertently transferred as well, creating confusion. For three minutes, the crew was not in full control of the ship, which turned into heavy traffic and collided with a tanker. The collision tore a hole in the McCain 28 feet in diameter, killing 10 sailors in a berthing area. The Navy reports on the McCain and Fitzgerald crashes cited poor seamanship, noting that the officers on deck did not possess adequate knowledge of their ship systems or the rules of navigating heavy traffic at sea. The reports also said they failed to maintain situational awareness, failed to communicate with each other when needed and failed to follow Navy procedures for crisis situations. The aftermath The collisions finally sparked change -- after years of warnings and two nonfatal incidents earlier in 2017 had failed to spur action. Navy investigations into a ship running aground in Tokyo Bay in January 2017 and a minor collision between another Navy ship and a fishing vessel in the Sea of Japan in May last year led to similar findings of faulty seamanship, bad decision-making and human errors. A Government Accountability Office report from 2015 laid out the risks of rolling back manning while ramping up demand on the Navy's forward-deployed fleet. Training, maintenance and certifications were neglected; readiness eroded even as the pace of operations escalated. But those warnings were ignored. After the collisions, Navy reviews concluded that its "can-do" culture was putting sailors and operations at risk. But how to fix that in a performance-based hierarchy, when officers and commanders are trying to perform admirably, is a difficult question. In January, the Navy created an oversight council to shepherd implementation of 111 recommendations -- mostly improving manning and training, with a focus on seamanship and navigation, improved systems and equipment, and readiness of the force and the fleet. The Navy says 29 have been fully implemented and more than 75 percent of the recommendations are expected to be implemented by the end of September. But families wonder whether those are enough. They question whether these courts-martial are creating scapegoats to answer for a system that created a forward-deployed Navy that was not ready to be at sea. "I don't like to see people punished because the Navy has a problem and is pointing fingers," said Magali Ginoux, Xavier Martin's mother. "It's not a commander's problem or a shipmate problem. "The Navy should take responsibility," she said. Eckels said she wants to see the changes that have been made and the processes that have been put in place. "You have to literally peel back this layer of onion," she said. "It's more than a lack of training, more than a lack of procedures not followed. We need to look at everything." Collision reports on the USS McCain and the USS Fitzgerald both contained identical paragraphs -- something that irked some family members --faulting the commanding officer for exercising poor judgment and decision-making. "That said, no single person bears full responsibility for this incident," the reports stated. "The crew were unprepared for the situation in which they found themselves through a lack of preparation, ineffective command and control, and deficiencies in training and preparations for navigation." The playout Repercussions within the Navy have been severe. Eighteen sailors faced nonjudicial punishment -- 10 on the Fitzgerald and eight on the McCain. That includes the executive officers of both ships and the command master chief of the Fitzgerald, who were found guilty of dereliction in the performance of duties. Each received a letter of punitive reprimand. Aucoin, who commanded the 7th Fleet, and the two top leaders below him were fired, while the Pacific Fleet commander and the commander of Naval Surface Forces in San Diego retired early -- the most senior naval officers to step down in the wake of the tragedies. So where does accountability lie? Some say it sits on the shoulders of the officers on deck, who made decisions on the ships leading up to the collisions. Others say it lies with the Navy admirals who kept tasking 7th Fleet while shrinking its resources, or the politicians who did not listen as the Chief of Naval Operations stated repeatedly that his sailors were running on empty in the face of budget uncertainty. The upcoming military proceedings could determine whether either is right or if the answer lies somewhere in between. Eckels will be there, taking in every word. "It doesn't matter how hard it is. I will be going gavel to gavel," she said. "Someone has to be my son's advocate. The Navy sure isn't." The Pentagon Inspector General's office has found gaping holes in the security systems for the electronic health records and patient information at Navy and Air Force hospitals and clinics, including aboard the USNS hospital ship Mercy. The report released Monday by the office of Acting Inspector General Glenn Fine was a follow-up to a previous one that found similar problems at Army Medical Treatment Facilities (MTFs). Navy and Air Force security was so lax that both services could be liable for millions of dollars in penalties for violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the latest IG report said. "We determined that Defense Health Agency, Navy and Air Force officials did not ensure system security protocols to protect systems that stored, processed and transmitted electronic health records and patient health information (PHI) were consistently implemented at the locations tested," the report said. "As a result, ineffective administrative, technical, and physical security protocols, resulting in Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act violations, could cost Military Treatment Facilities up to $1.5 million in penalties each year," it continued. "For example, officials for the DHA, Navy and Air Force considered single-factor authentication, such as a user name and password, more efficient to access PHI while providing bedside care, even though single-factor authentication presents a greater risk of compromise," the report said. Currently, the Defense Department's Military Health System provides medical and dental services to about 9.4 million beneficiaries worldwide at 673 MTFs, including 55 military hospitals and 373 military medical clinics. The IG's report was based on inspections at three Navy facilities: Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, California; San Diego Naval Medical Center, California; and the U.S. Naval Ship (USNS) Mercy in San Diego. The two Air Force facilities inspected were the 436th Medical Group in Dover, Delaware, and the Wright-Patterson Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio. When vulnerabilities were found, network administrators at all five facilities often failed to address them, the IG's report said. In addition, the chief information officers (CIOs) at the facilities "did not develop plans of action and milestones to mitigate vulnerabilities affecting their networks," it added. "For example, at the Dover Clinic, a June 21, 2017, scan revealed that 342 of the 1,430 vulnerabilities identified on a May 10, 2017, network scan remained unmitigated," the report said. Officials at DHA, the Navy and the Air Force did not implement adequate medical records security for a variety of reasons, the report said, including "lack of resources and guidance, system incompatibility, and vendor limitations." The report recommended that DHA configure the electronic health records to lock automatically after 15 minutes of inactivity to prevent abuses. Another recommendation was that the surgeons general for the Air Force and the Navy "assess whether the systemic issues identified in this report exist" at other MTFs. -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. 1. CYBERCOM IS NEWEST COMBATANT COMMAND By Military.com's Matthew Cox: "Army Lt. Gen. Paul Nakasone took command of U.S. Cyber Command Friday at a ceremony that elevated the organization to the U.S. military's tenth unified combatant command. Nakasone assumed command of Cyber Command and the National Security Agency from Navy Adm. Michael Rogers during a change-of-command ceremony at Fort Meade, Maryland. 'Today, we are at a dawn of a new era, facing the reality of war's changing character -- the emergence of cyberspace and outer space as contested warfighting domains, equal in importance with land, sea and air,' said Deputy Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan. 'Cyberspace is not bound by geography, it is not bound by the physical prowess of our adversaries; the next 10 years will look significantly different than the last 10 more than any of us can likely imagine.'" 2. MARINES OVERHAUL INFANTRY SQUADS From Military.com: "The Marine Corps is capping off 18 months of overhauling the way infantry units are trained and equipped by shaking up the structure of the rifle squad. In an address to an audience of Marines at a Marine Corps Association awards dinner near Washington, D.C., on Thursday night, Commandant Gen. Robert Neller said future squads will have 12 Marines, down from the current 13. But while the squads are losing a body, they will gain capability, with two new leadership positions, he said. The new squad will have three fire teams of three Marines each, an adjustment from the standard four-Marine fire teams of today, Neller said. Meanwhile, Neller said, squads will also build into their structure an assistant squad leader and a squad systems operator, allowing the unit to operate with greater independence and manage a growing suite of advanced technology, including unmanned aerial systems." 3. AIR FORCE GUNSHIP CREWS VIGILANT AMID JAMMING From Military.coms Oriana Pawlyk: "HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- The electronic jamming signals affecting AC-130 gunships over Syria may have crews checking and cross-checking their data, including target information, before they lock on with their cannons, according to a top commander here. 'Whether that's being man-made, or maybe it's a mistake inside the airplane, it's hard to say sometimes, but the process is, as you see those things pop up, the safety for the people on the ground is the primary concern,' said Col. Tom Palenske, commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing and installation commander here. The systems in the AC-130 'Spooky' have a built-in check in the software to test and translate the latest aircraft operating update back to the crew. Palenske said if the system 'sees an anomaly,' it will flag it. In any case, an AC-130 crew will take extra measures to ensure they have the right data to execute the mission, he said." 4. BRAC BACK ON THE TABLE? From the Virginian-Pilot: "NORFOLK -- After years of resisting, Congress may consider a proposal to allow military base closings -- but under restrictive rules that give communities veto power, U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman said Thursday. Wittman, a Westmoreland County Republican and senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, said during a Navy League luncheon at The Main hotel that he would support a proposal that addresses the military's concern that it's wasting money by keeping unneeded facilities . Hampton Roads federal lawmakers and community leaders have been skittish for years about any talk of closing military facilities -- particularly in a region where 40 percent of the economy is tied to defense and other federal spending. In 2005, a Base Realignment and Closure Commission or BRAC -- appointed to select facilities to shut down -- led to the closing of the Army's Fort Monroe and consideration of a recommendation to close Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach. Wittman said the plan, which could be an amendment to the 2019 defense spending bill, would be limited to small bases or 'tangential facilities' identified by the Pentagon." 5. TECH ADVANCES ID WWII MARINES From Fox News: "The remains of two Marines killed nearly 75 years ago at the Battle of Tarawa were recently identified and returned to their hometowns in Wisconsin and New Hampshire. U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Raymond A. Barker was buried with full military honors Saturday at Spring Grove Cemetery in Delavan, FOX 6 Milwaukee reported. 'Seventy-five years later after he was gone, here we are celebrating this event,' Barker's nephew, John Gibbus, told the station. Barker was killed on the first day of the Battle of Tarawa on Nov. 20, 1943, at age 22. About 1,700 Marines and Navy sailors were killed and more than 2,000 wounded during the three-day fight against Japanese troops on the island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and Papua New Guinea. Barker's body had been deemed non-recoverable, but last year scientists with the Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) used advanced investigative techniques to discover areas on Tarawa believed to be burial sites for the battle's fallen troops. The government agency works to provide the fullest possible accounting of missing personnel to their families and the country." -- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck. Combat Zone Tax Exclusion for Sinai, Egypt Effective June 9, 2015, Congress declared that the Sinai Peninsula is a qualified hazardous duty area. Members who serve in a qualified hazardous duty area and also receive hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay while performing service in that area are entitled to Combat Zone Tax Exclusion. This includes service members who were assigned permanent change of station or temporary change of station, on temporary duty, and/or mobilized to the Sinai. If you served in this area at any time from June 9, 2015, through December 2017, see this article on how to get your pay. For more on military pay, including updated pay charts, visit the Military.com Pay section. Former Congressman Leading Contender for VA Secretary Job Former congressman Jeff Miller, who chaired the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs before retiring from Congress last year, has been said to be a leading candidate to become President Trump's next nominee for VA secretary. The Florida Republican, who spent 16 years in Congress, met last week with officials in the White House vetting office. For more details, see this Military.com article. Military members and veterans can get up to four free months of Apple Music through the Apple Music military discount -- but... 18-year-old military spouse Jurnee saw her "American Idol" run come to an end after she was eliminated during the show's Prince week. She opened the show with a winning performance of the Purple One's #1 hit "Kiss." The good news for Jurnee is that Ryan Seacrest announced that everyone from the Top 7 will be performing on the "American Idol" tour this summer. So, while her role in the competition may be over, her fans can see her live. The one-night-per-week Idol format seems to have severely limited the ability of a performer to impress viewers and earn the votes cast after each week's show is over. It's about winning fans early on and hoping they show up to vote each week. Simon would have never stood for this. It's no way to run a singing competition. Related: Meet Jurnee, the Milspouse Who's Got a Real Shot on 'American Idol' Each performer also performed a song from the year they were born and Jurnee chose Brian McKnight's "Back at One," which she also revealed was her parents' wedding song. While she waits for her wife Ashley to complete her deployment to Afghanistan, Jurnee will at least have a tour to rehearse and perform and a career to plan. Should Jurnee have made the Top 5? Did you vote for her? Does the old show biz myth that being married hurts your appeal to the kids apply here? Let us know what you think! 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. 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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 Following wage revision talks between Indian Banks Association (IBA) and the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), bank employees have decided to protest by holding a demonstration and going on a two-day strike, according to a report by The Economic Times. The banks association had proposed an average pay increase of two percent to employees due to mounting non-performing assets and eroding profitability. The proposed increase covers basic salary and house rent allowance, among other components. S Nagrajan, head of the All-India Bank Officers Association, told the newspaper, IBA has offered two percent in the payslip component, adding that, There will be a demonstration on May 9 throughout the country, demanding a higher pay increase. Salaries of public sector bank (PSB) employees are revised every five years and they are pending since November 1, 2017. The previous such increase was agreed at an average of 15 percent in May 2015 and was made retrospectively effective from November 2012. We are not being given a wage rise because of higher NPAs, Nagrajan said adding that Banks are not coming up with reasonable offers. It is absolutely not acceptable. Following the merger of six lenders with the State Bank of India (SBI), there are 21 PSBs in India which employ around eight lakh people in total. Cement live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More The Binani Committee of Creditors (CoC) is likely to meet on May 9 and discuss the revised bid of Ultra Tech Cement valued at around Rs 7900 crore for the debt-laden Binani Cement. "The CoC is meeting on Wednesday (May 9)," sources close to the development told PTI. Ultra Tech has already submitted its revised offer with the Resolution Professional but the exact bid value is not known. The Kolkata bench of National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) had on May 2 directed the Committee of Creditors (CoC) of Binani Cement to consider the revised bid of Ultra Tech Cement, which is Rs 1021 crore more than of Dalmia consortium. On that day an official representing Ultra Tech had said they would be submitting the same Rs 7960 crore offer before the CoC. One of Ultra Tech's counsel during a hearing had said the company will increase the bid by Rs 500 crore if Dalmia Bharata matches the offer. The CoC had earlier accepted the resolution of Dalmia Bharat by a clear majority. Dalmia Bharat is, however, not out of the race as CoC has to consider its bid if it matches the Ultra Tech bid. Dalmia Bharat's Rajputana Properties had approached the Appellate body of the NCLT on May 4 to obtain a stay on NCLTs order. The NCLAT, however, did not stay the Tribunals order and allowed the CoC to proceed with its meetings. The NCLAT will hear Dalmia Bharat's plea on May 22. Aurobindo Pharma Ltd. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Akash Jain We like Cadila Healthcare and are bullish on it. We do not foresee significant price erosion in US markets for this company. We are confident that the company will continue decent growth in US formulations segment and domestic market. We expect target of Rs 550 by FY19 end and also expect decent performance in Q4FY18 and earnings will improve in FY19. The company recently received approval from the US health regulator for Methylprednisolone tablets & Cinacalcet Hydrochloride tablets. Methylprednisolone tablets are used to treat conditions such as arthritis, blood disorders, severe allergic reactions, certain cancers, eye conditions, skin/kidney/intestinal/lung diseases and immune system disorders. It will be manufactured at the group's formulations manufacturing facility at Moraiya, Ahmedabad. The group also received the final approval to market Cinacalcet Hydrochloride Tablets, which is indicated for the treatment of high blood calcium in patients with cancer of parathyroid glands and for the treatment of high blood parathyroid hormone levels seen in patients with chronic kidney diseases on dialysis. Cinacalcet will be manufactured at the group's formulations manufacturing facility at SEZ, Ahmedabad. The Cadila Group now has more than 185 approvals. Cadila is the fifth largest player in the domestic market with sales of about Rs 3,244 crore in FY2017; the domestic market contributes 39 percent to its top-line. The company enjoys a leadership position in the CVS, GI, women healthcare and respiratory segments, and has a sales force of 4,500 executives. Further, the company has a strong consumer division through its stake in Zydus Wellness, which has premium brands such as Sugarfree, Everyuth and Nutralite under its umbrella. This segment, which contributes 4.9 percent of sales, registered a growth of 13.6 percent during FY2017. The management has a strong focus on exports to developed as well as emerging markets, which contributed around 61 percent to its FY2017 top-line. The company has established a formidable presence in the developed markets of US, Europe (France and Spain) and Japan. In the US, the company achieved critical scale of Rs 3,709 crore on the sales front in FY2017. In Q3FY18, the company witnessed yoy growth of 37.9 percent and 48 percent qoq growth in its topline. The company had 180 days exclusivity of gLialda(ended on Jan 2018) which has an estimated market size of USD 1.1 mn. Going ahead, the sales of gLiadla may decline owing to potential competition from Teva. The company had also launched Tamiflu in Q3FY18 which boosted the US business of the company. The company expects 4 percent price erosion in its base portfolio which will be subdued by new launches. Cadila plans to file around 10 12 new launches every quarter which will be a mix of simple and complex generics. Due to changing market environment in US the company has kept 1/3rd of its portfolio on hold. For FY19, the capex guidance stands at Rs 1,000 crore. R&D guidance to be in the range of 7-8 percent of sales. The management has guided for tax rate of 22 25 percent and 18 20 percent in FY2018E and FY2019E respectively. The higher tax rate in FY18E is due to strong sales of gLialda in the US, while the lower rate in FY2019 is due to higher exports from Ahmedabad SEZ and lower sales of gLialda. : The author isice-president, Equity Research at Ajcon Global Services. 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. Flipkart Walmart Traders' body CAIT today said it seeks Commerce & Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu's intervention in the proposed USD 12-billion Flipkart-Walmart deal, saying the alliance will encourage malpractices and predatory pricing in e-commerce. In a letter to Prabhu, Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said the sale of Flipkart's Singapore holding company should not be allowed till the time the government frames an e-commerce policy. The traders' body argued that the government should make it mandatory that such deals can take place only when 75 percent of the sellers on an e-platform give their assent since they would be the worst sufferers. "In order to ensure free and fair e-commerce business in the country, we suggest that a policy for e-commerce should be finalised at an early date in consultation with all stakeholders including the trading community," CAIT said. Moreover, it claimed that such a deal will encourage malpractices, loss funding and predatory pricing in e-commerce in the absence of any monitoring mechanism and create an uneven level playing field where offline and online traders will be unable to compete. The logo for LinkedIn Corporation is shown in Mountain View, California, U.S. February 6, 2013. REUTERS/Robert Galbraith/File Photo - RTX2PJTD A decade-and-half ago, in 2003, Reid Hoffman along with members from PayPal and Socialnet.com which included Allen Blue, founded LinkedIn in Hoffman's living room in the US. The platform has since become worlds largest professional network with 562 million members from over 200 countries and properties. The members have more than doubled in the last five years growing from 225 million members at its 10th anniversary in 2013. In its 15 years of journey, the company has travelled a long distance, going public in 2011. It was acquired by software giant Microsoft in June 2016 in a whopping 26.2 billion dollar deal at $196 per share. The splurge by Microsoft valued its stock four times its IPO price of $45 five years ago. More than one-fourth of the members on the platform are from the United States. India is LinkedIns largest market outside the US with more than 47 million members. As per stats shared by companys VP Allen Blue and on its website, professionals are signing up to join LinkedIn at a rate of more than two new members per second. Students and recent graduates form the fastest growing demographic on LinkedIn with the number currently pegged at 46 million. The portal has more than 15 million open jobs. The company itself employs more than 11,800 full-time employees (about half of them in the San Francisco Bay Area) with offices in more than 30 cities around the world including three in India. In an interesting reading of the data revealed, job titles of the members reflect unique business environments of a country. Two countries among the top in World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' ranking - the US and Singapore - have founder and co-founder as the top three job titles. Contrastingly, software manager, student, and consultant are the top three job titles from India. Slideshow | Famous companies that were bought for less but are now raking in billions LinkedIn also owns e-learning website Lynda.com. It acquired it in 2015 at a cost of $1.5 billion. The acquisition offered members of LinkedIn access to a comprehensive collection of high-quality courses taught by industry experts, offered in English, German, French, Spanish, and Japanese. In its FY18 Q3 results , Microsoft announced that LinkedIn revenue increased 37% (up 33% in constant currency) with continued acceleration in engagement. Q16. It is a blockchain-based cryptocurrency that works in a similar way to Ethereum and bitcoin. It is a peer-to-peer internet currency that allows for instant, near-zero cost payments to anyone in the world. Its a decentralised payment network that isnt managed by any central authorities. What is it known as? After months of scrutiny, South Korea may soften its stance towards cryptocurrency market. The newly appointed head of a South Korean financial watchdog has indicated that his agency may ease the rules for exchanges. Yoon Suk-heun, the incoming governor of the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), said, Regarding cryptocurrencies, there are some positive aspects. According to a report in Korea Times, although he declined to delve into details about his possible steps, Suk-heun said he would improve regulations and try to produce a more stable financial system with better services and products. He added that these regulatory processes will take some time to be finalised. "There are a lot of issues that need to be addressed and reviewed. We can figure them out but gradually," he said. Suk-heun has a reputation of a reformist in South Korea and hence is expected to come with changes which will have a positive impact on the industry. At the end of the last year, amid a surging cryptocurrency market, the FSS cracked down on the market mandating real-name verification of exchange users as of the end of January 2018. Multiple events of hacking and mishandling of funds in South Korea and Japan did not help the market either. The national watchdog started conducting raids at the exchanges to ensure they were complying with the anti-money laundering rules. The practice continues till now. Suk-heun will be assuming the office on Tuesday. Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation Monday reported a 2.08 percent sequential growth in the first quarter revenue at USD 3.91 billion, helped by its focus on digital offerings. The company raised the lower end of its full-year revenue forecast. Net profit during the first quarter was USD 520 million compared to a loss of USD 18 million in the preceding quarter. Cognizant said it expects full-year revenue between USD 16.05 billion and USD 16.30 billion. It had earlier said it expected the lower end of the revenue at USD 16.00 billion. We achieved solid financial results in the first quarter and progressed our shift to digital services and solutions, said Francisco DSouza, Chief Executive Officer. Cognizant has built the capabilities and scale to help clients digitize their offerings, create personalized customer experiences, instrument their operations, and modernize their IT infrastructure. This digital-at- scale value proposition is winning with clients and positioning us well to deliver a strong 2018, he added. The New Jersey-based technology services company said it expects the second quarter revenue in the range of USD 4.00 billion to USD 4.04 billion. Cognizant expects the full year 2018 non-GAAP diluted earnings per share to be at least USD 4.47. Our full year 2018 non-GAAP diluted EPS guidance reflects a higher than originally anticipated effective income tax rate due to the updated interpretation of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Our strong balance sheet and cash flows continue to support both our capital return program and our investments in the business to drive future growth and continue our shift to digital service and solutions, said Karen McLoughlin, Chief Financial Officer at cognizant, in a statement. The US Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was intentioned to cut corporate taxes and improve competitiveness. The EPS gains from the tax bill are focused on domestically-oriented companies with large capital spending needs and normal levels of leverage, according to this presentation by JP Morgan. Cognizant had 261,400 employees as of March 31, 2018. Russian President Vladimir Putin (C) attends a session during the Week of Russian Business, organized by the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP), in Moscow, Russia February 9, 2018. (Reuters) live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More DCM Shriram reported a disappointing set of Q4 FY18 numbers on account of substantially lower realisations and volumes from the sugar segment, despite a decent 18 percent year-on-year (YoY) volume growth in the chemical business. Overall revenue declined around 3.3 percent YoY. Operating profit contracted almost 79 percent YoY on account of lower realisations and an uptick in power costs. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) margins more than halved YoY at 5.2 percent. On a sequential basis, the performance remained weak as well. Segmental performance The chemical business saw a healthy volume and revenue growth of 18 percent and 89 percent YoY, respectively, during the quarter gone by. This was on the back of the entire capacity utilisation post Bharuch expansion and improved realisation on account of a 67 percent YoY uptick in chlor-alkali prices, which is moderating now. Caustic soda prices have been following the global trend (seeing a tad bit of softening). Domestic demand seems strong. However, owing to additional upcoming capacity, prices might see some softening in the coming term. The management was quick to allay concerns that with growing demand the impact would not be much. For a major part of FY18, chlorine prices remain negative, with companies having to pay to get chlorine lifted from factories. With increasing chlorine demand, this scenario improved towards the end of FY18, with prices becoming less negative, almost coming to zero, thereby improving overall realisations. The chemical segment witnessed increased costs due to rising coal prices which continue to remain on an upward trajectory. Expansion projects at Kota and Bharuch are progressing as per schedule and are expected to reduce coal consumption, thereby ushering in long-term traction for the segment. The sugar business remained a drag on overall profitability. With a 13 percent YoY fall in sugar prices owing to a bumper harvest, realisations dropped substantially. Sales restrictions by the Centre led to a 14 percent YoY fall in volumes. The segment was also impacted by an Rs 163 crore inventory write-down on account of falling prices. The segment is currently suffering from negative margins of almost Rs 8 per kg. As per the management, molasses prices in Uttar Pradesh has fallen to zero at present from Rs 300 per quintal earlier, which are eating into profitability of the segment. With forecast of another bumper year for sugar production, the segment is expected to remain weak. Its farm solution business reported a 40 percent YoY contraction in revenues during the quarter under review on account of a strategic shift from bulk to value-added products. The seeds business witnessed a 30 percent YoY revenue decline owing to a seasonally weak quarter and write-off of old, slow moving inventory. Fertiliser segment revenues saw a five percent YoY increase with an uptick in product prices. However, operating margins contracted 60 basis points and volumes remained nearly flat. While overall revenue from its own products increasing, revenue from traded products saw a downtick. Subsidy reimbursements still remain an overhang on working capital requirements, with outstandings of Rs 383 crore. The management said its pan-India extension of direct benefit transfer (DBT) has stretched its working capital cycle for urea manufacturing. It endeavours to imbibe higher operating efficiencies, coupled with a better product mix and overall positive environment, to drive future growth for the segment. The stock has corrected 25 percent in the last 12 months and is trading 55 percent below its 52-week high. It is currently trading at a 5.9 times FY19e earnings. The company saw mixed performance across segments during the quarter. The business is highly dependent on global and domestic prices of commodities like caustic soda, chlorine, sugar etc. With forecast of another bumper sugar year, we expect the segment to remain a drag. We stay cautious owing to the weak pricing and the price volatility, which may impact the companys profitability and stock returns. Follow @Ruchiagrawal For more research articles, visit our Moneycontrol Research Page. Suresh Prabhu The commerce ministry has decided to formulate a comprehensive action plan to boost India's trade with Africa which is "relatively" small at present, Union Minister Suresh Prabhu said. A series of engagements have been lined up in different parts of Africa to discuss ways to promote trade and investments between the two regions, he said. "As part of our strategy to explore new markets, we are constantly engaging with Africa where there is huge scope for exports...We have decided to prepare an action plan to boost exports and imports from Africa," the commerce and industry minister told PTI. To strengthen the dialogue on trade and investments, "we have divided them in five parts - east, west, north, south and central", Prabhu said. Deliberations have been completed in the eastern part and soon similar engagements would be organised in places including Algeria and Nigeria, he added. "The idea is to discover new markets. We are meeting them regularly... Trade is relatively very small with Africa," Prabhu said. With India's exports growing at a relatively slower rate, Africa holds huge potential to boost exports. According to experts, India needs to take more steps to increase cooperation with the continent in various areas including services. "India has lot of prospects in Africa. We need to increase our engagement with the continent. We have not yet exploited that fully as compared to China, which has huge presence," said Biswajit Dhar, a professor of economics at Jawaharlal Nehru University. Prabhu has earlier pitched for a free trade agreement with Africa to boost economic ties between the two regions. The commerce between India and the African countries is about USD 52 billion currently. Rank 9| Afghanistan | FSI Score - 105 (Image: Reuters) Seven Indians were abducted in Baghlan province of Afghanistan early on Sunday morning, with the Ministry of External Affairs confirming that it was in touch with authorities to ensure their safe return. Afghanistans foreign minister Salah al-Din Rabbani also spoke to external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and assured her that the Afghan forces were taking all necessary measures to rescue the Indians. The recent episode brings to spotlight Indias ties with Afghanistan which have been hailed by many, including the Afghan ambassador to India, Shaida Mohammad Abdali, who said that India was the largest regional donor to the country. In September 2017, India and Afghanistan agreed to move ahead with the New Development Partnership to the tune of $1 billion, in which India would take up hundreds of development projects in Afghanistan in areas including education, health, agriculture, water, etc. Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping also agreed to work on several development projects in Afghanistan jointly. The bilateral trade between India-Afghanistan in 2016-17 stood at $590.1 million with Indias exports to Afghanistan being $377.2 million and imports from Afghanistan worth $212.9 million. The spate of investments, running into billions of dollars, has not come easy. According to South Asian Terrorism Portal (SATP), in December 2003, two Indian engineers who were working on a road project in Zabul were abducted and were released after intense negotiations. A month before that, an Indian engineer was shot dead. Two years later, in 2005, a driver working with BRO was killed and his beheaded body found near Zaranj. Post that, India is said to have deployed close to 200 of its soldiers from ITBP for protection of Indian nationals and projects. In 2006, an Indian engineer working with a Turkish company was killed in Farah in a bomb attack and another engineer was abducted and subsequently beheaded in Zabul. The same year, the Indian consulate in Herat was rocked by an explosion, though no casualties were reported. In 2007, two bombs were thrown at the Indian consulate in Jalalabad. The year after, 2008, saw what was probably the first ever suicide attack on Indians in Afghanistan and it left two ITBP soldiers dead and five injured in Nimroz. The same year, the Indian consulate in Kabul was attacked after a suicide bomb went off killing over 55 people and wounding hundreds. Among those killed included senior Army officer Brigadier Ravi Datt Mehta. A year later, in 2009, the Indian embassy was attacked again, resulting in the death of 17 more people. Before the attack, in February 2009, an Indian was abducted and eventually killed. In 2010, a guest house frequented by Indians was attacked, killing six construction workers and several Indian doctors. The same year, two Indian nationals were killed in a missile attack launched by the Taliban on the office of an Indian NGO Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu has called a meeting of various departments, including finance and textiles, here tomorrow to discuss ways to promote exports. "The meeting would deliberate upon ways on sectoral export promotion strategy," a ministry official said. The meeting assumes significance as India's exports dipped after a gap of four months in March. Exports contracted by 0.66 percent to USD 29.11 billion due to negative growth in several key sectors. Petroleum products, carpet, jute items, readymade garments, gems and jewellery, iron, ore, meat, dairy and poultry products, oil meals and oil seeds were among the products that witnessed a decline in March. Officials from different ministries and departments including petroleum, civil aviation, agriculture, pharmaceutical, MSME, telecommunication, skill development, mines and electronics and information technology would participate in the meeting. To increase the country's exports, the ministry is taking steps such as involving states and promoting ease of doing business. States such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Karnataka contribute significantly to the exports. The outbound shipments aggregated at USD 302.84 billion in 2017-18 as compared to USD 275.85 billion in the previous fiscal. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Despite many allegations of conflicts of interest being faced by managing director and chief executive Chanda Kochhar, the ICICI Bank board did not discuss the controversy today. "Today, there was no discussion at all on this issue. The board has already clarified its stance," Kochhar said, when asked whether the controversial lending to the Videocon Group was discussed at the board meeting. Asked about the silence maintained by her as well as the bank as more details get reported about the alleged misdoings, Kochhar referred to the March 28 statement from the board which stood firmly behind her. "The board has made its stance very clear and we do not have anything more to add," Kochhar, who was speaking after the announcement of the bank's full-year results, said. "(We are) talking of Q4 results now and we should focus on that. And I think the board has already clarified," she added. The bank today reported a 50 per cent plunge in standalone net at Rs 1,020 crore for the march quarter as provsions jumped threefold. It can be noted that the ICICI Bank board had come out with a statement supporting Kochhar on the eve of the news getting out in the media. This was followed by a slew of reports of more alleged wrongdoings and also of there being a division within the board as well. Kochhar today confirmed that government nominee Lok Ranjan, a joint secretary in the department of financial services, was not able to attend the board meeting. She also termed the board meeting scheduled for tomorrow as a "routine" affair, where the top decision-making body will decide on its strategy and targets for the fiscal. When asked about the dent to the brand and changes in workings after the controversy, Kochhar pointed out to the growth in deposits, which rose 14 per cent in FY18. "As you see, deposits speak for itself. I think we have a very strong deposit franchise, technology franchise and that continues to remain strong," she said. There are series of allegations of impropriety in ICICI Bank extending loans to some companies and enjoying reciprocal benefits. It is alleged that family members Kochhar, including her husband Deepak Kochhar, got financial favours from the borrowers against the loans sanctioned by the bank. The issue is being investigated by multiple agencies including a filing of a priliminary enquiry by the CBI, and probes by the Income Tax Department and the ED. Former Sebi chief M Damodaran had said one option for Kochhar was to step down till the investigation was over. The issue of compromising corporate governance practices came to the fore when investor and whistleblower Arvind Gupta raked up the issue in March. He also alleged quid pro quo between Videocon Group and Kochhar as well as her family members with respect to extending a loan worth Rs 3,250 crore, which for the past many years have been NPA. It was alleged that Videocon Group pumped money into NuPower Renewables, a firm owned by Deepak Kochhar, the husband of Chanda. There are also allegations that NuPower got Rs 325 crore investment from Mauritius-based Firstland Holdings, a company owned by Nishant Kanodia, the son-in-law of Essar Group co-founder Ravi Ruia. The investments from Ruia's son-in-law's firm into NuPower started in December 2010. Incidentally, the same month ICICI Bank was the lead banker in a consortium of domestic banks that extended a USD 530 million to Essar Steel Minnesota on December 29, 2010. This loan too was later classified as bad loans. The Reserve Bank in its 2016 investigation in the matter had raised questions over the ownership of the Mauritius-based entity, First Land Holding, which had invested Rs 325 crore in NuPower. Also, there was no clarity over the alleged Rs 64- crore loan (unsecured fully convertible debentures) given to NuPower by Supreme Energy, which was 99.99 per cent owned by Videocon group chief Venugopal Dhoot at that time. While Chanda Kochhar sat on the credit committee that approved the loan to Videocon, there are allegations of conflicts of interest in her husband's Singapore-based brother Rajiv Kochhar, performing debt-restructuring work on errant corporate borrowers from ICICI, including Videocon. The restructuring wasn't commissioned by the bank but by the borrowers. Interestingly, the bank board expressed full faith in Kochhar, whose current tenure as CEO is ending March 31, 2019. It had reviewed credit approval processes and found them to be robust, according to a March 28 filing by the bank. India signed an agreement with the World Bank today for a USD 200-million loan for the National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan) to achieve its goal of reducing stunting in children aged 0-6 years from 38.4 per cent to 25 per cent by 2022. The loan will support the first phase of scaling up of interventions in 315 districts across all states and union territories, according to an official statement. POSHAN Abhiyaan was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 8 in Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan. A large component of POSHAN Abhiyaan involves gradual scaling-up of the interventions supported by the ongoing World Bank-assisted Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Systems Strengthening and Nutrition Improvement Project (ISSNIP) to all districts in the country over a three-year period. With a focus on improving the coverage and quality of ICDS nutrition services to pregnant and lactating women and children under three years of age, the project will include investments in improving the skills and capacities of ICDS staff and community nutrition workers, and grievance redress and establishing mobile technology based tools for improved monitoring and management of services for better outreach to beneficiaries during the critical 1,000 day window for nutrition impact, the statement said. The project will additionally ensure convergence of all nutrition-related schemes and provide performance-based incentives to states and community nutrition and health workers, facilitating a focus on results. Who is the author of this writing? This is an important question for you the reader to know about, for the more you know of me the more confidence you will likely have about the quality of the opinions being offered. It is for that reason that I have endeavored to provide biographical inform Moneycontrol News Huge gains in financials, metals, auto as well as energy names ensured that the market had a good start to the week with the Nifty reclaiming 10,700 during the days trade and Sensex ending almost 300 points higher. The market began the day on a positive note with the Sensex opening around 100 points higher while the Nifty managed to trade around 10,650-mark. While it held on to these levels for the larger part of the day, afternoon session witnessed further buying among banks, auto as well as metal names. These pushed up indices further, with the Sensex crossing 35,000-mark as well. Among broader markets, midcaps traded strong as well but mildly underperformed the benchmarks, gaining around 0.70 percent. Sectorwise, financials were the top gainers after bond yields fell during the course of the day. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a surprise buyback of bonds worth Rs 10,000 crore, which was cheered by NBFC stocks as well as public sector banks. For more, watch the Markets@Moneycontrol show as Moneycontrol correspondent Uttaresh Venkateshwaran talks to Anchal Pathak about what moved the markets today. Sensex_Nifty Huge gains in financials, metals, auto as well as energy names ensured that the market had a good start to the week, with the Nifty reclaiming 10,700 during the days trade. The Sensex ended almost 300 points higher. The market began the day on a positive note, with the Sensex opening around 100 points higher, while the Nifty managed to trade around 10,650-mark. While it held on to these levels for the larger part of the day, afternoon session witnessed further buying among banks, auto as well as metal names. These pushed up indices further, with the Sensex crossing 35,000-mark as well. Among broader markets, midcaps traded strong as well, but mildly underperformed the benchmarks, gaining around 0.70 percent. In case of sectors, financials were the top gainers after bond yields fell during the course of the day. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a surprise buyback of bonds worth Rs 10,000 crore, which was cheered by NBFC stocks as well as PSU banks. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical names were the worst-performing. These were dragged on the back of losses in Lupin as well as Dr Reddys Laboratories. Wockhardt too took a hit after it reported disappointing set of results. The Sensex is up 292.76 points or 0.84% at 35208.14, while the Nifty is up 97.20 points or 0.92% at 10715.50. The market breadth was positive as 1419 shares advanced, against a decline of 1265 shares, while 167 shares are unchanged. M&M, ICICI Bank, and GAIL were the top gainers, while Coal India, Dr Reddys and Lupin were the top losers. In case of stocks, ICICI Bank ended around 3 percent higher ahead of its March quarter results. This is despite an expectation of a fall in Q4 net profit. Shares of Lupin slipped 3 percent after Credit Suisse highlighted concerns over the volume loss in its diabetes franchise. The brokerage sees a downside of 9 percent on the stock. Vakrangee were locked in 5 percent lower circuit after it has come under the radar of SEBI after auditor PwC has raised some concerns. Auditing major Price Waterhouse quit audit mandate of technology firm Vakrangee, flagging concerns to the corporate affairs ministry about the books of accounts, mainly related to its bullion and jewellery business, even as the company denied any irregularities. PC Jeweller rose 38 percent as the firm will consider the proposal for a buyback of fully paid-up equity shares on May 10, 2018. Shares of Vijaya Bank ended 2 percent higher after the bank reported a rise of 1.6 percent in net profit at Rs 207.31 crore for March quarter, 2017-18. Meanwhile, Exide Industries touched 52-week high of Rs 268.50 on the bank of strong Q4 numbers. The stock closed 5 percent higher. Reliance Infra ended 6 percent higher as investors cheered the development where its joint venture won Bandra-Versova Sea Link project. Globally, Asian markets ended the day on a mixed note even as investors looked to factor in rise in crude oil prices. The US crude clocked USD 70-mark for the first time since 2014. The benchmark Nikkei 225 ended the day little changed. Meanwhile, European markets were largely flat. Stoxx 600 was up by 0.2 percent. In UK, markets are closed due to a public holiday. In the precious metals space, gold prices went up by 0.54 percent to Rs 31,473 per 10 grams in futures trade today as speculators built up fresh positions, taking positive cues from overseas markets. At the Multi Commodity Exchange, gold for delivery in far-month August rose by Rs 170, or 0.54 percent to Rs 31,473 per 10 grams in business turnover of 18 lots. On similar lines, the yellow metal for delivery in June contracts gained Rs 156, or 0.50 percent to Rs 31,270 per 10 grams in 354 lots. Market Kshitij Anand The Nifty50 which started with a gap on the higher side reclaimed its crucial resistance level of 10,700 on Monday to close near its intraday high making a strong bullish candle on the daily candlestick charts. Formation of a strong bullish candle after three consecutive bearish candles suggests that we could have made an intermediate bottom, but a firm close above 10,780 could put bulls back in driver's seat. Investors who are long in the index should keep a stop below 10600. The Nifty 50 finally negated formation of lower highs and lower lows formation on a daily scale which means buying was witnessed at lower levels. The index which opened at 10,653.15 rose to an intraday high of 10,725.65. It slipped to an intraday low of 10,635.65 to close at 10,715.50, up 97.25 or nearly 1 percent. Bulls appear to have made a strong come back as Nifty50 registered a solid bullish candle after testing the critical support levels of 10,600 in last Fridays session. This up move not only negated bearish formations registered last week but also appears to have resumed fresh leg of the upswing from recent lows of 10,601, Mazhar Mohammad, Chief Strategist Technical Research & Trading Advisory, Chartviewindia.in told Moneycontrol. The current up move is broad-based with wider participation from multiple sectors like autos, FMCG, metals and PSU Banks. The Nifty50 can be expected to clear its immediate hurdle of 10,785 levels and head towards its logical target of 10,928, he said. Interestingly, Bank Nifty registered a fresh breakout which has opened up the possibility of a bigger upswing in this index with initial targets placed in the zone of 26,200 26,300 levels. Mohammad further added that fresh breakout in Bank Nifty should assist the bulls in taking Nifty50 towards much higher levels. Hence, traders are advised to continue with their long positions with a stop below 10600 on a closing basis and look for much bigger targets, he said. India VIX moved up by 2.94 percent at 13.64. On the options front, maximum Put OI is placed at 10,500 followed by 10,600 strikes while maximum Call OI is placed at 11,000 followed by 10,800 strikes. Fresh Put writing was seen at 10,600 and 10,700 strikes while Call unwinding is seen at all immediate strike prices which give room for further up move. Option data suggests an immediate trading range between 10650 to 10850 levels, Chandan Taparia, Derivatives, and Technical Analyst at Motilal Oswal Securities told Moneycontrol. The Nifty50 index negated it lower highs - lower lows formation on the daily scale and formed a Bullish Candle which means buying was witnessed at lower levels, he said. Taparia further added that till it holds above 10,680, it can extend its up move towards 10,780 and then towards 10,800 zones while a hold below 10,680 could drag it towards 10,638 and then towards 10,600 zones. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More The Manipal-TPG consortium Sunday made a revised offer for Fortis Healthcare, valuing the company at Rs 8,358 crore, or Rs 160 per share, and said it will invest Rs 2,100 crore upfront in the healthcare services provider as part of the deal. According to the terms of the latest offer, Manipal Hospitals will merge with Fortis Healthcare, as against the earlier proposal to demerge Fortis hospitals business and merge it with Manipal Hospitals. In addition, the consortium offered to buy the 30.93 percent stake held by private equity firms in SRL Diagnostics at a price that values the Fortis subsidiary at Rs 3,600 crore. Manipal and TPG together will be investing around Rs 3,300 crore in the deal for Fortis Healthcare, of which Rs 2,100 crore will be invested in the company and Rs 1,200 crore will be used to buy private equity investors stake in SRL Diagnostics. The Manipal-TPG revised offer hasnt set any fireworks for Fortis investors in terms of valuation but it tried to simplify the structure and put more money on the table upfront compared to other investors. The bids of other investors, while they appear higher in valuation compared to Manipal-TPG, were complexly structured offering differential valuation and conditions of due diligence. IHH Healthcare offered to invest Rs 650 crore upfront at valuation of Rs 175 per share, the balance Rs 3,350 crore is subject to due diligence, Munjal-Burmans bid proposed to invest Rs 800 crore for Rs 167 per share and balance Rs 1,000 crore via preferential warrants at Rs 176 per share and KKR-backed Radiant Life Care made an offer of Rs 165 per share. In an exclusive interview to Moneycontrol over the phone - Ranjan Pai, Chairman of Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG) that owns Manipal Hospitals said the latest revised bid was made after taking feedback from the investors and expressed confidence about clinching the deal with Fortis. Below are the excerpts of the telephonic interview A. Our valuation in the earlier offer was also around Rs 160 (per share), the biggest change (in the revised bid) is the structure which is more directly into the company. I think this is a structure that investors have always wanted and liked, that's the feedback we got. And from the valuation perspective, it's similar. We have seen the company, we have done the diligence and we think this is fair value for the company. We also know what the other bidders are putting. We think it's a compelling bid. It provides full funding for the company including RHT and we are also taking out the obligation from Fortis which has a put option to buy out private equity shareholders in SRL (diagnostics subsidiary of Fortis). (Put Option refers to an option to sell assets at an agreed price on or before a particular date. If the agreement is not honored it may lead to litigation) A. Our bid Rs 160 per share, and other people said it is Rs 175 and Rs 167. But IHH (Healthcare) bid of Rs 175 is not fully binding bid, it's only for Rs 650 crore, the balance Rs 3,350 crore is subject to due diligence - so we don't know where that number will end up after diligence. The Munjals (and Burmans) bid said they will be putting Rs 800 crore for Rs 167 per share and - the balance Rs 1,000 crore via warrants at Rs 176 per share. So warrants can go on depending on what's the time value of money. So everybody in the same ballpark from a price wise. Honestly, it's not about one or two rupees or five or six rupees. The investors now have to think who can create the best long-term value. The synergy potential (of a deal between Manipal and Fortis) is around Rs 200 crore in the next two years, or Rs 40 per share of value for Fortis shareholders in addition to the Rs 160 per share offered. A. I continue to remain confident. I think investors will see the rationale for our bid. I think they also see the rationale for putting these two companies together. In an industry that's facing a lot of headwinds, it's time to put the consolidation in the wheel. This is the right time. More importantly for Fortis - we are not just investor but we are promoters. So I think - this deal that we are proposing ticks all the boxes. It provides liquidity, it provides full funding, and it provides a promoter to guide the company through next several years. We are not delineating any assets, we are keeping SRL with ourselves. I think from medium to the longterm perspective we can pick up the bellwether for the healthcare industry. We both are putting in a similar amount of money into the company. We are putting half (of Rs 3,300 crore) and TPG is putting (the rest). We have a combination of internal accruals and debt. The DSP Group Monday announced that they will buy out BlackRocks 40 percent stake in DSP BlackRock Investment Managers. The firm will be called DSP Investment Managers and DSP Mutual Fund, subject to regulatory approvals. Moneycontrol had exclusively reported ahead of the formal announcement that BlackRock, the US-based investment management firm is in the final stage of talks with DSP to exit the mutual fund joint venture--DSP BlackRock Investment Managers--and the announcement is likely to be made shortly. "As of today, the DSP Group holds a controlling stake in DSP BlackRock Investment Managers and owns 60%. I am very proud to announce that after all necessary regulatory approvals, DSP group will increase its stake to 100%. Thereafter, we will be renamed as "DSP Investment Managers," said Hemendra Kothari, Chairman, DSP BlackRock Investment Managers in a note sent to investors. DSP BlackRock Investment Managers is a 40:60 joint venture between BlackRock and DSP Group. As of March 31, 2018, DSP BlackRock Investment Managers managed assets worth Rs 86,325 crore, with a 50:50 mix of equity and debt. The fund house did not disclose any valuations but generally, most acquisitions in the mutual fund industry happen at 5-7 percent of equity assets under management of the asset management company being taken over. The DSP Group is headed by veteran investment banker Hemendra Kothari who started his career with family firm D.S. Purbhoodas & Co before founding financial services firm DSP Financial Consultants in 1975. DSP partnered with Merrill Lynch in 1995, and subsequently sold his entire 57 percent stake in tranches between 2005 and 2009. After parting ways with Merrill Lynch, he partnered with BlackRock US for a mutual fund venture. In the last 10 years, several foreign players have exited the Indian mutual fund industry. In the last few years, Daiwa, Deutsche, Morgan Stanley, ING, PineBridge, Nomura, Fidelity, AIG, Zurich, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, and KBC have exit Indian asset management industry. There are 43 mutual fund houses in India, which manage AUM of Rs 22 lakh crore, but the top ten control more than 80 percent of the assets. The smaller players, including global majors, have been sustaining losses in recent years, forcing many of them to exit the industry. According to industry experts, stringent guidelines by Indian regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India is also making it tougher for asset managers to charge high fees. A few years ago it banned entry loads, preventing funds from charging a fee to investors buying into schemes. May 07, 2018 / 09:09 PM IST NAFTA talks enter critical week with U.S. pushing hard line Talks to update the NAFTA trade deal enter a make-or-break week on Monday, as senior Canadian, US and Mexican officials seek to resolve an impasse in key areas before elections in Mexico and the United States complicate the process. Discussions in Washington will center on rules of origin governing what percentage of a car needs to be built in the North American Free Trade Agreement region to avoid tariffs, the pact's dispute-resolution mechanism and US demands for a sunset clause that could automatically kill the deal after five years. Q7. According to Warren Buffet he is what he is because of two prominent investment gurus. He says hes 85% Benjamin Graham and 15% ____? Billionaire and all-round world leader in investment, Warren Buffett, the man they call the Oracle of Omaha, and his company Berkshire Hathaway had their annual meeting over the weekend. Buffet and his partner in crime, Berkshire Hathaway Vice Chairman Charlie Munger, addressed questions from shareholders, journalists and analysts at the big do. Munger said about Buffett, He sits around reading most of the time and thinking, and every once in a while he talks on the phone. I cant see any differenceWarren is very good at doing nothing. Munger is the 94 year old investor who loves Coca- Cola. The beverage, not the stock. From colorful mascots to kiosks showcasing product lines to Warren Buffett's witty and insightful speech, this is a unique event that is marked on the calendars of all large investors', corporates' and media houses. It is a celebration of Buffetts success at a conglomerate whose businesses range from insurance to railroad to candies to knives. The Bengaluru residential real estate market has entered a consolidation phase in 2018, after demand headwinds and structural reforms witnessed during 2017. The industry has absorbed the impact of regulatory developments in 2017 including implementation of the Real Estate Regulation and Development Act (RERAD Act) and the Goods and Services Tax which had caused an extended disruption in the market. Despite the immense demand potential on account of the strong commercial office space absorption in recent years in Bengaluru, the residential real estate market had seen a slowdown in sales volumes since 2015, says ICRA. Some of the key favourable trends that have become evident in the market include - relatively stable demand for end-use driven projects in the affordable and mid-income categories, decreased participation of investors who have not seen much capital appreciation in recent years, strengthening of demand preference in the premium segment for completed projects owing to indirect tax savings, a cautious approach to new project launches, subdued demand for projects in the peripheral areas of the city where purchases were more speculative in nature, and consolidation of market share in favour of the large and organised developers, says Shubham Jain, vice president and sector head at ICRA. The ICRA analysis of the operational performance of the listed Bengaluru-based real estate developers also indicates that sales volumes in 2017 have been lower than the preceding year. However, the lower sales volumes in 2017 must also be seen in the context of the reduced project launches and the disruption created by demonetisation, the RERAD Act and the GST implementation. Going forward, ICRA expects demand pressures to continue for some more time, especially in the premium segment. New launches are likely to remain low going forward; moreover, the development of large-scale projects is expected to be phased out and spread over a long time to mitigate risks from creating large supply in one shot. The implementation of the RERAD Act is likely to result in a consolidation within the industry and organised players could gain a higher share of the market as supply from smaller developers gets curtailed. The trend of consolidation is already evident in the performance of many large developers who have been able to demonstrate good growth in sales volumes in 2017 when the overall market has been declining. It is also expected that organised developers will enter into the affordable housing segment in a big way during 2018 to take advantage of the various tax benefits, which will further expand their market position, says Jain. New project launches decline in Bengaluru New project launches have declined significantly over the last three years as demand was subdued and developers focused on clearing inventory from the existing projects. However, the decline in new project launches has helped offset the impact of slowing sales on the inventory levels - the estimated years of unsold inventory have seen a declining trend over the second half of 2017. Karnataka Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) processes over 2,000 project registration applications The implementation of the RERAD Act, though delayed, has been well received by the customers and developers since the Act is likely to enhance the transparency and formalisation of the industry. The Karnataka Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) has processed over 2,000 project registration applications till date, with over 70% of the approved projects located in Bengaluru. The portal of the Karnataka RERA has also been updated to provide all relevant details of approved projects. After the initial surge of applications for registration of ongoing projects, the authority has been approving around 15-20 projects in the recent months. Highest level of office space absorption With respect to the commercial real estate segment, Bengaluru has seen the highest level of absorption of office space across the country. With supply levels falling short of the absorption in each of the years, there has been a gradual reduction in vacancy levels in Grade A properties to around 5% by end 2017. The supply pipeline for the Bangalore market remains strong with an estimated 30 msf of stock under construction, which is expected to get gradually completed over 2018-2021, it says. Aurobindo Pharma Ltd. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Shares of Lupin slipped more than 2 percent in the early trade on Monday as foreign brokerage Credit Suisse seeing over 9 percent fall in the stock on the back of massive volume loss in diabetes franchise in the US. Credit Suisse has maintained its neutral stance on the stock with a target cut to Rs 770 from Rs 850, implying a downside of over 9 percent. It said that there is massive volume loss in diabetes franchise in the US and has cut earnings and target. Further, it highlighted that IMS data shows that high volume loss is seen for the company in Fortamet and Glumetza. It also observed that the current volume decline in Fortamet is yet to factor in Nostrum entry and is a further risk. Going forward, it sees earnings momentum to be weak over the next four quarters. Having said that, the next key event is the re-inspection of Goa and Indore plants. The USFDA is likely to start inspection at company's Nagpur plant from May 7, sources said. At 09:16 hrs Lupin was quoting at Rs 784.55, down Rs 10.15, or 1.28 percent on the BSE. The share price declined over 38 percent in the last one year. US-based value investor Mohnish Pabrai, best known for his investment book The Dhandho Investor, has been on a shopping spree for Indian stocks. Among his latest picks, bought earlier this year, are basmati rice processor KRBL and healthcare services provider HealthCare Global. What makes overseas investors like Pabrai stay bullish on India? In an investor conference we recently attended, the ace investor talked about opportunities in the Indian market, saying it is one of the most fertile markets in the world, and offers opportunities to make multi-fold returns. He explained that India has a lot of small-cap companies, which typically find takers in the private equity space and not among other large investors. Because these companies are small in size, they have a lot of room for growth and could even become potential multi-baggers. An ideal time frame for which to invest in these companies would be 3-5 years. Talking about Pabrais investment mantra, noted value investor Shyam Sekhar says that India offers a lot of individual stories. He is largely investing in the emerging mid-cap particularly not-so-popular companies," he said. Buying cheap Pabrai usually looks at stocks that are trading at a discount to their intrinsic value, thereby offering deep margins of safety. Other things he looks for are whether the company is operating in a space that has room for exponential growth, and the overall quality of its business. Much like the legendary Warren Buffett, with whom he is often compared to, Pabrai also likes to bet on companies that are undergoing a temporary disruption. In 2015, Pabrai acquired a substantial stake in Rain Industries, which was then going through a difficult period and was discarded by most market pundits. He starting buying the stock at around Rs 30-35 a share. The stock was then trading at a miserly price-to-earnings multiple of 1. His math was simple -- when you get a stock at one time its earnings, don't think too much. Before Pabrai picked up the stock, the company reported an annual net profit of Rs 88.5 crore. But the company has since multiplied its profits by nearly 10 times to Rs 800 crore. Pabrais investment too has multiplied 10 times since, but he remains invested in Rain Industries -- which is currently cashing in on the disruption of supply of calcine pet coke from China. If one wants a bargain, Pabrai reckons the best way to get it would be to buy something someone is selling in distress. The distress could pertain to the respective industry or the company's business itself. When most investors were giving the real estate sector a wide berth this time last year, the ace investor picked up a stake in Sunteck Realty, a developer of luxury and ultra-luxury properties, both residential and commercial. At around Rs 120 a share, the stock was available at 7 times its FY17 earnings, but has since gone up nearly fourfold. The company barely has any debt on its books and got through last year's lean phase with its own internal accruals and by selling existing inventory. It is now poised to make an earnings per share of around Rs 30 in FY20, along with a return on equity of 13 percent, which would be a significant improvement from its meager EPS of Rs 1.9 per share in FY16 and a return on equity of around 1.5 percent. For Pabrai, one of the most important criteria for making an investment is that it should be low-risk. He talked about this rationale in his famous book Heads I win; tails, I don't lose much! He likes to have an early mover's advantage by buying stocks at considerably low prices. He has also on multiple occasions quoted Buffetts saying: "Never count on making a good sale. Have the purchase price be so attractive that even a mediocre sale gives good results." Focus on intrinsic value Having spoken about how Pabrai likes cheap but good quality investments, one can't help wondering how do companies like HealthCare Global, a loss-making company with a return on equity of 5.4 percent that is trading at 142 times its FY18 estimated earnings, fit the bill? Pabrai has been accumulating the stock over the last couple of months at Rs 290-300 a share. The investor believes that when buying a stock, one should also think about what the business is today and what it will be 3-5 years from now. HealthCare Global's hospitals make returns on equity of 30-35 percent, with some of its more mature hospitals far exceeding that number. Since the company is still in its growth and investment phase, these inherent advantages have not come to the fore as yet. However, its robust growth, low-cost model, and technical expertise arm it with the necessary tools to rise through the ranks in a growing cancer market. Also, once the operating leverage stemming from the company's 26 established cancer centres starts showing up, its profits could grow manifold. Durable businesses with a strong moat Although Pabrai likes stocks that he could buy cheap, he does not limit himself to that criterion. Some of the best companies he has invested in do operate in high growth areas, but trade at slightly higher valuations or offer thin margins of safety. Be it Kolte Patil Developers or the recently-acquired HealthCare Global, Pabrai has typically picked up companies that are run by a competent management and have simple and durable businesses. The Azim Premji fund-backed HealthCare Global, one of the top cancer specialty chains of hospitals, is run by BS Ajai Kumar, an oncologist with over 30 years of experience in both India and the United States. In March last year, Kolte Patil Developers stock corrected from its peak by around 70 percent and fell to Rs 80 a share. Pabrai picked up the stock because the company was known for its unique business model and for being run by a first-generation entrepreneur who challenged conventional practices in the real estate sector. Another important part of his strategy is buying into industries that are predictable and have a slow rate of change. This explains why he chose to invest in sectors like real estate and healthcare. The strategy holds true even in the case of KRBL, which Pabrai bought in February at around Rs 594 a share. The company is in the business of processing basmati rice and has premium brands like India Gate in its portfolio. The business is simple -- rice is consumed every day daily and consumers eating habits have not changed drastically over the years. But at 30 times its earnings, KRBL was certainly not cheap and in fact, fell after he bought it. "Compared to Pabrais earlier picks like South Indian Bank and J&K Bank where he was probably looking for deep value, his style seems to be tilting more towards growth and quality, says known value investor and screener.in co-founder Ayush Mittal. His recent picks like KRBL, HealthCare Global lack that deep value, they are certainly good growth stories. In India, it seems his experience has been good with the big success in Rain Industries and he seems to have found that golden mean, Mittal adds. The good thing is that he is increasing his allocations to India. His performance would attract more and more global investors and convince them about India story." Stay steadfast yet flexible and learn from mistakes Some of Pabrais initial picks failed due to concerns over the regulatory environment and poor timing. "Initially it might have taken him some time to adjust, but he has successfully developed his own stock picking style. Going forward, he should do well in the Indian market as well," says Sekhar. A key takeaway for investors is Pabrai's exit strategy. He advises value pickers to hold on to the stocks they have bought, even if they fall to below the price at which they were bought. "Do not sell at a loss within 2-3 years unless you can say with a high degree of certainty that the current intrinsic value is less than the current price," Pabrai said. However, he was quick to add that investors should exit their investments should intrinsic value fall below the prevalent price. "Mistakes are the best teachers. One does not learn from success. It is desirable to learn vicariously from other people's failures, but it gets much more firmly seared in when they are your own," the US-based investor said. Cloning ideas One can't help but wonder how Pabrai manages to research some of the under-owned and lesser-known Indian companies sitting in California. The answer to this question is that a part of his investing style involves more cloning than inventing. He prefers to borrow ideas of investors and friends who follow a similar investing philosophy. He also employs a checklist or a set of criteria that every investment idea has to pass through. This helps him a lot in avoiding investment mistakes. Follow @Jitendra1929 For more research articles, visit our Moneycontrol Research Page Q7. According to Warren Buffet he is what he is because of two prominent investment gurus. He says hes 85% Benjamin Graham and 15% ____? Children are by nature curious, or at least, most of them are. But, can a child leave fabled investor Warren Buffett searching for words with a financial question? Well, the answer was evident on Saturday during the Berkshire Hathaways annual meeting. An 8-year-old girl Daphne who hails from New York climbed to the podium and queried Buffett, 87, and his business partner Charlie Munger, 94, over the firms latest investments. She first pointed out that historically Berkshires investments have been in capital efficient businesses like Coke, See's Candies and Geico. But recently the firm had fancied companies with huge capital needs and low rates of return, such as Burlington Northern. Could you please explain why Berkshire's largest recent investments have departed from that old capital efficient philosophy? Daphne asked. Her question left both stalwarts looking for words. "You're killing me Daphne," is what Buffett could manage after a couple of seconds of silence. "Certainly, glad she's not 9-years-old," Munger quipped, to which Buffett said, Yeah, amid a thunderous applause. Buffett followed it up with an explanation. He said, We always prefer businesses that earn terrific returns on capital, like Sees Candy when we bought it or a good many of the businesses. And you know American Express earns a terrific return on equity, and has for a very long time. The fact that we buy BNSF, Burlington Northern, means that essentially we cant get more money deployed in capital-light businesses at prices that make sense to us. And we have gone into more capital-intensive businesses that are good businesses. Sushma Swaraj Seven Indian engineers of an RPG group company working in Afghanistan's northern Baghlan province were abducted today by Taliban gunmen who apparently mistook them for government employees, media reports said. The External Affairs Ministry said in New Delhi it is in touch with authorities in Afghanistan and is ascertaining the details of the incident. The Taliban militants abducted the Indians, working for Maharashtra-based company KEC, and their Afghan driver early this morning in Bagh-e-Shamal area of the provincial capital Pul-e-Khomre, TOLOnews reported, citing officials. According to the Associated Press, the seven Indian nationals were electrical engineers. The company employees were abducted while they were travelling to the area where KEC has a contract to operate an electricity sub-station, the Afghan news channel reported. Baghlan Governor Abdulhai Nemati said the Taliban group took the engineers hostage and moved them to the Dand-e-Shahabuddin area of Pul-e-Khumri city, according to the report. It quoted Nemati as saying that the Afghan authorities spoke with the Taliban via local people and the terror group said it had abducted them, believing they were government employees. No group has, however, claimed responsibility for the abduction. Nemati said they are trying to get the abductees released through tribe elders and mediation. In response to queries, the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said, "We are aware of the abduction of Indian nationals from Baghlan province in Afghanistan. We are in contact with the Afghan authorities and further details are being ascertained." Harsh Goenka, the chairman of the RPG Enterprises, the parent company of KEC, said he has requested External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to help rescue its employees. "Request @SushmaSwaraj and Ministry of External Affairs to help rescue 7 of our managers from the kidnapping in Afghanistan.#KEC," Goenka tweeted. KEC, a global infrastructure engineering, procurement and construction major, is one of the largest Indian companies in Afghanistan. Q16. It is one of the oldest traditional sweet shops in India. It has catered to Mughal emperors, Presidents and Prime Ministers of India. It was founded by Lala Sukh Lal Jain, who had arrived in the walled city of Delhi from Amber. The shop is now run by his descendants. There are a couple of theories about how it got its name. According to one, it was so named by Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar himself, who asked his servants to get sweets from the shop below the bell. What is the name of the shop? (Image: Reuters) Delhi-NCR has emerged as the most preferred office space destination globally for Chinese firms planning to expand their foreign presence, with 516,667 sq ft leased between 2015 and 2017, a report said. Mumbai is the second best Indian city for Chinese firms, garnering about 85,537 sq ft of office leasing between 2015 and 2017, said the study by property consultancy JLL. "Chinese companies have been making their presence felt in Asia and have set up offices in major markets including India. Even though, leasing is still largely driven by the US and EU based companies in India, Chinese companies are fast setting up base to take advantage of the market size and the accelerated growth of the economy," said Ramesh Nair, chief executive officer and country head, JLL India. He further said a diverse market like India provides global corporations both a centre of excellence as well as a promising audience for their products. According to Nair, several Chinese firms have expanded their footprint in India in recent times including Vivo, Oppo, Alibaba, ZTE, Huawei and Xiaomi. "Telecom major Vivo has taken up space of more than 6 lakh sq ft, while Oppo has occupied about a lakh sq ft, both during 2014-17 in NCR," he said. In Mumbai as well, players like ZTE, Alibaba and Bank of China together have absorbed office space of about 1 lakh sq ft during 2015-17, Nair said. Madrid came a close second to Delhi-NCR as the most preferred office space destination for Chinese companies, followed by Bangkok, Munich and Kuala Lumpur at the third, fourth and fifth spots, as per the report. Nepal's Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali and Indian envoy to the country Manjeev Singh Puri today visited Janakpur to take stock of arrangements for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the historic and religious city on May 11. Gyawali was accompanied by Puri in the flight to Janakpur in a Nepali Army helicopter gifted by India. "Foreign Minister of Nepal Mr. Pradeep Gyawali flying to Janakpur today with Ambassador Puri to take stock of arrangements for PM Modi's visit in Hindustan Aeronautics' Advanced Light Helicopter. The ALH was gifted to Nepal Army by Prime Minister Modi in 2014," Indian Embassy in Kathmandu tweeted. Modi will begin his two-day Nepal visit from the historic and religious city of Janakpur. Modi is visiting Nepal at the invitation of Prime Minister of Nepal K P Sharma Oli. This will be Modi's third visit to Nepal and the first high-level visit from India since the formation of the new Government in Nepal. During the visit, he will hold talks with his counterpart Oli, call on the President and Vice President of Nepal, and interact with senior leaders of various political parties of Nepal. He will also be visiting the historic city of Muktinath. The visit is the part regular high-level exchanges between India and Nepal, and will enable leaders to discuss matters of mutual interest and strengthen cooperation in all areas of age-old, multi-faceted and expanding partnership between the two countries, the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi said in a statement. Fissure 7 in Pahoa: At the peak of its activity, large bubble bursts occurred at one spot, lower left, in the fissure while spattering was present in other portions. The number of homes destroyed by lava shooting out of openings in the ground created by Hawaii's Kilauea volcano climbed to nine on Sunday, as some of the more than 1,700 people who evacuated prepared for the possibility they may not return for quite some time. (AP/PTI) Former chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today appealed to the Centre to find a "middle path" for ending the cycle of violence in the Valley which was consuming the lives of poor youth and security forces. Five Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists including a top commander and a university professor were killed in an encounter in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir today. Five civilians died during clashes between protesters and law enforcing agencies near the encounter site. "The tragedy in which five civilians were killed yesterday is very painful. I appeal to Government of the country (Centre) to find a way for ending this bloodshed," she told reporters at the reopening of Civil Secretariat here as part of the traditional Darbar move practice. She also appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the parents, to value life. "Allah has given us life to live it well, not to embrace death at 18 or 19 years of age," she said. Mehbooba said a way out has to be found to end this cycle of violence which is consuming young lives in the state. "The stones and guns are in the hands of poor (youth). We have to find a middle path to ensure that these boys do not get killed and our army men and policemen also do not get killed," she said. In a statement yesterday, the chief minister had said "It sounds very depressing to note that our State is losing young lives to the unending cycle of violence who could otherwise be utilized for a positive contribution to the State". The chief minister said political issues need political intervention. I have reiterated it time and again that political issues need political interventions. I appeal youth that their energies, youthfulness, dreams and aspirations are far more important and sacred to the society than their dead bodies or graves, she said. The chief minister also appealed all sections of civil society, media, students, parents and other stakeholders to rise to this critical occasion, play their role and help in putting an end to this cycle of bloodshed in the state. Mehbooba reiterated her stand that issues in Jammu and Kashmir can be resolved only through a sustained dialogue between all stakeholders. The three decades' long violence in the state is a testimony to the fact that guns from either side cannot ensure peace, but a compassion driven reconciliation process based on mutual respect surely can. In this regard, I appeal the national leadership of the country to show the element of compassion and empathy as required by the present day situation here and display the statesmanship to get J-K out of the quagmire of killings by engaging in a meaningful dialogue in the State. The sooner it happens, the more we can get our state out of the vicious cycle of killings and destruction, she said. Keeping up the heat on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over his alleged links with a company running a Ponzi scheme, BJP today sought to know his connection with its head Vijay Eswaran, who was under serious scrutiny of the UPA government. Union Minister for communications and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad sought to know why Siddaramaiah feted a person who, despite being investigated by the UPA government, came to Karnataka and initiated ponzi schemes. He sought to know from the chief minister who Vijay Eswaran was and how he had feted him in China. "...a person against whom the Serious Fraud Investigation office had investigatedunder Manmohan Singh, not only feted by you in China, but atyour instance comes to Karnataka to invest and initiates ponzischemes," he said. Raising the issue yesterday, BJP had accused Siddaramaiah of 'aiding, abetting, protecting and promoting' the cheating of private investors in the alleged Ponzi scheme. The BJP had also sought to know whether Siddaramaiah received the costly Hublot watch for 'facilitating' the company, QI Group of Companies, headed by Vijay Eswaran, to operate in the state. Embroiled in a controversy over the diamond-studded Hublot watch in March 2016, Siddaramaiah had handed it over to the Assembly speaker, asking him to make it a state asset. Training his guns on Congress president RahulGandhi, Prasad sought to know his party's stand on tripletalaq. He said Gandhi has been asking many questions andraising issues like women's empowerment. Hence, he said he wantsCongress' stand on triple talaq. "What is your party's stand on triple talaq?This question is important because the bill has been passed in theLok Sabha and is now in Rajya Sabha, where the Congress is ensuring that the law is not passed or debate doesn'tstart," said Prasad. The union minister claimed that triple talaq has nothing to do with religion at all since it is concerned with gender justice, gender dignity and gender equality. He added that triple talaq has been regulated in 21 countries and was a crime in many others, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Tunisia and Morocco. India being a secular country, gender justice was a fundamental right, he said. Prasad alleged that the Congress government has failed toprovide the infrastructure the IT hub of Bengaluru is entitled for. He assured that all promises mentioned in the BJP manifesto would be implemented in toto if the party wasvoted to power. Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of trying to "polarise" the society in the Karnataka Assembly elections, his predecessor Manmohan Singh said today it was "shocking" that he was "stooping so low" and using language that was unbecoming of a prime minister. He also launched a scathing attack on the Modi government for its "disastrous policies" and "economic mismanagement", Singh said. Singh castigated Modi for personalised attacks and said no prime minister had used the office to "say things about his opponents that Mr Modi has been doing day in and day out....It is not good for the country". Whenasked about the campaign for the May 12 Assembly polls in Karnataka, he said, "I am really sorry the way the state's population is sought to be....what can I say, polarised. This is not good for Karnataka. It's not good for the country as a whole. "It is all the more shocking that the Prime Minister of India stoops so low and uses language which is unbecoming of a PM, particularly when he's in a state where elections are taking place," Singh told reporters here. "No prime minister has used these election times to say things in a manner that Modi is trying to.I sincerely hope he will now learn the lesson and not seek to polarise our society, the way he is doing day in and day out," he said. He said the outcome of the Karnataka polls would have animpact on national politics as it was one of the most prosperous states in the country. Singh attacked the government over a series of banking frauds, saying the money swindled almost quadrupled from Rs 28,416 crore in September 2013 to Rs 1.11 lakh crore in September 2017. "Perpetrators of these frauds, meanwhile, escape with impunity. The economic mismanagement of the Modi government, and I say this with great care and responsibility, is slowly eroding the trust of the general public in the banking sector," he said. "Our nation today is experiencing difficult times. Our farmers are facing an acute crisis, our aspirational youth are not finding opportunities, and the economy is growing below its potential," Singh said. He said the "unfortunate truth" was that each of these crises was "entirely avoidable". "It pains me to see how rather than standing up to all these challenges, the government's response has been to stifle dissent when deficiencies are pointed out," he said. Noting that economic policy has a significant impact on the lives of people, he said it was essential that those tasked with decision making pay careful attention to policies and programmes and not act on mere whims and fancies. "India is a complex and diverse country and no one person can be the repository of all wisdom," he said in an apparent dig at Modi. He said every time an answer was sought for any of the "disastrous policies" of the BJP government, "all we hear is that the intentions are virtuous". Singh said the intentions of the Modi government which it claimed were good, had resulted in "massive" losses for the country. "Its lack of reasoning and analysis is costing India and our collective future." Reponding to a question, Singh said there were many reasons why the economy was "off the rail". He said investment under the UPA government had gone up to 34-35 per cent of the GDP but it was a "casualty" under the Modi dispensation. If investment does not grow, there cannot be sustainable growth, he said, adding employment generation would also suffer. Inadequate investment, he said, was the "single biggest weak point" in the management of the economy under Modi. Singh alleged attempts were made to change data about growth rate. The Modi government, he alleged, was making deliberate efforts to paint a "rosy" picture of the economy that was not backed by hard facts. Talkinng about Non-Performing Assets (NPA)s of public sector banks, he said it was easy to blame everything on the UPA or the 70 years of Congress rule. He said the "phenomenal" growth in NPAs after 2013 was a "telling picture" of the truth. About absconding diamantaire Nirav Modi, Singh said, "It was obvious in 2015 and 2016 that something is going wrong with the affairs. And yet the Modi government didn't do anything. If any blame needs to be passed, it has to be on the government of the day." "In fact, the prime minister was in Davos in the company of Nirav Modi. Only a few days later, he ran away. That itself is a reflection of the sad state of affairs." When asked about RBI facing criticism, Singh, a former governor of the central bank, said," It is unfortunately being talked about openly now that RBI cannot be trusted to even count returned notes. That has never happened before." The former prime minister said he hoped that RBI management would give credible answers to those questions. Claiming that income tax raids had become the "daily routine" of the Modi government, he said the business community was unhappyabout the raids that were conducted "without provocation, rhyme or reason", adversely affectingthe climate for investment. Former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Modi government for its "disastrous policies" and "economic mismanagement", and said the country was facing crises that were avoidable. Singh attacked the government over a series of banking sector frauds, saying the money swindled almost quadrupled from Rs 28,416 crore in September 2013 to Rs 1.11 lakh crore in September 2017. "Perpetrators of these frauds meanwhile escape with impunity. The economic mismanagement of the Modi government and I say this with great care and responsibility, is slowly eroding the trust of the general public in the banking sector," he said. "Our nation today is experiencing difficult times. Our farmers are facing an acute crisis, our aspirational youth are not finding opportunities, and the economy is growing below its potential," Singh told reporters in the city. He said the "unfortunate truth" was that each of these crises was "entirely avoidable". "It pains me to see how rather than standing up to all these challenges, the governments response has been to stifle dissent when deficiencies are pointed out," he said. Noting that economic policy has a significant impact on the lives of people, he said it was essential that those tasked with decision making pay careful attention to policies and programmes and not act on mere whims and fancies. "India is a complex and diverse country and no one person can be the repository of all wisdom," he said in an apparent dig at Modi. He said every time an answer was sought for any of the "disastrous policies" of the BJP government, "all we hear is that the intentions are virtuous". Singh said the intentions of the Modi government which it claimed were good, had resulted in "massive" losses for the country. "Its lack of reasoning and analysis is costing India and our collective future." The former prime minister said under the UPA governments the growth rate averaged 7 percent. It was 8 percent at one point of time despite turbulent global conditions, he said. The NDA government, he said, clocked inferior growth rate despite a favourable international climate and low oil prices. In fact, growth rate under the NDA is lower in spite of the change in the methodology to determine it "which paints a rosier picture than reality", Singh said. According to Singh, two "major avoidable blunders" of the Modi government had been demonetisation and hasty implementation of GST. He said the losses the economy suffered due to these blunders had severely hurt the micro, small and medium enterprises and resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of jobs. Besides, exports as a share of the GDP plunged to a 14 year low at a time when the global economy was reviving and exports of other Asian nations like Vietnam were growing substantially, he said. Singh said petrol and diesel prices were at a "historic high" despite a fall in international crude oil prices because the Modi government had chosen to levy "excessive" excise duty. "Instead of passing on the benefits of low prices to the people, the Modi government has punished the people," he said. Kolar: Congress President Rahul Gandhi rides a bicycle to protest against the fuel price hike at Malur in Kolar district on Monday. PTI Photo (PTI5_7_2018_000081B) Protesting against the high petrol and fuel prices, Congress President Rahul Gandhi today rode a bicycle as he led a march on the issue while campaigning in Karnataka's Kolar district. Later, standing on a bullock cart, he addressed a gathering where he alleged that the BJP-led government wanted to take money from the common man to give it to its "rich friends" and asked it to tell the people why they were not reducing the price of petrol in the country. Gandhi, who resumed his poll campaign for the May 12 assembly polls, took out a protest march in Maluru in Kolar against rising petrol prices by riding a bicycle with other Congress workers walking or running behind him. The world over petrol prices were decreasing, but in India prices were still high, he lamented. "Earlier in international market, the price was USD 140 per barrel, now it is USD 70 per barrel. So lakhs of crores of money is being saved by the government. Where is the money going?" Gandhi asked. "Why are you not saying to people that you don't want to put GST on petrol and diesel? You want to take away money from common man and want to give it to your five or ten industrialist friends," he said before the gathering. "You want to take money from the pockets of those driving scooter, truck, bus and other vehicles in the country and want to give it your rich friends," the Congress leader said. During his three-day visit, Gandhi will be campaigning in Kolar, Bengaluru Rural, Chikkballapura, Tumakuru districts and Bengaluru city. Siddaramaiah Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has filed a Rs 100 crore defamation case against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah, the party itself and its chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa for calling his government seeda rupaiya government and several other charges. Prime Minister Modi has coined a number of names for the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government during his election rallies and said there was ease of doing murders in Karnataka and that it was a 10% government that takes commission to do a job. On Monday, Siddaramaiahs lawyers sent a legal notice filing civil and criminal defamation charges against PM Modi and others, seeking an unconditional public apology, failing which they will have to pay him Rs 100 crore for damages. NITI Aayog and Google have collaborated to work on several initiatives to help build the artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem across the country. The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog, the Indian government's think tank, is working to set up a national programme to conduct research and development in frontier technologies such as AI. It has also been developing Indias national strategy on AI along with the National Data and Analytics Portal to enable wide deployment and use of AI. As part of this partnership, NITI Aayog and the technology giant will jointly work on organising training for relevant government functionaries to introduce them to open source AI tools with the goal of enabling more effective governance. Artificial intelligence is going to disrupt the way business is done and India, in particular, is uniquely poised in utilising AI to innovate for social and inclusive good. India is embracing future technologies such as machine learning and AI to augment its capacity in healthcare, improve outcomes in education, develop innovative governance systems for our citizens and improve overall economic productivity of the nation," said Amitabh Kant, CEO of NITI Aayog. He added that NITI's partnership with Google will unlock massive training initiatives, support startups and encourage AI research through PhD scholarships, all of which contributes to the larger idea of a technologically-empowered New India. They will also award grants and scholarships to researchers, scholars and university faculty conducting cutting edge research in the field of AI and machine learning in India. The two will also jointly organise AI/ML study jams for students and developers based on Googles Machine Learning Crash Course (MLCC) on the fundamentals of machine learning. In addition, they will also incubate Indian AI/ML startups in a programme where they will be mentored by Google to better leverage AI in their respective business models. They will also organise a hackathon focused on using AI/ML and open data sets to solve key challenges within agriculture, education and healthcare in India. Globally, Google has been working with researchers, companies and developers and arming them with tools to solve complex problems with machine learning. These include but are not limited to the open-source machine learning framework TensorFlow, custom-built machine learning chips TPUs, Cloud AI a suite of products to help businesses build their own machine learning powered services. Google also has a set of educational resources about machine learning and AI, including a free online machine learning crash course that anyone can use to learn and practice machine learning concepts. Artificial intelligence has the potential to improve peoples lives in profound ways from helping diagnose diseases and breaking down language barriers to making businesses more efficient. And were just at the beginning of whats possible. We believe that ultimately, AI will help tackle huge challenges like healthcare, environmental protection and other social and developmental problems, while also spur innovation for businesses and developers, said Rajan Anandan, Vice President, India and South East Asia. Muzaffarabad, Pakistan | Although the city is known for being extremely scenic, its daily life is disrupted with violent rallies and processions. Situated on Pakistan's border, the crime rate was highest in 2016, and 56 people were murdered in the city. (Image: Reuters) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Despite attracting millions of tourists each year, Rio de Janeiro's crime rate continues to be one of the highest in the world. Statistics suggest that over 30 people lose their lives in crime-related incidences each week. (Image: Reuters) Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo | Cases of pick-pocketing and mugging are common in the city, committed mainly by homeless children. Local municipalities advise driving with closed windows at all times. Even public transport in the city is considered unsafe. (Image: Reuters) Cape Town, South Africa: Being one of the most beautiful cities in South Africa, Cape Town is plagued with frequent robberies, murders and kidnappings. It has the highest crime rate in the country, due to economic disparities. (Image: Reuters) Ciudad Juarez, Mexico | This city was titled the most violent zone in the world outside declared war zones in 2009. Gang wars, drug cartels and abuse of women is very common. Murder rate in the city is 130 people per 1,00,000. (Image: WikiMedia) Mogadishu, Somalia | Capital city of Somalia, the city has been hampered due to civil war and violence. Cases of murder, armed robbery and kidnappings between Ethiopian and Somali troops are quite high. (Image: Reuters) Baghdad, Iraq | Crime rate in the city skyrocketed after American troops took over the country. Suicide bombings and car bombings are frequent occurrences in the city. Sex trafficking has been rising after the fall of Saddam Husseins regime in 2003. (Image: Reuters) Caracas, Venezuela | The Venezuelan government itself issues advisories to all tourists arriving in Caracas about the high crime rate. Armed street crimes, kidnappings, mugging and robbery are common occurrences here. (Image: Reuters) Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic | While the crime rate is more or less uniform in other parts of the country, it is exceptionally high in the capital. Tourists are the usual victims of criminals in the city. (Image: Reuters) Bombardier Inc.s drive to bolster its cash reserves is getting a lift from the booming real estate market in Canadas biggest city. The aerospace and transportation giant has agreed to sell its Downsview facility in Toronto to Canadas Public Sector Pension Investment Board for about $635 million. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter, increasing cash by more than $550 million after costs, Bombardier said in a statement late last week as it reported earnings. The deal buoys Chief Executive Officer Alain Bellemares goal of fortifying Bombardiers balance sheet, which is saddled with about $9 billion of debt from pricey development programs for the CSeries airliner and the Global 7000 business jet. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is pressing ahead with a goal of legalizing recreational marijuana in Canada within months, as senators push for changes and a delay of as much as a year. The governments pot law is working its way through the Senate, where a trio of lawmaker reports has last week called for changes or a delay. While the government didnt welcome or rule out an extension, theres little sign it will pump the brakes. Trudeau says the push will continue as scheduled, and a spokesman said the health minister looks forward to a final Senate vote June 7. We are going to bring in legalization as weve committed to this summer, on schedule, Trudeau said in Ottawa last week, as quoted by Bloomberg. Make no mistake this is a public health and public safety issue that we committed to in the election campaign. PHH prevailed initially, with the US Appeals Court for the District of Columbia agreeing that the CFPBs structure was unconstitutional. The CFPB, however, appealed that ruling to the full appeals court, and in January it ruled that the agencys structure was constitutionally acceptable. PHH was handed a partial victory, however, with the court invalidating the $109 million fine. PHH could have appealed that ruling to the US Supreme Court. However, a PHH spokesman confirmed to WSJ that the company had decided to let the May 1 deadline pass without filing an appeal. The case had become something of a proxy war in the continuing battle between Democrats and Republicans over regulatory reform. Republicans argued that the agencys director, who could be fired only for cause, was essentially unaccountable to the rest of the government and therefore wielded nearly limitless power. Democrats, meanwhile, argued that the director of the CFPB needed the freedom to operate in the best interests of consumers without being swayed by political winds. DANIEL ROLAND/Stringer Deutsche Bank AG is closing its office in Houston and exiting oil and gas advisory as part of a strategy to pare its U.S. operations, according to an internal memo seen by Bloomberg. The shuttering is the result of Deutsche Bank's decision to reduce its investment banking coverage in the U.S. to seven sectors from eight previously, Mark Fedorcik, co-head of the U.S. investment bank, said in the memo to staff. The bank remains committed to coverage of financial services, technology, healthcare, industrials, consumer goods, gaming and financial sponsors, Fedorcik added in the memo. Shari and Michael Santorelli often hang out with their fellow musicians after a concert. They gather to talk about the nights performance and laugh at went awry but that the audience would never notice. In short, they decompress with their Midland Odessa Symphony and Chorale colleagues. After MOSCs Celebrating our Heroes pops concert on Saturday, any post-concert plans will be special ones for the Santorellis. After more than 30 years, the two are stepping down from their chairs. It is bittersweet, said Michael Santorelli, who is the symphonys co-principal trumpet. There are so many memories you have of past concerts but being a member is a social thing, as well as a professional music gig. There are so many great people there. Shari Santorelli is the principal pianist. It's wonderful and we enjoy our friends, she said. I will miss seeing everyone at those rehearsals and Ill miss going backstage to see everyone. Michael will be wrapping up his 34th season; his wife will be closing her 33rd. Through those years, the two have made quite an impact. For more than 30 years, both Michael and Shari Santorelli have contributed to the enrichment of lives through music as principal members of our orchestra, said Executive Director Jeanette Kolokoff. Their talent and dedication to music and to our organization has been exemplary. They will be greatly missed. IF YOU GO: "Celebrating Our Heroes" by the MOSC. 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center, 1310 N. Farm-to-Market Road 1788. $17-$50. MOSC.org. See More Collapse Michael also is a member of the Lone Star Brass ensemble. He was director of instrumental music at Trinity School from 1999 to 2016, and has served as an adjunct instructor at Midland College and the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. Shari also taught at Trinity School during the years her husband did. She taught at Midland College and was the accompanist at Texas Tech University. In addition, the Santorellis taught private music students. Music is no doubt the biggest part of their lives, but its also the reason for their retirement. It is the physical as well as mental, Shari said. We are in our 60s, and the fact is, as you get older, it takes a lot of work to keep that ball in the air performing and practicing. Im just a little tired, to put it mildly. The couples bucket lists include traveling, spending time with their grandchildren and pursuing other interests. Shari wants to return to drawing and begin writing her memories. There are more years behind us than in front, she said. But yeah, there are things I want to do that have nothing do with music, and I want to do them before my brain fries. But first, there is the Celebrating Our Heroes concert. Michael has two additional performances. He will play at one more ClayDesta Concert with the Lone Star Brass and at the International Trumpet Guild conference in San Antonio at the end of May. That will be one of the biggest performances the Lone Star Brass will play, he said. After that, Ill do the trumpet drop. In honor of the Santorellis, the MOSC opened their chairs for endowment. The funds would go toward recruiting new players and their salaries as well as general operations. Development director Violet Singh began the campaign that is almost completed. The chairs have already been graciously fulfilled, she said. These endowments are about 11 to 13 percent of our funds, and without them, the quality of the MOSC would be much lower. They provide us with a stability and allow us to do more artistically. Both chairs were fulfilled by Karen and Spencer Beal. Its our privilege to honor Mike and Shari Santorelli with endowed chairs for the Midland Odessa Symphony and Chorale, the Beals said in a statement. We appreciate their more than 30-plus years of dedicated service to our communities. We wish them all our best on their future endeavors. Clearly, the Santorellis have made an impression. Trinity School honored them last year with the naming of the Santorelli Band Hall. I think Mike and Shari have won the hearts of so many people without even trying because they exhibit the love of what they do, Singh said. The final concert for both the Santorellis and the MOSC season will honor veterans, active military personnel and first responders. Along with the orchestra, the show will feature the Voices of the Permian Basin Youth Choir and narrator Gene Collins. Local heroes will be acknowledged with their photos displayed on stage during the patriotic pieces. For the Santorellis, its been a good run, but its also time to give the ears a break. After playing and practicing and teaching, our ears are tired, Shari said. Its funny because youve been on this journey all these years, but you dont realize it. Peace and quiet might be in the near future, but music is forever with them. Now we can be supporters, Michael said. But I told the guys when they get together after concerts to give us a call. They even have words for their successors. Shari said its hard work but lots of fun. Gary (Lewis), our maestro, is wonderful, and working with him and the other musicians has been a blast, she said. Michael agreed and then said, Well be listening. Honorariums and endowment contributions are welcome for other chairs. To learn more, contact the MOSC or visit the website. Five months serving as host to the UP Regional Office of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Michigan Tech and region recognized by state. The week of April 29 was National Small Business Week. Posted to Google's search page all week was a small message asking users to "Share your love for a favorite small business" by writing a review or adding ratings of places on Google Maps. Google also promoted the hashtag #SmallThanks, though most users opted for the more obvious #SmallBusinessWeek to shout out to their favorite local businesses. For Michigan Technological University's Office of Innovation and Commercialization (I&C), it's small business week every week, especially since January 1, 2018, when Michigan Tech took over as host of the UP Regional Office of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Jim Baker, executive director of IIE, says, "IIE has been involved in small business engagement forever. Weve been involved in the regional SBDC office in one way or another for 15 years." The Michigan SBDC is funded by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as well as the State of Michigan to provide support for small businesses through business counseling, which identifies and addresses small businesses' needs. The Michigan SBDC covers 11 regions. The UP is its own region. The IIE hosts a staff of five, including Regional Director Laura Marohnic. When asked about the partnership between the Michigan SBDC and Tech, Marohnic said, "It has been a wonderful transfer. Our transition to Michigan Tech has been a very smooth and very easy transition, and thats because of Michigan Tech." In coordination with National Small Business Week, the SBDC hosted their annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business event in Lansing on May 3, 2018. The festivities included an award ceremony. The UP region was recognized for the first time with the U.S. SBA Michigan SBDC Excellence and Innovation Award. Marohnic attributes the award to a number of factors. "It was not just managing the host change, but because of our extremely successful rate. We carry about 25 percent of the state's new business startups, even though the UP has only three percent of the state's population and is so rural. It was really nice to be recognized." Baker hopes the partnership between Michigan Tech and the SBDC will continue to provide opportunities for students in the School of Business and Economics to work with and for regional small businesses. He also sees the partnership as a way to increase awareness among small business owners of the resources Michigan Tech can offer them, such as "licenses to University technology and the transfer of faculty or researcher know-how, which benefits both the company and the University, he says. For more information, visit mtu.edu/research/administration/iie 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. Illinois Colleges biology department continues to make a worldwide impact in orchid conservation, and it now has an internationally famous partner in the mission. IC is collaborating with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center to research and conserve the native orchids of Palau, an island about 500 miles southeast of the Philippines. We were asked by the Smithsonian to study the fungi that the orchids need in Palau because we already had a [U.S. Department of Agriculture]-certified noxious pests quarantine facility from our previous work with Madagascar orchids, said IC biology professor Lawrence Zettler, who directs ICs well-known orchid recovery program. Zettler said the Palau project is in the second year of a projected three-year study. During the past year, Smithsonian research scientist Benjamin J. Crain led an orchid research team to Palau, where they collected orchid roots from about two dozen orchid species out of more than 90 species on the island. The orchids of Palau remain largely unstudied, and many of them are appealing and could potentially be grown for horticulture, Zettler said. There are potential new medicines that could be produced from the orchid fungi we extract from the Palau samples. Crain explained why Palau orchids were chosen for the research project. We were initially approached by the U.S. Forest Service to conduct the work in Palau because a new Smithsonian ForestGEO plot, which the Forest Services Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry manages, was being established there, Crain said. The reasons behind this are that Palau contains some of the most intact tropical forests in all of Micronesia. Within these forests is a disproportionately large diversity of orchids (consider that Guam has about 30 species and Hawaii has only 3), many of which are rare and endemic, he said. At the same time, these forests are facing threats ranging from climate change to unnatural/uncontrolled forest fires. Thus, there is an interest in Palau not only from an ecological perspective (it is a unique tropical archipelago whose flora are influenced by Asia as well as New Guinea and Australia) but from a conservation perspective. Zettler said orchids are considered to be the most vulnerable of all plants on earth. Orchids are the first plants to disappear in their natural habitat because of their extreme sensitivity to acute environmental changes, Zettler said. They are like the canary in the coal mine. Crain said the Smithsonian decided to partner with IC on the Palau project for two primary reasons: Zettlers orchid expertise and the USDA quarantine facility at IC. Dr. Zettler is a renowned orchid/mycorrhizae expert who is dedicated to ecological approaches to orchid conservation, Crain said. It was a great opportunity to collaborate with and learn from one of the foremost experts in the field. The infrastructure (the quarantine facility) at IC is ideal (and required in fact) for working with fungi from international sources and thus it offered us a great opportunity to conduct the research we are doing. Crain visited ICs quarantine facility in October and April, where he worked with IC students on orchid fungi samples that he had collected on Palau. I appreciated the fact that Dr. Crain treated me like an equal co-worker in the lab, said Audrey Earle, an IC sophomore biology and psychology major from Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Hes great to work with. Since working in the biology labs, it has changed my outlook on my future career in the medical field. I enjoy lab research, and Im certain that I want to do that in my career. Earle and nine other IC students are involved in the Palau orchid conservation project. It was a learning experience for both me and Dr. Crain because we learned his fungal extraction techniques and he learned ours, added Hannah Baker, an IC freshman biology major from Webb City, Missouri. This has been the biggest educational opportunity for me in my life. It has opened so many doors for me. Crain has been pleased to work with the IC students. I couldnt be happier with the students from IC, he said. They showed a level of commitment and dedication beyond what I have seen from many students in the past, including at some much larger universities. Their enthusiasm for the work is clearly expressed and the quality of work that results from this is directly correlated. We are very grateful for their contributions because it really takes all hands to carry out an interdisciplinary project of this magnitude. Zettler said he enjoys seeing how science can change lives and help orchids at the same time. The heart and soul and enjoyment of the Palau project are to have our students learn cutting-edge science techniques to further their science careers and at the same time conserve the worlds rare orchids, he said. We have had over 100 students in ICs orchid recovery program in the past 20 years, and they use the experience as a springboard to learn science by doing science to prepare them for their future careers. Since 1996, ICs orchid recovery program has researched orchids from the Midwest, Florida, Hawaii, Ecuador, Madagascar, Cuba and Palau. Zettler said the next step in the Palau project is to secure funding to enable an IC delegation to go to Palau to collect more orchid samples and to extend the project so that orchid dynamics can be monitored as well. Zettler is being assisted by Hana Thixton, a 2015 IC graduate and a visiting IC biology instructor, and Laura Corey, an associate professor of biology at IC and chair of ICs biology department. They are helping with the molecular identification of Palau fungi. Greg Olson can be reached at 217-245-6121, ext. 1224, or on Twitter @JCNews_Greg. In the late 1840s, life was hard for the Pittsfield printers devil who eventually became a member of President Abraham Lincolns White House staff. John George Nicolay came to Pittsfield in 1848 to work for Z.N. Garbutt, editor of the Pike County Free Press, which was published in a small building on the east side of the towns public square. Nicolay became Garbutts assistant on the Free Press, wrote Pike County historian Jess Thompson. He inked the old Washington handpress and helped operate the lever in printing. He batched in the little print shop, doing his own cooking for the most part and sleeping in the half-story garret above the shop. Nicolay worked at the Free Press newspaper office for eight years, eventually becoming its owner and editor. He became an able and influential editor, and around him in the old Free Press office was wont to gather the ablest of statesmen and literary geniuses of this section, among them Ozias M. Hatch and Alexander Starne, both of whom became Illinois secretaries of state, Thompson wrote. Nicolay sold the Free Press in 1856, and when Hatch took office as secretary of state the following year, Nicolay became Hatchs clerk in Springfield. While in the capital city, Nicolay studied law and was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1859. However, it was his work in Hatchs office that was the most rewarding, for it was there that he came into daily contact with Illinois best-known Republicans. Mr. Lincoln was, of course, a frequent visitor, and when he came was always the center of an animated and interested group, Nicolay once wrote. It was there that I made his acquaintance. The two men developed a friendship that led Lincoln, after he was named the Republican presidential nominee, to make Nicolay his personal secretary. Nicolay was the perfect secretary loyal, quiet, a listener rather than a talker, wrote Lincoln scholar Mark Neely. After Lincolns election, Nicolay asked a Pittsfield friend, John Hay, to help with the increasing volume of mail that the president was receiving. The work was taxing, Neely wrote. With Nicolay, Hay screened visitors, read mail, prepared a daily news summary, and acted as messenger. The two former Pittsfield residents lived in the White House during Lincolns administration. Lincoln respected Nicolays opinions on issues so much that he often consulted him before making decisions. He also sent Nicolay on assignments that went far beyond what most secretaries did. For instance, Lincoln had Nicolay go to both Minnesota and Colorado Territory to help negotiate treaties with Indian tribes. Near the end of the Civil War, Nicolay began thinking of his future and considered a return to journalism. However, in March 1865, he was appointed consul resident in Paris. Nicolay was on a cruise along the East Coast when he learned of Lincolns assassination. He remained in Paris until President Ulysses S. Grant removed him from the position in 1869. Later, he was appointed marshal of the U.S. Supreme Court, a position which allowed him time to conduct research for a book on Lincoln. Beginning in 1875, Nicolay and Hay began the daunting task of writing a monumental biography of Lincoln a project that took them more than a decade to complete. Abraham Lincoln: A History was published in 1890 in 10 large volumes. Nicolay was working on a one-volume condensation of the 10-volume Lincoln biography when he died in 1901. This Way We Were story was first published Feb. 5, 2007. Morocco is unrelenting on its crackdown on the returning foreign fighters who joined the ranks of the Islamic state, Abdelhak Khiam, head of Moroccos counter-terrorism agency (BCIJ), said. We have arrested and brought to justice more than 200 returnees, Khiam said in an interview with AFP. He said the suspects were serving sentences ranging from 10 to 15 years in prison. Legislation passed in 2015 allows police to arrest and interrogate returnees before transferring them to the judiciary, he said. In 2015, an estimated 1 600 Moroccans had joined the ranks of jihadist groups in Iraq and Syria. Some died in suicide operations or were shot by (international anti-ISIS) coalition forces, he said, while others fled to other countries. Touching on the surge of terrorist attacks committed by EU citizens of Moroccan origins, Khiam deplored the problem of religious guidance in European countries noting that terrorism has no nationality. He also pointed out to Moroccos multi-ponged deradicalization strategy, which, besides the security approach, gives utmost importance to religious mentoring. On international cooperation, Khiam highlighted the role played by Moroccos security services in averting multiple attacks in Europe. He also warned of the time bomb in the Sahel region where terrorist groups have found safe haven entering into an alliance with terrorist networks. A Jacksonville woman has been arrested in a series of accidents Nov. 18 in the 500 and 600 blocks of North Clay Avenue. Mercedes T. Murray, 27, of 722 N. Clay Ave. was booked into the Morgan County jail at 7:57 p.m. Sunday on charges that came from two accidents in which police say she intentionally aimed for the vehicles and a third in which authorities say she aimed for a pedestrian crossing the street. It was no small feat that House Republicans stood their ground against a progressive income tax in April. That move with 50 members signing on to a resolution opposing a progressive tax denied House Speaker Mike Madigan the votes needed to push a constitutional amendment on November ballots. The speaker responded in kind, filing a resolution of his own supporting a progressive income tax in Illinois. Thats when taxpayers saw an even bigger win. The same day Madigan filed his resolution, downstate Rep. Jerry Costello, D-Smithton, not only lent his voice to the chorus criticizing a progressive tax, he signed on as chief co-sponsor for a resolution denouncing the idea. Costello stuck his neck out on behalf of his constituents on this issue despite Madigans move. Taxpayers should be heartened that with a little elbow grease, change is possible. Around 30,000 Illinoisans have signed a petition opposing the progressive tax on illinoispolicy.org. That type of grassroots support can be enough for lawmakers to take risks on a tax issue. But some clearly remain unmoved, such as state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg. When confronted at the Statehouse with nearly 1,000 signatures from residents in her district opposing a progressive tax, the lawmaker was unenthused. No change in my public position, she said. Tell your activists they can keep doing this, but I wont participate. Activists is an interesting way to describe constituents. Scrapping Illinois constitutional protection of its flat income tax would remove the most significant safeguard against tax hikes for families and businesses. Making all Illinoisans pay more as state lawmakers did last summer is a tougher sell than tinkering with different rates for segregated income groups. You can also raise taxes on one group now and another group later and wont need to deal with nearly as many angry phone calls and emails. J.B. Pritzker has made a progressive income tax a cornerstone of his campaign. The Democratic gubernatorial candidate has used the device as somewhat of a cure-all, claiming it could pay for things like universal preschool, more funding for higher education, lowering property taxes, paying down the bill backlog and more. Just in time for Pritzkers general election run, the union-backed Center for Tax and Budget Accountability released a report claiming a progressive tax could mean a tax cut for a whopping 98 percent of Illinoisans. And not only that, the progressive tax would also reduce the deficit and spur economic growth. But Springfield history and an economic review of all 50 states flies in the face of these claims. First, some of the same lawmakers promising tax cuts under a progressive tax structure also promised the 2011 tax hikes would be temporary. Yet, three years after their expiration, they were made permanent. Promises are made and broken often at the Statehouse. Progressive tax proponents would have Illinoisans trade their flat-tax protection for a political promise that isnt worth the paper its written on. Second, data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis provides a window into the results of states with a progressive income tax. From 2006-2016, states with a progressive income tax saw their economies grow slower than states without a progressive income tax. They also saw employment grow slower. What about inequality? Many progressive tax advocates cite inequality as a major motivation for reform. Well, states with progressive income taxes see higher inequality, and they have seen inequality grow faster than states without a progressive income tax over the past decade. Is a weaker economy fair? Is weaker jobs growth fair? Is greater inequality fair? Of course not. But a progressive income tax isnt really about fairness. Its just the next idea in a long line of failed policies hoping to pay for spending levels Illinoisans cant afford. Austin Berg is a writer for the Illinois Policy Institute. He wrote this column for the Illinois News Network. He can be reached at aberg@illinoispolicy.org. My best editor was my mother. She operated on the axiom: Its nice to be important, but its more important to be nice. Time after time, shed call me after reading a particularly disagreeable column and let me know what she thought. She didnt like name calling. Shed say, Criticize what people do, but dont criticize them as human beings. Time after time, her quiet wisdom would save me from myself. Eventually, I wised up and let her read my stories and columns before they ran in the newspaper. When I wanted to joke about how homely a particular Illinois politician was, she told me to knock it off. When rumors about a congressmans sexual orientation swirled about, she shrugged and said who cares. And when I wanted to mention how short an Army general was, she said, Dont do it. Mom was about civility. In the age of Donald Trump, such notions seem, well, quaint. Unfortunately, some when they hear Trumps rhetoric view it as a greenlight to be nasty themselves. A good case in point is Michelle Wolfs monologue at the White House Correspondents Association dinner. During her diatribe, she denigrated White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders appearance. If that werent bad enough, she said the presidents daughter, Ivanka Trump, was as helpful to women as an empty box of tampons. Her comments were mean-spirited, personal and not particularly funny. Trump supporters were angry. Well, pot meet kettle. As National Review noted: Donald Trump also really likes to make fun of people. On the campaign trail, he referred to Marco Rubio as Little Marco and Jeb Bush as low-energy Jeb. During a debate, he readily agreed that hed compare Rosie ODonnell to a fat pig, slob, dog, and disgusting animal. He mocked Carly Fiorina, saying Look at that face! Would anyone vote for that? During his presidency, he made fun of Mika Brzezinski, saying he once saw her bleeding badly from a face-lift. If you find yourself angered by Wolfs remarks, step back and ask yourself if Trumps comments offend you? If not, why not? When Trump insults others, his opponents cry, foul! And his supporters say, Hes just joking. When Michelle Wolf denigrates Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Trumpsters growl and liberals say, Cant you take a joke? The problem is a general coarsening of the political dialogue. When one side goes low, the other thinks its a green light to go lower. Its a recipe for continued discord. The White House Correspondents Association made a serious error in hosting Michelle Wolf. By doing so this group, which prides itself as a neutral judge of facts, lowered itself. Its pretty hard to criticize Trumps periodic denigrations when a group you belong to has sponsored the same type of rhetoric. As my mother used to say: Two wrongs dont make a right. Scott Reeder, a veteran statehouse journalist and freelance reporter, produces the podcast Suspect Convictions. Campaign to allow pregnant students stay ... Shiite proselytism led by an Iranian diplomat positioned in Algiers has started annoying some conservative circles in Algeria, reported Arabic-language daily Echourouk, Saturday. Unlike the campaigns launched by opponent Anouar Malek, who is exiled in Belgium, in 2017 and early 2018, cautioning against the influence of the mullahs in his country, this time it is Adda Fellahi, a former friend of the Iranian diplomat and ex-member of the Revolutionary Guard Amir Moussaoui, who has called for his expulsion from Algeria. Echourouk daily, very close to the Algerian power, relayed the call by Adda Fellahi, a former advisor at the Ministry of Religious Affairs in charge of communication, destined to Amir Moussaoui and also to Algerian authorities. Adda Fellahi pointed out that for the sake of Algerias best interests, the cultural counsellor of the Iranian Embassy should take the initiative and quit his position. His activities and his movements across the national territory and his intense contacts with civil society activists, which he exposes in a blatant way on social networks, are a cause of concern and raise sensitive and embarrassing questions including for security services, Adda Fellahi wrote in his call. Controversial remarks by the Iranian diplomat had stirred anger among Algerians and Hashtags in 2017 and in January 2018 called for his expulsion. Yet, although Adda Fellahi called his Iranian friend to go spend Ramadan in Tehran and urged for his replacement by a cultural attache who deals solely with culture, tension with Morocco could delay such a move. Actually, Algerians would not expel the Iranian diplomat while Morocco has just broken its diplomatic ties with Iran. Analysts explain that an eviction of the Iranian diplomat right now would give credit to the charges leveled last week by Morocco against Iran for its interference and its military support, through its Hezbollah proxy, for the Algeria-backed Polisario. A rough three-candidate GOP Senate primary in Indiana is one of several Trump-o-centric contests on May 8. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call,Inc. On May 8, the primary season of the 2018 midterm elections gets into full swing with nominating contests (and one special congressional election) in four states. Donald J. Trump is the dominant figure in many races, particularly the many Republican contests in which fidelity to the 45th president is the main issue, but also in the smaller batch of Democratic primaries where resistance strategies are explicitly or implicitly being compared. Despite the broad array of contests, it could be a relatively early election night: polls close at 6 p.m. ET (with a handful of counties closing at 6 CT) in Indiana, and at 7:30 ET in North Carolina, Ohio, and West Virginia. All four states allow independent voters to participate in either partys primary. Indiana and Ohio allow Election Day changes in party affiliation. Indiana: Whos the Trumpiest of them all? Indiana is one of two states holding May 8 primaries where Republicans are having a dangerously fractious fight to choose challengers to vulnerable Democratic U.S. senators. And in both cases, a murder-suicide scenario could well deliver the GOP nomination to an outsider. Two conservative congressmen, Luke Messer and Todd Rokita, who have been perpetual rivals since college, have been going after each other with clawhammers from the beginning of the race, which has allowed wealthy former state legislator Mike Braun emerge as the favorite (though an absence of public polling makes that characterization speculative). To the extent there is any issue in the primary beyond personal animus, its been an intense competition about which candidate would most slavishly support Donald Trump, who has remained scrupulously neutral. Rokita bids fair to become the most abjectly submissive toady of the president in the entire country (he has actually campaigned with a cardboard cutout of the president), though he got into trouble for yard signs implying that the president and vice-president actually supported him. Braun, who has outspent is rivals by a healthy margin ($4.5 million compared to $2.9 million for Messer and $2.8 million for Rokita, as of mid-April), has been attacked by both of them for his past Democratic affiliation. Messer put in his own smart Trump-toady bid recently by initiating a congressional nomination of the president for a Nobel Peace Prize. Donnelly is running unopposed for the Democratic Senate nomination. But his old House district in north-central Indiana is getting some attention as three Democrats vie for the chance to take on Republican incumbent Jackie Walorski in a contest that the Cook Political Report has rated as Likely R (just outside the competitive range). Mell Hall is running on a classic Hoosier Democratic pragmatic platform, while rivals Yatish Joshi (who appears to be the strongest rival) and Pat Hackett are running as loud-and-proud progressives. Theres one noncompetitive House primary in Indiana that will get some attention: Luke Messers Sixth Congressional District, from which the vice-presidents older brother, Greg Pence, may be heading to Washington thanks to that heavily Republican jurisdiction, which Mike Pence used to represent. Early voting could be a factor in close races in Indiana, although the Republican-controlled state government has limited opportunities for in-person early voting in recent years. North Carolina: setting up some close November House contests There are no statewide races on the ballot this year in the Tar Heel State, which has become a highly competitive battleground at every level in recent years. That means turnout in the primaries and in the general election could be quite low, placing a premium on organization. Democrats think they have a chance to flip three Republican-held congressional districts in the state, and the primaries may affect their chances of doing that. The best-known contest is on the Republican side, in the Charlotte-suburbs Ninth Congressional District, where three-term incumbent Representative Robert Pittenger is facing a rematch against fiery Christian right minister and politician Mark Harris, who very nearly defeated him in 2016 in a three-way race dominated by a federal investigation of Pittengers campaign finance record (the investigation ended last year without charges being filed). The primary could soften up Pittenger for a challenge from likely Democratic nominee Dan McCready, a Marine veteran who has been compared a lot to Pennsylvania Conor Lamb. And if Harris wins, its definitely game on. The district has a Cook Political Report partisan voting index of R+8, but Cook rates this race as competitive (Leans R). In the 13th District, based on suburbs north of Charlotte and south of Greensboro, a relatively weak Republican incumbent, freshman (and gun store owner) Ted Budd, could get a real challenge if philanthropist Kathy Manning wins the Democratic primary. She has outraised the incumbent by a large margin; this race, too, is rated as Lean R by Cook. Ohio: Democrats Try to Turn a Suddenly Red State Back to Purple After being the quintessential battleground state for the first years of the 21st century, Ohio lurched into red territory in 2016 with Trumps eight-point victory there. At this point, populist progressive Democratic senator Sherrod Brown is favored to hang onto his seat against the very likely Republican nominee, U.S. Representative Jim Renacci, who is expected to beat self-funder Mike Gibbons, particularly after Renacci got an endorsement and shout-out from Donald Trump during a weekend trip to Ohio. But there are competitive primaries in both parties for the contest to choose a successor to term-limited GOP governor John Kasich. State Attorney General and former U.S. senator Mike DeWine has long been the favorite for the Republican nomination. But the campaign of his opponent, Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor, is a good indication of the drift to the right of the GOP in Ohio and nationally. Kasichs handpicked running mate in 2010 and 2014, Taylor is now running as a shrill pro-Trump conservative. DeWine has led comfortably in every public poll, but Taylor has been relatively competitive financially. An upset is possible, if not likely. The Democratic gubernatorial primary has gotten more attention, thanks to the celebrity status of the top two candidates: former Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Richard Cordray (backed by his Washington patron, Elizabeth Warren) and the indefatigable lefty icon Dennis Kucinich (endorsed by the Sandernista Our Revolution organization, which is headed up by Ohioan Nina Turner). Cordray has gotten some heat from the left for past support for gun rights, while Kucinichs post-2016 Fox News appearances, occasional kind words for Trump, and manifest sympathy for Syrian tyrant Bashar al-Assad have earned him some partisan grief. There are two other candidates in the race, but Cordray has held a solid lead in most of the scattered public polls, with Kucinich running second and counting on strong turnout from his northeast Ohio base. Cordrays the definite favorite, but an upset and with it, even longer odds of a Democratic win in November is possible. The marquee House primary in Ohio is a special election primary in the 12th Congressional District centered in the Columbus suburbs. Incumbent Republican congressman Pat Tiberi resigned to take a business association gig; the May 8 winners will face each other in an August 7 general election (the same candidates, by the way, are competing on the same day for the regular 2018 nominations, creating the remote chance of different results in the same district). Its a seat that has been held by Republicans virtually forever, but its Cook Political Report Partisan Voting Index rating is just R+7, definitely within the zone of Democratic upset possibilities in special elections since Trump took office. Democrats seem to have consolidated behind Franklin County (Columbus) Danny OConnor. But there is a scorching primary fight in a multi-candidate GOP field, with the main contenders being Establishment conservative and state senator Troy Balderson facing yet another Trump-0-centric right-winger, Melanie Leneghan. The PAC set up by the moderate Republican Main Street Partnership is spending an impressive amount of money on Baldersons behalf, in part to counter attack ads from the Club for Growth, while Leneghan is being backed by the action fund of the House Freedom Caucus. This primary will serve as another barometer for how far right GOP primary voters want their party to move. Cook rates the special general election in August as a tossup at this point. West Virginia: Another Alabama in the Making? West Virginias GOP Senate primary resembles Indianas in many respects. Two fairly traditional conservative Republicans (U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins and Attorney General Pat Morrisey) have spent most of the cycle attacking each other as insufficiently loyal to Trump, allowing a wealthy outsider to creep into contention. But that outsider, ex-mine owner and ex-convict Don Blankenship, is not much like Indianas Mike Braun; hes more like Alabamas Roy Moore, an extremely well-known and controversial figure who is trying to run as the most conservative and Trumpiest candidate in the field. Blankenship, who is on a crusade to vindicate himself from the charge (which led to his imprisonment for a year) of being responsible for the deaths of 29 miners in one of his facilities in 2010, has spent freely to blast a supposed Democratic conspiracy (involving President Obama and West Virginias own Democratic senator Joe Manchin) against his states coal industry and his own self, side-swiping his primary opponents as typical politicians. More recently hes gotten into an increasingly wild fight with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (Roy Moores nemesis as well) who is probably responsible indirectly for an infusion of outside money to run anti-Blankenship ads. Blankenships laconic and racist responses are already legendary: With reports from private polling indicating a late Blankenship surge in the primary, Donald Trump was finally convinced to make a last-minute intervention: To the great people of West Virginia we have, together, a really great chance to keep making a big difference. Problem is, Don Blankenship, currently running for Senate, cant win the General Election in your State...No way! Remember Alabama. Vote Rep. Jenkins or A.G. Morrisey! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 7, 2018 Its possible early voting (just under a fourth of total 2016 general election ballots in the state were cast early) could be an unusually large factor in West Virginia this time around, if only because early voters missed the wild finish to the campaign, including Trumps intervention. But if Blankenship wins, its probably good news for Joe Manchin, but also a very dangerous precedent for how to go about winning Republican primaries in the Trump era. President Donald Trump View Photos President Trump declared this week National Charter Schools Week and was Mondays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here are his words: The first public charter school opened its doors in Saint Paul, Minnesota, 26 years ago. Wanting to offer families more high-quality education options, it was founded to promote accountability and innovation, and to advance academic achievement. Now, 44 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have passed laws authorizing the creation of charter schools, which are responsible for educating millions of students nationwide. During National Charter Schools Week, we celebrate the more than 7,000 charter schools across our country, their teachers and administrators, and the students they serve. My Administration has prioritized support for charter schools so that more students have access to this valuable academic option. In my fiscal year 2019 budget request, I called on the Congress to increase funding for the Federal Charter Schools Program to $500 million. This program strengthens State and local efforts to create and expand charter schools to help meet the growing demand for this educational option and increase charter schools access to high-quality facilities. Each child is blessed with unique talents and learns in different ways. Charter schools enhance educational options for families and empower teachers to explore innovative programs, alternative curricula, and creative approaches to education to ensure that they meet their students individual needs. Charter schools provide educators the flexibility to equip students with knowledge and skills that give them the opportunity to achieve their academic goals and pursue successful careers. This week, we acknowledge the critical role charter schools play in providing students with rigorous education that holds them to high standards. A great education is the foundation for a better future for students facing the demands and challenges of the 21st century. As a Nation, we should continue to support and address their dreams in their innovative efforts to help students reach their full potential. NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 6 through May 12, 2018, as National Charter Schools Week. I commend our Nations successful public charter schools, teachers, and administrators, and I call on States and communities to help students and empower parents and families by supporting high-quality charter schools as an important school choice option. Sonora, CA The Sonora Police Department arrested a woman who allegedly threatened employees at a downtown bank, and then later attacked an officer. Sonora Police Department Spokesperson, Sgt. Glen Roberts, reports the threats were made at the Bank of America on Friday afternoon at 4:42pm. 41-year-old Corrine L. Benavidez of Ceres was later located by officers outside the Sonora Opera Hall. She allegedly became aggressive toward an officer and clenched her fist. She was forced to the ground and continued to fight with officers until they were able to subdue her. One of the officers was kicked several times, but not injured. After being taken to Tuolumne County Jail, methamphetamine was found in her possession. Benavidez was booked on charges of battery on a peace officer, resisting arrest and bringing contraband into the jail. No charges are being sought at this time regarding Benavidezs actions in the bank. WASHINGTON - President Dona ld Trump has until May 12 to choose whether to scrap the Iran nuclear deal and reimpose sanctions, but the uncertainty over his decision is already roiling the Iranian economy and international oil markets. Since December, Iran's currency has lost one-third of its value. Foreign investors, who have been jittery ever since Trump took office, have delivered only a fraction of their commitments. And while the Iranian economy has generated 600,000 jobs a year since the nuclear deal took effect in 2016, unemployment isrunning at an all-time high. "There is a sense of panic among Iranians about what the future holds. Trump has absolutely exacerbated a sense of financial insecurity," said Suzanne Maloney, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. The rising price of uncertainty has rippled through international crude oil markets as well. The price of West Texas Intermediate crude topped $70 a barrel Monday for the first time since 2014 amid fears that renewed U.S. sanctions would require international companies to buy less Iranian oil or face stiff penalties. Oil experts estimate that renewed sanctions could take about 350,000 to 500,000 barrels a day of Iranian crude off world markets within months, a modest but meaningful amount. And more could be at risk later, potentially adding $7 a barrel to world prices, a Goldman Sachs report to investors said. Iran exports about 2.6 million barrels a day. Big projects could be threatened too, especially in the oil and gas sectors that suffered from under-investment during the sanctions years. The French oil giant Total last July signed a 20-year deal with the National Iranian Oil Co., starting with a $2 billion project that would include 30 wells, two platforms and two subsea pipelines to boost natural gas production in Iran's South Pars field. The Chinese National Petroleum Corp. is a 30 percent partners. But Total, whose chief executive was one of 15 European CEOs to dine with Trump on Jan. 25 during the Davos conference, has interests in the United States as well and would not want to violate U.S. law. Under the terms of the Joint Comprehensive Plan for Action reached July 2015, Iran agreed to intrusive inspections and limitations on its nuclear program. In return the United States and its five major partners - Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany -- agreed to remove restrictions on Iranian oil sales, lift certain financial limitations and clear the way for investments by foreign countries. Iranians celebrated noisily in the streets of Tehran after the deal was signed. Iran's oil sales jumped. Its exports of non-agricultural products doubled and its imports of non-agricultural products soared 12-fold. For the United States, the deal meant that the White House would waive restrictions allowing international firms to conduct business - including oil transations - through the Central Bank of Iran. The current waiver expires May 12. If Trump does not issue a new one, his administration would start asking oil traders and companies around the world - including in European countries that support the nuclear deal - to cut purchases, according to Richard Nephew, a senior researcher at Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy. Nephew was a key part of the U.S. team that negotiated the Iran deal. Since new sanctions under Trump would include penalties against any company doing business in the United States, European refiners would likely comply. They account for about a quarter of Iranian exports. Refiners and traders in Asia, however, could end up getting bargains. "I've talked to more than enough companies-they understand what the sanctions environment will look like and what will be asked of them by the U.S. government," Nephew said. "And so they are already looking ahead to see whether or not they need to make reductions. And presumably those that don't intend to comply, they're licking their chops at what kind of discounted oil they may be able to get from Iran." Prior to reaching a deal with Iran, the Obama administration pressed oil companies into making "significant" cuts in purchases, usually about 20 percent, every 180 days. Iran's oil sales were reduced by more than 1 million barrrels a day. The flood of U.S. shale oil that began in 2009 easily offset the loss of Iranian exports. Saudi Arabia, Iran's rival and leading critic of the nuclear deal, also pledged to make up any loss of Iranian production. Crude prices remained low. Now, however, cuts in Iranian exports would have more effect. Political turmoil in Venezuela has lowered oil exports. Global oil demand is rising thanks to faster economic growth. Global inventories of petroleum are lower than they've been for nearly four years. And so far the Saudis, eager to drive inventories down further, have not offered to make up for Iranian crude taken off the market. The reduction in Iranian oil exports would also hurt the Islamic Republic at home. Crude oil and petroleum products make up more than 60 percent of Iranian export revenues and a large proportion of the state budget. Iran has some room to deal with a decision by Trump to undercut the deal. Djavad Salehi-Isfahani, professor of economics at Virginia Tech, said in an email that "it will take a while for sanctions to get as bad as they were in 2013, when Iran's oil exports hit a low." And he said that there is a United Nations process that would take two or three months to unfold, and that European leaders might challenge secondary sanctions on their companies. Moreover, he added, even with a cut in oil exports to 1.5 million barrels a day, oil exports would generate about $40 billion a year in revenues. And Iran has built up cash reserves. The biggest cost of a change in U.S. policy could be political. Trump could end up weakening the hand of the moderate President Hassan Rouhani, who supported the deal. Salehi-Isfahani wrote recently "if Rouhani ever held the key to the door of prosperity, as he was fond of saying in his 2013 presidential campaign, he failed to locate the keyhole in time." If youre in San Antonios cybersecurity cluster, you probably know that Denim Group principal John Dickson is a leader in the space with more than 20 years experience in intrusion detection, network security and application security for the commercial, public and military sectors and that he just sold a minority stake in the company to Indias Wipro for $8.8 million. You probably also know that when hes not presenting at international technology conferences or deciphering darknet threats, hes leading a 21-member committee to improve the San Antonio International Airport. Benchmark prices for U.S. crude oil cracked $70 a barrel Monday, the first time they have climbed that high since 2014, as investors factored in the prospect of President Donald Trump pulling the United States out of an international agreement that eased sanctions on Iran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear program. Trump, who faces a deadline of May 12 to decide whether to withdraw from the Iran deal, has threatened to do so unless Britain, France and Germany agree to make wholesale changes to the agreement. The market is watching nervously, Ann-Louise Hittle, an oil analyst at the market research firm Wood Mackenzie, said of the deadline. The fear among investors is that a U.S. withdrawal from the deal would lead to new sanctions on Iran, the worlds fifth-largest producer of crude oil last year, further curtailing a global supply that is already relatively tight. Analysts estimate that reimposing sanctions on Iran could reduce the countrys oil sales by 300,000 to 600,000 barrels a day, or perhaps as much as 1 million barrels a day. But imposing new sanctions would most likely take time. And if prices stay high, Iran could increase its earnings from oil sales in the short run. Our base case is the rollout of sanctions will be quite slow and messy, said Ben Cahill, an analyst at the market research firm Energy Intelligence. In the very short term, he added, the price run-up could benefit Iran. That threat of a reduction in supply coincides with production cuts by OPEC, which is led by Saudi Arabia, and Russia, one of the worlds largest oil producers, that have helped drain a glut that was depressing prices. Their deal was reached in 2016 and began to take effect last year. OPEC has a spotty track record of carrying out production cuts, but compliance has been strong this time. I think we are where we are because OPEC got their groove back, said Helima Croft, an analyst at RBC Capital Markets. The flow of oil to the global market has been further constricted as a result of the political and economic crisis plaguing Venezuela, another major producer of crude, in recent years. The reduced global supply combined with the solid global economy have helped push oil prices higher since they fell below $30 a barrel in early 2016. The rising tide has lifted the price of the international benchmark, Brent crude, above $76. It is mostly a fundamentals-driven market but the icing on the cake is the worry about Iran, said Michael Lynch, president of Strategic Energy and Economic Research, a consulting firm. A boom in production in the United States has helped offset some of the tightening in supply in recent months. But higher prices elsewhere have prompted U.S. producers to sell on the global market, driving oil exports to record highs and pulling domestic oil prices higher. The price of a gallon of gasoline in the United States has followed suit, with the national average for unleaded regular climbing above $2.80 in recent days. Energy companies seem poised to benefit from the surge. The energy sector led the broader S&P 500 higher Monday, rising by more than 2 percent, compared with the broader index, which was up less than 1 percent. WASHINGTON At a rally in Michigan a little over a week ago, President Donald Trump assured his supporters that he had kept his promise to abolish the Affordable Care Act even though Congress had failed to repeal the Obama-era health law. Essentially, we are getting rid of Obamacare, Trump said, reminding a cheering crowd that the individual mandate that required most people to have health insurance or pay a penalty was scrapped as part of the Republican tax bill he signed into law last year. Some people would say, essentially, we have gotten rid of it. But despite Trumps long-standing desire to unwind the signature legislative achievement of his predecessor, many parts of the Affordable Care Act remain in place. And the Trump administration is even enforcing some of its provisions more aggressively than President Barack Obama did a reality that has enraged business groups and Republicans in Congress who still want the law officially repealed. While the individual mandate may be dead, the employer mandate the requirement that many companies offer health insurance to their workers or pay a penalty is very much alive. Under Trump, the IRS has been pursuing companies that fail to comply with the mandate and, according to the agency, was sending penalty notices to more than 30,000 businesses around the country. Business groups are pushing for the IRS to stop enforcing the mandate and House Republicans, who voted to repeal much of the Affordable Care Act a year ago, have proposed legislation to eliminate it. But most Democrats oppose major changes to the law and the Republican leaders in the Senate have shown no interest in tackling health care after last years stinging defeat. The employer mandate requires companies with more than 50 full-time employees to provide health benefits to eligible employees or face fines of more than $2,000 per worker. The Congressional Budget Office predicted that these fines would total $12 billion in 2018. The IRS is working on settlements with some of the businesses that have had technical issues or paperwork glitches, according to David Kautter, the Treasury Departments assistant secretary for tax policy and the acting IRS commissioner. But other companies that have failed to provide insurance will face stiff fines. I think it is horribly unfair and unjust, Rep. Jody Hice, R-Ga., who has been a leading voice in the opposition to the employer mandate, said at a hearing where Kautter testified in April. What I am asking at this point is for the IRS to continue not to enforce it, as is what took place under the Obama administration, he said, referring to a reprieve that was granted while businesses and the government sorted out compliance details. Some lawyers contend that the IRS is on shaky ground in trying to enforce the employer mandate penalties, arguing that the government has not followed proper procedures, like notifying employers that they were in violation of the law. The Affordable Care Act and federal regulations clearly state that a health insurance exchange must notify an employer that one or more employees qualified for premium tax credits before the IRS can impose penalties, said Christopher E. Condeluci, an employee benefits lawyer. Most of the employers subject to penalties for 2015 never received the notices required under the law. E. Neil Trautwein, a vice president of the National Retail Federation, said some penalties resulted from an employers failure to check a particular box on a government form indicating that it had offered coverage to eligible employees. In one case, Trautwein said, a $20 million penalty was imposed on a restaurant chain because one of its vendors had failed to check the proper box. The penalty was negotiated down to zero, Trautwein said. It was an inadvertent mistake in filling out a complicated new form. John D. Arendshorst, an employee benefits attorney at Varnum, said he has been busy fielding questions from companies that have received proposed assessments from the IRS and said the government has shown a willingness to reduce penalties when appropriate. In one case, a business with about 500 employees received an assessment for $1.9 million. That was ultimately reduced to $20,000 because the penalty was caused by a computer error. They were shocked for sure, Arendshorst said of the initial penalty letter. They felt it was a big mistake and it turned out to be. Under the Affordable Care Act, the employer mandate was to take effect in 2014. The Obama administration delayed enforcement for an additional year after employers said they needed more time to comply with rules requiring them to report on the coverage they provided to employees. And the Treasury Department needed more time to clarify the requirements. It was not until late last year that the IRS had the capacity to determine which businesses were in violation of the mandate, and the agency is just now sending penalty letters related to the 2015 tax year. Penalty letters for the 2016 and 2017 tax years are expected to follow soon. Republicans criticized the decision to begin enforcing the mandate as a parting shot by former IRS Commissioner John Koskinen, whom they had previously assailed over the agencys scrutiny of conservative nonprofit organizations. While Trump had issued an executive order that called for easing the Affordable Care Acts regulations, the Treasury Department, which oversees the IRS, said it was required to abide by the law and enforce the employer mandate. Koskinen pushed back against the idea that he was attempting to punish conservatives by jump-starting enforcement of the employer mandate, and he said that companies had been given plenty of notice that they needed to provide insurance to their employees. The IRS does not have the authority not to collect the money, Koskinen said in an interview, adding that there was no reason to hold off on penalizing companies. Delaying wouldnt accomplish anything except delay. Business groups have been lobbying Congress to repeal the employer mandate or to get the IRS to stop enforcing it. They argue that companies did not receive sufficient notice that they needed to comply with a provision of the health law that had not been enforced for seven years. The employer mandate always existed to support the individual mandate, said Jim Klein, president of the American Benefits Council. Theres no logic or fairness in having an employer mandate in the absence of having an individual mandate. Klein said he would like to see a legislative fix to address the situation. Trump himself has added to the confusion over the mandate by repeatedly asserting that the Affordable Care Act had been essentially eliminated because Republicans did away with the individual mandate. Its yet another reason why the employer mandate needs to go, Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, said of the penalties. The commercial for HP features a large family enjoying Christmas dinner together that is, until the words global warming are uttered. A heated exchange between two sisters follows, culminating in one shouting at the other to leave her house. A younger member of the family excuses herself from the table and prints out photos of the sisters over the years, arranging them in the shape of a heart. Soon, one of the feuding sisters is taking a pie to the other as a peace offering. HPs closing message: If we never reach out, well never come together. The commercial is one of many influenced by research that marketers began conducting after the 2016 presidential election. Donald Trumps victory came as a surprise to a number of advertisers, spurring soul-searching questions about how well they understood Americans who do not live in coastal cities and what the sharp political polarization in the country meant for the messages they create. When marketers for HP met to review a new ad campaign a month after the election, they said they found themselves asking, Do we think the situation we are portraying here is relevant to the Trump voter? The result is that marketers are now making concerted efforts to learn more about Americans who live outside New York and California. HPs recent research on marketing and political identity included visits to the swing-state cities of Cincinnati and Detroit. Late last year, the ad agency Y&R, using a division of the firm that had previously overseen cultural immersion projects in Myanmar and Ecuador, deployed strategists to immerse themselves in cities like Indianapolis and Milwaukee. HP, which is based in Palo Alto, California, and sells personal computers and printers, used data from social media sites to figure out how peoples political bent influenced how they viewed technology and the brands message of reinvention. The notion was one tribe looking forward and the other tribe looking back, Antonio Lucio, HPs marketing chief, said in an interview. One group derived the benefit of the Obama years in economic terms, in terms of opportunity theyre all about technology, open systems, open society, diversity. The other one is actually like: We need a reset. Weve lost our way. That second group, he said, is more about family and community and faith and classical Americana imagery. The brand sought to find common ground between those very different views of the world through research in Cincinnati, Dallas, Detroit and Richmond, Virginia, Lucio said. Normally in focus groups, you put like-minded people together and you get some insights, Lucio said. Here, youre putting the reds and the blues together and you allow them to fight it out. Split into pairs or groups of four, people debated for the first half, then spent the second part finding topics that they agreed on. One of those areas was family, particularly extended family, which informed HPs ad with the arguing sisters. The ad began running around the December holidays. Y&Rs immersion project focused on understanding the family life and core values of people in Middle America, including their relationships with brands. These people were frequently lumped into stereotypes or overlooked entirely by marketers, the agency said when it announced the effort last year, adding that it hoped to emerge with insights that would improve how it communicated with such consumers. The firm sent 14 strategists to four cities for two weeks each: Memphis, Tennessee; Indianapolis, Milwaukee and Phoenix. Moments from their journey, including visits to the rural outreaches of each city, were posted to Instagram. A report on their findings noted that the Americans they had spoken with identified more with their communities than the nation at large and preferred the comfort of fiery conviction to the lucidity of cold truth. The report added that marketers should be conscious of a changing definition of success in the nation and the power of an emotional appeal made with gumption rather than, say, promoting a products superior qualities or rankings. A spokeswoman for the agency said the research had been used in pitches to win new business. As marketers have become more aware of an urban-suburban-rural geographic divide, it has had an effect on some of the settings and people who appear in advertisements, said Harris Diamond, chief executive of McCann Worldgroup. A recent Chevrolet commercial from the firm reflects that newfound awareness, he said. The ad features actual Chevy truck owners, several with Southern accents, describing the stories behind dents and scratches on their trucks. There has been a little bit of a reawakening to the fact that we probably went too far with respect towards pushing a sort of cosmopolitan, what some people viewed as an elitist, image, Diamond said. I think if you look at some of the campaigns that are out there, you will see more imagery that is more broadly associated with all of America rather than cosmopolitan America. As a result of its research, HP will design ads with consumers political leaning in mind the same way it considers age, ethnicity and income when formulating its marketing plans, the company said in a report last month. Just as the company might design certain marketing for a Latino audience, Lucio said, were going to have to test first and foremost whether a piece of content actually works across the aisle and whether theres a possibility of custom-made content. More of that work will be visible over time, he said. Were about to launch a campaign for the premium line, and it is going to have a couple of digital videos, Lucio said. And we said we have to make one for the heartland. Meet the new boss. Photo: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images The National Rifle Association announced on Monday that Oliver North yes, the one from the 80s would be the organizations next president. Oliver North is a legendary warrior for American freedom, a gifted communicator and skilled leader, said Wayne LaPierre, the NRAs chief executive, in a statement. In these times, I can think of no one better suited to serve as our President. LaPierre often serves as the public face of the NRA. North will take over from little-known Pete Brownell, who announced on Monday that he would not seek a second term in leadership. North etched his name into the American consciousness in the mid-1980s when, as an aide to President Reagan, he secretly helped facilitate arms sales to Iran, then used the money to fund anti-Communist forces in Nicaragua. The resulting scandal, known as Iran-Contra, did serious damage to Reagan during his second term. North was convicted of three felonies, but all three were overturned by a federal judge in 1990. Since then, North has become something of a populist hero among Republicans who see his victimization by a dishonorable establishment as a badge of honor. In that way, North is the perfect pick for the NRA, which has effectively become the paramilitary wing of a an increasingly fringe-friendly GOP. As the NRA has become more and more intertwined with the Republican Party, it has in large transitioned from traditional Second Amendment advocacy to full-on propaganda. It churns out bizarre, paranoid videos, rails against the liberal media, and feeds on the paranoia of its most ardent fans. North should fit right in. SAN FRANCISCO In July 2014, a team of four Swedish and Polish researchers began using an automated program to better understand what people posted on Facebook. The program, known as a scraper, let the researchers log every comment and interaction from 160 public Facebook pages for nearly two years. By May 2016, they had amassed enough information to track how 368 million Facebook members behaved on the social network. It is one of the largest known sets of user data ever assembled from Facebook. Were concerned about how easy it was to collect this, said Fredrik Erlandsson, one of the researchers and a lecturer at the Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden. In December, he and his colleagues published a research paper in the journal Entropy detailing how their methods of trawling social media sites could be replicated. For more than a decade, professors, doctoral candidates and researchers from academic institutions around the world have harvested information from Facebook using techniques similar to those of Erlandsson and his team. They have compiled hundreds of Facebook data sets that captured the behavior of a few thousand to hundreds of millions of individuals, according to interviews with more than a dozen scholars. Their practices came to light in March when The New York Times and The Observer of London reported that Aleksandr Kogan, a University of Cambridge psychology professor, had obtained the data of up to 87 million Facebook users through a quiz app. Kogan sold the information to Cambridge Analytica, a political consulting firm with ties to the Trump campaign so it could build psychographic profiles of American voters. Last week, Cambridge Analytica said it would cease operations after the uproar over its use of personal information. But while what happened with Kogans Facebook data set is now known, the fate of other information hoards is murkier. In many cases, the data was used for research or scholarly articles. The information was then sometimes left unsecured and stored on open servers that offered access to anyone. Some academics said the data could have been easily copied and sold to marketers or political consulting firms. The potential result is more leakage of Facebook users information through academic circles, said Rasmus Kleis Nielsen, a professor of political communication at the University of Oxford who has studied data collection from Facebook. The academic world is highly decentralized, and each individual, each institution, has a different way of securing their data, Nielsen said. Even if almost everyone in the academic community is careful and protects the data, you still can end up in a situation where someone is careless or acts in bad faith and sells access. Its hard to imagine how Facebook stops that from happening. The Times reviewed half a dozen Facebook data sets compiled by academics from 2006 to 2017. One, gathered from 2015 to 2017 by researchers in Denmark and New Zealand, examined 1.3 million people in Denmark about a quarter of the countrys population to determine how liking one political page on Facebook could predict how someone would vote in the future. Another set, from 2013, by a group of Norwegian academics focused on the civic engagement of 21 million Facebook members on four continents. The Danish research team did not respond to a request for comment. Petter Bae Brandtzaeg, one of the Norwegian researchers, said he understood concerns about data gathering. As a researcher you get immediate access to peoples behavior, attitudes, feelings and relationships, which are of course tempting for all, he wrote in an email. He said many researchers lacked the technical expertise to properly secure datastrong>./strong> The Facebook data was typically amassed through scraper programs that crawled the social network to document what was posted, or through quiz apps that requested access to peoples profiles. The results included users locations, interests, political affiliations, Facebook interactions and even music preferences. In most cases, researchers assigned numbers to people whose Facebook information they had obtained to maintain anonymity. But the more data there is, the easier it is to overlay one information set with another to identify someone. One 2015 paper published in the journal Science looked at credit card spending data and found that data scientists could pinpoint 90 percent of the shoppers by name with just four random pieces of information from sites like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Once people are identified and their interests and interactions known, they can be targeted with advertising and mobilized for political campaigns or other causes. For years, Facebook had no specific policies about academics access to user data, though it had guidelines on working with third parties. While the company has a rule that forbids the use of scrapers, it has not enforced that policy against scholars. And at times, it has assisted researchers with studies. In 2014, though, Facebook began limiting third-party apps, like quizzes, from obtaining users information. Since Kogans actions were revealed, fueling an outcry over data privacy, Facebook has made further changes. The company has given people more control over their privacy settings. It has said it will audit all apps that collected large amounts of Facebook data, and it temporarily stopped allowing new apps to gather information from its members. Last month, Facebook also narrowed the number of academics it would work with, saying it would collaborate with those who wanted to research the effect of social media on elections through an independent election research commission. Only scholars with election-related projects can apply. We are taking a hard look at the information apps can use when you connect them to Facebook, as well as other data practices, Susan Glick, a Facebook spokeswoman, said in a statement. These other data practices include academic research. Before social media existed, researchers hoping to study human behavior had to painstakingly seek out groups of people to examine. Social media has let them easily find masses of subjects as well as information like their date of birth, gender and interests and observe some of their online behavior in real time. It was unprecedented, said Christian Rudder, a founder of OkCupid, a dating and social media site, who published the book Dataclysm in 2014 on how much people revealed through their online lives. One of the academic communitys earliest known Facebook data sets was collected in 2006 by Harvard University professors. It covered 1,700 people who agreed to have their Facebook information anonymously analyzed. The data was later easily traced back by other academics to Harvard freshmen. In Britain, researchers were doing similar work through different means. In 2007, Michal Kosinski, then deputy director at the Psychometrics Center at the University of Cambridge, worked with a colleague, David Stillwell, to create My Personality, a quiz app that offered to assess peoples personalities in exchange for data about them. It was one of the first times a quiz app had been used for obtaining Facebook members information. My Personality has now collected details on more than 6 million Facebook users, according to the academics who have gathered the data. Many researchers have since copied the quiz app method, including Kogan. In interviews with The Times, Kosinski and Stillwell said they took great care to keep the data they procured anonymous. Stillwell added that the information had been widely shared with other researchers, but any academic who wished to use it was vetted. Kosinski acknowledged that data is not a physical item that is easy to control. Once a data set is created, it can be copied and shared until its original source is unknown. He said collection of information from Facebook had become widespread over the years, not only by academics but also by developers, marketers, data analytics companies and others. What Kogan did was wrong. But what Kogan did, many others do on a much larger scale, Kosinski said. They just dont get caught. In 2014, after Facebook announced it would restrict third-party apps from gaining access to user data, the reach of quiz apps became limited. But scrapers continued to improve and more speedily compile information from the social network. A group of German academics used a scraper to harvest the profiles of 60,000 Facebook users in the New Orleans area starting in late 2008. The researchers, whose goal was to study how peoples friendships change online over time, recorded more than 800,000 interactions during a two-year period. They did not respond to a request for comment. Some scholars said Facebooks recent privacy changes may have gone too far by also cutting off academics who behaved responsibly. Academics would argue that we need access to primary data, said Nielsen of Oxford. He said the changes might lead to an asymmetry, with internal Facebook researchers accumulating mounds of data while outside academics would not. If that happens, only Facebook will really know very much about how Facebook actually operates and how people act on Facebook, he said. Erlandsson said the paper he and his colleagues published in December initially made little splash. But since the Cambridge Analytica revelations, he has seen renewed interest. He said he had been contacted by companies he declined to name them interested in buying the data on 368 million Facebook members. Im not interested in selling, he said. And the truth is, anyone could easily do this themselves. A 56-year-old man was extradited to the United States from Mexico to face charges in the brutal 1990 murder of a 14-year-old Salinas girl, authorities said Monday. Arsenio Pacheco Leyva sat in a Mexican jail cell for more than three years, fighting a request to be turned over to U.S. authorities, before returning to Monterey County last week, said Cameron Rogers Polan, a spokeswoman for the FBI. Leyva was booked Thursday at the Monterey County Jail on suspicion of murder, assault with the intent to commit rape and attempted kidnapping. He is being held in lieu of $5 million bail. His extradition comes nearly three decades after Christy Pina was found dead Feb. 8, 1990, in an artichoke field just off Highway 1 in Castroville. Pina was strangled with a cloth, raped and stabbed repeatedly, said Monterey County Sheriff Steve Bernal. Christy was the victim of a senseless, brutal murder, Bernal said at a news conference Monday. Shortly after the slaying, the Sheriffs Office received tips that pointed to Leyva as the killer, Bernal said, but none of the tips went anywhere. Early DNA analysis of the crime scene led investigators to believe that there was a one-in-300 chance that Leyva was the suspect, Bernal said. That wasnt good enough, though, to prosecute. It wasnt until 1996, with the advancement of DNA technology, that Leyva was found to be a match with a probability of one in three billion that he wasnt the suspect, Bernal said. By that time, however, Leyva had gone into hiding, and authorities in 2007 learned he was in Mexico. Over the next several years, detectives followed leads that Leyva might be visiting family in Monterey County, Bernal said, though he never came. U.S. authorities coordinated with Mexican officials, who arrested Leyva after years of challenges to the extradition. For the last three and a half years, detectives worked tirelessly with our partner agencies to bring Arsenio Leyva back to Monterey County to finally face these charges, Bernal said. Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani Chris Perez will perform in San Antonio every Wednesday this month. Doc Brown's, a 21-and-up bar at 6511 W. Loop 1604, is hosting Grupo Metal, featuring Selena's widower, for a series of concerts happening every Wednesday in May, according to a post on the venue's Facebook page. RELATED: Photos: San Antonio's Ally Brooke attended a star-studded Selena-themed Cinco de Mayo bash Perez was part of the Queen of Tejano's band, Selena y los Dinos, for most of her career. After her death, he continued his music career with the Chris Perez Band, followed by the Chris Perez Project. The native San Antonian recently performed during Fiesta Fiesta, the first event in the Fiesta schedule. On Sunday, the 48-year-old shared photos across his social media platforms saying he had "lots to do" ahead of his Wednesday night gig. Madalyn Mendoza is a digital reporter for MySA.com. Read more of her stories here.| mmendoza@mysa.com | Twitter: @MaddySkye HAMDEN Students and faculty were evacuated from the Dunbar Hill School Monday after a gas leak was detected in the building, according to Fire Chief David Berardesca. Firefighters were called to the scene at approximately 1:43 p.m., Berardesca said . Levels of natural gas and carbon monoxide were detected in the building, according to Berardesca. Faculty members smelled gas and ushered students outside, alleviating the possibility of danger from the leak, Berardesca said. They did an excellent job in taking care of the students, said Berardesca. According to a message on the Facebook page for the Dunbar Hill Parent-Teacher Association, classes were to be conducted outside until the typical dismissal time. Berardesca said students were dismissed early. The Fire Department remained on scene for about 80 minutes, Berardesca said. Ed Crowder, a spokesman with Southern Connecticut Gas, said that someone reported smelling gas in the building at approximately 1:40 p.m. The issue seemed to be with the schools equipment, Crowder said. It was addressed and students were allowed back into the building at approximately 3:10 p.m. william.lambert@hearstmediact.com 1 Water resources: The outlook for the most important river in the southwestern U.S. remains grim after April storms failed to produce much snow to feed the waterway, forecasters said Monday. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said the Colorado River is expected to carry only 43 percent of the average amount of water into Lake Powell, one of two huge reservoirs that store and distribute the river. Its the fifth-lowest forecast in 54 years. But officials have said that Powell and its companion, Lake Mead, will be high enough to avoid cutbacks for water users this year. 2 Restaurant shooting: A man accused of killing four people at a Waffle House in Nashville will undergo a mental health evaluation before going to court. A judge on Monday granted a request by the defendants lawyer that he receive an outpatient evaluation before moving forward with proceedings. Travis Reinking faces multiple charges in the April 22 shooting, including four counts of homicide. Police said the 29-year-old was wearing only a green jacket when he opened fire outside the Waffle House and then stormed the restaurant with an AR-15 rifle. Midlands John Basse recalls the days growing up Midland more than 50 years ago. He remembers the summer of 1963, waking up early, grabbing his bike and heading over to Dennis the Menace Park for another day to make memories that will last a lifetime. It was part of my daily routine; we rode our bikes for miles just to get to the park, Basse said. His experience wasnt unique. Many residents of Old Midland have fond memories of Dennis the Menace, which is in the midst of a $2.3 million redevelopment. Like Basse, Shanna Murphee is a lifelong resident of the Tall City. She grew up in the 1970s. Like so many, Murphee was heartbroken to see the demolition at Dennis the Menace. Metal structures, like the birdcage, airplane, spiral and spinner, and the lion water feature were part of the good times that included birthday parties and special events. It wasnt uncommon, she said, for the entire neighborhood to come together on the 3.9 acres at the intersection of Garfield Street and Indiana Avenue for an afternoon of fun. This park was very significant to me, Murphree said. I played there as a child, and then my own children (played there). It's not just another park; it is the park to visit in Midland, Texas' -- Laurie Williams, parks and recreation manager The health of the park has slowly dwindled since Basse and Murphree were children and parts like the water features were filled in. City officials have said a metal park doesnt live up to the standards many residents seek today. That is why to keep the legacy of Dennis the Menace park alive, the City Council voted for a complete rebuild of Dennis the Menace. Laurie Williams, parks and recreation manager, said the park will be divided into five themed adventures. The first two phases could be complete by the end of the year, according to previous Reporter-Telegram articles. The $800,000 third phase calls for a splash pad, and if approved, could be complete in 2019. We want children to have a fun and safe experience, Williams said. We want them to imagine themselves on an adventure just like Dennis did. The new park is set to be an improvement over the old park. It will be safer for kids and create an experience for the adults and kids, alike. As the residents of Old Midland have an attachment to the park from years of experiences, Williams hopes future generations can create their own memories. Murphree and Basse are worried about what will happen to the history of the park and the things they cared the most about growing up. Williams said there has been misconceptions about what will happen to some of the parks equipment. She said recently that a committee has been formed to preserve the history of Dennis the Menace Park. People do not want to see their favorites, such as the lion water fountain and the airplane, just disappear, and they will not, Williams said. Its not just another park; it is the park to visit in Midland, Texas. MOSUL, Iraq - In advance of national elections next weekend, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi is the front-runner here, and if he ultimately prevails, he will make political history as a Shiite politician in this overwhelmingly Sunni city. The electoral strength of Abadi and his ticket in Mosul, the country's second-largest city, underscores his nationwide popularity and bodes well for his reelection, which U.S. officials have repeatedly indicated they would like to see. But beyond that, Abadi's success in a place that had been the jewel of the Islamic State - an extremist Sunni group - would represent an opening for cooperation between Sunni and Shiite Muslims in a country long bedeviled by sectarian grievance and violence. When campaigning officially kicked off last month for the May 12 elections, the boulevards of this city were instantly lined with candidate posters. But it was Abadi's face, smiling softly and ubiquitous on the vehicle-jammed streets, that stood out as both familiar and entirely unexpected. For the first time since Iraq began electing a legislature in 2006, a Shiite politician is headlining an electoral ticket in Mosul. Abadi's list is named "Nasr," or "Victory," a reference in part to his role in ending the city's Islamic State trauma by orchestrating the military campaign that liberated the city last year. Mosul may now be the ultimate proving ground for Abadi's message of nationalism over sect. "Abadi is a symbol of shedding sectarianism," said Rana al-Naemi, 44, an English teacher from Mosul running on the prime minister's list. "The people of Iraq are ready for this." Alluding to the traditional colors worn by Sunni and Shiite clerics, she added, "Sectarianism is what destroyed us - whether it was a white turban or a black turban." Once considered a weak and unremarkable leader who stumbled into power in the midst of the Islamic State blitz that conquered about one-third of Iraq, Abadi has been campaigning on a message of national unity in hopes of breaking the cycle of sectarian fighting that has marked Iraq's politics since the U.S. ouster of Saddam Hussein in 2003. Abadi's popularity has soared since he managed the successful military campaign to claw back Iraqi cities from the Islamic State while artfully juggling the interests of the United States and Iran. He also won plaudits from many Iraqis when he dispatched troops to block an attempted secession by Kurds in the north late last year. "One thing that we see consistently is that Prime Minister Abadi has a more balanced degree of support across all regions and across all ethnic and sectarian religious groups," said a senior U.S. official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss Iraq's internal politics. For the United States, Abadi's presence in Mosul and other Sunni areas, such as Fallujah, is reassuring. He has worked closely with Washington in the fight against the Islamic State while maintaining cordial ties with Iran and reestablishing relations with regional powers such as Saudi Arabia. The war against the Islamic State has significantly altered the political map in Iraq, where Shiites are the majority. In previous elections, one or two major Shiite coalitions dominated the vote and subsequently the formation of the government. This year, the support of the Shiite political establishment is fragmented among Abadi and challengers old and new. His predecessor, Nouri al-Maliki, though severely diminished because of losses to the Islamic State, is headlining a ticket that is running on a traditional platform of Shiite supremacy. Hadi al-Amiri, the head of the powerful Badr Organization, is the face of a new coalition called "Fatah," or "Conquest," which represents Shiite militias that helped defeat the Islamic State, earning much public support. Many of those militias, including Badr, are backed by Iran, and a key element of their campaign has been urging the expulsion of U.S. forces from Iraq. In a sign of confidence, a number of the militias are running candidates in Mosul even though Abadi kept many of them out of the city during the battle because of their ultra-sectarian leanings. With those major blocs essentially splitting the vote in Iraq's Shiite heartland, any candidate hoping to become prime minister must run well in Mosul and other Sunni areas. Nineveh, the province where Mosul is the capital, is quickly emerging as one of the hottest contests in the election. This year, 940 candidates have been registered, compared with just 455 in 2014. Nineveh holds 31 seats in Iraq's upcoming 329-member parliament, second only to Baghdad's 69. Iraq's parliament elects the prime minister and president, and those 31 votes could prove critical to Abadi winning a second term. His Nasr coalition is the only one fielding candidates in all 18 provinces, and many observers have concluded that he is the only candidate who can credibly claim to be a genuine centrist leader - even though his rhetoric of making a fresh, nonsectarian start has also been embraced by many of his opponents. "His attitude is one that he will be more successful with a larger variety of constituencies than many of his opponents," the U.S. official said. Rasha Al Aqeedi, a political researcher at the Dubai-based al-Mesbar Studies and Research Center and a Mosul native, said that Iraq's minorities are unlikely to be enthusiastic about the prospect of another Shiite head of government but that Abadi remains the only candidate with the credentials to garner votes among Sunnis. "If you compare him to everyone else, he does stand out for sure," she said. But there are major roadblocks Abadi must overcome in Mosul. Voter apathy runs deep among the population after the grueling nine-month battle against the Islamic State. In western Mosul, the situation is dire. The Old City neighborhood, which saw some of the most intense fighting, remains largely leveled, with some families living in the skeletons of what used to be their homes. On one street, a single election poster was hung next to a sign warning of unexploded ordnance in the area - drawing a scornful smile from a police officer stationed at the corner. "These politicians have no shame," he said. Across the Tigris River in eastern Mosul, there are barely any reminders of the fight. New markets have popped up at a startling pace, and cratered roads and bullet-pocked buildings have been repaired. But the restoration has been largely self-financed by the city's residents, who are becoming impatient with the central government's slow response. "There will be no change - if there was going to be any change, it would have happened already," said Bilal Mohamed, a 41-year-old restaurant owner who said he will abstain from voting. "These candidates are paying attention to Mosul now, but I'm certain once they get elected, they will forget about us." But he said that if Abadi wins, it "will be the best possible outcome in a bad overall scenario." Saleh Elias, a 34-year-old journalist, said he does not expect much to change after the elections but will vote in the hopes of registering his voice. Not doing so has been disastrous in the past, he said. "This city has always rejected the political process, and what we ended up with was the Islamic State," Elias said. Abadi has stocked his ticket in Mosul with both new and old faces. Most notably is Khaled al-Obeidi, a career politician whom Abadi named as his first defense minister in 2014. Obeidi is a Mosul native widely respected for his role in the battle against the Islamic State. He retains his popularity despite being ousted by parliament in 2016 during a corruption probe in which he was never formally charged. Mohsen Abdelkader, 37, a law professor also running on the ticket, said Abadi and Obeidi had inherited a "military that was in shambles" and restored it so it could eventually liberate Mosul. Abdelkader added that they had treated all Iraqis equal under the law. "People in Mosul are starting to feel like they are citizens just like the people of Baghdad, and this is because of the leadership of Abadi and Obeidi," he said. Abadi has also recruited local officials who gained prominence during the battle against the Islamic State. Basma Baseem, the head of the Mosul local council, was vocal during the conflict, drawing attention to the plight of civilians in the crossfire. "Nasr is not just an election coalition. It's an ambitious project that will start after the elections," she said. But Abadi's popularity has also made him a prime target for his opponents. Wissal Ali, a former member of parliament, is running on a purely Sunni ticket led by Osama al-Nujaifi - one of Iraq's current vice presidents and a former speaker of parliament from Mosul. On the campaign trail, Ali has accused Abadi's coalition of being no different from that of the Shiite militias: outsiders interested only in votes and not in Mosul's well-being. She said the legacy of the Islamic State, often known in Arabic as Daesh, has left the city politically vulnerable. "People understand that the gangs of Daesh destroyed the city but also gave a chance for parties with outside agendas to gain a foothold in the city," she said. ARLINGTON HEIGHTS (AP) Former Arlington Heights resident David Boltons terrifying, disturbing and heartbreaking childhood vacation memory still intrudes on his daily life more than six decades later. Its a cold day, but the front door of his house is propped open so the 10 stray cats he feeds can come and go as they please, explains the 71-year-old man, who now lives on Chicagos Northwest Side. Aside from a dining room table and chairs and a few perches for cats, his living room is bare. A framed poster for a booklet he wrote, A Hike Around The Lake, hangs on the wall. Even before that hike during the summer when he was 10 years old, my childhood was horrible. It really was, Bolton says. His father and mother divorced when he was a toddler and his mom remarried an abusive man when Bolton was 5. His much older siblings already were grown and out of the house, and Bolton said he saw his stepdad beat his mother at times. I hate men, his mother told the boy repeatedly. When he brought home poor grades, shed say, Oh, Dave, youre so dumb. He feared his stepdad and hated spending time at home. Thats why he was looking forward to a trip with his mother to a resort on one of the little Wisconsin lakes between Chicago and Milwaukee. He met other boys his age there, and one older teen. He had a round face and said his name was John, Bolton says of the teen. Decades later, Bolton came to conclude that kid was serial killer John Wayne Gacy, who was executed May 10, 1994, after a jury convicted him of murdering 33 boys and young men and burying most of them in the crawl space of his home in unincorporated Des Plaines. It hit me like a ton of bricks, Bolton says, adding that an attorney who worked on the Gacy case told him the killer had worked in Wisconsin as a teen. I cant prove it, but that was him. The internet features stories from people who claim they escaped encounters with Gacy. There were plenty of his victims that got away, thankfully, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart told ABC 7 in 2011. Some of those came forward back then and gave a lot of the details. Some of them didnt know who this guy was. Bolton says he believes he came close to being Gacys first murder victim. He said he had a day off and asked me if I wanted to go fishing, Bolton remembers of the teen he believes was Gacy. I said, Yeah, lets go fishing. The next day, they set off in a little row boat. We didnt catch anything, Bolton says. Then it got really ugly. He took me over to this area out of view of people and there was this big tree hanging over the water. There were lily pads there. He taught me how to catch frogs. As long as you dont move they wont notice you, Bolton remembers the teen saying. Both boys caught frogs. Then he pulled out a knife and stabbed the frog, Bolton says, recalling that he was horrified by the cruelty. Then he told me to do the same thing. Bolton, grimacing at the memory, explains how he felt powerless to refuse the order from an older, bigger boy. I was scared of him. I didnt want to do it, but I did, Bolton says. We killed quite a few frogs. He hung them over the branch. He acted tough, Were men. Were hunters, that kind of baloney, recalls Bolton, who felt more sick than anything else. I cant even look at a frog to this day. If TV ads come on with a frog, I have to turn away. Unable to stand up for himself, Bolton says things got worse. A couple days later, he said, Lets go for a hike around the lake, says Bolton, who still anguishes over his inability to refuse. He took me to a thicket. It wasnt that far from the resort, but it was very thick and out of view. Bolton says he was the victim of a quick and violent sexual assault. He didnt dare tell his mother, fearing an upset mom would take out her anger on him. Thats a horrible way to grow up, but thats the way it was, Bolton says. Unable to do well in school or at home, Bolton spent his junior year of high school living with a sisters family in Arlington Heights and attending Arlington High School. He moved in with his biological father, but dropped out of high school to join the Navy at age 17. He served two stints in Vietnam, on destroyers the USS Hamner and the USS Radford. We shot thousands and thousands of shells, Bolton says, holding his hands apart to indicate the size of the 30-pound shells. He witnessed a gruesome accident. After his service, he went through a bad marriage, a divorce and getting drunk every day. Haunted by his memories, Bolton says it was May Sundberg, a nurse practitioner at Hines VA Hospital, who helped him overcome his problems. Every veteran, in fact every person, suffering from post-traumatic stress, whether related to combat or other traumatic events, is impacted a bit differently by their unique experience, says Dr. Tom Nutter, chief of mental health at Hines VA, who says Sundberg builds trust. Bolton worked for a vending company, invested wisely, got his real estate license and continues to make money by flipping houses. I still get jittery, Bolton admits. But he says finally dealing with the assault from his childhood has helped. I thought Id go through life with the story buried in me, Bolton says, noting Sundberg inspired him to tell a fictionalized version of his assault in a 37-page booklet, published in 2014. Now he wants to get the entire story off his chest and OConnor Communications in Lake Forest is helping David tell his story as a way to warn parents about how a childhood horror can last a lifetime. I think of it every day of my life. I wish I could erase it, Bolton says of Gacy. Im glad hes dead. Bracing for Wednesday. Photo: Shaw Thew/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock As CIA director nominee Gina Haspel prepares for a brutal congressional confirmation hearing on Wednesday, President Trump jumped on Twitter Monday morning to give her a ringing endorsement. My highly respected nominee for CIA Director, Gina Haspel, has come under fire because she was too tough on Terrorists. Think of that, in these very dangerous times, we have the most qualified person, a woman, who Democrats want OUT because she is too tough on terror. Win Gina! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 7, 2018 On Saturday, the Washington Post reported that, during a White House meeting about her role in the CIAs post-9/11 torture program, Haspel had strongly considered withdrawing her nomination on Friday to avoid potential damage to the CIAs reputation and her own. White House officials including Director of Legislative Affairs Marc Short and Sarah Huckabee Sanders (who, like Trump, has framed Haspels nomination as a feminist issue) rushed to CIA headquarters and spoke with her for hours in an attempt to change her mind; President Trump then weighed in personally with his staff, advocating for Haspel to stick it out. In the end, she did. Haspel has been the subject of intense scrutiny over her various roles promoting torture during the George W. Bush administration. Among other things, she oversaw a CIA black site in Indonesia, where al-Qaeda suspect Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri was repeatedly waterboarded, and had a hand in ordering the destruction of videotapes that showed 92 brutal CIA interrogations. Several Democrats have already indicated their opposition to Haspels nomination, and even some Republicans are uncomfortable with her past conduct though that doesnt mean she cant win them over. The nomination will not, in other words, be a cakewalk. But President Trump, who has said that torture works, is fully onboard. With about 80,000 people converging in Dallas for the National Rifle Association's annual convention, one local restaurant decided to send a message to the flood of visitors. "Thanks for visiting Ellen's!" the downtown restaurant printed on the bottom of its receipts Friday morning. "A portion of this week's proceeds will be donated to organizations dedicated to implementing reasonable and effective gun regulations. Welcome to Dallas!" Joe Groves, the owner of Ellen's, which serves Southern comfort food and all-day brunch, posted a photo of the receipt on Facebook on Friday, the Dallas Observer reported. He told the Dallas Morning News and Eater that he decided to add the message after convention attendees had insulted some of his employees with racially-charged comments, which Groves called "demoralizing." "I'm making a list of the vile, racist, moronic conversations overheard from NRA attendees eating at the restaurant," he reportedly wrote on Facebook. "They don't even speak softly." Customers allegedly asked Hispanic servers, "Do you keep your illegals in the back?" Groves told the Dallas Morning News, and said to black employees, "You don't sound black, where are you from, India?" It was a subtle but daring move in a gun-friendly city packed with even more gun enthusiasts than usual. And it didn't take long for the NRA to notice. In a message to its more than 666,000 Twitter followers Friday night, the NRA wrote: "Steer clear of Ellen's in downtown Dallas! Why go there when there are so many other great choices." The tweet, which had been shared nearly 6,000 times by early Monday morning, prompted a barrage of comments on Twitter and Yelp from NRA supporters calling for a boycott of the restaurant. "Boycott Ellen's!" one comment on Yelp read. "Don't try to force legislation that is complete disregard for my right while selling greasy food or soft drinks that you make profit off of. . . . Put them out of business." "Decent food, but I don't need the people who fry my eggs deciding my right to bear arms," another person wrote. "This is Texas, not California. Good luck with that!" Groves told BuzzFeed News the restaurant also received phone calls from people saying "they're going to shoot the place up." Only about an hour after the NRA posted its tweet, Ellen's appeared to change its message. "What a day this has been!" Ellen's posted on Facebook. "We want to give some clarification to an issue that has caused quite a bit of confusion and anxiety." The restaurant wrote that it had not expected the two words "reasonable and effective" to be interpreted as support for gun control measures. "The mistake was an honest one. The opposite is true. We support the Constitution, including the 2nd Amendment, 100 percent. And like the NRA, we also support finding solutions to the senseless killings that happen much too frequently. We believe those two things are completely compatible." Ellen's wrote that after a "courteous and informative conversation with a customer, we realized how our message could be misconstrued and we moved quickly to clarify. By then, the situation had become viral." The restaurant posted a photo of a new variation of the message on its receipts. It changed the wording to say it would be donating to organizations "dedicated to implementing reasonable and effective gun regulations that protect citizens' 2nd Amendment rights and also help reduce needless gun violence." Groves told Eater the restaurant staff has been "affected by this cause" since July 2016, when five police officers were killed in a shooting in Dallas. "Those guys were friends of ours, came into the restaurant, we knew them personally," Groves said. Ellen's hosted a roundtable discussion about the shooting with members of the Dallas Police Department. On Friday, the restaurant reposted a link to a video of the conversation, saying it was an "appropriate time" to share it again. "I'm far from extreme, and I'm pro-Second Amendment and pro gun rights," Groves told Eater, adding that he wants "people to be able to live long lives, in school especially . . . this is not that controversial." The NRA continued to lash out at Ellen's, and at news reports about the restaurant, throughout the weekend. The restaurant's receipt message was not the only protest aligned with the NRA convention. The words "NRA enables domestic terrorists" were projected onto the convention center ahead of the annual meeting. #NoRA, a coalition backed by celebrities like Jimmy Kimmel and Amy Schumer, hosted a rally protesting the NRA near the convention. Among those gathered at the protest were the parents of some of the students killed in February in Parkland, Florida. Despite the call for a boycott of Ellen's, the restaurant's message appeared to give it a publicity boost among critics of the NRA. It drew support on social media from leaders of the March for Our Lives movement, from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students, and from celebrities such as actor Debra Messing. It also drew a slew of positive reviews on Yelp, with some saying they specifically visited the restaurant because of the publicity surrounding its message to the NRA. "In town visiting fam before cheer finals next week and Ellen's was all over my twitter feed," one reviewer wrote. "Had some time free so we checked it out. . . . There was a bit of a wait (I think the viral thing boosted business. plus Sunday) but so worth it. We'll definitely be back!" "I've had pleasure of brunch, lunch & dinner at Ellen's since moving to Dallas last summer. Each experience was so nice!" another wrote. "Now that I know Ellen's supports educating Americans about safe gum use and reducing gun violence, I will be back every chance I get. Thank you, Ellen's, for sharing Southern hospitality and class in all the right ways!" On Sunday night, Ellen's posted another message on Facebook, wishing the NRA convention attendees "safe and easy travels" home from Dallas. "We look forward to continuing the conversation about how to make the country we all love the best it can possibly be," the restaurant wrote. "With that in mind, here is the message we placed on our receipts today." "Love one another," the message on the receipt read. "Protect the vulnerable. Find common ground. Say 'yes' to peace." NEW HAVEN Data reported to the U.S. Department of Education shows New Haven Public Schools Talented and Gifted program is disproportionately white and discipline is used disproportionately against black students. Last week the Office for Civil Rights released the 2015-16 Civil Rights Data Collection, using self-reported data from school districts. Although only 14 percent of the reported 21,666 students in New Havens public schools that year were white, 38.8 percent of the districts 709 students in the Talented and Gifted program were white. Additionally, although black students comprised 40.1 percent of the districts students, they made up 64.5 percent of the 541 students who received in-school suspensions, 61.5 percent of the 1,856 students who received out-of-school suspensions and 64.9 percent of the 57 students who were expelled. Will Clark, chief operating officer of New Haven Public Schools, said in an emailed statement that students in third through seventh grades who are not already in the TAG program are eligible for inclusion for the following year annually. Students are eligible for inclusion based on three potential factors, all related to teacher identification or testing: their Scholastic Reading Inventory results, their placement on the advanced math list or the recommendation of a teacher providing direct services to the student. (S)tudents are further evaluated on the (Otis-Lennon School Ability Test) between January and March, he said. The TAG program provides specialized instruction in four curricular areas, two each for students in fourth and fifth grade and sixth through eighth grade. Each curricular area is used as a vehicle to explore students skills as they analyze, evaluate, and create. Opportunities to hone their skills regarding logical thinking, mystery investigating, and problem solving at a pace that best suits academically advanced students is provided in each TAG class, Clark said. Kate ONeil, executive director of the nonprofit Connecticut Association for the Gifted, said many gifted students can exhibit behavioral problems or be disengaged from instruction if they are not offered appropriate services. It can be an issue of motivation, she said. Everyone has a right to learn something new every day. Gifted children are often sensitive with deep emotional reactions, ONeil said, and some might have ADHD or dyslexia, where giftedness and disability obscure or complicate one another, and testing alone may make it difficult to identify either one. How these behaviors and abilities are perceived, she said, may come down to other factors. Gifted education is not covered in teacher training how it should be, she said. Theres more systematic bias. Clark said the district works with University of Connecticut researchers to provide professional development on the issue. We are working with researchers from UConn to increase teacher awareness of cultural differences of behaviors indicating high potential and measures to tweak our identification process to be more inclusive, and therefore more representative of New Havens population as a whole, he said. According to ONeil, however, disparities can be exacerbated because of differences in management between municipalities. ONeil said there is little oversight or coordination between Connecticuts school districts to provide special programming for gifted young people, and there is a disparity in services between wealthy districts and underserved districts, which contributes to an excellence gap, which shows a difference in educational outcomes for gifted children from different socioeconomic status. I find it frustrating to look at what is being provided for students in wealthier communities and those in poorer communities. Its a huge disparity that does infringe on civil rights, she said. We know there are gifted students of all races, ethnic backgrounds and genders. What does it do to a neighborhood if you can empower all of its kids? One of the primary drivers of the disproportionate representation of white students in the New Haven TAG program may be identification. In predominantly white schools, such as Worthington Hooker and Nathan Hale schools, which were 50 percent white and 47.9 percent white, respectively, there were 183 students in the TAG program from a total of 980 students enrolled at both schools. In Newhallvilles Lincoln-Bassett School with 73.5 percent black students there were only four students in the TAG program from 381 students. At the 74 percent black Wexler-Grant School, there were eight TAG students, not even two percent of the schools population; four of those eight students were black. In the heavily Hispanic Hill Central School, Fair Haven School, Christopher Columbus Family Academy, John S. Martinez School and Clinton Avenue School, a small percentage of white students were also overrepresented in small TAG programs there. Only six students were in the Columbus TAG program, two of whom were white, although white students were only 2.8 percent of the schools 460 students. At Martinez, an 84.4 percent Hispanic school, there were six students in the TAG program; two were white, although white students comprised only 3.6 percent of the schools population. According to federal data, there appeared to be an inverse relationship between the TAG program and discipline. Although Nathan Hale had about 150 more students than Prospect Hills Celentano School, the nearly half-white school had five fewer out-of-school suspensions, only about one-third who were white. Black students at Nathan Hale, however, were 10 times more likely to be suspended there. At Celentano, which is 61.4 percent black, 70.6 percent of its suspensions were handed down to black students. Worthington Hooker only suspended four students that year, and all of them were suspended in-school. The black suspension rate outpaced the black enrollment rate by 10.1 points at Wexler-Grant, 5.4 points at Lincoln-Bassett, 20.3 points at Hill Central and 13 points at Fair Haven. The total number of out-of-school suspensions in those four schools for 2015-16 was 204, and the number of students in the TAG program was 38. In an emailed statement, Clark said discipline is meted out to students as individual actors. We are very proud of our reduction in student discipline, particularly suspensions and expulsions. We are also very proud of the efforts through restorative practices, behavior planning and trauma infused support and training across the district. These efforts coupled with our whole child focus and coordinated school health efforts have created healthier supporting learning environments for students and staff alike, he said. The more support we can provide individual students to focus on the positive aspects of the academic experience and growth as a learner the better for all concerned. One of the tri-chairs on Superintendent of Schools Carol Birkss transition team, Temple University assistant professor Edward Fergus, said earlier this month that an overrepresentation of students of color in suspensions and underrepresentation of students of color in gifted programs is the key element of his research. brian.zahn@hearstmediact.com 3 1 of 3 Thane Grauel / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Thane Grauel / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 3 of 3 WESTPORT The man whose body washed ashore at Saugatuck Shores on Friday died from drowning, Westport Police Lt. Jillian Cabana told Westport News on Monday. He suffered injuries consistent with a fall followed by a drowning, Cabana said, adding the police have identified the man but are waiting to release his name until next of kin are notified. Theres some elderly family involved. The medical examiners report will be available Tuesday. PORTLAND Daniel R. Bertram, developer of the 14.5-acre former Elmcrest land, is pursuing the second phase of a three-phase traffic authority review. Meanwhile, the company in charge of commercial development on the former hospital site has submitted demolition plans to the towns building official. Town officials and members of the economic development commission walked the property last week with a member of the Portland Historical Society and representatives of the DiMarco Group. DiMarco, a 107-year-old Rochester, New York,-based company, is handling retail/commercial development of the site. The site tour is part of an effort to catalog architectural details that might be worth saving. Last week, First Selectwoman Susan S. Bransfield joined Bertram and his traffic engineer, Joseph Balskus, from the firm VHB, along with representatives of the Office of State Traffic Administration. It was the second of three scheduled appearances by Bertrams team before the OSTA. It went very well, Bransfield said. In response to questions from state traffic officials, VHB will provide some additional answers to OSTA. And then, hopefully, the traffic permit will proceed, she said. While Bransfield was in Hartford appearing before the OTSA, Building Official Lincoln White was touring the property in the company of three officials from DiMarco. Joining them were Elwin Guild, chairman of the Economic Development Commission, Economic Development Coordinator Mary D. Dickerson, Claire Frisbie, representing the historical society, and local architect Alan McKittrick. We spent two hours walking the property but we did not go into any of the buildings, Dickerson said Monday. Three historic buildings on the property are being saved and restored as part of the project. The tour was held to determine if there other historically and architecturally significant details in other buildings that might be worth saving, White said. There are some different mantels that are stored in other buildings. The DiMarco team was made up of Jason Van Zeilen, Philip Resmondo, who will function as the on-site superintendent; and Sunil Cheriyan, project manager. Both Dickerson and White said DiMarco officials stand behind efforts to harvest significant interior details. They were very supportive of what the historical society wants to do, Dickerson said. And they were really impressed there was so much detail in the plans about historical and architectural details. They said they were not used to seeing this level of detail. Dickerson said an additional site walk is scheduled May 16. Reporter Jeff Mill covers East Hampton, Cromwell and Portland for the Middletown Press. Contact him at jeff.mill@hearstmediact.com. TORRINGTON You can Google it. Voting began Monday for the winner of the Connecticut state competition for the Doodle 4 Google art contest and teen Savannah Helm of Torrington is one of 52 state five winners who will compete in the national competition that gives the young artists the opportunity to have their artwork displayed on Googles homepage. The national award also offers a $30,000 college scholarship plus a $50,000 technology grant that the recipient can donate to a school or nonprofit organization of their choice. The 13-year-olds entry, called Music, depicts a tuba with sun rays beaming out of the horn. The centerpiece of the ink drawing is a piano keyboard with a hand poised to play a song. I drew as many instruments as I could, Savannah said. The colorful drawing represents the contests theme of what inspires me. The home-schooled eighth grader said she decided to enter the Google contest in the spring. I saw it online and I figured Id try it out for fun, she said. I drew about music because it brings people together in so many ways, Savannahs entry on the Google Doodle contest says. Me and my little brother dance to our favorite artists, my friends and I sing along to the radio, but most importantly I use music to worship God. She didnt fret over whether she would win or not. I actually forgot about it for a while, Savannah said. If the contest wasnt continually on her mind, the surprise party she recently received Thursday night definitely grabbed Savannahs attention. When she walked in to find about six dozen friends and their parents gathered at her church, Savannah began to realize something was up, she said. I was really shocked. I wondered who is this for? Is this for me? The celebration was held at the Northwest Hills Community Church on Prospect Street where her uncle, Michael Burgos, is the pastor. Two representatives from Google attended the party and handed out T-shirts. Savannah joined them on stage where they unveiled a large 5-by-8 foot print of her winning art piece which she took home. She also received a prize of a Chromebook. Savannah is the only home-schooled student in the competition to win a state spot in the national contest. We are so excited shes been recognized, said Savannahs mom, Danielle. She said her daughter started taking art lessons last year. She has a humble confidence, Danielle Helm added. Savannahs aunt, Marion Burgos of Winsted, said her niece has played piano since she was four. Shes always been creative, Burgos said. Every square inch of her bedroom walls are filled with art. The next step toward winning the national competition rests with Savannahs friends, family and the wider community. Thats because the public has until May 18 to use Googles online voting system to choose the national winner. The web address is: https://doodles.google.com/d4g/. To cast a vote, look for the Google icon in the top left corner. Iran may or may not be fired. Photo: Cheriss May/NurPhoto via Getty Images Donald Trump announced Monday that he will reveal whether he intends to violate the United States nuclear agreement with Iran tomorrow. In a mid-afternoon tweet, the leader of the free world teased his upcoming diplomatic decision as though it were a reality show finale. I will be announcing my decision on the Iran Deal tomorrow from the White House at 2:00pm. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 7, 2018 Trump did not need to make this decision tomorrow. The deadline for action wont come until May 12, when the president will need to renew a waiver on Americas nuclear sanctions against Iran or else, violate the terms of the Obama-era agreement that froze Tehrans atomic weapons program. The first option has much to recommend it: The agreement has successfully halted Irans progress toward a nuclear weapon, according to international inspectors; Americas European allies insist that they will continue to honor the deal even if the U.S. pulls out (and Iranian president Hassan Rouhani has vowed to return the favor); and the White House is currently trying to persuade North Korea to denuclearize, a task that requires convincing Pyongyang that the U.S. can be trusted to uphold its promises to rogue states. On the other hand, the Iran deal was a win for Barack Obama; Israel doesnt like it; and Trump promised on the campaign trail to tear it up. Americas EU allies have been scrambling to convince Trump that the former considerations should override the latter. Britains foreign secretary Boris Johnson lobbied for the deals survival in Washington Monday. Johnson laid out his case for the agreement in a New York Times op-ed and then took his case directly to the president (by appearing on Fox & Friends). Meanwhile, Germany and France announced their intention to honor the agreement, no matter what Trump decides. Without the cooperation of Americas EU allies, Trumps capacity to impose biting economic sanctions on Iran will be somewhat limited: Tehran has far stronger trade ties with Europe than with the U.S., and so, has relatively little to lose from America pulling out of the nuclear agreement, so long as Britain, France, and the U.K. remain in it. To this point, Trump has found ways to renew the Iran agreement while still castigating it as a disaster. For most of his first year, he accomplished that task by recertifying the agreement quietly. Last time, he did so by loudly decertifying the agreement while still, technically, keeping the U.S. a party to it. Thus, the fact that the president is so eager to draw attention to his decision might be an ominous sign for those who support Americas participation in the Iran deal. But its also possible that Trump has found a new half-measure he can conspicuously announce, while giving his new secretary of State more time to work out a modified, tougher version of the agreement with those disagreeable Europeans. Sometimes the only way to cope with the crushing stress that comes with being a teacher is to laugh, and there's no better time to do that than during Teacher Appreciation Week. The week of recognition begins May 8 and includes a series of events and social media campaigns aimed at recognizing teachers' often thankless work. The Bexar County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help finding a teenage girl who has been missing for more than one month. Mariah Montgomery, 16, was reported missing on March 31, 2018. Her father told deputies around midnight that she had not come home and he was concerned. He said she may be staying with someone in the San Antonio area. Don vs. Donald. Photo: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images Don Blankenship is a coal baron who tried to inflate his profits by ignoring safety regulations in a mine where 29 of his workers were killed. He is a convicted criminal, who regularly rants about Chinapeople, and has the charisma of a coma patient. What in the world did I just watch pic.twitter.com/4eudpGAxp0 Mac McClung Fan Account (@LPDonovan) May 3, 2018 And he just might be the West Virginia GOPs nominee for Senate this fall. In the three-way race to challenge Democrat Joe Manchin, Republican congressman Evan Jenkins and state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey are splitting the mainstream vote, while Blankenship is rapidly consolidating the Im for whoever Mitch McConnell isnt bloc: In recent days, as the coal baron has saturated West Virginias airwaves with advertisements, internal GOP polling has reportedly showed Blankenship eking out a narrow lead over his rivals. Now, 24 hours before West Virginians head to the polls, Donald Trump has finally put his thumb on the scales. Unable to find any substantive argument against Blankenships candidacy (whats not to like about white-collar criminal who camouflages his homicidal contempt for the working class in folksy racism?), the president warned his supporters that the man was simply unelectable, tweeting, To the great people of West Virginia we have, together, a really great chance to keep making a big difference. Problem is, Don Blankenship, currently running for Senate, cant win the General Election in your StateNo way! Remember Alabama. Vote Rep. Jenkins or A.G. Morrisey! In this case, Trumps analysis is likely correct. As Sean Trende of RealClearPolitics explains, the keys to Democratic competitiveness in West Virginia are the economically left-leaning, culturally conservative working-class voters in the southwest part of the state. Joe Manchin has long displayed a talent for connecting with that constituency (or, more precisely, enough of that constituency to command a state-level majority). But Blankenship is just about the best possible foil the Democrat could ask for in a fight for such voters. And the coal barons flagrant xenophobia and habit of decrying Mitch McConnell as a cocaine dealer means that the national Republican Party would likely do relatively little to boost Blankenships candidacy. These realities arent lost on Democratic strategists. One of the Donkey Partys super-PACS, Duty and Country, has spent $1.8 million trying to take out Evan Jenkins in the primary a move that has likely boosted Blankenships prospects. Blankenship responded to Trumps tweet Monday morning by noting that, The president is a very busy man and he does not know me. The exorbitantly wealthy white-collar criminal who is trying to steal a nomination from career GOP politicians on the strength of his media exposure and the virulence of his racism also observed, As some have said, I am Trumpier than Trump, and this morning proves it. A San Antonio man accused of killing his brother and burying him in the Padre Island sand dunes gave detectives conflicting statements in a lengthy video interview shown Monday to jurors. Gregorio Barrera, 50, is on trial, charged with murder in the death of his younger brother, Andres Barrera, 46, whose remains were found Sept. 25, 2016, in 3 feet of sand in Kleberg County on the northern part of the Padre Island National Seashore. RELATED: Activists accused of hindering SAPD investigation of unresponsive victim Prosecutors Kimberly Gonzalez and Ana Ochoa Nelson said at the opening of the trial May 1 that the brothers fought over the family home in the 8700 block of Sage Brush on the Northeast Side. As the trial entered its second week, jurors saw several hours of a video captured Sept. 13, 2016 at Public Safety Headquarters. In the video, Gregorio Barrera said he and his brother did not get along and at times fought. San Antonio police Detective Rachel Barnes testified that Barreras recollections of the last time he saw his brother changed throughout the interview, particularly when she asked about the shirt he was wearing a white long sleeve T-shirt from Abercrombie & Fitch. At first, Gregorio Barrera told investigators he had gone to the mall with his brother, Sept. 1, and he bought him the shirt, but shortly after changed his story and said he used the card himself, with permission from his brother, after officers told him the receipt from the store was from Sept. 4. Barrera said he could not recall the exact dates when asked if he knew where his brother was. He told detectives his brother went with someone in a dark colored Fiat and he hadnt seen him since. RELATED: Authorities hope to ID 350 drug-war victims buried on the border Last week, jurors saw video of the home the men allegedly were renovating together, the walls and ceiling covered in blood spatter. When Barnes asked Gregorio about the blood, he said he knew nothing, but that weeks earlier, he had cut himself doing work on the house. Have you seen the blood in the house, Barnes asked Barrera in the video. No, he said. The blood in the house is very strange. Its sprayed on the walls, blood on the ceiling, Barnes told Barrera in the video. Theres a pretty good chance something happened, something significant. The case is being heard in the 186th state District Court, presided by Judge Jefferson Moore. Gregorio Barrera faces up to life in prison if convicted. Elizabeth Zavala is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | ezavala@express-news.net | @elizabeth2863 The former president of the Bandidos Motorcycle Club finished presenting his case Monday at a racketeering trial in San Antonio, calling mostly character witnesses. Lawyers for Jeffrey Fay Pike called Bandidos members from the Houston area, the wife of one member, and a friend of Pikes to testify in support of Pike's contention that the club is just a bunch of fun-loving men and not the violence-thriving toughs they have been depicted as in the past. Pike, who lives near Conroe, is on trial with his former vice president, John Xavier Portillo of San Antonio, on charges that they led the Bandidos alleged racketeering conspiracy by directing, ordering, authorizing or sanctioning murder, drug dealing, beatings and intimidation of other bikers. RELATED: Female MS-13 members engaged in 'extremely heinous and violent activity' During the almost three-month trial, ex-insiders that include eight former Bandidos, most of them from San Antonio, testified for the feds that they committed some of those crimes at the direction of Pike and Portillo, or that they witnessed the illegal acts. The trial has included testimony about attacks by Bandidos or the planning of attacks that didnt take place on members of the Cossacks Motorcycle Club between 2013 and 2015, and three killings: A street gang member in January 2001, an alleged Hells Angels member in Austin in April 2006 and a supporter of the Cossacks in Fort Worth in December 2014. Pikes lead lawyer, Dick DeGuerin, argued that Pike never knew about the crime in advance, nor did he authorize them. And if they were committed, they were the individual acts of some members, DeGuerin has said. One FBI agent testified early in the trial that the club uses charitable acts, such as collecting toys for children, as cover for its illegal deeds or to counter the perception that the Bandidos are a criminal group. Natalie Courtney, the wife of Bandidos member Jason White, testified today that she is a PBOL a Proud Bandido Ol Lady and aimed to dispel the FBI agents claim. Courtney, an oncology specialist nurse at MD Anderson Medical Center in Houston, belongs to a group of women called Benefit Betties that collects donations to put together care packages for deployed military troops. That womens group is not affiliated with the Bandidos, but once Pikes wife, Heather, learned about Benefit Betties, she gathered a truckload of donations for the cause, Courtney said. She added that other Bandidos members and their wives have donated as well, with no fanfare. When anybody, whether a Bandido or PBOL, sent me supplies, there was no public tie-in to that or public acknowledgment for that matter, Courtney said. Courtney also said Pike made positive changes in the club, including doing away with how the Bandidos used to refer to women as property. Now, women are treated with respect and dignity, Courtney said. I feel like I got a bunch of big brothers protecting me and have a family that always has my back. Alan Frost, a British-born Houston-area businessman and motorcyclist who has known Pike since 1981, testified that he never saw Pike in illegal conduct and that he was honest and trustworthy. Whatever Jeff said to me, I could take to the bank, Frost said. You could take him at his word 100 percent. Hes a straight shooter and thats something I liked about him. Portillos lead lawyer, Mark Stevens, told Senior U.S. District Judge David Ezra that Portillo will begin its case today and they will let the court know this morning if he will testify in his own defense. Guillermo Contreras is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | gcontreras@express-news.net | @gmaninfedland Two open carry activists are facing charges after they interfered with a police investigation in downtown San Antonio last month, according to court records. Jesus Padilla, 27, and Jack Miller, 45, were charged with interfering with public duties. Padilla was arrested Sunday and booked into the Bexar County Jail on a $3,000 bond. It is unclear if Miller has been arrested. Neither Padilla nor Miller immediately responded to requests for comment. RELATED: SAPD arrests man accused of stalking, threatening ex-girlfriend for weeks In an arrest affidavit, police say the men were all "working together in an attempt to provoke the officers (sic) to fight, using offensive words and gestures and aggressive approaches to confront the officer." The affidavit notes Padilla and Miller are known to San Antonio police from previous encounters. In this most recent case, police said their actions may have caused officers to lose a potential witness statement and suspect information relating to an unresponsive person in the street. According to court records, San Antonio police officers were tending to the unresponsive person lying in the 500 block of East Houston on April 28 when Padilla, Miller and another man arrived on scene. Padilla and Miller were both armed at the time, according to the affidavit. "Although [Padilla] is allowed to carry a weapon under open carry, this was distracting for Officer Ramos, as he now is paying attention to a potential threat," reads Padilla's arrest affidavit. According to the affidavit, Miller approached the same police officer in an aggressive manner, which police say was an apparent "intentional attempt to antagonize the officer." RELATED: San Antonio man drowns in Comal River while tubing A video of the incident provided to mySA.com by Padilla shows Miller and another unidentified man speaking with the police officer, who asks them to step back. Another police officer, identified as Officer Dech in the affidavit, then also asks the men to back up, as the officers need to secure the crime scene. Then, with no visible provocation, Officer Ramos tackles the unidentified man with Miller to the ground and arrests him. Padilla starts yelling obscenities at the officer, and Miller raises his hands and backs off. The unresponsive victim police were trying to tend to remains in a coma and is expected to undergo surgery, police 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 36-year-old man drowned Sunday in the Comal River in New Braunfels while tubing with a group of people, according to police. The victim, James Flores of San Antonio, became partially separated from his group around 6:20 p.m. near 90 Comal Circle, according to Capt. Mike Rutherford of the New Braunfels Police Department. A San Antonio man was arrested Saturday after his ex-girlfriend reported weeks of harassment that included him throwing a rock through her window and slashing her mother's tire, police said. The woman filed multiple reports against 20-year-old Angel Alexander DeLeon, according to his arrest affidavit. Police said DeLeon would drive by the woman's house often, honking his car horn in an effort to get her attention. RELATED: BCSO: 3-year-old taken in West Side carjacking while woman unloads groceries DeLeon is also accused of throwing a rock through the woman's window and slashing her mother's tire. The incident was caught on video surveillance, according to the affidavit. When DeLeon discovered that his ex-girlfriend reported him to the police, he messaged her with more threats, according to the affidavit. "In the message (DeLeon) asks her if she knows what happens to 'snitches,' and told the victim he did not care what she told (police)," the affidavit says. Police arrested DeLeon on suspicion of stalking and retaliation. A judge set his bail at $100,000, according to jail records. 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 San Antonio police officer Arturo Moreno doesnt hesitate when asked whether he thinks about his slain brother as he goes about his work. Every day. Every day, said Moreno, 30, who received a medal Monday honoring the late Officer Miguel Moreno III from Gov. Greg Abbott at a memorial ceremony for peace officers. The governor promised that the state would remember not only those who died defending their communities safety but the families left to mourn them. We are reminded that there is no such thing as a routine day for a law enforcement officer, Abbott said. They go to work every day to keep us safe, not knowing what dangers they may face during the course of that day, he said. So we must, as a community, stand in solidarity with them, and we must focus on restoring the respect for law enforcement, not just in Texas, but throughout our entire nation. Officers Miguel Moreno and Julio Cavazos were shot June 29, 2017, near San Antonio College as they were working on a car burglary detail. After they attempted to investigate two pedestrians, one shot at them. Moreno, who was shot in the head, was pronounced dead the next day. Cavazos, who was hit in the chest, survived his critical injury. The suspect, who was hurt when Cavazos returned fire, died after shooting himself in the head, authorities said. He had a long criminal record. . Arturo Moreno said the medal presented by Abbott for his brother meant a lot to me and my family. Its an honor to be here to represent my brother. Members of law enforcement agencies from around the state, including the San Antonio Police Department and Bexar County Sheriffs Office, took part in the ceremony. The San Antonio Blue Line Choir sang the national anthem. The memorial came amid national attention on some law officers interactions with suspects, particularly minority suspects, in which force is used or there seems insufficient provocation for an officer to draw a gun. Abbott focused on the many upstanding officers who continue to put their lives on the line despite growing disrespect and even open hostility toward law enforcement officers. Too often this hostility has turned into violence violence that has cost law enforcement officers their lives, he said. Texas has sent a message that disrespect wont be tolerated, Abbott said. He cited a state law making it a hate crime to attack an officer because of prejudice against law enforcement as well as an initiative to provide better equipment to officers, including rifle-resistant vests. They are our neighbors. They are our friends. They are fathers and mothers. They are sons and daughters. They wear the badge for each and every one of us because they care so much about the people and the communities they serve, Abbott, and they have demonstrated time and again that they will do whatever it takes to protect those in need, even if it means sacrificing their own lives. Peggy Fikac is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | pfikac@express-news.net | @pfikac Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry is throwing his political weight behind Republican Dan Crenshaw in the runoff battle for the 2nd Congressional District. Perry, now President Donald Trump's energy secretary, cut a radio ad for Crenshaw's campaign, proclaiming his support for the former Navy SEAL who is battling Republican Kevin Roberts in a May 22 GOP primary runoff. "I know Dan Crenshaw will serve with dignity as the congressman for the 2nd District," Perry says in the 60 second ad. The ad also features and endorsement from former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, the soldier who the 2013 movie Lone Survivor was bassed on. "Dan Crenshaw is a tested leader," Luttrell says in the ad. "He will fight for us." Roberts and Crenshaw are battling for a seat U.S. Rep. Ted Poe, a Republican from Humble, has held since 2005. Poe announced last year he will retired at the end of his current two year term. Roberts and Crenshaw finished in the top two spots in a March 6 primary to reach the runoff election. Nine candidates were in the orginally field, including Republican Kathaleen Wall, who spent over $6 million of her own money on the race. She couldn't hold off either Roberts or Crenshaw in a heavily gerrymandered district that stretches from parts of western Houston up to the northern stretches of Harris County, then east to pick up all of Humble and Atascocita. The winner of the runoff will advance to the November general election to take on Democrat Todd Litton, who easily won the Democratic Primary on March 6. Jeremy Wallace writes about state politics and government for the Chronicle. Follow him on Twitter at @JeremySWallace. Pedestrians cross the street in front of a graffiti stencil by artist Toxicomano Callejero, in the center of Bogota, Colombia. Photo: Jan Sochor/LatinContent/Getty Images Bogota, Colombia, doesnt always give gringo travelers the greatest first impression, especially when stopping for a day en route to the sunny Caribbean coast. Its often gray and dreary and everything interesting is spread out across different neighborhoods, so sometimes there are long periods of being stuck in hellacious traffic. Tourists might have a moment of awe at the gold museum or earn a nasty hangover after a night of drinking aguardiente at whimsical steakhouse Andres Carne de Res, but they miss out on where 99.9 percent of the citys 8 million residents like to hang. Related Stories Introducing the Urbanist If you came to Bogota a decade ago, you would have stuck close to La Candelaria, the colonial quarter that is home to most museums, or maybe ventured north a bit for dinner, but in recent years large swaths of the city have opened up. Artists have taken over neighborhoods like San Felipe and La Macarena, launching galleries and hip cafes, while countless luxury hotels, including a W and two Four Seasons, have sprouted all over town. Ancestral drinks now appear in the pairings of tasting menus and old bull rings host concerts. Bogota is still its wild self though; those who know where to look can find a popular drinking game that involves gunpowder, or soulful bowls of rib soup served at 4 a.m. While Colombias economy has slowed recently, it had been going bonkers for the last eight years, and everywhere you turn in Bogota, you see a city that has undergone a major urban renewal. A modern, rapid-transit bus system has been around since 2000, but to keep up with growth, a plan for a subway network is starting to take shape. Aeropuerto El Dorado just added a new wing at a cost of $143 million and there are plans to open a second international airport in the suburbs. With a 2016 FARC peace deal now in place, effectively ending five decades of civil war, Colombia is still trying to sort itself out; many tourists have trouble understanding the political situation in the city, which can be volatile at times. Yet that spunk, that fire, is what makes the capital so great. Street artists who protested police brutality are now encouraged by government officials to create art. Cyclists who took over city streets inspired a car-free movement that has spread around the globe. Modern Bogota is a city built by the people and for the people. All this week, the Urbanist will be highlighting the very best of Bogota food, drink, art, culture, shopping, hotels, day trips, and more through the recommendations of those who know it best: 22 people who live there. A sterilized version of Bogota, with its international chains and emerald stores, is emerging, and many residents, tired of years of disorder, might like it that way. But if Bogotas history tells you anything, its the citys shortcomings that make it so dynamic. The Everything Guide to Bogota Where the Locals Would Stay in Bogota If They Werent Local How to Avoid Other Tourists in Bogota How to Shop Like a Local in Bogota Where Two of Bogotas Hottest Chefs Eat Every Meal of the Day The Essential Gallery Guide to Bogota All Day and All Night in La Macarena, the Bushwick of Bogota 5 Archetypal Bogotan Drinks and Where to Order Them The Ultimate Street Art Guide to Bogota One Night in Bogota? This Is How You Should Spend It Cloud Forests, Coffee Haciendas, and Other Escapes from Bogota What to Read, Watch, and Download Before Visiting Bogota In keeping with our era of ideological boycotts, I will no longer be purchasing Kind bars. Or Barilla pasta. Or Triscuit crackers. Or Del Monte diced tomatoes. Or Nutro dog food. A one-person boycott, of course, is really just a change in your shopping list. But the companies that produce these brands are guilty of crimes against rationality. All advertise on their packaging, in one way or another, that they dont contain GMOs genetically modified ingredients. Walking down the aisle of my supermarket, I could have picked many other examples. Some food companies seem to be saying that GMO ingredients are not even fit for your dog. My boycott is rooted in the fact that there is no reputable scientific evidence that direct genetic modification instead of slower genetic modification through selective breeding has any health effects of any kind. None. Here is a 2016 analysis of about 1,000 studies by the National Academy of Sciences: The committee concluded that no differences have been found that implicate a higher risk to human health safety from these [Genetically Engineered] foods than from their non-GE counterparts. The NAS is joined in this judgment by the Royal Society, the French Academy of Science and the American Medical Association. OPINION: Healthy competition as food industry vies for consumers So why has Europe essentially banned GMOs? Why do many American food companies treat them like toxins? Mark Lynas new book, Seeds of Science: Why We Got It So Wrong on GMOs, tells the story from a unique perspective. The logic of Lynas conversion is an implicit challenge to both the American right and the left. In an earlier book, Six Degrees, Lynas took a deep dive into climate science (winning the Royal Societys 2008 Science Book Prize in the process). He found the scientific consensus on climate change to be compelling. But he found the evidence for the safety of GMOs to be at least as strong. It was, he says, a decisive turning point in my life. But the public debate on GMOs turned in exactly the opposite direction. Just as scientists were becoming more confident in the safety of GMOs, global anti-GMO activists, led by Greenpeace, were making the issue a hot potato (including a genetically modified insect-resistant potato cultivated in Canada). On the strength of myths (that using genetically modified seeds somehow resulted in suicides among Indian farmers) and deception (tying GMOs to autism or cancer), supermarket chains, food companies and eventually governments were frightened into anti-GMO stances. RELATED: Junk food companies love Sid Miller Lynas has carefully avoided writing a screed. He shows considerable patience for the worldview of his former allies: a preference for the small and natural, a fear that agricultural technology results in centralization and increased corporate power. I have less patience. There is more than a hint of cultural imperialism when Westerners grown fat on the success of modern farming lecture subsistence farmers on the benefits of heirloom breeds and organic methods. The greatest need among farmers who spend part of the year hungry is increased productivity. Plant varieties engineered to resist cassava brown streak, banana bacterial wilt or maize lethal necrosis can be a matter of life or death. New, drought-resistant crops will be essential as the climate continues to change. And crops designed to resist insects require the use of far less insecticide which reduces the risk of pesticide poisoning. OPINION: Federal overreach main threat to Texas agriculture Like with the anti-vaccination movement, a contempt for science can have a human cost. The anti-GMO movement is best described as a religious belief. Such beliefs have their uses. Theology can determine the values we bring to the world, but it cant be allowed to dictate our facts. The anti-GMO packaging of Triscuits has the same factual basis as the claim: No plants or animals produced by evolution were used in the production of this product. It is the victory of anti-reason. As close as your nearest supermarket. On left and right, our theologies need to be tethered to empiricism. Our deepest beliefs should help navigate reality, not determine it. Meanwhile, my dog and I will be shopping in the non-irrationality section. michaelgerson@washpost.com When a child is born, its usually a time of celebration for the happy couple and family. But sadly and too often, some children begin their lives in abusive homes. Wouldnt it be wonderful if every child born in this world could grow up in a happy, healthy and safe environment? Unfortunately, child abuse and neglect is happening every day and everywhere. And thats intolerable. The statistics are alarming. In 2017, San Antonio had the third highest rate of reported child abuse cases in Texas. A total of 5,588 confirmed cases of child abuse were reported in San Antonio. And over 30 percent were on the citys West Side, in particular within the 78207 and 78228 ZIP codes, according to the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. With those overwhelming numbers, its every communitys responsibility to sound the alarm and raise awareness of child abuse in our neighborhoods. National Child Abuse Prevention Month was in April. However, our efforts to help prevent child abuse as a community must continue every day and month of the year. Family Service Association is committed to helping reduce the number of child abuse cases in San Antonio. One way were doing that is through a unique pilot program called Promotoras. Spearheaded by San Antonio City Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales of District 5, the newly developed pilot will help tackle child abuse in her district, where the numbers of reported cases are staggering and which is one of the most economically distressed areas in our city. Gonzales concern over the rising numbers of child abuse cases on the West Side moved her to confront the problem. With the support of San Antonio City Council members, as well as the collaboration with Family Service Association, the 12-week pilot has taken shape. It will use a peer-to-peer mentor model allowing trained community members, known as Promotoras, plus parents in the same targeted ZIP codes, to provide valuable in-home health care education to at-risk families. The goal is to increase parental and child nurturing skills to ensure the health and safety of children, and ultimately to strengthen and empower families. We also hope to help families improve their financial outcomes through job training and education. Its our commitment to every child and to the community. In November, we reached out to the West Side community by inviting residents in the 78207 ZIP codes to attend Community Health Worker classes, held at the Westside Education Training Center. The grant, initiated by Gonzales, allowed for 10 residents in the 78207 ZIP code to participate in the Promotoras Program. Since then, the 10 participants have completed their required certification hours. Our organization was able to hire four of the 10 Promotoras, who will soon be working closely with targeted at-risk populations. The Promotoras have shared their eagerness to begin working with families and have expressed how the program has given them an opportunity to reach out to others in their own community. Family Service hopes to see improved home environments within the next two years of the pilot. Program partners include the University of Texas at San Antonio to evaluate the success of the program over a two-year period and the Westside Education Training Center to train and certify the community Promotoras. To learn more about the Promotoras Pilot Program, please call 210-431-7500. Mary E. Garr is president and CEO of Family Service Association, San Antonios oldest human service nonprofit dedicated to strengthening individuals and families in need. Allies such as Great Britain are standing up against Donald Trumps policies on trade, climate change and the Iran nuclear deal. The one-two punch of Emmanuel Macron and Angela Merkel opposed the naive and dangerous notion of abandoning the nuclear deal because it is widely understood by the world as keeping us safer. Yet this administration, including new Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, seems to place hawkishness above diplomacy. Our allies have tried to convince our president that the Iran deal was constructed by world powers over two years as the positive step toward keeping the world safer from nukes. This administration will put the world in peril if Trump withdraws from the deal. Adam Castillo Rebranding the E-N Re: Rules for migrants, Your Turn, April 30: The letter writer is 100 percent correct in his assessment of todays immigration situation. His last point suggests the Express-News is in full support of all immigrants making their way here for whatever reason. The Express-News is no longer the Express-News. Its something else. Heres a thought why not rename the paper Cuidad Sanctuaria para los immigrantes del sur (Sanctuary City for the immigrants from the south)? Leo Q. Gomez Values undermined Re: Obey authority, Your Turn, April 28: This letter writer dispels the myth that Republicans are the party of family values and Christian values. My reading of love thy neighbor has no exclusions. I dont remember that Jesus had any, either. I also take exception to the demonizing our president comment. I do not believe quoting the presidents own statements qualifies as demonizing him. He is certainly not a demon. Just a man. A man with no moral base who is in way over his head in a job for which he is totally unqualified. He is also filling a swamp he promised to drain. The thing I find hard to believe is that so many people are willing to sacrifice their Christian beliefs on the altar of political expediency. And regarding the quote from a book known to be self-contradictory, I much prefer Mark Twain on the subject of patriotism: Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it. Don Ahlgren Mass transit pluses Re: San Antonio isnt an ideal place for rapid transit system, Randal OToole, Other Views, April 27: Randall OToole trumpets the downsides of rail mass transit. Unhappily, he fails to cite the excellent effects of properly run mass transit in Toronto and many European cities. He also fails to mention that wheeled, nonpolluting and less than giant-sized natural gas-fueled buses are effective. He further fails to mention that greater use of mass transit would reduce the ozone threat, as well as that posed by the rest of the tailgate poisons. C.H. Hood Bring back cursive I would appreciate it if someone explained to me why cursive has been excluded from the elementary school curriculum. Everyone needs to know how to write! Why should we have to depend on computer programs to translate our printing to cursive? I am afraid this will come back to haunt us. I think the late John Igo would have had some thoughts on this! Danna Kalisky When business mogul David Geffen sold his oceanfront estate on Carbon Beach, aka "Billionaire's Beach," for $85 million in May 2017, a Malibu record was set. Several months later, that record was quietly matched in the coastal community when billionaire investor Daryl Katzowner of the NHL's Edmonton Oilersbought the estate of Westside Estate Agency co-founder and CEO Kurt Rappaport. The purchase included artwork, furnishings, and everything else in the home. Now a deal has come along that handily eclipses the record. We're referring to the $110 million sale of the beachfront estate of hotelier Peter Morton. The home wasn't even on the market, but Canadian billionaire Michael S. Smith and his wife, Iris, made Morton an offer he couldn't refuse.The Smiths had been shopping for a Malibu property for years, and after renting Morton's, they finally persuaded the hotel mogul to sell it. The home is one of the sparkliest gems among the trophy properties along this stretch of beach. The compound on a half-acre, double lot was designed by architect Richard Meier. Public records show Morton acquired the side-by-side lots at different times for $5.6 million total. However there's no word on what he spent to build the ultraluxe compound. But one thing the Morton property has in common with the two $85 million sales is that none of the properties was on the multiple listing service when it sold. Which raises an intriguing question: Is Malibu real estate a closed loop of billionaires stealthily slipping in to strike megadeals with other billionaires? Is Malibu only for billionaires? According to The Agency's Sandro Dazzan, the only thing keeping prices from regularly cresting the nine-digit mark is a lack of inventory in the rarefied community of $100 million-plus properties According to Dazzan, who was involved in last year's record $50 million sale of undeveloped land in Malibu, "There's a huge amount of wealth coming in right now and not enough product at the super-high end." Most expensive plot of undeveloped land ever sold in Malibu, CA realtor.com There is a limited number of properties of substantial size and distinction in Malibu's most desirable area. Carbon Beach is within walking distance of venues such as Nobu and the Soho House. Billionaire Larry Ellison, co-founder and chairman of Oracle, alone owns about 12 homes on that coveted stretch, and the ultrawealthy who can't buy there (not for lack of funds, but for lack of availability) lease there. Another factor propping up the eye-popping prices of these Malibu homes? They were all recently remodeled, so no additional work was required. Homeowners and agents know the Coastal Commissionwhich oversees all construction in the areais notoriously tricky to deal with and is prone to taking its time. "I sold a new home last year that had taken the developer 10 years to build, because of permitting issues," says Dazzan. The bigger picture These high-end deals have a ripple effect on the Malibu market, says Susan Monus of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury, who's been working in the Malibu market for over 20 years. "Big sales beget big sales," she says. Dazzan agrees. "High prices at the upper end help solidify the market," he says. He notes the $110 million estate with over 100 feet of beach frontage makes the $13.7 million Carbon Beach property with 60 feet of beach frontage that he's repping look like a value play. This $13.7 million home is a relative bargain. realtor.com It's odd to consider anything in the range of $14 million a bargain, but the value is relative, according to Monus. "I have always considered Malibu to be the Riviera of the United States," she says. "It's a major destination, and it's been underpriced for years, while becoming more and more desirable." Investment potential Malibu is not only a world-renowned place to live, it's also a great place to invest in, Monus adds. "Not everyone chooses to put their money in the stock market," she explains. "Malibu real estate is an excellent investment, providing double returns. The value is certain to increase, and there will be a profit when it's time to sell. But in the meantime you can benefit from lease income." She notes current lease prices near the beach range from $2,850 a month for a studio to $275,000 a month for the 6-acre estate known as Villa Contenta. And sellers like the owners of this five-bedroom, six-bathroom beachfront home on Malibu Road can easily wait for their $28 million asking price when they're leasing out the home for $80,000 a month. $28 million home on Malibu Road realtor.com Agent Paul Lester with The Agency partly attributes the price surge to international interest. Prices are rising at most Malibu price points, he says, because "international buyers are finally beginning to realize the value." Lester explains that in the not-so-distant past, when people came to Malibu for the first time, "they didn't get it." When compared with the lavish estates of Bel Air and wide or mansion-lined streets of Beverly Hills, the unassuming house on the Pacific Coast Highway might seem shabby. However, once overseas buyers understand the world's most powerful, prestigious, and wealthy residents are paying top dollar for homes there, they're interested. The convenience factor Monus points out that many would-be residents are looking in Malibu for second homes, while keeping a main residence in Brentwood or Beverly Hills. There are few other places in the world where you can be at your beach vacation home in a half-hour without having to hop on a plane. "It's only a short drive from L.A., but you feel like you're in another world," says Lester. The post Malibu's $110M Sale: What Does It Mean to the 'Bu? appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com. United States President Donald Trump wants to cut foreign assistance dollars to countries who dont vote with the US at the United Nations (UN) and South Africa and Zimbabwe are among these countries. South Africa received about $258 million (R3,2 billion) in the 2017/18 year according to the United States Agency for International Development (USAid). The vast majority of the funds are spent on health initiatives. In Zimbabwe, USAid invests nearly $100 million annually, supporting a broad portfolio of health programmes. Every year, the US State Department compiles a report on voting practices at the UN. The report is then given to the US Congress. This report includes a comparison between the voting records of the US and other countries on UN General Assembly records. The report was released last week and found that of the 93 resolutions that were voted on in 2017, on average, other countries only voted with the US 31% of the time. According to a statement from the US State Department, this is a 10 percentage point drop from 2016, but at a rate that is historically near average. The American people pay 22% of the UN budget more than the next three highest donor countries combined. In spite of this generosity, the rest of the UN voted with us only 31% of the time, a lower rate than in 2016, US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, said. Thats because we care more about being right than popular and are once again standing up for our interests and values. Either way, this is not an acceptable return on our investment. When we arrived at the UN last year, we said we would be taking names, and this list of voting records speaks for itself. President Trump wants to ensure that our foreign assistance dollars the most generous in the world always serve American interests, and we look forward to helping him see that the American people are no longer taken for granted, Haley said. According to the report, the country that voted the most often with the US was Israel, while Zimbabwe was the country that voted with the US the least. The 10 countries with the highest voting coincidence with the US were Israel, Micronesia, Canada, Marshall Islands, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Palau, Ukraine and the Czech Republic. The 10 countries with the lowest voting coincidence with the US were Zimbabwe, Burundi, Iran, Syria, Venezuela, North Korea, Turkmenistan, Cuba, Bolivia and South Africa. South Africa voted with the US on nine occasions and against it 68 times. Zimbabwe only voted with the US on six occasions and 69 times against. News24 Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News MDC Alliance presidential candidate Nelson Chamisa yesterday urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to come clean on corruption, saying his business deals were suspect. Speaking at the coalitions rally at Pfupajena Stadium in Chegutu, Chamisa said Mnangagwa was not the right person to lead the fight against graft. We are fighting corruption and the biggest corruption is to steal elections, it starts from the top, he said. When we are cleaning corruption we dont mind the status. Chamisa also took a dig at Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, reminding him that the youth can also lead the country. He said while he respected the former army commander, Chiwenga and his peers fought in the liberation struggle when they were young. Chiwenga, as youth our claim to this country is as good as yours, he said. I like my old man Chiwenga, he has shown that he follows what will be happening at my rallies, he is one of my disciples. Chamisa also accused Zanu PF of infusing his ideas into their manifesto, which he said would remain a blueprint because there was no political will to implement it. He said the MDC Alliance would form the next government to deal with the ills the country had been suffering for a long time because of insensitive leadership. Chamisa said under his administration, no government minister would seek medical attention outside the country for common ailments. The Standard Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News A tourist bus modeled after the old trams drives down a street in the historical La Candelaria district of Bogota. Photo: Devasahayam M. Chandra Dhas/Getty Images Whether you like it or not, someone will probably drag you to all the museums downtown and in La Candelaria and, admittedly, some of them are really great. And for a night of rumba and insane photo ops, its obligatory to visit kitschy-fun steakhouse Andres Carne de Res. But if you want to go where the locals go, take the following advice from these resident experts. Monserrate vs. Ciclovia. Photo: Starcevic/EITAN ABRAMOVICH/Getty Images Instead of climbing Monserrate, ride in the Ciclovia You can get a good workout with a sweaty hike up Monserrate, the green mountain that flanks Bogotas eastern side, but the top is perched with a crowded church and an overpriced handicraft market. Join the locals where they get their fresh air on Sundays and holidays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thats when 76 miles of highways and streets are closed for pedestrians and cyclists for the Ciclovia. This idea of a mostly car-free city for one day a week began here in 1974, when 5,000 students took over the citys streets and bus lanes with bikes. It became an official event a few years later and has since expanded to cities around the world. Its a good chance to walk or cycle all the way up to Usaquen, a beautiful neighborhood in the north on Bogota, and you dont have to deal with traffic, says Ursula Levy, a radio journalist for the show Dos y Punto on Caracol Radio. On Sundays, Usaquen has the most beautiful Mercado de las Pulgas, or flea markets, youll ever see. Its clean and vendors sell from pop-up tents. You can find everything from antiques to vintage clothes to upscale handicrafts and vinyl records, plus there are awesome restaurants open for brunch. La Candelaria vs. Barrio San Felipe. Photo: ChandraDhas/ Daniel Garzon Herazo/Pacific Press/LightRocket Instead of walking around La Candelaria, explore Barrio San Felipe The colonial and Republican-era cathedrals and buildings, home to grand plazas and cultural institutions, that line the streets of La Candelaria are without a doubt the majestic heart of Bogota. Still, aside from all the graffiti-covered walls and parade of sticky-floor dive bars for the college and backpacker crowd, it can be hard to walk a block without seeing a copy of Lonely Planet Colombia. If you want a more authentic experience, try tourist-free Barrio San Felipe, where young artists are taking over a grid of streets between Calle 72 and Calle 80, and Carrera 24 and the Autopista Norte. San Felipe has started to gather a refined selection of galleries and it has become my favorite place to visit in the city, says Gaeleen Quinn, founder of the Bogota Wine and Food Festival. Its the go-to place I tell my friends to check out when theyre visiting. My favorite gallery is Sketch Room, which has a collection of drawings and eclectic works that are always interesting and well-curated by Liz Caballero. Other great galleries are Doce Cero Cero, SGR, and Beta. There are also studios where you can see artists at work. But go now! Its changing really quickly. Museo del Oro vs. Museo Nacional de Colombia. Photo: Eitan Abramovich/AFP/Veronique Durruty/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images Instead of touring the Museo del Oro, hit up the Museo Nacional de Colombia So the gold museum is probably your only chance to see a gold raft that helped inspire the El Dorado legend glow in the dark, not to mention 55,000 other Pre-Columbian gold pieces, but why limit yourself to one type of artifact? The Museo Nacional, Colombias largest and oldest museum, has an arguably more impressive collection. Originally designed as a prison by Danish architect Thomas Reed in 1874 and shaped like a Greek cross, the sprawling brick building contains 17 permanent thematic galleries that include things like 10,000-year-old arrowheads from Antioquia, sketches by Alexander von Humboldt, paintings by Fernando Botero (so you can maybe skip the Museo Botero too) and, yes, even gold pieces like an ornithomorphic pendant from the Quimbaya culture. Andres Carne de Res vs. Tejo. Photo: BLOOMBERG NEWS/The Washington Post Instead of dancing all night at Andres Carne de Res, learn to play tejo An almost three-square-mile steakhouse with a 64-page menu, walls lined with tens of thousands of pieces of bric-a-brac, that can squeeze in thousands of people a night who stay to dance until the early morning, is admittedly pretty cool. Its just that its what every tourist does for a night out in Bogota, plus its a pain in the ass to get all the way out to Chia and back (and the urban outpost just isnt the same). If you want to change it up a bit, discover tejo, a game that involves heavy drinking and explosions. To play, you must visit a tejo club somewhere in the city, such as Club de Tejo La 76 (Carrera 24 #76-56) in Chapinero, and youll toss a tejo, or steel disc, at a metal ring set with gunpowder that will explode upon impact. Its a different kind of activity and how we realize our identity as Colombians, says broker Juan Manuel Rios. The crash into the mecha (target) and a loud bang, along with a beer with friends, is the best way to break the everyday routine. Tejo is so popular, in fact, it was declared a national sport in 2000. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira vs. Iglesia de la Candelaria. Photo: Bruce Yuanyue Bi/Lonely Planet Images/Getty Images Instead of the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira, go to one of the 1,500 other churches within city limits The subterranean cathedrals carved out of a salt mine in Zipaquira, 25 miles north of the city, brings in the religious pilgrims, though the cheesy lighting and unrelenting smell of rotten eggs can be a bit much. Not far from the gold museum and rather plain-looking from the outside, the Iglesia de San Francisco contains a spectacular gold-covered altarpiece that dates to the 17th century and a smallish statue of Christ with real-looking hair that allegedly grows. Then theres the 16th-century Iglesia Santa Barbara, built by a man after his house was hit by lightning. It was dedicated to Saint Barbara, whose father was struck by lightning after beheading her and is now the patron saint of people who work with explosives. In La Candelaria, check out the Iglesia de la Candelaria, a former convent built by Augustinian monks between 1686 and 1703; it contains paintings by Gregorio Vasquez, the most famous Colombian artist of the colonial period. And right on Plaza de Bolivar is the neoclassical La Catedral Primada, home to the remains of Bogota founder Don Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada. Five years after promising to deliver 2,2 million jobs if voted back into power, Zanu PF is back promising 1,5 million houses in the next five years, if given another mandate in elections expected between July and August. President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday presided over the launch of the ruling partys election manifesto for the first time after taking over from long-time Zanu PF leader Robert Mugabe, who was toppled in a coup in November last year. Besides promises to end Zimbabwes isolation, which drove the economy into an abyss in the last two decades, the manifesto is not different from previous unfulfilled pledges by Zanu PF. The eye-popping figure of 1,5 million houses in five years, just like the 2,2 million jobs that never were, caught the interest of many observers who lamented that the ruling party was trying to use deceit to win votes once more. In its manifesto, Zanu PF makes a wild claim that it will deliver 1,5 million houses in five years, tweeted Mt Pleasant aspiring MP Fadzai Mahere. This means 822 houses a day. How will this be funded? Who will build these houses? Will people have to buy them? With what money? We are being lied to again. Some of Mnangagwas vocal supporters on social media also refused to fall for the bait, describing the pledge as unrealistic. The claim by Zanu PF is wild and unachievable, tweeted Matigari, who has been critical of MDC Alliance presidential candidate Nelson Chamisa for promising spaghetti roads, airports across Zimbabwe and bullet trains, if he wins the elections. It means they will build new houses for over 70% of all Harareans. Mnangagwa failed to build any rural houses when he was Minister of Rural Housing at the start of the millennium. How does he do it now? Former prime minister Morgan Tsvangirais advisor Alex Magaisa said the pledge on the manifesto did not tally with what Zanu PF was already doing on the ground. After taking over from Mugabe, Mnangagwas administration promises 400 000 houses before July, but five months on, there is nothing to show for it on the ground. The manifesto also promises an annual economic growth rate of 6% if Zanu PF wins its first election without Mugabe at the helm. This year, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects that Zimbabwes economy will grow by 2,5% due to a rebound in agriculture and mining. Zimbabwes economic growth rate fell dramatically from 2014 after a brief recovery during the era of the inclusive government. Two years later the economy was growing at a snails pace of 0,6%, but Mugabes ouster has rekindled hopes of better times. In this years manifesto, Zanu PF still promises to create jobs, but this time steered clear of mentioning figures. Zanu PFs vision is to transform Zimbabwe into a middle income economy by 2030, reads part of the 80-page manifesto. The party will focus aggressively on re-opening the country for business with the global community so as to rebuild our industries, create more jobs, eradicate the scourge of poverty and uplift peoples livelihoods. It promises to drill more boreholes in rural areas, build more schools, decentralisation of planning, and approve and promote growth of local industries in the provinces and districts. In response to accusations that it has become a den for the corrupt, the ruling party said it would vigorously fight graft if voted back into office. Former Education minister David Coltart said the Zanu PF message was being sent out by people that had lost credibility. I see the godfathers of corruption and parents of potholes are now promising to fight corruption and build spaghetti roads, he tweeted. These are the same people who in the last election promised to create two million jobs, but have put thousands out of jobs since 2013. However, political analyst Alexander Rusero said the people should not read too much into the quality of the ruling partys manifesto as it might not determine how voters pick leaders in the forthcoming elections. In most countries in Africa, people do not vote based on manifestos, but on what they get from the party, that is the first thing we should understand, he said. You must understand that in most cases, those with good manifestos do not win while those with a bad ones do. In our case, Zanu PF will win because it has managed to capture the people and taken the message that has been for long a call from the MDC and made it theirs. Rusero said Zanu PFs performance would be determined by the quality of its candidates. If you look at the 2013 Zanu PF manifesto you will discover that nothing was achieved but the party will still win, he said. It is unheard of considering the power dynamics that happened last year for Zanu PF to lose the elections. So the manifesto is just a ritual, but Zanu PF has already done its homework to retain the power it got from Mugabe last year. After the manifesto launch, the ruling party is expected to aggressively sell its proposed policies in a vigorous campaign amid reports that it will spend a staggering $200 million. The Standard Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News Since Nigeria is a member of Economic Community of West African States, we believe that it is necessary to understand some details about this economic community and its current leaders. So, who is the current chairman of ECOWAS? Keep reading to find out the answer. ECOWAS What do these 6 capitalized letters really stand for? The answer is not complicated. It is the Economic Community of West African States. This organization was created back in 1975 as a regional partnership between several African countries with the major goal of close integration of their economies within the territories of all the members of the community. Today ECOWAS consists of 15 African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Niger, The Gambia, Togo, and other states. This is a trading union, so the main idea of its establishment is to create all the necessary and healthy conditions for economic development across the whole region. The chairperson of the Economic Community of Western African States is the rotational position. Usually, respected people who represent different countries (members of ECOWAS) are assigned to this role through elections for a period of 12 months. Faure Gnassingbe - the current chairman of ECOWAS Chairman of ECOWAS Who is the communitys chairman in 2018? His name is Faure Gnassingbe. He is the President of Togo. He is also the current chairman of ECOWAS since June of 2017. Mr. Gnassingbe was named the ECOWAS chairman a year ago, on June 4th, 2017. It was during the fifty-first Summit of this organization, and this means that the next chairman would be named this summer. Thus, we will know who the next current chairman of ECOWAS is in 2018 later in June. By the way, the Vice President of Nigeria Yemi Osinbajo met with Mr. Gnassingbe after his election as ECOWAS chairperson and assured that he had all support from Nigeria. It is true that Nigeria plays a big role in ECOWAS development, growth and well-doing and wants to help in solving all regional problems and work in partnership with countries that are members of the economic community, offering its full support and respect to each member of the union. READ ALSO: Achievements of ECOWAS since its establishment Economic Community of West African States The current chairman of ECOWAS Faure Gnassingbe participates in all the events and activities related to further development of the economic community and its members. The next chairperson who should be elected in 2018 would also continue this policy. Just like it traditionally occurs, all states heads would elect the next chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States shortly known as ECOWAS for the next term of 2018-2019. Who do you think could be the next person to win this position through elections? READ ALSO: ECOWAS countries and their capitals Source: Legit.ng - Eight suspected cultists have been arrested by the police in Anambra - The police said they terrorised the community and its environs on daily basis - The noted that the suspects would soon be charged to court to serve as a deterrent to others The Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SPACS) of the Anambra Police Command declared that it has arrested eight suspected cultists at Umuezeagu village, Anaku community in Ayamelu local government Area of the state. The SPACS commander, Christopher Bassey told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Onitsha that the suspects were apprehended following a tip-off. Bassey said the suspects included a wanted cultism kingpin, Ogunsan Igwebuike and seven others namely: Eubuka Chidukwe, Kosolu Ifene and Onwune Onuorah. READ ALSO: Senate asks police to parade suspects arrested over mace theft Others are Ewele Okeke, Oloh Chike, Ogugua Maduka and Odemenam Chinedu. This group of suspected cultists have been terrorising the community and its environs on daily basis, forcing youths in the area to join their group. Following a tip-off my squad stormed a hideout on May 6 at about 1800hrs during their meeting and arrested them. Bassey advised parents to always monitor the type of company their children keep adding that they would not be spared when caught. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app The commander urged members of the public to always furnish the police with vital information that will lead to arrest of cultists and other criminal elements in the society. According to him, the suspects would soon be charged to court to serve as a deterrent to others. He said items recovered from the suspects included one cut-to-size locally made gun, one axe, one expended cartridge, one barret cap, charms, one knife and two plastic bottles containing hard drug. Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that the police said they had arrested two suspected cultists, simply identified as Kanmi,( also known as Father) and Alami Samuel. The spokesman of the command, SP Chike Oti, in a statement, confirmed the arrest to newsmen, stressing that they were nabbed on Thursday, March 29, while trying to attack a rival gang member at Illasamaja area of Lagos. Oti said the first suspect was arrested based on credible intelligence report as he had been on a wanted list for long over many violent crimes, including cultism. Legit.ng visits family attacked by Badoo cult group - on Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit.ng - Imam Muhammad Lawal, chief Imam of the Katsina Metropolis Central Mosque is dead - The late cleric who had been the chief Imam of Katsina for the past 41 years died at the age of 95, after a protracted illness - Emir of Katsina, Alh Abdulmumini Kabir and Governor Aminu Masari have described the death of the chief Imam as a great loss to Katsina people The chief Imam of the Katsina Metropolis Central Mosque, Imam Muhammad Lawal is dead.Aged 95, Lawal died on Sunday, May 6, after a protracted illness. The family spokesman, Alhaji Mohammed Ahmed, who confirmed the death to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said that their father died after a prolong sickness. Ahmed said that the deceased had been the chief Imam of Katsina for the past 41 years. READ ALSO: Arewa Consultative Forum says it cannot endorse Buhari because it is a non partisan group He disclosed that the deceased left behind four wives, 27 children and several grand children. The funeral prayer was conducted at the premises of Katsina Central Mosque and the deceased was later buried at Dantakum burial ground in Katsina metropolis according to Islamic rites. Meanwhile, the emir of Katsina, Alh Abdulmumini Kabir and Governor Aminu Masari have described the death of the chief Imam as a great loss to Katsina people and the Islamic world. They prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive him all his sins and grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. NAN reports that thousands of people including Govrnor Masari and the emir as well as prominent Islamic scholars attended the funeral prayer. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet! Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) on Friday, May 4, said the crescent for this year's Islamic lunar month of fasting, Ramadan, will be visible on Wednesday, May 16. Legit.ng gathered that a statement from the country's space agency said: "NASRDA has successfully calculated and predicted that the first appearance of the first astronomical Lunar crescent for Ramadan will be sighted on Wednesday 16th May." Do churches need armed security guards? On Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit - Senator Oluremi Tinubu has spoken about 2019 general elections - Senator Tinubu said PVCs are the tools to participating in the elections - She maintained that INEC should make the collection process quick and easy Senator Oluremi Tinubu, senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District on Sunday urged the federal government to declare public holidays for collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), ahead of the December 2018 deadline. Oluremi, in a statement in Lagos, said that the PVCs were the tools to participating in the forthcoming 2019 general elections. News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that she also urged residents in the state to ensure that they collect their PVCs. READ ALSO: Bandits reportedly kill 45 in Kaduna fresh attack The call sequel to revelations by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that over seven million PVCs were yet to be collected nationwide, with one million and four hundred thousand from Lagos state. It would be recalled that prior to the 2015 elections, INEC had introduced the use of smart card readers. This has necessitated issuance of PVCs as part of the identification and authentication process. After the 2015 elections, about 12 million PVCs had remained in the electoral bodys custody. With previous elections, Nigerians developed voter apathy due to a distrust of the system. The 2015 elections taught us, however, that as individuals, our votes count. Thus, we must rise up as citizens to fulfill our civic responsibility and ensure accountability in governance. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Towards the 2019 elections, INEC had released modalities for ongoing continuous voter registration. The centres open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Tinubu pleaded that the period should be extended; and should include weekends to allow people who were unable to visit the centres during work hours to do so at weekends. She said INEC should ensure that it had adequate resources to make the process quick and easy. The senator also called for increased voter education and sensitisation to achieve the desire results. Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that the Sultan of Sokoto and president general of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammadu Saad Abubakar III called on Nigerians to go get their voters card ready to elect leaders of their choice in the forthcoming 2019 general elections. According to the sultan, people can only have a say in what the leaders do, only by getting their voters card, Vanguard reports. Speaking on Saturday, March 3, during the closing ceremony of the 32nd National Quranic Recitation competition organized by Centre for Islamic Studies, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto and hosted by the Katsina state, Alhaji Saad Abubakar said: It is only through your voters card that you can challenge your leaders and also have a say in what they do. What is the problem with Nigeria? on Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit - Northwest women have endorsed President Buhari for second term - The women cited the president's achievement as the reason for the endorsement Nigerian women under the aegis of North West Movement for Buhari in 2019, in a meeting over the weekend endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari for second term. The women, including wives of governors and their deputies, said the president's achievement in the last three years is the reason they are endorsing him for another term, Vanguard reports. The wife of Katsina state governor, Hajiya Hadiza Masari, announced the group's decision at an event in Katsina state on Sunday. READ ALSO: Bomb attack in Mubi: Weve identified our mistakes -Emir The wife of Katsina state deputy governor and chairperson of the local organizing committee of the event, Hajiya Mariya Yakubu, said women in Katsina and the North West had every reason to identify with APC political office holders in view of their commitment to improving the womens wellbeing. She said: "Without mincing words, Buhari has been doing a lot for Nigerians and North West women will remain grateful to him and others complementing his efforts. The minster of women affairs, Hajiya Aisha AIhasan, represented by the wife of former governor of Kogi state, Ambassador Aisha Abubakar Audu, hailed the turnout of women at the rally describing it as a clear demonstration of support to the APC-led government. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app Legit.ng earlier reported that President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday, May 6, received in audience Governor Rochas Okorochas of Imo state in his home town Daura, Katsina state. President Buhari on Friday afternoon, May 4, travelled to the state after the weekly juma`at service at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Buhari to Contest for Presidency in 2019 on Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit - Catholics in Edo state will stage a protest to decry killings by herdsmen in Nigeria - The protest is reportedly planned for May 12 - Catholic Archbishop of Benin, Most Rev. Augustine Akubeze, will lead the protest The Catholic Archdiocese of Benin, Edo state, will on May 12, stage a massive protest led by Catholic Archbishop of Benin, Most Rev. Augustine Akubeze, round the state to decry killings by herdsmen in Benue, other states. Catholic faithfuls within the Benin metropolis, especially in the Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha and Egor local government areas of the state, are expected to be in attendance at the protest, Punch reports. READ ALSO: North-West women, governors' wives endorse Buhari for 2019 A source who spoke to the press said: The protest is going to be a big one because all Catholics in Benin will be mobilised to meet at St. Pauls (Catholic Church) on Airport road. This was announced during the Mass at the Holy Cross Cathedral located on Mission road today (Sunday). We want to use it (protest) to condemn the attacks by the armed herdsmen and call on the federal government to find a lasting solution. Recall that Legit.ng earlier reported that suspected herdsmen reportedly killed 15 people in an early morning attack on St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Benue state, on Tuesday, April 24. The attack occurred in Ayar-Mbalom, a community in Gwer East local government area. Terver Akase, a spokesperson to Governor Samuel Ortom, said that the attackers also burnt 50 houses and sacked the entire community. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Confirming the attack, the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi said two of its priests, Rev Fathers Joseph Gor and Felix Tyolaha, were killed. Nigerian herdsmen vs Nigerian farmers - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit - Millions of Nigerians are yet to get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) - The federal government has been urged by Senator Oluremi Tinubu to declare public holiday for people to be able to go get their PVCs - She called on INEC to ensure that it had adequate resources to make the process quick and easy Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the senator representing Lagos Central senatorial district on Sunday, May 6, urged the federal government to declare public holidays for collection of PVCs, ahead of the December 2018 deadline. Oluremi, in a statement in Lagos, said that the PVCs were the tools to participating in the forthcoming 2019 general elections, urging residents in the state to ensure that they collect theirs. The call sequel to revelations by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that over seven million PVCs were yet to be collected nationwide, with one million and four hundred thousand from Lagos state. Nigerians will be returning to polling units across the country to elect their leaders in February 2019. READ ALSO: Ekiti guber: Group raises alarm over poor adherence to guidelines in Continuous Voters Exercise Prior to the 2015 elections, INEC had introduced the use of smart card readers. This has necessitated issuance of PVCs as part of the identification and authentication process. After the 2015 elections, about 12 million PVCs had remained in the electoral bodys custody. With previous elections, Nigerians developed voter apathy due to a distrust of the system. The 2015 elections taught us, however, that as individuals, our votes count. Thus, we must rise up as citizens to fulfill our civic responsibility and ensure accountability in governance, she said. Towards the 2019 elections, INEC had released modalities for ongoing continuous voter registration. The centres open from 9am to 3pm daily. Tinubu pleaded that the period should be extended; and should include weekends to allow people who were unable to visit the centres during work hours to do so at weekends. She said INEC should ensure that it had adequate resources to make the process quick and easy. She also called for increased voter education and sensitisation to achieve the desire results. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, an election observer group, the Independent Service Delivery Monitoring Group (ISDMG) has faulted the failure of political parties in the country to participate in the process of cleaning up of voters register since 2011. Addressing journalists in Abuja, ISDMG executive director, Dr Chima Amadi, said following an FOI inquiry to INEC, it discovered that even though the commission has been complying with the provision of the Electoral Act and making voters register available to political parties, none of the political parties or individuals have bothered to verify it. According to him, the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) in Section 10 (3) provided that the commission shall, within 60 days after each year, make available to every political party the names and addresses of each person registered during the year. Legit.ng special report on Anambra governorship election on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - A notorious phone snatcher in Lagos identified as Femi Solomon has been apprehended by RRS - The thief confessed to stealing over 1200 phones from commuters The Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos state police command has arrested a suspected phone thief, Femi Solomon. The suspect confessed that he has stolen over 1,200 from Lagos commuters since he joined pickpocket gang three years ago, Daily Trust reports. Solomon was arrested on Thursday at Iyana Oworo after stealing a Samsung phone from a commuter. Solomon, an auto technician, while confessing to the police, said he was introduced to the crime by his customer, a 50-year-old man identified as Ismaila. READ ALSO: Chris Ngige reportedly escapes mob attack as Anambra APC meeting turns violent He said: I noticed he was coming to Obalende finely dressed with so much money. I told him I was looking for a better job opportunity, and he assured me that he was going to assist me with one. And when he was going to introduce me to one, he said I should be following him, while I learn from him. Femi Solomon. Photo source: RRS Throughout the six months I followed him, we could pick six to eight phones and wallets from people without them knowing. He kept everything to himself, but at the end of the day, he would give me between N4,000 to N6,000 depending on his wish. On August 2016, I started on my own. I wasnt bold enough to pickpocket during the day. Besides, I was still a green horn and inexperienced. So I devised to go out from evening since nobody pickpockets at night. In my rough estimate, I would have stolen 1200 phones both by standing in Lagos bus stops and inside commercial buses. I used to operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. I also operate at night parties and where there are overnight events." PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app Solomon has since been transfered to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. Legit.ng earlier reported that Nigerians have been warned by the RRRS commander, Tunji Disu, that 'UK used phones' can land them in jail if they are caught with such phones in the UK, US, Germany, South Africa, amongst others. Accordingearlier reported that Nigerians have been warned by the Rapid Response Service Commander, Tunji Disu, that 'UK used phones' can land them in jail if they are caught with such phones in the UK, US, Germany, South Africa, amongst others. Market Survey: Meet the real hustlers, hawkers on the streets of Lagos - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - A young lady has cried out after a man offered to sleep with her for a job - She exposed the man by sharing a screenshot of their chat on Twitter - She advised ladies to start their own businesses in other not to have the same experience A Nigerian lady identified simply as Dami has cried out after a married man offered to sleep with her in other for her to get a job. The lady revealed that she has given up on job seeking with thoughts of starting a business. The lady who shared her story on Twitter revealed the married man's identity by sharing a screenshot of the chat between them. The screenshot identified the married man as Yemi Adewale. In the chat, it was discovered that the man was trying to get the young lady to meet him at a venue alone. She asked if she could bring her document for the interview and the man claimed that she won't be needing an interview. Photo source: Twitter user @hottdami READ ALSO: Motivational speaker reveals how a lady lost a job due to how she communicated in a chat The chat also revealed that Adewale made it clear that if the young lady doesn't do as he says she won't be getting the job. In her Twitter post, Dami who made it clear that she has given up on seeking for jobs, stated that she would like to start her own business. Photo source: Twitter user @hottdami She also advised women to endevour to start their own businesses in other to avoid a similar experience. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News on Legit.ng News App Read her post below: Is it really difficult to get a job in Nigeria? - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng Government has confirmed an outbreak of the infectious cholera in the country including Makindye division in Kampala. At least five people have died of cholera across the country in the past few days according to ministry of Health acting director Dr Henry Mwebesa. Cholera vaccination in Hoima last week Three people died in Tororo over the weekend while another two (all Kenyans) also died last week and more than 40 others are currently infected in Amudat district. Amudat district has only 17.5 per cent pit latrine coverage with safe water coverage of only 47 per cent. The district was last hit by cholera in 2010. Fears of the outbreak in Kampala were first raised by the Uganda Red Cross Society on Friday on their staff WhatsApp group. In a short message shared on the URCS WhatsApp, Red Cross said it had received alerts through its U-report system of a suspected cholera outbreak in Kampala. "Most of the suspected cases are coming from Makindye division through Kiruddu hospital," read the message. Adding that: "through our CP3 project for epidemic and pandemic disease surveillance, we are coordinating with MOH [ministry of Health] which advises that all suspected cases including confirmed cases once results are out be treated at Naguru hospital." According to the text, six suspected cholera cases are currently in isolation at Naguru hospital receiving treatment. "Six samples were shipped to Central Public Health Laboratories (CPHL) for culture and sensitivity," reads the text. URCS noted that because of the historical complexity of responding to cholera outbreaks in Kampala, risk communication and some aspects of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) campaign may need to start immediately. RedCross notes that it has already prepared its Kampala branches to start preparations for response. "We will send out our volunteers to roll out social mobilization (door to door sensitisations) in communities affected and those at risk within Kampala until the ministry declares Kampala cholera free." - A church in Warri has banned worshippers who are yet to get Permanent Voters Card from worshipping - The pastor insist that the possession of PVC is an important criteria to be admitted into his church - He urged members who to go out and get their PVC as the 2019 elections draw near Pastor and founder of the Flock of Christ Mission, Warri, Delta state, Bishop Simeon Okah, has banned members of his church that have not obtained their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) from worshipping in the church premises. The pastor urged all members to take the issue of PVC serious and go out to get one as elections draw near. Okah, who is also the vice president of the south south Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) announced the decision on Saturday, while addressing the press. READ ALSO: RRS nab notorious phone thief terrorising Lagos He said: From Thursday, any member of my church who does not have his or her voters card would not enter this house (Church). By the grace of God, I am the one God used in founding the Flock of Christ Mission. The possession of the PVC has been made an issue in recent months as the elections draw near. Many churches and establishments have taken steps to allow their employees obtain the all important voting card. This is coming on the heels of development in the country where citizens are being urged to participate in the electoral process and vote credible leaders. Only recently, Senator Oluremi called on the BuharI government to declare public holiday so that Nigerians can use the opportunity to collect their PVC PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app Recall that Legit.ng earlier reported that presidential aspirant, Fela Durotoye, urged women to make sure their partners register and acquire their permanent voters cards before July 1. Durotoye said he would encourage married women to deny their husbands intimacy unless the husbands have their PVCs. He made this statement at the annual Workers Day event called, The Platform, while giving a speech about Nigeria and his reason for running for the presidential seat. President Buhari on 2019 presidential election: will you vote for him? | Legit.ng TV Source: Legit - Two Nigerian lawyers have asked the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos to determine the legal justification of what is earned by members of the National Assembly - The lawyers, Monday Ubani and John Nwokwu, joined the attorney general of the federation, the National Assembly Service, amongst others, in the suit - The legal practitioners also want the court to declare that the RMAFC is the only body responsible for determining the what political office holders earn The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has been asked by two Nigerian lawyers, Monday Ubani and John Nwokwu, to determine whether the huge salaries, allowances and remunerations being collected by the National Assembly members are justifiable. The attorney general of the federation, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), the Senate, the House of Representatives and the National Assembly Service Commission, were joined as defendants in the suit, Vanguard reports. Legit.ng notes that the lawyers are asking the court whether by relevant sections of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the National Assembly members have the power to fix their salaries, wages, remuneration or allowance. READ ALSO: RRS nab notorious phone thief terrorising Lagos The legal practitioners want the court to determine whether the allocation of constituency projects and funds to the tune of N200 million to members of the National assembly is not illegal and unconstitutional. They also want the court to declare that the RMAFC is the only body responsible for determining the what political office holders earn. The two lawyers are also asking the court for perpetual injunction restraining the National Assembly whether by themselves, officers, agents, privies, servants or through any person or persons howsoever from further receiving the sum of N13.5 million monthly allowances or running cost or whatever sum as a running cost and N200 million as annual constituency project. Ubani, who is the second national vice president of the Nigerian Bar Association, and Nwokwu, are also asking the court to make an order that the each member of the National Assembly should refund the sum of N13.5 million and N10 million respectively collected as running cost since 2015 till date to the federation account within 14 days of delivery of judgment in the suit. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the Senate's spokesperson, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, accused Nigerians of mischief for questioning federal lawmakers' monthly running cost. The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), on Wednesday, March 28, put the total monthly entitlement of each senator; including salary and allowances, at N1,063,860. The commission also said the N13.5 million each senator received monthly was alien to law. Lets talk about salaries of Nigerian senators | on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - Bishop Simeon Okah has said Nigeria needs men like Senator Dino Melaye - The cleric called on Nigerians of goodwill to ensure that the embattled Kogi lawmaker is released from detention - According to Okah, for a man like Dino, the police should show some level of leniency; because the country needs men like him Bishop Simeon Okah, vice president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), south-south, has stated that Nigeria needs people like Senator Dino Melaye, and lamented over the treatment meted out to the lawmaker.Vanguard reports. READ ALSO: Catholic church to stage massive protest over insecurity in Nigeria He stated: From Thursday, any member of my church who does not have his or her voters card would not enter this house (Church). By the grace of God, I am the one God used in founding the Flock of Christ Mission. On Dino Melaye, he said: I have concerns for Dino. His hands may not be as clean as a saint; but a man like him has a role to play in building this country. We need men like Dino. Let everybody of goodwill fight to see that Dino is released; if he has criminal records, he should face it, but he should not be kept in detention. He is intelligent. Let us see how we can save him from the hands of policemen. For a man like Dino, the police should show some level of leniency, because we need people like Dino in this country if we want this country to be great. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) condemned the arraignment of Senator Dino Melaye on a stretcher, adding that it is unacceptable in a civilised society. Falana who made this known in a statement, said Melayes case provides an opportunity to reform the countrys criminal justice system. The statement read in part: The arraignment of Senator Dino Melaye on a stretcher in Abuja and Lokoja is unacceptable in a civilised society. Dino Melaye and 2019 Criminal Conspiracy | Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit The minister of information and culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, has described marriage as the greatest institution of life where one receives a certificate without knowing the content of it. The minister stated this during the Nikkai and engagement ceremony of the families of Alhaji and Alhaja Abdul-Mumin Sulaiman and late Mr and Mrs Rilwan Adenuga, on Sunday, May 6, in Lagos, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. According to him, marriage institution is unique, unlike other institutions. READ ALSO: I have stolen 1200 phones in three years - Suspect (photo) He said: Marriage is a contract that one enters without knowing the content of it. Can you imagine a world without an institution like marriage? Muhammed urged husbands to be patient with their wives as that is the major ingredient of building a peaceful home. The minister also urged wives not to listen to hearsay from people, and continuously pray for their husbands. Always believe in your husbands and know that what he says is the truth. Your husband success depends on your prayer. Continue praying for him and he is going to be successful in life, he said. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News on Legit.ng News App Legit.ng previously reported that a Saudi Arabian Prince, Sultan Bin Salman, tied the knot with a 25-year-old lady at an extravagant ceremony. The 68-year-old prince was reported to have paid $50million as bride price. It was gathered that the bride who is believed to be from the United Arab Emirates received numerous gifts for her elaborate wedding aside from the $50million bride price. Videos from the elaborate wedding went viral on the internet and social media users took to various platforms to react to the event. Some users also shared details about the wedding on their pages. Can you take a blood oath with your partner? - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng A Nigerian migrant who was previously stuck in Libya, Evans Williams, has narrated how he sold all his belongings just to get to Europe; only to return back home, broke. In an interview with a BBC reporter, the heartbroken man disclosed that he sold everything short of his kitchen sink just to get to Europe. After selling his bed, fridge, TV, mobile phone and even spare clothes, he still had to borrow some money before he had enough to pay a smuggling gang to take him to Libya, via the Sahara. READ ALSO: Nigeria needs men like Dino Melaye - PFN vice president Legit.ng gathers that the trip cost him 750 ($1,000), and he figured that he would be able to earn money to pay his creditors when he arrived in Europe, and then return back home down the line, to set up his own business. Evans William, after he returned back to Nigeria (Photo credit: Colin Freeman for BBC) However, his plans did not turn out as he expected; and after working for the gang for six months, earning next to nothing, he boarded a boat to cross the Mediterranean. But his boat was stopped by a Libyan coastguard, and he was thrown into detention along with 140 other passengers. Evans finally managed to return back home to Benin-City, Edo state, after being flown back by the International Organization for Migration. He was interviewed in a government-requisitioned hotel where he was staying with hundreds of other migrants. While they find their feet, the migrants are given a few nights' hotel accommodation, and 200 in pocket money. They are also offered job training. However, after the disappointments hes faced, Evans reportedly doesn't even want to go back home - even though it may be the only place he'll get a bed once his pocket money runs out. Like many other migrants, he doesnt want to be seen as a failure by his family and friends. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a Nigerian migrant from Libya revealed that Libyan traffickers used migrants to test the efficacy of their weapons. Lucky Akoluche claimed he was a student of the Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro. He said he made up his mind to drop out of school in search of better means of livelihood in Europe when he could no longer afford his school fees. Nigerians speak on slavery in Libya - on Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit.ng News - The Buhari Media Organisation has condemned the recent visit by some elders of southeast and middle belt to the National Assembly - The organisation accused these leaders of displaying partisanship during their visit to the senators - According to BMO, allegations by the elders that the executive arm of government has ignored the National Assembly resolutions are merely advisory A group has expressed concern over the roles played by leaders of some parts of Nigeria during a visit to the National Assembly. The group under the aegis of the Buhari Media Organisation alleged that these leaders displayed partisanship during their visit. BMO claimed that the National Assembly visitors led by a Niger Delta chieftain, Edwin Clark and the national president of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, John Nnia-Nwodo, clearly showed the bias as they took shots on President Muhammadu Buhari. READ ALSO: I have stolen 1200 phones in three years - Suspect (photo) In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Austin Braimoh, the BMO said the visit by Clark and others is mischievous. Braimoh said the allegations by the elders that the executive arm of government has ignored the National Assembly resolutions are merely advisory. "We believe that time should have healed the wounds, but then again, it is no longer business as usual under Buhari," Braimoh said. On devolution of power in Nigeria, the BMO said: "Devolution of power that the elders have for years been canvassing, and which is within the powers of the National Assembly to include in the recent constitution amendment process but was rejected. Legit.ng earlier reported that some leaders from the southern and Middle Belt region of the country visited the National Assembly. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app These elders met with the Senate president, Bukola Saraki, the deputy Senate president, Ike Ekweremadu and some other lawmakers. The meeting, Legit.ng gathered, was aimed at addressing some of the issues currently ongoing in country. Dino Melaye and 2019 Criminal Conspiracy - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit Nigeria - Professor Iyorwuese Hagher, an aspirant for the presidency in 2019, has stated that Nigeria has a problem of bad leadership - The former senator said the presidency is about giving Nigerians the ability to rise above mediocrity, to be giants in the international community - Hagher expressed confidence that he would win the election, as he stated that Nigerians are sick and tired of being sick and tired about the nations current trajectory Professor Iyorwuese Hagher, a Second Republic senator and former minister of state, power and steel, has lamented over the state of the country. Hagher, who is currently the pro-chancellor of Afe Babalola University, stated that the problem with Nigeria is its bad leadership. In an interview with Vanguard, the former lawmaker, who just announced his intention to run for the presidency in 2019, opined that the country should be focused on educating its young people because it has the fastest growing population of intelligent young people. Legit.ng notes that he also lamented over the fact that corruption abounds everywhere in the country. The issue with Nigeria is poor leadership, bad leadership, people who are fixed in the ways of yesterday, people who dont have a clear idea about where Nigeria should go. READ ALSO: How i returned home broke after selling belongings to travel to Europe - Nigerian migrant Nigeria has a critical advantage over other countries because we have the fastest growing population of young people who are intelligent, so our entire lives should be focused on educating these young people on skills and ways that they will become significant. Countries like Germany and Japan have no raw materials, yet, they have developed education, employment and productivity. This is what this presidency is about. It is to give Nigerians the ability to rise above mediocrity to be giants in the international community because we have more young people than other countries; that is our critical advantage. I am seizing the opportunity to turn this around and it will be done because I have taken too much shame looking at my young graduates without jobs. In my house, there are graduates that I trained that have no jobs, and they cry to me as a senator, seeking my endorsement to get a job. This will not happen; this is the worst form of corruption, bureaucratic corruption, corruption in government, corruption in the university system, corruption everywhere." According to him, Nigeria has become endemically corrupt and instead of looking at the fundamentals of fighting corruption, the country is dealing with the surface symbolism of corruption, chasing people and raiding their homes. "That is why I am different, I am going to win because Nigerians dont have a choice because it is me and others. Nigerians are sick and tired of being sick and tired of the trajectory that our nation has arrived at today. God has not hated Nigeria so much that he will allow Nigeria to degenerate and collapse and totally become a failed country, broken into pieces," he added. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Ahmed Buhari, a presidential aspirant who is gearing to contest in the 2019 general elections, spoke to Legit.ng on his experience so far since he declared his intention to run for the number one position in the country two years ago. The 40-year old native of Kontagora local government in Niger state distinguished himself in the private sector, where he holds sway as the Chief Executive Officer of Skylar Nigeria Limited, a Lagos-based ICT company. He also called on Nigerian youths to join the political process instead of complaining about the system. The next president of Nigeria. Who will win the 2019 elections? - on Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit.ng - Founder of the Yoruba militia organisation, OPC, Frederick Fasehun has condemned arraignment Senator Dino Melaye by the police on a hospital stretcher - Fasehun also warned against senator Melaye dying in prison - He, however, noted that the action is unacceptable Founder of the Yoruba militia organisation, Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Frederick Fasehun, on Sunday, May 6, warned the the federal government that Dino Melaye, the senator representing Kogi west must not die in detention. Guardian reports that the OPC chieftain also condemned his arraignment by the Nigeria Police on a hospital stretcher. Faseun, who made this known in a statement described the act as a gross violation of human rights by the President Buharis administration. READ ALSO: Bomb attack in Mubi: Weve identified our mistakes -Emir According to him: By transporting Melaye on a stretcher from Abuja for arraignment in Lokoja, Kogi State, the IGP is behaving like a Gestapo police chief in Adolf Hitlers Germany. That action is unacceptable. It is mans inhumanity against man. The distinguished Senators arraignment in a stretcher is degrading, dehumanising and draconian, and deserves universal condemnation by all right-thinking persons. Fasehun said whoever is maltreating the senator could only hide under the cover of this regime. He said such person would surely account for this gross misdeed not only to Nigerians, but also the international community. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app He commended Melayes contributions at plenary which, he described as bold, energetic, researched, cerebral and oratorical. According to OPC founder: It was clear that the police were mishandling and maltreating the Senator as part of an ongoing script designed to silence the opposition. Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that Senator Melaye arrived Lokoja, Kogi state for his appearance in court later today, Thursday, May 3. Melaye was conveyed to the state in an ambulance by the police authorities. The senator who is presently at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) office in the north-central state is under the guard of armed policemen Federal High Court. Kogi West Senatorial District in a move to recall Melaye - on Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit.ng - A single mother has been arrested for allegedly selling her baby for N300,000 - While trying to recover the baby, the police discovered that the buyer has also resold the baby for 350,000 - The Enugu State Police Command vows to apprehend the buyers and recover the baby A single mother, Ezechi Nwanneka, has been arrested by the police in Enugu for allegedly selling her baby boy for N300,000. The boy, who has not been recovered, was reportedly resold for N350,000 by one Okechukwu Nyia, who bought the baby from Nwanneka, the mother, Punch reports. Legit.ng gathered Nwanneka, a native of Akama Oghe village, in the Ezeagu local government area of Enugu state, was said to have been impregnated by an unidentified person. READ ALSO: I have stolen 1200 phones in three years - Suspect (photo) Following the development, she left her family house for an unknown destination, and in November 2017, she announced that she has been delivered of a baby boy. However, the said baby boy was not shown to her family members, who became suspicious when she reappeared without the child. Nwannekas parents informed the police and investigation revealed that the baby had been sold to Nyia for N300,000. Confirming the development, the spokesman of Enugu State Police Command, Ebere Amaraizu, said investigation further revealed that the buyer, Nyia, later resold the baby to a yet to be identified person. The suspects (Nwanneka and Nyia) are helping police operatives in their investigation concerning a yet to be identified suspect whom Okechukwu Nyia allegedly sold the baby boy to at the rate of N350,000, Amaraizu added. The police spokesman vowed that the Command was determined to apprehend the yet to be identified buyer and recover the missing boy. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Legit.ng previously reported that a 22-year-old Blessing Emmanuel put to bed and delivered a baby boy but was immediately rendered childless when her mum, Patience, stripped her baby off her and allegedly sold the day-old child to one Ijeoma Okechukwu who is a former neighbour of the Emmanuels on Shola Adewunmi street. The baby was taken away by Ijeoma who returned a few days later and paid the mother the sum of N250,000 asking her to sign a document and keep the transaction details to herself. Blessing who lost her baby told residents who asked that her baby had died. However, she later opened up to a church member named Comfort Ogwuebu, saying her baby was given to Okechuckwu. Comfort immediately alerted the police and the case is currently under investigation by the operatives of Zone 2 Police Command in Onikan, Lagos. Me and my children used to drink garri three times daily - Olajumoke the bread seller - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - Some students have said the the ban of codeine by the federal government does not solve illegal use of the drug - The students said monitoring the supply chain and mopping up the product would have served as a better action by the federal government - According to the group, Nigeria needs a sustainable policy on drug abuse and not a reactive solution A students' advocacy group has condemned the ban of codeine drug by the federal government of Nigeria. The advocacy group, Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), said the ban of codeine by the federal government could breed negative consequences for the country. In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Moronfolu Adeniyi, the SSDP said monitoring the supply chain and mopping up the product would have served as a better action to ending the illicit use of codeine cough syrup. READ ALSO: Mother sells son for N300,000, buyer resells at 350,000 in Enugu The group said having banned the drug, the FG has not only succeeded in increasing the smuggling of codeine but also the substandard ones and as well increased criminal activities in the country. Moronfolu stated that Nigeria needed a sustainable policy on drug abuse and not a reactive solution. He said users of codeine would always find substitute and would not care about the quality, adding that it was important to advocate for major change in Nigerian health indicators. "Banning codeine solves nothing.We're always satisfied with short term solutions and taking action instead of rigorously interrogating a complex problem. "Drug abuse and addiction is a national phenomenon, I hope we expand the intervention to addressing root causes, contributory factors and solutions to the drug abuse epidemic . READ ALSO: Lagos govt counters Miyetti Allah as herdsmen group alleges plan to dislodge members from state "The human right of user shouldn't be abused, as punitive measures literally solves nothing, So many questions to address. So much to fix. "There are unaddressed tragedies in that BBC documentary sweet sweet codeine. The addiction and the conditions in which addicts are being "treated," chaining patients should be abolished for better and more humane approach. "Also, people who use drug should no longer be criminalized, but help them to seek for treatment. For decades the punitive approaches to drug use have undermined the human rights of drug users and fostered widespread discrimination towards them, and commonly their families," Moronfolu said. He also noted that harsh measures grounded in repressive ideologies must be replaced by more humane and effective policies shaped by scientific evidence, public health principles and human rights standards. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet! Moronfolu further urged the federal government to map out a proper national youth policy that will acknowledge the unique challenges affecting young people across Nigeria. Legit.ng earlier reported that the federal government placed a ban on the use of codeine in the Nigeria. The ban by the federal government followed a research study has revealed that about 30,000 bottles of codeine made of cough syrup are consumed daily in Niger state and many more in Nigeria as a whole. The research carried out by the Development Initiative of West Africa (DIWA) also revealed that about three million in Nigeria consume this product in order to make themselves high. Suspected cannabis traffickers reject Police accusations | on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng News The first lady and minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, is concerned that most parents are not actively involved in the education of their children, thus leading to poor performance. Ms Museveni said while it the responsibility of government to provide education, parents have abandoned their responsibility of providing essential items such as lunch, scholastic materials and shoes for learners. Minister Janet Museveni tours one of the classroom blocks at Birere mixed primary school Why are families failing to feed our children? Someone produces a child and they are unable to feed them, what does this mean? When I talk about this, I am not talking about only mothers but also the fathers, Ms Museveni said. She added that during her term as MP for Ruhaama County in Ntungamo, most children in the constituency walked bare feet to school. When I went to Ruhaama, I said, 'I will not leave when its children have no shoes.' I was shocked that I spent 10 years in Ruhaama and left its children without shoes. I had done everything there but parents were not helping themselves. Why should someone spend a whole year without engaging in anything generating income? What should we do to such people? she asked. The minister was speaking to parents, district leaders and politicians after officially handing over new structures to Birere mixed primary school in Isingiro district on May 2, 2018. Museveni said replacing the dilapidated structures with new ones will not be meaningful if parents dont prioritize their childrens education. Birere mixed primary schools is one of the 138 schools countrywide that have received a facelift with support from Global Partnership for Education (GPE) grant worth $100m under the Uganda Teacher and School Effectiveness Project (UTSEP) supervised by the World Bank. The grant agreement was signed on August 27, 2014 and became effective on March 24, 2015. In Isingiro, 20 schools were selected with each receiving seven new classroom blocks, one administration block, five and two-stance latrines and a 5,000-litre water tank. Ms Museveni also commended schools for implementing the thematic curriculum insisting that it when children study in their mother tongue up to primary three, they understand better as opposed to being instructed in English language. I know there are some people de-campaigning that programme [thematic curriculum] but that is being very short-sightedness. It is much easier for young children to study in their local language, she said. According to the ministrys schedule, handover of all the schools which started on May 2 will end on May 30, 2018 in the respective districts. JOB WELL DONE While handing over more structures in Ibanda district, the state minister for primary education, Rosemary Seninde, said contractors did a commendable job with no building found with cracks as it is known for most new buildings. We are satisfied that the work is perfect and real. I call upon parents to love, cherish and maintain what has been given to them because it is not going to be the responsibility of government to maintain the infrastructure, Seninde said. Of the 11 schools constructed in Ibanda, she visited and handed over new structures at Kijongo PS, Rwenkobwa PS, Ishongororo PS, Kashambya PS, Kemihoko PS, Rwanyabihuka PS and Kyeibumba PS to the relevant school heads. Seninde reiterated the first ladys message by encouraging parents in Ibanda to provide lunch and shoes for their children. It is a shame that children come to school bare-feet in this era. If you cannot afford modern shoes, buy for them plastic shoes or sandals. How will they enter into such new beautiful classes? This attitude that education of Ugandan children is for President Museveni must change, she said adding that all classrooms in the 54 completed schools countrywide out of the 138 will be furnished with desks before the beginning of second term. The remaining 84 schools will be furnished and handed over when completed. Speaking to The Observer, Julius Atwijukye, the head teacher Kashambya PS, applauded government on the latest development at his school although he remained not convinced on whether parents will provide shoes for learners. Our children are not used to putting on shoes. When we call parents to address such issues, they tell us that they are poor while others threaten to withdraw their children from school if we impose such conditions on them, Atwijukye said. Maybe now that we have a new environment, parents have promised to buy shoes. But if we can get some sponsors to buy some shoes, it is highly welcome because according to the understanding of my parents, I know most will not buy them next term [two]. Out of the 560 pupils at Kashambya, about 50 study in proper shoes. For Justine Tukashaba, a parent at Kashambya, some parents think shoes are meant for children in urban settings. I am a catechist of our church but whenever I teach about such things, parents ignore me. Many of the children have one pair of shoes they use only when going to church. Parents are poor and not bothered about the situation, she said. By the time minister Seninde left the school on Thursday May 3, most parents, some of whom had no shoes at this function, pledged to buy shoes for children and they requested her to visit the school next term to check on their progress. nangonzi@observer.ug - The Lagos chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association has alleged plans by the state government to dislodge its members - They said the governments planned demolition of the Abbatoir in Oko-Oba would force them to move away from the state - The group advised the government to have a rethink - The state government, however, debunked the allegation, saying it has no plans to evict anyone from the state Following plans to demolish the Oko-oba lairage and abattoir, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Lagos state chapter, has alleged plans by the state government to dislodge its members from the state, Vanguard reports. The allegation was made by chairman of the association, Alhaji Mohammed Liliga, in a chat with journalists. READ ALSO: Fayemi threatened to cripple Ekiti if not given APC ticket - Ojudu camp alleges Legit.ng gathers that Liliga claimed the planned demolition exercise would make it the fifth time the state government was demolishing the market. He said if the plan is not shelved, the traders might be forced to relocate from the state; even as he disclosed that the latest planned eviction was communicated to them by the commissioner of agriculture and cooperatives, Toyin, Saurau, on Friday, May 4. Liliga stated: We advise the state government to have a re-think on the planned demolition exercise or we will be forced to move away from Lagos. We cant do business where our interest is not guaranteed." However, the allegation was quickly debunked by the commissioner, Toyin Saurau, who said the government has no plans to evict anyone from the state. He explained that the government only planned to upgrade the market by developing its infrastructure to modern standards. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the Benue state government obtained the permission of the high court to institute a criminal case against the leadership of Miyetti Allah Kautal for allegedly being behind the attacks that resulted in the deaths of several persons in the state between December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2018. Counsel to the Benue state government, Andrew Wombo, said the state was charging the Miyetti Allah Kautal to court on eight count charges ranging from grievous hurts, arson, conspiracy, to mischief by fire, among others. Time to take up arms against herdsmen attacks? - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit Nigeria - Vice President Yemi Osinbajo's aide, Laolu Akande, has named those who stole $3 billion from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) during the previous administration - Akande in a statement named former minister of petroleum resources Diezani Allison-Madueke, Jide Omokore and Kola Aluko - The PDP had challenged the vice president to name three persons who allegedly stole $3 billion from the coffers of the federal government Nigeria's Vice President Yemi Osinbajo's aide, Laolu Akande, on Sunday, May 6, named those whom he alleged stole $3 billion from oil lifted in a strategic alliance contract by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) during the administration of former president Goodluck Jonathan, Daily Trust reports. Legit.ng gathered that Akande in a statement named them as a former minister of petroleum resources Diezani Allison-Madueke, Jide Omokore and Kola Aluko. Last week the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had challenged Osinbajo to name the three persons he claimed to have stolen the money. READ ALSO: Some people want to destroy my relationship with Jonathan - ex-AGF Adoke Akande said Diezani, Omokore and Aluko made away with the money, and that royalties and taxes were also not paid, adding that none of them had come out to make any denial. We all know about the $2.1 Billion arms equipment scandal that was investigated, it is being used in the case against the former NSA, this also happened under the previous administration. "We have released a number of names of people who have been found with questionable funds, allegedly looted from the public till, and some of them, in some instances have actually refunded money that they couldnt explain where it came from. We have tons and tons of evidence of how under the previous administration grand corruption was the order of the day, he said. Osinbajo's aide in reaction to the warning by the PDP said it was "a show of shame to have a group of politicians trying to confuse Nigerians and trying to shift the blame." "And so any attempt to try to confuse Nigerians is a wasted effort, because Nigerians know exactly who to trust and who to believe. It is a shame that the PDP thinks they can fool Nigerians; it is not going to happen, he added. According to an earlier report by Legit.ng, the former minister of petroleum, Diezani Allison-Madueke, accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of lacking understanding about the constitutional powers of a president in managing funds meant for security/intelligence agencies. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app The former minister made her comments in a statement issued via her media aide, Clem Aguiyi, The Cable reports. She made the comments in response to a report that she had withdrawn the sum of N1.3 billion from the account of the NNPC, during her tenure as petroleum minister. The luxury of corruption: What money can buy - on Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit.ng News - The minister of labour and employment, Chris Ngige, says some misguided elements who are miscreants, pose as herdsmen - He attributes the killings in the country to the economic implications of the activities of herdsmen - Miyetti Allah group alleges plan to dislodge members from Lagos The minister of labour and employment, Chris Ngige, has dismissed claims by some people that President Muhammdu Buhari was responsible for the alleged herdsmen killings in the country. The Independent reports that Ngige accused those linking alleged herdsmen killings to Buhari president of trying to instigate the citizenry against the president. Speaking in Awka at the weekend, the labour minister stated that such allegations were misinformation as well as practical evidence of rumours. READ ALSO: Miyetti Allah group alleges plan to dislodge members from Lagos He said: "Some misguided elements who are miscreants; some of them pose as herdsmen and they go and do cattle rustling, shooting the owners of cattle and take their cattle away." Ngige said Buhari was not silent over the killings across the country and has condemned the violence. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Citing the presidents claims, Ngige attributed the killings in the country to the economic implications of the activities of herdsmen as well as the influx of fighters of former Libyan leader, Gaddaffi. Meanwhile, a pro-Fulani group, the Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN), has offered to intervene in the farmers/herders clashes that has engulfed Benue state by serving as a neutral body in the conflict. Daily Trust reports that the national chairman of the group, Alhaji Sale Bayari, expressed concerns over the killings and loss of lives caused by the crisis. He said problems of protracted conflict in Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa states were identified and peaceful measures advocated during the period he served as the secretary of the sultans Tiv Farmers/Fulani cattle rearers relationship committee under the chairmanship of the late Emir of Gombe, Shehu Abubakar and the late Tor Tiv, Dr. Torkula Akawe. TY Danjuma, Nigerian army and the herdsmen crisis | Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng A Nigerian lady, identified as Pamela O, with the Twitter handle @pamelathepundit, has highlighted the disadvantages of migrating to Canada, the North American country which is attracting many Nigerian professionals recently. According to Pamela, lack of Canadian work experience will force immigrants to wait tables, beg to take hours at superstores and also walk persons with special needs as a means of livelihood to pay unending bills. She added that in Canada, immigrants will have to start all over because professional qualifications and work experience dont count. READ ALSO: Mother sells son for N300,000, buyer resells at 350,000 in Enugu Her tweets: "Dear All who are hustling to go to Canada under the Federal Skilled Workers Program, I wish you well. "What you are never told is that all your qualifications, work experience and skills (for which youll be granted the visa) will amount to nought when the LACK OF CANADIAN WORK EXPERIENCE will force you to wait tables, beg to take hours at superstore and walk persons with special needs as a means of livelihood to pay unending bills and monthly house rent that is equivalent to what large families pay per annum back in Nigeria. "You are never told that as a Researcher/Lecturer, your resume is as good as a high school leaver simply because you lack Canadian work experience and worst of all if you do not have Canadian education. We all know Research Methods in particular disciplines are universal but hey, welcome to CA. As an Engineer, youll need some type of upgrading The type that a Nigerian with tons of work experience went seeking at Bow Valley College, Calgary, Alberta, before he got stabbed to death by a supposed colleague who the system pronounced as mentally unstable, leaving behind children and a pregnant wife, early this year. "My friends in the abroad who were once CEOs, MDs, 800k NGN salary earners but sold their businesses, resigned their jobs to move to Canada as Skilled Workers who now know and experience these things keep asking that one question, what is there in Nigeria to go back to? are actually right to ask because what really is there to be back to? "Dont even let me start It hurts. It hurts so bad. Not sure which hurts more; the tales of abundant job opportunities in Canada which drives hardworking Nigerian professionals to pack up & leaveonly to go struggle for opportunities as described above with Refugees shipped from war-torn Sudan, Syria, Iran etc. "Im not underrating Refugees, no please. I am saying, for ALL that Nigerians go through to get that visa that is given them based on their skill and professional abilities, they deserve more than getting their passports stamped at the Airports (because we sure dont go by road or water), getting their SIN/SSN and watched as we all get denied opportunities to put our skill to use which was the first reason for going. "I challenge you to show me one single person who found a job in Canada in their area of expertise within 3 months of arrival while painfully spending their savings (take note of unfavourable FX). Nigeria is tough but dear all, it is tougher living overseas without a proper job. "Even with those survival jobs, one has to work 3 different types to pay $1k rent (with utilities) monthly for a self-contained type of apartment on average. U REALLY want to think again. Have my best wishes in your decision. Spectatorially, P. O." READ ALSO: Nigerian returnees from Libya narrate tales of abuse, violence READ ALSO: 163 stranded Nigerians arrive Lagos airport from Libya (photos) PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Legit.ng previously reported that one of the 387 Nigerians who returned from Libya on Tuesday, December 12, 2018, revealed how he and other migrants ate animal food for survival. Happiness Ago, the 29-year old returnee and his co-travellers had to drink and eat animal leftovers in order to survive in the desert. He said: Some of those who travelled with us through the desert died of thirst. Three of my friends died because they couldnt stand the desert sun. To survive in the desert, we drank water drank by animals and ate foods animal owners kept in animal bowls. While drinking and eating animal foods, we didnt care about the danger to our health. We just wanted to survive." Nigerians speak on slavery in Libya - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit - Following recent attack, three additional police mobile units have been deployed to Birnin Gwari local government area of Kaduna state to reinforce security - The police command in the state said that no arrest has been made yet - About 45, mostly children, were killed during the attack The Kaduna state police command on Monday, May 7 announced the deployment of three additional police mobile units to reinforce security in Birnin Gwari where 45 people were killed on Saturday, May 5 in Gwaska village. The commands spokesman, Mukhtar Aliyu told newsmen in Kaduna that no arrest has been made, but that efforts were on to track down the killers, NAN reports. Legit.ng notes that he said that the policemen were detailed to comb the area for the killers and other criminals. READ ALSO: Anambra state government threatens to forcefully acquire disputed lands The 45, mostly children were killed when armed bandits believed to be from Zamfara, encircled the village of about 3,000 inhabitants and set it ablaze. The commissioner of police, Austin Iwar had earlier said that 45 bodies were retrieved on Sunday, May 6, for burial, while more than 200 police personnel were deployed to maintain security. The Kaduna state government had also, in a statement, said an army battalion would be permanently deployed in the area to check the killings. The statement added that the government has directed the State Emergency Management Agency to immediately provide relief materials to the effected community. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that armed bandits reportedly killed 45 people at Gwaska in Birnin Gwari local government area of Kaduna state in another fresh attack. The bandits were said to have stormed the village around 2:30pm in large numbers on motorcycle. They were said to have started shooting at the villagers immediately they arrived, killing 45 people including children. Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, May 7, expressed condolence over the reported killing of people in Gwaska village, Birnin Gwari local government area of Kaduna state on Saturday, May 5. The president in a series of tweet said in order to bring an end to the bloodletting by bandits and ensure that the criminals behind it are brought to justice, he has approved a new military battalion, a new police area command, and two additional Div Police HQs, for the area. Southern Kaduna killings: part 1 - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit Nigeria Kwara state government has promised a reward of N5m to anyone with information that will lead to the arrest of suspected Offa robbery gang. The Nigerian Police in a statement on Monday, May 7, urged members of the public who have any information about the wanted suspects to contact the police through dedicated lines. In a tweet, the police said the photographs of the wanted suspects had been released to the public for assistance to arrest them. It also stated that the suspects had being placed on INTERPOL watch list and red alert. READ ALSO: Miyetti Allah group alleges plan to dislodge members from Lagos The force also assured Offa residents of their safety and vowed to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators of the robbery. Below are some tweets of the police on the issue: PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Legit.ng had earlier reported that days after a major armed robbery incident which resulted in the death of many residents of Offa in Kwara state as well as policemen, a video of the alleged operation by the about 15 gunmen surfaced online while security agents continue with investigations. The incident happened on Thursday, April 5, and reportedly affected five banks in an operation that was said to have taken the lives of at least 50 people. The video was posted by News Bytes. Robbers return firearms to Nigerian Police | Legit.ng TV - Latest Crime News in Nigeria - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - Kwankwasiyya-led faction of the APC in Kaduna state has reportedly conducted a parallel ward congress in the state - Chief John Halims O Agoda, chairman of the seven-man congress team sent to Kano by the APC national headquarters, however, disputed the claim - He explained that the ward congress was conducted in all the 44 local government areas of the state The division within the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in Kano may have deepened as the Kwankwasiyya-led faction of the party reportedly conducted a parallel ward congress in the state. Chairman of the faction, Alhaji Haruna Umar Doguwa, was said to have disclosed this to newsmen. READ ALSO: Delta APC violence: Omo-Ageges supporters allegedly killed, injured However, in a swift reaction, Chief John Halims O Agoda, chairman of the seven-man congress team sent to Kano by the APC national headquarters claimed that he was not aware of any parallel congress conducted in the state by the faction. Daily Trust reports that Doguwa explained that the ward congress was conducted in all the 44 local government areas of the state. We secured forms from the APC national headquarters for the aspirants that come through us and they made payments through banks. They brought their bank tellers to us as evidence of payment and we allowed them participated in the congress. When we came into Kano three days ago, we paid courtesy visits to several departments that are crucial to the success of the congress such as police, DSS and INEC as well as party stakeholders and intimated them of our mission to conduct APC congresses in the state. We have told them that all we need is peaceful congresses. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app To be honest with you, as far as this team is concerned, we dont have parallel congress in Kano. Nobody inform us about it and we are not party to it. The APCs constitution is very clear about the congress. Where do they conduct the congress? Here we are at the APC secretariat conducting the coordinating the congress. Unless the national leadership of the party has sent another team to conduct another congress in the state, we are not aware of the APC Kwankwasiyyas congress,"Agoda said. Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that Dr Chris Ngige, Nigeria's minister of Labour and Employment reportedly escaped mob attack at a meeting of the All Progressives Congress in a hotel in Awka, Anambra state. The meeting was for the harmonisation of the results of the recently held partys ward congress. It was also reported that the minster was whisked away by security agencies as gunshots pervaded the scene. Nigeria is practicing Oligarchy (Nigerian Street Interview) on Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit.ng Yves here. This Real News Network interview with Professor Gerald Horne focuses on how Marxs observations apply to European colonialism and the the slave trade. Although this discussion does not emphasis this element of Marxs work, one of the reasons he was so effective in his day was that he was a prodigious journalist. His political and economic analysis came out of extensive, direct observation of conditions in factories and their impact on the communities around them. PAUL JAY: May 5 is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Karl Marx. He was born in Trier, Germany in 1818. His collaborator and friend Fredrick Engels said Marx was the first to give socialism, and thereby the whole labor movement, a scientific foundation. Marx, by most serious accounts, was one of the great minds of human history; a political economist, a historian, a philosopher, but also a man of action. He was an organizer and leader in the cause of socialism, social justice, and the modern working class. Inscribed on his headstone in Highgate Cemetery in London are his words: Philosophers have hitherto only interpreted the world in various ways; the point is to change it. Engels wrote that Marx brought about a revolution in the whole conception of world history. The whole previous view of history was based on the conception that the ultimate causes of all historical changes are to be looked for in the changing ideas of human beings, and that of all historical changes, political changes are the most important and dominate the whole of history. But the question was not asked as to whence the ideas come into mens minds and what the driving causes of the political changes are. At the grave site of Marx, after his death on March 17, 1883, Engels said: Just as Darwin discovered the law of development of organic nature, so Marx discovered the law of development of human history: the simple fact, hitherto concealed by an overgrowth of ideology, that mankind must first of all eat, drink, have shelter and clothing, before it can pursue politics, science, art, religion, et cetera; that therefore the production of the immediate material means, and consequently the degree of economic development attained by a given people or during a given epoch, form the foundation upon which the state institutions, the legal conceptions, art, and even the ideas on religion, of the people concerned have been evolved, and in the light of which they must, therefore, be explained, instead of vice versa, as had hitherto been the case. Millions of people around the world, including our next guest, find Marx as relevant today as he ever was. If so, what does the application of Marxs conception of history look like when applied to the origins of the United States of America and our current world? Joining us to discuss this is Gerald Horne. He joins us from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Gerald holds the John J. and Rebecca Moores chair of History and African-American studies at the University of Houston. Hes the author of many books, most recently Storming the Heavens: African-Americans and the Early Fight for the Right to Fly, and The Apocalypse of Settler Colonialism: the Roots of Slavery, White Supremacy and Capitalism in 17th Century North America and the Caribbean, and also, of course, The Counter-Revolution of 1776: Slave Resistance and the Origins of the United States of America. Thanks for joining us, Gerald. GERALD HORNE: Thank you for inviting me. PAUL JAY: So this concept that to understand state institutions, art, politics in todays terms, I shouldnt say in todays terms, but to add to that we talk about the ideology of systemic racism, American chauvinism. You and I have talked about both of these things often. Marxs concept of history is that to really understand and get the underlying motivating factors that drive these ideologies, and what he would call, I guess, superstructure, you really have to understand the economic foundations and how people, what level the mode of production, the way people produce, as hunting and gathering versus digitization and modern industry you get different human relationships. Talk a bit about the basic concept, and then how does that come up in your work, understanding American history? GERALD HORNE: First of all, its no surprise that if you look at the liberation of Africa in the latter part of the 20th century youll find that many of the leaders of that epochal movement, including Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Samora Machel of Mozambique, even Nelson Mandela of South Africa, were influenced to a greater or lesser degree by the doctrines of Karl Marx and the philosophy and ideology of socialism. I think that in order to understand that, it might be useful to look, for example, at England in the latter part of the 16th century, when Shakespeare was rising to prominence and penning his epochal play Othello. And just as that play represents and depicts a portrait of an African, Othello, who is treated with sensitivity and humanity, likewise in London you had Africans who were living there who were involved in all manner of activities, and were treated much better and much more humanely than they were treated a century later, in the 1690s, for example. Now, why that change? Well, that change takes place precisely because in that 100-year period England became deeply enmeshed in the African slave trade, became deeply enmeshed in the process of producing wealth by dint of the enslaved labor of Africans. And therefore the philosophy of Londoners and the English towards people of African descent likewise changed. And so in the late 16th century you had episodes of Africans beating and flaying Englishmen who might be defined as white, and not suffering as a result. That became virtually impossible by the late 17th century. That is to say, the 1690s. Similarly, if you look at the history of Europe generally, what youll find is that up until the rise of colonialism in the mid-17th century, religious conflict was the axis upon which society turned. Im speaking of Protestant versus Catholics. But once Europeans became deeply enmeshed in colonialism and the slave trade, you saw that those tensions and conflicts and contradictions began to be curbed in favor of a mutual suppression and oppression of people of African descent in the first place, because their enslaved, their enslaved labor was necessary for propelling colonialism. And therein you begin to see the power and correctness, indeed, of the idea of Karl Marx, which is that modes of production and the garnering of wealth helps to shape and propel philosophies. The philosophy of white supremacy and racism not least. Paul Jay: Well, then, take this conception of history, as Marx and Engels call it, and apply it to the United States. And to understand the extent of racism today, like, Im recording this in Baltimore, a majority African-American city. Poverty numbers that are much, much higher than in non-black neighborhoods, non-black cities. The level of police repression, the level of the consequences of poverty like high murder rates and such. Were now a long time after the founding of America, and this stuff perpetuates and keeps recreating itself, this ideology. So apply Marxs conception to understanding this. GERALD HORNE: Well, I think that the Marxist conception is that, number one, the racism that you see in Baltimore, and indeed throughout these United States of America, is quite profitable. Because of this racism, oftentimes youre able to pay black workers substantially less than you pay workers who are defined as white, for example. Likewise, the racism is very corrosive to the idea of working class unity. That is to say, black and white workers united against their mutual oppressors, speaking of the boss, or the head of major transnational corporations. And that split in the working class is also very profitable to those at the top of the socioeconomic pyramid. Therefore, as Karl Marx might put it in 2018, racism is quite functional, although it would be a mistake to see it as wholly a product of economic forces, although in the first instance its propelled by economic forces, forces. Because racism comes to take on a life of its own once it takes flight, even if one cannot be connected organically to its motive force, which is profit. PAUL JAY: So how, to what extent does the racism that, that emerged as such a prominent piece of America, given how important it was to the economic development, slavery was to the economic development in America, the way things get, become part of the culture, part of the ethos, part of the national psyche, even, at such an origin, original origin level. And that starts to become part of a culture that keeps going in spite that slavery itself, at least outright slavery, came to an end. GERALD HORNE: It becomes a machine that goes of itself. Its very useful to compare London, the mother country in the mid-18th century, with its settler colonies in North America. And London, not least because the African-derived population was not a substantial as that in the settler colony of North America, oftentimes you found painters like William Hogarth, for example, who depicted black people in a very sensitive and humane fashion, not unlike the way William Shakespeare did at the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 1600s. Whereas in North America, where the entire economy was turning upon the phenomenon of the labor of enslaved Africans, you found a casual brutalization of black people because, not least, this was profitable. And this profitable enterprise then infested the entire culture and society, helping to lead to a devaluation of black life on the one hand, and an enrichment of slave masters on the other, which in turn helped to create a society and a culture that was based upon white supremacy. And that has continued, Im afraid, into the 21st century. PAUL JAY: And when you look ahead at how to solve issues like systemic racism, abuse of police forces and such, it seems to me you have to tie these things together again. Theres only so much you can kind of reform in a police department, for example. You can, you know, theres a lot of talk about training and changing the culture of the police departments, and such. Thats not to say it might not have some effect. But when the fundamental role of a police department is to defend the system of the relationship of who owns property, in other words, the more property youve got the more police police serve and protect you, as long as thats the core relationship between a very few people owning the vast majority of wealth, and police are there to enforce laws that reinforce that distribution of wealth, theres only so much you can do about reforming the racist heads of various policemen. GERALD HORNE: I think that your question contains an answer that many find difficult to accept. What I mean is, is that even those who define themselves as radical oftentimes see the racism which we are discussing as virtually accidental. As being not an organic extension of the culture and society and history upon which it was based. Many, even those who define themselves as radical, find it difficult to accept that when you had the so-called Glorious Revolution in England in 1688, which led to the clipping the wings of the monarch, the rising merchant class did so, that is to say, clip the wings of the monarch, in order to gain a foothold in the lucrative African slave trade which the theretofore had been controlled by the monarch. Then in 1776 you had landowners and slave owners like George Washington who clipped the wings of the monarch once again by revolting against the idea that England was moving towards the abolition of slavery a la Somersets case in June 1772 in London, and thereby moved toward secession and independence, creating a society based upon white supremacy and slavery. Then in 1836 you see slave owners in Texas revolt and secede from Mexico, not least because Mexico had moved towards the abolition of slavery in the preceding decade, the 1820s, under a leader of African descent. Speaking of Vicente Guerrero. And of course, because Texas independently could not withstand the pressure placed upon it by abolitionist Britain and revolutionary Haiti, Texas then entered the Union as a state of United States of America in 1845. And finally, in 1865 the so-called Confederate States of America seceded from the United States once again because they wanted to perpetuate slavery forevermore. But because of global pressure in the first place, they were defeated. Its very difficult even for radicals to come to the conclusion that this society and culture that was built, here in North America, was based not only on the enslavement on a mass basis of Africans, but on a genocidal dispossession of the indigenous population. And therefore its no surprise that racism in its most brutal and naked form continues to stalk the land in 2018. PAUL JAY: So one of the ideas of Marx and Engels conception of history is that as production, productive forces, as they would call it, the way people produce, becomes more modernized, technological development takes place, in terms of capitalism you have the development of sciences that leads to modern mass production and industry, that the old relationships, the old ideas and institutions, actually become an obstruction to this new, new coming into being, these new productive forces coming into being. And we saw the way feudalism fights against the rise of capitalism, and in fact theres revolutions to overthrow the feudalists in France, and to some extent even here. The, what are we seeing this now? How does it express itself now? Because Marx and Engels talked about having such socialized production now, with modern industry, with thousands of people work in factories. Now we have this social character of production has even become globalized at a scale I dont think anybody could have imagined 200 years ago. Yet we still have the old forms of ownership. We still have, in fact, its even more exaggerated. What is it, 1 percent of the worlds population controls, owns more than half the wealth, and so on. Weve heard these statistics. These old relations of productions are still very much there. GERALD HORNE: Well, first of all, you need to realize that a beard can continue to grow upon the face of a corpse, even though the body has died. That is to say that its not a simple nor easy matter to extinguish these manacles and handcuffs of the past that continue to bedevil us in the future. To step back for a second, for example, lets return to the question of religion, which we discussed a moment or two ago. With the rise of slavery and the slave trade, as noted, you began to see the decline of religion not only because of what I enunciated a moment or two ago, that those tensions and contradictions were curbed in favor of the mutual project of oppressing and suppressing the native populations of the Americas and the Africans. But also as the productive forces continued to grow and flourish, that led to more scientific exploration, which gives rise to what is now called the Enlightenment. And with the rise of science you begin to see a decline of religion. Now, that may come as a surprise to many of those in the United States of America. But I think its fair to say that religious observance, even the United States of America, is not today what it once was, say, a century ago. And thats due in no small measure to the rise of the productive forces and the rise of scientific inquiry. I think that that helps to give meaning to this point that you are speaking about in terms of what Marx was trying to say, in terms of the productive forces in society helping to propel philosophies, ideas, and even religion. PAUL JAY: And I think you can see the sort of full blooming of this. One of Marx and Engels ideas is that socialism is born in the womb of capitalism. That you that you actually have the development and this modernization and massive scale of production as social character that takes on these massive monopolies that are extremely well-planned. Theyre essentially, if you take the FedExes and the Amazons and the Wal-Marts, and some of these kinds of places, theyre extremely big planned economies. And you can see the kind of seeds of this sort of rational way to produce at its full bloom in these big rationalized monopolies, except still privately owned. So overall, the whole system is completely irrational. GERALD HORNE: Well, its striking to note that what youre speaking about is something that Marx and Engels also talk about in their epochal work, The Communist Manifesto, which comes out approximately 30 years after the birth of Karl Marx, which is characterized by that pithy phrase, Workers of the world, unite. You have nothing to lose but your chains. In other words, as you have the growth of these behemoths, the Amazons, for example, you also see an increasingly impoverished workforce, not only in North America, but in the other sites of exploitation where Amazon is sinking roots. Canada, for example. And therefore you see the growth of wealth that increasingly is appropriated by individuals like Jeff Bezos, whose fortune is nearing $100 billion , whereas you have workers who barely are surviving on salaries less than $30000 a year. Obviously that kind of contradiction is not sustainable in the long run. Obviously what needs to happen are massive union organizing drives that unites workers across geographical and political borders. And that, I am sure, will happen sooner rather than later. PAUL JAY: And these massive behemoths, as you say, to really have an effect of this planning for public good, need to be publicly owned. And thats, thats, I guess, a conversation were going to have in the next time we get together to talk about this, and we dont have to wait another 200 years to celebrate the birth of Marx. Thanks very much for joining us, Gerald. GERALD HORNE: Thank you. PAUL JAY: And thank you for joining us on the Real News Network. Brexit watching has become an exercise in waiting for inescapable realities to start penetrating the astonishing delusion and fundamental incomprehension of the UK ruling classes and the media. What is remarkable is that the denialsm persists despite the EU having said No as many ways as it possibly could on certain basic issues. Our best guess is that the EU is going to stick to its plans of forcing a crisis in June over the Irish border issue. Our view is that EUs chief negotiator Michel Barnier erred in giving May breathing room last December by signing the so-called Joint Agreement. That reaffirmed the UKs commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, while in remarkably flabby language, set forth three options for the border. The problem is that the two that appeared to offer political escape routes for the UK were never going to work and the EU and everyone who hadnt swallowed a lot of Brexit Kool-Aid knew that. Recall that Barnier once said that it wasnt the EUs job to solve the UKs political problems. Yet he relented with the Joint Agreement, apparently to forestall an ouster of May by the hard Brexiteers, who appeared then to be able to pull off a palace coup. The only rationale for the EU to have saved the Government from rule-by-the-even-more-stupid was to spare the EU the costs and disruption of a crash-out Brexit. But as we discuss below, a crash-out is now the most likely outcome. And if that is indeed the case, the EU has strong incentives to make that clear as soon as possible so as to give businesses as much time as possible to assume the brace position. UK Debating on Train Tracks as Brexit Locomotive Bears Down Richard Smith astutely remarked that the Windrush affair illustrates how Theresa May operates, and those habits have made what would have been at best a difficult Brexit into a certain disaster. May adopts rigid targets and keeps trying to beat everyone around her into compliance. That can work in the narrow sense of achieving your immediate goal (irrespective of ignoring warning signals that point to long-term costs) if you are in control of your environment. Ironically, Mays snap election backfire has had the perverse effect of giving her more short-term control over the party, since having a fragile coalition has meant neither the soft nor hard Brexit faction has been willing to press its case too hard and risk a crisis that would result in new elections. The Cabinet is in the midst of yet another row that is dominating most UK media coverage on Mays customs partnership idiocy. The caliber of the political debate suggests that what passes for the British elite had better have some excuse like having contracted mad cow disease en masse to explain this pathetic performance to posterity. The most embarrassing part is that it isnt even hard to explain why the UK is wasting huge amount of its most important resource, time left to Brexit, on non-starters. A customs partnership or continued membership in the customs union doesnt solve the problem the UK wants solved. A Guardian story yesterday, Brexit: jobs at risk without frictionless trade, warns Greg Clark, unintentionally makes clear how the UK has send a huge pack of hounds to bark up the wrong tree. From the story: Tory Brexit moderates and business groups have made a last-ditch attempt to push for Theresa Mays preferred customs plan, with the business secretary warning that thousands of jobs would be at risk unless there is frictionless trade. Greg Clark dismissed the idea that the prime ministers idea for a customs partnership in which the UK would collect import duties on behalf of the EU had been rejected at a meeting last week of Mays Brexit inner cabinet. This is painful to read. Its the sort of thing that makes you want to grab the speaker by the lapels and shake them. What about A customs union does not mean frictionless trade dont you understand? Richard North has been debunking this idea from every angle conceivable, including posting images showing border checks from the hoary old days of the European Economic Community, before an internal market was achieved in 1993. The EU has already rejected Mays customs partnership idea. Turning the mike over to North, from his current post: The public face of Brexit has lost all contact with reality. Its so far gone that Greg Clark speaks of the discussions at last weeks War Cabinet having been much more professional and collegiate than you would ever think from the report. This, believe it or not, is the meeting that devoted itself to exploring the two nonsense scenarios that have already been ruled out by the Commission If this was entirely a domestic matter, the government could perhaps get away with it, but the big difference is that anything that comes out of the current phase of stupidity will be tested in Brussels, not only by the genial Michel Barnier but by the hard-faced guardians of the treaties, buried in the deepest recesses of the Berlaymont. The British cabinet is delaying choosing between two types of customs arrangement. Yet each of those two possibilities was long ago rejected by Brussels: one is unworkable the other does not exist. The Ireland Deadline Looms Barnier has said that the UK needs to resolve the Irish border matter by the June negotiating round. The EU will not discuss the future relationship nor will it sort out details of the transition period before that is resolved. The EU now has no incentives to relent. In fact, Barnier probably did the EU a great disservice. There was no reason to think the UK would be any more willing to accept a sea border as the only solution for Ireland a few months later than it was last December. If the UK is going to wind up subjecting itself to a crash-out Brexit due to its inability to deal with the consequences of its choices, it is better for all parties to know that as soon as possible to allow them to do what they can to minimize damage. The Government is refusing to acknowledge that it has no answers. Per Norths discussion above, it somehow keeps telling itself and the British public that the EU is extorting the UK and scheming to steal Northern Ireland. The reality is, as we and others have explained ad nauseum, that the UK leaving the internal market means there has to be a hard border somewhere with respect to Ireland. The EU27 was never going to stand for Ireland turning into a route for smuggling non-EU compliant goods into Europe. The Tories and their media allies are sure to scream bloody murder when the EU sticks to its word on Ireland, using words like blackmail and extortion. At best, Barnier might give the Government another month to faff about, but there is no reason to the UK to come around. Indeed, one can imagine EU officials telling corporate contacts and regulators privately to prepare for a crash-out, having that get back to the Brits, and having that depicted as yet more dirty dealing. As I often say, it would be better if I were wrong. One sign of that would be if EU business lobbies, editorials, or prominent politicians were calling for Brussels to ease up on the UK so as to assure that a transition deal gets done. Readers of the Continental press are welcome to correct me but I have seen no evidence of anything of the kind. Even though Europeans probably are underestimating the cost of a crash-out Brexit to them, theyve made a decision that political considerations are paramount, and that means cutting the UK no slack. And theyve had the great good fortune that Brits have been so utterly incompetent and high-handed that it is hard to have any sympathy for them. But as usual, the people most responsible for this debacle will be largely insulated from its effects. By Eric Holthaus, a meteorologist and staff writer for Grist, covering climate science, policy, and solutions. He has previously written for the Wall Street Journal, Slate, and a variety of other publications. Originally published at Grist Lake Mead is the countrys biggest reservoir of water. Think of it as the savings account for the entire Southwest. Right now, that savings account is nearly overdrawn. For generations, weve been using too much of the Colorado River, the 300-foot-wide ribbon of water that carved the Grand Canyon, supplies Lake Mead, and serves as the main water source for much of the American West. The river sustains one in eight Americans about 40 million people and millions of acres of farmland. In the next 40 years, the region is expected to add at least 10 million more people, as the regions rainfall becomes more erratic. An especially dismal snowpack this past winter has forced a long-simmering dispute over water rights to the fore, one that splits people living above and below Lake Mead. Its a messy, confusing situation, so heres an overview of whos involved and whats at stake: Users of Colorado River water below Lake Mead including the cities of Phoenix, Los Angeles, Las Vegas (collectively referred to as the lower basin) rely on the reservoir as a lifeline. The people in the lower basin exist partly at the mercy of what happens in the upper basin, an area encompassing the snowcapped peaks of Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and northern New Mexico, the source region of the river. Big water users in the upper basin Salt Lake City, Denver, Albuquerque, among others are also getting nervous because snowpack in the Rockies has been dwindling, and theres no physical way for them to store the water they depend on. There are no big reservoirs in the Rockies. In recent weeks, tensions are rising after states in the upper basin sent a strongly worded letter to one of the rivers biggest users, the Central Arizona Water Conservation District, or CAWCD, which supplies water to Tucson and Phoenix. The upper basin states accused the utility of manipulating the complex system that governs Lake Mead in order to get more water. The Arizona utility denied the charges. An upper basin city Pueblo, Colorado then pulled out of a regional conservation program, further threatening the spirit of long-term cooperation throughout the Colorado River basin. Denver has threatened to do the same. The quick escalation shows just how fragile the system really is. In an email to Grist, Kathryn Sorensen, director of Phoenixs Water Services Department, says the city does not and has never supported CAWCDs attempt to draw additional water from the Colorado River. She said that the only way forward is through collaboration among all stakeholders in the basin. The whole thing feels like the beginnings of a water war fought with cryptic, wonky tweets. As longtime Western water journalists Luke Runyon and Bret Jaspers recently wrote, public shaming is how water managers police themselves. Whats happening could be seen as the slow death of an era of easy living, the unwinding of a nearly 100-year-old series of multi-state compacts (collectively called The Law of the River) thats been widely viewed as too permissive. Over-reliance on the Colorado River has helped pave the way for rapid population growth across the region, from Southern California to Denver, which may now, ironically, begin to pose a threat to those same cities. For many reasons, Arizona is last in line for the Colorado Rivers water, and the state is already preparing for the mandatory restrictions that could be less than two years away. The latest official projections from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the federal agency that manages the Colorado River system, shows that Lake Mead is likely to dip below the critical threshold of 1,075 feet above sea level late next year. That could trigger the first official call on the river a legally-mandated cutback for certain users aimed at avoiding an all-out free-for-all. In Phoenix, a worst-case scenario is now looking more and more likely. In just a few years from now, if (or, when) Lake Mead dips below 1,075 feet, the city may find itself in a position where it stops building new subdivisions, the states agricultural economy comes crashing to a permanent halt, and a fit of well-drilling begins to deplete the local groundwater. And then theres always climate change. On the worlds current emissions trajectory, sharply warming temperatures boost the odds of a megadrought in the Southwest sometime later this century to more than 99 percent. Such a drought would last a generation. Nearly all trees in the Southwest could die. The scale of the disaster would have the power to reshape the course of U.S. history. For now, the spat over the Colorado River offers a glimpse into water politics in an era of permanent scarcity. The low snowpack in the upper basin states means that inflows into Lake Mead will be just 43 percent of normal this year, raising the stakes for conservation programs throughout the West. In the midst of long-running drought, 2017 was the most successful year for water conservation in decades which is evidence that when theres less water around, people can make things work. We must all find a way to collectively use less water while respecting the Law of the River,Sorensen says. Thats of course a tricky proposition because the Law of the River is basically the most complex governance structure ever created by human beings. Every May 1, United Nations Member States honour the contribution of workers to national development. This years theme Promoting the Public Spirit in the Public Sector, reminds us of what is needed in most developing countries including Uganda. More and better jobs, decent working conditions and a better work culture infused by positive values. There is no greater virtue to be found in a citizen than the public spirit, and this is why it is very important for every individual to identify themselves with the interests of nation, community or organization that they serve. This is an opportunity to recall that universal values such as ethics are deeply ingrained in all cultures including African culture based on time tested wisdom. Today inspired by the Sustainable Development Goals we have an opportunity to rekindle our spirit of public service by linking it to our heritage. In Southern Africa, Ubuntu is a widely cherished and practiced indigenous cultural philosophy based on the notion that a universal bond of sharing connects all humanity: That my humanity is connected and is inextricably bound up with yours. Thats why last month we joined our South African brothers and sisters to mourn the loss of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, a leader who dedicated her life to serve the people of her nation. A related cultural value in Uganda is Obuntu bulamu, an expression of healthy humanness that conveys the possession of courtesy, compassion, good upbringing and being cultured. We also have Bulungi bwansi" literally translated into service or for the good of the community in other words public spirit - which promotes volunteerism based on good ethics. These values are enshrined in the National Ethical Values Policy and promote sustainable development. The thread of bulungi bwansi runs central in the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which are a reflection of the global public spirit. The United Nations was founded on ideals of promoting the public spirit. The preamble of the UN Charter states that, We the people of the United Nations determined .. to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom . to employ international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples; which illuminates the public spirit. In Uganda the United Nations Systems, which includes 18 agencies, supports the Government and people of Uganda to achieve the national development objectives outlined in Vision 2040 and the Second National Development Plan (NDPII) through the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF). At the heart of this and the 2030 Agenda is a shared ambition to develop opportunities for sustainable job creation and inclusive growth. Uganda is widely recognized for producing a wide range of excellent policies on social, economic and development issues. It is key to ensure that people in public service at all levels are well informed of existing policies and are able to define new approaches to ensure implementation. The UN System in Uganda stands ready to support the Government of Uganda in the transition from good policies to good practices so that the public sector can effectively fulfil the public spirit and people across the nation can be part of improving their quality of life. There is also need to revitalize the Local Government System: Ugandas Local Government System has in the past been widely acclaimed as a global example to fulfill the public spirit. However, it is now recognized that this local government system is not functioning optimally. There are numerous efforts by various development partners to support the Government to address capacity building challenges for a while without significant results. We need renewed leadership to re- examine how to revitalize the Local Government System given that it is the branch of the Public sector which engages most directly with citizens. A strengthened Local Government System is key if we are to successfully implement the National Vision 2040 including transformational policies with regards to youth empowerment, inclusive green growth and refugee management. The United Nations System in Uganda is committed to engaging with Government, private sector, cultural and religious leaders so that the Local Government System can play its role as a platform to address the needs of citizens and the revitalization of the national public spirit. The author is UN Resident Coordinator/UN Resident Representative By Jerri-Lynn Scofield, who has worked as a securities lawyer and a derivatives trader. She now spends much of her time in Asia and is currently working on a book about textile artisans. Its not exactly breaking news to assert that big donors such as the Koch Brothers spend money to manipulate public policy. Some expenditures take the form of political contributions, while other funding seeks to shape the production and dissemination of ideas either through the media or in academia. Last week, documents released during discovery in a lawsuit filed against George Mason University provide a window into the details of how this influence is exerted. The suit was filed by the activist group Unkoch My Campus, and sought to compel George Mason University (GMU) to release donor agreements, citing Virginia public disclosure laws. Emails and supporting documentation are found here. Wowsers! Let the games begin. Antonin Scalia Law School, Federalist Society, Corrupt Admissions Decisions The NYT (here and here), WaPo, and Truthout each featured coverage last week of the disclosures. I found Truthout most useful for distilling the salient points about donor influence at the recently renamed Antonin Scalia Law School, following a $30 million anonymous donation. Ill address the law school situation first. The Truthout account discusses the role of the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies the rightwing organisation that has had an outsize impact on judicial selection for decades, most recently in the appointment of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court in how the law school will use its windfall: In the newly released emails between Federalist Society leaders, the dean of the law school and other top officials plot out additional ways to use the donation, communicating about a five-year plan for the law school and candidates for new professorships, potential students and judicial clerk positions. So far, really nothing out of the ordinary, this is business as usual for the Federalist Society. Some further details from the Grey Lady story, What Charles Koch and Other Donors to George Mason University Got for Their Money: Emails disclosed by the university show that Federalist Society officials were also involved in hiring discussions and had suggested a student for admission. In turn, a professor at the law school wrote the society asking for help securing recommendations for prestigious federal judicial clerkships for students active in the society. As is far from uncommon in such situations, the problem only arose with the cover-up. When asked by the faculty what conditions applied to this anonymous donation, the provost tried to obfuscate. Over to Truthout: At a faculty senate meeting on April 6, 2016, George Mason University Provost S. David Wu told faculty and university officials that the donations came with no strings attached, and the scholarship decisions are made by GMU. The entire $30M is for scholarships for students and nothing else. That story may have held until last weeks document dump. Oops! Truthout again: The emails between donors and the law school that were disclosed on Monday tell a different story. The emails, which law school alumna Allison Pienta requested and then released through UnKoch My Campus, show Leo and Butler sharing information about faculty hiring, prospective law students, judicial law clerk suggestions, allocation of the grant money and even about faculty taking leave to work in the Trump administration. We all know this goes on, of course. Does anyone think that these extreme libertarian and right-wing ideas are so widespread because theyre actually better ideas? No, I dont think so. If you do, I have some old Tsarist bonds Id like to sell you. But first, allow me a brief aside: kudos to the people largely students whove organised to UnKoch their university. Just like the students responsible for the gun movement, theyre actually trying to change things rather than throwing up their hands in despair, or capitulating to cynical realism and saying thats just the way of the world, folks. Restricting Academic Freedom: Mercatus and the Economics Faculty NC is primarily an economics and finance blog, so what Im most interested in discussing in this post is not the goings on at the law school, but just how donor influence shaped academic hiring and retention decisions, in the economics faculty and at the Mercatus Center, described by WaPo as a free-market research group that is based at the university but is an independent organization. In particular, I will note the role of economist and Mercatus Center Director Tyler Cowen in at minimum signing off on these funding agreements with the Kochs and other funders. Cowen is prominently highlighted in both the press release and underlying supporting documents, but curiously ahem absent in both the NYT and WaPo accounts. These documents show Cowen in his role as general director of the Mercatus Center signing off on agreements creating Mercatus Center/Economics Professorships (see, e.g.,2003 Mercatus Smith Chair July 14, 2003;2007 Mercatus Smith/Koch Professorship June 11, 2007; 2007 Mercatus BB&T professorship (Boettke) June 11, 2007; 2007 Mercatus Smith Bastiat Professorship June 11, 2007; 2007 Mercatus BB&T Professorship Leeson (June 11, 2007): 2007 Mercatus Tullock Black Professorship August 8, 2007; 2007 Mercatus Fullinwider Professorship August 8, 2007; 2009 Mercatus Charles Koch Professorship month unclear/3/9; 2011 Mercatus BB&T Professorship (Boettke) That these agreements violate standard academic norms was conceded almost immediately after the documents were released in an email GMU president Angel Cabrera sent to faculty on April 27, 2018: As a result of a FOIA request, last week I was made aware of a number of gift agreements that were accepted by the university between 2003 and 2011 and raise questions concerning donor influence in academic matters. The gifts were in support of faculty positions in economics and granted donors some participation in faculty selection and evaluation. Except for the most recent one, these agreements have expired. The agreements did not give donors control over academic decisions, and all but the earliest of these agreements explicitly stated that the final say in all faculty appointments lies in university procedures. Yet these agreements fall short of the standards of academic independence I expect any gift to meet.[ Jerri-Lynn here: my emphasis.] Since I arrived at Mason in 2012, I have made it a priority to have all gift agreements clearly uphold our commitment to academic independence. As I have stated before, gifts may be earmarked for programs, scholarships or faculty support, but donors may not determine what is taught, what student is funded, or what professor is hired. If these terms are not acceptable to donors, the gifts are kindly declined. Two points: first, this is as clear an admission as one could possibly expect from a university president that norms of academic independence have been violated at his/her institution. Second, Cabrera asserts that the problem has been corrected since he arrived at GMU. Its hard to say whether to credit this denial. The date of the latest disclosed agreement is 2011. Absent access to subsequent agreements, we simply cannot know whether Cabrera is telling us the truth. Its a cliche but no less true that its difficult to prove a negative. In the case of the law school (discussed above), what the provost said the agreements said was simply not true. I suppose well have to wait to see how the litigation plays out before we know whether there will be any more such agreements disclosed. Id like to delve a bit further into just exactly how these agreements fall short of the standards of academic independence I expect any gift to meet. Im no expert on the sort of contract. But what leapt out at me was the role allowed for donors on the selection committee that selected the initial shortlist of candidates; and the advisory committee whose members were drawn from the selection committee, and who evaluated the professors work, and could recommend dismissal. The role of the advisory committee in annually assessing a professors work set off screaming alarm bells for me. Lets start with selection. Each of the 2007 and 2009 agreements specified: 2. Selection Committee. The Selection Committee shall have five (5) members. The decision-making rule for the Selection Committee shall be majority vote, except in the case of changing or providing additional objectives or requirements, in which case the decision-making rule shall be by unanimous vote. The members of the Initial Selection Committee (i.e., the Selection Committee that chooses an Initial Professor as defined in Section4,infra) will be: the President or Executive Director of Mercatus or the most closely corresponding position, two (2) members designated by the two donors that initiated the challenge, one of whom must be a member of the GMU faculty, the Chair of the GMU department where it is anticipated the Professor will receive the majority or all of his appointment, and one (1) member of the same department, to be designated by the department Chair. In addition to the Selection Committee, candidates will also interview with specific members of Mercatus staff appointed by Mercatus General Director (2007 Mercatus Smith/Koch Professorship June 11, 2007; [Jerri-Lynn here. My emphasis.Im quoting here from one of the agreements I linked to above. The other 2007 and 2009 agreements are similar if not identical.] Boiling this down two donors that initiated the challenge means the donors the challenge the agreement refers to is the fundraising goal. This agreement gives the donor control over two out of five members who do the initial selection of the candidate. Now, it may be true, that the final selection is done according to the normal academic norms of the institution. But by then, the fix would have been in, and the selection committee would have enormous influence over who was ultimately elected simply by virtue of being allowed to make the initial selection. Now for more interesting stuff. Okay, so the donor selects the candidate. Suppose that candidate keeps his or her head down, and waits until s/hes appointed to pursue academic inquiries, without fear or favour. How would the donor exercise subsequent control over the professors work? Im glad you asked. Section 4 of the agreement specifies just exactly how an advisory committee comprised of a subset of that selection committee with two donor-approved members will post facto sign off on the professors work, as laid out below. 4. Advisory Board. An Advisory Board shall be created and made up of three members of the selection committee to be appointed by the Mercatus executive director to receive an annual summary of the activities, accomplishments, and expenditures of the Professorship and to review the administration of the agreement and a budget and plan for the subsequent academic year. In doing so, it shall have the right to: Consult with the Selection Committee or the Mercatus Center or the grantor regarding the qualifications of candidates for the Professorship; Discuss with the Grantees and their representatives/affiliates, their administrative officers or trustees, the appointment of an occupant of the Professorship and any other matters relating to carrying out the purposes for which the Professorship is established; Ensure compliance with the terms of this agreement through appropriate administrative or legal channels; Make periodic assessments of the Professors performance and/or activities; and Make a determination (based on the individuals performance or otherwise) that the professor filling the Professorship is no longer qualified to do so, and upon this determination will submit in writing to GMU and to Mercatus a recommendation that the professor be removed from the Professorship (2007 Mercatus Smith/Koch Professorship). The Advisory Board shall have no authority or control, either directly or indirectly over the administration of the Professorship or the selection of the occupant of the Professorship except through its determination of an occupants continued qualification to fill the professorship and shall only act as a body that has a continuing interest in seeing that the terms and conditions of this agreement and the obligations of Mercatus, GMU and their representatives/affiliates are carried out.. In Uncovering Koch Role in Faculty Hires, Inside Higher Ed identifies in precisely what respect these agreements are unusual (to say the least): It is of course common for donors who support professorships to specify the academic field or subfield. So while the Koch familys extensive giving to antiregulatory causes in politics is controversial, it is not necessarily controversial that they fund professorships in economics and even free-market economics. But academic values have long held that donors dont get to pick who holds chairs, or evaluate them. Indeed. I have nothing to add so I wont make this post any longer than it needs to be. The Bottom Line For the last word in whats at stake here, let me turn again to the WaPo account, quoting a GMU professor: Its now abundantly clear that the administration of Mason, in partnership with the Mercatus Center and private donors, violated principles of academic freedom, academic control and ceded faculty governance to private donors, said Bethany Letiecq, an associate professor of human development and family science at George Mason. Letiecq, who is president of George Masons chapter of the American Association of University Professors, said she was bothered by language that indicated donors had power in faculty hiring and a voice in decisions about whether professors remain at the school. These are all gross violations of academic freedom, she said. Faculty hiring and faculty retention are not the business of donors, in any way, shape or form. To answer this question, permit me to turn to Letiecq again: But Letiecq, the George Mason professor, said faculty members have been pushing Cabrera for information for years, trying to figure out whether academic freedoms were being violated at the school. And now we clearly understand that they were, she said. And so, the next question is, what are they going to do about it? That, my friends, is the question. (Natural News) The time for conservatives to band together and demand that their free speech rights be protected on the Internet is long overdue. Thankfully, it appears that some conservative leaders are now taking a stand and making a concerted effort to push for fair social media policies that dont discriminate against people based on their political beliefs. Prominent figures such as MRC Founder and President Brent Bozell and MRC Censorship Project Director Allen West issued a joint statement last week, demanding that social media companies like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube adopt four key principles to ensure that the free speech rights of conservative users are protected on their platforms. These four key principles are as follows: 1) Provide Transparency Most conservatives that have had their content censored by Facebook, Twitter or YouTube know that there is often very little information provided as to why their content was censored in the first place. That being said, the first principle calls for transparency, so that everyone can see whether or not liberal groups on social media are being treated the same as groups that align with the right. 2) Provide Clarity Specifically, provide clarity on what exactly is meant by the term hate speech. The problem with social media platforms that announce that they are making an effort to curb hate speech is that, more times than not, there isnt a solid, coherent definition of the term itself. It cant just be defined as anything that the liberals hate or disagree with, because silencing individuals based solely on the fact that they are on the opposite side of the political spectrum sets a dangerous precedent. 3) Provide Equal Footing for Conservatives Networks like Google and YouTube have mostly aligned themselves with dishonest groups that are willing to do anything and everything to put a halt to the conservative movement, including the incredibly biased Southern Poverty Law Center. In order to offset this bias, these companies need to make equal room for conservative groups as advisers. Furthermore, conservatives should have just as much opportunity as their liberal counterparts when it comes to employment. 4) Mirror the First Amendment Its unfortunate that social media networks like Facebook and YouTube even have to be reminded to abide by the First Amendment, but alas, we have clearly reached that point. The freedom of speech is, and always has been, one of the key principles that separates America from all other parts of the world, and it needs to be applied everywhere even on the Internet. Yet even though the Constitution gives citizens the right to speak their minds, Silicon Valley continues to act as though the First Amendment doesnt exist. Just days ago, for example, a story published by the Daily Caller on the 300 missing text messages between FBI Agent Peter Strzok and FBI lawyer Lisa Page was explicitly targeted by Facebook, which immediately began warning users that the story could be spam. Indeed, its very difficult to believe that there isnt an underlying political bias driving Facebooks push to combat what it considers to be hate speech. (Related: Facebook censors Natural News from people who want it, but wont allow you to block Mark Zuckerbergs feed.) With any luck, these four demands will add increased pressure to networks like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, and ultimately push them in the direction of free speech protections for all of their users, regardless of political affiliation. If not, then it is time for our elected representatives in Washington D.C. to take action to limit what social media networks can and cannot censor. (Related: If Google and Facebook are not regulated, then it will lead to open warfare in the streets.) Sources include: Newsbusters.org DailyCaller.com (Natural News) A California Democrat was recently given a platform by USA Today to publish a shocking editorial that calls for nationwide confiscation of all military-style semiautomatic assault weapons from law-abiding citizens. Representative Eric Swalwell from Californias 15th District wrote that all so-called assault weapons need to be banned, and that a federal gun buy-back program needs to be instituted in order to effectively collect them all from the citizenry. Rep. Swalwell even goes a step further, insisting that those who refuse to hand over their assault weapons be criminally prosecuted including law-abiding gun owners who have never been convicted of committing a crime with their legally-purchased weaponry. Not content to simply impose a fresh ban on all new assault weapon purchases, which in and of itself is unconstitutional, Rep. Swalwell actually wants to see door-to-door gun confiscation teams engage in Nazi-style removal tactics in order to rid the streets of all firearms that he personally deems reckless and unnecessary. Reinstating the federal assault weapons ban that was in effect from 1994 to 2004 would prohibit manufacture and sales, but it would not affect weapons already possessed, Rep. Swalwell wrote in his op-ed for USA Today. This would leave millions of assault weapons in our communities for decades to come. Instead, we should ban possession of military-style semiautomatic assault weapons, we should buy back such weapons from all who choose to abide by the law, and we should criminally prosecute any who choose to defy it by keeping their weapons. Democrats like Rep. Swalwell are enemies of the Constitution, and enemies of We the People Despite the fact that the United States is currently more than $21 trillion in debt, Rep. Swalwell wants to see as much as $15 billion apportioned as part of his plan to seize all assault weapons from law-abiding Americans. Hes now proposing that the owners of such weapons be given $1,000 per gun to hand them all over to government officials. Its a lunatic idea, of course but then again, when have Democrats ever proposed something that made sense both from a logical and a practical perspective? The nations roads, bridges, and other infrastructure is crumbling, and the only thing that people like Rep. Swalwell can think about is funding efforts to try to eliminate the Second Amendment. Commenting on the proposal, Orange County Register writer Sal Rodriguez points out that Rep. Swalwell obviously doesnt know anything about firearms, nor is he aware of the fact that theres no such thing as an assault weapon. While I think the idea of banning assault weapons a category of firearm which only exists in the minds of people who dont know anything about firearms, based purely on what said people think a military-style weapon might look like is a pointless exercise in government overreach, at least Swalwell is up front and honest, Rodriguez writes. Unlike Sen. Dianne Feinsteins proposal to merely ban the future sale of assault weapons, Swalwell explicitly wants to criminalize any gun which looks scary to him and is willing to spend billions of dollars towards that end and imprison anyone who doesnt hand over their lawfully acquired firearms. What this all suggests is that Rep. Swalwell, and others like him, arent at all interested in truth or facts. They have one agenda on their plate, and thats to chip away at and eventually completely eliminate the Second Amendment right of Americans to own the firearms of their choice. This further makes Rep. Swalwell an enemy of this Constitutional Republic, as well as an enemy of We the People who own and operate it. Read Tyranny.news for more daily coverage of the tyranny of the Left. Sources for this article include: DailyCaller.com OCRegister.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) Just how toxic is your sunscreen? Many of the chemicals used to protect you from the sun are so hazardous that they actually threaten the well-being of some of the worlds most beautiful natural wonders, like coral reefs. In fact, the state of Hawaii just passed a bill banning the sale of sunscreens that contain coral-damaging chemicals. A bill described as the first of its kind, state legislators are taking action to stop the destruction of ocean life. Senate Bill 2571, passed on May 1, 2018, prohibits the sale of over-the-counter sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. Senator Mike Gabbard, who introduced the bill, reportedly commented in an email, Amazingly, this is a first-in-the-world law. So, Hawaii is definitely on the cutting edge by banning these dangerous chemicals in sunscreens. When you think about it, our island paradise, surrounded by coral reefs, is the perfect place to set the gold standard for the world to follow. This will make a huge difference in protecting our coral reefs, marine life, and human health, he stated. The two newly banned chemicals, oxybenzone and octinoxate, are widely used in drugstore sunscreens. In fact, they can be found in over 3,500 different types of sunblock, many of which are some of the worlds most popular choices. Many of the offerings from Banana Boat, Coppertone and Hawaiian Tropic will all be on Hawaiis prohibited list. NPR reports that research from 2015 put these popular sunscreen chemicals on full blast, as it was revealed that they were zapping the life out of coral reefs and contributing to the rise of oceanic dead zones. The study, which featured reefs from Hawaii, Israel and the Virgin Islands, concluded that oxybenzone leaches the coral of its nutrients and bleaches it white. It can also disrupt the development of fish and other wildlife. The scientists surmised that even a small drop of the stuff is enough to create lasting damage and estimates suggest that a staggering 14,000 tons of sunscreen make their way to coral reefs every year. While sunscreen manufacturers are no doubt reeling at the thought of the sunny vacation destination banning the sale of their products, the fact is that many sunscreen chemicals come with health risks that are not readily disclosed. Its toxic for YOU too The Environment Working Group has actually ranked oxybenzone as one of the most toxic cosmetic ingredients. It is a known hormone disruptor and is thought to play a role in the development of endometriosis. Octinoxate doesnt fare much better: Sources say it may actually accelerate skin aging and it has negative effects on the reproductive system and thyroid. Many of the other ingredients used in sunscreens, like parabens, also pose a risk to human health. As Natural News founder Mike Adams reported last summer, many of the ingredients used to formulate sunscreen can contribute to the onset of cancer or hormone disruption. As the Health Ranger explains, Whats truly astonishing is how people think using these toxic chemicals on their skin is somehow preventing cancer. In truth, its giving them cancer from chemical exposure. Instead of just skin cancer from UV exposure, it can give them brain cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer or even myeloma. Adams noted further that some of the damage to marine life being blamed on global warming is probably actually due to the presence of toxic sunscreen chemicals in ocean water. While sunscreens may be advertised as products you should use to protect your health, it seems thats anything but the truth. You can learn more about toxic ingredients and how to avoid them at Toxins.news. Sources for this article include: StarAdvertiser.com NPR.org (Natural News) There are many reasons to be concerned about the Bayer-Monsanto merger, one of the most dangerous business deals in history. While the notion of these two gigantic corporations conjoining has been highly contested, the duo finally managed to sell off enough assets to garner anti-trust approval. In a move that may soon rock the world (and not in a good way), the Department of Justice has approved the dreaded merger of Bayer and Monsanto. Not only will the two behemoth companies come together to form the largest seed-and-pesticide company in the world, there are increasing worries about the merger will mean for the medical marijuana industry. Writing for Waking Times, Phillip Schneider notes that their merger will spell big trouble for farmers, in the form of less competition and a decrease in leverage for farm owners. Moreover, this ghastly union could be the unsavory beginning of a total corporate takeover of the medical marijuana industry via the patenting of GMO seeds. Bayer-Monsanto merger could destroy budding cannabis industry As sources explain, Scotts Miracle Gro and Monsanto have a business partnership that delves deep into the cannabis industry. Scotts has been particularly interested in expanding into the pot industry in states where the medicinal plant has been legalized and the companys CEO Jim Hagadorn has made his interest in taking over the cannabis trade widely known. In the past, Hagadorn has said that hed be willing to spend $500 million to gain control of the medical marijuana industry. Many companies within the cannabis trade who make light fixtures, hydroponic set-ups and other essentials for growing have reported that Scotts or Hawthorne (a front company for Scotts) have tried to buy them out. If and when the Monsanto-Bayer conglomerate manages to patent cannabis seeds, it will crush the growing cannabis industry as we know it. As Schneider explains: [T]his new megacompany could effectively use the power to force growers into lessening their output and growing only the strains which Monsanto/Bayer wants to produce, regardless of any negative side effects. Ultimately, this is far too much power to grant to one multinational corporation. Unfortunately for us, the merger recently gained approval even in spite of the glaring issues with allowing two massive companies to form one giant corporate leviathan. Bayer and Monsanto: Two evils become one? Both Bayer and Monsanto have sordid pasts, rife with chemical weaponry. Countless lives are on their hands. And yet, these companies continue to flourish and are now shacking up together likely to do more evil than they ever could alone. As Mike Adams, Natural News founder and director of CWC Labs, recalls, Monsanto is the company which created Agent Orange which harmed millions of U.S. soldiers and Vietnamese during the Vietnam War. The Health Ranger explained further that Bayer is a company that manufactured and sold the chemicals that were used to kill Jews in Nazi Germany. Bayer, along with BASF and Hoechst, originally merged as IG Farben and contributed heavily to Adolf Hitler. In return, Hitler relied on the chemical manufacturers to create Zyklon B, a chemical weapon used in Auschwitz and other concentration camps to exterminate the Jews who were too old, too small, or too weak to work. As Adams contended, Monsanto and Bayer clearly deserve each other but that doesnt mean the rest of the world should have to live with them. While nothing is written in stone yet, it is hard to ignore the threat posed by the unification of these two malevolent companies. Stay up-to-date on the latest atrocities from Monsanto at Monsanto.news. Sources for this article include: WakingTimes.com EcoWatch.com Gilroy police on Friday arrested a drug trafficker who was bringing large amounts of methamphetamine into the city, according to the department's anti-crime team. Juan Quinterosicarios, 35, was arrested after being found in possession of 15 pounds of methamphetamine in the area of Tenth and Chestnut streets, police said. Police also searched his home in Monterey County. Gilroy police were assisted by the Santa Clara County Specialized Enforcement Team, the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Peninsula Regional Violence and Narcotics Team and the California Highway Patrol. Mountain View police on Saturday arrested a man after he forced another man to drive him from San Jose to a Kentucky Fried Chicken location in Mountain View, according to police. The chaotic string of events unfolded around 3 a.m. Saturday when 21-year-old transient Alberto Ulloa-Avila allegedly opened the passenger door of a random man's car in the area of 14th and Santa Clara streets in San Jose, according to Mountain View police. Ulloa-Avila allegedly hopped in the car, ordered the 31-year-old driver to take him where we wished to go and threatened to physically hurt the driver if the driver didn't do as he said. After arriving at the KFC located near El Camino Real and Castro Street in Mountain View, Ulloa-Avila tried to rob the driver, police said. That's when the driver ditched the vehicle and started to run away. Ulloa-Avila moved to the driver's seat of the vehicle and proceeded to drive away before promptly turning around and returning to the KFC, according to police. Ulloa-Avila then started chasing the driver across El Camino Real. Arriving officers eventually found the two men along El Camino Real, according to police. Ulloa-Avila was taken into custody without incident. Ulloa-Avila was arrested for kidnapping, making criminal threats, vehicle theft, violating a protective order and driving on a suspended license, according to police. United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a zero-tolerance immigration policy Monday in San Diego and vowed that all caught crossing into the country illegally would be prosecuted, even if it leads to the separation of parents and their children. Sessions said he wanted to send a message to the world that the U.S. would not be overwhelmed "by illegals stampeding our country." "If you cross the border unlawfully, then we will prosecute you. It's that simple," Sessions told reporters at Border Field State Park backdropped by the fence that separates San Diego from Tijuana, Mexico. He added that even those who claim political asylum will be prosecuted if they do not follow the proper procedure for entry. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said it would refer all arrests for illegal entry to federal prosecutors, throwing its weight behind Sessions' policy announced last month to vastly expand criminal prosecutions of people with few or no previous offenses. A conviction for illegal entry carries a maximum penalty of six months in custody for first-time crossers, though they usually do far less time, and two years for repeat offenses. Nearly one of every four Border Patrol arrests on the Mexican border from October through April was someone who came in a family, meaning any large increase in prosecutions is likely to cause parents to be separated from their children while they face charges and do time in jail. Children who are separated from their parents would be put under supervision of the U.S. Health and Human Services Department, Sessions said. The department's Office of Refugee Resettlement releases children traveling alone to family and places them in shelters. "We don't want to separate families, but we don't want families to come to the border illegally and attempt to enter into this country improperly," Sessions said. "The parents are subject to prosecution while children may not be. So, if we do our duty and prosecute those cases, then children inevitably for a period of time might be in different conditions." Protester with bull horn shouts at Sessions. #nbc7 pic.twitter.com/ykrAXAijPQ Artie Ojeda (@ArtieNBCSD) May 7, 2018 Thomas Homan, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's acting director, said there is no "blanket policy" to separate families as a way to deter others, echoing recent comments by Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. But he said immigration authorities have long separated families if they have reason to doubt the relationship or if a parent is prosecuted. "Every law enforcement agency in this country separates parents from children when they're arrested for a crime," Homan said alongside Sessions. "There is no new policy. This has always been the policy. Now, you will see more prosecutions because of the attorney general's commitment to zero tolerance." Advocacy groups blasted the moves as cruel and heartless, especially in cases where the family is seeking asylum in the United States. "Criminalizing and stigmatizing parents who are only trying to keep their children from harm and give them a safe upbringing will cause untold damage to thousands of traumatized families who have already given up everything to flee terrible circumstances in their home countries," said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Amnesty International's Americas director. U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, said, "Criminalizing parents seeking protection for themselves and their children is inhumane, excessively punitive, and can deliberately interfere with their ability to seek asylum." The American Civil Liberties Union is challenging the practice in a case involving a Congolese asylum seeker who was separated from her 7-year-old daughter for five months and a Brazilian woman who was separated from her 14-year-old son after being arrested and serving nearly a month in jail for illegal entry. At a hearing in San Diego last week, a Trump administration lawyer did not dispute a report in The New York Times that more than 700 children had been taken from their families since October. The attorney, Sarah Fabian, said she couldn't say whether there was a shift since Trump took office because officials didn't have historical data. Tearing children from the arms of parents who are trying to save them from violence and persecution in their home countries is unconscionably cruel," Alex Mensing with Pueblo Sin Fronteras, a transnational advocacy group that coordinated the caravan, said. "The mothers on the refugee caravan have defended their children with love and tenacity during their entire journey, and we know that other refugee mothers do the same. The U.S. Government is waging a war on refugee families that has reached a new level of heartlessness and hate. Sessions attack on the rights of refugees violates both US law and international agreements, not to mention the spirit of welcoming those fleeing violence and in need of refuge. Refugee parents aren't smuggling their children, they're saving their lives." Video of the interruption was captured by NBC 7 Reporter Artie Ojeda. Just a minute or two into his speech, Sessions was heckled by a protestor demanding through a megaphone that Sessions leave his state and city. "You are an evil, evil, evil man," the protestor said. NBC 7 San Diego has since confirmed the man's identity to be William Johnson with a group he called Backbone San Diego. Sessions did not directly address the heckler but Homan did saying, "The only shame in this media event is people who want to call out American patriots." Sessions' visit came two weeks after the caravan of asylum seekers arrived at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. The last of the of the 161 asylum seekers from the caravan crossed into the U.S. on Friday to be processed. Americans are right to want a safe, secure border and a government who knows who is here and who isnt, Sessions said. The president is on fire about this, he added. "If you are smuggling a child then we will prosecute you, and that child will be separated from you as required by law." President Donald Trump has railed against the migrant caravan, calling them a threat to national security. He's used the caravan to rallied support for his border wall despite the fact that most asylum seekers turned themselves in to border inspectors. Sessions called the caravan "a deliberate attempt to undermine our laws and overwhelm our system," pledging to send more immigration judges to the border to resolve cases if needed. Homan clarified reports about the DHS separating families saying there are no new policies in place. ICE separates parents from children if they cannot prove the adult is the parent and if the parent is being prosecuted for a crime. "Every law enforcement agency in this country separates a parent from a child when they are prosecuted for a crime, Homan said. NBC 7 Sessions last visited San Diego in April 2017 with then-Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly to look at ways to improve border security. His visit on Monday will be the fourth high-profile visit to the Southern California U.S-Mexico border from the Trump administration in as many months. In March, Trump visited San Diego to inspect the border wall prototypes and Department of Homeland Secretary Kirsten Nielsen visited the Calexico border on April 18, while Vice President Mike Pence visited the Calexico border last week. What to Know Trump's decision means Iran's government must now decide whether to follow the U.S. and withdraw or try to salvage what's left of the deal The 2015 pact itself does not contain any provisions for leaving, but Trump said he "will be instituting the highest level" of sanctions Many in Iran are deeply concerned about how Trump's decision could affect the already struggling economy President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the landmark nuclear accord with Iran, abruptly restoring harsh sanctions in the most consequential foreign policy action of his presidency. He declared he was making the world safer, but he also deepened his isolation on the world stage and revived doubts about American credibility. The 2015 agreement, which was negotiated by the Obama administration and included Germany, France and Britain, had lifted most U.S. and international economic sanctions against Iran. In exchange, Iran agreed to restrictions on its nuclear program, making it impossible to produce a bomb and establishing rigorous inspections. But Trump, a severe critic of the deal dating back to his presidential campaign, said Tuesday in a televised address from the White House that it was "defective at its core." U.S. allies in Europe had tried to keep him in and lamented his move to abandon it. Iran's leader ominously warned his country might "start enriching uranium more than before." The sanctions seek to punish Iran for its nuclear program by limiting its ability to sell oil or do business overseas, affecting a wide range of Iranian economic sectors and individuals. Major companies in the U.S. and Europe could be hurt, too. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said that licenses held by Boeing and its European competitor Airbus to sell billions of dollars in commercial jetliners to Iran will be revoked. Certain exemptions are to be negotiated, but Mnuchin refused to discuss what products might qualify. He said the sanctions will sharply curtail sales of oil by Iran, which is currently the world's fifth largest oil producer. Mnuchin said he didn't expect oil prices to rise sharply, forecasting that other producers will step up production. Iran's government must now decide whether to follow the U.S. and withdraw or try to salvage what's left with the Europeans. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said he was sending his foreign minister to the remaining countries but warned there was only a short time to negotiate with them. Laying out his case, Trump contended, "If we do nothing, we know exactly what will happen. In just a short period of time, the world's leading state sponsor of terror will be on the cusp of acquiring the world's most dangerous weapons." The administration said it would re-impose sanctions on Iran immediately but allow grace periods for businesses to wind down activity. Companies and banks doing business with Iran will have to scramble to extricate themselves or run afoul of the U.S. government. Meanwhile, for nations contemplating striking their own sensitive deals with Trump, such as North Korea, the withdrawal will increase suspicions that they cannot expect lasting U.S. fidelity to international agreements it signs. Former President Barack Obama, whose administration negotiated the deal, called Trump's action "misguided" and said, "The consistent flouting of agreements that our country is a party to risks eroding America's credibility and puts us at odds with the world's major powers." Yet nations like Israel and Saudi Arabia that loathed the deal saw the action as a sign the United States is returning to a more skeptical, less trusting approach to dealing with adversaries. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Trump's announcement as a "historic move." Trump, who repeatedly criticized the accord during his presidential campaign, said Tuesday that documents recently released by Netanyahu showed Iran had attempted to develop a nuclear bomb in the previous decade, especially before 2003. Although Trump gave no explicit evidence that Iran violated the deal, he said Iran had clearly lied in the past and could not be trusted. Iran has denied ever pursuing nuclear arms. There was a predictably mixed reaction from Congress. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, said the Iran deal "was flawed from the beginning," and he looked forward to working with Trump on next steps. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, slammed Trump in a statement, saying this "rash decision isolates America, not Iran." In a burst of last-minute diplomacy, punctuated by a visit by Britain's top diplomat, the deal's European members had given ground on many of Trump's demands for reworking the accord, according to officials, diplomats and others briefed on the negotiations. Yet the Europeans realized he was unpersuaded. Trump spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron and Chinese leader Xi Jinping about his decision Tuesday. Hours before the announcement, European countries met in Brussels with Iran's deputy foreign minister for political affairs, Abbas Araghchi. In Iran, many are deeply concerned about how Trump's decision could affect the already struggling economy. In Tehran, Rouhani sought to calm nerves, smiling as he appeared at a petroleum expo. He didn't name Trump directly, but emphasized that Iran continued to seek "engagement with the world." The first 15 months of Trump's presidency have been filled with many "last chances" for the Iran deal in which he's punted the decision for another few months, and then another. As he left his announcement Tuesday, he predicted that Iranians would someday "want to make a new and lasting deal" and that "when they do, I am ready, willing and able." Even Trump's secretary of state and the U.N. agency that monitors nuclear compliance agree that Iran, so far, has lived up to its side of the deal. But the deal's critics, such as Israel, the Gulf Arab states and many Republicans, say it's a giveaway to Tehran that ultimately would pave the way to a nuclear-armed Iran. For the Europeans, Trump's withdrawal constitutes dispiriting proof that trying to appease him is futile. Although the U.S. and Europeans made progress on ballistic missiles and inspections, there were disagreements over extending the life of the deal and how to trigger additional penalties if Iran were found in violation, U.S. officials and European diplomats have said. Associated Press writers Matthew Lee, Jill Colvin, Zeke Miller, Ken Thomas, Amir Vahdat and Nasser Karimi contributed to this report. What to Know "Problem is, Don Blankenship, currently running for Senate, can't win the General Election in your State...No way!" Trump tweeted Blankenship is a former coal executive who served prison time for his role in the deadly 2010 Upper Big Branch coal mine explosion The winner of the GOP primary will take on Democratic incumbent Sen. Joe Manchin President Donald Trump on Monday urged West Virginia voters to support any Republican candidate for U.S. Senate except Don Blankenship in the state's GOP primary this week, which prompted the convicted former coal executive to return fire, NBC News reported. Blankenship served prison time for his role in the 2010 Upper Big Branch coal mine explosion that killed 29 of his Massey Energy miners. Establishment Republicans are concerned by the possibility that he could be surging heading into Tuesday's primary against Rep. Evan Jenkins and Patrick Morrisey, the state's attorney general. "Problem is, Don Blankenship, currently running for Senate, can't win the General Election in your State...No way!" Trump tweeted on Monday. "Remember Alabama. Vote Rep. Jenkins or A.G. Morrisey!" Blankenship responded at a town hall meeting: "We all really like President Trump's policies and we know that he doesn't get everything right. He recommended that people vote for a guy that was basically accused of pedophilia in Alabama." Both the president and Blankenship were referring to Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore, who lost his race following allegations of sexual misconduct. The winner of West Virginia's primary will take on Democratic incumbent Sen. Joe Manchin. Ten months after the former CEO of Infosys, Vishal Sikka, resigned from his post following a cold war between him and the company promoters, Sikka unveiled his plans for future, and they seem promising. During a conference in Silicon Valley on Friday, Sikka said he was working on an artificial intelligence venture, which would use latest technology to take human creativity to the next level, reported The Economic Times. The report says his conference focussed on debunking the debate around AI that claims the technology would lead to automation at the middle level and hence, the destruction of workforce. Sikka, whose venture is in early stages, said people need to be educated about AI as not many people in the world right now are well-versed with the technology. Sikka said fewer than 250,000 people in the world know about machine learning so far, and that its deeper understanding of the technology would lead to broader applications. "As I look at the future, I am personally extremely excited about doing something in that area (AI), something that fundamentally improves the world," Sikka told Knoledge@Wharton in February, reported ET. Sikka was the first non-promoter CEO of the company in its history. He was also an outsider to the traditional IT services market after having made a name for himself building products at German software major SAP. Reports suggest Sikka was ambitious about his AI plans since his days at SAP. After he joined Infosys, Sikka carried out many projects to promote the technology to bring a change in the traditional IT services industry. In his resignation letter to Infosys Ltd, Sikka had explained his plans about Nina, a chatbot he was working on, explaining how, in possibly the greatest demonstration of AI capability ever, a bot built by the researchers at OpenAI, defeated the world's best players of DOTA2, a multiplayer online video game. His decision to lead Infosys was also motivated from the fact that he had an extensive background in "AI, and the structural changes that I saw happening in the IT services industry". In April this year, Infosys decided to put up for sale its Israeli subsidiary, software service company Panaya, the acquisition of which had sparked a major controversy that eventually led to the exit of Sikka. The acquisition of the cloud-based application delivery and test automation solutions provider for $200 million in 2015 had triggered a major crisis in Infosys, with its cofounder NR Narayana Murthy going public over the lack of transparency in the deal concluded by Sikka. Infosys had said it faced around Rs 118 crore impairment losses due to Panaya in the consolidated profit. However, the company has decided to retain its AI chatbot Nina, which the company aims to integrate with all its verticals. After his exit from Infosys, Sikka's core team of around 10 senior executives from his company SAP, including Abdul Razack, Navin Budhiraja, and Gordon Muehl, also shifted to different companies. Three students at a Rochester elementary school say teacher James Sullivan touched them inappropriately multiple times. One female student told police Sullivan gave her ...a hug from behind and would lean into her and said no one else will ever see this, according to court documents. Sullivan is a sixth-grade teacher at Rochester Memorial. You cant in todays day and age even if its an innocent hug, said Jacqueline Pittard, who has two grandchildren at the school. Why would a teacher do that? They know better. The girls who came forward say Sullivan would touch them on their shoulders, or their rear end, and strangely enough put them in trash barrels or recycling bins in the classroom. When one of the students said no, according to court documents, he allegedly said I dont care youre going into the recycling and she was put into the can against her will. I just think they should do a more thorough job of checking people like this, said Tom Leary who has a child at the school. Try to find the early warning signs. Sullivan turned himself in over the weekend and was arraigned on Monday. He is currently free on bail. Hes facing two charges, including a felony and a misdemeanor. The students also tell investigators Sullivan asks girls to perform gymnastics moves and would record it on his iPad. According to court documents, one student said ...she had a shirt on that was a little short and Mr. Sullivan asked her to perform a back-bend. She said she felt weird because she knew he was trying to film her stomach. Some of the behavior was described as silly at first, but became scary and made the girls feel uncomfortable as the school year progressed. Oh its disgusting, said Leary. Disgusted by it, somebody thats supposed to take care of kids and do something like that. Hopefully one bad apple wont spoil the whole bunch, said Pittard. But I guess hes innocent until proven guilty. Sullivan and his attorney have not returned calls for comment. In a statement from the Old Rochester Regional School District, Superintendent Doug White Jr., wrote: On May 3, 2018 a Rochester Memorial School teacher was immediately placed on administrative leave following allegations of inappropriate conduct towards students. The employee was removed from the classroom immediately after the District learned of the allegations. We have and will continue to cooperate fully with the Rochester Police Department and other state agencies. In addition, the District immediately commenced an internal investigation of the allegations. We continue to remain committed to our efforts to ensure a safe learning environment, including the physical and emotional well-being of our students and staff. School personnel and resources have been made available to support our students. Due to the nature of the situation, the Rochester School District is unable to share any other information at this time. Police referred any other questions about the case to the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office. Police are continuing to search for a suspect as 23-year-old Chris Joyce and 58-year-old Clayborn Blair are remembered by family and friends as loving, kind men. Joyce and Blair were killed Friday night in Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood. Joyce's mom says her world is shattered after losing her son. "They messed us up, real bad." She says her son was about to graduate from college with a degree in accounting. "He was an inspiration to the family, he was the life of the family. The real life." Salem State University released a statement Sunday, saying, "It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of our student, Christopher Joyce. Our thoughts are with his family and with the students who are suffering from a loss of a friend and classmate. We mourn the loss of Chris together, as a community." University spokesperson Kim Burnett said support services are available for students, faculty, and staff. "We ask that our campus have privacy at this time to grieve this tragic loss," Burnett said in the university's statement. The second victim was also remembered Sunday. "He was a loving father, a brother, a neighbor, an uncle, grandfather. He would give you the shift off his back." Blair and Joyce were shot Friday night outside the Milfred Hailey apartments. Officers were on patrol when they heard shots fired in the area of 277 Centre Street. They immediately responded to the gunfire where they found Joyce and Blair suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Both men were taken to area hospitals where they later died from their injuries. Neighbors in Jamaica Plain are saddened by the shooting. "I am absolutely shattered of course, as a mother to hear about a 20-year-old who has passed is absolutely shattering because this is just a life full of potential," said one woman. The Joyce family says Mayor Marty Walsh and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans stopped by Sunday afternoon to talk with them, Mayor Walsh had participated in a gun safety meeting just hours before the fatal shooting. He shared his disappointment Saturday. "We probably had one of the best summer strategy meetings we've ever had. We talked about a lot of different things and plans for the summer to keep people safe, keep kids safe and last night we have two people killed," Mayor Walsh said. Violence often rises along with the temperature in the spring and summer months. It's a troublesome trend sparking the minds of community activists looking for ways to cut the crime. "I think what we need to do is think about how to incorporate young people into creating spaces and the programs that they want to attend," one woman said. For Ruth Rollins, with the anti-crime organization Operation Lipstick, the city's latest murder shows there is still so much more work to be done. "Unfortunately losing my son, it's a club nobody wants to join. Nobody should have to bury their child." But Joyce's mom is preparing to do just that. "There is emptiness, loneliness, hurt, anger, everything..." Through their grief, the Joyce family is looking for justice. Police are still looking for a suspect. Commissioner Evans says the motive for the double homicide is not known. He is urging the public to step up, asking anyone who saw anything to call police at (617) 343-4470. Anyone who wishes to make an anonymous tip can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or by texting the word 'TIP' to CRIME (27463). The BPD is actively investigating the shooting. President Donald Trump will be going to a larger venue than first planned for his northern Indiana campaign rally just two days after voters decide the state's bitterly fought Republican U.S. Senate primary. Trump's campaign announced Sunday that the rally set for Thursday evening will be held at Elkhart's North Side Middle School gymnasium. The rally had initially been planned for a hangar at South Bend International Airport. The campaign says Vice President Mike Pence will join Trump at the rally. Trump's rally will be a short drive from Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly's South Bend-area home. Donnelly is a top GOP target this year, although Republicans could face divisions following the contentious Senate primary campaign between U.S. Reps. Luke Messer and Todd Rokita and former state Rep. Mike Braun. At least 11 people have been shot, and three men are dead in gun violence across the city of Chicago on Sunday. At approximately 3:30 a.m., a 26-year-old man was discovered lying on the sidewalk with gunshot wounds to his chest and right leg, according to police. The man, who was found in the 2200 block of South Hoyne, was pronounced dead at the scene, and police are still investigating. An hour and a half later, another man was shot and killed in the 8700 block of South Halsted, according to police. The man, 46, was shot in the chest and later succumbed to his injures, according to police. The citys most recent shooting occurred at approximately 9 p.m. in the 2400 block of East 87th Street, according to police. A 32-year-old man was standing on a sidewalk when a man walked up to him and opened fire, striking him in the head and back. The man was taken to University of Chicago Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. In another shooting, a pair of men were walking out of a building in the 3300 block of West Madison at approximately 2 a.m. when they were shot by an unknown assailant. A 22-year-old man was shot in the left buttocks and is in stable condition at Mount Sinai, but a 24-year-old man was shot in the chest and pelvis and was rushed to Stroger in critical condition. No one is in custody, and Area North Detectives are still investigating the shooting. Here are the rest of the shootings that took place Sunday: The Great Wolf Lodge Illinois announced it will host a week-long job fair in May to fill nearly 600 open positions at its family-friendly resort in the greater Chicago area. The job fair, which is scheduled to take place May 14-18 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., will include opportunities in retail, guest services, housekeeping and food and beverage. The water park company said interested individuals can attend the hiring events and open interview sessions with no prior application necessary to interview. According to a press release, Great Wolf Lodge employs more than 7,500 individuals across its growing portfolio of properties. Great Wolf Lodge Reveals New Attractions The Gurnee resort has undergone an extensive transformation(to) include an expanded water park almost double the size of the former Key Lime Cove site with two new group slides and an outdoor plunge pool and cabana seating area, stated the news release. To learn more about the openings, potential employees can attend informational sessions on May 10 and May 11, beginning at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., at Viking Park Community Center; or for more information, click here. A 25-year-old man is facing charges after allegedly tracking down and shooting the driver of a car that was used to fire a paintball at him Friday morning in west suburban Aurora. Malcolm Wheeler, of Aurora, was charged with felony counts of aggravated battery with a firearm and aggravated discharge of a firearm, according to Aurora police. Wheeler was walking his dog near his home about 1:30 p.m. when someone in the car shot a paintball at him, police said. Wheeler then grabbed a handgun from his car and went searching for the car. After tracking the car to the 600 block of Conservatory Lane, Wheeler fired a single shot that grazed the head of the driver, an 18-year-old Naperville man, police said. Three other men who were in the car werent wounded. One of the men drove the 18-year-old to an Aurora hospital, where he was treated for his wound, police said. Wheeler was expected to appear in bond court on Sunday, police said. Connecticut has more than 200 school districts, but some dont have enough children to fill classrooms, while other districts must decide whether to close deteriorating schools that could cost millions to fix. For many towns, those are funds that may not be available. While many of the states school districts continue to go it alone, some have begun to merge or share resources with other schools and districts. Regionalization is a critical first step in saving our taxpayers, actually rescuing them, Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti said. Both school districts in Ansonia and Derby have agreed to a regionalization study as they consider moving in that direction. Angela Etheredge has three children in Ansonia public schools. The family likes their small district but understand that its facing budget problems. She says she would like to see her district merge with the neighboring school system in Derby. I think thats a great idea. Definitely, it will save on cost, Etheredge said. Mayor Cassetti says his city can no longer afford its own district and a merger is the solution. .instrux { font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px; } .container { position: relative; width: 100%; } .image { display: block; width: 100%; height: auto; } .overlay { position: absolute; top: 85%; bottom: 0; right: 5; left: 0; height: 50%; width: 50%; opacity: 0; transition: 1s ease; background-color: none; } .container:hover .overlay { opacity: 1; } .text { color: black; font-size: 15px; position: absolute; top: 50%; left: 50%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%); -ms-transform: translate(-50%, -50%); text-align: center; } Hover over the image and hit play to hear Mayor Cassetti speak. Regionalization is the way to go, its a thing of the future, and it has to be done, Cassetti said. Nearly half of Ansonia's $63,075,581 budget goes to the school district. The remaining funds must be used for everything else like public safety, maintenance, and health services. Mayor Cassetti hopes that once a study on merging with neighboring school district Derby is complete, the two districts can join forces and improve their financial situation. The mayor says declining enrollment, state funding cuts and soaring costs are making it difficult for the district to survive on its own. Change needs to happen in order to look out for the best interest of the taxpayers, said Cassetti. He says if they form a bigger district with their neighbor, theyll see immediate benefits. Well get more funding from the state, which means well have better AP programs, music, Cassetti said. While Ansonia is studying a potential merger with other districts in order to survive, some districts are struggling because of fewer students, which means fewer dollars. BELOW: The Connecticut General Assembly's Legislative Program Review and Investigators Committee looked into Regional Cooperation Between Local Boards of Education in 2015 and made recommendations encouraging the state to make school districts aware of available options. [[481423951, C]] The Young family is losing their neighborhood school in Torrington because of financial difficulties. Its been a really great time at East School, but Im really sad its closing, 6-year-old Samantha Young said. She loves that school, she loves her teachers, its like a big family and its going to be sad to see it go, said Samantha's mother, Christine Young. Some former lawmakers, including retired state senator Gary Lebeau, say the only solution is to have more school districts join forces. We need some dramatic movement here, youre not going to have any savings with two or three towns, Lebeau said. Youre going to need to have a broader seven to ten towns getting together. Maybe 20. LeBeau served Connecticuts Third Senate District before retiring. He has been a longtime advocate of school regionalization. He says schools districts and taxpayers will benefit financially by sharing resources. Im not necessarily advocating for county government at this point. I think we can go to regionalized services without going to county government. But eventually the obvious solution to our problems is to back county government, he said. Connecticut's General Assembly has voted to join a group of states that want to pool their Electoral College votes for the presidential candidate who wins the popular vote. The Senate on Saturday voted 21-14 to enter the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. The bill already cleared the House of Representatives and now moves to Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, who supports the concept. Connecticut would be the 12th jurisdiction -- a combination of 11 states and the District of Columbia -- to join the pact. Barry Fadem is president of the California-based National Popular Vote organization. He says he hopes other states will be influenced by Connecticut's actions. Connecticut would be the first state to join since Republican President Donald Trump won the Electoral College, but not the popular vote. Part of Interstate 95 in East Lyme was shut down Sunday night after a person was shot during a disturbance. State Police said troopers responded to I-95 North at exit 76 for reports of a shooting and the victim was transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The highway was briefly shut down. The incident remains under investigation. Police said there is no threat to the public. Gas prices continue climbing across North Texas, leaving many looking for ways to ease the pain at the pump. Its definitely rising and its hitting me a little bit because I always put supreme in. So I definitely feel it in my pockets here and there, Kurt Baker of Fort Worth said. I guess it is what it is. Im just hoping they will come down eventually. According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.81 and the average for Texas is $2.60. Drivers in North Texas are finding unique ways to make sure filling up the gas tank doesnt empty their wallets. [The] Krogers reward program is incredible. I love the 10 cents [and then] 20 cents," Baker said. "So, we do all of our grocery shopping at Krogers so that we can rack up on those points. Many swear by grocery store rewards cards. North Texas stores with rewards programs include Kroger, Albertsons and Tom Thumb. The programs are simple. For every dollar spent at the grocery stores, you earn points. After collecting enough points, youll see the price for a gallon of gas drop (usually in 10 cent increments) when you are ready to cash in. The Penny Hoarder Blog has a list of many of the store programs and how each works. You can also use gift cards at Walmart and Sams Club. Using their cards will lead to discounts per gallon on gas that is often a little cheaper than regular gas stations. What to Know The Manhattan DA's office asked for the exoneration of two men wrongfully imprisoned for decades for a rape they didn't commit Gregory Counts and VanDyke Perry were accused of raping a woman in January 1991 In April, the woman who accused the two men recanted her story. Retested DNA evidence matched the profile of a man who died in 2011 Two men wrongfully imprisoned for decades for a rape they did not commit have been exonerated, the Manhattan district attorney's office said Monday. Cy Vance had tweeted earlier in the day he planned to ask the State Supreme Court to vacate the convictions of Gregory Counts and VanDyke Perry, who had been accused of raping a woman in January 1991 after kidnapping her at knifepoint. Counts was 19 years old at the time; Perry was 21. By early afternoon, Vance tweeted, "The motions to vacate and dismiss have been granted." "This case is a tragedy for all involved," he added. "It is every prosecutor's nightmare to convict the innocent." In April, the woman who accused Counts, Perry and a third man of rape recanted her story, the New York Times first reported. DNA evidence in the case, meanwhile, was retested in 2015 and matched the profile of a man who died in 2011, according to the Times. Counts and Perry were convicted in 1992, despite a lack of physical evidence and inconsistent testimony, the Times reported. During the trial, the woman accusing Perry and Counts testified that her boyfriend had worked with the two of them and a third man to sell drugs. When her boyfriend didnt pay back a debt, the men attacked him, she said. The woman also testified that the three men had burglarized her home. Her boyfriend later shot Perry after Perry confronted him, she said. Defense attorneys claimed the woman had a motive to retaliate against the men, and that the boyfriend had good reason to help her out because it meant charges for shooting Mr. Perry could be dropped, according to the Times. Perry spent 11 years in prison before he was released in 2001, the Times reported. While Counts was still in solitary confinement, meanwhile, he reached out to the Innocence Project, the Times reported. The Innocence Project, along with the Manhattan District Attorneys Conviction Integrity Program and the Office of the Appellate Defenders Reinvestigation Project, started reinvestigating the case in 2017, according to the Times. Counts was released last August after 26 years in prison, the Times reported. One person was killed early Monday when a car crashed into a wall on the 101 Freeway in East Hollywood and burst into flames, authorities said. The crash involving a Ford Fusion sedan was reported at 2:05 a.m. on the northbound Hollywood Freeway just north of Santa Monica Boulevard, California Highway Patrol Officer Patrick Kimball said. A SigAlert was issued at 2:35 a.m. shutting down all lanes of the northbound Hollywood Freeway at the crash scene and taking traffic off at Santa Monica Boulevard. Lanes reopened at about 6 a.m. Map: Traffic Updates The crash was believed the result of a hit and run. Authorities are attempting to determined whether the driver of the Ford Fusion struck another car before slamming into a freeway wall. The driver of the other car was at the scene when officers arrived. Lanes also were closed on the southbound 101 Freeway for a crash near Highland Avenue and another collision in downtown LA near Grand Avenue. Each Sunday night in May, NBC4 is celebrating Asian American heritage month with special Life Connected segments devoted to highlighting Asian Americans that have had an impact on the community. We begin the month by highlighting a family that helped lay the foundation of the Korean community in Southern California and has also been honored by the president of South Korea. One man traveled across the world to Seoul to connect with his ancestors, but he would also end up connecting with the Korean community they helped craft in Los Angeles. Near USC, a walking tour takes Colin Kim through the history of his great-grandparents, who were pioneers from Korea and arrived in Los Angeles over a century ago. "Were living in a time on our planet when we don't have to look far to see the hardships of immigrants and refugees," Kim says. "It's interesting that people will often villainize refugees as less than human when to be a refugee and to seek a better life is the most honorable thing a human being can do." Kim's great-grandparents arrived in Los Angeles escaping occupation. "There were only 150 Koreans in Los Angeles [at the time], and now, Los Angeles houses the second biggest Korean population on the planet with over 250,000 Korean residents," said Kim. At the invitation of the South Korean government, Kim and his brother traveled to Seoul to honor his great-grandfather, Kim Sung Kwon, and his great-grandmother Sarah Kim. Kim was about to connect with them in ways he never expected. "Growing up, we had many photos of my grandparents, but never put the dots together of who they were," Kim says. "It was really powerful moments on that trip connecting those dots, who my grandparents were in the line of Korean democracy and independence." Even when they were living in the United States in the early 1900s, Kim's great-grandparents continued to fight to end the occupation of their homeland by Japan. Sarah Kim founded the Korean women's organization in California, raising money for the independence effort while her husband was president of the Young Korean Academy instilling values that still inspire Kim to this day. "The ethics and bylaws of the Young Korean Academy were to have self-discipline with your personality," Kim says. "To have self-discipline with who you associate with and the third is to be honorable and trustworthy in everything you do." "That, I believe is the cornerstone of the Korean people--to seek truth and then to act courageously on that truth," Kim continues. Eventually, the remains of his great-grandparents returned to Korea from a Glendale cemetery in a repatriation ceremony. The South Korean government says the remains of roughly 130 independence fighters have been returned to the country since Korea's liberation in 1945. "We knew of our family's history, but we didn't know the hardships they had to overcome," Kim says. Their hardships and their achievements earned the "Kim's of LA" an introduction to the president of South Korea. Though Kim has never met his great-grandparents, he says they are close to his heart. "I am so proud to be a Korean American and represent my heritage," Kim says. The walking tour that starts near USC, continues at Wilshire and Western at the Alfred Song metro station. "Alfred H. Song was my grandmother's cousin," Kim shares proudly. "The first Korean American to be accepted to the California state bar and not only the first Korean but the first Asian to serve in the California State Legislature." Kim, a popular spin and yoga instructor, says he is grateful for life in LA and grateful to the relatives who came with the courage to call it home. "That could only have happened through the selfless service of all the people who came before," Kim says. A four-day manhunt for a man accused of fatally shooting a Maine police officer ended Saturday, with a seven-man capture team arresting the suspect using the slain officer's handcuffs. Sheriff Dale Lancaster told reporters Saturday that using Somerset County Cpl. Eugene Cole's handcuffs to arrest 29-year-old John Williams felt "fitting." "He killed my deputy and he was brought to justice using Cole's handcuffs," he said during a 4 p.m. press conference providing details on the capture. Cpl. Cole's brother, Tom Cole, said it made him smile when he heard of the symbolic gesture. Exclusive video from WCHS shows 29-year-old John Williams, who allegedly shot and killed Somerset County Cpl. Eugene Cole, being taken into custody on the fourth day of the manhunt. "Today is a very good day," Lancaster said to start the press conference. "Today at 12:43 p.m., John Williams was taken into custody at a camp located off of Route 139 in Norridgewock." State Police Lt. Col. John Cote added that Williams offered "limited resistance" to his arrest. A photo taken by the capture team shows Williams with his head being lifted up by authorities. The State Police Lt. Col. said they needed to take a facial picture to confirm the suspect's identity and that he would not cooperate to raise his head to the camera, forcing them to physically pull his head up. Sheriff Dale Lancaster and State Police Lt. Col. John Cote held a 4 p.m. press conference Saturday to provide updates on the capture of 29-year-old John Williams, who allegedly shot and killed Somerset County Cpl. Eugene Cole. Williams was transported to the Waterville Police Department after being checked out by EMS. He was transferred to the Maine State Prison in Warren around 5:30 p.m. Saturday where he was screened by medical staff and placed into secure housing. Police interviewed Williams after his arrest, which may help them answer their biggest question: why? Williams is being held at the Maine State Prison at the request of the Somerset County Jail, a process routinely utilized when an inmate requires additional security precautions while awaiting trial or sentencing. He is expected to make his initial court appearance early in the week. The suspected cop killer was captured during the fourth day of the manhunt in the area of 807 Norridgewock Road. Lancaster said his first call was to the Cole family to personally notify them of the arrest. "They were relieved, thankful and very grateful," Lancaster said. Tom Cole says he is feeling relieved and is offering forgiveness to his brother's accused killer. "I would tell him that I forgive him, and I would like to have him say he was sorry, and see sincere remorse for what he has done," Tom Cole said of Williams. Lancaster said he is also extremely relieved and cannot express in words his gratitude to everyone who has helped in some way. The multi-day manhunt for Williams included helicopters, armored vehicles, and police cruisers. Local schools had been in lockdown as federal, state and local law enforcement poured into the region to help. "Tonight, the citizens of Somerset County can sleep well knowing a dangerous man has been taken off the streets," Sheriff Lancaster said Saturday afternoon. Cote said starting with their initial response on Wednesday, they were confident they had contained the suspect to a large wooded area. "Each day we assembled teams to slowly and methodically search the difficult terrain," he said. Teams encountered critical evidence and signs of activity several times which gave them confidence Williams was still contained in the area. Throughout the multi-day hunt, law enforcement found fresh tracks that led to the area Williams was found, in a camp outside the area of Lost Brook. Maine Gov. Paul LePage thanked law enforcement in a Tweet Saturday for their "outstanding teamwork." Thank you to all law enforcement from federal, state, county & local agencies & those from neighboring states for bringing this manhunt to an end. Outstanding teamwork. I thank Mainers for their support. Now its time to ensure justice is served on behalf of Cpl Cole & his family Paul R. LePage (@Governor_LePage) April 28, 2018 LePage had said Friday that all hunting was to be suspended in portions of Norridgewock, Skowhegan and Fairfield. That included the start of youth wild turkey season Saturday. The shooting of Cole on Wednesday in Norridgewock triggered an intensive search for Williams in and around the heavily wooded rural community about 60 miles west of Bangor. He was considered armed and dangerous. Police urged the community to keep homes and cars locked. Cole was gunned down between 1 and 2 a.m. Wednesday on Route 2 in Norridgewock. Williams then allegedly stole Cole's marked cruiser and robbed a Cumberland Farms store on Waterville Road. He was last seen fleeing in the stolen cruiser. The cruiser was found abandoned around 5 a.m. off of Martin Stream Road in Norridgewock. Investigators believe Williams then fled on foot, sparking the manhunt. Cole was 62 and a 13-year veteran of the department. Sheriff Lancaster called him an "outstanding employee, one of the finest deputies." Kimberly Sirois told NBC10 Boston she found Cole's body on Wednesday morning. She said Williams was like a son to her and lived with at her Norridgewock home from 2003 until last Christmas, when she kicked him out for doing drugs. He moved in when he was in high school after a falling out with his parents. "He was certainly struggling with addiction and it seemed to have gotten progressively worse since September," Sirois said. Sirois, an education technician at Mill Stream Elementary School in Norridgewock, said the last few days have been a nightmare. She said she woke up to the sound of helicopters overhead around 7 a.m. Wednesday and when she went outside she found Cole's body in her backyard and alerted police. "As I lowered my eyes, I saw him," she said. "I asked him, 'Officer, are you OK?' and didn't get a response." "I'm screaming, yelling, crying. I started screaming and waving my arms, and when I caught their attention, I said, 'I found your officer. He's in my yard.' They all came running over." She said police later searched her property and found body armor and a gun in her car. They don't belong to her, and she said she's not sure if they belonged to Williams. Sirois said she doesn't know what brought Cole to her property, and police have not commented on a motive. "We have no idea what transpired," she said. With the manhunt now over, Lancaster said the Somerset County Sheriff's Office now has the opportunity to pause and grieve the loss of their friend and colleague. "We can now focus on the important task of respectfully laying our fallen brother to rest," he said. "He was an outstanding officer, paid attention to detail. He really epitomized community policing before there was community policing." A viewing for Cole will be held May 6. A funeral is planned for May 7. An 18-year-old man previously arrested and charged in the death of a 16-year-old girl in D.C. is at large after he was accidentally released from police custody in Prince George's County, Maryland. Dekale Bowman was arrested in January and charged with second-degree murder in the death of Taiyania Thompson, police said. Thompson was shot inside an apartment on the 1000 block of Mt. Olivet Road Northeast on Jan. 25. She died on Jan. 28 in the hospital. On Saturday, D.C. police said Bowman was wanted on an outstanding warrant. According to court records, Bowman had been taken to Upper Marlboro, Maryland, in a separate case involving a stolen car. Authorities released him instead of returning him to the D.C. Jail or the Department of Youth Rehabilitative Services. A spokesperson for the Prince George's County Department of Corrections said on Sunday that Bowman was brought into their custody on Wednesday, May 2, and was released on bond the next day. The spokesperson said there was nothing in the department's system indicating that he had any charges or warrants until Friday afternoon. Bowman didn't show up to a court appointment on Friday afternoon. The Prince George's County State's Attorneys office confirmed to News4 it was looking into how Bowman was released. Previous court records said Bowman told a witness the shooting was an accident. Police said Thompson and Bowman had been dating for eight months, according to The Washington Post. Thompson's grandmother, Tammy Carter, said it wasn't the first time her family had experienced a violent death. When Thompson was 5 months old, her father, Dennis Wayne Carter, was shot and killed on 21st Street and Maryland Avenue in Northeast. He was only 17. "My heart is torn to pieces. She's only a year younger than he was when he passed. It's crazy," Carter said. "It just brings back so many memories, like it just happened yesterday." Thompson's father is buried in the Mount Olivet Cemetery, near where Thompson was shot. Carter said Thompson was devoted to her father's memory and would often go visit his grave. Thompson told her grandmother she wanted to be buried at the same cemetery as her father when she died, but no one expected that to happen so soon or in this way. "I don't even know how we're going to get through this," Carter said. "But we're strong, we're going to fight through it, we're going to make the best of it and we're going to keep her memory alive and his." Carter said she'll remember her granddaughter's smile and caring personality the most. "She was bubbly," Carter said with a smile. "She would never harm anybody. She'd give you the shirt off her back. That's how sweet she was." An anti-Semitic Senate candidate who praised Adolf Hitler has been kicked out of the California Republican Party's convention in San Diego. State GOP spokesman Matt Fleming says Patrick Little was ejected from the gathering Saturday. Little posted a video of himself standing and spitting on the flag of Israel Saturday on YouTube after he said he was expelled from the convention. Little is running against Democrat Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who's seeking a fifth full term. He made headlines when a recent poll put him in second place with 18 percent of the vote. Little's campaign website advocates for "limiting representation of Jews in the government." Fleming says Little has never been an active member of the party. Fleming says the GOP condemns "anti-Semitism and any other form of religious bigotry." Thousands of custodians, security guards, gardeners and other service workers at University of California campuses started a three-day strike Monday to address pay inequalities and demand higher wages. Strikers gathered at sunrise on the 10 campuses throughout the state, wearing green T-shirts and carrying signs that call for "equality, fairness, respect." The strike was called last week by American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299, which represents 25,000 service workers, after the union and the university could not agree on a new contract and mediation efforts failed. Another 29,000 nurses, pharmacists, radiologists and other medical workers heeded the service workers' call for a sympathy strike and will join the walkouts Tuesday and Wednesday, which is expected to disrupt thousands of surgeries and other appointments. Medical center officials said they would continue to deliver essential patient care services, but hundreds of surgeries and thousands of appointments were rescheduled last week in anticipation of the strike. AFSCME spokesman John de los Angeles said the union wants the university to stop its outsourcing practices and address what it describes as widening income, racial and gender gaps for service workers. "They are actively seeking to hire contract workers in favor of directly employed workers simply because they are cheaper and that is driving inequality," de los Angeles said. UC spokeswoman Claire Doan said AFSCME service workers are already paid at or above market rates and that the union is demanding a nearly 20 percent pay raise over three years. "A disruptive demonstration will change neither UC's economic situation nor the university's position on AFSCME's unreasonable demands," Doan said about the strike. University officials said they have temporary workers to fill-in during the strike but that students should expect changes on shuttle routes, less food offerings at restaurants and other inconveniences. Doan said the university is working hard to ensure patients and students receive services. Brenda Bishop, an administration worker at UC San Francisco's anesthesia department, joined hundreds of striking workers who played drums and chanted "One, two, three, four, we won't take it anymore!" outside one of the university's medical centers. "All the big wigs get big-time bonuses and we're just here to demand what we deserve," Bishop said, who has worked at UCSF for 20 years. Outside UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, dozens of workers waved at honking cars as they marched along sidewalks hoisting pickets that said "safe staffing now." The driver of an SUV was arrested after he slowly drove through a crowd of protesters blocking a street outside the medical center, said Los Angeles police officer Lizeth Lomeli. Video from the scene showed a demonstrator in a green shirt hanging onto the vehicle's hood as it moved through the gathering. No injuries were reported. The UC system, which includes five medical centers and three national laboratories, has 190,000 faculty and staff and 238,000 students. What to Know Dep. William Gentry of the Highlands County Sheriffs Office has died after being shot at the Lake Placid home Gentry responded to the home to speak with 69-year-old Joseph Ables over his suspected involvement in the shooting of a neighbors cat. Ables, who deputies say has a history of violence toward police and is a convicted felon, was arrested at the scene and taken to jail. A sheriffs deputy in one Florida county has died after being shot in the head while responding to a home for a dispute over a cat Sunday night. Deputy William Gentry of the Highlands County Sheriffs Office was airlifted to a Fort Myers hospital after being shot at the home in Lake Placid, located just over 70 miles northeast of Fort Myers and 100 miles southeast of Tampa. The sheriff's office said Gentry died from his injuries Monday afternoon. According to NBC affiliate WFLA-TV in Tampa, Gentry responded to the home to speak with 69-year-old Joseph Ables over his suspected involvement in the shooting of a neighbors cat. When Gentry and a training officer who was with him arrived, police say Ables opened fire. Ables, who deputies say has a history of violence toward police and is a convicted felon, was arrested at the scene and taken to jail. HCSO says he is being charged with several counts, including attempted first-degree murder and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. The Highlands County Sheriff, Paul Blackman, said the 40-year-old Gentry was a nine year member of the department, having served as a K-9 deputy from 2005 to 2013 before returning last year. His brother also is a member of the department. "This is an unimaginable tragedy for our agency," Blackman said. Florida Gov. Rick Scott tweeted late Sunday that he had offered "all state resources" to Blackman. "Hurting a (law enforcement officer) is pure evil (and) we won't stand for it," Scott wrote. UPDATE: The suspects have been released by police. More info here. Two men accused of shooting and killing two South Florida teenagers faced a judge for the first time on Sunday. Police said Yaairnes Bryant, 21 and Anthony Clinch, 19, pulled up in a car and shot at Rickey Dixon, 18, and Kimson Green, 17, and two other victims. All four were sitting on an alley way off of 13th Avenue and 63rd Street on April 8th. Witnesses told officers they heard more than 25 gunshots. Each one of the families have lost something that we cant get back, but there is a difference. The parents can still go visit the children, but we can never go and visit our nephew again, said Shirelda Thomas, the victims aunt. Dixon was pronounced dead at the scene. Green was taken to the hospital, where he later died. Their deaths sparked walk outs at Miami Northwestern Senior High. The activism is encouraging for Thomas, who doesnt want to see another student taken too soon. The violence has to stop. Were losing our young people every day and I believe this needs to come to an end, said Thomas. Four Florida high school seniors slain in a mass shooting were honored by their classmates celebrating their senior prom. The Sun Sentinel reports that the main ballroom at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort was transformed Saturday into an enchanted forest for 850 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students. A giant ice sculpture stood in the hallway, proclaiming, "#MSDSTRONG." Butterflies were released from the rooftop, and a room was set aside for anyone needing quiet reflection. Broward Sheriff's Office deputies also stood guard at the front entrance. "The senior class is going to be missing some of its members we don't forget that, none of us," said senior Rebecca Schneid, who dressed in a black gown for the event. The Parkland school had considered cancelling the prom after the Feb. 14 massacre that killed 17 students and faculty, but local businesses donated items and services, helping to reduce the event's costs and ticket prices. The victims included four seniors: Meadow Pollack, Nicholas Dworet, Joaquin Oliver and Carmen Schentrup. The Miami Herald reports that one of Pollack's closest friends, Carley Ogozaly, wore a pink tulle gown with a halter neckline and an open back in the slain teen's honor. She also got a pearly pink French manicure for the occasion. The girls had discussed shopping for their prom dresses in the hours before the shooting, she said. "I would have just worn a simple black dress. But I know Meadow would have argued with me that it would be too plain," Ogozaly said. "Me wearing this pink sparkly thing and me doing my nails the way Meadow would have is my way of making sure Meadow doesn't miss prom." Ogozaly and another friend, Nicolette Miciotta, also drew Pollack's name under a small crown on their left shoulders. Miciotta also wore pink bangle bracelets on her wrist, with "Princess Meadow" written across them. Pollack's father came to see the girls off in their magenta limousine. The windows were covered in fuchsia paint with the words, "We love you Meadow." "I could barely get myself to come here," Andrew Pollack said. "I'm here, though." Ahsan Iqbal narrowly escaped assassination attempt LAHORE / NAROWAL: Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during a corner meeting in his constituency in Narowal on Sunday an act that was condemned by prominent individuals, political parties and other institutions in the country, which is set to go to the polls in a few months time. Inspector General of Police (IGP) retired Capt Arif Nawaz told reporters that they had arrested a suspect, a 22-year-old man, from the spot in the Kanjroor town of the Shakargarh tehsil, who confessed to opening fire on the minister due to the Khatm-i-Nubuwat issue. The IGP said they were also investigating involvement in the incident of any facilitators. A couple of months ago, a shoe was hurled at Interior Minister Ahsan at a PML-N workers convention in Narowal, his hometown. District Police Officer (DPO) Imran Kishwar told reporters the suspect Abid Husain, a resident of nearby Verum village had managed to slip into the corner meeting. He apparently carried a 30-bore weapon, which he pulled out and fired at the minister from a distance of some 15 yards. The incident happened moments after Mr Iqbal had finished his speech. The police officer said the minister suffered a bullet wound in his right shoulder, whereas later reports said the bullet had landed in Mr Iqbals abdomen after grazing his arm. He was rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital, Narowal. Witnesses and police said the minister was lucky in that the people standing around him overpowered the assailant before he could fire a second shot at his target. The policemen then arrested the suspect, seized the weapon and shifted him to a police station. The DHQ hospitals medical superintendent, Dr Muhammad Younus, said the bullet had fractured Mr Iqbals arm before hitting him in his abdomen area. The minister was later airlifted to the Services Hospital, Lahore, to undergo surgery. Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif who was present at the airport when the helicopter carrying the patient landed there, said in a tweet that Mr Iqbal was in high spirits. Police had increased security at the hospital and high-ups visited the medical facility to check the security arrangements. Punjab Minister Zaeem Qadri told media personnel that doctors were conducting a procedure to take out the bullet from the ministers abdomen. He said Mr Iqbal was conscious and talking to people around him. State Minister for Interior Tallal Chaudhry confirmed the arrest and criticised a court order regarding reduction in security for prominent individuals. Ahmed Iqbal, the ministers son, urged the nation to pray for his fathers recovery. The attack, along with condemnations, brought back fearful memories of the last general elections, in 2013. Violence and threats in the lead-up to the polls had then prevented many major political parties, including the PPP, ANP and MQM, from freely canvassing for votes. The security situation would most probably be on top of the agenda for the meeting of the PML-N convened on Monday. Condemnations President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi condemned the attack. Mr Abbasi also issued directives to the Punjab IGP to submit a report on the incident. Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and the Punjab chief minister called the interior minister and inquired about his health. Maryam Nawaz said in a tweet: Shooter is only a vehicle. Those patronising them, those inciting them for political gains & those using them to settle scores real CULPRITS. Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa condemned the incident and sent his best wishes for Mr Iqbals early recovery. Pakistan Peoples Partys chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, and PML-Qs Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Pervaiz Elahi also condemned the attack. We have to put a stop to such incidents, said Mr Zardari. Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Sherry Rehman expressed regrets at the incident and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah condemned it. The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) also condemned the attack on the minister. Political differences notwithstanding, physical targeting of any politician is simply not acceptable. Sadly, intolerance and violence are becoming endemic in our society, Shireen Mazari said in a tweet. Jamaat-i-Islami chief Sirajul Haq demanded that the hidden elements behind the incident be uncovered. Manning is no longer living as a transgender woman in a male military prison, serving the lengthiest sentence ever for revealing U.S. government secrets. She's free to grow out her hair, travel the world, and spend time with whomever she likes. But a year since former President Barack Obama commuted Manning's 35-year sentence, America's most famous convicted leaker isn't taking an extended vacation. Far from it: The Oklahoma native has decided to make an unlikely bid for the U.S. Senate in her adopted state of Maryland. Manning, 30, filed to run in January and has been registered to vote in Maryland since August. She lives in North Bethesda, not far from where she stayed with an aunt while awaiting trial. Her aim is to unseat Sen. Ben Cardin, a 74-year-old Maryland Democrat who is seeking his third Senate term and previously served 10 terms in the U.S. House. Manning, who also has become an internationally recognized transgender activist, said she's motivated by a desire to fight what she sees as a shadowy surveillance state and a rising tide of nightmarish repression. "The rise of authoritarianism is encroaching in every aspect of life, whether it's government or corporate or technological," Manning told The Associated Press during an interview at her home in an upscale apartment tower. On the walls of her barely furnished living room hang Obama's commutation order, and photos of U.S. anarchist Emma Goldman and British playwright Oscar Wilde. Manning's longshot campaign for the June 26 primary would appear to be one of the more unorthodox U.S. Senate bids in recent memory, and the candidate is operating well outside the party's playbook. She says she doesn't, in fact, even consider herself a Democrat, but is motivated by a desire to shake up establishment Democrats who are "caving in" to President Donald Trump's administration. She vows she won't run as an independent if her primary bid fails. She's certainly got an eye-catching platform: Close prisons and free inmates; eliminate national borders; restructure the criminal justice system; provide universal health care and basic income. The top of her agenda? Abolish the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency created in 2003 that Manning asserts is preparing for an "ethnic cleansing." Manning ticks off life experiences she believes would make her an effective senator: a stint being homeless in Chicago, her wartime experiences as a U.S. Army intelligence analyst in Iraq even her seven years in prison. She asserts she's got a "bigger vision" than establishment politicians. But political analysts suspect the convicted felon is not running to win. "Manning is running as a protest candidate, which has a long lineage in American history, to shine light on American empire," said Daniel Schlozman, a political science professor at Johns Hopkins University. "That's a very different goal, with a very different campaign, than if she wanted to beat Ben Cardin." Manning's insurgent candidacy thus far has been a decidedly stripped-down affair, with few appearances and a campaign website that just went up. In recent days, she approached an anti-fracking rally in Baltimore almost furtively, keeping to herself for much of the demonstration. But when it was her turn to address the small group, her celebrity status was evident. People who never met her called her by her first name and eagerly took photos. Manning has acknowledged leaking more than 700,000 military and State Department documents to anti-secrecy site WikiLeaks in 2010. She said her motivation was a desire to spark debate about U.S. foreign policy, and she has been portrayed as both a hero and a traitor. Known as Bradley Manning at the time of her arrest, she came out as transgender after her 2013 court-martial. She was barred from growing her hair long in prison, and was approved for hormone therapy only after litigation. She spent long stints in solitary confinement, and twice tried to kill herself. The Pentagon, which has repeatedly declined to discuss Manning's treatment in military prison, is also staying mum about her political ambitions. Democratic Party officials say they have no comment, citing a policy not to weigh in on primaries. Republican operatives are quiet. In Maryland, a blue state that's home to tens of thousands of federal employees and defense contractors, it appears Manning's main supporters are independents or anti-politics, making them unlikely to coalesce politically. She recently reported contributions of $72,000 on this year's first quarterly finance statement, compared with Cardin's $336,000. The candidate has barely made an effort at tapping sources of grassroots enthusiasm outside of activism circles. And it's easy to find progressive Democrats who feel her candidacy is just a vehicle to boost her profile. "It feels to me almost like it's part of a book tour that this is her moment after being released from prison," said Dana Beyer, a transgender woman who leads the Gender Rights Maryland nonprofit and is a Democratic candidate for state senate. "I don't think this is a serious effort." Manning is indeed working on a book about her dramatic life. For now, she says she supports herself with income from speaking engagements. She's spoken at various U.S. colleges and is due to take the stage at a Montreal conference later this month. Last week, she appeared at a tech conference in Germany's capital of Berlin, arriving to cheers from the audience of several thousand people. She told attendees she's still struggling to adjust to life after prison and hasn't gotten used to her celebrity status yet. "There's been a kind of cult of personality that is really intimidating and that is overwhelming for me," she said in Berlin. At her Maryland apartment, Manning told the AP she occasionally wakes up panicked that she's back in the cage in Kuwait where she was first jailed, or incarcerated at the Marine base at Quantico, Virginia, where a U.N. official concluded she'd been subjected to "cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment." She works hard to overcome anxiety, centering herself with yoga, breathing exercises, and reading. "I've been out for almost a year now and it's becoming increasingly clear to me just how deep the wounds are," she said in her Spartan living room. Asked how she would define success, Manning responded with passionate intensity: "Success for me is survival." Associated Press writer Frank Jordans contributed to this report. What to Know Police have discovered an unidentified body in a car registered to 24-year-old Shanaya Coley of Paterson, New Jersey Coley went missing at the beginning of December in what prosecutors described as a possible abduction Police found her vehicle parked less than a mile from where she was last seen Police have discovered an unidentified body in a car registered to a 24-year-old New Jersey woman who vanished last year. Shanaya Coley, of Paterson, went missing at the beginning of December in what prosecutors described as a possible abduction. On Sunday morning, police responding to a call reporting an unattended car in the parking lot of an apartment complex on Marion Street in Paterson discovered a gray Nissan Altima registered to Coley, the Passaic County Prosecutors Office said. Officers found a body in the vehicles back seat, the prosecutors office said. The body was the victim of a homicide and died from puncture and incision wounds, but the medical examiners are still working to identify the body. Prosecutors said she may have been hurt and abducted from her car. The man who found Coley's car on Sunday told NBC New York the car had been in his apartment building parking lot for months. As the weather got warmer, he started to notice a strange smell he hadn't noticed in the winter, he said. "The smell was so bad that if you were to walk in front of it, it would have pushed you away," said Wilfredo Morales. Coley, who has a son who was three years old in December, was last seen near Colonial Avenue in Paterson shortly before 11 p.m. on Dec. 5. The car discovered on Sunday was parked less than a mile from that location. Residents at the complex said the car was parked in one of the few spaces not reserved for tenants. But it's not clear who does get to park in those spaces. Friends of Coley were baffled as to how the car could have sat there, with her body in the back, for so long, with no one noticing something amiss. "I just think it's terrible nobody knew she was back here," said friend Tyshawn Davis. "It just seems so planned. Somebody just knew, they took a lot of time to plan this, this location." "There's other cars back here, so they are coming home from work and they have to see an unattended vehicle here for so long," he continued. "It was all over the news." The landlord of the building hung up on News 4 when reached for comment. Coleys father previously said that blood and his daughters glasses were found in the parking lot of the apartment complex she lived in. Coley had taken out a restraining order against an unknown person prior to her disappearance, he added. Shanaya's mother, Rachel Martin, said Monday she was grateful to her community. "It may not have been the way we wanted it to be, but they returned my child to me," she said. Anyone with information is asked to call the Passaic County Prosecutors Office tips line at 877-370-PCPO, email tips@passaiccountynj.org or call the Paterson Police Department Detective Bureau at 973-321-1120. A New York City deli worker was stabbed after some customers got angry with the price of their meal, officials say. The man was sliced on his right arm at a Big Apple Food Market on East Broadway near Jefferson Street on the Lower East Side at around 5 Sunday evening. Authorities said the worker made food for two women who then got upset with how much their order was. After a brief dispute, officials say the duo left, but returned a short time later with a man. The man got into a confrontation with the worker, who was then stabbed once in the arm, officials said. The worker was taken to a nearby hospital to be treated. He is expected to be OK. No arrests have been made. Police described the attacker as a man in his 20s. He fled onto Clinton Street. What to Know Officer Dalsh Veve was dragged by a car last June and was in critical condition for months He and other officers were responding to a call of shots fired, which turned out to be fireworks going off Veve was dragged for two-and-a-half blocks; he was released from a New Jersey rehabilitation center on Monday An NYPD officer who nearly died last year after a car took off and dragged him more than two blocks was released from a rehabilitation center early Monday afternoon almost a full year after he was critically injured. Officer Dalsh Veve was released from the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey shortly after 2:30 p.m. amid applause and cheers from dozens of officers who traveled to see his release. NYPD Officer Dalsh Veve who was dragged by a car in Brooklyn for several blocks is fighting for his life. Ken Buffa reports. Veve was injured in the line of duty back on June 3. It was that spring night when six plainclothes officers responded to a party in the East Flatbush section of Brooklyn after multiple 911 calls for shots fired. They ultimately determined it was fireworks going off instead. Veve was talking to the occupants of a Honda parked in front of a fire hydrant across the street when the car took off, dragging him for more than two blocks. Veve managed to fire off two shots, striking one of the passengers. Mayor de Blasio takes a break at the Celebrate Israel Parade on Sunday to talk about a police officer who is in critical condition after he was dragged by a car. At some point, he fell free on East 53rd Street and the car -- which had been stolen sometime previously from Valley Stream on Long Island -- crashed and was abandoned. A 15-year-old suspect was shot in the face and hospitalized in serious condition, police said. He has six prior arrests, three for robbery and three for larceny, police said. Veve is a 10-year veteran of the NYPD. He suffered brain damage and was in a medically-induced coma at one point during his recovery. A police officer was dragged more than two blocks by a car in East Flatbush. Rana Novini reports. Neil Jasey, Director of Brain Injury Services at Kessler Institute, said the fact that Veve was released from rehabilitation is incredible since when he first arrived at the hospital he was in a vegetative state," not responding to any stimuli, following commands or communications. "Now, he is walking with a rolling walker, with the assistance of maybe one person. Hes talking hes eating. Hes doing very, very well, Jasey said, adding that Veves progress has been fairly remarkable. Police Commissioner James ONeill said he's "absolutely amazed" at Veves recovery. "He's whispering. He just gave us the thumbs-up, and we are hopeful he continues to progress," said O'Neill. On behalf of Veves wife, ONeill also thanked the medical personnel at Kessler for the care Veve received. Update from @NYPDONeill on the incident involving an injured officer in Brooklyn. @NYPD67Pct pic.twitter.com/3dfeFFbcRc NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) June 4, 2017 While Veve still has a long, difficult road ahead, O'Neill says the veteran detective won't be making the journey alone. "The overwhelming support, I think that's what really helped, also," said O'Neill. "He sees that we didn't forget about him." What to Know Richard Phillips, who was the top cop in Fairfield County's Weston for 12 years until November 2013, turned himself in Monday He faces more than 100 charges, including 15 counts of possessing an assault weapon The initial investigation started as a 911 call to local cops March 30 with reports of a domestic dispute A former Connecticut police commissioner has been busted on a litany of gun charges, including 15 counts of assault weapon possession and more than 100 other charges, many of them felonies. Richard Phillips, who was the commissioner in Fairfield County's Weston for 12 years until November 2013, turned himself in at police headquarters Monday on an outstanding arrest warrant, authorities said. The initial investigation started as a 911 call to local cops March 30 with reports of a domestic dispute. In addition to the assault weapon counts, Phillips is charged with 90 counts of possessing a large capacity magazine, five counts of silence possession, unsafe storage of a firearm and interfering with an officer. He was released on bond and is due in court later this week. Weston police had no comment beyond the details of his arrest. Attorney information for Phillips wasn't immediately available. A shooting in Memphis, Tennessee, left two people dead and four others wounded Sunday night, and police are searching for the gunman, NBC News reported. The four survivors were in critical condition, according to Memphis police. NBC affiliate WMC reported that one is said to be 14 years old. Police have described the shooting as a drive-by, but the motive for it isn't yet clear. The suspect fled in a gold four-door sedan. Police are asking for help identifying the suspect. Moments after being shot three times inside his North Philadelphia apartment, a Temple University student called 911 pleading for help. Daniel Duignam, 21, told an emergency dispatcher that he "couldn't breathe" when he pleaded for help Saturday night, Philadelphia Police Capt. John Ryan said. When police and paramedics arrived to his apartment on the 1700 block of Diamond Street moments later, Duignam had already died. Duignam was shot once each in the stomach, right arm, and face during an apparent robbery around 9 p.m. that night, police said. "We believe it was a robbery. We believe that it was done by somebody he knew," Ryan, the head of the Homicide Unit, said during a news conference Monday morning. Ryan said there are no signs of forced entry into the apartment, which is part of a former single family rowhome that has been converted into off-campus student housing. The door was also locked when police arrived and there were no bullet shell casings left in the apartment, Ryan said, adding that either the shooter collected them or that a revolver was used. Police are waiting for ballistics test results to make that determination. Duignam, a third-year business major at nearby Temple University, did fight the person who shot him, Ryan said. The apartment was ransacked and investigators believe money was taken, but have yet to make a final determination. Ryan said detectives have yet to identify a suspect, or suspects, in the killing. They are reviewing surveillance video from the area. As is standard in homicide cases, the city is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. It's not clear if anyone else in the apartment building heard the struggle or shooting, but a block captain told NBC10 that Saturday was a quiet night. Many students have already left for summer break. Duignam had one last final to take before finishing up the school year, Ryan said. He was studying risk management and insurance, according to LinkedIn. A native of Northampton County, Pennsylvania, his grandfather is the former mayor of his hometown, Tatamy. Ryan described Duignam as a "good kid" with no prior history with police. Stormy Daniels, the porn star who has entangled Donald Trump's presidency in accusations of infidelity, bullying and a hushed payoff, took the stage at a Northeast Philadelphia strip club this week. Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, performed Monday and will take the stage again Tuesday at The Penthouse Club on Castor Avenue in Philadelphia's Port Richmond section. She's visiting to promote a special "Pet of the Century Collector's Edition" issue of Penthouse, the adult magazine the club is named after, dedicated to her. The adult performer's Philadelphia visit comes on the heels of a surprise appearance on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" this weekend. In a skit during the show's cold open, Daniels chats by phone with President Trump, as played by Alec Baldwin. Baldwin's Trump tries to smooth things over with Daniels, who has spoken extensively about her alleged relationship with Trump before he became president, in an effort to resolve the distraction she has caused to his administration. "Sorry, Donald, its too late for that," Daniels said in the skit. "I know you dont believe in climate change, but a storms a-comin', baby." Trump has repeatedly denied a relationship with Daniels. Daniels, however, was paid $130,000 through his attorney, Michael Cohen, as part of a settlement in exchange for her silence. That payment, made two weeks before the 2016 presidential election, has come under intense scrutiny from elected officials and journalists about whether Cohen or Trump violated campaign finance laws. Daniels will perform two shows a night in Philly once at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. and sign issues of the magazine. Cover is $10 at the door. From Greg Swank, 12-4-2 You are about to read a list of 45 goals that found their way down the halls of our great Capitol back in 1963. As... Editor's Note: Philadelphia police released new details Monday on the killing of Temple student Daniel Duignam. Read and watch here. A Temple University junior was killed in a shooting at an off-campus apartment late Saturday night, the university said. The student identified Sunday by university officials as 21-year-old Daniel Duignam was shot three times just after 9 p.m. Saturday in his apartment at 17th and Diamond streets in North Philadelphia, police said. Duignam suffered gunshot wounds to the stomach, right arm and face, police said. Paramedics pronounced him dead inside the apartment. Duignam was a third-year business major from Tatamy, Pennsylvania, in Northampton County. He was studying risk management and insurance, according to his LinkedIn profile. The current mayor of Tatamy also confirmed Duignam is the grandson of former Tatamy mayor Luke Duignam. A Temple spokesman said investigators don't believe the shooting was a random act. Romona Scott, a block captain, who lives in the building next door, told NBC10 she didn't hear anything suspicious the night of Duignam's death. "There's a bunch of bars," she said. "They didn't break in. Whoever it was had to come in with him or he had to know him." Neighbors say there was never much activity, such as parties or many visitors, in Duignam's building. Temple police will increase patrols in the area as a precaution, they said. Tuesday's primary votes will tell us if the strategy of GOP Senate candidates boasting who supports President Donald Trump more was successful, but some key numbers in the states explain all the one-Trumpsmanship at least for primary season. Trump performed 9 points better than Romney in Indiana and 15 points better than Romney in West Virginia, NBC News reported. Both states are rich in a voter group that was especially good to Trump in 2016 and who stand strongly behind him still: working class whites. Whites without a college degree make up 61 percent of the 25-and-older population in Indiana and a remarkable 74 percent of that group in West Virginia. Nationally, the figure for that group is only about 42 percent. So, those two numbers make a pretty good argument for Republicans staying as close as they can to the president in those states - particularly when you consider that each state has three legitimate GOP candidates dividing the vote. But after Tuesday, the Senate races in both those states will cast an eye toward November's general election, and there the I'm-with-Trump strategy could get a little more complicated even in places that appear to be deep Trump country. What to Know The contract has been under negotiation for more than a year AFSCME represents security guards, truck drivers, custodians, nursing aides, surgical technicians and respiratory therapists. The California Nurses Association has come out in support of the strike Hundreds of healthcare union workers were on the picket lines Monday, affecting some services at five UC medical centers including UC San Diego Health. A three-day strike was underway as some union employees across the UC system are negotiating a new contract. The statewide strike is scheduled through Wednesday if a deal is not reached, with some unions participating in what are described as sympathy strikes. UC San Diego Medical Center and four other UC medical facilities in San Diego are open and serving patients despite the strike. A group of about 200 stationed themselves on the campus of the Jacobs Medical Center in La Jolla at about 6 a.m. Monday and started marching and chanting slogans like, "Whose university? Our university" and "No justice, no peace." "I want to see if they can do what we do for a week and they can survive with the check we get," said Karla Williams, a UC Environmental Services employee. We just want equal treatment. We all deserve to be treated the same." To reduce the impact of the strike on patient care, hospital administrators entered a "bypass" mode, meaning emergency calls may be sent to other nearby hospitals. Some patients have been asked to postpone surgeries and appointments. "Patients who may be affected by the strike will be contacted by our patient care teams," UC San Diego Health Assistant Executive Director of Communications Jacqueline Carr said Sunday via email. "We apologize in advance to our patients and their families who may be impacted." Leaders at UC San Diego are not addressing the union negotiations. A spokesperson told NBC 7 the negotiations dont happen locally but rather at the state level. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) scheduled the strike. The union's 24,000 patient-care and service workers voted to authorize a strike after rejecting a proposal from the University system for a 3 percent annual pay increase over each of the next four years as well as reductions in the cost of benefits. AFSCME spokesman John de los Angeles said the union wants the university to stop its outsourcing practices and address what it describes as widening income, racial and gender gaps for service workers. UC spokeswoman Claire Doan said AFSCME service workers are already paid at or above market rates and that the union is demanding a nearly 20 percent pay raise over three years. Strikers gathered at sunrise Monday on the 10 campuses throughout the state, wearing green t-shirts and carrying signs that call for "equality, fairness, respect." The California Nurses Association is expected to join the strike tomorrow though some replacement nurses have been hired and the union says they will have volunteers standing by to go back to work if theres any kind of emergency requiring their help. UC San Diego said all hospitals and clinics will remain open throughout the strike activity. They suggest patients allow extra time for parking if they have appointments in Hillcrest or La Jolla. There may be changes to lab services. Click here for current schedules. A man wanted in the state of Minnesota for possession of child pornography is believed to be in San Diego. Jamison Michael Nelson, 41, of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota is believed to be on the run after being charged with multiple felonies. Federal agents served a search warrant at Nelson's home in June 2016 and found a hard drive in a coffee pot. On the hard drive, investigators found four images and two video files containing child pornography. Nelson failed to appear in court to face charges. Now, a warrant has been issued for his arrest. Law enforcement agencies have released an image of Nelson and describe him as 6 feet tall, 185 pounds with brown hair and green eyes. If you see him, call the San Diego Police Department at (619) 531-2000 or the San Diego Internet Crimes Against Children at (858) 715-7100. A man was killed in a shooting in Logan Heights Sunday evening, police said. He was the third person killed by gunfire in San Diego within eight hours. When officers arrived to the 200 block of Sampson Street at about 8:10 p.m. Sunday, a 29-year-old man was found with a gunshot wound to his upper body, San Diego Police Department (SDPD) Lt. Anthony Dupree said. Medics took the man to the Sharp Mercy Hospital where he was pronounced dead, he said. He will not be identified until family can be notified. Homicide detectives launched an investigation. The shooting in Logan Heights was the third deadly shooting in San Diego Sunday. Earlier, two men were killed in a shooting in Mountain View. Police have not ruled out the possibility it was gang-related. Dupree said police were investigating if the two shootings were connected but at the preliminary stages of their investigation, there was nothing to indicate that they were. The two occurred less than two miles apart within an eight-hour time span. No other information was available. Please refresh this page for updates on this story. Details may change as more information becomes available. Stone Brewing opened its new brewery overlooking the Napa River in the heart of California wine country on Sunday. The brewery is located on 3rd Street and Soscol Avenue, inside an historic two-story building with an upstairs bar and outside seating. The perfect place, according to the company's co-founder. Seven years after I first stepped foot in the Borreo building, this place is just what I dreamed of a top-notch destination devoted to celebrating craft beer, Greg Koch said in a written news release. The Borreo building was completed in 1877 and had been vacant since 2001, according to the company. Chef Chris Kurth will manage the Stone Brewing - Napa kitchen. Visitors can expect a full offering of everything planned for the location in early June. Reservations are available by phone or through Open Table. Steve Gonzalez is in charge of the brewing program and will use his experience as a winemaker to incorporate wine-barrel aging and beer recipes that will use wine grapes, the brewery said. The company says the Napa venture will produce Stones most popular year-round brews, as well as special releases, using both core recipes and ingredients specific to the local geography. The dining menu will include both dine-in and carry-out items, and Stone intends to purchase local and small-farm organic produce from the Napa region to create dishes that highlight local flavors. Stone Brewing was founded in San Diego by Koch and Steve Wagner in 1996 and is the 8th largest craft brewer in the United States. An 18-year-old man has been apprehended after he was mistakenly released from Maryland police custody despite facing charges in D.C. in the death of a 16-year-old girl. Dekale Bowman was released from the custody of Prince George's County Police on Thursday, May 3. Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force officers found Bowman on Monday and arrested him. Prince George's Police spokesperson Yolonda Smedley said police checked a national database of warrants when Bowman was brought to them and before he was released, but nothing was in the system. "We take our time with that one, because we don't want this to happen," Smedley said. Smedley called the issue a system error. D.C. police are investigating why Prince George's County didn't know about the second-degree murder charge. Bowman was arrested in January and charged with second-degree murder in the death of Taiyania Thompson, police said. Thompson was shot inside an apartment on the 1000 block of Mt. Olivet Road Northeast on Jan. 25. She died on Jan. 28 in the hospital. On Saturday, D.C. police said Bowman was wanted on an outstanding warrant. According to court records, Bowman had been taken to Upper Marlboro, Maryland, in a separate case involving a stolen car. He was bonded out by family and authorities released him instead of returning him to the D.C. Jail or the Department of Youth Rehabilitative Services. A spokesperson for the Prince George's County Department of Corrections said on Sunday that Bowman was brought into their custody on Wednesday, May 2, and was released on bond the next day. The spokesperson said there was nothing in the department's system indicating that he had any charges or warrants until Friday afternoon. Bowman didn't show up to a court appointment on Friday afternoon. The Prince George's County State's Attorneys office confirmed to News4 it was looking into how Bowman was released. Previous court records said Bowman told a witness the shooting was an accident. Police said Thompson and Bowman had been dating for eight months, according to The Washington Post. Thompson's grandmother, Tammy Carter, said it wasn't the first time her family had experienced a violent death. When Thompson was 5 months old, her father, Dennis Wayne Carter, was shot and killed on 21st Street and Maryland Avenue in Northeast. He was only 17. "My heart is torn to pieces. She's only a year younger than he was when he passed. It's crazy," Carter said. "It just brings back so many memories, like it just happened yesterday." Thompson's father is buried in the Mount Olivet Cemetery, near where Thompson was shot. Carter said Thompson was devoted to her father's memory and would often go visit his grave. Thompson told her grandmother she wanted to be buried at the same cemetery as her father when she died, but no one expected that to happen so soon or in this way. "I don't even know how we're going to get through this," Carter said. "But we're strong, we're going to fight through it, we're going to make the best of it and we're going to keep her memory alive and his." Carter said she'll remember her granddaughter's smile and caring personality the most. "She was bubbly," Carter said with a smile. "She would never harm anybody. She'd give you the shirt off her back. That's how sweet she was." Metro will shut down six rail stations in Northern Virginia during the entirety of summer 2019 to rebuild platforms, the transit agency announced Monday. The following stations will close between Memorial Day and Labor Day 2019: Braddock Road, King Street, Eisenhower Avenue, Huntington, Van Dorn Street and Franconia-Springfield. Rebuilding platforms is "heavy construction activity that requires that tracks be taken out of service to allow for demolishing existing structures, access to the construction area, and concrete pouring," the transit agency said in a release. At the Braddock Road station, as well as the Rhode Island Avenue station on the Red Line, riders have to step up or down at least 8 inches between the trains and the platforms, News4's Adam Tuss reported earlier this year. One rider said she tripped and was badly bruised. Others have said the gaps pose a safety hazard. Metro has previously rebuilt platforms at 10 of the system's outdoor stations while keeping the stations open, but that process resulted in years of single-tracking, the agency said. The system's outdoor platforms have structural deficiencies due to decades of exposure to the elements, Metro said. The Braddock Road station platforms are crumbling and cracking, which has created an uneven surface and requires passengers to step up or down between the train and the platform, Tuss reported. Via Metro - Pics from Reagan National station, King Street and Addison Road last Spring #wmata @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/pZDPIm5ekF Adam Tuss (@AdamTuss) May 7, 2018 The new $300 million to $400 million project will reconstruct outdoor platforms at 20 stations. Under the first phase, Metro plans to demolish and rebuild the platforms at Braddock Road, King Street and Eisenhower Avenue, which will lead to a shutdown of rail service south of Reagan National Airport. Blue and Yellow line service will operate normally between the airport and Largo Town Center on the Blue Line and Fort Totten/Mount Vernon Square on the Yellow Line, Metro said. Metro said it will work with local jurisdictions and other transit agencies to come up with traffic mitigation plans and travel alternatives. Future Rebuilding Phases Set for Fall 2019-2021 Metro plans to rebuild the platforms at four more Northern Virginia stations between September 2019 and May 2020, but those station's locations and configurations will allow for construction to happen while the stations remain open, the transit agency said. Those stations are Van Dorn Street, Franconia-Springfield, Huntington and Reagan National Airport. During that phase, rail service is expected to run normally, with the exception of the Blue Line in September 2019, Metro said. In 2020 and 2021, Metro plans to rebuild the platforms at the 13 remaining outdoor stations: West Hyattsville, College Park, Greenbelt, Rhode Island Avenue, Vienna, Dunn Loring, West Falls Church, East Falls Church, Cheverly, Landover, New Carrollton, Addison Road and Arlington Cemetery. Stay with NBCWashington.com and NBC4 for more. Britain's ambassador to the U.S. said Sunday his country believes it's still possible to address President Donald Trump's concerns about the Iran nuclear deal in time to prevent him from pulling out of the agreement. Kim Darroch said Britain has ideas for dealing with those concerns. They include Iran's ballistic missile program and its involvement in Mideast conflicts, issues that aren't part of the international agreement. Trump also objects to the accord's sunset clause, which allows Iran to resume part of its nuclear program after 2025. "We think that we can find some language, produce some action that meets the president's concerns," Darroch told CBS' "Face the Nation." The deadline for Trump's decision is this coming Saturday. Britain's foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, has scheduled talks with U.S. officials in Washington this week. His trip follows visits in recent weeks by the leaders of France and Germany, who also tried to convince Trump to stick with the agreement. All three European countries signed the 2015 deal, along with Russia and China. In an op-ed Sunday for The New York Times, Johnson wrote that the agreement offered the fewest disadvantages of all the options available. "It has weaknesses, certainly, but I am convinced they can be remedied. Indeed at this moment Britain is working alongside the Trump administration and our French and German allies to ensure that they are," he wrote. Iran's president warned Trump on Sunday that leaving the nuclear deal would be a "historic regret." The chairman of the House Armed Services Committee also advised against pulling out of the accord without a clearer idea of the consequences and urged Trump to give the Europeans time to address his concerns. "So maybe the best thing is for the president to delay a bit more his deadline of this month and put the French and the British up to the test about whether it is possible to get this other sort of agreement," Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, said on "Fox News Sunday." Chris Joyce was counting down the days until graduation. His best friends at Salem State University say the 23-year-old was so excited about being the first in his family to graduate from college, that he wanted to be first in line to pick up his cap and gown. Those friends tearfully talked about the last time they saw him Friday, just hours before he and 58-year-old Clayborn Blair were shot and killed in Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood. "We were going to get some food and study for a final on Thursday. We were going to take that last final, then walk on that stage," said senior Harry Regis. His friends say Friday, Joyce went home to Boston to see his family and drop off some of the things he had packed up from his dorm. That night, police say, he was an innocent victim in the deadly shooting. Joyce was an accounting major. "He's always engaged in class, he was happy to be there," said his classmate, Ralph Alexis. "He never missed a class and was always a good student." Friends say Joyce was also active on campus and was part of The Brotherhood, a club that celebrates diversity. His friends are now trying to grapple with his death and how they won't be able to experience the joy of walking across the stage with him. "His smile would cover his whole face. His smile was bigger than his face," his friend, Johnny Cintron, said. "He don't got a face, he got a smile." They say the only things bigger than his smile were his dreams. "Chris grew up in a neighborhood that was very tough," said senior Muna Pikitayi. "He wanted something totally different than what his reality was. He wanted something more for himself, for his family, for all of us." Residents were told to avoid a neighborhood in Manchester, New Hampshire, Monday morning while officials with Fish and Game worked to remove a young black bear from a tree. Police responded at 7:30 a.m. to Saint Marie's Child Care Center, where the bear was seen on a tree limb overlooking a playground. Students nearby were told to shelter in place. Sky Ranger captured footage of the 115-pound male bear, thought to be 1 or 2 years old, in the tree near Notre Dame Avenue and Wayne Street. Fish and Game officials tranquilized the animal in order to get it down safely. The bear fell onto another branch but remained in the tree. A net was already in place around the tree for the animal's protection. Officers had to push the bear onto the net. The bear is safe, officials say. It was taken to live in the Lakes Region. In July 2016, a fast-moving black bear evaded authorities in Manchester after they chased it through the city. The bear was first spotted on Interstate 93 and then made its way up a tree. It made its way down as conservation officers tried to capture it. The bear then hopped a fence and took off running. Police are investigating a fatal shooting that took place late Sunday night in Haverhill, Massachusetts. Officers responded to the intersection of Grand Avenue and Emerson Street at about 11 p.m. where a 40-year-old man was suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest, according to the Essex District Attorney's office. The man, who has been identified as Jeffrey Larkin, was taken to Holy Family Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Investigators spent a number of hours on the scene collecting evidence before clearing the scene early Monday morning. The shooting remains under investigation. Two Massachusetts law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty were honored Sunday morning. The ceremony was held at Pope John Paul Park in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood to dedicate a new memorial in honor of slain Massachusetts State Police Trooper Mark Charbonnier and Sgt. Richard Dever of the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department. Charbonnier was shot during a traffic stop by a paroled-ex convict in Kingston in 1994. Dever was stabbed to death in 2005 when he tried to help remove a violent man from a Charleston bar. The officers were both raised in Dorchester. Among those at the ceremony was Gov. Charlie Baker. "(They were) a couple of kids from the neighborhood who grew up wanting to protect and serve," said Baker. "And they ended up on the wrong end of a terrible circumstance." Both men were killed by career criminals. "It has been 24 years since Mark's murder but not a day goes by that we dont think of him as a family," said one member of Charbonnier's family. The idea of the monument, which sits at the corner of Granite Avenue and Hilltop Street, came together about three years ago. Both men's stories now live on through scholarships set up in their names to help families with tuition costs and youth leagues in Dorchester. "To lose a brother and a best friend at the same time is heart-wrenching so its nice to have this memorial for the both of them," said Charbonnier's brother, Steven. What to Know Cpl. Eugene Cole was killed April 25 in Norridgewock, Maine, while working his shift for the Somerset County Sheriff's Office. Cole served with his department for 13-years before he was fatally shot by a career criminal. Cole is the first member of law enforcement to be killed in the line of duty in Maine since 1989. More than 10,000 people, including police officers from around the country, paid their final respects Monday to the Maine sheriff's deputy who was recently killed in the line of duty. Sixty-one-year-old Cpl. Eugene Cole was killed April 25 in Norridgewock while working an early morning shift for the Somerset County Sheriff's Office. "Gene worked every day to make Somerset County and Norridgewock a safer place to live," Somerset County Sheriff Dale Lancaster said Monday. "In the early morning hours of April 25, Gene paid the ultimate sacrifice. He lost his life performing his sworn duties while protecting the citizens of Somerset County." "Goodbye for now my friend," Lancaster added. "We will never forget you." Cole's son David, who is also a Somerset County deputy, spoke at the funeral, saying this is the end of an amazing chapter, but the story continues. "Rest easy dad," David Cole said. "We've got the watch from here." A procession of 40 police vehicles, led by an elite motorcycle unit from the New York City Police Department, brought Cole's body from a funeral home in Skowhegan to the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor for Monday's funeral service. "This is going to be a major step towards closure for the family," Maine Service Warden Cpl. John MacDonald said before the service. "With all the events that took place in the last 10 and 11 days, with the manhunt going on, I think today will be a time where people can reflect on Eugene, honor his work history and personal life. It's going to be a major portion of the family, and really the community's, closure." A public viewing for Cole, a 13-year veteran of the department, was held Sunday evening while a private viewing was held for family and close friends on Saturday. Cole served in the U.S. Army before joining the sheriff's department. He also ran an electronics business and dabbled in music in his spare time. Cole and his wife Sheryl have four children. "With the help and support of my family, my community, and my country, I will get through this," Sheryl Cole wrote in a Facebook post following the capture of her husband's alleged gunman. John Williams, 29, of Madison, is being held without bail pending a probable cause hearing and a mental health evaluation in connection to Cole's shooting death after a four-day manhunt. Williams allegedly shot Cole in the head and then stole the deputy's marked police pickup truck sometime between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. in Norridgewock before robbing a convenience store. Williams called a friend during that time, reportedly saying Cole "snuck up on him, or that he snuck up on Cole, he couldn't remember," and then met the friend on Martin Stream Road, where Cole's police pickup was discovered around 5 a.m., according to court documents. The friend told police Williams "immediately took out his crack pipe and began smoking drugs" once he was picked up, according to the affidavit, and that he gave Williams his cell phone and told him to get out of his car. The friend drove away and found a Fairfield police officer, telling him what had happened. Cole's body was found later that morning behind a home on Mercer Road in Norridgewock, according to court paperwork. Cole is the first member of law enforcement to be killed in the line of duty in Maine since 1989. After a two-day operational test in December, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and Boston transportation officials will further test a bus lane in Roslindale to see if traffic can be alleviated in the area. Starting Monday, the inbound, curbside lane of Washington Street from Roslindale Village to Forest Hills Station will only be allowed to be used by MBTA and school buses from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m weekdays. Bicyclists will also be allowed to use the lane. Transportation officials say the pilot program is to help buses shave time off of the morning commute. "We will be keeping a close eye on Washington Street over the next month to measure the effects of the designated bus lane on overall travel along the corridor," said Boston Transportation Commissioner Gina Fiandaca in a statement. "We encourage Roslindale residents, local business representatives, bus riders, cyclists, motorists and pedestrians who regularly travel this route in the early morning hours to provide feedback on their experiences." Many riders said the December 2-day test helped cut their morning commute by as much as 30 minutes. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said in a statement that the program is part of the Go Boston 2030 transportation plan and that he is looking forward to the completion of testing. "I am hopeful that the designated bus lane proves to be an initiative that makes a positive contribution to the community while simultaneously reducing the commute time for MBTA riders from Roslindale and the surrounding area," said Walsh. City officials said they chose Roslindale based on the high volume of commuters who use that particular bus lane. "We have the worst on-time performance due to congestion during rush hour so this will hopefully make a big impact I think," said MBTA General Manager Luis Ramirez on Monday. Cones will be blocking the designated lanes during the testing times. Some people say they welcome the idea. "From a bicyclists perspective, I dont need to worry about being squeezed in between parked cars and traveling cars," said Alan Wright of Roslindale. But not everyone is on board, like Robert Khouzami of Bob's Pita Market. "I dont know who came up with this idea. Very bad idea," Khouzami said. "Its going to affect the parking for the customer, going to affect my delivery because most deliver before 9 oclock. The pilot program will be tested for four weeks. After the program comes to a close, city officials will decide whether to make it permanent or not. Police in South Burlington, Vermont issued a plea for information to people on Cape Cod Monday, saying its possible a murder suspect could be hiding there. Our search is broad, Chief Trevor Whipple of the South Burlington Police Department said, describing the search for Leroy Headley, 36. Headley is the only suspect in the shooting death last week of his girlfriend, 33-year-old Anako Anette Lumumba, a mother and nurse. Investigators believe Headley, who has faced previous criminal charges of violence and sexual abuse, killed Lumumba in a home on Southview Drive, then sped off in a blue Nissan Pathfinder with Vermont plates HBR 281. South Burlington Police Department An arrest warrant has been issued for Headley, who stopped at an ATM to withdraw $5,000 before vanishing, police said. Whipple said Headley might have headed for Massachusetts, where he has a lot of family on Cape Cod. We do not have any reason to believe that theyre cooperating with him or that theyre hiding him, but we do have reason to believe that when people are in crisis, they retreat to family; they retreat to known areas, Whipple explained. Headley is considered armed and dangerous, so police urged anyone who may see him to simply call 911 instead of approaching him. Anyone with non-emergency information that could still assist police can call the South Burlington Police Tip Line at 802-598-3528. During a media briefing, the police chief also addressed the murder suspect directly. And if Mr. Headley is watching this, its a matter of time, Chief Whipple said. And I think its almost never that someone goes unfound. We will find you eventually. Its a terrible tragedy, Kelly Dougherty, the executive director of Steps to End Domestic Violence, said of Lumumba's death. Steps to End Domestic Violence is a group in Chittenden County helping turn the tide on unhealthy relationships, whether its physical, sexual, emotional, or economic harm. Dougherty said many of Vermonts homicides are linked to domestic violence, but services are availableincluding emotional support, safety planning, and crisis intervention. With continued work of organizations like Steps to End Domestic Violence, we can work to ensure that violence is just not acceptable, and that people are not only held accountable but also get the help that they need, Dougherty said. Steps to End Domestic Violence operates a 24/7 domestic violence hotline for people in Chittenden County, at 802-658-1996. The National Network to End Domestic Violence also operates a hotline for people anywhere. That number is 1-800-799-7233. Police are also asking people on the Cape and across New England to keep an eye out for Headleys 2017 blue Pathfinder, especially if the vehicle appears parked in a location that seems like it was hidden or abandoned. Even though they believe Headley could be on the Cape, Chief Whipple noted that he could be elsewhere, since there have been no confirmed sightings as of Monday afternoon. Yarmouth Chaplain prioritises welfare of stranded crew Yarmouth Chaplain prioritises welfare of stranded crew Port Chaplain Rev Peter Paine and his team at the Mission to Great Yarmouth Seafarers Centre are providing vital and varied support to the unfortunate crew of the Malaviya Twenty, the arrested Indian vessel stranded in Great Yarmouth Port, as concern over welfare increases. Jenny Seal reports. Baptist Minister Rev Peter Paine has been the Port Chaplain in Great Yarmouth for 16 years, funded by Good Work, a charity providing workplace chaplaincy services, and the Mission to Seafarers. He describes his role as a friend to all who enter the Port, providing a listening ear and being an advocate for seafarers in whatever circumstances they may need it. He carries out the role with diligence and passion, providing practical, pastoral and spiritual care, sometimes around the clock, for seafarers passing through the Norfolk port. For almost two years a significant amount of his time has been taken up with the plight of the Malaviya Twenty crew. The offshore supply vessel, the Malaviya Twenty, has been stranded in the Port of Great Yarmouth since June 2016, embroiled in a legal battle over liquidation. The future is uncertain, as multiple agencies wrangle over the ship including the port authority, the insurance company, the owners, the Indian courts and the Admiralty Marshall. In February 2017 it looked as if the situation had been resolved. A new crew of 14 Indian seafarers and their Captain came aboard expecting to take the vessel back to Mumbai. They were never given the go-ahead. 11 of these crew members, some with Peters help, have flown home and the ship is now manned by a skeletal crew of four, far below the minimum manning deemed suitable for a vessel of its size. Over the past few months Rev Peter Paine has become increasingly concerned about the welfare of the seafarers. He said: The crew have not been paid since September last year. They are running on the goodwill of the Captain and his bank account. Since the turn of the year the physical, mental and spiritual welfare of the crew has taken a dive. I have to say that after all this time my heart goes out to them in a big, big way... I think the whole thing is a travesty of justice really. It really is. Over the course of the last two years Peter, as Port Chaplain, has raised funds, coordinated appeals, helped crew members to fly home, organised social opportunities, drank countless cups of tea with the crew and advocated on their behalf with the authorities. One concern that is pressing is where the fuel will come from when its current supply runs out. Peter said: When Indian ships pull into the port they all know of the Malaviya Twenty and her plight. One pulled in recently and straightaway sent their Chief Engineer up. He found a way of closing down their auxiliary power unit to start up a smaller one which will eke the fuel out for two months. But when that runs out we dont know where the next proper fuel is going to come from. We put 2.5k worth of fuel on at Christmas but that only lasted about 10 days. We cant afford to do that again. He continues: In order to save power theyve had to turn off the range in the galley so they dont use that at all. They have bought themselves two little grills so you can imagine what kind of food they are living on at the moment. They are used to having two good meals a day and a good breakfast, but they are not getting that. The crew have a work schedule devised by the Captain to keep the ship clean, tidy and operating as well as it can. But even with these best efforts to keep busy, morale is dropping. On the evening of Thursday, April 26 Peter, his wife Pat and Ships Visitor Colin Wooden went on board with fish and chips to enjoy with the crew. I introduced them to vinegar and red sauce, he said. That went down a treat; the pickled onions not too well! They have previously enjoyed a Curry Night together and over Christmas had an outing to the circus. Peter said: Little things like that, that you do for them, it does lift them a little bit. It gives them a chance to get out of their working gear and get into normal clothes. Because otherwise they stay in their working gear most of the time because they havent got anything to change for. The situation of the crew is complex. Under maritime law the Captain is obligated to stay with the ship indefinitely. Peter said: If he were to walk away he would be culpable for desertion once he gets back to India. He could either have a prison sentence or he would just be blacklisted from further work. The three seafarers have built a deep loyalty to their Captain, especially after living off his personal funds for so long. The Captain, a proud, strong man keenly aware of his responsibilities, is reticent to accept charity. Peter said: If I asked the people of Yarmouth to donate things for them, I know we could fill this place up in next to no time. But until I know that it will be accepted, its no good. Ive got small pockets of charity money here there and everywhere, he said. I tell them every time I go on board, if you dont have it Ive got to give it back. And if I give it back weve lost it. I think Ive worn him [the Captain] down to such a state that he is just about ready to take some but hes not said yes yet. For much of its time in Port the boat was moored outside the Great Yarmouth Seafarers Centre where Peter and his team are based, making it easy for them to regularly go on board and have a chat. Peter said: This crew have got nothing but you go on there and you are made so welcome. Before you know it youve got a cup of tea or coffee, and they bring out a whole plate of biscuits. The hospitality that you still get on board is wonderful for the situation they are in. But in February after the ships certification to work ran out the Port Authority moved the boat to the Outer Harbour, where the small crew were confronted with the Beast from the East. Peter said: She was just like a cork in a bathtub. She was being battered and bruised all over the place. Six lines broke in that time. They couldnt get their gangplank down to get it onto shore so no one could get on or get off. I actually feel that the experience that they had out there which wasnt a nice experience that has helped to put them down a lot now. If these boys go back to sea again they are going to be traumatised by the whole event thats happened here that they had no control over. Peter spoke up for the ship and publically highlighted his concerns. In April the Malaviya Twenty was moved back to its current position in a secure berth in Yarmouths Port. While the various agencies involved disagree about the finances surrounding the vessel and how to resolve the debts owed, Peter, as Port Chaplain, is providing a critical role caring for the crew and their welfare. With characteristic straight-talking Peter said: I dont give two figs about the ship, I really dont. Im desperate to get the crew off, paid and repatriated home. Theyve suffered enough. And the trouble is that while this merry-go-round continues to go round they are going to suffer more. Audrey Sharp, Chair of Good Work, said: We are so pleased Peter is in the right place to help this crew when they need it most. Our job is to show Gods love by caring for people in the work place in whatever way we can. This is the most serious situation weve had to deal with and we pray it will soon be resolved for the sake of the well-being of the crew and their families back home. Peters salary as Port Chaplain for Great Yarmouth is part funded by the Christian Charity Good Work (Norfolk and Waveney Industrial Mission). Donations can be made to Good Work by cheque to its registered office at 109 Dereham Road, Easton Norwich, NR9 5ES. All help would be gratefully received. The Great Yarmouth Seafarers Centre is funded separately as an independent local charitable organisation. Inset photo of the Malaviya Twenty used with the permission of Colin Wooden. Sandy Millar to speak at Broadland worship meeting 2018: Sandy Millar who, with Nicky Gumble, developed the Alpha course, will speak at the Norfolk Broads Filling Station meeting on Monday May 14. Sandy is best known for his time as Rector of Holy Trinity, Brompton, the home of the Alpha course. It was during his time there that he transformed HTB from being very formal to, arguably, the leading Evangelical church in the UK. With his then curate, Nicky Gumble, they took on and developed the Alpha course which continues to spread Christianity across the globe. Earlier this year, the Alpha website described the course as running in over 100 countries in over 100 different languages with over 24 million people having taken the course. Stephen Pitkethly from Norfolk Broads Filling Station said We are very privileged and excited to welcome Sandy Miller to NBFS. He delivers very profound teaching in an amazingly simple way. Do try and join us for this very special visit. You will find the atmosphere friendly and relaxed. The meeting on May 14 will start at 7pm with refreshments. The venue is Hickling Barn, Tate Loke (off Mallard Way), Hickling, Norwich, NR12 0YU. For more information go to http://thefillingstation.org.uk/station/norfolk-broads Or phone David Osborne on 01692 581418 or 07786 261473. Do you have a news story or forthcoming event relating to Christians or a church in East Norfolk? Research conducted by market research firm IHS Markit found that 74 percent of firms surveyed had SD-WAN lab trials in 2017, and many of them plan to move into production this year. The report, titled The WAN Strategies North America (pdf, registration required), found security is the number one network concern by a wide margin and the top reason to invest in new infrastructure, as companies must fend off the constant threat of cyber attacks. There are other reasons, as well, such as traffic growth, company expansion, adoption of the Internet of things (IoT), the need for greater control over the WAN, and the need to put WAN costs on a sustainable path. IoT traffic, in particular, is predicted to have an impact on traffic growth. WAN bandwidth usage is expected to grow over 20 percent each year, according to respondents, while total WAN expenditures rose almost 20 percent to $300,000 per respondent in 2017. As companies shift a greater portion of their IT infrastructure into the cloud and expand their physical presence to go after new markets or be closer to customers and partners, the need for reliable, secure and high-performance WAN and internet connectivity has never been greater, said Matthias Machowinski, IHS Markit enterprise networks senior research director, in a statement. However, companies dont have unlimited budgets to fund growing WAN bandwidth consumption, which is why a majority are planning to deploy software-defined WAN in the next three years, to better control how their WANs are used, he added. Cloud services also drive SD-WAN use Another driver for SD-WAN is the finding that 71 percent of respondents will use off-premises cloud service providers by 2018, which will become the top application strategy in 2018. This is important because the current standard in WAN communication technology, Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), is designed for use internally in your data center, and MPLS data is transmitted unencrypted. SD-WAN is made for the public internet and lets you use a VPN to encrypt traffic. SD-WAN also uses a combination of the public internet and private networks that the SD-WAN providers build, so you dont have to compete with Netflix and YouTube traffic. This makes for a more secure and faster network, reducing latency between public cloud providers and private data centers. Theres a fairly healthy market of SD-WAN competitors to choose from, including big names such as Cisco and Citrix, and startups such as FatPipe Networks, VeloCloud, CloudGenix, and Aryaka. Each has their own claim to fame and slightly different solutions. Enterovirus 71 (otherwise known as EV71), is an infection which first ravaged parts of Malaysia in 1997. It causes hand, foot and mouth disease and is often cleared by the immune system. In rare cases, however, it can be lethal. Credit: Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock.com More recently, epidemics of EV71 have been observed in parts of the Asia-Pacific region, emerging as a major cause of global neurological disease following the eradication of poliovirus. EV71 has since become a global public health concern. What is Enterovirus 71? The EV71 virus causes hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) and mostly affects children. It is usually removed quickly by the bodys own immune system but can occasionally affect the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in a number of neurological issues, such as aseptic meningitis, brainstem encephalitis, and acute flaccid paralysis. Brainstem encephalitis is the most critical neurological effect, because it can result in neurogenic pulmonary oedema, which can cause death. Symptoms of an EV71 infection include ataxia and myoclonus (random muscle contractions), cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis (a heightened presence of white blood cells in the spinal fluid), and brainstem lesions which can be viewed during an MRI scan. These major symptoms occur alongside the typical skin rash seen in most HFMD patients, with the diagnosis being confirmed once the EV71 virus is observed in stool samples, a throat-swab, or a sample of spinal fluid. Enterovirus 71 pathogenesis The exact pathogenesis in human beings is, so far, unclear. However, previous studies on animal hosts have indicated that EV71 is capable of targeting and injuring the CNS. An experiment performed on rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) in 2001, showed that if the disease was contracted via the brain, the final symptoms resulted in haemorrhage, pulmonary oedema, and some neuron impairment. Conversely, if the infection EV71 was introduced to the body via respiratory or intravenous inoculations, the result was a direct infection of the CNS, as well as inflammation of the lung tissue. These results propose that the EV71 initially replicates in a specific tissue or organ, with viruses being uncontrollably released into the bloodstream during this process thus causing damage to the target organs. Enterovirus 71 treatment Current antiviral therapies are not effective against EV71. However, a program developed in Taiwan in 2000 recommended the use of IV milrinone and immunoglobulin for the treatment of EV71 brainstem encephalitis. This method provides essential neutralising antibodies, and prepares the immune system to release cytokines, to help fight the virus. As there are limited treatment options for EV71, there is a high mortality rate of 30-40% during even the acute stages of infection.Enterovirus 71 infections eventually involve the CNS and often lead to cardiopulmonary failure, causing the prognosis to be extremely low. Although there is a severe lack of treatments available for Enterovirus 71, the China Food and Drug Administration approved the worlds first Enterovirus 71 vaccine on December 3rd 2015, which has been shown to prevent severe cases of hand, foot and mouth diseases. However, worldwide use of the vaccine is lacking due to a few issues. These include a lack of effectivity against different strains of EV71 strains in certain regions of the world, as well as international requirements on the production of vaccines/quality control, and the lack of harmonization of different pathogen detecting and monitoring methods. Further Reading People showing virtually no symptoms are likely the primary source of dengue fever, according to new research published in PLOS Pathogens. Nearly 400 million people each year are infected with dengue virus, which is transmitted through mosquitoes. The study estimates that more than 80 percent of dengue virus infections are attributable to individuals with mild to no symptoms who do not seek treatment from a physician. The study also indicates that nearly a quarter of dengue virus transmission is the result of mosquitoes biting those already infected before the onset of symptoms. By the time those symptoms appear, the opportunity to prevent the virus from spreading has passed. "Until a few years ago, it was assumed that individuals with mild to no symptoms contributed relatively little to dengue virus transmission," said Alex Perkins, Eck Family Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame and senior author on the study. "Our research reveals that people showing no symptoms of dengue virus infection are contributing much more than was previously recognized, so that we now have a better idea of the large extent to which they contribute to the spread of this disease." Researchers at the University of Notre Dame used mathematical modeling to quantify what fraction of dengue virus infections might be caused by people whose illnesses were undetected by public health surveillance systems. Their work involved integrating data sets on the amount of virus in the blood during various stages of infection, the severity of symptoms in relation to previous infections and the proportion of infections resulting in clinical consultation. The World Health Organization currently focuses disease surveillance efforts on detecting outbreaks, monitoring trends in the number of cases and assessing the possibility of outbreaks. This surveillance encompasses the monitoring of suspected and confirmed dengue cases. "Unfortunately, based on our study, those who need to be targeted with interventions are either being identified after they have already contributed to transmission or are not being identified at all," said Perkins. "Our results indicate that it might be necessary to shift emphasis toward more proactive disease prevention strategies that do not rely as strongly on responding to detected cases." Source: https://news.nd.edu/news/dengue-virus-transmission-dominated-by-those-with-undetected-infection-study-finds/ While the global health community has made great strides toward eradicating malaria through prevention and treatment strategies, rapid and inexpensive methods to diagnose submicroscopic malaria in individuals who have no clinical symptoms and undetectable levels of disease-causing parasites in their blood remain an unmet need. With the unexpected discovery of a panel of peptides from several proteins encoded by the parasite that causes malaria, new research underway at Seattle Children's Research Institute could pave the way for a rapid screening test capable of diagnosing submicroscopic infections. Such a diagnostic test could permit the widespread screening of all individuals in high-risk regions a practice global health experts agree is likely required to eradicate malaria. It could also provide a way to diagnose submicroscopic malaria infections during pregnancy, which bring substantial health risks for the pregnant woman, her fetus, and the newborn child. Exosomes as a marker of infectious disease A team led by Dr. Serge Barcy, a principal investigator in the Center for Global and Infectious Disease Research at Seattle Children's, first uncovered the novel proteins associated with malaria in their study of a promising source of diagnostic biomarkers known as exosomes. Healthy and infected cells continuously secrete exosomes carrying genetic information or protein content as a way to communicate with other cells. Previous studies have also suggested that exosomes from infected cells may play a significant role in disease progression. Since many of the rapid tests in use today need high levels of the disease-causing parasite, virus or bacteria circulating in the blood to detect disease, scientists believe that identifying changes in the expression of the always present exosomes circulating in human plasma could offer a better way to detect submicroscopic infections. Unexpected finding leads researchers to malaria In his study, Barcy initially set out to determine if changes in the expression of a type of small RNA frequently found in exosomes and associated with disease known as microRNA (miRNA) could provide a reliable way to detect Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection (KSHV or HHV-8). In individuals infected with HIV, KSHV commonly progresses into a cancer known as Kaposi's sarcoma, which remains prevalent in Sub-Saharan African populations. The study took an unexpected turn when researchers analyzed the genetic content of exosomes present in blood samples from a Uganda study population. Since miRNAs are typically found in plasma exosomes, researchers expected to find a high percentage of the small RNA in the exosomes purified from the plasma of study participants. Instead, researchers were perplexed to find another type of small RNA in abundance, leading them to look at the protein content of the exosomes. It was here they discovered several peptides associated with a separate infection Plasmodium falciparum, the primary parasite responsible for malaria in Africa. Follow-up studies supported by renowned malaria expert According to a paper published in the scientific journal, PLOS One, none of the protein biomarkers revealed in this study have previously been detected in blood samples from patients diagnosed with malaria. To test the diagnostic potential of the new biomarkers, Seattle Children's is collaborating with a research group from Osaka City University in Japan led by the world-renowned malaria expert, Dr. Akira Kaneko. Kaneko's lab has provided malaria samples that researchers in Seattle can analyze for the presence of the newly identified biomarkers. If their research is successful, it could lead to the development of a rapid diagnostic test to identify malaria infections in individuals without any symptoms. Currently, no rapid screening method exists to diagnose malaria infection in individuals with low levels of parasites in their blood. Implications for malaria eradication efforts The results from Barcy's study also indicate that ongoing efforts to eliminate endemic disease may benefit from addressing the dynamic interactions between infections, especially in geographic regions where multiple infections are widespread. "While many have the goal to eradicate malaria, it's unlikely we'll achieve optimal prevention and treatment strategies by focusing on malaria in isolation," Barcy said. "Our work shows we can't simply extract one disease to study. We must look at the interactions of all infections taking place in the host." Source: http://pulse.seattlechildrens.org/surprising-discovery-could-improve-malaria-detection-worldwide/ Tradeshow Talks with Molbio Diagnostics Ltd Booth 1.B11 Why are you are attending Health GB 2018? We are here to introduce our products to patients and healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom. We have enjoyed a successful four years and are now looking to present our product globally as we feel the patient population could benefit from the platform we have developed. Which product are you featuring at Health GB? We are here to present the TrueLab Real Time quantitative micro PCR system. It is a global first; we are the only company that sells a start to end product. There are many companies that sell molecular diagnostic kits, but the layout of their products differs greatly from what we are doing. The machine can be used to diagnose a host of infectious diseases, which were selected based on their prevalence across the globe and the need for point of care testing. Molecular diagnostics gives you the most sensitive and specific results to guide patient care. Treatment is based on these results, so they need to be as accurate as possible. As they say, genes don't lie. Right? The idea was to break paradigms and change the way we think about molecular diagnostics testing. So far molecular diagnostics has remained the domain of the big people, big laboratories, people with a lot of money and a lot of technical man power. We wanted to break that paradigm, so we have designed a system that does not require any infrastructure. You don't have to engage multiple vendors. As I said, it's a start to finish platform. Everything that you require, whether it's in hardware, software, consumables, reagents, even the micropipette and the micropipette tip are all packaged together so that you don't have to go anywhere else to do the assay. What is the benefit of using this product? The value system that it allows molecular diagnostics to be used routinely. At the moment, molecular tests are not carried out often, so they will say Please come back after four or five days for your results. Thats the current turnaround time for a molecular diagnostic test result as the scientists in the laboratory must wait until they have enough patients to ensure the test is cost effective. With our platform, the scientist can do molecular testing in an hour without wasting reagents. How does the platform work? It looks very simplistic, but I can tell you it's very high tech. The extraction device is universal; the elute that comes out of it can be used as a starting material for any open-ended PCR. This is sold as a stand-alone product or with our chip-based micro PCR. This is, again, a global first. The chips are disease-specific, meaning you don't have to make any probes, primers, other master makes. It's already there. You just need to load the elute onto the chip and into the florescence detector and 1 hour later you have a printable result. Despite its size, this small device can store 20,000 patient reports. The entire OS of this is an android, so anybody who uses a smartphone can use it. You can print SMS emails from here to any part of the globe in a matter of second. It also has Bluetooth and WIFI connectivity. The overall idea is that detect as early as you can and therefore start treatment as early as you can. This is particularly important for rural communities where the physician may not be present and the patients, who have often travelled far, need the test to be done on the same day. The physician can receive the data and make a decision on the treatment plan moving forwards. He can also monitor the treatment to see if it is working or whether a different approach is needed such as a cocktail of drugs. Facilities are all there now to bring a more holistic approach into the way testing is done and ultimately, it's patient outcomes that we are all concerned about. What impact will the product have on the spread of disease? The problem with asking patients to come back for their results is that if they are from very poor, rural backgrounds, they probably wont. The idea is that with our platform, physicians can diagnose them on the same day and deliver the results with the treatment plan whilst the patient is still there. They don't lose them. Losing a guy with TB creates havoc. Why? Once he's positive, he spreads it to somebody else. There are so many research papers that say each positive TB individual will spread the disease to around 25 more individuals. Thats why after years of intervention in India and billions of dollars of investment, cases of TB have not come down. Also, with all the current methodologies that we have, whether that be microscopy or cell culture, they're grossly inadequate. They're sensitivities are about 50%, so every hundred samples you test positive, you lose 50. This is the only place where you get sensitivities as high as 99%. Learn more at: www.molbiodiagnostics.com Tradeshow talks with Baymed Healthcare Products Booth E10 Why are you here at Health GB? We're a manufacturer of surgical drapes, gowns, and surgical packs. We use the raw materials from Bayteks Nonwoven which is the number one producer of the raw materials required to make these products and because of this Baymed Healthcare Products, a medical subdivision of Bayteks Nonwoven, is number one manufacturer of sterile or non-sterile surgical packs, gowns, and drapes. We want to change some of the orders in hospitals, some of them are using reusable gowns and we want to change them to start to use our disposable gowns and this is one reason why we're here at Health GB, as our slogan says, We work for your health. What product are you focusing on? We mainly focus on gowns, drapes, and packs, but, at the moment we are specifically focusing on packs, we offer general surgery packs, brain surgery packs, knee, orthoscopic packs, delivery packs, caesarean packs which is also a key product for us. One of our advantages is that we sell these products ready-to-use, surgical gowns used in the operation room, absorbent or repellent depending on what the doctor wants to use. We also have some special products, scrub suits. We sell to all types of hospitals and this is our target here in the UK, to sell all of our types of products in the UK, to general hospitals, government hospitals and private hospitals. What markets are you trying to get into? We will try any market and we can participate in any group, we can also help in public hospitals and private hospitals. Direct procurements, or indirect procurements it doesn't matter. We are trying to enter the UK market but there are some neighbours to the UK, for example, Holland and France, they can also come and buy from us. Conducted with Foreign Trade Manager Mustafa Guler Hyundai recently launched 2018 facelifted i20 Active crossover in India for a starting price of Rs 6.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The car has been listed on companys official website and boasts few cosmetic upgrades. 2018 Hyundai i20 Active Facelift. (Image: Hyundai) The main change that gathers the attention is the new blue and white dual tone paint scheme. Other than that, the car gets silver finish front fog lamp and rear reflector surrounds and black rub strip at the base of the boot lid. 2018 Hyundai i20 Active Facelift. (Image: Hyundai) Inside the cabin, the car gets a revised touchscreen and button arrangement identical to the 2018 Hyundai i20 which was recently launched in India. The car gets new Alps blue interior highlights that complement the dual tone exterior along with the updated seat upholstery. 2018 Hyundai i20 Active Facelift. (Image: Hyundai) The Hyundai i20 Active continues to have 1.2 L Kappa Petrol engine that produces 83 Ps and comes mated to 5-speed manual gearbox. The car also have existing 1.4 L U2 CRDi diesel engine that produces 90 Ps and comes paired with 6-speed manual gearbox. 2018 Hyundai i20 Active Facelift. (Image: Hyundai) In terms of safety, the 2018 Hyundai Elite i20 comes with 6 airbags, parking assist and auto door lock at high speed. 2018 Hyundai i20 Active Facelift. (Image: Hyundai) The '108' bike ambulance service has reduced the response time in emergency cases up to 33 percent in the Himachal Pradesh capital, an official spokesperson said. The service was introduced as First Responder Bikes (FRB) in Shimla on April 2 to attend to emergency cases being reported from here. FRBs in its initial 20 days, up to April 22, served 100 emergency cases in Shimla town, the Himachal Pradesh government spokesperson said, adding that on an average, five cases were attended to every day here. Also Read: Give Undertaking that Official Cars are Used for Official Purposes Only: Delhi Govt to Officers During this period, the highest number, 24 percent cases, were of acute abdomen pain, followed by, 14 percent, non-vehicular trauma and 9 percent cardiac-related cases, he said. These bike ambulances are equipped with primary pre-hospital care facilities such as medicines, medical consumables and equipment along with oxygen required for stabilization of patients. The FRB staff provide first aid and initial stabilization of the patient. In 68 percent of cases, pre-hospital care was provided at the location and it was not necessary to take the patient to the hospital, the spokesperson said. Don't Forget to Subscribe to the 'Tech And Auto Show' YouTube Channel The bike ambulance service supplements 108 National Ambulance Service (NAS). Himachal Health Minister Vipin Parmar informed that the 108 NAS has a big network of 198 ambulances in the state. New Delhi: In another exit by a foreign player from the Indian mutual fund space, financial services firm DSP Group on Monday announced buyout of leading global asset manager BlackRock's 40 per cent stake in DSP BlackRock Investment Managers, which manages over Rs 1 lakh crore worth assets. DSP BlackRock is a joint venture (JV) between DSP Group and BlackRock and is one of the leading asset management companies (AMCs) in the country. DSP Group owns 60 per cent stake in the JV while the remaining 40 per cent is with BlackRock Inc. "The JV partners have entered an agreement whereby DSP Group will acquire the entire 40 per cent stake of BlackRock, to become the sole owner," the Group said in a statement. The DSP group was set up by veteran investment banker Hemendra Kothari in 1975 and it partnered with erstwhile foreign financial services giant Merrill Lynch in 1995 for a mutual fund joint venture. Subsequently, DSL Group and Merrill Lynch parted ways and BlackRock acquired Merrill Lynch's 40 per cent stake in the Indian fund house in 2008. This followed BlackRock's takeover of Merrill Lynch's investment management division across the world. In recent years, a number of foreign players have sold their stakes in Indian mutual fund ventures. These include Goldman Sachs, StanChart, Fidelity, Morgan Stanley, Daiwa AMC, ING Mutual Fund, PineBridge, Deutsche Bank and JP Morgan. However, some foreign players went on to re-enter Indian market, after selling their earlier ventures. Currently, there are over 40 active mutual funds in India with a collective asset under management of more than Rs 23 lakh crore. Following the buyout announced today, the new firm will be known as DSP Investment Managers Pvt Ltd and DSP BlackRock Mutual Fund is proposed to become DSP Mutual Fund, subject to regulatory approvals. "The next decade will see the asset management industry in India grow manifold and DSP Group is very well poised to capture a significant portion of that growth," said Hemendra Kothari, chairman at DSP BlackRock Investment Managers. "We will continue investing in our people, our technology platforms and our relationships with clients and distribution partners, to maintain steadfast focus on delivering long-term investment excellence," he added. Ryan Stork, chairman of BlackRock Asia Pacific said the company is "committed to the Indian market for the long term and continues to be a fast-growing employer there, where we have over 1,400 employees in offices across Gurgaon, Mumbai and Bengaluru." As of April this year, DSP BlackRock manages assets in excess of Rs 1.1 lakh crore (USD 16.5 billion) across equity, fixed income and alternatives with over 2 million individual investors. New Delhi: Seven Indians were abducted in Baghlan province of Afghanistan early on Sunday morning, with the Ministry of External Affairs confirming that it was in touch with authorities to ensure their safe return. Afghanistans foreign minister Salah al-Din Rabbani also spoke to external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and assured her that the Afghan forces were taking all necessary measures to rescue the Indians. The recent episode brings to spotlight Indias ties with Afghanistan which have been hailed by many, including the Afghan ambassador to India, Shaida Mohammad Abdali, who said that India was the largest regional donor to the country. In September 2017, India and Afghanistan agreed to move ahead with the New Development Partnership to the tune of $1 billion, in which India would take up hundreds of development projects in Afghanistan in areas including education, health, agriculture, water, etc. Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping also agreed to work on several development projects in Afghanistan jointly. The bilateral trade between India-Afghanistan in 2016-17 stood at $590.1 million with Indias exports to Afghanistan being $377.2 million and imports from Afghanistan worth $212.9 million. The spate of investments, running into billions of dollars, has not come easy. According to South Asian Terrorism Portal (SATP), in December 2003, two Indian engineers who were working on a road project in Zabul were abducted and were released after intense negotiations. A month before that, an Indian engineer was shot dead. Two years later, in 2005, a driver working with BRO was killed and his beheaded body found near Zaranj. Post that, India is said to have deployed close to 200 of its soldiers from ITBP for protection of Indian nationals and projects. In 2006, an Indian engineer working with a Turkish company was killed in Farah in a bomb attack and another engineer was abducted and subsequently beheaded in Zabul. The same year, the Indian consulate in Herat was rocked by an explosion, though no casualties were reported. In 2007, two bombs were thrown at the Indian consulate in Jalalabad. The year after, 2008, saw what was probably the first ever suicide attack on Indians in Afghanistan and it left two ITBP soldiers dead and five injured in Nimroz. The same year, the Indian consulate in Kabul was attacked after a suicide bomb went off killing over 55 people and wounding hundreds. Among those killed included senior Army officer Brigadier Ravi Datt Mehta. A year later, in 2009, the Indian embassy was attacked again, resulting in the death of 17 more people. Before the attack, in February 2009, an Indian was abducted and eventually killed. In 2010, a guest house frequented by Indians was attacked, killing six construction workers and several Indian doctors. The same year, two Indian nationals were killed in a missile attack launched by the Taliban on the office of an Indian NGO New Delhi: Seven Indian engineers who were abducted in Afghanistans Baghlan province by Taliban gunmen were mistaken to be Afghan government employees, provincial governor Abdulhai Nemati has said. Local media quoted Nemati as saying that efforts were on to secure the release of the Indians, all employees of the RPG group, through tribe elders and mediation. The External Affairs Ministry said in New Delhi that it is in touch with authorities in Afghanistan and is ascertaining the details of the incident. Afghan news channel TOLOnews reported that the Taliban militants abducted six Indians, working for Maharashtra-based company KEC, and their Afghan driver early this morning in Bagh-e-Shamal area of the provincial capital Pul-e-Khomri, while the Associated Press said seven Indian electrical engineers were kidnapped. The company employees were abducted while they were travelling to the area where KEC has a contract to operate an electricity sub-station, the Afghan news channel reported citing officials. Baghlan Governor Abdulhai Nemati said the Taliban group took the engineers hostage and moved them to the Dand-e-Shahabuddin area of Pul-e-Khomri city, according to the report. It quoted Nemati as saying that Afghan authorities spoke with the Taliban via local people and the terror group said it had abducted them, believing they were government employees. No group has, however, claimed responsibility for the abduction. Nemati said they are trying to get the abductees released through tribe elders and mediation. In response to queries, the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said, "We are aware of the abduction of Indian nationals from Baghlan province in Afghanistan. We are in contact with the Afghan authorities and further details are being ascertained." Harsh Goenka, the chairman of RPG Enterprises, the parent company of KEC, said he has requested External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to help rescue its employees. "Request @SushmaSwaraj and Ministry of External Affairs to help rescue 7 of our managers from the kidnapping in Afghanistan.#KEC," Goenka tweeted. Request @SushmaSwaraj and Ministry of External Affairs to help rescue 7 of our managers from the kidnapping in Afghanistan. #KEC https://t.co/o7R1dGlZcY Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) May 6, 2018 KEC, a global infrastructure engineering, procurement and construction major, is operating in Afghanistan, besides several other Indian companies. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: A question on 'bad omens' asked by the Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC) in the Junior Engineer (JE) recruitment exam has angered the Brahmin community. The question paper given to applicants for recruitment on April 10 had a question on selecting which was not a 'bad omen prevalent in Haryana'. The options included: an empty pitcher, a casket full of fuel, meeting a black Brahmin or sight of a Brahmin girl. The Haryana Brahmin Sabha has lodged strong protests against the humiliating question and a state minister has promised a probe into the matter. "It's shocking. A candidate should be judged on the basis of his mental ability and professional competence rather than superstition and communalism. We will look into the matter and whoever is found guilty will be punished," said state PWD Minister Rao Narbeer. A local representative of the Sabha has sought an apology from the government. "It is shocking that engineers are chosen on the basis of their level of superstition rather than skill. This is an insult to the Brahmin community. We want strict action against the culprit and also an apology from the government," he said. This fresh controversy comes a day after Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that there has been an increase in the number of people offering namaz in open spaces and that prayers should be restricted to mosques and idgahs. People offering namaz were getting up midway and running away in the face of slogan-shouting on Friday in busy areas of Haryana like Iffco Chowk, Udyog Vihar, Leisure Valley Park and Mall Mile on MG Road. At a park opposite Candor Techspace, a group of corporate executives prayed amid heavy security cover. The report said that Hindutva outfits went around the city shouting slogans like 'Jai Shri Ram' and 'Bangladeshi wapas jao, and disrupted congregations. Srinagar: In the first incident in recent times of a tourist falling prey to the Kashmir unrest, a 22-year-old tourist from Chennai passed away on Monday after being injured in stone pelting on Srinagar-Gulmarg Road near Narbal. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti met the deceased's family at the hospital late on Monday night. She later said, "My head hangs in shame. It is very sad and heartbreaking." Another 19-year-old girl, identified as Sabreena from Handwara, too, suffered injuries and is undergoing treatment at a local hospital. The deceased has been identified as Thirumani, son of Rajwali, a Chennai resident. He succumbed to his injuries after a vehicle he was travelling in got caught in the clashes between security forces and stone pelters on Monday morning in Kashmir's Budgam area. He was referred to the SKIMS hospital in Srinagar in a serious condition where he passed away in the evening. Former Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah wrote in a series of tweets, "Weve killed a tourist by throwing stones at the vehicle he was travelling in. Lets try and wrap our heads around the fact that we stoned a tourist, a guest, to death while we glorify these stone pelters & their methods." "This young man from Chennai died in my constituency & while I dont support these goons, their methods or their ideology Im deeply, deeply sorry that this happened at all & that too in an area Ive been proud to represent since 2014," he wrote. An FIR has been registered at the Magam police station under Sections 148, 247, 307, 336 of RPC. Police have initiated an investigation to nab the culprits. At least 24 people have lost their lives in different incidents of violence across Kashmir in the past week. On Sunday five militants were killed in an encounter in Shopian which triggered massive clashes between civilians and security forces leading to five civilians being killed in Kulgam. As reports of gunfight trickled in on Sunday, youth took to the streets and clashed with security forces. In retaliation, forces fired live ammunition, pellets and tear gas at the protesters, injuring dozens. Five of them succumbed to their injuries and were identified as Asif Ahmad Mir, Zubair Ahmad Negroo, Yasir Ahmad, Adil Ahmad and Sajad Ahmad. On Saturday, three militants, including two locals, were killed in Srinagar. In clashes that ensured, a civilian was crushed under the wheels of an armored vehicle. A video of the civilians death was widely circulated on social media despite curbs on internet services. New Delhi: Justice J Chelameswar is likely to take a call on Tuesday whether he should decide about listing of a petition filed by two Congress MPs for initiating impeachment proceedings against the Chief Justice of India. You come back tomorrow. We will see," the judge told senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, who mentioned the matter before the most senior judge. Sibal submitted that since the case relates to CJI Dipak Misra, he cannot mention it before the CJI to demand a date of hearing. The manner in which the Vice-President rejected the notice for impeachment raises serious constitutional issues. It involves interpretation of pertinent constitutional provisions, Sibal told Justice Chelameswar. When asked by the judge why he cannot mention it before the CJI who is the 'master of the roster', Sibal said that the petition seeks impeachment proceedings against the CJI and thus, it cannot be mentioned there. Advocate Prashant Bhushan too said that in the given circumstances, the CJI is disabled from even directing the registrar when and where to list this matter. At this, Justice Sanjay K Kaul, who comprised the bench with Justice Chelameswar, said that if the petition has not been numbered so far, let the lawyers wait. But Sibal maintained that all that they are asking for is a judicial order on listing since the CJI cannot decide it on the administrative side. It is not so simple, said Justice Kaul. The bench then asked the lawyers to come back on Tuesday. initiate impeachment proceedings against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra. Rajya Sabha MPs Partap Singh Bajwa and Amee Harshadray Yajnik have filed the petition against the Naidus decision to reject the notice of impeachment last month. The petition told the court that Naidu's decision appears to be motivated by political consideration and should be set aside for being arbitrary and illegal. The rejection seems to be motivated by political consideration beyond the constitutional scheme which is buttressed by the fact that one of the charges against the Chief Justice is that he has been partial in assigning political sensitive cases pertaining to the ruling party before particular benches of this Honble Court in order to get a predetermined outcome, claimed the petition. None of the reasons given by the chairman in the impugned order carry any weight or are legally tenable. It deserves to be set aside for being wholly extraneous and ultra vires to the provisions of the Constitution of India and the Inquiry Act, stated the petition filed through advocate Sunil Fernandes. It asked for a declaration that V-P, as chairman of the Rajya Sabha, cannot exercise discretion and that he must set up an inquiry panel under the Judges' Inquiry Act, to probe the allegations against Justice Misra. In the absence of a full-fledged inquiry, it is not possible to return any findings on the same. Yet the impugned order, in a cavalier, cryptic and abrupt manner, shockingly holds that none of the other charges are made out without disclosing as to on what basis was this finding retuned, said the plea. The charges contained in the Notice of Motion are extremely serious and merit a full-fledged inquiry to test their veracity read the petition, adding it cannot be adjudicated in a summary whimsical manner as the impugned order has sought to do. Contending that the provision in the Inquiry Act that tends to give discretion to the chairman is against the spirit of the pertinent constitutional provisions, it maintained that the chairman/speaker has no role whatsoever with regards to this committee, excepting ensuring that said committee is duly constituted. The impugned order proceeds on an erroneous assumption in law that the chairman/speaker, exercises quasi-judicial powers to determine whether to admit or not to admit a notice of motion and whether to constitute the aforesaid committee, stated the plea. The only discretion, with the chairman to reject the motion, it added, is if it does not have the requisite number of signatures and that merits of the charges are for the inquiry committee to investigate and present a report on. The petition also claimed that the V-P rejected the notice without proper consultation. It is strange that when the motion related to the impeachment of the Chief Justice, the chairman deemed it fit to consult legal luminaries, constitutional experts, former secretary generals, former law officers, Law Commission members and eminent jurists but had not thought it appropriate and fit to consult the judges of the Supreme Court of India. This by itself is a serious infirmity, said the plea. Stating that the petition is maintainable, it added that the chairman of the Rajya Sabha is equally a statutory authority under the Inquiry Act and is similarly subject to the courts jurisdiction up to the point of admission of the motion, constitution of the committee and the recording of findings by the committee. New Delhi: In a shocking incident, a DJ allegedly stabbed a 34-year-old man to death at a discotheque in west Delhi's Punjabi Bagh on Sunday night. The accused DJ, identified as Deepak Vashisht, alias DJ Yuri, has been arrested and police have recovered a butter knife with which the accused allegedly committed the murder. The entire incident has been captured on CCTV. On Sunday night, the victim, identified as Vijaydeep, visited Raftar club in Punjabi Bagh along with a group of his friends. The dance floor is situated on the third floor of the nightclub while the DJ was playing music on the fourth floor. The victim did not like the music that was playing and went upstairs to complain to the DJ. But things did not go well between the two. A scuffle broke out between the two after the DJ refused to change the song, despite repeated demands by the victim. "Vijaydeep threw the DJ's laptop at him and angered by this the accused came down from his console and started stabbing Vijaydeep with a butter knife till he collapsed," said a senior police official. Upon witnessing the altercation, the victim's friends rushed upstairs. The DJ also assaulted and injured Vijaydeep's girlfriend with a bottle and then ran away from the club. Police arrested the DJ from his house in Burari on Monday morning. A case of murder has been registered against him. Indian Air Force Recruitment 2018 notification to fill 79 Group C Civilian posts at HQ Western Air Command has been released in this weeks Employment News. Interested and eligible candidates must send their applications for the relevant post on or before 4th June 2018 by following the instructions given below: How to apply for Indian Air Force Recruitment 2018 for Group C Civilian Posts? Step 1 Click on the official advertisement: http://www.davp.nic.in/WriteReadData/ADS/eng_10801_5_1819b.pdf Step 2 Download the application form Step 3 Fill the application form, sign it and send it to the concerned postal address as given in front of the post applied Indian Air Force Recruitment 2018 - Vacancy Details: Total Posts: 79 Draughtsman Grade (D Man Grade) III 1 Lower Division Clerk (LDC) 3 MTS - 44 Safaiwali 1 Mess Staff 15 Safaiwala 12 Cook 2 Painter 1 Eligibility Criteria: Draughtsman Grade (D Man Grade) III The applicant must be a class 10th passed from recognized Board and must possess 2 years Diploma in Mechanical Drawing or Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering or Draughtsmanship (Mechanical or Civil) from an Industrial Training Institute or equivalent recognized Institution. Lower Division Clerk (LDC) - The applicant must be a class 12th passed from recognized Board and must have a typing speed of 35 wpm in English or 30 wpm in Hindi on computer. Multi Tasking Staff (MTS) - The applicant must be a class 10th passed from recognized Board. Safaiwali/ Safaiwala - The applicant must be a class 10th passed from recognized Board. Mess Staff - The applicant must be a class 10th passed from recognized Board. Cook - The applicant must be a class 10th passed from recognized Board with a certificate or diploma in catering. Painter - The applicant must be a class 10th passed from recognized Board and must possess an Industrial Training Institute Certificate in the trade of Painter from a recognized institute. Age Limit: The applicants must fall in the age bracket of 18 to 25 years. Age relaxation are applicable as stated in the official advertisement. Selection Process: Candidates will be selected on the basis of Written Test or Skill Test. New Delhi: At least 24 people have lost their lives in different incidents of violence across Kashmir. The latest deaths were reported on Sunday when five militants were killed in an encounter in Shopian, and as many civilians died in ensuing clashes with security forces in Kulgam. The militants included top Hizbul Mujahideen commander Saddam Padder and Kashmiri University Assistant Professor Muhammad Rafi Bhat, who had been reportedly missing since Friday. The encounter had broken out in Shopian districts Badigam village after the Indian Armys 44 Rashtriya Rifles launched a cordon-and-search operation in the area. As reports of gunfight trickled in, youth took to the streets and clashed with security forces. In retaliation, forces fired live ammunition, pellets and tear gas at the protesters, injuring dozens. Five of them succumbed to their injuries and were identified as Asif Ahmad Mir, Zubair Ahmad Negroo, Yasir Ahmad, Adil Ahmad and Sajad Ahmad. The Deadly Week The deaths in Shopian capped a violent week, which witnessed several militant and civilian deaths in Kashmir. On Saturday, three militants, including two locals, were killed in Srinagar. In clashes that ensured, a civilian was crushed under the wheels of an armored vehicle. A video of the civilians death was widely circulated on social media despite curbs on internet services. A day earlier, two people were abducted and shot dead by unidentified assailants in Bandipora district of north Kashmir. The bodies were found near a mosque by locals. On the same day, gunmen shot dead a Special Police Officer (SPO) of Jammu and Kashmir police in south Kashmirs Pulwama district. On Thursday, a 35-year-old man was killed and his wife critically injured after suspected militants broke into their house in Sopore. This incident came four days after bullet-riddled bodies of three young men were found in Baramullas Old Town. Police suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba militants to be behind the killings. Earlier in the week, two Hizbul Mujahideen militants, including Sameer Tiger, were killed in a gunfight with the security forces in Drubgam village of south Kashmirs Pulwama district. A civilian was killed when protesters clashed with forces. Another Bloody Sunday Sundays violence, which claimed 10 lives, was the second bloodiest Sunday in Kashmir this year in terms of the death toll. On April 1, at least 19 people, including 12 militants, four civilians and three forces personnel, were killed in three separate encounters and clashes in south Kashmirs Shopian and Anantnag districts. Mumbai: Fourth in the list of states with cases of honour killing, the Maharashtra government is planning to enact a law to encourage inter-caste and inter-religion marriages and to protect such couples. Minister for Social Justice & Special Assistance, Rajkumar Badole, held a review meeting of the committee constituted to frame the law. The draft for the law will be prepared within the next three months. Badole told News18 that the bill will be tabled in the upcoming monsoon session. Although there is already a Special Marriage Act for inter-religious marriages, there are various lacunae in it which will be considered in the new law, he said. According to the existing law, the children born to inter-caste couples are deprived of the benefits of reservations and other concessions given to the backward community if one parent is from the general category. The law will also focus on providing special benefits to children born to these couples. The children will get benefits of reservations and other concessions that one of their parents is already getting. Apart from that, the government will also provide special concessions such as fee waiver to these children. According to the inter-state marriage law committee chairman, CS Thul, letters have been sent to all district superintendents of police to seek information about the number of complaints pertaining to inter-caste marriages. Mumbai: Members of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena(MNS) on Monday disrupted and stopped the survey work being carried out to acquire land for the bullet train project in Palghar district of Maharashtra. The development has come seven days after MNS Chief Raj Thackeray urged the land owners to retain their property and fight against land acquisitions for bullet train. Around 20 members of the MNS gathered at the Shil Phata on the old Mumbai-Pune road and protested against the survey that was being carried out by National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited. They also damaged the instruments used to survey the land. Aninash Jadhav of the MNS said Maharashtra does not need bullet train, this project is being done for Gujarat. Our leader Raj Sahib has opposed this project and even the people of Maharashtra have opposed this project. So, today we have forced them to stop this survey. We will continue our protest against the project. Speaking at a rally in Vasai on May 1, Raj Thackeray had said, Bullet train is only a means to bring Gujarat closer to Mumbai. He alleged that even before the project could take off, rich Gujaratis from Gujarat had started buying properties alongside the bullet train route. In the same rally, Raj Thackeray asked the farmers not to give away their land for the proposed bullet train and Mumbai-Vadodara Expressway. Earlier also, Raj Thackeray had opposed the bullet train project after the Elphinstone bridge stampede in which 23 people lost their lives. Raj had said that the government needs to concentrate on the basic infrastructure of Railways rather than investing on the bullet train project. He had also said that he will not allow a single brick of the bullet train project to be laid in Maharashtra. Farmers and Tribals from Palghar, Dahanu and Talasari have already opposed land acquisition for the bullet train project. There were several incidents in the first week of May when the locals have protested and stopped the survey for the project. New Delhi: Top Naxal leaders from Bihar and Jharkhand are paying lakhs to private medical and engineering colleges to secure admission for their relatives, a ministry of home affairs dossier has revealed. The MHA dossier, accessed by CNN-News18, showed a major spike in the assets of the top brass of Naxals in the last few years. Officials said that the biggest source of these funds is extortion. While Pradyuman Sharma, a member of the Jharkhand special area committee (BJAS), paid Rs 22 lakh for admission of his niece in a medical college, another BJAS member Sandeep Yadav ensured his son and daughters admission in a private engineering college and a private institute respectively. Senior leader Arvind Yadav, meanwhile, paid Rs 12 lakh as fee for his brother to study in a private engineering college, officials said. Sandeep Yadav, the dossier showed, also exchanged Rs 15 lakh cash during the demonetisation drive. Traders used as a front for the exchange informed the police about the cash during interrogation, officials said. He also has a flat in Ranchi worth Rs 30 lakh and has also reportedly invested Rs 50 lakh in real estate. "ED has seized Rs 1.45 crore in cash and properties, including land spread across 32 acres and several buildings, in his name. Two buses, 11 cars/jeeps and two tractors have also been seized under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) act," MHA said. Pradyuman Sharma, who is accused in 51 cases, has also acquired land worth Rs 37 lakh. Top ministry officials told CNN-News18 that extortion is the source of these assets. "Fee imposed on private contractors, transporters and owners of small and medium industries is the source of these funds. Funds are also generated through collections in illegal mining and stone crushing and collection of tendu patta, he said. "CPI(Maoist) is known to force children to join their squads and strongly resist all kinds of development activities, be it road construction or mobile towers erection. Their double standard is exposed by the kind of education and other facilities they provide to their own children and families," a top MHA official told CNN-News18. Ministry of Home Affairs said that a multi-disciplinary groups comprising officers from central agencies, state police, DRI, state intelligence, CID, CBDT, NIA and CBI is being set up to choke funds of Naxals. The Enforcement Directorate has registered four cases against Sandeep Yadav, Pradyuman Sharma, Vinay Yadav and Musafir Sahni under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Properties worth Rs 1.5 crore belonging to Sandeep and Pradyuman have been attached. In case you missed it Out of the 2,560 candidates in the Karnataka elections fray, 391 have self-declared criminal cases against them while 254 of them have serious criminal cases in their names, shows a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). The ADR report says, among all major parties contesting the elections, BJP has the most number of candidates with criminal cases, followed by Congress and JD(S). Shabrin is the youngest candidate contesting this years election in Karnataka, if we go by affidavits filed by the candidates. She is one of the thirteen candidates contesting from the constituency, which will also see Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy trying his luck from the same. The affidavit says shes 20 years old. Days after a killer dust and thunderstorm ravaged several states in north and eastern India, leaving a trail of destruction, including 124 dead, the weather department on Sunday issued another warning alerting several states of possible storms in the next 48 hours. While asserting that a 20-year-old Kerala woman, whose marriage had been annulled, could choose whom she wanted to live with, the Supreme Court said that an adult couple has a right to live together without marriage. The top court held that live-in relationships were now even recognized by the Legislature and they had found a place under the provisions of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. "I am sorry if I have hurt you, Mohammed Rafi Bhat had told his father before he was gunned down in an encounter with security forces at Shopian in South Kashmir on Sunday. It was the first call of the day that Fayaz Ahmed Bhat received from his sociologist son and the last ever. Rafi Bhat, an assistant professor at Kashmir University, was one among five terrorists killed in Shopian encounter. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah used him as an example to say that providing jobs and ensuring development is not the solution that will end "violence and alienation" in the state. Rafi Bhat, a 33-year-old professor on contract with the Kashmir University's Sociology department, had left the varsity premises on Friday and had been missing since then. Reports had suggested he had joined the terror group, but his father had repeatedly told the police Rafi would not pick up arms. As tension grips Aligarh Muslim University over Jinnah portrait, former students of the varsity say that at the time it was installed, circumstances were different and vote bank politics was not a part of the university. Ninety-four-year-old Riaz-Ur-Sherwani, who was 12-years-old when Jinnah was accorded life membership of AMUSU in 1938, says that it was a personal affair of the students, and it still is. Sherwani is known to vehemently oppose Jinnah and his policies, however, he says that when the portrait was put up, the circumstances of the country were different and no outsider can dictate what is to be hung in the university hall. Fatima (name changed) spends her nights gazing at the skies and thinking if she can ever afford to return to Kathua after six months, where bitter memories of her minor daughters brutal death and a hostile neighbourhood awaits her. Fatima feels betrayed and emotionally broken over the events that followed the rape and murder of her 8-year-old daughter by people who had been her neighbours for years in Rasana village of Kathua district. The apex court will hear the Kathua rape-murder case today in the backdrop of multiple pleas being filed both by families of the victim and the accused. Fatima wants the case to be heard in a fast track court and accused hanged. If they are set free, all four of us me, my husband and two other children would be shot dead, she said. Vandals on late Friday morning defaced the door of the chapel inside Delhi Universitys prestigious St Stephens College with a pro-Hindutva slogan that read, Mandir yahin banega (The temple will be constructed here). The cross outside the chapel was also defaced. Agree or disagree? Over 50 winners boycotted the National Awards this year after learning that President Ram Nath Kovind will be presenting awards only in 11 categories while the rest of the winners will receive their trophies from I&B Minister Smriti Irani, and MoS Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore. Academy Awards, like most award shows, also happens to begin with the technical awards saving the 'big' awards like Best Actor, Best Director and the Best Picture for the last. On most occasions, the Academy picks out the presenter of an award based on the 'importance' of the award. In fact, it is not just the Academy, closer home, pick any award show be it the Filmfare Awards, Stardust Awards or IFFA, they all follow the same pattern. Unfortunately, the presenters for technical awards in these shows are mostly obscure B-grade actors/actresses or worst still, sponsors of these shows. It's a sad truth that not just in India, but across the world, film technicians always get a raw deal when it comes to getting recognition for their work. The red carpets are rolled out for stars and as they pose and smile and hundreds of cameras zoom in and focus on them, the technicians are reduced to dressed-up unknown faces in the background. It's official: Narendra Modi is the most followed political leader on social media (97 million) and has twice as many Facebook fans as Donald Trump. Conventional social media is thus a readymade platform for the BJP's 2019 electoral campaign. But the cutting edge of voter outreach this time could well be the controversial NaMo app. In Karnataka, conventional wisdom says the Congress has a definite edge, but will the Wizard of Apps pull a rabbit out of his pagdi? On reel Rajkummar Rao and Hansal Mehal decided to do away with their serious veneer and space out. Watch their interview here. (Get a fresh dose of the news that matters, delivered directly to your inbox, every morning. The perfect way, to get you started and informed, for the day ahead. Subscribe to News18 Daybreak here.) Jodhpur: Bollywood star Salman Khan is in the Rajasthani city for the hearing of his application before a sessions judge challenging the trial court order that sentenced him to a five-year jail term in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. The application is listed for hearing on Monday before Jodhpur District and Sessions Judge Chandra Kumar Songara, the actor's counsel Nishant Bora said. Fifty-two-year-old Khan reached Jodhpur on Sunday afternoon from Mumbai by a regular flight, a police official said. He is accompanied by his sister Alvira, bodyguard Shera and some others, he said. Khan was driven from driven straight from the airport to a five-star hotel. The actor will be present in the court during the hearing of his appeal, his counsel said. Khan was released from the Jodhpur jail, where he spent two nights, on April 7 after then District and Sessions Judge Ravindra Kumar Joshi granted him bail in the case. In a late evening order on April 6, Joshi was transferred to Sirohi as part of a reshuffle carried out by the Rajasthan High Court. He was replaced by Songara. In his order granting bail, Joshi had allowed Khan's application for suspension of sentence for a month against his conviction. The judge had asked the actor to appear before the court after a month on May 7 when it would hear his plea for suspension of sentence. He also directed Khan not to leave the country without the court's permission. Chief Judicial Magistrate Dev Kumar Khatri had on April 5 sentenced Khan to five years in prison for killing two blackbucks during the shooting of Hum Saath Saath Hain in Kankani village near Jodhpur on the night of October 1, 1998. The trial court had acquitted his Bollywood colleagues Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Neelam and Sonali Bendre and a local, Dushyant Singh, giving them the "benefit of doubt" for the incident. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday came to the rescue of a Karnataka politician's 26-year-old daughter, who has been married off by her family allegedly without her consent, and asked the state police to provide her security, after she claimed there was a threat to her life from her kin. The woman, a computer engineer who was named Ms 'X' in the plea, appeared before a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra and submitted that her marriage be set aside as she did not consent to it and that she be granted protection as she wanted to pursue further studies and job in Bengaluru. The bench, also comprising justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, said that it has already made clear that it will not deal with the constitutionality of the provisions of the Hindu Marriage Act and validity of her "forced marriage". The bench, however, considered the plea of woman for grant of security and asked the Karnataka police to provide it to her at Bengaluru where she would be residing for work and further studies. "You (woman) are a major. You are independent to go wherever you want to go," the bench said, adding that nobody, including her family members and the husband, can force or coerce her. It considered the submissions of senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for the woman, who had requested that the her identity and that of her family not be disclosed, that her parents be asked to give back the documents like educational certificates, Aadhaar card and passport. Jaising, who initially sought setting aside of marriage on the grounds of lack of consent, later said that the woman would be pursuing the remedy for dissolution of marriage at an appropriate forum. The bench then discharged Delhi police and the Delhi Commission for Women, which were granting protection and pursuing her case respectively, of their responsibility as the woman said that she would be going back to Karnataka. Earlier, the apex court had asked the Centre and the Delhi Police to grant her protection during the stay in the national capital. The woman had sought striking down of sections 5 and 7 of the Hindu Marriage Act (HMA) to the extent that they fail "to prescribe free, fair, valid prior consent of the parties to a marriage". "We can deal this petition as habeas corpus petition only. We will not get into the constitutionality of the provisions of the HMA," the bench had said. The woman had sought quashing of her marriage conducted on March 14, 2018 on the grounds that it was solemnised without her free, fair and valid prior consent by her family members. The court had said such a declaration that lack of explicit consent would render the marriage invalid can be decided through appropriate proceedings emanating from family court. She had claimed that her fundamental right to choose her life partner, has been brazenly trampled by her "family members, who in connivance with each other, have coerced, threatened, blackmailed, harassed, pressurized, abused, compelled and tricked her into getting married to the man, against her wishes and free consent". The woman had also claimed that she had escaped from the "clutches of her abusive family in Karnataka" and reached Delhi and further sought direction to the authorities from the apex court to provide her adequate security in order to safeguard her life, liberty and limb which was under threat from her own family members who are politically active in Karnataka. She had also said her family's conduct was indicative of resulting in the ghastly act of 'honour killing' as she wanted to get married to a person outside her caste. The woman, an engineer by profession, alleged that she was forced to discontinue her studies in January this year as her parents forced her to marry against her wishes. Kolkata: A Special Task Force of Kolkata Police busted an arms and ammunition racket that is suspected of supplying guns to Maoists, other criminal groups and insurgency outfits from the Rifle Factory Ishapore, which is a unit of the Indian Ordnance Factories under the Ministry of Defence. Two workers of the factory and four others were arrested on Sunday evening for smuggling the rifles out of the factory. The factory makes INSAS assault rifles for security forces, as well as other sophisticated self-loading rifles. Sushanta Basu and Sukhda Murmu, the two factory workers, were arrested from their homes in Noapara in North 24-parganas, while the other four accused - Ajay Kumar Pandey, Jayasanker Pandey, Umesh Roy and Kartick Shaw were arrested from Babughat area in central Kolkata after a tip-off, police said. The involvement of other factory workers in this racket, which could have been operating for almost a decade, is also being probed. DCP of the Special Task Force, Murlidhar Sharma, told News18 that seven revolvers, one carbine and 10 rounds of ammunitions were seized from their possession. They have confessed that all items were smuggled out of the Rifle Factory, he said. All of them were booked under section 413 (dealing in stolen property) and 120 B (party to criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code read with 25/27 (1AA) of the Arms Act. We are planning to write a letter to the officials concerned regarding security lapses at the factory. This is a serious issue and needs immediate attention, he added. The incident has brought security arrangements at Ordnance Factory, which is one of the high security zones in the state, under scanner. The Ishapore factory is manned by private security guards and not by the CISF. Sources maintained that due to the sheer volume of employees working in the factory, frisking each and every worker is impossible. Also, there are serious lapses in maintaining records of all scarp items kept in the factory store. Usually, before auctioning of scrap items of arms and ammunitions, its mandatory to cut all items into small pieces. But here we have to check whether the usual norms were followed, a senior police officer said. This is not for the first time when an employee of Ishapore Rifle Factory has been caught for smuggling. On September 21 last year, STF of Kolkata Police had arrested Sambhu Bhattacharjee (49), a junior works manager, for allegedly smuggling out parts of 5.56 mm Insas rifles, 7.62 mm SLRs and selling them to illegal arms manufacturers. One of his associates, Deepak Shaw, was also subsequently arrested. New Delhi: A high-velocity dust storm hit the national capital on Monday night, the weatherman said. The storm, with a wind speed of 70 kilometres per hours, hit Delhi around 11.20 PM, an official at the Safdarjung observatory said. Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Chandigarh also experienced strong winds accompanied by rain, with trees swaying violently in the dark. Two people were also injured in a storm in Uttarakhand. Storms also hit Haryana and Punjab with many residents preferring to stay indoors in view of the IMD forecasting thunderstorm and squall on Tuesday in several parts of north India. The intensity of the storm is only expected to increase on Tuesday prompting authorities to put in place various emergency measures such as part-closure of schools and cancelling leave of civic officials. The weather department has said that thunderstorm and squall are very likely in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, western Uttar Pradesh and sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim. At least 124 people were killed and more than 300 others injured in five states due to dust storms, thunderstorms and lightning last week. Following the IMD warning, the Delhi government decided to close all evening schools on Tuesday, and put search and rescue teams on standby. There are around 400 evening schools running in the national capital. The government has also asked other schools not to hold outdoor activities and extracurricular activities between 3 pm and 7 pm during which the wind speed is expected to remain high. Ghaziabad and Meerut have also decided to shut all schools and colleges. In Gurugram, several offices have asked their employees to work from home. The government also issued a list of "dos and don'ts" to deal with any such possible situation. The traffic police has asked commuters to check weather conditions before travelling while the Delhi Metro too has decided to exercise extreme caution in running of trains in the wake of the warning. "If wind speed is reported in the range of 70-90 kmph then train movement will remain normal but trains will enter with a restricted speed of 40 kmph or less at the platforms on elevated section. If wind speed is reported more than 90 kmph then trains will be put on hold at platforms and no train will enter platform with a speed of more than 15 kmph," a senior DMRC official said. The revenue department of the Delhi government has issued directions to all district officers and said water and power utilities would also keep restoration teams ready. At the same time, the Delhi Traffic Police has advised commuters to plan their journey after checking the weather conditions. The Delhi Traffic Police's advisory states that it has alerted the field formations to be ready to get obstacles such as fallen trees removed. The advisory has asked commuters to avoid travelling during the storm. The Haryana government has cancelled leave of all officials in civic bodies across the state and shut all schools. Fire and other emergency services, too, have been directed to remain alert. According to the IMD, thunderstorm, accompanied with gusty winds, is very likely at isolated places over Punjab, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, Bihar, western Madhya Pradesh, east Uttar Pradesh and East Rajasthan, Coastal and South Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Heavy rains were very likely at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, south interior Karnataka and Kerala. New Delhi: A five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court will on Tuesday hear a petition moved by two Congress MPs challenging rejection of the impeachment notice against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra by Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu. The bench will be headed by Justice AK Sikri, number six in seniority. The other members are Justices SA Bobde, NV Ramana, Arun Mishra and AK Goel, who are next in the sequence of seniority. The senior-most judges Justices Jasti Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, MB Lokur and Kurian Jospeh who had held the controversial January 12 press conference in which they had virtually rebelled against the CJI by raising litany of allegations against him, are not on the bench. The setting up of the Constitution Bench was mentioned in Tuesdays list of business for the Supreme Court. The development came hours after Justice Chelameswar, before whom the petition of the two Congress MPs was mentioned, expressed reservation in hearing the matter asking senior advocate Kapil Sibal and advocate Prashant Bhushan to "come back tomorrow". The issue was raised at the start of the court's work on Monday morning when Sibal, one of the signatories to the impeachment notice in the Rajya Sabha, mentioned the matter for urgent listing before a bench headed by Justice Chelameswar, the senior-most judge after CJI Misra. In the petition, the two MPs claimed that the reasons given were "wholly extraneous" and not legally tenable. While Justice Chelameswar had initially asked him to mention the matter before the CJI, the bench, also comprising Justice SK Kaul, later asked Sibal and Bhushan to "come back tomorrow". Justice Chelameswar also said he was on the verge of retirement. Making his submissions, Sibal said Naidu cannot summarily reject the notice bearing signatures of 64 MPs and seven former members who had recently retired, on the ground that there was "no proved misbehaviour". The bench asked Sibal and Bhushan to mention the matter before the Chief Justice of India for urgent listing, citing a Constitution Bench judgment on the powers of master of roster. However, BJP leaders and advocates Meenakshi Lekhi and Aman Sinha told the Press Trust of India that there was no merit in the challenge to the rejection of the impeachment notice as the Rajya Sabha Chairman's order was well-reasoned and completely dealt with each and every ground. While Lekhi termed the filing of plea in the apex court as a "deceptive methodology" of the Congress party to remain in the news, Sinha said there was no legal ground to challenge the decision of the Rajya Sabha Chairman. In the apex court, Justice Chelameswar, who was initially reluctant to order listing of the petition said "there was a five-judge constitution bench verdict on powers of master of roster. It would be appropriate if you mention the matter in court number-1 before the bench of Chief Justice". However after the submissions, Justice Chelameswar and Justice Kaul went into a huddle and asked Sibal and Bhushan to come on Tuesday so they could take a call on the issue. "You come back tomorrow. We will see, the bench said. The two leaders who have filed the petition are Rajya Sabha Congress MPs Partap Singh Bajwa from Punjab and Amee Harshadray Yajnik from Gujarat. A five-judge Constitution Bench of the apex court had on November 10 last year categorically stated that the Chief Justice of India was the "master of the roster". Advancing his arguments, Sibal said, "I am aware of the procedure but it can't be mentioned anywhere else. A person cannot be a judge in his own cause. I am just asking for urgent listing and not seeking any interim relief." He said the CJI cannot order for listing and hence the senior-most judge of the court must pass some orders as it was a matter of constitutional importance. Naidu had on April 23 rejected the impeachment notice given by seven opposition parties led by the Congress on five grounds of "misbehaviour". This was the first time that an impeachment notice was filed against a sitting CJI. The petition of the two Congress MPs filed through advocate Sunil Fernandes in the top court alleged that the charges contained in the notice of the motion were extremely serious and called for a full-fledged inquiry. It also said the reasons given by Naidu while rejecting the impeachment notice were "not legally tenable" and deserved to be set aside for being "wholly extraneous" and ultra vires the provisions of the Constitution and the Inquiry Act. It sought setting aside of the Chairman's order terming the charges contained in the notice of motion are "extremely serious" and merit "a full-fledged inquiry to test their veracity". (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: The Supreme Court held on Monday that once a Chief Minister demits office, he is also a common citizen and quashed a law made by the Uttar Pradesh government to entitle former CMs to retain bungalows during their lifetime. A bench headed by Justice Ranjan Gogoi ruled that there cannot be any distinction between a common man and a former CM and thus, granting such privilege violated equality under Article 14. "The Chief Minister, once he/she demits the office, is at par with the common citizen, though by virtue of the office held, he/she may be entitled to security and other protocols. But allotment of government bungalow, to be occupied during his/her lifetime, would not be guided by the constitutional principle of equality," noted the bench. The court order would take away allotment of bungalows from former CMs, including Mulayam Singh Yadav, Mayawati, Akhilesh Yadav, Kalyan Singh, Rajnath Singh and ND Tiwari. The Supreme Court verdict will also have an impact on similar legislations in other states, which were also heard by the bench before deciding on UP government's law. The court maintained that natural resources, public lands and the public goods, which will include government bungalows and official residence are public properties that belongs to the people of the country. "The Doctrine of Equality which emerges from the concepts of justice, fairness must guide the state in the distribution/allocation of the same," it held. It said that the pertinent provision of the Uttar Pradesh Ministers (Salaries, Allowances and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act has the effect of creating a separate class of citizens for conferment of benefits by way of distribution of public property on the basis of the previous public office held by them. "Once such persons demit the public office earlier held by them there is nothing to distinguish them from the common man. The public office held by them becomes a matter of history and, therefore, cannot form the basis of a reasonable classification to categorise previous holders of public office as a special category of persons entitled to the benefit of special privileges," said the court. It added that not only that the legislation i.e. Section 4(3) of the 1981 Act recognising former holders of public office as a special class of citizens, would appear to be arbitrary and discriminatory thereby violating the equality clause. "It is a legislative exercise based on irrelevant and legally unacceptable considerations, unsupported by any constitutional sanctity," held the court, striking down the legal provision. It further pointed out that the state's rules for such allotments had been quashed by the top court by a judgment in 2016 but UP government came up with this law ostensibly to overreach the previous judgment. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday vacated the stay on the trial in the Kathua rape and murder case and transferred it outside Jammu and Kashmir to Pathankot in Punjab. A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra directed that the trial should be held in-camera, be fast-tracked and conducted on a day-to-day basis to avoid any delay. It also declined to entertain pleas to transfer the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation. The top court also said the trial would be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Ranbir Penal Code, which is applicable in Jammu and Kashmir. The apex court said the trial must be fair to the victim's family as well as the accused. It also ordered continuation of security to the family members of the victim, family friends and lawyer representing them and directed translation of statements and records of the case from Urdu to English. "The security provided to the juvenile accused will continue," a bench, which also comprised Justices D Y Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra, said and posted the matter for further hearing in July when the apex court reopens after the summer vacation. The bench made it clear that Monday's hearing was confined to the issue of shifting the trial of the case out of Jammu and Kashmir. The victim, an eight-year-old girl from a minority nomadic community, had disappeared from near her home in a village close to Kathua in the Jammu region on January 10. Her body was found in the same area a week later. The Jammu and Kashmir government could appoint a special public prosecutor in the case, the SC said, adding that it was up to them to make sure that the witnesses are produced on time. The SC also ordered that the media should not be gagged in the case. The J&K government had submitted to the apex court that it was ready for a fair trial in the state and had opposed the transfer. The apex court had earlier given a stern warning and said it would transfer the Kathua gangrape-and-murder case from the local court in the "slightest possibility" of lack of fair trial, saying the "real concern" was to hold proper prosecution. The girl's father had moved the apex court earlier, apprehending threat to the family, a friend and their lawyer Deepika Singh Rajawat. A separate plea was also filed by two accused seeking that the trial in the case is held in Jammu and the probe handed over to the CBI. 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. New Delhi: The Army is finalising a plan to grant permanent commission (PC) to women in an array of areas by creating a special cadre for their induction, official sources said today. They said the permanent commission to women is being considered for a number of segments including cyber and IT, corps of military police and various posts in service selection board. At present, the Army offers permanent commission to women in the Army Education Corps (AEC) and the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Department. Majority of women recruits in the Army are short-service commission (SSC) officers and they have a maximum tenure of 14 years. The sources said the Army was seriously working on extending the areas where women can be recruited. "The Army is considering creating a special cadre for recruitment of women officers under permanent commission category," said an army officer. Last month, the Centre had told the Supreme Court that it was considering granting permanent commission to short service commission women army officers. A group of women army officers recruited under SSC scheme had approached courts seeking PC status. In September last year, the Army had announced that it was inducting women in the military police, seen as a major move towards inducting them for combat roles. The role of the military police includes policing cantonments and Army establishments, preventing breach of rules and regulations by soldiers and maintaining movement of soldiers as well as logistics during peace and war. The Indian Army is yet to open doors for combat roles for women. Very few countries have allowed women in combat roles which include include Germany, Australia, Canada, USA, Britain, Denmark, Finland, France, Norway, Sweden and Israel. New Delhi: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday requested Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh to extend all possible support to the farmers affected by the untimely Norwester in Odisha. In a letter to the Agriculture Minister, Pradhan sought his personal indulgence to facilitate assessment of the situation and active intervention to ensure that the farmers get the required support to help them overcome the situation. He said that widespread loss of crops and life in many districts of Odisha have occurred as a result of the untimely Norwester (Kalabaishakhi) spell of rains and hailstorm which swept many parts of the state over the past few days. Although crop loss assessment hasnt been done as yet, conservative estimates state that as a result of this calamity, standing crops worth thousands of acres have been damaged, he added. The intensity of damage is pronounced in six districts of Bargarh, Jajpur, Sonepur, Dhenkanal, Mayurbhanj and Balasore. Some pockets in these districts are already in the bottom of the poverty pyramid and the natural disaster shall further add woes to the farmers barely living on subsistence income, he added. Pradhan that the situation of distress has already forced farmers to take drastic steps and two farmers have attempted suicide. There is, thus an imperative, to ameliorate situation and assuage the distress of the farmers through urgent remedial measures, he said. Lucknow: Even as the furore over the Unnao rape case refuses to die down, another Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader has been accused of raping and blackmailing a woman. A lawyer from Lucknow, has accused her senior colleague and BJP leader Satish Sharma of raping and mentally torturing her for three years. The woman has alleged that Sharma had recorded an obscene video of hers and kept blackmailing her for the entire period. The woman also shaved her head during the press conference and alleged that when she went to the police to lodge a complaint, the authorities turned a blind eye. Even after lodging a case, the police did not take any action against Sharma, said the woman. She also threatened to commit suicide if no action was taken against Sharma by Monday evening. Hes already cut a major portion of my hair. He is a big leader of the BJP and has all the political shielding. Theres nothing left. I am scared as he is threatening my family. I am being made to face this only because I am a Dalit, the victim said. I have complained to the Awadh Bar Association as well but nothing was done. Police complaint was filed at Ghazipur Police Station but they keep telling me different reasons every time. My family constantly gets murder threatens and is offered money to settle the case, said the lawyer. This is the second such case in which BJP leader has been accused of rape and torture. Last month, BJP MLA from Unnao, Kuldeep Singh Sengar was accused of rape and torture by a female. Sengar is currently in Unnao Jail after CBI took over the investigation and arrested the MLA. On Rabindranath Tagore's 157th birth anniversary today, megastar Amitabh Bachchan went down memory lane remembering shooting at the Nobel laureate and poet's residence and described it as "pious precincts". "It is Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore's birth anniversary for the seventh of May and as I recollect I am driven to those moments at Thakur Badi (home) in Kolkata, my rendition of the National Anthem and its shooting inside the pious precincts of the residence of Tagore," Amitabh, 75, wrote on his blog. The cine icon said Tagore's writings and contributions to art and literature are inspiring. "His genius in his thoughts his writings and his contributions to the arts and literature are inspiring and legendary now, but as you travel through those doors and rooms of his place of residence you feel blessed that such a man walked the face of this earth. How does one acquire such wisdom. How does one acquire such writing... How does one acquire this sense of music...How does one acquire his artistry in its sketching, his creation of the Shanti Niketan and its wonders," wrote the son of the celebrated writer Harivansh Rai Bachchan. The Bollywood superstar also took to Twitter to wish the Nobel laureate, practically as the clock struck midnight. T 2797 - Birth Anniversary of Rabindra Nath Tagore .. pranaam .. pic.twitter.com/KL9xIVM2CL Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) May 6, 2018 (With IANS inputs) When Indian actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui walks the red carpet at Cannes he may take a moment to ponder just how far he has come and where he is headed. In just over a decade, Siddiqui has gone from a struggling bit-part actor worried about finding food to an acclaimed international star coveted by directors for his versatility across all genres. "When your film gets selected in a good category, you feel confident that you are on the right track and your choice of films is good," Siddiqui told AFP in an interview. His latest film sees him play the lead role in Manto, a biopic about the troubled life of Indian-Pakistani writer Saadat Hasan Manto. The movie, directed by Nandita Das, has been selected for the Un Certain Regard category of the film festival which opens Tuesday. "I enjoy Cannes because it is such a big and prestigious platform. It's a whole world revolving around films," said Siddiqui. Manto (1912-1955) is considered to be one of the Indian subcontinent's greatest ever short story writers. He was lauded for being bold and progressive and a proponent of free speech, writing truthfully about the brutal violence that followed the partition of British India. To others he was a subversive troublemaker whose stories featuring pimps and prostitutes broke too many taboos. Manto was charged with obscenity a total of six times by authorities in colonial and independent India. He died from organ failure caused by excessive alcohol consumption aged just 42. "Manto was an honest man who wrote what he saw. He was transparent and there was no hypocrisy in his life," said Siddiqui, who is 43. "He thought about things in the 1940s which we fail to see or think about even today. He spoke and wrote the truth, and truth never gets old. To play him you have to be truthful too," he added. Siddiqui is one of Hindi cinema's great success stories -- a poor man, who from humble beginnings in a village in Uttar Pradesh state, defied the odds to make it big in Bollywood after moving to Mumbai in 2000. By his own admission the chances were stacked against him: "I'm a five-foot six-inch, dark, ordinary-looking man. People didn't imagine I would make it," he told AFP in 2015. But after years of playing small parts Siddiqui achieved his breakthrough in 2012 with Talaash, Gangs of Wasseypur, Miss Lovely and Bajrangi Bhaijaan. He has not looked back. "I spent 10-12 years struggling. My lowest point was to find food and survive. Now I can do the work according to my choices," he said at his office, a collection of posters from his biggest hits hanging on a wall behind him. Siddiqui has held his own with superstars like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan and also successfully crossed over into Hollywood, appearing in the 2016 hit Lion. He is considered to be one of the few actors who can straddle both commercial Bollywood and independent film genres, putting him in high demand. After Manto, Siddiqui will be seen in the Netflix adaptation of Vikram Chandra's novel Sacred Games. It releases on July 6 and will be the site's first original Indian series. He is currently shooting for what he describes as his "most difficult" character yet -- divisive Mumbai politician Bal Thackeray, who died in 2012. Thackeray founded and led the Hindu far-right Shiv Sena party, which has campaigned against Muslims and sought to bar migrant "outsiders" from Mumbai. Siddiqui is both. "Credit goes to the family and the producer who must have realised I could do justice to this complex and difficult role," he said. Siddiqui will be in Cannes from May 13-15 before returning to India to finish shooting Thackeray which releases in January 2019. He has become a fixture on la Croisette since debuting with Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), walking the red carpet more than half a dozen times. The Lunchbox was screened there in 2013 while Raman Raghav followed in 2016. A suit that Siddiqui had made by a Indian tailor for his first visit has been a feature of all of his appearances. This time, however, he is ditching it for a stylish tuxedo fashioned by one of India's top designers -- symbolic perhaps of how far he has come. "The suit has its own story. But there should be change. We can't hold onto the past," said Siddiqui. As the BJP leadership shouts from the rooftop that no one else ever respected and honoured Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar as much as they do, resentment among the Dalit masses keep haunting the party. The party might distance itself from the Supreme Court ruling on the SC/ST Act, but it cannot stop its zealous supporters from painting Babasaheb in saffron or stop the numerous dignity-related flashpoints in which Dalits are getting restless. In this backdrop, can the BJP sit pretty and hope to increase its vote share among the Dalits this time around? Can it still expect that with the help of Ramdas Athavale in Maharashtra or Ramwilas Paswan in Bihar, or with its Delhi-based MP, Udit Raj and many more MPs elected on its ticket from constituencies reserved for SCs, it can garner Dalit votes in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections? Can the party still hope that Dalits would be swayed by the claims of the Prime Minister that only his party and government have given due respect to Babasaheb? The question gains significance with the Modi charm starting to fade as far as the middle class is concerned and suddenly the BJP has to wake up to the growing need to get votes from the underprivileged the poor, the Dalits, Adivasis and the likes. If its core vote wavers and if political competition becomes close at the constituency level, then in sheer numeric terms, Dalit votes would become important for the BJP. Even ideologically, Dalit vote is critical to the BJP because of its urge to exhibit how all sections of the Hindu society can be brought politically together under its auspices. Its victory in 2014 saw a consolidation of upper caste and OBC votes (barring some major peasant OBC communities) but it cannot claim to have charmed the Dalit voters then. Going by the findings of the National Election Studies (NES2014) conducted by Lokniti, under one person in every four Dalit voters chose the BJP in 2014. So, it is important for the BJP to now augment the Dalit votes if it wishes to claim that it is the sole claimant to the Hindu vote bank and to show that Dalits have no problems with its Hindutva agenda. To say that under 25 percent Dalits voted for BJP last time is an incomplete, though accurate presentation of the picture. The NES 2014 also allows us to look at the states. In states where the Scheduled Caste population is relatively higherUP, Punjab, Himachal, Haryanathe BJP did not actually get good support from the community. In UP, despite the watershed defeat of BSP, the party still received two Dalit votes from every three, thus, the BJP had a very limited share of Dalit votes in this crucial state. In Punjab, Dalit votes was split between AAP, Congress and the rest, again, BJP was only a minor player here as far as Dalit votes are concerned. In Himachal, where there is a two-way contest between Congress and BJP while Congress was the main recipient of Dalit votes (55 percent as against 36 for BJP). In Haryana, just about one in every five Dalits voted for the BJP. In West Bengal, the CPI(M) and the Trinamool Congress were the main contenders for the Dalit vote. Thus, the 24 percent vote that the BJP polled among Dalit voters came mainly from states where there is a two-way contest rather than the states where SCs constitute a larger share in the population, particularly Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan (in Gujarat, Congress polled more SC votes than the BJP). In short, the Hindu rainbow of the BJP is still quite hazy at its margins. The constant argument that Congress never paid enough respect to Dr Ambedkar as the BJP is doing now, comes from a similar background. But curiously, there are some inherent problems from the BJP to truly win Dalit hearts. One difficulty is that its core constituency consisting of upper castes and OBCs is not at all comfortable with the Dalits even today. The BJP and RSS, despite their claims that they work assiduously for overcoming caste prejudices, simply do not have any effective strategy to forge a social coalition of these sections. Secondly, their efforts at a rhetorical level to appropriate Dr. Ambedkar have severe limitations given the fact that Ambedkar was a trenchant critique both of Hindu religious philosophy and of Hindutva. Therefore, BJPs appropriation of Dr. Ambedkar per force has to be only at a symbolic level and politically superficial. Today, as the next Lok Sabha elections approach slowly, the Dalit voter is at the crossroads. She is not convinced that any one party would nationally represent the agony and anguish of the community; she is not sure that giving up concerns of the Dalits as a community and merger with the larger electorate would do them any good; the Dalit voter, though proud and enamoured of Ambedkar statues, is less than convinced that statues and memorials really help ameliorate the day-to-day indignities thrust on her. This is not to say that Dalit voters are unaware of the larger issues of development and fair distribution. In fact, the intersection of the two concerns helps them make political choices of contingent nature, which are basically state level choices. This situation implies that despite the throaty rhetoric of being pro-Ambedkar and pro-Dalit, the BJP would most likely find its weak Dalit base further dwindling. What the Dalits are facing today, appears to be at worst caused by the current dispensation and at best, conveniently tolerated by the establishment. It would surely require real political magic for the BJP to make the Dalits forget this. (Author teaches Political Science and is co-director of the research programme, Lokniti.) 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 Bhopal: Alleging that corruption has been institutionalized over the 15 years of BJP rule in Madhya Pradesh, state Congress chief Kamal Nath said that not only scams like Narmada Ghotala and Vyapam, all other anomalies would be probed by the Congress once it comes to power. Asked why the Congress does not take up the Narmada issue more aggressively, Nath said, Not only the Narmada and Vyapam scam, we would get everything probed once we come to power. Nath also claimed that most do not have an in-depth understanding of the discrepancies that took place in the Vyapam scam. For the first time in the history of Madhya Pradesh, we would establish a peoples commission comprising personalities from different strata to inquire into the misdeeds of the BJP government, especially the misappropriation of public money, said the PCC president. Reiterating his earlier stand that the Congress requires two faces in the state instead of just one, the nine-time Chhindwara MP said that Campaign Committee in-charge Jyotiraditya Scindia hasnt yet decided on fielding him as a candidate in the upcoming elections. Any decision in this regard would be taken up by party chief Rahul Gandhi, Nath said. He, however, refused to comment on the possibilities of him becoming the chief minister in case the Congress forms the next government. Nath further added that only winnability of a candidate would decide if he/she would get the ticket in the elections. In certain areas we could consider local caste equations, he added. Asked to clear the air on his caste, Nath stuck to his statement that he was an Indian dedicated to serve the public. Saying that the party would be taking to the poll battle on issues, including farmers plight, unemployment, labourers issues and corruption, the Congress veteran claimed that the party would kickstart its election campaign against the BJP government on June 6 from Piplyamandi in Mandsaur on the first anniversary of the killing of five farmers during the 2107 agitation. On being quizzed whether he would be seeking help from Congress election strategist Prashant Kishore, Nath said that he would like to seek help from everyone, including Kishore, whom he termed a good friend. On BJP chief Amit Shahs accusations of him being a corporate blue-eyed boy, Nath said he is only heading IMT Ghaziabads management society as chairman and have no stake in any company. We have a challenging six months ahead of us but I am sure we would be coming to power in Madhya Pradesh, the Chhindwara MP said. Kolkata: The BJP government in Tripura on Monday started demolishing illegal political offices and makeshift structures built on government land across the state, drawing much flak from opposition parties. Notices were served to nearly 300 political offices belonging to CPI(M), Congress and other regional parties across Tripura. The decision to demolish all unauthorised offices of political parties, syndicates and trade unions was taken at a state recent cabinet meeting. It was learnt that the demolition drive would be taken up against some offices of the ruling BJP as well. After field survey it has been found that some of the party offices are built on government khas/departmental land, so you are hereby directed to vacate the concerned party offices built on the government land within seven days of receipt of this letter, a letter issued by the Tripura government, dated April 17, 2018, read. Speaking to News18, state Revenue Minister NC Debbarma and president of ally Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT) said, They were given prior notice but they didnt vacate the premises. Therefore, we acted as per law. They had encroached upon the premises for the last several years and that is not right. Told that opposition leaders were blaming the government for not calling an all-party meeting before initiating the demolition drive, Debbarma said, There was no need for an all-party meeting. We demolished the structures in compliance with all rules and regulations. Calling the move a sign of military rule in Tripura, state Congress President Birajit Sinha said, Ever since the BJP formed the government in Tripura, there is anarchy. The ruling government is acting like a dictator. Ideally, they should have called for an all-party meeting. Recently, we built a party office at Champaknagar with an estimated cost of Rs 25 lakh. Now they will demolish that too. We have never faced such a situation in Tripura before. CPI(M)s Pravat Chowdhury threatened to move court against the demolition drive. The notices were issued to party offices that existed for over 30-40 years. How can they demolish them just like that? They are trying to gag the democratic voices of Tripura, he said. We are consulting our lawyers and will soon move the Tripura High Court. I am sure we will get justice. People in Tripura are already fed up with the BJP government. They now realize that they voted for the wrong party. Even NC Debbarma, who once fought for Twipraland, has gone silent on that issue. They are only hungry for power and nothing else, Chowdhury alleged. Rubbishing all charges, BJP MLA from Agartala, Ashis Kumar Saha said, There is nothing wrong if the government is taking action against illegal structures built by political parties on government land. The previous government allowed such illegal activities but we will not allow it in Tripura anymore. We are here to clean the entire system that was knee-deep in corruption. The state government wants to reclaim these lands for developmental activities. New Delhi: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday dismissed Prime Minister Narendra Modis campaign speeches as hot air and no substance, saying his contest is with BJPs chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa and not the PM. Taking to Twitter, Siddaramaiah also challenged Yeddyurappa to a debate on election issues in Karnataka, adding that Modi is also welcome. PM Modi is deliberately confusing Karnataka voters with his bombastic speeches on non-issues. All hot air & no substance. My contest is not with him. It is with Yaddyurappa. I challenge him to an open debate on issues on a single platform. Will he accept? Modi is also welcome! pic.twitter.com/34Jl6nIeOE Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 7, 2018 Siddaramaiah had on Sunday lashed out at the PM for making "personal attacks" and speaking at a "low level", referring to Modis criticism of his government as a "seedha rupaiah sarkar". The Prime minister was using a language that did not befit the office he held, the Congress leader said, taking exception to Modi calling his dispensation a "10 per cent government" and "seedha rupaiah sarkar" while attacking him over alleged corruption. Siddaramaiah had also mocked the Karnataka BJP, saying it solely depended on the Prime Minister for the May 12 Assembly polls as it had no leader with a "face value". "We expected a dignified language from him (Modi). But what he spoke was the BJP's language and not the one of a civilised person. He spoke at a very low level... this is not the language of the prime minister," he told reporters. The Chief Minister said it was expected that Modi would speak about the BJP-led central government's achievements and criticise the Congress government in Karnataka. 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.) Jamkhandi (Karnataka): Chiding Congress and its leaders for feeling "uneasiness" about patriotism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked them to learn it at least from the Mudhol hound dogs of north Karnataka, which have been inducted into the Indian army. The Prime Minister said there had been such a fall in the party that a Congress leader went to be amid those raising slogans like "Bharat ke tukde honge", giving them blessings. He was apparently referring to Congress president Rahul Gandhi's visit to the Jawharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus to be with a section of students during the controversy over anti-national slogans being allegedly chanted at the campus. "When there is discussion about patriotism in our country, when there is a discussion about rashtra bhakti, raashtra geet and Vande Mataram, some people are worried," said Modi at an election rally here. Modi said the country won freedom because of patriotism, and "today if we have started a great campaign of development on the basis of patriotism, Congress and its companions feel a foul smell in patriotism... their health gets upset smelling patriotism." "Did anyone think that after Independence Congress has fallen to an extent that today Congress leaders are going to be amidst those who shout slogans like "Bharat ke tukde honge" and are giving them their blessings," he said. Modi also said the Congress and its leaders had 'fallen' to such an extent that when the Indian Army carried out a cross-border surgical strike, they asked for evidence. "Those who felt uneasiness at the mention of patriotism I want to tell them if you don't want to learn from others, please don't At least try to learn from Bagalkote's Mudhol dogs, he said, referencing the induction of these dogs into the Indian Army. "I know that their (Congress') arrogance has reached cloud seven. The people of the country have negated them, but they are still not ready to come on ground. So I don't expect them to even learn anything from Mudhol Dogs," Modi said. Mudhol Hound, also known as Caravan Hound, is an Indian dog breed which gets its name from Mudhol in Bagalkot district in north Karnataka. The lean and lanky Mudhol Hound is the first Indian breed to serve the Indian Army. Hosakote /Maluru (Karnataka): Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Monday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "PPP Congress" jibe, likening him to a mobile phone on "speaker and airplane" mode and not the "work" mode. On the 9th leg of his election tour of Karnataka, he accused Modi of making personal attacks against him as he did not want to speak about other issues. "There are three modes in a cell phone....the first is the work mode....the other two are speaker mode and airplane mode. Modi only has speaker and airplane mode and not the work mode," he told reporters in an impromptu interaction. He was responding to a question about Modi's Tuesday remark at an election rally in Gadag where he said the Congress will become "Punjab, Puducherry, Parivar" Congress after its defeat in the Karnataka Assembly polls. "You might have seen and heard, in my speeches I speak about Narendra Modi, I question him on issues....but I speak about him with respect. Narendra Modi is an elderly man, he is aged, going to be 70. I respect those who are elder to me," Gandhi told election rallies in Hosakote and Maluru. Modi, he said, cannot speak on corruption as the party's chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa faced graft allegations. "He cannot speak about corruption as he has Yeddyurappa standing next to him. He cannot speak about farmers as he has not given them MSP, bonus, and not waived farm loan. He cannot speak about Dalits as Rohit Vemula (a dalit student of Hyderabad who committed suicide) was killed by his people, Dalit inUnnao was killed by his people. What is left? he asked. Speak ill about Rahul Gandhi, Siddaramaiah, and (Mallikarjun) Kharge. He does it," he said. Gandhi said though use of such language was unbecoming of a prime minister, it was a "habit" with Modi. Alleging that atrocities against Dalits and minorities were on the rise, the Congress president said his party would not allow the Constitution to be changed, as asserted by Union minister from Karnataka Anantkumar Hegde. "Narendra Modi folds his hands in front of Ambedkar's statue and garlands it, but the causes for which Ambedkar fought, he will not fight for it," Gandhi said, adding that, all across the country Dalits and minorities were being "beaten up, killed and crushed". About Hegde's alleged comments on the Constitution, he said, "Modi ji listen carefully, put however much strength you have you cannot change Ambedkar's Constitution because Congress party will not allow you to do it." Terming Karnataka elections as a fight between ideologies, he said on one side was the thinking of Basavanna (12th century social reformer), the Congress party, Indira Gandhi and Devraj Urs (former chief minister), and on the other were the BJP, RSS, Modi's thought. Gandhi said apart from Yeddyurappa, four former ministers who had spent time in jail, and eight people from the camp of the controversial Reddy brothers were in the poll fray so they can "loot" Karnataka. "The qualification of Yeddyurappa, Reddy brothers and four ministers......Yeddyurappa is the most corrupt chief minister the country has seen, Reddy brothers are the most corrupt people the country has seen...they will give money for marketing Modi after looting Karnataka," he said. Earlier, the Congress president rode a bicycle as he led a march against high fuel prices at Maluru in Kolar district. He later stood on a bullock cart from where he addressed a gathering. He alleged the Modi government wanted to take money from the common man to give it to its "rich friends". The world over petrol prices were going down, but in India those were still high, he lamented. "Earlier in international market, the price was USD 140 per barrel, now it is USD 70 per barrel. So lakhs of crores of rupees is being saved by the government. Where is the money going?" Gandhi asked. "Why are you not telling people that you don't want to put GST on petrol and diesel? You want to take away money from the common man and want to give it to your five or ten industrialist friends....take money from the pockets of women and put it into the pocket of Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi," he said. Chitradurga/Raichur, Karnataka: Continuing with his attack on Congress ahead of the Karnataka Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday dubbed it as a 'deal party' at his poll rallies in Chitradurga and Raichur, saying the party protects the corrupt. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, too, lambasted PM Modi and said that such words is very unbecoming of someone holding the post of the Prime Minister of India. The Congress leader said, We expected a dignified language from him (Modi). But what he spoke was the BJP's language and not the one of a civilised person. He spoke at a very low level...this is not the language of the prime minister. Siddaramaiah was referring to Modis dubbing the Congress government as a "10 per cent government" and "seedha rupaiah sarkar". Mocking and listing out a string of electoral defeats in several state assembly elections, including those in Maharashtra and Tripura, Modi said that the Congress party has been uprooted from all over the country and no one can save it now. "...And in Karnataka?" he asked the crowd, which reiterated that the Congress will be ousted from power in the southern state as well. Taking the BJP's campaign in the poll-bound Karnataka to full throttle ahead of the voting next week, Modi also accused the Congress of "distorting history" as part of a conspiracy to divide the society, of making false promises and having no agenda other than "abusing Modi". The state goes to polls on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 15. Referring to the ruling Congress decision to commemorate the legendary 18th century ruler of Mysore, Tipu Sultan every year on November 10, Modi flayed the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government for celebrating the "jayantis of sultans" (birth anniversaries of Muslim rulers) for the sake of "vote bank politics". "Now they cannot survive. No one can save the Congress now. For 70 years they have misled and befooled the people," Modi said, as he continued his campaign blitz across Karnataka where the party is heavily banking on him. At his rally in Chitradurga, Modi, while referring to corruption charges against a minister without naming him, said, "The Congress is a party that neither has dil (heart) nor is it pro-Dalit. It is a deal party." Targeting CM Siddaramaiah, the Prime Minister said he always keeps character certificates ready in his suitcase. "Whenever an allegation of corruption against a minister is made, he immediately takes out a character certificate, writes the name and tells the people he is honest. "The time has come to bid farewell to the Congress party that is not interested in your welfare. Make it a clean sweep for the BJP and send this chief minister home as he only goes around giving clean chits," Modi told the crowd. Accusing the Congress of sidelining stalwarts like B R Ambedkar and undivided Congress president and former Karnataka chief minister S Nijalingappa, he said the party was interested in promoting only one family and naming "thousands of schemes" after them. At Raichur, he said the Congress' "new mantra is spreading lies". The Congress has realised its "vote bank politics is shaken" and, therefore, it has started a campaign for "misleading and spreading lies" among Dalits, and asked them to be aware, Modi said. The prime minister accused the Congress of not allowing parliament to function because it feared he was "gaining the trust of the people by completing his works successfully one after the other". He said the Karnataka elections were a contest between the Congress' "misdeds and people's aspirations". "On one side is the BJP with the mantra of 'sab ka saath sab ka vikaas (together with all development for all). On the other side is the Congress party that believes in doing everything for one family," he said. While the BJP was fighting against the corrupt system, the Congress protects the corrupt, he alleged. The BJP was progressing in politics with the"blessings of people", while the Congress was dividing people, creating rift between brothers and following a divide-and-rule policy, Modi said. The prime minister asked the Congress to give an account of its work in Karnataka in the last five years. "From morning till evening they just say Modi, Modi, Modi. Other than abusing Modi in this election is there any agenda for the Congress? The time has come to see off such a Congress party," he said. In Chitradurga, attacking the Congress over the "Tipu Jayanti" controversy, Modi said: "Look at the Congress' character...the birth anniversaries of those need to be celebrated from whom we draw inspiration from generations to generations. They cannot think about celebrating their jayantis". He said, "Veera Madakari and Onake Obavva are forgotten, but for the sake of vote bank politics they are into celebrating jayantis of sultans." A Dalit woman, Onake Obavva was the legendary wife of a soldier in the army of Madakari Nayaka, the last ruler of Chitrdurga. She is said to have fought single handedly and killed with a pestle several invading soldiers of the army of Hyder Ali, the father of Tipu Sultan, in 1779. She was killed by Hyder Ali's soldiers in her valiant effort to protect the fort where her husband was the guard of a watch tower. Celebration of "Tipu Jayanti" has been strongly opposed by the BJP. While a section of society has hailed Tipu Sultan as a hero who died fighting the British, the others called him a "fanatic" ruler. "By celebrating this jayanti, the Congress has insulted the people of Karnataka and Chitradurga. They have played with sentiments and feelings of people of Chitradurga," Modi said. (With PTI inputs) Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has filed a Rs 100 crore defamation case against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah, the party itself and its chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa for calling his government seeda rupaiya government and several other charges. Prime Minister Modi has coined a number of names for the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government during his election rallies and said there was ease of doing murders in Karnataka and that it was a 10% government that takes commission to do a job. On Monday, Siddaramaiahs lawyers sent a legal notice filing civil and criminal defamation charges against PM Modi and others, seeking an unconditional public apology, failing which they will have to pay him Rs 100 crore for damages. The Karnataka Congress chief has accused the BJP and its supreme leaders of making baseless, false and untrue remarks against him. The notice read: you are called upon to cease and desist from making such statements forthwith and give an unconditional public apology immediately through electronic, print and social media etc in which the statements and advertisements have appeared. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on May 1 assailed the Congress government in Karnataka for initiating the culture of "ease of doing murder", as he launched the second leg of his campaign blitz in the state for the Assembly elections. He also accused the successive Congress governments at the Centre of allowing a handful of people to "loot" banks while denying loans to poor. Modi said, "We want to encourage the ease of doing business, they (the Congress) have initiated the culture of ease of doing murder," he told another election rally in Udupi. Siddaramaiahs notice states, Mr Narendra Modi, Honble Prime Minister of India, have unabatedly made several defamatory and untrue statements in your speeches in Karnataka during the election campaign. The notice further specifies the dates and rallies that PM Modi and others made the remarks of calling his government Seeda Rupaiya Sarkar. The notice also talks of Siddaramaiahs controversial diamond-studded Hublot watch, which has found a spot for itself in the Karnataka election discourse. His lawyer states, My client had received the watch from his friend as gift and he has paid required tax for it and on the floor of the Karnataka Assembly declared the source of the watch and handed it over to the Honble Speaker to treat the same as an asset of the state. Bengaluru: Stepping up the attack on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the BJP has accused him of aiding, abetting, protecting and promoting the cheating of private investors in an alleged Ponzi scheme run by a company. The BJP intends to file a complaint with the Governor to sanction the prosecution of Siddaramaiah for allegedly dealing with a company, which is declared as a threat to national security by the Serious Frauds Investigation Office (SFIO), BJP spokesman Sambit Patra told reporters. The BJP sought to know whether Siddaramaiah received the costly Hublot watch for facilitating the company, QI Group of Companies, headed by Vijay Eswaran, to operate in Karnataka. Embroiled in a controversy over the diamond-studded Hublot watch in March 2016, Siddaramaiah had handed it over to the Assembly speaker, asking him to make it a state asset. The Chief Minister had also said he would furnish relevant documents of the watch to Lokayukta and Income Tax. He had said that the watch was gifted to him by his NRI friend Dr Girish Chandra Varma in July 2015. "I know him since 1983 and whenever he visits India, he meets me," he had said. Siddaramiah also said Varma has no official dealings with Government of Karnataka or its organisations. Patra said the SFIO has mentioned the names of Gold Quest and Quest Net, and read out its findings. In 2009, the CB-CID Chennai had declared Vijay Eswaran an absconder and in 2010, SFIO said that such companies were a national threat, said Patra. Between 2013 and 2016, Mumbai and Delhi Economic Offence Wing placed voluminous chargesheets saying that these are fraudulent companies, he said. Releasing pictures of Siddaramaiah with Vijay Eswaran, Patra said he met him in September 2013. The issue of MS Gold Quest International Pvt Ltd and Gold Quest Enterprises India Pvt Ltd was discussed in March and April in 2013, when the UPA government told the parliament that they were fraudulent companies, he said. In September 2013, Siddaramaiah met the absconder Eswaran in China, which was published in Government of Karnatakas Information and Public Relation Departments website in September 11, 2013, he said. The government report said the Chief Minister met Eswaran, welcomed him to invest in Karnataka and asked him to participate in the Global Investors Meet of government of Karnataka. The company expressed interest in investment in e-Retail and IT Education sector, the government report said. The companys business lines include lifestyles, leisure, luxury and luxury collectable and luxury watches. Patra said "They deal in luxury watches, costly watches, exquisite watches These are one of the dealings they do. These are one of the items they deal with." Patra said after a promise by Siddaramaiah, certain companies and QNet started operating in Karnataka and thousands and lakhs of people were duped by them. Ironically, Patra said, no FIR was lodged against these companies. "Even if the complaint was lodged, there was no FIR. The companies names were not mentioned.When these people saw that the state government was not ready to work for them, the victims approached the SEBI." Patra said SEBI shot off a letter to the government of Karnataka on December 23, 2016 to act against them. The BJP spokesperson said the FIR was registered only recently when the Siddaramaiah government was reduced to a caretaker government due to the assembly polls. In a statement, QNET said it operates in India through Vihaan Direct Selling (India) Private Limited, its sub-franchisee, which is into direct selling on an e-commerce platform. The company neither solicits investments nor seeks any deposits or registration fees for joining the business, it said. "We are of the belief that the matter represented to the BJP spokesperson is incomplete and does not reflect the current status," a company spokesperson said. It said Karnataka state investigated the company and filed a detailed chargesheet, which was quashed by the High Court by ruling that the company is not a Ponzi scheme. The Government of India has issued Guidelines (to be adopted by states) and the company is fully compliant with the same, it said. With the Cambridge Analytica scandal revealing massive misuse of Facebook users data, Germany's justice minster has said that the social network must bring changes and become more transparent with users. In a letter to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Katarina Barley also said that the social network needs to give its users "real control" over their data and set up new internal supervisory mechanisms to ensure that formal guidelines are upheld in Facebook's dealings with third party advertising clients. Several publications in Germany participating in the "Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland" (RND) editorial network cited the letter on Friday, Xinhua news agency reported. While the minister welcomed certain changes Facebook had brought about to protect user privacy, Barley wrote that Facebook had so far failed to assume responsibility for its inappropriate corporate behaviour and criticised plans to transfer the storage of some user data from the European Union (EU) to the US. European users of the service currently benefited from enhanced online privacy protection enshrined in EU law. The minister argued that the commercial sale of user data by Facebook directly affected key rights enjoyed by the citizens. She described the use of such sensitive data to political influence or manipulate voters as unacceptable. Facebook admitted that the data of up to 87 million users was passed on illegally to Cambridge Analytica. The information was used in an attempt to support the election campaign of US President Donald Trump. Up to 310,000 Germans were affected by the scandal as well. In its F8 developers' conference in San Jose on Tuesday, Zuckerberg said the company was taking a broader view of its responsibility by not only giving people powerful tools but also making sure those tools are used for good. Among the biggest announcements made in the conference was Facebook's plans to build a "Clear History" privacy tool which will enable users to see the websites and apps that send information to Facebook when they use them. The tool, Facebook said, will also enable the users to delete this information from their account, and turn off Facebook's ability to store it. In her letter, Barley, however, warned that she will keep a close eye on the further measures taken by Facebook. Watch: Huawei P20 Pro Review: Huawei Nails it With The Triple Camera The gross revenue of the telecom service sector declined from Rs 279,591 crore in 2016 to Rs 255,655 crore in 2017 with a yearly decline rate of 8.56 percent, data released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) said here on Friday. Also, the adjusted gross revenue declined from Rs 198,207 crore in the year 2016 to Rs 160,814 crore in the year 2017 with a yearly decline rate of 18.87 percent. However, the number of telephone subscribers in India increased from 1,151.78 million at the end of December 2016 to 1,190.67 million at the end of December 2017, registering a yearly growth rate of 3.38 percent. The overall teledensity in India increased from 89.90 at the end of December 2016 to 91.90 at the end of December 2017 at the growth rate of 2.22 percent. Telephone subscription in urban areas increased from 683.14 million at the end of December 2016 to 688.25 million at the end of December 2017 at the yearly growth rate of 0.75 percent. However, urban teledensity declined from 170.15 at the end of December 2016 to 168.29 at the end of December 2017 with a yearly decline rate of 1.10 percent. Rural telephone subscription increased from 468.64 million at the end of December 2016 to 502.42 million at the end of December 2017 at the yearly growth rate of 7.21 percent. Rural teledensity also increased from 53.27 at the end of December 2016 to 56.66 at the end of December 2017 with a yearly growth rate of 6.36 percent. Out of the total telephone subscription, the shares of rural telephone subscription increased from 40.69 percent at the end of December 2016 to 42.20 percent at the end of December 2017. However, the share of urban telephone subscription in total telephone subscription declined from 59.31 percent at the end of December 2016 to 57.80 percent at the end of December 2017. Out of 1,190.67 million of the total telephone subscriber, the number of wireless telephone subscribers is 1,167.44 million and the number of wireline telephone subscribers is 23.23 million at the end of December 2017. The TRAI data revealed Bharti Airtel continued to be the market leader with 24.69 percent market share of total telephone subscription at the end of December 2017, while Reliance Jio Infocomm added the maximum number of telephone subscribers, 87.93 million net addition, during the year. Vodafone is the service provider with the highest proportion of rural subscribers (54.01 percent), followed by Idea Cellular (53.97 percent) to their total number of telephone subscribers at the end of December 2017. Watch: Huawei P20 Pro Review: Huawei Nails it With The Triple Camera Xiaomi is expected to be gearing up to announce the Redmi S2 smartphone on May 10 in China. After confirming the launch date of the smartphone via a poster, the company has come up with one more poster. According to recent poster obtained by MyDrivers, Redmi S2 is seen in pink colour with a design similar to current Redmi phones. The smartphone has a flat back, fingerprint sensor on the top and Mi branding at the bottom. As per the poster, the Redmi S2 will feature a metal back with antenna lines at the top and bottom bezel. Ther also lies dual rear cameras which are vertically aligned below the antenna lines. As for Redmi S2 price, the report suggests the device will cost under CNY 1,000 at launch, though it is not clear which RAM + storage variant this price tag is for. Also Read: Honor 10 to Launch in India on May 15, Will be Flipkart Exclusive As listed on TENAA, Xiaomi's Redmi S2 is expected to sport a 5.99-inch HD+ display with a 1440x720 pixels resolution and an 18:9 aspect ratio. It might be powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 SoC and come in three memory options, including a 2GB/16GB option, one 3GB/32GB option and another 4GB/64GB variant. It is expected to run Xiaomi's own custom UI - MIUI on top of Android 8.1.0 Oreo. Also Read: New WhatsApp Domain Lets Users Chat Without Opening The App: Here is How it Works As for its optics, the Redmi S2 is expected to sport a dual camera setup at the back with a 12-megapixel Sony IMX486 primary sensor and a 5-megapixel Samsung S5K5E8 secondary sensor. In addition, the camera setup will include an LED flash and a PDAF lens. At the front, the smartphone is expected to come with a 16-megapixel selfie camera. Also Watch: Huawei P20 Pro Review: Huawei Nails it With The Triple Camera Beijing: China's ruling Communist party is using a unique virtual reality test to check the loyalty of its members and determine whether they possess qualities required for the party membership, the official media here reported today. Members of the CPC in Qingyang town, Binzhou city, in East China's Shandong Province appear to be the first to be required to take loyalty tests using VR gear, state-run Global Times quoted a report by the news website, binzhouw.com. The test of dangxing, literally meaning party spirit, refers to the qualifications a party member must have, including loyalty to the CPC, willingness to contribute to the people and the Party, and being a role model. Party members in Qingyang were required to wear VR headsets, hold a remote control and enter a virtual room to conduct the test of almost 30 questions, the report said. The test included questions on party theory, members' daily life and their understanding of the party's "pioneering role." Party members were asked questions like "Do you agree that if you are not corrupt you will be marginalised?" The test results were said to determine party members' weak point, and they could then receive a consultation from experts of the party schools of Binzhou and Qingyang, who provided face-to-face or remote counselling and guidance, the report said. Such VR testing needs a more scientific basis to affirm the reliability of the test results, Cai Zhiqiang, a professor at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee in Beijing, told the Global Times on Sunday. Dangxing tests should be used to find out how to enhance CPC members' political quality and their capabilities to serve the people, and also how to promote local development, Cai said. The VR testing facility was installed in a local Party service centre. The center cost 700,000 yuan (USD 110,082) and came into operation in April 2018. Indiana: Mike Braun, an Indiana businessman turned politician, rails against Washington, says he speaks for disaffected voters, and uses his personal wealth to help finance his bid for public office. Any similarity to President Donald Trump is entirely intentional. Braun, who owns a distribution and freight company, says he would not have launched his Republican effort for the U.S. Senate if Trump had not blazed the trail two years ago. I thought there was the opportunity to define a different kind of candidacy, one from the outsider business world, the same thing Trump did, he told Reuters ahead of the primary vote on Tuesday. Other Republican primary races in Ohio and West Virginia on Tuesday also feature outsider businessmen who have gone all out to show their allegiance to Trump and accuse their rivals of lacking the same fealty. The three contests herald a wave of primaries in the coming weeks in critical states such as Pennsylvania, California, Iowa, and New Jersey that will help determine whether Democrats can pick up two seats in the Senate and 23 seats in the House of Representatives in November to take control of Congress. The candidates also highlight a shift in the Republican Party to embrace more populist, nativist and protectionist candidates skeptical of immigration and free trade a seismic change from the partys traditional alliance of social conservatives and free-marketeers. How those Trump-like candidates fare in coming primaries and Novembers elections will indicate whether Trumpism remains a dominant force in the Republican Party heading into the 2020 presidential election. Republican leaders are nervously watching the West Virginia primary where former coal executive Don Blankenship has centered his candidacy around attacking Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Blankenship accuses McConnell of undermining Trump and has run TV ads highlighting McConnells wifes Taiwanese heritage, drawing widespread condemnation. Blankenship served time in prison for safety violations connected to a 2010 disaster that killed 29 miners, and is viewed as the weakest choice to take on Democratic Senator Joe Manchin. The other candidates in the race are U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins and state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey. On Monday, Trump injected himself into the race, urging West Virginians to vote for either Jenkins or Morrisey, tweeting that Blankenship "can't win the General Election in your State ... No way!" Blankenship swiftly posted a response on his campaign website, saying Trump "doesn't know me" and pledged to carry out Trump's agenda if elected. "As some have said, I am Trumpier than Trump and this morning proves it," he wrote. In Ohio, businessman Mike Gibbons is squaring off against U.S. Representative Jim Renacci to see who will challenge Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown in November. While Gibbons has played the Trump card, however, Renacci snagged the president's endorsement. To show how much he supports Trump, Gibbons, an investment banker, on Friday filed a defamation lawsuit against Renacci, alleging his campaign falsely claimed Gibbons is anti-Trump. HOT RACE Indiana is home to perhaps the bitterest Republican primary in the country, with all three candidates scrambling to show voters their Trump bona fides and face incumbent Democratic Senator Joe Donnelly in the November election. Braun portrays himself as cut from Trump's cloth and U.S. Representative Todd Rokita carries a cardboard likeness of Trump to campaign events and wears a cap adorned with Trumps campaign slogan "Make America Great Again" in TV ads. Last week, Rokita sponsored a resolution in the House demanding that Special Counsel Robert Mueller end his investigation unless he can show evidence that Trump's campaign colluded with Russia to influence the 2016 election. And the third candidate, U.S. Representative Luke Messer, nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in the talks between North and South Korea. This is just the start of what President Trump can accomplish if he has the leaders that support him in Washington, Messer told Reuters after a campaign event in Carmel, Indiana. Brauns campaign has labeled Messer and Rokita swamp creatures for the 12 years combined they have spent in the House. Trump often promises supporters he will drain the swamp in Washington, referring to career politicians and lobbyists. Kyle Kondik, an analyst at the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, said Messer and Rokita "are going out of their way to be pro-Trump in almost cartoonish fashion. ... It's kind of shameless. He said Republican voters likely will respond well to Brauns lack of political experience but it is unclear whether he would be the best candidate to defeat Donnelly, considered to be among the most vulnerable Democrats in the nation. Donnelly won his first term in 2012, when Democrats swarmed to the polls to re-elect President Barack Obama. He faces a far tougher challenge after Trump won Indiana by 19 percentage points in 2016. Messer says Braun is flawed, pointing to his history of voting in Democratic primaries and suggesting he is not a reliable conservative. Braun says he voted in Democratic primaries in the past because in his southern Indiana home Democrats held all the local offices. He positions himself as in sync with the conservative Tea Party movement and has poured about $5.4 million of his own money into the race, according to federal records. Trump spent about $65 million of his own funds during his campaign. Kondik said that Braun, as an unknown quantity, carries the most risk for his party against Donnelly, but he might also be able to bring in independents turned off by the other two conservatives. He has the most variance between risk and reward," he said. Moscow: Vladimir Putin was sworn in for another six years as Russian president on Monday. Standing in the Grand Kremlin Palace's ornately-decorated Andreyevsky Hall with his hand on a gold-embossed copy of the constitution, Putin swore to serve the Russian people, safeguard their rights and freedoms, and defend Russian sovereignty. Putin was inaugurated for his fourth term as president two months after more than 70 percent of voters backed him in a presidential election in which he had no serious challengers. His most dangerous opponent, Alexei Navalny, was barred from running in that vote and on Saturday Navalny and hundreds of his supporters were detained by police while protesting over Putin's new term under the slogan: "Putin is not our tsar." Putin, who is 65, embarks on his fourth term in office buoyed by widespread popular support but weighed down by a costly confrontation with the West, a fragile economy and uncertainty about what happens when his term ends. The Russian constitution bars him from running again when his new terms end in 2024. Seoul: US President Donald Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un are likely to meet in Singapore next month, reports said Monday, as anticipation builds for unprecedented talks between the mercurial leaders. Trump said at the weekend that the two sides had settled on a date and location for the summit the first between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader without providing details. "We'll be announcing it soon," Trump told reporters. The landmark summit will take place in "mid-June", South Korea's Chosun Ilbo daily reported Monday, citing diplomatic sources who quoted Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton. The newspaper suggested that the possibility of Singapore hosting the landmark meeting had "increased greatly", after a decision by Trump to host South Korean president Moon Jae-in at the White House later this month, without giving further explanation. Bolton met his South Korean counterpart Chung Eui-yong in Washington late last week to discuss plans for both locations, according to local media reports. A similar report on the weekend from South Korea's Yonhap news agency also said Singapore was firming as the favoured location for the summit. Trump had previously suggested that the demilitarised zone between the two Koreas -- the site of a recent summit between Kim and Moon -- could also be an appropriate venue for his meeting with the North's leader. Other possible sites reportedly included Mongolia and Switzerland. Preparations for the landmark meeting have gained momentum since the Korean summit late last month, which saw Pyongyang and Seoul promise to pursue the complete denuclearisation of the peninsula and a formal peace treaty to end the 1950-53 Korean War. North Korea has offered to close its nuclear test site this month -- and invited US experts to verify the move. Other less dramatic but notable signs of rapprochement have emerged almost daily, including North Korea moving its clocks forward by 30 minutes early Saturday to match time with the South. Washington: President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the CIA, Gina Haspel, sought to withdraw over concerns about her role in the agency's interrogation program, The Washington Post reported on Sunday, citing four unidentified senior U.S. officials. Haspel was summoned to the White House on Friday for a meeting to discuss her history in the interrogation program that employed techniques, including waterboarding, widely condemned as torture, it reported. She told the White House she would step aside to avoid a brutal Senate Intelligence Committee confirmation hearing on Wednesday that might damage the Central Intelligence Agency, the officials told the Post. She then returned to agency headquarters in Langley, Virginia. White House aides, including legislative affairs liaison Marc Short and spokeswoman Sarah Sanders, then rushed to Langley for discussions on Friday that lasted several hours but did not secure a commitment from her to stick with the nomination, the paper said. Only on Saturday afternoon was the White House assured she would not withdraw, the Post quoted the officials as saying. Trump named Haspel, the first woman tapped to head the agency, to succeed Mike Pompeo, who became secretary of state last month. Haspel's nomination has encountered opposition over her role in a now-defunct program in which the agency detained and interrogated al Qaeda suspects in secret prisons overseas using techniques widely condemned as torture. Former President George W. Bush authorized the Rendition, Detention and Interrogation Program after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Amazing Spider-Man #75 reveals Peter Parker's fate - and it's not what you think The truth of Peter Parker's fate is revealed in Amazing Spider-Man #75 Pottery classes brighten up the toughest days for five-year-old cancer patient Pottery classes and story sessions provided by a charity brighten up the toughest days for a five-year-old cancer patient, her mother has said. Nadia Chaudhri, beloved Montreal neuroscientist with fans worldwide, has died Nadia Chaudhri, who was renowned for creating scholarships for underrepresented young scientists and raising awareness about ovarian cancer amid her terminal... Texas abortion: Judge temporarily blocks enforcement of law The White House praised the ruling as an important step to restoring women's constitutional rights. NatWest pleads guilty to money laundering charges NatWest has pleaded to guilty to three offences under money laundering regulations that led to almost 400 million in payments being washed through the bank. NatWest admits guilt in first prosecution of bank under money laundering laws NatWest has admitted three counts of failing to properly monitor 365 million deposited into a customers account. Ex-rugby player completes 48 marathons in 30 days in tribute to mother A former rugby player who took on 48 marathons in 30 days in memory of his mother says she was with him every step of the way. Brighton player released on bail after arrest on suspicion of sexual assault A Brighton footballer arrested on suspicion of sexual assault has been released on conditional bail until November 3 while enquiries continue. Ray J Files for Divorce From Princess Love for the Third Time In February, Ray J told E! News that he and Princess Love were "in a peaceful place." However, it appears the two have decided to break... Navy chief Admiral Sir Tony Radakin announced as next head of armed forces The First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff has been appointed as the new armed forces chief. Sky Glass: media giant unveils new dish-free and box-free streaming TV Sky has unveiled Glass, a new streaming TV with Sky services and other apps built in that requires no satellite dish or box. NatWest awaits 'very large fine' after admitting anti-money laundering failures A court has been told that NatWest faces "a very large fine" after the bank admitted three charges of failing to comply with anti-money laundering legislation. Boris Johnson accused of casting businesses as bogeymen over shortages Boris Johnson is treating businesses as the bogeymen and unfairly blaming them for shortages in their industries, a supermarket boss has said. New details of Brian Laundrie's movements emerge as officials find recent campsite in Florida reserve The investigation into the disappearance of Brian Laundrie, whose fiancee Gabby Petito was found dead in a Wyoming campground last... Fears over threat to crops after stink bug discovery A feared increase of a species of stink bug could become problematic for crops and gardens after one was found in Surrey, experts have warned. Craig honoured on Hollywood Walk of Fame Britain's favourite superspy left his mark on Hollywood on Wednesday when Daniel Craig got a star on the Walk of Fame. To fans, Miley Cyrus will always be Hannah Montana, Adam Brody will always be Seth Cohen from "The O.C.," and Robert Pattinson will always be a vampire. However, for an actor taking on various characters, looks and motivations for different parts, sometimes it be hard to break away from the roles that defined the. Im not one to go on about the power of The Universe, but certain things are clearly meant to be. Like meeting your best friend, or your true loveor a humble yet oddly compelling little sandwich. (Just me?) I cant with total confidence tell you how this sandwich came into my life (that Universe thing again). But I do remember a recipe mysteriously appearing on my desk at work a few years back: a single torn-out page from The Oz Family Kitchen cookbook, about a curried chickpea spread. Deeply acquainted with the Oz oeuvre I am not, but Ive never met a chickpea I didnt like. And so I thought, I should probably try that sometime. A few weeks later, I didand then again, and again, until Id made it maybe a hundred times. Fast forward nearly three years, and Im still making that sandwich. Photo by Bobbi Lin The reason is simple: I cant get over how good it tastes, considering how easy it is to make. The way it comes together reminds me of what I like most about tuna fish or egg salad sandwiches: basic ingredients yielding a totally satisfyingand endlessly riffableresult. You combine chickpeas with tangy red wine vinegar and creamy mayo. Add celerys crunch and a little zing from shallot, along with some earthy-sweet curry powder and turmeric, plus parsley for brightness, and boom: Youve hit the savory-tasty-filling trifecta. I didnt start off making this sandwich because it was cheap, but along the way I realized how very cheap it is. Which I thought was pretty greatbecause life is expensive, and by life, I mean lunch. A pound of deli turkey can set me back $19.99 at the unapologetically bougie market in my neighborhood, and $10 equals an only-okay salad near my office. At least a couple of days a week, this sandwich makes for a better, thriftier option all the way around. Heres how the math works out on that $1.89 (numbers are based on my most recent grocery run, but theyll obviously vary by store). There are some startup costs in the form of spices and such, which could be something to consider if youre only planning to make this once...but you probably wont only make this once. $2.58 worth of canned chickpeas (2 cans @ $1.29 each) 20 cents worth of celery (1 bunch @ $2.99) 20 cents worth of shallot (a single wee one) $1 worth of mayo ($4.99 for a 15 ounce jar) 15 cents worth of red wine vinegar ($5 per bottle) 30 cents worth of curry powder ($3.99 per jar) 30 cents worth of turmeric ($3.99 per jar) 50 cents worth of parsley (99 cents for a small bunch) $2.32 worth of sliced fancy bread (a shocking $6.99 per loaf at my neighborhood marketbut thats a whole other story) Total for four servings: $7.55...making the total cost per serving a pretty surprising and gratifying $1.89. The recipe calls for greens and tomato, but I'm just as likely to sprinkle on some salt and pepper and call it a day. More advanced types might zhush things up with grated carrot, pickled jalapenos, olives, and/or pepperoncini. The book suggests serving it in a pita, but I also like it open-faced on toast, with crackers, or plunked atop mixed greens. The chickpea spread keeps in the fridge for up to three days, so you have a few chances to experiment. My husband has gotten into it, toowe now bring matching sandwiches to work pretty regularly. (Arent we romantic?) Last Sunday, I was (theoretically) gearing up to go to the grocery store but (really) dawdling around on Instagram, and our conversation meandered into What should we have for dinner this week?-territory. You know how it goes: Chicken sausage or chicken thighs? Tomatoey pasta or lemony pasta? Who has time to cook, and whos working late? Should we just go out to eat instead? When it came to lunch, at least, I didnt even have to ask. HARTFORD Growing up in Stamford, state Rep. Patricia Billie Miller didnt have a black teacher until the eighth grade. That teacher helped Miller, as a young African American girl, become a successful student, she said. So years later, Miller was dismayed when her daughter, now 28, only had one black teacher in Stamford schools. It helps when you have someone in front of you that looks like you, the Democrat said Monday. Although non-white students are about a third of Connecticuts school population, teachers of color are today only 7 percent of the states public school faculty, according to the state Commission on Equity and Opportunity. Miller and her House colleagues gave unanimous approval Monday to bill that would direct the state Department of Education to take more steps to recruit and retain minority teachers. The Senate previously approved the measure, so it will pass to the governors desk for a signature. The bill directs the Department to modernize its educator certification processes, develop private partnerships to increase recruitment and intervene where necessary in local board of educations efforts to prioritize hiring minority teachers. Lawmakers of both parties noted the diversity of thought and culture that teachers of color can bring to a classroom, benefiting children of all races. We are providing a deficient education to our children if we are not providing a school system and faculty that reflects this state and this country, said Rep. Andrew Fleischmann, D-West Hartford, House chair of the Education Committee. emunson@hearstmediact.com; Twitter: @emiliemunson HARTFORD Whether lawmakers will be able to pass state budget adjustments in the next two and a half days depends on whom you ask. Top Democrats expressed hope Monday that they will pass a state budget adjustment before the legislature adjourns Wednesday at midnight. Were just making changes and modifications, said House Majority Leader Matt Ritter, D-Hartford. Were very close with them. Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano, R-North Haven was less optimistic. He said he hasnt even seen a full Democratic budget for fiscal year 2019 yet, but what he has seen contained significant problems. And Fasano doubted that there was time to pass something truly bipartisan, he said. After all, it took four months to craft a bipartisan budget in 2017. To herd everyone together is going to be relatively impossible, I believe, he said Monday. More negotiations to mesh each partys vision into a passable plan are expected Monday afternoon. The 18-18 tie in the Senate means Democrats cannot lose one vote on their side to pass their budget. Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, a Democrat, would cast the tie-breaking vote in the event of a draw. With the states revenue revised upward at the end of April, Democrats shared new details Monday for their proposed budget adjustments, including deploying millions in funding for bus and rail operations to avoid service cutbacks and fare hikes. In addition, they aim to fully fund the Medicare Saving Program which gives Medicaid health benefits to more than 60,000 seniors, low-income and disabled residents. That program took a $70 million hit in the two-year bipartisan budget passed by lawmakers in October. A revised Republican budget released last week also contained these changes. There are areas of common ground when it comes to the budget, said House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, R-Derby. But there are significant differences. The two plans primarily differ over how much money to leave in the states emergency reserve the Rainy Day Fund, the amount of education spending and how to fund transportation expenses. Look to future years to see big differences in the plans, said Fasano on Monday afternoon. Clearly it is the out-years that is the marked difference between their budget and our budget, he said. Were reducing the deficits; theyre increasing the deficits. And any budget adjustment passed by the legislature would need a signature from Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. His office called the Democrats plan more responsible, but urged both parties to be more frugal. The administration has advocated strongly for fiscal restraint, especially through preserving our Rainy Day Fund, and would therefore like to see less spending in both of the Democrat and Republican proposals, said Kelly Donnelly, Malloys communications director. emunson@hearstmediact.com; Twitter: @emiliemunson DANBURY Police officers on Western Connecticut State Universitys campus finally have a station to call their own. The department moved into a new $6.45 million police station on Roberts Avenue at the schools midtown campus earlier this year and will host a grand opening with tours for the public on Friday morning. The almost 11,000-square-foot station is about five times the size of the departments previous location an addition to the maintenance building across the street and it has been almost 20 years in the making, Chief Roger Connor said. We certainly want to show off the new facility, he said. The officers here are proud of it and they feel good here. Its certainly a big upgrade. The new station includes separate public reception, interviewing and processing areas a seemingly standard setup that simply wasnt possible when the department was tacked onto the universitys boiler room, Connor said. Our secretary had to share space with our break room, which was also a processing room and meeting space, he recalled. There was no privacy whatsoever. Now officers have a processing area and holding cell for anyone arrested on campus and more interview, briefing, training, dispatch and detective squad rooms. The new offices also include far more space for police records and evidence receiving, processing and storage. Campus security cameras also are wired into a high-tech monitoring room in the new station, Connor said. Connor was a lieutenant in the department in 1999 when he was tapped to lead a space needs study for a new station. He and Luigi Marcone, chief university facilities officer, drafted and updated a master plan that did not come to fruition until the state finally funded the project two years ago. I was kind of surprised, to tell you the truth, Connor said. It came about in the middle of everything going up there (in Hartford), but they came through for us. This facility will last for years and years. Berlin-based Jacunski Humes Architects designed the new station and it was built by Danburys Hawley Construction Corp. Construction finished in late 2017 and officers began moving into the new building in February, university spokesman Paul Steinmetz said. Connor and WCSU President John B. Clark will host an opening ceremony at 11 a.m. Friday outside the station and then host tours until 1 p.m. zach.murdock@hearstmediact.com WASHINGTON - Gina Haspel, President Donald Trump's nominee to become the next CIA director, sought to withdraw her nomination Friday after some White House officials worried that her role in the interrogation of terrorist suspects could prevent her confirmation by the Senate, according to four senior U.S. officials. Haspel told the White House she was interested in stepping aside if it avoided the spectacle of a brutal confirmation hearing on Wednesday and potential damage to the CIA's reputation and her own, the officials said. She was summoned to the White House on Friday for a meeting on her history in the CIA's controversial interrogation program - which employed techniques such as waterboarding that are widely seen as torture - and signaled that she was going to withdraw her nomination. She then returned to CIA headquarters, the officials said. Taken aback at her stance, senior White House aides, including legislative affairs head Marc Short and press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, rushed to Langley, Virginia, to meet with Haspel at her office late Friday afternoon. Discussions stretched several hours, officials said, and the White House was not entirely sure she would stick with her nomination until Saturday afternoon, according to the officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. Trump learned of the drama Friday, calling officials from his trip to Dallas. He decided to push for Haspel to remain as the nominee after initially signaling he would support whatever decision was taken, administration officials said. Haspel, who serves as the CIA's deputy director and has spent 33 years in the agency, most of it undercover, faces some opposition in Congress because of her connection to the interrogation program, which was set up after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. In late 2002, Haspel oversaw a secret CIA detention facility in Thailand, where one al-Qaida suspect was waterboarded. Another detainee also was waterboarded before Haspel's arrival. Three years later, Haspel was involved in the CIA's destruction of nearly 100 videotapes that recorded the men's interrogations, touching off an investigation by a special prosecutor who ultimately decided not to bring charges against those involved. "There has been a fascinating phenomenon over the last few weeks. Those who know the true Gina Haspel - who worked with her, who served with her, who helped her confront terrorism, Russia and countless other threats to our nation - they almost uniformly support her," said Ryan Trapani, a CIA spokesman. "That is true for people who disagree about nearly everything else. There is a reason for that. When the American people finally have a chance to see the true Gina Haspel on Wednesday, they will understand why she is so admired and why she is and will be a great leader for this agency." Sanders declined to comment on Haspel's offer to withdraw or internal White House discussions, but she stressed that Haspel is a dedicated public servant qualified for the role and that she has the full support of the president. "She is the best of the best," Sanders said of Haspel, describing her as a "patriot." An administration official said the nomination remains on track. "There is a hearing prep session today, courtesy calls with senators Monday and Tuesday, and classified materials will be delivered to Senate security so senators can read the real record instead of relying on gossip and unfounded smears," the official said. But Haspel's nomination to become the first woman to lead the CIA came close to being scuttled Friday ahead of any hearings - and largely at her own hand, the U.S. officials said. The problem came to a head Friday afternoon when she was summoned to the White House for some urgent questions, particularly on her role in the use of waterboarding and other harsh interrogation techniques. She had been in a meeting with her staff at CIA headquarters in Langley, fielding mock questions to prepare for her confirmation hearing, when the summons arrived. Some White House officials were concerned by material being raised in questions from Congress, information they were just learning about, according to the U.S. officials. Those officials said the material was not new, but the White House wanted to hear Haspel's explanation of it. Some records from the interrogation program, including documents that haven't been made public, show that Haspel was an enthusiastic supporter of what the CIA was doing, according to officials familiar with the matter. But others have disputed any characterization of Haspel as some kind of cheerleader of the harsh treatment of detainees and noted that the program was authorized by the president, deemed legal by administration lawyers and briefed to members of Congress. Haspel's chances of winning Senate confirmation are considered uncertain, in part because of the 51-to-49 party split and the prolonged absence of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who is undergoing treatment for a rare form of brain cancer. Members of Congress, particularly Democrats, have been resistant to Haspel's nomination without more information about her role in the program. The nomination has sparked trepidation inside the White House, with some Trump advisers telling the president in recent weeks she was unlikely to be confirmed. Lawmakers had been pushing last month for more access to a handful of cables and other CIA material that might shed more light on Haspel's work. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said the more material she reads about Haspel's role in the interrogation program, including the destruction of tapes, the more unsettled she has become. Last month, the CIA declassified an internal disciplinary review that "found no fault with the performance" of Haspel in the destruction of the videotapes. Haspel drafted a cable approving the destruction that her boss ultimately sent to field officers, who fed the tapes into a shredding machine. But she believed that he would first get the approval of senior CIA leaders before sending it, according to people with knowledge of the episode. The release of the disciplinary review may persuade some lawmakers who had been undecided to support Haspel, said congressional officials tracking the nomination process. Amid the questioning in the West Wing on Friday afternoon, Haspel told White House aides she did not want her nomination to harm the CIA. She also feared unfair attacks on her own reputation, saying that she didn't want to be "the next Ronny Jackson," one official said. Jackson, Trump's White House doctor, withdrew his nomination to become Veterans Affairs secretary following questions regarding alleged misconduct earlier in his career. Short, the White House legislative affairs director, told Haspel she could still be confirmed despite the information that had recently come to attention of the White House - and the administration expected some Democrats to support her, officials said. Short declined to comment. By Saturday, the officials said, Haspel had agreed to continue with her nomination. Sanders issued a tweet in support of Haspel and rebuking her detractors on Capitol Hill late Saturday afternoon. "There is no one more qualified to be the first woman to lead the CIA than 30+ year CIA veteran Gina Haspel," she tweeted. "Any Democrat who claims to support women's empowerment and our national security but opposes her nomination is a total hypocrite." Connecticut needs a predictable and coherent fiscal policy that enables lawmakers to make strategic choices that will spur economic growth. Unfortunately, an untested fiscal rule added to the budget in the final hours of negotiations last year, the Bond Lock, could introduce uncertainty and instability to Connecticuts fiscal future. Unless the General Assembly approves legislation to delay or repeal this provision before the end of this legislative session this Wednesday, Connecticut could effectively surrender its fiscal authority for more than a decade. The Bond Lock stipulates that, whenever the state issues a bond after May 15, it must vow not to change any of the fiscal rules that define how much the state can spend, borrow, or budget for the life of the bond except in extraordinary circumstances. As bond covenants are legally binding contracts, the Bond Lock will force the state to keep four fiscal restraints spending cap, bonding cap, volatility cap, and appropriations cap in place, as the General Assembly cannot override a contract with legislation. State-issued bonds would include a covenant preventing the legislature from amending its own budget rules except in very limited circumstances, constraining fiscal and economic policy to the point of making it wholly ineffective. The Bond Lock will have two main impacts. First, it will create a cloud of uncertainty over Connecticuts budget, as any attempt by the General Assembly to fix or amend its own fiscal rules would face the risk of expensive litigation from bondholders. Even if the state were to prevail, the prospect of having state obligations tied up in court might be enough to damage our credit rating, scaring investors away and increasing our borrowing costs. National experts and bond rating agencies agree on this assessment. Urban Institute scholar Kim Reuben pointed out that locking in strict fiscal restrictions might have unexpected long-term impacts, warning that enforcing them through bond documents brings new risks. Moodys has talked about how the Bond Lock reduces budgetary flexibility. According to their analysis, the impact of the Bond Lock on Connecticuts long-term credit rating is unclear. S&P wrote about how a violation of a bond covenant would create questions as to who can sue the state and how. Second, a bright future for Connecticut will require focused strategic investments in our cities and our workforce, and a commitment to embrace equitable opportunity for all our children and families. Municipalities, business leaders, and unions (Project B.E.S.T.) have supported this path forward for Connecticut and represents a central part of the Commission on Fiscal Stability and Economic Growths recommendations. The fiscal rules cemented into place by the Bond Lock would limit the states ability to prioritize these investments. The General Assembly is currently considering a bill (H.B. 5590) that mitigates the immediate impact of the Bond Lock, delaying its implementation on the spending and bonding caps for a year. This would not be enough: The bill would still lock in place the volatility and appropriations caps, leaving the state exposed to the uncertainty and risk created by the Bond Lock mechanism. With the clock ticking toward the end of the session, time is running out. The potential impacts of the Bond Lock warrant more careful consideration. The General Assembly should seek a full delay of the Bond Lock, without exclusions, to evaluate its actual impact. Either lawmakers act now, or the legislature will severely undermine their fiscal authority for years while leaving the state at the mercy of litigation-happy investors. The Bond Lock, paired with the other fiscal restrictions, could undermine Connecticuts fiscal reputation and could leave our state unable to meet current or future challenges. We cannot afford taking that chance. We urge the General Assembly to assert its sovereign authority and fully delay the Bond Lock this session. Ellen Shemitz is Executive Director of the Connecticut Voices for Children. In what may be his final public act, John McCain this month will publish a book that bequeaths us a rare gift. The Arizona senator has been writing, with longtime collaborator Mark Salter, while also coping with an aggressive brain tumor. He has had no way of knowing whether he would survive to the May 22 publication date. Despite that, the volume does not burden us with a lot of high-minded advice based on lessons learned, nor does it pull us down into treacly memoir. McCain is still very much McCain. The nearest he comes to dispensing personal wisdom is glancingly, when he discloses that the adjective he takes greatest pride in having inhabited over his lifetime is "restless." What he does offer, though, at this peculiar moment of our history, is far more precious: a reminder of the values and principles that our nation has long stood for, and a spur to us to recover from this unhealthy interlude and stand for them again. Without preaching, instead by recounting stories of battles won and (often) lost, McCain unspools something akin to a self-help manual for a country that has, at least for the moment, lost its way. "To fear the world we have organized and led for three-quarters of a century, to abandon the ideals we have advanced around the globe, to refuse the obligations of international leadership for the sake of some half-baked, spurious nationalism cooked up by people who would rather find scapegoats than solve problems is unpatriotic," McCain writes. McCain delivers his message without obsessing on the current incumbent of the White House: "Trump, Donald J." gets fewer lines in the index than a nearby entry for "torture debate," for example. On the other hand, there is little ambiguity in his contrasting description of himself: "Not an isolationist, protectionist, immigrant-bashing, scapegoating, get-nothing-useful-done Republican." Nor does McCain offer the in-depth confession that some readers might want for what they see as his contributions along the way to the debasement of American politics. He says he regrets not having chosen his friend Joe Lieberman as his running mate when he ran for president against Barack Obama in 2008, for example, but he is nothing but gracious about his fallback choice, Sarah Palin. He certainly does not pretend to have lived his long public career without error. But rather than dwell on the lapses, "The Restless Wave" tells stories: of the 2008 campaign, the battle for immigration reform, the fight against George W. Bush's torture policy, the controversies over Afghanistan and Iraq. And from stories, it distills principles - principles that, in other times, might seem unremarkable and that, we can hope, may someday come to seem unremarkable again. For example: "I believe in the separation of powers, a press free to report without fear or favor, and free to infuriate politicians - including me - as they do." For example: "I believe in principled compromises that move the country forward. . . . Our Constitution and closely divided polity don't allow for winner- take-all governance . . . And so, I've worked with Democratic colleagues to do things I thought were important. Proudly." For example: The "great majority of unauthorized immigrants came here to find work and raise their families, like most immigrants have throughout our history. They are not the rapists, killers, and drug dealers of fevered imaginations on the Right . . . They're decent people working hard to make better lives." Most of all, McCain wants us to see America as he does: as an imperfect but also frequently unselfish promoter of democratic values and human rights, a great power that - unlike other great powers - goes into the world not to seize territory or resources but to extend stability and, at our best, help other nations win their freedom. After recounting the story of Liu Xiaobo, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate who died of liver cancer in 2017 while a prisoner of the Chinese government, McCain writes: "Above all else, we must stand in solidarity with the imprisoned, the silenced, the tortured, and the murdered because we are a country with a conscience," he writes. "It is a mistake to view foreign policy, as the Chinese would like us to view it, as simply transactional. . . . Depriving the oppressed of a beacon of hope could lose us the world we have built and thrived in. It could cost our reputation in history as the nation distinct from all others in our achievements, our identity, and our enduring influence on mankind." "I want to urge Americans, for as long as I can, to remember that this shared devotion to human rights is our truest heritage and our most important loyalty," McCain writes - and, in so doing, ensures that we will hear his urging long after he has stopped speaking from the Senate floor. SMITHS FALLS, ON and ST. JOHN'S, May 7, 2018 /CNW/ - Tweed is pleased to join the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador in announcing the locations of its new production facility and first four retail locations in the province. Together, these sites will bring over 200 high quality local jobs in the booming legal cannabis sector. The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Jeff Ryan, Vice-President, Government and Stakeholder Relations, Canopy Growth, officially broke ground on the site located at 60 Eastland Drive in St. John's. This announcement marks another milestone achieved ahead of schedule and once operational, the site will produce up to 12,000 kg of high quality cannabis per year and serve as the hub for local research and development funded by a $500,000 investment from Canopy Growth over the next five years. Also announced today were the locations of the first four Tweed retail stores, which, in addition to selling cannabis products, will engage with customers to deliver education programs and community events prior to the opening of the adult recreational market. Residents can look forward to visiting the Tweed stores at the production site, Corner Brook, Kenmount Road and on Water Street in St. John's. "When the sun rises on a new day in Canada, it hits Cape Spear first and just like the province, we're a company of firsts. We're proud to call Newfoundland and Labrador home to our first ever Tweed-branded retail locations," said Bruce Linton, Chairman and CEO, Canopy Growth Corporation. "We're excited to play a lead role in developing this industry in the province and look forward to supplying adult customers with high quality cannabis products once the legal market opens this year." "Our government congratulates Canopy Growth on reaching this important milestone and breaking ground on the site of its new production facility. Our vision is an industry which leads to production, job creation, supply chain development and research and development in this province. We welcome the 145 new jobs that will be created at Canopy Growth's production facility and look forward to continued growth in this industry," said the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, Newfoundland and Labrador. To help us get to know each other better, Tweed will be hosting local events over the next few months supporting hiring, education, and community engagement. This includes events featuring the Tweed Collective which was recently established with a 4 year, $20 million commitment to find and fund the most impactful community enhancement projects. The first of these events will be a Tweed retail job fair on June 2 and 3 from 11am to 6pm at the Rocket Bakery at 272 Water Street in St. John's. All those interested in joining the Tweed retail team as well as learning more about Tweed and the Tweed Collective are encouraged to drop by. The Tweed Collective is also currently seeking expressions of interest and community-building project ideas. Learn more and share your idea at: www.TweedCollective.com Here's to Future Growth (on The Rock). About Tweed Tweed is a globally recognized cannabis production brand. It has built a large and loyal following by focusing on quality products and meaningful customer relationships. Tweed doesn't just sell cannabis, it facilitates a conversation about a product we've all heard about but haven't met intimately yet. It is approachable and friendly, yet reliable and trusted. As cannabis laws liberalize around the world, Tweed will expand its leading Canadian position around the globe. Learn more at www.tweed.com. About Tweed Collective Not everyone understands the significance of April 20th. But to us, it's always been clear: it's a day for unity, community, and promoting progressive views on the treatment of cannabis within our society. It's the perfect time to launch Our 420 Commitment. Over the next 4 years, the Tweed Collective will invest $20 million in socially responsible initiatives. This will transform where and how we live in meaningful ways. We'll find, fund, and foster the best ideas, and invest where it matters most: our communities. If you're an artist, a creator, a builder or just someone with an idea for your community, then join us. Let's Grow Good Together. Learn more at www.tweedcollective.com About Canopy Growth Corporation Canopy Growth is a world-leading diversified cannabis and hemp company, offering distinct brands and curated cannabis varieties in dried, oil and Softgel capsule forms. From product and process innovation to market execution, Canopy Growth is driven by a passion for leadership and a commitment to building a world-class cannabis company one product, site and country at a time. Canopy Growth has established partnerships with leading sector names including cannabis icon Snoop Dogg, breeding legends DNA Genetics and Green House seeds, and Fortune 500 alcohol leader Constellation Brands, to name but a few. Canopy Growth operates eight cannabis production sites with over 2.4 million square feet of production capacity, including over 500,000 square feet of GMP-certified production space. The Company has operations in seven countries across four continents. The Company is proudly dedicated to educating healthcare practitioners, conducting robust clinical research, and furthering the public's understanding of cannabis, and through its partly owned subsidiary, Canopy Health Innovations, has devoted millions of dollars toward cutting edge, commercializable research and IP development. Through partly owned subsidiary Canopy Rivers Corporation, the Company is providing resources and investment to new market entrants and building a portfolio of stable investments in the sector. From our historic public listing to our continued international expansion, pride in advancing shareholder value through leadership is engrained in all we do at Canopy Growth. For more information visitwww.canopygrowth.com. Notice Regarding Forward Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Canopy Growth Corporation, its subsidiaries, or its affiliates to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Examples of such statements include future operational and production capacity, the impact of enhanced infrastructure and production capabilities, and forecasted available product selection. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and Canopy Growth Corporation does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities legislation. SOURCE Canopy Growth Corporation For further information: Tweed: Jordan Sinclair, Director of Communications, [email protected], 613-769-4196; Investor Relations: Tyler Burns, [email protected], 855-558-9333 ex 122; Director: Bruce Linton, [email protected] Related Links http://canopygrowth.com/ Mark Valencia (writing at the Diplomat) finally admitted that it is s finally clear that the United States is not willing to confront China over the South China Sea. China continues to militarize the South China Sea features it occupies and to assert its questionable maritime claims versus other claimants. U.S. rhetoric has sharply criticized Chinas behavior and implied dire consequences if it persists. But China has persisted and it has become clear that America is not going to rescue the other claimants from perceived intimidation and coercion. The realization that the United States will not be coming to the rescue is belatedly beginning to sink in throughout the region and misplaced hope is being replaced by bitter disappointment and even despair. However to seasoned observers, this development was not a surprise. Vietnam and the international supporters of its position are the latest to come to this realization. Very Obvious since 2015 Indications that the United States was unlikely to militarily support even an ally like the Philippines regarding the South China Sea disputes surfaced when China muscled its way to control of the Philippines-claimed Scarborough Shoal. The Philippines had hoped that the United States would intervene on its behalf, but it was not to be. In August 2015, current Philippine President Rodrigo Dutertes blunt pragmatic assessment that America would never die for us a reference to U.S. vagueness on whether or not it would come to the aid of the Philippine military in a conflict in the Spratlys or Scarborough Shoal. Duerte has also stated that China is now in power and they have military superiority in the region. Analysts like Australias Hugh White, who argues that Washington has shown no appetite for engaging in a confrontation with China in Chinas own backyard where the U.S. might take heavy losses and not win quickly. US Core interests not at stake over South China Sea or Taiwan In a 2017 article in Foreign Affairs, veteran policy analysts Robert Manning and James Przystup conclude that the reality is that US core interests are not really at stake [in the South China Sea] and China knows it. People in the region watching Beijing stake claims to disputed South China Sea rocks and shoals have no illusions that China is being deterred by the United States. They have come to understand the reality of an asymmetry of respective Chinese and U.S. geopolitical interests. Beijings interest in the South China Sea is political and strategic in nature. Island building is aimed at asserting sovereignty to reverse the century of humiliation, which has become a key to legitimacy for the Chinese Communist Party. Strategically, China is pushing out its defense perimeter and enhancing Chinas maritime sway in the region. But for the United States, the South China Sea is just one part of the larger, complex U.S.-China relationship. Former President Barack Obamas policy priorities for China were the Paris climate change accords and the Iran nuclear deal; Donald Trumps policy priorities for China are North Korea and trade. Nextbigfuture reviews who the US will and will not fight The US will beat up on Vietnam, North Korea without nuclear weapons, Iraq (twice), Syria, Libya and Afghanistan. The US will think about and may actually have a war with Iran and North Korea with a few nuclear weapons. However, only if there is an aggressive President like Trump and not if there was a passive President like Obama. The US would only fight a China or even a Russia if directly attacked the USA, a major European or NATO ally. It would be automatic if it was an attack on US or friendly territory with over 200 casualties. In the 1990s and before China was far weaker. The US was willing to make China backoff Taiwan with a small show of force. China has moved up in power. Guillermo Calderons bracingly brave and artfully crafted play Kiss, currently putting the whammy on theatergoers at Yale Repertory Theatre, personifies the truth that one must contextualize a message in order to mine its meaning. Or, as Noah Cross famously put it in Chinatown, You may think you know what youre dealing with, but, believe me, you dont. Kiss, which continues at the Rep through May 19, may not be a mystery like that film, but it has nearly as many layers of understanding grasped by stunning revelations, admissions and plot twists. Kiss, however, grows more mysterious after cajoling its audience into merry complacency. Once Calderon casts that spell, he pulls a few rugs out from beneath the plays characters and theatergoers alike. And whereas any good mysterys conclusion proves surprising yet inevitable, Kiss deliberately presents its twists without leaving any bread crumbs that its audience can use to confirm its unsettling conclusion (resolution simply does not apply to a play as masterfully constructed as this). The only clear path to comprehension is understanding the situations history, culture, language and hierarchy. Without such thorough consideration, forget it, Jake: its Chinatown. Kiss starts harmlessly enough. Damascus, 2014 radiates on a legend to acclimate the audience to the unities of time and place, as Hadeel (Sohina Sidhu) prepares for a chummy gathering of four friends to watch a soap opera, or musalsalaat, starring one of the friends, Bana (Hend Ayoub). Yet before Youssif (James Cusati-Moyer) arrives earlier than expected, one cant help but notice the wholesale bareness of scenic designer AO Lis walls of Hadeels modest abode. Clearly, this is no boating accident. Yale Rep is simply incapable of presenting any production featuring any unattended detail, so one naturally is on notice that surprises, if not junior land mines, lie ahead. By the time Bana arrives, the audience has already observed three professions of love, as many marriage proposals, and a wild romantic comedy in the spirit of Murray Schisgals Luv seems afoot. Furthermore, the four characters, including Ahmed (Ian Lassiter), who followed Youssif, seem to behave in a heightened manner. There is something familiar about their acting, a style that may rest on the tip of the tongue a tad beyond articulation. The jig is up, however, once sound designer cum composer Michael Costagliolas strings fade in under Banas monologue. These four friends ostensibly convened to watch a musalsalaat, but they are, in fact, the soap opera. Under Evan Yionoulis even-handed direction, the four actors pull this off subtly and transitionally, so the audience is too amused and curious to perceive the truth of the situation. Since things get crazier and stakes rise considerably after this zany and seemingly harmless first scene, all subsequent epiphanies blindside everyone. These sucker punches are much more difficult to see coming because neither the theatergoers nor the characters thought it necessary to explore the scenario beyond its engaging face value. What we all have just collectively observed suits our emotional and intellectual needs, as far as we know. The second scene startles us as the characters break the fourth wall and directly address the audience. A pivotal Skype call follows with a female generically called Woman (Rasha Zamamiri) in the program. She dons a blond wig, dark glasses, and sits beside her Interpreter (Abubakr Ali), in a scene best described as a string of revelations spaced apart just so, as to heighten interest and give everyone ample time to catch their breath and collect their wits before redirecting their journey through Calderons uncharted and very deep waters. As the kids say, its all fun till someone loses an eye. The fact that Calderon deftly reverses the venerable sublime to ridiculous story structure is actually an instance of subject-over-style craftsmanship and makes Kiss resonate all the more. And if youre wondering just what the significance of the plays title is, please take Noah Cross word for it. Only a Syrian, knowledgeable of indigenous culture and the various Arabic dialects particularly the connotative, subjective meaning of words can understand exactly what their living hell means. All is lost in translation. After the sobering Skype scene concludes, everything about Kiss changes: its story, its characters and the theatergoers perspective. The only quibble with Kiss here is that the end grows a tad tedious with its full-court press on the montage style used to bring Kiss to its unsettling conclusion. This is the only point where the audience catches up with Calderon. Still, Calderon, a Chilean writing his first play in English, dazzles us with his language, action and his chief metaphor that is the first scene. Its challenging, bold and pays off handsomely. The only thing left to say about Kiss is that one cannot say anything more about Kiss without spoiling the experience for readers intent on seeing Yale Reps splendid production for themselves. Anyone who enjoys challenging, fearless storytelling wants to be included in this group. NEW HAVEN It is the parents responsibility to be sure their children receive a good education. In Connecticut, unless a student is attending a public school, neither the local school district nor the state Department of Education has the legal authority to ensure a child is receiving an education that meets the high school graduation requirements established by state law. Those requirements include 20 credits in English, math, social studies (including civics and American government), science, arts or vocational education and physical education. Its the parents responsibility to educate their child, said Laura Anastasio, a staff attorney for the state Department of Education. The parent is required to send their child to public school or demonstrate that the child is receiving an equivalent instruction elsewhere. Elsewhere could be a private school, whether secular or religious, an out-of-state boarding school or at home. However, in an email, Laura Stefon, chief of staff and legislative liaison in the Education Department, wrote, There is no state statute that places this responsibility on the private schools. The state does not have jurisdiction or control over private schools but will recognize diplomas if the private school is accredited by one of four state-approved agencies, which have stringent standards regarding teacher qualifications, courses, curriculum, facilities etc. to ensure that the students are receiving equivalent instruction, Stefon wrote. However, this does not prevent a private school from operating in the state and issuing unrecognized diplomas, Stefon said. There are many sectarian schools in the state, and they provide religious instruction in school. Some are approved; some are not approved. The Department cannot walk into an unapproved school and verify their curriculum there is no legal authority to do so. Anastasio said private schools that do not receive public funds are not required to obtain state Department of Education approval, and Peter Yazbak, spokesman for the department, reiterated in an email: In Connecticut, there is no state law that prohibits a private entity from operating an unapproved school. Homeschooling has its own legal requirements, including a notice of intent filed by the parent with the local school district and an annual review held with parents and school officials to ensure the child is receiving equivalent instruction to that given in public school by age 7, according to a 1994 letter to school superintendents that Stefon said still applies. In New Haven, at least one private high school is operating and thriving without meeting the basic curriculum required of public schools. Yeshivas Beis Dovid Shlomo, a boys high school that recently moved from Norton Street to the former St. Brendans Roman Catholic Church property at Whalley and Ellsworth avenues, teaches only Judaic studies, including the Torah the five books of Moses and the Talmud, a collection of writings that interprets and comments on Jewish law and tradition. And students say they study only in Yiddish, the traditional language of central and East European Jews. The yeshiva is run by Chabad-Lubavitch rabbis, members of an ultra-Orthodox movement known for its devotion to Jewish law. The website for Yeshivas Beis Dovid Shlomo, founded in 1976, says it attracts students from Europe, Australia and Asia. It is led by Principal Yosef Lustig and its dean, Rabbi Yosef Kalmenson, who has written 22 books on the Talmud. Its website states: Along with our superior standards of academic excellence, we also place particular emphasis on developing the Jewish leaders of the future. Our students understand that the lofty concepts they study are meant to be put into action. Lustig would not comment for this story, saying the Feb. 14 shooting at a Parkland, Fla., high school, in which 17 people died, led school officials to decide not to talk to the news media. The yeshiva is not listed as accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, which lists just one yeshiva, based in Longmeadow, Mass., on its website. The school also is not listed as a member of the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools. The other two accrediting organizations are the Association of Christian Schools International and the American Association of Christian Schools If the child is not attending a public school, then the superintendent of schools in the district where the child is living would be required to verify that the child is receiving instruction elsewhere, Anastasio said. Anastasio said the yeshiva has a responsibility to the parent who is sending [a student] there to provide a basic education. There are rules that are in place. Theyre just not Department of Education rules. Anastasio added, If a parent is not educating their child that would be an issue of abuse and neglect under the Department of Children and Families. William Clark, chief operating officer for the New Haven Public Schools, said the public schools bear some responsibility for those that we become aware of who are not registered. We have a certain obligation to report that. If we become aware of someone who is not going to school that becomes an obligation on our part to make a DCF report as a mandatory reporter of child neglect or abuse. Years ago, there used to be a more clear line of truancy courts, but that has kind of gone away, Clark said. Lawrence Berliner, a special education and disability law attorney based in Westport, said the only time the state gets involved is educational neglect or truancy and thats through the juvenile court or DCF. He said state law calls for a $25-a-day fine if a child is not attending school but said it is not clear whether the school district or the parent would be liable to pay the fine. Theres some ambiguity. It just says person. Its not clear. However, Gary Kleeblatt, spokesman for DCF, said the department would not get involved in such a case. The parents have significant say in their childs upbringing, of course, and sending their child to a religious school does not constitute neglect, he said. Students may leave the public school system for a variety of reasons. They may transfer to private school or religious school or their parents may decide to homeschool them. They may return to a country they immigrated from, such as Mexico or Ecuador, or move to a school in a different state when a parent changes jobs. All that data goes into the state, which can cross-reference and track that, Clark said. As a practical matter, if youre changing schools you should be withdrawing formally. The various registration offices across the state tend to work very well together. Most registration offices are doing that level of due diligence so as a consequence you can follow the bouncing ball. The state Education Department does track some data, specifically the graduation rates. They are essentially a clearinghouse, he said. At the end of the day thats really on the state, frankly, to be checking in and making sure the child is being educated. Parents who homeschool are expected to report that and the state is basically saying to homeschoolers you are supposed to be covering X, Y and Z, and the parent is supposed to do that, Clark said. Theres certain rights that the parents have to make those decisions. Our role is rather limited in that regard, Clark said. We dont have the resources to put yet another burden on the public education system to do an accountability check within our borders. Making sure that a school is teaching a broad curriculum is going to be a hot potato, too, Clark said. Are they going to really want to look at the abuse and neglect element? I suppose it would be in the eye of the beholder. According to Yazbak, the Department of Education collects data on students who move from one public school to another or who withdraw from public school to go to a private school. However, Yazbak said, the state has no obligation or way of knowing if these students actually enrolled in a private school. When a parent un-enrolls their child from a public school, then the respective [school district] has fulfilled its duty and it is up to that parent to educate their child elsewhere. State Sen. Gary Winfield, D-New Haven, in whose district the yeshiva resides and who is a member of the Education Committee, said while the state Constitution applies only to public schools, the education of all our children should be important to the state whether they are educated in a traditional public school, charter school, private or religious school. Perhaps an Education Committee informational forum where inherent issues can be explored would allow for a discussion on the issue without stepping on anyones religious rights. Concerns about New York yeshivas The situation is different in New York state, where it has been the responsibility of local school boards and superintendents to ensure students in their districts receive an education that is substantially equivalent to public school requirements, no matter what school they attend. According to the New York Education Departments Guidelines for Determining Equivalency of Instruction in Nonpublic Schools, The object of the compulsory attendance law is to see that children are not left in ignorance, that they receive from some source the instruction that will prepare them for their place in society. If a child attends a nonpublic school or is being educated at home, the board of education of the school district in which the child resides must be assured that the child is receiving instruction which is substantially equivalent to that provided in the public schools. Thus, the boards responsibility is to the children living in the district; it has no direct authority over a nonpublic school. Berliner described New York states law concerning education as very prescriptive. Its a very top-down approach. Connecticut is not a top-down approach. However, critics have charged that a number of ultra-Orthodox yeshivas in New York City, mostly in Brooklyn and Queens, have not followed the law, offering little education outside Judaic studies and not teaching in English. In 2015, Young Advocates for Fair Education, led by a former yeshiva student, Naftuli Moster, submitted a list of 39 such yeshivas to seven district superintendents six in Brooklyn and one in Queens in order to express our deep concern about the poor quality and scant amount of secular education, particularly English instruction, at these Yeshivas. We designated 39 yeshivas which we thought were not complying with the law and others that were, said Norman Siegel, a civil rights lawyer who represented Yaffed at the time (he no longer does). He said he did not release the names of the 39 schools because I didnt want to declare war on the yeshivas. Moster said the list was later released.But, Siegel said, city officials failed to act because of the political power of the Orthodox Jewish community. They bloc vote and so politicians want that vote. Siegel said, The issue became very clear and it got a lot of support from the secular Jewish community and the non-Jewish community. But he said many Orthodox Jews see secular education as a threat to their culture. In September at City Hall, Yaffed protested what it called inaction by Mayor Bill de Blasio and schools Chancellor Carmen Farina, according to the New York Times, and released its own report, Non-Equivalent: The State of Education in New York Citys Hasidic Yeshivas, detailing how boys in the ultra-Orthodox yeshivas receive no education in English, math, science or history after age 13. The report said while girls receive instruction in secular studies, boys, who are expected to study to become rabbis, receive very little education beyond Jewish law and tradition. When yeshivas do provide education in secular subjects, it is in just a few grades, for one hour to 90 minutes at the end of the long school day, the report stated. Typically, instruction is provided in very basic English reading and arithmetic, along with minimal levels of English writing. Teachers are often unqualified some barely know English themselves and the English class period (as the time devoted to secular studies is called) is often treated as free time for restless students. Textbooks are heavily censored, when they are used at all. High schools for boys typically provide absolutely no secular education. The report said that despite claims by groups such as Parents for Educational and Religious Liberty in Schools, that graduates of Orthodox yeshivas go on to successful careers, 43 percent of Hasidic households in New York are poor and another 16 percent are near poor. On its website, PEARLS, which did not respond to a request for comment, says in August 2016, Over 75 principals, administrators, and lead-teachers, representing tens of thousands of yeshiva students across the region, convened to receive instruction about newly updated Math and English Language Arts curriculum that will be implemented in the upcoming school year in dozens of yeshivas in New York City. However, the ultra-Orthodox bloc may have gained more protection for yeshivas that dont meet state standards as the result of a last-minute provision in the $168 billion state budget It also placed authority for deciding whether a private school is offering an equivalent education on the state education commissioner, which Siegel said may hurt the reformers cause. The Legislature apparently decided to protect the status quo, he said. Siegel said the ultra-Orthodox leaders would argue that vigorous Talmudic study in English promotes critical thinking. The language in the new law says they will look at the curriculum and see if it provides academically rigorous instruction that develops critical thinking skills in the schools students, the outcomes of which, taking into account the entirety of the curriculum, results in a sound basic education, Siegel said. Theres nothing in this about English instruction. Felder, who did not return a call from Hearst Connecticut Media, told the Times: Parents should have the ability to decide what sort of education their children receive. He said the budget provision was the beginning of a process that not only pertains to yeshivas but to alternative schools of any sort. Siegel said the issue is not one of religious freedom but of the responsibility of families and school officials to ensure a full education to students. We were never contesting the right of the yeshiva to provide religious education in accordance with its religious beliefs, he said. He said a yeshiva education enables its students to argue, to analyze, but it might not be that they know how to read and write in English. Theyll be successful in an insular community. He said girls, who are not allowed to become rabbis in Orthodox Judaism, receive more general education than do the boys, who are primarily trained to become rabbis. Referring to Connecticuts law placing responsibility for childrens education solely on their parents, Siegel said, Im flabbergasted [that] the state and local school board have no authority over private schools. He said if Yeshivas Beis Dovid Shlomo is teaching only Judaic studies in Yiddish, its students are not becoming proficient. If youre not giving them English instruction, how are they going to function in the real world? There should be a movement in Connecticut for state and local school boards to have authority over private schools, Siegel said. Connecticut seems to be a place where there needs to be some activism and reform thinking. He said the state Education Department and local boards of education need reasonable authority over private schools, including religious schools, to provide all students in Connecticut with a sound, basic education. Siegel called the movement to require yeshivas to provide a basic education a modern-day civil rights issue. he said New York has investigated 15 or less of the 39 yeshivas Yaffed named. Its a formidable opponent. They have resources. Without Naftuli and Yaffed I dont think this issue would have seen the light of day. Moster, 31, who lives in Rockland County, attended a Borough Park, Brooklyn, yeshiva from age 2 to 20 as a member of the Hasidic Belz sect. His first language was Yiddish, which he studied along with biblical Hebrew and Aramaic. They begin studying the Torah, which is in Hebrew, but they would translate every word into Yiddish, he said. After that, they begin studying Talmud slowly and they increase it over time. Moster said, At the age of 20, I became interested in becoming a psychologist, so he applied to the local Touro College, a branch of Touro that actually caters to Orthodox Jews, Moster said. They have separate wings of their tiny building for men and women. Touro also offers remedial courses; there was no college preparation in the yeshiva. I was really a foolish kid. Everything was so foreign to me, Moster said. I never heard the word semester or credit or GPA. I couldnt really get in, but they really wanted me, Moster said. Moster eventually transferred to the College of Staten Island, graduating summa cum laude with a degree in psychology, then earned a masters in social work from Hunter College. It hit me that even after all these years of being in college, I was still at a huge disadvantage, said Moster, who is married and has an 11-month-old son. It hit me that it was a form of neglect. He founded Yaffed and began working to have the laws regarding private schools applied to the yeshivas. He said his greatest success may be in raising awareness of the issue. So now its a major, major topic in the [Orthodox] community and outside the community as well, he said. We created media attention when we put up billboards on this topic. Thats one area where without a shred of doubt weve had an influence. The next step would be actual action. Even though the city has been dragging its feet on the investigation, they have been putting pressure on the yeshivas to improve. Moster said. Some have added more secular education, as well as teacher training. Another issue was [that] the quantity of secular education was minimal but the quality was too. They werent taking it seriously. It isnt close to our vision that every child get a full secular education. Were still very far from that. Rabbi Moshe Lieblich is principal of HaMesivta in Brooklyn, a part of the United Lubavitcher Yeshiva Ocean Parkway. His school teaches boys from 14 to 17. We teach a full range of secular studies, he said, although the daily schedule on the yeshivas website lists just two periods of secular studies, from 4:05 to 6 p.m. Lieblich said HaMesivtas students must pass New York states Board of Regents exam to receive a diploma. Were required by law to teach general studies, he said. He said of his students Most of them do become rabbis some end up going to college, some of them become entrepreneurs. Its really a mix. Amish objected to high school There have been other conflicts between religious belief and state education requirements, notably one involving the Old Order Amish and Conservative Amish Mennonite Church in Wisconsin, in which believers refused to send their children to school after eighth grade. The case, Wisconsin v. Yoder, reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled 7-0 in 1972 against the state. However, according to William Dunlap, professor of constitutional law at the Quinnipiac University School of Law in Hamden, the Hasidic Jews are not refusing to educate their children, but instead establishing their own schools, so Yoder doesnt apply. Dunlap said in Connecticut the state is not imposing any burdens here on religious parents. The state asks virtually no questions about the high schooling or the standards for the private schools. Clarification: This story has been edited to reflect that the list of 39 New York City yeshivas suspected of not teaching basic subjects was released publicly. Also, Mosters reference to being a foolish kid referred only to his lack of general education. Contact Ed Stannard at edward.stannard@hearstmediact.com or 203-680-9382. NEW HAVEN An expert on jailhouse informants who was hired by the defense team in Jean Brunys murder trial testified Monday that such informants expect a benefit from the state and thus are likely to not necessarily tell the truth in their testimony. Robert M. Bloom, a professor at Boston College Law School, was called in by Brunys two attorneys in a bid to get the jurors to question the reliability of two prosecution witnesses. Bloom, author of Ratting: The Use and Abuse of Informants in the American Justice System, testified: Im trying to provide the jury with behavioral observations to assist them in determining the credibility of witnesses. But Bloom conceded he has not met the two witnesses in question and has no idea whether they were telling the truth when they testified. The witnesses, both dressed in prison garb when they were brought into the courtroom last week, were called by prosecutors to implicate Bruny in the fatal shooting of Torrance Dawkins, 22, at the Cheetah Club in August 2013. One of the witnesses, a relative of Dawkins, said he did not actually see the shooting but did see Bruny with a gun in his hand moments afterward. The witness acknowledged he is awaiting sentencing for first-degree assault and a weapon charge involving a separate shooting. He pleaded guilty to the charges and faces a total possible sentence of up to 40 years. The other witness testified Bruny had the nickname Gunner and that on a date close to the shooting Bruny allegedly showed the witness a black handgun he was keeping in his waist. The second witness admitted under cross-examination that he didnt report what he knew about the club shooting until he hoped to get a lesser sentence on his pending charges. Both witnesses testified that state authorities had made no promises of help with their legal situations in return for signing cooperation agreements by which they pledged to truthfully testify. But Bloom testified that although jailhouse informants almost always say nobody has made them any promises, they know how the system works. So its like a wink and a nod. They know that if they testify well, theyll benefit. Bloom said the benefits could include a reduction or dismissal of pending charges; a recommendation by state representatives that a judge impose a lenient sentence; a prosecutors helpful recommendation at a parole hearing; or better prison jobs and locations. Citing the possibility of reduced prison time, Bloom said, Given this huge benefit, they are likely to not necessarily tell the truth when they testify. Bloom cited a study of 250 DNA exoneration cases that found 21 percent of them involved informants. Bloom said the informants gave false testimony. Bloom testified that defense attorneys Allison Near and Michael Sheehan hired him to study the statements or testimony transcripts of the two witnesses in this case who are incarcerated. He said that was the extent of his involvement. Under cross-examination by Senior Assistant States Attorney Seth Garbarsky, Bloom said he didnt know whether the two witnesses were in custody when they got their information on the Dawkins shooting. Garbarsky also asked Bloom whether he was aware of the culture of snitching. Bloom said he was . Are they subject to great personal risk? Garbarsky asked. Bloom said that could be true. Some witnesses get killed? Garbarsky asked. Im aware that that happens, Bloom replied. In her final question to Bloom, Near asked that, whether the witnesses got their information in jail or made it up, youre worried about the quid pro quo, what they hope to get? Bloom said he agreed with that . The defense plans to call a second and final witness Tuesday. Bruny, 26, of Brooklyn, N.Y., is charged with murder and possession of a pistol or revolver. randall.beach@hearstmediact.com MILFORD Mayor Ben Blake and Milford Youth & Family Services recently presented awards to youth in the community who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to improving the Milford community, a press release from the mayors office states. Finalists for the awards were nominated by teachers, parents, clergy, friends and group leaders. This years recipients of the 30th Annual Mayors Youth Award are: Joey Meade, an elementary school student who is an avid reader and seeks through volunteer work to spread the joy of reading to children and adults. Joey collects recycled cans and bottles and donates a portion of his profits to Literacy Volunteers of Southern Connecticut. With the help of his parents, Joey sets up bins and boxes all over Milford and has even created a Facebook page called Joey Nickels to help recruit friends and neighbors to assist with his mission. Joey Nickels has collected and recycled over 45,000 items and has donated $900 to the LVSC while saving $1,000 toward his college fund. Joey is learning the true meaning of philanthropy and inspiring individuals of all ages, the mayors press release states. Middle School student Mackenzie Powers has been cleaning up litter at city beaches for more than 10 years and holds a Mackenzies Annual Beach Clean Up, that grows each year in terms of volunteers and amount of garbage collected. Mackenzie knows the true meaning of having a big heart, the mayors press release states. Her determination, compassion and concern for the community are inspiring. She also volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club, Clothes Closet, for Hurricane Sandy Clean up, and also is a peer mentor. Mackenzie, also a Girl Scout, has managed to maintain excellent grades as well. Lauralton Hall High School student Cristina Ludwig years ago created a group called the Kindness Crew, comprised of young people who spend their time making cards, baking treats and visiting nursing homes. She is someone that is going to positively impact her community for many years to come, the mayors release states. Cristina exemplifies an extremely compassionate nature and dedication to community service. Her activities this year have included being president of her Junior Class and president of the Lauralton Crusader Club which focuses on improving the school community environment, student council, school newspaper, Spanish Club and the Stock Market Club. Cristina has also been an ongoing participant in Relay for Life, March of Dimes Walk for Babies, and the Girl Scouts for more than five years. In the group category, the youth award went to the Mathewson Bulldog Brigade, comprised of 18 students in the fourth and fifth grades. The Bulldog Brigade provide support and service to both the Mathewson community and the larger Milford Community. Throughout this year, they have completed projects such as the Helping Houston Campaign, which raised more than $900 and collected Barnes and Nobles gift cards to benefit a Houston Elementary School whose library was destroyed by the hurricane. They also organized a stocking stuffer event for Beth El Center, a coat drive for Button Up Connecticut, and participation in a peer mentor and classroom helper program. A North Branford man Monday waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography, according to the U.S. attorneys office. In a news release, United States Attorney John H. Durham, the top federal prosecutor in Connecticut, announced that Michael Bauer, 36, of North Branford entered his pleas in Hartford federal court. The clues quickly mount, as the plot returns to where we left off, at the three-person conclave in Axes apartment. (Are we jumping back or jumping forward? The answer to that question will unlock much of what follows.) Bobby, Wendy and Chuck agree there that, in order to spare themselves, they will have to find a fall guy, and for the rest of the episode, all three of them use (ahem) all their powers and all their skills to make Dr. Gilbert into that guy. As the standout episode of Season 2, Golden Frog Time, attested, Billions is at its best when the schemes and counterschemes are at their densest, because its writers know how to use these complex battles to reveal the character of its combatants. And in this episode, nearly every major and minor player on the show gets some quality time in the crucible. For Bobby, this means tracking down his former fixer, Hall (Terry Kinney), who has been in seaside seclusion up in lobster country since the sabotage scheme was exposed. Only Hall has the know-how to pinpoint and blackmail just the right employee at Wendys cellular provider in order to doctor the records of her incriminating call. Axe meanwhile has one of his guys fabricate evidence of a lucrative trade by Dr. Gilbert so as to further incriminate him. He also spearheads the effort to persuade Mafee (Dan Soder), the trader who set up Wendys illegal short, to take the fall for her using information from Mafees friend Taylor Mason to determine how to make him lie without threatening his innate sense of honor and decency. That task falls to Wendy herself. He likes me, she tells Bobbys braintrust, earning a collective ohhhhh of realization from the gang. Sauntering over to Mafees man cave of an apartment, she seduces him not into sex hed probably be too discombobulated by his crush on her to handle it anyway but into falling on the grenade for her. Thanks no doubt to her experience as a dominatrix, she does this so effortlessly that he probably thinks it was his idea. Both Soder and Maggie Siff do humane, careful work with material that could be icky or campy in other hands. Wendys relentless attractiveness, and the differential of desire between the two characters, yields the sexiest scene Ive seen on TV all year, with no nudity and little more physical contact than a strategically deployed head on his shoulder. And yet you feel Wendys desperation, even as she feigns confidence. She has already been dressed down by Taylor in a powerful confrontation over her motives regarding Mafee, and she visibly carries the weight of Taylors accusations, even as she asks him if she can call him Dudley. The final piece of the puzzle is Chuck. Rhoades constructs a veritable matryoshka doll of patsies, using every ounce of his legal and psychological acumen. The first is Dr. Gilbert, whom he convinces to cop a plea. The opening scene, we learn, was a flash-forward a conversation initiated by Rhoades in order to distract Dr. Gilbert while the notorious slide was planted back in the doctors fridge. Combined with the phony trade record whipped up by Axes team, it makes for an airtight and totally fraudulent case. The doctor is toast. Why did white working-class voters shift toward Donald Trump in the 2016 election? Was it about money or culture their struggles in the new economy or their prejudices? A recent article in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences by Diana C. Mutz comes down on the side of culture. Dr. Mutz studied the responses of voters who were interviewed in October 2012 and October 2016, focusing on those who switched their support from Barack Obama to Mr. Trump. She argues that these white voters turned to Mr. Trump not because their economic situation had deteriorated but because they were increasingly anxious about whether they could hold on to their dominant social position. Other scholars have made similar claims. A report based on a 2016 national survey concluded that the white-working-class tilt toward Mr. Trump occurred because of fears of cultural displacement rather than economic hardship. Three political scientists argued that the shift represented an identity crisis among whites without college educations that was rooted in their fear that African-Americans and immigrants were undermining their position as the majority group. These conclusions, faithful as they may be to the survey data that underlie them, exemplify a misguided debate about whether culture or economics was the driving force in Mr. Trumps win. To be sure, racism is a corrosive part of American culture and politics. Nevertheless, those who try to distinguish between the explanatory power of stagnant wages and a declining industrial base on the one hand, and anxieties about the ascent of minority groups on the other, miss the point: These are not two different factors but two sides of the same coin. MEXICO CITY President Jimmy Morales of Guatemala has made no secret of his desire to get rid of a United Nations-backed anti-corruption panel that helped bring down his predecessor. The commission of international prosecutors has charged Mr. Moraless brother and his son in a fraud case and it continues to investigate him on campaign finance violations. Last August, he ordered its director, Ivan Velasquez, a Colombian, out of the country, but he was overruled by Guatemalas highest court. Mr. Morales has met with the United Nations secretary general, Antonio Guterres, to lay out his complaints against Mr. Velasquez and limit the commissions mandate all to no avail. But now he appears to have an ally: Senator Marco Rubio, Republican of Florida, who said this weekend he has placed a hold on $6 million in funding to the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala. Theater fans interested in the stories behind Andrew Lloyd Webbers music will have to be satisfied with his memoir Unmasked, at least for the time being. The musical of the same name has been canceled for the upcoming season at Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey. The theater announced on Monday that the biographical musical about Mr. Lloyd Webber, originally scheduled to debut on Sept. 27, would be replaced by the The Color Purple by Marsha Norman, Stephen Bray, Brenda Russell and Allee Willis. We received news last week from our producing partners in London that due to unforeseen scheduling issues, Unmasked can no longer be presented as part of our 2018-2019 Paper Mill Playhouse season, Mark S. Hoebee, the theaters producing artistic director, said in a statement. He did not explain what the issues were, but added that the company intended to present the musical in a later season. Created by Richard Curtis and John Doyle, Unmasked was set to include some of Mr. Lloyd Webbers most famous songs and a behind-the-scenes look at their creation. New songs by the composer were also planned for inclusion in the show. My first mistake was waking up early to get groceries. Then it was a long Friday at work, followed by a piano recital and finally a sprint downtown where, exhausted, I was in the worst possible shape to take in one more concert. Except that the performance was Sleep, Max Richters eight-hour soundtrack engineered, with the help of scientific consultants, to provoke a relaxing night. By dozing off, Id be doing my job. Our lives are very data-saturated now, Mr. Richter said in an interview last week. Were always on our screens, and mostly were being sold stuff. It squeezes out a lot of richness of what we are. Paul Rosenberg, the new chief executive at Def Jam, which oversees G.O.O.D., and Eminems longtime manager, called Valee an authentic and infectious standout, citing his immediately recognizable voice and melodic cadences. The rapper, he said, is exactly the type of artist we are excited to help build a fan base and career with. Valee, tortoise-like, said he is chasing stability. Still, one of the downsides of not jumping up and down for attention in an oversaturated field is that, well, sometimes you dont get attention. While the Lil Pumps of the world are clocking nine-digit view counts on YouTube, Valee has yet to hit a million with a music video. I feel like Im still developing, he said, invoking his constant were-not-there-yet-type feeling. In what might be seen as a market concession, the recent Valee video for Skinny was directed by Cole Bennett, the Hype Williams of the SoundCloud boom. Mr. Barber said that a big part of his job was to get Valee to come out of his shell and be a celebrity. Backstage at a private show for New York University students, Valees D.J. and producer Rio Mac got in on the cheerleading, too, urging his friend to hype up the college crowd. I want you to stick your chest out, he said. Youre like a sex icon. Valee demurred. Im an old man, he said. A big weekend for me is Home Depot and a Caesar salad. THE GIRL WHO SMILED BEADS A Story of War and What Comes After By Clemantine Wamariya and Elizabeth Weil 276 pp. Crown Publishers. $26. In stories of war, there is supposed to be an order to things, a standard narrative with stock characters. During the fighting, there are perpetrators (warlords, rebels, governments) and victims (innocent civilians who wind up hurt or killed). There are also refugees, who find shelter in camps, thanks to intervening aid workers. After the fighting ends, the refugees are often left with nothing and sometimes no one, but they piece their lives back together, relieved to have survived and, especially if they are fortunate enough to make it to the United States, eager to begin anew. After the Rwandan genocide in 1994, Clemantine Wamariya became one of those refugees. At 6, she and her older sister, Claire, fled their grandmothers home in Butare, near the Burundi border, to avoid killers. The siblings wound up traversing seven African countries on their own for more than six years, moving from refugee camps to slums to satellite settlements and back to camps, as they searched for a stable existence. In her sharp, moving memoir, The Girl Who Smiled Beads, Wamariya and her co-author, Elizabeth Weil, a writer at large for The Times Magazine, describe Wamariyas idyllic early childhood in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, and the madness that followed with an analytic eye and, at times, a lyrical honesty. Its strange, how you go from being a person who is away from home to a person with no home at all, they write. You are unwanted, by everyone. Image But Wamariya was not a nice poor African refugee girl, the authors assert; she was angry, bitter, suspicious of kindness. The war she survived fit no traditional narrative. Neighbors in Rwanda the innocent civilians turned on one another with astonishing brutality; the violence may have ended after 100 days, but trauma lingered. The pain and daily humiliations endured by Clemantine and Claire, as they struggled to hold on to their dignity and stay alive, shaped Wamariyas outlook and choices long after she moved to Chicago to start a new life. At her first camp, in Burundi, she struggled to stay fed, clean, healthy. In a refugee camp, others were invested in your suffering, the authors write. Their jobs and self-worth depended on your continued abasement, on your commitment to residing in a social stratum below them, the same old neocolonial scheme. LOVE AND RUIN By Paula McLain 400 pp. Ballantine. $28. After the success of The Paris Wife which gave the floor to Hadley Richardson and Pauline Pfeiffer, the first two wives of Ernest Hemingway Paula McLain has returned with a novel about wife No. 3, the reporter and novelist Martha Gellhorn. The book is fueled by her questing spirit, which asks, Why must a woman decide between being a war correspondent and a wife in her husbands bed? If we ignore the white whale that is Ernest, this novel questions how to combine romantic desire with a drive to live for yourself; to work. Its a quandary, both for McLain and her fiery protagonist, and the solution isnt easy. McLain has employed impressive primary and secondary sources, including Gellhorns letters, before letting loose her fictionalized heroine. In a propulsive novel filled with acts of writing a war-torn century, Gellhorns life gets the narrative lions share, yet Hemingway competes for our attention which is ironic, because it seems the intention of this book was to center her, not him. But heres another irony: Gellhorns growing dilemma over her husbands behavior is the novels most interesting strand, partly because it throws her need to write into stark relief. After struggling with a failed affair, bad reviews for her novel and a dying father, Gellhorn meets Ernest. Hes the sun that also rises; hes seen death in the afternoon. Hes more trouble than hes worth, but Gellhorn falls in love anyway. Hes encouraging about her writing, until hes not. Aside from the twists and turns of their stormy marriage, McLain does an excellent job portraying a woman with dreams who isnt afraid to make them real, showing her bravery in what was very much a mans world. Her work around the world particularly her presence on the Normandy beaches on D-Day is presented in meticulous, hair-raising passages. Image But Hemingway! Hem, Rabbit, Hemelstein: Call him what you want, hes always there, the architect of his own ruin although he tried to blame his wimmins. Just as the reviews of Gellhorns novels focused on her as a famous mans wife, sometimes McLain cant quite decide where to lay the heartbeat of her own novel. Maybe thats the point, because this version of Gellhorn doesnt know where to put her heart, either. Whats more interesting: Martha, bold and blithely unaware of her self-interest in pursuing civilian misery for good stories (always feeling terrible but moving on regardless Spain was a chance to find my voice as well as my compass) or Martha and Ernest together, him irritable and irritating, daiquiris seeping in like floodwater under the door of their Cuban paradise? What does it feel like to live in a city on the brink of falling to the Taliban? Our reporter visited Ghazni, not far from Kabul, where the Taliban impose taxes on businesses and kill police officers with impunity. He found weary and fearful residents who say they can hardly tell anymore whos in charge. The sense of defenselessness highlights the failures of a U.S.-led war in its 16th year and the struggles of building a democracy in the midst of bloody conflict. And yet Afghanistan is now taking in refugees forced to return from neighboring Pakistan, among them a young boy named Bilal, above, starting a new life with his only friend, his pet parrot. _____ (Want to get this briefing by email? Heres the sign-up.) Good morning. Heres what you need to know: Giuliani, take two Rudolph Giuliani, who recently joined President Trumps legal team, tried again on Sunday to straighten out what the president knew, and when, about a payment to the pornographic film actress known as Stormy Daniels. Speaking to ABC days after an interview in which, according to Mr. Trump, he did not have his facts straight, Mr. Giuliani said on Sunday that it was possible that Mr. Trump had paid hush money to other women. He also said that the president might invoke the Fifth Amendment rather than testify in the special counsels investigation. Mr. Trump said as recently as Friday that he wanted to be interviewed by Robert Muellers team. Mr. Giuliani, a former federal prosecutor, has long been a champion of law enforcement efforts, but that stance has changed. Theres no question that the amount of government misconduct is accumulating, Mr. Giuliani said of the Mueller inquiry. Very embarrassing to my former Justice Department. PARIS In the first year of his presidency, Emmanuel Macron has pushed business-friendly labor laws through Parliament, made it easier for companies to hire and fire, cut the wealth tax and decentralized collective bargaining. Through it all, Frances most militant unions have resisted. His changes, which set out to reshape the way Frances economy and society work, are now facing increasing pushback from labor groups. For weeks, unions have staged a series of strikes to oppose efforts to make the nations main railway system, the SNCF, more competitive. And unions representing Air France-KLM staff on Monday called for new strikes after rejecting a pay proposal. The discontent is emerging as a test of his ability to stick with pledges to enhance Frances economic competitiveness and global leadership, which helped usher him to an electoral victory last May. While Mr. Macrons economic changes do not take aim at the nations flagship air carrier, his administration has inserted itself directly into the fight, warning labor leaders that they risked driving Air France to the brink of calamity. Elon Musk and Warren E. Buffett clashed over the weekend after Mr. Musk, Teslas chief executive, derided as lame Mr. Buffetts concept of companies having moats to keep potential competitors at bay. When Mr. Buffett, the Berkshire Hathaway chairman, cited his confectionery maker, Sees Candies, as proof to the contrary, Mr. Musk pledged to launch his own candy maker. Its an invitation for investors to take sides; many already have. For the 40,000 shareholders who flooded Omaha for Berkshire Hathaways annual meeting on Saturday, Tesla looks like the epitome of a terrible investment. Mr. Buffett prizes companies with healthy management incentives, simple operations and little competition. Mr. Musks electric-car maker flunks on all three counts. Take incentives. Mr. Musk is remunerated in part for pumping up Teslas share price his new 10-year bonus plan could net him $55.8 billion in stock if the companys market capitalization hits $650 billion and bulls-eyes certain revenue and profitability targets. Investors wont be complaining if he gets there, but its an incentive to take huge risks. If the company misses those goals, or fails outright, Mr. Musk has other irons in the fire. He holds a significant stake in the rocket company SpaceX, recently valued in a private transaction at around $26 billion. The gulf in temperament is also growing wider. Mr. Musk last week threw a tantrum over boring, bonehead questions from analysts. He then took to Twitter to justify his outburst, complaining that they represented a short seller thesis, although he later said he was foolish not to answer them. Mr. Buffett, meanwhile, sat for hours on Saturday answering investor questions that ranged from punchy to banal. Good Monday. Heres what were watching: Is Comcast going to play spoiler? Why bitcoin tumbled from its highs at the end of last year. Apple is just $80 billion shy of $1 trillion. Elliott Management offers to buy Athenahealth. Catch up on the highlights from Berkshire Hathaways annual meeting. Want this in your inbox each morning? Sign up here. Is Comcast going to play spoiler? Shares of 21st Century Fox jumped more than 4 percent Monday evening after Reuters reported that Comcast is preparing to upend Disneys $52 billion deal to acquire most of Foxs assets. According to Reuters, Comcast is holding discussions with investment banks about financing an all-cash deal, but the cable giant is waiting on a judge to rule next month on the Department of Justices suit to block AT&Ts acquisition of Time Warner before submitting an offer, Reuters reported. OPEC, led by Saudi Arabia, has a spotty track record of carrying out production cuts, but compliance has been strong this time. I think we are where we are because OPEC got their groove back, said Helima Croft, an analyst at RBC Capital Markets. The flow of oil to the global market has been further constricted in recent years as a result of the political and economic crisis plaguing Venezuela, another major producer of crude. The reduced global supply combined with the solid global economy has helped push oil prices higher since they fell below $30 a barrel in early 2016. The rising tide has lifted the price of the international benchmark, Brent crude, above $75. It is mostly a fundamentals-driven market, but the icing on the cake is the worry about Iran, said Michael Lynch, president of Strategic Energy and Economic Research, a consulting firm. A boom in production in the United States has helped offset some of the tightening in supply in recent months. But higher prices elsewhere have prompted American producers to sell on the global market, driving oil exports to record highs and pulling domestic oil prices higher. That has benefited energy companies, as well as and oil-producing states like Texas. Chevron and Royal Dutch Shell recently reported quarterly profits comparable to what they generated four years ago, when prices topped $100 a barrel. But for large swaths of corporate America, the higher prices mean a hit to profits. Airline stocks fell by more than 1 percent Monday as investors took fuel-price pressures into account. WASHINGTON It was supposed to be a town hall meeting where Iowa ranchers could ask questions directly of Scott Pruitt, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency. But when the agency learned that anyone would be free to ask anything, they decided to script the questions themselves. My sincere apologies, an E.P.A. official wrote to the rancher who would be moderating the event. We cannot do open q&a from the crowd. She then proposed several simple questions for him to ask Mr. Pruitt, including: What has it been like to work with President Trump? Details about the December event, and dozens of other official appearances from Mr. Pruitts scandal-plagued first year at the E.P.A., have until now been hidden from public view as a result of an extraordinary effort by Mr. Pruitt and his staff to maintain strict secrecy about the bulk of his daily schedule. But a new cache of emails offer a detailed look inside the agencys aggressive efforts to conceal his activities as a public servant. The more than 10,000 documents, made public as part of a Freedom of Information lawsuit by the Sierra Club, show that the agencys close control of Mr. Pruitts events is driven more by a desire to avoid tough questions from the public than by concerns about security, contradicting Mr. Pruitts longstanding defense of his secretiveness. WASHINGTON Senior White House staff members are encouraging President Trump to fire Scott Pruitt, his embattled Environmental Protection Agency chief, according to two top administration officials. While Mr. Trump has until now championed Mr. Pruitt, the officials say the presidents enthusiasm may be cooling because of the ongoing cascade of alleged ethical and legal missteps. Over the past few months, as Mr. Pruitts problems have mounted he is now the subject of at least 11 federal investigations and some Republicans have called for his resignation Mr. Trump has continued to support his E.P.A. chief on Twitter and in public and private remarks. But that is likely to change in the coming weeks, the two officials said. Since last months confirmation of Mr. Pruitts deputy, the former coal lobbyist Andrew Wheeler, White House staff members say they believe that if Mr. Pruitt is fired or resigns, Mr. Wheeler will continue to effectively push through Mr. Trumps agenda to help the coal industry and roll back environmental regulations. Some Republicans have said that Mr. Wheeler, a former Capitol Hill and E.P.A. staff member known as a low-key but highly experienced Washington insider would quite likely be as effective, and possibly more so, than Mr. Pruitt at undoing regulations, without drawing the embarrassing headlines of his boss. Drilling a flagpole into the faux-birch-wood floor of the dining room at Freds, the 22-year-old restaurant in the Barneys New York flagship store on Madison Avenue, and staking out the space as essential territory in any evocation of The Real New York, would certainly leave you advancing a controversial position. And yet, there is a case to be made. I was reminded of this on a recent visit for lunch one rainy Monday afternoon. My friend had arrived early and, displaying the healthy sense of self-importance necessary to psychological survival in Manhattan, demanded a table better than the dark one in a corner we were going to be given. Ordinarily we might have enjoyed the privacy of something quieter, but we wanted an unobstructed view in the event that Michael Cohen showed up. A few days earlier, Mr. Cohen, the 45th presidents embattled lawyer, had eaten at Freds with Donny Deutsch, the advertising executive and television commentator who last year, during a segment on Morning Joe, invited President Trump to a round of physical combat (Donald if youre watching, were from Queens. Ill meet you in the schoolyard, brother). Later, Page Six reported that Mr. Deutsch was dating the presidents second ex-wife, Marla Maples. Churchill may have loved his Pol Roger, but in recent years the bubbly that the British have been sipping is increasingly homegrown. It will be poured at Windsor Castle to celebrate the royal newlyweds on May 19. And if you are a devoted crown-watcher, you can fill your flute that morning with British fizz, as the English restaurateur Jason Hicks, of Jones Wood Foundry and the Shakespeare in Manhattan, has dubbed it. (He will have viewing breakfasts at his restaurants, for $70 per person.) A few labels are now sold in the United States, among them crisp, well-made Chapel Down and Gusbourne, which has been served at Buckingham Palace: Gusbourne brut reserve 2011, $52.99, wine.com; Gusbourne blanc de blancs 2011, $79.99 and Chapel Down Three Graces 2010, $39.99, Union Square Wines & Spirits, 140 Fourth Avenue (13th Street), unionsquarewines.com. Follow NYT Food on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest. Get regular updates from NYT Cooking, with recipe suggestions, cooking tips and shopping advice. The annual Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala brings many things to New York Kardashians, attention, a windfall to florists and makeup artists the city over but this year it also brought something else: the Prada Cruise 2019 show. It was only last year that Miuccia Prada joined the relatively small group of brands (Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci) that hold between-season runway extravaganzas in far-flung cities of their choice. But for her sophomore outing, Mrs. Prada decided to take advantage of the presence of pretty much everyone she could ever want in her audience pretty much all needing to be in the same place at the same time plus the fact that she had to be there herself anyway to host a table at the gala to unveil her collection in New York. Smart, right? It was like a pre-party for the party. A mini-gala in Prada mode. A Pradala. But thats kind of her thing (the smarts). If Maria Grazia Chiuri at Dior has positioned herself as the feminists creative director, Mrs. Prada has always been the thinking womans designer treated backstage like some sort of political philosopher queen of the industry, mobs of journalists hanging on her every musing, esteemed guests whispering hosannas in her ear. The push for change comes because lethal injection, introduced 40 years ago as more efficient and humane than the electric chair or gas chamber, has not met that promise. Indeed, it has sometimes resulted in spectacles that rival the ones it was meant to avert. One pitfall is that execution teams must find a vein to infuse, a process that can be excruciating. In February, an Alabama execution team gave up after trying for more than two hours on an inmate whose blood vessels had been damaged by chemotherapy and drug abuse. His lawyer accused the team of opening an artery and puncturing the prisoners bladder. The state later said it would not try again to execute him. Lethal injection also involves drugs that, if given incorrectly, can result in suffering. One is a paralyzing agent, and the other stops the heart. The paralyzing drug was included in the original plan for lethal injection partly to make the process look peaceful and less disturbing to witnesses, by preventing the prisoner from thrashing around. Both it and the heart-stopping drug are supposed to be given after a powerful sedative has rendered the person unconscious, but if the sedative does not work properly, the other two drugs can cause significant pain. Barbiturates were originally used for sedation, but manufacturers began refusing to sell them for executions. So states tried substituting other drugs. Some were ineffective and left prisoners moaning in what appeared to be prolonged agony. Nebraska and Nevada hope to soon start using the opioid fentanyl as a sedative. Illegal use has made it a scourge of national death statistics, but medically it is an important painkiller and anesthetic. Defense lawyers in Nebraska have argued that fentanyl comes under a federal law that limits its distribution to lifesaving purposes, and that it is therefore illegal for a prison clinic to distribute it for an execution. A trial seeking information about the source of the fentanyl is scheduled for May 14. Cynthia Nixon looked straight into the camera and issued a challenge to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo: Debate me, if youre brave enough. So, whats it going to be, Andrew? she taunted the incumbent governor in a video released by her campaign on Monday. Just you and me, on a stage. Demanding debates is a tried-and-true tactic for challengers, but few seem to issue such demands with the particular glee that Ms. Nixon displayed, especially with the Democratic primary for governor of New York still four months away. No huge multicandidate free-for-all like you always insist on. One-on-one, Ms. Nixon said in the short video. No distractions, and nowhere to hide. The woman, dirty, disheveled and in tears, ran over to a patrol car parked along a Harlem street in the early morning of Jan. 18, 1991. She told police officers she had been kidnapped at knife point near her home in Queens and raped by three black men, whom she identified. Before the end of the month, the police arrested two of the men she had named Gregory Counts, then 19, and VanDyke Perry, then 21. They were charged with rape, sodomy, kidnapping and criminal possession of a weapon, according to court records. The third man was never caught. Investigators had no physical evidence. Semen recovered from the woman did not match the two accused men. The prosecutions case relied heavily on her testimony, which was inconsistent. The defense argued the woman, a recovering crack addict, fabricated the story to protect her boyfriend, who had shot Mr. Perry two months earlier and was wanted by the police, court records show. Yet, in 1992, a jury convicted Mr. Counts and Mr. Perry on all counts except for the weapons charges. Mr. Perry ended up serving 11 years in prison, Mr. Counts 26. The city is awake. Across the length of its five boroughs, a vast stream of humanity will move. This was what a New Yorkers commute looked like in 1961. can be seen the daily miracle that is the New York City transit system. But that was then. And this is now. [screaming] Stand clear of the closing doors, please. Subway riders demanding an end to their commuting nightmare. So fed up with all the delays and cancellations that they are suing the M.T.A. The New York subway now has the worst on-time performance of any major rapid transit system in the world. And commuters are pissed. This womans commute has gotten so bad, shes considering leaving a job she really likes. No. I got a new job. This rabbi was sent into a panic when his train stalled just before Shabbat. And then theres this guy, who was stuck underground for so long, commuters sang to pass the time. ... Gonna make me lose my mind up in here ... Its been two hours. They ended up making a Facebook group. Theyre still in touch. Yeah. The mornings where every single line is delayed It was like cruel or arbitrary. But it really wasnt that long ago that New Yorkers would laugh at other city subway systems. Four lines in Boston, two in L.A.? Thats cute. In New York our trains run 24/7. We have 665 miles of track, 472 stations, 27 subway lines, and almost six million riders every single day. Does it really have to be this way? Also, has it always been this bad? Turns out the M.T.A. has recovered from a transit crisis before. Ladies and gentlemen, we are being held momentarily by the trains dispatcher. These were the trains in the 1970s. Poor maintenance, high crime and widespread graffiti. It was kind of scary. And thats Jim. Hes been reporting on the subway since before I was born. He wrote the book about the subway, literally. In the 70s, it was really, really bad. Maintenance really had suffered. So officials poured money into the system, and it improved. [cheering] They are working on it. Theyre doing the best they can. Theyre fixing the tracks. Well, theyre fixing the track. They put in a new escalator downstairs. They improve it in the 80s. Today we got better equipment, better parts and better tools. In the 90s it gets to be the best its ever been. The 1990s were the golden era of subway functionality. So if you want to prove to someone that New York has it all, just show them your MetroCard Gold. New Yorks governor at the time, George Pataki, called it a transit renaissance. But then, that city that has it all started taking the system for granted, starting with Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. Cut down the size of city government. Just a year into his first term, the mayor cut the citys contribution to the M.T.A.s budget by millions of dollars. Then, Governor Pataki followed Giulianis lead. And so began a trend of mayors and governors diverting part of their budgets away from the M.T.A. and toward their own priorities. And then blaming one another for the problems that followed. Right. So while the city and state contributions got smaller and smaller and smaller, subway ridership went up, and so did the fares. But fares still werent enough to make up for the budget cuts. So a group of Wall Street executives came to the M.T.A. with a deal. [cash register ringing] These Wall Street execs, they went to the head of the M.T.A., also known as the governor, and said, give us your debt. Well pay you cash. Pay us back later. Pataki agreed to the deal to refinance the M.T.A.s debt. Basically, they used the Amex to pay off the MasterCard. And these bankers, many of whom were donors to Governor Patakis campaign, walked away with $85 million in commissions and fees. And that debt lives on today ... finally reaches its destination. even if some of the equipment were still paying for does not. Great habitat enhancement for fish and shellfish. Then It was a fiscal crisis globally. That was a really big turning point for the M.T.A. Maintenance was withdrawn. Youre checking the cars less frequently, youre repairing the cars less frequently, then theyre going to break down more frequently. So basically The trains became slightly less reliable. But there were millions of dollars draining from the M.T.A.s budget that could have been used for maintenance. So what happened was This summer Governor Cuomos administration forced the M.T.A. to bail out some upstate ski resorts after an unusually warm winter. So we set out to try and find out if there were a lot of other examples of the M.T.A. being forced by the state to spend money on things that had nothing to do with the subway. And we found out about these bond issuance fees. Bond issuance fees may sound a little boring. So I hired a busker to write a song about it. Let me put it this way the M.T.A. brings in a lot of money. The state has used that money as a piggy bank for other priorities. The next stop is Fulton Street. Fulton Street was the pet project of a guy named Sheldon Silver. He wanted Fulton Street to be the Grand Central Station of downtown Manhattan. So construction started, the years went by, and the day of the grand opening arrived. Oh, thats way over budget. At this point, the M.T.A. board wants to scale things back. And one of the board members Nancy Shevell, wife of Paul McCartney, said, were not building cathedrals here. But the next day, Sheldon Silver demanded Youre going to build this thing the way it was originally supposed to be built, or else Im going to veto your capital budget. So the M.T.A. complied. A billion and a half dollars on one station. It didnt get an extra subway car, an extra foot of track, nothing. Did I say it was in his district? Fulton Street was just one example. These politicians really wanted to be able to have a big project they could champion, mosaics and artwork and everything is brand new. Clean, shiny subway stations. This is exciting, right? I did this for you. Here is my gift to you. Yeah. And I feel good about that. Of course you should. You cant really do that with replacing some ancient subway signal system that people dont even know exists. No one wants to talk about the signals. I dont think I understand how the signals even work. And neither did I. So I watched a documentary released by the M.T.A. to learn more. People know that the system is old, but I dont think they realize just how old it is. Its not just the architecture thats 100 years old. Its a lot of the basic technology as well. We never really know where the train is. Um Yeah. The workers dont actually know where the trains are exactly, precisely, on the tracks. They know what section they are in. So they have to keep them a safe distance apart as they go through the system. You cant just go to Best Buy and pick up something to replace this 1930s piece of equipment. New signals would mean more trains running more efficiently and closer together. But its been two decades since the M.T.A. first began its push to upgrade its signals. And so far, theyve completed just one line. If you dont focus on the core needs of the system, bad things can happen. So the trains were not as well taken care of, the signal system deteriorated, and there was very little margin for error. And then that margin gets even smaller with Hurricane Sandy. The worst disaster in the history of the subway system. So this is the part of the story where all of those bad decisions of the past really start wreaking havoc. The M.T.A. is openly violating its own safety directives. A tunnel wall in Brooklyn collapses onto the track. We just boarded the rescue train. There have been 22 derailments. Overcrowding is definitely a problem, but the M.T.A. cant blame everything on overcrowding. The issue is theres not one person to blame. Theres been a lot of back and forth between the governor and the mayor. Blame everybody who has been in power in New York in the past 25 years. A train careens off the tracks in Harlem, injuring 34 people. And in summer of 2017, the waiting and crowding and derailments reach a breaking point. And at long last, Governor Cuomo declares a state of emergency. I mean there is some light at the end of the tunnel. No pun intended. I actually did not intend that pun. There are some signs that politicians are now taking the maintenance of the subway system seriously. Elected leaders are finally expected to come out with a plan to pay for the M.T.A. And I think theres a consensus they cant just rely on debt anymore. I believe in you, subway. But youve got to get it together. We want to do this. We need to do this. We will do this. I think delay is, in a messed up way, our way to bring people together. Theres no New York City without the subways. I regard it as the great public commons of New York. Yeah, its good. Nice meeting all of you. They ride together. And in this journey can be seen the daily miracle that is the New York City transit system, upon which the very existence of the city and its people, depend. City Hall isnt in the business of responding to every little thing this union official says, said Eric F. Phillips, the press secretary for Mayor Bill de Blasio. Mr. Mullins, who last year faced criticism for decrying blue racism, was happy to discuss his reasons for posting the Friday night message that set off a Twitter storm. And he demanded an apology from the employees of the board. I was in my home office going over the Twitter account and I noticed that one, he said in a telephone interview on Sunday. I shortly afterward started to get notification from other police officers who were upset by it. He decided to post a response, he said. They made a comment about N.Y.P.D. officers: thats painting a picture and brushing everyone the same, Mr. Mullins said, unconcerned that his own message had much the same affect on the city employees, accusing them of personal laziness. He said he stood by his comments despite the backlash. People can say what they want, he said. They dont know Ed Mullins. Edwin G. Burrows, a Brooklyn College professor who shared the Pulitzer Prize for the magisterial narrative Gotham: A History of New York City to 1898, died on Friday at his home in Huntington, N.Y., on Long Island. He was 74. The cause was Parkinsons disease, his daughter, Kate Burrows, said. In 1999, Professor Burrows and Mike Wallace, a fellow professor at the City University of New York, won the Pulitzer Prize for history for their 1,424-page doorstop, which was instantly acclaimed a definitive, populist and novelistic account of the citys first three centuries. Professor Burrows, who taught at Brooklyn College for 41 years, was the author of two other books, both delving into neglected chapters of the citys history: Forgotten Patriots: The Untold Story of American Prisoners During the Revolutionary War (2008) and The Finest Building in America: The New York Crystal Palace, 1853-1858 (2018). Professor Burrowss passion for history was piqued when he was in college. (At least he found it more penetrable than his original major, physics). Pierre Rissient, an important behind-the-scenes figure at the Cannes Film Festival and, as a result, an influential shaper of cinematic trends and directors careers for half a century, died early Sunday in Paris. He was 81. His death, in a hospital, came as the cinema world was headed to France for this years Cannes festival, which opens Tuesday. Benjamin Illos, Mr. Rissients former assistant, said the cause was sudden thrombosis. Mr. Rissient filled roles that no one could easily define but that all agreed were vital: scouting movies for Cannes, advising directors, making introductions, cultivating journalists. A cinema guru, an ambassador of film and the Cannes-do man are among the phrases reporters used to describe him. When Todd McCarthy, a longtime film critic for Variety, made a documentary about him in 2007, he titled it simply Man of Cinema. Ronald A. Wolk, a steelworkers son who almost skipped college but continued with his education to become a national spokesman for school reform and a founder of two leading academic weekly newspapers, died on April 28 in East Sandwich, Mass. He was 86. The cause was congestive heart failure and kidney failure, his daughter Suzanne Wolk said. A report written by Mr. Wolk in the early 1960s urging better communications among college and university administrators led to the founding in 1966 of The Chronicle of Higher Education. In 1981, Mr. Wolk established a pre-college version of the Chronicle, Education Week, with Martha K. Matzke, a fellow journalist. He was its first publisher and editor in chief. She was later named executive editor. Both publications later developed websites. Mr. Wolk had earlier served as a special assistant to Milton S. Eisenhower, the brother of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, when Milton Eisenhower was president of Johns Hopkins University. PARIS One of my biggest regrets is that I was born too late for the barricades of May 1968. I was only 4 years old, and so I missed this huge happening, the student and worker uprising that brought France to a standstill. My mothers sister, who was then a 22-year-old elementary school teacher here, recalled with nostalgia the strange atmosphere in the city, where, she said, the daily routine stopped and everyone went on a picnic. Thanks to Aunt Anne-Marie, who told me several times of her May 68, Ive always viewed the protests from a female perspective. At first glance, however, women are rarely visible. Histories devoted to May 68 (Im thinking particularly of the famous Generations by Herve Hamon and Patrick Rotman) focus on the men, some of whom became prominent writers, architects and politicians. Photographs of the uprising by Gilles Caron, Marc Riboud, Bruno Barbey and Henri Cartier-Bresson also chiefly show men many of them glamorous young rebels like Daniel Cohn-Bendit, portrayed with all the allure of rock stars. William Kleins documentary Maydays, filmed in Paris in 1968, is revealing: In all the meetings, debates, marches and street protests, you can see very few women. Sure, there is a woman working as part of a medical team, obviously a nurse; another woman answers the phone for a student coordinating committee; a third takes care of militants children at an impromptu nursery at the Sorbonne. Nurse, secretary, babysitter all traditional roles. So should May 68 be considered a guy thing? Women certainly took part, but most of the time they were in the background. In the factories, they were among the mass of striking workers, or joined demonstrations as the wives of strikers. In Paris, it was uncommon for them to give speeches, and even rarer for them to lead a committee. Yet the door is not completely closed to the importation into America of the notion that certain truths may not be set forth by certain entities. A state assemblyman has introduced legislation that would create a version of a right to be forgotten law in New York. While there seems little doubt that the courts would hold any such legislation to be unconstitutional, the fact that it has even been introduced illustrates the appeal of limitations on the dissemination of older information, however accurate the data may be. The imposition of a fine against Google in France of $112,000 for failing to remove certain materials from its American servers may pose an even greater threat of enforced silence on American companies. Given First Amendment protections, no American court would be inclined to enforce such an order. But if the ultimate decision of the European Court of Justice is that such a ruling is enforceable throughout Europe, Google will have little ability to resist. Government action limiting the publication of truthful speech, let alone such speech about judicial proceedings, is nothing less than a form of rewriting history. And as is frequently the case with censorship, it is contagious. In 2015, The Telegraph, an English newspaper, summarized 100 articles it had published that had been removed from search results in the year since the European Court of Justice articulated the right to be forgotten. They included articles about the convictions of individuals of crimes and the acquittals of others; various investigations, arrests and litigations; the conduct of police officers, teachers and other employees; and a wide array of conduct that had been deemed newsworthy by the newspaper and the publication of which had not been held to violate any British law. The dangers of one generation suppressing information about events of a previous one have not been limited to the imposition of content restrictions on Google. The same restrictions have been applied to online copies of newspapers that published truthful articles years before. In Belgium in 2016, for example, a superior court ordered a newspaper to delete from a 22-year-old article in its online archives the name of the driver who was in an accident that resulted in two deaths. That censorship of speech was the natural consequence of requiring older facts to be forgotten. The appeal of erasing certain facts is understandable. But the danger of allowing governmental suppression of truth is real. One need not envisage a dystopian world to recall Orwells enduring warning that freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. Turning the ship before it hits the iceberg Ride-hailing apps have shattered those boundaries by signing up drivers with livery or black-car licenses. These companies cast themselves as filling big gaps in the transportation system, and its true that they have been great for people in mass-transit-starved parts of the city. But their growth has also led to many veteran taxi and black-car drivers seeing a devastating decrease in take-home pay. Thats largely because they are completing fewer trips than before. As a result, the value of the taxi medallions that drivers must either buy from the city or rent from taxi companies has crashed in recent years, going from a high of about $1.3 million in 2014 to less than $200,000 today. Over the past five months, four drivers who were financially strained have killed themselves, and many others have lost their medallions to foreclosure. At the same time, traffic has slowed to a crawl, to just 8.2 miles per hour south of 60th Street in Manhattan in 2015, down from 9.4 miles per hour in 2010, according to the citys Department of Transportation. It makes little sense for the city to regulate the old and new guard of for-hire cars differently when many New Yorkers use them interchangeably as do some drivers, who have been known to switch between traditional cabs and app-based services. While it would be impractical for the city to get rid of its existing regulations in one fell swoop, it could phase in new regulations. A more thoughtful regime would ensure that all drivers make a living wage by establishing a minimum fare for riders, and a standardized share of that fare for drivers, regardless of what kind of car they drive. Or as Brad Lander, a City Council member from Brooklyn, has proposed, the city could require companies like Uber to pay drivers a minimum wage. Further, the city ought to standardize regulations like those requiring that a certain number of cars be accessible to people with disabilities. The city and state also need to create a smart congestion pricing plan to reduce traffic while raising money for upgrades to the subway and bus system, which would encourage fewer people to get into cabs and Ubers. The Legislature recently added a surcharge on taxi trips below 96th Street in Manhattan: 75 cents for pooled trips, $2.50 for yellow taxis and $2.75 for black cars and Uber and Lyft rides. This charge is flawed. It does not vary by the time of day, and lawmakers failed to impose fees on private cars and trucks. A smart pricing scheme would discourage use of all vehicles when traffic is at its worst and encourage car travel and deliveries at off-peak times. Over time, the city should consider whether it owes something to drivers who sunk their savings into taxi medallions. Many drivers went into debt to buy these permits because the city promised them a monopoly on picking up passengers, a promise it has not been able to keep. No doubt any compensation plan would be controversial, and working out the details would be tricky the city, for example, should not compensate investors, like Michael Cohen, President Trumps lawyer-cum-fixer, who should have known that they were taking big risks by buying up dozens of medallions. Governments in Quebec and Australia have compensated or are proposing compensating taxi drivers for the lost value of such licenses. They wont. Indeed, they will proliferate because the politically angled speech that is supposedly the source of our problems is in fact the only possible route to their (no doubt temporary) solution. Speech proceeding from a point of view can at least be recognized as such and then countered. You say, I know where those guys are coming from, and here are my reasons for believing that we should be coming from some place else and dialogue begins. It is dialogue inflected by interests and agendas, but dialogue still. But when speech (or information or data) is just sitting there inert, unattached to any perspective, when there are no guidelines, monitors, gatekeepers or filters, what you have are innumerable bits (like Lego) available for assimilation into any project a clever verbal engineer might imagine; and what you dont have is any mechanism that can stop or challenge the construction project or even assess it. What you have, in short, are the perfect conditions for the unchecked proliferation of what has come to be called fake news. The rise of fake news has been attributed by some to the emergence of postmodern thought. Victor Davis Hanson, a scholar at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University wrote in 2017 that fake news can be traced back to the campus, specifically to academic postmodernism, which Hanson says, derides facts and absolutes, and insists that there are only narratives and interpretations. Thats not quite right. The insistence on the primacy of narratives and interpretations does not involve a deriding of facts but an alternative story of their emergence. Postmodernism sets itself against the notion of facts just lying there discrete and independent, and waiting to be described. Instead it argues that fact is the achievement of argument and debate, not a pre-existing entity by whose measure argument can be assessed. Arguments come first; when they are successful, facts follow at least for a while, until a new round of arguments replaces them with a new set of facts. This is far from the picture of Nietzschean nihilism that Hanson and others paint. Friction, not free invention, is the heart of the process: You commit yourself to the standards of evidence long in place in the conversation you enter, and then you maneuver as best you can within the guidelines of those standards. Thus, for example, a judge who issues a decision cannot simply decide which side he favors and then generate an opinion; he must first pass through and negotiate the authorized routes for getting there. Sometimes the effort at negotiation will fail and he will say that despite his interpretive desires, This opinion just wont write. Any opinion will write if there are no routes to be negotiated or no standards to hew to, if nothing but your own interpretive desire prevents you from assembling or reassembling bits of unmoored data lying around in the world into a story that serves your purposes. It is not postmodernism that licenses this irresponsibility; it is the doctrine that freedom of information and transparency are all we need. Those who proclaim this theology can in good faith ignore or bypass all the usual routes of validation because their religion tells them that those routes are corrupt and that only the nonmethod of having no routes, no boundaries, no categories, no silos can bring us to the River Jordan and beyond. In many versions of Protestantism, parishioners are urged to reject merely human authority in any form and go directly to the pure word of God. For the technophiles the pure word of God is to be found in data. In fact, what is found in a landscape where data detached from any context abounds is the fracturing of the word into ever proliferating pieces of discourse, all existing side by side, indifferently approved, and without any way of distinguishing among them, of telling which of them are true or at least have a claim to be true and which are made up out of whole cloth. To the Editor: Re President May Plead Fifth to Mueller, Giuliani Says (news article, May 7): As a former federal prosecutor and then a longtime defense lawyer, I believe that there is a unanimity of lawyers mentioned in various articles that the president should not talk with the special prosecutor. A lawyers duty is to advise, but the ultimate decision is the clients. How it will look for a president to take the Fifth may be more important than any other consideration, especially a president who says that only the guilty take the Fifth. ROBERT LERNER, MILWAUKEE To the Editor: Regarding the acknowledgment that Donald Trump funded the hush payment to Stormy Daniels, Mr. Trump has always claimed to be a fighter and to hit back 10 times harder. He has said this about the American military response to ISIS, and his wife, Melania, has indicated that he has the same philosophy in his personal life. But now we see him capitulating to what he claims is a false accusation. The lesson to be learned from this is that President Trump is not the fighter he pretended to be during the campaign, but that hes actually someone who folds when credibly accused. His base, who thinks that he will fight for it, should realize that hes not going to fight for it if he wont fight for himself. Background reading: Mr. Giulianis revelation that President Trump reimbursed his personal lawyer for a $130,000 payment to Stephanie Clifford, the pornographic film actress known as Stormy Daniels, may expose the president to new legal and political troubles. In an interview on Sunday, Mr. Giuliani suggested it was possible that other women had received hush money on behalf of Mr. Trump and that the president might invoke the Fifth Amendment to avoid testifying in the Russia investigation. Mr. Giulianis recent criticism of law enforcement has come as a surprise to those who have known him as one of its fiercest advocates. 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. With a trunk that produces 110-decibel blasts that can be heard for miles, elephants are well-equipped for long-distance communication. But it turns out they may be letting their feet do some of the talking, too. Using tools designed for detecting earthquakes, researchers found that different elephant activities walking, running, snorting, grunting create distinct seismic signatures in the ground. In some cases, according to a study published Monday in the journal Current Biology, these vibrations travel farther through the ground than they could through the air, giving the animals a variety of powerful methods for long-distance communication. Its not surprising that walking affects their vibrations, but theyre so big that their snorts and grunts also generate very low-frequency vibrations, said Beth Mortimer, a biologist at both the Universities of Oxford and Bristol and lead author of the study. And by monitoring the vibrations through the ground, we could determine what the elephants were doing. Earlier studies have shown that elephants may be monitoring ground vibrations through their bodies, a trait more commonly associated with small creatures like scorpions and insects. For example, elephants have been observed fleeing for higher ground in the moments before distant tsunamis, and a mother elephant who feels threatened will stomp on the ground to warn others away. By suggesting that elephants not only cause distinct vibrations with different activities, but can perceive the difference from great distances, the research expands the possibilities of what the animals may be communicating. The Hebridean archipelago, which hugs Scotlands ragged west coast, comprises over 180 islands which extend out into the North Atlantic, forming the British Isles final frontier before Newfoundland. Divided into the Inner Hebrides, a coastal barrier of 79 islands, and the Outer Hebrides, a more far-flung cluster of over 100 islands and rocky skerries, of which only a fraction are inhabited, the area occupies a mythical place in Scottish culture. First settled in the Stone Age, the islands remain wild, heather-carpeted outposts of Celtic and Norse tradition, scattered with ancient croft fields, medieval castles and gray-stone fishing villages. The Callanish Stones, a cruciform arrangement of standing stones on the Isle of Lewis, predate the pyramids of Egypt. While several of the more remote islands including the outermost archipelago, St. Kilda, a collection of windswept rocks a further 100 miles west of the Isle of Skye are near impossible to visit by boat, it is surprisingly easy to skip between the more easterly islands thanks to a network of ferry routes operated by CalMac. Skye, which is connected to the mainland by way of the Skye Bridge Inverness Airport is the nearest international hub is the unofficial capital of the Hebrides growing food scene. To the north, the Isle of Lewis, the largest island of the Outer Hebrides, attracts visitors to its Harris Tweed textile mill, and the Isle of Harris, its smaller southern neighbor, is becoming known for its locally made gin infused with native botanicals. The Hebrides Islands, with their enchanting lunar landscapes, windswept white-sand beaches and wide open skies which offer views of the Northern Lights are home to the last true wilderness in Britain. SEATTLE Facebook and Google are under the microscope for the ways their technologies can spread misinformation, while Amazons growing market power is a regular target of President Trump. And Apple pioneered the modern smartphone, a device increasingly seen as too addicting. Then theres Microsoft, a giant that spent most of the 1990s and early 2000s as techs biggest company and villain. It now seems to be auditioning for a different role: the industrys moral conscience. Among the five most valuable tech companies, Microsoft is the only one to avoid sustained public criticism about contributing to social ills in the last couple of years. At the same time, Satya Nadella, its chief executive, and Brad Smith, its president, have emerged as some of the most outspoken advocates in the industry for protecting user privacy and establishing ethical guidelines for new technology like artificial intelligence. On Monday, the conscientious side of Microsoft was on display again at Build, a three-day conference for developers in Seattle. Mr. Nadella announced a program, A.I. for Accessibility, that will award $25 million over five years to researchers, nonprofits and developers who use artificial intelligence to help people with disabilities. Mr. Nadella, whose adult son was born with cerebral palsy, has written about how his sons disability helped make him more empathetic. As Gov. Eric Greitens of Missouri faces a criminal trial next week for a felony charge of invasion of privacy, he has sought to prevent the woman at the center of the case from testifying in open court. A judge in St. Louis denied the request on Monday, saying that he would not bar her testimony an account that could be crucial to prosecutors contention that Mr. Greitens took an explicit photograph of the woman without her consent. Mr. Greitenss legal and political fate could hinge on the account from the woman, who had sexual encounters with Mr. Greitens in 2015, before he was governor. So far, she has remained anonymous, though she has revealed details of her relationship with Mr. Greitens under oath to legislators in Missouri. Here is what we know about the woman, who is identified in court filings only by her initials, K.S. How did K.S. and Mr. Greitens meet? K.S. is a resident of the St. Louis area who works as a hairdresser. A mother of two, she was separated from her husband when she had her first sexual encounter with the governor. She is now divorced. Lawyers for the family also said that M.I.T.s student support services were inadequate and that while some campuses notably, the University of Illinois had long ago put in place programs that reduced the rate of suicides, the rate at M.I.T. remained disturbingly high. M.I.T. argued that Mr. Nguyen had been dealing with mental health issues long before he came to M.I.T., including two previous suicide attempts, and that while at M.I.T. he received care from nine different mental health professionals none of whom had any affiliation with the university and none of whom deemed him at imminent risk of killing himself. Moreover, the university said, Mr. Nguyen repeatedly declined to avail himself of support resources M.I.T. offered. Mr. Nguyen had written in an email to the university that he wanted to keep his mental problems separate from his academic issues. M.I.T. said that if the court sided with the family, it would transform the relationship between faculty and their students. In a brief supporting M.I.T., 18 other Massachusetts universities, including Harvard University, Amherst College, Smith College and Boston University, warned that requiring nonclinical faculty to prevent potential suicides could have disastrous effects. Professors, in seeking to protect themselves from liability, they said, might go overboard in monitoring students, which could drive students underground and dissuade them from talking to anyone about their problems. In its ruling Monday, the high court affirmed a lower courts decision and ordered the case be dismissed. It noted that the university could do little when Mr. Nguyen repeatedly refused offers of help. In these circumstances, as a matter of law, a twenty-five-year-old graduate students rights to privacy, autonomy, and self-determination were properly respected, the court wrote. The court also exonerated the professor who warned that M.I.T. could have blood on its hands. The judges said the remark was stated metaphorically and in a different context, not based on explicit statements by Mr. Nguyen that he intended to take his life. President Trump just announced this morning his support for Evan Jenkins, a Jenkins robocall declared, taking some liberties with the presidents tweet, which did not favor him over Mr. Morrisey. The recording began with the phrase This is a Trump voter alert as it sought to further align Mr. Jenkins with the president. In a statement responding to Mr. Trump, Mr. Blankenship said the president is a very busy man and he doesnt know me and he doesnt know how flawed my two main opponents are in this primary. He added that the establishment is misinforming him because they do not want me to be in the U.S. Senate and promote the presidents agenda. That Mr. Trump would step into the contest at all underscores how alarmed party officials are about the prospects of a Blankenship victory. The president has felt burned by Republicans when he injected himself into other races only to see his preferred candidates fall short. A victory by Mr. Blankenship would be highly embarrassing to Mr. Trump, coming on the heels of his inability to lift party nominees in Pennsylvania this year and in Alabama in December. But the race may be close enough that Mr. Trumps last-minute intervention proves enough to derail Mr. Blankenship, a power play that would only underscore his clout with the party base. White House aides and Senate Republicans have been discussing for the last week whether the president should comment on the primary, and agreed he should do so if it became clear Mr. Blankenship could win, three officials familiar with the deliberations said. By Friday, when party officials received internal polling showing that Mr. Blankenship was still in the hunt, they ratcheted up pressure on Mr. Trump to speak out against the former coal executive, who was imprisoned until last year and remains on probation. White House officials had already begun considering potential language for a tweet over the weekend. In a wide-ranging call with Mr. McConnell on Sunday that was initiated by Mr. Trump, the president indicated he was willing to weigh in on the race. The presidents aides said he may record an automated call of his own against Mr. Blankenship. We have been trying to send a message, said J. Thomas Manger, president of the Major Cities Chiefs Association, which represents police departments across the country. The bad guys have a real fear of federal prosecutions versus state prosecutions. Penalties for federal gun convictions are steep. On average, firearms defendants spend six years in federal prison. If they are convicted under the two statutes requiring mandatory minimum sentences, that average jumps to 11 years. In the three months following a directive from Mr. Sessions last year to pursue gun crimes, possession cases a relatively routine charge rose nearly a quarter. That was part of a 15 percent increase in all federal gun prosecutions in the first nine months of 2017. Three out of every four federal gun charges filed in the 12 months starting in October 2016 were under a statute forbidding felons from owning or transporting a gun, according to Syracuse Universitys TRAC database, which monitors gun crime statistics. The period encompasses both the end of the Obama administration and the first several months of Mr. Sessionss term. Three law enforcement officials described a newfound interest among prosecutors in taking on smaller gun cases referred to in law enforcement parlance as one-man, one-gun cases for their narrow impact. Such cases had long been left to state and local prosecutors, freeing Justice Department officials to focus on broader investigations of interstate gun trafficking and criminal networks. On Jan. 1, 2017, police in York, Pa., stopped Steven Gray, 46, whom they said was carrying a pistol. Mr. Gray was charged in federal court last April with illegally possessing the firearm, which he denied was his. A forensic investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives found no discernible DNA on the weapon. Mr. Gray, who had a prior felony drug charge, was convicted and faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced in the coming months. Sometimes it appears theyre just looking for numbers, his lawyer, Thomas Thornton, said of federal prosecutors, who denied the accusation. Mrs. Trump came up with the logo and program name herself, her aides said. Observers on social media seized on the event, noting that the link the White House sent out for the Be Best website initially delivered an error message, and that Mrs. Obama, Mrs. Trumps immediate predecessor, had delivered a speech last year urging men to be better. During the 2016 campaign, Mrs. Trump took flack for a speech that appeared to be sourced, in part, from remarks Mrs. Obama made in 2008. Initially, Mrs. Trump had backed away from her original promise to combat cyberbullying after the criticism leveled at Mr. Trump for his online insults. Knowing she would get criticized if she pursued anything related to social media, Mr. Trump suggested she take an easier path. But Mrs. Trump ultimately decided to make good online behavior a part of something broader, an East Wing official said. Mr. Trump appeared pleased. That was truly a beautiful and heartfelt speech, he said in remarks in the Rose Garden after Mrs. Trump spoke. Its the way she feels, very strongly. America is truly blessed to have a first lady who is so devoted to our country. In her brief time at the White House Mrs. Trump moved to Washington with her son, Barron, last June she took her time establishing her own profile, with only a stilettoed misstep or two, literally: She piqued the publics interest by wearing high heels on a trip to Texas after it was hit by Hurricane Harvey. She also drew positive attention for speaking against the racial violence in Charlottesville, Va., that left one woman dead. In January, after news broke that Stephanie Clifford, the pornographic film actress known as Stormy Daniels, was paid $130,000 before the 2016 election to keep quiet about a sexual encounter with Mr. Trump, Mrs. Trump cut back her public appearances. Her office dismissed her absence as a coincidence, while others close to the president said that Mrs. Trump had been angered by the news reports. In recent months, Mrs. Trump has emerged more often without Mr. Trump by her side, although she has twice been seen avoiding or swatting the presidents hand away during public appearances. She is rolling out her platform even as Mr. Trump and his legal team have added new, confusing contours to the story surrounding Ms. Clifford. If Mrs. Trump remains something of an enigma to most Americans, there is at least some evidence that the public has warmed to the wife of a president whose popularity remains at historic lows. In a CNN poll conducted May 2 to May 5, 57 percent of respondents said they held a favorable view of Mrs. Trump up 10 percentage points from January while 27 percent had a negative view. President Emmanuel Macron of France and Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany similarly argued that the Iran accord was flawed but could be built upon. The allies had suggested that the West could impose new sanctions against Irans ballistic missile development and armed support for the Syrian regime, for Hezbollah, for Hamas and Islamic Jihad in the Palestinian territories but keep the nuclear deal intact. My view I dont know what your president will decide is that he will get rid of this deal on his own, for domestic reasons, Mr. Macron told a group of reporters in Washington during his visit last month. But it has been difficult for Europeans to answer Mr. Trumps demands because it is clear that Iran will not agree to reopening the terms of the accord itself. And if it were to be reopened, Iran had a series of demands of its own. Should Mr. Trump withdraw from the accord, Iran could accurately claim that Washington was the first to violate it a propaganda win. And Iran would be free, if it chose, to resume fuel production, according to diplomats who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive negotiations. The mantra of the European negotiators toiling to retain the nuclear deal has been to fix it, not nix it. But Mr. Trump has come at the problem from a different perspective: He argues that the only solution is a clean slate. Mr. Trump has told visitors he believes that once the current agreement is destroyed, Iran will come to the table to negotiate a new one. Irans foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, who negotiated the initial accord with Mr. Kerry for more than two years, has said Tehran will not participate in such negotiations since it already spent years doing so. Mr. Kerry has also been trying to save it. He has strategized with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif of Iran, met with European officials and lobbied members of Congress. Mr. Trump did not specify what was illegal about Mr. Kerrys actions, and the White House would not comment. But Rudolph W. Giuliani, the presidents personal lawyer, accused Mr. Kerry of violating the Logan Act, adding, And nobody seems to care. As The New York Timess Charlie Savage has previously explained: The Logan Act is a 1799 statute that bars private citizens from interfering with diplomatic relations between the United States and foreign governments. It makes it a felony, punishable by a fine or imprisonment of up to three years, if an American citizen, without government authorization, interacts with any foreign government or any officer or agent thereof, with intent to influence the measures or conduct of any foreign government or of any officer or agent thereof, in relation to any disputes or controversies with the United States, or to defeat the measures of the United States. A spokesman for Mr. Kerry declined to comment on Monday on Mr. Trumps charges of illegality. A statement released by Mr. Kerrys office said he stays in touch with his former counterparts around the world just like every previous secretary of state. Like Americas closest allies, the statement said, he believes it is important that the nuclear agreement, which took the world years to negotiate, remain effective as countries focus on stability in the region. WASHINGTON President Trump trained his rancor on federal investigators on Monday and appeared to warn that negative material would emerge about the prosecutors leading the inquiry into Russias interference in the 2016 election. In a series of Twitter posts on Monday, the president said the investigation was being run by Democrats and raised the question of whether the special counsels work was being drawn out to influence the outcome of the coming midterm congressional elections, when Democrats could win enough seats to take control of the House and possibly the Senate. Just wait till the Courts get to see your unrevealed Conflicts of Interest, Mr. Trump wrote in one of the early-morning tweets. Mass killings by armed herdsmen, amid clashes with farming communities in the central-belt region of Nigeria, have claimed the lives of hundreds of people. The government had increased security in affected states, but the military spokesman, Gen. John Agim, admitted last month that there was no military presence in Benue, the state most affected by the clashes. Chidi Odinkalu, a human rights activist in Abuja, said there had been a significant collapse of security in Nigeria. The governments response in these killings in Kaduna, as in Benue, as in all these affected regions, has been to deploy soldiers, he said. But the military is stretched already so it is making other security challenges worse. Moreover, officials are not trying to understand or resolve the root causes of the problems, he added. Mr. Odinkalu said that the killings by bandits could only happen because of government failings. Banditry occurs in ungoverned territory, he said. Its in these rural areas with little or no cover. The territory is completely exposed, so at the heart of the issue is a crisis of governance. Mr. Buhari came to power promising to end the Boko Haram insurgency, which has left more than 20,000 dead, and millions displaced and in need of humanitarian aid. He and the military have repeatedly claimed to have defeated the terrorist group, but it has stepped up its attacks this year, killing hundreds of people at mosques, markets and other gathering places. Last week, at least 27 people were killed when a suicide bombing ripped through a mosque and market area in Adamawa State. In February, Boko Haram militants kidnapped 110 schoolgirls from Dapchi Town, though they returned 104 of the girls less than a month later; five other girls died, and they continued to hold one, Leah Sheribu, a Christian who refused to convert to Islam. On Monday afternoon, the Nigerian Army said that it had rescued more than 1,000 people, mostly women and children, who had been held captive by Boko Haram militants in the Bama area of Borno State. The military has in the past announced numerous rescues of people kidnapped by Boko Haram, but it generally offers few details about the operations and provides limited access to journalists seeking to independently verify the claims. According to Amnesty International, thousands of men women and children have been abducted by Boko Haram during its insurgency. Dr. Jacobus de Waard, an expert on infectious diseases at the Central University of Venezuela, who has worked and traveled among the Warao for years, said that nothing less than the future of the ancient culture was at stake. If theres no intervention, its going to affect the existence of the Warao, he warned. A part of the population is going to disappear. The epidemic plaguing the Warao is a crisis within a crisis, a dramatic example of how Venezuela is failing to grapple with a resurgent AIDS emergency even as the annual numbers of new H.I.V. infections and AIDS-related deaths around the world continue to decline. Under President Hugo Chavez, Venezuelas H.I.V./AIDS prevention and treatment program was world class and the country seemed to have the disease under control. But during the presidency of Nicolas Maduro, which began in 2013, Venezuelas economy has crumbled, causing crippling shortages of medicine and diagnostic tests, and compelling many of the countrys best doctors to emigrate. The government has even stopped distributing free condoms, which can help prevent the spread of H.I.V., activists say. The price for a pack can cost the equivalent of several days pay at minimum wage. The governments inaction, the activists say, is especially egregious considering that President Maduro like his predecessor has cast himself as a champion of the nations indigenous people. GHAZNI CITY, Afghanistan What does it feel like to live in an Afghan city on the brink of falling to the Taliban? The residents of Ghazni, a provincial capital of 280,000 about 110 miles south of the capital, Kabul, on a main highway, can hardly tell anymore whos in charge, and fear has become an everyday companion. With the Taliban controlling some of the road network around Ghazni, citizens have long felt vulnerable. But during a recent visit, I kept hearing an even greater sense of defenselessness. Many here fear a full-on effort by the Taliban to seize the city could come at any time. Not content to merely control access to the city, the insurgents have begun attacking police posts within it. The Taliban methodically extort money they say it is taxation from businesses in the city center, including those near the government headquarters, and an increasing number of insurgents live openly in the city. Their fighters regularly kill officials, security personnel and even traffic police officers. PHNOM PENH, Cambodia A newspaper widely seen as the last bastion of a free press in Cambodia has been sold to a Malaysian investor with ties to Cambodias strongman prime minister, a move that critics say further highlights the countrys slide toward outright authoritarianism. The English-language newspaper, The Phnom Penh Post, reported the sale on Sunday. The investor, Sivakumar S. Ganapathy, is the chief executive of a public relations firm that has worked on behalf of Prime Minister Hun Sen. Intervention in the papers editorial decision making came almost immediately after the sale was announced. Several senior editors resigned or were fired after they refused to excise a story from the papers website about the relationship between Mr. Sivakumars firm and the Cambodian government. The sale comes about seven months after the government forced The Posts longtime rival, The Cambodia Daily, to close over allegations that it had not paid millions of dollars in taxes, and two months before a general election. The Post itself had owed $3.9 million in taxes, but that bill was settled as part of the sale, The Post reported. ATHENS Five volunteers for European aid groups who worked in Greece at the height of the migrant crisis were cleared of charges of illegally bringing migrants into the country by a Greek court on the Aegean island of Lesbos on Monday. The case had been closely watched by migrant relief and rescue groups, especially in Denmark and Spain, where the volunteers were from, because their defense lawyers and supporters said it was an attempt to criminalize humanitarian action. The issue has taken on broad importance across Europe and especially in the Mediterranean as the migrant crisis has continued, if at a lower level than when the defendants in Greece volunteered two years ago. The political divisions stoked by migration have left the line between humanitarian intervention and criminal interaction increasingly treacherous to navigate in many countries for nongovernmental organizations, or NGOs. This is a strong signal to other NGOs and just people working for humanity, said one of the Danish defendants, Salam Aldeen, the founder of Team Humanity, speaking by telephone after the verdict. Saving lives is not a crime, rescuing people is not a crime. Mr. Mattarella, a former member of Parliament, a defense and education minister and a judge on Italys constitutional court, became president in 2015 and since then has sought to stay above the political fray. In keeping with his trademark aversion to drama, Mr. Mattarella sought to avoid a return to the polls in the summer or fall, which could produce the same impasse. He said he hoped the parties could reach an agreement by the end of December, when his caretaker government would expire. If not, he said, elections should be held in the new year. Italys leading politicians did not want to wait that long. The leaders of the Five Star Movement, Luigi Di Maio, and the League, Matteo Salvini, met on Monday for the first time since the elections to pick a date for new elections. July 8 is the first possible date to vote, and Di Maio also agrees, Mr. Salvini told reporters. On Monday morning, Mr. Salvini, whose party won the most votes in a center-right coalition with former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, urged Mr. Mattarella to give his alliance a mandate to seek enough support in Parliament to form a government. But with the coalition about 50 seats short of a majority, Mr. Mattarella did not bother. Mr. Salvini then rejected the presidents offer on Monday evening. Mattarella wants a neutral government? Please, Mr. Salvini, a gifted campaigner, wrote on Twitter, adding that Italy needed a government that defends in Europe the principle ITALIANS FIRST. Mr. Salvini seemed to anticipate the presidents decision, taking to Facebook earlier to prepare his base for coming elections. He told them that more migrants were already coming and that if the negotiations failed, we will come to ask you for that 2, 3, 4 percent more votes which would give us the chance to govern alone for five years, without asking permission of anyone. Mr. Mattarella had given the Five Star Movement time and space to find support on the right, with the League, and with the center-left Democratic Party that it spent much of the last few years insulting. But after 65 days of negotiations, he apparently had had enough. COPENHAGEN Peter Madsen, a Danish inventor, will not appeal his conviction for killing a journalist aboard the submarine he built, prosecutors said, in a new twist to one of the most-watched and most gruesome criminal cases in recent European history. Mr. Madsen will appeal the life sentence a court imposed on him a rare penalty in Denmark, even in murder cases but he will not challenge the verdict delivered on April 25 that he was guilty of sexually assaulting and killing Kim Wall, and desecrating her body. The appeal case will only concern the sentencing, and not the issue of guilt, the Copenhagen District prosecutors office wrote on Twitter. Peter Madsens lawyer, Betina Hald Engmark, said in a text message that the move was certainly no recognition of guilt. Even with a life sentence, Mr. Madsen could be considered for release in as little as 12 years. Ms. Wall, 30, who was Swedish, was last seen alive on Aug. 10, when she boarded the vessel, planning to interview Mr. Madsen, 47. Mr. Madsen, who had designed submarines and founded a company to build spacecraft, sank the sub and was rescued the next day. MOSCOW Vladimir V. Putin took the oath of office on Monday for a fourth term as Russias president, in a ceremony staged in a gilded Kremlin hall once used to crown czars and replete with pageantry, highlighting his vast accumulation of authority after nearly two decades in power. Mr. Putin, a former KGB agent, has ruled Russia as prime minister or president for more than 18 years, and in that time has crafted an image as a steely nerved leader and the man best qualified to rebuild his country after the collapse of the Soviet Union. [Update: Putin endorses legislation enabling him to run for president again.] In a theatrical touch, a televised ceremony began on Monday with Mr. Putin sitting at his desk in the Kremlin, suit jacket looped over his chair, as if hard at work until moments before the ceremony. A phone rang, letting him know it was time for his fourth term; he donned his jacket and walked alone through the red-carpeted Kremlin corridors and into a hall packed with about 6,000 invited, cheering guests. In a short speech, Mr. Putin suggested his focus had now turned to domestic matters and improving Russias economy for the well-being of every family, though there were no words of reconciliation in the countrys tense relations with the West. BEIRUT, Lebanon Hezbollah and its political allies expanded their share of seats in Lebanons Parliament, increasing their political clout at the expense of the countrys Western-backed prime minister, according to preliminary election results released on Monday. The outcome of Lebanons first parliamentary elections in nine years shored up Hezbollahs position in a way that is likely to alarm the United States, Israel and Gulf Arab nations like Saudi Arabia. Iran backs Hezbollah, a political party and militant group that maintains Lebanons most powerful military force and is considered a terrorist organization by the United States. Iran has also invested in allies in Syria, Yemen and Iraq, whose parliamentary elections on Saturday could hand victories to groups aligned with Iran. While the number of seats held by Hezbollah itself remained largely unchanged at around 13, victories by political allies who support its maintenance of a vast arsenal increased the chances the group would play a key role in a coalition government and diminished the prospects for legislation that would challenge its status. News Release 2018-45 | WASHINGTON The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) will host a workshop in Harrisburg, Pa., at the Crowne Plaza Harrisburg-Hershey, June 20, for directors of national community banks and federal savings associations supervised by the OCC. The Operational Risk workshop focuses on the key components of operational riskpeople, processes, and systems. The workshop also covers governance, third-party risk, vendor management, internal fraud, and cybersecurity. The workshop fee is $99. Participants receive course materials and assorted supervisory publications. The workshop is limited to the first 35 registrants. The workshops are taught by experienced OCC staff and are offered nationwide to enhance and expand the skills of national community bank and federal savings association directors. To register for this workshop, visit www.occ.gov/occworkshops. 25 children injured after school bus meets with an accident in Jaipur India oi-Vikas By Vikas At least 25 children were injured on Monday morning after a school bus collided with a private bus in Jaipur's Kotputli area. The accident took place on Delhi Jaipur highway. The injured children have been admitted to a nearby government hospital, said reports. On April 27, 13 children died after a train rammed into a school bus at an unmanned railway crossing in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar. The students were killed on the spot after the train rammed into the school bus. The school bus belonged to Divine Public School. [13 children killed in Kushinagar accident, Yogi announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia] On April 10, Thirty persons, including 27 children, were killed when a private school bus fell into a gorge in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. The school bus skidded off the road and fell into a 100-feet-deep gorge in Kangra district. All the dead students were below the age of 10. The bus driver and two teachers were also among the dead. Businessman in Kolkata shot at after his car was stopped by 18 men 5 women among six injured in acid attack from moving taxi in Kolkata India oi-PTI Six persons, including five women in their early 20s, were injured when some unidentified persons allegedly threw some chemical, supposedly acid, at them from a moving taxi last night at Panditia Road in the southern part of the city, police said on Monday. The victims were passersby and the incident took place around 9.30 pm last(Sunday) night, the police said. Locals chased the yellow taxi but the riders including the driver escaped leaving the vehicle behind, a senior officer of Kolkata Police said. "They (people in the car) attacked the people indiscriminately and randomly and no one was the target, in particular," he added. Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner (South) Meeraj Khalid said, "We have intercepted the taxi. A case has been lodged at Rabindra Sarovar police station. We are talking to the witnesses and the victims. We will soon arrest the culprits." "We are yet to get hold of the driver Ricky Mondal, who was appointed by the owner. We found the room where he was staying in Kalighat area under lock and key. We have launched a search for him," the investigating officer. "Going by the eye witnesses version it seems there were around four to five men inside the taxi. We have asked for the CCTV footages of the area," he added. A case was lodged at the Rabindra Sarovar police station and a search has been launched for the attackers using the vehicle's registration number, he said. The injured were discharged after preliminary treatment at a state-run facility. Police were trying to find out the nature of the chemical which was allegedly hurled at the victims. "We have collected samples of the liquid from the spot and send it for testing at the laboratory. We are not sure whether the liquid was acid because there were no serious injuries on the victims. They only complained of a burning sensation," the police officer added. PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, May 7, 2018, 17:38 [IST] Utah woman, who did not know she was pregnant, gives birth to baby on flight to Hawaii Mohd Imran leads a simple life in Moradabad. Like most lower-income families, they have to use the money wisely on basics. With an income of Rs. 10,000 a month, Mohd Imran was saving little by little for the arrival of his child. Like all fathers, he wanted his child to have the best of everything. Little Abu was born a handsome baby boy. The first time Mohd Imran saw him, he looked like a healthy child. "I could've raised a bet with anyone, that he looked a little like me." But, a father's joy turned into pain when Abu wouldn't feed. "He started wheezing and coughing, I could see he was breathing with difficulty." Abu suffered from high fever and echoed the hospital ward with his crying all night. He even caught Pneumonia, which made his condition worse. "The doctors told us that he was born with a weak heart." Mohd. Imran doesn't understand much about his son's condition. Abu suffers from congenital heart defect that occurs at birth wherein a defect in the structure of the heart causes issues in heartbeats and breathing. Mohd Imran was told that Abu will need three back-to-back open heart surgeries to survive the problem. The first one needed to be done urgently. Mohd Imran used all his savings, but Rs. 3 lakhs needed was an amount he would need years to gather. He then loaned the amount from friends and relatives and the first surgery was done. Abu showed some signs of improvement, he started feeding well but the fever and the breathing problems still cause him pain. Mohd Imran is now fighting against time to raise Rs. 3.5 lakhs for two more surgeries and postoperative care that would save his son. Abu is admitted at Apollo Hospital in Delhi, waiting for his treatment. "Our last hope is our fundraiser," says a hopeful Mohd Imran who is asking for help through his online fundraiser. "Even a small contribution from a stranger could mean a new life for my Abu." If you'd like to help this father, you can donate here. 7th Pay Commission: What CG employees got and what they did not get 7th Pay Commission: Delay in hike as government looks to bridge pay gap India oi-Vicky Nanjappa There are lakhs of Central Government employees who are awaiting for good news relating to the 7th Pay Commission. Will Arun Jaitley live up to his promise and offer the CG employees the much-needed balm. Work on it is underway and the pay hike and fitment factor would be increased, sources tell OneIndia. The key to this would, however, be to bridge the pay gap which is exceptionally large. The pay in the highest pay matrix (Level-18) meant for Cabinet secretary to the government is Rs 2,50,000 (fixed), which was Rs 90,000 (fixed) in the immediate past under 6th pay commission recommendation. The rate of increase is 178%. The pay matrix in the lowest grade (Level-1) is Rs 18,000 which was Rs 7,000 under 6th pay commission recommendation. The rate of increase is 157%. The pay gap between the highest pay matrix (Level-18) and the lowest grade (Level -1) is 1:14, which was 1:12 in the 6th pay scale.," a union leader quoted by Sen Times said. The report also said that it is an uneven comparison between the pays of top bureaucrats and lowest earning employees but all pay commissions except 7th Pay Commission made up pay gap between lower paid employees and top officers from second Pay Commission 1:41 ratio to Sixth pay commission 1:12. "A glance at the central pay hike without going into the pay bands shows that an employee who drew Rs 100 is now getting Rs 257 on an average with fitment factor 2.57 times of basic pay of 6th pay commission. But but the central government employees unions have been demanding a further raise to Rs 368 with fitment factor 3.68 times. The government plans to give Rs 300 with fitment factor 3.00 times," the report further stated. Meanwhile, the AIBOC has decided to send a detailed communication to the government immediately followed by a nationwide demonstration on 9th May 2018. If the government do not respond immediately, the unions will carry a two-day strike. It is knowing over 10 lakh bankers in government and private banks will go on a two-day strike by the end of May. Army working on modalities to pave way for permanent commission to women officers India oi-Vinod By Vinod New Delhi: Defence ministry is planning to create some special cadre to give permanent commission to women Army officers. There has been a long demand that women should also be given permanent commission in the Army like men however the Army has still to take a call on it if women officers should be given permanent commission in certain area like direct combat duties. Sources in the defence ministry informed that the army is working on how women officers to be given permanent commission. The areas where these officers could be given permanent commission are being talked about like Image Interpretation, Cyber and IT, Language Specialisation, Air Traffic Control, Corps of Military Police and Service Board. Army is working on the modality that how will they work because they will be sub-sections of the original corps. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said that she was working with the three armed forces to take a 'synchronised position' in recruitment of women in Army, Navy and Air Force and approach the court with matters of short service commission women being offered permanent commission. The Minister said that there was no parity at present between the armed forces in recruitment rules. She said while women are already engaged a figher pilots in Air Force -- considered absolutely front-end top notch level position -- in Army women are still not up for many of the positions except for medical corps. In gender neutral Navy as well, women cannot go into the sea. As per Army sources, women officers are given permanent commission in legal and education wings to put it in simple way. They are not at all given entry in infantry, armored, artillery and mechanised artillery even short service commission. However, signals, engineers, intelligence, ordinance, Army service corps are the areas where women are given short services commission. Actually a case was filed in 2009 on women officers in short service to be given permanent commission and court ruled in 2012 that they should not be retired unless the court decides the matter. Army sources informed that there are 246 such officers future are hanging in balance and they have crossed the 14 years threshold of retirement as a short service commission officer. Moreover, Army sources informed that the court case is not about women officer being given combat duty however they are in the assistance duty of the combating forces. The minister further said, "Each of these services has taken their own approach towards getting women a limited option of getting into their force and as a result there is no parity within the three survives either. "There are different approaches which are prevailing. I am spending quite sometime with all the three forces to make sure that we take a synchronised position and also approach the court to handle all these cases which are already there about short service (commission) women being offered permanent commission," she said. However, people known familiar with Army and its functioning informed that it would be practically difficult to put women in the combat operations before addressing some issues. There is diffrance in working condition of Army, Navy and Air Force. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, May 7, 2018, 20:37 [IST] No one can sever our ties with BJP, DMK holding unnecessary protests, says AIADMK Cauvery dispute: Tamil Nadu govt moves SC over Karnataka's affidavit India oi-Vikas By Vikas The Tamil Nadu government on Monday moved the Supreme Court over Karnataka government's contention that additional 4 TMC of Cauvery water cannot be released as "more water than allotted has already been released". The Karnataka Government earlier in the day filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court in which it said that more water has been released to Tamil Nadu than alloted. The submission comes in the wake of the Supreme Court directing Karnataka to release 4 TMC of water to Tamil Nadu. Mohan Katarki who is part of Karnataka's legal team had on May 3 said that they submitted that Karnataka has ensured more water than what TN is entitled to receive at the inter State border. The Supreme Court had then directed Karnataka to file an affidavit to this effect. It was earlier reported that Karnataka would file its affidavit submitting that the share of TN in this distress water year (up to the end of April 2018) was 98.06 TMC. However, Karnataka has ensured 116.74 TMC - the surplus being 18.68 TMC. Besides, Karnataka would also submit that the live storage in Mettur in TN is 9.56 Tmc which is sufficient to meet its drinking water needs in TN. Delhi Court extends Upendra Rai's CBI custody by 2 more days India pti-PTI New Delhi, May 7: A Delhi Court on Monday extended the CBI custody of journalist Upendra Rai, who was arrested in connection with a dubious financial transactions case, for two more days. Special CBI Judge Santosh Snehi Mann extended the custody of Rai, who was produced before the court on the expiry of his three-day CBI remand, after the agency said he was non-cooperative and evasive in his replies. Public prosecutor Manoj Shukla, while seeking a seven-day remand, said some secretive and sensitive documents were recovered from him which were not supposed to be in the possession of a common man. He needs to be interrogated regarding procurement of these documents, the CBI's counsel said, adding that several new facts have come to light during the last three days which were to be probed. Rai's counsel said there was no fresh ground for seeking extension of his custody as all the documents were already in public domain and have been recovered from his possession. The CBI had on May 3 arrested the Delhi-based scribe for allegedly indulging in dubious financial transactions and getting an airport access pass made by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) by furnishing false information. The court had earlier sent Rai to three-day CBI custody after the agency said several incriminating material were recovered during the probe and he has not been cooperating in the investigation. Rai's counsel had said he was was neither hiding, nor running away and his custody was not required to complete the probe. He had said Rai has neither tampered with the evidence nor there was any allegation that he has tried to influence any witness. The Supreme Court had on May 4 refused to interfere with his arrest. In his application seeking protection from arrest, Rai had claimed he was framed in the case as he has been writing against an ED officer who was part of the team probing the 2G spectrum allocation scam case. Prasun Roy, chief security officer of Air One Aviation Pvt Ltd, was also booked by the CBI in the case. The probe agency had carried out searches at eight locations in Lucknow, Noida, Delhi and Mumbai. In its FIR, the agency has alleged that going by the value of the transactions of over Rs one lakh during 2017, Rai's accounts received Rs 79 crore while Rs 78.51 crore was debited from it during the same period. PTI EPS-OPS lay foundation stone for Jayalalithaa's memorial India oi-Vikas By Vikas Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Monday laid the foundation stone for the memorial of former chief minister Jayalalithaa on the Marina Beach in Chennai. The memorial, which would be constructed adjoining the mausoleum of former Chief Minister and AIADMK founder M.G. Ramachandran, is estimated to cost around Rs 45 crore, reported The Hindu. Tamil Nadu: CM Edappadi K Palaniswami, Deputy CM O Panneerselvam laid the foundation stone for construction of a memorial for former CM J Jayalalithaa in Chennai. pic.twitter.com/1q8WW1Tvnb ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2018 Palanisamy had in June 2017 told the state assembly that a grand structure will be built in the memory of Jayalalithaa, but the environmentalists had called it a gross violation of corporation as well as coastal regulations zone rules. The environmentalists had opposed the memorial as the rule states that "Construction of permanent structures on Marina beach is prohibited by the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2011". [Tamil Nadu approves memorial for Jayalalithaa at Marina beach: Is it a violation?] Later, both the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority and Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Development Authority gave thumbs up to the project with various rules to comply. The Jayalalithaa memorial is of great significance to Tamil Nadu politics. This was the place that O Panneerselvam visited and meditated before rebelling against Sasikala Natarajan in February last year. An image of a meditating Panneerselvam became a milestone in Tamil Nadu political history. Laying the stone to the Amma Memorial will probably give the EPS-OPS faction a boost among voters. Ex-UP CMs cannot retain government accommodation: SC India pti-PTI New Delhi, May 7: Asserting that it violated the concept of equality, the Supreme Court on Monday struck down the amendment to a Uttar Pradesh legislation which allowed former chief ministers retain government accommodation even after demitting office. A bench headed by Justice Ranjan Gogoi said the amendment in the legislation was ultra vires to the Constitution since it transgresses the concept of equality under the Constitution. The bench said the amendment was "arbitrary, discriminatory" and violates the concept of equality. The apex court said that once such persons demit public office, there is nothing to distinguish them from the common man. The apex court had on April 19 reserved its verdict on an NGO's plea challenging amendments to the UP legislation allowing ex-chief ministers of the state to continue occupying government bungalows. The top court had earlier observed that if the provision, which has been challenged by NGO Lok Prahari, was held invalid, then similar legislation in other states might also come under challenge. The NGO had challenged the amendments made by the erstwhile Akhilesh Yadav government to the 'UP Ministers (Salaries, Allowances and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1981'. It had also challenged another UP law of 2016 called 'The Allotment of Houses under Control of the Estate Department Bill-2016' to regulate the allotment of government accommodation to trusts, journalists, political parties, speaker and deputy speaker of legislative assembly, judicial officers and government officials. The court had earlier said that it had given an opportunity to the Centre and all states to express their views on the issue since its verdict might have an impact on any such rules framed by other states or the union government. Earlier, senior advocate Gopal Subramaniam, who was assisting the court as amicus curiae in the matter, in his suggestions given to the top court had said that after persons holding top constitutional posts demit office, they were like ordinary private citizens and were not entitled to official accommodation. The apex court had sought the UP government's response in November 2016, after the plea claimed that state government has sought to skirt the Supreme Court's verdict of August 1, 2016 by amending the law. In its 2016 verdict, the apex court had held that the practice of alloting government bungalows to former chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh was bad in law and they should hand over possession of the bungalows occupied by them in two months. It had also said the state government should recover appropriate rent from the occupants of these bungalows for the period during their "unauthorised occupation". PTI Karnataka: Will Congress not allow Kumaraswamy to be CM for full 5-year term? Is it chief minister Kumaraswamy or chief manager of Congress Ktaka ATM? BJP has an answer All is well between Congress, JD(S)? Kumaraswamy meets Rahul as Karnataka waits for full cabinet In Karnataka, the richest candidate is worth Rs 1,020 crore, poorest, Rs 1,000 India oi-Vicky Nanjappa The big focus in the report put up by the Association for Democratic Reforms was the 883 crorepati candidates who will be fighting the Karnataka assembly elections. The report analysed the affidavits of 2,560 candidates. All parties have fielded candidates who have declared assets more than Rs 1 crore. The Aam Aadmi Party too has one candidate who is a crorepati. Among major parties, 208(93%) out of 224 candidates from BJP, 207 (94%) out of 220 candidates analysed from INC, 154(77%) out of 199 candidates analysed from JD(S), 13(52%) out of 25 candidates analysed from JD(U), 9(33%) out of 27 candidates analysed from AAP and 199 (18%) out of 1090 independent candidates have declared assets worth more than Rs. 1 crore. 447 candidates have declared assets worth Rs 5 crore and above. There are 252 candidates who have declared assets in the range of Rs 2 crore and Rs 5 crore. In the Rs 50 lakh to Rs 2 crore bracket there are 442 candidates. 600 candidates have declared assets in the bracket of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh. In the less than Rs 10 lakh bracket there are 819 candidates. 340 (13%) out of 2560 candidates have not declared their sources of income. The richest: Priyakrishna who is part of the real estate lobby is the richest. Contesting from the Govindrajnagar constituency, he has total assets worth Rs 10,20,53,87,250. The Congress candidate has declared movable assets worth Rs 8,60,43,87,250 and immovable assets worth Rs 1,60,10,00,000. N Nagaraju (MTB) of the Congress is contesting from Hosakote. His total assets are worth Rs 10,15,80,29,352. His movable and immovable assets are worth Rs 4,37,15,64,043 and Rs 5,78,64,65,309. The third richest candidate is D K Shivakumar of the Congress who is contesting from Kanakapura. His movable assets are worth Rs 1,01,31,90,097 while immovable assets stand at Rs 7,38,69,76,948. His total assets are worth Rs 8,40,01,67,045. The low asset candidates: Dilip Kumar contesting as an independent from Bommanhalli is the poorest candidate in the fray. He has zero immovable assets while his movable assets are worth Rs 1,000. His total assets are worth Rs 1,000. M Lakshmi of the Jai Vijaya Bharathi Party comes second in this list with assets worth Rs 2,000. Her movable assets are worth Rs 2,000 and immovable assets stand at zero. Srrenivas S an independent has declared assets worth Rs 2,053. With zero immovable assets, he has movable assets of Rs 2,053. High income as declared in ITR: N Nagaraju with total assets of Rs 1,015 crore says his income is generated from agriculture, house, property, business and other sources. The total income shown by him in the ITR including the assets of his spouse comes up to Rs 1,57,04,29,210. The self income shown by him in the ITR is at Rs 1,04,41,26,570. B A Basavaraju of the Congress contesting from K R Pura has assets worth Rs 1,03,19,48,613. The total income shown by him in the ITR including the assets of his spouse comes up to Rs 27,77,31,712. The self income shown by him in the ITR is at Rs 27,77,31,712. Mohammad Iqbal Hothur of the JD(S) contesting from the Bellary city constituency has assets worth Rs 3,80,98,56,625. The total income shown by him in the ITR including the assets of his spouse comes up to Rs 24,96,99,810. The self income shown by him in the ITR is at Rs 1,04,06,910. Other financial details: Among major parties, 208(93%) out of 224 candidates from BJP, 207 (94%) out of 220 candidates analysed from INC, 154(77%) out of 199 candidates analysed from JD(S), 13(52%) out of 25 candidates analysed from JD(U), 9(33%) out of 27 candidates analysed from AAP and 199 (18%) out of 1090 independent candidates have declared assets worth more than Rs. 1 crore. The average of assets per candidate contesting in the Karnataka Assembly Elections 2018 is Rs 7.54 crores. Among the major parties, the average assets per candidate for 224 BJP candidates is Rs 17.86 crores, 220 INC candidates analysed have average assets of Rs 38.75 crores, 199 JD(S) candidates analysed have average assets worth Rs 20.91 crores, and 1090 Independent candidates analysed have average assets of Rs. 1.58 crores. There are 17 candidates who have declared zero assets. A total of 309(12%) out of the 2650 candidates analysed have not declared their PAN details. 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 For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, May 7, 2018, 16:51 [IST] Home Minister Amit Shah likely to visit Jammu and Kashmir, his first visit after Aug 2019 Lashkar off-shoot TRF kills 3 civilians in J&K, says more to come J&K: CRPF personnel injured after terrorists hurl grenade in Pulwama India oi-Vikas By Vikas One CRPF personnel was injured on Monday after terrorists hurled a grenade at Tahab Chowk in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. The grenade was lobbed at police and CRPF personnel who were deployed at Tahab Chowk to maintain law and order, said reports. On May 4, terrorists hurled a grenade at a police station in Pulwama. The grenade exploded outside the police station and no one was injured in the incident. On April 12, terrorists had lobbed a grenade at a police station in Pulwama in which two policemen were left injured. Following the incident, the security forces cordoned off the area and launched a hunt to nab the attackers. Jammu and Kashmir witnessed 166 per cent more civilian fatalities due to militancy while there was a 42 per cent rise in the number of terrorists neutralised in 2017 compared to the previous year, the Home Ministry said in April. The annual report of the Ministry of Home Affairs for 2017-18, released in April, 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. In 2017, there were 342 violent incidents in Jammu and Kashmir in which 80 security personnel, 40 civilians and 213 terrorists were killed. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, May 7, 2018, 16:35 [IST] Karnataka elections: The Narendra Modi impact India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Let Dhoni come said a BJP leader when he was asked about why the BJP's campaign was looking lacklustre sometime in April. He was making a reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who in the final leg of the campaign for the Karnataka elections has already addressed over 5 rallies. While the campaign has been hectic on the ground, everyone in Karnataka BJP waited for Modi's arrival as he was expected to make the difference. It is a fact that he has taken the campaign by storm and more importantly his rallies are scheduled at all key places in a bid to cover all the six regions in Karnataka. S Prakash, spokesperson for the BJP tells OneIndia that the entire atmosphere is favouring the BJP after Modi landed in Karnataka. He has received a huge and unprecedented response at all his rallies and this has clearly rattled the opposition. It is clear now that there is a huge amount of resentment towards the Siddaramaiah government and the preference of the people is the BJP. Apart from impressing the voter at large, Modi has also enthused the party workers who are going out of their way to ensure that the BJP wins in Karnataka. Leading psephologist, Dr. Sandeep Shastri says he is not too sure about the impact the Modi rallies would have on the ground. No doubt there has been a lot of visibility in the media, but on the ground, the impact it has had would be hard to tell. Dr. Shastri also adds that his rallies would give a lot of traction to the BJP. Their campaigns always begin when Modi comes into the picture. He, however, points out that the campaign has been a very negative one with attacks on the Congress, the chief minister and the party's president. While that is part of an electoral campaign, I don't think the rallies have highlighted the positives for Karnataka if the BJP were to come to power. This is an election about who will form or lead the government in Karnataka if the BJP comes to power. Even though Modi is a hugely popular leader in Karnataka, he will still have to convince the people about the BJP's leadership in Karnataka. This is a message that Modi will have to send out. Karnataka Assembly Election dates Date of notification April 17 Last date to file nominations April 24 Last date to withdraw nominations April 27 Date of polling May 12 Date of counting May 15 Karnataka Home Minister equates PMs words to Chinese goods India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Karnataka Home Minister, Ramalinga Reddy has equated the words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Chinese goods. He said that the PM is lying and like Chinese goods there is no warranty or guarantee for what he says. He said that the crime rate in the BJP ruled states such as Uttar Pradesh is higher compared to Karnataka. How they can speak about the law and order situation in Karnataka, he also asked. Modi speaks about the issue of Mohammad Nalpad when in UP those associated with the BJP are accused of rape. Referring to the Unnao rape case, he said that the father of the victim was killed when he was in police custody. Congress MLA N A Haris's son Mohammed Nalpad and his associates were accused of assaulting a youth in a Bengaluru pub and are currently in judicial custody. Reddy questioned the PM on the BJP's contribution to Bengaluru. "What has the BJP contributed to the development of the city? All development works and projects like Metro Rail were taken up by the Congress government, Reddy also added. Karnataka Assembly Election dates Date of notification April 17 Last date to file nominations April 24 Last date to withdraw nominations April 27 Date of polling May 12 Date of counting May 15 Karnataka-Kerala governments shielding terrorists: Javadekar India oi-Vicky Nanjappa The Kerala and Karnataka governments are protecting terrorists, Union Minister, Prakash Javadekar said. He went on to say that the highest number of BJP-RSS workers have been killed in Kerala and Karnataka as the government was shielding terrorists. "More than 25 followers of the BJP have been killed in Karnataka during Congress rule. The state government claims the Popular Front of India is behind the murders. However, the government is supporting terrorist groups. The custodial death of Sreejith, the murder of tribal youth Madhu and the attack on Jyotsana happened under the so-called progressive rule of LDF in Kerala," he also said. He also said that the Union Government is implementing many human supportive projects. "However the states ruled by non-BJP governments are not supporting those projects", the Union Minister also added. Kathua rape and murder: 'Wont rest till my daughter gets justice', says father India oi-Staff By Oneindia Staff Writer The father of an eight-year-old girl, who was gang-raped and killed in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir, said today that he has full faith in the judiciary and has devoted his life to ensure justice is done to his daughter. The Supreme Court will hear the matter today. On April 27, the Supreme Court stayed till May 7 the trial in the case, after it was seized with petitions seeking shifting of the trial from Jammu to Chandigarh and handing over the investigation into the case to the CBI. A Bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices D Y Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra had said it would deal with the prayer of the victim's father for shifting of the trial to Chandigarh and plea of the accused seeking handing over the probe to the CBI. The eight-year-old girl was brutally gang-raped and murdered after abduction in a forest in Kathua district in January. The crime branch of Jammu and Kashmir Police, which investigated the case, had submitted a charge sheet against eight accused including a juvenile last month. "I am satisfied with the police investigation and will not rest till justice is done in the case. I want the accused to be given exemplary punishment for their brutality", the father of the victim told PTI on phone from Ramban district where he along with his family has been camping for the last few days. Earlier, the Supreme Court, in a stern warning, had said it would transfer the Kathua gang rape and murder case from the local court in Jammu and Kashmir in the "slightest possibility" of lack of fair trial, saying the "real concern" was to hold proper prosecution. The eight-year-old's father had moved the apex court, apprehending threat to the family, a friend and their lawyer Deepika Singh Rajawat. A separate plea was also filed by two accused seeking that the trial in the case is held in Jammu and the probe handed over to the CBI. Kathua rape: Mehbooba welcomes SC's decision, says it will 'boost morale of police' India oi-Vikas By Vikas Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday welcomed Supreme Court's order to transfer the trial in the Kathua rape and murder case to Pathankot, Punjab, and said that it would boost the morale of the state police. The apex court Monday directed that the trial of the gangrape and murder of the child, which had led to nationwide outrage, be moved to Pathankot in neighbouring Punjab. "I welcome today's decision by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in the Kathua case. This will go a long way to boost the morale of our @JmuKmrPolice force who in the face of great adversity have left no stone unturned to ensure that the deceased's family gets justice," Mehbooba said in a tweet. The SC also ordered that the trial would be in-camera on a day to day basis with no adjournments. The court, however, allowed the state of Jammu and Kashmir to appoint a special public prosecutor to conduct the trial. The order comes in the wake of a petition being filed seeking transfer of the case as a fair trial would not take place in Jammu and Kashmir where the offence took place. The J&K government had however said that it was capable of conducting a fair trial. The Jammu and Kashmir government today (May 7) submitted to the Supreme Court that it is ready for a fair trial of the case. Earlier, the family of the eight-year-old nomadic Muslim girl who was gangraped and murdered in January moved the Supreme Court asking for shifting the trial of the case from Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir to Chandigarh. The accused had demanded a CBI probe into the matter. The apex court rejected this demand and insisted that a speedy trial be done. Two prime accused in the Kathua gangrape and murder case of an eight-year-old girl had in April moved the Supreme Court opposing the plea of the victim's father seeking transfer of trial outside the state Sanji Ram and Vishal Jangotra, who were chargesheeted by the crime branch of Jammu and Kashmir Police in the case, had earlier sought transfer of probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation besides seeking to be impleaded as parties in the petition filed by the father of the victim. Recently, a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra had ordered the state police to grant security to the family of the victim, their friend and their lawyer Deepika Singh Rajawat. The top court had then said it would later decide on the prayer for transfer of case out of Kathua in Jammu after the state government filed its reply. The investigators had said that the girl, who was kidnapped on January 10, was first raped the same day by Ram's nephew, a juvenile, and was killed on January 14. Her body was found on January 17 in a forest. Along with the juvenile, Ram and his son Vishal, five others have been charged in the case, which has shaken the nation and led to the government promulgating an ordinance mandating a death sentence for the rape of a child aged 12 and below. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, May 7, 2018, 18:22 [IST] Manmohan Singh hopes PM Modi will learn development lessons from Siddaramaiah India oi-Chennabasaveshwar By Chennabasaveshwar Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh said he hopes PM Modi would learn and implement development lessons from the CM Siddaramaiah's government in Karnataka. CM Siddaramaiah has provided a dynamic and progressive leadership to Karnataka. He has dealt with the drought effectively and provided timely assistance to farmers. In a scathing attack, Manmohan Singh said, "PM Modi ji after having promised 2 crore jobs a year to the people of this country has presided over a period where jobs have actually been destroyed. In the age group of 15-24, over 72 lakh jobs were lost over the last four years." "It is normal in an economy to have sluggish job growth, this usually happens when external factors are unfavourable. However, job destruction in India is due to mismanagement on the part of PM Modi ji and his team. True leadership creates opportunities, it does not destroy them. If we do not fix these problems right now, we risk turning our demographic dividend into demographic disaster.," he said. Manmohan Singh further said, " It does not help that the Ministers in PM Modi ji's cabinet and even BJP Chief Ministers regularly make comments promoting irrationality. It thus comes as no surprise when irrational policies hurting people are implemented." Dr Singh recalled that Bengaluru was also the inspiration for the UPA government's Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). The idea came from social entrepreneurs from Bengaluru. " Instead, the Modi government has been content to simply come up with catchy tags like AMRUT and Smart Cities, which have underperformed spectacularly. Thus, under the BJP government we are missing out on crucial years which require careful planning and investment to ensure that our cities remain engines of growth," he added. He said due to Tender SURE project, Metro connectivity city's infrastructure has improved substantially. The state government's offer to bear 80 per cent of the costs has helped kickstart the Suburban Rail project. Home Minister Amit Shah likely to visit Jammu and Kashmir, his first visit after Aug 2019 Lashkar off-shoot TRF kills 3 civilians in J&K, says more to come RJD MP's medical college publishes India map without PoK, FIR lodged India pti-PTI An FIR was lodged on Sunday against a medial college owned by an RJD MP from Bihar for allegedly publishing a prospectus featuring a map of India without the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in it, police said. The incident triggered sharp reactions from the ruling BJP-JD(U) alliance, which termed it an act of sedition. In its prospectus for the 2018-19 session, the Katihar Medical College and Hospital (KMCH) has not shown the PoK in India's map. The college authorities said it was an error committed by the printing press and that it was being rectified. Ahmad Ashfaque Karim was elected to the Rajya Sabha as an RJD nominee along with five others in March. On the directive of the Katihar district magistrate, the FIR was lodged with Katihar Mufassil police station this evening against the KMCH management and others for distorting the map of India, Katihar Sub-Divisional Police Officer Anil Kumar said. After a video on the truncated Indian map went viral on social media, the district administration sent Anil Kumar and Katihar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Niraj Kumar to the KMCH for an enquiry. They seized the prospectus in question and some other documents from the medical college, Anil Kumar said. The FIR was registered after Niraj Kumar submitted his report to Katihar District Magistrate Punam. KMCH owner and RJD MP Ahmad Ashfaque Karim said the printing press was to be blamed for the mistake. "It is a big mistake which should not have happened. It is an error by the printing press. We had asked the press to rectify the error on April 24 itself. The prospectus is not being sold for the past 15 days," Karim told a news channel. To a question, he said, "Entire Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. None can separate it from the country." Reacting to the incident, Union minister and BJP leader Giriraj Singh described it as an act of sedition designed to break up India. Referring to the ongoing controversy over a portrait of Pakistan Founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah on the Aligarh Muslim University campus, Singh said "Jinnah's jinn (spirit) has entered in India". JD(U) spokesman Ajay Alok demanded President Ram Nath Kovind and Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu should look into the issue. Training his guns at RJD chief Lalu Prasad for sending Karim to the Rajya Sabha, Alok said the country is facing such a situation because of "anti-national elements". RJD vice-president Shivanand Tiwari said he has not seen the KMCH prospectus and the medical college authorities should apologise to the people. "I have not spoken to Ashfaque Karim on this issue. But if such a thing has happened even by mistake, the college administration should say sorry and rectify the mistake," Tiwari said. PTI SC transfers Kathua rape and murder out of J&K, trial to be conducted in Pathankot India oi-Vicky Nanjappa The Supreme Court has ordered the transfer of the trial in the Kathua rape and murder case to Punjab. The case which is being heard in Jammu and Kashmir will now be heard in Pathankot in Punjab. The SC also ordered that the trial would be in-camera on a day to day basis with no adjournments. The court, however, allowed the state of Jammu and Kashmir to appoint a special public prosecutor to conduct the trial. The order comes in the wake of a petition being filed seeking transfer of the case as a fair trial would not take place in Jammu and Kashmir where the offence took place. The J&K government had however said that it was capable of conducting a fair trial. The plea was filed by the father of the 8-year-old girl who was gangraped and murdered at Kathua in Jammu in the month of January. The plea sought for the transfer of the case out of Jammu. The father also sought security for his family and lawyers representing them. He also sought for the strengthening of security at the juvenile home where a minor accused is lodged. The police have in all named 8 accused in the case. The court ordered that the government should continue to provide security to the victim's family. Further, the police were also ordered to provide security to the family's advocate. Appearing for the family, senior advocate, Indira Jaisingh said that the atmosphere is not conducive for a fair trial. The atmosphere is highly polarised, she also said. She also added that she was pleased with the investigation by the police. However there is an attempt to derail it, she also said. The victim 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 nomadic community from the area. A separate chargesheet was filed for the juvenile. The counsel for the accused demanded a copy of the chargesheet filed by the Crime Branch on April 9 before the chief judicial magistrate. Meanwhile, the sessions court will hear the case on April 28. All the accused persons were brought before the court which directed that chargesheet copies be provided to each of them. The counsel for the accused, Ankur Sharma also said that they were ready for a narco-analysis test. The 8 accused and their role: Sanji Ram, 60: He is the prime accused in the case. A retired revenue official, he is said to have masterminded the attack. He wanted to push the Bakarwal community out of the Rasana village. He is said to have incited his nephew to abduct the girl. The nephew a minor was reminded about how he was beaten up by members of the Bakarwal community in the past. Sanji Ram's nephew: The boy is aged 15 and is a juvenile. He was instigated by the uncle to commit the crime. He is the one who strangled the girl to death before hitting her face with a stone. Deepak Khajuria: A special officer, he had some enmity with the Bakarwals. He convinced Sanji Ram's nephew to kidnap the girl and gave him the assurance he would help him pass his exams. Parvesh Kumar: He is a friend of the juvenile. He along with the juvenile drugged the girl in the forest. The two had taken her to a temple later and repeatedly raped the girl. Vishal Jangotra: He is also accused of raping the girl. On January 13 Parves, Vishal and the juvenile took the victim from the temple to a nearby area and killed her. Tilak Raj: This head constable is alleged to have taken Rs 1.5 lakh from Sanji Ram's sister to hush up the probe. Anand Dutta: A sub-inspector, he is alleged to have taken Rs 3 lakh to scuttle the probe. A deal of Rs 5 lakh was struck with him and he was to pay the remaining money after tampering with the evidence. Surinder Kumar: A special police officer, he is alleged to have conducted a recce. Swaraj India has not extended support to Congress in Karnataka, clarifies Yogendra Yadav India oi-Oneindia Staff By Oneindia Staff Bengaluru, May 7: The Swaraj India party, which is fighting its debut elections in Karnataka, has come under the attack for its alleged "tactical support" to the Congress. In the recent times, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged that since the incumbent Congress has given unconditional support to Swaraj India party candidate Darsah Puttannaiah, who is contesting polls from Melkote constituency, both the political parties have a "secret understanding". The Congress did not field any candidate from the constituency. At a press meet in Shimoga on Sunday, Yogendra Yadav, one of the founder members of the Swaraj India party, told reporters, "The Congress has extended unconditional support to our candidate in Melkote out of respect to the departed farmers' leader KS Puttannaiah. And his son Darshan Puttannaiah happens to be our candidate. But we have not extended support to the Congress in any constituency in Karnataka." "We shall not be a party to the formation of a communal government in Karnataka. Today, the BJP is the most communal and corrupt party in Karnataka and it is dangerous for Karnataka. The Congress too has failed to fulfill the expectations of the people. And it would not be unfair to say that the third option is available to the highest bidder," he added, making a veiled attack against the Janata Dal (Secular), the party which has literally become a "punching bag" for both the BJP and the Congress. The Swaraj India party has fielded 11 candidates for the upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections scheduled on May 12. The results of the elections will be declared on May 15. A total of 224 seats are up for grabs in the high-profile elections which both the BJP and the Congress are trying to win at any cost. At the press club in Shimoga, where Yadav addressed reporters, he also unveiled the English version of the party manifesto. A few days ago, the Swaraj India party unveiled the Kannada version of the manifesto in Bengaluru. When asked, if the Swaraj India party would support the Congress or the BJP in case no party gets a clear majority, Yadav said, "Our first loyalty and our first alliance will be with the people's movements. We have an alliance with Maha Maitri in Karnataka. We have fielded 11 candidates and it's a small experiment to bring in alternative politics, probity, and transparency in polls and launch value-based politics." Further attacking both the BJP and the Congress, Yadav, the national president of the Swaraj India party, said, "In this Karnataka election, there is a talk of freedom from the Congress, while the Congress says we need freedom from the BJP. For us, freedom means freedom from suicide, drought and unemployment. We want freedom from corruption and communalism, and freedom to get and enjoy free and high-quality education and healthcare." Yadav, who has been leading a farmers' movement in the state, explained about the core issues covered in the manifesto of his party. "One of our top priorities is to highlight the farmers' issues. In the whole of Karnataka, farmers are not getting minimum support price (MSP) even in one mandi (market). Our party's priorities are in the manifesto written by the great Kannada writer Devanoora Mahadeva with his team after taking into consideration all the voices and expectations of diverse people and groups. It talks about resources, rivers waters, lakes, development and fight against corruption. I request everyone to read it (manifesto). It is in our Swaraj India website," he said. Tripura govt starts demolishing illegal offices of political parties India oi-Vinod By Vinod New Delhi: The Tripura government has started demolition of illegal constructions of the political parties on Monday. The government has served notices to demolish all illegal construction including 99 buildings of the CPI (M), 35 of the Congress and some other buildings of many other political parties. These political parties have been served notices but they did not take any actions on it. The government sources told One India that lots of government land, forest land and other lands were illegally occupied by political parties to build their offices but the government wants the illegal possession on these lands to be vacated. Actually, these political parties remained in control of these lands by hobnobbing with the then Left government in the state. There are over 150 such illegal buildings of political parties across Tripura. Sources further said that the government has the clear view to demolishing all illegal construction by the political parties even the offices of the ruling parties would not be spared if built illegally. The government sources are saying that this is an attempt to transform Tripura. The demolition work of political party offices started from Old Motorstand area of West Agartala. These offices were illegally built on government land and forest land. Milind Ramteke district magistrate of West Agartala told One India that as per the government decision all the concerned parties have been informed on April 30 and notices were served on them to vacate their illegal occupation within a week's time that ended on Sunday evening. So today Section 144 was imposed in Agartala and demolition work started. Milind Ramteke said that this will go on for 10-15 days as it will be done in the morning hours only so that people of the area don't feel any kind of harassment due to traffic jam and other issues. Meanwhile, opposition political parties in Tripura objected to the ruling party's decision to demolish structures of various political parties and trade unions illegally built on government land. "It is a fact that offices of the political parties or the offices of trade unions were built up in government land or in forest land. But, those were built long back. The decision to bulldoze them is motivated and a step to stop political activities of the Opposition in the state," CPI (M) state secretary Bijan Dhar said. The state government has to withdraw its decision and provide an allotment to the political parties, Dhar said. Dhar, however, said the CPI(M) would not resist if the government demolishes the structures. "We are not going to resist. Rather, we would go for legal recourse", he said. Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) Birajit Sinha, in a separate press meet, said it received notices for demolition of its 35 offices. "There is no denying of the fact that many Congress offices were built on government lands. The government may ask for revenue and provide an allotment to the political parties," he said. They did everything possible to destroy us: Trump as he suffered 'terrible ordeal' in impeachment Two Rajya Sabha MPs challenge Naidu decision to reject impeachment motion against CJI India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Two Rajya Sabha Congress MPs have moved the Supreme Court challenging the decision to reject the impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India, Venkaiah Naidu. The petition was filed after Rajya Sabha chairman, Venkaiah Naidu rejected the removal motion against Justice Misra which was signed by over 50 MPs. The petitioners Pratap Singh Bajwa from Punjab and Amee Harshadray Yajnik from Gujarat, in a joint petition, said that once a removal motion is signed by a requisite number of MPs, RS chairman has no option but to constitute Inquiry Committee to probe into charges against CJI. Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu had rejected the notice given by opposition parties led by the Congress to impeach the CJI. He had said that there was no substantial merit in it. Naidu held extensive consultations with top legal and constitutional experts, including former chief justices and judges, before taking the decision. Watch girl students beating up professor for allegedly sending obscene messages in Patiala, Punjab India oi-Oneindia Staff By Oneindia Staff Chandigarh, May 7: In a shocking incident, girl students of a college in Patiala, Punjab decided to take the matter into their hands (rather in a violent manner) by beating up one of their professors for allegedly sending them obscene messages over the phone. In a viral video, a group of young students from the Government College for Girls in Patiala was seen hitting the professor mercilessly for sending them sexually-explicit texts. While the teacher tried to save himself from being attacked by the girls, the students followed him hitting and cursing him for his crimes inside the college campus. As three girls beat him with their hands, another student was seen filming the entire episode. However, the name of the teacher is not yet revealed and it's not clear whether the victims have approached the police. "#WATCH: Professor of Government College for Girls in Patiala gets beaten up by students for allegedly sending obscene messages to the girls," tweeted ANI. #WATCH: Professor of Government College for Girls in Patiala gets beaten up by students for allegedly sending obscene messages to the girls. (6.5.2018) pic.twitter.com/PVIT8In998 ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2018 Recently, a professor from the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi was also arrested for sexually harassing women students in the varsity. Later, Atul Johri of JNU was granted bail. Several protests were held in the national capital demanding his arrest. The cases of sexual harassment against women students in educational institutions have come to light at a time when the nation has been rocked by rapes of women and minors. A few weeks ago, the nation witnessed several protests in the wake of gang-rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua and rape of a teenager by a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao. Both the cases caught the attention of the nation because of its barbarity and open support for the accused from a section of the ruling BJP. After its "studied silence" over crimes against women, especially minor girls, the Narendra Modi government approved the ordinance to allow courts to award death penalty to those convicted of raping girls under 12 recently. In spite of the protests and a new law, things remain the same as several cases of rapes and murders of minors have been reported from across the country. A Look back at CMs who completed full 5-year term in history of Karnataka 'When a PM speaks he should do so with proof', says Karnataka CM, Siddaramaiah India oi-Vicky Nanjappa When the Prime Minister speaks, he should do so with evidence, Karnataka Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah said. He was referring to the various barbs made by PM, Narendra Modi during his election rallies in poll-bound Karnataka which votes on May 12. The chief minister said it was expected that Modi would speak about the BJP-led central government's achievements and criticise the Congress government in Karnataka. Maintaining that he neither made personal comments nor used unparliamentary words, Siddaramiah said, "When he (Modi) spoke in an uncivilised manner, initially I thought I would not react. But I was forced to attack him because otherwise, the people would have perceived it as the truth." At all his election rallies in poll-bound Karnataka, Modi has made a scathing attack on the Siddaramaiah regime, saying it was a "gold medallist" in corruption and calling it a "seedha rupaiah government" (corrupt), a punning allusion to the chief minister's name. Referring to Modi calling his dispensation a "10 percent government," Siddaramaiah wanted to know if the prime minister had any evidence to back his charge. "He has all the central agencies. If he has any evidence, he should make it public...Modi is demonstrating his triviality by making personal attacks," he said. Accusing Modi of not honouring any of his promises in the last four years, Siddaramaiah said, "He has totally failed. He is lying to hide his failure." Hitting out at the Karnataka BJP, he said it was entirely dependent on Modi for the upcoming state Assembly polls. "The BJP is entirely dependent on Modi in this election. They don't have people with a face value, be it Yeddyurappa, Eshwarappa, Ananth Kumar, Ananthkumar Hegde or Jagadish Shettar. A BJP MLA has told me that they are dependent on Modi," the chief minister claimed. Referring to Modi's charge that then Congress chief Sonia Gandhi had objected to a solution to the Mahadayi inter-state river water issue involving Goa and Karnataka, Siddaramaiah said she was not the prime minister then. Modi was deliberately misleading the people and lying to hide his failures in the last four years, he said, adding that the people would not buy it. Attacking the prime minister over his "sabka sath, sabka vikas" slogan, Siddaramaiah pointed out that the BJP had not fielded a single Christian or Muslim candidate in the Karnataka polls. Stating that the Karnataka election would be a three-cornered contest between the Congress, BJP and JD(S), he accused the saffron party of "experimenting communalism" in the coastal region of the southern state. The prime minister was using a language that did not befit the office he held, the Congress leader said, taking exception to Modi calling his dispensation a "10 percent government" and "seedha rupaiah sarkar" while attacking him over alleged corruption. Siddaramaiah also mocked the Karnataka BJP, saying it solely depended on the prime minister as regards the May 12 state Assembly polls as it had no leader with a "face value". "We expected a dignified language from him (Modi). But what he spoke was the BJP's language and not the one of a civilised person. He spoke at a very low level...this is not the language of the prime minister," he told reporters. 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 SC tells political parties to upload on website, why tickets were given to criminal candidates 'Winning is important', says Yeddyurappa while defending giving tickets to Reddys India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Winning is important for us, B S Yeddyurappa, the BJP's chief ministerial candidate said while defending the BJP leadership's decision of giving tickets to mining barons, the Reddy brothers of Ballari and their associates. Yeddyurappa said he was aware of his past experiences with the Reddy brothers and would cautiously move ahead. "All the former and present MLAs of Ballari, including Sriramulu, are with us. While two of them left us, we gave tickets to the rest of them. They will surely win. Victory is equally important," he said. BJP has fielded G Somashekhara Reddy in Ballari city and his elder brother and former Ballari Lok Sabha member G Karunakara Reddy in Harappanahalli in Davanagere district. Another brother, Janardhana Reddy, has been barred from entering Ballari, in accordance with his bail conditions in the illegal mining case and is camping near Molakalmuru in Chitradurga district overseeing the campaign of his siblings as also the BJP. Yeddyurappa said Janardhana Reddy had not expected a ticket to contest the polls and added that if he felt he should help, he was free to do so independently. "I admit I should move cautiously," he told a meet-the-press programme organised by the Press Club of Bangalore and Bangalore Reporters Guild. Yeddyurappa said he has not forgotten the past. "I am not forgetting (the past incidents of) Reddy brothers. I have told you we will be very careful in future. I know what had happened when I was the chief minister. I will be careful," said the former chief minister. Asked about chief minister Siddaramaiah's accusation that Somashekhara Reddy had been accused of bribing a judge in the cash for bail case, he said the charge was not true and had lost its meaning as the Reddy brothers had been absolved. Somasekhara Reddy has been accused of bribing a judge in the cash-for-bail case that involved Janardhana Reddy. He is currently out on bail. Yeddyurappa counter-questioned the chief minister, asking him to explain about the cases against their candidate Anand Singh, to whom they had given a ticket and who too had been to jail. To a question on reported differences of opinion between him and party president Amit Shah regarding Janardhana Reddy, Yeddyurappa said the latter was not in the BJP. BJP has publicly distanced itself from Janaradhana Reddy, with party chief Amit Shah recently saying it has nothing to do with him. Yeddyurappa, however, admitted he had met Reddy before Shah had publicly disowned him. "Since the court has denied him (Reddy) permission to canvass in the election (at Ballari), he cannot canvass for us. For me winning each and every constituency is important." To a query that Reddy brothers had abused him in public, Yeddyurappa said, "You forget....What about people's opinion? How can they win there then?" Asked how he would face the electorate when he had been to jail on corruption charges, the BJP leader said he has been absolved of all charges by the courts. Yeddyurappa demanded that the chief minister, who has been taunting him, saying he was once a prisoner, explain who gifted him the Rs 70 lakh watch and the reason for it. "Siddaramaiah who looted and did corruption talks of Yeddyurappa going to jail. Why are then people giving me 150 seats?" The BJP leader ruled out any possible tie-up with Janata Dal (Secular), headed by former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, saying that such a question does not arise because his party would get an absolute majority. "Even in Badami, defeat is staring at him. Congress is a divided house with three doors, where there are differences of opinion between Siddaramaiah, Mallikarjun Kharge and G Parameshwara," said Yeddyurappa. 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 India, US on same page on many issues relating to Afghanistan: EAM Jaishankar Developments in Afghanistan will have very, very significant consequences: Jaishankar Why US engaging with Pakistan on Afghanistan is a cause of worry for India India, US have 'one mind, one approach: US Deputy State Secretary on Afghanistan Afghanistan: 7 Indian engineers abducted in Baghlan province, police suspect Taliban hand International oi-Deepika By Deepika Seven staff members of an Indian company have been abducted my armed men in Afghanistan's Baghlan province early on Sunday, a local news agency has reported. The Taliban terrorists abducted the Indians, working for Maharashtra-based company KEC, and their Afghan driver early this morning in Bagh-e-Shamal area of the provincial capital Pul-e-Khomre, TOLOnews reported, citing officials. They were abducted while travelling to the area, where the company, KEC, owns an electricity sub-station contract. The group was travelling in a largely Taliban-controlled area when the eight people were abducted from their vehicle, Baghlan police spokesperson Zabihullah Shuja said.However, no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction so far. According to Reuters, Zabihullah Shuja, spokesman for Baghlan police, said the engineers were travelling to a government-run power station in a minibus when unknown gunmen abducted them and their Afghan driver. Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi also is in touch with the Indian mission in Kabul and is trying to ascertain details. In response to queries on reports of abduction of Indian nationals in Afghanistan, MEA Spokesperson said, "we are aware of the abduction of Indian nationals from Baghlan province in Afghanistan. We are in contact with Afghan authorities & further details are being ascertained" Baghlan governor Abdulhai Nemati confirmed that the Taliban group has abducted seven employees of KEC, adding that they are trying to release the abductees through tribe elders and mediation, the report added. Meanwhile, Harsh Goenka, Chairman of the Board of Directors of KEC International tweeted about 7 Indians being kidnapped in Afghanistan and requests EAM for assistance. Request @SushmaSwaraj and Ministry of External Affairs to help rescue 7 of our managers from the kidnapping in Afghanistan. #KEC https://t.co/o7R1dGlZcY Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) May 6, 2018 KEC, a global infrastructure engineering, procurement and construction major, is one of the largest Indian companies in Afghanistan. In 2016, an Indian aid worker was kidnapped in Kabul. She was released after 40 days. The Indian government regularly issues a security alert for Indians residing in Afghanistan and travelling to the war-torn country. OneIndia News (with PTI inputs) Taliban spokesman says No extensions for US, evacuations in Afghanistan must complete by Aug 31 deadline CIA director nominee sought to withdraw: Report International pti-PTI Washington, May 6: Ahead of Senate confirmation hearing, President Trump's nominee Gina Haspel has sought to withdraw her nomination for CIA director. She has been facing questions over her role in various clandestine torture programmes. The White House sent two of its top officials including Press Secretary Sarah Sanders to the CIA headquarters as part of its efforts to convince Haspel against it. Haspel, 62, is currently acting director of CIA after Mike Pompeo resigned as he became the new secretary of state. She has served in the CIA for more than three decades and had played a key role in America's fight against terrorism post-9/11. Her confirmation hearing by the Senate Intelligence Committee is scheduled for May 9. Ahead of this, several top senators have asked tough questions on her role in several torture programmes. On Friday she was at the White House to explain her position on torture. According to The Washington Post, she conveyed her intention to withdraw her nomination soon thereafter. "Taken aback at her stance, senior White House aides, including legislative affairs head Marc Short and press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, rushed to Langley, Virginia, to meet with Haspel at her office late Friday afternoon," the daily said. "Discussions stretched several hours, officials said, and the White House was not entirely sure she would stick with her nomination until Saturday afternoon, according to the officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations," the daily reported. The Post said Trump wants Haspel to remain as the nominee. PTI All is not well between US, Israel? Netanyahu unhappy with Kerry's Middle East policy speech Former US state secy John Kerry trying to save Iran deal by himself: Report International oi-Shubham By Shubham A news that sent the US administration led by President Donald Trump in a state of shock -- former US secretary of state John Kerry is engaging in a shadow diplomacy to preserve the controversial nuclear deal with Iran, considered one of his major diplomatic feats, the Boston Globe reported on Friday, May 4. The report said Kerry, 74, has been meeting some of Iran's influential voices in the nuclear agreement which the US and five other powers and the European Union had made with Iran in 2015 to contain its nuclear ambitions. Trump has threatened to quit from the deal and restart the sanctions on Iran for he believes the deal is flawed and it has earned a major reaction from Iran which has counter-threatened to retaliate if the US indeed pulled out. May 12 is the deadline when Trump would decide whether to reinforce the sanctions that had crippled Iran's economy over the years before the 2015 deal. The Boston Globe cited a person briefing on the meetings and said Kerry, who served as the secretary of state between 2013 and 2017, met Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif at the United Nations in New York a couple of weeks ago to discuss ways to keep the deal intact. It was their second meeting in around two months. The Boston Globe also cited a source to say Kerry having met German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in April and also speaking with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris and New York besides calling up European Union's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini. He also spoke with members of the US Congress, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, several times. The Globe reported that when it tried to get a reaction from the White House on the matter, it did not respond. Trump lashed out at Kerry during his speech to the National Rifle Association in Dallas on Friday, May 4, saying his act of negotiating with Iran was "horrible". "And we have the former administration as represented by John Kerry, not the best negotiator we've ever seen," the president said, adding: "He never walked away from the table, except to be in that bicycle race where he fell and broke his leg." "Jail him", says Washington Times op-ed Kerry's action also enraged the US media as one op-ed published in the Washington Times on Sunday, May 6, even called for his imprisonment. It said Kerry went "underground to conspire with the enemy to undermine U.S. foreign policy." Why is there so much hatred against farmers: Arvind Kejriwal slams PM on Lakhimpur Kheri incident India, China can work together to fight Trumps protectionism, says Chinese media International oi-Shubham By Shubham In the wake of the informal 'relationship resetting' meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Wuhan in China in April end and the trade talks between the delegates of the US and China in Beijing last week, the Global Times came up with a piece stressing on cooperation between India and China despite their competition to "find a common ground" against Washington's protectionist measures. The story, titled 'China, India can rise above competition to work against Trump's protectionism' said the rise of "Make in India" would probably pit China and India in an intensified competition against each other in some industries but at the same time, it would also help them find a common ground to serve their respective national interests to resist the pressure of trade protectionism. It said interaction between Beijing and New Delhi increased since US President Donald Trump made his mind known about resorting to a trade war. "In late April, India joined China and several other countries at the WTO to warn the US about its unilateral trade measures imposed under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974, according to Indian media outlets. Now, the two Asian countries should go further to align their strategies and plan together for mutually beneficial cooperation, to jointly restrain the rise of unilateralism and trade protectionism." "New Delhi once took a wait-and-see attitude when it involved the trade war between China the US, but there has been a subtle change. The external environment is becoming unfriendly to the development of an export-oriented economy in the South Asian country," the piece, penned by Hu Weijia, said. It further said that India's merchandise exports in March 2018 fell 0.7 per cent compared to what it was in the corresponding month the previous year. " Trump's anti-globalization rhetoric has become an obstruction to India's growth into a world factory. After years of estrangement due to the notion of dragon-elephant competition, China is now an appropriate partner for India to put pressure on the White House," it added. The Global Times article added that most countries of Asia are keeping a close watch on the possibility of an "economic alliance" between China and India. In April, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said soon after the Modi-Jinping meeting that the countries of Southeast Asia would work more closely with "new powers" India and China to counter protectionism. "It seems that India's increasingly close interaction with China is likely to help New Delhi gain prestige and respect among regional nations, most of which have export-oriented economies and endorse economic globalization. The recent informal meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a milestone in bilateral relations. China has proposed that the two Asian emerging powers should try to work together to tackle global problems," the article said, adding that after the summit set the tone of cooperation, New Delhi and Beijing needed to work out a detailed programme to tackle challenges like unilateralism and protectionism. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, May 7, 2018, 16:01 [IST] North Korea says US force didnt make it pro-peace, warns claims could jeopardise summit International oi-Shubham By Shubham Did the West and its allies start celebrating 'victory' over North Korea far too soon to push the latter to take a hardened stand before the historic summit? Moods looked to be heating up ahead of the widely awaited meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as Pyongyang said America's sanctions weren't the reason behind its decision to denuclearise the Korean Peninsula, a pledge it took on two occasions in late April, including the summit between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the border truce village of Punmunjeom on April 27. North Korea's state-run media KCNA said on Sunday, May 6, that the US was misleading people by saying its sanctions made Pyongyang bend on the question of nuclear weapons. KCNA said Washington wasn't helping things by characterising Pyongyang's steps as something that bore weakness in the face of pressure and military threats. The North Korean media's viewpoints became public a day after Trump announced that the date and venue of the summit had been decided upon. According to experts, North Korea took a strong stand ahead of the talks to convey to the world the message that it was taking part in the meeting as an equally strong party and not as one which is doing so under pressure. Though the official details about the meeting weren't revealed, South Korean media said it was likely to be held in Singapore in the third week of June. The KCNA also said in another report that Pyongyang credited its leader Kim for the diplomatic opening the country has made of late, saying it was his "boldness, patriotism and leadership" that played an important role in building the pro-peace initiative. It also warned that Washington's claims that North Korea was forced to make the changes were done deliberately to provoke and that would ruin the atmosphere of dialogue and take the situation back to "square one". Suggestions to grant the Nobel Peace Prize to Trump started surfacing soon after the historic Korean Summit took place with even the president of South Korea supporting the idea of giving the US president the prestigious award. More diplomatic rounds are scheduled to take place ahead of the Trump-Kim meeting as Moon is set to meet Trump at the White House on May 22 while leaders of China, South Korea and Japan will meet in a trilateral summit on May 9. North Korea will be discussed on a priority on both the occasions. Terrorist Hezbollah, allies make big gains in Lebanon polls; West-backed PM losing trust? International oi-Shubham By Shubham Iran-backed Hezbollah, Amal Movement and allies made big gains in Lebanon's parliamentary elections held on Sunday, May 6, the local media said in its initial reports. West-backed Prime Minister Saad Hariri's Future Movement suffered losses, said preliminary and unofficial results that came out in the Lebanese media on Monday, May 7. According to Associated Press, Hariri lost five seats in Beirut where his party had a strong hold once. It said the results indicated that the Sunni voters were losing trust on Hariri - a Sunni and a close ally to Saudi Arabia. Economic stagnation and the general disappointment over the devastating war in neighbouring Syria leading to a massive influx of refugees into Lebanon might have propelled them against the prime minister, the AP report said. However, Hariri would yet have the largest Sunni support in parliament which would see him form the next government irrespective of the losses. The official results were due to be announced late on Monday. The AP report also added that the new government would likely include Hariri's opponents from the Hezbollah group. Hezbollah and its allies could win at least 47 seats in the 128-seat parliament and this would empower them to veto any laws that the country's Shiites oppose. The Hezbollah is considered a terror outfit by the US while the European Union accords the same tag to its military wing. Hezbollah has also backed Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in the country's civil war while its interference in countries like Yemen and Syria has earned it the terrorist label from a number of oil-rich Gulf nations. The Hezbollah and Amal Movement fielded joint 'Hope and Loyalty' lists in many electoral districts for this election. Race for post-US Syria begins? Russia asks Turkey to stay out even as Ankara plans attack Will eliminate Assad if Syria didnt stop Iran from using its territory, Israeli minister warns International oi-Shubham By Shubham In what could heighten the tensions Syria and West Asia further, Israel on Monday, May 7, threatened to "eliminate" Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad if he did not stop Iran from using his country's territory. Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz told news portal Ynet that is Assad did not stop Iran from using his country's soul, they would get rid of him and topple his government. Steinitz's remark came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel was prepared to even go to war if it was needed to stop Iran to embed its forces in Syria. Israel considers Iran a threat to its security and has always vowed to stop Tehran from going nuclear and set up a permanent influence in Syria, where it is backing Assad along with Russia. Israel has also been a strong critic of the nuclear deal which the US and other major powers made with Iran in 2015 to curb its nuclear ambitions. Recently, Netanyahu made a presentation of slides claiming how Iran was secretly adding to its nuclear arsenal by violating the deal and praised Israel's intelligence Mossad for reportedly barging into an Iranian warehouse and transferred documents related to its nuclear programme to Israel overnight. Details of the process were, however, not revealed. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, May 7, 2018, 17:54 [IST] DMFX Financials Reveals Names of Keynote Speakers for London's Mini-Conference in June Published May 7, 2018 by Ivan P The London Mini-Conference will gather 12 blockchain and cryptocurrency insiders eager to share their practical knowledge and experiences and answer any questions. DMFX Financials, a company focused on organizing different events to educate traders and investors about risks and opportunities provided by new blockchain technology and help familiarize them with the crypotcurrency market, has revealed the names of 12 keynote speakers for their upcoming Mini-Conference. The event is scheduled to take place at the BMA House in London on June 15th. Covering a Wide Array of Relevant Topics Like all other events organized by DMFX Financials, the Mini-Conference in London will address a number of topics connected to blockchain technology, the latest innovations, investment tips, the impact of regulation, ICOs, and more. These events are aimed to give all the visitors a better general understanding of the crypto world but also provide them with practical tips about how to invest wisely, protect their cryptocurrencies and keep them safe, and how to approach and maneuver the ICO market. Cryptocurrency Questions Answered by Experts The upcoming event in the capital of the UK will gather a number of experts from the crypto world whose names were revealed in the latest PR from the company. The announced list of expert speakers is the guarantee that those in the attendance will have an opportunity to ask their questions and have them answered by industry insiders. Daniel Maarek, the CEO and Founder of DMFX Financials will speak about trading cryptocurrencies and selecting the right platform to do it. Ivan Karadzhov of Bitcomo will discuss the best marketing strategies for ICOs, while Zachary Reece will approach the topic of ICOs from another angle, trying to answer if they represent an opportunity or a threat. Other topics covered by the speakers will include the concept of tokenization, predictions for the future, and a new smart contract, Continuous Coin Offering (CCO), presented by Sebastien Jehan, the founder of Rockchain. 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. When Corinth and Megara, both allies of Sparta, went to war, Athens sensed opportunity and soon formed an alliance with Megara. It precipitated the First Peloponnesian War (c 459 - 445 BC) and Athens soon turned the alliance into control of Megara. When peace returned, so did Megara into the Spartan fold. In 1941, Nazi Germany broke its non-aggression pact with the Soviet Union and launched the massive Operation Barbarossa against it. In both instances, the violators paid dearly. By the end of the Peloponnesian wars, a long saga, Athens had been reduced from its preeminence as the most powerful Greek state to a defeated vassal of Sparta. We know what happened to Germany. In one case it took over fifty years, in the other just four. History may not repeat itself but here we are in the 21st century and another agreement is about to be broken. Visiting leaders from France and Germany, UK's Theresa May on the phone ... all have advised against such a course and all to no avail. Donald Trump insists on pulling out of the Iran deal. Every 120 days he is supposed to sign a waiver to lift sanctions related to the nuclear deal. Signing in mid-January, he warned it would be the last time unless the agreement was changed. The major European leaders have failed to dissuade him, and have now gone so far as for one to call his decision insane. They are right for the consequences could be disastrous, particularly as Iran continues to fulfill its obligations under the deal, which keeps a check on any development of nuclear weapons. By offering help to Syria and Iraq and through aid to Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iran's influence now extends over a wide swathe of the Middle East, from the Gulf to the Mediterranean. Moreover, in Yemen, it has pinned down the Saudis in an expensive civil war against a popular (Houthi) rebellion to which it has provided a measure of support. Not surprisingly, it has been a blundering US, staggering around like a drunken giant trampling any semblance of order. In the Iraq war, it overthrew a government and nation that was a countervailing force against Iran, and put in place an elected one that, given Iraq's Shia majority, was Shia. Some of the Shia leaders had sought refuge in Shia Iran from Saddam's efforts to keep this majority at heel. In this they had common bond with the Kurds up in northern Iraq, who fighting for an independent Kurdistan, had been gassed by Saddam. Iran's stock in Syria has soared both through the help given to Assad's forces by Hezbollah but also through a substantial contribution by its revolutionary guards. This battle-hardened force in concert with the tough Hezbollah and the Syrian army form the ground forces to compliment Russian air power. Together they have given President Assad victory and made Russia the arbiter in the region. The alliance has also been helped by a disaffected Turkey, wary of US help for Kurds, and the antagonistic, fundamentalist, and now also threatening, Saudi Arabia, which has become close to Israel. A harbinger of things to come was the Sochi meeting on the future of Syria among Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. The US was notable only in its absence. Russia is now actively wooing Turkey, and any belligerence by the Trump administration towards Iran will only draw it too closer to Russia, perhaps even signing a defense pact, although Iran would prefer neutrality. Aside from religious kinship and its use of proxies to protect itself from the Saudi bloc, Iran has also chosen to develop sophisticated missiles, a comparatively cheaper alternative to huge military expenditures. These ensure an attacker will pay a heavy price, and is one good reason why Benjamin Netanyahu would rather the US do the dirty work while he continues to make inflammatory and deceptive speeches about Iran. Unfortunately at present, the US is also exposed. Worse, its vulnerability is in a region where Iran holds a better hand. Moreover, a seriously destructive attack on Iran will bring back chaos to the whole region and sow the seeds for another ISIS and/or similar group(s) with the potential for exporting their philosophy to Europe and North America. What this analysis shows is exactly what the Europeans have been telling Mr. Trump. It makes sense to talk while maintaining the current deal. "Jaw, jaw is better than war war," said a statesman (Churchill) whose bust occupies a prominent position in Trump's office. 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. In Estonia Wednesday, May 2, the largest NATO military exercise in the country's history, "Hedgehog 2018" (Siil), began, Commander of the Estonian defense forces Gen. Riho Terras said. The exercise will run until May 14 and is divided into three stages. While the focus of the exercise is on the ground forces, the Navy and the Air Force will also play an important role. In addition to personnel from 19 allied and partner nations, representatives from five structural units of NATO will participate in "Hedgehog 2018." The exercise involves more than 15,000 military personnel and members of the security services. The main objective of Hedgehog is to practice Estonia's territorial defense in terms of both conventional warfare and other less common scenarios. This year's Hedgehog will cross the southern border and partly take place on the territory of northern Latvia. This is the first time the exercise will extend to locations beyond Estonia's immediate territorial boundaries. The enemy will be simulated by the fictitious state of Murinius, located in the territory of Russia and Belarus, which will try to destabilize the situation and cause a rift between member states of NATO. The president of Murinius has accused Estonia and Latvia of interfering in the internal affairs of his country and announced the beginning of hostilities against them. The scenario was prepared by the NATO Joint Warfare Center. As a matter of fact, recently in Latvia lawmakers passed two bills that will provide a gradual transition to education almost only in Latvian for ethnic minority schools. The reform, initiated by Latvian Education and Science Minister Karlis Sadurskis of the ruling center-right Unity party, has been hotly debated in parliament and triggered a string of mass protests led by advocates of Latvia's Russian schools, particularly the Russian Union of Latvia. Perhaps in this case NATO military exercise "Hedgehog 2018" (Siil) will be directed against the Russian-speaking population of the Baltic States. This year's Hedgehog will cross the southern border and partly take place in the territory of northern Latvia, where most of the Russian minority live. But NATO's scriptwriters don't even imagine that residents of Estonia, Latvia and even Lithuania are going to be citizens of fictitious state of the Republic Murinius. The Republic of Murinius has become a prototype of a utopian country without any social and demographic problems. Due to the weak economy, the Baltic States locals have to earn money in the U.S. and Britain as toilet cleaners. There is one more reason to become a part of Murinius. Recently, as the Sunday Times reported, on April 24 three drunk British army officers clashed with the Latvian police on a night out in Riga despite warnings about the threat of Russian stings planned to make UK troops look like thugs. The soldiers, one from the 19th Regiment Royal Artillery and the other two from the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, were returned to their units by the Latvian military police and the Canadian military police. As usual, NATO's militants don't obey the host country's law and national traditions but instead take part in drunken street brawls. 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. From Truthdig (Image by Mr Fish/Truthdig) Details DMCA No leader, no matter how talented and visionary, effectively defies power without a disciplined organizational foundation. The civil rights movement was no more embodied in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. than the socialist movement was embodied in Eugene V. Debs. As the civil rights leader Ella Baker understood, the civil rights movement made King; King did not make the civil rights movement. We must focus on building new, radical movements that do not depend on foundation grants, a media platform or the Democratic Party or revolve around the cult of leadership. Otherwise, we will remain powerless. No leader, no matter how charismatic or courageous, will save us. We must save ourselves. "You didn't see me on television, you didn't see news stories about me," said Baker, who died in 1986. "The kind of role that I tried to play was to pick up pieces or put together pieces out of which I hoped organization might come. My theory is, strong people don't need strong leaders." All of our radical and populist organizations, including unions and the press, are decimated or destroyed. If we are to successfully pit power against power we must reject the cult of the self, the deadly I-consciousness that seduces many, including those on the left, to construct little monuments to themselves. We must understand that it is not about us. It is about our neighbor. We must not be crippled by despair. Our job is to name and confront evil. All great crusades for justice outlast us. We are measured not by what we achieve but by how passionately and honestly we fight. Only then do we have a chance to thwart corporate power and protect a rapidly degrading ecosystem. What does this mean? It means receding into the landscape to build community organizations and relationships that for months, maybe years, will be unseen by mass culture. It means beginning where people are. It means listening. It means establishing credentials as a member of a community willing to make personal sacrifices for the well-being of others. It means being unassuming, humble and often unnamed and unrecognized. It means, as Cornel West said, not becoming "ontologically addicted to the camera." It means, West went on, rejecting the "obsession with self as some kind of grand messianic gift to the world." One of the most important aspects of organizing is grass-roots educational programs that teach people, by engaging them in dialogue, about the structures of corporate power and the nature of oppression. One cannot fight what one does not understand. Effective political change, as Baker knew, is not primarily politically motivated. It is grounded in human solidarity, mutual trust and consciousness. As Harriet Tubman said: "I rescued many slaves, but I could have saved a thousand more if the slaves knew they were slaves." The corporate state's assault on education, and on journalism, is part of a concerted effort to keep us from examining corporate power and the ideologies, such as globalization and neoliberalism, that promote it. We are entranced by the tawdry, the salacious and the trivial. The building of consciousness and mass organizations will not be quick. But these mass movements cannot become public until they are strong enough to carry out sustained actions, including civil disobedience and campaigns of noncooperation. The response by the state will be vicious. Without a dedicated and organized base we will not succeed. Bob Moses was the director of the Mississippi Project of the SNCC (Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee) in the early 1960s when that group organized to register black voters. Most blacks had been effectively barred from voting in Mississippi through poll taxes, literacy tests, residency requirements and other barriers. Moses, like many organizers, was beaten and arrested. Blacks who attempted to register to vote were threatened, harassed, fired from their jobs, physically attacked and even murdered. "In essence, it was low-grade guerrilla warfare," Moses said recently at an event at Princeton University, in New Jersey. "In guerrilla warfare, you have a community you can disappear into and emerge from. That's what we had. We had a group of local activists who had been a part of the NAACP local organizations and who had a different sense after World War II. They were our base. I can go any place, any time of the night, knock on a door. Somebody was going to open it up, give me a bed to sleep in, feed me. They were going to watch my back." "We had a guerrilla community that we could disappear into and then emerge to take some people down to the battleground, the courthouse in some local town with people trying to register to vote," he said. "At that point, you were exposed and possibly open to some danger. The danger came in different ways. There were the highway patrols, which the state organized. Then there were the local sheriffs. Then there's the Klan citizens. Different levels of danger. The challenge is to understand that you are not always in danger. Those who couldn't figure that out didn't last. They didn't join." "In guerrilla warfare, you have to have an end," he said. "You learn that from people in the guerrilla base who had been fighting and figuring out how to survive and thrive in a guerrilla struggle. The only way to learn that is to immerse yourself. There's no training. In Mississippi, most of the people who did that were young, 17, 18, 19. And they lived there." Organizing, Moses said, begins around a particular issue that is important to the community -- raising the minimum wage, protecting undocumented workers, restoring voting rights to former prisoners, blocking a fracking site, halting evictions, ending police violence or stopping the dumping of toxic waste in neighborhoods. Movements rise organically. Dissidents are empowered and educated one person at a time. Any insurgency, he said, has to be earned. "If you get knocked down enough times and stand up enough times then people think you're serious," he said. "It's not you talking. They've heard everyone talk about this forever. We earned their trust. We earned the respect of young people across the country to get them to come down and risk their lives. This is your country. Look what's going on in your country. What do you want to do about it? We established our authenticity." Moses warned movements, such as Black Lives Matter, about establishing a huge media profile without a strong organizational base. Too often protests are little more than spectacles, credentialing protesters as radicals or dissidents while doing little to confront the power of the state. The state, in fact, often collaborates with protesters, carrying out symbolic arrests choreographed in advance. This boutique activism is largely useless. Protests must take the state by surprise and, as with the water protectors at Standing Rock, cause serious disruption. When that happens, the state will drop all pretense of civility, as it did at Standing Rock, and react with excessive force. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). 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. See original here The Trump administration's push to install the CIA's controversial deputy director, Gina Haspel, as the agency's new director faces mounting scrutiny as Haspel is set to begin a Senate confirmation hearing this Wednesday. The Washington Post reports the hearing almost didn't happen, after Haspel attempted to withdraw her name from consideration over opposition to her role in the CIA's torture program under George W. Bush. Wednesday's hearing will mark the first time Haspel has been forced to speak publicly about her role in the U.S. torture program and the destruction of CIA tapes documenting the torture. Haspel's nomination as CIA director has been "sold like a box of cereal" by the agency, says John Prados, senior fellow at the National Security Archive, but with no transparency about her record. As of now, says Prados, there's no public document listing Haspel's duties in her more than 30 years at the CIA. This is a rush transcript. Copy may not be in its final form. AMY GOODMAN: We begin today's show with the Trump administration's push to install the CIA's controversial deputy director, Gina Haspel, as the CIA's new director. Haspel is set to begin a Senate confirmation hearing this Wednesday. But according to The Washington Post, the hearing almost didn't happen. The paper reported Sunday Haspel attempted to withdraw her name from consideration over opposition to her role in the CIA's torture program under George W. Bush. Haspel was responsible for running a secret CIA black site in Thailand in 2002, where one prisoner was waterboarded 83 times and tortured in other ways. The former acting director of the CIA confirmed that in 2005 Haspel personally oversaw the destruction of videotapes showing torture at the black site. Gina Haspel reportedly offered to withdraw her nomination Friday, after some White House officials raised concerns with her about her ability to get confirmed. She was then summoned to the White House to discuss her history with the covert interrogation program. During the meeting, sources says she offered to withdraw. But by Saturday afternoon, Haspel told the White House she would not withdraw. Also Saturday, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders tweeted, "There is no one more qualified to be the first woman to lead the CIA than 30+ year CIA veteran Gina Haspel. Any Democrat who claims to support women's empowerment and our national security but opposes her nomination is a total hypocrite," Sanders tweeted. Wednesday's hearing will mark the first time Haspel has been forced to speak publicly about her role in the U.S. torture program and the destruction of CIA tapes documenting the torture. Her nomination has been widely criticized by human rights groups. The American Civil Liberties Union called on the CIA to declassify and release every aspect of Haspel's torture record. Last year, German prosecutors were asked to issue an arrest warrant for Haspel for her role in the torture program. Prosecutors are said to be reviewing the request by the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights. For more, we go to Washington, D.C., where we're joined by John Prados, senior fellow at the National Security Archive, author of about 30 books on international security, diplomatic intelligence, military history. His latest, The Ghosts of Langley: Into the CIA's Heart of Darkness. John Prados, welcome to Democracy Now! Can you begin by talking about Gina Haspel's record? JOHN PRADOS: Well, that's the problem -- isn't it? -- is that no one knows Gina Haspel's record. And everyone is asking the agency to release this information for the purpose of her nomination. And that's actually one of the basic problems in this whole situation. AMY GOODMAN: Well, explain what is known at this point. Explain what he involvement was -- JOHN PRADOS: We have -- OK, sure. We have pieces of documents that identify Ms. Haspel with two specific events, one of them being the torture at the site in Thailand that you mentioned, and the other being the instructions issued by the CIA operations director, Jose Rodriguez, to destroy videotapes that documented CIA torture. At that time -- at the later time, she was the chief of staff to Mr. Rodriguez. So, the documentation that we have has excised from it -- this is typical in declassification work -- the names, the information, the words that would identify in fact what Haspel's exact role was in this situation. And, of course, there would be surrounding documents, like conversations between high-level officials at the agency talking about the result of the destruction of the videotapes, as well as documents that we don't even know about yet that concern Haspel's efforts in Thailand and as chief of staff. AMY GOODMAN: After Donald Trump announced Gina Haspel as his pick to lead the CIA, to replace Pompeo, who just became secretary of state, Democracy Now! spoke with John Kiriakou, the former CIA analyst who blew the whistle on the torture program -- JOHN PRADOS: Good. 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. From Paul Craig Roberts Website Only a few days remain before Trump announces whether he is pulling the US out of the multi-nation agreement with Iran. Iran has kept the agreement. Even Washington's vassals -- UK, France, Germany -- have announced that they are sticking with the agreement. So where is the pressure on Trump coming from to destroy the carefully negotiated agreement in which Iran agreed to forgo development of nuclear weapons? It comes from Israel and Israel's American Fifth Column -- the neoconservatives. Israel is the reason for Washington's hostility toward Syria and Iran. Israel has twice tried to occupy southern Lebanon, which Israel covets for its water resources, and twice Israel was driven out by the Hezbollah militia. Hezbollah is supplied by Syria and Iran. If Israel succeeds in using the US military to destabilize Syria and Iran, Hezbollah would be cut off from supplies, and Israel could succeed in its invasion of southern Lebanon. That is what all the lies told about Iran are about. By creating a bogeyman out of Iran, Israel can build up the American public's support for US military action against Iran. The Saker says that "Americans should ask themselves -- Do I want to die for Israel?" Do you? Would you like to know how many people have read this article? Or how reputable the author is? Simply sign up for a Advocate premium membership and you'll automatically see this data on every article. Plus a lot more, too. From The Nation What Rudy Giuliani said in his two-day "media blitz" on behalf of his new client was so bizarre that even the client, Donald Trump, observed Friday that his lawyer "wasn't totally familiar with everything." True enough. The president appeared to be trying to distance himself from Giuliani's announcement that Trump had "funneled" money to attorney Michael Cohen as part of a scheme to pay off porn star Stormy Daniels just before the 2016 election. No surprise there, as that statement by Giuliani opened up an array of potential legal troubles for Trump, including, despite his new lawyer's assertions to the contrary, an exploration of serious campaign-finance violations. But the truly troublesome statement from Giuliani was one that Trump made no effort to walk back -- and that undoubtedly influenced Trump's talk about how his new lawyer is "a special guy" who "really understands that this is a witch hunt." During what Sean Hannity referred to as the "really important" part of his astounding interview with the former mayor of New York, the Fox News host griped about special counsel Robert Mueller's probe and "many congressional investigations" as he turned the discussion toward the prospect that the president might be subpoenaed. Giuliani claimed that: "It's pretty clear that a president can't be subpoenaed to a criminal proceeding about him. Now, why is that? And fortunately -- or maybe unfortunately -- we have the real life circumstance going on that the Founding Fathers thought about, which is a president cannot be distracted by a criminal investigation. You can always prosecute him after. They can get him when he leaves the White House. You can always prosecute him after." Giuliani was asserting that the intent of the founders was that presidents not be distracted by the rule of law. Arguing that the president has a defined authority to refuse to respond to demands from Mueller or others who are investigating wrongdoing, Giuliani theatrically declared that: "I could not go to the president and say, take two days off to get ready for that and screw the whole thing with North Korea. I -- how can any American do that?" Click Here to Read Whole Article 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 Truthdig (Image by DonkeyHotey / CC BY 2.0) Details DMCA Leave it to Donald Trump, besieged by denunciations of his torturous behavior toward women, to have nominated a female torturer to head the Central Intelligence Agency. It was a move clearly designed to prove that a woman can be as crudely barbaric as this deeply misogynistic president. When it comes to bullying, Gina Haspel, whose confirmation hearing begins Wednesday, is the real deal, and The Donald is a pussycat by comparison. Whom has he ever waterboarded? Haspel has done that and a lot worse. They call her "Bloody Gina," and for some of her buddies in the torture wing of the CIA and their supporters in Congress, that is meant as a compliment. For a decade after the 9/11 attacks, Haspel served as chief of staff, running the vast network of secret rendition torture prisons around the globe. As a definitive Senate Intelligence Committee report established, torture is not legal, according to U.S. law and international covenants signed by President Ronald Reagan, nor does it produce any actionable information in preventing acts of terror. After the public revelation of the vast extent of the torture program horrified the world, Haspel deliberately destroyed 92 videotapes depicting the barbaric practice, violating a Justice Department order that the tapes be preserved, and thus clearly obstructing a criminal investigation. Yet in March, Trump chose to nominate Bloody Gina to be the new head of our super-spy agency. Give Trump credit for consistency: He did campaign on the theme that torture -- or "enhanced interrogation," as his Republican predecessor, George W. Bush, justified it -- is only wrong when nations other than our own do it. And by nominating Haspel to head the CIA, Trump is clearly seeking to take torture out of the covert dark side, as former Vice President Dick Cheney termed his revival of the medieval dungeon art; Trump has branded it as a legitimate, made-in-America weapon, wielded by a woman, no less. Trump seemed to be saying, "Label me a bully; I'll show you what a woman can do!" When it comes to authorizing the near-drowning of shackled prisoners and smashing their heads against prison walls, this lady is the equal of any macho man. Click Here to Read Whole Article Malaysia Issues Proposals to Label Feeding Bottles and Teats www.sgs.com/en/consumer-goods-retail/toys-and-juvenile-products/juvenile-products-and-childcare-articles] www.sgs.com/en/news/2018/04/safeguards-05618-malaysia-proposes-labeling-requirements-for-feeding-bottles-and-teats] www.sgs.com/subscribesg, www.sgs.com/hardlines On March 2, 2018, the World Trade Organization (WTO) circulated Malaysias proposal to amend Regulation 27A Prohibited feeding bottles under Food Regulations 1985. If adopted, it will introduce several alterations to the regulation, including the requirement to provide certain information and use specific language on the labels for feeding bottles and teats.Proposed alterations include: Replacing the title in the regulations Providing a completely new definition for feeding bottles and teats Requiring feeding bottles and teats to be labeled with instructions for cleaning and sterilization, and additional information (see below) Labels on feeding bottles or teats that are sold separately are prohibited from containing the following:o A picture, graphic or text suggesting a similarity of the product with a mothers breast, pictures or graphics of infants or parts of infants or other persons, ando Information promoting or advertising another productIn addition to the labeling requirements relating to cleaning and sterilization, the bottle must also display specific sentences: Feeding Bottles - scale mark and the words PENGGUANN BOTOL SUSU BOLEH MENJEJAS PENYUSUAN SUSU IBU (the use of baby bottles can affect breastfeeding) Teats that are sold separately from feeding bottles - shelf life of teat and the words PENGGUNAAN PUTTING SUSU BOLEH MENJEJAS PENYUSUAN SUSU IBU (the use of teats can affect breastfeeding)Stakeholders were given until April 30, 2018, to make comments on the proposal. SGS is suggesting stakeholders now check their products are compliant with the latest regulations in force in Malaysia.SGS Toy & Juvenile Product ServicesSGS offers a wide range of services to ensure that products comply with relevant standards for childcare articles and childrens equipment. They provide consulting, training, product development, testing, audit and inspection services to ensure that products comply with strict regulations worldwide, demonstrating the safety and quality of juvenile products being brought to the market. Learn more about SGSs Toy & Juvenile Product Services. [SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Malaysia Proposes Labeling Requirements for Feeding Bottles and Teats SafeGuardS. [Subscribe here,to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.For further information contact:Hing Wo Tsang Ph.DGlobal Information and Innovation ManagerTel:(+852) 2774 7420Email: crs.media@sgs.comWebsite:About SGSSGS is the worlds leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 95,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,400 offices and laboratories around the world.1, Mons CalpeChitcombe RoadBroad OakRyeEast SussexTN31 6EU Industrial Sugar Market Propelling the Growth by 2025 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=2258 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=2258 https://www.tmrresearch.com/industrial-sugar-market Global Industrial Sugar Market: OverviewThe industrial sugar market is dominated by the food and beverage industry, with the pharmaceuticals industry also claiming a notable share. The rising demand for several types of fast food and beverages is thus an influential factor for the global industrial sugar market. Industrial sugar constitutes a major part of the global sugar market and is expected to retain a significant share in the latter in the coming years, with steady growth expected in the demand for industrial sugar.Demand from the global industrial sugar market is dominated by the confectionery industry, which includes chocolates, chewing gum, candied nuts, and sweets. The rising demand for a wide variety of confectionery products is likely to remain a key driver for the industrial sugar market in the coming years. The rising population in emerging markets, where Western confectionery brands have made an appearance relatively recently, and their rising disposable income are also an influential factor for the global industrial sugar market.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Global Industrial Sugar Market: Key TrendsThe major trend affecting the global industrial sugar market is the rising demand for packaged and fast food. The steady growth of the fast food market in developed regions such as North America and Europe, helped by the steady rise in the prosperity of countries such as the U.S., the U.K., France, and Germany, has propelled the industrial sugar market at a steady rate. The rapid expansion of the fast food sector in emerging regions in recent years has presented promising growth prospects for the global industrial sugar market.Although there are booming local fast food markets in many emerging countries, very few of them are industrialized to the degree of Western fast food chains. However, many regional food producers are now starting to industrialize their operations, which could be a key driver for the global industrial sugar market in the coming years.The rising production of sugar crops and the economic consequences thereof are a crucial factor for the global industrial sugar market. Sugar crops are highly favorable economically, which has driven their production across the world in recent years. The beet root sugar market, for instance, has exhibited a solid rise in the last few years and is likely to remain a key part of the global industrial sugar market. However, sugar crops constitute a monoculture with high water needs. This has the potential to restrict the industrial sugar markets growth in the coming years, as water conservation becomes more important. The rising use of alternative sweeteners for cooking could also adversely impact the global industrial sugar market.Request TOC of the Report @Global Industrial Sugar Market: Market PotentialThe key issue to bear an impact on the global industrial sugar markets growth in the coming years is the rising concern about the ecological and economic impact of large-scale sugar crop plantations. In Hawaii, a leading producer of sugar, activists succeeded in late 2016 to shut down industrial sugar plants. The monoculture planting of sugar crops is reported to have had a major impact on the island countrys economic dynamics, wherein more than 90% of Mauis water is in private control and is diverted to agricultural use. Several activists behind the move are aiming to convert Hawaii into a producer of organically, sustainably grown crops. Incidents such as this are likely to flare up in the coming years thanks to the inevitability of the adverse ecological impact of the industrial sugar market.Global Industrial Sugar Market: Geographical DynamicsAsia Pacific is likely to remain the leading regional market for industrial sugar in the coming years. India holds a dominant share in the Asia industrial sugar market and is expected to remain a leading player in the global industrial sugar market due to the presence of a socioeconomic system based around the cultivation of sugar crops. The environmental conditions in Southeast Asia are ideal for sugarcane cultivation, due to which countries such as Thailand, China, Pakistan, Indonesia, and the Philippines are also among the leading producers of industrial sugar in the global market. The booming Brazil market, the leading producer in the global industrial sugar market, is likely to propel the Latin America market for industrial sugar in the coming years.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report @Global Industrial Sugar Market: Competitive DynamicsLeading players in the global industrial sugar market include Archer Daniel Midland, Sudzucker AG, Raizen SA, Tereos, and Cargill Incorporated. Many of these players are keen to enter the lucrative industrial sugar market in developing economies, which could lead to consolidation or collaboration activities with local industrial sugar producers.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 Saudi Arabia Airport Privatization Opportunity Outlook 2022 Report https://www.kuickresearch.com/report-saudi--arabia--airport--privatization--opportunity--outlook--2022.php Saudi Arabia Airport Privatization Opportunity Outlook 2022 report highlights:* Saudi Arabia Aviation Industry Overview* Privatization in Saudi Arabia* Investment and Expansion Opportunities for International Investors* Civil Aviation Laws and Policies Framework* Ongoing Privatization Projects* Privatization Build - Operateandndash;Transfer (BOT) Business ModelDownload Report Sample Weblink:For Report Sample Contact: neeraj@kuickresearch.comTable of ContentsSaudi Arabia Aviation Industry OverviewPrivatization in Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia Civil Aviation Regulatory Authority3.1 General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA)3.2 International Air Transport AssociationSaudi Arabia: General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Initiatives4.1 GACAs Role4.2 Airport City4.3 Privatization Strategy4.4 Security, Safety and Air Transport4.5 Watani Hub Program4.6 Cargo Village at King Fahd International Airport4.7 Airport Expansion Plans4.8 Domestic Cap FaresSaudi Arabia Airport Sector: Investment and Expansion Opportunities for International InvestorsSaudi Arabia Civil Aviation Laws and Policies Framework6.1 Privatization Methods and Regulations6.1.1 Methods of Privatization6.1.2 Rules for the privatization of public establishments and projects6.2 Basic issues to be Dealt with in the Privatization process6.2.1 Regulatory framework for privatized sectors6.2.2 Fees for providing service6.3 Preparing and Restructuring the Sectors and Public Enterprises to be Privatized6.3.1 Strategic partners6.4 Criteria for Setting Priorities and Continued Implementation of the Privatization Program6.4.1 Criteria for determining priorities in Selecting Enterprises to be Privatized6.4.2 Continued in Implementation of Privatization ProcessSaudi Arabia: Ongoing Projects Privatization Projects7.1 King Khalid International Airport Project, Riyadh7.2 Prince Mohammad Bin Abdul Aziz International Airport Project, MedinaSaudi Arabia New Airport Projects8.1 King Abdul Aziz International Airport Project, Jeddah8.2 King Fahd International Airport Project, Dammam8.3 Abha Airport Project8.4 Taif International Project,Saudi Arabia Airport Privatization Build - Operateandndash;Transfer (BOT) Business ModelSaudi Arabia Airport Privatization: PEST Analysis10.1 Political Environment10.2 Economic Environment10.3 Social Environment10.4 Technological EnvironmentSaudi Arabia Airport Privatization Sector Favorable Factors11.1 Increasing Air Traffic11.2 Government Support and Regulatory Framework11.3 Strengthening Saudi Economy11.4 Benefits to Saudi Tourism11.5 Transition from PetrodollarSaudi Arabia Airport Privatization Sector Challenges12.1 Financial Problems on Domestic Routes12.2 Airlines Withholding Capacity12.3 Lack of InvestmentSaudi Arabia Airport Privatization Sector Future Forecast14. Competitive LandscapeFigure 1-1: Divisions of Saudi Arabia Aviation SectorFigure 1-2: Saudi Arabia - Number of Flights (000), 2014 and 2015Figure 1-3: Saudi Arabia - Number of Passengers (Million), 2014 and 2015Figure 1-4: Saudi Arabia - Cargo Movement Domestic and International (000 Tons), 2014 and 2015Figure 2-1: Global - Airport Privatization Statistics, 2015Figure 2-2: Saudi Arabia - Newly Constructed Domestic AirportsFigure 2-3: Saudi Arabia - Local and Foreign Investment PatternFigure 2-4: Saudi Arabia - Aviation Industry TrendsFigure 8-1: Saudi Arabia - King Abdul Aziz International Airport Passenger Capacity (Millions) , 2017, 2019 and 2035Figure 9-1 : BOT ModelFigure 11-1: Saudi Arabia - Airport Privatization Sector Favorable FactorsFigure 11-2: Saudi Arabia - International and Domestic Travel (Million), 2014 and 2015Figure 11-3: Saudi Arabia - Economic Developments, 2016Figure 11-4: Saudi Arabia - Tourism Contribution to GDP, 2015Figure 12-1: Saudi Arabia - Airport Privatization Sector ChallengesFigure 13-1: Saudi Arabia - Domestic Air Travel Passengers (Million), 2017-2022Figure 13-2: Saudi Arabia - International Air Travel Passengers (Million), 2017-2022Figure 13-3: Saudi Arabia - Total (Domestic and International) Air Travel Passengers (Million), 2017-2022Figure 13-4: Saudi Arabia - Total (Domestic and International) Cargo Movement (000 Tons), 2017-2022Table 1-1: Air Traffic in Saudi Arabia, 2010-2014Table 1-2: Air Traffic in Saudi Arabia (Flights, Passenger and Cargo), 2014 and 2015Table 1-3: Saudi Arabia - Airport Traffic (Flights, Passengers and Cargo) by Airport (2015)Table 1-4: Saudi Arabia - International, Domestic and General Aviation Air Traffic by Airport, 2014 and 2015Table 1-5: Saudi Arabia - Domestic Passenger Travel by Airport, (in 000) 2014 and 2015Table 1-6: Saudi Arabia - Cargo Traffic by Airport (in Tons), 2014 and 2015Table 11-1: Saudi Arabia andndash; Passenger Travel by Airport (Million), 2015Table 11-2: Saudi Arabia - Yearly Economic Developments, 2015 and 2016Kuick Research is a market research and analytics company that provides targeted information for critical decisions at business, product and service levels. We are quick, predictive and known by the recommendations we have made in the past. Our result-oriented research methodology offers understanding of multiple issues in a short period of time and gives us the capability to keep you full with loads of practical ideas. By translating research answers into strategic insight and direction, we not only rate the success potential of your products and/or services, but also help you identify the opportunities for growth in new demographies and find ways to beat competition.Neeraj Chawlaneeraj@kuickresearch.comKuicK ResearchL29 - L34, First FloorBlock L,Connaught PlaceNew Delhi-110001+91-11-47067990 Release Coatings Market Size & Share by Application, Type and Region - Global Forecast to 2025 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/1377085 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/1377085/release-coatings-global-industry-market-research-reports https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/enquiry/1377085 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ Marketresearchreports.biz has announced the addition of a new research study on the "Release Coatings Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025" to its report database.The main objective of this report is to define, describe, and forecast the global Release Coatings market on the basis of types of applications, major sectors, deployment models, organization size, and regions. The report contains an analysis of the major factors influencing the growth of the market (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges). It aims to strategically analyze the micromarkets with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and their contribution to the market. The report attempts to forecast the market size for 5 major regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Latin America. It contains key vendor profiles and comprehensively analyzes their core competencies. The report also tracks and analyzes competitive developments, including partnerships, collaborations, acquisitions, new product developments, and R&D activities in the market.Get Sample Copy of this report @Coating is a film or covering applied on the surface of an object. It is generally referred to as substrate. The function of coatings is to alter surface properties such as adhesion, wettability, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance of substrates. Release agent is a chemical used to prevent other materials/carriers from bonding to surfaces/substrates, providing critical barrier between them. Release coating is a film, which is coated on one or two sides with a release agent. The release agent provides a release effect against an adhesive. Release coatings are often used as back side coatings for paper products or films for various cohesive and pressure sensitive adhesive applications.The global release coatings market is primarily driven by the increase in demand in food and bakery, hygiene, and medical industries. Mechanical flexographic printing process, which is used for sticker and label printing, is being replaced by digital printing process owing to the adhesive properties of release coatings. This rise in demand for digital label printing process is also fueling the market for release coatings. Furthermore, increase in per capita income and rise in awareness about health care are boosting the release coatings market in developing economies. Development and manufacture of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based release coatings is expected to provide lucrative opportunities to the release coatings market. However, volatility in prices of raw materials and high degree of customization required for varied applications can hamper the release coatings market.Based on material, the release coatings market can be segmented into silicone and non-silicone. Silicone based release coatings possess the property of reproducing releasing force. Thus, they are highly effective where self-adhesive, vibration or sound dampening, and heat-insulation materials are used. Non-silicone based release coatings possess the property of customized controlled release. They are widely used in surface protection tapes, self-wound film tapes, and heat transfer labels.View Full Report @In terms of formulation, the release coatings market can be divided into solvent-based, water-based, and oil emulsion. Solvent-based coatings provide good anchorage for applications such as pressure sensitive label stock, industrial single-sided release papers, and nonstick food-grade packaging. Water-based release coatings are used in a broad range of applications in food and baking, tapes, and industrial sectors. Oil emulsion-based release coatings possess long bath life, good shear stability, and low foaming potential. Thus, they are suitable for two-sided differential applications like pressure sensitive adhesive laminates and tapesBased on application, the release coatings market can be segmented into labels, tapes, hygiene, industrial, medical, and food & bakery. Owing to its several favorable characteristics such as chemical and corrosion resistance, durability, anti-stick, dielectric and chemical insulation, heat resistance, dry lubrication, and abrasion, release coatings have been used for several purposes including baking, food packaging, and other industrial applications. Demand for release coatings has been rising, led by the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).In terms of geography, the release coatings market can be segregated into North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is anticipated to be a rapidly growing region of the market due to the rapid expansion in developing countries and emerging hygiene sector. North America and Europe hold significant share, while Latin America and Middle East & Africa are the evolving hubs of the release coatings market.Key players operating in the global release coatings market include Dow Corning Corporation, Wacker Chemie AG, Momentive Performance Materials Inc., Evonik Industries AG, and Rayven, Inc.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Request For Enquiry @The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)The report has been compiled through extensive primary research (through interviews, surveys, and observations of seasoned analysts) and secondary research (which entails reputable paid sources, trade journals, and industry body databases). The report also features a complete qualitative and quantitative assessment by analyzing data gathered from industry analysts and market participants across key points in the industrys value chain.A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period.Highlights of the report:A complete backdrop analysis, which includes an assessment of the parent marketImportant changes in market dynamicsMarket segmentation up to the second or third levelHistorical, current, and projected size of the market from the standpoint of both value and volumeReporting and evaluation of recent industry developmentsMarket shares and strategies of key playersEmerging niche segments and regional marketsAn objective assessment of the trajectory of the marketRecommendations to companies for strengthening their foothold in the marketAbout usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Contact usMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Roofing Chemical Market Size & Share by Application, Type and Region - Global Forecast to 2025 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/1377082 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/1377082/roofing-chemical-global-industry-market-research-reports https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/enquiry/1377082 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ Marketresearchreports.biz has announced the addition of a new research study on the "Roofing Chemical Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025" to its report database.The main objective of this report is to define, describe, and forecast the global Roofing Chemical market on the basis of types of applications, major sectors, deployment models, organization size, and regions. The report contains an analysis of the major factors influencing the growth of the market (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges). It aims to strategically analyze the micromarkets with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and their contribution to the market. The report attempts to forecast the market size for 5 major regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Latin America. It contains key vendor profiles and comprehensively analyzes their core competencies. The report also tracks and analyzes competitive developments, including partnerships, collaborations, acquisitions, new product developments, and R&D activities in the market.Get Sample Copy of this report @Roofing chemicals are used in roofing systems to provide better protection and durability. They enhances the performance of the roofing system by providing high reflectivity from natural elements, thus maintaining the temperature inside the building. Roofing chemicals are primarily made using rubber or modified bitumen and is commonly used in the construction industry. Rising demand for durable materials from the construction industry, increasing demand for thermal management buildings, and changing lifestyle trend toward sustainable living are factors driving the roofing chemicals market. However, high manufacturing and installation cost of roofing chemicals restraints the market.Based on type, the roofing chemicals market can be divided into epoxy resins, bituminous, asbestos, elastomers, and others. Bituminous is extensively used roofing type. Bituminous or asphalt is an organic liquid which is water resistance in nature. It improves the mechanical strength and longevity of the roofing, making it economical. This in turn contributes to the rise in its demand in residential and commercial building. Rising demand from residential and commercial buildings is anticipated to propel the bituminous material type segment during the forecast period. Easy-to-use, lightweight, and noncombustible features are factors driving the roofing chemicals market.In terms of application, the market can be segregated into metal roofing, membrane roofing, and others. Membrane roofing are commonly made from elastomers or modified bitumen roofing chemicals. This type of roofing is widely used in residential buildings. The metal roofing application is also expected to expand considerably during the forecast period. Metal roofing is also known to be extremely durable and have long service life. Aluminum, stainless steel, copper, among others are extensively used materials for manufacturing metal shingles. Demand for metal roofing is anticipated to increase with the development of non-residential applications and pre-engineered metal buildings.View Full Report @Based on end-use industries, the roofing chemical market can be divided into residential, commercial, and others. Rise in infrastructure activities such as remodeling and reroofing, especially from the commercial end-use segment is expected to fuel demand for roofing chemicals. Increase in demand for improved performance roofing systems from the residential segment is expected to drive the roofing chemicals market during the forecast period.In terms of geography, the roofing chemicals market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. The market in Asia Pacific is estimated to dominate the global roofing chemicals market. There is tremendous scope for roofing chemicals in the region due to the high economic growth in China, rise in infrastructure development activities and growing population in India and China. Moreover, factors such as strong presence of key manufacturers and development of bio-based roof coating products are expected to boost market in North America. Strict regulatory framework for eco-friendly components in roofing systems in Europe is also expected to drive the market. Demand for high-performance roofing chemicals from Middle East & Africa and Latin America is also fueling the roofing chemicals market.Major players operating in the roofing chemicals market are BASF SE (Germany), The Dow Chemical Company (the U.S), E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (the U.S.), Saint-Gobain S.A. (France), Eastman Chemical Company (the U.S.), 3M Company (the U.S), Owens Corning (the U.S.), Akzo Nobel N.V (the Netherlands), and Sika AG (Switzerland). Manufacturers have adopted various organic and inorganic strategies to further increase their market shares.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Request For Enquiry @The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)The report has been compiled through extensive primary research (through interviews, surveys, and observations of seasoned analysts) and secondary research (which entails reputable paid sources, trade journals, and industry body databases). The report also features a complete qualitative and quantitative assessment by analyzing data gathered from industry analysts and market participants across key points in the industrys value chain.A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period.Highlights of the report:A complete backdrop analysis, which includes an assessment of the parent marketImportant changes in market dynamicsMarket segmentation up to the second or third levelHistorical, current, and projected size of the market from the standpoint of both value and volumeReporting and evaluation of recent industry developmentsMarket shares and strategies of key playersEmerging niche segments and regional marketsAn objective assessment of the trajectory of the marketRecommendations to companies for strengthening their foothold in the marketAbout usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Contact usMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Steel Fabrication Market Size Latest Growth, Development Trends & Forecast Report to 2025 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/1377095 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/1377095/steel-fabrication-global-industry-market-research-reports https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/enquiry/1377095 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ Marketresearchreports.biz has announced the addition of a new research study on the "Steel Fabrication Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2025" to its report database.The main objective of this report is to define, describe, and forecast the global Steel Fabrication market on the basis of types of applications, major sectors, deployment models, organization size, and regions. The report contains an analysis of the major factors influencing the growth of the market (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges). It aims to strategically analyze the micromarkets with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and their contribution to the market. The report attempts to forecast the market size for 5 major regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Latin America. It contains key vendor profiles and comprehensively analyzes their core competencies. The report also tracks and analyzes competitive developments, including partnerships, collaborations, acquisitions, new product developments, and R&D activities in the market.Get Sample Copy of this report @Steel fabrication is termed as the process wherein raw materials are transformed into a final product. Stainless steel is well-known for its corrosion resistance and heat resistance. Stainless steel fabrication differs from carbon steel fabrication due to the amount of chromium present during fabrication. Steel fabrication products are used in the manufacture of a wide range of household products to large machinery parts used in aviation and automobile industries.The steel fabrication market can be segmented based on type and end-use industry. Austenitic stainless steel, super-austenitic stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, martensitic stainless steel, and duplex stainless steel are the different types of stainless steel. The different types of stainless steel fabrication market are classified based upon their crystalline structure. Austenitic stainless steel products are widely used as compared to other stainless steel. It comprises austenitic crystalline structure, which exhibits a face-centered cubic crystalline structure. Super-austenitic stainless steel contains high amount of molybdenum, nitrogen additions, and nickel. It reduces the sensitization effect caused by high temperatures. Ferritic stainless steel contains lower amount of chromium and nickel. It is usually less expensive as compared to other types of stainless steel. Martensitic stainless steel is magnetic, extremely strong, tough, and machinable compared to other types of stainless steel. Duplex stainless steel has mixed composition of ferritic stainless steel and austenitic stainless steel. Other stainless steels includes precipitation-martensitic stainless steel and varieties of duplex grades stainless steel.Based on end-use industry, the steel fabrication market can be segregated into energy, architecture, infrastructure, locomotion, healthcare, jewelry, and others. The energy segment includes oil & gas, wind energy, solar energy, electricity turbines, and transmission towers employs fabricated stainless steel on a large scale. Stainless steel is used for practical and esthetic purposes of architecture in constructing monuments, bridges, and sculptures. It is widely used in developing and refurbishing infrastructure plans. Stainless steel is used in transportation purpose for construction of roadways, developing railways, and constructing airplane parts. Steel fabrication is used in the making of surgical tools and medical equipment in the healthcare sector. Stainless steel is also used in making watches and jewelry.View Full Report @Anti-corrosion and heat resistance properties are some of the major factors driving the steel fabrication market. Stainless steel does not corrode or rust upon contact with water. It requires low maintenance cost. This has influenced its usage in commercial kitchens and food processing plants.Inability to withstand low electric conductivity as compared to copper is one of the restraints of the steel fabrication market. Other metals such as lead and iron cause galvanic corrosion upon contact with stainless steel in damp or moist environment.In terms of geography, North America dominates the steel fabrication market due to its development plans to refurbish its infrastructure. Demand for steel fabrication is high in countries such as France, Germany, and the U.K. in Europe due to increase in industrial activities. Countries such as China, India, and Japan in Asia Pacific are emerging markets for steel fabrication due to rapid industrialization and development of smart cities. After the economic slowdown, countries in Latin America such as Brazil and Mexico are beginning to invest in steel fabrication. This is expected to boost the market in the near future.Key players operating in the steel fabrication market include Global Fabricators, Global Engineering, Fabtech Group, Xiamen Wenzhong Stainless Steel Product Co, and Shanghai Canhu Industry Co., Ltd.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Request For Enquiry @The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)The report has been compiled through extensive primary research (through interviews, surveys, and observations of seasoned analysts) and secondary research (which entails reputable paid sources, trade journals, and industry body databases). The report also features a complete qualitative and quantitative assessment by analyzing data gathered from industry analysts and market participants across key points in the industrys value chain.A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period.Highlights of the report:A complete backdrop analysis, which includes an assessment of the parent marketImportant changes in market dynamicsMarket segmentation up to the second or third levelHistorical, current, and projected size of the market from the standpoint of both value and volumeReporting and evaluation of recent industry developmentsMarket shares and strategies of key playersEmerging niche segments and regional marketsAn objective assessment of the trajectory of the marketRecommendations to companies for strengthening their foothold in the marketAbout usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Contact usMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Inverted Pouch Market - Overcome the Challenges of Inefficient Dispensing of the Traditional Formats of Packaging https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=41837 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/inverted-pouch-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=T&rep_id=41837 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Cut throat competition among the packaging manufacturers has led to innovative packaging solutions being introduced in the market. Inverted pouches find their maximum applicability across the food end use industry where the pouches are being used to keep food fresh for a longer period of time at all stages of the supply chain.Get Brochure for Latest Advancements and Research Insights @Food industry being the largest consumer of packaging is opting for packaging formats that not only revitalize their signature brands but also differentiates the product from their competitors. Also, nations such as the United States is witnessing a strong rise in the millennial consumers which has significantly contributed to new buying habits along with strong brand preference.Obtain Report Details @Millennial belong to a consumer group who make value driven purchase decisions and are also willing to pay a premium for it. They also expect the retailers and brand owners to be consumer smart which is directly compelling the packaging manufacturers to manufacture intelligent packaging solutions.Download TOC @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: Global Biosimilar Insulin Market Opportunity and Clinical Insight Outlook 2022 Report https://www.kuickresearch.com/report-global-biosimilar-insulin-market-opportunity-and-clinical-insight-outlook-2022.php Global Biosimilar Insulin Market Opportunity and Clinical Insight Outlook 2022 report gives comprehensive insight on clinical and non-clinical issues involved with growth of global biosimilar insulin market. This report analyzes various aspects like rationale design of insulin molecule, mechanism of insulin in diabetes, engineering of synthetic insulin, global aspects of biosimilar insulins along with market overview, biosimilar insulin clinical pipeline insight and future trends for the development of biosimilar insulin market.Download Report Sample Weblink:For Report Sample Contact: neeraj@kuickresearch.comTable of ContentsPrologue to Insulin Biosimilars1.1 Outline Towards Insulin1.2 Trail of Insulin Evolution and DevelopmentRationale Design of Insulin Molecule2.1 Structure of Insulin Polypeptide2.2 Biosynthesis of Insulin2.3 Secretion of InsulinMechanism of Insulin in Diabetics3.1 Glucose Metabolism of Insulin3.2 Impact of Insulin Dysregulation in Diabetes 13.3 Impact of Insulin Resistance in Diabetes 2Engineering of Synthetic Insulin4.1 Production of Human Insulin4.2 Categorization of Insulin and Its Analogues4.2.1 Rapid Acting Insulins4.2.2 Short Acting Insulins4.2.3 Intermediate Insulin4.2.4 Long Lasting InsulinsInsulinotherapeutics in Diabetes5.1 Conventional Insulinotherapy5.2 Flexible or Intensive InsulinotherapyGlobal Economic Aspects of Insulin6.1 Skyrocketing Cost of Insulin Therapies6.2 Emergence of BiosimilarGlobal Economic Cost of Diabetes7.1 Monetary Burden of Diabetes7.2 US7.3 Europe7.4 Japan7.5 China7.6 IndiaGlobal Aspects of Biosimilar Insulins8.1 US8.2 Europe8.3 Japan8.4 Asia (Excluding Japan)Global Biosimilar Insulin Market Overview9.1 Preface to Biosimilar Insulin Market9.2 Biosimilar Competition AssessmentGlobal Biosimilar Insulin Clinical Pipeline InsightMarketed Biosimilar Insulin Clinical Insight by Company, Indication and Phase11.1 Insulin Biosimilar (Wosulin-R)11.2 Insulin Glargine Biosimilar (Glaritus, Glaritus Cart, Glaritus DispoPen)11.3 Insulin Glargine Biosimilar (Abasaglar, Abasria and Basalgar)11.4 Insulin Suspension Isophane/Insulin Biosimilar (Jusline 30/70)11.5 Insulin Glargine Biosimilar (Basalog and GALACTUS)11.6 Insulin Suspension Isophane Biosimilar (Jusline N)11.7 Insulin Suspension Isophane/Insulin Biosimilar (Insulin H Mix)11.8 Insulin Suspension Isophane Biosimilar (Insulin Hbio NPH)11.9 Insulin Biosimilar (Insulin Hbio R)11.10 Insulin Glargine Biosimilar (Basalin)11.11 Insulin/Insulin Suspension Isophane Biosimilar (Wosulin 30/70, 50/50)11.12 Insulin Suspension Isophane Biosimilar (Wosulin-N)11.13 Insulin Biosimilar (Jusline R)11.14 Insulin Glargine Biosimilar (Basugine)11.15 Insulin Biosimilar (Insugen)Biosimilar Insulin Future Targeted Market12.1 Global High Prevalence of Diabetics12.2 Global Prevalence of ObesityGlobal Biosimilar Insulin Market Dynamics13.1 Accelerating Parameters13.2 Major Challenges of Biosimilar Insulin MarketFuture Implications of Biosimilar InsulinCompetitive Landscape15.1 Biocon15.2 Biogenomics15.3 Eli Lilly15.4 GanandLee Pharmaceuticals15.5 Geropharm15.6 Julphar Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries15.7 Paras Biopharmaceuticals15.8 Samsung Bioepis15.9 Sedico15.10 WockhardtFigure 1-1: Major Historical Events in Discovering InsulinFigure 2-1: Primary Structure of Insulin with Polypeptidic ChainsFigure 2-2: Illustration of Biosynthesis from Preproinsulin to ProinsulinFigure 2-3: Mechanism of Insulin Release from the PancreasFigure 3-1: Mechanism of glucose Uptake by Insulin MoleculeFigure 3-2: Deficiency of Insulin Leading towards the Type I DiabetesFigure 3-3: Insulin resistance Shown by the Type 2 DiabetesFigure 4-1: Process of Generating Recombinant Insulin in Bacterial CellFigure 4-2: Different Types of Insulin and Their Brand Names with Time of ActionFigure 5-1: Relationships among Components of Insulin, Injection Times and Blood Glucose TestingFigure 5-2: Insulin Release during Conventional InsulinotherapyFigure 5-3: Insulin release at Intensified or Flexible InsulinotherapyFigure 6-1: Representation of Rising Cost of Insulin per UnitFigure 7-1: Illustration of the Total Cost Distribution of DiabetesFigure 7-2: Global Estimated Total Expenditure of Diabetes (US$ Billion), 2015 and 2040Figure 7-3: Top 10 Countries by Highest Spending Per Patient with Diabetes (US$)Figure 7-4: Top 10 Countries by Lowest Spending Per Patient with Diabetes (US$)Figure 7-5: US - Estimated Total Cost of Diabetes and Obesity (US$ Billion)Figure 7-6: Representation of Cost of Insulin among Different Countries, 2016Figure 7-7: Projected Cost of Diabetes in EuropeFigure 7-8: Estimated Prevalence of Diabetes in Japan (In Million)Figure 7-9: Projected Number of Diabetic Cases in China (Million)Figure 7-10: India - Increasing Prevalence of Diabetes and Future Projections (Million)Figure 8-1: Demonstration Comparative Price of Lantus Insulin in US and Other CountriesFigure 8-2: Highest Growth in Number of Biosimilars Candidates in South East Asian RegionFigure 9-1: Cost savings with Biosimilars and Generics as Compared to the Branded VersionsFigure 9-2: Global Insulin Market Assessment (US$ Billion), 2016-2022Figure 9-3: Global Market Shares of Three Leading Companies in the Insulin MarketFigure 9-4: Illustrations of Lantus (Insulin Glargine) Revenues by Sanofis (Billion Euros)Figure 9-5: Market Revenues of Novo Nordisk in Modern Insulin Market (DKK Billion)Figure 10-1: Number of Biosimilar Insulin in Clinical Pipeline, 2017-2022Figure 10-2: Biosimilar Insulin in Clinical Pipeline (%), 2017-2022Figure 12-1: Top 5 Countries with High Diabetes Prevalence in Adults by 2030(in Millions)Figure 12-2: Top 10 Countries by Highest Prevalence of Diabetes (%)Figure 12-3: Global Increasing Prevalence of Diabetes Prevalence (In Millions)Figure 12-4: Estimated Prevalence of Obesity among Various Countries (2025)Figure 12-5: Increasing Relative Risk of Diabetes with Increasing BMIFigure 13-1: Trends of High Cost of Insulin from 2010 till 2015 in USFigure 13-2: The Major Favorable Parameters for Growth of Biosimilar Insulin MarketFigure 13-3: Major Barriers Encountered by the Insulin Biosimilar MarketKuick Research is a market research and analytics company that provides targeted information for critical decisions at business, product and service levels. We are quick, predictive and known by the recommendations we have made in the past. Our result-oriented research methodology offers understanding of multiple issues in a short period of time and gives us the capability to keep you full with loads of practical ideas. By translating research answers into strategic insight and direction, we not only rate the success potential of your products and/or services, but also help you identify the opportunities for growth in new demographies and find ways to beat competition.Neeraj Chawlaneeraj@kuickresearch.comKuicK ResearchL29 - L34, First FloorBlock L,Connaught PlaceNew Delhi-110001+91-11-47067990 Wood Preservative Coatings 2018 Global Industry Key Players - Akzo Nobel , BASF , The Dow Chemical Company , The Sherwin-Williams Company, PPG Industries Market Analysis And Forecast To 2025 Global Wood Preservative Coatings Market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3147778-global-wood-preservative-coatings-market-research-report-2018 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3147778-global-wood-preservative-coatings-market-research-report-2018 Global Wood Preservative Coatings MarketThis report studies the global Wood Preservative Coatings market status and forecast, categorizes the global Wood Preservative Coatings market size (value & volume) by manufacturers, type, application, and region. This report focuses on the top manufacturers in North America, Europe, Japan, China and other regions (India, Southeast Asia, Central & South America, and Middle East & Africa).Request a Sample Report @The major manufacturers covered in this reportAkzo NobelBASFThe Dow Chemical CompanyThe Sherwin-Williams CompanyPPG IndustriesValspar CorporationIndustrias Quimicas KupsaRPM InternationalLonza GroupKMG ChemicalsThe Chemours Company (DuPont)Bio Specialty CoatingsRenner SayerlackHMG PaintsArkemaTeknos GroupNippon Paint HoldingsJCK Coating IndustriesAlfatamaKAPCI CoatingsGeographically, this report studies the top producers and consumers, focuses on product capacity, production, value, consumption, market share and growth opportunity in these key regions, coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanOther Regions (India, Southeast Asia, Central & South America and Middle East & Africa)The regional scope of the study is as follows:North AmericaUnited StatesCanadaMexicoAsia-PacificChinaIndiaJapanSouth KoreaAustraliaIndonesiaSingaporeRest of Asia-PacificEuropeGermanyFranceUKItalySpainRussiaRest of EuropeCentral & South AmericaBrazilArgentinaRest of South AmericaMiddle East & AfricaSaudi ArabiaTurkeyRest of Middle East & AfricaOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoSolvent-borneWater-borneOn the basis of the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate for each application, includingFurnitureMarineConstructionOthersThe study objectives of this report are:To analyze and study the global Wood Preservative Coatings capacity, production, value, consumption, status (2013-2017) and forecast (2018-2025);Focuses on the key Wood Preservative Coatings manufacturers, to study the capacity, production, value, market share and development plans in future.Focuses on the global key manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the market competition landscape, SWOT analysis.To define, describe and forecast the market by type, application and region.To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks.To identify significant trends and factors driving or inhibiting the market growth.To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying the high growth segments.To strategically analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trend and their contribution to the marketTo analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the marketTo strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Wood Preservative Coatings are as follows:History Year: 2013-2017Base Year: 2017Estimated Year: 2018Forecast Year 2018 to 2025For the data information by region, company, type and application, 2017 is considered as the base year. Whenever data information was unavailable for the base year, the prior year has been considered.Key StakeholdersWood Preservative Coatings ManufacturersWood Preservative Coatings Distributors/Traders/WholesalersWood Preservative Coatings Subcomponent ManufacturersIndustry AssociationDownstream VendorsAvailable CustomizationsWith the given market data, QYResearch offers customizations according to the company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:Regional and country-level analysis of the Wood Preservative Coatings market, by end-use.Detailed analysis and profiles of additional market players.Table of Contents-Key Points CoveredGlobal Wood Preservative Coatings Market Research Report 20187 Global Wood Preservative Coatings Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Akzo Nobel7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Wood Preservative Coatings Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Akzo Nobel Wood Preservative Coatings Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 BASF7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Wood Preservative Coatings Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 BASF Wood Preservative Coatings Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 The Dow Chemical Company7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Wood Preservative Coatings Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 The Dow Chemical Company Wood Preservative Coatings Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 The Sherwin-Williams Company7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Wood Preservative Coatings Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 The Sherwin-Williams Company Wood Preservative Coatings Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 PPG Industries7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Wood Preservative Coatings Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 PPG Industries Wood Preservative Coatings Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.5.4 Main Business/Business OverviewContinued.Complete Report Details @Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt LtdOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Cellular Analysis Market Strengthen their presence by 2025 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=788 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=788 https://www.tmrresearch.com/cellular-analysis-market Global Cellular Analysis Market: SnapshotThe compositional, genetic, or functional heterogeneousness between diseased and healthy tissues is one of the key challenges faced by the field of drug development and discovery. The lack of knowledge in this field challenges the development of accurate disease models that can be used for drug development, can lead to misinterpretation of the levels of biomarkers, and responses of patients to specific therapies.Request Sample Copy of the Report @The complex nature of heterogeneous tissues has encouraged the development of several tools for the analysis of single cell. A number of such tools, for applications such as transcriptomic analysis, cell genomic analysis, and multiplex proteomic analysis have surfaced in the global market in the past few years and continue to be used at an enormous pace across a number of applications, especially in the field of drug development and discovery.There has been significant advancements in the functionality and level of accuracy of cell analysis tools and companies are increasingly investing in research and development activities to introduce more accurate tools. The competitive landscape and the variety of products that the market has to offer are changing at a rapid pace and a number of new technologies capable of comprehensively analyzing cells at a molecular-level are expected to hit the market in the next few years. Even at present, several cellular analysis technologies exist that can assay for a large number of cell surface markets and secreted proteins. The market is expected to expand at a promising pace in the next few years as well, thanks to the rising investments from across the globe.Request TOC of the Report @Cellular Analysis Market: OverviewCellular analysis technology has wide applications in cell identification, target identification and validation, and cell counting. The technology is widely used in analysis of cell interaction, cell proliferation, cell structure, cell viability, and cell signaling/cell transduction. Prominent applications of cellular analysis include its uses in various phases of the drug discovery process, oncology, blood cell analysis, and toxicity testing. Increased applications of cellular analysis in understanding the development processes of various cells types occupies a seminal role in the discovery of personalized medicine and in finding potential treatment of different diseases, which has offered momentum to the market growth.The cellular analysis market is anticipated to witness significant growth opportunities along the forecast period. General rise in healthcare spending, coupled with increasing corporate funding for cell-based researches, has boosted the growth of the market across various regions. Cell identification is one of the key applications of cellular analysis and helps in the identification of blood cells based on their size and morphology; this helps in tumor detection. Along with other target identification technologies, the high-content screening in cellular analysis technology helps in getting accurate information on drug toxicity and hence facilitates drug discovery.The report provides the market share and size of key application segments in different countries across key regions. The research analysis provides in-depth analysis into major drivers and market challenges, current and emerging trends, and technological advances in life sciences, new product launches, and the factors shaping the competitive landscape of the cellular analysis market. The insights offered in the report help new and established players devise impactful strategies to strengthen their market presence.Cellular Analysis Market: Key Drivers, Opportunities, and ChallengesThe cellular analysis market is primarily driven by the rising incidence of chronic and infectious diseases, increased corporate funding for cell-based research activities, and the increasing number of patients suffering from cancer. Furthermore, technological advancements in cellular analysis instruments, combined with potential developments in life-sciences industry related to drug discovery, are the crucial factors boosting the cellular analysis market.However, the high costs of installing cell analysis systems, coupled with substantial investments required for cell-based researches for oncology and drug discovery, are likely to hinder the growth of the cellular analysis market. In addition, the ethical concerns related to embryonic stem cell research along with stringent regulations for the approval of new cellular analysis systems are major challenges faced by the market players. On the other hand, automation in oncology and the emergence of contract research organizations offering high-content screening services, combined with a large untapped market in the Asia Pacific region, are expected to create promising growth opportunities for the market players.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report @Cellular Analysis Market: Regional OutlookBased on geography, North America, Europe, and Asia occupy a major share in the cellular analysis market. North America is a prominent region for growth, led by technological advancements in cellular analysis systems and considerable funding by the different governments and private players. Asia Pacific is fast emerging as a promising region to create new revenue streams for market players. A large part of untapped markets in countries such as India, Japan, and China, combined with the increasing government support for cancer and stem cell research, are the crucial factors fuelling the growth of the cellular analysis market in the region.Cellular Analysis Market: Competitive LandscapeThe research study provides an extensive analysis of the key offerings of the market players and the strategies adopted by them to strengthen their market share. Companies in the cellular analysis market actively launch new products, enter into partnerships and agreements, and make acquisitions to consolidate their market presence. Prominent players operating in the cellular analysis market include Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc, Beckman Coulter Inc. Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Merck KGaA, Agilent Technologies, Inc, GE Healthcare, Olympus Corporation, Tecan Group Ltd., Nikon Corporation, and Becton, Dickinson and Company.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 Global Platform as a Service Market with Technology Advancements, Business Models, Market Forecasts & Analysis till 2022 http://www.qyreports.com/request-sample/?report-id=31287 http://www.qyreports.com/ask-for-discount/?report-id=31287 http://www.qyreports.com/ask-for-discount/?report-id=31287 www.qyreports.com Global Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) Market Professional Survey Report 2022 Purchase This Report by calling QYReports.com.Platform as a service (PaaS) is a complete development and deployment environment in the cloud, with resources that enable you to deliver everything from simple cloud-based apps to sophisticated, cloud-enabled enterprise applications.The report on the Global Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) Market is a scrupulous piece of work and is assembled by conducting both primary and secondary research. The report does so by providing an executive summary including all valuable market figures and exploring the favorable factors that are expected to drive the growth rate of the market, besides taking account of the restraining factors. The data comprised in the report has been taken by accessing case studies, and by taking contributions from top diligence leaders.The report creates a clear picture of the various factors that will drive the Global Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) market in the years to come. In order to help companies spot potential threats and to give them a clear picture of the opportunities that exist in the Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) market, the report offers a SWOT analysis of the Global market. For the purpose of the study, market analysts have employed rigorous primary and secondary research techniques. This makes the analyses and forecasts more accurate and helps analysts to examine the Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) market from a broader perspective.Download PDF Sample Copy:The research report analyzes the Global Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) Market in a thorough manner by clarifying the key characteristics of the market that are anticipated to have a measureable influence on its evolving prospects over the forecast period. The key opportunity areas in Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) market and the top trends impacting the development of the market have also been presented through this report. The current growth and development patterns of this market have also been encapsulated in this study.Company Profiled: The Key Players includes in this report are ActiveState, Anaplan, AppearIQ, Apprenda, AppScale, AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Cloud Foundry, Cloudera, Distelli, Corvisa, Engine Yard, Fujitsu, Google App Engine, Heroku, Hewlett Packard, IBM Bluemix, Jelastic, Microsoft Azure Web Sites, Mendix, OpenShift, Oracle, Pivotal Software, Progress Software, QlikView, Ragic, Red Hat, Rollbase, SAP, Tsuru (PaaS), WaveMaker among others.This report analysis will help organizations understand the major threat and opportunities that vendors have to deal in Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) market. The competitive background section of the report covers the key vendors and throws light on the strategies being adopted by them for better penetration into the market. The key applications or end users of Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) market have also been presented in this section of the study. The major policies adopted by established players for a better penetration in the Global Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) market also form a key section of this study.For more Information:Geographically, the report explores the potential of the Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) market in the major regions mentioned in this report. Currently, highest alleging share market is also mentioned in this report. The prime region for Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) market across the world are:By Regions, this report covers:North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaTo Get Reasonable Discount:About QYReports:We at, QYReports , a leading market research report publisher accommodate more than 4,000 celebrated clients worldwide putting them at advantage in todays competitive world with our understanding of research. Our list of customers include prestigious Chinese companies, multinational companies, SME's and private equity firms whom we have helped grow and sustain with our fact-based research. Our business study covers a market size of over 30 industries offering unfailing insights into analysis to reimagine your business. We specialize in forecasts needed for investing in a new project, to revolutionize your business, to become more customer centric and improve the quality of output.Contact:Jones John(Sales Manager)QYReports+91-9764607607sales@qyreports.com In Situ Hybridization Market highly promising pace 2025 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=782 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=782 https://www.tmrresearch.com/in-situ-hybridization-market Global In Situ Hybridization Market: SnapshotIn situ hybridization (ISH) refers to a well-established set of methods for the visualization and detection of specific nucleic acid sequences in whole organisms, cytological preparations, and tissue sections. The technique has witnessed refinements and a significant rise in applications over the several decades of its use and is routinely employed still in laboratories where visualization of gene expression within the tissue of concern is required.Request Sample Copy of the Report @In situ hybridization is known to effectively allow for the cytologic and histologic localization of the specific nucleic acid of interest. While the techniques have significantly matured in the present-day scenario, the application of most in situ hybridization techniques was limited to a large extent owing to their inability to detect samples with low copies of DNA and RNA. Advancements in the past few years have led to the development of a number of strategies to help improve the sensitivity of ISH techniques by signal detection after the hybridization is completed or by the amplification of the target nucleic acid sequence before the ISH begins.The market is witnessing advancements at a highly promising pace with the view of increasing sensitivity of in situ hybridization methods. Recent developments such as strand displacement amplification and molecular beacons to continue to expand the scope of application of in situ hybridization techniques. The application of some of these novel techniques has helped significantly extend the scope of utility of in situ hybridization in the fields of research and diagnostic pathology owing to their capability of detecting targets with low copy numbers of nucleic acids in samples.Global In Situ Hybridization Market: OverviewThe global market for in situ hybridization is projected to expand at a phenomenal rate, with the cancer diagnosis segment at the forefront. The in situ hybridization market can include application segments such as neuroscience, cancer diagnosis, immunology, cytology, microbiology, pathology, and developmental biology.Request TOC of the Report @In situ hybridization is a powerful method for localizing specific nucleic acid targets in cells and tissues, thereby allowing access to the temporal and spatial information about genetic loci and structure. Human DNA and RNA can be visualized with the help of in situ hybridization in two major ways, chromogenic (CISH) and fluorescence (FISH) detection.The report analyzes the key drivers, restraints, recent trends, and growth opportunities in the global market for in situ hybridization. The market shares, product portfolios, technological developments, and business strategies of the major players are discussed in detail. The report also sheds light on factors such as market size, supply and demand ratio, market attractiveness, and key segments of the in situ hybridization market.Global In Situ Hybridization Market: Drivers and RestraintsTechnological advancements in the field of in situ hybridization, such as development of the cytogenetic technique, is one of the key factors driving the market. The rising prevalence of cancer has necessitated clinical research, which is another major market driver. The introduction of new therapeutic agents has led to a high rate of adoption of companion diagnostics, boosting the overall market expansion. Besides these factors, the growth of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry has improved the prospects of the in situ hybridization market worldwide.Florescence in situ hybridization (FISH) can be used in the detection of genetic abnormalities such as aneuploidy, characteristic gene fusion, or loss of a chromosomal region. It is also useful for research in the fields of gene mapping and identification of genetic aberrations, which are responsible for cancer. As this technique is simple yet effective, FISH will ensure the growth of the global in situ hybridization market.On the contrary, strict regulatory policies will obstruct the growth of the in situ hybridization market. However, the emergence of molecular cytogenetics will present significant opportunities due to unmet needs in accurate disease diagnosis, rising number of chromosomal disorders, and surge in population.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report @Global In Situ Hybridization Market: Regional OutlookOn the basis of geography, the global market for in situ hybridization can be segmented into Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, North America, and the Middle East and Africa. North America holds a large share in the overall market, with Europe and Asia Pacific also exhibiting promising growth. Extensive research activities in countries such as Canada and the U.S., increased adoption of companion diagnostics, and beneficial government policies have been aiding the in situ hybridization market in North America.Over the forecast period 2017-2025, Asia Pacific will undergo tremendous growth on account of growing incidence of cancer and its diagnosis, increased healthcare expenditure, and increasing health awareness among people. The presence of international companies in countries such as India and China will further provide an impetus to the market.Companies Mentioned in the ReportThe major companies operating in the market for in situ hybridization include Bio Sb, Inc., Advanced Cell Diagnostics, Inc., Merck KGaA, Abbott Laboratories, Inc., Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH, Danaher Corporation, and Agilent Technologies. Several companies are using business strategies such as product enhancement, collaborations, acquisitions, and partnerships with a view to increasing profit.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 Global Cancer Nanomedicine Market Outlook 2022 Report https://www.kuickresearch.com/report-global-cancer-nanomedicine-market-outlook-2022.php Global Cancer Nanomedicine Market Outlook 2022 Report Highlights:* Overview and Mechanism of Action of Nanomedicine* Nanomedicine Engineering: Design and Strategy* Cancer Nanomedicine as Diagnostic and Therapeutics Tool* Global Cancer Nanomedicine Market Overview and Dynamics* Global Cancer Nanomedicine Clinical Pipeline by Company, Indication and Phase* Global Cancer Nanomedicine Clinical Pipeline: 124 Drug* Marketed Cancer Nanomedicine: 8 DrugsDownload Report Sample Weblink:For Report Sample Contact: neeraj@kuickresearch.comTable of ContentsCancer Nanomedicine: An Optimistic Avenue1.1 Introduction1.2 Emergence of NanomedicinesPrerequisite of Nanomedicines2.1 Conventional Cancer Treating Approaches2.2 Nanomedicines: Overcoming the HurdlesDiversification of Nanomedicines3.1 Classification on Basis of Constituents3.1.1 Inorganic Nanoparticles3.1.2 Organic Nanoparticles3.2 Classification on Basis of Applicability3.2.1 Nanomedicine as Diagnostic Agents3.2.2 Nanomedicine as Therapeutic Agents3.2.3 Nanomedicine as Drug Delivery Agents3.3 Classification on Basis of DimensionsMechanism of Action of Nanomedicine4.1 Targeting Tumor Cells4.1.1 Passive Targeting4.1.2 Active Targeting4.2 Nanocarrier - Drug Complex4.2.1 Liposomes4.2.2 Dendrimers4.2.3 Micelles4.2.4 Inorganic Nanocarriers4.3 Drug Release SystemsNanomedicine Engineering: Design and Strategy5.1 Organic Nanoparticles as Nanomedicines5.1.1 Polymeric Nanoparticle5.1.2 Lipid Organic Nanoparticles5.2 Inorganic Nanoparticles as Nanomedicines5.2.1 Synthesis of Gold NanoparticleCancer Nanomedicine as Diagnostic Tool6.1 Detection of Cancer Biomarkers6.1.1 Detection of Circulating Tumor Cell6.2 Diagnostic Device and Nanoprobes6.2.1 Biosensors6.2.2 Microarrays6.3 Quantum Dots for Early Cancer Detection6.3.1 Detection of primary Cancers6.3.2 Quantum Dots for Tumor ImagingCancer Therapeutics with Nanomedicines7.1 Nanomedicine as Therapeutic Agents7.1.1 Photodynamic Therapy7.1.2 Photo Thermal Therapy7.2 Nanomedicines as Prophylactic and Therapeutic Approach7.2.1 Cancer Cell Destruction7.3 Nanomedicine in Breast Cancer7.4 Nanomedicine in Pancreatic Cancer7.5 Nanomedicine in Brain Cancer7.6 Nanomedicine in Lung CancerCancer Imaging with Nanomedicine8.1 Positron Emission Tomography8.1.1 Applications in various Cancers8.2 Single Photon Emitted Tomography8.2.1 Computed Tomography8.3 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)8.3.1 Optical ImagingDrug Delivery with Nanomedicines9.1 Nanocarrier and Chemotherapy9.1.1 Peptide Nanomedicine- An Example of Nanocarrier Chemotherapy9.2 Nanomedicine Endocytosis and Intracellular Mechanisms9.3 Factors Affecting Drug DeliveryGlobal Cancer Nanomedicine Market Overview10.1 Current Market Scenario10.2 Global Cancer Nanomedicine Clinical Pipeline OverviewGlobal Nanomedicine Market Dynamics11.1 Encouraging Market Aspects11.2 Commercialization ChallengesGlobal Cancer Nanomedicine Future ProspectGlobal Cancer Nanomedicine Clinical Pipeline by Company, Indication and Phase13.1 Research13.2 Preclinical13.3 Phase-I13.4 Phase-I/II13.5 Phase-II13.6 Phase-IIIMarketed Cancer Nanomedicine Clinical Insight by Company, Indication and Phase14.1 Caelyx and Doxil14.2 Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel (Abraxane and Coraxane)14.3 Nilotinib (Tasigna)14.4 Paclitaxel Polymeric Micelle Formulation (Cynviloq and Genexol-PM)14.5 Paclitaxel Liposomal14.6 Vincristine Liposomal (Marqibo)14.7 Rexin-G14.8 Paclitaxel Nanoparticle (Nanoxel)Competitive Landscape15.1 Abraxis BioScience15.2 Access Pharmaceuticals15.3 Alnylam Pharmaceuticals15.4 Amgen15.5 Arrowhead Research15.6 BIND Therapeutics15.7 Cadila Healthcare15.8 Celegen Corporation15.9 Celsion Corporation15.10 Genzyme Corporation15.11 Merck15.12 NanoCarrier15.13 Nippon Kayaku15.14 Nanobiotix15.15 Novavax15.16 Pfizer15.17 Roche15.18 Samyang15.19 Sanofi15.20 Takeda PharmaceuticalFigure 1-1: Goals of NanomedicinesFigure 2-1: Advantages of Nanomedicines over Conventional TherapiesFigure 3-1: Various Classes of NanomedicinesFigure 3-2: Classification of NanoparticlesFigure 3-3: Classification on Basis of ApplicabilityFigure 3-4: Dimensional NanoconstructsFigure 4-1: Mechanism of Nanomedicine to Destruct Tumor CellsFigure 4-2: Vasculature of Tumor and Normal CellFigure 4-3: Nanoparticle Drug Delivery BenchmarkFigure 4-4: Liposomes as NanocarriersFigure 4-5: Structure of DendrimersFigure 4-6: Diverse Drug Release MechanismsFigure 5-1: Structure of Nanospheres and NanocapsulesFigure 5-2: Processes Involved in Organic Polymeric NanoparticlesFigure 5-3: Nanoparticle Production MethodsFigure 5-4: Different Categories of EmulsionsFigure 5-5: Scheme of Different Strategies of Interfacial PolymerizationFigure 5-6: Different Type of Inorganic NanoparticleFigure 5-7: Synthesis of Gold NanoparticlesFigure 6-1: Functioning of Biosensors in Cancer DetectionFigure 6-2: Detection of Cancer Cells with Quantum DotsFigure 7-1: Cancer Therapeutics with NanomedicinesFigure 7-2: Cancer Cell Destruction via NanomedicinesFigure 7-3: Drug Delivery across Blood Brain BarrierFigure 8-1: Cancer Imaging Via Various TechniquesFigure 9-1: Nanomedicine and Cell Intake MechanismsFigure 9-2: Factors Affecting Drug DeliveryFigure 10-1: Global Nanomedicine Market (US$ Billion), 2013-2022Figure 10-2: Global - Cancer Nanoparticle Pipeline by Phase (%), 2016 till 2022Figure 10-3: Global - Cancer Nanoparticle Pipeline by Phase (Numbers), 2016 till 2022Figure 10-4: Global - Cancer Nanoparticle Pipeline by Phase (%),2016 till 2022Figure 10-5: Global - Cancer Nanoparticle Pipeline by Phase (Numbers), 2016 till 2022Figure 11-1: Driving Parameters of NanomedicinesFigure 11-2: Challenges of Nanomedicine MarketFigure 15-1: Arrowhead Research Corporation Clinical PipelineFigure 15-2: NanoCarrier Clinical PipelineKuick Research is a market research and analytics company that provides targeted information for critical decisions at business, product and service levels. We are quick, predictive and known by the recommendations we have made in the past. Our result-oriented research methodology offers understanding of multiple issues in a short period of time and gives us the capability to keep you full with loads of practical ideas. By translating research answers into strategic insight and direction, we not only rate the success potential of your products and/or services, but also help you identify the opportunities for growth in new demographies and find ways to beat competition.Neeraj Chawlaneeraj@kuickresearch.comKuicK ResearchL29 - L34, First FloorBlock L,Connaught PlaceNew Delhi-110001+91-11-47067990 Alternator Market Analysis Reveals Key Drivers, Top Vendors Profile, Industry Size and Growth Trends through 2025 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPTE100000896 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/inquiry/TIPTE100000896 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/alternator-market An alternator is defined as an electrical generator which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy that is in the form of alternating current. Mostly alternators use rotating magnetic field with a stationary armature. An alternator that uses a permanent magnet for its magnetic field is called a magneto.Rise of automotive sector is the major driver which help in surging the growth of alternator market whereas developing an efficient alternator with minimum losses act as a restraining factor for this market. Increasing investments in the construction industry and the industrial infrastructure sector will add new opportunities for this market in the coming years.FREE | Request a Sample Report atThe "Global Alternator Market Analysis to 2025" is a specialized and in-depth study of the alternator industry with a focus on the global market trend. The report aims to provide an overview of global alternator market with detailed market segmentation by range, components, vertical and geography. The global alternator market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the leading market players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market.The report provides a detailed overview of the industry including both qualitative and quantitative information. It provides overview and forecast of the global alternator market based on range, components and vertical. It also provides market size and forecast till 2025 for overall alternator market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South America (SAM). The market by each region is later sub-segmented by respective countries and segments. The report covers analysis and forecast of 16 counties globally along with current trend and opportunities prevailing in the region.Inquiry before Buying atBesides this, the report analyzes factors affecting market from both demand and supply side and further evaluates market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend. The report also provides exhaustive PEST analysis for all five regions namely; North America, Europe, APAC, MEA and South America after evaluating political, economic, social and technological factors effecting the market in these regions.Also, key alternator market players influencing the market are profiled in the study along with their SWOT analysis and market strategies. The report also focuses on leading industry players with information such as company profiles, products and services offered, financial information of last 3 years, key development in past five years. Some of the key players influencing the market are Controlled Power Technologies Ltd, Denso Corporation., HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA, ASIMCO Technologies Group Limited, Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd., Cummins, Inc., Emerson Electric Co., Mitsuba Corp., Robert Bosch GmbH, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and Controlled Power Technologies Ltd. among others.Some of the important playersDenso Corporation.HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaAASIMCO Technologies Group LimitedHitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.Cummins, Inc.Emerson Electric Co.Mitsuba Corp.Robert Bosch GmbHMitsubishi Electric CorporationControlled Power Technologies Ltd.Complete Report is Available atContact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.comAbout Us:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Automotive and Defense.Address533, 5th Floor,Amanora Chambers, East Block, Amanora Township,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028 Australia Solar Power Sector Future Outlook 2020 Report https://www.kuickresearch.com/report-australia-solar-power-sector-future-outlook-2020.php Australia Solar Power Sector Future Outlook 2020 Report Highlights:* Australia Solar Power Sector Overview* Australia Solar Power Economics* Solar Feed-in-Tariff by State* Solar Energy Policies and Regulatory Framework* Australia Solar Energy Sector Future OutlookDownload Report Sample Weblink:For Report Sample Contact: neeraj@kuickresearch.comTable of ContentsAustralia Solar Power Sector Overview1.1 Solar Power Installed Capacity1.2 Trends in Solar Power in Australia1.3 Solar Power Contribution in comparison with other RE TechnologiesAustralia Solar Power Economics2.1 Solar System Costs2.2 Electricity Tariff for Solar2.3 Incentives/Subsidies for Solar System Installation2.3.1 Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STC)2.3.2 Large Scale Generation Certificates (LGC)2.3.3 Feed-in-Tariff (FiT)Australia Solar Feed-in-Tariff3.1 Victoria3.2 New South Wales3.3 Tasmania3.4 South Australia3.5 Queensland3.6 Western Australia3.7 Australian Capital Territory (ACT)3.8 Northern TerritoryAustralia Solar Power Growth Potential4.1 Projected Installed Capacity4.2 Projected Capacity by UsersAustralia Solar Energy Policies Framework5.1 Renewable Energy Target Scheme5.2 Solar Towns5.3 Solar CommunitiesAustralia Solar Energy Regulatory Bodies6.1 Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)6.2 Clean Energy Regulator6.3 Clean Energy Finance Corporation6.4 Clean Energy CouncilAustralia Solar Energy Regulatory Framework7.1 Roles of Different Regulatory Bodies7.2 Ensuring Solar Products are Safe7.2.1 Solar PV Panel Approval7.2.2 Inverter Approvals7.2.3 PV Mounting Frames7.3 Ensuring that Products are Produced to the certification StandardsAustralia Solar Energy Market Favorable Parameters8.1 Suitable Climatic Conditions8.2 Attractive Retail Electricity Tariff8.3 Ambitious Target For Renewable Energy8.4 Favorable PoliciesAustralia Solar Energy Market Challenges9.1 Absence of Domestic PV Module Manufacturer9.2 Political Risk9.3 Less Attention To Large Scale and Commercial Installation9.4 Diverse Solar Resources9.5 Possible Mismatch Between Electricity Demand and GenerationAustralia Solar Energy Sector Future OutlookAustralia Solar Energy Competitive Landscape11.1 Canadian Solar11.2 Kyocera11.3 Tindo Solar11.4 Suntech Power11.5 Solar Shop Australia11.6 SunPower11.7 First SolarFigure 1-1: Australia - Share of Solar PV Technology in Renewable based Electricity Generation (%)Figure 1-2: Australia - Share of Solar PV Technology in Electricity Generation (%), 2016Figure 1-3: Australia - Solar PV Installed Capacity by System Size (MW), 2016Figure 1-4: Australia - Solar PV Installed Capacity by System Size (%), 2016Figure 1-5: Australia - Solar PV Installed Capacity by States/Regions (MW), 2016Figure 1-6: Australia - Solar PV Installed Power Capacity by States (%), 2016Figure 1-7: Australia - Cumulative Solar Power Installed Capacity (MW), 2010 - 2016Figure 1-8: Australia - Solar Power Installed Capacity by Off and On Grid System (%), 2010Figure 1-9: Australia - Solar Power Installed Capacity by Off and On Grid System (%), 2015Figure 1-10: Australia - Cumulative Off Grid Domestic Solar Power Installed Capacity (MW), 2010 - 2015Figure 1-11: Australia - Cumulative Off Grid Non Domestic Solar Power Installed Capacity (MW), 2010 - 2015Figure 1-12: Australia - Cumulative Grid Connected Distributed Solar Power Installed Capacity (MW), 2010 - 2015Figure 1-13: Australia - Cumulative Grid Connected Central Solar Power Installed Capacity (MW), 2010 - 2015Figure 1-14: Australia andndash; Small Scale Solar PV Installations per Year (MW), 2010 - 2015Figure 1-15: Australia - Cumulative Large-scale Solar PV Installed Capacity (MW), 2010 - 2015Figure 1-16: Australia - Cumulative Number of Solar Water Heater Installed, 2010 - 2015Figure 1-17: Australia - Electricity Generation by Source (%), 2015Figure 1-18: Australia - Renewable Electricity Generation by Source (%), 2015Figure 2-1: Australia - Solar PV Module Prices (AUD/W), 2010 - 2015Figure 2-2: Australia - Solar PV System Prices (for residential installations) Without Subsidy (AUD/W), 2010 - 2015Figure 4-1: Australia - Share of Global Population aand Share of Global GHG Emissions (%), 2016Figure 4-2: Australia - Projected Solar PV Installed Power Generation Capacity by Sectors (GW), 2020Figure 4-3: Australia - Projected Solar PV Power Installed capacity by Sector (%), 2020Figure 8-1: Australia and Global Average Retail Electricity Tariff (USandcent; / kWh), 2015Figure 8-2: Australia - Projected Share of Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Sources in Total Electricity Generation (%), 2020Figure 10-1: Australia - Projected Cost of large-scale Solar PV Projects (AUD / MWh), 2016 and 2020Table 2-1: Australia andndash; Average Electricity Tariff (AUD/ kWh), 2015Table 3-1: Australia - Solar Energy Sector Regulatory BodiesKuick Research is a market research and analytics company that provides targeted information for critical decisions at business, product and service levels. We are quick, predictive and known by the recommendations we have made in the past. Our result-oriented research methodology offers understanding of multiple issues in a short period of time and gives us the capability to keep you full with loads of practical ideas. By translating research answers into strategic insight and direction, we not only rate the success potential of your products and/or services, but also help you identify the opportunities for growth in new demographies and find ways to beat competition.Neeraj Chawlaneeraj@kuickresearch.comKuicK ResearchL29 - L34, First FloorBlock L,Connaught PlaceNew Delhi-110001+91-11-47067990 Global Dental Lights Market: Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ) to Offer Lucrative Growth Opportunities to Manufacturers MRRSE https://www.mrrse.com/sample/4363 https://www.mrrse.com/dental-lights-market https://www.mrrse.com/ A new research study titled Global Market Study on Dental Lights: LED Lights to Remain Most Lucrative Product Type During 2017 2026 has been added to the database of Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE). The report offers comprehensive insights on the global dental lights market, highlighting the key factors that are shaping up this landscape.According to the report, the global dental lights market is likely to grow at a steady CAGR during the assessment period 2017-2026, and reach a valuation of nearly US$ 960 Mn by the end of the forecast period. The market was estimated to be valued at nearly US$ 620 Mn in 2017. Steady investment in healthcare, especially in dental procedures is likely to provide an impetus to growth during the assessment period.Download Sample Copy in a PDF at-According to the report, an increasing preference for LED lights has been witnessed, as they are environmentally-friendly as they consume nearly 70% lesser energy than halogen lights. Further, LED lights have a longer lifespan than halogen lights and offer ease of use and convenience to healthcare professionals. On account of these factors, it is projected that demand for LED dental lights will increase at a higher rate vis-a-vis halogen lights during the assessment period. The report projects this segment to grow at 5.4% CAGR during the assessment period, and rake in nearly US$ 700 Mn in revenues by the end of 2026.The report also includes a detailed segmentation on the dental lights market. Market forecast and analysis has been offered on the basis of end user, technology, and region. According to the report, demand for dental lights will continue to be robust among dental clinics. The dental lights segment is likely to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% during the assessment period, and rake in US$ 730 Mn by 2026-end. By technology, demand for fixed dental lights is significantly higher, and the status quo is likely to remain unchanged during the assessment period. According to the report, fixed dental lights segment is likely to grow at 5.5% CAGR through 2026.The report also includes a detailed region-wise analysis that highlights the lucrative and sluggish avenues of growth in this market. According to the report, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) is likely to remain one of the largest markets for dental lights globally. Higher investments in the healthcare sector of China and India are likely to provide an impetus to growth of the market in APEJ during the assessment period. According to the report, the APEJ dental lights market is likely to grow at 6% CAGR during the assessment period.The competitive section of the report includes the business and product strategies of some of the leading players in the global dental lights market. Some of the key players in the market include Dr. Mach GmbH & Co. KG,DentalEZ, TPC Advanced Technology, Midmark Corp, A-dec (Austin Dental Equipment Company), Planmeca Oy, Danaher Corporation, and Flight Dental Systems.Browse Full Global Dental Lights Market Report with TOC :About (MRRSE)Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of market intelligence reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.ContactState Tower90, State Street Suite 700Albany, NY 12207 United StatesTelephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite: TheAsia.com Makes Waves With 50% Off Bangkok Dinner Cruise 50%Off White Orchid Dinner Cruise - TheAsia.com https://bit.ly/2rf55bB, www.theasia.com https://www.theasia.com/discover/white-orchid-river-cruise-209 Bangkok, 7 May 2018 TheAsia.com, one of the regions leading e-commerce travel platforms, launched a new promotion featuring a 50% discount on Bangkoks famed White Orchid dinner cruise.TheAsia.coms user-friendly platform makes it easy to book any of its promotions. Head toadd your booking date, select your group size, and pay directly online through the companys secure payment gateway.An unforgettable evening awaits aboard the White Orchid, as guests cruise along the Chao Phraya river past Wat Arun, the Rama VIII bridge and other iconic Bangkok landmarks. Savour the delightful flavours of the international buffet and feel truly immersed in Thai culture through classical dance and live music shows.The White Orchid dinner cruise sheds new light on one of Asias most vibrant cities. Guests feel deeply connected to Thai culture after an evening of food, history, and art up close. TheAsia.com hand selects tours that reflect unique local experiences and broaden the horizons of its travellers, explained Jaebum Kim, Managing Director of TheAsia.com ().TheAsia.com offers a wide-range of unique and memorable tours and excursions across 16 major Asian destinations. Each experience is carefully selected, taking into consideration the local cultures and desires of travellers around the world, including culture, food, ecotourism, and adventure.For more details about the White Orchid dinner cruise promotion or to make a reservation, visittoday.TheAsia.com offers a wide-range of unique and memorable tours and excursions across 16 major Asian destinations. Each experience is carefully selected, taking into consideration the local cultures and desires of travellers around the world, including culture, food, ecotourism, and adventure.The Asia Thai Co., Ltd246 Time Square Building, 2nd Floor,Room No. 211, Soi Sukhumvit 12-14,Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110Tel : +66(0)8-86444-233Fax : +66(0)2-255-7615Press contact: hanna.litkovska@theasia.com China Nuclear Power Sector Opportunity Analysis Report https://www.kuickresearch.com/report-China-Nuclear-Power-Sector-Opportunity-Analysis.php China Nuclear Power Sector Opportunity Analysis Report Highlight:* China Power Sector Overview* China Nuclear Power Sector Overview* China Nuclear Power Sector Installed & Projected Capacity* Nuclear Fuel Procurement Overview* Insight on Existing & Upcoming Nuclear Plants* China Nuclear Power Sector Regulatory Landscape* China Nuclear Power Plant Infrastructure & Technology* China Emerging Exporter of Nuclear Reactor TechnologyDownload Report Sample Weblink:For Report Sample Contact: neeraj@kuickresearch.comTable of Contents1. China Power Sector Overview1.1 Installed Capacity1.2 Electricity Generation1.3 Current Power Demand1.4 Future Power Demand2. China Nuclear Power Sector Overview2.1 China Nuclear Energy Programme2.2 Rationale behind China Nuclear Power3. China Nuclear Power Sector Indicators3.1 Installed Capacity3.2 Projected Capacity3.3 Nuclear Fuel Procurement4. China Nuclear Power Plants Overview4.1 Existing Nuclear Plants4.2 Upcoming Nuclear Power Plants5. China Nuclear Power Sector Regulatory Landscape5.1 National Development & Reform Commission (NDRC)5.2 State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense (SASTIND)5.3 State-owned Assets Supervision & Administration Commission (SASAC)5.4 China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA)5.5 National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA)5.6 Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP)5.7 Department of Nuclear Safety Management6. China Nuclear Power Generation Companies6.1 China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC)6.2 China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN)6.3 State Power Investment Corporation6.4 Other Major Power Generating Companies active in Nuclear Sector7. China Nuclear Power Sector Dynamics7.1 Favorable Parameters7.2 Key Challenges8. China Nuclear Power Plant Infrastructure & Technology8.1 Plant Infrastructure8.1.1 Common Nuclear Reactor Types in China8.1.2 China Nuclear Power Plants8.2 Fuel8.2.1 Domestic Supply8.2.2 International Supply9. Essence & Opportunities of Nuclear Power in China9.1 Doing Away with Overdependence on Coal Based Power9.2 Cater Rising Electricity Demand in Environmentally Safe & Economically10. China as an Emerging Exporter of Nuclear Reactor Technology11. China Nuclear Power Sector Future Outlook12. China Nuclear Power Sector ConclusionFigure 1-1: China - Installed Power Generation Capacity Growth (GW), 2000-2015Figure 1-2: China - Power Generation Installed Capacity by Fuel (GW), 2015Figure 1-3: China - Year-on-Year Installed Capacity Addition (%), 2015Figure 1-4: China - Electricity Generation by Fuel (TWh), 2014 & 2015Figure 1-5: China - Electricity Generation by Fuel (%), 2015Figure 1-6: China & Global Per Capita Electricity Consumption (kWh), 2015Figure 1-7: China - Per Capita Electricity Consumption Projection (kWh), 2015,2020 & 2030Figure 1-8: China - Projected Total Electricity Demand (TWh), 2005 to 2030Figure 1-9: China - Projected Installed Power Capacity (GW), 2020, 2030 & 2050Figure 2-1: China - Nuclear Power Installed Capacity Growth (MW), 1991-2016Figure 3-1: Number of Nuclear Reactors in China & Other Major Countries, 2016 & 2020Figure 3-2: China - Projected Number of Nuclear Reactors, 2016, 2020 & 2030Figure 3-3: China - Projected Nuclear Capacity (GW), 2016, 2020, 2030 & 2040Figure 3-4: China - Projected Installed capacity Clean Energy based Power (GW) 2020 & 2030Figure 4-1: China - Electricity Tariff by Fuel (CNY/kWh), 2015Figure 7-1: China - Clean Energy Based Power Installed Capacity (GW), 2014 & 2015Figure 9-1: China - Share of Coal Based Electricity in Total Generation (%), 2012-15Figure 9-2: China - Power Sector Installed Capacity by Fuel (%), 2016Figure 9-3: China - Power Sector Installed Capacity by Fuel (%), 2040Figure 11-1: China - Share of Nuclear Power in Total Electricity Generation, 2020, 2030 & 2040Table 4-1: China - Existing Nuclear Power Generating UnitsTable 4-2: China - Upcoming Nuclear Power PlantsTable 6-1: Nuclear Power Generation Units under CNNCTable 6-2: Major subsidiaries of CNNCTable 6-3: Nuclear Power Generation Units under CGNTable 6-4: NPP Owner-OperatorsTable 8-1: China - Uranium MinesTable 8-2: Overseas Uranium Mines Owned/Controlled by ChinaTable 10-1: China - Nuclear Power Plant/Technology ExportsKuick Research is a market research and analytics company that provides targeted information for critical decisions at business, product and service levels. We are quick, predictive and known by the recommendations we have made in the past. Our result-oriented research methodology offers understanding of multiple issues in a short period of time and gives us the capability to keep you full with loads of practical ideas. By translating research answers into strategic insight and direction, we not only rate the success potential of your products and/or services, but also help you identify the opportunities for growth in new demographies and find ways to beat competition.Neeraj Chawlaneeraj@kuickresearch.comKuicK ResearchL29 - L34, First FloorBlock L,Connaught PlaceNew Delhi-110001+91-11-47067990 Japan Generics Drug Market Outlook 2020 Report https://www.kuickresearch.com/report-Japan-Generics-Drug-Market-Outlook-2020.php Japan Generics Drug Market Outlook 2020 Report Highlights:* Introduction to Japanese Generic Drug Market* Attractiveness of Japanese Generic Market* Super Generics in Japan* Japan Healthcare System & Generic Drugs* Different Parameters for Generic & Branded Drugs* Comparison of Generic Drugs in US & Japan* Japan Generics Drug Market Analysis* Japan Generics Drug Market Future ProspectsDownload Report Sample Weblink:For Report Sample Contact: neeraj@kuickresearch.comTable of Contents1. Introduction to Japan Generic Drug Market1.1 Reasons for Growth of Japan Generic Market1.2 Some Misconceptions Related to Generic Drugs in Japan2. Attractiveness of Japan Generic Market2.1 Overview of Japan Pharmaceutical Market2.2 Features of Japan Generic Drugs Market2.3 Generic Drug Firms in Japan2.4 Generic Drugs Import in Japan2.5 Economic Views about Generic Drugs3. Scenario of Generic Drugs in Japan3.1 Scenario for Generic Drug Discount Price in Japan3.2 Different Categories of Pharmaceutical Patent in Japan3.3 Promotion of Generic Drugs in Japan4. Super Generics in Japan4.1 Introduction to Super Generics4.2 Advantages of Super Generics4.3 Disadvantages of Super Generics5. Different Parameters for Generic & Branded Drugs in Japan5.1 Patent Protection in Japan5.2 Effect on Japan Healthcare Spending5.3 Japan Pharmacological Parameters for Generic Drugs5.4 Difference in Regulatory Requirements5.5 Utilization of Branded & Generic Drugs in Japan Market6. Generic Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients in Japan6.1 Generic Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Registration6.2 Regulation for Foreign Companies in Japan6.3 Manufacturing Capabilities for Generic API7. Health in Japan & Utilization of Generic Drugs7.1 Cancer Incidences in Japan7.2 Increasing Diabetes Incidences in Japan7.3 Increasing Cerebrovascular Incidences in Japan7.4 Cardiovascular Diseases Incidences in Japan7.5 Disease Caused by Pollution in Japan8. Healthcare System & Generic Drugs in Japan8.1 Universal Healthcare Coverage8.2 Price Rise Control8.3 Quality Control of Generic Drugs8.4 Access to Generic Market8.5 Patents Related Issues to Generic Drugs in Japan8.6 Factors Restricting Uptake of Generic Drugs in Japan9. Comparison of Generic Drugs in US & Japan9.1 Regulatory Framework for Generic Drugs9.2 Market Penetration of Generic Drugs9.3 Prices of Generic Drugs9.4 Perception towards Generic Drugs10. Japan Generic Drugs Market Analysis11. Japan Generic Market Favorable Factors11.1 Ageing Population11.2 Generic Drugs Regulations11.3 High Technological Capabilities11.4 Increasing Disease Incidences12. Japan Generics Market Commercialization Challenges12.1 Japan Regulatory Environment12.2 Attitude towards Generic Drugs12.3 Lower uptake of Generic Drugs12.4 Conflicting Patent Laws13. Japan Generic Drugs Market Future Prospects14. Competitive Landscape14.1 Actavis14.2 Eisai14.3 Fuji Pharma14.4 GlaxoSmithKline14.5 Hospira14.6 Meiji Seika Pharma14.7 Nichi-Iko Pharmaceutical14.8 Nipro Pharma14.9 Pfizer14.10 Sawai Pharmaceuticals14.11 Takeda Pharmaceutical14.12 Towa PharmaceuticalFigure 1-1: Reasons for Growth of Japan Generic MarketFigure 1-2: Some Steps taken by Japan Regulators to Decrease Drug PricesFigure 1-3: Some Misconceptions Related to Generic Drugs in JapanFigure 2-1: Some Considerations while Approaching Japan Generic MarketFigure 3-1: Discount Determination of Generic Drugs in JapanFigure 3-2: Type of Drug Price Survey in JapanFigure 4-1: Advantages of Super GenericsFigure 4-2: Disadvantages of Super GenericsFigure 5-1: Economic Benefits of opting Generic DrugsFigure 5-2: Regulatory Requirement for Generic Drugs in JapanFigure 5-3: Utilization of Branded and Generic Drugs in Japan MarketFigure 6-1: Requirements for Registration of APIFigure 6-2: Regulation for Foreign Companies in JapanFigure 6-3: Japan - Manufacturing Capabilities for Generic APIFigure 7-1: Aim of Basic Plan to Promote Cancer Control ProgramsFigure 7-2: Estimated Numbers of Cancer Cases in Japan, 2015Figure 8-1: Position of Generics in Japan Healthcare SystemFigure 8-2: Patents Related Issues to Generic Drugs in JapanFigure 10-1: Japan - Generics Drug Market (US$ & Yen), 2014-2016Figure 10-2: Japan - Generics Drug Share in Pharmaceutical Market (%), 2014Figure 11-1: Japan - Generic Drugs Market DriversFigure 12-1: Japan - Generics Market Commercialization ChallengesFigure 13-1: Japan - Generics Drug Market (US$ & Yen), 2017-2020Figure 13-2: Japan - Generics Drug Share of Prescription Drug (%), 2018Figure 13-3: Japan - Generics Drug Share of Prescription Drug (%), 2020Figure 13-4: Japan - Generics Drug Share in Pharmaceutical Market (%), 2020Table 1-1: Some Important Features of JapanTable 3-1: Listing Period for Various Drugs in JapanTable 5-1: Difference between Branded and Generic Drugs in JapanTable 5-2: Regulatory Requirements for Different Drugs in JapanTable 7-1: Estimated Numbers of Different Cancer Affecting Japan Population, 2015Table 7-2: Estimated Numbers of Males Affected by Different Type of Cancer in Japan, 2015Table 7-3: Estimated Numbers of Females Affected by Different Type of Cancer in Japan, 2015Table 7-4: Issues related with Cerebrovascular DiseasesTable 7-5: Some Important Diseases caused by Pollutants in JapanTable 9-1: Difference in Regulatory Framework between Japan & USKuick Research is a market research and analytics company that provides targeted information for critical decisions at business, product and service levels. We are quick, predictive and known by the recommendations we have made in the past. Our result-oriented research methodology offers understanding of multiple issues in a short period of time and gives us the capability to keep you full with loads of practical ideas. By translating research answers into strategic insight and direction, we not only rate the success potential of your products and/or services, but also help you identify the opportunities for growth in new demographies and find ways to beat competition.Neeraj Chawlaneeraj@kuickresearch.comKuicK ResearchL29 - L34, First FloorBlock L,Connaught PlaceNew Delhi-110001+91-11-47067990 Singapore Infrastructure Construction 2017 Share, Trend, Segmentation and Forecast to 2021 http://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/1573826-infrastructure-construction-market-in-singapore-market-size-growth-and-forecast-analytics https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/1573826-infrastructure-construction-market-in-singapore-market-size-growth-and-forecast-analytics Infrastructure Construction Singapore MarketSummaryInfrastructure construction market consists of a range of heavy infrastructure construction projects including, but not limited to, the construction of highways, bridges, tunnels, dams, dikes, subways, and other mass transit projects. This market includes three categories: rail infrastructure, road infrastructure, and other infrastructure projects.Click here for sample report @Scope of the ReportAn overview of the infrastructure construction market in Singapore.Historic (2012 through 2016) and forecast (2017 through 2021) construction market output values are provided.A detailed breakdown of the data by construction activity (new construction, repair and maintenance, refurbishment and demolition) is provided at the market level while the values for the segments are provided by cost types (construction materials, construction equipment & construction services).This report covers all the segments of commercial construction market including Infrastructure construction market consists of a range of heavy infrastructure construction projects including, but not limited to, the construction of highways, bridges, tunnels, dams, dikes, subways, and other mass transit projects. This market includes three categories: rail infrastructure, road infrastructure, and other infrastructure projects..Table of Contents1 Introduction1.1 What is this Report About?1.2 Definitions1.3 CAGR Definition and Calculation2 Overall Infrastructure Construction: Market Analysis2.1 Overall Infrastructure Construction Output Value, 2012 - 20162.2 Overall Infrastructure Construction Output Value Forecast, 2017 - 20212.3 Overall Infrastructure Construction Output Value by Cost Type2.3.1 Overall Infrastructure Construction Output Value by Cost Type, 2012 - 20162.3.2 Overall Infrastructure Construction Output Value by Cost Type Forecast, 2017 - 20213 Infrastructure Construction Output:Analysis by Category3.1 New Construction Output Value, 2012 - 20163.2 New Construction Output Value Forecast, 2017 - 20213.3 New Construction Output Value by Cost Type3.3.1 New Construction Output Value by Cost Type, 2012 - 20163.3.2 New Construction Output Forecast, by Cost Type, 2017 - 20213.4 Repair & Maintenance Output Value, 2012 - 20163.5 Repair & Maintenance Output value Forecast, 2017 - 20213.6 Repair & Maintenance Output Value by Cost Type3.6.1 Repair & Maintenance Output Value by Cost Type, 2012 - 20163.6.2 Repair & Maintenance Output Value by Cost Type Forecast, 2017 - 2021.ContinuedFor Detailed Reading Please visit @Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your particular needs.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India AngioConsult strengthens the cooperation with Mitre Medical Corp. with the addition of Andrew Kim to the team. www.angioconsult.de Speyer/Silicon Valley, 05/07/2018 AngioConsult announces the strengthening of the cooperation with Mitre Medical Corp. with the addition of Andrew Kim to the team. Andrew is the second representative of AngioConsult supporting the medical device company, which is based in Silicon Valley, California. Benjamin Rieck, Sr Managing Partner of the healthcare consultancy with headquarters in Speyer, Germany, serves as a board member for Mitre Medical. Andrew brings great experience, having previously worked with several companies in the mitral field (Evalve, Guided Delivery Systems, Mitralign). He will help Mitre Medical drive the clinical program towards CE Mark and FDA Approval.The focus of Mitre Medical is the development of innovative solutions to treat structural heart disease. Their foremost project is the Mitral Touch, an epicardial, less-invasive surgical solution to treat functional mitral valve regurgitation, facilitating reverse ventricular remodeling and potentially preventing the onset of congestive heart failure. In this way, the Mitral Touch emulates the standard of care by providing annular and sub-annular support for MR reduction without the need for a heart-lung bypass machine during the procedure.The technique of the Mitral Touch device is a truly innovative approach which allows the therapy of MR in patients that had been unable to experience surgical treatment due to their state of health. We are proud to support the team of Mitre Medical on the way from the initial idea to the patients bedside, states Benjamin Rieck, board member of Mitre Medical and Sr Managing Partner at AngioConsult.John MacMahon, CEO of Mitre Medical, adds: Andrew has worked more than a decade in treatments for both degenerative and functional MR - thats just what we need - hes a great asset to our team and an wonderful addition to AngioConsult.Mitre Medical recently announced the completion of the feasibility phase for the Mitral Touch clinical trial. The Mitral Touch is currently not FDA approved or CE marked.About AngioConsult GmbH:AngioConsult is a health care consultancy in the cardiovascular sector with three corporate branches: Healthcare IT, Business Development/Consulting as well as Training and Education. In this way, product management, sales organization and training programs are combined within one company.AngioConsult GmbHBenjamin RieckIggelheimer Strae 2667346 SpeyerE-Mail: info@angioconsult.deWeb: Neuromodulation Devices Market 2018 Exhibit an Above-Average Growth over the Next Six Years with Worldwide Pivotal Players - Outlook to 2027 Neuromodulation Devices Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1337 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/check-discount/1337 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/neuromodulation-devices-market-1337 Neuromodulation Devices Market Report Split Into Several Key Regions, With Sales, Revenue, And Market Share And Growth Rate From 2018 To 2023 (Forecast), Covering North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East And Africa. And It Is Incorporated On Marketresearchfuture.Com With 115 Pages. Neuromodulation Devices Market Sector Is Relied Upon To Develop a Huge CAGR During The Forecast Period 2018 To 2027.Neurovascular devices are increasingly being used in for treating and management of neurovascular disorders such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and brain aneurysm. As the global burden of neurovascular disorders continue to rise, the demand for their treatments gains further traction. Neurovascular disease are complex in nature and hence preference for minimally invasive procedures is higher. This, in turn, is driving the sales of neurovascular devices across the globe. Market Research Future (FRMR) is its latest report asserts that the global market for neurovascular devices will grow at a healthy rate over the next couple of years.Avail Sample copy @Incessant product innovation, increased product marketing and favourable reimbursement policies are driving the global market for neurovascular devices. Other factors that are reflecting favourably on the market include expansion of the geriatric population, and advances in medical technology in the field of interventional neurology. Moreover, neurovascular devices are also used in treating patients suffering for ischemic stroke or haemorrhagic. It has been observed that neurovascular device assisted interventional procedures are replacing the traditional neurosurgeries. Owing the low risk of damaging surrounding tissues and minimal surgical trauma, interventional procedure are more favoured as compared to neurosurgery. At the same time, chances of infection is significantly when neurovascular device based treatment. On the other hand, inadequate number of hilly skilled neurologist, particularly in developing countries expected to have a negative impact on the growth of the market. High cost of neurovascular devices continue to limit their user base despite their increased efficiency.Latest Industry Highlights:Perflow Medical, a renowned medical devices manufacturing company based in Israel, which is primarily engaged in developing novel solution for neurovascular interventions. Has recently announced that the company successfully approved a $12 Mn funding from its investors. Reportedly, the funding syndicate in included two new international investors with the existing stakeholders.Junkosha a US-based company has recently introduced a unique peelable heat shrink. The technology will reportedly enable access to intricate parts of the vascular system with minimal risk of damage to the surroundings.Global Market for Neurovascular Devices Segmental AnalysisMRFR in its report has offer comprehensive segmental analysis of the market based on therapeutic application, end-user and product. By therapeutic application, the market is bifurcated into ischemic strokes and hemorrhagic stroke. Based on end user, the market is segment into ambulatory surgical units and hospitals & clinics. By product type, the market is segmented into stenting systems, neurothrombectomy devices, cerebral balloon angioplasty, aneurysm coiling & embolization devices and support device.Avail Amazing Discount @Regional OverviewThe Americas is expected to hold the dominant position in the global market for neurovascular devices. This is primarily attributed to the rising incidences of neurovascular disorders such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and brain aneurysm across North and South America. In addition, presence of major players and rising healthcare spending among Americans is propelling the market in the region. Improved reimbursement scenario and rapid adoption of neurovascular devices in neurological centers across the region is also proving an impetus to the market. Asia Pacific and Europe are two other regions anticipated to present significant growth opportunities for market during the forecast period.Global Market for Neurovascular Devices Competitive AnalysisLeading companies operating in the global market for neurovascular devices include Medtronic, TERUMO CORPORATION, Merit Medical Systems, Inc., Penumbra, Inc., Evasc, Neuravi, Sensome, Delaware Corporation, Gynesonics, Stryker, Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., Abbott, Medikit co., ltd., MicroPort Scientific Corporation, Rapid Medical, W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., Blockade Medical, LLC., OxfordEndovascular, and Secant Group, LLC. A majority of these market participants are actively focusing on expanding market presence by engaging in merger & acquisition and reaching offshore distribution agreements with third party vendors.Global Neuromodulation Devices Market - Regional AnalysisOn the regional backgrounds the Americas leads the global neuromodulation devices market owing to a well-developed healthcare sector, huge patient population and presence of the developed technologies like U.S. and Canada which have technological backgrounds and rising healthcare expenditure for facilitating the market growth. Europe is second in the market due to huge patient population, rising government support and increasing awareness about the disease. The Asia Pacific region is the fastest growing region due to the developing economies like India and China which have a developing healthcare sector. On the other hand, the Middle East and Africa have the least market share, especially in the African region due to the presence of poor economies and stringent government within the African region. The Middle East region holds the market within this region due to huge healthcare expenditures.Key Questions Answered In This Report:What will the market size and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?Browse Full Report and Table of Contents @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.ContactMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Canada Infrastructure Construction Market Analysis 2017 (By Segment, Key Players and Applications) and Forecasts To 2021 http://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/1573828-infrastructure-construction-market-in-canada-market-size-growth-and-forecast-analytics http://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/1573828-infrastructure-construction-market-in-canada-market-size-growth-and-forecast-analytics Infrastructure Construction Canada MarketSummaryInfrastructure construction market consists of a range of heavy infrastructure construction projects including, but not limited to, the construction of highways, bridges, tunnels, dams, dikes, subways, and other mass transit projects. This market includes three categories: rail infrastructure, road infrastructure, and other infrastructure projects.The Canadian infrastructure construction category has observed some fluctuations in the review period with a value of CADx.xx million (US$x.xx million) in 2016 and increased at a rate of x.xx% over 2015. The market recorded a CAGR of x.xx% from 2012 through 2016.Click here for sample report @Scope of the ReportAn overview of the infrastructure construction market in Canada.Historic (2012 through 2016) and forecast (2017 through 2021) construction market output values are provided.A detailed breakdown of the data by construction activity (new construction, repair and maintenance, refurbishment and demolition) is provided at the market level while the values for the segments are provided by cost types (construction materials, construction equipment & construction services).This report covers all the segments of commercial construction market including Infrastructure construction market consists of a range of heavy infrastructure construction projects including, but not limited to, the construction of highways, bridges, tunnels, dams, dikes, subways, and other mass transit projects. This market includes three categories: rail infrastructure, road infrastructure, and other infrastructure projects..Table of Contents1 Introduction1.1 What is this Report About?1.2 Definitions1.3 CAGR Definition and Calculation2 Overall Infrastructure Construction: Market Analysis2.1 Overall Infrastructure Construction Output Value, 2012 - 20162.2 Overall Infrastructure Construction Output Value Forecast, 2017 - 20212.3 Overall Infrastructure Construction Output Value by Cost Type2.3.1 Overall Infrastructure Construction Output Value by Cost Type, 2012 - 20162.3.2 Overall Infrastructure Construction Output Value by Cost Type Forecast, 2017 - 20213 Infrastructure Construction Output:Analysis by Category3.1 New Construction Output Value, 2012 - 20163.2 New Construction Output Value Forecast, 2017 - 20213.3 New Construction Output Value by Cost Type3.3.1 New Construction Output Value by Cost Type, 2012 - 20163.3.2 New Construction Output Forecast, by Cost Type, 2017 - 20213.4 Repair & Maintenance Output Value, 2012 - 20163.5 Repair & Maintenance Output value Forecast, 2017 - 20213.6 Repair & Maintenance Output Value by Cost Type3.6.1 Repair & Maintenance Output Value by Cost Type, 2012 - 20163.6.2 Repair & Maintenance Output Value by Cost Type Forecast, 2017 - 2021.ContinuedFor Detailed Reading Please visit @Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your particular needs.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Global Immersible Pumps Market Forecast 2018-2025 Big John, Water Wizard, Webster, Barroso Pumps Immersible Pumps Market https://bit.ly/2w4zLla https://www.globeinforesearch.com/report/global-immersible-pumps-market-6343 www.globeinforesearch.com/ Market Forecast Report on Top Manufacturers companies are Grundfos, Hidrostal, Cornell Pump Company, Big John, Water Wizard, Webster, Barroso Pumps, Xylem, Ruhrpumpen, Smith & Loveless, Netzsch, KSB, Flowserve, Sulzer, Kirloskar Brothers.A market study "Global Immersible Pumps Market" examines the performance of the Immersible Pumps market 2018. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Immersible Pumps market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Immersible Pumps market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Immersible Pumps Market 2018 report includes Immersible Pumps market Revenue, market Share, Immersible Pumps industry volume, market Trends, Immersible Pumps Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report. It shows manufacturing capacity, Immersible Pumps Price during the Forecast period from 2018 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Immersible Pumps Market : By TypeNon-clog Submersible PumpOpenwell Submersible PumpBorewell Submersible PumpImmersible Pumps Market : By ApplicationAgricultureOil & GasConstructionIndustrialOtherFirstly, the report covers the top Immersible Pumps manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Immersible Pumps report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Immersible Pumps industry, Immersible Pumps industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Immersible Pumps Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Immersible Pumps research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Immersible Pumps market revenue worldwide.Finally, Immersible Pumps market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About US:"GlobeInfoResearch.com" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us:3626 North Hall Street (Two Oak Lawn),Suite 610,Dallas, TX 75219, USAContact No. +1-214-661-1669Web:Email: sales@globeinforesearch.com Defoamers Market Trends, Drivers, Strategies, Applications and Competitive Landscape 2023 https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/defoamers-market/report-sample https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/defoamers-market https://www.psmarketresearch.com The key drivers behind the growing demand of defoamers market include increase in water treatment application, up surging demand for paints and coatings application, growing demand in paper and pulp application, and up surging demand in food and beverages application. However, the regulatory issue in various countries is expected to hamper the growth of the global defoamers market.Request sample report here :Defoamer is a chemical additive that diminishes and hinders the formation of foam in industrial process liquids. Foam is also known as bubbly liquid, which is usually produced as an undesirable byproduct during the manufacture of several substances. Foam usually creates difficulties in the flow of liquid and stops the movement of oxygen from air.On the basis of product, the global defoamers market can be segmented into oil based defoamers, silicone based defoamers, water based defoamers, and others. The others section of defoamers product segment include ethylene oxide (EO)/propylene oxide (PO) based defoamers.On the basis of application, the global defoamers market can be segmented into paints and coatings, paper and pulp, water treatment, food and beverages, and others. The paper and pulp industry accounted for the largest market share in the application segment of the global defoamers market during 2014.Geographically, Asia-Pacific is the largest market for defoamers, followed by Europe and North America. During the forecast period, the Asia-Pacific defoamers market is expected to grow at the fastest rate, which is driven by lenient government regulations, large consumption base, and significant growth of various end-user industries.Read summary of report here :Some of the major competitors in the global defoamers market include Ashland Inc., Evonik Industries AG, BASF SE, Air Products and Chemicals Inc., KCC Basildon, Elementis PLC, Dow Corning Corporation, Kemira Oyj, Wacker Chemie AG, and Bluestar Silicones.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: US$ 15.6 Bn Opportunity in the Global Stucco Market, North America Remains the Largest Market MRRSE https://www.mrrse.com/sample/4497 https://www.mrrse.com/stucco-market https://www.mrrse.com/ A new research study titled, Stucco Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Growth, Trends, Share and Forecast 2017 2026 has been added to the research repository of Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE). According to the research study, the global stucco market is likely to witness a CAGR of 4.9% and reach a valuation of nearly US$ 15.6 Bn by 2026.Get Sample of Report @Demand for stucco is directly linked to the broader developments in the housing market, which in turn is dependent on the macroeconomic factors. The relative stability in the US housing market, combined with steady growth in China and India are among the key factors driving the growth of the stucco market globally. Positive consumer confidence has spurred investments in home furnishing and renovation, which has further led to an increase in the demand for stucco globally.The research study highlights the key factors that are likely to impact the stucco market during the assessment period. A holistic and comprehensive analysis on the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and threats in the market has been included in the report for the perusal of the readers. Stakeholders in the market can also get detailed insights and analysis on the business and product strategies of key players.In a bid to offer relevant insights and analysis, the research study offers segment-wise analysis and forecast. On the basis of product type, demand for newer one-coat stucco is likely to remain robust during the assessment period. The newer one-coat stucco segment is projected to reach a valuation of nearly US$ 6.7 billion during the assessment period. This product type segment is likely to account for over 50% revenue share of the market.For More Information About This Report Visit:By region, North America is likely to remain the most lucrative market for stucco market globally. The demand for stucco in North America is likely to remain concentrated in the US, which accounts for a sizeable revenue share of the global market. In addition to North America, Asia Pacific is likely to account for a sizeable share of the global stucco market. The demand for stucco in Asia Pacific is likely to remain concentrated in China and India, where investment in infrastructure projects is boosting demand.In addition to regional insights, the report also offers analysis and forecast on the basis of insulation type and application. By insulation type, demand for insulated siding is likely to witness steady growth during the assessment period, whereas residential building segment is likely to lose market share by the end of the forecast period.The key companies profiled in the global stucco market include Omega Products, Merlex Stucco, Parex Inc., CertainTeed Corporation, BASF SE, California Stucco Products Corporation, E. I. du Pont, Integrated Stucco Inc., LaHabra Stucco and Arcat Inc.About MRRSEMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of market intelligence reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY 12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite: Voith announces expansion of its factory at Vadodara 27, April 2018, Ahmedabad: Voith is a global technology group with a wide portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications. It sets standards in the fields of energy, oil & gas, paper, raw materials, transport & automotive and digital solutions. In 2017 the company celebrated its 150thAnniversary with a renewed pledge to continue to provide inspiring technology for future generations.Since 1867, Voith Hydro, a group division of Voith, has been providing cutting edge technology & expertise in the field of Hydro power equipment and solutions.With a long history of successful operation in India, the company has been expanding its foot print in the Indian sub-continent since 1911 and now has a significant presence in the country and adjoining regions of South East Asia and as far as Africa.Voith has invested in manufacturing hydro power equipment at its factory at Vadodara, India since 2010. It has already supplied from this plant, hydro power equipment complying with international quality norms to all parts of the world including the Americas, Western Europe, Japan, SEA and countries in Africa. In order to expand its product range and market coverage, Voith Hydro has made further investments in this factory last year.During the inauguration ceremony of the new facility on April 26, 2018, attended by Dr. Tobias Keitel, Executive VP Operations & Member of Board of Management of Voith Hydro Holding GmbH & Co. KG, reinforced the commitment to invest further in line with Make in India initiative of GOI. The factory at Vadodara has been laid out and equipped with machines similar to their German establishments in keeping with highest standards of technology. On the occasion of the inauguration, Mr. Ravi Kalra, Managing Director and CEO of Voith Hydro India, also highlighted that transfer of technology from Germany has helped the Indian company to build the most modern hydro power equipment locally and to develop necessary skills, thus bringing down costs of manufacture as per expectations of its customers.With its highly skilled and experienced manpower as well as the state of the art manufacturing facilityVoith Hydro Pvt. Ltd India is fully equipped to cater to the supply and service needs of its customers for not only new plants but also for retrofitting and upgrading of existing plants in the region.For editorial enquiries, contact: sonamm@prhub.com 9945017180Voith is a global technology group with a wide portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications. It sets standards in the fields of energy, oil & gas, paper, raw materials, transport & automotive and digital solutions.PRHUB Integrated Marketing Communication Pvt. Ltd.Corporate Office #22, Samson Arcade, Ground Floor, Andree Road, Shanthinagar, Bengaluru - 560027.Tel: +91 80 22222156 / 41574168 Canada Energy and Utilities Construction Top Trends, Regulations and Competitive Landscape Outlook To 2021 http://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/1573837-energy-and-utilities-construction-market-in-canada-market-size-growth-and https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/1573837-energy-and-utilities-construction-market-in-canada-market-size-growth-and Energy and Utilities Construction Canada MarketSummaryEnergy and utilities construction market covers the development of energy and telecommunications related projects, oil and gas projects including both upstream and downstream exploration, and utility projects such as water and sewage Energy and Utilities. This market includes five categories: electricity and power, oil & gas, telecommunications, sewage Energy and Utilities and water Energy and Utilities.Click here for sample report @Scope of the Report An overview of the energy and utilities construction market in Canada. Historic (2012 through 2016) and forecast (2017 through 2021) construction market output values are provided. A detailed breakdown of the data by construction activity (new construction, repair and maintenance, refurbishment and demolition) is provided at the market level while the values for the segments are provided by cost types (construction materials, construction equipment & construction services). This report covers all the segments of commercial construction market including Energy and utilities construction market covers the development of energy and telecommunications related projects, oil and gas projects including both upstream and downstream exploration, and utility projects such as water and sewage Energy and Utilities. This market includes five categories: electricity and power, oil & gas, telecommunications, sewage Energy and Utilities and water Energy and Utilities..Table of Contents1 Introduction1.1 What is this Report About?1.2 Definitions1.3 CAGR Definition and Calculation2 Overall Energy and Utilities Construction Value: Market Analysis2.1 Overall Energy and Utilities Construction Output Value, 2012 - 20162.2 Overall Energy and Utilities Construction Output Value Forecast, 2017 - 20212.3 Overall Energy and Utilities Construction Output Value by Cost Type2.3.1 Overall Energy and Utilities Construction Output Value by Cost Type, 2012 - 20162.3.2 Overall Energy and Utilities Construction Output Value Forecast, by Cost Type, 2017 - 20213 Energy and Utilities Construction Output:Analysis by Category3.1 New Construction Output Value, 2012 - 20163.2 New Construction Output Value Forecast, 2017 - 20213.3 New Construction Output Value by Cost Type3.3.1 New Construction Output Value by Cost Type, 2012 - 20163.3.2 New Construction Output Value by Cost Type Forecast, 2017 - 20213.4 Repair & Maintenance Output Value, 2012 - 20163.5 Repair & Maintenance Output value Forecast, 2017 - 20213.6 Repair & Maintenance Output Value by Cost Type3.6.1 Repair & Maintenance Output Value by Cost Type, 2012 - 20163.6.2 Repair & Maintenance Output Forecast, by Cost Type, 2017 - 20213.7 Refurbishment Construction Output Value, 2012 - 20163.8 Refurbishment Construction Output Value Forecast, 2017 - 20213.9 Refurbishment Construction Output Value by Cost Type3.9.1 Refurbishment Construction Output Value by Cost Type, 2012 - 20163.9.2 Refurbishment Construction Output Forecast, by Cost type, 2017 - 2021.ContinuedFor Detailed Reading Please visit @Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your particular needs.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Global Folding Bikes Market 2018 Key Players, Supply, Consumption, Demand, Growth, Application, Analysis and Forecast to 2025 Folding Bikes Market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3151905-global-folding-bikes-market-research-report-2018 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3151905-global-folding-bikes-market-research-report-2018 Folding Bikes Market:WiseGuyReports.com adds Folding Bikes Market 2018 Global Analysis, Growth, Trends and Opportunities Research Report Forecasting to 2025reports to its database.Executive SummaryThis report studies the global Folding Bikes market status and forecast, categorizes the global Folding Bikes market size (value & volume) by key players, type, application, and region. This report focuses on the top players in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa.In 2017, the global Folding Bikes market size was xx million US$ and it is expected to reach xx million US$ by the end of 2025, with a CAGR of xx.x % between 2018 and 2025.The major manufacturers covered in this reportDahonOyamaKHS BicyclesTernOriA-bike ElectricBrimptonGiant BicyclesForeverMontagueUtopia Velo GmbHFlying PigeonMING CYCLEDAWES CYCLESDIBAR TECHNOLOGYDowntubePHONIEXGeographically, this report studies the key regions, focuses on product sales, value, market share and growth opportunity in these regions, coveringNorth AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificSouth AmericaMiddle East & AfricaOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoCommuter folding bicyclePortable fold-up bicycleFull size wheel folding bikeOn the basis of the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate for each application, includingMenWomenKidsRequest Sample Report @The study objectives of this report are:To analyze and study the global Folding Bikes sales, value, status (2013-2017) and forecast (2018-2025).Focuses on the key Folding Bikes manufacturers, to study the sales, value, market share and development plans in future.Focuses on the global key manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the market competition landscape, SWOT analysis.To define, describe and forecast the market by type, application and region.To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks.To identify significant trends and factors driving or inhibiting the market growth.To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying the high growth segments.To strategically analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trend and their contribution to the marketTo analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the marketTo strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Folding Bikes are as follows:History Year: 2013-2017Base Year: 2017Estimated Year: 2018Forecast Year 2018 to 2025For the data information by region, company, type and application, 2017 is considered as the base year. Whenever data information was unavailable for the base year, the prior year has been considered.Key StakeholdersFolding Bikes ManufacturersFolding Bikes Distributors/Traders/WholesalersFolding Bikes Subcomponent ManufacturersIndustry AssociationDownstream VendorsAvailable CustomizationsWith the given market data, We offers customizations according to the company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:Regional and country-level analysis of the Folding Bikes market, by end-use.Detailed analysis and profiles of additional market players.Table of Content:Global Folding Bikes Market Research Report 20181 Folding Bikes Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Folding Bikes1.2 Folding Bikes Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Folding Bikes Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Folding Bikes Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Commuter folding bicycle1.2.4 Portable fold-up bicycle1.2.5 Full size wheel folding bike1.3 Global Folding Bikes Segment by Application1.3.1 Folding Bikes Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.2 Men1.3.3 Women1.3.4 Kids1.4 Global Folding Bikes Market by Region (2013-2025)1.4.1 Global Folding Bikes Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2013-2025)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.4 Asia-Pacific Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.5 South America Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.6 Middle East & Africa Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Folding Bikes (2013-2025)1.5.1 Global Folding Bikes Revenue Status and Outlook (2013-2025)1.5.2 Global Folding Bikes Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2013-2025)2 Global Folding Bikes Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Folding Bikes Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.1 Global Folding Bikes Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Folding Bikes Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Folding Bikes Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.3 Global Folding Bikes Average Price by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.4 Manufacturers Folding Bikes Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Folding Bikes Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Folding Bikes Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Folding Bikes Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Folding Bikes Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)3.1 Global Folding Bikes Capacity and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.2 Global Folding Bikes Production and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.3 Global Folding Bikes Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.4 Global Folding Bikes Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.5 North America Folding Bikes Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.6 Europe Folding Bikes Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.7 Asia-Pacific Folding Bikes Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.8 South America Folding Bikes Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.9 Middle East & Africa Folding Bikes Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)4 Global Folding Bikes Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018)4.1 Global Folding Bikes Consumption by Region (2013-2018)4.2 North America Folding Bikes Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.3 Europe Folding Bikes Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.4 Asia-Pacific Folding Bikes Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.5 South America Folding Bikes Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.6 Middle East & Africa Folding Bikes Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)5 Global Folding Bikes Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Folding Bikes Production and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)5.2 Global Folding Bikes Revenue and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)5.3 Global Folding Bikes Price by Type (2013-2018)5.4 Global Folding Bikes Production Growth by Type (2013-2018)6 Global Folding Bikes Market Analysis by Application6.1 Global Folding Bikes Consumption and Market Share by Application (2013-2018)6.2 Global Folding Bikes Consumption Growth Rate by Application (2013-2018)6.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities6.3.1 Potential Applications6.3.2 Emerging Markets/CountriesContinuousFor further information on this report, visit Contact Us:Norah Trentsales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US); +44 208 133 9349 (UK)About Us:Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Addres:WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone :+91 841 198 5042 Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market Revenues 2018 to 2023 and It Is Expecting a Swift Growth in Coming Future With 7.2% of CAGR Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1385 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/check-discount/1385 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/1385 Universal Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market 2018 Research Report implements an exhaustive study on Market Research Future. This Report Cover Key Market Driver, market size, growth rate, opportunities, market Dynamics and Overall Analysis. And also cover the other information such as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market trends, Prominent players, chapter-wise Description followed by various user perceptions and Forecast till 2023.Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market Scenario:Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) is a biologically active pharmaceutical drug. API can be obtain by synthetic process or from natural sources. The global active pharmaceutical ingredients market is driven by increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, rising cancer population and adoption of the biologic and natural therapy by the people. According to WHO, approximately 14 million new cases was registered in 2012 and is expected to rise to almost 19 million by 2024. The number is increasing continuously due to increasing consumption of alcohol, poor lifestyle. Beside this technological development, increasing demand for the new and better treatment and increasing aging population are some other factors driving the growth of the market. Increasing demand for the generic drugs in developing countries like India and China has increased the demand development of new active ingredients. This two countries account nearly 80% of total generic drug sale. Stringent regulatory requirements and lack of awareness in majority of people may restrains the growth of the market.Global active pharmaceutical ingredients market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% during forecasted period.Request Sample Pages @Key Players for Global Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market:Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (Israel), Cipla (India), Dr. Reddys Laboratories (India), Novartis International AG (Switzerland), Sanofi (France), Pfizer, Inc. (US), Eli Lilly and Company (US), Aurobindo Pharma (US), Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (India), Boehringer Ingelheim (Germany), Bristol-Myers Squibb (US), GlaxoSmithKline Plc (UK), Merck & Co., Inc. (US), AbbVie Inc. (US).Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market - Geographical OverviewOn regional basis, global active pharmaceutical ingredients market is segmented into America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East and Africa. America commands the largest market, majorly due to increasing prevalence of different chronic diseases and rise in the number of cancer patients. According to national cancer institute, in 2016 723,350 new cancer cases was registered in America. North America contribute a major share in America market. Besides increasing prevalence of cancer, well developed healthcare sector, increasing healthcare expenditure and adoption of biologic drugs by peoples has contributed in the growth of the market in this region.Europe accounts the second largest market for active pharmaceutical ingredients which is followed by Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific region is expecting a fastest growth for active pharmaceutical ingredients market during forecast period from 2017-2023. Rapidly growing economies and rising awareness about the people is the major factor for the growth of the market. The majority of NSAIDs and antibiotic drugs are manufacture in India and China. Lower labor cost and availability of abundant raw materials in these countries are the key factor for the growth of API market in India and China. In addition to this, regulatory support and government encouragement to establish API manufacturing plants by favorable taxes are helping the active pharmaceutical ingredients market in Asia Pacific.The major key players for the global active pharmaceutical ingredients market are Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (Israel), Cipla (India), Dr. Reddys Laboratories (India), Novartis International AG (Switzerland), Sanofi (France), Pfizer, Inc. (US), Eli Lilly and Company (US), Aurobindo Pharma (US), Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (India), Boehringer Ingelheim (Germany), Bristol-Myers Squibb (US), GlaxoSmithKline Plc (UK), Merck & Co., Inc. (US), AbbVie Inc. (US).Avail Marvelous Discount @Some Points from TOC:1 INTRODUCTION1.1 DEFINITION1.2 SCOPE OF STUDY1.2.1 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE1.2.2 ASSUMPTIONS & LIMITATIONS1.2.2.1 ASSUMPTIONS1.2.2.2 LIMITATIONS1.3 MARKET STRUCTURE:2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY2.1 RESEARCH PROCESS:2.2 PRIMARY RESEARCH2.3 SECONDARY RESEARCH:3 MARKET DYNAMICS3.1 DRIVERS3.2 RESTRAINTS3.3 OPPORTUNITIES3.4 MACROECONOMIC INDICATORS4 MARKET FACTOR ANALYSIS4.1 PORTERS FIVE FORCES MODEL4.2 BARGAINING POWER OF SUPPLIERS4.3 BARGAINING POWER OF BUYERS4.4 THREAT OF NEW ENTRANTS4.5 THREAT OF SUBSTITUTES4.6 INTENSITY OF RIVALRY5. GLOBAL ACTIVE PHARMACEUTICAL INGREDIENTS MARKET, BY MANUFACTURING PROCESS5.1 CAPTIVE MANUFACTURING5.2 CONTRACT MANUFACTURING6. GLOBAL ACTIVE PHARMACEUTICAL INGREDIENTS MARKET, BY SOURCETOC CONTINUED!Any Customization on this Report, Speak to Analyst @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.ContactMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Street Sweeper Market Trend to 2023 Profiling Bucher (Johnston), Tennant, Hako, Alamo Group, Karcher, Nilfisk, RCM, Eureka, Fiorentini https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/1056077/?utm_source=OPR&utm_medium=SP https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/global-street-sweeper-market-2018-by-manufacturers-countries-type-and-application-forecast-to-2023/?utm_source=OPR-SP https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/2018-global-new-energy-street-sweeper-industry-report-history-present-and-future/?utm_source=RR-SP https://empowerednews.net/author/gminsights/ https://www.marketstudyreport.com https://www.marketstudyreport.com/category/news-releases/ http://reports.algosonline.com/ Street Sweeper Market report 2023 focuses on the major Types and Applications for the key players. Street Sweeper market research report also provides analysis of the market share, segmentation, revenue forecasts and geographic regions of the market. The Street Sweeper market research report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of Street Sweeper Industry.A street sweeper or street cleaner may refer to a person's occupation, or a machine that cleans streets. A street sweeper cleans the streets, usually in an urban area. Street sweepers have been employed in cities since sanitation and waste removal became a priority. A street-sweeping person would use a broom and shovel to clean off litter, animal waste and filth that accumulated on streets. Later, water hoses were used to wash the streets.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Street Sweeper Market, especially in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, types and applications.Request for a Sample Copy of Street Sweeper Market Report @Street Sweeper Market Segment by Top Manufacturers Including:Bucher (Johnston), Tennant, Hako, Alamo Group, Karcher, Nilfisk, RCM, Eureka, Fiorentini and Factory Cat.An inherent sub-vertical of the Automotive Industry space, Street Sweeper market stands to gain remarkable proceeds over 2018-2023, as per a recently compiled report Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers:North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Table of Contents:Global Street Sweeper Market OverviewGlobal Street Sweeper Market Manufacturers ProfilesGlobal Street Sweeper Market Competition, by ManufacturerGlobal Street Sweeper Market Analysis by RegionsGlobal Street Sweeper by CountriesGlobal Street Sweeper Market Segment by TypeGlobal Street Sweeper Market Segment by ApplicationStreet Sweeper Market Forecast (2018-2023)Sales Channel, Distributors, Traders and DealersResearch Findings and ConclusionMarket Segment by Type, coversBattery Walk-behind Sweeper, Petrol Walk-behind Sweeper, Ride-on Sweeper and Truck Mounted SweeperMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided into:Urban Road, Highway, Airports, Retail, Car Park, Schools, Hotels, Warehousing, Council & Public Areas, Exhibition & Congress Centers and Industry and Manufacturing.There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Street Sweeper market.Chapter 1, to describe Street Sweeper Market Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Street Sweeper, with sales, revenue, and price of Street Sweeper, in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Street Sweeper, for each region, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 12, Street Sweeper market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2018 to 2023;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Street Sweeper sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceKey questions answered in Street Sweeper market report:What will the market size be in 2023 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key Street Sweeper market trends?What is Key Top Manufactures this market?What are the challenges to Street Sweeper market growth?What are the Street Sweeper market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the global Street Sweeper market?What are sales, revenue, and price analysis by types and applications of Street Sweeper market?What are sales, revenue, and price analysis by regions of Street Sweeper market?For more information on this report, Please visit at:Related Reports: -2018 Global New Energy Street Sweeper Industry Report - History, Present and FutureThe global market size of New Energy Street Sweeper is $XX million in 2017 with XX CAGR from 2013 to 2017, and it is expected to reach $XX million by the end of 2023 with a CAGR of XX% from 2018 to 2023.More Report At:Marketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Market Study Report4 North Main Street,Selbyville, Delaware 19975USAPhone: 1-302-273-0910US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email:sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:News:More Report at: Grow Light Market 2018 Global Key Players: General Electric Company, Osram Licht, Gavita Holland, LumiGrow, Heliospectra AB, Iwasaki Electric, https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2451 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/grow-light-market-2451 Grow Light Market - Overview:According to a recent study report published by Market Research Future, the Grow Light Market is booming and expected to gain prominence over the forecast period. The market is projected to demonstrate a spectacular growth by 2023 with a striking CAGR during the anticipated period (2017 2023).The global grow light market is showing immense growth; mainly due to the growing urban cultivation & vertical farming and growing adoption of environment-friendly production of fruits and vegetables. Steep increase in the adoption of LEDs for farming related applications is one major factor driving the growth of grow light market. Royal Philips, General Electric Company, Osram LichtAG, Gavita Holland B.V., and LumiGrow, Inc. are the major investors in the grow light market.Based on application, commercial greenhouse sub segment is expected to hold the largest share of the grow light during the forecast period. This is owing to the low power consumption and spectral intensity being offered by grow light technology. Also, the market of vertical farming is expected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period. This is owing to the increasing demand for fresh production and increase in the number of vertical farming applications.Request a Sample Report @Major Key PlayersRoyal Philips (Netherlands),General Electric Company (U.S.),Osram LichtAG (Germany),Gavita Holland B.V. (Netherlands),LumiGrow, Inc. (U.S.),Heliospectra AB (Sweden),Iwasaki Electric Co., Ltd. (Japan),Illumitex, Inc. (U.S.),Hortilux Schreder B.V. (Netherlands), and Sunlight Supply, Inc. (U.S.) are some of the prominent players profiled in MRFR Analysis and are at the forefront of competition in the Global Grow Light Market.Industry NewsJan 2018 Xerox Philips Lighting has installed LEDs at Madestein UK. The company supplies fresh lettuce and herbs to the UKs major food retailers, food service companies and wholesale markets. They have Philips GreenPower LED toplighting to improve the quality of its crops.September 2017 Osram has launched a new product line for horticultural and architectural lighting. This will cover professional applications including linear and area lighting, high and low bay lighting and street lighting. It offers exceptional robustness, extensive color portfolio and scalable current, and impressive versatility.December 2017 Illumitex is expanding its LED offerings and horticultural science team. Its full spectrum is ideal for flowering plants and with the introduction of the X6 Full Spectrum optimized for flowering plants and digital horticulture applications.Regional AnalysisEurope is expected to witness a significant growth and hold the largest market share during the forecast period. This is due to Netherlands being the leading exporter of horticultural produce which increases the usage of commercial greenhouse. Also the growing population in Europe is one major factor responsible for driving the growth of grow light market. Moreover, the concept of vertical farming is gaining popularity in this region and is helping in boosting the market growth. Grow light market in Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a substantial CAGR during 2017 to 2023 due to increasing awareness regarding the benefits of grow light technology.Competitive AnalysisThe market of grow light appears to be highly competitive. To maintain their market position and to drive the market growth, various dynamic and diversified international organizations, domestic organizations and as well as new entrants form a competitive landscape. Market leaders are innovating continuously and increasingly seeking market expansion through various strategic mergers and acquisitions, innovation, increasing investments in research and development and cost-effective product portfolio. Major players are investing on internal R&D and, most of all, in acquiring other firms.Browse Complete Report @Intended Audience Manufacturers Distributors Research firms Consultancy firms Software Developers Vendors Semiconductor Manufacturers Stakeholders End-user sectors Technology InvestorsAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Quantum Computing Market Expected to spike up to US$ 23 Bn by 2025 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/quantum-computing-market.asp https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/quantum-computing-market/toc https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/14758 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/multiple-chapter/14758 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Optimization and management of information, harvested within an organization or from different parts of the world entails, entails the employment of efficient computing processes to handle ever-expanding data workloads. To achieve this, enterprises or government-backed organizations are adopting quantum computing, and processing data in qubits. Through quantum computing, companies can search files across large databases instantaneously, assessing data quicker than conventional computing.Read Report Overview @Persistence Market Researchs new study on global market for quantum computing emphasizes the monumental impact of rising need for high-level computing on the markets growth. In 2017, the global quantum computing market is anticipated to be valued at US$ 2.7 Bn. Governments of developed and developing countries are investing in quantum computing to accelerate their research operations, while commercialization of quantum computing is also gaining traction. On the grounds of such drivers, more than US$ 23 Bn revenues are anticipated to be reaped through adoption of quantum computing across the globe by the end of 2025. During this decadal forecast period, the global market for quantum computing is expected to expand exponentially at a stellar CAGR of 30.9%.Download and View Report TOC, Figures and Tables @The study on global quantum computing market has analyzed the market on the basis of components hardware and software. With development of cloud-enabled quantum computing platform, new software are expected to transform the markets expansion even further. The demand for effective quantum computing hardware is also expected to witness lucrative boost, although manufacturers will be put to test while developing hardware with flexible computing abilities.Request Sample Report@According to the study, the competitive landscape of global quantum computing market is divided into two tiers of computing vendors. With more than 90% share, tier 1 quantum computing vendors are companies developing hardware, while the remaining 10% of the market is governed by developers of quantum computing software applications. The top five players in the global quantum computing market are profiled below:Companies such as 1QB Information Technologies Inc., QC Ware Corp., and QbitLogic are observed to be leading developers of quantum computing software applications. Other key players in the global quantum computing market include Rigetti Computing., Anyon Systems Inc., Cambridge Quantum Computing Ltd., IDQ, IonQ Inc., Quantum Circuits, Inc., Alibaba Quantum Computing Laboratory, Nokia Bell Labs, Hewlett Packard, Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., Toshiba Research Europe Ltd., USC Lockheed Martin Quantum Computation Center, , QuantumCTek Co., Ltd, SeeQC, SPARROWRequest Report Multiple Chapter @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Optima International Solutions: The Freight Management Specialist http://www.optimainternational.co.za Optima International Solutions was established in South Africa with the aim of offering trustworthy freight management services at an affordable rate. Their services include traditional clearing and forwarding function, indent monitoring and procurement as well as staff training. The company is well acquainted with several importers and exporters and based on that they can provide the best possible solutions to their clients regarding freight management.Clearing and Forwarding function:The clearing agents at Optima International are experienced to handle the insurance aspects of the goods to be imported or exported. They have to collect data regarding the cargo firstly and then, determine the tariff based on the current tax rate of the country. After affirming and authenticating the collected data from the consignee and the shipper, the clearing agents at Optima International submit them to the customs clearance department. The forwarding agents at Optima International have the knowhow to segregate goods based on their fragility and come up with the best medium of transporting them.International Forwarding:International forwarding is usually done by air or by sea. The personnel of Optima International maintain a good relationship with the exporters and importers who operate through the air and sea route. They ensure that they have proper permit from the government of South Africa to conduct trade.In2Africa:The goods can be transferred via the land route or even by sea or air as per the client requirements and the type of cargo. The personnel can suggest to their clients the process of transporting cargo and will also guide them through the customs clearance department.All-In-One Solution:Optima International provides a comprehensive service at 1 point of call if the client chooses All-In-One solution. Then, the client does not have to pay any extra cost to the traditional clearing and forwarding approach. This category includes checking out import and export permits, ITAC requirements, NRCS LOAs and other requirements.Optima International Solutions use advanced methodologies to speed up the process of collecting data and getting approval from the customs clearance department. This is done to help the clients to move cargo much faster than the traditional process usually takes.For information regarding freight management services at Optima International Solutions, visit the websiteAbout the CompanyOptima International Solutions offers a comprehensive freight management service in both domestic and international areas. Based in Cape Town, the company provides traditional clearing and forwarding function, system design and implementation, in-house outsourced freight control as well as staff training.Contact Info:26 Frere AvenueFlamingo Vlei7441South Africa+27 21 5578080086 551 7968mandy@optimainternational.co.za Alzther Industries Reports High 85% Accuracy for Blood-Based Diagnosis in Early Parkinson Patients in Multicenter Study Alzther Industries reported that their gene expression data contained information that can be used to classify PD with high average accuracy in peripheral bloodAlzther Industries (ISIN: KR7119857621) a startup biotechnology company, focused on diseases associated with protein misfolding and which is developing drugs to halt the progression of Alzheimers disease and companion diagnostics for the early detection of Alzheimers disease, today announced the initial findings from Alzther Industries prospective multicenter Parkinson study is reported. The initial read out of the first subcohort of 100 PD patients and 94 matched healthy controls with no neurodegenerative disease, shows a diagnostic accuracy of 84% in early disease patients while overall accuracy was 87% across all stages.The company reports that further analysis of gene expression data from the whole genome study of the initial cohort has demonstrated a model accuracy of 88% using a set of around 500 probes. In the clinically important group of early PDs, previously untreated patients, which represent particular challenges in clinical diagnosis, a high 84% sensitivity was demonstrated.Alzther Industries Sung Eung-Yung, Ph.D. Dr. Research Director for Alzther Industries said: Early diagnosis of PD is challenging and a clinical accuracy of below 60% is often reported among non-specialists. Leading experts agree that there appears to be a consensus amongst clinicians that a blood test with high accuracy that is risk-free, simple to use would be very useful in routine diagnostic examinations. We are excited to see accuracy early on using a whole genome approach, exceeding 85% in Parkinson disease.Alzther Industries CEO Dr. Sung Hwan-Kuk: These findings are very encouraging and build a solid foundation for further development of a blood-based biomarker for diagnosing PD at early stages together with a partner. Our study results are being discussed with pharmaceutical companies developing PD therapeutics. We are happy to note that these companies state that Alzther Industries is in the forefront of this field and that our biobank with serial samples from PD patients is unique.About Alzther Industries (ISIN: KR7119857621)Alzther Industries is a startup biotechnology company supported by various grants and private investors. The funds and our investors support projects with a high potential for future innovations. Alzther Industries is focused on diseases associated with protein misfolding. The company is currently developing drugs to halt the progression of Alzheimers disease and companion diagnostics for the early detection of Alzheimers disease. Alzther Industries is focused on drug development until phase II clinical studies. The location of the company in Seoul enables the access to experienced experts in the field of drug discovery and development, as well as business development and commercialization.Alzther IndustriesTower Palace Three, Tower G, 467 Dogok-dong, Seoul, Republic of Koreapr@alzther.comJin Cheung SWISS-BELHOTEL INTERNATIONAL TARGETS 30 HOTELS ACROSS MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA BY 2021 www.swiss-behotel.com www.evops-pr.com http://www.evops-pr.com DUBAI Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India, Swiss-Belhotel International, unveiled the groups expansion plans for the region at the Global General Managers Conference held in Jakarta, Indonesia, last week.Laurent stated, We have chalked out a very aggressive expansion strategy for the Middle East and Africa with 17% of our global portfolio of hotels comprising 3500 rooms centered in the region. Our goal is to have 20 hotels in operation and 10 under construction by 2021. Out of these five projects would be in Africa while the remaining will be in gateway cities across the Middle East with a significant presence in the GCC. Built on a heritage of passion and professionalism, our ultimate aim is to position Swiss-Belhotel International as the best alternative to blue chip companies offering superior returns, unbeatable value and unforgettable experiences.Commenting on the industrys long-term economic outlook in the region, Laurent said: Tourism performance in the main cities across the Middle East is expected to remain strong with the fruition of major infrastructure projects such as airport expansions, increased global connectivity and growth of low-cost carriers, new leisure attractions, enhanced business facilities and a year-long calendar of regional and international events.Swiss-Belhotel International was recently named by TOPHOTELPROJECTS among the top ten most active brands in Saudi Arabia. KSA is a very significant market for us with 35% of our development pipeline concentrated in the Kingdom. In 2018 we have six new hotels opening in quick succession and out of these three are located in Saudi Arabia. Our success is testament to the relationships we have built with owners and investors in the region. With 14 well-established brands, we are well equipped to meet the needs of every segment of the market. This diversity of brands allows owners the flexibility to pick the right fit for their property.About Swiss-Belhotel InternationalSwiss-Belhotel International currently manages a portfolio of more than 145* hotels, resorts and projects located in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Australia, New Zealand, Bulgaria, Georgia, Italy and Tanzania. Awarded Indonesia's Leading Global Hotel Chain for six consecutive years, Swiss-Belhotel International is one of the world's fastest-growing international hotel and hospitality management groups. The Group provides comprehensive and highly professional development and management services in all aspects of hotel, resort and serviced residences. Offices are located in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, China, Europe, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.*Numbers may fluctuateFor media contact:Hina BakhtManaging DirectorEVOPS Marketing & PRMob: 00971 50 6975146Tel: 00971 4 566 7355Hina.bakht@evops-pr.comEVOPS Marketing & PR is equipped with the latest technology and digital capability to provide businesses with the most comprehensive and innovative marketing solutions and strategies. With an integrated 360 marketing approach, we offer our clients bespoke, seamless and personalized service in an era of fast-paced, real-time smart marketing.Cluster I, Silver Tower, JLT Civil Resistance and Cosmetic Treatment of Terrorism Scenario: Berlin, December 19th, 2016 It is a wonderful pre-christmas evening, with a clear sky, lots of stars, and a bit fresh. A family meets with a bunch of children in front of a movie theatre in order to celebrate the 12th birthday of their beloved son. The friends welcome each other with a bright smile, laughter, and full of enthusiasm. As happy as they entered to see the film, that happy they spent their time, and left again. Their parents were waiting and the gifts were exchange. The music of the christmas market filled the air, and one of the fathers thought it would be great to spend some time there with the boys. But it was late, almost eight oclock, and everybody left Ten minutes later, being back home, it was shared on the news that the christmas market, turned out being the target of a terrorist attack. Berlin, December 20th, 2016 Impressions: Still a block to walk to the christmas market, a strange atmosphere, lots of people in the area, silence silence all over, christmas market closed, police, press, cameras, people crying, rushing photographers, silence silence all over Berlin, December 25th, 2016 People gather at the Christmas Market at night in order to protest in collectivity against strategic instabilization of society by global terrorist attacks.Civil Resistance and Cosmetic Treatment of Terrorism: Ladies and Gentlemen, in order to start this reflection, I would like to state that my thoughts and best wishes are with the victims of terrorists attacks, social and individual abuse, and strategic violence, not on a local level only but on a global one.Our current epoch of globalization and worldwide media information range makes us face challenges that we possibly were not prepared to deal with. Communication, obviously a central pillar of our life in this century, creates immense benefits but also causes difficulties, namely by offering a multitude of ways that may be used for organized abuse such as spreading fake news on purpose, and using virtual communication services for raising fear and mobilizing copycats that follow calls of radicalized groups. The monopoly of mass media channels suffered a take-over by individual bloggers, and committed individuals who work for good or bad, while such definition is up to each of us. According to the mass of headlines and content that we have to deal with, I would like to name a few that recently crossed our news lines, such as: German Foreign Minister, Frau Von der Leien, supports Nigeria with items for counter terrorist actions valuing 4.200.000,- Euro; Police Brigades, Undercover Units, and Special Forces work day and night to prevent extremist activities, and to enable mankind to cherish a balanced life.Obviously, all three of these actions are important to us, forming part of a civil society. The question that comes to my mind is if such projects really prevent us from future attacks by radicalized individuals or groups. Personally, I think such reactions by our governmental authorities do not catch up with the level of attention that terrorism demands. It may be a public visual and well to share content that intends to make us feel more safe. To me, it is a cosmetic treatment of terrorism at the most superficial level possible. And it is a shame that state authorities sell us the idea that this is the best way to counter extremist attacks.If we break down terrorism to what it may be in its inner core, we may note that it is basically an act of communication. Yes, communication realized by one or more specific group(s) that follow up on non-noted or well-ignored interests by a national or the international community. I guess it is surprising to one or the other of you to hear that such ways of communication are not totally alien to the international diplomatic forces. Diplomatic services often communicate in a very similar way for example by atomic tests, by financing weapon industry, or even by certain ways that cause a destabilization nations. Lots of actions that take place on our globe are critical but still within a legal environment because often they are not communicated in public, such as putting financial pressure on countries by cutting off trade agreements. From the point on, when we look behind the curtain of mass media, we can discover which parties supports each other, and who works on different levels attempting to achieve similar goals. (by Daniel Erdmann)Get access to the complete article, the conclusion and database by signing up ...WORLD MEDIATION ORGANIZATION is an international and informative platform that is dedicated to raise the public awareness towards Mediation, Conflict Complexity, and Violence Avoidance. In order to realize this mission, WORLD MEDIATION ORGANIZATION offers a formal online training and an extensive blog section that may build the basis of the exchange of knowledge that we focus on.World Mediation OrganizationHohenzollerndamm 18210713 Berlin Immortalized Cell Line Market to Exhibit 8.5% CAGR Globally with ATCC (U.S.), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (U.S.), Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC., General Electric Company by 2023 Immortalized Cell Line Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/751 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/check-discount/751 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/751 Immortalized cell line is a group of cells, which is acquired from multicellular organism growing rapidly due to mutation and avoids the normal cellular senescence. It involves long term in vitro cell growth of cells. The mutation that is required for cell immortality can emanate naturally or intentionally persuaded for experimental purposes. Immortal cell line plays a vital role in of cell biology while studying multicellular organisms and their biochemistry.Try Sample Report Here @The demand for immortalized cell line is increasing so as the applications. The cell line play an important role in drug transport to the brain or other organs. Owing to increasing in adoption of these cell lines in stem cell therapy drives the growth of the market. The global market of immortalized cell line is expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 8.5% during the forecast period 2017-2023.Immortalized Cell Line Market - Key PlayersATCC (U.S.)Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (U.S.)Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC. (U.S.)Lonza (Switzerland)General Electric Company (U.K.)Selexis SA (Switzerland)Corning Incorporated (U.S.)WuXi AppTec (China)Immortalized Cell Line Market - SegmentationGlobal Immortalized cell line market has been segmented on the basis of methods, which includes virus induction, hTERT expression, inactivation of tumor suppression genes, and other methods. On the basis of technology, the market is segmented into SV40 large T-antigen, MycT58A, p53 Cell, and other technologies. On the basis of applications, the market is segmented into stem cell therapy, cell transplantation, drug transport and other applications.Immortalized Cell Line Market - Intended AudienceBiotechnology CompaniesContract Research Organizations (CROs)Research and Development (R&D) CompaniesAcademic Medical Institutes and UniversitiesGet Discount on Report @Immortalized Cell Line Market - Regional AnalysisGlobally, immortalized cell line market consists of four regions: Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East & Africa. America is the largest market owing to increasing awareness regarding the use of cell lines in healthcare, rising vaccines production, increasing application of cell lines in cancer therapy and use of innovative technology for cell lines. Additionally, affordability of treatment due to high income favors the growth of this market. Europe is the second largest market due to the higher demand for immortalized cell lines for the drug development, availability of funds for research and development activities, and the demand for technological advancement in the field of Microbiology and healthcare. Increasing number of biotechnology companies in developing countries, research centers, availability of low cost resources, and increasing importance to biotechnology drives the growth of this market in Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific shows steady growth in this market. On the other hand, the market shows slow growth in the Middle East & Africa and expected to do experience same in the forecast period.Immortalized Cell Line Market - Competitive AnalysisATCC or the American Type Culture Collection is a non-profit organization, which collects, stores, and distributes cell lines for research and development. The products offered by the company include cell lines, microorganisms, and bio-products. It is now the largest general culture collection organization in the world.Thermo Fishers, headquartered in Massachusetts and incorporated in 2006, is one of the leaders in the healthcare industry involved in serving healthcare globally. The company was developed by the merger of Thermo Electron and Fisher Scientific in the year 2006. The company is involved in serving the science with improved patient diagnostics, life sciences research, solve complex analytical challenges, and increase laboratory productivity. The company provides comprehensive support to its customers across the globe with its various brands: Thermo Scientific, Fisher Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, and Unity Lab Services.The global immortalized cell lines market is segmented on the basis of methods, which includes virus induction, hTERT expression, inactivation of tumor suppression genes, and other methods. On the basis of technology, the market is segmented into SV40 large T-antigen, MycT58A, p53 cell, and other technologies. On the basis of application, the market is segmented into stem cell therapy, cell transplantation, drug transport, and others.To Know More Enquire @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Contact:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: salesteam@marketresearchfuture.com Carbon Footprint Management Software 2018 Global Market Net Worth US$ 694 million Forecast By 2022 Carbon Footprint Management Software 2018 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3150089-global-carbon-footprint-management-software-market-report-2018 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3150089-global-carbon-footprint-management-software-market-report-2018 WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On Carbon Footprint Management Software 2018 Global Market Net Worth US$ 694 million Forecast By 2022.Description:The Carbon Footprint Management Software industry has also suffered a certain impact, but still maintained a relatively optimistic growth, the past four years, Carbon Footprint Management Software market size to maintain the average annual growth rate of 2.53% from 617 million $ in 2014 to 665 million $ in 2017, the analysts believe that in the next few years, Carbon Footprint Management Software market size will be further expanded, we expect that by 2022, The market size of the Carbon Footprint Management Software will reach 694 million $.Get a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comThis Report covers the Major Players data, including: shipment, revenue, gross profit, interview record, business distribution etc., these data help the consumer know about the competitors better. This report also covers all the regions and countries of the world, which shows a regional development status, including market size.Besides, the report also covers segment data, including: type segment, industry segment, channel segment etc. cover different segment market size. Also cover different industries clients information, which is very important for the Major Players.Sections:-Section 1: FreeDefinitionSection (2 3): 1200 USDMajor Player DetailEcovaEnablonProcessMAPGreenstone+ThinkstepVerisaeFirstcarbon SolutionsEnvianceIHS MarkitSchneider ElectricSection 4: 900 USDRegion SegmentationNorth America Country (United States, Canada)South AmericaAsia Country (China, Japan, India, Korea)Europe Country (Germany, UK, France, Italy)Other Country (Middle East, Africa, GCC)Continued..Report Details @Table Of Contents Major Key PointsSection 1 Carbon Footprint Management Software DefinitionSection 2 Global Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Major Player Share and Market Overview2.1 Global Major Player Carbon Footprint Management Software Business Revenue2.2 Global Carbon Footprint Management Software Market OverviewSection 3 Major Player Carbon Footprint Management Software Business Introduction3.1 Ecova Carbon Footprint Management Software Business Introduction3.1.1 Ecova Carbon Footprint Management Software Revenue, Growth Rate and Gross profit 2014-20173.1.2 Ecova Carbon Footprint Management Software Business Distribution by Region3.1.3 Ecova Interview Record3.1.4 Ecova Carbon Footprint Management Software Business Profile3.1.5 Ecova Carbon Footprint Management Software Specification3.2 Enablon Carbon Footprint Management Software Business Introduction3.2.1 Enablon Carbon Footprint Management Software Revenue, Growth Rate and Gross profit 2014-20173.2.2 Enablon Carbon Footprint Management Software Business Distribution by Region3.2.3 Interview Record3.2.4 Enablon Carbon Footprint Management Software Business Overview3.2.5 Enablon Carbon Footprint Management Software Specification3.3 ProcessMAP Carbon Footprint Management Software Business Introduction3.3.1 ProcessMAP Carbon Footprint Management Software Revenue, Growth Rate and Gross profit 2014-20173.3.2 ProcessMAP Carbon Footprint Management Software Business Distribution by Region3.3.3 Interview Record3.3.4 ProcessMAP Carbon Footprint Management Software Business Overview3.3.5 ProcessMAP Carbon Footprint Management Software Specification3.4 Greenstone+ Carbon Footprint Management Software Business Introduction3.5 Thinkstep Carbon Footprint Management Software Business Introduction3.6 Verisae Carbon Footprint Management Software Business IntroductionSection 4 Global Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Segmentation (Region Level)4.1 North America Country4.1.1 United States Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Size and Market Segmentation (Industry Level) 2014-20174.1.2 Canada Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Size and Market Segmentation (Industry Level) 2014-20174.2 South America Country4.2.1 South America Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Size and Market Segmentation (Industry Level) 2014-20174.3 Asia Country4.3.1 China Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Size and Market Segmentation (Industry Level) 2014-20174.3.2 Japan Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Size and Market Segmentation (Industry Level) 2014-20174.3.3 India Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Size and Market Segmentation (Industry Level) 2014-20174.3.4 Korea Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Size and Market Segmentation (Industry Level) 2014-20174.4 Europe Country4.4.1 Germany Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Size and Market Segmentation (Industry Level) 2014-20174.4.2 UK Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Size and Market Segmentation (Industry Level) 2014-20174.4.3 France Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Size and Market Segmentation (Industry Level) 2014-20174.4.4 Italy Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Size and Market Segmentation (Industry Level) 2014-20174.4.5 Europe Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Size and Market Segmentation (Industry Level) 2014-20174.5 Other Country and Region4.5.1 Middle East Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Size and Market Segmentation (Industry Level) 2014-20174.5.2 Africa Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Size and Market Segmentation (Industry Level) 2014-20174.5.3 GCC Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Size and Market Segmentation (Industry Level) 2014-20174.6 Global Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Segmentation (Region Level) Analysis 2014-20174.7 Global Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Segmentation (Region Level) AnalysisSection 5 Global Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Segmentation (Type Level)5.1 Global Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Segmentation (Type Level) Market Size 2014-20175.2 Different Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Segmentation (Type Level) Market Size Growth Rate 2014-20175.3 Global Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Segmentation (Type Level) AnalysisSection 6 Global Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Segmentation (Industry Level)6.1 Global Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Segmentation (Industry Level) Market Size 2014-20176.2 Different Industry Trend 2014-20176.3 Global Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Segmentation (Industry Level) AnalysisSection 7 Global Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Segmentation (Channel Level)7.1 Global Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Segmentation (Channel Level) Market Size and Share 2014-20177.2 Global Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Segmentation (Channel Level) AnalysisSection 8 Carbon Footprint Management Software Market Forecast 2018-20228.1 Carbon Footprint Management Software Segmentation Market Forecast (Region Level)8.2 Carbon Footprint Management Software Segmentation Market Forecast (Type Level)8.3 Carbon Footprint Management Software Segmentation Market Forecast (Industry Level)8.4 Carbon Footprint Management Software Segmentation Market Forecast (Channel Level)Continued..For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.Office No.528,Amanora Chambers,Magarpatta Road,Hadapsar,Pune-411028. Multiplex Detection Immunoassay Market to Exceed US$ 3.0 Bn in 2024 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/11542 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/multiplex-detection-immunoassay-market/toc https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/multiple-chapter/11542 https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-multiplex-detection-immunoassay-market-to-reach-us-30-bn-by-2024-end---persistence-market-research-605182406.html https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/11542 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com According to the latest market report published by Persistence Market Research titled Global Market Study on Multiplex Detection Immunoassay: North America to Dominate the Global Market Through 2024 , the global multiplex detection immunoassay market is expected to witness a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period 20162024.Factors influencing the growth of the global multiplex detection immunoassay marketManufacturers in the global multiplex detection immunoassay market are focusing on introducing differential products with enhanced safety and application to increase market share. This market is significantly determined by the rising aging population, high pervasiveness of illnesses, rising utilization and enhanced focus on diagnostic testing and expanding the use of multiplex detection assay test procedures in clinical diagnostics. Moreover, concern in getting federal or government approvals due to changes in medical procedures coupled with manufacturing processes, fluctuation in result outcomes, and deficient reimbursements for multiplex detection immunoassays are representing a few difficulties to the general growth of the market during the forecast period.The capacity of multiplex detection immunoassays is to produce reportable outcomes from one example prompts to its more prominent reception for clinical or purpose of care diagnostics. Multiplex immunoassays yield an abundance of data on the parts of various proteins and different biomolecules in assorted natural procedures, in this way giving clinicians knowledge into the distinguishing proof and evaluation of disease progression. The aim for manufacturers is to create assay kits with market driving technologies, problematic levels of multiplexing and popularize these through bigger business partners.Multiplex stages can offer distinct advantages over singleplex measures. The requirement for lower test input has been suggested as of now; commonly 2550 L test volume is required to test different markers as compared with 100 L per target required for ELISA. Moreover, multiplex stages frequently give a pickup in examining dynamic range. While ELISA quickly loses linearity over a couple orders of magnitude, multiplex assays are accounted for to keep up linearity more than three or even five orders of magnitude.Request to Sample of Report @Global multiplex detection immunoassay market forecastThe global multiplex detection immunoassay market is segmented into technique, assay type, end users, and application. The planar assays segment is expected to exhibit the highest growth over the forecast period. Currently, in the U.S. market, planar assays are the mostly used for detection followed by the European market. The planar assay segment is expected to be the most lucrative in the North America multiplex detection immunoassay market, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.8%.Based on technique, the market has been segmented into nucleic acid-based techniques, protein-based techniques and biomarker-based techniques. Protein-based techniques currently account for the highest revenue share in the market followed by nucleic acid-based techniques. Increasing focus on disease predisposition studies and drug efficacy studies would create a good opportunity for growth of multiplex detection immunoassay market.Request for Table of Contents @Based on application, the market has been segmented into disease testing (infectious disease, autoimmune disease, and others), food contamination testing, drug development and veterinary disease testing. Drug development currently accounts for the highest revenue share in the market followed by disease testing. Increasing focus on disease predisposition studies and drug efficacy studies would create a good opportunity for growth of multiplex detection immunoassay market.Based on end users, the market has been segmented into pharmaceutical companies, clinical research organizations, food & beverages companies, academic research institutes, diagnostic centers and biotechnology companies. Currently pharmaceutical companies account for the highest revenue share in the market followed by other end users. An increasing number of multiplex assays labeled for research use only increase the growth prospects for academic research institute end users in North America during the forecast period.Request Report Multiple Chapter @On the basis of region, the market has been segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the MEA. This report assesses trends driving each market segment and offers analysis and insights into the potential of multiplex detection immunoassay in specific regions. North America is estimated to dominate the multiplex detection immunoassay market with a maximum value share of the overall market by end of 2016. North America multiplex detection immunoassay market is set to register a CAGR of 8.2% through 2024. The presence of key regional players, strong distribution network, and developed healthcare infrastructure are the key factors driving the growth of the market in North America.For more information @Global multiplex detection immunoassay market competitive landscapeSome key companies covered in this report include QIAGEN N.V, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, EMD Millipore, Bio-Rad, Microsynh AG., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., BD biosciences, Luminex Corporation, Unisensor, Quansys Bioscience, and Danaher Corporation. These companies are primarily focused on enhancing their market share by entering new markets and by introducing innovative and cost-effective immunoassays in order to gain higher market share and to strengthen their respective position in the global market.Get full report now @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Offshore Wind Foundations -Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities and Analysis Of Top Key Player Forecast To 2023 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/1345580-global-and-chinese-offshore-wind-foundations-industry-2017-market-research-report https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/1345580-global-and-chinese-offshore-wind-foundations-industry-2017-market-research-report https://www.wiseguyreports.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=1345580 https://www.wiseguyreports.com Offshore Wind Foundations IndustryDescriptionWiseguyreports.Com Adds Offshore Wind Foundations -Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities and Analysis Of Top Key Player Forecast To 2023 To Its Research DatabaseThe 'Global and Chinese Offshore Wind Foundations Industry, 2012-2022 Market Research Report' is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the global Offshore Wind Foundations industry with a focus on the Chinese market. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Offshore Wind Foundations manufacturers and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including its definition, applications and manufacturing technology. Then, the report explores the international and Chinese major industry players in detail. In this part, the report presents the company profile, product specifications, capacity, production value, and 2012-2017 market shares for each company. Through the statistical analysis, the report depicts the global and Chinese total market of Offshore Wind Foundations industry including capacity, production, production value, cost/profit, supply/demand and Chinese import/export.The total market is further divided by company, by country, and by application/type for the competitive landscape analysis. The report then estimates 2017-2022 market development trends of Offshore Wind Foundations industry. Analysis of upstream raw materials, downstream demand, and current market dynamics is also carried out. In the end, the report makes some important proposals for a new project of Offshore Wind Foundations Industry before evaluating its feasibility.Request for Sample Report @This report focus on Global and regional market, providing information on major players like manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, traders, customers, investors and etc., major types, major applications and etc. Data type include capacity, production, market share, price, revenue, cost, gross, gross margin, growth rate, consumption, import, export and etc. Industry chain, manufacturing process, cost structure, marketing channel are also analyzed in this report.Overall, the report provides an in-depth insight of 2012-2022 global and Chinese Offshore Wind Foundations industry covering all important parameters.Table of ContentChapter One Introduction of Offshore Wind Foundations Industry1.1 Brief Introduction of Offshore Wind Foundations1.2 Development of Offshore Wind Foundations Industry1.3 Status of Offshore Wind Foundations IndustryChapter Two Manufacturing Technology of Offshore Wind Foundations2.1 Development of Offshore Wind Foundations Manufacturing Technology2.2 Analysis of Offshore Wind Foundations Manufacturing Technology2.3 Trends of Offshore Wind Foundations Manufacturing TechnologyChapter Three Analysis of Global Key Manufacturers3.1 Company A3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Product Information3.1.3 2012-2017 Production Information3.1.4 Contact Information3.2 Company B3.3 Company C3.4 Company D3.5 Company E3.6 Company F3.7 Company G3.8 Company H......Leave a Query @Chapter Four 2012-2017 Global and Chinese Market of Offshore Wind Foundations4.1 2012-2017 Global Capacity, Production and Production Value of Offshore Wind Foundations Industry4.2 2012-2017 Global Cost and Profit of Offshore Wind Foundations Industry4.3 Market Comparison of Global and Chinese Offshore Wind Foundations Industry4.4 2012-2017 Global and Chinese Supply and Consumption of Offshore Wind Foundations4.5 2012-2017 Chinese Import and Export of Offshore Wind FoundationsChapter Five Market Status of Offshore Wind Foundations IndustryChapter Six 2017-2022 Market Forecast of Global and Chinese Offshore Wind Foundations IndustryChapter Seven Analysis of Offshore Wind Foundations Industry Chain7.1 Industry Chain Structure7.2 Upstream Raw Materials7.3 Downstream IndustryChapter Eight Global and Chinese Economic Impact on Offshore Wind Foundations IndustryChapter Nine Market Dynamics of Offshore Wind Foundations IndustryChapter Ten Proposals for New ProjectChapter Eleven Research Conclusions of Global and Chinese Offshore Wind Foundations IndustryTables and FiguresFigure Offshore Wind Foundations Product PictureTable Development of Offshore Wind Foundations Manufacturing TechnologyFigure Manufacturing Process of Offshore Wind FoundationsTable Trends of Offshore Wind Foundations Manufacturing TechnologyFigure Offshore Wind Foundations Product and SpecificationsTable 2012-2017 Offshore Wind Foundations Product Capacity, Production, and Production Value etc. ListFigure 2012-2017 Offshore Wind Foundations Capacity Production and Growth RateFigure 2012-2017 Offshore Wind Foundations Production Global Market ShareFigure Offshore Wind Foundations Product and SpecificationsTable 2012-2017 Offshore Wind Foundations Product Capacity, Production, and Production Value etc. ListFigure 2012-2017 Offshore Wind Foundations Capacity Production and Growth RateFigure 2012-2017 Offshore Wind Foundations Production Global Market ShareFigure Offshore Wind Foundations Product and SpecificationsTable 2012-2017 Offshore Wind Foundations Product Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value ListFigure 2012-2017 Offshore Wind Foundations Capacity Production and Growth RateFigure 2012-2017 Offshore Wind Foundations Production Global Market ShareFigure Offshore Wind Foundations Product and SpecificationsTable 2012-2017 Offshore Wind Foundations Product Capacity, Production, and Production Value etc. ListFigure 2012-2017 Offshore Wind Foundations Capacity Production and Growth RateFigure 2012-2017 Offshore Wind Foundations Production Global Market ShareFigure Offshore Wind Foundations Product and SpecificationsTable 2012-2017 Offshore Wind Foundations Product Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value ListFigure 2012-2017 Offshore Wind Foundations Capacity Production and Growth RateFigure 2012-2017 Offshore Wind Foundations Production Global Market ShareFigure Offshore Wind Foundations Product and SpecificationsTable 2012-2017 Offshore Wind Foundations Product Capacity, Production, and Production Value etc. ListFigure 2012-2017 Offshore Wind Foundations Capacity Production and Growth RateFigure 2012-2017 Offshore Wind Foundations Production Global Market ShareFigure Offshore Wind Foundations Product and SpecificationsTable 2012-2017 Offshore Wind Foundations Product Capacity, Production, and Production Value etc. ListFigure 2012-2017 Offshore Wind Foundations Capacity Production and Growth RateFigure 2012-2017 Offshore Wind Foundations Production Global Market ShareFigure Offshore Wind Foundations Product and SpecificationsTable 2012-2017 Offshore Wind Foundations Product Capacity, Production, and Production Value etc. ListFigure 2012-2017 Offshore Wind Foundations Capacity Production and Growth RateFigure 2012-2017 Offshore Wind Foundations Production Global Market Share......Buy Now @Continued...Contact Us: Sales@Wiseguyreports.Com Ph: +1-646-845-9349 (Us) Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (Uk)About Us:Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Addres:Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt LtdPune 411028Maharashtra, GlobalPh: +91 841 198 5042 Extrusion Coating Market | New Business Opportunities & Investment Research Forecast to 2023 www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/extrusion-coating-market www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/extrusion-coating-market/report-sample www.psmarketresearch.com Global extrusion coating market is projected to reach $4,759.3 million by 2023.Economic growth in different regions and expansion in the food and beverage industry are the key factors driving the market growth. Extrusion coating can be defined as the process of applying thin hot films of different types of resins on substrates such as paper and paperboard, aluminum foil, and polymer film. It mainly involves four steps: resin handling or conditioning, substrate handling, material coating, and coated substrate withdrawal.To Browse Full Report Visit Here:Based on substrate, paper and paperboard is the dominant category, estimated to hold the largest value share, accounting for more than 45.0%, in the extrusion coating market in 2017. The dominant market share of this substrate can be attributed to its high mechanical strength, biodegradability, and printability. The substrate is commonly used in corrugated boxes, milk cartons, folding cartons, bags and sacks, and wrapping paper.Liquid packaging is the largest application area of extrusion coating materials. It held the largest value share in the extrusion coating market during the historical period and is estimated to contribute more than 40.0% to the market in 2017. This can be majorly attributed to the large-scale use of these materials in liquid packaging applications in the food and beverage industry, which is flourishing at a high rate owing to increasing population and rising income.The APAC region is estimated to contribute more than 45.0% value share to the extrusion coating market in 2017. During the forecast period, the market in the region is expected to witness the highest growth at a CAGR of 5.0%. This can be attributed to ongoing industrialization and increasing disposable income in the region, which are boosting the growth of different industries utilizing these coating materials for packaging purposes.Request For Sample Pages:Some of the major players operating in the global extrusion coating market are Borealis AG, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP, DowDuPont Inc., Exxon Mobil Corporation, INEOS Group Holdings S.A., LyondellBasell Industries N.V., Mondi Group, Qenos Pty. Ltd., SABIC, and Westlake Chemical Corporation.GLOBAL EXTRUSION COATING MARKET SEGMENTATIONBy Material TypeLow-density polyethylene (LDPE)Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)Polypropylene (PP)Others (high-density polyethylene [HDPE], ethylene butyl acrylate [EBA], polyethylene terephthalate [PET])By SubstratePaper and paperboardPolymer filmAluminum foilOthers (cellulose and nonwovens)By ApplicationLiquid packagingFlexible packagingCommercialPhotographicBy RegionNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaEuropeGermanyFranceU.K.ItalySpainRest of EuropeAsia-Pacific (APAC)ChinaJapanIndiaRest of APACLatin America (LATAM)BrazilMexicoRest of LATAMMiddle East and Africa (MEA)Saudi ArabiaSouth AfricaRest of MEAAbout 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: Wireless Router Market Development, Key Growth Scenario, Leading Players Competitive Analysis and Demand Forecasts Features Xiaomi, Netgear, D-Link, Asus Tek and Belkin International The Insight Partners http://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPTE100000948 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/inquiry/TIPTE100000948 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/wireless-router-market Wireless Router Market Report 2018-2025 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.FREE | Request Sample Copy is Available atThe report firstly introduced the Wireless Router basics: definitions, classifications, applications and market overview, product specifications, manufacturing processes, cost structures, raw materials and so on. Then it analyzed the world's main region market conditions, including the product price, profit, capacity, production, supply, demand and market growth rate and forecast etc. In the end, the report introduced new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis. Global Wireless Router Market competition by top manufacturers with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturers.Global Wireless Router Market Top Players1. Cisco Systems, Inc.2. Shenzhen Tenda Technology Co. Ltd.3. TP-Link Technologies Co. Ltd.4. Belkin International, Inc.5. D-Link Corporation6. Edimax Technology Co., Ltd.7. Huawei Technologies Co.Ltd.8. Netgear Inc9. Xiaomi10. ASUSTeK Computer IncInquire about this Report atObjectives of Wireless Router Market Report To provide overview of the global Wireless Router market To analyze and forecast the global Wireless Router market on the basis of components, application, size and technology To provide market size and forecast till 2025 for overall Wireless Router market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA), and South America (SAM), which are later sub-segmented across respective major countries To evaluate market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend To provide exhaustive PEST analysis for all five regions To profiles key Wireless Router players influencing the market along with their SWOT analysis and market strategiesCompetitive landscape gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in the last years are identified. The trends and strategies section highlights the likely future developments in the Wireless Router market and suggests approaches. It also contains in depth information and data about the company and its operations.Key Vision of Wireless Router Market- Historical and Future Market- Supply and Demand- Price and Cost- Drivers and Challenges- Key Vendors- Market Strategies- Industry Value Chain- RegionsComplete Report is Available atContact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.comAbout Us:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Automotive and Defense.533, 5th Floor, Amanora Chambers,Amanora Township, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028 Advanced Marine Power Supply Market is Anticipated To Increase At a CAGR of 4.7% From 2017 - 2025. https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1658130 https://www.researchmoz.us/advanced-marine-power-supply-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2017-2025-report.html/toc http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG https://marketsizeinfo.blogspot.in/ Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Advanced Marine Power Supply Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2025" to its huge collection of research reports.Global Advanced Marine Power Supply Market: OverviewThis report provides an analysis of the global advanced marine power supply market for the period of 2015 to 2025, wherein the period from 2017 to 2025 comprises the forecast period and 2016 is the base year. Data for 2015 is provided as historical information. The report covers all the major trends and technologies playing a major role in the growth of the advanced marine power supply market over the forecast period. It also highlights various drivers, restraints and opportunities expected to influence the markets growth during the said period. The study provides a holistic perspective on the markets growth in terms of revenue in US$ Mn, across different geographical regions namely North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and South America. Advanced marine power supply market has wide applications and used in internal lighting, navigation lighting, communication, surveillance system, engine control and others.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The market overview section of the report showcases the market dynamics and trends such as the drivers, restraints and opportunities that influence the current nature and future status of this market. The report also provides value chain analysis and key market indicators for the advanced marine power supply market. The advanced marine power supply market estimates are the result of our in-depth secondary research, primary interviews and in-house expert panel reviews. These market estimates have been analyzed by taking into account the impact of different political, social, economic, technological and legal factors along with the current market dynamics affecting the market growth.Global Advanced Marine Power Supply Market: SegmentationThe global advanced marine power supply market is segmented on the basis of devices, power supply source, and application. By devices, the global advanced marine power supply market is segmented in terms of battery, switch mode power supply (SMPS), uninterrupted power supply (UPS), inverters, others. Further, the power supply source segmentation includes direct power supply and renewable power supply. On the basis of application, the advanced marine power supply market is segmented into internal lighting, navigation lighting, communication, surveillance system, engine control, others. The report covers the analysis of these segments across all geographies, along with qualitative analysis for key market indicators supplementing the growth of advanced marine power supply market during the forecast period.Geographically the report classifies the global advanced marine power supply market into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South America. We have analysed the regions in terms of revenue. Region wise prominent countries covered in the report include the following the U.S., Canada, Germany, the U.K., France, China, Japan, South Korea, India, GCC (six middle east countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman), South Africa, and Brazil.Global Advanced Marine Power Supply Market: Competitive DynamicsThe report also includes competitive profiling of the key players associated with the advanced marine power supply market around the globe. The important business strategies adopted by them, their market positioning, financials, SWOT analysis and recent developments have also been identified in the research report. The competitive landscape section of the report also gives an overview about the major contributing regions/countries by these key players in order to strengthen their market position in the future.Growing number of vessels and the increasing expenditure on submarines and ships by military and navy across emerging economies, are forcing companies to develop marine power supply devices to continue the profitability of the market. Some of the major players in global advanced marine power supply market are Emerson Electric Company, Schneider Electric SE, ABB Ltd, Exide Industries Ltd, EnerSys, HBL Power Systems Ltd, Systems Sunlight S.A., Eaton Corporation Plc, Powerbox International AB, ENAG, Marine Electric Systems Inc. Newmar, and Analytic Systems among others. Details such as financials, business strategies, SWOT analysis, recent developments, and other such strategic information pertaining to these players has been duly provided as part of company profiling.Table of Content1. Preface1.1. Market Definition and Scope1.2. Market Segmentation1.3. Key Research Objectives1.4. Research Highlights2. Assumptions and Research Methodology3. Executive Summary: Global Advanced Marine Power Supply Market4. Market Overview4.1. Introduction4.2. Market Dynamics4.2.1. Drivers4.2.2. Restraints4.2.3. Opportunities4.3. Global Advanced Marine Power Supply Market Analysis and Forecast, 2015 - 20254.3.1. Market Revenue Projections (US$ Mn)4.4. Porters Five Forces Analysis - Global Advanced Marine Power Supply Market4.5. Value Chain Analysis - Global Advanced Marine Power Supply Market4.6. Key Trends AnalysisGet Complete TOC With Tables and Figures @5. Global Advanced Marine Power Supply Market Analysis and Forecast, By Devices5.1. Overview & Definitions5.2. Advanced Marine Power Supply Market Size (US$ Mn) Forecast, By Devices, 2015 - 20255.2.1. Battery5.2.2. Switch Mode Power Supply (SMPS)5.2.3. Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS)5.2.4. InvertersContinue...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 Electric Fencing Industry Overview Analysis Sales Market Report 2018 Global Electric Fencing Industry Overview Analysis Sales Market Report 2018 http://www.qyresearchglobal.com/goods-1579561.html http://www.qyresearcheurope.com/ or http://www.qyresearch.com/ The Global Electric Fencing Sales Market Report 2018 is in-depth study of overall Electric Fencing market including introduction of product, definition, scope, Electric Fencing global sale, and forecast up to 2025.The Electric Fencing industry report clarifies the past experience and trends, on the basis of these past experiences, it offers the future prediction considering other factors influencing the growth rate. This worldwide report offers the detailed analysis of the important factors such as market dynamics (DROT), PEST, and PORTER which assists the growth of the Electric Fencing Industry. These past experience and factors assist to build the strategy and future planning of Electric Fencing Market and hold a place in the competitive world.This report is the extensive analysis of the Electric Fencing industry based on the primary and secondary in-depth research. The scope of the report includes the global and regional sale, product consumption in terms of volume and value. The Electric Fencing market report offers a forecast of revenue, CAGR, and cumulative revenue. The gathered information about Electric Fencing global business is represented in the figures, tables, pie chart, and graphs.The Electric Fencing industry Market report offers the competitive scenario in the Electric Fencing industry based on the type of product, applications, and the companies that are present in the Electric Fencing market, and covers the company profiles, their development policies, lined up products and recent launched along with the SWOT analysis of companies.To get a complete report sample from this link:Geographically, this report split global into several key Regions, with sales (K Units), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Electric Fencing for these regions, from 2013 to 2025 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Electric Fencing market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Electric Fencing sales volume, Price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingGallagherTru-Test GroupWoodstreamParker McCroryPremier1SuppliesKencovePetSafeDare ProductsMpumalangaHigh Tech PetShenzhen Tongher TechnologyShenzhen LanstarOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoPortable FencePermanent FenceOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate for each application, includingAgricultureWild AnimalsPetsSecurityOthersThe study objectives of this report are:To study and analyze the global Electric Fencing market size (value & volume) by company, key regions/countries, products and application, history data from 2013 to 2017, and forecast to 2025.To understand the structure of Electric Fencing market by identifying its various subsegments.To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).Focuses on the key global Electric Fencing manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in next few years.To analyze the Electric Fencing with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.To project the value and volume of Electric Fencing submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.This research study focuses to product specifications, Electric Fencing cost specifications, production capacity, distributors list, Electric Fencing marketing channel, and detail analysis of the export/import of the product. The Electric Fencing research document also offers raw material suppliers, cost, and downstream consumer list.All features mentioned above is included in the Electric Fencing Market Report 2018 which can offer solution to the difficulties to the prominent members of the Electric Fencing market.Additionally, the important terminologies, government policies, and regulations related to Electric Fencing market product are added.Contact Details:Company Name: QYResearch CO.,LIMITED | focus on Market Survey and ResearchTina| Sales ManagersTel: 0086-20-22093278(CN)Email: sales@qyresearchglobal.com or tinaning@qyresearch.comWeb:QYResearch, established in 2007, focuses on custom research, management consulting, IPO consulting, industry chain research, and data base &seminar services. The company owns large basic databases (such as National Bureau of Statistics Database, Customs Import and Export Database, Industry Association Database, etc.), expert resources (including industry experts who own more than 10 years experiences on marketing or R&D in industries of energy, automotive, chemicals, medical ICT consumer goods, etc.), professional survey team (the team members obtained more than 3 years market survey experience and more than 2 years deep expert interview experience), and excellent data analysis team (SPSS statistics and PPT graphics process team).Room 2901 VILI International Building No.167 Linhe West Road Global Floating Production Storage And Offloading Market to Grow at a CAGR of 4.91% During The Period 2017-2021. https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1378184 https://www.researchmoz.us/global-floating-production-storage-and-offloading-market-2017-2021-report.html/toc http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG https://marketsizeinfo.blogspot.in/ Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Floating Production Storage and Offloading Market 2017-2021" to its huge collection of research reports.About Floating Production Storage and OffloadingFloating production storage and offloading vessels are offshore production facilities that club both storage and processing equipment for produced hydrocarbons. The basic design of most floating production storage and offloading vessel comprises a boat molded vessel with processing equipment or topsides on the vessel's deck and hydrocarbon storage underneath the dual hull. Floating production storage and offloading vessels store oil or gas after processing and periodically shuttle it to tankers.Technavios analysts forecast the global floating production storage and offloading market to grow at a CAGR of 4.91% during the period 2017-2021.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global floating production storage and offloading market for 2017-2021. The report presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEATechnavio's report, Global Floating Production Storage and Offloading 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 vendorsBumi ArmadaBW OffshoreMODECPetrobrasSBM OffshoreOther prominent vendorsBluewaterMISC BerhadSaipemTeekayYinson HoldingsMarket driverIncreasing popularity of floating production storage and offloading vesselsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeIncreasing use of renewable energyFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendRise in the number of deepwater and ultra-deepwater drilling projectsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?Table of ContentsPART 01: EXECUTIVE SUMMARYPART 02: SCOPE OF THE REPORTPART 03: RESEARCH METHODOLOGYPART 04: INTRODUCTIONMarket outlinePART 05: MARKET LANDSCAPEMarket ecosystemMarket characteristicsMarket segmentation analysisPART 06: MARKET SIZINGMarket definitionMarket size and forecast 2016-2021Get Complete TOC With Tables and Figures @PART 07: FIVE FORCES ANALYSISPART 08: MARKET SEGMENTATION BY WATER DEPTHSegmentation by water depthComparison by water depthShallow water Market size and forecast 2016-2021Deepwater Market size and forecast 2016-2021Ultra-deepwater Market size and forecast 2016-2021Market opportunity by water depthPART 09: REGIONAL LANDSCAPEGeographical segmentationRegional comparisonEMEA Market size and forecast 2016-2021Continue...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 @ Canada Automotive Parts Die-Casting Market Report 2017, Trends, Analysis, Share, Estimates and Forecasts to 2022. http://www.strategymrc.com/report/canada-automotive-parts-die-casting-market-outlook http://www.strategymrc.com/report/canada-automotive-parts-die-casting-market-outlook The Canada Automotive Parts Die-Casting report provides an in-depth analysis of the various market segments and its sub-segments.Products Covered: Pressure die-casting Vacuum die-casting Squeeze die-casting Semi-solid die-castingRaw Material Types Covered: Aluminium Zinc Magnesium OthersApplication Types Covered: Body assemblies Engine Parts Transmission parts OthersThe report focuses on current and upcoming market trends such as Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, and Challenges, technological advancements, Porters Five Forces analysis to assess the intensity of competition in the market. The market values are presented in the form of tables and graphs for better interpretation.For More, Please Visit:Market Size EstimationsThe market assessment is made by the core industry experts using our 360 research approach. The data is derived from the most reliable, authenticated data sources and is validated by the industry experts (Primary Research). Both top down and bottom up analysis are implemented to enhance the accuracy of the market figures. The market projections are calculated for the next 8 years using the actual market numbers of previous year as the base value.Company ProfilingThis section provides the overview of the key players that are leading in the industry, covering their business operations, financials, list of products & services, SWOT analysis, major developments such as mergers & acquisitions, agreements, partnerships, joint ventures, new product launch, expansions etc.Report Highlights:- Market share assessments for all the mentioned market segments and sub-segments- Market share analysis of the top industry players- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants- Market forecasts for a minimum of 8 years for all the given segments- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations- Competitive landscaping, mapping the key common trends- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancementsFor More, Please Visit:We offer wide spectrum of research and consulting services with in-depth knowledge of different industries. We are known for customized research services, consulting services and Full Time Equivalent (FTE) services in the research world. We explore the market trends and draw our insights with valid assessments and analytical views. We use advanced techniques and tools among the quantitative and qualitative methodologies to identify the market trends. Our research reports and publications are routed to help our clients to design their business models and enhance their business growth in the competitive market scenario. We have a strong team with hand-picked consultants including project managers, implementers, industry experts, researchers, research evaluators and analysts with years of experience in delivering the complex projects.STRATISTICS MRC17049 King James Way, Gaithersburg,MD, 20877, USA Alumina Trihydrate Market worth 1.99 Billion USD by 2023 https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/alumina-trihydrate-market-80048766.html The report "Alumina Trihydrate Market by Application (Flame Retardant, Filler, Antacid), End-Use Industry (Plastics, Building & Construction, Paints & Coatings, Pharmaceuticals, Glass, Rubber), and Region (APAC, North America, Europe, MEA) - Global Forecast to 2023", The global alumina trihydrate (ATH) market is projected to grow from USD 1.51 Billion in 2018 to USD 1.99 Billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2018 to 2023.Browse 111 market data Tables and 46 Figures spread through 135 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Alumina Trihydrate Market by Application (Flame Retardant, Filler, Antacid), End-Use Industry (Plastics, Building & Construction, Paints & Coatings, Pharmaceuticals, Glass, Rubber), and Region (APAC, North America, Europe, MEA) - Global Forecast to 2023"Early buyers will receive 10% customization on reports.The growth of the alumina trihydrate market is driven by the rising demand for alumina trihydrate as a flame retardant or filler from the plastics, building & construction, and other end-use industries and increasing regulations related to fire safety.The flame retardant application segment is estimated to account for the largest share of the alumina trihydrate market in 2018.Based on application, the flame retardant segment is estimated to account for the largest share of the alumina trihydrate market in 2018. The growth of this segment can be attributed to the increasing regulations of flame retardant across the world in plastics, building & construction, and other industries.The plastics segment is estimated to be the fastest-growing end-use industry segment of the alumina trihydrate market during the forecast period.Based on end-use industry, the plastics segment is expected to grow at the highest rate due to the growing demand from emerging economies of the Asia Pacific and Europe. Alumina trihydrate is very effective in flame retardant and filler applications. Alumina trihydrate is used in thermosets and plastics applications.Asia Pacific is expected to lead the alumina trihydrate market during the forecast period.China is the largest market for alumina trihydrate in the Asia Pacific region, in 2018. The growth of the plastics and building & construction industries is expected to be the key growth factor for the alumina trihydrate market in the Asia Pacific region. The growing consumption of flame retardant in China is also leading to the growth of the alumina trihydrate market in the country. The increased demand for cost-effective flame retardant and filler is another factor fueling the consumption of alumina trihydrate in China. China is the largest consumer of alumina trihydrate in the Asia Pacific region.Key players in the alumina trihydrate market include Albemarle Corporation (US), Nabaltec AG (Germany), Huber Engineered Materials (US), and LKAB Minerals AB (Sweden), among others.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.Mr. RohanMarketsandMarkets INC.630 Dundee RoadSuite 430Northbrook, IL 60062USA : 1-888-600-6441sales@marketsandmarkets.com Latvian Insurance Industry Trends and Drivers Analysis 2016 To 2020 http://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/680490-governance-risk-and-compliance-the-latvian-insurance-industry https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/680490-governance-risk-and-compliance-the-latvian-insurance-industry SynopsisThe report brings together research, modeling and analysis expertise, giving insurers access to information on prevailing insurance regulations, and recent and upcoming changes in the regulatory framework, taxation and legal system in the country. The report also includes the scope of non-admitted insurance in the country.Click here for sample report @Report HighlightsThe Latvian insurance industry is regulated by the Financial and Capital Market Commission.The new Solvency II standard became effective from January 1, 2016.Non-admitted insurance is not allowed in the country. However, unlicensed insurers in EU and EEA member states are permitted to do non admitted business.Insurance premium tax (IPT) is not levied on insurance products.Major Scope of the report:The report covers details of the insurance regulatory framework in Latvia.The report contains details of the rules and regulations governing insurance products and insurance entities.The report lists and analyzes key trends and developments pertaining to the countrys insurance regulatory framework.The report analyzes the rules and regulations pertaining to the establishment and operation of insurance businesses in the country.The report provides details of taxation imposed on insurance products and insurance companies.Table of Contents1 Introduction1.1 What is this Report About?1.2 Definitions2 Governance, Risk and Compliance2.1 Legislation Overview and Historical Evolution2.2 Latest Changes in Regulations2.3 Regulations and market practice by Type of Insurance2.3.1 Life insurance2.3.2 Property insurance2.3.3 Motor insurance2.3.4 Liability Insurance2.3.5 Marine, aviation and transit insurance2.3.6 Personal accident and health insurance2.4 Compulsory Insurance2.4.1 Motor third-party liability insurance2.4.2 Air carriers and aircraft operators insurance2.4.3 Professional indemnity insurance for alternative investment fund managers2.4.4 Liability for ships with respect to oil pollution2.4.5 Third party liability insurance for bailiffs2.4.6 Clinical trial liability2.4.7 Professional liability insurance for insurance intermediaries.ContinuedFor Detailed Reading Please visit @Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your particular needs.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India PSD2 and Open Banking Biometric Authentication: Market Emerging Technology, Industry analysis by leading Key Players with its application and types 2018-2025 Qy Research Groups https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/request-sample/905478 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/send-an-enquiry/905478 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/check-discount/905478 PSD2 and Open Banking Biometric Authentication Market Analysis to 2025 is a specialized and in-depth study of the PSD2 and Open Banking Biometric Authentication industry with a focus on the global market trend. The report aims to provide an overview of global PSD2 and Open Banking Biometric Authentication market with detailed market segmentation by product/application and geography. The global PSD2 and Open Banking Biometric Authentication market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the PSD2 and Open Banking Biometric Authentication players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market.PSD2 and Open Banking Biometric Authentication Market Players:3M CogentNok Nok LabsAppleGemaltoIritech,Inc.The FIDO AllianceVoiceVaultDiamond Fortress TechnologiesBehavioSecAgnitioFulcrum BiometricsRequest a Sample Report atMarket segment by Application, PSD2 and Open Banking Biometric Authentication can be split intoBankOtherMajor regions are as follows:United StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaThe report provides a detailed overview of the industry including both qualitative and quantitative information. It provides overview and forecast of the global PSD2 and Open Banking Biometric Authentication market based on product and application. It also provides market size and forecast till 2025 for overall PSD2 and Open Banking Biometric Authentication market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South America (SAM), which is later sub-segmented by respective countries and segments. The report evaluates market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend and provides exhaustive PEST analysis for all five regions.Inquire before Buying atAlso, key PSD2 and Open Banking Biometric Authentication market players influencing the market are profiled in the study along with their SWOT analysis and market strategies. The report also focuses on leading industry players with information such as company profiles, products and services offered, financial information of last 3 years, key development in past five years.Reason to Buy- Highlights key business priorities in order to assist companies to realign their business strategies.- The key findings and recommendations highlight crucial progressive industry trends in the PSD2 and Open Banking Biometric Authentication market, thereby allowing players to develop effective long term strategies.- Develop/modify business expansion plans by using substantial growth offering developed and emerging markets.- Scrutinize in-depth global market trends and outlook coupled with the factors driving the market, as well as those hindering it.- Enhance the decision-making process by understanding the strategies that underpin commercial interest with respect to products, segmentation and industry verticals.Inquire for Discount atContact Us:Call: +1-888-236-2744Email: sales@qyresearchgroups.comAbout Us:QY Research Groups is a company that simplifies how analysts and decision makers get industry data for their business. Our unique colossal technology has been developed to offer refined search capabilities designed to exploit the long tail of free market research whilst eliminating irrelevant results. QY Research Groups is the collection of market intelligence products and services on the Web. We offer reports and update our collection daily to provide you with instant online access to the world's most complete and current database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends.Room B1510, Shiji Kemao Building,No.66 Zhongguancun East Road,Haidian District, Beijing,100190, China. Drilling Waste Management Services Market Variables, Information, Scope Emerging Trends, Analysis and Forecasts 2023 Drilling Waste Management Services Market http://orbisresearch.com/contacts/request-sample/2095246 http://orbisresearch.com/reports/index/global-drilling-waste-management-services-market-analysis-of-growth-trends-and-forecasts-2018-2023 http://orbisresearch.com/contact/purchase/2095246 Drilling requires circulation of drilling mud, which acts as a lubricant as well as means of removing downhole cutting generated while drilling. During the circulation, this mud gets contaminated. Once circulated, the drilling fluid is either disposed or recycled for recirculation. In either case, processing and drilling waste management services are required to minimize the environmental impact of the used drilling fluid. According to estimates of the American Petroleum Institute, about 1.2 barrels of drilling waste is generated for every foot drilled. Waste management includes solid control operations and waste management of unrecoverable or unwanted drilling fluid used during drilling. Increasing government regulations and growing offshore & onshore drilling activity, are expected to drive the drilling waste management services market during the forecast period.Request sample copy of Drilling Waste Management Services Market at:Growing Offshore Drilling Activity to Drive the MarketSince the oil price crisis in mid-2014, offshore activity has declined significantly. However, during 2016-17, owing to stability in oil price, offshore drilling activity has also stabilized. During 2014-17, the break-even oil prices for offshore production have declined significantly. For example, some of the North Sea fields oil production now breaks even at as low as USD 25 per barrel. During the forecast period, the offshore oil production cost is expected to further reduce owing to technological development and focus on efficient operations. The oil prices are also expected to witness substantial increase during next five years. Hence, increasing oil prices and lower offshore production break-even costs are expected to drive the offshore drilling activity. During offshore drilling, drilling fluid requirements are very specific. To meet these requirements, the drilling fluid comprises of many different chemicals, which can be hazardous to the environment if released untreated. Government regulations in offshore drilling activity are more stringent compared to onshore activity. To meet these regulations, operators have to employ complicated and expensive drilling waste management processes. Hence, growing drilling activity, particularly offshore drilling activity, is expected to drive the drilling waste management services market during the forecast period.Read details of the report at:North America to Lead the MarketDrilling activity, onshore and offshore, is expected to grow substantially in North America during the forecast period, owing to the growth of the upstream sector in the United States. The production in the Permian Basin of Texas and Gulf of Mexico has registered a CAGR of about 13.5% during the 2014-17 period. The US government has also announced that it plans to open almost all the US waters for exploration & production activity. Canada, with stability in oil prices, is expected to experience increasing investments in the oil & gas industry, allowing private players to explore some of its most prominent oil sand reserves. The growing production from existing fields and government policy to encourage upstream activity in the United States and expected growth of upstream industry in Canada are expected to drive the drilling activity, in turn, driving the drilling waste management services market in the region.Growing Drilling Activity in India to Drive the MarketDuring mid-2014-2016, the onshore drilling activity in India remained relatively stable despite the oil price crisis. The offshore activity during the same period witnessed a decline. During 2016-17, the oil prices remained stable, in turn, driving the onshore and offshore drilling activity in the country. Increasing oil prices are expected to drive the drilling activity in the country during the forecast period, in turn, driving the drilling waste management services market.Notable Developments in the MarketJanuary 2018: US Interior Department announced that it will allow drilling in nearly all US waters. This is the single largest expansion of offshore oil & gas leasing by the federal government in the history of the United States.January 2018: Total S.A. awarded a three year contract TWMA for providing drilling waste management services in the United Kingdom continental shelf region.MAJOR PLAYERS: AUGEAN PLC, BAKER HUGHES A GE Co, GN SOLIDS CONTROL Co. Ltd, HALLIBURTON COMPANY, NATIONAL-OILWELL VARCO Inc., NUVERRA ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS ORD, SCHLUMBERGER LIMITED, amongst othersReasons to Purchase This ReportAnalyze global oil & gas supply-demand dynamics, oil and gas price forecast and their effect on the market.Analyzing various perspectives of the market with the help of Porters five forces analysis.Identify services expected to dominate the market.Identify regions that are expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period.Identify the latest developments, market shares and strategies employed by the major market players.3 months analyst support along with the Market Estimate sheet (in excel).Customization of the ReportThis report can be customized to meet your requirements. Please connect with our representative, who will ensure you to get a report that suits your needs.Companies Mentioned:Augean plc.,Baker Hughes A GE Co,GN Solids Control Co., Ltd,Halliburton Company,National-Oilwell Varco, Inc.,Nuverra Environmental Solutions ORD,Schlumberger Limited.,Scomi Group Berhad,TWMA Group Ltd.,Terra Oilfield Solutions, LLCEnquire more details of the report at:Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customized reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialization. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.Hector CostelloSenior Manager Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +9164101019 If you are a Parent and ready to invest your lifetime savings into your Childs startup, read on India has found new passion for startups, and appetite too. In last few years, statistics are showing that spirit of entrepreneurship in India continues to drive growth, and now it is the third largest startup economy in the world after the US and the UK. The Q1 2017 release of the Randstadt WorkMonitor report revealed that 86% of Indians consider India a good place to start a business of their own, a mind boggling 30% more than the global average. Not very long ago, Indias growing economy produced many millennials, who are now proud parents of qualified professionals. These millennials parents are very capable of funding their kids entrepreneur aspirations and ready to take plunge with their lifetime savings. Read more: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/you-parent-ready-invest-your-lifetime-savings-childs-startup-ajay-ray/ Did you evaluate the startups business plan as the Investor or Parent? If your answer is as Parent, then you need to read this! Ray Business Technologies Plot No. 204, Block B, Kavuri Hills,Next to IGNOU, Madhapur, Hyderabad 500 033 This release was published on openPR. Permanent link to this press release: Copy Please set a link in the press area of your homepage to this press release on openPR. openPR disclaims liability for any content contained in this release. Key Insights of Vetiver Oil Market Covering Prime Factors and Competitive Outlook till 2022 https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=114 https://www.factmr.com/report/114/vetiver-oil-market https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=D&rep_id=114 https://www.factmr.com/ As per the current market trends and the promising nature of the global vetiver oil market, it can be estimated that the future holds positive outcomes. In order to provide a deep insight about the concerned market, Fact.MR would be publishing a resourceful analysis that will enclose knowledge about the regional market size, revenue and opportunity status. Readers will be offered the privilege to decode various facets of the market during the period 2017 to 2022, together with the active access to secondary and primary research methodology. Furthermore, various segments of the market associated to product, application, end-user etc., would also be present in this intelligent research report.Request for Free Sample Report-Vetiver oil is obtained from the vetiver plant and is also referred to as khus. It emits a heavy fragrance, more likely an earthy one and has several advantages. It belongs to the poaceae family and is a perennial plant. Typically it is cultivated in all tropical regions on a wide scale.The global vetiver oil market is expected to reflect a CAGR of 4.0% during the period of forecast, 2017-2022. The growth of the vetiver oil market is impacted by many factors. To name a few, the rising pharmaceutical industry, food and beverage industry, cosmetic industry, perfume industry, growing awareness of the benefits of using vetiver oil, higher disposable income of people who can afford to use spend on cosmetics and on organic or natural medications and so on. The Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region shows average growth considering the global vetiver oil market. However, Europe seems to be the most lucrative region among other regions.The global vetiver oil market is segmented into source type, form type, application and distribution channel. The research report by Fact.MR on global vetiver oil focuses on these segments and their sub segments and their growth and adoption in different regions of North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Middle and Africa (MEA) and Japan.Consumption of Vetiver Oil to Rise in Consumer Market, Especially in EuropeEurope remains the benchmark of consumption of vetiver oil owing to the growth of pharmaceutical industry and perfume industry in this region. Moreover, higher disposable income and luxury lifestyle in the developed regions in Europe contribute to the higher adoption of cosmetic products and medical products in which vetiver oil is used. The end use industry grows strong in Europe thereby increasing the use of vetiver oil in different applications. The European region seems to be lucrative considering all the segments and sub segments in the global vetiver oil market. Even though the adoption rate of vetiver oil in APEJ region is growing at good pace, Europe stays the most dominating region throughout the forecasted period.Vetiver Oil Source Type, Organic to Show Higher Growth RateThe organic sub segment of the source type in vetiver oil market shows a higher growth rate throughout the forecasted period and gains high Base Point Share (BPS) value during the period of forecast whereas the natural sub segment loses Base Point Share during this period. However, the absolute dollar opportunity of natural sub segment is comparatively higher than the organic sub segment, and so is the overall revenue market share. Europe is the most lucrative region for the vetiver oil by form type and is expected to grow at a higher pace till 2022.The growth of vetiver oil market is influenced by several factors. Mainly the benefits of vetiver oil have increased the diameter of the awareness of the product and is becoming famous globally. Vetiver oil is highly found in end use applications such as perfumes, toiletries, cosmetics, and many more. Moreover, they have their use in the pharmaceutical industry wherein they are used in production of several medicines to cure skin diseases, treat insomnia, sleep disorders etc. The growth in adoption of vetiver oil has been on the rise owing to these end user sectors and their significant growth in the recent years. According to expert opinions and market observers, this growth will further increase in the forecasted period. The supply and demand side sectors also affect the growth of the vetiver oil. Tropical regions show higher cultivation of the vetiver plant and higher production of vetiver oil.Browse Full Report with TOC-Online Sub Segment Out Paces all Other Distribution Channel Sub SegmentsModern trade, franchise outlets and specialty stores are outpaced by the online sub segment in the distribution channel segment of the global vetiver oil market. The online segment, however, has comparatively lower absolute dollar opportunity as compared to other sub segments. The modern trade sub segment reflects a moderate CAGR, close to yet lower than the online sub segment, but shows a relatively higher absolute dollar opportunity and a higher revenue share among the other sub segments. The online distribution channel is upcoming and in the coming years it is more likely to get a grip in the global vetiver oil market.Competition TrackingThe report has projected that companies such as Citrus and Allied Essences Ltd., Bontoux S.A.S, Mountain Rose Herbs, Inc., Aromaaz International, Biolandes, Greenleaf Extractions Private Limited, Plant Therapy Essential Oils, Synthite Industries Ltd, Young Living Essential Oils LC, Green Fields Oil Factory, and IL Health and Beauty Natural Oils Co., Inc will remain active in global expansion of vetiver oil market through 2022.Table of ContentGlobal Vetiver Oil Market - Executive SummaryGlobal Vetiver Oil Market Overview2.1. Introduction2.1.1. Global Vetiver Oil Market Taxonomy2.1.2. Global Vetiver Oil Market Definition2.2. Global Vetiver Oil Market Size (US$ Mn) and Forecast, 2012-20222.2.1. Global Vetiver Oil Market Y-o-Y Growth2.3. Global Vetiver Oil Market Dynamics2.3.1. Drivers2.3.2. Restraints2.3.3. Trends2.4. Supply Chain2.5. Cost Structure2.6. Pricing Analysis2.7. Raw Material Sourcing Strategy and Analysis2.8. List of Distributors2.9. Key Participants Market Presence (Intensity Map) By RegionGlobal Vetiver Oil Market Analysis and Forecast By Source Type3.1. Global Vetiver Oil Market Size and Forecast By Source Type, 2012-20223.1.1. Natural Vetiver Oil Market Size and Forecast, 2012-20223.1.1.1. Revenue (US$ Mn) Comparison, By Region3.1.1.2. Market Share Comparison, By Region3.1.1.3. Y-o-Y growth Comparison, By Region3.1.2. Organic Vetiver Oil Market Size and Forecast, 2012-2022Read More>>>Request Discount of this Report-About Fact.MRFact.MR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized market research reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; thats why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFact.MRSuite 988427 Upper Pembroke Street,Dublin 2, IrelandTelephone: +353-1-6111-593Email: sales@factmr.com/Web: mHealth Market is Expected to Surpass US$118.4 bn by 2025 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/mhealth-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=36707 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=D&rep_id=36707 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The global mHealth market has been prognosticated by Transparency Market Research (TMR) to include some of the most powerful names in the industry that boast of their extended regional outreach and business in various product type segments. In a report by TMR, the analysts have profiled key players, viz. Jawbone, Withings, FitBit, Inc., Apple Inc., and Dexcom, Inc. Some of the primary growth strategies that have been expected to be adopted by players are industry collaborations and new product launches. Currently, product launches have been highly focused upon blood glucose and basic cardiology monitors. However, the launch of trendy wearable devices such as smartwatches could significantly add to market growth.TMR has prophesied the global mHealth market to earn an estimated US$118.4 bn by the end of 2025 at a CAGR of 22.1% during the forecast timeframe 2017-2025. In 2017, the market had been worth a US$23.9 bn. By product, connected medical devices had secured a dominant share in 2016. By region, North America stood at a leading position while being worth a US$45.9 bn by the final forecast year.Obtain Report Details @Shift toward Patient Centered-based Industry Models Raises DemandThe wide range of mHealth applications has been anticipated to bring in scores of lucrative business prospects in the world market. From chronic disease management to complex population health analysis, mHealth could be highly demanded across several applications in the modern times. In a healthcare setting, mHealth could play a vital role as healthcare payers and providers turn their focus to patient outcome and patient centered-based industry models. The growth of the world mHealth market has been predicted to see a rise because of new and budding application areas of mHealth solutions, increase in the occurrence of chronic diseases, and the swelling adoption of high-speed networks and smartphones.As per the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes had been the direct cause of death in case of a nearly 1.6 bn people in 2015. Furthermore, the aggressive growth of mobile web technology and aging population could stimulate additional growth in the world mHealth market.Request for Sample Copy of Report @Limited Reimbursement Coverage Threatens Uptake of New ModelsAs pointed out by seasoned market researchers, the international mHealth market could be restricted due to the rise of certain factors. Some of them have been envisaged to be uncertainty in government regulations, insufficient technological knowledge amongst older population groups, narrowed reimbursement coverage, and nascent-stage technologies in underdeveloped countries.However, in developed regions such as North America, the demand for mHealth has been envisioned to improve on the back of rising mergers and acquisitions and government funding, growing incidences of cardiovascular diseases, and mounting demand for technologically sophisticated products. Developing regions such as Asia Pacific could showcase a faster growth in the market owing to the increasing prevalence of cancer and other diseases, rising healthcare expenditure, and high awareness about technologically advanced products.Enquiry for discount on this report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact UsTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Kenyan Insurance Industry 2016 Share, Trend, Segmentation and Forecast to 2021 http://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/680492-governance-risk-and-compliance-the-kenyan-insurance-industry https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/680492-governance-risk-and-compliance-the-kenyan-insurance-industry Synopsis'Governance, Risk and Compliance The Kenyan Insurance Industry' report is the result of extensive research into the insurance regulatory framework in Kenya.It provides detailed analysis of the insurance regulations for life, property, motor, liability, personal accident and health, and marine, aviation and transit insurance. The report specifies various requirements for the establishment and operation of insurance and reinsurance companies and intermediaries.The report brings together research, modeling and analysis expertise, giving insurers access to information on prevailing insurance regulations, and recent and upcoming changes in the regulatory framework, taxation and legal system in the country. The report also includes the scope of non-admitted insurance in the country.Click here for sample report @SummaryThe report provides insights into the governance, risk and compliance framework pertaining to the insurance industry in Kenya, including:An overview of the insurance regulatory framework in Kenya.The latest key changes, and changes expected in the countrys insurance regulatory framework.Key regulations and market practices related to different types of insurance product in the country.Rules and regulations pertaining to key classes of compulsory insurance, and the scope of non-admitted insurance in Kenya.Key parameters including licensing requirements, permitted foreign direct investment, minimum capital requirements, solvency and reserve requirements, and investment regulations.Details of the tax and legal systems in the country.Scope The report covers details of the insurance regulatory framework in Kenya.The report contains details of the rules and regulations governing insurance products and insurance entities.The report lists and analyzes key trends and developments pertaining to the countrys insurance regulatory framework.The report analyzes the rules and regulations pertaining to the establishment and operation of insurance businesses in the country.The report provides details of taxation imposed on insurance products and insurance companies.Reasons To Buy Gain insights into the insurance regulatory framework in Kenya.Track the latest regulatory changes, and expected changes impacting the Kenyan insurance industry.Gain detailed information about the key regulations governing the establishment and operation of insurance entities in the country.Understand key regulations and market practices pertaining to various types of insurance product.Key Highlights The Kenyan insurance industry is regulated by the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA).Motor third-party liability insurance and workmens compensation are the key classes of compulsory insurance in Kenya.Composite insurance is permitted in Kenya.Up to 66.7% FDI is permitted in the Kenyan insurance industry. However, 100% FDI is permitted for EAC partner states.Placement of non-admitted insurance contracts is not permitted in Kenya with some exceptions.Table of Contents1 Introduction1.1 What is this Report About?1.2 Definitions2 Governance, Risk and Compliance2.1 Legislation Overview and Historical Evolution2.2 Latest Changes in Regulations2.3 Legislation and Market Practice by Type of Insurance2.3.1 Life insurance2.3.2 Property insurance2.3.3 Motor insurance2.3.4 Liability Insurance2.3.5 Marine, aviation and transit insurance2.3.6 Personal accident and health insurance2.4 Compulsory Insurance2.4.1 Motor third-party liability insurance2.4.2 Workmens compensation insurance2.4.3 Professional indemnity insurance for brokers and agents2.5 Supervision and Control2.5.1 International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS)2.5.2 African Insurance Organization (AIO)2.5.3 Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA)2.5.4 Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI).ContinuedFor Detailed Reading Please visit @Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your particular needs.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Global Kiosk Market Insights Covering Market Dynamics and Competitive Scenario through 2024 MRRSE https://www.mrrse.com/sample/1983 https://www.mrrse.com/sodium-sulfite-market https://www.mrrse.com/enquiry/1983 https://www.mrrse.com/ https://www.industrynewsanalysis.com/ Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) has been serving as an active source to cater intelligent research report to enlighten both readers and investors. This research study titled Kiosk MarketAsk for Sample Report @Declining costs of hardware and introduction of highly sophisticated technology at a sustained pace are making kiosks a medium of enhanced profitability and increasingly a means of improving the customer experience for a number of industries. While kiosks have existed in the global market for many decades, their sales have taken off only in the past few years.Global kiosks market held an opportunity of US$12.2 bn in 2015. The market is expected to expand at a 10.9% CAGR over the period between 2016 and 2024 and rise to a valuation of US$30.8 bn by 2024.In terms of products, the segment of vending kiosks dominated the global kiosk market, accounting for over 45% of the global market in 2015. Vending kiosks dominate owing to the fact that the choice of what they can be used to offer to the consumer is rising at a substantial pace in the global market. The segment is expected to exhibit a healthy 11.5% CAGR over the period between 2016 and 2024. However, the segment of charging kiosks is expected to expand at the fastest pace across all chief product types in the kiosks market over the said period. The segment is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 13.5% from 2016 to 2024. Demand will be primarily driven by the rising consumer base of electrical vehicles and mobile computing devices across the globe.The retail sector was the largest segment by end-use in the global kiosk market accounting for 54.5% in 2015. Most of the retail outlets are offering self-checkout kiosks to customers for faster processing of the purchases. Not only is the factor of faster services stimulating the adoption of kiosks in the retail sector but the fact that kiosks help save space in the physical world. As many as six self-checkout kiosks can fit in the space required to set up a single traditional checkout system. This factor can act as a huge determinant of the overall success of a retail outlet with limited operational space.Complete Report details with List of Tables and Figures @From a geographical standpoint, North America dominated the global kiosk market in 2015. The region accounted for a share of nearly 42% in the global market in 2015 and is expected to remain a key contributor to the overall revenues of the global kiosk market in the next few years. Europe accounted for the second-largest share of 22% in the global kiosks market in 2015. From 2016 to 2024, the mature kiosk markets in these regions will witness moderate growth. The North America market will expand at a 10% CAGR and the Europe market will expand at a 7.2% CAGR over the said period.In the years to come, the global kiosks market is expected to witness the most promising growth in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Latin America regional markets. The banking and finance and aviation industries in these regions will drive the increased need for a variety of kiosks in the next few years. The kiosks market in the MEA region will expand at an enormous CAGR of 17.30% over the period between 2016 and 2024. Asia Pacific kiosks market will also exhibit modest growth over the period, at a 6.4% CAGR, much of which will be driven by the retail industry.The competitive landscape of the global kiosk market features high competition and the presence of a large number of companies. Investments aimed at the development of products with innovative and technologically advanced features are rising in the market and many new vendors are making inroads at a rapid pace. Some of the key companies operating in the market presently are International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) Corp., KIOSK Information Systems Inc., Wincor Nixdorf Ag, Slabbkiosks, NCR Corp., and Meridian Kiosks LLC.Send an Inquiry @About MRRSEMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:Read More Industry News At: Revenues from Global Automotive Wiring Harness Market will Surpass US$ 91.53 Bn by 2025-End https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-37 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-37 www.futuremarketinsights.com Future Market Insights (FMI) recently announced the release of its report titled Automotive Wiring Harness Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2015-2025. According to the report, the global automotive wiring harness market was valued at US$ 36.82 Bn in 2014 and is anticipated to reach US$ 91.53 Bn by 2025, expanding at a CAGR of 8.7% throughout the forecast period.Automotive Wiring Harness Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe global automobile industry registered an annual growth rate of over 5.5% from 2010 to 2015, and is estimated to be valued at US$ 5.1 trillion by end of 2015. Consistent growth in the parent industry is expected to fuel demand for automotive wiring harness in the near future.Currently, increasing fuel costs and stringent government regulations regarding CO2 emissions are boosting demand for electric vehicles in regions such as North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Asia Pacific.Governments across various geographies have mandated use of certain electronic safety features such as Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and other features in both passenger and commercial vehicles. Furthermore, rise in demand for high-end electronics and safety features in vehicles, particularly passenger cars, along with cost reduction and enhanced reliability is leading to increase in global demand for automotive wiring harnesses.Request Report Sample@Automotive Wiring Harness Market TrendsUse of automotive Ethernet by automotive OEMs represents a new trend in the external as well as internal electronics devices connectivity in an automobile. These automotive Ethernets minimise the use of complex wiring harness structures to a great extent and, thereby, may act as a restraint for growth of the global automotive wiring harness market in the coming years.Rise in technological developments is expected to create favourable growth opportunities in the market in the near future. Growing demand for connectivity and car digitisation, which not only helps establish connectivity within the integral parts of a vehicle but also enables communication with other vehicles through improved and intelligent roadway infrastructure, is an emerging trend in the market.Automotive Wiring Harness Market SegmentationRegion-wise, APEJ (Asia Pacific Excluding Japan) dominated the global automotive wiring harness market in 2014, accounting for 38.3% value share of the overall market. Furthermore, APEJ is foreseen to expand at a relatively high CAGR of 10.4% during the forecast period and is expected to maintain its revenue share dominance till 2025 end. Rise in automotive production and sustained economic growth are some of the factors driving the APEJ automotive wiring harness market currently.North America and Western Europe are expected to register high Y-o-Y growth during the forecast period, owing to increasing demand for e-vehicles and e-bikes in these regions. Growth of the connected car market has resulted in rise in demand for multiple electronic devices in vehicles in North America and Western Europe.Request Report Methodology@Japan is currently witnessing moderate growth in demand for e-bikes, and the trend is expected to continue during the forecast period as well. The Japan automotive wiring harness market is expected to register a sluggish CAGR of 4.0% during the forecast period, due to the matured automotive industry in the country.On the basis of vehicle type, the passenger vehicles segment dominated the global automotive wiring harness market in 2014 in terms of revenue, and is foreseen to expand at a CAGR of 8.6% during the forecast period. In terms of revenue, the hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles segments are expected to register significant CAGR between 2015 and 2025, in view of the stringent government regulations and growing fuel prices globally.On the basis of application type, the chassis & safety segment dominated the global automotive wiring harness market in 2014 in terms of revenue, accounting for 40.8% share of the overall market. This segment is expected to lose its market share to the HVAC segment, which is projected to expand at a significant CAGR of 10.1% during the forecast period. Furthermore, HVAC manufacturers are designing new eco-friendly devices in order to follow the environment standards along with introducing new innovating designs.Automotive Wiring Harness Market: Key CompaniesKey market players covered in the report include YAZAKI Corporation, Aisin Seiki Co., Samvardhana Motherson Group (SMG), Delphi Automotive PLC, Fujikura Ltd., Sumitomo electric Industries, Ltd., Lear Corporation, LEONI AG, Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. and PKC Group PLC.Most players in the market are engaged in various activities, such as mergers and acquisitions, increasing investments in technological and product developments, geographical expansion and brand building via strong marketing strategies, in order to sustain their position in the competitive market.About Us Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Assisted Reproductive Technology Market to Reach US$37,789.6 mn by 2025 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/assisted-reproductive-technology-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=29234 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=D&rep_id=29234 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Key players in the moderately fragmented global assisted reproductive technology market include Merck, CooperSurgical, Inc., Irvine Scientific, Vitrolife AB, Hamilton Thorne, Inc., Nidacon International AB, Laboratoire CCD, Planer PLC, Esco Micro Pte. Ltd. (Esco Group), and Nikon Corporation. Merck holds a dominant share in the global assisted reproductive technology market due to its widespread portfolio and steady presence in various regional markets.According to Transparency Market Research, the global assisted reproductive technology market is expected to be worth US$37,789.6 mn by the end of 2025 from US$22,100.0 mn in 2016. Between the forecast years of 2017 and 2025, the global market is expected to rise at a CAGR of 6.3%. The fresh non donor segment accounted for a leading share in the global assisted reproductive technology market in 2016 and is likely to remain similarly dominant in the coming years. Geographically, Asia Pacific is the leading contributor to the global assisted reproductive technology market and is likely to retain a leading share in the global market in the coming years.Obtain Report Details @In Vitro fertilization to Dominate due to Growing Efficacy of Modern ProceduresBy technology, the global assisted reproductive technology market is divided into artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, surrogacy, and others. In vitro fertilization is by far the dominant contributor to the global assisted reproductive technology market at present and is likely to retain the position in the coming years due to the growing awareness about the efficacy of in vitro fertilization and the increasing awareness among citizens about the same. The in vitro fertilization segment accounted for a majority share of more than 62% in the global assisted reproductive technology market in 2016 and is likely to extend its dominance further by the end of the 2017-2025 forecast period.Surrogacy is also likely to receive increasing demand in the coming years, due in part to the growing demand for assisted reproductive technology from same-sex couples. While many parents now prefer the benefit of having their own genetic imprint in their baby through in vitro fertilization, surrogacy is likely to receive sustained demand in the coming years. This is borne out by the figures of the global assisted reproductive technology market by procedure, wherein fresh non donor contributions were the preferred choice for most consumers.Request for Sample Copy of Report @Gradual Lifting of Social Taboos in Asia Pacific Opens Lucrative MarketDeveloping economies in Asia Pacific are likely to be vital to the global assisted reproductive technology market in the coming years. While the predominant social values in these regions tended to dissuade constructive growth of the assisted reproductive technology market, the gradual relaxation in social norms in these regions has resulted in a promising environment for the market. The growing prevalence of reproductive problems in Asia Pacific countries such as India and China is thus crucial to the global assisted reproductive technology market.The growing investment in the healthcare sector in developing countries is also likely to provide a major boost to the global assisted reproductive technology market in the coming years. This will help increase the frequency of fertility clinics in underdeveloped regions, where sophisticated medical facilities may still be absent.The steady development of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a key driver for the global assisted reproductive technology market. PGD helps physicians diagnose genetic disorders likely to manifest in the baby before it is implanted, making the technology vital for parents looking to avoid complicated births and lifestyles. The rapid development of the scientific database regarding genetic diseases is further likely to remain a key boost for the global assisted reproductive technology market.Enquiry for discount on this report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact UsTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Lubricants Packaging Market: Growing Demand, Analysis by Key Players: Scholle IPN, BAM, Berry Plastics, CDF Lubricants Packaging Market: Growing Demand, Analysis to 2023 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/1131071-global-lubricants-packaging-market-2 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/1131071-global-lubricants-packaging-market-2 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/1131071-global-lubricants-packaging-market-2 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=1131071 Latest research study from HTF MI with title Global Lubricants Packaging by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2023. The Research report presents a complete assessment of the market and contains Future trend, Current Growth Factors, attentive opinions, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry validated market data. The study is segmented by products type, application/end-users. The research study provides estimates for Global Lubricants Packaging Forecast till 2023.If you are involved in the Lubricants Packaging industry or intend to be, then this study will provide you comprehensive outlook. Its vital you keep your market knowledge up to date segmented by Applications Manufacturing Industry & Chemical Industry, Product Types such as [Automotive lubricants packaging, Industrial lubricants packaging & Grease packaging] and some major players in the industry. If you have a different set of players/manufacturers according to geography or needs regional or country segmented reports we can provide customization according to your requirement.Request Sample of Global Lubricants Packaging Market Size, Status and Forecast 2025 @:This report studies the global Lubricants Packaging market size, industry status and forecast, competition landscape and growth opportunity. This research report categorizes the global Lubricants Packaging market by companies, region, type and end-use industry.Key Companies/players: Amcor, Glenroy, Graham Packaging, Mold-Tek Packaging, Scholle IPN, BAM Packaging, Berry Plastics, CDF, KLW Plastics, Nipa Industry, Smurfit Kappa & Sonoco Products.Application: Manufacturing Industry & Chemical Industry, Product Type: Automotive lubricants packaging, Industrial lubricants packaging & Grease packaging.The research covers the current & Future market size of the Global Lubricants Packaging market and its growth rates based on 5 year history data. It also covers various types of segmentation such as by geography [United States, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia & India]. The market competition is constantly growing higher with the rise in technological innovation and M&A activities in the industry. Moreover, many local and regional vendors are offering specific application products for varied end-users. On the basis of attributes such as company overview, recent developments, strategies adopted by the market leaders to ensure growth, sustainability, financial overview and recent developments.Stay up-to-date with Lubricants Packaging market research offered by HTF MI. Check how key trends and emerging drivers are shaping this industry growth as the study avails you with market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional breakdowns, competitive landscape, shares, trend and strategies for this market. In the Global Lubricants Packaging Market Analysis & Forecast 2018-2023, the revenue is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2023, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2018 and 2023. The production is estimated at XX million in 2017 and is forecasted to reach XX million by the end of 2023, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2018 and 2023.Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @Key questions answered in this report - Global Lubricants Packaging Market Size, Status and Forecast 2025What will the market size be in 2023 and what will the growth rate beWhat are the key market trendsWhat is driving Global Lubricants Packaging Market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in Lubricants Packaging Market space?What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the Global Lubricants Packaging Market ?What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the Global Lubricants Packaging Market?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the Global Lubricants Packaging market? Get in-depth details about factors influencing the market shares of the Americas, APAC, and EMEA?Enquire for customization in Report @There are 15 Chapters to display the Global Lubricants Packaging market.Chapter 1, to describe Definition, Specifications and Classification of Global Lubricants Packaging, Applications of Lubricants Packaging, Market Segment by Regions;Chapter 2, to analyze the Manufacturing Cost Structure, Raw Material and Suppliers, Manufacturing Process, Industry Chain Structure;Chapter 3, to display the Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of , Capacity and Commercial Production Date, Manufacturing Plants Distribution, Export & Import, R&D Status and Technology Source, Raw Materials Sources Analysis;Chapter 4, to show the Overall Market Analysis, Capacity Analysis (Company Segment), Sales Analysis (Company Segment), Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment);Chapter 5 and 6, to show the Regional Market Analysis that includes United States, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia & India, Lubricants Packaging Segment Market Analysis (by Type);Chapter 7 and 8, to analyze the Lubricants Packaging Segment Market Analysis (by Application [Manufacturing Industry & Chemical Industry]) Major Manufacturers Analysis;Chapter 9, Market Trend Analysis, Regional Market Trend, Market Trend by Product Type [Automotive lubricants packaging, Industrial lubricants packaging & Grease packaging], Market Trend by Application [Manufacturing Industry & Chemical Industry];Chapter 10, Regional Marketing Type Analysis, International Trade Type Analysis, Supply Chain Analysis;Chapter 11, to analyze the Consumers Analysis of Global Lubricants Packaging by region, type and application ;Chapter 12, to describe Lubricants Packaging Research Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and data source;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Lubricants Packaging sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.Buy this research report @Reasons for Buying this ReportThis report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamicsIt provides a forward looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining market growthIt provides a 5-year forecast assessed on the basis of how the market is predicted to growIt helps in understanding the key product segments and their futureIt provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitorsIt helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of market segmentsThanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives.HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA 08837sales@htfmarketreport.com+1 (206) 317 1218 Connected Logistics: Market Global Industry Trends, Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities and Challenges with Featuring Cisco System, Eurotech, GT Nexus, Infosys, IBM, Oracle, SAP SE and More Qy Research Groups https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/request-sample/905482 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/send-an-enquiry/905482 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/check-discount/905482 Connected Logistics Market Analysis to 2025 is a specialized and in-depth study of the Connected Logistics industry with a focus on the global market trend. The report aims to provide an overview of global Connected Logistics market with detailed market segmentation by product/application and geography. The global Connected Logistics market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Connected Logistics players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market.Connected Logistics Market Players: Cisco System Eurotech GT Nexus Infosys IBM Oracle Corporation SAP SE Securerf Corporation Zebra Technologies AT&T Inc.Request a Sample Report atMarket segment by Type, the product can be split into Bluetooth Cellular Wi-Fi ZigBee NFC SatelliteMarket segment by Application, Connected Logistics can be split into Logistics Management System Warehouse Management System Security and MonitoringMajor regions are as follows: United States Europe China Japan Southeast Asia IndiaThe report provides a detailed overview of the industry including both qualitative and quantitative information. It provides overview and forecast of the global Connected Logistics market based on product and application. It also provides market size and forecast till 2025 for overall Connected Logistics market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South America (SAM), which is later sub-segmented by respective countries and segments. The report evaluates market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend and provides exhaustive PEST analysis for all five regions.Inquire before Buying atAlso, key Connected Logistics market players influencing the market are profiled in the study along with their SWOT analysis and market strategies. The report also focuses on leading industry players with information such as company profiles, products and services offered, financial information of last 3 years, key development in past five years.Reason to Buy- Highlights key business priorities in order to assist companies to realign their business strategies.- The key findings and recommendations highlight crucial progressive industry trends in the Connected Logistics market, thereby allowing players to develop effective long term strategies.- Develop/modify business expansion plans by using substantial growth offering developed and emerging markets.- Scrutinize in-depth global market trends and outlook coupled with the factors driving the market, as well as those hindering it.- Enhance the decision-making process by understanding the strategies that underpin commercial interest with respect to products, segmentation and industry verticals.Inquire for Discount atContact Us:Call: +1-888-236-2744Email: sales@qyresearchgroups.comAbout Us:QY Research Groups is a company that simplifies how analysts and decision makers get industry data for their business. Our unique colossal technology has been developed to offer refined search capabilities designed to exploit the long tail of free market research whilst eliminating irrelevant results. QY Research Groups is the collection of market intelligence products and services on the Web. We offer reports and update our collection daily to provide you with instant online access to the world's most complete and current database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends.Room B1510, Shiji Kemao Building,No.66 Zhongguancun East Road,Haidian District, Beijing,100190, China. Automotive Garage Equipment Market Expected to Witness a CAGR of 4.1% through 2017-2027 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1819 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-1819 www.futuremarketinsights.com The automotive garage equipment market is currently witnessing significant growth and is expected to grow across key regional markets in the coming years. Future Market Insights has captured the pulse of the global automotive garage equipment market in its new publication titled Automotive Garage Equipment Market: Global Industry Analysis (2012-2016) and Opportunity Assessment (2017-2027), which focusses on the global and regional market forecasts and also studies the influence of trends, developments, drivers and restraints on the growth of the global automotive garage equipment market. The research report also studies various opportunities for the players involved in the market across key regions. An in-depth market segmentation assists to estimate the volume and value projections of the global automotive garage equipment market over the period of 10 years from 2017 to 2027.Global Automotive Garage Equipment Market: Growth Influencing AspectsThe main drivers boosting the growth of the global automotive garage equipment market are increasing average vehicle age which is triggering the demand for replacement and maintenance of components used in automotive, stringent emission and other regulations spurring the growth of the diagnostic equipment in the aftermarket, rising awareness of consumers with respect to vehicle safety and repair of vehicles, increasing OEM dealerships, rising number of specialty tire shops, rising sales of vehicles globally, rising penetration of franchises and up gradation of existing independent repair shops, higher demand for garage equipment from independent garages, high replacement demand for new and advanced product solutions, increasing product innovations, increasing sales of second hand vehicles and increasing FDI coupled with growing automotive industry. However, the market is not dev0oid of restraints. Low uptake of vehicle maintenance services, rising sales of electric vehicles that require less replacement parts, growing trend of DIY equipment, lack of skilled workforce to handle advanced and complex garage equipment and rising replacement and maintenance costs have posed challenges to the growth of the global automotive garage equipment market.Request Report Sample@Global Automotive Garage Equipment Market: ForecastThe global automotive garage equipment market is projected to grow at a moderate 4.1% CAGR throughout the period of assessment, 2017-2027. The global market is estimated at a value of US$ 6.7 Bn in 2017 and is expected to reach a noteworthy estimation a little less than US$ 10 Bn by the end of the assessment year.Global Automotive Garage Equipment Market: Key Segmental AcumenThe global automotive garage equipment market is segmented by vehicle type, by equipment, by garage type and by region.By vehicle type, the light vehicle segment is expected to show higher market valuation by the end of 2027 dominating the market in the coming years. The two wheelers segment is projected to grow at faster pace to reflect a value CAGR of 4.3% throughout the forecast period and is the second largest segment in terms of value shareBy garage type, the independent garage segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR to reach US$ 4.7 Bn by the end of 2027. This segment is likely to lead the global market by garage type. The automotive OEM dealerships segment is projected to grow at the highest rate during the period of forecastBy region, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region is highly lucrative and expected to lead the global market in the coming years. Middle East and Africa (MEA) region also shows higher pace in the automotive garage equipment marketRequest Report Methodology@Global Automotive Garage Equipment Market: Competitive AnalysisThe global automotive garage equipment market research study includes analysis on key players such as Arex Test Systems B.V., Boston Garage Equipment Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH, Continental AG, Aro Equipments Pvt. Ltd., LKQ Coatings Ltd., Istobal S.A., Con Air Equipments Private Limited, Vehicle Service Group, Gray Manufacturing Company, Inc., Symach SRL, Standard Tools and Equipment Co., VisiCon Automatisierungstechnik GmbH, MAHA Mechanical Engineering Haldenwang GmbH & Co. KG, Snap-on Incorporated, Samvit Garage Equipment, Sarveshwari Technologies Limited (SARV), Oil Lube Systems Pvt Ltd., Guangzhou Jingjia Auto Equipment Co., Ltd., and Nussbaum Automotive Solutions Lp.About Us Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: New Biodynamic Wines from Moravia Now in US -- Ahtel Wines Becomes Exclusive Importer for Czech Wine Producer Krasna hora Krasna Hora Family Winery www.ahtelwines.com/krasnahora https://www.ahtelwines.com/krasnahora https://www.ahtelwines.com AMHERST, NH May 7, 2018 Ahtel Wines, a passionate importer of artisan, elusive wines from Central Europe, today announced that it is the exclusive US importer for Krasna hora, a Czech Republic winery following biodynamic methods, that produces artisan wines expressive of the terrior of Moravia which deliver a rich sense of place.We are thrilled to partner with Krasna hora and launch their wines to the US, stated Ahtel Wines Managing Director and Co-Founder, Amanda Wilson. Family run, their winery is steeped with tradition yet modern and forward thinking. Their wines fit perfectly with our mission of delivering artisan, unique wines to the US to surprise and delight wine drinkers. We look to represent winemakers who are connected to their history and region. We are excited for people to experience these new wines and find a new region to look for on wine lists.Moravia produces 96% of the wine from the Czech Republic and with the exception of those very familiar with various wine regions, most people have likely never heard of it. Yet they produce some of the most interesting wines in the world. The region has a history of winemaking that goes back to the 12th century, however communism disrupted their wine production by only allowing creation of state wine. Since the countrys independence, winemakers have been reclaiming their vineyards and have gone back to producing beautiful, expressive wines that are winning international competitions, while also defining the unique characteristics that set them apart from wines of the world.Consumer tastes are evolving and Moravian wines align well with these new trends, according to Ahtel Wines Managing Director and Co-Founder, Heidi Wettach. Studies show consumers are preferring fresher, less sweet and more natural wines. They are less concerned with a specific AOC or varietal, but rather look to find new experiences from interesting regions. Moravian wines represent all of these trends while delivering good value to the consumer.Ahtel Wines will be featuring Krasna hora at the United States Trade Tasting event in New York City on May 15-16. Winemaker Ondrej Dubas will be joining them from the Czech Republic to pour some of his current wines as well as the new vintage to come.To learn more about Ahtel Wines and Krasna hora, visitFollow Ahtel WinesRead latest news on our BlogFollow @AhtelWines on TwitterFollow @AhtelWines on InstagramLike Ahtel Wines on FacebookFollow Ahtel Wines on LinkedInAbout Krasna horaA small, family run winery, Krasna hora manages organic vineyards and since 2014 have followed biodynamic methods. The vineyards are of varied soils including loess, sand, and limestone. The result is their ability to blend the unique qualities of each fruit into the beautiful wines they produce. They have most recently won a Silver Medal in the Prague International Wine Competition for their 2015 Cuvee Bernety. Learn more about Krasna hora atAbout Ahtel WinesAhtel Wines is passionate about bringing artisan, hard-to-get wines from Central Europe to the US so distributors, retailers and restaurants alike can introduce new, unique wines to their portfolios and surprise and delight wine drinkers nationwide. They focus on developing long-term partnerships with producers that possess a profound respect for terroir and are benchmarks in their region, and as such, their portfolio presents quality, small-production old-world style wines as well as intriguing regional varietals from Central Europe. Learn more about Ahtel Wines atAhtel WinesBelleview DriveAmherst, NH 03031Contact: Amanda Wilson603.249.6017amanda@ahtelwines.com Singapore Government is Transforming Economy through Enterprise and Innovation to Boost the Countrys Economic Growth Insights that Matter www.lucintel.com www.lucintel.com The Singapore economy is dominated by the service sector, which contributed approximately 75.5% to the total GDP in 2016. The industrial sector contributes 24.5% to GDP, in which the manufacturing contributes 18.3% to GDP. Government will launch a new Industry Transformation Programme in 2017 to take the country into the next phase of development. Under the Quality Growth Programme, firms and industries will create new value and drive growth. To raise productivity, government is working on development of people, and driving research and innovation, together to maximize impact of industrial transformation program. There will be an expansion of partnerships between government and the industry, to identify challenges and develop solutions to support transformation.Lucintel, a leading global management consulting and market research firm, has analyzed the political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors of Singapore and has come up with a comprehensive research report, PESTLE Analysis of Singapore 2017. This report provides an analysis of Singapores economy from historical, current, and future perspectives. SWOT analysis, forecast and scenario analysis, and risk analysis of Singapore is also included in the report. The report also includes the forecast for Singapores economic growth through 2022.The report highlights various drivers and challenges which have influenced investment decisions in the economy. Singapore is a politically stable country. Singapore is currently facing challenges, like low oil prices, low fiscal balance, and currency depreciation. Singapore economy is expected to show a gradual recovery of economic activity, with strengthening economic growth in the mid of 2017. The expansion of economic activity will rely on global recovery, stable oil prices, growth of household consumption and investment, with an increase in manufacturing exports.This 75-page research report will enable you to make confident business decisions in this globally competitive marketplace. For a detailed table of contents and pricing information on this timely, insightful report, contact Lucintel at +1-972-636-5056 or via email at helpdesk@lucintel.com. Lucintel provides cutting-edge decision support services that facilitate critical decisions with greater speed, market insight, and cost efficiency. To learn more, visit. You can also contact us through Live Chat in its website to answer your questions in real time. Lucintel offerings include SWOT Matrix, Due Diligence, Mergers & Acquisitions, Industry/Market Analysis and Strategic Growth Consulting.Lucintel, the premier global management consulting and market research firm, creates winning strategies for growthwhether you need to understand market dynamics, identify new opportunities, or increase your profitability. It offers market assessments, competitive analysis, opportunity analysis, growth consulting, M&A, and due diligence services to executives and key decision-makers in a variety of industries. Over the last 15 years, Lucintel has served over 1,000 corporations in 70 countries. For further information, visitLucintel LLC222 Las Colinas Blvd West, Suite 1650, Irving, TX 75039, USAmarketing@lucintel.comPh: +1-972-636-5056 Literacy Council of Northern Virginia Offers Expanded Summer English Class Options www.lcnv.org The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia (LCNV) is now offering expanded class options for beginning-level adult English language learners in Alexandria, Annandale, Falls Church, Herndon, Lorton and Chantilly. These classes provide adult learners with the fundamentals of English to improve their communication skills, engage in the community and advance in their careers. New to LCNVs summer class lineup is the inclusion of a free, open conversation class at the Meadows of Chantilly and a Workplace English and Hospitality Class (featuring Guest Service Gold credential opportunities) in Falls Church. Book and assessment fees are $50.00 unless otherwise noted. In-person sign-up is required. Registration times and dates are available ator call 703-237-0866 for more information.The mission of the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia (LCNV) is to teach adults the basic skills of reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English in order to empower them to participate more fully and confidently in their communities. LCNV serves low-literacy and limited English language proficient adults with a selection of low-cost, moderately intensive courses to help them transition into the workforce or other educational opportunities. LCNV provides the crucial first steps of language and literacy learning for workplace, citizenship, and community integration to help adults make measurable improvements in their lives.Literacy Council of Northern Virginia2855 Annandale RoadFalls Church, VA 22042Media Inquiries: Christopher GriffithsCommunications Coordinatorcommunications@lcnv.org Diode Laser Market is anticipated to hit $6.98 billion by 2023 at a CAGR of 5.44%. https://industryarc.com/Report/29/global-diode-lasers-market-research-report.html https://industryarc.com/support.php?id=29 https://industryarc.com/Report/1264/GaN-substrates-market-research-report.html https://industryarc.com/Report/15018/Digital-signage-market.html https://industryarc.com/subscription.php According to the new market research report by IndustryARC titled Diode Laser Market: By Type of Lasers (Double Hetero structure, Quantum Well, Quantum Cascade, Distributed Feedback, Separate Confinement Hetero Structure, VCSEL(Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser), VECSEL(Vertical External Cavity Surface Emitting Laser), External Cavity Diode, Wave Length Beam Combined Lasers) By Emission Spectrum (Infrared, Red, Blue, Blue Violet, Green & Others) Doping Material (InGaN, GaN, AlGaInP, GaAlAs, Others); By Industry; By Geography -(2012-2018), the market is driven by the emergence of new market opportunities, reduction in product ASPs, and innovative and power efficient product launches from companies.Americas held the largest market share in the Diode Laser MarketThe American region holds the largest market share and growth in the Diode Laser Market and is anticipated to reach $645.60 billion by 2023 at a CAGR of 2.49%. However, APAC witnesses highest growth during the forecast period and is expected to reach $697.30 million by 2023 at a CAGR of 4.63%. Diode Laser Market is mainly driven by the demand for infrared diode lasers, which is on the rise due their low cost, and low power requirement, and this is driving different types of vendors to move into the market. The key industry verticals include Consumer Electronics, Medical, Automotive, Healthcare, and Defense.Selected Value Chain Analysis done in the full reportThe value chain of a laser diode module consists of the following primary activities:Purchase of Semiconductor materials and insulation material for temperature control components from Suppliers.Purchase/Manufacture of Cavity Mirrors.Assembly of semiconductor and/or mirrors into Laser Light generating system.Addition of temperature controlling components to the assembled structure.Mounting the aggregated structure onto a suitable mount as per the requirements of the user.Assembling the laser diode with auxiliary components to form a diode laser module.Shipping costs to the distributor/consumer.Customer Service (including product recalls, if any).Marketing and Advertisement.Of these primary activities, majority of the value is added in the procurement of materials from suppliers as the market for semiconductors is concentrated largely in South Korea, and the majority of the Copper material required for Heat Sink purposes is shipped from Russia and Chile.The step which adds to the next largest value for Diode Laser market is the assembly of semiconductor materials into a Laser Light generating system. In this step, the value added differs from manufacturer to manufacturer as there are two major methods for this assembly: Soldering or Mechanical Clamping. Mechanical Clamping tends to be preferred by the industry but each method caters to different applications and commands its own niche.All the remaining operation steps are quite standard for the industry and thus, differ for each manufacturer depending on the markets and applications served by the product of that manufacturer.After the completion of manufacturing and operations steps, the differentiating factor between various competitors is the value added during Customer Service and Marketing and Advertising steps. This is where majority of the companies tend to add a lot of value to their products because according to age old marketing laws, a happy customer is a repeat customer.Apart from these primary activities, a lot of other secondary activities also add indirect value to the Laser diode product. These activities include:Accounting and FinanceSystems SupportLegalEnvironmentalSafety Equipment and ServicesHuman ResourcesResearch and DevelopmentHere again, the value added to the product differs from company to company depending on the budget allocated to each of the services. However, industry analysis suggests that all the major players in the market prefer to push forward significantly in the area of Research and Development so as to stay ahead of the competition.The final step of the value chain analysis of laser diode modules includes the profit margins of the various companies manufacturing and selling laser diodes as it is not the same for any two businesses.To purchase or browse the table of contents of the report follow the link below:Excerpts on Market Growth FactorsIt has been stated by Kiyomi Monro, CEO, Bio photonic Solutions, that photons are the new fuel of the 21st century. This is because of proven effectiveness of photonics in improving efficiency in the field of material processing, increased use in medical science and lighting a communications infrastructure thats already leading to a transformative virtualization of our society.Doping material is one prime segmentation in which InGaN is anticipated to reach $4.2 billion by 2019 at a CAGR of 4.76%.HPDDLs are physically compact and lightweight, compared to most other industrial lasers, therefore making their integration cost very low.The global diode laser market has been highly volatile since the past decade with flat growth, revenue dips and growths seen by the industry players.The growth prospects of new and emerging product segments like high-powered direct diode lasers, green diode lasers and others will be the significant growth drivers for this market.Other factors such as emergence of new market opportunities, reduction in product ASPs, innovative and power efficient product launches from companies gave the needed impetus to the diode laser market.The high growth rate of smartphones will also contribute to the thermoplastic welding industry and hence, indirectly to the diode lasers market.The industry is highly resilient as the products manufactured by more than 50 players across the world are used in industry verticals like telecommunications and medical.Applications for these diodes are in biotechnology, outdoor laser shows, line and dot lasers, embedded pico projectors and spectrometers. High beam quality, efficiency, product lifetime and temperature range are the advantages of these laser types.Traditional diode lasers had limited to no role in these application areas, but the current line of green diode lasers are estimated to grow at a phenomenal rate and contribute significantly to the global diode laser market in the next five years.Field of application of the diode lasers is extensive and still growing. The customers, who are essentially the manufacturers of the end user products in these various fields, are large in number.Talk to one of our sales representative about the full report by providing your details in the below link:Key players of Diode Laser Market:OSRAM is the top company followed by Coherent and Newport. Osram is all set to develop Laser light source for the BMW i8 series. BMW i8 series is the first vehicle in the world with laser light.Other key players in Diode Laser Market include: Oclaro Inc, Osram opto semiconductor Gmbh, Nichia Corporation, TRUMPF, Dilas, Sumitomo Electric Industries Limited, CVI Melles Griot, Cymer, Inc., GSI Group, Inc., IPG Photonics Corporation, JDS Uniphase Corporation, Rofin-Sinar Technologies, Inc., and Trumpf GmbhDiode Laser Market Report is segmented as indicated belowDiode Laser Market By Type:1.Double Hetero Structure Lasers2.Quantum Well Lasers3.Quantum Cascade Lasers4.Distributed Feedback Lasers5.Separate Confinement Hetero Structure (SCH) Lasers6.VCSEL7.VECSELDiode Laser Market By Doping Material1.InGaN2.GaN3.AlGaInP4.GaAIAs5.InGaAs6.InGaAsP7.GaInAsSb8.OthersDiode Laser Market By Industry VerticalsDiode Laser Market By Industry1.Industrial2.Consumer Electronics3.Medical4.Automotive5.Healthcare6.DefenseDiode Laser Market By Geography (Covers 12 + Countries)Diode Laser Market by EntropyCompanies Cited/Referenced/Interviewed:1.Jenoptik AG2.JDSU Uniphase Corporation3.Furukawa Electric Company Limited4.Rofin Sinar Technologies Inc.5.IPG Photonics Corporation6.Sony Corporation7.Mitsubishi Electric Corporation8.ROHM Company Limited9.Sharp Corporation10.Panasonic Corporation11.Toshiba Corporation12.Company 1213.Company 1314.Company 1415.Company 15+Related ReportsA.Gallium Nitride Substrates MarketB.Digital Signage MarketWhat can you expect from the report?The Diode Laser Market is Prepared with the Main Agenda to Cover the following 20 points:1.Market Size by Product Categories2.Market trends3.Manufacturer Landscape4.Distributor Landscape5.Pricing Analysis6.Top 10 End user Analysis7.Product Benchmarking8.Product Developments9.Mergers & Acquisition Analysis10.Patent Analysis11.Demand Analysis (By Revenue & Volume)12.Country level Analysis (15+)13.Competitor Analysis14.Market Shares Analysis15.Value Chain Analysis16.Supply Chain Analysis17.Strategic Analysis18.Current & Future Market Landscape Analysis19.Opportunity Analysis20.Revenue and Volume AnalysisFAQ:Does IndustryARC publish country, geography or application based reports in Diode Laser Market?Yes, we do have separate reports as mentioned below:1.Americas Market for Diode Laser (2018-2023)2.Europe Market for Diode Laser(2018-2023)3.APAC Market for Diode Laser(2018-2023)4.RoW Market for Diode Laser(2018-2023)5.Double Hetero Structure Lasers Market for Diode Laser (2018-2023)6.Quantum Well Lasers Market for Diode Laser (2018-2023)7.Quantum Cascade Lasers Market for Diode Laser (2018-2023)8.Distributed Feedback Lasers Market for Diode Laser (2018-2023)9.Separate Confinement Hetero Structure (SCH) Lasers Market for Diode Laser (2018-2023)10.VCSEL Market for Diode Laser (2018-2023)11.VECSEL Market for Diode Laser (2018-2023)12.InGaN Market for Diode Laser (2018-2023)13.GaN Market for Diode Laser (2018-2023)14.AIGaInP Market for Diode Laser (2018-2023)15.GaAIAs Market for Diode Laser (2018-2023)16.InGaAs Market for Diode Laser (2018-2023)17.InGaAsP Market for Diode Laser (2018-2023)18.GaInAsSb Market for Diode Laser (2018-2023)19.Industrial Market for Diode Laser (2018-2023)20.Consumer Electronics Market for Diode Laser (2018-2023)21.Medical Market for Diode Laser (2018-2023)22.Automotive Market for Diode Laser (2018-2023)23.Healthcare Market for Diode Laser (2018-2023)24.Defense Market for Diode Laser (2018-2023)Does IndustryARC customize these reports and charge additionally for limited customization?Yes, we can customize the report by extracting data from our database of reports and annual subscription databases. We can provide the following free customization:1.Increase the level of data in application or end user industry.2.Increase the number of countries in geography chapter.3.Find out market shares for other smaller companies or companies which are of interest to you.4.Company profiles can be requested based on your interest.5.Patent analysis, pricing, product analysis, product benchmarking, value and supply chain analysis can be requested for a country or end use segment.Any other major customizations can be discussed with our team, we can provide a separate quote based on your requirement. You can drop in an e-mail to sales@industryarc.com to discuss more about our consulting services.To request for a proposal provide your details in the below link:About IndustryARC:IndustryARC is a Research and Consulting Firm that publishes more than 500 reports annually, in various industries such as Agriculture, Automotive, Automation & Instrumentation, Chemicals and Materials, Energy and Power, Electronics, Food & Beverages, Information Technology, Life sciences & Healthcare.IndustryARC primarily focuses on Cutting Edge Technologies and Newer Applications in a Market. Our Custom Research Services are designed to provide insights on the constant flux in the global supply-demand gap of markets. Our strong team of analysts enables us to meet the client research needs at a rapid speed, with a variety of options for your business.We look forward to support the client to be able to better address their customer needs, stay ahead in the market, become the top competitor and get real-time recommendations on business strategies and deals. Contact us to find out how we can help you today.Media Contact:Mr. Venkat ReddySales ManagerEmail 1: sales@industryarc.comOr Email 2: venkat@industryarc.comContact Sales: +1-614-588-8538 (Ext-101) Sydney Airport Car Parking Travel Guide https://airportexpresscarparking.com.au/ Airports can cause stress and anxiety among travellers. No matter if it's a business trip or a family holiday, certain things need to be kept in mind: booking a spot at Sydney airport car parking, arriving sooner at the airport, getting through check-in, immigration and security... Short or long trip - the best choice is to drive your own car to the airport. 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Well, Airport Express Car Parking can solve your problem!Airport Express Car Parking2 Merchant St Mascot, NSW 2020 Corner of Wentworth Avenueinfo@airportexpresscarparking.com.au(02) 9700 77 78 Industrial Filtration Equipment Market Report for Period 2018 till 2024 Wuxi YNT Petrochemical Machinery Equipment, Clarcor Inc, Camfil AB, MANN+HUMMEL, Pentair, Ahlstrom and Others. Industrial Filtration Equipment Market https://bit.ly/2jyclM5 http://marketreportscompany.com/report.php?report=technology-and-media/global-industrial-filtration-equipment-market-research-report-20112023/39693 https://bit.ly/2jyclM5 Global Industrial Filtration Equipment market report emphasizes on detailed analysis of companies and manufacturers like CECO Environmental, Eaton, 3M, Ahlstrom, Nederman, Wuxi YNT Petrochemical Machinery Equipment, MANN+HUMMEL, Pentair, Donaldson Company., Clarcor Inc, Camfil AB, American Air Filter Company and Others.Public transport is a shared passengertransport service which is available for use by the general public, as distinct from modes such as taxicab, carpooling, or hired buses, which are not shared by strangers without private arrangement.This market study includes data about global market statistics, market share, company performances, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2023 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2023, etc. The Global Industrial Filtration Equipment market report provides detailed segmentation of Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Market based on product type, application, end user and regional segmentation. The regional segment is further bifurcated on country level.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Market 2017 @Top Manufactures of Global Industrial Filtration Equipment market:MANN+HUMMELPentairDonaldson Company.Clarcor IncCamfil ABAmerican Air Filter CompanyCECO EnvironmentalEaton3MAhlstromNedermanWuxi YNT Petrochemical Machinery EquipmentOthers(Note: We can profile additional players without extra charges)Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Market: Key Product Type:AirLiquidDustOthersKey Application Types for Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Market:Manufacturing (including food, chemical, paper industry)Power GenerationMining & Metallurgy IndustryOil & GasHealthcare & PharmaceuticalsothersKey Regions for Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Market:North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Others)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia and Others)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia and Others)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Others)(Note: We can provide specific country or region specific report on request)The Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. The report also provides Porter analysis, PESTEL analysis and market attractiveness which helps to better understand the market scenario. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities occurred in current and past few years. The Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors. The report also covers import/export data across all major regions covered in this report. Moreover, import/export data across any particular country as per requirement.The report finally provides detailed research report conclusion, which provides summary of entire report and vital suggestions from analysts particular to Industrial Filtration Equipment Market which will help existing as well as new players who wish to enter this market.Enquire before Buying @ put actual website like for exampleTable of Contents:1 Market Overview1.1 Objectives of Research1.1.1 Definition1.1.2 Specifications1.2 Market Segment1.2.1 by Type1.2.1.1 Air1.2.1.2 Liquid1.2.1.3 Dust1.2.2 by Applicatio........................Continue (Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Market Reports Company:Market Reports Company delivers high quality precise research studies which include data about top manufacturers and market survey of various industries. We also work as a consulting company and publisher of market research reports. We are specialized in providing customized reports according to clients needs and requirements which ultimately help them grow in industry and beat their competition.What We Offer:Customized Reports: We provide customized research reports on your demand.Region Specific Study: We have resources all over the world so, if you are Interested in region specific study please contact us.How we work: Perfect blend of primary and secondary research to provide best result.Expertise: Team of Industry experienced research associates and experts, primary and secondary sources, 24*7 customer care service and post-sale support.Contact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website: marketreportscompany.comEmail: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States Key Takeaways Global Smart Elevators and Escalators Market Market Offered in New Research Forecasted through 2023 Market Research Reports Search Engine https://www.mrrse.com/sample/4778 https://www.mrrse.com/smart-elevators-escalators-market https://www.mrrse.com/enquiry/4778 https://www.mrrse.com/ https://www.industrynewsanalysis.com/ Smart elevators and escalators are installed in mixed-used buildings, hotels, commercial buildings, IT parks, residential buildings, restaurants, and retail outlets among others. Aging population is likely to be the key factor driving the smart elevator and escalator market during the forecast period. In addition, increasing geriatric population in countries such as Japan and China is expected to fuel demand for smart elevators and escalators. Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a high rate which will affect the market positively during the forecast period 2017 2023. Factors such as the growth of the global urban population, aging population, changing demographics, and urbanization among others are likely to boost the growth of the market in the near future. Rapid urbanization in developing nations such as Middle East, India and China and migration of population from rural areas to urban areas is key factor fueling the demand for new installation of smart elevators and escalators market. One of the major factors driving the market is installation of smart elevators and escalators in mid-rise and high-rise buildings.Request a Sample Report! Get PDF Sample Copy@Global Smart Elevators and Escalators Market: Trends and OpportunitiesThere has been an increase in construction activities in developing countries of Asia Pacific and RoW. The booming construction sector in countries such as China, India, Philippines and Indonesia is generating potential growth opportunities for the smart elevators and escalators market. In addition, industrial infrastructure in nations such as Indonesia, India and Brazil are witnessing major increase in demand for smart elevators and escalators in the last few years. This increase in demand is driven by large expenditure by public and private companies on airport development, housing, ports and rail transport. This, in turn, is likely to boost the growth of the smart elevators and escalators market during the forecast period.Ageing population in countries such as Japan, U.S., Mexico and China among others is the key factor driving the smart elevator and escalator market during the forecast period. In addition, Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a high rate during the forecast period of 2017 2023. Factors such as the growth of the global urban population and increasing number of population growth, aging population, changing demographics and urbanization among others are boosting the growth of the market in near future.Global Smart Elevators and Escalators Market: SegmentationsBased on type, the global market has been segmented into elevator and escalators. The smart escalators and elevators market is dominated by the elevators segment. The elevators market is further sub divided into elevator capacity types 450 - 1,150 kg, 1,150kg-1,500kg, 1,500kg-2,000kg and others. The escalators market is further classified into moving walkway escalators and moving stairs. Smart elevator is mainly driven by the increasing number of super tall and high rise building that demand energy efficient, secure and faster vertical transportation systems.The global market by application is segmented into eight types: commercial, hotels, retail, residential, transportation, hospital, parking building and others. The smart escalators and elevators market is dominated by the transportation segment, followed by residential application. This increasing demand of smart escalators and elevators in the transportation segment is driven by large expenditure on airport development, ports and rail transport.Global Smart Elevators and Escalators Market: Key Research AspectsA comprehensive analysis of market dynamics that include the market drivers, restraints and opportunities is included under the purview of the study. Market dynamics are the distinct factors which exert an influence on the growth of a particular market and therefore help in studying the current trends of the global market. Thus, this report offers an inclusive study of the global smart elevators and escalators market, along with providing the forecast of the market for the period from 2017 to 2023.Access Report Summary with Detailed TOC @Global Smart Elevators and Escalators Market: Competitive LandscapeKey players profiled in this report include Cisco Systems, Inc (U.S.), Toshiba Corporation (Japan), Otis Elevator Company (U.S.), Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan), Schindler Holding Ltd.(Switzerland), Hitachi Ltd.(Japan), Fujitec Co., Ltd. (Japan), ThyssenKrupp AG (Germany), Kone Corporation (Finland), Kleemann Hellas SA (Greece) among others.The segments covered in the Smart Elevator and Escalator market are as follows:Global Smart Elevator and Escalator Market: By TypeElevator450 kg - 1,150 kg1,150kg-1,500kg1,500kg-2,000kgEscalatorMoving Walkway EscalatorsMoving StairsGlobal Smart Elevator and Escalator Market: By Application TypeCommercialHotelsRetailResidentialTransportationHospitalParking BuildingGlobal Smart Elevator and Escalator Market: By GeographyNorth AmericaS.CanadaMexicoEuropeK.GermanyFranceItalyRest of EuropeAsia PacificIndiaChinaJapanRest of Asia PacificRest of the World (RoW)Middle EastLatin AmericaAfricaHave Any Query, Ask Our Expert at:About MRRSEMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:Read More Industry News At: Cleaning Cloths Global Market 2018: Key Players Scotch-Brite, Zwipes, ERC, Eurow, Atlas Graham https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3151748-global-cleaning-cloths-market-research-report-2018 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/3151748-global-cleaning-cloths-market-research-report-2018 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=3151748 https://www.wiseguyreports.com Cleaning Cloths IndustryDescriptionWiseguyreports.Com Adds Cleaning Cloths -Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities and Analysis Of Top Key Player Forecast To 2023 To Its Research DatabaseThis report studies the global Cleaning Cloths market status and forecast, categorizes the global Cleaning Cloths market size (value & volume) by key players, type, application, and region. This report focuses on the top players in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa.In 2017, the global Cleaning Cloths market size was xx million US$ and it is expected to reach xx million US$ by the end of 2025, with a CAGR of xx.x % between 2018 and 2025.The major manufacturers covered in this reportScotch-BriteZwipesERCEurowAtlas GrahamNorwexTorayCMANorth TextileBaishideCleanacare TowelLidaCharsGeographically, this report studies the key regions, focuses on product sales, value, market share and growth opportunity in these regions, coveringNorth AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificSouth AmericaMiddle East & AfricaRequest for Sample Report @On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoCottonFiberBamboo CharcoalOtherOn the basis of the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate for each application, includingHousehold UsedCommercial UsedIndustrial UsedThe study objectives of this report are:To analyze and study the global Cleaning Cloths sales, value, status (2013-2017) and forecast (2018-2025).Focuses on the key Cleaning Cloths manufacturers, to study the sales, value, market share and development plans in future.Focuses on the global key manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the market competition landscape, SWOT analysis.To define, describe and forecast the market by type, application and region.To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks.To identify significant trends and factors driving or inhibiting the market growth.To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying the high growth segments.To strategically analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trend and their contribution to the marketTo analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the marketTo strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Cleaning Cloths are as follows:History Year: 2013-2017Base Year: 2017Estimated Year: 2018Forecast Year 2018 to 2025For the data information by region, company, type and application, 2017 is considered as the base year. Whenever data information was unavailable for the base year, the prior year has been considered.Key StakeholdersCleaning Cloths ManufacturersCleaning Cloths Distributors/Traders/WholesalersCleaning Cloths Subcomponent ManufacturersIndustry AssociationDownstream VendorsAvailable CustomizationsWith the given market data, We offers customizations according to the company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:Regional and country-level analysis of the Cleaning Cloths market, by end-use.Detailed analysis and profiles of additional market players.Leave a Query @Table of ContentsGlobal Cleaning Cloths Market Research Report 20181 Cleaning Cloths Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Cleaning Cloths1.2 Cleaning Cloths Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Cleaning Cloths Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Cleaning Cloths Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Cotton1.2.4 Fiber1.2.5 Bamboo Charcoal1.2.6 Other1.3 Global Cleaning Cloths Segment by Application1.3.1 Cleaning Cloths Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.2 Household Used1.3.3 Commercial Used1.3.4 Industrial Used1.4 Global Cleaning Cloths Market by Region (2013-2025)1.4.1 Global Cleaning Cloths Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2013-2025)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.4 Asia-Pacific Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.5 South America Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.6 Middle East & Africa Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Cleaning Cloths (2013-2025)1.5.1 Global Cleaning Cloths Revenue Status and Outlook (2013-2025)1.5.2 Global Cleaning Cloths Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2013-2025)...7 Global Cleaning Cloths Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Scotch-Brite7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Cleaning Cloths Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Scotch-Brite Cleaning Cloths Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Zwipes7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Cleaning Cloths Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Zwipes Cleaning Cloths Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 ERC7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Cleaning Cloths Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 ERC Cleaning Cloths Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 Eurow7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Cleaning Cloths Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 Eurow Cleaning Cloths Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 Atlas Graham7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Cleaning Cloths Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 Atlas Graham Cleaning Cloths Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 Norwex7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.6.2 Cleaning Cloths Product Category, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Product A7.6.2.2 Product B7.6.3 Norwex Cleaning Cloths Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.7 Toray7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.7.2 Cleaning Cloths Product Category, Application and Specification7.7.2.1 Product A7.7.2.2 Product B7.7.3 Toray Cleaning Cloths Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.8 CMA7.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.8.2 Cleaning Cloths Product Category, Application and Specification7.8.2.1 Product A7.8.2.2 Product B7.8.3 CMA Cleaning Cloths Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.9 North Textile7.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.9.2 Cleaning Cloths Product Category, Application and Specification7.9.2.1 Product A7.9.2.2 Product B7.9.3 North Textile Cleaning Cloths Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.9.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.10 Baishide7.10.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.10.2 Cleaning Cloths Product Category, Application and Specification7.10.2.1 Product A7.10.2.2 Product B7.10.3 Baishide Cleaning Cloths Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.10.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.11 Cleanacare Towel7.12 Lida7.13 CharsBuy Now @Continued...Contact Us: Sales@Wiseguyreports.Com Ph: +1-646-845-9349 (Us) Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (Uk)About Us:Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Addres:Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt LtdPune 411028Maharashtra, GlobalPh: +91 841 198 5042 Non-Alcoholic Beer Market Expected to Behold a CAGR of 8.28% in terms of value through 2016-2023 http://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2248873-global-non-alcoholic-beer-research-report-forecast-to-2023 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/2248873-global-non-alcoholic-beer-research-report-forecast-to-2023 SynopsisThe definition of non-alcoholic beer differs by countries, for instance, in Arabic countries the maximum alcohol content for non-alcoholic beer is 0.1% V/V, in Germany, Holland, England and Iran the permitted maximum alcohol content for non-alcoholic beverage is 0.5% V/V whereas in Spain the maximum alcohol content for non-alcoholic is 1% V/V.With strong economic growth, emergence of a large and prosperous middle class, increasing consumers cautiousness to spend along with high rates of migration from rural to urban areas has led to the influx of international retailers to the developing regions and has encouraged the construction of large value of new retail real estate. In Asia Pacific region, China is one of the most dynamic retail markets in the world, whereas India, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, and Turkey are also ranked higher in terms of retail development.Click here for sample report @Report HighlightsRobust economic growth, rising urbanization, explosion in the middle class population, cheap labor force, ease of doing business and rising disposable income has attracted international retailers to enter and expand in Asia Pacific & Latin American regions and gain strong foothold in the market. Asia Pacific countries such as Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing have seen the strongest tide of new market entrants to capitalize and leverage on the China growth story. In Southeast Asian region, Singapore is also the hotspot for retailers to operate and expand their business activities.Non-alcoholic beer is a frequently consumed and popular beverage in Islamic countries. Moreover, according to Islamic laws, the consumption of alcohol in any form is totally forbidden. Consequently, there is a complete ban on the sale and production of alcoholic beer in Islamic countries. With the introduction of flavored non-alcoholic beer in the country by introducing a wide range of flavors such as fruit, coffee, vanilla, and others, the key players have been able to expand their market share. A brand named Fayrouz has a unique brewing process. It avoids fermentation of malt, so that alcohol is not produced. This led, Al Azhar, a university and Sunni Islam's most prestigious body, to approve the certification of this beer as halal and legally permit consumption of this non-alcoholic beer in the Islamic market.Major Scope of the report:Key PlayersThe leading market players in the global Non- Alcoholic Beer market primarily are Heineken N.V. (Netherland), Anheuser-Busch InBev SA (Belgium), Erdinger Weibbrau (Germany), Big Drop Brewing Co. (U.K.), Krombacher Brauerei (Germany), Bernard Brewery (Czech Republic), Suntory Beer (Japan)Study Objectives of non- alcoholic beer Market Forecast to 2023 Detailed analysis for individual micro and macro markets for non- alcoholic beer To estimate market size by Process, Type, Raw Material and Region To understand the supply and demand dynamics of non- alcoholic beer To provide region level market analysis and future outlook for U.S., U.K., Ireland, France, and South-East Asia Company profiling of major players & competitive positioning for the non- alcoholic beer market Value chain analysis and supply chain analysis of non- alcoholic beer Analysis of historical market trends, and technologies, and current government regulatory requirements related to non- alcoholic beer marketTarget Audience Non- Alcoholic Beer manufacturers Food Service industries Retailers and wholesalers Traders, importers and exportersKey Findings The demand of the non-alcoholic beer is projected to expand at a high pace in the Middle East region especially in United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and other developing Middle East countries. Also, manufacturers of non-alcoholic beer is emphasizing the GCC countries in order to upsurge the overall revenue of the company.Regional and Country Analysis of Non- Alcoholic Beer market development and demand forecast to 2023 MarketAs per the MRFR analysis, the global market for non- alcoholic beer has witnessed continued demand during the last few years and is projected to reach USD 5.91 billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 8.28% during the forecasted period. ROW is estimated to dominate the global Non- Alcoholic Beer market holding a lions share of more than 30% and projected to reach USD 1.51 billion. ROW will witness the highest growth rate of 9.00% in the global non- alcoholic beer market whereas Europe will witness moderate growth rate.The reports also cover country level analysis: North Americao USo Canadao Mexico Europeo Germanyo U.K.o Franceo Italyo Spaino Rest of Europe Asia Pacifico Chinao Indiao Japano Australia & New Zealando Indonesiao Others RoWo Latin Americao Middle Easto AfricaTable of ContentsTABLE 1 COMPARISON OF NUTRITIONAL PROFILE OF WATER, BEER AND NON-ALCOHOLIC BEER (350 ML) 23ACRONYMS 121 Report Prologue 132 Introduction 142.1 Definition 142.1.1 Non-Alcoholic Beer 142.2 Scope of the Study 142.2.1 Research Methodology 142.3 Assumptions 142.4 Limitations 152.5 Market Structure 153 Research Methodology 163.1 Research Process 163.2 Primary Research 173.3 Secondary Research 193.4 Forecast Model 204 Premium Insights 214.1 History,Evolution & Innovation: Global Non-alcoholic beer Market 214.2 Market Overview: Global Non-alcoholic beer Market 214.2.1 Non-Alcoholic Beer Market Overview 21.ContinuedFor Detailed Reading Please visit @Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your particular needs.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India SMEs Sector Contribute Over 30% of Revenues in Global Online fax Services Market | Arizton https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/online-fax-market https://www.arizton.com/news/press-release/north-american-market-is-the-highest-contributor-to-global-online-fax-market https://www.arizton.com/news/press-release/hybrid-fax-services-are-likely-to-witness-growth-in-medium-and-large-enterprise-customer-segment Online fax services models enable transfer of fax data through e-mails, and these documents are stored on-premises in the users system. Home office users and individuals are using online fax services and are selecting plans that suit their requirements. SMEs and large enterprises are the largest revenue generator in the global market and are also customizing their packages as per their requirements. Factors such as reduced capital and operational expenditure, limited old fax infrastructure, digitalized enterprises business environment, increased fax volume, need for high flexibility and scalability, mobility benefits, safe and secure transfer of documents, and automated business operations are boosting the adoption these services in the global online fax services market. The government, education institutions, manufacturing, and law firms are implementing this model to facilitate secure transfer of documents in the global market. The top vendors are focusing on integrating fax solutions with common business applications such as SAP and Oracle solutions to attract new consumers and gain a larger global market share.The global online fax services market is estimated to generate revenues of more than $2.4 billion by 2022, growing at a CAGR of approximately 11% during 2017-2022.Read the full report on Online Fax Market Global Outlook and Forecast 2017-2022Read: North American Market is the Highest Contributor to Global Online Fax MarketThe three major user types in the online fax services market are discussed in detail below:1. Individual and Home UsersThe home users segment constitutes the workspace of up to 19 employees. Online fax services services provide major cost-saving opportunities for users by reducing the purchase of fax hardware, software, and independent phones lines. The home office user segment consists of a small clinic, legal advisors, and home-business communications. Individual users use this solution to transfer documents to legal and government agencies. The prominent players are investing in solutions that will offer e-mail integration of fax solutions, especially Gmail, Microsoft Office, and cloud-based storage of fax documents to attract new consumers and boost their market revenues in this market segment. The migration from old fax machines to online fax services services among countries, especially in the APAC and ROW regions will augment the growth of this segment in the global market. The availability of alternative fax solutions and the dynamic individual and home office faxing requirement might impose a growth restraint in this segment. The online fax services market in the individual and home users segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 7% during the forecast period.2. Small and Medium Enterprises (SME)The SME sector comprised of 20499 employees and was the main contributor in the online fax services market with 32% of revenue share in 2016. A large number of SMEs operating in the field of healthcare financial, insurance, and legal sector. These businesses are using advanced fax solutions for safe and secure file transfer solutions thereby, propelling the growth of the market. The growing need for information technology to drive business growth through integrated communication and collaboration platforms at reduced operational expenditure is the main driving factor for SMEs to adopt these services in the global market. The SMEs are looking for solutions that reduce time in sending and receiving faxes and improves productivity. The changes in government regulations and data privacy laws will encourage SMEs to use these services in the global market. The need for 99.99% reliability of the solution adopted at no hidden cost and enabling faxing through mobile-based devices will encourage vendors to launch new products in the global market. The automation of faxing process through APIs will result in improved productivity among businesses and boost demand for online fax services services in the global market. The online fax services market in the SMEs segment is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 12% during 2017-2022.3. Large EnterpriseLarge enterprises have an employee base of more than 500 and include Fortune 1000 companies and are a major revenue generator in the online fax services market. Transportation and logistics customers, healthcare providers, online retail providers, financial, insurance, real estate, government, are the part of the large enterprise segment. The growing demand for communication and collaboration platforms will boost the demand for these services in this segment in the global market. The benefits of reduced operational cost and improved productivity through automation and increased flexibility and scalability will augment the growth of the market in the large enterprises segment. The leading vendors are offering custom solutions that suit enterprise needs to gain larger market share. Companies such as Open Text, Biscom, and eFax are the largest revenues generators in the global market. The online fax services market in the large enterprises segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 11% during the forecast period.Read: Hybrid Fax Services are Likely to Witness Growth in Medium and Large Enterprise Customer SegmentThe leading vendors in the online fax services market are RingCentral, eFax, HelloFax, SRFax, Nextiva, and Open Text.About Arizton Advisory & IntelligenceArizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovation and quality-driven firm, which offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients across the world. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services.Arizton has gained a paramount standpoint in the market research arena as it offers top of the line solutions to clients to assess market landscape and to finalize foolproof business strategies. We are committed to provide inclusive market research reports and consulting services to clients from diversified industries including Consumer Goods & Retail Technology, Automotive and Mobility, Smart Tech, Healthcare and Lifesciences, Industrial Machinery, Chemicals and Materials, IT and Media, Logistics and PackagingArizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered in generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports.Arizton Advisory & IntelligenceChicago, Illinois, 60605Mail: enquiry@arizton.comCall: +1-312-465-7864 Electric Oven Market-Industry Emerging Trends, Growth Analysis, Size and Forecast to 2025 Electric Oven market Research, Electric Oven market, global Electric Oven market size, Electric Oven market supply, Electric Oven https://www.orianresearch.com/request-sample/518171 https://www.orianresearch.com/enquiry-before-buying/518171 https://www.orianresearch.com/checkout/518171 www.orianresearch.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company-beta/13281002/ Electric Oven Market global research report 2018 forecast to 2025 delivers in-depth market size, share, growth, trend, demand, top player, industry overview, opportunities, value cycle, end-users, technology, types and application. It also includes the study of historical data, scope, sales, statistical analysis, future roadmap, rigorous data, development trends and completed SWOT analysis by research experts.Get Sample Copy atDevelopment policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures. This report also states import/export, supply and consumption figures as well as cost, price, revenue and gross margin by regions North America, Europe, Japan, China, and other regions (India, Southeast Asia, Central & South America, and Middle East & Africa). and other regions can be added.Complete report on Electric Oven Market spread across 119 pages with top 5 key manufacturers and list of tables and figures. Enquire more @Key Companies Analyzed in this Report are:GEWhirlpool CorporationFrigidaireKenmoreKitchenAidGlobal Electric Oven Market report has been compiled through extensive primary research (through analytical research, market survey and observations) and secondary research. The report also features a complete qualitative and quantitative assessment by analyzing data gathered from industry analysts and market participants across key points in the industrys value chain.Place a Direct Order Of this Report @Major Points Covered in Table of Contents:1 Electric Oven Market Overview2 Global Electric Oven Market Competitions by Manufacturers3 Global Electric Oven Capacities, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)4 Global Electric Oven Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018)5 Global Electric Oven Productions, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global Electric Oven Market Analyses by Application7 Global Electric Oven Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis8 Electric Oven Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analyses, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Electric Oven Market Forecast (2018-2025)13 Research Findings and Conclusion14 AppendixesAbout UsOrian Research is one of the most comprehensive collections of market intelligence reports on The World Wide Web. Our reports repository boasts of over 500000+ industry and country research reports from over 100 top publishers. We continuously update our repository so as to provide our clients easy access to the world's most complete and current database of expert insights on global industries, companies, and products. We also specialize in custom research in situations where our syndicate research offerings do not meet the specific requirements of our esteemed clients.Ruwin MendezVice President Global Sales & Partner RelationsOrian Research ConsultantsUS: +1 (832) 380-8827 | UK: +44 0161-818-8027Email: info@orianresearch.comWebsite:Follow Us on LinkedIn: Slovakia Non-Life Insurance Market Trends, Size and Growth Analysis 2016 To 2020 http://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/733148-non-life-insurance-in-slovakia-key-trends-and-opportunities-to-2020 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/733148-non-life-insurance-in-slovakia-key-trends-and-opportunities-to-2020 Slovakia Non-Life Insurance MarketSummary'Non-Life Insurance in Slovakia Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides a detailed outlook by product category for the Slovak non-life insurance segment, and a comparison of the Slovak insurance industry with its regional counterparts. It provides values for key performance indicators such as written premium, incurred loss, loss ratio, commissions and expenses, combined ratio, total assets, total investment income and retentions during the review period (20112015) and forecast period (20152020).The report also analyzes distribution channels operating in the segment, gives a comprehensive overview of the Slovak economy and demographics, explains the various types of natural hazard and their impact on the Slovak insurance industry, and provides detailed information on the competitive landscape in the country.Click here for sample report @Scope of the ReportThis report provides a comprehensive analysis of the non-life insurance segment in Slovakia:It provides historical values for the Slovak non-life insurance segment for the reports 20112015 review period, and projected figures for the 20152020 forecast period.It offers a detailed analysis of the key categories in the Slovak non-life insurance segment, and market forecasts to 2020.It provides a comparison of the Slovak non-life insurance segment with its regional counterpartsIt analyzes the various distribution channels for non-life insurance products in Slovakia.It analyzes various natural and man-made hazards and their impact on the Slovak insurance industryIt profiles the top non-life insurance companies in Slovakia, and outlines the key regulations affecting them.Table of Contents1 Key Facts and Highlights2 Executive Summary3 Economy and Demographics4 Segment Outlook4.1 Regional Comparison4.2 Segment Indicators4.2.1 Gross written premium and penetration4.2.2 Policies sold4.2.3 Claims4.2.4 Profitability4.2.5 Assets and investments5 Outlook by Category5.1 Property Insurance5.1.1 Product overview5.1.2 Premium5.1.3 Policies sold5.1.4 Claims5.1.5 Profitability5.2 Motor Insurance5.2.1 Product overview5.2.2 Premium5.2.3 Policies sold5.2.4 Claims5.2.5 Profitability.ContinuedFor Detailed Reading Please visit @Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your particular needs.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Windlass Market: In-Depth Qualitative Insights, Historical Data and Verifiable Projections about Market Size https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/windlass-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=37385 www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Sailing ships have improved drastically since the Industrial Revolution. The Industrial Revolution made possible the usage of new materials and designs that developed and altered shipbuilding techniques. A windlass in utilized in order to move heavy ships from one location to another. A windlass allows cost-effective and efficient customized systems to be built to suit the marine vessels deck requirements and layout. Shipbuilding has, therefore, become a lucrative industry in several developing and developed countries.View Report Preview:Windlass market for marine industry can be segmented based on type, power type, end-user, application, and region. Based on type, the windlass market for marine industry can be segregated into vertical and horizontal. Vertical windlass is also called capstan windlass. It is the most widely preferred windlass, as it requires less deck space in shipbuilding. A horizontal windlass requires less fall than a vertical windlass. A horizontal windlass is placed behind the windlass deck on the ship behind to support the anchor line. In terms of power type, the windlass market for marine industry can be further classified into manual windlass, electric windlass, and hydraulic windlass. Manual windlasses are utilized for shipbuilding as they are easy to install and potentially less risky. Electric windlasses employ a remote control or foot buttons while steering and motoring up the anchor. Electric windlasses are widely preferred as they offer power control for dropping the anchor with an electric brake to stop them. Hydraulic windlasses utilize pressurized hydraulic oil to operate large yachts and ships. In terms of end-user, the windlass market for marine industry can be segmented into offshore support vessels, defense vessels, cruises, large & small ships, and yachts. Based on application, the windlass market for marine industry can be segregated into oil & gas industry. Windlass is utilized to carry heavy offshore support vehicles for crude oil transportation. Based on application, the market can be further segmented into maritime security. Windlasses are employed on defense vessels for patrolling and monitoring marine activities in order to maintain maritime security. Moreover, the market is further classified into tourism industry, based on application. The tourism industry employs cruises, yachts, and small boats, which require windlasses, in order to promote and develop tourism.A major drivers of the windlass market for marine industry is its cost-effectiveness. An electric windlass is widely utilized due to its quick and easy installation. New technologies are being developed in order to reduce windlass production costs and to ensure better safety. A key restraint of the windlass market for marine industry is its high cost. A windlass needs to be affordable for small boat manufacturers. Furthermore, high maintenance cost needs to be reduced.In terms of geography, the windlass market for marine industry in Asia Pacific region is expanding due to the consistent rise in maritime activities in the region. This has boosted the demand for windlass due to the increase in oil exploration and tourism activities. Marine activities in Asia Pacific region are primarily witnessed in countries such as Australia, China, the Maldives, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and New Zealand which is forecasted to increase in demand for windlass. In North America, the market for windlass for marine industry is anticipated to expand due to the increase in oil & gas exploration activities in offshore areas of the region. In Europe, countries such as Germany, Norway, France and the U.K. are witnessing an increasing demand for windlass market for marine industry due to the significant growth in marine activities. The countries in Latin America are anticipated to witness an increase in demand for windlasses in the near future.Key players operating in the windlass market for marine industry are Maxwell, Lewmar, Ideal, Rolce Royce Plc., and Nautic Expo.Request to view Sample Report:The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Bone Void Fillers Market Detailed Analytical Overview by 2025 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/20944 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/20944 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Bone void fillers are the synthetic bone graft substitutes being used as a filler for gaps or voids in the bone structure for maintaining its stability. These defects may be surgically generated osseous defects or any bone defect from a traumatic injury. These are synthetically made and has an osteoconductive component such as hydroxyapatite, and one resorbable component such as calcium sulfate. These bone void fillers are commercially available in various forms such as gel, putty, powder, granules, paste etc. Besides filling a bone defect, these bone void fillers are also used to stimulate new bone growth as well as ensuring the mechanical stability and metabolic functioning at the defect site. Recent years saw an increasing number of synthetic bone substitutes available clinically as a substitutes to the traditional graft materials. But these need to pass the biocompatibility testing as per the ISO guidelines.The ideal bone-graft substitute has certain characteristics of biocompatibility, bioresorbability, osteoconductivity, osteoinductivity, structural similarity, easy to use, and cost-effective. These fillers are used in various cases such as autograft donor site repair, bony defects due to trauma or tumor resection, collapsed vertebral body, osteonecrosis etc. These bone void fillers also find their use in the revision procedures of joint replacement to support the host boneRequest Report for Table of Contents @Bone Void Fillers market: Drivers & RestraintsStrong growth of synthetic material and their acceptance promotes the market growth for bone void fillers. Further, the continuous growing orthobiologics market, rising geriatric population, increasing public awareness and continuous R&D also supports the market. Various key developments such as product advancements and launches, mergers and acquisitions by the bone void fillers market players are fuelling the growth of bone void fillers market. However, stringent regulations may obstruct the growth of bone void fillers market. In addition, high cost of bone grafting surgeries and inadequate reimbursement policies for bone grafting may also hampers the growth of global bone void fillers market.The bone cement and bone void filler market is filled with novel materials claiming their osteoconductive properties. The key material type in the popular synthetic bone void fillers tend to be microporous hydroxyapatite, or related macroporous calcium phosphate bone void fillers. Numerous preclinical and clinical trials are under way to realize its further potential which focuses on the material design properties to supplement tissue regeneration. In recent years, there is a great attention towards the development of intelligent biomaterial which can also deliver pharmacological components or biological entities for further enhancing and accelerating regeneration. Bone void fillers market currently face various challenges including poor resorbtion, limited availability, variable handling features and added cost. But with nearly 2.2 million worldwide procedures of bone graft, huge potential is seen for the market of bone void fillers.Geographically, the market for Bone Void Fillers can be segmented into five regions, North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa. North America dominates the global bone void fillers market owing to the advanced bone grafting procedures in the region and favorable reimbursement scenario. Europe represents the next leading market with Germany, Italy, U.K. and France holding the major share of bone void fillers market. However, Asia-Pacific represents the highest growth rate in the coming years due to the increasing public awareness, improving access to healthcare facilities and rising healthcare infrastructure. MEA represents the least market share globally in the bone void fillers market and projected to be the same over the forecast period.Request to View Sample of Research Report @Some major key players of Bone Void Fillers market include Zimmer Biomet, Medtronic, Graftys, Arthrex Inc., DePuy Synthes Companies, Stryker, Atlantic Surgical, K2M Inc., Bonesupport AB, Osteomed and others.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,Telephone - +1-646-568-7751USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Pickle Market - Positive Outlook for Industry Opportunities & Trends for Expansion in 2018 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=26399 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=CR&rep_id=26399 Pickle is form of a relish that is made up of either vegetables or fruits that is preserved in brine or vinegar. Pickles are made my immersing the fruits or vegetables in the brine or vinegar solution and stored for a period of time during which the ingredients goes through the pickling process and acquire the desired taste. Pickles are usually sweet or sour in taste and are often spicy. They acquire the taste of the key ingredient which is the vegetable or fruit of which the pickle is made. Pickles are consumed both as savory items as well as accompaniments with main courses especially in the Indian cuisine. The global pickle market is segregated on the basis of type, distribution channel and region. Based on type, the global market for pickles is segmented into fruit and vegetables. Fruit pickles are further sub-divided into mango, cucumber, orange and others. Vegetable pickles are further sub-divided into chili, cabbage, carrots, bell peppers and others. Fruit pickles held majority market share in 2016 and is anticipated to hold its dominant market share throughout the forecast period. Vegetable pickles are anticipated to witness the fastest growth rate during the forecast period of 2017-2025.Get Brochure For More Industry Insights@This is attributed to increased demand for these types of pickles in the Asia Pacific region as an accompaniment with food during meals. Based on distribution channel the global pickle market is segregated into supermarkets/hypermarkets, departmental stores and convenience stores. Supermarkets/hypermarkets held majority market share in 2016 and is anticipated to hold its position throughout the forecast period. This is attributed to large scale business that they do which leads to bigger revenue generation. This segment is also anticipated to witness the fastest growth rate during the forecast period of 2017-2025 owing to repeat business that they do through customers.Major drivers driving the global pickle market include health benefits that pickles offer. Apart from being a taste enhancer in everyday foods, pickles also have numerous health benefits which is triggering market growth globally. Pickles are proven antioxidants which prevents free radicals to attack the human body. They also help in digestion as they have probiotic properties in them. They are also a source of natural nutrients such as iron, vitamin, calcium, potassium and others. They are also proven to be reducing ulcers and provide protection. Therefore, they are driving the market positively. In addition, rising awareness about GMO products is also triggering market growth for organic pickles. The growing awareness about the harmful effects of GMO products is shifting the demand trends towards organic pickles which is in turn, triggering market growth. Lack of use of preservatives in organic pickles reduces their shelf-life due to which they cannot be stored for a longer period of time. This is acting as a major restraint to the global pickle market. Rising demand for pickles in countries of Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa will provide great opportunity to the global pickle market.Get Customize Report@Geographically, the global market for pickles is segregated to North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America. North America and Latin America combined makes the most dominant region in the global market for pickles. This is attributed to larger consumption of pickles among the consumers in North America due to their differentiating taste and taste enhancing capabilities. Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness the fastest growth rate during the forecast period owing to increased demand for pickles among consumers as a savory product and also as food enhancers. Developing nations such as China and India are showing substantial growth rate in this region.Major players of the global pickle market include ADF Foods (India), Del Monte Foods (U.S.), Mt. Olive Pickle Company (U.S.), Kraft Foods Inc. (U.S.), Reitzel International (Switzerland), Pinnacle Foods, Inc. (U.S) and Mitoku Company, Ltd. (Japan) among others.About Us:-Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a next-generation provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.Contact Us:-State Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com Trifluralin Market Growth to be Driven by Technological Advancements 2025 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/trifluralin-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=38588 www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Trifluralin is widely used herbicide produced from dichloromethane. It is majorly used to control annual grasses and broadleaf annual weeds on variety of crops, shrubs and flowers. Trifluralin is a manmade herbicide which occurs in yellowish orange solid. It is available in granular form or emulsifiable concentrate. This herbicide can be applied directly to the soil to provide control on crops, shrubs, flowers etc. It helps to enhance the root development by killing mitosis, and thus controlling the weeds before it grows. Trifluralin is one of the largest used herbicide in the United States where as this herbicide is banned in the European Union, due to its high toxicity to aquatic life. During degradation process trifluralin undergoes extreme transformation process and have negative impact on environment. This pesticide is extremely toxic in nature and affects to fresh water reservoirs, marine waters, estuarine fish and aquatic invertebrates including shrimp and oyster. The pesticide should not be applied directly to the water or to the areas where surface water is present. It is registered for the control of annual grasses and broad-leaved weeds in various crops such as cotton, ornamental plants, and food crops such as cabbage, broccoli, sugar beet, beans, onions, sugar cane, sunflowers, tomatoes, soybeans, vineyards, and a number of leafy green vegetables. Compared to other crops cotton, soybean, and ornamental plants account for a substantial share in the global consumption of trifluralin.View Report Preview:Trifluralin is highly soluble in water and easily forms strong bonds with soil. These herbicide actively works on wide range of pest such as Mexican fireweed, pigeongrass, pigweed, red rice, Russian thistle, silver crabgrass, watergrass, wild oat, wild barley, and woolly cupgrass.etc. Development of the agricultural sector and increase in demand for herbicides are the major factors that drive the growth of the tirfluralin market. Trifluralin prevent the growth of meristem. It penetrates in the roots of developing plants and hampers the cell growth and division of the plant. Special preventive measure should be followed while using trifluralin in selective plants to avoid any negative impact on the growth of that plant. Trifluralin is practically nontoxic to humans and birds in acute exposures. However, it has a very high toxicity to fish and other aquatic organisms. These disadvantages are adversely affecting the development of the global market for trifluralin.Based on crops, trifluralin market can be segmented into field crops and fruit & vegetable crops. The field crops include chickpeas, adzuki beans, cowpeas, mung beans, red kidney beans, pigeon beans, lentils, vetch, cotton, peanuts, linseed etc. Whereas fruits and vegetable crops include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflowers, carrots, chicory, green beans etc.Based on geography, the global trifluralin market can be classified into Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America and Asia Pacific is the major markets for trifluralin, led by the upturn in growth of agricultural sector. The trifluralin companies in Latin America is investing more in research and development, which have led to demand for trifluralin in Latin America market.Major players operating in the global tire derived market are Adama Agricultural Solutions Ltd, Shenzhen Sunrising Industry Co., Ltd., Shandong Qiaochang Chemical Co., Ltd., Chongqing Shurong Chemical Co., Ltd., BASF SE, Jiangsu Fengshan Group Co., Ltd., and Dow Chemical Company and others. These companies hold a significant share of the market. Thus, the trifluralin market experiences intense competition.Request to view Sample Report:The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Disposable Blood Bags Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/disposable-blood-bags-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=19598 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=D&rep_id=19598 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Disposable blood bags is a term primarily associated with storage, collection, transportation as well as transfusion of blood along with its components viz. RBCs, WBCs, and platelets. These components, in particular, require sophisticated disposable blood bags. Moreover, disposable blood bags have greatly replaced glass bottles for the collection and storage of blood and its components, which would drive the global market for disposable blood bags.View Report-Demand for disposable blood bags is rising, due to the increase in demand for sterile processes of transportation and transfusion of blood and its components. The market for disposable blood bags is expected to expand at a significant rate in the next few years. However, lack of unprofessional staff to handle the disposable blood bags can prove to be a restraint for the market, especially in low-to-medium-income countries of the world.However, growing incidence of blood-related illnesses and rising demand for transfer bags are factors expected to drive the global disposable blood bags market during the forecast period. Moreover, the increasing number of blood transfusion procedures is expected to fuel the demand for disposable blood bags during the forecast period. Furthermore, rising incidence of accidents in developed as well as developing countries is poised to augment the demand for blood transportation and transfusion. This is likely to propel the global disposable blood bags market. Different types of disposable blood bags are available all over the world; for example, CPDA blood bags, CPD/SAGM blood bags, and transfer bags.Request Brochure-The transfer bags segment is projected to witness rapid growth in the near future. This can be primarily attributed to the storage capacity of these bags, which ranges from 150 ml to 1000 ml. This enables the separation of blood components in a more sterile manner and eliminates the requirement for cleaning processes. The disposable blood bags market is anticipated to expand at a high rate in the next few years, owing to increase in the number of accidents/trauma incidents. Moreover, scientific improvements and increase in the requirement for blood transfusion and transportation worldwide would promote the market growth.The disposable blood bags market can be segmented on the basis of product type, end-user, and geography. Based on product type, the disposable blood bags market can be categorized into CPDA blood bags, CPD/SAGM blood bags, transfer bags, and others. The product type segments can be sub-segmented on the basis of usage into single, double, triple, and quadruple blood bags. Furthermore, based on end-user, the disposable blood bags market can be segmented into surgery and/or operation units, emergency units, intensive care units (ICUs), ambulatory centers, and others.Request For Discount-Globally, North America was observed to be the leading market for disposable blood bags, due to extensive use of blood tests alongside a large number research and development activities in the region. Additionally, the U.S. and Canada have been successfully utilizing a large number of blood bags. This, in turn, would boost the market for disposable blood bags in North America during the forecast period. Moreover, presence of well-established health care organizations, government initiatives in promoting the use of disposable blood bags, and constantly improving sterility aspects would further propel the market in the region in the near future. Europe is likely to be the second leading market for disposable blood bags in the next few years, owing to enhanced health care processes and growing concerns about health in the region.Asia Pacific is estimated to be the rapidly expanding market for disposable blood bags during the forecast period. Major factors that would drive the disposable blood bags market in Asia Pacific include the increasing number of accidents/trauma, and the rising number of blood transportation and transfusion procedures. China and India are emerging economies in the region and hence, they would increasingly contribute toward the growth of the market for disposable blood bags in Asia Pacific. In Latin America, Mexico and Brazil are the countries with significant potential for growth of the market, due to development of medical organizations and rising disposable incomes in the two countries.Key players operating in the global critical care diagnostics market are Poly Medicure Limited, Grifols, S.A., Macopharma Bharat Transfusion Solution, Fresenius Kabi India Pvt. Ltd., TERUMO PENPOL Pvt. Limited, HLL Lifecare Limited, and Span Healthcare Private Limited.About us:Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a U.S.-based provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.Contact us-90 State Street,Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Stainless Steel Tiles Market are expected to represent the highest growth rate In Global https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/stainless-steel-tiles-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=38660 www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Stainless steel is an alloy of iron. It is scientifically defined as an iron alloy with a minimum of 10.5% chromium. The addition of chromium allows the formation of a thin layer of oxide on stainless steel. This layer prevents surface corrosion, thereby keeping the stainless steel in an optimum condition. Increase in the chromium content leads to an increase in the resistance to corrosion. Therefore, products made from stainless steel are more durable as compared to those manufactured from various other metals. This allows the metal to be used in a variety of products, ranging from industrial equipment, to kitchen utensils and windows panes. Stainless steel is also used to manufacture tiles.View Report Preview:Stainless steel tiles are tiles manufactured from stainless steel metal. They are primarily used for their non-corrosive and durable nature. These tiles are highly resistant to wear-and-tear and corrosion, while also being adaptable to installation in a wide range of climates, from extreme heat to extreme cold. However, an equally important reason for their extensive use is the decorative and stylish qualities of these tiles. Stainless steel tiles are sleek and provide a glazed finish. Furthermore, it is possible to carry-out more processing on these tiles, for e.g. by coating them, in order to make them anti-bacteria resistant. Other effects such as sandy textures can be incorporated so as to make them more resistant to damages caused by stains.The stainless steel tiles are easy to clean and sanitize. These properties, along with their durable and decorative properties, are likely to drive the stainless steel tile market. These tiles are primarily used in indoor applications, rather than outdoor use. In case of indoors, these tiles are commonly used on kitchen walls and as bathroom tiles, apart from fire-side places. Outdoor applications include commercial establishments, where they are used as dining table tops and in reception areas. Other outdoor applications, though rare, include swimming pools and gymnasiums.Stainless steel tiles are popular due to their availability in a wide variety. These tiles are available in various shapes, colors, and dimensions. Stainless steel tiles are available in various customizable shapes and sizes. Rectangle is the most popular shape of stainless steel tiles. Others shapes include square, circle, hexagonal, triangular, cross, L-shape, V-shape, various combinations of such shapes, and other curved shapes as per requirement. Similarly, stainless steel tiles are available in a wide range of colors. The most commonly used colors include grey, silver, and black; however, other colors encompass shades of brown, green, maroon, copper yellow, blue, and white, among others. The dimensions of stainless steel tiles are varied, apart from the customization available, and consist of factors such as their length, breadth, and thickness. Examples of dimensions include sizes like 12 X 12, 3 X 6 or 4 X 4 etc. and thickness like 2, 3 or 5. In terms of regions, the global stainless steel tiles market can be classified as North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa.Major companies operating in the global stainless steel tiles market include Metal Tile Co. Ltd., Tile Bar, Stainless Steel Tile Inc., The Complete Tile Collection LLC, Fuleitat Metal Mosaic Building Materials Co. Ltd., United International Private Limited, Inoxia, Daltile, and Linagolan.Request to view Sample Report:The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Market: Report Scope and Market Segmentation https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/20974 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/20974 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com The major application of rhodium alloys is as a structuring material for the manufacture of glass. Therefore, the components such as thermocouples, forehearth and furnace uses these alloys to protect from the damage by molten glass. Rhodium alloys also find major application in automobile catalytic convertors. Rhodium alloys have high melting point and good corrosion resistance therefore are also being used to make laboratory equipment such as high temperature sensors.Platinum rhodium alloy is the most common type of alloy used for the ceramic protection in glass manufacturing. Because of the two metal alloys high temperature, structural strength and corrosion resistance is improved which protects from the degradation through molten glass. Rhodium alloys also plays an important role in the automotive industry. Rhodium alloys are used in the autocatalysis and are effective at converting harmful engine emissions such as hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide into less harmful gases.Request Report for TOC @Global Rhodium Alloys Market: DynamicsDriversThe growing demand for glass handling and forming equipment such as thermocouple, glass stirrers for homogenization, laser glass melters anticipated to drive the demand for rhodium alloys. Rhodium alloys are also used extensively in the manufacturing of high melting LCD glass for flat panel displays, glass-ceramics for cooker hobs and many more products. Thus driving the global rhodium alloys market growth.Moreover, there has also been a growing demand for high temperature sensing devices/equipment for the research and development across a number of end use industries and laboratories thus creating traction in the global rhodium alloys market.The stringent government regulations pertaining to vehicle emissions and exhaust are also anticipated to drive the demand for rhodium alloys. Rhodium alloys plays an important role in the auto catalysis. They help to convert harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and other oxides into less harmful gases. Thus anticipated to grow significantly over the forecast period.RestraintsThe major factor restraining the growth of the global rhodium alloys market is the higher cost associated with the use of precious metals. Therefore alternative methods to alloying such as doping has been increasingly preferred in order to reduce the cost from precious metals.TrendsThe manufacturers are focusing on reduction of cost for rhodium alloys. Additionally, many manufacturers are also providing new combination of rhodium alloys which can be used over niche and tailored specific applications.Global Rhodium Alloys Market: SegmentationThe global Rhodium Alloys market can be segmented based on application, alloy type and region.On the basis of application, the global rhodium alloys market can be segmented as:Glass ManufacturingAutocatalystHigh temperature sensing instrumentsElectrical and electronicsOthersOn the basis of alloy type, rhodium alloys can be segmented as:Platinum-rhodium alloysPalladium-rhodium alloysIron rhodium alloysOthersGlobal Rhodium Alloys Market: Regional OutlookNorth America is anticipated to dominate the global market for rhodium alloys. The region has a significant base for the high temperature sensing equipment and also for the glass forming and calibration devices thus driving the market growth. The growing research and developments in regions such as North America, Europe, Japan is anticipated to drive the demand for rhodium alloys for the laboratory equipment. Asia Pacific region is also anticipated to expand at a relatively higher growth rate owing to the rapid growth in the glass making industry. Middle East and Africa is anticipated to expand at significantly over the forecast period. South Africa is anticipated to remain a lucrative country in the Middle East and Africa rhodium alloys market. Latin America on the other hand is anticipated to expand at a relatively slower rate over the forecast period.Request to Sample Report @Global Rhodium Alloys Market: ParticipantsExamples of some of the market participants identified across the value chain of global Rhodium Alloys market are:Parekh Industries Ltd.J & J Materials, Inc. - Neptune City, NJNobilis Metals - Attleboro, MAAmerican ElementsReade International Corp.,Rhodeium Ferro Alloys Private LtdMerck KGaAPure TechAbout UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Slovakia Personal Accident and Health Insurance Market, Trends, Absolute Opportunity and Value Chain 2020 http://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/733149-personal-accident-and-health-opportunities-to-2020 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/733149-personal-accident-and-health-opportunities-to-2020 Slovakia Personal Accident and Health Insurance MarketSummaryPersonal Accident and Health Insurance in Slovakia Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides in-depth market analysis, information and insights into the Slovak personal accident and health insurance segment, including:An overview of the Slovak personal accident and health insurance segmentThe Slovak personal accident and health insurance segments growth prospects by categoryA comprehensive overview of the Slovak economy and demographicsA comparison of the Slovak personal accident and health insurance segment with its regional counterpartsClick here for sample report @Scope of the ReportThis report provides a comprehensive analysis of the personal accident and health insurance segment in Slovakia:It provides historical values for the Slovak personal accident and health insurance segment for the reports 20112015 review period, and projected figures for the 20152020 forecast period.It offers a detailed analysis of the key categories in the Slovak personal accident and health insurance segment, and market forecasts to 2020.It provides a comparison of the Slovak personal accident and health insurance segment with its regional counterpartsIt provides an overview of the various distribution channels for personal accident and health insurance products in Slovakia.It profiles the top personal accident and health insurance companies in Slovakia, and outlines the key regulations affecting them.Table of ContentsTable of Contents1 Key Facts and Highlights2 Executive Summary3 Economy and Demographics4 Segment Outlook4.1 Regional Comparison4.2 Segment Indicators4.2.1 Gross written premium and penetration4.2.2 Policies sold4.2.3 Claims4.2.4 Profitability4.2.5 Assets and Investments5 Outlook by Category5.1 Personal Accident Insurance5.1.1 Premium5.1.2 Policies5.1.3 Claims5.1.4 Profitability.ContinuedFor Detailed Reading Please visit @Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your particular needs.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Clear Aligner (Invisible Braces) Market to Reap Excessive Revenues by 2025 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/21448 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/21448 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Dental braces and aligners are used in orthodontics to straighten and align teeth in order to position them appropriately to a persons bite. These instruments are often used to correct under bites, cross bites, over bites, malocclusions, crooked teeth, deep bites and various other oral flaws. Metal and ceramic braces are the most well-known types of braces for the orthodontic treatment. Aligners are relatively new orthodontic treatment option which removes the need for attaching braces and brackets to the teeth. In addition, clear aligners are not visible as the metal braces, thus do not impact the daily life of the patient. Aligners are made of smooth and virtually invisible plastic that will gradually and gently shift the teeth in the right place over a period of time.Request Report for Table of Contents @Treatment using clear aligners offers better comfort, flexibility and convenience compared to the traditional braces. There are no metal brackets or wires to be attached to this aligner for tightening it as they are customized specific to the patients requirement. Further, this aligners are cost effective and take less time to complete the treatment procedure. Moreover, clear aligners also avoid common side effects such as mouth sores, injuries, tooth decay and plaque buildup caused by the regular metal braces.The market for clear aligners (invisible braces) is analyzed based on the geographies categorized as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and rest of the world. North America dominates the market in terms of revenue generation and demand and is the one of the largest market for clear aligner manufacturers. Increasing consumer awareness for dental health and rising disposable incomes of the general population are the factors fueling the growth of the global clear aligners market.Request to View Sample of Research Report @Some of the major players in this industry include Align Technology, Inc., Clear Correct, LLC, and DENTSPLY International. Align Technology currently dominates the clear aligners market.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,Telephone - +1-646-568-7751USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Jordanian Insurance Industry 2016 - Opportunity, Driving Trends and deep study 2022 http://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/680489-governance-risk-and-compliance-the-jordanian-insurance-industry https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/680489-governance-risk-and-compliance-the-jordanian-insurance-industry Jordanian Insurance Industry MarketSynopsisThe Report provides detailed analysis of the insurance regulations for life, property, motor, liability, personal accident and health, and marine, aviation and transit insurance. The report specifies various requirements for the establishment and operation of insurance and reinsurance companies and intermediaries.The report brings together research, modeling and analysis expertise, giving insurers access to information on prevailing insurance regulations, and recent and upcoming changes in the regulatory framework, taxation and legal system in the country. The report also includes the scope of non-admitted insurance in the country.Click here for sample report @SummaryThe report provides insights into the governance, risk and compliance framework pertaining to the insurance industry in Jordan, including:An overview of the insurance regulatory framework in Jordan.The latest key changes, and changes expected in the countrys insurance regulatory framework.Key regulations and market practices related to different types of insurance product in the country.Rules and regulations pertaining to key classes of compulsory insurance, and the scope of non-admitted insurance in Jordan.Key parameters including licensing requirements, permitted foreign direct investment, minimum capital requirements, solvency and reserve requirements, and investment regulations.Details of the tax and legal systems in the country.Scope The report covers details of the insurance regulatory framework in Jordan.The report contains details of the rules and regulations governing insurance products and insurance entities.The report lists and analyzes key trends and developments pertaining to the countrys insurance regulatory framework.The report analyzes the rules and regulations pertaining to the establishment and operation of insurance businesses in the country.The report provides details of taxation imposed on insurance products and insurance companies.Reasons To Buy Gain insights into the insurance regulatory framework in Jordan.Track the latest regulatory changes, and expected changes impacting the Jordanian insurance industry.Gain detailed information about the key regulations governing the establishment and operation of insurance entities in the country.Understand key regulations and market practices pertaining to various types of insurance product.Key Highlights The Jordan insurance industry is regulated by the Insurance Directorate, a department of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supplies.FDI is permitted in the Jordanian insurance industry up to 100%.Non-admitted insurance is prohibited, except for aviation insurance for aircraft owned by Jordanian companies.Motor third-party liability, workers' compensation, liability for ships with respect to oil pollution and aviation liability insurance are key mandatory classes of insurance.The Insurance Directorate does not allow the practice of composite insurance in the country, except for those composite insurers which existed prior to the enactment of the Insurance Regulatory Act 1999.Table of Contents1 INTRODUCTION1.1 What is this Report About?1.2 Definitions2 GOVERNANCE, RISK AND COMPLIANCE2.1 Legislation Overview and Historical Evolution2.2 Latest Changes in Regulation2.3 Legislation and Market Practice by Type of Insurance2.3.1 Life insurance2.3.2 Property insurance2.3.3 Motor insurance2.3.4 Liability insurance2.3.5 Marine, aviation and transit insurance2.3.6 Personal accident and health insurance2.4 Compulsory Insurance2.4.1 Motor third-party liability insurance2.4.2 Workers compensation insurance2.4.3 Liability insurance for ships with respect to oil pollution2.4.4 Aviation liability insurance2.5 Supervision and Control2.5.1 International Association of Insurance Supervisors2.5.2 Insurance Directorate2.5.3 Jordan Insurance Federation.ContinuedFor Detailed Reading Please visit @Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your particular needs.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Fill-Finish Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Market to Undertake Strapping Growth During 2017 - 2025 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/13351 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/13351 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com The recent times global pharmaceutical market is more inclined towards contract manufacturing. There are several types of contract manufacturing of pharmaceutical as well as biotechnological products which involve partial contract manufacturing and complete manufacturing of pharmaceutical and biotechnological products. Fill-finish processing comes only after upstream bioprocessing, the realization of the active component by fermentation or cell culture, and the downstream process of purification. This is when the ultimate product has the highest value, and, thus, the most to miscarry to a failure of the product. At the late stages of development, true-and-tried processes incline to be whats used. Innovation can introduce risk factors like, regulatory work and expense into operations of the bioprocess. This constitutes to the mixing, formulation or preparation of the other active agent into its final form, e.g., lyophilized or liquid powder, and sealing and filling within the final containers, which majorly consists of prefilled syringes.Request Report for Table of Contents @One of the most critical parts in the manufacturing of biopharmaceutical is fill-finish. Any mistakes in this steps will ultimately lead to either contamination, improper packing or mis-formulation. This majorly affects and leads to product failure, safety issues and loss of valuable product. The nature of Fill-Finish operations is largely based on mechanics, involving the manipulation, moving, and packaging of the solid and liquid dosage forms. Several Fill-Finish operations, such as vial filling, are practically unchanged from decades. More or less the liquid dosage forms undergo the same old processes and handling very similar to that of vialed pharmaceuticals. In the same association, Fill-Finish processes of manufacturing have changed relatively in latest years and generally use the most advances methods and equipment. Innovation in this are avoided unless and until necessary.The global Fill-Finish Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Market is segmented, by the state of the finished product and content. Based on the state of the finished product the global Fill-Finish Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Market is segmented into Solids, Semi-solids, Liquids. Liquid finished product which includes biologics is relatively matured as compared to others in state of the finished product segment. Followed by liquids the solid and the semi-solid state of the finished product are increasing steadily. On the basis of content, the global Fill-Finish Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Market is segmented into Organic substances (isolated from animal origin), Organic substances (isolated from microorganisms), Inorganic substances.On the basis of regional presence, global Fill-Finish Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Market is segmented into five broad regions viz. North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. North America is leading the global Fill-Finish Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Market due to increased awareness about contract manufacturing and associated risk factors. Europe market is also projected to experience growth in the near future. Asia-Pacific market is estimated to grow at faster growth rate during the forecast period, owing to factors such as improving healthcare infrastructure, adoption of effective medicine and raising funds for clinical research.Request a Sample Brochure of the Report @Some of the major players in global Fill-Finish Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Market are Patheon Inc, Inc. Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd, Piramal Pharma Solutions, Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd, Abbott Laboratories, Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Cobra Biologics Ltd, MabPlex USA, Inc., Wockhardt Limited and Cytovance Biologics Inc.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,Telephone - +1-646-568-7751USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Global Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate Market Professional Survey Report 2018 : Coca Cola (U.S.), Pepsico (U.S.), Virent, Inc. QYResearchReports https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1750834&type=S https://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-bio-polyethylene-terephthalate-market-professional-survey-report-2018.htm/toc https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1750834&type=D Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate Market Professional Survey Report 2018" to its huge collection of research reports.This report studies Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate in Global market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2013 to 2018, and forecast to 2025.The global market for Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate is depicted in a highly detailed manner in our latest report. This depiction has been compiled by considering myriad perspectives and data sources, followed by carrying out extensive research. The main aim of the report is to provide a comprehensive insight to businesses as well as individuals working in the market. Such an insight is expected to be highly valuable, which could in turn lead towards a proper pathway for attaining success.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringCoca Cola (U.S.)Draths Corporation (U.S.)Pepsico (U.S.)Anellotech, Inc. (China)Virent, Inc. (U.S.)Danone (France)Gevo, Inc. (China)Toray Industries (China)TEIJIN LIMITED (Japan)Order a Free Copy of Sample Report @On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoFiber GradeBottle GradeFilm GradeBy Application, the market can be split intoPolyester FiberContainerFilm ProductsOtherBy Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaThe Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate market illustrated in the report covers a forecast period from 2018 to 2025, along with a handsome gain in revenue anticipated to occur until the end of this duration. Modification of products and services, new deals made between different players, collaborations, mergers & acquisitions, and an overall development in terms of products sales are areas where most businesses are expected to focus.The report explains several important factors such as policy changes, favorable initiatives from governmental and private agencies, and key market trends to occur during to the mentioned forecast period. A high importance has been attributed to the drivers and restraints section, which are very important to be considered by businesses, if they want to exhibit growth in the Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate market. Last but not the least, the markets various segments have also been outlined in the report based on various categories such as applications, end-users, product type, technology, and geography. Each individual segment has been described in great detail, encompassing several aspects such as revenue earned, product demand, and growth prospects for the future.Browse full table of contents and description of report @Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate1.1 Definition and Specifications of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate1.1.1 Definition of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate1.1.2 Specifications of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate1.2 Classification of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate1.3 Applications of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate1.4 Market Segment by Regions2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate Major Manufacturers in 20173.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate Major Manufacturers in 20173.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate Major Manufacturers in 20173.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate Major Manufacturers in 20174 Global Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate Overall Market Overview4.1 2013-2018E Overall Market Analysis4.2 Capacity Analysis4.2.1 2013-2018E Global Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 2017 Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)4.3 Sales Analysis4.4 Sales Price AnalysisTo Get Discount On This Report Click here @List of Tables and FiguresFigure Picture of Bio-Polyethylene TerephthalateTable Product Specifications of Bio-Polyethylene TerephthalateTable Classification of Bio-Polyethylene TerephthalateFigure Global Production Market Share of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate by Type in 2017Figure Market Share of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate by RegionsFigure North America Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate Market Size (Million USD) (2013-2025)Figure China Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate Market Size (Million USD) (2013-2025)Figure Europe Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate Market Size (Million USD) (2013-2025)Figure Southeast Asia Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate Market Size (Million USD) (2013-2025)About Us:QYResearchReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYResearchReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us:1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com Europe Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire Market 2018 with Top Players : Ledvance, Zumtobel, Regiolux, Dialight QYResearchReports https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1692422&type=S https://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/europe-damp-proof-led-linear-luminaire-market-research-report-2018.htm/toc https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1692422&type=D Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Europe Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire Market Research Report 2018" to its huge collection of research reports.This report studies the Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire market status and outlook of Europe and major countries, from angles of players, countries, product types and end industries; this report analyzes the top players in Europe and major countries, and splits the Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire market by product type and applications/end industries.Europe Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire market size was 149.14 million USD in Europe, and it will be 318.38 million USD in 2023, with a CAGR of 13.47 % between 2017 and 2023.The report illustrates a highly comprehensive overview of the Europe Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire market, which includes a variety of factors such as product advancements, product launches, steps taken to facilitate geographical reach, as well as major challenges faced by key players. Key trends and opportunities have been significantly highlighted in our latest report on Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire market from a worldwide perspective. Besides a Europe viewpoint, the report also narrates a local presence of the market, with key highlights provided on emerging economies where most business might plan to expand.For More Info Get Free Sample Report :The major players in Europe market includeLedvanceZumtobelPhilips LightingAdolf Schuch GmbHFeilo SylvaniaRegioluxDisano Illuminazione S.p.ADialightOppleGeographically, this report is segmented into several key regions, with sales, revenue, market share and growth Rate of Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire in these regions, from 2013 to 2023 (forecast), coveringGermanyUKFranceRussiaBeneluxItalySpainRest of EuropeOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report coversGarages & Underground Car ParksIndustrial and Storage FacilitiesHumid and Wet Indoor LocationsOthersThe report has been compiled by accumulating vast amounts of data derived from primary as well as secondary research. The data accounted through such extensive studies has been thoroughly reviewed before inputting in the compiled report, thus maintaining the quality of the market research performed. After accumulating, sorting, and keeping the received data handy, expert analysts have constructed a clear overview of the Europe Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire market, essentially outlining a product/service description. Apart from positive growth boost affecting the market being described in the report, the same study also sheds more light onto key factors restraining the markets growth.The Europe Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire market is segregated into numerous segments based on different criteria, and each of these segments has been described in great detail in the report. Every segment has been described in terms of revenue gained, attractiveness, and future growth. The report also outlines a detailed geographical segmentation of the market, followed by individual country-wise market shares. A projection for markets growth recorded in forthcoming years is also highlighted based on the geographical outlook.Browse Table of Content @Table of Contents1 Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire Overview11.1 Product Overview and Scope of Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire11.2 Classification of Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire by Product Category21.3 Europe Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire Market by Applications/End Users31.4 Europe Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire Market by Countries41.5 Europe Market Size (Revenue and Sales) of Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire (2013-2023F)131.5.1 Europe Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire Sales (K Units) and Growth Rate (%) (2013-2023F)131.5.2 Europe Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (%) (2013-2023F)142 Europe Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire by Players, Type and Application152.1 Europe Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire Market Competition by Players/Suppliers152.1.1 Europe Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire Sales and Market Share (%) of Key Players (2016-2017)152.1.2 Europe Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire Revenue (Million USD) and Share (%) by Players (2016-2017)182.2 Europe Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire by Type212.3 Europe Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire (Revenue and Sales) by Countries232.4 Europe Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire Revenue by Application273 Germany Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire (Revenue, Sales and Price)303.1 Germany Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire (Revenue and Sales) (2013-2018E)303.2 Germany Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire Revenue and Market Share (%) by Type323.3 Germany Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire Revenue and Market Share (%) by Applications33Please click the link to avail discount on this report @List of Tables and FiguresFigure Product Picture of Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire1Table Europe Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate Comparison by Types (2013-2023)2Figure Europe Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire Revenue (M USD) Market Share by Types (Product Category) in 20172Table Europe Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire Revenue (M USD) Comparison by Applications (2013-2023)3Figure Europe Revenue Market Share of Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire by Applications in 20173Table Europe Market Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire Revenue (Million USD) Comparison by Regions 2012-20234Figure Europe Damp Proof LED Linear Luminaire Revenue (Million USD) Comparison by Countries (2013-2023F)5About Us:QYResearchReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYResearchReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us:1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com United States Infusion Pharmacy Management Market 2018 Competition by Key Players : CareCentrix, MedicoRx QYResearchReports https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1646654&type=S https://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/united-states-infusion-pharmacy-management-market-report-2018.htm/toc https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1646654&type=D Qyresearchreports include new market research report "United States Infusion Pharmacy Management Market Report 2018" to its huge collection of research reports.In this report, the United States Infusion Pharmacy Management market is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2017 and 2025.The report on the United States Infusion Pharmacy Management market presents elaborate and in-depth assessment of key growth drivers, restraining factors, prominent trends, emerging competitive landscape, and promising avenues. The dynamics of the United States Infusion Pharmacy Management market has been in a constant flux of change, brought about by recent regulatory changes, inroads made by new technologies, and changing consumer preferences and perspectives. The in-depth study takes a closer look at changing product and service portfolio of players in the United States Infusion Pharmacy Management market prominent regional market. In addition, the study also highlights emerging lucrative avenues in regions with untapped opportunities. The analysis of the United States Infusion Pharmacy Management market dynamics offers an uncomplicated view of major changes in the business landscape expected to affect the offering of emerging and established players. Furthermore, the detailed account offers keen insights into various tactical and strategic risks that motivate players to diversify their offering.Request and Get Free Sample Report @Geographically, this report splits the United States market into seven regions:The WestSouthwestThe Middle AtlanticNew EnglandThe SouthThe Midwestwith sales (volume), revenue (value), market share and growth rate of Infusion Pharmacy Management in these regions, from 2013 to 2025 (forecast).United States Infusion Pharmacy Management market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Infusion Pharmacy Management sales volume, price, revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingSouthside Group of CompaniesCignaCareCentrixManaged Health Care AssociatesContinuumRxARJ Infusion ServicesMedicoRxOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoAntibioticsAnti-NutritionAntifungalPain ManagementTotal Parenteral NutritionOthersOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate for each application, includingAmbulatory Surgical CentersHome Care SettingHospitalSpecialty ClinicsPlayers in the United States Infusion Pharmacy Management market looking for promising opportunities and data outliers will find the report a treasure trove. The report on the United States Infusion Pharmacy Management market also strives to make a critical assessment of any strategic overhauls and disruptions expected in the not-so-distant future. To this end, it offers the evidence-backed insights on the advent of game-changing technologies and the rapidly changing regulatory landscape in various regions. The study employs methods such as SWOT analysis and Porters five forces analysis to ascertain the intensity of the competition over the assessment period.Read Complete Table of Content @Table of Contents1 Infusion Pharmacy Management Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Infusion Pharmacy Management1.2 Classification of Infusion Pharmacy Management by Product Category1.3 United States Infusion Pharmacy Management Market by Application/End Users1.4 United States Infusion Pharmacy Management Market by Region1.5 United States Market Size (Value and Volume) of Infusion Pharmacy Management (2013-2025)1.5.1 United States Infusion Pharmacy Management Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2025)1.5.2 United States Infusion Pharmacy Management Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2025)2 United States Infusion Pharmacy Management Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1 United States Infusion Pharmacy Management Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2013-2018)2.2 United States Infusion Pharmacy Management Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2013-2018)2.3 United States Infusion Pharmacy Management Average Price by Players/Suppliers (2013-2018)2.4 United States Infusion Pharmacy Management Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5 United States Players/Suppliers Infusion Pharmacy Management Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area, Product Type3 United States Infusion Pharmacy Management Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)3.1 United States Infusion Pharmacy Management Sales and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.2 United States Infusion Pharmacy Management Revenue and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.3 United States Infusion Pharmacy Management Price by Region (2013-2018)Enquiry For Discount Visit @List of Tables and FiguresFigure Product Picture of Infusion Pharmacy ManagementFigure United States Infusion Pharmacy Management Market Size (K Units) by Type (2013-2025)Figure United States Infusion Pharmacy Management Sales Volume Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 2017Figure United States Infusion Pharmacy Management Market Size (Million USD) by Region (2013-2025)Figure The West Infusion Pharmacy Management Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025)Figure Southwest Infusion Pharmacy Management Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025)Figure The Middle Atlantic Infusion Pharmacy Management Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025)About Us:QYResearchReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYResearchReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us:1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com Asia-Pacific Intelligent Pipeline Pigging Market 2018 with Revenue and Shares : Rosen, Enduro, NDT Global QYResearchReports https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1650901&type=S https://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/asia-pacific-intelligent-pipeline-pigging-market-report-2018.htm/toc https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1650901&type=D Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Asia-Pacific Intelligent Pipeline Pigging Market Report 2018" to its huge collection of research reports.The Asia-Pacific Intelligent Pipeline Pigging Market Report 2018 is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Intelligent Pipeline Pigging market. Annual estimates and forecasts are provided for the period 2018 through 2025. Also, a five-year historic analysis is provided for these markets. The Asia-Pacific market for Intelligent Pipeline Pigging is expected to reach about 409.57 Million USD by 2025 from 263.94 Million USD in 2017, registering a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.65% during the analysis period, 2017-2025.An inclusive overview of the Asia-Pacific Intelligent Pipeline Pigging market has been provided in this research study in order to present a clear understanding for the readers. The research study offers an in-depth study of the market along with the current trends and the key opportunities within the Asia-Pacific Intelligent Pipeline Pigging market. The research study further throws light on the business policies and strategies of the key players operating in the Intelligent Pipeline Pigging market across the globe. In addition to this, the key growth drivers, barriers, challenges, and projections of the Asia-Pacific Intelligent Pipeline Pigging market have been discussed thoroughly in the research study.Request a Free Sample Report of this research to evaluate more:This report studies Intelligent Pipeline Pigging focuses on top manufacturers in Asia-Pacific market, with revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringTDWRosenPII (Baker Hughes)Pure TechnologiesCIRCOR EnergyRomstar GroupDacon Inspection ServicesEnduroNDT GlobalMarket segment by regions, this report splits Asia-Pacific into several key regions, with industry, revenue, market share and growth rate of Intelligent Pipeline Pigging in these regions, from 2013 to 2025 (forecast), likeChinaJapanKoreaIndiaAustraliaMalaysiaThailandIndonesiaOthersSplit by applications, this report focuses on industry, market share and growth rate of Intelligent Pipeline Pigging in each application, can be divided intoCrude OilRefined ProductsNatural GasOthersSome of the vital questions answered by the research study concerning the growth prospects of the Asia-Pacific Intelligent Pipeline Pigging market have been mentioned below:Which factors are encouraging the rapid growth of the Asia-Pacific Intelligent Pipeline Pigging market?What are the expected statistics for the overall market in the coming few years?What is the estimated size and share of the Intelligent Pipeline Pigging market?Which are the leading regional segments of the Asia-Pacific Intelligent Pipeline Pigging market?Which product segment of the Asia-Pacific market is likely to grow at a fast pace in the forecast period?How is the competitive landscape of the Asia-Pacific Intelligent Pipeline Pigging market?Which are the leading players operating in the market for Intelligent Pipeline Pigging across the globe?The research study further throws light on the major challenges and opportunities in the Asia-Pacific Intelligent Pipeline Pigging market. In the section of the competitive landscape, the research study has provided detailed profiles of the leading players, including the company profiles, product segmentation, and the business strategies.To Browse a Full Report with TOC:Table of Contents1 Intelligent Pipeline Pigging Market Overview11.1 Intelligent Pipeline Pigging Introduction11.2 Market Analysis by Type51.3 Market Analysis by Applications111.4 Intelligent Pipeline Pigging Market Status and Prospect by Countries (2013-2025F)151.5 Asia-Pacific Market Size of Intelligent Pipeline Pigging (2013-2025F)231.6 Market Dynamics232 Manufacturers Profiles262.1 TDW262.1.1 Company Profile262.1.2 Products, Services and Solutions262.1.3 Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis of TDW282.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview292.2 ROSEN292.2.1 Company Profile292.2.2 Products, Services and Solutions303 Asia-Pacific Intelligent Pipeline Pigging Market Competition by Manufacturers923.1 Asia-Pacific Intelligent Pipeline Pigging Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018E)923.2 Intelligent Pipeline Pigging Market Competitive Situation and Trends953.2.1 Intelligent Pipeline Pigging Market Concentration Rate953.2.2 Intelligent Pipeline Pigging Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers963.3 Comparison of Each Manufacturers Intelligent Pipeline Pigging Product Types and Technology97Get discount on this report atList of Tables and FiguresFigure Intelligent Pipeline Pigging Picture2Table Product Specifications of Intelligent Pipeline Pigging2Figure Asia-Pacific Sales Market Share of Intelligent Pipeline Pigging by Types in 20175Figure China Intelligent Pipeline Pigging Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025F)15Figure Japan Intelligent Pipeline Pigging Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025F)16Figure Korea Intelligent Pipeline Pigging Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025F)17Figure India Intelligent Pipeline Pigging Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025F)18Figure Australia Intelligent Pipeline Pigging Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025F)19About Us:QYResearchReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYResearchReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us:1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com Guwahati: Controvery over bullet-proof jackets once again emerged in the country after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. Now this time, controvery over bullet-proof jackets provided to the security personnel has been emerged in Assam, after a Sub-Inspector of Assam Police had lost his life in a fierce gun fight with a militant group of banned outfit United Liberation Front of Asom Independent (ULFA-I) at Bordumsa area in Upper Assams Tinsukia district on May 4 evening. Bhaskar Kalita, Officer-in-Charge of Bordumsa police station, who seriously injured in the encounter was taken to Tinsukia civil hospital, but was declared brought dead. When Kalita's body was brought to the civil hospital, two holes were visible in his bullet-proof jacket. Questions being raised over quality of the bullet-proof jackets supplied to the Assam police personnel after death of the police officer. What kind of bullet-proof jackets have been provided to the police officers during the special operations against militants who equipped by sophisticated weapons. In 2012, Home department of the state government had procured 1260 numbers Light Weight Bullet Proof Jackets under the Modernisation of Police Force (MPF) scheme and CAG had detected some irregularities over the bullet-proof jacket procurement. It is to be mentioned that, after the 26/11 terror attack, Maharashtra Police had returned 1430 bulletproof jackets out of 4600 as the jackets failed the AK-47 bullet test during trials. In Assam, such safety equipment normally tested at the Central Forensic Laboratory in Gujarat, but the question raised that, have the norms been strictly followed. Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal had directed a high level inquiry into the bullet-proof jacket issue. On the other hand, the family members of the police officer who was died during encounter with ULFA-I militants after wearing bullet-proof jacket, also raised questions over the quality of the bullet-proof vest. Wife of Bhaskar Kalita, Officer-in-Charge of Bordumsa police station died on May 4 evening said that, government had provided low quality bullet-proof vest to the Assam police personnel who engaged with the counter insurgency operations. "Some disadvantage that, low quality bullet-proof jackets had provided to the Assam police personnel. Government should take initiative to improve it through periodic checking and to replace old varieties. To provide adequate protection covers to police officer or constable before leaving counter insurgency operation," Sangita Bonia, wife of the police officer said. According to the CAG report of Assam government in the year 2013-14, 1260 numbers Light Weight Bullet Proof Jackets were supplied by M/S Tata Advanced Materials Limited, Bangalore in March 2012 at a unit cost of Rs 30,089. After the allegations, now questions have been raised that, will Assam police will take stern action against the suppliers who supplied these bullet-proof jackets. Assam police ADGP (SB) Pallab Bhattacharya said that, everything depends upon the situation where the incident was taken place. "The Officer-in-Charge was wearing bullet-proof jacket and there is no doubt about that and government has already initiated an inquiry under a Additional Chief Secretary regarding the procurement and whole incident how it was took place. If the inquiry committee will find any irregularities, then government will definitely take appropriate action,"the top Assam cop said. On the other hand, opposition leader of Assam Legislative Assembly and Congress MLA Debabrata Saikia said that, questions have been definitely raised over quality of the bullet-proof jacket provided to our security personnel after the death of brave police officer Bhaskar Kalita. "Questions also raised that, when it was purchased, whats type? Is it suitable to prevent the bullets of modern sophisticated weapons? It is important to probe into the matter very seriously," the Congress MLA said. Will Assam government look into the issue seriously and to find out the actual facts. Cutting Oils Market Detailed Analytical Overview by 2025 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/21175 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/21175 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Cutting oils is a type of lubricant used as a metalworking fluid in several industrial applications. Metalworking fluids are specifically designed for increasing the durability of cutting tools and to prevent wear & tear. The primary application of cutting fluids is to regulate the temperature by cooling. The cutting oil is applied during the machining operations as it removes heat by carrying it away from the workpiece interface. Cutting oils also act as a lubricant and lubricate the workpiece interface. Removal of particulates and chips/metal fines, etc. is also one of the applications performed by cutting oils.Cutting oils are essential in the machining process as excess heat produced during the machining process makes the machine quite prone to wear and tear. Thus, cutting oils play a major role in many of the industrial applications. The composition of cutting oils varies widely depending upon the type of machining process they are used in. They are generally made from natural/synthetic base oils and depending upon the machining application they are put in, certain additives are added to customize their properties. Thus, cutting oils are designed to increase the productivity of machines and the metal working process. Cutting oils find applications in several industrial applications, including the automobile industry. Demand from these industries is anticipated to boost the demand for cutting oils over the forecast period.Request Report for TOC @Cutting Oils Market: DynamicsCutting oils find applications in several industrial applications where they play a critical role in increasing productivity and reducing wear & tear, thereby increasing the life of equipment and related parts. Several types of cutting oils are available in the market for a vast range of applications. Therefore, increasing demand for cutting oils owing to several applications in machining industries is anticipated to augment the growth of cutting oils over the forecast period. Furthermore, advancements in the development of equipment across various industry verticals and growing severe metal working process will also led to rise in demand for cutting oils. Nowadays, equipment manufacturers are more focused on increasing productivity alongside reducing cost, which will promote the use of high quality cutting oils. That apart, increasing industrialization across developing countries, rebound growth in the automobile industry and upgradation to new technologies in sectors, such as metals, manufacturing process, energy etc. will also boost the demand for cutting oils over the forecast period.Base oils used in cutting oils are extracted from crude oil. Ongoing volatility of the prices of crude oil may affect the demand for cutting oils and may also hinder the rise in demand. Furthermore, cutting oils pose a hazard to certain metals and can also affect humans if not handled properly. That apart, disposing cutting oils and other metal working fluids is also a big problem as they are insoluble and can cause soil contamination and other problems. These are some of the factors which are anticipated to hinder the growth of cutting oils market in near future.Rapid development and increasing innovation in equipment used in several industries has led to severe metal working processes. Also, demand from different machine shops has also led to the development of different kinds of cutting oils based on process/equipment requirement. Metal working fluids manufacturers are, thus, focused towards R&D to cater to the growing demand for a varied range of cutting oils. Furthermore, owing to disposability issues of cutting oils, shops are now getting inclined towards bio-based cutting oils. Along with this, cutting oils manufacturers are investing in R&D to develop methods to reuse cutting oils to reduce their overhead costs. These are some of the key trends being witnessed in the cutting oils market.Cutting Oils Market: SegmentationCutting oils market can be segmented on the basis of type and by product. On the basis of type, the cutting oils market can be segmented into water soluble cutting oils and neat cutting oils. On the basis of product, the cutting oils market can be segmented into mineral, bio-based and synthetic cutting oils.Request to Sample Report @Cutting Oils Market: Regional OutlookAsia Pacific is expected to dominate the cutting oils market over the forecast period owing to robust demand from the manufacturing sector, especially in countries, such as China and India. Also, demand from the automobile industry is expected to boost the demand for cutting oils in the region. North America is also anticipated to register significant growth owing to the growth in demand from the automobile industry. Furthermore, the strong base of automobile and manufacturing industries in Europe is also expected to witness steady growth and thus, add to the growth of cutting oils market in the region. Latin America and Middle East & Africa are expected to show marginal but steady growth.Cutting Oils Market: Key ParticipantsExamples of some of the market participants in the global Cutting Oils market are-Exxon Mobil Corporation.Pro OilsHoughton International Inc.Total S.A.Chevron CorporationIndian Oil Corporation LtdQuaker Chemical CorporationFuchsEni S.p.ABlaser SwisslubeAbout UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Novel Design For Harvesting Products From Biogas Wins The Microfluidic Circle Competition 2018 Prototyping Grant Winner - uFraction8 Ltd http://circle.ufluidix.com/prototyping-grant/ http://ufraction8.com http://circle.ufluidix.com http://ufluidix.com http://circle.ufluidix.com http://ufluidix.com https://twitter.com/uFluidix TORONTO, May 7, 2018 -- The winner of the 2018 Microfluidic Circle competition is uFraction8 Ltd, a young biotech startup from Scotland. The winner receives US$50,000 worth of production and development services from uFluidix Inc.uFraction8 develops microfluidic-based filtration systems to help biomanufacturers, who use biological cells in their production processes, to dewater and concentrate cell based biomass with sustainable and scalable system, outcompeting conventional filters and centrifuges. uFraction8 participated in this round of competition with their novel device for the filtration of biochemical products which resulted from biogas processing. Unlike the conventional filtration methods in this industry which rely on large centrifuges, they use microfluidic technology to reduce the turnaround time and increase efficiency.Microfluidic devices process tiny amount of liquid, often less than a droplet, for applications such as Point-of-Care diagnostics, as well as several other uses. The term has been increasingly used since the start of the millennium to describe many novel biological or chemical designs, but the field has not seen a champion yet. Dr. Aarash Sofla, CEO of uFluidix, a manufacturer of microfluidic devices, says, "Although we have seen many designs during the past 15 years, especially from academia, very few of these inventions have been commercialized. The prototyping of microfluidic devices is costly, so once the intellectual property is transferred from academia to spin-offs, it hits a major obstacle. The Circle grant would help uFraction8 to take their product to the next level."The Microfluidic Circle Prototyping Grant () was launched in 2016 to identify and support startups and individual inventors who are commercializing groundbreaking microfluidic products with limited access to funding or production facilities. Dr. Monika Tomecka, Executive Director & COO of uFraction8, the winner of the 2018 competition, mentions: "Our current designs have focused on biological cell separation and have proven to be very robust and efficient. Moving to new targets is costly as it requires several iterations of design to optimize performance. With the support from uFluidix, we hope to make an even greater impact towards sustainable production and closing the loop of the circular bioeconomy." The competition will be open for a new round in January 2019.About uFraction8uFraction8 provides scalable bioprocessing technology enabling biomass filtration, separation and dewatering, used with wide ranges of microbes like micro algae, yeast and bacteria, sorting biomass from culture medium with no harm and no flocculants unlike centrifuges, filters and membranes. For more information, please visitAbout The Microfluidic CircleThe Microfluidic Circle is a professional community of individuals and companies created by uFluidix to bring together those who share one goal: help commercialize and grow the field of microfluidics. In this regard, the Circle interconnects business experts, engineers, scientists, investors, startups and the industry to promote collaboration toward introducing more successful microfluidic products. To initiate and foster dialogue between all the players involved, a special opinion platform was created Circles blog. For more information, please visitAbout uFluidixuFluidix is a contract manufacturer which designs, develops, and fabricates custom microfluidic chips that are mainly used by medical devices, diagnostics, and therapeutics companies for a variety of microtechnology applications. For more information, please visitMedia Contact:Kateryna Protsyk, Program ManagerThe Microfluidic CircleWeb:Email: circle@ufluidix.comuFluidix Inc.17-689 Warden Ave.Toronto, ON M1L 4R6CanadaWeb:Twitter: Spine Surgery Products Market to Reach an Amount of Around US$ 16.7 Billion by the End of 2025 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=37748 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=37748 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=D&rep_id=37748 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Diversification of product portfolio, expansion of regional footprint, and acquisitions and mergers are some of the major market strategies that have been adopted by the prominent companies so as to obtain competitive edge in the world market for spine surgery products. The said market presently experiences a very high prevalence of market competition that is further impacted by the existence of numerous well established market players. The said market also makes an offering of promising market prospects for the entry of brand new market aspirants.Request for Sample Copy of Report @Given such a market scenario, the trends of competition are quite unlikely to change over the forthcoming years. With apparent indications about the competition getting more intense in the years to come, the existing market players are investing more and more in research and development work. On account of this, the market players are quite able to make an offering of innovative products and as such innovation is gaining high traction in the said market, states Transparency Market Research (TMR) in its recent study on world market for spine surgery products. A few of the prominent companies that are operating in the world market for spine surgery products are RTI Surgical, Inc, LLC (B. Braun Company), Stryker, Medtrnic, Orthofix International N.V., Aesculap Implant Systems, Zimmer Biomet, Alphatec Holdings, Inc., DePuy Synthes, NuVasive, K2M, and Globus Medical.Many different strategies of growth that are adopted by these eminent companies have quite a significant impact on the international market for spine surgery product. In accordance with a report by TMR, the said market was valued at US$ 10.2 bn in the year 2016, the world spine surgery products market is estimated to reach an amount of around US$ 16.7 bn by the end of the year 2025. Between the years 2017 to 2025, the said market is prophesized to exhibit a growth rate of 5.8% CAGR.North America to Lead with Rapid Adoption of Technologically Advanced Platforms.Request Report Brochure @The international market for spine surgery product has been classified into five important geographies, namely, North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific. The regional segments are further divided into numerous countries under each of the classified regions. The region of North America has dominated the world market for spine surgery product in the year 2016 owing to various factors such as in North America, there have been increased cases of minimally invasive surgeries (MIS) in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Apart from that, augmented adoption of technologically advanced treatment and research platforms for diagnosis and treatment of various spinal disorders, existence of numerous reimbursement policies, and betterment of Canadian healthcare infrastructure are all contributing towards the growth of the market in North America.However, the region of Europe is prophesized to have the second highest growth rate over the period of forecast. The underlying reasons behind such high growth rate are the increasing number of cases of spinal surgeries that are occurring owing to various infections and chronic diseases. The expansion of coverage of insurance, and reimbursements that are offered for open or traditional procedures of surgery are also contributing to the growth of the regional market.Increasing Incidences of Spinal Injuries to Accelerate Growth of the MarketAn expanding base of geriatric population and their vulnerability towards spinal surgeries and disorders, and growing incidences of accidents that lead to spinal injuries amongst young people are some of the major market drivers of the world market for spine surgery products. Apart from various technological innovations, recommendations by the physicians for spinal surgeries are further likely to accelerate the pace of markets growth in the years to come.Enquiry for discount on this report @However, the flipside of the market lies with the failure in clinical trials of many of the spinal products and same elongates the time period of market approval of the said product. Such a factor is forecasted to hamper growth of the market.About UsTransparency Market Research is a next-generation market intelligence provider, offering fact-based solutions to business leaders, consultants, and strategy professionals.Our reports are single-point solutions for businesses to grow, evolve, and mature. Our real-time data collection methods along with ability to track more than one million high growth niche products are aligned with your aims. The detailed and proprietary statistical models used by our analysts offer insights for making right decision in the shortest span of time. For organizations that require specific but comprehensive information we offer customized solutions through adhoc reports. These requests are delivered with the perfect combination of right sense of fact-oriented problem solving methodologies and leveraging existing data repositories.TMR believes that unison of solutions for clients-specific problems with right methodology of research is the key to help enterprises reach right decision.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Exhaust Manifold Market: Technological Advancements, Evolving Industry Trends and Insights https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=42407 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=T&rep_id=42407 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/exhaust-manifold-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com http://www.techyounme.com/ The exhaust manifold is a unit which collects the exhaust from the engine and delivers it to the tail pipe. The exhaust manifold plays a vital role in heat dissipation and also delivers energy to the turbocharger. Rise in demand for engine performance has led to developments in design of exhaust manifolds in order to capture optimal exhaust for the turbocharger.Cast iron was predominantly utilized in exhaust manifolds; however, presently, stainless steel is being utilized to achieve reduction in weight and size of the engine. Stringent regulations imposed by governments over emission control have prompted the development of exhaust manifold that comply with the regulations. The fabricated manifold developed by Tenneco Inc. offers 50% weight reduction, as compared to cast manifolds. The manifold also achieves 50C temperature benefit, which results in catalyst efficiency and reduced emission. The technology to shell the exhaust manifold is gaining interest among manufactures, as considerable noise escapes from the manifold. Demand for quieter running engine is thus expected to fuel the demand for exhaust manifold.Get PDF Sample of the Report @Rise in disposable income has led to increased production of passenger vehicles and is projected to drive the exhaust manifold market. V-engine powered vehicles have exhaust valves on opposite sides and thus, require two exhaust manifolds. The production of V-engine powered vehicles has increased owing to the rise in demand for luxury and premium-class vehicles.The engines of the Subaru Boxer also utilize two exhaust manifolds. Thus, increase in production of such boxer engines and V-engine powered vehicles is projected to boost the exhaust manifold system market.Stainless steel exhaust manifolds are more expensive than cast iron exhaust ones and hence, price is a factor restraining the expansion of the technology.The global exhaust manifold market can be segmented based on engine type, vehicle type, technology, material, sales channel, and region. Based on engine type, the exhaust manifold market can be segregated into three segments.The inline engine segment accounts for a prominent share of the market, due to the rise in production of three-cylinder engines and inline engine being a highly affordable engine technology. The V-engine segment holds a significant share of the global exhaust manifold market as V-engine-powered vehicles utilize two exhaust manifolds.Get TOC of This Report @Based on vehicle type, the global exhaust manifold market can be classified into passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle. In terms of technology, the global exhaust manifold market can be segmented into two segments. The double wall exhaust manifold segment is expected to expand at a significant growth rate owing to to its quieter running, weight reduction, and improved efficiency.Based on material, the global exhaust manifold market can be segregated into cast iron and stainless steel. The adoption of stainless steel exhaust manifolds in passenger vehicles is estimated to drive the market. As the cast iron exhaust manifolds are rugged, sturdy and affordable they have strong market presence in commercial vehicles.View Report@In terms of sales channel, the global exhaust manifold market can be classified into OEM and aftermarket.Based on region, the global exhaust manifold market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is the leading region owing to the increased vehicle production in the region.Key players operating in the global exhaust manifold market include Faurecia SA, Friedrich Boysen GmbH & Co KG, Sango Co., Ltd, Tenneco Inc., Katcon, Yukata Giken Co. Ltd., Benteler AG, Eberspacher Exhaust Technology, Bosal Automotive division, and Sejong Industrial Co Ltd.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Research Blog: Automotive Fuse Market: Worldwide Industry Analysis and New Market Opportunities Explored https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=42416 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=T&rep_id=42416 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/automotive-fuse-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com http://www.techyounme.com/ Fuses for automotive are used to protect various components, electrical circuits, and switches from fluctuating current and power flows. They are generally rated for circuits with voltage lower than 32 volts direct current (DC). Fuse having non-automotive application are used for 42-volt electrical systems.Among all electrical devices in a vehicle, fuse units have the highest usage and demand. This can be ascribed to the rise in demand for vehicles with advanced technological features. Automotive manufacturers are increasing the production of such vehicles in order to meet the rising demand from consumers. Furthermore, rise in fuel prices and environmental concerns are accelerating new inventions in the automobile sector. Production of environmentally electric vehicles is on the rise.Fuses have major applications in electric vehicles and vehicles with more integrated electronic features. In order to increase the safety level of automobiles, manufacturers are focusing on use of advanced technology features associated with sensors, which are powered by fuses. Availability of two different fuses in one pack meets customer need for broad vehicle range and compact packaging.Get PDF Sample of the Report @The global automotive fuse market can be segmented based on fuse type, electric vehicle, vehicle type, voltage output, application, motor output, battery capacity, ampere, sales channel, and region.Based on fuse type, the global automotive fuse market can be classified into blades and three other types. The blade segment is likely to expand at a moderate pace owing to its particular application and design.In terms of electric vehicle type, the automotive fuse market can be categorized into battery electric vehicle and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). In electric vehicles, power electronic takes direct current (DC) electricity from the battery and converts it to alternating current (AC) electricity and sends it to the motor.The electric motor uses the AC current to create torque (mechanical power) to power the wheels for propulsion. HEVs use two electrical machines: one as a generator connected to the engine and another as a motor to drive the wheels. Each of these machines is connected to an inverter, and the two inverters run at a higher voltage than the battery.Based on vehicle type, the automotive fuse market can be classified into passenger vehicles (PV) and commercial vehicles (CV). Passenger vehicles include hatchback cars, sedans, multi- purpose vehicles (MPV), and sport utility vehicles (SUV). Commercial vehicles include light-weight commercial vehicles (LCV) and heavy commercial vehicles (HCV). The passenger vehicles segment is likely to hold a significant market share due to higher production of passenger vehicles compared to commercial vehicles.Get TOC of This Report @In terms of voltage output, the automotive fuse market can be divided into 12 V and four others. 12 V fuses are used in less power consuming electric devices.Based on application, the automotive fuse market can be segmented into engine and five others. As engine maintenance is important and can be achieved by controlling emission, the engine segment holds a prominent share of the automotive fuse market.In terms of motor output, the automotive fuse market can be segmented into less than 80 kW and two others.Based on battery capacity, the automotive fuse market can be classified into less than 30 kWh and three others.View Report@In terms of ampere, the automotive fuse market can be categorized into less than 40 A and three more.Based on sales channel, the automotive fuse market can be segmented into original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket. Most consumers prefer local manufacturers in order to replace the fuse, which reduces the replacement cost. The aftermarket segment is expected to dominate the automotive fuse market during the forecast period.In terms region, the automotive fuse market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Rest of the World (ROW). Asia Pacific accounts for a dominant share of the global automotive fuse market as the countries in this region such as China and India are more populous, and they have started adopting advanced technology recently.Countries in Latin America such as Brazil are focusing on new technology vehicles. Several leading automotive manufacturers are from North America and Asia Pacific, and they contribute the economies of the countries through the electronics industry.Some of the key players in the automotive fuse market are ON Semiconductor, Littelfuse, Inc., MERSEN, Pacific Engineering Corporation, Eaton, SCHURTER Holding AG, OptiFuse, and EM Components (USA), Inc.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Research Blog: Fire Resistant Paints Market by Revenue, Key Companies and Forecast to 2025 Fire Resistant Paints https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/1054208//?utm_source=OPR&utm_medium=DC https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/global-fire-resistant-paints-market-professional-survey-report-2018/?utm_source=emp&utm_medium=DC https://empowerednews.net/author/gminsights/ https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/2018-global-gto-thyristor-module-industry-report-history-present-and-future/?utm_source=rr&utm_medium=DC https://www.marketstudyreport.com https://www.marketstudyreport.com/category/news-releases/ http://reports.algosonline.com/ Global Fire Resistant Paints Market Size, Status and Forecast 2025 provides Market information about Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application. This Industry report also states Company Profile, sales, Fire Resistant Paints Market revenue and price, market share, market growth and gross margin by regions.The prime objective of this report is to help the user understand the market in terms of its definition, segmentation, market potential, influential trends, and the challenges that the market is facing. Deep researches and analysis were done during the preparation of the report. The readers will find this report very helpful in understanding the market in depth.Key Manufactures on Global Market:International, PPG, JOTUN, Nippon, LANLING, YONGXIN, Champion, TH, SKK, DMD, KUCK, Sika, Oasis, AkzoNobelGet Sample Copy of this Report:Global Fire Resistant Paints Market 2018-2025, 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.On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoLiquid Fire Resistant CoatingsPowder Fire Resistant CoatingsOthersOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate for each application, includingBuilding & constructionOil & gasAutomotiveAerospace & marineElectrical & electronicsFurnitureTextilesKey Regions, covers:North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan, IndiaAccess Full Report:Objective of Studies:To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market.To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To analyses the Fire Resistant Paints market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, porter five force analysis etc.To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast of the various segments and sub-segments of the global Fire Resistant Paints market.To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective.To provide country level analysis of the market for segment by application, product type and sub-segments.To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World.To track and analyses competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, new product developments, and research and developments in the global Fire Resistant Paints market.The next part also sheds light on the gap between supply and consumption. Apart from the mentioned information, growth rate of Fire Resistant Paints market in 2023 is also explained. Additionally, type wise and application wise consumption tables and figures of Fire Resistant Paints market are also given.Following are major Table of Content of Fire Resistant Paints Industry:Fire Resistant Paints Market Overview.Fire Resistant Paints Market Competition by Manufacturers.Fire Resistant Paints Market Analysis by Region.Fire Resistant Paints Market Analysis by Type.Fire Resistant Paints Market Analysis by Application.Fire Resistant Paints Market -Manufacturers Analysis.More Report At:Related Report:2018 Global GTO Thyristor Module Industry Report - History, Present and FutureGTO Thyristor Module is $XX million in 2017 with XX CAGR from 2013 to 2017, and it is expected to reach $XX million by the end of 2023 with a CAGR of XX% from 2018 to 2023. There are 3 key segments covered in this reportMarketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Market Study ReportThe Green Suite #4594,Dover, DE 19901United StatesPhone: 1-201-355-0868US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email:sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:News:More Report at: Goose Creek, SC (29445) Today Mostly cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 81F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Tonight's Midland City Council meeting has a small agenda, which includes the second public hearing for the city's 2018-19 proposed budget. This is the last scheduled public hearing before the budget is planned to be adopted by the city council on May 21. The budget includes a total millage rate of 15.14 mills. Gladwin County Drain Commissioner Robert Evans has "repeatedly violated" parts of the Environmental Protection Act and could be fined up to $35,000 a day if found guilty, according to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the Michigan Attorney General's Office. Furthermore, Evans could be fined $2,500 for each of seven alleged violations that include four drains and three creeks. Evans did not return phone calls from the Midland Daily News. The DEQ recently announced a civil action to obtain injunctive relief requiring Evans to protect surface water and prevent soil erosion and sedimentation. DEQ officials said the commissioner repeatedly violated parts 31 and 91 of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act ("NREPA"), MCL 324.101 et seq., and related rules. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette has cited 81 allegations against Evans. The locations where the violations are cited are: Nestor Drain, Venison Creek, Bear Creek, Longstreth Drain, Burleson Drain, Davidson Creek and Quillet Drain. The DEQ seeks civil fines, attorney fees, costs of surveillance and enforcement, and costs. The case is set to be heard in Ingham County Circuit Court before Judge Rosmarie E. Aquilina. No date was set as of Friday. The case was moved to Ingham per Evans' change of venue request, said Schuette's office. "(The) DEQ is not levying a fine or fee," said Schuette's spokeswoman, Megan Hawthorne. "The DEQ is asking the court to determine the appropriate penalty for violations of Parts 31 and 91 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. DEQ has cited the relevant portions of the statute that identify the potential fines that may be issued. It is the court that will determine the appropriate penalty." Gladwin County commissioners voted 4-1 last month to ask Gov. Rick Snyder to remove Evans. According to Schuette's office, Snyder can remove an elected official for reasons provided by law. Commissioner Don Birgel voted against it because he wanted to hear Evans' side before taking action. Schuette's demand for judgment includes Evans paying $25,000 per day in civil fees for each violation of Part 31. The attorney general's other demands include permanently enjoin the drain commissioner from violating Parts 31 and 91 of NREPA and associated rules; order the commissioner to achieve, maintain, and demonstrate compliance with Parts 31 and 91 of NREPA and associated rules; order the commissioner to take appropriate actions to remedy the violations of Parts 31 and 91 of NREPA and associated rules; order the commissioner to pay civil fines of $2,500 for each violation of Part 91 of NREPA; order the commissioner to pay civil fines of $10,000 per day per knowing violation of Part 91 of NREPA; have the commissioner restore all areas affected by violations of Part 91 of NREPA to the condition that existed immediately prior to the violations; have the commissioner pay reasonable attorney fees and costs of litigation resulting from the violations of Parts 31 and 91 of NREPA and associated rules; and order him to pay the costs of surveillance and enforcement of the act. The last two demands for judgment, include asking the judge to order the commission "not to violate any other environmental laws or rules in complying with this order" and to grant relief as the court deems proper. In a previous conversation with Evans, he denied any wrongdoing per the allegations. Evans became drain commissioner in 2010 to fill a vacancy and then elected in 2012 and again in 2016. The DEQ originally alleged citations against Evans in 2013 and Schuette recently got involved in the ordeal. The DEQ sent the letter three years ago. Evans reportedly never attempted to satisfy the request. Commissioners also said Gladwin County Prosecuting Attorney Aaron Miller knew of the DEQ claims, but never brought it to commissioners' attention. Commissioner Birgel said by the time the county board was aware of DEQ citations -- more than two years later, it was too late to ask the Michigan Municipal League for risk fraud assistance, which may have helped pay such fines. Commissioners also paid $37,000 for Evans' attorney after he reportedly didn't ask for permission to hire an attorney. Commissioners said Evans just handed them the bill. Gladwin County board Chair Terry Walters asked the governor, DEQ and Schuette to not hold the county responsible for the DEQ fines, saying such financials would "bankrupt" the county. Birgel said such a threat from the DEQ is often used as a bullying measure. Commissioners Sharron Smith, Charles Hinman, Sandy Aultman and Walters agreed Evans failed to comply with specific statutory requirements set forth on the Drain Code act of the state. Stating that the job performance of President Donald Trump is unbelievable, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi was in Midland Monday as the keynote speaker at the Midland County Republican Dave Camp Spring Breakfast. President Trump has been in office for a year and look at the things he has done. He has done everything he said he was going to do and faster than anyone thought he could do it, said Bondi, who is serving her the second, and final, term. Speaking at the Midland Country Club, Bondi shared on a myriad of topics after introduction by Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, who is running for governor. (Michigan Attorney Bill Schuette) and I have been in the trenches together since we were first elected (in 2010) and it started with the (Affordable Care Act). The trenches were a lot deeper then," Bondi said. "We had to dig them a lot deeper than we do now with Trump at the helm." For both Bondi and Schuette, their first four-year term was one of struggle against the Obama administration. Part of our job was fighting against the federal government, just the tremendous overreach by the government, Bondi said. "They did not respect the fundamental limits of our Constitution and the laws that our Constitution have in place to protect all of us." Stating that the opioid epidemic is a horrible problem, Bondi admitted that there is a long, uphill climb to solving the obstacle. We gave recommendations and now we are actually seeing those recommendations being implemented throughout the country and throughout the world," said Bondi, who is one of five appointees to Trump's Opioid Commission. "Thats why we have to secure our border. The opioid abuse is killing 175 Americans a day. We are doing everything we can to fight that." She applauded Schuette for initiating the Human Trafficking Commission in Michigan and for testing thousands of untested DNA kits. In Florida we had 8,500 untested DNA kits. Weve tested 6,000 and we are making hits," Bondi said. "Imagine a woman who lives all the way across the county. She has had to live with being raped for 20 years and then telling her, We caught him. Since being admitted to the bar in June 1991, Bondi has served as an assistant state attorney in Hillsborough County, Florida, until election to attorney general in 2010. It was as attorney general that she prosecuted her first branding case. A perpetrator actually branded his victim with his initials on somewhere you would never be able to see it. It was disgusting, she said. To the parents in the room, she emphatically left them with one message. Check what your kids are doing on their phones, she said. Im a career prosecutor and they think theyre talking to another 13-year-old child, but they could be talking to a 50-year-old predator. She then applauded Trump and U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Midland, for passing tough laws on child internet safety. Earlier during the breakfast, Moolenaar presented Barbara and Peter Carras with the Margaret Ann Riecker Meritorious Service Award. KATHMANDU, May 7: President Bidya Devi Bhandari has honoured five journalists with award and prizes at a function held to mark the 'National Journalism Day, 2075' today. At the function organised by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology at the Office of the President in Sheetal Niwas, President Bhandari presented the 'National Journalism Prize' to former President of Federation of Nepali Journalists Dr Mahendra Bista and journalist Dr Rajesh Jha 'Ahiraj'. Likewise, Editor of Ghatana ra Bichar weekly and former President of Sancharika Samuha Babita Basnet and journalists Kaushal Chemjong and Min Bahadur Budhathoki were honoured with the 'senior journalist award'. Both the prizes carry a purse of Rs. 200,000 each. It is presented by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology every year. Speaking on the occasion, President Bhandari lauded the role played by the journalists and media in establishing and institutionalizing federal democratic republic. "The role of journalism and media is equally important in building an atmosphere that promotes goodwill and mutual respect by wiping out ethnic, linguistic, religious and cultural discrimination, and consolidating the country's sovereignty, integrity and national unity," she said. The President also called on the journalists and media to become pro-active in realizing the national goal of 'prosperous Nepal and happy Nepalis'. On the occasion, Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology Gokul Prasad Banskota said the press needs to work as a partner in the country's socio-economic transformation. "The media sector needs to stand as a campaigner to resolve anomalies and aberrations in every sector," he added. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs has summarily suspended the medical license of Midland physician Steven Michael Morris for numerous issues including financial fraud, substance abuse and failing to report a criminal conviction in Minnesota. The Michigan Public Health Code provides for summary suspension of licenses when the public health, safety, or welfare requires emergency action. In conjunction with Attorney General Bill Schuettes office, LARA also served an accompanying administrative complaint on Morris, alleging that he accepted more than $45,000 from seven patients for medical procedures but failed to provide the promised treatments or administer a refund. Additionally, the administrative complaint alleges multiple incidences of significant substance abuse issues that hindered Morris ability to practice medicine. Lastly, the administrative complaint alleges that Morris failed to report a criminal conviction to the bureau in a timely manner. Morris pled guilty to domestic assault on April 7, 2017 in Minnesota and was placed on probation for two years. Morris was also previously summarily suspended by LARA in September 2017 after being convicted of operating a vehicle while intoxicated in both 2014 and 2017. A consent order related to this previous summary suspension was entered on March 14, 2018. An order of summary suspension is a temporary measure to protect the public and not a final determination that a licensee has violated the Public Health Code. For more information of LARAs regulation of health professions in Michigan, go to www.michigan.gov/healthlicense. Fifth-graders said goodbye to the 117 Chinook salmon they had raised in their classroom for months on Friday as the fish were carried away by the current of the Pine River. Pine River Elementary School in the Bullock Creek district is one of three schools in the Great Lakes Bay Region raising Chinook salmon from egg to smolt through the Salmon in the Classroom program. The eggs were provided to Rebecca Dubuque's fifth-grade classroom in October by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources with support from the Great Lakes Bay Region Steelheaders Chapter. About 300 schools across the state take part raising salmon in classrooms with the goal of encouraging students to become advocates for the Great Lakes and the environment, said Susan Rummel, a member of the Great Lakes Bay Region Steelheaders Chapter. "It's a good life lesson," Rummel said. "They raise (the salmon), watch them grow, then are more cautious of and become stewards of the environment and the Great Lakes." It is Dubuque's fourth year raising salmon in her classroom, said the fifth-grade teacher. Raising more than 100 salmon is worth it in the end, because it gets her kids interested in salmon, conservation and the fishing industry, Dubuque said. "It's pretty stressful at times, if we lose power I have to come in and take care of them, and come in on my spring break," Dubuque said. Dubuque's students all had jobs to take care of the salmon, from changing the water three times a week, feeding them and tracking their growth. It involves "a lot of maintenance," Dubuque said. Funding for about $1,200 in equipment to raise the salmon was provided through the Great Lakes Bay Region Steelheaders Chapter. Tanks had to be aerated and kept at 55 degrees Fahrenheit using chillers. Having the salmon in her classroom ties into Duqubue's lesson plans, the teacher said, as she taught a whole unit on salmon alongside her students taking care of them. To celebrate the end of the school year, her class will get to go on a fishing trip June 12. The Chinook salmon were about four inches long when the students released them into the Pine River at the Chippewa Nature Center on May 4. The fish had reached a point in their life where they were about to imprint -- meaning they should to the Pine River where students released them when they are ready to spawn. "I like to watch them grow. I'm excited to see how they will act in the stream," said Maddie Gustincic, 11. "But I wish we could keep half of them and let the other half go." A new dock on the Pine River at the nature center allowed more children to witness the release of the salmon. Students took turns scooping salmon out of a bucket with a net and letting them swim downriver. "It's a good learning process and good teaching tool," Rummel said. Sarah Phelps is a registered nurse case manager for MidMichigan Medical Center - Midland. When she woke up with a headache on Jan. 31, she had no idea she would be treated for a stroke before the day ended. She also never suspected she would be examined by world-class experts while in her own medical center's emergency department. "I wasn't feeling well all day," the 38-year-old Phelps said. "I had a severe headache and dizziness off and on since early morning." During an afternoon meeting, the head pain became unbearable. "I knew something was wrong when I tried to take off my glasses and they fell out of my hands," she said. By the time the meeting ended, her left side was numb and hard to move. She dragged herself along the walls, desperate to find her friend and colleague Dana Mahoney, R.N. "When I saw her at the nurses' station I started crying because I couldn't talk, but she knew right away I was having a stroke," Phelps said. At that moment, Phelps said she stopped being an employee and became a critical patient. Mahoney immediately called the Emergency Department and told them she was bringing in a possible stroke patient. Once there, Danielle Graham, D.O., took over Phelps' care and called for Critical Stroke protocol. "I was sent for a CT scan almost immediately and they had the results within 10-15 minutes," she said. The scan showed that Phelps had suffered an acute ischemic stroke due to bilateral vertebral artery dissections, or tears in the arteries on both sides of her neck that restricted blood flow to the brain. While not common, this type of stroke accounts for 10 to 25 percent of strokes in patients 45 or younger. Most patients experience stroke symptoms; fortunately, more than 75 percent make a full recovery. While Phelps was having imaging done, the emergency team was setting up equipment for a telemedicine consult with Neurologist Mollie McDermott, M.D., M.S., medical director, Comprehensive Stroke Program, at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor. "Dr. McDermott talked with Dr. Graham and me and did an assessment," Phelps said. "I was having a difficult time getting the words out - there were lots of yes and no questions - but I was very aware of everything going on." "Telemedicine is the coolest new technology I have seen in a long time," Phelps said. "To have that specialist right there with me when I needed them was amazing." Tom Wood, M.B.A., B.S.N., R.N., director of trauma and telehealth, said Phelps is just one of the hundreds of stroke patients who have benefited from telemedicine at MidMichigan Health. "Michigan Medicine is our stroke partner," Wood said, adding that a consult with Michigan Medicine specialists is part of the protocol for assessing and treating stroke patients at MidMichigan Health Emergency Departments. Wood defines telemedicine as the use of technology to provide health care remotely. "The best people, processes and technology make it work," he said. "From a technical standpoint, telemedicine is much more than just a video chat. In some cases, a laptop with a camera is all we need but with stroke, we need a higher quality and we have top of the line equipment." The dedicated telemedicine equipment includes a high-definition video camera that the physician on the viewing end can control, and another camera specifically for extreme close-up views. "It even has a stethoscope so the doctor in Ann Arbor can listen," Wood said. Telemedicine lets MidMichigan deliver world-class care to communities that never had access before, Wood said. "You can go to any MidMichigan Health Emergency Department and you get the same stroke treatment as if you had walked in the ER in Ann Arbor," he said. "That's the beauty of telemedicine - it eliminates the need for everything to happen at a particular location." Woods added that a $494,900 rural telemedicine grant from the United States Department of Agriculture awarded to MidMichigan in 2015 helped lay the foundation for the expansion of MidMichigan's telemedicine program. MidMichigan's project was one of three selected in Michigan and one of 75 awarded nationwide. McDermott and Graham decided to have Phelps transferred to the stroke care unit at Michigan Medicine. "Ms. Phelps' case was very complicated, and the teamwork between MidMichigan Health and Michigan Medicine was essential in providing her timely and appropriate care," McDermott said. "The Michigan Medicine team was able to evaluate Ms. Phelps over video, and then meet her in person, which was a very rewarding experience. Ms. Phelps is a special person and a member of the MidMichigan Health/Michigan Medicine family, and we are honored to have been part of her care." Phelps actually suffered a second stroke and was re-admitted to Michigan Medicine. "My recovery has been phenomenal because they recognized and treated the initial stroke so quickly," she said. Finding the root cause of the strokes has proved challenging, but Phelps remains hopeful. "I had scans every couple of weeks to make sure it was healing and now they can't see the dissection anymore," she said. Following the advice of her health care team, she is closely monitored and will undergo further evaluation and genetic testing. "I also rest and try to keep stress under control," she said. For more than a month, Phelps had physical therapy and occupational therapy sessions each week, with speech therapy scheduled for the future. She said doing therapy four times a week, following up with her health care team and raising her 10-year-old son is challenging but rewarding. "I do have some deficits, some numbness, but I have strength, and I can walk and talk," she said. "I think it would have been much more debilitating if I hadn't been monitored so closely. The second stroke would have been much worse." Phelps knows that she was critically ill and that the outcome could have been completely different. She still marvels that even though she was in the middle of the state, two hours away from Ann Arbor, she was examined and evaluated by an expert at the University of Michigan -- all within 60 minutes of arriving in emergency. "I was at the best possible place to have a problem," Phelps said. "They used all the right resources and there was no stopping the teamwork. It was absolutely amazing." One of two men charged in connection with a hit and run crash and a police pursuit on county roads last year has been sentenced. Timothy Edward Luckett, 45, Hope, recently was sentenced for possession of analogues, and attempted resisting and obstructing police. Midland County Circuit Court Judge Stephen P. Carras levied 180 days in jail with credit for 174 days, two years probation, $1,250 fines and costs, driver license suspended for one year, and no contact with the codefendant in the case, Kyle Gregory Sanders. Luckett also is to attend a substance abuse program and be employed 30 hours per week. Sanders, of Midland, is scheduled to be sentenced on June 7. He was charged with fourth-degree fleeing police, reckless driving, failure to report an accident and failure to stop and identify after a traffic accident. The charges stem from Oct. 24, when Midland County Sheriff's Office deputies were sent to a report of a hit and run crash at the McDonald's at 2738 N. Meridian Road. Deputies were given a description of the suspect vehicle and found it in the driveway of a North Water Road home. Deputies were prepared for people to run from the home, and followed when two people drove north on Water Road in a Jeep. The Jeep accelerated quickly in the wrong lane, and the driver did not turn the lights on. Court papers note that the time was 10:02 p.m., and sunset was before 7 p.m. The driver continued for a distance before turning on the headlights, and again turned them off, driving at 80 mph in a 55 mph zone after the deputy turned on the patrol's care lights and sirens. As the driver continued down the road, he swerved from right to left, driving on the shoulder on both sides of the road. The Jeep struck a mailbox, and continued to the intersection at West Baker Road where the driver attempted to turn but was going too fast to complete the maneuver. The driver stopped in the roadway, put the Jeep in reverse to turn east onto Baker, and found his path blocked by three patrol cars. At that point, the Jeep's manual transmission stalled to a stop, the affidavit states. Both suspects were taken into custody then. One admitted to possession of Xanax without a prescription, and the other to the hit and run, according to court papers. Primary season kicks off proper this Tuesday, and a slew of pro-Trump candidates have traditional and centrist GOP members worrying that the widening divide within the party will impact the partys ability to fend off renewed Democratic competition in November. Tuesday will see residents of Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia and North Carolina head to the polls, and each state possesses its own Trumpian threat. Indiana features three infighting GOP Senate candidates who are only unified in their praise of the president. Theyve even implemented his use of kitschy denigrating nicknames. North Carolina will feature a battle between Charlotte pastor Mark Harris and pro-Trump incumbent Robert Pittenger over who can help Trump drain the swamp better in what remains the most advantageously drawn district map for conservatives in the country. Ohio features a gubernatorial primary that centers on the repeal and replace of the centrist policies of former presidential candidate, outgoing governor and prominent Trump opponent John Kasich. Even the Lt. Governor, and former Kasich running mate, Mary Taylor has swung further right as the states Republican population has skewed towards the rhetoric and practices of the Trump wing of GOP politics. Though the states Republican party has taken on more of the Trumpian identity, Kasichs former chief strategist John Weaver warns of the strategys ineffectiveness in that face of Trumps performance and approval ratings. You may think its wise in a primary to handcuff yourself to the president but when the ship goes down, you may not be able to get the cuffs off, said Weaver. The most dire situation has to be in West Virginia, where former coal mining executive Don Blankenship, fresh off a prison stint for hiding safety violations that led to an explosion that killed 29 miners, is seeking the Republican nomination for Senate. His business practices aside, Blankenship has increasingly attacked Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell recently, referring to him as Cocaine Mitch, for creating jobs for China people and taking millions of dollars from his wife Elaine Chaos China family. If that wasnt enough, he also directly referred to Chao as a China person. Blankenships unapologetic racist attacks have conjured support among Trump supporters despite the president asking his constituents in the state to not vote for Blankenship because he wouldnt be able to win in November. Trump pointed to the failed campaign of Roy Moore in Alabama as an example in a tweet. To the great people of West Virginia we have, together, a really great chance to keep making a big difference. Problem is, Don Blankenship, currently running for Senate, cant win the General Election in your StateNo way! Remember Alabama. Vote Rep. Jenkins or A.G. Morrisey! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 7, 2018 While conservatives struggle to decide which sect of the party will define the 2018 midterm election cycle, Democrats are delightfully taking it all in as they prepare their own efforts to flip the majorities in Congress. Many Democrats point to the presidents low approval ratings nationally and specifically among independents as a key tipping point as they challenge for seats in areas that Trump won two years ago. While flipping the House is the more feasible accomplishment, both Congressional bodies are at play, and the Democratic party feel they have the candidates, support and funds needed to accomplish their goals. The splintering of the Republican party, even when Trump pleads with his supporters to quell such a movement, is just another break the impending blue wave caught. Editors note: The headline was edited on 5/8 for clarity. One effective way to help get yourself through the Trump Presidency is to understand that Trump sees the world the exact same way the infamous mobster Fat Tony does on The Simpsons. Would be a shame if something happened to X is basically the fundamental basis of both Trumps business and political planning. So in light of thatand Washington D.C.s general ruthlessness where ex-spies and the like find familiar work, but even deeper in the shadowsthis story shouldnt be that surprising. Per The Guardian: Aides to Donald Trump, the US president, hired an Israeli private intelligence agency to orchestrate a dirty ops campaign against key individuals from the Obama administration who helped negotiate the Iran nuclear deal, the Observer can reveal. People in the Trump camp contacted private investigators in May last year to get dirt on Ben Rhodes, who had been one of Barack Obamas top national security advisers, and Colin Kahl, deputy assistant to Obama, as part of an elaborate attempt to discredit the deal. Colin Kahl detailed a bizarre interaction dredged up in his memory by this story. This "UK person" said "she" was flying to DC soon and wanted to have coffee with my wife to discuss the possibility of including my daughter's school in their educational fund network. 3/10 Colin Kahl (@ColinKahl) May 6, 2018 There was a website for the firm (which no longer exists, by the way), but it had no depth to it, and there was no detailed information about the "UK person" who reached out to my wife. 5/10 Colin Kahl (@ColinKahl) May 6, 2018 My wife shared the email with me and a few people we know in both the finance and education fields. All agreed that the entire scenario seemed implausible and seemed like an approach by a foreign intelligence entity. 6/10 Colin Kahl (@ColinKahl) May 6, 2018 At that point, my wife stopped corresponding. This all happened in late May and early June of last year. 8/10 Colin Kahl (@ColinKahl) May 6, 2018 But the fact that I even have to think about the possibility that my family was targeted by people working for the President is yet another sign of the fundamental degradation of our country that Trump has produced. 10/10 Colin Kahl (@ColinKahl) May 6, 2018 Ronan Farrowwho won a Pulitzer for helping expose Harvey Weinsteins decades of crimesreported in The New Yorker that this story goes a bit deeper than what the Observer unearthed the day before: However, sources familiar with the effort and pages of documents obtained by The New Yorker reveal that there is more to understand. Two of those sources told me on Sunday that the operation was carried out by Black Cubea firm that was also employed by Harvey Weinstein and that offers its clients access to operatives from Israels elite military and governmental intelligence units, including the Mossad. After recapping both Rhodes and Kahls stories, Farrow reported that these agencies who reached out to Rhodes and Kahl basically evaporated. Adriana Gavrilo and Eva Novak appear to be aliases. LinkedIn pages for both Gavrilo and Novak at one point showed a slim blond woman advertised as fluent in Serbian. Shortly after The New Yorker contacted Black Cube about this story, Novaks LinkedIn page was deleted. The e-mail addresses listed by both women do not work. Calls to the phone number Novak listed went unanswered. The Web sites for Reuben Capital Partners and Shell Productions have been taken down, but both were bare-bones pages constructed through the free site-building tool Wix. The addresses for both companies led to shared office spaces; there is no evidence that Shell Productions or Reuben Capital Partners had ever operated there. The documents show that Black Cube compiled detailed background profiles of several individuals, including Rhodes and Kahl, that featured their addresses, information on their family members, and even the makes of their cars. Black Cube agents were instructed to try to find damaging information about them, including unsubstantiated claims that Rhodes and Kahl had worked closely with Iran lobbyists and were personally enriched through their policy work on Iran (they denied those claims); rumors that Rhodes was one of the Obama staffers responsible for unmasking Trump transition officials who were named in intelligence documents (Rhodes denied the claim); and an allegation that one of the individuals targeted by the campaign had an affair. Farrow went on to write that this operation against the former Obama advisers was strikingly similar to an operation that Black Cube ran on behalf of Harvey Weinstein. Leave it to Trump to copy someone elses idea and slap his name on it. Given the fallout still taking place around the former Hollywood titanpartially thanks to people like Ronan Farrows reporting on Black Cubethis is a story that may linger for a while. Expect an early morning temper tantrum on this soon from President Mad Online, as he undoubtedly believes that he can get away with anything so long as Obama is his target. Jacob Weindling is a staff writer for Paste politics. Follow him on Twitter at @Jakeweindling. Theres something romantic about drinking small batch bourbon from the heart of the Wild West, is there not? Bourbon, despite its Kentucky origins and associations, is a drink intimately associated with the mythologizing of the American West, and no good cowboy story is complete without tin cups of amber whiskey shared around a campfire. Or something of that nature. It is perhaps unexpected, then, to note that before 2009, there actually werent any legal distilleries in operation in Wyoming. American whiskey production had been centered eastwardcondensed largely into Kentucky and Tennesseeto the point that its still a common misconception that bourbon can only be produced in Kentucky, despite this never having been the case. Kirby, WYs Wyoming Whiskey was the first legal distillery to open in the state, bringing spirit production back to the western market. Today, theyve built a successful business going on 10 years of operationlong enough to produce an array of products that have the benefit of a bit more time and refinement than those of many modern microdistilleries. No smaller barrels here, or honeycombed oak, or various techniques to speed production along. Their flagship small batch bourbon is five years old, although they curiously havent added that detail to the bottles yetnot what youd expect in terms of marketing, given that many independent distilleries cant claim to produce a bourbon half that age. Expect to see the distillery start marketing those five years in the wood as a well-earned feature in the futureor the six years they currently age their rye whiskey, Outryder. But for now, lets talk about that small batch bourbon. Wyoming Whiskey is pricing this stuff in the $40 range for a 750 ml bottlenot bad, considering its an independent distillery with a respectable amount of age. The label doesnt mention that this is a wheated bourbon, but thats not really something you can hold against themneither does Makers Mark, after all. But it is something you should know in terms of forming an impression of the bourbons profile. On the nose, this stuff is predominantly on the sweeter and richer side, with prominent notes of caramel/brown sugar, slightly spicy oak and vanilla, but theres also an aggressive element to the alcohol that somewhat mars the profile. One wouldnt necessarily expect such heat from an 88 proof (44% ABV) bourbon, but its undeniably assertive, and punching above its weight class in terms of intensity. Some drinkers will find that pleasing, but to me it was an imbalance detracting from an otherwise nice profile on the nose. On the palate, however, the heatwhile certainly still presentisnt quite as pressing. Theres some good complexity here, as grassy/floral impressions back up significant butterscotch sweetness, caramel and baking spices (clove, anise), along with wet oak. Theres also a bit of herbaceousness that is unique, an almost savory herbal quality that I would venture is something like herbs de provence. In terms of value proposition, I think the $40 price tag is pretty fair. Wyoming Whiskeys product certainly has a lot more complexity to it than an entry level wheated bourbon in the vein of Makers Mark, and you expect to pay a bit more for that complexity. Its a sweet, almost desserty dram that is marred only by the fact that its a bit hotter on the nose than you might expect, especially from a Glencairn glass. You could drop a cube of ice in here if you wish, but it drinks fine as an after-dinner tipple on its own. Distillery: Wyoming Whiskey City: Kirby, WY Style: Wheated bourbon ABV: 44% (88 proof) Availability: 750 ml bottles, $40 MSRP Jim Vorel is a Paste staff writer and resident brown liquor geek. You can follow him on Twitter for more drink writing. Anyone concerned that Microsoft is evolving into a more accessible version of IBM, rather than the consumer company many would like it to be, isnt going to feel any better after the companys Build developer conference starting May 8 in Seattle. Two expected moves will reinforce that enterprise direction: a Kinect sensor for Azure, and two HoloLens apps that are being adapted for businesses using mixed reality. Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella is expected to open Build on Monday by describing the intelligent cloud and the intelligent edge, which has been Microsofts unofficial mantra for about a year. Microsoft plans to define what it means by intelligent edge: By 2020, there will be about 30 billion connected devices, each generating about 1.5GB of data per day. Smart buildings and connected factories will add to that. Expect to hear quite a bit about the Internet of Things on Mondaythe world is a computer, Nadella is expected to say. But the technology that was once enjoyed by consumers is now being extended into businesses, where the margins are higher and businesses will pay for subscriptions. Project Kinect for Azure will debut in 2019, using what was considered the eyes of the Xbox as a product for developers. One of the original demos attached to the HoloLens, Remote Assist, is also being pitched for frontline workers using mixed reality for training or collaboration. Windows users will be tossed a bone, though: Microsoft plans to announce a partnership with DJI, the worlds largest drone company, on an SDK for Windows PCs. The SDK means that Windows users will essentially be able to remote-pilot drones right from their PC, including flight control and real-time data transfer. Why this matters: If youre a Windows fan, a consumer, or even an office worker who uses Windows, you may not hear a lot that interests you early in the day at Microsoft Build. Microsofts moved on from its arms race for Windows app developersand now is engaged in an arms race on the AI front, competing with Google and Amazon and others to build for and with AI. Seamus Bellamy/IDG A partnership between DJI and Microsoft could make controlling drones simpler for PCs. The vision beyond Windows is AIand vision One of Nadellas key announcements will be AI for Accessibility, a $25 million, five-year fund aimed at using AI to improve the lives of users with disabilities. To Microsofts credit, the company has invested heavily in making Windows accessible, with everything from audible Narrator cues, dictation, eye tracking, and more serving as assistive technologies. Ford Microsoft has pitched HoloLens as a business solution for almost as long as its been available, but its unclear how many have signed on. Microsoft sees AI as a technology that lives both in the cloud, and locally, where it can be used to make decisions for a device that cant reach the cloud. An example Microsoft is expected to unveil is Custom Vision, a service that will run on what Microsoft calls Azure IoT Edge. Custom Vision sounds like it will work hand in hand with Project Kinect for Azure, the ongoing evolution of the Kinect sensor into something more powerful and more portable. Kinect debuted on the Xbox 360 as a standalone sensor bar that perched on your TV. But by the time Xbox One debuted, camera-enabled games had fallen out of favor, and the Kinect was eventually discontinued. Microsoft Project Kinect for Azure A version of Kinect was then incorporated into the HoloLens, but that device, too, has resided mainly in Microsofts development labs since 2016. In a sense, HoloLens then gave way to mixed reality, a key feature of the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update. Unfortunately, that release came and went without anything more than a few mentions of Microsofts mixed-reality vision. Project Kinect for Azure is described as a package of sensors, including Microsofts depth camera and additional sensors in a small, power-efficient form factor. It can input fully articulated hand tracking and high fidelity spatial mapping, enabling a new level of precision solutions, Microsoft said in a statement. Because Microsoft describes Project Kinect for Azure as a enabling new scenarios for developers working with ambient intelligence, its likely that Kinect for Azure wont yield a consumer product, at least for Microsoft, but will serve as a component of sorts for third-party hardware. In a demonstration, Microsoft will fly drones across the stage, using machine vision to identify defective pipes. Microsoft Its unclear how many mixed-reality devices have been sold. Given Microsofts relative silence on the subject, probably not many. Valves Steam service, though, is now live on MR, Microsoft said last week. Vision, especially augmented vision that could be shared, was one of the incredible features shown off in the original 2015 HoloLens demo in Redmond, where testers (including myself) were offered the opportunity to rewire a live light switch, assisted by a remote user who could see out of the front-facing external camera, via Skype. One of the new features of mixed reality will be Microsoft Remote Assist, where mixed-reality users (and presumably HoloLens users, too) will be able to share what they see with any member of their Teams contact list, while being able to keep working with their hands to fix the problem. HoloLens users will also be able to construct holograms and 3D models of room layouts with what Microsoft calls Microsoft Layout. These two apps, known as Microsoft Remote Assistance and Microsoft Layout, will be available for the HoloLens on May 22. Nadella and Scott Guthrie, executive vice president of the Cloud and AI Group, are expected to talk for about three hours Monday morning, describing their vision for the intelligent edge, intelligent cloud, and AI in more detail. Tuesday has been given over to Joe Belfiore, head of the Devices and Experiences Group, who is expected to lay out more of Microsofts plans to enhance Windows experiences on smartphones. This story was updated at 9:52 AM with additional detail. Amazon and Microsoft announced a surprising partnership last fall, allowing the digital assistants for the two companiesAlexa and Cortana, respectivelyto work together. Microsofts partnership with Alexa failed to appear by the end of 2017 as promised, however. During its Build conference keynote, Microsoft revealed that the collaboration is moving ahead, but it still remains in a limited beta. Megan Saunders, the general manager for Microsoft Cortana, appeared on stage with Tom Taylor, the senior vice president for Amazons Alexa, to demonstrate how the two devices will interact. Put simply, Cortana will run on Alexa devices, while youll be to call Alexa from within Windows 10s Cortana. Mark Hachman / IDG Using Windows 10s Cortana to talk to Amazons Alexa. In a demonstration, Saunders used an Amazon Alexa-powered Echo to call Cortana and to check her schedule for the day. For his part, Taylor used Windows to open Alexa, then asked the digital assistant what Alexa thought of Cortana. I like Cortana, Alexa replied. We both have experience with light rings, although hers is more of a Halo. Cortana can see you. Maybe. A mysterious, cone-shaped device, shown in a demo Monday at Microsofts Build event in Seattle, hinted at a big leap in capability for the companys digital assistant: the ability to see and identify people. In the ruthless war among Amazons Alexa, Apples Siri, and Googles Assistant, this is a feature we havent yet seen from the competition. What we dont know is what this prototype is, and whether it will ever come out. Microsofts official, overshadowed demonstration showed us the conference room of the future. Microsoft incorporated Cortana, the Surface Hub, and Skypes translation and transcription features, together with PowerBI and Microsoft Teams, into a cohesive working environment. In a presentation led by Raanah Amjadi, a marketing manager for Microsoft Teams, Microsoft showed off how simply scheduling the meeting room could be facilitated by Cortana, who was asked to set up a meeting with the smart building team to discuss issues with a hypothetical product. The prototype device resembled the Harman/Kardon Invoke that was shown off in previous demos. According to Amjadi, however, this device could both see and hear. It picks up both audio and video that you can pair with AI services and Microsoft 365 to help with key tasks, Amjadi said, like identification, voice transcription, and even real-time translation. Mark Hachman / IDG Microsofts cognitive services recorded and transcribed the conversation, taking notes as appropriate. In the demo, as each attendee walked in, the device identified each person and greeted them by first name. When the leader, Amjadi, entered, the device also asked her whether she wanted to start the meeting. As Amjadi did so, a nearby Surface Hub began transcribing the conversation, separately taking meeting notes of key tasks. (Apparently, one of the trigger words was follow up, acting on Cortanas existing capability to track emails and identify commitments or promises that you make to others.) Above, a panoramic window showed all of the participants, apparently from the perspective of the prototype device. Microsofts AI services also provided a translation of the meeting for a colleague in China. Mark Hachman / IDG Microsoft even provided more than one translation at a time. Software, services connect employees Microsofts Teams app stood in as a sort of back-channel communication between the participants, providing links to shared services such as GitHub or Trello, but also facilitating follow-ups that the team members wanted to set. In one example, Cortana stepped in to volunteer her services to find a convenient meeting time among the participants. Likewise, Teams was smart enough to know which Q2 sales forecast the participants wanted, tapping into a feature within Microsoft Delve for surfacing relevant documents. Mark Hachman / IDG Microsoft apparently sees Teams as a supplementary services that participants will run in the background of a meeting. Microsoft showed off features within Word that allowed users to send @ messages to other members of the team as a short message, without the need to open Outlook or a chat application. Those messages even included apps, such as a message to the Microsoft To-Do app. In the latter case, Cortana stepped in, again, and suggested information that the employee had used before. Mark Hachman / IDG Teams allows users to send messages to other Teams members inside of apps like Word, and Cortana can step in and help out. Microsoft also showed off a brief demo of Your Phone, a prototype app in which users can manage their phones directly from their PC. (Again, this feature is already built into Windows, but somewhat hidden within the Action Menu notifications. Your Phone will be launched to Insiders soon, Microsoft said.) Finally, the team solved the problem by visualizing the data in various ways using PowerBI, and exploring the data using the HoloLens. A second Cortana device? At press time, Microsoft officials had no further comment beyond what Amjadi said on stage. But its also true that Microsoft has had high hopes to push Cortana past the Invoke, into a world of cars and other connected devices. That, at least, was the original vision Microsoft promoted at the end of 2016. Harman Kardon The Harman / Kardon Invoke was the first and really only consumer device to be powered by Cortana. Since then, though, Cortana has appeared in the Invoke and the GLAS smart thermostat from Johnson Controlsand thats pretty much it. Amazon, meanwhile, is encouraging the use of its Alexa assistant in just about anythingincluding Windows PCs, which Microsoft has agreed to in a partnership. So far, however, Alexa, Cortana, and Apples Siri are voice-powered devices. Amazon and Apple havent shown off machine-vision capabilities, though Amazon has demonstrated an Alexa-powered device with a screen. At the Microsoft Build keynote on Monday, Microsoft announced Project Kinect for Azure, the fourth generation of the Kinect sensor that other hardware makers can use to build their own hardware that can see. That hardware, of course, would presumably use Microsofts services. Would a smart device that could see you be appealing to consumers, or simply creepy? In the home, consumers may worry that Microsoft could see them in their underwear, or monitor them around their home. But Microsoft has turned away from the consumer market, favoring businesses and their larger, fixed budgets. A series of business devices powered by a sighted Cortana assistant makes senseeven if its still a little creepy. A core community event returns to Charlevoix An all encompassing fall event is set to return to downtown Charlevoix this weekend. Against All Odds - The Lindsey Runkel Story: August Nesbitt - BC Living: Loam Paradise - Eliott Lapotre: Rob Sherman: Through the Lens with Matt & Kyle: Queenstown, Autumn's Here: GoPro Evolution Contest - Farwell Canyon Freeride: Jason Eiswald - Shoot The Trails: Builders Ride their Trails Series - Part 2: KGB w/RJ: Mountain Creek - Opening Weekend 2018: Brandon Semenuk - Wandering: Coastal Crew Ep.6 - Day In The Life Of Semenuk: The Darkumentary: GT History With Professor Hans Rey - Sea Otter 2018: A Boy and His Bike: Simone Barraco - No Plans: The RatPack Round 3 - Destination Queenstown: Purple: Legend of Solorzano: Forgiving Pipeline: Edited by Peter Jamison Media.Some riding of mine from sessions over the past year.Elliot shredding.Just some of the clips I shot of Rippin' Robbie slaying trails in 2007.Studio23's entry for the 2017 Through the Lens film competition in Queenstown NZ. Starting off with a boat mission, the boys follow it up with some hucks and skids at Skyline Bike Park and Dream Track.Ferris Fairbairn shredding his local trails in Queenstown, NZ.Top to bottom of a classic freeride line in the iconic Farwell Canyon.Short little shred video we made for the Bellingham Shoot the Trails contest earlier this fall.Nick Perry and RJ Wright spent the winter leading a major reboot on a classic Tokul Trail in Fall City, WA (near Seattle).This past weekend was the official opening weekend for riders at Mountain Creek Bike Park.A classic.Crazy to see how much Brandon has progressed in the past eight years.Sit back, strap in, and get behind the scenes of five years of dirt, sweat, and cheers with The Darkumentary! Follow Sam Reynolds and his all time crew journey from the roots of Pure Darkness to DarkFEST and all the carnage in-between!GT has been at the full suspension game for 25 years, and if anyone knows our bikes it's Hans Rey. Join Professor Hans on a tour of our Sea Otter booth and enjoy some of the classic bikes from over the years.A late Autumn tear round Verbier with Oscar and his family.Simone makes everything look too easy.Kris Fox, Jason Watts, Corey Bohan, and Hucker spend 10 days in one of the most picturesque places in the world; Queenstown, New Zealand. From the crew meeting up to the dudes shredding new parks it was all a good time, with a few leisure activities like wake surfing and hitting the bungee jump up!The full-length project has found its way to the endangered-species list, but this video demonstrates why they are of the utmost importance.To race Class 11 at the Baja 1000 - populated by horribly overmatched pre-1982 Volkswagen Beetles - is to be a bit mad. No one on Earth is greater at racing Volkswagens through the bone-dry desert than Eric Solorzano, known as the King of Class 11.Jon Mozo passed away while shooting photos in the water at Pipeline - he was 33 years old. Amber was only 9. Soon after her fathers passing, Amber picked up a camera and her photographic journey began.Title Photo by: Hailey Elise To check out videos submitted by fellow Pinkbike members that didn't quite make Movie Mondays here Must-Read Travel Guides EAST ASIA SOUTHEAST ASIA Featured Articles Contact Copyright Disclosure If you wish to contact me for questions, advertising, collaboration inquiries, comments, suggestions, reviews or just about anything, please send an email to. I will try my best to reply quickly! Unless, of course, I'm on a trip! :D All rights reserved. All photos and content in this blog are owned by(unless otherwise stated). Parts of the articles may be excerpted (a link to this site should be provided), but not reproduced as a whole. Photos may not be used without permission. Thank you very much!Unless otherwise stated, I personally write my blog posts and it expresses my own thoughts and opinions. I pay for all the expenses of my trips (unless otherwise stated). I welcome collaborations, advertorials and reviews as long as they are beneficial to my readers. All reviews on collaborations contain my own views and opinion and were not influenced by anyone. For inquiries, you may contact me here . Thank you very much! When it came time to make his latest album, In Lieu of Flowers, San Francisco-based musician Brian Belknap called on some of his closest friends. Chief among those was Portland, Oregon-based producer Mike Coykendall (kirk-en-dahl), a multi-instrumentalist and studio wizard whose credits include a long-term stay in the M. Ward (and She & Him) camp as well as work with Blitzen Trapper, Richmond Fontaine, and Bright Eyes. There were other friends too, including backing vocalists Erma Kyriakos and Carlos Forster, whose voices provide another dimension of warmth to the proceedings. Whats evident in speaking with Belknap is how please he is with what his friends contributed. As well he should be. He should also be able to take pride in the cohesive body of material that comprises the album. The mournful blues/country intersection For Kevin sounds like one of those rare songs that entered the world without an author and has simply always been. Sad Confessions finds a comfortable resting place between Johnny Cash and Rodney Crowell; others, such as the titular piece and Epitaph are the kind of ramshackle country the Rolling Stones favored throughout the 1970s. Here, that tore down music sounds like its gliding closer to perfection, becoming perfectly comfortable in the hands of those whove brought these songs into being. Elsewhere, High Wire establishes itself as a tune that deserves to become part of the permanent lexicon of song, one that gets passed around at picking parties and living room jams for ages to come. The same may be said of Bearing Witness or, really, anything on In Lieu of Flowers, a record born of personal and emotional upheaval but which finds its footing nicely and surely by the end, reminding us that there is peace to be found. In Lieu of Flowers is out Friday, 11 May. Belknap will celebrate its release with a San Francisco gig at Brick & Mortar Music Hall that evening with Sallie Ford and Mike Coykendall. http://brianbelknap.bandcamp.com/album/in-lieu-of->In Lieu of Flowers by Brian Belknap http://brianbelknap.bandcamp.com/album/in-lieu-of->In Lieu of Flowers by Brian Belknap Theres a specific mood to this album and, it seems like, some thematic connections. The title track is about my trip to my fathers funeral. I hadnt been home in quite some time. I have had a lot of loss at different times in my life. This is a record thats about loss of different kinds, loss of friendships, the loss of my father. Different shades of that. It looked for a moment like it was going to be a different record. I had some different songs. It was going to be called something different. There was a song called Strike Up the Band that I hope will make it on another record. More of a New Orleans flavor. Mike really looked at the songs and said, A couple of these dont fit and Im seeing this in a different way. Im so grateful to him for that. He has a remarkable sense for how things should be. Ive known him for a long time and I really trust him. He really gets into songs and knows what a song needs. I just put things in his hands. Was there a period of estrangement with your dad? There was. I have a lot of respect for my father. He was born in Hells Kitchen on a kitchen table at the heart of the Great Depression. He didnt come up easy. But theres another story that I think sums up the life that he had: He was the second best half-miler in the state of Massachusetts and never won a single race because the best half-miler went to the same high school, same year, and never missed a meet. He fought in Korea, got polio. The doctors told him hed never walk again. Then he walked with braces, then without them. When I was growing up, he walked without them, although not easily. He was a very, very determined man. I think I inherited some of that determination. My dad was pretty worried about me leading an artistic lifestyle. I didnt want to listen when he said, That can be pretty tough. Then, about ten years after he died, I said, What he told me wasnt exactly wrong. There was a similar conversation with my father. He knew guys who played around during the big band era and had some sense of what that was like, himself. Its easy to forget those kinds of things. I play on the street a lot, and I just ran into this guy who played in Alabama, Black Oak Arkansas, friends with Willie Nelson. Hes 70 now and just had to say that enoughs enough. His hands are all torn up. Theres going to be some attrition. You dont see that end of it when you have stars in your eyes. And a love of music. Because music was one of the few things I felt like I could hold on to. Then and now. You mentioned Mike Coykendall and the help he gave you on this record. You met him when was still in San Francisco and playing with The Old Joe Clarks. I went to see a Richard Buckner show and his manager said, The next show is with the Old Joe Clarks. You dont want to miss this. I went, saw Mike play and I was just blown away. Instantly. I was electrified. We traded tapes of our work and although a lot of times nothing comes of these things, Mike listened to the thing and called me the next day and we struck up this friendship. That was probably in 1994. Theres a lot of space in the music and I think it really enhances the emotional content of the lyrics. I think so. Ive got a voice with character, shall we say. Im a self-taught musician. I have a basic proficiency. Youre not going to get something pristine with me playing it but I do think that you get something different. I do think that we managed to capture something on this record. The other people playing are really pretty remarkable musicians. Tom Heyman is an extraordinary guitar player. Michael Mullen is a great piano player. Michael has an incredible ability to play a song. A lot of people can put their fingers on the keys but he just brings something really, really special. My friend, Dave Hull, who I met down in New Orleans came in and did some beautiful stuff on the organ. My longtime drummer Michael Hoffman did great work, Johnny Blair did a tremendous job filling in on bass for a friend of mine who couldnt make the session. Theres evidence in these songs that you guys are all listening to each other. That theres intuition there. Whats that line between being prepared and knowing the songs well but them still being fresh enough that you find new things? A lot of that just has to do with whos in the room. I had to find the right players. Tom and Michael Mullen are the kind of guys who arent going to play the same thing more than one time. I could say to Michael, I like that part, thats beautiful and hed say, I hope you enjoyed it because youre not going to hear it again! Theres some spontaneity built into it. He and Tom are beautiful feel players. Those are the kind of people I look for, the people who really serve the song. Was there anything that surprised you in the making of the album? The leadoff track, Sad Confessions, was placed differently. Mike said, I really think that should be the first song. I resisted for a minute, then listened to order as he suggested it and I said, Gosh, hes right. It stuck out funny where it was because of what Mike did with the harmonica part. I dont know how he thinks of these things, hes brilliant that way. It worked great to start the record and everything else flowed once that thing was in place. Sad Confessions sets up the title track beautifully now. But its not for me to say how well the album works overall. [Laughs.] I have to say that for songs born from loss, at the end of it, I feel better. I took some inspiration away from it all. I guess its the way that you hold it. People tell me that they find something optimistic in the songs. The last one, This Time, is sort of in that vein. I didnt know if that song would make it on the record. The production and the performances all came together. It ends the record on a hopeful note. I think it gave all the musicians a place to really shine. Coming from a renowned family of jewellers based in Akola, Maharashtra, Nitin Khandelwal heads Khandelwal Jewellers (Akola) Pvt Ltd. He has interests in the Plastic industry, Real estate, Health & Recreation and Cold storage industries as well. Nitin Khandelwal was elected Chairman of GJC in 2017 but was associated with the organisation from inception as a torchbearer for various projects initiated by GJC. As an extrovert and a workaholic, Khandelwal's leadership skills, ability to multitask, stickler for punctuality and similar fine qualities has him 'donning many hats' effortless. Here in a Q&A session with Rough & Polished, Nitin Khandelwal speaks on all things he's passionate about... with elan! Excerpts: Was hailing from a well-known jeweller's family that led you to get actively associated with GJC right from its inception or was it an innate urge to lead, organise and initiate projects for the betterment of the jewellery industry? I understand that you have business interests in other industries as well. Must be tough organising time... Having a strong jewellery business background could be one reason but coming from a small town could be the prime reason that pulled me to GJC (erstwhile GJF). Moreover, it inspires any small town jewellers to join an organisation like GJC which represents the entire gems & jeweller community with the intent to tackle and address the hurdles and glitches in the trade. Besides, as a businessman, I always got drawn and worked like a lone soldier for the welfare of the trade and now being part of GJC in the capacity of Chairman provides me further strength and courage to fight for the cause of the industry as a Major of a Battalion. The founders of GJC had only one thing in their mind - to make sure that trade doesnt suffer, so I have considered our Past Chairmen as my mentors and there is always a learning in every aspect. Im just continuing the legacy of the GJC by proceeding with the already undertaken mission of our founders to establish a trade environment in the country which is transparent and compliant. There is still a lot to be achieved and accomplished, however, recently GST, PMLA are some of the biggest achievement of GJC which has really increased my urge to serve even more for the Industry. Today I have designed my time in such a way that Im able to do justice both towards my business and Industry. GJC team has initiated various projects for the Indian gems and jewellery industry. The 'Preferred Manufacturer of India' executed by you has definitely made a mark. For the benefit of our readers, can you walk us through the initiatives, and how they transformed the domestic jewellery industry in particular? I have been the torch bearer of many GJF projects, but PMI is very close to my heart. Moreover, it is our flagship programme since it is one of the very few trade shows in the country which is being conducted on a heart to heart basis. We have been able to build a fine platform where the buyers and sellers get maximum time to understand each other. Moreover, PMI is not just a display place but more of a networking podium in a relaxed and leisure environment with a personal touch. PMI is a luxury podium where the sellers and buyers discuss business over lunch, dinner or during a cocktail. Today I think there is a need to evolve PMI as a model for doing business through the exhibition as it beats all odds and builds stronger bond amongst the buyer and seller. Moreover, I feel that PMI has completely transformed the domestic trade. This could be elucidated by the fact that today the jewellers from tier 2 and tier 3 cities who were unable to enter the large wholesale and manufacturers offices have got easy access points through PMI. 'Mathan' was your brain-child, one-of-a-kind, a never thought-of idea in the Indian Gem and Jewellery industry. While the event was well-received by all, what you feel was the main 'takeaway' for all participants at the event? Your thoughts... Manthan, as the name goes, is to churn the sea in order to extract the elixir of intelligence, innovation and contemporaneousness in the gems & jewellery industry. The concept was going on in my mind for quite a long time because I did similar to this at Rotary. Besides, I felt that there is a need to do a brainstorming conclave as such activities had never happened in G&J Industry. So when I became the Chairman, I shared the idea with the COA and it was overwhelmingly welcomed and guided by entire COA. With the professional help and the wholehearted support of entire industry, we created this programme and gave the responsibility to Shri Manoj Jha to convene this challenging activity. He took it in a very positive spirit with the guidance of Shri Ashok Minawala and I cant stop myself to thank my idol Shri Ashok Minawala for his inspiring guidance for the entire programme and the result is before everyone. Moreover, the support from the entire committee and COA got the right balance of subjects and speakers. Now coming to the outcome, the takeaways may vary from person to person since every individual had come to take something there. As far as Im concerned, I can say that there were many takeaways and the most thing that enjoyed is the ideas and insights shared by new speakers from other industries and this has made Manthan a great success. Again, for our readers benefit, can you recall the many industry representations to the Indian government that you were part of in GJC delegation and the eventual results that benefitted the jewellery industry on the whole? Your comments. I have been part of most of the representations that we have made to the government. We have made the first representation on Excise in 2005 and thereafter we have made several representations on many issues like GST, Hallmarking and PMLA in recent times. As a team member, I can proudly say that we have tried to address these issues by becoming the perfect bridge between the trade and the government. Moreover, it is a great privilege for me to be a part of the delegation which was able to convince the government on multiple issues and made things easy for the industry. GJC has played a crucial role in the last 10 years in improving the compliance level in the industry so all in all we have tried to bring the trade closer to the government. To educate the jewellers on issues connected with GST, to help jewellers become compliant and organised, GJC organised many GST seminars, webinars and help desk. How useful were they for the domestic jewellery sector? Are the industry members now utilising the knowledge imparted to them in their business? The moment government formulated GST guidelines and came out with the draft rules, GJC came into action, first taking advice from top consultants of the country and then we started understanding the minute details of the new laws. Then we started giving our inputs and worked closely with the government so that G&J industry does not face any problem in adapting to the new tax regime. We have met all Finance Minister and GST Council of each states. Here, I would like to give credit to the state governments which were equally proactive in listening to our issues and were ready to adopt the practical and implementable suggestions of trade. Today I can proudly say GJC was the first industry which accepted GST wholeheartedly and today we are easily able to comply with the new reforms in a positive manner. I am really thankful to my brothers in the industry who accepted the new norms and adopted the new reform in a very positive manner. Over the years, GJC was instrumental in representing many issues faced by the domestic industry regarding Central Excise duties, Hallmarking, Pan Card and many others. Has the Indian Government looked into the issues and solved any of the problems that made 'doing business' a hassle for the jewellers? As I expressed earlier, we are really thankful to the government that they have accepted all the implementable recommendation made by us. We were successful in pointing out the barriers in the trade and the government tried to remove all the bottlenecks for creating an ease of doing the business environment. However, it is an ongoing process, there are still few points on which we are working to make trade functioning smoother and better. It's true a few 'bad apples' cannot spoil the whole basket; and the Indian gem and jewellery industry too is showing immense confidence in growing their industry after the PNB scam. But, do you feel that reports of synthetics and CZs being used will badly hit demand for diamond studded jewellery in India? What steps do you suggest to bring back consumer confidence in the country? You yourself have answered the question. A few bad apples cannot spoil the entire basket. GJC is known for its credibility and we will not compromise on our fundamentals at any cost. We will make sure that consumer confidence does not dip due to few bad apples. Moreover, I feel that Indian consumer has a unique relationship with their jewellers and this relationship goes beyond trust. They know and understand who is right and they do business diligently. Our banks today are in a tiff. We understand their position and shall try our best to bring about more synergy between them and the industry. It is a matter of time as things will fall into the right perspective. Wrapping up, what is your opinion on the current situation in the gem and jewellery in the country? Demand for jewellery per se has reported been negatively affected, especially in the domestic sector. The recent festivals did not see much excitement among buyers. Do you see the industry getting over the present hurdles and returning to a healthy industry, going forward? We are going through some of the biggest reforms in this country one after the other that too in a small duration of one and a half year. First was the excise then demonetization came and finally GST, these reforms were needed but they took a toll on us and the economy. The confidence was initially shaken across all the industries and hence kept the consumer little away from jewellery sector. Over a few months, the reforms were accepted by all and things normalized. We now see and envisage sustainability and a fair growth in the jewellery industry. We dont see any reason for the downfall once the reforms are absorbed well by the industry. Aruna Gaitonde, Editor in Chief of the Asian Bureau, Rough & Polished Former Delta Spirit frontman Matthew Logan Vasquez returns with a video for Ladonna, a new track from his EP, Texas Murder Ballads. The EP focuses on Vasquezs home state and this track in particular shines light on some eerie happenings in the house where the record came to life just before Vasquez relocated to Europe. Directed by animator Micah Buzan (Flaming Lips), the video captures the songs visceral fear and rage as it bursts from the speakers as a more controlled, less drug-soaked rendition of a classic Ministry tune (think So What). I wrote this song about the previous owner of my home in Texas, Vasquez recalls. She had passed away inside the house and it sat vacant for a few years until we bought it. I recorded Texas Murder Ballads and the next LP (coming in 2019) in the house this past January. My wife and son had left for Norway, so I was in almost complete solitude. I really feel like Ladonnas spirit (or more likely my own imagination) kept me company during those times. Buzan recalls that making the video presented a series of challenges that he was more than ready to face. I had about seven days to make animation loops for this video, he says. Since the time was so limited, I had to keep the frame count down, but still make the animation work with a dozen or so frames per loop. In limited animation, sometimes just three frames is enough to define a movement. I watched Beavis and Buttheads desert peyote trip and old creepy black and white cartoons for inspiration. Texas Murder Ballads is out June 1 and may be ordered here. TOUR DATES 5/8 Charlotte, NC, Evening Muse 5/10 Washington, DC, DC9 5/11 New York, NY, Rough Trade 5/12 Philadelphia, PA, World Cafe Live Upstairs 5/13 Boston, MA, Middle East Upstairs 5/15 Portland, ME, One Longfellow Square 5/16 Burlington, VT, Higher Ground 5/17 Northampton, MA, Iron Horse Music Hall 5/18 Portsmouth, NH, The Music Hall 5/19 Hudson, NY, Club Helsinki 5/21 Pittsburgh, PA, Club Cafe 5/22 Cleveland, OH, Beachland Tavern 5/24 Toronto, ON, The Drake 5/25 Detroit, MI, Vernors room 5/26 Indianapolis, IN, White Rabbit Cabaret 5/27 Davenport, IA, Raccoon Motel 5/29 Chicago, IL, Schubas 5/30 Milwaukee, WI, Cactus Club 5/31 Minneapolis, MN, Icehouse 6/1 Madison, WI, High Noon Saloon (seated) 6/2 St. Louis, MO, Blueberry Hill Charleston, SC (29403) Today Mostly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 82F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. ZCDC produces 1 mn cts in first four months 07 may 2018 News Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) said it produced 1-million carats of diamonds in the first four months of the year in line with its production target for the period. "We hit the 1-million carats target for four months within three months and 27 days. As of the month of April, the target was 250,000 carats and we have already hit 251,713 carats before the month end," company chief executive Moris Mpofu was quoted by The Herald newspaper. "This shows we are on course to achieve 3-million carats for the year because we have seen great improvement, which will see the increase in our levels of confidence in terms of the conglomerate diamond reserves in [Marange]." The state-owned diamond company produced 751,303 carats in the first quarter compared to 422,518 carats mined in the same period last year. Meanwhile, Mpofu said ZCDC would commission a 450 tonne per hour conglomerate crushing plant as well as procure new mining and exploratory equipment from Belarus as part of the Government-backed $80 million recapitalisation programme. Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished Writings on the Wall This week I am going to talk about the race for governor, but first I want to mention booster shots. Last Wednesday, I went to the university Read more The Indian Express, May 5, 2018 A girl from Pakistan has offered the best diagnostic of the ailing state and her work, Pakistan under Siege: Extremism, Society, and the State (Brookings), takes you into the guts of what has gone wrong. Madiha Afzal is a non-resident fellow at the Brookings Institution Washington DC, an adjunct assistant professor of global policy at Johns Hopkins SAIS and has been a consultant for the World Bank. Under General Zia, the University Grants Commission ordered that textbooks were heretofore to demonstrate that athe basis of Pakistan is in the shared experience of a common religion and the Ideology of Pakistan, and the creation of a completely Islamised Statea . Thus began the triumph of acertitudea that defeated ainquirya . Hafiz Saeed, a UN-sanctioned terrorist today, headed the Islamiat department at the University of Engineering and Technology in Lahore where he founded the terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba and brainwashed his students into jihad. His acharismaa caused some to become an aIslamica gang that kidnapped the son of the murdered governor of Punjab, Salman Taseer, on behalf of al Qaeda-supported militants hiding in Afghanistan. The message was: The governor had blasphemed by criticising the draconian anti-blasphemy law; therefore, his son must pay for it. But the sinister teleology of the state was in evidence from the beginning with the Objectives Resolution a a pledge of peopleas rule that laid down the blueprint of the state to come. The Hindu minister appointed by Jinnah had already run away to India on reading it. As the book narrates, then came General Ayubas dictated aseculara constitution of 1962 that first removed aIslamica from the official name of the state to make it simply Republic of Pakistan, only to reinstate the nomenclature bowing to theological pre-ordination. Author Afzal has scanned school textbooks to find why Pakistanis become narrow-minded as they advance from Class 1 to Class 10. She has taken her team into schools and colleges, state-run and private, to contrast their curricula with the ones taught by seminaries (madrasas), functioning mostly outside state purview. She discovers the one big difference between privately-run aO-levela schools and state-run ones: Ideology is present as per state edict, but the former adopt the rational mode of explication while the latter rely on emotion. As the closing of the Muslim mind proceeds, politicians like Imran Khan have sworn to do away with the aduala system that creates atwo nationsa . They mean they will do away with the arational-sequentiala discourse of aEnglish-mediuma schools astill poisoning the Pakistani minda . The chapter devoted to PEW polls measuring the national mind finds the content of hatred rising against America. It is, in fact, a measure of the self-hatred of a state aligned with a ahypocrite superpower for the last 70 yearsa . One becomes scared too of the almost 30 per cent who refuse to answer the survey questionnaire. The book makes the tedious job of examining a nationas mind easy through clarity of style and direction of inquiry. Pakistanas highly regarded ex-diplomat, Iqbal Akhund, in his recent memoir, refers to a much-admired Pakistani-born Parsi girl in America, Nergis Mavalvala, whose work had recently led to the confirmation of Einsteinas theory of gravitational waves. Among many expressions of praise there was also this: aThis lady is not Muslim. She is not Pakistani, she living in a kafir country. Why we give appreciation to these sold-outs?a The writer is consulting editor, Newsweek Pakistan PR-Inside.com: 2018-05-07 13:00:15 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 395 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Azarga Uranium Corp.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, BC (FSCWire) - Azarga Uranium Corp. (TSX:AZZ). has issued a press release with the following headline:Azarga Uranium and URZ Energy Announce Merger to Create New US Focused ISR Uranium Development CompanyTo 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 Azarga Uranium 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/Azarga Uranium Corp.Source: Azarga Uranium Corp. (TSX: AZZ, OTC Bulletin Board: PWURF, FWB: P8AA, WKN: A12EEQ, ISIN: CA05477Y1088)Date: May 07, 2018Time: 7:00 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Azarga Uranium 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: 2018-05-07 09:05:14 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 380 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for 360 Blockchain Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, BC (FSCWire) - 360 Blockchain Inc. (CSE:CODE). has issued a press release with the following headline:360 Blockchain Increases Ownership in SV CryptoLabTo 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 360 Blockchain 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/360 Blockchain Inc.Source: 360 Blockchain Inc. (CSE: CODE, OTC Bulletin Board: BKLLF, FWB: C5B, WKN: A2JSTL, ISIN: CA88557T1084)Date: May 07, 2018Time: 3:05 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of 360 Blockchain Inc. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2018 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.) PR-Inside.com: 2018-05-07 10:40:18 Press Information Published by ACN Newswire +65 6304 8926 e-mail https://www.acnnewswire.com/ # 637 Words ACN Newswire+65 6304 8926 Tokyo and Sao Paulo, May 7, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - CAIXA Economica Federal ("CAIXA") and JCB International Co., Ltd., the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd. ("JCB"), held a launching ceremony for CAIXA's new card product, CAIXA JCB Unico Card.CAIXA JCB Unico Card is the first JCB card issued in Brazil and the first in Latin America. All the cardmembers can enjoy JCB privileges such as the JCB Plaza customer service and lounge network and special offers at selected merchants all over the world as well as exclusive privileges in Brazil such as a monthly fee waiver for the well-known restaurant discount site, Grubster.JCB is a global payment brand with around 30 million merchants and 110 million cardmembers around the world. Through partnerships with Cielo and Rede, Brazil's two largest payment card acquirers, JCB has a large acceptance in Brazil now.CAIXA has a nationwide network of branches in every city, town and village in the country with 60 thousand service locations (branches, ATMs, and lottery offices) and has issued a large number of credit and debit cards. CAIXA also has relevant participation in the Brazilian bank market, making fundamental contributions to urban development and social welfare, and is always looking for new opportunities to offer the best services to its customers.Mr. Ichiro Hamakawa, President & CEO of JCB Co., Ltd. commented that "I am very pleased CAIXA is the first issuer of JCB in Brazil. CAIXA JCB Unico Card is a new product based on the needs of the Brazilian people to enjoy their daily life, and I am confident that the issuance of CAIXA JCB Unico Card can satisfy our customers and will allow both CAIXA and JCB to continue growing business in Brazil." Mr. Nelson Antonio de Souza, President of CAIXA, said, "We are glad to announce the launch of CAIXA JCB Unico Card, which has "unique" benefits to fulfill customer needs, and to be the first financial institution to issue JCB card in Latin America. As the payment card market grows, so does consumer demand for a wide variety of payment schemes. We look forward to issuing CAIXA JCB Unico Card not only to CAIXA account holders, but also to non-CAIXA account holders to expand this "only one card" to Brazilian citizens all over the country." With CAIXA JCB Unico Card, cardmembers can take advantage of the following privileges in addition to CAIXA's original credit card services:- First year annual fee waiver- Additional CAIXA points to earn using CAIXA JCB Unico Card (US$1,00=1,3 Pontos CAIXA)- Special offers from various Japanese restaurants and commercial points- Exclusive waver of monthly fee for the restaurant discount site, Grubster ( https://www.grubster.com.br/) - Special promotions to use CAIXA JCB Unico Card outside of BrazilFor more details about CAIXA JCB Unico Card, see http://www.br.jcb/pt/ About CAIXACAIXA is a government-run financial institution that plays an important role in implementing the public policy of the Brazilian government, developing urban areas, building infrastructure and carrying out social programs for lower income Brazilians. In addition, it provides public services to workers and pensioners, and takes initiatives for supporting cultural, social and sport programs for all Brazilians.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/ or www.br.jcb/pt/ PR-Inside.com: 2018-05-07 12:03:02 COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., May 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cherwell Software, LLC, ("Cherwell") a global leader in enterprise service management solutions, today welcomed two new members to its Board of Managers. Joining the board are Dave Welsh, KKR's Head of TMT Growth Equity, and John Spiliotis, a career veteran in go-to-market and sales leadership for enterprise software companies. Welsh and Spiliotis' appointments follow a recent investment in the company from KKR as Cherwell continues to expand globally. "The Cherwell leadership team is excited to have Dave and John join us and we look forward to learning from each of their perspectives as trusted leaders with proven track records," said Vance Brown, Cherwell Co-founder and Chairman of the Board. "Together, as a board, we are committed to ensuring that Cherwell is serving customers with unique value and - as a result - that we are positioning the company for continued growth and success." Dave Welsh is KKR's Member and Head of the TMT Growth Equity Platform, where Cherwell represents the largest investment in the KKR Next Generation Technology Fund. Prior to joining KKR, Welsh was a Partner with Adams Street Partners, where he focused on technology growth equity investments. Earlier in his career he was an executive vice president of corporate development and strategy at McAfee, Inc., a general partner at Partech Ventures and a vice president of corporate development at Portal Software. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Five9, ForgeRock and is a Board Member of SEO Scholars SF as well as being Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Athenian School. He holds a B.A., cum laude, from UCLA and a JD, Order of the Coif, from UC Berkeley and Harvard Law Schools. "Cherwell has positioned itself extremely well with an exceptional product in a growing market while serving a vast number of mid-market organizations that are looking to innovate quickly and affordably. I'm thrilled to be joining the board of Cherwell at this exciting time for the company," said Welsh. Spiliotis has led revenue growth at top global technology firms for more than three decades and will apply this experience to Cherwell's pursuit of a greater share of the $30 billion enterprise service management market. Spiliotis was most recently responsible for driving Palo Alto Networks' direct and indirect sales engagement activities in the Americas as a Sr. Vice President. At Palo Alto, he grew revenue to more than $1.8B. He has also held sales leadership positions at Avaya and Ericsson. Spiliotis holds a master's degree in finance and banking from Hofstra University and is also a graduate of The Citadel. "Cherwell has always been a leader in IT Service Management, and I value the vision the company has laid out to support the digital transformation of organizations across the globe," Spiliotis said. "I've had the opportunity to guide sales growth and grow teams for global software companies, as well as ensure the success of their partner communities. These are both strong values for Cherwell and I am excited to contribute to the success at Cherwell." About Cherwell Software Cherwell (@Cherwell) empowers organizations to transform their business through the rapid adoption and easy management of digital services. Cherwell's adaptable platform has enabled thousands of organizations to modernize their business operations with customizable service management, automation, and reporting across the enterprise. For more information, visit: http://www.cherwell.com. Media Contacts: Cherwell Ann Boyd +1-719-494-3572 Ann.Boyd@cherwell.com PR-Inside.com: 2018-05-07 09:06:01 CORRECTING and REPLACING Mission accomplished: IDnow patent upheld with minor amendments IDnow GmbH Danielle Rietsch danielle.rietsch@idnow.de 089413246031 Please replace the release sent on 27 April 2018 at 09:27 AM ET with the following corrected version due to multiple revisions. The corrected release reads: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: IDNOW PATENT UPHELD WITH MINOR AMENDMENTS IDnow, one of Europes leading provider of online identity verification solutions for the financial services, mobility, telecommunications and many other sectors, has taken another step in protecting key elements of its innovative online identity platform as the European Patent Office in Munich has upheld the amended patent EP 2 948 891. The patent, which was applied for in January 2014 and was granted by the EPO on May 18, 2016, was contested by the Deutsche Post and another competitor. With 2 minor amendments suggested by IDnow, the EPO upheld the patent. We are delighted that our patent, with the proposed amendments, has been upheld by the EPO, said Rupert Spiegelberg, CEO of IDnow. We invest millions of euros developing market leading, technology in the areas of video compression, facial recognition and AI algorithms and it is important that this innovation is protected to allow us to continue to invest. The involved parties may appeal this decision, but this will not affect the parallel patent infringement proceedings where there will be a hearing in the Dusseldorf Higher Regional Court in June 2018 to decide whether another competitor of IDnow has violated this patent. I am happy about this decision, which is also important with regards to the hearing in the second instance patent infringement proceedings in June, said Simon Michels, German & European Patent Attorney at Stellbrink & Partner. Rupert Spiegelberg adds Since our founding in 2014, IDnow has always been an advocate for transparent and fair competition and this ruling brings further clarity to the market. We are more committed than ever to being a driving force for innovation and will now continue to pioneer industry-leading solutions for our global customer base. We cant wait to show you in the next months what we have built." About IDnow GmbH IDnow provides the worlds most advanced machine-learning technology for its Identity-as-a-Service platform that can verify in real time the identities of more than 6.3 billion people from 115 different countries. Our patent-protected video identification and e-signing solutions help our clients save money, improve customer conversion rates and streamline the onboarding process. Founded in 2014, we already count a large and fast growing team of 300, making us one of Europes fastest growing fintechs. IDnow was awarded Most Successful Fintech in 2017. Further information available at www.idnow.eu. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180427005 IDnow Patent Upheld with Minor Amendments PR-Inside.com: 2018-05-07 12:30:15 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 409 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Far Resources Ltd.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, BC (FSCWire) - Far Resources Ltd. (CSE:FAT). has issued a press release with the following headline:Far Resources Drills Highest Grade Intercept to Date, 16 Metres of 1.8% Li2O in Deep Drilling at Dyke 1 and 12 Metres of 1.1% Li2O in Newly Discovered Dyke 8To 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 Far Resources Ltd., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Far Resources Ltd.Source: Far Resources Ltd. (CSE: FAT, FWB: F0R, WKN: A2AH8W, ISIN: CA30734R1001, OTC Pink: FRRSF)Date: May 07, 2018Time: 6:30 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Far Resources Ltd. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2018 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.) Global diabetes care devices market projected to grow with significant CAGR over the forecast period Global diabetes care devices market PR-Inside.com: 2018-05-07 14:53:28 Press Information Precision Business Insights Kemp House, 152 160 City Road, London EC1V 2NX satya Lead-Market +1-866-598-1553 email https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com # 786 Words Kemp House,152 160 City Road,London EC1V 2NXLead-Market+1-866-598-1553 Diabetes: disease, management and devices market:Global diabetes care devices market: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder where insulin is less or not present at all for the normal functioning of the body. The insulin deficiency is the major cause of diabetes which is secreted by the beta cells of islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Factors such genetic inheritance, sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy food choices can cause diabetes. With blood sugar levels always uncontrolled, there are various severe effects on the body. Diabetes can be kept in check by monitoring blood glucose levels at regular intervals. Diabetes devices are small, compact and user-friendly. As discussed, there are two types of diabetes disease-one is caused due to the inability of insulin production and another is due to lack of response to the insulin. A blood glucose monitoring device is a must throughout the life, as it helps in monitoring the levels before and after the food intake.The global market for diabetic care device is growing at a significant rate due to increase in the incidence of diabetes, especially in adults. Factors such as newer and better technologies, minimal or non-invasive products and increasing diabetic population are contributing to the market growth of the diabetes care devices. Similarly, availability of devices which are user-friendly, safe, faster and compact are also adding to the market growth of the diabetes care devices. Even the government and private investment are in R & D, the high cost of the new devices, lack of awareness and strict regulatory policies are some of the key factors which can hamper the growth diabetes care devices market.A sample of this report is available upon request @Global diabetes care devices market has been segmented on the basis of product type, and end-users.1. Product type Blood glucose monitoring deviceso Self-monitoring Blood Glucose Meterso Continuous Glucose Meterso Consumableso Others Insulin delivery deviceso Insulin Syringeso Insulin Penso Insulin Pumpso Insulin Jet Injectors2. End-usersHospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, Online Pharmacies and others.And lastly, it is categorized on the basis of geographical regions-North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America dominates the markets due to its increasing number of diabetic patients followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. According to American Diabetes Association, the prevalence of diabetes in 2015 was 30.3 million i.e. 9.4% U.S population. Europe is the second largest region for global diabetes care devices market and Asia-Pacific is growing into a budding market due to increasing number of diabetic patients, and rising awareness are adding factors to the market growth. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), China has the largest number of diabetic patients with around 96.2 million and India has around 66.8 million diabetic patients, which represents approximately 45% of the global diabetic population.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Some of the key players in global diabetes care devices market are Abbott Laboratories (Abbott, Inc.) (U.S.), Dexcom Inc. (U.S.), Johnson & Johnson Services Inc.(U.S.) , Merck & Co, Inc. (U.S.), F. Hoffman-La Roche (Switzerland), Becton-Dickinson and Company (U.S.), Novo Nordisk A/S (Denmark), Bayer AG (Germany), Medtronic plc. (Ireland), Terumo Corporation, Inc. (Japan), Ascensia Diabetes Care (U.S.) Panasonic Healthcare Holdings Co. Ltd. (Japan) and Eli Lilly and Company (U.S.) to name a few. In 2015, Novo Nordisk and IBM Watson Health partnered to create diabetes solutions built on the Watson Health Cloud. Also, in 2015, Panasonic Healthcare acquired Bayer diabetes units Contour portfolio of blood glucose monitoring meters and strips.Need more information about this report @Globally, diabetes is the fourth leading cause of death. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), seven Mn people are added every year to the pool of 246 million diabetics, which is projected to increase approximately 438 million by 2030. Moreover, about 3.8 Mn people die each year from diabetes. For the development of new products, and enhance the competitiveness, most vendors partnering with other vendors in the global diabetes care devices market. For e.g. in 2016, Ascensia Diabetes Care collaborated with Medtronic for developing marketing diabetes management solutions. Further market of test strips and blood glucose meters companies are getting into alliances which allows the market players newer opportunities in the global market. A blood glucose monitoring system which measures and stores the reading from the machine from anywhere 3 to 7 days. For e.g. Medtronic (Enlite, Guardian Realtime), Abbott (Freestyle Navigator II), and Dexcoms (G4 Platinum) are some of the names of the blood glucose monitoring system.Get access to full summary @ PR-Inside.com: 2018-05-07 12:02:03 DUBLIN - May 7, 2018 - Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT), the global leader in medical technology, today announced the appointment of Mike Weinstein as Senior Vice President, Strategy. In this role, Weinstein will work with Medtronic senior management in the areas of strategy, business development, capital deployment, and shareholder value creation. Weinstein joins Medtronic from J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., where he served as a Managing Director and led the firm's top-ranked healthcare team in equity research for more than 20 years. "We are excited to welcome Mike to Medtronic," said Omar Ishrak, Medtronic chairman and chief executive officer. "He is deeply respected within the industry and brings with him vast knowledge of our markets, technologies, and growth strategies. I look forward to his contributions to the company, including his expert guidance and insights, as well as the new perspective he will bring to our organization." Weinstein joined J.P. Morgan in 1992 and had been the firm's senior medical technology analyst since 1995. He has been the #1 ranked analyst in the sector for the past 15 years in annual surveys of Institutional Investor and Greenwich Associates. In 2013, he was named to the Institutional Investor Hall of Fame. "I see in Medtronic the opportunity to continue to create significant shareholder value, and I couldn't be more excited to join the global leader in medical technology and contribute to its Mission," said Weinstein. "Having covered Medtronic for more than two decades now, I have full confidence in the outlook and the strategy, and our ability to unlock that value in the months and years ahead." "Mike brings unique and deep insights of the medical device and technology space to Medtronic, developed during a distinguished career in equity research at J.P. Morgan," said Karen Parkhill, Medtronic executive vice president and chief financial officer. "He will serve as an integral advisor and partner to our senior leaders, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the team." Weinstein assumes his position at Medtronic effective immediately and will report to Parkhill. Webcast Information Medtronic will host a webcast on Monday, May 7, at 7:00 a.m. CDT to discuss this announcement. The webcast can be accessed at http://investorrelations.medtronic.com. Within 24 hours of the webcast, a replay will be available by clicking on the Investor Events link at http://investorrelations.medtronic.com. About Medtronic Medtronic plc (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the world's largest medical technology, services and solutions companies - alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 84,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals and patients in approximately 160 countries. The company is focused on collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare Further, Together. Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results. -end- This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients. The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: Medtronic plc via Globenewswire The research report on molecular diagnostics market categorizes the global market by product type (Reagents & Kits and Instruments), by application (Oncology, Genetic Testing, Microbiology, STDs, Blood Screening, Virology, Tissue Typing, Prenatal Diagnosis, and Others), by end user (Hospitals, Diagnostic Laboratories, Academic and Research Labs, and Other) - Global Industry Insights, and Forecast to 2025 Molecular Diagnostics Market PR-Inside.com: 2018-05-07 13:59:16 Press Information Coherent Market Insights Coherent Market Insights 1001 4th Ave, #3200 Seattle, WA 98154 Mr. Shah CEO +1 02067016702 email https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ # 764 Words Coherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave, #3200Seattle, WA 98154CEO+1 02067016702 Molecular diagnostics tests are used for detecting disturbance between specific sequences in DNA or RNA, which may be associated with disease. The disturbance between a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), deletions, rearrangements, insertions, and others factors lead to various diseases. Disease that are diagnosed by using molecular diagnostic test includes infectious diseases, oncology, virology, and STDs.Increasing incidence and prevalence of infectious disease and cancer is expected to be a major factor for growth of the market over the forecast period. For instance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2015, around 5,251 deaths were reported due to influenza infection in the U.S. Furthermore, according to a National Cancer Institute, 2016, an estimated 16.8 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the U.S. with an estimated 595,690 deaths from the disease. The number of people with cancer is expected to rise to 19 million by 2024.To understand Research Methodology, please click: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/1545 Molecular diagnostics also helps in providing precision medicine, due to capability of detecting specific disease. Therefore, various governments are focusing on initiatives in precision medicine, which is expected to foster growth of the molecular diagnostics market in the near future. For instance, in 2015, the U.S. government launched Precision Medicine Initiative (PMI), to increase awareness regarding advancement in the precision medicine field. The molecular diagnostics market is estimated to be valued at US$8,623.2 Mn in 2017 and is expected to witness a robust CAGR of 11.5% during the forecast period (2017-2025).Growth in biomarker identification is expected to foster growth of the molecular diagnostics marketApplication of biomarkers in molecular diagnostic is increasing, due to advantages of biomarkers such as aiding in early detection of specific diseases. For instance, biomarkers are used in detection of ABO haemolytic diseases in new born, Huntington's disease and hereditary haemochromatosis, and cystic fibrosis. Biomarkers are also used in detection of disorders related to chromosome structure such as Turner syndrome, Down syndrome, patau syndrome, and Edwardss syndrome. Furthermore, biomarker also have wide application in therapeutic areas, which includes neurological diseases, metabolic disorders, immune deregulation, and oncology.Increasing research and development for identification of biomarkers have led to development of new molecular diagnostic tests, which is expected to foster growth of the molecular diagnostics market. For instance, in February 2018, FDA granted marketing authorization to Banyan Biomarkes, Inc. for the first diagnostic blood test, for traumatic brain injury, Banyan BTI. Such innovations for various disease indication is expected to drive growth of the molecular diagnostics market in the near future.Regional insightsNorth America accounts for the largest share in the global molecular diagnostics market and this is attributed to increasing adoption of precision medicine and growing prevalence of cancer. According to a National Cancer Institute, 2016, an estimated 16.8 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the U.S., with around 595,690 deaths from the disease. The number of people with cancer is expected to rise to 19 million by 2024, in turn increasing the demand of the molecular diagnostics market in the near future.Ask for customization: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-customization/1545 Furthermore, the U.S. government, in 2015, launched Precision Medicine Initiative that aimed to revolutionize the treatment to improve health, as precision medicine provides an innovative approach that takes into account an individuals differences in genes and offers tailored treatment. Precision Medicine Initiative have led to development of novel products and several new treatments are tailored for specific characteristic such as, persons genetic makeup or genetic profile of an individual tumor that helps to transform the way of treatment. The Precision Medicine Initiative was valued at US$ 215 million in 2016 that could accelerate biomedical research and provide clinicians with new tools to select the innovative therapies tailored according to individual needs that, in turn favors, growth of the market of molecular diagnostic.Key players in the market are involved in new product launches to cater to increasing demand for molecular diagnostic. For instance, in August 2016 Abbott Laboratories introduced Alinity, a next generation system, used for immunoassay, clinical chemistry, point-of-care, hematology, blood and plasma screening, and molecular diagnostics. Some of the other key players in the global molecular diagnostics market include Hologic,Inc., Grifols, S.A., Abbott Laboratories, Qiagen N.V., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Siemens Healthineers, Becton, Dickinson and Company, and Beckman Coulter, Inc.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Visit our news Website: http://www.coherentchronicle.com/ Dawn. May 01, 2018 I was introduced to the concept of dissent in the 1980s when I overheard a conversation among my fatheras friends. They said a group of women had scared Gen Ziaul Haq so much that in a televised address he warned the people not to be misled by these few 200 bourgeois westernised women who were opposing his Islamisation regime. Their half-admiration, and half-amusement at Ziaas fear of women, may well have underestimated the Womenas Action Forum, but the shrewd general and conservatives were right to fear any dissent, however fledgling. WAF, of which I am a member, went on to spearhead the main opposition to Ziaul Haqas regime and its discriminatory laws and subsequent military adventures. The point is that dissent is never innocuous, and it should worry the self-serving guardians of the status quo but not those who stand for progress and justice. Postcolonial scholars and right-wing conservatives oppose enlightenment rights, human rights laws, or modernity for Pakistan and offer religious laws and culture as substitutes. The liberals too, cling on desperately to the compromised heirs of the opportunistic PPP. The defeatist argument is that dissent to achieve equality is too utopian, parochial and ineffective against the powerful establishment, and so, we should just work realistically within the system. Dissent is the highest form of patriotism. All three groups miss the point of a new wave of dissent and, therefore, the associated opportunities. Current uprisings in Pakistan confirm that it is not the source, scale or span of dissent that matters but its potential to capture the imagination. It is the depth of subversive promise that makes an idea threatening. It is the unpredictability of causes and the unlikelihood of new subversive actors that creates anxiety and throws the balance of powers off the scale. Usually, these ideas have to do with politics, sex, nation and religion. When dissent speaks in a female voice or with an ethnic minority accent, the anxiety is doubled. Elected governments are completing their terms. Pulling out the corruption card against them may curb the confidence of the parties but they are resisting and fighting back. This spirit for political autonomy is new and scary, and can no longer be subtle. Liberals and conservatives are more agreeable on this electoral independence business. Journalists are risking their lives and careers a not to cover ethnic battlefields but to question civil-military relations. Judicial activism is likely to be a limited form of heroism. It is not in the Federal Shariat Court but the ordinary courts where judges are weeping over a random post perceived as blasphemous or are offended by the appearance of a heart-shaped Valentineas Day balloon. Will we even need an FSC if the ordinary courts compete to protect us from moral and political corruption and save Islam? The tension between constitutional rights/freedoms and moral abstractions are untenable and increasing dissent is challenging such contradictions. A handful of dissenting bloggers a on the issue of nationalism or religion a trigger anxiety of such overwhelming proportions that one would think they had made constitutional amendments. On the other hand, a law department makes an administrative lapse that would only have meant missing one of the many opportunities to repeat our determined belief in declaring Ahmedis non-Muslims once in five years. Yet, this results in sleepless nights, blood lust, blocked highways and a prescribed witch-hunt. It was not a glossy Oscar-winning documentary but the defiant Qandeel Baloch who exposed the sham of male honour. She subverted the notion that all victims deserve sympathy because they are always innocent. Instead, Qandeel flaunted her sexual autonomy and represented a post-Zina law moment. Sex is part of national conversations, and sexual harassment is being subverted a from being used as a tool to shame the victim into one that can hold the perpetrator to account. Dissent is not betrayal a it is the highest form of patriotism because it wants change within. Dissent is an opportunity for an inclusive conversation rather than fearful rejection. Teaching facts rather than fiction about Pakistanas history, revisiting the awar on terrora agreement and CPECas terms and conditions, respecting sexual equality, criticising national leaders, exposing false heroes and seedy celebrities, calling out failed policies a these are all potentially subversive actions. But suppressing information, silencing inquiry and disappearing political activists will only leave wounds untreated. Dissent should be considered a form of catharsis towards a more harmonious, consensual future. This canat be achieved by embracing appeasement or scoring points via blame and slogans. Thereas a bitter sweetness in dissent because itas a painful but peaceful cry of dissatisfaction and demand for change. The sound of dissent is perhaps what was meant in the lyrics of the song by Prince, aThis is what it sounds like when doves crya. The writer is author of Faith and Feminism in Pakistan. PR-Inside.com: 2018-05-07 09:01:16 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 416 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for New Age Farm Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCWire) - New Age Farm Inc. (CSE:NF). has issued a press release with the following headline:New Age Farm Provides Clarification with Respect to the Deconsolidation of its Financial Statements for the Years Ended 2015 through 2017 following the Spin Out of its Former Subsidiary, NHS Industries Ltd.To view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on New Age Farm Inc., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/New Age Farm Inc.Source: New Age Farm Inc. (CSE: NF, FWB: ONF, OTC Pink: NWGFF, WKN: A12C9F, ISIN: CA64157D1087)Date: May 07, 2018Time: 2:58 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of New Age Farm Inc. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. 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Venom antidote market projected to grow with significant CAGR over the forecast period Venom antidote market projected to grow with significant CAGR PR-Inside.com: 2018-05-07 14:23:58 Press Information Precision Business Insights Kemp House, 152 160 City Road, London EC1V 2NX satya Lead-Market +1-866-598-1553 email https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com # 526 Words Kemp House,152 160 City Road,London EC1V 2NXLead-Market+1-866-598-1553 Venom antidote market study:Global Anti-venom market: Venom is a poisonous secretion from venomous species such as snakes, fish, spiders, etc. Anti-venom is also called as anti-venin, a medication prepared from antibodies which can help in the treatment of certain venomous bites. It is then injected in little amounts to domestic animals and antibodies are separated from blood purification. Poisonous bites can lead to conditions such as muscle weakness, excessive saliva, breathing problems, etc. and in extreme cases, it can lead to death. Anti-venoms are only recommended if there is a high risk of toxicity.Factors such increase in government initiatives to develop anti-venoms, increasing incidents of venomous bites in undeveloped regions, a rise in deaths and technological advancements are leading the market growth in anti-venom manufacturing. However, strict and complex regulatory policies, insufficient funding and a high cost of the product manufacturing are hampering the growth of anti-venom market.A sample of this report is available upon request @Anti-venom market is categorized on the basis of-1. Product type Monovalent Polyvalent2. Type of animal Snake Scorpions Spiders Others3. End-usersHospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies and others.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @And lastly, it is categorized on the basis of geographical regions-North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa and Asia-Pacific. North America holds the largest share in the anti-venom market due to the presence of snake poison control centers, increase in anti-venom product approval and increase in the clinical trials for anti-venoms. Asia-Pacific anti-venom market is expected to grow due to increase in the number of snake bites and local manufacturers such as Bharath Serum, Vins Bioproducts are some names who are focusing on making anti-venoms. In the Middle East and Africa regions, South Africa is leading its way in the market growth of anti-venom products, this is due to highest number of snake bites in the country. Some of the key players in the anti-venom market are Bharat Serum and Vaccines Limited (India), Vins Bioproducts (India), CSL Limited (Victoria), Rare Disease Therapeutics, Inc. (US), Merck & Co., Inc. (US), Pfizer Inc. (US), Incepta Vaccine Ltd. (Bangladesh), etc. in 2015, Incepta Pharmaceuticals Limited introduced first locally manufactured anti-venom injection in the name of anti-venom.Need more information about this report @According to World Health Organization (WHO), about 5 million snake bites occur every year and 100,000 deaths occur in addition to the permanent damage and disabilities. Increasing demand of the anti-venom globally, especially in the Africa and Asia-Pacific region due to more number of venomous bites incidents. Many key players are growing their business in the anti-venom production market and are actively playing a role in the development of new anti-venoms. For e.g. Equine F (ab) 2 is an anti-venom developed by Instituto Bioclon S.A (clinical trials 2) for the treatment of poisoning by scorpion sting. Based on the factors mentioned in this article, the anti-venom market is expected to flourish with a significant CAGR rate.Get Full Summary@ Brent sweet crude climbed to fresh highs on Monday, buoyed as a deepening economic crisis in Venezuela threatened the countrys already tumbling oil supply. United States oil prices rose above 70 dollars a barrel for the first time since November 2014. The concerns added to worries over a looming decision on whether the United States will walk away from a deal with Iran. Instead, it will re-impose sanctions on Tehran, keeping international oil markets on edge. Meanwhile, Chinas Shanghai crude oil futures, launched in March, broke their dollar-converted record high of 71.32 dollars per barrel by rising as far as 72.54 dollars on Monday. Analysts warned that the deepening economic crisis in major oil exporter, Venezuela, threatened to further crimp its production and exports. Venezuelas oil output has halved since the early 2000s to just 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd), as the South American country has failed to invest enough to maintain its petroleum industry. Beyond Venezuelas woes, Greg McKenna, Chief Market Strategist, at futures brokerage AxiTrader, said the big story this week is going to be about oil and the Iran Nuclear deal. Most market participants expect Trump to withdraw from the pact, he said. Iran re-emerged as a major oil exporter in 2016 after international sanctions against it were lifted in return for curbs on Irans nuclear programme. Expressing doubts over Irans sincerity, Mr Trump has threatened to walk away from the 2015 agreement by not extending sanctions waivers when they expire on May 12. This situation would likely result in a reduction of Irans oil exports. (Reuters/NAN) At least four journalists from Cambodias English-language Post resigned while the Editor-in-Chief was fired on Monday. The incident followed requests from new management to take down a story about the links of its new owner to Cambodias ruling elite. Anant Baliga, a co-author of the article exposing the links of the new Chief Executive Sivakumar Ganapth to Cambodias strongman Prime Minister Hun Sen, announced his resignation in a tweet. The new owner of the @phnompenhpost ordered us to take down the article detailing the sale of the newspaper. I will not be returning to work at the Post. I am devastated at the prospect of not being able to work every day with some of best journalists I know. I wish them well, he said in the tweet. According to Mr Baliga, the Posts editor-in-chief, Kay Kimsong, was also fired on Monday. The Phnom Penh Post, previously owned by Australian mining magnate, Bill Clough, was officially sold on Saturday to the Malaysian investor Sivakumar Ganapath, for an undisclosed amount, following a tax dispute with the authorities. (dpa/NAN) Saudi Police gunned down a terrorist who killed four security officers and resisted arrest, Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. According to the agencys statement, the slain terrorist is a Saudi man, who attacked the police forces with a knife. Security forces besieged the house of his parents and asked him to turn himself over. He, however, refused and attacked security forces with a knife, which led to his death from injuries he sustained during the clashes. In April, three police officers were shot dead in an attack at a security checkpoint in Asir, a city in the southwest of Saudi Arabia. Another policeman died in crossfire while trying to arrest the attackers. After the attack, the Interior Ministry said that the attackers had been identified while two Saudis were arrested. The on-and-off attacks of security forces are common by a militant group and violent Shiite youths, who demand more right in Saudi Arabia with majority Sunni population. (Xinhua/NAN) Officials on Monday said a 17-year-old girl was battling for her life in Indias eastern state of Jharkhand after she was raped and set on fire. A 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the crime, which happened on Friday, the same day that another teenage girl was raped and burnt alive elsewhere in the state. That incident led to arrests of 15 people. The girl was alone at her relatives home in a village in Pakur district when a man from the neighbourhood sexually assaulted her, district spokesman Pramod Kumar Jha said by phone. He later poured kerosene on her and set her ablaze and fled from the scene, he said. The victim was admitted to hospital with serious burn injuries. Police were questioning the suspect who will be tried in a fast-track court. The crimes from Jharkhand have been reported against the backdrop of spiralling outrage over the rape and killing of an 8-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir and several other cases of sexual assault of young girls in recent months. Indias federal government recently approved stringent punishments for sexual violence against children, including the death penalty for those convicted of raping girls younger than 12. (dpa/NAN) Ethiopias northern Amhara regional state on Monday said 3,591 prisoners were pardoned as part of the governments reform plan. The Justice Bureau of Amhara regional state, however, said those pardoned did not include inmates convicted for rape, human trafficking, corruption and circulating counterfeit money, reported state-affiliated media outlet Radio Fana. Amhara regional state had previously pardoned 2,923 detainees as part of efforts to create national consensus and social harmony. Amhara regional state, which along with Oromia regional state, accounts for about 65 per cent of Ethiopias estimated 100 million population, witnessed persistent protests since 2016 over allegations of political and economic marginalisation. The protests destabilised the ruling coalition Ethiopian People Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) which had been governing Ethiopia for close to 27 years. The ruling party is a coalition of four parties namely the Oromo People Democratic Organisation (OPDO), the Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM), the Tigrayan Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Southern Ethiopian Peoples Democratic Movement (SEPDM). (Xinhua/NAN) Technical talks between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia over a disputed dam Ethiopia is building on the Nile River failed to make a breakthrough, Egypts foreign minister said on Monday. Sameh Shoukry, one of the technical experts, said this at a news conference in Cairo with his visiting Ugandan counterpart. Egypt and Ethiopia are at loggerheads over the construction of the Grand Renaissance Dam, a four billion dollars hydroelectric project that Cairo fears will reduce waters that run to its fields and reservoirs from Ethiopias highlands via Sudan. Addis Ababa hopes the dam will make it a hub for the electricity-hungry region and denies it will undermine Egypts access to water. Mr Shoukry said technical experts, who met in Addis Ababa last week did not achieve a breakthrough. I have spoken to the minister of irrigation, who attended this meeting, and what has reached me is that the obstruction that has bogged down this path for more than a year has not been overcome, he said. He said both Ethiopia and Sudan continued to have reservations about a technical report by a French firm commissioned to assess the dams environmental and economic impact. Ties between Egypt and Sudan were strained when Khartoum backed the dam because of its need for electricity. The three African neighbours are set to meet on May 15, for further talks, Mr Shoukry said, adding Egypt had initially proposed several earlier dates for negotiations, but they were turned down by the two other countries. Earlier this month, talks in Khartoum between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan also failed to reach agreement, but were described by Sudans foreign minister as constructive. (Reuters/NAN) British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump not to end the Iran nuclear agreement, saying the deal had weaknesses but these could be addressed given time. Mr Trump has said that unless European allies rectify flaws in Tehrans deal with world powers by May 12 he will refuse to extend U.S. sanctions relief for Iran. Britain, France and Germany remain committed to the accord as is, but to address U.S. concerns they want to open talks on Irans ballistic missile programme, its nuclear activities beyond 2025, when key provisions of the deal start to expire and its role in Middle East crises such as Syria and Yemen. It has weaknesses, certainly, but I am convinced they can be remedied, Mr Johnson wrote in an opinion piece for the New York Times. Indeed at this moment Britain is working alongside the Trump administration and our French and German allies to ensure that they are. Mr Johnson began a two-day visit to the U.S. on Sunday to try to convince Trumps administration not to ditch the deal and was due to meet Vice President Mike Pence and national security adviser John Bolton, although not the president himself. The foreign secretary said he saw no advantage in losing the handcuffs the deal imposed on Irans nuclear ambitions and only Tehran would benefit from exiting the deal. Frances President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have also lobbied Mr Trump not to withdraw from the deal the U.S. president has described as insane, with Macron warning it could lead to war. At this delicate juncture, it would be a mistake to walk away from the nuclear agreement and remove the restraints that it places on Iran, Mr Johnson wrote. I believe that keeping the deals constraints on Irans nuclear program will also help counter Tehrans aggressive regional behavior. I am sure of one thing: every available alternative is worse. The wisest course would be to improve the handcuffs rather than break them. Iran has said it will not renegotiate the nuclear agreement. (Reuters/NAN) Association of midwives, nurses want employment of professionals The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has pleaded with the Federal Government to employ more professionally-trained midwives. The chairman of NANNM, Margret Akninsola who made this call ahead of the International Day of the Midwife, said employing professionally-trained midwives would check the rate of maternal, newborn and infant deaths in Nigeria. The International Day of the Midwife (IDM) is celebrated May 5 annually. The theme for the year is Midwives leading the way with quality care. Ms Akinsola also attributed the rate of maternal, newborn and infant deaths in Nigeria to pregnancy related complications and lack of access to qualified midwives as well as inadequacy in health facilities. Drug abuse: Pharmacists council steps up monitoring The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) has increased inspection, monitoring and supportive supervision activities in all registered premises in the country. This is due to the federal governments ban of codeine as an active ingredient in making cough syrup. Drugs with codeine are not meant to be retailed without a doctors prescription, which is unfortunately, not the case. As such, codeine is being abused by the Nigerian youth who uses it as ecstasy. Elijah Mohammed, registrar of the council, said the essence of the councils action was sequel to the directive by the Minister of Health to the council and other regulatory agencies to supervise the recall of codeine containing cough syrup nationwide. Scientists find cure for colorectal cancer A treatment type that uses patients immune cells to attack cancer is ready for testing in human clinical trials of advanced colorectal cancer, researchers at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, United States, has said. In a study published in the journal Cancer Immunology Research, the researchers report how they tested the treatment, which is a type of immunotherapy known as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, in mice that were implanted with human colorectal cancer tumours. The treatment killed colorectal cancer tumours and prevented them spreading. Successful completion of this last preclinical stage means that the next step would be a phase I clinical trial in human patients. Estimates suggest that there were 139,992 new cases of colorectal cancer and 51,651 deaths to the disease in the U.S. in 2014, the latest year for official figures. 29% of Nigerias healthcare facilities lack safe water, toilets Saraki About 29 per cent of healthcare facilities across Nigeria have no access to safe water and toilets, the founder of Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), Toyin Saraki, said, quoting a WHO report. Mrs Saraki, wife of Senate President Bukola Saraki, at the launch of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) global water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) campaign said a Water Aid survey in the country also revealed that half of primary health facilities do not have hand washing facilities in delivery rooms. According to her, researchers, in an analysis of 129,000 healthcare facilities in the developing world, found more than 65 per cent of facilities lack both running water and soap for hand washing. U.S. govt spends $4.6 billion in 14 years on HIV/AIDS in Nigeria Official The US President Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has spent about $4.7billion in the past 14 years to fight HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. The Country Director, US Public Health Service, Mahesh Swaminathan, said at a press conference on the forthcoming Nigeria Aids Indicators and Impact Survey (NAIIS) in Abuja. NAIIS is a national household survey to be conducted by the Nigerian government with support from PEPFAR and other partners. The survey, which will begin in June, will last for about six months and cover the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), aims to reach a sample size of about 170,000 people. The planned HIV survey is the largest in the world and Nigeria is the 12th country conducting this survey. Bill proposing health warnings in alcohol adverts passes second reading A bill which will make it mandatory for health warning to appear in advertisements of alcoholic products in Nigeria and other related matters on Thursday, passed second reading in the House of Representatives. This followed a bill sponsored by Danasabe Hosea (Taraba-PDP). Leading the debate on the motion, Mr Hosea expressed concern that alcoholic drinks in Nigeria had no advertisement and health warnings similar to those for tobacco and other products which posed dangers to health. According to him, the objective of the bill is to restrict effects of alcohol consumption with public health messages presented as advertisement about the negative consequences of alcohol use. Seven million people die annually from polluted air WHO Air pollution levels remain dangerously high in many parts of the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said. A new data from WHO shows that 9 out of 10 people breathe air containing high levels of pollutants. According to a press statement issued by the health organisation, at least seven million people die every year from inhaled ambient (outdoor) and household air pollution. Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, said air pollution threatens everyone, but the poorest and most marginalised people bear the brunt of the burden. We didnt ban codeine because of BBC documentary Nigerian govt The Federal Ministry of Health said that its decision to ban codeine as a pharmaceutical agent did not follow a report by the BBC that highlighted the danger of the substance. Olajide Oshundun, a ministry spokesperson said that the announcement on May 1 only coincided with the publication of the BBC documentary which started running on April 30. The body of the statement released by the ministry indicated that a working committee had been constituted by the government and they submitted an interim report, he said. The memorandum was submitted on April 30 and it was due to that (that) the minister took the step to ban codeine and that is why the statement was issued. It was only a coincidence that the government took action almost immediately after BBCs broadcast, Mr Oshundun said. [A select collection of tributes to Dr Ashok Mitra who passed away in Calcutta on 1st of may 2018] The Telegraph, May 07, 2018 Always committed: A tribute to Ashok Mitra Gopalkrishna Gandhi "Just pick up the phone and ring him," V.K. Ramachandran, who was then heading West Bengals land board, advised me. I had asked my friend of long years how I could go about meeting the iconic Ashok Mitra, not just because he had been Jyoti Basus finance minister for a decade and before that chief economic adviser in Indira Gandhis government, but because he was a social philosopher, his interests going far beyond finance, trade and wages to theatre, cinema, music, art, literature and the human condition. This was in early 2005, not long after I had started to work in Calcutta. I did exactly as Ram advised. Ashokbabus wife, Gouridi, as we came to know and call her, took the call. "Oh... just a minute," she said when I introduced myself and asked if I could speak to Ashok babu. A shrill and inquisitive voice came on the line. "Yes?" I introduced myself again and asked if my wife and I could visit. A date and time were un-fussily settled and we went to their flat in Alipore. The front door opened to a horseshoe shaped sitting arrangement that extended to a very small, very cosy dining area. We were accompanied by the aide-de-camp to the governor whom Ashokbabu welcomed with a handshake, saying: "Please make yourself comfortable in this sitting room. The small study where I am taking our guests is too small to hold all of us. Would you care for some tea?" Major Surinder Kharb, I could see, was glad to be addressed - regarded - as a person, not a robot in olive greens. Ashokbabu and Gouridi then showed us into the compact little study which had four walls lined with books from floor level to almost the ceiling. All of them showed age and handling. More importantly, they bespoke belonging. They sat on those shelves, with a few small framed photographs of family and friends - and one of Lenin - as memories do in our minds, quietly but integrally. This study was the centre of Ashokbabus universe, the place where his visitors and Gouridis could enter as one may enter a persons confidence, trust. As tea with singaras and gulab jamuns to embellish the steaming brew arrived, Ashokbabu asked: "How do you find life in Raj Bhavan?" I said it was as expected, with many pleasant surprises such as an excellent pile of books, pile being an important aspect of the collection as it seemed like Topsy in Uncle Toms Cabin to have "just growed". Ashokbabu would not always respond to an answer or a comment, making one wonder if he had heard you or absorbed what you had said. "You must read as much Bangla as you can," he said. He had said read, not learn. I noted the nuance and found it interesting. "Give them some time to settle down," Gouridi interjected. "They have only just arrived." Ashokbabu neither agreed nor disagreed with that, continuing with his train of thought. "And you must travel, meet as many people as you can on your own, not just responding to requests for calls." I said I would try to do that. He meant that the latest passing incumbent of the office inaugurated by Chakravarti Rajagopalachari should get to know something of the mind of West Bengal. Ashokbabu never made any remark casually, just like that. Even when he said or wrote some things that were strong, extreme and could leave a scar, they were never slips of the tongue or the pen. We met often and regularly thereafter, in the Mitra flat, in the home of V.K. Ramachandran and his wife, the welfare economist, Madhura Swaminathan. And, occasionally, in Raj Bhavan as when Italys prime minister, Romano Prodi, came on a state visit. Ashokbabu sparkled during the conversation over dinner with the guests, ministers in the state government, his former colleagues in the CPI(M) and the Left Front among them. His successor in office, the finance minister, Asim Dasgupta, sat directly ahead of him. State politics remained firmly out of the table-talk steered by Ashokbabu, traversed fields that included Michelangelo, Antonio Gramsci, the lyrics of the Tagore music that was being played by an instrumental choir, Victoria Ocampo and, in answer to a question on whether crime thrillers still fascinated him, a short dissertation on Earl Stanley Gardners oeuvre. All this at an Italian evening. I could see that Ashokbabu stood at Banglas threshold but so keenly aware was he of the presence of non-Bengali guests that he used only his stylish English that evening. When reminiscing, he was at his best talking about persons. Gossip never touched those descriptions, analysis suffused them. A novelists analysis. His description of Babu Jagjivan Rams sharp mind, understanding of peasant India, administrative skills was matched by a word portrait of that leaders smoking style. "He always smoked," Ashokbabu said, "his expensive cigarettes holding them at the end of his closed fist like a hookah." That was vintage Ashokbabu - a Bay of Bengal teeming with the plankton of experience, its bed laden with nodes of scholarship and minerals of insight, yielding up a catch of rare diversity, value. His conversation was lit up by a memory too sharp to forget good turns or bad, too big to hold willed trespasses against anyone. I did not know then and have not tried to find out later (including now, when I write this) what prattle really means but when I got the English rendering of his essays on "Bengal, Marxism and Governance", titled A Prattlers Tale, I understood what it meant, keeping its self-mocking humour aside. I could hear his high-pitched voice in every word of it. Ashok Mitra lived and died as a Marxist - committed to what he saw as the bane of class divisions, class interests and to the only road human society can take being that of uncompromising justice, social, economic and political. The Party was for him an instrument, as was the State, for this journey, not an end in itself. This cost him what can be called samaja. Of all the unforgettable lines in that book, the one that is never-to-be-forgotten, is, "A rule of life we have to abide by is that those who were once close, grow apart, those who were distant, come closer." But this plangent thought did not deject him, nor deflect him from reflecting, speaking, writing. He had written a regular column for The Telegraph for many years using his full name, and later he wrote as AM, which, for all its elliptical authorship, became known to be the vessel of Ashok Mitras views. As much as he was capable of causing hurt, he could feel hurt. As much he could feel touched, he could be touching. When Gouri di died, suddenly, like a lamp blown out by a passing breeze, Biman Bose came to condole and, from Delhi, Prakash and Brinda Karat. He was touched by this and to an extent overcame his perplexity at the absence of many comrades at the funeral. In subsequent visits to his flat I could see creeping up, like a film of indifferent dust, a sad resignation. The books in his study remained up-standing as before, but looked weary of life. And the singaras and gulab jamuns now looked a trifle lost without Gouri dis voice asking, "Wont you try another?" And his physical frame, always spare, shrank now to a spectral nothingness. The last time I saw him, this January, with Rudrangshu Mukherjee, Ashokbabu said to us, "I am not even going to try to get up to see you gentlemen off." And then raising both his arms, he gestured what seemed like a farewell, a final farewell and - a benediction. Very un-Marxist? But then when did Ashokbabu do anything that was not un-something or the other? Pronam, Ashokbabu. Business Standard, May 2, 2018 Ashok Mitra (1928-2018): A voice of dissent with a tender heart Those who were fortunate to receive his affection knew that beneath his rage was a gentle soul. No one showered affection the way Ashok Mitra did Rudrangshu Mukherjee Ashok Mitraas death on Tuesday morning is the passing of an era. That clichA has a certain poignant resonance. Ashok Mitra embodied certain values and attitudes and a definite voice of which he was the last representative. The values were those of dissent and thinking against the grain and the voice expressed itself with equal ease and sharpness in Bengali and in English. In Calcutta, as Kolkata was known till recently, he came from a long line of dissenting bi-lingual men of letters. Ashok Mitraas provenance was not Calcutta. In conversation --- and he was unforgettable ... Ashok Mitra (1928-2018): A voice of dissent by Rudrangshu Mukherjee (May2, 2018, Business Standard) [hosted at sacw.net document archive] The Telegraph, May 03, 2018 In a league of his own: Ashok Mitra (1928-2018) Prasenjit Bose Twelve years ago, when the rank and file of the Left was still basking in the glory of a big election victory in the summer of 2006, an article had appeared in the Economic and Political Weekly titled "Suffrage in West Bengal". While lauding the electoral sweep of the Left Front, it expressed apprehension regarding the conversion of arable land for commercial exploitation at the States behest and cited the loss in the Bhangar assembly constituency as a warning signal. The article had cautioned the newly-formed Left Front government against deviating from left principles and urged it to "continuously watch its steps". Had such wise counsel been heeded on that day instead of being spurned by those in power then, history would perhaps have taken a different course in West Bengal. The author of that article, Ashok Mitra, passed away this May Day at the age of 90. Mitra will no doubt be fondly remembered for his many accomplishments; he was an outstanding political economist and policymaker, a compassionate teacher, a literary genius, a meticulous chronicler of modern Bengal and a doyen within Indian Marxist thinkers, with a life fully devoted to the cause of human emancipation. But what set him truly apart was the sheer courage to stand by his convictions. Here was someone who had served as the chief economic adviser to the Indian government when Indira Gandhi was at the helm. But he resigned when he saw State repression being unleashed on the Opposition and on the ordinary people in his home state. The fact that his successor to that position subsequently went on to become prime minister should give an idea of what Mitra had given up, because he was unwilling to compromise his principles and beliefs. As the first finance minister of the Left Front government in West Bengal, Mitra played a key role in all the signature initiatives of the Left that transformed rural Bengal and ensured an enviable longevity for the government with Jyoti Basu at the helm. His contributions in bringing Centre-state relations and fiscal federalism to the centre stage of political debate in India in the 1980s had also won him accolades at the national level. He could easily have been the longest serving state finance minister in the country, but, once again, chose to resign from the cabinet when he felt that he would have to act against his convictions. Detractors, outside as well as within the Left, have often held these acts as manifestations of hardline dogmatism, inflexibility and impulsiveness. However, at a time when politicians and policymakers were transmogrifying into marketable commodities in the post-ideological, globalizing world, it was Mitras firm insistence on ideological consistency, intellectual honesty and selflessness that provided a formidable moral counterweight. It accorded him a credibility, which practically no political leader and only a few intellectuals could match. Combined with a razor-sharp intellect, this trust and credibility he earned as a truth teller put Mitra in a league of his own. It is ironical that the party with which Mitra remained associated for most of his life could not realize his worth. Despite his differences with the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Mitra did not ever hesitate either to defend the party in the face of right-wing assaults or to campaign for it during the elections. However, the party leadership, particularly in Bengal, could neither grasp the gravity of his critique nor possessed the political will to make course corrections along the lines that he suggested. Catastrophes like Singur and Nandigram could have been avoided if the party had listened to his early warnings on land acquisition and the industrialization drive. The dogged defence of those errors by the party leadership even after the people of Bengal had delivered successive electoral verdicts against it must have been even more painful. Ignoring his advice, the CPI(M) suffered heavy erosion of its base among the poor which is now paving the way for a further rightward shift in Bengals polity. The reason why Mitra, the author of highly acclaimed works like Calcutta Diary and Apila Chapila, started a magazine titled Arekrakam in his twilight years is that the fighter within him never gave up. He continued with his incisive observations and comments against deviations in left principles till the very end. There will never be another Ashok Mitra again. One can only hope that the sublime legacy he leaves behind either leads to serious introspection within the extant Left leadership a this would be nothing short of a miracle a or inspires the younger generation in rediscovering the principled Left in Bengal in a new content and form. The Indian Express, May 3, 2018 Ashok Mitra (1928-2018): Subversive devil Written by Pratik Kanjilal Ashok Mitra was a polymath and polemicist. He was feared and loved because he had the language and sensibility of the poet. aWhat interests you these days?a aNothing. I sleep.a aWhat can we get you? What would you like?a aI would like to die.a For a few years, conversations with Ashok Mitra on visits to Kolkata had ended on this note. Not necessarily a grim note, for his death wish was articulated forcefully, in the voice of a man in full command of himself. My wife Antara always asked, and Mitra answered with the bare truth. He could be honest a he always was, anyway a because they had a shared past. aNever forget, I was your first driver,a he often reminded her mock-seriously. He had driven her and her mother home from the hospital where she was born. Too long after Mitra expressed his last wish, the void that stands in for God in the communist cosmos has put out the light. He died on May Day, like his wife Gouri, whose loss he had borne painfully for exactly a decade. Much is being written about Mitra the economist, the politician, the activist and polemicist, the avatar which aroused the sharpest reactions. Indeed, he was a formidable figure, the only public intellectual who grimaced, teeth bared and sinews standing out at the jawline, when he engaged with opinion which he considered stupid. Sometimes, that opinion emanated from his own party, and he lit into it with the same vigour with which he would attack a political foe. He was no party animal, and he sundered ties with the CPM in 1986, after serving as its finance minister in West Bengal. That left him entirely free to speak his mind. I first met him at his Pandara Road flat in Delhi in the early Nineties, when he was a Rajya Sabha MP. It was for a profile, and I had to be careful on account of family connections. A mere profile has never served as a ground for divorce proceedings, but there can always be a first time. As it turned out, the copy was fairly harmless, apart from the mention of Sanchayita, a chit fund which had attracted the middle class in West Bengal with astronomical returns. Mitra, as finance minister, had reported adversely against it to the Centre and had it shut down. Sound economics but bad politics. Savings were wiped out, and the people felt that the ponzi had not cheated them, but the minister had. For the CPM, it meant the loss of the goodwill of the middle class. But to return to the inoffensive profile. After it appeared, Mitra reacted in Bangla: aMichke shaitan (subversive devil)!a Sharp words made Mitraas reputation as a columnist who was simultaneously loved and feared. Loved because he exposed what was wrong with the world, with politics, with the city, with your own life. And feared, because he could actually focus on your life, just yours, and take it apart with a scalpel. His work was especially powerful because he used the language and sensibility of the poet. He was one of the last bilingual writers, and his most popular work in Bangla is titled Kobita theke Michhiley (loosely, From Poetry to the Barricades). Lenin, Hemingway and Samar Sen stood shoulder to shoulder on the shelves in his sitting room, which was mainly furnished with literature, cinema, music, politics and economics, and his depiction of the poverty in the streets, the poverty of modern Bengali culture, and the poverty of contemporary thought were extraordinarily powerful because they were poetically articulated. In his last years, Mitra turned publisher. He launched a Bengali little magazine named Arek Rakam (An Alternative). It published some of the finest names of Bengali literature, politics and academia, along with newcomers to the scene. It flourished for a while, but Mitra feared that he was unequal to the task. Perhaps on the basis of statements like this, the unkind said that Mitra was losing his mind as he turned 90 in April. But in March, I found him much more clear-headed than I am. It takes great clarity to acknowledge that death is a necessary end. Especially when itas your own death. Mitraas last collection of columns, unabashedly titled First Person Singular begins shortly after Independence in 30 Pandara Road, in the same neighbourhood where he would live again almost half a century later as an MP. It was a D-II apartment shared by some of the people who set up the Planning Commission, including K N Raj and I G Patel, future governor of the RBI, apart from Mitra himself. He described himself as a clumsy hick from Dhaka, Banaras Hindu University and a little-known institute in the Netherlands, with a little teaching experience in Lucknow. Patel, from Kingas College, Cambridge, and Raj, with a hot PhD from the London School of Economics, helped him leave behind his provincial diffidence (aI was crude and uncouth in my gait.a ). Apart from Rhodes scholars and Yale lawyers, people from the pages of contemporary Indian history were regular visitors to the flat a Mohit Sen, Hiten Bhaya, Latika and Chanchal Sarkar, Jamila and George Verghese, M N Srinivas, P N Dhar, Usha and K R Narayanan. Ashok Mitra was kind enough to give me a copy of the book. He still remembered that offending profile from 25 years ago. The inscription to the michke shaitan reads: aTo Pratik, with fear and love.a Itas a strange feeling, to have been feared for oneas writing by a writer whose pen was universally feared. Even if it was half in jest. SEE ALSO: Remembering and Celebrating the life of Dr. Ashok Mitra - Statement from PIPFPD (India Chapter) India: Statement by SAHMAT on the Passing Away of Dr. Ashok Mitra Ashok Mitra: The end of multiple eras Jayati Ghosh Wisdom, for the People Prabhat Patnaik The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has approved the monthly contribution of N8.5 million as counterpart fund for the Free Maternal and Child Health programme designed to provide primary healthcare to pregnant women at the grassroots and children under the age of five years. The programme, which has been in existence since the past government, according to the Commissioner for Health, Fintan Ekochin, who briefed journalists after the meeting of the State Executive Council (EXCO) was being funded by the local governments in Enugu State through a monthly contribution of N8.5 million. Mr Ekochin said that the council noted that the amount being contributed by local governments to fund the programme was not sufficient to provide treatment to all the pregnant women and children under five years at the primary health centres, and decided to approve additional N8.5 million monthly, totaling N17 million every month for effective and efficient healthcare services in the rural areas. Describing the councils N8.5 million approval as one of the greatest approvals in the history of Enugu State, the health commissioner disclosed that the counterpart fund will provide succour to our teeming young mothers, who were unable to afford better healthcare services when pregnant and also all the children in the rural areas who are under five with a lot of childhood challenges in the health area. He stated that the new approved funding was a prelude to better things to come in the primary healthcare delivery in the state, saying: With this funding approved, the Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency in line with federal guidelines, is going to commence repositioning, refurbishing and reactivation of primary healthcare centres. Dr. Ekochin further stated that the programme implementation will come in three phases, explaining that the first phase will be the establishment of flagship primary health centres in the three senatorial districts of the state, while the second and third phases will be focused on having one and two healthcare centres in ten local governments, respectively. Now with all these primary healthcare centres repositioned, you can imagine the ease and comfort women who are pregnant and children under five will have accessing the free maternal and child health programme. This is why EXCO approval of counterpart funding is really a big deal. This funding puts Enugu State in a very big position to fulfill the World Health mandate of universal health coverage, and kudos must therefore, go to His Excellency, our dear Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for this positive step towards qualitative and affordable healthcare delivery in Enugu State, the health commissioner said. In a related development, Mr Ekochin also told journalists that following the mandate given to the Federal Ministry of Health to set up a National Steering Committee to evaluate the implementation of the Regional Disease Surveillance (REDIS) Project, Enugu State was selected to represent the South-east geo-political zone in the committee. He equally added that accreditation has been granted and restored to the School of Basic Midwifery, Awgu, Awgu L.G.A and School of Nursing and Midwifery, Bishop Shanahan Hospital Nsukka, Nsukka L.G.A, respectively, by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. The commissioner explained that Mr Ugwuanyis administration in its concerted effort to ensure that the midwifery school in Awgu was accredited approved N35 million in the third quarter of 2017 for the accreditation exercise. Mr Ekochin also disclosed that the state government has been regular in the payment of counterpart bill for the Bishop Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka, which contributed highly to the restoration of accreditation to the health institutions School of Nursing and Midwifery. Highlighting the significance of the achievement, the commissioner stated that it will increase the number of skilled birth attendants in the state, especially in rural areas and lead to further decline in maternal death during delivery. About 600,000 people will be given oral cholera vaccine (OCV) in Bauchi State, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said. In a press statement issued on Monday, the international health partner said the exercise, which will be completed by mid-June, is part of a campaign that will be the largest cholera vaccination drive in history. More than two million people in five African countries are expected to participate in the campaign. The other countries are Zambia, Uganda, Malawi, and South Sudan. According to WHO, the vaccination exercise was prompted by the series of cholera outbreak across Africa. Funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the vaccines were sourced from the global stockpile. The campaign is being implemented by the respective Ministries of Health supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and partners of the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC), and mostly in reaction to recent cholera outbreaks. According to WHO, 1.2 million doses will be used to protect around 600,000 to contain the cholera outbreak in Bauchi State, where more than 1700 cases have been reported. WHO said in the 15 years between 1997 and 2012, just 1.5 million doses of cholera vaccines were used worldwide. In 2017 alone almost 11 million were used, from Sierra Leone to Somalia to Bangladesh. In the first four months of 2018 over 15 million doses have already been approved for use worldwide, it said. Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi said the campaign is an unprecedented response to a spike in cholera outbreaks across Africa. We have worked hard to ensure there is now enough vaccine supply to keep the global stockpile topped up and ready for most eventualities. However with more and more people now succumbing to this terrible, preventable disease, the need for improved water and sanitation the only long-term, sustainable solution to cholera outbreaks has never been clearer, he said. Speaking on the campaign, Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said oral cholera vaccines are a key weapon in our fight against cholera. But there are many other things we need to do to keep people safe. WHO and our partners are saving lives every day by improving access to clean water and sanitation, establishing treatment centres, delivering supplies, distributing public health guidance, training health workers, and working with communities on prevention, he said. Cholera however remains a high burden in many African countries. WHO said as of May 7 many countries are facing cholera outbreaks, with at least 12 areas or countries reporting active cholera transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. Recent developments in the use of OCVs show that the strong mobilisation of countries and partners can effectively tackle the disease when tools for prevention and control are readily available. The WHOs Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, said every rainy season, cholera springs up and brings devastation to communities across Africa. With this historic cholera vaccination drive, countries in the region are demonstrating their commitment to stopping cholera from claiming more lives. We need to build on this momentum through a multisectoral approach and ensure that everyone has access to clean water and sanitation, no matter where they are located. Oral Cholera Vaccine is recommended to be given in two doses. The first gives protection for six months, the second for three to five years. WHO said all five campaigns should have completed their second round of vaccinations by mid-June. A former member of the Senate has accused the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun, of taking actions capable of returning the party to the undemocratic dark days of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The governorship candidate of the party in the Ebonyi 2015 election, Julius Ucha, chided the Odigie-Oyegun-led APC National Working Committee (NWC) in Abakaliki on Monday while speaking with reporters on Saturdays controversial ward congresses of the party which held across the country. The congresses across the nation were fraught with allegations of irregularities, violence and controversies, although some states were able to successfully conclude theirs. Mr Ucha, who was in the Senate between 2003-2011 described the actions of the partys (NWC) as a civilian coup against President Muhammadu Buhari and all right thinking members of the party. He urged the president to take steps to stop Mr Odigie-Oyegun and members of the NWC from undemocratic actions to save the party and the countrys democracy. Mr Ucha accused Mr Odigie-Oyegun and members of the NWC of orchestrating crises in various states under the control of the party in their desperation to be re-elected back to their positions. The tenure of the Odigie-Oyegun-led executive will end in next month. In Ebonyi, two factions which have been in existence since 2015, conducted parallel congresses while in some other states, violence marred the exercise particularly in Rivers and Delta. The partys governorship primary in Ekiti also on Saturday was inconclusive. Mr Ucha alleged the desperation of Mr Odigie-Oyegun and members of the NWC led to the violence and crises which characterised the congresses. Congressional election is anchored on quick sand. I say this because when you gave your trust on illegality, there is a tendency that such trust founded on illegality will eventually collapse. What is happening today, is like a civilian coup against the teeming supporters of APC in Nigeria and also against the leader of the party, President Muhamammdu Buhari. I say this and am serious about it. We have an NWC whose tenure expires in June, 2018 and the members of the NWC want to contest. The national convention committee was put in place, and members of NWC, who are also going to contest for their various offices, when the convention date is fixed, are now driving the process, to jettison the convention. That is why I call it a civilian coup against the system. These party officials at the National Secretariat are now judges in their own courts. They are the people who have put in place the structures that are called congress committees. That will elect delegates that will elect them. It is in contravention of the Electoral Act, party constitution and Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Its only in animal kingdom that a situation like that can arise, not in a civil society, not in a human society, not when there is a government. In trying to bring the state leadership whose tenure has expired to comply with the illegality put in place, what they have done was to direct congress committees to reach out to the state executives whose tenures have expired. So they go to a state, whose chairmans tenure has expired and hand over congress materials to him. Thats an illegality and these people whose tenures have expired also have intention to contest and you give him material, provide structures that will enable him go to the ward and perform the work of ward congress committee, he added. He warned that the democratic sojourn of the party is in danger if the status quo is allowed to remain. I feel that what is happening is unethical, inhuman, it is intended to create chaos in the system and thats what is happening. This action of NWC members has endangered the democratic process and thats why there is uproar and violence all over the place. Indeed their action has thrown the party into anarchy, where there is lawlessness, because people are not given the freedom to choose who will be their party leaders, he said. The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Bolaji Abdulahi, when contacted declined to comment. He ended the call abruptly after the reporter told him the reason for the call. He promised to call back shortly. He was yet to do so as at the time of filing this report. The presidency has reacted to a letter written by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the United Nations (UN) complaining that President Muhammadu Buhari is planning to truncate the nations democracy. The presidency said the letter written by the National Chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus, accusing Mr Buhari of several allegations, confirms the opposition party as a bad loser, desperate for another chance after they were kicked out for failing the nation and its people. The presidencys reaction was contained in a statement Monday evening signed by Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity. The statement said in the letter which is no less preposterous and comical, the opposition accused the Nigerian government of destroying Nigerias democracy. In Mr. Seconduss letter, earlier published by PREMIUM TIMES, he told the world body that Mr Buhari has a predetermined plan to use federal agencies like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the army, and the police to truncate Nigerias democracy. In the letter dated April 30, the opposition leader accused Mr Buhari of violating the Nigerian constitution and persecuting members of the opposition, as well as attacking journalists and well-meaning Nigerians who hold different opinions from Mr Buharis party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). The British, German, French, Chinese, the U.S, and the Russian embassies in Nigeria, as well as the European Union secretariat in Abuja, were copied in the letter. The presidency said PDPs lecture on democracy and the rule of law is a desperate attempt to pervert history and the course of justice. It said the sermon is both trite and hollow, coming from a party with intolerance for dissent as its hallmark. Mr. Shehu said PDP is a party that humiliated opposition parties and stunted their growth. This was the atmosphere that nurtured the birth of the All Progressives Congress (APC),he said. He also said the war against corruption, for which many more politicians may soon be docked, cannot be misrepresented as an attack on human rights. He advised Mr. Secondus not to try to mislead the UN. Nigerian politicians at all levels have been used to dispensing with state funds in whatever manner they please, and to have someone, an administration, finally saying, No. It doesnt matter how big or important you think you are; the law must come against you That is not something they are used to at all. For the PDP, as has now emerged, national security was the major source of their funding, he said. Mr Shehu said the PDP chairman and all other politicians against whom the countrys anti-corruption agencies have on-going investigations, should be assured that it is only a matter of time before the law catches up with them. Nigerians suffered because of the poison sowed by the PDP, he said. The presidential spokespersons said if the Nigerian public were privy to some of the facts and figures on corruption that Mr Buhari and the anti-corruption agencies are, they would understand the passion that drives the determination to nail these callous men and stop them in their corrupt tracks. Regarding the accusation that President Buhari is behind the spate of herdsmen and farmer clashes in the Middle Belt of Nigeria, Mr Shehu said all we will say is that it as an embarrassing charge that the PDP would make, conveying an allegation from the beer parlours of Nigeria to an international body like the UN. The PDP certainly has no shred of evidence to make such an allegation. These are comments driven by tribalism and that age-old trick of balkanisation in a bid to score political points. This should not surprise anyone given the politics of anger, violence and polarisation that are the stock-in-trade of the PDP. Mr. Shehu also rolled out measures he said Mr Buhari has taken in order to end killings across the country. President Muhammadu Buhari Such measures, he said, include mobilising state resources against the attackers, approving the setting up of new police and army formations in the affected areas, and the recruitment of thousands into the police and the military. He said a more reasonable opposition would have acknowledged these steps taken by the government. What can President Buhari possibly gain from the killings? There is no intelligent angle from which you analyse the matter and see any possible gain for this government in the wanton destruction of life and property going on. For the new PDP leadership on the other hand, incapable of thinking big about the nation, they see and treat the unfortunate spate of killing of innocent Nigerians as political gift, about which they seem very happy to cite as the basis for a return to power. They feel bad at every turn the country improves, which is beyond comprehension. They should bury their heads in shame, Mr Shehu said. Two top leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State boycotted the partys ward congress held on Saturday. The former governor of Kano State and senator representing Kano central, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and the deputy governor of Kano State, Hafiz Abubakar, boycotted the Saturday APC ward congress. The ward congress at Madobi, the local government of Mr Kwankwaso was supervised by his political rival, Kano States Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Musa Kwankwaso. The commissioner visited some wards to observe the congress where he hailed APC members for orderly conduct. However, the media aide to the former governor, Binta Sipikin, told PREMIUM TIMES that the APC members loyal to Mr. Kwankwaso conducted separate congresses in 484 wards of Kano State. She accused the media of not covering their congress, adding that they are now compiling the result for onward submission to APC national headquarters, an indication that the fictionalisation of the party will continue. The Kano State Deputy Governor, Hafiz Abubakar, was also not sighted at the Saturdays ward congress in his Mandawari ward of Gwale Local Government Area. The deputy governor complained in the media when his younger brother was removed from the chairmanship of APC in Mandawari ward in Gwale. Although Governor Abdullahi Ganduje directed the reinstatement of the deputy governors brother, Saturdays ward congress showed the emergence of one Salisu Sani as the elected chairman of Mandawari ward. Mr Abubakar has not officially provided any reason for his boycott of the congress amidst speculations he is a loyalist of Mr Kwankwaso. The state government is, however, unperturbed by the boycott and has described the congress as successful. A statement signed by the chief press secretary to Mr Ganduje, Abba Anwar, said the governor described the ward congress as a unifying factor for the party at all levels, emphasising that, Ours is to foster unity in democracy, for the overall development of our nation. After commending the party members for the peaceful conduct of the congress, Mr Ganduje said the way the congress was conducted was a clear indication that the people had accepted the party in all the 44 local governments in the state. The turn out is so encouraging, apart from being peaceful. This clearly indicates that APCs performance in governance is being acknowledged and appreciated by Nigerians, he added. He called on the elected executive members of the party to remember that APC is a people-oriented party that believes in good service delivery in governance. The congress, according to the governor, shows that Kano State is still intact for President Muhammadu Buhari. I urge you, as newly elected leaders of our great party, to ensure justice and fairness in all your dealings. I also urge you and other members of our great party, the APC, to work hard and see that the remaining Congresses are peaceful and successful, he said. Mr Ganduje was deputy to Mr Kwankwaso when the latter was governor. Since Mr Ganduje emerged governor, however, both men have become rivals splitting the party in the state into two factions. All efforts by President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC national headquarters to resolve the crisis have failed. Kano, the most populous state in Northern Nigeria, is also the state where President Buhari got his highest votes in the 2015 election. On Tuesday, the Federal High Court of Nigeria will hear a case to compel the Nigerian government to take back one of Nigerias most lucrative oil blocks, which has been at the centre of a $1.1 billion multinational corruption scandal. The case is brought by Nigerian civil society organization, Human Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), who are demanding that the government revoke the Operating Production Licence (OPL) 245 on grounds that the entire Malabu transaction in relation to the OPL 245 is unconstitutional, illegal and void as it was not legally granted, same having been obtained fraudulently vide corrupt practices. HEDAs filings in support of its lawsuit argue that Eni and Shells current hold on the license is tainted by the original allocation of the license in 1998 to Malabu Oil & Gas, in which the then Nigerian Oil Minister Dan Etete held an ownership stake under a pseudonym, constituting the height of conflict of interest and corrupt practices. HEDA also points to the Nigerian states own arguments in a related UK court case that the 2011 deal for the block with oil giants Shell and Eni was corrupt. The motion filed by HEDA at the Federal High Court of Nigeria requires the Nigerian Attorney General to appear on May 8. Lanre Suraju, Chairman of HEDA said This action is instituted to expose the players in the notorious Malabu scandal in which extant local laws and policies were breached and blatantly ignored. We shall use the law to retrieve this national asset from unscrupulous persons and corporations. This corrupt deal is spawning legal action all over the world. Global Witness wholeheartedly supports the move to revoke the rights to this oil block. Shell and Eni should not be allowed to profit from their appalling behaviour, and other oil companies should take note: it is no longer business as usual in the oil industry said Barnaby Pace of Global Witness. Shell and Eni currently hold the license and are pursuing a $13.5bn investment plan to develop the oil field. The companies have been dogged by corruption allegations around their 2011 deal to buy the block and are facing an unprecedented bribery trial which is scheduled to start in Italy on May 14. No company as large as Royal Dutch Shell has ever stood trial for bribery offences. The criminal case brought by the Milan Public Prosecutor alleges that $520 million from Shell and Enis payment for the 2011 deal was converted into cash and intended to be paid to the then Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, members of the government and other Nigerian government officials. The prosecutor further alleges that money was also channelled to Eni and Shell executives with $50 million in cash delivered to the home of Enis then Head of Business for Sub-Saharan Africa, Roberto Casula. Shell, Eni and their executives have denied all charges. Antonio Tricarico of Italian NGO Re:Common said, This case heralds the dawning of the age of accountability, a world where even the most powerful corporations can no longer hide their wrongdoing and avoid justice. For years, Shell had claimed that it only paid the Nigerian government for the oil block. But after the joint investigations of Global Witness and Finance Uncovered, Shell confessed it had dealt with convicted money launderer and former oil minister Dan Etete. Etete had awarded the OPL 245 oil block to his secretly owned company, Malabu, while serving as oil minister. Former Nigerian oil Minister Dan Etete, involved in the Malabu Scandal. [Photo credit: THE REPUBLICAN NEWS] This is not a case involving a few rotten apples, said Nick Hildyard of Corner House. The evidence points to systemic corruption from the top down. A Shell spokesperson referred Global Witness to the companys statement following the companys indictment We are disappointed by the outcome of the preliminary hearing and the decision to indict Shell and its former employees. We believe the trial judges will conclude that there is no case against Shell or its former employees. Eni has said in a statement on their website regarding the case that the trial will give the opportunity to Eni to fully defend its position and to provide full evidence of the correctness of the actions taken with respect to the OPL 245 transaction. Regarding the allegations against Enis CEO, the company has said Enis Board of Directors has reaffirmed its confidence that the company was not involved in alleged corrupt activities in relation to the transaction. The Board of Directors also confirmed its full confidence that chief executive Claudio Descalzi was not involved in the alleged illegal conduct and, more broadly, in his role as head of the company. Eni expresses its full confidence in the judicial process and that the trial will ascertain and confirm the correctness and integrity of its conduct. President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday in Daura, Katsina State, met behind closed doors with Governors Rochas Okorocha of Imo and Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara. The presidents Personal Assistant on New Media, Bashir Ahmad, confirmed this development on his Twitter handle on Sunday. He posted: President Muhammadu Buhari this evening received chairman of the Progressives GovernorsForum (PGF), Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo. Mr Okorocha, who spoke to journalists after the meeting, said that he updated the president on the outcome of the ward congresses conducted by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) across the country. He frowned at the way some members of the party in some states conducted themselves during the exercise, saying the party would check such incidents in future. Mr Okorocha said: We expect internal democracy and internal democracy is the way to go. Those kind of funny politics that were played must stop, where people want to carry ballot boxes, steal results looks so primitive. I intimated Mr President and we will make sure that such things must stop. On the presidents response, the governor said; He spoke like the president and he will take the necessary steps to correct this in our party, APC, not just in Imo but across the whole nation, to make sure that there is respect for internal democracy. However, Mr Yari, who spoke on the outcome of the ward congresses, said the exercise went well in the North-west region. He said; You know in a democracy you cannot expect everything to work 100 per cent. Former Gov. Abdulazizi-Yari of Zamfara State. But in our region from the information available to us, everything went well in Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kano, where people expected that there may be a problem, the exercise was successful. But anybody that has complain, there is a committee set up by the national executive of the party, they should take their complains there so that they will be attended to. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) observed that mixed reactions characterised the outcome of the APC ward congresses across the country. In Delta, the exercise was bloody as the Police Command in the state confirmed that a chairmanship candidate died in the APC ward congresses in Ughelli South Local Government Area (LGA) of the state. The commands spokesperson, Andrew Aniamaka, said Jeremiah Oghoveta, was stabbed to death during the exercise at Jeremi Ward 3, Okwagbe. The ward congresses in Adamawa and Oyo states were conducted on May 6 as against May 5 following political misunderstandings among top APC members and stakeholders in the states. In Adamawa, mixed reactions characterized the conduct of the ward congresses on Sunday. While the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustafa, said the exercise was smooth and hitch free, Nuhu Ribadu said the exercise was not conducted in his Ward of Bako in Yola. Mr Mustafa participated in the exercise in his Ward at Gwadabawa in Jimeta area of Yola. NAN also reported that a faction of the APC in Kebbi State had staged a peaceful protest to the party Secretariat in Birnin Kebbi against consensus arrangement during the Saturday Congress held across 225 wards in the State. The protesters were seen carrying placards with different inscriptions like: `Kebbi APC Congress no consensus; `We need true party Congress not consensus;`We say no to injustice. The leader of the aggrieved members, Adamu Gulma, told journalists at the APC secretariat that what happened in Kebbi State is not congress but government and major APC stakeholders hijacked the event to their advantage. However, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo State chapter had commended the peaceful conduct of ward congress, held across 203 wards of the state on Saturday. Abayomi Adesanya, the spokesman of the party in the state, told NAN that the reports he got from various wards were good. NAN also observed that the ward congresses were successfully conducted in many states of the federation including Lagos, Kaduna, Gombe, Ogun, Nasarawa, Plateau, Taraba, Borno, and Yobe. Meanwhile, the party had on Sunday called on its members that may have been aggrieved following the conduct of its Saturday ward congress across the country to seek redress in its appeal panel. Bolaji Abudulahi, the partys National Publicity Secretary, made the call in a statement in Abuja. He, however, congratulated all members of the party, saying that the conduct of the congress was generally peaceful. (NAN) Three weeks after the invasion of the Nigerian Senate by hoodlums who carted away the mace, the Nigerian Police have refused to provide update on the investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators. The Police failed to respond to PREMIUM TIMES enquiries on the whereabouts of those arrested in connection to the incident. Some minutes into the senate plenary on April 18, the chamber was invaded by men who made away with the mace. The raiders ran out of the chamber and left the National Assembly in a convoy of four vehicles with the mace, the senates symbol of authority. Days later, the police said they had arrested six suspects, while investigation was still ongoing. Three weeks now, the police are yet to take any further action or give update on the whereabouts of the hoodlums. Efforts by PREMIUM TIMES to get an update were not successful over the weekend and early Monday morning. When contacted on Sunday, the FCT Command spokesperson, Anjuguri Manzah, said all enquiries should be referred to the force headquarters. Reach out to the force headquarters, he said. The Police Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, did not answer multiple calls on Sunday and early Monday. He also did not reply the text messages sent to his line requesting for update on the hoodlums. Photographs of the suspects arrested by the police had gone viral on the internet but they are yet to be charged. The police did not also state their findings on allegations that a senator, Ovie Omo-Agege, facilitated entrance of the hoodlums into senate sitting area. The silence of the police has fuelled suspicion of a possible compromise in treatment of the case. The Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Ben Murray-Bruce, on Friday alleged that the suspects probably had the backing of some top government officials. Speaking to Punch, he asked the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to order the immediate parade of the six suspects who invaded its chamber and stole the mace last month. I think it is common sense that when the police arrest crime suspects, they parade them, he said. Kidnappers are paraded. But some people broke into the National Assembly and they were not paraded. The police should tell Nigerians why the suspects have not been paraded; they (police) should come and explain. It is very disgusting and annoying that this thing happened some weeks ago, and they have not paraded the suspects, but petty thieves are being paraded every day. Those who invaded the National Assembly rode in an SUV valued at about N50m. I leave the rest to your imagination. Ngozi Ezeokeke slowly wheeled her aged mother through the corridors of the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, on Saturday, and the patients pains were clear on her face. She was drooling, her neck dropped to the shoulder. Her condition has worsened because nurses are not around to give her regular therapy, a visibly aggrieved Ms Ezeokeke said. Her mother had a stroke, and was at the Jabi hospital, one of many public hospitals in Abuja abandoned by health workers who have been on strike for three weeks now. The nation-wide strike was called by JOHESU, a body that comprises all health workers except doctors. As a result, laboratories have been shut with no technicians and technologists to run them, and there are also no staff to collect patients records, too. Patients are worst hit as nurses and midwives some of the most influential members of JOHESU (Joint Health Sector Unions) have all gone on strike. Since last week, we have been coming here but nobody will attend to us. We just want to withdraw and move her to another facility, Ms Ezeokeke said of her mum. For now, the strike affects all federal hospitals across the country, and the striking union has vowed to press their state and local government counterparts to join, to bring maximum pressure on the federal government. FILE: A woman suffering from Partial stroke at the corridors of FMC Jabi, Abuja. While that happens, patients and pregnant women, in desperate need of help are either being rejected, suffering or dying. At first glance, nothing appeared amiss at the Jabi Hospital. About 20 patients sat quietly at the registration unit Saturday evening, taking turns to meet an attendant who said they were providing skeletal services. What we are doing is just skeletal work and nothing serious, the male attendant explained. Some of these patients only came to process transfers to other facilities. All the staff you are seeing here apart from medical doctors are just locum staff employed for this strike period at least to take care of some emergency cases, he said. Patients sighted, awaiting turns at the Federal Medical Centre In Jabi, Abuja. Most of the patients at the Jabi facility who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES said they were at the centre to effect referrals or do some paper works. National Hospital Abuja Just like the Centre at Jabi, the National Hospital bore telltale signs of desertion. Picture of the environment at the National Hospital Paediatric section at the National Hospital Picture of the environment at the National Hospital From the entrance of the hospital, the usually busy hospital was a shadow of itself as only few cars were seen going in and out. Inside, the hospital was deserted as only a few doctors and security personnel were seen around. The accident and emergency unit was quiet. At the front desk were only one doctor and a patient. Inside the ward, five people were on the beds and two doctors were seen attending to them. The doctors, however, were not willing to speak with journalists saying they were busy and not authorised to speak. Empty Car Park at the National Hospital Picture of the environment at the National Hospital FILE PHOTO: Deserted corridors of the National Hospital during the JOHESU Strike The radiology, paediatrics and labour units were almost empty, most of the wards were not occupied. Most of the offices were also under lock, as were the laboratories, pharmacies, stores, finance office and other departments. Though there were patients in some of the wards, they were not in the usual large numbers and the usually busy corridors were almost empty. The normal sight of patients being wheeled through the corridors was missing. Nursing mother waiting for health attendants at FMC Jabi, Abuja. At the paediatric ward, four doctors were on duty but only one child was in the ward. All the other beds were not occupied. A doctor who asked not to be named said they had been having an easy week, compared to when the hospital was fully functioning. He said though they still had to go to the hospital and attend to patients, there is little we can do. FILE PHOTO: Deserted corridors of the National Hospital during the JOHESU Strike National hospital Abuja Picture of the environment at the National Hospital He expressed concern that they would be overwhelmed when the striking workers resume as patients who had been forced to stay away would troop into the hospital. Yusuf Audi said his mother was admitted to the hospital on Friday on referral from Kaduna. He said she was being treated at the state general hospital but her case required the attention of specialists who were not available at the general hospital. National Hospital Abuja. We were referred here because the health workers at the teaching hospital in Kaduna are on strike her doctors said she needs urgent attention from a consultant. We came in last night. At first they did not want to attend to us and wanted to refer us somewhere else, but they changed their mind when they saw her condition,he said. Since last night it has not been easy as there are no nurses, ward attendants and laboratory personnel on ground. I have been the one running around. I had to take her on my back to the ultrasound unit this morning. Federal Medical Centre, Abuja. And I am just coming back from where I went to buy drugs for her. The pharmacy is not open. There was a drug they needed for her last night but they couldnt get it because of the strike, he lamented. The security personnel at the entrance of one of the wards said activities in the hospital had dwindled as mostly doctors were around. They said the bulk of the activities were happening at the accident and emergency unit. Taxi drivers, hawkers lament Even commercial motorists at the hospital were few and sat idly under a tree in front of the hospital gate. They also felt the impact of the strike. A taxi driver, who gave his name as Uche, said people were not coming to the hospital. I have spent three hours at the gate before you came, he told the reporter. scanty walk ways at the National hospital Abuja as a result of the ongoing strike. National hospital Abuja scanty walk ways at the National hospital Abuja as a result of the ongoing strike. No passengers. It is not usually so. The maximum waiting time to get a passenger is 10 minutes and you may even take them around to buy drugs and other stuff. We are not happy with the situation, he said. Even the usual hawkers of fruits like oranges, banana, water melon and other consumables in the front axis of the facility were nowhere to be seen. There were no people to sell to. A Kogi High Court in Lokoja on Monday adjourned hearing in a bail application and counter motion brought by a senator, Dino Melaye until Thursday. Mr Melaye, Kabiru Seidu, alias Osama, and Nuhu Salihu, aka Small, are standing trial on seven-counts bordering on illegal possession of firearms, criminal conspiracy and illegal dealing in arms. The judge, Nasir Ajanah, gave the ruling at the resumed hearing of the motions. Mr Ajanah, who is the Chief Judge of Kogi, said the adjournment was to enable Mr Melaye file further and better affidavit on the bail application. He said the adjournment would also enable the court to study the counter-motions very well to be able to rule on the matter judiciously. The prosecution, led by Alex Izinyon, had urged the court not to grant Mr Melaye bail because he had once escaped from lawful custody. Mr Izinyon said that the senator while in police custody from Abuja to Lokoja for arraignment allegedly jumped out of a police vehicle and escaped. He said there was no guarantee that Mr Melaye would be available for trial if granted bail, adding that his conduct in the alleged escape did not portray him as one who would respect bail conditions. But counsel to Mr Melaye, Mike Ozekhome, urged the court to grant his client bail because the circumstances that led to his alleged escape as portrayed by the prosecution were not true. He said: The truth of the matter is that initially the police told Sen. Dino (Melaye) that they would take him to a high court in Abuja for prosecution. But the police suddenly decided to head to Lokoja and Dino said while they were in the vehicle the police tear-gassed him twice. Melaye protested vehemently why they were taking him to Lokoja instead of Abuja. So, as soon as the vehicle carrying Dino came to a standstill at Area One Intersection Roundabout, Dino forced the door of the vehicle open and jumped down because he was gasping for breath so that he would not suffocate and die. Again when Dino jumped out of the bus and started shouting, the people around that area and his lawyers sympathised with him and took him to Zankli Medical Centre in Abuja where the police again came and bundled him to the National Hospital in Abuja where they chained him to his bed like a common criminal. The question is if someone has the plan to jump bail, he will not allow himself to be in the hospital, he will run to his village or can even run out of the country, Mr Ozekhome said. The police had earlier arraigned Mr Melaye in a Lokoja Senior Magistrates Court which ordered that he be remanded in police custody pending his arraignment in a high court in Lokoja. President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday met with the Senate president, Bukola Saraki, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, behind closed doors. The meeting, which held inside the presidents, office, took place hours after Mr Buhari returned from his home town, Daura, in Katsina state. After the meeting, Mr Saraki told State House correspondents that they were in the Villa on the invitation of Mr. Buhari. He said the president briefed them on his trip to the United States last week where he met with President Donald Trump. He also said Mr Buhari spoke to them about the 2018 budget. The two chambers of the National Assembly are yet to pass the 2018 budget estimates six months after it was presented to them by the president. The Assembly has said that the delay in the passage of the budget was due to the failure of the heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies to appear before the Assembly and defend their estimates. We also talked on the issue of concerns to us, the invasion of the National Assembly, which he showed great concern and said action will be taken to investigate that, Mr Saraki said. Thugs invaded the Senate chamber recently and took away the mace, the symbol of authority. Mr Saraki told reporters that Mr Buhari saw the invasion as an embarrassment to the country. He said the president assured them that there will be a proper investigation because it is something that is not just about the National Assembly, it is about the country. On when the 2018 budget will be passed, Mr Saraki simply said hopefully it should be laid this week. He also said if laid before plenary within the week, the budget may be passed early next week, adding but we are hoping it will be laid this week. Mr Saraki also spoke about the strained relationship between the two arms of government. He said the invitation extended to them by the president to brief them on his outing in the US is a good sign. We at the National Assembly have always been ready to give all our support to the executive and we will continue to work along those lines. As I said, the presidential system that we operate, we sometimes have the responsibility to check the excesses of the executive, so there will always be times we will disagree but by and large, we will always work for the interest of Nigerians and always keep on moving on, he said. Mr Saraki also said they raised the issue of the refusal of the Inspector General of the Police, Ibrahim Idris, to appear before the Senate. Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris We also raised the issue of the non-appearance of the IG at the senate and felt that they must continue to ensure that he continues to apply obedience to the issue of constituted authority. We are of great concern that this is the first time this is happening and that, that matter needs to be addressed considering the importance of the powers of the constitution that gives investigative powers, also gives to us and that there is need for police to accept that they too are under the constitution and they must obey that. We raised that concern, he said. On his part, Mr Dogara said they also raised the issue of Dino Melaye who is being prosecuted by the police for arms possession. Of course anything that happens to one of our members or any member of the National Assembly is of concern to us. And there is no way we can have this kind of meeting without raising that. This is a civilian administration, it is democracy and it is imperative and very very important that all institutions of democracy operate within the ambit of the rule of law. There is no where, I have said it before that police will behave in a democracy like a clan of tribesmen, like upgraded barbarians sort of. So there is need for us to act with civility. We are not saying that anybody should be protected and defended. Once you have committed an offence, our law says you should answer it but you just have to utilise the provision of our constitution, the rule of law and this administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has over emphasised in order to bring people to book. The President of the Senate, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki and The Speaker of the Federal House Representatives Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara with the State House Press after a closed-door meeting with President Buhari at the State house in Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. MAY 7 2018. President Muhammadu Buhari (M) with President of the Senate, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki and The Speaker of the Federal House Representatives Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara at the State house in Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. File photo of President Muhammadu Buhari receiving President of the Senate, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki accompanied by The Speaker of the Federal House Representatives Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara at the State House in Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. MAY 7 2018 President Muhammadu Buhari receives The Speaker of the Federal House Representatives Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara and President of the Senate, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki at the State House in Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. MAY 7 2018. But a situation where people are wheeled to court, that doesnt give a good image of our democracy. I have not seen a democracy where people are wheeled to court, they are not in the proper frame of mind and they are forced to undergo trial. Whatever it is, even if Dino is pretending as some have said in some section of the media, he cannot pretend forever. He is there, he will not run away, he is a senator and he can be tried any time he is in proper frame of mind. As a lawyer, I can tell you, any judge that assesses an accused person not to be in a proper frame of mind, even if the accused person pleads guilty, he is duty bound by law to record a plea of guilt if he is not satisfied as to the soundness of the mind of the accused person, he said. The Speaker said he believed Mr Buhari, being a listening president will definitely take steps and do something about it. The Speaker said the meeting did not discuss the threat of impeachment of the president which was mooted in both chambers last week. ADVERTISEMENT The death toll in the last weekend armed bandits attack on Gwaska Community in Birnin Gwari Local Government of Kaduna State has increased to 58, as more bodies were recovered from the town and surrounding environs. The police had on Sunday put the death toll at 45. The Emir of Birnin Gwari, Zubairu Mai Gwari, who disclosed the latest figure in an interview with PRNigeria, commended the local vigilante groups and security agencies in the search and evacuation efforts, adding that more people are still missing. The traditional ruler who also appealed to members of his community to be calm and exercise patience, urged them to be more vigilant and cooperate with the security agencies towards tackling the menace of armed bandits in the area. Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Government and President Muhammadu Buhari have reacted to the dastardly attacks in Birnin-Gwari axis. In a statement signed by Governor Nasir El-Rufais Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, he said the president has approved the establishment of a permanent battalion of the Nigerian Army in the Birnin Gwari general area. The creation of a Birnin Gwari Police Area Command and two new Divisional Police Headquarters have also been announced by the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris. The statement read, The Kaduna State Government received with sadness reports of the murder of our citizens by armed bandits in Birnin Gwari. The Government has sent a message of condolence to the people of Birnin Gwari Emirate. Kaduna State Government is deeply committed to overcoming the unfortunate criminality and banditry being carried out against innocent citizens in Birnin Gwari local government. The engagements between the State and Federal Governments have yielded results. President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of a permanent Battalion of the Nigerian Army in the Birnin Gwari general area. The new security arrangements also involve Policing. The Inspector General of Police has already announced the creation of the Birnin Gwari Police Area Command and two new Divisional Police Headquarters. The State Emergency Management Agency has also been directed to provide relief materials with immediate effect to the affected communities. Armed bandits on Saturday massacred scores of people in Gwaska village in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of a new Battalion of the Nigerian Army, as well as a new Police Area Command in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The approvals are part of measures to scale up the security response to the banditry affecting the area, Mr Buharis spokesperson, Garba Shehu, said in a statement on Monday evening. PREMIUM TIMES reported how dozens were killed on Saturday in the latest attack on communities in Birnin Gwari. The emir of the town said on Monday that the death toll from the attack had risen to 58. Scores of people including soldiers and police officers had been killed in previous attacks by bandits in the local government. The president strongly condemns the latest massacre of innocent Nigerians in the area, Mr Shehu said. I am deeply outraged by this unwarranted, unprovoked and reckless destruction of lives by bandits who belong to the lowest level of civilization. I feel the pains and devastation of the families of the victims, and this administration will do everything possible to ensure we defeat these enemies of humanity, Mr Buhari was quoted as saying in the statement. Mr Shehu said the new army battalion and the police area command are the latest in a series of law enforcement measures to ensure more effective protection of lives and property, in and around Benue, Kaduna, Taraba, Zamfara and Nasarawa States. Last week the Nigerian Air Force took delivery of two new helicopter gunships, for deployment to parts of the country affected by banditry. A Quick Response Wing has also been established by the Nigerian Air Force in Taraba State, while a Joint Military Intervention Force is fully on ground in Benue, Mr Shehu said. However, despite the deployments in Benue and Taraba, killings have continued in both states. According to Mr Shehu, President Buhari assures that security remains a priority for his government; and his administration will not tolerate the persistent killing of innocent people in order to set Nigerians against one another. These persistent killings are not spontaneous; there are subterranean forces with a sinister agenda to instigate war in the country for selfish purposes, the president was quoted as saying. Although unconventional war is particularly complicated, our security forces are making rigorous efforts to better understand these enemies with a view to decisively checkmating their evil attacks. Mr Buhari extended his condolences to the families of the latest victims, the government and the people of Kaduna State over the tragedy. He assured that his government will never abandon them to their fate. El-Rufai Visits Birnin Gwari Also, the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, visited the affected Gwaska community in Birnin Gwari on Monday evening. At Birnin Gwari, Mr El-Rufai met with the emir, Jibril Zubair, and community leaders before proceeding to Gwaska, the scene of the latest fatal attack. At the palace of the emir, Mr El-Rufai expressed his sorrow and offered condolences to the people. I came here to share the pain and anguish of our people, the predicament of innocent citizens whose lives were cut short due to the terrorism of bandits and criminals who have been tormenting us. I and my team will be proceeding to Gwaska and other communities to see for ourselves and talk directly to the people. But I want to say again, that we are not sleeping and by the grace of God we will overcome this evil act and the terrorism being unleashed on our people. In his response, the emir, Jibril Zubair, praised the federal and state governments for demonstrating commitment to the plight of his people. We are grateful for your deep condolences and empathy. We are grateful for all your commitment to resolving the plight of Birnin Gwari people. As a member of the State Security Council, I am in the know of federal and state government commitment. Nasir El-Rufai on his visit to Birnin Gwari The IGP and the GOC were here and have confirmed the establishment of a Battalion of the army and Police Area Command. I am happy that you are going to Gwaska and other communities to see for yourself. At Gwaska, Mr El-Rufai was taken round and briefed by Isa Musa, the leader of the community, who narrated how the bandits carried out the heinous attack. Mr Musa said that the attackers were heavily armed with sophisticated weapons and are not ordinary gunmen. They came from different directions and circled us shooting and burning our houses with impunity. We appreciate all your commitment but we wish to let you know that only full military action on both land and air can match these terrorists. They are mercenaries and marksmen. As you can see its about seven kilometers to Dansadau in Zamfara State and other boundaries with Katsina and Niger with us here in Birnin Gwari Local Government. President Muhammadu Buhari will on Tuesday undertake a four-day medical trip to the United Kingdom, his spokesperson said. A statement from his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, on Monday said, In the course of the technical stop-over for aircraft maintenance in London on his way back from Washington last week, the president had a meeting with his doctor. Mr Shehu said the doctor requested the president to return for a meeting which he agreed to do. President Buhari will return on Saturday, May 12th, he said. He also said on his return, the presidents two-day State Visit to Jigawa, which was postponed because of the All Progressives Congress, ward congresses, will now take place on Monday and Tuesday next week. GARBA SHEHU Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity) May 17, 2018 The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said President Muhammadu Buharis quest for re-election, if permitted by Nigerians, will further divide and impoverish Nigerians. The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbodiyan, described the presidents first term as horrible. The president, speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congress in Daura, Katsina State on Saturday, had said his re-run is for the people. The president, who was long expected to make his intention towards the 2019 election known, revealed to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party sometime in April that he will re contest. The opposition party believes his second term agenda is directly a quest to continue to enrich the presidency cabal, promote nepotism and corrupt members of the party. According to the statement, Mr Buharis first term score card showed anti-people policies and failure to serve the good of the ordinary citizens, contrary to what he would want Nigerians to believe. President Buharis second term agenda is directly a quest to continue to enrich the Presidency cabal, promote nepotism and protect cronies and corrupt members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the long arms of the law. President Buharis second term is also a quest to continue to ignore and destroy democratic principles; to continue trampling on the rights of citizens and persecution of opposition and perceived political opponents; to continue the derailing of democracy with manifest disdain for constitutional order; to continue with the intimidation and harassment of the legislature and the judiciary; perpetuation of mediocrity in governance; de-marketing Nigeria at international fora and to blame everyone else but himself for manifest incapacity to govern. The PDP said it believes Nigerians, being direct victims of his misrule, are aware that the harsh and reckless policies of his administration, coupled with his body language, are expressly responsible for the untold economic hardship, ethnic division and daily blood-letting currently ravaging the nation. Nigerians know that the agenda is being pushed by members of the presidency cabal, who are desperate to protect huge economic empires and to cover their atrocities in government. Nigerians do not need clairvoyants and psychics to know that another term for the president will lead to decimation of the middle class, over-taxation of the poor, the complete erosion of freedom and secret fight against free enterprise. It will surely lead to the complete destruction of our economy, our democracy and most importantly, the unity of our nation. The party therefore challenged the president to show any of his 2015 campaign promises that has been fufilled. If, indeed, the president was out to serve, as he claimed at the APC congress, we challenge him to show any of his 2015 campaign promises he has fulfilled or any development project initiated and implemented to the benefit of the people in the last three years. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has donated N10 million to the Federal Medical Centre, Yolas Paupers Funds for treatment of less-privileged patients in the hospital. Mr Abubakar made the donation on Monday when he visited victims of the Mubi twin-bomb attacks on a mosque and market that killed 69 persons and injured several others Tuesday last week. He said he was left heartbroken by the condition of the victims receiving treatment at the hospital and called on the Federal Government to intensify measures to curtail security challenges in Nigeria. The former vice president said shortage of manpower and logistics were seriously affecting operations of paramilitary agencies and advised the government to re-position the outfits for internal security. I am calling on the Federal government to recruit more manpower to our paramilitary outfits and their training and retraining should also be enhanced so that the military can go back to the barracks, he said. Mr Abubakar commended the efforts of the Paupers Funds Committee and urged judicious use of the funds. Responding to the gesture, the Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Auwal Abubakar, expressed delight over the support from Mr Abubakar, disclosing he remained the highest financier of the fund. Mr Abubakar said so far 300 patients benefited from the Paupers Funds scheme since inception in the last two years. In another development, Mr Abubakar and his family on Sunday opened a new eatery named Chicken Cottage Quick Service restaurant in Yola. He said the development was one of the contributions of his family to reducing unemployment in the country and is the second after that of Jabi, Abuja. Mr Abubakar said the restaurant would boost the socio-economic conditions of the people of Adamawa State through gainful employment of the youth. He said procurement of chicken, vegetables, potatoes,rice and other agricultural products from local farmers would encourage productivity of the farming population. He said other service providers such as transporters, beverage suppliers, appliance manufacturers, artisans and furniture makers will also benefit from the business outlet. The Federal Government says the implementation of Basic Registry and Information System in Nigeria (BRISIN) will help in building a data bank on the People Living with Disability (PLWD) for effective planning. Samuel Ankeli, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Disability Matters said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday. The aide said his office was partnering BRISIN Service Provider, Dermo Impex Limited to implement the project, which would be inaugurated in June. NAN reports that BRISIN is an integrated system for the collection, storage and distribution of information to support the management of the economy. The project was initiated under former President Olusegun Obasanjo administration, while the Goodluck Jonathan administration inaugurated a Technical Committee for its implementation. BRISIN is targeted at tapping into all aspects of the nations economy and bringing about developmental and economic growth in the country through the use of data collection of people and information The aide, however, said that it had been difficult to get accurate data to plan for PLWD. We dont know how many people living with disability, most time, we guess and rely on foreign organisations to give us figures about our people. This has made life difficult not only for people living with disability but for people in governance. We have some baseline surveys that are not realistic, that is why I decided to work with BRISIN as quickly as possible and get it functional. So that we can have a system on ground that will constantly and continuously give us information so that when we process it, we can use the data to apply for planning and policy. We are talking about Bill for disability; we cant come up with concrete evidence to say this is the number of people living with disability in the country. According to Mr Ankeli, a lot of risk factors prevailing in the country now, from terrorism attack to herdsmen/farmers clash, automobile accidents and terminal diseases. He said there was no proper record on those factors, especially for PLWD. Who keeps records? Is the number reducing or increasing? We need to get this data corrected. I am thinking BRISIN should be the best option for us to have effective, efficient, sincere and scientific information on people with disability across Nigeria, the aide said. Mr Ankeli commended the Federal Government for including the PLWD in the Social Investment Programme, noting that the people were initially neglected. We met with the Vice President and the Special Assistant on Social Investment Programme and we have been included in the programme. We have come up with a document on inclusion of PLWD and very soon, we will get a supplementary budgetary allocation that will help us to fully participate, he said. The aide, however, called for support from the stakeholders on the implementation of BRISIN. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has urged State Pilgrims Welfare Boards to ensure full compliance with the electronic Hajj (E-Hajj) registration as directed by the Saudi Arabian Hajj Authorities. The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Abdullahi Muhammad, spoke on Monday while addressing ICT officials of the State Boards, Commissions and Agencies at a one-day training on E-Hajj. According to a statement by the Commissions Head of Media, Fatimah Mustapha, Mr Muhammad said electronic Hajj registration was part of the requirements demanded by Saudi Arabia for 2018 Hajj. He explained that the measure was part of efforts of the Saudi authorities to ensure transparency, fair play, justice and equity in the entire Hajj operations. Mr Muhammad said the training was conducted to teach the officials the nitty-gritty on the registration of 2018 Hajj intending pilgrims through the E-Hajj registration. He added that the E-Hajj was the only system that could guarantee visa processing and acquisition for pilgrims. The chairman reiterated the commitment of the commission to E-Hajj operation and the need for all official dealings on Hajj within and outside Nigeria to be in compliance with the system. He said it was high time for all Hajj and Umrah operators to get acquainted with the development in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) because Hajj operations were gradually becoming paperless. Mr Muhammad said NAHCON would deal with the State Boards based on the information made available on NAHCONs e-portal. All the requirements for Hajj visa including accommodation, catering services and transportation are all done online. Pilgrim is expected to choose the service providers whose companies are already on the Saudi Hajj portal for the choice of the intending pilgrims, he said. The NAHCON boss warned state pilgrims officials against endangering the process, as incorrect information uploaded on the Hajj portal may smack untold consequences on the state. It is a very rare privilege to manage Hajj affairs. Therefore let us work together to improve the current ranking of Nigeria in Hajj operations from being amongst the last five to number one, he said. (NAN) Despite criticisms by opposition groups about no major conviction recorded against alleged perpetrators of corruption, the federal government on Monday reeled out steps taken to stop grand corruption in the country in the last three years. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari, at the opening session of the 2018 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Week in Abuja said one of the key achievements of the administration was pushing the frontiers of transparency and accountability in government. Mr Osinbajo said one of the steps the administration took to tackle corruption in the country was to establish the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), to coordinate the reform efforts. Although the Treasury Single Account (TSA) system was inherited from the previous administration as a mere idea, without any committed implementation, government has since expanded it to reach almost 100 per cent compliance, he said. Apart from joining the OGP, he said government has since 2016 developed a National Action Plan to improve transparency, accountability and citizen participation at other levels of governance. Besides, he said, government also established a Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA) under the Federal Ministry of Finance, to clean up the federal payroll and pensions systems, across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). Consequently, he said PICA helped the government save more than N200 billion by eliminating ghost workers, while the government Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) was being rolled out, to plug the loopholes against payroll fraud. Besides, he said, the whistleblowing programme, which is also being coordinated by PICA, resulted in recoveries of about N7.8 billion, $378 million and 27,800, as at March 2018. Our government adopted a two-step approach to dealing with systemic corruption stop grand corruption and accompanying impunity, and create a self-sustaining system for transparency and accountability, he said. We have, since assuming office three years ago, made remarkable progress in pushing the frontiers of transparency and accountability in the Federal Government. Since joining the OGP as the 70th member country, the VP said the government had focused on improving transparency, accountability, citizen participation and responsiveness to citizens through technology and innovation. He said the OGP Nigeria has since developed its first National Action Plan (NAP) of 14 commitments, with a focus on four thematic areas of Fiscal Transparency, Anti-Corruption, Access to Information and Citizens Engagement. Other agencies established by government to help rid systemic corruption included a National Open Contracting Platform (NOCOPO) by the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP); and Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) public private partnerships contracts disclosure portal, the official said. The Budget Office of the Federation, he said, has also developed the citizens I-Monitor portal, an Open Budget Survey Index to provide access to budget information in real time to Nigerians, monitor projects and provide feedback to government. The other initiative, he added, is an Open Global Beneficial Ownership Register by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in collaboration with the U.K. government to develop Open Ownership Data Standards. Government has set up a Presidential Committee on Asset Recovery (PCAR), and developed procedures and guidance to ensure that all recovered funds are paid into a single Central Bank Asset Recovery account, for improved transparency and ease of management, the VP said. During the event, the VP presented the OGP Nigeria National Action Plan (2017 2019). The Secretary of Government of the Federation, Boss Mustafa, said the week was an opportunity to review the progress so far in implementing the National Action Plan as well as discuss the way forward. More than any other time in the history of our nation, government is waging an unprecedented fight against corruption through asset recovery, prosecution of acts of corruption, instituting new socio-economic system and culture and rebuilding or institutions to prevent future recurrence. He said with the entrenchment of whistleblowing policy in the system, those determined to embezzle public funds through over-invoicing of contracts and other forms of diversion of public funds must beware. Mr Mustafa criticised some statistics on the countrys corruption index by some international organisations, saying the only use of these data was to draw attention to the need to strengthen the institutions to tackle the corruption. Many of the institutions that produce these statistics do not understand the context and the peculiarity of the corruption problems in Nigeria. They make generalisations which paint a picture that is far from reality, Mr Mustafa said. He said one of the expected outcomes of the week-long event would be the introduction of a reliable indigenous, professional and objective mechanism for measuring impact and information on the state of corruption in Nigeria. Through this mechanism we will generate reliable figures we can craft out policy interventions. Our story is best told by us. We should never expect others to see our corruption problems better than ourselves. The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, said the programme would feature discussions on issues of open governance, transparency and accountability as well as a town hall meeting where ministers, heads of departments and agencies would present reports on their activities. The event will end with a rally on Friday. Not less than 22 All Progressives Congress governorship aspirants have signed a petitioned to the National Chairman of the party, John Odigie-Oyegun, as well as leaders of the party, stating fresh conditions for a repeat of the primaries. The petition addressed to the NWC, was also copied to President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and a national leader of the party, Bola Tinubu. The petitioners alleged that some members of the NWC who were part of the organising committee of the primaries, were glaringly biased and contributed to the violence that disrupted the primaries. The petition followed a meeting held in in Ado Ekiti on Sunday by the aspirants at the Midas Hotel, over the aborted primaries on Saturday after agents and supporters of the aspirants disrupted voting over allegations of compromise and monetisation. The aspirants described the incident as embarrassing and unfortunate, and condemned the conduct of the exercise, which they said was laden with electoral manipulation and corruption. Those who signed the petition include former governor and chieftain of the party, Segun Oni; Presidential Adviser on Political Matters, Babafemi Ojudu; former Ekiti Assembly Speaker, Femi Bamisile; former senators, Gbenga Aluko and Ayo Arise, as well as Kayode Ojo. Others are Mojisola Yaya-Kolade, Wole Oluyede, Bayo Oriire, Kayode Ojo, Sunday Adebomi, Diran Adesua, Bodunde Adeyanju, Bimbo Daramola, Bamidele Faparusi, Sesan Fatoba, Bisi Aloba, Ajayi Olatunji Olowo, Wole Oluleye, Debo Ranti Ajayi, Kolawole Alabi, Olumuyiwa Olumilua and Victor Kolade. According to the petition, all the 33 aspirants were invited but only 20 aspirants were present at the Midas Hotel meeting, while two of them sent their representatives. It also noted that nine of the aspirants who did not attend the meeting responded to the invitation, notifying the meeting of their absence, while two did not respond. We condemn the electoral manipulation/corruption, which was manifested in various forms in the course of the exercise sequestration of delegates, inducement and illegal monetization of the voting process, among others, the petition read. Furthermore, we register our disappointment with the unsatisfactory level of preparedness for and conduct of the primary election. The aspirants demanded that a fresh election be conducted within 72 hours to determine the candidate of the party in the July 14 governorship election in Ekiti as the May 5 exercise was compromised. That a new elections committee be constituted to address the issue of conflict of interest of at least three (3) key members of the Governor Al-Makura- led Committee which was discovered in the course of the election to favour one of the aspirants (a business associate, a friend and a landlord), at the expense of the remaining thirty-two, the petition further stated. That security agencies be unbiased in ensuring a free, fair and credible election since it was obvious they had sympathy for one of the aspirants, which resulted in the security lapses recorded in the course of the exercise, such as the unrestricted invasion of the election venue by friends and associates of one of the aspirants who expectedly interfered with the voting process; That the quality of the ballot paper be improved because the photographs of the aspirants on the ballot papers used for the cancelled poll were blurred, small, and the names of aspirants were muddled. All these made it difficult for delegates to identify their preferred candidates; That the NWC appeals to executive governors in the neighbouring states to please support the process in the interest of the party instead of showing bias to one of the aspirants. That aspirants and delegates should respect the secrecy of the ballot. No aspirant should demand evidence from delegates. The aspirants also alleged that some members of the National Working Committee were partial, stating that their roles at the botched primaries was a clear evidence of their bias. It has also been widely reported by the PUNCH newspaper of today, Monday, May 7 that already the Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi has taken a position contrary to what was agreed after the Saturday event by all aspirants with the Al Makura committee, they said. Instead, the APC Publicity Secretary seems to be singing from the same page as one of the aspirants that granted an interview on Sunday afternoon and took exactly the same position as the Publicity Secretary of continuation, even when it is practically and legally impossible to do, especially, since the State Exco of the party has called for cancellation just like the under signed. To this end, given especially the haste of its response and coordination with the particular aspirant in whose favour it tipped the initial arrangements, we ask the National Working Committee to recuse itself further from this process. The only way out as a result is to refer the report of the Al Makura committee promptly to the full NEC of the APC in an emergency meeting where the President and leader of the party working with South West regional leaders can take a firm position on the way forward in adherence to the partys constitution. Earlier on Monday, supporters of former governor and Minister of Mines and Steel, Kayode Fayemi, marched to the partys secretariat in Ado Ekiti, alleging that the state working committee of the party compromised Saturdays primaries. The protesters accused the partys chairman, Jide Awe, of working with the state governor, Ayo Fayose, in destabilising the party and its primaries. The protesters also placed fetish items on the gates of the secretariat as they attacked officials of the party, who however, scampered for safety. APC Chieftain, Bola Tinubu It took the intervention of security operatives to curtail the protest from further degenerating. We are concerned APC members in Ekiti. We had it on good authority that the peaceful election held on Saturday would have been successful, but for connivance between our party Chairman and Governor Fayose, Adeoye Aribasoye, who led the protest, alleged. The election could have been adjudged the best in Ekiti and Nigeria at large. We are hereby passing a vote of no confidence in Awe and SWC members for taking sides. It was Awe and Olatunbosun that allowed those thugs to enter and disrupt the poll. The same Jide Awe now going around to say the election should be cancelled. He even met with Governor of Nasarawa State, Tanko Almakura and APC National Vice Chairman, Southwest, Pius Akinyelure, on Sunday to ask for consensus in favour of Segun Oni. It is against the tenets of democracy and APC statute for SWC to be showing open bias. As a result of this, we held a congress today where it was agreed that a caretaker committee to be led by Hon Kayode Eegunjobi as Chairman and Michael Akinleye as Secretary be set up. The national APC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Monday evening threatened that some aspirants may be disqualified following the violence. He said the NWC would meet later on Monday to review the report of the Governor Al-Makura committee. The police have established a case of premeditated murder against the 47-year-old lawyer, Udeme Odibi, who allegedly stabbed her husband to death in Sangotedo area of Lagos. The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Edgal Imohimi, told journalists in Lagos that the police was awaiting autopsy report on Otike Odibi who was allegedly stabbed to death by his wife. Mrs Udeme was accused of ripping out her husbands intestine and genitals with a knife at Diamond Estate, Sango-Tedo, Lagos. According to the CP, police investigation revealed that the couple had been having issues bordering on accusations of extramarital marital affairs. Investigation also revealed that the suspect had sent a WhatsApp message to her sister-in-law, complaining about her husband and asked her to pray for them and equally ask God to forgive her. The suspect, in her statement, confessed to the commission of the crime and also called her mother that she has killed her husband. The suspect had hit her husband with a frying pan before stabbing him severally with a knife. The victim also called to inform his sister that the suspect had been threatening to kill him. The police found out that the suspect didnt call for help. It was a premeditated murder as the suspect had just bought the set of knives used in committing act which had been recovered. It was revealed that the suspect had packed her certificates and made arrangements to travel to the United Kingdom on Thursday, May 3 by 5am through Virgin Atlantic Airline, he said. Mr Imohimi added that autopsy is underway at LASUTH by a team of pathologists while forensic analysis is being compiled and would be made public later. (NAN) A career diplomat who was U.S. ambassador to Guinea and Ethiopia under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush has been chosen for the top Africa policy post in the State Department, it is understood. Although no White House announcement has been made, the selection of Tibor Nagy to be Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs has been approved by the President and the new U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, according to several sources who have direct knowledge of the Trump administrations somewhat murky vetting process. His nomination has been anticipated for a number of weeks but after Rex Tillerson was dismissed on March 13 was apparently delayed until after Mr Pompeo took office. Mr Nagy spent two decades in the foreign service, mostly serving in Africa. His two ambassadorial postings followed diplomatic assignments in Zambia, Seychelles, Togo, Cameroon and Nigeria, and in Washington, DC. According to his university biography, he was born in Hungary and came to the United States at age eight as a political refugee. Nagy has spent most of the past 15 years in Lubbock, Texas where he was vice provost for international affairs at Texas Tech University. Im pleased they picked someone with experience in diplomacy, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said in a telephone interview. Tibor knows how the Department functions. Editors Note: This story was first published by our partners, AllAfrica.com. We have their permission to republish. The federal government will in the next two weeks open a website that will convey detailed and updated information and data about its achievements and progress in different sectors of the economy. Also, the government is considering a mechanism that would help measure the countrys corruption index to avoid relying on indices from foreign organizations. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustafa, announced these on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the 2018 Open Government Partnership week. Mr Mustafa said the new website would be linked to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in an effort to make government activities more open and transparent to Nigerians. Our story is best told by us. We should never expect third parties to see our corruption problems better than us, he said. More than at any time in history, this government is waging an unprecedented war against corruption through: Asset recovery, prosecution of acts of corruption, instituting new culture and rebuilding anti-corruption institutions. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will be will be delivering a keynote address at the event where civil society groups and citizens would interact with campaigners on the impact of open governance, transparency and accountability. Those in attendance at the event include the Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, as well as the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Zanaib Ahmed. The week-long event will end on. Friday with a rally in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). More to follow. Film marketers and distributors at the Alaba International Market have called for a stronger collaboration between their anti-piracy taskforce and relevant government agencies in the fight against piracy in the market. Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES over the weekend, the marketers said business had been discouraging as they had been unable to get returns on their investments due to the activities of pirates. Its not like it is difficult combating this issue of piracy, its just that for a very long while now, nobody has done anything concerning combating piracy, said Emeka Aduah, Executive Chairman, Film and Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria, Lagos branch. They had been left alone, just like they are doing freelance business, a legitimate business and the rest of it and nobody had come against them until we got to this place where the industry has crumbled. Mr Aduah said combating piracy at the market is capital intensive and, most times, members of his association had had to tax one another to raise the needed funds. On our own, weve been trying our best as an association. Even as individuals, weve been sticking our heads, no matter what it takes in fighting them, he said. Between mid-2017 till date, I think theyve not found it funny in any way. Weve been battling with them from all angles. Anything that is within our capacity, weve done to make sure we discourage them. As Im talking to you now in this market there are more than five shops under lock and key that were found wanting in the issue of piracy. As a matter of fact, we introduced a kind of whistle-blowing, that when you give us a very tangible information that we will storm the place and get something tangible, we reward you handsomely. The quality of the information determines the reward. In addition to being the largest electronics markets in West Africa, the Alaba International Market is also renowned for being home of pirates in the movie and music industries. Last August, a raid carried out by the task force on uncensored and unclassified movies by the National Film and Video Censors Board led to the arrest of three suspected pirates in the market. Films and replicating machines worth over N50 million were seized during the raid. Five traders at the market are currently undergoing prosecution on charges of piracy at the federal high court in Lagos. Mr Aduah said following the raid last year by the NFVCB, those who collaborated with the alleged pirates in the market had taken to their heels. Why they are at large now is that they are going to gather themselves because they have a kind of clique, when something like this happens they will begin to come from behind to beg, trying to mellow us down that they will not do it again, that we should pardon, he said. The only problem we have in this kind of thing is that when you take them to the police, you give police small mobilisation to come and get them arrested. The next day they will tell you its a civil matter, its a bailable offence, they will collect from the pirates more than triple of what you gave them to mobilise them for the arrest. I will want to commend the new DG of the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board, Alhaji Adedayo Thomas. Since last year he came into office, he gave us his promise and he has been meeting up with his promise. As a matter of fact, the case we have in the federal high court now against five of the syndicates, pirates kingpins, hes the one behind it. Henry Ikechukwu, a movie marketer and a member of the Films and Video Marketers and Producers Association of Nigeria, said the large size of the market makes combating piracy challenging. Over the years we have been working on our own effortlessly to curb the activities of pirates, said Mr Ikechukwu, who has been in the business since 2006. But you know, this is a big market and piracy is not what an individual can fight conclusively. But on our part we have been working to see that their activities are stopped, even if not stopped, minimised so that our business can pick up again. In the market here, some of them the way they operate it becomes very difficult for them to stop because they dont display it openly in the market like we display our own. Sometimes they have people they send it to outside Lagos, outside the market so it becomes difficult for us to get them with the products. We are trying as much as we can because we also have a strategy we use in fighting them, we dont fight them physically, we have people who get us information and when we get information like that we go to the particular place we get information that they are pirating our jobs. Sometimes, fortunately for us, we meet them with the products, and when we meet them with the products we seize those products. Thats what weve doing over them. But because there are a lot of them who are into the business of pirating the jobs, it becomes difficult to get all of them. Mr. Ikechukwu said the fact that no pirate arrested in the market had gone to prison had also encouraged their activities. When you get a pirate and you take him to court, at the end of the day you discover that the charges are not that discouraging on their part, he said. Youll see a pirate theyll give him a fine, hell pay the fine and get out of the hook. Which ought not to be because if the piracy law is very strong, it will discourage the pirates. Lets say a pirate is taken to court and prosecuted, if hes found guilty and sentenced to three years in prison, it will discourage them. There is no provision for that. If they can make the piracy law to be more strong. At least, five years in jail without an option of fine will discourage them. Because when they get there and are let off the hook, they come back and continue. President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday departed Daura in Katsina State for Abuja after participating in Saturdays APC ward congress. The president voted at his Sarkin Yara A ward, Daura. The presidents helicopter, NAF-540, took off from the Daura helipad at 9:25 am for Abuja. The president was seen off at the departure point by the Emir of Daura, Umar Farouk, top party officials and several well wishers. Unconfirmed sources however, told NAN that President Buhari was expected to make a stopover in Katsina to commiserate with the family of the late Chief Imam of Katsina, Muhammad Lawal, who died on Sunday at the age of 95. (NAN) Suspected billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike (a.k.a Evans), on Monday broke down in tears at an Igbosere High Court in Lagos, claiming maltreatment at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison, Apapa, Lagos. Evans told the judge, Adedayo Akintoye, that he was not well fed by the prison officials who, he claimed were taking his case personal. According to him, he was kept in solitary confinement and was denied access to his visitors. His complaints followed the continuation of proceedings in a series of kidnap, murder and attempted murder charges brought against him by the Lagos State Government since his arrest on June 10, 2017, in his Lagos property. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Lagos State Government had brought a fresh charge bordering on conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping and attempted murder against Evans and three others. Evans was charged alongside Joseph Emeka, Ugochukwu Nwachukwu and Victor Aduba. In the second charge, he is being tried alongside Joseph Emeka, Linus Okpara and Victor Aduba. When the case was mentioned, the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Titilayo Shitta-Bey, told the court that Evans refused to disembark from black Maria. The judge, consequently, ordered prison warders to bring him into the court. He was then brought into the court barefooted with his back filled with sand and his green Tee-shirt torn on the right shoulder. When docked, he raised his hands to be given audience. I have an explanation to make; since I have been in the maximum prison, they have been maltreating me: no visit, they dont feed me well, I have eye problem and I cannot see far. What have I done to you people? They have been beating me, there is no good food, I have been locked up in one place since August 30, last year. Why are they taking my case personal? Let me face my trial alive; why do you people want to kill me? Mr Evans cried. However, a prison warder from Kirikiri Maximum Prison, told the court that Evans was well cared for. The warder also said a doctor had been seeing Evans after he complained about his health. The warder said: We have been treating him very well; he is well fed, and people have been visiting him; a doctor has been checking him; the doctor checked him yesterday and even this morning before he was brought to court. The doctor says he is healthy and can be brought to court. Mr Okparas counsel, Ogedi Ogu, also told the court that his client complained of maltreatment. In her response, the DPP said that Evans made it up. This was exactly what Evans said before an Ikeja High Court. We, therefore, wrote to the prison and it replied, assuring us that Evans was being taken care of like every other inmate, the DPP said. Mr Akintoye, however, asked the authorities of the prison to ensure that the accused were well taken care of, noting that they were still presumed innocent until proven guilty. After all the drama, Mr Evans was arraigned alongside Joseph Emeka, Linus Okpara and Victor Aduba on a two-count charge of conspiracy and unlawful capture. The charge was preferred against them by Lagos State. According to the charge, the accused and others still at large conspired and unlawfully captured one Uche Okorafor on November 21, 2014 at Festac Town, Lagos, demanding a ransom of two million dollars. The offences contravened Sections 269 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011, according to the prosecution. The case has been adjourned until May 25 for trial. No fewer than 2,132 delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will participate in Tuesdays governorship primary election for the July 14 election in Ekiti State. The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, made this known when he briefed newsmen on preparations for the primary in Abuja on Monday. Mr Ologbondiyan said the number of delegates was made up of 1,585 statutory and 547 elected and national. He explained that the statutory delegates comprised party officials, current and past elected councillors, council chairman, former State Working Committee members, and members of National Assembly. The others, according to him, are former federal lawmakers, speakers, serving and former members of National Executive Committee, who are still members of the party and former governors. Mr Ologbondiyan also disclosed that all the 51 appointees of the state governor who did not resign their appointments but contested delegate election and won at the Ward level had been dropped. He said that the delegates were dropped because they did not resign their appointments in line with the Constitution of the party, adding that PDP, as father of democracy was committed to always doing what was right. The spokesman disclosed that the Primary Election Committee for the state had Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State as chairman, while the partys National Chairman, Uche Secondus, would chair the Appeal Committee. All other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) are also members of the Appeal Committee which will be sitting in Abuja on Thursday. He added that all three aspirants in the party had been cleared for the primary election by the partys Screening Committee. The aspirants are incumbent Deputy Governor of the state, Olusola Eleka; a senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, Abiodun Olujimi and the immediate past National Publicity Secretary of the party, Dayo Adeyeye. Mr Ologbondiyan expressed optimism that that the primary would be transparent and successful, saying, So far, the three aspirants are happy with all arrangements. The processes leading to the primary are very transparent and that is why there have not been any complaints from them. The party is desirous of sticking to the rules and making sure that a popular candidate emerged, he said. Mr Ologbondiyan urged delegates to the primary and party members to continue in their resolve to work together to ensure a smooth and hitch-free exercise. The party commends all stakeholders, particularly the aspirants, for the spirit of sportsmanship being displayed in their commitment toward a peaceful, free and credible process. The party further lauds the stakeholders in the state for keeping to their resolve to work together to ensure the victory of the party at the main election, irrespective of the outcome of the primary election. The leadership of the party restates its stand to continue in the highest level of transparency and to ensure an all-inclusive playing ground for all aspirants in all the processes leading to the governorship primary. He advised PDP members in Ekiti to remain vigilant and give no chance to external forces, who might be used to attempt to disrupt the peace of the state. (NAN) Accusations and counter-accusations about alleged grand corruption in the Goodluck Jonathan administration continued on Sunday with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo reeling out details of the allegations he called a tip of the iceberg. The details were published Sunday night by the vice presidents office in a reaction to the accusations by supporters of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who reportedly claimed Mr Osinbajo made unsubstantiated allegations about grand corruption during the Jonathan era. The statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES by the vice presidents spokesperson, Laolu Akande, said the vice president did not at anytime accuse former President Jonathan in person. Mr Akande said the vice president has always said the blatant corruption cases were committed during Mr Jonathans presidency. The statement reads: We have read reports attributed to a media office of former President Goodluck Jonathan. It is clear from the foul language of the authors that the statement could not have come from the former President, but from the motley group of loud and rude characters whose brief seems to be to deny all and anything said against the former PDP government and to do so in the crassest possible language. The alleged spokespersons of the former President say that facts long in the public domain, some even being used to prosecute several corruption cases, are lies and that those of us in government restating these well known facts are liars. They accuse Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, of lying against the former president or his government, citing their involvement in the stealing of three billion dollars, while speaking recently at The Platform event on the 1st of May. Just for clarity, I quote the Vice President Grand corruption remains the most enduring threat to our economy. Three Billion US dollars was stolen in what was called the strategic alliance contacts in 2013, three Nigerians were responsible, today three billion dollars is one trillion Naira and our budget is 7trillion! . While Mr Akande said no mention was made by his boss of the former president in his statement, he said the story by Mr Jonathans media office was false as the allegation about the loss of over $3 billion through the strategic alliance contacts has been subject of criminal investigation and trials in Nigeria and the UK since 2013. In clarifying that allegations of corruption against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government, Mr Akande said the $3 billion was stolen under the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Strategic Alliance Contracts. He named three persons reportedly involved in the controversial contract to include Jide Omokore, Kola Aluko and the former Petroleum Resources Minister, Diezani Alison- Maduekwe. The statement said companies belonging to both Messrs Omokore and Aluko lifted Nigerian crude oil, but failed to remit the proceeds into the coffers of the government. The total sums converted is in excess of three billion dollars, including royalties, taxes and fees unpaid for the asset from which the crude was taken. The case is the subject of a trial in Nigeria, and criminal investigation in the US and UK, and the assets of all three individuals have been forfeited in Nigeria, the US and the UK, the statement said. Former President, Goodluck Jonathan The criminal diversion and theft of sums in excess of $2.5 billion meant for purchase of arms to prosecute the war against Boko Haram: The first phase of the investigations revealed several sordid details, many of the assets of culprits have been seized from them and they are facing trial. The release of the sum of $289m in cash on February 25, 2015: Documents including cash vouchers indicate that the sum of $289,202,382 was taken from the Joint Venture (JV) Cash Call Account No. 000-0000-11658-366 of the NNPC/NAPIMS with JP Morgan Chase Bank, New York, USA. N70 billion was released in parts from the national treasury between January 8 and February 25, 2015. In another illegal disbursement, 25th August 2014, N60B in cash in tranches of N40billion and N20billion: The sum was not tied to any project or procurement and was then shared between two security agencies under the supervision of the then NSA. Most of these sums ended up in the hands of senior PDP members some of whom have returned parts of the loot. Some are standing trial for these offenses. These facts are in the public domain. There was yet another set of illegal fund withdrawals under one week between January 8and 16, 2015, where the sum of N1.5 billion was released in three tranches of N300m, N400m and N800m respectively. This money was released from the MEA Research Library Account Another document showed that N10 billion was released to the Office of the National Security Adviser by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on September 15, 2014. The money was released in tranches of foreign exchange of $47 million, $5 million, 4 million Euros and 1.6 million Euros. A letter from the Office of the NSA in November 2014 further showed that the monies were released as funds for special services. This particular release of N10B was sourced in November 2014 from a N40 Billion CBN released funds meant for Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR. Investigators showed that this money was released for the PDP Presidential Primaries. The statement recalled that Lamido Sanusi, then CBN Governor was sacked by then President Jonathan for speaking up about the over $20billion oil money that missing. These cases of grand corruption and open looting of public resources pauperized Nigeria and left us with little or no savings in the years when oil was selling at 100 to 114 dollars a barrel and we were producing 2.1 million barrels a day. When in 2015 oil prices went even as low as between 28 and 35 dollars a barrel and oil production fell to less than one million barrels a day, we had no buffer, no savings, to tide us through, the statement continued. The statement said $289 million (about N88.1 billion) released from CBN in cash on a single day by the former administration was enough to fund some of the projects being handled by the present administration, including 244,000 N-Power graduates for a year, or pay for 1.2 billion school meals or complete half of Lagos -Ibadan or half of Abuja -Kaduna-Kano roads. The vice president also made the point that in 2014 with oil prices as high as $120 per barrel, the total capital released for Power, Works, Housing, Defence, Transport, Agriculture and Defence were just N152Billion for the whole year. By contrast, the statement said with oil prices as low as $28 per barrel the Buhari administration committed N578billion to the same Ministries in 2016 as part of the strategy to end the recession. Regardless, legal counsel to Mr Omokore and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Limited, Rafiu Lawal-Rabana denied any involvement of his clients in the contract scam. Mr Lawal-Rabana said Mr Omokore was not in concert with anybody to steal $3 billion as contained in the statement. The relationship between Jide Omokores company Atlantic Energy with NNPC/NPDC is well documented as a commercial transaction of which there has been part performance. There is nothing illegal or fraudulent about the transaction, he said. He said the matter was already before the court in a criminal proceeding yet to be concluded for which no pronouncement of guilt or corruption has been made against his client. In his reaction, a former aide to Mr Jonathan, Reno Omokri, questioned why Mr Osinbajo did not leave the anti-graft agencies to do their work. Is Vice President Osinbajo so jobless that he has reduced himself and his office to being the spokesperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission? he said. Mr Omokri said he wondered how an administration with several illegalities can accuse another administration of graft. It is funny that an administration that illegally withdrew $496 million from the Excess Crude Account without due process, allegedly to pay for 12 Super Tocano jets is accusing the Jonathan administration of illegal withdrawals, he said. The Chairman All Progressives Congress (APC) Wards and Local Governments Congresses Committee for Kaduna State, Adamu Modibbo, said on Monday that the committee was satisfied with the conduct of the ward congresses in spite of protests against the exercise. Mr Modibbo told journalists in Kaduna that the exercise was conducted peacefully in well organised manner without any incident recorded throughout the state. According to him, there was large turnout of party members for the congress and he was impressed with the orderliness they displayed during the event. NAN however reports that two senators, Shehu Sani (APC Kaduna Central) and Suleiman Hunkuyi (APC Kaduna North) had separately told journalists that the congresses did not hold in any part of the state. Mr Modibbo insisted that the congresses held in accordance with the partys guidelines. We met with the APC stakeholders at the party secretariat after which we constituted three member congress committees for all the wards and gave them all the needed materials for the exercise, promptly. Some aspirants, including their leaders requested for forms from us and once they met the stipulated conditions, showing evidence of payment, we gave them the forms. Those were few of the measures we took and to the glory of Allah; the preparedness of the party leaderships at all levels in the state, the exercise is a huge success. We are highly satisfied, Mr Modibbo said. Meanwhile, Mr Hunkuyi said at a news briefing that the elective congress did not hold in any of the 255 wards in the state as stipulated by the APC constitution. Our members had by the provision of the guidelines and the APC Constitution paid the required fees for the nomination forms into the APC accounts and collected tellers for the 9,453 positions to be contested in 255 Wards across the 23 LGs involving 37 different positions in each of the Wards across the State. The APC State Congress Committee in a very frustrating outing gave our members the Nomination Forms for only Two Local Governments out of 23 LGs around 3:55 a.m. and that was at the wee hours of the Congress date of 5th May, 2018. It must be noted that even those who collected the forms were already programmed for disqualification as the guidelines for the conduct of the congresses, stipulates that all aspirants must return the forms 24 hours before the date of the congresses. Thus given the scenario above, our members were left with no other option than to troop to the venue of the Ward Congress by 8: 00 a.m. of the same morning carrying the bank tellers and APC membership Cards in order to participate at the Congress. However, to our utmost surprise, no official of the APC-Ward Congress Committee showed up in any of the 255 Wards Areas from 8:00 a.m., neither in the morning nor throughout the day. This is in contravention of the guidelines and directives of President Muhammadu Buhari that urges for conduct of elective Congresses in conformity with provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act and the APC Constitution. He, however, said that they would lodge a formal complaint to the APC Congress Committee, the partys National Working Committee and other relevant organs of the party. (NAN) The Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai on Monday visited communities in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area where armed hoodlums had killed several persons. The governor who arrived Birnin Gwari around noon proceeded to the palace of the emir, Jibril Zubair II, where he met with the emir and community leaders. From the palace, Mr. El-Rufai proceeded to Gwaska, the scene of the latest fatal attack. Governor El-Rufai expressed his sorrow and offered condolences to the people. I came here to share the pain and anguish of our people, the predicament of innocent citizens whose lives were cut short due to the terrorism of bandits and criminals who have been tormenting us, the governor said. I and my team will be proceeding to Gwaska and other communities to see for ourselves and talk directly to the people. But I want to say again, that we are not sleeping and by the grace of God we will overcome this evil act and the terrorism being unleashed on our people. In his response, Emir Zubair praised the Federal and state governments for demonstrating commitment to the plight of his people. We are grateful for your deep condolences and empathy. We are grateful for all your commitment to resolving the plight of Birnin Gwari people. As a member of the State Security Council, I am in the know of Federal and State Government commitment. The IGP and the GOC were here and have confirmed the establishment of a battalion of the army and Police Area Command. I am happy that you are going to Gwaska and other communities to see for yourself. After prayers for the souls of those killed in the attacks, the governor and his entourage departed the palace at 1:14 pm for Gwaska. Governor El-Rufai, who arrived Gwaska at exactly 2:10 pm, was taken round and briefed by Isa Musa, the leader of the community, who narrated how the bandits carried out the heinous attack. Mr. Musa said the attackers were heavily armed with sophisticated weapons and are not ordinary gunmen. They came from different directions and circled us shooting and burning our houses with impunity. We appreciate all your commitment but we wish to let you know that only full military action on both land and air can match these terrorists. They are mercenaries and marksmen. As you can see its about seven kilometers to Dansadau in Zamfara State and other boundaries with Katsina and Niger with us here in Birnin Gwari Local Government. Governor El-Rufai assured the community that both the state and federal governments would intensify action to address the lingering problem of rural banditry. He told the people that government would assist in rebuilding the affected communities and he urged them to continue to be law-abiding. Burnt houses in Birnin Gwari Before departing Birnin Gwari for Kaduna, the governor, in the company of the member representing Birnin Gwari/Giwa Federal Constituency, Hassan Shekarau, addressed the people of the area who fled the communities devastated by the attacks. The governor briefed them on the measures being taken by the state and federal governments to improve the security situation in their communities. The governor was accompanied by officials, including the Secretary to the Kaduna State Government, Balarabe Lawal; the Garrison Commander, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State on Monday received no fewer than 5,558 All Progressives Congress members who defected to the party from across the 23 local government areas of the state. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the reception which took place at Zonkwa, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, was attended by prominent PDP officials both at the national and state levels. Ahmed Makarfi, former PDP National Caretaker Committee Chairman, described the event as significant, and advised the returnees to join hands to realise the partys objectives. Mr Makarfi, a former governor of Kaduna State, expressed optimism that the party would in no distant time regain its lost glory. God-willing, the prayers of the masses is heard and will be answered, he said. He urged the people to turnout enmass come May 12 and vote PDP candidates in the state local council polls, adding, We must ensure that we protect our votes and guard against any form of rigging. Also, Hassan Hyat, the Chairman of the PDP in the state, decried the state of insecurity across the country, saying that the people must mobilise to turn around the ugly tide. Mr Hyat, who regretted the blame game of the ruling APC, stressed that the PDP in its 16 years in power had recorded strides in infrastructural development. He applauded the three serving senators in the state for not mortgaging the future of its citizens in rejecting foreign loan sought by the state government. Ibrahim Tsauri, PDP National Secretary, while welcoming the returnees expressed optimism that the party was on its way back to the reckoning. Mr Tsauri urged party faithful not to trade words with members of the opposition party before or during the elections. Responding on behalf of the returnees, Jagaba Adams Jagaba, (APC-Kachia/Kagarko) federal constituency, said the returnees and PDP as a whole had learnt from its past mistakes. He assured fellow returnees that PDP would safeguard their interests. Mr Jagaba expressed optimism that the forthcoming local government elections would be a foretaste of what would come in 2019. NAN further reports that the occasion also witnessed presentation of flags to the party candidates from the 23 local government areas of the state ahead of the local government elections on May 12. (NAN) The Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner, has pledged to collaborate with Governor Seriake Dickson on the industrialization of Bayelsa State in Nigeria. A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Francis Agbo, noted that Mr Turner dropped the hint when the Bayelsa State Governor paid a courtesy visit on the Mayor in Houston, USA to solicit for investment collaboration and partnership. The governor applauded the leadership qualities of the mayor stressing that his people-oriented leadership has further consolidated the political economy of Houston. Mr Dickson specifically listed the Agge Deep Sea Port, economic diversification using agricultural investment opportunities in the state, oil and gas and the utilisation of the abundant gas reserve in the state to catalyse the industrialisation of Bayelsa, as areas where Bayelsa State Government seeks partnership and collaboration with the mayor. Mr Dickson said he led a strong Bayelsa delegation to attend the 2018 edition of the OTC, and expressed satisfaction with the event which he noted, gave his government further opportunity to take Bayelsa to the world and bring the world to Bayelsa. The governor expressed delight at the success of his visit to Houston. He expressed his willingness to visit Houston again, so as to have a closer interactions with the business community. He also solicited the support of the mayor in enlisting Bayelsa into the World Energy City Partnership. The governor also took advantage of his visit to offer condolence to the Mayor and the people of Houston on account of the January 1, 2017 Hurricane Harvey. Mr Turner appreciated Mr Dickson and his team for the gesture stating that the city of Houston is the most diverse city in the country and there are over 150,000 Nigerians resident in the city. He promised to provide support for Bayelsa state especially in line with the specific requests made by the governor. The mayor solicited Mr Dicksons support in getting a Nigerian consul office situated in Houston. An Anambra State politician, Obiora Okonkwo, has again failed in his judicial battle for the states senatorial seat, as the Court of Appeal Monday turned down his request. Mr Okonkwo, who belongs to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had approached the appellate court, after the Federal High Court in Abuja set aside a previous judgement which declared him winner of the seat, in January. The court presided over by John Tsoho had delivered a consent judgement, on December 12, 2017, affirming Mr Okonkwo as the occupant of the states central senatorial seat. Exactly one month after the judgement was delivered on January 12, Mr Tsoho nullified his previous decision and ordered the conduct of elections into the senatorial seat, as planned by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC). Mr Tsoho said his reason for nullifying the previous decision was because he was misled into taking the said decision, in the first instance. Mr Okonkwos lawyers had threatened to appeal the judgement, describing it as an abuse of judicial process. In the appeal, Mr Okonkwo contended that the trial court was wrong in setting aside the earlier judgement delivered December 12. He urged the appellate court to issue an order nullifying the January 12 judgement and direct INEC to hand him a certificate of return, in compliance with the December 12 judgement. The five-member panel of the appellate court, however refused his application, stating that the trial court was right in setting aside the said judgement. According to the judgement, which was read by judge, Fredrick Oho, the appellate court ruled that it was the responsibility of the lower court to set the records straight, in a case where any infractions were noticed. Following the conduct of elections into the senatorial seat, in January, the candidate for the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Victor Umeh, emerged winner. How Okonkwo, party fought and lost the battle Mr Okonkwos judicial battle for the seat began in 2014, when represented by his lawyers, the PDP candidate approached the Federal High Court in December that year, to contest the nomination of a fellow PDP member from the state, Unche Ekwunife, who was controversially picked as the partys flag bearer in the 2015 senatorial elections. Mr Okonkwos argument had been that he won the primaries conducted within the party and should have been presented as the authentic flag-bearer. Ms Ekwunife was eventually declared winner of the election by INEC, but Mr. Okonkwo continued with his suit. While Mr Okonkwos matter was ongoing before judge, Okon Abang, the candidate representing the All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA), Victor Umeh, approached the Anambra State National Assembly election tribunal to contest the emergence of Ms Ekwunife as winner of the said election. A three-member panel of judges in that tribunal, led by Nayai Alabama, upheld the election of Ms Ekwunife in October 2015. Following the ruling of the tribunal, Mr Umeh appealed the tribunals decision at the Appeal Court in Enugu State. In its ruling, however, the Appeal Court nullified the nomination of Ms Ekwunife and ordered a re-run election to be conducted within 90 days from the date the judgement was delivered on December 6, 2015. The appellate court also ruled that Ms Ekwunife and her party, PDP, should not partake in the re-run election ordered to be conducted for the vacant position. Shortly after that ruling, on January 8, 2016, Ms Ekwunife decamped to the All Progressives Congress, (APC). Ms Ekwunife however contested the December 2015 Appeal Court judgement at the Supreme Court, resulting in the suspension of the election. While her appeal was being handled at the Supreme Court, the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court again delivered another ruling still on the same election matter. The trial court, in an application filed by the PDP on the December 6 post-election judgement, allowed the inclusion of the party in the scheduled re-run election. Dissatisfied with that judgement Mr Umeh again approached the Abuja Division of the Appeal Court which ordered a re-run election in its ruling on November 20. A three-member panel of judges, headed byTinuade Akomolafe-Wilson, ordered the re-run election in the district within 90 days, and that the PDP be exempted. It was based on that ruling that the January 13, 2018 re-run election brought Mr Umeh in, as the authentic occupant of the seat. The protests that greeted Saturdays inconclusive governorship primary of the All Progressives (APC) in Ekiti took a new turn on Monday as the police moved in to seal off the partys secretariat. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that protesters, who claimed to be sympathetic to the aspiration of the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Kayode Fayemi, had besieged the secretariat on the Ajilosun- Ikere road where they announced the removal of the state executives led by Jide Awe. The protesters also announced the immediate formation of a pro-Fayemi caretaker committee. Armed policemen, however, arrived the secretariat shortly and drove everyone out, after which the secretariat was sealed off. The protesters said they were at the secretariat to register their disapproval over the conduct of the members of the State Working Committee. The protesters, who brandished placards with various inscriptions, also passed vote of no confidence on Mr Awe and the partys spokesman, Taiwo Olatunbosun, alleging they were supporting a particular aspirant. Relying on Article 21 (7) of the partys constitution, the protesters disbanded the SWC and set up a Caretaker Committee headed by the APC Chairman in Ise/Orun Local Government Area, Michael Egunjobi. The protesters also laced the gate of the party with fetish materials made from palm oil and egg. Mr Awe, who was said to have narrowly escaped assault by the irate party members, was ferried to safety from the secretariat by mobile policemen. As at the time of filing this report, police vans were sighted still stationed at the secretariat which was under lock and key. Meanwhile, no fewer than 27 aspirants have rejected the position canvassed by the National Working Committee of the party that the botched primary would continue from where it ended on Saturday. Some of the aspirants led by former Governor Segun Oni on Monday met at a location in Ado Ekiti, the state capital and rejected the position of the NWC that the committee which conducted the primary should return and complete the exercise. The aspirants, who were reacting to a statement credited to the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi, said that the ballot cast on Saturday in five local governments before the violence erupted had been rendered invalid. Among those present at the forum, apart from Mr Oni, were Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Opeyemi Bamidele, Bimbo Daramola, Senator Ayo Arise, Senator Gbenga Aluko, Kola Alabi, Muyiwa Olumilua, Mojisola Yaya-Kolade, Debo Ranti Ajayi and Bayo Orire. The spokesperson for the group, Mrs Yaya-Kolade, said the fact that the votes were not counted, collated and announced at the venue, had rendered the process invalid. She declared that the 27 aspirants would not accept attempts to validate unverified results of the few delegates that had cast their votes on Saturday neither would they accept the Governor Tanko Al-Makura-led committee again as umpire. (NAN) The traditional ruler in Ikorodu, Lagos, has said women are free to move around during Tuesdays Oro Day Festival in the area. Kabiru Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, in a joint statement with Edgal Imohimi, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, said reports that women are forbidden from moving around during the festival are the handwork of mischief makers. The attention of the Lagos State Police Command has been drawn to the news making the rounds on the social media that the female gender is forbidden to be seen outside their homes or move around the town with effect from tomorrow 8/05/2018 being the day set aside as ORO DAY, the statement read. In view of the above, the CP Lagos called for a meeting attended by the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, Palace Chiefs and the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Alhaji Muslim Folami. The Oba stated during the meeting that it is unthinkable for a man with his level of exposure to do or say anything that would be seen as discriminatory against the female gender. He however, acknowledged that the festival is an age long tradition of Ikorodu people which had been even before he was born. He added that the festival would hold without denying the female folks their right of freedom of movement. The joint statement came following the circulation on social media of a letter purportedly written by Mr Shotobi to the organisers of the Oro festival stating that women are forbidden from moving around the town during the festival. This is to notify you of the above mentioned festival which is slated for Tuesday 8th May 2018, according to tradition all female are forbidden to be seen outside their homes or move around the town on this date which is Oro Day, the letter stated. But Mr Imohimi said the police would not tolerate any discriminatory tradition against the female gender, warning that the command would deal ruthlessly with anybody who hides under the guise of custom or tradition to forment trouble in the state. The police boss enjoined women to go about their lawful business without let or hindrance. 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. CHICAGO, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The near-term cost to retailers of exiting NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) is estimated at $15.8 billion, according to a study released today by global strategy and management consulting firm, A.T. Kearney. How NAFTA Affects US Retail quantifies the impact of a potential withdrawal from the treaty and outlines what changes retailers should expect in the event that the US exits from the pact. "The three macro areas we researched were tariff increases, reduced consumer spending, and lost jobs, each and collectively amounting to losses of billions of dollars and displaced lives," notes Johan Gott, A.T. Kearney Principal and co-author of the study. "Retailers in different sectors would be affected in different wayseven from product to product. But bottom line, the impact will extend to millions of products imported into the U.S." How NAFTA Affects US Retail points to how the American retail landscape is in danger of being undercut. It quantifies direct and indirect margin impact across all sectors of retail, including food and beverage, electrical and appliances, pharma, auto parts, household goods, and apparel and footwear. With the retail industry importing $182 billion of goods from NAFTA partners, the cost to retailers could amount to as much as $15.8 billion in added tariffs and reduced margins. Additionally, the study quantifies the impact on retail employment, projecting losses of over one hundred thousand jobs within the next three years. "NAFTA has dramatically influenced the US economy, the retail sector, and Americans' standard of living. From the time it came into force, retailers have gradually become de facto importers, because their customers demand the products that NAFTA allows them to purchase easily, affordably, and with great variety. Retailers, then, are agents without the protections that other importers enjoy," observes Johan Gott. Should NAFTA be terminated, the report suggests that retailers: Take steps to quantify the impact on their cost of goods sold Outline a response in terms of several different scenarios that factor in potential impact Become an active voice with policymakers, industry groups and peers to share the real, direct impact that the end of NAFTA would have Be prepared to share confidential data with government officials to demonstrate this impact "If the United States terminates NAFTA, many importers would likely be covered by other protective sanctions against foreign competition," adds Gott. "US retailers do not face the same kind of foreign competition, but they would be left to face higher costs for the goods they sella prospect whose ramifications would reverberate throughout the US economy." To view the full How NAFTA Affects US Retail study, go to: https://www.atkearney.com/retail/how-nafta-affects-us-retail About How NAFTA Affects US Retail This study, undertaken by A.T. Kearney for the purpose of calculating the impacts of a US withdrawal from NAFTA, was done in partnership with the National Retail Federation (NRF), Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), and Food Marketing Institute (FMI). The methodology used aimed at quantifying direct cost increases, indirect revenue loss, and jobs impact. For the first, US Census data was used to identify imports coming into the US from Mexico and Canada, and a filtering process to categorize which of these, directly or indirectly, winds up on the shelves; from there they were extrapolated out, adding in US Most Favored Nation tariffs and percentages of retail-relevant and flow-through costs, to determine their end cost. Indirect revenue losses were assessed based on an average of expert estimates of the GDP impact on the US economy of withdrawal from NAFTA, and correlated to consumer spending to estimate a total retail revenue loss. For jobs impact, government statistics on retail employment were used to calculate the total number of employees either directly employed or supported by the operations of retail companies; these were then correlated to consumer spending reductions to arrive at a figure for retail employment reduction. About A.T. Kearney A.T. Kearney is a leading global management consulting firm with offices in more than 40 countries. Since 1926, we have been trusted advisors to the world's foremost organizations. A.T. Kearney is a partner-owned firm, committed to helping clients achieve immediate impact and growing advantage on their most mission-critical issues. For more information, visit www.atkearney.com. Contact: Meir Kahtan Meir Kahtan Public Relations, LLC Phone:+1 212.575.8188 Email: [email protected] SOURCE A.T. Kearney Related Links http://www.atkearney.com VENTURA, Calif., May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading online cannabis education platform, Green Flower, known for providing up-to-date, authentic cannabis information and training, has set May 22, 2018, for the launch of its newly updated "Green Flower 2.0" platform. The modernized, upgraded website and content portal will now offer users hundreds of hours of sharable video programming for FREE and, if preferred, they can choose to subscribe to a paid "premium" content option, which will provide exclusive access to a selection of Green Flower's top curated and specialized cannabis content. The company is the go-to destination for access to an expanding library of credible cannabis presentations, how-to demonstrations and classes from the world's top experts, as well as a one-of-a- kind online community where people can engage with thought leaders, patients, entrepreneurs and enthusiasts. "Four-years ago, we established Green Flower to create a dedicated and safe platform to educate consumers and professionals about the value and benefits of cannabis today," noted Green Flower CEO, Max Simon. "The response has been overwhelming, and our recent research revealed that consumers anxiously seek more access to our prominent cannabis experts, along with a desire to easily share our information with friends and family who seek to learn more about how to create a healthy cannabis lifestyle. With this update, we are offering everyone quick and easy access to a wide variety of topical cannabis-related content. This update reflects our commitment to being the #1 space for honest and reliable cannabis information. Stay tuned for additional announcements about added programs in the forthcoming weeks." Green Flower makes cannabis education accessible and attainable for all individuals, featuring online video courses encompassing topics like growing cannabis, cooking with cannabis, working in the cannabis industry, cannabis science, and using cannabis to treat today's most pervasive health conditions including anxiety, opiate addiction, cancer, feminine issues, PTSD and more. Courses are presented by the industry's most well-respected experts. Established in 2014, Ventura-based Green Flower Media (https://www.learngreenflower.com) is the world's largest video platform for trusted cannabis knowledge with 1,000+ hours of high-quality video content featuring 600+ top cannabis industry experts, doctors, scientists, entrepreneurs, and thought-leaders. Serving both consumers and professionals, Green Flower has become the go-to platform for understanding every aspect of cannabis today including using cannabis to treat specific ailments and conditions, how to grow your own cannabis, the science and research around cannabis, how to cook with cannabis, how to understand all the new cannabis products, and the blossoming cannabis industry (licensing, investment, marketing, and more). Green Flower's mission is to improve the quality of millions of people's lives by delivering trusted cannabis knowledge through high-quality video. Media Contact: Sabrina Propper Publicity Director, Green Flower [email protected] Cell: 818.515.5798 SOURCE Green Flower Related Links https://www.learngreenflower.com SEATTLE, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Accolade, a personalized advocacy solution for employers, health systems and their members, announced today enhancements to its cloud-based health and benefits platform. The company's new release powers the suite of connected Accolade products, including its new online member portal and benefits hub, mobile application, member engagement software, customer analytics dashboard, partner platform, and member communications engine. Together, Accolade's technology and clinical services combine to create a more personalized, integrated and connected experience in healthcare with both human and artificial intelligence at the core. "This latest release is a result of two years of intense innovation across our solution from the value we glean from trusted member interactions, to the deep automated intelligence that enables precision support and clinical recommendations," said Mike Hilton, Chief Product Officer for Accolade. "Our enhanced solution further integrates the expertise of our Health Assistants and Clinicians to bring employers and members a single, trusted, personalized place to go for all things health and benefits." Personalized Portal with Integrated Programs and Intelligence Accolade's solution enhancements complement the company's acclaimed service and clinical offering and feature a new online member portal. This enhanced member experience is a single benefits hub for employers to present their full benefits and applications in one simple place, with personalized support from Accolade. Members can access all benefits information, claims and health history, live messaging with their Health Assistant and Nurse, which extends from online to mobile, benefits cards, and see health and benefits recommendations from a rules engine built from the ground up to enable precise and personalized support. Accolade's Maya Intelligence Engine is woven throughout the Accolade platform. Machine learning capabilities look for data patterns of importance, while the rules engine presents actionable recommendations for Health Assistant and Clinician consideration. Examples include triggers that recommend outbound clinical engagement for members with high-risk scores, telemedicine recommendations for members with challenges accessing care facilities, and alerts for Health Assistants to direct members to approved in-network providers, clinics and preferred programs. Tied to Accolade's clinical services, the solution provides the guidance and recommendations at the right time for each member, which increases care utilization and use of benefit programs such as telemedicine by 25- to 100-percent. "The power of our solution allows us to combine compassionate human interaction, clinical expertise, and intelligent technologies in a way that connects the best in healthcare and benefits," added Hilton. "Our high-touch, high-tech approach is flexible and scalable for employers, and simple and personalized for members built to support the growth and business goals of employers and partners for the long term, and improve the satisfaction, outcomes and cost spend for everyone." With its recent funding of $50 million, Accolade continues to invest in the future of the platform and health and benefits expertise, including enhanced member services, user experience, analytics, and software development. Accolade is growing its Health Assistant and Clinical teams in 2018 to support growth across its business. To learn more about Accolade, visit accolade.com, and booth #427 at the HLTH event in Las Vegas May 6-9, 2018. About Accolade Accolade is a personalized health and benefits solution that dramatically improves the experience, outcomes and cost of healthcare for employers, health plans and their members. With a unique blend of compassionate advisors, clinical experts and intelligent technologies, we engage individuals and families in their health, establish trust, and influence their decisions at every stage of care. Accolade connects the widest array of personal health data and programs to present a single point of entry to the most effective health and benefits resources, while coordinating with providers at every step. Accolade consistently achieves 70 and higher Net Promoter Scores, 98% consumer satisfaction ratings, and up to 15% employer cost savings. Accolade has been recognized as one of the nation's 25 most promising companies by Forbes, a fastest-growing private healthcare company by Inc. 5000, and is consistently rated a Top Workplace across the country. For more information, visit www.accolade.com. SOURCE Accolade Related Links http://www.accolade.com RESTON, Va., May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American College of Radiology Foundation (ACRF) is partnering with a team of Rotary Clubs chartered by Rotary International to support Imaging The World efforts to address excessive maternal and infant mortality in Uganda. A new joint pilot program will acquire and install ultrasound equipment in several facilities throughout Uganda and train personnel to safely and effectively operate this equipment. Rotary Clubs of Wilmette and Park Ridge, IL, the Rotary Club of Kiwatule, Uganda and the Rotary Diagnostic Imaging and Medical Informatics Support Team led by the Rotary Club of Denton, TX will recruit other Rotary Clubs and manage the effort. Sub-Saharan Africa, which accounts for approximately 38 percent of global neonatal deaths, has the highest newborn death rate. Although improving in recent years, the infant mortality rate in Uganda remains nearly seven times that of the United States. The need for modern equipment and qualified medical personnel is still great. "By working with the Rotary Club and Imaging the World to provide equipment, training and expertise to professionals in developing countries, we can save countless lives," said Howard B. Fleishon, MD, MMM, FACR, chair American College of Radiology Foundation Executive Committee. "Even the most basic radiology equipment and instruction can make a world of difference in the lives of millions of people in developing nations. The actions of Rotarians and Rotary affiliates are saving and improving lives every day," said Steve Jambor of Wilmette Rotary who leads the effort. "Our ongoing presence in Uganda is changing and saving lives. As we put more equipment in the hands of trained professionals, the maternal and infant mortality rate in Uganda is coming down. Mothers and children are absolutely living healthier lives due to these efforts. This collaborative effort prioritizes engagement with and work to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's)," said Kristen K. DeStigter, MD, FACR, president and co-founder of Imaging the World. To speak with an ACR Foundation representative, or those from the other organizations included in this release, please contact Shawn Farley at 703-648-8936 or [email protected]. About the ACR Foundation The mission of the ACR Foundation is to promote radiology by soliciting, accepting and managing resources to advance the strategic initiatives of the American College of Radiology. To make a gift or pledge to the ACR Foundation, visit acrfoundation.org About Rotary International Rotary has a worldwide membership of 1.3 million+ with 32,000+ clubs in over 200 countries. Rotary has contributed countless man-hours of work and over a Billion dollars in funding, plus matching funds from the Gates Foundation to virtually eliminate polio worldwide. SOURCE American College of Radiology Foundation SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Acronis, a global leader in hybrid cloud data protection and storage currently celebrating its 15-year anniversary, today announced the Acronis Foundation (foundation.acronis.com). Created in honor of Acronis' 15-year anniversary and the company's founding principle that all evils are caused by insufficient knowledge, the Foundation is supporting multiple initiatives designed to stimulate education to gain and protect knowledge. The first project is Acronis Schools Initiative, an international endowment that will fund the construction of 15 new schools in underserved communities around the globe during the next three years. Delivering on Acronis' core belief Constant learning, creating and protecting knowledge, and advancing technology are integral parts of Acronis' DNA. As a result, Acronis has been creating and sharing knowledge by funding research and technical training programs in communities where Acronis has research and development centers. For its 15th anniversary, it was natural for Acronis to expand on this effort. John Zanni, Acronis' President, explained, "Acronis believes that all evils are caused by insufficient knowledge. Knowledge is always good and has the power to bring real change in the world. That belief is a core component of what drives Acronis. The company was built to protect knowledge by protecting all data, applications and system in the modern digital world." With the Acronis Foundation (foundation.acronis.com), Acronis funds programs that will spread knowledge to new audiences around the world. Acronis Schools Initiative UNESCO estimates that more than 50 percent of the world's children (over 617 million) are unable to reach the minimum proficiency levels of reading and mathematics. Acronis believes that every child has the potential to learn, giving them the skills needed to gain knowledge and create opportunities for themselves and their community. As the first project, the Acronis Schools Initiative will celebrate the company's 15-year anniversary by funding the construction of 15 schools. "School is where the path to knowledge and opportunity begins," said Jochen Berger, Managing Director of the Acronis Foundation. "Technology is the modern language of opportunity, but without a basic education, no one can learn that language. Schools built by the Acronis Foundation will provide the infrastructure where students can acquire the educational skills to learn the language of technology needed to claim those opportunities, regardless of their social, economic or cultural background." The Acronis Schools Initiative works with local leaders and non-profit organizations to build schools that meet the community's unique needs. School projects are currently planned in Latin America, the Middle East, South East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Five guiding values As the Acronis Foundation spreads knowledge around the world, its work will be guided by five key values: COMMITMENT The success of each school will be tracked, and ongoing reports will be published of the schools' performance and community impact. FOCUS Every cent spent by The Acronis Schools Initiative goes toward school-building projects, while administrative costs are covered by Acronis. APPRECIATION Donors deserve recognition for their contribution, so each school will have a marker with their name and donors can attend the school's opening ceremony. ACCOUNTABILITY This is a charitable donation with a money-back guarantee. If a donor is not happy after the school opening, their investment will be returned. TRANSPARENCY Details about donations, expenditures, projects and payments will be fully visible to reassure partners and the public about our work. Anyone interested in partnering and contributing to these efforts can find additional information on the Foundation's website, foundation.acronis.com . They can also contact the Acronis Foundation directly at [email protected]. About Acronis Acronis sets the standard for hybrid cloud IT data protection through its backup, active protection against ransomware, disaster recovery, and secure file sync and share solutions. Powered by the Acronis AnyData Engine and set apart by its image technology, Acronis delivers easy, fast, complete and affordable data protection of all files, applications and operating systems across any environmentvirtual, physical, cloud, mobile and applications. Founded in Singapore in 2003 with corporate headquarters in Switzerland, it now operates from local offices in 18 different countries, protecting the data of over 5 million consumers and 500,000 businesses in 145 countries and 20 languages. With more than 100 patents, Acronis products are consistently named best product of the year and cover a range of features, including migration, cloning, and replication. Today, Acronis solutions are available worldwide through a global network of service providers, distributors, and cloud resellers. SOURCE Acronis, Inc. Related Links http://www.acronis.com WATERTOWN, Mass., May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Affera, Inc, a private medical device company focused on innovative cardiac arrhythmia treatment solutions, announced today its integrated platform will be highlighted in eight scientific sessions at the Heart Rhythm Society 2018 (HRS) meeting in Boston, Massachusetts. Affera's revolutionary lesion formation technology offers a solution designed to optimize procedural efficiency and efficacy across a broad range of arrhythmias. The expandable lattice tip of the company's Sphere 9 catheter enables the rapid creation of controlled, durable lesions in thin and thick substrates. "Over the past 30 years, I have been involved in the development of several foundational RF ablation technologies," stated Hiroshi Nakagawa, M.D., Director of the Clinical Catheter Ablation Program at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. "Results from a number of animal models we conducted with Affera's integrated platform demonstrate its ability to rapidly generate safe and effective lesions. I believe this technology has the potential to mark a new era in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia." Currently a $4B market, treatment for cardiac arrhythmias is rapidly growing. An estimated 850 million procedures are performed annually worldwide, with Atrial Fibrillation and Ventricular Tachycardia being the fastest growing segments. Despite its wide utilization, cardiac ablation procedures remain challenging and can result in extended procedural time and arrhythmia recurrence. "Affera is thrilled to be at HRS this year, introducing our platform to a broader audience and highlighting the work conducted in collaboration with a number of world leading centers," stated Doron Harlev, CEO and Founder of Affera Inc. "We look forward to seeing the significant clinical impact our new platform will have for both physicians and patients in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia." Oral Presentations: Monday, May 8th, 4:20 PM (Stanford Biodesign event) "A Novel Expandable Lattice Electrode Ablation Catheter Rapidly Produces Wide Radiofrequency Lesions with Low Risk of Thrombus and Steam Pop" by Hiroshi Nakagawa, MD Thursday May 10th, 8:45 AM "B-AB08-04: A Novel Irrigated Expandable Lattice Electrode Ablation Catheter Produces Deep Radiofrequency Lesions with Low Risk of Steam Pop or Thrombus " by Atsushi Ikeda, MD, University of Oklahoma Saturday, May 12th, 8:00 AM "B-121: Very High Power, Short Duration Lesions During Radiofrequency Left Atrial Ablation" by Elad Anter, MD, BIDMC, Harvard Medical School Poster Presentations: Thursday, May 10th, 9:30 AM "B-PO02-113: A Novel Expandable Lattice Electrode Ablation Catheter Rapidly Produces Wide and Shallow Radiofrequency Lesions with Low Risk of Thrombus and Steam Pop" Hiroshi Nakagawa, MD, Warren M. Jackman, MD. et. al., University of Oklahoma "B-PO02-165: Efficacy Of A Novel Expandable Spherical Monopolar Irrigated Radiofrequency Ablation Catheter For Ventricular Radiofrequency Lesions In Sheep" Pierre Jais, MD. et. al., Bordeaux University Hospital Friday, May 11th, 2:00 PM "B-PO05-089: Real-time Propagation Vector Mapping Using A Novel Close Unipolar Electrode Catheter And System" Hiroshi Nakagawa, MD, Warren M. Jackman, MD, et. al. "B-PO05-098: Atrial Ablation Line Durability And Contiguity: Evaluation Of A Novel Radiofrequency Ablation System In A Swine Atrial Linear Lesion Model" Elad Anter, MD, et. al. Saturday, May 12th, 9:30 AM "B-PO06-057: An Expandable Lattice Electrode Ablation Catheter Rapidly Produces Wide and Shallow Radiofrequency Lesions in Canine Beating Hearts" Hiroshi Nakagawa, MD, Warren M. Jackman, MD, et. al. About Affera Inc. Affera Inc. is a medical technology company dedicated to developing innovative solutions to address the rapidly growing cardiac arrhythmia market. Affera is developing an integrated solution to efficiently create durable lesions for the treatment of arrhythmias. For more information, please visit www.affera.com. MEDIA CONTACT: Carla Benigni SPRIG Consulting, LLC 847.951.7430 [email protected] SOURCE Affera Related Links https://www.affera.com FORT WORTH, Texas, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Alcon, the global leader in eye care and a division of Novartis, today announced Alcon Cares Project 100, which aims to reduce cataract blindness by providing equipment to perform phaco surgeries. Alcon Cares, a foundation that oversees equipment and product donations to those in need, will give 100 reprocessed Infiniti units to eligible clinics in Asia, Central and South America, and Africa over the next three years, making it one of the largest eye care equipment donations of its kind. "Alcon Cares Project 100 aligns with our global efforts to combat cataract blindness and our mission to enhance sight and improve lives," said David Endicott, Chairman of Alcon Cares and Chief Operating Officer, Alcon. "Cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness and the World Health Organization recognizes cataract surgery as one of the most cost-effective treatments offered in developing countries. With 100 Infiniti units being placed in underserved markets, thousands of patients will receive the gift of sight. Additionally, hundreds of doctors who will be trained in phaco surgery in those clinics will be able to go on to provide quality care to thousands more." Phaco is a modern surgery that uses an ultrasound probe to fragment the lens and remove the cataract. The surgery offers a large cost-savings benefit due to its rapid recovery time, as patients can return to full productivity at a much faster rate than other cataract removal surgeries. Phaco is the preferred cataract surgical method in developed countries; however, large-scale implementation of phaco can be challenging in developing countries due to the expense and lack of experienced surgeons. Alcon Cares Project 100 will first start impacting lives in Asia this year and then will extend to Central and South America in 2019, and Africa in 2020. Alcon is working with partners to select clinics and hospitals that meet specific criteria, including a proficiency in phaco surgeries, an underserved patient population and adequate infrastructure that can sustain an eye care practice. The goals of the project, which is expected to conclude on December 31, 2020, are to perform at least 200,000 phaco surgeries and train at least 400 doctors. Alcon Cares will work with its partners to collect annual reports to measure the impact of this project. "Eliminating blindness is one of the most cost-effective ways to fight poverty, as every dollar invested into prevention results in at least a four-dollar economic return," said Melissa Thompson, President of Alcon Cares and Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, Alcon. "With the goal of reducing cataract blindness, our program is expected to have a significant social and economic impact in communities, as improved sight empowers individuals to be more productive and reduces assistance needed from their caretakers and family members." About Cataracts Cataracts are one of the most common age-related eye conditions and one of the leading causes of vision loss2. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly 18 million people are bilaterally blind from cataracts in the world, making the condition responsible for almost half of all global cases of blindness1. A cataract is a cloudy area in the naturally clear lens of the eye that affects vision. The vast majority of cataracts happen as a result of normal aging, but radiation exposure, taking steroids, diabetes, and eye trauma can accelerate the development of cataracts3. As a cataract develops, the eye's lens gradually becomes cloudy, allowing less light to pass through, which makes it more difficult to see4. About Alcon Alcon is the global leader in eye care. As a division of Novartis, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people's lives. Our products touch the lives of more than 260 million people each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors, and there are millions more who are waiting for solutions to meet their eye care needs. Our purpose is reimagining eye care, and we do this through innovative products, partnerships with eye care professionals and programs that enhance access to quality eye care. Learn more at www.alcon.com. Alcon is on Facebook. Like us at www.facebook.com/AlconEyeCare About Novartis Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic and biosimilar pharmaceuticals and eye care. Novartis has leading positions globally in each of these areas. In 2017, the Group achieved net sales of USD 49.1 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.0 billion. Novartis Group companies employ approximately 124,000 full-time-equivalent associates. Novartis products are sold in approximately 155 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com. Novartis is on Twitter. Sign up to follow @Novartis at http://twitter.com/novartis For Novartis multimedia content, please visit www.novartis.com/news/media-library For questions about the site or required registration, please contact [email protected] References The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. Cataract. https://www.iapb.org/knowledge/what-is-avoidable-blindness/cataract/. Accessed April 2018 . Prevent Blindness. Vision Problems in the U.S. Report. http://www.visionproblemsus.org/cataract.html. Accessed April 2017 . American Optometric Association (AOA). Causes of Cataract. http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/cataract?sso=y. Accessed May 2017. Cleveland Clinic. Cataracts. http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/cole-eye/diseases-conditions/hic-cataracts. Accessed August 2015 . Novartis Media Relations Central media line: +41 61 324 2200 E-mail: [email protected] Eric Althoff Wes Warnock Novartis Global Media Relations Alcon Communications +41 61 324 7999 (direct) +1 817 615 2501 (direct) +41 79 593 4202 (mobile) +1 210 240 4998 (mobile) [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE Novartis PARK CITY, Utah, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Nuzzles & Co. Pet Rescue and Adoption congratulates Mark Miller Subaru on receiving the 2018 "Love Promise Retailer of the Year" awardthe most distinguished award Subaru of America awards each year, and is only given to the number one Subaru Retailer in the country. Since 2010, Mark Miller Subaru has donated nearly $2 million through partnerships with Utah's charities, including Nuzzles & Co. In 2018, Mark Miller Subaru teamed up with two Utah non-profits: Nuzzles & Co. and Volunteers of America, Utah, which provides services and housing for Utah's homeless youth. Nuzzles & Co. rescues homeless dogs and cats from city and county shelters all over the state of Utah, including from the two largest Native American Reservations in the United Statesthe Navajo Nation in Southern Utah and the Ute Reservation in Northeastern Utah. Founded in 1990 by a small group of committed volunteers, Nuzzles & Co. has saved over 17,000 lives. When an animal is at risk of euthanasia because of its age, a medical injury, or simply because the city or county shelter is full, Nuzzles & Co. is there. "We save lives. We value the life of every animal and provide every dog and cat in our care with the medical attention, love and care they need. When they are ready, we find them a loving, forever home," says Kathleen Weron, President of Nuzzles & Co. With the help of Mark Miller Subaru, Nuzzles & Co. saved over 2,000 animals in 2017, including over 500 homeless dogs and cats from the Navajo and Ute Reservations. Mark Miller Subaru continues to help Nuzzles save lives and, together, has helped shelters reach an 85.8% save rate among Utah animal shelters. On Tuesday, May 1st, at a party celebrating their distinguished award, Mark Miller Subaru, along with Subaru of America, Inc., awarded over $114,000 to its two Share the Love Partners: Nuzzles & Co. and Volunteers of America. Mountain West Cider of Salt Lake City, who hosted the party, also donated over $2,000 in proceeds from the sale of Suba Bleu Miller's Cider, a special brew just for Mark Miller Subaru, to Nuzzles & Co. and Volunteers of America, Utah. Nuzzles & Co. is honored to partner with Mark and Jeff Miller and the entire crew of dedicated and committed employees at Mark Miller Subaru. "They sell the best cars and provide the best service, but they are also making the world, and our community, a better place one animal and one child at a time," says Weron. Nuzzles & Co. congratulates its partner Volunteers of America, Utah and thanks Mark Miller, Jeff Miller and the entire Mark Miller Subaru family for their love, support and commitment to our community. Thank you for helping us "Leave a Mark" on the lives of others and in our community. Congratulations! Media Contact Kathleen Weron President of Nuzzles & Co. [email protected] (435) 608-1424 Related Images image1.jpg image2.jpg Related Links Nuzzles & Co. Mark Miller Subaru Related Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otj7emQGb8Y SOURCE Nuzzles & Co. NEW YORK and LUXEMBOURG, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Astorg and Arsenal Capital Partners ("Arsenal") today announced that Astorg has partnered with management and signed a definitive agreement to acquire IGM Resins ("IGM" or the "Company"), a global manufacturer and innovator of ultraviolet ("UV") curable materials, from Arsenal. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2018 and is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Headquartered in Waalwijk, the Netherlands, IGM is a leading independent global manufacturer and innovator of high-value, specialty photoinitiators. The Company offers a full platform of complementary UV curable material solutions (photoinitiators, acrylates, and additives) for the high growth UV coatings and inks market. IGM serves a diverse set of attractive, high-growth end-markets with particular strength in graphic arts (inkjet / 3D printing, printings inks for low-migration food packaging), electronics, optical coatings, and adhesives. Edward Frindt, CEO of IGM, said, "We are pleased that Astorg has recognized IGM's value creation strategy and look forward to partnering with them to continue our focus on providing our customers new products and technologies across the product portfolio. Astorg has significant experience in the specialty chemical sector and a broad and experienced team, which will ensure a seamless transition." Nicolas Marien, Director at Astorg, commented, "IGM has established a truly unique position in the UV curable materials space thanks to its strong focus on innovation and unrivalled customer intimacy. We have been impressed with what has been achieved by the brilliant and dedicated management team, enabling the company to grow significantly over the past few years. We are glad to accompany IGM during the next phase of its ambitious development plan through the provision of adequate capital resources and enhanced M&A capabilities." Sal Gagliardo, an Industry & Operations Partner of Arsenal, said, "We are proud of the transformation of IGM from a specialty chemicals distribution company to a leading global UV-cure technology provider. During our partnership with the management team, we completed four strategic acquisitions and executed an aggressive organic growth strategy. Through these initiatives, the Company has become the leading global producer of photoinitiators with the most comprehensive breadth of technologies serving high growth UV cure applications." Moelis & Company LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor, and Jones Day acted as legal advisor to Arsenal and IGM. Houlihan Lokey and Emendo Capital acted as financial advisors, and Paul Hastings LLP and Dechert LLP acted as legal advisors, to Astorg. About IGM Resins IGM specializes in the development, manufacture, and supply of products and technical services to the global UV coatings and inks market. IGM develops, produces, and distributes a full range of radiation curable materials including photoinitiators, acrylate oligomers and monomers, and additives from manufacturing facilities in Europe, Asia, and the US, supported by technical labs in each of these regions to help create next generation energy curable coatings and inks. For additional information on IGM, visit www.igmresins.com. About Astorg Astorg is a European private equity firm with total funds under management of over 4 billion. Astorg seeks to partner with entrepreneurial management teams to acquire European companies and create value through the provision of strategic guidance, experienced governance and adequate capital. Astorg enjoys a distinct entrepreneurial culture, a long-term shareholder perspective, and a lean decision-making body enhancing its reactivity. Though not specialized, Astorg has gathered a valuable industry expertise in technology-based industrial companies, healthcare and business-to-business professional services. Astorg has offices in London, Paris, Luxembourg and Frankfurt, plus Senior Advisors based in Zurich, Paris and London. For additional information on Astorg, please visit www.astorg.com About Arsenal Capital Partners Established in 2000, Arsenal Capital Partners is a leading private equity firm that specializes in investments in middle-market specialty industrials and healthcare business services companies. Since inception, Arsenal has raised institutional equity investment funds of approximately $3 billion. Arsenal invests in industry sectors in which the firm has significant prior knowledge and experience and seeks companies typically in the range of $100 - $500 million of initial enterprise value. The firm works with management teams to build strategically important companies with leading market positions, high growth, and high value-add. For additional information on Arsenal, please visit www.arsenalcapital.com. Contact Information For Astorg, please contact: Segolene de Saint Martin - Publicis Consultants +33 6 16 40 90 73 [email protected] For Arsenal Capital Partners, please contact: Chris Tofalli - Chris Tofalli Public Relations, LLC 914-834-4334 [email protected] SOURCE Arsenal Capital Partners; Astorg Related Links http://www.arsenalcapital.com NEW YORK, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Atento S.A. (NYSE: ATTO), the largest provider of customer-relationship management and business-process outsourcing services in Latin America, and among the top five providers globally, today announced its first-quarter 2018 operating and financial results. All comparisons in this announcement are year-over-year and in constant-currency (CCY), unless noted otherwise, and may differ from 6K due to certain intra-group eliminations. Summary ($ in millions except EPS) Q1 2018 Q1 2017 CCY Growth Income Statement Revenue 490.4 468.0 +4.5% EBITDA (1) 49.8 50.2 -1.0% EBITDA Margin 10.1% 10.7% -0.6 p.p. Adjusted EBITDA (1) 49.8 53.6 -6.3% Adjusted EBITDA Margin 10.1% 11.5% -1.4 p.p. Net Income (2) (1.7) 9.0 n.m. Recurring Net Income (2) 7.8 12.5 -40.3% Earnings Per Share (2) ($0.02) $0.12 Recurring Earnings Per Share (2) $0.10 $0.17 Cashflow, Debt and Leverage Free Cash Flow (3) (34.9) (8.3) Net Debt 394.4 368.9 Leverage (x) 1.8x 1.6x (1) EBITDA is defined as profit/(loss) for the period from continuing operations before net finance costs, income taxes and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA adjusted to exclude restructuring costs, site relocation costs and other items not related to our core results of operations. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not measures defined by IFRS. The most directly comparable IFRS measure to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is profit/(loss) for the year/period from continuing operations. (2) Reported Net Income and Earnings Per Share and Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Adjusted Earnings Per Share refer only to continuing operations. Reported and Adjusted Earnings Per Share, for the period ended March 31, 2018, were calculated considering the weighted average number of ordinary shares of 73,909,056. For the period ended March 31, 2017, the number of ordinary shares was 73,909,056. Recurring Earnings and EPS attributable to Owners of the parent (3) We define Free Cash flow before interest and acquisitions as operating cashflow minus Capex payments and income tax expenses. Alejandro Reynal, Atentos Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We continued delivering solid top line growth and revenue diversification in the first quarter of 2018, driven by 8% increase in revenues from Multisector clients supported by broad-based country gains. During the quarter we leveraged our Company expanded capabilities in digital customer experience and back office to provide even greater value to our clients and to continue extending our market leadership into the digital age." Mauricio Montilha, Atentos Chief Financial Officer, said, "The first quarter results were aligned with the Company's expectations, as mentioned in the short term trends provided within the guidance for the year. EBITDA Margins totaled 10.1% in the quarter with Americas posting margin improvement and Brazil in line with short term guidance. We are encouraged by improving trends in Q1 2018 versus Q4 2017 in Brazil and expect margins to recover throughout the year." Mr. Reynal concluded, "We are reaffirming our financial guidance for the year and remain confident that in 2018 we will continue to make great progress for Atento. The macro environment continues to evolve favorably and support revenue growth. As we accelerate the execution of our growth strategy, we remain the reference partner for the CRM BPO needs of clients and help them to unveil the full potential of the digital transformation throughout the customer lifecycle." First Quarter Consolidated Operating Results All comparisons in this announcement, unless otherwise noted, are year-over-year and in constant-currency (CCY). Consolidated revenues grew by 4.5% in the first quarter of 2018, driven by the strong growth from Americas and Brazil, as well as Multisector clients. On a reported basis, total revenue increased 4.8% in the quarter. Revenues from Multisector increased 7.9% in Q1, representing 61.4% of total revenues, up 1.5 p.p. year-on-year. Revenues from Telefonica continued to present stability, down 0.6% in Q1, and our revenues from higher value-added solutions totaled 25.0% in the quarter, down 1.3 p.p. on changes in client mix. EBITDA in the quarter totaled $49.8 million, down 1.0% year-on-year, while EBITDA margins totaled 10.1%, down 0.6 p.p. versus the same period of 2017. The drop in EBITDA margin is mostly explained by lower margins in Brazil, partially offset by improved margins in Americas. Margins in EMEA were stable. In the quarter, recurring net income attributable to owners of the parent company reached $7.8 million, implying Recurring EPS of $0.10 vs $0.17 in the previous year. The lower recurring EPS can be traced to the drop in Adjusted EBITDA combined with higher taxes. Effective Tax Rate affecting Recurring Net Income was 51.3% vs 36.6% in Q1 2017 and is expected to normalize throughout the year. Free cash flow before interest and acquisitions was negative $34.9 million, mostly driven by higher one-off working capital, that is expected to be normalized throughout the year. Capex payment as percentage of revenues was 2.7%, compared to 2.2% in Q1 2017. At the end of the first quarter, Atento's gross debt totaled $494.6 million, down 6.5% YoY, while net debt stood at $394.4 million versus $368.9 million in Q1 2017. The net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio was 1.8x compared to 1.6x both in Q4 2017 and Q1 2017, reflecting lower cash position. Adjusted earnings, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted earnings per share are non-GAAP financial measures and are reconciled to their most directly comparable GAAP measures in the accompanying financial tables. Segment Reporting ($ in millions) Q1 2018 Q1 2017 CCY growth Brazil Region Revenue 238.9 238.4 +3.6% Adjusted EBITDA 26.4 34.3 -20.2% Adjusted EBITDA Margin 11.1% 14.4% -3.3 p.p. Operating Income/(loss) (1.2) 8.4 n.m. Americas Region Revenue 190.6 173.4 +9.7% Adjusted EBITDA 21.0 17.4 +18.5% Adjusted EBITDA Margin 11.0% 10.0% +1.0 p.p. Operating Income/(loss) 1.9 1.9 -11.0% EMEA Region Revenue 63.9 56.7 -2.4% Adjusted EBITDA 5.0 4.5 0.0% Adjusted EBITDA Margin 7.8% 7.9% -0.1 p.p. Operating Income/(loss) 0.4 (0.9) n.m. Brazil Region In the quarter, revenues in Brazil grew 3.6% year-on-year, driven mostly by 4.6% growth in revenues from Multisector clients, as a reflection of higher value added solutions growth. Revenue mix from Multisector increased 0.6 p.p. to 69.0%, as new wins from commercial activity remains solid, while revenues from Telefonica grew 1.4%, reflecting higher volumes in the region. Adjusted EBITDA totaled $26.4 million in Q1, while margin decreased 3.3 p.p. points to 11.1%, following Q4 2017 trends. While the continued weakness in volumes still lag economic recovery, we expect that the operational plans being executed should drive margins recovery in the second half of the year. Americas Region Revenue growth was once again strong in Americas in the quarter, up 9.7% over the last year. Multisector continued to increase significantly, up 13.9% year-on-year, driven by volume increases specially in Argentina, Chile and Colombia. The strong performance pushed Multisector up 3.1 p.p. versus Q1 2017 to 59.6% of revenues. Revenues from Telefonica increased by 1.7%, reflecting continued positive results in Argentina, Mexico and Chile. In the quarter, Adjusted EBITDA totaled $21.0 million, with margins up 1.0 p.p. to 11.0%, reflecting normalized profitability levels in contracts implemented during 2017. EMEA Region EMEA revenues decreased 2.4% in the quarter, as a result of a 8.0% decrease in Telefonica revenues, driven by lower volumes, partially offset by the strong 7.8% growth in Multisector, reflecting higher volumes from non-TEF Telcos. In the quarter, revenue mix from Multisector was up 3.7 p.p. to 38.9% of revenues. Adjusted EBITDA in the quarter totaled $5.0 million, with margins of 7.8% stable year-on-year, as a result of higher volumes from Multisector combined with operational efficiency initiatives implemented in the period. Cash Flow and Capital Structure In the quarter, operating cash flow totaled negative $17.0 million, while free cash flow before interest and acquisitions was negative $34.9 million, reflected by higher one-off working capital, that we expect to be normalized throughout the year. Capex payments totaled at 2.7% of revenues, versus 2.2% in Q1 2017. At the end of Q1 2018, Atento held Cash and Cash equivalents of $100 million and revolving credit facilities of $104 million, out of which $90 million were undrawn, implying total liquidity of $190 million. Total net debt with third parties was $394.4 million and the Adjusted LTM EBITDA to net debt ratio was 1.8x, up from the 1.6x in both Q4 2017 and Q1 2017. Fiscal 2018 Guidance We expect a favorable macro environment combined with stable regulatory frameworks which should support growth in 2018 and should compensate for potential political uncertainties arising from Presidential Elections in Colombia (May), Mexico (July) and Brazil (October). For Fiscal 2018, we are targeting: Guidance Consolidated Revenue Growth (CCY) 3% to 6% Adjusted EBITDA Margin Range (CCY) 11% to 12% Net Interest Expense Range $40MM to $45MM Cash Capex (% of Revenue) 3.5% to 4.0% Effective Tax Rate impacting Rec. Net Income 35% to 38% Diluted Share Count ~73.9MM shares Cash Conversion as % of Adj. EBITDA 35% to 40% Short Term trends We expect Q1 and Q2 2018 revenues to be at the bottom range of the guidance. In terms of profitability, we expect seasonally lower Adjusted EBITDA Margins below guidance in Q1 and Q2. Conference Call The Company will host a conference call and webcast on Tuesday, May 08, 2018 at 11:00 am ET to discuss its financial results. The conference call can be accessed by dialing: +1 (877) 407-0784 toll free domestic, UK: (+44) 0 800 756 3429 toll free, Brazil: (+55) 0 800 891 6221 toll free, or Spain: (+34) 900 834 236 toll free. All other international callers can access the conference call by dialing: +1 (201) 689-8560 toll free. No passcode is required. Individuals who dial in will be asked to identify themselves and their affiliations. The live webcast of the conference call will be available on Atento's Investor Relations website at investors.atento.com. A web-based archive of the conference call will also be available at the above website. About Atento Atento is the largest provider of customer relationship management and business process outsourcing (CRM BPO) solutions in Latin America, and among the top five providers globally, based on revenues. Atento is also a leading provider of nearshoring CRM/BPO services to companies that carry out their activities in the United States. Since 1999, the company has developed its business model in 13 countries where it employs 150,000 people. Atento has over 400 clients to whom it offers a wide range of CRM/BPO services through multiple channels. Atento's clients are mostly leading multinational corporations in sectors such as telecommunications, banking and financial services, health, retail and public administrations, among others. Atentos shares trade under the symbol ATTO on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). In 2016, Atento was named one of the Worlds 25 Best Multinational Workplaces by Great Place to Work for a fourth consecutive year. For more information visit www.atento.com Investor Relations Shay Chor + 55 11 3293-5926 [email protected] Felipe Joaquim Martins de Souza + 55 11 3779-8053 [email protected] Media Relations Maite Cordero + 34 91 740 74 47 [email protected] Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "intends," "continue" or similar terminology. These statements reflect only Atento's current expectations and are not guarantees of future performance or results. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, competition in Atento's highly competitive industries; increases in the cost of voice and data services or significant interruptions in these services; Atento's ability to keep pace with its clients' needs for rapid technological change and systems availability; the continued deployment and adoption of emerging technologies; the loss, financial difficulties or bankruptcy of any key clients; the effects of global economic trends on the businesses of Atento's clients; the non-exclusive nature of Atento's client contracts and the absence of revenue commitments; security and privacy breaches of the systems Atento uses to protect personal data; the cost of pending and future litigation; the cost of defending Atento against intellectual property infringement claims; extensive regulation affecting many of Atento's businesses; Atento's ability to protect its proprietary information or technology; service interruptions to Atento's data and operation centers; Atento's ability to retain key personnel and attract a sufficient number of qualified employees; increases in labor costs and turnover rates; the political, economic and other conditions in the countries where Atento operates; changes in foreign exchange rates; Atento's ability to complete future acquisitions and integrate or achieve the objectives of its recent and future acquisitions; future impairments of our substantial goodwill, intangible assets, or other long-lived assets; and Atento's ability to recover consumer receivables on behalf of its clients. In addition, Atento is subject to risks related to its level of indebtedness. Such risks include Atento's ability to generate sufficient cash to service its indebtedness and fund its other liquidity needs; Atento's ability to comply with covenants contained in its debt instruments; the ability to obtain additional financing; the incurrence of significant additional indebtedness by Atento and its subsidiaries; and the ability of Atento's lenders to fulfill their lending commitments. Atento is also subject to other risk factors described in documents filed by the company with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which the statements were made. Atento undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The following selected financial information should be read in conjunction with the interim consolidated financial statements and the section entitled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" presented elsewhere in the Form 6-K. Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2018 For the three months ended March 31, Change (%) Change excluding FX (%) ($ in millions, except percentage changes) 2017 2018 (unaudited) Revenue 468.0 490.4 4.8 4.5 Other operating income 0.8 2.0 N.M. N.M. Operating expenses: Supplies (16.8) (17.6) 4.9 2.7 Employee benefit expenses (345.8) (367.5) 6.3 6.0 Depreciation (11.8) (11.3) (4.0) (4.1) Amortization (13.6) (15.0) 10.2 8.1 Changes in trade provisions (0.2) (0.3) 47.2 24.5 Other operating expenses (55.8) (57.1) 2.4 2.6 Total operating expenses (444.0) (468.9) 5.6 5.2 Operating profit 24.8 23.5 (5.4) (4.6) Finance income 2.1 0.9 (57.3) (56.8) Finance costs (17.4) (14.6) (16.0) (14.4) Change in fair value of financial instruments - (3.1) N.M. N.M. Net foreign exchange (loss)/gain 3.3 (2.8) N.M. N.M. Net finance expense (12.0) (19.6) 63.3 62.2 Profit before income tax 12.8 3.9 (69.9) (69.2) Income tax expense (3.8) (5.5) 45.1 55.3 (Loss)/profit from continuing operations 9.0 (1.7) (118.5) (118.6) (Loss)/profit for the period 9.0 (1.7) (118.5) (118.6) (Loss)/profit attributable to: Owners of the parent 8.9 (2.0) (122.1) (122.0) Non-controlling interest 0.1 0.3 N.M. N.M. (Loss)/profit for the period 9.0 (1.7) (118.5) N.M. Other financial data: EBITDA (1) (unaudited) 50.2 49.8 (0.9) (1.0) Adjusted EBITDA (1) (unaudited) 53.6 49.8 (7.2) (6.3) (1) For reconciliation with IFRS as issued by the IASB, see section "Summary Consolidated Historical Financial Information - Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to profit/(loss)". N.M. means not meaningful Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to profit/(loss): For the three months ended March 31, ($ in millions) 2017 2018 (unaudited) Profit/(loss) from continuing operations 9.0 (1.7) Net finance expense 12.0 19.6 Income tax expense 3.8 5.5 Depreciation and amortization 25.4 26.3 EBITDA (non-GAAP) (unaudited) 50.2 49.8 Restructuring costs (a) 3.4 - Total non-recurring items (*) 3.4 - Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) (unaudited) 53.6 49.8 (*) We define non-recurring items as items that are limited in number, clearly identifiable, unusual, are unlikely to be repeated in the near future in the ordinary course of business and that have a material impact on the consolidated results of operations. Non-recurring items can be summarized as demonstrated below: (a) Restructuring costs incurred in the three months ended March 31, 2017 primarily included restructuring activities and other personnel costs that were not related to our core results of operations. Restructuring costs incurred in three months ended March 31, 2017, primarily relates to the costs to adapt the organization in Argentina to the lower level of activities and the investments made in Brazil to implement a lower-cost operating model. Reconciliation of Adjusted Earnings to profit/(loss): For the three months ended March 31, ($ in millions) 2017 2018 (unaudited) Profit/(loss) from continuing operations 9.0 (1.7) Amortization of acquisition related intangible assets (a) 6.8 5.7 Restructuring costs (b) (*) 3.4 - Change in fair value of financial instruments (c) - 3.1 Net foreign exchange (loss)/gain (3.3) 2.8 Tax effect (d) (3.4) (2.4) Total of add-backs 3.5 9.2 Adjusted Earnings (non-GAAP) (unaudited) 12.5 7.5 Adjusted Earnings per share (in U.S. dollars) (**) (unaudited) 0.17 0.10 Adjusted Earnings attributable to Owners of the parent (non-GAAP) (unaudited) 12.5 7.8 Adjusted Earnings per share attributable to Owners of the parent (in U.S. dollars) (**) (unaudited) 0.17 0.10 (*) We define non-recurring items as items that are limited in number, clearly identifiable, unusual, are unlikely to be repeated in the near future in the ordinary course of business and that have a material impact on the consolidated results of operations. Non-recurring items can be summarized as demonstrated below: (a) Amortization of acquisition related intangible assets represents the amortization expense of customer base, recorded as intangible assets. This customer base represents the fair value (within the business combination involving the acquisition of control of Atento Group) of the intangible assets arising from service agreements (tacit or explicitly formulated in contracts) with Telefonica Group and with other customers. (b) Restructuring costs incurred in the three months ended March 31, 2017 primarily included restructuring activities and other personnel costs that were not related to our core results of operations. Restructuring costs incurred in three months ended March 31, 2017, primarily relates to the costs to adapt the organization in Argentina to the lower level of activities and the investments made in Brazil to implement a lower-cost operating model. (c) Since April 1, 2015, the Company designated the foreign currency risk on certain of its subsidiaries as net investment hedges using financial instruments as the hedging items. As a consequence, any gain or loss on the hedging instrument, related to the effective portion of the hedge is recognized in other comprehensive income (equity) as from that date. The gains or losses related to the ineffective portion are recognized in the statements of operations and for comparability, and those adjustments are added back to calculate Adjusted Earnings. (d) The tax effect represents the impact of the taxable adjustments based on tax nominal rate by country. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the effective tax rate after moving non-recurring items is 51.1% and 49.3%, respectively. (**) Adjusted Earnings per share is calculated based on weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding of 73,909,056 as of March 31, 2017 and 2018. Financing Arrangements As of March 31, ($ in millions, except Net Debt/Adj. EBITDA LTM) 2017 2018 (unaudited) Cash and cash equivalents 170.9 100.2 Debt: Senior Secured Notes 298.2 392.2 Brazilian Debentures 167.6 21.5 BNDES 67.8 44.7 Finance Lease Payables 3.2 9.3 Other Borrowings 3.0 26.9 Total Debt 539.8 494.6 Net Debt with third parties (1) (unaudited) 368.9 394.4 Adjusted EBITDA LTM (2) (non-GAAP) (unaudited) 226.8 217.1 Net Debt/Adjusted EBITDA LTM (non-GAAP) (unaudited) 1.6x 1.8x 1. In considering our financial condition, our management analyzes Net debt with third parties, which is defined as total debt less cash, cash equivalents, and short-term financial investments. Net debt with third parties is not a measure defined by IFRS and it has limitations as an analytical tool. Net debt with third parties is neither a measure defined by or presented in accordance with IFRS nor a measure of financial performance, and should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative financial measure determined in accordance with IFRS. Net debt is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. 2. Adjusted EBITDA LTM (Last Twelve Months) is defined as EBITDA adjusted to exclude certain acquisition and integration related costs, restructuring costs, management fees, site-relocation costs, financing fees and other items, which are not related to our core results of operations. Free Cash Flow: For the three months ended March 31, ($ in millions) 2017 2018 (unaudited) (***) Operating Cash Flow (1) 7.7 (17.0) Cash Capex (2) (10.3) (13.4) Income Tax Paid (5.7) (4.5) Free Cash Flow before interest and acquisitions (8.3) (34.9) Acquisitions 0.0 0.0 Net Financial Expenses (3) (13.7) (20.2) Free Cash Flow (FCF) (22.0) (55.1) (1) We define Operating Cash flow as Net Cash flow from/(used in) operating activities (as per 6K) adding back net interest and income tax expenses. (2) Does not consider acquisitions (3) Interest payments related to the 2022 SSN are done every February and August, until Bond maturity in August 2022. Q1 2018 includes hedge adjustments of negative $3.1 million and withholding taxes of negative $1.6 million, versus hedge adjustments of positive $1.5 million and no withholding taxes in Q1 2017. (***) These preliminary results are unaudited and are based on management's initial review of operations for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018 and remain subject to the completion of the Company's customary annual closing and review procedures. Final adjustments and other material developments may arise between the date hereof and the filing of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F. SOURCE Atento S.A. Related Links http://www.atento.com Automated border control systems are essential to ensure safety of a country and avoid border laws prohibition. The system is gaining popularity with the increasing safety concerns and risks globally. A new research report by Persistence Market Research (PMR) highlights the global automated border control market in its new research report titled 'Automated Border Control Market: Global Industry Analysis 2013-2017 and Forecast 2018-2026'. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/661339/Persistence_Market_Research.jpg ) According to the market forecast by PMR, the recent adoption of automated border control system, which is taking place at a fast pace, is helping its global market to grow at a skyrocketing CAGR of 18.4% during the forecast period 2018-2026. The growth is expected to help the global automated border control market reach at a value of over US$ 2,900 Mn by the end of 2026. Automated Border Control Market Research Report Overview @ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/automated-border-control-market.asp Global Automated Border Control Market: Overview The border control systems are deployed at airports, seaports and land borders, where a large number of passengers cross borders every day. The kiosk and eGates system stores each passenger's information in their database. Increase in corporate travel and simplification & flexibility in border crossing process are some of the primary factors which are fueling the growth of the automated border control market. Among various application areas of automated border control systems, airports are expected lead with the highest market share and exceptional CAGR of 19.6% during the forecast period. However, other application areas are also progressing at a significant rate due to increase in the application of systems. Request Sample Report @ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/21205 The regional forecast depicts that Europe is expected to hold the highest market value by the end of forecast period. The growth in Europe is driven majorly with the help of government initiatives taken in the region. The European Union noticed that more than 85% of all international travel to the EU comes from within the region. This has led to the launch a new projects that could enhance the customer experience by simplifying the process of border crossing, immigration, and biometrics, while maintaining security and increasing the use of automated border control systems. The European region is expected to reach a market value of over US$ 1,000 Mn by the end of 2026, growing at a CAGR of 20.9%. However, in terms of growth rate SEA and APAC is also expected to witness a stellar CAGR of 18.7% during the forecast period. The growth is also a result of rising efforts by the region to provide efficient travel systems. Many initiatives are being taken by the governments to reduce security breaches at airports and Land Borders, so as to provide a seamless and secured travel experience to customers. With an increase in the number of passengers traveling nationally and internationally, new systems are being installed or integrated with existing systems to enhance security at border crossings. Download and View Report TOC, Figures and Tables @ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/automated-border-control-market/toc Global Automated Border Control Market Strategy and Competition Product launches and innovations help increase business revenue by increasing customer base and providing automated border control systems to border authorities, and creates a strong market presence. Collaborations and partnerships are expected to remain as the key strategies of key players in this market to increase their sales growth. The leading companies in the market are Indra Sistemas, S.A., Atos SE, SITA SA, IDEMIA Group (OT-Morpho), Secunet Security Networks AG, Vision-Box, DERMALOG Identification Systems GmbH, Veridos GmbH, Gunnebo Group and Vancouver Airport Authority. Get full Report Now https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/21205 Persistence Market Research Overview Persistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance. To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes. Contact Persistence Market Research U.S. Sales Office: 305 Broadway, 7th Floor New York City, NY 10007 +1-646-568-7751 United States USA - Canada Toll-Free: 800-961-0353 Email: [email protected] PMR Latest News:https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/news SOURCE Persistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd. NEW YORK, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Olivier Rousteing, Creative Director of historic Parisian fashion house, Balmain, today announces that he and his guests attending the 2018 Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit, also known as the Met Gala, will auction off their custom pieces to raise money and awareness for (RED)'s fight to end AIDS. The one-of-a-kind, custom Balmain designs for Olivier's guests including Jennifer Lopez & Alex Rodriguez, Natalia Vodianova, Trevor Noah, Natasha Poly, Juliette Binoche and Julia Stegner, will debut on the renowned Metropolitan Museum red carpet this evening, Monday May 7th. Each of the outfits will be auctioned on IfOnly, the leading experiences platform, at IfOnly.com/RED with net proceeds going to the Global Fund to support the fight to end AIDS. From now until May 21st, fashion fans can bid to win an extraordinary design worn by a Balmain Army member. "The numbers are shocking. Today, there are over 16 million children worldwide who have lost a parent to AIDS. Most of them live in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the disease is the largest killer of adults. That hits close to home. Having spent my earliest years in an orphanage, there are few things that can affect me as much as the struggles of a vulnerable child," explains Olivier Rousteing. He adds, "Learning about (RED)'s impressive record of educating, empowering and protecting people through the Global Fund's programs has helped make it clear to me that if we truly want to change this situation, we have the power to do that. Every day, (RED)'s efforts help to ensure that fewer children lose their parents to AIDS and that fewer babies are born with HIVwhich is why I am dedicated to doing anything that I can to help (RED) and its essential work." To date, (RED) has generated more than $500 million for the Global Fund, which fights AIDS in Africa, by partnering with some of the most iconic business to create products and experiences. (RED) is thrilled that this auction will bring the heat and energy of Olivier's creativity and the Met Gala to fight a disease that is preventable and treatable through medication that costs just 20 cents a day in sub-Saharan Africa. "We're grateful to Olivier & Balmain for using their iconic fashion spotlight to shine a light on the fight against AIDS. This leadership, creativity and breathtaking design that will now help provide lifesaving HIV medication to protect more children, and their parents, from being impacted by this preventable, treatable disease," said Deborah Dugan, (RED)'s CEO. Snapchat is sharing their support for this auction collaboration by creating a custom (RED) Filter available at the Met Ball, and curating special Our Story coverage of the Met Ball that will drive Snapchatters worldwide to IfOnly.com/RED. Snapchatters can follow (RED) for a behind-the-scenes look at the evening by subscribing to the official @RED account on Snapchat. With Snapchat Stories now being available everywhere, (RED) will use this content across their platforms to drive awareness of the auction and the fight to end AIDS. Bidders can find the details for each piece, and learn more about Olivier's inspirations for the designs at ifOnly.com/RED. About Balmain Balmain was founded in 1945 by Pierre Balmain. From the outset, Monsieur Balmain's boldly feminine and opulent signature style offered a startling contrast to the utilitarian looks of the day, quickly transforming the Parisian house into a favorite of both European and Hollywood royalty. Since the founder's death in 1982, the house has been guided by a series of strong designers, each balancing modern offerings with the need to respect the foundations and traditions of Balmain. About Olivier Rousteing Just twenty-five years old when he was named Creative Director in 2011, Olivier Rousteing has successfully grafted an immediately recognizable style upon the historic Parisian house. While relying on Balmain's rich archives for inspiration and fully utilizing the atelier's impressive mastery of intricate, traditional couture techniques, Rousteing has also managed to impose a singular silhouette and contemporary outlook that reflect the way that members of the "Balmain Army"the young men and women of the designer's own generationlive their lives. Season after season, runways highlight both the exciting, inclusive diversity of the modern Balmain universe and the importance of 21st-Century culturein particular, today's musicin that universe. About IfOnly IfOnly is a marketplace for incredible experiences. From unique everyday offerings with local experts to once-in-a-lifetime connections with lauded luminaries, IfOnly provides access to a curated selection of extraordinary experiences that benefit worthy causes around the world. The company is funded by Mastercard, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Sotheby's, NEA, Founder's Fund, Khosla Ventures, and TriplePoint Capital. About (RED) (RED) was founded in 2006 to engage businesses and people in the fight against AIDS. (RED) partners with the world's most iconic brands that contribute proceeds from (RED)-branded goods and services to the Global Fund. (RED) Proud Partners include: Amazon, Apple, Bank of America, Beats by Dr. Dre, Belvedere, Claro, The Coca-Cola Company, MCM, Salesforce, SAP, Starbucks and Telcel. (RED) Special Edition partners include: aden+anais, Alessi, ALEX AND ANI, Andaz, Baxter of California, Bombas, Fatboy USA, Fully, Girl Skateboards, Le Creuset, Nickelodeon, Mophie, S'well, Wanderlust and Vespa. To date, (RED) has generated more than $500 million for the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, to support HIV/AIDS grants in Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania and Zambia. 100 percent of that money goes to work on the ground no overhead is taken. Global Fund grants that (RED) supports have impacted more than 110 million people with prevention, treatment, counseling, HIV testing and care services. (RED) Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE (RED) Related Links http://red.org NEW YORK, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Behrman Capital, a private equity investment firm based in New York and San Francisco, today announced that Vincent M. Buffa has joined the firm as an Operating Partner. Mr. Buffa was most recently President and Chief Executive Officer of Data Device Corporation (DDC) a former Behrman portfolio company until its $1 billion sale in 2016. As an Operating Partner, Mr. Buffa will serve on the Boards of current Behrman Capital portfolio companies Corfin Industries and ILC Dover, and share his extensive expertise with their management teams. Behrman Capital and Mr. Buffa will also work together to identify future investment opportunities in the defense and aerospace sector. Grant G. Behrman, Managing Partner of Behrman Capital, said, "We are delighted to welcome Vince to Behrman Capital and to renew our successful partnership. Vince led a business transformation of DDC in which he repositioned the company from a niche component supplier to a fully integrated solution provider to OEM and Tier 1 prime contractors. We are confident that our current portfolio companies will benefit from Vince's wise counsel, and we are excited to pursue attractive investment opportunities together." Mr. Buffa said, "I am truly honored to join Behrman Capital in this new capacity. Behrman Capital was a source of great support for me and my team during their ownership of DDC, and I look forward to working with the partners to share our collective experience and expertise with other companies in the portfolio." Prior to joining DDC, Mr. Buffa was President of Crane Energy Flow Solutions, a global manufacturer of specialty and custom valve products for the industrial, power, and oil & gas markets that he repositioned to serve a global customer base. He previously led Crane's Commercial and Industrial Pump division. Before joining Crane, Mr. Buffa was Group President for the Aerospace Business Unit of Rexnord LLC, an Apollo Management portfolio company, which he led through a significant growth period. Earlier in his career, Mr. Buffa held a series of positions at Honeywell International, and led manufacturing operations for Smiths Aerospace's (now Transdigm Group) actuation business and aftermarket services unit. He received a BEEE degree from Manhattan College and a MBA with a concentration in finance from Hofstra University. About Behrman Capital Based in New York City and San Francisco, Behrman Capital was founded in 1991 by Grant G. and Darryl G. Behrman. The firm invests in management buyouts, leveraged buildups and recapitalizations of established growth businesses. The company's investments are focused in three industries: defense and aerospace, health care services, and specialty manufacturing and distribution. The firm has raised five funds with a combined capital base in excess of $3.0 billion. For more information, please visit www.behrmancap.com. Contact: Mark Semer / Peter Hill Kekst (212) 521-4802 SOURCE Behrman Capital Related Links http://www.behrmancap.com LA PORTE, Texas and PHILADELPHIA, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Braskem (B3: BRKM3, BRKM5 and BRKM6;NYSE: BAK; LATIBEX: XBRK), highlights its first full year of UTEC Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) production at its La Porte, Texas production facility by introducing new market leading innovation including its new UTEC 9540, the highest molecular weight polyethylene polymer commercially available worldwide. Braskem, the largest thermoplastics polyolefins producer in the Americas and the worldwide leader in bio-polymers, serves UHMWPE clients globally with increased flexibility and product availability from its UTEC facilities in the U.S. and Brazil, which have a combined annual UHMWPE production capacity of 70 kilotons. Braskem sells high-performance UHMWPE under the trade name UTEC, developed and produced through Braskem's proprietary technologies. Christopher Gee, UTEC Global Director, commented, "As we celebrate our first full-year of UTEC production at our La Porte, Texas facility, and extend our product portfolio, we have strengthened Braskem's clear position as a market leader for UHMWPE clients worldwide. The successful UTEC technology transfer from our operations in Brazil to the U.S. has allowed Braskem to increase UTEC production capacity, expand its global footprint, and enhance client responsiveness. With global demand for UHMWPE increasing, including a rising presence in high-growth markets such as energy storage, we feel confident that we made the right decision to invest in this technology. We look forward to expanding our leadership position in the market through new products offerings and strategic partnerships. The future for UTEC has never been brighter." UTEC 9540 has a molecular weight over 50 times higher than High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) resins and is used in applications that require extreme abrasion resistance. This latest addition to Braskem's UTEC portfolio extends the depth and breadth of products available to a wide range of applications including RAM extruded and compression molded sheets, rods, and profiles. Braskem's UTEC is an engineered polymer with excellent mechanical properties, such as high abrasion resistance, impact strength and low coefficient of friction. It is a self-lubricating, high-strength, lightweight machinable product used for semi-finished goods. Eight times lighter than steel and lasting ten times longer than HDPE, UTEC is utilized across a vast array of applications in the following industries: construction, agriculture, material handling, transportation, textile, pulp and paper, food and beverage, mining, marine, porous plastics, oil and gas, high performance fibers, energy storage, and waste water treatment. UTEC has products spanning a range of molecular weights and particle sizes. The molecular weight begins in the low range (3 million g/mol) and extends to a high range (7 to 11 million g/mol). For additional information about Braskem's UTEC product benefits and applications, please visit online at www.braskem.com/UTEC. Braskem is hosting a client and partner pavilion at NPE2018, the world's leading plastics trade show and conference, from May 7-11, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. Visit us in the South Hall at booth S22001 to meet with the Braskem team and learn more about UTEC UHMWPE. ABOUT BRASKEM With a human-oriented global vision of the future, Braskem strives every day to improve people's lives by creating sustainable solutions with chemicals and plastics. Braskem is the largest producer of thermoplastic resins in the Americas and the leading producer of biopolymers in the world, creating more environmental-friendly, intelligent and sustainable solutions through chemicals and plastics. Braskem exports to clients in approximately 100 countries and operates 41 industrial units, which are located in Brazil, United States, Germany and Mexico, the latter in partnership with the Mexican company Idesa. For more information, visit www.braskem.com. Braskem America is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Braskem S.A. headquartered in Philadelphia. The company is the leading producer of polypropylene in the United States, with six production plants located in Texas, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, an Innovation and Technology Center in Pittsburgh, and a new operation in Boston focused on leveraging groundbreaking developments in biotechnology and advanced materials. For more information, visit www.braskem.com/usa. Braskem on social media: www.facebook.com/BraskemGlobal www.linkedin.com/company/braskem www.twitter.com/BraskemSA SOURCE Braskem Proven CannaRoyalty senior executive Afzal Hasan to assume the role effective immediately OTTAWA, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - CannaRoyalty Corp. (CSE: CRZ) (OTCQX: CNNRF) ("CannaRoyalty" or the "Company"), a leading North American cannabis products and brands company, is pleased to announce that current EVP, Corporate Development and General Counsel, Afzal Hasan, has been appointed President of the Company, effective immediately. As President, Afzal will have responsibility for the Company's day-to-day operations with a near-term focus on integrating recent California acquisitions and maximizing the potential of the Company's leading distribution footprint and strong brand position in the state. In addition, he will be responsible for driving growth through distribution and licensing agreements in Canada and exploring opportunities globally. As EVP, Corporate Development and General Counsel for the Company, Afzal has led all transactions since joining and has been instrumental in growing the Company into a leader in California. Prior to joining CannaRoyalty, Afzal was a securities lawyer at Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP, where he provided advice to both public and private companies on transactions. "Afzal has been a driving force behind CannaRoyalty's strategy and execution since he joined the Company in January 2017," said Marc Lustig, CEO of CannaRoyalty. "The industry is starting to realize that the long-term value in this space will be in leading consumer brands and distribution. CannaRoyalty is a first-mover, and our current standing as one of the largest cannabis players in the largest cannabis market in the world1, is largely due to his vision. Afzal has proven himself time and again to be adept at recognizing value and, more importantly at successfully completing transactions and integrating acquisitions quickly and efficiently." Afzal added, "I grow more confident every day that we are executing the right strategy at the right time. We have assembled an experienced team and put the pieces in place to grow a dominant cannabis brand commercialization and distribution platform in California. This is just the beginning for CannaRoyalty. Over the next 12 months we will reinforce this platform and seek to replicate it in other legal jurisdictions such as Canada, to become a truly global cannabis brand powerhouse." Additional appointments made by the Company recently, include: Richard Sellers as VP of Operations. Richard co-founded Alta Supply, the first California cannabis distribution company. He co-founded Bhang chocolate, one of the most widely distributed cannabis brands in the world. as VP of Operations. Richard co-founded Alta Supply, the first cannabis distribution company. He co-founded Bhang chocolate, one of the most widely distributed cannabis brands in the world. Marco Rullo as Director of Brand Strategy. Marco is the former executive director of Kaya with extensive knowledge of the cannabis industry and over 10 years of executive experience in brand strategy and product development including successfully launching over 100 CPG products. as Director of Brand Strategy. Marco is the former executive director of Kaya with extensive knowledge of the cannabis industry and over 10 years of executive experience in brand strategy and product development including successfully launching over 100 CPG products. Sadie Reyes , as President of Alta Supply. Sadie helped grow a BMW sales franchise to a $200M revenue level. She applied her marketing and business development expertise to co-found Alta Supply. , as President of Alta Supply. Sadie helped grow a BMW sales franchise to a revenue level. She applied her marketing and business development expertise to co-found Alta Supply. Thomas J. Finch as Director of Corporate Development. Previously, Thomas was the lead financial analyst at CannaRoyalty. In that role he was instrumental in the execution of the River Distribution, Alta Supply Inc., and Kaya Management Inc. transactions. Prior to joining CannaRoyalty, Thomas was an investment banker at a Canadian independent dealer and a corporate banking analyst and debt capital markets associate with one of Canada's large banks. About CannaRoyalty CannaRoyalty is an active operator and investor in the global cannabis industry, with a strong focus on California, the world's largest cannabis market. Our core mission is to become the leading global consumer product goods company for discerning cannabis consumers. We are currently focused on building a diversified portfolio of manufacturing, distribution, intellectual property, and infrastructure assets to achieve this goal. Our leadership team combines a passion and hands-on understanding of the cannabis industry, with seasoned financial and legal expertise. CannaRoyalty's shares trade on the Canadian Stock Exchange (CSE) under the symbol CRZ and internationally on the OTCQX under the symbol CNNRF. 1) According to New Frontier Data, California has the world's largest cannabis market with annual sales in 2016 of $2.8 billion. Forward Looking Statements Statements in this news release that are forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed here and elsewhere in CannaRoyalty's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. When used in this news release, words such as "will, could, plan, estimate, expect, intend, may, potential, believe, should," and similar expressions, are forward- looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements relating to the Acquisitions, the execution of the Company's strategy, new opportunities, future growth and other statements. Although CannaRoyalty has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, there can be other factors that cause results, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including, but not limited to: dependence on obtaining regulatory approvals; investing in target companies or projects that are engaged in activities currently considered illegal under US federal law; changes in laws; limited operating history; reliance on management; requirements for additional financing; competition; hindering market growth and state adoption due to inconsistent public opinion and perception of the medical-use and adult-use marijuana industry and; regulatory or political change. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate or that management's expectations or estimates of future developments, circumstances or results will materialize. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, the results or events predicted in these forward-looking statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this release. CannaRoyalty disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such information, except as required by applicable law, and CannaRoyalty does not assume any liability for disclosure relating to any other company mentioned herein. SOURCE CannaRoyalty Corp. BEIJING, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Cheetah Mobile Inc. (NYSE: CMCM) ("Cheetah Mobile" or the "Company"), a leading mobile internet company with strong global vision, today announced that it will hold its annual general meeting of shareholders at the office of Cheetah Mobile at Hui Tong Times Square, No. 8, Yaojiayuan South Road, Beijing, China, on May 28, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. (local time). No proposal will be submitted for shareholder approval at the annual general meeting. Instead, the annual general meeting will serve as an open forum for shareholders of record and beneficial owners of the Company's American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") to discuss Company affairs with management. The Board of Directors of the Company has fixed the close of business on May 11, 2018 as the record date (the "Record Date") for determining the shareholders entitled to receive notice of the annual general meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Holders of record of the Company's Class A and Class B ordinary shares at the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to attend the annual general meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof in person. Beneficial owners of the Company's ADSs are welcome to attend the annual general meeting in person. The Company has filed its annual report (the "Annual Report"), which includes the Company's audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The Company's Annual Report can be accessed on the investor relations section of its website at http://ir.cmcm.com, and on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. Holders of the Company's Class A ordinary shares, Class B ordinary shares or ADSs may obtain a copy of the Company's Annual Report, free of charge, by emailing Ms. Helen Jing Zhu, at [email protected] or by writing to: Cheetah Mobile Inc. Hui Tong Times Square, No. 8, Yaojiayuan South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100123 People's Republic of China Attention: Ms. Helen Jing Zhu About Cheetah Mobile Inc. Cheetah Mobile is a leading mobile Internet company with strong global vision. It has attracted hundreds of millions of monthly active users through its mobile utility products such as Clean Master and Cheetah Keyboard, casual games such as Piano Tiles 2, and live streaming product Live.me. The Company provides its advertising customers, which include direct advertisers and mobile advertising networks through which advertisers place their advertisements, with direct access to highly targeted mobile users and global promotional channels. The Company also provides value-added services to its mobile application users through the sale of in-app virtual items on select mobile products and games. Cheetah Mobile is committed to leveraging its cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies to power its products and make the world smarter. It has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since May 2014. Investor Relations Contact Cheetah Mobile Inc. Helen Jing Zhu Tel: +86 10 6292 7779 ext. 1600 Email: [email protected] ICR, Inc. Jack Wang Tel: +1 (646) 417-5395 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Cheetah Mobile Related Links http://ir.cmcm.com CLIFTON, N.J., May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Comodo Cybersecurity, a global innovator and developer of cybersecurity solutions and Mission Secure, Inc. (MSi), a leading provider of control system cybersecurity to the U.S. military, oil and gas, and transportation industries, have teamed to develop a solution that integrates information technology (IT) and operations technology (OT)/industrial control systems (ICS) cybersecurity with a unified security operations center (SOC). The solution is designed to deliver effective protection of government and enterprise critical infrastructure against the cyber threats targeting ICS. Comodo Cybersecurity and MSi will demonstrate the combined solution at HackNYC, a conference dedicated to the cyber protection of critical infrastructure, taking place May 8 to 10 in New York City. The solution combines the data from these two environments to provide 24/7 cyber event and incident management, recovery and remediation in a SOC. Critical infrastructure sectors from electricity, oil, gas and water to transportation, communications and most recently, voting systems increasingly recognize the risk of cyber threats from actors motivated by geo-political interests, hactivism and/or financial gain. These organizations own extensive IT environments connected to OT/ICS, creating a broad attack surface. As a result, security organizations struggle to close gaps between IT and OT/ICS, which may create opportunities for attackers. "The new joint approach addresses the very unique challenges facing critical infrastructure. MSi Platform protects from the device, PLC and controller up through the OT network, integrating IT and OT/ICS cyber visibility and endpoint protection in a unified, secure platform," said Ozer Metin, VP of Cybersecurity Solutions, Comodo Cybersecurity. "Comodo Cybersecurity protects on the IT side and, when combined with MSi, closes the gap in these currently siloed environments." "We are very excited to be working with an innovative and world-renowned IT cyber company like Comodo Cybersecurity to provide end users with a fully managed, secure and integrated solution to monitor and protect both the IT and the OT from cyberattacks," said David Drescher, CEO, Mission Secure, Inc. For more information, visit https://enterprise.comodo.com/ and www.missionsecure.com. About Comodo Cybersecurity In a world where preventing all cyberattacks is impossible, Comodo Cybersecurity delivers an innovative cybersecurity platform that renders threats useless, across the LAN, web and cloud. The Comodo Cybersecurity platform enables customers to protect their systems and data against even military-grade threats, including zero-day attacks. Based in Clifton, New Jersey, Comodo Cybersecurity has a 20-year history of protecting the most sensitive data for both businesses and consumers globally. For more information, visit comodo.com or our blog. You can also follow us on Twitter (@ComodoDesktop) or LinkedIn. About Mission Secure, Inc. Mission Secure, Inc. (MSi) is a cyber security company focused on protecting control systems that operate critical physical assets in defense and industry. The patented MSi Platform can be deployed cost-effectively to provide superior OT cyber visibility and protection with comprehensive coverage in a single platform. The MSi Platform gives customers the ability to monitor, detect, inform, collect, correct and protect their critical control systems and related assets. Learn more by visiting us at www.missionsecure.com. Contact: Montner Tech PR Deb Montner, [email protected] 203-226-9290 SOURCE Comodo Cybersecurity Related Links http://www.comodo.com SAN DIEGO, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Cubic Corporation (NYSE: CUB) today announced its Cubic Global Defense (CGD) business division in partnership with Federal Resources, was awarded a contract worth more than $6 million to supply the United States Air National Guard (ANG) with 95 PRISim Suite PortableTrainer systems that include recoil and less-lethal training weapons and devices. The system also includes software capabilities that allow customization of scenarios. To be deployed at every ANG base, the systems will train security forces personnel in use-of-force policy and handling of deadly force and less-lethal weapons. "We are thrilled with this contract win as PRISim is one of Cubic's key training solutions for marksmanship and judgement skills," said Dave Buss, president of Cubic Global Defense. "This contract is a significant first win for the Cubic and Federal Resources partnership and we look forward to supporting the Air National Guard with its mission critical simulation training program." Cubic's L750 portable system from the PRISim Suite product line leverages high-definition, interactive videos and game-engine technology to create realistic training theatres for all aspects of firearms handling. The system is easy-to-use, simple to transport and quick to deploy with an industry-leading set up time of three minutes. It includes a Surface Pro tablet controller and features three modes of training branching video for use of force training, marksmanship and skill builder modes. "The PRISim simulation system will provide the necessary weapons training for the Air National Guard's Security Forces to be able to respond in any situation they may find themselves in," said Keith Bauder, director of National Guard Bureau programs, Federal Resources. "It will prove to be an excellent resource for many years." Cubic's range of firearms training solutions provide safe, effective and realistic training environments for law enforcement, military and security professionals. About Cubic Corporation Cubic is a market-leading, technology provider of integrated solutions that increase situational understanding for transportation, C4ISR and training customers worldwide to decrease urban congestion and improve the militaries' effectiveness and operational readiness. Cubic Transportation Systems is a leading integrator of payment and information technology and services to create intelligent travel solutions for transportation authorities and operators. Cubic Mission Solutions provides networked Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities for defense, intelligence, security and commercial missions. Cubic Global Defense is a leading provider of live, virtual, constructive and game-based training solutions for the U.S. and allied forces. For more information about Cubic, please visit the company's website at www.cubic.com or on Twitter @CubicCorp. SOURCE Cubic Corporation Related Links http://www.cubic.com DAC will support MDA's Office of the CIO, Assessment and Risk Management Division, in providing innovative solutions to the implementation of the Risk Management Framework, and activities supporting MDA Cybersecurity initiatives. Under this effort, DAC will specifically be supporting MDA's Cybersecurity Controls Validation Testing (CCVT) program, Cybersecurity Software Code Assessment program, Cybersecurity Risk Assessment (CRA) program, providing Cyber Range Operational Test and Evaluation operations and support, and supporting MDA's Cyber Training, Education, and Leader Development program. Team DAC will enable senior MDA leaders to make fully informed decisions about cybersecurity vulnerabilities and risks to protect BMDS mission systems; Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) systems and networks; and the MDA enterprise networks. "DAC has provided value-added support to MDA's cyber and technical innovation activities for the past 10 years. We have assembled a top-notch team that is ready and able to tackle MDA's most complex cyber needs," said Greg Owens, Program Manager for DECISIVE ANALYTICS. "We are excited and honored to continue our work with MDA in finding solutions to today's cybersecurity issues as well as tomorrow's cybersecurity problems." About DECISIVE ANALYTICS Corporation DECISIVE ANALYTICS Corporation is an employee-owned systems engineering company headquartered in Arlington, VA. DECISIVE ANALYTICS also has offices in Huntsville, AL; Colorado Springs, CO; San Diego, CA; and Dayton, OH. Founded two decades ago, DECISIVE ANALYTICS' core ideology is to bring together highly motivated individuals to form an organization that provides superior, innovative technical contributions to all endeavors in which it participates. We deliver industry-leading products and services to commercial businesses, the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and a wide range of other government agencies. An award-winning growing company, DECISIVE ANALYTICS is consistently ranked among the Best Places to Work within communities where we serve. For more information, please visit www.dac.us. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. SOURCE DECISIVE ANALYTICS Corporation Related Links http://www.dac.us NEW YORK, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dodge Momentum Index jumped 6.1% in April to 163.0 (2000=100) from the revised March reading of 153.7. The Momentum Index is a monthly measure of the first (or initial) report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. Both components of the Momentum Index moved higher in April, with the commercial component up 6.3% and the institutional component up 5.8%. Over the last two months the commercial portion of the Momentum Index has posted the most aggressive growth, fueled by continued low vacancy rates for commercial buildings as well as the potential benefits from the tax cuts passed in December. The gains for the institutional component, while healthy, have been more moderate reflecting the ebb and flow of public funding for larger education and public building projects. Karin Baatsch-Deboulet, EVP, Operations Kinetic North America said: "We are excited to partner with DOmedia to further our automation efforts. Through the use of DOMedia's platform, we expect to realize planning process efficiencies that will enable our teams to focus even more of their time on delivering the most strategic, innovative out of home ideas and solutions for clients." "Our goal has always been to provide the industry with standards and tools that drive efficiency and growth," said Ken Sahlin, CEO of DOmedia. "We are truly honored that an agency as talented and influential as Kinetic shares that vision." Between its enterprise platforms and BillboardsIn.com, its marketplace for direct advertisers, DOmedia's customers represent over 20% of total U.S. OOH media spend. DOmedia's agency platform includes a database of over one million U.S. OOH media assets, the largest in the U.S., as well as industry-standard Geopath ratings data and integrated mapping, planning, and buying tools. Because the platform manages campaign data from market-level research through execution and analysis, DOmedia can automate highly sophisticated and labor-intensive tasks. DOmedia announced their plans at the OOH industry's largest annual conference, managed by the Outdoor Advertising Association of America and Geopath, the leading provider of OOH ratings data. Technology was a major focus of the conference, which included topics on machine learning and the evolving role of OOH advertising in smart cities. About DOmedia DOmedia operates the leading technology platforms for buying and selling OOH media. Agencies, vendors and brands turn to DOmedia to harness the power of the OOH media Renaissance. For more information about DOmedia, visit DOmedia.com or contact Ian Bowman-Henderson, Director of Marketing, at (513) 508-4237. About Kinetic Kinetic, the world's largest and most innovative Out-of-Home (OOH) planning agency brings forward the future of OOH communication for brands. Kinetic uses intelligence, technology and creativity for brands to communicate with valuable audiences on the move. Kinetic persistently pioneers new ways to make OOH interactive, social, and measureable. A global agency network within WPP's tenthavenue, Kinetic has offices in 34 countries and an operating network of affiliates worldwide serving hundreds of agencies and brands. For more information, please visit our website or follow us @KineticUSA. SOURCE DOmedia Related Links https://www.domedia.com TORONTO, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Drone Delivery Canada (DDC or the Company) (TSX.V:FLT OTCQB: TAKOF), is pleased to announce the appointment of James (Jim) Williams to the newly created position of Director of Regulatory Affairs, USA, as the Company grows its management team advancing its Drone Delivery technology into the United States of America. "As we move ahead to solidify the roll out in international markets, Jim's industry knowledge and experience in the United States of America will assist DDC greatly. We are very pleased to have Jim join the team and look forward to his contribution with our American expansion," commented Tony Di Benedetto, CEO of Drone Delivery Canada. Presently, DDC's Sparrow Drone, its proprietary software FLYTE, and the Company are deemed compliant by the Canadian regulator, Transport Canada, within Canadian airspace. DDC, through its newly-formed American subsidiary, Drone Delivery USA, looks to export its technology to the USA to enable its larger American clients to harness and deploy DDC's Drone technology in American airspace. As Director of Regulatory Affairs, USA, Jim will oversee our regulatory compliance and coordinate with the Federal Aviation Administration at Drone Delivery USA, to expedite the export of our Drone delivery technology. The Company is also pleased to report that much progress is being made with both our Raven and Condor drones, which are expected to complement our Sparrow drone with greater payloads and distance capabilities. The Raven is expected to have a payload capacity of 20 lbs. and a distance of over 20km and the Condor will have a payload capacity of 400 lbs and a distance of over 100km. These new aircraft will substantially enhance our service offering to customers and are seen as potential game-changers for the deployment of highly automated drones in a variety of industries and geographies. We will report further detailed technical progress on these initiatives later in Q3, 2018. Biography for Jim Williams: Jim has over 30 years of experience in the Aerospace sector and recently served as Manager of the FAA's Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Office at the Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). During his 15 years as an executive at the FAA, Jim held several important positions including Director of Systems Engineering, leader of the Integrated Product Team for ATC Communications, and finally, executive lead for all FAA UAS integration activities. During his tenure, the FAA approved the first commercial drone operations in the USA and published the regulatory structure that enabled routine commercial drone operations in the USA. Prior to joining the FAA, Jim was a flight test engineer and a production liaison engineer for the Lockheed Georgia Company's C5, C-141 and C-130 programs. He also worked for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in Mission Control during the initial flights of the US Space Shuttle. "Since I left the FAA, my vision has been to do everything I can to help enable routine unmanned aircraft operations in the US. Joining the Drone Delivery Canada team is an amazing opportunity for me to realize the vision of making drone delivery in the US a reality.", commented Jim Williams, Director Regulatory Affairs USA. For more information, please visit www.dronedeliverycanada.com About Drone Delivery Canada Drone Delivery Canada is a drone technology company focused on the design, development and implementation of its proprietary logistics software platform, using drones. The Company's platform will be used as Software as a Service (SaaS) for government and corporate organizations and looks to derive revenue from Integration fees, Set Up fees and Drone Delivery Flights based upon a take or pay model nationwide. Drone Delivery Canada Corp. is a publicly listed company trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol FLT, and on the U.S. OTC Q B market under the symbol TAKOF. SOURCE Drone Delivery Canada Related Links http://www.dronedeliverycanada.com "Broadway Park," as the development is expected to be called, will draw on the historic heritage of the site and unlock substantial public access to a section of Ann Arbor's southern riverfront. More than 80 percent of the site approximately nine acres will be developed into open space and green infrastructure, with about 1,200 feet of restored Huron River shoreline. The development also is expected to include an 8,000-square-foot year-round event pavilion, up to 100 residential condominiums, a boutique select hotel and up to 20,000 square feet of retail space, including space for an attractive, high-quality restaurant facing the Huron River. "Our development agreement with Roxbury Group is the result of DTE Energy's commitment to developing this site in a way that highlights the natural beauty of the riverfront while preserving much of the land for the public's enjoyment," said Gerry Anderson, DTE Energy chairman and chief executive officer. "Broadway Park is designed to be an iconic development and public space that further solidifies Ann Arbor's reputation as one of the state's premier communities." "We are thrilled to be working with DTE Energy to unlock the incredible potential of this unique site," said David Di Rita, principal of The Roxbury Group. "Given our group's strong ties to Ann Arbor, we understand how impactful this project will be to the community, and we are pleased and honored to have assembled such an impressive team to bring Broadway Park to fruition." DTE and the Roxbury Group have been collaborating on the design of the project, with a shared focus on the creation of a world-class public space as the centerpiece of the project. They have assembled a team of local and national professionals to assist in the design of the project, including SmithGroup/JJR of Ann Arbor, Detroit-based Hamilton Anderson Associates Architects, and SME Consultants of Plymouth, Michigan. Also retained is the New York-based Project for Public Spaces (PPS) to assist in developing the programming and design of the public space in Broadway Park. PPS will be conducting a series of stakeholder outreach sessions to gather community input during the design and development process for the public space. Following this public engagement, Roxbury Group will seek to obtain necessary entitlements and permits for the project by the end of 2018, with construction to commence immediately thereafter. "We are excited that, in addition to the residential and commercial development, Broadway Park will provide residents with an activated public space connecting to the surrounding parks and trails along the Huron River. We believe the Broadway Park public space will be a significant benefit to Ann Arbor, as it will be located facing the Huron River, across from the Argo Cascade white water feature," said Howard Lazarus, Ann Arbor City Administrator. For more than a century, the site was used as a Michigan Consolidated Gas Company service center and, earlier, a coal-gasification facility. DTE Energy acquired the facility through its merger with MCN Energy and MichCon in 2001. DTE Energy closed and later demolished the remaining buildings in 2009. Since that time, the company has dedicated substantial resources to environmental remediation on the site and to reclaiming the shoreline. About DTE Energy DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric utility serving 2.2 million customers in Southeastern Michigan and a natural gas utility serving 1.3 million customers in Michigan. The DTE Energy portfolio includes non-utility energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects, natural gas pipelines, gathering and storage, and energy marketing and trading. As one of Michigan's leading corporate citizens, DTE Energy is a force for growth and prosperity in the 450 Michigan communities it serves in a variety of ways, including philanthropy, volunteerism and economic progress. Information about DTE Energy is available at dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com, twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy. About The Roxbury Group The Roxbury Group is Detroit-based real estate development and investment firm founded in 2005. The firm specializes in complex real estate and economic development projects. The company was founded by University of Michigan graduates Stacy L. Fox and David Di Rita. Since its founding, the Roxbury Group has developed projects for its own account and others totaling over $125 million in total project value with $75 million of projects in the pipeline. In 2014 they re-opened the historic David Whitney Building in downtown's Grand Circus Park, following a $94 million redevelopment into an Aloft hotel and 105 apartments with first floor restaurants and retail, and completed the award-winning Outdoor Adventure Center on Detroit's riverfront in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Most recently, they opened The Griswold, a $24 million, 80-unit apartment building that will rise five stories atop a 10-story parking and retail building in Detroit's Capitol Park, and the Plaza, a 74-unit apartment conversion of an historic former office building in Detroit's midtown district, and are nearing completion of the redevelopment of Detroit's long-dormant Metropolitan Building, which when completed will house an Element Hotel by Westin as well as first floor retail. SOURCE DTE Energy Related Links http://www.dteenergy.com SAN FRANCISCO, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The global eClinical solutions market size is expected to reach USD 12.0 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc., registering a 13.6% CAGR during the forecast period. Increasing outsourcing and externalization of clinical trials by a majority of the prominent pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies is expected to drive the market at an unprecedented rate throughout the forecast period. Increasing research and development initiatives, rise in government grants to substantiate trials, and growing number of customers for eClinical solutions are also expected to boost the market during the forecast period. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/661327/Grand_View_Research_Logo.jpg ) Drug development process is enhanced by various solutions such as clinical data management, electronic data capture, data conversion, and standardization as well as statistical programming and data reporting. Rising inclination of major pharmaceutical companies toward these services is also presumed to be a direct consequence of reduced requirement of internal staff, enhanced cost-efficiency, efficient management of resources, and production of lucrative and unbiased results in trials, which further widens the scope for growth. Increasing competition amongst majority of pharmaceutical companies is urging them to expand their R&D budgets, thus resulting in many pipeline products. Cumulatively, increasing number of patent expirations is also presumed to be responsible for extensive indulgence of pharmaceutical corporations into drug development and discovery, resulting in production of wide range of pipeline products. This increasing pipeline of products demands a streamlined workflow of all processes, roles, and activities, leading to efficient clinical data management. All these factors are expected to drive demand for these solutions over the forecast period. Browse full research report with TOC on "eClinical Solutions Market Analysis Report By Product (eCOA, CTMS, EDC, CDMS), By Delivery Mode (Web-hosted, Licensed Enterprise, Cloud-based), By Clinical Trial Phase, By End Use, And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025" at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/eclinical-solutions-market Further Key Findings From the Report Suggest: CTMS dominated the market by product, capturing a share of 20.6% in 2016 owing to high adoption rate in research trials due to associated benefits such as real-time status tracking, end-to-end management, and maintenance of multiple databases eCOA is anticipated to expand at an exponential CAGR of 15.0% during the forecast period as a consequence of rising significance of high-quality clinical information Web-hosted solutions held the largest share of 76.84% in the market by delivery mode in 2016 owing to associated benefits such as easy accessibility, usability, and requirement of less investment Cloud-based solutions are anticipated to grow at an exponential rate owing to integrated features such as flexibility and high accessibility Phase III held a substantial share in the market in 2016 owing to high need for clinical data management software in order to curb overall cost and improve process efficiency CROs are expected to exhibit lucrative growth over the future years owing to increase in outsourcing of clinical trials by prominent pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies Asia Pacific is anticipated to expand at a lucrative CAGR of over 18.0% owing to developments in the healthcare sector and availability of large patient population for research studies. Browse related reports by Grand View Research: Care Management Solution Market - Patient-centric care and the rising need to cover medical expenses is integrating and enabling the growth of global care management solutions. - Patient-centric care and the rising need to cover medical expenses is integrating and enabling the growth of global care management solutions. Sperm Bank Market - The global sperm bank market size was valued at USD 3.51 billion in 2015 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period. The global sperm bank market size was valued at in 2015 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period. Telemedicine Market - The global telemedicine market size was valued at USD 24.9 billion in 2016 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.3% over the forecast period. The global telemedicine market size was valued at in 2016 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.3% over the forecast period. Electronic Clinical Outcome Assessment (eCOA) Solutions Market - The global Electronic Clinical Outcome Assessment (eCOA) solutions market size was estimated at USD 616.9 million in 2016. Grand View Research has segmented the global eClinical solutions market on the basis of product, delivery mode, clinical trial phase, end use, and region: eClinical Solutions Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025) eCOA EDC CDMS Clinical data integration platforms Safety solutions CTMS RTSM eTMF eClinical Solutions Delivery Mode Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025) Web-hosted (on-demand) Licensed Enterprise (on premise) Cloud-based eClinical Solutions Clinical Trial Phase Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025) Phase I Phase II Phase III Phase IV eClinical Solutions End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025) Hospitals CROs Others eClinical Solutions Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025) North America U.S. Canada Europe U.K. Germany Asia Pacific Japan China India Latin America Brazil Mexico MEA South Africa Saudi Arabia Read Our Blog By Grand View Research: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/blogs/healthcare About Grand View Research Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare. Contact: Sherry James Corporate Sales Specialist, USA Grand View Research, Inc Phone: +1-415-349-0058 Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.grandviewresearch.com SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc. DES PLAINES, Ill., May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This week, 167 members of the Emergency Nurses Association will visit Capitol Hill on May 9 to advocate for legislation on four issues that directly impact emergency care and thousands of nurses nationally. In particular, ENA urges Congress to pass legislation that would require health care employers to develop comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans; amend current law to provide liability protections against both federal and state civil actions for health care professionals who volunteer during a federally-declared disaster or public health emergency; allow the armed forces to partner with local trauma centers to embed military trauma providers in those facilities; and create a new pilot program to better equip health care professionals to identify and care for victims of human trafficking. "ENA's annual Day on the Hill is our opportunity to bring forward issues that emergency nurses face every day," said ENA president Jeff Solheim, MSN, RN, CEN, TCRN, CFRN, FAEN, FAAN. "We welcome the opportunity to educate lawmakers while advocating for our profession and our patients on these important topics." Emergency nurses are asking representatives to support and cosponsor the Health Care Workplace Violence Prevention Act (H.R. 5223). The bill ensures health care employers who accept payments from Medicare and Medicaid will take specific steps to prevent workplace violence and make the safety of patients and workers a priority. H.R. 5223 also requires health care employers, primarily hospitals and outpatient clinics, to develop and implement a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan. Enacted in 1997, the Volunteer Protection Act provides limited liability protections in both state and federal courts for most volunteers if they are acting on behalf of a qualified nonprofit or governmental organization. However, this protection does not apply to health care professionals who are willing to volunteer during a disaster or public health emergency outside a formal relationship with a nonprofit or government agency. The Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act (H.R. 1876/S. 781) would amend current law to provide limited liability protection against both federal and state civil actions for licensed health care professionals, including emergency nurses, who volunteer during a federally-declared disaster or public health emergency. The Military Injury Surgical Systems Integrated Operationally Nationwide to Achieve ZERO Preventable Deaths Act (MISSION ZERO; S. 1022) would create two new grant programs that allow the armed forces to partner with local trauma centers to embed military trauma care providers and military trauma teams into those facilities. This will allow military health care professionals, when they are not deployed, to maintain their readiness by caring for civilian trauma patients. The program will also facilitate the transfer of best practices between military and civilian trauma care providers. MISSION ZERO (H.R. 880) passed the House of Representatives on Feb. 26. ENA is urging action on this bill in the Senate. Day on the Hill attendees will also ask lawmakers to support and cosponsor S. 256, the Stop, Observe, Ask and Respond (SOAR) to Health and Wellness Act. The bill aims improve care for human trafficking victims by creating a new pilot program to better equip health care professionals with the tools to identify victims; provide evidence-based patient care; facilitate communications between victims and law enforcement; and appropriately refer victims to service agencies. The SOAR Act passed the House of Representatives on Feb. 26. As with the MISSION ZERO Act, ENA seeks Senate passage of this important legislation. Members will meet with legislators and their staff on May 9 during the association's annual Day on the Hill event. About the Emergency Nurses Association The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) is the premier professional nursing association dedicated to defining the future of emergency nursing through advocacy, education, research, innovation, and leadership. Founded in 1970, ENA has proven to be an indispensable resource to the global emergency nursing community. With more than 43,000 members worldwide, ENA advocates for patient safety, develops industry-leading practice standards and guidelines, and guides emergency healthcare public policy. ENA members have expertise in triage, patient care, disaster preparedness, and all aspects of emergency care. Additional information is available at www.ena.org. ENA Media Contact: Tim Mucha Communications & PR Specialist 847-460-4022 [email protected] SOURCE Emergency Nurses Association Related Links http://www.ena.org/ WASHINGTON, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Emerging Markets Private Equity Association (EMPEA) has released two reports on global investors' sentiment toward emerging markets and currency risk mitigation. Please see below for more information summarizing the findings. These reports, as well as many other critical topics will be part of the discussions at the IFC's 20th Anniversary Global Private Equity Conference in association with EMPEA on 15-16 May in Washington, D.C. We invite you to join the conference with a complimentary press pass. To request a press pass, please contact Leela Vosko at [email protected]. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group and EMPEA will welcome keynotes such as David Rubenstein of The Carlyle Group; Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, 24th President of Liberia, first female head of state in Africa and Nobel Laureate; Pascal Lamy, Former Head of the WTO, Mo Ibrahim, Chairman, Mo Ibrahim Foundation; and many others. We will be curating a variety of sector- and region-specific discussions for more than 900 conference delegates comprising private equity fund managers, institutional investors, advisors and government officials more than 60 countries. View the Full Global Private Equity Conference Agenda Recently Released EMPEA Reports: 2018 Global Limited Partners Survey The 14th annual edition of EMPEA's Global Limited Partners Survey analyzes the views of 107 limited partners (LPs) on the current conditions and future outlook for emerging markets private equity (EM PE). Key findings: A higher proportion of respondents plans to increase the dollar value of their commitments to EM PE than in any edition of the survey since 2014, suggesting cautious optimism may be in order for EM-focused fund managers. When asked why they plan to commit more to EM PE opportunities, 58% of survey respondents indicated they are seeking greater diversification in their PE portfolio, up from 38% of respondents in the 2014 survey. In contrast, half of respondents in the 2015 survey planned to increase their commitments because they expected PE to outperform other EM investment opportunities. Southeast Asia has regained the top spot in EMPEA's market attractiveness rankings, followed by India and China , forming a top three exclusively comprising markets in Emerging Asia. Download the Full Survey Report (PDF) View a Presentation of Top Findings (PDF) Listen to a Recording of a Webcast Discussion of the Report (Video) Expanding Institutional Investment into Emerging Markets via Currency Risk Mitigation - A project funded by USAID where it partnered with lead organization Sarona Asset Management as well as Crystalus Inc. and EMPEA, the purpose of the report was to identify new solutions to currency risk, a key deterrent for investors considering long-term private equity opportunities in emerging markets. The chance that financial returns could diminish or even disappear when converted back into U.S. dollars or euros limits the available capital that could otherwise be invested in growing businesses around the world to create jobs and spur economic development. Several promising pathways were identified in the report, including insurance and tailored proxy hedging, which aligned well with both general partner (GP) and limited partner (LP) criteria for viability. The tailored proxy hedge showed the most potential, and, consequently, it was piloted in a back-testing simulation using two actual EM fund manager portfolios. The partners and industry participants are optimistic about the results that demonstrated significant protection in certain economic stress events. Download the full report (PDF) Read the press release (PDF) SOURCE Emerging Markets Private Equity Association (EMPEA) Garnacha/Grenache varietal wines are guaranteed by the European Union to meet a high level of quality and to respect the traditions of the regions from which they originate, through the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) or Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) labels, taking the guesswork out of selecting wines for your special event. Widely planted throughout a variety of regions across Europe particularly in France and Spain the Garnacha/Grenache varietal is a crowd-pleaser that simultaneously stuns and saves, with its number of different styles sparkling, red, white, rose, and even fortified or sweet. They are typically characterized as balanced, food-friendly wines, and are appreciated for their fruit-forward, elegant nature. But how can you make the right selection among all this variety for your next gathering? Four key pointers for how to select the right European Garnacha/Grenache wines for your upcoming event are listed below. Did you know that Garnacha/Grenache is mostly known for its role in blends? If its a great addition to many blends, imagine how special it can be on its own. Just check the front or back label for "Garnacha," "Grenache," "Grenache Noir," "Garnacha Blanca," "Grenache Blanc" or "Grenache Gris," or simply ask your wine store representative to guide you in the right direction. There is a Garnacha/Grenache wine for everyone! Since they are available at a variety of price points and flavor profiles, you can easily narrow in on exactly how much you want to spend and find the perfect one for your event. If you're planning a special toast, consider purchasing a couple special selections from older vintages, such as Vins Doux Naturels from Roussillon. If you'd rather offer one choice each of rose, red, and white, explore consistent, easy-to-find, and reasonably-priced wines from regions like Carinena, Campo de Borja , Somontano, Terra Alta , Calatayud and Roussillon. Is wine pairing a nightmare for you? Not anymore! Consider the food you'll be serving are you hosting a hearty, comfort food feast or are you just having a small group over for light snacks and tapas? Garnacha/Grenache-based reds and roses have a bit more weight to them, so they may be a better choice for dishes like Grilled NY Strip Steak with Chimichuri or Roasted Lamb with Goat Cheese Polenta. Meanwhile white Garnacha Blanca/Grenache Blanc wines are typically known for being full-bodied and round, with rich honeysuckle, pear and citrus flavors. These wines pair beautifully with dishes like Chicken Under a Brick, Moroccan Couscous, or even Tempura Shrimp. And what about dessert? Will you be offering a special wine to end the evening? If so, consider a sweet Garnacha/Grenache wine or a fortified wine (vin doux naturel) from regions like Maury or Banyuls. These wines can be made in a variety of styles from blanc (white) to ambre (amber) or red and show a range of flavor profiles, from rich, honeyed notes to dark, fruit and chocolate flavors. Blanc and ambre styles will pair nicely with fruit or nut-based dishes like Peach Pie or an Almond Tart, while red styles will work better alongside cheese plates or a Dark Chocolate and Salted Caramel Torte. When there are so many different styles and options within one category, why go for anything else? European-quality Garnacha/Grenache based wines are well priced, varied and versatile, allowing you to showcase your personality all while keeping both your wallet and guests happy. About Garnacha Origen Association The Asociacion para la Promocion del Vino de Garnacha (Garnacha Origen) regroups 5 Spanish Protected Designations of Origin (Somontano, Terra Alta, Carinena, Calatayud and Campo de Borja), and their stakeholders, including individual producers, agricultural research institutes like CITA (Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of Aragon) and other public organizations like AREX (Aragon's Foreign Trade and Invest Agency). Founded in 2014 to promote PDO Garnacha-based quality wines, it is the largest Garnacha wines promotion conglomerate in Spain and in the EU. All of the wines promoted by Garnacha Origen are monovarietal Garnacha wines (>85% of their content, according to European rules) and are PDO certified. With about 5,500 winegrowers and 144 wineries, Garnacha Origen's five PDOs cultivate 34,945 hectares of vineyards and produce 750,000 hl of wine (season 13/14), with an average low yield of 20 hl/ha. For more information, please visit www.garnachaorigen.com. About Wines of Roussillon Shaped like an amphitheater and nestled in the South of France between Spain, the Mediterranean Sea, the Pyrenees & the Corbieres Mountains, Roussillon is known for its diversity of wines and terroirs. The region's unique geology and microclimates allow each of the 25 authorized grape varieties to reach its fullest expression in these soils. Bringing together a small community of 2,200 winemaker families, 25 coops and 350 private cellars, the sunniest region of France produced 604 457 hl in 2016, with an average yield of 29 hl/ha. With its unique patchwork of micro-terroirs, Roussillon offers a diverse range of wines in all colors (15 PDOs & 3PGIs) including dry still wines and Vins Doux Naturels (Fortified Sweet Wines). For more information, please visit www.winesofroussillon.com. For media queries, please contact: Marguerite de Chaumont Quitry Senior PR Manager, Sopexa USA Email: [email protected] Tel: +1 (212) 386-7441 SOURCE Garnacha Origen Association; Wines of Roussillon Related Links http://www.winesofroussillon.com MIAMI, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- FEAM Maintenance / Engineering today announces that the U.S.-based MRO has entered into an agreement with All Nippon Airways (ANA) to provide consulting via its Technical Services brand throughout The Americas. The agreement calls for FEAM to provide forward surveillance of potential technical ground handling agents throughout North and South America in support of the Japanese air carrier's current and future route plans. FEAM will leverage its considerable expertise, experience, and industry relationships in identifying capable aircraft maintenance providers and ground handling agents in support of ANA's needs. "We are very pleased to partner with ANA, one of the world's finest airlines, in support of this very important endeavor," said Dan Allawat, Chief Operating Officer at FEAM. "Given our own established network here in the U.S., along with being headquartered in Miami, FL, a gateway to South America, makes us a natural fit to be ANA's partner for the Americas. We look forward to providing these services to ANA." FEAM's growing Technical Services brand offers a variety of consulting services to airline operators, lessors, and asset managers. Partnering with ANA is a natural extension of these services. More about FEAM: FEAM founded in 1992, is an MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) company providing comprehensive aircraft maintenance services to domestic and international air carriers flying transport passenger and cargo category aircraft. FEAM employs over 870 aviation professionals and Aircraft Technicians /Line Maintenance Aircraft Engineers throughout the company's growing network of 32 domestic line stations in the United States. FEAM, an FAA 145 Repair Station, holds numerous certifications from global aviation regulatory authorities. Learn more at www.feam.aero Contact: Scott Diaz Director of Business Development- Americas [email protected] Peter Kuan Director of International Business Development [email protected] SOURCE FEAM Related Links http://www.feam.aero LAS VEGAS, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, on stage at the HLTH conference in Las Vegas, Brightside, the employee financial health platform, announced its launch with $4M in seed funding from Comcast Ventures and Trinity Ventures; the appointment of its CEO, Tom Spann, founding CEO and co-founder of Accolade; and its charter customer, Comcast Corporation. Financial stress is a leading cause of lost productivity in the workplace according to a recent employee financial wellness survey by PWC.1 Additionally, a report by the Federal Reserve Board indicates that if faced with an unexpected $400 emergency expense, 44 percent of adults either could not immediately pay it or would need to borrow or sell something to cover the cost.2 When further complicated by growing student loan debt and by using 401(k) loans to cover expenses, the road to financial wellness becomes challenging for many. "For years, companies have focused on the physical and emotional health of employees, offering a myriad of solutions, without nearly as much emphasis on their financial well-being," said Shawn Leavitt, senior vice president of Total Rewards at Comcast. "Now, we as employers are recognizing the impact financial health has on our workforce. Brightside helps our employees better navigate and manage their financial well-being, and also gives us a competitive advantage by enhancing the portfolio of benefits we offer and making our benefits package more meaningful to people's everyday lives." As a trusted partner, Brightside supports each employee's unique financial situation with a mobile app and financial assistants, both backed by a proprietary financial methodology, modern behavioral science, and easy access to the best financial product options curated personally to save them money. For example, Brightside helped one employee save $3,000 in credit card interest payments, reduced the time to be debt-free by two years and improved their credit score in the process. "Employers now have a simple solution for the huge costs of reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and serious health issues that arise from financial stress. It is well established that financial stress makes us less healthy, less intelligent and lonelier," said Tom Spann, CEO of Brightside. "We're building Brightside for employers who are focused on helping their employees make better financial decisions." The Brightside founding team includes executives Callum King from Comcast Ventures, Christine Tozzi from Willis Towers Watson, Jacky Chiu from LifeLock, and Petrina Thompson, from American Express. Brightside draws upon the expertise of industry veterans who are on the company's board of directors, including Michael Yang, managing director of Comcast Ventures, and Schwark Satyavolu, general partner of Trinity Ventures. About Brightside Brightside is the first employer-based financial wellness solution that uniquely combines personal assistants, smart technology and innovative products to relieve employee stress and its impact on the workforce. Brightside delivers improved outcomes for employees through its financial assistants, who engage employees, establish trust, and provide tailored support, as well as unbiased access to financial products that save them money. Headquartered in San Francisco, Calif., Brightside was founded in 2017 and is funded by Comcast Ventures and Trinity Ventures. For more information, please visit: https://www.gobrightside.com Media Contact Becca Youngs, Public Relations (707) 408-8314 [email protected] 1 "2017 Employee Financial Wellness Survey," PWC, 2017, https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/private-company-services/library/financial-well-being-retirement-survey.html 2"Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2016," Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 2017, https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/files/2016-report-economic-well-being-us-households-201705.pdf SOURCE Brightside Related Links https://www.gobrightside.com TOLEDO, Ohio, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- VentureMed Group, Inc., a medical device company specializing in the development and commercialization of innovative and cost-effective devices for the endovascular treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), presented a technical review of the FLEX Dynamic Scoring Catheter in the Innovations session of the conference, as well as a scientific poster illustrating the device in a real-world setting at the 40th Charing Cross International Symposium in London. The FLEX Scoring Catheter creates continuous longitudinal micro-incisions at a controlled depth that prepares the vessel for angioplasty. Dr. Frank Arko, Director, Endovascular Surgery, Co-Director of Aortic Institute at Carolinas Medical Center, Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute Charlotte, North Carolina, USA highlighted successes with the FLEX Scoring Catheter during the Innovations session "FLEX Scoring Catheter Vessel Preparation Device." The presentation focused on an overview of the FLEX Scoring Catheter specifications, mechanism of action, cases, and techniques using this innovative advanced device for vessel preparation. "The device increases luminal gain and vessel compliance without flow limiting dissection, emboli or perforations. It will impact our vascular surgery outcomes," said Dr. Frank Arko. "The easier it is for surgeons to perform these delicate procedures, the better the outcomes we can provide for our patients who count on us to provide them with the best possible care." Dr. John Pigott, Jobst Vascular Institute, Promedica Healthcare Systems and VentureMed Group founder and Chief Science Officer also presented a poster showcasing post market surveillance data entitled "Real World Results of a Dynamic Scoring Device in Calcified Femoropopliteal Vessels." The positive outcomes of using the FLEX Scoring Catheter in 237 patients with calcified femoropopliteal vessels were presented, highlighting that balloon opening pressure (the lowest pressure required for full lesion effacement), was not influenced by the severity of calcification. "Calcified vessels present a unique challenge for opening blocked peripheral arteries," said Gary Smith, Chief Executive Officer of VentureMed Group. "With this data, we now have real-world evidence that shows the technical success that can be achieved when using FLEX as vessel preparation before a drug coated balloon (DCB) or plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA)." Venture Med Group will be exhibiting at the 19th Annual New Cardiovascular Horizons Conference in New Orleans May 30 - June 1, 2018. The FLEX Scoring Catheter data will be presented highlighting efficacy in long lesions. About FLEX Dynamic Scoring Catheter The FLEX Scoring Catheter is a safe and effective vessel preparation device engineered to create continuous longitudinal micro-incisions prepping the vessel for angioplasty. Created as a one size fits all device, it utilizes a basket equipped with 3 atherotomes that contours to the vessel wall. The FLEX Scoring Catheter is cleared for sale in the US and carries CE Mark for sales in EU. For more information, visit www.venturemedgroup.com. About VentureMed Group, Inc. VentureMed Group is a commercial stage medical device company that develops and markets innovative medical devices, which enable interventionalists to cost effectively treat peripheral artery diseases and improve the lives of their patients. VentureMed Group was founded in 2012 and is based in Toledo, Ohio. Contact: VentureMed Group, Inc. Gary L. Smith, CEO 614-296-4213 [email protected] http://www.venturemedgroup.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/venturemed-group/ 1. Morcos R, Louka B, Tseng A, Misra S, McBane R, Esser H, et al. The Evolving Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease through Guideline-Directed Recommendations. J Clin Med. 2018;7(1). SOURCE VentureMed Group Related Links http://venturemedgroup.com SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. and BAHADURGARH, India, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Fluidmaster, Inc., the world's largest manufacturer of toilet tank components and trim, announced today that its new joint venture, Fluidmaster Jindal Sanitaryware India Private Limited, has hired a National Sales Manager. Shailabh Rathore joins Fluidmaster Jindal from Kohler India and has more than 10 years of experience in the sanitaryware industry, having worked previously for global brand leaders Roca and Grohe. Mr. Rathore also holds an MBA in Marketing from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University. "We are very pleased to have Shailabh join our growing team in India. His deep knowledge of the domestic market will be invaluable to us in taking the right first steps and in building our long term future," stated Todd Talbot, Fluidmaster President. "I am excited about the Fluidmaster Jindal Sanitaryware joint venture," said Mr. Rathore. "The Fluidmaster brand will bring a new level of product excellence to India where the market is demanding both quality and significant local capacity. I am very pleased to be joining the team at the start of this new venture." Mr. Rathore will immediately deploy his knowledge of the India sanitaryware industry to provide a full assessment of the market followed by coordinated sales and marketing plans. He will be based at the company's new manufacturing and headquarters office in Bahadurgarh, which will be completed in first quarter 2019. About Fluidmaster Established in 1957 and reaching across the world, Fluidmaster remains a family owned and operated company known for its superior engineering of efficient and reliable toilet components. The company has become an icon in the plumbing industry, with operations in North America, Europe, the United Kingdom, China and Turkey as well as a worldwide distribution network across more than 80 countries selling more toilet tank replacement valves than any other manufacturer in the world. In addition to the original fill valve developed by founder Adolf Schoepe and enhanced through the years, Fluidmaster's complete line of toilet care parts include exposed and in-wall cisterns, standard and dual flush valves, flappers, activation systems, bowl wax and wax-free products, toilet repair kits, toilet seats and supply line connectors. The company's global headquarters is located in San Juan Capistrano, California. For media inquiries or for more information, contact David McFarland at 949-728-2207 or by email at [email protected], or visit www.fluidmaster.com. SOURCE Fluidmaster, Inc. Related Links http://www.fluidmaster.com The Timbits Bouquet will be available for $7.99 at participating Tim Hortons Restaurants across the U.S. on Saturday, May 12 th and Sunday, May 13 th , 2018 while supplies last. Each bouquet will include an assortment of mom's favorite Timbits flavors like Chocolate Glazed, Old Fashion Plain, and Sour Cream Glazed! "We are so excited to be bringing back the Timbits Bouquets for Mother's Day this year," said Shawn Thompson, president of Tim Hortons U.S. "We enjoy creating products that our Guests can have fun with, so we can't wait for everyone to share this sweet treat with their mom." To ensure you get your exclusive Timbits Bouquet, be sure to stop by your local Tim Hortons Restaurant during Mother's Day weekend or contact your nearest Restaurant to confirm availability. For a list of participating Restaurants, visit: www.timhortons.com/mothersday. Spread the love this Mother's Day and join the conversation online: Like Tim Hortons on Facebook (@TimHortons US ) Follow Tim Hortons on Instagram (@TimHortons US ) Follow Tim Hortons on Twitter (@TimHortons US ) About Tim Hortons TIM HORTONS is one of North America's largest restaurant chains operating in the quick service segment. Founded as a single location in Canada in 1964, TIM HORTONS appeals to a broad range of consumer tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, hot and cold specialty drinks (including lattes, cappuccinos and espresso shots), specialty teas and fruit smoothies, delicious baked goods, grilled Panini and classic sandwiches, wraps, soups, prepared foods and other food products US. TIM HORTONS has more than 4,700 system wide restaurants located in Canada, the United States, and around the world. To learn more about the TIM HORTONS brand, please visit the TIM HORTONS brand website at www.timhortons.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. About Restaurant Brands International Restaurant Brands International Inc. ("RBI") is one of the world's largest quick service restaurant companies with more than $30 billion in system-wide sales and over 24,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries and U.S. territories. RBI owns three of the world's most prominent and iconic quick service restaurant brands TIM HORTONS, BURGER KING, and POPEYES. These independently operated brands have been serving their respective guests, franchisees and communities for over 40 years. To learn more about RBI, please visit the company's website at www.rbi.com. SOURCE Tim Hortons LAS VEGAS, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Fusion Bank, a leading cash and treasury management solution for the underserved and under-banked high-risk emerging markets, announced Canadian-born, South African-raised content writer and science author Thea R. Beckman as its choice for Content Director. In this position, Ms. Beckman will be responsible for writing all the content (blogs, website text, press releases, email campaigns, and more), while also managing and coordinating the company's content production, scheduling, and marketing efforts. Thea Beckman has a Master of Science degree (MSc) in Atmospheric Sciences and a certificate in Internet Marketing, which she earned at the University of Cape Town, where she also lectured third-year students in Synoptic Climatology. Subsequent to graduation, she moved to Thailand to travel Southeast Asia. It was here that she chanced upon an online job opening at WorldClass Brand Management, a thriving Internet marketing and e-business consulting firm based in San Diego, California. This business was owned and operated by Fusion Bank Chairman Kendell Lang and thus began a long and profitable working relationship between the two. Ms. Beckman, who had always 'had a flourish for creative writing' began her writing career as an SEO copywriter but then, over the years, worked her way up the ranks to Managing Editor, overseeing all the content production, scheduling, and marketing for WorldClass Brand Management and Mr. Lang's other entrepreneurial endeavors, including Fusion Properties Management Group, Inc. (FPMG), a privately held Puerto Rico corporation and real estate developer. Now, having moved back to South Africa and started her own freelance writing business, Content Queen, Ms. Beckman has come on board with Fusion Bank as its Content Director. "I'm extremely excited about the work I will be doing with Fusion Bank, especially since this organization is blazing fresh trails," says Ms. Beckman. "We have a real chance here to change the face of the legal cannabis industry, not only for the licensed businesses that are struggling against federal prohibition but also - especially - for the patients and researchers." Outside of her commitment to Fusion Bank, Thea Beckman writes for a celebrated South African-based lifestyle, travel, and leisure magazine, Southern Vines, which has her travelling all over South Africa to experience its wine, food, and culture. Additionally, she is the author of the book "Why? Because Science!" which provides a sweeping and hilarious look at the world, the universe, and human nature (and occasional idiocy) in a way that everyone can understand. "I have worked with Thea since 2011 and so I couldn't be better qualified to judge her mettle; hence the easy decision to offer her this position as Content Director of Fusion Bank," says Kendell Lang. "She's not only my long-standing friend and trusty wordsmith, but also my shero!" About Fusion Bank Fusion Bank is an innovative cash and treasury management solution that is in compliance with required government and central bank regulations. This members-only financial institution is licensed under the Bahamas-based Sovereign Friendly Society and provides safe, legal, and ethical financial, cash, and treasury management services to licensed cannabis operators, ancillary service providers, and qualified cannabis friendly members around the globe, including cultivators, grower industry supporters, patients, healthcare providers, lobbyists, and more. For information [email protected] +1-866-347-3321 visit Fusion Bank to Register for a Bank Account. SOURCE Fusion Bank WASHINGTON, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Students from Houston area schools who participated in the Genes in Space challenge, will talk to astronauts on the International Space Station during an event hosted by Boeing and Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center. The event is part of NASA's Year of Education on Station. NASA astronauts Drew Feustel and Scott Tingle will answer questions from the finalists and winning schools of the Genes in Space challenge. The participating schools are Baylor College of Medicine Academy at James D. Ryan Middle School, Christa McAuliffe Middle School, Anahuac High School and Westfield High School. The two hour event will air live on NASA Television and the agency's website. NASA employees, Boeing VIPs and the general public will also attend. The event will begin at 10 a.m. EDT Thursday, May 10. Media interested in attending should contact the Boeing media representative, Steve Siceloff, via email at [email protected]or the Space Center Houston media representative, Meridyth Moore, via email at [email protected]. The event will take place at 1601 E NASA Parkway, Houston. Genes in Space invites students in grades 7-12 to design DNA experiments that address challenges in space exploration. This event is an integral component of NASA's Year of Education on Station, which provides extensive space station-related resources and opportunities to students and educators. Astronauts living in space on the orbiting laboratory communicate with the Mission Control Center on Earth 24 hours a day through the Space Network's Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS). Additionally, at 7:35 p.m. Friday, May 11, Drew Feustel will receive an honorary degree from Purdue University, which will air on NASA TV and the agency's website. Follow the astronauts on social media: https://www.twitter.com/NASA_astronauts/ See videos and lesson plans highlighting research on the International Space Station at: https://www.nasa.gov/stemonstation/ SOURCE NASA Related Links http://www.nasa.gov SAN FRANCISCO, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Genome Medical, a leading provider of virtual genomics visits and educational services, today announced that Illumina, Counsyl and Invitae have enrolled in the company's newest programs designed for employers to offer genetic services and physician-guided genetic testing to their employees. The customizable programs for employer groups were launched earlier this year. Unique to Illumina's global workforce is access to a Genomics Resource Center, where employees can discuss risk assessment, receive genomic tests and/or review results with a genetic specialist. These initiatives support Genome Medical's mission to bring genomic education and services to more people. Employers are taking an increased interest in employee benefit packages that can lead to improved health and well-being. Genetic testing and educational services give employers a benefit that: increases knowledge of personal health and potential health risks; increases odds of early detection to prevent future health problems; decreases potential unnecessary treatment costs; and is secure and private. The programs available through Genome Medical allow employers to facilitate access while remaining compliant with the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), by offering employees the opportunity to consult privately and confidentially with Genome Medical providers. "Expanding our employee benefits to include genetic services and provide our global employee base with access to leading geneticists aligns with our vision to improve human health by unlocking the power of the genome," said Pat Leckman, vice president of human resources at Illumina. "Through Genome Medical's employer offering, we are better able to empower our employees to take a proactive approach with their personal health and genomics journey." Genome Medical is the first nationwide medical practice focused on genomic health care delivery and education. To accelerate the effective integration of genomics into everyday care delivery and advance the practice of precision medicine, Genome Medical is addressing three key areas: (1) identification of patients who can benefit from genomic services based on clinical guidelines; (2) recommendation of which genetic tests to order based on insurance coverage; and (3) interpretation of test results so they can be integrated into patient care. Through the company's online platform, participants will receive direct and streamlined access to top genetic experts who can help them navigate their genetic journey. "Genome Medical's employee screening program gives our employees improved access to carrier screening and hereditary cancer screening," said Peter Soparkar, head of people at Counsyl. "Our employees are our driving force and we deeply value their health and well-being. Genome Medical has the resources and experience necessary to guide them throughout their genetic testing experience, providing the information and support they need." "Invitae is aggregating the world's genetic tests into a single service to bring genetic information into mainstream medical care. Through Genome Medical, we can offer confidential access to genetic testing to our fast-growing team, which works each day to help make genetic-based healthcare more accessible," said Alex Furman, co-founder and head of organizational development at Invitae. "We have a world-class team, and we want to be sure they have access to world-class, genetic-based health care. Genome Medical helps us do that." "We're encouraged by the number of employers that are interested in incorporating genetic testing and genomic care into their employee benefit packages to capitalize on one of the most powerful health care advancements of the modern era," said Lisa Alderson, co-founder and CEO, Genome Medical. "For life-threatening diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, genomic care plays an important role in early detection, prevention, and disease management." Added Alderson, "We believe that genomic services, like the ones we provide, will be a part of standard medical care in the foreseeable future, and we see employers as leading the way." All of Genome Medical's employer group services are available online, including a full-service resource center that offers direct access to the company's team of genetic experts; genetic consultations by video or phone; and live or on-demand educational webinars to efficiently address employee questions and provide the education necessary for informed consent for testing. To learn more about Genome Medical and its employer offering, please visit www.genomemedical.com/employers or contact [email protected]. About Genome Medical Genome Medical is a nationwide genomics medical practice bringing genetics to everyday life. Our clinical team provides expert genetic health care for individuals and their families to improve health and wellbeing. We also help healthcare providers, employers and patients navigate the rapidly expanding field of genetics and use test results to understand the risk for disease, accelerate disease diagnosis, make informed treatment decisions and lower the cost of care. We are shepherding in a new era of precision medicine by creating easy, efficient access to top genetic experts. Genome Medical is headquartered in San Francisco and is backed by Canaan Partners, GE Ventures, Illumina Ventures, Kaiser Permanente Ventures and HealthInvest Equity Partners. To learn more, visit www.genomemedical.com and follow @GenomeMed. SOURCE Genome Medical Related Links https://www.genomemedical.com ATLANTA, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power Company today announced the commencement of tender offers (each, an "Offer," and collectively, the "Offers") to purchase up to $750 million in aggregate purchase price (excluding accrued and unpaid interest and excluding fees and expenses) (as such amount may be increased, decreased or eliminated by Georgia Power pursuant to the terms of the Offers, the "Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price") of its Series 2007A 5.65% Senior Notes due 2037, its Series 2009A 5.95% Senior Notes due 2039, its Series 2010B 5.40% Senior Notes due 2040, its Series 2010C 4.75% Senior Notes due 2040 and its Series N 5.750% Senior Notes due 2023. The terms and conditions of the Offers are set forth in Georgia Power's Offer to Purchase, dated May 7, 2018 (the "Offer to Purchase"). The Offer to Purchase relates to five separate Offers, one for each series of notes in the table below (each series, a "Series of Notes," and such notes, collectively, the "Notes"). No Offer is conditioned on any minimum amount of Notes being tendered or the consummation of any other Offer. Notes CUSIP Number Principal Amount Outstanding Acceptance Priority Level Early Tender Premium(1) Reference Security Bloomberg Reference Page Fixed Spread (bps) Series 2007A 5.65% Senior Notes due 2037 373334GC9 $250,000,000 1 $50 2.75% due November 15, 2047 PX1 +100 Series 2009A 5.95% Senior Notes due 2039 373334JN2 $500,000,000 2 $50 2.75% due November 15, 2047 PX1 +100 Series 2010B 5.40% Senior Notes due 2040 373334JR3 $600,000,000 3 $50 2.75% due November 15, 2047 PX1 +100 Series 2010C 4.75% Senior Notes due 2040 373334JS1 $500,000,000 4 $50 2.75% due November 15, 2047 PX1 +100 Series N 5.750% Senior Notes due 2023 373334FS5 $100,000,000 5 $50 2.75% due April 30, 2023 PX1 +65 (1) Per $1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn and accepted for purchase in the applicable Offer at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline; included in the applicable Total Consideration for such Series of Notes. Each Offer will expire at 11:59 P.M., New York City time, on June 4, 2018, unless extended (such time and date, as the same may be extended with respect to one or more Series of Notes, the "Expiration Date") or earlier terminated. Holders (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) of Notes must validly tender and not validly withdraw their Notes at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on May 18, 2018 (such time and date, as the same may be extended with respect to one or more Series of Notes, the "Early Tender Deadline") in order to be eligible to receive the applicable Total Consideration (as defined below). Holders who validly tender their Notes after the Early Tender Deadline and at or prior to the Expiration Date will be eligible to receive only the applicable Tender Consideration (as defined below). Tendered Notes may be withdrawn at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on May 18, 2018, by following the procedures described in the Offer to Purchase, but may not thereafter be validly withdrawn, except as provided for in the Offer to Purchase or required by applicable law. The amount of Notes that are purchased on the applicable Settlement Date (as defined below) will be determined in accordance with the Acceptance Priority Levels set forth in the table above (each, an "Acceptance Priority Level," and collectively, the "Acceptance Priority Levels"), with 1 being the highest Acceptance Priority Level and 5 being the lowest Acceptance Priority Level. However, Georgia Power's obligation to accept for purchase, based on the Acceptance Priority Levels, and to pay for, Notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn is limited to as many of the Notes as Georgia Power can purchase up to the Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price. All Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline having a higher Acceptance Priority Level will, subject to the Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price, be accepted before any Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline having a lower Acceptance Priority Level are accepted pursuant to the Offers. All Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn after the Early Tender Deadline and at or prior to the Expiration Date having a higher Acceptance Priority Level will, subject to the Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price, be accepted before any Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn after the Early Tender Deadline and at or prior to the Expiration Date having a lower Acceptance Priority Level are accepted pursuant to the Offers. However, Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline will, subject to the Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price, be accepted for purchase in priority to other Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn after the Early Tender Deadline and at or prior to the Expiration Date, even if such Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn after the Early Tender Deadline and at or prior to the Expiration Date have a higher Acceptance Priority Level than the Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline. If the aggregate amount of Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline equals or exceeds the Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price, Holders who validly tender Notes after the Early Tender Deadline and at or prior to the Expiration Date will not have any such Notes accepted for payment regardless of the Acceptance Priority Level of such Notes. As such, there can be no assurance that any or all tendered Notes of a given Acceptance Priority level will be accepted for purchase. If purchasing all the validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes of a given Acceptance Priority Level on the applicable Settlement Date would cause the Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price to be exceeded on such Settlement Date, Georgia Power will accept such Notes on a pro rata basis, to the extent any Notes of such Acceptance Priority Level are accepted for purchase, so as to not exceed the Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price. Georgia Power reserves the right, but is under no obligation, to increase, decrease or eliminate the Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price at any time without extending the applicable Withdrawal Deadline (as defined in the Offer to Purchase), subject to applicable law. As such, there can be no assurance that any or all tendered Notes of a given Acceptance Priority level will be accepted for purchase, even if validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to the Early Tender Deadline. Georgia Power expects to fund the purchase price of any Notes purchased using cash on hand or available liquidity. The Offers are intended to help Georgia Power mitigate credit metric impacts associated with the federal tax reform legislation enacted in December 2017 (the "Tax Reform Legislation") by reducing its outstanding indebtedness and increasing the Company's common equity ratio, which is consistent with an April 3, 2018 order of the Georgia Public Service Commission regarding the retail rate impact of the Tax Reform Legislation. The Notes purchased pursuant to the Offers will cease to be outstanding and will be cancelled. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Offers, Holders who validly tender and do not validly withdraw their Notes at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline will be eligible to receive consideration, per $1,000 principal amount, equal to the applicable Total Consideration for such Series of Notes. The applicable consideration for each series of Notes (such consideration, the "Total Consideration") will be determined in the manner described in the Offer to Purchase by reference to the applicable fixed spread for such Series of Notes set forth in the column entitled "Fixed Spread" in the table above, over the applicable yield based on the bid side price of the U.S. Treasury Security set forth for such Series of Notes in the column entitled "Reference Security" in the table above, as calculated by the Dealer Managers (as defined below) at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on May 21, 2018. The Total Consideration includes the applicable early tender premium (the "Early Tender Premium") for such Series of Notes set forth in the column entitled "Early Tender Premium" in the table above. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Offers, Holders who validly tender and do not validly withdraw their Notes after the Early Tender Deadline and at or prior to the Expiration Date will only be eligible to receive consideration, per $1,000 principal amount, equal to the applicable Total Consideration less the applicable Early Tender Premium (such consideration, the "Tender Consideration") for such Series of Notes. In each case, such Holders will also be entitled to receive accrued and unpaid interest, if any, from the last interest payment date for the applicable Series of Notes up to, but not including, the Early Settlement Date or the Final Settlement Date (each as defined below), as applicable, if and when the applicable Notes are accepted for purchase. Georgia Power reserves the right, but is under no obligation, at any point following the Early Tender Deadline and before the Expiration Date, to accept Notes that have been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn for purchase on a date determined at Georgia Power's option (such date, if any, the "Early Settlement Date"). Georgia Power currently expects the Early Settlement Date, if any, to occur on May 22, 2018. If Georgia Power chooses to exercise its option to have an Early Settlement Date, Georgia Power will purchase any remaining Notes that have been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn after the Early Tender Deadline and at or prior to the Expiration Date, subject to all conditions to the Offers having been satisfied or waived by Georgia Power and subject to the Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price, on the Final Settlement Date, if any. If Georgia Power chooses not to exercise its option to have an Early Settlement Date, Georgia Power will purchase all Notes that have been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to the Expiration Date, subject to all conditions to the Offers having been satisfied or waived by Georgia Power and subject to the Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price, on the Final Settlement Date. The Final Settlement Date, if any, is expected to occur promptly following the Expiration Date on June 5, 2018 (the "Final Settlement Date"), unless extended by Georgia Power. No tenders of Notes submitted after the Expiration Date will be valid. Georgia Power's obligation to accept for purchase, and to pay for, Notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to each Offer is conditioned on the satisfaction or waiver by Georgia Power of a number of conditions as described in the Offer to Purchase. Georgia Power may amend, extend or, subject to certain conditions and applicable law, terminate each Offer at any time in its sole discretion. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, MUFG Securities Americas Inc. and UBS Securities LLC will act as Dealer Managers (the "Dealer Managers") and Global Bondholder Services Corporation will act as the Tender Agent and Information Agent for the Offers. Requests for documents may be directed to Global Bondholder Services Corporation at (866) 470-4200 (toll free), (212) 430-3774 (banks and brokers) or [email protected] . Questions regarding the Offers may be directed to J.P. Morgan Securities LLC at (866) 834-4666 (toll free) or (212) 834-3424 (collect); MUFG Securities Americas Inc. at (877) 744-4532 (toll free) or (212) 405-7481 (collect); or UBS Securities LLC at (888) 719-4210 (toll free) or (203) 719-4210. This announcement is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to purchase or sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or sell, with respect to any securities. The Offers to purchase the Notes are only being made pursuant to the terms of the Offer to Purchase. The Offers are not being made in any state or jurisdiction in which such Offers would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. None of Georgia Power, the Dealer Managers or the Tender Agent and Information Agent is making any recommendation as to whether or not Holders should tender their Notes in connection with the Offers. About Georgia Power Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.5 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is consistently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power). Cautionary Statements and Risk Factors That May Affect Future Results Certain information contained in this release is forward-looking information based on current expectations and plans that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information includes, among other things, statements concerning the expected completion of the Offers and the timing thereof. Georgia Power cautions that there are certain factors that can cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information that has been provided. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Georgia Power; accordingly, there can be no assurance that such suggested results will be realized. The following factors, in addition to those discussed in the Offer to Purchase and Georgia Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, and subsequent securities filings, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations as suggested by such forward-looking information: the risk that the Offers are not completed or are completed on different terms than expected. Georgia Power expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information. SOURCE Georgia Power Related Links http://www.georgiapower.com NETHERLANDS, Amsterdam, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Connected2Fiber, the leading SaaS go-to-market acceleration platform for connectivity companies, announces today that Globalinternet has signed an agreement to implement their Network Finder and API Engine modules. Connected2Fiber's Network Finder module allows users to search for LECs, cable companies, on-net, near-net fiber and WISP providers by location and receive a profile of who these companies are and where they are located. Globalinternet Globalinternet is a leading global Managed Internet Access service provider offering Internet connectivity to Enterprises and major Telecom companies. As one of the fastest growing companies in Europe, Globalinternet has quickly become the go-to Internet Access aggregator for customers requiring Internet connectivity globally. Their installed base covers all continents and almost all countries along with partnerships with local ISPs worldwide. Thiago Caro, Regional Manager Americas at Globalinternet comments, "Our goal is to provide International Enterprises, Global Telecom Companies and ISPs with the easiest to use and most cost-effective way to order a truly global selection of dedicated, broadband and 4G Internet services, wherever in the world that may be." "We welcome Globalinternet and look forward to helping them drive participation in the markets not only in the United States, but overseas as well," states Ben Edmond, CEO and Founder of Connected2Fiber. "Our goal is to help them unlock the location information they need to select the best partner in the market to drive growth." About Globalinternet Globalinternet is a leading supplier of Managed Internet Access services offering internet connectivity worldwide. We provide customers with a simple and easy way to source Internet Access anywhere with centralized service delivery, billing and support. We partner with local Internet Service Providers throughout the world to offer business-grade Internet connectivity at the best price for any location, wherever in the world it may be. Our network management operations are based in Amsterdam, Sao Paulo and Manila where we monitor and support our customers' internet links in almost all countries, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Go to globalinter.net to find more information about our services or directly request a quote for business grade internet access. About Connected2Fiber Connected2Fiber empowers network operators to create, standardize, enhance and share location serviceability, accelerating leads through the funnel, and unleashing growth. Connected2Fiber's visual interface allows sales teams and B2B marketers to target the best locations with the full perspective of serviceability, demand and competitive dynamics. Seamlessly integrated with the rest of their sales and marketing technology stack, B2B marketers gain critical insights to better allocate their marketing resources and increase participation with their prospects in The Connected World. Visit Connected2Fiber on the web at www.connected2fiber.com or follow us on Twitter @connected2fiber . Media Inquiries Connected2Fiber, Inc. Antoinette Poirier Tel.: 1.508.202.1807 Email: [email protected] Globalinternet Tel.: +31 20.240.3846 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Connected2Fiber Related Links http://www.connected2fiber.com FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- GlobeNet, a leading wholesale provider of telecom infrastructure in the Americas, announces the deployment of a new 2,500 km submarine cable that will link Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo to Buenos Aires. This new infrastructure will connect Argentina to the GlobeNet network in Brazil, effectively linking the Southern Cone of South America to the United States and the world. With infrastructure already deployed in Bermuda, Brazil, Colombia, the United States and Venezuela, GlobeNet's latest expansion is set to attract OTTs, cloud providers and carrier customers looking to enhance their reach throughout the region. "Our submarine cable, designed to satisfy low latency and high capacity demands, will be the first new route to provide direct connectivity from Argentina to Brazil and the United States since 2001," says Eduardo Falzoni, CEO of GlobeNet. "As a result, individuals and enterprises in the Southern Cone will be able to enjoy unparalleled capabilities when streaming content, accessing cloud services and interconnecting with data centers all over the world." GlobeNet has been making extensions and continuous upgrades to its network infrastructure since the inception of its flagship 23,500 km submarine cable system; the company recently announced a new level IV data center in Barranquilla, Colombia as well as a new central interconnection point (IPX) for the Brazilian Network Information Center (NIC.br) at GlobeNet's Internet Exchange Point in Fortaleza, Brazil that hosts the most important national internet's infrastructure in the North and Northeastern Region of Brazil. The new subsea cable system will use the latest technology and feature a state-of-the-art design for the best architectural configuration. It will connect GlobeNet's cable landing station in Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo via a landing point in nearby Praia Grande, and to Buenos Aires via a landing point in Las Toninas, a coastal town southeast of the Argentinian capital. The new cable system will be ready for service in the first half of 2020. To learn more about GlobeNet, visit the company's website at www.globenet.com. About GlobeNet GlobeNet is a wholesale telecommunications provider that connects the Americas with an integrated and comprehensive portfolio of network, IP, IaaS and security services. All our low latency data and IT solutions are supported by our award-winning, ultra-resilient 23,500-kilometer subsea system and data center infrastructure. Our team's extensive qualifications and operational know-how create a white-glove customer service ecosystem that has the flexibility to adapt quickly to our clients' changing mission-critical requirements. GlobeNet helps ensure your business is always ready for the challenges ahead. GlobeNet is a portfolio company of BTG Pactual's Infrastructure Fund II, and was recognized as the Best Regional Wholesale Operator at the 2017 World Communication Awards. Media Contact: Raul Fraile +1 561 314 0531 [email protected] SOURCE GlobeNet Related Links https://globenet.com NEW YORK, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Playing a leading role in bringing New York City's buildings into the 21st century, consulting engineering firm Goldman Copeland (GOCO) is celebrating its 50th anniversary on May 8th at the iconic Ziegfeld Ballroom, which they recently helped transform into one of the city's most spectacular event spaces. Founded in 1968, the firm has always focused on sustainability and preservation. GOCO has created innovative mechanical/electrical infrastructure upgrades for many of New York City's historic buildings, healthcare facilities, museums, theaters, houses of worship, and offices. Some milestones include: Installing one of NYC's earliest thermal solar collectors on a residential building in 1974. Upgrading Grand Central Terminal over a 15-year period starting in 1988. As the primary MEP consultant, GOCO implemented essential improvements. Updating the St. James Theatre for Disney's Frozen: The Broadway Musical. Consulting on infrastructure upgrades for real estate owners, including Vornado, ESRT and Feil. Managing NYC's Energy Conservation Capital Program, the largest of its kind, until the early 1990s. Transforming the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House building into offices and The National Museum of the American Indian, employing a "cocooning" approach to protect the original Beaux Arts interior and exterior. Designing an award-winning method of providing air-conditioning to the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church through the 1870s footrests, maintaining the historic interior. Consulting with the City of New York to help determine the cause of the 2007 steam pipe explosion at 41 St and Lexington Ave. to help determine the cause of the 2007 steam pipe explosion at 41 St and Lexington Ave. Developing an innovative web-based geothermal tool for the NYC Mayor's Office of Sustainability and DDC, winning the 2018 ACEC NY Engineering Excellence Award. Working with the Administration for Children's Services to find and update facilities for the relocation of the Rikers Island teenagers. GOCO has received many awards for its innovative projects over the past fifty years, and upgrading the energy efficiency of the city's buildings is perhaps the firm's most important legacy. "We look forward to continuing our involvement in the growth of New York City with an eye to the future of energy innovation and sustainability," said Charles Copeland, President of GOCO. About Goldman Copeland Goldman Copeland is an award-winning consulting engineering company celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. They are passionate about providing innovative, sustainable and practical services to every project, and take a personal approach to client relationships, combining large-firm capabilities with smaller-firm accessibility, and a commitment to quality. SOURCE Goldman Copeland DETROIT, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Health Alliance Plan has launched the Wellness at Your Side app, designed to give users easy access to HAP's digital wellness manager, iStrive, from any digital device. The Wellness at Your Side app grants HAP members access to their iStrive account with their data already populated, allowing them to view their information at their fingertips from any location. As information is updated in iStrive, it is automatically updated within the Wellness at Your Side app. Wellness at Your Side allows members to more easily keep track of their health and wellness goals. After taking a 10-minute online health assessment, possible risk areas are identified and a reasonable action plan is created that includes tips and reminders that can be accessed anywhere, anytime through the app. Progress can be monitored via the tool's health trackers. HAP's iStrive digital wellness manager allows users to set goals in various areas including fitness, weight management, nutrition, stress management and tobacco cessation, while also providing reliable and up-to-date information about specific health issues such as asthma, chronic fatigue, depression, diabetes and high cholesterol. Users have the ability to link to more than 140 wearable devices and health apps that will automatically upload user data to the app, which allows all data to be stored and accessed in one place. "By integrating HAP's iStrive digital wellness manager with the Wellness at Your Side app, HAP allows its members to seamlessly take an inventory of their health and manage their overall well-being," said Tom Spring, director, wellness and community programs for HAP. "HAP's Wellness at Your Side app makes it easy for members to track progress and stay focused on their goals, while also providing a positive and user-friendly experience." The Wellness at Your Side app is available on all Android and iOS devices. Download the app by visiting the Apple or Google Play app store and search for "WebMD at Your Side." About Health Alliance Plan Health Alliance Plan (HAP) is a Michigan-based, nonprofit health plan that provides health coverage to individuals and companies of all sizes. For nearly 60 years, HAP has partnered with leading doctors and hospitals, employers and community organizations to enhance the health and well-being of the lives we touch. HAP offers a product portfolio with six distinct product lines: Group Insured Commercial, Individual, Medicare, Medicaid, Self-Funded and Network Leasing. HAP excels in delivering award-winning preventive services, disease management and wellness programs, and personalized customer service. For more information, visit hap.org. Contacts: Erica Bush Stamatoulakis MCCI on behalf of HAP (586) 599-8089 [email protected] Noelle Tanner Health Alliance Plan (HAP) (248) 443-1076 [email protected] SOURCE Health Alliance Plan (HAP) DALLAS, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Henry Repeating Arms presented three Texas heroes with American-made Henry God Bless America Edition lever action rifles to recognize their outstanding acts of bravery, heroism and going above and beyond the call of duty to help their communities. The presentation took place in front of a crowd of more than 2,000 people on May 3rd at the National Rifle Association Foundation Banquet during the NRA's 2018 Annual Meetings & Exhibits at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. Anthony Imperato, President and owner of Henry Repeating Arms addressing a crowd of over 2,000 people at the 2018 NRA Foundation Banquet. From L to R: Johnnie Langendorff, Anthony Imperato, Stephen Willeford, and Ryan Ashcraft. The three texas heroes were presented with Henry rifles at the NRA Foundation Banquet on Thursday, May 3rd. As a premier sponsor of the event, Anthony Imperato, President of Henry Repeating Arms, invited the heroes to join him on the stage. This year's recipients included Stephen Willeford and Johnnie Langendorff; the two men hailed as heroes for chasing down and stopping the gunman responsible for the mass shooting that took place at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, about 300 miles south of Dallas. "These two gentleman that just walked out on stage are the epitome of true American heroes. They embody the person that we should all aspire to be," Imperato told the crowd. Willeford, a former NRA instructor, heard the gunshots from his home and sprang into action without hesitation. He grabbed his rifle and ran barefoot across the road where he and the gunman exchanged gunfire, which led to the gunman fleeing in his SUV. Langendorff, who saw the action unfold from inside his car, let Willeford into his truck and a high-speed pursuit began to chase down the gunman. While keeping local law enforcement informed of their location, they followed the wounded shooter until the chase ended when the gunman crashed his SUV into a ditch. "Stephen and Johnnie's actions on that fateful day stopped evil, saved lives, and ended one of the most tragic events of 2017. Twenty-six people lost their lives that day and may God continue to comfort the families, friends, and neighbors who lost a loved one that day," Imperato said as the crowd rose to a standing ovation for the two heroes. The third honoree, Ryan Ashcraft, became known as "the flying cowboy" because of his actions immediately following Hurricane Harvey. The devastating storm inflicted $125 billion in damages throughout Texas where it made landfall. The extensive flooding put thousands of people and millions of heads of cattle at risk, so Ashcraft took to the skies in his helicopter to help ranchers drive their cattle to high ground, a task that would be impossible over land. Ashcraft saved thousands of cattle and dozens of people across seven counties. As Ashcraft took hold of his Henry rifle, Mr. Imperato stated, "We would like to thank Mr. Ashcraft for his selfless acts and showing the rest of the country what being a Texan is all about, helping your neighbors." The crowd of more than 2,000 people rose to give multiple standing ovations during the presentation. "Thank you again to all of our recipients and thank you all for coming tonight. God Bless you all, and God Bless the United States of America," Imperato concluded as the crowd rose to applaud the heroes one last time. For more information about Henry Repeating Arms and its products visit henryusa.com or call 866-200-2354. About Henry Repeating Arms Henry Repeating Arms is one of the leading firearms manufacturers in the country and the leading lever action manufacturer. Their company motto is 'Made In America Or Not Made At All,' and their products come with a lifetime guarantee backed by award-winning customer service. The original Henry rifle played a significant role in the frontier days of the American West and is one of the most legendary, respected and sought-after rifles in the history of firearms. The company's manufacturing facilities are in Bayonne, NJ and Rice Lake, WI. SOURCE Henry Repeating Arms Related Links http://www.henryusa.com CHICAGO, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Hub International Limited (Hub), a leading global insurance brokerage, announced today that it has acquired the shares of Les Avantages Sociaux Delta Inc., operating as The dElta Group. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. With offices in the greater Montreal area, The dElta Group is a multidisciplinary benefits brokerage that provides support and actuarial services for group insurance and retirement plans, as well as human resources and disability management, for mid-size and large businesses in Canada. The company is the result of an amalgamation of Les Avantages Sociaux Delta Inc., Ressources Humaines Delta Inc., and Le Groupe Financier Tanner-Deland Inc. "Since founding The dElta Group more than 20 years ago, our goal has always been to be a strategic employee benefits and HR partner for clients," said Roger d'Eschambault, Founder and Chairman of The dElta Group. "By joining Hub, we gain scale and the infrastructure for tremendous growth given the multitude of additional resources and capabilities that exist within Hub. This will allow us to provide even more tailored benefits solutions for our clients while maintaining our highly personal approach to administering benefits and retirement plans." The dElta Group team will join Hub Quebec, and d'Eschambault will report to Stephen Blais, President of Hub Quebec. "The dElta Group has earned a strong reputation in the employee benefits and retirement industry based on its experience, relationships with the pension plan providers in Canada and a client-centric approach to servicing hundreds of Canadian companies," said Blais. "We're excited to welcome The dElta Group team to Hub as they will strengthen our benefits and retirement offering throughout Canada." "We remain committed to acquiring firms that are focused on enhancing the client experience through a culture of collaboration and building a robust set of complimentary services that round out the benefits and HR experience for our clients," said Mike Barone, Hub's North American President of Employee Benefits. "The dElta Group is a great fit for our strategy, and we're thrilled to welcome Roger and The dElta Group to Hub." About Hub's M&A Activities Hub International Limited is committed to growing organically and through acquisitions to expand its geographic footprint and strengthen industry and product expertise. For more information on the Hub M&A experience, visit WeAreHub.com. About Hub International Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Hub International Limited (Hub) is a leading full-service global insurance broker providing property and casualty, life and health, employee benefits, investment and risk management products and services. From offices located throughout North America, HUB's vast network of specialists provides peace of mind on what matters most by protecting clients through unrelenting advocacy and tailored insurance solutions. For more information, please visit hubinternational.com. CONTACT: Media: Marni Gordon Phone: 312-279-4601 [email protected] M&A: Clark Wormer Phone: 312.279.4848 [email protected] SOURCE Hub International Limited Related Links http://www.hubinternational.com The eagles and national service advocates mobilized throughout the morning commute at six locations across DC including Dupont Circle, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and Union Station. The morning mobilization capped off with a rally at U.S. Capitol where national service advocates and alums from AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps spoke about the impact of national service on their lives and the communities they served. "When I lost my home in Hurricane Katrina I learned what it was like to be on the receiving end of national service. That formative experience shaped my desire to do my own service year," said Erin Mauffray, a national service alum who served with AmeriCorps VISTA in Mississippi and spoke at the rally. "The service I did there fighting poverty through education the people I met, and the concepts and skills I learned are invaluable to me. My service year with AmeriCorps VISTA shaped my career and led me to return to Mississippi to teach after graduate school at a time when most young professionals are leaving the state." Organized by Service Year Alliance the organization that brought the #DinosinDC to the Capitol in 2017 to stop national service extinction the rally was in response to President Trump's 2019 budget proposal. Despite eighty percent of bipartisan voters supporting the federal investment in national service, the Administration's budget threatens to eliminate national service programs like AmeriCorps and proposes significant cuts to the Peace Corps and YouthBuild for the second year in a row. It would prevent 75,000 young Americans from making an impact through AmeriCorps in our communities every year. "National service represents the best America has to offer a commitment to our citizens and our country. It gives us the strength we need to overcome pressing issues like natural disasters, the opioid epidemic, and education inequity," said Robert Simmons III, President of Service Year Alliance. "The benefits of national service extend well beyond the communities where these passionate young people serve the experience sticks with them throughout their lives, arming them with the skills and professional experience they need to become successful members of our workforce. They are the leaders of the next generation and Congress should be doing everything in their power to expand national service so every young American who raises their hand to serve has the opportunity to do so." The rally in DC kicked off nationwide local mobilization efforts. Throughout the budget debate, Service Year Alliance plans to activate national service advocates across the country to attend town halls dressed as eagles and continue to engage members of Congress at home in their districts this summer to spread the word about the need to expand national service in the 2019 budget. View more photos and videos from this morning's event and learn more about Service Year Alliance's efforts to expand national service at LetUsServe.org. About Service Year Alliance Service Year Alliance is working to make a year of paid, full-time service a service year a common expectation and opportunity for all young Americans. A service year before, during, or after college gives young people the chance to transform their lives, make an impact in their community, and become the active citizens and leaders our nation needs. Expanding service years has the power to revitalize cities, uplift and educate children at risk, and empower communities struggling with poverty. Learn more at ServiceYear.org. SOURCE Service Year Alliance Related Links http://serviceyear.org CHICAGO, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Illinois Office of Tourism kicks off National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) May 6-12 by unveiling a new Frank Lloyd Wright Trail in Illinois to celebrate this year's NTTW theme, "Travel Then and Now." Illinois Tourism Director Cory Jobe will formally announce the new Frank Lloyd Wright Trail at a press event at Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio, 951 Chicago Ave., Oak Park, at 10am. "In honor of National Travel & Tourism Week, I'm excited to announce the new Frank Lloyd Wright Trail in Illinois, paving the way for more domestic and international travelers to enjoy authentic experiences throughout Illinois," said Cory Jobe, Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism. "The new trail celebrates Frank Lloyd Wright history and his connection to Illinois, allowing tourists from around the world to discover the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, one of America's greatest architects." The Frank Lloyd Wright Trail is a self-guided architectural adventure featuring 13 Wright-designed buildings open to the public throughout Illinois, where Wright lived and worked during the first 20 years of his career. Stops along the trail include Oak Park, home to the world's largest collection of Wright-designed buildings, Chicago, Geneva, Rockford, Belvidere, Springfield, Kankakee, Hampshire and Dwight. The Frank Lloyd Wright Trail was approved by the General Assembly on April 26, 2018. Nearly 60 years after Frank Lloyd Wright's death, visiting Wright buildings is as popular as ever. Last year, the Frank Lloyd Trust welcomed more than 150,000 visitors to its five sites, from all corners of the globe with 90,000 visiting the Home and Studio alone. This summer, official Frank Lloyd Wright Trail road signs will be displayed across Illinois. "This is a very exciting moment for the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust. It's wonderful to be part of this project, spearheaded by Illinois Office of Tourism," said Celeste Adams, Frank Lloyd Wright Trust President & CEO. "We are looking forward to the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail in Illinois and welcoming guests from around the world to see all that Frank Lloyd Wright has to offer and experience Wright history here in Illinois." Frank Lloyd Wright Trail Itineraries & Map Illinois Tourism is launching two new Frank Lloyd Wright Trail itineraries and map highlighting all 13 public sites. The first itinerary will guide visitors from Chicago & Oak Park to Rockford with stops along the way in Geneva, Hampshire and Belvidere, covering 110 miles. The second trip itinerary begins in Chicago & Oak Park and continues to Springfield with stops in Kankakee, Dwight and Springfield, approximately 240 miles. Each itinerary features unique and local restaurants and attractions focusing on Illinois history and architecture. Trip itineraries are available to download on EnjoyIllinois.com where visitors can find more information about the trail and the legendary architect's designs. Download the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail Press Kit: Press Kit includes 13 Frank Lloyd Wright Trail sites, images, new FLW Trail itineraries, signage and FLW Trust fact sheets. About Frank Lloyd Wright Frank Lloyd Wright was known for his unique vision that led to a uniquely American style of architecture in the US, including Illinois. His creative period spanned over 70 years, in addition to houses, he also designed offices, churches, schools, hotels, museums and other structures. There are currently 80 Frank Lloyd Wright structures in the Chicago metro area. Thirteen Frank Lloyd Wright properties in Illinois are open to the public. About National Travel & Tourism Week National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), now in its 35th year, is the annual salute to travel in America. During the first full week in May, communities nationwide unite to showcase the impact of travel to policymakers, business leaders and media with rallies, events and other activities. NTTW is a US Travel Association initiative. MEDIA CONTACT MARLA CICHOWSKI [email protected] The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism manages industry efforts that result in sustainable and significant economic and quality-of-life benefits for Illinois residents. SOURCE The Illinois Office of Tourism Related Links https://www.enjoyillinois.com WARWICK, R.I., May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Hawaii's Kilauea, on the southern part of the Big Island, continues to be unstable with volcanic venting and related ongoing hazards, including poisonous gases and earthquakes. InsureMyTrip reports an increase in calls from concerned travelers seeking guidance. While it is too late to purchase traditional travel insurance to cover losses related to Kilauea, travelers may still be eligible for a Cancel For Any Reason policy. Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) An optional benefit of travel insurance coverage which offers the opportunity to cancel travel plans for reasons other than those listed as "covered reasons" on a policy. There are specific eligibility requirements: Depending on the policy, it is only available within 10-30 days of your initial trip payment. You must insure 100 percent of your pre-paid, non-refundable trip cost. You must cancel your trip with the travel supplier 48 or 72 hours before departure date, depending on the plan. These plans typically cover between 50-75 percent of your trip cost and vary by plan. Already Insured Travelers For those who purchased a policy prior to the volcano erupting, here is how travel insurance may enable a traveler to cancel a trip: Traveler's home is destroyed by a volcano: when the home of a traveler sustains destructive volcano-related damage. Volcano halts a flight or cruise: when common carriers such as airlines and cruise lines cease service due to a volcano. At this time, Hawaii airports and flights are operating normally. Volcano damage at your destination: when a hotel, resort, or vacation rental is devastated and made uninhabitable by a volcano. At this time, the impacted area is far from resort areas. In 2010, thousands of travelers were stranded following the eruption of Eyjafjallajokull in Iceland. The volcanic ash grounded many flights in Europe. In that specific case, travel insurance companies processed claims as weather-related trip interruptions. Travelers interested in learning more about protection plans for the volcano can visit www.InsureMyTrip.com or call (800) 487-4722 to speak with a licensed travel insurance agent. InsureMyTrip It's simple. InsureMyTrip finds you the right travel insurance plan, every time. InsureMyTrip is the authority on travel insurance. We are committed to empowering travelers to make the best possible insurance decisions by leveraging our technology, data intelligence, and expertise. InsureMyTrip is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. SOURCE InsureMyTrip Related Links http://www.insuremytrip.com SALT LAKE CITY, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Intermountain Healthcare is entering into a partnership with Minneapolis-based Lifesprk to launch a new life care model for seniors that is designed to keep them healthy and living fuller, more independent lives while significantly reducing emergency room and hospital visits. The partnership between Intermountain and Lifesprk, known as Homespire, will include private-pay home care options like non-medical services that are essential to daily living outside of a care facility. Homespire will be available in the Salt Lake Valley starting May 1 and will expand throughout Utah over the next year. Intermountain Healthcare logo Homespire logo A video introduction to Homespire "As the total number of seniors in our area increases significantly and the number of family members that are care givers continues to shrink, we're anticipating a gap in the care we're able to provide our aging population," said Kim Henrichsen, Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations and Chief Nursing Executive for Intermountain Healthcare. "Lifesprk, which is a 14-year old company that's served more than 14,000 clients in Minnesota, has a proven model that delivers on our mutual vision of enabling seniors to remain in their homes longer by living healthy, independent lives." Lifesprk has proven to reduce emergency room visits by 47.8 percent and hospital visits by 56.8 percent, which translates into significant cost savings for each senior over their lifetime. "What we have statistically proven is that providing care that encompasses the whole person, not just their medical condition, is the key to helping them achieve their healthiest self," said Joel Theisen, founder and CEO of Lifesprk and President and CEO for Homespire. "It's shifting the health care paradigm from sick care to well care. This model is about rethinking the overall delivery of care for our aging population and surrounding them with a community of people who advocate and anticipate their needs so we can prevent or minimize health crisis." The New Model of Well Care Homespire will execute the Lifesprk model which assigns each client a Homespire Life Care Manager who is a registered nurse and serves as a trusted advocate in the home for the individual. The Life Care Manager, who offers 24/7 on-call coverage, works closely with the client, the family, and with Intermountain care management teams to develop and execute a Life Plan that consists of the seven essential elements of wellbeing: Health and wellness Social supports Purpose and passion Thinking and memory Home and safety Finances Identity "Data shows that 90 percent of the factors that cause a re-hospitalization are outside of the scope of the medical model," Theisen said. "There's really no source in the community anymore that helps address those outside factors on an ongoing basis. That's why our Life Care Manager role is so important and has been critical to driving the successful outcomes for our clients. Our Life Care Managers are highly trained in developing a Life Plan that tackles life challenges and adds purpose and passion so each person can live what we call a sparked life." Utah's Fast Growing Senior Population While Utah remains one of the youngest states in the nation, according to state data in the next 25 years, the 65-plus population will double both in number and as a percentage of the state's population. In addition, the 85-plus group in Utah grew 60 percent from 1990 to 2000 and is expected to grow 800 percent from 2006 to 2050. "We truly believe a program like Homespire meets the Utah 2030 plan and Intermountain's vision to keep the aging population engaged, involved, and contributing to the community," said Henrichsen. "As the total number of seniors in our area increases significantly and the number of family members who are caregivers continues to decline, this service will fill an important need for our community." Homespire, using the Lifesprk model, will be one of the only private-pay providers in the nation measuring outcomes and providing proven results that are transforming the industry. About Intermountain Healthcare Intermountain Healthcare is a Utah-based, not-for-profit system of 22 hospitals, 180 clinics, a Medical Group with some 1,500 employed physicians, a health plans division called SelectHealth, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare through high quality and sustainable costs. For more information about Intermountain, visit IntermountainHealthcare.org. About Lifesprk One of the fastest growing companies in Minneapolis, Lifesprk is the leading provider of Life Care services in the country and has become a national catalyst for change in the post-acute / senior services arena. As a premium home care provider, Lifesprk excels at providing short- and long-term care with a focus on sparking lives wherever seniors call home. Their proven whole person senior care model goes beyond traditional home care options to dramatically reduce ER and hospital visits, translating into significantly lower long-term costs and improved outcomes for clients. For more information about Lifesprk, visit Lifesprk.com or call 952-345-8770. About Homespire Homespire is a partnership with Intermountain Healthcare and Minneapolis-based Lifesprk to offer Life Care services with private-pay home care capabilities. The Homespire Experience offers a whole person senior care approach that goes beyond traditional home care to transform care for seniors and families to help seniors thrive at home, reduce the need for care, lower long-term costs, and live a sparked life. For more information, visit HomespireHealth.com or call 801-503-3200. SOURCE Lifesprk Related Links http://www.lifesprk.com LONDON, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology PLC ("IGT") (NYSE:IGT) will host a conference call and live webcast to discuss first quarter 2018 results for the period ended March 31, 2018 on Tuesday, May 22, 2018. Conference call: Tuesday, May 22, 2018 8:00 a.m. EDT US/Canada Toll-Free Dial-In Number: +1 844 842 7999 Dial-In Number (Outside US/Canada): +1 612 979 9887 Conference ID (passcode): 5181158 Webcast: A live webcast may be accessed along with accompanying slides under "News, Events & Presentations" in the Investor Relations section of IGT's website at www.IGT.com. A replay of the webcast will be available on the website following the live event. Telephone replay: A telephone replay of the call will be available for one week: US/Canada Toll-Free Dial-In Number: +1 855 859 2056 Dial-In Number (Outside US/Canada): +1 404 537 3406 Conference ID (passcode): 5181158 About IGT IGT (NYSE:IGT) is the global leader in gaming. We enable players to experience their favorite games across all channels and regulated segments, from Gaming Machines and Lotteries to Interactive and Social Gaming. Leveraging a wealth of premium content, substantial investment in innovation, in-depth customer intelligence, operational expertise and leading-edge technology, our gaming solutions anticipate the demands of consumers wherever they decide to play. We have a well-established local presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100 countries around the world, and create value by adhering to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. IGT has over 12,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.IGT.com. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning International Game Technology PLC and its consolidated subsidiaries (the "Company") and other matters. These statements may discuss goals, intentions, and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, dividends, results of operations, or financial condition, or otherwise, based on current beliefs of the management of the Company as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, such management. Forward-looking statements may be accompanied by words such as "aim," "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "could," "would," "should," "shall", "continue," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "future," "guidance," "intend," "may," "will," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project" or the negative or other variations of them. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the Company's control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those predicted in the forward-looking statements and from past results, performance, or achievements. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include (but are not limited to) the factors and risks described in the Company's annual report on Form 20-F for the financial year ended December 31, 2017 and other documents filed from time to time with the SEC, which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and on the investor relations section of the Company's website at www.IGT.com. Except as required under applicable law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. You should carefully consider these factors and other risks and uncertainties that affect the Company's business. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to International Game Technology PLC, or persons acting on its behalf, are expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Contact: Robert K. Vincent, Corporate Communications, toll free in U.S./Canada +1 (844) IGT-7452; outside U.S./Canada +1 (401) 392-7452 James Hurley, Investor Relations, +1 (401) 392-7190 Simone Cantagallo, +39 06 51899030; for Italian media inquiries SOURCE International Game Technology PLC Related Links http://www.IGT.com FELTON, California, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Interventional Cardiology Devices Market size was valued at USD 15.14 billion in 2013 and is anticipated to reach USD 25.16 billion by 2020. Global interventional cardiology devices market is expected to experience brisk growth due to rise in heart related problems across the world over the forecast period. Increase in disposable income is presumed to complement the intervention cardiology market growth over the next eight year period. Interventional cardiology is numerous non-surgical processes for treating cardiovascular related problems. These procedures use flexible tubes and catheters thin to get way inside blood vessels to perform diagnostic test or to repair heart structures or other damaged vessels, often evading the need to have a surgical operation. Several devices used in these procedures include stent, PTCA balloon and catheters among several others. The diseases that are treated using interventional cardiology comprise coronary artery diseases, peripheral vascular disease and heart valve disease mainly. Growth in geriatric population is expected to boost the market growth in the near future. Moreover increasing coronary artery disease is presumed to further propel the industry growth over the next eight year period Rise in demand for minimal procedures related with invasive angioplasty. Research and development across the world for technological advancement in order to achieve competitive advantage is estimated to further fuel the market demand over the forecast period. Development and innovation in interventional cardiology has resulted in increased efficiency thus is presumed to be a major factor to fuel the market demand over the next seven years period. Browse 78 page research report with TOC on "Global Interventional Cardiology Devices Market" at: https://www.millioninsights.com/industry-reports/interventional-cardiology-devices-market These procedures are estimated to gain popularity in the near future owing to several advantageous properties such as minimal process time, reduce the requirement to perform surgery and several others. Interventional cardiology aid patients and makes the procedures to be performed less complex as it minimizes the scars risk, reduces pain and avoids extended post-operative recovery. Effective conventional first level medication availability in the market is presumed to hinder the market growth over the next eight year period. This industry requires huge initial investment which is expected to hamper the demand for interventional cardiology. Several cases related to product failure and product recall is estimated to restrain the demand for these procedures in the near future. Key opportunity for this market is expected to be the innovation and advancement in the bio-absorbable stents over the forecast period. Numerous emerging markets are expected to be major chance for the industry vendors to expand their sector over the next eight year period. Entry barriers in the industry for new players and varying reimbursements are expected to challenge the market growth in the near future. Based on device type the market is segmented as Stents (drug metal stents, bare metal stents, & bio-absorbable stents), PTCA Balloons which include normal balloons, scoring balloons, cutting balloons & drug-eluting balloons, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty guidewires, imaging systems such as IVUS (intravascular ultrasound), OCT (optical coherence tomography)&FFR (fractional flow reserve), and Catheters (angiography catheters, pulmonary artery catheters, guiding catheters & intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) catheters). Key regional markets include North America, Europe, Central & South America, Middle East & Africa, and Asia Pacific. Developed regions such as Europe and North America are estimated to witness positive growth owing to research and development initiatives coupled with huge demand for rising cardiology diseases over the next eight year period. North America region has dominated the global market owing to highest adaption in recent past followed by Europe. These regions are expected to show positive growth in the near future. Developing regions such as Asia Pacific and Central & South America are expected to experience rapid growth in industry owing to rising awareness, rise in disposable income and increase in coronary artery diseases. Emerging economies such as India and China are estimated to witness positive growth due to rise in demand for minimal invasive procedures over the next eight year period. Innovation and development in order to have best quality product is anticipated to further enhance the growth in this region in near future. Vendors are investing on research and development to generate co-products which give them competitive advantage over other vendors and to provide economic benefits to this industry. Companies are investing heavily on research and development for improving the product quality. This industry requires huge initial investment. The companies are expected to take strong measures to gain market share and to deliver diversified product demand. Prominent industry participants St. Jude Medical, Inc., Terumo Medical Corporation, B. Braun Melsungen AG, Cook Medical, Abbott Laboratories, Inc., Boston Scientific Corporation, Cordis Corporation, Medtronic, plc, and Smiths Medical. Browse reports of similar category available with Million Insights: Global Interventional Cardiology Device Product Outlook (Market Revenue in USD Million, 2012 - 2020) Interventional Catheters IVUS Catheters Guiding Catheters Angiography Catheters PTCA Guidewires Stents Drug Eluting Stents Bare Metal Stents Bio-Absorbable Stents Balloon Inflation Device PTCA Balloons Cutting Balloons Scoring Balloons Drug Eluting Balloons Normal Balloons Interventional Cardiology Device Regional Outlook (Market Revenue in USD Million, 2012 - 2020) North America Europe Asia Pacific RoW About Million Insights: Million Insights, is a distributor of market research reports, published by premium publishers only. We have a comprehensive market place, that will enable you to compare data points, before you make a purchase. Enabling informed buying, is our motto and we strive hard to ensure that our clients get to browse through multiple samples, prior to an investment. Service flexibility & the fastest response time are two pillars, on which our business model is founded. Our market research report store, includes in-depth reports, from across various industry verticals, such as healthcare, technology, chemicals, food & beverages, consumer goods, material science & automotive. Contact: Ryan Manuel Research Support Specialist, USA Million Insights Phone: +1-408-610-2300 Toll Free: 1-866-831-4085 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.millioninsights.com/ SOURCE Million Insights LONG BEACH, New York, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Ipsidy Inc. (www.ipsidy.com) (OTCQB: IDTY), a provider of secure, biometric identification, identity management and electronic transaction processing services, today announced its results for the quarter ended March 31, 2018. Financial Highlights for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Total revenue for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 was $0.5 million compared to $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 . was compared to for the three months ended . Net loss before taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $2.8 million compared to a net loss in the first quarter of 2017 of $9.7 million . In 2017, the recapitalization, including the conversion of notes payable and the elimination of the derivative liability gave rise to a charge of $4.1 million in the first quarter ended March 31, 2017 . was compared to a net loss in the first quarter of 2017 of . In 2017, the recapitalization, including the conversion of notes payable and the elimination of the derivative liability gave rise to a charge of in the first quarter ended . Basic and diluted net loss per share for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 was $0.01 cent compared to basic and diluted net loss per share of $0.03 cents in the quarter ended March 31, 2017 . was compared to basic and diluted net loss per share of in the quarter ended . Adjusted EBITDA loss for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $1.7 million compared to $1.6 million in 2017. was compared to in 2017. On April 30, 2018 , the Company entered into a Note Modification Agreement with the Stern Trust, to extend to April 30, 2020 , the maturity date of a Note in the amount of $3,000,000 issued in 2017, in consideration of the issuance of 1,500,000 shares of Common Stock. Refer to Table 1 for reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure). Operational Highlights The Company continued to make substantial progress during the quarter as follows: The Ipsidy App became available in the App Store and on Google Play and we published updated RESTful APIs and SDKs which allow for custom integration of our platform to third party systems. Launched new Access TM , out of the box identification solution for biometric authentication of residents, visitors attempting entry into a building or controlled area, using Bluetooth beacons to trigger the identity authentication event. , out of the box identification solution for biometric authentication of residents, visitors attempting entry into a building or controlled area, using Bluetooth beacons to trigger the identity authentication event. Launched new Verify TM out of the box identification solution which includes an enterprise portal where agents can trigger biometric authentication of customers as well as everyday transactions such as account changes, account transfers and other service events. out of the box identification solution which includes an enterprise portal where agents can trigger biometric authentication of customers as well as everyday transactions such as account changes, account transfers and other service events. Signed a contract with Ruta Amiga, a Colombian marketing company, to launch a new loyalty rewards program in Colombia . . Announced that we had agreed in principle with Datapro, to offer Ipsidy's biometric, multi-factor, identity authentication service to Datapro's financial institutions throughout the Latin American market. Signed an agreement with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission for the provision of our SearchTM / IMS Voter Registry Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) to provide automated voter roll publication and ensure that no duplicate entries exist in the voter roll for the forthcoming election. "Ipsidy made significant progress in the last quarter launching our new products, signing new customers and substantially delivering our Search AFIS system for Zimbabwe," said, Philip Beck, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ipsidy. Mr. Beck added, "We are executing our strategy of creating trusted transactions, embedding biometrically authenticated identity and event details with a digital signature and using a participant's mobile device to approve everyday transactions." Additional analysis of the Company's performance can be found in 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations' included in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 2018 filed at www.sec.gov and posted on the Company's investor relations website. Visit the Ipsidy website today at https://www.ipsidy.com/developers where you can create a demo account and run test authentications using the Ipsidy mobile app. Get the Ipsidy mobile app on your mobile phone: App Store or Google Play About Ipsidy: Ipsidy Inc (OTCQB:IDTY) www.ipsidy.com (formerly known as ID Global Solutions Corporation OTC:IDGS) is a provider of secure, biometric identification, identity management and electronic transaction processing services. Ipsidy is headquartered in New York and has operating subsidiaries: MultiPay in Colombia, www.multipay.com.co and Cards Plus in South Africa, www.cardsplus.co.za. Our identity transaction platform creates a trusted transaction, embedding authenticated identity and event details with a digital signature and using a participant's mobile device to approve everyday transactions. Our platform offers biometric and multi-factor identity management solutions which support a wide variety of electronic transactions. We believe that it is essential that businesses and consumers know who is on the other side of an electronic transaction and have an audit trail, proving that the identity of the other party was duly authenticated. We continue to enhance our solutions to provide our customers with the next level of transaction security, control and certainty over everyday transactions. Further information on Ipsidy can be found at www.ipsidy.com or contact us at [email protected]. Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements. Information contained in this announcement may include "forward-looking statements." All statements other than statements of historical facts included herein, including, without limitation, those regarding the financial position, business strategy, plans and objectives of management for future operations of both Ipsidy and its business partners, net revenue, net income, Adjusted EBITDA, diluted earnings per share, future service launches with customers and new initiatives and customer pipeline are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions regarding Ipsidy present and future business strategies, and the environment in which Ipsidy expects to operate in the future, which assumptions may or may not be fulfilled in practice. Implementation of some or all of the new services referred to is subject to regulatory or other third party approvals. Actual results may vary materially from the results anticipated by these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of risk factors, including the risk that implementation, adoption and offering of the service by customers, consumers and others may take longer than anticipated, or may not occur at all; changes in laws, regulations and practices; changes in domestic and international economic and political conditions and others. Additional risks may arise with respect to commencing operations in new countries and regions, of which Ipsidy is not fully aware at this time. See the Company's Annual Report Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2017 filed at www.sec.gov for other risk factors which investors should consider. These forward-looking statements speak only as to the date of this announcement and cannot be relied upon as a guide to future performance. Ipsidy expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement to reflect any changes in its expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based. Non-GAAP Financial Information. The Company provides certain non-GAAP financial measures in this statement. Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA, when viewed with our results under GAAP and the accompanying reconciliations, provides useful information about our period-over-period results. Adjusted EBITDA is presented because management believes it provides additional information with respect to the performance of our fundamental business activities and is also frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of comparable companies. We also rely on Adjusted EBITDA as a primary measure to review and assess the operating performance of our company and our management team in connection with our executive compensation. These non-GAAP key business indicators, which include Adjusted EBITDA, should not be considered replacements for and should be read in conjunction with the GAAP financial measures. We define Adjusted EBITDA as GAAP net loss adjusted to exclude: (1) interest expense, (2) interest income, (3) provision for income taxes, (4) depreciation and amortization, (5) stock-based compensation expense (5) derivative income (expense) and (6) certain other items management believes affect the comparability of operating results. Please see "Adjusted EBITDA" below for more information and for a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Table 1 Reconciliation of Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA Quarter Ended March 31, 2018 March 31 ,2017 Net Loss (2,752,925) (9,669,092) Add Back: Interest Expense 239,169 604,015 Conversion of debt, etc. - 4,106,652 Depreciation and amortization 110,676 109,534 Taxes 4,561 4,170 Stock-based compensation equity plans 738,212 3,294,160 Adjusted EBITDA (1,660,307) (1,550,561) IPSIDY INC AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS March 31, December 31, 2018 2017 (unaudited) ASSETS Current Assets: Cash $ 2,412,363 $ 4,413,822 Accounts receivable, net 676,628 165,929 Current portion of net investment in direct financing lease 54,215 52,790 Inventory 475,541 492,030 Other current assets 560,721 218,537 Total current assets 4,179,468 5,343,108 Property and equipment, net 202,926 209,719 Other Assets 1,446,732 1,243,531 Intangible Assets, net 2,794,600 2,878,080 Goodwill 6,736,043 6,736,043 Net investment in direct financing lease, net of current portion 604,663 618,763 Total assets $ 15,964,432 $ 17,029,244 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) Current Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 1,816,982 $ 1,447,185 Capital lease obligation, current portion 28,251 27,420 Deferred revenue 538,812 122,511 Total current liabilities 2,384,045 1,597,116 Long-term liabilities: Notes payable, net 2,519,785 2,375,720 Capital lease obligation, net of current portion 108,127 115,509 Total long-term liabilities 2,627,912 2,491,229 Total liabilities 5,011,957 4,088,345 Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders' Equity: Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 405,708,228 and 403,311,988 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively 40,571 40,331 Additional paid in capital 79,791,311 79,053,339 Accumulated deficit (69,160,547) (66,407,622) Accumulated comprehensive income 281,140 254,851 Total stockholders' equity 10,952,475 12,940,899 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 15,964,432 $ 17,029,244 IPSIDY INC AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) Three Month Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Revenues: Products and services $ 507,927 $ 565,545 Lease income 17,862 19,144 Total revenues, net 525,789 584,689 Operating Expenses: Cost of Sales 120,248 149,129 General and administrative 2,798,699 5,251,212 Research and development 5,361 29,070 Depreciation and amortization 110,676 109,534 Total operating expenses 3,034,984 5,538,945 Loss from operations (2,509,195) (4,954,256) Other Income (Expense): (Loss) gain on derivative liabilities - (452,146) Gain on extinguishment of notes payable - 2,802,235 Loss on modification of derivatives - (319,770) Loss on modification of warrants - (158,327) Loss on settlement of notes payable - (5,978,643) Interest expense (239,169) (604,015) Other income (expense), net (239,169) (4,710,666) Loss before income taxes (2,748,364) (9,664,922) Income tax expense (4,561) (4,170) Net Loss $ (2,752,925) $ (9,669,092) Net Loss Per Share - Basic and Diluted $ (0.01) $ (0.03) Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Basic and Diluted 404,254,263 295,596,151 IPSIDY INC AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net(loss) income $ (2,752,925) $ (9,669,092) Adjustments to reconcile net loss with cash used in operations: Depreciation and amortization expense 110,676 109,534 Stock-based compensation 738,212 3,294,160 Common stock issued for services - 42,376 Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs, net 144,065 # 504,939 Loss on derivative liability - 452,146 Gain on settlement of notes payable - (2,802,235) Loss on modification of derivatives - 319,770 Loss on modification of warrants - 158,327 Loss on conversion of debt - 5,978,643 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (514,722) 25,725 Net investment in direct financing lease 12,675 11,394 Other current assets (169,973) (226,174) Inventory (196,655) 2,863 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 381,730 736,535 Deferred revenue 416,301 (143,012) Net cash flows from operating activities (1,830,616) (1,204,101) CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Purchase of property and equipment (10,474) (4,563) Investment in other assets including work in process (182,140) (343,655) Net cash flows from investing activities (192,614) (348,218) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from issuance of notes payable and common stock - 3,000,000 Proceeds from issuance of converible notes payable, common stock and warrants - - Proceeds from the sale of common stock, net - 2,880,710 Payment of debt issuance costs - (86,331) Principal payments on capital lease obligations (7,382) (1,957) Principal payments on notes payable - (14,173) Net cash flows from financing activities (7,382) 5,778,249 Effect of foreign currencies exchange on cash 29,153 # 30,977 Net change in Cash (2,001,459) 4,256,907 Cash, Beginning of Period 4,413,822 689,105 Cash, End of Period $ 2,412,363 $ 4,946,012 Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: Cash paid for interest $ 3,392 $ 1,634 Cash paid for income taxes $ 4,561 $ 4,170 Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities: Issuance of common stock for conversion of debt and related interest $ - $ 21,609,673 Issuance of common stock for debt issuance costs $ - $ 224,460 Reclassification of derivatives upon removal of price protection in warrants $ - $ 7,614,974 Acquisition of equipment due to a capital lease $ - $ 163,407 Contacts: Ipsidy Inc. Philip D. Beck, Chairman, CEO & President [email protected] Stuart P. Stoller, CFO [email protected] +1(516)274-8700 SOURCE Ipsidy Inc. Related Links http://www.ipsidy.com LONDON, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Isobutanol Market: Overview Isobutanol is a bulk chemical used in many industrial applications such as paints & coatings, oil & gas, chemicals, textiles, pharmaceuticals etc.Isobutanol can be defined as a colourless flammable liquid with a characteristic smell which is mostly used as a solvent and chemical intermediate. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5360352 Isobutanol is produced by the carbonylation of propylene.Many isobutanol derivatives are used in the chemical industry. Isobutyl acetate is one of the majorly used for the production of lacquers and coatings.Isobutyl esters is the other majorly used derivatives used as a plasticizer agents in plastics, rubbers and others dispersions. Isobutanol can also be dehydrated to produce butenes. Butenes plays an important role in the production of materials such as lubricants, synthetic rubber etc. Global Isobutanol Market: Scope of the Report The report estimates and forecasts the isobutanol market on the global, regional, and country levels.The study provides forecast between 2017 and 2025 based on volume (Tons) and revenue (US$ Mn) with 2016 as the base year. The report comprises an exhaustive value chain analysis for each of the type and end-user industry segments.It provides a comprehensive view of the market. Value chain analysis also offers detailed information about value addition at each stage.The study includes drivers and restraints for the isobutanol market along with their impact on demand during the forecast period. The study also provides key market indicators affecting the growth of the market. The report analyzes opportunities in the isobutanol market on the global and regional level. Drivers, restraints, and opportunities mentioned in the report are justified through quantitative and qualitative data. These have been verified through primary and secondary resources. The report includes Porter's Five Forces Model to determine the degree of competition in the isobutanol market.The report comprises a qualitative write-up on market attractiveness analysis, where in types, end user industry and countries have been analyzed based on attractiveness for each region. Growth rate, market size, raw material availability, profit margin, impact strength, technology, competition, and other factors (such as environmental and legal) have been evaluated in order to derive the general attractiveness of the market. The report comprises price trend analysis for isobutanol between 2017 and 2025. Global Isobutanol Market: Segmentation The study provides a comprehensive view of the isobutanol market by dividing it on the basis of type, end user industry and geography segments.The isobutanol market has been segmented into type synthetic isobutanol and bio-based isobutanol and end user industry- paints & coatings, oil & gas, chemicals, textiles, pharmaceutical and others. The segments have been analyzed based on historic, present, and future trends. Regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for isobutanol in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa (Middle East & Africa).Additionally, the report comprises country-level analysis in terms of volume and revenue for application segments. Key countries such as the U.S., Canada, Germany, France, the U.K., Spain, Italy, India, China, Japan, ASEAN, Mexico, and Brazil, GCC, South Africa have been included in the study. Market segmentation includes demand for individual applications in all the regions and countries. Global Isobutanol Market: Research Methodology Secondary research sources that were typically referred to include, but were not limited to company websites, financial reports, annual reports, investor presentations, broker reports, and SEC filings. Other sources such as statistical databases and market reports, news articles, national government documents, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market have also been referred for the report. In-depth interviews and discussions with a wide range of key opinion leaders and industry participants were conducted to compile this research report.Primary research represents the bulk of research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. Key players' product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents were reviewed for competitive analysis and market understanding.This helped in validating and strengthening secondary research findings. Primary research further helped in developing the analysis team's expertise and market understanding. The report covers detailed competitive outlook that includes market share and profiles of key players operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report includes The Dow Chemical Company, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, BASF SE, Eastman Chemical Company, Gevo, Grupa Azoty S.A., Saudi Butanol Company, Andra Petrochemical Limited, Oxea GmbH. Company profiles include attributes such as company overview, number of employees, brand overview, key competitors, business overview, business strategies, recent/key developments, acquisitions, and financial overview (wherever applicable). The global Isobutanol market has been segmented as follows: Isobutanol Market Type Analysis Synthetic Isobutanol Bio-based Isobutanol Isobutanol Market End-User Industry Analysis Paints & Coatings Automotive Wood & Coatings Others Oil & Gas Pharmaceuticals Chemicals Textiles Others Isobutanol Market Regional Analysis North America U.S. Canada Latin America Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Europe Germany U.K. France Italy Spain Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China India Japan ASEAN Rest of Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa GCC South Africa Rest of Middle East & Africa Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5360352 About Reportbuyer Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers For more information: Sarah Smith Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +1 (718) 213 4904 Website: www.reportbuyer.com SOURCE ReportBuyer Related Links http://www.reportbuyer.com In its ongoing research into the culture of nursing, Jaanuu found that while professional respect and compassion are often the norm, there can also be an adverse social dynamic among nurses, exacerbated by high-pressure medical environments and demanding long shifts. Younger and older staff alike have sometimes been made to feel incompetent or insignificant, which has become entrenched as a hidden problem that must be eliminated. Jaanuu's mission is to bring to the forefront the positive messages shared from nurse to nurse that can often be unheard or overshadowed. Jaanuu has launched its #NurseToNurse campaign and contest to help catalyze and change the conversation. Beginning May 6, nurses are welcome to create a short video, or a written story and photo, with a fellow nurse who has made a positive impact on their career and life. Materials may be uploaded directly to the contest site (www.jaanuu.com/nursetonurse), which can be accessed through the Jaanuu homepage. Alternatively, they may be uploaded to entrants' Instagram accounts with the hashtags #NurseToNurse and #contest. Qualified entries submitted either way will appear on the contest page with a dedicated link to each story. Friends, family, and coworkers are encouraged to vote and spread the word about the #NurseToNurse campaign. All entries and votes must be submitted by Sunday, May 27. Every qualified entry will receive a $20 Jaanuu gift card, one per person. The top ten entries will receive $500 Jaanuu gift cards, one each for nominators and nominees. The entry with the most votes will receive the grand prize: an all-expense-paid trip-for-two to Los Angeles including a spa getaway and a visit to Jaanuu headquarters ($4,000 value). Top ten and grand prize winners will be announced on or before June 1 on blog.jaanuu.com. "For five years Jaanuu has risen to become the leader in the medical apparel industry, and we want to help lead this important conversation as well. Nurses get into the profession because of their tremendous empathy. This is essential not just in their relationship with patients, but with colleagues. Our campaign seeks to recognize and reward those who want to improve the culture of nursing, compassionate coworkers and caring mentors, whose positive energy can help inspire others toward the same," said Dr. Neela Sethi Young, Co-Founder of Jaanuu. Focused on continual improvement for its customers, last month Jaanuu debuted two Spring apparel collections featuring innovative fabrics that combine superior functionality, superb comfort and runway style. A third collection will be launched in Fall 2018. About Jaanuu Launched in 2013, Jaanuu is the leader in contemporary medical workwear, runway-inspired scrubs, lab coats and footwear reflecting some of today's most popular fashion trends. Jaanuu transformed the market upon its launch in 2013 as a direct-to-consumer brand embracing the mission to help professional women look their best and feel confident. Along with its fashion-forward styles, Jaanuu is also distinguished by its proprietary fabrications ForminaFlex, PrimaDrape and PonteLux, which incorporate odor fighting, antimicrobial-finished fabric to restrict the growth of bacteria, and premium stretch fabric blends manufactured to stay soft and wrinkle resistant in harsh hospital conditions. Visit the website: www.jaanuu.com. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest. SOURCE Jaanuu Related Links http://www.jaanuu.com NEW YORK, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Global marketing and communications firm Finn Partners today announced a new relationship with the Communications Workflow-as-a-Service (CWaaS) platform, Kerauno. The partnership will center around introducing Kerauno's innovation roadmap, highlighting growth initiatives and launching the Kerauno Partner Network. Kerauno has created the first free forming communications workflow technology, uniting all interactive channels into a powerful, well-optimized user experience (UX) with drag-and-drop workflows accessible from any device, anytime, anywhere. The Indianapolis-based company has developed an innovation roadmap centered around a simplified UX workflow that delivers easy and intuitive ways for strengthening engagement, improving interaction between users, and driving better outcomes that fuel revenue. The category-defining platform called Communications Workflow-as-a-Service, can algorithmically predict data outcomes based on communications endpoints, which simplify business processes to improve everyday interactions. The company is led by Josh Ross, co-founder and managing partner of Axia Technology Partners (AxiaTP), from which Kerauno was formed over five years ago, and has since become a standalone software-focused entity as of January 2018, following AxiaTP's success in the telecommunication industry. "Kerauno is delivering communication workflow automation to an industry rooted in aging hardware systems and little to no convenience, and it is primed to be the leading communications provider for the Future of Work," said Dan Pooley, managing partner, Finn Partners Midwest. "Kerauno helps companies transform their communications ecosystem to better align with the digital transformation movement." Kerauno combines essential communication channels like voice, chat, SMS, social media and email into a centralized platform, delivering convenience by enabling drag-and-drop workflow forms for the easy capture of statistical data that better informs a company's decision-making process. Kerauno features a powerful API that enables integration with almost any third-party software to expand functionality and increase business productivity. Adoption of the Kerauno platform is rapidly growing, with a client base including Andretti Autosport, Australian Gold, Steinbrenner Racing, Meineke, Jackson Hewitt, Hertz Investment Group, Praxis Management International LLC, Polaris Laboratories and ACE Rent-a-Car who are already achieving value from the investment. "Finn Partners has demonstrated a deep level of B2B software knowledge and experience with establishing global brands, which makes them ideal partners to help us communicate the power of Kerauno to the world," said Ross, who is also co-founder and CEO of Kerauno. The account will be managed out of Finn Partners Chicago, which specializes in integrated technology, consumer, corporate, and healthcare communications. About Kerauno LLC Kerauno is a global Communications Workflow as a Service (CWaaS) platform that powerfully connects people, process, software and systems. Through the infusion of key modes of communication including voice, SMS text, chat, email and social media, Kerauno can amplify existing business software to provide strategic insights and actionable analytics across all forms of communication which affect every industry and vertical. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Kerauno has created a global customer base that relies on its mobile-centric communications workflow platform to optimize business processes, enhance customer and employee engagements, and drive revenue to the bottom line. About Finn Partners Founded in 2011 on the core principles of innovation and collaborative partnership, Finn Partners has more than tripled in size in just over six years, becoming one of the fastest growing independent public relations agencies in the world. The full-service marketing and communications company's record setting pace is a result of organic growth and integrating new companies and new people into the Finn Partners world through a common philosophy. With more than 600 professionals, Finn Partners provides its clients with global access and capabilities in the U.S., Europe and Asia, in addition to PROI Worldwide. Headquartered in New York, Finn Partners' other offices are located in: Chicago, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Frankfurt, Jerusalem, London, Los Angeles, Munich, Nashville, Paris, Portland, San Francisco, Shanghai, Singapore and Washington, D.C. Find us at finnpartners.com and please follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @finnpartners. MEDIA CONTACT: Renee Martin, Finn Partners, New York [email protected] 212-715-1600 Daniel Baker, Finn Partners, Chicago [email protected] 312-329-3980 SOURCE Finn Partners Related Links http://www.finnpartners.com HONEOYE FALLS, N.Y., May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to continue to offer best in class global research, KJT Group is pleased to announce it has joined the British Healthcare Business Intelligence Association (BHBIA). BHBIA - Corporate Member The BHBIA promotes best practices within the British business intelligence community, contributing to industry progress, while also ensuring the highest levels of legal and ethical compliance. BHBIA members include pharmaceutical/healthcare companies as well as agencies/consultancies, like KJT Group, that supply business intelligence to serve those companies. Examples of these services include primary market research, secondary data collection and analysis, syndicated data services, field force effectiveness services, and fieldwork recruiting. While headquartered in the United States, KJT Group has been conducting global research since its inception and is on pace to conduct more global research than ever before. With the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) coming into effect on May 25th, KJT Group has instituted processes to ensure its work will remain compliant and cost-effective. Joining the BHBIA will provide KJT Group researchers with the appropriate guidance needed to continue to produce high-quality global research, particularly in the United Kingdom. Lynn Clement, President, Global Research remarked, "As we continue to expand our global presence, it is critical that we are on the leading edge of legal and ethical compliance in all of the countries in which we conduct market research. The United Kingdom continues to be a key country of exploration and our BHBIA membership will allow us to continue to provide best-in-class insights to our client partners with interest in that region." To learn more about the BHBIA, visit: https://www.bhbia.org.uk/home.aspx. About KJT Group: KJT Group is an evidence-based research and consulting firm. Established in 2007, KJT Group employs 50 full-time staff members. KJT Group is a member of the European Pharmaceutical Marketing Association (EphMRA), the British Healthcare Business Intelligence Association (BHBIA), and Intellus Worldwide. For more information on KJT Group, visit http://kjtgroup.com/. Press Contact: Troy Allen Marketing Manager KJT Group Inc. Six East Street Honeoye Falls, NY, 14472 +1 585-624-8050 SOURCE KJT Group, Inc. Related Links http://kjtgroup.com EMERYVILLE, Calif., May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Chester Hanvey, Associate Director with Berkeley Research Group (BRG), has published his latest book, Wage and Hour Law: Guide to Methods and Analysis. Dr. Hanvey is among the most highly regarded experts in the labor and employment field, and has provided consulting services and expert testimony to over 100 organizations across a range of industries. Wage and hour legal compliance is impacted by numerous sources, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act, state and local laws, guidance from government enforcement agencies and court decisions. Yet, existing academic literature covering these issues is relatively sparse. Dr. Hanvey's new book serves as a comprehensive reference guide on the methods and analyses to evaluate wage and hour legal issues. Wage and Hour Law: Guide to Methods and Analysis is intended to provide an authoritative resource for students, human resources professionals, external consultants, labor economists and experts retained in litigation. A clear and understandable overview of the legal context, along with methods for data collection and analysis to measure and evaluate compliance pertaining to commonly litigated disputes, Wage and Hour Law: Guide to Methods and Analysis covers: Trends in wage and hour litigation Applicable data collection methods for evaluating wage and hour compliance Assessing employment status Strategies to measure and prevent off-the-clock work Factors that impact meal and rest break compliance Stages of a class-action lawsuit Statistical sampling and analyses Understanding and analyzing pay equity Elizabeth Arnold, Director with BRG who co-authored chapters in the book about employment classification and suitable seating, said "There isn't another book with the level of comprehensiveness and expertise available. Wage and Hour Law: Guide to Methods and Analysis is a useful resource for not only those new to the field, but also expert consultants and litigators looking to develop strategies to evaluate wage and hour law compliance. We are confident that it will act as a springboard for further research in this increasingly relevant legal area." Published by Springer International Publishing AG, Wage and Hour Law: Guide to Methods and Analysis is now available in print and eBook formats. About Berkeley Research Group, LLC Berkeley Research Group, LLC (www.thinkbrg.com) is a leading global strategic advisory and expert consulting firm that provides independent advice, data analytics, valuation, authoritative studies, expert testimony, investigations, transaction advisory, restructuring services, regulatory and dispute consulting to Fortune 500 corporations, financial institutions, investors, major law firms and regulatory bodies around the world. BRG experts and consultants combine intellectual rigor with practical, real-world experience and an in-depth understanding of industries and markets. Their expertise spans economics and finance, data analytics and statistics, and public policy in many of the major sectors of our economy, including healthcare, banking, information technology, energy, construction and real estate. BRG is headquartered in Emeryville, California, with offices across the United States and in Asia, Australia, Canada, Latin America, the Middle East and the United Kingdom. SOURCE Berkeley Research Group, LLC Related Links http://www.thinkbrg.com From seasonal challenges to more serious threats like healthcare-acquired infections and multi-drug resistant organisms, such as Clostridium difficile ( C . difficile ) and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), healthcare facilities need solutions to address a wide range of vulnerabilities. Despite vast improvements in surface disinfectants and infection prevention practices, healthcare-associated infections still present challenges for healthcare facilities. Knowing firsthand the challenges faced by healthcare facilities to prevent healthcare-acquired infections, Lake District Hospital proactively invested in the Clorox Healthcare Optimum-UV Enlight System to strengthen our infection prevention protocols and help further reduce risk to our patients' health. The Clorox Healthcare Optimum-UV Enlight System emits UV-C light to kill microorganisms by inactivating their DNA, which renders them harmless and unable to multiply or spread. The UV-C rays extend a full 360 degrees allowing the system to disinfect areas within an 8-foot radius in just five minutes. "We have been extremely lucky and are dedicated to keeping our infection rates low. We invested in the Clorox Healthcare Optimum-UV Enlight System to boost our infection prevention protocols and help us continue to keep our infection rates low," said Mesa Greenfield, BSN, RN, CWOCN, Infection Preventionist/Employee Health RN, Lake District Hospital. "Our staff was able to implement the system smoothly as it is extremely easy to use." Lake District Hospital uses Clorox Healthcare Optimum-UV Enlight System throughout the hospital in our operating rooms, intensive care units, emergency department, patient discharge rooms, post-partum department and our attached clinics. The system complements our current comprehensive infection control protocols, combining manual surface disinfection with the new pathogen-killing UV technology. "Our patients have been impressed with the system and it provides them peace of mind to know our hospital is using top technology to protect them and their families," added Greenfield. "We look forward to expanding our use of the system and are glad to have a partner like Clorox Healthcare to help us in our effort to be completely infection-free." To learn more about the Clorox Healthcare Optimum-UV Enlight System, visit www.CloroxHealthcare.com. About Lake District Hospital Lake Health District operates a 25-bed acute care critical access hospital, a home health and hospice agency, outpatient clinic services in two states, countywide mental health services, an affiliated 24-bed long-term care and 12-bed assisted living facility, and a durable medical equipment outlet in remote Lake County, Oregon. Lake Health District's mission is "to care for our community with respect and compassion through excellence and teamwork." For more information, call (541) 947-2114 or visit www.lakehealthdistrict.org. SOURCE Lake District Hospital Related Links http://www.lakehealthdistrict.org CHICAGO, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Leydig, Voit & Mayer, Ltd., a nationally ranked global intellectual property law firm, has opened an office in Boulder, Colorado. The location complements Leydig's offices in Chicago, Washington, D.C., the San Francisco Bay area, and Frankfurt, Germany. The Boulder office will include attorneys Stephen Barone, Gary Chapman, Sally Sullivan, Mary Breen Smith, Michael Curtis, and Neal Vickery, and scientific advisor Boris Chernomordik. "We could not be more excited about welcoming Steve, Gary, Sally and the rest of the exceptional Boulder team to the firm," says Leydig President John Kilyk Jr. Barone, Chapman and Sullivan focus on intellectual property strategy, technology commercialization, patent prosecution, and portfolio management. Barone, who holds a Ph.D. in chemistry, believes the new Leydig office brings powerful synergies for Denver-area clients. "Our chemistry and chemical engineering practice complements the strong interdisciplinary teams at Leydig," Barone says. "The combination is strategically positioned toward diverse industries, including pharma, medical devices, green tech and chemical manufacturing, all of which are seeing explosive growth in the Boulder/Denver area." Chapman, who earned a Ph.D. in biophysics, has vast experience with complex technologies arising from the intersection of life sciences, physics and chemistry. He says the increasingly multidisciplinary nature of emerging technologies makes it crucial that lawyers from different fields work together. "Being able to leverage Leydig's deep bench of diverse talent and bring it to Boulder offers a wonderful opportunity to provide better value and service to our clients," Chapman says. Holding a Ph.D. in chemistry, Sullivan leverages her extensive background in the field to serve pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients. She says she and her Boulder colleagues are enthusiastic about joining a firm that not only has the depth of experience Leydig has, but also shares the same values and philosophy they do. "We all think the same way in terms of high-quality work, exceptional technical proficiency and a commitment to client service," Sullivan says. About Leydig, Voit & Mayer, Ltd. Founded in 1893, Leydig, Voit & Mayer focuses exclusively on intellectual property law, providing litigation, contested proceedings in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, prosecution, counseling, and licensing services to clients worldwide. For more information, visit www.leydig.com. For more information: John Augustyn [email protected] (312) 616-5600 SOURCE Leydig, Voit & Mayer, Ltd. Related Links http://www.leydig.com WILMINGTON, Mass., May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Locus Robotics (www.locusrobotics.com), the award-winning, autonomous warehouse robotics company, today announced they will be demonstrating the seamless integration of JDA Warehouse Management with the Locus Robotics system live onstage during the General Session of JDA FOCUS 2018 in Orlando, Florida at the Orlando World Center Marriott. The demonstration dramatically showcases how today's warehouse operators can quickly and easily integrate with JDA's warehouse management system (WMS) to quickly deploy autonomous mobile robots for improved fulfillment productivity. "The seamless integration of JDA's WMS allows Locus to deploy our robotics system into an existing warehouse operation in just days instead of weeks," said Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics. "We've already picked millions of orders for our customers, doubling worker productivity while improving order accuracy and speed." Via live demonstration complete with multiple robots Faulk and Desikan Madhavanur, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer of JDA, explained how the plug-in integration of JDA software with Locus's system allows warehouse operators to easily implement autonomous mobile robots quickly and efficiently to meet growing e-commerce demand and gain a competitive edge. "We're looking forward to giving our customers a first-hand glimpse into some of the innovations we are working on that will enable the connected, intelligent, and autonomous supply chain of the future at JDA FOCUS 2018 this week," said Madhavanur. "This demonstration in collaboration with Locus will dramatically change the way in which warehouse operators work, driving significant increases in efficiency, accuracy and productivity." Following the main stage presentation, guests will be able to view live demos of the JDA and Locus integration in the Innovation Zone area at JDA Focus. About Locus Robotics Locus Robotics transforms your productivity without transforming your warehouse. Locus's innovative, autonomous robots work collaboratively alongside workers, helping them pick 2x-5x faster, with near-100% accuracy, and less labor compared to traditional picking systems. This proven, powerful technology integrates easily into existing warehouse infrastructure without disrupting workflows. For more information, visit www.locusrobotics.com. SOURCE Locus Robotics Related Links http://www.locusrobotics.com MILWAUKEE, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- ManpowerGroup (NYSE:MAN) has been named a 2018 Top Workplace in Southeast Wisconsin by The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The award is based solely on employee feedback and recognizes ManpowerGroup for its workplace culture including its commitment to employee engagement, attracting and developing talent and fostering an effective workplace. "We're committed to helping people develop successful careers in Wisconsin and across the U.S.," said Becky Frankiewicz, President, ManpowerGroup North America. "It's great to receive this recognition in our home town. People tell us they choose to work here for skills development and clear career paths, as well as our commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. Everyone deserves to go to work in an environment where they can be their true selves and feel empowered to reach their potential. That's true for our people as well as the 270,000 people in this U.S. we put to work every year." The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Top Workplace Awards facilitated by research firm Energage surveyed Southeast Wisconsin's leading small, medium and large employers to measure work environments. "Top Workplaces is more than just recognition," said Doug Claffey, CEO of Energage. "Our research shows organizations that earn the award attract better talent, experience lower turnover, and are better equipped to deliver bottom-line results. Their leaders prioritize and carefully craft a healthy workplace culture that supports employee engagement. Becoming a Top Workplace isn't something organizations can buy. It's an achievement organizations have worked for and a distinction that gives them a competitive advantage. It's a big deal." To learn more about ManpowerGroup, visit www.manpowergroup.com. ABOUT MANPOWERGROUP ManpowerGroup (NYSE: MAN), the leading global workforce solutions company, helps organizations transform in a fast-changing world of work by sourcing, assessing, developing and managing the talent that enables them to win. We develop innovative solutions for hundreds of thousands of organizations every year, providing them with skilled talent while finding meaningful, sustainable employment for millions of people across a wide range of industries and skills. Our expert family of brands Manpower, Experis, Right Management and ManpowerGroup Solutions creates substantially more value for candidates and clients across 80 countries and territories and has done so for 70 years. In 2018, ManpowerGroup was named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the ninth year and one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies for the sixteenth year, confirming our position as the most trusted and admired brand in the industry. See how ManpowerGroup is powering the future of work: www.manpowergroup.com ABOUT ENERGAGE, LLC Headquartered in Exton, Pa., Energage (formerly known as WorkplaceDynamics) is a leading provider of technology-based employee engagement tools that help leaders to unlock potential, inspire performance, and achieve amazing results within their organizations. The research partner behind the Top Workplaces program, Energage has surveyed more than 47,000 organizations representing well over 16 million employees in the United States. SOURCE ManpowerGroup Related Links http://www.manpowergroup.com Maple Leaf brand responding to the changing needs of Canadian families by using only real, simple, or natural ingredients MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Maple Leaf Foods is launching the most sweeping changes in the history of its iconic Maple Leaf brand to lead a real food movement in the prepared meats category. This includes a comprehensive revamp of the entire portfolio so that all products are made with Maple Leaf's premium meat and real, simple, or natural ingredients. All products will contain NO artificial preservatives, flavours, colours or sweeteners. The brand will lead in transparency, including legible, pronounceable ingredients that consumers trust and can find in their pantry. "Consumer expectations are changing, and we are rising to the challenge," said Michael McCain, president and CEO. "Protein is foundational to healthy bodies, and Maple Leaf will stand for delicious food made of real, simple or natural ingredients that parents can feel good about feeding their families. We have committed ourselves to a radical new food manifesto which reflects this revolution and defines the standards this brand will live by." "Over the last 18 months, Maple Leaf has reformulated each product carrying this brand, with just the simplest and highest quality real food," said Adam Grogan, senior vice president, marketing and innovation. "We have taken out the things people don't want or don't know, and have only included ingredients that deliver our highest standard of quality and delicious taste. The result is a breakthrough of innovation in meat products that consumers love to eat. They can feel good about their real food choices and can trust the brand through our commitment of absolute transparency." Beginning now, and rolling out through the remainder of the year, Canadians will find a new and refreshed Maple Leaf brand in their grocery stores, including a vibrant new logo, packaging design, and more prominent, easy-to-read ingredient lists on all products. The campaign will be brought to life through a bold, multi-phase national marketing program including television, out-of-home billboards, digital and print. These sweeping brand changes signify a much larger commitment to a sustainable planet. Maple Leaf Foods is pursuing a vision to be the most sustainable protein company on earth by going beyond the food it produces to create broader social value. This includes a commitment to substantially reducing its environmental impact on air, water and land; being a leader in animal care; and advancing food security for all Canadians. About Maple Leaf Foods Maple Leaf Foods Inc. is a leading consumer protein company, making high quality, innovative products under national brands including Maple Leaf, Maple Leaf Prime, Maple Leaf Natural Selections, Schneiders, Schneiders Country Naturals, Mina, LightlifeTM and Field Roast Grain Meat Co. TM. The Company employs approximately 11,500 people and does business in Canada, the U.S. and Asia. The Company is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario and its shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (MFI). SOURCE Maple Leaf Foods Inc. Related Links http://www.mapleleaffoods.com AVIBELA's introduction in Madagascar is supported by WCG's Expanding Effective Contraceptive Options (EECO) Project, which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The EECO project, led by WCG and implemented in partnership with PSI and others, was designed to support the introduction of contraceptive technologies that better meet the sexual and reproductive health needs of women and girls worldwide. The introduction of AVIBELA will support WCG and PSI efforts to deliver on a joint family planning commitment to expand access to an array of reproductive health products including voluntary long-acting, reversible contraceptives by 2020. PSI will market and distribute AVIBELA and train qualified health care providers to provide it in health clinics across Madagascar. Medicines360, WCG, and PSI are all dedicated to increasing access to the full range of contraceptive options in Madagascar. About ten women die every day in Madagascar due to complications in pregnancy and childbirth, including unsafe abortions. While the country has seen gains in recent years, use of clinically proven family planning methods remains low, at an estimated 40 percent for married women of reproductive age (15 to 49). The introduction of AVIBELA supports the government's goal of boosting Madagascar's rate of contraceptive use to 50 percent. "The majority of women with whom we speak want a product that addresses multiple issues, including heavy menstrual bleeding, spacing pregnancies, and the desire for more control over their health," said Francia Rasoanirina, EECO Project Manager at PSI Madagascar. "AVIBELA is an attractive option because it combines pregnancy prevention with other lifestyle and health benefits that so many women want." "When additional long-acting reversible contraceptive options are made readily available, the use of all forms of contraception increases. Further, our business model ensures that women who choose Medicines360 products in the U.S. help other women around the world access medicines that help them live their best and fullest lives," said Jessica Grossman, MD, Chief Executive Officer of Medicines360. "Through our partnership with WCG and Population Services International, women in Madagascar will gain increased access to our affordable and effective contraception option. We are committed to closing gaps in women's health, and AVIBELA will help us reach a population of women facing significant barriers in accessing family planning support." "More than 30 million women in Sub-Saharan Africa cite method-related reasons for not using contraceptives," said Shannon Bledsoe, Executive Director of WCG, which registered the product in Madagascar. "Through the introduction of AVIBELA, we provide the women of Madagascar with a highly-effective contraceptive option and one more choice in the basket of family planning products available to them." Important Safety Information Who is not appropriate for AVIBELA Use of AVIBELA is contraindicated in women with: known or suspected pregnancy and cannot be used for post-coital contraception; congenital or acquired uterine anomaly, including fibroids if they distort the uterine cavity; known or suspected breast cancer or other progestin-sensitive cancer, now or in the past; known or suspected uterine or cervical neoplasia; acute liver disease or liver tumors; untreated acute cervicitis or vaginitis, including lower genital tract infections (eg, bacterial vaginosis) until infection is controlled; postpartum endometritis or infected abortion in the past 3 months; unexplained uterine bleeding; current IUS; acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or history of PID (except with later intrauterine pregnancy); conditions increasing susceptibility to pelvic infection; or hypersensitivity to any component of AVIBELA. Clinical considerations for use of AVIBELA Use AVIBELA with caution after careful assessment in patients with coagulopathy or taking anticoagulants; migraine, focal migraine with asymmetrical visual loss, or other symptoms indicating transient cerebral ischemia; exceptionally severe headache; marked increase of blood pressure; or severe arterial disease such as stroke or myocardial infarction. Insertion of AVIBELA is contraindicated in the presence of known or suspected PID or endometritis or a history of PID unless there has been a subsequent intrauterine pregnancy. IUSs have been associated with an increased risk of PID, most likely due to organisms being introduced into the uterus during insertion. About 1/3 of women diagnosed with PID developed the infection within a week of AVIBELA insertion, while the remainder were diagnosed more than six months after insertion. PID is often associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs); AVIBELA does not protect against STIs, including HIV. PID or endometritis may be asymptomatic but still result in tubal damage and its sequelae. PID can cause tubal damage leading to ectopic pregnancy or infertility, or infrequently can necessitate hysterectomy, or cause death. Pregnancy related risks with AVIBELA If pregnancy should occur with AVIBELA in place, remove the intrauterine system because leaving it in place may increase the risk of spontaneous abortion and preterm labor. Removal or manipulation may result in pregnancy loss. The likelihood of a pregnancy being ectopic is increased with AVIBELA. Risks associated with ectopic pregnancy include loss of fertility. Women with a history of ectopic pregnancy, tubal surgery, or pelvic infection carry a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy. Be aware of other serious complications and most common adverse reactions Some serious complications with IUSs like AVIBELA are sepsis, perforation, and expulsion. Severe infection or sepsis, including Group A streptococcal sepsis (GAS), have been reported following insertion of other LNG-releasing IUSs. Aseptic technique during insertion of AVIBELA is essential in order to minimize serious infections such as GAS. Perforation (total or partial, including penetration/embedment of AVIBELA in the uterine wall or cervix) may occur, most often during insertion, although the perforation may not be detected until sometime later. Delayed detection or removal of AVIBELA in case of perforation may result in migration outside the uterine cavity, adhesions, peritonitis, intestinal perforations, intestinal obstruction, abscesses, and erosion of adjacent viscera. Partial or complete expulsion of AVIBELA may occur, resulting in the loss of contraceptive protection. Ovarian cysts may occur and are generally asymptomatic, but may be accompanied by pelvic pain or dyspareunia. Evaluate persistent ovarian cysts. In the clinical trial of AVIBELA the most common adverse reactions (5% users) were vaginal infections (13.6%), vulvovaginal infections (13.3%), acne (12.3%), headache or migraine (9.8%), nausea or vomiting (7.9%), dyspareunia (7.0%), abdominal pain or discomfort (6.8%), breast tenderness or pain (6.7%), pelvic discomfort or pain (6.1%), depression or depressed mood (5.4%), and mood changes (5.2%). About Medicines360 Medicines360, located in San Francisco, California, is a nonprofit global women's health pharmaceutical company with a mission to expand access to quality medicines for all women regardless of their socioeconomic status, insurance coverage or geographic location. Medicines360 is committed to working with healthcare providers, advocacy groups and patients to deliver innovative and meaningful treatments that help women around the world have greater access to the medicines they need. For more information, visit www.medicines360.org. About WCG WCG is an international nonprofit committed to empowering, educating and enabling women and girls to make informed choices and access critical reproductive health products and services. WCG's credentials in product introduction have made it a preferred partner of organizations looking to move products from laboratories and manufacturing plants to the women who need them. WCG excels at forming strategic partnerships to introduce and create access to new contraceptive methods around the world. The Quality and Regulatory Departments at WCG are experienced in the global registration of drugs and devices, and in aiding manufacturers to improve their processes to meet international best practices.For more information, visit http://www.wcgcares.org/ About Population Services International Population Services International (PSI) is a leading global health organization working in reproductive health, HIV, malaria, child survival, non-communicable diseases and sanitation. Partnering with the public sector and harnessing the power of markets, PSI helps people in the developing world lead healthier lives and plan the families they desire. PSI manages social franchises that provide affordable health care products and services, as well as empowering communities and families through health education. PSI runs programs in 50 countries across the world and operates franchise networks in 30 countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. For more information, visit www.psi.org. AVIBELA is a registered trademark of Medicines360 in Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Cote D'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Senegal, Togo, and Zambia. SOURCE Medicines360 WESTON, Mass., May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its recent commitment to transform the job search experience, Monster, a leading solution for connecting people and jobs, is continuing to build its executive team with the addition of industry veteran Bob Melk as Chief Commercial Officer. Since joining the company in February after nearly two years as President of Dice, Melk has focused on enhancing Monster's commercial strategy and the ongoing development of the sales organization to keep the customer top of mind at all times. In his role, Melk leads the North American business segments, customer service, and sales effectiveness and optimization teams. "These are challenging times for the recruiting industry," said Melk. "With a tighter job market than we've seen in recent yearsor even decades, some industries are facing a surplus of talent, while others are experiencing a shortage. Our customers have the important responsibility to help our economy thrive by finding and placing the best candidate in the right role. We see it as our responsibility as their partners to empower themthrough our end-to-end solutions that go beyond the job adto reach candidates wherever they are." Melk brings to Monster deep experiences in recruitment business leadershipwith both Dice and his prior role as president of Rigzone, a career platform focused on the oil and gas industryand also executive leadership, having previously served as president of tech media company IDG's Consumer and SMB Group, where he won several industry awards. He has a degree in broadcasting from the State University of New York at Oswego and a passionate commitment to accelerating customer value. Melk has already taken several steps to recalibrate Monster's businesses to better serve its customers, including announcing a newly formed Enterprise Talent Solutions segment. Led by Senior Vice President and General Manager Penny Queller, Enterprise Talent Solutions aligns Monster's Staffing and Enterprise business units in North America and Talent Fusion by Monster on a global basis. Since joining Monster in May 2017, Queller has driven significant change and business results in Staffing and Talent Fusion, leveraging new operational strategies and with several recent client engagements and expansions. As part of the new alignment, Queller has announced a series of new appointments within the group, including: Tim Robbins , Vice President and General Manager, Staffing. Robbins, who has been with Monster for 14 years and most recently held the role of Vice President, East Sales and Business Development, will lead the staffing business unit. His proven commitment and dedication to Monster and urgency in driving the business forward will continue to benefit clients in his new leadership role. Robbins, who has been with Monster for 14 years and most recently held the role of Vice President, East Sales and Business Development, will lead the staffing business unit. His proven commitment and dedication to Monster and urgency in driving the business forward will continue to benefit clients in his new leadership role. Roy Etnyre , Regional Sales Director, West, Enterprise. After 13 years at Monster, most recently as Regional Sales Manager, Etnyre excels at coaching his own team, as well as helping teams deliver and articulate Monster's value to its customers. After 13 years at Monster, most recently as Regional Sales Manager, Etnyre excels at coaching his own team, as well as helping teams deliver and articulate Monster's value to its customers. Marcus Bush , Regional Sales Director, Northeast, Enterprise. Bush's nearly two decade long career at Monster is highlighted by his willingness to embrace new ideas, most recently in his role as Enterprise Sales Manager. Bush's nearly two decade long career at Monster is highlighted by his willingness to embrace new ideas, most recently in his role as Enterprise Sales Manager. Beth Herman , Regional Sales Director, Southeast, Enterprise. Herman brings an extensive background in staffing leadership roles to her nearly 3 year career at Monster. She will continue to lead by example, as she did previously in her role as Regional Sales Manager, challenging the team and its customers to think differently. Herman brings an extensive background in staffing leadership roles to her nearly 3 year career at Monster. She will continue to lead by example, as she did previously in her role as Regional Sales Manager, challenging the team and its customers to think differently. Greg Avallone , Vice President Regional Sales, New Business, Enterprise. Avallone joins Monster from SAP Concur and previously CareerBuilder with a passion for sales excellence and is leading the charge in supporting Monster's new business teams as they bring Monster's value to its customers. Monster is dedicated to helping its customers succeed and will continue to look for ways to partner with them to best meet their needs. Visit the Monster website or download the Monster app (iOS, Google Play) to find your next, best job. About Monster Monster is a global leader in connecting people and jobs. Every day, Monster makes meaningful human connections that advance lives and strengthen businesses by helping individuals find better jobs and employers find the best talent. For more than 20 years, Monster has worked to transform the recruiting industry. Today, the company leverages advanced technology using intelligent digital, social and mobile solutions, including the flagship website Monster.com, Monster's innovative app, and a vast array of products and services. SOURCE Monster Texas completes its fifth execution of 2018 | Main | You be the state judge: what sentence for Bill Cosby for conviction on three counts of aggravated indecent assault? Politico has this lengthy and discouraging article about the state of federal criminal justice reform under the headline "Kushner-backed prison reform bill stumbles in House." Here are excerpts: The House Judiciary Committee scrapped plans to vote on a prison reform proposal Wednesday, potentially dooming one of the few remaining prospects for significant bipartisan compromise this Congress. The last-minute postponement of the measure came as President Donald Trumps son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner visited Capitol Hill to rally support for it. But the delay also followed what multiple House sources described as a behind-the-scenes opposition campaign from two Senate heavyweights, one from each party. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) have told House Judiciary panel members to oppose a narrower prison reform bill without the addition of a sentencing overhaul they spent months negotiating, House sources said. The Trump administration and GOP leaders want to see a prison-only bill move, not the broader criminal justice bill, but thats not stopping Grassley and Durbin from what one Republican portrayed as meddling in the House debate. Frankly, I respect the two senators, but they have enough problems in the Senate, said Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.), the House GOPs lead author of the prison reform legislation, in a Wednesday interview. I wish they would actually focus on passing bills over there. That would be nice. Durbin denied that he was telling the House to slow down on the prison-only approach: Were just saying that over here, the two need to be together. But Durbin confirmed Wednesday that he has talked to the House Judiciary panels top Democrat, Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York, about the importance of keeping the two bills together while Grassley has reached out to Republicans to pitch a comprehensive approach.... The Senates lobbying threatens to kill momentum for the Kushner-backed House bill, which would provide training programs to prisoners in hopes of discouraging repeat offenses. The omission of sentencing changes is opposed not only by Grassley and Durbin but by dozens of powerful progressive groups including the ACLU and the NAACP. Those groups say the bill doesnt go far enough and should also include language that would reduce sentences for some prisoners. House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) blamed Wednesdays delayed vote on time constraints and said the postponement will give negotiators more time to work out minor issues. The panel is now scheduled to consider the bill during the week of May 7. But the impasse doesnt show any signs of being resolved soon. In his statement at the beginning of the hearing Wednesday, Nadler said negotiators should consider including sentencing reform in their discussions. In my view, considering prison reform without consideration of sentencing reform has the process backward, and avoids the difficult but necessary legislating on that critical issue, Nadler said. Nadler later told POLITICO he would be "very reluctant to support any bill that didnt include sentencing reform but wouldnt say whether his opposition, as the top Democrat on the panel, was enough to sink the proposal: Never say never, but Id be very reluctant." But supporters of the narrower prison reform push say a comprehensive strategy is a futile effort and would nix the chances of any bipartisan bill getting to the presidents desk this year. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a staunch critic of sentencing reform, opposed a similar proposal before Trump tapped him to lead DOJ and has publicly clashed with Grassley over the issue this year. However, theres lingering distrust among House Democrats that Sessions is operating in good faith. Democrats successfully nixed multiple poison pill amendments they said were floated by DOJ during talks on the bill but said privately theyre concerned that Sessions does't actually want to see any criminal justice legislation come to fruition. Grassley also acknowledged in an interview with POLITICO this week that he has yet to persuade Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to bring the comprehensive criminal justice bill to the floor. Its my job to show McConnell that this bill has got plenty of support at the grass roots, that its got good bipartisan support, Grassley said. Its something that a president needs a bipartisan bill to sign and theres all kinds of reasons why this bipartisan bill should be brought up, whether the House passes a bill or not.... Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas), who supported Grassleys efforts on a broader criminal justice package during the Obama administration but has narrowed his sights given the Trump administrations opposition, delivered a floor speech Wednesday urging the two camps to come together on a prison-only approach. I know other people have other ideas, perhaps about sentencing reform and the like, Cornyn said, but in this political environment, Im for doing what we can do rather than spinning our wheels being frustrated about what we cant do because theres simply not the political support in the House and the Senate and at the White House to get it done. VEVEY, Switzerland, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Nestle today announced an agreement granting the company perpetual rights to market Starbucks consumer and foodservice products globally, outside of the company's coffee shops. This transaction provides Nestle with a strong platform for continued growth in North America with leadership positions in the premium roast and ground and portioned coffee businesses. It also allows Nestle to capture exciting new growth opportunities in the rest of the world with Starbucks premium products. As a complete provider of coffee solutions, Nestle will accelerate growth in out-of-home channels. The two companies will work closely together on innovation and go-to-market strategies to bring the best coffee to customers around the world. "This global coffee alliance will bring the Starbucks experience to the homes of millions more around the world through the reach and reputation of Nestle," said Kevin Johnson, president and ceo, Starbucks. "This historic deal is part of our ongoing efforts to focus and evolve our business to meet the changing consumer needs, and we are proud to work alongside a company that is committed to our shared values." "This transaction is a significant step for our coffee business, Nestle's largest high-growth category," said Mark Schneider, CEO, Nestle. "With Starbucks, Nescafe and Nespresso we bring together three iconic brands in the world of coffee. We are delighted to have Starbucks as our partner. Both companies have true passion for outstanding coffee and are proud to be recognized as global leaders for their responsible and sustainable coffee sourcing. This is a great day for coffee lovers around the world." As part of this transaction, Starbucks will receive an up-front cash payment of USD 7.15 billion for a business which generated annual sales of USD 2 billion. The transaction does not include the transfer of any fixed assets, which facilitates a smooth and efficient integration. Nestle expects this business to contribute positively to its earnings per share and organic growth targets as from 2019. Nestle's ongoing share-buyback program will remain unchanged. Approximately 500 Starbucks employees will join the Nestle family to drive performance of the existing business and global expansion. Operations will continue to be located in Seattle. The agreement is subject to customary regulatory approval and is expected to close by the end of 2018. The agreement excludes Ready-to-Drink products and all sales of any products within Starbucks coffee shops. Nestle will host an investor conference call led by CEO Mark Schneider and CFO Francois-Xavier Roger on Monday, 7 May at 7:30 p.m. CEST (1:30 p.m. EST) to provide further details. This press release is also available in Francais (pdf) and Deutsch (pdf) Follow today's event live 19:30 CEST Investor call audio webcast Full details: https://www.nestle.com/media/mediaeventscalendar/allevents/nestle-press-release-may-2018 Contacts Investors Luca Borlini Tel.: +41 21 924 35 09 Media Christoph Meier (Europe) Tel.: +41 21 924 22 00 Josh Morton (USA) Tel.: +1 571 457 52 62 SOURCE Nestle BOGOTA, Colombia, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- net2phone, a rapidly growing global provider of cloud communications solutions, today launched its Hosted PBX Unlimited service in Colombia. The net2phone Hosted PBX Unlimited service offers businesses and organizations in Colombia powerful functionality and unlimited calling within the country as well as to many popular destinations worldwide: UNLIMITED domestic calling to landlines and mobile phones throughout Colombia ; UNLIMITED calling to over 20 other popular international destinations including Spain , Mexico , Chile , Argentina , Brazil and the United States ; Feature-rich VoIP telecommunications functionality and versatility including voicemail-to-email, customized auto-attendants, and find me follow me call management; and FREE advanced VoIP phones. All of these advantages are included in one low, flat monthly rate per seat or user. "We have tailored our Hosted PBX solution specifically for the Colombian market based on our two decades of work throughout South America," said Jonah Fink, President of net2phone. "We understand the needs of Colombian businesses and are dedicated to providing them with a world-class cloud-based business phone solution featuring an unrivaled offering of unlimited calling." Colombian businesses can sign up for net2phone's Hosted PBX Unlimited service through channel partners and distributors in Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Barranquilla and throughout the country. For more information on becoming a distributor, please email [email protected]. For more information on net2phone Hosted PBX Unlimited Service in Colombia, visit us at: http://net2phoneunlimited.com.co/ The net2phone Hosted PBX service is also available in the US, Brazil, and Argentina. The company is rolling out service to additional regions worldwide. About net2phone: net2phone is a global unified communications as a service (UCaaS) provider. net2phone's flagship hosted PBX and SIP Trunking services are offered exclusively through channel partners. net2phone is a subsidiary of IDT Corporation (NYSE: IDT), a provider of telecommunications and payment services. To learn more, please visit net2phone.com. All statements above that are not purely about historical facts, including, but not limited to, those in which we use the words "believe," "anticipate," "expect," "plan," "intend," "estimate," "target" and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. While these forward-looking statements represent our current judgment of what may happen in the future, actual results may differ materially from the results expressed or implied by these statements due to numerous important factors. Our filings with the SEC provide detailed information on such statements and risks, and should be consulted along with this release. To the extent permitted under applicable law, IDT assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. SOURCE net2phone SAN DIEGO, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Neurana Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of neuromuscular conditions, announced the completion of a $60 million Series A financing to further develop tolperisone, a novel, patented skeletal muscle relaxant for the treatment of acute, painful muscle spasms and spasticity without sedation. The financing was led by Sofinnova Ventures and included participation from New Leaf Venture Partners, H.I.G. BioHealth Partners, Longitude Capital and MagnaSci Ventures. Tolperisone is approved and widely used in Europe and Asia for the treatment of neuromuscular conditions, and it has been shown to treat these conditions without sedating patients. It has not been available in the U.S. due to an impurity that was higher than ICH Guidelines. Neurana has an exclusive license from Sanochemia AG to develop and commercialize a patented composition of tolperisone which meets ICH Guidelines in North America. In Neurana's recently announced clinical driving simulation study, designed to measure the sedation effects of tolperisone in comparison to cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), the leading treatment for acute muscle spasms, and placebo in healthy volunteers using objective and subjective measures, tolperisone demonstrated a sedation effect equivalent to placebo, while cyclobenzaprine demonstrated significant impairment, correlating to a blood alcohol content of greater than 0.05. "Approximately 65 million prescriptions are written each year for the treatment of acute, painful muscle spasms. However, all approved treatment options have been shown to be sedating in both clinical trials and routine clinical usage," said David F. Hale, Chairman and Interim President & CEO of Neurana. "These sedating effects impact the personal and professional lives of patients, affecting their ability to function and potentially impairing their ability to drive a vehicle when taking skeletal muscle relaxants to treat acute, painful muscle spasms. We believe that tolperisone's potential to treat neuromuscular conditions without sedation addresses a significant unmet medical need. We are gratified by the support of this experienced group of investors as we seek to treat and improve the quality of life for patients with acute, painful muscle spasms and spasticity." The Company plans to commence a Phase 2 dose ranging clinical trial later this year to further demonstrate the safety and efficacy of tolperisone in subjects with acute, painful neuromuscular spasms of the neck and back. In conjunction with the financing, David Kabakoff, Ph.D. of Sofinnova Ventures, Dan Becker, M.D., Ph.D. of New Leaf Venture Partners, Alex Zisson of H.I.G. BioHealth Partners, and Josh Richardson, M.D. of Longitude Capital have joined David Hale and Brian Dorsey on the board of directors. About Neurana Pharmaceuticals Neurana Pharmaceuticals is a private company focused on the treatment of neuromuscular conditions, such as acute, painful muscle spasms of the neck and back and spasticity. The company was founded by an experienced drug development and commercial team. Media Contact: Kathy Scott Chief Financial Officer Neurana Pharmaceuticals, Inc. [email protected] SOURCE Neurana Pharmaceuticals Inc. EDISON, N.J., May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Adam L. Rothenberg, a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer and Partner at the New Jersey personal injury law firm of Levinson Axelrod, P.A., has joined the Board of Trustees for CASA of Union County. As a regional branch of the National Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children Association, CASA of Union County serves over 20 municipalities across the County by protecting the rights and well-being of children from birth until age of 21 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect, and who become part of an impersonal and overburdened legal system. Advocate volunteers are critical lifelines for children navigating residential facilities and foster homes, and to helping them find a permanent, stable living environment. In addition to completing a rigorous 30-hour curriculum, volunteers must also be sworn in by a family judge and named to a case by court order. They spend a great deal of time with children, and maintain connections with therapists, doctors, and foster parents in order to identify a child's unique needs and protect their best interests. As a member of CASA of Union County's Board of Trustees, Adam will leverage his legal experience and passion for helping others to build upon the organization's efforts. In the current year, CASA of Union County has already served over 260 children with the services of more than 150 volunteers donating nearly 14,000 hours of their time. Adam's commitment to making a difference in the lives of others is aligned with CASA's mission, as well as his work representing injured victims and families who come to Levinson Axelrod, P.A. during their times of need. Adam Rothenberg is a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer and Partner at the New Jersey-based personal injury law firm of Levinson Axelrod, P.A., where he focuses on complex litigation involving medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, product liability, and more. A proven and passionate advocate for the injured and the wronged, Adam has cultivated widespread recognition for his work in the local and legal communities, including his continued selection to the New Jersey Super Lawyers list and numerous leadership roles in legal and community-based organizations. More information about Mr. Rothenberg and Levinson Axelrod, P.A. can be found at www.njlawyers.com. SOURCE Levinson Axelrod, P.A. Related Links http://www.njlawyers.com "College pricing is not transparent. There's tuition, of course, but most colleges pile on all sorts of fees too: application fees, technology fees, lab fees and several others. These fees can cost as much as the tuition," said Columbia College President Scott Dalrymple. "Beginning this fall, Columbia College will charge an affordable tuition rate for its online and adult-serving venues-- charging no fees of any kind, while providing textbooks or eTexts to students at no cost." Increasing book costs often prove to be a barrier for students to complete their education. The college will be partnering with Ed Map, a national leader in etext and educational resources distribution, to assure students will have their books and other materials on or before the first day of class at no cost. Additional fees are also frequently hidden in fine print. Students get hit with fees after they've enrolled, during the semester and even before graduation. The Tru itionSM (truth + tuition) initiative eliminates these fees and provides an honest and clear look at the price of college, allowing students to better plan for their financial future. To learn more about Tru itionSM, visit MyTruition.com. Founded in 1851 in Columbia, Missouri, Columbia College has been helping students advance their lives through higher education for more than 165 years. As a private, nonprofit institution, the college takes pride in its small classes, experienced faculty and quality educational programs. The college, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, has more than 30 locations and offers day, evening and online classes. Columbia College educates more than 20,000 students each year and has more than 86,000 alumni worldwide. For more information, visit www.ccis.edu. Sam Fleury Senior Director, Public Relations (573) 875-7283 [email protected] SOURCE Columbia College of Missouri Related Links http://www.ccis.edu DALLAS, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC ("Oncor") today reported first quarter 2018 net income of $89 million compared with first quarter 2017 net income of $73 million. Oncor's first quarter 2018 results included the effects of the rate case settlement (effective November 2017), the Sharyland Asset Exchange and favorable weather, partially offset by costs associated with the Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE) acquisition. Financial and operational results are provided in Tables A, B, C and D. "We are pleased with our solid performance in the first quarter," said Allen Nye, chief executive of Oncor. "During the quarter, we successfully closed the transaction with Sempra Energy and completed our leadership succession as planned. We look forward to continuing our strong financial and operational performance in 2018 as we continue to deliver our customers the lowest rates of any investor-owned utility in Texas." Operating Highlights On March 9, after receiving final regulatory approvals, Sempra Energy completed its acquisition of an approximate 80 percent ownership interest in Oncor. With the closing of the Sempra Energy transaction, Oncor now has a financially strong and dynamic majority owner who will partner with Oncor in our efforts to continue to provide the safest, most reliable and affordable electric service to our customers. Effective with the closing of the Sempra Energy transaction on March 9, Oncor implemented its previously-announced leadership succession plan. Allen Nye, who had been serving as Oncor's senior vice president and general counsel, became Oncor's chief executive, succeeding Robert S. Shapard, who became Oncor's chairman. In April 2018, Sempra Energy and our other member contributed a total of $144 million in cash proportionate to their equity ownership interests to Oncor. Completion of this additional equity investment satisfies one of the regulatory commitments made by Sempra Energy and Oncor in their change-in-control proceeding. Sempra Energy Internet Broadcast Today Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE) will broadcast a live discussion of its reported results over the Internet today 12 p.m. EDT with senior management of Sempra Energy and Oncor. Access is available at sempra.com. For those unable to obtain access to the live webcast, it will be available on replay a few hours after its conclusion by dialing (888) 203-1112 and entering passcode 1980202. Oncor's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 will be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission after Sempra Energy's conference call. *** Headquartered in Dallas, Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC is a regulated electricity distribution and transmission business that uses superior asset management skills to provide reliable electricity delivery to consumers. Oncor operates the largest distribution and transmission system in Texas, delivering power to more than 3.5 million homes and businesses and operating more than 134,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines in Texas. While Oncor is owned by a limited number of investors (including majority owner, Sempra Energy), Oncor is managed by its Board of Directors, which is comprised of a majority of disinterested directors. Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company with 2017 revenues of more than $11 billion. Sempra Energy is the utility holding company with the largest U.S. customer base. The Sempra Energy companies' approximately 20,000 employees serve more than 40 million consumers worldwide. Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC Table A - Condensed Statements of Consolidated Net Income ($ millions) Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Operating revenues $990 $935 Operating expenses: Wholesale transmission service 245 231 Operation and maintenance 219 188 Depreciation and amortization 166 195 Provision in lieu of income taxes 33 45 Taxes other than income 125 112 Total operating expenses 788 771 Operating income 202 164 Other income and (deductions) net (32) (11) Nonoperating provision (benefit) in lieu of income taxes (7) (5) Interest expense and related charges 88 85 Net income $ 89 $ 73 Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC Table B - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets ($ millions) At March 31, 2018 At December 31, 2017 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 36 $ 21 Trade accounts receivable net 587 635 Amounts receivable from members related to income taxes - 26 Materials and supplies inventories at average cost 107 91 Prepayments and other current assets 92 88 Total current assets 822 861 Investments and other property 120 113 Property, plant and equipment net 15,171 14,879 Goodwill 4,064 4,064 Regulatory assets 2,130 2,180 Other noncurrent assets 13 23 Total assets $22,320 $22,120 LIABILITIES AND MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS Current liabilities: Short-term borrowings $ 1,075 $ 950 Long-term debt due currently 825 550 Trade accounts payable 309 242 Amounts payable to members related to income taxes 32 21 Accrued taxes other than amounts related to income 78 190 Accrued interest 70 83 Other current liabilities 178 188 Total current liabilities 2,567 2,224 Long-term debt, less amounts due currently 5,293 5,567 Liability in lieu of deferred income taxes 1,528 1,517 Regulatory liabilities 2,853 2,807 Employee benefit obligations and other 2,086 2,102 Total liabilities 14,327 14,217 Membership interests : Capital account number of interests outstanding 2018 and 2017 635,000,000 8,093 8,004 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (100) (101) Total membership interests 7,993 7,903 Total liabilities and membership interests $22,320 $22,120 Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC Table C - Condensed Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows ($ millions) At March 31, 2018 At March 31, 2017 Cash flows operating activities: Net income $ 89 $ 73 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 196 207 Provision in lieu of deferred income taxes net 10 111 Other net - (1) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Regulatory accounts related to reconcilable tariffs 30 (12) Other operating assets and liabilities 10 23 Cash provided by operating activities 335 401 Cash flows financing activities: Net increase in short-term borrowings 125 91 Distributions to members - (86) Cash provided by financing activities 125 5 Cash flows investing activities: Capital expenditures (450) (426) Other net 5 5 Cash used in investing activities (445) (421) Net change in cash and cash equivalents 15 (15) Cash and cash equivalents beginning balance 21 16 Cash and cash equivalents ending balance $ 36 $ 1 Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC Table D Operating Statistics At March 31, 2018 At March 31, 2017 Electric energy volumes (gigawatt-hours): Residential 10,444 8,489 Other (a) 18,990 16,889 Total electric energy volumes 29,434 25,378 Electricity distribution points of delivery (end of period and in thousands) (b) 3,572 3,450 (a) Includes small business, large commercial and industrial and all other non-residential distribution points of delivery. (b) Based on number of active meters. SOURCE Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC Related Links http://www.oncor.com WHEELING, Ill., May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- SG360, an industry-leading print and direct marketing solutions provider, today announced the appointment of Patrick R. Donahoe, former Chief Executive Officer and Postmaster General of the United States, to its Board of Directors. "Patrick is a strong leader whose expertise in postal optimization and logistics will shape our view on investments in new capabilities," said Mary Lee Schneider, president and CEO of SG360. "We are excited to have Pat's experience on the Board as we bring new postal optimization strategies and benefits to our customers." "This is a unique time for direct marketing and print communications, and SG360 has proven to be a true innovator," said Donahoe. "Direct mail plays a central role in omnichannel marketing strategies. I look forward to working with Mary Lee and the Board to deliver new solutions to the market." Since beginning his career as a Postal Service clerk, Donahoe has held positions of increasing responsibility within the organization. As the Postal Service's chief operating officer, he was instrumental in achieving record levels ... of service, improving the workplace environment and reaching six straight years of productivity gains. He served as CEO and Postmaster General from 2010 to 2015. Donahoe currently serves on the Strategic Advisory Board at Seegrid Corporation, and has previously been a member of the Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service. He earned a B.S. in economics from University of Pittsburgh and M.S. as a Sloan Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. ABOUT SG360 SG360 is an industry-leading printing and direct marketing services provider that offers multichannel marketing solutions. Its services range from research and strategy to concept and execution and includes multichannel marketing, direct mail, data analytics, and fulfillment, among other services. Headquartered in Wheeling, Ill., it is owned by private equity firm ICV Partners, a certified MBE. Besides Wheeling, it has locations elsewhere in Illinois and also in California, Florida, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. More information is available at www.sg360.com. SOURCE SG360 Related Links http://www.sg360.com CALGARY, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Pembina Pipeline Corporation ("Pembina" or the "Company") (TSX: PPL;NYSE: PBA) reported the voting results from its annual meeting of shareholders held May 4, 2018 in Calgary, Alberta (the "Meeting"). Each of the matters voted upon at the Meeting is discussed in detail in the Company's Management Information Circular dated March 16, 2018 (the "Information Circular") and is available on the Company's website under "Investor Centre Shareholder Information" at www.pembina.com. A total of 314,090,320 common shares representing 62.40 percent of the Company's issued and outstanding shares were voted in person and by proxy in connection with the Meeting. The voting results for each matter presented at the Meeting are provided below: 1. Election of Directors The following 12 nominees were appointed as directors of Pembina to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders of the Company, or until their successors are elected or appointed: Nominee Votes in Favour Votes Withheld Percentage Number Percentage Number Anne-Marie N. Ainsworth 98.70% 285,285,578 1.30% 3,769,547 Douglas J. Arnell 99.73% 288,264,605 0.27% 790,520 Michael H. Dilger 99.66% 288,073,619 0.34% 981,506 Randall J. Findlay 98.55% 284,852,889 1.45% 4,202,237 Maureen E. Howe 99.73% 288,262,177 0.27% 792,948 Gordon J. Kerr 95.58% 276,271,003 4.42% 12,784,122 David M.B. LeGresley 96.37% 278,564,824 3.63% 10,490,301 Robert B. Michaleski 99.51% 287,640,856 0.49% 1,414,269 Leslie A. O'Donoghue 95.89% 277,164,896 4.11% 11,890,229 Bruce D. Rubin 99.66% 288,065,366 0.34% 989,759 Jeffrey T. Smith 98.72% 285,350,265 1.28% 3,704,861 Henry W. Sykes 96.55% 279,077,237 3.45% 9,977,888 2. Appointment of Auditors KPMG LLP, Chartered Accountants, were appointed to serve as the auditors of the Company until the close of the next annual meeting, at remuneration to be fixed by the directors on the recommendation of the Audit Committee. 3. Acceptance of Company's Approach to Executive Compensation On an advisory basis and not to diminish the role and responsibility of the board of directors, the approach to executive compensation disclosed in the Information Circular was approved with an approximate 94.62 percent of votes cast in favour. Additional details in respect the Meeting's voting results can be found on Pembina's profile at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov. Retirement of Board Member Pembina also announced today that Mr. Lorne Gordon did not stand for re-election and will retire from the board after serving more than 20 years as a director, including 17 years as Chairman of the Board. "On behalf of Pembina's Board and management, I would like to thank Mr. Gordon for his dedication and significant contributions to the Company and the Board," said Randall Findlay, Chair of the Board of Directors. "Pembina has benefited greatly from Lorne's experience, wisdom and counsel throughout its history as a public company and we wish him all the best in the future." About Pembina Calgary-based Pembina Pipeline Corporation is a leading transportation and midstream service provider that has been serving North America's energy industry for over 60 years. Pembina owns an integrated system of pipelines that transport various hydrocarbon liquids and natural gas products produced primarily in western Canada. The Company also owns gas gathering and processing facilities and an oil and natural gas liquids infrastructure and logistics business. Pembina's integrated assets and commercial operations along the majority of the hydrocarbon value chain allow it to offer a full spectrum of midstream and marketing services to the energy sector. Pembina is committed to identifying additional opportunities to connect hydrocarbon production to new demand locations through the development of infrastructure that would extend Pembina's service offering even further along the hydrocarbon value chain. These new developments will contribute to ensuring that hydrocarbons produced in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin and the other basins where Pembina operates can reach the highest value markets throughout the world. Pembina strives to provide sustainable, industry-leading total returns for our investors; reliable and value-added services for our customers; a net positive impact to communities; and a safe, respectful, collaborative and fair work culture for our employees. Pembina's strategy is to: Preserve value by providing safe, environmentally conscious, cost-effective and reliable services; by providing safe, environmentally conscious, cost-effective and reliable services; Diversify by providing integrated solutions which enhance profitability and customer service; by providing integrated solutions which enhance profitability and customer service; Implement Growth by pursuing projects or assets that are expected to generate cash flow per share accretion and capture long-life, economic hydrocarbon reserves; and by pursuing projects or assets that are expected to generate cash flow per share accretion and capture long-life, economic hydrocarbon reserves; and Secure Global Markets by understanding what the world needs, where they need it, and delivering it. Pembina is structured into three Divisions: Pipelines Division, Facilities Division and Marketing & New Ventures Division. Pembina's common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under PPL and PBA, respectively. For more information, visit www.pembina.com. SOURCE Pembina Pipeline Corporation Related Links http://www.pembina.com (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/687225/Rose_Palhares.jpg ) Taking place from 8 to 19 May in Cote d'Azur, France, the Cannes Film Festival continues to drive the development of cinema, helping celebrate the international film industry. Rose Palhares, as the fashion designer and creator of the Mastercard fashion lounge collection, is back at the festival for the second time at the invitation of the brand. Rose Palhares, General Director and founder of the brand says: "The exclusive collection of the Mastercard fashion lounge at the Cannes Film Festival has a very unique identity, because I was inspired by warm and festive colours and smooth, albeit elaborate and bright, textures. I find that this collection follows a trend of garments that can be transformed and break with traditional precepts, such as long dresses with low necklines and asymmetric slits. Simultaneously, I want silhouettes to pronounce themselves in absolute precision, as they seal values of autonomy, elegance and feminine mutability." She adds: " The sophistication of the collection's 600 items, featuring materials such as lace, sequins, silk, organza and taffeta details may seem unusual, but after all, I like to discover fabrics and their enhanced textures, because my work is not only fashion, I also interpret it as art." The Rose Palhares brand, present in Portugal (an atelier in the heart of the Portuguese capital) and in Angola (on the Island of Luanda), specialises in tailor-made fashion and ready-made clothing, with most African designers following suit. Born in Angola, Rose Palhares also holds Portuguese nationality. She has a degree in Fashion Design from the University of Vale do Itajai, in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. She has won several prizes: at the Moda Luanda in 2017 and 2013, and was also described by Vogue Italy in 2016 as the Most Interesting Designer of Angola. Fashion Diva of Angola and Best Designer of the Year in 2017, Rose Palhares was also acclaimed International Designer of the Year at the Angola Fashion Week 2015, Woman of Merit by the GMA-Grupo das Mulheres Africanas (African Women's Group) (in 2016) and "one of five designers to follow closely in the years ahead" by Elle South Africa in 2016. More information http://www.rosepalhares.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/RosePalhares/ |http://www.instagram.com/rosepalhares/?hl=pt SOURCE Rose Palhares Unipessoal, Lda More criticism of prison-reform only efforts, while failing to explain a path forward for broader federal sentencing reforms | Main | Interesting complicated stories of the recidivism impact of California's big modern sentencing reforms May 7, 2018 Another round of criticisms of Prez Trump's decision to nominate Bill Otis to US Sentencing Commission As reported in this prior post, Prez Trump back in early March announced these notable new nominations to the US Sentencing Commission. As I have noted before, it is usually only hard-core sentencing nerds like me who pay much attention to USSC nominations. But this slate of nominees, especially the nomination of Bill Otis, has led to more than the usual amount of focus on how Prez Trump is looking to put his stamp on the USSC. I noted in this post back in March an array of critical commentary from media outlets like Mother Jones, Reason and Slate, and recently these two new commentaries have furthered this notable nominee chatter: From the Cato Institute here, "A Troubling Nomination to the U.S. Sentencing Commission" From the New Republic here, "The Man Who Hates Criminal-Justice Reform: Bill Otis believes America must maintain draconian policies to be tough on crime. No wonder Trump picked him for a key administration post." Here are some excerpts from the New Republic piece, with some notable quotes for and against the nominee: The commission isnt typically prone to partisan warfare. In fact, Congress created the seven-member body in 1984 precisely so it could avoid politicized battles when crafting federal sentencing guidelines. Otiss nomination could upset that balance. Hes been the arch-nemesis of criminal-justice reform at the federal level for a decade at least, Kevin Ring, the president of Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM), told me. Hes opposed basically every legislative reform, every reform the Sentencing Commission has passed, and just seems to enjoy that curmudgeonly position of saying no. FAMM, which advocates for sentencing reform through Congress and before the Sentencing Commission, has never endorsed or opposed a commission nominee before, preferring instead to work with those commissioners once theyre in office. But Otiss nomination changed that. Hes an ideologue in a position that is supposed to be driven by evidence and data, Ring said.... If confirmed by the Senate, Otis would bring first-hand experience with the federal criminal-justice system under both Democratic and Republican presidents. Among the posts he held during three decades in the government are stints as a legal advisor to the Drug Enforcement Agencys administrator, as a special counsel in the George W. Bush White House, and as a federal prosecutor in the eastern district of Virginia, where he led the offices appellate division. Otiss nomination has raised alarm among pro-reform groups that see the commission as a key ally in reining in mass incarceration in America, and its at odds with the reformist zeitgeist thats swept D.C. think tanks and advocacy groups on the left, right, and center. Organizations ranging from the American Civil Liberties Union to the Koch brothers political network have put muscle behind the effort to reduce over-incarceration in recent years. Lower crime rates also helped spur state and federal lawmakers to rethink harsh policies from a bygone era. Not everyone is on board with the shift away from tough-on-crime politics, including Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions. But few are more vocal about it than Otis. Although I am decidedly out-of-step with my learned colleagues inside the Beltway, and despite all the puff pieces in the press running in the other direction, I dont feel lonely in opposing the more-crime-faster proposals marketing themselves as sentencing reform, he wrote in 2014. Otis declined to comment for this article, citing standard practices for pending judicial-branch nominees. Those whove worked with him say his appointment would bring a much-needed alternative perspective to the Sentencing Commissions work. Kent Scheidegger, a California-based attorney and legal director of the Criminal Justice Legal Foundation, told me that he thinks its important to avoid a uniformity of viewpoint on the commission. [Otis] has a view that the rush to lessen sentences, particularly for serious crimes, is a mistake, that its going too far too fast, and that people who have the contrary view necessarily are opposed to that, he said. Scheidegger shares that skepticism of reformers efforts, telling me, I think theyre largely forgetting history and condemning us to repeat it. The two men are regular contributors to Crime and Consequences, a blog that discusses criminal-justice issues from a conservative perspective. Otiss posts there offer brief but illuminating glimpses into how he approaches the subject. His central theme is straightforward and often bluntly expressed: that tough-on-crime policies helped bring down crime over the past 25 years, and scaling them back will cause crime to surge upwards once more.... Otis occasionally takes aim at perceived elites whom he casts as insulated from the consequences of their policy decisions. When early release goes wrong, as it so often does, who pays the price? he wrote in 2016. The sentencing reform crowd at their posh, self-congratulatory, we-are-so-humane parties in Manhattan and Hollywood, or the next unsuspecting victim they helped set up? But Otiss views are also out of sync with a growing number of conservatives. Republican leaders in red states like Georgia and Texas have adopted measures aimed at reducing recidivism and lowering excessive prison populations. Someone who doesnt adapt to new ways of thinking that have actually proven to be a lot more effective than simply warehousing people for years on end someone who cant accept that reality doesnt really need to be on the Sentencing Commission, Jason Pye, the vice president for legislative affairs at FreedomWorks, told me. Scheidegger said the debate over Otiss positions would be a net positive for the commission. I think its a good nomination, and I think its important to keep it in the context of the whole panel, including representation on the other side of the aisle as well, he told me. Thats an important aspect of the nomination. Diversity of viewpoint on this subject is a good thing. Trumps nominees to the commission are still awaiting Senate confirmation. The other three are William Pryor, a Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals judge, as well as Third Circuit judge Luis Restrepo and federal district-court judge Henry Hudson. Reform advocates told me they also had concerns about Hudson, who once went by the sobriquet Hang em High Harry as a prosecutor in the 1980s, but acknowledged he has plenty of practical experience as a sentencing jurist. But Otis is still a bridge too far, they told me, even though many of them said they like him personally. Part of the commissions job is to take some of the politics away from the politicians, Ring said. You want sentencing to be driven by this commission as some insulation from Congress. And thats the worst place for an ideologue from either side. Prior related posts: May 7, 2018 at 10:00 AM | Permalink Comments Bill's offense? Advocacy for crime victims. So, he must be personally attacked. That is the left. The facts abandoned it 100 years. So, all they have is personal attack to protect the rent from big government. There is a false propaganda campaign that crime rates are dropping. Instead, billions of new crimes are taking place on the internet, including federal crimes. Posted by: David Behar | May 7, 2018 10:46:17 AM Kent Scheidegger, who I gather is in his corner, will be on C-SPAN tonight: http://landmarkcases.c-span.org/Case/26/Gregg-v-Georgia Posted by: Joe | May 7, 2018 1:07:17 PM [reads] Well, there you go. Posted by: Joe | May 7, 2018 1:09:31 PM Mr. Otis still has not grasped that correlation is not causation. The drop in crime happened during the war on drugs not because of but in spite of harsh sentences that destroyed lives and communities. The consensus of the research shows that longer sentences don't have increased deterrent effects and are counter-productive. Recidivsm rates for those released early after drug guideline amendments are no higher and in some case are shorter than those for folks who served their entire drug sentence. But keep on keeping on, Mr. Otis. You and your buddy the Attorney General will be judged by history. Posted by: defendergirl | May 7, 2018 1:43:17 PM And I see our trial period is over and Mr. Behar has joined us once again. Professor Berman, will you be posting data on comment rate/quality before and during his hiatus? Posted by: defendergirl | May 7, 2018 1:44:45 PM Defendergirl. In my absence, one person turned in a cogent and detailed analysis of some sentencing matter. The rest was the same in quantity and quality. Prof. Berman pointed out the improvement in the quality of the life of the Comments from less conflict with me. That is because no one was challenging his denial of the explosive increase in the crime rate. You and he truly believe crime is decreasing. Denial is worse than lying. In lying, there is more awareness. Posted by: David Behar | May 7, 2018 2:17:34 PM Defendergirl, David shows his faulty empirical skills with his response. Roughly speaking, there were about 400 comments during the 30 days before David agreed to take a break, and roughly 400 comments in the 29 days he was gone. But about 180 of the comments in the prior month were David's, so we saw a roughly 80% spike in the quantity of comments. And I think the quality was better, too, in part because there were no need for other commentators to encourage David to be more civil. Long story short, if David was truly an honest man, he would admit that the comment section is more robust and less hostile in his absence. And especially because so many are understandably troubled by his return, I am contemplating asking him to leave again soon. Posted by: Doug B. | May 7, 2018 3:49:06 PM Professor Berman: Thanks for the data. While I would prefer encouragement of civil debate over banishment, the fact that comments went up in Mr. Behar's absence indicates to me that folks are tuning back in instead of avoiding the comments due to the tone and insults. Hopefully Mr. Behar, you will be inspired to make meaningful contributions to the discussion here. Posted by: defendergirl | May 7, 2018 4:08:26 PM Professor, Any chance of a letter from law professors opposing Mr. Otis? He strikes me as an ideologue who willfully disregards empirics and takes a no-nothing reflexive opposition to any efforts at sentencing reform. He has made statements in the past that, if not actually racist, are at best insensitive. He seems to have no interest at all in addressing over-incarceration and almost seems to enjoy perpetuating our system of unneccessarily long prison terms. Is someone like this really a good choice for the Commission? I bet there would be several Republicans willing to oppose. In my field antitrust academics have had a lot of success in moving policy towards more rationale outcomes. It would be great to see more of that in criminal law. There is a near consensus among learned commentators tgat we over-incarcerate, but it seems very hard to translate that learning to legislation. It may be that it is easier to translate informed views into policy in fields with a common law tradition. I note that European countries have much bettr outcomes with criminal justice by ensuring policy is somewhat insulated from politics (ie, insuring the uninformed arent able to distort outcomes). Thanks. Posted by: Mark | May 7, 2018 4:13:09 PM Interesting idea, Mark. There is certainly going to be some organized opposition to Bill, but I am not sure what form it will take. Posted by: Doug B. | May 7, 2018 4:42:05 PM Prof. Berman. It would be expected that David Duke would ask a Jew to not Comment on his blog. This post below is evidenced based. And, he is not even part of a religiously based cult, with its indoctrination, enforcement, and massive organized crime activity, taking in a $trillion a year. https://davidduke.com/purim-a-festival-of-hate-and-an-insight-into-how-jewish-supremacists-view-gentiles/ Posted by: David Behar | May 7, 2018 6:50:33 PM If you stay on topic and avoid repetitive and tiresome rants, David, I will not ask you to leave. Posted by: Doug B. | May 7, 2018 8:46:48 PM Defendergirl Mr Behar has nothing meaningful to contribute, so he cant Provide meaningful contributions Bruce Posted by: Bruce Cunningham | May 7, 2018 8:48:59 PM [Otis] has a view that the rush to lessen sentences, particularly for serious crimes, is a mistake, that its going too far too fast..." I'm not sure what lessening of serious sentences he means. The 100:1 crack:cocaine disparity was reduced a long time ago but there was no "rush". The Sentencing Commission started recommending the reduction in 1995 and it didn't become 18:1 until 2010. Eight year later, no other reform of sentencing for "serious" crime. No rush going on, and everyone else is frustrated with the lack of progress. Posted by: Paul | May 7, 2018 8:52:00 PM My first post to this site was a few yrs ago, went like this. Ausa Ashcroft memorandom stated to prosecute to the highest level charge and ensure guideline sentences. Bill Otis response was, what are they supposed to do, loose. This was in 2006 roughly. Bill is smart and e cellent at research and above all, loves to argue. Hes good at it, with his background and knowledge, unfortunely he will carry influence. Tough sledding for any meaningful mandatories getting rolled back by with Trump, sessions and Bill feeding a weak and uninformed Congress. Ussc for sure wont be making any drugs -2 related reductions in upcoming yrs. Thats my story and Im sticking to it. Main ofoblem with federal guidelines us they are made general purpose yes, but what happens in Philly, Chicago, La, Kansas City, Detroit diesnt apply to the smallville, USA. Thats why the feds need to be reserved for Cartels and multi state rings and inner city gangs.. Speaking of gangs, the Feds suck at getting a handle at the shootings in Chicago. Also their section 8 housing is a flop, supposed to be filtering criminals. Our town is now infested with Chicago hoods and the Naacp prohibits any rent changes to minimize these sloths from migrating. Need to take a bulldozer and cleanup the Feds. Also the mandatories are supposed to be used to squeeze collaboration out if cartel members, but Re ysed for garden variety drug addicts. Pretty sad when the USA goes after someone in this poor condition. I see them wNdering locally, torn jeans, lived in old wrecks of a car. Oh well...Whats one to do. Posted by: MidWestGuy | May 7, 2018 10:28:33 PM Paul, I think Bill would also stresses the USSC drug -2 reform as a significant reduction of sentences for a lot of current and future drug dealers (whom Bill likely considers "serious" because they are brought into the federal system). He might also lament the fall out from the Johnson ruling which functionally reduced sentence for a sub-group of gun offenders with some criminal history. Posted by: Doug B | May 8, 2018 10:36:36 AM Prof. Berman. The word rant is an ad hominem insult. It is a sign of frustration, often with the facts. The word, "all" in Article I Section 1 voids judicial review and all executive branch regulation. If you want those, amend the constitution. There is no drop in crime. It modernized, and is intentionally not being counted. Sentencing and prison reform are Soros attacks to hurt our country. Soros is worse than Castro who emptied his prisons and asylums, dumping the criminal, the insane, and the criminally insane onto the US in the Marielito Boat Lift. The Soros promoted decarceration of 3% immediately resulted in a surge of murder in a dozen cities. Posted by: David Behar | May 8, 2018 12:11:07 PM Rant = "to speak at length in a wild, impassioned way." Your last 7 sentences in your last comment is a wild and impassioned (and foolish) speech about the constitution, crime and Soros, no part of which is really germane to what others are discussing. I am now asking you to leave again, but I encourage you to create a running commentary on another webpage. I will then welcome you to come back, periodically... say once a week, to provide links to your comments elsewhere. Posted by: Doug B. | May 8, 2018 1:18:41 PM Getting rid of me will not change the facts, which you are trying to deny. Posted by: David Behar | May 8, 2018 2:18:11 PM But getting rid of Behar will vastly improve the discourse on this blog. Posted by: bruce cunningham | May 8, 2018 2:35:05 PM I wonder if Behar is a man of his word. I distinctly remember when he said that if Doug asked him to leave the blog, he would do so. bruce Posted by: bruce cunningham | May 8, 2018 2:40:38 PM I am not trying to change facts, David, I am trying to reduce noxious comments that add little of substantive value and deter others from participating in the comment space. As Bruce notes, you have previous indicated you would leave when asked. I am asking you again to leave because it seems my efforts to encourage your to reduce the number and incivility of comments have proven unsuccessful. Posted by: Doug B. | May 8, 2018 3:45:37 PM Thank you Doug! Trolls (especially David) who don't seem to have any relevant professional experience or expertise, have been the worst part of this blog for a long time. If I want rants about Soros, I'll go to my local newspaper's comments section. I come here for the informed opinions of academics and practitioners with real knowledge of the criminal justice system. Posted by: Anon AFPD | May 8, 2018 5:35:57 PM Mark, where are your examples of Otis' racism or insensitivity. I support the nomination. Posted by: federalist | May 8, 2018 7:23:34 PM Federalist, Mr. Nicey. Thugs. Utter insensitivity to efforts to release prisoners who no longer need to be incarcerated, whi are disproportionally minorities. Belligerent rhetoric that has morr in common with the Orange Idiot than a reasoned commentator. Bill is well educated and should know better. How can you support such a compassionlee, reflively anti-reform, polemisicist? He is totally out of step with empirical work and academic consensus. Do you believe we just dont have enough folks in federal prison serving LWOP or decades. What say you? Mark Posted by: Mark | May 8, 2018 9:38:48 PM Mark. Problem. the "empirical work and academic consensus" are not true. They are false propaganda by biased and by extreme selection. That is the same way the posts on the David Duke website are anti-Semitic. David Duke has more integrity not pretending to be a neutral professional. He is the head of the Klan, and is honest about this hatred. You lawyers are as anti-crime victim as duke is anti-Semitic. Duke does not have a Comment section. He will not allow rebuttal by dissenters from his hate filled views. Prof. Berman is well on his way to doing the same in my case. Posted by: David Behar | May 8, 2018 11:04:25 PM I promised to leave for 30 days. I did. There was no change in anything. The same left wing biased crap is being posted by you over and over. It is all false. It is all denial. You are denying your own eyes. The Inquisitors saw the horizon curve. They saw people return after disappearing over the horizon. They saw the shadow of the earth during a lunar eclipse was round. They still persecuted anyone dissenting from their flat earth views. You are as big a denier as they were. Posted by: David Behar | May 8, 2018 11:10:23 PM David, I have allowed you to rant in this space for years, and I have no plans to delete any of the 2000+ prior comments you have made in just the last few years under your actual name (or the many thousands you previously posted under other names). But we have all seen you make the same "dissenting" points, in uncivil and unproductive ways, soooooo many times; allowing you to keep repeating the same belligerent points in your distinctly noxious way does not advance the collective dialogue. The problem, David, is not that you assert here that, to use your metaphor, the earth is round. The problem is that you are persistently attacking everyone existing on the earth, and doing so in ways that prevent anyone from wanting to engage with you or to even be around the comment space you occupy. Not only did the comments increase in your absence, David, but many favorably remarked about the improved atmosphere with you no longer making multiple comments that pollute the discourse. Respectful and thoughtful dissent is always welcome in this space, but that is rarely what you provide. And that is why I am asking you again to leave because it seems my efforts to encourage you to reduce the number and incivility of comments have proven unsuccessful. Posted by: Doug B | May 8, 2018 11:55:36 PM Mark, calling people thugs and Mr. Nicey isn't racist, and insensitivity to the situations in which criminals find themselves is just your typical tough on crime approach. Do I support all of Otis' positions--of course not--I have an anti-statist streak that is a mile wide. But I do think that violent criminals need to go away for a long time. And on that Mr Otis and I see eye to eye. Posted by: federalist | May 9, 2018 7:14:49 AM Mr. Behar, you have a short memory Several years ago, i suggested that you leave the blog. You declined, but said you would leave if Doug asked you to leave. He has now done that. Be a man of your word, and depart. Bruce Cunningham Posted by: bruce cunningham | May 9, 2018 8:18:39 AM The article describes Mr. Otis's view "that tough-on-crime policies helped bring down crime over the past 25 years, and scaling them back will cause crime to surge upwards once more . . . " Is this notion truly so controversial? The idea that longer sentences deter criminals is certainly doubtful. But it seems almost self-evident that a prison sentence incapacitates an offender and prevents him or her from re-offending in the community, for as long as the sentence lasts. Incapacitation should always help reduce rates of certain crimes, if one accepts that some of the criminals in question would have continued to re-offend "but for" their incarceration. Of course, incapacitation is not the only legitimate goal of sentencing, and probably shouldn't even be the main goal most of the time. Prison is expensive and does nothing by itself to rehabilitate most offenders. But none of those points detract from the fact that incarceration has a basic and sometimes-valuable effect: it removes criminals from communities. Depending on the crime, that might be the most important function that the sentence can serve. With that in mind, the view ascribed to Mr. Otis may have some value on the Sentencing Commission. Posted by: Thomas | May 11, 2018 3:51:32 PM Post a comment PUNE, India, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market research report "Progressing Cavity Pump Market by Power Rating (Up to 50 hp, 51-150 hp, Above 150 hp), End User (Oil & Gas (Application, Well Type), Water & Wastewater, Food & Beverage, Chemical & Petrochemical, and Others), Region - Global Trends and Forecast to 2023", published by MarketsandMarkets, the global market is expected to grow from an estimated USD 3.02 Billion in 2018 to USD 4.08 Billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 6.24%, during the forecast period. The market is set to witness growth because of increasing investments in modernizing water & wastewater infrastructure, infrastructure development, and suitability for handling high-viscosity fluids in the oil & gas sector. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg ) Browse 64 Tables and 36 Figures spread through 126 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Progressing Cavity Pump Market" https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/progressing-cavity-pump-market-142949269.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report The up to 50 hp segment is expected to be the largest Progressing Cavity Pump Market, by power rating, in 2018. Up to 50 hp rated progressing cavity pumps are expected to hold a large share of the total market, by in 2018. This is dominance is attributed to the increase in infrastructure development, and growing demand for industrialization globally. Ask for PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=142949269 Water & wastewater management end industry is expected to generate significant demand for the progressing cavity pump during the forecast period. The need to reduce life cycle costs and improve operating margins is anticipated to boost the usage of progressing cavity pump units in the water & wastewater industry such as polymers, waste, sludge, and flocculants. Increasing demand for freshwater, liquids with higher viscosities, and a clean environment are likely to drive the market in the future, creating opportunities for the usage of progressing cavity pumps in water & wastewater management. North America: Key market for progressing cavity pumps during the forecast period. In this report, the Progressing Cavity Pump Market has been analyzed with respect to 6 regions, namely, Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, South and Central America, and the Middle East & Africa. The increased demand from the water & wastewater management, and demand from other sectors such as food & beverage and chemical & petrochemical are expected to drive the market for progressing cavity pumps in North America. Progressing cavity pumps market growth in Asia Pacific and Europe is mainly driven by the increasing industrialization; and growing investments in water & wastewater treatment infrastructure. Other factors that drive this market include growth in chemicals, power, and oil & gas; upsurge in the infrastructural development projects, especially in China and India; rising standards of living & growing urbanization; and rising demand for proper sanitation. Implementation of large industrial and commercial projects and refurbishment of aging infrastructure in Europe will continue to create demand for the Progressing Cavity Pump Market. To enable an in-depth understanding of the competitive landscape, the report includes the profiles of some of the top players in the Progressing Cavity Pump Market such as Schlumberger (US), National Oil Well (US), Xylem (US), NETZSCH (France), PCM (France), Weatherford (US), Halliburton (US), Borets (UAE), Dover (US), National Oilwell (US), CIRCOR (US), PCM (France), and Seepex (Germany). Know more about the Progressing Cavity Pump Market: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/progressing-cavity-pump-market-142949269.html About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 5000 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit Our Blog: http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/energy-and-power Connect with us on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets SOURCE MarketsandMarkets The Qualtrics CX Platform is built for a mobile-first world. For today's constantly connected consumer, an engaged and meaningful experience is not only coveted, it is expected. Qualtrics enables brands to stay constantly connected to the voice of the customer through investments such as the mobile in-app SDK. "Digital is becoming the backbone to customer relationships," said Bruce Temkin, managing partner of the Temkin Group. "If companies can't make an emotional connection online, then they'll struggle to attract and retain customers." This new designer portal allows digital managers to easily design the feedback experience, including look and feel, and provides dynamic control of numerous targeting triggers without the need to update the app again. The designer portal is part of the newly enhanced website and app feedback experience that is deeply integrated with the Qualtrics Experience Management (XM) PlatformTM. Now, CX teams can work in the same platform (under a single login) and have a consistent end-to-end experience across survey editing, dashboards, analysis and digital intercepts. "It was fantastic to be able to integrate the same survey that we use across our other channels into our app as well," said Jayson Bell, lead experience designer at Vector Limited, the largest distributor of electricity and gas in New Zealand. "This has given Vector the ability to gather an experience score from any of our users, regardless of their chosen channel." The Qualtrics CX Platform is the most advanced end-to-end platform for measuring, managing and improving the customer experience. With industry-specific expertise and comprehensive implementation support and services, Qualtrics helps businesses build the competencies and capabilities they need to improve customer acquisition, retention and loyalty. With an emphasis on increasing customer share of wallet and reducing cost-to-serve, the Qualtrics CX platform can drastically benefit the bottom line as well as help increase brand awareness and equity. To learn more about Qualtrics' comprehensive CX platform, please visit qualtrics.com/customer-experience. About Qualtrics Qualtrics is a single system of record for all experience data, also called X-data, allowing organizations to manage the four core experiences of businesscustomer, product, employee and brand experienceson one platform. Over 8,500 enterprises worldwide, including more than 75 percent of the Fortune 100 and 99 of the top 100 U.S. business schools, rely on Qualtrics. To learn more, and for a free account, please visit www.qualtrics.com, or connect on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn. Press Contacts Julia Giona, Qualtrics +1 (415) 828-4775 [email protected] McKenzie Terry, Method Communications for Qualtrics +1 (801) 850-3624 [email protected] SOURCE Qualtrics Related Links http://www.qualtrics.com LAS VEGAS, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A French woman and member of the International Raelian Movement (www.rael.org)a spiritual and atheistic religionwho is seeking to become a US citizen, has filed a lawsuit to remove the phrase, "So help me God" from the oath of citizenship because she is an atheist and believes that the inclusion of that phrase in the United States' citizenship oath is an unconstitutional violation of her religious freedom. Olga Paule Perrier-Bilbo, 48, a French national and green card holder, has been living in Scituate, Massachusetts, since 2000. "I am determined to forego my French citizenship and instead become an American, but I cannot in good conscience participate in a ceremony that violates the US constitution," said Perrier. Perrier added, "I am unwilling to start my new life as an American citizen in some second-class status solely because I choose to follow my religious precepts." According to Perrier, the current oath violates the first amendment of the Bill of Rights, and she believes that to participate in a ceremony which violates that key portion of the United States Constitution is not supporting or defending the Constitution as the oath demands. "By its very nature, an oath that concludes with, 'So help me God' is asserting that God exists," stated Perrier who filed before a federal court in Massachusetts. The first amendment of the Bill of Rights Perrier refers to in her lawsuit against the US Congress states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." When offered the chance to participate in a private citizenship ceremony with a modified oath, Perrier argued, "the mere presence of the words represents an unconstitutional government endorsement of religion and any alternative would simply place an illegal burden on me for my beliefs." "My hope is for the phrase, 'So help me God' to be stricken from future naturalization ceremonies and for this lawsuit to encourage other atheists or agnostics who want to defend the constitution to fight against this anti-constitutional oath," concluded Perrier. Perrier's lawyer, Michael Newdow, also filed related lawsuits in the past, seeking to remove the words "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance, "In God We Trust" from American currency, and "So help me God" from the Presidential oath of office. For his commitment to having all mentions of God removed from U.S. public affairs, Rael, founder and leader of the International Raelian Movement, bestowed him the "Honorary Guide" title on January, 17, 2005. This title is given to men and women who are not Raelian, but who dedicate their lives, as Raelians do, to changing the world by reducing violence, denouncing injustice and government manipulations, eliminating god-related taboos, and promoting Human Rights. The hearing is slated to take place on Tuesday May 8, 2018 in Boston. SOURCE Raelian Movement Related Links http://www.rael.org PASADENA, Texas, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Nissan Chemical America Corporation (NCA) is undergoing a $1.4 M expansion of its Pasadena, Texas production facility. The goal of this plant improvement project is to increase production capacity to meet the rising sales demand of nanoActiv products from the oil and gas industry. nanoActiv HRT is a well additive treatment mechanically powered by highly surface-modified nanoparticles. These particles are designed to penetrate deep into the natural fracture network and persist with long efficacy to deliver increased and sustained oil and gas production. "The capital expansion will add storage capacity for a rapidly growing business, while upgraded instrumentation and automation will serve to ensure the highest levels of quality in our products," says Robert Griffith, Vice President and General Manager of the facility. William Smith, President/CEO of NCA adds, "The expansion enhances our commitment to reliably serving customers in the Permian Basin, while expanding our abilities to produce new products in the nanoActiv series." The project, which started in November 2017, is expected to come on line in Q3 2018. About Nissan Chemical America Corporation (NCA) Nissan Chemical America Corporation is a division of Nissan Chemical Industries (NCI)founded in 1887 as the first chemical fertilizer manufacturer in Japan. A forerunner in chemical innovations for more than 130 years, Nissan Chemical currently manufactures products for the chemical, agrochemical, and pharmaceutical industries and is a market leader in the production of nanomaterials for the automotive, coatings, electronics, and oil and gas recovery industries. Nissan Chemical has been perfecting nanoparticles since 1951, making it one of the first companies in the world to produce highly surface-modified particles for industrial applications. Nissan's years of experience, proprietary materials, and patented technologies have made them a worldwide leader in the production of refined nanoparticle solutions. Nissan Chemical America Corporation Media Contact: Rick Moir, President/CEO Lanphier Associates, Inc. 3559 National Drive, Suite 102 | Medford, Oregon 97504 tel 541.773.8011 | wireless 541.601.8747 | fax 541.773.8779 [email protected] | www.lanphier.com SOURCE Nissan Chemical America Corporation Starting from the upper $300,000s, Layton Shores offers an inspired selection of all ranch-style homes with 2 to 6 bedrooms and up to approximately 5,400 square feet. In addition, each floor plan comes with a 3-car garage standard, with up to 5-car garages available. Buyers building from the ground up will enjoy hundreds of personalization optionsincluding flooring, fixtures and finishesat the Richmond American Home Gallery, with a dedicated professional design consultant on hand to assist with each selection. The community is located at 3200 West 695 North, Layton, UT 84041. Call 801.545.3429 or visit RichmondAmerican.com for more information about Layton Shores and other communities along the Wasatch Front. About M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. Operating under the name Richmond American Homes, MDC's homebuilding subsidiaries have built more than 195,000 homes since 1977. Among the nation's largest homebuilders, MDC's subsidiary companies have operations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Virginia and Washington. Mortgage lending, plus insurance and title services are offered by the following MDC subsidiaries, respectively: HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation, American Home Insurance Agency, Inc. and American Home Title and Escrow Company. M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "MDC." For more information, visit MDCHoldings.com. SOURCE Richmond American Homes of Utah, Inc. Related Links http://www.richmondamerican.com RIYADH, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Saudi Ministry of Justice today paid tribute to the kingdom's young men and women choosing to pursue careers in law, as figures emerged showing a significant rise in the number of lawyers nationwide. The ministry said its internal tally of issued legal practice licenses showed a marked and "welcome" increase in the number of lawyers within the kingdom's justice system. The number of legal practice licenses granted last year represents a 34% increase on the number issued in 2016, and the ministry expects this trend to continue. "We issued a total of 1,988 licenses for legal practice since the beginning of 2015," said the Ministry of Justice. "Around 45% of these were issued in 2016 alone - that's 775 licenses, 692 for male lawyers and 83 for female lawyers. This ongoing trend is a welcome boon to our justice system, particularly as it relates to the ministry's efficiency drive, in line with the National Transformation Program and Vision 2030." The ministry called on female school-leavers across the kingdom to consider pursuing a career in the justice system, citing the encouraging increase in the number of licenses granted to women over the past five years. "In 2013, there were only 10 licensed female lawyers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," says the ministry. "As of today, 221 women are officially registered with the ministry and are representing clients in the nation's courts." As Saudi Arabia has sought to diversify its economy away from oil dependency, through the National Transformation Program and Vision 2030, the government has looked to its legal apparatus, calling on the Ministry of Justice to optimize its processes and soften bureaucracy in favor of individuals and businesses. Many of the ministry's reforms have witnessed the establishment of specialized courts that require legal practitioners with niche skillsets. The ministry believes these needs have driven the demand for, and subsequent surge in the number of, lawyers in the kingdom. On completion of their law degree and subsequent professional training for three years, Saudis are immediately eligible to obtain a practice license from the Ministry of Justice. The licensee then has the authority to represent clients in Saudi courts and provide legal services. To support the increased demand for lawyers that can operate in specialized courts, the ministry launched the Law Training Center. Many of the center's trainees have founded specialized law-practice offices across the kingdom, a trend that the ministry believes has made it easier for individuals and organizations that need legal assistance. One such area for which demand for legal assistance has been growing is that of commercial disputes. "Private-sector growth in Saudi Arabia enabled us to open a practice dedicated to commercial disputes," said Mohammad, a licensed lawyer with private office, "and now we have access to the commercial courts system that the Ministry of Justice launched in October 2017. That's a major development for us, because it will make our work easier and allow us to greatly speed up resolution for our clients." SOURCE Saudi Ministry of Justice This watershed case, which resulted in twelve criminal indictments, and massive retributions for the victims, kick-started Scott Cole's firm, and his own career. He is now a widely-recognized, and respected class action lawyer who has fought and beaten the world's largest corporations through his firm, Scott Cole & Associates . Description: Fallout tells the true story of a young lawyer, Scott Cole, who takes on Unocal, one of the nation's biggest oil refiners. In 1994, the company's Rodeo, CA refinery released tons of a caustic chemical into the air over a sixteenday period. The release sickened thousands of local residents, and until Scott arrived on the scene, it appeared Unocal might avoid any real scrutiny for it. After breaking the story, and filing what became his first class action case ever, Scott battled Unocal. He went on to fight dozens of competing lawyers over the next four yearsfinally surpassing even his own expectations, and on top of it all, with a shoestring budget. His work changed the lives and outlook of an entire community. In the process, Scott also changed, undergoing a radical shift in his vision, and thoughts about what it means to be an advocate for others, a champion, and a human being with compassion. Against the backdrop of outrageous corporate misdeeds, Fallout offers honest accounts of personal humility and suffering, and the transformation of a naive young man into a shrewd player in the world of highlytactical, uberaggressive classaction litigation. Publisher: 2605 Media LLC Page Count: 408 Price: $18.95 (paperback) Availability: E-book and paperback, available on Amazon April 24, 2018 "I wrote this book not only to tell the story of the perseverance of a community, but to empower readers to take action wherever they can," says Cole. "We can choose not to live in an age of complacency. If one man, Ralph, had not made the decision to call me about what was going on in Rodeo and Crockett, it is likely that Unocal would have gotten away with its deadly chemical leak. One call, one person, or one vote can change thousands of lives." Fallout is now available. To learn more, visit www.falloutbook.com. ABOUT SCOTT EDWARD COLE Scott Edward Cole is an author in addition to being the founder and principal attorney of California-based Scott Cole & Associates. He has represented countless victims in air pollution litigation, and today leads class actions addressing workers' and consumers' rights on both a state and national level. He has authored numerous articles, is a frequent lecturer to legal professionals, and is a recognized expert in plaintiffside class action litigation. Fallout is his first published nonfiction book. SOURCE Scott Edward Cole Related Links http://www.falloutbook.com Aviram brings to SELDAT over 20 years of global operations experience and leadership in supply chain, logistics, manufacturing and project management. He has managed the supply chain in three manufacturing firms with over 3 billion dollars in revenue as well as handling a $150 million project for a new logistics and distribution center at a pharmaceutical company. "I am excited to welcome Aviram to the Seldat team," states Daniel Dadoun, Seldat CEO. "His vast experience in the management of large projects and business processes is vital to the continued success of our fast-growing Israel office." Aviram holds an M.B.A. in Strategy, Entrepreneurship & Finance-Accounting from Leon Recanati Graduate School of Business Administration, Tel Aviv University. He also received a Bachelor of Technology, in Industrial Engineering and Management, Shenkar College of Engineering and Design. About Seldat Seldat Distribution, Inc. provides innovative, scalable solutions and services that help companies in every link of the global supply chain grow and prosper. Our mission is to empower businesses and consumers worldwide to find, buy, and sell anythingwithout the limitations of borders and logistics challenges. Headquartered in South Plainfield, New Jersey, Seldat employs more than 2,200 people across North America, LATAM, EMEA, and APAC. To learn more, please visit www.seldatinc.com, tech.seldatinc.com, and oceanstarinc.com Contact: Roe Murphy Sr. Marketing Communications Manager Seldat Distribution, Inc. Phone: 908.315.5979 Ext. 125 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Seldat Distribution, Inc. Related Links https://seldatinc.com Another round of criticisms of Prez Trump's decision to nominate Bill Otis to US Sentencing Commission | Main | Examining whether nitrogen gas could be a viable new method for executions May 7, 2018 Interesting complicated stories of the recidivism impact of California's big modern sentencing reforms Via email, I received news of this notable new publication, titled "Evaluating the Effects of Realignment Practices on Recidivism Outcomes," authored by Mia Bird and Ryken Grattet emerging from their empirical work funded by the Justice Department. Sentencing fans know that "realignment" refers to the big statutory sentencing reforms enacted by California in 2011 to address the state's unconstitutional prison overcrowding; but it is only one part of a number of dramatic changes in sentencing laws and practices in that state over the last decade. Like the state of California, this new research publication defies easy summary, and I will here reprint its closing analysis: To date, our research has portrayed the changes in the local correctional populations across two major reforms 2011s Public Safety Realignment and 2014s Proposition 47 and across probation systems and county jails. Moreover, through the survey data we have compiled, we have been able to explore the way the nature of probation work has changed. And, finally, we have provided an in-depth analysis of how realignment has affected recidivism and are in the preliminary stages of identifying effective program, service, and sanction interventions. Realignment changed major features of the correctional system by lessening deterrence and incapacitation and aiming to improve rehabilitation. The results we see here are likely reflective of the impacts of these countervailing changes. The strongest conclusion from this work is that, in the first years under realignment, recidivism outcomes have varied substantially across realignment treatment groups and counties, with some offenders achieving much better outcomes under realignment and others faring worse in comparison to their pre-realignment counterparts. However, analysis of the first two years of realignment is insufficient to draw policy conclusions because many counties were unprepared to take on the challenges of implementing evidence-based interventions with more serious offender groups. Given that context, our findings show some promise that improvements can be made over time, particularly if we are able to leverage the diversity of county approaches to identify and disseminate effective practices. Our work on changes in jail and probation populations has demonstrated that the state and counties have prioritized correctional resources for more serious offenders under Realignment and Prop 47. This change has reduced overall incarceration levels and criminal justice contact, but has also increased the need for guidance on evidence-based practices at the local level. May 7, 2018 at 04:37 PM | Permalink Comments Post a comment "The Permian's Delaware Basin is one of the most prolific areas for oil and natural gas production in the entire world, and Sendero's investments are a recognition of the significant needs for midstream services in a rapidly developing basin," said Clay Bretches, Sendero Midstream President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our initial gas processing plant and future plans show that the future of Southeast New Mexico and the Permian Basin is very bright." Governor Susana Martinez, state and local elected officials and community leaders joined Sendero Midstream and other industry representatives in celebrating the opening of Sendero's flagship New Mexico gas processing system. Comprised of more than 60 miles of pipeline, the system boasts a gas processing plant with a capacity of 130 million cubic feet of gas per day and 37,000 horsepower of gas compression. Sendero's state of the art gas systems are not only providing critical capacity in the region for natural gas, but will help minimize emissions of methane and flaring of natural gas. Each facility is planned to meet, and often exceeds, statutes and regulations using industry best practices to protect the environment and community. The company engages in quarterly third-party testing to verify and maintain minimal methane and volatile organic compound emissions, and maintains a safety record that is significantly better than the industry average for incidents for both full time and contracted employees. "We are committed to being good neighbors and we're planning to be partners with the Carlsbad and Loving communities for the long-term," said Bretches. "All of our employees are based right here in Southeast New Mexico because we've made it a priority to hire local employees, and when possible, utilize local contractors and vendors." Sendero is actively working with the New Mexico State Land Office and lessee tenants to improve land management through implementation of best practices, while the company continues to work on Industrial Revenue Bonds for the second gas processing plant in partnership with the Carlsbad Department of Development and the Eddy County Commissioners. About Sendero Midstream Sendero Midstream is a privately held company owned by Energy Capital Partners. Sendero management is focused on providing best-in-class midstream services though the creation of long-term partnerships with producers and customers. Sendero management has the experience and expertise to optimally customize assets and facilities, as well as contracts and deal structures, in order to meet a producer's short-term and long-term production development and growth requirements. For more information, please visit www.senderomidstream.com. CONTACT Jen Morrill [email protected] (832) 917-6957 SOURCE Sendero Midstream Related Links http://www.senderomidstream.com (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/687596/Synerise_Arkadiusz_Seredyn.jpg ) Arkadiusz Seredyn's responsibilities at Synerise will include ownership of the customer interface and aligning strategic commercial objectives. Mr. Seredyn will make cross-functional decisions that will drive the organization towards its long-term objectives. Mr. Seredyn has held various senior positions at SAS and Orange. For the last three years, he was Executive Director of Digital and Omnichannel Transformation in Orange with commercial responsibility for e-commerce, campaign management, digital development and innovation. He was previously an SAS Executive Member, where he was responsible for strategic global projects & partnership, innovations and alliance management. Mr. Seredyn has also successfully managed sales and consulting for enterprises in the communications, media and energy industries, implementing multiple Customer Intelligence and dedicated vertical and analytics solutions for many of the world's leading brands. "We are very excited about the arrival of Arkadiusz Seredyn and the experience he will bring to Synerise. His knowledge of the digital landscape will help to propel us to the next stage of our international expansion and further accelerate our growth. Arkadiusz is a welcome addition to our executive team and we look forward to working with him in our mission of becoming one of the biggest brands in the AI and Martech markets," - Jaroslaw Krolewski, CEO, Synerise. "Synerise is in an excellent position right now and the growth they have achieved so far isn't surprising given the outstanding quality of the product. This is an excellent time to join and apply my experience in the digital transformation, sales and consulting and open up an entirely new level of potential," - Arkadiusz Seredyn, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, Synerise. Synerise is a platform for using data and Artificial Intelligence to help brands better respond to the needs of their customers. These tools include automation and personalization of communication as well as price management in real time and at scale. Synerise continues to invest in intellectual property, data storage capacity and AI team expansion. Synerise was recently chosen by EY to take part in the Accelerating Entrepreneurs 2018 program for the top 30 global technology firms with greatest potential for growth. SOURCE Synerise The agreement covers a three year period, and calls for Sensely's software development kit (SDK) to be utilized for the launch of unique patient navigation solutions across both mobile and web platforms to 1.2 million members. Locally appropriate avatars will be built for the Middle Eastern market, and content will available in both English and Arabic. The platform will include the following member-facing functions: Symptom checker Provider search Appointment booking Prescription refill The symptom check feature incorporates clinically-validated algorithms developed by Mayo Clinic, and directs the member to the most appropriate course of action based on the reported symptoms. By directing resource recommendations algorithmically, patient navigation tools deployed at scale can produce increased efficiencies in a safe, reliable, and secure manner. NAS plans to launch the platform to its customer base that comes from more than 50 health insurance companies and self-funded insurance plans in the Arabian Gulf region. Joe Boulos, CEO of NAS, commented, "Given our heritage as a third-party administrator, we have a long history of incorporating best of breed technology to solve business challenges. We are particularly intrigued with Sensely's unique communication platform, which we feel blends the empathic warmth of a trained customer service professional with the clinical precision required in healthcare service navigation. The new member services platform will extend our ability to deliver what our insurance customers and members always ask for, which is an accurate and reassuring way of directing patients through their healthcare journey." "We're delighted to partner with such a forward-thinking organization," said Adam Odessky, CEO and Co-founder of Sensely. "We've seen how new digital channels can drive desired service outcomes across large populations, and we're excited about bringing these capabilities to the dynamic Middle East market. The TPA market provides a great value add for the next generation of self-insured employer benefits manager, who is increasingly under pressure to both control costs and provide a meaningful and competitive health benefits package." About Sensely Sensely helps direct patients and health plan members to the healthcare resource they need, when they need it. Offering an avatar and chatbot-based platform, Sensely intelligently and safely connects patients with clinical advice and services. With offices in London and San Francisco, Sensely's global teams provide digital health solutions to insurance companies, pharmaceutical clients, and hospital systems worldwide. For more information, please visit www.sensely.com. About NAS Established in 2002 in Abu Dhabi, NAS is a regional leader in the provision of third-party administrator services to health insurance companies in the Arabian Gulf (GCC) region. NAS provides its customers a comprehensive network of healthcare providers across the Middle East and India, as well as a complete suite of outsourcing and state-of-the art IT solutions in the field of healthcare benefits administration. Contact: Dov Tamler, 818-481-8371, [email protected] SOURCE Sensely Corporation Related Links http://www.sensely.com Building on its national reputation for innovation, SDBB becomes the first blood bank to provide blood donors with the option to see and share an integrated view of all of their health data including electronic medical records (EMRs); wearables such as Fitbit; and genomics/DNA data from, for example, 23andMe and Ancestry in one place. Donors will also be given a first-of-its-kind opportunity to place their health data in a legal trust to share with family members and future generations. Additionally, they can choose to share their data on their own terms with researchers by opting in to studies and initiatives to treat and cure illnesses that are important to them. Donors will be able to have their health data deleted from Seqster's secure platform at any time. "The health of our blood donors is critical to us at SDBB," said Dr. David Wellis, CEO, San Diego Blood Bank. "Blood donors provide local hospitals and patients a precious resource that saves lives. Our objective is to ensure our donors are well taken care of. This includes providing access to the most cutting-edge tools to maintain their own health. Our entire community's wellness is our priority." The integration of Seqster builds upon a long history of blood donors tracking their health and engaging in wellness opportunities. For example, in 2015, 70 blood donors had the opportunity to have their DNA sequenced, meet with a genetic counselor, and learn how understanding their own genetics could enable better health decisions. "Many donors already consider blood donation a health event. They track things like cholesterol and blood pressure over the years with our existing wellness portal functionality," added Wellis. "Now they can opt to see all of their health data in one place through RedConnect." Together, SDBB and Seqster are paving the road for the future of health. While blood donors are giving of themselves to save lives, they now will be able to gain access to integrated information about their own health that may one day provide the key to their own care or give insight to future generations. Seqster's platform can currently connect to thousands of hospital and medical office EMR systems nationwide, with additional providers coming online daily. "We are honored that San Diego Blood Bank selected Seqster's platform for their donors and their families," said Ardy Arianpour, CEO and co-founder, Seqster. "We both want to support healthier communities and today we are taking a major step forward. The future of health happens when you empower people to break down data silos and take ownership and control of their health information." Added Arianpour, "This is a groundbreaking partnership that makes so much sense. We are bringing the definitive EMR, DNA and fitness data ownership and sharing experience to the blood donor community. We're honored to give back to them and we are excited about all the new and expanded ways they can help others through the platform." Beginning later this year, SDBB will share with blood donors the process and requirements for gaining access to the platform. About San Diego Blood Bank SDBB is dedicated to community health by providing a reliable supply of blood to patients in need. Our vision is to further ensure the health of our community by simultaneously delivering related health and wellness education and services and extending into research. SDBB is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit that serves hospitals in San Diego, Orange, Imperial and Los Angeles counties with blood transfusion products and reference laboratory services. SDBB currently operates six local donor centers and 10 bloodmobiles. SDBB's Cell Therapy Program provides lifesaving stem cell transplants to patients worldwide. For more information about SDBB, visit www.SanDiegoBloodBank.org or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. About Seqster Seqster, pronounced "seek-ster," enables consumers and their families to access, integrate, manage and own all of their available personal health data in one consolidated digital platform. Seqster's platform currently connects users to thousands of hospital and medical office EMR systems nationwide, with additional providers coming online daily. With Seqster, consumers and their loved ones can coordinate better care through more informed health decisions, contribute to clinical research and access critical family health information for generations to come. Launched in February 2018, Seqster is privately held and headquartered in San Diego. For more information on Seqster, or if you are someone seeking greater access to your or your loved one's health information, please visit www.seqster.com or follow @Seqster. SOURCE Seqster Related Links http://www.seqster.com LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J., May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- GS1 Connect 2018 will feature presenters from more than 90 leading corporations including The Coca-Cola Company, Dick's Sporting Goods, Google Shopping, Kaiser Permanente, Target, US Foods, and Walmart. This year's theme "Accelerate," reflects the urgency and velocity of change needed to evolve at the pace of the consumer, technology and business models. The conference will take place June 5-7, 2018 at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge in Phoenix, Arizona. "Given the rapid pace of change challenging nearly all businesses today, innovation needs to be a priority for each and every organization," said Bob Carpenter, president and CEO of GS1 US. "GS1 Connect 2018 will equip attendees with the insights to navigate disruption, to leverage a standards-based framework, and to connect with partners in order to implement pilots on a pathway to scale." GS1 Connect content focuses on leveraging GS1 Standards to speed business process transformation and optimize supply chain visibility. "How to Do Business With" sessions and Trading Partner Roundtables, two of the conference's most popular features, provide suppliers an opportunity to learn about specific business process requirements from major brands and retailers, including AmerisourceBergen, Belk, CKE Restaurants, Costco Wholesale, Dick's Sporting Goods, Google Shopping, Macy's, Retail Business Services LLC (an Ahold Delhaize USA company), Sysco, Walgreens Co., and Walmart. Given the exploration of blockchain across many industries, GS1 Connect will also feature a pre-conference primer and main conference sessions highlighting the benefits and impact of blockchain technology. Additionally, five main conference tracks include: Grocery: Presenters will offer strategies for implementing quality data, product information transparency, and developing powerful cross-channel strategies. Speakers include experts from The Coca-Cola Company, The Hershey Company, Koch Foods, The Kroger Co., Mars Wrigley Confectionery U.S., PepsiCo, SUPERVALU, Sysco, Topco, Wakefern Food Corporation, and Wegmans Food Markets. Retail: Sessions will focus on successful omni-channel strategies, product lifecycle management, direct-to-consumer best practices, RFID retail use cases, and product information management. This track will include speakers from Army & Air Force Exchange Service, Auburn University, Dillard's, Genesco, Herman Kay Company, J. Renee Group, Macy's, PTC, Sun and Ski, SwimUSA, and Walmart. Foodservice: Topics in this track include improving data quality, sourcing and populating marketing data, and supply chain optimization. Speakers will include experts from Chick-fil-A, CKE Restaurants, Dot Foods, Georgia Pacific, IPC/Subway, PepsiCo Foodservice, Shamrock Foods, and US Foods. Healthcare: Sessions will focus on Unique Device Identification (UDI) around the globe, blockchain pilots related to the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), applying barcodes to the management of vaccines, and point-of-care barcode scanning. This track will include speakers from AmerisourceBergen, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Deloitte, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System (FMOLHS), Genentech, Intermountain Healthcare, Johnson & Johnson, Kaiser Permanente, Mayo Clinic, McKesson Corporation, and Mercy. Standards and Solutions: Session topics include verifying barcode quality, automatic identification and data capture (AIDC), competing in a digital world, and the growth of standards in technical industries. This track will include speakers from J. Renee Group, PepsiCo, and Walmart. Additionally, the "Standardsville" exhibit area and Tech Track offer unique networking opportunities with solution providers and vendors. GS1 US University certificate courses and workshops are also available to build attendees' knowledge of GS1 Standards. GS1 Connect 2018 is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company, ItemMaster, The J.M. Smucker Company, Label Insight, SATO America, ALIEN Technology, Edgenet, Edict Systems, InterTrade Systems, Kwikee, and NXP Semiconductors. To view the full agenda and speaker lineup, or to register, visit www.gs1connect.org. About GS1 US GS1 US, a member of GS1 global, is a not-for-profit information standards organization that facilitates industry collaboration to help improve supply chain visibility and efficiency through the use of GS1 Standards, the most widely-used supply chain standards system in the world. Nearly 300,000 businesses in 25 industries rely on GS1 US for trading partner collaboration that optimizes their supply chains, drives cost performance and revenue growth while also enabling regulatory compliance. They achieve these benefits through solutions based on GS1 global unique numbering and identification systems, barcodes, Electronic Product Code-based RFID, data synchronization, and electronic information exchange. GS1 US also manages the United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC). www.gs1us.org SOURCE GS1 US Related Links http://www.gs1us.org "We are deeply gratified to welcome Drs. Beauvais and Jani to the Board, each bringing a unique perspective and wisdom to help us continually evaluate and deliver innovative offerings to Special Docs and their patients," says Specialdocs CEO Terry Bauer. Since establishment of the Board in 2016, members have explored platforms for pharmacogenomics testing, telemedicine and online patient reviews, among other initiatives, he says. Dr. Beauvais made the change to concierge medicine in 2013 at Northern Virginia Family Practice Associates (NVFPA), one of the nation's first family medicine concierge practices. She received her B.A. from Yale University, and her M.D. and Master of Public Health degrees from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. She completed her residency in Family Medicine at SUNY Stony Brook and at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine Jamaica Hospital Family Practice Residency in NY, and spearheaded her chapter of the American Medical Women's Association's mentoring program. Dr. Beauvais describes concierge medicine as "the way every doctor wants to practice" and is passionate about enhancing the model's vital role in preserving primary care in America. Uday Jani, MD, a board-certified internist, is also entering his sixth year as a concierge physician at Shore View Personalized Medical Care, offering traditional, integrative and functional medicine. This type of care requires an exceptionally powerful and interactive physician-patient connection, not possible in a traditional model, says Dr. Jani. "I can't change the system but I have changed the way I care for my patients," he says. A dedicated supporter of community wellness, his expertise is featured regularly on local and national news and at educational seminars. In 2012, he completed a two year Integrative Medicine fellowship at the University of Arizona, recognized as the leading integrative medical education program in the world. Currently serving as Director of Integrative Health at Beebe Medical Center, Dr. Jani completed his residency in internal medicine at North Shore University Hospital in New York and graduated from Gandhi Medical College in Bhopal, India. The 2018 Physician Advisory Board also includes: About Specialdocs Since 2002, Specialdocs Consultants has provided expert guidance and counsel to physicians across the country, helping them successfully transform their practices and their lives with concierge medicine...and staying with them over the long term to ensure their practices continue to thrive. www.specialdocs.com Contact: Mindy Kolof [email protected] SOURCE Specialdocs Consultants Related Links http://www.specialdocs.com ALBANY, N.Y., May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- AMRI, a global contract research, development and manufacturing organization working with the life sciences industry to improve patient outcomes and quality of life, today announced the appointment of Steven J. Lichter as senior vice president and general manager API. Steven will report to Michael J. Mulhern, chief executive officer. In his role, Steven will be responsible for managing AMRI's global API business unit. "I am very pleased to welcome Steve to the AMRI organization," said Mulhern. "He brings a great wealth of knowledge and leadership skills, having led API and finished drug product manufacturing and supply chain functions for a wide variety of complex substances and forms. Steve will be a great addition to our executive team as we continue to deliver expert solutions and enhanced value to our customers." Steven joins AMRI from Akorn, where he served as executive vice president, operations, where he was responsible for plant operations, supply chain, engineering and technical services. Previously he spent 32 years at Abbott, most recently as corporate vice president, operations and head of their Established Pharmaceutical Division, where he was responsible for global supply chain operations, procurement to distribution, manufacturing science and technology, engineering, and commercial operations. During his tenure at Abbott, he also held positions in manufacturing and marketing. Steven holds an MBA and bachelor of science in business management from Northern Illinois University. "I am honored to join the AMRI team," said Lichter. "AMRI has great depth of scientific expertise and market-leading technology supporting the development and manufacture of complex APIs. I look forward to working with our leadership team and employees worldwide as we continue in our pursuit to be the leading solutions-based provider in the CDMO industry." About AMRI AMRI, a global contract research and manufacturing organization, partners with the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. With locations in North America, Europe and Asia, AMRI's team combines scientific expertise and market-leading technology to provide a complete suite of solutions in Discovery, Development and Analytical Services and Fine Chemicals; API Manufacturing; and Drug Product. For more information about AMRI, visit www.amriglobal.com. SOURCE AMRI Related Links http://www.amriglobal.com NEW YORK, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Stroock's corporate practice has added a prominent new member, with the addition of noted real estate capital markets lawyer Evan Hudson, who joins the firm's New York office as a partner. He was previously co-chair of the Real Estate Capital Markets group at Duval & Stachenfeld LLP. Mr. Hudson focuses his practice on corporate and securities transactions for REITs and other real estate investment vehicles, including initial public offerings, follow-on equity offerings and private placements. He has helped clients in the formation of publicly traded, non-traded and private REITs, as well as other real estate funds. In addition to his substantial deal work, Mr. Hudson often advises on operations and board-level governance and compliance matters. In addition to REITs, Mr. Hudson's clients include real estate investors as well as corporate entities accessing the capital markets. He also represents clients in mini-tender offers an offer to acquire a company's shares directly from current investors in an amount less than 5% of issued stock. He has worked with both issuers and bidders in their strategic approach to such offers. "Evan Hudson is a proven star in national REIT circles as one of the country's top equity and capital markets legal advisors. He brings a wealth of transactional experience along with strong connections across the industry, and his expertise extends to critical areas of regulatory compliance and corporate governance," said Jeff Keitelman, Stroock co-managing partner and co-chair of the firm's real estate group. "Our clients will benefit greatly from Evan's addition, especially those tapping the public markets or seeking investment capital." "Evan Hudson is the consummate corporate and securities lawyer with the added benefit of a keen understanding of the real estate industry. He brings in-depth knowledge and experience on public offerings and other equity raising transactions. We look forward to working with him," said Christopher Doyle, co-chair of Stroock's Corporate Group. Mr. Hudson said of his move: "Stroock has long been on my radar for the breadth and quality of its corporate and real estate work. Stroock represents top stakeholders at every point across the industry and its transactional, real estate and private funds services are all a terrific complement to my capital markets focus. Plus, the firm has a broad, national platform that can help serve my clients." Mr. Hudson received his J.D. from Harvard Law School and an undergraduate degree from Harvard College. He is a member of the Legislative & Regulatory Committee of ADISA. Stroock provides strategic transactional, regulatory and litigation advice to advance the business objectives of leading financial institutions, multinational corporations and entrepreneurial businesses in the U.S. and globally. With a rich history dating back 140 years, the firm has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Washington, D.C. For more, visit www.stroock.com. Contact: Wayne Kessler 212.806.5448 [email protected] SOURCE Stroock Related Links http://www.stroock.com REDWOOD CITY, Calif., May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study released today, "Investigating the Customer Support Persona," found that while customer support teams are staffed by professionals who feel dedicated to their jobs, the complexity of the software and applications they use for their role makes it difficult for them to perform their tasks optimally. The survey, fielded by market research firm Dimensional Research to over 300 customer support agents, revealed an overwhelming majority (97 percent) want to provide a superior customer experience and feel they could do so with a better support system. Half reported having to weed through too much irrelevant information when providing customer support and almost 70 percent make their own cheat sheets, bypassing corporate systems to help themselves help customers. In addition to these findings, the report captures a wide range of insights regarding the overall motivations, rate of satisfaction and frustrations of customer support professionals. "This study gives us remarkable insight into a group about which we have a general awareness but lack real understanding," said Diane Hagglund of Dimensional Research. "I think most people would be surprised to learn that 67 percent of agents chose a customer support role shortly after beginning to work professionally. And 53 percent intend to make it their career. The fact that 85 percent say they face challenges within their support systems highlights the huge opportunity for solutions that make support information more accessible." For example, it is not unusual for a customer's purchase history and record of other interactions with a company to be separate from details of the customer's technology devices and applications. It is also likely that best practices for helping customers through whatever problems or questions they have will reside in another application and folder somewhere else in the enterprise data ecosystem. The study underscores these kinds of customer support inefficiencies with the following results: Ninety-three percent of customer support agents surveyed said solving a customer's problem requires accessing multiple systems or data repositories. In 58 percent of cases, agents must access two or three systems. Thirty-five percent of the time agents must access four or more systems. Forty-nine percent reported having to weed through too much irrelevant information. Forty-one percent said it takes too long to find the right system. Customer support professionals reported they are looking for ways to make it easier to find the information they need to solve customer problems. Challenges with current support systems have led many agents to bypass corporate systems and create their own record of answers and fixes. Sixty-seven percent of survey respondents said they maintain such a personal "cheat sheet." Sixty-three percent of respondents reported that improved search capabilities, such as being able to search across all information available to them in one place, would be beneficial to their job. Nearly half of customer support professionals surveyed (46 percent) feel that the ability to save search histories would also be useful. "Corporations have made significant investments in CRM applications, knowledgebase systems, ticket tracking platforms, and more. However, an unintended consequence has been data proliferation into silos," said Jayaram Bhat, CEO of Squelch, a customer experience software provider. "While customer support agents are a company's heroes because of their passion for helping people, they are currently challenged with pulling together disparate pieces of information in a timely manner that can ultimately enhance the experience of each person interacting with their company. However, if you complement the customer support professional's motivation with the right tools, you can create a powerful combination capable of forming long, profitable customer relationships." "I think it is challenging for most people to appreciate how seriously customer support and success agents take their job, or how personally rewarding they find helping customers," said Shahab Riazi, CEO, TooLow, a subscription based provider of private meal plans for college students. "These agents have chosen a career in service to people who are often reaching-out at a time of confusion or frustration. Being able to quickly and easily help by providing just the right information is a source of relief to the customer and pride to the agent. I greatly appreciate how Squelch understands the mindset of support and success agents, and that they've developed a technology that will be an agent's greatest ally." Squelch, which emerged from stealth today with the launch of its flagship product and $8 Million in Series A funding, continually monitors and gathers data from all the sources agents use to serve customers (e.g., email, customer management and support solutions, team communication and collaboration tools, document storage services, etc.), creating a combined index that understands how information across various systems is connected. It is used by customer support and customer success teams to optimize the customer experience after the sale. When a customer reaches out to an agent, Squelch swiftly populates the right intelligence automatically within the agent's existing dashboard. A digest of the information is viewable within the app, and a link to the original document is provided if further information is required. Survey Methodology Dimensional Research distributed an online survey to independent sources of customer support professionals. A range of questions was asked to capture hard data on job attitudes and experiences. A total of 317 qualified individuals completed the survey. All had responsibility for supporting customers in environments with complex solutions. Participants represented a wide range of company sizes, roles, and industries. For more information, visit www.squelch.io, follow @squelch on Twitter and LinkedIn. About Squelch At Squelch, we focus on optimizing the customer experience through the teams that serve customers after the sale. We believe these agents are the heroes of a company, engaging in key customer interactions where speed, knowledge, and empathy go a long way to defining the customer relationship. By empowering your heroes with the right information at the right time, we help create a foundation of confidence that can be measured in both employee and customer satisfaction. Media Contact: Greg Wise Bhava Communications, for Squelch [email protected] (512) 213-9899 SOURCE Squelch Related Links http://www.squelch.io BOSTON, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- STV, a nationally recognized transportation design firm, will serve as the lead designer for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) $1.3 billion Green Line Light Rail Extension (GLX), as part of the design-build team led by the Fluor Corporation/Middlesex Corporation/Herzog Contracting Corp./Balfour Beatty joint venture (GLX Constructors). Construction of the 4.3-mile extension, which will provide the Massachusetts communities of Cambridge, Somerville and Medford with a one-seat ride to downtown Boston, is expected to begin later this year, with revenue service beginning in 2021. In total, the project also includes the design and construction of a new vehicle maintenance facility, an administration building, a viaduct, six new stations, one relocated station, six bridges, and a community path. "The three communities where the Green Line Extension project is being constructed have been engaged in this process for nearly 20 years," said Mark Pelletier, STV vice president and Boston office manager. "They are knowledgeable, passionate and excited to have public transportation being made available to them. We look forward to working with them, the MBTA, and the Fluor Middlesex/Herzog/Balfour Beatty team in making this project a reality." The MBTA anticipates a number of benefits for the project, including the reduction of 26,000 regional daily vehicle miles travelled, thereby improving air quality and reducing automobile congestion in the commonwealth. Daily ridership at the seven new GLX stations which will all be outfitted with amenities that meet or exceed Americans with Disabilities Act standards is expected to hit 45,000 by 2030. Additionally, all GLX operations will take place within an existing railroad right-of-way, the 3.4-mile Lowell Line and 0.9-mile Fitchburg Line, which minimizes the need to purchase additional ROW. STV's role in shaping the GLX marks another major MBTA initiative supported by the firm. One of STV's earliest projects for the MBTA was the North Station Transportation Improvement Project, where the elevated section of the Green Line's viaduct was relocated into a tunnel section. In the mid-2000s, STV served as the lead designer for the Greenbush Commuter Rail Restoration project, then the largest design-build project ever undertaken by the MBTA. About STV: Founded more than 100 years ago, STV is a leader in providing engineering, planning, architectural, environmental and construction management services for transportation systems, infrastructure, buildings, energy and other facilities. The firm is ranked 37th in Engineering News-Record's (ENR) Top 500 Design Firms survey, and 9th in its Transportation category. STV is 100 percent employee-owned. For more information, visit our website at www.stvinc.com or follow @STVGroup on Twitter or download the STV Pages app from Apple's App Store or Google Play. For more information, contact: Jill Bonamusa, (212) 614-3354 [email protected] Mark Ginocchio, (212) 505-4916 [email protected] SOURCE STV Related Links http://www.stvinc.com Within past 20 years, international art experts assessed that Vietnamese art was very promising, however, it must grow up one day. During the twelfth auction themed Chons dawn in the end of April, lacquer painting named Thac Bo (Waterfall) of artist Nguyen Huyen was proposed at $120,000. Collector Nguyen Phan Huy bought the painting as he offered $280,000 (VND6.4 billion). This is the highest price at a public auction in the local auction house while secret deals are believed to take place sometimes. Leading expert on Vietnamese paintings Wang Zineng said that Vietnamese art has been well-known in the globe since 2014. At an auction on May 11, 2016 named Beautiful souvenir, 90 percent of a Vietnamese painting collection comprising of 70 works were sold worth more than US$4 million, he said. In his essay on the Vietnams art market in middle of 2017, art researcher Nguyen Dinh Thanh wrote In 2013, for the very first time the globes art market collected EUR 1 billion and EUR1.5 billion in 2014 up tenfold during ten years. The ancient item market also reached EUR1.126 billion as per the website artprice.com. World art market developed with continuous changes. China and Asian countries are becoming interesting places for art collectors and investors in the world. Total sale of artistic works exceeded $500 million annually. Some artists are listed as highest incomers in the world. One hundred artists have earned EUR1 billion within 12 months while they netted EUR102 million in 2004. According to the above-mentioned website, Chinese artist Zeng Fanzhi made nearly EUR60 million through auctions in 2014. For instance, his painting Last meal was sold at EUR15.1 million in October, 2013. In the trend of the painting price increase, some paintings of alive and passed-away artists have been sold at over US$1 million each, also bringing benefit to Vietnamese artists. For instance, on November 22, 2014, Christies in Hong Kong sold oil painting Nhin tu tren doi (View from the Hilltop) of Vietnamese artist Le Pho at $844,697- highest at that time. This record broke the Nguyen Phan Chans painting named Nguoi ban trau cau (La Vendeuse De Betel ) at $409,393 in the same auction session. Several years later, on April 2, 2017, Sotheby auction house in Hong Kong sold Doi song gia dinh (Family Life) by Vietnamese artist Le Pho in the period 1937-1939 for US$1,172,080, setting a new record for Vietnams most expensive painting ever sold. Some Vietnamese artists Le Quang Ha, Le Kinh tai, Bui Huu Hung, Bui Cong Khanh, Pham An Hai An are well-known in the world market because their works were sold at high prices with some being worth over VND 1 billion, VND 2 billion and VND 5 billion ($43,915; $87,831; $219,579). It is expected that in the next few years contemporary Vietnamese artists will definitely able to sell their painting at US$ 1 million . From 1986 to 1996, just sellers (artists) and buyers made deals of painting. After the US lifted the trade embargo against Vietnam, auction houses have become familiar with Vietnamese artists. Before 2000, representatives of famous auction houses in the world such as Sothebys and Christies arrived in the country, starting to look for information and promote trade. The government's attention to the field is needed, said art researcher Nguyen Dinh Thanh. He took example of the Philippines. The Philippine government has paid much attention to the matter; as a result, two Filipino artists are listed in the worlds 500 most famous contemporary artists and one of them ranked 76th of 500 most worth artists in 2014. Therefore, Mr. Thanh proposed the Vietnamese government to issue regulations on transparency of the domestic art market, encouragement and protection of artists, anti- tax evasion By HIEN HOA Translated by UYEN PHUONG MIAMI, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove, the industry leaders in premium refrigeration, wine preservation, cooking equipment, and luxury dishwashing, today announced the opening of their newest showroom in the heart of the Miami Design District. The meticulously designed 7,500-square-foot experiential space features more than 135 premium Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove products. The center of the showroom is a 780-square-foot demonstration kitchen with 20 live appliances, allowing guests to experience the products' innovative features and functionalities. The showroom will host an ongoing, robust calendar of programming spearheaded by Showroom Manager Barbara Barnes and culinary experiences led by Executive Chef Alex Diaz. Ms. Barnes will also oversee a showroom staff of experts who will work closely with clients to educate them on the product lines and help them make choices that suit their projects and individual needs. With a spacious rooftop terrace and 360-degree views for al fresco entertaining, the showroom will be a gathering place for the Miami Design District's creative and culinary communities. The showroom's arrival in the region underscores both the enduring strength of the design sector and the growing sophistication of the culinary scene in South Florida. The Miami space features an elegant lounge, an expansive wine room, a meeting room and a site-specific mural by Miami-based artist Douglas Hoekzema. The showroom provides the company with an immersive experience center to serve the Florida, Caribbean and Latin American design communities, and will welcome consumers, designers, distributors and culinary talent. The Miami showroom is one of 60 exclusive showrooms across the globe in preeminent hubs for luxury design including Manhattan, Costa Mesa, London, Hong Kong and Cannes. "We are so pleased to open our newest showroom in Miami, and to bring such a broad range of products to this important market. We chose the Miami Design District as the location because of the neighborhood's commitment to supporting great design, architecture and culinary experiences," said President and CEO of Sub-Zero Group, Inc. Jim Bakke. "We were able to imagine and build a space that allows us to welcome, educate and host groups and individuals who want to experience the quality and innovation of our products." A third-generation, family-owned company, Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove appliances have been continuously designed, tested and manufactured using premium grade materials in Madison, Wisconsin for more than 70 years. Developed with and for the design community, the products offer limitless design possibilities and are engineered to last more than 20 years. As a result, Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove products are widely known for superior craftsmanship, reliability and longevity. With the opening of the Miami showroom, the company now has 35 dedicated showrooms in the U.S. and 60 worldwide. For further information, please visit subzero-wolf.com About Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Sub-Zero Group, Inc., headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, manufactures best-in-class appliance brands Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove. Founded in 1945, Sub-Zero, Inc. is the leading American-based manufacturer of refrigeration, freezer and wine storage products. Sub-Zero, the preservation specialist, pioneered the concept of dual refrigeration, ensuring that food stays fresher longer. With the acquisition of Wolf Range Company in 2000, Sub-Zero Group, Inc. added the industry specialist in residential cooking appliances, with products including ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, warming drawers and ventilation equipment. In 2018, Sub-Zero Group, Inc. launched the Cove brand of dishwashers, the specialist in all things clean. Cove joins Sub-Zero and Wolf, establishing the brands as corporate companions and a complete kitchen family. In its third generation of family ownership, the privately held company also operates manufacturing facilities in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, and Goodyear, Arizona. Sub-Zero Group, Inc. is continually recognized for the highest achievements in appliance innovation and customer satisfaction. For more information about Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove, visit subzero-wolf.com or follow us at facebook.com/subzerowolf, on Twitter @subzerowolf, or on Instagram @subzeroandwolf. For Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Customer Care, call 800-222-7820. PHOTOS: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vsk0xn0mp86vfo6/AADiLYTMMQX7HVFDqsZdpz3Da?dl=0Photo Credit: Sub-Zero Group, Inc. (other photo formats available upon request Contact: Susan Ainsworth Ainsworth Associates 917-861-7949 [email protected] SOURCE Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Related Links http://www.subzero-wolf.com FREMONT, Calif., May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Tailored Brands, Inc. (NYSE: TLRD) today announced that it will release fiscal 2018 first quarter results on Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at approximately 4:15 p.m. Eastern Time. The announcement will be followed by a conference call and live webcast hosted by management at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. To access the conference call at 5:00 p.m. Eastern on June 13th, please dial 201-689-8029. To access the live webcast, visit the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at http://ir.tailoredbrands.com. A telephonic replay will be available through June 27, 2018, by calling 201-612-7415 and entering access code 13679534#, or a webcast archive will be available free on the website for approximately 90 days. About Tailored Brands, Inc. As the leading specialty retailer of men's suits and largest men's formalwear provider in the U.S. and Canada, Tailored Brands 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 . Contact: Investor Relations (281) 776-7575 [email protected] Julie MacMedan, VP, Investor Relations Tailored Brands, Inc. SOURCE Tailored Brands, Inc. Related Links www.tailoredbrands.com TAIPEI, Taiwan, May 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Dear Fellow Taishin Shareholders, Your vote and your voice is critical to the future performance of your investment in Taishin Financial Holdings. We ask that you vote your shares in support of our three nominees LIN Chia Hung (Peter), WU Su Chiu (Pamela) and LIN Jin-Tsong (James). We are the largest shareholder of Taishin FHC (2887 TT), and we own 9.9% of outstanding shares. For years, Taishin FHC has underperformed and has been undervalued compared to its peers. We see value in Taishin - but not without change - and that change must begin at the board level. PJ Asset Management believes that strengthening corporate governance and overall board effectiveness will enhance business performance, and drive long-term value creation of the companies we invest in. In Taishin's CSR report, Chairman WU Tong-Liang stated: "We shall strive to enhance risk management performance and establish ourselves as the role model in the governance aspect." For this term's election, Taishin FHC's board of directors decided to reduce the number of seats on its board to 7 from 9. This is well below the local and global peer average board size of 13 for financial holding companies. Financial companies tend to have larger boards than non-financial listed companies given that a diverse skill set and greater oversight is needed in this industry. Is Taishin's decision to reduce the size of its board in the best interest of its shareholders and in line with being a role model in corporate governance, or is it motivated by a desire to keep its nominees entrenched on the board? With only 7 seats, is this why the President of Taishin FHC does not sit on the board? With only 7 seats, will each director get higher compensation given that the pool of profit distributed remains the same despite 2 fewer directors? With only 7 seats, was there no room to include nominees with strong risk management experience or FinTech capabilities? Vote for our nominees and bring this necessary expertise to the board. Of equal concern is how little change or diversity there has been on Taishin's board since its establishment. One of the leading ESG research firms, MSCI ESG Research - whose reports are consulted by thousands of global institutional investors - uses four conditions to determine if a board should be considered entrenched. If only one of the four conditions is met, then MSCI considers the board entrenched. The Taishin FHC board, nominated by current management, meets not just ONE of the conditions of an entrenched board but TWO. We invite Taishin FHC management to explain to its shareholders the reasons behind their decision to reduce the size of the board, and how it is in the best interest of all stakeholders. Taishin has sent an army of proxy solicitors and brokerages out to solicit your voting rights for their candidates. We have not. We ask you to make your own decision for the nominees that can better protect and oversee your investment in Taishin. Our candidates will bring diversity of opinion, gender and necessary expertise to the board. Don't sign over your right to vote, go online to Stockvote https://www.stockvote.com.tw/evote/ starting on May 9th until June 5th and vote for our nominees. For more information on our firm and nominees please visit www.pjam.com.tw. Together, let's provide more oversight and accountability on the Taishin FHC board for the future of our investment! Sincerely, PJ Asset Management Co., Ltd. SOURCE PJ Asset Management Co., Ltd. Related Links http://www.pjam.com.tw In addition to bringing the Phillies and GIANT'S iconic brands together, this multi-year agreement names GIANT as the "Official Grocer of the Phillies." With this new partnership, GIANT will have a visible presence at Citizens Bank Ballpark, and the company will present new and exciting promotions for the avid Phillies fan base - and all Greater Philadelphia consumers - to enjoy. "Like the Phillies, GIANT Food Stores has a long history in Pennsylvania," said David Buck, Phillies executive vice president. "Our new partnership brings a natural synergy both at the ballpark and in the community, and we are proud to welcome GIANT as the 'Official Grocer of the Phillies.'" At the center of the partnership is a shared commitment to community. The Phillies and GIANT will work side-by-side to provide help and resources to community organizations with the launch of the following programs: Participation in Phans Feeding Families; GIANT will enrich the Phillies' summer hunger relief program held in conjunction with hunger-relief agency Philabundance Sponsorship of the Phillies Phitness program; GIANT will bring its expertise in nutrition to the program that benefits school-aged children throughout the Philadelphia area area Support of the Phillies Week of Giving; GIANT will work together with the Phillies to provide turkeys as part of cooked meals for the homeless at the Bethesda Project "As we celebrate our 95th year in Pennsylvania, we are thrilled to join with our hometown team both inside and outside of the ballpark," said Matt Simon, GIANT vice president, marketing. "We feel we can 'hit for the fences' in our communities alongside the Phillies as we fight hunger and help keep kids healthy." In addition, GIANT is also proud to sponsor the Phillies' Phanatic MVP Kids Club. Fans 14 and under are invited to join the legions of young fans who are members of the Phanatic MVP Club and it's perfect for anyone who loves the Phillie Phanatic. Recently, GIANT hosted the Phillies Rally Bus at four of its greater Philadelphia area stores. Customers enjoyed giveaways, raffles for Phillies tickets and autographed items, GIANT giveaways, coupons, and more. GIANT also was proud to provide the cake for the Phillie Phanatic birthday party last month. There's more in-store, literally, so be on the lookout for fun promotions, and perhaps the Phillie Phanatic, at your local GIANT. About GIANT Food Stores, LLC GIANT Food Stores, LLC has more than 170 neighborhood stores and offers home delivery, online/mobile ordering, fuel centers, pharmacies, plus in-store nutritionists. Serving families in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, GIANT Food Stores is proud to employ almost 30,000 associates who believe in giving back to their community. Founded in 1923 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, GIANT Food Stores is a company of Ahold Delhaize. For more information visit the GIANT or MARTIN'S websites. SOURCE Philadelphia Phillies; GIANT Food Stores Related Links http://www.phillies.com BERWYN, Pa., May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The TE Connectivity Foundation today announced that its 2018 grants have been awarded to three nonprofit organizations that advance the TE Foundation's mission of connecting and strengthening global communities through access to technology and engineering for all, with a focus on women and underserved populations. The organizations receiving one-year grants are: FIRST Global, Girl Up and SMASH. Commenting on the grants, Karen Leggio, chair of the TE Foundation Board of Trustees and senior vice president and general manager of TE Connectivity's North American Automotive business, said: "We believe that helping to build strong communities and increasing access to education and careers in engineering and technology is core to creating a sustainable global work force and meaningful work opportunities for all. The three organizations we selected do just that, and we are excited to work with each of them and see the impact of their programs on women and underserved populations. 'Every connection counts' is not just a tagline at TE. It permeates all that we do." FIRST Global runs high-profile, international robotics competitions designed around solving major global challenges with high school aged participants from around the world, inspiring not only those who participate, but also those from teams' home countries. The TE Foundation grant will help extend the competition to additional nations where girls are not typically given the opportunity to partake in equal education or opportunities like this, and also help provide the kits needed for the competition. Kevin Wensing, executive director of FIRST Global said: "The FIRST Global Challenge builds connections, relationships and inspires future leaders of the international community through the exciting sport of robotics and STEM, encouraging them to pursue their dreams. We are grateful to the TE Foundation for their strong leadership and support." Girl Up is a global leadership development organization hosted at the UN Foundation. Girl Up's GIRLHERO Solution Labs and STEM boot camps are one-day "hackathon" style events where girls come together to create STEM solutions for social issues impacting gender equality such as access to education and health information. The goal of the events is to utilize experts and resources that will galvanize girls' interest in STEM careers for social good while simultaneously widening the lens through which they see STEM and STEM careers, and increasing STEM's relevance to a broader population of girls. The TE Foundation's grant will provide funding to create five GIRLHERO Solution Labs and STEM boot camps in domestic and international markets. "Science doesn't have a gender, yet we know that girls are often discouraged from pursuing careers in STEM," said Girl Up co-executive director Melissa Kilby. "We know that girls can be leaders in the STEM space. Girl Up's boot camps and hackathons give girls the tools to put STEM into practice." The TE Foundation's third grant recipient is SMASH, a program of the Level Playing Field Institute. SMASH provides access to technology and engineering for underserved students of color and has a proven track record of success. Its free, multi-year college prep program currently operates in several regions in the U.S. The TE Foundation grant will enable the organization to expand to new U.S. markets, replicate its approach, and create an alumni network to help ensure that ongoing support is available for those who have gone through the program, thereby increasing the likelihood that these students will engage in STEM careers. "If technology is going to live up to its promise of innovation, its workforce must include talent that reflects the diversity of our nation," said Eli Kennedy, CEO of the Level Playing Field Institute. "SMASH provides the environment to nurture and develop the untapped genius in students from underrepresented communities. The generous gift from the TE Foundation will allow us to continue expanding SMASH so we can equip thousands more deserving students with the experience, resources and support to uplift themselves and their communities." About TE Connectivity Foundation The TE Connectivity Foundation is a U.S.-based, private charitable foundation. Established in 1977 by TE Connectivity, the TE Foundation is funded entirely by TE Connectivity. The TE Foundation seeks to connect and strengthen communities around the world through access to technology and engineering for all, with a focus on women and underserved populations. About TE Connectivity TE Connectivity Ltd. (NYSE: TEL) is a $13 billion global technology and manufacturing leader creating a safer, sustainable, productive, and connected future. For more than 75 years, our connectivity and sensor solutions, proven in the harshest environments, have enabled advancements in transportation, industrial applications, medical technology, energy, data communications, and the home. With 78,000 employees, including more than 7,000 engineers, working alongside customers in nearly 150 countries, TE ensures that EVERY CONNECTION COUNTS. Learn more at www.te.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, WeChat and Twitter. About FIRST Global FIRST Global's mission is to inspire science and technology leadership and innovation in young people from all nations in order to increase understanding, instill the importance of cooperation, address the world's most pressing issues, and improve the quality of life for all. By showing the youth of the world that if they communicate, cooperate, and work together even in a competition using the tools of science and engineering to find solutions to the world's greatest challenges, they will be able to accomplish great things and become part of a truly global community. Learn more at first.global About Girl Up Girl Up is "by girls, for girls" girl-led and girl-driven - and engages girls to take action to achieve global gender equality and change our world. Through its leadership development programs, Girl Up inspires, convenes, trains and connects girls globally, helping to position them as leaders and changemakers. With more than 700,000 supporters, Girl Up leaders are a proven force for social good. Girl Up's leadership training and skill development programs have created a generation of current and future girl leaders who have helped Girl Up leaders increase their confidence in their own leadership abilities, raise millions of dollars for United Nations programs, and advocated for global policies to stop child marriage, ensure that girls are registered at birth, and help refugee girls have access to education. Girls are the future, and through their work with Girl Up, girls have shown their schools, friends and communities the true power of girls. Girl Up is hosted at the United Nations Foundation, working across a global community of partners to achieve gender equality worldwide. Learn more at GirlUp.org. About SMASH SMASH is the flagship project of the Level Playing Field Institute (LPFI). Founded in 2001 by Freada Kapor Klein, LPFI is committed to eliminating the barriers faced by underrepresented people of color in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and fostering their untapped talent for the advancement of our nation. Learn more at LPFI.org. SOURCE TE Connectivity Ltd. Related Links http://www.te.com AUSTIN, Texas, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Mutual Insurance Company is awarding $1 million in grants to 10 colleges across Texas to fund workplace safety courses for employers, workers and the general public. Since 1999, Texas Mutualthe state's leading provider of workers' compensation insurancehas awarded $6.6 million in safety education grants, and more than 30,000 students have attended free safety institutes offered at various colleges. These grants support risk management programs at Amarillo College, Angelina College in Lufkin, College of the Mainland in Texas City, Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, El Paso Community College, Lamar Institute of Technology in Beaumont, Lee College in Baytown, Midland College, Kilgore College and Texarkana College. "The support we receive from Texas Mutual allows us to provide much-needed safety training to our local employers and employees," Brandon Washington, dean of workforce and community & business education at Texarkana College, said. "Safety education is an important part of workplace training, and we're proud to be a part of the solution in addressing workplace hazards as we all work toward creating safer workplaces." Courses at these safety institutes include general topics, such as driver safety, ergonomic safety and OSHA standards, as well as courses tailored to the dominant industries in each college's region. "Workplace safety education has always been and will continue to be a sound investment," Eric Bourquin, vice president of safety services at Texas Mutual, said. "We are happy to partner with Texas community colleges to make safety programs available to their communities and available to employees across Texas. These grants and the other safety programs from Texas Mutual demonstrate our commitment to ensuring millions of workers get the education they need to work safely." For more information about Texas Mutual's many safety initiatives, visit texasmutual.com. About Texas Mutual Insurance Company Austin-based Texas Mutual Insurance Company, a policyholder-owned company, is the state's leading provider of workers' compensation insurance. Texas Mutual provides coverage to 43 percent of the market, representing 70,000 companies, many of which are small businesses. Since 1991, the company has provided a stable, competitively priced source of workers' comp insurance for Texas employers. Helping employers prevent workplace accidents is an important part of Texas Mutual's mission. Media Contacts: Levente McCrary or Christina Ibarra [email protected] or [email protected] Elizabeth Christian Public Relations (512) 472-9599 SOURCE Texas Mutual Insurance Company Related Links http://www.texasmutual.com BOSTON, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Colony Group, LLC, a financial advisory and institutional consulting company with approximately $8 billion in assets under management, announced the promotion of Aaron Bock, CFA; Robert Kohl, JD, LLM; and Alex Hock, JD/MBA, CFA, to Principals. With the addition of these three individuals, the company's leadership team now includes 45 Principals. "It is my privilege to work with exemplary people like Aaron, Rob and Alex, and I congratulate them on their promotion to Principals of The Colony Group. Their many and diverse contributions to our clients and our company are nothing short of invaluable," said Michael Nathanson, Chairman, CEO and President of The Colony Group. Aaron Bock , CFA is a Manager of Public Market Strategies and a Senior Research Analyst. He is responsible for oversight of The Colony Group's mutual fund, exchange-traded fund, and separately managed account strategies. Aaron holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of the CFA Institute and the Boston Security Analysts Society. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Syracuse University . , CFA is a Manager of Public Market Strategies and a Senior Research Analyst. He is responsible for oversight of The Colony Group's mutual fund, exchange-traded fund, and separately managed account strategies. Aaron holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of the CFA Institute and the Boston Security Analysts Society. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from . Robert Kohl , JD, LLM is a Senior Wealth Advisor and provides a broad range of comprehensive wealth management services to clients, with expertise in areas that include cross-border taxation as well as risk-mitigation strategies, investments, and private equity. Robert is a graduate of College of the Holy Cross , earned a JD from the University of Denver and has an LLM in taxation from the University of Denver's Graduate Tax Program. , JD, LLM is a Senior Wealth Advisor and provides a broad range of comprehensive wealth management services to clients, with expertise in areas that include cross-border taxation as well as risk-mitigation strategies, investments, and private equity. Robert is a graduate of , earned a JD from the and has an LLM in taxation from the Graduate Tax Program. Alex Hock , JD/MBA, CFA is a Senior Wealth Advisor and brings a diverse background in business, financial, and legal practice to help develop wealth enhancement and preservation strategies for the company's high-net-worth clients. Alex earned his MBA and JD from the University of Notre Dame and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. About The Colony Group, LLC The Colony Group is an independent, fee-only financial advisory firm with approximately $8 billion in assets under management and approximately 140 employees in offices in Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, Florida, Colorado, and Maryland. Founded in 1986, The Colony Group provides high-net-worth individuals and families, corporate executives, professional athletes, business owners and entrepreneurs, professionals, and institutions with deep expertise that goes beyond investment management and can encompass the full suite of financial counseling services, including tax, estate, retirement, and philanthropic planning, asset allocation, and cash and risk management. For more information, please visit www.thecolonygroup.com. Media Contact: Lisa Poff Email Address: [email protected] SOURCE The Colony Group, LLC Related Links https://www.thecolonygroup.com THE DEAD DAISIES are currently on their UK & European Burn It Down Tour and just shot a music video for the band's next single "DEAD AND GONE" at Black Box Music (Rammstein, 30 Seconds To Mars, Linkin Park, Marilyn Manson) in Berlin before they finish in Milan on May 9 th . Their album "BURN IT DOWN" has entered the charts around the world! Led by a #6 in the US Billboard Heatseekers Chart, #10 in the German Media Control Charts, #12 in the US Hard Music Charts, #14 in the UK Sales Charts, #15 in Switzerland and Austria as well as numerous other charts around the world, the album has delivered on the promise of "Burning down everything in its path"! At radio "Rise Up" has been added to massive playlists worldwide. The track is climbing the US Active Rock Chart (currently #42), on huge stations in Germany, Italy, France, Sweden and Spain as well as the UK's Planet Rock Radio's A-Playlist. The band returns to Japan in late June to play three packed headline shows in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya before heading to Europe in July where they'll play Festivals along with dates with the Scorpions & Guns N' Roses. The Dead Daisies are: Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake, Dio), John Corabi (Motley Crue, The Scream), Marco Mendoza (Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy), Deen Castronovo (Bad English, Journey) and David Lowy (Red Phoenix, Mink). About Hookers & Blow: Hookers & Blow, a now legendary project formed by longtime Guns N' Roses keyboardist Dizzy Reed and Quiet Riot guitarist Alex Grossi is celebrating its 15-year anniversary and includes Robbie Crane and Mike Dupke. Tour Dates: AUGUST Wed 15th / Cleveland, OH / Agora Ballroom Thu 16th / Fort Wayne, IN / Piere's Fri 17th / Joliet, IL / The Forge Sat 18th / Flint, MI / The Machine Shop Sun 19th / Louisville, KY / Diamonds Wed 22nd / Rochester, NY / Montage Music Hall Thu 23rd / London, ON / Harris Park Fri 24th / Toronto, ON / Phoenix Theatre Sat 25th / Ottawa, ON / The Brass Monkey Sun 26th / Montreal, QC / Foufounes Electriques Tue 28th / New York, NY / Highline Ballroom Wed 29th / Warrendale, PA / Jergel's Thu 30th / Cincinnati, OH / Bogart's Fri 31st / Lancaster, PA / Chameleon Club SEPTEMBER Sat 1st / Albany, NY / Upstate Concert Hall Tue 4th / Nashville, TN / Mercy Lounge Thu 6th / Houston, TX / Scout Bar Fri 7th / Dallas, TX / Trees Sat 8th / Austin, TX / Come and Take It Live Wed 12th / Las Vegas, NV / Fremont Country Club Thu 13th / San Diego, CA / Brick by Brick Fri 14th / Pomona, CA / The Glass House Sat 15th / Phoenix, AZ / The Marquee Sun 16th / Los Angeles, CA / Roxy Theatre Rock is indeed alive and well! CONTACT: Chip Ruggieri [email protected] Ph 484-932-8951 SOURCE The Dead Daisies Related Links http://thedeaddaisies.com WICHITA, Kan., May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Vornado Air, LLC ("Vornado" or the "Company"), a leading provider of premium home comfort products, announced today the completion of its acquisition by ThreeSixty Group, Inc. ("ThreeSixty"), a leading cross-category provider of branded consumer products to the nation's largest retailers. Over the past decade, Vornado has grown into the leading manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of premium home comfort products in the U.S. and internationally, primarily under the Vornado brand, across the air circulator, heater, steamer, air purifier and humidifier product categories. Vornado is driven by two key promises that direct the focus and energies of every employee, "End consumers will experience perfect comfort" and "Trade partners will encounter impeccable performance." These two promises continue to be the foundation for growth and industry leadership that Vornado has come to embody. Randy Brillhart, CEO of Vornado, said, "When our management team joined Vornado in December 2006, Vornado sales were predominantly comprised of the Company's signature 'air circulator' product line. We recognized the potential of the brand and brought a broader vision to the Vornado brand. Over the past 10 years, we have broadened the product line and have introduced the brand to selected international markets. We believe the future for Vornado is virtually limitless, and we are excited about our partnership with ThreeSixty." Dana Bradford, the controlling shareholder of Vornado, noted, "The success of Vornado comes down to one thing people. The management team at Vornado is an exceptional group of people, and it has been an honor to be their partner." Bill Phillips, Chairman of Vornado, added, "In 2006, we recognized Vornado as an iconic, premium, yet underdeveloped brand that lacked strategic focus and discipline. Through the efforts of all Vornado employees, we were able to unlock the potential of the brand, drive significant growth, and deliver on our promises to our consumers and trade partners." Johann Clapp, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of ThreeSixty Group, said, "We are thrilled to be partnering with the Vornado team, who have an impressive track-record of innovation-driven growth and bring highly complementary consumer product development experience to our business." Kirk McLean, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, added, "Vornado represents a highly attractive opportunity for us: the brand stands for quality and innovation within the home comfort category. Bill, Randy and their team have built an incredible business and we are excited about the potential of our partnership together." Sawaya Partners, LLC, a leading consumer investment banking firm, acted as exclusive financial advisor to Vornado. About Vornado Air, LLC Vornado was acquired in December 2006 by a partnership formed by Dana Bradford and Bill Phillips. Dana led the investment group that acquired the company and formed a partnership with Bill Phillips, Randy Brillhart, and Drew Jones to reposition and grow the enterprise. Bill Phillips, Randy Brillhart, and Drew Jones were former members of the Coleman management team, bringing 75 years of consumer products experience to Vornado. About ThreeSixty Group ThreeSixty Group, originally known as MerchSource, was founded in Southern California in 1999. Today, ThreeSixty designs, sources and distributes consumer products across diverse product categories under a portfolio of brands, including the iconic Sharper Image and FAO Schwarz brands which it acquired in 2016. The Company produces curated merchandise programs that it distributes to major retailers across almost every retail channel in the U.S., representing over 70,000 retail stores. In 2015, ThreeSixty received a majority investment from AEA Investors LP, one of the oldest private equity firms in the U.S. About AEA Investors LP AEA Investors LP was founded in 1968 by the Rockefeller, Mellon, and Harriman family interests and S.G. Warburg & Co. as a private investment vehicle for a select group of industrial family offices with substantial assets. AEA's active individual investors (the "Participants") include an extraordinary network of more than 75 of the world's leading industrial families, business executives and former government leaders. Today, AEA's approximately 70 investment professionals operate globally with offices in New York, Connecticut, London, Munich and Shanghai. The firm manages funds that have approximately $10.0 billion of invested and committed capital including the leveraged buyouts of middle market companies and small business companies and mezzanine and senior debt investments. AEA Private Equity invests across four sectors: value added industrial products, specialty chemicals, consumer / retail and services. SOURCE Sawaya Partners Veteran Investment Executive Michael Ruscetta joins Trichome Yield Corp. TORONTO, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Trichome Yield Corp., a majority owned subsidiary of CannaRoyalty Corp. (CSE: CRZ)(OTCQX: CNNRF) ("CannaRoyalty") focused on providing credit-based capital solutions to the legal cannabis industry ("Trichome" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has appointed Michael Ruscetta as the Company's Chief Executive Officer and to its Board of Directors, effective May 7, 2018. As CEO, Mr. Ruscetta will oversee Trichome's investment strategy and capital allocation decisions as well as assume day-to-day leadership of the Company. With more than two decades of investment experience in public and private markets, he has invested in a broad range of industries and instruments including equities, bonds, mezzanine debt, bridge loans and first/second lien debt. Mr. Ruscetta brings a particularly deep background in originating, structuring and underwriting privately negotiated debt transactions, together with portfolio management, risk management and exceptional leadership skills. Mr. Ruscetta joins Trichome after previously managing the RCM Special Situations Fund, a Canadian focused value-oriented equity fund. Previously, Mr. Ruscetta served as Co-Head of Goldman Sachs' Canada Special Situations Group, a multi-asset principal investing platform, and as Managing Director of Amaranth Advisors (Canada) ULC, a multi-strategy investment fund that was headquartered in Connecticut. Mr. Ruscetta also has held numerous roles at CIBC, including many years in its merchant banking division working exclusively on a wide array of customized principal investments. "On behalf of the Board of Directors and Management, I would like to welcome Michael to the Trichome team," said Marc Lustig, CEO of Trichome Yield Corp.'s majority shareholder, CannaRoyalty Corp. "Michael's background lends itself incredibly well to Trichome's business model and the burgeoning capital requirements of the cannabis industry. His particularly strong background in private credit underwriting and special situations complement the cannabis-sector expertise we have developed internally and with our founding partners. We are confident that Michael's appointment will help us further position ourselves as a leading value-added lender in the cannabis sector." "Trichome has identified a very compelling market opportunity and surrounded itself with a world-class team with a shared vision of success. I believe that the Company is uniquely positioned to become the leader in providing customized credit-based capital solutions to the cannabis sector." said Mr. Ruscetta. "I am excited to join the Trichome team and look forward to leading the Company through its next phases of growth." About Trichome Trichome is a majority-owned subsidiary of CannaRoyalty and was formed to offer credit-based capital solutions to companies operating across the Canadian cannabis value chain. Trichome expects to offer creative credit-based capital solutions to cannabis companies in need of capital for a broad array of requirements. Trichome is focused primarily on addressing the largely underserviced Canadian cannabis market and expects to expand to meet the needs of companies operating in fully legal international markets as those jurisdictions develop. About CannaRoyalty CannaRoyalty is an active investor and operator in the legal cannabis industry. Our focus is building and supporting a diversified portfolio of growth-ready assets in high-value segments of the cannabis sector, including research, consumer brands, devices and intellectual property. Our management team combines a hands-on understanding of the cannabis industry with seasoned financial know-how, assembling a platform of holdings via royalty agreements, equity interests, secured convertible debt, licensing agreements and its own branded portfolio. CannaRoyalty's shares trade on the Canadian Stock Exchange (CSE) under the symbol CRZ and internationally on the OTCQX under the symbol CNNRF. SOURCE CannaRoyalty Corp. S2S Newark Technology Center marks the newest chapter of Newark's revitalization and its commitment to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education. Joining S2S co-founder and president Paul Winslow were U.S. Senator, the Honorable Cory Booker; Mayor of Newark, the Honorable Ras Baraka; and, Newark Public Schools Interim Superintendent Robert Gregory. During the opening ceremony, Tom Gebhardt, Chairman and CEO of Panasonic Corporation of North America, awarded a $1.5 million grant to support the S2S Newark Technology Center. "Today, we are thrilled to announce with our partners Newark Public Schools and the City of Newark that with the new S2S Newark Technology Center, we are bringing comprehensive, 21st century STEM education to students in the district with our program aimed at inspiring, motivating, and educating them to pursue global careers in STEM," said Winslow, retired Ph.D. chemist and co-founder of Students 2 Science, including its first lab in East Hanover and the Newark center. "We are also enormously grateful to Panasonic for the generous support, as well as to our other longtime supporters that have helped us reach our goals including PSEG and Thermo Fisher Scientific." The S2S Newark Technology Center is a 10,000 square foot, authentic, commercial-grade laboratory which will be outfitted with $4 million of state-of-the-art instrumentation. It features six working analytical laboratories and two virtual laboratory (V-Lab) studios each equipped with a hybrid communications platform. S2S Newark seeks to close the gap in STEM education by offering experiential STEM learning to all Newark 5-12 students through its three signature programs ISAAC, V-Labs and teacher professional development. ISAAC, which stands for Improving Students Affinity and Aptitude for Careers in STEM, provides middle and high school students with on-site, real-world STEM instruction led by volunteer professional scientists. The S2S program is expected to reach more than 32,000 Newark students and their parents beginning as early as 2019. At S2S Newark, students work side-by-side with volunteer professional scientists using modern instrumentation to investigate critical world issues, such as the impact of global overpopulation on food scarcity, water pollution, pandemics, and more. These real-world investigations are grounded in Newark's curriculum and the "Next Generation Science Standards" -- rigorous science standards adopted by the state -- and represent some of the most vital issues facing today's youth. "As a longtime resident of Newark, I welcome Students 2 Science with open arms," said Senator Booker. "Through its exemplary curriculum, instructors, and mentors, Students 2 Science is preparing all Newark students with the skills and workforce experiences they need in order to fully participate in cutting-edge STEM careers. From biotechnology and life sciences to engineering and information technology, this program is helping prepare our students for jobs of the 21st Century." In addition to the ISAAC program's on-site instruction, S2S Newark also offers its V-labs, where students do hands-on, project-based learning with professional scientists right at their desks. This remote, virtual instruction broadens S2S's reach by eliminating geographic barriers and language constraints through Connectivity, a sophisticated proprietary communications platform available in 200 spoken languages with interpreters on demand, bringing S2S's offerings to global capacity. "Newark is on the rise and S2S stands at the forefront of its renewal when it comes to nurturing its future STEM education success," said Mayor Ras Baraka. "S2S Newark is an innovative, collaborative project that shows just what can be accomplished when the public and private sectors come together for the sake of our students." Teachers are also a focus of the S2S Newark Technology center. It will provide professional development and technical assistance for teachers in STEM. Both in-lab and in-class instruction include mentoring, teacher support, and rigorous science education compatible with the Next Generation Science Standards and career pathways for 21st century jobs. "At Newark Public Schools, our partnership with S2S and the City of Newark on the S2S Newark Technology Center underscores the high priority we place on STEM education for our students," said Robert Gregory, NPS Superintendent. "It is vital that we educate our students with high-quality instruction that promotes critical and complex thinking, while also providing our teachers with the innovative and meaningful professional development they need to deliver this critical STEM content." Corporate Sponsors on Students 2 Science S2S success lies in its close collaboration with the corporate partners, many of whom provide volunteer scientists and mentors to S2S programming and ongoing support. Here is what some have to say: David Daly, President and Chief Operating Officer, PSEG "PSEG believes mentors are essential to student success as role models who inspire, motivate and educate them on their path to a 21st century STEM career. Our investment in the S2S Newark Technology Center is an investment in the future of students and the community, at large." Tom Gebhardt, Chairman and CEO, Panasonic Corporation of North America "Panasonic sees today's STEM students as our future innovators. We applaud the goals and work of the S2S Newark Technology Center teaching and inspiring the students in our community, by providing game-changing technology and all the tools they need to succeed." Dan Shine, Senior Vice President, Analytical Instruments, Thermo Fisher Scientific "Our philanthropic focus is to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers by introducing them to STEM subjects in a way that is engaging and fun. S2S Newark Technology Center and Thermo Fisher share the same commitment to STEM and our donation of laboratory instrumentation underscores that commitment by making math and science education more accessible to students." About Students 2 Science As a model program with demonstrated success meeting the needs of the public and private sectors, Students 2 Science (S2S) aims to inspire, motivate, and educate our nation's future STEM leaders by closing education, access, and opportunity gaps. S2S's success is rooted in exemplary, hands-on science instruction at its commercial-grade laboratories that fosters workforce readiness. S2S achieve this through cross-sector collaborations between district leadership, corporate partners and institutions of higher education. The goal of S2S is to close the gap between education and New Jersey's and the nation's projected economic growth and global leadership. To learn more about Students 2 Science visit http://www.students2science.org/ or check them out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Students2Science/. About Newark Public Schools The Newark Public Schools, serving more than 36,000 students, is the largest and one of the oldest school systems in New Jersey. The racial and ethnic diversity of the city provides a rich educational experience for pre-kindergarten to secondary school students. To learn more about Newark Public Schools, visit www.nps.k12.nj.us. CONTACT: Cindy Carway/Stephanie Hornback Carway Communications, Inc. 212-378-2020 (office) 917-763-6805 (cell) [email protected] SOURCE Students 2 Science, Inc. Related Links http://www.students2science.org WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Venture X, the premium membership-based workspace and community for entrepreneurs and businesses is now expanding around the world with agreements in place for development in the Middle East and North Africa. This significant expansion follows the company's initial international foray into Canada in 2017, and subsequent plans for additional Canadian expansion in 2018. Anticipated growth is expected next in South America, Europe and the Far East. Seven Venture X locations have opened already with another 29 being developed in the United States and Canada. Master License Partner Saleh Al Aroud will have the rights to develop the Venture X brand in the Middle East and North Africa area, which is comprised of Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Armenia, Cyprus, and Turkey. Venture X is a shared workspace and community that is a blend of boutique hotel and modern office styles with a high level of design that feels professional and welcoming. The beautiful workspaces provide an environment and community that people love coming to work to every day. Memberships come with concierge-level services in amenity rich spaces that include high-tech meeting rooms, high-speed internet, 24/7 keycard access, events focused on social, educational, cultural, and entrepreneurial themes, a centralize cafe & lounge that serve as a hub for collaboration and community activates all to help businesses grow and develop meaningful relationships and an exclusive online platform that connects members to all other Venture X members globally. "The demand for our workspaces has been phenomenal and this global expansion reflects just how popular we have become, both domestically and internationally," said Tom Weber, brand president of Venture X. "We will also soon be expanding in Australia, South America, Europe and the Far East so this is definitely an exciting time to see expediential, successful growth." Venture X is meeting the growing global demand for flexible workspace. JLL projects 30 percent of all commercial office space will be consumed as flexible space by 2030 which is a 10-time increase from its current standing of 2.7 percent. Shared workspaces have grown at an incredible rate of 200 percent over the past five years. In global cities like London, New York and Chicago they are expanding at an annual rate of 20 percent, making co-working an institutional part of the market. "We are honored by the faith placed in us by Mr. Aroud in joining us in our journey to provide a Venture X in every major city around the world where members can connect, be inspired, improve their businesses and experience fulfilled rich lives in doing what they love," said David Diamond, Venture X Founder. ABOUT VENTURE X Venture X is a shared workspace and community that is a blend of boutique hotel and modern office styles with a high level of design that feels professional and welcoming. We are designing beautiful spaces and developing an environment and community that people love coming to work to every day. Founded in 2012 by entrepreneurs, father and son, David and Brett Diamond, Venture X has been recognized by Inc. as one of the best co-working spaces in the United States. For more information, visit www.VentureX.com ABOUT UFG "The Global Leader for Entrepreneurs." United Franchise Group is a group of affiliated companies and brands. Led by CEO Ray Titus, United Franchise Group is home to a variety of internationally recognized brands including Signarama, Fully Promoted, Experimac, Jon Smith Subs, Venture X, SuperGreen Solutions, Transworld Business Advisors and The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill. With over three decades in the franchising industry and more than 1400 franchisees throughout the world, United Franchise Group offers unprecedented leadership and solid business opportunities for entrepreneurs. MEDIA CONTACTS : Peyton Sadler 305.631.2283 [email protected] SOURCE Venture X Related Links www.inklinkmarketing.com HOD HASHARON, Israel, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Wize Pharma, Inc. (OTCQB: WIZP), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of ophthalmic disorders, today announced it will present at the 3rd Annual Disruptive Growth & Healthcare Conference hosted by RHK Capital and Reed Smith on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 12:00 pm EST. Wize Pharma's COO, Noam Danenberg, will deliver the presentation in Room A/B and meet with investors during a follow-on Q&A session immediately following the presentation in Room 10. In addition, Mr. Danenberg will be one of four panellists on the conference's Disruptive Science Panel from 9:30am to 10:30am on May 8, 2018 in Room C/D. Panel members will discuss a number of topics relevant to investors including what makes their companies disruptive in the market, the key drivers to success, access to capital, and the role of intellectual property. The 2018 Disruptive Growth & Healthcare Conference will offer investors the opportunity to discover life science companies focusing on solutions to unmet medical needs and growth companies with disruptive technologies and business models. Those interested in attending may visit www.DisruptNYC.com for more information. About Wize Wize Pharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company currently focused on the treatment of ophthalmic disorders, including dry eye syndrome (DES). Wize has in-licensed certain rights to purchase, market, sell and distribute a formula known as LO2A, a drug developed for the treatment of DES, and other ophthalmological illnesses, including conjunctivochalasis (CCH) and Sjogren's Syndrome. Wize is currently conducting a Phase II trial of LO2A for patients with CCH and a Phase IV study for LO2A for DES in patients with Sjogren's. LO2A is currently registered and marketed by its inventor in Germany and Switzerland for the treatment of DES, in Hungary for the treatment of DES and CCH and in the Netherlands for the treatment of DES and Sjogren's. Wize's strategy involves engaging local or multinational distributors to handle the distribution of LO2A. Forward Looking Statements Wize cautions you that statements in this press release that are not a description of historical fact are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words referencing future events or circumstances such as "expect," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," and "will," among others. For example, when we discuss the expected commencement of sales of LO2A in Israel in 2018, we are using a forward-looking statement. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon Wize's current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks related to the substantial debt that we have incurred; our needs for additional financing; our dependence on a single compound, LO2A and on the continuation of our license to commercialize LO2A; our inability to expand our rights under our license of LO2A; the initiation, timing, progress and results of our trials and product candidate development efforts; our ability to advance LO2A into clinical trials or to successfully complete our preclinical studies or clinical trials; our receipt of regulatory approvals for LO2A, and the timing of other regulatory filings and approvals; the clinical development, commercialization and market acceptance of LO2A; our ability to establish and maintain corporate collaborations; the implementation of our business model and strategic plans for our business and product candidates; the scope of protection we are able to establish and maintain for intellectual property rights covering LO2A and our ability to operate our business without infringing the intellectual property rights of others; estimates of our expenses, future revenues, and capital requirements; competitive companies, technologies and our industry; and statements as to the impact of the political and security situation in Israel on our business. More detailed information about the risks and uncertainties affecting Wize is contained under the heading "Risk Factors" included in Wize's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 29, 2018, and in other filings that Wize has made and may make with the SEC in the future. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they were made. Wize does not undertake any obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as may be required by law. For all investor enquiries, please contact: Noam Danenberg Chief Operating Officer +972-72-260-0536 [email protected] SOURCE Wize Pharma Related Links http://www.DisruptNYC.com WuXi STA has already passed several inspections from the FDA at its API and advanced intermediate manufacturing facility in Shanghai, Jinshan and at its drug product manufacturing facility in Shanghai, Waigaoqiao free trade zone. As a global leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), WuXi STA is the first CMC platform (including both APIs and drug product) in China to have passed FDA inspection for new chemical entities. It is also the first CDMO in China that is approved to supply APIs and GMP intermediates for branded commercial drugs by regulatory agencies in the USA, China, EU, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand. The Changzhou facility -- which opened in early 2016 and is situated on a site of 39 acres -- has been designed to keep pace with the increasing demand WuXi STA is seeing from customers, as more products move into commercial production. Currently, the facility employs more than 1000 people including 200 scientists and has three plants in operation. However, the company will continue to add more than 300 scientists and seven multi-functional plants within the next five years. As a purpose-built facility, Changzhou offers an integrated one-site solution for partners to accelerate innovative APIs and advanced intermediates -- from preclinical and clinical development through to global commercial launch. "Quality is ingrained throughout our culture here at WuXi STA and one of our core competency. The Changzhou facility passing its first FDA inspection, with no observations, even with no written or verbal recommendations, is yet further proof of our commitment to the highest possible quality standards. It's a point of great pride that we have an exemplary regulatory record, and evidence of the company's ability to supply the U.S. market with innovative commercial APIs from Changzhou site," said Dr. Minzhang Chen, CEO of WuXi STA. "We are very proud of successfully passing FDA inspection once more," commented Ms. Mei Hao, Vice President of Quality at WuXi STA. "We will continue to strengthen our global quality systems to meet and surpass even the most stringent regulatory requirements. This ensures we provide the highest standard of quality services to our partners worldwide." -ENDS- Notes to editors About WuXi STA STA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of WuXi AppTec (WuXi STA), is a leading pharmaceutical development and manufacturing capability and technology platform company serving the life science industry, with operations in China and the United States. As a premier Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), WuXi STA offers our worldwide partners efficient, flexible and high-quality solutions for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and finished dosage forms. For more information, please visit: http://www.STApharma.com About WuXi AppTec WuXi AppTec is a leading global pharmaceutical and medical device open-access capability and technology platform company with global operations. As an innovation-driven and customer-focused company, WuXi AppTec provides a broad and integrated portfolio of services to help our worldwide customers and partners shorten the discovery and development time and lower the cost of drug and medical device R&D through cost-effective and efficient solutions. With its industry-leading capabilities such as small molecule R&D and manufacturing, cell therapy and gene therapy R&D and manufacturing, and medical device testing, WuXi platform is enabling nearly 3,000 innovative collaborators from more than 30 countries to bring innovative healthcare products to patients, and to fulfill WuXi's dream that "every drug can be made and every disease can be treated." Please visit: http://www.wuxiapptec.com SOURCE WuXi AppTec Related Links http://www.wuxiapptec.com NEW YORK, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Z Capital Group, L.L.C. ("Z Capital"), a leading alternative asset manager of opportunistic, value-oriented private equity and credit funds, today announced the appointment of Bonnie Wang as a Managing Director and Head of Corporate Development. Ms. Wang is based in Z Capital's New York office. Prior to joining Z Capital, Ms. Wang founded LUNA Partners, a consulting firm focused on advising Asian family offices in equity, debt investments, hedge funds, private equities and coinvestment opportunities. Previously, Ms. Wang served as a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager in J.P. Morgan's Private Bank's Alternative Investments Group, where she managed $8.7 billion of hedge fund and private fund investment portfolios. In this role, she also oversaw due diligence of investment opportunities across various alternative asset classes worldwide including private equity and credit strategies. She has also served as a Director and Portfolio Manager for UBS AG Global Asset Management in Hong Kong and London, managing over $4.5 billion of alternative investment assets and leading global investment due diligence. "Bonnie brings significant knowledge and experience to Z Capital and will be a great asset to our firm," said James Zenni, President, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Z Capital Group. "Bonnie brings with her more than 20 years of global experience and knowledge in fund strategies, manager selection and portfolio management of alternatives investments." "I have known the principals at Z Capital for over a decade, and I am excited to join their talented team at Z Capital. I look forward to expanding our global opportunities ahead," said Ms. Wang. Ms. Wang studied at Jiao Tong University in Shanghai, China, as well as at the International Christian University in Mitaka, Japan and is a graduate of the University Of Pennsylvania Wharton School Of Business where she received dual bachelor's degrees in Business and in Applied Science. Ms. Wang received a Master of Science in Economics from the London School of Economics. Ms. Wang is a CFA and CAIA charter-holder and is fluent in English and Mandarin. About Z Capital Group Z Capital Group, L.L.C. and its subsidiaries ("Z Capital") are leading alternative asset management firm with approximately $2.3 billion of regulatory assets under management. For over two decades, the Partners of Z Capital have worked exclusively to realize significant capital appreciation by making controlling equity investments in manufacturing and industrial companies across a diverse array of industries, including basic materials, branded consumer, automotive parts, capital equipment and general manufacturing. Z Capital creates value for its investors by collaborating with talented management teams to generate investment returns by structurally improving the strategic position, competitiveness and profitability of its portfolio companies. The Z Capital Private Equity Funds' portfolio companies are within numerous industries, have aggregate annual revenues of approximately $1.3 billion, sell products in 57 countries, and have over 11,000 employees and an excess of 200,000 associates, directly and through joint ventures worldwide. The Z Capital investment strategy and portfolio companies are described at www.zcapgroup.net. Media Contact Jonathan Keehner / Julie Oakes / Kate Clark Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher 212-355-4449 SOURCE Z Capital Group, L.L.C. Related Links http://www.zcapgroup.net AUSTIN, Texas, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Zenoss Inc., the leader in software-defined IT operations, today announced the first wave of sponsors for the GalaxZ18 user conference, which includes platinum-level sponsorships from Google Cloud and NTT DATA. GalaxZ is an annual event centered on helping IT Ops and DevOps professionals engage on the latest strategies for enabling maximum IT service health to achieve their digital transformation goals. GalaxZ is also the forum for introducing major road map updates to the Zenoss platform that deliver client value through software-defined IT operations. GalaxZ18 takes place June 20-22 in Austin, Texas. Customers, partners, sponsors and other members of the Zenoss community will come together for a week of collaboration, hands-on training and presentations from industry experts. The initial GalaxZ18 sponsors include: Platinum - Google Cloud, NTT DATA Gold - Datalink, SOPRIS Technologies Silver - Everbridge, Higher Logic, LayerX Technologies, Nutanix, NWN Corporation, SaltStack Bronze - AgileCraft, BigPanda, Cascadeo, Harness, ServiceNow, SoftServe Attendees will hear from more than 30 speakers, including keynotes from Tom Mendoza from NetApp, Nancy Gohring from 451 Research, Mark Schwartz from Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Brian Matsubara from Google Cloud, as well as Zenoss product experts and executives. "This will be our third year sponsoring GalaxZ," said Jorge Zepeda-Godinez, CEO of SOPRIS Technologies. "It is a fantastic conference for building and deepening our relationships with Zenoss partners, customers and prospects. Zenoss ensures that each sponsor gets a real return from GalaxZ and puts a high priority on working with us throughout the year on solutions that truly benefit our customers. This is truly the one must-attend conference each year for us." GalaxZ offers four sponsorship levels: platinum, gold, silver and bronze. Each level of sponsorship includes a booth in the partner expo hall, where Zenoss customers, sponsors and executives network throughout the event. Examples of sponsorship benefits include pre-event blog posts, on-site solution demonstrations, and branded event receptions and dinners. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Visit https://galaxz.zenoss.com/sponsors to learn more and participate. SOPRIS Technologies is also the sponsor for this year's ZenPack Challenge, the Zenoss year-round developer challenge for professionals and students that culminates at GalaxZ18 with the ZenPack of the Year award. Cascadeo is also co-host for the GalaxZ18 VIP dinner. "Each year, GalaxZ gives Zenoss customers a chance to spend significant time with our other customers, partners and members of the community," said Megan Lueders, chief marketing officer of Zenoss. "It's our largest annual customer event and a key part of the ongoing engagement that we maintain with them. During this week each year, we learn more from our customers and they learn more from each other than any other week of the year. Whether you're an existing customer looking for new ways to leverage Zenoss solutions or a prospective company looking for an in-depth introduction to software-defined IT operations, mark your calendar for June 20 at GalaxZ18." Visit https://galaxz.zenoss.com to learn more about GalaxZ18. About Zenoss Zenoss works with the world's largest organizations to ensure their IT services and applications are always on. As the leader in software-defined IT operations, Zenoss develops software that builds comprehensive real-time models of hybrid IT environments, providing unparalleled holistic health and performance insights. This uniquely enables Zenoss customers to predict and eliminate outages, dramatically reducing downtime and IT spend. https://www.zenoss.com Media Contact: Alison Guzzio [email protected] 484-459-3243 SOURCE Zenoss Inc. Related Links http://www.zenoss.com If you are new to iQ you can schedule a demo and learn more about this opportunity. PSFK iQ - Where Innovators Turn for Research. Our professional-grade research platform is designed specifically for Retail and CX leaders who want to know whats next. Whether youre staying current on trends or need a real-time research partner to help you get ahead, count on PSFK iQ to deliver the info you need to make your next move. The new licence covers video-on-demand, web casting and content distribution within Zimbabwe.The telco and media group has faced legal battles in Zimbabwes courts over the legality of the service, which it had initially launched in the country in 2016, under a license held by local satellite company and former partner Dr Dish. After the souring of relations between the two companies, Econet subsequently applied for its own license.Take notice that Econet Media has been awarded a Broadcasting Service License by the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe in terms of Section 10 of the Broadcasting Services Act, the company has announced.Econet Media already operates both pay and free Kwese TV services direct-to-home (DTH) in other Africa territories in direct competition with South African pay-TV giant MultiChoice.As well as operating a direct-to-home platform, Econet Media is rolling out over the top (OTT) TV and on-demand services , to 18 Sub Saharan African countries, either via set top box or as a mobile app. NBCUniversal and Comcast Ventures will provide Zola with both financial and strategic support."We are committed to working with Zola to find both promotional and commercial partnership opportunities across the NBCU portfolio that drive mutual value and accelerate growth, said Maggie Suniewick, president of NBCU Digital Enterprises.Zola said it will leverage this funding to invest further in cross-device product development and its proprietary platform technology. The company will continue to innovate on existing wedding planning and registry tools in order to serve couples from the day they get engaged through their newlywed life."Our vision at Zola is to make it as easy as possible for couples to plan their big day and enjoy newlywed life. We started by reinventing wedding registries, and now we are redefining wedding planning by combining innovative design, technology, and world class customer service," said Shan-Lyn Ma, CEO and co-founder of Zola . "Our next generation e-commerce model has given us the opportunity to serve couples during the most memorable years of their lives. We are now the go-to wedding company for millennials, and we are assembling the best possible team to create products that meet the needs of every couple."This round saw participation from existing investors including Lightspeed Venture Partners, Canvas Ventures, Thrive Capital, BBG Ventures and Female Founders Fund. Several new investors also joined this round of funding including Goldman Sachs Investment Partners, Balyasny Asset Management, Founders Circle, GingerBread Capital and Jerry Yang of AME Cloud Ventures.Total investment now stands at over $140 million. The protest has continued to gain ground and involving an increasing number of journalists, hosts and technicians. At the weekend and dressed up in black, news hosts and journalists contributed to extend the reach of their fight, aiming to inform RTVEs audience about the situation inside the broadcaster.Over the last few weeks, in a movement led by the group of female journalists Mujeres RTVE, many workers of the public corporation revealed different censoring and manipulation episodes through social media However, the fight, which has even reached international media over the last days, is not new. In a report published in 2015, the International Press Institute was already pointing to an increasing lack of independency within the public broadcaster As several manipulation episodes were reported during the coverage of Catalonias independency referendum last 1 October , the protests have been arising and gaining more international visibility. April 27, 2018 marked the 40th anniversary of the start of war in Afghanistan. This coming October, the United States will mark 17 years on the ground there. It is past time for this conflict to end and even the Taliban seems to be coming around to that sad conclusion. The Taliban made a peace offer to the United States, President Ghani countered with an open-ended offer, local Taliban leaders have reached out to their opposite numbers on the ground, and most importantly, there have been spontaneous peace demonstrations in nearly half of Afghanistan's provinces. The people, as usual, are out in front of their leaders. Afghan forces recaptured the Kohistan district in the remote northern province of Badakhshan only two days after it fell to the Taliban. Afghan commandos and special forces retook the district last evening. ATN News reported. A spokesman for the Afghan ministry of defense claimed that the Taliban suffered heavy casualties during the offensive, however, no estimate of Taliban casualties was given. The Taliban did not comment on the reports that it lost control of the Kohistan district center. The Taliban did claim it killed 12 Arbaki, or tribal fighters loyal to the government, while it counterattacked the enemy operation backed by the U.S aerial support on May 4, triggering heavy fighting in Daraim [Darayim district] and Tishgan [likely Tashkan district]. Kohistan, which was previously assessed by Resolute Support, NATOs command in Afghanistan, as government influenced, fell on May 3 after the Taliban surrounded it and assaulted the district center for two days. Afghan military and police forces were unable to reinforce troops at the district center before it fell. Afghan special forces routinely liberate district centers after they fall to the Taliban. However, once the Afghan special forces withdraw to deal with the next hot spot, the Taliban often return to harass and sometimes retake the district center as regular military and police forces are usually too weak to hold them. The Taliban controls two of Badakhshans 29 districts (Warduj and Yamagan) and contests 12 more, including Kohistan, according to data compiled by FDDs Long War Journal. Warduj and Yamagan have been under the control of the Taliban for the past four years, according to TOLONews. The Taliban are reported to be pressing hard in the districts of Raghistan, Shuhada, and Tashkan, which are currently contested. Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal. This article appeared originally at FDD's Long War Journal. The venue and date for the Donald TrumpKim Jong-un summit have yet to be announced, but it appears likely to take place in late May or early June. Panmunjom, on the southern side of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), has emerged as the clear frontrunner. But there is still a possibility that the meeting could be held elsewhere, with Singapore as the standout alternative. What are the pluses and minuses for both sides as to where the summit is held? Panmunjom Trump has said that numerous countries are being considered for the upcoming MEETING with Kim, but hinted at his personal preference for the Freedom House at Panmunjom as a more Representative, Important and Lasting site. The fact he expressed his thoughts publicly suggests his advisors may prefer a third-country alternative. Panmunjom is set up, logistically and theatrically, as the obvious choice. The fact that it was also the backdrop for the inter-Korean summit last month is perhaps the main factor counting against it. Yet Trump is clearly curious to see North Korea up-close. His attempt to visit the DMZ by helicopter last November was derailed by poor visibility. How Trump and Kim will balance their tete-a-tete with South Koreas Moon Jae-ins desire for a three-way meeting could present challenging handling issues, especially if Trump is contemplating downsizing the US military footprint on the peninsula. But holding the summit in Panmunjom would still be a good surface indicator of solidarity with Americas South Korean ally. North Korea gets a vote on venue too. Panmunjom is a practical option as the easiest location for Kim Jong-un to access outside of his country. Kim may feel more confident now, following his well-choreographed meeting with Moon. In a meeting that will be forensically scrutinised for symbolism and optics, Kim may even conclude that Panmunjom offers him some form of home advantage. However, the big drawback of a South Korean location for Kim is that the summit with Trump is designed to elevate North Koreas status as a nuclear peer of the US, and vis-a-vis South Korea. Meeting on neutral ground would be preferable from this standpoint. Singapore Singapore was my first thought, once news of the summit was broken. Several factors commend the city-state as a neutral, Asian venue. Singapore has previously hosted informal dialogue between the presidents of China and Taiwan, and sees itself as a hub for regional diplomacy. It offers excellent security, an important consideration given the short notice required to put the necessary arrangements in place, especially for the US President. Logistically, it makes sense for the US to host the summit either side of the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, which will take place there 13 June. Much of the US defence, intelligence, and national security hierarchy will be present. Singapores reputation for reliability, and its strong security relationship to the US makes it an obvious choice for Washington. It is also familiar ground for the North Koreans. The major disadvantage for Kim is the distance he would have to travel to Singapore, although it is within range for North Koreas aging Il-62 VIP transport aircraft. Outliers Among the outlier contenders, Ulaanbataar, Mongolias capital, has been widely touted as a possibility. Mongolia has previously positioned itself as an intermediary for North Korea. But Ulaanbatar lacks sufficient grandeur as a backdrop and would struggle to put in place the necessary security arrangements in time. Russias Vladivostok, host to the 2012 APEC summit, and within overland reach from Pyongyang, is a relatively attractive venue from North Koreas perspective. It would be surprising if Moscow has not suggested it as a summit location. While the US national security establishment would view such a Russian offer with intense suspicion, the White House continues to profess Trumps readiness to meet Vladimir Putin. Vladivostok would provide an opportunity to sit down on the sidelines with the Russian president. But if Trump is approaching the North Korean summit partly as a means to distract attention from the ongoing investigation into Russian interference, then Vladivostok would be a self-defeating choice. Indonesias President Joko Widodo has belatedly made a public offer to host the summit, consistent with Jakartas long-held intermediary aspirations. But its not clear what Jakarta would be adding to Singapores offer of good offices, other than extra mileage and Balis charms. Sweden has also offered to host the summit, and was the first venue for USNorth Korea talks after the summit was announced. North Koreas Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho was previously posted to Stockholm and is well disposed towards Swedens neutral broker role. However, it would be both risky and impractical for Kim to venture such a long distance to meet Trump. Wildcard The wildest card of all is that Trump will disregard his officials advice and opt to do a Nixon, meeting Kim in North Korea. Mike Pompeo surprised many by travelling secretly to Pyongyang as Director of the CIA. However, Trumps attendant need for publicity would surely weigh against a meeting conducted out of the limelight to say nothing of the presentational downside if the summit fails. Substance over style Yet for all the interest in the where and when theatricality of the TrumpKim summit, its the what that counts. Focusing on an unprecedented meeting of U.S. and North Korean leaders as grand spectacle merely underlines that Kim Jong-un is already ahead, simply by virtue of it happening. As the high-ranking defector Thae Yong-ho has noted, even if Trump walks away, North Korea is likely to claim the moral high ground. Dr. Euan Graham is Director, International Security Program at the Lowy Institute. Euan has been a close observer of East Asian security affairs for more than twenty years, in academia, the private sector, and for the British Government. Euan joined the Institute from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore where he was a Senior Fellow specialising in maritime issues. Prior to this he was a research analyst in the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and served as Charge dAffaires at the British Embassy in Pyongyang. This article appeared originally at Lowy Institute's the interpreter. On Jan. 24, 2017, then-national security adviser Michael Flynn was questioned by the FBI in his White House office. The session, focusing on Flynn's transition talks with the Russian ambassador, led to Flynn pleading guilty to a charge of lying to investigators. He is now awaiting sentencing. President Trump urged West Virginia Republicans to vote against former coal baron Don Blankenship in Tuesdays Senate primary, hoping to tilt the election away from a candidate party leaders fear cannot wrest the seat from Democrats this fall. He didnt endorse either Rep. Evan Jenkins or state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, the top two candidates vying for the nomination against Blankenship. Instead, he referred back to last years special election in Alabama, where Roy Moore, a controversial former judge, won the GOP primary and lost to now-Sen. Doug Jones, saying Republicans couldnt afford a repeat. To the great people of West Virginia we have, together, a really great chance to keep making a big difference. Problem is, Don Blankenship, currently running for Senate, cant win the General Election in your State...No way! Remember Alabama. Vote Rep. Jenkins or A.G. Morrisey! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 7, 2018 Blankenship dismissed the presidents tweet, saying in a statement Trump doesnt know him and was unaware how flawed his opponents were. He insisted he can defeat the Democratic incumbent. Neither of my opponents can beat Joe Manchin without my support, but I will beat Joe Manchin even without the support of the establishment, Blankenship said. As some have said, I am Trumpier than Trump and this morning proves it, he added. Blankenship recently spent a year in prison for conspiring to violate mine safety standards after a 2010 explosion killed 29 miners. He has run an increasingly nasty and controversial campaign, attacking Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in a string of ads and using racially charged language, referring to McConnells father-in-law as a Chinaperson. An outside group with ties to GOP leadership has spent more than $1 million attacking Blankenship on air. Meanwhile, a Democratic outside group has spent more than $1.8 million attacking Jenkins and, to a lesser degree, Morrisey. Both Jenkins and Morrisey had avoided attacking Blankenship for much of the election, instead training most of their firepower on each other. Morrisey began going after Blankenship in recent days, though he has attacked him not for his past or for his controversial campaign tactics, but for refusing to file his financial disclosures. In a press conference Sunday, he said Blankenship cannot beat Manchin in the fall. Don Blankenship would be the top recruit of Chuck Schumer this cycle because he hands the election over to Senator Joe Manchin, he said. Both Morrisey and Jenkins took advantage of Trumps tweet Monday, attempting to use the presidents intervention to their advantage without mentioning one another. Morrisey said he would be a senator who will work closely with President Trump and repeated his attacks against Blankenship. Jenkins said in a statement: Im honored that President Trump encouraged voters to cast their vote for me to Make America Great Again. Im the only candidate in this race who has backed Donald Trump since day one, and as senator, Ill continue working side-by-side with him in the best interests of West Virginia and our conservative values. On this date in 1945, German Gen. Alfred Jodl surrendered the Wehrmachts forces in Europe to Lt. Gen. Walter Bedell Smith, chief of staff for General Dwight D. Eisenhower. The ceremony took place in Reims, France at Eisenhowers headquarters in a brick building known as the little red schoolhouse. The surrender was unconditional, which came into play for Jodl himself: He was hanged after the trials at Nuremberg. The surrender was also signed by Gen. Francois Sevez for France and Soviet Gen. Ivan Susloparov. Given their tremendous sacrifices, the Russians had understandably mixed feelings about the Germans surrendering to Eisenhower. Susloparov, in fact, received conflicting orders; only after he affixed his signature to the surrender did he receive new orders from Moscow instructing him not to sign it. The maneuvering between the United States and the Soviet Union that would turn into the Cold War was already beginning. As for the Germans, they were in a rush to surrender to the Americans precisely because of the brutality and deportations faced by Germans -- soldiers and civilians alike -- captured by the Red Army. It was for this reason that, the night before, a 21-year-old U.S. Army platoon sergeant managed to single-handedly effectuate the surrender of 40,000 Wehrmacht and SS troops -- including 20 German generals. On May 6, 1945, a small U.S. Army unit on patrol near the Czechoslovakian border outside the German village of Jagersgrun encountered a contingent of two dozen Germans led by a full colonel whod shed his uniform for civilian clothes. The ranking American soldier on the scene was a Washington, D.C., native named Thomas Stafford. Raised in a suburb of Richmond, Virginia, Stafford had been drafted out of Virginia Tech in 1943 at 19 and assigned to the U.S. Armys 6th Combat Engineer Special Assault Brigade. Upon his arrival in England, Stafford was promoted to corporal, his rank when he participated in the early stages of the landing at Omaha Beach. By April 1945, hed been reassigned to a rifle company in the 347th Infantry Regiment. In that famed unit, he fought in the Battle of the Bulge, participated in the assault on the Siegfried Line, and crossed the Rhine River. Along the way Stafford was promoted to platoon sergeant after his lieutenant was wounded, and was one of the first Americans to witness firsthand the horrors at Buchenwald. Perhaps for this reason, he wasnt all that sympathetic on May 6 when he encountered the German colonel who had ditched his uniform. I told him he could be shot on the spot as a spy for masquerading as a civilian, Stafford recalled later. Fortunately for colonel, he happened to speak pretty good English. He told Stafford that the Russians were nearing Prague, while indicating that the German forces in the region much preferred surrendering to Americans. The colonel also said that he was a staff officer assigned to division headquarters located four or five miles inside Czechoslovakia. At that point, 21-year-old Tom Stafford impulsively committed what he later described as two very stupid mistakes. First, he simply put a white sheet signifying truce on his jeep and drove with the colonel some 12 miles behind enemy lines. Second, he didnt even inform his own captain of what he was doing. But it worked out. At the Germans division headquarters, Stafford found himself face to face with a German general. The general asked me why the American forces had stopped their advance after having driven the German Army almost into Czechoslovakia, Stafford wrote later. I told him I had no knowledge of why we had stopped, but he could rest assured that we were moving again and this time we wouldnt stop until we were eyeball-to-eyeball with Russians. Apparently, that was all that was needed to convince him to contact his commander. So young Tom Stafford drove deeper into Czechoslovakia and found himself in the presence of the Germans corps commander. This general, who also spoke English, eyed the combat uniform of the young American, which conveyed no identifying insignia of rank, and asked him his rank. I certainly wasnt about to tell him that his surrender was being demanded by a Technical Sergeant wearing muddy and dirty clothing -- so I told him I was a captain, commander of an infantry rifle company, Safford wrote. He looked me over, commenting that the American Army also must be running out of officer material if it, like the German Wehrmacht, was forced to fill its officer ranks with youngsters barely out of high school. Although I had not yet reached my 22nd birthday, Stafford recalled, I told the general that I was 24 and had been fighting the Wehrmacht since June 6, 1944. The second part of that statement was certainly true, and it did the trick. All Stafford knew about military surrenders is what hed seen in the movies, so he asked the corps commander for a token of surrender. In response, the German general unhesitatingly offered his sidearm to the young American. When Stafford returned behind U.S. lines and showed the surrender order to his company commander, the officer laughed and said he didnt know whether to court-martial Stafford or recommend him for a medal. In the end, he was given another battlefield promotion -- to second lieutenant. Tom Stafford stayed in the Army after the war. He didnt make captain -- the rank hed given himself on the spot in Czechoslovakia on May 6, 1945 -- until 1950. He served two tours in Korea, retiring from active service as a major in 1963. He then went to work as a civilian employee of the Department of Defense. When he retired for good in 1987, Stafford had been awarded two dozen medals and decorations and been in the service of his country for nearly 44 years. Ashley Graham says she has nothing to hide in her new, unretouched swimsuit campaign. ADVERTISEMENT The 30-year-old model and "America's Next Top Model" judge is using unedited paparazzi photos to promote her latest Swimsuits for All collection. "We decided to use unedited paparazzi shots as the campaign images. Reminder: being authentic is beautiful," she captioned an image Tuesday on Instagram from the campaign. Graham said in an interview with InStyle that she was shooting the campaign in Miami, Fla., when the paparazzi started following her and taking photos. "Looking at their photos sparked an idea, 'Why not use their photos as the campaign images? These raw and unedited images would remind women that they are 'flawless' in their own right and that they already have the perfect beach body!" the star explained. "Of course it's daunting knowing the paparazzi my have captured an unflattering photo, but I remind myself that being authentic is beautiful, and I have nothing to hide when it comes to my body because I know it's changing people's lives," she added. Swimsuits for All also shared images from the campaign on Instagram. "'I'm not ashamed of a few lumps, bumps or cellulite... and you shouldn't be either,'" the company quoted Graham in one caption. 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! Graham is known for her inclusive and body-positive message. She enlisted her mom, Linda Graham, for a Swimsuits for All campaign in February. By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 05/04/2018 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! Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. star Tarek El Moussa appears to be in a bad place after hurting his back again.The 36-year-old reality TV star revealed Thursday on Instagram he is currently suffering through another physical battle."Awful news... life has been going so well and I've been so happy and healthy! Unfortunately... I injured my back again. It's very scary," the real estate agent and house flipper captioned a photo of himself sitting on an MRI machine table."Last time I lost 50 pounds and was taking large amounts of pain meds to try and help the pain."Tarek continued to share in his post, "Truthfully those meds really affected my mental and physical state and changed who I was."The last time Tarek injured his back, it took him a year and a half to recover and feel like himself again."As of today I can barely walk... I honestly can't even believe this is happening, I feel like it's a bad dream that I will wake up from," Tarek explained.Tarek had multiple health scares in the past besides back-related issues, as he was first diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2013 and then found out weeks later he was suffering from testicular cancer."I will be truthful and say I'm very down because of this," Tarek admitted. "It is going to take a lot of positivity and strength to go through this a second time. I will stay positive and I will fight to get healthy again. I appreciate all the support. T."In December 2017, Tarek disclosed to Us Weekly that he thought he "was going to die" after learning he had two cancers.Although Tarek is going through a difficult time right now, his show with ex-wife Christina El Moussa is about to take off.HGTV announced earlier this week brand new Season 7 episodes of will premiere Thursday, May 31, at 9PM ET/PT.The series will continue to follow Christina and Tarek as they buy dilapidated houses in Southern California, transform them into beautifully renovated homes, and flip them for profit.The new episodes of , however, will chronicle challenges other than ones associated with home renovations, as Tarek and Christina also must maneuver through their new relationship status as exes who have remained business partners and are trying to amicably co-parent their children Brayden and Taylor.Christina and Tarek finalized their divorce back in January, one year after Tarek initially filed the paperwork in court and cited "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for their seven-year marriage ending.The HGTV reality stars publicly announced their split in December 2016 although they quietly separated in Spring 2016 after a blowout fight that resulted in police visiting their California home.Tarek appears to be single and casually dating, while Christina has moved on with British TV host Ant Anstead, whom she's been dating for about six months. Gigi Hadid and Vogue Italia apologized Thursday following controversy about the model's darkened skin tone. ADVERTISEMENT The 23-year-old American model and Vogue Italia issued apologies after social media users accused Hadid of appearing in blackface on the publication's May cover. Hadid said on Twitter the heavy bronzer and editing were meant to show her in "a different way creatively." The images were captured and re-touched by photographer American photographer Steven Klein. "The bronzing and photoshop is a style that S. Klein has done for many years and I believe was what expected from the shoot (to show me in a different way creatively), BUT, although I understand what Vogue Italia's intentions were, it was not executed correctly, and the concerns that have been brought up are valid," Hadid wrote. "Please know that things would have been different if my control of the situation was different," she said. "Regardless, I want to apologize because my intention is never to diminish those concerns or take opportunities away from anyone else, and I hope this can be an example to other magazines and teams in the future." Many criticized Hadid's appearance after Vogue Italia posted the cover Wednesday on Instagram. 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! "In case you can't tell who that is, it's Gigi Hadid , who has been edited into another person and given such a deep 'tan' that it's insulting to even try to pretend that it's not blackface," one person tweeted. "Yeah why hire a black model when we can paint Gigi's complete body and face to look like one," another person added in the comments. Vogue Italia apologized in an Instagram post Thursday. "Throughout its history, Vogue Italia has respected and encouraged the creative viewpoints of commissioned photographers. In our latest cover shoot by Steven Klein, the vision was to create a beachwear-themed story with a stylized bronzing effect," the magazine said. "We understand that the result has caused some debate with our readers, and we sincerely apologize if we have caused any offense." By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 05/02/2018 ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. host Chris Harrison admits there will be bachelors competing for Becca Kufrin 's heart whose intentions are not pure."Of course there are people there for the wrong reason," Chris told Us Weekly.However, fans should fret not, because the host said Becca is a "kick-ass woman" who is strong enough to handle the situation."That's the good thing about Becca, she seems like this sweet, demure woman and she is, she's got a backbone, she can take care of her own," Chris gushed of the 28-year-old Minnesota publicist.In fact, Chris revealed Becca is excelling in her role for Season 14, which premieres Monday, May 28 at 8PM ET/PT on ABC."Becca's doing great, Becca's awesome. I can't wait for everybody to see how much we all love her. She's turned out to be even more than what we thought, in a Bachelorette," Chris, 46, told Us."I think everybody is going to relate to her -- men, women -- they're going to really relate and fall in love with her, as the guys are."Becca was offered the franchise's leading role after getting her heart broken by Season 22 The Bachelor star Arie Luyendyk Jr. Arie proposed marriage to Becca in the finale but dumped her weeks later on-camera because he said his heart truly belonged to his runner-up, Lauren Burnham Arie then begged Lauren for a second chance, and after she took him back, the pro racing driver popped the question again during The Bachelor: After the Final Rose special in early March on ABC. (Arie and Lauren are currently engaged and living together in Arizona).Chris went on to say that Becca is so "grateful" for the opportunity as well as "sweet, honest and open." Becca has even apologized to everyone on the set when she's tired, which is something they've never experienced on the show before."The crew loves her, the producers love her... it's been a while since we've had somebody like that where everybody is just excited to be with her every day because she just makes it easy," Chris told the magazine."When one of our Bachelor or Bachelorettes are excited and they make it easy for all of us to go to work every day and travel the world. It's just fun."Chris also revealed "gut-wrenching" decisions are being made in the filming process right now because "families are involved" for Becca and her remaining suitors.Although Chris couldn't disclose whether Becca has found love with more than one man, he hinted at such an outcome."I will say this: I think she definitely sympathizes with Arie more than she did about two months ago," Chris said. "Once you get in their shoes you really start to understand."To read spoilers for Becca's season, click here Interested in more news? Join our The Bachelorette Facebook Group Athens, GA (30605) Today Showers this morning becoming a steady light rain during the afternoon hours. Thunder possible. High 77F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Periods of rain. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch. There were 3,090 visits to hospital emergency rooms in the state for suspected drug overdoses between January and April. That broke down to an average of 180 visits a week. The state Department of Public Health released the numbers Tuesday. The data was collected through the departments new surveillance system, EpiCenter, which provides near real-time estimates of ER use for possible drug overdoses. The idea is to better understand the types of opioids, including fentanyl and associated substances, in combination with other emerging drugs, causing or contributing to unintentional overdoses and deaths, said state public health commissioner Raul Pino in a news release. At least one emergency physician said the numbers should be helpful in determining overdose trends and how to respond to them. Its nice planning purposes to have surveillance numbers and data, said Dr. Michael Werdmann, emergency physician at Bridgeport Hospital. Drug deaths and overdoses have been a growing problem in the state. Last year, there were 1,038 accidental drug intoxication deaths in Connecticut the first time the number of such deaths has topped a thousand in at least five years. In March, the state released the total of of ER visits for suspected overdoses for the first two months of the year. At that time ,the total was 1,317 visits for suspected overdoses. However, when compiling the latest statistics, the states surveillance system made changes to the definition of suspected drug overdose. Under the new standards, there were total of 1,495 visits for suspected overdoses in January and February. The latest batch of data showed that Hartford County had the most ER visits for suspected overdoses, a 1,021, followed by New Haven County at 907 and Fairfield County at 416. The rest of the counties all had fewer than 200 ER visits for possible overdoses, and Windham County had the least, at 113. However, Werdmann said, although the total number of suspected overdoses in Fairfield County is high, its overdose rate relative to its population is relatively low. For instance, in January, there were 117 visits to ERs in Fairfield County for suspected overdoses but its rate of visits per 100,000 population was 15.45. Compare that to Litchfield County, which had only 42 ER visits for overdoses that month, but had a rate of 25.82 visits per 100,000 population. Fairfield Countys rates relative to population were fairly low throughout the period studied. Thats good to see, Werdmann said. HARTFORD Connecticut high schools will now be required to teach the history of the Holocaust and other genocides, the General Assembly has decided. By a unanimous vote, the House on Monday approved the bill to codify this curriculum into state law; previously this subject was optional to teach in Connecticut. The bill, approved earlier by the state Senate, will now go to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy to be signed into law. As we go through life, mankind does have a dark side, said state Rep. Mitch Bolinsky, R-Newtown, and history is really the only way to maintain perspective to avoid mistakes and to prevent atrocities from happening. The bill was proposed by state Sen. Toni Boucher, R-Wilton, after swastikas and other anti-Semitic graffiti appeared her hometown and several nearby communities last year. Statewide, twice as many anti-Semitic incidents were reported in late 2017 as in the same period the year before, according to the state chapter of the Anti-Defamation League. Middlebrook School in Wilton saw three similar incidents last fall, when swastikas were found twice in the boys bathroom and a sixth-grader found a sticky note reading Jews will burn in her locker. Since 2017, swastikas have been found across Ridgefield, from the towns high school and Ballard Park to the Aldrich Museum and Masonic Lodge. In Redding, a swastika was found carved into a tree in Topstone Park in January. The Holocaust survivors and children of survivors remind us that we are losing the eye witnesses to the atrocities that took place nearly 80 years ago, Boucher said in March. We cannot let the knowledge of this sad chapter in world history disappear with them. She led unanimous passage of the bill in the Senate two weeks ago. emunson@hearstmediact.com; Twitter: @emiliemunson Cambodian police block a street near the Supreme Court during a hearing over the extended pre-trial detention of jailed Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) leader Kem Sokha, in Phnom Penh, May 7, 2018. Cambodias Supreme Court on Monday upheld a lower court decision from March denying the request of jailed opposition leader Kem Sokhas lawyers that he be granted bail, extending his pretrial detention for another six months, one of the lawyers said. Kem Sokha, Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) president, was arrested last September on charges of collaborating with the U.S. to overthrow the government, and the Supreme Court followed in November with a decision to dissolve the CNRP for its role in his alleged plot, stripping officials of their posts and banning many from politics for five years. The lawyer, one of three who attended Mondays hearing on Kem Sokhas behalf, criticized the court, telling RFAs Khmer Service there is no ground for continuing to detain her client. She said Kem Sokha is not a flight risk and that he meets all requirements for bail, stipulated in Article 223 of the Criminal Code of Procedures on Obligations under Judicial Supervision. This case is undoubtedly politically motivated. The only way our client can be released is through political resolution, when politicians resume talks, without which it remains challenging for us to fight for justice for our client to get a fair trial, said the lawyer. She said Kem Sokhas legal team will file another request for bail. Our client has not committed any crimes. He should be released immediately and unconditionally. We will continue to seek all possible judicial venues for his release, she said. At the end of March, Cambodias Appeals Court upheld Kem Sokhas continued detention without bail, despite what the CNRP leaders lawyers said at the time was his rapidly worsening health as a result of the unhygienic conditions of his jail cell in Tbong Khmum provinces remote Trapeang Phlong prison. The legal team have also complained that guards prevent his family members from providing him with medicine. In early April, Kem Sokha called on court authorities to release him to allow him to seek medical treatment abroad and restart negotiations with ahead of a general election slated for July 29. Kem Sokha has also appealed to his supporters and those of former CNRP President Sam Rainsy, who is currently living in self-imposed exile to avoid convictions seen as politically motivated, to maintain a united front in the hopes of reinstating the banned opposition party. Sam Rainsy took to his Facebook page on Monday in response to Kem Sokhas continued detention and called for a boycott of the July vote. The reason Kem Sokha continues to be detained because he remains loyal to his people and refuses to abandon the CNRP. He still wants a real change. In order to help secure Kem Sokhas release Cambodians must not go to vote. We can show our support to Kem Sokha and the CNRP through our boycott of the upcoming election. Kem Sokhas plea to the courts, which are seen as beholden to Prime Minister Hun Sens ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP), comes amid an ongoing government crackdown on the political opposition, NGOs and the media. The campaign is viewed as part of a bid by Hun Sen to ensure the CPP remains in power for another term following the vote planned for July in which the ruling party is the only significant party on the ballot. Kem Sokhas continued detention is related to the upcoming election, said Kem Sokhas daughter Kem Monovithya. As long as there is no political solution from the top leaders of the current regime, my fathers case will remain as it is. Cambodia will surely plunge into a big crisis if Hun Sen continues to hold the next election without the release of Kem Sokha and the lift of the ban on the CNRP officials ahead of the election, My father has some medical conditions that need immediate attention, added Kem Monovithya, without elaborating on her 64-year-old father's health. Reported by RFA's Khmer Service. Translated by Nareth Muong. Written in English by Paul Eckert. Cambodias Phnom Penh Post newspaper saw an exodus of senior staff Monday after the editor-in-chief of the countrys last independent daily was dismissed by the papers new ownera Malaysian investor with reported ties to Prime Minister Hun Sen. Hun Sen has authored a crackdown on the opposition, NGOs and the independent media in recent months that is widely viewed as part of a bid to ensure his ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) remains in power following general elections set for July 29. The Phnom Penh Post was sold over the weekend for an unknown sum to Malaysian investor Sivakumar S. Ganapathy, who is the CEO of Kuala Lumpur-based public relations company Asia PR. The sale followed the out-of-court settlement of a U.S. $3.9 million claim by the government against the Post and its former owner, Australian mining businessman Bill Clough, for alleged unpaid back taxes. On Sunday, the Post ran a story about the sale that detailed Sivakumars ties to Hun Sen and quoted observers expressing concerns about the editorial integrity of the 26-year-old paper, which regularly publishes articles critical of the prime ministers leadership, going forward. Asia PR lists one of its government-related projects as assisting Hun Sens entry into the government seat. In a statement that same day, Sivakumar called Sundays article a disgrace and an insult to the independence claim of the newspaper that borders on internal sabotage and ordered editor-in-chief Kay Kimsong, and reporters Brendan OByrne and Ananth Baliga fired. On Monday, Kay Kimsong told RFAs Khmer Service that he had decided to resign from the Post because I want to ensure that my professionalism as an independent journalist is not compromised. Our readers need true stories like the ones we have been filing. I hope Cambodian labor laws are applied properly in this case, he added. Representatives of Sivakumar have claimed that Kay Kimsongs departure was a business decision and part of normal restructuring. Several senior reporters have since been fired or jumped ship, saying they had been ordered by the new ownership to remove Sundays article from the Posts website, but refused, in statements posted to their Twitter accounts. The papers CEO, Marcus Holmes, has also submitted his resignation. The New York Times on Monday quoted a statement issued by more than 20 members of the Posts staff expressing disgust for this decision made in contradiction to the values of a free press that our hardworking staff have upheld since 1992. Our article was written in an attempt to maintain the transparency and integrity of our paper as we have done for more than 25 years, the statement said. Media crackdown The events at the Post follow the closure in September of the Cambodia Daily, after the independent English-language daily was hit with a U.S. $6.3 million claim for back taxes by the Cambodian government, the termination of RFAs Cambodia operations that same month, and the shuttering of more than 30 independent radio stations last summer. Government officials were not immediately available to respond to RFAs request for comment on the upheaval at the Post, but The New York Times quoted Huy Vannak, an Interior Ministry undersecretary of state and the president of the Union of Journalist Federations of Cambodia as saying that Hun Sen was too busy doing the affairs of the nation to concern himself with the sale of a newspaper. Huy Vannak added that he was unaware of any prior business relationship between Hun Sen and Sivakumars company. On Monday, Paris-based media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) slammed the sale of the Post in a statement, calling it the final attack on press freedom in Cambodia. This sale marks the end of media freedom and pluralism in Cambodia, RSF said. After the closure of Radio Free Asia and Cambodia Daily, the Phnom Penh Post was one of Cambodias last independent media voices. In the run-up to general elections, Prime Minister Hun Sen is pursuing his shocking crackdown on media outlets that dont toe the government line. Last month, RSF dropped Cambodia in its 2018 World Press Freedom Index from 132 to 142 out of 180 countries, citing moves against the media by Hun Sen. His suppression of independent voices, his increased dominance of the mass media and his meticulous control of social media are a disturbing echo of the methods used in China, which has invested millions of euros in Cambodias pro-government media, it said at the time. Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Nareth Muong. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Hong Kong's bookstores, which once drew Chinese bibliophiles from far and wide in pursuit of some of the city's most off-beat, salacious and politically radical writings, are being squeezed out by rising retail rents and the growing, suffocating influence of the ruling Chinese Communist Party on the city's once-vibrant political scene. The city boasts more than 100 independent bookstores, but most aren't immediately visible from the street. Canny readers generally know where they are: tucked away on the upper floors of ageing buildings in close-packed business districts like Causeway Bay and Mong Kok, often with no elevator. Once the denizens of the second and third floors, they are being forced ever higher and further from the street in search of affordable rents, with only a dwindling customer base that still knows where to find them. One such store, Causeway Bay Books, made world headlines in 2015 when five of its staff members went missing in the course of two or three months. Swedish national Gui Minhai, who headed the Mighty Current publishing house that owned Causeway Bay Books, "disappeared" under murky circumstances from his holiday home in Pattaya, Thailand on October 2015, only to reappear in China "confessing" on video to a decade-old alleged drunk-driving offense. He now faces further charges of spying after being snatched from a train as he traveled to Beijing in the company of Swedish diplomats. In the months that followed, store manager and British national Lee Bo, 65, went missing from his workplace in Hong Kong, and the group's general manager Lui Bo (also spelled Lui Por) and colleagues Cheung Chi-ping and Lam Wing-kei were also all detained, later to resurface in China, accused of selling "banned books" to customers across the internal border in mainland China. In , authorities in China's eastern province of Zhejiang handed down prison sentences to Dai Xuelin, social media editor at the Guangxi Normal University Press, while his business partner Zhang Xiaoxiong was jailed for three-and-a-half years for "illegal business operations" as part of the same operation. Since then, life has only gotten tougher for Hong Kong's independent bookstores, according to Lee Tat-ning, who runs the Hong Kong Reader store in Mong Kok. "We mostly deal in books related to social movements," Lee told RFA in a recent interview. "We have been in business for 10 years, and during that time, sales have improved." "The mainstream bookstores don't always sell these books, or not in large numbers, so readers will go to upstairs bookstores, that's to say independent bookstores, to find them," he said. Beijing controls 80 percent of publishing' But the 2015 takeover by Beijing's representative office in Hong Kong of Sino United Publishing, which wholly owns three major bookstore chains, Joint Publishing HK, Chung Hwa Book Co. and the Commercial Press, gave Beijing control of more than 80 percent of the publishing industry in the city. And while a few independent bookstores are still able to sell non-mainstream publications, the near-monopoly has taken a heavy toll. "[Neither Joint Publishing, Chung Hwa nor Commercial Press] sells any of these books, I am quite sure of that," Lee said. "They would never even order them in the first place ... They might say publicly that this is for commercial reasons, but I think it's hard to explain away like that because ... these books actually sell very easily." "A lot of people want to read them, and so they come to the independent bookstores." Across the harbor, not far from where the now-shuttered Causeway Bay Books once plied its trade, the People's Commune bookstore is also hoping to fill this gap in the market. But it's a risky business against the background of growing censorship by Beijing, and a dwindling pool of customers from the mainland, once an important segment of the market. "This isn't very viable, because I predict that that it will get extremely difficult to run this business in future," store owner Tang Tze-keung told RFA. "There is automatic censorship on [Chinese social media] already now ... and the number of customers from mainland China is shrinking." "I think maybe they're afraid, too." But Tang said that the banning of Hong Kong's politically sensitive titles by the administration of President Xi Jinping, who recently changed the constitution to allow himself to rule indefinitely, isn't the only factor hampering independent bookstores. "There are customers who want this information, but actually fewer and fewer people are reading books," he said. "Everyone has a smartphone; if I want to read about the recent constitutional amendments, I can get read it all online." Pushing patriotic education Beijing's interest in Hong Kong's publishing industry appears to have been sparked by the city's 2014 pro-democracy movement for fully democratic elections, during which protesters camped out on major highways and thoroughfares in defiance of a ruling by China's parliament that Beijing should vet all candidates in future Hong Kong elections. Pro-Beijing politicians claimed China was concerned about the "gradual spread of ideas promoting Hong Kong independence" since the Occupy Central movement brought hundreds of thousands of people onto the streets at its height. Chinese officials blamed the "illegal occupation" on a lack of patriotic education among the city's young people and renewed calls for Beijing-backed programs of patriotic education in Hong Kong's schools. Lee Tat-ning said he saw a spike in reader interest in the wake of 2014 pro-democracy movement, known colloquially as the Umbrella Revolution. "For about a year or two after the Umbrella movement, most of our best-selling titles were about the movement," Lee said. "At a rough estimate, about a million people took part in it [at some point], so it was a very important event in the city's history and [in the history of its] social movements." "So people kept going over it, analyzing the reasons behind it. At the same time, the Umbrella movement didn't achieve its aims, so you could say it was a failure, and a great loss for our society." Since then, the political climate has become far more restrictive, Lee said. "The promises of Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong, and a high degree of autonomy, were pretty reasonable," he said. "Now, autonomy is equated with independence, and perhaps the high degree of autonomy will also turn into ... an official red line that you're not allowed to mention any more," he said. Reported by Yeung Mok for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Alumni of China's prestigious Peking University have called on its president to resign after he misread a Chinese character during an official ceremony. The moves are likely linked to the university's suppression of Yue Xin, a final-year undergraduate student recently sent home and threatened for calling attention to a decades-old rape allegation against a former Peking University professor. At least two open letters have been circulating on social media calling for Peking University president Lin Jianhua to step down. One said he lacks the "level of education and moral courage" required for the role. Yang Ningyuan, now a postdoctoral researcher in psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, said he had authored one of the letters because of serious doubts about Lin's suitability for the unelected role. "We don't endorse him, because we didn't choose him, and we don't endorse his actions, either," Yang told RFA. "The president of Peking University is an official appointed by the government, and Peking University and Tsinghua University have at least the ranking of a province [in the government hierarchy]." "They have been saying for years that the leader of such a major university should be elected by the other professors," he said. "But there is no sign of this ever happening." Yang also appeared concerned about the growing role of government in all areas of life, even overseas. "Now, we are even seeing [ruling] Chinese Communist Party cells in foreign enterprises, and among overseas students, even here in the United States," Yang said. "The party controls everything; that's the way things are going," he said. A Peking University alumnus surnamed Chen said that the reaction from students and former students to Lin's blooper was likely the result of recent tensions between the student body and the authorities over the spread of the #MeToo campaign to China, and to university campuses in particular. Rape led to suicide in 1998 Yue, a student of Peking University's Foreign Languages Institute, was among eight students who submitted a freedom-of-information request to the school on Apr. 9 asking for information on its handling of an allegation made 20 years ago against former lecturer Shen Yang, that he raped a student who later committed suicide. She has since been sent home and threatened with expulsion, but has continued to post detailed accounts of her treatment at the hands of authorities online, in defiance of orders from the top. Peking University student Gao Yan committed suicide in 1998 after making allegations of rape against former lecturer Shen Yang, now at Nanjing University. The case came to light as the #MeToo sexual harassment and assault began to go viral in China, leading to a number of high-profile allegations, many leveled against university lecturers in positions of power over their students. Peking University has said it has "insufficient records" from Shen Yang's tenure there to make public, and that it didn't have details of the police investigation that took place at the time. It said transcripts of interviews with Shen carried out by the university had been "lost." Yue said she was "very disappointed" by the response, and has called on the university to make a full, written and public explanation of its treatment of her and her family, and formally apologize, as well as to ensure that the incident doesn't affect her graduation or future employment prospects. Chen said Yue's lone protest is remarkable, given the long years of training in elitism, self-centeredness and compliant behavior that she and her cohort have undergone. "In such an atmosphere, it is remarkable that here we have a young student standing up and promoting this awareness of social responsibility," Chen said. "Everyone feels that, and they see in this incident a ray of hope for Peking University. Our alumni believe that this is a matter of conscience." "But a great many Peking University alumni will have trouble accepting ... the extreme suppression of [Yue Xin] by the university, which escalated this to a high political level and designated [student anger] as being caused by hostile forces," he said. Official Chinese media on Monday published a letter posted to a Peking University internal online forum from Lin apologizing for the misread Chinese character, and saying that his education had suffered during the school closures of the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). "I'm really unfamiliar with the word's pronunciation, now I learned, but in a way with high cost," the official China.org website quoted the letter as saying. "Your president is not a perfect person. He has disadvantages and deficiencies; he can also make mistakes." But Lin also appeared to hit out in a sideswipe at his critics: "Anxiety and questioning arent of any value; instead they will prevent us from stepping into the future," the letter said, prompting a number of social media commentators to respond that questioning should be an inherent value of academic life. Repeated calls to the Peking University party committee propaganda department and organization department rang unanswered on Sunday. Reported by Wong Siu-san and Lau Siu-fung for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Jia Ao for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Lao government officials have launched a new push against corruption in the one-party communist state, with state inspection authorities stepping up investigations across the country and reporting in February that they had discovered up to U.S. $120,000 missing from state funds, sources in Laos said. As much as U.S. $850,000 was found missing from the budget of Xayaburi province alone, one local source told RFAs Lao Service. More than 100 people, including 86 government officials, have meanwhile been taken into custody and charged with fraud or embezzlement, according to official media. On April 26, Xayaburis Provincial Peoples Court sentenced five ruling Party members and government officials to unspecified jail terms for corruption. Meanwhile, on May 2, a court in Oudomxay province handed down stiff penalties, unspecified in media reports, to 13 senior executives of 12 companies who had embezzled several hundreds of thousands of dollars from state funds, according to an April 26 report by the Thai newspaper The Nation. The companies had been involved in running fake or ghost construction projects, and had exaggerated the costs of repairs done to roads, schools, and hospitals damaged last year by landslides and floods, an official of the Oudomxay Peoples Court told the Lao newspaper the Vientiane Times on April 24. In a report released on Feb. 21, 2018, corruption watchdog Transparency International ranked Laos 135th out of 180 countries surveyed last year, dropping 12 places from 123rd place in a survey done the year before. Corruption still pervades all sectors of life in Laos, from illegal logging to deliberate cost overruns on construction projects to the paying of bribes to obtain government services in day-to-day life, sources say. Reported by RFAs Lao Service. Translated by Max Avary. Written in English by Richard Finney. Authorities in northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) have detained the prominent ethnic Uyghur owner of a hotel in Kashgar (in Chinese, Kashi) city, according to an official source. Obulkasim Haji, the 67-year-old owner of the Kasir Hotel in Kashgar and father of five, was taken into custody and sent to a political re-education camp, a source recently told RFAs Uyghur Service, speaking on condition of anonymity. RFA confirmed the detention of Hajione of the regions wealthiest businessmenin a phone call to Kashgars Doletbagh police station, in Kashgars Yuan Fang district, which has since taken over operation of his hotel. An officer who answered the phone at the station, and asked to remain unnamed, told RFA that while he was unsure of which re-education camp Haji is being held in, the hotelier had been taken away from a hospital in [XUAR capital] Urumqi, where he was receiving treatment around Dec. 5 last year. The officer said he did not know which hospital Haji was detained at, and did not provide details of what ailment he was being treated for or why he was taken into custody. It was unclear whether charges have been filed. Haji had been questioned by police on one occasion in the past, but was not detained at the time, he said, without saying why he had been under investigation. Since April 2017, Uyghurs accused of harboring strong religious views and politically incorrect views have been jailed or detained in re-education camps throughout the XUAR, where members of the ethnic group have long complained of pervasive discrimination, religious repression, and cultural suppression under Chinese rule. The six-story Kasir Hotel is also home to Hajis popular Ak Tulpar restaurant and a banquet hall used for weddings and other large ceremonies, but had never been rented out to any inappropriate people, the officer said. He said he was unaware whether Haji had any business interests abroad, and that there had never been anyone who stayed at his hotel who later caused any trouble in the region. Normally, the officer said, someone might be detained and sent to a re-education camp for illegal, anti-government activities, or suspicious behavior. There are CCTV (closed-circuit television) cameras installed everywhere, and we watch peoples movements and actions, he added. But Haji had openly opposed praying while at work, the officer said, and had told his employees to refrain from doing so. He was very strict on that and never bent the rules, he added. Father of five Haji made occasional donations to help the poor and in support of government-run schools and other institutions, according to the officer. He is the father of five children, aged 20-38, who are all involved in business, he said. Of the five children, his sons Abdullathe Kasir Hotels managerand Mehmet Sidiq have been held in re-education camps since September and for more than two months, the officer added, without providing further details. When asked whether his other three children would remain free, the officer said he did not know. Only the people in charge can make that decisionI simply carry out my duties here, he said. A businessman from Kashgar named Abdurahman Hesen, who currently resides in Turkey, told RFA that he had also heard of Hajis detention and said he was surprised by the reports because the hotelier had always enjoyed good relations with the local government. He owned the Kasir Hotel and Restaurant and two or three restaurants [which] regularly hosted government officials and leaders, he said, noting that alcohol was served at the establishments, unlike at those owned by more devoutly Muslim Uyghurs. He had a very close relationship with the Chinese government. He collaborated with the Chinese authorities since he started his business and enjoyed support from government officials. Camp network China's central government authorities have not publicly acknowledged the existence of re-education camps in the XUAR, and the number of inmates kept in each facility remains a closely guarded secret, but local officials in many parts of the region have in RFA telephone interviews forthrightly described sending significant numbers of Uyghurs to the camps and even described overcrowding in some facilities. Maya Wang of the New York-based Human Rights Watch told The Guardian in January that estimates of XUAR residents who had spent time in the camps went as high as 800,000, while at least one Uyghur exile group estimates that up to 1 million Uyghurs have been detained throughout the region since April 2017, and some Uyghur activists say nearly every Uyghur household has been affected by the campaign. Since Xinjiang party chief Chen was appointed to his post in August 2016, he has initiated unprecedented repressive measures against the Uyghur people and ideological purges against so-called two-faced Uyghur officialsa term applied by the government to Uyghurs who do not willingly follow directives and exhibit signs of disloyalty. In January, RFA learned that authorities jailed Abdujelil Hajim, Gheni Haji, Memet Tursun Haji, and Imin Hajimthe four wealthiest Uyghurs in Kashgar cityfor acts of religious extremism. The menall successful business owners in the citywere taken into custody in May 2017 and later sentenced to a total of 42 years in prison, sources said. China regularly conducts strike hard campaigns in Xinjiang, including police raids on Uyghur households, restrictions on Islamic practices, and curbs on the culture and language of the Uyghur people, including videos and other material. While China blames some Uyghurs for "terrorist" attacks, experts outside China say Beijing has exaggerated the threat from the Uyghurs and that repressive domestic policies are responsible for an upsurge in violence there that has left hundreds dead since 2009. Reported by by Shohret Hoshur for RFA's Uyghur Service. Translated by RFA's Uyghur Service. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. KABUL -- Afghan authorities say police shot dead a suicide bomber on May 7 as he was apparently preparing to attack an outdoor blood-donor facility in central Kabul. Hashmat Stanekzai, a spokesman for the Kabul police, told RFE/RLs Radio Free Afghanistan that the man tried to enter a tent at a park in Kabuls Shar-e Naw commercial district where volunteer health workers were collecting blood for survivors of a double suicide bombing that had taken place on April 30 in the Afghan capital. Stanekzai said police opened fire on the man when they spotted that he was wearing an explosives-packed suicide vest. The gunfire set off the explosives. He said the bomber was the only person killed. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Twenty-five people were killed in the April 30 double suicide bombing, including nine journalists, and dozens were injured. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has criticized Afghan security forces over air strikes carried out on a village in the northern province of Kunduz in April, saying 36 people -- 30 of them children -- were killed in the operation. In a report released on May 7, UNAMA questioned the extent to which the government tried to prevent civilian casualties, saying that Afghan Air Force helicopters used rockets and heavy machine-gun fire when they attacked a religious ceremony attended by hundreds of men and boys in the village of Laghmani on April 2. The report says 71 people were injured in the attack, including 51 children. The operation raised questions about the government's respect for "rules of precaution and proportionality under international humanitarian law," the report says. The Afghan government has said the air strikes targeted senior Taliban leaders in the area, including members of the Taliban leadership council, the Quetta Shura, and fighters from the Red Unit, said to be the militants' special-forces-like commando unit, who allegedly gathered to launch an operation against the provincial capital, Kunduz city. UNAMA noted that the Afghan government has acknowledged there were civilian casualties and that President Ashraf Ghani had established a commission to investigate the events. It said the governor of Kunduz had also reportedly established a provincial-led investigation. But no findings have been publicly released yet. The Taliban claimed 59 people were killed and 150 were injured -- mainly children, religious scholars, and elderly men at the religious ceremony. "UNAMA is not able to confirm the civilian status of each individual killed or injured," the report said, adding that UNAMA is not in a position to determine whether Taliban leaders or fighters were present during the air strikes. But it said concerns remained about the attack "even if the government had a legitimate military target." Hizballah and its political allies made significant gains in Lebanon's parliamentary elections, official results showed, boosting the Iranian-backed movement and illustrating Tehran's growing regional clout. The leader of Shi'ite Hizballah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, called the result late on May 7 "a very big political, parliamentary, and moral victory for the choice of resistance." The number of Hizballah members of parliament was the same or little changed in the election, but candidates supported by the group or allied with it gained in major cities. Hizballah and its political allies won just over half -- or at least 65 of the 128 seats in parliament -- according to final results from all but one of Lebanon's 15 electoral districts. Hizballah's press office claimed they won 71 seats in all. Western-backed Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri, by contrast, lost over one-third of his seats, the results showed. He blamed a complex new voting law for the losses. But with 21 members of parliament, down from 33 in the last parliament, Hariri still emerged as the Sunni Muslim leader with the biggest bloc in the house, making him the frontrunner to form the next government. Lebanon's prime minister must be a Sunni under its sectarian power-sharing system. The new government, like the outgoing one, is expected to include all the main parties. Talks over cabinet posts are expected to take time. While Hizballah made big gains in the election, the staunchly anti-Hizballah Lebanese Forces, a Christian party, also emerged as a big winner, nearly doubling its lawmakers to around 15, according to initial indications. Branded as a terrorist group by the United States, Hizballah -- which by some estimates stockpiles more weapons than the Lebanese Army -- has grown in strength since joining the war in Syria in support of President Bashar al-Assad in 2012. The parliamentary bloc controlled by the Iran-backed group and its allies now appears large enough to thwart any attempt by Hariri and other political opponents to force Hizballah to disarm. An Israeli minister said on May 7 that the outcome shows the Lebanese state is now indistinguishable from Hizballah, which like Iran has been an implacable foe of the Jewish state. Among the biggest gains for the group, Hizballah-backed Sunnis won seats in Beirut, Tripoli, and Sidon, which have been strongholds of Hariri's Future Movement. Clashes between Hariri and Hizballah supporters broke out in those cities late on May 7 after the vote, prompting the army to send in troops. The army deployed after Hariri called for action to prevent "chaos in the streets." Iranian media appeared to gloat at Hariri's setback. The hard-line Tasnim news agency ran a report headlined: "Lebanese election result puts an end to Hariris monopoly among Sunnis." The Lebanese vote will be followed on May 12 by an Iraqi election that also looks set to illustrate Iran's growing reach in the region, with one of three pro-Tehran Shi'ite leaders set to become prime minister. An anti-Hizballah coalition led by Hariri and backed by Saudi Arabia won a majority in parliament in 2009. But their so-called "March 14" alliance disintegrated and Riyadh has switched its attention to confronting Iran in other parts of the region, notably Yemen. The strong showing by parties and politicians who support Hizballah's possession of weapons risks complicating Western policy in Lebanon, which receives U.S. military support and is banking on foreign aid and loans to revive its stagnant economy. Lebanon has been a big recipient of foreign aid to help the small nation of 4.5 million cope with hosting 1 million refugees fleeing the war in neighboring Syria. Hariri downplayed the significance of Hizballah's gains and his losses in the election, and urged the quick formation of a government so it can press ahead with reforms needed to reduce state-debt levels, which are among the highest in the world. "It's not the end of the world," he said, and the international community should look at the election result "in a very positive way," as an affirmation of democracy in Lebanon. Donors have said they want to see reforms carried out before they release some of the $11 billion of aid and soft loans pledged in April. Nasrallah also called for the quick formation of a new government and said it should be done in a spirit of cooperation, putting aside differences. With reporting by Reuters, dpa, AFP, and AP Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev says a new military branch has been established to protect the Central Asian country against cyberthreats. Nazarbaev spoke on May 7 at a military parade devoted to Kazakhstan's national army day. "New highly mobile forces for special operations have been established in order to react effectively to new threats and challenges," he said in remarks at the Otar military base in the southern region of Zhambyl. "These new special units carry out measures against cyberthreats. They have been formed and integrated into the countrys defense system," Nazarbaev said. Some 3,000 troops, 40 aircraft, and 300 military vehicles took part in the parade. Kazakhstans national army day, formally known as Defender of the Fatherland Day, is marked in the former Soviet republic on May 7. QALAMQAS, Kazakhstan -- Dozens of oil industry workers began a strike at the Qalamqas oil field in Kazakhstan's western region of Manghystau on May 7, demanding higher wages. Strikers told RFE/RL that they will resume work only if their demands are fully met. The workers of the Kazpromlogistic company, who maintain the oil pipelines, demand their salaries be doubled and work conditions be improved. Strikes by workers in oil, copper, and coal industries in Kazakhstan have become frequent across Kazakhstan in recent years. In November and December, hundreds of miners at copper and coal mines in Central Kazakhstan went on strike demanding salary increases and better social security for retirees. In January last year, hundreds of workers at the Oil Construction Company (OCC) held a two-week strike to protest the closure of a trade union alliance. Oil and gas revenues are crucial for Kazakhstan's economy and budget, and strongman President Nursultan Nazarbaev's government tolerates little dissent. Critics say the government has been subjecting labor unions to pressure since deadly protests staged by oil workers in western Kazakhstan in 2011. After a months-long protest, at least 16 workers were killed by police in the oil town of Zhanaozen on December 16-17, 2011. Ukraine says one of its soldiers has been killed and four wounded in clashes in the country's east. The Defense Ministry said on May 7 that Russia-backed separatists violated a cease-fire 80 times during the previous 24 hours, firing artillery, machine guns, grenade launchers, and mortars. Meanwhile, the separatists claimed that Ukrainian government forces violated the cease-fire more than 30 times, using the same type of weapons, and wounding a civilian. Since April 2014, more than 10,300 people have been killed in fighting between Kyiv's forces and the separatists who control parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Cease-fire deals announced as part of the Minsk accords -- September 2014 and February 2015 pacts aimed to resolve the conflict -- have failed to hold. A new cease-fire agreement was reached in late 2017 and was meant to begin on December 23, but both sides have accused each other of repeated violations since then. With reporting by Interfax and TASS LAHORE, Pakistan -- Pakistans interior minister is recovering at a hospital in Lahore from a gunshot wound sustained in an attempted assassination authorities believe was linked to a blasphemy controversy. Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal was attacked on May 6 in his native Narowal district of Punjab Province, where he had been attending a meeting. Talal Chaudhry, the minister of state for interior affairs, said Iqbal was hit by a bullet in his arm when a gunman fired a pistol at him from about 20 meters away. Reports say the gunman was wrestled to the ground by police and bystanders as he was preparing to fire a second shot. Police arrested a suspect with a pistol that they identified as 21-year-old Abid Hussain. Reuters cited a police report that said Hussain was affiliated with an Islamist political party called Tehrik-e Labaik, which focuses on fighting what its members deem to be blasphemy against Islam. A local deputy commissioner, Ali Anan Qamar, quoted the suspect as saying he had carried out the attack over a small amendment to the oath election candidates must swear. The amendment was hastily reversed in 2017 after it was deemed by the previously little-known Islamist group to be blasphemous. Labaiks leader, Khadim Hussain Rizvi, condemned the attack on Iqbal and said his party had not authorized anyone to take up arms. Pakistans Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also condemned the attack. Ziauddin Yousafzai, the father of Pakistani Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, called the attempted assassination a "bad omen for upcoming general elections that are supposed to be free, fair, and transparent." The elections are expected this summer, but observers say the ballot could be delayed. Iqbal was touted as a potential prime minister after the former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was ousted by the Supreme Court last July over graft allegations. The 59-year-old Iqbal is a U.S.-educated politician long associated with the party Sharif previously led, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Considered the brains behind the PML-Ns development agenda, Iqbal previously headed Pakistans Planning Ministry. With reporting by dawn.com, AFP, and Reuters A Pakistani health official says a five-day antipolio campaign has been launched in the country to vaccinate millions of children under the age of 5. Aimal Khan, a spokesman with the vaccination campaign, says the drive was launched on May 7 amid tight security. He says the effort is aimed at vaccinating a total of 23.8 million children and involves 161,000 health workers in 109 districts. Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nigeria are the only countries in the world where polio is still endemic. After years of vaccination programs, Pakistan is close to declaring that polio has been completely eradicated. But the effort has faced threats from Taliban militants, who perceive the campaign as part of a Western conspiracy and claim that it will sterilize Pakistani children. Based on reporting by AP and Dawn.com Vladimir Putin: Citizens of Russia, ladies and gentlemen, friends, I salute all the citizens of our great nation and compatriots living abroad, all those who are watching the broadcast of this ceremony and all those present here today, in the historic halls of the Kremlin and on the ancient Cathedral Square. As I am about to take office as the President of Russia, I am keenly aware of the immense responsibility towards each and every one of you, and towards our entire multi-ethnic nation. I am aware of my responsibility towards Russia, a country of magnificent victories and accomplishments, towards the history of the Russian state that goes back centuries and towards our ancestors. Their courage, relentless work, undefeatable unity, and the way they sanctified their homeland are eternal examples of their dedication to their Fatherland. I believe that it is my duty and the meaning of my entire life to do everything for Russia, its present and future, to ensure that it is peaceful and prosperous, to preserve and perpetuate our great people, and bring prosperity to every household in Russia. Let me assure you that just as before I will devote my life and my work to serving the people and our Fatherland. This is my outmost [sic] aspiration. I would like to thank the citizens of Russia for their unity, for believing that together we can change many things for the better. Let me extend my gratitude to you one more time. Thank you for the sincere support I received from the citizens of Russia at the presidential election. I view this support as a huge political asset and a reliable moral backing. This support is a sign of faith and a sign of hope that Russia will continue to build up its strength while its people will live better. This support is also essential for asserting our positions on the international stage and for taking resolute action for promoting far-reaching, positive change within the country. Russia must be a modern and vibrant country ready to take up the challenges of time and respond to them with all its energy in order to consistently build up its leadership in areas where our positions have been traditionally strong. At the same time, we need to work with confidence and diligence and to harness all our willpower in areas where we have yet to achieve the results we aspire to, where a lot has yet to be done. The way forward is never easy. It is always a challenging journey. But there is only one thing history never forgives: indifference and inconsistency, slackness and complacency, which rings especially true today, at this turning point in history, as the entire world is undergoing rapid change. The objectives we face and the decisions we will be called upon to take are without exaggeration historic in their scale. They will determine the future of our Fatherland for decades to come. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us that will require the entire Russian society to come together. Every one of us, all responsible political forces and civil society movements, united by the fact that they sincerely care for Russia, must be proactive in these efforts. We need breakthroughs in all areas of life. I strongly believe that only a free society that is open to all new and cutting-edge advances, while rejecting injustice, ignorance, crass conservatism and bureaucratic red tape, is callable [sic] of achieving these breakthroughs. We must cast aside everything that constrains people, prevents them from fully unleashing their potential and their talents, becoming a barrier for the development of the entire nation. Friends, this year we will be marking the 25th anniversary of the Russian Constitution. It stresses the unconditional primacy and priority of the rights and freedoms of Russian citizens. It is the harmony between free individuals, responsible civil society and a strong, active and democratic state that creates a solid foundation for the development of Russia. We have coped with the most difficult economic and social problems. We have realised that, while changing with the world, we should not break away from our own roots, our own history and multinational culture. We have understood that all our beauty and strength are in our distinctness and unity. We have learned to uphold our interests and revived pride in our homeland and our traditional values. Experience shows that today, too, we must cherish what has been achieved and, based on this to move only forward. Of course, we should keep pace with the global changes and organise our breakthrough development agenda so that no obstacles or circumstances could prevent us from determining our future on our own and only on our own and from implementing our boldest plans and dreams. But at the same time, we are open to dialogue. Along with our partners, we will actively promote our integration projects and build up business, humanitarian, cultural and scientific ties. We are in favour of equitable and mutually beneficial cooperation with all states in the interests of peace and stability on our planet. Russia is a strong, active and influential participant in international life; the countrys security and defence capability are reliably assured. We will continue to pay the necessary, close attention to these issues. But now, we must use all the opportunities available to us primarily to address the most vital domestic development objectives, to achieve an economic and technological breakthrough, and to enhance competitiveness in the spheres that determine the future. A new quality of life, wellbeing, security and health are what constitutes our main goals and the focus of our policies. Our reference point is Russia for the people, a country of opportunities for self-fulfilment for each person. I strongly believe that everyday challenges people face and demands they have are directly linked to the goals we have as a nation. In fact, this is the only way to put in place the needed conditions for promoting creativity and development, and creating an atmosphere of shared responsibility, support and trust in society, which is essential. Every person must understand that only our proactive engagement in the countrys affairs can add new momentum to renewal. No one will do it for us, since all of us, the citizens of Russia, are the main force of change. The more people in all walks of life, professions and authority realise the importance of the role they must play in improving how we live, the more effective and rapid will our progress be. State and municipal authorities have a special responsibility. People have every right to expect matters that cause them concern to be resolved without delay, to have their proposals, observations and demands treated with due attention, so that such things as reputation, honour, generosity and openness become a norm of life for the officials at all levels of government. We must give more freedom to entrepreneurs and researchers, to creative and active people who care, and to all who want to reinvent the world. For me, this is a guarantee of continuity in our strategy and efforts to promote steady development in Russia. I look forward to novel ideas and approaches, to the audacity of young people and their ability to lead the change. I hope that young people will remain true to the values of truth and justice that guided the older generation, and that the knowledge, experience and wisdom of the preceding generations will be relevant for todays young. By having all people who care for their country and its future work together we will definitely deliver on our objectives and achieve breakthroughs in research and technology. Together, we can bring to fruition large-scale initiatives to upgrade and improve cities and villages and develop regions across Russia. We will be proactive in conducting a modern social policy that caters to the needs of every individual and every Russian household, improves the quality of education and healthcare. We will pay special attention to supporting the traditional family values, motherhood and childhood, so that more and more wanted and healthy babies are born in Russia who go on to become smart and talented people. It will be they, our children, who will take up our efforts to develop the country, and achieve even greater success than their parents, while respecting the history of our Fatherland. Friends, As head of state I will do everything to build up Russias might, prosperity and glory, and to live up to the expectations and hopes of the countrys citizens. We know that in the 1990s and early 2000s, apart from the far-reaching and necessary historical changes, our homeland and its people went through harsh challenges. Much, though far from all has been restored. Films by directors from Iran, Russia, and Kazakhstan will be among the productions competing for the top award when the famed Cannes Film Festival opens on May 8 in France. Twenty-one films will compete for the prestigious Palme d'Or prize in the festival, which will run through May 19. Iranian director Asghar Farhadis Everybody Knows will be the first presentation this year at Cannes. The psychological thriller about a family reunion features Spanish stars Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem. Farhadi, 45, won an Oscar and the Golden Bear in Berlin for his 2011 film A Separation, but he has never won the top Cannes prize. Iranian dissident Jafar Panahi, who is banned from traveling by Iranian authorities, has entered his film, titled Three Faces, a portrait of the Iranian capital, Tehran. In 2010, Panahi received a six-year prison sentence and a 20-year ban on directing movies, writing screenplays, or giving any interviews, and cannot leave the country. Panahi, who was awarded the European Parliament's Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in 2012, is currently not behind bars but is not allowed to travel outside the country. Russia's Kirill Serebrennikov also will not likely be able to attend the showing of his film Summer, which highlights Soviet rock star Viktor Tsoi and the birth of Russian underground music in the 1980s. A Moscow court in April extended his house arrest for three months until July 19, meaning he will not be able to attend the festival unless he receives last-minute special permission. Serebrennikov was arrested in August, accused of embezzling some $1 million in state funds, charges he calls absurd and which supporters say is part of a politically motivated crackdown on Russias arts community. Kazakh director Sergei Dvortsevoys documentary-drama Ayka was a late entry. It tells the story of a young homeless single mother adrift in the post-Soviet Central Asian state. A film by French actor-director Eva Husson titled Girls Of The Sun focuses on Kurdish women fighters battling the Islamic State militant group. Iranian star Golshifteh Farahani has a major role in the movie. With reporting by AFP, Reuters, and AP Uzbek authorities have transferred a man who was convicted of Islamic extremism in a high-profile trial from a Tashkent prison to a less-strict facility. Rights activist Oktam Pardaev told RFE/RL that Aramais Avakian had been moved to a colony settlement in his native region of Jizzax in eastern Uzbekistan on May 4. Pardaev also said that Avakian had been informed by officials that he will be released in two months. A colony settlement is a penitentiary in which convicts live close to a factory or farm where they work. Avakian, a 36-year-old ethnic Armenian and a Christian by faith, was convicted of extremism in February 2016 and sentenced to seven years in prison. Four other men charged in the case were sentenced to prison terms of between 5 1/2 and 12 years. Avakian, who was arrested in September 2015, was the only defendant who pleaded not guilty. All five were accused of plotting to carry out "anticonstitutional activities" in mostly Muslim Uzbekistan and of being sympathizers of the Islamic State (IS) extremist group, among other charges. Avakian's relatives say local authorities in Paxtakor district trumped up the charges against him in order to take over his fish farm. Avakian's lawyer, Olim Qobilov, was arrested in March 2016 and was later convicted of bribery and extortion and sentenced to seven years in prison. He was released in June 2016 without any public explanation. Uzbek and international rights organizations have demanded the release of Avakian and the other four men, saying that they were convicted on trumped-up charges and that their rights had been violated while in custody. They also burnt down many homes. Women and children were among those killed in the attack, according to local media reports. Death toll may rise as many bodies are likely to be found. Police Inspector General Ibrahim Idris confirmed the bandits invaded the village of Gwaska Saturday, fighting local defense forces protecting the Birnin Gwari local government area, a community of about 3,000 people. Local defendants in Nigeria The bandits came from neighbouring Dansadau village of Zamfara State, about 10 minutes drive to Birnin Gwari. The gunmen also killed the Sarkin Fawa (Head of local vigilante) who was on his way back to the village. Following the attack, Governor Nasir El-Rufai, yesterday, evening announced that the Federal Government had agreed to deploy a permanent army battalion in the troubled area. The statement said the governor was concerned by the incessant banditry attacks in the area. The attack comes after local media reported that 14 miners were killed by gunmen in the Birnin Gwari area last month.The attacks underlined the diversity of Nigerias security threats that persist because of an overstretched army and security forces. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has been criticised for failing to curb the violence, which is becoming a key election issue ahead of presidential polls in 2019. Sonam Kapoor With just two days left for actor Sonam Kapoor's wedding, the venues for various ceremonies have been lit up, while other decorations are underway. The 32-year-old actor will tie the knot with boyfriend Anand Ahuja on Tuesday morning in a private ceremony at her aunt's house at Bandra here. The exteriors of the bungalow have been lit up, while security has been beefed up at the venue of her Mehendi ceremony in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). The Mehendi ceremony will take place tomorrow evening, and is expected to have the who's who of Bollywood in attendance. Anil Kapoor's House Looks All Glittery for Sonam Kapoor's Wedding Advertisement Sonam's house has become a meeting spot for all her Bollywood friends like Varun Dhawan, Swara Bhaskar, Jacqueline Fernandez and Karan Johar, with them rehearsing for the actor's Mehendi. The Juhu bungalow has been decorated with diyas and candles. The wedding ceremony on May 8 will be followed by a grand reception in the evening at a five-star hotel in Andheri. Sonam and Anand, who have been dating for over two years now, announced their wedding last week in an official joint statement. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Stepping up the attack against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, BJP today accused him of 'aiding, abetting, protecting and promoting' the cheating of private investors in an alleged Ponzi scheme run by a company. BJP intends to file a complaint with the Governor to sanction the prosecution of Siddaramaiah for dealing with the company, 'which is declared as a threat to national security by the Serious Frauds Investigation Office (SFIO),' party spokesman Sambit Patra told reporters here. The BJP sought to know whether Siddaramaiah received the costly Hublot watch for facilitating the company, QI Group of Companies, headed by Vijay Eswaran, to operate in Karnataka. Embroiled in a controversy over the diamond-studded Hublot watch in March 2016, Siddaramaiah had handed it over to the assembly speaker, asking him to make it a state asset. The Chief Minister had also said he would furnish relevant documents of the watch to Lokayukta and Income Tax. He had said that the watch was gifted to him by his NRI friend Dr. Girish Chandra Varma in July 2015. "I know him since 1983 and whenever he visits India, he meets me," he had said. Siddaramiah also said Varma has no official dealings with Government of Karnataka or its organizations. Patra said the SFIO has mentioned the names of Gold Quest and Quest Net and read out its findings. In 2009, the CB-CID Chennai had declared Vijay Eswaran an absconder and in 2010, SFIO said that such companies were a national threat, said Patra. Between 2013 and 2016, Mumbai and Delhi Economic Offence Wing placed voluminous charge sheets saying that these are fraudulent companies, he said. Advertisement BJP Alleges Siddaramaiah Received Luxury Watch from Absconder Vijay Eswaran Releasing pictures of Siddaramaiah with Vijay Eswaran, Patra said he met him in September 2013. The issue of MS Gold Quest International Pvt Ltd and Gold Quest Enterprises India Pvt Ltd was discussed in March and April in 2013 when the UPA government told the parliament that they were fraudulent companies, he said. In September 2013, Siddaramaiah met the absconder Eswaran in China, which was published in Government of Karnataka's Information and Public Relation Departments website on September 11, 2013, he said. The government report said the Chief Minister met Eswaran, welcomed him to invest in Karnataka and asked him to participate in the Global Investors Meet of the government of Karnataka. The company expressed interest in investment in E-Retail and IT Education sector, the government report said. The company's business lines include lifestyles, leisure, luxury and luxury collectible and luxury watches. Patra said "They deal in luxury watches, costly watches, exquisite watches These are one of the dealings they do. These are one of the items they deal with." Patra said after a promise by Siddaramaiah, certain companies and QNet started operating in Karnataka and thousands and lakhs of people were duped by them. Ironically, Patra said, no FIR was lodged against these companies. Advertisement BJP Accuses Siddaramaiah of Meeting Absconder Vijay Eswaran "Even if the complaint was lodged, there was no FIR. The companies names were not mentioned. When these people say that the state government was not ready to work for them, the victims approached the SEBI." Patra said SEBI shot off a letter to the government of Karnataka on December 23, 2016, to act against them. The BJP spokesperson said the FIR was registered only recently when the Siddaramaiah government was reduced to a caretaker government due to the assembly polls. In a statement, QNET said it operates in India through Vihaan Direct Selling (India) Private Limited, its sub-franchisee, which is into direct selling on an e-commerce platform. The company neither solicits investments nor seeks any deposits or registration fees for joining the business, it said. "We are of the belief that the matter represented to the BJP spokesperson is incomplete and does not reflect the current status," a company spokesperson said. It said Karnataka state investigated the company and filed a detailed charge sheet, which was quashed by the High Court by ruling that the company is not a Ponzi scheme. The Government of India has issued Guidelines (to be adopted by states) and the company is fully compliant with the same, it said. DCW Chief Swati Maliwal DCW Chief Swati Maliwal has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up a special task force to create a plan in the next 15 days for establishing fast-track courts and deploying additional police resources in the next three months for handling rape cases. She also expressed deep anguish and pain at the growing incidents of "communalization of rapes" and said earlier such incidents were rare, but now the religion of the victim has suddenly become important. Thanking the prime minister for approving an ordinance to allow courts to award the death penalty to those convicted of raping children up to 12 years of age, she cautioned that the ordinance will not lead to any real change on the ground unless it is ensured that all rape cases are tried within six months for which there is an urgent need to strengthen the resources. In the ordinance which got presidential assent on April 22, the deadline for the completion of the trial in all rape cases will be two months and a six-month time limit for the disposal of appeals in rape cases has also been prescribed. Maliwal observed hunger strike for 10 days at Rajghat till April 22 and ended it after President Ram Nath Kovind promulgated the ordinance. Advertisement Additional police resources for handling rape cases The DCW chief in a letter has requested him to uphold the decision of the cabinet - that fast-track courts and special police resources will be created in the next three months in the country specifically for handling rape cases. "She has requested the prime minister to set up a special task force across the states consisting of highest representatives of Centre, states, and judiciary to create a plan in the next 15 days for creation of new fast-track courts and provision of additional police resources for handling rape cases. "She has requested that a meeting of the Union Home Minister, Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Delhi, Police Commissioner and DCW be called urgently to create a plan for increasing police resources and fast-track courts in the capital," an official said. Swati Maliwal urged PM Narendra Modi to set up a special task force Advertisement Further, she has raised concerns in the letter against the growing incidents of "irresponsible" statements by politicians and people in power on rapes and requested the prime minister to take urgent action against such people. She also said earlier such incidents were rare, but now the religion of the victim has suddenly become important, expressing anguish over the increasing incidents of communalization of rapes. Maliwal said the blood of all rape victims is of the same color, and requested the prime minister to take strict action against such people who are communalizing rapes in the country. She has also sought an appointment from the prime minister to discuss these issues in detail. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today launched a scathing attack on the Modi government for its "disastrous policies" and "economic mismanagement", and said the country was facing crises that were avoidable. Singh attacked the government over a series of banking sector frauds, saying the money swindled almost quadrupled from Rs 28,416 crore in September 2013 to Rs 1.11 lakh crore in September 2017. "Perpetrators of these frauds meanwhile escape with impunity. The economic mismanagement of the Modi government and I say this with great care and responsibility, is slowly eroding the trust of the general public in the banking sector," he said. "Our nation today is experiencing difficult times. Our farmers are facing an acute crisis, our aspirational youth are not finding opportunities, and the economy is growing below its potential," Singh told reporters here. He said the "unfortunate truth" was that each of these crises was "entirely avoidable". "It pains me to see how rather than standing up to all these challenges, the governments response has been to stifle dissent when deficiencies are pointed out," he said. The economy is growing below its potential: Manmohan Singh Advertisement Noting that economic policy has a significant impact on the lives of people, he said it was essential that those tasked with decision making pay careful attention to policies and programmes and not act on mere whims and fancies. "India is a complex and diverse country and no one person can be the repository of all wisdom," he said in an apparent dig at Modi. He said every time an answer was sought for any of the "disastrous policies" of the BJP government, "all we hear is that the intentions are virtuous". Singh said the intentions of the Modi government which it claimed were good, had resulted in "massive" losses for the country. "Its lack of reasoning and analysis is costing India and our collective future." The former prime minister said under the UPA governments the growth rate averaged 7 percent. It was 8 percent at one point of time despite turbulent global conditions, he said. Major avoidable blunders of the Modi The NDA government, he said, clocked inferior growth rate despite a favorable international climate and low oil prices. In fact, growth rate under the NDA is lower in spite of the change in the methodology to determine it "which paints a rosier picture than reality", Singh said. According to Singh, two "major avoidable blunders" of the Modi government had been demonetization and hasty implementation of GST. He said the losses the economy suffered due to these blunders had severely hurt the micro, small and medium enterprises and resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of jobs. Besides, exports as a share of the GDP plunged to a 14 year low at a time when the global economy was reviving and exports of other Asian nations like Vietnam were growing substantially, he said. Singh said petrol and diesel prices were at a "historic high" despite a fall in international crude oil prices because the Modi government had chosen to levy "excessive" excise duty. "Instead of passing on the benefits of low prices to the people, the Modi government has punished the people," he said. Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed has kicked off campaigning for the Milli Muslim League, the political front of the JuD, with an eye on the general elections in Pakistan this year. The US last month designated the Milli Muslim League (MML) as a foreign terrorist organization, saying the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) members make up MML's leadership and the so-called party openly displays Saeed's likeness in its election banners and literature. The MML has not been yet registered by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Saeed yesterday held the MML's first rally in Haroonabad, some 400 km from here, asking the participants to vote for the MML and canvass for it. Former military dictator gen Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq's son Ijazul Hasan was also present on the occasion. Hafiz Saeed campaigning for the Milli Muslim League in Pakistan Advertisement Saeed said the enemies of Pakistan want a clash of institutions in the country so that it could achieve its nefarious designs. "We have to be united to fail their (enemies) agenda," he said. Saeed urged the Pakistani government to change its policy towards India. Talking about the MML priorities, the LeT founder said: "the MML wants the country economically strong. We will have to follow the Quaid-e-Azam's vision to achieve a strong and prosperous Pakistan". Saeed had confirmed that his organization Jammat-ud-Dawah (JuD) would contest the 2018 general elections under the banner of the MML. The Election Commission of Pakistan has asked the MML to produce a clearance certificate by the interior ministry for its registration as a political party. The interior ministry has not issued a clearance certificate to the MML, citing its ties to banned militant outfits. The LeT was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group on December 26, 2001. Its leader Saeed is also designated as an SDGT. To avoid sanctions, LeT has repeatedly changed its name over the years, the State Department alleged. The JuD is believed to be the front organization for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, including six Americans. KTM India range includes Duke 125, Duke 200, Duke 250, Duke 390, Duke 790, RC 125, RC 200, RC 390 and 390 ADV With the lockdown in place and negative consumer sentiments, KTM has reported a drop in both domestic sales and exports. A total of 4,310 units were sold in the domestic market in March 2020, as compared to 6,173 units in the corresponding period last year. This is YoY loss of -30.18%. Talking about exports, the numbers are 3,855 for March 2020. This is YoY loss of -18.62%, as against 4,737 units exported in March last year. Top selling KTM in March 2020 was KTM 125 (Duke + RC) with sales of 1,803 units. YoY loss is -41.25% in comparison to March 2019 when sales stood at 3,069 units. Being the most affordable, KTM 125 is preferred by users looking for an entry-level performance bike. The 124.7 cc, liquid cooled, DOHC, FI engine makes 15 hp of max power and 12 Nm of max torque. Engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Talking about exports, KTM 125 stands at second place with 588 units exported in March 2020. YoY numbers are down -57.33%, as compared to 1,378 units exported in March last year. KTM India Domestic Sales March 2020 No KTM Domestic Mar-20 Mar-19 Diff % 1 125 1,803 3,069 -1,266 -41.25 2 200 1,549 2,017 -468 -23.20 3 390 551 470 81 17.23 4 250 375 617 -242 -39.22 5 790 32 0 32 Total 4,310 6,173 -1,863 -30.18 At number two in domestic sales is KTM 200 (Duke + RC) with 1,549 units sold in March 2020. YoY loss amounts to -23.20%, as compared to 2,017 units sold in March last year. KTM 200 was the first KTM to be launched in the Indian market. It has been one of the bestselling KTMs in the country. Export numbers are 450 units, which is YoY loss of -58.26%. In the corresponding period last year, a total of 1,078 units were exported. KTM 390 (Duke + RC + ADV) takes the third place in domestic sales. A total of 551 units were sold in March 2020, as compared to 470 units in March last year. YoY numbers have improved by 17.23%. KTM 390 is the only KTM that has registered positive growth in domestic sales in March 2020. Exports have also improved by 25.85%, up from 2,081 units in March 2019 to 2,619 units in March 2020. KTM 390 was the most exported KTM from India in March 2020. The reason behind 390 series increasing sales as well as exports, is the recently launched 390 ADV. KTM India Exports March 2020 No KTM Export Mar-20 Mar-19 Diff % 1 390 2,619 2,081 538 25.85 2 125 588 1,378 -790 -57.33 3 200 450 1,078 -628 -58.26 4 250 198 200 -2 -1.00 5 790 0 0 0 Total 3,855 4,737 -882 -18.62 Next in the list is KTM 250 Duke with sales of 375 units in March 2020. YoY numbers are down -39.22%, as compared to 617 units sold in March last year. The bike is placed at fourth place in exports as well, with 198 units exported in March 2020. Theres only a slight change in YoY numbers, as exports in March 2019 were 200 units. KTM 790 Duke takes the fifth place with 32 units sold in March 2020. Also known as the Scalpel, the bike was launched in India in September 2019. It is yet to be updated to BS6. Talking about exports, not even a single unit of 790 Duke was exported from India in March 2020. In FY2020, two-wheeler exports hit a total of 31,23,321 units and registered a growth of 8.10% compared to FY2019 COVID-19 has affected businesses across the world, including automotive industries. In India, the governments lockdown protocol has brought domestic sales to an all-time low in recent history. Vehicle dealerships across the country remain closed and automakers have started utilising online platforms to make sales. However, sales in FY2020 (April 2019 March 2020) hit 31,23,321 units and witnessed a growth of 8.10% compared to FY2019 (28,89,231 units). Bajaj Boxer emerged to be the highest-selling two-wheeler on the export market. The commuter motorcycle hit 10,93,451 units in FY2020 compared to 9,08,200 units back in FY2019; registering a growth of 20.40%. TVS Star City comes second at a much lesser 4,18,602 units as against 3,33,152 units previously (up by 25.65%). Bajaj Pulsar comes third with a decent growth of 4.65%, from 2,63,483 units in FY2019 to 2,75,745 units in FY2020. Bajaj CT registered 2,55,260 units in FY2020 compared to 2,57,733 units in FY2019 and faced a sales decline of almost 1%. Bajaj Discover (discontinued in India), at 1,38,422 units against 1,40,131 units, witnessed a slightly higher 1.22% sales drop. Honda Dio is the first scooter on the chart. It hit 1,19,162 units compared to 1,67,563 units and faced a sales decline of almost 30%. Yamaha FZ, which follows close, enjoyed 50.92% higher exports from 70,725 units in FY2019. Top 25 Two Wheeler Exports FY 2020 No Two Wheeler FY 2020 FY 2019 Diff % 1 Bajaj Boxer 10,93,451 9,08,200 1,85,251 20.40% 2 TVS Star City 4,18,602 3,33,152 85,450 25.65% 3 Bajaj Pulsar 2,75,745 2,63,483 12,262 4.65% 4 Bajaj CT 2,55,260 2,57,733 -2,473 -0.96% 5 Bajaj Discover 1,38,422 1,40,131 -1,709 -1.22% 6 Honda Dio 1,19,162 1,67,563 -48,401 -28.89% 7 Yamaha FZ 1,06,736 70,725 36,011 50.92% 8 TVS Apache 95,553 1,14,140 -18,587 -16.28% 9 Suzuki Gixxer 63,780 54,352 9,428 17.35% 10 Yamaha Ray 51,070 50,166 904 1.80% 11 TVS Sport 50,368 58,111 -7,743 -13.32% 12 Bajaj Platina 45,808 58,958 -13,150 -22.30% 13 Hero Splendor 45,187 60,126 -14,939 -24.85% 14 KTM Duke 44,391 50,408 -6,017 -11.94% 15 Honda CB Shine 38,627 24,554 14,073 57.31% 16 TVS NTorq 35,233 25,777 9,456 36.68% 17 Hero HF Deluxe 34,372 42,284 -7,912 -18.71% 18 Honda Navi 33,308 25,024 8,284 33.10% 19 Hero Glamour 32,416 44,740 -12,324 -27.55% 20 Yamaha Saluto 31,322 1,577 29,745 1886.18% 21 Honda Grazia 26,832 19,576 7,256 37.07% 22 Yamaha YD125 25,634 45,640 -20,006 -43.83% 23 Honda CB Hornet 160R 22,545 46,191 -23,646 -51.19% 24 Honda Livo 19,900 22,200 -2,300 -10.36% 25 Royal Enfield 650 Twins 19,597 4,420 15,177 343.37% Total 31,23,321 28,89,231 2,34,090 8.10% TVS Apache is the first one to drop to five-digit sales figures. It faced a 16.28% loss, from 1,14,140 units in FY2019. Suzuki Gixxer registered a much lower figure of 63,780 units in FY2020 but sold 17.35% more units than the last fiscal. Yamaha Ray sales hit 51,070 units compared to 50,166 units before; almost 2% growth. TVS Sport follows close at 50,368 units and 58,111 units in FY2020 and FY2019, respectively. Bajaj Platina exports touched 45,808 units in FY2020 compared to 58,958 units in FY2019. Hero Splendor sales hit 45,187 units and faced a decline of almost 25%. In FY2020, KTM Duke attained a sales figure of 44,391 units in comparison to 50,408 units in FY2019 (down by 11.94%). At 15th position comes Honda CB Shine with 38,627 units in FY2020 as against 24,554 units; a sales growth of 57.31%. Further down the list lies models such as TVS NTorq (+36.68%), Hero HF Deluxe (-18.71%), Honda Navi (+33.10%), Hero Glamour (-27.55%), Yamaha Saluto (+1886.18%), Honda Grazia (+37.07%), Yamaha YD125 (-43.83%), Honda CB Hornet 160R (-51.19%), Honda Livo (-10.36%) and Royal Enfield 650 Twins (+343.37%). As mentioned before, the Indian automotive industry is going through a tough phase due to COVID-19 and the lockdown measures it has brought about. Domestic sales in April 2020 is expected to be worse but sales are expected to be better than usual after the lockdown. [NAIROBI] Science has proved that climate change and its impacts such as prolonged drought and extreme rainy conditions are occurrences that humanity has to grapple with. Whereas Africa contributes the least to human-induced climate change globally, the continent is suffering most from it impacts including destruction of infrastructure such as roads, and reduced agricultural productivity, thus threatening food security in the region. But Africa needs to deal with climate change-induced dangers, as well as take advantage of the opportunities that can come from cooperation and investment in ambitious climate action. This was the cornerstone of the Africa Carbon Forum 2018 held in Kenya last month (11-13 April). We should rely on collective efforts rather than individualism, put all our resources together and make our continent environmentally friendly. Jacquie Ogada The meeting that was convened by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which provides organisational support and technical expertise, was to address the efforts that should be made effectively to help Africa tackle climate change. Highly of interest to me was the fact that we cannot hide from climate change related problems because as noted during the meeting we are all together and we have one place to live in. It is, therefore, our duty to take care of the environment by working on implementing suitable efforts to limit global warming this century to as close to 1.5 degrees Celsius as possible, foster climate resilience and align global finance flows with pathways towards low emission and sustainable development. However, I find it intriguing given the high level of coordination required to fulfil this goal. For instance, as of early 2018, there were 65.6 million people forcibly displaced worldwide, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. In Africa, most displaced people use wood fuel for cooking and heating with ineffective and polluting combustion methods. To curb these problems, opportunities such as all parties raising their level of ambitious programmes to lower global warming is very vital. Africa needs to dialogue with developed countries to provide technical, financial and even political support to the Africa Union. What caught my interest also was when a delegate mentioned the need to support the media in producing content for promoting environmental sustainability. Lack of enough media houses and journalists covering issues to deal with the environment in accessing manner is very common in Africa. The public should be made aware of what is going on their surroundings. Going forward, I hope that key actors will discuss this mater and act on its implementation because journalists are key to promoting environmental sustainability. This conference made me realise that because of the negative impacts of climate change, we should rely on collective efforts rather than individualism, put all our resources together and make our continent environmentally friendly to combat change and its related impacts. This piece was produced by SciDev.Nets Sub-Saharan Africa English desk. If dead cells accumulate in the body, they can contribute to inflammation and predispose individuals to multiple chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, Crohn's disease or lupus by uncharacterized pathways. "Billions of cells die daily as a consequence of regular wear and tear, tissue turnover and during an inflammatory response. The body dedicates a significant amount of energy in the specific recognition and uptake of these dead cells via specific pathways," said Juhi Bagaitkar, Ph.D., a researcher in the University of Louisville School of Dentistry's Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases. "If you don't bury the dead cells, they can burst open and cause harm, however the underlying mechanisms are incompletely characterized." Bagaitkar, along with researchers at Washington University, Indiana University and University of Michigan, recently published a paper in blood, demonstrating the importance of oxidants in the digestion of apoptotic, or dead cells. Specifically, the research uncovers how NADPH-oxidase is activated to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in macrophages, a kind of white blood cell that eats dead cells. These cells also are involved in getting rid of viruses and bacteria. The presence of ROS is critical as its generation drives additional mechanisms involved in the digestion of cellular corpses to perform at an optimal level. This allows the macrophage to complete the digestion process of efferocytosis, meaning "to bury the dead." "Independent of their role in microbial killing, we are gaining even greater appreciation of ROS for their huge role in the regulation of host immune response," Bagaitkar said. "Uncovering this role of ROS in the clearance of dead cells sheds some mechanistic insights on how oxidants function in limiting of host inflammation rather than activating it. "When our bodies produce too much or too little ROS we become predisposed to autoimmune disease and chronic inflammation. Producing just enough -- the optimal level -- is what's needed," she said. In the 1890s, settlers crossed the Rocky Mountains seeking new opportunities -- and bearing frogs. A new study coauthored by a San Francisco State University biology professor draws a link between that introduction of American bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) to the western half of the United States with the spread of a fungus deadly to amphibians. The work highlights the catastrophic results of moving animals and plants to new regions. The fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has rapidly spread around the world since the 1970s, causing a skin disease called chytridiomycosis and wiping out more than 200 species of amphibians globally. In the United States, these declines have followed a curious pattern. "In the whole region east of the Rockies, there hasn't been a single outbreak of Bd," said study author Vance Vredenburg, a professor of biology at San Francisco State. "But in the West there's hundreds, if not thousands." American bullfrogs, a species introduced to the West by settlers who wished to populate ponds with an abundant source of frog legs, have for over a decade been a main suspect. Bullfrogs can carry Bd without falling victim to it themselves, making them a potential vehicle for the fungus to colonize new habitats that harbor vulnerable amphibians. Firmly placing the blame on bullfrogs, however, has been difficult. "The problem is we need a time machine to see what happened," Vredenburg explained. So he and a team of colleagues sought out historical data from around the American West to pinpoint when bullfrogs arrived in each region and how those dates line up with the first local records of Bd. In 83 out of the 100 watersheds where the team could dig up data on both bullfrog and Bd occurrence, the frogs were spotted first or in the same year. And in 13 of the remaining 17 cases, bullfrogs had previously been found in a neighboring region. The team reported their results on April 16 in the journal PLoS ONE. "Even when Bd got there before bullfrogs, the frogs were usually close by," Vredenburg explained. So these new findings are more evidence in the case scientists have built against American bullfrogs -- if their presence is a prerequisite for an outbreak, it appears even more likely that they've contributed to Bd's spread. That link between frog and fungus explains patterns in the U.S., but it's also relevant far beyond the country's borders. Thanks in part to a U.S. Agency for International Development program that shipped bullfrogs to developing countries to start frog farms, the invasive amphibians have taken hold in parts of Europe, Asia and South America. "I hope researchers will take this study and try it in other parts of the world," Vredenburg said. As for the rest of us, the study holds a simple lesson: Keep plants and animals where they are. "We need to stop introducing non-native species to areas where they don't belong," Vredenburg said. "Not just in our own backyard but globally." A new study illuminates how rapid, involuntary mental processes kick in when responding to statements that correspond with an already held viewpoint, according to a study by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The research, published in Social Psychological and Personality Science, shows how people's tendency to remain entrenched in their worldviews is supported by their automatic cognitive "reflexes." The team led by Dr. Michael Gilead, head of the Social Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory at BGU, found that study participants verified the grammatical accuracy of statements about political topics, personal tastes and social issues much more quickly when they matched their opinion. In a series of experiments, the researchers asked participants to respond to various opinion statements, such as "The internet has made people more isolated" or "The internet has made people more sociable," and indicate as quickly as possible if the grammar of the sentence was correct or not. Later, they were asked if they agreed with each statement. Participants identified statements to be grammatically correct more quickly when they agreed with them, which revealed a rapid, involuntary effect of agreement on cognitive processing. According to Dr. Gilead, "In order to make informed decisions, people need to be able to consider the merits and weaknesses of different opinions and adapt to new information. This involuntary, 'reflex-like' tendency to consider things we already believe in as being true, might dampen our ability to think things through in a rational way. Future studies could explore how other factors, such as acute stress or liberal or conservative viewpoints, affect this tendency to accept or reject opinions in a 'knee-jerk' manner." Dr. Gilead collaborated on this research with Moran Sela, a doctoral student in the Department of Psychology at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and Dr. Anat Maril, a professor in The Hebrew University's Department of Cognitive Science. Common cuckoos and oriental cuckoos in eastern Russia appear to be expanding their breeding range into western Alaska, where songbirds are naive to the cuckoos' wily ways, researchers report. A new study suggests the North American birds could suffer significant losses if cuckoos become established in Alaska. Like brown-headed cowbirds, cuckoos are "brood parasites," laying their eggs in the nests of other species, said University of Illinois animal biology professor Mark Hauber, who led the new research with Vladimir Dinets of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Cuckoos time their egg-laying so that their chicks will hatch first. The chicks then kick the other eggs out of the nest, "thereby eliminating the entire reproductive success of their hosts," Hauber said. "Brood parasitism is a rare strategy among birds. Only about 1 percent of birds engage in it," he said. "Obligate brood parasites do it always. They never build a nest, they never incubate the eggs, they never feed their chicks. Instead, they sneak their eggs into somebody else's nest, forcing the foster parent to take care of the young." Birdwatchers and ornithologists occasionally report seeing oriental cuckoos and common cuckoos in Alaska, and Alaskan natural history museums already contain a handful of cuckoo specimens collected locally, Hauber said. These birds are likely traveling from sites in Beringia, in eastern Russia. "We don't have evidence of them breeding in Alaska, but it's likely already occurring," Hauber said. "We wanted to know whether the potential Alaskan hosts are ready for this cuckoo invasion." In the new study, researchers tested whether more than a dozen Alaskan bird species had evolved defenses to counter the cuckoos' parasitic ways. Such defenses are common among bird species that frequently encounter brood parasites elsewhere. "There are strategies such as hiding your nest, nesting at a time when the brood parasite is not around or attacking the brood parasite when it is in proximity to your nest," Hauber said. "If that doesn't work, you can abandon the nest with a cuckoo egg in it." Some birds will pierce the cuckoo eggs and toss them out of the nest, he said. For the new study, the researchers put fake eggs in the nests of more than two dozen bird species nesting in Siberia and Alaska -- outside the normal breeding range of the cuckoos. The eggs were either pale blue, like those of the redstart host of common cuckoos, or light gray-blue with brown spots, like the eggs of pipits that often are targets of common cuckoos and oriental cuckoos. The researchers tested each nest at least twice, once with each of the eggs, in random order. After losses from predation, the team collected data from 62 nests of 27 bird species. "What we found was very straightforward," Hauber said. "Out of 22 experiments that we ran in Siberia, 14 rejected the fake cuckoo eggs. But out of the 96 experiments that we ran in Alaska, only one pair rejected one of the fake cuckoo eggs." The Siberian birds are better at rejecting the cuckoo eggs perhaps because they have encountered the brood parasites before, Hauber said. "But the North American hosts have no defenses against invading cuckoos. They will be parasitized," he said. Increasing contamination of marine ecosystems by metals such as mercury, cadmium, chromium and nickel has been a global environmental concern, because elevated concentrations of metals can pose hazards to marine organisms, and humans who may consume contaminated seafood. Setting water quality criteria (WQC) of various metals (i.e., environmental safety limits) is an essential step for assessing and regulating their risk levels in the marine environment, and hence offering protection to marine organisms and ecosystem integrity. At present, the current method for deriving WQC of metals in Australia, Europe and North America is primarily based on laboratory data generated from toxicity tests with different marine organisms that are conducted at fixed laboratory conditions (e.g. a fixed combination of temperature and salinity). Such laboratory-derived WQC may not be protective to various marine ecosystems because environmental conditions in the natural environment are often very different from those of the laboratory setting. In reality, the environmental conditions vary among different geographic regions (e.g. tropics vs. temperate regions); even at the same region, environmental conditions such as water temperature and salinity change seasonally. Such changes can substantially influence the toxicities of metals to marine organisms. Over the past decade, environmental scientists have been looking for a way to predict the toxicities of metals and derive their WQC for protecting the biodiversity and integrity of marine ecosystems with different environmental conditions. This task is tremendously important to environmental protection. Professor Kenneth Leung, Deputy Director of School of Biological Sciences and Scientist of the Swire Institute of Marine Science of HKU, teams up with Professor Wu Fengchang, Director of State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment at Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences (CRAES) and Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering to jointly tackle this global issue. Their team has spent three years of effort to develop a novel empirical model for estimating the toxicities and deriving WQC for metals and metalloids in coastal marine environments with variable temperature and salinity regimes. Their method is based on an integration of temperature- and salinity-based species sensitivity distributions (SSDs) with quantitative ion characteristic relationships (QICAR) model, while parts of their model results are validated with empirical data. The team also analyses real-time environmental data of sea surface temperature and salinity in different parts of the world and applies their model to derive provisional site-specific WQC for more than 30 metals and metalloids. The research team, for the first time, successfully makes use of big data and develops the novel model for predicting metal toxicities and deriving their site-specific WQC in different marine environments worldwide. This important innovation has been published in the latest issue of the international journal Environmental Science & Technology. advertisement The results indicate that metal toxicities to marine organisms generally increase with increasing seawater temperature, but the metal toxicities are found to be the lowest at an optimum salinity and increase when the salinity increases or decreases from the optimum salinity. If an WQC of a metal is derived from a laboratory experiment conducted at optimum temperature and salinity, such an WQC unlikely be protective to marine organisms which are living in an environment with higher temperature and lower salinity. The results also suggest that marine species living in warmer waters in the tropical region (including Hong Kong and South China) are more susceptible to metal toxicities than their temperate counterparts. Many governments in Asia such as Hong Kong and Korea often employ temperate toxicity data for deriving WQC or directly adopt the WQC generated from Europe and North America, but such surrogate uses of temperate information for protecting tropical marine ecosystems pose high uncertainty in the margin of safety. The novel method developed by the team will greatly improve the management of metal and metalloids in coastal marine environments worldwide, as environmental authorities can employ this method to derive provisional site-specific WQC for facilitating better ecosystem protection with consideration of specific environmental conditions and potential influences of global climate change. Professor Wu Fengchang said: "Professor Kenneth Leung and his team at HKU have already revealed the temperature- and salinity-dependent toxicity profiles of various pollutants and produced the relevant empirical datasets, while our team at CRAES is good at quantitative structure-activity relationship modelling for metal toxicities. Our complementary knowledge and skills are prerequisite of the success of this collaborative project. We are very delighted to work together." Professor Wu also views that the results of this study will be of enormous benefit in deriving WQC of metals for different parts of marine environments in China and beyond. Professor Kenneth Leung said: "In Hong Kong, salinity in the western marine waters is relatively low due to freshwater discharge from the Pearl River, whereas the salinity in the eastern waters is consistently high because of dominant influence of oceanic currents from Pacific Ocean and South China Sea. With consideration of such salinity differences, the method developed by the team can be readily applied to derive provisional site-specific WQC of metals for enabling better protection to the eastern and western marine ecosystems of Hong Kong, respectively." "Our new method not only enables different countries to derive site-specific WQC of metals for safeguarding their marine environments, it will also bring socioeconomic benefits to societies around the world. It is because we can reduce the number of toxicity tests, use less chemicals in the tests, kill fewer animals, and greatly save money and time for conducting such tests." Professor Leung added. The research team will further investigate the influence of dissolved and suspended organic matter on toxicities of metals in seawater, with a view to improving their model. They will also make use of field-based monitoring data of metal concentrations and marine biodiversity to validate their derived provisional WQC in different water bodies. This research project is partially funded by Research Grants Council via a General Research Fund. NASA's Mars Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport (InSight) mission is on a 300-million-mile (483-million-kilometer) trip to Mars to study for the first time what lies deep beneath the surface of the Red Planet. InSight launched at 4:05 a.m. PDT (7:05 a.m. EDT) Saturday from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. "The United States continues to lead the way to Mars with this next exciting mission to study the Red Planet's core and geological processes," said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. "I want to congratulate all the teams from NASA and our international partners who made this accomplishment possible. As we continue to gain momentum in our work to send astronauts back to the Moon and on to Mars, missions like InSight are going to prove invaluable." First reports indicate the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket that carried InSight into space was seen as far south as Carlsbad, California, and as far east as Oracle, Arizona. One person recorded video of the launch from a private aircraft flying along the California coast. Riding the Centaur second stage of the rocket, the spacecraft reached orbit 13 minutes and 16 seconds after launch. Sixty-one minutes later, the Centaur ignited a second time, sending InSight on a trajectory toward the Red Planet. InSight separated from the Centaur about 9 minutes later -- 93 minutes after launch -- and contacted ground controllers via NASA's Deep Space Network at 5:41 a.m. PDT (8:41 a.m. EDT). "The Kennedy Space Center and ULA teams gave us a great ride today and started InSight on our six-and-a-half-month journey to Mars," said Tom Hoffman, InSight project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. "We've received positive indication the InSight spacecraft is in good health and we are all excited to be going to Mars once again to do groundbreaking science." With its successful launch, NASA's InSight team now is focusing on the six-month voyage. During the cruise phase of the mission, engineers will check out the spacecraft's subsystems and science instruments, making sure its solar arrays and antenna are oriented properly, tracking its trajectory and performing maneuvers to keep it on course. advertisement InSight is scheduled to land on the Red Planet around 3 p.m. EST (noon PST) Nov. 26, where it will conduct science operations until Nov. 24, 2020, which equates to one year and 40 days on Mars, or nearly two Earth years. "Scientists have been dreaming about doing seismology on Mars for years. In my case, I had that dream 40 years ago as a graduate student, and now that shared dream has been lofted through the clouds and into reality," said Bruce Banerdt, InSight principal investigator at JPL. The InSight lander will probe and collect data on marsquakes, heat flow from the planet's interior and the way the planet wobbles, to help scientists understand what makes Mars tick and the processes that shaped the four rocky planets of our inner solar system. "InSight will not only teach us about Mars, it will enhance our understanding of formation of other rocky worlds like Earth and the Moon, and thousands of planets around other stars," said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate at the agency headquarters in Washington. "InSight connects science and technology with a diverse team of JPL-led international and commercial partners." Previous missions to Mars investigated the surface history of the Red Planet by examining features like canyons, volcanoes, rocks and soil, but no one has attempted to investigate the planet's earliest evolution, which can only be found by looking far below the surface. "InSight will help us unlock the mysteries of Mars in a new way, by not just studying the surface of the planet, but by looking deep inside to help us learn about the earliest building blocks of the planet," said JPL Director Michael Watkins. JPL manages InSight for NASA's Science Mission Directorate. InSight is part of NASA's Discovery Program, managed by the agency's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The InSight spacecraft, including cruise stage and lander, was built and tested by Lockheed Martin Space in Denver. NASA's Launch Services Program at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is responsible for launch service acquisition, integration, analysis, and launch management. United Launch Alliance of Centennial, Colorado, is NASA's launch service provider. A number of European partners, including France's Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR), are supporting the InSight mission. CNES provided the Seismic Experiment for Interior Structure (SEIS) instrument, with significant contributions from the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) in Gottingen, Germany. DLR provided the Heat Flow and Physical Properties Package (HP3) instrument. For more information about InSight, and to follow along on its flight to Mars, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/insight San Francisco mayoral candidate Angela Alioto said Monday shes planning to take the city to court after the Ethics Commission voted to block her from participating in the citys public financing program, which provides mayoral candidates with up to $975,000 to offset the costs of campaigning. Last week, Aliotos campaign failed to qualify for public financing money for the fourth time. In April, the Ethics Commission granted Alioto another chance to apply for the program, but with the condition that it would be her campaigns final opportunity. To qualify for public financing money, mayoral candidates have to prove theyve raised $50,000 in campaign contributions from at least 500 city residents in amounts of between $10 and $100. A letter sent to Aliotos campaign from the commissions director, LeeAnn Pelham indicated that 8 percent of the contributions Alioto submitted were ineligible to count toward her qualification, mostly because of insufficient documentation verifying that they came from San Francisco residents. On Monday, Alioto requested one more day to provide the commission with the necessary documents and qualify for the public financing program. Commissioners Quentin Kopp and Paul Renne voted to grant her the extension, but they were defeated by commissioners Daina Chiu, Yvonne Lee and Noreen Ambrose. All of the other leading candidates in the mayors race London Breed, Jane Kim and Mark Leno have qualified for the public financing program. Alioto also blamed her previous problems on a glitch in the third-party software program that the Ethics Commission uses to process campaign finance filings, a program called NetFile. The program, the campaign claims, was omitting information from Aliotos filings when the campaign submitted them. Alioto said the glitch forced her staff to waste precious time verifying contribution information and that Pelham had knowingly withheld information about the problem. Alioto went as far as to accuse Pelham and her staff of fraud, a claim she said will be an important part of arguments in court. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. If you would like to go to court on these causes of action, I dont back away from anything, Alioto told the commission. She said she plans to file a writ that would order the city to disburse the public financing money she believes shes owed. OK, everybody, off to the next fight, Alioto told a small gathering of supporters after the commissions vote. Dominic Fracassa Email: cityinsider@sfchronicle.com, dfracassa@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfcityinsider @dominicfracassa Jacom Stephens/Getty Images An impaired driver was arrested late Saturday after rear-ending a police patrol car while authorities were responding to an unrelated fatal collision involving a pedestrian in Concord, officials said. A Concord police officer was sitting in his patrol car about 11:45 p.m. on Monument Boulevard near Virginia Lane investigating a fatal crash when a driver struck the rear of his patrol car, according to the Concord Police Department. Last week, the top five candidates for San Francisco mayor all pledged to secure 1,000 units of housing for homeless residents within their first year. Politicians seldom align around a common goal, especially on the campaign trail. This uncommon show of unity presents a rare and important opportunity for San Francisco. I remember the election season of 2003. Matt Gonzalez and Gavin Newsom went head-to-head to become San Franciscos mayor. Homelessness was a hot-button issue even then, and the city was divided on the right approaches. Fifteen years later, whats different is that homelessness doesnt need to divide us. All of the major mayoral candidates have aligned behind this common goal. Their stunning act of unity creates an opportunity to make real headway on one of the citys most entrenched and most pressing issues. But now its our turn to step up. Its our job as a community to help the next mayor make good on his or her promise, and for us, the community, to take action. Though theres power in creating a common goal on the campaign trail, ultimately the people of San Francisco must stand united in demanding solutions. And at the heart of the 1 Year 1,000 Homes pledge is the single best proven solution to homelessness: a home. Providing housing with support services for people experiencing homelessness has proved to be extraordinarily successful, according to multiple studies. One study demonstrated that 86 percent of supportive housing participants were still housed after two years. Dr. Joshua Bamberger, assistant clinical professor of family and community medicine at UCSF, recently noted, Housing is medicine. The one thing I could prescribe that would improve the health of my patients is housing. Its important to know that securing 1,000 homes isnt out of reach. According to the most recent homeless point-in-time count, there are approximately 3,800 unsheltered adults living on the streets of San Francisco. If we wanted to house every single unsheltered resident, it would take only 1 percent of our citys housing stock. Even more heartening: it would take less than 1 percent of the citys budget to provide the rent subsidy needed to keep them housed for the long term. Of course, this only happens if we have the political and public will to turn those numbers into reality. A year ago, Tipping Point, a nonprofit fighting poverty in the Bay Area, embarked on an initiative to do just that. We brought together experts from different sectors government, business and nonprofit to address homelessness. We pledged $100 million and set a goal to cut chronic homelessness in San Francisco by half within five years. Our next mayor is inheriting a heavy lift, and Tipping Point pledges to partner with him or her at every turn. Its time to align the values we pride ourselves on as a community with the policies we put in place. Regardless of who is elected, if bold campaign promises translate into action, the city of San Francisco will be the real winner. If you ask me, we cant afford to wait another 15 years. Daniel Lurie is CEO and founder of Tipping Point Community, a nonprofit that works to break the cycle of poverty in the Bay Area. To show your support for the 1 Year 1,000 Homes pledge, go to www.tippingpoint.org/pledge. To comment, submit your letter to the editor at SFChronicle.com/letters. This years campaigns for Californias benighted Board of Equalization are about as dreary an affair as the annals of nominal democracy can offer. Stripped of most of its powers and 96 percent of its staff but clinging to life by virtue of a 19th-century constitutional provision, the nations only such elected tax board has been reduced to an unadorned jobs program for politicians. The campaign to represent the board district that includes the Bay Area reflects that. Its less a contest of ideas or experience than a collection of applicants who could use the work. Its greatest possible service is to remind us to put the Board of Equalization out of business. The two leading candidates for this $146,000 semi-job are state Sen. Cathleen Galgiani, D-Stockton, and San Francisco Supervisor Malia Cohen, also a Democrat. Galgianis tenure in Sacramento was distinguished mainly by her propensity to take a walk on tough votes, which Cohen was quick to point out in a meeting with our editorial board. However, a recent Chronicle survey of City Hall attendance since September ranked Cohen 11th among the 11 supervisors. Cohen also faulted Galgiani for taking money from the National Rifle Association, as if that had any relevance to the Board of Equalizations now-meager portfolio. Cohen did not offer specifics at her meeting with us. Her consultant later cited a $500 contribution in 2008, which Galgiani verified, but said she has not taken any NRA money since and would not. And so it goes in this dispiriting race. Last year, following revelations that the Board of Equalization misused its staff and powers for political purposes, mishandled tens of millions of dollars, and practiced rampant nepotism more than a sixth of the staff was found to be interrelated by blood, marriage or living arrangements the Legislature passed, and Gov. Jerry Brown signed, overdue but welcome legislation to overhaul the board. Most of its nearly 5,000 workers and the bulk of its duties, which included collecting more than $60 billion in annual revenue from an array of taxes, were turned over to a new state department answerable to the governor. The board was left with fewer than 200 employees and a few constitutionally assigned duties, including reviewing and adjusting property tax assessments. Some of the boards best current and former members agree that lawmakers should give voters the opportunity to finish the job by changing the constitution. That includes the Bay Areas current representative on the board, Fiona Ma, who is running for treasurer; State Treasurer John Chiang, a former member who is running for governor; and State Controller Betty Yee, an ex officio member. Its time to abolish the board altogether. ... Its outlived its purpose, I think, Yee told us. Said Ma: I will support a constitutional amendment to get rid of it. Perhaps its not surprising that the neutered board no longer attracts top-tier candidates such as Chiang, Yee and Ma. Neither Cohen nor Galgiani has their vision or fiscal expertise. Neither merits our endorsement. Let this be the last time we have to make such a choice. Californias Legislature and voters should move to eliminate the elected Board of Equalization. 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. There is broad consensus that Californias water challenges are only going to get worse as climate change continues. We will have more drought, more major rain events with consequent flooding and more uncertainty. In this era of global warming, we need new approaches to help solve our water problems. The Trump administration proposal to raise the Shasta Dam by 18 feet, along with the recent vote by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to support the delta tunnels, illustrate our complete and outmoded dependence on built infrastructure to provide water. Both ignore the least expensive and most effective means of increasing water security: restoring the watersheds that supply the vast majority of utilized water in the state. Much of the states consumed water comes from three reservoirs that feed into the Sacramento River: the Shasta, Trinity and Oroville. The spillway collapse at Oroville dam last year was a wake-up call that California must address its water infrastructure, both built and natural. While the dam was structurally unsound, had the forests and meadows in its watershed been healthy and functioning they would have been able to absorb and store more of those torrential rains. By releasing water more slowly, over weeks rather than hours, this natural infrastructure would have helped reduce the intense pressure on the weakened dam for which initial costs from repairs already exceed $800 million. The next phase of work is estimated to climb into the billions of dollars. The Shasta Dam, on the other hand, is not ailing and has topped out only a handful of times since it was built 2017 was the first time in two decades. Raising it would not address any broad public benefit but would only, on an occasional basis, help out powerful water interests in the San Joaquin Valley, primarily Westlands Water District. A smarter investment of taxpayer money would be to address the serious problems in the watershed itself, where restoration and conservation would both increase storage and provide more reliable flows in both drought and intense rain events. The Oroville and the Shasta reservoirs rely on their surrounding watersheds nearby forests, meadows and streams to deliver clean, abundant water that is then stored and funneled south. These source watersheds are natural storage facilities that collect, hold, treat and transport drinking water to more than 28 million people and provide millions of acres of irrigation as well as 85 percent of the freshwater to San Francisco Bay. They are essential to the entire states water supply, and they are in trouble. We know watershed restoration and conservation can significantly increase water quality, quantity and storage, as well as improve flow regulation, reducing peak flooding and holding water later into the summer season when we need it most. A number of practical strategies have been identified as key to restoring watersheds, including forest fuels reduction, reintroduction of prescribed fire, wet and dry meadow restoration preventing further fragmentation, and road repair. A watershed-wide effort will yield substantial water and other public benefits, including supporting thousands of jobs in Northern California rural areas. It would also help with a fair cost share of the expenses in maintaining and repairing this natural infrastructure, the same way we do with dams. Currently, only taxpayers and private landowners pay for these watershed functions, at about $250 million a year; its only fair that other water beneficiaries pay toward this as well. Watershed conservation is one of the least expensive solutions to ensure greater water quantity, quality and security, cheaper than building new infrastructure and certainly more cost effective than the initially estimated $1.3 billion price tag to raise Shasta Dam. Unlike large dam infrastructure projects, which consistently have cost and time overruns, natural infrastructure projects have been accomplished under budget and on time. New York City, for example, used watershed conservation policies in the 1990s to clean city water more cheaply than by building a new water treatment plant. It makes far more sense to invest in the security and climate resilience of our water at its source than to pour money into raising Shasta dam, a Trump administration proposal that has rallied strong opposition from state leaders. Restoring our natural water infrastructure will provide cleaner, cooler water for all Californians and improve reliability year after year. Its time to establish a system enabling comprehensive investment in our natural water infrastructure that protects Californias water for the future. If were going to spend taxpayer money on securing our water supply, lets make sure it benefits everyone. Laurie Wayburn is president of Pacific Forest Trust. We should organize San Francisco to prioritize supporting local financial institutions over big banks some of the least ethical corporations in the United States. Almost every dollar the city of San Francisco has is stored on the balance sheet of a big bank: more than $10 billion of city money at Citibank, US Bank and Bank of America. These banking decisions are made by the Office of the Treasurer and Tax Collector, and ultimately, by elected Treasurer Jose Cisneros. The San Francisco Treasurers Office recently launched the Municipal Bank Feasibility Task Force to explore whether the city should form its own public bank. That might make sense as an option for ensuring that our dollars stay local and go toward ethical ends. There already are indications from presentations and conversations that the task force is backpedaling from a public bank structure and instead considering half measures, such as a revolving loan fund. Such a fund instead of a public bank wouldnt begin to leverage the power of San Franciscos public funds. It would just leave them at big banks. I work in financial technology to disrupt big banks a passion that came from graduating from college directly into the 2008 financial crisis. One of the first things I did when I moved to the Bay Area was to vote my dollars against the big banks by choosing a local bank for my banking. Why? Because corporations increasingly are responding to political pressure as consumers vote their values with their dollars. After two black men in Philadelphia were arrested for sitting in a Starbucks without buying a coffee, people began organizing a boycott. Suddenly, Starbucks is closing all it stores for a day to give its workers implicit bias training. Delta Airlines severed ties with the National Rifle Association in response to a boycott. The #DeleteUber and #DeleteFacebook campaigns are widely seen as having effected positive change at those companies. Activists point to the role big banks play in financing the extraction and use of fossil fuels, gun purchases, private prisons and defense contractors. These banks also have paid billions of dollars in fines for defrauding customers over the last decade. Bank of America alone has paid at least $68 billion in fines and settlements related to mortgage fraud since the 2008 financial crisis. Wells Fargos fraudulent-account scandal is just the most recent every top five bank has had multiple settlements with Californias attorney general. Since 2005, the San Francisco treasurer has received national acclaim as a leader in financial empowerment, but nearly every program has brought San Franciscans to big banks as customers: Bank on San Francisco created an on-ramp to financial services for the unbanked, providing alternatives to the exorbitant service fees of predatory lenders and paving the way for greater financial stability. The biggest participating banks include Bank of America, Citibank, JPMorgan Chase, Union Bank and U.S. Bank. Kindergarten-to-college savings accounts, created for every student entering the San Francisco public school system, is a great idea, but every account created adds to deposits at Citibank. Taken together, these amount to running interference for big banks, not an ethical vision of San Franciscos relationship to banking. San Francisco has an obligation to manage public funds to prioritize environmental responsibility, fair labor practices, and affordable housing, among other principles. You, as a San Franciscan, can influence the placement of billions of dollars. Its your money, so just as I would recommend that you move your personal funds out of a big banks and find a local bank or credit union for your loans and bank accounts, so too should you advocate that the city do the same. Contact the treasurers office today, and request such a change. Zac Townsend is the former chief data officer of California and a former co-founder of open banking startup Standard Treasury. He is currently a partner at San Francisco firm Deciens Capital, a venture capital firm focused on early-stage financial technology. The impetus to create a memory palace is ordinary enough in 887. Robert Lepage (narrating from mostly autobiographical experience) is having trouble memorizing a poem he has been asked to recite, so he uses the mnemonic technique whereby you conjure a place you know deep in your bones, perhaps a childhood home, associating different lines of text with different rooms. For him, that place is the apartment complex at 887 Murray Ave. in Quebec City, where he grew up. But thats where his memory palace ceases to be ordinary. For the show, whose Cal Performances presentation opened Friday, May 4, at Zellerbach Hall, the famed auteur and his company Ex Machina have created a to-scale model of the building bigger than a toy, not as tall as Lepage. Each window is filled with a combination of doll-like figures, projections and incandescent lighting, such that youre not sure whats tangible and whats digital. As Lepage maps out his familys unit and those of each of his neighbors, the building springs to numinous life, seeming to contain not just its tenants but multitudes, a cross-section of Quebec and of humanity, the cosmos in microcosm. One unit holds the gorilla family, its children all unbearable thugs. In another dwells one of Quebecs rare black families, too poor to afford curtains, but hanging their laundry in the first-floor windows so that passersby dont gawk at their skin color. Above the Lepages lives the Virgin Mary, scrubbing her windows with the same zeal with which she hurries her children to confession. Below them lives Mary Magdalena, for whom each cute door-to-door salesman is an opportunity for a quickie with the shades drawn. Erick Labbe / Ex Machina Each of these flats is rich enough for its own play. Part of the sadness of 887 is that all these grand dramas are unfolding in such proximity to one another, yet also so atomically, so fully separated by walls and stairs. You cant help but think how much each neighbors unique loneliness might be mitigated were he or she able to simply commune with the folks across the hall. A similar loneliness prevails within the Lepage family. His cabbie father pulls up to the building between dispatches, shining his headlights on the place where he wishes he were. With both car and building in miniature, the scene and its people seem more delicate, more helpless before their fate. Here and throughout the show, Laurent Routhiers lighting resembles that of an Edward Hopper painting. An unforgiving, industrial glare does little to stave off the lugubrious solitude of night. Lepage makes some forays into the tumultuous politics of Quebec in the 1960s and 70s (the furious poem he was supposed to memorize, Speak White by Michele Lalonde, hails from that era) as well as into his own near-present, when he becomes obsessed with what his radio obituary might sound like. Understated to the point of banality or matter-of-fact to the point of history lesson, these scenes cant compare to the fullness of Lepages childhood memories. Yet here and throughout the show, technical wizardry astonishes. The apartment complex is but one side of a rotating cube, whose every face has doors and latches and roll-up shades that open to reveal still more pocket-sized worlds. Lepage uses live video to further play with scale, making his face the same size as a full-bodied figurine or rejiggering perspective so that you see as a child does a soldiers boots tower, as faraway and as formidable as Mount Olympus. Thats the vertigo of memory, 887 implies. Our remembrances both loom large and shrink. However we might try to insist them into the present, we are too big for them and still too small. Lily Janiak is The San Francisco Chronicles theater critic. Email: ljaniak@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LilyJaniak 887: Written, directed and performed by Robert LePage. Through Saturday, May 5. Two hours. $48-$98, subject to change. Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley campus. (510) 642-9988. www.calperformances.org To see a trailer: https://bit.ly/2sNccrC For voters just starting to pay attention to the California governors race, Tuesdays debate among the top six candidates offers a chance to catch up fast. The 90-minute debate, being televised live from San Jose starting at 6:30 p.m., will probably be the last chance to see the four Democrats and two Republicans share a stage before the June 5 primary. The top two primary finishers, regardless of which party they belong to, will advance to the general election in November. On Tuesday, every candidate not named Gavin Newsom will share a common mission: trying to close the gap on the Democratic lieutenant governor, who leads in both the polls and in fundraising. Newsom will be the punching bag, said David McCuan, a professor of political science at Sonoma State University. At this point, the race is all about who will be the alternative to Newsom. Attacks will be flying in other directions, too. Republicans John Cox and Travis Allen are likely to beat each other up in hopes of winning over enough GOP voters to qualify for the runoff. Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa might make a play for Republicans as well, trying to persuade them he has a better chance of beating Newsom in November than any GOP candidate. Democrats John Chiang and Delaine Eastin, lagging in the polls, know this is their best chance to catch voters eye. It may take an unusual confluence of circumstances to make that happen. The debate, moderated by Meet the Press host Chuck Todd, will be aired live on NBC Bay Area, Telemundo 48 and KQED-FM. Heres a rundown on the candidates and their likely strategies: Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press Travis Allen, Republican: What he wants to talk about: The lone candidate to vote for President Trump in 2016, the Orange County assemblyman not only wants to repeal Californias sanctuary state laws, he says Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf should be arrested for issuing a public warning about federal immigration raids. He wants to repeal the states gas tax increase and thinks single-payer health care will bankrupt California. His target: He has to take on Cox, his fellow Republican, in hopes of unifying outnumbered GOP voters behind him. With far less money in the bank than the wealthy San Diego County businessman, Allen cant afford a TV ad campaign to introduce himself to voters. He will no doubt mention that Cox voted for Libertarian Gary Johnson over Trump. Also look for him to point out that Cox has put $4 million of his own money into the race to try to buy the election. Its a good night if: He puts doubt in Republican voters minds about Cox being a true conservative. Or if Gavin Newsom or Antonio Villaraigosa engages in a full-scale war with him. That would elevate his status among Republicans, said John Thomas, a GOP consultant. Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press John Chiang, Democrat: What he wants to talk about: Chiang, the state treasurer, will portray himself as someone who is just as progressive as Newsom but more measured when it comes to spending. He supports single-payer health care in concept, but is skeptical about moving forward on it without a reliable funding source. His target: Probably nobody. His style is not to be an attack dog. In the past, all hes landed are glancing blows, McCuan said. Hes a technocrat with a style that is much less combative. If one of the Republicans starts attacking Newsom or Villaraigosa for their decade-old sexual affairs during their respective stints as San Francisco and Los Angeles mayor as one independent expenditure group supporting Cox has done in TV ads Chiang could emerge as a more sober choice to left-leaning voters. Its a good night if: All of the Democrats spontaneously combust, Thomas said. Seriously, I dont know what the path forward is for him to win unless one of the (Democrats) falters. Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press John Cox, Republican: What he wants to talk about: Cox, who has never held public office but has run for it five times, will stress his 40 years as a businessman and rail about how all of these politicians are part of a corrupt system. He will tout his support of the campaign to repeal the gas-tax increase and his opposition to sanctuary laws. His target: Allen, for starters, to try to consolidate his support among Republicans. He will portray himself as the more mature GOP choice. And he will probably go after Newsom, to show he can stand toe to toe with the front-runner. Its a good night if: He doesnt raise his negative perceptions, McCuan said. He has to let Republicans see that he can be a viable alternative to Newsom. Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press Delaine Eastin, Democrat: What she wants to talk about: Increasing funding for public education has been the driving force of the former state schools chiefs campaign. She will also stake out the most progressive positions among the candidates. She wants to change Proposition 13 when it comes to reassessing commercial property, and supports single-payer health care. Her target: Trump. She hasnt attacked her fellow Democrats in other debates. However, if the conversation steers toward the #MeToo movement, it will be interesting to see if Eastin the only woman on the stage weighs in against Newsom for his consensual affair with a staffer during his time as mayor. Its a good night if: There is a long, substantive discussion of education policy, and if Eastin also gets to talk about the #MeToo movement. Gavin Newsom, Democrat: What he wants to talk about: Soothing statements about the future and his vision, to avoid being dragged into any controversy that could hurt his front-runner status. Hell talk about how he wants to make homelessness a greater priority and his support for single-payer health care. He will also tout his plan to build 3.5 million homes in California by 2025, which would be an unprecedented development boom. His target: Trump and other divisive political leaders. While everybody is going to dog-pile on him, he shouldnt respond, Thomas said. Its a good night if: He makes no unforced errors and gets out of the room unblemished, Thomas said. It is not a good night if the conversation lingers on his affair or his decade-old battle with alcohol, which he said ended years ago. Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press Antonio Villaraigosa, Democrat: What he wants to talk about: The former Los Angeles mayor will talk about wealth disparity in a state where 1 in every 5 residents lives in poverty, and say that he not the wealthy Newsom is best suited to speak for the poor. And he will tout himself as a problem-solver who knows how Sacramento works from his days as Assembly speaker. His target: Its a tough call. Some polls have him running near Cox for second place, and Villaraigosa may try to win over GOP voters who figure no Republican can get elected governor. But he also needs to reassure Democrats that hes at least as liberal as Newsom. Its a good night if: Travis Allen and John Cox start cannibalizing each other, Thomas said, and Villaraigosa begins to look good to moderate Republicans. Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli Debate on the air and online The gubernatorial debate will be televised live on NBC Bay Area and Telemundo 48, starting at 6:30 p.m. It will also be broadcast live on KQED-FM, 88.5. SFChronicle.com will blog the debate in real time, and The Chronicles editorial page editor, John Diaz, and senior political writer, Joe Garofoli, will analyze the event shortly after it ends on The Chronicles Facebook Live page. When Andrew Triggs made it clear that he was ready to address the postgame media throng Sunday afternoon at the Coliseum, two As staffers darted toward the clubhouse stereo to turn down the music so the starting pitcher could be heard. Thats the type of treatment the right-hander earned with his dominating performance in Oaklands 2-1 victory over Baltimore a win that finished a sweep of the three-game series and bumped the As to two games above .500. You saw what (the As starting pitchers) did Friday and Saturday, and you kind of want to follow their lead, said Triggs, who tied a career high with nine strikeouts and held the Orioles to one run and two hits in seven innings of a 2-hour, 25-minute game. When youre making the pitches that you want to, staying down in the zone and forcing contact, it definitely helps to keep things rolling. Triggs kept things rolling after Daniel Mengden and Trevor Cahill set the tone for the weekend by keeping the Orioles offense quiet. Baltimore, which had seven starters in Sundays lineup hitting .209 or worse, struck out 40 times in the three games. Theyre down, and we were hoping they would stay down for us, manager Bob Melvin said. Theyre explosive offensively, they have a really good bullpen and a great manager. You just kind of hoped they wouldnt get it going against us. At some point, they will, so it was nice to be able to sweep them. The only blemishes on Triggs day were a Pedro Alvarez home run in the second inning and a leadoff single by Jace Peterson in the fourth. Using an improved slider/cutter and locating his sinking fastball, Triggs retired the final 12 hitters he faced on a day during which he threw 96 pitches (63 strikes) in a bounce-back effort. In his previous start, Triggs couldnt make it through the fifth inning, having allowed four runs on six hits and three walks in a loss at Seattle. That really stuck in my craw, he said. The foul taste was removed at some point Sunday, most likely in the fourth inning. Thats when the As scored the only two runs Triggs would need. ALSO: Cahill, Anderson buoy A's injury-riddled rotation It looked like Matt Joyce was about to be thrown out at third base on Mark Canhas comebacker, but Alvarez dropped the throw from Baltimore starter Alex Cobb and multiplied the mistake by picking up the ball and throwing it errantly to second base allowing Joyce to make it safely to third and Canha to advance to second with no outs. Joyce scored on designated hitter Khris Davis grounder to second, and Matt Olsons double to left-center brought home Canha with the go-ahead run. Baltimore threatened against closer Blake Treinen in the ninth. Pinch-hitter Trey Mancini led off with a single on a swinging bunt, advanced to second on a wild pitch and moved to third on Craig Gentrys sacrifice bunt. However, Treinen got Peterson to ground out to second base with the infield drawn in, and after an intentional walk to Manny Machado, Chris Davis popped out to right field. You dont want to be in that situation, but if theres anybody who has the weapons to get a ball on the ground, its him, Melvin said of Treinen. When you throw 96-97, and its sinking and moving, its hard to get it in the air. Thats the kind of guy you want on the mound. Rusty Simmons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rsimmons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Rusty_SFChron Three emergency workers and two other people were injured when an ambulance collided with a car on Monday afternoon in San Lorenzo, the Alameda County fire department reported. The collision at Lewelling and Hesperian boulevards left the ambulance lying on its left side in the middle of the crosswalk across from a Walmart store. They arrived early Saturday evening, donning floor-length dresses and loose rental tuxedos, and squeezed onto buses that whisked them to Oakland's Scottish Rite Center. It was a night of glam and fun and dance, a last hurrah before graduation for the seniors of College Park High School. At the end of the night, the same buses returned the "senior ball" attendees to the school parking lot of Viking Drive in Pleasant Hill, where they would get into their cars and head home (or elsewhere). When Citrus Heights cafe owner Charlene Carte saw a photo of the man police say is the Golden State Killer, she was astounded to realize he'd been one of her regulars for years. In an interview with Fox40, Carte, who owns Charlie's Cafe, said she recognized Joseph DeAngelo as the man who frequented her restaurant weekly. Carte said he stood out, in part, because of his livid reactions to small mistakes. In one interaction, Carte says DeAngelo barked at her for bringing him a salad with cheese. "What are you trying to do, kill me?" Carte says he snapped. "I can't eat cheese. I told you that before." "I named him 'Mister Happy' almost two years ago, and that's because he was such a grouch," added Carte. ALSO: Man in surreal 1970s photo with alleged Golden State Killer recalls meeting Joseph DeAngelo Carte also said DeAngelo once made an unwanted advance, trying to pinch her sides before she pulled away. DeAngelo, 72, is accused of being the prolific East Area Rapist. Starting in the 1970s, the East Area Rapist raped nearly 50 women, most in the Sacramento area, and is suspected in 12 murders. He's been charged with two murders in Sacramento County, and prosecutors in Ventura, Orange and Santa Barbara counties are expected to file additional murder charges. DeAngelo has been living in Citrus Heights, the site of some of the attacks, and worked at a Save Mart distribution center in Roseville for 27 years. He retired last year. MORE: Was the East Area Rapist also the Visalia Ransacker? Authorities think he may be. Although neighbors say there wasn't anything overtly suspicious about DeAngelo, they recalled his unusual behavior. Natalia Bedes-Correnti told the Associated Press that she saw him on multiple occasions in "his driveway yelling and screaming, looking for his keys." Another neighbor, four houses down, said DeAngelo was "always talking or yelling" and "very high-strung." DeAngelo is expected back in court on May 14. Amid the dusty brown landscape of California's Central Valley, 5,000 people gathered to watch pro surfers hang ten in a massive wave pool over the weekend. The World Surf League Founder's Cup of Surfing held its inaugural co-ed continental team event at the so-called Surf Ranch, located 100 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean near the town of Lemoore. Surf star Kelly Slater opened the ranch in December 2015 with a manmade lake. A 70-ton hydrofoil moves along a track to form pristine, barreling 700-yard-long waves, each one perfect and identical to the other. The event marked the first time the public was allowed to see the mythical facility that has been somewhat of a mystery until recently. Twenty-five of the world's top surfers competed, representing five teams that included Team USA, Australia, Brazil, Europe and the World Team. Each team had three men and two women, and Slater led the American team. The World Team with Michael Bourez, Bianca Buitendag, Jordy Smith, Kanoa Igarashi and Paige Hareb took home the win. (Find complete results here.) The ranch was built at an existing ski lake that's about a half-mile long and came with permits, water rights and electricity. The relative remoteness was a bonus as Slater and his company worked to develop the technology. "The dream or idea was to make a real powerful ocean-feeling wave that offered a challenge for a high-level guy, not just for the novice surfer," Slater told the Associated Press. Slater and World Surf League CEO Sophie Goldschmidt stress that the Surf Ranch isn't meant to supplant natural waves. "Myself being a lifelong surfer, I wanted to remain true to the purity or essence of what our sport is," Slater said, adding that he was mindful of traditionalists who might question the concept of the giant wave pool. "The amount of joy and fun it brings to people who come surf it just so much outweighs that," he said. "This isn't replacing surfing, this isn't trying to necessarily introduce a different culture, or anything like that. It's really an addition to the culture we have hopefully in the long run. It's just something that doesn't exist and could have existed." Unlike surfing contests on the ocean, competitors in the Founder's Cup, presented by Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold, didn't have to wait hours or even days for the right waves. "Of course that came into mind, during the development," Slater said. "When dreaming how this was going to play out, and what I envisioned it looking like, I definitely thought that it made sense, that you could schedule those things for competition ... If you're going to bring in sponsorship and have it on TV, you got to be able to call the time slots and that sort of thing. It's funny because surfers don't live on that kind of schedule. We don't live by a time schedule, we live by conditions. This somewhat eliminates that problem, if that's a problem." Surfers first rode waves at the Surf Ranch on Dec. 5, 2015. The WSL bought Kelly Slater Wave Co. in 2016 for an undisclosed amount. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Thousands of vocational nurses, truck drivers, security guards and other service workers walked off the job at 10 University of California campuses Monday morning, kicking off a planned three-day strike over pay and causing widespread delays in patient care at UC medical centers. Students still came and went from school, but long lines of picketing employees appeared on streets and sidewalks at and around the universities. On at least one campus, classes were delayed. Meanwhile, Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., announced that she wouldnt deliver her scheduled commencement speech at UC Berkeley this weekend because of the labor dispute, university officials said. The biggest disruption was at medical centers, where health care workers were among participants in the protest. Thousands of appointments had to be postponed at UCSFs Mission Bay and Parnassus Avenue campuses. While university administrators were planning to bring in at least 1,000 replacement employees, sympathy strikes set for Tuesday by the California Nurses Union and the University Professional and Technical Employees were expected to complicate matters. In total, the number of striking employees could reach 53,000. Our only option again is to strike, said Kathryn Lybarger, president of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299, whose 25,000 systemwide workers initiated the action. We are holding the line on some of the last middle-class jobs in California. The AFSCME members represent over 15,000 vocational nurses, respiratory therapists and medical technologists across the UC system as well as more than 9,000 janitors, cooks and security guards. At the Parnassus Avenue campus in San Franciscos Sunset District, the union members chanted, Who has the power? We got the power! as they marched outside the hospitals emergency room. They wore green shirts bearing their unions name and waved green inflatable batons as passing motorists honked in support. University officials said more than 300 surgeries and 800 cancer patient appointments had been postponed, and all elective procedures were put on hold at the two San Francisco campuses. Emergency medical services remained open, and patients arriving at clinics didnt report disruptions. Today my concern is mostly around patient care, said Sheila Antrum, senior vice president and chief operating officer of UCSF. Im just going to keep on that track and stay focused. Officials at UC Davis Medical Center said they rescheduled appointments for 769 patients, including more than 100 cancer examinations and 150 radiology exams. At UC Santa Cruz, morning classes were canceled until noon because demonstrators were blocking two campus entrances, said Scott Hernandez-Jason, a university spokesman. Afternoon classes were expected to resume. Both UC Santa Cruz and UC Berkeley officials said shuttle services were not running during the strike. Instead, city buses, like AC Transit in Berkeley, were providing student transportation. So far things seem to be fine. (But) we are in the first few hours of the first day, said UC Berkeley spokeswoman Janet Gilmore. In Los Angeles, workers had an unexpected scare Monday morning when a man drove into a crowd of picketers near UCLA. Three university employees were treated for minor injuries. The driver was taken into custody, UCLA police said. AFSCME and university administrators remained at a standstill in contract negotiations. The union rejected the universitys offer of 3 percent annual raises over four years, insisting on pay increases of 6 percent a year. The employees have also demanded that their health care costs remain flat, their jobs not be contracted to nonunion workers and their retirement age, for pension eligibility, not rise. University officials say state taxpayers should not be stuck with the bill for better compensation, especially when employees make as much or more than those working similar jobs. Union representatives say they deserve more. Theyve been tone deaf to our calls around inequality and stopping the outsourcing, Lybarger said. They wont even say the words inequality and outsourcing. She said strikes have been an effective strategy in the past, giving rise to further negotiations and eventually a good deal. Striking is a last resort that weve been pushed to time and again, Lybarger said. Anton Goff, 48, of Hercules, and Andrew Fisher, 58, of Pinole, stood silently across the street from the picket line. In their green protest shirts, they stared as people chanted and yelled while they sipped their tea and coffee and clutched a sign reading AFSCME 3299 On Strike Secure Future For All. The two men are UCSF custodians, Goff for 13 years, and Fisher for 11 years. They said their last raise was nearly four years ago, despite repeated requests for more. They make about $23 an hour. Were just talking a few percent on our salary. Its just ridiculous, Fisher said. Its difficult. They take care of their doctors. Theyre not taking care of the real people. Fisher said he has put three kids through college while working at UCSF but had to work construction, landscaping and carpentry jobs on the side. Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani The U.S. Department of Transportation is again urging owners of vehicles with defective Takata air bags to seek repairs immediately. The agency singled out Ford Rangers and Mazda B-Series trucks from 2006, which are under a do not drive warning. The agency said Monday that it is deeply concerned that they are not being returned for repairs quickly enough. San Francisco is among the key areas of the agencys focus. Chemicals used to inflate the air bags can deteriorate in some conditions, causing them to explode with too much force and blow apart a metal canister that can lead to hurling shrapnel. At least 22 deaths and more than 180 injuries have been linked to the defect. Some 50 million Takata air bag inflators have been recalled in the United States and millions more globally. Lawsuits are pending against the company. According to the manufacturers, only 49.2 percent of the 33,320 impacted Ford Rangers, and 55 percent of the 2,205 Mazda B-Series trucks, have been fixed. Both automakers will have the vehicles towed to a dealership at no cost. Investing Buffett: Stocks still best to buy Billionaire Warren Buffett recommends that investors stick with simple stock index funds not bonds and especially not bitcoins. Buffett discussed a variety of topics during an interview on CNBC Monday after he spent Saturday answering questions before thousands of Berkshire Hathaway shareholders. The chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway said he doesnt think the stock market is overpriced compared with other options even though hes had trouble finding entire businesses to buy at reasonable prices. It wouldnt take me a nanosecond to decide to go into stocks, he said. Buffett said cryptocurrencies like bitcoin are nonproductive assets similar to gold. So Buffett says anyone buying bitcoin is betting that someone else will pay more for it later. Berkshire Vice Chairman Charlie Munger said buying bitcoin with the hope that someone else will outbid you later is a bad business. I think its a scumbag activity, Munger said. Buffett reiterated his standard advice that buying an index fund, such as the S&P 500 fund, regularly over time is the best option for most people. Economy Borrowing rises in U.S. Americans increased their borrowing by $11.6 billion in March as a big increase in the category that covers auto and student loans offset the largest monthly drop in credit card borrowing in more than five years. The Federal Reserve says the March increase in total debt was below the $13.6 billion increase in February and was the smallest monthly gain since September. Borrowing for student and auto loans rose a solid $14.2 billion, the third straight month of $14 billion-plus gains. However, borrowing in the category that covers credit cards fell for a second straight month, dropping $2.6 billion following a decline of $514.5 million in February. The March contraction in credit card debt was the biggest since a $4.4 billion fall in December 2012. Consumer borrowing trends are closely monitored for clues they can provide about the willingness of consumers to borrow more to support their spending. Consumer spending accounts for 70 percent of economic activity. Chronicle News Services In July 2014, a team of four Swedish and Polish researchers began using an automated program to better understand what people posted on Facebook. The program, known as a scraper, let them log every comment and interaction from 160 public Facebook pages for nearly two years. By May 2016, they had amassed enough information to track how 368 million Facebook members behaved on the social network. It is one of the largest known sets of user data ever assembled from Facebook. Were concerned about how easy it was to collect this, said Fredrik Erlandsson, one of the researchers and a lecturer at the Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden. In December, he and his colleagues published a research paper in the journal Entropy detailing how their methods of trawling social media sites could be replicated. For more than a decade, professors, doctoral candidates and researchers from academic institutions around the world have harvested information from Facebook using techniques similar to those of Erlandsson and his team. They have compiled hundreds of Facebook data sets that captured the behavior of a few thousand to hundreds of millions of individuals, according to interviews with more than a dozen scholars. Their practices came to light in March when the New York Times and the Observer of London reported that Aleksandr Kogan, a University of Cambridge psychology professor, had obtained the data of up to 87 million Facebook users through a quiz app. Kogan sold the information to Cambridge Analytica, a political consulting firm with ties to the Trump campaign so it could build psychographic profiles of American voters. Last week, Cambridge Analytica said it would cease operations after the uproar over its use of personal information. But while what happened with Kogans Facebook data set is now known, the fate of other information hoards is murkier. In many cases, the data were used for research or scholarly articles. The information was then sometimes left unsecured and stored on open servers that offered access to anyone. Some academics said the data could have been easily copied and sold to marketers or political consulting firms. The potential result is more leakage of Facebook users information through academic circles, said Rasmus Kleis Nielsen, a professor of political communication at the University of Oxford who has studied data collection from Facebook. The academic world is highly decentralized, and each individual, each institution, has a different way of securing their data, Nielsen said. Even if almost everyone in the academic community is careful and protects the data, you still can end up in a situation where someone is careless or acts in bad faith and sells access. Its hard to imagine how Facebook stops that from happening. The Times reviewed half a dozen Facebook data sets compiled by academics from 2006 to 2017. One, gathered from 2015 to 2017 by researchers in Denmark and New Zealand, examined 1.3 million people in Denmark about a quarter of the countrys population to determine how liking one political page on Facebook could predict how someone would vote in the future. Another set, from 2013, by a group of Norwegian academics focused on the civic engagement of 21 million Facebook members on four continents. The Danish research team did not respond to a request for comment. Petter Bae Brandtzaeg, one of the Norwegian researchers, said he understood concerns about data gathering. As a researcher you get immediate access to peoples behavior, attitudes, feelings and relationships, which are of course tempting for all, he wrote in an email. He said many researchers lacked the technical expertise to properly secure data. The data were typically amassed through scraper programs that crawled Facebook to document what was posted, or through quiz apps that requested access to peoples profiles. The results included users locations, interests, political affiliations, Facebook interactions and even music preferences. In most cases, researchers assigned numbers to people whose Facebook information they had obtained to maintain anonymity. But the more data there are, the easier it is to overlay one information set with another to identify someone. One 2015 paper published in the journal Science looked at credit card spending data and found that data scientists could pinpoint 90 percent of the shoppers by name with just four random pieces of information from sites like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Once people are identified and their interests and interactions known, they can be targeted with advertising and mobilized for political campaigns or other causes. For years, Facebook had no specific policies about academics access to user data, though it had guidelines on working with third parties. While the Menlo Park company has a rule that forbids the use of scrapers, it has not enforced that policy against scholars. And at times, it has assisted researchers with studies. In 2014, though, Facebook began limiting third-party apps, like quizzes, from obtaining users information. Since Kogans actions were revealed, Facebook has made further changes. The company has given people more control over their privacy settings. It has said it will audit all apps that collected large amounts of Facebook data, and it temporarily stopped allowing new apps to gather information. Last month, Facebook also narrowed the number of academics it would work with, saying it would collaborate with those who wanted to research the effect of social media on elections through an independent election research commission. Only scholars with election-related projects can apply. We are taking a hard look at the information apps can use when you connect them to Facebook, as well as other data practices, Facebook spokeswoman Susan Glick said. These other data practices include academic research. One of the earliest known academic Facebook data sets was collected in 2006 by Harvard professors. It covered 1,700 people who agreed to have their Facebook information anonymously analyzed. The data were later easily traced back by other academics to Harvard freshmen. In Britain, researchers were doing similar work. In 2007, Michal Kosinski, then deputy director at the Psychometrics Center at the University of Cambridge, worked with colleague David Stillwell to create My Personality, a quiz app that offered to assess peoples personalities in exchange for data about them. It was one of the first times a quiz app had been used for obtaining Facebook members information. My Personality has now collected details on more than 6 million Facebook users, according to the academics who have gathered the data. Many researchers have since copied the quiz app method, including Kogan. Sheera Frenkel is a New York Times writer. A suspect was arrested in connection with the fatal beating of a 38-year-old man in Richmond over the weekend, authorities said Monday. A fight broke out Sunday about 9 p.m. at Lucas Park, on the 700 block of 10th Street, said Lt. Felix Tan of the Richmond Police Department. Police did not release details of the fight, saying only that one person was killed. From speeches by Sterling K. Brown to congressman Adam Schiff, there's a lot to look forward to over the next few weeks, as thousands of Bay Area college students get ready to graduate from their respective universities. Kehinde Wiley, who rose to fame for his recent portrait of Former President Barack Obama, will speak at his alma mater the San Francisco Art Institute. Nudist revelers celebrated the Summer of Love with a naked parade in the Castro on Saturday afternoon. Wacky hats graced the heads of many participants, but that was about the only item of clothing to be seen, with the exception of the fully clothed passersby and citizen photographers. BAY TO BREAKERS: Costumes, nudity on parade at SF's signature race The permitted parade was organized by nude activist Gypsy Taub, one of the figures on the forefront of the opposition to San Francisco's nudity ban, which was enacted in 2012 by Supervisor Scott Weiner. Taub gave a speech to the small crowd, officially dedicating the festivities to the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love and the "spiritual awakening of unprecedented proportions" it ushered into San Francisco. "The Summer of Love began in the 60s but it never ended," reads a transcript of the speech on Taub's NSFW website, My Naked Truth. Marchers joined at Jane Warner Plaza at 11 a.m. before winding their way through the Castro and Haight-Ashbury. Although touted as a parade, protest signs peppered the parade, many scribbled with phrases such as "Say no to body shame" and "Stop the SF nudity ban." See photos from the parade (some of which contain nudity) in the above gallery. The parade's nudity permit lasts until 2:30 p.m., at which time participants will be required to cover up. Diane de Guzman contributed to this story. Read Michelle Robertsons latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com. NEW YORK Americas abortion clinics experienced a major upsurge in trespassing, obstruction and blockades by anti-abortion activists in 2017, according to an annual survey by an industry group. The National Abortion Federation report chronicled a litany of actions that ranged from coordinated trespassing efforts by abortion opponents, repeated brick-throwing at windows of a Cleveland clinic and an attempted bombing in Illinois. The report found there was an overall decrease in acts of vandalism against clinics but a significant increase in activities aimed at disrupting services and intimidating patients and providers. Acts of trespassing increased from 247 in 2016 to 823 in 2017, instances of obstruction tripled to 1,704 and threats of death or other harm nearly doubled to 62. The protesters are feeling emboldened by the political environment and seeing what they could get away with, said the federations president, Vicki Saporta. They want to make it more difficult to provide care, without going to very extreme forms of violence. The federation based its findings on monthly reports filed by its members who make up the vast majority of abortion clinics nationally. Many clinics across the U.S. routinely are targeted by legal picketing near their premises. But in some cases, the protests escalated and led to intervention by law enforcement agencies. At least 10 people were arrested last May when anti-abortion activists blocked the entrance to the EMW Womens Surgical Center in Louisville, Ky. the last abortion clinic still operating in the state. Saporta said the protesters, organized by the militant anti-abortion group Operation Save America, were emboldened by Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevins high-profile efforts to shut down the clinic. As a result of the blockade, a federal judge established a buffer zone outside the clinic to keep protesters from assembling in front of the entrance. Elsewhere, several trespassing arrests occurred during coordinated actions by anti-abortion protesters in Virginia, Michigan and other states. Activists entered clinics, conveyed their anti-abortion views to patients, and refused to leave when told to do so by law enforcement. The threat of attacks and vandalism can significantly boost clinics costs, notably to provide security for facilities and staff. David Crary is an Associated Press writer. WASHINGTON Melania Trump on Monday gave her multipronged effort to promote the well-being of children a minimalist new motto: BE BEST. The first lady formally opened her long-awaited initiative after more than a year of reading to children, learning about babies born addicted to drugs and hosting a White House conversation on cyberbullying. As a mother and as first lady, it concerns me that in todays fast-paced and ever-connected world, children can be less prepared to express or manage their emotions and often times turn to forms of destructive or addictive behavior such as bullying, drug addiction or even suicide, she said. I feel strongly that as adults, we can and should be best at educating our children about the importance of a healthy and balanced life, Trump said. The first lady said early on that she would focus on child well-being. The goal of her public awareness campaign is to encourage parents and other adults to teach children how to be good citizens, including being kind, not bullying on social media or anywhere else, staying away from drugs and taking care of themselves. The campaign will focus on the issues of well-being, social media and opioid abuse, she said. Mondays announcement followed a period of high visibility for a first lady who once had a scant public presence around the White House. Last month, she joined her husband to host the prime minister of Japan at the Trumps Florida estate and the president of France at the White House. She also represented the administration at the April funeral of former first lady Barbara Bush. During nearly 16 months as first lady, Trump demonstrated her interest in children by visiting with young hospital patients in the U.S. and during overseas trips with the president. Her interest in the opioid drug crisis, developed during the presidential campaign, has taken her to care centers and hospitals in West Virginia and Ohio to learn about the epidemics effect on babies born to mothers addicted to the powerful painkillers. She convened a White House roundtable on the issue last fall. Darlene Superville is an Associated Press writer. NORTH BETHESDA, Md. Chelsea Manning is no longer living as a transgender woman in a male military prison, serving the lengthiest sentence ever for revealing U.S. government secrets. Shes free to grow out her hair, travel the world, and spend time with whomever she likes. But a year since former President Barack Obama commuted Mannings 35-year sentence, Americas most famous convicted leaker isnt taking an extended vacation. Far from it: The Oklahoma native has decided to make an unlikely bid for the U.S. Senate in her adopted state of Maryland. Manning, 30, filed to run in January and has been registered to vote in Maryland since August. She lives in North Bethesda, not far from where she stayed with an aunt while awaiting trial. Her aim is to unseat Sen. Ben Cardin, a 74-year-old Democrat who is seeking his third Senate term and previously served 10 terms in the U.S. House. Manning, who also has become an internationally recognized transgender activist, said shes motivated by a desire to fight what she sees as a shadowy surveillance state and a rising tide of nightmarish repression. The rise of authoritarianism is encroaching in every aspect of life, whether its government or corporate or technological, Manning said during an interview at her home in an upscale apartment tower. On the walls of her barely furnished living room hang Obamas commutation order, and photos of U.S. anarchist Emma Goldman and British playwright Oscar Wilde. Mannings longshot campaign for the June 26 primary would appear to be one of the more unorthodox U.S. Senate bids in recent memory, and the candidate is operating well outside the partys playbook. She says she doesnt, in fact, even consider herself a Democrat, but is motivated by a desire to shake up establishment Democrats who are caving in to President Trumps administration. She vows she wont run as an independent if her primary bid fails. Shes certainly got an eye-catching platform: Close prisons and free inmates; eliminate national borders; restructure the criminal justice system; provide universal health care and basic income. The top of her agenda? Abolish the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency created in 2003 that Manning asserts is preparing for an ethnic cleansing. Manning ticks off life experiences she believes would make her an effective senator: a stint being homeless in Chicago, her wartime experiences as a U.S. Army intelligence analyst in Iraq even her seven years in prison. She asserts shes got a bigger vision than establishment politicians. Manning has acknowledged leaking more than 700,000 military and State Department documents to anti-secrecy site WikiLeaks in 2010. She said her motivation was a desire to spark debate about U.S. foreign policy, and she has been portrayed as both a hero and a traitor. Known as Bradley Manning at the time of her arrest, she came out as transgender after her 2013 court-martial. She was barred from growing her hair long in prison, and was approved for hormone therapy only after litigation. She spent long stints in solitary confinement, and twice tried to kill herself. David McFadden is an Associated Press writer. WASHINGTON President Trump intervened Monday in the West Virginia Republican Senate primary, pleading with voters a day before the election to oppose former mine operator Don Blankenship and suggesting that his nomination would lead to a replay of the partys embarrassing loss last year in Alabama. Trumps decision to speak out on the race came after Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., whom Blankenship has targeted in a deeply personal manner, urged the president in a telephone call to weigh in against the controversial former coal executive, according to a Republican official familiar with the conversation. On Tuesday, a handful of states including West Virginia, Ohio and Indiana are holding primary contests where Republicans are hoping to nominate candidates who can help the party keep control of Congress in this falls midterm elections. Trumps plea gave voice to this anxiety, suggesting that a victory by Blankenship in the primary would all but ensure the re-election of the Democratic incumbent, Sen. Joe Manchin. Don Blankenship currently running for Senate, cant win the General Election in your State. No way! Trump wrote in a tweet. Remember Alabama. Vote Rep. Jenkins or A.G. Morrisey. The tweet was a political gift to Blankenships two main Republican rivals, Rep. Evan Jenkins and Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, in a state Trump won overwhelmingly and where he remains popular. It is unclear, though, how much impact Trumps intervention will have in an election where many early votes already have been cast. The president has felt burned by Republicans when he injected himself into other races only to see his preferred candidates fall short. A victory by Blankenship would be highly embarrassing to Trump, coming on the heels of his inability to lift party nominees in Pennsylvania earlier this year and in Alabama last December when Democrats claimed a Senate victory in a reliably Republican state. In a statement responding, Blankenship said the president is a very busy man and he doesnt know me and he doesnt know how flawed my two main opponents are in this primary. He added that the establishment is misinforming him because they do not want me to be in the U.S. Senate and promote the Presidents agenda. The former chief executive of Massey Energy, Blankenship served a year in federal prison after being convicted of conspiring to violate mine safety rules following the Upper Big Branch mining disaster in 2010 that claimed 29 lives. He has faced a series of attacks from establishment Republicans for his role in the tragedy. He has also been criticized for keeping his official residence in Las Vegas and refusing to fully disclose his extensive financial holdings. With Jenkins and Morrisey dividing votes, Blankenship has remained in contention. Internal surveys taken by his rivals indicate that he is near the top of the field. Jonathan Martin is a New York Times writer. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on May 7, 2018 2018/05/07 Q: The Weibo account of the US Embassy in China made comments today that it objected to the letter of the China Civil Aviation Administration which asked foreign air carriers to change their identification of the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions, compelling private firms to use specific language of political nature. What's your reaction to this? A: I already responded to this issue yesterday. I can restate my answer if you need it. Follow-up: Can you make a response to the comments by the US Embassy? A: Whatever the US side says or does will never change the objective fact that there is only one China in the world and the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions are all inalienable parts of China's territory. China will continue to handle its relations with other countries in accordance with the one-China principle. In the meantime, we have to point out that foreign enterprises operating in China should respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, abide by China's law and respect the national feeling of the Chinese people. This is the basic principle for them to follow when doing business here. Q: According to reports, the DPRK Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that the US recently alleged that the DPRK's intention to denuclearize, unveiled at the Panmunjom Declaration, was the result of sanctions and pressure and that it would not ease sanctions on the DPRK until complete denuclearization is achieved. When the situation on the Korean Peninsula is moving towards peace and conciliation, this act of deliberately provoking is a dangerous attempt that will dampen the hard-won atmosphere for dialogue and bring the situation back to square one. What is China's comment? A: With the concerted efforts of all relevant parties, the Korean Peninsula has witnessed a series of positive changes and the situation is moving towards amelioration. This hard-won situation needs to be cherished and preserved all the more by all parties. Under the current circumstances, all relevant parties more than ever need to stay the course, work for the shared goal and speak and act in a way that is conducive to demonstrating goodwill, easing tensions, promoting dialogue and enhancing mutual trust. We hope that the DPRK-US summit now being scheduled will proceed successfully and achieve positive outcomes, and that the current positive momentum on the Peninsula will be consolidated and strengthened. China calls on all parties to follow the dual-track approach, advance the political settlement process of the Peninsula issue, address all relevant parties' legitimate concerns in a balanced manner and jointly open up a future of lasting peace and stability for the Korean Peninsula. Q: According to reports, the registration for the 71st World Health Assembly (WHA) will end today, and Taiwan has yet to receive an invitation. The WHA invited Taiwan for eight consecutive years from 2009 to 2016. What is your comment on it? A: The one-China principle represents the universal consensus shared by the international community. The WHA must adhere to the one-China principle which has been endorsed by the UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 and the WHA Resolution 25.1 when handling the Taiwan-related issues. The Taiwan region attended the WHA in the name of "Chinese Taipei" as an observer for eight consecutive years from 2009 to 2016. This was a special arrangement made by cross-Strait consultations based on mutual adherence to the 1992 Consensus which embodies the one-China principle. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)'s refusal to acknowledge the 1992 Consensus embodying the one-China principle undermines the political foundation for the Taiwan region to attend the WHA. If Taiwan does not receive the invitation this year, the DPP is the one to blame. Q: According to reports, on May 7, the presidential inauguration ceremony will be held in Russia, which will formally usher in the fourth term of Vladimir Putin. What is your comment on the swearing-in of President Putin? How do you look at the prospect of China-Russia relations? A: The presidential inauguration ceremony will be held in Russia in two hours. We extend our heartfelt congratulations on President Putin's inauguration. President Xi Jinping has already sent a message of congratulation to President Putin for his reelection. We believe that under the leadership of President Putin, Russia will score new achievements in its national development and socioeconomic progress. Under the strategic guidance and personal care of President Xi Jinping and President Putin, China-Russia relations have been growing at a high level. The China-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination is now at its historical best with close exchanges at all levels, smooth progress in cooperation across the board and ever stronger political mutual trust. Our two sides exchange views on major international and regional issues in a timely manner and maintain close coordination within multilateral mechanisms, thus making important contributions to upholding world peace and stability. Presently, both China and Russia are at a crucial stage of their respective national development. We are convinced that under the guidance of the two heads of state, the China-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination in a new era will become more and more substantive and the path of our cooperation in various areas will get wider and wider. Q: Kyodo News reported that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will agree on the maritime and air liaison mechanism aimed at preventing unintended clashes. Can you comment on it? A: China and Japan share the same goal on the crisis management in the East China Sea. Establishing the China-Japan maritime and air liaison mechanism will help our two sides step up mutual trust, manage differences and uphold the peace and stability of the East China Sea. Now the competent departments of our two countries are accelerating the relevant preparation for the launch of this mechanism. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (M.C.I.L.) has expressed worries about non-compliance among Samoans with regards to procedures and processes for Foreign Employee Employment Permits (F.E.E.P.). F.E.E.P. is an employment permit granted for foreigners to work in Samoa. The concerns are highlighted in the M.C.I.L. Annual report for 2016-2017 received by the Samoa Observer. The report also indicates that there is a rise in the demand for foreigners to fill vacancies for domestic work such as babysitting, caregiving and housekeeping. More and more Samoans are recruiting workers from China, Fiji and the Philippines. A total Non-Taxed Revenue collected for permits for the year in question amounted to $636,130, says the report. Evidently there are a number of non-citizens found during inspections to be working without valid permits, the report reads. There is also the issue with employers failing to advise the Ministry of when their non-citizen employees depart the country prior to the expiration of their employment arrangement. Another issue is the moving around of permit holders in work that was not assessed to enable employment in Samoa. But the Ministry assures that it is working hard to remedy the problem. Fortunately the Ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to access the Border Management System to track the movement of permit holders. The report goes on to say that while the Government remains open to overseas skills and experience to complement the local workforce, the priority should be given to the local workforce and Samoan citizens. Permits are considered for non-citizens within specific industries, professions and roles perceived to be high in demand but scarce in the local labour market, the report reads. The recruitment of non-citizens is progressively increasing within industries such as construction; accommodation in hospitality services; restaurants; retail, and wholesale. For the reported period a total of 621 FEEP (Foreign Employee Employment Permits) applications were lodged, 579 were approved, 17 were declined due to inability to satisfy criteria of qualification, relevant experience and the required ratio 1:3 were declined, and 25 pending assessment. Permits issued were dominated by the Construction Sector, Domestic Workers and Hospitality Industry and data also shows the top three countries that Samoa is sourcing foreign workers from are China, Fiji and the Philippines. The M.C.I.L. seeks to improve its F.E.E.P. services, therefore an initiative to strengthen good governance in the assessment and issuance of permits. This has resulted in two key works currently in progress that include the endorsement of the FEEP Policy and the development of an online-FEEP system. (AP) Mormon Alex Landers supports the legalization of gay marriage despite her religion's opposition for a simple reason: She has LGBTQ friends who she loves and respects, including her best friend who is a bisexual man. "I can't look at him and his boyfriend and tell them that they can't be happy and they can't love each other," said Landers, 20, of Draper, Utah. "Heavenly Father loves us for who we are. He wants us to be happy, as long as we're treating people well and we're being who we truly are and we're not hurting anyone." She is among a growing number of young Mormons driving the faith's gradual acceptance of same-sex marriages, even though the religion's support still lags well behind national approval and those of Catholics, Muslims and Jews, according to the survey released this week by the Public Religion Research Institute. The survey found that 40 percent of Mormons in the United States supported gay marriage in 2017, up from 27 percent in 2014. Among Mormons between the ages of 18-29, the acceptance is 52 percent. That's up from 43 percent in 2014. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are 65 and older have the lowest rate of support at 32 percent, according a survey based on about 40,000 phone interviews done last year. That's up from 18 percent in 2014. Nationally, 61 percent of Americans support gay marriage, up from 52 percent in 2013. The Utah-based religion of 16 million worldwide members has held firm to its opposition of gay marriage and homosexual activity while trying to foster an empathetic stance toward LGBTQ people. Last year, church leaders updated a website to advise that attraction to people of the same sex is not a sin or a measure of their faithfulness and may never go away. But the church reminded members that being in an intimate same-sex relationship is a sin. Among religious groups included in the survey, only white evangelical Protestants and Jehovah's Witnesses had lower levels of support for gay marriage. Support was higher among Catholics (about 65 percent), Muslims (51 percent) and Jews (77 percent). The survey found that Mormons had the largest gap between support for gay marriage and support for anti-discrimination laws to protect LGBT people. While only 40 percent of Mormons favor gay marriage, 69 percent support anti-discrimination laws. Luis Miranda, a 30-year-old heterosexual Mormon, said he wasn't surprised by the survey results because he senses a shifting tone among other young Mormons in the singles congregation he attends. He said he grew up as a Catholic in Guatemala believing that traditional marriage between a man and a woman was sacred and important. He continued to hold that belief after he moved to Utah as a teenager and converted to Mormonism. But as he grew older, he realized he needed to meet and spend more time with gays and lesbians. "I realized they were just as beautiful and loving with each other, and as pure as anyone else," said Miranda, of Salt Lake City. Miranda said he sometimes struggles to reconcile his opinion with what church leaders are teaching. He believes Mormon leaders have good intentions. He is committed to remain in the religion to be a voice of support for gay marriage. He finds hope in the fact that the religion believes church doctrine can be altered through revelations from God. That's how the church explained why it lifted the ban on blacks in the religion's lay priesthood in 1978. "If it's happened before, it could happen again," Miranda said. DUBLIN (BCN) A 61-year-old Dublin man was sentenced to 16 months in prison for filing false corporate tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Alex Tse. Shiv Kumar, the former president and sole shareholder of A-Paratransit Inc., pleaded guilty to charges that stemmed from underreporting more than $4 million in income. His multi-million dollar company provided transportation services to people with disabilities in the Bay Area, prosecutors said. Kumar filed false tax returns from 2008 to 2010, according to prosecutors, and cost the IRS more than $1.4 million. Prosecutors said he deposited gross receipts to multiple bank accounts and provided a tax specialist with doctored and incomplete records. Kumar also admitted to using unreported gross receipts to buy property in California, prosecutors said. Judge Jon Tigar ordered Kumar to serve the prison sentence and a one-year term of supervised release. Kumar was ordered to self-surrender on or before June 15 to begin his prison term. ### 436-7264 SUNNYVALE (BCN) Sunnyvale has selected a new Director of Human Resources to oversee employee relations, the city manager announced. Tina Murphy, currently the Human Resources Director for Milpitas, will begin her term on May 21. She will receive a starting annual salary of $234,504, according to a city news release. Murphy has about 20 years of experience in the public sector working for the California Public Utilities Commission and the city of Santa Clara, in addition to the city of Milpitas, according to a news release. "It's always great to hire local talent and we're delighted that she's joining our leadership team," City Manager Kent Steffens said in a news release. Murphy said Sunnyvale has been her home for 13 years, and she's looking forward to learning how best to support the city in her new role. Teri Silva was the previous Director of Human Resources and was appointed as Assistant City Manager for Sunnyvale on Jan. 15. ### Firefighters are working to put out a fire at a dim sum restaurant in San Francisco's Richmond District this afternoon, fire officials said. The fire was reported at 3:26 p.m. at Dragon Beaux restaurant at 5700 Geary Blvd., according to the fire department. Monday is the first day California residents can vote in the June 5 statewide primary election, San Mateo County election officials announced. Every registered voter will receive a vote-by-mail ballot this year due to the California Voter's Choice Act, according to election officials. A man died after a violent assault in Richmond on Sunday night, a police lieutenant said. The 38-year-old man was assaulted in the 700 block of 10th Street at about 9 p.m., police Lt. Felix Tan said. He died at the scene. Tan said that the man died as a result of the assault but the exact cause of death -- such as whether the man died from the assault or from falling -- has not been determined. The suspect did not use a weapon. Tan said investigators are "hot to trot" on the trail of the assailant but so far have made no arrests. Three men suspected of shoplifting power tools from a Home Depot in San Ramon this morning were arrested after a short pursuit, according to police. San Ramon police were called to the Home Depot at 2750 Crow Canyon Road at 6:14 a.m., police Sgt. Nathan Jones said. The suspects fled on Interstate Highway 680. The pursuit was short as the suspects crashed about four miles away after exiting the freeway at Sycamore Valley Road, Jones said. The suspects ran from the crash scene, but all three were apprehended. They were identified as Kamoni Gaines, 26, Daniel Hooper, 26, and John Williams, 31. Williams, who was identified as the driver, was arrested on suspicion of grand theft, evading and conspiracy. Gaines and Hooper were also arrested on suspicion of grand theft and conspiracy and Gaines for a probation violation, Jones said. The California Highway Patrol has identified a motorcycle rider who died in a collision with a Cal Fire vehicle Sunday afternoon in unincorporated Napa County as Carlos Lorenzo-Guerrero, 38, of Rohnert Park. The Cal Fire engine was responding to another vehicle collision on the Sage Canyon Road section of state Route 128 around 1:20 p.m. when the fatal collision with the motorcycle occurred, Cal Fire Capt. Aaron Loscar said. Lorenzo-Guerrero was riding a 2014 Yamaha motorcycle west on state Route 128 near Lake Hennessey at an unknown speed around 1:40 p.m. when he lost control on a right hand curve in the road and collided with a fire engine, the CHP Officer Marc Renspurger said. The fire engine driver Timothy Erskine, 39, was not injured, and the collision is under investigation, the Renspurger said. A person who died in a crash in unincorporated Monterey County on Wednesday night has been identified as Carmel-By-The-Sea resident Joan Michele, according to the Monterey County Sheriff's Office. The California Highway Patrol reported the crash at approximately 9:20 p.m. that evening. The 69-year-old woman's vehicle went off the road and crashed into a tree in the area of Carmel Valley Road and Carmel Knolls Drive. The cause of the crash has not yet been disclosed. No further details were immediately available. A man who was struck and killed by a vehicle in Concord on Saturday night was identified as Gary Nicholas, a 62-year-old Concord resident, according to the Contra Costa County coroner's office. Nicholas was hit by a green 2008 Toyota Prius at the intersection of Monument Boulevard and Oak Grove Road at about 10:20 p.m. The Prius driver, a 23-year-old Lafayette resident, stayed in the area and cooperated with the investigation, according to police. Another driver was arrested during the crash investigation for allegedly hitting a patrol car and trying to flee. Carlos Palacios, 22, of Concord allegedly struck the patrol car and drove away but was arrested about a block away on suspicion of driving under the influence and hit-and-run. The officer in the patrol vehicle was taken to a hospital to be treated for minor injuries. A drive-by shooting in San Francisco's Noe Valley neighborhood late Sunday night sent two men to the hospital, according to police. Officers responded to the shooting at 11:53 p.m. in the 3700 block of 26th Street, police said. At the scene, they learned that two men, 21 and 43 years old, were outside with a group when a vehicle with at least two people inside, both described as men in their 20s, approached them. One of the suspects brandished a gun and began shooting, striking the two victims. The vehicle then fled the scene, according to police. The victims were taken to a hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening. No arrest was made and a detailed description of the suspects and their vehicle was not immediately available. Anyone with information about the drive-by shooting can call the SFPD 24-hour tipline at (415) 575-4444 or text a tip to 847411 with SFPD at the beginning of the message. Tipsters have the option of remaining anonymous. A 23-year-old man crossing San Francisco's Lombard Street was left with life-threatening injuries when a vehicle struck him and fled the scene early Saturday morning, police said today. Around 1:30 a.m., officers responded to a report of a collision involving a seriously injured pedestrian near Lombard and Buchanan streets, according to police. After an investigation, officers learned that the victim was crossing Lombard Street against a red light when a vehicle heading west on Lombard Street on a green light struck him. The victim was taken to a hospital, police said. The vehicle apparently fled the scene and a description was not immediately available. Anyone with information about the case can call the SFPD 24-hour tipline at (415) 575-4444 or to text a tip to 847411 with SFPD at the beginning of the message. Tipsters have the option of remaining anonymous. Workers across the University of California system began a three-day strike this morning, which is likely to affect patients of the University of California at San Francisco, campus officials said. Workers with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Service Unit are holding a strike until Thursday morning at the 10 UC campuses after a year of stalled contract talks and new research showing rising inequality in the treatment of workers of color and low-wage women workers at the university. "We've bargained in good faith for over a year to address the widening income, racial and gender disparities that frontline, low-wage workers at UC are living every day," AFSCME Local 3299 president Kathryn Lybarger said in a statement. "Instead of joining us in the effort to arrest these trends, UC has insisted on deepening them-leaving workers no option but to strike," Lybarger added. Four other union bargaining units and the California Nurses Association are striking in sympathy with the AFSCME Service Unit. The units represent about 10,800 UCSF campus and UCSF Health employees and include clinical staff important to the care of patients, according to university officials. UCSF leaders said they had hoped for a friendly resolution to the negotiations. UCSF Chancellor Sam Hawgood and UCSF Health CEO Mark Laret said in a joint letter to the university community, "striking is a serious matter, especially when it directly affects vital public services such as patient care." The employees on strike include nurses, operating room specialists, patient care assistants, pharmacy technicians and pharmacists, phlebotomists, psychologists, research coordinators and social workers, as well as custodians, food service workers and shuttle drivers, according to campus officials. "This strike is challenging for us," Sheila Antrum, senior vice president and chief operating officer of UCSF Health, said in a statement. "The next few days will be disruptive to our patients and their families, as well as for our staff and caregivers, and our broader community." UCSF officials said despite a contingency plan in place, they expect disruptions to some services. The emergency department and most ambulatory clinics will remain open. University of California at Santa Cruz officials said as of 6:13 a.m. demonstrators had blocked both entrances and classes before noon were canceled except for online classes and classes in which the instructor made other arrangements. Officials with the University of California at Berkeley weren't immediately available to comment on how the strike was affecting the campus. ### A man who was struck and killed by a vehicle on Saturday night in Concord has been identified by police as a 62-year-old Concord man. According to Concord police, the victim - whose name wasn't released because his family hasn't been reached - was struck by at least one vehicle, a 2008 green Toyota Prius, at the intersection of Monument Boulevard and Oak Grove Road around 10:20 p.m. Saturday. The cause of the collision is currently under investigation and the driver, a 23-year-old Lafayette resident, is cooperating with police, Concord police Lt. Sean Donnelly said. As police investigated the fatal collision, another man struck a patrol vehicle on duty at the scene, according to police. Donnelly said the man attempted to flee in his vehicle after striking the patrol car, but was captured a block away. The suspect, identified as Carlos Palacios, 22, of Concord, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and on suspicion of hit and run. Donnelly said the officer in the patrol vehicle was taken to a local hospital, treated for minor injuries and released. Monument Boulevard between Oak Grove Road and Virginia Lane was closed as police investigated the collision, Donnelly said. Contra Costa County sheriff's deputies identified a dead man who they found on Saturday afternoon near the San Joaquin River. Johnson Ng, 39, was from Daly City. Deputies said he is the missing boater who fell into the water near Antioch Bridge on April 28. They found him at 2:11 p.m. Saturday after receiving reports of a body on the levee at False River near the San Joaquin River. Initial reports from deputies said two men were on a boat trying to set an anchor to start fishing when a wake came along. The wake hit the boat, the men fell off and they did not have life jackets on, according to sheriff's officials. A passing boat rescued one of the men. The Contra Costa County coroner's office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of Ng's death. A woman in her eighties was hit and killed by a car as she crossed the street in Palo Alto Saturday night, police said. The woman was trying to cross East Charleston Road in a northbound direction in the area of the 400 block around 8:39 p.m. when she was struck, according to a preliminary investigation, according to police. The woman wasn't in a crosswalk, according to police. She was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. The woman was hit by a westbound red 1985 Toyota pickup truck driven by a Palo Alto woman in her twenties, police said. The driver wasn't injured, and she stayed at the scene and cooperated with officers, according to police. Police don't think drugs or alcohol were a factor in the collision. The driver has not been cited or arrested and the investigation is continuing, police said. A motorcyclist died of his injuries at the scene of a solo crash in Vallejo Saturday night, police said. Officers saw the man driving his motorcycle erratically, without a helmet, around 10:12 p.m. in the area of Winchester Street and Sonoma Boulevard, according to police. The officers tried to stop him, but he zoomed off on his motorcycle, losing the officers, police said. After checking the area, the officers found that the man had hit a fence at the corner of Fifth Street and Solano Avenue, according to police. The officers called medics to minister to the motorcyclist, but he died as a result of his injuries, police said. It appears that the motorcyclist was trying to make a left turn onto Jersey Street but was going too fast to negotiate the turn, according to a preliminary investigation, police said. One person died after a collision between a motorcyclist and a Napa County fire engine Sunday afternoon, the California Highway Patrol confirmed. The fire engine was responding to another traffic collision on state Highway 128 near Lake Hennessey at 1:38 p.m. when the truck and a motorcyclist collided, according to Napa County fire officials. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, and the identity of the person who died has not yet been released. A man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving Saturday after his car slammed head-on into another car on Highway 1 in Pescadero, killing the allegedly drunk driver's passenger, the California Highway Patrol said. Paulino Najera was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence, according to the CHP. Officers got a call around 8:40 p.m. about a multiple-vehicle collision on state Highway 1 south of Bean Hollow Road in Pescadero in unincorporated San Mateo County, the CHP said. Apparently, police said, Najera was driving a 1998 Ford Contour northbound on Highway 1 while a 2008 Toyota 4Runner was traveling southbound on the same road. The Ford allegedly crossed into the southbound lane, hitting the 4Runner head-on, according to police. Najera suffered major injuries and was taken to Stanford Medical Center by helicopter, police said. Another person involved in the crash was taken to Stanford Medical Center with major injuries, according to police. The man who was in the right front passenger seat of the Ford succumbed to his injuries on the scene, the CHP said. In a gesture that seemed fitting to the late San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, a shovel made from melted-down guns was used to plant a tree in Lee's honor near City Hall Saturday. The magnolia tree was planted in a raised median on Fulton Street near Larkin Street by the city's public works department on what would have been Lee's 66th birthday, in a ceremony attended by the late mayor's family, colleagues and friends. "I am forever inspired by Mayor Lee's commitment and dedication to this city, and this tree will serve as another reminder of his enduring legacy of positive change," said Mayor Mark Farrell. Lee died of a heart attack in December with two years left on his term. One of the shovels used to spread dirt on the tree's roots was made from melted-down guns, according to Rachel Gordon, a spokeswoman for the Public Works Department. United Playaz, a violence prevention organization, holds an annual gun buyback event at its clubhouse in San Francisco. The late mayor worked with the group on the December event, in which more than 100 guns were turned in, Gordon said. "The guns were melted down to make shovels to plant trees. Today, Public Works planted a beautiful magnolia tree near City Hall in honor of the mayor, using one of those shovels," Gordon wrote on social media. This morning will be sunny before clouds move in later. Highs will be in the 50s to upper 60s and winds will be west at 10 to 20 mph. Tonight will be mostly clear in the evening before becoming partly cloudy. Lows will be in the lower 50s with west winds of 15 to 20 mph. Tuesday will be partly cloudy with highs in the upper 50s to mid 60s and winds will be from the west at 10 to 20 mph. ### SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) Leaders of San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood today will urge the Board of Supervisors and mayor to provide $1 million to transform an abandoned city property into a marketplace, organizers said. At 11 a.m., representatives of the University of California Hastings Law School, the Asian Art Museum and Unite Here Local 2 will meet in front of the potential marketplace at 101 Hyde St. to make their plea. A company was selected to run the marketplace, but a million more dollars are needed from the city because of increasing construction costs. "We have an opportunity to do something transformative and iconic at 101 Hyde but need help from the city to make this happen," Caleb Zigas, director of La Cocina, the company hired to operate the market, said in a statement. Zigas said the Municipal Marketplace will create jobs specific to the Tenderloin and be a place for businesses that are being driven out of the Bay Area because of high commercial real estate prices. Zigas added that the marketplace will be the first all-women-led food hall in the nation and will be powered by women of color. Randy Shaw, director of the Tenderloin Housing Clinic, which is working with La Cocina, said in a statement, "San Francisco can either invest $1 million to revive a troubled corner or do nothing and allow the drug trade to continue controlling the space. The long underserved Tenderloin neighborhood needs the economic boost." In a statement, three-year Tenderloin resident Gemma Rosas, who cooks for La Voz Latina, said, "As someone who enjoys cooking for La Voz and my son's school events, 101 Hyde St. could offer me the chance to start my own small business in my neighborhood." Two years ago the project cost $2 million, but the cost has risen to $4 million. La Cocina committed $1 million two years ago and will put up another $1 million. Organizers are asking the city to commit another $1 million dollars to make the project a reality. ### OAKLAND (BCN) Oakland International Airport has been chosen by Southwest Airlines as one of the first U.S. Mainland airports to begin Southwest's nonstop service to Hawaii, officials with the Port of Oakland, which manages the airport, said. Other airports in California that have been chosen to provide non-stop service to Hawaii are San Jose, San Diego and Sacramento, according to Southwest Airlines. The new service will begin if the Southwest gets authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration. Southwest previously announced that it plans to fly into four Hawaiian airports. They are Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Kahului Airport on Maui, Lihue Airport on Kauai and Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole on the leeward side of The Island of Hawaii. Southwest Airlines' president Tom Nealon said the company is on track to start selling tickets this year pending regulatory approval. ### WATSONVILLE (BCN) Police are searching for a suspect in an attempted murder after a 27-year-old man was shot in Watsonville on Saturday evening. The man was parked in the 200 block of Palm Avenue when the suspect's vehicle pulled up next to him, according to Watsonville police. A male suspect in the passenger seat fired multiple shots at the victim who was sitting in the driver's seat of his vehicle. None of the shots hit the victim, police said, but shards of glass struck his face and arm. The victim was treated and released from the hospital. Police said he is from Watsonville, but does not live in the area where the shooting happened. The suspect's vehicle was last seen traveling northbound on Freedom Boulevard, police said. The car is a black newer model luxury sedan with tinted windows. Watsonville police have interviewed witnesses who saw the shooting and are canvassing the area for surveillance footage. They have not yet located the suspect's vehicle. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Watsonville police at (831) 768-3350 or the tip line at (831) 768-3544. ### (WB) The daughter of former Cuban President Raul Castro on Friday said her organization plans to submit proposals to the countrys National Assembly that would extend marriage and other rights to LGBT Cubans. Hatzel Vela, a Havana-based reporter for the South Florida television station WPLG, reported National Center for Sexual Education (CENESEX) Director Mariela Castro made the comments during a press conference in the Cuban capital. During Q&A, @CastroEspinM talks #gay marriage in #Cuba; says there will be several proposals to National Assembly regarding that issue and others. @WPLGLocal10 pic.twitter.com/KUXZSZpQTo Hatzel Vela (@hatzelvela) May 4, 2018 On Cuba, a Miami-based magazine that covers the Communist island, reported Mariela Castro said CENESEX in July will propose amending the Cuban constitution and changing the countrys family and penal codes when the National Assembly meets again. Media reports indicate Mariela Castro did not provide specific details when she spoke to reporters. Mariela Castro, who is a member of the National Assembly, spoke to reporters ahead of CENESEX-organized events in Havana and in the city of Pinar del Rio that will commemorate the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. The press conference also took place less than a month after the National Assembly chose Miguel Diaz-Canel succeeded Raul Castro as the countrys president. Lesbian granted custody of daughters children in 2017 More than 25,000 gay men and others deemed unfit for military services were sent to labor camps known by the Spanish acronym UMAP in the years after the 1959 Cuban revolution that brought Raul Castros brother, Fidel Castro, to power. The Cuban government until 1993 forcibly quarantined people with HIV/AIDS in state-run sanitaria. Cuba in 1979 repealed its sodomy law. Fidel Castro nearly three decades later apologized for the work camps during an interview with a Mexican newspaper. The Cuban constitution currently defines marriage as between a man and a woman. Mariela Castro has previously said she supports marriage rights for same-sex couples. LGBT activists who work independently of Mariela Castro and CENESEX in recent years have launched a campaign that urges Cuban lawmakers to debate the issue. Puerto Rico, Colombia, Argentina, Uruguay and Mexico City are among the jurisdictions in Latin America in which same-sex couples can legally marry. Cuba since 2008 has offered free sex-reassignment surgeries through its national health care system, although Mariela Castro has previously said less than 40 people have been able to receive them. Mariela Castro voted against a 2013 proposal that sought to add sexual orientation to Cubas labor law because it did not include gender identity. Diaz-Canel defended Mariela Castros recent doctoral thesis that focused on the social integration of transgender people. Diaz-Canel also supported El Mejunje, an LGBT cultural center in the city of Santa Clara, when he was secretary of the Communist Party in Villa Clara Province. The Inter-American Court of Human Rights in January issued a landmark ruling that recognizes same-sex marriage and transgender rights. The decision is not legally binding in Cuba because it is not party to the American Convention on Human Rights. A three-judge panel in Havana last October granted a woman custody of her late daughters three children who she is raising with her same-sex partner. Acepto, a group that advocates for marriage rights for same-sex couples in Cuba, in January noted the ruling is potentially the first time the Cuban government has legally recognized the legitimacy of a non-heteronormative family. We will see what happens, Acepto told the Washington Blade on Friday after Mariela Castros press conference. Michael K. Lavers, Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association. HAYWARD (BCN) Faculty, students and staff will gather late this morning on the California State University East Bay campus in Hayward to urge residents to support a state senate bill that would likely add more mental health counselors to campus, state faculty officials said. The gathering will begin at 11:45 a.m. on the lawn between the New University Union and Meiklejohn Hall. If it becomes law, SB 968 would require more counselors on California State University and community college campuses, according to the California Faculty Association. Today's gathering is meant to call attention to a "critical shortage" of mental health counselors on campus, as students face increasing anxiety over debt and the cost of living. Faculty officials cited a study that recommends at least one full-time equivalent mental health counselor for every 1,500 students on campus. CSU East Bay currently has one counselor for every 2,450 students. The faculty leaders said May is Mental Health Awareness Month and CSU East Bay is one of many universities across the country facing a mental health crisis. SB 968 would require one counselor for every 1,500 students on campus. ### SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) In a gesture that seemed fitting to the late San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, a shovel made from melted-down guns was used to plant a tree in Lee's honor near City Hall Saturday. The magnolia tree was planted in a raised median on Fulton Street near Larkin Street by the city's public works department on what would have been Lee's 66th birthday, in a ceremony attended by the late mayor's family, colleagues and friends. "I am forever inspired by Mayor Lee's commitment and dedication to this city, and this tree will serve as another reminder of his enduring legacy of positive change," said Mayor Mark Farrell. Lee died of a heart attack in December with two years left on his term. One of the shovels used to spread dirt on the tree's roots was made from melted-down guns, according to Rachel Gordon, a spokeswoman for the Public Works Department. United Playaz, a violence prevention organization, holds an annual gun buyback event at its clubhouse in San Francisco. The late mayor worked with the group on the December event, in which more than 100 guns were turned in, Gordon said. "The guns were melted down to make shovels to plant trees. Today, Public Works planted a beautiful magnolia tree near City Hall in honor of the mayor, using one of those shovels," Gordon wrote on social media. ### In all sectors of U.S. specialty coffee, lots of the most notorious and beloved coffee professionals are white men of European descent, and that ideal often unconsciously informs peoples mental picture of what a coffee person looks or sounds like. Alternative coffee media outlets such as the Chocolate Barista and Boss Barista podcast have started to challenge those norms, but even as non-white, non-male coffee workers have begun to expand the popular notion of who can be seen as an expert in coffee, most major coffee culture forums havent yet started to address the linguistic and cultural barriers that coffee workers from producing countries experience when engaging with U.S. coffee culture. Looking at cafe culture, entry-level hiring bias, access to education, and the nuances of communication in commerce, six Latin American coffee experts discuss the myriad ways that language and culture affect their engagement in and with the U.S. coffee world. Language Barriers In Cafes Abner J. Roldan, co-owner of Cafe Comunion in Santurce, Puerto Rico, started working full-time as a barista in 2013. While working his first English-language barista job in Portland, Oregon, his proficiency in English was less of an issue than his accent; even though his coworkers were receptive and patient, it was challenging for him to communicate with the many customers who also had varied accents. While most of his customers were friendly and curious about his background, some were impatient, and despite the general tolerance hes experienced in the U.S. regarding language barriers, he sees a missed opportunity in the way that English speakers tend to approach people who speak English as a second language: People from the U.S. should see communication as a mutual effort; they can help their ESL coworkers, and have the chance to learn about their culture and work on their Spanish. Ximena Rubio, who works for Quentin Cafe in Mexico City, worked as a barista for several years before moving into wholesale and quality control. She sees many customers from the U.S. approach baristas with a presumption that everyone should speak Englisheven outside the U.S. Not to generalize, but sometimes when customers from the U.S. come in, they dont say hi and they speak right at baristas in English, assuming we speak it too. In the case of her shop, there is usually at least one English speaker on shift at any given time, but in less high-end shops there are sometimes none at all. This not only makes it difficult for baristas to know what drinks to make, it shows a lack of mutual effort toward communicating; learning a few key phrases or even just greeting baristas in Spanish shows at least some level of care. Another barrier for Latinx baristas who speak English as a second language in the U.S. is that business owners are sometimes reluctant to hire them for entry-level barista jobs, even when qualified or overqualified. A Bay Area coffee worker who asked to remain anonymous pointed out that sometimes managers dont want to hire baristas with strong accents from Latin America even though they would have no problem hiring baristas with thick British or Australian accents: Its about their expectation of the right fit. Good people still have unconscious biases, and because of that they often surround themselves with workers who look like them and come from similar backgrounds. With that hiring bias at the entry level, it can be difficult for Latin-American workers in the U.S. to get barista jobs and move through the ranks into higher-level coffee jobs through the conventional career pathways many U.S.-born baristas use. So, when Latin American coffee workers do make it into the few sought-after positions in the green coffee sector, they are often highly educated with degrees and practical experience in agronomy as well as competency in multiple relevant languages; in other words, to make it to the upper tiers of the industry, they have to be many times more qualified than their white, U.S.-born peers. Language Barriers In Education One of the main places Rubio sees language barriers manifest is in the educational access of her barista community in Mexico City. Because so many educational resourcespopular blogs and Facebook forums such as Barista Hustle, news and culture publications such as Sprudge and Barista Magazine, and valuable reference books such as The World Atlas of Coffeeare in English only, baristas in her region often arent able to advance their craft to the degree of baristas in other regions. She adds that this problem applies just as much to coffee producers as baristas; as the actual people growing and processing coffee, they need to have access to industry standards in order to know how to improve their craft, or how to value it when its already exceptional. I absolutely think that if we had more resources and information in Spanish, these farmers would do such great things. Knowing about cupping, knowing about brewing, just being able to know the value of their coffee; not only would prices go up, which would be great, but the quality would go up. That not only helps producing countries, but also consuming countries. Mayra Orellana-Powell, Honduran coffee producer and founder of producer community organization Catracha Coffee Co., points to the huge opportunity that the industry has to allow more producers to learn and improve their craft by producing more Spanish-language coffee resources. We are the producers of coffee; we are the people who actually have the ability to make great coffee. We need to have access to education, especially on increasing sustainability. Many SCA lectures and materials are not translated, and were missing out. Her goal is to encourage people to actively think about solutions. We need to be having this conversation. If those things arent happening, how can we make them happen? Shes glad to see improvement but wants people to keep pushing forward. Language Barriers In Importing And Production Rubio says that not only can language barriers do a lot of harm to farmers, but that sometimes green buyers can exploit that gap, whether intentionally or unintentionally. For farmers in Latin America who dont speak English, it can be tricky not only to negotiate a fair price for their product, but also to accurately assess the quality of what theyre producing. She explains how coffee buyers can claim fairness via Direct Trade while reaping the fiscal benefits of skipping the middleman; they often neglect to consider the fact that importers and exporters are usually more equipped to foster an equitable negotiation because of a shared language. Because people negotiate with people who cant understand them as well as the importer can, theyre benefiting twice from skipping the importer. There are so many great producers who dont even know specialty coffee exists. They may have a Pacamara thats 90 points, and they dont know how expensive that should be. At that point, buyers can offer them a deal thats better than what they were asking, but still not even close to what they should be paying, and still characterize the purchase as a fair or even charitable act. Rosi Quinones, who manages farm certifications and quality control at green coffee importer Royal Coffee, pointed out the myriad benefits and opportunities that come from employing Spanish-speakers from producing countries as coffee workers in general, and more specifically in the green coffee side of the chain. An agronomist from Lima, Peru, Quinones loves working directly with producers and helping them improve their craft and get the best prices for their product; she says that when dealing with complex interpersonal engagements like negotiation or logistics coordination, not only does fluency in a shared language help people to do great work together, but shared culture matters as well. When someone not only speaks Spanish but also understands the cultural values of producers, that understanding is helpful in building the relationship. For example, when producers from Peru introduce themselves, they start with their ancestors and their parents; that tells you important information about their values. Quinones also points out that where many green buyers who only speak English might have to go through multiple translators to communicate with producers who only speak indigenous languages, buyers who are fluent in Spanish will have an easier time navigating translation to get crucial information about how the coffee was produced. Since (like coffee itself) Spanish is a language brought to Latin America through colonialism, the incredibly numerous and diverse indigenous languages of Latin America are often farm workers primary language, informing the nuances of their Spanish and adding complexity. In situations like this, Spanish is a way of meeting in the middle. Mariana Faerron-Gutierrez, a Costa Rican agronomic economist and co-owner of Tico Coffee Roasters in Campbell, California, agrees. In Latin America, a lot of producers speak more than one language and can communicate easily with importers and buyers they work with, but when they can speak with someone who comes from the same place, it makes the communication deeper than just the language. They open up and tell you things they otherwise wouldn't, because through shared culture youre able to make them feel that you value what they are sharing, rather than just focusing on technical aspects like how the coffee was produced or how long it was dried. What The Industry Can Do When asked what the industry can do to improve communication between cultures, all the coffee workers I interviewed suggested that English-speaking coffee folks take on some of the onus for bridging the language gap, from farm to cafe. As Roldan and Rubio both suggest, its not just the job of Spanish speakers to make communication happenespecially those in Spanish-speaking countries. Orellana-Powell is excited to see more English-speaking coffee people leaving their comfort zones and starting to learn Spanish and explore Latin coffee cultures, which are rich and diverse. Theres a huge market of Latino consumers, cafes, and roasting companies in the U.S. and in Latin America, and we need to stop ignoring that market. Quinones adds that while shes excited to see more cross-cultural engagement, these markets are taking off regardless of whether the U.S. acknowledges them or not, and in the process they are creating their own media and trends. In addition to interpersonal communication, the coffee community needs to continue pushing for educational organizations and media groups to translate the resources they create, as World Coffee Research and Specialty Coffee Association have started to do. Beyond that, Faerron-Gutierrez wants people to think about whose stories the coffee industry is telling, and whether they really express the diversity of the U.S. coffee industry: The industry highlights certain things or people, and then it goes back again and again; I feel like this country is so big that it just cant be that there are no more people to recognize. In hiring, managers and owners should start thinking of fluency in Latin American languages and cultures as an asset, not just at the green coffee level but even at the entry level. The U.S. borders Mexico and is home to more Spanish speakers than the entire country of Spain, and there are many coffee lovers out there who communicate better in Spanish than English and would benefit from service that resonates with them. As the coffee industry struggles with global issues such as climate change and labor shortages, its time to examine how certain things or people have come to be seen as more valuable than others and reassess those values. Looking to the future of coffee, white U.S.-born Americans need to start thinking of linguistic and cultural barriers faced in the industry as a group challenge requiring work on all sides, rather than just a problem for Spanish speakers in coffee. RJ Joseph (@RJ_Sproseph) is a Sprudge staff writer, publisher of Queer Cup, and coffee professional based in the Bay Area. Read more RJ Joseph on Sprudge Media Network. A funny-looking fish was found on a New Jersey beach last week, so naturally tabloid headlines declared it monstrous. "Freakish sea creature washes up along Jersey Shore," Philly Voice announced. "Prehistoric SEA MONSTER washes up on beach: 'It's a unique creature'," gushed UK tabloid The Daily Star. The creature, discovered by a woman in Island Beach State Park during a jog Wednesday, was an Atlantic sturgeon, which is indeed a prehistoric fish species, with fossils appearing as early as the Triassic Period, between 251 million and 199 million years ago. MORE: Mysterious 'Nessie'-like sea creature washes up on beach This one, however, was not swimming while dinosaurs walked the Earth. Stephanie Hall discovered the body of the spiky, 6-foot-long fish while detouring around a sunbathing seal she encountered on the beach. "All of a sudden I saw the head of a fish but I thought it might have been an alligator or crocodile or something. It was quite scary," Hall told NJ.com. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Atlantic sturgeon can live up to 60 years. Like the salmon, it migrates up rivers to spawn. For a "sea monster," this sturgeon was kind of a runt, or at least a juvenile. Atlantic salmon can grow as long as 14 feet and weigh up to 800 pounds. Its most distinctive feature is the five rows of scutes bony spikes on its back. MORE: The best of the 1-star Yelp reviews of Calif. beaches While the bottom-feeding fish is rarely seen, dead or alive, NOAA says there are about 4,600 in the Hudson River in New York and 2,000 in South Carolina's Altamaha River. But there are also unknown numbers of Atlantic sturgeon in other estuaries all along the East Coast and Canada. The species is listed as endangered. BEIRUT The leader of Lebanons Iranian-backed Hezbollah group, Hassan Nasrallah, declared mission accomplished Monday after scoring major gains in parliamentary elections, as the main Western-backed faction headed by Prime Minister Saad Hariri lost a third of its seats. The results of Sundays election further bolster Irans allies in Lebanon and neighboring Syria at a time when Tehran faces growing Israeli threats and the prospect of the United States pulling out of a landmark nuclear deal negotiated with world powers. They also underline the growing clout of the group in Lebanon where it dominates politically and militarily. Hariri acknowledged the losses at a news conference in Beirut on Monday, but said its not the end of the world. The international community, he said, should look at the results in a positive way because they reflect democracy in Lebanon. He blamed his losses on a new election law and a performance by his political party that wasnt up to the standards. My hand is extended to every Lebanese who participated in the elections to preserve stability and create jobs, Hariri said in a televised statement. He said he would continue to work closely with President Michel Aoun, who is allied with the rival, Hezbollah-led bloc. The official count shows that Hariri, a Sunni politician with close ties to Saudi Arabia, has lost at least five seats in Beirut, once considered his partys stronghold. Hariri told reporters that his Future Movement won 21 seats in Sundays vote, a decline of 11 from the last election, in 2009. Hariri would still have the largest Sunni bloc in parliament, facilitating his return as prime minister to form the next government. Hezbollah and its political allies gained at least 43 seats, giving another boost to Irans allies in Lebanon and Syria, where Tehrans influence has grown in recent years as it has provided crucial support to President Bashar Assad. The elections were the first since war broke out in Syria in 2011, sending more than 1 million refugees fleeing into Lebanon, a small country with a population estimated at around 4.5 million. The war has divided Lebanon, pitting parties supporting Hezbollahs intervention in Syria against Saudi-aligned parties opposed to it. The divide reflects the region-wide rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The results indicated Sunni voters were losing faith in Hariris party amid a declining Saudi role in Lebanon, a deteriorating economy and general exasperation over the civil war in Syria, which has further strained the economy to the breaking point. Hezbollah is considered a terrorist group by the U.S., but its political wing has long held seats in Lebanons parliament and was part of Lebanons outgoing coalition government. Zeina Karam and Bassem Mroue are Associated Press writers. WASHINGTON President Trump said Monday that he was ready to announce whether he would pull the United States out of the Iran nuclear deal, as European officials quietly indicated they had failed to convince the administration that dismantling the accord would be a huge diplomatic error. Diplomats who were familiar with the negotiations said Trump appeared inclined to scrap the deal and reimpose sanctions on Iran that were suspended in an accord reached in Vienna in July 2015. But it is unclear whether he would moderate that move, perhaps by allowing the European nations to move ahead with their economic relations with Tehran without being penalized by the United States. Trump issued two tweets about the coming decision. The first berated John Kerry, the former secretary of state, for his possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran deal. It was an apparent reference to Kerrys calls to leaders around the world looking for ways to save an accord that he dedicated much of his term during the Obama administration to negotiating. A few hours later, Trump, who has termed the accord a disaster and vowed during the 2016 presidential campaign to kill it, said that he would be announcing his decision at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the White House. Withdrawing the United States from the deal will open the way for Tehran to resume making nuclear fuel. The agreement with world powers required Iran to ship about 97 percent of its nuclear fuel out of the country, and to halt production of new fuel for 15 years. But Trump has argued that is not long enough, and that the accord failed to embrace Irans development of missiles and its support for terrorism around the Middle East. In recent weeks, President Emmanuel Macron of France and Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany have visited Trump and urged him to keep the deal in place. They argued that if the United States withdraws, Iran could accurately claim that Washington was the first to violate the accord, and would be free to resume fuel production, according to diplomats who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Trump believes that once the current agreement is destroyed, Iran will come to the table to negotiate a new one. Irans foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, has said Tehran will not do that. It is unclear how Iran will react, and it is possible that Tehran may choose to stay within the accord, at least initially. That would separate the United States from its European allies, who have made clear they will not follow Washington and reimpose sanctions. David E. Sanger is a New York Times writer. Page Content California is rife with regulation of how employers may obtain and consider background check information for use in hiring and personnel decisions. The relatively new California ban-the-box law (effective Jan. 1, 2018) and the older Los Angeles and San Francisco ordinances and amendments to the California Labor Code set strict rules on when and how employers can consider criminal and credit histories in employment. Before 2014, when San Francisco enacted a city-wide ban-the-box law, criminal history background checks were largely unregulated in California, except for a handful of Labor Code provisions that barred consideration of certain types of criminal records. And California employers were stripped of their ability to use credit checks for hiring and other personnel decisions in 2012, by amendments to the Labor Code that restricted the use of credit checks to very narrow circumstances. Los Angeles and the State of California have now joined San Francisco with their own ban-the-box laws, which markedly differ from San Francisco's. As the number of class actions alleging Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) violations continues to skyrocket, it is critical that California employers understand the basics of all laws affecting employment screening programs and determine what changes to policies, forms and practices will ensure compliance and reduce the risk of claims. FCRA Basics Generally speaking, before an employer may obtain a consumer report (aka a "background check report")which may include criminal or credit history, from a third-party background check company ("consumer reporting agency" or "CRA")the employer must make a clear and conspicuous written disclosure to the individual, in a document that consists "solely" of the disclosure, that a background check may be done. California's fair credit reporting statute also requires a separate, stand-alone disclosure, which cannot be combined with the FCRA disclosure. The applicant or employee must provide written consent for the employer to obtain a background check report. Before an employer relies in whole or in part on a background check report to take an "adverse action" (e.g., rescinding a conditional job offer or discharging an employee), the employer must provide the individual a "pre-adverse action" notice, and include with it a copy of the report and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's Summary of Rights. This notice gives the individual an opportunity to discuss the report with the employer before the employer takes adverse action. Once the employer is prepared to take the adverse action, it must then give the individual an "adverse action" notice, containing certain FCRA-mandated text. California employers that rely on criminal and credit history information for employment purposes must also consider state and local laws that impose additional compliance obligations, regardless of whether the information is obtained from a CRA. California's State and Local Ban-the-Box Laws Restrict Use of Criminal History California's statewide ban-the-box law, as of Jan. 1, 2018, requires employers with five or more employees (subject to few exceptions) to follow certain procedures when requesting and using criminal history information for pre-hire purposes. Specifically, regardless of the source of the criminal history information, employers must: Wait until after a conditional offer of employment to inquire about criminal history, which means asking applicants directly whether they have been convicted of a crime, ordering a criminal history background check, or making any other inquiry about an applicant's criminal history. Conduct an individualized assessment of an applicant's conviction to determine whether it has a "direct and adverse relationship with the specific duties of the job that justify denying the applicant the position." Unlike the Los Angeles ban-the-box ordinance (discussed below), the California law does not require employers to provide the applicant with their assessment. Notify the applicant of any potential adverse action based on the conviction history. The notice must identify the conviction, include a copy of any conviction history report (regardless of the source), and state the deadline for the applicant to provide additional information, such as evidence of inaccuracy, rehabilitation or other mitigating circumstances. After waiting the requisite time period, notify the applicant of any final adverse action, of any existing procedure the applicant has to challenge the decision or request reconsideration, and of the applicant's right to file a complaint with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing. In contrast to the FCRA pre-adverse and adverse action noticesrequired only if the adverse decision is based on information obtained from a background check report from a CRAthe California notices are required even if the employer doesn't order criminal background check reports from a CRA, but learns of the criminal history from a different source (such as an applicant self-disclosure). Substantively, a wide range of criminal records are off-limits to California employers (unless the employer qualifies for very narrow exceptions identified in the Labor Code). Records that cannot be used are: Arrests that did not lead to a conviction. Nonfelony marijuana convictions that are older than two years. Juvenile records. Diversions and deferrals. Although complying with California law can be challenging, employers that hire in the cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco must also look to the ban-the-box ordinances in these jurisdictions, which exceed the requirements found in the FCRA and the California ban-the-box law. The Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance The Los Angeles ordinance, effective Jan. 22, 2017, applies to any employer located or doing business in the City of Los Angeles and employs 10 or more employees. An employee is any person who performs at least two hours of work on average each week in the City of Los Angeles and who is covered by California's minimum wage law. The ordinance also applies to job placement and referral agencies and is broad enough to cover other types of work, including temporary and seasonal workers and independent contractors. The L.A. ordinance goes beyond California-imposed requirements by imposing the following onerous steps on employers when considering criminal history (regardless of the source): Perform a written assessment that "effectively links the specific aspects of the applicant's criminal history with risks inherent in the duties of the employment position sought by the applicant." The assessment form that contains the relevant factors can be found on the city's website. Provide the applicant a "Fair Chance Process"giving the applicant an opportunity to provide information or documentation the employer should consider before making a final decision, including evidence that the criminal record is inaccurate, or evidence of rehabilitation or other mitigating factors. As part of this process, the employer must include with the pre-adverse action notice a copy of the written assessment and any other information supporting the employer's proposed adverse action. Wait at least five business days to take adverse action or fill the position. If the applicant provides additional information or documentation, the employer must consider the new information and perform a written reassessment, which is at the bottom of the form mentioned above. If the employer still decides to take adverse action against the applicant, the employer must notify the candidate and attach a copy of the reassessment with the adverse action notice. Los Angeles also states that all solicitations and advertisements for Los Angeles opportunities must state that the employer will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the law. Moreover, employers must post, in a conspicuous workplace that applicants visit, a notice that informs candidates of the Los Angeles ordinance. Copies of the notice must be sent to each labor union or representative of workers that has a collective bargaining agreement or other agreement applicable to employees in Los Angeles. This notice can be found on the City's website. San Francisco's Fair Chance Ordinance San Francisco, as of Aug. 13, 2014, became California's first city to enact a ban-the-box law. Because the new California ban-the-box law provided greater protections to job applicants, the City and County of San Francisco Board of Supervisors (on April 3, 2018) amended the Fair Chance Ordinance (Article 49) to align (in some respects) with the California law. However, employers with five or more employees working in San Francisco that intend to inquire about and consider criminal history (regardless of the source) also must: Provide the applicant or employee with a copy of the Office of Labor Standards Enforcement's (OLSE) Fair Chance Act Notice before inquiring about criminal history or ordering a criminal history background check. Post the OLSE Notice "in a conspicuous place at every workplace, job site, or other location in San Francisco under the employer's control frequently visited by their employees or applicants," and "send a copy of this notice to each labor union or representative of workers with which they have a collective bargaining agreement or other agreement or understanding, that is applicable to employees in San Francisco." The posted notice must be in English, Spanish, Chinese, and any language spoken by at least 5 percent of the employees at the workplace, job site, or other location at which it is posted. The notice currently is on the OLSE website. Covered San Francisco employers are barred from considering the following types of criminal records (even though these records are not off-limits in other California cities), subject to narrow exceptions: Infractions. Convictions that are older than seven years (measured from the date of sentencing). Any conviction that arises out of conduct that has been decriminalized since the date of the conviction, measured from the date of sentencing (which would include convictions for certain marijuana and cannabis offenses). California Workplace Solutions Class actions against employers for failing to follow hyper-technical requirements for background checks have come to dominate the news. Employers in California and elsewhere will want to conduct (privileged) assessments to strengthen their compliance with the myriad laws that regulate use of an individual's criminal and credit history. Suggested next steps include: Assess coverage under the California, Los Angeles, and San Francisco ban-the-box laws, and California's law restricting use of credit reports. Review job advertisements and postings both for unlawful and mandatory language regarding criminal history. Review job application and related forms for unlawful inquiries regarding criminal history. Train employees who conduct job interviews and make or influence hiring and personnel decisions, regarding inquiries into, and uses of, credit and criminal history, including best practices for documentation and record retention. Review the hiring process to ensure compliance, including the timing of criminal history background checks, the distribution of mandatory notices, and the application of necessary waiting periods. Jennifer Mora is senior counsel in the labor & employment department of Seyfarth Shaw LLP's Los Angeles office. Reposted with permission. 2018 Seyfarth Shaw. All rights reserved. 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Ratings agency Fitch has put Commonwealth Bank on a negative outlook for its long-term debt default risk, citing concerns over the repair the bank has to do following a damaging report on its culture and governance. Fitch reaffirmed CBA's default rating, saying it expected the lender "will maintain its strong franchise and sound financial profile" despite negative findings in the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) report. The revision reflected the bank's "risks in remediating shortcomings" in governance. Credit:Michael Clayton-Jones But it said its revision of the outlook to negative, from stable previously, reflected the bank's "risks in remediating shortcomings" in governance, with the agency concerned managment focus will be diverted from the operations of the business. APRA released a report on the bank on May 1 that described the bank as "complacent" and management as blinded to risks as profits continued to grow. BHP will benefit from the higher prices that Chinese steel-making customers are willing to pay for better quality iron ore and coking coal, says the mining giant's chief commercial officer Arnoud Balhuizen. Mr Balhuizen said about two-thirds of the discount between lower iron content ores and higher iron content ores used in the Chinese steel making industry was structural as the country's heavy industry sought to reduce its environmental footprint. BHP chief commercial officer Arnoud Balhuizen. Credit:Chris Hopkins If we look at how the price differentials have been trending over the last 12 months, they are two prices which you can compare, we think that its a good way to think about it - is that about two-thirds of that differential will be something that stakeholders can work with in a sustainable way going forward, he said. The logic behind it is very sound, and its a logic which has been built up over the last couple of years." Telstra is refusing to reveal how many Australians were affected by the Triple Zero outage on Friday morning, arguing the data will form part of an ongoing investigation. When damage occurred to a Telstra cable last week and back-ups failed, emergency calls were not connected across NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia from about 2am until late morning. Telstra's Andy Penn apologised for the outage, but the telco has declined to say how many Australians were affected. If someone calls Triple Zero, regardless of the telecommunications company their phone is with, Telstra is the operator responsible for answering the call and transferring it to police, fire or ambulance services. But when Fairfax Media asked how many calls were unable to make it through to the emergency line during the widespread outage, Telstra referred the request on to emergency services, which are run by the state governments. Beadle says "gold plating of the supply chain" by Craveable means franchisees struggle to make money. "I was sold a pup from the start. Im very angry that it's insinuated that franchisees have failed because they are lazy or dills. They don't care about you. "They talk about franchisee partnerships, it's not a partnership it's master and slave. The model is unsustainable. They take money off you when times are good and take money off you when times are bad." Beadle says he is now $500,000 in debt and the mental toll has been enormous and that he became suicidal. Underpayment claims Dhaval Patel operated six Red Rooster stores in Queensland and says he has lost everything after having the franchise terminated by Craveable. Loading Patel owned stores in Cannon Hill, Camp Hill, Mount Gravatt, Inala, Forest Lake and Underwood and says initially he had a good relationship with Craveable after increasing turnover in the stores from $34,000 a week to $40,000 a week. "Red Rooster used my example to other franchisees that this is the way we work," he says. But after Patel was found to be underpaying staff his relationship with Craveable soured. "They said you have to pay back all current employees and all former employees, I did that in three months," he says. Patel says he hired an external party called Workers First for more than $140,000 to contact all his current and past employees and organise backpay of $350,000 and also paid legal fees of $200,000. They want to blame the franchisees, they don't admit their system is not good. Dhaval Patel "[Craveable] immediately took the action of terminating the franchise agreement of all six stores," he says. "I said 'If there is a breach, you have to give me breach notice, first of all and time to rectify the breach and if I don't start the process of rectifying, then you can take my stores'." Patel says he lost his stores despite backpaying his staff and he claims underpayment is widespread amongst Craveable franchisees. "There were so many other stores, 80 per cent of the stores are in breach but they didn't do anything," he says. Patel also claims Craveable is aware of underpayment of staff in the group. "They know that," he says. "They cannot deny that. The head office was aware of it. Food costs are increasing, rent is increasing it is the only way to do it. They want to blame the franchisees, they don't admit their system is not good." Patels's claims of underpayment of staff is backed up by consumer advocacy group Operation Redress run by Michael Fraser and Maddison Johnstone. "We know of staff not being paid penalty rates, on public holidays, not being paid overtime and working through breaks," says Johnstone. Patel says he had a bank loan for $2.2 million and had contracted to sell his six stores for $5.4 million but he says the stores were sold for $2.2 million. "I was left without a single dollar," he says. "When I called the bank they said your bank loan is paid off, don't worry. Now I am under mental stress, I have no income, I had six stores and $6 million gone, I am not going to Centrelink to feed my family." The private equity effect Oporto franchisees are also struggling with one former franchisee, who wishes to remain anonymous, saying he has lost $500,000. The Oporto franchisee says he bought a store which didn't make anywhere near the numbers he was promised. He received support but the turning point came when Oporto founder Antonio Cerqueira sold the business to private equity firm Quadrant. "When it got sold to private equity it all went downhill," says the franchisee. "Private equity came in and sucked the life out of it, they cost cut." Antonio Cerqueira founded Oporto in 1986. Credit:Steven Siewert The franchisee says store visits stopped entirely along with marketing and he was restrained in the way he could compete with a Red Rooster store which was right next to his. "Private equity does not go well with franchisees," he says. "I have lost everything. I was living off $200 a week and that was with me being a full time employee working seven days a week. If they want to talk about underpayment it's the franchisees who are not paid who are doing 80 hours a week." Last year he sold the franchise he had bought for $850,000 for $350,000. "It has screwed me financially," he says. "I feel like I have aged 20 years." The system is working Craveable chief executive Brett Houldin denies the business is in trouble and says its ongoing financial viability is directly related to the sustainability of its franchisee model. "It's a system that is working," he says. Despite Craveable's loss last financial year Houldin says the business made cash earning of $46 million in 2016, $49 million in 2017 and is expecting earnings of $51 million 2018. The business is facing a crunch time following its shelved initial public offering in 2017 with its accounts noting a $203,000,000 loan to NAB repayable on 28 June 2018. However Houldin says "like any large business, Craveable Brands periodically looks at its gearing to ensure it is operating efficiently from a capital point of view." A $315 million refinancing was completed on 6 December 2017 "to facilitate its continued growth". Houldin is dismissive of the claims made by former franchisees to Fairfax Media. Houldin says Craveable provided about $160,000 worth of financial support to Beadle over five years to encourage him to trade his way out of his financial difficulties. Loading "Ultimately, however he was not able to make his store a financial success," says Houldin. "Craveable has now introduced new processes where prospective new franchisees have to undertake stricter due diligence before purchasing." Houldin says Patel is currently under investigation by the Fair Work Ombudsman for allegedly underpaying his staff. Houldin claims that Craveable, not Patel, ensured all employees were paid their full entitlements. The Art of Science: Baudins Voyagers 18001804. National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula. Until June 24, 2018. Short-beaked echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus setosus by Charles-Alexandre Lesueur, 180407, in The Art of Science: Baudins Voyagers 1800 1804. at the National Museum of Australia. Credit: Museum of Natural History, Le Havre In the traditional Anglocentric view of the exploration of Australia, Nicolas Baudins three-and-a-half year voyage of exploration between 1800 and 1804 barely rates a mention. However, his mission, personally authorised and generously funded by First Consul of France Napoleon Bonaparte returned to Europe with more than 100,000 specimens and a large number of fascinating drawings by the artists on board, Charles-Alexandre Lesueur and Nicolas-Martin Petit. Baudin, the commander-in-chief of the corvettes Geographe and Naturaliste, and his artists Lesueur and Petit, made their way to Australia in unusual circumstances. Lesueur and Petit could be described as accidental artists. Nominally appointed as assistant gunners for the expedition, once the three official artists absconded to the Ile de France (Mauritius) in April 1801, six months into this epic journey, they became the official pictorial chroniclers for the expedition. The survivors of the expedition returned to France in March 1804 and, three years later, the naturalist Francois Peron and Lesueur steered to fruition the publication of the first volume of the atlas Voyage de decouvertes aux terres australes with 41 lavish plates. The 102 Field Battery the morning after the attack by the North Vietnamese Army. Talk of the Vietnam War and inevitably it is one element of conflict that comes to mind. The Battle of Long Tan is the most publicised Australian battle of the entire war. In a decade-long war that largely consisted of small contacts with an enemy reluctant to engage in pitched battles, Long Tan was different. It began with the Viet Cong attack on the Australian operational base of Nui Dat in the early hours of August 17, 1966. Australias actual casualties were 18 killed and 24 wounded. Long Tan is now remembered as an ''exemplar of Australian soldiers channelling the same attributes of bravery, teamwork and endurance that their forebears had displayed previously''. It would, though, be churlish to be cynical about the timing; the increase in investment in public assets needed to relieve Melbournes much-discussed growing pains is welcome and crucial. Melbournes surging population is putting pressure on the transport system, as well as necessitating extra schools, hospitals, suburbs, shopping centres, parks and other assets that underpin economic growth and community amenity. The centrepiece of the $7.8 billion package for Victoria is the $5billion federal contribution to building the long-overdue rail link to Melbourne Airport. After significantly short-changing ALP-run Victoria on infrastructure funding in the 2017 federal budget, the Coalition has leaked several details of the multibillion-dollar partial catch-up Treasurer Scott Morrison will re-announce on Tuesday evening. Traffic congestion has become the biggest impediment to economic growth, as well as causing tens of thousands of commuters daily frustration and costing business billions of dollars in lost productivity. While there is a valid debate to be had about the optimal rate of population growth, immigration has been of massive benefit economically, socially and culturally to Australia, and should continue at relatively high levels. The solution is to increase investment in infrastructure, rather than to slam the door on immigrants, who account for about 60 per cent of our population growth. So, having the federal government partner with the state government to pump money into roads and public transport is good news, and should pay handsome economic and social dividends on the condition that projects are selected on merit and need, and managed with transparency and accountability. At this stage, that appears to be the case with the exception of the West Gate Tunnel, business details of which have been concealed despite the $5.5 billion project being initiated by a private company, Transurban, and not being put out to tender. Aside from the airport connection, the money Mr Morrison is allocating will help build the North East Link, new tunnels and extra lanes on the Eastern Freeway and two new rail lines, including a link to Monash Universitys main campus, a project even more overdue than the airport link. Of course, much detail is yet to be wrangled, and there are significant disagreements to resolve: some between the competing state political forces, for example on whether the university line should be heavy or light rail, and some between the federal government and Victoria, including on where the airport link should be constructed. Neutral Bay around Lower Bent Street was the most Paris-like part of Sydney according to a neural network that analysed Google maps data. Credit:Genevieve Wild Artificial intelligence that was trained in Australia has "returned" from a virtual tour of 1692 cities around the world with data to show which are the most similar to Sydney and Melbourne. The results are not what humans expected. The machine saw similarities that have escaped human perception such as areas in the Sydney suburbs of Auburn, Ingleburn, Artarmon and Kogarah that strongly resembled Paris. The so-called "Paris end of Collins Street" in Melbourne appeared to be more like the Bulgarian end of Collins Street, while parts of Manly around North Head in Sydney were correlated to Hong Kong. There were even small sections of Melbourne and Sydney that matched parts of Iraq. Huntingwood in western Sydney was strongly related to Erbil in Iraq and in Melbourne, Cranbourne West was linked with Kirkuk in Iraq. The technology used for the research is called a neural network and was modelled on the human brain with connected groups of nodes, akin to neurons, that allow it to learn from data. A man accused of murdering a fellow reveller in a Sydney hotel after they partied at a Kings Cross strip club for more than 24 hours said he shot the man because "he was a dog", a trial has heard. Prosecutors say Hasan Fazlilar saw a reference to police Crime Stoppers on Donovan Mileham's phone moments before he fired a single bullet into the man's thigh in November 2015. Donovan Mileham was shot in the Fraser Suites serviced apartments in the CBD. Mr Mileham, 44, bled to death on the floor of a room in the Fraser Suite serviced apartments in the CBD. Police launched an investigation after hotel staff found his body about 38 hours after he was shot. NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman has promised he will have "more to say" on sexual consent laws as the Berejiklian government comes under pressure to toughen the criminal law following the high-profile acquittal of Luke Lazarus, the son of a Kings Cross nightclub boss. Saxon Mullins, who accused Mr Lazarus of raping her in an alleyway behind the Soho nightclub in the early hours of May 12, 2013, waived her legal right to anonymity and spoke to the ABC about her experience to promote a discussion about NSW sexual consent laws. Luke Lazarus, son of prominent nightclub owner Andrew Lazarus, was acquitted of sexual assault last year. Credit:Facebook The national broadcaster's flagship current affairs program, Four Corners, aired the interview on Monday night. Mr Speakman praised Ms Mullins on Monday and said she was "starting an important conversation on the nature of consent", about which he would have "more to say in the near future". A 30-year-old woman has been rushed to hospital with serious head and chest injuries after being hit by a private school bus in Sydney's east. Police and emergency services were called to New South Head Road, between Rose Bay and Double Bay, about 4pm on Monday following reports of a pedestrian and bus accident. A woman is in hospital in a critical condition after being hit by a bus. Credit:Fairfax Media Five paramedic units attended and treated the woman at the scene, before she was taken to St Vincent's Hospital in a critical condition. The driver of the bus, a 68-year-old man, was also treated at the scene for shock. He will be taken to hospital for mandatory blood and urine tests. A branch of the NSW Liberal Party is set to debate the merits of Sharia-style corporal punishment and a radical proposal to make citizens responsible for sentencing criminals rather than judges. The notoriously hard-right Carlingford branch, under its colourful president George Popowski, will discuss a push to "straighten out the law and order system" by handing sentencing powers to a panel of 20 members of the public, with no more than 30 per cent from the legal fraternity. Mr Popowski, who authored the motion, also urged the reintroduction of corporal punishment, arguing it was the "fairest" form of retribution because "we all feel the same pain". Loading He proposed 10 lashes for theft of a T-shirt, 1000 lashes for stealing a car (2000 if the vehicle is damaged), 5000 lashes for punching a police officer and 20,000 lashes for murder. The NSW government has sold off half as much public housing as it has built over the last three years, new figures show, adding to concerns that its marquee social housing supply programs will have little impact on the decade-long waitlist. The sell-off of public housing estates, such as Millers Point and The Rocks, has been a controversial centrepiece in the governments policy to use money from the sales to build more public housing in the citys western suburbs. Nearly 300 government-owned properties around Millers Point have been sold by the government. Credit:Tamara Dean However, the policy has only financed a construction rate of two new homes for every one sold off over the three most recent financial years to 2017, according to data from the Department of Family and Community Services. The figures, obtained by Labor under freedom of information laws, show that as 1647 new public housing homes were built over the three-year period, 795 were sold to private owners. My one disappointment with the festival program was the lack of focus on the powerful forces around religion. The one session on religion, "A Doubter's Guide to Jesus", was more Christian apologetics than an example of power play. The festival's lack of interest in religion and its power betrays our powerful privileging of the English-speaking post-religious West while ignoring the rest of the world where religion is still a powerful force. Even in post-faith Australia, we see the contest of opinions as Christian world-views are suppressed in the public square including by corporate sponsors, columnists and social media commentary. The Sydney Writers' Festival lost an opportunity to further conversations on religious faith and its powerful outreach. - Hendry Wan, Alexandria Author Emily Maguire is planning on researching a new book about hoarding and whether family, social class and economic status plays a role (The science of hoarding is a novel idea for award finalist, May 7). My bet is that this compulsive behaviour plays out across all levels but, like child-abuse and wife beating, the wealthy are better at keeping it in-house and under-wraps. - Alicia Dawson, Balmain Towers will choke life out of city The building of the Metro Station was an unsolicited proposal put forward by Macquarie Group (Martin Place towers advice ignored, May 7). Does this mean that the government did not call for a tender as part of an overall transport strategy to benefit a future Sydney? Subsequently, Macquarie Group proposes towers to the south of Martin Place without the required 25-metre setbacks. This development is, quoting Lord Mayor Clover Moore, to be rubber stamped under the unsolicited proposals assessment process (again, when they are already being given these rights in return for building the Metro). There appears to be a serious conflict of interest. - Anthony Connolly, Beacon Hill We have spent weeks hearing about the appalling behaviour of the big banks and of the devastation caused by their greed, deceit and disregard of regulations and acceptable policies. Therefore, we should not be surprised that Macquarie Groups unsolicited proposal for two towers at Martin Place shows contempt, and a total disregard, for a quarter-century policy requiring new towers to sit at least 25 metres from Martin Place to prevent overcrowding thus allowing this iconic area to evolve as a light filled, pedestrian-focused public place for now and into the future. This government all too often ignores such issues as sustainability, heritage and public amenity. Let Martin Place breathe. - Cheryl Sutherland, Lindfield Sold a pup The Education Department is considering leasing demountable classrooms from the private sector to address the unprecedented surge in enrolments (Private sector could deliver extra demountables, May 7). If the government had not closed and sold off schools such as Drummoyne Boys High (1990), Maroubra Bay High School (1990) and Vaucluse High School (2006) this may not be necessary. Can we please rethink the sale of public assets, such as schools, to the highest bidder? - Joe Long, Banora Point Too many Gonskis Finally someone has spoken up about one of the many Gonski reports into everything (Gonski review an abject failure and a wasted opportunity, May 7). I dont understand why he is doing a new review unless the old one didnt work. So why not get someone else, like, maybe, a teacher? Jenny Allum makes powerful points, succinctly. I hope the government takes notice. - Sue Milliken, Queens Way Allum notes that students learn at different rates. However, learning itself is subject to different performance levels and, as long as the average classroom stays resolutely stuck on knowledge based learning, how can we expect students to transition into analysis, synthesis and even evaluative performance? Gonski aspires to differentiate the curriculum on an individual basis but stays wedded to the metier of NAPLANs universality. When will educators learn that student performance will only become meaningful when it is compared with outcomes by the same student but on different occasions working with the same test material? - Chester Meurant, Keiraville Illustration: John Shakespeare Driven to distraction I also drive often across NSW and long ago lost count of the number of times I have had near-misses with, or have been impeded by, slow moving vehicles driven by Richard Abram (Letters, May 7). However, I expect he would be totally unaware. - Bob Edgar, Westmead In their comments about using mobile phones while driving, neither Abram nor Peter Stuart (Letters, May 5-6) mention the possibility of using hands free-units. These devices are cheap and readily available and legal to use so long as the phone is in a cradle. For less that $100 a driver could purchase one and perhaps not only save a hefty fine and blot on his criminal record but perhaps a deadly accident. - Brian ODonnell, Burradoo I thought Stuart was being ironic and rather clever in lampooning our obsession with mobile phones. - Diane Erickson, West Ryde His letter made me laugh so much that I dropped my phone under the accelerator pedal. - Matt Petersen, Randwick Cheques in the mail The government knows my name, address and vehicle well enough to send me traffic fines. So why do I have to apply with those details to receive my green slip rebate? - Doug Watson, Glebe Safe security scanning I see that Christine Perrott has concerns, as should everyone, re the use of X-rays for weapon detection (Letters, May 7). I agree. So why dont authorities use PatScan instead? This is an automated alert system, developed by a Canadian company, capable of covertly screening moving individuals for on-body concealed weapons and explosives. The unit is smaller than a breadbox and uses radio wave emissions for detection in real time. This little device makes the X-ray system look clunky and old hat. Why authorities arent using this amazing technology now is beyond me. - Anthony Malivanek, Bray Park PBS makes life easier Its easy to bag the government, but now and then we have stories which give us a warm glow (Magic drug to go on PBS, says Morrison, May 7). Lets not forget the hundreds of drugs also covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme; medications that help so many of us live a healthier life. Now Im just off to the pharmacy with my bundle of scripts. - Joan Brown, Orange Out of bounds While habitually slamming righteous critics for spreading fake news, Donald Trump shrilly supports falsehoods about Chinas territory integrity (US slams Orwellian nonsense, May 7). This mans arrogance, and ignorance, know no bounds. - Yew-Chaye Loo, Figtree Accept no substitutes I am with you, Terry Thelwell (Letters, May 7) on your submarine sub-stitutes scheme. Its your kind of intellectual wit that draws me to this page first thing every morning. - Rajend Naidu, Glenfield Count me in Terry! (Me too! And me.) - David Brooker, Ryde A household name not to be trifled with Thirty years ago when we came here the postal address was North Sydney and our rates notice Neutral Bay (Letters, May 7). When we asked which was correct the postie's laconic reply said it all. "If you want your mail on time use North Sydney, if you want to sell your house, Neutral Bay." - Nedra Orme, Neutral Bay I live in Russell Lea, but if I lean back in my recliner, I'm in Five Dock. My postcode doesn't change, though. - David James, Russell Lea West/Five Dock East My wife and I live at the same address. However, my study is in St Leonards, and my wife's is in Naremburn. - John Flint, St Leonards (and/or Naremburn) What's in a suburb name? - Tony Walbran, Dee Why Heights North By The Sea Not only is "North Willoughby" acceptable, it was there first. In 1865 the "Governor in Chief of the Colony of NSW" proclaimed "the boundaries of the Rural District which is declared to be the Municipality of North Willoughby", which included what is now the local government areas of Willoughby and Lane Cove. - Doug Walker, Baulkham Hills Google plans to wade into the debate over whether technology and the time spent on devices is harmful to people's health, criticism that it has dodged more than Apple and Facebook. At its annual developer conference scheduled to kick off in its hometown of MountainView, California, on Wednesday AEST Google is set to announce a new set of new controls to its Android operating system, oriented around helping individuals and families manage the time they spend on mobile devices, according to a person familiar with the company's thinking. In his keynote address at the event, chief executive Sundar Pichai is expected to emphasise the theme of responsibility, the person said. Last year's keynote was more focused on developments in artificial intelligence. Jakarta: Journalists at the Phnom Penh Post are in open revolt, with half a dozen quitting and the editor-in-chief fired just days after the newspaper was sold to a new Malaysian owner. The 26-year-old Phnom Penh Post is the last remaining independent media outlet in the country and it has been a frequent critic of Prime Minister Hun Sen's increasingly repressive regime, which last year banned the leading opposition political party. Kay Kimsong, editor-in-chief of the Phnom Penh Post, speaks to reporters after being fired by the newspaper's new owner. Credit:AP Human Rights Watch has already warned the sale could deliver another blow to the already-fragile state of democracy in the country. The resignations were sparked by the new owner, Sivakumar S Ganapathy, reportedly objecting to his own newspaper's coverage of his purchase from the former Australian owners. President Donald Trump has vowed to withdraw the US from the July 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or the "nuclear agreement", and reimpose sanctions on Iran unless it is renegotiated. He wants the removal of the agreements sunset clauses, curbing of Irans ballistic missile program and regional influence, and more intrusive inspections of Irans nuclear and military facilities. Tehran has rejected any renegotiation of the signed multilateral agreement, which continues to be backed by the other four permanent members of the UN Security Council, plus Germany. Donald Trump has set a deadline for the renegotiation of the Iran nuclear deal. Credit:AP The JCPOA materialised after nearly two years of hard-hitting negotiations. The US and Iran had to move substantially from their original positions. Washington abandoned its insistence on Iran foregoing its entire nuclear program, and Tehran gave up its resolve to continue its uranium enrichment at a high level. Tehran also agreed to allow expanded IAEA oversight, to reduce dramatically its stockpile of enriched uranium and its centrifuges, and not to build heavy water nuclear reactors for the next 15 years. In return, the other signatories agreed to lift all the nuclear-related sanctions against Iran. Tinka Resources Closes C$16.2M Of Financings Posted by Publisher Internet Full article with photos and tables at:A?https://www.criticalinvestor.eu/ Introduction Tinka Resources (TK.V, TKRFF.US) came a long way doing their financings without the Canadian brokerages, supported by Sentient and IFC, but finally it was time to let them in as the upcoming/ongoing drill programs, resource estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment demanded a substantial treasury, preferably raised well before it will be needed. The raised amount of no less than C$16.2M is among the highest for base metal explorers for the last year or so, although I believe it had a substantial impact on the share price. The company also released new drill results about West Ayawilca and Zone 3. For West the step out hole was pretty successful, the Zone 3 results didn\-\-t return much but this wasn\-\-t entirely unexpected, as mineralization was expected more in the vicinity of hole A18-113 (more to the north), of which the assays are coming up soon. What this all might implicate for investors can be read in this update. All presented tables are my own material, unless stated otherwise. All pictures are company material, unless stated otherwise. All currencies are in US Dollars, unless stated otherwise. Please note: the views, opinions, estimates or forecasts regarding Tinkaas performance are those of the author alone and do not represent opinions, forecasts or predictions of Tinka or Tinkaas management. Tinka has not in any way endorsed the information, conclusions or recommendations provided by the author. Financings With the rainy season limiting drill result news flow, and a new cash injection to be foreseen in the not too distant future, most of the attention on Tinka Resources was focused on a new round of financing after the last results on Ayawilca came out in February, as discussed in my latest update. Rumors started swirling around in January about Canadian brokers wanting a piece of the Tinka pie, and coincidentially the share price started sliding soon after this, not in line with the neutral Venture/base metal sentiment: Share price Tinka Resources 1 year timeframe; source tmxmoney.com This might not have been that coincidentially, as careful observers of the markets often could notice likewise drop-offs after word gets out (for example when the company is doing road shows for a financing) a company is going to raise fresh cash. Stockmovers like interested parties (banks, brokers, big investors) have a clear incentive to get the lowest price possible on such a financing, and especially if they can get additional warrants they might for example even sell (part of) an eventual position and buy back with warrants attached, often getting the shares at a discount, as financings are usually done at a slight discount. In addition to this there was also heavy selling pressure from a sell recommendation of a US newsletter right before PDAC. The first round of financing was finally announced at March 13, and involved a C$7.008M bought deal @C$0.48 plus a half warrant (@C$0.75 for 12 months). The Canadian syndicate was led by GMP Securities and consisted of Canaccord, Beacon, CIBC and Industrial Alliance, which received 6% commission in cash of gross proceeds. There was a C$1.051M over-allotment option which was exercised in full resulting in C$8.059M proceedings, and it was a short form prospectus, meaning that the shares can be sold directly after closing of the financing without the usual 4 month hold period. At the same time, the company was undertaking a non-brokered private placement, which consisted of 2 tranches, C$5.77M (closed April 9) and C$2.4M (closed at April 27), totaling C$8.17M, under the same terms (@C$0.48 with a half warrant @0.75 for 12 months) except these securities are subject to the usual 4 month hold period. The largest shareholder, Sentient Global Resources Fund IV, was a big buyer of this placement, bringing their total holdings of Tinka at 24.7% of outstanding shares, and 23.8% fully diluted. The other big shareholder International Finance Corporation (IFC) participated in the second tranche as well, exercising their contractual rights regarding the offering, bringing their holdings to 11.5% outstanding and 13.2% fully diluted. On a sidenote: assuming a finders fee of 6%, there was a Peruvian broker taking up a participation of about C$653k, so Tinka managed to get some local interest in the end. The company plans to use the net proceeds of C$16.2M to fund exploration expenditures at the Company\-\-s Ayawilca Project inA?Peru, an updated resource estimate and a PEA, as well as for other corporate purposes and general working capital. CEO Graham Carman had this to add according to the news release: \The Company is now fully funded to carry out its planned exploration programs for the next 18 months. Drilling has already been stepped up to three rigs, and we look forward to disclosing the results of the drill programs, and other planned work such as metallurgical tests, as results come to hand.\ It is good to see that Tinka doesn\-\-t have to go back to the markets for the first 1.5 years. Although there was quite a bit of (future) dilution added because of the relatively low price and the warrants of the last capital raise, which wasn\-\-t always appreciated among investors, management did well by pulling the trigger by lack of better offers. The golden rule in mining is always, if you can get the money, you have 3 priorities: 1. take it 2. take it 3. take it. Management told me they didn\-\-t get better offers earlier on, contrary to rumors in the industry, so there is only so much you can do as a junior it seems. The issued and outstanding share count stands at 271M at the moment, and the fully diluted number is about 301M shares. The markets are digesting this financing now, and it seems to me that the current C$0.46-0.48 levels could be strong bottoms which could provide strong support chart-wise, as I do believe these levels were enforced by selling around the financings. Exploration The rainy season has ended, and Tinka Resources is ramping up to three rigs again (the third rig is about to commence drilling, in addition to two operating rigs), and might be looking to add one more later on. A new set of drill results came in on April 25 with somewhat mixed results: Hole A18-110 added a bit of mineralization (12.1m @4.9%Zn), but hardly economic, and hole A18-111followed up with a 1.30m interval at depth, which isn\-\-t economic as well. Hole A18-112 didn\-\-t have any significant results, and I must say this was a distinct possibility as a contemplated concept of lateral displacement of mineralization regarding Central and Zone 3 along the large fault (east of Central, running SE-NW) to the north seems to become more and more realistic, notwithstanding the gossans which were discussed in the March update. By far the most successful hole was A18-114, drilled at West and to the west of the existing mineralization, generating two meaningful intercepts at depth of 19.3m@9.2%Zn and 14m@12.8%Zn. Drill collar locations can be seen here. Hole A18-114 was drilled as management believed there could be mineralization at depth from the left of the existing West deposit (on a side note: the hole located about 400m north of West is hole A17-105, generating an intercept of 1m@2.8%Zn). So far only relatively narrow and more near surface veins in sandstone were intersected in 2015 in this area (see news release dated from January 20, 2016): \Zinc Mineralization (veins): A15-54:A?5.8 metres at 8.9% zinc and 26g/t silverA?from 95.9 metres depth, including: [list] 1.6 metres at 28.1% zinc and 76g/t silverA?from 95.9 metres depth;\ [/list] To give an impression how close good hits at depth could be located towards areas without deep mineralization, here is the map with older drill collar locations at West, taken from the December 2017 NI43-101 resource estimate, also showing A15-042 which didn\-\-t return a significant intercept at all, and adding hole A18-114 in blue. Let\-\-s see how much a potentially continuous mineralized area at A118-114 could add. The West Zone is a compact volume, as can be seen here in this 3D wireframe taken from the NI43-101 report. The total tonnage of the West Zone accounts for 9Mt at the moment, at a zinc price of US$1.15/lb Zn or an NSR value of US$55/t: The density or gravity of the mineralized rock was estimated in the report at 3.6t/m3. Let\-\-s say the additional envelope as a result of A18-114 could be 0.5*150*150*35m = 393,750m3, in this case the additional tonnage could amount to 1.4Mt, bringing the hypothetical total to 44.1Mt. I definitely thought the west side of the West Zone had seen sufficient drilling already, but a few more of this kind of high grade step outs across Ayawilca resource areas could very well prove to be pretty useful, and bring tonnage to 50Mt without another big discovery, which could be a sufficient threshold for another update in my view, and a PEA. Of course I expect more with the currently ongoing drill program of 15,000m and up to 30 holes (my personal target is 60Mt based on one more sizable discovery), but Ayawilca is already world class. The big question mark for me is now hole A18-113, and the planned hole A18-119, because of the displacement concept mineralized potential, and possibly finding more indications of the skarn concept, as discussed in my last update: At the moment, I see the most potential here as the Zone 3 target is fairly large, is relatively untested and has a lot of indicators (pyrite, alterations everywhere). Here is an overview of the latest drill holes drilled and planned: Zone 3 and West drilling is in full swing now, and other targets like stepping out at South and Central, and exploring Chaucha and Valley is coming up. The stepping out at South also contains drilling at depth later on as management is contemplating \false basement\ rock below the current South deposit. As a reminder which I can\-\-t stress enough, the considerable economic potential of Ayawilca remains intact, also at current zinc price levels ($1.41/lb Zn). Have a look again at the hypothetical sensitivity table I estimated when the updated resource came out, which is still valid as not much tonnage has been added in the mean time: At a current market cap of C$127M, there is still plenty of upside to be expected, as opex in Peru is very low in general, providing lots of margin of error on my estimates. As it stands now, I believe with the summer drill program and met work ongoing, an updated resource estimate can be expected in Q3, 2018, and a decent PEA can be expected in Q4, 2018, which will finally reveal economics of this significant project. Conclusion By raising C$16.2M, Tinka secured at least 18 months of cash in the treasury, which is still pretty impressive in the current neutral environment despite the terms. As Sentient couldn\-\-t or wouldn\-\-t provide them with all cash at decent prices all the time, management had to turn to other options. Notwithstanding this, Tinka is now cashed up for a long time, has the support of Canadian brokers now, and has a few big catalysts looming in the second half of 2018. With the 2018 drill program at Ayawilca ongoing on lots of targets which might unearth an even bigger resource, potential economics of an upcoming PEA looking impressive and the chart potentially putting in a bottom, things seem to look bright for Tinka Resources. I hope you will find this article interesting and useful, and will have further interest in my upcoming articles on mining. To never miss a thing, please subscribe to my free newsletter, in order to get an email notice of my new articles soon after they are published. Disclaimer: The author is not a registered investment advisor, and has a long position in this stock. Tinka Resources is a sponsoring company. The views, opinions, estimates or forecasts regarding Tinkaas performance are those of the author alone and do not represent opinions, forecasts or predictions of Tinka or Tinkaas management. Tinka has not in any way endorsed the information, conclusions or recommendations provided by the author. All facts are to be checked by the reader. For more information go to www.tinkaresources.com and read the companyas profile andA?official documents onA?www.sedar.com, alsoA?for important risk disclosures. This article is provided for information purposes only, and is not intended to be investment advice of any kind, and all readers are encouraged to do their own due diligence, and talk to their own licensed investment advisors prior to making any investment decisions. Ayawilca project surroundings Leading Independent Proxy Advisory Firms ISS and Glass Lewis Recommend US Cobalt Shareholders Vote \FOR\ Proposed Acquisition by First Cobalt Posted by Publisher Internet US Cobalt Inc. (TSX-V: USCO, OTCQB: USCFF) (?US Cobalt?) and First Cobalt Corp. (TSX-V: FCC; ASX: FCC; OTCQX: FTSSF) (?First Cobalt? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LY4qXCoWstE&t=1s) are pleased to announce two leading independent proxy advisory firms, Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass, Lewis & Co., have recommend that US Cobalt shareholders vote \FOR\ the previously announced acquisition by First Cobalt. The transaction will further enhance First Cobalt?s position as a pure-play North American cobalt company. US Cobalt CEO Wayne Tisdale commented, \We are pleased that both ISS and Glass Lewis have recommended US Cobalt shareholders vote FOR our proposed merger. Our Board of Directors firmly believes this transaction is in the best interests of all stakeholders. On completion of this transaction, US Cobalt shareholders will have meaningful ownership in a vertically integrated pure-play cobalt company with a proven and experienced management team that shares our commitment to creating long-term sustainable value.\ The transaction will strategically position First Cobalt as a leading non-DRC cobalt company with three significant North American assets: the Canadian Cobalt Camp, with more than 50 past producing mines; the Iron Creek Project in Idaho, which has a historic mineral resource estimate (non-compliant with NI 43-101) of 1.3M tons grading 0.59% cobalt; and the only permitted cobalt refinery in North America capable of producing battery materials. Under the terms of the transaction, all of the US Cobalt issued and outstanding common shares will be exchanged on the basis of 1.5 First Cobalt common shares for each US Cobalt common share issued and outstanding. ISS and Glass Lewis are widely recognized as leading independent voting and corporate governance advisory firms. Their analysis and recommendations are relied on by many major institutional investment firms, mutual funds and fiduciaries throughout North America. The Board of Directors of US Cobalt has unanimously recommended that US Cobalt securityholders vote in favour of the Transaction. Registered US Cobalt securityholders are encouraged to vote by proxy, which must be received by Computershare Trust Company of Canada by 11:00 am (Pacific time) on May 15, 2018. If you have any questions or require assistance in voting, please contact US Cobalt?s proxy solicitation agent D.F. King at 1-800-833-2158 toll free in North America, call collect outside North America at 1-212-771-1133 or by email at inquiries@dfking.com. The meeting of US Cobalt securityholders to approve the transaction 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 am (Pacific time). All US Cobalt shareholders are encouraged to read the information circular with respect to the transaction, which was mailed to shareholders of record as of April 13, 2018. The meeting materials have also been filed on US Cobalt?s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and US Cobalt?s website (www.uscobaltinc.com).? 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. About First Cobalt First Cobalt aims to create the largest pure-play cobalt exploration and development company in the world. The Company 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. 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 In Europe: Swiss Resource Capital AG Jochen Staiger info@resourcce-capital.ch www.resource-capital.ch 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 ?will?, ?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, statements regarding the meeting and the Transaction, including the anticipated results of the Transaction. 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. EnWave Signs Technology Evaluation and License Option Agreement with Nordic Food Processing Company Posted by Publisher Internet EnWave Corporation (TSX-V:ENW | FSE:E4U) (?EnWave?, or the \Company\ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyKTfx_H0Tk&list=PLBpDlKjdv3ypkh7KAuWE9LklnI4bfY-_H&index=1&t=62s? ) announced today that the Company has signed a Technology Evaluation and License Option Agreement (?TELOA?) with a food processing company based in a Nordic country (the ?Partner?) to develop several dairy, vegetable, meat and seafood products using EnWave?s patented Radiant Energy Vacuum (?REV??) dehydration technology. The Partner and EnWave signed the TELOA after several successful product development sessions conducted at the Company?s pilot plant facility in Vancouver, Canada. The Partner will now focus on the refinement of selected product applications and evaluate their commercial viability in both the Nordic market and abroad. The TELOA grants the Partner a six-month exclusive term to evaluate REV? technology and potentially license its use in the Nordic country. All other terms of the TELOA are confidential. About EnWave EnWave Corporation, a Vancouver-based advanced technology company, has developed Radiant Energy Vacuum (?REV??) ? an innovative, proprietary method for the precise dehydration of organic materials. EnWave has further developed patent-pending methods for uniformly drying and decontaminating cannabis through the use of REV? technology, shortening the time from harvest to marketable cannabis products. REV? technology?s commercial viability has been demonstrated and is growing rapidly across several market verticals in the food, and pharmaceutical sectors including legal cannabis. EnWave?s strategy is to sign royalty-bearing commercial licenses with industry leaders in multiple verticals for the use of REV? technology. The company has signed over twenty royalty-bearing licenses to date, opening up nine distinct market sectors for commercialization of new and innovative products. In addition to these licenses, EnWave has formed a Limited Liability Company, NutraDried Food Company LLC, to develop, manufacture, market and sell all-natural cheese snack products in the United States under the Moon Cheese? brand. EnWave has introduced REV? as the new dehydration standard in the food and biological material sectors: faster and cheaper than freeze drying, with better end product quality than air drying or spray drying. EnWave currently has three commercial REV? platforms: nutraREV? which is used in the food industry to dry food products quickly and at low-cost, while maintaining high levels of nutrition, taste, texture and colour; powderREV? which is used for the bulk dehydration of food cultures, probiotics and fine biochemicals such as enzymes below the freezing point, and quantaREV? which is used for continuous, high-volume low-temperature drying. An additional platform, freezeREV?, is being developed as a new method to stabilize and dehydrate biopharmaceuticals such as vaccines and antibodies. More information about EnWave is available at www.enwave.net. ?EnWave Corporation Dr. Tim Durance President & CEO For further information: John P.A. Budreski, Executive Chairman at +1 (416) 930-0914 E-mail: jbudreski@enwave.net Brent Charleton, CFA, Senior Vice President, Sales and Business Development at +1 (778) 378-9616 E-mail: bcharleton@enwave.net ??? Deborah Honig, Corporate Development, Adelaide Capital Markets at +1 (647) 203-8793 E-mail: dhonig@enwave.net Safe Harbour for Forward-Looking Information Statements: This press release may contain forward-looking information based on management\-\-s expectations, estimates and projections. All statements that address expectations or projections about the future, including statements about the Company\-\-s strategy for growth, product development, market position, expected expenditures, and the expected synergies following the closing are forward-looking statements. All third party claims referred to in this release are not guaranteed to be accurate. All third party references to market information in this release are not guaranteed to be accurate as the Company did not conduct the original primary research. These statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. 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 Georgetown, SC (29440) Today Mostly cloudy...isolated thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 79F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. 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... Future Mars rovers could carry onboard water to perform subcritical water extraction in order to detect amino acids despite the presence of perchlorate in the Martian regolith. A new experiment designed to detect amino acids on Mars, in spite of the reactive perchlorate in the Martian soil that typically breaks organic compounds down, could fly on a future mission to Mars to help in the search for life there. Amino acids could be signs of life as we know it, past or present (though these molecules have been spotted on comets, suggesting that they can form abiotically off Earth without too much trouble). So naturally, when NASA's Phoenix Mars lander collected samples of the Red Planet's soil (aka regolith), scientists looked for these organic compounds. Yet when they tested the regolith for amino acids, they were nowhere to be found. There had to be some organic compounds, though, even if they just came from meteorites that landed on Mars. When a wet chemical analysis was done, the problem became obvious. The alkaline soil samples contained almost 1 percent perchlorate (ClO4), which is a highly reactive chemical. So when the scientists had originally tested for organics using pyrolysis (i.e., using high temperatures to break compounds down), the perchlorate, which is used on Earth as an explosive and fuel propellant, destroyed the very molecules they were looking for. Perchlorate specializes in combusting organics when heated no wonder there were none in any of the samples. [The Search for Life on Mars (A Photo Timeline)] To get around the problem, a new tool was needed, and not only did it need to deal with the perchlorate issue, it also had to be simple enough to safely make it to Mars on the next lander. A recent paper by Aaron Noell at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, looked at using subcritical water extraction (SCWE, pronounced 'squee') as a solution to the pyrolysis/perchlorate problem. "SCWE sounds more complicated than it is," Noell told Astrobiology Magazine. "We jokingly refer to it as making Martian espresso, because basically, you put high-pressure hot water into the soil sample. Pyrolysis is a very good technique for many compounds, but amino acids are preferably soluble in water." The view of the north polar region of Mars from the Phoenix lander, which discovered perchlorate in the Martian regolith. (Image credit: NASA/JPLCaltech/University of Arizona/Texas A&M University) In his study, Noell used three different soil analogs (a JSC Mars1A simulant, an Atacama desert soil, and an Antarctica Dry Valleys soil) from Earth, as well as a control, to test the SCWE technique. He and his team tested SCWE at temperatures of 185, 200, and 215 degrees Celsius and for various times ranging from 10 minutes to two hours. They found "high yields of native amino acidswith minimal disruption of the distribution of those amino acids, even in the presence of a perchlorate salt," according to the paper's abstract. Samuel Kounaves, Professor of Chemistry at Tufts University and Lead Scientist for the Wet Chemistry Lab on the Phoenix lander, who was not involved in the research for this paper, thinks SCWE could be a good way to analyze Martian soils on future missions. "With some improvements, SCWE would deliver a lot of advantages to a space mission," he said, adding that he would like to see future tests try even higher temperatures than 215 degrees, which would make more large organic molecules soluble, and would also help researchers understand the full impact of the perchlorate on the SCWE testing method. He'd also like to see testing on Mars simulant soils that are closer to what's found on Mars than some of those used in the most recent research. However, Kounaves likes the simplicity of using water as a solvent. "Transporting water [on a Mars lander] is relatively simple since it is easy to store and non-corrosive," he said. "Other things that are more complex aren't as easily stored. And once you extract things with water, they are easier to work with." [The 7 Biggest Mysteries of Mars] Noell calls SCWE a "tantalizing technique" because the properties of water change as the temperature is raised, so scientists can use it to target other compounds when testing soils. "Amino acids have long been high-priority targets of the astrobiology community," he said. "We want to move on and start targeting long-chain fatty acids and potentially even some of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs; these are large molecules made from hydrogen and carbon atoms), which are not typically soluble in water, but at the high temperatures of SCWE, they start to be." This means that if SCWE were part of a future mission's wet lab, one extraction solvent would work for a wide range of different types of compounds. Testing soils with SCWE has a third advantage: At higher temperatures, the process helps break apart polypeptides (short chains of amino acids linked together) into individual amino acids. This allows researchers to determine where the amino acids came from, which in turn provides clues as to the existence of life versus the building blocks for life. More elaborate chemistry often indicates life, Noell said: "When molecules of greater complexity are more easily found, then scientists can start determining whether past life, present life, or some abiotic Martian process is the most likely culprit." Then scientists can start asking the next set of questions about life on Mars, he added. For example, are the polypeptides similar to those found on earth? If so, in what type of organism are they found? Speaking of which, the perchlorate in the Martian regolith isn't all bad news. While it did get in the way of finding the signs of life scientists are looking for, its presence may actually be a good sign for the possible habitability of Mars. Yes, perchlorate is combustible, but as an anti-freezing agent it also facilitates liquid water on Mars, which would otherwise be impossible at an atmospheric pressure that's about 0.6 percent that of Earth. And since perchlorate can be broken down to release oxygen, it means there's an on-planet source of what we need to breathe. As for life on Mars, there may be little evidence to be found on the surface, no matter what the chemistry or techniques used to detail it. "At this point, all the evidence that I have seen points to the surface of Mars being bad for life but we may find [life] underground," Kounaves said. "There could be some chemotropic bacteria that uses perchlorate as an energy source there could be a whole ecosystem that even had liquid water available to it." So to find life on Mars, Kounaves said, "We are going to need to drill." The work was supported by the NASA Astrobiology Science and Technology Instrument Development (ASTID) program. NASA Astrobiology provides resources for this and other Research and Analysis programs within the NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) that solicit proposals relevant to astrobiology research. This story was provided by Astrobiology Magazine, a web-based publication sponsored by the NASA astrobiology program. This version of the story published on Space.com. Space travelers in science fiction often use "warp drive" to quickly travel across long distances in space. Will humans ever figure out how to travel faster than light? How hard is it to hop to the nearest star system or soar across the galaxy? A typical "Star Trek" or "Star Wars" movie makes it look easy. When the heroes get a distant distress call, they use "warp drive" or "hyperdrive" and arrive at their destination within minutes or hours. If we got the right propulsion, would it be possible for us to voyage that quickly in real life? Almost 50 years ago, humans were walking on the moon. But we stopped going in 1972 and never ventured any farther, except by sending robotic probes. Humans have never gone to Jupiter, as the book and movie "2001: A Space Odyssey" promised us, or even to Mars. What is it that makes travel far away so difficult? Besides the obvious human health concerns (living in microgravity tends to weaken a body over time) and budgetary issues, there are vast technological problems with traveling to faraway places. Space exploration will be covered in "AMC Visionaries: James Cameron's Story of Science Fiction," which runs its second episode tonight (May 7). While experts are working on interstellar travel concepts, they warn that our expectations of instantaneous travel are probably too high. "The problem with most of the science fiction faster-than-light travel is [that] it makes a tremendously difficult thing seem as if it's very easy," warned Geoffrey Landis, a NASA scientist and science fiction author who has worked on the problem of interstellar propulsion. [Gallery: Visions of Interstellar Starship Travel] James Cameron (left) stands with "Star Wars" creator George Lucas. (Image credit: Michael Moriatis/AMC) Accelerating a spacecraft with pure energy would take a lot of propulsion, not to mention that you would eventually run into a speed limit. According to physics laid down by& Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity a century ago, as an object approaches the speed of light, its mass reaches infinity. So, in other words, a spacecraft couldn't physically go as fast as light. Some science fiction stories (such as the 1962 children's book "A Wrinkle in Time," which was recently released as a film in theaters) use wormholes to get around the problems with instant travel. But wormholes also have issues. It's hard to figure out how to get enough mass in one place to create one, although black holes are a leading candidate. Then there are the problems of figuring out how to hold wormholes open and how to safely traverse them. And whether you travel near the speed of light or use a wormhole, you would likely run into the phenomenon of time dilation. As a spacecraft moves at speeds approaching that of light, occupants would age at a slower rate than their friends and family back home, Einstein's theory of special relativity shows. So, people on a long voyage may return to find their loved ones greatly aged, or dead. Even astronauts on the International Space Station experience the effects of time dilation (to a much smaller extent) upon returning to Earth. This happened to astronaut Scott Kelly after he spent nearly a year in space between 2015 and 2016. When he came home, his age gap over his twin, Mark Kelly, had increased by 5 milliseconds. Real-life interstellar travel Interstellar travel is still possible, but as far as we know, the best option is to think fairly local for now. The nearest star system to us is Alpha Centauri. In 2016, scientists discovered an Earth-size planet in the habitable zone of one of Alpha Centauri's stars, a red dwarf called Proxima Centauri. (There's debate about whether Proxima Centauri's stellar activity has too much radiation for life to exist on its planet, but the jury is still out on that.) Alpha Centauri is close enough to be intriguing: just about four years away if you travel at the speed of light. But at slower speeds, it's still pretty far. If the Voyager 2 spacecraft (which launched in 1977 and breached interstellar space in 2012) had gone in that direction, it wouldn't reach Alpha Centauri for another 75,000 years. We'll need a quicker solution. Back in 1998, one of Landis' interstellar concepts was funded by NASA's Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program; NIAC examines far-out ideas for space exploration that may not be used for decades. In essence, Landis' proposal suggested using lasers to push a spacecraft equipped with sails, building on ideas published by physicist Robert Forward in 1984. The concept was later picked up by the Breakthrough Starshot group, which in 2016 announced that it hopes to eventually send mini-spacecraft to Alpha Centauri. Landis said his idea would work for people, but unless you made the spacecraft very small (as Breakthrough proposes doing), you would not get to Alpha Centauri quickly. It's only if you "send a very small probe," he told Space.com, "that you could make it smaller and faster, and perhaps get to the nearest star in something less than a lifetime." NIAC continues to fund interstellar studies, as it did in 2017 when it awarded a Phase 1 grant to Heidi Fearn at the Space Studies Institute in Mojave, California. The type of interstellar spacecraft propulsion studied in this grant might use Mach effects to move across the universe. The term "Mach effects" refers to how the rest masses of objects vary as they accelerate, with changes occurring to their internal energies. Other interstellar ideas Of course, lasers aren't the only solution to getting somewhere far away, and fast. Back in 1958, General Atomics' Ted Taylor and physicist Freeman Dyson of Princeton University worked on an initiative called Project Orion, which would use atomic bomb explosions to propel a spacecraft. But Landis cautioned that the Orion proposal would need between 300,000 and 30 million hydrogen bombs. "That's a pretty hard ship to do," he remarked. Nuclear power, however, remains a popular thought experiment for space travel. In the 1950s, a joint NASA/U.S. Atomic Energy Commission program called Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application (NERVA) examined nuclear fission (splitting atoms) as a means of traveling around the solar system. Research continues in the field. Last week, NASA and the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration released the results of a demonstration called Kilopower Reactor Using Stirling Technology (KRUSTY). Their system showed that nuclear fission could be used for going to solar system destinations, such as the moon or Mars. Nuclear fusion (fusing atoms) is another possibility; a 2012 NIAC proposal by the University of Washington's John Slough examined a fusion rocket for getting to Mars or other destinations quickly. The British Interplanetary Society (BIS) also examined fusion in the 1970s, in an initiative called Project Daedalus. And the BIS project was, in turn, picked up by Icarus Interstellar, which is aiming to design a starship by the year 2100 that could use fusion technologies. The caveat is that current fusion reactor systems are inefficient, requiring more energy input than they actually output. "We can create fusion bombs at least and have made progress at fusion reactors," Richard Obousy, a director and former president of Icarus Interstellar, told Space.com. "It's not beyond the realm of possibilities in a few decades, if there was a concerted effort." Other possibilities include ion propulsion (accelerating nuclear ions with electricity, such as was done in the robotic Dawn spacecraft) or nuclear electric thrusters, which provide little thrust but are more efficient in terms of fuel usage. To move faster, one could use an antimatter engine, which would interact with normal matter to propel a ship at high speed. The challenge there is not only in generating antimatter in large quantities (something we don't yet know how to do know), but also in making sure the explosion happens when we want it to occur. After all, if antimatter and matter touch, they annihilate each other instantly, releasing tremendous energy. There's also the brute-force method of employing a chemical rocket: the types of rockets that routinely launch from Earth today, using fuel such as liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. A spacecraft could use enough propulsion to get to 10 percent the speed of light. That's not all that fast by celestial terms, but it's enough to get moving at a reasonable pace. But as Obousy said, a single-stage rocket would require more mass than exists in the known universe. "This can be mitigated with multiple stages, but it gives you an idea as to why going the speed of light is an unrealistic option for chemical rockets," he added. New horizons Additionally, scientists would be glad to study the interstellar medium (the gas and dust that lie in between stars), and the public would appreciate close-up pictures of distant worlds, he said. "I don't think we can ever underestimate something as tremendous as taking a picture of a planet in another solar system up close," Obousy said, "and then of course, which is more exciting, there are astrobiological studies. As far as we know, we are the only life in the universe, but I think the idea that there could be life on other worlds is certainly quite tantalizing, and I think people are interested." Landis said that if there's one lesson from exploring space, it's that the universe is "weirder than we thought." Observations of exoplanets done with the Kepler Space Telescope, for example, have revealed solar systems wildly unlike our own. Some have "hot Jupiters," or huge gas-giant planets orbiting close to their parent stars. Other solar systems may have "super-Earths," or rocky worlds that are between the size of Earth and Neptune. So, this makes it harder to predict what people may encounter as they look at faraway places, Landis said. "There are all sorts of things that we never imagined," he said. "So, the first thing we'd discover if we solve the problems and go out and start exploring other planets is they are strange beyond what we can believe." This story was inspired by Episode 2 of "AMC Visionaries: James Cameron's Story of Science Fiction," which airs tonight at 10 p.m. EDT/PDT (9 p.m. CDT). A companion book is available on Amazon.com. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com. SpaceX's first Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket rolls to its launch pad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. SpaceX is set to debut the latest, most advanced version of its workhorse Falcon 9 rocket this Thursday (May 10). The company determined that its first Falcon 9 "Block 5" booster is ready to go, after analyzing data from a routine prelaunch static-fire test that occurred Friday (May 4) at historic Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. "Targeting Falcon 9 Block 5 launch of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 on May 10 from Pad 39A in Florida," SpaceX representatives wrote on Twitter today (May 7). [6 Fun Facts About SpaceX] See more Bangabandhu 1 is a communications satellite that SpaceX is launching for the government of Bangladesh. The two-stage Block 5 Falcon 9 is designed to take reusability to new heights. SpaceX has landed and re-flown numerous Falcon 9 first stages over the past few years, but none of these individual boosters has launched more than twice. Block 5 first stages, however, are designed to fly 10 times with just inspections between landing and liftoff, and 100 times with some refurbishment involved, SpaceX representatives have said. "Block 5 basically summarizes all that we learned on reusability," Hans Koenigsmann, SpaceX vice president of build and flight reliability, said last month during a news conference before the launch of NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, which lifted off atop a Falcon 9 Block 4. "It's a reliability upgrade that combines reliability and reusability." When asked to provide an example of one of the Block 5's improvements, Koenigsmann cited materials in the first stage's heat shield, near the engine base. "But there's a lot of details here that are very technical," he added. The Block 5 has also been designed to meet NASA's crew-carrying requirements. Like Boeing, SpaceX holds a contract to ferry agency astronauts to and from the International Space Station; such flights could begin in the next year or so. Reusability is key to SpaceX's long-term vision, which involves helping humanity become a multiplanet species. Full and rapid reuse of rockets and spacecraft could eventually slash the cost of spaceflight enough to make such ambitious goals economically feasible, company founder and CEO Elon Musk has said. SpaceX has Mars in its sights. The company is developing a huge, reusable rocket-spaceship combo called the BFR, which Musk envisions helping set up a million-person city on the Red Planet in the next 50 years or so. If everything goes well, the first BFR flights to Mars could lift off in the mid-2020s, SpaceX representatives have said. The BFR will also be capable of launching satellites to Earth orbit, taking people on superfast "point-to-point" trips around the planet and doing pretty much everything else that SpaceX needs to do. Indeed, SpaceX plans to phase out all of its spaceflight systems except the BFR over time, Musk has said. Editor's note: This story was updated at 5:10 p.m. EDT to include the targeted launch date of May 10. Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com. NEW YORK Lego had a special surprise for "Star Wars" fans in New York City in celebration of Star Wars Day, or "May the Fourth," as fans call it: The company built a 20,300-brick Millennium Falcon pedicab that offered free rides around Manhattan's Bryant Park. By the time Space.com arrived at the scene 20 minutes before the Millennium Falcon was scheduled to take to the streets, around a dozen people had already arrived to admire the Lego starship. Enthusiastic passersby stopped to snap photos as co-pilot Chewbacca greeted fans beside the starship. Star Wars Day celebrations started in Toronto on May 4, 2011, and have been happening ever since. "We wanted something fun to do around May the Fourth," Ashley Edwards, who handled public outreach for the event, told Space.com. A pedicab is fun, maneuverable and easy to ride, she added. ['Star Wars' Spaceships: Our Favorite Vehicles in a Galaxy Far, Far Away] Lego builders constructed the ship from a model they had designed specifically for this purpose, Edwards said as she took the prototype out of her purse. Unfortunately, this miniature Millennium Falcon pedicab won't be appearing in a store near you. See more We grabbed a photo with Chewie, who towered over every non-Wookie in attendance. Then, we boarded the Falcon, and the engine roared to life. Mind you, that engine was professional pedicab driver and "Star Wars" fan Lee Buckman. He always aims for his best, but Buckman had extra enthusiasm today, shouting, "Come on, it's 'Star Wars'! And there's Chewbacca!" We took off from spaceport Bryant Park and cruised toward 42nd Street, with pilot Buckman offering colorful commentary from the cockpit. Space.com brought along a Lego Luke Skywalker minifigure and his X-wing starfighter to escort the Falcon. New York City pedicab driver and "Star Wars" fan Lee Buckman gives Space.com's Harrison Tasoff a ride in a brick-built Lego Millennium Falcon pedicab on Star Wars Day 2018. (Image credit: Leah Barash/Lego) The Millennium Falcon circled the New York Public Library, sparking smiles and turning heads all along the way. New York traffic kept us from jumping to hyperspace, but we still managed to make the run in less than 12 parsecs actually, more like 346 pico-parsecs, which is roughly 3,500 feet (1,067 meters). Chewbacca had gone on break by the time we returned, but it's hard to blame the furry Wookie; temperatures were predicted to reach 85 degrees Fahrenheit in the city on Friday. And while lines had yet to form for rides on the Corellian freighter early that morning, Lego expected crowds would appear as the day wore on. In a testament to the Lego brick design, our mini X-wing fighter remained firmly attached to the Millennium Falcon the entire ride, despite Manhattan's bumpy streets. (Image credit: Harrison Tasoff) Lego teamed up with Lucasfilm and Disney for the event to further the efforts of Star Wars: Force for Change, a charitable organization run by the companies. The organization supports the work of UNICEF, which aims to improve the lives of children worldwide. Star Wars: Force for Change pledged to donate $1 to UNICEF for every public post, like or share on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter that includes the organization's slogan and hashtag #RoarForChange. Follow Harrison Tasoff @harrisontasoff. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. This NASA sky map shows the location of Jupiter on May 9, 2018, at 9 p.m. local time. Jupiter will reach opposition, its closest point to Earth of the year, on May 8. Skywatchers will see Jupiter at its brightest Tuesday (May 8), when the planet is exactly opposite to the sun in our sky. Here's how to catch a glimpse of the solar system's largest planet. Jupiter will rise in the eastern sky a few hours after sunset. Then, the planet will be visible all night, shining so brightly that, weather permitting, you will be able to see it easily with the naked eye. If you have a small telescope, you should be able to see cloud bands in the gas giant's atmosphere, as well as its four largest moons (Ganymede, Callisto, Europa and Io). The moons will appear as tiny, bright dots that change position every few hours or days. [The Brightest Planets in May's Sky Explained] Jupiter at opposition The technical word for Jupiter's position in the sky is "opposition," which happens when two astronomical objects are on opposite sides of the sky as seen from Earth. We generally say that a planet is "in opposition" when it is in opposition to the sun in other words, when Jupiter rises shortly after the sun sets, or vice versa. Jupiter's closest approach to Earth will be on May 10, just a couple of days after opposition. That's because the orbits of Earth and Jupiter are not perfect circles. "If our planets' orbits were perfect circles, then yes, we'd be closest together on the date Earth passes between Jupiter and the sun. But Earth's orbit, and Jupiter's orbit, are elliptical, like circles someone sat down on," according to EarthSky. How to see Jupiter According to timeanddate.com, observers in New York City will see the sun set at 7:59 p.m. EDT Tuesday. Jupiter will rise just a few minutes earlier, at 7:48 p.m. But the planet won't be visible immediately because the twilight sky in the east is so bright. It's best to wait at least a couple of hours after sunset to look for Jupiter. The sky will be darker, and Jupiter will rise above the horizon, where Earth's air is at its thickest. Jupiter will glide across the sky all night and set at 5:58 a.m. EDT Wednesday (May 9), around sunrise in New York City. You can check timeanddate.com or use skywatching software and apps like SkySafari to find the best time to see Jupiter for your location. Editor's note: If you snap a great photo of Jupiter at opposition, let us know! You can share photos for a potential story or gallery by sending images to spacephotos@space.com. Other planets to see While you're outside planet hunting, try to spot Venus, another target that is so bright you can see it with the naked eye. Go outside around sunset, and look low to the west. Venus will appear as a bright, white light in the western sky. On May 17, Venus will appear beside the setting moon, and on May 18, Venus will still be near the moon. If you look down and to the left of Venus, you might be able to see the ruddy star Betelgeuse (a red supergiant star) that is very close to the horizon. You can also spot two other planets in the sky, if you know where to look. In the next week, go out just before dawn, and look for the constellation Sagittarius, in the south. (It looks a bit like a teapot.) If you look just above the tip of the teapot, you'll be able to see Saturn, the giant ringed planet in our solar system, according to Sky & Telescope. To the left of Saturn and Sagittarius, you probably will see a bright, red object. That's Mars. Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system, and scientists are very interested in learning more about it. By examining Jupiter, they can predict the weather and composition of large extrasolar planets. Jupiter is host to a large storm, called the Great Red Spot, that has been shrinking for unknown reasons and could disappear in 20 years. The planet also has a strong magnetic field. A NASA mission called Juno is examining Jupiter's atmosphere, magnetic field and composition right now. In the 2020s and 2030s, both NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) plan missions to examine some of Jupiter's icy moons that could host microbial life. NASA's mission is called Europa Clipper, and ESA's is called JUICE (Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer). Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com. Previously on Imposters, Poppy showed up in Mexico and is now tagging along with the Bumblers as they may their way back to the Blooms, Maddie left the wellness centre and started making her own way back home, and Patrick and Agent Cook decide to also make their way to the Blooms. The episode opens with Maddie having made her way back to Pottsville, with a stylistically interesting montage of her making the drive. The trip back home, being faced with familiar surroundings, leads her to reminisce and remember about her teenage years. I still don't think teen Maddie is good casting in the sense of she doesn't look a whole lot like Inbar Lavi, but this flashback shows us just exactly how Maddie came to meet Sally and Max. As they surveil Maddie at work, they comment on how she's a natural when it comes to moulding herself to be what others want, and making a lot of money in the process. Thus, the recruitment probably starts of Maddie being a professional con artist. Just as Maddie is playing everyone in the diner, Max decides to play her in order to pique her interest. She takes the bait, and as they observe her more they clearly see how much talent she has, and how they would be able to develop it further. They let her in on the fact that they're aware that she doesn't particularly want to be there, and ask her if she wants to up her game and make real money, and that is how Maddie is in. We see her on what appears to be her first real con with Max and Sally on hand. The con: distracting a businessman whilst Max swaps his briefcase with a similar looking one and Sally takes the real one away. The con is a success, and Maddie makes more money for 10 minutes work than she probably makes in a shift at the diner. The thrill leaves her hooked, and Sally and Max promise to stay in touch with her. Back with the Bumblers (and Poppy), the heat and close proximity of having to share a car trunk means tempers may be rising and being together may be getting that much more difficult. As Poppy and Jules argue, Richie asks Ezra what kind of life he was planning to have with Sofia. Ezra doesn't know, and he's not entirely sure if he will even see Sofia again, but the main priority for him now is ensuring that his family is safe. Richie also confesses that he doesn't think he wants to be a con artist. This probably isn't a surprise for the audience, but it sure seems like it is for Ezra. It seems to me like Richie just wants the life he had with Alice, and seeing as Poppy essentially is Alice to him, it probably won't be long before the two of them hook up. As Richie and Ezra play games to pass the time of the trip up north, they suddenly come to a stop. Ezra suggests that it's just a spot check, but Richie is concerned that this may be it for them and advises that they play dead (bless Richie and his terrible ideas). The trunk is opened, and two soldiers with guns look down on them. They seem to have been paid off however, because after a bit of an inspection, they're allowed to go on their merry way. In Pottsville, Maddie surprises her mom with her unexpected presence. Their reunion is fraught with tension, and Maddie apologises to her mom for lying and comes clean about not working for Unicef or living in Houston. This, however, is something her mom already knows thanks to Patrick. Her mom gives her the chance to confess to everything else, but Maddie doesn't take it. As she retires upstairs, her mom, completely suspicious of her daughter, goes through her bag to try and get some answers. In there, she finds a gun, and now knows for her certain that her daughter is in way over her head. Do you think the FBI missed an opportunity when they left the hotel? What do you think is in store for Ezra? Let me know what you thought of the episode in the comments. The Bumblers are finally dropped off on North American soil, where Ezra sets down exactly who is doing what. He will be going to rescue his family alone, whilst the rest of them go to Scottsdale and retrieve the ring. Jules protests, but Ezra explains that it's his family and his responsibility and she reluctantly agrees to the plan. With a hideout secured in New York, Richie and Poppy go off to secure transportation for themselves and Ezra. Just as Ezra is about to leave in the stolen car, Richie gives him a gun and the solid advice of 'try not to kill anybody, or die'. An interesting thing to note is that Jules tries to deliver their motto (Always Forward, Never Back) but Ezra doesn't respond. Maybe he truly is on his own path this season.An indeterminate amount of time after the first flashback, a now adult Maddie meets The Doctor. Under the guidance of Sally and Max, she's honed her skills, and now The Doctor is ready for her to move onto the next level: having her targets fall in love with her and going for the long con. He tells her to have fun with her next target and then the Maddie we know is born. Maddie looks distraught at the memory (and honestly, Inbar Lavi probably doesn't get enough credit for the range of emotions she can easily pull off) and it seems like the more she does think about the life she had, the more she wants to escape it.On the way to Scottsdale, Richie and Poppy's incessant flirting in the car is definitely not a good time for Jules. The whole experience is slightly awkward, especially when Richie tries to get Poppy to divulge secrets about Jules, but as they're pulling up to the house, the trio discover that it is now up for auction. Turns out Richie wasn't making the mortgage payments due to lack of funds, so this easy mission to retrieve the ring has suddenly got a whole lot harder. In preparation for the auction, the house appears to have been entirely cleared out. Whilst Poppy and Richie have a viewing, Jules looks through the trash in the slim hope that they may be able to find the ring. A very, very slim hope that doesn't pay off however, as Poppy discovers that all items of value in the house have already been auctioned off.In Indiana, the FBI agents unknowingly close in on Sally and Max, as Agent Cook has a minor encounter with Max. Max must recognise her (possibly from the wedding) as he quickly exits when he manages to get a good look at her. Whils Max worries about the agents' arrival, Agent Cook gets a call from Maddie's mom letting them know that Maddie has returned to Pennsylvania. Whilst Max and Sally are distracted watching what the agents will do, Arthur takes it upon himself to attack Max with the spork he's been hiding up his sleeve and try to take the gun from Sally in the process, all directly in front of a window where anyone could see them. The agents don't however, as they drive back to Pottsville in order to see Maddie. It's a gamble that doesn't work, and Sally and Max manage to manhandle Arthur into the bathroom and hold him in there. As they do that however, it appears that they somehow kill him.Back in Pennsylvania, Maddie is finally able to talk to her dad. She must be closer to him than she is to her mom, because she tells him about working for The Doctor and doing a lot of bad things for him, mainly tricking people out of their money. The flashbacks really do help in giving us a bit more reasoning as to the process of her getting involved with The Doctor, and therefore even if her admission of wanting to kill The Doctor is a little shocking (remember, they don't really kill people), it makes sense with how much her work has been tormenting her of late. She also knows that her dad is someone she can talk to about these things, because he's probably unlikely to remember the conversation, as evidenced when he goes to greet her again.Ezra arrives at the hotel to meet Max and co, not knowing that his dad might not even be alive at this point. The gun Richie gave to him is quickly discovered by Max, who in turn doesn't dilly dally about telling Ezra that his dad isn't in the greatest of shapes. A distraught Ezra goes into the bathroom and repeatedly asks Max what he did. This right here, is probably going to be the turning point for him. He's allowed a few seconds to say goodbye, but then Max insists it's time for all of them to leave.The episode ends with Poppy, Richie and Jules arriving at the Langmore's cabin in New York after failing to secure the ring in Arizona. Elsewhere Maddie opens the mysterious parcel that was sent to her parents to find a phone in there (which somehow is turned on and still has battery life left) and then leaving her parents' house. Unfortunately for her, the agents are already there lying in wait, and as she does leave, they set off to follow her. As Maddie is driving away, she gets a text from a mysterious number telling her that they'll be in touch soon. Somehow I think she hasn't been able to escape The Doctor's clutches at all. Shaheed El-Hafed, May 7, 2018 (SPS) - The Permanent Office of the National Secretariat of the Polisario Front has confirmed that the Moroccan government's unreasonable justification for its decision to sever diplomatic relations with Iran was related to cynical political opportunism as part of its campaign launched since March by resorting to misleading and endangering the security and stability of the region. The Permanent Office expressed its "strong condemnation of the provocative colonial practices of the Moroccan occupation state in Western Sahara, including the attempt to change the legal nature of the territory through illegitimate administration, changing the demographic reality and establishing illegal activities such as elections, not to mention gross violations of human rights and the continued plundering of Sahrawi natural resources. " It warned against "the behavior of the Moroccan occupation state and its threats to resort to force, which constitutes an aggressive trend that destabilizes and threatens international peace and security," stressing "the full commitment of the Sahrawi side to its obligations to the United Nations and the requirements of the Cease-fire Agreement and the Military Agreement No. 1 ". (SPS) 062/SPS/TRA Microsoft has spent the past few years coming up with ways to use artificial intelligence internally. Now it will let customers take advantage of some of these tools while aiming to lure business from Amazon and Google. The company will let customers use a chip system it built to process AI queries cheaper and faster, called Project Brainwave. The first Brainwave service will speed up image recognition so it's almost instantaneous, said Doug Burger, a distinguished engineer in Microsoft Research, who works on the company's chip development strategy for the cloud. Microsoft, starting next year, also will sell an AI-sensor device based on the technology it its motion-controlled Kinect gaming sensor. Called Project Kinect for Azure, it will let cloud customers do things like track motion and map the space around them. Microsoft Chief Executive Satya Nadella wants to win customers with artificial intelligence tools. Increasingly these services need to operate in Microsoft's own cloud data centers and on customers' connected devices, including factory equipment and drones. As Microsoft, Amazon.com and Google race to add AI products and make their clouds run faster, all are boosting work on customized microprocessors to try to gain an edge. "It comes down to the cloud wars -- all of these vendors are salivating at the AI workloads because they are very compute intensive and they are very data intensive," said Mike Gualtieri, an analyst at Forrester Research. Microsoft is announcing the new services and products Monday at its annual Build conference for software developers in Seattle. Brainwave uses customizable chips known as field programmable gate arrays. Microsoft buys the chips from Altera, a subsidiary of Intel Corp., and adapts them for its own purposes using software, an ability that's unique to that type of chip. "It's pretty tricky engineering stuff to program these," Gualtieri said. "The significance of Brainwave is it's simple to do that -- Microsoft does it for you." One early client is electronics manufacturer Jabil Inc., which plans to use the service in factories where it has optical scanners that find possible product defects, including variations in tiny components. Right now, Jabil's scanners are very conservative when they flag possible issues, which then get examined by workers -- 40 percent of the time there's nothing actually wrong. Jabil has an AI system that has lowered the false positives by 75 percent, but it's running on pricier graphics chips. As the company looks to move the system from testing on two manufacturing lines to hundreds, it's planning to switch to Microsoft's option, which is cheaper, said Ryan Litvak, information technology manager at Jabil. The image processing is done in Jabil's factories, an example of Microsoft's strategy to let customers use its AI products in the cloud and on the customer's own devices. Many customers want to have the AI services available for equipment like factory machinery or drones scanning power lines and pipe networks for defects -- and those devices often aren't connected to the Internet, which means the service has to run on the device. Burger said Microsoft's Brainwave service will provide the fastest analysis of images using one of the most common AI neural networks for such a task -- a nearly instantaneous response. Improvements in chip performance are slowing. Intel's next advancement, 10-nanometer microprocessors, is running late and the company said last month they won't be in mass production until 2019. That has put pressure on Microsoft and rivals to develop the best way to augment commodity processors to speed the performance of their networks. "If one company picks the right architecture and one picks the wrong one, it's a pretty big deal," Burger said. Microsoft's Azure already uses these FPGA chips -- every Azure server put into service in the past three years has one of these chips in it, said Azure Chief Technology Officer Mark Russinovich. Project Kinect for Azure devices will go on sale next year and will let software developers write cloud applications that make use of sound, gestures or spatial understanding of the surrounding area. For example, a customer could place the devices in work sites to track things like spills or in a retail store as part of a cashless checkout experience, a similar idea to Amazon's Go store. Nadella also committed $25 million over five years for a program to use AI for accessibility -- projects like helping people with disabilities to communicate and find employment. You'll probably want to celebrate National Taco Day after work. But Southwestern Connecticut has so many good Mexican options, that it can be hard to choose. We took to Yelp to find some of the best-reviewed Mexican spots around. Bartaco, with locations in Stamford, Westport and Port Chester, has the most reviews by far. Valerie Macaulay often finds inspiration on her daily commute that sometimes includes multiple trips on New York City subways; one ride opened her eyes to the fashion surrounding her. Everybody, young, old, men, women, curvy or slim, one out of five people were wearing stripes, she says. I thought, I think we are on to something. The revelation came just as she and her colle ague and friend Meredith Melling were laying the ground work for a new fashion line. It was a reaffirmation of their concept. After years as Vogue editors, they were used to seeing the fashion wheel spin out new trends, and, sometimes, reimagined ones. Safari chic, again? How about a line that was elegant and timeless? How about a line that reflected their own wardrobes? After leaving the magazine and teaming with Molly Howard, who had worked at Rag & Bone, they launched La Ligne, a New York City brand devoted to the stripe. Since its start two years ago, the brand has attracted celebrity and non-celebrity clients alike. At a time of myriad influencers, viral moments and trends that come and go like quicksilver, staying true to ones design aesthetic can cut through the noise. Its something the women behind La Ligne have learned, as well as New York City boutique shop owner Jamie Creel and well-known interior designer Markham Roberts. All five gathered recently for the annual Art of Design event at the Greenwich Country Club hosted by the Bruce Museum and moderated by Pilar Viladas, a writer and former design editor for the New York Times magazine T. The panelists are plugged-in, with presences on Instagram and other social media platforms. They are aware that the millions of images clicked upon, swiped, sent or shared on a daily basis reveal the fickle nature of taste. But all have created a vision for their brands, and take care to react to shifting trends through the lens of their signature style. The unusual and exotic objects Creel finds and has artisans design are not for everybody, which is why some people who wander into his Upper East Side New York City store, Creel and Gow, wander out empty-handed. Sometimes, I feel as if I am going against trends, says Creel, as he spoke about some of his more niche products, like taxidermy. My store is not for the person who looks at a home decor catalog and says, I want my home to look like that. I have things that are one-of-a-kind, unusual .fun things that have a story and come from different places from around the world. I have someone making me handblown glass hammers that come with nails. Im getting a screwdriver and wrench, too, completely useless, he says. Someone will enjoy these objets dart, however, and will find a place for them in their equally idiosyncratic and curated home. Creel trusts his design sense to pick up objects that have quality design. Such skill, he says, is acquired from experience, which, in his case is traveling, spending time in antique shops, reading catalogs, attending auctions and visiting museums. Its about seeing different things and understanding when something has quality and one doesnt. Timeless design tends to be classic and elegant, something that resonates in the past, present and future. There arent really any rules about why a design works or not, Roberts says. For something to be successful, it has to be good looking, but it also, and more importantly, has to function well and feel good, whether that is pure comfort or the ease of sitting in a room with good attractive lighting and natural flow. Many designs are great looking, but they dont work because they arent well thought out. As far as the art of design goes, professor Mary Treschitta, chairwoman and professor at Sacred Heart Universitys Art and Design Department in Fairfield, says there is a distinction between enjoying design and creating it. A persons eye is going to be the judge as to what pleases, but there are universal principles of design that allow it to become enduring. Some of the key words are balance, repetition, alignment, emphasis, contrast, focus and flow. Students learn color theory, visual organization, drawing and basic computer skills. Then, we let them free. Through their projects, they can explore new ideas, Treschitta says. chennessy@hearstmediact.com In today's world where foregoing a paycheck is not an option for many parents, many mothers work out of the home while raising their kids. Luckily for moms in Connecticut, a recent study by financial website WalletHub found that the state was among the best for working moms. Connecticut ranks as the third best state for working moms overall (up from number five last year). Click through to see Connecticut's specific rankings as well as the top states for working moms. Visit WalletHub for the full report. Connecticut ranked eight in the country for parental leave policya hot topic right now. Connecticut is inching closer to setting up a paid Family and Medical Leave, or PFML, program as lawmakers continue to piece together legislation that would affect around 103,600 employers with almost 1.5 million workers. Several hotly debated bills are making their way through crucial committees as the 2019 legislative session nears its end. The bills call for the state to borrow $20 million between 2021 and 2022 to get PFML started, but it would also require workers to contribute .5 percent of their weekly paychecks to a state-run trust fund that would pay them during their leave. As a result, employees would get 12 weeks of paid leave each year and receive 100 percent of their pay capped at $1,000 a week. More Living Paid family leave plan sparks new debate in Congress A secret project, defying the government, helped build Americas first subway. It only ran for three years but carried hundreds of thousands of passengers, even though it only spanned 312 feet. And it was powered by air. In the 1860s, New York City was in a transportation crisis. The streets were jammed with horse-pulled trolleys and wagons, as many as 1,000 an hour passing a single point on lower Broadway. Pedestrians dodged the vehicles and mounds of horse manure. By 1863, London solved a similar road chaos by opening the worlds first subway, The Underground. But New Yorks Tammany Hall wasnt interested as Boss Tweed was making massive amounts of money from investments and kickbacks from the citys street railroads. But Tweed was interested in another London innovation: Mail transported underground in pneumatic tubes. Seizing the moment, American inventor and Scientific American editor Alfred Beach obtained a city permit to construct a postal tube system on lower Broadway. Using $350,000 of his own money ($6.4 million in 2018 dollars), Beachs plan was far grander and his tube would be far larger. Working secretly at night in the sub-basement of Devlins Clothing Store near City Hall, Beach started digging his tunnel. In 58 days, it was complete, running one city block. All he needed was a car and a means of propulsion. Given that his tube was only eight feet in diameter, Beach opted for a small, round passenger car that could carry 22 people. The interior was posh and upholstered. And to lure riders fearful of subterranean lairs, he built a $70,000 station complete with chandeliers, plush chairs, a goldfish pond and a piano player. To power the train, he acquired a 50-ton ventilation fan used in mining, nicknamed the Western Tornado. Sucking air from the streets above, the huge fan would blow the car down the track at 6 mph. When the car reached the end of the tunnel, the fan was reversed, sucking it back into the station. On March 1, 1870, the subway opened to the public. For 25 cents a ride ($4.50 in todays money), thousands came to see transportations future. Beach donated all of the fare revenue to charity. Tweed was enraged, especially when Beach predicted he could transport up to 20,000 passengers a day five miles north to Central Park at speeds up to a mile a minute. The Boss had other plans. He wanted to solve the street congestion by building up, not under. Of course, his plan for elevated railroads would make him a fortune. Coupled with the financial collapse in the Panic of 1873, Beachs Pneumatic Transit system was doomed. The fans were shut off and the project was shuttered. Beachs tunnel was later used as a shooting gallery and wine vault before being sealed for good in 1874. In 1912, workers digging the BMT Broadway Line dug into the old tunnel and found the car and old piano. Beachs pneumatic mail system did survive serving customers until 1953. Beach died in 1896. Eight years later, New York Citys first true subway opened, running from City Hall to Harlem. Jim Cameron is a longtime commuter advocate based in Fairfield County. Contact him at CommuterActionGroup@gmail.com Deciding to start your own business takes guts, passion and motivation. Being an entrepreneur shows you arent a follower -- that youd rather forge your own path than settle down in a typical 9 to 5 job. Does being a business owner mean youre a leader? Not necessarily! Yet, when you have your own business, you must show strong leadership to motivate and inspire your employees. So, even if you arent already one, you can and must learn how to become a leader. Sure, you might manage employees at your business. But, theres a big difference between managing and leading your staff. Effectively leading your team can increase employee engagement and innovation, drive sales, decrease employee turnover, and boost your business bottom line. You have the vision of where you want your business to go. Now, all you need to do is inspire your employees to see that vision and work towards achieving it. This can be done through leadership. Although it might sound daunting, becoming a leader that your employees will respect and admire is possible. Here are some tips for effectively leading your employees. 1. Instill a culture of communication. Leaders are approachable. Being able to communicate with employees is an important leadership quality. Employees shouldnt be nervous to come to you with questions. Likewise, you should be direct with employees when things come up in your business. Let employees know that you are always available to talk. If they have professional or personal problems that are getting in the way of their jobs, lend an ear. Plus, getting to know your employees can help you learn what motivates them. Related: Good Things Happen When You Put Employee Motivation First Leaders are direct, clear and honest with employees. You can foster a culture of communication by conducting semi-annual performance reviews, having regular meetings with employees, and emphasizing that your door is always open. That way, you can keep employees updated on whats happening in your business, and employees can feel comfortable talking with you. If youre not sure where to start, ask employees how they are doing. Show that you are genuinely interested in getting to know them. Little steps toward communicating more effectively with employees can help you hone your leadership skills. 2. Help employees see their purpose. Leaders help employees understand the companys mission and vision. As a leader, you need to show employees how their positions fit into achieving your businesss mission and working towards your vision. You can help employees find meaning in their work by properly training them. Go over their responsibilities in depth, then give a rundown of why their work is important and how it will contribute to your small business growth strategy. Related: 7 Key Steps to a Growth Strategy That Works Immediately Once employees know their purpose, you might think its up to them to engage with their position. But, there are other things you can do to lead and motivate them. You can do this by setting individual or team goals, setting up friendly competitions, or offering incentives. 3. Refuse to micromanage. Leaders give employees the freedom to come up with innovative ideas or processes on their own. Business leaders must be confident in their hiring decisions so they know that employees are skilled enough to work independently. Micromanaging is the process of controlling everything employees do. It can demoralize employees, limit creativity, and result in frustrated workers. At Patriot Software, my managers and I refuse to micromanage employees. Because we are confident in our hiring decisions, we know employees can get the job done on their own. Micromanaging will only waste your time -- time you could devote to leading and inspiring your employees! 4. Involve employees in decision making. Business leaders value what their employees have to say. They recognize that employees are invaluable assets to business growth. Asking employees for input shows that you value and respect their opinions and trust their decisions. It also shows that you are willing to share your leadership role and delegate tasks. Related: How to Engage Employees Through Your Company Vision Statement By involving your team in decision making, you show you are willing to listen to ideas. And, it demonstrates that you are enthusiastic about empowering your employees to put their best foot forward. Leaders are excited to see employees develop. They dont want to stifle their growth. By delegating tasks and accepting employee input, you show that you are willing to create new leaders in your business. You can involve employees in decision making by distributing employee surveys, asking for suggestions, or even establishing committees where employees can talk freely about their ideas. Related: 4 Leadership Methods for Empowering Employees and Building Strong Teams 3 Ways to Harness the 'New Power' That Let Airbnb, Kickstarter and Other Companies Climb to the Top Why the Best Leaders Act Like Playful Puppies Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Warren Buffett has been in business for a long time. The 87 year old famously got his start with investing when he was just 11. And at Berkshire Hathaways annual shareholders meeting in Omaha, Neb., this weekend, he and business partner Charlie Munger -- the companys 94-year-old vice chairman -- shared their insights about making investments and a glance at where the company is headed. Read on for six things we learned from the meeting. Related: Apple Stock Soars to New Heights Thanks to Warren Buffett's $44 Billion Vote of Confidence 1. He still isnt a fan of cryptocurrency. Buffett described his feelings about it in no uncertain terms, describing bitcoin as "probably rat poison squared. He elaborated on his stance, noting, cryptocurrencies will come to bad endings. Munger took it a step further, describing the move to invest in cryptocurrency as just dementia. Its like somebody else is trading turds and you decide you cant be left out. 2. He doesnt hold a lot of stock in traditional career trajectories. At the start of his career, Buffett was rejected from Harvard Business School, but that opened the door to go to Columbia University. He got to the venerable university by writing cold letters to the professors whose work he admired. But Buffett said at the shareholders meeting that when it comes to hiring, he admires hustle more than a prestigious degree. Buffett: If I was given a choice btwn hiring some1 out of grad school that was brilliant or some1 that memorized chapter 8 of the Intelligent Investor, Id take the one who memorized chapter 8. What we do doesnt take a high IQ. It takes discipline and it takes time.#BRK2018 Steve Haberstroh (@stevehaberstroh) May 5, 2018 3. Friendship informs his investment choices. When asked about why he favored Apple stock over Microsoft, Buffett explained his reasoning pretty succinctly: In the earlier years, its very clear, the answer is stupidity," he said. But as he became close friends with fellow billionaire Bill Gates, he decided just to take it off the table entirely. "I try to stay away from a few things just totally because the inference would be drawn that we might have talked, I might have talked to somebody about something. Gates was in attendance at the meeting, and the billionaire pals, in lieu of their usual ping pong match, decided to play a game of bridge. 4. He shared his stance on guns and business. In conversation with New York Times reporter Andrew Ross Sorkin, Buffett shared that while he wasnt aware of any Berkshire Hathaway subsidiaries that had any holdings in companies that make firearms, I do not believe on imposing my political opinions on the activities of our businesses. If you get into which of our companies are pure and which ones arent pure, I think it will be very difficult. 5. He shed light on why he doesn't invest in Amazon. Apparently part of Buffetts investment strategy is to not put his money into something that seems to good to be true, and Amazon, even for all its success, falls into that category. Ive watched Amazon from the start, and I think what Jeff Bezos has done is something close to a miracle," he said. "The problem is that if I think something will be a miracle, I tend not to bet on it. 6. He reflected on what Berkshire Hathaway will be without Buffett and Munger. Though the octogenarian and nonagenarian arent leaving the company in the immediate future, when asked about what might happen when someone else has taken the reins of the company, Buffett said that he wasnt worried. "The reputation belongs to Berkshire now," he said. "For somebody that cares about a business we absolutely are the first call and will continue to be the first call." Related: 6 Things We Learned About Warren Buffett From His Recent Shareholder Meeting Why Elon Musk Should Take a Vacation Elon Musk and Warren Buffett Get in a Candy Fight! 3 Things to Know Today. Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Candidates for statewide office are stalking delegates to Connecticuts political conventions, sending them fliers, crafting personal emails and wooing them with phone calls, all in an attempt to win their votes and qualify for the most competitive primaries in years. James Millington, Republican town chairman in Fairfield, said the sheer number of GOP hopefuls for governor has meant a lot of attention for delegates. It has a big impact when the candidates themselves sit and take the time to call because its personal, one-on-one contract, said Millington, whose first convention was in 1998. I have never seen it like this, but there was never a need for personal outreach like this year, with the crowded field. These objects of political affection, 1,998 Democrats and 1,159 Republicans, hold the futures of five Democrats and as many as 12 Republican gubernatorial wannabes, plus those running for attorney general, lieutenant governor, comptroller, treasurer and secretary of the state. So the courting of these traditional political bases has been intense and will continue through the Republican convention at Foxwoods this weekend and the Democratic convention in Hartford next weekend. Then the jockeying for primary support will begin. While the calling for support is sometime tedious for the hopefuls, when they can connect it can make a world of difference, especially in the attempt to get the votes of 174 Republicans or 300 Democrats necessary to reach the 15-percent thresholds for attaining the August 14 primary ballot. Dominic Cotton, a Democratic district leader in Milford, will attend his first statewide-nominating weekend at the Connecticut Convention Center starting May 18. Ive gotten some mail, Ive gotten some email, Ive gotten a couple of phone calls from people, Cotton, 49, said. Some people I know personally, some people I dont. Its really a matter of whos shown up and talked to us that has probably made a bigger difference than anything else. In particular, Harps support of Lamont, 64, has affected Cotton the most, he said. Cotton, an advocate for people with brain injuries, spoke on the sunny veranda of the Stonebridge restaurant in Milford Saturday, following a two-hour meet-and-greet sponsored by Ned Lamont, the Greenwich cable TV executive and party upstart who has gained momentum in recent weeks with the endorsement and departure from the gubernatorial race of Jonathan Harris of West Hartford; and New Haven Mayor Toni Harp. When your opponents drop out of the race and they endorse you that makes a big difference to me, Cotton said. When you get big-city endorsements thats a big deal, especially over Joe Ganim, who Mayor Harp might have an aligned interest with, as far as casinos and other things go. When youre talking about big cities and youre talking Republicans against Democrats, I think that makes a big difference. But for all the fuss, Millington, a 44-year-old real estate agent, said he understands its all part of the process. The candidates have worked very hard and many have come to the town committee to give their pitches and answer questions, he said. For the candidates, its a necessary job with the possibility of no payoff. First, they are getting overwhelmed with phone calls and direct mail, then theres about 10 percent you call who you can actually get, Walker said. Tim Herbst, the former Trumbull first selectman, said his campaign for governor is benefiting from his previous unsuccessful run for treasurer in 2014, because he made a lot of contacts throughout the state and especially in eastern Connecticut. Just being able to talk with delegates has been difficult, said Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti. Its been easier to lower taxes in Shelton than to catch up and get a consensus from delegates. When they do get through, candidates need a fast pitch, said Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton. Its a little harder to get a hold of people because of spam calling, Boughton. When you get them, you have about 45 seconds to make an impression. A lot of delegates are going to be happy on May 12, even if their candidates didnt win, because theyre not getting phone calls. kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT A new poll featuring head-to-head matchups between candidates for governor has New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart and Greenwich businessman Ned Lamont leading the way. In that particular matchup, Stewart edged Lamont by 2 percent in an online survey of 2,750 total people between May 3 and May 5. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 percent. The poll was conducted by Tremont Public Advisors, LLC, a federal lobbying firm with offices in Hartford and Washington, D.C. Tremont is operated by longtime Democratic political adviser Matthew J. Hennessy of Hartford. Though he says hes not working for any candidate in the current race, Hennessys firm previously provided consulting services to Lamont when he attempted a run for governor in 2010. Hennessy said the results paint a positive picture for Stewart or Lamont heading into a general election, but theres no telling how either will fare in the conventions and primaries in order to make it there in the first place. Polls are just a snapshot in time, but the picture is looking good for Erin Stewart and Ned Lamont if they are the nominees of their parties for governor in November, Hennessy said. With six months to go before the November election it appears Lamont and Stewart are starting to get the attention of the voters. In other hypothetical matchups, Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton tops former secretary of the state Susan Bysiewicz by 5 percent, Lamont bests Boughton 49.7 percent to 39.6 percent, and Stewart beats Bysiewicz by 10 points. In a matchup between a generic Republican and a generic Democrat, the Republicans have roughly a 6 percent head start. Lamonts recent string of high-profile endorsements including New Haven Mayor Toni Harp and Stewarts millennial mentality may be whats giving the candidates their respective edge in the polls, Hennessy said. The Lamont piece is pretty conventional wisdom in a sense, Hennessy said. With Stewart, you have someone who could win the general but will she make it out of a primary? If Jodi Rell, one of the more successful Republican governors, if she had to run in a Republican primary without being the incumbent, would the primary have ever allowed her out? Thats probably what Stewarts facing right now. The party base which has shifted farther to the right in the last four years isnt necessarily behind her. kkrasselt@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2563; @kaitlynkrasselt HARTFORD The Senate on Monday stripped a bill to study state criminal laws and instead passed legislation that would make it harder for violent criminals to gain early release from prison. The surprise move sends the bill to the House, where it faces an uncertain future. The original bill was successfully amended by state Sen. Len Suzio, R-Meriden, to significantly curtail the states risk reduction credit system that allows inmates to leave prison early after completing rehabilitation programs and showing good behavior. Suzio said he is aware of 114 murders, 263 acts of strangulation and 120 home invasions that were committed by inmates released early. He said the amended bill excludes inmates convicted of violent crimes from receiving early release credits. "People who have participated in this process have committed serious violent crimes," Suzio said, referring to prisoners released early under the program. "Members of our communities are paying for this." The Senate voted 20-16, with a few Democrats siding with minority Republicans, to pass the amendment and the new bill. Democrats objected to Suzios use of statistics and intent, pointing out that violent felons must serve 85 percent of their sentence. "The reality is when we had 20,000 inmates incarcerated in 2007 its 13,000 now the rate of recidivism was the same," said Senate President Martin Looney, D-New Haven. "Studies find the most dangerous people are those who dont take advantage of rehabilitation services and they are out and at-large again," Looney said. "Those are the ones the most dangerous. State Sen. Paul Doyle, D-Wethersfield, said he wants to see better statistics than those cited by Suzio before supporting the change. "Even if the whole program was eliminated, we would not eliminate crimes coming out of prison," Doyle said. "Texas has a [early release] program like this and the reputation of Texas is pretty tough on crime, Doyle added. We want our prisoners rehabilitated and turn around their lives and be great citizens." Suzio said the state Department of Corrections is required to release recidivism statistics but does not, adding he had to apply computer programs to raw data to obtain statistics. "Ive been told prisoners game the system and adapt their behavior while in prison," Suzio said. "We have to err on the side of protecting the men, women and children who have been assaulted." bcummings@ctpost.com By Delana Isles FOUR inmates at Her Majestys Prison have been turned down by the Parole Board for early release while one has been granted. Several months after submitting their petitions, the inmates were last week given the news. The Parole Board has come up against much criticism from inmates over the past year, with them eventually complaining to the governor about the lack of movement towards eligible inmates. Following their complaint, the board finally met earlier this year to hear their petitions; the first such meeting in two years. The sole parole granted was to that of convicted child molester 56-year-old Oswald Wilson, a deacon of the Baptist Church in South Caicos. Wilson was convicted by a jury and sentenced by Justice Joan Joyner to five years on five counts of sexual assault on a minor. Wilson was expected to be released later this year if he was not granted parole. He is now paroled five months earlier. Those denied parole are: Joram Rigby for a 2009 robbery of a gas station in Blue Hills, Providenciales. Four men were convicted and sentenced for that robbery. Two were granted parole more than two years ago, while two others remain in custody. The two will now have to complete their sentences which end in November 2019. The second denial is for Lorenzo Caesar. Caesar was tried and convicted for the attempted robbery of a pawn shop in Providenciales, and for firearm related offences. Caesar will now have to complete his sentence which comes to an end in October 2018. The third man who will have to complete his sentence is Garrick Tucker. His sentence comes to an end in September 2018. He is serving time for the robbery of a Haitian jitney driver. The fourth denial was handed to Bentley Forbes. Forbes was convicted of the murder of his 22-year-old brother in North Caicos. He was sentenced to life in prison. STAMFORD-City police are teaming up with the state Department of Transportation and three other police departments for a crackdown on motorists not using their seat belts at night. During the nighttime, seat belt use in Connecticut is down 17 percent among fatally and seriously injured front seat occupants during vehicle crashes, according to a study conducted by the Preusser Research Group. And between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. is when 35 percent of serious and fatal injuries occur, yet only an estimated 18 percent of passenger vehicle traffic takes place during that time. STAMFORD Outrage over a dog drowned in Stamford Harbor mounted over the weekend with private residents calling police and offering money to increase a reward to find the dogs killer. Lt. Nick Montagnese said late Monday morning that the reward that began Friday afternoon at $3,800 had increased to over $5,000. Montagnese said so many people were calling different people in the police department it was difficult to keep track of exactly how much money has been volunteered for the effort. Its over $5,000, he said Monday morning moments after talking to a Darien woman who called to pledge $200 to the reward. It originally started with some private rescue groups, but a lot of private citizens have jumped in, Montagnese said. On Wednesday afternoon, animal control officer Tilford Cobb was called to the Czescik marina on the West Branch of Stamford Harbor for a dead dog that floated into one of the city boat slips. When Cobb pulled the dog out, he could see the black and white pit bull had been starved and that its front legs had been tied with a shoelace and its rear legs tied with another shoe lace. Because of the tide there was no way to tell where the dog died, but because its body hadnt decomposed it was believed to have happened very recently. The case has since been turned over to the Bureau of Criminal Investigations. BCI Lt. Tom Barcello said he was hoping more people would come forward in the case. We dont have any quality leads yet, Barcello said Monday. Barcello asked people to share the stories about the dog in hopes that someone who knew the black and white American Pit Bull Terrier, believed to be about seven years old, with a distinctive white stripe on its face would come forward. Anyone with information is asked to call animal control at 203 977-4437. jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com Stamford police / Contributed STAMFORD When police rolled up to Stamford Hospital Saturday morning to talk to a woman who had a punctured lung after being stabbed in the chest, they thought there had been a violent criminal on the loose. But as investigator Rafael Barquero began looking into the case and speaking to the two women claiming to be victims of an East Side assault, he found something odd in their past. One of the women had been arrested on April 20 for allegedly assaulting the Saturday morning stabbing victim. T his Friday, October 12, Princess Eugenie will marry Jack Brooksbank in St Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle. If that sounds familiar, it's because by the end of this week Windsor Castle will have hosted two royal weddings this year. The first, of course, being Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle back in May. It seems St George's Chapel has stolen the hearts of the young royals - and it's not hard to see why. The ornate structure and relative privacy make it the perfect site for a royal wedding. When was St Georges Chapel built? While it was established in the 14th Century, building didnt begin until 1475 and took 53 years to complete and is now considered one of the masterpieces of the late gothic perpendicular style. Royal wedding rules and traditions - in pictures 1 /15 Royal wedding rules and traditions - in pictures Click through to see some rules and traditions we can expect to see at Meghan and Harry's wedding Getty Images The balcony kiss The balcony kiss was started by Princess Diana and Prince Charles in 1981 AFP/Getty Images The queen will host a reception lunch This is the dress the Duchess of Cambridge wore for her reception Getty Images The royal family will pose for a portrait Here at Princess Anne's wedding in 1973 Getty Images The wedding invites will be sent by the monarch Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding invites (pictured) were sent out on March 22 PA Wire/PA Images The guests must adhere to a strict dress code Princess Eugenie and her father Prince Andrew at the wedding of Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall in 2011 Getty Images The bride will wear a tiara Princess Diana wears the Spencer Tiara to marry Prince Charles in 1981 PA The groom will wear a military uniform Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth on their wedding day in 1947 Getty Images The bride will wear white This tradition was started by Queen Victoria (dress pictured) in 1840 with her marriage to Prince Albert - before then white wedding dresses weren't common Getty Images The bride will carry myrtle Another tradition started by Queen Victoria Getty Images The royal family will sit on the right of the church Assuming it is the groom with royal blood, it is the opposite for when the bride has royal blood Getty Images The bride's wedding ring will contain Welsh gold Like the Duchess of Cambridges (pictured), this tradition was started by the Queen Mother Getty Images The bride will arrive in a horse-drawn carriage Princess Diana arrives at her wedding, but the Duchess of Cambridge eschewed this tradition 30 years later PA Archive/PA Images The bridal party is mainly made of children So we can expect to see George and Charlotte in Harry and Meghan's wedding party - pictured at Pippa Middleton's wedding last year PA There will be a fruit cake As is tradition - this eight-tiered fruit cake was made by Fiona Cairns for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding AFP/Getty Images Which other royals have married in St Georges Chapel? Most recently, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle held their very high-profile wedding at the castle back in May. Before this, Princess Annes son Peter Phillips married Autumn Kelly in the chapel in May 2008. Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles had their marriage blessed at the chapel in 2005 after a simple register office ceremony. And Prince Edward married Sophie the Countess of Wessex there in 1999. Prince Harry was baptised in the chapel in 1984 as was Princess Eugenie in 1990. Princess Eugenie's baptism in 1990 / PA Archive/PA Images Can you get married at the chapel? The chapel is a Royal Peculiar which is governed by the monarch which means you need to fit specific criteria in order to be married there. Your best bet is to be a royal, a knight, you live at Windsor Castle or are a resident of the College of St George. Can you visit the chapel? A visit to the chapel is included in the price of visiting Windsor Castle but the chapel is always closed to visitors unless you are a worshipper - on Sundays as there are church services being held throughout the day. Royal Wedding 2018: Best Pictures 1 /67 Royal Wedding 2018: Best Pictures Prince Harry and Meghan Markle kiss on the steps of St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle PA Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, places the wedding ring on the finger of Meghan Markle Jonathan Brady/AFP/Getty Images Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ride a horse-drawn carriage after their wedding ceremony Benoit Tessier/Reuters Meghan Markle and her mother, Doria Ragland Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty Images Princess Charlotte and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge leave St George's Chapel after the wedding Jane Barlow/WPA Pool/Getty Images Meghan Markle and her mother, Doria Ragland are driven along the Long Walk Yui Mok/WPA Pool/AFP/Getty Images Meghan Markle arriving at her royal wedding ceremony Owen Cooban/MoD/EPA Prince Harry with his brother and best man, the Duke of Cambridge Jane Barlow/PA David and Victoria Beckham attend the wedding Hugo Philpott/WPA Pool/EPA George and Amal Clooney arrive at St George's Chapel Chris Radburn/PA Abigail Spencer and Priyanka Chopra Chris Jackson/Getty Images Patrick J. Adams and wife Troian Bellisario Ian West/PA Marcus Mumford and Carey Mulligan Chris Jackson/Getty Images George Clooney greets Serena Williams as Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre look on Owen Humphreys/WPA Pool/Reuters James Blunt and Sofia Wellesley Hugo Philpott/WPA Pool/EPA Meghan Markle arrives at St George's Chapel Andrew Matthews/WPA Pool/Reuters Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle Jonathan Brady/PA Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, looks at his bride, Meghan Markle, as she arrives accompanied by Prince Charles, Prince of Wales in St George's Chapel Jonathan Brady/WPA Pool/AFP/Getty Images Prince Harry places the wedding ring on the finger on Meghan Markle Jonathan Brady/WPA Pool/AFP/Getty Images Prince Harry and Meghan Markle walk down the steps of St George's Chapel Ben Birchall/PA Prince Harry and Meghan Markle leave St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle after their wedding Reuters Prince Harry and Meghan Markle kiss Ben Birchall/PA Doria Ragland, mother of the bride, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall walk down the steps of St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle after the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Windsor Jane Barlow/WPA Pool/Reuters Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex waves from the Ascot Landau John Sibley/WPA Pool/Getty Images Prince Harry and Meghan Markle kiss as they ride in a carriage down the Long Walk after their wedding Yui Mok/WPA Pool/AP Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ride in an Ascot Landau along the Long Walk after their wedding in St George's Chapel Yui Mok/PA Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex wave from the Ascot Landau Carriage during their carriage procession on Castle Hill outside Windsor Castle Reuters Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cambridge with Prince George and Princess Charlotte leave St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle after the wedding Andrew Matthews/Pool/Getty Images Meghan Markle walks down the aisle in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA Princess Charlotte waves to the crowd Andrew Milligan/PA Windsor Castle Guards from 1st Battalion Irish Guards play for the crowd Nigel Roddis/EPA Meghan Markle arrives at St George's Chapel Brian Lawless/WPA Pool/Getty Images Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, walk away from the High Altar toward the West Door at the end of their wedding ceremony in St George's Chapel Danny Lawson/WPA Pool/AFP/Getty Images The Reverend Michael Curry delivered a 10 minute long flamboyant speech Owen Humphreys/WPA/Pool/Reuters Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for their wedding Dominic Lipinski/PA Prince Harry and Meghan Markle leave St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle Dominic Lipinski/WPA Pool/Reuters Doria Ragland, mother of the bride during the wedding service Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Britain's Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall wait in the chapel for the wedding ceremony Jonathan Brady/WPA Pool/AFP/Getty Images Prince Harry looks at his bride, Meghan Markle, as she arrives accompanied by Prince Charles, Prince of Wales during their wedding Jonathan Brady/WPA Pool/Getty Images Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and The Duchess of Sussex kiss on the steps of St George's Chapel Danny Lawson/WPA Pool/Getty Images) Meghan Markle waves to the crowds Matt Cardy/Getty Images Well-wishers line the Long Walk leading to Windsor Castle ahead of the wedding and carriage procession Daniel Leal-Olivias/AFP/Getty Images Well-wishers watch a giant screen broadcasting the wedding ceremony Tolga Akmen/AFP/Getty Images The Queen Elizabeth II with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh Alastair Grant/AFP/Getty Images Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex set off in the Ascot Landau Carriage after their wedding ceremony Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and The Duchess of Sussex ride along the Long Walk in the Ascot Landau carriage during a procession after getting married at St Georges Chapel Hannah McKay/WPA Pool/Getty Images The Queen and other members of the royal family wave after the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel Andrew Milligan/WPA Pool/Reuters Prince Harry and Meghan Markle walk down the steps after their wedding Ben Birchhall/WPA Pool/AP Prince Harry and Meghan Markle leave after their wedding ceremony at St. George's Chapel Andrew Matthews/WPA Pool/AP Meghan Markle glances back towards her mother, Doria Ragland, as she leaves St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle with Prince Harry Danny Lawson/WPA Pool/AP A woman is painted with a British flag on her face, as they wait at The Long Walk to watch the carriage procession Emilio Morenatti/AP Royal fans wave flags as they wait for the newlyweds to go past after the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle Emilio Morenatti/AP Prince Harry looks at his bride, Meghan Markle, as she arrives accompanied by the Prince of Wales in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle Owen Humphreys/PA Flowers adorn the front of the organ loft inside St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for the wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle Danny Lawson/WPA Pool/Getty Images) Meghan Markle walks up the aisle with the Prince of Wales at St George's Chapel Dominic Lipinski/Pool /Reuters Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and the Duchess of Sussex in the Ascot Landau carriage during the procession on The Long Walk after getting married St George's Chapel Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan Markle leave St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle Neil Hall/WPA Pool/EPA Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ride in an open-topped carriage through Windsor Castle after their wedding in St George's Chapel Aaron Chown/WPA Pool/Reuters Royal fans smile on the Long Walk leading to Windsor Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP/Getty Images Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and The Duchess of Sussex ride in the Ascot Landau carriage during a procession after getting married at St Georges Chapel Andrew Milligan/WPA/Getty Images Meghan Markle arrives at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle Neil Hall/WPA Pool/Reuters Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and The Duchess of Sussex leave Windsor Castle in the Ascot Landau carriage during a procession after getting married at St Georges Chapel Phil Noble/WPA/Getty Images Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ride in an open-topped carriage through Windsor Castle after their wedding in St George's Chape Victoria Jones/PA Prince Harry salutes members of the Royal family as he and his wife Meghan Markle ride in an open-topped carriage after their wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle Andrew Milligan/WPA Pol/AP Prince Harry and Meghan Markle leave St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle Dominic Lipinski/WPA Pool/Getty Images Two women wipes their tears when watching Prince Harry and Meghan Markle exchange vows on a video screen on the Long Walk Peter Dejong/AP Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex begin their carriage procession in the Ascot Landau Carriage after their wedding ceremony at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle Chris Radburn/AFP/Getty Images Are any members of the royal family buried in the chapel? The chapel is the final resting place for many monarchs who have passed, including Henry VIII, Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother. What is the chapel used for? H er nationality is American, but its Canada that lost Meghan Markle to the UK when she became engaged to Prince Harry in November 2017. And it can be no coincidence that it was after a six-week extended holiday on Vancouver Island that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex decided to make the historic announcement - that they would be stepping back as senior members of the royal family. In the statement on their newly-minted website the pair said: "We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity." Meghan spent seven years living in Toronto while filming hit legal drama Suits and, despite confessing to being a California girl at heart, she frequently spoke of her love for the city in interviews and on her lifestyle blog, The Tig - which the duchess quietly renewed the trademark for in September last year. Canada is also a special place for the couple. During the initial 18 months of their three and a half year relationship, Harry often flew to visit Meghan on the Suits' set and spent time at her three-bedroom home in the suburbs of Toronto - much of which they could do with relative anonymity. The duchess said in 2015: Its really funny because I think as much of a big city as Toronto is, its so different from LA or New York. There [are] no paparazzi so its really easy to just have a normal life. People. Fashion. Power. 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}} Canada was also where they chose to make their first public appearance, at the Invictus Games in 2017 and they have just spent their first Christmas with their son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, in a luxurious house on Canada's Vancouver Island. Their first public engagement of the new decade was a visit to Canada House in London. During the visit on Tuesday, Meghan said of the Canada trip: "My goodness, it was just such an incredible time we were able to have there and with our son too." Meghan Markle's best outfits 1 /42 Meghan Markle's best outfits Scroll through to see the Duchess of Sussex's best 2018 looks... Getty Images Meghan at Edinburgh Castle Wearing Burberry Chris Jackson/Getty Images Meghan at the Commonwealth Day service Wearing Amanda Wakeley Chris Jackson/Getty Images Meghan at the Anzac Day Service of Commemoration Wearing Emilia Wickstead Getty Images Meghan at the Women's Empowerment reception Wearing Black Halo Getty Images Meghan at the Commonwealth Youth Forum Wearing Altuzarra Getty Images Meghan on her wedding day Wearing Givenchy Getty Images Meghan on her wedding day Wearing Stella McCartney AFP/Getty Images Meghan at The Prince of Wales' 70th Birthday Patronage Celebration Wearing Goat Getty Images Meghan with the Queen in Cheshire Wearing Givenchy Getty Images Meghan at Royal Ascot Wearing Givenchy AFP/Getty Images Meghan at the Queen's Young Leaders Awards Ceremony Wearing Givenchy Getty Images Meghan at the Your Commonwealth Youth Challenge reception Wearing Brandon Maxwell Getty Images Meghan at Sentebale Polo Wearing Carolina Herrera Getty Images Meghan at the christening of Prince Louis Wearing Ralph Lauren Getty Images Meghan at the centenary of the RAF Wearing Dior Getty Images Meghan on visit to Ireland Wearing Roland Mouret Getty Images Meghan at reception in Ireland Wearing Emilia Wickstead Getty Images Meghan at Famine Memorial in Ireland Wearing Givenchy Getty Images Meghan at Wimbledon Wearing Ralph Lauren AFP/Getty Images Meghan at Nelson Mandela Centenary Exhibition Wearing Nonie Getty Images Meghan at the Oceania exhibit Wearing Givenchy Getty Images Meghan in Sussex Wearing Hugo Boss Getty Images Meghan in Sydney Wearing Karen Gee Getty Images Meghan at her first state dinner in Fiji Wearing Safiya Getty Images Meghan at Bondi Beach Wearing Martin Grant Getty Images Meghan at the University of the South Pacific Wearing Figue Getty Images Meghan at the Australian Geographic Society Awards Wearing Oscar de la Renta Getty Images Meghan at reception in New Zealand Wearing Gabriela Hearst Getty Images Meghan in New Zealand Wearing Karen Walker Getty Images Meghan at the Invictus Games Wearing Scanlan Theodore jacket Getty Images for the Invictus Ga Meghan visiting the King and Queen of Tonga Wearing Veronica Beard Getty Images Meghan at state dinner in Tonga Wearing Theia Getty Images Meghan in Tonga Wearing Self Portrait Getty Images Meghan on royal tour of New Zealand Wearing Givenchy Getty Images Meghan visit to Courtenay Creative in New Zealand Wearing Maggie Marilyn Getty Images Meghan in Auckland Wearing Brandon Maxwell dress and Martin Grant coat Getty Images Meghan in Fiji Wearing Zimmerman dress and Stephen Jones hat Getty Images Meghan in Sydney Wearing L'Agence blazer and Oroton bag PA Wire/PA Images Meghan in New South Wales Wearing Emilia Wickstead AFP/Getty Images Meghan on Fraser Island Wearing Reformation PA Wire/PA Images Meghan the wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank Wearing Givenchy Getty Images Meghan's closest confidantes also reside in Canada with her best friend, stylist Jessica Mulroney, living in Toronto with her husband and three young children - who were all given major roles in Harry and Meghan's 2018 wedding. Meghan is also close with Suits co-star Abigail Spencer and Markus Anderson, the Toronto-based global membership director of Soho House. According to the couple's slick new website, Harry and Meghan's UK base will remain Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, but it is unknown where in Canada they will base themselves (unless they chose to live in Meghan's native California, of course) - but experts say the move is expected to boost Canada's tourism industry. Toronto could be a likely base, but which local spots grabbed Meghans seal of approval during her time there? We round up the Toronto hangouts deemed worthy of the (former) senior royal. Kensington Market Kensington Market Its well known that Meghan is quite the foodie - Prince Harry asked her to marry him as she was cooking a roast chicken , after all - and one of her favourite places to stock up on unusual ingredients was Torontos quirky Kensington Market. While its a little rough around the edges, its packed to the brim with experimental food stalls and cool vintage stores. Meghan is known to have sourced her bread from Blackbird Bakery Co, even blogging about the stores sourdough on now-defunct lifestyle website The Tig. The area is also home to health food store, 4 Life Natural Foods, Kensington Markets answer to Whole Foods, where its easy to imagine Meghan might have stopped by for organic produce. She also visited the picturesque Scandi spot Fika Cafe which serves light snacks and iced coffees, look out for its wall of books. Trinity Bellwoods Park Meghan is known for being a dog-lover, so much so that she flew her one of her two pups, Guy, to England when she moved leaving Bogart in Canada as he was 'too old to fly'. During her time in Canada, Meghan was often spotted walking the rescue pups in Trinity Bellwoods park, which adjoins the West Queen West neighbourhood, and is one of Torontos most central green spaces. In an interview with MyDomaine, Meghan said: "Its a massive park with a huge dog run in the middle, which is ideal for my super active dog, Bogart. But beyond the normal park humdrum (tennis courts and softball field), youll see people set up stands for the likes of free hugs, yoga in the park, dance classes, and performance art. Its really the mecca for meeting up with friends, throwing a frisbee until day turns to night, and listening to the ambient beat of bongo drums from another end of the park. Where to shop The Duchess of Sussex in a Sentaler coat, November 2019 / Getty Images After Meghan's beloved Cabaret Vintage shut down in 2015 (it's still accessible online) there were plenty of other stores she frequented including Sentaler for coats, Ani & Wren for cashmere sweaters, Canadian brand Aritzia, The Room at Hudson's Bay Company for 'cool designers' and Holt Renfrew for classics. Fresh Cameras spotted Meghan frequenting Fresh as a go-to for casual bites and she even had her Christmas meal there one year. The vegetarian cafe has several outposts in Toronto and one in LA and told The Loop: "Over Christmas she came here for her Christmas meal a couple years ago, and her mom's super cool too. Before she deleted her Instagram account, she frequently posted about our quinoa onion rings." Fairmont Royal York While Meghan had her own picturesque three-bed apartment in a fashionable part of town, she was no stranger to a staycation. As well as filming scenes for Suits at the Fairmont Royal York (the hotel is known for having some of the most spectacular function rooms in Canada), she reportedly booked into the hotel with Prince Harry during the Invictus Games, where they made their first public appearance together. Bar Isabel Bar Isabel, Toronto / Bar Isabel Meghan once told The Loop that Bar Isabel was one of her favourite haunts. Serving contemporary Spanish dishes, the general manager told the site: "We like to think of it as Barcelona Tavern by way of College St. in Toronto. [Meghan] was a good customer... She did come in and we were always happy to have her, and if she were ever to come back to Toronto of course we would be happy to welcome her again." W Skincare Lorinda Zimmerman, the founder of anti-ageing and skin health management clinic W Skincare told The Loop that Meghan had visited its Toronto outpost since 2011, adding: "She loved it, [our treatment is] non-invasive, it doesn't effect the schedule, it doesn't have chemicals, not the orange country housewives look." Meghan has said that W Skincare's cold laser treatment is among her 'favourite in the world'. Shagri-La Toronto The Miraj Hammam Spa at the Shangri-La, Toronto / Shangri-La In a 2014 interview with Glamour magazine, Meghan said the Miraj Hammam Spa by Caudalie Paris at the Shari-La Toronto was her go-to for facials and massages. The Chase Meghan first became familiar with this favourite of Torontos financial district while filming scenes there for Suits. But it clearly made an impression as she returned to host a special celebratory dinner at the fish restaurant when Prince Harrys Invictus Games came to town. Gee Beauty In her interview with Glamour, Meghan also said her favourite place to shop beauty products was Gee Beauty: "It's so well curated and they have fantastic finds for skin care and beauty. And I love the aesthetic of the shop." West Queen West Terroni on Toronto's Queen Street / Terroni The arty neighbourhood of West Queen West was voted one of the coolest in the world by Vogue US, so its no surprise that Meghan loved to frequent its mix of trendy restaurants, local design stores and small gallery spaces. The district is home to one of the original Terroni Italian restaurants, where Meghans favourite condiment, peperoncini piccanti (red chillies in olive oil), can be purchased. She told Vanity Fair of the fiery sauce: Theyre really hot, but if youre good with heat, then I think theyre going to be your new favourite thing. A 22-year-old man has been shot in south-east London on a weekend of bloodshed in the capital. Police were flagged down by a member of the public in New Cross Road shortly before 6.30pm on Sunday. Officers discovered a man suffering from gunshot wounds. It comes after Rhyhiem Ainsworth Barton, 17, was shot dead on the streets of Kennington, south London, just after 6pm on Saturday. On Sunday afternoon, two boys aged 13 and 15 suffered injuries after they were shot on Wealdstone High Street in Harrow, north-west London. Two boys, 13 and 15, shot in head in broad daylight on busy London high street The latest victim was rushed by paramedics to a central London hospital where his condition is described as not life threatening. A Met Police spokeswoman said: A crime scene and road closures remain in place at this time. "No arrests have been made and enquiries continue. S adiq Khan has vowed to work ceaselessly to tackle violent crime in the capital after a spate of brutal attacks in London over the Bank Holiday weekend. Police have now revealed that a third victim may require treatment for a shotgun pellet wound. A forensic tent at the scene of the attack in Kennington / REUTERS A 43-year-old man was stabbed following a dispute in Perivale, north-west London on Sunday evening. And two men, aged 22 and 27, and a 17-year-old boy suffered life-changing injuries after being attacked with a noxious substance in Hackney in the early hours of Bank Holiday Monday. Scotland Yard deployed additional police and armed officers to patrol the streets of the capital following the bloodshed. A police cordon in Warham Street, Southwark / PA The Mayor of London condemned the violence and said his heart goes out to the families of those killed and injured. In a powerful statement he urged witnesses to come forward and called on the Government to plough more funding into police resources. Mr Khan said: Keeping Londoners safe is my top priority - I remain in constant contact with the Metropolitan Police and am reassured that they are doing everything they can to bring those responsible to justice and to keep us all safe. Rhyhiem Ainsworth Barton was shot dead in Kennington As Mayor Im doing all I can to compensate for the failure of ministers. City Hall is investing an extra 110m in the Met to keep police numbers as high as possible, and we have also set up a new 45m Young Londoners Fund to help tackle the causes of violent crime and support young people to turn away from criminality. I refuse to accept that nothing can be done to stem the appalling rise of violent crime we are seeing across the country. Together with the police, community groups, victims and their families and Londoners, City Hall will continue to work ceaselessly to tackle violent crime. Investigation: A forensic officer at the scene of the shootings that left two boys in hospital / PA The mayors words came as police revealed a 13-year-old boy shot in the head in Wealdstone, Harrow, was an innocent bystander who had been caught in crossfire while walking with his parents. Another 15-year-old victim remains in hospital with a number of shotgun pellet wounds to the head, a Met Police spokesman said. Police at the junction of Palmerston Road and the High Street in Wealdstone / PA Officers are also looking for a possible third victim who may have been at the scene with the 15-year-old boy. This victim is believed to have sustained an arm injury and left prior to the arrival of the emergency services. A 39-year-old man was arrested on the evening of May 6 in connection with the incident and has been released under investigation. Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Rose, Harrow Borough Commander said: "It would appear that the first victim was approached by two male suspects, one in possession of a shotgun - and shots were fired injuring him and an entirely innocent member of the public. "This was a callous, reckless and brazen act, without any thought by those responsible for the fact that there were families with children and people in the high street enjoying their weekend. This was quite simply, appalling. D onald Trump will announce whether he will pull the United States out of the Iran nuclear deal on Tuesday. The US President revealed he would set out his decision just hours after Boris Johnson pleaded with him not to throw the "baby out with the bath water" during a diplomatic dash to Washington. Mr Trump would be in line for the Nobel Peace Prize if he can fix the agreement, the Foreign Secretary said as he urged him not to pull out of the long-fought for accord. The president has branded the deal the "worst" ever backed by the US and reimposing sanctions would effectively torpedo the international alliance behind the deal. Mr Johnson met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo but did not hold talks with the president. Instead, he appeared on Mr Trump's favourite TV programme in an effort to save the deal. Boris Johnson talks up Donald Trump for Peace Prize The Foreign Secretary told the Fox & Friends morning news show Iran had been "behaving badly" and flaws in the deal needed to be fixed but warned against ditching it. Boris Johnson urges Donald Trump not to scrap Iran nuclear deal on Fox News "If you do that you have to answer the question what next? "What if the Iranians do rush for a nuclear weapon? Are we seriously saying that we are going to bomb those facilities at Fordo and Natanz? "Is that really a realistic possibility? Or do we work round what we have got and push back on Iran together?" In a separate interview during the visit, Mr Johnson raised the prospect of Mr Trump winning the Nobel Peace Prize. He told Sky News: "If he can fix North Korea and if he can fix the Iran nuclear deal then I don't see why he is any less of a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize than Barack Obama, who got it before he even did anything." The decision to award Mr Obama the prize in 2009 just a short time after he entered the White House proved controversial. Boris Johnson told the Fox & Friends morning news show that the agreement should not be ditched / Fox news British, French and German diplomats have been working for weeks behind the scenes with US counterparts in an effort to preserve the Iran deal. The UK's ambassador to the United States Sir Kim Darroch said the Iran agreement was "a good deal" but efforts were ongoing to "find some language, produce some action that meets the president's concerns". The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was signed by the US, China, Russia, Germany, France and Britain with Iran in 2015. Under its terms, Iran is committed to a peaceful nuclear energy programme. Mr Trump will announce his decision at 7pm UK time. By Olivia Rose BOTH Digicel and Flow are set to provide free public access to wifi at locations throughout the territory. The telecoms companies revealed the news at a recent meeting with Minister of Telecommunications Hon Vaden Delroy Williams. Stores, public schools, the airports, a police station and a park are among the locations where internet access will be made freely available to anyone with a receiving device. And the Government has also committed to setting up free access sites in order to prevent a "digital divide. At the meeting Flow TCI country manager Delleriece Hall informed the minister of the companys ongoing initiatives. Free wifi will be provided at Flow stores and at all the public schools in the administration buildings and computer labs, she said. Meanwhile a Digicel representative said the company is providing community wifi at Princess Alexandra Park in Providenciales, the Digicel store and Police A Division in Grand Turk and the Digicel store in South Caicos. In a statement issued on Monday (April 30), Minister Williams pointed to a promise in the Governments Change Document to create pubic zones for free wifi. He said his ministry is keen on bringing these plans into fruition. "The Turks and Caicos Islands is too small for there to be a digital divide in this country. "While of course the providers have to make a return on their investments, I think they must also strike a balance and give consideration to the critical role that they must play in the area of social advancement. "By that I simply mean that there should be no area or person in this country that cannot enjoy the benefits and privileges of having access to telecommunications technology. Minister Williams expressed satisfaction that both companies reaffirmed their commitment to providing free wifi to key places including the airports in Providenciales and Grand Turk. Repairs and upgrades During the meeting the firms also spoke about upgrades to their respective networks after hurricanes Irma and Maria wreaked havoc on their infrastructure. Hall said that Flow TCI has accelerated restoration work and upgrades and is making great progress. "We have significantly upgraded our distribution network in Providenciales making it possible for most customers to access superfast broadband and Flow TV. "The community of Five Cays had full access by April 15. The country manager also said that optimisation work or the final fine-tuning process is ongoing and customers will experience an increase in speeds on both mobile and fixed services. She reported that customers in Grand Turk will soon experience superfast and reliable speeds as the company rolls out Fiber to the Home (FTTH), the latest generation ultra-high speed broadband connection. Flow has also launched a study programme for all CXC students which allows students to access a learning database at no charge or wifi cost to them. Meanwhile Digicel has embarked on its rebuilding better initiative which will see customers in Providenciales and Grand Turk receiving Fiber to the Home (FTTH) and Fiber to the Business (FTTB). The Digicel representative said it will be three months to completion of the underground fibre project in Providenciales. Services to homes in Blue Hills will begin within three weeks, while rebuilding work has commenced in Grand Turk. Minister Williams underscored the importance of strong and reliable telecommunications infrastructure in the functioning and development of any modern society. "I was quite pleased with the wealth of detailed information provided by Digicel and Flow, he said, "and I was also impressed by the significant investment they continue to make in upgrading their networks and in other important areas. "We are one of the most stable and fastest growing economies in the Caribbean and we pride ourselves in being a high end tourist destination. "In addition, we have a very diverse and vibrant population that relies heavily on telecommunications as a function of their daily lives, so we have to remain on the cutting edge of technology. 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 Romania will no longer need gas imports from the Russian Federation after natural gas extraction begins in the Black Sea, and the country could jump to the first place among European countries with the lowest dependence on energy imports, Deloitte Senior Expert Razvan Nicolescu told a news conference on Monday. Deloitte launched a study called "The contribution of Black Sea hydrocarbon exploration and production projects to the development of the Romanian economy," commissioned by the Association of Romania's Black Sea Offshore Lessors (ARCOMN). "Latest data reported by Eurostat show Romania currently ranked third among the countries with the lowest import dependency, and with the Black Sea gas production, chances are we can improve on this performance. (...) I think Romania is in a privileged situation as it owns the source," Nicolescu said.He explained that out of offshore blocks, Romania could draw a total of 170 billion cubic metres, or 5 billion cubic metres annually, 65 percent of which could be used in the country."This production, first, will cover domestic use, and then the surplus will be bound for exportation. That would mean that Romania will no longer need Russian gas," Nicolescu continued.He added that Black Sea production will compensate for the estimated decline in onshore extraction in the next years."We will have a million new consumers in the next 10 years, given that there are over three million households in Romania that continue to burn biomass, and we estimate that the chemical and petrochemical industries will recover. Moreover, there are new projects for gas-fired plants and the retooling of others to use these resources, so gas use nationwide could return to the 2014 level," said Nicolescu Investments in the hydrocarbon sector in the Black Sea will generate revenues for the state budget of 26 billion US dollars, and a plus of 40 billion for Romania's GDP, until the year 2040, according to a study done by Deloitte, at the request of the Romanian Association of Black Sea Offshore Concessionaires (ARCOMN). The largest sum, namely 9,5 billion dollars, will be represented by companies' income tax. Out of the VAT and excises will bring in 3,7 billion US dollars, 6,5 billion from social insurance contributions, and another 5,5 billion US dollars from royalties. In the same period these investments will support, annually, roughly 30,000 jobs.Analysts estimate that offshore gas production will go up to 170 billion cubic meters, out of which 35 percent will be exported."There are grounds allowing that 65 percent of this gas be consumed in Romania," Deloitte senior expert Razvan Nicolescu told Monday a press conference, with the occasion of the report's launch.Oil companies will invest 15,7 billion US dollars in the Black Sea projects, 2018 through 2049, according to the report."Out of these investments, 54 percent will generate impact for our economy, the rest being import acquisitions," Nicolescu added. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has landed its forces on the Yemeni island of Socotra, situated some 240 km. (150 mi.) from the Horn of Africa and roughly 350 kilometres (220 mi) off the Arabian Peninsula. The surprise operation was launched on May 2. The troops are accompanied by armored vehicles. This military presence is growing. The soldiers have taken control of key elements of the islands infrastructure, including the sea and airports. The landing was conducted without the approval of either the Yemeni government or the local authorities. The move is clearly an affront to Yemeni President Abed Hadi, who is officially a UAE ally in the ongoing war against Yemen's Houthi rebels. Abu Dhabi is a key partner in the Saudi Arabia-led coalition that has been fighting Houthi rebels since 2015. Hadis government, which officially controls Socotra, views the landing as an act of aggression. The deployment could mark the end of Yemen's alliance with the Arab Emirates. The UAE has established a zone of influence in southern Yemen, which includes the port of Aden, known as the southern gate of the Red Sea. There have been reports that Abu Dhabi is building a military airstrip on Yemens Mayun (Perim) island, which is also located near the strait. It controls Adens airport as well. The UAE is forming militias that will operate under its control on Yemeni territory. U ncorroborated reports have surfaced claiming that Abu Dhabi plans to force Socotra to secede from Yemen and join the UAE. Recently the federation has been investing heavily in southern Yemen in order to garner popular support. No Houthi military units have ever been sighted on the island that would justify this deployment by the Emirates. One must surmise that expansion is the real goal of the operation. Once it has annexed Socotra and southern Yemen, the UAE will become much bigger and more important, thus boosting its regional and global clout. Yemen is rich in oil and gas reserves and the reason for Abu Dhabis interest is obvious. Previously the federation had made attempts to gain control of oil and gas fields in the provinces of Shabwah, Marib, and Hadhramaut. This military presence in Socotra will make it possible to establish control over the shipping lanes that connect the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean. It brings to mind the famous phrase of Alfred Thayer Mahan Whoever attains maritime supremacy in the Indian Ocean would be a prominent player on the international scene. Socotra is crucial for controlling the shipping to and from Iran, the sworn enemy of Washington and Abu Dhabi. And war appears to be on the horizon. A year ago, Washington and Abu Dhabi signed a landmark defense cooperation agreement to expand their military partnership. The deal includes provisions for moving US forces to Emirati territory and patrolling vital sea lanes in the Arabian Gulf and along the African coast. The UAE is the second-largest buyer of American weapons in the world and lately has been getting more frequent green lights to purchase the most sophisticated systems the US has to offer. Both nations have a long history of participating in joint military operations. It will be no surprise if one day the news of a US military presence on Socotra were to hit the medias headlines. In March 2017, the commander of the UAE navy visited the US to discuss a range of issues, including the creation of the Emirati shipbuilding industry. Its hard to imagine that the impending landing operation on Socotra was not an issue on that agenda. Evidently the deployment is part of a broader plan to force the rollback of Iran and reshape the region. And thats not limited to Yemen. A military base is being constructed in Berbera, Somaliland by the UAE, to the chagrin of Somalias government in Mogadishu. Somaliland is a self-proclaimed state that has separated from Somalia. It is not recognized internationally, but the UAE provides training for its military. The federation has also been increasing its naval presence in Eritrea. The Socotra operation coincides with other signs of a wider looming conflict. For instance, the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group commenced combat operations in Syria on May 3. Fighting the Islamic State? Not at all. It doesnt take an aircraft carrier to get rid of the jihadists token presence that still remains in Syria. The military operations are being combined with diplomatic efforts to diminish Russias influence in Syria and the Middle East. Hadis government in Yemen is recognized internationally. This deployment of military forces took place without Yemens approval, which means that the UAE has flagrantly violated international law. And the US will be flouting it too, if it sends troops. Yemen is going to complain to the United Nations about the occupation of Socotra. Washington has slammed Crimeas unification with Russia despite the fact that a referendum was held there in which the people were allowed to express their own will. Will it likewise strongly condemn the UAE for occupying Yemeni territory and attempting to annex it to the Emirates without any legal grounds to do so? Hopefully it wont be long before this issue makes it onto the agenda of the UN Security Council. The U.S. Department of Defense recently revealed that a U.S. Marine artillery battalion (1st Battalion, 10th Marines) fired more rounds (35,000) in a single campaign (Syria June-October 2017) than any American artillery battalion (army or marine) since the Vietnam War. The individual marine 155mm howitzers also fired more round per gun and fired the largest number of GPS guided rounds per gun in one campaign. Moreover, there were never more than six of the marine 155mm howitzers in action at any one time. The marines rotated artillery batteries in and out of Syria to allow for maintenance on the guns and rest for the crews. During the five months of the fighting, the Marines were mainly supporting Kurdish led rebels fighting to take the ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) capital of Raqqa. Thus each of the marine 155mm guns averaged 39 155mm rounds a day. But the marine 155mm howitzers fired over a hundred rounds on some days and only a few on others, usually on days they were changing position to keep up with the Syrian rebels. A Marine Corps battery (six guns) of M777 155mm howitzers was sent to Syria in early 2017 to support the SDF Kurdish militia as it advanced towards the ISIL capital of Raqqa in eastern Syria. The marines fired a lot of M1156 GPS guided shells and often did so at extreme ranges. In the course of the five months, the marines wore out the barrels on two of their howitzers. Normally the M777 barrel can fire up to 2,500 shells before wearing out but barrel life depends on what type of shell your fire. If you fire the longer range shells (which the Marines did) barrel life is much reduced (to about a thousand rounds). While the GPS guided shells reduced the need for firing a lot of shells, the Americans also noted that fewer howitzers were required to provide accurate artillery support when using GPS guided shells and even in Afghanistan some isolated artillery units (usually a battery or just a section of two guns) fired a lot of GPS guided shells and provided timely and accurate fire often at extreme range. At some points during the Raqqa campaign, the marines fired non-GPS shells at area targets (where GPS precision was not a factor) to pin down the enemy forces and prevent them from moving. In Syria, the marine 155mm howitzers, which can be moved (via a sling) by a helicopter, often operated in smaller detachments (usually two guns) to provide support for more rebel units. Most of the fighting inside Raqqa did not require the 155mm guns (and the tons of ammo they had to have with each gun) to be dispersed. The marine 155mm shells provided most of the firepower for the battle of Raqqa because airstrikes delivered less than half as many smart bombs and missiles compared to the marine artillery shells fired. Releasing the data on the number of 155mm shells fired by this one marine artillery battalion revealed that the battalion fired more rounds than were fired during the 2003 invasion of Iraq (when many more 155mm howitzers fired 34,000 rounds or 261 rounds per gun). In 1990-1991 campaign to drive Iraqi troops out of Kuwait 730 army and marine 155mm howitzers fired 50,000 rounds, or 69 rounds per gun. In both those campaigns, no single battalion (each of 18 guns) fired more than a few thousand rounds. The marine artillery effort in Syria also demonstrated the sturdiness and reliability of the M777 towed 155mm howitzer. The manufacturer has use and maintenance data from the Syria operation and with that can make more improvements. To deal with the barrel wear problem a new full-bore chrome-lined barrel had already been developed. This more expensive barrel lasts about 50 percent longer than current howitzer barrels. The marines were only scheduled to get about a hundred of the new chrome lined barrels but the Department of Defense is re-thinking that because the marine M777s most frequently end up in situations like the Raqqa campaign. The marines were to receive their first chrome lined barrels in 2019 but that may happen sooner. All this is the price of progress. In 2007 the U.S. Army and Marine Corps received their first M777A1 lightweight 155mm howitzers. The M777s cost $1.9 million each and the U.S. has bought about a thousand of them so far, for use by the army and marines (who received nearly 400 of them). The manufacturer, BAE, has also received a contract to refurbish dozens of M777s that returned from service in Afghanistan. This cost $91,000 per howitzer. Many of the M777s used in Syria will undergo refurbishment because of such heavy use during a short period. The British designed howitzer is also used by Canada and Britain. The army uses M777s in airborne and Stryker brigades while for the marines all their field artillery is towed. A five ton truck is used to tow the guns, but a special, 4.5 ton LWPM (Lightweight Prime Mover) is available to do that as well. The M777 is, at four tons, the lightest 155mm towed howitzer ever fielded. A crew of five fires regular rounds to 24 kilometers and RAP (rocket assisted projectiles) rounds to 40 kilometers. M777 fire control is handled by a computerized system that allows faster response time and more accurate shooting. Even before the Syria operation users reported that the M777 was accurate and reliable. All this played a large role in the heavy use of the M777 in Syria. Most of the fire missions were called in by American fire control teams attached to the rebel units. These forward observers used GPS and laser range finders (usually combined in one binocular-like device) to provide the marine artillerymen with a precise location of the target. Inside Raqqa the targets were often small and close to friendly troops. While a "dumb" artillery shell will land within 75 meters (more or less depending on range) of the aiming point, the GPS guided one lands within a ten meter (31 foot) circle around the aiming point. In Raqqa if the troops were facing a small target (like one or more snipers in a building), two GPS guided 155mm shells fired nearly simultaneously (from up to 40 kilometers away) would usually eliminate the problem. This not only speeds up the conquest of Raqqa but kept casualties down among the attacking troops. This does wonders for morale and keeps your most experienced troops in action until the battle is won. Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader and renowned lawyer Naeem Bukhari on Sunday dismissed of rumors that he was attacked in London. On the other hand, British Police have also categorically rejected dismissed news of attack. Naeem Bukhari who rose to fame after winning historic Panama Papers case against then prime minister (PM) of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif has on Wednesday sustained injuries to head and ribs after he fell down in platform of London Undergorund Station, tweeted party spokesperson Fawad Chaudhry. EARLIER this week a tragedy shook many in the territory as a well-known young man was found dead in his car in Blue Hills. The man, who police did not name, but who has since been identified as Haitian native Steve Pierre, was discovered unresponsive in his vehicle by emergency personnel at about 3.20pm on Tuesday (May 1). Pierres parked vehicle, with him inside of it, was spotted on Bible Street by residents in the area who contacted the 911 Centre. The criminal division of the police force has since launched an investigation into the cause of Pierres death. Up to press time, police would not give any update. On his Facebook page scores of friends and family expressed their sadness at his tragic death. One wrote: "Rest in peace my friend, it's sad to see such a great man pass. Another said: "Holy father have mercy on his family. My sincere condolences, he was my classmate and a very nice respectable person. And another wrote: "Life can be so unfair, taking away such a beautiful soul from family and friends. Anyone with information can contact police at Chalk Sound Police Station on 338-5901 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477. The Election Commission (ECP) of Pakistan on Monday instructed the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) to create a special software for online scrutiny of nomination papers to be filed by candidates taking part in the upcoming general elections. The orders were issued to Nadra during a meeting presided over by Chief Election Commissioner Sardar Mohammad Raza. The software, according to the ECP spokesperson, would link the ECP with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the State Bank of Pakistan. The spokesperson said that Nadra, after completing the family trees of the election candidates and finalising the software, will seek permission from the ECP for its usage, following which returning officers would be able to access it. The FIA has reportedly been made a part of the candidates' scrutiny procedure for the first time, sources told. During the meeting today, the election commission's DG Information Technology said that during the 2013 polls, 26,000 aspiring legislators had submitted their nomination papers; of them, only 16,000 were accepted. It is expected that up to 30,000 candidates will file their nomination papers for the 2018 elections, the DG added. The idea to create a central automated online system for scrutiny of nomination papers and screen out tax evaders, loan defaulters, beneficiaries of written-off loans as well as convicts was floated prior to the 2013 polls as well. However, the proposed programme, for reasons unknown, had not come to fruition. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday said an alliance with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was not possible before the upcoming general elections. Addressing a press conference in Mandi Bahauddin, the PPP scion said, We want security for everyone during elections. Even when there is violence, it doesnt mean we postpone elections, Bilawal said. Even Afghanistan and Iran conduct elections. Imran Khan expressed his own wishes to delay elections, but I dont see any reason to do so, Bilawal said, adding that there is no constitutional clause calling for delayed elections. The PPP chairman also called for the eradication of politics of hatred. We need to ensure that the youth dont get effected by these politics. Bilawal also condemned the attack on Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal. Commenting on the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Bilawal said that ousted premier Nawaz Sharif is a propaganda expert. Even after the Panama case, he went on passing odd remarks everywhere he went, the PPP leader added. PPP members are in jail but no member of the PML-N is in jail. Their propaganda will not be successful, said the PPP leader. This region doesnt belong to a single man. Bahauddin is the main constituency of the PPP. Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa appreciated the role of Sindh Rangers and other law enforcement authorities in bringing back peace in the metropolis during his visit to the Corps Headquarters Karachi on Monday, informed ISPR. The armys media wing said that the COAS received briefing over the security situation in the entire province. General Bajwa lauded efforts being put by the security institution in reviving economic activities in Karachi. The operation against criminal elements in Pakistans commercial hub was initiated back in September 2013 after the federal cabinet empowered Rangers to lead a targeted advance with the support of police. Since then Rangers have extended their powers every few months when they expire. Karachi Operation - 'Worlds best-targeted operation' Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has called Karachi Operation, as 'worlds best-targeted operation'. Murad said that under the National Action Plan in the province, 1,028,218 criminals were caught while 1,258 were killed. The Karachi operation would not have been a success without the support of the citizens, said the chief minister Sindh. Samar Bint Mazin Saleh has been selected by Majed Bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, the Saudi minister of commerce and investment, as the Kingdom's commercial attache to Tokyo, Japan, according to the Saudi Gazette. Saleh, who gained the milestone of becoming the first-ever Saudi woman to hold the commercial attache role, was previously stationed as the trade exchange in-charge at the Saudi Embassy in Italy. At the Kingdom's embassy, her work focused on promoting non-oil exports in line with the Saudi Vision 2030. Her latest role also comes as part of the country's new strategy led by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to empower Saudi women. This step is part of the ministrys policy to empower women, the ministry said, as per Anadolu. Saleh "holds a masters degree in journalism and international media from City University in London. She obtained a bachelors degree in journalism and mass media from the American University in Sharjah", the Saudi Gazette noted. "She also completed the executive leadership program at Harvard University in the US. She started work in the financial sector. She speaks fluent English and Italian," it added. Earlier, on April 10, Riyadh hosted a week of womens fashion for the first time in the nation's history. Prior to that, it lifted a ban on driving for women and opened a public theatre after 35 years. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned the recent atrocities against Rohingyas in Myanmar, terming that actions against them have reached the level of ethnic cleansing. The systematic acts against the Rohingyas by the Myanmar security forces constitute a serious and blatant violation of international law, the foreign ministers and head of delegations of the OIC member-states said in a declaration today. They also commended the leadership of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in addressing the plights of the Rohingyas and sought international support to resolve the crisis and full implementation of the recommendations made by the Kofi Annan-led advisory commission on Rakhine State. In the declaration, OIC expressed satisfaction that it is raising its profile in the international level and becoming a strategic dialogue partner in maintaining global peace and security. The foreign ministers and head of delegations urged the OIC secretary-general to continue reform efforts in a bid to transform, strengthen and reposition of the organisation as a more effective and efficient in order to reinforce the unity of the Muslim Ummah. They also noted the necessity for full and timely implementation of the OIC 2025 Program of Action (POA) through collective action and project-based initiatives identified in the POA Implementation Plan. Bay of Plenty We are looking for STMS' for permanent full-time roles. To be chosen as one of the successful candidates, you will have... View or Apply on GoodWork.co.nz Bay of Plenty Have you just got your Class 2 license and are looking to get your foot in the door of a well renowned company? Read on!These... View or Apply on GoodWork.co.nz By Olivia Rose EFFORTS are underway to legalise jitneys in a bid to make public transportation safer for commuters. Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson at a press briefing on April 20 said plans are in the pipelines to amend the Road Safety Ordinance for the provision of community cabs. This would mean that jitney drivers would have to register their vehicle, keep insured and licensed and display a photo ID. Unlicensed taxis have been burning issues for some time and residents have called on the Government to regulate the transportation service. Some say that having a reasonably priced public transportation system is essential for travel to and from work and school. However, many have complained that the cars and mini-buses are not only unlicensed but uninsured, poorly driven and that drivers will often charge tourists inflated rates. The premier explained that legalising the industry would mean that legal entrants are given time to register before strict enforcement is rolled out. "I assure you there will be persons who are prepared to enter that and I think people need to understand that jitneys make way more than taxi drivers and so we expect entrants and that is why it is important to have that category. "Persons can make that investment before we crack down completely on those who are illegal in the industry. Its very, very lucrative. She said that some jitney drivers may not be qualified to drive the community cabs once the law comes into force. The premier, who was vocal on this hot button issue while in opposition, has maintained her concern for the safety of women and children who use the services of unregulated, illegal jitneys. "It is going to make it safer; it is going to make it legal, which means persons will have to register as drivers. "Where we jump into taxis for example in the United States, a picture ID has to be displayed, but also we would have the licence plate number. She said the changes will occur alongside the CCTV programme and a better road safety licence plate programme. "That is all in the same pot, she said. The issue is expected to be discussed when Cabinet meets again. Googles home theater strategy might finally be starting to come together. Ahead of the I/O conference that kicks off tomorrow, Google is giving a preview of an upcoming Google Assistant-enabled smart speaker, and its not meant to go on your nightstandits meant to fit under your TV. Google has partnered with JBL on the new Link Bar, which is many things in one: Its a soundbar. Its a Google Home. Its an Android TV streaming box. And its kind of ingenious. Instead of focusing the bedroom or kitchen, JBL has made a Google Assistant speaker that can power your entire home theater, whether youre listening to music, looking for a good movie, dim your smart lighting, or you just want to know the weather forecast. While pictures of the device indicate it has ports o' plenty4 HDMI ports, Ethernet, and digital optical and analog audio portstheres a lot we dont know about the Link Bar yet, namely how much it costs and how many drivers it has. But even assuming it has specs similar to JBLs existing two-channel Bar Studio, which has one woofer and two tweeters, itll still sound better than anything Amazon is putting out and will likely be cheaper than HomePod. Google/JBL The JBL Link Bar has four HDMI inputs and can be controlled by Google Assistant. Along with its audio capabilities, Link Bar is also an Android TV streamer, with voice-controlled HDMI switching and hands-free searching across all supported apps and services. Presumably the new speaker will ship with the Oreo flavor of Android TV, which brought a new content-focused UI earlier this year, though the timing could mean an even newer OS. Google says Link Bar will be available for purchase later fall 2018, at which time Android P will already be available. A late 2018 ship date also gives time for Google to woo app developers to support the new Watch Next feature, which is the main reason why Nvidia hasnt updates its Shield TV to Oreo. As Nvidias director of Shield product management Chris Daniel told TechHive earlier this year, If you release a whole new interface, and the apps arent supporting it, then we dont feel like its a good launch for us. Were sending a lot of changes back to Google that we want to see." Google will be demoing Link Bar at I/O this week, so well report on new information as we receive it. Google/JBL The JBL Link Bar is controlled by Google Assistant and powered by Android TV. Why this matters: Android TV received Google Assistant support late last year and a UI overhaul with the Oreo update earlier this year, but app support is still lacking when compared to Apple TV, Roku, and Fire TV. Google is clearly taking steps to rectify this problem. Android TV is still a bit player in a game dominated by Roku and Apple TV, but if the JBL Link Bar is a sign of things to come, that could change in 2018. A Google Assistant-enabled smart soundbar with Android TV is a solution to several problems at once, and if its the start of a whole line of Google-centric home theater products, it could be the thing to start making Android TV a household name. My editor said hes been chiding himself for taking so long to review Urbanears entry into the wireless multi-room speaker market, but the Swedish manufacturer should be happy he waited. Software and firmware updates have improved the performance of its Baggen and Stammen speakers, even if they havent entirely rid the audio system of bugs. The earliest reviews of the Urbanears system can be summed up with two words: Dont bother. One year later, the companys engineers have yet to squash every bug from the $349 Stammen and its larger sibling, the $449 Baggen. But patience, young grasshopper. Dig through the weeds and you will find a lot to like: Old-school sonic charm, elegantly simple industrial design, and user-friendly ergonomics coupled with modern connectivity in the form of dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay. Setup woes In my tests, setting up just a two-room Urbanears system was fraught with frustration and delays. It doesnt help that the customer-support team based in British Columbia communicates strictly by email and (sometimes) online chat. There is no live phone support, let alone a backend system that can swoop in via a remote connection to monitor how your local network and gear are operating and work some fixes. Those are skills the likes of Sonos and Bose tech-support personnel utilize to troubleshoot their companies multi-room audio systems. Jonathan Takiff The Urbanears Stammen in a blue-green shade fit in with my decor like another accent pillow. After three days of emailing back and forth, with multiple reboots of router, app, and the Urbanears speakers, I finally got the show up and running. It happened after my newfound tech-support pal Ian wondered if I could possibly boot up the speakers with the Android version of the Urbanears app (on an Samsung Galaxy 8 smartphone), instead of the iOS version Id been using on an iPhone X and an iPad Pro. Voila! Success! Once the speakers were updated with the latest (as of March 15, 2018) firmware, the system communicated quite readily with my iOS devices, too. Go figure. Another hard lesson learned: Dont move these speakers around once youve set them up, kids. Even when theres strong Wi-Fi reception on the same network in the new locationin my case, a Samsung Connect Home Pro Wi-Fi mesh networkthose relocated speakers will freeze up. The workaround: Reboot your router, then plug in and restart the affected speakers by holding down two buttons for seven seconds to initiate a fresh connection. Its not hard, just annoying. Making the most with less? V-Tuner and Spotify are the only music-streaming services Urbanears directly integrates, but the company beats the competition when it comes to third-party device support. In addition to streaming via Wi-Fi, you can use Apples AirPlay, Google Chromecast, and Bluetooth. I found that local streaming works well at close range, but things get iffy when youre pushing a stream to the Baggen and the Stammen in separate rooms simultaneously. The Baggen proved to be the better signal catcher. Jonathan Takiff The Urbanears Baggen (center) scored well sonically against top-of-the-Sonos-line Play:5 (left) and the Bose SoundTouch 30 (right). By contrast, Sonos speakers dont support Bluetooth, and they need a workaround involving an AirPort Express or Apple TV to receive AirPlay feeds (although the company has said some recent models and all new ones will support AirPlay 2 when it comes out). Honestly, most Sonos users dont care because those speakers serve up every music-streaming service imaginable. Current Bose SoundTouch gear welcomes Bluetooth transmissions and works internally with good collection of streaming services: Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Deezer, V-Tuner, iHeartRadio, and Sirius/XM. Cut from the same cloth European speaker makers are wont to wrap their products in woven fabrics (see our Libratone Zipp and Vifa Oslo reviews for examples), which helps them blend into any homes decor. Urbanears Baggen and Stammen are simple wooden boxes wrapped in textured, porous fabric on five sides. Metal grills beneath the front cloth protect the front-firing drivers, and theres a sizeable bass-reflex port on the bottom of the cabinet, along with connections for AC power, a 5-volt/1-amp USB charging port for your smartphone or tablet, and an auxiliary line-level input to connect something like a CD player or a turntable with an on-board pre-amp. Jonathan Takiff Bottoms up: All the connectionspower, USB and aux line-inare hiding in a recess under the speakers (the Stammen is shown here). Both speakers have two knobs atop their cabinets that hearken back to ye old table radio designs: One rotates to control volume; when pushed down, it switches the speaker between solo reception and speaker-pairing mode for multi-room setups. Urbanears says up to five speakers can be networked to put on a unified show, but I recommend keeping them in relatively close proximity to each other. Maintaining connectivity and synchronized play became a challenge when my two review samples were separated by more than one floor. The other knob is a multitasking twister that leads you through multiple input settings: Bluetooth, auxiliary input, and seven channel presets (a glowing LED identifies which one is active). You can easily assign playlists, albums or tracks from Spotify, and your favorite internet radio stations as presets. Its on you to remember which number summons which favorite, though the Urbanears smartphone app does visually identify your selection. The presets work reasonably well, switching to the new selection in as little as one second and never more than 10. Urbanears isnt the first streaming music player maker to offer channel presets. Several models in the Bose SoundTouch line have dedicated channel buttons (plus Aux/Bluetooth, power, and volume controls) on their cabinets and remote controls, which are equally easy and a tad faster to use. But twirling a selector knob is a charming experience, akin to dialing-in a terrestrial radio station on the sturdy, toasty-warm sounding table radio of yore. Better still, presets on each Urbanears box can be set independently; the Bose platform demands that the same six stations be fixed on every SoundTouch on your network. Jonathan Takiff The dials on the Urbanears Baggen (shown) and Stammen offer easy access to preset stations and Spotify selections. Some reviews have criticized these speakers for their size and box-like construction, but thats the price to be paid for the fuller, airier, and often more detailed sound that the Baggen and Stammen deliver. To my ears, Sonos and Bose achieve their big-sound-from-small-cabinets bona fides with a midrange bump to push vocal presence and a high-end roll-off to prevent listener fatigue (and to perhaps allow for less costly drivers). The Urbanears Baggen The Baggen is the largest of the three speakers in the Urbanears lineup, measuring 11.8 inches wide and tall by 8.4 inches deep (the company didnt submit the Lottsenits smallestfor this review). The Baggen blends the laws of physics and classic speaker design especially well. Fitted with two 2.5-inch, full-range, paper-cone drivers and a 5.25-inch coated-paper woofer with a rubber surround, it delivers just a modicum of stereo separation (the Bose SoundTouch 30 makes the best stereo impression; a single Sonos Play:5 not so much, although you can pair two of the latter for stereo). Jonathan Takiff The Baggen (shown here) and the Stammen offer elegantly simple design. But with the Baggen, a critical listener is more likely to hear the air around each instrument, along with those subtle details that create a sense of depth and presence: The resonance of a grand pianos soundboard, the windy breath propelling a sax solo, or the sparkling sizzle of the drummers brushes dancing on a cymbal. I heard a good amount of that on the Baggen while listening to acoustic-music-minded stations like Linn Classical and Linn Jazz from London and WQXR New York; not so much on the Bose and Sonos. The Baggen also did a better job of drawing me into the dense psychedelic swirls of the obscure English prog rock bands featured on the BBC 6s Freak Zone with Stuart Maconi, and it was a tad better at differentiating the distinct contributions of tight vocal harmonies, such as the Don Henley, Vince Gill recording of Sacrifice, and Rhonda Vincents and Dolly Partons reworking of Please, both from the countrified tribute album Restoration: Songs of Elton John and Bernie Taupin. On the downside, youre also more likely to hear the high-frequency hash of low-bit-rate streams, and youll suffer obnoxious distortion should you crank the Baggens 60-watt-trio of Class D amplifiers up to 11. The computer-modeled-and-equalized entertainers from Sonos and Bose wont allow their drivers to overexert into those kinds of trouble zones. The Urbanears Stammen Jonathan Takiff The control knobs, fabric-wrapped power cord, and the power plug are color coordinated with the fabric wrapped around the sides and top of the Stammen (shown here) and Baggen speakers. The smaller, cuter Stammenmeasuring 8.27 inches tall and wide by 5.6 inches deepis likewise imbued with presence and character. Its trio of Class D amps sends 15 watts of power to a pair of .75-inch neodymium dome tweeters and 40 watts to a 4-inch woofer. But in extended listening comparisons with its prime competitionthe $249 Sonos Play:3 and the $349 Bose SoundTouch 20it was harder to proclaim a clear-cut sonic winner. The more-expensive Bose sounded equally balanced and was almost as detailed, and it offers features the Stammen doesnt, including more user-friendly pushbutton presets, a wireless remote control, and a display that shows whats playing. With some streaming sources, such as the thumping New Orleans R&B stronghold WWOZ, the comparably priced Sonos Play:3 made a deeper, richer sonic impression than either of those other speakers. If you care about ergonomics and ease of access, the Sonos apps control and search features are so far ahead of the pack that its pointless to compare. But network connectivity issues ultimately reduced my opinion of the Stammen. Its much more easily distracted by brief network outages, and far less likely than its big brother to recover from them. I repeatedly found myself unplugging the thing and then starting it up again. Work on that Ian, will ya please? While we know of many hacks carried out by Chinese groups over the last decade, what we didn't know was that these attacks were connected, according to security researchers. The report from 401TRG, the Threat Research & Analysis Team at ProtectWise, connects attacks by LEAD, BARIUM, Wicked Panda, GREF, and PassCV to a Chinese state intelligence apparatus, which has been called Winnti Umbrella after the name of the Winnti backdoor tool used by the groups. The attacks have been taking place since at least 2009 and may go back to 2007. The groups tend to share the same hacking methods, including the use of phishing campaigns to gain access to corporate accounts and networks. They follow up with custom malware and try to stay undetected by living off the land, which means using locally installed software and systems for malicious purposes. Winnti Umbrella has hit more than 30 online video game companies over the last four years, and often infiltrates big tech businesses. They primarily seek code signing certificates and software manipulation, with potential financially motivated secondary objectives. These targets have been identified in the United States, Japan, South Korea, and China, write ProtectWise senior threat researcher Tom Hegel. Winnti also goes after political targets, such as journalists, activists, and governments. But the attackers made mistakes that helped identify their true Chinese locations. The perpetrators use command-and-control servers to conceal their IPs, but they accidentally accessed some machines using IP addresses belonging to the China Unicom Beijing Network in the Xicheng District. The US and China did negotiate a digital arms control accord back in 2015, but it doesnt appear to have stopped the scourge of state-backed Chinese hackers. Facebook is unarguably going through the most difficult period in its history, but just how many people are shunning the platform following the Cambridge Analytica scandal? According to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll, not as many as you might think. Revelations that the political consultancy gathered data from up to 87 million Facebook users without their knowledge or consent led to widespread fallout, including Mark Zuckerbergs appearance before Congress, famous names and companies leaving the platform, and a #deletefacebook campaign. But it appears to have had little to no effect on most users. Results of the national online poll, which took place between April 26 and April 30, show that around half of US Facebook users had not recently changed the amount they used the site, while a quarter were using it more. The remaining quarter were logging into Facebook less or had deleted their accounts, but this reduction was offset by the number of people who had increased their usage. 64 percent said they use Facebook at least once a day, which is lower than the 68 percent who said so in a similar poll taken not long after the Cambridge Analytica revelations were made public. The scandal also failed to make a significant impression on the companys financials, which saw revenue up 49 percent YoY to $11.97 billion in Q1 2018, though it could have a bigger effect on the current quarter. User numbers in the US and Canada, meanwhile, rose to 241 million on March 31 from 239 million three months earlier. In other Cambridge Analytica news, a UK watchdog has ordered the firm to hand over all data it holds on a US citizen. Now that David Carrolls request has been granted, it opens the floodgates for more Americans to make the same demands. Samsung is already hard at work on its future flagships including a new Galaxy Note thatll likely debut this summer and next years Galaxy S10 which is rumored to include an in-display fingerprint sensor. Most expected the Galaxy S10 to arrive at Mobile World Congress in 2019 but now, were hearing that Samsung may expedite its debut to open up its roadmap for a new device. Samsung has been rumored to launch its Galaxy S phone at CES for years yet to date, it hasnt materialized. That could change in 2019, however, according to a recent report from South Korean financial publication The Bell which claims the S10 will enter manufacturing in October ahead of the early January debut. Sources say Samsung is changing the date to make room for its first foldable phone. Known around the rumor mill as the Galaxy X (yeah, that wont be confusing alongside the Galaxy S10), Samsung reportedly showed off a prototype of the device earlier this year behind closed doors. The device reportedly consisted of three 3.5-inch OLED panels. The front of the device features two panels that, when opened, create an effective screen that's closer to seven inches across. The third panel is found on the back, allowing you to still use the phone even when it is folded. Its easy to get excited about the concept of a folding smartphone but the reality is, there are a lot of unknowns at this junction. The technology has been around for years now but its the practical application as a smartphone that has caused major manufacturers like Samsung to stumble. How do you make good use of a folding smartphone without it feeling like a giant gimmick? It also needs to be durable and again, practical. If its no better than the slab phones we already have, well, why bother? Samsung is approaching the product with a bit of caution and will reportedly launch in limited quantities to gauge consumer interest before going all-in. Expect it to break cover at Mobile World Congress in early 2019. A default would have serious effects. "The dollar would weaken and stocks would fall," the White House Council of Economic Advisers said. | Read More Former AMP chairman Catherine Brenner claims to have been unaware of changes made to a so-called independent report that limited the responsibility of the wealth managers executive ranks in the fees for no service scandal. But a cache of emails and other documents released by the royal commission on Friday has revealed the former investment banker exerted considerable influence over the controversial report prepared by external lawyers from Clayton Utz. Ms Brenner stood down from the AMP board late last month after the royal commission uncovered shocking examples of misconduct by some of the company's financial planners and found the Clayton Utz report has been altered at the request of the company. The scandal also cost AMP general counsel Brian Salter his job. At the time of the Ms Brenner's resignation, AMP placed the blame squarely with Mr Salter. The Sydney-based company said its board, including Ms Brenner, "were unaware of and disappointed about the number of drafts and the extent of the group general counsel's interaction with Clayton Utz during the preparation of the report". Fairfax Media has been fined $15,000 for contempt after it unintentionally published false advertising for its real estate site Domain despite a court undertaking. Federal Court Justice Bernard Murphy fined Fairfax, publisher of The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald, over two breaches of an undertaking it gave the court just a day earlier. An advertisement in the SMH on February 13 last year claimed Domain was the #1 property app in Australia and it had the most property listings in Sydney. The day before, Domains rival REA Group, which runs realestate.com.au, began court proceedings alleging Fairfax had misled or deceived consumers by using the phrases and sought an interim injunction to stop any further such publication. News Corp, Fairfaxs competitor, majority owns REA Group. Lemon Mobiles is now all set to take on the feature phone market in West Bengal region with the announcement of the launch event on 5th May18 at the City of Joy, Kolkata. The launch successfully culminated in the presence of nearly 80 direct partners along with enlightenment on the new product range and investment plans that would emphasis on excellent performance keeping customer satisfaction at priority. The brand has recently revived its Brand identity and official logo that stands on pillars Trust and Companionship to begin fresh plans of investment and development of product range. Lemon Mobiles, known to be one of the best in feature phone industry, now aims to target 10% market share in West Bengal with its upcoming launch Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Praveen Srivastava, CEO of Lemon Electronics Limited said We are excited to expand our regional distribution to different states after getting extraordinary response from the market on the comeback of the brand. The increasing competition generates golden opportunities that act as a boon for us. Lemon electronics limited has always lived up to the expectations of tier 2 and 3 cities by delivering smart along with user-friendly features and advanced technology products for next-gen mobile users. For the endlessly growing market and meeting the industry standards, our latest R&D facilities and manufacturing unit for mobile phones at Noida are dedicated to deliver cutting-edge innovation to enhance the customer experience Continuing to deliver the unmatched quality, Lemon Mobiles already has a powerful network of 450 regional distributors, 335+ network partners along with 25000+ retailers and Point of Sales (POS), which helps to place products in every region of India. Expanding on the same,Lemon Looks forward to have 3000 retail counters in west Bengal in coming months. A $250 million plan for pumped hydro energy generation near Illawarra could provide baseload renewable power for up to 80,000 homes. Origin Energy on Monday revealed more detail on its plans to double its pumped hydro storage power in New South Wales' Illawarra region to take advantage of rapidly falling renewable energy costs. Origin CEO Frank Calabria wants to double the output of the Shoalhaven hydro power station. It is considering two potential options for expanding its Shoalhaven pumped hydro storage power station, which could power another 80,000 homes, and potentially come online around the same time energy rival AGL plans to shut down the Liddell coal-fired power station. Origin chief executive Frank Calabria said while the governments electricity reform policy, the National Energy Guarantee, would provide great certainty for renewable projects such as this, Shoalhaven's expansion would not hinge on it. My wife and I were partly depending on it (the income), Mr Lawrance said. For the first decade the unit in Punt Road performed as expected, but during the third, five-year lease period, things started to unravel. Sixteen months ago Mr Lawrance, 75, had a debilitating stroke. It was bad enough for him to ask his son Chris to take over and sort out his affairs. They are now siphoning off most of the rental that should have been paid to the landlord (my dad) into the 'emergency' repairs Chris Lawrance I look back through dads records and there is a string of demands from Quest for 'emergency' repairs through 2017. A new air-conditioning system, new cabinets in the bathroom, etc., etc., Chris Lawrance said. They have promised to keep up the property, but they are now siphoning off most of the rental that should have been paid to the landlord (my dad) into the 'emergency' repairs. When asked about repairs to its properties, Quest said its franchisees try to spread out any refurbishment work over a number of years to balance out costs. Loading This is often dependent on the cooperation of landlords, it said. The Lawrances apartment, returning about $19,000 a year in rent, was subject to a rental review at the end of each five year period. The latest fell due this April. Chris said the family was sent a notice requiring more than $40,000 in repairs to the property. At the same time, Quest's franchisee CEMG reset the rental rate to 20 per cent below the previous period after an independent valuation of the property reduced its value. Quest told Fairfax Media refurbishment works needed to be undertaken periodically and the obligations for landlords to fund the work were set out in each lease agreement. Court action At least 25 landlords at Quest's Punt Road apartments, stung with similar refurbishment bills, have employed a lawyer to arbitrate their dispute with Quests franchisee before the Victorian Small Business Commissioner, the first port of call for commercial lease disputes. Fairfax Media has been told landlords at another three Quest apartment buildings were taking similar action. Commissioner Judy OConnell would not comment on individual cases. The number one issue that comes to my office is that either the landlord or the tenant hasnt read the contract before signing it. It is important that landlords seek advice if they are not sure about the type of lease they are signing, she said. Unhappy with the costs, Chris asked Quest to terminate the lease. My dad signed a commercial lease, not a residential lease. This means that only the tenant can terminate the lease at these 5-year junctions and the landlord is tied in for 20 years. These costs can wipe out years of rental payments. Quest takes all the profit and leaves the landlords with all the costs, he said. My fathers generation of retirees were the first investors to get to this end of the leasing agreement cycle, Chris said. Now in their 70s and 80s and unwilling or unable to fight, they just ride out the deal, he said. Sixteen months ago I had a stroke. This pressure from Quest hasnt help. It really took advantage at a time when we didnt need it, David said. "At no stage was the Quest made aware of any hardship on the part of David Lawrance," Quest told Fairfax Media, despite Chris' assertion that he informed Quest of his father's health problems when asking to terminate the lease. The Lawrances recently sold their property for $280,000. Over a 15 year period, it gained $65,000 in value, well below Melbourne's average capital growth rate. Unencumbered by a commercial lease to Quest, the property would have fetched around $400,000 on the open market, an estate agent said. Metropol Property chief executive Michael Yardney said there was a limited pool of investors willing to buy commercially leased apartments and banks were often unwilling to finance them. "Theyre a very poor investment because the strategy for residential real estate is to grow the capital of your asset. Youre sacrificing sound investment strategy for a perceived cashflow security," he said. My father is a good person. He worked hard through his life, he was and is a loving father, son, husband and true friend. He volunteered hundreds of hours to the Palliative Care Association and supported friends in starting their new businesses, Chris said. He felt he was making a sensible investment for his retirement. When I see a man like this, who has done no harm and great good through his life, treated this way, I find it hard to keep calm and sensible. My fathers greatest wish is that others do not fall foul of this, as he has, he said. The week of the federal budget - Take A Guess Week, as its known in Canberra - is supposed to be a time for looking forward, but on Monday nights Q&A it was hard not to look back. Its coming on 10 years since Q&A first came to us amid the high excitement of a federal budget, and its difficult now to imagine how bad things were in those terrible days of 2008. Back then, no one knew when we might see another budget surplus. No one knew whether we might ever have a functioning NBN. And certainly no one knew the millennials were going to emerge as the constant bother they have become, with expectations of living out their lives in something superior to a two-man tent, among their other outrageous demands. Fortunately, 10 years and 78 federal governments later, everything has well, lets get on with the show. The $13 billion Murray-Darling Basin Plan will reduce its planned environmental water savings by about one-fifth after the Turnbull government won support for amendments from Labor. Labor reversed course after siding with the Greens and other Senate crossbenchers in February to block a cut of 70 billion litres a year in environmental flows for the northern basin, mostly in NSW. Key amendments will reduce the amount of water supposed to be saved for the environment. Credit:Nick Moir A second Senate vote, scheduled for Tuesday, would have sought to disallow a further 605 billion litres for the southern basin, taking in the main foodbowl regions of NSW and Victoria. Labor, however, opted to support the government on both basin measures, a move that drew praise from Agriculture Minister David Littleproud, who said, "we rarely achieve lasting results by going to war". Designer Kym Ellery is one of Australia's most successful fashion exports. But she's the first to admit she made some big and costly mistakes along the way. Now based in Paris, Ellery returned to Sydney last week to mentor fashion design graduate Lily James, through a new program at the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences. Designer Kym Ellery (right) is mentoring fashion graduate Lily James through a new program at the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer "I wish there had been more people around [as mentors] when I was starting up," Ellery said. "Fashion is where art and commerce meet and I wanted to share my knowledge ... and tell her about what I've learnt and the mistakes I've made." James, 23, graduated from Raffles College, with a collection that takes its cues from her South Sudanese heritage but is also inspired by the art of Jackson Pollock and the Greek-British designer Mary Katrantzou. It is a truth universally acknowledged that fashion loving folk flock, camp overnight and fight to get into any type of product launch that involves Kanye West's brand, Yeezy. That is now fake news. Back in 2016, Australian fans of the rapper and fashion designer queued for more than five hours at a time on a Bondi street before they were able to buy official merchandise of his Pablo tour. On Saturday at 9am-sharp, West's latest collaboration with Australian sportswear brand 2XU went on sale. Fanfare and mass hysteria were forecast. Whats more important to me here is that I do have so many friends with a wide range of benefits. And when you find yourself on your own, occasionally stumped by certain things, or needing guidance, or just someone to do something with, having such a talented pool to call on is a bonus. Here are some of the things my friends provide. Pass me a screwdriver Thanks to all the friends whove fixed fuse boxes and leaking taps and helped with watering systems. To those whove helped install computers and televisions or other technologies beyond my reach. To those whove turned an IKEA allen key while Ive held a sheet of MDF. I know I could do most of these things myself, if I really put my mind to it, but youre skilled and able. I make a good apprentice. And basically Im lazy. Walk with me While I love to walk alone its been super discovering new places with a whole bunch of new people. Heres to the friends whove taken me to places in Canberra I never knew existed, hidden pockets in my own neighbourhood even. And Ive been embraced by a lovely bunch of women whove taken me further afield. Weve walked the south coast and conquered Mt Kosciuszko and are making plans to head to Tasmania or across the ditch to New Zealand. Thanks to all the friends who've helped me with chores, shirt optional Credit:Shutterstock Dinner time Thanks for inviting me to your table. Or at least delivering leftovers. Even homemade relish and jam on occasion. Youve fed me. My body and my soul. Its lonely eating alone. Come over for dinner too, any time you want. Theres always an extra helping or two. There is nothing better than having a table full of people, and a full belly. Crazy Aunty Karen Sometimes being on your own is a benefit. Like when your friends only have one spare bed in their getaway place. Sure, Id love to come. Im happy to sleep on a mattress and Im happy to mind your kids while you sneak off for some me time. Ill bring wine, and Im more than happy to cook for you all. Ill just be like a part of the family. Even if Im not. You wont even notice me. Patience is a virtue Its very beneficial having friends who are happy for you to off-load all your stuff on them. Cheaper than therapy. Im quite sure most of my friends are over me, but I am astounded every day by their patience and willingness to at least look like theyre listening. Ive received some great advice, I should perhaps follow more of it. Be my handbag Its never a chore finding a +1. Heres to all the friends who are happy to ditch their own families and accompany me to something involving free theatre tickets and complimentary champagne. Its a hard life, but someone has to do it and Im extremely grateful for the company. High-achieving Victorian state school students will soon study university subjects and VCE extension programs at a $27.5 million academy in South Yarra. The new Centre for Higher Education Studies will open its doors to year 10 to 12 students in 2021 on a site next to Melbourne High School. High-achieving students at Brighton Secondary College Rhyana Ishaq and Darcy Vissenjoux support the initiative. Credit:Simon Schluter Students who attend the co-ed academy will remain enrolled at their existing schools but will visit the state-of-the art facility for extra courses that can count as credits towards a degree. State Education Minister James Merlino said the initiative would ensure the brightest students were extended. The 25-centimetre stab wound to Rollin Shah's back. As blood gushed from his stab wounds, Indonesian student Rollin Shah heard a paramedic whisper to a police officer that he was unlikely to survive. The cowardly attack outside a Brighton home in February 2017 had left Mr Shah with a 25-centimetre knife wound to his back that was so savage it fractured a vertebra, a 15-centimetre wound down the side of his face and neck, a 10-centimetre gash on his left arm and part of his left ear severed. It was not a random act of violence. Mr Shah had studied with his 29-year-old assailant, Shahid Rafik Hamid, at an exclusive Malaysian boarding school. He had also been involved in a long-term relationship with Hamid's sister. Hamid, the son of a wealthy oil executive, thought Mr Shah had shamed his sister by ending the relationship. Just days before the attack, Hamid told associates on messaging service WhatsApp, that he would "hunt him down" and "send him back [to Indonesia] with scars". About me I'm Avi Green From Jerusalem, Israel I was born in Pennsylvania in 1974, and moved to Israel in 1983. I also enjoyed reading a lot of comics when I was young, the first being Fantastic Four. I maintain a strong belief in the public's right to knowledge and accuracy in facts. I like to think of myself as a conservative-style version of Clark Kent. I don't expect to be perfect at the job, but I do my best. My profile Archives - Archives - July 2005 August 2005 September 2005 October 2005 November 2005 December 2005 January 2006 February 2006 March 2006 April 2006 May 2006 June 2006 July 2006 August 2006 September 2006 October 2006 November 2006 December 2006 January 2007 February 2007 March 2007 April 2007 May 2007 June 2007 July 2007 August 2007 September 2007 October 2007 November 2007 December 2007 January 2008 February 2008 March 2008 April 2008 May 2008 June 2008 July 2008 August 2008 September 2008 October 2008 November 2008 December 2008 January 2009 February 2009 March 2009 April 2009 May 2009 June 2009 July 2009 August 2009 September 2009 October 2009 November 2009 December 2009 January 2010 February 2010 March 2010 April 2010 May 2010 June 2010 July 2010 August 2010 September 2010 October 2010 November 2010 December 2010 January 2011 February 2011 March 2011 April 2011 May 2011 June 2011 July 2011 August 2011 September 2011 October 2011 November 2011 December 2011 January 2012 February 2012 March 2012 April 2012 May 2012 June 2012 July 2012 August 2012 September 2012 October 2012 November 2012 December 2012 January 2013 February 2013 March 2013 April 2013 May 2013 June 2013 July 2013 August 2013 September 2013 October 2013 November 2013 December 2013 January 2014 February 2014 March 2014 April 2014 May 2014 June 2014 July 2014 August 2014 September 2014 October 2014 November 2014 December 2014 January 2015 February 2015 March 2015 April 2015 May 2015 June 2015 July 2015 August 2015 September 2015 October 2015 November 2015 December 2015 January 2016 February 2016 March 2016 April 2016 May 2016 June 2016 July 2016 August 2016 September 2016 October 2016 November 2016 December 2016 January 2017 February 2017 March 2017 April 2017 May 2017 June 2017 July 2017 August 2017 September 2017 October 2017 November 2017 December 2017 January 2018 February 2018 March 2018 April 2018 May 2018 June 2018 July 2018 August 2018 September 2018 October 2018 November 2018 December 2018 January 2019 February 2019 March 2019 April 2019 May 2019 June 2019 July 2019 August 2019 September 2019 October 2019 November 2019 December 2019 January 2020 February 2020 March 2020 April 2020 May 2020 June 2020 July 2020 August 2020 September 2020 October 2020 November 2020 December 2020 January 2021 February 2021 March 2021 April 2021 May 2021 June 2021 July 2021 August 2021 September 2021 October 2021 A woman accused of murdering her boyfriend cried when speaking to the media, but when the cameras stopped rolling she was very relaxed and very upbeat, a trial has heard. Though her partners body has never been found, the woman, referred to only as LR, is facing a Supreme Court trial charged with his murder. Credit:Vince Caligiuri A sister-in-law of the boyfriend told the trial on Monday that LR gave a media interview shortly after the disappearance of her partner, who was last seen in their home in May 2005. LR fronted the media outside Preston police station to appeal for information on his whereabouts. It was terrifyingtheres no other way of saying it. Kelly earlier told radio station 3AW she stood outside the house with police and looked on as the house was trashed. "We all looked in as, basically windows were being smashed, massive holes in the walls, doors knocked through," she said. "It felt like I was watching my house burning down. A broken television in a bin outside the rented house on Monday morning. Credit:Joe Armao "The police say because these guests, these tenants invited people to the house and they had a right to be there, and they were not able to enter the building." Kelly left, but at 7am, neighbours contacted her again - this time informing her that the party-goers were throwing televisions and furniture out into the street. "Neighbours called me at 7am and said 'theyre there destroying all of your televisions, furniture, smashing it across the street'," Kelly said. Loading Kelly called triple zero, and when she arrived at the property police were moving in. She believes fake names were used to make the booking, which was made via Booking.com. Kelly said the site had been reliable until now. We have the best types of guests and the best experiences usually," she said. Police confirmed that when they got to the house they found a group of people were throwing furniture onto the street. It's understood the people who had rented out the $600 per night property claimed to be from Adelaide. Kelly said they used an invalid credit card to make the booking and she'd received no payment, leaving her further out of pocket on top of the tens of thousands of dollars worth of of damage. She also claims her insurance provider has so far refused to foot the bill for the damage, stating the property is not insured for malicious damage. Kyle Challinger, 19, was walking home from work along Cowper Street about 7.30am on Sunday when he heard raised voices and saw about 30 young people leaving Ryan Street. I thought it was a bit strange but I was pretty tired so didnt think too much of it, the Ryan Street resident said. But when I turned the corner to walk into my street I saw heaps of police cars and knew something must have happened. Mr Challinger said his housemate later told him she did not sleep on Saturday night. She said the music didnt stop all night and she could hear people fighting outside, he said. Another resident, who did not want to be named, said the party spilled onto the street in the early hours of Sunday morning. I saw about 50 or 60 teenagers on the street, she said. Some were dancing and coming right up to my fence, others were yelling and fighting, it was just chaos. The woman said she later heard glass smashing and people arguing on the street but she was too afraid to go outside. I just called the police... I didnt sleep all night, she said. The woman said she saw police arrive at the house about 9pm on Saturday, but they left soon after without making any arrests. "They just came and then left and the party continued all night," she said. Victoria Police confirmed officers were called to the house on Ryan Street on Saturday night however no offence was detected at this stage. But police returned at 7.30am on Sunday, following reports partygoers were throwing household items onto the street. The house suffered significant damage "both internally and externally", police said. A 19-year-old Point Cook man was arrested for drunken behaviour. Inside the Ryan Street property as it was advertised online. No one was injured, police say. The incident follows a string of out-of-control parties at Airbnb rentals that police have been called to. A woman whose home overlooks the road junction in country Victoria where four women died at the weekend has told how she felt helpless as she watched the tragic collision unfold. And Debborah Standfield, whose home in Navarre overlooks the corner of Bains Road and the Ararat-St Arnaud Road, said she and her husband had long feared the dangerous junction would claim more lives. Id just opened a bottle of wine with a friend and I could just see that neither were going to stop, Mrs Standfield said. I stood up and lo-and-behold the car coming towards us just crashed into the other one. Take the most remote major city in the world, sandwiched between largely empty vistas of oceans and deserts; add in wave after wave of hardy and hearty pioneers from England, Scotland, Italy, China, Vietnam, Greece and a score of other ethnic homelands; cook all of that in with the gung-ho, can-do spirit of Down Under; throw in battalions of gold prospectors and diamond miners; sing a couple of bars of Waltzing Matilda, add a kangaroo or two and you have the setting for the planets newest Church of Scientology: Perth, the capital and largest city in Western Australia, promotional literature released by the church said. The new premises include a grand, two-storey chapel, a cafe, and dozens of specially appointed rooms providing the ideal setting for Scientology auditing. In 2015, when the church first touted its plans for a new Perth premises, Scientology spokeswoman Virginia Stewart said the church's Rivervale neighbours would be welcome and the organisation would aim to grow organically without any need for it to campaign for new members. "Typically, our growth comes from people who know someone who knows a member but it's increasingly coming from the internet. People do their research and come to see us when they're ready," she said. "We don't convert people - it's up to them to find a philosophy or a religion that meets their needs. Kelly O'Dwyer is no stranger to the awkward interview. Her failure to admit an obvious mistake in delaying the banking royal commission - an error she soon conceded anyway - provided one of this year's most excruciating TV moments in politics (though the year is young). One felt just as squeamish watching O'Dwyer dodging the $40 question on Sunday night: namely, could you live on the Newstart Allowance, which affords jobseekers about $40 a day? The question crops up every year at this time when advocates plead - always in vain - for the paltry payment to be increased in the federal budget. "I'm not going to personalise these things": Kelly O'Dwyer pressed on whether she could get by on $40 a day. Credit:Justin McManus The beauty of the question lies in its simplicity - a straight-forward inquiry with an answer that is obvious to anyone with even a miserly dose of perspective: "No." A doctor and senior Mormon who blames ungodly love for HIV, as well as a prominent campaigner against the Safe Schools program, have been elected to positions in the Victorian Liberal Party. They are among at least five Mormons elected as party officers at last weeks state conference. Marijke Rancie (far right) campaigning with fellow Liberals Infectious diseases specialist Dr Ivan Stratov won a seat on the partys powerful administrative committee as part of a ticket of ultra-conservatives and religious activists who are centred around 28-year-old Liberal factional whirlwind, Marcus Bastiaan. Liberal elders believe Dr Stratov to be the first Mormon to hold a senior party position in Victoria. Cairo: Egypt's antiquities ministry says new radar scans have provided conclusive evidence that there are no hidden rooms inside King Tutankhamun's burial chamber. In a statement on Sunday, Mostafa Waziri, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said an Italian team conducted extensive studies with ground-penetrating radar that showed the tomb did not contain any hidden, man-made blocking walls as had been suspected. In 2015, British Egyptologist Nicholas Reeves proposed using analysis of high-definition laser scans that queen Nefertiti's tomb could be concealed behind wall paintings in the famed boy king's burial chamber. The latest announcement came a day after Egypt moved the sixth and last chariot of the famed boy king's vast collection of items to a new museum near the pyramids in Giza. The creative team behind the Broadway sensation Hamilton has announced plans to open Hamilton: The Exhibition, an interactive traveling exhibition that will continue the American history lesson that the show began. The exhibition will open November 17 for a limited engagement on Northerly Island in Chicago, where the musical has been running since 2016, followed by visits to other cities. The project is a collaboration between creative director David Korins, who designed the set for Hamilton, Yale University professor and historian Joanne Freeman, Hamilton creator and original star Lin-Manuel Miranda, director Thomas Kail, and producer Jeffrey Seller. Harvard University history and law professor Annette Gordon-Reed is also contributing to the historical accuracy of the exhibit, presented with Imagine Exhibitions, Inc., one of the leading operators of traveling museum exhibits throughout the world. With an audio guide narrated by Miranda, the interactive multimedia exhibit is designed to take visitors deeper into the life and times of Alexander Hamilton, while at the same time chronicling the American Revolution and the creation of the United States of America. "I hope to use this exhibition to answer some questions that the musical doesn't address, like 'What did Alexander actually do when he was a trader in St. Croix? What did Hamilton's Manhattan look like? How did we win the battle of Yorktown?' " said Seller. "In an environment that is visually stunning, aurally thrilling and ingeniously educational, we aim to give visitors yet another unique portal through the life of Alexander Hamilton into the American founding." Senator John McCain. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images If Donald Trump thought his decision to skip Barbara Bushs memorial service would be the last funeral drama in which hed find himself embroiled, oh, was he wrong. According to the New York Times, 81-year-old Senator John McCain is currently compiling his dream guest list for his funeral smart, given the nature of death! and Trump is not on it. In mid-2017, McCain announced that he was battling an aggressive form of brain cancer, and in the Times report, Biden describes McCain as ailing. Therefore, in the comforts of his Arizona ranch, the senator is reportedly receiving old friends and considering his lifes biggest regrets (cough, Sarah Palin). Hes also thinking about his funeral plans: His intimates have informed the White House that their current plan for his funeral is for Vice-President Mike Pence to attend the service to be held in Washingtons National Cathedral but not President Trump, with whom Mr. McCain has had a rocky relationship. While its understandable why McCain wouldnt send Trump an invite, it seems like sending him an invite to guilt him into going to your funeral (if Trump is capable of experiencing such an emotion) would be a much more fitting punishment. Photo: U.S. Geological Survey/Getty Images As of Sunday, 26 homes have been destroyed, and approximately 1,700 residents have been forced to evacuate from the Leilani Estates subdivision on Hawaiis Big Island, after the Kilauea volcano erupted on Thursday. The eruption was followed by several earthquakes, including a 6.9-magnitude tremor on Friday. So far, 10 fissures have opened near the eastern edge of the island, spewing molten rock dozens of feet into the sky, and emitting high levels of toxic sulfur dioxide gas. According to the AP, lava has spread about 387,500 square feet around the most active fissure. And while it is not moving quickly, officials see no end in sight. Kilauea is one of the worlds most active volcanoes, and has been erupting almost continuously since 1983. Each active episode has lasted months to years, making it almost impossible to predict how much longer this eruption will last. Theres more magma in the system to be erupted. As long as that supply is there, the eruption will continue, U.S. Geological Survey volcanologist Wendy Stovall said. Lava moves down Makamae Street in Leilani Estates Subdivision (lower East Rift Zone of Kilauea Volcano) at 9:32 a.m. on May 6, 2018. https://t.co/OYAuJClpuc pic.twitter.com/yKXbGsbjtV USGS Volcanoes (@USGSVolcanoes) May 7, 2018 On Sunday, some residents of Leilani Estates were allowed to return home briefly to collect pets, medications, or other important belongings. Residents, as well as officials and news organizations, have shared dramatic images on social media of the earthquakes and the huge swaths of lava blanketing the land and roads. #earthquake #hawaii video my boyfriend took in our house in Papaikou during the 6.9 earthquake pic.twitter.com/xAAjeN1zFO Allison (@Allieb1792) May 5, 2018 Fountains of lava reach hundreds of feet into the air in this spectacular video captured during Saturday night's eruption on the east side of Hawaii's Big Island. https://t.co/wVPDfNlhvu pic.twitter.com/C9Lpx3R5fH ABC News (@ABC) May 7, 2018 Dramatic video shows inside the evacuated Leilani Estates, where lava erupting from Hawaii's powerful Kilauea volcano has now destroyed at least 26 homes. As many as 10 fissures have opened up since the eruption started late Thursday. https://t.co/nk5PFeRvsd pic.twitter.com/mKd3UzRbnu Fox News (@FoxNews) May 7, 2018 Incredible footage shows the lava flow during this morning's fissure eruption on the east side of Hawaii's Big Island. More than 1,800 residents have been evacuated from their homes. https://t.co/W5FHFgVrEP pic.twitter.com/vRykMZW7tF ABC News (@ABC) May 7, 2018 Have you seen this? It looks like the scene out of an apocalyptic movie: lava slowly creeps toward a car before devouring it. This is video from #Hawaii, where #Kilauea's eruption could last "for weeks or months." #KHOU11 pic.twitter.com/nKwdAf3c6R Brandi Smith (@BrandiKHOU) May 7, 2018 Some residents have attributed the eruption to Pele, the Hawaiian volcano goddess, who is said to live in Kilauea. The way I kind of look at it is, the land doesnt really belong to us. It belongs to Pele, one woman told the Washington Post. We get to live on it while we can, and if she wants it back, shell take it. I have good insurance. Photo: U.S. Geological Survey/Getty Images This is a very fast-moving situation, Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim told Hawaii News Now. This is unfortunately not the end. Iowa governor Kim Reynolds. Photo: AP/REX/Shutterstock On Friday, Iowa governor Kim Reynolds who has been described as 100 percent pro-life signed the strictest abortion ban in America into law. The heartbeat bill, as it came to be known, prohibits most abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which typically occurs six weeks into a pregnancy long before many women even know theyre pregnant. Its a dangerous and conspicuously unconstitutional move, one that effectively bans abortion and could have seriously adverse repercussions for Iowa women. But how worried should we actually be about this particular law? Its complicated. First, the good news (or, all things considered, the not-so-terrible news): The law, which is scheduled to go into effect on July 1, will likely not see the light of day. After Mississippi passed what was then the strictest anti-choice law in March, it was immediately blocked by a federal judge. Other states, like North Dakota and Arkansas, have also had their fetal-heartbeat laws struck down. Both Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Iowa immediately announced their plans to sue the state of Iowa and as Jill Adams, the executive director of the Center on Reproductive Rights and Justice at Berkeley Law, tells the Cut, this ban is likely to go the same way as the previous ones. (Its worth mentioning that, even before the heartbeat law, Iowa already had multiple major abortion restrictions in place, including parental notice and ultrasound requirements, as well as strict limits on which abortions can take place after 20 weeks.) But when it comes to the anti-choice crowd, this is less about the battle than it is about the war: overturning Roe v. Wade. Iowas six-week ban on abortion provisions is the latest attempt of many by abortion opponents to enact patently unconstitutional laws in the hopes of teeing up a case that would allow the Supreme Court to strike down Roe v. Wade, and to further their efforts to establish fetal personhood, Adams said. Gestational bans on abortion provision have been a pillar of abortion opponents law and policy strategy for decades, she added. They have been promoting, for the most part, 20-week bans in states and at the federal level for many years now in an effort to eventually though not immediately cue up a case for the Supreme Court. Ed Kilgore also noted these hyper-restrictive, though legally flimsy, laws more insidious purpose in Daily Intelligencer: Other than election-year posturing, such laws mostly represent efforts to set up a definitive challenge to Roe v. Wade in anticipation of Donald Trumps getting another Supreme Court appointment and overruling the pro-choice majority recently confirmed in the 2016 Whole Womans Health v. Hellerstedt decision. So could Iowas fetal heartbeat bill be the one that tips the scales all the way for the anti-choice movement? The likelihood of this particular bill being what leads to a Supreme Court battle over the sustainability of Roe v. Wade is hard to predict, Adams says. Abortion opponents have so many irons in the fire in that regard. There are other gestational bans currently enjoined in other states as well, so it could just as likely be one of those. (And, as a recent article in the Hill pointed out, states are practically competing to get their name on whatever that eventual case will be.) Ultimately, we can count on the nations strictest abortion law being done away with. But with a Republican-controlled Senate, House, and White House, and the possibility of more Supreme Court vacancies, the anti-choice movement continues to be more emboldened than ever. Even if this law fails, theres still everything else. Ivana Trump and Rossano Rubicondi. Photo: Elisabetta A. Villa/Getty Images Back in 2016, President Donald Trumps second ex-wife, Marla Maples, was a contestant in the Italian version of Dancing With the Stars, entitled Ballando con le Stelle. The lifestyle gurus appearance on the show prompted Trumps first ex-wife, Ivana, to declare, No class! and that she wouldnt go on that show, dancing in those tiny dresses with the boobs and butt hanging out. But wouldnt you know it, on Saturday night, Ivana became the latest Trump ex-wife to appear on Ballando con le Stelle. According to Page Six, renowned street-meat lover Ivana, 69, was a guest competitor on the show this weekend with her other ex-husband Rossano Rubicondi, 46. Clad in a partially see-through red dress, Ivana performed with her dance partner Samuel Peron, and was apparently met with thunderous applause when she took the stage. Peron lifted Ivana up during one part of the performance, before taking her hand and passing her over to Rubicondi, with whom she danced for a bit before he got down on one knee to offer her a seat. Ivana and Rubicondi werent the only unexpected celebs to appear on the program that night Deadpool 2 actors Ryan Reynolds and Josh Brolin also danced together to drum up publicity for their new film. We can only assume former White House director of communications Sean Spicer was watching longingly at home, imagining what his life could have been like if he had agreed to appear on the American Dancing With the Stars after all. Adapted from a Chinese Communist Party Cultural Revolution-era poster emblazoned with the words "Smash the Old World, Establish the New World." (The Epoch Times) Communism, China, and the Quit the Party Movement Politicians, scholars discuss communism and China at book launch and forum TORONTOOn May 5, 1818, a man was born in Germany whose ideas decades after his death led to the mass destruction of lives and societies. Exactly 200 years after this date, a statue of Karl Marx given by the Chinese communist regimeitself responsible for the death of nearly 80 million peoplewas erected in Trier, the city of Marxs birth, amidst great controversy and protests by victims of his communist ideology. By pure coincidence, on the other side of the Atlantic, a group of people, among them politicians and scholars, gathered on the same day at the University of Toronto to mark the publication of a book by The Epoch Times titled The Ultimate Goal of Communism. Published 14 years after The Epoch Times put out its first groundbreaking editorial series Nine Commentaries on the Communist Party, the new book looks at the origins of communism, its nature, and its fate. In a panel discussion following the book launch, Peter Kent, a member of the Canadian Parliament and a former cabinet minister, read from the opening paragraph of the Nine Commentaries to set the tone for the discussion. More than a decade after the fall of the former Soviet Union and the Eastern European communist regimes, the international communist movement has been spurned worldwide. The demise of the Chinese Communist Party is only a matter of time, Kent read. Thats important [and] why were all here today, he told the audience, [to] discuss when that demise might occur, how that demise might occur, what happens in the meantime, what Canada should do, or what Canada might have to do in terms of its foreign policy. The Ultimate Goal of Communism is currently published in Chinese. A new segment from the series on the global impact of communism will soon be published in English. Final Death Throes of Chinese communism Shortly after The Epoch Times published the Nine Commentaries in 2004, it started to receive statements from people announcing their withdrawals from the Chinese Communist Party and its affiliate organizations, the Communist Young Pioneers and the Communist Youth League. Today, Tuidang, which translates to withdrawing from the Party in Chinese, has grown into a massive grassroots movement, with over 300 million people having announced their withdrawals. That number grows by the tens of thousands every day. Bravo, congratulations, and thank you to the Tuidang Centre, as well to my friends at The Epoch Times, said Consiglio Di Nino, a retired Canadian senator who served in the Senate from 1990 to 2012. I think that [Tuidang] really is the answer. Dr. Michael Bonner, a history scholar, said for many Chinese, the Nine Commentaries was their first exposure to the crimes of communism. The Tuidang phenomenon accelerated that, and today 300 million people have renounced the Communist Party, he said. Former Polish President Lech Walesa has called the Tuidang movement historys tsunami and a spirit of freedom and truth. It is tempting to think we are witnessing the final death throes of Chinese communism. Giant Enemy The panel also heard from Dr. Frank Xie, an assistant professor at the University of South Carolinas School of Business Administration. Xie explained how the Chinese regime uses unfair trade tactics to maintain huge trade surpluses when dealing with countries like the United States and Canada, so that China can keep accumulating vast foreign currency reserves. The accumulation of these reserves is what gives the Party the strength to repress and persecute its own people. The Chinese people dont believe in communism anymore, and basically what the regime is doing, is just a bunch of immoral people wanting to keep on holding on to their own power. Sheng Xue, a Chinese-Canadian journalist and activist, described the plight of the Chinese people living in fear of the regime, even after moving abroad. We are living in Canada, but we cannot fully enjoy [life] because we have a giant enemy behind, she said. If they are not liberated from fear, they [cannot live like] human beings. Thats why, she said, the whole world has the responsibility to ensure Chinese people are free from this fear. The Chinese people cannot do this by themselves. Recommended Video: How Doctors in China Turn into Murderers Democrats Blocking CIA Nominee Because She Is Too Tough on Terror, Trump Says Democrats are blocking President Donald Trumps pick to head the CIA because she is too tough on terror, the president wrote on Twitter on Monday. My highly respected nominee for CIA Director, Gina Haspel, has come under fire because she was too tough on Terrorists, Trump wrote. Think of that, in these very dangerous times, we have the most qualified person, a woman, who Democrats want OUT because she is too tough on terror. Win Gina! My highly respected nominee for CIA Director, Gina Haspel, has come under fire because she was too tough on Terrorists. Think of that, in these very dangerous times, we have the most qualified person, a woman, who Democrats want OUT because she is too tough on terror. Win Gina! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 7, 2018 Trumps comment comes two days before Haspels first confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee. On Monday, she was expected to meet with three Democrats from the committee. Democrats are expected to question her on the work she did in the early 2000s during the War on Terror. Haspel faced criticism for running a CIA prison in Thailand where Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, the alleged mastermind of the USS Cole bombing which killed 17 Americans, was waterboarded three times. Waterboarding took place at the same prison before Haspel arrived there in October 2002, with one prisoner, Abu Zubaydah, reportedly being waterboarded 83 times in one month, according to The Daily Caller. When Trump nominated Haspel for the post, damning reports surfaced about her tenure at the prison which later proved to be false. ProPublica led the charge with an article claiming that Haspel enjoyed the torture of Zubaydah. The reports headline was later fixed to say Correction: Trumps Pick to Head CIA Did Not Oversee Waterboarding of Abu Zubaydah. Haspel was also involved in the destruction of 92 videotapes of interrogations of al-Qaeda detainees in CIA prisons. In April, the CIA released a disciplinary review memo written in 2011 which cleared Haspel of any wrongdoing in the tape destruction incident. Haspel is currently the deputy director of the CIA. During her 33 years at the agency, she served in a number of posts, including deputy director of the National Clandestine Service and chief of staff for the director of the National Clandestine Service. Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-CA), a member of the Intelligence Committee, said in March that she wont block Haspels nomination because she did well in her role as a deputy director and had the confidence of the agency. Feinstein was at the head of the committee when it investigated CIA prisons. The former Obama-administration CIA chief of staff Jeremy Bash told NBC that Haspel is the rare CIA director nominee that both parties should love. Haspel also received the support of the editorial boards of New York Post, The Wall Street Journal, and The Weekly Standard. If confirmed, Haspel would become the first woman to head the CIA. The post at the agency became vacant after Trump nominated the former director, Mike Pompeo, to become the secretary of state. Pompeo was confirmed and took the oath in late April. Trump gave his first speech as president at the CIA headquarters in January 2017. Recommended Video: Leaders of Two Koreas Shake Hands Before Historic Summit President Donald Trump returns from Dallas, Texas, to the White House in Washington on May 4, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) Exit by 2 Top FBI Officials Linked to Probers Getting Caught, Trump Says President Donald Trump suggested on Monday that the two top FBI officials who reportedly left the agency on Friday did so as part of the Probers getting caught. Lisa Page, a senior FBI attorney, and James Baker, the agencys top lawyer, resigned from their posts on Friday, the FBI confirmed to The Epoch Times. Page has been at the center of scrutiny over malpractice and misconduct at the FBI after texts between her and senior FBI official Peter Strzok became public. The messages show that the pair shared an extreme bias against Trump, discussed an insurance policy in case Trump won the election, and mentioned a secret society meeting. Baker was the top lawyer at the FBI until December when he was reassigned by Christopher Wray, the agencys new director. At the time of his reassignment, Baker was being investigated for his role in the controversial Steele dossier, which was used to secure a warrant to wiretap Trumps presidential campaign. Lisa Page, who may hold the record for the most Emails in the shortest period of time (to her Lover, Peter S), and attorney Baker, are out at the FBI as part of the Probers getting caught? Trump wrote on Twitter on Monday morning. Why is Peter S still there? What a total mess. Our Country has to get back to Business! Lisa Page, who may hold the record for the most Emails in the shortest period of time (to her Lover, Peter S), and attorney Baker, are out at the FBI as part of the Probers getting caught? Why is Peter S still there? What a total mess. Our Country has to get back to Business! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 7, 2018 Peter Strzok was one of the top counterintelligence officials at the FBI before he was reassigned. His partisan views against Trump cast new light onto the investigation into Hillary Clintons use of a private email server. Strzok changed the mentions of grossly negligent to extremely careless in Clintons exoneration statement, potentially sparing her from criminal charges. He also interviewed Clintons top aides. Strzok was investigating allegations of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia as part of Special Counsel Robert Muellers team when texts between him and Page became public. Mueller removed Strzok from the team following the disclosure. Trump also suggested on Monday that the other investigators involved in Muellers probe have unrevealed conflicts of interest. The 13 Angry Democrats in charge of the Russian Witch Hunt are starting to find out that there is a Court System in place that actually protects people from injustice, Trump wrote on Twitter. And just wait till the Courts get to see your unrevealed Conflicts of Interest! The 13 Angry Democrats in charge of the Russian Witch Hunt are starting to find out that there is a Court System in place that actually protects people from injusticeand just wait till the Courts get to see your unrevealed Conflicts of Interest! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 7, 2018 Trumps reference to the court system relates to two judges who dealt blows to Muellers prosecutors over the past week. The judge in the case against Paul Manafort, Trumps former campaign chairman, told Muellers lawyers that they dont really care about Mr. Manafort but really care about getting information that would reflect on Mr. Trump and lead to his prosecution or impeachment. A second federal judge declined Muellers request to delay the first court hearing against three Russian companies and 13 Russian citizens who used social media to sow discord in the United States during the 2016 election. Muellers investigation will reach its anniversary this month without any proof of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. A separate inquiry by the House Intelligence Committee concluded that there is no proof of collusion. Recommended Video: Leaders of Two Koreas Shake Hands Before Historic Summit Soybeans and Banknotes of US Dollar VS RMB, arranged for photography. (Zhang Peng/LightRocket via Getty Images) Faced With Own Tariffs on American Soy, China Launches Emergency Campaign to Boost Domestic Soybean Production The Chinese communist regime is taking extra efforts to increase its domestic soybean output this year amid an ongoing trade dispute with the United States. China is the worlds top buyer and consumer of soybeans, with most used to feed livestock. But Beijing announced on April 4 that it would levy a 25 percent tariff on soybean imports from the United States, in retaliation over trade tariffs imposed by Washington on Chinese goods. According to National Business Daily, a state-run newspaper, citing official data, China imported 95.54 million tons of soybeans in 2017; the United States was the second largest source of imports. The threat of tariffs alone has pushed up prices from other suppliers such as Brazil. Authorities in the northeastern Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces met last weekend to discuss actions to boost planting of soybeans, according to reports posted on city government websites. A document circulating online published by the Heilongjiang provincial government called for an extra five million mu (333,333 hectares) to be planted with soybeans this year. The so-called emergency notice also called for an additional 2 million mu to be included in an ongoing program to rotate corn with other crops such as soybeans. Farmers will get 150 yuan (about $23.60) per mu (about 0.16 acres) as compensation for planting soybeans, reported state-run newspaper The Paper. On the official website of Heihe Citylocated in Heilongjiangauthorities posted a notice referring to provincial and national-level meetings to boost soybean planting. Changchun, the capital city of Jilin Province, also outlined several actions to fulfill the new policy in a document posted on the city authorities official website, dated April 28, such as sending officials deep into the countryside to supervise planting, and launching media campaigns to promote the political task of increasing soybean production. Related reports from the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) state-run newspapers and websites were deleted within 24 hours. Background Two weeks after China announced the soybean tariffs, China canceled a net 62,690 metric tons of U.S. soybean purchases, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data. Whatever theyre buying is non-U.S., Soren Schroder, CEO of the New York-based agribusiness company, Bunge, told Bloomberg in a phone interview on May 2. However, China did not completely stop buying U.S. soybeans; the USDAs latest data shows that in the week ending on April 26, the United States shipped 256,000 tons of soybeans to Chinasuggesting China cannot completely cut off its need for American soybeans. Since China has increased its purchases of Brazilian soybeans, the demand has pushed prices up, making U.S. soybeans cheaper and more competitive on the market. Chinese state-run media anticipated that the soybean tariffs would seriously hit the American agricultural economy and reshape the global trade of soybeans. However, on April 6, two days after China announced the tariffs, 458,000 tons of U.S. soybeans were sold to traders other than China, according to the USDA. The government agency did not further explain which countries. Analysts believe that European Union countries had ordered the U.S. soybeans. Reuters contributed to this report. Recommended Video: How Doctors in China Turn into Murderers U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping about to shake hands at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on November 9, 2017. (Damir Sagolj/File Photo/Reuters) Former Presidential Campaign Adviser Andrew Puzder on the USChina Trade Relationship A delegation of U.S. senior trade officials visited Beijing on May 3 and 4, hoping to ease trade tensions and negotiate a fairer trade relationship. Reports about the talks indicated that a deal wasnt reached, but there were some concessions. China said it would reconsider duties on U.S. sorghum, increase U.S. imports to lower the trade surplus, and lower tariffs on certain U.S. goods. One of President Donald Trumps former presidential campaign advisers, Andrew Puzder, believes that the United States is in a good negotiating position. In business, you have to pay attention to the customer, he said by email. America is Chinas biggest customer. A lot of the media seems to have concluded that Beijing wont make concessions, but I believe it would be unwise for China to ignore its biggest customer and put at risk a trade relationship that is more important to the Chinese economy than it is to the U.S. economy. Puzder was Trumps first nominee for labor secretary and serves as a policy adviser for America First Policies, a super PAC founded to advocate for Trumps policy agenda. He spoke with The Epoch Times about how the United States can seek to maintain an equitable trade relationship while also holding the Chinese regime accountable for its actions that run counter to free competition. High Tech a Central Issue Intellectual property (IP) theft has been the focus of recent trade tensions, with the Trump administration imposing $50 billion worth of tariffs on Chinese high-tech imports as punitive measures for Chinas aggressive acquisition of U.S. tech companies and policies of forcing U.S. firms in China to transfer technology in exchange for market access. Puzder explained that the administration has turned to tariffs because other remedies, like complaints at the World Trade Organization or diplomatic communications to the Chinese government, have proven ineffective. The administration is also considering placing restrictions on Chinese investments in sensitive U.S. industries. Reuters recently reported that U.S. Treasury officials are discussing with American industry groups a draft of legislation that would increase scrutiny on Chinese deals to acquire sophisticated American technology. In the field of artificial intelligence (AI), the Chinese regime is also investing a great deal of capital in an effort to catch up with American innovations. How can the United States ensure it continues to be a world leader? To lead in AI, we need to do the same things that enabled us to lead in other fields of technology: We need to let capitalism work. Technology is advancing so quickly and is so specialized that only free market entrepreneurs have the necessary motivation to drive technological advances, Puzder said. However, he also said that government has a role. One thing the government can do is fully fund the presidents plan to rebuild the armed forces; the DoD [Department of Defense] is investing heavily in AI, and if past experience with Defense research is any indicator, the private sector spinoffs should be game changers. Ultimately, he believes the United States could continue to be an AI leader as long as there are continued government efforts at stopping IP theft. How to Protect American Innovation What are some ways to protect the U.S. high-tech sector from such theft? The idea of restricting certain visas for Chinese nationals has been raised before, in reaction to the many instances of espionage and IP theft conducted by Chinese nationals who arrived in the United States for research or work purposes. I think we need to be very careful about broadly restricting lawful immigration, but in technology fields where the Chinese government has expressed a clear desire to obtain foreign intellectual property, I think its reasonable to apply extra scrutiny to Chinese nationals, particularly if they dont intend to move permanently to the United States, Puzder said. I think the administration is looking at the principle of reciprocity, in which the Chinese have consistently expressed disregard for international rules by fencing off their markets and discriminating against our companies, we will do the same. I think there is logic in that, because China will start changing its approach if we impose real costs on their actions. Puzder also agreed that academic espionagea topic of a recent Congressional hearingwas an important issue. Its important to prosecute those who violate U.S. export control laws [restrictions on shipping sensitive technologies and goods outside of the United States] to the fullest extent of the law in order to deter violators. He added that there should be measures to ensure Chinese students attending school in the United States are not being monitored by the Chinese regime. Recommended Video: How Doctors in China Turn into Murderers Ahsan Iqbal Pakistan's Minister of Planning and Development speaks with a Reuters correspondent during an interview in Islamabad, Pakistan June 12, 2017. (Reuters/Caren Firouz/File Photo) Pakistani Interior Minister Shot in Apparent Assassination Attempt He was leaving an election rally LAHORE/ISLAMABAD, PakistanPakistani Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal was wounded on Sunday in an apparent assassination attempt by a gunman linked to a new ultra-conservative Islamic party an incident likely to raise tensions before an election expected in late July. Violence has been a feature of pre-election periods in Pakistan over the past decade, mainly due to Islamist assassinations of political figures, including former prime minister Benazir Bhutto in 2007. Iqbal, 59, a senior member of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party and a staunch ally of ousted premier Nawaz Sharif, was shot as he was leaving an election rally surrounded by supporters in Punjab province. After initial treatment at DHQ Narowal, Ahsan Iqbal has been moved to Lahore. Chief Minister Punjab @CMShehbaz receives him. Ahsan Iqbal sahib looks stable Alhumdulillah. pic.twitter.com/tBYPZ1UBNA Govt Of The Punjab (@GovtOfPunjab) May 6, 2018 An initial report on the shooting by a local administrator, the deputy commissioner of Narowal district, seen by Reuters, said the gunman had been arrested and showed his affiliation to the conservative Islamic party Tehreek-e-Labaik, or the Movement of the Prophets Followers. The party calls for the aggressive enforcement of blasphemy laws in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which can carry the death penalty. Neither the report nor other officials commented on the attackers possible motives. Iqbal was shot soon after addressing voters in Kanjroor village in Narowal, his constituency near the border with India, but the exact circumstances were not immediately clear. I cant tell you the motive at this stage due to security reasons, Narowal police chief Imran Kishwar told Reuters. Out of Danger Police said the bullet had hit Iqbal in the right arm. They named the suspected shooter as Abid Hussain, 21, and said they had found him carrying a pistol. After being rushed to a nearby hospital, Iqbal was taken by helicopter to Lahore, capital of Punjab. The minister luckily survived, said junior interior minister Talal Chaudhry. Thank God, he is out of danger. Blasphemy is a deeply emotional and politically charged issue in Pakistan. Critics of the blasphemy laws say they are used to unfairly target minorities Muslims and non-muslims alike and persecute minority faiths, thereby protecting the Islamic authority. Numerous prominent figures have been assassinated for opposing the countrys blasphemy laws. But the sensitive issue has been inflamed again since the Labaik party emerged in the past year. The party was born out of a protest movement supporting Mumtaz Qadri, a bodyguard of the governor of Punjab. Qadri gunned down his boss in 2011 over his call to relax Pakistans draconian blasphemy laws. Labaik has been gaining strength with an election platform centred on punishing blasphemy. Many of its supporters say PML-N, despite repeated denials, wants to ease the blasphemy laws. While dozens are on death row for blasphemy, no one has been executed in recent decades. In a statement on Sunday night, Labaik leader Khadim Hussain Rizvi condemned the attack on Iqbal and said the party had not authorised any of its supporters to take up arms. Tehreek-e-Labaik is an unarmed struggle to bring the Prophets religion to the throne, Rizvi said. The statement did not specifically mention any suspect in custody or any links to the party. Tehreek-e-Labaik is a political grouping with no known links to the various Islamist insurgent groups including the Pakistani Taliban that have carried out bombings and other attacks in Pakistan. Iqbal, who also heads the planning ministry, has in recent years overseen the implementation of Chinese-funded Belt and Road infrastructure projects in Pakistan as part of the near $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi condemned the attack on Iqbal and called for an immediate police report. A senior government official, who declined to be named, said early information suggested Iqbal had been returning from a meeting with a Christian group. We are not sure whether it has got anything to do with the motive. We will know only after investigation of the attacker. Islamist insurgent attacks in Pakistan have fallen sharply over the past few years, but their fighters continue to pose a threat and carry out assassinations. In the run-up to the 2013 elections, which PML-N won handsomely, Pakistani Taliban militants killed more than 70 people in attacks targeting the Awami National Party (ANP), the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM). Many of their most prominent candidates were prevented from campaigning openly. By Mubasher Bukhari and Asif Shahzad Recommended Video: President Trump Says Change Must Come From Within For Peace In Middle East A U.S. marine walks in Camp Lemonier, the U.S. military base in Djibouti, on December 17, 2002. (Pedro Ugarte/AFP/Getty Images) US Formally Files Complaint About Chinese Pointing Lasers at Military Planes in Djibouti, China Denies WASHINGTONThe United States formally complained to China after Chinese nationals pointed lasers at U.S. military aircraft near Djibouti in recent weeks, the Pentagon said on May 3, an account which China has denied. Djibouti, on the Horn of Africa, hosts a U.S. military base that is home to about 4,000 personnel, including special operations forces, and is a launch pad for operations in Yemen and Somalia. The U.S. military has been grappling with lasers being pointed at aircraft for decades. However, the Pentagon accusations highlight the concern the United States has about a Chinese military base just miles from a critical U.S. base in Djibouti. They are very serious incidents We have formally demarched the Chinese government and weve requested the Chinese investigate these incidents, Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White told reporters. White said the Pentagon was confident the lasers had been pointed by Chinese nationals and in the past few weeks upwards of 10 incidents had taken place. The intent was unclear. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that in one incident last month, two pilots in a C-130 suffered minor eye injuries. The official said in a few instances, military-grade lasers from the Chinese base had been pointed at aircraft. Both Chinas defense and foreign ministries claimed the U.S. accusations were false. Djibouti is strategically located at the southern entrance to the Red Sea on the route to the Suez Canal. This year, the U.S. military put countering China, along with Russia, at the center of a new national defense strategy. By Idrees Ali Recommended Video: Business is War This picture taken on September 4, 2012 shows a boy walking in the subway train in Beijing. (WANG ZHAO/AFP/GettyImages) Why Millions Worth of Precision Instruments at Prestigious Chinese University Suddenly Stopped Working Due to intense vibrations caused by Beijings subway, precision instruments worth 400 million yuan ($63 million) at Chinas prestigious Peking University have begun to malfunction. According to a April 25 report in the state-run newspaper China Youth Daily, Peking University has precision instrumentsused in many of its research departmentsworth a total of 1.1 billion yuan ($17o million); nearly one-third of them have been affected by tremors produced by passing Line 4 trains of the nearby Beijing subway, just 100 meters (328 feet) away. The subway line began operating in September 2009. After nearly nine years, the tremors have taken a toll. One electron microscope worth several million yuan has begun displaying blurred images as a result. Lei Jun, director of the Peking University Environmental Vibration Monitoring and Evaluation Laboratory, found that the vibration intensity within 100 meters (328 feet) of the subway was 30 to 100 times higher when trains were passing through. Beijing Jiaotong University, one of the oldest universities in China, located in central Beijing, also measured the vibrations. Data from the Track Vibration Reduction and Control Laboratory similarly showed that micro-vibrations within 100 meters from the subway have increased nearly tenfold in the past decade, according to China Youth Daily. Peking University has negotiated with the subway company several times to address the issue. The subway company agreed to building shock absorption tracks, while the university agreed to move some of its instruments to a newer building farther from the subway. However, those measures did not significantly reduce the shock impact on the instruments, according to the report. The report added that the proposed Beijing Subway Line 16, just 2,000 feet away from Peking Universitys General Scientific Research Building, will start running in 2019. Tsinghua University, another elite Chinese university, faces a similar problem. The Line 15 subway, which opened in December 2010, runs just 120 meters (393 feet) from the campus and will likely strike a catastrophic blow to the precision instruments there, according to the report. Other top research institutes affected by subway tremors include the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fudan University, and Nanjing University, according to the report. A total of 985 colleges and universities in China agreed to constructing subways near their campuses, but some have not made public their losses as a result of subway damage, said the report. Hong Ning contributed to this report. Recommended Video: How Doctors in China Turn into Murderers Steakhouse operator Del Friscos is acquiring Barteca, which from roots in Norwalk under founders Andy Pforzheimer and Sasa Mahr-Batuz has built out more than 30 locations under the names Barcelona Wine Bar & Restaurant and Bartaco in the Northeast and nationally. Del Friscos Restaurant Group is paying $325 million for Barteca, which has its headquarters in Norwalk operating 15 Barcelona restaurants including in Fairfield and Stamford; with the latter city also home to a Bartaco along with Westport and Port Chester, N.Y., among 16 locations. Del Friscos stated it expects to expand Bartaco to between 200 and 300 locations, and Barcelona to between 50 and 100 sites. Created by Pforzheimer and Mahr-Batuz in 1996 with a focus on Spanish tapas and fine wines, Barcelona sales totaled $60.2 million last year with the average check totaling $35 across all locations. They founded Bartaco in 2010 which generated revenue of $67.1 million last year with its upscale street food concept spanning Latin American, Mediterranean and Asian cuisines, at an average check of $22. Combined, sales were up 21 percent last year under CEO Jeff Carcara, with Barteca profits totaling $7 million, up from $5 million the prior year on the heels of losses of $1 million in each of the prior two years. Last year was a heck of a year for us (and) this year so far we are still positive, Carcara said, speaking on a conference call Monday morning. Were seeing quite a few people in the afternoon with a margarita and a couple of tacos on their laptop, and using our bars and our restaurants similar to how they use a Starbucks. In December 2015, Pforzheimer and Mahr-Batuz drew an investment from the private equity firm General Atlantic, which has an office in Greenwich; and in January 2016 received $74 million in credit from Citizens Bank to fund its expansion. Barteca hired Carcara in August 2016 from Del Friscos where he was chief operating officer. He will continue leading Barteca operations reporting to Del Friscos CEO Norman Abdallah, with Carcara already having been splitting his time between Norwalk and the Dallas area where Del Friscos has its headquarters in Southlake, Texas. With the 2015 opening of a Del Friscos Grille in downtown Stamford, Del Friscos established its lone Connecticut presence. On Monday, the company reported a $400,000 profit for the fiscal quarter ending March 27, with sales up 6 percent from a year ago to $89.3 million bolstered in part by Del Friscos including an extra weeks results this year. The companies are aiming to complete the transaction in late June. Del Friscos expects the companies can save between $3 million and $5 million annually operating as a single entity. Something that was very important to us is being able to find a company that can stand alone for the next 12 to 18 months so we could be very disciplined and cautious with the integration, Abdallah said Monday. If the (Barteca) concepts didnt fit into our mission celebrating life and restaurants it wouldnt have even passed a test (for us) to look at it. Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulman NORWALK Weeks before she died from flu complications, 6-year-old Emma Mackenzie Splan told her mother, Christy Pugh, that she wanted to come back as a cat. At first it was a worm to help the plants grow, Pugh remembered, shaking her head with a weary smile. Really? Who wants to be a worm? But Splan always put others before herself. She had volunteered at PAWS every month for two years, reading books aloud to the animals, pausing at every page to show them the pictures and begging her parents for the three-legged or one-eyed animals at the shelter that might have a hard time finding a home. So when Pugh and her husband thought of ways to remember Splan, they thought of ways they could help those she was close to. On Saturday, Pugh and her mother-in-law, Sydney Splan, joined volunteers in Christies Quilting Boutique sewing together squares patterned with the geometric shape of cats heads. Their goal was to make 47 kitten quilts in honor of Emma Mackenzie Splan one for every student and teacher in her grade at Columbus Magnet School. Emma would have loved it, Pugh said. She stood in the back of the room and watched as Christie Ruiz, the owner of the boutique, used her long-armed quilting machine to sew a layer of batting between the cat squares and backing fabric. Ruiz moved the arm with sweeping motions, and the stitches trailing behind the needle spelled out Emmas name in cursive. As Pugh helped pass Ruiz more batting, she put herself in the shoes of Emma Mackenzie Splans classmates. It gets harder as time goes on 76 days and theyre realizing shes not coming back, she said. I know it was for me. Support for the quilts has poured in from around the globe. After Pugh posted about the project on social media, people began sending her cat squares they had sewn in solidarity so far, Pugh says she has received over a thousand. Weve received squares from New Zealand, France, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, she said. Amazing, amazing people from all over the world. While some quilters heard about Emmas quilts through social media, others heard about it through word of mouth. Anna May Jerusavage, who was helping out that morning, said she heard about it one day when she was in the boutique. I couldnt not help, she said. And for those close to Emma Mackenzie Splan, the quilts seemed to provide a way to both remember her and put their minds to rest. Its so dang relaxing, Sydney Splan said of quilting. You take your mind off of big things. In addition to the cat quilts, Pugh and her husband have offered a scholarship at Emma Mackenzie Splans dance school in Fairfield and are starting a charity called Emmas Plan, which will support animals, children and the arts. The charity will follow Emma Mackenzie Splans grade as they move through Norwalk Public Schools. Columbus Magnet School Principal Medard Thomas said that Emmas family has always been active in supporting other students in the grade in the past, for example, Pugh made sure students who could not afford it were able to leave the book fair with a book. That involvement has not abated. Her mom still comes here and volunteers with us because its important for us to keep that connection, Thomas said. This week, she will come during an emotional check-in for the students provided by Den for Grieving Kids. Were noticing right now that its really hitting the kids, the loss, the principal said. Those interested in lending a hand can find out about the next working session by calling Christies Quilting Boutique at 203-807-8458. Pugh said no sewing experience was necessary people can help with ironing or cutting if they dont know their way around a machine. Well take anything moral support, she said. rschuetz@hearstmediact.com; @raschuetz NORWALK Attorney Carrie Colangelo has moved on from the city of Norwalk law department to sit on the Connecticut Workers Compensation Commission. The commission administers Connecticuts worker compensation laws with the goal of ensuring that workers injured on the job receive prompt payment of lost work time benefits and attendant medical expenses. At full complement, the commission comprises 16 members. Shes now one of them and were excited to have her. I think shell be a great asset, said commission Chairman Stephen M. Morelli. She will be a workers compensation commissioner in one of the districts, sitting in on hearings and conducting hearings. In addition to the chairmans office in Hartford, the commission has main offices statewide, including Stamford, Waterbury and Bridgeport. Morelli said it has yet to be determined in which office Colangelo will work. Colangelo couldnt be reached immediately for comment Monday afternoon. As a commissioner, Colangelo will help facilitate voluntary agreements, adjudicate disputes, make findings and awards, hear and rule on appeals, and close out cases through stipulated settlements, according to the organizations website. Colangelo began working as an assistant corporation counsel in the Norwalk law department in July 2013. She is a former first selectman in the town of Easton. Norwalk Corporation Counsel Mario Coppola described her as a great asset to the department, and also a bright and a highly skilled litigator with great practical sense, which allowed her to resolve many matters for the City before or during litigation. She showed a constant willingness to take on any assignment, and she quite often was assigned some of the Citys more complex matters, Coppola said. During the past few years, Carrie argued significant cases for the City before the Appellate and Supreme Courts. On Friday, her former colleagues at City Hall threw her a going-away party. I know that she is going to be greatly missed, Coppola said. We all wish her the best of luck with her new position for the State. I know that she is going to a great job as a Workers Compensation Commissioner. The Common Council is scheduled to discuss in executive session Tuesday evening the appointment of Darin L. Callahan to the position of assistant corporation counsel. Callahan is an attorney with Owens, Shine & Nicola, PC. He specializes in litigation, family and divorce law, personal injury matters, real estate transaction, foreclosures, wills, trusts and probate law, landlord/tenant and eviction matters, municipal law and educational law, election law, housing authority law and business transactions, according to the law firms website. EDWARDSVILLE Joan Meyer has loved dogs since she was a child, but growing up she wasn't allowed to have her own dog because her family moved frequently with her father's job in the U.S. Army. That didn't stop her from training a neighbor's 150-pound Saint Bernard such things as obedience, how to slide down a playground slide and jump over a see-saw and bicycle racks. After she graduated from college with a degree to pursue a physical therapy career, her continuing passion for dogs led her in a completely different direction. She'd begin working in jobs that involved dogs and eventually competed in dog agility with the American Kennel Club's USA World Team. Meyer, who has accumulated a wall full of dog agility medals from events in the U.S. as well as in Europe, has brought to the Edwardsville area her love of dogs, her expertise of training and her desire to help dog owners train their pets. She recently opened Triune Canine Training and Event Center at 1903 E. Edwardsville Road in Wood River. She recalled the day in 1984 when she was meeting with her college advisor who provided some life-changing advice after she questioned continuing her education in physical therapy. "He told me to do what you love because you must love what you do," Meyer recalled. "He said if doing something with dogs is your passion, follow your dream." Meyer took his advice and began working for the Lawrence Humane Society in Kansas. She spent about two years listening to all the excuses that people gave when relinquishing their dogs to the humane society. "The last week I was there I had to hold 143 animals to be put to sleep," Meyer said as she choked back tears. "I'm sorry that's always a hard subject. Anyway, I got through that and decided that I wanted to be on the other side to help the dogs stay in their homes because people brought them in for stupid things." She went on to explain how people would surrender their dog because they didn't take the time to house break it or they'd turn a puppy loose in a home alone and be surprised when the unattended puppy chewed on the couch or a shoe. "So I decided that I was going to get on the side of the dogs and train the animals to be able to stay home," she stressed. Meyer started her own business in 1986 in Kansas. "At that point I was doing specifically behavior modification and obedience for pet owners to keep dogs in their homes and trying to educate the people. I was also at that point also working in a veterinarian hospital," she said. "Then in 1992, when I actually found agility, I was hooked," she added. "I started doing mostly training and agility and realizing agility was actually a big benefit for dogs with behavior issues that were fearful of things. It helps build confidence." Meyer became extremely competitive in agility. "I would set goals and would reach my goals," she said. "I've been on the world team three times in the United States with the American Kennel Club, and I've been to the European Open seven times with the U.S." After achieving all the goals she set for herself with agility competition, she decided it was time to pursue another dream she had owning a complete dog training facility and event center that offered a variety of training from puppy training to competition levels and the ability to hold competitions in agility. Meyer opened Triune Canine Training and Event Center in Wood River in early March. She offers a variety of classes including AKC STAR Puppy Program, puppy and family manners, trick classes, rally, obedience (basics to competition), agility (foundation to international handling as well as private lessons by appointment. "One of the other instructors teaches K9 Nose Work which is kind of an interesting new sport that's come out," Meyer explained. "It was taken after the K9 officers where they do body detection and drug detection... and it is something that any age dog can do." Chris Brewer and Angela Evers assist with the broad training schedule. "Other than just playing games with the agility, I knew I was going to need help with training. There's just too many people that have too many dogs and there's only one me. So Chris and Angela are the two that are training specifically for Triune," Meyer noted. "Then there are three other instructors that have their own dog training businesses that are renting space to train their businesses here. But they all had been students of mine at some point so I knew what kind of attitudes they had and how they could deal with people, and so I felt comfortable with them coming and training here." "We're totally into positive training," Meyer stressed. "We want to teach people to understand their dogs not to be impatient and immediately go to abusive ways of training. So we're trying to help people understand their dogs, and we like to work with everybody from kids to any age. We're not discriminate with dogs or people age wise all dogs can be trained." Having competed in numerous facilities around the country and world, Meyer has chosen only the best surfaces for comfort of the dogs as well as the trainers. The huge facility also has a platform area for viewing that also doubles as a small dog class training area. "Wednesday nights are really happening," Meyer pointed out. "We have one of the guest instructors up there (platform area) and we have agility going on, and the lady that teaches nose work is over in another area. We have dogs coming and going. It's really neat to see everyone working with their dogs. And they are all here smiling." Triune Canine Training and Event Center is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 10 a.m to 3 p.m. Thursday. The center is open Friday and Saturday by appointment only. And private lessons are available for any of the class topics they teach. Any of the group classes they offer are $145 for six weeks. "That's with the owners actually coming and training their dog. We don't have any daycare," Meyer added. "We want to deal with the public with their pets. We want to educate the public on understanding their dogs so that they can stay in their homes." "This is kind of my dream. They don't come this way," Meyer said pointing to her well-behaved Sheltie. "You have to train them to be this way." Visit www.triunecanine.com for additional information or email Meyer at triunecanine@gmail.com. The center's phone number is 618-830-7216. 2 hours ago The Top 3 Buy & Hold Healthcare Stocks for October The healthcare sector can be the perfect area of the market to look if you are a buy & hold investor since there are so many different ways that these businesses can grow over the next decade. Its also a great sector to pursue during the current market volatility, as a lot of these companies are considered to be defensive and should see steady demand for their products regardless of whats happening in the economy. Read Article KXLG radio maintains local ownership after death of Faehn Drawing from Faehn's guidance and her dedication, Herrboldt said she will ensure that Watertown will keep its "local and live" radio for years to come. KHULNA: K M Nurul Huda, Chief Election Commissioner addressing a view exchange meeting with candidates of Khulan City Corporation Election at Bayra Mahila College Auditorium as Chief Guest on Sunday. Tagore's short stories : An introduction Mohammad A. Quayum : It is universally acknowledged that Rabindranath's reputation as a writer lies primarily in his poetry. He was dubbed 'Gurudev' (Master Teacher), 'Kabiguru' (Master Poet), 'Bishwakabi' (World Poet) for his poetic achievements, and awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913 for a collection of poetry, Gitanjali. Yet Tagore was also the founder of the short story form in Bengali literature. He wrote 95 short stories over a period starting in 1877, when Rabindranath was only 16 years old, till his death in 1941. He has been described as one of the best short story writers in the world, and often has been compared with the best of the European writers, Anton Chekov and Guy de Maupassant. E.J. Thompson, who translated some of Rabindranath's stories into English, once said that there was "no greater short story writer in the world's literature" (Dutta and Robinson, Selected Letters 142) than Tagore. Similarly, comparing Rabindranath to Chekov and Maupassant, a noted Indian sociologist and writer, D.P. Mukherjee concluded, "The Russian classics have a candour of the soul, the French have a candour of the mind, and Tagore's have a candour of feeling. If we are ashamed of feeling, Tagore's stories are not for us. If we have no such obsession, they are among the best in the world." (Kripalani 153). Interestingly, Tagore himself seemed to have been aware of this comparison with the European writers. In an article in Prabasi, published in May 1941, Tagore responded to a criticism on the poetic nature of his prose in the stories in the following words: "You speak about my language, and say that even in my prose I am a poet. But if my language sometimes goes beyond what is appropriate in a story, you can't blame me for that, because I had to invent the Bengali prose myself. My language was not there; I had to create it gradually and in stages .... I had to create the prose of my stories as I went along. Foreign writers like Maupassant that you often speak of, inherited an already made language. If they had to create their language as they wrote, I wonder how they would have fared". (Galpaguccha 850-51) The reference to Maupassant aside, Tagore is being unnecessarily defensive here about the quality of his prose. If there is a poetic flair, a kind of grandiloquence in the language of his narrative, it is' because his native genius was that of a poet, and unlike writers whose talent is confined to fiction mainly, figurative language came to him naturally. Tagore's first short story, 'Bhikharini' (The Beggar Woman), came out, in 1877, but later he dismissed it, together with much of his early work, as 'vapour-filled bubbles' that 'frothed and eddied round a vortex of lazy fancy'. (Kripalani 68). He continued to write short stories at a slow pace and published four more stories before a radical change occurred in his personal life, when his father unexpectedly appointed him the manager of the family estates in East Bengal (now Bangladesh) and Orissa in November 1889, forcing him thereby to experience the rural outback first-hand and the stark reality of common people living in villages. Son of a zamindar, Tagore had mostly lived a sheltered life before this; this sudden exposure to the sufferings of the poor, illiterate tenants on their family estates developed a new social and literary awareness in the young writer. In an interview in 1936, Tagore explained: "I have different strata of my life, and all my writings can be divided into so many periods. All of us have different incarnations in this very life. We are born again and again in this very life. When we come out of one period, we are as if born again. So we have literary incarnations also". (Galpaguccha 853) Taking up the zamindari and living all alone on the family boat at Shelidah (now in Kushtia, Bangladesh) or at the estate building at Shahjadpur (in Pabna, Bangladesh) for protracted periods, and then gradually settling to live there for about a decade, obviously resulted in one such literary incarnation for the writer. He now felt an urge to write short stories more seriously, albeit not compromising his interest in poetry and the other literary genres, such as drama and non-fictional prose. Tagore lived in Shelidah, which became the estates headquarters, for a little over ten years (1890-1901), and during this period-also known as the 'Shelidah period' or as Tagore later described to W.B. Yeats, the most 'productive' (Dutta and Robinson, Rabindranath Tagore: A Myriad-Minded Man 111) period of his literary career - he wrote as many as fifty-nine short stories. It is perhaps because of this great flurry of output in the form that Rabindranath came to associate the beginning of his short story writing with this stage of his career. In answer to a question by Joytindralal Bandapadhyay, in 1909, for example, Tagore explained: "At first I wrote poetry only - I didn't write stories. One day Father called me and said, 'I want you to take charge of the family estates.' I was surprised; I am a poet, I write poetry - what do I know about such matters? But he said, 'That won't do; I want you to take this responsibility.' I had no choice. Father's order, so I had to go. This duty brought opportunities for me to mingle with different kinds of people, and this is how I began writing stories". (Galpaguccha 848) Likewise, in an interview in 1936, asked by his interviewer to explain 'the background of (his) short stories and how they originated,' Tagore reiterated: "It was when I was quite young that I began to write short stories. Being a landlord I had to go to villages and thus I came in touch 'with the village people and their simple modes of life. I enjoyed the surrounding scenery and the beauty of rural Bengal ... I got glimpses into the life of the people, which appealed to me very much indeed .... My whole heart went out to the simple village people as I came into contact with them. They seemed to belong to quite another world so very different from that of Calcutta. My earlier stories have this background and they describe the contact of mine with the village people." (Galpaguccha 851) Of course, not all the stories are set in the rural outback and not all of them are about the village people, although the vast majority of them are. 'Kabuliwala,' for example, is set in Kolkata. However, Rabindranath's exposure to life in the country, his direct contact with the soil of his land, the opportunity to see how the deprived and downtrodden masses of his homeland lived their simple, humdrum lives, without any opportunities to improve their lot whatsoever, brought new fuel to his creative energy. He had never liked Kolkata, finding it too mechanical, regimented and ghettoised. About the genesis of the city, he once sarcastically wrote: "Calcutta is an upstart town with no depth of sentiment in her face and in her manners., it may truly be said about her genesis: In the beginning was the spirit of the shop, which uttered through its megaphone, 'Let there be Office!' and there was Calcutta. She brought with her no dower of distinction, no majesty of noble or romantic origin; she never gathered around her any great historical associations, any annals of brave sufferings, or memory of mighty deeds". (Dutta and Robinson, Selected Letters 22) Therefore, the beauty and simplicity of his new rustic surrounding moved and inspired him deeply, but at the same time he found the living conditions of the 'peasant folk - our royts - big, helpless children of Providence' (Kripalani 148), appalling and outrageous. It is to express this two fold sentiments of love for nature and the village life, on the one hand, and the necessity to redress the plights of the exploited villagers, on the other, that he turned to writing short stories and, as we'll see later, in a realistic and reformist vein. In addition to this new development in the writer's personal life, his literary associations and opportunities also encouraged him to take up the short story form more passionately and steadily at this time. In May 1891, Tagore was appointed the literary editor of a new weekly magazine, Hitabadi. Taking this opportunity, he wrote a new short story for the magazine every week and published six stories in as many weeks. Since copies of the magazine have not survived, it is not possible to tell exactly in which order the stories were published. However, the feedbacks from the readers as well as the editor were not positive, so he decided not to continue with the magazine. In the same year, the Tagore family introduced a new monthly magazine, Sadhana, of which he became the chief contributor and later, editor. The magazine lasted for four years, 1891-95, and this turned out to be the most productive years for his short stories. Inspired by this new opportunity, where he didn't have to worry about the views of the editor, he continued to churn out new stories almost every month, eventually publishing 36 stories within this limited time. Many of Rabindranath's best known stories, such as 'The Path to Salvation' (Muktir Upai), 'Sacrifice' (Tayag), 'Kabuliwala' (Kabuliwala), 'Subha' (Subha), 'Mahamaya' (Mahamaya), 'The Editor' (Sampadak) and 'Punishment' (Shasti), were published during this period. However, tired of the unshared editorial responsibility, coupled with financial difficulties and attacks from literary opponents, Tagore was eventually forced to close down the magazine. This brought a pause to his short story writing, until he began to write again for another family magazine, Bharati, of which he acted willy-nilly as editor from May 1898 to April 1899. It is believed that the renowned scientist Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose, who became a close friend of Rabindranath after their first meeting in 1897, also had a particular role in Tagore's composition of short stories during this period. He would visit Rabindranath at Shelidah regularly and cajole him to read out a new story every time. 'Every weekend that Jagadish came to Shelidah,' Tagore's son Rathindranath writes, 'he would make father read out to him the short story that he had written the previous week and get a promise from him to have another ready the next weekend. (Dutta and Robinson, Selected Letters 55). Tagore published eleven stories in all in Bharati, including stories such as 'The Professor' (Adhyapak), 'Deliverance' (Uddhar) and 'Imprudence' (Durbuddhi). It appears that while writing for Bharati, Tagore also published two short stories in another magazine, Pradip - 'Privacy' (Sadar O Andar) and 'The Auspicious Sight' (Shubhadrishti) - both of them published in 1900, and could be considered as samples of the author's work during the closing years of the magnificent Shelidah period. After this productive phase, Rabindranath's interest in short stories became intermittent. That great urgency and resolve of the Shelidah period faded somewhat, but he still continued to publish short stories in journals such as Prabasi and Sabujpatra. Prabasi was edited by Ramananda Chatterjee who shared Tagore's disapproval of Gandhi's Non-cooperation Movement, and Sabujpatra was edited by Pramatha Choudhuri, another renowned Bengali writer and a younger friend of Rabindranath, who later married Tagore's niece Indira Devi. For example, the story 'Number One' (paila Nambar) was published in Sabujpatra, while 'Purification' (Shangskar), 'Balai' (Balai) and 'The Painter' (Chitrakar) were published in Prabasi. In the interview cited earlier, Tagore expressed his relative dislike for his later stories and comparing them to the ones written during the Shelidah period, he said: "My later stories have not got that freshness, though they have greater psychological value and they deal with problems. Happily 1 had no social or political problems before my mind when I was quite young. Now there are a number of problems of all kinds and they crop up unconsciously when I write a story. I am very susceptible to environment and until and unless I am in the midst of a certain type of atmosphere I cannot produce any artistic work. During my youth whatever 1 saw appealed to me with pathos quite strong, and therefore, my earlier stories have a greater literary value because of their spontaneity. But now it is different. My stories of a later period have got the necessary technique but I wish I could go back once more to my former life". (Galpaguccha 853) In spite of this statement by the writer, Tagore's stories essentially deal with the same social, psychological, economic and political issues, whether written during the earlier period or the later period of his career. In an open letter to one of his readers, published in 1918, Tagore claimed that his stories were 'artistic creations,' primarily intended to give 'enjoyment' to his readers and not written with the overt intention of acting as 'a teacher' or giving 'moral lessons.' (Das 737-41). Perhaps in the earlier stories, this artistic element was predominant, while in the later stories there was a greater sense of 'teaching' and 'moralising.' However, as a realistic writer he was never fully detached from his work, never far from a reformist tendency in his fictional writings. As we'll see later, in almost all his stories Tagore shows the same profound understanding of human nature and examines the inherent follies and foibles of the humankind, sometimes with a deep sense of pathos and sometimes with a sympathetic humour, and sometimes intertwining both. Human relationship with all its complexities, sensitivities and multiple shades preoccupy the author in almost every story, whether it is the relationship between a man and a woman, husband and wife, father and daughter, brother and sister, Hindus and Muslims, higher caste and lower caste; friends, enemies, or rivals; or just strangers who have been brought together accidentally or by a certain event. Emancipation of women and children, education of the depressed classes, village reconstruction and creating opportunities for village dwellers, eradication of caste hierarchy, healing the religious rivalry between Hindus and Muslims, ruthless greed and money worship leading to oppression and exploitation of the helpless, are some of the concerns that link Tagore's stories, in spite of the period of their composition. And there is also an undercurrent of humour running through many of these stories - warm, tolerant and sympathetic humour, sometimes mixed with witticism or irony as in 'Deliverance' and 'Number One' arising from his extraordinary capacity to perceive the ridiculous, ludicrous and the comic in human beings, and especially in his own personality. Rabindranath, as I have said, was essentially a realistic writer in his short stories. He shows extraordinary fidelity to his surrounding and truthfulness in the treatment of his material in the stories. If we follow the letters he wrote to Indira Devi during his sojourn at Shelidah and Shahjadpur, we can see how much of the descriptions of nature and society from there were transmuted and incorporated into his narratives. In several of the letters, Tagore has acknowledged this close correspondence between his experience and his fictional representation, or the semblance of art and actuality in the stories. In a letter dated 25 June 1895, for example, he wrote: "As I sit writing bit by bit a story for the Sadhana, the lights and shadows and colours of my surrounding mingle with my words. The scenes and characters and events that I am now imagining have this sun and rain and river and the reeds on the river bank, this monsoon sky, this shady village, this rain-nourished happy cornfields to serve as their background and to give them life and reality ...." (Chakravarty 45) In another letter, dated 5 September 1894, Tagore commented: "Noontime in Shahzadpur is high noon for story writing. It was at this time, at this very table, I recall, that my story, 'The Postmaster' took over my thoughts. The light, the breeze and the movement of leaves on all sides combined and entered my writing. There are few kinds of happiness in the world more filling than the happiness of creating something in which the mind is totally immersed in its surroundings". (Dutta and Robinson, Selected Letters 41) Despite such repeated affirmations by the writer, many of his critics accused him of writing unrealistic and fantastic stories, far removed from the actualities of life. These critics saw Tagore, the son of an aristocrat and a rich landlord, incapable of genuine sympathy for the poor (Galpaguccha 849). Therefore, they dismissed his depiction of the common, the average, the everyday as a mere figment of his imagination. Tagore responded to such criticisms in a conversation with Buddhadev Bose in 1941, brushing aside his detractors and reaffirming his view that the stories were written in a realistic mode: "At one time I used to rove down Bengal's rivers, and I observed the wonderful way of life of Bengal's villages .... I would say there is no lack of realism in my stories. I wrote from what I saw, what I felt in my heart - my direct experience .... Those who say that my stories are fanciful are wrong". (Radice 13) In hindsight, it is amazing to think that Tagore could be accused of unreality or inauthenticity in the portrayal of life and reproduction of natural objects and actions in his stories. Anyone familiar with the life and landscape of Bengal could discover its dust, feel, spirit and smell; its sights and sounds; its lights, shades and myriad colours; its seasons, riverbanks and riverine countryside; its humble people going about their daily business; its women and children living their loving, lovable but pitiable lives, in these stories. As Buddhadev Bose himself has astutely suggested: "All of Bengal can be found here. Not only facts, but her living soul: we feel her pulse as we turn the pages of Galpaguccha. Her changing seasons, the vital flow of her rivers, her plains, her bamboo-groves, her festival canopies and chariots; her cool, moist, richly fertile fragrance; her mischievous, noisy, lively boys and girls; her kind, skilled, intelligent women ...." (Radice 13) Two things need to be highlighted here with regard to Tagore's realism in the short stories - he was a realist not merely in the ordinary sense of the term but, aware or unaware, he shared certain characteristics with the literary movement of Realism that flourished in Europe and America in the second half of the nineteenth century; and secondly, his realism was tinged by a shade of impressionism - that although he was a realistic writer, he was not interested in photographic details of an incident or the accuracy of the palpable actual but rather in the Aristotelian concept of mimesis in which the allegiance was to an idea, an impression, a mood, an emotion, a character, an action, a seed experience, instead of mere cold, scientific facts. If we summarise the attributes of literary Realism, we notice that apart from faithful representation of the material, the writers of the movement also shared a strong sense of democracy, in that they were interested in the common man, rather than heroic individuals or in legends and myths. They also believed in the ethical function of literature, that literature should arouse sympathy for the common man, heighten the consciousness of readers about the truths of the human condition, and avoid being a source of moral harm. Moreover, realistic literature was character-driven, and more interested in the psychology of the actors than in the symmetry of the story's plot. I am sure readers can see these qualities in Tagore's short stories. Who could deny that Rabindranath wrote with a sense of democracy and deep sympathy for the common man, when we read stories such as 'The Postmaster,' 'Kabuliwala,' 'Punishment,' 'Imprudence' or 'Purification'? In each of these stories, his heart goes out to the poor and the eternally oppressed - a homeless, uneducated, destitute orphan girl, Ratan, in 'The Postmaster'; a humble fruit-peddler from Kabul, walking the streets of Kolkata, away from his loved ones, only to make a living for himself and to sustain his family back home, in 'Kabuliwala'; an impoverished family that succumbs to ruthles violence and a cold, heartless lie that result in the death of two helpless, married women, in 'Punishment'; two vulnerable and defenceless fathers in a remote village who are viciously exploited by corrupt officials only so that they could cremate their dead daughters, in 'Imprudence'; and the merciless humiliation of an old sweeper by the so-called people of piety and patriotism, only because he is a sweeper and an Untouchable, in 'Purification.' Needless to say that in each of these stories Tagore's concerns are essentially moral and ethical as he is trying to expose the ugly side of society; the devastation that occurs from excessive gluttony and extortionate claims of ambition, or from 'the multiplication of money,' as Tagore said, 'whose motive force is greed' (Das 513). He believed in the equality and fellowship of all human beings. He urged his readers to shun Kuvera, the god of money and 'the genius of property that knows no moral responsibility,' and embrace Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, who is graceful and beautiful because, he argued 'prosperity is for all. Lakshmi dwells in that property which, though belonging to the individual, generously owns its obligation to the community ... she presides over that wealth which means happiness for all men, which is hospitable.' (Das 513). This was Tagore's way of introducing a sense of justice and benevolence into the reader's soul' for in his short stories he recurrently pleaded for social justice, protection of the helpless, education of the illiterate, material well-being of the indigent, and an unfettered dignity for women and children. Moreover, Tagore's stories are mostly character-driven. Often the focus is on a single character at a moment of crisis, either emotional or spiritual in nature, and his objective is to show how this character resolves the crisis or learns to live with it. In many instances, there is also an interest in the invisible life of the characters, and outer actions are often meant to reflect the interior of the main character - his/her joy, sorrow or anguish. Stories such- as 'The Postmaster,' 'Subha,' 'Mahamaya' and 'Balai' certainly fit this pattern as they have been deliberately named after the main character. In other stories too - such as 'The Professor' and 'Number One' - we notice Tagore following the fate of his protagonist, drawn with a few and highly selective brush strokes, than paying attention to the plot; recounting the motives, circumstances and internal action of the characters seem to preoccupy him more than recording the precise details of an action or developing a symmetrical plot for the story. In drawing these parallels with the Realist movement, my objective is of course not to place Tagore in the tradition of Western Realism, as that would be utterly inappropriate. There is no evidence to indicate that he consciously sought to adopt the values of the movement; he may not have been even aware of its existence because of his temporal proximity and geographical distance. But the affinities do help to establish the point that he was a realist in his short stories. Moreover, Tagore was too complex a writer to be pigeonholed. He was like a lumpy bag containing myriad assets. Realism grew in Europe as a reaction to Romanticism, but Tagore accommodated the tendencies of both in his sprawling imagination. In his poetry he was lyrical and idealistic, but in his prose, and particularly in his short stories, he was more down-to-earth and realistic. The American writer Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, 'Everything has two handles, there must be both' (Matthieissen 24). On another occasion, he added, 'A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds." (Emerson, 'Self-Reliance' 1164). Likewise, in the final section of his poem 'Song of Myself,' Whitman declared: Do I contradict myself? Very well then 1 contradict myself, (I am large, I contain multitudes.) ('Song of Myself' 2275) Perhaps no other writer came to embody this philosophy of multilateral consciousness 'or the belief in encompassing 'many in one' educed by the American Renaissance writers, more than Rabindranath Tagore. Earlier I suggested that Tagore's realism has an impressionist tinge to it, and that he was more interested in the impression that a character, an object or an experience made on his mind than in the cold details surrounding it. The idea was to take that impression and place it in the cauldron of his imagination so that it is enriched through a process of filtering as well as conflation with other experiences and observations, before becoming the subject of his story. This process of filtering and blending would also transmute the particular experience into something larger, saying something about humanity as a whole. Thus in a letter written in 1931, Tagore wrote, 'Remember one thing; a story is not a photograph. Unless whatever I have seen or heard dissolves and becomes part of the aggregate memory, it has no place in a short story.' (Galpaguccha 848). On another occasion, explaining his creative process, he wrote: "... when I am writing a story, my contemporary experience is woven into its fabric, and also my personal likes and dislikes .... The possibilities that lie deep in human nature are the basis of the plots of all the best stories and dramas in literature .... Events happen in a different manner in different places. They are never the same on two occasions. But man's nature, which is at the root of these events, is the same in all ages; therefore the author keeps his eye fixed on human nature and avoids all exact copying of actual events. (Das 740) If we study the genesis of some of the stories referred to in his letters and interviews, we find that this is precisely how Tagore composed his stories; his mind would be activated by a certain scene or incident or character and he would weave a story around it by intuitively blending it with an assortment of other experiences as well as with his broad understanding of human nature. 'The Postmaster,' for example, was suggested by a real postmaster who worked at the estate office building at Shahjadpur. There are several references to him in Tagore's letters. The city-bred postmaster didn't like his sluggish life in the village, and this was enough to set the author's imagination working and create a moving story of the relationship between the postmaster and a simple, guileless, orphan girl, Ratan. The real postmaster even saw the story after its publication in Hitabadi and, Tagore recounts in a letter to Indira Devi, 'touched on it (in a conversation with the writer) after a series of bashful smiles' (Dutta and Robinson, Selected Letters 32). However, it should be noted that although the story was born out of a casual contact with an actual postmaster, Tagore's fictional character is very different from the living person narrated in his letters. The actual postmaster himself had some writerly qualities; 'He tells of the most improbable things in the gravest possible fashion.' (Dutta and Robinson, Selected Letters 22), Tagore says in one of his letters. In another, he adds, 'I must say I like the man. He has a fund of anecdotes which I dip into and silently enjoy. He also has a nice sense of humour. That is how he catches and holds one's interest' (Dutta and Robinson, Selected Letters 32). But the fictional postmaster has been reduced to a timid, practical and somber person; and Ratan is of course the creation of his imagination, perhaps based on some village girl that he had come across in Shahjadpur or Shelidah. The same principle of composition also applies to 'Kabuliwala,' 'Bala' and other stories. 'Kabuliwala' was inspired by a real Afghan man who, Tagore said in an interview, 'came to our house and who became very familiar with us' (Galpaguccha 852). But the story was also inspired by his daughter Bela, his eldest born and his 'favourite child' (Dutta and Robinson, Selected Letters 27). 'Bela was just like Mini. Mini's dialogues are almost entirely taken from Bela' (Galpaguccha 857), Tagore affirmed on one occasion. Therefore, while the story was based on two real people, he had to apply his imagination to bring these two people together and create the story. He had to also imagine, as he pointed out in the same interview, that the Kabuliwala 'too must have a daughter left behind in his motherland to be remembered by him' (Galpaguccha 852). This is where the story became poignant, as it helped to show that fatherly love is the same everywhere despite cultural differences. 'Balai' reflects Rabindranath's life-long love for nature. He was sensitive to nature since childhood. There are many passages in the story which echo Tagore's real-life experiences with nature which have also been narrated in his letters. Here is one that shows his mystical kinship with the earth through its various stages of evolution: "I feel as of dim, distant memories come to me of the time when I was one with the rest of the earth; when on me grew the green grass, and on me fell the autumn light; when a warm scent of youth would rise from every pore of my vast, soft, green body at the touch of the rays of the mellow sun, and a fresh life, a sweet joy, would be half-consciously secreted and inarticulately poured forth from all the immensity of my being, as it lay dumbly stretched, with its varied countries and seas and mountains, under the bright blue sky." (Kripalani 338) Here is another, taken from a letter to Tejeshchandra Sen, written in 1926 "My mute friends around my house are raising their hands to the sky, intoxicated with the love of light; their call has entered my heart .... The stirrings of my heart are in the same tree-language, they have no defined meaning, yet many ages hum and throt them". (Ghosh 28) Thus although the story was suggested by his own childhood experiences of nature, he had to distance himself in the narrative by introducing a fictional child and his unique. Environment. Notwithstanding this, the story is real as Tagore shows a profound, understanding of human nature in his portrayal of Balai's love for nature as well as his family members. There is nothing fanciful about the way Balai interacts with his uncle and aunt; it is obviously drawn from his shrewd observation of life and society around him, whether at Shelidah or at his own family home at Jorasanko. (Beyond boundaries : Critical essays on Rabindranath Tagore) PORTLAND, Maine Lobster prices are high in the U.S. right now, but members of the industry expect them to come down soon as the Canadian catch creeps up and Americas summer haul gets going. One-pound lobsters, which Mainers call chicks, are selling for about $12 (U.S.) per pound to consumers, which is a couple of dollars per pound more than six months ago. The U.S. lobster industry, based heavily in Maine, is in a slow mode as fishermen get ready to pull traps in the summer. The lack of fishing effort and high prices have caused some in the seafood industry to raise the possibility of a shortage, but industry members say quite the opposite is true. Canadas spring fishing season is just starting to heat up, which means prices already are starting to track back down, industry members said. U.S. lobstermen who were getting $10 per pound for their catch at the dock in March are now getting closer to $6, said Spencer Fuller, a lobster buyer and the president of the Maine Lobster Dealers Association. Consumers can expect to start seeing that price shift show up at the seafood counter soon. You had weather, nothing around, fairly steady demand, it just drives the price crazy, Fuller said. Now were heading toward normalcy. The wholesale price of 1 1/4-pound lobsters fell from $10.78 per pound in April to $8.51 per pound this month in the New England market, according to business publisher Urner Barry. Its typical for lobster prices to fall from April to May, but the May price is still about $1.50 above average, according to Urner Barry data. Maines lobster catch fell to about 111 million pounds last year after setting a record of 132.5 million pounds the previous year. It was the lowest total since 2011, though still much more than the typical catch in the 1990s and early 2000s. More than 80 per cent of the nations catch typically comes to shore in Maine, although Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island also have significant lobster fisheries. Fresh, live lobster is historically a summer food in New England, but the growing globalization of the lobster business is starting to change that. That means demand is sometimes higher in the cooler months once considered the lobster off season. Exports to China also have increased, which has resulted in some worry about a potential lobster shortage in the U.S., said Michael King, purchasing director of Kings Seafood Co., which operates a distribution centre in Santa Ana, California. American catch also appeared to suffer due to bad weather during the already-slow winter season this year, he said. Its a double whammy of lower supply plus increase in demand, King said. But theres every reason to believe there will be plenty of lobster to go around this coming summer, said Kristan Porter, president of the Maine Lobstermens Association. Guys are getting gear ready to set, he said. Its absolutely a typical spring. Read more about: With the average price of gas hovering around $1.30 per litre in Toronto on Monday up from $1.07 a litre at this time last year motorists are bracing for a summer of pain at the pumps. Drivers are paying a higher price when they fill up because the price of the benchmark West Texas crude oil is up more than $22 (U.S.) per barrel year over year. That surge has stoked fears that gas prices during the peak driving season may flirt with Canadas all-time average high of $1.42 (Canadian) set in late 2008, when crude prices reached more than $147 (U.S.) per barrel. On Monday, traders pushed the June futures contracts for the U.S. benchmark to $70.73 (U.S.) a barrel its highest price since late 2014. Prices at the pump here are soaring for a number of reasons, largely because of whats happening beyond our borders. First, U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will decide this month whether to extend sanction waivers negotiated as part of the 2015 deal that freed Iran to export oil in exchange for limits on its nuclear program. Though hed originally set May 12 as the deadline, Trump in a surprise tweet Monday said he will announce a decision on the deal Tuesday. If he does pull out of the Iran deal, the expectations are that the U.S. will reimpose sanctions on the Middle East oil giant. Such a move would cut global crude supply, pushing prices higher. According to some analysts, reimposing sanctions on Iran could reduce the countrys oil sales by 300,000 to 600,000 barrels a day, or perhaps as much as 1 million barrels a day. Trump has signaled he will pull out of the agreement unless it is revised, but he faces intense pressure from allies to remain, though with tougher terms for Iran. Another factor is the near collapse of Venezuelan oil production. If ConocoPhillips is able to enforce an arbitration award against Venezuelas state-run oil company, it would further reduce the companys already diminished output. That threat of a reduction in supply coincides with production cuts by OPEC, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, that have helped reduce a glut that was depressing prices. The OPEC deal was reached in 2016 and began to take effect last year. However, there may be a glimmer of hope for motorists. Analysts note the possible political fallout for Trump as mid-term U.S. elections approach should high crude prices crimp consumer spending and economic growth. The average price of regular gasoline in the U.S. rose 7 cents a gallon over the past two weeks to $2.90 on higher crude costs and the phasing-in of summer-grade gasoline used to curb air pollution. There is also the question of whether shale oil drillers will pump up production to reap the benefits of the high crude prices or if they will exert the market discipline needed to protect current price levels. Its been a tug of war, between growth in U.S. shale output and OPEC supply restraint, said Dan McTeague, senior petroleum analyst, Canada, at gas price tracker GasBuddy. He suggests that the global oil supply is now largely in sync with demand following the OPEC production cuts, but political tensions are enough to sustain crude and pump prices at current levels in the short term. McTeague also said that the pump price could rise above $1.40 cents per litre in Canada on occasion this summer if unexpected crude supply disruptions materialize. But he also added that the oil price is more likely to correct in coming weeks and pump prices could fall significantly if Trump does not abandon the Iran deal. The overhang from years of oversupply by OPEC may still remain for the balance of the decade, he wrote in a blog post. An anomaly observers have noted is that the price of oil appears to have been decoupled from the value of the Canadian dollar, long considered a petro currency. Despite the run-up in oil prices, the loonie barely budged over the past two sessions. On Monday, the Canadian dollar was trading at 77.47 (U.S.), down 0.01 of a U.S. cent. McTeague said the separation is mostly due to the price discount on diluted bitumen which makes up about 60 per cent of Canadian oil output, versus the much higher price for refined light crude. That means the Canadian economy is not enjoying full benefits of West Texas and North Sea Brent crude price gains. The bitumen/refined crude price gap has widened this year on factors including carbon taxes and delays in oil pipeline expansion. The summertime can be a financial pressure cooker for some students as they scrounge, mooch and save for their next round of tuition payments, often due by mid-September. Traditionally, students have turned to summer jobs for their cash. Popular search engines students use to source summer employment are Indeed.com, the Youth and Students job bank through the Government of Canada and exclusive postings found at their campus career centre. But well-paying full-time gigs can be a challenge to secure and internships are often unpaid. Thats why students need to consider getting their side-hustles on. Side-hustles arent doing anything illegal like robbing a bank or cooking meth. They are simply another source of income; and generally that income source isnt in the form of a nine-to-five job. Because the pay can be sporadic, most students need more than one side-hustle to make the equivalent of a well-paying summer job in their field of study. Here are the top six summer side-hustles for students: Dog walking and house sitting Knock on some doors and ask around with friends and family to see who needs help managing their pets and property. Your duties would be walking, feeding and entertaining the dog, and/or keeping the house safe, secure and tidy for your employer. This side-hustle takes anywhere from 10 to 40 hours each week and commands minimum wage. The ideal situation is acquiring a group of clients that live near each other, which will allow you to optimize your time, while charging each of them the same rate. People minding Many families need caregiving services for children or grandparents. In both cases, you would be responsible for caring for your employers family members, just like you did when you used to babysit in your teenage years. This is a minimum wage gig and the hours would vary. Slinging drinks Fun, right? Yes. Working at a restaurant and bar can be especially fun for students because it combines social interaction with a paycheque. I used to serve at nights and on weekends at Earls, while I worked days at RBC. The base wage for service is minimum wage, but the gratuities can be many hundreds of dollars in a week. Carnivals and festivals Massive events and expos happen in every major city during the summer and offer temporary employment opportunities for up to two weeks. My cousins used to work the food trucks at the Calgary Stampede every summer for 10 very long days. They received base minimum wage plus overtime hours at two times their hourly rate. Freelance services What are you good at that people want? Fixing computers, writing columns, building blogs, de-cluttering houses? If youve got an entrepreneurial mindset, get the word out about the exclusive service youll be offering for a limited time this summer. I had a young client when I first started my business who set up a window-washing service in her neighbourhood. She and her sister borrowed their mothers minivan, filled it with their equipment and knocked on doors in the neighbourhood to sell their window-washing service. Apply for scholarships like its a full-time job Two-thirds of scholarships go unclaimed every year because students dont bother applying, and therefore, its a huge financial mistake not to apply. Over 80 per cent of applications to the Knowledge First Graduate Scholarships were submitted in the week prior to the deadline and many more were started but never completed. Yikes! There is so much money available in scholarship funding that I believe its worth treating the application process as another side-hustle opportunity. Online resources, such as Yconic.com, Universities Canada and ScholarshipsCanada.com, compile lists of privately funded scholarships offered by private organizations like Applied Arts Magazine, TELUS or TD Canada Trust. Lesley-Anne Scorgie is a personal finance expert and founder of MeVest.ca RED DEER, Alta.Ronald Smiths father still had a bedroom and a vintage car waiting for the day his son might come home to Alberta from the Montana prison where he has been on death row for 35 years. Nelson Smith will never know if the 60-year-old convict who pleaded guilty to two murders will ever sleep in his own bed or take the mint 1948 Chrysler out for a spin. Smith died on April 10 just weeks after breaking a decades-long silence and voicing what would be his final wish to see his son beat the death penalty. Hopefully what little bit I do have to say will go along with his someday being released. Hes spent 35 years of his life in there and its about long enough to sit in a place like that, Smith said in a March 22 interview with The Canadian Press in Red Deer, Alta. They should pretty well load him on an airplane and send him home. Ronald Smith has been on death row since 1983 after fatally shooting two young men while he was high on LSD and alcohol near East Glacier, Mont. After refusing a plea deal and pleading guilty, his request for the death penalty was granted. He had a change of heart and has fought for his life ever since. Five execution dates have been set over the years and each has been overturned. The Canadian government sent a letter to Montana Gov. Steve Bullock in 2016 asking for clemency. All these years Ive never, ever told anybody about this situation. Nobody knew that I was Rons dad, Smith said. Once this goes through, everybodys going to know who I am. Smith, who was 83, sat in a recliner during the interview with his constant companion of the last 13 years on his lap. Queenie, a black miniature poodle, had been with him since his wife, Deloris, died in 2011. His health was failing. He required a constant supply of oxygen fed to him through a long hose which allowed him to navigate his home. Initially horrified by his sons actions, he said he eventually made peace with him and was hoping that the intervention of the federal government would lead to his release. There just might be a light at the end of the tunnel you know? It would be nice to have him home for Christmas. My breathing is getting so bad. I dont know how many more Christmases Im going to get in. Ive even got a room for him. Smith, who worked in the oil industry before he retired, said his son had a normal upbringing, but was constantly in trouble. He was a big problem and it was tough. His mother looked after Ronald while I was chasing the oilpatch. I was all over the place and it was hard for me to try and control him. He started getting into trouble about the time he was 15 years old and he just never flattened out until he wound up there down in the (United) States. Ronald Smith and Rodney Munro admitted to marching cousins Harvey Mad Man, 23, and Thomas Running Rabbit, 20, into the woods by a highway in 1982 and shooting them both in the head with a sawed-off .22-calibre rifle. They wanted to steal the mens car, but Smith also said at the time that he wanted to know what it was like to kill someone. I went for a long time and never had anything to do with him, his father said. Then I got to thinking theres all kinds of people out there doing the same thing, or a lot worse, and are back out on the streets. I certainly wasnt proud of what he had done. It was tough. Really tough. Munro accepted a plea bargain and was sentenced to 60 years in prison, but he was returned to Canada and released in 1998. Smith said his son has changed. Hes paid his debt. Do I think Rons a good man? Oh yeah. Hes as good as youre going to find. And Im not just saying that because hes my son. Two members of Smiths family, including his daughter, testified at his clemency hearing in 2012 to support him. Relatives of the two victims also gave emotional testimony urging that there be no leniency. The decisions he made, he has to pay for, Running Rabbits son said. He had no mercy for my father. The clemency request has yet to be ruled on. Ron Smiths longtime lawyer said his client took the news of his fathers death hard. Both parents now have passed away while hes been in prison and not able to really say goodbye or attend the funerals, said Greg Jackson. Its very difficult news particularly in the place hes at now. Read more about: President pays homage to Bangabandhu at Tungipara President Abdul Hamid paying tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing wreaths at the Mazar of Bangabandhu in Tungipara on Monday for his election as the President for the second consecutive term. PID photo BSS, Tungipara, Gopalganj : President M Abdul Hamid paid rich tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing a wreath at his Mazar here on Monday afternoon. The President on Monday went to Tungipara for paying glowing tributes to Bangabandhu 13 days after he took the oath of office as the head of the state for the second consecutive term. Sworn in as the 21st President of the country on April 24, Hamid was scheduled to visit Tungipara on April 26 but the programme was postponed on his health grounds. President Hamid laid the wreath at the Mazar of Bangabandhu at about 1:46 pm. After placing the wreath, he stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of Father of the Nation when the bugles played the last post. A smartly turned out contingent drawn from Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force presented a guard of honour on the occasion. The President offered fateha and munajat seeking eternal peace of the departed soul of Bangabandhu and his family members who were brutally killed on the fateful August 15 in 1975. Later Hamid signed the visitor's book kept on Mazar premises. EDMONTONInvestigators say a cigarette is to blame for a house fire over the weekend that sent two firefighters to hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The fire department responded Saturday to a call at 11 p.m. from the Lewis Estates area in west Edmonton crews arrived minutes later to find a single-family home ablaze near 92A Avenue and 208 Street. More than an hour later, the fire was under control and no residents were injured, however, two firefighters were transported to hospital for treatment of minor injuries. They were released later that day. Investigators have found that a cigarette extinguished into a pot full of soil sitting on the deck to be the cause of the fire. Damage is estimated at $500,000 $450,000 structural damage and $50,000 in damage to contents inside the home. It was a busy weekend for fire crews in a separate incident over the weekend, three other firefighters were taken to hospital for observation after 27 fire trucks and 108 firefighters responded to a massive industrial fire in southeast Edmonton. The fire caused extensive damage to an industrial building near Wagner Road and 83 Street, Kristi Bland, a spokesperson with Edmonton Fire Services, told StarMetro over the weekend. No one was hurt in the fire, she added. Investigators are still determining the cause of the industrial blaze. Read more about: CANNES, FRANCEPlucky rebels are taking on threatening marauders at this years Cannes Film Festival, and Im not just referring to Solo: A Star Wars Story, which has its world premiere here next week. This grand cinema event on the French Riviera, unveiling its 71st edition on Tuesday, is feeling besieged by the modern world and its fighting back, resisting some changes while embracing others. At issue is everything from ridiculous and grotesque selfies on the red carpet to mean tweets by movie critics to sexual-harassment concerns to the existential fear that online giant Netflix is working to make traditional moviegoing extinct. The selfie ban is perhaps the most visible of several moves by Cannes officials to bring more dignity and order to an annual event that sincerely wants to celebrate film but in recent years has found itself grappling with outside concerns which this year also include the #MeToo and #TimesUp female empowerment movements, as the first Cannes fest in the post-Weinstein era unfolds. As more than 4,000 journalists began pouring into Cannes Monday, festival artistic director Thierry Fremaux took the unusual step of having an impromptu news conference to explain multiple changes this year to festival protocol. The selfie ban on the red carpet outside the Palais des Festivals is necessary, he said, because camera-mad people have been holding up the procession, sometimes by tripping and falling on the carpet as they take their photos. You dont come to Cannes to see yourselves, you come to see films and in a selfie people always look really ugly, Fremaux said. Cannes accreditation badges are being handed out along with a note requesting that no selfies be taken on the red carpet. Offenders will be denied entrance to the screenings, it warns. Journalists are grumbling about changes to screening schedules that will have them seeing films the same time as all other Cannes festgoers, a move prompted by all the mean critical tweets from early morning press screenings in years past. Basically, as soon as a film is screened, the social networks turn it into confetti-like strips of rumours, a Cannes communique explains. Other changes at the fest are in response to global concerns, especially the still-unfolding sexual-misconduct revelations that have rattled Hollywood and the rest of the world since the previous Cannes fest. As Sundance did earlier this year, Cannes has also set up a telephone hotline for reporting any acts of sexual harassment. Fremaux said the festival was deeply shocked to learn of the alleged rapes and sexual predations by movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, some of which are said to have occurred during Cannes fests past. Fremaux added that he and other Cannes organizers not only condemned Weinsteins alleged behaviour, we (also) questioned ourselves and our own practises. As a show of support, the festival is planning to have 100 women walk the red carpet on Saturday to affirm their presence not just at the festival but in the modern world, Fremaux said. But hes still resisting using any form of affirmative action to increase the number of women directors in the Palme hunt just three of the 21 Palme-nominated films this year were directed by women, and only one female-directed film (Jane Campions The Piano in 1993) has ever won the Palme dOr. Fremaux seems to have Palme jury president Cate Blanchett on his side. She told trade magazine Variety recently that the five women and four men of her Palme panel will be judging films for their quality alone, not for the agendas they might have. I cant wait for the conversation, she said. Cannes is multicultural by nature, and my role is to respond to the work, not to agendas. Nevertheless, the betting is that Blanchetts panel wont be able to resist giving the Palme to Italys writer/director Alice Rohrwacher, a Grand Prix winner here in 2014 for The Wonders. Her new film Happy As Lazzaro, a fantasy about a time-travelling rural peasant, has the best chance to win the Palme, according to annual odds-making chart by British film critic Neil Young. Then theres the Netflix issue, which just wont go away. Last years grumbling about the streaming giant and its theatre-averse ways has become this years outright ban on Netflix from participating in the festivals prestigious Palme dOr competition, as it has doubled down on celebrating big-screen cinema. Peter Howell sneaks a selfie in front of the Palais des Festival at the 71st international film festival, Cannes, southern France. Selfies on the red carpet are a big no-no this year, find out why! Netflix has retaliated by pulling several of its films out of Cannes, including The Other Side of the Wind, the long-gestating final film by the late Orson Welles, finally assembled thanks to Netflixs deep pockets. Both Netflix and Fremaux have said recently they hope to resolve their differences in time for the 2019 festival. Some of the most-anticipated films at Cannes 2018 deal with issues of social ferment. They include BlacKkKlansman, Spike Lees return to the Palme competition for the first time since Jungle Fever in 1991 with the powerful true story of a Black cop who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s. John David Washington (Denzels son) and Adam Driver star, and the movie is produced by Get Outs Jordan Peele. Another hot ticket for hot times is Kenyan director Wanuri Kahius Rafiki, which will be part of the Un Certain Regard competition for films of unique vision. Its the first film from Kenya to screen at Cannes but it arrives with a ban against screenings in Kahius home country because it tells a story of lesbian love. Ironically, theres one participant in Cannes 2018 who might have been expected to cause a stir, but likely wont. Hes Jean-Luc Godard, the octogenarian iconoclast who helped shut down the festival 50 years ago this year, when he and coalition of filmmakers, students and workers protested what they called the bourgeois nature of Cannes. Godards back in the Palme contest with The Image Book, another of his cinema-as-poetry statements, and he told Fremaux hes just happy to be here. Read more about: HALIFAXPolice have dropped the case against a young Halifax man alleged to have breached a Nova Scotia freedom-of-information website, shifting the issue squarely back to whether the province had basic measures in place to protect its citizens private information. In a news release, Halifax police say that after a thorough investigation, the police have determined there to be no grounds to lay charges in the matter. The young mans lawyer, David Fraser, had said repeatedly that the youth who was arrested after a dramatic raid on his familys home had no malicious intent when he downloaded 7,000 documents from the public site. The 19-year-old was collecting information about a teachers labour dispute, and hadnt realized the site didnt protect other information from a simple download program, Fraser said. Even though anybody who has looked at it has said these charges would never succeed, theres always going to be some anxiety associated with it. So, to have this resolution, its just a relief, he said Monday. Personal information ranging from social insurance numbers to documents meant only for the eyes of the applicants were accessed, according to the province. Fraser said the case has raised awareness about how the government secures information. NDP house leader Dave Wilson said the onus is now on the government to take responsibility for what happened. Wilson pointed to previous warnings from the provinces auditor general about potential security problems with the website. Obviously enough wasnt done to fix those problems and I think the government, the premier, the minister need to take full responsibility for this, said Wilson. Definitely I think the government at a minimum should owe this young gentleman an apology, said Wilson. They need to take ownership of this. Police arrested the man on April 11 and said they gave him notice to appear under a rarely used section of the Criminal Code that prohibits unauthorized use of a computer with fraudulent intent. However, in Mondays news release, Supt. Jim Perrin, said, as the investigation evolved, we have determined that the 19-year-old who was arrested on April 11 did not have intent to commit a criminal offence by accessing the information. The family and the youth have said the search with 15 officers left their home in disarray and the 19-year-old deeply distressed over the prospect of potential charges, said Fraser. Police have said any complaints about the search could go through a complaints process, but Fraser said it was too early to comment on whether the family intended to explore that avenue. Whether the police acted proportionately and appropriately depends on what they were told by the province, and we dont have insight into that yet, he said. His client was not immediately available for comment. In a statement, Internal Services Minister Patricia Arab said the government respects the police decision. We will continue to offer supports for those affected by this breach. Our priority from the outset has been containing the data, she said in the statement. As we go forward, we will co-operate fully with the investigation of the Nova Scotia Auditor General and the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner. Progressive Conservative Interim leader Karla MacFarlane reiterated her partys call for Arab to resign over the lack of oversight for the provinces web services. MacFarlane also called on Premier Stephen McNeil to apologize to the 19-year-old. Right from the very beginning, they threw this young man under the bus in my opinion, and without knowing the facts, she said. McNeil initially referred to the young mans actions as stealing, but has since backed away from this strong language. Fraser said, I disagree with that conclusion vehemently, but I dont know what he was told. So much of this is unknown. A number of experts on internet law have raised concerns about the arrest, saying if it had led to charges then groups ranging from journalists to archivists could face similar prosecutions for searching public websites without proper security measures in place. Read more about: New York is a city Ive always had something of a love/hate relationship with. First the hate: the noise level, which most Manhattanites seem not to notice, has me ready to chew off my own ears after a day or two the incessant drilling of jackhammers; cabbies sitting on their horns even when its obvious they are going nowhere fast and angry babel from multilinguals resulting from seemingly inane disagreements. Truthfully, the Big Apple could stand a good polishing (as in cleanup) and I do wish the locals would wear a spot of colour now and then ... all that black can get a little funereal. OK, enough grousing now for the love. I am both a culture vulture and a lover of good restaurants, and its undeniable that New York satisfies both of those appetites like few other cities in the world. Read more: 7 reasons to go to New York City now Chilina Kennedy dazzles as Carole King in Beautiful on Broadway Beautiful leads talk about their characters and meeting Carole King I recently spent four days there getting my theatre and opera fix, as well as savouring the delights of several legendary New York City restaurants. All of this began with an extraordinary package offered by the Chatwal Hotel, an anchor of the Great White Way for 113 years. The Chatwal is almost as full of drama as the theatres surrounding it. Built by noted architect Stanford White in 1905 at the height of the New York Empire Art Deco era, it was home to Americas first professional theatrical club, the Lambs Club modelled after a similar club in London. Among its 6,000 luminaries known as Lambs were the Barrymores, Charlie Chaplin, Irving Berlin and Fred Astaire, who once famously remarked, When I was made a Lamb, I felt as if I had been knighted. Their glamorous legacy lives on in the hotels restaurant, also called the Lambs Club in homage to its predecessor, where a cosy fire, red leather banquettes and caricatures of Broadway and Hollywood legends make up the decor. The menu is courtesy of executive chef Geoffrey Zakarian, who began his career under Daniel Boulud at Le Cirque and has been a staple on televisions the Food Network. Zakarians menu is equally (and deliciously) divided between meat and seafood dishes, and the Prohibition-era cocktails are epic (both in flavour and in price). In 2010, the Chatwal underwent an extensive restoration by noted architect Thierry Despont, who also worked on the restoration of the Statue of Liberty and other high-profile projects ranging from the J. Paul Getty Center in Los Angeles to Claridges Hotel in London. The result is an intimate 76-room property that seamlessly blends the charm of the past and the creature comforts of the present. I had a chance to experience New Yorks early theatrical history during the Chatwals two-night Beautiful package, which in addition to accommodations, includes two premium tickets to see Beautiful the Carole King Musical at the Stephen Sondheim Theater; a private backstage tour of the theatre following the performance; a pre-theatre dinner at the Lambs Club Restaurant, and a manicure at the in-house Red Door Salon by Elizabeth Arden (package rates begin at $695 and continue through Aug. 1 for Beautiful). Despite being a Carole King fan, I was mostly familiar with her Tapestry days, so seeing this Tony Award-winning play was an eye-opener. I really didnt know that before she rocked it with her head of unmanageable curls and made the perfect duo with James Taylor, a ponytailed Carole and her then-husband and writing partner, Gerry Goffin, wrote a battery of 1950s rock n roll hits. This wonderful show chronicles the couples personal and professional ups-and-downs, all set to their most famous collaborations, including songs such as Will You Love Me Tomorrow, written for the Shirelles; Up on the Roof, for the Drifters; You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman, for Aretha Franklin even Pleasant Valley Sunday, for the Monkees. To say that this was one of my favorite-ever theatrical evenings isnt an understatement, and it was only enhanced by the choice seats that are part of the Chatwal package and the backstage tour available only to package guests. From music of the 1950s and 60s to grand opera My friend Ruth, a Manhattan-based magazine writer, is a massive opera buff and has seen every opera performance at the Met multiple times. Still, I was pleasantly surprised when she managed to score two tickets for the opening night performance of Giuseppe Verdis Il Trovatore, a tale of a gypsy womans bloodthirsty curse and how it affected the fate of a young noblewoman and her troubadour lover. To enhance our evening, Ruth insisted that we also partake of what she described as a quintessential New York experience. We would join other operagoers for a pre-performance dinner in the Grand Tier Restaurant located off the lobby and then return at intermission for dessert and coffee. The restaurant is glamorous in the extreme with two enormous Chagall paintings and chandeliers gleaming like starbursts reflected in the wall of windows overlooking Lincoln Center Plaza. So rich in tradition is the Grand Tier that we felt like characters in an Edith Wharton novel, sipping our champagne and eyeing the soignee crowd. For the three-course prix fixe dinner ($78), I chose crab cake with lobster beurre blanc, celery root remoulade, avocado mousse and winter citrus, and roasted chicken breast with truffled cauliflower, sunchoke flan and potato pave for my appetizer and entree respectively. Paired with a crisp sancerre, the excellent meal fortified me to cope with the operatic travails of the gypsy, noblewoman and troubadour. At intermission, we returned to our table where our desserts a chocolate mousse for Ruth and artisanal cheese platter for me awaited. Again, the perfect sustenance to carry us through the inevitable tragic finale. From opera to opulence On a long ago visit to New York, I had lunch at what was at the time the power spot of Manhattan the Pool Room at the Four Seasons Restaurant. On any given day, you could expect to encounter titans of industry, powerful politicos and Broadway icons enjoying a meal in the opulent setting. It was just so New York and when the restaurant closed, to say I was shocked is an understatement. Happily, the restaurant in the Seagram Building on Park Avenue has been given a new lease on life. Reopened last July, it is now known simply as the Pool. Its stunning design combines the sophistication of the city with elements of nature that one doesnt usually associate with New York. The centrepiece is, of course, the pool in the middle of the dining area that features both lush landscaping and an equally lush sound track allowing Brazilian jazz to be softly piped across the room (softly being the key word). Suspended above the pool is Alexander Calders mobile, 3 Segments, which resembles an enormous fish. Another noteworthy design feature is the glass-walled nook, which on closer inspection contains bottles of wine suffused with an amber glow, making it look like a sculpture. The restaurant decor is worthy of the Seagram Building itself, a collaboration of architects Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson. If the Grand Tier evokes Edith Whartons 19th-century New York aristocracy in their tuxedoes and boas, the Pool conjures up the 21st century Sex and the City quartet in their Jean-Paul Gaultiers and Jimmy Choos. Couple this with the contemporary seafood dishes of chef Rich Torrisi and you have a memorable dining experience. So, I tell myself for memorable experiences such as these, I can put up with honking horns and an endless procession of black. IF YOU GO TO NEW YORK CITY Where to Stay: The Chatwal, 130 W. 44th St., thechatwalny.com. The Chatwals two-night Beautiful package runs now through Aug. 1, but the hotel intends to make their package an ongoing experience using different Broadway plays. Where to Eat: The Grand Tier, 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, patinagroup.com. The Pool Restaurant, 99 E. 52nd St. in the Seagrams Building, thepoolnewyork.com Border enforcement officials have slowly and quietly restricted foreign nationals from validating their permanent resident status and processing work and study permits at land ports of entry in southern Ontario and Quebec. The move to limit the immigration services at the land border has wreaked havoc for temporary residents in Canada who try to immediately obtain or renew their status by briefly travelling to the United States and back a long-standing practice known as flagpoling, symbolizing applicants making a quick U-turn at flagpoles. Under a pilot program launched last summer, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) began to restrict flagpoling to Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week at the Rainbow, Queenston-Lewiston and Peace bridges. It has since expanded to the Lacolle and St-Armand ports of entry in Quebec. This is unlawful because there is nothing in the law that authorizes CBSA to deny the processing of these applications for permits and landing documents, said Barbara Jo Caruso, chair of the Canadian Bar Associations immigration section. We appreciate that CBSA has 90 different legislations they need to adjudicate on. They have drugs and guns to deal with and immigration is one more thing. But these people are Canadian taxpayers and they are being denied services. Although members of the bar association were notified about the changes, Caruso said there has been no public notice issued and the border agencys website includes no cautions about the pilot. Given the consequences, to say this is misleading is an understatement, she said. We think the oversight is deliberate because to post otherwise would be to publish a process that is contrary to the regulations. Flagpoling has been the preferred way to obtain and validate Canadian immigration status for those who are already in Canada because it typically takes less than 30 minutes for the border processing, allowing applicants to bypass the weeks or months for the immigration department to process the same application or schedule a permanent resident landing interview inside Canada. The border agency said it has adopted the flagpoling pilot project in order to mitigate the high volume and excessive wait times at the land ports of entry due to flagpole cases from Friday through Monday. Last year alone, the agencys southern Ontario ports of entry processed 4.5 million travellers at the Rainbow, Queenston and Peace bridges, with another 1.2 million at the St-Bernard-de-Lacolle and St-Armand/Philipsburg border entries. It said the pilot allows unsuccessful flagpolers to re-enter Canada under their current immigration status and apply online, by mail or by making an appointment with the immigration department for processing within the country. Those who choose to return to a port of entry between Tuesday and Thursday are also warned same-day processing is not guaranteed, pending traffic volume at the border, said Diana Scott, a spokesperson for the agency. The pilot allows the CBSA to better manage its immigration-related services during peak traffic times while ensuring critical resources are focused on national security and trade priorities. The CBSA regularly reviews its operations and prepares operational plans to ensure maximum operational efficiency, Scott said in an email. There are no plans at this time to expand the operational model beyond Southern Ontario and Quebec. In a letter to Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale and Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen, the bar association said its members were dismayed by the extension and expansion of the pilot program. People often flagpole on weekends to avoid taking time off work or taking their children out of school, it noted. The refusal to process these requests at ports of entry can have a significant detrimental impact on an applicants ability to work or study in Canada, as well as on their health insurance coverage, said the association. Dan, who asked his last name be withheld for fear of repercussion by immigration officials, said his wife received her permanent residence visa under his spousal sponsorship before Christmas and the letter stated she had the choice of going to any port of entry to land or make an appointment at a local immigration office. They decided to flagpole on New Years Eve, a Sunday, so she would be able to validate her status the same day and could apply for OHIP, a social insurance number and start looking for jobs without further delays. The booth officer politely said they dont process the landings or work permits until Tuesday through Thursday, and sent us inside to see what theyll say, recalled Dan, a Canadian citizen who works in health care in Toronto. Inside there were three or four uniformed officers and a group of two clients just sitting down. In other words, not busy. But instead of being served, we were refused landing and handed a pamphlet about flagpoling, a term I wasnt familiar with. The border agency allowed his wife to return to Canada as a visitor, as opposed to being a permanent resident, and weeks later the couple managed to get her an appointment to land at a local immigration office in the city. Why has CBSA decided to take this position? They were providing a convenient and efficient service, which I want more of from the public service, not less of, said Dan. I speculate that CBSA is unhappy doing immigrations work, but if the law says they have to, then dont they have to? Read more about: For most of the Royal Canadian Air Forces helicopter crews, the job is a pain in the neck. A chronic pain. A debilitating pain. In the case of Brian Wicks, a career-ending pain. It was a long time coming, said Wicks, who flew Canadas distinctive yellow-and-red Cormorant helicopters over a 28-year career, much of it with the 103 Search and Rescue Squadron based in Gander, N.L., where he served as a commanding officer. I kept convincing myself that I was going to be able to get through it. Eventually it just became more than I could handle and I didnt want to jeopardize the safety of any crews. It was time for me to give it up. That was a hard thing. The woes of hot-shot military pilots with bum necks dont grab attention like members of the war-scarred infantry suffering from post-traumatic stress or soldiers whove lost limbs to roadside bombs in Afghanistan. But Wickss experience represents a serious and systemic problem. A 2014 survey of 233 pilots and flight engineers who fly the Griffon, the workhorse of the Canadian helicopter fleet, found that 75 per cent had experienced neck pain with varying degrees of severity. In the civilian population, the prevalence of neck pain is estimated to be only about 15 per cent. Injuries suffered by such highly trained military personnel are a liability for the federal government. On top of treatment costs and time spent on the ground in recovery, pilots and flight engineers who must be medically released from the Canadian Armed Forces are then eligible for disability payments from Veterans Affairs. The Department of National Defence did not respond to the Stars request for additional information about the scope of the problem, what it is doing to address it and the number of helicopter pilots and flight engineers medically released from the air force due to neck problems. Veterans Affairs Canada, which handles disability payments to former soldiers and RCMP officers who have been injured as a result of their service, receives hundreds of claims each year from personnel who have suffered neck injuries. The number of annual claims has fluctuated considerably since 2004-05, from a high of 1,172 in 2005-06 to a low of 507 claims in 2014-15, according to statistics provided to the Star. The most commonly reported problem was cervical disc disease. But the department was unable to isolate the number of disability claims that it received specifically from helicopter flight crews. Clinton Mowbray, a recently retired helicopter pilot who commanded search and rescue squadrons in Gander and in Comox, B.C., said he was first diagnosed with degenerative discs in his back and neck when he was in his 30s. Though he attributes the problems at least in part to his job, he made no claim for disability benefits. But he suspects many more people who are suffering will never receive compensation. In part, he said it is due to the exacting standards of Veterans Affairs. They like to have an incident what explosion were you in in Afghanistan? What crash were you in in training? in order to tag it to an injury, he said, adding that the military culture is also to blame. Guys dont speak up. Theyre passionate about what theyre doing and they dont want to risk not doing that job anymore by complaining about their neck or their back, Mowbray said. Unless you ethically think its going to impact your ability to do your job safely or youre going to let down the other members of your crew, guys are going to grin and bear it. Spinal problems have been an issue almost since militaries first started launching helicopters into the sky in the 1950s. Studies have attributed the problem to the exposure to excessive vibrations during flight and have focused on coming up with new seat and hydraulic shock absorption systems to reduce the impacts. But the 1990s ushered in new problems. It was a time of technological leaps and bounds, when helmets were loaded up with ballistic visors, electronic displays, communications systems and night-vision goggles. Equipment meant to make crews safer began taking a slow, steady toll on their necks. Night-vision goggles are believed to be the main culprit. The current helmet used by Griffon helicopter pilots weighs about 1.5 kilograms. The goggles weigh another 1.5 kilograms and require the use of lead counterweights to prevent the head from being pulled too far forward. In the words of scientists and engineers studying the issue, the high-tech tools of modern flight crews have put an external load on the human operator which creates an internal load on the tissue. During a posting to the militarys flight training school in Portage la Prairie, Man., where Wicks was an instructor, he estimated that up to 40 per cent of his fellow pilots were undergoing physiotherapy, massage therapy or other treatment for their muscle strains. When it would be really bad, you would just have to go to the doctor and get yourself grounded and get some muscle relaxants or painkillers, he said. You cant fly when youre taking any of that and nobody likes to be grounded, but sometimes youve just got to suck it up and take it. On top of the extra weight, the specific tasks and postures of a military helicopter pilot and flight engineer can also cause problems. Wicks called the pilots favoured position the helicopter slouch. You need to be really relaxed at the controls because theyre very sensitive, so you slouch in the seat a little bit and your arm rests on your leg so you can have very fine control, he said. They posture is not good for sitting down at a table, let alone in a vibrating helicopter. The problem is not unique to Canada. Air forces in the United States, Britain and across Europe have identified a similar prevalence of neck pain among helicopter crews, at similar rates. A March 2018 report from the Canadian militarys scientific wing, Defence Research and Development Canada, recommended the air force follow the lead of countries like Sweden and Denmark, where pilots are being put through supervised strength training routines three times a week to build up their neck muscles. Technological solutions are being developed, such as specially designed ergonomic seats for helicopter pilots and crew; lighter, custom-fit helmets; small earbuds for communications; and even a special contact lens with the thickness of an atom and the size of a fingernail that would perform the same functions as night-vision goggles. A Defence Research and Development Canada study released in March, which examined state-of-the-art solutions, said that changing the helmets used by helicopter crews for a model that is lighter and better balanced is a possible option. Upfront costs for a new system may be offset by savings in treatment for affected pilots, the report concluded. But more futuristic fixes for the pervasive problem facing helicopter crews may have to wait, the report said. They may not be technologically mature enough, operationally implementable or fiscally feasible to pursue at the moment. OTTAWAThe Liberal government is reversing course on its pick for the next head of Elections Canada with just over a year to go before the 2019 general election. The Star reported in April that Michael Boda, the current head of Elections Saskatchewan, was the governments pick to succeed Marc Mayrand as chief electoral officer. The pick was confirmed by multiple sources, both inside and outside government. But NDP democratic institutions critic Nathan Cullen said Monday the Liberals have informed opposition parties that a different candidate is now being recommended. Cullen said no explanation was given for the change. Its like it never happened We just got issued a letter a couple of weeks ago (about Bodas nomination), no consultation, Cullen said in an interview Monday. The next thing we hear back with them is were nominating this guy now. So it makes our earlier concerns greater, that even more time has passed and now theres some concern about their vetting process. Cullen declined to name the new candidate, but suggested Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will recommend someone from within the public service. I can say this, they promoted from inside. So theyve taken a different course, he said. According to the NDP, Trudeau wrote to them on April 3 to inform them Boda would be the governments selection for the chief electoral officer. Then, on April 27, Trudeau informed the opposition a different candidate was being recommended. It has been 18 months since the position of chief electoral officer has been vacant and Canadians have rightly started questioning the sincerity, as well as the competence of your government to appoint a qualified chief electoral officer, reads a reply from Cullen, co-signed by NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and provided to the Star. In addition, the process is unfair to the candidates youve considered a lack of faith in the process ultimately (jeopardizes) the faith Canadians have in the incoming chief electoral officer. Calls to Elections Saskatchewan, where Boda is on contract until 2021, were not returned Monday. In a statement, a spokesperson for acting Democratic Institutions Minister Scott Brison said simply they look forward to welcoming the next chief electoral officer. The Star requested confirmation from the Prime Ministers Office that Boda was no longer being considered, and asked for the rationale for that decision as well as the name of the governments new candidate. In a statement, the Privy Council Office the department which supports the prime minister wrote that they cannot discuss the specifics due to privacy concerns, but that an announcement on the next CEO was expected in a matter of days. The government recently proposed significant changes to how Canadas elections are run. Bill C-76 introduces a suite of new rules for parties, third-party advocacy groups, and advertisers in part to reverse changes made by the previous Conservative government, as well as to address concerns about foreign interference and financing. But Elections Canada officials have warned that, if the changes do not become law soon, it would be difficult for the agency to implement them in time for the 2019 election. Cullen said changing the rules around elections should not be done with a gun to Parliaments head. Because well make mistakes, Cullen said. And these mistakes we wont know about until we run an election. And theres no way Im going to jeopardize the next election just because these guys were incompetent. The House of Commons is expected to begin debate on C-76 on Thursday. Correction - May 9, 2018: This article was edited from a previous version that misstated the name of the bill that was introduced to amend the Canada Elections Act as C-79. Read more about: MAUGERVILLE, N.B.Three men who allegedly tried to loot a flooded New Brunswick home were forced to flee in a canoe from an angry, underwear-clad homeowner. Markus Harvey woke up early Sunday in southern New Brunswicks flood zone to a loud thud and the beam of a flashlight coming up the stairs. I hollered out Hello, and a voice said You need to evacuate, he said Monday from Maugerville, N.B. At that point I knew it wasnt anybody that was there for my well-being. Read more: Just a pile of rubbish there now: Damage becoming clear amid historic flood in New Brunswick Floodwaters continue to rise in areas of New Brunswick, prompting concerns for health and safety Community rallies to battle rising floodwaters in Saint John Harvey six feet tall and more than 200 pounds is one of the few homeowners in his area who hasnt evacuated, despite rising waters and power outages. He jumped out of bed, his booming voice questioning the intruders. They started scurrying like rats out my back door so I ran after them, he said. Still in his underwear, Harvey chased the burglars outside and heard splashing in the backyard. He jumped on his pool deck and saw three men grabbing paddles and untying a canoe from his butternut tree. They were looking to make a hasty retreat, Harvey said of the masked intruders, one of whom concealed his face with a hat and bandana while the other two wore hoodies tightly pulled around their faces. He ran back inside and, finding his camera equipment intact, grabbed a long lens and ran out to photograph the mens attempted escape in their getaway canoe. I was able to snap one little grainy picture of three guys in a canoe, Harvey said of a photo that ended up being shared widely on social media. He called the RCMP to report the attempted robbery, and then called a farmer down the road. I let him know these guys were going behind the houses in the back water and heading down river, Harvey said. He called a handful of other neighbours including one with a boat. In about 30 to 45 minutes we had eyeballs on them, Harvey said, noting that he then called Jody Price, chief of the Oromocto Fire Department. I let him know what was happening and he said a few choice words, and then he scrambled some boats, he said. A slow boat chase ensued, and about two hours after the attempted robbery, three men were arrested by the Mounties. The RCMP said Monday Brandon Hatchard, a 29-year-old man from Perth-Andover, and Travis Hunt, a 29-year-old man from Maugerville, were charged with break and enter and possession of stolen property. Chance Leslie, a 25-year-old man from Middle Hainesville, was charged with break and enter, possession of stolen property and breach of probation. All three men were remanded into custody. It makes you angry and it is disheartening, Harvey said of thieves looting homes in the flood zone. On the other hand, I was able to call people in my community and we rallied together to get eyeballs on these guys in under an hour. It was a collective effort and we got em. He said his home was built in 2010 to withstand flooding. Although his basement has about five feet of water, he said his main floor and second floor are dry. Read more about: OTTAWAPrime Minister Justin Trudeau has raided Canadas secretive cyberspy agency to find a new national security adviser. Hes named Greta Bossenmaier, currently chief of the Communications Security Establishment, as his next national security and intelligence adviser. Bossenmaier takes over the post on May 23 from Daniel Jean, who is retiring after 35 years as public servant. Read more: Daniel Jean, adviser who sparked furor over suggestion Trudeaus India trip was sabotaged, to retire Trudeaus top security adviser denies blaming Indian government for conspiracy in Atwal affair Opposition slams Trudeau as Indian government official calls sabotage claims baseless Jean made headlines when he suggested that factions in India sabotaged the prime ministers trip to that country in February. That assertion followed the revelation that Jaspal Atwal a British Columbia Sikh convicted of attempting to assassinate an Indian minister in 1986 during a visit to B.C. had been invited to two prime ministerial events during the trip. During a media briefing, Jean advanced the theory that rogue elements in the Indian government may have arranged for Atwals presence in a bid to prevent Prime Minister Narendra Modi from becoming too cosy with a foreign government they believe is overly sympathetic to extremist Sikh separatists. Jean informed the government in January of his decision to retire, before the controversial India trip. In a statement announcing the appointment of Bossenmaier, Trudeau praised Jeans exceptional career. Mr. Jean has served Canadians with dedication, integrity and excellence over the past 35 years, including in senior roles such as deputy minister of Foreign Affairs and deputy minister of Canadian Heritage, Trudeau said. Read more about: In the early hours of Friday afternoons wind storm, Ramona Omidvar got a frantic call from her 9-year-old daughter, Nylah, who was at home with her sister and a caregiver while her mother was still at work. She said, Mommy, Im scared of the wind. Its too windy. I said Nylah, youre overreacting. Everythings fine. Everything was fine until about an hour later, when the wind rapped even harder against the windows, and then Nylah heard a loud crash. I thought it was an earthquake, she said. The girl ran outside with her little sister and saw the towering silver maple tree from their neighbours front yard had fallen onto their house. It was very scary. Two days later, the tree is still leaning precariously against the roof of their house on Howland Ave. in the Annex, while Omidvars family of five has been forced to stay at her parents place. Weve been told were not allowed in because its too dangerous, she said. Wind gusts reached 110 kilometres per hour on Friday, contributing to as many as five deaths in the GTA. Two arborists in Milton died when a tree fell on them as they cleared branches and debris from utility lines. A Hamilton man was killed, according to police, when he tried to move downed wires from the road. Another man was killed in the Yonge and College Sts. area when he was hit by falling scaffolding, but authorities have not confirmed whether that accident was due to the wind. Pat Bourguignon, a volunteer fire chief from Schreiber, Ont., was killed in Etobicoke late Friday night when he was hit by a car while crossing the road near an intersection where street lights were not working due to the power outage. Hydro crews have been working 24 hours a day to restore power across the city. Sixty-eight thousand customers were without power during the peak of the storm on Friday, and by Sunday night the number was reduced to 2,400. Toronto Hydro asks people to report any fallen wires to police and to stay at least 10 metres away from them. Omidvar, meanwhile, is frustrated the city has yet to deal with the tree leaning against her house. Beyond the inconvenience of not being able to go home, shes worried the tree could cause another serious accident. Its dangerous for the house beside us, its dangerous for our house and its also very dangerous for anyone driving or walking or biking by, she said. Omidvars neighbours house is in even worse shape, the tree having punctured a sizable hole in the roof. Workers from Toronto Hydro and the citys forestry department have assessed the tree, along with Toronto Fire Services, Omidvar said. But nothing has yet been done. Jane Arbour, a spokesperson for the city of Toronto, said she couldnt specify when the tree on Omidvars house would be cleared, but that she should have more detailed information about the citys cleanup efforts over the next few days. Crews continue to respond to calls related to damage caused by Friday's wind storm and are assessing the extent of this damage, Arbour said. The tree which has a diameter of roughly 1.2 metres, according to firefighters is shifting, Omidvar said, adding that it may be causing more damage. It looks like its getting more precarious by the day. Filing false case over dowry to invite punishment UNB, Dhaka : The Cabinet on Monday approved the draft of 'The Dowry Prohibition Bill, 2018' incorporating a new provision of punishment for filing any false case. The approval came at the cabinet meeting held at Prime Minister's Office with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair. Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Shafiul Alam briefed reporters at the Secretariat after the meeting. As per the new provision (Section-5) of the proposed draft law, the punishment for filing any false case will be maximum five years' imprison or maximum Tk 50,000 as fine or both, said the Cabinet Secretary. He said, another provision has been changed only to specify the amount of monetary punishment for demanding or giving dowry in the proposed law as no specific financial punishment is mentioned in the existing law. According to the provision, he said, if any person demanding or giving dowry will have to face maximum five years' imprisonment, which will not be less than one year's jail term or maximum Tk 50,000 as fine or both. Shafiul Alam said, the draft law has been prepared rearranging the original law of Dowry Prohibition Act, 1980 and its subsequent amendments made through promulgation of ordinances. The Cabinet also approved the draft of an Agreement on Coastal Shipping to be signed by the member countries of Bimstec (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation). He said the Bimstec member countries agreed to sign the deal as it will make sea connectivity easier. Besides, the cabinet was informed that Bangladesh become member of three important bodies of UN Economic and Social Commission-ECOSOC. Shafiul Alam said, the Women and Children Affair Ministry won membership of the Commission of the Status of Women-CSW for the 2019-2021 term as well as election for membership of the governing Council of Unicef and UN Women for the term of 2019 to 2021. At the beginning of the meeting, the Cabinet greeted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for receiving the prestigious Global Women Leadership Award at a ceremony in Sydney, Australia on April 27 last. Global Summit of Women, a US-based NGO, honoured the Prime Minister with the award, a lifetime honour, for her outstanding leadership in advancing women education and women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh, Asia and Asia-pacific region. The Cabinet also adopted a condolence motion at the death of Ekushey Padak recipient, poet, journalist and translator Belal Chowdhury. A woman has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a TTC inspector on Friday near Danforth Ave. and Woodbine Ave. Police say Zehra Sundu, 28, was seen entering a building on May 4 and removing contents from mailboxes that did not belong to her. She was approached by a resident of the building, who police say she assaulted and then fled. A short distance away, a TTC inspector arrested her, who she allegedly assaulted as well. Police received the call just before 5:30 p.m. Friday and arrested Sundu when they arrived on scene. According to a press release, police found numerous pieces of mail from various addresses in her possession. Sundu is charged with six counts of mail theft, assault, assault with a weapon, three counts of possession of a credit card obtained by crime and two counts of breach of probation. She appeared in court on Saturday. Police say this is an ongoing investigation. Toronto police say a man suffered injuries consistent with gunshot wounds after a single-vehicle crash in Etobicoke Monday. Paramedics were called for a collision in the area of Kipling Ave. and Longfield Rd., just south of Eglinton Ave. W. just before noon. When they arrived, A man in his 40s was located without vital signs and was rushed to hospital in life-threatening condition. Const. David Hopkinson said the car left the highway and struck a fence. He said paramedics informed police that the injuries from the victim were more similar to a gunshot wound. He said it is not clear what were the circumstances that led to the crash. Police have closed the area for investigation. Mayor John Tory, who signed up last week to run for a second term in the upcoming October election, promised residents of Malvern they would be connected to rapid transit after decades taking the bus. But the cost of a plan to build and extend a light-rail line to the Malvern Town Centre mall and how to finance it remained unclear as Tory made the pitch at an official mayoral news conference in Scarborough on a sunny Monday. I will never give up on building transit in Toronto, Tory told reporters standing outside the mall. This is going to move ahead, its going to accelerate the process of bringing transit to this area. The Eglinton East LRT would run east of the Eglinton Crosstown, which is now under construction and will terminate at Kennedy station. A new staff report tabled at Torys executive committee, which meets next week, recommends planning the Eglinton East LRT to stretch all the way into Malvern, north of Hwy. 401. Previously, staff proposed a 17-stop line running in its own right-of-way east from Kennedy station along Eglinton, turning north and ending at the University of Torontos Scarborough campus on Morningside Ave., south of the 401. That original plan was estimated to cost $1.67 billion in 2016. City staff did not provide an estimate for the Malvern portion of the line. Today, there is no clear funding plan in place. Tory conceded the city would have to find additional funds to complete the Eglinton East LRT and other transit priority projects. Were going to have to advocate for more money, theres no secret about that, Tory said, vowing to secure those additional funds from other levels of government. The federal and provincial governments have already promised $9 billion for transit in Toronto over the next 10 years. The Eglinton East line is one of the citys five priority projects that together are estimated to cost at least $17.4 billion, with many in the early planning stages and estimates expected to increase. Its unclear how the available funds will be split among those projects. Last week, Premier Kathleen Wynne, facing re-election in June, announced a list of projects that would receive funds. It did not include the Eglinton East LRT. The city staff report also recommends a tunnel at the Kingston Rd.-Lawrence Ave.-Morningside Ave. intersection as part of an updated design, which it said would create fewer traffic problems. That tunnel, based on little design work to-date, is estimated to cost an additional $249 million to $466 million. Other considerations for which there are no cost estimates include allowing trains running on the Eglinton Crosstown to operate through Kennedy station instead of requiring a transfer. Extended platforms to accommodate the longer Crosstown trains and other would also be required at an unknown cost. Despite council direction that city staff present a funding plan and a construction timetable to the executive committee in the second quarter of 2018, staff reported Monday they will not have that plan or timetable until after the municipal election, in the first quarter of 2019. That leaves both the future of a one-stop subway extension plan being advanced by Tory and his allies as well as the future of the LRT project uncertain heading into the election. There is no plan for council to hear an updated cost of the subway until 2019, when they are expected to vote on whether to proceed with construction. Today it is estimated to cost $3.35 billion. Senior city staff, led by then chief planner Jennifer Keesmaat, previously told council the subway and an Eglinton East LRT could be funded from the same budget of $3.56 billion already dedicated to a subway. At the time, the subway had been planned to be three stops replacing the aging six-stop Scarborough RT that will be torn down. Removing two of those stops and extending the subway six kilometres to just a single new stop at the Scarborough Town Centre would create savings that could cover the cost of the LRT, staff told council. But the cost of the subway has since ballooned by more than $1 billion, pricing out the LRT. Malvern residents will be left with longer commute times because of John Torys multibillion dollar one-stop subway that cannibalizes much-needed funds that could connect neighbourhoods across Scarborough with rapid transit, said Councillor Josh Matlow, who has long advocated for a network of LRTs in Scarborough. Thats a fact, no matter how they try to spin it. Matlow and others have called for a return to a plan to replace the SRT with a seven-stop LRT that was fully-funded by the province but scrapped by council in 2013 under Fords administration. That line was planned to extend to Malvern. Councillor Josh Colle, chair of the TTC and a Tory ally, claimed Monday the subway project was about to have shovels in the ground despite council having yet to see updated costs or give the necessary approvals. Without the Eglinton East LRT, the amount of rapid transit access available to Scarborough residents will significantly decline. With the one-stop subway, Malvern residents would have to travel by bus to the Scarborough Town Centre and on to Kennedy station, a 30-minute trip. With the Scarborough LRT, which was cancelled, the same trip would take just 16 minutes. Read more about: York Regional Police are investigating a fatal fire in Markham on Monday that left one person dead. Fire crews were called just after 8 a.m. to a residential fire near Ninth Line and Bur Oak Ave. The fire began in an end townhouse unit and spread to a second unit. Up to eight townhouses were evacuated as a precaution. Markham fire services said that an aggressive attack was initiated to support search and rescue. Police said firefighters found one person inside the home. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim has not been identified and the next of kin have not yet been identified. Markham fire tweeted around noon that the fire was out. The Ontario Fire Marshall is also investigating the incident with police. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 1-866-287-5025 ext. 7540 or Crime Stoppers. York Regional Police have charged a Toronto man who is allegedly involved in the human trafficking of two teenage girls under the age of 18. Police said the investigation began on April 3 into a suspected pimp, who is allegedly active online and uses numerous social media sites to find his victims. On April 26, police arrested the suspect after investigators located two victims. Const. Laura Nicolle said police are not releasing the circumstances behind how the victims were found to protect their identities. The suspect has been identified as Alexander Roberts, 20. He has been charged with trafficking in persons under the age of 18, procuring person under 18, exercising control, direction or influence over person under 18, two counts of possession of child pornography and two counts of distribution of child pornography. Roberts is also facing two counts of advertising sexual services, material benefit resulting from trafficking in persons under 18, material benefit from sexual services provided by person under 18, assault and two counts of failing to comply with conditions of recognizance. He will appear in a Newmarket court on May 22. Police said the investigation is ongoing and are willing to speak to anyone involved in the sex trade who may be looking for a way out or who may require assistance. Toronto police have made a break in a decades-old murder case of a 21-year-old woman in the citys west and they are reaching out to the public for help. Cold case investigators have a DNA profile for the man they believe is responsible for the gruesome death of Lori Pinkus. The DNA obtained did not match any person in the national DNA data bank. All we need is his name, nothing more, said Det. Sgt. Stacy Gallant in a video appeal release on Monday. The partially nude body of Pinkus, who had recently moved to Toronto from Ottawa, was discovered by a caretaker just before 10 a.m. in the parking lot of Brockton High School on Sept. 8, 1991. She had been assaulted, strangled and left for dead, said Gallant. He said she was last seen alive a few hours before when she left a local bar after having a drink with friends. Pinkus was working as a sex trade worker in the Bloor and Lansdowne areas, investigators said. In a 1991 Star article, several residents including members of a Sikh religious group that met every Sunday at the high school saw the body before police arrived. One of the residents who saw the body described Pinkus as only wearing a halter top, her arms at her side, her blue eyes wide open. Gallant said many persons of interest were developed and eliminated during the time of the original investigation. They recently conducted a DNA testing on the case since it was unavailable in 1991. There is no doubt that there are people who are close with the offender or who were close to him back at the time of this offence and you know he is responsible for this murder, said Gallant. He said anyone who comes forward can choose to remain anonymous. It has been 26 years that this murderer has escaped justice, said Gallant. This is a killer who left a young womans body on display in a school yard. It is time he is held to account for his despicable actions. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers. Public health officials are warning people who travelled on two Saudia Airlines flights last month, as well as those who went to a Toronto hospital last week, may have been exposed to measles. Toronto Public Health has set up measles vaccination clinics in Etobicoke after a confirmed case of measles in an infant. Passengers may have been exposed on Saudia Airlines flight SV0759 that left Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, India, at 8 p.m. on April 29 and arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, at 11:05 p.m. The child was also on a Saudia Airlines flight SV0061 that left Jeddah at 3:40 a.m. on April 30 and arrived at Pearson airport at 9:45 a.m. Exposure was also possible on May 4 at the pediatric outpatient services department on the fourth floor at the Humber River Hospital between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Infants under one year of age, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems can get extremely ill from the highly contagious disease. While the Americas were declared measles free in 2016 by the World Health Organization, Canada saw 45 cases of measles last year. In the past 10 years, there have been approximately five cases of measles per year in Toronto. In 2010, there were 10 cases, and in 2008 there were 28 cases, said Lenore Bromley, spokesperson for Toronto Public Health said. Toronto Public Health said anyone who hasnt had two doses of measles vaccine, or who hasnt had measles in the past, is at risk. Symptoms include high fever, cold, sore eyes or sensitivity to light, and a red rash lasting four to seven days. A measles vaccination clinic was set up for Monday at the Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall, between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. There is another clinic scheduled Tuesday at the same venue from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. With files from Inori Roy Read more about: In Philadelphia, two Black men are arrested by police for simply sitting in a Starbucks. In Australia, the pop star Halsey goes online to vent about the lack of hotel shampoos for ethnic hair. On Twitter, an exchange between two Canadian politicians one white, one Black sparks a national debate over issues of race and privilege. Such stories are increasingly making waves around the world and each new headline seems to generate a flurry of tweets, thinkpieces and conversations about the notion of white privilege. After percolating in academic circles for decades, the term white privilege has found mainstream currency in recent years; it has also attracted both repudiation and support. Read More: Black men arrested at Philadelphia Starbucks settle for $200K program for young entrepreneurs Starbucks Canada to close stores for sensitivity training following the arrest of two Black men at a U.S. location For many people, they are now engaging with the idea for the first time and asking: What is white privilege anyway? This week, hundreds of people will gather at Ryerson University to explore this question and more at Canadas first white privilege conference, an event that has been held annually in the United States since 1999. To address some of the basic ideas around white privilege, the Star spoke with two scholars who will be attending the conference: Denise ONeil Green, Ryersons vice-president for equity and community inclusion, and Rinaldo Walcott, director of the University of Torontos women and gender studies institute. Both have spent much of their careers thinking about white privilege and the ways in which it shapes our world. Heres what they had to say: Lets start with the basic question. How do you define white privilege? Green: In very basic terms, it is an unearned benefit or perk that one receives simply because of their skin colour. A more multi-layered way of looking at it is that white privilege operates in terms of a system that benefits particular groups over others. Its a system structure that all of us operate in whether were aware of it or not. Walcott: For me, what the term white privilege seeks to allow people to understand is the way in which societies, like the one that we live in, are default white societies. Everywhere we look in these societies, all of the ways in which people are accorded, important, respected and so on centre around the idea that anything that is white North American or white European is the absolute standard to reach. But what that means is that many people who are not white can never, ever achieve that standard, and many people who are simply born white are assumed to have reached that standard, even if they themselves cant reach it either. So thats what we begin to call white privilege; the ways in which we live in a society where some people, because of the accident of their birth, can enter that society its institutions, government, education, universities, even the holidays we celebrate and participate at levels and in ways that other people are unable to. Can you think of some examples of white privilege in action, both on the micro and macro level? Walcott: Lets say (a Black person) enters a department store and they want to buy a pair of pants in the mens section and a T-shirt for their child in the childrens section. They will make sure to pay for those pants in the mens section and then go to the childrens section. Meanwhile, you see many white people who have piles of clothes, they walk all through the store and all kinds of floors, and they dont have to think about it. The reason we pay before going to another floor is because we know that the possibility of being accused of shoplifting exists for us. Thats an example of white privilege. When you dont have to think about how you move through your everyday life, worrying about whether or not youre going to be stopped by security or police. Non-white, Black and Indigenous people in Canada have to think about that all the time. Green: On a macro level, unfortunately, its the way particular groups are treated by the police versus others. The CBC just came out with their own statistics (showing) that in particular areas of the country where you have a high population of Indigenous or Black Canadian citizens, they find themselves disproportionately impacted by the police in a very different and sometimes fatal way. Another macro aspect is the diversity on boards; they still continue to be predominantly white and predominantly male. Probably another example is ones name; if you have a racialized-sounding name, or a less English sounding name, then youre less likely to be called back for a job interview. So those are examples of privilege that for some can be very invisible, but is very visible for many of us. A lot of people deny that white privilege exists. How do you understand that denial and where it comes from? Walcott: When white working-class people hear privilege, they often think youre talking about the individual material benefits that some people have. And yes, of course, a part of that is individual material benefits but when were talking about white privilege, what were really talking about is (how) the possibility of a white person being able to make it out of the working class is many, many times higher than, say, a Black person or Indigenous person. When we talk about white privilege, were also talking about a body of ideas where even white working-class people can understand themselves to be more important or contributing more to society. So white privilege is not just about individuals being able to accumulate things for themselves, its also about a way of understanding the world and that cuts across class. Green: What I think is very interesting about white privilege, and just privilege in general, is you never really get to know whats happening unless you walk in another persons shoes. Ill give a personal example. My son was unfortunately hit by a drunk driver and as a result, he ended up needing to use a wheelchair. That experience has absolutely opened my eyes to how the world privileges those who are fully able-bodied: restaurants, institutions, buildings not having elevators, buildings not having ramps. Thats something that people can get and understand more readily because its something they can see. White privilege operates in the same way. What happened with my son had a very profound effect on me, but it also helped me to greater understand how systems and white privilege and other privileges impact our day-to-day lives ... and how the world sees us and invites us in. Or not invite us in. A common reaction when someones white privilege is pointed out to them is defensiveness, the feeling that theyve been accused of racism. Is pointing out someones white privilege the same as pointing out their racism? Walcott: No, its not. Of course sometimes pointing out white privilege is about pointing out a set of racist practices or behaviours, but pointing out someones white privilege is not always about calling them racist. What youre trying to point to is the way in which that person can do something or have an experience because of their whiteness that is not available to other people. If we understand white privilege as embedded in the structures and institutions of society, then we cant assume that everybody who benefits from it is actually engaged in racist practices. People are simply going about the ways in which they have been taught to live a life in this society. That is part of the reason why the idea of white privilege rubs some people the wrong way, because they dont fully understand that the way in which theyre doing things will accrue to them a set of privileges. Id like for you to address the perspective that white privilege is an inherently racist concept and talking about it is racist. How do you respond to that? Walcott: Its wrong, absolutely wrong, because white privilege is not about demarcating a particular racial group. Its pointing to ways in which an already demarcated racial group in fact, a group of people who have historically marked other people as not white has, through violence and other means, built a society in which they accrued the most privilege. But more importantly, when people make the claim that to talk about white privilege is racist against white people, what were seeing is an attempt to hijack the language of civil rights and human rights and to turn that language in on itself ... to take the progressive language that is supposed to push back against forms of oppression and use it to actually continue those forms of oppression. Green: There are actually a lot of white scholars who have not only developed the concept, but explored the concept and done a lot of work on the concept of a white privilege and whiteness. So I dont necessarily agree that the term in and of itself is racist. For me, I see it as a way to bring to light something that can be extremely uncomfortable to discuss. I do agree with that its very uncomfortable to discuss but that doesnt necessarily mean that we have to shy away from it. What do you hope will come out of the upcoming white privilege conference? Green: What I envision is that it will start the conversation in a very constructive, intentional way and get individuals to begin to look at various aspects of privilege that we operate in and how they impact all of us looking at that, taking in this information, and seeing how it can be applied to their own personal circumstances. This is a means of helping us move the needle in the conversation around inclusion, and being able to truly make Canada an inclusive society. These interviews were edited and condensed for length and clarity Read more about: A refugee judge waited almost four years before rejecting the asylum claim of a Mexican family on the last day of his job, but the Federal Court has ruled the delay was not severe enough to breach the claimants charter rights. At the centre of the case was Immigration and Refugee Board member David McBean, who gained attention after a Star investigation in 2010 found the adjudicator had denied all of the 169 asylum cases he presided over between 2007 and 2010. The 26 members of the extended Mexican family three later withdrew their claims had their last hearing on Dec. 6, 2011. McBean didnt deliver his decision on the family, who had settled in Toronto, until Oct. 14, 2015, the same day his government appointment expired. Most asylum decisions are rendered within a year of claims being heard. McBean is now a refugee appeal officer responsible for strategic advice and case management. A refugee board spokesperson said neither McBean nor the board could comment on the court decision. A few of members of the family have obtained their permanent resident status on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, while some have pending humanitarian applications and could face removal from Canada. Lawyers for the family had argued the delay caused psychological and physical harm that amounted to state-imposed stress and called into question McBeans ability four years after the case was heard to recall details of the asylum claim in order to make an unbiased decision. Notwithstanding the number of applicants and the inevitable volumes of evidence, this is not an overly complex decision that gives rise to difficult questions of fact and law, wrote Federal Court Justice James Russell in a 196-page decision released in April. On the whole, I think I must draw a negative inference from (McBeans) failure to adequately explain the delay in producing the decision and his resort to vagaries. The applicants have convinced me that, following the hearings, the member took much longer to produce this decision than the inherent time requirements required. Still, he said, the applicants did not demonstrate the delay caused impacts serious and profound enough to breach their charter rights or prevented McBean from properly assessing the applicants evidence and making reasonable credibility findings. Russell said the family was partially responsible for the delay due to their repeated attempts to remove McBean from their case after they learned of his zero-acceptance rate. He questioned why the family did not complain to the refugee board about the delay or make a plea to the Federal Court to order McBean to issue a decision. (The familys lawyer had argued they were advised a decision would be forthcoming whenever they contacted the refugee board for updates, hence they never filed a formal complaint.) According to the court decision, the family, identified only as I.P.P. and others, arrived in Canada in separate groups in 2007 and 2008. Their claims were all related to an incident in 1992 when the principal claimant, I.P.P., witnessed a murder and helped police with the arrest of a gang leader. The family claimed the gang then engaged in a 15-year vendetta against them. After five pre-hearings, they began giving oral testimony in early 2011. The hearing wrapped up by the end of the year. Their claim was rejected three years and 10 months later because McBean did not find their story credible. In their appeal against McBeans decision, the family told the court the delay caused them significant distress and financial hardship as they had to pay for medical treatment out of their own pockets. Living in limbo also strained family relationships and led to lost opportunities for employment and education, they said. Russell said he would expect that genuine refugee claimants would recognize some benefits for any delay in rendering a decision: prolonged safety from the dangers they are fleeing; support and opportunities Canada affords; prospects of obtaining permanent residence based on their establishment; and extra time to submit additional evidence. However, this is a case in which the applicants accentuate the negatives and ignore the positives, Russell noted. In an interview, I.P.P. said he was disappointed the judge failed to see how the delay has taken a toll on the family. I am grateful that my family and I were able to come to Canada and be safe here, but I am frustrated that our refugee claim took so long to be decided. The anxiety and sadness I felt throughout the hearing was made much worse by the four-year delay, said the 40-year-old truck driver from his Toronto home. This not knowing took a terrible toll on me and my family. It is like my entire life has been suspended. I was frequently overwhelmed by feelings of hopelessness. I came from such a difficult situation in Mexico to find safety in Canada, only to encounter this difficulty. The familys lawyers, Prasanna Balasundaram and Aisling Bondy, said they were pleased the court recognizes there was an unexplained delay in rendering the asylum decision, but disappointed it was not overturned. Hopefully, refugee adjudicators wont interpret the court upholding this decision as a signal that they can take as long as they want to decide claims, said Bondy. Bermuda, the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands notorious offshore tax havens where shell companies shield billions of dollars in illicit money will soon have more open corporate records than Canada. In a stunning move last week, Britains House of Commons passed legislation that will lift generations of corporate secrecy in its offshore territories by compelling company owners registered on the islands to reveal themselves in public databases. That kind of transparency is only an idea in Canada, where corporate owners can mask their identity behind lawyers and figurehead directors. There is no requirement for real company owners or beneficial owners to list their names in provincial or federal registries. Read more: How will governments solve the tax haven riddle? Editorial | Paradise Papers show Ottawa must crack down on offshore tax havens Canada is the worlds newest tax haven The U.K. is becoming the global leader for beneficial ownership transparency and holding tax havens to account, said Richard Leblanc, a professor of corporate governance at York and Harvard universities. Canada is rapidly being left behind, in a race to the bottom, and now has an unenviable international reputation as the go-to country for lax beneficial ownership transparency laws. Despite a recent commitment from the provinces to start collecting beneficial ownership data (without making it public), it is still possible in Canada today to register a corporation, open a bank account and send and receive money overseas all without disclosing your name. (The U.K.) vote is good news for the protection of human rights and democracy across the globe, and bad news for tax dodgers, money launderers and kleptocrats, said Markus Meinzer of the Tax Justice Network, an international group of economists that has been waging a campaign against tax havens for years. The risks for dirty business ending up in bright daylight is increasing. Britains transparency crackdown came in the eleventh hour of debate on an anti-money-laundering bill when a pair of MPs from both sides of the House proposed amendments that addressed head on long-held British sensitivities around offshore tax haven jurisdictions. Labour party MP Margaret Hodge and Conservative MP Andrew Mitchell co-sponsored the amendment that would give the British overseas territories until Dec. 31, 2020, to prepare their own public beneficial ownership registries. Mitchell told the House of Commons that the justification for such a move was made elegantly but passively by the Panama Papers and the Paradise Papers, massive data leaks that revealed the true owners of thousands of offshore companies. It is only by openness and scrutiny by allowing charities, NGOs and the media to join up the dots that we can expose this dirty money and those people standing behind it. Closed registers do not begin to allow us to do it, Mitchell said. More than half of the 214,000 offshore companies named in the Panama Papers were based in the British Virgin Islands. Seventy per cent of the 25,000 offshore corporations in the Paradise Papers were incorporated in Bermuda and the Cayman Islands. Canadians have stashed at least $90.5 billion in these three U.K. tax havens alone, according to Statistics Canada. The Star was the only Canadian newspaper among a group of international media outlets that had access to the Panama Papers and Paradise Papers leaks. The Star has published dozens of stories about offshore tax avoidance and evasion over the past two years highlighting Canadas growing international reputation as a secrecy jurisdiction that attracts dirty money from around the world. Canadas corporate secrecy has inspired the international practice of snow washing hiding suspect transactions, money laundering and tax evasion behind the countrys reputation for respected financial oversight institutions and a solid economy. We know from the Panama Papers that Canada is actively marketed as a tax evasion jurisdiction, said James Cohen, a spokesperson for Transparency International Canada. This new law makes us even more vulnerable to that Were left exposed. Well become a bigger target for dirty money because of the legal loopholes that exist. A recent report by Transparency International ranked Canada and South Korea the lowest in the G20 for financial transparency. Since committing to increase transparency in 2014, Canada has not improved its regulatory framework, the report said. It is concerning that the overall legal framework of Canada and South Korea is still considered weak, the report said. In Canada, the 2015 national risk assessment highlights the use of shell companies by criminal groups and individuals to launder money, and identifies real estate agents and developers as being exposed to high or very high money laundering risk. The U.K. move (which doesnt apply to Crown dependencies such as the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey) is being resisted by the British overseas territories, which assert their independence. Cayman Islands Premier Alden McLaughlin called the new law a gross affront to the constitutional relationship we currently have with the United Kingdom. This amendment is based solely on prejudice and a wilful misunderstanding of our current regulatory framework, he said in an official statement. In another statement, Bermuda Premier David Burt said: This attempt to legislate for Bermuda from London is a return to base colonialism and is an action that has no place in 2018. The British Virgin Islands, which received more than 80 per cent of its government revenue in 2015 from the incorporation of offshore companies, has a lot to lose. In a press release, Premier Orlando Smith objected to the law on privacy grounds: As a constitutional democracy, the BVI believes in the rule of the law. According to the rule of law and our constitution, the fundamental rights of privacy of all citizens and corporate entities will be protected and upheld. The U.K. overseas territories say they are considering their legal options to challenge the imposition of the law. The Cayman Islands has its own democratically elected government and is not represented in the U.K. Parliament. The actions of the House of Commons in seeking to legislate for the Cayman Islands amount to constitutional overreach and are reminiscent of the worst injustices of a bygone era of colonial despotism, McLaughlin said. Despite the fact that public corporate registries have been introduced, or will be introduced, in more than two dozen countries, including the U.K., Norway, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Afghanistan and the entire European Union, McLaughlin argues that public registries are not the global standard. Since 2013, I have been completely clear that when public registers become a global standard the Cayman Islands will adopt them, he said. Martin Kenney, a Canadian anti-fraud lawyer based in the British Virgin Islands, said the public registry model is flawed and will never work because criminals will surely lie rather than put their names in a public database. The fact remains they are ineffective and will never work as the crooks will simply continue to bypass the system, he said. In contrast, the BVIs (private) register of beneficial ownership is validated, and therefore accurate and useful for law enforcement agencies responsible for fighting economic crime. Ramzan office timing from 9 am to 3:30 pm The government has fixed the office timing during the upcoming holy month of Ramzan from 9 am to 3:30 pm on every working day. The cabinet on Monday decided the government office timing at a meeting, held with the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair at the Prime Minister's Office in the city, said Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Shafiul Alam at a briefing after the meeting. The Cabinet Secretary said there will be a 15-minute break from 1:15pm to 1:30pm for Zohr prayer. The new timing will be effective for all the government, semi-government, autonomous and semi-autonomous institutions, he said. Shafiul Alam said the Supreme Court, hospitals, banks, insurance agencies, emergency services providing organisations will fix up their own office timings. The Ontario government was thwarted in its attempts to introduce back-to-work legislation on Monday that would force an end to the two-month-old job action by academic staff at York University. It is expected the government will try again Tuesday morning, during the last sitting of the legislature before election campaigning begins. The legislation would also force binding arbitration on both York University and Local 3903 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents teaching assistants, graduate assistants and contract faculty. The government said it is mindful of students in programs such as nursing and law whose school year is in question given the extended job action, which began March 5 for the 3,000 academic staff and impacted about half of all classes. Almost 40,000 students have been affected. Both Labour Minister Kevin Flynn and post-secondary Minister Mitzie Hunter sought the unanimous consent of all parties to push the legislation through quickly, but the NDP did not agree. The move followed a scathing report issued Friday from an investigator appointed by the province, who cited the clash that makes it impossible for the parties to freely negotiate a collective agreement and called a negotiated deal impossible. William Kaplan said arbitration is the only solution, and recommended forcing it on the parties through the legislature if necessary. While he believes a number of issues can be resolved, the issue of job security for contract faculty cannot. They have completely different world views that are informed by completely different academic and institutional aspirations, he wrote, also saying the bargaining methods of Local 3903 were not normative. York has said it would agree to arbitration, and, on the weekend, urged the government to force an end to the strike. CUPE has held firm that it wants to reach a deal through bargaining. A small but vocal group of CUPE workers held a protest outside the legislature on Monday. York U issued a new offer to CUPE on Monday afternoon, saying the union had until midnight Thursday to accept. If the back-to-work legislation is not passed, unfortunately the strike situation will be prolonged, Hunter told reporters. Progressive Conservative MPP Lorne Coe (Whitby-Oshawa), his partys post-secondary critic, questioned why the government took so long to act and said more than 7,000 students who were hoping to graduate this June are now in limbo. NDP MPP Cindy Forster (Welland) said the strike can be blamed on years of neglect in the post-secondary sector by the Liberal government. A defiant Tanya Granic Allen says PC Leader Doug Ford has betrayed social conservatives by dumping her as the candidate in Mississauga Centre after a video surfaced of her making homophobic remarks. It happened again, she wrote on Monday in an online posting. Another betrayal of social conservatives just like (former PC leader) Patrick Brown ... (when) Brown ran for leader, it was the social conservatives which put him over the top. When Doug Ford ran for leader, it was my votes, mainly comprised of social conservatives, which crowned Doug as leader. And what was the result of Doug Fords victory? I was removed by Doug Ford and his team as the democratically nominated candidate, and another candidate was appointed instead. Clearly, Doug Ford is getting bad advice from his advisors. On Saturday, Ford ousted the controversial candidate after repeatedly supporting her, even after a string of anti-Muslim and anti-gay social media posts came to light. He made the move after the Liberal party released a 2014 video of her speech to a Croatian-Catholic youth conference where she said: You know, now what I hear about Hrvatska (Croatia) trying to push radical sexual education on the young or gay marriage you know I almost vomit in disbelief. Just 20 years ago we were liberated from this communism but now we are embracing these lack of values, these lack of ideals. Conservative sources told the Star Ford was deeply torn about removing Granic Allen. Apart from being instrumental in his March 10 PC leadership victory, her social conservative supporters had helped his brother Rob Ford win the 2010 Toronto mayoral election. Ford had convinced an ambivalent Granic Allen to run to be an MPP after the Tory contest, but those around the leader convinced him she was a liability, sources say. Granic Allen said shes always been clear about where she stands on the Liberals anti-family agenda, and did not apologize for her views. And she said still expects Ford to keep his promise to scrap the provinces updated sex-ed curriculum, which she has been a vocal opponent of for years. Meanwhile, Ford is now also dealing with another controversial candidate one he appointed in London West. Andrew Lawton, a radio and podcast host, has made offensive comments on social media and during broadcasts, talking about what he calls the pussification of the West, and the gay community trying to impose its will and its agenda on the rest of the country. In a statement, he said he has suffered from mental illness for many years, and attempted suicide in 2010. I was active on social media throughout much of this time, posting things that are so far removed from who I am and what I stand for that I cant even fathom my frame of mind in writing them. Over the weekend, Ford also denounced support hes received from a neo-Nazi group. Read more about: CAIRONew radar scans have provided conclusive evidence that there are no hidden rooms inside King Tutankhamuns burial chamber, Egypts antiquities ministry said Sunday, bringing a disappointing end to years of excitement over the prospect. Mostafa Waziri, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said an Italian team conducted extensive studies with ground-penetrating radar that showed the tomb did not contain any hidden, man-made blocking walls as was earlier suspected. Francesco Porcelli of the Polytechnic University of Turin presented the findings at an international conference in Cairo. In 2015, British Egyptologist Nicholas Reeves proposed, after analysis of high-definition laser scans, that queen Nefertitis tomb could be concealed behind wall paintings in the famed boy kings burial chamber. The discovery ignited massive interest, with officials first rushing to support the theory but then later distancing themselves and ultimately rejecting it. The ministry says two previous scans by Japanese and American scientists had proved inconclusive, but insists this latest ground-penetrating radar data closes the lid on the tomb having such hidden secrets. It is concluded, with a very high degree of confidence, said Dr. Porcelli, the hypothesis concerning the existence of hidden chambers or corridors adjacent to Tutankhamuns tomb is not supported by the GPR data, it said in its statement. The ministry has been gradually moving King Tuts belongings to a new museum outside Cairo near the Giza Pyramids to undergo restoration before they are put on display. The transfer of the priceless belongings has become a particularly sensitive issue; In 2014 the beard attached to the ancient Egyptian monarchs golden mask was accidentally knocked off and hastily reattached with an epoxy glue compound, sparking uproar among archeologists. The fourth International Tutankhamun Conference in Cairo where Porcelli presented the findings, the most extensive radar survey of the site to date, was attended by a wide range of Egyptologists and archeologists from the world over. During the conference, Antiquities Minister Khaled al-Anani said that the first phase of the new museum, including King Tuts halls, will be completed by the end of this year but the date for the museums soft opening has yet to be decided. The museum currently hosts more than 43,200 artifacts of which over 4,500 belong to King Tut alone, and its grand opening is planned for 2022. Read more about: VATICAN CITYThe worlds oldest standing army is getting some new headgear. The Swiss Guards plan to replace their metal helmets with plastic PVC ones made with a 3D printer, giving the Popes army cooler and more comfortable headgear when standing for hours at a time. The Swiss Guards unveiled the helmet prototype before their annual swearing-in ceremony Sunday. Thirty-two new recruits all of them single Swiss men under the age of 30 and upstanding Catholics will join the small corps for a minimum two years by pledging to protect the Pope and his successors. The new helmets were not donned Sunday since more formal headgear is used for the elaborate, pomp-filled swearing-in ceremony in the San Damaso courtyard of the Apostolic Palace. But Swiss Guard spokesperson Sgt. Urs Breitenmoser said the guards hope to replace their existing metal helmets by next year if they can find sponsors to pay for the new ones, which cost around $1,350 apiece, half the cost of the old ones. The Swiss Guards are famous for their billowy blue, red and yellow striped uniforms. According to a history on the guards website, the Gala Uniform was designed by Cmdr. Jules Repond in the early 1900s and is based on the colours of the Medici family. Its only one of several outfits the guards wear. Those policing the Vaticans main entrances don far more sober navy uniforms topped with a snappy beret for their regular shifts. The corps, which historians consider the oldest standing army in the world, was founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II. Tradition has it he was so impressed by the bravery of Swiss mercenaries that he asked them to defend the Vatican. For more than 500 years since, Switzerland has been supplying soldiers to the Vatican. The May 6 date for the annual swearing-in commemorates the day in 1527 when 147 guardsmen died while protecting Pope Clement VII during the Sack of Rome. The new helmets wont protect guardsmen against such threats, however, since theyre plastic and purely ceremonial. Breitenmoser said they would be used for papal masses and state visits. COPENHAGENDanish submarine inventor Peter Madsen will not be appealing his murder conviction over the killing and dismemberment of Swedish journalist Kim Wall, prosecutors said Monday. In a tweet, prosecutors said Madsens defence team had only appealed against the life sentence that was handed down by the Copenhagen City Court. Prosecutors insist the sentence is correct. Defence lawyer Betina Hald Engmark told Denmarks TV2 that Madsen doesnt confess murdering Kim Wall but that he would like the case to be over with also for the sake of the relatives and witnesses. Read more: Cosby verdict, Danish submarine conviction and Toronto van rampage bring misogyny to the forefront Danish submarine inventor gets life sentence for torturing, murdering Swedish reporter Kim Wall Madsen was found guilty April 25 of murder, sexual assault and the dismembering of Wall. The Copenhagen court ruled unanimously that Madsen, 47, had lured Wall, 30, onto his hand-built submarine with the promise of an interview she had been trying to get for months. The defence announced at the time that it would appeal, but didnt specify whether it was disputing Madsens guilt or the sentence. No date for the appeal over the sentence has been set. NORTH BETHESDA, Md.Chelsea Manning is no longer living as a transgender woman in a male military prison, serving the lengthiest sentence ever for revealing U.S. government secrets. Shes free to grow out her hair, travel the world, and spend time with whomever she likes. But a year since former U.S. president Barack Obama commuted Mannings 35-year sentence, Americas most famous convicted leaker isnt taking an extended vacation. Far from it: The Oklahoma native has decided to make an unlikely bid for the U.S. Senate in her adopted State of Maryland. Manning, 30, filed to run in January and has been registered to vote in Maryland since August. She lives in North Bethesda, not far from where she stayed with an aunt while awaiting trial. Her aim is to unseat Sen. Ben Cardin, a 74-year-old Maryland Democrat who is seeking his third Senate term and previously served 10 terms in the U.S. House. Read more: Chelsea Manning to speak at business conference C2 Montreal this month Chelsea Mannings U.S. Senate bid could upend 2018 Maryland Democratic primary Chelsea Manning says she made an ethical decision in leaking classified documents Manning, who also has become an internationally recognized transgender activist, said shes motivated by a desire to fight what she sees as a shadowy surveillance state and a rising tide of nightmarish repression. The rise of authoritarianism is encroaching in every aspect of life, whether its government or corporate or technological, Manning told The Associated Press during an interview at her home in an upscale apartment tower. On the walls of her barely furnished living room hang Obamas commutation order, and photos of U.S. anarchist Emma Goldman and British playwright Oscar Wilde. Mannings long-shot campaign for the June 26 primary would appear to be one of the more unorthodox U.S. Senate bids in recent memory, and the candidate is operating well outside the partys playbook. She says she doesnt, in fact, even consider herself a Democrat, but is motivated by a desire to shake up establishment Democrats who are caving in to U.S. President Donald Trumps administration. She vows she wont run as an independent if her primary bid fails. Shes certainly got an eye-catching platform: Close prisons and free inmates; eliminate national borders; restructure the criminal justice system; provide universal health care and basic income. The top of her agenda? Abolish the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency created in 2003 that Manning asserts is preparing for an ethnic cleansing. Manning ticks off life experiences she believes would make her an effective senator: a stint being homeless in Chicago, her wartime experiences as a U.S. army intelligence analyst in Iraq even her seven years in prison. She asserts shes got a bigger vision than establishment politicians. But political analysts suspect the convicted felon is not running to win. Manning is running as a protest candidate, which has a long lineage in American history, to shine light on American empire, said Daniel Schlozman, a political science professor at Johns Hopkins University. Thats a very different goal, with a very different campaign, than if she wanted to beat Ben Cardin. Mannings insurgent candidacy thus far has been a decidedly stripped-down affair, with few appearances and a campaign website that just went up. In recent days, she approached an anti-fracking rally in Baltimore almost furtively, keeping to herself for much of the demonstration. But when it was her turn to address the small group, her celebrity status was evident. People who never met her called her by her first name and eagerly took photos. Manning has acknowledged leaking more than 700,000 military and State Department documents to anti-secrecy site WikiLeaks in 2010. She said her motivation was a desire to spark debate about U.S. foreign policy, and she has been portrayed as both a hero and a traitor. Known as Bradley Manning at the time of her arrest, she came out as transgender after her 2013 court-martial. She was barred from growing her hair long in prison, and was approved for hormone therapy only after litigation. She spent long stints in solitary confinement, and twice tried to kill herself. The Pentagon, which has repeatedly declined to discuss Mannings treatment in military prison, is also staying mum about her political ambitions. Democratic Party officials say they have no comment, citing a policy not to weigh in on primaries. Republican operatives are quiet. In Maryland, a blue state thats home to tens of thousands of federal employees and defence contractors, it appears Mannings main supporters are independents or anti-politics, making them unlikely to coalesce politically. She recently reported contributions of $72,000 (U.S.) on this years first quarterly finance statement, compared with Cardins $336,000. The candidate has barely made an effort at tapping sources of grassroots enthusiasm outside of activism circles. And its easy to find Democrats who feel her candidacy is just a vehicle to boost her profile. It feels to me almost like its part of a book tour that this is her moment after being released from prison, said Dana Beyer, a transgender woman who leads the Gender Rights Maryland non-profit and is a Democratic candidate for state senate. I dont think this is a serious effort. Manning is indeed working on a book about her dramatic life. For now, she says she supports herself with income from speaking engagements. Shes spoken at various U.S. colleges and is due to take the stage at a Montreal conference later this month. Last week, she appeared at a tech conference in Germanys capital of Berlin, arriving to cheers from the audience of several thousand people. She told attendees shes still struggling to adjust to life after prison and hasnt gotten used to her celebrity status yet. Theres been a kind of cult of personality that is really intimidating and that is overwhelming for me, she said in Berlin. At her Maryland apartment, Manning told the AP she occasionally wakes up panicked that shes back in the cage in Kuwait where she was first jailed, or incarcerated at the Marine base at Quantico, Va., where a UN official concluded shed been subjected to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. She works hard to overcome anxiety, centring herself with yoga, breathing exercises, and reading. Ive been out for almost a year now and its becoming increasingly clear to me just how deep the wounds are, she said in her Spartan living room. Asked how she would define success, Manning responded with passionate intensity: Success for me is survival. OKLAHOMA CITYTwo Republican candidates for governor of Oklahoma urged GOP Gov. Mary Fallin Monday to sign legislation allowing adults to carry handguns without a permit amid growing opposition from some of the states top law enforcement officials. Oklahoma currently requires a license to carry a handgun openly or concealed and charges handgun license applicants a fee of up to $200. But gun rights supporters, including GOP gubernatorial candidates Gary Richardson and Dan Fisher, a former state representative, said they believe the Second Amendment gives citizens the right to carry firearms without government interference. This is an unalienable right, Fisher said. Were hoping to get Gov. Fallin to sign it and respond to what I believe is the overwhelming will of the people. Read more: In the U.S., the latest mass shootings all have something in common: the AR-15 Mass shootings wont stop until Americans get outraged and stay outraged Vote them out! U.S. students demanding gun control fill the streets of Washington The constitutional carry bill, similar to others in effect in a dozen other states, would authorize people 21 and older and military personnel who are at least 18 to legally carry a handgun, either openly or concealed, without a state-issued license or permit. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, which issues handgun licenses under the Oklahoma Self-Defence Act, said in a statement last week that the bill eliminates the training requirement for carrying a firearm as well as an extensive background check process that includes mental health and court records. State bureau of investigation officials said eliminating state handgun licenses would also impact its budget, reducing revenue by $4.7 million a year due to lost application fees and forcing the elimination of as many as 60 positions. Fisher said he recommends that anyone who handles firearms receive training. But In the end, its not lack of training that causes people to use guns to kill people, its lack of morals, Fisher said. When you look at what s going on with the misuse of firearms, it has nothing to do with training, its bad guys. Richardson said he would sign the bill in spite of law enforcements concerns. Its constitutional law, Richardson said. We cant have a constitution thats based on peoples habits. The state of Oklahoma, as many other states have done, has made a privilege out of a right by charging one a licensing fee to secure that right, said McCray of Manchester, Okla. All this is to me, in my opinion, is a money grab and theyre making me pay for a privilege when its a right. Its a constitutional right that a person be able to defend themselves without permission from the government, said Don Spencer of Meridian, Okla., president of the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association. Fallin has not said whether shell sign the measure that lawmakers approved last week. The Republican has expressed support for Second Amendment rights but has vetoed other gun rights legislation in the past. WASHINGTONBobby Amos stood outside of an Episcopal church in Alabama last spring, begging police to kill him. He had been suicidal earlier and held a gun to his head, his wife said, and she had hidden the weapon at the church, where he had followed her to retrieve it. There was little to indicate that Amos, 39, was a danger to anyone but himself that day. He was arrested unarmed outside the church, in need of treatment and counseling, according to his lawyer, Fred Tiemann. Police recovered the pistol from the building. Federal prosecutors, citing Amos conviction of felony robbery as an adult at age 15, instead charged him with illegally possessing a firearm. He pleaded guilty in November and is serving a three-year sentence in federal prison. Urged by Attorney General Jeff Sessions to punish offenders as harshly and as quickly as possible, federal prosecutors have increasingly pursued low-level gun possession cases, according to law enforcement officials and an examination of court records and federal crime statistics. Amos conviction was part of the Justice Departments broad crackdown on gun violence during the first 15 months of the Trump administration. Sessions is putting into action his own long-held views on criminal justice, forged as a U.S. attorney in Alabama during the drug war. They reflect a philosophy popular among conservatives and long backed by the gun lobby: that the effective enforcement of existing laws can reduce crime without resorting to the passage of additional legislation. I believe very strongly in enforcing gun laws, Sessions said in an interview with the far-right Breitbart News this year. I believe theres no value in having them on the books if theyre not prosecuted. Sessions approach has touched off a debate about whether he is making the country safer from violent crime, as he and U.S. President Donald Trump have repeatedly vowed to do, or devoting resources to low-level prosecutions that could instead be put toward pursuing bigger targets like gun suppliers. Its a good idea to enforce the existing gun laws, said Avery Gardiner, co-president of The Brady Campaign, a nonprofit coalition that works to combat gun violence. Thats something prosecutors should do. But going only after the people who are purchasing the guns illegally is only part of the story. Local police, who have for years sought more muscle from federal law enforcement, welcomed Sessions more aggressive approach. We have been trying to send a message, said J. Thomas Manger, president of the Major Cities Chiefs Association, which represents police departments across the country. The bad guys have a real fear of federal prosecutions versus state prosecutions. Penalties for federal gun convictions are steep. On average, firearms defendants spend six years in federal prison. If they are convicted under the two statutes requiring mandatory minimum sentences, that average jumps to 11 years. In the three months following a directive from Sessions last year to pursue gun crimes, possession cases a relatively routine charge rose nearly a quarter. That was part of a 15 percent increase in all federal gun prosecutions in the first nine months of 2017. Three out of every four federal gun charges filed in the 12 months starting in October 2016 were under a statute forbidding felons from owning or transporting a gun, according to Syracuse Universitys TRAC database, which monitors gun crime statistics. The period encompasses both the end of the Obama administration and the first several months of Sessions term. Three law enforcement officials described a newfound interest among prosecutors in taking on smaller gun cases referred to in law enforcement parlance as one-man, one-gun cases for their narrow effect. Such cases had long been left to state and local prosecutors, freeing Justice Department officials to focus on broader investigations of interstate gun trafficking and criminal networks. But few law enforcement officials want to make a priority of prosecuting low-level offenders, one said, describing simmering concern that the pressure from Sessions will lead prosecutors to prioritize conviction totals over their impact on crime. When Tiemann sought leniency for his client, prosecutors pointed to Sessions policy, he said, telling him that they were now required to pursue the most serious charge and the most serious punishment available. Prosecutors initially sought to charge Amos with an offense that carried a sentence of up to 15 years before settling on a lesser charge, Tiemann said. Richard Moore, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, which prosecuted the case, said Amos conviction record speaks for itself. Consistent with Department of Justice policy, we charge and pursue the most serious, readily provable offense, said Moore. Supporters of Sessions initiatives acknowledge the politics of his approach and remain wary it could be used to sap energy from further legislative or regulatory efforts to combat gun violence, like regulating assault weapons or increasing background check requirements. We certainly are hoping for some additional legislative fixes by Congress, Manger said. It is difficult to judge the effect of Sessions initiatives. Many offenders charged with federal gun laws in 2017 are just now going to trial or being sentenced, and some of the cases could still be moved out of the federal system. Federal firearm prosecutions have historically ebbed and flowed, often spiking in the years following significant court decisions or large-scale mass shootings. After steadily dropping since 2004, prosecutions began increasing again in 2015, according to the TRAC database. People convicted of firearms-related crimes make up more than 17 percent of the federal prison population, the second-biggest group after drug offenses, Justice Department data showed. Ninety-six percent of defendants convicted of a federal firearms offense in 2017 were sentenced to prison. Enforcement isnt always the solution to those different types of crimes, said Inimai Chettier, director of the justice program at New York Universitys Brennan Center for Justice. The result might be to increase the federal prison population without a correlating reduction in crime. WASHINGTONMelania Trump on Monday gave her multipronged effort to promote the well-being of children with a minimalist new motto: BE BEST. The first lady formally launched her long-awaited initiative after more than a year of reading to children, learning about babies born addicted to drugs and hosting a White House conversation on cyberbullying. As a mother and as first lady, it concerns me that in todays fast-paced and ever-connected world, children can be less prepared to express or manage their emotions and often times turn to forms of destructive or addictive behaviour such as bullying, drug addiction or even suicide, she said in prepared remarks. Read more: Melania Trump cant go outside, hides strong personality, says French first lady Opinion | Emma Teitel: Its obvious that Melania doesnt seem to like Donald Trump. Why dont they just call it quits? Melania Trumps parents are legal permanent residents. Experts say that means they likely relied on chain migration, which Donald Trump has condemned I feel strongly that as adults, we can and should be best at educating our children about the importance of a healthy and balanced life, Mrs. Trump said. The first lady said early on that she would focus on child well-being. The goal of her public awareness campaign is to encourage parents and other adults to teach children how to be good citizens, including being kind, not bullying on social media or anywhere else, staying away from drugs and taking care of themselves. The campaign will focus on the issues of well-being, social media and opioid abuse, she said. If we truly listen to what our kids have to say, whether it be their concerns or ideas, adults can provide them the support and tools they need to grow up to be happy and productive adults who contribute positively to society and their global communities, said Mrs. Trump, who made the announcement in the White House Rose Garden as President Donald Trump looked on from the audience. Mondays announcement followed a period of high visibility for a first lady who once had a scant public presence around the White House. Last month, she joined her husband to host the prime minister of Japan at the Trumps Florida estate and the president of France at the White House. She also represented the administration at the April funeral of former first lady Barbara Bush. Mrs. Trumps announcement also came as her husband remains under intense legal pressure from a special counsels investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and is facing questions over $130,000 in hush money paid by one of his attorneys to a porn actress who says she had sex with Trump in 2006. Trump denies her accusation. During nearly 16 months as first lady, Mrs. Trump demonstrated her interest in children by visiting with young hospital patients in the U.S. and during overseas trips with the president, often reading to them and encouraging them to do their best. Her interest in the opioid drug crisis, developed during the presidential campaign, has taken her to care centres and hospitals in West Virginia and Ohio to learn about the epidemics effect on babies born to mothers addicted to the powerful painkillers. She convened a White House roundtable on the issue last fall. In March, the first lady hosted representatives of the major online and social media companies at the White House to discuss cyberbullying and internet safety. That meeting came more than a year after she promised to use her White House platform to discourage cyberbullying. Her choice was ridiculed almost immediately, given her husbands longtime habit of calling people names on Twitter, but Mrs. Trump said the criticism wouldnt discourage her from doing what she thinks is right. She said Monday that social media is too often used in negative ways and that it is important for children to learn positive online behaviours at a young age. I do believe that children should be both seen and heard, and it is our responsibility as adults to educate and remind them that when they are using their voices whether verbally or online they must choose their words wisely and speak with respect and compassion, the first lady said. Modern first ladies typically highlight personal causes; Nancy Reagans campaign to get kids to Just Say No to drugs; the emphasis the late Barbara Bush and her daughter-in-law, Laura Bush, placed on literacy and education; and Michelle Obamas signature Lets Move campaign against childhood obesity, which she launched about a year after moving to the White House. Mrs. Trump took a little more time to pull her initiative together. She did not live in the White House for the first five months of the administration to avoid having their son, Barron, 12, change schools during the year. She has a smaller staff than her predecessors and only hired her policy director in January of this year. The first lady plans said she will travel as part of the initiative. ___ Read more about: My friend was killed last week. These are words that still riddle me with shock and disbelief, so I will say again: my friend was killed last week. He was riding his motorbike when a truck smashed mercilessly into him, and he died instantly. This good, fine, strong man in the prime of his life was suddenly, grotesquely taken from his wife and mother, and all of those who knew and loved him. The mourning is tangible, and thick with sorrow and agony. And beyond those who knew him so closely, are those who were helped and made complete by him. They are numerous, perhaps beyond counting. Because my friend Rob Fead was a priest. Originally a Roman Catholic clergyman, he later became an Anglican, and was admired beyond words in his church of St. Judes in Oakville and his diocese of Niagara. I had the pleasure and privilege of working with him for all of 2017, and he made me a kinder, wiser person. He was my teacher and my colleague, my helper and my supporter. Part of my grief is that while I certainly thanked him, Im not sure I ever made him aware of the monumental debt of gratitude that I owed this invincibly humble man of God. That, of course, is so often the way. We leave things terribly late, and are too clumsy and lazy to tell our loved ones especially our parents how much they mean to us. Rob would probably have been embarrassed by it all, and told me that it was nothing. It wasnt, however. In some ways it was everything. In these days of understandable cynicism about organized religion, and suspicion toward the clergy in particular, the work and achievements of Rob Fead should be roared. He was, if you like, the real thing. He didnt so much live by the Gospel, but lived in the Gospel whispering its compassion, truth, and reassurance. He was an army chaplain too, and in 2014 presided over the funeral of Corp. Nathan Cirillo, the reservist who was killed while standing guard at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. My job, in the midst of all that chaos and fear, was to bring some sense of hope, he said. Hope was precisely what he did bring to all those who knew him. We sometimes visited hospitals together, spending time with people close to the end of their lives, often in lonely discomfort and sometimes in physical pain. As the darkness hovered, Rob managed to show them the light. He held them close, and this robust and tough fellow became the personification of gentleness. The first time I saw it I wept. Rob was a priest, I am a Christian, and its at times like this that we naturally ask for explanations and answers. There are shelves of books written about why bad things happen to good people, and the injustice of it all, and I am not going to address that open wound in a newspaper column. I will say that the Christian view is that the world certainly isnt fair, and that its grace rather than karma that informs our faith. No, we dont always get what we deserve during our lives, and that goes for the sinner, as well as for the saint. This is merely the land of shadows, and real life has yet to begin. I am convinced that a genuine relationship with God is based on a dialogue, even sometimes a heated argument, and Ive no doubt that Rob is at the heart of that perfect discussion right now. Yet no amount of certainty about God, and love for Christ, will expunge the grief and the sense of emptiness. He was taken far too early, and that biting reality cannot be escaped. What can be said is that he left the world a different place from what it had been before him, that he made it just a little better, splashed it with joy and empathy, and reminded us that were here to care rather than to judge, and to help rather than to hurt. That is quite the legacy. Goodnight my friend, goodnight. Until we meet again. SC order on petitions challenging Khaleda's bail today The Supreme Court (SC) is set to deliver its order on Tuesday on the leave-to-appeal petitions challenging BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's bail that the High Court granted her in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case. The full bench of the appellate division, led by Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain, is going to pass the order in the morning. Khaleda Zia's lawyers, meanwhile, voiced high hope that the apex court will grant Khaleda bail considering her health condition, age and social status. "We're completing all the necessary preparations to place our arguments before the highest court in favour of granting her bail in the case," Mahbubuddin Khokon, Khaleda's one of the lawyers, told UNB. He said, they will focus on the bail precedence alongside her falling health condition in jail during their arguments. Khokon said, they are confident that the Appellate Division will uphold the High Court's bail to Khaleda on Tuesday. The BNP chief's another lawyer, Kayser Kamal, said there is no example in the subcontinent that any convicted person with five years' jail term was not granted bail. "So, we'll highlight the historic bail precedence." He said, all the grounds are there in the BNP chief's case to give her bail considering her social position and dignity as she is a woman, former prime minister, 73-yar-old person and seriously ill. "So, we're sure that she's going to get bail from the highest court." On March 19, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court stayed Khaleda Zia's bail till May 8 in the graft case in which she was convicted by the lower court and sent to jail. The SC also allowed the State and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to file petitions against the HC order that granted bail to Khaleda. On February 8 last, the Dhaka Special Court-5 convicted the former Prime Minister and BNP chairperson and sentenced her to five years' imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case. She was then sent to old central jail at Nazimuddin Road in the city. She secured four months' bail from the High Court in the case on March 12. On March 15, the ACC and the State filed two leave-to-appeal petitions before the Appellate Division challenging Khaleda Zia's bail secured from the High Court in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case. Later, the Appellate Division stayed Khaleda Zia's bail till May 8 in the case. Meanwhile, Khaleda Zia asked her lawyers to bring the matter of her 'serious illness' to the notice of the Supreme Court during the hearing on her bail in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case on Tuesday as they went to meet her on May 5. Last Thursday, the CBC reported Toronto Police had closely monitored Black activists within Black Lives Matter during the groups 2016 protest outside Toronto City Hall and police headquarters. Concurrently, they had kept files on the social media postings of Desmond Cole, a journalist and activist. This scrutiny of journalists by police is disconcerting. Canadas press freedom global score, as measured by Reporters Without Borders, has slipped in the past year. The organization pointed particularly to how in Quebec, provincial police spied on the phones of six reporters during a 2013 investigation; reporters only learned of this in late 2017. The policing of activist groups also represents a danger to civil rights. This includes extensive monitoring of Indigenous activism, especially at the height of Idle No More, as reported by Vice News. By calling Indigenous ant-pipeline protesters a coalition of like-minded violent extremists in policing records, the RCMP are being antagonistic, said authors Andrew Crosby and Jeffrey Monaghan. Activists who erected a teepee on Parliament Hill as a protest on Canada Day were also closely watched by the RCMP. Under the guise of intelligence-gathering and security, the police apparatus in Canada pre-emptively tar activist movements as violent. This allows them to create the suspicion of violence without much rationale for it. For example, in the case of Desmond Cole, a detective in the polices intelligence Services Unit wrote in an email: Desmond Cole is on 1010 radio right now talking about Police shootings. The detective added, Nothing new about his tone or rhetoric. Toronto Police would not explain to CBC why this had caught their attention. Last year, documents obtained by the Guardian revealed the New York Police Department intimately infiltrated Black activists groups that were organizing in protest of the death of Eric Garner: Emails show that undercover officers were able to pose as protesters even within small groups, giving them extensive access to details about protesters whereabouts and plans, reporter George Joseph said. This intimate access appears to have helped police pass as trusted organizers and extract information about demonstrations. Where violence is a valid concern, police should intervene. But intense monitoring of activist groups activities is cause for concern. It can have dangerous consequences. As Crosby and Monaghan note, the polices desire for security and order results in the criminalization of dissent. Intelligence and surveillance activities can overstate the extremism of movements, thus priming police to meet peaceful activists with unnecessary force. We ought to be free to disagree without the police describing that disagreement as violent. Read more about: The prime ministers residence at 24 Sussex Drive has won high praise from its National Capital Commission overseers. It is safe to live in but in poor condition which even in hyperbolic real estate terms means it is a total teardown shunned even by bats. I wrote prime ministers plural because all are expected to live there, no matter how leftward or rightful. But the house, built in 1868, hasnt been renovated for 50 years. Rife with asbestos, drafts, mice and housey things, like strange odours and dripping taps, it cannot be repaired unless Canadians get over their status anxiety about politicians being all fancy. Who do PMs think they are, wanting homes they can invite dignitaries to without waving their arms about to distract them from cracks in the walls and ceilings. Oh, and the toilet handle sticks, just wiggle it a bit. Maybe theres a body behind it, like that Calgary womens washroom. Ha ha! The Austrian ambassador thinks of Fritzl, blanches. Provincial premiers are sympathetic but foreigners have been unnerved. Whats that funny smell? British officials asked, antsy about novichok, polonium and other Russian whatnot. So Prime Minister Trudeau and his family live in Rideau Cottage, which has tiny windows, a glued-on portico that does the house no favours and frankly, zero curb appeal. Did you know we make them pay for their own internet? The PM needs a new plane too, one with Wi-Fi and a place to stretch out. What if the plane crashed and we had to explain why he flew on the equivalent of a refurbished laptop? Some Canadians resent the PMs accoutrements of power as much as they bridle at his irrelevant photogeneity. Dont pass it on, but we are a small-minded people. The CBC follows this clickbait story regularly to attract Toronto and Vancouver readers breaking out in real estate hives. The latest news is that the Trudeau family has meals sent over from 24 Sussex. There are no details but the Angry Pyjamas from an earlier and worse (for women) era are raging. Why doesnt Trudeau make Sophie do the cooking? Perhaps the PM likes asbestos on his lamb chops. Or maybe hes like me and his current kitchen is a no-go area, the kind that Pres. Trump says London is packed with, terrorist-wise. The sinks wonky, the faucets like a water cannon and the oven has moods. We are living at home during a kitchen reno, camping out in the basement and looking at dinner options, all canned. Tonight, it could be Amys Organic Lentil Soup, Amys Organic Vegetable Barley Soup, Amys Organic Cream of Mushroom Soup, or Amys Organic Black Bean Vegetable Soup. But we have no means of boiling for five weeks and Im told you cant put cans in the microwave, so it will be room temperature Blue Menu chickpeas again. A reno is like a camping trip, except inside the house and without the fragrant Algonquin charm. We are a kitchen contractors lab rats. Perhaps Trudeaus chef detests the Rideau Cottage kitchen, which retains an icebox from the 1920s. And even if the PM had the time away from the economy, pipelines, war, senators, Trump, climate change and gender equality, maybe he cannot cook. I hear you, Mister PM! I cannot cook either, and that was before the renovation. Peoples reno miseries are as boring as their dreams. If Canadians became slightly less petty, the PM, with a second house, could watch the 24 Sussex renovation along with us online. It would teach us about modernizing in the greenest possible way, insulation, aging in place, childproofing, and choosing the right countertops. I hate underfloor heating. I like a bevelled edge. Discuss. In the meantime, someones making banana bread at 24 Sussex but the bananas are green. The brown bananas are at Rideau Cottage. Chef retrieves them. Chef forgot the metric teaspoons, goes back to get them. Wheres the wax paper? Chefs making hissing noises, dont bother her now, little Hadrien. If Chef has his way, the next PM will live in 24 Sussex but only in the kitchen, while the hammering, sawing and drilling drive the family mad. Because this is Canada and nice houses are only for jumped-up snooty people. Its a Canadian fact, brought to you by CanFax, your Canadian Fact Ministry. Heather Mallick is a columnist based in Toronto covering current affairs. Follow her on Twitter: @HeatherMallick is a columnist based in Toronto covering current affairs. Follow her on Twitter: Read more about: MONTREALInasmuch as the first task of a political leader should be to do his or her party no harm, Andrew Scheers maiden appearance on Tout le monde en parle the first ever of a federal Conservative leader was a success. Over his tenure, Stephen Harper never graced the set of the much-watched Radio-Canada talk show, a fact that can be chalked up to the counterproductive passive-aggressive communications approach that was a defining feature of his leaders watch. An appearance on the TLMREP might have gone some way to blunt the robotic image that stuck to the former prime minister in Quebec. Indeed, the first part of Scheers mission on Sunday was to step out from the shadow of his predecessor. Among recent prime ministers, Harper will go down in history as the least liked by Quebecers. The good news for his successor is that, with the bar so low, he could not but exceed expectations. There is no doubt Scheer convinced the audience that he is a sunnier version of the unloved Harper. But he also spent his 15 minutes in the spotlight trying hard to straddle the gap between his partys ideological make-up and the mainstream of Quebec politics. That started with an assurance that if he became prime minister and despite his own social conservative credentials, Scheer would not attempt to turn back the clock on abortion rights, same-sex marriage and medically assisted suicide. To anyone following federal politics closely, that disclaimer has by now become familiar. But it is worth noting that none of the many leaders provincial, federal or municipal who were on TLMEP over the 14 years of the shows existence had any association with the agenda of the religious right. For most Quebec voters, a social conservative federal leader is almost as exotic as one wearing a turban. The bulk of Scheers interview involved a lot of good-natured ducking. In a province where carbon pricing is not a wedge issue he shot blanks at Justin Trudeaus proposed carbon tax. Quebecs decision to join a cap-and-trade carbon market preceded the Liberal return to federal power and no provincial party is talking about walking back that policy. As for the pipeline debate and his partys vocal advocacy of the Trans Mountain expansion, the Conservative leader wisely steered clear of it. The fastest route to a rout in Quebec next year would be a promise to try to resuscitate the now defunct Energy East pipeline. The show was taped on Thursday, the day before Scheers national security critic, Pierre-Paul Hus, advocated the immediate deportation of all irregular asylum seekers from Nigeria showing up at the Quebec/U.S. border. That was a stroke of luck for Scheer might have been hard-pressed to reconcile that stance with Canadas international obligations. As in the case of climate change, he had little meat to put on the bone of his contention that he would handle the migrant issue more efficiently than Trudeau does. The Conservative leader also soft-pedaled his partys anti-tax mantra, at least as it applies to Netflix and other foreign Internet giants. In Quebecs national assembly, there is an all-party consensus that those companies should be under the same obligation to collect and remit the sales taxes as their domestic competitors. Scheer did not close the door to some unspecified action on that front in a yet-to-be crafted party platform. In the same spirit, he would not be pinned down on whether a Conservative government would repeal the legalization of cannabis. Were it not for the Bloc Quebecois leadership crisis, Scheer might have waited a bit longer to accept TLMEPs standing invitation. But the Conservatives are trying hard to fill the vacuum created by the sovereigntist partys free fall in the polls. That has more to do with partisan necessity than with federalist virtue. With some polls pegging the Liberal lead on the Conservatives at more than 20 points Scheer has miles to go before he can feel secure about his prospects in Quebec. The party owes about half of its 11 seats in the province to a favorable four-way split in the vote. With support for both the Bloc and the NDP fading, the Conservatives cannot count on a repeat of the 2015 trend to hold their ground in Quebec next year. Chances are Scheer will be re-invited on TLMEP before the 2019 federal vote. But the list of policy differences that sidelined his party in Quebec remains as long on his watch as it was under Harper. As the election gets closer, it will become harder to paper over those differences with a smile. Chantal Hebert is a columnist based in Ottawa covering politics. Follow her on Twitter: @ChantalHbert Read more about: Though overshadowed by the solemnity of occasion, last months vigil for Torontos van attack victims marked a turning point of epic proportions: Not a single politician was invited to address the crowd. The prime minister was in attendance, as were the premier and the mayor, but none spoke publicly. The occasion was too poignant, too emotional, too meaningful and important to the community to be sullied by the self-seeking offerings of those who would be our masters. Like children in the 19th century, politicians today should be seen and not heard. Besides, had they been given the opportunity, its unlikely we would have heard anything more than tired tropes about thoughts and prayers. Not so long ago, that would have been unthinkable. Lest we forget, those politicians assembled for the memorial were no run of the mill dignitaries or mere office holders, they were senior leaders. Historically, events such as the vigil have been platforms for those in such exalted positions to exercise their oratorical chops, inspire the populace, allay its fears and sadness while proclaiming us one people, united and defiant. When they spoke, they spoke on behalf of us all, Torontonians, Ontarians and Canadians. No longer. Though perhaps we still listen when they hold forth on narrow issues of public policy, our respect for politicians isnt what it once was. Its as if we have outgrown them. They have become a burden, an embarrassment left over from earlier, less complicated times. They hold us back more than they lead us forward. They depend on us more than we depend on them. Those who want to change the world today get a skill and do something meaningful. Those who seek elected office are seen as needy and narcissistic, more preoccupied with power than people. A local example is Torontos transit file; in the time it takes other cities not just those in China to build whole new subway lines, weve wasted countless napkins drawing and redrawing plans. At this point, almost no one can say with any certainty exactly whats on the table and what isnt. A new mayor, a new plan. A different premier, a different priority. Until Kathleen Wynne was told Mitzie Hunter had a chance at winning a seat there, the Scarborough subway extension wasnt a gleam in the Liberal leaders eye. So when the provincial election is held in June and Wynners become losers as expected, no one will be surprised when the city finds itself back at square one. At the same time, we have reached a point where theres little advantage in telling the truth. The lesson of Donald Trump is that facts need not get in the candidates way. If truth is in the eye of the beholder, everything is real and fake at the same time. Journalists have spent countless hours counting Trumps lies but to no avail. Truth is the least of his or his supporters concerns. So welcome Ontarios first 21st-century politician, Doug Ford. The less he says the better. Post-truth and clearly post-verbal, Ford avoids debates whenever he can, hires his own media and reveals his plans in small rooms filled with friendly faces. None of this comes as a surprise. His public pronouncements, whether as a city councillor or leader of the provincial Tories, have a history of backfiring spectacularly. His casual assertion that no one would care if the city closed a few liberries was greeted with howls of outrage. So was his proposal for a Ferris wheel and mega-mall in the Port Lands. More recently, he told a group of developers he would sell off a chunk of the Greenbelt (to them) for housing. The anger that followed was so great Ford dropped his scheme like a hot potato. Through it all, the polls say he will win. Still, the leaders task goes beyond mere governance. His or her job is to articulate a vision for city, province and country and take us there. But then again, maybe not. Though we are a polite and attentive people, were slow to respond to fancy rhetoric, regardless of how empty it might be. Just as well, Canadian politicians are not known for their oratory; the most memorable words ever spoken by an elected official in this country were, Yes, I have smoked crack cocaine. After that, silence is welcome. Christopher Hume is a former Star reporter and a freelance columnist based in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @HumeChristopher Read more about: VANCOUVER At Kitsilano Farmers Market on Sunday, Chilliwack farmer Travis Forstbauer praised a provincial coupon program for lower-income families as brilliant. He said it allowed him to offer healthy, local food to refugees, seniors and young families. StarMetro talked to the second-generation farmer at the markets opening day Sunday, the day after the province announced it was expanding the coupon initiative, thanks to which lower-income British Columbians can find locally-grown vegetables ripe for the picking at more than 145 farmers markets across the province. Adrian Dix and Lana Popham, B.C.s health and agriculture ministers respectively, announced the expansion of the provinces B.C. Farmers Market Nutrition Coupon Program, through which community organizations offer coupons to participants in nutrition and skill-building food literacy programs, including families in need, expectant mothers and seniors. The price of local produce at farmers markets is a barrier for many, Forstbauer said. For the consumer, its tough when you come to a farmers market and see the high prices, he at his market stall, where he was selling eggs, kale, arugula and more. But the low-priced items are products of the industrial system we created, which is inherently destructive. Also, the high prices dont trickle-down as profit to the farmer. It takes a lot of hard work and time to produce food, Forstbauer added. Last year, Forstbauer said he noticed a spike of refugees, seniors and young families taking part in the coupon program. It creates an avenue to connect with people to share knowledge, he said. The expansion will feed $750,000 directly into the coupon program. As a result, the coupon amount provided weekly over four months will increase by $100 per household. In addition, the number of participating households is expected to rise from 3,708 to more than 3,900 by 2020. A lack of living wage jobs and affordable housing are among the biggest barriers to achieving sustainable food security, said Hannah Wittman, University of B.C.s academic director of the Centre for Sustainable Food Systems. Access to nutritious and healthy food in B.C. is socially determined, she explained in a phone interview. But increasing the supply of local food would help by supporting farmland-protection measures, and by enabling new farmers to overcome barriers to growing food locally, she added. In a media release, the province said its coupon program is part of B.C.s efforts to reduce poverty. There is a direct connection between good food and good health outcomes, agriculture minister Lana Popham told StarMetro in a phone interview. The program began in 2007, but Saturdays announcement is the first funding increase, which Popham said is particularly important for many families who struggle to eat nutritious but affordable food. That connection is especially great for kids to see that fruits arent wrapped in plastic and processed in unrecognizable ways, she explained. But that connection benefits the farming community as well, Popham added: Its an economic generator. A former farmer herself, Popham said new consumers develop a loyalty rooted in knowing more about where their food comes from. And for farmers hoping to establish a customer base, she said it creates long-term relationships. Residents and municipalities all over the province are united in their praise for this program, and have been eager to see it continue and grow, she added. The program is delivered by the B.C. Association of Farmers Markets. It will run from June 11 to Oct. 31. Coupons can be redeemed at farmers markets to purchase fruits, vegetables, eggs, nuts, dairy, herbs, meat and fish in 57 communities across the province. Melanie Green is a Vancouver-based reporter covering food culture and policy. Follow her on Twitter: @mdgmedia Read more about: VANCOUVER The provincial government said Sunday it will contribute $2.7 million to help individuals living with dementia and their caretakers access services tailored to their needs. Minister of Health Adrian Dix made the announcement at the Creekside Community Centre in Olympic Village, ahead of the annual Walk for Alzheimers fundraising event one of 23 charity walks happening around the province hosted by the Alzheimer Society of B.C. Dix took part in the walk, alongside B.C. Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson. Its not an NDP or a Liberal thing today, its our thing, Dix told participants. For close to 40 years, he said, the Alzheimer Society had been a critical resource for families and individuals living with the disease. The $2.7 million will go to keep the Alzheimer Societys First Link program going through 2020. The program helps connect people with dementia to physicians and social supports immediately following their initial diagnosis. Dementia impacts roughly 62,000 British Columbians, but is expected to increase by 35 per cent in the next six years, according to the B.C. government. Nine of 10 people living with dementia are over the age of 65, which will worsen as B.C.s population ages. Anne Kang, Parliamentary secretary for seniors, voiced her hope that new funding would go a long way to helping people in need. We want to make sure that we are able to open the conversation and take away the stigma of Alzheimers, Kang told the crowd Sunday. That were all walking together hand-in-hand, because together, were all stronger. Michele Buchignani, former board chair of the Alzheimer Society of B.C., shared a personal story about the toll the disease has taken on her family. Her family has advocated for dementia-awareness for decades, and even raised more than $10 million over the years to support the Alzheimer Society. Seeing the affects of dementia first-hand, and speaking with loved ones affected by Alzheimers, drove home the importance of creating a community in which people are not afraid to ask questions, she said. All of this reinforced my passion to make a difference, Buchignani said, And really lit a fire in me to do what I could to make B.C. a dementia-friendly community. Perrin Grauer is a Vancouver-based reporter covering Canadas drug economy. Follow him on Twitter: @perringrauer Read more about: VANCOUVERBritish Columbians will get to see and hear what a new emergency warning system sent directly to cellphones looks and sounds like on Wednesday. While tests of the new cellphone alert in Eastern Canada on Monday werent exactly hiccup-free, emergency management professionals say the system is long-overdue in Canada. This has been a real gap in our system in the past, said Ryan Reynolds, a disaster preparedness researcher at the University of British Columbia. Weve always had broadcast through television and radio, but increasingly people are turning to their mobile devices in emergencies. Its also the best way to get a hold of people because they always have those devices on them. Read more: Tests for emergency mobile alert messages start across Canada Were just going to be strong for our kids until the end. Canadian family experiences panic, terror at false missile alert in Hawaii During Hawaiis mistaken missile alert, even 911 operators were checking CNN to see if attack was real The system went live on April 6, but the nation-wide test is the first time most people in Canada have encountered the system. Its similar to the system that famously went awry in Hawaii on Jan. 13, when a false alert warned of a ballistic missile threat. A test to people in Quebec and Ontario on Monday was hit-and-miss, with some cellphone users not getting the message. A space incorrectly included in the coding prevented the Alert Ready system from sending the Quebec test message to compatible wireless devices earlier this morning, was the explanation about the problems in Quebec from the Alert Ready website. Pelmorex, the company that operates Alert Ready, also owns the Weather Network. Reynolds said tests like the ones this week are necessary to work out any kinks in the system; he added that after the incident in Hawaii, procedures in similar systems around the world were put in place to prevent false alerts. People in British Columbia will get the test alert message on Wednesday, May 9, at 1:55 p.m. If your phone is on silent, you may not hear the alert, and if your phone is turned off you wont get the alert until you turn it back on. It will be accompanied by similar tests on radio and television. In a real emergency situation, the alert will be followed by information about the event and instructions about what to do or find more information, along with the name of the government agency that is issuing the alert. You cant choose not to receive the alert, and while it may display on your phone like a text message, its not: the alert is sent via a mobile technology called Cell Broadcast that allows messages to be broadcast to all compatible wireless devices within a designated geographical area, according to the Alert Ready website. That technology makes it possible to send alerts to tourists and locals alike. Although the cellphone alerts can be used for just about any emergency, from flash floods to wildfires to chemical spills, Emergency Management B.C. will be using the cellphone alert system only for tsunamis. The provincial agency may expand that use to include other emergencies in the future. People on B.C.s coast were warned about a possible tsunami on Jan. 23, following an earthquake near Alaska. Reynolds recently visited Port Alberni to do followup research. The Vancouver Island town, which experienced a tsunami in 1964, was alerted this January. He said a cellphone alert that is clearly from a credible government agency can reduce the time people spend trying to verify whether information they may be seeing from other sources is true. Were still going through all the data but some of the themes that came out are the communication between officials and individuals is very important, Reynolds said. This (tsunami warning) occurred at 3:00 in the morning, so they had a lot of issues in ensuring that the information was getting out to the right people at the right time. Once people receive the message, its important they know what to do next: where to go, and what to do once they get there, Reynolds said. That kind of came up in the Port Alberni situation because people whod lived there a long time know what to do, but not everyone is fully up to date. Jen St. Denis is a Vancouver-based reporter covering affordability and city hall. Follow her on Twitter: @jenstden Read more about: ALTON May is Mental Health Month, a time to better understand how important mental health is to an individuals overall wellbeing. OSF HealthCare Saint Anthonys Health Center is calling on the community to recognize the mind and body connection. One in five American adults are living with a diagnosable, treatable mental health condition. Its important to really look at our overall health, both physical and mental to achieve a state of wellness, said Susanne Ringhausen, manager of OSF Psychological Services. Finding the right balance of exercise, nutrition, sleep, and stress reduction helps to keep us both physically and mentally healthy. As part of the Mental Health Month recognition, the clinical team of OSF Psychological Services has scheduled a series of free, confidential depression and anxiety screenings. The first screening takes place on Tuesday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m., at OSF PromptCare in Godfrey. Appointments are preferred, but walk-in appointments will be accepted. Screenings will be offered by appointment only on Thursday, May 17, from 1 to 4 p.m., at United Methodist Village, Godfrey; and on Wednesday, May 30, from 3 to 6 p.m., at OSF Saint Clares Medical Office Building, Suite 101. To schedule a confidential appointment for one of the adult depression or anxiety screenings, call 618-474-6240. In light of the recent focus on the opioid reduction in our community, OSF Psychological Services invites clinical professionals to attend a continuing education program entitled, Addressing the Opioid Epidemic: Behavioral Health and the Management of Chronic Pain. The program will be presented by Dr. Shannon Walker, Licensed Clinical Psychologist with OSF Psychological Services, on Wednesday, May 23, from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Check-in and continental breakfast begins at 8 a.m. The program is free and offers 2 CEs. Learning objectives are: Learn about psychological techniques for coping with chronic pain. Understand the importance of treating depression and anxiety related to chronic pain. Learn how behavioral health treatment can mitigate fear and anxiety associated with opiate reduction. Understand the benefit of integrating medical and behavioral health services for the management of chronic pain. To register for the continuing education program, visit osfsaintanthonys.org and click on View Classes & Events. OSF Saint Anthonys Psychological Services offers outpatient counseling provided by experienced and trained mental health professionals who specialize in treatment for stress, anxiety, depression, drug-alcohol abuse, marital-family conflicts, parenting issues, PTSD and other life concerns. Counseling is available for adults, adolescents and children ages 6+. For more information about OSF Psychological Counseling Services, call 618-474-6240. EDWARDSVILLE Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor Randy Pembrook oversaw the 2018 Spring Commencement exercises Friday and Saturday, May 4-5 for 2,091 eligible graduates. All the ceremonies are available on siue.edu/tv. Pembrook saluted the graduates for their community service and commitment to shaping a changing world. The complimented the students on their approach to making a difference and resolving injustice in the world. He quoted Winston Churchill, We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give. The exercises began Friday morning with School of Business students receiving their undergraduate degrees. Brian Watson, who earned a bachelors in business economics and finance, was the student speaker. Watson chose to echo the words of Benjamin Franklin, Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning. As diverse as this group is, the reasons we all chose SIUE are even more diverse, Watson continued. But, we all did, and we have been changed for good! SIUE has provided us with the environment and opportunities we needed to grow and develop into the accomplished, eager, passionate and motivated people we are today. Former SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during the School of Nursing ceremony Friday afternoon. Vandegrift delivered advice on three points. Seek professional opportunities that will fulfill your potential, even if they frighten you. According to President Calvin Coolidge, the most common commodity in this country is unrealized potential. Be an active person. Remember the adage, if you want something done, ask a busy person. Continue to build on areas of strength and recognize areas where additional support is needed. He finished by quoting Thomas Edison, Genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration so, work hard. For the first time, the School of Nursing combined its traditional pinning ceremony with commencement. Wesley Gallagher, who earned a doctorate in nursing practice/nurse anesthesia, served as the student speaker. He told the story of his own life challenges in attaining his degree and called upon the words of Mahatma Gandhi, Be the change you wish to see in the world today. Just as the SIUE School of Nursing has made a difference in our lives, we must now make a difference in the lives of others, Gallagher continued. To the students from the Graduate School, we must utilize the theoretical and clinical knowledge we have honed at SIUE to take our seat at the table with the rest of the healthcare leaders. We must not wish for a solution, but be the solution, to the innumerable problems that exist in this countrys healthcare system. To the undergraduates, this point in your journey is not the end; it is the beginning. The Graduate School concluded the first day. David Groves Jr., who earned a masters in Education/College Student Personnel Administration, was the student speaker. The Graduate School ceremony included all graduate students except for those in the Schools of Nursing and Pharmacy. Groves overcame a lack of support at another institution before arriving at SIUE and flourishing. He used music as inspiration. Im leaving SIUE with the necessary tools to pursue a career in student affairs where I can inspire students, like myself, who are sometimes just in need of a strong mentor, he said. One of the primary things that got me to this point was music. It constantly provided the motivation that tomorrow would occur, as long as I prepared for today. Not only music, but my family who also are all present today, friends who constantly provided laughter in times of fear, CSPA family, and mentors such as Dr. Earleen Patterson and Dr. Jessica Harris. I know we all have people in this room who have offered us guidance and support along this journey. For that, we thank you! Ceremonies resumed this morning with the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior. The morning student speaker was Mario Kassa, who received a bachelors in exercise science. The international student said, Our education and experiences at SIUE have made us well-rounded and competitive applicants for whatever we decide to pursue in life. The diversity and inclusion fostered on this campus have allowed us to be our true selves, while embracing the differences of our fellow Cougars. Some of you have left your home countries to receive an education at SIUE. You had to navigate the challenges associated with life in a new country. Some of you have dual responsibilities, like raising a family while working full time. Some of us are first generation college students or non-traditional students. These diverse stories and backgrounds have shaped each of our journeys, and ultimately, the SIUE experience. The first College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) session began the afternoon session. The student speaker was Hannah Smith, who earned a bachelors in political science. Smith explained how her grandmother purposefully sees the good in everyone she encounters. You see, we will always have one of two choices in life: we can choose to look at the sunshine in our lives, or become fixated on the shadows. The same extends to how we view one another. I believe the heroes in our lives are those who bring us that constant sense of optimism and hope, our personal sunshine. At Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, it seems I have met so many of those amazing individuals. Vietnam War veteran and Bronze Star recipient, Senator William Bill Haine was honored with the Universitys Distinguished Service Award during the first CAS ceremony. He described life as a series of adventures and that the graduates had just completed one. My advice to you is seek out adventure and take chances, Haine said. Also for the first time, the School of Pharmacy combined its traditional hooding ceremony with commencement in the Morris University Centers Meridian Ballroom. Jamal Sims, who earned a doctorate in pharmacy, provided the student address. Sims recalled their journeys as pharmacy students and asked them to remember that all of our stories are different and we all encountered different obstacles on our journey to graduation. But, those obstacles made us all stronger students and now stronger pharmacists. Be sure to take this into account when it comes to our patients. They will all have different struggles, different backgrounds and different beliefs. Dont judge. Be patient. Be understanding and be empathetic. It is imperative that we take action in our day-to-day lives as practicing pharmacists to positively impact the lives of those we work with and our patients. The exercises concluded with the second session of CAS students and the School of Engineering. Corwin Fritts, who earned a bachelors in electrical engineering, was the final student speaker. Fritts discussed overcoming self-doubt during his freshman year to persevere and successfully achieve a degree. Today, we will walk across this stage and be handed our hard-earned degree. Some might call it a very expensive piece of paper, but I disagree! Our degree is a symbol of all we have learned, how we have grown and what we have accomplished. We cannot fit the knowledge we have accumulated here on a piece of paper. We cannot put our friends that we have gained on a piece of paper. We cannot put the life skills that we have cultivated on a piece of paper. Men and woman have spent their lives condensing these things into novels! Our degree is a symbol of what we are capable of and that constant reminder is incredibly valuable. Israeli minister threatens Assad over any Iranian attacks from Syria JERUSALEM (Reuters) : Israel could respond to any Iranian attack on it from Syria by toppling Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government, an Israeli security cabinet minister said on Monday, hinting that Assad himself may be targeted for assassination. Israel's Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz is seen during a quadrilateral Ministerial Summit in Nicosia, Cyprus December 5, 2017. REUTERS/Yiannis Kourtoglou Israel and Iran have traded blows over Syria since February, stirring concern that major escalation could be looming ahead of next week's review decision by U.S. President Donald Trump on the 2015 international nuclear deal with Tehran. On April 9, an air strike killed seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps members at the Syrian base. Tehran blamed Israel and vowed unspecified retaliation, drawing Israeli counter-threats to broaden attacks on Iranian military assets in Syria. Sharpening these warnings, Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz said on Monday that Assad may find himself in Israel's sights. "If Assad allows Iran to turn Syria into a military vanguard against us, to attack us from Syrian territory, he should know that would be the end of him, the end of his regime," Steinitz told the Ynet news site. Asked if that meant Israel might assassinate Assad, Steinitz said: "His blood would be forfeit." He also appeared to suggest that his remarks did not reflect Israeli government policy, saying: "I'm not talking about any concrete proposal." There was no immediate response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office or from Israel's Defence Ministry. A Ynet text story had quoted Steinitz as saying explicitly that Israel would kill Assad, but this was not borne out by a video clip of the interview. Iran, Lebanon's Hezbollah militia and Russia have been reinforcing Damascus against a 7-year-old Syrian rebellion. The Israelis worry that Iran's garrison will remain, linking with Hezbollah to form a broad Syrian-Lebanese front against them. On Sunday, Israeli media carried what they described as an alert by Israel's intelligence services that Iran was planning a missile salvo against Israeli military bases from within Syria. Some analysts interpreted the publication as a warning to Iran that its plans were known, lest it try to carry out the missile strike without explicitly claiming responsibility. The incumbent oversees the Missions processing of over 10,000Ugandan security officials for the Congressionally-mandated Leahy Vettingprocess. In so doing, the incumbent must effectively and efficientlycoordinate all Mission Leahy Vetting reviews, procedures, and processeswith the DAO/DATT,OSC, RSO and Consular Section to ensure they have doneappropriate due diligence, provided necessary information on eachcandidate, including unit or other identifying information, and aremeeting realistic deadlines. If deadlines have not been met for reasonsout of U.S. Mission control, and the candidates are a priority, incumbentmust solicit a waiver from Washington-based administrators for expeditedprocessing. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Cardiff Castle on January 18, 2018 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo by Ben Birchall - WPA Pool / Getty Images | Inset: Princess Eugenie and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York at Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on June 19, 2015 in Ascot, England. Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images The Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson has reportedly been snubbed from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's second wedding reception hosted by Prince Charles next week. The 58-year-old writer will watch the happy couple tie the knot at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, Windsor, on May 19 after she was invited to the main event, but she's said to be "unhappy" that she's been missed off the guest list for the pair's private party - which will be attended by 250 guests - at Frogmore House. A source told the Daily Mail newspaper: "Numbers are limited to the evening party, she is not a member of the Royal Family any more and Prince Charles doesn't have time for her. He just can't see why she is still such a big part of his brother's life." The charity patron - who is also known as Sarah Ferguson - fell out with the royal family after her divorce from Queen Elizabeth's second son Prince Andrew, with whom she has daughters Beatrice, 29, and Eugenie, 28, in 1996. Expand Close (L-R) Princess Eugenie Ferguson, Sarah Ferguson,the Duchess of York, and Princess Beatrice Ferguson attend the premiere of "Young Victoria" at the Roy Thompson Hall as part of the Toronto International Film Festival on September 19, 2009 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Jim Ross/Getty Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (L-R) Princess Eugenie Ferguson, Sarah Ferguson,the Duchess of York, and Princess Beatrice Ferguson attend the premiere of "Young Victoria" at the Roy Thompson Hall as part of the Toronto International Film Festival on September 19, 2009 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Jim Ross/Getty Images) However, she was invited back to Balmoral last year as a guest of the queen. This isn't the first time Sarah hasn't made the guest list of a royal event as she wasn't invited to Prince William and Duchess Catherine's wedding back in 2011 at Westminster Abbey, London, and, instead, went on holiday to Thailand instead. However, although Prince Charles and his siblings aren't keen on Sarah, it's believed Harry was the one who insisted she was invited to the wedding ceremony. An insider explained: "He absolutely, 100 per cent wants her there and has told palace officials that in no uncertain terms." The 33-year-old royal will tie the knot with the former 'Suits' actress, 36, in front of the whole world in just under two weeks' time - eight months after they got engaged. Yet again a dress has sparked a furious debate over cultural appropriation in the US, this time after a high school graduate wore a qipao, a Chinese-style dress, to her prom. Twitter-user Jeremy Lam set off the current debate with a tweeted comment after seeing a photo taken at the prom: My culture is NOT your goddamn prom dress. Last year it was Karlie Kloss wearing a kimono for a Vogue cover. Only in America. The responses to Lams tweet have included ethnic slurring, calls for tolerance, sympathy for Lam as the oppressed minority, sympathy for the girl in the prom dress, and claims and counter-claims about the status and meaning of the dress in question, the qipao (pronounced chee-pow). Is it a sacred garment as some have claimed, or, as the girl in the photo responded, is it just a f***ing dress? With thousands of young Chinese-Americans attending high school proms each year, this is unlikely to have been the first time a qipao has served as a prom dress. The problem for Lam and his many likers is that in the tweeted photo of a prom in Utah last week, the girl wearing the red embroidered qipao is white. Her name is Keziah Daum and she joins venerable company. Among famous qipao-wearers of the Western world are Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Nicole Kidman and Anne Hathaway. In the course of this brouhaha, some odd statements have been made about the qipao. Lam himself bizarrely describes its origins as lying in a shapeless garment made for Chinese women to wear when they were doing housework. In its more shapely final form, he advises, it was a symbol of activism and an expression of gender equality. Amy Qin was not much closer to the mark when she wrote in The New York Times: In its original form, the dress was worn in a baggy style, mostly by upper-class women in the Qing dynasty, which ruled China for more than 250 years, until 1912. There is indeed a view that the qipao (literally banner gown) directly evolved from the clothing worn by women of the Qing ruling class, the Manchus, or Banner people. But the relationship is tenuous. Author provided The origins of the dress The word qipao did not make an appearance until the 20th century and was one of a number of words used to refer to the garment. Among those, the most familiar in the English-speaking world is the Cantonese cheongsam (literally long garment). Like many other signs of Cantonese culture in the greater Chinese diaspora, this one is gradually being buried under the weight of Mandarin usage, but it is a reminder that there is more than one way of talking about things in Chinese, and more than one set of attitudes. Author provided It was in Shanghai that the qipao took definitive shape. A browse through fashion features in the Chinese press in the 1920s reveals a mix of elements in various novel designs before the familiar dress appeared. The familiar, figure-hugging dress with its mandarin collar and long side splits finally emerges in the late 1920s. Its status was cemented when the newly established Nationalist government recognised it as formal dress in 1928. In the longer term, the dress has proved to have an ambivalent position in the Chinese cultural landscape. Historically it was more likely to be worn by a call girl than by an activist. During the Mao years it faded from popularity before disappearing altogether, having become a symbol of bourgeois decadence. In China today it is often worn by the bride to her wedding banquet, but is perhaps most commonly used as a uniform for female staff in stores and big hotels. As long as champions of the qipao are calling for the importance of understanding its history before putting it on (and Lam does just this), its complex design origins and historical social status are relevant to the debate. Questions of identity New and revised values can certainly be attached to cultural objects and from this perspective the debate itself is more interesting than its subject. The twittering started in America, but soon enough embroiled mainland Chinese, Hong Kongers, Taiwanese and Singaporeans. Faultlines emerged between people in these various categories. One mainland Chinese person tweeted, qipao is not a Chinese traditional dress at all. I cant stand these Americans calling it sacred to the Chinese culture. What are you talking about lol. The Chinese-Americans have proved themselves not all daunted. They have all studied Identity 101: Its an asian-american thing, tweeted Roses-are-red, because were specifically taught that we gotta hide our chinese identity and assimilate to white culture and then some white chick with a shallow appreciation of chinese culture gets to wear a qipao and suddenly its ~cool and quirky~ Such visceral reactions from both sides suggest that Chinese-white relations constitute only one of many factors shaping attitudes to Chinese culture in the USA. Chinese migration from the mainland is remaking what it means to be Chinese-American. This latest debate is a sure sign that the process is creating anxieties for many. Antonia Finnane, Professor of Chinese History, University of Melbourne This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. After spending five years in a Pakistani jail, A 22-year-old Indian who accidentally strayed into the neighbouring country returned to his home in Barghat in Madhya Pradesh's Seoni district on Sunday. Jitendra Arjunwar had strayed into Pakistan in 2012 when he ran away from his home to visit Ajmer. He was given a warm welcome by his mother and sister. Suffering from sickle cell anemia disease, which requires regular blood transfusion, Arjunwar was lodged in Karachi central jail. His release was made possible by the Pakistan-India Peoples Forum for Peace and Democracy, which took up the matter when Arjunwar was about to be released from jail in June 2014 but failed due to the lack of citizenship documents. On his return to his village, Arjunwar refused to speak on his stay in Pakistan. Authorities who accompanied him from the Pakistan border to his home said that he is severely ill and not in a position to speak much. Social activists from both sides of the border joined the movement when it was known that Arjunwar had accidentally strayed into Pakistan. He was initially mistaken to be a spy and sent to Hyderabad jail in Sindh province of Pakistan. Several human-rights activists, led by Jatin Desai and including Haya Zahid, Ansar Burney, Ali Palh, Haya Emaan Zahid and Altaf Khoso and journalists Beena Sarwar and Allah Bux Arisar joined the campaign to free Arjunwar and last month, the government of India accepted that Arjunwar was an Indian citizen. Since then, the process to facilitate his return to India started on the level of the governments of the two countries. Jitendra Arjunwar (centre) after his arrival in India | Supplied Arjunwar is from a very poor family in Barghat. When his family was informed about his return from Pakistan, they did not even have money to go up to the Wagah border to receive Arjunwar. It was the Seoni police that collected Rs 10,000 from citizens and sent one police inspector along with the brother of Arjunwar to fetch him from the Pakistan border. According to sources, Arjunwar was given special care, and thereby kept alive, in the Pakistan jail because he was suffering from the acute disease of sickle cell anemia. He was taken care of by jail authorities when it was known that he suffers from a rare disease. Arjunwar reached Wagah border on Thursday where he was received by Indian authorities and his brother Bharat. He was immediately taken in a ambulance to Amristsar for an initial medical check-up and treatment. He was brought back to his home from Amritsar by his brother and a local police officer. Elections now appear to follow a set template and the Karnataka polls seem to be no different. As in previous state Assembly elections, 'Pakistan' and 'Mani Shankar Aiyar' have been brought into the campaign. Both have often helped the BJP gain sympathy. In the latest round, BJP chief Amit Shah panned Pakistan and the Congress for their 'love' for Tipu Sultan. As in the past elections, the BJP has been bringing in the 'Pakistan' card to polarise voters. It helps in convincing the fence-sitters to side with nationalistic appeal. The saffron party had hit out at the Congress by referring to its alleged closeness to the neighbouring country. Congress and Pakistan have amazing telepathy. Yesterday Pakistan Government remembered Tipu Sultan, whose Jayanti Congress marks with fanfare and today Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar admires Jinnah. Be it Gujarat or Karnataka polls, I fail to understand why Congress involves Pakistan! pic.twitter.com/isH9GmgET2 Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 5, 2018 Shah tweeted on Saturday, The Congress and Pakistan have amazing telepathy. Yesterday, Pakistan government remembered Tipu Sultan, whose jayanti (birth anniversary) the Congress marks with fanfare and today Mr Mani Shankar Aiyar admires Jinnah. Be it Gujarat or Karnataka polls, I fail to understand why Congress involves Pakistan." Tipu is often criticised as an anti-Hindu ruler who committed atrocities during his rule in Mysore. The Congress government in Karnataka had earlier organised Tipu Jayanti. A few days back, Pakistan had lauded Tipu. Shah had earlier used the 'Pakistan' card during the elections in Bihar, Gujarat and, now, Karnataka. Interestingly, if BJP has been drawing Pakistan into the debate to its advantage, Congress leader Aiyar too has been becoming an issue during elections with his controversial statements. He has a curious timing in making statements especially during the elections, which had helped the BJP. If during the Gujarat elections, he had hosted Pakistani diplomats at his house, which BJP termed was a conspiracy to defeat it, this time around, Aiyar was in Pakistan. During a function on Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Aiyar praised the founder of Pakistan. The BJP quickly pounced on this opportunity to criticise the Congress. Aiyar's comments during the Gujarat elections were repeatedly used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP to create a favourable reaction in the saffron party's favour. Aiyar's comments had even forced party chief Rahul Gandhi to criticise him and distance his party from it. But the damage was done. Later, senior Congress leaders agreed Aiyar's comments helped the BJP. The BJP's attempt in painting Congress as a anti-Hindu party had often paid electoral dividends. To shake off this tag, Gandhi had made it a point to visit temples during the election campaign, as it was evident during the Gujarat elections and now the Karnataka campaign. As the Congress on Monday petitioned the Supreme Court challenging the decision of Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu to dismiss the opposition's notice for an impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, the issue that came under focus was the procedure to be followed in listing the petition and also if the chief justice of India could hear it. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who appeared for the petitionersCongress MPs in the Rajya Sabha Partap Singh Bajwa and Amee Harshadray Yajnikin the court of Justice J. Chelameswar, sought a judicial view on how the petition, which deals with an impeachment motion against the chief justice, be listed. Sibal told the court that the petition has been filed, but it has not been numbered so far. The registrar cannot take orders from the chief justice in this matter, he said. Explaining the rationale behind the petitioners approaching the bench headed by Chelameswar, the senior lawyer said, For 45 years, the practice has been that the listing of a matter that the CJI cannot or is unable to determine has to be decided by the second senior-most judge. Chelameswar referred to the Prasad Medical Education Trust matter, which he had listed before a larger bench and where the decision got struck down swiftly and forcefully by the chief justice, who emphasised upon the chief justice's authority as master of the roster. Sibal countered, That case was different... There was no motion against the chief justice therein... How will the present matter be heard? When will it be heard? Who is to decide who the bench shall compose of? The petitioners sought a judicial view of the matter, so that in the future, the course of action is clear. We are only concerned with the listing... Your lordships may not pass any orders, Sibal said. Earlier, the Congress, when declaring its intent to move the Supreme Court against Naidu's decision to dismiss the opposition notice on impeachment of Misra, had stated that it expected that the chief justice would not be involved with the petition either in its listing or its hearing. It is an unprecedented situation in which a petition that deals with an impeachment motion against the chief justice of India has been moved in the Supreme Court, leading to a debate on how the top court can deal with its listing and hearing. A view expressed by legal experts is that the chief justice cannot hear the petition himself since it deals with an impeachment motion proposed against him. No judge can be a judge in his own cause. This is according to the principles of natural justice, said senior Supreme Court advocate Mahalakshmi Pavani. However, another view is that the four Supreme Court judges who held the press conference cannot hear the petition since the notice for an impeachment motion is based on their unprecedented media briefing, which was held in January this year. Shivaji Jadhav, who is president of the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association, said that since it would not be proper for the matter to be heard by the chief justice, it has to be mentioned before the next senior-most judge in the court. However, complicating matters is the possible argument that the number two judge in the Supreme Court may also find it difficult to hear the matter since he would be a direct beneficiary of an impeachment motion against the chief justice. The full court may have to decide on the petition, he said. The bench comprising Justices Chelameswar and Sanjay Kishan Kaul has asked the petitioners' lawyer to appear before it again on Tuesday. All eyes are now on the two judges as they deal with the unprecedented situation. The Congress' petition, challenging Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu's decision to dismiss the notice for an impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra moved by the opposition MPs, has been listed to be heard by a Constitution bench comprising Justices S.A. Bobde, A.K. Sikri, N.V. Ramana, Arun Mishra and A.K. Goel on Tuesday. Partap Singh Bajwa and Amee Harshadray Yajnik, who are Congress MPs in the Rajya Sabha, moved the Supreme Court on Monday, challenging the decision of Naidu, who is also chairman of the upper house of Parliament, to dismiss the notice submitted by the opposition MPs. They also sought a direction to Naidu to constitute a committee to probe the charges listed against Misra in the impeachment notice. Counsel for the petitioners, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, mentioned the matter before the second senior-most judge in the apex courtJustice J. Chelameswar. The bench, comprising Justices Chelameswar and Sanjay Kishan Kaul, asked Sibal to appear before it again on Tuesday morning as court convened. However, on Monday evening, the cause list released for Tuesday had the petition listed before a five-judge bench comprising judges who rank from six to ten in seniority in the apex court. The matter will be heard by a Constitution bench, which will sit in court number six, the listing notice stated. It was not immediately clear as to who has constituted the bench and assigned the matter to it. The petitioners' counsel had earlier on Monday argued in Chelameswar's court that the CJI could not be involved in either the listing or hearing of the matter, and the procedure in such a situation was that the case would have to be dealt with by the second senior-most judge in the court. We are only concerned with the listing...Your lordships may not pass any orders, Sibal said. In what appeared to be a development related to the listing of the Congress petition before a five-judge bench, it was notified that the Constitution bench in Chief Justice's Court will not sit on Tuesday. Defending the BJP leadership's decision of giving tickets in the upcoming Karnataka elections to mining barons, the Reddy brothers of Ballari and their associates, BJP's chief ministerial candidate B.S. Yeddyurappa said that winning each assembly constituency was important for the party. Yeddyurappa said he was aware of his past experiences with the Reddy brothers and would cautiously move ahead. "All the former and present MLAs of Ballari, including Sriramulu, are with us. While two of them left us, we gave tickets to the rest of them. They will surely win. Victory is equally important," he said. BJP has fielded G. Somashekhara Reddy in Ballari city and his elder brother and former Ballari Lok Sabha member G. Karunakara Reddy in Harappanahalli in Davanagere district. Another brother, Janardhana Reddy, has been barred from entering Ballari, in accordance with his bail conditions in the illegal mining case and is camping near Molakalmuru in Chitradurga district overseeing the campaign of his siblings as also the BJP. Yeddyurappa said Janardhana Reddy had not expected a ticket to contest the Karnataka polls and added that if he felt he should help, he was free to do so independently. "I admit I should move cautiously," he told a meet-the-press programme organised by the Press Club of Bangalore and Bangalore Reporters Guild. Yeddyurappa said he has not forgotten the past. "I am not forgetting (the past incidents of) Reddy brothers. I have told you we will be very careful in future. I know what had happened when I was the chief minister. I will be careful," said the former chief minister. Asked about chief minister Siddaramaiah's accusation that Somashekhara Reddy had been accused of bribing a judge in the cash for bail case, he said the charge was not true and had lost its meaning as the Reddy brothers had been absolved. Somasekhara Reddy has been accused of bribing a judge in the cash-for bail case that involved Janardhana Reddy. He is currently out on bail. Yeddyurappa counter questioned the chief minister, asking him to explain aboutthe cases against their candidate Anand Singh, to whom they had given a ticket and who too had been to jail. To a question on reported differences of opinion between him and party president Amit Shah regarding Janardhana Reddy, Yeddyurappa said the latter was not in the BJP. BJP has publicly distanced itself from Janaradhana Reddy, with party chief Amit Shah recently saying it has nothing to do with him. Yeddyurappa, however, admitted he had met Reddy before Shah had publicly disowned him. "Since the court has denied him (Reddy) permission to canvass in the Karnataka election (at Ballari), he cannot canvass for us. For me winning each and every constituency is important." To a query that Reddy brothers had abused him in public, Yeddyurappa said, "You forget....What about people's opinion? How can they win there then?" Asked how he would face the electorate in Karntaka when he had been to jail on corruption charges, the BJP leader said he has been absolved of all charges by the courts. Yeddyurappa demanded that the chief minister, who has been tauting him, saying he was once a prisoner, explain who gifted him the Rs 70 lakh watch and the reason for it. "Siddaramaiah, who looted and did corruption, talks of Yeddyurappa going to jail. Why are then people giving me 150 seats?" The BJP leader ruled out any possible tie-up with Janata Dal (Secular), headed by former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda, saying that such a question does not arise because his party would get absolute majority. "Even in Badami, defeat is staring at him. Congress is a divided house with three doors, where there are differences of opinion between Siddaramaiah, Mallikarjun Kharge and G. Parameshwara," said Yeddyurappa. There is no Haryana government order banning offering namaz in public spaces, but Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has ruffled communal feathers by making what he later said was a casual remark and clarifying that he did not say anything about stopping anyone from offering namaz anywhere! Khattar, who was an RSS pracharak, till he turned out to be the dark horse pipping many other contenders to the post of chief minister of Haryanaa state where his was not a known name in politicson Sunday commented that it was not right to pray in open spaces. This was in reaction to rightwing groups disrupting the Friday namaz that was being offered in Sector 53 of Gurugram, the Haryana megapolis adjoining the national capital on April 20. The activists raised Jai Shree Ram slogans and shouted, Masjid kis liye banaya hai, as they scared off the people offering namaz, and the video of the disruption went viral. The Gurugram district police arrested six men who figured prominently in the video. But reminiscent of the Kathua rape and murder case, wherein the Hindu Ekta Manch was formed to protest the charge-sheet against the culprits, a Samyukt Hindu Sangharsh Samiti was formed. It supported the arrested persons and demanded a ban on namaz in open spaces. The arrested youth were later released on bail. The SHSS was joined by the Bajrang Dal and VHP among others, and they submitted a memorandum addressed to the chief minister and the district magistrate. In the memorandum, they said the namaz was an attempt to encroach on public spaces. The chief minister clarified his remark, saying it was the government's duty to maintain law and order. But what he said further, before emplaning for an official tour of Israel and the UK, has led to intense fear on what may transpire come next Friday. There has been an increase in offering namaz in the open. namaz should be read in mosques or idgahs, rather than in public spaces, he told a television agency. He also added that the government was all eyes on the situation, and suggested that if there was shortage of places, people should offer namaz at home. Haryana Congress leader and former power minister Ajay Yadav, who has represented the Rewari constituency adjoining Gurugram, smelled political intent behind the incident as well as in the intervention by the chief minister by way of a broadside, rather than ensuring that minority community members offering namaz are protected by the state. It is a vacant patch of land, and Muslims have been offering namaz there for a long time. No one has objected to it or disrupted them. There is not even a temple or any other place of worship nearby. It is pure politics they are playing to communalise the situation ahead of elections in 2019, said Yadav, wondering why the government could not think of allotting them space in that case. He likened it to yoga being performed in parks. A Muslim who supports the Jat-dominated INLD and did not want to be named said there were lately many such obstructions to Muslims praying in the open, and suggested there may be apprehensions that holding namaz could lead to building a mosque in the land that did not belong to them and thus be seen as an encroachment. The issue has also brought into focus the many forms of prayersjagrata, bhandara, kirtans and kawariasthat are held in public spaces including on roadsides. BNP candidate files writ AL candidate may follow the suit Staff Reporter : BNP's mayor runner Hasan Uddin Sarkar on Monday filed a petition with the Supreme Court seeking a stay order on the High Court's decision that halted Gazipur City Corporation election. As an aggrieved person, he filed the writ petition. Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division fixed Tuesday to hold hearing on the petition, Barrister Sanzid Siddique, a lawyer for Hasan Uddin Sarker told The New Nation. On the other hand, Awami League mayoral candidate Jahangir Alam also decided to file a petition with the SC on the same ground, his lawyer S M Shafiqul Islam said. Citing from the petition, Sanzid Siddique said the High Court stayed the Gazipur City Corporation election for three months on Sunday following a writ petition filed by Savar Upazila Awami League leader A B M Azharul Islam alias Suruj, who is not an aggrieved person about the Gazipur City Corporation election. Therefore, his writ petition is not acceptable. Barrister Sanzid also said that the writ petition was filed with the HC from political intention in order to obstruct the process for holding the Gazipur City Corporation polls. Sources said, Awami League mayoral candidate Jahangir Alam came to the SC on Monday evening to file a petition against the HC order. He told journalists, "I want the Election anyway in the interest of the Gazipur City Corporation. We want to do democratic exercise. I seek cooperation from all in the interest of Gazipur City Corporation. So, I have come to file petition against the High Court order." Jahangir Alam's lawyer S M Shafiqul Islam said, they had decided to file appeal against the High Court order and the process was ongoing. The High Court on Sunday stayed the Gazipur City Corporation polls for three months which was scheduled to be held on May 15. The court also issued a rule asking the Election Commission and the government to explain as to why inclusion of six mouzas of Shimulia Union Parishad of Savar should not be declared illegal. The HC bench of Justice Naima Haider and Justice Zafar Ahmed passed the order. Gazipur City Corporation election was scheduled to be held on May 15. Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda announced the election schedule for Gazipur and Khulna City Corporations on March 31. When he was awarded the PhD by Kashmir University in November 2017, professor Mohammad Rafi Bhat had proudly updated his Facebook status. He had also posted a newspaper clipping of the report of the university conferring the doctorate on him. Rafi Bhat was awarded PhD after he had successfully defended his thesis on 'Globalisation And Emerging Trends in Consumerism: A Comprehensive Study of Rural and Urban Kashmir'. He, University sources said, had broken new ground with his research. His thesis had won him the praise of his guide professor Saleem Jehangir, and the university. Recognising his capabilities, the University had appointed him as an assistant professor in the Department of Sociology. He bonded well with the students. Rafi Bhat would often gift them books and research papers on Sociology. Several students said he would spend extra time with them to help them in their studies after university hours. ''He was an outstanding talent,'' sources said. ''He had also qualified the National Eligibility Test twice and was also a Junior Research Fellow (JRF). The university was keen to retain him though he had may job offers.'' On May 5, he took selfies with some of the students after a lecture and exchanged gifts with them. One of the students gifted him a watch. ''He would always tell us to finish our semesters on time with good grades,'' a student said. Bhat preferred research over teaching. His affluent family allowed him the freedom to scout for jobs without worrying about earning a living. He was seriously considering one such offer from Hyderabad University where he had topped the list of aspirants for a post. On May 5, he left the university as usual and told some students that he might take up the offer from Hyderabad University. ''When he didn't show up the next day, I thought he might have gone to Hyderabad,'' said one of the five students who had reached his home at Chunduan in Ganderbal to offer condolence long before his body reached home from Shopian where he was killed along with four other Hizbul Mujahideen militants, including Saddam Paddar, the last of the surviving militants from the infamous 11-Burhan Wani group. ''I cannot believe sir (professor Bhat) has left us,'' said another student, sobbing. ''He hugged me after Friday prayers in the university and said he was going to Hyderabad.'' That evening Bhat didn't return home. His family lodged a missing per son complaint with police the next day morning. On Sunday, (may 6) he called his father, Abdul Rahim Bhat, and told him he was trapped with a group of militants in Shopian. His father was stunned. When did you become a militant, he asked his son. ''I am sorry if I have hurt you and this is my last call as I am going to meet Allah," the young professor said. A shocked Rahim Bhat gave the phone to Rafi's younger brother, but Rafi Bhat hung up. The police then took Rahim Bhat, his son, and Rafi's wife of four years to Shopian to persuade him to surrender. Before that, SSP Shopian Shalinder Mishra had also made an appeal to the militants to surrender. You stop firing and come out. For God's sake stop firing, you will get nothing from this. I am SSP Shopian talking, Mishra said on a public address system. The militants responded with a barrage of fire. In the ensuing encounter, all five militants were killed in less than an hour. Rafi Bhat's 40-hour tryst with militancy had thus come to an end. He was the most educated militant ever. Five hours later, when his body reached his village at Chunduna, hundreds of people had already gathered at there. Peerzada Amin, head of the Department of Sociology at Kashmir University, was among the thousands of people who joined his funeral prayers. Rafi Bhat's last Facebook post was a poem that one of his students had dedicated to him. "Gift from my students. I will remember your love and respect," he wrote. "Allah bless you all." Rafi Bhat's relatives said he never betrayed any signs of joining the militancy. His neighbours said he was very humble and respectful towards elders and children. In the 90s, the neighbours said two of his cousins took to arms. One was killed in 1992, and another disappeared while crossing the Line of Control in 1994. A possible explanation for what led Rafi Bhat to shun a successful career could be understood from his social media posts replete with Quranic verses. One of the verses read, '' My life and my death are for Allah.'' Deep down, he was a very religious man and the daily killings in the state had left him depressed. His Facebook profile read: Human being first then a Muslim. The timeline of his Facebook suggests that he was intellectually inclined towards the religion. Apart from Quranic verses, there are couplets by poet Allama Iqbal and Ghalib and noted Islamic scholars like late Israr Ahmed on his Facebook wall. In one his Facebook posts, he had questioned the government for repeatedly closing schools. In another, he talked about daily killings. Rafi Bhat's death has left his students, friends, and relatives pained. Most of them have expressed shock and dismay over the incident. Pitching for more women in the armed forces, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Monday that her ministry is working day and night to open up the defence sector for women. Women are keen to join the armed forces. This is a voice that I am hearing very often nowadays and in various different places. We are very open-minded about having women come into the services. The decisions, of course, will have to wait because several of them who were in short service commission have gone to the courts asking for permanent commission. These cases are in different courts, Sitharaman said. According to figures provided by the ministry of defence in Parliament, the Indian Army has 1,561 women officers till date, with maximum number, 292, in the Army Ordnance Corps, followed by Army Service Corps and Engineering Corps, respectively. In 2016, the Army figure was 1,512 women officers, while in 2015, strength of women officers in the Army was 1,468. Each of these services have taken their own approach towards getting women a limited option of getting into their force and, as a result, there is no parity within the three services either. Like the Indian Air Force has opened it up for women to be fighter pilots and that is absolutely the front-end and top-notch level to which women can reach, whereas in Army, women are still not up for many of the positions except for the Medical Corps. In Navy, they are gender-neutral but of course, women cannot go into the sea and therefore there are different approaches that are prevailing. I am spending quite sometime with all the three forces to make sure that we take a synchronised position and also approach the court to handle all these cases, which are already there about short service commission women being offered permanent commission, she added. The Indian Air Force has already given combat roles to its women officers, with Avani Chaturvedi becoming the first woman officer to fly a MiG-21 Bison solo and two of her colleagues, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh, are following her. In fact, in the IAF, a number of women pilots have proven themselves, flying helicopters and transport aircraft in high-risk rescue and other missions. Some women pilots have also flown sorties on AN-32 aircraft to the Advanced Landing Ground at Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) in Ladakh. DBO, the world's highest landing ground at 16,500 feet, is close to the Line of Actual Control with China and is a critical supply line to troops posted at the Siachen Glacier. However, the Indian Navy, which has 469 women officers in the service, is yet to allow women on warships. In 2015, only 382 women officers were in the Navy. But in November last year, the Navy broke the glass ceiling by deploying 70 women officers, whom it calls combat aviators on the Navy's most sophisticated anti-submarine warfare aircraft, the US-built Poseidon 8-India (P-8I) and IL-38s used to detect warships and submarines in the Indian Ocean. Shubhangi Swaroop became the first pilot of maritime reconnaissance aircraft and three other women cadets, Astha Segal, Roopa A. and Sakthi Maya S., had also created history by becoming the country's first women officers at the Naval Armament Inspectorate (NAI) branch of the Navy. In recent remarks, Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba claimed that future warships are being modified with 'suitable facilities' to accommodate women crews on board. Sitharaman was speaking at an interactive session Stories that matterjourney of Indias First Full Time Defence Minister organised by the FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO), the women's business wing of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI). We are also taking steps to ease entry of women-led start-ups and provide leverage that gives them equal opportunities, so that they can participate in tendering processes to allow them to enter the defence supply space in various selectors including logistics, Sitharaman said. A tourist from Chennai died after a bus carrying tourists was attacked by stone pelters at Narbal in the outskirts of Srinagar. The bus was on its way to Gulmarg when a mob attacked it with stones. R. Thirumani, 22, a tourist from Chennai, was hit by stones on the nose and forehead. He was shifted to Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Srinagar where he succumbed to the injuries. A police officer said Thirumani was admitted to SKIMS where he started vomiting in the evening. He said the doctors tried to resuscitate him but he died. He said the police has registered an FIR and launched a hunt to nab the attackers. Director of Tourism Kashmir Mehmood Ahmad Shah said he is trying to get more details of the incident. Once we have confirmation of the incident we will share it with the press,'' he said. Seven tourists were injured in the stone pelting attack on tourist bus on May 1 in south Kashmir. On May 2, the stone pelters had also targetted a school bus in Shopian in which a student was injured. The Telangana government on Monday skipped the second conference of finance ministers being held in Andhra Pradesh's Vijayawada over the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission. The state had also skipped the first conference of finance ministers of southern states, held in April. Apart from Telangana, finance ministers of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Odisha, Mizoram and Sikkim also did not turn up. Finance ministers from 11 states with common ideology on fiscal federalism were invited for the meeting, hosted by Andhra Pradesh, of which representatives from Puducherry, Delhi, Kerala, Punjab and West Bengal were present at the meeting. The first meeting was hosted by Kerala and included finance ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry and Karnataka who met to discuss their concerns over the Terms of Reference of the 15th Finance Commission. Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has been trying to project an 'alternative' front to the Congress and BJP in recent months. However, the Congress has accused him of adopting a pro-BJP approach to split opposition votes. Rao's decision to skip a meeting on the emotive issue will only strengthen suspicions of his critics. The 15th Finance Commission, which was set up in November 2017, recognised population as an important criterion for distribution of taxes. The body had said that it would use data from the 2011 Census, while making recommendations for the five-year period, which begins in 2020. However, the southern states wanted the recommendations to be based on the 1971 Census data. The southern states raised concerns over the population-based formula for tax sharing between the Centre and states. US President Donald Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un are likely to meet in Singapore next month, reports said Monday, as anticipation builds for unprecedented talks between the mercurial leaders. Trump said at the weekend that the two sides had settled on a date and location for the summitthe first between a sitting US president and a North Korean leaderwithout providing details. "We'll be announcing it soon," Trump told reporters. The landmark summit will take place in "mid-June", South Korea's Chosun Ilbo daily reported Monday, citing diplomatic sources who quoted Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton. The newspaper suggested that the possibility of Singapore hosting the landmark meeting had "increased greatly", after a decision by Trump to host South Korean president Moon Jae-in at the White House later this month, without giving further explanation. Bolton met his South Korean counterpart Chung Eui-yong in Washington late last week to discuss plans for both locations, according to local media reports. A similar report on the weekend from South Korea's Yonhap news agency also said Singapore was firming as the favoured location for the summit. Trump had previously suggested that the demilitarised zone between the two Koreasthe site of a recent summit between Kim and Mooncould also be an appropriate venue for his meeting with the North's leader. Other possible sites reportedly included Mongolia and Switzerland. Preparations for the landmark meeting have gained momentum since the Korean summit late last month, which saw Pyongyang and Seoul promise to pursue the complete denuclearisation of the peninsula and a formal peace treaty to end the 1950-53 Korean War. North Korea has offered to close its nuclear test site this monthand invited US experts to verify the move. Other less dramatic but notable signs of rapprochement have emerged almost daily, including North Korea moving its clocks forward by 30 minutes early Saturday to match time with the South. President Xi Jinping's thought on socialism is the "Marxism of modern China", a CPC ideologue has said, as the ruling Communist Party celebrated the 200th birth anniversary of Karl Marx acclaiming his ideology as a saviour of the nation. Xi has become the only leader, after the Communist Party of China (CPC) founder Mao Zedong, whose "Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era" has been enshrined in the country's Constitution this year and that of the party last year. The Chinese President's thought on socialism outlines the ideological course China should take to emerge as the most powerful and developed country in the coming decades. "Xi Jinping's thought on 'Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era' is the Marxism of modern China and a new development of Marxism in the 21st century," Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Politburo, said at a symposium yesterday, attended by more than 230 experts and researchers in social science. Besides being part of the seven-member Standing Committee, headed by Xi, which rules the country, Wang is also the top party ideologue. Xi's "Thoughts on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era" is the latest theoretical outcome of the party in upholding and developing Marxism in the new era with innovative and strategic perspectives, the state-run China Daily today quoted Wang as saying. He called on the experts and researchers in social sciences and theories to study the spirit of the speeches by Xi, who is regarded as the most powerful leader of China after Mao, as he heads the CPC, the Presidency and the military. Mao's successor Deng Xiaoping had first enunciated the socialism with Chinese characteristics as the ideological line. It successfully merged the market economy with all levers of power vested with the CPC, which has remained in power since 1949 ruling the country with iron clad one party dictatorship, since the founding of the People's Republic. Critics of this ideological line say, in the process China remained a Communist country all but in the name, giving the CPC monopoly on political power. On May 4, speaking at a special function organised to commemorate Marx's 200th anniversary, Xi defended as "totally correct" the CPC's adherence to Marx's theory of socialism for 97 years, saying that it profoundly changed China from the "sick man of Asia" to the second largest economy of the world. "Marxism has not only profoundly changed the world, but also China," Xi told a special function here organised to celebrate Marx's 200th anniversary. He said Marxism had pointed out the direction forward, offering a brand-new choice for Chinese people in their struggle to survive, and setting the scene for the birth of the CPC. "This tremendous transformation serves as cast iron proof that only through socialism can we save China," Xi said. Founded in 1921, the CPC headed by Mao Zedong came to power after a prolonged violent national liberation struggle in 1949 and remained in the power since in the one-party state. Since the advent of Mao and the CPC, theories of socialism and communism propounded Marx underwent rapid changes with radical ideological differences leading to a deep split in the international Communist movement, including in India. No discussion on quota system at Cabinet meet Students to continue movement Staff Reporter : Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Shafiul Alam on Monday said, there is no development in issuing gazette notification on abolishing quotas in civil service as the issue was not discussed in the Cabinet meeting. Responding to a question at a briefing after the Cabinet meeting, the cabinet secretary said, as there was a long holiday and the Prime Minister was out of the country, there were no talks on quota abolition. Shafiul Alam said the Public Administration Ministry will form a committee to discuss the issue after a government gazette notification. He hoped that the gazette will be published soon. Monday was the last day, set by the leaders of the quota reforms movement, for publication of the gazette abolishing the quota system in government jobs. The leaders of the quota reform movement said that they had waited for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's arrival from abroad as she assured the students that she would resolve the crisis. But unfortunately, the government is yet to take any decision in this regard and even the issue was not discussed in the Cabinet meeting, they said. Nurul Haque Nuru, Joint-Convener of the Quota Reforms Movement, told The New Nation that they would arrange a press briefing at 11:00am in the Modhu's Canteen on the Dhaka University campus. "We will announce our next course of movement from the press briefing. We want to continue our movement peacefully. We will also continue our programme until demands are met," he said. He said, "Out stance is very clear. And the Prime Minister realized our spirit. I hope that the government will publish a gazette reforming the quota." A worker of Quota Reforms Movement wishing anonymity told The New Nation that they would bring a procession just after the press briefing. On April 27, the quota movement leaders postponed their agitation after Awami League MP Jahangir Kabir Nanak told them that the government would publish the gazette after the Prime Minister's return from abroad. Earlier on April 26, the quota movement leaders warned that they would resume agitation if a gazette notification was not published by April. In the face of mass protests by students of public and private university students across the country, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced scrapping the quota systems in Parliament on April 11. However, a Parliamentary Committee which later discussed the issue spoke in favour of logical reformation instead of abolishing the system altogether. Malta The VIP delegation from Abu Dhabi that is visiting GlobalFoundries' Fab 8 computer chip factory in Malta Monday is coming at a pivotal time for the company - and the region's high-tech sector. Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, the CEO of Mubadala Investment Co., the Abu Dhabi investment fund that owns GlobalFoundries, will attend a luncheon at Fab 8 that will include New York state's top economic development official, along with the new head of SUNY Polytechnic Institute's research and development portfolio. Fab 8, which employs 3,500 people, is in the early stages of launching its next-generation 7 nanometer computer chip product line while expanding its capacity by 20 percent. And SUNY Poly, which is home to Fab 8's research and development team, recently hired former GlobalFoundries' CEO Doug Grose as the new head of research and economic development. Al Mubarak is coming to Saratoga County with Yousef Al Otaiba, the United Arab Emirates' ambassador to the United States. U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko will also attend, along with Howard Zemsky, the head of Empire State Development, Gov. Andrew Cuomo's top economic development official. They will be hosted by Tom Caulfield, who recently ascended from general manager at Fab 8 to CEO of GlobalFoundries. Caulfield's GM job went to Ronald Sampson. With all that is going on at Fab 8 and SUNY Poly, Al Mubarak's visit couldn't come at a better time for the event's organizers, who say it's being held "to commemorate the strong and growing partnership between GlobalFoundries, Abu Dhabi and the state of New York." Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. That's good news for Zemsky and Saratoga County. Just two years ago there were credible news reports that Mubadala was looking to sell some or all of GlobalFoundries amid a global oil glut that had pushed petroleum prices to historic lows. The stories also said Mubadala was looking to sell or spin off other tech holdings in its portfolio. However, in an interview at the time with Reuters in March of 2016, Al Mubarak distanced the company from the idea. "We are not in a distressed situation," Mubarak told Reuters. "We'll keep those businesses." Since that time, Fab 8 has undergone a resurgence as its new 14 nanometer chips the company developed in partnership with Samsung have been a huge success for customers like Advanced Micro Devices. Fab 8 added hundreds of new workers at the plant and has been in expansion mode since then as orders have surged. The roll-out of next-generation 7 nanometer chips, which have smaller features and increased performance, has also required additional expansion at the plant to make room for new manufacturing equipment. Malta The Abu Dhabi owners of GlobalFoundries visited the company's Fab 8 computer chip factory in Saratoga County on Monday and made the case that the facility is a national asset deserving of future federal support. The visit, headlined by Khaldoon Al Mubarak, the CEO of Mubadala Investment Co., the Abu Dhabi investment fund that owns GlobalFoundries, comes at a critical time for GlobalFoundries, which employs 3,300 people in the town of Malta. The company, which is in the process of launching its next-generation 7 nanometer chip technology, is expanding manufacturing capacity at the factory by 20 percent this year as it works to utilize all 460,000 square feet of available clean room space at the $12 billion campus. But for Mubadala and Al Mubarak to spend potentially $10 billion more to build a second fab in Malta, it appears they are now ready to turn to the federal government for financial support after New York state provided an initial incentive package of $1.2 billion back in 2006. This time around, industry experts say, a second GlobalFoundries fab in New York could command double that assistance based on what other countries like India, Germany or Singapore could offer for a similar facility. "This is a deeply competitive and globally strategic industry with many nations deploying significant resources to develop their own industries," Al Mubarak said during a family-style luncheon speech he gave to several hundred company executives and local business and political leaders. "However, I am confident that the quality and depth of the ecosystem here, the committed workforce, and regional and national government backing of Tech Valley will enable us to remain at the absolute forefront of the industry." Although Al Mubarak was scheduled to meet with Gov. Andrew Cuomo in Albany immediately following the Fab 8 event, he and others from his delegation will be in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday and Wednesday to make their pitch directly to federal officials, including potentially the White House. Al Mubarak shared the spotlight at the event with U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, the Democrat from Amsterdam whose district includes Fab 8 as well as SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Albany, where Fab 8 does its research and development. Their comments echoed the recommendation of Georgetown University economics researcher Charles Wessner, who released a book last week about the history of the local semiconductor industry that called SUNY Poly and Fab 8 national treasures that need continued investment by both the private and public sector. "We have to make certain that we don't dull the competitive edge here by standing still," Tonko said after the luncheon while standing in the lobby of Fab 8. "This is a unique partnership in that it started in the middle so to speak with the state government and local governments being invested. Now we need to show what involvement the federal government can and should have." It is not clear what type of financial support GlobalFoundries could seek from the federal government, although there is a major incentive for the government to make sure that GlobalFoundries flourishes and grows larger in the United States. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. The company is the Department of Defense's so-called Trusted Foundry as the exclusive maker of high-end chips for military equipment. GlobalFoundries' current contract with the Defense Department is valued as high as $755 million. Al Mubarak and other Abu Dhabi officials noted that the United Arab Emirates and the United States do $24.3 billion in trade annually, with $20 billion of that exports from the U.S. to the UAE. "Hopefully the White House will hear that too," Al Mubarak said without mentioning President Trump, who has made fighting trade imbalances with other countries one of his major economic policy objectives. One of the biggest issues facing GlobalFoundries at its Malta site is the need for additional power and gas lines for a second factory. Tonko was asked what federal support for GlobalFoundries might pay for, although no dollar amounts have been mentioned yet by anyone or which federal agencies might fund the request, although the Department of Energy could likely be a potential source. "Primarily I think it could (pay for) human infrastructure, research and development and utility infrastructure," Tonko said. Albany A second major insurance company has agreed to stop selling gun liability insurance to NRA members, the state Department of Financial Services announced Monday. Financial Services Superintendent Maria Vullo said that Chubb Ltd. and Chubb's subsidiary, Illinois Union Insurance Company, also will be fined $1.3 million after agreeing to stop selling the insurance offered through the NRA. That insurance, called "Carry Guard," is held by about 680 New Yorkers and provides liability insurance for owners who fire their weapons and later face legal charges or claims for damages. But the state Department of Financial Services said the insurance was illegal under state law because it offers coverage even if gun owners were to be found to have broken the law, used unreasonable force, or engaged in "intentional wrongdoing." The state found that the company "unlawfully provided liability insurance to gun owners for acts of intentional wrongdoing, and improperly provided legal services insurance for costs and expenses, for any act of self-defense covered under the policy for gun owners and their resident family members who may be charged with a crime involving a legally possessed firearm," according to a press release. "Today's action is another step in addressing the unlicensed and improper activity connected with the NRA's unlawful "Carry Guard" program," said Vullo. "DFS will continue its comprehensive investigation into this matter to ensure that New York Insurance Law is enforced and that consumers are no longer conned into buying so-called 'self-defense' insurance coverage." Last week, the state reached a similar agreement with Kansas City-based Lockton Cos., which is the world's largest private insurance broker. Chubb is the world's largest publicly traded insurance broker. New York City-based Chubb "recognizes its responsibility to ensure that its policies comply with New York law. Chubb at all times intended and believed its coverage to be in full compliance with New York law," according to a company statement. "Chubb believes that this settlement is the best way to resolve the coverage questions raised by the Department and is fully committed to cooperating with the Department to remediate any issues or concerns regarding the Carry Guard program,"it continued. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. The company voluntarily terminated its involvement in the program in Oct. 2017 after the state investigation started. Under the agreement, Illinois Union must also provide notice to New York policyholders within 10 business days that the company is canceling all Carry Guard insurance policies 90 days from the date of notice, and must return the policy holders' premiums. The insurance provided coverage in any criminal proceeding against the policyholder or the policyholder's family members, including coverage for bail money, premiums on bonds, attorney consultation fee and retainer expenses, expenses incurred for the investigation or defense of criminal charges, and costs taxed against the insured or the insured's resident family member in a criminal proceeding arising out of a shooting. As part of the agreement, Illinois Union agreed to refrain from: Participating in the Carry Guard insurance program, or any similar program in New York and from providing Carry Guard or similar insurance policies for or to New York residents regardless of where they are written. Entering into any other agreement or arrangement, including any affinity-type insurance program involving any line of insurance involving a contract of insurance involving the NRA, directly or indirectly. Issuing or delivering insurance policies covering a New York resident, that provides liability insurance for any act of intentional wrong doing; or provides legal services insurance in a civil or criminal proceeding, including, but not limited to, insurance for bail money, premiums on bonds, attorney consultation fee and retainer expenses, expenses incurred for the investigation or defense of criminal charges, and costs taxed against the insured or the insured's resident family member in a criminal proceeding. Issuing or delivering insurance policies covering New York residents that provides insurance for expenses incurred for psychological counseling support, because Illinois Union is not authorized to provide such insurance. ROSEANNE: "GO CUBS" ABC, 8 p.m. The Conners can't pay their Wi-Fi bill, so they befriend their new neighbors in order to use their internet so Mary (Jayden Rey) can Skype with mom Geena (Jahmela Biggs), who is stationed in Afghanistan. As Dan (John Goodman) loses an important job and D.J. (Michael Fishman) admits post-military life has been hard, they come up with a plan to make extra money. NCIS: "TWO STEPS BACK" CBS, 8 p.m. The new episode is the final NCIS episode for series regular and fan favorite Pauley Perrette, who plays forensic specialist Abby Sciuto. When evidence reveals an NCIS team member is a hitman's latest target, the team must search through old case files to determine who is seeking vengeance. LETHAL WEAPON: "ONE DAY MORE" FOX, 8 p.m. Season Finale! The squad is on high alert after an apparent threat is made on Riggs' (Clayne Crawford) life. With Murtaugh (Damon Wayans) taking on more responsibility at work, he and Riggs have to deal with their changing relationship. While the fictional drama is undeniably intense, our interest is piqued about how the rumored real-life rift between Crawford and Wayans might impact the series' future. THE VOICE: "LIVE TOP 10 ELIMINATIONS" NBC, 8 p.m. Live Contestants are whittled down even further as this season nears an end. BLACK-ISH: "COLLATERAL DAMAGE" ABC, 9 p.m. The Johnson kids try to keep their emotions in check when an estranged Dre (Anthony Anderson) and Bow (Tracee Ellis Ross) try taking turns living in the family house separately to give each other space. But tensions mount as the family gathers together for Junior's (Marcus Scribner) high-school graduation. BULL: "DEATH SENTENCE" CBS, 9 p.m. Season Finale! Bull's ex-wife, Izzy (Yara Martinez), is remarrying. At work, he and his team defend a mute man who could face the death penalty if they lose. Luckily, they'll find a loophole that may set the guy free. New Girl: "Godparents MARIO" FOX, 9 p.m. Catch two all-new episodes as the comedy heads toward next week's series finale. RISE: "TOTALLY HOSED" NBC, 9 p.m. Gordy (Casey Johnson) agrees to volunteer in the theater, bringing him back onto Gwen's (Amy Forsyth) radar, while his family tries to come to terms with Maashous' (Rarmian Newton) imminent departure. As Robbie (Damon J. Gillespie) faces the severity of his mother's illness for the first time, Lilette (Auli'i Cravalho) waits for her mother to return home. Tracey (Rosie Perez) and Lou (Josh Radnor) work to prepare Spring Awakening for opening night but can't see eye-to-eye on how to address notes from the administration. FOR THE PEOPLE: "FLIPPITY-FLOP" ABC, 10 p.m. Jill (Hope Davis) and Roger's (Ben Shenkman) already complicated friendship is tested when they finally square off over a DEA raid that left an inmate clinging to life. Kate (Susannah Flood) is assigned to an animal smuggling case involving the death of an endangered panda, and Jay (Wesam Keesh) can't keep his emotions in check about a case, when he learns his trusting father was a victim in a pyramid scheme. HUNTING NAZI TREASURE: "THE MYSTERY OF ROMMEL'S GOLD" AHC, 10 p.m. In 1943, the Nazis stole a huge cache of gold, currency and other valuables from the Jewish community of Tunisia, and then the treasure disappeared. The team travels to North Africa, Corsica, Germany and South America to separate fact from fiction and follow the trail of the missing loot. NCIS: NEW ORLEANS: "THE ASSASSINATION OF DWAYNE PRIDE" CBS, 10 p.m. In the new episode, a journalist (guest star Mark Gessner) posts a scathing article about Pride's (Scott Bakula) methods, and the team is concerned about the fallout from the piece and the confidential information included in the story. CHICAGO MED: "CRISIS OF CONFIDENCE" NBC, 10 p.m. Dr. Manning (Torrey DeVitto) rushes to save a young boy who has a life-threatening case of the flu. After discovering that opioid pain killers were stolen during last week's mass casualty, April (YaYa DaCosta) believes Dr. Choi's (Brian Tee) sister took them. Drs. Rhodes (Colin Donnell) and Bekker (Norma Kuhling) disagree over the best treatment for a patient who is 21 weeks pregnant. CHRISLEY KNOWS BEST USA Network, 10 p.m. Season Premiere! The hit reality series returns for Season 6, again chronicling the entertaining lives of the Chrisley family outspoken patriarch Todd, his loving wife, Julie, their children Chase, Savannah and Grayson, and Todd's beloved mother, Nanny Faye. THE CROMARTIES USA Network, 10:30 p.m. New Episodes! Antonio Cromartie and his clan are back, and the family is bigger than ever following the birth of baby Jhett and G-Mama moving herself in. Brought to you by the publishers of TV Guide. TV Guide 2018 James Gonyo was promoted to colonel while serving as logistics director for the New York National Guard, where he supervised the maintenance, supplies and readiness of the Army Guard's 10,000 soldiers. Gonyo was promoted by Maj. Gen. Raymond Shields, commander of the New York Army National Guard, during a ceremony at the National Guard headquarters in Latham. The New Windsor, Orange County, resident has been a member of the New York Army National Guard since 1991. Four years later he was commissioned as a second lieutenant upon graduation from Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Ga. Gonyo has served in a variety of leadership, command and staff assignments including as a rifle company commander, commander of the New York City Region National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, commander of the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry, 369th Sustainment Brigade deputy commander and most recently as the commander of the New York Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion. He deployed to Iraq and served in Baghdad with the 53rd Army Forces Liaison Team in 2009. While there, Gonyo served as a strategic planner with the Multi-National Forces Iraq Combined Joint Operations Directorate. He worked as an action officer to develop Iraq's National Border Security Strategy. He graduated from Clinton County Community College in 1990 and the University at Plattsburgh in 1993. Gonyo has earned a Bronze Star Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, four Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, four Army Reserve Components Achievement Medals, a Humanitarian Service Medal, a New York State Meritorious Service Medal, a New York State Military Commendation Medal, a New York State Defense of Liberty Medal with World Trade Center Device, and a New York State Aid to Civil Authorities Medal. Academy appointment Cooper Willis of Averill Park has received an appointment to attend the U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Conn. Willis, a senior at Averill Park High School, was selected on the basis of superior academic achievement and leadership potential. He is the son of Kristian and Sondra Willis of Averill Park. Upon completion of the four-year academic academy and leadership and military training, he will receive a bachelor of science degree and be commissioned as an ensign. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Infantry veterans reunion The Second (Indianhead) Division Association will hold its reunion Sept. 19-23 in Jacksonville, Fla. Anyone who served in the Army's 2nd Infantry Division at any time is welcome to attend. For information, contact Mike Davino at 2IDA.PAO@charter.net, visit http://www.2ida.org/2018-reunion/ or call 919-498-1910. brownt@timesunion.com. Khaleda`s release: Pro-BNP lawyers` sit-in on SCBA premises Staff Reporter : Pro-BNP lawyers staged a sit-in programme on the Supreme Court Bar Association premises on Monday demanding immediate release of party Chairperson Khaleda Zia. They hoped that the Appellate Division would grant bail to Khaleda Zia after analyzing all the case documents as well as considering her health condition. The 'Nationalist Lawyers Forum' organized the programme. BNP Standing Committee member Barrister Moudud Ahmed attended the programme as the chief guest while forum's SC unit President and also SCBA President Advocate Zainul Abedin was in the chair. Forum's Central Secretary General and also SCBA Secretary Barrister A M Mahbub Uddin Khokan, Senior lawyers Mir Mohammad Nasir Uddin, Golam Mostofa, Dr Golam Rahman, Sannaullah Miah, Bodruddoza Badol, Kayser Kamal, Dr Arifa Jesmine Nahin, Abed Raza and Ehsanur Rahman also spoke, among others. Barrister Moudud said, in future the lawyers will lead the movements for establishing good governance, democracy and right to vote and they will be successful. He also said, "The government has turned back from the Gazipur City Corporation election sensing its sure defeat. They have stopped the GCC election like Dhaka North City Corporation election." "The government will be thrown out of power by the strong movement if they do not give the opportunity for peaceful movement. We have to do harder movement for the democracy, justice and freeing Khaleda Zia," he said. Advocate Zainul Abedin said, "The judiciary could not function independently after the departure of former Chief Justice S K Sinha. We hope, the court will grant bail to Khaleda Zia and prove that the court is independent. We also hope that the Supreme Court will act to uphold the dignity of the independence of the higher judiciary." Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokan said, "Former Chief Justice S K Sinha was not allowed to sit on the Chair due to the ruling that went against the government. He was forced to leave the country. I think, the judiciary should act independently. We want justice. If justice is done, then the lower court could not sentence her for five years and the Appellate Division also not stayed her bail." He urged all the pro-BNP lawyers to attend the Appellate Division today (Tuesday) morning, when the bail hearing of Khaleda Zia will take place. CLIFTON PARK Ten-year-old London Morrison Gauvreau was in his element Sunday afternoon. The Chango Elementary School student was running in and out of groups of neighbors gathered on his familys driveway on Huntington Parkway, offering cups of pink and yellow lemonade. Those with already empty cups were quickly given the suggestion for a refill. Morrison Gauvreaus family and several others organized the lemonade stand to help the Broadbent family, who lost their home in a late-night fire last Wednesday. The fire also killed one of the Broadbents adopted sons, Eric Edwards, 32 and hospitalized four other family members. Morrison Gauvreau met Marcus Broadbent, one of the children injured in the fire, on the school bus when he was in first grade. I was sad and disappointed when I heard about the fire, but I was happy when I heard Marcus was O.K., London said. The stand started as a conversation with her children and the other families children about the fire and how to help the Broadbents, said Londons mother, Suzanne Morrison Gauvreau. Eventually, they settled on the lemonade stand. And Sunday just happened to fall on National Lemonade Stand Day. The lemonade stand on Sunday was part of a larger effort to help the large family. The Broadbents adopted several children with special needs. Resources have been pouring in, but the family is still in need of housing in the Shenendahowa school district, said neighbor Ashley Armitage. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Due to some of the childrens needs, the family is looking for a home with two first-floor bedrooms, she said. The family received a bit of good news Saturday as Lucas, 6, was released from Albany Medical Center where he had been treated for smoke inhalation. The familys father, Glenn Broadbent, Sr., 60, is in critical but stable condition at Westchester Medical Center. Another son, Marcus, 12, is in stable condition at Shriners Hospital in Boston. The GoFundMe page to help the family is at https://www.gofundme.com/the-broadbents. ALBANY - Six Republicans have announced they are vying for the state Senate seat that is being vacated by the retirement of Sen. Kathy Marchione. Gerard Zabala of Wilton, Chris Boyark of Mechanicville, Eric Wohlleber of Poestenkill and Todd Tesman of Pittstown, officially launched their campaigns over the weekend. They will join Lisa Bruno of Stillwater in the hunt for the GOP nomination in the 43rd Senate District, which includes all or parts of Washington, Saratoga, Rensselaer and Columbia counties. Molly Casey, an attorney from Columbia County, also said she is "declaring myself as a candidate" for the GOP nod. Columbia County Democrat Koethi Zan previously created a campaign committee to run for the seat, but her candidacy has been on hold since Marchione suddenly announced her retirement last month. The Rensselaer County Republican Committee's executive committee met Saturday and interviewed Wohlleber, a town board member in Poestenkill, and Tesman, a Rensselaer County legislator. Schodack Republican Committee Chair Rich Crist, who serves on the executive committee, said they haven't endorsed a candidate but anticipated the field would be narrowed quickly. The Saratoga County Republican Committee's executive committee is scheduled to meet on Friday. Zabala, who has never run for public office, said he entered the race because to help his party. "I've always stepped up to fill a need when one arose," he said. Zabala's background includes working in the state Senate and serving as executive director of the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority. Zabala said he is "semi-retired" and is a member of the Wilton Zoning Board of Appeals and vice chair of the Wilton Republican Committee. He said his campaign will be focused on revitalizing the upstate economy by simplifying regulations and reducing tax burdens. "I shall run the campaign with vigor, integrity and civility," he said in a statement. Boyark, who ran a failed bid in 2016 to unseat Democratic Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, is an Air Force veteran and owns a sports bar in Malta. "As a former candidate for state Assembly I ran to protect the interest of my constituents from the Petri dish of poisonous progressive proposals being pushed by downstate democrats," Boyark said in a statement. In a campaign Facebook post, he identified the repeal of the SAFE Act, opposition to minimum wage increases and term limits for state legislators as some of his priorities. Wohlleber, who is the director of communications for a healthcare technology company, touted his roots in Rensselaer County and described himself as an "independent fighter for upstate" in his campaign announcement. "We need to have a fresh, fierce voice in Albany and I believe I can be that voice," he said. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Wohlleber said his beliefs as a conservative Republican represent the values of the district. He stressed the importance of personal liberties, specifically Second Amendment rights, and called for an end to unfunded mandates from Albany. Tesman, who said Steve McLaughlin would have been a strong Republican candidate if he hadn't been elected Rensselaer County executive in November, said that he's joined the race because he wants Rensselaer County to have a strong candidate. "I started looking around and I didn't believe Rensselaer County had a shining star to represent us," he said. Tesman was elected to his second term as a Rensselaer County legislator in November and said he didn't plan on running for office again. "I don't want a political career," he said. But, "I'm doing this because I feel obligated." Casey, who officially declared her candidacy on Monday, grew up in Rensselaer County and worked briefly for Sen. Joseph L. Bruno, who previously occupied this seat. She hasn't taken any formal steps with her campaign. On Friday, Rensselaer County Clerk Frank Merola announced he would not run for the state Senate seat, citing the commitment involved with serving four counties. "I'm definitely not going to do it," he said. "The more people who get out of the race, the more people who get in the race," Merola added. The petitioning process for state candidates begins in a few weeks and concludes on July 12. The state Conservative Party, which typically backs Republican candidates, isn't expected to make an endorsement until petitioning is over. David.Lombardo@timesunion.com - 518.454.5427 - @Poozer87 [May 06, 2018] Salesgasm announces Sponsors and Partners of the Intrigue Summit, 30 May 2018, Singapore SINGAPORE, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Salesgasm in association with APACSMA, is organizing the 3rd Annual Intrigue Marketing Summit, the digital marketing buyers and suppliers rendezvous, in Singapore on 30th May 2018. We are proud to announce our sponsors and all our partners for the event. Linkfluence - experts in social data and the social media intelligence partner; Midiabugs - customizes the designs and develop solutions according to customer's needs; Webeasts - digital specialists who create responsive websites, web applications, and mobile applications for the desktop and other digital media; and StudioNV - digital media marketing and visual communication design company driven to provide solutions to their customers for their strategic business needs; have partnered with us as our Gold Sponsors. We are delighted to have PR Newswire, the premier global provider of multimedia platforms and distribution that marketers, corporate communicators, sustainability officers, pblic affairs and investor relations officers leverage to engage key audiences, as our Official News Release Distribution Partner. We are also proud to have Isentia, Ek do teen and Neyox as the Silver Sponsors. HubSpot has partnered with us as the Marketing Automation Partner. Many others are adding to this exclusive list. Today's Manager, The President Post, EverThere, Digital Agency Network, Brand Now Asia, BlogsRelease, appfutura, Mobile Firms, CrowdReviews, F6S, Thetechportal.com, MediaBuzz, Research and Markets, IUE Magazine are few of the proud media partners of the event. Our Mobile App Sponsor is Focal Code, and Digital Diamond Sponsor is Digifish3. Intrigue Summit brings together some of the most experienced professionals from the marketing fraternity from all across Singapore like the Marketing heads, CMOs, CEOs, Publishing heads, Marketing Directors and other decision makers of top notch MNCs, SMEs and Advanced Stage Startups under one roof. It aims to find solutions to the marketing problems through Q&As, Discussions and Debates. This powerful event combines high quality education blended with quality networking time. The official website of the event is http://www.salesgasm.com/intriguesingapore2018 About Salesgasm Salesgasm is a professional sales and marketing training facilitation company. Its mission is to make sure that the world has better and more efficient sales and marketing professionals and no company/department has to close down because it was not able to market and sell its products/services. It has organized conferences, Intrigue Summit, across the globe including New York, Melbourne, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney, Los Angeles, London and many more. They specialize in developing high quality, world class and niche digital marketing events which are designed to give a strong medium for the delegates to learn/network as well as provide the sponsors and exhibitors a platform to make their brand visible in front of the right target audience. They are organizing the Intrigue Summit in Singapore on 30th May 2018. To learn more about Salesgasm, please visit http://www.salesgasm.com Media Contact: Anjali +442038085539 Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20180504/2124440-1 SOURCE Salesgasm [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 06, 2018] Qingsongchou to Provide Service in Southeast Asia; A Brand that Helps Build Health Crowd Funding Service for 550 Million Global Users BANGKOK, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- An advertisement titled "Karmic Reward", shot by Qingsongchou, launched in May 2018 went viral in Thailand. Local people immediately felt a strong connection to it. The advertisement brought people's focus to health security and the crowd funding mode for serious illnesses. Many are expecting the implementation of this mode in Thailand. Qingsongchou, the largest health care platform in China, has raised over 20 billion RMB for 1.6 million famlies over 3 years since its establishment. This has rendered courage and strength for people to fight diseases. The innovative way of using the Internet power to help people out of difficulty as initiated by Qingsongchou was also reported by NHK and other international mainstream media, which has also triggered strong responses among local people in Japan. The launch of this advertisement marks Qingsongchou's comprehensive strategic deployment in Southeast Asia. It corresponds to the Belt and Road Initiative and aims to deliver advanced technology and health security concepts to Southeast Asia and the world. Qingsongchou has entered into the Southeast Asian market after its success in China. By virtue of science and technology, it will help improve the health care services in countries and regions such as Thailand and India. The data shows that there are over 550 million registered users from 183 countries and regions on the system that encompasses services of major illness relief, easy mutual assistance and e-health security. The number of its independent payment users now stands at 450 million. Qingsongchou is currently synonymous with an innovated health security internet platform in China. SOURCE Qingsongchou [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 07, 2018] Mylo launches Round Up To Give, becoming Canada's only mobile giving app, in partnership with CanadaHelps App lets donors round up purchases, donate digital spare change to over 86,000 Canadian charities MONTREAL, May 7, 2018 /CNW/ - Mylo Financial Technologies Inc. (Mylo), the Canadian fintech app that rounds up users' purchases and invests their spare change, today is launching Round Up to Give, the mobile, fundraising platform that uses Mylo's innovative technology, in partnership with CanadaHelps' online donation platform, to make it possible for users to donate spare change directly from their smartphones. With Round Up to Give, users can support any of 86,000 registered Canadian charities by creating a donation goal in the Mylo app. Every time a user makes a purchase with a linked credit or debit card, Mylo will round up the transaction to the nearest dollar and donate the spare change to their pre-selected charity. All donations are processed by CanadaHelps, the country's largest platform for donating and fundraising for charity online. For fundraising, Round Up to Give offers charities a simple turnkey solution for engaging new donors by appealing to a younger, technology-driven generation of Canadians who prefer to support charities online. "Mylo was founded on a social mission of helping Canadians achieve their financial goals. For many Canadians, giving back to a cause they care about is important," said Philip Barrar, CEO and Founder of Mylo. "Fewer Canadians are making annual charitable donations, and millennials feel their paycheque is a barrier to giving. We want to help them make change with spare change. With Round Up to Give, more Canadians will be able to afford to make donations on a recurring basis in an easy and automated way." With Mylo and Round Up to Give, Canadians can now start donating to a charity of their choice with digital spare change. In addition to saving and investing towards personal financial goals, like taking a vacation or paying down debt, users now have the option to set a charitable giving goal during the signup process. In its 207 Charitable Giving Report, CanadaHelps found that while Canadians are making fewer charitable donations overall, online donations increased 22.5% per year between 2006 and 2015, a statistic that is indicative of where the entire fundraising sector is moving. The Mylo / CanadaHelps collaboration uses technology to make it easier for Canadians to incorporate charitable giving into their lives, while providing charities with a platform to attract a generation of donors that is looking for a different way to give. Round Up to Give will introduce giving to a new and engaged group of tech-savvy donors, including the 150,000 Canadians that have already downloaded the Mylo app. "CanadaHelps is always looking for new ways to connect Canadian donors and charities and inspire online giving, so we're thrilled to power donations through Mylo's innovative mobile app," said Marina Glogovac, President and CEO, CanadaHelps. "In today's digital world, Round Up to Give offers Canadians and in particular young adults a smart, convenient way to contribute to their favourite causes." Round Up To Give will also tap into the growing popularity of peer-to-peer fundraising with its seamless Referral Program. The program incentivizes users and charities to refer donors to support their cause. Referrers and their referred donors will each earn $5 free, applicable to the charity of their choice and subsidized by Mylo. Mylo will curate national and local charities in-app on an ongoing basis to help encourage and inspire Canadians to donate. Featured charities include: Eva's Initiatives for Homeless Youth, ON Centraide of Greater Montreal, QC Montreal Heart Institute Foundation, QC The Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST), BC Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS), AB To read more about Mylo and Round Up to Give, visit https://mylo.ai/donate-spare-change To learn more about Mylo, visit mylo.ai. Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getmylo Twitter: https://twitter.com/getmylo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmylo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10842490/ The Roundup Magazine: https://magazine.mylo.ai Jobs @ Mylo: https://mylo.breezy.hr/ About Mylo Financial Technologies Mylo is a Montreal-based fintech startup founded with the social mission to help Canadians achieve their financial goals and make saving and investing accessible to all. Their micro-savings and investment app launched in July 2017, and Mylo has already been downloaded over 150,000 times, named a "New App We Love" by Apple, and listed as an App of the Year by The Notable Life Awards. Last year, Mylo acquired Tactex Asset Management, which manages over $120M in AUM, including over $2M in spare change investments through Mylo. To date, Mylo has raised $3.9M in funding, including it's recent seed financing round lead by Desjardins Capital, the venture capital arm of North America's largest association of credit unions. About CanadaHelps.org CanadaHelps.org allows donors to quickly and safely donate and fundraise online for any registered Canadian charity and provides charities the secure online fundraising platform they need to succeed. CanadaHelps has facilitated over $900 million in donations to Canadian charities online since it launched in 2000. Over 1.7 million Canadians have donated to charities using CanadaHelps and over 18,000 Canadian charities fundraise using the CanadaHelps online tools. The mission of CanadaHelps is to inform, inspire and connect donors and charities and to democratize access to effective technology and education in the charitable sector. www.canadahelps.org SOURCE Mylo [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 07, 2018] Mesosphere Raises $125 Million Series D Financing to Accelerate Hybrid Cloud Transformation SAN FRANCISCO, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Mesosphere, the hybrid cloud platform company, today announced a funding round of $125 million co-led by funds and accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. and Koch Disruptive Technologies (KDT) with participation from ZWC Ventures, Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and Disruptive Technology Advisers (DTA). The round also features participation from existing investors Andreessen Horowitz, Two Sigma Ventures, Khosla Ventures, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, SV Angel, Fuel Capital, and Triangle Peak Partners. The company has nearly tripled revenue year-over-year. Mesosphere DC/OS automates operations to deliver the most popular digital transformation technologies on hybrid cloud. Companies looking to digitally transform must embrace a daunting array of complex, new technologies. This means either getting overwhelmed with multiple point solutions or being locked-in to one public cloud provider. Mesosphere DC/OS gives users an "as-a-Service" experience for container tools like Kubernetes and data engineering and machine learning tools like TensorFlow, Apache Kafka, Cassandra, or Spark on any infrastructure. McKinsey reports over 78 percent of high-performing companies are creating new digital services to better monetize their data, and Gartner predicts 90 percent of organizations will adopt hybrid cloud by 2020. Mesosphere DC/OS is the only platform that automates application and data workloads consistently and securely across hybrid cloud infrastructures, including datacenter, edge and multi-cloud environments. More than 125 enterprise companies, including thirty percent of the Fortune 50, choose Mesosphere to automate hybrid cloud operations in production. Tommy Hilfiger revolutionized its wholesale operations by building digital showrooms on DC/OS. Royal Caribbean runs DC/OS in edge locations across its fleet of ships, creating game-changing digital customer experiences across the open seas.Deutsche Telekom, the parent company of T-Mobile, runs Apache Spark on DC/OS to optimize mobile connections based on machine learning models. NBCUniversal leverages DC/OS to reinvent traditional advertising to make it real-time with streaming and audience analytics. Supporting Quotes "We make world-changing technology, like Kubernetes, Tensorflow and more, available at the click of a button, enabling business impact faster because DC/OS automates operations of more than one hundred complex technologies," said Florian Leibert , CEO and co-founder at Mesosphere. "This investment will help us to arm the enterprise with leading edge technology, like containers, machine learning, and IoT applications, allowing them to reclaim their competitive edge and reinvent the customer experience." , CEO and co-founder at Mesosphere. "This investment will help us to arm the enterprise with leading edge technology, like containers, machine learning, and IoT applications, allowing them to reclaim their competitive edge and reinvent the customer experience." "Mesosphere has built an impressive platform that is helping to solve a huge need within enterprises as they develop their hybrid cloud and modern software development strategies," said Alan Tu , equity research analyst at T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. "We believe Mesosphere addresses a large market opportunity and we are excited to invest in the company's innovative leadership team and technology." , equity research analyst at T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. "We believe Mesosphere addresses a large market opportunity and we are excited to invest in the company's innovative leadership team and technology." "Mesosphere is solving a critical growing problem of collecting, storing and analyzing large volumes of data across disparate systems in a rapidly changing marketplace. Businesses will struggle to stay ahead without scalable, flexible and cost-effective tools and systems that enable real-time data analytics, edge computing and IoT solutions," said Chase Koch , President of Koch Disruptive Technologies. "Mesosphere's team, technology advantage and progress in helping leading enterprise customers capture value and drive digital transformation were all contributing factors in KDT's investment. This is a great example of how Koch applies our philosophy of mutual benefit, by creating the potential for Koch to serve as a laboratory for Mesosphere's innovative products and solutions." , President of Koch Disruptive Technologies. "Mesosphere's team, technology advantage and progress in helping leading enterprise customers capture value and drive digital transformation were all contributing factors in KDT's investment. This is a great example of how Koch applies our philosophy of mutual benefit, by creating the potential for Koch to serve as a laboratory for Mesosphere's innovative products and solutions." "The rapid pace of innovation has left many enterprise companies rushing to adopt containers and microservices but hitting a roadblock when it comes to incorporating data services," said Rhett Dillingham , vice president and senior analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy. "Mesosphere DC/OS eliminates that roadblock, allowing companies to automate Kubernetes operations alongside data pipelines made up of the most popular open-source tools. I'm thrilled to see Mesosphere extend its impact with this investment." , vice president and senior analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy. "Mesosphere DC/OS eliminates that roadblock, allowing companies to automate Kubernetes operations alongside data pipelines made up of the most popular open-source tools. I'm thrilled to see Mesosphere extend its impact with this investment." "We're thrilled to partner with a diverse group of investors that validate our market leadership and traction while positioning us for continued global expansion," said William Freiberg , COO at Mesosphere. "T. Rowe Price , KDT and DTA share our vision for building a category-defining company and product are joining forces with ZWC and QIA, who will extend our global footprint, fueling expansion in APAC and the Middle East . We're humbled by the overwhelming participation from existing investors, many of whom have been supporters since the seed stage." About Mesosphere Mesosphere is the hybrid cloud platform company leading digital transformation in the enterprise. Mesosphere DC/OS automates operations to deliver the most popular digital transformation technologies on hybrid cloud. Mesosphere was founded in 2013 by the architects of hyperscale infrastructures at Airbnb and Twitter and the co-creator of Apache Mesos. Mesosphere is headquartered in San Francisco with additional offices in New York; Hamburg, Germany; and Beijing. Mesosphere investors include Andreessen Horowitz, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Koch Disruptive Technologies, Microsoft, and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mesosphere-raises-125-million-series-d-financing-to-accelerate-hybrid-cloud-transformation-300643184.html SOURCE Mesosphere [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 07, 2018] GI Partners of Illinois and GI North Switch to gGastro to Ease MIPS and Improve Practice Efficiency gMed, a Modernizing Medicine company, announced that GI Partners of Illinois and GI North have switched to the award-winning gGastro electronic health record (EHR) system and suite of solutions. Both practices faced challenges with their previous EHR and opted to utilize gMed's gastroenterology EHR, Practice Management and Endoscopy Report Writer to help address the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS)* and to have one integrated system across their practice locations. GI Partners of Illinois, in Libertyville, Ill., is a growing gastroenterology specialty group comprised of nearly 50 staff members including gastroenterologists, administrators, nurse administrators and nurse practitioners. Led by multiple renowned gastroenterologists, including Dr. Edward Jurkovic, GI Partners of Illinois provides a variety of services including the latest diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Several gastroenterology practices were uniting under the GI Partners umbrella, so although the leadership team evaluated the multiple EHRs that the company's practices utilized, few systems were built with the gastroenterologist's workflow in mind and met their interoperability needs. With nine practices across multiple geographic locations, GI Partners of Illinois needed a cloud-based system to enable seamless communications and data sharing from office to office. gGastro provides the staff with the tools they need to improve office workflow and increase efficiency. "As gastroenterologists, we receive multiple administrative tasks per day, on top of treating our patients. With gMed's EHR, Practice Management and Endoscopy Report Writer, we can easily access, prioritize and execute tasks throughout the day, with little to no work to take home after hours," said Dr. Jurkovic. "As a physician, I know I can focus on my patients in the exam room with gMed's technology. As an executive of a growing healthcare practice, I'm confident any and all information about our patients is seamlessly integrated, with no stones unturned, and we're able to not only improve patient care but also improve our bottom line." Dr. Jurkovic and his team chose gGastro also due to its ease of transition to value-based care. Since implementation, his practice earned an estimated MIPS score between 95 - 97, increased paymens and met MIPS criteria, without interrupting practice operations. Dr. Jurkovic shares: "gMed plays a huge role in simplifying our MIPS and MACRA reporting. Not only is the technology easy-to-use, but gMed's customer service and MIPS team have been instrumental to our staff understanding the reporting system. I can finally focus more on my patients than I have been able to in years past, and that makes our practice successful - we are full time doctors again." GI North is located outside of Atlanta, Ga., and is led by gastroenterologists Dr. Simon Cofrancesco and Dr. Sergio Quijano with the assistance of their expanding staff. GI North provides its patients with the latest diagnostic technology for colonoscopy, upper endoscopy and other colon cancer screening procedures, as well as treats a variety of conditions from chronic to digestive issues. In anticipation of opening an endoscopy center later this year, Dr. Cofrancesco and his colleagues were researching a combined EHR, practice management and endoscopy system; they didn't feel their previous vendor met that need. Dr. Cofrancesco also recognized the importance of utilizing technology that addressed value-based care. After connecting with trusted colleagues, he learned more about gMed's suite of solutions, its MIPS capabilities and the integrated Endoscopy Report Writer. GI North eventually switched to use gGastro across its multiple practice locations. "Before implementing gGastro, we had concerns about meeting MIPS. Once we became aware of gMed's capabilities, we became confident in our decision to switch vendors. As we implement gGastro in our offices, the gMed team is already proving to be a valuable asset to our business operations," said. Dr. Cofrancesco. gGastro is the only gastroenterology-specific EHR system to ever be ranked #1 since Black Book started polling for the Top EHR Lists in 2010, and recently Black Book named it the #1 gastroenterology EHR system for the eighth consecutive year. If interested in learning more about how gMed's suite of solutions and its integrated MIPS/MACRA solution can help your practice improve performance and reimbursement outcomes, please visit www.gmed.com. About Modernizing Medicine Modernizing Medicine and its affiliated companies empower physicians with suites of mobile, specialty-specific solutions that transform how healthcare information is created, consumed and utilized to increase practice efficiency and improve patient outcomes. Built for value-based healthcare, Modernizing Medicine's data-driven, touch- and cloud-based products and services are programmed by a team that includes practicing physicians to meet the unique needs of dermatology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, otolaryngology, pain management, plastic surgery and urology practices, as well as ambulatory surgery centers. For more information, please visit www.modmed.com. Connect with Modernizing Medicine on our Blog, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. About gMed, a Modernizing Medicine Company gMed, a Modernizing Medicine company, provides the gastroenterology industry with a fully integrated platform consisting of an EHR system, Endoscopy Report Writer, practice management solution, patient portal, data analytics and revenue cycle management services. gMed Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of gMed, Inc. For more information, please visit www.gmed.ca or call 604-260-5504. *Information relating to our EHR certification, including certain costs and limitations, can be found at www.gmed.com/docs/certifications-2/#sessions and www.gmed.com/docs/certifications-3. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180507005010/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 07, 2018] Sensely Announces Partnership with Leading Middle East Insurance Services Company LAS VEGAS, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, at HLTH 2018, Sensely announced a partnership agreement with NAS, a Third Party Administrator based in the United Arab Emirates. The companies will be working in close collaboration to deploy Sensely's virtual health assistant technology to the NAS member ecosystem as a means of boosting engagement and providing a more efficient communication channel. The agreement covers a three year period, and calls for Sensely's software development kit (SDK) to be utilized for the launch of unique patient navigation solutions across both mobile and web platforms to 1.2 million members. Locally appropriate avatars will be built for the Middle Eastern market, and content will available in both English and Arabic. The platform will include the following member-facing functions: Symptom checker Provider search Appointment booking Prescription refill The symptom check feature incorporates clinically-validated algorithms developed by Mayo Clinic, and directs the member to the most appropriate course of action based on the reported symptoms. By directing resource recommendations algorithmically, patient navigation tools deployed at scale can produce increased efficiencies in a safe, reliable, and secure manner. NAS plans to launch the platform to its customer base hat comes from more than 50 health insurance companies and self-funded insurance plans in the Arabian Gulf region. Joe Boulos, CEO of NAS, commented, "Given our heritage as a third-party administrator, we have a long history of incorporating best of breed technology to solve business challenges. We are particularly intrigued with Sensely's unique communication platform, which we feel blends the empathic warmth of a trained customer service professional with the clinical precision required in healthcare service navigation. The new member services platform will extend our ability to deliver what our insurance customers and members always ask for, which is an accurate and reassuring way of directing patients through their healthcare journey." "We're delighted to partner with such a forward-thinking organization," said Adam Odessky, CEO and Co-founder of Sensely. "We've seen how new digital channels can drive desired service outcomes across large populations, and we're excited about bringing these capabilities to the dynamic Middle East market. The TPA market provides a great value add for the next generation of self-insured employer benefits manager, who is increasingly under pressure to both control costs and provide a meaningful and competitive health benefits package." About Sensely Sensely helps direct patients and health plan members to the healthcare resource they need, when they need it. Offering an avatar and chatbot-based platform, Sensely intelligently and safely connects patients with clinical advice and services. With offices in London and San Francisco, Sensely's global teams provide digital health solutions to insurance companies, pharmaceutical clients, and hospital systems worldwide. For more information, please visit www.sensely.com. About NAS Established in 2002 in Abu Dhabi, NAS is a regional leader in the provision of third-party administrator services to health insurance companies in the Arabian Gulf (GCC) region. NAS provides its customers a comprehensive network of healthcare providers across the Middle East and India, as well as a complete suite of outsourcing and state-of-the art IT solutions in the field of healthcare benefits administration. Contact: Dov Tamler, 818-481-8371, 194530@email4pr.com View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sensely-announces-partnership-with-leading-middle-east-insurance-services-company-300643217.html SOURCE Sensely Corporation [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 07, 2018] Threat Sketch Announces the Formation of the Triad Cyber Round Table WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Threat Sketch, a leading cybersecurity firm, announces the formation of the Triad Cyber Round Table, a panel of experts brought together to help educate the business community on the importance of cybersecurity. Made up of the Triad's leading cybersecurity experts, the panel is available for round table discussions, presentations, workshops, and other business events. "Cyber attacks are an increasing problem for businesses of any size, and we started this group based on a shared interest in helping inform the local business community about the growing problem of cyber crime," said Fletcher Wilson, principal, Wilson Insurance Services, Inc. "Our primary goal is to dispel the myths surrounding the liability small businesses face from cyber attacks." One of the myths surrounding cyber attacks is that they are an IT problem, when in fact an attack affects all aspects of the company. A cyber attack can lead to interrupted cash flow, loss of customers, damage to the business's reputation, and much more. The make-up of this panel includes law, finance and IT perspectives, all of which are critical in a business being fully prepared for and working to prevent a cyber attack. "I believe the biggest benefit of our panel comes from the fact we have three major disciplines together at the same time to answer questions and address issues related to cybersecurity," said Dan Lawall, PLLC. Members of the panel include: Rob Arnold, CRISC, founder and CEO of Threat Sketch. Arnold has more than 20 years of experience in the information technology sector, consulting for companies of all sizes, from small, family-owned businesses to Fortune 500 firms. He is a cyber risk management expert, Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), and author of the book Cybersecurity: A Business Solution. Dan Lawall. Lawall is a North Carolina licensed attorney and cyber security advisor. He practices business, intellectual property and cyber law. Lawall has both a bachelor's and master's degree in computer science, with a specialization in Computer Security and Information Assurance. Robert Phelps, president, Creative IT. Phelps works to secure small businesses from cyber crime threats through deploying and managing cutting edge technologies. A graduate of the North Carolina School of the Arts, Phelps went on to work for Apple, Inc. for six years, before coming back to the Triad to work with small businesses, helping them gain productivity, security and peace of mind through their technology. Fletcher Wilson, principal, Wilson Insurance Services, Inc. Fletcher specializes in cyber liability and data breach risk management. With over 25 years experience in the insurance industry he brings a wealth of knowledge to the cyber insurance perspective. The panel is currently available for meetings and conferences around the NC Triad and beyond. Topics for discussion include how to spot a cyber attack, what happens when a business is attacked, how to respond to an attack, what it costs to recover, and steps to take to protect your business from cyber attacks. Please visit triad-cyber-round-table.org to learn more or request a presentation or panel discussion at your next function. About Threat Sketch -- Founded in 2015 in Winston-Salem, NC, Threat Sketch provides tools that enable small business owners and executives to evaluate and manage cybersecurity at a strategic level. The founders bring decades of IT, cybersecurity, risk analysis, financial/economic, and project management experience and expertise to a wide variety of small business clients. To learn more call 844-487-4757 or visit threatsketch.com Media Contacts Liz Ericksen, Customer Journey Manager Rob Arnold, Threat Sketch CEO 194557@email4pr.com 194557@email4pr.com 844-487-4757 ext 803 View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/threat-sketch-announces-the-formation-of-the-triad-cyber-round-table-300643264.html SOURCE Threat Sketch [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] College teacher, banker killed over extra-marital affair! Cops grilling woman's husband in Faridpur Staff Reporter : A female college teacher and her alleged banker lover were killed by unidentified miscreants in a flat of a two-story building at South Jhiltuli in Faridpur district town on Sunday night. The deceased have been identified as Sadia Begum, 36, an Assistant Professor of Home Economics Department at the Government Sarda Sundori Women College and Farooq Hassan, 38, a Principal Officer (PO) at Sonali Bank in Motijheel Branch of Dhaka. Farooq's body was found hanging from the ceiling fan while injury marks of sharp weapon were found on the head of Sadia. Following information of house owner, police recovered the bodies from two separate rooms of the flat around 11:00pm. A blood-stained knife was also seized from the spot. The law enforcers also detained Sadia's husband Sheikh Shahidul Islam as the bodies were found just after half an hour of filing a General Diary by him as his wife did not return home from the college since then, said our local correspondent quoting police. Faridpur Additional Superintendent of Police Jamal Pasha said, "Primarily, it was assumed from the way bodies were found that the banker Farooq might have murdered Sadia and then committed suicide. But then again, the duo could be murdered, as the flat's door was found open. However, police are speculating over these two clues. "The two were neighbours. But it is not clear why they were found dead together. An investigation is underway and the matter will become clear soon," the police official said. Citing house owner Nurul Islam, Faridpur Kotowali Police Station Officer-in-Charge AFM Nasim said, "Sheikh Shahidul Islam rented a flat on the ground floor at South Jhiltuli in the town around a year ago. Mother of two sons Sadia had been residing in the flat with her one-year old son while her husband (businessman) and 11-year old son stay in the capital's Sutrapur. Eventually, Farooq rented a room in the same floor of the building by giving fake information in April and started living there since May 1. Farooq identified him as an Audit Officer at the principal branch of Faridpur Sonali Bank. He also had a house in Dhaka." Shahidul and his aunt went to Faridpur on Wednesday. Shahidul lodged a General Diary as his wife did not return home from college on Sunday evening. The bodies were recovered from the flat just half an hour of the GD filing, the police official said. David, the son of landlord Noor Islam, saw the door of the downstairs flat open and called police as soon as he saw the hanging body. Police took the two bodies to Faridpur Medical College Hospital for autopsy, he said. According to David, Sadia rented the flat about a year ago. Farooq moved into the flat next to them about a month ago. He (Farooq) did not stay there regularly, the OC said. "Our initial investigation has suggested that extra-marital affairs prevailed between Sadia and Farooq that consider as the key cause for the murder," the police official suspected. Shahidul Islam has been taken into police custody for questioning, he said. A case filing is underway in this regard. Post-mortem examination was going on till writing the report at 3:00pm," the OC said. There was nothing unusual about Sadia's behaviour when she came to work on Sunday, said Professor Sultan Mahamud, Principal of Govt Sarda Sundori Women College. "She had HSC exam duty. She completed her work and left the college at 3:30pm." Sadia's husband Sheikh Shahidul Islam said, he last spoke with his wife around 4:00pm on Sunday. She had told him that she was at home. "She wasn't at home when I got back. So, I looked for her. I called her colleagues. I even filed a general diary at the Kotowali Police Station that night," said Shahidul Islam. [May 07, 2018] LEAP Innovations, Leader in Personalized Learning, Reports Impressive Double-digit Student Gains in Schools Using Lexia Reading Core5 as their Literacy Solution BOSTON, May 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Educational technology that adapts to meet the personal needs of individual students is in big demand in the pre-K-12 learning environment, with reading being a discipline where one technology-based adaptive literacy tool is driving better outcomes and learning experiences. A leader in personalized learning, LEAP Innovations, recently released a second report showing Lexia Reading Core5 to have a statistically significant, positive impact for students in Chicago Public Schools. Lexia Learning Logo LEAP Innovations is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization connecting innovation and education to reinvent and transform the way children learn today. Focused on scaling personalized instructional models, the organization helps schools redesign their classroom models; implement the LEAP Learning Framework for Personalized Learning; and select and implement high-quality technology to support and test the impacts. In their recent report, Personalized Learning(s) From the Field, LEAPs research team analyzed data from LEAP Pilot Sites and Chicago public and charter schools using NWEA-(MAP) as the reading measure. Core5 was piloted in four schools with a total of 443 students and the products usage resulted in a 2.57-point increase in NWEA reading scores. A typical student using Core5 in the Pilot Network gained 11 additional percentile points above a typical comparison student who started with the same score (i.e., 50th percentile to the 61st percentile). These latest findings build on the results from LEAPs first year of piloting, in which students using Core5 gained an additional 1.42 test-score points beyond what the control group gained. Put nother way, a typical student using Core5 in year one of the Pilot Network would have gained five additional percentile points above a typical comparison student starting with the same score. Each year, we learn more about what it takes to successfully implement high-impact innovation in schools and classrooms including which personalized learning strategies and teaching tools most impact student outcomes, and how proven strategies and tools can be put into practice. stated Jaymes Hanna, Business Planning and Company Partnerships, LEAP Innovations. This year is no exceptionwe and our educators are truly impressed with the experience and outcomes of students using Core5. Lexia Learnings Core5 is a research-proven, technology-based program that accelerates the development of fundamental literacy skills for students of all abilities in grades pre-K5. The program follows a scope and sequence built for rigorous state standards and provides explicit, systematic instruction through personalized learning paths in six areas of reading. Core5 also seamlessly adapts with student performance, targeting skill gaps as they emerge, and equipping teachers with the data and instructional resources they need to personalize instruction for every student. At LEAPs Match Day 2018, their annual educational product selection event in Chicago, Lexia Reading Core5 stood out for the fifth straight year as a program of high interest. Focused on personalized learning, a panel of LEAPs independent experts in the field of reading science review applications submitted by edtech vendors from across the country and select programs to participate in Match Day based on a rigorous evaluation process. During the event, school teams had the opportunity to see the pre-selected, curated edtech products best suited to those teams individual needs. Lexia held meetings with 22 schools. Because of its unique, collaborative research process, Lexia has participated in the LEAP Innovations Pilot Network program since its inception in 2014, said Bob McCabe, Lexias VP of Education and Outreach. In partnership with the LEAP team, weve established strong implementations in over 30 schools thus far. This effort has allowed us to replicate results across buildings year-over-year and validate the design of our literacy program for enabling personalized learning. We look forward to seeing a fifth year of successful implementations and positive impact on student outcomes. A copy of LEAPs full report can be found at: http://www.leapinnovations.org/images/LEAP_PNC2_Report_3-15-18_red.pdf About Lexia Learning Lexia Learning, a Rosetta Stone company, empowers educators through adaptive assessment and personalized instruction. For more than 30 years, the company has been on the leading edge of research and product development as it relates to student reading skills. With a robust offering that includes solutions for differentiated instruction, personalized learning, and assessment, Lexia Learning provides educators with the tools to intensify and accelerate literacy skills development for students of all abilities. For more information, visit www.lexialearning.com . About Rosetta Stone Rosetta Stone Inc. (NYSE: RST) is dedicated to changing peoples lives through the power of language and literacy education. The companys innovative digital solutions drive positive learning outcomes for the inspired learner at home or in schools and workplaces around the world. Founded in 1992, Rosetta Stones language division uses cloud-based solutions to help all types of learners read, write, and speak more than 30 languages. Lexia Learning, Rosetta Stone's literacy education division, was founded more than 30 years ago and is a leader in the literacy education space. Today, Lexia helps students build fundamental reading skills through its rigorously researched, independently evaluated, and widely respected instruction and assessment programs. For more information, visit www.rosettastone.com . Rosetta Stone is a registered trademark or trademark of Rosetta Stone Ltd. in the United States and other countries. Charlotte Andrist charlotte@nickelcommpr.com 770-310-5244 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 07, 2018] LipimetiX Development Announces Sub-License of Apo E Mimetic Peptide Platform to Anji Pharma, China NATICK, Mass., May 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LipimetiX Development, Inc. (LipimetiX or the Company) announced today that Anji Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Anji Pharma) has entered a licensing agreement for the LipimetiX platform of peptides (AEM-28 and analogs) for development of these drug candidates in commercial indications in mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Anji Pharmas mission is to license and develop promising therapeutic technologies that address under-served markets in China. The Anji Pharmas license provides exclusive rights to and use of the LipimetiX patent portfolio of Apo E mimetic peptides and formulations in the above-mentioned territory. Terms include an upfront licensing payment to LipimetiX of US$2.0 million, multiple additional cash payments upon achievement of clinical/regulatory milestones and a royalty on Anji Pharmas future pharmaceutical revenues derived from this program. Further, the agreement provides for information sharing and other terms standard to a licensing agreement of this nature. Dennis Goldberg, Ph.D., CEO of LipimetiX, stated, We welcome the Anji Pharma relationship to develop our lipid-lowering peptides in China. The business opportunity was brought to us by a member of the LipimetiX Science Advisory Board, who has closely observed and contributed to our programs success. We are pleased by this validation of our science in Apo E mimetic peptides. Yiwei Zong, Ph.D., CEO of Anji Pharma, added, We are excited to collaborate with LipimetiX in a program to address a large China and global clinical need. The LipimetiX team has already shown proof-of-concept in lipid reduction in humans with AEM-28. We look forward to helping progress these potent peptides through the next clinical development phases and, ultimately, to the market. Chimeric Apolipoprotein E Mimetic Peptides Apolipoprotein E (Apo E) is in a class of protein that occurs throughout the body. Apo E is essential for the normal metabolism of cholesterol and triglycerides. After a meal, the postprandial (or post-meal) lipid load is packaged in lipoproteins and secreted into the blood stream. Apo E targets cholesterol and triglyceride rich lipoproteins to specific recetors in the liver, decreasing the levels in the blood. Elevated plasma cholesterol and triglycerides are independent risk factors for atherosclerosis, the buildup of cholesterol rich lesions and plaques in the arteries. Atherosclerosis is the major cause of cardiovascular disease, peripheral artery disease and cerebral artery disease, and can cause heart attack, loss of limbs and stroke. Defective lipid metabolism also plays an important role in the development of adult onset diabetes mellitus (Type 2 diabetes), and diabetics are particularly vulnerable to atherosclerosis, heart and peripheral artery diseases. The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) scientists patented the first chimeric Apo E mimetic peptide in 1999, reducing the 299 amino acid native Apo E into a 28 amino acid, dual domain peptide that can be delivered therapeutically. One domain inserts into a lipoprotein surface and the second domain binds to the Apo E receptors in the liver. In 2010, the Companys founding scientist, Dr. Dennis Goldberg, obtained worldwide right to patents for Apo E mimetic peptides from the UAB Research Foundation (UABRF). The Company has an Exclusive License Agreement with the University of Alabama at Birmingham Research Foundation for AEM-28 and its analogs. The Company has continued research into a next generation of chimeric Apo E peptides and has discovered new AEM-28 analogs, resulting in worldwide patent filings in 2015. The AEM-28 analogs were found to be significantly more potent (as tested in multiple animal models) than the parent molecule. Currently, the Company intends to concentrate its development efforts on AEM-28 analogs, including AEM-28-08 and AEM-28-14. Commercial indication targets include Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia and Acute Coronary Syndrome. About Anji Anji Pharma is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to addressing Chinas unmet clinical needs by identifying and in-licensing world-class clinical compounds and accelerating their clinical development in China. About LipimetiX LipimetiX Development, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company committed to developing Chimeric Apo E Mimetic Peptides for multiple lipid reduction indications. LipimetiX is approximately 60%-owned by Capstone Therapeutics Corp. (OTCQB:CAPS). Capstones corporate headquarters are in Tempe, Arizona. For more information, please visit Capstone's website: www.capstonethx.com. For more information on LipimetiX Development, please visit the Companys website: www.lipimetix.com. Statements in this press release or otherwise attributable to Capstone regarding our business that are not historical facts are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from predicted results. These risks include the factors discussed in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, and other documents that Capstone files with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Editors Note: This press release is also available under the Investors section of Capstones website at www.capstonethx.com. LipimetiX Development, Inc. 5 Commonwealth Road - Suite 2A Natick, MA 01760 (508)651-3715 www.lipimetix.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 07, 2018] Tremor Video DSP Partners with Grapeshot, Becomes First Video DSP to Mandate Only Brand Safe Supply is Served for Advertisers NEW YORK, May 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tremor Video DSP, the leading programmatic video platform, and Grapeshot, the leader in Contextual Intelligence, today announced the integration of Grapeshots pre-bid custom brand safety capabilities, which will be immediately available for Tremor Video DSPs advertisers across all supply. The move reinforces Tremor Video DSPs commitment to protect the investment brands are making in video and to ensure the optimal environment for the delivery of ads. The partnership enables enhanced contextual targeting and custom brand safety, allowing advertisers to reach audiences that consume the most relevant content in-the-moment. We are dedicated to ensuring brand-safe, fraud-free video advertising for our clients, so we are offering the solution for free to the brands and agencies we work with, said Lauren Wiener, CEO, Tremor Video DSP. Grapeshot shares this commitment, and as our trusted partner, we look forward to extending the protection their cutting-edge solution offers to our customers. Finding the right solution that keeps brands protected is more imperative than ever, with 75 percent of brands claiming that they have experienced brand safety issues in the past year (GumGum). Grapeshots Contextual Intelligence offering scans and analyzes the relationship of words on a web page to understand the true context, and filters out unfavorable environmentsboth standard and customized for the sensitivities of the brandbefore an advertiser can even bid on it. Brand safety is a top priority for Dentsu Aegis Network and our clients, and its hugely important that our partners are aligned with our brand safety approach and best practices, said Michael Law, EVP, Managing Director of Media Investment for Dentsu Aegis Network US. Were excited to see technology partners incorporate additional advertiser protection levers within their platforms. Tremor Video DSPs integration of Grapeshots contextual intelligence to offer brand protection is a step forward in helping advertisers reach audiences safely and effectively. Tremor Video DSPs pre-bid integration with Grapeshots Contextual Intelligence platform enables advertisers to reach the audiences most receptive to their messaging through customization of contextual targeting, which ensures messages reach only relevant audiences, and custom brand safety, which prevents ads from being delivered in undesirable or irrelevant environments. Grapeshot applauds Tremor Video DSPs commitment to offering brand safety across all available supply, said Ryan McBride, VP, Platform Partnerships for Grapeshot. By mandating pre-bid brand safety verification, Tremor Video DSP will help their advertisers reach the most relevant audiences in brand safe environments. About Tremor Video DSP Tremor Video DSP is the leading programmatic video platform, matching advertisers with audienceswherever they may be. Delivering custom video experiences across all screens, we help advertisers tell captivating brand stories to create meaningful, personalized moments with prospective customers. Tremor Video DSP is a Taptica Company. About Grapeshot Grapeshot empowers the world's leading brands and advertisers to bring relevance to every customer experience. With its proprietary Contextual Intelligence platform, Grapeshot transforms information into actionable data, and identifies revenue-driving behaviors. With solutions for predictive targeting, brand safety, and audience enrichment, brands leverage the power of Grapeshot to improve media efficiency, increase customer engagement and boost brand perception with their intended audiences. It has been named "Digiday's Best Publisher Tool" and "Best Attribution Solution for Keyword Signal," The Drum's "Best Attribution Solution," and the British Media Awards' "Ad Provider of the Year," among other honors. Grapeshot entered the market in 2006, and has offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, New York, London, Cambridge, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Sydney. Media Contacts Brook Terran 805-570-3309 Gretel Going Channel V Media for Grapeshot gretel@channelvmedia.com 212.680.0179 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 07, 2018] The Contactless Ticketing Market Continues to Grow Despite Challenge from Mobile LONDON, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite ongoing debate on the mobile ticketing displacement impact on the traditional contactless ticketing smart card market, the contactless ticketing market will continue to grow. Shipments are expected to rise from 447 million in 2018 to 550 million in 2023, according to a new report by ABI Research, a market-foresight advisory firm providing strategic guidance on the most compelling transformative technologies. There is no silver technology bullet to cover all ticketing modes - train, ferry, subway, bike, taxi, plane and bus - and ticket types - frequent, infrequent, daily commuter, tourist, tech-savvy and adverse and the unbanked. All this points toward an overriding requirement for transportation authorities to increase ticketing consumption choice via the creation of technology co-existence ticketing ecosystems. The smart card market has paved the way for new ticketing innovation, heavily utilizing well-established contactless ticketing infrastructure to shift toward account-based, open systems, bringing new ticketing form factors, including mobile, to the market. For the leading OEMs, the mobile ticketing opportunity has not gone unnoticed and is viewed as a natural evolutionary expansion market to flesh out mobile payment platforms. Apple has already announced support for the FeliCa ticketing protocol. Google recently announced a partnership with NXP, integrating NXP's MIFARE 2GO cloud service with Google Pay to enable the digitization of MIFARE-based ticketing credentials on mobile and wearables devices, with the first commercial launch on the Las Vegas Monorail in May 2018. However, mobile needs to take the ticketing market to the next level, combining and tying in other services to shift from ticket distribution and authentication towards personalized services and journeys. As ticketing choice increases, the ability to simply digitize a ticket will not a sufficiently compelling reason for a user to choose a mobile ticketing credential over another more familiar form-factor. "Feature rich mobile devices are credential types from which service providers can gather valuable data and analytics on customers, bringing them closer to end users," said Phil Sealy, Principal Analyst at ABI Research. "This will help optimize and provide targeted added value via the launch of new innovative services as well as a platform from which new allegiances and partnerships can be forged. This will build out future strategies and ultimately open up new revenue opportunities and business models through campaigns, marketing and loyalty and it is this opportunity the likes of Apple and Google are chasing." Top-of-wallet, brand stickiness, and loyalty should be the end goal of mobile ticketing solution providers. However, they need to carefully combine these requirements to compel both the transportation authority and the end user. "Visionaries understand that the true value of mobile ticketing lies beyond the ability to simply and securely digitally visualize a physical ticket. Development strategies need to focus on the enablement of a compelling offer which combines the convenience of mobile with added value, molding services around the new business model opportunity and ultimately justifying it with a clear business case/ROI," Sealy added. These findings are from ABI Research's Mobile Ticketing: The Diversification Opportunity report. This report is part of the company's Digital Security research service, which includes research, data, and Executive Foresights. About ABI Research ABI Research provides strategic guidance for visionaries needing market foresight on the most compelling transformative technologies, which reshape workforces, identify holes in a market, create new business models and drive new revenue streams. ABI's own research visionaries take stances early on those technologies, publishing groundbreaking studies often years ahead of other technology advisory firms. ABI analysts deliver their conclusions and recommendations in easily and quickly absorbed formats to ensure proper context. Our analysts strategically guide visionaries to take action now and inspire their business to realize a bigger picture. For more information about ABI Research's forecasting, consulting and teardown services, visionaries can contact us at +1.516.624.2500 in the Americas, +44.203.326.0140 in Europe, +65.6592.0290 in Asia-Pacific or visit www.abiresearch.com. Contact Info: Global Deborah Petrara Christopher Leary Tel: +1.516.624.2558 Tel: +1.516.624.2544 pr@abiresearch.com pr@abiresearch.com View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-contactless-ticketing-market-continues-to-grow-despite-challenge-from-mobile-300643490.html SOURCE ABI Research [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 07, 2018] Janrain Survey: Cambridge Analytica Breach Draws Shift in Consumer Attitudes Toward Data Privacy PORTLAND, Ore., May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Janrain, the company that pioneered the Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM) category, today announced the results of its Consumer Attitudes Toward Data Privacy Survey, which suggest the Cambridge Analytica breach incited a major turning point in the way consumers feel about their data privacy. Janrain queried over 1,000 U.S.-based consumers and found 78% of them were aware that Cambridge Analytica had made off with the data of 87 million users without their permission. While nearly all of the people surveyed (94%) reported being generally concerned about their data, 57% said the breach made them even more concerned about data privacy than they had been in the past while 62% reported they are now thinking about closing their Facebook account "One thing history has shown us time and time again is that irresponsible business will hurt public trust," said Jim Kaskade, CEO at Janrain. "Over the past few years, consumers had been reporting growing acceptance of allowing businesses to use their personal data in order to provide personalized products, services and experiences. However, that does not mean that you treat it any differently than financial or health information, which is highly regulated. The recent news surrounding Cambridge Analytica has awakened people to the fact that they value their social data as much as they do any other personal data. Now the question is whether businesses will begin to self-regulate to address this fact." Most Consumers Want GDPRTheir message to brands: "We're watching you, too" Janrain's survey shows many American consumers are open to regulations designed to give them greater control over how businesses use their personal data. 69% of those surveyed would like to see privacy laws like the European Union's General Dta Protection Regulation (GDPR) enacted in the US. When asked which of the GDPR provisions they'd most like to see enacted in the US, 38% responded with the ability to control how their data is used while 39% favored the "right to be forgotten" rule, which requires organizations to delete data they may have on a European user should the user ask. "The good news is the Cambridge Analytica data misuse has brought a lot more awareness to the data privacy issue, which will force a hard new look at how personal data is being handled by businesses in the US," continued Kaskade. "Ultimately, many experts agree (as do we at Janrain) that this will create more transparency in the use and protection of data, restore consumer faith in brands, and create stronger relationships that benefit both the business and consumer." A Matter of Trust: 66% say trust affects their online behavior Despite the strong reaction to the Cambridge Analytica scandal, a third of Americans are still in favor of websites and mobile applications that use their data to provide more personalized ads and experiencesas long as the business behind the site or app is protecting their data and using it responsibly. The problem is a matter of trust: of those who aren't okay with trading personal data for personalized experiences, half of them simply don't like the idea of companies watching them online. Meanwhile, (43%) don't believe businesses in general care enough to keep their data private and secure while 73% agree businesses simply "know too much." Two-thirds go so far as to say this affects their behavior online. "Now that consumers have voiced their position regarding social data, we are going to need to have a similar discussion around data that is captured while you're still anonymous but later linked to your known identityas well as data produced by connected devices that describe you, your family, and extended circles," said Kaskade. "The 'data privacy problem' is much, much larger than consumers even know." For more information, visit the complete Consumer Attitudes Toward Data Privacy Survey Report. 1,051 US-based residents 18 years-old and over participated in Janrain's Consumer Attitudes Toward Data Privacy Survey, conducted online in April of 2018 with a 3.1% margin of error. About Janrain Founded in 2002, Janrain pioneered Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM) and is widely recognized by industry analysts as a global CIAM leader. The Janrain Identity Cloud provides identity management, security and activation solutions that enable seamless and safe customer experiences across their digitally connected world, while providing enterprise organizations with deep customer insights. Janrain's identity capabilities include social and traditional login and registration, single sign-on, customer profile data storage and management, customer segments, customer insights and engagement solutions. The company reaches over 1.5 billion digital identities with over 3,400 commercial deployments, including Pfizer, Samsung, Whole Foods, Philips, McDonald's and Dr Pepper. Janrain is based in Portland, Oregon, with offices in London, Paris and Silicon Valley. For more information, please visit www.janrain.com and follow @janrain. Media Contact: Chris Blake MSR Communications Phone: 1-415-989-9000 E-mail: chris@msrcommunications.com View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/janrain-survey-cambridge-analytica-breach-draws-shift-in-consumer-attitudes-toward-data-privacy-300642518.html SOURCE Janrain [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 07, 2018] Acronis Announces Foundation To Support Education And Protect Knowledge Worldwide SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Acronis, a global leader in hybrid cloud data protection and storage currently celebrating its 15-year anniversary, today announced the Acronis Foundation (foundation.acronis.com). Created in honor of Acronis' 15-year anniversary and the company's founding principle that all evils are caused by insufficient knowledge, the Foundation is supporting multiple initiatives designed to stimulate education to gain and protect knowledge. The first project is Acronis Schools Initiative, an international endowment that will fund the construction of 15 new schools in underserved communities around the globe during the next three years. Delivering on Acronis' core belief Constant learning, creating and protecting knowledge, and advancing technology are integral parts of Acronis' DNA. As a result, Acronis has been creating and sharing knowledge by funding research and technical training programs in communities where Acronis has research and development centers. For its 15th anniversary, it was natural for Acronis to expand on this effort. John Zanni, Acronis' President, explained, "Acronis believes that all evils are caused by insufficient knowledge. Knowledge is always good and has the power to bring real change in the world. That belief is a core component of what drives Acronis. The company was built to protect knowledge by protecting all data, applications and system in the modern digital world." With the Acronis Foundation (foundation.acronis.com), Acronis funds programs that will spread knowledge to new audiences around the world. Acronis Schools Initiative UNESCO estimates that more than 50 percent of the world's children (over 617 million) are unable to reach the minimum proficiency levels of reading and mathematics. Acronis believes that every child has the potential to learn, giving them the skills needed to gain knowledge and create opportunities for themselves an their community. As the first project, the Acronis Schools Initiative will celebrate the company's 15-year anniversary by funding the construction of 15 schools. "School is where the path to knowledge and opportunity begins," said Jochen Berger, Managing Director of the Acronis Foundation. "Technology is the modern language of opportunity, but without a basic education, no one can learn that language. Schools built by the Acronis Foundation will provide the infrastructure where students can acquire the educational skills to learn the language of technology needed to claim those opportunities, regardless of their social, economic or cultural background." The Acronis Schools Initiative works with local leaders and non-profit organizations to build schools that meet the community's unique needs. School projects are currently planned in Latin America, the Middle East, South East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Five guiding values As the Acronis Foundation spreads knowledge around the world, its work will be guided by five key values: COMMITMENT The success of each school will be tracked, and ongoing reports will be published of the schools' performance and community impact. FOCUS Every cent spent by The Acronis Schools Initiative goes toward school-building projects, while administrative costs are covered by Acronis. APPRECIATION Donors deserve recognition for their contribution, so each school will have a marker with their name and donors can attend the school's opening ceremony. ACCOUNTABILITY This is a charitable donation with a money-back guarantee. If a donor is not happy after the school opening, their investment will be returned. TRANSPARENCY Details about donations, expenditures, projects and payments will be fully visible to reassure partners and the public about our work. Anyone interested in partnering and contributing to these efforts can find additional information on the Foundation's website, foundation.acronis.com . They can also contact the Acronis Foundation directly at foundation@acronis.com. About Acronis Acronis sets the standard for hybrid cloud IT data protection through its backup, active protection against ransomware, disaster recovery, and secure file sync and share solutions. Powered by the Acronis AnyData Engine and set apart by its image technology, Acronis delivers easy, fast, complete and affordable data protection of all files, applications and operating systems across any environmentvirtual, physical, cloud, mobile and applications. Founded in Singapore in 2003 with corporate headquarters in Switzerland, it now operates from local offices in 18 different countries, protecting the data of over 5 million consumers and 500,000 businesses in 145 countries and 20 languages. With more than 100 patents, Acronis products are consistently named best product of the year and cover a range of features, including migration, cloning, and replication. Today, Acronis solutions are available worldwide through a global network of service providers, distributors, and cloud resellers. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/acronis-announces-foundation-to-support-education-and-protect-knowledge-worldwide-300643502.html SOURCE Acronis, Inc. [May 07, 2018] Indie Beauty Expo Announces New European Show and Retail Partnership NEW YORK, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Indie Beauty Expo (IBE), the world's largest exposition of independent beauty brands, announces the launch of its second European show in Berlin, Germany, and a new partnership with Feelunique, Europe's largest online retailer, for the France and UK markets. IBE Berlin Following the overwhelmingly positive response to the announcement of its first international show, to be launched in London in October 2018, IBE is expanding its platform to provide European brands and retailers another opportunity to interact and transact in their home continent. IBE Berlin will take place on Friday, March 29th (TRADE INDIE) and Saturday, March 30th, (SHOP INDIE) at STATION-Berlin, a historic landmark located in the heart of the city. IBE co-founder, Nader Naeymi-Rad, stated: "Europe is a diverse market and German-speaking countries are a discrete opportunity within that market, representing over 100 million consumers spread among some of the best performing economies in the region. Furthermore, German retailers have been steadily expanding their reach across Europe and now represent some of the most desirable wholesale channels available to brands. We want to make these markets and channels accessible to more independent brands." Jillian Wright, IBE co-founder, added, "The practice of going to a trade show once a year to do a buy is becoming obsolete. Consumers can now find new brands online at a click of button at any time. So buyers are now 'always buying'. With five shows across two continents IBE will offer retailers a continuous stream of new innovations, from around the world, throughout the year to help them maintain their competitive edge." Feelunique Partnership IBE is also proud to announce the launch of a collaboration with Feelunique, Europe's largest online retailer, to showcase an assortment of independent brands across a range of categories from skin care, to hair care and color cosmetics to be launched in July of 2018. The goal of the partnership is to provide millions of beauty devotees the opportunity to discover and shop exceptional products they may not otherwise have access to in the UK and French markets. In the first phase of the partnership, IBE and Feelunique will jointly select approximately thirty brands from the hundreds of market-ready brands who have exhibited or will be exhibiting at IBE. IBE will guide and support the selected brands through the onboarding process. Feelunique will help grow these brands and develop localised storytelling curation, raising community awareness, underpinned by Feelunique's beauty philosophy, 'Beauty without Boundaries.' "Independent beauty is an important category for Feelunique," said Joel Palix, CEO of Feelunique. "Over the years, we are proud to have supported many young up-and-coming brands. Moving forward, we would like to extend our platform to more brands that lack a presence in the UK and France," he added. "That is also why we decided to partner with IBE. They are a pioneer and a recognised leader in independent beauty and their knowledge, network and capabilities in this space are unrivalled." Jillian Wright, co-founder of IBE added, "IBE is here to support beauty entrepreneurs. That is why we want as many beauty shoppers in the UK and France to discover and have access to the amazing innovations that these entrepreneurs are bringing to the market. By working with Feelunique, we believe we can make this happen in a meaningful way." About Indie Beauty Expo IBE's mission is to provide a platform to recognize, showcase and celebrate independent beauty brands and to support the growth and success of the entrepreneurs behind them. Launched in 2015, IBE has rapidly grown to become the largest professionally-curated exposition of independent beauty, lifestyle and wellness brands. Today, IBE is presented in five strategic retail markets in North America and Europe: New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, London and Berlin. IBE provides specific segments for Brands, Buyers, Press, Investors and Shoppers. IBE has also launched a range of services to better support beauty entrepreneurs on their path to success, including the Best in Show awards, Beauty X summits, Beauty Independent news and knowledge and Retail Advisory services. About Feelunique Founded in 2005, Feelunique has grown to become Europe's largest online beauty retailer with more than 32,000 products available from 500 brands across makeup, skincare, haircare, fragrance and electricals. Feelunique is a cross-border retailer, shipping to over 120 countries with dedicated websites in the UK, France, the EU, Germany, Norway, China and the US. Feelunique carries major brands including Chanel, Dior, Tom Ford and Nars as well as indie brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, Anastasia, Caudalie and Morocannoil. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/indie-beauty-expo-announces-new-european-show-and-retail-partnership-300643340.html SOURCE Indie Beauty Expo [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 07, 2018] BioRestorative Therapies Appoints Wayne J. Olan, M.D. as Clinical Director of Regenerative Disc/Spine Program MELVILLE, N.Y., May 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BioRestorative Therapies, Inc. ("BioRestorative" or the Company") (OTC:BRTX), a life sciences company focused on stem cell-based therapies, today announced that Wayne J. Olan, M.D. has been appointed as Clinical Director of the Companys Regenerative Disc/Spine Program. Dr. Olan had been serving on the Company Scientific Advisory Board since 2014. Dr. Olan, a board-certified interventional neuroradiologist, is the director of endovascular and minimally invasive image guided neurosurgery in Washington, D.C. at the George Washington University Medical Center. He is also an associate professor at The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences. Dr. Olan serves as a consulting physician to the White House and Congressional medical staffs and to the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Olan was the director of interventional neuroradiology at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland from 1999 to 2010. He is a member of many professional societies including the Radiological Society of North America, American College of Radiology, American Medical Association, Medical Society of District of Columbia, American Society of Neuroradiology, and American Society of Spine Radiology. Dr. Olan has over 150 published papers, posters, abstracts and lectures on endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular disorders, including the treatment of cerebral aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, and the treatment of stroke. A great deal of his research has covered the interventional treatment of spinal disorders. Dr. Olan received his M.D. degree from University of Health Science, the Chicago Medical School. He completed his training in radiology and fellowship training in neuroradiology with subspecialty training in interventional neuroradiology. Dr. Olan commented, I am excited to join BioRestorative in an operational capacity at this exciting time in the Companys clinical development, having received authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to commence the Phase 2 clinical trial for BRTX-100. More than 65 million Americans sufferfrom lower back pain annually, and there are no approved therapies that promote disc repair and possible regeneration. For this reason, I look forward to helping advance BRTX-100 through the clinical trials and into commercialization where I believe it has the potential to become standard of care. Mark Weinreb, Chief Executive Officer of BioRestorative Therapies, said, We are honored to have a medical professional of Dr. Olans stature join our team. He brings extensive experience in the area of spinal disorders. Having served on our advisory board since 2014, he already has an intimate knowledge of our technology and we look forward to his further contributions as we advance our clinical trials. About BioRestorative Therapies, Inc. BioRestorative Therapies, Inc. (www.biorestorative.com) develops therapeutic products using cell and tissue protocols, primarily involving adult stem cells. Our two core programs, as described below, relate to the treatment of disc/spine disease and metabolic disorders: Disc/Spine Program (brtxDISC): Our lead cell therapy candidate, BRTX-100, is a product formulated from autologous (or a persons own) cultured mesenchymal stem cells collected from the patients bone marrow. We intend that the product will be used for the non-surgical treatment of protruding and bulging lumbar discs in patients suffering from chronic lumbar disc disease. The BRTX-100 production process involves collecting a patients bone marrow, isolating and culturing stem cells from the bone marrow and cryopreserving the cells. In an outpatient procedure, BRTX-100 is to be injected by a physician into the patients damaged disc. The treatment is intended for patients whose pain has not been alleviated by non-invasive procedures and who potentially face the prospect of surgery. We have received authorization from the Food and Drug Administration to commence a Phase 2 clinical trial using BRTX-100 to treat chronic lower back pain due to degenerative disc disease related to protruding/bulging discs. Metabolic Program (ThermoStem): We are developing a cell-based therapy to target obesity and metabolic disorders using brown adipose (fat) derived stem cells to generate brown adipose tissue (BAT). BAT is intended to mimic naturally occurring brown adipose depots that regulate metabolic homeostasis in humans. Initial preclinical research indicates that increased amounts of brown fat in the body may be responsible for additional caloric burning as well as reduced glucose and lipid levels. Researchers have found that people with higher levels of brown fat may have a reduced risk for obesity and diabetes. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and other risks, including those set forth in the Company's Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements. CONTACT: Email: ir@biorestorative.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 07, 2018] SecurityScorecard Enhances Security Ratings Offering with Industry Disrupting Differentiator to Measure Systemic Risk NEW YORK, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- SecurityScorecard, the leader in security ratings, announced the release today of Breach Insights to the company's core security ratings functionality. Breach Insights measures an enterprise's systemic risk by quantifying the likelihood of a breach (i.e. risk level) within customers' vendor and partner portfolios by assessing both correlated and uncorrelated risk. Correlated risk identifies common attributes between companies in a portfolio and their relevance to breach risk. It then creates an overall risk factor by combining this correlated risk and the risk associated with individual company's security ratings. Breach Insights displays a ranked order of vulnerabilities which contribute to total risk that provides a prescriptive capability for clients. They now know which vulnerabilities to remediate first in order to have the most impact to reduce portfolio risk. "Risk is intrinsic to doing business and has to be managed. The connectedness and symbiosis businesses and their third-parties make business better but also increase each other's risk. The new "Breach Insights" module released by SecurityScorecard creates a key differentiable capability allowing businesses to better address risk across all third-parties thus better rotecting not only themselves but also their entire connected third-party ecosystem," said David Monahan, Research Director, Enterprise Management Associates. With the addition of Breach Insights, customers can now identify commonalities across their portfolio of vendors and partners to prioritize risk mitigation, thereby increasing their own overall security posture and scorecard rating. By making the SecurityScorecard data actionable, SecurityScorecard is enabling predictive and prescriptive risk management, changing the dialogue and process of understanding exposure and risk. "SecurityScorecard's ratings platform was created to give enterprises of all shapes and sizes a clear and concise way to communicate about security risk and exposure," said Sam Kassoumeh, Co-Founder and COO of SecurityScorecard. "With the release of Breach Insights, we are now enabling our customers to take action on this perceived exposure both internally and across their vendor portfolio to decrease the overall likelihood of a data breach or catastrophic security incident occurring. We are seeing great tailwinds in the market, with many of competitor's customers flocking our way - the Breach Insights feature will be a significant competitive differentiator for us, which nobody else in Security Rating Services market has, and will help us cement that advantage. " For more information: https://securityscorecard.com/blog/announcing-our-newest-feature-breach-insights About SecurityScorecard Headquartered in the heart of New York City, SecurityScorecard's vision is to create a new language for measuring and communicating security risk. The company was founded in late 2013 by Dr. Aleksandr Yampolskiy and Sam Kassoumeh, two former cybersecurity practitioners who had served, respectively, as Chief Information Security Officer and Head of Security and Compliance. With cloud solutions becoming an increasingly integral part of the security technology stack, Yampolskiy and Kassoumeh recognized the need to address third- and fourth-party risk as well as better understand the security capabilities of their business partners. Since its founding, the company has grown dramatically and now counts hundreds of leading brands as customers. SecurityScorecard is backed by leading venture capital investors including Sequoia Capital, GV, and NGP Capital among others. For more information, visit securityscorecard.com. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/securityscorecard-enhances-security-ratings-offering-with-industry-disrupting-differentiator-to-measure-systemic-risk-300643547.html SOURCE SecurityScorecard [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 07, 2018] Wayne State, TechTown, NextEnergy launch technology innovation consortium DETROIT, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Wayne State University today announced a $6.6 million investment in Detroit Urban Solutions, a technology innovation consortium dedicated to developing cutting edge solutions to challenges facing Detroit and other urban areas. A partnership between Wayne State, TechTown Detroit and NextEnergy, in collaboration with numerous other organizations, the consortium will focus on smart cities technologies, including mobility, energy, digital health and civic technologies. Detroit Urban Solutions has been in the works for years and is coming to fruition with Wayne State's purchase of the NextEnergy Center across the street from TechTown's headquarters. The university plans to transform the building into the Wayne State Industry Innovation Center (I2C), a facility for university and industry collaboration and research, with a focus on cyber physical systems including cyber security, connected and autonomous vehicles, and smart city technologies. "A focus area in Wayne State's five-year strategic plan is that the university will become a hub of innovation. This is strong action toward that goal," said WSU President M. Roy Wilson. "Building on the momentum generated by Wayne State's Integrative Biosciences Center and Anderson Engineering Ventures Institute, TechTown, Henry Ford Health System and several others, we're turning this key part of Midtown into an energized district where cross-sector collaborations will continue to drive our city forward." Detroit Urban Solutions Detroit Urban Solutions is a product of the Detroit Innovation District working group convened in 2014 by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. It will include both a physical location, with programming focused at TechTown, I2C and IBio, as well as a virtual component that will encompass complementary efforts citywide. "Innovation consortiums like Detroit Urban Solutions are a key compnent of Detroit's revitalization," said Mayor Duggan. "Detroit Urban Solutions will create and commercialize new ideas and support our regional economycreating jobs that leverage Southeast Michigan's unique attributes and expertise in mobility, digital health and more." As a key DUS partner, NextEnergy will remain in the TechTown district, leading the mobility and energy initiatives. "We are excited about the opportunity be part of a focused epicenter for innovation," said Jim Saber, President and CEO of NextEnergy. "This partnership provides additional opportunities to leverage our global reach to attract new talent and business ventures to the region to accelerate and deploy solutions that create smarter, cleaner and more accessible communities and cities." Additional Detroit Urban Solutions partners include the City of Detroit, Design Core Detroit, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Kyyba, Lear Corporation, Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the New Economy Initiative. The consortium is designed to foster greater collaboration and connection among innovation efforts occurring in Detroit and across the region. "The volume of tech innovation in metro Detroit and on the Wayne State campus, especially around mobility, health tech, cybersecurity and IoT, has been one of our region's best-kept secrets," said Ned Staebler, Wayne State's vice president for economic development and CEO of TechTown. "These efforts will coalesce in Detroit Urban Solutions. I assure you, the next Amazon will take notice." WSU Industry Innovation Center (I2C) As the first major investment in Detroit Urban Solutions, the WSU Industry Innovation Center will utilize its 45,000 square-feet of office, laboratory, and event and demonstration space as a location for university faculty, researchers, and students to co-locate with industry to work on a variety of cutting edge technology projects. The facility offers 18,000 square-feet of high-bay, reinforced concrete floor lab spaces that are incredibly difficult to find in move-in ready condition. It also includes a micro grid pavilion for vehicle to grid research demonstration, electric vehicle infrastructure, biofuels and hydrogen fuel cell demonstration facilities and an Internet of Things smart house, demonstrating many of the latest IoT technologies. NextEnergy will continue to utilize the I2C assets as part of its demonstration and deployment programs, and convening work. Wayne State's College of Engineering will have a significant presence in the building. "Addressing urban challenges is a hallmark of the Wayne State College of Engineering, and the I2C enables us to expand those efforts," said Farshad Fotouhi, Dean of the Wayne State College of Engineering. "This facility gives our researchers and students a huge competitive advantage by allowing them to engage directly with industry partners, potential employers and strategic investors." Further programing details and launch events for the Wayne State Industry Innovation Center are planned for Fall 2018. Contact: Matt Lockwood, 313-577-9098, mlockwood@wayne.edu View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wayne-state-techtown-nextenergy-launch-technology-innovation-consortium-300643550.html SOURCE Wayne State University [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Nat`l polls may also be delayed Govt using court to avoid defeat: Dr Kamal Staff Reporter : Supreme Court Senior Advocate and President of the Gono Forum Dr Kamal Hossain said the ruling party Awami League has suspended the Gazipur City Corporation election using the court oder to avoid defeat. Speaking at a discussion meeting at Jatiya Press Club yesterday afternoon He said Awami League resorted to the practice knowing it well that its Mayoral candidate in Gaziur City Corporation election will not get even 10 percent votes. The eminent lawyer who is also one of the founders of the Constitution said he fears there is also a possibility that the upcoming Parliament election may face similar suspension to the save the ruling party from defeat. Attorney General Mahbube Alam says the government would consider making appeal against the order. Apparently responding to Dr Kamal's remark that the parliament election may even face similar fate, Awami League leaders said 'SUJAN' and 'Gono-Forum' - the political party Dr Kamal Hossain runs are engaging in conspiracy and trying to bring unholy forces to power. BNP leader Nazrul Islam said following the Gazipur City election suspension people have started talking if BNP decides to join Parliamentary election, what Awami League would do. He said there is every possibility that the government would suspend the National Election fearing defeat. People at Gazipur and all over the country were taken by surprise by the High Court order on Sunday on a writ by an unknown Savar Awami League leader challenging the inclusion of six wards wih Gazipur City Corporation from the jurisdiction of Savar Upazila six years back. Campaign by both major party candidates came to a halt immediately as the news spread of the election halt for three months. The Election Commission and the Chief Election Commissioner in particular claim they were in total dark when the High Court Bench issued the order after a brief hearing. The suspension of the election long after the announcement of the election schedules on April 12 and only 10 days from the polling date appears to be highly intriguing to people at all over the country and to Gazipur people in particular. But the question arises as to why the EC has announced the schedules if legal questions were hanging on demarcation of City wards. CEC Nurul Huda can't cover his failure by saying he knew there was no legal issue pending over Gazipur City election and therefore he has announced the polling schedules. He asserted such suspension would not happen in case of Khulna City polls raising question how he knew about it if he had not known about Gazipur. People are totally confused. Gazipur City polls sees the repeat of the suspension of the Dhaka North City Corporation election in February 26 this year. The CEC used similar lack of knowledge before the High Court order came giving stay to the Dhaka North City polls for three months and later extended to six months. Another local Awami League leader had filed the writ on that occasion and there was no secret he acted for the government to halt the election to halt humiliating defeat for the ruling party Mayoral candidate. It appears to have become a pattern of the ruling party to give local government elections and when they see the situation is not to their favour, they use the court to halt the election when the Election Commission take the back seat. When the CEC says "We all came to know about it later," it hears like a big political joke. Constitutional law says "A court shall not pass any order or direction, ad interim or otherwise, in relation to an election for which schedules have been announced, unless the Election Commission has been given reasonable notice and an opportunity of being heard." The Article was included in the 15th constitutional amendment in 2011 on EC's request, but it appears that neither the court nor the EC is giving significance to the law. It is an open secret that the EC is not having the backbone and playing a sub-servient role instead of steering the constitutional body like the way it should be handled independently. The position of the CEC shows he is totally incompetent when the government is destroying all public institutions which were otherwise mandated to protect people's right to vote. [May 07, 2018] Health Canada launches consultations on palliative care framework Online consultations open for 68 days OTTAWA, May 7, 2018 /CNW/ - Many Canadians with life-threatening illnesses wish to remain independent and receive the care they need in the setting of their choice. Improving access to palliative care in a variety of settings, including at home, is critical to making this happen. Today, Health Canada launched a public consultation on a framework for palliative care in Canada. A framework will help support improved access to palliative care and will provide a useful reference point across jurisdictions to help identify opportunities, address gaps, and share promising practices. Canadians and interested stakeholders are invited to share their views online until July 13, 2018. This consultation complements the leadership role taken by the federal government in engaging with provinces and territories through the Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities and its commitment to improve access to home, community, and palliative care by providing $6 billion over 10 years to support these goals. Improved access to home, community and palliative care will help to reduce the number of patients in hospital who would prefer to be supported and cared for at home. In the coming months, the federal government will consult directly with provinces, territories, palliative care providers, people living with illness,caregivers, and other expert stakeholders. The comments received during these consultations will help inform the development of the framework for palliative care, which will be tabled in Parliament by December 13, 2018. The Government of Canada looks forward to working cooperatively with provincial and territorial governments and stakeholders at all levels to help support improvements in the quality and availability of palliative care for Canadians. Quotes "Canadians who need palliative care should have access to these services when they need them, in the setting of their choice. We look forward to hearing views from across the country as we develop a framework that will help support improved access to palliative care in Canada." The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor Minister of Health Quick Facts Through Budget 2017, the Government of Canada committed targeted funding of $6 billion over 10 years to provinces and territories to improve access to home care services, including palliative care. The Government of Canada continues to work with individual jurisdictions to develop and finalize bilateral agreements. These agreements set out details of ?how this targeted federal funding for home careincluding palliative carewill be invested in each jurisdiction. committed targeted funding of over 10 years to provinces and territories to improve access to home care services, including palliative care. The Government of continues to work with individual jurisdictions to develop and finalize bilateral agreements. These agreements set out details of ?how this targeted federal funding for home careincluding palliative carewill be invested in each jurisdiction. Provinces and territories have committed to working with the Canadian Institute for Health Information to develop a focused set of common indicators to measure progress and to report to Canadians on overall improvements in access to home and community care, including palliative care. Targeted federal investments continue to help improve palliative care in a number of areas, including identifying national best practices, building research capacity, and providing supports for caregivers. For example, federal funding was announced on February 12, 2018 , that will enable Pallium Canada to build on the success of its Learning Essential Approaches to Palliative Care (LEAP) program and increase the capacity of health care providers to deliver palliative care in communities across the country. Associated Links Palliative care Framework on Palliative Care in Canada Act Participate in the consultation SOURCE Health Canada [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 07, 2018] Poets&Quants (TM) Releases Best & Brightest MBAs: Class Of 2018 OAKLAND, Calif., May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Poets&Quants, the definitive online publication of MBA news for graduate business, released its annual list of the "Best & Brightest MBAs, Class of 2018." Now in its fourth installment, the highly anticipated feature highlights the achievements, leadership, and volunteerism from 100 full-time MBAs from 60 leading business schools worldwide. This year's Best & Brightest are defined by their commitment to service, both to their classmates and society at large. The class has fought on the front lines against poverty, AIDS, and human trafficking. Two members have opened medical clinics to provide care to the underprivileged. Others have developed programming to prevent sexual harassment or support transitions made by international, veteran, international, and disabled students. Professionally, the Best & Brightest come from organizations as diverse as the United Nations, Teacher for America, Barclays, and the U.S. Marines. It boasts a child actor, a professional poker player, and a diplomat who helped negotiate the Iran nuclear deal. One graduate started his banking career at 15; another was managing a $130 million dollar budget at 22 and became his company's youngest partner in the process. "Every year, the caliber of students keeps getting better," says Jeff Schmitt, the senior writer at P&Q who developed the Best & Brightest concept. "One of the things that's changing with MBAs is they're increasingly coming back to campus with a purpose. They've found their calling and they're leveraging business as a means to boost access and fairnessfor everyone. This sense of mission and the values they represent really heightens the possibilities for everyone in business school." To compile this 2018 Best & Brightest MBAs, Poets & Quants reached out to 68 of the world's top graduate business schools with school selection based on P&Q's MBA rankings. Each school was asked to submit four nominations using feedback from administration and students, with special attention given to academic prowess, professional achievement, extracurricular involvement, and insightful responses. Overall, 65 programs submitted 239 nominations, which were evaluated by P&Q's editorial team. In the end, nearly all of the Top 10 domestic and international business schools were represented including the following: Stanford Graduate School of Business Wharton School University of Chicago Northwestern University INSEAD MIT U.C.- Berkeley Dartmouth College London Business School Yale School of Management Columbia Business School University of Michigan As a whole, the Best & Brightest consists of 52 women and 48 men a stark contrast from traditional business school populations where women often account for a little more than a third of the population. The class also includes 35 international students and 9 armed forces veterans. Overall, McKinsey is the top employer of Best & Brightest talent, with 8 members slated to join the firm after graduation. Amazon attracted 7 students, followed by Bain & Company, the Boston Consulting Group, and Deloitte with 5 students each. Another 9 students on the list will be running startups, with 2 others planning to return to the military. To read the full story and 100 profiles, visit Poets&Quants for "The Best & Brightest MBAs, Class of 2018". Poets&Quants is the leading source for coverage of graduate business education. Since its founding in 2010, P&Q has experienced eight consecutive years of record-breaking traffic growth, racking up more than 100 million page views from all over the world. In a typical month, more than 350,000 users visit the site. P&Q has established a reputation for well-reported and highly creative stories on the things that matter most to the graduate business education market. This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/poetsquants-tm-releases-best--brightest-mbas-class-of-2018-300643873.html SOURCE Poets&Quants [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 07, 2018] Global Launch of "OpenBlocks IoT VX2" Plat'Home's Intelligent Edge IoT Gateway Plat'Home (News - Alert) Co., Ltd. (Securities Code: TSE 2nd Section 6836, Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan, President: Tomoyasu Suzuki, hereinafter Plat' Home) today announced the launch of global version of OpenBlocks IoT VX2, an intelligent gateway compatible with Microsoft Azure IoT Edge. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180507005842/en/ OpenBlocks IoT VX2 (Photo: Business Wire) OpenBlocks IoT VX2 is a gateway product with the high functionality and reliability required for the actual operation of the IoT system. This product is the latest model of OpenBlocks Family for IoT purposes. OpenBlocks has so far exceeded 100,000 units in cumulative shipments, and has been widely adopted for social infrastructures, and has earned the high reputation and trust by the customers including telecommunications carriers. OpenBlocks IoT VX2 is equipped with Plat'Home's powerful IoT Gateway (News - Alert) Software called "FW3.1", which can respond flexibly to the need of intelligent IoT together with Microsoft Azure. The need is expected to expand significantly in various countries around the world. Tomoyasu Suzuki, President of Plat'Home Co., Ltd, quoted, "Plat'Home is pleased to announce the OpenBlocks IoT VX 2 which realizes edge computing. The number of devices connected to the Internet is increasing day by day, I am sure OpenBlocks IoT VX 2 together with Microsoft Azure IoT Edge, realize true intelligent cloud/ intelligent edge, will be products that will support future IoT market. Plat'Home will continue to actively offer new products and services to contribute to the development of the IoT market. Lastly, we are also planning to add Windows 10 IoT Enterprise preinstalled model, once evaluation is completed after GA of Azure IoT Edge." Takeshi Shobuya, Senior Officer, Director, IoT Device Experience Sales, Microsoft Japan quoted "Microsoft is delighted to the launch of Plat'Home's Intelligent Edge IoT Gateway "OpenBlocks IoT VX2" to the global market. With the launch of "OpenBlocks IoT VX2" supporting Azure IoT Edge to the global market, will now be able to provide intelligent cloud capabilities of Microsoft Azure to execute on the edge device which we are sure to accelerate utilization of IoT in various scenarios. Microsoft will continue to deepen collaboration with Plat'Home and will support customers' business transformation through the revitalization of the IoT market through intelligent cloud and intelligent edges around the world." OpenBlocks IoT VX2 Features 1. Plat'Home IoT Gateway Software FW3.1 FW3.1 is equipped with Plat'Home Data Handling Module System (PDHMS) which is a message handling system supporting flexible and high-speed communication between the device and the cloud. PDHMS is a system designed to realize inter-process communication flexibly and at high speed between application modules inside the IoT Gateway. It enables implementation of application modules of various functions on the edge side, realizing flexible and high performance IoT edge computing. PDHMS supports multi-devices and multi-clouds and is capable of responding flexibly to a variety of the customer's IoT system need. 2. Docker support FW3.1 supports the Docker Container as a standard. It can build and operate a scalable and seamless IoT system throughout the operational environment by supporting Docker, which can develop, release and execute cross-platform applications regardless of edge or cloud. 3. Microsoft Azure IoT Edge support FW3.1 supports Azure IoT Edge which is an intelligent edge offering of Microsoft Azure. Azure IoT Edge manages and deploys applications from the cloud to run them locally on the FW3.1. By using Azure IoT Edge, the customer can use various intelligent services such as Azure Machine Learning (AML), Azure Artificial Intelligence (AI), Azure Stream Analytics (ASA), Azure Functions etc. which are provided by Microsoft Azure. You can also write your own cod using C, Java, Node.js, Python and . NET (News - Alert) . Also, Azure IoT Edge can be also preinstalled to meet requirements from customers under appropriate license from Microsoft. 4. Gateway Management UI FW3.1 has a Management UI which will be visually manageable. With this Management UI, the customer can connect sensors and devices, access various cloud services, deploy and allocate Docker containers resources, install and monitor Microsoft Azure IoT Edge, and update IoT Edge Runtime Module. 5. Security functions OpenBlocks IoT VX2 realizes the security functions and the attack immunity in both software and hardware so that it can withstand the deployment and security operation in the actual environment. By default, Secure Boot is supported, and the hardware is also equipped with TPM 2.0 as a hardware security module (HSM). This realizes secure operation that can cope with the situation where the gate is deployed massively in the actual environment. 6. Service Subscription To support long-term operation of this product, Plat'Home will provide annual subscription services. The customers who subscribe to the service can receive our support for the product over the long term, together with the notice at the time of version upgrade. In the future, additional supplementary services such as SaaS (News - Alert) type service for integrated remote management of the IoT gateway will be added. Product Details 1. Hardware The product comes fully equipped with hardware performance and interfaces required for IoT edge computing, including a high-performance 64-bit CPU (1.33 GHz dual core), high capacity built-in storage (32 GB) and high capacity RAM (2 GB), in addition to two Ethernet ports. Wide array of communication interface for IoT that support variety of devices, sensors and networks Device communication interface Equipped with a wide range of device communication interfaces to allow communication between IoT devices such as sensors and IoT gateway. GPIO/I2C (Internal pin header) Audio (Internal pin header) USB 3.0 UART (USB Serial Console, RS-485) CAN (FTDI) BT 4.0 (BLE) Network communication interface Equipped with wired and wireless communication interfaces for communication between IoT gateway and the cloud. 2 x Gigabit-Ethernet WLAN (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) Compact, light-weight and robust and design for IoT Ultra-small size form factor with a chassis size of 91.9 x 114.8 x 25 mm Ultra-light weight: Chassis weight: About 160 g. Fan-less, semi-closed structure: Dust-proof performance IP40 Environmental resistance performance: -20? to +60? (when mounted with heat radiation and installation bracket [standard attachments]); -20? to +40? (without said brackets) 2. Software OpenBlocks IoT VX2 comes with pre-integrated Plat'Home IoT Gateway Software "FW3.1." offering that fully supports intelligent IoT edge computing including sensor, device and various cloud service connectivity settings, Docker container deployment and allocation resource setting as well as Microsoft Azure IoT Edge Monitoring and Runtime updates via visually operable Management UI. Additionally, it facilitates direct data communication between Plat'Home Gateway Data Handling Module System (PDHMS) and Azure IoT Edge enabling data collection from the IoT device and bidirectional communication with the cloud. It also adds near-real-time data analysis capability closer to IoT leaf devices to enrich big data analytics performed in the cloud. (1) PDHMS (Plat'Home Data Handling Module System) The system architecture is designed to enable flexible and high-speed inter-process communication of application modules inside an IoT Gateway. Application modules with various functions can be installed on the edge side, thereby ensuring flexible edge computing. PD Handler BLE/UART A group of applications to acquire data from sensors and other IoT devices using BLE or UART (serial communication, etc.). They support a wide variety of IoT devices by default, while also supporting extensions of IoT device control applications for Lua language* by users. *Lua language: A script language featuring high-speed operations and easiness of integration. PD Handler Modbus Client/Server An application to control equipment using PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) and other Modbus protocol. PD Repeater A communication application with cloud and web servers supporting two-way communication. Key supported services Azure IoT Hub (Two-way communication supported)/Azure Event Hubs AWS IoT (Two-way communication supported)/Amazon Kinesis Google (News - Alert) IoT Core (Two-way communication supported) Watson IoT for Gateway/Watson IoT for Device (Two-way communication supported) Toami for DOCOMO KDDI IoT Cloud Standard PD Exchange (Two-way communication supported) General-purpose web server/General-purpose MQTT server (Two-way communication supported) PD Agent An application to execute preset shell scripts, etc. by receiving control messages from cloud via PD Repeater. PD Broker An application to distribute inter-process communication between the above-mentioned application modules to multiple modules. (2) Management UI The web-based Management UI is equipped to carry out the searching of sensors and beacons along with their pairings, connection setups with cloud services from different service providers, and also the operation and setting of IoT communication functions from the web browser screen. When IoT goes live, knowledge of command lines is not required, which alleviates the engineering burden. (3) Docker management from Management UI It supports Docker as an application execution environment. Docker containers can be used on OpenBlocks IoT VX2 and controlled from the Management UI. In addition, it supports the function to deploy Docker images released on the Docker image sharing service Docker Hub, and to deploy from a self-constructed private Docker image registry, thereby enabling users to take advantage of a wide variety of Docker images. The Management UI can also deploy Docker containers, in addition to carrying out start, stop and resource allocations. Key functions Deployment and deletion of Docker images Downloading of Docker images from Docker Hubs Downloading Docker images from private registries Start and stop of Docker containers Setup of allocated resources Indication of resource usage (4) Azure IoT Edge Management from Management UI The IoT edge computing support software from Microsoft, Azure IoT Edge*, is supported. Azure IoT Edge can run on OpenBlocks IoT VX2, while the Management UI of OpenBlocks IoT VX2 can monitor the status of Azure IoT Edge. Intelligent processes that were conventionally conducted via cloud, such as Azure Stream Analytics and Azure Machine Learning, can be executed on OpenBlocks IoT VX2 on the edge side, thereby drastically reducing device latencies and substantially decreasing communication traffic of the entire system. In addition, as FW3.1 supports direct data linkage between PDHMS within the edge gateway and Azure IoT Edge, it can also, for example, analyze sensing data collected by a wide array of sensor devices that support OpenBlocks IoT VX2, and it strongly supports IoT edge computing that takes advantage of Azure IoT Edge. Key functions Status monitoring of Azure IoT Edge Deployment and deletion of Azure IoT Edge Start and stop of Azure IoT Edge Azure IoT Edge runtime update (5) Node-RED on the Edge Node-RED is a programming tool that involves wiring together hardware devices, APIs and online services. From WEB UI, it can process data received from sensors and visually program it to be sent to a cloud service or take an action, allowing easy realization of edge computing for IoT. It can also employ additional functions for Node-RED that are provided by software and cloud service vendors, making the addition of various applications a relatively easy task. 3. Services In order to support the long-term operation of OpenBlocks IoT VX2, a subscription service on an annual basis is available. This subscription service offers long-term software update notifications and support for product usage in order to constantly maintain systems that use OpenBlocks IoT VX2. Technical support Technical support for the product in installation, operation and maintenance will be available by the optional service.(*1) Notification for system update Notification for the software / system update information to a registered e-mail address.(*2) *1: This service is offered as long as the customer uses FW3.1 with standard specifications. If the customer has customized FW3.1 by, for example, adding an application, the provision of this service may be refused. *2: Standard devices being supported are subject to this service. (The latest information of all supported devices is available from our website). Product Specifications Model name (Type number)/Price Name: OpenBlocks IoT VX2 Type number: OBSVX2 Reference price: Open Product specifications CPU Model: Intel Atom E3805 64-bit 1.33GHz two-core two-thread 1 MB L2 cache Clock speed: 1.33 GHz (Dual core) Built-in secondary cache: 1024 kB/Core Main memory: On-board 2 GB (64-bit bus DDR3L) Built-in storage: 32 GB (eMMC) Additional storage: 1 x micro SD card slot Wireless interface BT 4.0 (BLE) + 2.1 EDR WLAN (IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac) Wired interface USB (HOST): 1 x 3.0 (type-A)*1 USB (Console): 1 x micro USB (type-B)*1 Ethernet: 2 x 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T RS-485: 1 x Half duplex (Wire range: AWG22) Security: TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) Measurements: 91.9 (W) x 114.8 (D) x 25 (H) mm (Excluding protrusions) Weight: 160 g (Excluding accessories) Power supply: 4.75 to 5.25 VDC (DC-jack)/10 to 48 VDC (Wide DC supply*2) Power consumption Idling: AC adapter 5.5 W (11.2 VA)/Wide DC (with 48 V input) 4.0 W At high load: AC adapter 9.0 W (16.9 VA)/Wide DC (with 48 V input) 7.5 W Operational temperatures: -20? to +60?*3 Authentication (WLAN/BT): JATE / TELEC Compatible standards PSEVCCI Class A IEC60950-1 FCC Part 15 Subpart B class A/UL 60950-1/CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60950-1 RED/RoHS RTC backup time: 10 years OS at time of shipment: Debian GNU/Linux (64-bit) *1 Supported cable length is less than 3 m. *2 When using this function, it is necessary to connect an external noise filter (NAC - 04 - 472 (COSEL)) or equivalent *3 When installing this product in an environment where the ambient temperature exceeds 40C, please use the attached heat dissipation /installation bracket. Order receipt/Shipment schedule Order requirement start: May 7, 2018 Shipment start: June 2018 (scheduled) Related URL OpenBlocks IoT VX2 Product information https://www.plathome.com/products/openblocks-iot-vx2/ About Plat'Home Plat'Home is a major developer and manufacturer of micro-servers. Ever since its foundation in 1993, the company has supplied computers made in house to communication and network fields as a pioneer of Linux servers. The palm-top-size ultra-small Linux server, OpenBlocks, has been adopted by a wide range of domains to support Japanese social infrastructure, including not only major communication operators but also logistics, transportation, finance, the energy industry and public agencies. It has also been attracting attention in numerous fields that are anticipated to drastically grow in the near future, such as M2M and IoT (Internet of Things). *Appearances, specifications, pricing, etc. are subject to change without notice. *The name and logo of "???????" and "Plat'Home" are registered trademarks or trademarks of Plat'Home in Japan and other countries. *Other company names, products and service names mentioned in this press release are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180507005842/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] SEATTLE If artificial intelligence hasnt sounded all that promising over the past couple of weeks, you may be thinking of privacy issues. Like, say, Facebook talking about using AI to delete hateful and terrorist content. Or Google using it to pick out your face and voice. Those may be useful cases, but they're associated with fake news, privacy and data scandals. Instead, it would be nice to see AI put to use altruistically. So it was almost a breath of fresh air when Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced some of his companys plans for artificial intelligence. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella Sure, there are lots of developer tools, neural net processing, chatbots, data tools and a new, non-consumer version of Kinect that will help drones fly with Azure cloud services. But what was refreshing was when Nadella unveiled Microsofts AI for Accessibility program. It will use $25 million over five years to fund AI projects by developers looking to assist people with disabilities. Microsoft claims that only one in 10 people with disabilities has access to assistive technologies. The program will provide seed grants to developers, non-governmental organizations, inventors and universities, identify candidates and include their AI innovations in its own services. MORE: How to Protect Your Identity, Personal Data and Property This isnt Microsofts first foray into AI for social good. Late last year Microsoft president announced a similar initiative to help the environment. We need to ask ourselves not only what computers can do, but what computers should do, Nadella said on stage. Some of this, is, admittedly, great for publicity. Microsoft looks really good by virtue of throwing large bags of money at good causes. But its also putting a positive light on AI. This isnt something designed to better target ads or replace workers. Its just to help some of the people who could really use it the most. Sure, Microsoft has done some of this already with tech like Seeing AI, which helps narrate the world for those with impaired vision. And others, like Google have put together a big collection of creative apps that help people understand what neural networks are capable of. But what Nadella had going for him on stage at Build was timing. When Facebook is holding up AI as a defense against people taking advantage of its platform and Googles AI approach is viewed, by some, as a potential invasion of privacy, funding these project makes Microsoft look like a charity in comparison. Nadella also discussed the importance of fair, unbiased AI. Artificial intelligence, he said, is built with the bias of creators. Microsoft intends to use computing to de-bias AI to make it fair and ethical. While he was at it, Nadella also took the chance to discuss privacy. He called privacy a human right, echoing Apple CEO Tim Cook, and called GDPR, European regulation which prevents certain tracking by ads, a sound, good regulation. Microsoft did have some privacy stumbles early-on with Windows 10, so lets hope the company learned from those. Of course, Microsoft is still a company, and it will make money off of AI. AI a big part of the future of Microsoft, and a main pillar of the company after its most recent reorganization. But if Nadella and Microsoft plan on making AI a primary focus going forward, at least theyre making the whole enterprise look like a worthy endeavor. AI badly needs this makeover. Hyundais standalone luxury brand, Genesis, wont be completely on its own when it launches its new dealership network in the next few years. Recent developments point to a U-turn when it comes to the automakers stance on current Hyundai dealers selling and servicing Genesis models in the near future. The Full Story Originally composed of roughly 100 stores spread out across 48 markets, the network is now looking like itll expand to include the current Hyundai dealers as well. Earlier this year, Genesis outlined its plan to launch a standalone retail network, essentially separating itself entirely from the Hyundai brand. Originally composed of roughly 100 stores spread out across 48 markets, the network is now looking like itll expand to include the current Hyundai dealers as well. Thats the latest from Automotive News, which reports that Genesis General Manager Erwin Raphael recently told Hyundais dealer council that all dealers would now be able to sell Genesis-branded vehicles. Some existing Hyundai dealers are relieved to hear the news, citing improvements to customer vehicle service, especially for those customers who may be traveling. Speaking to Automotive News, an unnamed Genesis dealer located in the southern U.S. was supportive of the announcement, saying, If it pans out, itll be a great thing. Itll help sell more cars, itll help overall dealer profitably, strengthen their dealer network, and include all those who want to sell the product, and believe in the Genesis product, to sell and service those cars. I think its a great decision. Hyundai dealerships can apply to become supplementary Genesis dealers as well. To join up with the new network, Hyundai dealerships can apply to become supplementary Genesis dealers as well. If accepted, new dealers will be required to maintain a store and service facility thats separate from their Hyundai-centric counterparts. Meanwhile, the elite-level Hyundai dealers that are already selling models like the G80 and G90 can either continue to sell those models, or alternatively take a previously offered settlement and no longer sell the Genesis vehicles. While its certainly understandable that Hyundai wants to keep a bit of a divide from its standard lineup of vehicles and the more high-end Genesis models, roping in the support of its existing network should help to ease the roll out of its new brand. Whats more, it should cast the Hyundai stable in a more premium light, which could help brand perception substantially in the long run. References Read our full review on the 2018 Genesis G80. Read our full review on the 2018 Genesis G90. Read more Hyundai news. Source: Automotive News As any marketing person will tell you, building brand recognition is critical to a companys success. To this end, automakers have a number of strategies to create awareness with customers, including the implementation of a specific design language across a lineup. As such, it appears as though Kia has their look set in stone. The Full Story Between the new Forte5, the new Optima, and the sportastic Stinger GT, Kia has been looking pretty dang tasty lately. Between the new Forte5, the new Optima, and the sportastic Stinger GT, Kia has been looking pretty dang tasty lately. Taking responsibility for Kias recent aesthetic renaissance is Peter Schreyer, the South Korean brands chief of design, who spoke with CarBuzz recently to hash out the latest styling trends in the automotive sphere. Chief on the list of topics was Kias characteristic Tiger Nose grille design. Speaking to CarBuzz at the debut for the 2019 Kia K900, Schreyer was brimming with confidence over Kias look. I think [the tiger nose grille] should be the kidney grilles. Even if BMW is kind of watering them down at the moment [] I am very happy and I think it is very good for Kia that we have [the tiger nose]. Schreyer also said be believes the design is quite flexible, which means it should be a mainstay in the companys design language for some time to come. Of course, we have the freedom as compared to the kidney grilles that are more fixed. They cannot break. The tiger nose is much more variable, he explained. You can make it higher, lower, wider, smaller, pair it with different headlamps, whatever. As long as you have the things in the middle, it always works. Indeed, Schreyer isnt the only Kia employee keen on keeping the Tiger Nose. We had a workshop recently with designers where we talked about how we want to proceed and what we want to do, he divulged. One thing we all said was, Tiger nose forever. One thing we all said was, Tiger nose forever, said Peter Schreyer, Kias chief of design. And of course, you cant talk grilles without touching on the latest automotive design feature du jour, the plus-sized front intake. The Chinese market in particular seems intent on plus-sizing their grilles, but Kia wont necessarily go that route based on market trends alone. When we talked to our Chinese marketing people, they always wanted [the grilles] bigger and wider and higher and more chrome than ever. But if you look at some of the successful cars in China, they do not have as big grilles, Schreyer explained. I think its a stereotype that we all think they want and they need bigger grilles - that some cars that have them are successful - but I dont know if this is going to stay forever. I think it also has to do with the power of a brand. If a brand is very strong like, for example, BMW, they dont need make an even bigger BMW kidney grille with chrome bars on the inside, Schreyer argued. They dont do it. Sometimes, however, bigger is the way forward, as weve seen with the Lexus spindle grille design. In this case, Schreyer said that the large design works, complimenting the company by saying it has a strong brand. However, Schreyer was uncertain how Lexus would evolve the look going forward. Bigger is not possible. I dont know where they go from there. For me, when I first saw it, I was quite surprised and shocked. They actually did this. Grille design is one of the most impactful ways to make a car stand out. Audi and Jeep are two good examples of this. Indeed, grille design is one of the most impactful ways to make a car stand out. Audi and Jeep are two good examples of this, with the large Singleframe design of the former and the vertical slots framed by twin headlights of the latter. Personally, we here at TopSpeed arent necessarily the biggest fans of the bigger grille trends weve seen lately. Sometimes, they work - for example, the Lexus LC uses the Spindle aesthetic to great effect, matching the hourglass shape with a wide lower bumper and drawn-back fenders. However, other times, its just way over the top. Take the 2019 Toyota Avalon as a good example of when bigger isnt better. In the end, we think the Tiger Nose thing is definitely working for Kia, and applaud the brands efforts to establish its own aesthetic. What do you think? Do you like the Tiger Nose? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! References Read our full review on the 2018 Kia Stinger GT. Read our full review on the 2019 Kia K900. Read more Kia news. Source: Carbuzz When it comes to cutting-edge military hardware, the SR-71 Blackbird is undoubtedly one of the most impressive machines out there. Known for pushing the limits of whats technically possible in an aircraft, a trove of newly released archival footage was just released, giving us fans a chance to gaze in wonder at this incredible feat of engineering. The Full Story When it was built, the SR-71 was the fastest jet-propelled aircraft in the world, capable of 2,100 mph. The SR-71 Blackbird was a product of the Cold War, put into service to spy on the Soviet Union and designed to be impossible to shoot down. Offered as a successor to the relatively slow-moving U-2 spy plane, the SR-71 was created by Lockheed Martins Skunk Works division, which was also responsible for the F-117 Nighthawk, F-22 Raptor, and F-35 Lightning II. Indeed, this is the elite group of engineers and scientists responsible for coining the Skunk Works designation, which is now used widely in a variety of different industries, including high-performance automobiles. Like all incredible feats of engineering, the SR-71s spec sheet begs belief. When it was built, it was the fastest jet-propelled aircraft in the world, capable of achieving a top speed of 2,100 mph (35 miles per minute). It could also operate at 80,000 feet in the air, and it could produce as much as 34,000 pounds of thrust from its twin engines. The Blackbirds incredible speed and altitude capabilities were matched by its stealth signature, with just 90 percent of its physical cross-section appearing on radar. Just 32 were constructed before the Blackbird was officially retired in the late 90s. Now, however, we can check it out in this recently published archival footage, which shows the Blackbird undergoing testing. References Read more car video news. Electrification of cars, today, is not just an "offering"; its a necessity. While there are some automakers who arrived late to the party (cough... DS... cough), there are also a few who took steps years ago. Kia embarked on the EV mission with the Soul EV which has been a runaway success over the years. Kia introduced the Niro EV at the ongoing 5th International Electric Car Expo,. This wholesome package garnered a lot of attention for its looks and features. Can the Niro EV take the electric crossover segment by storm? Lets find out. Will Kia price it aggressively to gain as much market share possible before competition arrives? Whos this new kid on the block? On the exterior, the Niro EV features 17-inch wheels, a radiator grille, DRLs that look like an arrowhead, and modified side sills. The Niro EV was unveiled earlier this year at the CES 2018. Kia emphasized the Niro EVs creative appearance while taking into account its "clean and high technology." On the exterior, the Niro EV features 17-inch wheels, a radiator grille, DRLs that look like an arrowhead, and modified side sills. The crossover is 4,375 mm in length, 1,805 mm in width and 1,560 mm in height. An official from Kia said, "The Niro EV is equipped with the best commerciality; it can travel long distances with a single charge, and the space utilization is the best in its class. With the Niro EV, which covers all aspects of economy, space, and safety, Kia Motors position will be further strengthened." The electric crossover comes with two battery pack options - A 64 kWh battery with a range of 380 km and a 39.2 kWh battery with a range of 240 km. On the safety front, the Niro EV comes equipped with Lane Keeping Assistance, Smart Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assistance, etc. Our Take And in 2018, Kia achieved the same number with the Niro EV within three days Its good to see Kia emerge as one of the global leaders of EVs. When Kia launched the Soul EV in 2014, they set a global sales target of 5000 units; although they managed to accomplish the feat only in 2015. And in 2018, Kia achieved the same number with the Niro EV within three days! Currently, the Kia Niro is sold as a Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid, and its quite a hit. The car sold over 23,000 units last year and the Niro EV will help Kia increase these figures. The company has not announced an official launch date yet, but it could probably be in 2019. On a different note, this smart-looking crossover is set to take on its own cousin, the Hyundai Kona EV. Since both these cars are going to be priced in the same bracket, should the Hyundai Group be worried about competition within the same family? This has happened in the past with Volkswagen and Skoda. Can Hyundai sort this out without tarnishing each others sales numbers? Well, thats for another day! Do you think the Niro EV can replicate Soul EVs success in the crossover segment? Let us know in the comments section below. References Read our full review on the 2017 Kia Niro. > Read our full speculative review on the 2019 Kia Niro EV. 2018 Kia Niro EV Concept Read our full review on the 2018 Kia Niro EV Concept. Read more Kia news. Yes, the decision belongs on the local level No, no one should be able to dictate whether people wear masks Vote View Results A response to an environmental organization finding over 5,000 wipes in 1250 square feet of a beach by the Thames. TreeHugger Sami has noted that the UK could ban single-use plastics as early as next year. Now, according to a statement from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), they are going to include a particular TreeHugger bete noire, wet wipes. As part of our 25-year environment plan, we have pledged to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste, and that includes single-use products like wet wipes." This comes shortly after Thames21, an environmental group that monitors the river, did a cleanup of the Thames near the Hammersmith bridge and collected 5453 wet wipes in a 116 M2 (1250 SF) stretch of beach. The sheer quantity of these wet wipes shows the urgency of this problem, said Debbie Leach, Chief Executive of Thames21. As a country, action is being taken about other products which contain plastic such as bottles and cotton buds. We now need to widen our attention to include wet wipes and sanitary products which contain plastic and are being flushed into our rivers. Unfortunately, the Guardian's Bibi van der Zee notes that the wipes are changing the shape of the Thames, and that what look like natural mounds are in fact clumps of wet wipes, mud and twigs. And they are not going away. Wet wipes are now a booming industry with their own conference and even a moist towelette online museum. The sector is busily innovating, and alongside baby wipes you can now buy personal care wipes, household wipes, industrial wipes, pet wipes and speciality anti-malarial wipes. The sector is expected to grow about 6-7% a year, and to expand from a $3bn international market to $4bn by 2021. We have noted before that they are certainly growing; when I did a poll among readers two years ago, I found that almost 18 percent of respondents used wipes, and we have been complaining about them for years. Another online survey found wipes leading toilet paper. Defra notes that it is "continuing to work with manufacturers and retailers of wet wipes to make sure labelling on packaging is clear and people know how to dispose of them properly." The problem is that proper disposal means putting it in the garbage, not flushing it down the toilet. Almost nobody is going to do that after wiping their bottom with it. A ban, or a reformation without plastic, is the only way to solve this problem. But as Sami said about the general single use plastics ban, "let's not get too carried away just yet." I suspect there is going to be serious pushback unless the industry reformulates. This is another product that started as a convenience but for many has somehow become a necessity for cleaning up babies and bottoms. What are the alternatives? Katherine has shown how to make your own; I have suggested that people should use bidets. It is true that once you stop using toilet paper it is really hard to go back; this will be interesting to watch. Combined sewer, common in older cities/ Wikipedia/CC BY 2.0 UPDATE: Many have wondered how all the wet wipes get into the Thames. London has a combined sewer system where storm and wastewater go through the same pipes. If it rains more than a quarter inch per hour the system cannot cope and the overflow goes directly into the Thames. 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 Prescription drugs are generally no problem as long as you declare them on your incoming passenger card. It is a good idea to carry a covering letter from your doctor, but I have never been asked for this. Codeine is an opiate, and can be used as a precursor in the manufacture of P (Psuedoephedrine). As such it is a controlled substance, and there are restrictions on how much you can buy or import. "Reasonable" amounts should be OK, but if you roll up with a few hundred, or thousands, there are likely to be questions. The drug dogs are also likely to sniff out even small quantities. As long as you are honest and upfront you will be fine, but if there is any suspicion that you are trying to hide anything, say by concealing a few packets in your clothing, there will be some serious questions. Have all your meds together in your hand luggage, ready for inspection if asked. Hi Hope you can help me We are seeing 3 shows in our time in New York and its one of the main reasons we are visiting , all 3 shows are booked and I was hoping someone can help with dinner plans . I had booked Tony Di Napolis for 1 night but doing researching it seems its not really recommended for 2 people . There will only me and my 12 yr old son Budget is max $100 each ( we like to eat well ! ) And we like Italian , Steak , Burgers , Fish , Mexican - pretty much anything apart from Chinese which my son annoyingly doesnt like ! Our shows are Hello Dolly - Schubert Theatre 7pm start Pretty Woman - Nederlander 8pm start Come From Away - Schoenfeld 8pm start Any help or recommendations would be great We would like to eat before show as my son would not hold out til after and nowhere too far away as we dont want to be rushing in case we are late ! Many Thanks Re: Area with restaurants and cafes free style in New York 2. Re: Area with restaurants and cafes free style in New York -:- 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. -:- 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. Hello! I'm planning to have a 3 day - 2 night trip to the Mekong Delta without joining a tour from Saigon. I am a solo traveler. Here's my trip plan Day 1: Saigon to Ben Tre by bus. A boat trip in Ben Tre. Ben Tre to Nga Nam by moto taxi. Overnight at Nga Nam Day 2: Nga Nam floating markets in the morning. Nga Nam to Can Tho by moto taxi. Visit Dinh Yen village from Can Tho for the mat weaving community. Overnight at Can Tho Day 3: Cai Rang and Phong Dien markets. Then take a bus from Can Tho to Saigon. I need to reach Saigon in time for my onward flight to Nha Trang at 5 p.m Here are my doubts / questions. 1. Is this trip plan doable? I have stitched this together having spent quite some time reading forums/blogs. 2. Is it too far to travel by moto taxi from Ben Tre to Nga Nam? 3. Is there budget accommodation available at Nga Nam? 4. Are there options to stay near the Cai rang or Phong Dien markets? I'd be grateful for any contacts. 5. When is the latest I should leave Can Tho if I intend to reach Saigon by 3 p.m? Your help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. regards, Satyaki Hi there, Can anyone please advise me what the Tour Radar company are like. My 28 year old daughter is going to Vietnam this week and her friend has backed out of the trip last minute so she will be on her own. Have concerns about her travelling alone. She is looking to join a 12 day tour with Tour Radar. Could anyone possibly let me know what this company is like? This is what I have planned out for an upcoming two week trip to Japan. I already have the flight booked to/from Narita and I will have a two week JR Pass. I just want to know what city I will be in on which day so I can get my JR tickets ahead of time. I plan to mostly hit up the main sights in each city and eat a lot, pretty standard touristy stuff as this is my first trip to Japan. I haven't booked hotels yet, want to get my dates set first. Just looking for either validation that this looks good so far or any tips on anything that I've overlooked. Thanks in advance! May 24th: Arrive NRT afternoon Tokyo May 25th: Tokyo May 26th: Nikko day trip May 27th: Tokyo May 28th: Travel to Hiroshima May 29th: Hiroshima May 30th: Nagato Day trip May 31st: Travel to Osaka AM June 1st: Osaka June 2nd: Nara day trip June 3rd: Travel to Kyoto PM June 4th: Kyoto June 5th: Kyoto June 6th: Travel back to Tokyo AM; Depart NRT afternoon Even better would be to fly into Osaka and out of Tokyo. It will not cost any more and will be a big saving on time and train tickets. From the UK you will need a change of plane en route, I like to change in Germany but there are literally hundreds of options. With regards to itinerary I would just pick a hotel in Kyoto or Osaka and commute. Osaka is my preference as the hotels are cheaper, restaurants are more abundant and the night life is much more fun. Hi! My son and I are planning a visit to Kyoto next year. We cant decide if we should visit the last two weeks in April or the last two weeks in May. It all depends on the weather. Can someone please tell me what the normal weather and temperature it is around the end of April and the end of May? Thank you so much! You can find oreos and chips ahoy however, OP is diabetic and I have not seen those sugar free. I have seen a sugar free section in certain higher end grocery stores like Fresh Market and Supermercado in CR. If you don't need many probably just as easy to pack some. Same holds true for artificial sweeteners. We keep a zip loc of stevia/truvia in the glove compartment of our rental vehicle and a few in my backpack. Once away from the "city" areas sugar free sweeteners can be hard to find and they weigh little to pack and bring along. Also IF you do find them they are usually not the natural more expensive ones rather the old sweet n low type. Gone are the times when Hollywood filmology was the in-thing; that the thought of a local film was no near possibility. Today, however, it is a different ball game. Swahiliwood or Bongo film industry has come of age. The major push to this new development is the changing African perception that desires for films that reflect the African way of life. The Swahili movies on the market are right in place to satisfy the needs of such clientele. Just like in every contest, a winner is exhorted and a loser is offered a pat on the back as a consolation or an assurance of equal support in future. Lets not spare any more time and laud at these excellent Swahili movies that are everyones all-time best. Source: YouTube Bongoland (2003) and Bongoland II (2008) - Swahili bongo movies Director: Josiah Kibira Cast: Erick Baruti, Christina Breidenbach, Carolyn Deters, Mindi Kasiga, Robert Kataraia, Mukama Morandi, Peter Omari, Thecla Mjatta, Ahmed Olotu The all-time favorite drama film puts the life of a young Tanzanian man, Juma in focus. After departing from Bongoland to go to the US for studies, life proves hard as he becomes an illegal immigrant. The struggle to dodge authorities and the need to make a living are a constant concern. In Bongoland II, he finally returns home to uncover familys deep hidden secrets Although the film is a mix of American and local Tanzanian characters, the level of professionalism is excellent. No excuse for not watching this amazing movie. Homecoming (2016) Director: Seko Shamte. Cast: Doug Bramsen, Daniel Kijo, Hashim Kambi, Issa Mbura, Godliver Gordian and Hashim Kambi. Daniel Kijo (Abel) returns home from the United States after studying and working there for a while. With the help of his uncle, he secures a job in one of the multi-national banks. The drama unfolds when Abel uncovers a plot that terribly challenges his job obligation. These corruption dealings would later bring forth unforeseen problems. READ ALSO: This is why Wema Sepetu is so Famous! Of all the Tanzania full movies Swahili films you have watched, this one is so irresistible. From the well-composed casts to the film set, its no wonder its a favorite for a long time to come. Its heralded for highlighting and exposing corruption in the corporate world. The director, Seko Shante, won the 2017 ZIFF best Film in Sound award. Siri za Mtungi(2012) Director: John Riber Cast: Yvonne Cherry, Godliver Gordian, MacDonald Haule, Hidaya Maeda, Patrick Masele and Halima Maulid. Cheche, the main cast, owns a photo studio and a young family. He is often captured as a reflection of the society and its elements-love, betrayal, hope, and joy. As we get behind closed doors into the life of this gentleman, the all obvious struggle of every person and the society in large- maintain a balance between the family and the demands of our occupation are sharply brought to light. Its one of the many amazing Swahili movies you wont get bored to watch. The endless drams and screen gluing events are bound to keep you hooked. The film was nominated for an amazing seven Africa Magic Awards in 2014, one of them being Best TV Series. Dar Noir (2015) Director: Hamadi Mwapachu Cast: Mbaka Ahmed, Karen Harris, Hatibu Madudu, Khatibu Musa, Sabrina Muya A narcotics detective lives a double life both as a heroin addict and hunting drug traffickers. Amidst this multifaceted life, he finds love in a sassy lady. The delicate life he lives coupled with a relationship that could lead him down the destructive path is interesting to the viewers. Generally, the film infuses comedy in the intricate life of murder, drugs and street crime. It was received well since its premiere. It boasts of a rating of 7.1/10 on IMDb. Samaki Mchangani(2014) - Tanzania Swahili movies Director: Amil Shivji Cast: Deborah Dickson, Kimela Billa, Betty Kazimbaya, Hassan Kazoa and Bicco Matthew This drama thriller film is about a young entrepreneur, Billa (Geoffrey), who got involved in an accident a moment after he launched a new company. As he struggles to come to terms with the reality, dark secrets emerge. The past that his politically powerful family kept under wraps begin haunting Geoffrey. The theme of struggle due the mistakes of others is replicated in the movie. Its an amazing movie overally, considering the director produced a similar successful film called 'Shoeshine.' Dogo Masai (2014) Director: Timoth Conrad Cast: Omary Clayton, Tino Muya, James Samale and Julieth Samson The movie delves into the struggles a young man undergoes after being denied rights to his inheritance. The circumstances force him to leave home and consequently join a group of Maasai who raise him as their own. The director, Timoth Conrad, was awarded at the California Viewers' Choice Awards (US) for the Best Feature Film category and Best Director category. Omary Clayton won the award for Best Actor in the same event. Maangamizi: The Ancient One (2001) Director: Martin Mhando and Ron Mulvihill Cast: Barbara O. Jones, Amandina Lihamba, Samahani Kejeria, Waigwa Wachira and Ummie Mahfouda. This 2001 drama film produced by American, Jonathan Demme, premiered in 2001 and further managed to be showcased in over 55 film festivals globally. After the release, the film was submitted to be considered for Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, a first one in the Tanzanian film industry. Unfortunately, the amazing film was not nominated. An American physician (Barbara) accompanied by her African lover (Waigwa) get stationed at Tanzanias psychiatric ward for a volunteer stint. Barbra acting as Dr. Asila is dealing with trauma from the oppression of African Americans back in her country. To make matters worse, the Africans she is supposed to attend to include Samehe who is equally traumatized after witnessing her own mother getting burned by her dad. For the female doctor and her patient to realize healing, a non-conventional approach intertwined in traditional African religious belief is employed. In the mix is the spirit of Maangamizi which aids both women to reconnect to their ancestral past which is totally different from the western-styled psychology Dr. Asili was used to. The film is highly praised for highlighting the deep roots of the Africans in the diaspora and their motherland which is often portrayed negatively by western media. Its a film that goes into great death to tell the African story as it ought to be. So far its rated 7.3/10 on IMDb. Doa la Ndoa (2016) Cast: Irene Uwoya, Musa Compaund, William J. Mtitu, Ibrahim Mputa This is one of the many Swahili love movies that explore the institution of marriage in depth. A couple is seen going through moments of happiness only for that joy to be overtaken by pressing issues that put the two lovers at loggerheads. Overally, its one of the best Tanzania movies Swahili movies to watch and the event- filled scenes are very entertaining and enlightening. Zilizala (2017) - Swahili movies 2017 Director: David Otieno Anguka Cast: George Kituto, David Isuma, Washington Opondo, Sally Atieno, Fatuma Mwamboza and Ali Kubo This must-watch film is written by Zahra Mwangi. In 2016, it was honored at the Coast Film Festival. In addition, the same year it premiered, it bagged an Africa Magic Viewers Choice award for the best indigenous language movie. The movie revolves around the circumstances of a man named Samba, who happens to be entangled in the in a friendship with a drug peddler. Having been privy to a secret shared by his friend just before he died, the drug cartel is in his crosshairs, and he has to find a way out of the chaos. It a good drama Swahili movies Kenya drama film to watch especially if the crime thriller genre tickles your fancy. Kizingo (2017) - Kenyan Swahili movies Director: Simiyu Barasa Cast: Fatuma Ali, Jakes Israel, Pretty Mutave, Isaya Evans, Mohammed Juma Said, Ali Shahibu and Julian Mwanzele Tindo This is one of the many Riverwood Swahili comedy movies. Kizingo has received accolades including bagging the 2017 Riverwood Academy Awards for Kenyas best picture. The movie's plot revolves around two young kids who stumble on hidden cash. The thugs who discover their missing loot pursue the youngsters in the hope to salvage the money. The twists of events that follow are both humorous and captivating. Definitely a good kids movie due to the themes that impart crucial moral values to young kids. Considering it was sponsored by both Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) and UNICEF, Its not hard to notice why of all other latest Swahili movies, this one has received positive reviews- The list is endless. The movies are spread from all genres. However, of importance is the Swahili Islamic movies that are also common in Swahili film industry. Some of the films that have received good reviews are the likes of Ummy, Yusra, Ridwaa, and so on. The availability of Swahili movies online is laudable. Most sites will allow you to stream a full movie without the subscription. Generally, most videos are distributed online and therefore getting your favorite movie will be a hustle free experience. Some Kenya Swahili movies lovers who cant get enough of Dj Afro Swahili movies can watch his content on YouTube or subscribe to his YouTube channel. Source: Tuko Breaking News Latest In 1908, Anna Jarvis held a memorial service for her mother at the St Andrews Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia, her home state. In the same year, The U.S Congress rejected a proposal to recognize Mothers day as an official holiday claiming, in jest, that they would also have to recognize Mother-in-laws Day to that effect. Ann Jarvis, Annas mother had been campaigning for its official recognition since 1905. Four years after her mothers memorial, Anna Jarvis trademarked, Second Sunday in May and Mothers Day. In a little over a decade, most of the country marked the day with appreciation and thanksgiving for their mothers. Probably many Kenyans are wondering when is mother's day. Well, in this article we have given you all the details you need to know. Image: Pixabay.com The day later came to be recognized by all the states and was commercialized by card making companies. Anna Jarvis would spend the later part of her life fighting this commercialization of the holiday as it veered away from its purpose of honoring mothers and mother figures. When is Mothers day in Kenya? Mothers Day is currently celebrated worldwide across a variety of different cultures on the second Sunday of May; including Kenya. Needless to say, everyone has a special place in their hearts for their mothers or a woman that has played a major role in their upbringing. There is a large number of countries that mark the holiday in March on dates spread across the month. Twenty one countries celebrate it on the 8th of March together with the International Womens Day and another cluster is on the 21st of March including but not limited to Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Bahrain, Oman and 15 other countries. There are some countries that celebrate it on the Second Sunday of June as well. A mother is a person that has done more for you than anyone in the world according to Anna Jarvis and that person deserves a day to be honored and that is the essence of mothers day. Image: Pixabay.com Source: UGC Mothers Day in Kenya will be on 12th May 2019 and the multitude of countries that commemorate the day on the second Sunday of May. READ ALSO: Braids hairstyles with pictures How Kenyans celebrate Mothers Day As is the tradition with many countries around the world, Kenyans celebrate mothers day by doing special activities that their mothers enjoy or that focus all the attention on them. Kenyans from different parts of the country all have a unique way of showing their mothers and mother figures how much they love and appreciate them; some of these special days activities include: 1. Mothers Day gift cards It is a common practice for people to buy their mothers a Happy Mothers Day with a hand written message inside to say how much they love and appreciate their mothers. These cards accompany gifts or are given to the mothers at the end of a family activity for the day. Such as a day out at a park or after a meal together. Each family member can write their own cards or the children can write one card together and the father write his own. These can be personalized to contain the happy secret moments one shares with the mother and highlight their special relationship. Some cards come with short poems expressing love and affection for the mothers. 2. Social Media On this day many Kenyans take to social media to show the world how much they appreciate their mothers by showing the world who she is along with a heartfelt caption of her magic in their life and wishing them a Happy Mothers Day. WhatsApp Status, Instagram Stories, Snap, Twitter and Facebook are a few examples of platforms Kenyans use to shower their mothers with love on Mothers Day. People share pictures and videos of intimate family moments with their mothers with their followers and friends on social media. Messages of love and reminders not to take for granted their presence in your life are all over social media with hashtags of pride in their mothers. 3. Gifts There are many gifts one can give a mother but the best of them all is to make her proud of the person you become. There are also a great many material ways to show how much you love your mother. The best gifts for a mother is anything you have made yourself; from homemade cakes to portraits, a bead necklace to crocheted socks or her favorite meal. Mothers enjoy many pleasant treats on this day. Image: Pixabay.com 4. Going out Kenya has numerous outdoor locations suitable for fun filled family day. These places include national parks and game reserves to public parks and nature trails. These serene locations are perfect for family picnics and have wonderful picturesque locations for those surreal pictures for social media. Mothers day sees many of these places offer discounts on their services so that loved ones dont break the bank to put a smile on their mothers faces. Movie Theatres, restaurants and shopping malls run the same promotions. 5. Spa days On mothers day in Kenya, Kenyans in cities and many urban areas treat their mothers to a spa day so that she can take time away from work and the pressures involved with running the household and work and relax. This time she can spend with her children to bond with her family as they get VIP treatment. The Spas also have a variety of mothers day discounts. Mothers Day Gifts Shopping for gifts for whatever purpose is not an easy activity and when it comes to just how special a mother is the decision on what to buy is that much harder. A mother is happy to receive any gift from her children but we all want to give her something she will remember for a long time to come. One way to give your mother a happy mothers day is to pick out the best gift you can. It does not have to be store bought, a DIY present is always nice as it shows time and effort were put into it and not just a quick trip to the supermarket. Here are a few ideas for a mothers day gifts in Kenya: 1. Flowers A bunch of bright yellow or white flowers are a nice choice to get a bright smile on your mothers face. A flower vase or a potted plant are also a good idea as they can last a while and are a nice addition to the home decor. Image: Wikipedia.org 2. Jewelry If your mother likes her jewelry then a nice addition to her collection would go a long way in ensuring she has a happy mothers day and rest assured she will remember the day anytime she wears the jewelry you gave her. Anything from a watch, necklace, a bracelet, to earrings and watches accessories are a nice choice for mothers day gifts. 3. Clothes No matter how old your mother is, she likes nice clothes, everyone does. Mothers Day is a good time to buy her that nice dress she spent a little too long staring at in the lifestyle magazine. Or that nice jacket you know she wants. A scarf all the way up to a full outfit are all perfect for a mothers day gift. 4. Household Decorations Appliances used at home are most convenient for those that are at home most of the time. Parents stay at home when their children go to school and gifting your mother with something she will see regularly is a nice way to make her feel appreciated. These include; antique lighting fixtures, hand crafted photo frames, a nice wall clock, a new antique vase, a table top fountain and a host of other things she might love. 5. Time Spending time with your mother is a great mothers day gift especially for children that already moved out of home and rarely see her. Taking time away from work and your friends to satay with family is a fantastic way to catch up with your mother and stay connected. 6. Games Nostalgia fueled games you played with your mother when you were a child can help you and your mother reconnect and remind her that the things she did for you as a child you still enjoy now. It might be a song you sang together or a board game you two played over the weekends or any in- joke you have with her, a trip down memory lane may be the key to your happy mothers day. READ ALSO: Why we celebrate Mother's Day Mothers Day Dos and Donts in Kenya Dont let her do any chores For one day a year, everything is about her and her luxury. Go out of your way in ensuring she does not lift a finger to do a chore. She is royalty on Mothers Day so treat her like one. Do the laundry, cook, wash the dishes, buy the groceries and clean the house. All she has to do is sit back and be pampered. Dont spend all your time on social media Gift your mother with your time. It is easy to take for granted what it means to sit down and have a conversation with your mother without your attention being diverted elsewhere. Quality time spent together is better than any gift you can give so turn of your phone and put it away and talk to your mother and exchange stories of your new experiences and work. Dont disappear after do not be the person that only talks to the parents in the time leading up to mothers day or disappears right after. Let mothers day be a culmination of the special things you do for your mother throughout the year. Do Involve her in the activities -If your mothers day plan involves any activities, let it be something she wants to do. If you want to watch a movie , let her pick which one to watch, if you want to go to a park, let her lead the way when you get there so she decides which spots she likes for pictures. Let her do what she enjoys and you follow. Do Involve the whole family in the planning- Any activity done by the while family during this time is bound to be fulfilling, whether it is at home or outdoors, family is a safe bet for an easy to do mothers day gift. Mothers day can also be fulfilling for those who have lost their mothers. A heart felt message to them is all it takes to let them know that they are loved just as much if not more now. If you are unable to get to your mother in person you can make your mothers day gift be making the day special for children at a childrens home that have never met theirs or lost their parents. It is a day to celebrate mothers and also to show others motherly love. Your parents have mothers too and they deserve to be celebrated. Remember to call your grandmothers and tell them how much you love them and show them love in your own love language. Send them a gift or better yet, go to them to celebrate all the mothers in the family together. Mothers Day is coming up soon and the best way to prepare for it is to start now, show your mother love and appreciation all year long. Mothers day should be the icing on the cake. This year go out of your way to show your mothers and grandmothers how much you appreciate them. Write the a poem, buy them a really nice gift, take them on a trip down memory lane, laugh together, enjoy a nice walk together, talk to each other openly and frequently, remember their birthdays, ask their opinion, play with them and on mothers day wake up and wish them a happy mothers day Source: Tuko - Several ODM party allied MPs have declared support for the proposed amendments - The former prime minister is pushing for a change in the governance structure - Ruto and a number of other Jubilee Party leaders are strongly opposed to the amendments Opposition leader Raila Odinga's push for the amendment of the Constitution to change the governance structure appears to be gathering steam as more politicians declare their support for the proposed constitutional review. The former prime minister had proposed for a three-tier system of governance in which there would be 14 regional administrative blocs besides the 47 counties, as currently constituted, and the national government. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Mtizame Gavana Joho alipokuwa kijana barubaru (picha) Deputy President William Ruto (right) has on various occasions differed with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga over a proposal to change the governance structure. Photo: TUKO. READ ALSO: Kanu MP to table Bill proposing one 7 year presidential term, scrapping of DP position TUKO.co.ke can confirm several Opposition leaders, especially from the ODM party, are already campaigning for the proposed three-tier system of governance. Speaking during the homecoming party of Migori County Woman Representative Pamela Odhiambo on Sunday, May 6, Siaya Senator James Orengo, who was accompanied by Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo and other leaders, said the constitutional review was good for Kenyans. "It will help in addressing the many social and economic challenges that we face in Kenya today, by creating an all-inclusive governance structure," Orengo argued. READ ALSO: William Ruto angered by calls for fresh referendum to create new positions in government The ODM party as a whole is believed to be fully behind their party leader Raila. The statements that were made in Migori were just to further confirm they meant business. The push for constitutional amendments, which TUKO.co.ke understands will require a fresh referendum, is also being supported by a number of KANU allied politicians led by the party's chairman Gideon Moi. In fact, the idea to amend the Constitution was first proposed by KANU MP William Kamket who in February 2018 tabled a Bill in Parliament seeking to introduce a presidential term of seven years and return position of the prime minister. READ ALSO: Ruto, Raila clash at devolution conference over proposal to change governance structure The quest for constitutional review is, however, facing strong resistance from Deputy President William Ruto and several Jubilee Party leaders who have vowed to shoot down any attempts to change the Constitution. Speaking in Kakamega County during the homecoming ceremony of Education CS Amina Mohamed on April 14, 2018, the DP argued Kenyans had just come from a grueling electioneering period and were not ready for another political confrontations. "Let us not pretend we are going to engage in another exercise of changing the Constitution so that we have political positions to allocate to politicians. It will be unfair for us as leaders in Kenya that after we have been elected, that again we want to engage the country in another political circus while millions of young people are waiting for jobs," he said. READ ALSO: Uhuru to become prime minister and Ruto president in 2022 - Jubilee Party boss Ruto reaffirmed his position on the proposed constitutional review during the 5th Devolution Conference in Kakamega County on April 26, 2018. The DP said the current Constitution is still young and should be allowed to take root, especially in the counties. "The relationship between county governments and county assemblies is young. Let us engage Members of the County Assemblies (MCAs) to build progressive laws and realise progress at the grassroots," he said. Ruto's sentiments were echoed by Majority Leader Aden Duale who also accused Raila of taking advantage of his peace agreement with President Uhuru Kenyatta to pursue his own political ambitions. Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news. Top 5 Facts About Uhuru Kenyatta - Raila Odinga Pact - On Tuko TV Source: Tuko.co.ke - Sossion was forced to read the court order barring his removal - His plea to have the door opened failed to be adhrede to during the standoff - The six-month infighting has left one of the oldest trade union divided right in the middle - Pulling in different directions are Otieno and Omuche both of whom want Sossion out Incessant power wrangles pitting officials of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) against one another took a different twist with each faction maintaining they need fresh blood. On Monday, May 7, members allied to the Deputy Secretary General Hesbon Otieno barred the embattled Secretary General Wilson Sossion from accessing his office even after reading a court order. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens The order had recognised Sossion as the duly elected union leader and also insulated the nominated MP against any attempt to remove him from office before expiry of his term. READ ALSO: Mtizame Gavana Joho alipokuwa kijana barubaru (picha) Members allied to the Deputy Secretary General Hesbon Otieno barred embattled Secretary General Wilson Sossion from accessing his office even after reading court order. Photo: Nation/Facebook. READ ALSO: Wilson Sossion finally sacked as KNUT boss His plea to have the door opened did not in any way help unlock the standoff, as the irate unionists stood their ground. "This is a country governed by the rule of the law and I am law-abiding. If here is a court order that overturned this order, then I am prepared to obey," he told them. Sossion reiterated his earlier claims some individuals from the government were not comfortable with his leadership and were looking to install someone at the helm. "I don't have any standoff with the National Executive Council. It is only a few individuals who have been indoctrinated by individuals from government," he claimed. READ ALSO: Govt compels Wilson Sossion to decide whether he wants to be an MP or a trade unionist Pulling in different are Otieno and the acting Chairman Wycliffe Omuche both of whom want their boss ejected from his Mfangano office. Photo: Standard. READ ALSO: Sossion makes a U-turn, takes oath despite rejecting Raila's offer The six-month infighting has left one of the oldest trade unions sharply divided right in the middle, as two factions seek control. Pulling in different direction are Otieno and the acting Chairman Wycliffe Omuche, both of whom want their boss ejected from his Mfangano office. They argued Sossion became a victim of divided loyalty, upon his nomination to Parliament and he had to strike a balance between politics and union affairs. Throughout the drama, Sossion insisted he was elected by the teachers to represent them as KNUT secretary general, and nobody can remove him from office until his term comes to an end. Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news. Amazing Story of Kenya's Oldest Makanga ( Documentary) | Faces of Kenya - on TUKO TV Source: Tuko - Khalwale told Ruto he is welcome to join the opposition - The former legislator said politicians protecting their dynasties have plotted Ruto's fall - He said Ruto can only save his future by working with Kalonzo, Wetangula and Mudavadi who cannot betray him - The three NASA co-principals met in Trans Nzoia in the absence of coalition leader Raila Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has urged Deputy President William Ruto to join the opposition in order to secure his political ambition. The former legislator alleged Rutos ambition to become Kenyas president in 2022 is in danger because rich politicians intending to protect their dynasties have ganged up against him. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Raila is still our best bet for 2022 - Orengo Khalwale who unsuccessfully vied for the Kakamega gubernatorial position in the August 8, 2017 elections accused President Uhuru Kenyatta, opposition leader Raila Odinga and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi of colluding to ensure Ruto fails in his 2022 presidential bid. Boni Khalwale has urged Deputy President William Ruto to join the opposition to secure his presidential ambition. Photo: Courtesy There is collusion between Raila, Uhuru and Gideon who were born in rich families to finish Ruto politically, that is why I urge him to join other opposition leaders to outdo his detractors in 2022, said Khalwale. READ ALSO : I'm not interested in 2022 politics - Raila Odinga The outspoken legislator who is backing Rutos opposition against a constitution amendment fronted by Raila and his allies, said opposition leaders have the interests of ordinary Kenyans who are majority voters, hence well placed to defeat their competitors. Raila and Uhuru are children of presidents and deputy presidents and want to protect their dynasties and cannot allow the son of a peasant to outdo them. I want to remind Ruto we are on the other hand children of peasants and can work effectively together, said Khalwale. Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has accused President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga of protecting their destinies. He lightly stated his mother was a brewer of illicit liquor just like Rutos and Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetangulas mothers which offers them a common background and cannot betray each other. READ ALSO: NASA leaders are using handshake to push their 2022 agenda - Jubilee MPs Ruto should open his eyes and come to the hustlers team, we share a common background and our unity cannot be broken by the power hungry individuals, said Khalwale. The former senator expressed confidence that no faction can beat a coalition of Ruto, Wetangula, Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi and Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka. William Ruto's 2022 presidential ambition has faced tough opposition from Baringo Senator Gideon Moi. Photo: William Ruto/Facebook. We will be an unstoppable with Ruto in this camp because we will have appropriate answers to all Kenyans. It is time that the DP makes up his mind boldly and join the camp which fits him well, added Khalwale. READ ALSO: Kalonzo, Mudavadi, Wetangula spotted in rare get together party without Raila This comes in the wake of National Super Alliance (NASA) co-principals Mudavadi,Kalonzo and Wetangula meeting in the absence of their leader Raila. The three shared a platform during the homecoming of Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa in Trans Nzoia on Saturday, May 5. 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 Igembe South MP was said to have attacked Gikunda for leading demonstrations against him - A Citizen journalist and the constituent were summoned by the elders over the issue - Both are required to report to Maua DO's office on Saturday, May 19 - The MP denied knowledge of such summons A journalist who had published a story about Kenya's youngest MP assaulting his constituent was asked to appear before the Meru Council of Elders accompanied by his father and one witness. In a letter dated May 5, the Njuri Ncheke, Igembe South Branch, summoned Royal Media Services reporter Koome Kimenchu, John Gikunda, the complainant and one Japhet Mutuma who was quoted in the story. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens Igembe South MP John Paul Mwirigi was said to have attacked Gikunda for leading demonstrations on Friday, April 27, and complaining about the poor state of roads in the constituency. READ ALSO: Youngest MP clobbers constituent for protesting poor roads MP John Paul Mwirigi who is said to have attacked the man for leading the demonstrations. Photo: Citizen. READ ALSO: Kenya's youngest MP gets wardrobe make-over from Uhuru's stylist (Photos) Koome picked up the story and published it in which Gikunda and Mutuma were quoted detailing how the MP clobbered the former. Salesio Kirema, the Elders' Sub county secretary, required the three to report to Maua DO's office on Saturday, May 19. Even though the letter did not clarify the reason for the summons, it was widely believed the story could have rubbed the elders the wrong way. TUKO.co.ke understands the council's overall Secretary General, Josphat Murangiri, condemned the inclusion of the journalist saying the action was an affront to the media freedom. READ ALSO: Angry Sacco officials clobber matatu conductor to death for overcharging passengers Even though the letter did not clarify the reason for the summons, it was widely believed the story could have rubbed the elders the wrong way. Photo: Maxwell Mwiti/Facebook. READ ALSO: Pilot abandons CS Wamalwa to rush pregnant woman with gunshot wounds to hospital Gikunda, popularly known as Wanugu, faced the wrath of the 24-year-old legislator on Sunday, April 29, after the MP pounced on him and attempted to twist his neck as shocked residents watched the drama unfold. Wanugu narrated that he was on his way home when he met a convoy of cars before the MP called him, and reprimanded him for trying to tarnish his name. The lawmaker has since denied the allegations. He also denied knowledge of such summons but urged the three to respect the wishes of the elders. Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news. Amazing Story of Kenya's Oldest Makanga ( Documentary) | Faces of Kenya - on TUKO TV Source: Tuko - The embassy said the extremists may be targeting US citizens visiting or staying in the country - The extremists may also be targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs and other busy public places - Hospitals and churches may also be possible targets by the criminals The United States government has warned of possible terror attacks across Kenya targeting US citizens visiting or living in the country. In a statement posted on the website of the US Embassy in Kenya on May 4, 2018, the embassy warned the extremists may be targeting mostly crowded public places across the country including schools, churches, hospitals, tourists and transportation hubs. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens The US government on May 4, 2018, warned of major terror attacks targeting US citizens visiting or living in Kenya. Photo: National Geographic. READ ALSO: Terrorist arrested en route to Nairobi for major attack The security alert seen by TUKO.co.ke on Monday, May 7, further indicated the extremists may employ different tactics during the attacks. "Extremists may use the upcoming relocation of the U.S. Embassy in Israel to target U.S. citizens. Terrorists may employ a variety of tactics. They may target schools, hospitals, churches, tourist locations, transportation hubs, and other public venues," the embassy warned. READ ALSO: Police On High Alert Over Possible Terror Attack The US government urged its citizens visiting or living in the country to stay on high alert in the coming days. "Keep a low profile; avoid crowds and demonstrations; be aware of your surroundings; review your personal security plans; monitor local media for updates; report social media threats to local authorities," the embassy advised. READ ALSO: Police Warn Of Terrorism Attack In Nairobi, Issue Photos Of Suspects These are the pictures of the most wanted terrorists belived to have been plotting to stage attacks in Kenya.Photo:Kenya National Police Service. The warning came barely a month after the Kenyan authorities identified eight individuals believed to have been plotting and trying to stage terror attacks in the country. In a statement issued on April 5, 2018, the National Police Service (NPS) said it had launched a multi-agency counter-terrorism operation to capture the eight most wanted terrorists. "As part of our enhanced multi-agency counter terrorism efforts, we have identified eight individuals whose images are shown as being the ones planning and attempting to infiltrate terrorist operations into our country in order to stage attacks," the NPS said. The police noted several terror attempts had been successfully foiled and a number of culprits arrested including Habiba Omar Ali who was found with five AK 47 rifles and ammunition, which the detectives believed belonged to her husband Mahat Issack Abdille. Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news. Top 5 Facts About Uhuru Kenyatta - Raila Odinga Pact - On Tuko TV Source: Tuko.co.ke - Maalin based his hypothesis on the numerous visits the Head of State has had - He claimed Uhuru could borrow a leaf from his Rwandan and Ugandan counterparts - Opposition MP have been pushing for a change in constitution to create a new executive - But some leaders believed Uhuru is still young to quit politics With the referendum debate gaining momentum day by day, questions on whether President Uhuru Kenyatta will retire and exit the scene come 2022 remains unresolved. Wiper Deputy Party Leader Farah Maalin on Monday, May 7, sensationally claimed the constitution will be changed to allow Uhuru serve as a prime minister in the next government. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens Speaking on NTV, Maalin based his hypothesis on the numerous foreign visits the Head of State has had in his two terms. READ ALSO: I'm not interested in 2022 politics - Raila Odinga Farah Maalin sensationally claimed the constitution will be changed to allow Uhuru serve as a prime minister in the next government. Photo: Farah Maalin/Twitter. READ ALSO: No chills-Farah Maalim savagely tears apart lawyer Ahmednasir over his attacks on judiciary "We are headed for a referendum, the constitution will be changed.This will become a parliamentary system and Uhuru is going to be the prime minister," he claimed. The ex-Garissa MP singled out a similar case in Ethiopia where the nation amended its constitution and the then president Meles Zenawi whose presidential term limit ended, opted to run for a premier's post. Apart from Ethiopia, Uhuru has also made state visits to Rwanda and Uganda, East African countries which had in the past lifted presidential term limits. According to the politician, Uhuru could borrow a leaf from his Rwandan and Ugandan counterparts. READ ALSO: Raila's quest for fresh referendum receives boost as Ruto vows to shoot it down Uhuru has made state visits to Rwanda and Uganda both of which had in the past lifted presidential term limits. Photo: Uhuru Kenyatta/Facebook. READ ALSO: William Ruto angered by calls for fresh referendum to create new positions in government Opposition MP have been pushing for a change in the constitution, to create a new executive post for the prime minister, following a pact between NASA leader Raila Odinga and Uhuru. But some leaders such as Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli believe Uhuru was still young to quit politics just because the constitution did not allow him a third term. READ ALSO: Visible split in Ruto's backyard as Jubilee MPs differ on referendum debate The unionist added the need to revisit the Bomas draft of 2005 in a referendum was to allow assimilation of the president in government after 2022. Deputy President William Ruto's camp has out-rightly opposed the suggestion for change of law to accommodate a three-tier system of devolved government. Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news. Top 5 Facts About Uhuru Kenyatta - Raila Odinga Pact - On Tuko TV Source: Kenyan Breaking News - Matiang'i had given the foreigners 60 days to regularise their work permits - It had emerged there were expatriates working in Kenya without proper documentation - Some of the expatriates are currently under investigation for tax evasion The government has embarked on a crackdown on foreigners working in Kenya illegally, after the Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i issued a 60 day ultimatum for the expatriates to regularise their work permits. Among those targeted is Helpage International, a non-governmental organisation that is said to be facing tax evasion probe for forging Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) pin numbers for its foreign employees working in Kenya. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i issued a 60 day ultimatum for the expatriates to regularise their work permits. Photo:TUKO. READ ALSO: Donald Trump deports 20 Kenyans from the US According to a report by People Daily, the NGOs co-ordination Board had written to the tax-man requesting to be furnished with a report on three pin numbers suspected to have been forged by three foreign workers attached to Helpage International. The Board is investigating the aforementioned organization for forgery of KRA pin numbers for their Kenyan employees as a means of tax evasion for their expatriate staff, the letter from the NGO board to KRA read in part. The three were identified as Liviya David, Anne Meland and Talal Waheed and their forged KRA pin numbers noted as A003875176M, A009704809Z and A0022777573Z respectively. READ ALSO: Matiangi trains his eye on illegal gambling dens According to registration records, Helpage International was registered with the main objective of working with and for disadvantaged older people worldwide. The organisation, which the local authorities believe could be one of those operating in Kenya illegally, has its Africa headquarters in Nairobi. While appearing before a Parliamentary Committee on Administration and National Security in Mombasa, Matiangi said the government was planning to tighten its immigration process. We have not cleaned up our systems on Immigration. Our official records show there are 34,000 foreigners working in Kenya. You and I know that is not true; the real figures in there are probably over 100,000. This means there are people doing jobs that Kenyans can do, coming through the back-door, Matiangi said. READ ALSO: Matiang'i hits back at NASA after they told him off over polling station agents TUKO.co.ke has established the ongoing crackdown is being undertaken by a multi-agency team comprising officers from KRA, NGO board, Immigration Department and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. Story by Lucky Omenda 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. Join TUKO TV - subscribe right now! - On Tuko TV Source: Tuko.co.ke - Two others sustained serious injuries following the attack which occurred during a random patrol - Al-Shabaab militants are suspected to be behind the attack though the group has not claimed responsibility - The American embassy in Nairobi has warned of imminent terror attacks in Kenya Seven Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers were killed on Sunday, May 6, after their vehicle was blown off by a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED). TUKO.co.ke understands two other soldiers sustained serious injuries in the incident which took place in Dhobley town, located between the border of Kenya and Somalia. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens The officers are reported to have been part of a convoy which was conducting a routine surveillance exercise when their vehicle ran over the explosive. Seven KDF soldiers were killed in the Sunday, May 6, attack in Dhobley. Photo: TUKO.co.ke READ ALSO: KDF officers killed in horror al-Shabaab attack Photos from the scene of the incident showed the vehicle which ran over the explosive extensively ripped off, with military sources indicating it was the only automobile hit by the IED. TUKO.co.ke established the Land Cruiser which was part of the convoy patrolling from Dadaab to Dhobley, encountered the IED attack a few kilometres from Dhobley town. Security sources on the ground indicated the IED attack was reinforced by an ambush from suspected al-Shabaab insurgents at Sheftuk between Dagalema and Dhobley areas. READ ALSO: Mudavadi, Wetangula party officials clash over proposed merger A vehicle belonging to the Kenya Defence Forces soldiers was extensively ripped off. Photo: TUKO.co.ke. However, the terror group is yet to claim responsibility for the attack, which bears the trademark of their assault. Injured soldiers were airlifted to Nairobi for specialised treatment with the department of defence stating they will issue a detailed report about the occurrence after conducting a damage assessment. READ ALSO: Marekani yataja maeneo yanayoweza kushambuliwa na magaidi, Kenya The attack comes after several months of calm in the border area with Somalia based al-Shabaab militants strongly suspected to be behind the assault. The soldiers' vehicle ran over an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) near Dhobley town at the border of Kenya and Somalia. Photo: TUKO.co.ke. READ ALSO: US government warns of major terror attacks in Kenya, schools and churches targeted The American embassy in Kenya on Friday, May 4, warned of imminent terror targeted at highly populated areas advising for intensified security. 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 ambassador had visited the county to open a school at Kawese - Access to the school was difficult due to recent rains and muddy road - The ambassador seemingly enjoyed the new experience atop the wooden ox-drawn cart The Irish Ambassador to Kenya Vincent O'Neill on Sunday, May 6, came face to face with ravages of mother nature and poor development in Makueni after he was forced to ride on an ox cart. TUKO.co.ke understands Vincent had visited the area to open a wing of St Patricks Primary School Kawese in the county. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens He was accompanied by officials of the Irish charity organization, Kenya Child Foundation. READ ALSO: Pilot abandons CS Wamalwa to rush pregnant woman with gunshot wounds to hospital The ambassador had visited the area to open wing of St Patricks Primary School Kawese in the county on behalf of the Irish organization, Kenya Child Foundation. Photo: Vincent O'Neill/Twitter. READ ALSO: Mtizame gavana Joho akiwa kijana barubaru (Picha) The ongoing rains hampered movement making accessibility to the school via vehicles impossible, as major roads leading to the institute became muddy. The ambassador who is also in charge of Somalia and Sudan seemingly enjoyed the new experience. "I am privileged to open wing of St Patricks Primary School Kawese in Mukueni County today following support from Irish organization Kenya Child Foundation. "Access to the school was difficult due to recent rains and muddy road no problem via ox cart(sic)," he tweeted. READ ALSO: Agony for 40 Nyeri families as floods destroy homes The ongoing hampered the accessibility to the school since major road leading to the institute became muddy. Photo: Vincent O'Neill/Twitter. The only reliable form of transport that could see the team accomplish their mission was an ox-pulled cart. The only available form of transport that could see the team accomplish their mission was an ox-pulled cart. Photo: Vincent O'Neill/Twitter. The heavy rains experienced in most parts of Kenya have left a trail of destruction and displacement of population even as Kenya Meteorological department warned of more rains and floods across the country. Major highways and roads have been declared impassable and some shut down by the Kenya National Highway Authority. 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. Nairobi floods: Heavy rains rock Nairobi city (Kenya News) - on TUKO TV Source: Tuko Newspaper Russian-backed militants violated the Minsk agreements 80 times in the Joint Forces Operation area over the past day. This is reported by the Joint Forces Operation Headquarters press center. "The most active military operations took place outside Krymske (42.5km north-west of Luhansk), Novotoshkivske (53km north-west of Luhansk), Luhanske (59km north-east of Donetsk), Avdiivka (18km north of Donetsk), Pisky (12km north-west of Donetsk), Troitske (69km west of Luhansk), Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol). Russian-occupation troops opened fire 22 times from artillery and mortars, and two times from a tank," reads the report. Militants continue to violate the norms of the international humanitarian law. Yesterday, on May 6, the enemy fired 152mm and 122mm guns at the villages Zaitseve (67km north-north-east of Donetsk) and Nykolske, on the outskirts of Horlivka (39 km north-east of Donetsk). On the night of May 7, militants were active in Luhansk and Donetsk directions. As reported, one Ukrainian soldier was killed and another four soldiers were wounded in last day. According to the intelligence, three militants were killed and five more were wounded. ol Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has congratulated the paratroopers of the 79th assault brigade from Mykolaiv and the tankers of the 14th mechanized brigade on successful performance during the Combined Resolve X exercise in Germany. Poroshenko wrote this on his Facebook page. "I am proud of our military who once again proved that the Ukrainian army is one of the most combat-ready in the world! The organizers of the Combined Resolve X international military exercises had to change the scenario due to the bold, professional and surprisingly effective actions of Ukrainians. Our paratroopers from the 79th assault brigade of Mykolaiv and tankers from the 14th detached mechanized brigade showed their true class on the firing range. Keep it up, guys! We believe in your strength!" Poroshenko wrote. Combined Resolve X is in its active phase at the Hohenfels Training Area in Germany. Combined Resolve is a multinational exercise conducted by the U.S. Army Europe twice a year during the rotation of U.S. army units. op One Ukrainian serviceman was killed, and another six soldiers were wounded and injured in the Joint Forces Operation area in eastern Ukraine in last day. Defense Ministry Spokesman Dmytro Hutsuliak said this at a briefing on Monday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "Three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded and another one was injured in the enemy shelling in last day. All of them were delivered to medical institutions and provided with qualified medical care," Hutsuliak said. In addition, according to the JFO Headquarters, a group of servicemen of a mechanized battalion operating in Horlivka direction was ambushed during the patrolling. An unknown explosive device was installed on the patrol route. One Ukrainian serviceman was killed and another two were injured after the device had exploded. The injured fighters were provided with medical assistance and evacuated to the hospital. ol The servicemen of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation used two regular battalions of BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers to shell the district of Mariupol town on January 24, 2015. The documentary evidence will be submitted to the International Court of Justice. Chief of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Hrytsak said this at a briefing on Monday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "During the detailed and thorough investigation, our investigators established and documented that this crime [the missile attack on Mariupol on January 24, 2015] was committed by the servicemen of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. In particular, this terrorist act was carried out with the use of two regular multiple launcher rocket system battalions of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation," he said. According to Hrytsak, the experts made every effort and managed to document how the Russian divisions crossed the Russian-Ukrainian border and advanced to the positions of terrorists, where Mariupol was fired from. The SBU investigators established direct involvement of the units of the 200th Pechenga Separate Motor Rifle Brigade and the 2nd Guards Tamanskaya Motor Rifle Division (former 5th Guards Tamanskaya Motor Rifle Brigade) in the shelling of Mariupol. Major-General Stepan Yaroshchuk, the Chief of the Missile Troops and Artillery of the Southern Military District of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, controlled the operation from the territory of Russia. The chief of the Security Service of Ukraine said that the findings of the investigation would soon be submitted to the United Nations International Court of Justice within the lawsuit of Ukraine v. Russia over the violation of International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. On January 24, 2015, the Russian-occupation forces fired multiple launch rocket systems at Ordzhonikidzevsky district of Mariupol and the adjacent village of Vynohradne in Volnovakha district, Donetsk region. As a result of the attack, 30 people were killed, including two children, 108 people were injured, 30 residential buildings, 7 educational institutions, infrastructure facilities and a power line were damaged. ol Ukraine and Turkey have completed the tenth round of talks on conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement. This is reported by the press service of the Economic Development and Trade Ministry of Ukraine. "This round was not easy as we advocate the opening of the most profitable opportunities for Ukraine and Ukrainian exporters in the Turkish market. Therefore, we used this round for detailed consideration of the issues of access to the agricultural commodity markets. Our task is to create conditions for the exports of the processed high added value products, the products involving the latest technologies, because the latest technologies are also being used actively in the food and processing industry," said Natalia Mykolska, the head of the negotiating delegation from Ukraine, Deputy Economic Development and Trade Minister of Ukraine and Ukraine's trade representative. According to her, the government is working step by step to open new export markets for Ukrainian business and increase opportunities in existing markets as exports qualitatively change the country. During this round of talks, the delegations made a progress in the issues regarding the access to the telecommunications and e-commerce markets. ol Representatives of Ukraine and Macedonia have discussed the enhancement of trade and economic cooperation and agreed to get ready for a forthcoming round of FTA talks. This is reported by the press service of the Economic Development and Trade Ministry of Ukraine. "On May 7, Deputy Economic Development and Trade Minister of Ukraine Trade Representative of Ukraine Natalia Mykolska met with Mr. Stole Zmejkoski, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Macedonia to Ukraine, at the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine. During the meeting, the parties discussed the strengthening of bilateral trade and economic cooperation, business-to-business contacts and holding of a meeting of the Intergovernmental Ukrainian-Macedonian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation in the near future," the statement reads. As Natalia Mykolska noted, recent Ukraine's accession to the Regional Convention on Pan-Euro-Mediterranean preferential rules of origin will promote bilateral trade between our countries as Macedonia is also a party to the Convention. ol On Friday, May 11, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko will meet with President of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, who will arrive in Ukraine on an official visit. "On May 11, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko will hold a meeting with Slovenian President Borut Pahor, who will be in Ukraine on an official visit at the invitation of the Head of State," the press service of the President of Ukraine reports. The leaders are to discuss the joint efforts to counter the Russian aggression and exchange views on a wide range of topical issues of the bilateral and international cooperation, in particular, in the context of Slovenia's further support for the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine. It is also planned to sign a number of bilateral documents as a result of the meeting. It will be the first visit of Borut Pahor to Ukraine after his re-election as the Slovenian president in November 2017. ol Three U.S. senators have asked Ukrainian Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko to clarify the situation regarding reports in the media that the Prosecutor General's Office's cooperation with U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller in the Manafort case has allegedly been frozen. The text of an open letter was published on the website of the U.S. Senate, Ukrinform reports. "We are writing to express great concern about reports that your office has taken steps to impede cooperation with the investigation of United States Special Counsel Robert Mueller," the document says. The letter clarifies that on May 2, the New York Times reported that the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine effectively froze investigations into four open cases involving Paul Manafort in Ukraine in April and impeded cooperation between Ukrainian investigators and the U.S. Office of Special Counsel. The senators also noted that bilateral cooperation should extend to such legal matters, regardless of politics. They stressed that the joint investigation into this case is important not only to Mueller's investigation, but also critical to exposing corruption committed during the presidency of Viktor Yanukovych. In this regard, the legislators asked if the Prosecutor General's Office has taken such steps, if anyone from the Trump administration encouraged the Ukrainian government not to interact with the investigation Special Counsel Mueller, and whether the Mueller probe was raised between Ukrainian and U.S. officials, including around the meeting of Presidents Poroshenko and Trump in New York in 2017. Ukrainian Deputy Prosecutor General Yevhen Yenin said earlier that Mueller had not requested assistance from the Prosecutor General's Office in investigating the case of Paul Manafort. He also stressed that there are no "prohibitions" to comply with requests for international legal assistance from the United States. op About 46% of Ukrainians surveyed by representatives of the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) in April support Ukraine's accession to the European Union and more than 41% back the country's joining the North Atlantic Alliance. KIIS Deputy Director Anton Hrushetsky said this at a press conference entitled "The social and political moods of the Ukrainian people: April 2018 (based on the results of the KIIS survey)," an Ukrinform correspondent reported. According to Hrushetsky, respondents were asked to choose one of three options - joining the European Union, joining the Customs Union with Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, and not joining the EU or the Customs Union. Some 45.9% of citizens believe that Ukraine should focus on joining the European Union, 8.9% on joining the Customs Union, and another 32% chose the third option, he said. At the same time, support for the pro-European vector is greatest only in the west of Ukraine. According to the poll, 41.4% of Ukrainians rather or definitely support Ukraine's accession to NATO in contrast to 37.8% of those respondents who do not share such a vector of state development. "At the same time, there is a significant regional specificity. Accession to NATO is supported by 61% in the west of Ukraine, 46% in the center, and no more than a quarter in the south, east and in Donbas," the expert said. The Kyiv International Institute of Sociology conducted an all-Ukrainian public opinion poll from April 5 to April 19. A total of 2,004 respondents aged over 18 years from 110 populated localities of Ukraine, except for the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, were interviewed. op Lusvarghi's retrial was expected to begin on June 6, but after the incident, it was rescheduled for May 7. The Brazilian Embassy in Ukraine has declined to provide support to a Brazilian citizen, Rafael Lusvarghi, 34, who fought against the Ukrainian army in Donbas on the side of the Russian-sponsored terrorist organization "Donetsk People's Republic." "My numerous requests addressed to the Consul of the Embassy of Brazil about the need to return Raphael home and a warning about the unfortunate future of the volunteer [fighter] in case of inaction have not been heard," Lusvarghi's lawyer Valentin Rybin wrote on Facebook on May 5. According to him, the embassy refused to issue documents to Lusvarghi and assist in his returning to Brazil. What is more, the lawyer claims that it was the Embassy of Brazil that informed Ukrainian law enforcement agencies about the whereabouts of Lusvarghi. Read alsoUkrainian nationalists catch Brazilian fighter Lusvarghi in Kyiv, bring him to SBU (Photo, video) It was earlier reported that members of the nationalist organization C14 (Sich) detained the Brazilian mercenary near the embassy's building and brought him to the Kyiv office of the SBU Security Service of Ukraine. The SBU, in turn, informed that they were conducting procedural actions with Lusvarghi. The Brazilian was supposed to participate in a December 2017 exchange for Ukrainian prisoners of war, therefore a Ukrainian court had released him despite his 13-year imprisonment sentence. Rybin claims that Lusvarghi was unable to return to Brazil because "the Ukrainian authorities had not given the passport and travel documents back to the Brazilian." Lusvarghi's retrial was expected to begin on June 6, but after the incident, it was rescheduled for May 7. The case will be considered by Dnipropetrovsk region's Pavlohradsky district court, Rybin said. Ukrainian prosecutors said they would insist on Lusvarghi's arrest. President Poroshenko wants more weapons from the U.S., and UN peacekeepers, stressing that Ukraine is the front line in a new Cold War with Russia. The U.S. is supporting its ally Ukraine in a war against Russian-backed militants who have seized swathes of territory in eastern Ukraine since 2014, in a conflict that's killed 10,000 people by some counts. Soldiers from the New York Army National Guard contribute to the international effort to help Ukrainian Army excel in repelling Russian aggression, according to CBS News. Lt Col William Murphy, who was deployed in Ukraine in November, says the Ukrainians do not have the equipment they need, but "what they can do with the little they have is exceptional." Read alsoBellingcat identifies Russian officers, militants as perpetrators of January 2015 Mariupol artillery strikeThe U.S. is still ramping up its support for Ukraine; more than 200 Javelins, effective anti-tank missiles, were delivered earlier this month. "They learn from us the newest experience of the hybrid war against Russia," Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko told CBS News. "And we learn from them their tactics and strategy, which makes my army much more efficient." Poroshenko wants more weapons from the U.S., and UN peacekeepers, stressing that Ukraine is the front line in a new Cold War with Russia. "They want to have Soviet Union back," Poroshenko said, adding that he believes Vladimir Putin, who was sworn in Monday for his fourth term as Russian President, wants to reconquer Ukraine and rebuild the "Russian Empire." Ukraine says thousands of Russians are fighting in the east, alongside the militants. Moscow has repeatedly denied it is involved in the conflict But Col. Dennis Deeley, who leads the American trainers in Ukraine, is also reminded of the Cold War. The Ukrainians use old Soviet-era tanks -- the type the Russian enemy used when he served in Europe in the 1980s. "When you come around the corner and you see a tank, a Russian tank, a T-64 tank, its barrel pointed at you -- it makes you hesitate for a second as you come around the corner in your vehicle," Deeley said. The Cold War ended in 1991, but now Ukraine's dangerous conflict once again pits Russia against the West. One of the detainees had a passport of a Russian citizen. The SBU Security Service of Ukraine in the city of Kharkiv on May 5 detained a group of young people who attacked a Donbas war veteran Dmytro Verbych, an ex-'Cyborg,' a nickname given to Ukrainian soldiers who defended Donetsk airport. Read alsoUkraine's 'Cyborg' stabbed by a group of four in Kyiv "One of the detainees said she was walking about in Kyiv's Podil area with two guys and a girl. In her words, they saw a young man wearing a T-shirt with images of [Ukraine's] national symbols. The guys said that the man was a Ukrainian nationalists [a supporter of the so-called "Bandera ideology"], therefore he should be punished," the Ukrainian online news outlet Obozrevatel wrote, referring to its sources. The young people, who position themselves as anti-fascists, pursued the veteran for a while. Then the attackers put masks on and stabbed Verbych, spraying tear gas. The perpetrators then fled towards a Silpo supermarket and boarded a trolleybus," the publication said. One of the detainees was carrying a passport of a Russian citizen in the name of Vyacheslav Lukichev. The police are checking the links of the attackers and identifying possible customers, Obozrevatel said. As UNIAN reported earlier, Verbych was attacked at 59/5 Kostiantynivska Street in Kyiv. He was stabbed in the lower back and sprayed with tear gas. The attackers tried to kill him with a hammer then. She is facing from three to seven years in prison. Kateryna Lapinska who is accused of being involved in a group attack on a Donbas war veteran in Kyiv is the daughter of an employee of Ukraine's Defense Ministry. Kateryna Lapinska is a member of a left-wing (anarchist) organization and the daughter of the head of an audit department at the Defense Ministry of Ukraine, Colonel Serhiy Lapinsky, a resident of Chernihiv, the news outlet Espreso.TV has reported. Lapinsky also has a son. Lapinska has already been informed about an indictment, Kyiv prosecutors said. Her actions fall under the article of hooliganism committed by a group of people using an object prepared in advance for causing bodily harm. She is facing from three to seven years in prison. As UNIAN reported, a group of three young men and two young women wearing masks attempted to stab Dmytro Verbych, a Donbas war veteran and an ex-'Cyborg,' a nickname given to Ukrainian soldiers who defended Donetsk airport. The incident happened in Kyiv's Podil area on May 2. Read alsoSBU detains a group of four suspected of attack on Ukraine's 'Cyborg' (Photo) Criminal proceedings were opened under Part 4 of Article 296 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The persons involved in the attack face up to seven years of imprisonment. On May 6, the SBU detained the young people in Kharkiv. One of them had a Russian passport issued to the name of Viacheslav Lukichev, born in 1994. On May 7, the SBU established that the organizer of the crime was a Russian citizen. He is reportedly hiding in Poland. Law enforcement officials regard the incident as a type of "warning" to the businessman from competitors in the gasoline market. On the morning of Monday, May 7, an Infiniti SUV owned by Vadym Berman, an entrepreneur whose company supplied fuel to the National Police, was fired upon outside his house on 5/9 Tsytadelna Street in Kyiv. Law enforcers link the incident with the competition in the gasoline market. Berman is the CEO of TD Wesma LLC, which, according to public sources, is often declared a winner in biddings for the supply of fuel and lubricants to the National Policy and the State Management of Affairs, the online newspaper Strana.ua wrote, referring to its sources in the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Read alsoSBU detains a group of four suspected of attack on Ukraine's 'Cyborg' (Photo)According to Ukraine's Public Procurement Bulletin and Prozorro e-procurement system, Wesma won tenders worth more than UAH 15.5 million ($589,130) with a major share of offers coming from a motor department of the State Management of Affairs. As UNIAN reported earlier, a Ukrainian lawmaker's Jaguar was burned down in Odesa region overnight. According to the ruling, the former militant shall remain in custody for the next 60 days. Pavlohrad district court of Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region took into custody a Brazilian national, Rafael Lusvarghi, who had earlier confessed in fighting on the side of the self-proclaimed "DPR" in Donbas. Lusvarghi shall remain in custody for the next 60 days, Hromadske reports, citing presiding Judge Panchenko. "The board of judges considers it justified to retain the accused in custody. Neither house arrest nor bail can be applied to persons accused under articles such as Art. 258 [Terrorism] of the Criminal Code," the judge said. It was earlier reported that the Brazilian Embassy in Ukraine had declined to provide support to a Brazilian citizen Rafael Lusvarghi in ensuring his return from Ukraine to his home country. Later, members of the nationalist organization C14 (Sich) caught the Brazilian mercenary near the embassy's building and brought him to the Kyiv office of the SBU Security Service of Ukraine. The SBU went on to carry on procedural actions with the Brazilian national. The foreigner was supposed to be part of a December 2017 exchange for Ukrainian prisoners of war, therefore a Ukrainian court had released him despite his 13-year imprisonment sentence. Lusvarghi's lawyer Valentin Rybin says his defendant was unable to return to Brazil because "the Ukrainian authorities had not given the passport and travel documents back to the Brazilian." Lusvarghi's retrial was expected to begin on June 6, but after the incident, it was rescheduled for May 7. According to Ukrainian intelligence reports, the enemy's total casualties in the past day include three killed and five wounded fighters. Photo from Ukraine's Defense Ministry Russian-led forces mounted 80 attacks on Ukrainian troops in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, in the past day. "Hostilities were most active near the villages of Krymske, Novotoshkivske, Luhanske, Pisky, Troyitske, Shyrokyne, and the town of Avdiyivka," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation said in an update on Facebook as of 07:00 on May 7, 2018. In particular, the Russian occupation forces attacked the Ukrainian forces 22 times with the use of artillery systems and mortars, and there were two tank attacks, it said. Read alsoRussian-led troops use artillery to attack Zaitseve in Donbas, wound one person The JFO forces responded adequately and were engaged in active defense. During defensive fighting in the past day, one Ukrainian military man was killed and four were wounded in action. "During the patrolling of the defense area, a group of servicemen from a mechanized battalion operating in the Horlivka zone was ambushed, and a reserve group from the nearby strongpoint arrived at the scene of the incident. After a short fire encounter, the reserve group started to chase the enemy, during which three enemy fighters were eliminated on the line of contact," the press center said. According to Ukrainian intelligence reports, the enemy's total casualties in the past day include three killed and five wounded fighters. "The invaders continue to flagrantly violate international humanitarian law: they twice fired 152 and 122mm guns on May 6 to shell the villages of Zaitseve and Nikolske," the report says. In the early hours of May 7, the enemy was active both in the Luhansk and Donetsk sectors. The patrol was allowed to pass after about 90 minutes. The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine's has reported its monitoring patrol was temporarily blocked near the Russian-occupied town of Debaltseve due to demining activity. "Two armed members of the armed formations stopped an SMM patrol on road M03 near Debaltseve (58km north-east of Donetsk) telling it that there was demining activity in the area," the OSCE SMM said in an update as of May 4. "The patrol was allowed to pass after about 90 minutes." Read alsoOSCE's Apakan: Failure to implement Minsk deal jeopardizes Donetsk filtration station's work The OSCE SMM also reported a second incident: an armed member of the armed formations stopped an SMM patrol at a checkpoint on road H15 east of Kreminets (16km south-west of Donetsk) and requested to see the inside of the SMM's trailer. "The patrol was permitted to proceed only after complying with the request," it said. The statement refutes earlier claims by Czech President Milos Zeman. The Czech Republic never produced, developed or stored a nerve agent of the Novichok family, though its chemical experts briefly tested a substance labeled novichok A230, Prime Minister Andrej Babis announced after meeting with the heads of the countrys intelligence services on Monday. The prime minister said the meeting had cleared up the seeming discrepancy in intelligence reports issued by the BIS agency and the countrys military intelligence, according to Radio.cz. President Zeman caused a stir last week when he cited from the military intelligence report, telling a commercial TV station that the country had produced and tested a minute amount of the nerve agent Novichok. The prime minister said the misunderstanding had been triggered by a different understanding of the terminology used. Read alsoUK set to strengthen anti-Russia allianceMeanwhile, President Zeman has come under fire for citing from a classified intelligence report in a television interview. As reported earlier, one of the elements in the Kremlin's swarm of denials over the Skripal poisoning case was an allegation that, besides, Russia, the nerve agent that the UK accused Russia of using on its territory against the ex-double spy was produced in the Czech Republic. According to Ukraine's Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Yevhen Perebyinis, the foreign policy in the Czech Republic is determined primarily by the government, while the president's functions are more those of representation. Therefore, the country's policies to support Ukraine did not change after a pro-Russian President Zeman was re-elected early this year. The so-called "Cossacks" have a wealth of experience in conflict situations: from raiding contemporary art exhibits to taking part in hostilities in eastern Ukraine. The infamous "Cossacks" who were seen whipping and beating up peaceful protesters at a #notourtsar rally in Moscow had previously taken part in Donbas hostilities as part of Moscow's proxy forces in Russia's hybrid war against Ukraine. According to Novaya Gazeta, the so-called Crimean Cossack Regiment of Ataman Yakov Baklanov is a unit that has been regularly employed by the Kremlin in a range of its proxy efforts from Crimea to Donbas. These uniformed men have a wealth of experience in conflict situations: from raiding contemporary art exhibits to taking part in hostilities in eastern Ukraine, the publication stresses. The report says the commander of the "Crimean Cossack regiment," Nikolai Dyakonov, is a board member of the "Union of Donbass Volunteers" [one of the most prominent organizations recruiting Russians across the country to fight against Ukraine in eastern Ukraine]. At the same time, the "Crimean Cossack Regiment" is part of the Union of Cossack Warriors of Russia and Foreign Lands. Dyakonov could not be reached for comment, according to the newspaper. It is noted that Dyakonov with a hundred of his subordinates arrived in Crimea on March 1, 2014, right after the notorious "little green men" [read "Russian regular troops] were deployed. Dyakonov has managed to unite a number of local "Cossacks," who started off from holding "preventive conversations" with pro-Ukrainian activists of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people. They also set up roadblocks around Sevastopol and started patrolling the coastline. Read alsoPolice detain over thousand protesters at anti-Putin rallies across RussiaThe Crimean Cossack Regiment, as an organization, was founded only on March 15, 2014, just a day before the illegal referendum was held on Crimea's accession to Russia. The unit consisted of about 400 people - both Dyakonov's initial team and representatives of the Crimean and Sevastopol Cossack communities. After the annexation of Crimea, Dyakonov's "Cossacks" set off to fight in Donbas. Dyakonov was rather restrained in his earlier comments on battles in eastern Ukraine, telling about successful combat missions in Snizhne and Saur-Mohyla (Ukraine's Armed Forces suffered heavy casualties in those battles, having reported over 1,000 WIAs). After the Donbas mission, the "Crimean Cossack Regiment" apparently returned to Moscow. As UNIAN reported, during the #notourtsar rallies held this Sunday ahead of Vladimir Putin's inauguration, more than a thousand people were detained across Russia. Cossacks were reported to have been beating up and whipping peaceful protesters in Moscow while municipal police stood by without interfering. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Ambassador of Netherlands to Pakistan Ardi Stoios-Braken called on Federal Secretary Commerce Mohammad Younus Dagha here Monday ISLAMABAD,(UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th May, 2018 ) :Ambassador of Netherlands to Pakistan Ardi Stoios-Braken called on Federal Secretary Commerce Mohammad Younus Dagha here Monday. The secretary welcomed the ambassador and said that Pakistan and Netherlands enjoyed friendly and cooperative relations. According to a press release, the Netherlands is not only Pakistan's fourth largest trade partner in the EU but also an important source of foreign investment in Pakistan. Bilateral trade between the two countries had crossed the US$ 1.21 billion mark during 2016-17 and in July-April 2017-18 total trade volume was US$ 1.54 billion. Out of which, exports stood at US$716.18 Million and imports US$ 831.18 million. The secretary said bilateral trade relations had further strengthened with the investment of Euro 420 million by Friesland Campina to acquire 51% share of Engro Foods. "This investment was followed by SPAR and Frisian Eggs as they also entered the Pakistani market by establishing Joint Ventures." Younus Dagha said it was heartening to note that Dutch companies took keen interest in the Pakistani market and the biggest trade delegation from the EU comprising of 38 Dutch companies participated in Expo 2017. "Though we are generally satisfied with the overall positive trajectory in our bilateral relations, we feel there is a great potential to further enhance our bilateral trade and investment," he noted. He said Pakistan would like to benefit from the Dutch expertise in Agro based industry and seek their support in capacity building in the field of water management, agriculture and infrastructure development. The secretary said the Commerce Division was fully cognizant of the issue faced by Friesland Campina regarding regulatory duty on dry milk and was closely working with the stakeholders to find an amicable solution, accordingly, the Ministry of National food Security and Pakistan Customs have been sensitized. Younus Dagha said the Commerce Division greatly appreciated the work of CBI (Centre for promotion of imports from developing countries) but it observed that the CBI had decided not to continue with launching a new program for Pakistan's textile sector. He requested the envoy for support for initiating a new programme for Pakistan's small and medium enterprises. He thanked the Dutch government for extending their support to Pakistan for continuation of the GSP plus scheme and hoped that Pakistan would continue receiving their support in this regard as it had helped Pakistan in a significant way in overcoming its economic difficulties. He also requested the ambassador to advise the Dutch government to revise the negative travel advisory for Pakistan which greatly hampers the establishment of gainful partnership between the businesses of both countries. The ambassador thanked the Secretary Commerce for the warm welcome and appreciated the support of the Government of Pakistan in resolving the issues faced by the Dutch Companies. She said that Pakistan was a lucrative market for investment and currently several Dutch Companies including Shell, Philips, Unilever, Akzo-Nobel and VEON (parent company of mobilink) were operating in Pakistan. She said that both the countries need to enhance their bilateral relations and further increase cooperation in sectors like Agriculture, Energy and Dairy Products. (@FahadShabbir) The Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) of Sarhad University of Information Technology (SUIT) and ORIC of University of Buner (UoB) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster research collaboration PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th May, 2018 ) :The Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) of Sarhad University of Information Technology (SUIT) and ORIC of University of Buner (UoB) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster research collaboration. The MoU was duly signed by Vice Chancellor Sarhad University Peshawar Prof. Dr. Salimur Rahman and Vice Chancellor University of Buner Prof. Dr. Muhammad Farooq at Sarhad University on Monday. They were agreed on predetermined points of mutual interest such as exchanges and internships for students, faculty, and staff, introduction of new curricula, joint research projects; exchange of publications and training and development of joint academic programming. The delegates from both sides had in-depth discussion on the points and they able to have good understanding of the problems and opportunities. They also discussed what would be the outcome of their cooperation. WASHINGTON, May 7 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th May, 2018 ) :Pakistan and the United States need to work in unison to help improve security situation in Afghanistan, as terrorists have stepped up attacks, ignoring calls by the Afghan government for peace and political inclusion, an analyst on South Asia affars said in an opinion article. Shazar Shafqat, a counter-terrorism and security analyst for the middle East Eye, Middle East Monitor and others, writing for online magazine The Hill said that it has become clear that Pakistan will not budge under US pressure and the two countries need to work in unison. Relations between Pakistan and the US have soared after the Trump administration withheld security aid to its longtime ally amid allegations that Pakistan was not fully cooperating in the fight against terrorism. Pakistan has strongly denied these allegations and has said that it was fully committed to root out the menace and taking action against all terrorist groups on its soil. Taliban and the Islamic State have claimed responsibility for the recent attacks in Kabul, apparently aimed at disrupting the electoral process. Afghanistan is slated to have parliamentary elections this year and the presidential elections next year. Recent attacks have targeted centers for voters' registration. "The security situation in Afghanistan is getting murkier with time. And, unfortunately, there's all the reason to believe it is going to get worse in the coming days. It appears as if the recent calls for peace were nothing but hogwash," Shafqat said. He said that the Taliban and the Islamic State were never serious about the peace initiatives, a plain fact that has not being understood by the US policymakers. " The idea of peace talks is great, but this back and forth rhetoric based on peace initiatives and direct strikes just doesn't serve the purpose." Taliban has seemingly spurned the peace offer by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani after they announced to start the Spring Offensive. In the given situation, the expert said that the US must look into options in order to stand a viable chance to wipe the terrorists out, including working closely with Pakistan to achieve the desired goals. He also said that the US needs to focus more on Afghanistan rather than the Middle East more broadly as Afghanistan is one country in the region that appears easier for terrorists to infiltrate. "Islamic State might be on the run, but if left unchecked, it can wreak havoc in Afghanistan and beyond," he added. (APP/zh) (@rukhshanmir) Islamabad, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th May, 2018) Formal Federal Minister, Muhammad Ali Durranion Mondayadvised ousted Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif to search aliens in Panama where from the aliens holding and protecting billions of black money have attacked on 'House of Sharif.' Commenting on the Nawaz Sharif's demand to annul decision of his disqualification from the parliament through vote, Durrani said decision of disqualification of Nawaz Sharif neither can be changed by Pakistani parliament, nor General Assembly of United Nations. He must know that First Information report (FIR) has been registered against "House of Sharif"forpossessingassetsdisproportionate to his declared sources of income, corruption charges and money laundering. Nawaz Sharif is held accountable under theUnited Nation's Convention against Corruption(UNCAC), 2003 to which Pakistan is a signatory, he stated. Durrani said Mian Nawaz Sharif must wait; as he will soon face cases in other countries including United Kingdom, United States also for keeping illegal assets and money laundering. Muhammad Ali Durrani cautioned the former Prime Minister that United Kingdom has already passed Orders Wealth Unexplained law, 2018 to investigate properties purchased through ill-gotten money. The UK government does not need any formal, legal proceedings from Pakistan to probe the properties which were purchased through graft money. He said investigations would soon be carried out against Nawaz Sharif for keeping illegal assets of his family in London under the newly passed British law; even if Pakistan government does not want proceed in this regard. He said that the nexus between the looted money and government, continuing from the last 35 years in the country,should now be broken if we really intend to bring democratic change. He said history reveals thatthe right to rule was only given to the looters accompanied by sugar mafia and land mafia, who are still being seen sitting besides such leaders. (@ChaudhryMAli88) ISLAMABAD, May 6 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th May, 2018 ) :Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) International Conference on "Citizens Roundtable Charting Pathways for Pluralism" unanimously presented recommendations to counter extremism, ensure minority rights, inter-faith harmony and women empowerment. Speaking on the occasion, Parliamentary Secretary Romina Khursheed Alam presented her recommendations formulated after the three-day comprehensive and critical sessions of the conference. She said the Pakistani society was a plural society while the constitution gave rights to all segments of the society. She suggested that governance should be people centric so that it benefited a larger population. On the issue of minority rights, she categorically said that Gojra incident report should be implemented to protect minority rights. Romina said that national heroes should be celebrated without religious bias while religious leaders and clerics should be trained to promote gender sensitivity and inter-faith harmony, adding, they should create awareness among the masses on issues regarding domestic violence, citizen rights and other pressing social issues. She insisted that religious leaders should come forward for developing inter-faith harmony in the society. She was of the view that all political leaders should promote Paigham-e- Pakistan as the country's counter narrative to overcome the menace of extremism and also discourage incidents of sectarian and extremist violence. She also emphasized that teachers training should be increased so that teachers keep focus on issues that promote harmony and unity. She said that media's role is necessary for inter-faith harmony and it should be trained to play its role for this national and humanitarian cause. Dialogue, she said, should be initiated at different levels, involving religious scholars, all stake holders and law enforcement agencies to develop a common narrative on the issues of social, political and national cause. She said August 11 should be celebrated as "Minority Day". National Coordinator National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), Ihsan Ghani said the nation has to pursue pluralism which was a dominant feature of the sub continent. He said that Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H)'s last address of Hajj and Quaid-e- Azam's speech of August 11, 1947 should be the epitome of a pluralistic society. He said the National Action Plan (NAP) has all provisions that define Pakistani society as pluralistic one. NACTA, he said has devised counter terrorism strategies and citizens-media engagement initiatives to decisively fight against extremism and other violent issues. He added that 'Chaukas App' by NACTA is one of the constructive efforts to curb extremism, hate speech and violence in the society. Ambassador of the European Union,Jean-Francois Cautain appreciated the recommendations made during the conference. He said these recommendations should be made part of manifestos of major political parties and these should be essence of all laws. He said islam is the religion of peace and friendship which should be inculcated in the very social system to surmount all conflicts and crisis, adding the conference was a big step to achieve these goals. Executive Director SDPI, Abid Qayium Suleri said that all the recommendations were formulated at a critical juncture as the upcoming general elections were drawing near so that all political parties could include them in their manifestos. He said the conference had provided a platform to scholars and experts of different countries and faiths to discuss various issues and offer solutions to resolve problems of sectarianism, extremism and intolerance. APP/rpt (@ChaudhryMAli88) LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th May, 2018 ) :Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Immigration arrested three passengers over various charges at Allama Iqbal Airport on Monday. According to an FIA spokesman, a passenger Babar Hussain of Mansehra arrived from Dubai and presented his Exit Passport (EP) for immigration clearance. The reason for deportation was mentioned as the illegal immigrant. As per passenger details, he went to Muscat on work visa from Lahore airport on October16,2015. In October 2017, he went to Dubai illegally without traveling documents with the connivance of an agent. Another passenger, Zafar Nawaz, arrived by flight No QR- 620 from Muscat on the EP with the reason illegal immigrant surrender in the embassy. As per details, passenger traveled to Dubai on a visit visa in the year 2016. From there, he traveled to Muscat through border crossing. Another passenger Umair Ahmad traveled to Kenya by flight No WY342. During immigration clearance, his particulars got hit in black list category. Reason for black list was stated to be illegal entry/deported from Bucharest. The passengers sent to Anti-Human Trafficking Circle (AHTC) for legal action. Further investigation is under way. APP/dab/rsd Mirpur,AJK (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th May, 2018 ) :President Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Masood Khan said the innocent people of Kashmir are a target of Indian state terrorism perpetrated and unarmed Kashmiris are only struggling for their freedom from occupation. The President stated this while addressing the inaugural session of the two-day seminar on "Pathways to Peace" organised the Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR) on Monday on the eve of silver jubilee of its emergence since 1993. Chairman of the KIIR and speaker AJK legislative assembly Shah Ghulam Qadir, Executive Director Sardar Amjad Yousaf Khan and Director Programmes Altaf Hussain Wani highlighted the salient features of the outstanding performance of the organisation to encourage and ensure the early peaceful settlement of Kashmir Issue through track-II diplomacy through encouraging the bilateral linkage between the civil society of both sides of the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir belonging to various segments of the society. The President said India has propagated a false narrative of the Kashmir conflict being a bilateral issue. He said that India has been buying time by hiding behind the facade of bilateral talks and excluding the people and true political leadership of Kashmir from talks related to the resolution of the matter. India, he said, has hijacked the agenda of the talks and relegated the issue of Kashmir as a minute part of the dialogue. He said since 1947, India had been reluctant in resolving the issue in an amicable and peaceful manner; and today they have deployed 700,000 armed Indian army personnel in Kashmir. Indian forces are freely murdering, maiming and incarcerating the people of Kashmir with utter impunity, he said. He added that India is using subversive tactics by using its operatives and launching a systematic proxy war to destabilize Pakistan by abetting and sponsoring terrorist activities in FATA, Balochistan and in the city of Karachi. The President said India is targeting the areas adjacent to the Line of Control in order to divert the world attention from the atrocious human right violations taking place in IOK. Through unprovoked firing, India is using heavy artillery to target innocent civilians, their properties, livestock and farm holdings in AJK close to LoC. President AJK reiterated that the issue of Kashmir is not a fight for attaining ownership of a piece of land but its a struggle for ensuring the right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people according to their political will. The world must take notice of the abhorrent war crimes taking place in IOK where the Muslims are a victim of a planned ethnic genocide. The President while lamenting the eerie silence of the international community over the situation in IOK, said that our diplomatic, political and moral support will continue till the people of Kashmir attain their right to self-determination. He added that we need to mobilize the global civil society by raising the profile of the Kashmir issue by the use of traditional and modern means of communication. He urged forging unity among our ranks and leveraging the strengths of our diaspora community helping engage the various international human right organizations in raising their voice against the gross human right violations taking place in IOK. He commended Pakistan for its support to the Kashmir cause and said that Pakistan is our only diplomatic window to the international community. He said that an economically and politically stronger Pakistan will guarantee that Kashmiris have a fighting chance in attaining their inalienable right to self-determination. Addressing the seminar, senior political leader Senator Raja Zafar-ul-Haq said that both the people of Kashmir and Pakistan are united in the just freedom struggle and India will never succeed in subduing the struggle of the people of Kashmir. Speaker AJK Legislative Assembly Shah Ghulam Qadir, Member AJK Legislative Assembly Abdur Rasheed Turabi and Chairman KIIR Amjad Yousef also addressed the participants. The event was attended by a large number of scholars, political workers, Kashmiri leaders, academicians and researchers. APP/ahr/tmg Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry has met top state officials in the state of Texas and highlighted importance for the United States and Pakistan to working together for shared objectives, saying bilateral relations spanned over 70 years should not made hostage to short-term interests TEXAS,(UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th May, 2018 ) :Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry has met top state officials in the state of Texas and highlighted importance for the United States and Pakistan to working together for shared objectives, saying bilateral relations spanned over 70 years should not made hostage to short-term interests. The Ambassador was in Texas, a large southern US state which has a heavy population of Pakistani Americans, to meet the community members and apprise them of the economic opportunities that have arisen mainly due to China Pakistan Economic Corridor project, which has given a boost to the much-needed foreign investment in the country. He also met Congressman Pete Sessions, Chairman of House Rules Committee and the Secretary of State of Texas Ronaldo Pablo and had in-depth and frank discussions with them. In his discussions, the Ambassador succinctly laid out Pakistan's view on bilateral and regional situation urging that seventy years of bilateral relations should not be put aside for short term interests. Pakistan was open to deeper and wider engagement with US and hoped that this sentiment would be equally reciprocated. The Ambassador was visiting Texas as part of his ongoing outreach to the Pakistani American community as well as US officials hailing from the second largest State in the country. He held an interactive dialogue with a cross section of the community in Houston on this week. The Dialogue on "Diaspora Role in strengthening Pak -US relations" was hosted by the International academy of Letters. Members of the Houston community greatly appreciated this lively interactive dialogue and made several useful suggestions to the Ambassador for strengthening this important role. Accompanied by Consul General of Houston Aisha Farooqui, the Ambassador laid out his vision of the increasing role of our community in every sphere of activity in the US. Ambassador Chaudhry also held important meetings in Dallas at Pak America business Forum on economic and investment opportunities in Pakistan. He informed the audience that unlike the doom and gloom stories carried by the media, the political and economic reality of Pakistan was far more stable and on a positive trajectory. It was therefore important to visit Pakistan and seek out opportunities for closer and mutually profitable linkages, he added. The Consul General also informed the audience on the role played by her office to connect businesses in Pakistan and the US and invited Pakistani American businessmen to reach out to the Consulate for information and assistance. (@mahnoorsheikh03) Usually, Oman and Pakistan celebrate Ramzan and Eid on the same day Muscat (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News 7th May, 2018) Oman will observe 1st Ramzan on May 17. An official announcement has been made in this regard. Omans Ministry for Awqaf and Religious Affairs has announced that 1st Ramzan will be observed in the gulf country on Thursday, May 17. In a statement issued, the ministry has said that it is impossible to sight Ramzan moon on Wednesday, 16 May (29 Shaban). This is why the moon sighting committee has declared that it would be 30th Shaban on May 16 and the holy month of Ramzan will commence from May 17. Usually, Oman and Pakistan celebrate Ramzan and Eid on the same day. Every Muslim anxiously waits for the holy month of Ramzan. Muslims across the world keep a fast during this month and worship Allah. According to Met office, 1st Ramzan will be observed on May 17 in Pakistan as well. The Met office has predicted that Ramzan crescent will be sighted on May 16. The crescent will be created at 4:49 pm on May 16 and will last for 26 hours and 46 minutes. (@ChaudhryMAli88) HAVANA, May 7 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th May, 2018 ) :UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is to arrive here Monday to attend the 37th session of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), according to an official release by the Cuban Foreign Ministry. He will deliver a keynote speech at the opening of the ECLAC meeting, which is scheduled to last until May 11. The UN chief will also hold talks with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and touring Old Havana during his stay in Cuba. This is Guterres' first official visit to Cuba as the head of the United Nations. He visited Cuba in 1999, when he was serving as Portugal's prime minister. He is not the first UN chief to visit the Caribbean Nation. His predecessor Ban Ki-moon visited Havana in June 2016 to chair the signing of a peace agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC guerrillas. A programme for Pope Francis day trip to the Swiss city of Geneva has been released by the Holy See. By Richard Marsden Details have been released today by the Vatican for Pope Francis ecumenical pilgrimage to Geneva to mark the 70th anniversary of the World Council of Churches (WCC). The programme for the day visit to the city on Thursday, 21 June includes a meeting with representatives from various denominations at Genevas Ecumenical Centre followed by Mass at a convention centre to the north of the city. Pope Francis will be the first pontiff to visit Geneva since Saint John Paul II, who stopped there in 2004 as part of a six-day pastoral visit to Switzerland. Holy See is an observer of the WCC The Pope will pray and dialogue with members of the World Council of Churches who come from 110 countries and represent more than 500 million Christians including Orthodox, Anglicans, Baptists, Lutherans and Methodists. The Holy See is not a member of the WCC but is an observer of the body and often sends a representative to its meetings, which aim to foster unity between Christians of different denominations. Meetings, prayer, and lunch After a welcome ceremony at Genevas international airport on the morning of June 21, Pope Francis will hold a private meeting with the President of the Swiss Confederation, who is currently Alain Berset. The Pope will then travel to the World Council of Churchs centre to take part in an Ecumenical Prayer gathering at which he will give a homily. Afterwards, he is set to enjoy lunch with the leadership of the organisation at the Ecumenical Institute at Chateau de Bossey, some 25 km outside of the city, before returning to Geneva to give a discourse as part of an Ecumenical meeting. First papal Mass in Switzerland for 14 years Concluding the visit in the early evening, the Pope will celebrate Mass at the large Palexpo convention centre close to the citys airport from which he will return to Rome at 8pm. More than 70,000 people came to the last papal Mass presided over by Saint John Paul II 14 years ago and officials at Palexpo say that their venue could hold even more people. Around 38 per cent of the Swiss population identifies itself as Roman Catholic, with a further 27 per cent of citizens belonging to Protestant churches. Why is the Vatican engaging in a dialogue with Chinese authorities? In China, Catholics have remained faithful despite the suffering caused by a regime that is hostile to religion. So what can such dialogue achieve? By Sergio Centofanti and Fr Bernd Hagenkord, SJ Dialogue is basic to the life of the Church. It is an essential element in terms of the way the Church acts, both within its own structures, and in its relationship with the world. To dialogue means to get in touch with society, religions, and cultures. The 2nd Vatican Council considered dialogue a form of pastoral action, not just among Church members, but also towards non-Christians, civil authorities, and all people of good will. The Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, Gaudium et Spes states: All people, believers and non-believers, must contribute to the proper construction of this world within which they live together: this cannot happen without a loyal and prudent dialogue (No. 21). Pope Paul VI says something similar in his Encyclical, Ecclesiam Suam: "The Church must come to dialogue with the world in which she finds herself. The Church speaks; the Church becomes a message" (No. 67). The Catholic Church "must be ready to support dialogue with all people of good will, within and outside its own sphere" (No. 97). Dialogue between people, institutions, and communities, facilitates knowledge, which can become friendship. In all cases, dialogue is nourished by trust. Mutual trust is the fruit of many small steps, gestures and encounters, which take place on various occasions, often quietly and very discretely. "There are always doors that are not closed", as Pope Francis said, on May 13th 2017. The current climate of dialogue between the Holy See and China has been achieved thanks to small steps taken by recent Popes, each of whom has opened up a path, added a new building brick, inspiring hope-filled thoughts and actions: from the careful diplomacy of Paul VI to the clear indications of Benedict XVI and St. John Paul II, encouraging proactive dialogue with Chinese authorities. Most recently, there is the personality, teaching, and manner of Pope Francis, that encourages a process of dialogue and encounter between so many peoples and nations, including China. The Catholic Church does not choose dialogue as an end in itself. It is not the kind of compromise at all costs that ends up selling out important principles in order to gain political or diplomatic advantages. In the case of China, this would mean forgetting the suffering experienced by the Catholic community. For the Church, dialogue must always be animated by the search for truth and justice, aimed at achieving the integral good of the human person, and respecting fundamental rights. It is important to remember that the Church's mission, even in China, is not to change State structures or administration, or to challenge political power or authorities. If the Church reduced her mission to the purely political sphere, she would betray her true nature and become just another political protagonist among many, renouncing her transcendent vocation and reducing her own action to the temporal dimension only. Sincere and honest dialogue allows the Church to operate from within society, both to protect the legitimate expectations of Catholics, and to promote the common good. In this context, when the Church makes critical statements, her aim is not to stimulate controversy, or to condemn, but to promote a more just society with a constructive spirit. Critique becomes a concrete exercise of pastoral charity, because it echoes the cry of suffering of those who are weak and do not have the strength to make their voices heard. With regard to China, the Holy See believes that honest and respectful dialogue, as difficult and risky as it may be, will encourage a climate of confident exchange, one that will increase mutual knowledge, and will gradually succeed in overcoming the misunderstandings of the distant, and more recent, past. Various signals seem to indicate that China is increasingly attentive to the "soft power" the Holy See exercises internationally. In China, history continues to run its course and those who have special responsibilities in the Church need to practice careful discernment. That is why the dialogue the Holy See has undertaken with Chinese authorities for over a quarter of a century, has become a veritable pastoral duty for those intent on reading the signs of the times, and on recognizing the presence of God in history. This is the second in a series of in-depth articles on the dialobue between the Holy See and China. Located just outside Washington, Arlington County, Virginia, is one of the richest, most educated and mostly white counties in the United States. It didnt matter to Cambodian-American Chanda Choun that less than 11 percent of the population is Asian. When a seat opened on the Arlington County Board after the November 2017 election, he decided to run. Choun, who the Arlington County Department of Voter Registration and Elections believes is the first Asian-American to run for office there, saw his opportunity to be of service to a place he now calls home. I didnt see anybody with a military background, I didnt see anybody with an immigrant background, and I didnt see anybody with a tech background stepping up, he said. Thats all it came down to. But it wasnt quite so cut and dried. Arlington exerts a pull on Choun, who calls the place the love of my life. I didnt get to choose where I was born. I didnt get to choose where the refugee resettlement agency placed my family. I didnt get to choose where the Army sent me. But I can choose where I am now. And I choose Arlington, according to Chouns campaign website. I will get married in Arlington. My children will run through the parks of Arlington. I will die in Arlington and be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Part-time position The five-member Arlington County Board is the jurisdictions governing body. Being a board member is a part-time job, one that can be the first rung in the political career ladder. But Choun says he has no aspiration to higher office. Choun, a 30-year-old program manager at the cybersecurity company Securonix, came to the United States as a baby when his family fled Cambodias Khmer Rouge, which ruled from 1975-1979, a time when 1.7 million people died. Grateful that his family was chosen for resettlement in Connecticut from a Thai refugee camp for Cambodians, Choun enlisted in the U.S. Army at 17. He rose from private to staff sergeant and left after 12 years, although he remains on part-time reserve duty. Choun began campaigning in February to Make Arlington the North Star of Virginia, as his campaign literature proclaims. He secured by the March 29 deadline 125 signatures of registered Arlington County voters, which is required to get on the primary ballot. He believes he can defeat in November independent John Vihstadt, an established incumbent county board member. First, however, Choun must defeat fellow Democrat Matt de Ferranti in the June 12 primary. Choun and de Ferranti have already faced off in party-sponsored public debates. Choun says his background has prepared him for working on two critical issues facing the county: the budget shortfall and attracting more tech companies to fill Arlingtons many vacant offices. Hes also aware of the importance of raising money and has raised more than $28,000, largely through a personal loan. De Ferranti has raised more than $35,000 from small donors. Cambodian-Americans Rithy Uong, the first Cambodian-American elected to any U.S. public office, served three terms on the City Council in Lowell, Massachusetts, which has the second-largest Cambodian community in the nation. Uong, who says he is tracking Chouns run, says a candidate must be able to raise funds, but it is critical for a candidate to build trust and rapport with voters. Voters, he says, care less about a candidates background and more about issues particular to their community. Choun says his most immediate priority is building a nimble election campaign organization. Essentially, just as in any new endeavor, any sector, its a business startup, he says. Id group it down to three domains: people, process, tools. Choun is self-managing his campaign until the voters decide his future in the June primary. However, he has hired creative director Minh Pham, a Vietnamese-American, who is also new to political campaigning. Pham also likens their effort to a startup. Choun has also hired a field manager, John Victoria. While social media is an important tool for reaching out to voters, Choun says that to be seen as a member of the community, he needs to attend as many meet-and-greet events as possible in the 26-square-mile county. Im bringing my message, my person to the community, he says. I dont want the community to come to me. VFW meet-and-greet To that end Choun asked to hold his first meet-and-greet event at John Lyon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3150, a veterans community meeting post in Arlington. An Air Force veteran with 28 years of service, Patrick Pope met Choun before the event and said Arlington voters are open to candidates like Choun who dont mirror the countys white majority. I think a lot of Arlington voters are looking for somebody fresh, with some fresh ideas and fresh perspective, looking for someone who doesnt have deep ties with a political machine, but instead speaks to power as a person of the community, Pope said. Lynn Borton, 56, another Arlington resident, has lived in the county since 1985. She learned about Chouns event from Facebook and, like Pope, believes that voters need to get to know first-time candidates. I think there is value in meeting people, Borton says. You can learn something, you can make an assessment that is unmediated, literally un-media-ated, but I dont know that thats everything. Chouns main challenges as a first-time candidate, Pope notes, will be getting Democratic Party support and name recognition. But Pope believes voters also need to make an effort to meet the candidates. I think its important to get to know who your candidates are. You cant do that just by watching the television ad or looking at a newspaper advertisement. Youve got to get out and be engaged, he says. If you expect your representative to be engaged, then you need to be engaged as [an] informed voter. Two minor political parties set to contest in Julys general election have condemned the former opposition leader, Sam Rainsy, for devaluing political rights and peoples rights. The Khmer Will Party (KWP), led by Kong Monkia, the son of a former Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) official, and the Motherland Party, led by Chann Bunhorn, in a statement distanced themselves from Rainsy, who has been a vocal opponent of Prime Minister Hun Sens crackdown on dissent ahead of this years critical national election. Our parties condemn irresponsible acts, insinuations, the devaluing of political rights and people rights, which after the Paris Peace Agreement, under Cambodias constitution, are supported and strengthened to promote democracy, stability, peace, and development for the country and people in all circumstances, they wrote in a joint statement. The statement was made after a separate statement, from the Candlelight Party, led by Teav Vannol, a former SRP senator, said the party would boycott the election. Monika of the KWP and Bunhorn of the Motherland Party could not be reached for comment. Vannol said: The way they are criticizing [Rainsy] is because they want votes ... so they have to attack their competitors. This is normal in a democracy, but the final decision is up to the people, he said. The Cambodia National Rescue Party, a merger of the Sam Rainsy Party and Human Rights Party, founded by ex-CNRP president Kem Sokha, was dissolved last November by the Supreme Court. Sokha was jailed on treason charges, for which Rainsy, who lives in exile in France, is also wanted. On April 30, the National Election Committee announced it was opening registration for parties who wished to contest the July 29 vote. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) remains an important trading partner for the United States, but more should be done to ensure US companies can access Southeast Asian markets, officials said. When we look at the Asean countries, we see tremendous opportunity to deepen our trade ties, enhance economic and job growth and expand US exports, Deputy US trade representative Jeffrey Gerrish told a gathering of US businessmen, and US and ASEAN diplomats in Washington last month. We have an interest in ensuring that Asean while deepening its own integration through the ASEAN economic community continues to be a free, fair, and open destination to export and do business. Trade between the US and Asean was $234 billion in 2016 and the US exported goods and services worth over $100 billion to Asean, according to the websites of the US-Asean Business Council and the Office of the US Trade Representative. President Donald Trump has addressed trade balances with its partners and is working to improve them, officials said. The United States does a lot for Asean in terms of market access, said Gerrish. We need Asean to do more for us. Gerrish said that some of the issues that need to be addressed between the US and Asean are new, while some are long-standing. Whether they relate to agricultural imports in Thailand or vehicle barriers in Vietnam, localization requirements in Indonesia or a merchant barrier to electronic payment services in several countries, he said. We will work with our Asean partners to address and resolve these issues successfully and to our mutual benefit. Asean, which consists of Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, represents a market with a gross domestic product of more than $2.4 trillion and a population of 632 million people. The region is the United States fourth-largest trading partner after China, Canada, and Mexico. I believe that Asean as a block is well-poised to be the success story of our generation, said Congressman Joaquin Castro (D. TX). The regions dynamic and young population of 650 million, its innovative economy that approaches 3 trillion, and the regions critical location at the nexus of critical trade routes equip the region well for success. The United States must support and be a part of this success story. Asean is a region of different markets, varying economic developments, and diverse politics and cultures. Some of its members, such as the Philippines, Vietnam, and Cambodia, have troubling human rights records. Congressman Castro reiterated the US commitment to human rights as well as economic development. We cannot be silent on the issue of human rights and Ive spoken up very publicly, Castro told VOA Khmer. As a co-chair of the US-Asean Caucus, I want to help develop and strengthen the relationship within the Congress for the Asean nations, but we also need to speak up and call them out when they violate human rights, Meanwhile, China is expanding its sphere of influence economically and politically in Asean. This is good for everybody, said Chum Bunrong, Cambodian Ambassador to the US. Once we have more investors and there is competition, its good for Cambodia and for them as well. If they see us as a good partner, they will not let us fall to others unless we dont welcome them. We welcome everybody and those who come later will receive the remaining benefit. The Trump administration has also pulled the US out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement. We at the US-Asean Business Council believe in free and fair trade and the TPP, now called CPTPP, is a great trade agreement and we hope the US will consider going back and find a way to join the other 11 countries, said Alexander Feldman, president, and CEO of the US-Asean Business Council. The President, himself, has made a reference to the fact that its no longer off the table and we certainly welcome other bilateral agreements. Afghanistan's poverty rate has worsened sharply over the past five years as the economy has stalled and the Taliban insurgency has spread, with more than half the population living on less than a dollar a day, a survey published on Monday showed. The Afghanistan Living Conditions Survey (ALCS), a joint study by the European Union and Afghanistan's Central Statistics Organization, showed the national poverty rate rising to 55 percent in 2016-17 from 38 percent in 2011-12. "The high poverty rates represent the combined effect of stagnating economic growth, increasing demographic pressures, and a deteriorating security situation," Shubham Chaudhuri, World Bank director for Afghanistan, said in a commentary about the survey. The report underlines the problems facing the Western-backed government in Kabul which needs economic growth to help replace foreign aid and to provide jobs for its fast-growing population. As international forces have withdrawn and the billions of dollars in foreign aid that once poured in have dried up, Afghanistan's battered agricultural economy has struggled. More than a decade and a half after a U.S.-led campaign toppled the Taliban in 2001, the poverty line was defined as an income of 70 afghanis, or about one U.S. dollar, per person a day. The ALCS report comes at a time when 20 of Afghanistan's 34 provinces are suffering from serious drought and international aid agencies are seeking millions of dollars to help them. Food insecurity has risen from 30.1 percent to 44.6 percent in five years, meaning many more people are forced to sell their land, take their children out of school to work or depend on food aid, the survey found. Chaudhuri said the survey was the first estimate of the economic situation since Afghan forces took over security responsibilities in 2014 from international troops. "In recent years, as population growth outstripped economic growth, an increase in poverty was inevitable," he said on the World Bank blog site. The survey found that 50 percent of the population is younger than 15. This month, President Ashraf Ghani's government said it had listed job creation among its priorities and aimed at creating 2.1 million jobs within three years. However, according to the IMF, the economy is set to grow at 2.5-3 percent in 2017-18, too slowly to stop unemployment from rising. The needs to produce some 400,000 new jobs a year to keep pace with population growth and tens of thousands of qualified people struggle to find work in cities, and farmers were unable to earn a sustainable livelihood due to the drought. Officials at the European Union said the ALCS report was based on data collected from 21,000 households over 12 months. Air France's share price dived Monday after its CEO quit and the French government warned that the country's flagship carrier might collapse. A new strike Monday over wage demands, meanwhile, prompted the cancellation of about 15 percent of Air France flights worldwide. The number of striking staffers appears to be slightly declining as the airline enters its 14th day of walkouts this year, but the labor action has already cost the company more than 300 million euros ($360 million) in a matter of weeks. Air France's share price plunged nearly 13 percent at the open Monday and was trading 10.9 percent lower at 7.21 euros early afternoon Paris time amid questions about its future management and direction. The share price woes follow the resignation Friday evening of Air France-KLM CEO Jean-Marc Janaillac after workers rejected the company's latest wage proposal. The Air France drama is posing yet another problem for President Emmanuel Macron's government as he marks one year in office. The airline's labor dispute come as separate strikes over Macron's labor reforms are hitting France's national railways. French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire on Sunday said the government, which owns 14 percent of Air France, would not rescue the airline. He urged striking pilots, crew and ground staff to be "responsible" and said "the survival of Air France is at stake." "Air France will disappear if it does not make the necessary efforts to be competitive," he said on BFM television. The strikes have taken a heavier toll on Air France than management and investors expected, and the company last week forecast a ``notably'' lower income this year compared to 2017. Unions want a 5.1 percent pay rise this year, arguing that the company is making enough of a profit to meet their demands. They noted that their wages have been frozen since 2011 as the airline cut jobs and restructured. The company argues that the union demands would wipe out hard-earned gains from the restructuring, which was aimed at stemming years of losses and keeping Air France afloat, as well as jeopardize efforts to win back market share from low-cost airlines and big-spending Mideast and Asian carriers. After protracted negotiations, management last week offered a 2 percent pay rise this year and an additional 5 percent over 2019-2021. Employees rejected that offer Friday, prompting the CEO's decision to step down. He called the dispute a ``huge waste that can only make our competitors rejoice.'' The Air France-KLM board asked Janaillac to stay on until May 15 when it will put a transitional leadership in place. After months of saying it would bar a U.N. fact finding mission, the decision by the Myanmar government to finally let a U.N. Security Council delegation into northern Rakhine represents a change in approach, although observers recognize that considerable work needs to be done to deal with the deep-rooted issue of Myanmar's treatment of the Rohingya people. The government of Myanmar has come under considerable criticism for its treatment of the Muslim Rohingya, which has led almost 700,000 people overwhelmingly Rohingya from Rakhine state to flee to Bangladesh. The Myanmar military, with the support of the government, has largely denied committing any wrongdoing during its crackdown in the aftermath of August attacks by fighters from the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army. The international community has called for an independent investigation, but until now Myanmar had largely been unwilling to play along. It has said it will deny visas to members of a U.N. fact-finding mission tasked with investigating the human rights situation in the country with a special focus on Rakhine, but also including Kachin and Shan states and has also said it will not allow Yanghee Lee, U.N. Special Rapporteur on Myanmar, to enter the country. Members of the Security Council traveled to Myanmar, also known as Burma, last week. They had previously visited Coxs Bazar in Bangladesh, where the refugees fled to, before going to Naypyitaw to meet senior officials, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and Commander-in-chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. They were then escorted to northern Rakhine State to visit some of the areas affected by last years violence. Speaking at a news conference at the end of the trip, Karen Pierce, the United Kingdoms representative on the Security Council, continued calls for an independent investigation into the crackdown on the Rohingya. She also refused to rule out the council recommending that Myanmar be referred to the International Criminal Court for its handling of the crisis. In order to have accountability, you need a proper investigation with evidentiary standards, she told reporters, adding that that could be achieved through the ICC, or an investigation conducted by Myanmar. If there was evidence, then it should be given to the Burmese authorities, and they would undertake a proper investigation, she said. Myanmars military, known as the Tatmadaw, has already conducted internal investigations into its conduct in Rakhine, and its query found that its personnel were responsible very little wrongdoing, prompting criticism from international observers. A domestic investigation has very little credibility, said independent analyst David Mathieson, adding that such calls were tantamount to letting them off the hook. You never relinquish pressure until theres genuine concession, and you never signal that theres only two options, he told VOA, adding that he viewed the Security Council trip as the government doing the bare minimum to stave off increased pressure. I dont think theres any admission or contrition for what happened, and I find that disturbing, Mathieson said, referring to the military crackdown. The Myanmar government has continued to point to improvements, despite what the rest of the world is observing. After the U.N. visit, Aung San Suu Kyi issued a statement through her office saying that the trip represented a turning point in relations between Myanmar and the international community. The statement said that Myanmar is discussing a Memorandum of Understanding with U.N. agencies, namely the U.N. Development Program (UNDP) and the Office of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), to work together for the good for all people in Rakhine. Violence has no place in a democratic Myanmar. We must work hard to repatriate those who have lost their homes while also dealing with the root causes of the recent violence, the statement said. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing published his own statement about the meeting with the Security Council. He said that while Myanmar is ready to accept the Bengalis who left the country a term most Rohingya reject because it implies they are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh he blamed the crisis on terror acts of extremist Bengali terrorists. He also rejected claims that military personnel had committed sexual violence during its operation. No sexual violence happened in the history of Myanmar Tatmadaw, he said in the statement published on his personal Facebook page. For decades, rights groups around the country have documented sexual abuse at the hands of military personnel. The U.N. Security Council delegation's meeting to many sounds like more of the same condemnation of the Rohingya's treatment, with no specific and no steps announced to addressed it. But observers see Myanmar moving, albeit incrementally, in a direction of change. Nay Yan Oo, a research fellow for the U.S.-based think tank Pacific Forum, said he was encouraged by the trip, and hoped it represented a time of improved relations between Myanmar and the international community, including U.N. agencies. Myanmar was reluctant at the beginning to invite the international community to get involved in the repatriation of Rohingya refugees, he told VOA. However Aung San Suu Kyi has now pledged that her government will work alongside the U.N. for humanitarian assistance and resettlement projects in Rakhine. This is one of the UNSCs accomplishments in this visit, he said. President Donald Trump says he will announce Tuesday whether he will pull the United States out of the international nuclear deal with Iran and re-impose sanctions. Trump has frequently complained the 2015 agreement to ease sanctions against Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program is a "disaster." He says it does nothing to stop Iran from testing ballistic missiles and says the deal lets certain nuclear-related provisions eventually expire. But he has been under pressure from both sides, including European leaders who want the U.S. to stay in, and Israel, which accuses Iran of blatant lying and cheating. French President Emanuel Macron was at the White House two weeks ago, saying he knows the deal with Iran is not perfect, but said there is no "Plan B." British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson was in Washington Monday, lobbying top Trump administration officials to stay in the pact. He met with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and will talk later with Vice President Mike Pence and National Security Adviser John Bolton. "At this delicate juncture, it would be a mistake to walk away from the nuclear agreement and remove the restraints that it places on Iran," Johnson wrote in The New York Times. "Now that these handcuffs are in place, I see no possible advantage in casting them aside. Only Iran would gain from abandoning the restrictions on its nuclear program." In a highly dramatic TV display last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu brought out what he said were "half a ton" of documents, charts, blueprints, and photographs proving Iran is still trying to build nuclear bombs despite the agreement. "Iran lies, big time," Netanyahu said. Although international inspectors have certified Iran is abiding by the agreement, Trump said Netanyahu's display shows "I've been 100% right" about Iran's nuclear intentions. Iran has insisted it has not violated the agreement and complains it has yet to see the economic benefits it was supposed to enjoy when sanctions were eased. Tehran has always said it has no ambitions to build nuclear weapons but does have a right to a peaceful civilian nuclear program. Also Monday, Trump accused former Secretary of State John Kerry of possible "illegal shadow diplomacy" following a Boston Globe newspaper report that he has been lobbying foreign governments on ways to keep the U.S. in the deal. Kerry was lead negotiator for the Obama administration and "the one that created this mess in the first place." Trump tweeted. The other signatories to the agreement are Britain, China, France, Germany, and Russia. Cameroon is cracking down on weapons proliferation as it battles two insurgencies and prepares to hold important nationwide elections this year. The military says it discovered a large cache of illegal weapons in a warehouse in Awae, near the capital. Cameroons military raided the warehouse April 30 after locals reported suspicious movements to and from it. Adjutant Chef Major Patrice Bella is a military official who led the operation. He says five gunmen working with the arm dealers fought back but were overpowered by the military. He says they will be investigating to find out the true owners of the weapons cache and what the weapons were to be used for. Inside the warehouse, soldiers discovered 10,500 rounds of ammunition, as well as an undisclosed number of explosives, guns, cutlasses and knives. So far, all those arrested are Cameroonian nationals. The location of the warehouse has sparked concern. Awae is 55 kilometers from the capital. The town hosts an international school for security forces called EIFORCES that trains African militaries on peacekeeping techniques. Officials suspect the weapons came overland from neighboring countries, in particular Nigeria. However local residents wonder how they got past police and gendarme posts around Awae. The discovery remains a hot topic of local conversation. 41-year-old road engineer Joseph Mbida says he is frightened because the discovery of ammunition and weapons amassed so close to Yaounde could mean people are planning to try to destabilize the country. He says he is counting on the military to track down those responsible. Cameroon heads to presidential, parliamentary and local council elections starting in October. Meanwhile the country is grappling with instability in the Far North, where troops continue to battle Boko Haram, and in the two English-speaking regions, the northwest and the southwest, where separatist rebels are demanding independence. In April, the government banned even the legal sale of weapons to civilians. Paul Atanga Nji, minister of territorial administration, addressing a security meeting in Yaounde, said there are as many as 30,000 war weapons and small arms in circulation in Cameroon. He says the use of weapons is reaching alarming proportions in Cameroon, threatening the security of everyone. He says some criminals even rent weapons to kill, steal and create disorder and that armed gangs are now found in all major cities and towns. He says the government must control its borders and stop the sale of arms. In Cameroon, a 2016 law made the unlawful possession of a firearm punishable by a prison term of five to ten days and a fine. However, the use of illegal firearms and weapons is judged by a military tribunal, with a possibility of life in prison if the tribunal decides the offender meant to disturb public order and peace. Chelsea Manning is no longer living as a transgender woman in a male military prison, serving the lengthiest sentence ever for revealing U.S. government secrets. She's free to grow out her hair, travel the world, and spend time with whomever she likes. But a year since former president Barack Obama commuted Manning's 35-year sentence, America's most famous convicted leaker isn't taking an extended vacation. Far from it: The Oklahoma native has decided to make an unlikely bid for the U.S. Senate in her adopted state of Maryland. Manning, 30, filed to run in January and has been registered to vote in Maryland since August. She lives in North Bethesda, not far from where she stayed with an aunt while awaiting trial. Her aim is to unseat Sen. Ben Cardin, a 74-year-old Maryland Democrat who is seeking his third Senate term and previously served 10 terms in the U.S. House. Manning, who also has become an internationally recognized transgender activist, said she's motivated by a desire to fight what she sees as a shadowy surveillance state and a rising tide of nightmarish repression. The rise of authoritarianism is encroaching in every aspect of life, whether it's government or corporate or technological, Manning told The Associated Press during an interview at her home in an upscale apartment tower. On the walls of her barely furnished living room hang Obama's commutation order, and photos of U.S. anarchist Emma Goldman and British playwright Oscar Wilde. Manning's longshot campaign for the June 26 primary would appear to be one of the more unorthodox U.S. Senate bids in recent memory, and the candidate is operating well outside the party's playbook. She says she doesn't, in fact, even consider herself a Democrat, but is motivated by a desire to shake up establishment Democrats who are caving in to President Donald Trump's administration. She vows she won't run as an independent if her primary bid fails. Unconventional platform She's certainly got an eye-catching platform: Close prisons and free inmates; eliminate national borders; restructure the criminal justice system; provide universal health care and basic income. The top of her agenda? Abolish the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency created in 2003 that Manning asserts is preparing for an ethnic cleansing. Manning ticks off life experiences she believes would make her an effective senator: a stint being homeless in Chicago, her wartime experiences as a U.S. Army intelligence analyst in Iraq - even her seven years in prison. She asserts she's got a bigger vision than establishment politicians. But political analysts suspect the convicted felon is not running to win. Manning is running as a protest candidate, which has a long lineage in American history, to shine light on American empire,'' said Daniel Schlozman, a political science professor at Johns Hopkins University. That's a very different goal, with a very different campaign, than if she wanted to beat Ben Cardin. Manning's insurgent candidacy thus far has been a decidedly stripped-down affair, with few appearances and a campaign website that just went up. In recent days, she approached an anti-fracking rally in Baltimore almost furtively, keeping to herself for much of the demonstration. But when it was her turn to address the small group, her celebrity status was evident. People who never met her called her by her first name and eagerly took photos. Manning has acknowledged leaking more than 700,000 military and State Department documents to anti-secrecy site WikiLeaks in 2010. She said her motivation was a desire to spark debate about U.S. foreign policy, and she has been portrayed as both a hero and a traitor. Known as Bradley Manning at the time of her arrest, she came out as transgender after her 2013 court-martial. She was barred from growing her hair long in prison, and was approved for hormone therapy only after litigation. She spent long stints in solitary confinement, and twice tried to kill herself. The Pentagon, which has repeatedly declined to discuss Manning's treatment in military prison, is also staying mum about her political ambitions. Democratic Party officials say they have no comment, citing a policy not to weigh in on primaries. Republican operatives are quiet. Critics dont see serious effort In Maryland, a blue state that's home to tens of thousands of federal employees and defense contractors, it appears Manning's main supporters are independents or anti-politics, making them unlikely to coalesce politically. She recently reported contributions of $72,000 on this year's first quarterly finance statement, compared with Cardin's $336,000. The candidate has barely made an effort at tapping sources of grassroots enthusiasm outside of activism circles. And it's easy to find Democrats who feel her candidacy is just a vehicle to boost her profile. It feels to me almost like it's part of a book tour - that this is her moment after being released from prison, said Dana Beyer, a transgender woman who leads the Gender Rights Maryland nonprofit and is a Democratic candidate for state senate. I don't think this is a serious effort. Manning is indeed working on a book about her dramatic life. For now, she says she supports herself with income from speaking engagements. She's spoken at various U.S. colleges and is due to take the stage at a Montreal conference later this month. Last week, she appeared at a tech conference in Germany's capital of Berlin, arriving to cheers from the audience of several thousand people. She told attendees she's still struggling to adjust to life after prison and hasn't gotten used to her celebrity status yet. There's been a kind of cult of personality that is really intimidating and that is overwhelming for me, she said in Berlin. At her Maryland apartment, Manning told the AP she occasionally wakes up panicked that she's back in the cage in Kuwait where she was first jailed, or incarcerated at the Marine base at Quantico, Virginia, where a U.N. official concluded she'd been subjected to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. She works hard to overcome anxiety, centering herself with yoga, breathing exercises, and reading. I've been out for almost a year now and it's becoming increasingly clear to me just how deep the wounds are, she said in her Spartan living room. Asked how she would define success, Manning responded with passionate intensity: Success for me is survival. The Philippine presidents mild stance toward Chinese expansion in a disputed sea, while worrying people at home, has stopped China from pushing further into Manilas claims, analysts say. When Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte began repairing relations with China in late 2016, maritime scholars and some common Filipinos feared that Beijing would expand freely in Philippine-claimed waters in return for giving the country economic help. China has the worlds second largest economy and third strongest military. It claims 90 percent of the sea, more than other countries that call parts of it their own. Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said Friday that the government was trying to grasp whether China installed anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missiles on three of the seas Spratly Island features under effective Chinese control, domestic media reported. This flap will probably fade away, scholars say. Beijing has pulled back from several expansion efforts during Duterte's term, they add. China is actually careful about it while Duterte is the president, while relations are actually good between the Philippines and China, said Herman Kraft, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Metro Manila. Domestic pressure to protest China After hearing reports of Chinese activities in parts of the South China Sea claimed by Manila, academics, lawmakers and at times a senior Supreme Court associate justice sometimes ask Duterte to intervene. The Philippine government will resort to diplomatic protests against reports of the Chinese missile buildup if foreign affairs officials deem it fit, presidential office spokesman Harry Roque said Saturday via the office website. The missile reports, he said, had not been verified. And of course, we capitalize on the fact that we have very good relationship with China, Roque said. Domestic media quoted the presidential office saying Duterte was confident the missiles would not be aimed at the Philippines. Dutertes 18-month-old effort to mend relations with China met with Beijings pledge of $24 billion in aid and investment for the Philippines as the impoverished but fast-growing country pursues a 5-year infrastructure renewal program. Dutertes predecessor sparred with Beijing for four years over Chinese occupation of the South China Sea. Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam also overlap Chinas claims in the 3.5 million-square-kilometer sea thats valued for fisheries, oil and gas. Certainly on Dutertes part the administration doesnt want to rock the boat, said Collin Koh, maritime security research fellow at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. You are looking at the Duterte Administration still trying to seek investments and aid from China. There is at least the higher chance that China can provide some of these aid as well as investment with no political strings attached. Signs of restraint China has rewarded Dutertes conciliatory approach by retreating from waters near the Philippines on at least three occasions, experts say. Last year the Chinese coast guard gave Filipino fishing boats access to Scarborough Shoal, a 150-square-kilometer islet claimed by both as a prized fishery. China has pursued no further buildup at the shoal either despite its strategic importance, Koh said. Its occupation of the shoal sparked the fall in Sino-Philippine relations from 2012 to 2016. China quit prospecting earlier this year at Philippine Rise, over an undersea plateau on the Philippine Pacific Ocean continental shelf, after Duterte stopped cooperation. Filipinos had angered about Chinese research vessels near the rise a year earlier. Last year after Filipino fishermen landed on sandbar between Chinese-controlled Subi Reef and Philippine-held Thitu Island in the Spratly chain, China sent naval and coast guard vessels in response, said Gregory Poling, director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative of the American think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies. But, he said, eventually everyone returned to their previous positions and the situation quieted. When countries challenge China, Beijing sometimes responds in kind. After the United States sent an aircraft carrier to the South China Sea in March, China held military drills in the same waterway. The United States does not have a claim to the sea but wants it to stay open internationally. Public pressure holds Chinas deployment of missiles in the Spratly archipelago without Philippine consent violates its pledge in August to avoid "expansion" in the Southeast Asian countrys maritime exclusive economic zone, said Antonio Contreras, political scientist at De La Salle University in the Philippines. Were just hoping that theres some back channeling here or the president would prefer to be non-confrontational and he will be more into soft discussions with the diplomatic channels and try to convince China to withdraw, but I dont know whether that works for China, Contreras said. Any restraint shown by China now could end when Duterte leaves office in 2022 due to term limits, some experts warn. If a China hawk wins that election, China could act more aggressively, Kraft said. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. A library in the city of Philadelphia offers English lessons for immigrants and refugees, but with a twist. VOA's June Soh visited the class, dubbed Edible Alphabet, and reports on students who are learning a language by cooking. VOA's Carol Pearson narrates her report. The ruling Czech ANO party expects a deal on a coalition with the Social Democrats (CSSD) by Friday, ANO chairman and Prime Minister Andrej Babis said on Monday. The ANO won elections last October but fell short of a parliamentary majority and since then most parties have refused to cooperate with it because Babis faces fraud charges. An ANO minority cabinet lost a vote of confidence in January and has since ruled as a caretaker. "[The agenda] is in the final stages, I believe it will be absolutely clear by Friday and then we will only wait for the (CSSD) referendum," Babis told reporters after the meeting. He referred to an internal vote among CSSD members, which the party leadership may launch as soon as Friday. The result is expected in early June. Babis said he planned to have a confidence vote in the parliament by the end of June. Neither Babis, nor Social Democratic chairman Jan Hamacek would comment on specific items on the new government's agenda such as a special tax on banks the Social Democrats want or steeper progression of income tax for the highest earners. Notes from previous meetings of the ANO and CSSD seen by Reuters showed that the ANO would reject both ideas. CSSD chairman Hamacek said that the agreement should be acceptable to his party colleagues. "Speaking for myself, the text which we have, is acceptable ... all problems are solved. I regard the coalition agreement as solved," he said. The parties also agreed that if all CSSD ministers resigned, the whole government would follow suit, Hamacek said. The leaders declined to comment on the other key CSSD demand: that Babis resign if found guilty in an investigation into charges of illegally tapping EU subsidies. He denies the police charges and the case is yet to go to trial. If the agreement holds, the two parties would still need a support from a third party, the Communists, to win a confidence vote. It would be the first participation of the Communists on power, however indirect, since their totalitarian rule fell during the Velvet Revolution in 1989. Their limited role, with no cabinet seats, would not bring the kind of policy changes that have sparked conflict between the EU and Hungary and Poland. But it would still anger many Czechs who suffered under their rule. ANO has also cooperated with the far-right, anti-EU and anti-NATO SPD party in parliament, even considering leaning on it for support for a minority government. That helped the SPD to fill the post of the deputy speaker and chair some committees. The Social Democrats have demanded SPD officials be ousted from these positions to prevent the ANO seeking support from the anti-Islam party in case of coalition squabbles. Both Babis and Hamacek declined to comment. As President Donald Trump pursues his goal of making the federal judiciary more conservative, his fellow Republicans who control the Senate are poised to confirm another batch of his picks for influential U.S. appeals courts, to the dismay of some Democrats. The Senate this week is set to take up six of Trump's nominees to the regional appeals courts, including four from states that have at least one Democratic senator. A long-standing Senate tradition that gave senators clout over judicial nominees from their home states has been fraying for years, meaning Democrats have less of a chance of blocking appointees they oppose, as they did with some success during Republican former President George W. Bush's administration. One of those due for consideration on the Senate floor this week is Milwaukee lawyer Michael Brennan, who Trump has nominated for a vacant seat on the Chicago-based 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has jurisdiction over a region that includes Wisconsin. One of Wisconsin's two senators, Democrat Tammy Baldwin, opposes Brennan's confirmation. Another important test will come at a Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing Wednesday for Ryan Bounds, a federal prosecutor from Oregon nominated by Trump to fill a seat on the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Oregon's two senators, both Democrats, oppose the nomination. Brennan, Bounds and other Trump nominees who may be opposed by home-state Democratic senators are likely to win confirmation because of the Republicans' 51-49 Senate majority. Trump has made quick progress in reshaping federal appeals courts, winning Senate confirmation of 15 nominees to fill vacancies on federal appeals courts. Trump's Democratic predecessor Barack Obama won confirmation of nine appeals court judges by the same point in his first term. Trump also has been picking a raft of conservative jurists for lower federal courts and won Senate confirmation last year of Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch. The regional appeals courts play a major role in shaping U.S. law. The judges hear appeals from federal district courts and usually have the final say, as the U.S. Supreme Court takes up only a tiny proportion of cases. The appeals courts can set binding precedents on a broad array of issues, including voting rights, gun rights and other divisive social issues. Worthwhile price For Trump and his party, setting aside a long-standing Senate tradition may be a worthwhile price to pay to achieve what Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has called a top goal: shifting the ideological composition of the federal judiciary to the right. For Trump, nine of the 15 appeals court vacancies he has filled have been on regional courts that already leaned conservative. His administration now aims to fill vacancies in regional courts from states represented by Democratic senators. Leonard Leo, an outside adviser to Trump who has been instrumental on judicial nominations including Gorsuch's, said the White House has the same criteria for picking conservative nominees no matter the state. But Leo said, "You've got to engage a little more in a more intense degree of consultation with Democrats than with Republicans, so that takes a little time." The White House did not respond to requests for comment. Less contentious Some nominations have been less contentious, with the White House and Democratic senators able to agree. Michael Scudder and Amy St. Eve, two Trump nominees for the Chicago-based 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, are backed by the two Illinois senators, both Democrats. They are among the nominees up for Senate confirmation votes this week. Hawaii's two Democratic senators back a Trump nominee to the 9th Circuit. The Senate's top Democrat, Chuck Schumer of New York, has so far held fire on Richard Sullivan, Trump's nominee to the New York-based 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Michigan's two Democratic senators voted in November to confirm Joan Larsen to the Cincinnati-based 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Liberal activists doubt the White House is serious about compromise on judicial nominations. "Those few examples show that when Democratic home-state senators are consulted in good faith, they are not looking for progressive judges," said Christopher Kang, who worked on judicial nominations in Obama's White House. "They understand that President Trump is going to appoint conservative judges but they are willing to work in good faith to find consensus nominees," Kang added. There are 148 vacancies in the federal judiciary, with 68 pending nominees. Trump inherited a large number of vacancies in part because McConnell and his fellow Senate Republicans refused to confirm Obama's nominees to fill some of the jobs before he left office in January 2017, including Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland. Food and conversation go together like love and marriage; they are a natural pairing, one that evokes home and comfort. That is exactly why the Free Library of Philadelphia offers cooking classes to immigrants and refugees. They learn American cooking, sure, but they also learn the English language. The six-week course is called Edible Alphabet. On a recent Thursday, a dozen students from Iran, Taiwan, Indonesia, Brazil and France, among others, gathered in the Free Library's kitchen. This class, the last of the session, focused on pizza. While the name is Italian for pie, pizza is a ubiquitous American dish. We are going to measure the dry ingredients, instructed chef Jameson O'Donnell. Flour, salt, yeast Each week the students are learning English through a recipe, explained Liz Fitzgerald, the Free Library's program director, and they're learning the names of ingredients. They're learning where to buy the ingredients. They're learning how to navigate a grocery store. Mushrooms or peppers Later, each participant was partnered with another whose native tongue was different from their own. Mushrooms, turkey pepperoni, green pepper they discussed pizza toppings. The course is taught by an English as a Second Language teacher and the chef. Yuchen Liou, the English instructor, says she listens in on the conversations and then tries to push them forward. For example, if they discussed what kind of topping, I can ask them, What kind of topping do you like the best?' to try to push their discussion forward, she said. The recipes, which are mostly plant-based, are chosen as examples of American cuisine. For example, we choose a lesson on pancakes and use that as a springboard to talk about American breakfast tradition, O'Donnell said. But American cooking can be bland for foreign tastes, Fitzgerald discovered. Our students who are coming from the Middle East and Southeast Asia were used to a lot more flavor, and we were wondering why after every class, they would politely eat a few bites and then leave the plates largely untouched, so we decided to maybe spice it up a little bit. The turkey pepperoni is an attempt to add spice to the pizza. Also, a Chana Masala (spicy chickpea stew) recipe has been included in the course. The Edible Alphabet was conceived three years ago when the Nationalities Service Center, a nonprofit organization that serves refugees, brought a group of torture survivors to the library's Culinary Literacy Center for a tour. Women from all over the world many of whom didn't speak English very well or at all and by the end of class, we were sharing pictures of our families, we were talking about our lives, communicating in any way that we could, Fitzgerald recalled. It was just a really beautiful moment. Feeling at home After the pizza was made, the students ate it together: food and conversation. I like this class very much because it was fun for me and was more useful than other classes, Iranian Parastoo Khavar said. We cook, we listen, learn lots of things about cooking and then we enjoy a lot here, said Sholeh Arezounand, also from Iran. I found some friends from everywhere in the world. To chef O'Donnell, the course transcends cooking and speaking English. I think this class gives our students the cultural literacy that they need to feel comfortable in their new home, he said. And they say they do feel more comfortable. That's been some feedback that we've gotten that after being in our class, Philadelphia seems to be a friendlier place, Fitzgerald said. And that to me is ... it's just beautiful. Cannes opened its doors on Monday for a festival that will show the new "Star Wars" spinoff but welcome fewer stellar names than usual. Critics have said a jury including Cate Blanchett, Kristen Stewart and Lea Seydoux has more A-list acting talent than the films many from lesser-known European, Asian and African filmmakers vying for the Palme d'Or. "Solo: A Star Wars Story," will be the only Hollywood blockbuster screened during the fortnight, and even that will have already premiered in Los Angeles. Netflix, which brought a raft of A-listers last year, is boycotting Cannes due to French rules that would stop it streaming movies for three years after a cinema release. This will also be the first festival in years without Harvey Weinstein, the movie mogul once famous on the Riviera for his lavish parties, but now the subject of sexual assault allegations that have shaken the global film industry. Weinstein has denied all allegations of non-consensual sex. Festival director Thierry Fremaux denied that the lack of U.S. movies indicated Cannes was losing its appeal in Hollywood, where studios increasingly release big films late in the year to get visibility in the run-up to the Oscars, which are awarded in late winter. "You should never judge on one year," he told a news conference, while adding that the perhaps the famously harsh press corp at Cannes where movies are often booed during media screenings might be "scaring certain productions" away. Hollywood Reporter critic Scott Roxborough said Cannes remained "the number one film festival for quality cinema worldwide" and that its selection of less commercial movies showed "Cannes is going back to its roots." "It's the only place really you can have an unknown film ... that within a hour of being shown everybody is talking about it ... within a day, a week, it's the biggest name in arthouse cinema," he told Reuters. There are 21 films in the main competition and dozens more vying for other prizes and screening out of competition. Here are a handful of the most hotly anticipated: Everybody Knows (Todos lo Saben) The festival opens with this Spanish-language family drama starring Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem. The writer-director is the Iranian Asghar Farhadi who won foreign language Oscars for "A Separation" and "The Salesman", taut character-driven realist movies that explore the divisions imposed by social class and national boundaries. "Everybody Knows" is competing for the Palme d'Or. The House That Jack Built Danish provocateur Lars von Trier returns after being ejected from the festival in 2011 for telling a news conference he was a Nazi who sympathized with Adolf Hitler comments he later said were taken out of context. Matt Dillon stars as a serial killer of women. "We experience the story from Jack's point of view, while he postulates each murder as an artwork in itself," according to notes in the festival's program. Hollywood Reporter critic Roxborough said the film, screening out of competition, is one of his top-three must-sees, calling it: "a movie that could almost be seen as an answer to the MeToo movement, in a really nasty way." BlacKkKlansman Spike Lee returns to Cannes almost 30 years after "Do the Right Thing" was tipped for, but failed to get, the Palme d'Or. ["He said he was robbed, I agree with him]," said Roxborough. "BlacKkKlansman," the true story of an African-American police officer who infiltrates the Ku Klux Klan, stars John David Washington (son of Denzel) and Adam Driver. Lee says the story, set in the 1970s, is more relevant than ever in President Donald Trump's America. "Agent Orange refused to repudiate the Klan, the alt-right and the Nazis," he told Hollywood Reporter. "'There's good people on both sides.' That's going to be on his gravestone." In competition for the Palme d'Or, "BlacKkKlansman" will open in U.S. cinemas on Aug. 10, one day before the anniversary of the far-right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia where counter-protester Heather Heyer was killed by a car driven into the crowd. The Man who Killed Don Quixote Terry Gilliam's two-decade struggle to make this film has entered movie folklore. An initial version, starring Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis, was dumped after a series of calamities meant shooting had to stop. Finally finished, it remains to be seen if this version, with "Brazil" star Jonathan Pryce as the Spanish knight who tilts at windmills, can be shown at Cannes due to a last-minute legal challenge from a movie producer who says he has the rights over it. "It's taken him so long to make this movie I think we all owe it to the man to go and check it out," said Roxborough of the film that should, but may not, close the festival, out of competition, on May 19. A Paris court on Monday heard an application for an injunction on showing the film, but will not rule until Wednesday. Leto (The Summer)/ 3 Faces Two films in the main competition will screen without the presence of their directors - both prevented from traveling by national authorities in their home countries. Leto, about the Leningrad rock music scene in the latter years of the Soviet Union, is directed by Kirill Serebrennikov who is under house arrest pending a fraud case his supporters say is part of a government crackdown on artistic freedoms. Iranian director Jafar Panahi was arrested in 2010 and banned from making films, but has continued to work, to international acclaim. Like his 2015 film "Taxi," "3 Faces" features Panahi playing himself on screen. The Cannes Film Festival runs from May 8 to May 19. The Iran-backed Hezbollah movement and its political allies appear to be on course, according to preliminary results and pollsters calculations, to win half the seats in Lebanons parliament from Sundays election the countrys first parliamentary poll in almost a decade. The still-to-be confirmed results show major gains for Hezbollah and its allies and seat losses for the Western-backed Future Movement of Prime Minister Saad Hariri. Hezbollahs gains will fuel anxiety in Gulf capitals and Washington about Tehrans expanding political and military influence in the region, said analysts, just days before U.S. President Donald Trump is due to decide whether to keep the United States in the Iranian nuclear accord. Lebanese Sunni allies of Hariri partly blamed Saudi Arabia on Monday for the Future Movements setbacks, arguing it had starved the Sunni bloc of funds in the run-up to the polls because of Riyadhs growing frustration with Hezbollahs tightening grip on Lebanon. Saudi Arabia started to reduce its long-term support for Hariri when Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman summoned him to Riyadh last November and ordered him to resign, after complaining Hariri had not done enough to confront Hezbollah. Hariri is going to be further weakened in any kind of government going forward, said Andrew Tabler of the Washington Institute. His ability to substantially tame or restrain Hezbollah is going to be very limited. Hezbollah, along with its political allies, secured at least 67 seats of the 128 in parliament, according to projections, while the Future Movement secured only 21. The pro-Hezbollah al-Akhbar newspaper Monday declared the election a slap for Hariri on its front page. As results unfolded, Hariri said he extends his hand to all political groups who care about preserving Lebanon's stability. The results will dismay not only Saudi Arabia. Civil society-based reformers in Lebanon had hoped a new voting system partly based on proportional representation and introduced for the election would herald a major political shake-up and start a breakup of Lebanons decades-old sectarian politics, which is based on a power-sharing arrangement involving the different religious elites. On Sunday, many youngsters at polling stations said they hoped the election would mark the dawn of a new political era. We should vote for new people who are going to change," Hanin Terjman, a 21-year-old student, told reporters as she entered a polling station in the Lebanese capital, Beirut. But thanks partly to strategic voting and alliance building, sometimes among sectarian foes in order to shut out newcomers, as well as low voter turnout, the old system appears to have emerged unscathed. In Zahle, Lebanons third largest city, the predominantly Sunni Muslim Future Movement joined forces under one list with traditional political opponents, the Christian-Maronite Free Patriotic Movement, founded by the countrys president, Michel Aoun. Elsewhere in the country, bizarre collusive local lists were formed among traditional establishment foes to ensure the three main religious blocs of Shiites, Sunnis and Christians wouldnt be disrupted too much by the new electoral law. Turnout was 49.2 percent, down from 54 percent the last time legislative elections were held nine years ago. Many who stayed away from the polling stations said they remained unconvinced that anything would change. According to early results, only two independent candidates appear to have been elected in Beirut. Speaking on the eve of Sundays election, Paul Salem of the Middle East Institute, a Washington-based research institution, predicted that just a handful of new lawmakers from civil society would be elected to the 128-seat parliament. He added the election wont bring any fundamental change to the current governing arrangement among President Aouns Christian bloc, Hariris Sunni-based Future Movement, and the Shiite alliance of Hezbollah and Amal. The main party leaders will start in the coming days to negotiate the shape of a new government, but analysts said there likely will be no change with Hariri remaining as prime minister and Aoun staying on as president. But Hariri will be further constrained in what he can do by Hezbollah, said analysts, which will complicate Western policy toward Lebanon, a recipient of major U.S. and European aid. Hariri has called for the formation of a new government to be agreed on quickly, saying that speedy reforms are needed to reduce state debt and persuade Western donors to release $11 billion in aid and soft loans that were pledged in April at a conference in Paris. An Israeli minister Monday said the election outcome underlines for Israel that the Lebanese state is indistinguishable now from Hezbollah and that Israel shouldnt distinguish between them in any future war. Hezbollah = Lebanon," Israeli Education Minister Naftali Bennett said on Twitter. The State of Israel will not differentiate between the sovereign state of Lebanon and Hezbollah, and will view Lebanon as responsible for any action from within its territory. Microsoft is launching a $25 million initiative to use artificial intelligence to build better technology for people with disabilities. CEO Satya Nadella announced the new "AI for Accessibility" effort as he kicked off Microsoft's annual conference for software developers. The Build conference in Seattle features sessions on cloud computing, artificial intelligence, internet-connected devices and virtual reality. It comes as Microsoft faces off with Amazon and Google to offer internet-connected services to businesses and organizations. The conference and the new initiative offer Microsoft an opportunity to emphasize its philosophy of building AI for social good. The focus could help counter some of the ethical concerns that have risen over AI and other fast-developing technology, including the potential that software formulas can perpetuate or even amplify gender and racial biases. The five-year accessibility initiative will include seed grants for startups, nonprofit organizations and academic researchers, as well as deeper investments and expertise from Microsoft researchers. Microsoft President Brad Smith said the company hopes to empower people by accelerating the development of AI tools that provide them with more opportunities for independence and employment. "It may be an accessibility need relating to vision or deafness or to something like autism or dyslexia," Smith said in an interview. "There are about a billion people on the planet who have some kind of disability, either permanent or temporary." Those people already have "huge potential," he said, but "technology can help them accomplish even more." Microsoft has already experimented with its own accessibility tools, such as a "Seeing AI" free smartphone app using computer vision and narration to help people navigate if they're blind or have low vision. Nadella introduced the app at a previous Build conference. Microsoft's translation tool also provides deaf users with real-time captioning of conversations. "People with disabilities are often overlooked when it comes technology advances but Microsoft sees this as a key area to address concerns over the technology and compete against Google, Amazon and IBM," said Nick McQuire, an analyst at CCS Insight. Smith acknowledged that other firms, especially Apple and Google, have also spent years doing important work on accessibility. He said Microsoft's accessibility fund builds on the model of the company's AI for Earth initiative, which launched last year to jumpstart projects combating climate change and other environmental problems. The idea, Smith said, is to get more startups excited about building tools for people with disabilities both for the social good and for their large market potential. Other announcements at the Build conference include partnerships with drone company DJI and chipmaker Qualcomm. More than 6,000 people are registered to attend, most of them developers who build apps for Microsoft's products. Facebook had its F8 developers' gathering last week. Google's I/O conference begins Tuesday. Apple's takes place in early June. This is the second consecutive year that Microsoft has held its conference in Seattle, not far from its Redmond, Washington, headquarters. A Myanmar court has found 33 farmers living next to a Special Economic Zone guilty of criminal trespass, a ruling seen by activists as a blow to land rights in a country with a rising demand for property for industrial use. The farmers said the government did not follow the legal process when it tried to acquire their land adjacent to the Thilawa SEZ in 1996, and that they continued to farm the land and pay taxes on it. They were charged with criminal trespass in 2014. Lawyers for the farmers argued that the charges had no basis, as the government did not begin the formal legal process to acquire the land until 2015, a year after the trespassing complaint was made. "Today's ruling represents a blow to the land rights of farmers across Myanmar," said Ben Hardman, a deputy legal director at advocacy group EarthRights International. The farmers have 60 days to file an appeal, and are considering whether to do so, he said. About 70 percent of Myanmar's population lives in rural areas and depends on agriculture for a living. Few farmers in Myanmar have formal documents for their land. But even titles do not provide adequate protection, and people are frequently forced off of their farms without proper legal process or compensation, activists say. Disputes over land have increased significantly since the easing of political and economic restrictions began in 2011. The reforms led to a rush of foreign investments and greater demand for land for industrial use. Government officials say projects including mining, hydropower and large-scale agriculture are essential for development in one of the world's poorest countries. The Thilawa SEZ, in the country's south, is the first SEZ project developed by the Myanmar government, and covers about 600 hectares. The government recently introduced a national land-use policy to give farmers more rights, and has adopted dispute resolution mechanisms. But transactions are often characterized by a lack of consultation and consent from affected communities, inadequate compensation, the absence of a resettlement policy and a lack of judicial remedies, activists say. Alongside, arrests and prosecution of protesters and land activists have risen. The reforms "offer little or no protections to tenant farmers and do not protect customary land use," Hardman said. "Worryingly, a series of proposed amendments actually increases both the scope of criminal offenses and the length of sentences that farmers could be given," he told Reuters. Talks to update the NAFTA trade deal enter a make-or-break week on Monday, as senior Canadian, U.S. and Mexican officials seek to resolve an impasse in key areas before elections in Mexico and the United States complicate the process. Discussions in Washington will center on rules of origin governing what percentage of a car needs to be built in the North American Free Trade Agreement region to avoid tariffs, the pacts dispute-resolution mechanism and U.S. demands for a sunset clause that could automatically kill the deal after five years. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer warned last week that if the talks took too long, approval by the Republican-controlled Congress may be on thin ice. The aim is to complete a vote during the lame-duck period before a new Congress is seated after Novembers congressional elections. Sources close to the talks suggest there is a creeping feeling of uncertainty and pessimism going into the new round because of gridlock on the most critical issues. Mexican Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo, who is set to meet Lighthizer and Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland, said unless a deal in principle were agreed by mid-May there was almost no chance the current U.S. Congress could vote on it. The problem is that the remaining 20 percent is highly complex and strategic to do. It could even be more difficult than the 80 percent that has already been done, he told El Heraldo newspaper in an interview published on Monday. Mexico holds its presidential election on July 1 and the front-runner, leftist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, says he wants a hand in redrafting NAFTA if he wins. At the heart of the NAFTA revamp is U.S. President Donald Trumps desire to retool rules for the automotive sector in order to try to bring jobs and investment back north from lower-cost Mexico. Despite months of talks on the issue, the sides remain far apart. Guajardo said if a deal could not be reached, we would be operating what some analysts have called Zombie NAFTA ... (one) that isnt dead and isnt modernized. Mexicos main auto sector lobby has described the latest U.S. demands, which include raising the North American content to 75 percent from the current 62.5 percent over a period of four years for light vehicles, as not acceptable. Flavio Volpe, president of Canadas Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association, predicted a potentially stressful set of meetings when we pick this back up. The U.S. proposal also would require that 40 percent of the value of light-duty passenger vehicles and 45 percent for pickup trucks be built in areas with wages of $16 per hour or higher. That is seen as a hard pill to swallow for Mexico, where the Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Center for Automotive Research has estimated auto assembly workers on average earn under $6 an hour, and workers at auto parts plants on average earn less than $3 an hour. Bureaucratic nightmare Critics also say it would create a bureaucratic nightmare of paperwork. Talks to renegotiate NAFTA started last August to fulfill a campaign pledge by Trump to bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States. Nine months later, the most troublesome issues remain open. The United States has stuck with a proposed sunset clause for the new deal, which would mean the agreement would need to be renewed every five years, a move that critics say would create huge uncertainty for businesses. Another contentious U.S. proposal is to repatriate dispute resolution to the domestic legal system from international tribunals. Both Canada and Mexico oppose that measure, and so does U.S. business. Asked if an agreement were possible this week, a Mexican source close to the talks said: The possibility is there, but it will depend on whether the United States is flexible. Trump has frequently said he would pull out of NAFTA if a better deal was not possible, although he has sounded more positive about the deal in recent weeks. It is unclear where the United States will give ground to win a quick deal. The Trump administration has embraced confrontational policies in its dealings on trade. Nestle is paying more than $7 billion to handle global retail sales of Starbucks's coffee and tea outside of its coffee shops. The deal comes with a huge price tag for Nestle, but it could pay off big for the Swiss company. Its Nescafe and Nespresso don't carry anywhere near the heft in America that Starbucks brand does, with its $2 billion in annual sales. The deal gives Nestle the rights to market, sell and distribute Starbucks, Seattle's Best Coffee, Starbucks Reserve, Teavana, Starbucks VIA and Torrefazione Italia packaged coffee and tea. It will also be able to put the Starbucks brand on Nestle single-serve capsules. The agreement excludes bottled drinks like ice coffees and Frappuccinos that are sold in and outside of Starbucks stores. Nestle had hinted last year that it was looking at focusing on higher-growth areas like pet care, coffee and infant nutrition. In January it announced it was selling its U.S. candy business to Italy's Ferrero for approximately $2.8 billion. With the strength of the Starbucks brand, (equals) Nestle will be able to better compete against JAB Holdings, an investment holding company that has gobbled up businesses and brands associated with Peet's Coffee & Tea, Caribou Coffee Co., Stumptown Coffee and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Nestle announced Monday that Starbucks Corp. will receive $7.15 billion in an up-front cash payment. Approximately 500 Starbucks employees will join Nestle, and operations will continue to be located in Seattle. The deal is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close by the end of the year. Seventeen-year-old Aalayah Eastmond hid beneath the lifeless body of a classmate as a gunman opened fire at her Parkland, Florida high school in February. "No student should have to literally dodge bullets to survive," Eastmond recalled Monday, "but I was that student. No student should have to have body matter of her classmate picked out of her hair, but I was that student." Eastmond, a junior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was among more than two dozen gun violence survivors and activists at a rally Monday at the Capitol to call for changes in U.S. gun laws. Speakers called on Congress to take immediate action to curb gun violence, including expansion of background checks and banning assault-style weapons. The Parkland shooting left 17 dead and sparked a youth-led movement focused on changing gun laws across the country, including mass rallies in Washington and other cities on March 24. Eastmond, who spoke at the Washington event, said the Parkland shooting was not her first encounter with gun violence. Her uncle was killed 15 years ago in Brooklyn, N.Y. "So for it to happen to me, in my face, that just shows that change has to happen now," she said. Karina Sartiaguin, 23, of Aurora, Colorado, was paralyzed from the waist down after a drive-by shooting outside her high school in 2010. Unlike other activists at Monday's rally, "I won't be walking" through the halls of Congress to lobby lawmakers to change gun laws, Sartiaguin said. "Instead I will be rolling in my wheelchair." Sartiaguin said her story shows "I don't have to be a victim of a mass shooting to know [gun violence] is a problem." A report issued Monday by the Center for American Progress, a liberal advocacy group, said gun violence has surpassed motor vehicle accidents as a leading killer of young people in the United States, second only to drug overdoses. A total of 11,947 ages 15 to 29 died as a result of gun violence in 2016, compared with 10,881 killed in vehicle-related incidents, the report said. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., called the report "absolutely chilling" and said gun violence is a "public health epidemic" that must be addressed. Murphy, a leading proponent of stricter gun laws, praised the young activists as leaders of a social-justice movement. He said Congress should "do what 90 percent of Americans want them to do: Make sure dangerous people don't have weapons and that people don't have dangerous weapons." The operation to free the Iraqi city of Mosul from Islamic State militant forces took nine months, involved hundreds of coalition airstrikes and a brutal Iraqi-led ground offensive. Victory was finally declared last July as the militants were forced from the city. A report published by Britains Royal United Services Institute suggests the offensive's ultimate success was underpinned by a campaign of information warfare conducted by resistance forces, which punctured Islamic States image of invincibility - and went head-to-head with Islamic State, or DAESH, propagandists. Really, the DAESH occupation was primarily a psychological occupation. Thats what held people and paralyzed people, says report author Mike Stevens, a former British army officer. DAESH is an Arabic acronym for IS. He says key to penetrating that paralyzing fear was a radio station set up by two refugees, who had fled to the city of Irbil, some 80 kilometers east of Mosul. Using a single transmitter, they began beaming Radio al-Ghad back into their home city. Offering a counterpoint to Islamic States suffocating presence, Radio al-Ghad mixed phone-ins and debate with music and talent contests, forbidden under DAESH. The radio show is a challenge in itself. What makes it different is that it showcases talent, which comes out of pain, according to radio host Mourad Khan, speaking in 2017 at the height of the battle for the city. Radio al-Ghad also offered ground intelligence to coalition forces, and even debated with IS commanders on air. What they did was give people space to speak. And give people space to debate, like a community radio station giving people a shield against that permanent, suffocating encroachment of DAESH's psychological control. From there, they got into a kind of battle for the airwaves with DAESH and DAESHs own broadcast and radio station. And that culminated in them actually being in a dominant position, says report author Stevens. Disparate resistance groups united under a meme or symbol: the Arabic letter "M" for "Muqawama" or "resistance," which began to appear on streets across the city. People on their own initiative moved from that personal civil disobedience of listening to a forbidden radio station to actually conducting a graffiti campaign if you like on the walls of their city, to show their presence and to give the impression of a greater presence than potentially they did [have]. So, its psychological warfare, says Stevens. DAESH ran out of fighters in a city of several hundred thousand people. They did that because their recruitment efforts failed. And that wasnt a foregone conclusion. That is because people had that psychological support and that psychological hope. The battle on the airwaves for the hearts and minds of Mosuls population offers lessons for other conflict arenas. Were at risk of becoming not very good at doing this at all. Because were losing a connection with local people through the conduct of remote warfare, says Stevens. The report concludes that replicating the success of Mosuls non-violent resistance would only be possible with long-term deployment on the ground and the freedom to interact directly with local actors. Jerusalem's city hall says it has put up road signs pointing to the new U.S. Embassy, which is set to move to the contested city next week. Mayor Nir Barkat placed the first signs on Monday in the southern Jerusalem neighborhood where the embassy is to be located. According to a picture sent by Barkat's office, the white signs read U.S. Embassy in English, Hebrew and Arabic. The new U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem is to be opened on May 14 with a huge American delegation expected to attend, perhaps including President Donald Trump. The embassy move comes after Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital last year, heightening Israeli-Palestinian tensions. Israel claims the entire city as its eternal capital. The Palestinians seek the eastern sector as capital of their hoped-for state. Russian President Vladimir Putin was sworn in to a fourth term on Monday, extending his 18-year rule amid promises of continuity in foreign policy and renewed efforts toward building prosperity at home. During his swearing in ceremony at the gilded Andreyevsky Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace, Putin assured Russians that his rule had revived pride in the country. "As head of state, I will do all I can to multiply the strength and prosperity of Russia, Putin told a packed room of Russias political and culture elite. The object of my life and my work will be to serve the people and the fatherland. Not the same old inauguration Kremlin officials had hinted that this years ceremony would be more modest than his 2012 inauguration which critics mocked over a decision to clear Moscows streets for the arrival of Putins motorcade. Televised images of Putin and his bodyguards alone in the streets of the capital seemed only to emphasize the Russian president had lost touch with the public. Instead, this years inauguration found the Russian leader diligently working at his desk when a call came notifying him the time to take the oath of office had come. As Putin donned his jacket and made his way to the ceremony, television viewers were treated to another surprise: he would now travel to official events in a Russian-built limousine rather than his traditional Mercedes. It was a sign of the changing political times. Cold War 2.0 Putins fourth term comes as Russia is engaged in a continued showdown with Western powers on numerous fronts, including alleged interference in the U.S. and other Western elections, the poisoning of a former Russian spy in Britain, its annexation of the Crimean peninsula, and a simmering proxy war in Ukraine, among others. Equally vexing is the Kremlins ongoing military campaign in Syria, where Russia has clashed with the West over Moscow's support of the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, despite charges of chemical weapons use against civilians. Amid growing public apathy to the military campaign at home, Putin has twice called for a withdrawal of Russian forces, only to backtrack. Putins supporters credit him with restoring Russias might on the world stage. Yet, Russias actions have also triggered Western sanctions and a deep freeze in relations reminiscent of the grimmest days of the Cold War. Guns and butter Yet in his speech, Putin seemed to acknowledge the need to address Russians concerns over an economy still struggling to emerge from recession, low world oil prices and the weight of sanctions. Now, we will use all the possibilities we have first of all for the resolution of internal, and most essential, tasks of development, he said. A new quality of life, well-being, security and health for the people, that is what is important today. "I'm deeply convinced that such a leap forward can only be secured with a free society that accepts all that is new and advanced, he added. Underscoring that message, Putin met with young volunteers from his election campaign immediately following the ceremony, posing for selfies and chatting with them about their ideas to aid Russias renewal. Less convincing was the first act of his new term: reappointing Dmitry Medvedev, his unpopular prime minister, to run the government. Generation P Putin was re-elected in a landslide in March securing 77 percent of the vote in a race independent monitors criticized over electoral machinations and lack of fair competition. The opposition leader Alexey Navalny arguably Putins most dangerous opponent was barred from the race over a dubious legal technicality. Even with Putins overwhelming victory, the election suggested that demographics are a concern for the Kremlin. Putin voters skewed older. The loyalty of younger Russians, who have known Putin as president their whole lives, remains far less certain. On Saturday, thousands of people, mostly students, protested the prospect of another six years of Putins rule in rallies in dozens of cities across the country. About 1,600 people were arrested, with more than 700 detained in Moscow alone. Widely shared videos of aggressive policing including the use of whip-wielding Cossacks against peaceful protesters seemed only to undermine Putins message: the free society the Russian leader said he wants bares little resemblance to the autocratic system his critics say he has constructed. In an ominous sign, Russian courts handed down 10- and 15-day sentences to protesters just hours after the ceremony's conclusion. President Donald Trump's choice to run the Central Intelligence Agency, Gina Haspel, offered to withdraw her nomination last week because White House officials were worried about her role in the harsh interrogation of terror suspects, news reports say. As first reported by The Washington Post, Haspel was wary of a fierce Senate confirmation hearing that she believes could damage not only the CIA, but also her own reputation. The reports say senior Trump administration officials rushed to meet Haspel in her office at CIA headquarters to discuss her concerns, and as of late Sunday, her nomination was still on track. "Her nomination will not be derailed by partisan critics who side with the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) over the CIA on how to keep the American people safe," White House spokesman Raj Shah said Sunday. Haspel's confirmation hearings open Wednesday. Haspel is currently the acting CIA director and a 33-year veteran of the agency. Although much of her activities over those years are classified, civil libertarians such as the ACLU and many Democrats say she should be disqualified because she ran a secret CIA detention center in Thailand. Two Islamic terror suspects were reportedly waterboarded there a practice that simulates drowning, which critics call torture. The Associated Press reported that in her meetings with senators ahead of her confirmation hearings, Haspel assured them that as CIA director, she would stand up against bringing back such brutal techniques. She is likely to repeat that assurance during the hearings. A CIA spokesman said the lawmakers and public will see "the true Gina Haspel" Wednesday and see why, according to the spokesman, she is admired and would make a great intelligence chief. U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday the investigation into links between his 2016 campaign and Russia is "rapidly losing credibility." In four Twitter comments, Trump belittled special counsel Robert Mueller's year-long criminal investigation into Moscow's meddling in the election and whether he obstructed justice by trying to thwart the probe a year ago when he fired FBI director James Comey, who was leading the investigation before Mueller was named to take it over. In another tweet, he complained, "What a total mess. Our Country has to get back to Business!" Trump noted the Republican-controlled House Intelligence Committee "found No Collusion, Coordination or anything else with Russia. Trump was alluding to a court hearing Friday in Mueller's case against Paul Manafort, who for several months was Trump's campaign manager in the run-up to the election. Manafort has been charged with bank and tax fraud in connection with his lobbying efforts in Ukraine that predates Trump's run for the presidency, but Judge T.S. Ellis III in Virginia questioned whether Mueller had the authority to bring the case against Manafort. "I don't see what relation this indictment has with what the special counsel is authorized to investigate," Ellis told prosecutors. "You don't really care about Mr. Manafort's bank fraud. ... What you really care about is what information Mr. Manafort could give you that would reflect on Mr. Trump or lead to his prosecution or impeachment." Ellis later said: "The vernacular is to 'sing,' is what prosecutors use. What you got to be careful of is they may not only sing, they may compose." But Ellis did not rule on Manafort's bid to dismiss one of the indictments against him. Democratic leanings? Trump has occasionally complained about the Democratic ties of Mueller's group of lawyers, although Justice Department rules forbid considering political affiliations in naming prosecutors. The Mueller lawyers include numerous attorneys with a breadth of experience in prosecuting white-collar corruption cases. Trump, in his tweets, has ignored that Mueller was appointed to head the investigation by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, another Republican, although the president has also often targeted Rosenstein with acerbic comments. The Washington Post said it found that 13 of 17 of Mueller's lawyers have previously registered to vote as Democrats. Nine of the 17 have made political contributions to Democrats, including six to Trump's 2016 opponent, Democrat Hillary Clinton. Trump's latest complaints about the Mueller probe come as his lawyers negotiate with Mueller's team over whether the president will answer prosecutors' questions and under what terms. Mueller has threatened to subpoena Trump to testify under oath before a grand jury, but a new Trump lawyer, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, claimed Sunday that Trump can ignore a subpoena and might invoke his constitutional right against self-incrimination if he is forced to answer questions. The question of whether the president can be forced to testify could ultimately be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. Neither President Donald Trump nor Vice President Mike Pence will be in attendance when the U.S. opens its embassy in Jerusalem next week. The White House says Trump is instead sending a high-level delegation to the ceremony marking the formal recognition by the U.S. of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Trump ordered the move last year, fulfilling a key campaign promise but drawing condemnation from many U.S. allies, who say the move makes it more difficult to achieve peace between Israelis and Palestinians. The White House says Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan is leading the delegation, joined by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and the president's daughter and son-in-law, White House aides Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. Trump had left the door open to personally attending the embassy opening. A Turkish court ruled for the continued detention of an American pastor in the face of growing U.S. pressure for his release. Andrew Brunson faces 35 years behind bars on terrorism and espionage charges, in a case condemned by U.S. President Donald Trump. The pastor's jailing is becoming the focal point of wider simmering U.S.-Turkish tensions. The U.S. State Department has labeled the charges "groundless and without credible evidence." Brunson's ongoing detention will likely add to growing calls in Washington for sanctions against Turkey, observers said. In the second day of the pastor's trial Monday, a witness testifying anonymously via video link accused Brunson of helping the banned Kurdistan Workers Party, the PKK, to create a Christian Kurdish state. The PKK is a Marxist organization that has waged a decades-long insurgency for greater minority rights. Brunson is also accused of supporting followers of the U.S.-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen, blamed by prosecutors for a failed 2016 coup, a charge Gulen denies. "Shameful and disgusting," Brunson said in court of the charges against him. The case was adjourned until July 18. The U.S. embassy charge d'affaires, Philip Kosnett, and Sandra Jolley, vice chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, were at the hearing. "Every day that Andrew Brunson spends here in prison is another day that the standing of the Turkish government diminishes in the eyes of not just the United States, but the entire world," Jolley said. 'Hostage diplomacy' Brunson has been jailed since October 2016, mostly in solitary confinement. Concerns are growing over his health, with his family saying he has lost 25 kilograms (55 pounds). The pastor's plight is increasingly drawing a reaction from Washington. "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!" tweeted U.S. President Donald Trump last month after Brunson's first appearance in court. "They [Washington] say, the government should release him. Is it up to me? This is a decision the judiciary will make," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Sunday. Ankara is facing growing accusations of engaging in "hostage diplomacy." Last month, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis said Brunson has become a "political pawn." Analysts suggest Ankara could now be linking the Brunson case to the recent conviction of an executive of Turkey's State Halkbank. A New York court convicted Hakan Atilla of violating Iranian sanctions. He is due to be sentenced later this month. The Turkish government has condemned the case, claiming it was politically motivated and calling for his release. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his ruling AKP are seeking re-election in June 24 polls. Their hard stance against Washington will likely play well with their nationalist and religious base, observers said. "I bet on his [Brunson's] continued incarceration, which will raise the odds for sanctions," said political analyst Atilla Yesilada of Global Source Partners. In a rare display of U.S. congressional unity, 66 Democrats and Republicans signed a joint letter calling for Brunson's release, and warning of unspecified measures against Ankara. Economic fallout Analysts said the Brunson case is exacerbating existing tensions between the two NATO allies. On Friday, U.S. Congress members called for a block on the sale of F-35 fighter planes because of Ankara's planned purchase of Russian S400 missiles. "We understand that the U.S. government may consider imposing fines or other penalties on one or more Turkish financial institutions, including state-owned entities, and potentially companies in other sectors, for allegedly enabling Iranian counter parties to evade U.S. sanctions," read a statement last week by the credit rating agency S&P Global. Analysts warn the prospect of U.S. sanctions could mean more financial pain for Turkey. International investors' concerns over growing political and economic risks continue to see the Turkish lira hit record lows. "The Turkish story in the markets is already pretty pessimistic," economist Inan Demir of Nomura Securities said. "The exchange rate is perhaps the most important indicator of business and consumer sentiment." But Ankara is pushing back. "The U.S. attempt to impose sanctions on us is illogical and wrong. I would retaliate [if it occurs]," Cavusoglu said Sunday. Ankara believes it has a strong hand in its dealings with Washington. Ankara's deepening ties with Moscow remain a key point of concern within NATO. "The bottom line for the United States is to stop Turkey falling entirely into the laps of the Russians," political scientist Cengiz Aktar said. But Aktar warns Ankara is in danger of overplaying its hand. "This way of abusing the geographical position [of Turkey], might backfire one day, especially if cost-benefit analysis shows one day that for Washington to keep Turkey as a partner is more costly than the benefits it draws," Aktar said. A 17-year-old girl who was set on fire after being raped in eastern India is fighting for her life in a hospital with more than 50 percent of her body covered in burns, according to health officials. The teenager was attacked Friday after a 16-year-old girl was raped and burned to death in the same state, Jharkhand. Police arrested a 19-year-old man from the same village as the 17-year-old girl. He reportedly poured kerosene on the girl and set her alight after she tried to resist him. Four men allegedly kidnapped and raped the 16-year-old girl last week. The following day, her parents reported the attack to the village council, who imposed a fine on the men. Officials say the men were so enraged by the fine of some $750 that they set the girl's house on fire when she was inside, killing her. The two cases have further shone a spotlight on rape in India, furthering debate and outrage in the country, particularly following the recent gang rape and murder of an eight-year-old Muslim girl in the northern state of Jammu. An Afghan Air Force attack on an open-air religious gathering killed 30 children and wounded 51 more last month, according to a United Nations investigation published Monday. At least six adults also were killed and 20 wounded when Afghan helicopters attacked the site in Kunduz province, where a group of men and boys had gathered to celebrate students' memorization of the Quran. The Afghan government says it was targeting senior Taliban leaders, including members of the Quetta Shura, the group's Pakistan-based leadership council. Kabul has acknowledged civilian casualties occurred, but initially suggested almost all of those killed were Taliban. It has promised to further investigate the incident. The U.N. was not able to determine whether senior Taliban leaders were at the gathering. Witnesses told U.N. investigators that Taliban members attended, with some working as security guards. Civilian casualties in Afghanistan remained near record-high levels in the first quarter of 2018, according to U.N. figures. Between January and March, 2,258 civilians were killed or injured. The vast majority of civilian casualties were caused by insurgent attacks. But the Afghan Air Force has also come under greater scrutiny as it gains greater ability to carry out airstrikes. Strategy questioned Witnesses to the Kunduz attack say the incident began when Afghan MD-530 light attack helicopters fired several rockets, the first of which struck the children who were sitting toward the rear of the ceremony. When the crowd dispersed, the helicopters circled back, firing rockets and .50 caliber machine guns at the fleeing crowd and into the nearby village, according to the U.N. report. The U.N. says it could not determine whether the helicopters deliberately targeted civilians. "However, even if the Government had a legitimate military target, UNAMA [United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan] questions the extent to which the [Afghan] Government undertook steps and concrete measures to prevent civilian casualties, in accordance with its Civilian Casualty Mitigation Policy," the report said. The attack raises "questions as to the Governments respect of the rules of precaution and proportionality under international humanitarian law," the report continued. More bombs Kabul has steadily ramped up air raids since it gained the ability to conduct airstrikes two years ago. The Afghan Air Force (AAF) now carries out between 4 to 12 airstrikes every day, according to the Afghan Ministry of Defense. The international coalition fighting in Afghanistan has also rapidly expanded its air campaign. The U.S.-led coalition dropped more bombs during the first quarter of 2018 than it has in the same period in any of the last 15 years, according to a VOA analysis of monthly data released by the Pentagon. President Donald Trump last year announced an open-ended U.S. commitment to the war in Afghanistan, now in its 17th year. U.S. military officials have acknowledged the conflict remains a stalemate. U.S. officials have pointed to the Afghan Air Force's growing capabilities as evidence the new strategy is beginning to work. One bright spot, they say, is the AAF's burgeoning ability to operate the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. Kabul currently has only a handful of Black Hawks. But the U.S. plans to supply a total of 159 refurbished Black Hawks to the Afghan government by 2024, including 58 fitted with extra battlefield weaponry to provide close air support to ground forces. But the Afghan defense forces overall experienced a tough year. Afghan police and army forces saw an almost 11 percent decline in the past year, according to a report released last week by a U.S. government watchdog. In 2017, the Afghan National Police shrunk by more than 23,000 people. The Afghan National Army saw a 4,818 person decrease. The Afghan government controls just over half the country's districts, according to the report by the Special Inspector General on Afghanistan Reconstruction, or SIGAR. South Korean news outlets say the anticipated summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will likely take place next month in Singapore. The Chosun Ilbo newspaper and the Yonhap news agency are quoting unnamed sources that the U.S. and North Korea have agreed the meeting will take place in the city-state in the third week of June, to avoid conflicts with the Group of Seven (G-7) summit to be held in Canada on June 8-9, which Trump will attend. Trump told reporters Friday that the two sides "now have a date and we have a location." He has previously said the Demilitarized Zone that divides the Koreas might be a good venue. Meanwhile, Pyongyang has warned Washington not to misread North Korea's overtures of peace as a sign of weakness. "The U.S. is deliberately provoking the DPRK at the time when the situation on the Korean Peninsula is moving toward peace and reconciliation,'' a Foreign Ministry spokesman told the North Korean state media Sunday. DPRK the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the North's formal name. The official was referring to U.S. claims that Trump's policy of maximum political pressure and sanctions are what drove the North to the negotiating table. The criticism comes after last month's historic meeting between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. At that meeting, Kim promised to work toward a denuclearized Korean Peninsula and to move North Korea's clocks ahead by 30 minutes to correspond with the South Korean time zone, a pledge he fulfilled Saturday. But the North Korean spokesman said Sunday that movement of U.S. military assets in the region and talk of human rights violations also have hurt the peace process. "This act cannot be construed otherwise than a dangerous attempt to ruin the hard-won atmosphere of dialogue and bring the situation back to square one," he said. Before Trump meets with Kim, Washington is hoping to gain the release of three Korean-Americans accused of anti-state activities. Trump hinted that the release of Kim Dong Chul, Kim Hak Song and Tony Kim was in the offing. There was no sign of an imminent release, though the men have reportedly been moved to the North Korean capital. The White House, meanwhile, has announced a separate meeting between Trump and Moon at the White House on May 22 to "continue their close coordination on developments regarding the Korean Peninsula.'' The U.S. Department of the Treasury has put new sanctions on three Venezuelans and 20 entities for connections to drug trafficking. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence announced the new sanctions on Venezuela during a speech Monday at the Organization of American States in Washington. Condemning Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro's regime, Pence said the upcoming elections in Venezuela would be a "fake election with a fake outcome," calling on Maduro to postpone them. "Suspend this sham election. Hold real elections, give the people of Venezuela real choices" Pence said "because the Venezuelan people deserve to live in democracy once again". The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) identified Venezuelan nationals Pedro Luis Martin Olivares (Martin), "as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act)", according to a statement. Walter Alexander Del Nogal Marquez (Del Nogal) and Mario Antonio Rodriguez Espinoza (Rodriguez) were also identified "for materially assisting in, or providing financial or technological support for or to, or providing goods or services in support of, the international narcotics trafficking activities of Martin." This action is in response to Martins extensive drug trafficking and money laundering activities. Systemic corruption and a collapse in the rule of law are defining features of Venezuelas government, said Secretary of the Treasury Steven T. Mnuchin, according to the statement. We will deny corrupt Venezuelan regime officials access to the U.S. financial system as we work with international partners to support the Venezuelan people in restoration of democracy and a return to prosperity. OFAC also identified 20 companies in Venezuela and Panama linked to the three men. In January, the United States sanctioned four current or former Venezuelan officials associated with corruption or repression in Venezuela. A U.S. naval strike force led by aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman began sorties on May 3 against Islamic State in Syria, continuing missions by a U.S.-led coalition against the militants. The force joined the U.S. Sixth Fleet on April 18, nearly a week after the United States, Britain and France launched air strikes targeting what Western powers said were Syrian chemical weapons installations. The Navy said it was a scheduled deployment to support coalition partners, NATO allies and U.S. national security interests. WATCH: US Naval Strike Force Joins Coalition Attacking Islamic State Militants in Syria We commenced combat operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, Trumans commanding officer Captain Nicholas Dienna said, referring to the coalition operation launched in 2014 against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. That operation demonstrates ... our resolve to our partners and allies in the region and our continuing fight to eliminate ISIS and their impact to the region, he said. Strike fighter squadrons commenced sorties over Syria from the eastern Mediterranean on May 3, the Navy said in a statement. The most recent aircraft carrier strike group to operate in the sixth fleet was the USS George H.W. Bush which last conducted combat operations from the eastern Mediterranean Sea in July 2017. The Truman is capable of carrying 90 aircraft, including F-18 Super Hornet fighter jets. It currently has 60 or so aircraft on board, Trumans air department officer Commander Steven Djunaedi said. Several fighter jets were catapulted in sequence on Friday and Saturday from the Trumans 4.5-acre flight deck and thundered into the sky, a Reuters witness said. The strike group includes the cruiser USS Normandy and the destroyers Arleigh Burke, Farragut, Forrest Sherman and Bulkeley. Our fundamental job, by our presence even alone, is to increase the security and stability here in this part of the world, Dienna said. The Nimitz-class carrier was at the center of the U.S. Navys strikes against Islamic State in 2016. It returned to its homeport in Norfolk, Virginia, after an extended eight-month deployment. Officials on board would not say how long its latest deployment was expected to last. Well be here as long as they need us and well move on when they decide we need to go do something else, the strike groups commander Rear Admiral Gene Black said. The United States, Britain and France have all participated in the Syrian conflict, arming rebels, bombing Islamic State fighters and deploying troops on the ground to fight the group. Aprils intervention was the biggest by Western countries against President Bashar Assad and his ally Russia. The countries said the strikes were limited to Syrias chemical weapons capabilities and not aimed at toppling Assad or intervening in the civil war. On Friday, the U.S. Navy said it was re-establishing its Second Fleet, responsible for the northern Atlantic Ocean, amid heightened tensions between Washington and Moscow. Asked to comment on relations with the Russian navy in the Mediterranean, Dienna said: We've had numerous interactions thus far with the Russians across the Mediterranean. I have been involved in virtually all of them and every single one of those has been professional, its been courteous and its been in accordance with international law. Vladimir Putin, who has been either president or prime minister of Russia since 1999, was sworn in for a fourth term as president Monday at the Grand Kremlin Palace's ornately-decorated Andreyevsky Hall. With his hand on a gold-embossed copy of the constitution, Putin said, "I consider it my duty and my life's aim to do everything possible for Russia, for its present and for its future." He will not be able to run for a fifth term as president unless there is a change to Russia's constitution which prohibits more than two consecutive terms. Putin annexed Crimea from Ukraine during his most recent term and also partnered with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad for a military campaign in Syria. In the March election, Putin won against seven weak challengers, garnering almost 77 percent of the vote. International observers criticized the poll, saying there had been no real choice in the election and complained of widespread allegations of ballot rigging. Russian election officials described the violations as "minor," but said they were investigating. Putin's inauguration at the Kremlin comes just two days after demonstrations across the country were mounted to protest the beginning of another six-year presidential term for the former KGB chief. On Saturday, Russia's most widely known opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, was arrested within minutes of his arrival at a demonstration in central Moscow. Navalny and hundreds of his supporters were detained during the protests in Moscow and 90 other cities. Navalny was released Sunday. Baton-wielding riot police and even men dressed in traditional Cossack uniforms repeatedly waded into the Moscow crowd of most younger Russians to make arrests. Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International deputy director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, said the "forceful dispersal" of the opposition's demonstrations was "outrageous." He denounced the scheme that Russian authorities used "once again" of refusing to authorize protests rallies and then using the ban to crackdown on those gathered in Moscow and elsewhere. "But what is worse," Krivosheev said, "is the total police inaction, which allowed the beating of protesters by unknown men in Moscow. On what grounds people in 'Cossack' uniforms were allowed to use force remains a question." Putin, however, is not without supporters. A nationalist youth movement organized a counter-protest in Moscow, attempting to block Navalny's supporters from gaining access to Pushkinskaya Square. Some chanted "Putin-Russia" and "No to Maidan," a reference to the Ukrainian street revolution of 2014 that toppled the country's pro-Russian government. Maksim Slavin, a spokesman for the radical pro-Putin National Liberation Movement, said his members were there to show that Putin supporters represented the true voice of the people. Russians, he insisted, would do anything to prevent a street revolution like those that had taken place in neighboring Ukraine or, more recently, Armenia. "We're against any change in power through unlawful means. You should do it through referendums, changes in the constitution, or elections," Slavin said. Insurgent attacks have killed 252 Afghan troops during the past week and wounded about 400 others. The Afghan defense and interior ministers, along with the spy chief, released the figures Monday while briefing parliament on the deteriorating security situation since the Taliban insurgency launched its annual "spring offensive" about two weeks ago. This was the first time in many months officials have reported casualty numbers for Afghan forces. The ministers told lawmakers that, since the end of April, Afghan forces have inflicted heavy casualties on the armed opposition, killing about 800 insurgents and wounding 500 others. They say more than 2,600 insurgent attacks were plotted against Afghan military and police forces, but that nearly 70 percent of them were foiled. The Taliban's offensive has led to a sharp escalation in battlefield attacks and suicide bombings, which have become routine during the warmer months of the 17-year war. Afghan forces suffered unprecedented casualties in 2017, reportedly losing about 10,000 personnel. Thinning security force The U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, or SIGAR, reported last week the number of Afghan security forces declined by nearly 11 percent during the past year due to violence and desertions. In 2017, the Afghan National Police shrank by more than 23,000 people while the Afghan National Army saw a decline of nearly 2,820 people. SIGAR said the Afghan government controls just over half of the country's 407 districts, despite an expanded U.S. military campaign in support of local security forces.The Taliban control or contest the rest of the territory, the highest level recorded since 2015, according to the watchdog group. U.S. President Donald Trump's Afghan war strategy announced in August has led to an increase in the number of American troops and airstrikes to contain insurgent advances. Observers say the new policy has impacted the stalemate and anticipate more bloodshed during this year's fighting. Islamic State's Afghan affiliate, the Khorasan Province, or IS-K, has also increased attacks against civilians and military targets in the country, adding to the challenges facing the U.S.-backed Afghan government. In the last week of April, IS plotted two major suicide bombings targeting an election identification card distribution center in Kabul and a group of journalists covering a bomb attack in the capital city.The attacks claimed nearly 90 civilian lives and wounded nearly 150 others. On Sunday, a bomb explosion ripped through a mosque used as a voter registration center in the southeastern Khost province, killing 17 people and wounding dozens more.No one claimed responsibility. The rise in violence has raised concerns about security during Afghan parliamentary and district council elections scheduled for October 20. Zimbabwe's new president is rolling out freedoms as never seen before in the country recovering from the 37-year grip of former leader Robert Mugabe. For some, however, President Emmerson Mnangagwa is going too far. Others accuse him of mere window-dressing ahead of July's historic election. Signs of change are clear. Late last month, a popular musician returned from exile in the United States to perform protest songs in front of tens of thousands of people on the outskirts of the capital, Harare. Days later, an annual arts festival in Harare was allowed to invite as its headline act a South African band once banned for a video seen as mocking Mugabe. Mnangagwa promised democratic reforms when he took over in November after Mugabe resigned under pressure from the military, ruling party and the public. Many have been closely watching Mugabe's former deputy ever since for proof that he means it. Arrests of political activists and opposition officials, once routine during Mugabe's rule, have significantly slowed. The opposition has been holding campaign rallies without interference, unlike in the past. Freedom of speech is remarkably improved, with Zimbabweans openly criticizing the government without fear of retribution, especially in urban areas. In rural areas, non-governmental groups say they are still recording some cases of intimidation such as village heads demanding people's voter registration details. And on Wednesday, Mnangagwa publicly criticized his own ruling party for using police officers as polling agents during its internal elections, a first in a country long used to Mugabe's sharp-tongued defense of deploying security agents to conduct party business. Mnangagwa has received widespread support for that and similar gestures. But the new president, whose administration has popularized the term "Zimbabwe is open for business" after years of international sanctions over human rights abuses, also has touched a nerve in the largely conservative country with certain decisions. His government has legalized marijuana farming for medicinal and scientific purposes. It allowed commercial sex workers to exhibit at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, an event officially opened by Mnangagwa himself, as a way to educate the public about their work and safe sexual practices. On social media, on the streets and in political corridors, some criticize the president for taking his liberalization agenda too far. "The government is setting us booby traps that will end up ruining our families. The government wants to spoil our youngsters," said former vice president and now opposition leader Joice Mujuru. Others support the president, citing the economic benefits of commercial sex work and marijuana farming in the once-prosperous country whose economy collapsed under Mugabe. "The level of liberalism in Zimbabwe is making heads spin," tweeted Nick Mangwana, a ruling party activist. "We have sexual rights groups exhibiting at ZITF. Some are saying it's prostitutes galore, we are having [marijuana] being liberalized, but more important it's a very open and free political space. Take the good with the bad," Mangwana said. Sex work is common but socially reviled in Zimbabwe and is banned by law, although the Constitutional Court in 2015 ruled that the practice of arresting women just for soliciting sex is illegal. By legalizing marijuana farming, Zimbabwe has become the rare African country to do so. Kizito Chisanza, who sells secondhand clothes in the capital, said he hopes it is the first step toward legalizing recreational use. Such talk likely would have scandalized Mugabe, who was openly disdainful of the drug. During his rule, Parliament members who advocated for its legalization were openly jeered. Some early critics of Mnangagwa say they are skeptical of his government's commitment to reform. They cite incidents such as the banning of some civil society protests by police, the use of dogs and water cannon to put down student protests, slow-paced electoral reforms and the failure to solve the case of Itai Dzamara, an activist abducted in 2015 who remains missing. He is widely seen as a symbol of resistance to Mugabe and abuses committed under his rule. "Mnangagwa is going for populism. The substantive issues remain untouched. The economy is in bad shape and genuine political reforms are still a mirage," said Phillip Pasirayi, director of the Center for Community Development in Zimbabwe, a non-governmental organization. Such critics are "still tied to the past which is now beyond us," information minister Simon Khaya-Moyo said at a public event on Thursday. "There could still be a residual perception among some of our people that political change has been cosmetic," Khaya-Moyo said. "Of course this is not true." 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. By failing to declassify much about your work at headquarters, including decisions that could be relevant to the nomination, the Agency has opened itself up to the criticism that it is only releasing favorable materials while suppressing related items that could reflect negatively, committee Vice Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) wrote in a letter Monday to Haspel, a copy of which was obtained by The Washington Post. In it, Warner pointed out that as acting director, Haspel could order the declassification of materials senators wanted released. The report said that at least 30 of the 36 fatalities were children at what it described as an all-male religious ceremony in the Dasht-e-Archi district attended by men and children younger than 10. It said 71 people were wounded in the attack, including 51 children, according to accounts from more than 90 people, including victims, witnesses and government officials. Could Australia be the first country in the world to impose a local content quota on Netflix? It's question being asked in media circles, and one that could soon be answered. The Turnbull government commenced a review of support for the screen content sector nearly a year ago. That raised hopes within the film production community that streaming services such as Netflix and Stan (which is part owned by Fairfax Media, publisher of this column) could be forced to produce fixed amounts of Australian content, like their traditional TV rivals. There's even been industry chatter that some form of announcement on this, perhaps designed to dovetail with already confirmed tax incentives to lure Hollywood productions back to Australia, could be forthcoming in this week's Federal Budget. Well placed government sources indicate that this is wishful thinking; we'll only have to wait till Tuesday to find out. Elena Andoniou and Lauren Davie aren't holding out much hope for a boost to their business from the federal budget on Tuesday. The owners of Those Girls Beverage company, which turns over more than $500,000 a year selling iced tea and hot cider, say the company tax cut for small business in last year's budget has had minimal impact. "Honestly, I didn't notice it," Davie says. Lauren Davie and Elena Andoniou delivering their hot apple cider to cafe Monroe in Richmond. Credit:Simon Schluter She says an extension of the instant asset write-off scheme, which allows small businesses to write off purchases up to $20,000 instantly for tax purposes and is due to end in June, could be helpful in future. Those Girls has been unable to take advantage of the scheme so far. The state government has announced a $15 million injection into the Mitchell Freeway in the hopes funding an additional lane near one of the road's major exits will help ease congestion. The project will involves widening the northbound lanes from the Hutton Street on-ramp to the Cedric Street off-ramp after figures revealed around 25,000 vehicles use the section every day during afternoon peak - well above capacity. The Cedric Street off-ramp, which is usually a car park on Thursday nights and weekends. The project is due to be completed in early 2020 and is expected to create more than 50 jobs. Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the upgrade is intended to help address chronic traffic congestion around the Cedric Street area. Curtin University associate professor and director of the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, Steven Rowley, said the reluctance to move north or south was likely due to people wanting to stay close to family and the communities they grew up in. Its all about staying close to where youre familiar with. You understand the community, you understand the amenities that are around and its human nature, he said. You tend to stay where youre comfortable unless youre looking for a major change. Professor Rowley said on average, around 70 per cent of people tended to move within a 10-kilometre radius of their former house. The river is a convenient boundary for people to identify north or south, he said. You do have [that rivalry] in other cities throughout the world - north and south London for example is similar, he said. Refugees who have survived a river crossing Maylands resident Luke Jackson, 35, has lived north of the river for 10 years and said he would never consider moving back south where he grew up. A move back south is out of the question for Maylands resident Luke Jackson. North of the river youve got Leederville, youve got Northbridge, youve got Mount Lawley, I think the restaurants and bar scene is a lot better on the north side of the river, he said. I think youve got some really good beaches around Trigg and City Beach areas which I think are pretty special. Fremantle would probably be the only place I would go south of the river to catch up with people, Ive got some friends who moved to Victoria Park and they love the strip there, I dont mind that little pocket either. While Mr Jackson's love for the north only continues to grow, former Yangebup resident Victoria Sturdy, 30, is finding it a little harder to adapt to her new digs north of the river in Eden Hill. Victoria Sturdy loves the southern port city. I really feel like my heart belongs in the south, I miss it, she said. I was really adamant forever that I would never move north of the river, but my marriage had ended and my friend had a spare room here. I really love Fremantle and just hanging out by the river around Bicton is a beautiful area; maybe Im just super biased. I dont know anybody thats been north thats moved south. Jill Hunter The area Im living in now is a bit older, there are a lot of jacarandas which is nice but I miss all the wetland areas in the south. Ms Sturdy said the beaches north of the river were also always teeming with people, compared to the quieter beaches of the south. Theres too many humans and you cant really enjoy your swim because youre thinking, Is someone going to take my keys? Someones going to take my keys, she said. Bicton Baths, near Fremantle, is a popular spot for families and water sport enthusiasts. It just seems like a hard place to live Despite Ms Sturdys qualms about the north, its the beach lifestyle that has made Karrinyup mother-of-two Jill Hunter, 39, a local resident. I love the fact were really close to the beach and I really like that coastal lifestyle, she said. I really like its close to the freeway so its very easy to get around and also its close to the city you can get anywhere within 10 to 15 minutes. I think in terms of day-to-day lifestyle it seems harder to live south because its further away from the beach, further away from the freeway, it just seems like a hard place to live I dont know anybody thats been north thats moved south. For mother-of-two Jill Hunter believes Karrinyup combines beach lifestyle with proximity to the city. Ms Hunter also said the grid style bigger roads south of the river made for more traffic, an observation Paul Murphy a staunch northerner who recently moved to Attadale also found. Fremantle is quite a busy little place, he said. North of the river is a lot quieter and more peaceful. The beaches were pretty good and it was nice living in Sorrento near Hillarys Boat Harbour I could go for runs along the coast. Despite the change in pace, Mr Murphy said his new home had its perks. The biggest change about moving south is probably living next to the river, he said. When we were north we were half an hour from Point Walter, Id never had much to do with the river and now we live just five minutes away. Its good for runs along it and I bought a dinghy a couple of weeks ago to try and take advantage of it. Its always settled there while you get the sea breeze on the ocean. Paul Murphy likes the proximity to the Swan River since moving to Attadale. I can definitely imagine myself living south of the river. Obviously its hard with all our friends and family living north, but I could very happily stay south but I dont know if Ill be able to afford to buy somewhere in a place as nice as Attadale. Making sense of the numbers Those least loyal to their side of the pond were those living in Perths inner city. Residents there were the most likely to have moved in the past year (12 per cent of the population), and of that group one in four had crossed the river to get to their new home. Those least likely to have crossed the river in the past 12 months were residents in Perths north-west suburbs such as Scarborough and Karrinyup. Nearly 75 per cent of those who had moved in the north-west had done so from the north-west, while less than one in 10 had relocated there from south of the river. House prices are slightly higher north of the river. Property investment consultants Momentum Wealth crunched the data on the housing market north and south of the river in 2016 to try and determine a winner but, similarly to the Census figures on people moving house both sides came up pretty even. North of the river had a higher median house price at $620,261 compared to $533,800 in the south, but the south had higher average annual growth and higher yields. Maidguri: Armed bandits have attacked a village in Nigeria's northwest Kaduna state, killing at least 40 people, residents and officials say. Police Inspector General Ibrahim Idris confirms the bandits invaded the village of Gwaska on Saturday, fighting local defence forces protecting the Birnin Gwari local government area, a community of about 3000 people. He said 200 policemen and 10 patrol vehicles were deployed to the scene. A recent suicide bomb attack in Maiduguri, Nigeria, where violence is common. Credit:AP A resident who helped fight the bandits said at least 40 people were killed and the toll will likely climb. He spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons. He said the attackers were from Zamfara state, and that they shot at children and torched houses as residents fled. The attack came about a week after other unidentified gunmen attacked a nearby village. Contributed / Griffin Hospital DERBY The Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital in Derby will be able to give parents who have a stillbirth or later term miscarriage extra time with their child thanks to a CuddleCot donation. Annabellas Angels, a non-profit that raises funds to donate a CuddleCots throughout the state, presented the Childbirth Center staff with the $3,000 device and a specially-designed bassinet on April 24. Steven Genaille likes to stay busy, and one of the ways he does that is by volunteering with the Bear Clan Patrol. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 7/5/2018 (1249 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion Steven Genaille likes to stay busy, and one of the ways he does that is by volunteering with the Bear Clan Patrol. "I enjoy being out there and being recognized by the community as (sort) of a mentor," the 30-year-old North End resident says. "I enjoy being able to walk with the people that I walk with. Its a pretty interesting group." Genaille is one of more than 1,000 people who volunteer with the Bear Clan. Started in 1992 and revived in 2014, the patrol promotes safety, provides an early response to situations on the street and resolves conflicts. Michael Thiessen began volunteering with the Bear Clan last August because he saw it as an opportunity to make a difference in the community. "Its doing what were called to do as a society to help out those that need help," says Thiessen, 60, who lives in St. James. He recalls encountering a young boy who was crying and could not find his way home. After 10 minutes of walking around with the boy, Thiessen and his fellow volunteers were able to reunite the boy with his mother. "It felt good that a little boy was home now, and he was safe again," Thiessen says. Volunteering with the Bear Clan is also an opportunity to advance the process of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. "Its very important to me that (settlers) have a right relationship with the Indigenous people of Winnipeg and Canada," Thiessen says. "Were on Treaty 1 land, and we have to respect those that were here before us." Like Thiessen, Susan Chief volunteers with the Bear Clan because it is an opportunity to give back to the community. Born and raised in the North End, Chief spent a lot of time on the streets when she was growing up. "I know what it feels like to have nobody to listen, I know what it feels like to have nobody give a (care) about how youre feeling," says Chief, 40, who volunteers with the Bear Clan daily. "Thats why I do it. Whenever theres a chance to (help), Im there." The patrol could not exist without volunteers, executive director James Favel says. "They come from all over the city, from all walks of life," Favel says. "They do a heck of a job." 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 support the Bear Clan has received in recent years is remarkable, he adds. One group that will show its support this week is Margarets Choir, which is organizing a benefit concert for the Bear Clan. The concert takes place Friday at Jubilee Place (173 Talbot Ave.), and in addition to Margarets Choir, the Luminous String Quartet will perform. Tickets range from $10 to $20 and are available by emailing info@margaretschoir.ca or by calling 204-452-6590. Favel says that having the support of groups like Margarets Choir is meaningful. "Its unifying our community," he says. "Its unifying our city." If you know a special volunteer, please contact aaron.epp@gmail.com. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 7/5/2018 (1249 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion Its an idea that makes perfect, common sense. Tucked deep within a remarkable decision issued last week by the Public Utilities Board (PUB) on Manitoba Hydros general rate application was a recommendation to use a portion of the revenue from the soon-to-be-levied carbon tax to help offset rising electricity costs. The PUBs rationale was a triumph in practical economics. Ostensibly, a tax on carbon is supposed to make the consumption of fossil fuels more expensive. Using carbon tax revenue to offset higher Hydro electricity rates makes perfect sense because, over the long term, the province should want to do everything within its power to encourage Manitobans to ditch their gasoline-powered cars and natural gas-powered furnaces and water heaters in favour of electric options. "As the provincial government will receive revenue from the planned carbon tax, the board further recommends that the provincial government transfer a portion of the carbon tax revenues to Manitoba Hydro to strengthen Manitoba Hydros financial health, which may allow for lower consumer rate increases," the PUB order noted. Its a pretty solid argument that is, unfortunately, proving to be completely unconvincing for Premier Brian Pallister and his Tory government. Within a couple of hours of the release of the PUBs order last week in which it limited Hydro to a 3.6 per cent electricity rate increase for 2018-19 Crown Services Minister Cliff Cullen said his government had already decided to reject any use of the carbon tax to lower hydro rates. Furthermore, he pointed out that while Hydro has to accept all PUB orders, the regulatory agency can only make recommendations to government. Cullen did not explain why the Tory government is so opposed to the idea, only that it is. For a government that rarely explains its actions or policies, thats par for the course. And yet, when exactly did this government exclude the carbon tax as a possible source of relief from rising electricity rates? In early musings on the carbon tax, Pallister and his ministers mentioned that an offset for Hydro rate hikes was among the possible uses for the tax. Now, its a dead issue. One can only speculate about why the carbon tax policy has shifted course. One possible explanation is that Pallister would prefer, for the time being, to have Hydro rates go up on an annual basis because it reminds voters about the risky policies of the former NDP government. There is no doubt that current rate increases are directly attributable to NDP decisions to proceed with expensive new generating station construction despite ample evidence that North American electricity rates were headed on a steep downward trajectory thanks to the current love affair with gas-generated electricity, made possible by a cheap, continental over-supply of shale gas. The NDP will also have to continue to carry responsibility for the decision to route Bipole III down the west side of Lake Manitoba instead of the more direct route down the east side of Lake Winnipeg. The PUB, in fact, suggested the current government pay Hydro $900 million over 13 years to compensate the utility for the additional costs of what was essentially a political decision. Pallister is more than happy to allow this self-inflicted policy wound to continue festering. In fact, in the wake of the PUB rate order, Pallister suggested he might launch some sort of inquiry into the management of Hydro capital projects. Given the number of times Keeyask and Bipole III have been scrutinized to date by the PUB, intervener experts and by multiple consultants hired by Hydro itself there is little practical need for another inquiry. We know the government was foolish to launch both projects in a tight continental energy market, and that Keeyask in particular was poorly managed by the general contractor. The combination of all this incompetence has been a precipitous rise in the total capital cost of the two projects. Why would Pallister want to dig deeper? An inquiry would keep the issue on the front burner and undermine the NDPs already miniscule chances at some sort of rebound in the 2020 election. An added benefit is that it will stop people from asking the current government why it isnt using money from it carbon tax to lower hydro rates, particularly for those of lower incomes. The other, perhaps more obvious explanation, is that the money is already spent. Following the spring budget, the Tory government let it slip that the carbon tax revenue would be used to help pay for the one-point cut in the provincial sales tax, a key Pallister promise from the 2016 election. Dan Lett | Not for Attribution A weekly look at politics close to home and around the world that is sent every Tuesday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. The PST cut has become an all-encompassing issue for the premier, the one thing he simply wont reconsider as he tries to find a solution for an under-performing economy and a stubborn budget deficit. Pallister has made it clear he will cut the PST even if the budget is still in deficit, a scenario that would require the province to borrow money to deliver a tax cut. For Pallister, the PST-cut promise is a moral issue. Having criticized the NDP for increasing the PST after promising not to, Pallister is as serious as a heart attack about rolling back the tax. However, his pledge isnt really an economic issue; the one-point reduction in the PST is unlikely to cause any major boost to economic growth or deliver any great relief to lower-income Manitobans. To help the economy, and provide relief to lower-income brackets, youd have to do something bold and creative. Like using the carbon tax money to ensure that electricity is affordable for those who are being most affected by the annual rate increases. The PUB is showing more creativity and balance in proposing practical ideas that could serve a number of policy goals. In addition to its carbon tax recommendation, the PUB ordered Hydro to create a new class for remote First Nations households, which pay thousands more in annual hydro costs than homes in the south. Given that hydro-electricity is generated in these remote regions, charging the highest rates to the people who live closest to the dams seems tragically ironic. Its true, the PUB can only make recommendations to government. But if theres any common sense to be had in the Manitoba legislature, someone should start listening to those recommendations. dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca When Julie Epp went to Rwanda this spring, it had been four years since she had last seen her adoptive son, Claude Hashakimana. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 7/5/2018 (1248 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. When Julie Epp went to Rwanda this spring, it had been four years since she had last seen her adoptive son, Claude Hashakimana. The 22-year-old was one of the subjects in Epps current project, a documentary titled A New Rwanda. The Wolseley resident has a background in photography, music and design, and recently began to cultivate her videography and filmmaking skills as well. "The country is now 24 years after the genocide," Epp said. "I always felt like people, certainly people here only still know Rwanda for the genocide. Because Ive been there a number of times I wanted people to see who they are today. "The story is told through some young people, that some of them were born right after the genocide or around that time, and the really neat things they were doing." Epp said that she and a crew of close friends (Jordan Popowich, cinematographer, Safali Eugene, location sound, Julie Fulsher, photographer and Ivy Dickson, friend) were able to speak to seven different Rwandans, but the story that stands out is Hashakimanas. The documentary follows his journey back to the village where he was raised by family members after his parents died. "We had this really amazing journey," she said. "He had wanted me to come with him to see his family. Through applying for a passport, he had to find out some of his history, so he went on this solo journey and found out where he lived when he was five to seven, and in that process, he met his aunt. COURTESY OF JULIE FULSHER Epp hadn't seen her adoptive son, Hashakimana, for four years before visiting him this spring. "So we get to this village where his second aunt raised him, and we walked down and filmed everything, and they had no communication, so he last saw her two years before. They had no idea we were coming, we just sort of showed up at their house. "She directed us to the village he was born in so it was very powerful, the whole day he kept meeting people that knew of him and his story and knew about this kid whose mom died." Stay informed The latest updates on the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 delivered to your inbox every weeknight. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Soon after Epp returned to Winnipeg, she received tragic news regarding the family they had met in Rwanda. Due to unusually heavy rain, a landslide crushed their home, killing four of the five people that lived there. It was shocking news for Epp and Hashakimana both, who have to mourn the loss so soon after reconnecting. "Claude was so deeply touched by this and their family especially the young kids. He had grown up the same way in that same house and his heart was with them," Epp said. "I am so very grateful we had the opportunity to meet them, that they were able to help Claude connect with his birth place and other family." Now home, Epp and her team will be in post-production for the documentary, which they hope to have finished by January. "It was great to see him," Epp said of Hashakimana. "But also great to see how much hes grown up." To donate money to funerals for the family, visit gofundme.com/claudefamilyfund Canadian Western Bank provides personal and business banking products and services primarily in Western Canada. The company offers current, savings, cash management, US dollar, and chequing accounts, as well as organization, strata solution/condo, general trust, and trust fund investment accounts. It also offers commercial lending and real estate, and equipment financing and leasing products; loans and mortgages; secured and unsecured lines of credit; registered retirement savings plan; consolidation, vehicle, and recreation vehicle loans; and credit cards. In addition, the company offers cash management services; life and disability insurance products; and ATM, mobile, and online banking services, as well cheque order services. 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It operates through the following segments: Retail Banking, Corporate Banking, Treasury, Consumer, Insurance and Asset Management and Other Services. The Retail Banking segment involves in granting of loans and other credit products such as deposits of physical persons. The Corporate Banking segment focuses in advisory services at a corporate and financial level, as well as the administration of assets and loans targeted to big clients. The Treasury segment operates with Government Securities of the Group, syndicated loans, and financial lease. The Consumer segment consists of loans and other credit products targeted to middle and lower-middle income sectors and non-financial products and services. The Insurance segment comprises insurance products, with a focus on life insurance. The Asset Management and Other Services segment offers mutual funds and other products and services. The company was founded on October 8, 1979 and is headquartered in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Read More Wall Street analysts have given iShares S&P 500 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 S&P 500 ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO), the presidential candidate of the electoral coalition Together we will make historycomprised of AMLOs Movement for National Regeneration (Morena), the Labor Party and the socially conservative Social Encounter Partyis polling in the high 40s and maintains an 18-20 point lead over Ricardo Anaya Cortes, candidate of the coalition For Mexico to the Frontcomprised of Anayas right-wing Authentic National Party (PAN), the formerly center-left Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD) and the Citizens Movement (MC). In third place with under 20 percent is Jose Antonio Meade Kuribrena of the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and his Everyone for Mexico coalition. AMLOs commanding lead in the winner-take-all election reflects popular rejection of the violence, corruption and economic policies carried out by the current government of PRI President Enrique Pena Nieto and the past two PAN administrations of Vicente Fox and Felipe Calderon. With AMLO projected to win handily on July 1, and with Meade given virtually no chance to turn his campaign around, last week witnessed an extraordinary series of heated charges, denials, intrigues and maneuvers as the Mexican ruling class works out its strategic response to the rise of AMLO. Less than two months ago, Anaya insisted he might seek to jail the current President Enrique Pena Nieto for corruption should he prevail. But last week AMLO charged that Anaya met last month with a group of prominent businessmen from the Mexican Business Council (Consejo Mexicano de Negocios, CMN), which includes Mexicos 10 richest magnates, to discuss impunity for the president in exchange for the PRI supporting Anaya in order to defeat AMLO. Anaya denied this, but a video had surfaced of him meeting the prior Friday with high-level executives of Mexicos second largest bank, Citibanamex, global giant Citibanks Mexican subsidiary, in which he said that he is willing to build an alliance with Pena Nieto so that Meade would step down to prevent AMLO from winning. Anaya then clarified that he was not seeking a pact with the president involving impunity for the latter, nor was he asking Meade to call it quits. Instead, Anaya was just seeking what he called useful votes, that is, votes from the PRIs coalition that would not be wasted if they could stop AMLO. The spokesperson for the Meade presidential campaign, Javier Lozano, acknowledged that there is a lot of pressure from the business sector for Meade and Calderons former first lady Margarita Zavala, who is running as an independent, to step down. Meade, he insisted, would not give up his campaign. Zavala has also not ended her campaign. She is polling at most around 4 percent. But reflecting its mounting internal tensions, the PRI then cashiered the partys president, Enrique Ochoa, replacing him with Rene Juarez Cisneros, who was formerly undersecretary to former Interior Minister Miguel Angel Osorio Chong. Chong had long been thought to be the most likely PRI presidential candidate, but he opted not to run because he did not think that the PRI had a chance to win. On Thursday morning, the CMN published an article in several Mexico City newspapers complaining that AMLO had slandered them by saying that their attempt to have Anaya approach Pena Nieto for support amounted to unlawful intervention in the electoral process. The president of the larger Mexican Employer Coordinating Council (Consejo Coordinador Empresarial, CCE) then defended its members, demanding that AMLO stop attacking the captains of Mexican industry. Gustavo de Hoyos, the president of Coparmex, the giant Mexican Employers Association (Confederacion Patronal de la Republica Mexicana, CPRM), asserted its power in a thinly veiled threat to AMLO: We are not going to allow under any circumstances to have a return to authoritarianism. We will not allow what we saw in 1970, where society became polarized. We will not allow or accept in any way that Manichaeism that wants to divide Mexican society between rich and poor, between the people and the fifis [playboys], between businessmen and workers, between gueros [blondes] and morenas [dark-skinned people]. In a wide-ranging interview Thursday on the Televisa network, Mexicos largest, AMLO responded by calling the CMN bigshots a power mafia who had obstructed democracy and waged a dirty war against him to derail his political project. He was not anti-business, he insisted, noting that he only sought to end the reign of this small group of influence peddlers. In fact, in the interview Lopez Obrador went out of his way to once again assure Mexican business that he is not advancing a left-wing program. He favors a free market, he said, with an independent central bank and free fluctuation for the peso. AMLO insisted there will be no persecution of politicians or businessmen, there would be no expropriations of businesses, nor would anything that past governments sold or privatized be taken over by the government. He said he would not waste his time in such useless battles. AMLO also reversed his previously-stated intention to cancel construction of the new multi-billion-dollar Mexico City airportthe biggest public works project in the countrys history, and a gold mine to those like Carlos Slim, Mexicos richest man, who were awarded major construction contracts. The massive project would not be automatically canceled, AMLO said, but only reviewed for corruption, cost effectiveness. Despite attacking the North American Free Trade Agreement in the past as unfair to certain layers of Mexican business and small farmers, Lopez Obrador said nothing to undermine the recent assurances of his top aides that he would respect the terms of a renegotiated NAFTA if the US, Mexico and Canada reach a deal before the July election. AMLOs assurances once again demonstrate that he is at most a tepid social democrat, albeit a somewhat nationalist throwback, who would be at home, like Bernie Sandersalthough without the latters pretenses to socialismin the American Democratic Party. In reality, Lopez Obrador represents little threat to the capitalist order in Mexico. If there is an explosion of mass opposition by the Mexican working class AMLO may be in the best position to contain it, much as Syriza did in Greece. But important sections of both the American and Mexican bourgeoisie oppose even AMLOs mild proposals for reform. The US is also concerned that in the face of Trumps aggressive trade policies AMLO would be more likely to turn to China for economic development should he be elected. Propaganda campaigns linking AMLO to Venezuela and Cuba, and even to specious charges of Russian attempts to meddle in Mexicos election, have already been attempted, although those efforts seem to have fallen flat for lack of traction in the public. The World Socialist Web Site has recently reported that Google, Facebook and Twitter, which are increasingly integrated with the American state and its intelligence agencies, have entered into contracts over the last few months with Mexicos National Electoral Institute (INE), which runs the elections. (See here and here). Already able to manipulate and censor social media in order to favor one or another party or candidate, these corporations have effectively been handed over the keys to INEs computers with the possibility they will manipulate election results on a real-time basis if the ruling class so decides. Such extreme measures could lead to large-scale protests that may trigger an emergency government or the imposition of martial law. Mexicos new Internal Security Law enacted in December gives the president the power to order the Army and Navy to intervene in response to threats to internal security. Nearly 53,000 healthcare, technical, service and research workers represented by the American Federation of State and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) across 10 University of California (UC) campuses are beginning a three-day strike today, which is scheduled to conclude on Wednesday. Nurses represented by the California Nurses Association (CNA) and health care administrators represented by the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE) union will join them Tuesday and Wednesday in a sympathy strike. In mid-April AFSCME-represented workers voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike, rejecting the UCs last offer of 3 percent yearly wage increases and a prorated, lump-sum payment of $750. The union is demanding a 6 percent yearly increase, a freeze on health-care premiums, and the elimination of contracting out positions. AFSCME is the UCs largest employee union, representing more than 24,000 staff, who include food service, groundskeepers, and janitorial staff across 10 UC campuses, five medical centers, and numerous clinics and research laboratories throughout California. One week after AFSCME authorized the strike vote, UC nurses throughout California voted by 98 percent to engage in a sympathy strike in solidarity with AFSCME workers on Tuesday and Wednesday. Comments on the CNA social media pages called for an expansion of the strike to other sections of nurses and across the country with comments that Kaiser nurses should stand with them and Florida needs to follow. The UPTE, an affiliate of the Communication Workers of America (CWA), announced a sympathy strike following the CNA vote and urged its membership to remain within the limited framework. Unlike the Service Unit, UPTE is still bargaining with UC, and is not yet at impasse. UPTE is not striking for the purposes of changing its own terms and conditions of employment, a union statement read. It is very important that our members continue to work as scheduled on May 7, and not commence any strike activity until May 8. UPTE workers on social media offered their support of AFSCME workers but inquired about the limiting of the strike to just AFSCME workers, asking, When will UPTE strike? We should be the ones on strike not just for a fair contract but just to be brought up to a market wage! When is our Strike Vote? Why has the strike vote not been set? Workers throughout the UC system as well as in other sections of industry are facing similar conditions with regard to low wages, attacks on pensions and health care, and the increasing use of contracted and temporary labor to drive down wages. In fact, the UC bargains with 14 different unions as part of a blatant attempt to divide the UC workforce, which is the largest in the state. Even AFSCME itself is comprised of four bargaining units which each have their own contracts bargained at different periods. These include: UC Service Workers (SX); UC Patient Care Technical Workers (EX); UC Santa Cruz Skilled Craft Workers (K7); and staff at the UC Hastings College of the Law. It is critical that workers heed the lessons from the 2014 concessions contract, which was falsely hailed by AFSCME as a great victory. That contract provided the UC administration with the pension reform which was its top priority and a real cut in wages, with workers required to pay 2.5 percent more out of pocket into their pensions. The union celebrated their agreement with UC to lay off temps before career workers as a victory for the service workers, showing their claims of solidarity to be lies when it comes to the hyper-exploited workforce. AFSCME has openly admitted that 99 percent of service workers [are] currently income eligible for some form of public assistance, and some full time UC workers [are] even living in their cars. The contract being negotiated will not change this reality. In 2014, 97 percent of union members voted to strike but only 15 to 20 percent participated upon learning the union would only pay strikers a meager $70 a day in strike pay and the union is counting on similar outcomes. Jose, a custodian at the UC San Diego Jacobs Medical Center, told the WSWS that he had struck in 2014, but the $70 a day once again being offered to striking workers would not be enough to pay his rent and he had lost faith that the union would negotiate a living wage. As four years ago, UC administrators will work with the unions to shut down the strike and prevent it from spreading to other layers of workers and students on the campuses and beyond. The union negotiators will give of an appearance of militancy even as they prepare a betrayal behind closed doors. From the beginning the unions have accepted the line that austerity and layoffs are necessary, while haggling over the correct order in which they should be carried out. UC workers should not forget that AFSCME president Kathryn Lybarger exalted the 2014 concessions contract, stating, This proposed agreement reflects compromise on both sides, improves safety in UC Hospitals, and honors the important contributions that Patient Care Technical Workers make to the UC Health system every day. The contracts being prepared will further attack pensions, with the UC seeking to increase the amount workers pay out of pocket and establish a 401k-style pension for new hires rather than the traditional pension plan. UC workers must organize rank-and-file committees in order to take control of the strike and wage an independent struggle outside the stranglehold of AFSCME, the CNA and UPTE-CWA, which are all loyal to the Democratic Party, which has been waging an open assault on the jobs and living conditions across the state of California. Tens of thousands of US teachers have struck and protested across many states so far this year, defying state anti-strike laws and their own unions. The eruption of statewide strikes in West Virginia, Oklahoma and Arizona has exposed the universal and stark nature of the crisis facing the nations 3.1 million teachers and some 50 million elementary and secondary students and their parents. These events have also revealed the anti-working-class character of the unions, which have worked hand-in-glove with both big business parties to suppress opposition to austerity and corporate-backed school reform. Where the National Education Association (NEA), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and their state affiliates have been unable to prevent strikes, they have worked quickly to smother them before they spread to other states and coalesced into a nationwide strike. Last week, the Arizona Education Association (AEA) shut down the strike by nearly 60,000 teachers and backed the Republican governors budget that ignored teachers main demands for significant wage improvements for themselves and other school employees, as well as the restoration of more than $1 billion in school funding cuts over the last decade. This followed same pattern as the union betrayals in West Virginia and Oklahoma. The eruption of protest has emerged after decades of a well-funded war against public education by the for-profit education industry and Wall Street and implemented by Democrats and Republicans at every level of government. They have been accompanied by the handouts of trillions of dollars of tax cuts to the oil and gas industries, General Motors, Amazon and other corporate interests. While these policies are epitomized by billionaire heiress and current Education Secretary Betsy DeVos who has made the destruction of public schools her lifes work, they entirely predate her appointment. Charter schools and other forms of school privatization were promoted in the 1990s by former Democratic President Bill Clinton, followed by Republican George W. Bushs No Child Left Behind, which pushed charters as a remedy for schools failing national tests. But it was the administration of Democrat Barack Obama, a supporter of the hedge fund group Democrats for Education Reform and of Wall Street more generally, which implemented the most far-reaching attacks. American teachers currently earn about 20 percent less than others with a college degree, a wage gap that increases into mid-career. In addition, US educators spend on average $600 of their own money every year on basic supplies for their classroom. Nearly all teachers, 99.5 percent, buy school supplies, with a total of two-thirds of all classroom supplies purchasednot by school districtsbut by teachers, according to Education Week . As child poverty has soared nationally, a staggering 91 percent of teachers also buy necessities for their studentsfrom food and clothing to essential school supplies. These expenditures amount to more than $3 billion dollars out of pocket from educators. Pensions are increasingly under attack as states and districts have failed to fully fund teachers and other public-sector pensions, resulting in cuts to either monthly pension payments or retiree healthcare or the eliminating of pensions altogether. As of 2016, there was a $1.4 trillion national deficit in state pension funds. Meanwhile, 40 percent of all teachers including those in Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Rhode Island and Texas are not eligible to collect Social Security. This abysmal state of affairs in public education is not the result of popular sentiment. Just the opposite. There is overwhelming support for the struggles of teachers and the defense of public education. A recent poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research affirms that 78 percent of Americans says teachers are underpaid, 80 percent support the recent protests and a majority support teachers strikes. Not lack of support but only the collusion of the unions with government officials has prevented a broader struggle until now. The sellout of the strikes in West Virginia, Oklahoma and Arizona has resolved nothing and there are new struggles are already brewing. Here are just a few examples. Colorado The first Colorado teachers strike since 1994 is set to begin today in Pueblo. Pueblo teachers and paraprofessionals have worked without a contract since August, while educators throughout the state are demanding pay raises, the preservation of the state employee retirement fund and better benefits. More than 10,000 walked out to demonstrate at the capitol on April 26-27 over demands to rectify the $822 million shortfall in state funding of public education. Under Governor John Hickenlooper, a Democrat, average teacher salaries in the state rank 46th in the nation. The Education Law Center called Colorado's teachers salaries worst in the nation when comparied to professionals with similar education levels. Per-pupil funding is $2,700 below the national average. A janitor can make a lot more working at Starbucks, said Summit Cove Elementary School teacher Tara Dye, according to the Denver Post. Jessica Crawford, a second-grade teacher, said she was stunned when she found few or no school supplies last fall because the district couldnt afford them. There were no crayons, no markers, hardly anything at all. North Carolina Thousands of teachers throughout North Carolina are expected to demonstrate on May 16 in a March for Students and Rally for Respect in Raleigh, as the state legislature begins its session. Teachers in the state earn, on average, 5 percent less than in 2008 and the state spends 12.2 percent less than it did prior to the recession. Meanwhile, $3.5 billion has been handed out to corporate and top income earners through tax cuts, according to The News & Observer. Health insurance premiums cost educators an average of nearly $10,000 a year, as drastic increases have been imposed. The state removed the cap on charter schools, putting public education under substantial additional financial pressure. South Carolina South Carolina teachers have called for a demonstration in Columbia on May 19 over low pay, high class sizes, excessive testing and lack of prep time. The state pays its teachers about $6,000 a year lower than neighboring states, a pay scale ranked 45th in the nation. Per-student funding is about $530 below its legal minimum and has been for a decade. Last year a whopping 6,700 teachers failed to return to the classroom, while the legislature now considers a desultory 1 or 2 percent cost of living adjustment for educators. Puerto Rico Teachers on the US territory island in the Caribbean have repeatedly struck and protested the demands by Governor Ricardo Rossello to dismantle and privatize public education in the US territory of Puerto Rico. Wall Street interests organized through a Financial Oversight Board have seized on the devastation wrought by Hurricane Maria to press for a broad education reform including vouchers, charters and the closure of 280 schools. Arkansas You go and spend tens of thousands of dollars on an education to start a career and you have to work multiple jobs to make ends meet, said Brittani Brooks, a Library Media Specialist, to Arkansas THV11 news. The starting wage for Arkansas teachers is $31,400; the state ranks 39th out of 50 for teacher salaries. Between 2010 and 2015, the number of new teachers has dropped 36 percent. Classroom size is definitely a big challenge. Our schools are full, our classrooms are full and to be good at what you do there are so many responsibilities and I feel overwhelmed, said 2nd grade teacher Lisa Harrison in the same news report. She added, We all feel overwhelmed and we just want to be heard. Nevada On April 28, Nevada teachers rallied in Las Vegas demanding funding of their step pay increases and health insurance. The Clark County School District decided to fight an arbitrators decision over the 2017-18 contract because, they claimed, it would cost $13 million in 2018. Teachers lined the road holding signs enough is enough and shouted for their contract to be honored. Matt Nighswonger, a government teacher who organized one protest, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that with teachers around the country fighting, he felt Nevada teachers had to do something too. Georgia According to the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, education in the state has been cut for 16 straight yearsincluding about $1 billion each year between 2010 and 2014. This drastic assault on public education has led to the termination of about 10,000 teachers. There will be a modest increase for the 2018-19, however throughout Georgia major programs have been slashed, class sizes increased and the school year cut. Among these cuts were the reduction of state subsidies for school transportation down to a negligible 15 percent. As a result, starting wages for school bus drivers stands at the below-poverty rate of $18,500 in the state, 23 percent below the national average. Nearly 400 school bus drivers in DeKalb County organized a three-day sickout beginning April 19, demanding decent pay and healthcare benefits, full-time status and retirement benefits. Seven were fired for the action. Michigan More than a billion dollars from Michigans education budget was cut seven years ago, to pay for tax cuts for big businesses. The schools have never recovered. The average teacher salary in the state has fallen for six straight years. This has created a critical teacher shortage fueling high classroom sizes and lack of subject offerings across the state. There are 5,000 fewer certified teachers in the state than 14 years ago and the number of Michigan college students studying to become a teacher is down more than 50 percent, reports the Center for Michigan. Many districts, strapped for cash, are forcing teachers out of defined-benefit pension plans into 401(k)s including Detroit Public School Community District. The unions have adamantly opposed the unification of teachers in national strike. Asked by a WSWS reporter last week about the growing calls for such a strike, AFT President Randi Weingarten said the teachers struggles were statewide issues and the unions wanted to turn the walkouts into walk-ins to the voting booth for Democrats in November. Weingarten is a member of the Democratic National Committee and has sought to cover up the fact that the Democrats, from the Obama White House to the governors of New York, California, Colorado and other states have waged a war, just as viciously as the Republicans, against public education and schoolteachers. But they have done it in partnership with the unions. To prepare the next round of struggle, it is essential that educators establish rank-and-file committees, completely independent of the unions, which are tools of the government and the giant corporate interests they defend. The struggle for the social right to high quality public education requires the mobilization of every section of the working class in a political struggle against both big business parties, and to fight for a workers government and socialist policies. The billions of dollars now being squandered by the ruling elites on predatory wars and obscene luxury for the few must be expropriated in order to fully fund education and provide good wages, benefits and retirement to all school workers. The US Navy announced on Friday that it is relaunching its Second Fleet, a naval force to be deployed in the North Atlantic and directed at preparing for military confrontation with Russia. The fleet had been mothballed in 2011 under the Obama administration based upon the assessment that the likelihood of war with Russia had declined. Funding for the fleet, it was argued, could be better spent on buying new warships to be deployed in the US pivot to Asia, directed at reasserting American hegemony in the region and confronting Chinas ascendence by means of military force. In announcing the relaunching of the fleetwhich follows Congressional approval of a massive increase in military spendingChief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson stated, Our National Defense Strategy makes clear that were back in an era of great power competition as the security environment continues to grow more challenging and complex. He added that the Atlantic Ocean is as dynamic a theater as any and in particular the North Atlantic, so as we consider high-end naval warfare, fighting in the Atlantic, that will be the Second Fleets responsibility. Pentagon spokesman Johnny Michael was more explicit in terms of the target of this high-end naval warfare, stating, NATO is refocusing on the Atlantic in recognition of the great power competition prompted by a resurgent Russia. The National Defense Strategy document cited by Admiral Richardson stated in part: Today, we are emerging from a period of strategic atrophy, aware that our competitive military advantage has been eroding. We are facing increased global disorder, characterized by decline in the long-standing rules-based international ordercreating a security environment more complex and volatile than any we have experienced in recent memory. Inter-state strategic competition, not terrorism, is now the primary concern in US national security. The 2018 National Defense Strategy specifically targets China and Russia, declaring that It is increasingly clear that China and Russia want to shape a world consistent with their authoritarian model gaining veto authority over other nations economic, diplomatic, and security decisions. The Second Fleet was initially created in 1950 at the outset of the Cold War between the US and the former Soviet Union. Its most famous operation was carried out in October 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, which brought the world to the brink of a nuclear war. Its warships, including a US aircraft carrier, were deployed northeast of the island to enforce a quarantine against Cuba, intercepting and searching ships, raising the prospect that a confrontation at sea could lead to a nuclear exchange. The relaunching of the fleet, which is to be based at the US Naval station in Norfolk, Virginia, is bound up with an even more reckless US imperialist policy today. Testifying before Congress last month, US Defense Secretary James Mattis said that the Pentagon intends to scrap a previous practice of rotational deployments of US war fleets, moving instead to an unpredictable strategy based on preparation for great power competition and the development of a naval force ready to surge and deal with the high-end warfare. The US military website DefenseNews reported that this policy may be put into effect this month with the diversion of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group from a planned deployment to the Middle East, keeping it instead in the European theater as a check on Russia. The armada includes warships with the capacity of launching 1,000 cruise missiles. The US has also escalated its naval interventions in the Black Sea, sending destroyers armed with cruise missiles into waters off of Russia and flying spy planes in operations described as provocations by Moscow. A major NATO exercise involving troops and military hardware from eight countries began last week in the Black Sea on what the US-led military alliance described as its southern and eastern flank. The war games, dubbed NATO Sea Shield 2018, involve 21 naval ships, 10 planes and a submarine, as well as 2,300 troops from Romania, the United States, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Ukraine, Greece and Spain. This naval buildup, designed to prepare for an all-out war in which securing supply lines between North America and Western Europe would be a priority, is justified with propaganda indicting Moscows aggression, Russian military expansion and the annexation of Crimea. All of this turns reality on its head. Having waged a quarter of a century of uninterrupted wars of aggression in the Middle East, the US and its NATO allies are seeking to militarily encircle Russia, which is viewed as a principal impediment to US imperialisms assertion of its hegemony over the Eurasian landmass. In 2014, the US, together with Berlin, backed a right-wing coup in Ukraine in a bid to tighten the military noose around Russia. This has seen NATOs creation of a 40,000-strong Rapid Reaction Force and the deployment of four battlegroups comprised of 1,000 troops each in the three former Soviet Baltic republics and Poland to serve as tripwires for a war between the worlds two nuclear super-powers. The decision May 1 by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the industry body that hands out the Oscars, to expel French-Polish filmmaker Roman Polanski is hypocritical and cowardly. This is the latest atrocity attributable to the sexual witch hunt launched last October. In 1977, Polanski pled guilty to unlawful sex with a minor, 13-year-old Samantha Gailey (now Geimer). He spent 42 days in prison undergoing psychiatric examination. Under the terms of the plea agreement, it was expected by both defense and prosecution that the director would receive probation. He fled the US when a vindictive judge, guilty of gross misconduct in the case, threatened to renege on the agreement and sentence Polanski to a lengthy jail term. Roman Polanski in 2013 (Photo credit: Georges Biard) The Academy announced that it was expelling Polanski, along with actor and comic Bill Cosby, in accordance with the organizations Standards of Conduct The Board continues to encourage ethical standards that require members to uphold the Academys values of respect for human dignity. What a filthy business. The august, pretentiously named Academy was founded by producer Louis B. Mayer in 1927 as nothing more than a company union, in the words of various historians, aimed at crushing support for genuine labor organizing and defusing political radicalism in Hollywood. Later, it played a decisive role in spearheading the anticommunist witch hunt and purges of the 1940s and 1950s. Among other actions, the Academy passed a special bylaw making it impossible for those refusing to cooperate with the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) to receive an Oscar, only rescinding the disgraceful measure in the late 1950s. In a notoriously ruthless and dishonest industry, the Academy has never censured or expelled anyone for stealing or corruption, much less exploiting the labor force. It has not once kicked out a member for cooperating with government witch-hunters, the US military or the CIA. However, the moral guardians of AMPAS have drawn the line with Polanski, one of the better filmmakers of his generation, in accordance with the Academys values of respect for human dignity. This is a little like spying a placard on the wall of a brothel, Hygiene is our only concern. Harland Braun, Polanskis lawyer, announced the director would appeal the decision. According to Vanity Fair, We want due process, Braun said. Thats not asking too much of the Academy, is it? Mr. Polanski was supposed to be given notice, and have 10 days to present his side It was a complete debacle in the sense that they didnt follow their own rules. The magazine continued, Braun said he had heard the Academy was planning to take up the issue of Polanskis membership, and he was prepared to make a presentation to the board, which would include statements from the victim in his 1977 case, Samantha Geimer. The AMPAS board obviously preferred not to hear reasoned arguments against its precipitous and unfair action. In fact, the 55-year-old Geimer had the best response to the Academy decision, calling it an ugly and cruel action which serves only appearance It does nothing to change the sexist culture in Hollywood today and simply proves that they will eat their own to survive. I say to Roman, good riddance to bad rubbish, the Academy has no true honor, its all just P.R. Geimer then referred succinctly to the Academy as a bunch of douchebags. Polanski, 84 years old, has made a number of important films during his career, including Knife in the Water, Cul-de-Sac, Rosemarys Baby, Macbeth, Chinatown, The Tenant, Tess and The Pianist. He is one of the more honest chroniclers of the traumas of the mid-twentieth century, and he comes by that ability through bitter experience. As a child in 1942-43, Polanski witnessed the deportation of Krakows Jewish population to concentration camps and barely escaped that fate himself. His father survived a camp, his mother died in Auschwitz. Many years later, Polanskis pregnant wife, actress Sharon Tate, was murdered in August 1969 at the couples home in Los Angeles by members of the Manson Family (the director was in Europe at the time). Polanski or his films have won every major industry and festival award, including the Berlin Film Festival Silver Bear, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, numerous BAFTA [British Academy of Film and Television Arts] and Cesar [bestowed by Frances Academy of Cinema Arts and Techniques] awards, the Cannes Film Festival Palme dOr and many more. The renewed campaign against Polanski by US and Los Angeles authorities, initiated in 2009 when he was arrested in Switzerland and threatened with deportation to the US, has always had a vindictive, politically malicious character. As the WSWS noted at the time: The effort to vilify film director Roman Polanski, now imprisoned in Switzerland, and have him extradited to the United States has become the rallying point for a broader campaign against Hollywood liberals, intellectuals, artists, and non-conformists of all sorts. Behind the demands that justice must be done and no one is above the law lies a reactionary social and ideological agenda A coalition of right-wingers and feminist liberals has formed, capable of the wildest demagogy and accusations. This alliance, only in its budding stage in 2009, has fully flowered in the course of the #MeToo campaign. The decision by the AMPAS Board of Governors to expel Polanski, who has remained a member for the forty years since his 1977 guilty plea, is a capitulation to the #MeToo movement, the aggressive drive by a layer of affluent women in Hollywood for more privileges and power. Polanski received an Academy Award fifteen years ago for The Pianist, in which regard the Associated Press noted, the audience at the 2003 Oscars gave an absent Polanski a hearty standing ovation upon his win, [Harvey] Weinstein, Martin Scorsese and Meryl Streep among them. Nine years ago, when Polanski was arrested in Zurich and U.S. authorities attempted to extradite him, over 100 celebrities signed a petition for his release, including Woody Allen, Weinstein, Scorsese, Steven Soderbergh, Darren Aronofsky, Natalie Portman, David Lynch, Penelope Cruz and Tilda Swinton. Nothing has changed. The persecution of Polanski remains politically motivated. But Hollywood liberalism has lurched further to the right, abandoning in large measure even a nominal commitment to democratic rights. The Academy did not announce the results of the May 1 vote on Polanskis expulsion. The 55-member Board of Governors, among them three members from each of the 17 branches, includes actors Laura Dern (a #MeToo fanatic), Whoopi Goldberg and Tom Hanks, directors Michael Mann, Kimberly Peirce and Steven Spielberg, and producer Kathleen Kennedy, the president of LucasFilm. Kennedy proposed last October the establishment of a commission to investigate and take action against sexual harassment, a type of House Un-American Sexual Activities Committee. Samantha Geimer, as noted above, reflects the general, healthy opinion of that portion of the American population not obsessed with race and gender, i.e., its vast majority. The cries for Polanskis blood continue to be forthcoming, however, from a certain deplorable social type, the upper middle class moralists of the New York Times and Guardian variety. This is the crowd that has no difficulty with mass killings and devastation in Libya, Syria, Yemen and elsewhere, as long as it is done in the name of human rights or womens rights, but sees red at the thought of Polanski escaping years behind bars. Thus, we hear from columnist Barbara Ellen in the Guardian (Those who deplored the persecution of Roman Polanski enabled the likes of Weinstein) in a McCarthyite piece, aimed at intimidating opposition to the sexual harassment campaign. Ellen writes, Indeed, the straight line from what Polanski was allowed to get away with and, years later, what the likes of Weinstein thought they were allowed to do cannot be ignored. Those who gave Polanski any sympathy or support over his persecution should probably also congratulate themselves on helping to embolden predatory entitled characters such as Weinstein. So, bravo to the Academy for belatedly crying cut on Polanski. What Geimer pungently called the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Board of Governors goes for the Guardian columnist as well. Unsourced and unverified United States intelligence reports last week that China had installed short-range missiles on islets in the South China Sea have been exploited by the corporate media and the Trump administration to intensify the US pressure on Beijing amid aggressive American trade war demands and a looming US-North Korean summit. Despite the lack of any evidence, or confirmation from Beijing, the White House quickly issued threats against China. Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee-Sanders said last Thursday that the United States had raised concerns with the Chinese. Were well aware of Chinas militarisation of the South China Sea, she said. There will be near-term and long-term consequences, and well certainly keep you up to date. The reports first surfaced on the American business channel CNBC. Citing unnamed sources with direct knowledge of US intelligence, it reported that Beijing had installed anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles on three reefs in the Spratly Islands in the past 30 days. It claimed that the anti-ship cruise missiles could strike vessels within 340 nautical miles (630 kilometres) of the reefs, while the surface-to-air missiles could hit aircraft, drones and cruise missiles within 180 nautical miles. China did not confirm the allegations. Instead, a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said on Thursday: Those who do not intend to be aggressive have no need to be worried or scared. The next day, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said the deployment of necessary national defense facilities to the islands were within Chinas rights to safeguard its sovereignty and security. Hua pointed to escalating US military activities near islands that China controls, which have included provocative freedom of navigation operations within the 12-nautical mile territorial zones around them. Chinas island facilities had nothing to do with militarisation, she told reporters at her daily press briefing. The US constantly strengthens its military deployment in the South China Sea they should consider the consequence of this. We think the US should reflect on its wrong doing. The CNBC allegations followed an April 30 report by Stratfor, a US military-intelligence-linked company, claiming that China had installed electric warfare equipment on one of the islets, Mischief Reef, supposedly posing a threat to US and allied aircraft and military operations. China also flatly denied a report that Chinese troops were targeting American flight crews near a US base in the east African nation of Djibouti using a high-powered laser. The Wall Street Journal had called the unverified incidents a new show of Chinese harassment of the US military at a time of heightened tensions between the nations. The Trump administrations response to the South China Sea allegations is another indication of an increasingly aggressive US push against China, both militarily and economically, following the imposition of tariffs on Chinese imports and the appointment of two prominent anti-China hawks to the White HouseJohn Bolton as national security adviser and Peter Navarro as trade adviser. There has been a recent elevation of alarming accusations against China. Admiral Philip Davidson, nominated to take charge of the US Pacific Command after the retirement of Admiral Harry Harris, told his confirmation hearing last month: China is now capable of controlling the South China Sea in all scenarios short of war with the United States. In written testimony to the US Senate Armed Services Committee, Davidson declared: The PLA [Peoples Liberation Army] will be able to use these bases to challenge US presence in the region, and any forces deployed to the islands would easily overwhelm the military forces of any other South China Sea-claimants. US ally Australia was quick to join the latest charges against China, despite the lack of verification. Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said if the missile reports were correct, the Australian government would be concerned, saying: This would be contrary to Chinas stated aspiration that it would not militarise these features. Australian Labor Party foreign affairs spokeswoman Senator Penny Wong went further, stating: We do not support greater militarisation in the region that would seek to undermine the regional power balance, and result in any sort of arms race. She also accused China of developing intermediate-range missiles, reportedly capable of striking Guam. Three Australian warships last month travelled through the South China Sea and were contacted by the Chinese navy in what Australian navy sources initially described as a routine query about the Australian intentions in the waters. International media reports later inflated this April 15 radio contact into a Chinese challenge to the Australian vessels. Some governments in the region, however, downplayed the missile allegations. On Friday, a spokesman for the Philippines said: With our recently developed close relationship and friendship with China, we are confident that those missiles are not directed at us. He added that the country would explore all diplomatic means to address this issue. The Philippines has territorial claims in the Spratly Islands but President Rodrigo Dutertes administration, which wants Chinese aid and investment, has sought to strike a bilateral agreement with Beijing over the disputed areas. Washingtons bellicose reaction to the missile reports came as Trump prepared to announce details of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, a summit that could either lead to a US attempt to turn North Korea against China or to a US military assault on North Korea, which has borders with both China and Russia. The missile allegations were published on the eve of two days of high-level US-China trade talks in Beijing, which broke up without any resolution. Having already imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, Washington demanded extraordinary concessions that challenge core aspects of Chinas economic system, including an end to government support for the Made in China 2025 program to develop advanced technologies. A US intelligence agency report released on Friday revealed that the National Security Agency (NSA) collected 534 million records of phone calls and text messages made by Americans last year, more than triple the amount gathered in 2016. The revelations come five years after the leaking of documents by whistleblower Edward Snowden, who first revealed the US governments mass electronic surveillance operations. The sharp increase from 151 million recorded interactions from 2016 points to deep-seated anxiety amongst the American ruling class over historic and ever widening economic inequality, political instability, and growing social unrest. As the capitalist state slides deeper and deeper into crisis, it increasingly must resort to police state measures to maintain its rule. The growth in surveillance occurs within the context of the re-emergence of working class resistance to declining living standards. In addition to spying on US citizens, the agency monitored record numbers of foreign individuals living outside the United States. The NSA targeted these individuals through a warrantless internet surveillance program, known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, renewed by Congress earlier this year. The number of targets increased from 106,469 in 2016 to its current level of 129,080. This number has risen from 89,139 since 2013, a 45 percent spike. The NSAs illegal surveillance operations expanded rapidly after the still unexplained events of September 11, 2001 which were used to launch illegal wars against Afghanistan and Iraq. The agency first became the subject of controversy over illegal wiretapping in 2005 and again in 2013 when Snowdens revelations concerning mass electronic surveillance sparked major public outcry. The latest figures prove the fraudulent character of Obamas so-called reform of the NSA in 2015, which was presented to the public as a measure to curtail the agencys bulk telephone records spying program. The legal modifications by the Obama administration, drafted by and for the military-intelligence apparatus, actually served to expand the illegal and unconstitutional operations of the NSA. As a parting gift to the current US President Donald Trump, in the last days of his administration Obama announced a further expansion of the spying power of American intelligence agencies. Under the new rules, the NSA was given the ability to share raw bulk data of private communications with 16 other intelligence agencies, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security. Edward Snowden responded to the news on Twitter with a warning: As he hands the White House to Trump, Obama just unchained NSA from basic limits on passing raw intercepts to others. The fact that the expansion of NSA spying was the direct result of policies pursued and implemented by Obama once again demonstrates just how close the Democratic Party has merged with the military-intelligence apparatus. A three-part World Socialist Web Site investigative report published earlier this year, titled The CIA Democrats, revealed the extraordinary number of former intelligence and military operatives from the CIA, Pentagon, National Security Council and State Department seeking nomination as Democratic candidates for Congress in the 2018 midterm elections. Regarding the right of the American government to unconstitutionally spy on the entire worlds population there is broad bipartisan agreement between the Democrats and Republicans, both parties of big business. Under Bush, then Obama and now Trump, the NSAs domestic spying program has been ever more closely integrated into the US military. In 2009, President Obama oversaw the creation of the Pentagons US Cyber Command, the US militarys cyberwarfare unit, and its simultaneous integration with the NSA. Under this arrangement, the agencies began operating under joint leadership, a policy known as dual-hatting. On Friday, Army Gen. Paul Nakasone took over leadership of Cyber Command and the NSA. Nakasones installment represents a new milestone in the drive toward war against Russia and China in every sphere, including online. At his confirmation hearing in March, Nakasone argued for a more aggressive stance in the realm of cyber warfare. Our adversaries have not seen our response in sufficient detail to change their behavior,Nakasone told legislators. They dont think much will happen. At the same time Cyber Command has been elevated to an independent unified command, putting it on par with the nine other US warfighting commands. The command also boasts a brand new $500 million Integrated Cyber Center at its headquarters at Fort Meade in Maryland. This development constitutes an acknowledgement that this new war fighting domain has come of age, in the words of Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan. The Trump administration, using the tools crafted and honed under Obama, now seeks to further weaponize government spying in the current drive to war. The appointment of Nakasone and the elevation of Cyber Command, however, also highlights the bitter struggle that has erupted within the American state between rival factions within the ruling class. In particular, the US intelligence agencies have cited the bogus claims of Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential elections as the reasoning behind the recent decision to back Nakasone. The Trump administration has shown itself to be no less bellicose, accusing Russia of employing hackers to gain remote access to energy sector networks earlier this year. The continued development of NSA surveillance and the US militarys preparations for cyberwarfare again demonstrate the true purpose of the War on Terror as the pretext for the development of police state measures at home and an open confrontation against the rivals of US imperialism abroad. As well as gathering intelligence on Russia and China, the NSA also spies on its supposed allies. The increase in spying operations on foreign nationals points to the growth of inter-imperialist disputes, in particular with Germany. According to a heat map of NSA surveillance operations leaked by Snowden in 2013, Germany is by far the most spied on country in Europe. US representatives issued a series of demands in Beijing during talks on May 4, ranging from an insistence that China take no action against US measures undermining its development of high-tech industries to the impossible ultimatum that it cut its trade surplus with the US by $200 billion within two years. These demands are not intended as the basis for negotiations, but to escalate economic conflict and military tensions. The US demands amount to a call for unilateral Chinese disarmament ahead of a potential trade war and for Beijing to abandon key elements of its industrial policy, which have led Washington to grow increasingly wary of China as a long-term economic rival, the Financial Times commented. China economy expert Eswar Prasad, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, told the newspaper: These meetings could end up going into the books as a formalisation of hostilities rather than as a basis for a negotiated settlement. The US delegation included Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and anti-China trade hawks, US trade representative Robert Lighthizer and White House trade policy adviser Peter Navarro. The demands were set out in a four-page document entitled Balancing the Trade Relationship. The Trump administration claimed it sought to facilitate candid and constructive exchanges between the two sides. In fact, the US document resembles the ultimatum handed to Serbia by Austria in July 1914, which led to the outbreak of World War I. The US had previously demanded that China take immediate action to reduce its $375 billion goods trade surplus with the US by $100 billion. This has been doubled to $200 billiona reduction of $100 billion in the 12 months beginning June 2018, and a further $100 billion reduction beginning June 2019. The rest of the document consisted of equally imperious and impossible-to-fulfil demands that China cease its moves toward high-tech development and take no action, nor even issue complaints through the World Trade Organization (WTO), against US measures targeting it. China will immediately cease providing market-distorting subsidies and other types of government support that can contribute to the creation or maintenance of excess capacity in industries targeted by the Made in China 2025 plan, it stated. In effect, this means China must scrap its industrial program and become completely subservient to the demands of the US. The document demanded that China take immediate, verifiable steps to ensure the cessation of Chinese government-conducted, sponsored or tolerated measures targeting US trade secrets and confidential business information, in line with US claims that China is stealing intellectual property. China has denied that such theft is taking place and insisted that what the US calls forced technology transfers are part of agreements made by US firms wanting to do business in China through joint-venture operations. The document stipulated that China take no retaliatory action whether in the form of tariffs on imports of US products or in any other form against US agricultural products and cease all retaliatory actions currently being pursued. China has threatened tariffs against US agricultural products if the US goes ahead with a 25 percent tariff against Chinese goods, due to come into effect by the end of this month under section 301 of the 1974 US Trade Act. The US further demanded that China withdraw its current WTO challenge to the US measures and take no further action related to this matter under WTO rules and procedures. In sum, the US is demanding complete subservience by China in its industrial and economic policies. Above all, Washington is focussing on high-tech development, which it regards as a threat to its economic and military supremacy, as made clear in the following paragraph of the document: In light of Chinas prevailing investment restrictions and state-directed investment in sensitive US technology sectors, including industrial plans such as Made in China 2025, China confirms that it will not oppose, challenge, or otherwise retaliate against the United States imposition of restriction in investments from China in sensitive US technology sectors critical to US national security. On US investment in China, the document said Beijing must list by July 1 any restrictions it had imposed. The US would then identify restrictions that deny US investors fair, effective and non-discriminatory market access and treatment. Following such identification, China is to act expeditiously to remove all identified investment restrictions on a timetable to be decided by the United States and China. The delegation demanded that Beijing give Washington carte blanche to impose measures against China. The document stated: China also recognizes that the United States may impose import restrictions and tariffs on products in critical sectors, including sectors identified in the Made in China 2025 industrial plan. If China failed to implement US demands, China acknowledges the likelihood that the United States will impose additional tariffs or other import restrictions on Chinese products, or on the supply of Chinese supply of services to such extent as the United States deems appropriate. Moreover, China understands that it will not oppose, challenge or take any form of action against the United States imposition additional tariffs, including action through the WTO. China must also give up its opposition to US objections to it being declared a market economy under WTO regulations. The granting of full WTO market status to a country makes it more difficult for rivals to impose restrictions on it. Chinese counter-demands included the lifting of the proposed 25 percent tariffs on Chinese exports to the US; open access for Chinese goods in US government procurement; equal treatment for Chinese companies in any national security review; an adjustment on the ban imposed on the Chinese technology company ZTE; and a commitment by the US not to initiate any section 301 investigation into China in the future. As the US document itself indicated, there will be no concessions by Washington on any of these issues. No doubt there will be conjecture over the coming weeks as to what concessions both sides could make in future talksif any take placenow that they have set out their basic positions. While there may be some moves in this direction, any assessment that regards the conflict as simply a trade dispute would completely misread it. The US trade war measures are part of a much broader agenda aimed at turning China into nothing less than a semi-colony, if necessary by military means. The US National Security Strategy, issued last December, labelled China a strategic competitor practising economic aggression against the US. In Januarys National Defense Strategy (NDS), Defense Secretary James Mattis declared that great power competition, rather than terrorism, was now the primary focus of US national security. The NDS designated China, along with Russia, as a revisionist power seeking to create a world consistent with its authoritarian model. In July 1914, the crumbling and decaying Austrian regime issued an impossible-to-meet ultimatum to Serbia, following the assassination of Austrian archduke Ferdinand in Sarajevo. Austria knew its demands would provoke war, but made a desperate attempt to maintain its threatened European empire. Today, US imperialism, considering itself threatened on all sides by rivals, old and new, regards Chinas economic expansionabove all, in the critical area of high-tech developmentas an existential threat to its global economic and military dominance. In issuing its ultimatums to China, Washington has made clear that it is no less prepared to plunge the world into war. 25 years ago: Man executed after Supreme Court rules it does not correct errors of fact Police mugshot of Leonel Herrera On May 12, 1993, at 4:49 a.m., Leonel Herrera was executed in Huntsville, Texas, after Governor Ann Richards refused a last-minute appeal for clemency and the US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that new evidence that might exonerate him was irrelevant. In the words of the majority decision handed down by Chief Justice William Rehnquist, the Supreme Court does not correct errors of fact. Herrera had been convicted of the killing of two police officers in 1981 near the Rio Grande River. His initial conviction bore many of the trappings of a police frame-up. It was based on evidence that included an alleged handwritten confession found in his wallet, that his social security card was found by one of the officers bodies, as well as a death-bed identification of him by one of the officers. Later, exculpatory evidence emerged, including two affidavits identifying Herreras brother, Raul, who had been killed in 1984, as the murderer. The sworn statements came from Raul Herreras attorney and a prison cellmate. Because Texas law only permitted new trial motions based on newly discovered evidence within 30 days of sentence, Leonel Herrera filed a writ of habeas corpus with the Supreme Court, arguing that he was actually innocent and that allowing the state of Texas, which had refused his appeals, to execute him would violate his Eighth Amendment protections against cruel and unusual punishment, and his Fourteenth Amendment rights to due process. Rehnquists opinion, issued January 25, 1993, which was echoed by concurring opinions from Sandra Day OConnor and Antonin Scalia, held that there was no constitutional issue at stake as Herreras original trial had been fair. Herreras claim of actual innocence does not entitle him to federal habeas relief, Rehnquist wrote in dismissing the petition. Federal habeas courts do not sit to correct errors of fact, but to ensure that individuals are not imprisoned in violation of the Constitution. Therefore actual innocence based on newly discovered evidence could not be grounds for Supreme Court intervention. Herrera, who also had passed a polygraph test, refused his last meal. His final words were: I am innocent, innocent, innocent. Make no mistake about this; I owe society nothing. Continue the struggle for human rights, helping those who are innocent... I am an innocent man, and something very wrong is taking place tonight. May God bless you all. I am ready. 50 years ago: General strike in France backs student protests Graffiti in University of Lyon classroom during student revolt of 1968 After two weeks of demonstrations and strikes by French college and high school students, which had witnessed pitched battles on the streets of Paris with police, the most powerful social force in France began to make its presence felt: the working class. On May 13, millions of French workers staged a one-day general strike in support of the students. The action was called by the main French trade unionsthe Confederation Generale du Travail (CGT), Confederation francaise democratique du travail (CFDT), and the Force Ouvriere (CGT-FO)as a means of venting steam among rank-and-file workers angry over the abuses inflicted upon the students by police, and, increasingly, itching for their own showdown with French capitalism. The strike brought France to a standstill, shutting down virtually all private industry, as well as most transportation. The entry of the working class into struggle terrified the government of President Charles de Gaulle. Immediately, Prime Minister Georges Pompidou announced that he would meet two of the students central demandsthe release of imprisoned students and the reopening of the Sorbonne. However, the government had lost the initiative. Hundreds of thousands of workers seized on the general strike to join students in Paris, forcing past police barricades to occupy the Sorbonne. Only two days earlier, on May 11, the Night of the Barricades, police had violently swept aside student barricades in the Latin Quarter. In the days preceding, college and high school occupations swept France. In Paris, the students showed tenacity and discipline in the face of beatings at the hands of the police, violence that increasingly angered French workers, and mobilizing disciplined marches and demonstrations numbering in the tens of thousands. 75 years ago: Axis powers suffer final defeat in North Africa Map of North African theater of WWII On May 13, 1943, the remaining German and Italian forces in Tunisia surrendered to British and US troops, marking the end of the North African campaign, a three-year series of battles for control over the geo-strategically critical and resource-rich region. Fighting in the theatre had begun in June 1940, with an Italian declaration of war. The British, anxious to retain their lucrative colonial possessions, had immediately dedicated substantial troop personnel to repelling Italian and German forces which sought to move east from Italian-occupied Libya into Egypt. In November 1942, Anglo-American forces launched Operation Torch, a major troop landing and offensive in French-controlled North Africa. The Allies quickly overran the Vichy French positions. In the same month British forces inflicted a major defeat on German-Italian forces at El Alamein, in western Egypt, beginning a counteroffensive that took town after town across Libya. The combined attacks from the east and from the west squeezed the Axis powers into a tiny salient in Tunisia by March 1943. In May, British and American troops launched their final attack. This included artillery and aerial bombardments and forward troop movements that crippled the remaining Axis defenses. The Allies had imposed a naval blockade, aimed at preventing any evacuation of Axis forces. The German and Italian troops were running short on supplies, including ammunition, and fuel, rendering them largely immobile. The Axis surrender, on May 13, after some 40,000 casualties, gave the Allies an estimated 275,000 Italian and German prisoners of war. The defeat intensified the crisis of the fascist regimes, which had suffered a series of severe blows, most importantly the Nazi reversals on the Eastern Front at the hands of the Red Army. It also spurred ongoing conflicts between the Allied powers over the division of the spoils in North Africa. 100 years ago: Wilson administration circulates German-Bolshevik conspiracy slander September 15, 1918, headline from New York Times On May 9, 1918, Edgar Sisson, an agent of the US propaganda bureaucracy known as the Committee on Public Information (CPI), circulated the first of 68 forged Russian documents that came to form the pamphlet The German-Bolshevik Conspiracy, which alleged that Lenin and Trotsky were paid agents of the German Armys General Staff. Sisson, who had served as editor of Colliers Weekly and Cosmopolitan before the war, arrived in Petrograd in November 1917, after the Bolshevik seizure of power. He obtained the documents in the spring of 1918, sending them, along with a report attesting to their authenticity, to President Woodrow Wilson, who received them on May 9. The documents were crude forgeries created by enemies of the Bolsheviks in Russia. As the American diplomat and Russia expert George Kennan demonstrated in a 1956 analysis, the signatures on the supposedly incriminating documents were false, their letterheads and seals were suspect, letters supposedly originating from different offices were produced by the same typewriter, and the dating system used in the correspondence was incorrect. Nonetheless, when the Wilson administration and the CPI released the documents to the public in September, 1918distributing 137,000 copies in pamphlet formleading academics and newspapers declared them to be authentic. As the New York Times told its readers, the documents prove: that the present heads of the Bolshevist governmentLenin and Trotsky and their associatesare German agents ... that the Bolshevist revolt was arranged for by the German Great General Staff and financed by the German Imperial Bank and other German financial institutions ... that the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was a betrayal of the Russian people by German agents, Lenin and Trotsky ... that the present Bolshevist government is not a Russian government at all, but a German government, acting solely in the interests of Germany, and betraying the Russian people, as it betrays Russias natural allies, for the benefit of the Imperial German Government alone. And they show also that the Bolshevist leaders ... have equally betrayed the working classes of Russia whom they pretend to represent. The obviously false nature of the letters was no obstacle to Wilson, the CPI, and the Times, because the documents suited important purposes, both foreign and domestic: to help continue on the imperialist slaughter that had been discredited by the October Revolution, and to brand working class opposition to the war within the United States, as well as sympathy for the Russian Revolution, as the activity of agents in the pay of Germany. The Paris News' Mission Statement The Paris News as a bastion of truth will strive for excellence, accuracy and fairness through objective news-gathering methods. We will be constantly accessible, but remain fiercely independent as we guide the Red River Valleys deliberation of public issues and advocate for solutions. While serving as the areas watchdog, we will report the good news happening in our neighborhoods every day. The Paris News will serve as a mirror for the Red River Valley, motivating people to celebrate what they like and to change what they do not. The History of The Paris News The Paris News has a rich heritage in Lamar County dating back to the 1800s. While not the oldest newspaper in the state, or even in the Northeast part of the state, The Paris News' history is well worth recalling. The first newspaper in Paris was established the same year that the city of Paris was founded, but the paper had a considerably shorter life than the city. In 1844, J. Wellington Latimer began printing The Western Star, but it was not the first paper in the vicinity. Two years earlier, Col. Charles DeMorse began publication of The Standard in Clarksville in Red River County. The Western Star struggled for four years before Latimer moved on to establish newspapers in other Texas cities. From 1844 until the beginning of the Civil War in 1861, at least five other papers were established in Paris, to varying degrees of success. These included Coming West, a weekly started by W.J.F. Morgan, in 1852; The Lamar Inquirer, begun in 1856 by Col. Richard Peterson; and The Family Visitor, established in 1859, which was later renamed The Paris Press. In 1869, The North Texan was founded by A.H. Boyd. The paper was subsequently acquired by a family member, Austin Pollard Boyd, who published his own newspaper, also established in 1869. Boyd merged the two operations and published a daily newspaper in Paris for the next 33 years. After the death of A.P. Boyd in 1902, his wife and his son, Sayer, continued publication of the paper, now known as The News, until 1920, when the operation was sold to a locally organized stock company, North Texas Publishing Co. In 1902, A.W. "Sandy" Neville, a part-time printer and novice journalist, came to work for Sayers Boyd at The Paris Morning News. He would remain with the paper until his retirement in 1956, rising through the ranks until becoming editor. In 1916, Paris, and almost all of its downtown area, was devastated by fire. The newspaper was one of the casualties of the blaze. The newspaper plant and its records, stretching all the way back to 1869, were lost, but the paper did not miss an issue. The day after the fire, The Paris News, its title abbreviated through haste and lack of space, and printed on a borrowed printing press on handbill-sized paper, hit the streets of the fire-ravaged town. Within a matter of days, however the paper had made arrangements to use another newspaper's presses and publication continued. A few months later, the newspaper moved into its new building on North Main Street, facing the county courthouse, which was also undergoing repairs to its gutted structure. Within five years, The Paris Morning News moved to a new location on Lamar Avenue, where it remained for many years. North Texas Publishing Co. sold the newspaper to Harte-Hanks, a newspaper group, in 1929. A.G. Mayse was named publisher and within a few short years the publication's format was altered and renamed The Paris Evening News, only to have its name changed once again in 1937 to The Paris News, the name by which it is known today. The Depression of the 1930s hit Paris hard, but The Paris News weathered hard times, even printing a kind of scrip for its struggling readers. "News coin," as it was called, was generally accepted by the merchants of Paris until the banks could reopen and the scrip redeemed with cash. In 1947, according to a clipping from the paper's archives, the first Associated Press teletype transmission in Texas was received in the offices of The Paris News. In 1955, long-time publisher A.G. "Pat" Mayse died. He was succeeded by his son-in-law, Walter W. Bassano, himself from a long-time Paris family. Bassano was succeeded in his turn by Roger Amdall in 1972, and Bill Martin in 1973, before Bassano's son, Pat Bassano, was named publisher in 1974. On Dec. 31, 1986, Hart-Hanks sold The Paris News to Worrell Communications, which three years later sold the operation to Southern Newspapers Inc. In 1992, The Paris News, which had been at its downtown location since 1921, moved into new quarters on Southeast Loop 286. The move was accomplished without interruption in the publication schedule. On Christmas Day 2001, Northeast Texas was brought to a standstill by freezing rain and sleet, which cut the power to the presses and computers at the newspaper office. In such cases, the plan would have called for moving operations to a neighboring town unaffected by the power outages and putting out a paper and bringing it back to Paris, but the ice had closed roads in all directions, making such travel far too hazardous, if not impossible. It is the only time The Paris News has missed a publication date in its many years of existence. The Paris News Customer Service Center Welcome. We're here to help! We're pleased to bring many of The Paris News services to the web, providing 24-hour accessibility to our products and information. Our location P.O. Box 1078 Paris, Texas 75461 Phone: (903) 785-8744 5050 SE Loop 286 - map P.O. Box 1078Paris, Texas 75461Phone: (903) 785-8744 Hours Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Departments General Information History of The Paris News The Paris News has a rich heritage in Lamar County that as of July 10 spans more then 150 years. While not the oldest newspaper in the state, The Paris News' history is well worth recalling. News Services Letter to the Editor The Paris News welcomes your commentary. No letter will be published until authorship is confirmed. Press Release Submit your news and event information to The Paris News. Subscriber Services Home Delivery Subscribe to The Paris News. Start your service today. The Paris News Back issues Order issues up to two years after publication. Vacation Stops Place a temporary stop on delivery of your newspaper for a vacation or any reason. Remember, you can make a difference for education if you choose to donate your newspapers to local schools. Delivery Issues Miss a paper? Delivery problem? We're here to bring the finest customer service to your doorstep. The Paris News Email Extra Email Extra is our free e-mail newsletter and the best way to keep track of daily or breaking news in Lamar County. Registration is required. Advertiser Services Advertising Inquiry Click here with questions about ad sizes, file types, ad prices, etc. Place an Ad Sell your stuff fast! Click here to place your ad in the Classified Marketplace. Another Kentucky Derby, another red carpet appearance for Dannielynn Birkhead. The 11-year-old daughter of the late Anna Nicole Smith attended the 144th annual horse race in Louisville at the famed thoroughbred racetrack Churchill Downs on Saturday for the ninth year in a row. Posing on the red carpet prior to the race with dad Larry Birkhead, Dannielynn looked happy as can be while smiling wide to reveal a mouth full of braces. RELATED: Watch Her Grow Up! All the Years of Dannielynn Birkhead at the Kentucky Derby with Dad Like previous years, Dannielynn was dressed to the nines this time wearing a white silk Southern belle gown with blue hydrangea appliques from Lesy boutique. The flowers were mimicked in the cap sleeves, as well as on her white shoes and white fascinator. Dannielynn wore her blonde lob down and capped her look off with white gloves and blue jewelry. Larry wore a coordinating blue checkered suit from menswear designer Nick Graham. He paired it with a white shirt, blue paisley tie, black shoes and a blue pocket square. Celebrating the Kentucky Derby with Dannielynn, he wrote on Twitter alongside a picture of the two. Rain wont spoil our awesome Derby day! ]]> Two days after being convicted of assault, drug possession and resisting arrest following a nightclub brawl in Sweden earlier this week, rapper G-Eazy broke his social media silence to share how grateful he was to have avoided jail time, and how embarrassed he felt to have gotten himself into the situation in the first place. Grateful & blessed to be free & safe. Happy to be in Copenhagen tonight doing what I love most, the Me, Myself & I rapper born Gerald Gillum wrote alongside a smiling black-and-white image of himself on Sunday, as he resumed his Beautiful and Damned tour in Copenhagen. [Im] embarrassed & apologetic beyond words about the incident, but above all Im so fing grateful they let me go, he added. Avoiding jail time, the 28-year-old was sentenced to two years probation and ordered to pay 80,000 krona (about $9,000) for his crimes, as well as 6,500 krona (about $810) restitution to the security guard he was accused of assaulting, a courtroom source previously confirmed to PEOPLE. RELATED: Remorseful G-Eazy Convicted of Assault and Drug Possession, Avoids Jail Time Following Arrest Describing the incident as the craziest experience of my life and an awful night with a lot of bad luck and some even worse decisions, the rapper doubled down on how grateful he felt to have avoided jail time. Story continues Like I said Im grateful as f to be a free man, back on tour performing for the fans. Thank you to everyone whos held me down along the way and supported this journey, I appreciate you more than youll ever know. Love, he wrote on social media. G-Eazy During his court appearance on Friday in Sweden, G-Eazy was very remorseful and regretted the whole thing. He was clearly feeling terrible he said he wanted to apologize several times, the courtroom source previously told PEOPLE. He has a clean record and the courthouse in Stockholm took that into consideration. He seemed very relieved when the court gave its decision and it was over with. He was released immediately, the source added. G-Eazy RELATED: G-Eazy Arrested for Alleged Assault and Cocaine Possession After Sweden Concert The rapper was taken into custody at the Solidaritet nightclub in Stockholm early Thursday morning after acting belligerent and punching a security guard in the face, prosecutor Carl Mellberg previously told PEOPLE. Swedish newspaper Expressen reported G-Eazy confirmed in court that the fight started after a fan asked for a photo, was denied and took one anyway. He punched a security guard at a nightclub and also resisted arrest after this took place. When the police officers went through his clothes they also found narcotics: cocaine, Mellberg told PEOPLE. During the police investigation [G-Eazy] admitted that he has done these things. A police report obtained by The Blast stated that G-Eazy had 1.5 grams of cocaine in his possession, as well as a rolled bill often used to snort the drug in his pocket. According to The Blast, the report stated G-Eazy was observed to have white powder on his nose and tense, convulsive jaw muscles. The report described G-Eazys behavior during the arrest incident as insane, crazy and rabid. Want to keep up with the latest from PEOPLE? Sign up for our daily newsletter to get our best stories of the day delivered straight to your inbox. Hours before his arrest, the rapper had kicked off the European leg of his Beautiful and Damned tour in Stockholm, during which he brought his girlfriend Halsey onstage to perform their hit song Him & I. The popular song includes the lyrics We do drugs together / F up clubs together. Per videos and photos posted from the Solidaritet nightclub, G-Eazy had been seen partying with Halsey, 23, as well as musician Sean Kingston, 28. Halsey and G-Eazy G-Eazy and Halsey previously made headlines in January after photos surfaced of the couple snorting what appeared to be a white, powdery substance on a boat in Miami. Halsey and G-Eazy A few days after the images made the rounds, G-Eazy seemingly confirmed the reports, coyly telling The Breakfast Club Power 105.1 FM radio show: Its New Years Day. Its Miami. Im on a yacht. What do you think Im doing? G-Eazys Beautiful and Damned tour resumed Sunday in Copenhagen. Photo credit: Getty Images From Cosmopolitan G-Eazy said he's "grateful" to be free and safe after his arrest in Stockholm, Sweden last week for assault and drug possession while partying with his girlfriend Halsey. The rapper was convicted this past weekend, but was released and is now in Copenhagen, Denmark continuing his "Beautiful and Damned" tour. He wrote in his caption that he is "Grateful & blessed to be free & safe. Happy to be in Copenhagen tonight doing what I love most. Embarrassed & apologetic beyond words about the incident, but above all Im so f*cking grateful they let me go, craziest experience of my life, awful night with a lot of bad luck and some even worse decisions but like I said Im grateful as f*ck to be a free man, back on tour performing for the fans." After a club performance last Wednesday, the musician reportedly started a brawl when a fan asked to take pictures of him, and continued doing so when he refused. During the fight, he hit a member of the club's security team multiple times. When he was arrested, police officers found cocaine in his pocket G-Eazy reportedly paid around $9,000 for his crimes as well as $800 in restitution to the security guard. He avoided jail time but will be on probation for the next two years. He finished the caption by saying, "Thank you to everyone whos held me down along the way and supported this journey, I appreciate you more than youll ever know. Love." Story continues Follow Emma on Instagram. You Might Also Like Republican Sen. John McCain reportedly doesnt want President Donald Trump to come to his funeral. According to a new report from the New York Times, those close to the longtime lawmaker who announced in July 2017 that he had been diagnosed with brain cancer have allegedly informed the White House that their current plan is to invite Vice President Mike Pence to the funeral service, but not Trump, citing the pairs rocky relationship. John McCain Days after he announced the diagnoses in 2017, McCain, 81, voted against the Republican bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, which angered Trump. While giving a speech in February at the Conservative Political Action Conference, the president criticized the senator for his decision, although he opted out of mentioning McCain by name. Remember, one person walked into a room, when he was supposed to go this way, and he said he was going this way, and he walked in, and he went this way and everyone said, What happened? What was that all about? Boy, oh, boy, Trump said. What a mess. In 2015, Trump accused the former Vietnam prisoner of war of not being a hero because he had been captured. Donald Trump and John McCain Trump was also not among the assembled guests at former First Lady Barbara Bushs funeral last month. The 71-year-old commander in chief opted out of attending the funeral in order to avoid disruptions due to added security, and out of respect for the Bush family and friends attending the service, according to a statement released by the White House and obtained by the Associated Press at the time. RELATED: People Are Leaving Signs on John McCains Road Thanking Him for His Health Care Vote Weeks after sharing that her father was doing well after undergoing surgery due to an intestinal infection, Meghan McCain announced on Friday that she would be traveling to Arizona for the weekend in order to spend time with her family. Going home to Arizona to be with my family will be back on @TheView Tuesday. Thank you all again for your prayers, patience, understanding and compassion during this time. It means the world to me and my entire family, she wrote on Twitter. Story continues Going home to Arizona to be with my family - will be back on @TheView Tuesday. Thank you all again for your prayers, patience, understanding and compassion during this time. It means the world to me and my entire family. ???????????? Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) May 4, 2018 RELATED: Senator John McCain Hospitalized in Arizona After Undergoing Surgery for Intestinal Infection In an excerpt from his forthcoming memoir The Restless Wave shared by NPR, McCain wrote, I dont know how much longer Ill be here. While he wrote that thanks to medical advancements maybe Ill have another five years, he acknowledged that maybe Ill be gone before you hear this. Im prepared for either contingency or at least Im getting prepared, he continued. Want to keep up on the latest from PEOPLE? Sign up for our daily newsletter to get our best stories of the day delivered straight to your inbox. After being diagnosed in July, McCain told PEOPLE that his daughter marrying Ben Domenech on Nov. 21 at the familys ranch in Cornville, Arizona, was a dream come true. In the wake of the diagnosis, Meghan, 33, and Domenech, 35, made the decision to get engaged and quickly plan a wedding. John Oliver has a koala chlamydia ward named after him at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital thanks to a donation made by Russell Crowe. A few weeks back on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, the host revealed that the show had bought several pieces of Crowes movie memorabilia at his divorce auction with the plan to donate the memorabilia to a Blockbuster in Anchorage, Alaska. Touched by Olivers kindness, Crowe decided to donate the money Oliver paid for the items to the zoo. Ive had a eureka moment on how to use @iamjohnoliver from @LastWeekTonight auction money . His random act of kindness is going to be honoured in such a cool way . Yes, no surprise, it will involve wildlife . @rickygervais @jimjefferies @jimmycarr @edsheeran @edwina_b Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) April 18, 2018 The zoo was so grateful for the donation, Terri, Bindi, and Robert Irwin made a video thanking Crowe and Oliver. In the video they also revealed the name of the new ward, The John Oliver Koala Chlamydia Ward. Well played, Russell Crowe. Well played indeed, Oliver said, adding, That may honestly be the greatest thing Ive ever seen. Oliver then went on to pretend that this has been a longtime goal of his saying, Back when this show started, I wrote down my one and only goal for it, and I put it in this envelope. It was a simple goal, just three words long. That goal? A koala chlamydia ward. Story continues And with that goal reached, Oliver was ready to call it quits. He packed up his belongings as his desk was being dismantled and said his goodbye. I hope you enjoyed the show over the years. I know we made it rather difficult to do that. But, you know, we did learn some things along the way, didnt we? And we had exactly four laughs together, so thats something, Oliver said. The point is, pack it up, guys, were going home! We did it, Jeff! We did it. We got the koala ward! Last Week Tonight with John Oliver airs Sundays at 11 p.m. on HBO. Check out why John Oliver paid $7,000 for Russell Crowes jockstrap: Read more from Yahoo Entertainment: Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Kylie Mar, on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Tori Spelling and husband Dean McDermott in August 2017. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage) Party of two! Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott left the kids at home to celebrate their wedding anniversary in Hawaii just months after they were reportedly on the brink of splitting. On Monday, the Beverly Hills, 90210 star posted a loving message to her hubby of 12-years on Instagram. Spelling, 44, and McDermott, 51, met in July 2005 while filming the Lifetime TV movie Mind Over Murder. They quickly struck up a romantic relationship while they were both married to other people. The co-stars divorced their respective partners and eloped in Fiji in May of the following year. Spelling shared another loving photo from the trip, revealing they are on a kids-free vacation, a first for the couple. The actors have five children: Liam, 11; Stella, 9; Hattie, 6; Finn, 5; and Beau, 1. McDermott, 51, posted the same photo writing that hes so blessed to be with his wife. Story continues The social media pics come two months after cops were called to the family home in Los Angeles for a domestic incident. In March, officers responded to an occurrence allegedly involving a female with a possible mental illness. Apparently, Spelling called the police when she thought there was an intruder, but it ended up being her husband. She and McDermott were reportedly taking some space apart at the time. The last year has been really tough on Tori. She has a ton of pressure and stress, with the kids, work and her marriage, a source told People at the time. She internalizes a lot of her anxiety, and she knows its not healthy for her. Of course shes going to get to a breaking point eventually. Tori and Dean have their ups and downs, but they love each other, and family is most important to both of them. Clearly, they weathered another storm successfully. Read more from Yahoo Entertainment: The Oracle of Omaha admits that his investment crystal ball was cloudy on at least two tech companies, Amazon and Google. Speaking at the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meeting on Saturday, Buffett said he bet wrong when it came to the technology giants, which represent two of the largest companies in the world. The meeting was held before a capacity crowd of approximately 20,000 at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Buffett is considered one of the worlds leading value investors, who specialize in value in companies that are typically under-performing. Buffett has long been wary of technology investments and has also said that he doesnt consider cryptocurrency as worthy of his money, calling it rat poison squared at the Saturday meeting. But its hard to argue with him, given the outsize returns he has delivered to his stockholders over the years. However, even investing geniuses can make occasional mistakes. I made the wrong decisions on Google and Amazon, he said. Weve looked at it. I made the mistake in not being able to come to a conclusion where I really felt that at the present prices that the prospects were far better than the prices indicated. Buffett said Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates had to tell him to stop using the Altavista search engine before he became aware of Google. He said he should have been more aware of the company before its public offering since one of Berkshires companies, Geico, was spending a lot of money in advertising. The investment guru also said he underestimated how rapidly Amazon would disintermediate retail. I had very very very high opinion of Jeffs [Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon] ability when I first him, and I underestimated him, Buffett said. Ive watched Amazon from the start. I think what Jeff Bezos has done is something close to a miracle The problem is when I think something will be a miracle, I tend not to bet on it. It would have been far better obviously if I had some insights into certain businesses. Story continues Related stories Meek Mill And Amazon Developing Docuseries On Criminal Justice System With Jay-Z's Roc Nation 'Goliath' Gets Season 2 Premiere Date & New Trailer Comedy Series Starring Salma Hayek From Paul Feig & Imagine Eyed By Amazon Larry Birkhead Shares Touching Photo of Anna Nicole Smith & Their Daughter on Her 12th Birthday Dannielynn Birkhead turned a year older, and her dad couldn't be happier. Dannielynn Birkhead never misses a Kentucky Derby! The late Anna Nicole Smith's 11-year-old daughter made an appearance with her father, Larry Birkhead, at the Kentucky Derby on Saturday in Louisville, Kentucky, looking adorable in a white and blue dress and a coordinating hat. Birkhead matched his daughter in a light blue plaid suit and an eye-catching tie. Though Dannielynn has stayed largely out of the spotlight, the two attend the Kentucky Derby together every year. Getty Images Birkhead also shared an adorable father-daughter pic of the two at the event. Celebrating the @kentuckyderby with Dannielynn. Thanks @itsnickgraham for my cool suit! Dannielynns awesome southern belle dress by Lesy boutique. Rain wont spoil our awesome Derby day! #halfwaycooldadpic.twitter.com/PaIvwNoYnM Larry Birkhead (@larrybirkhead) May 5, 2018 ET spoke with Birkhead last September, when he opened up about how Dannieylnn is coping without her mother as she nears her teens. Birkhead revealed that Dannielynn doesnt ask too many questions about Smith, who died in 2007 from an accidental overdose. She is clinging to the female teachers, Birkhead shared. She's clingy to her girlfriends moms and shell say things like, Do you want to adopt me? Would you be my honorary mother? She tends to do that a lot. But despite the struggles of being a single dad, Birkhead said he is proud of the young woman Dannielynn is turning in to. The other day, she had a friend whose fish died and she said, Don't worry about your fish, it's up there with my mom. My mom's taking care of your fish and its gonna be OK,'" he recalled. "It was something that she came up with. It was true from the heart and that's how she deals with it and I'm proud that she is who she is." Story continues Watch the video below to hear the surprising celebrity Dannielynn wants her dad to date. RELATED CONTENT: Larry Birkhead and Daughter Dannielynn Honor Anna Nicole Smith's Memory at the 2017 Kentucky Derby Larry Birkhead Says Daughter Dannielynn is 'Fearless' Like Late Mom Anna Nicole Smith Larry Birkhead on Raising Dannielynn Almost 10 Years After Anna Nicole Smith's Death: 'We Make the Best of It' Related Articles: The Trump administration is trying to deport as many people as possible, even if theyre here legally. Ever since he started running for president, Donald Trump has been pretty explicit: Immigrants are bad. He may follow that up with some soft backpedaling, saying that of course the good ones aren't bad, but that's the "some, I assume, are good people" that comes after the "they're rapists." It's plausible deniability, giving him and his supporters wiggle room if anyone accuses them of being xenophobes or anti-immigration. But the Trump administration doesn't believe that there are good immigrants. We only need to look at how they're treating law-abiding, documented immigrants to know that they don't draw a distinction between criminals and everyone else. Late Friday, the Department of Homeland Security announced it would be ending Temporary Protected Status for more than 50,000 Hondurans living in the U.S. since the late '90s. Originally, they were given TPS in response to a deadly hurricane that struck in 1998, and according to DHS secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, enough time has passed to kick them all out now. Nielsen has set a deadline for January 2020 for the 57,000 people who have been living, working, and paying taxes in the U.S. for nearly 20 years to get out. As NPR reports: According to a statement by the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc., or CLINIC, the Central American country is in the middle of a humanitarian crisis with a "staggering" homicide rate, lack of safe drinking water for hundreds of thousands of people and chronic childhood hunger. "The administration has attempted to paint a picture that it has no choice but to terminate TPS," said CLINIC executive director Jeanne Atkinson. "Its action seems to suggest that all of the past Republican and Democratic administrations that extended TPS for Honduras have not properly applied the law. To the contrary, it is the Trump administration's action that disregards the law and the intent of Congress in creating TPS in the first place to safeguard human lives," said Atkinson. Story continues Supporters of the move parrot a lot of the same talking points as people who are opposed to DACA: According to them, the logistics and technicalities of the protections are unbearably repugnant. Or, to put it simply, "temporary means temporary." If this story sounds familiar, it's because the Trump administration has ended the TPS designation for multiple populations now, criminalizing more than 425,000 people from Nepal, El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua, Sudan, and now Honduras. That's hundreds of thousands of people whom the White House has deliberately made into undocumented immigrants, exposing them to the abuse and dehumanization that's now become synonymous with ICE. Of course, there are alternatives to ending TPS. At a minimum, Trump could just leave them the hell alone. There's no pressing need to end TPS for any of these groups. Nothing in this move will enhance national security, fight terrorism, or strengthen the economy. We also know that "temporary is temporary" is bunk, because we could just make the temporary permanent. These are, after all, people who have been living, working, and paying taxes in the U.S. for decades, and whose only crime so far is not being from the right country. But the immigration hardliners constantly wringing their hands about people not coming here "the right way" aren't bothering to speak out in support of Hondurans or Haitians who did come to the country legally and obeyed the laws. Instead, they applaud the administration canceling the laws that shield them from deportation. Trump promised his supporters that he would be a crusader against multicultural America, after all. And out of all his campaign promises, this is one of the few he seems hell-bent on keeping. Video: Tens of Thousands of Hondurans in US Lose Protected Status Watch news, TV and more on Yahoo View. Beirut (AFP) - More than 30 Syrian government troops have been killed in a southern district of the capital in a fierce counter-offensive by Islamic State group fighters, a monitor said Monday. Regime forces are seeking to end IS's years-long foothold in the Palestinian camp of Yarmuk and neighbouring district of Hajar al-Aswad, both in southern Damascus. Last week, troops managed to sever a route linking the two areas, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said, but IS launched a fightback at the weekend and successfully reopened it. "Their hit-and-run operations have continued since then, killing a total of 31 regime forces, mostly in ambushes," said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Britain-based Observatory. "The regime has since been advancing slowly, taking some positions and buildings, but there hasn't been any strategic advance since Saturday," he told AFP. Regime troops control 60 percent of Hajar al-Aswad, while IS still holds more than 80 percent of Yarmuk. Forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad were pounding both districts with air strikes and shelling on Monday, Abdel Rahman said. Since the start of the offensive in mid-April, more than 150 regime forces have been killed, as well as 120 IS fighters, the Observatory said. Another 47 civilians also died in the fighting. Yarmuk was once a thriving Palestinian camp that was home to around 160,000 people but only a few hundred are expected to still remain. Syria's government besieged the camp in 2012, and IS overran large swathes of it three years later. Assad set his sights on the capital's south after reconquering a major rebel bastion east of Damascus earlier this month. Sanaa (AFP) - Two air raids targeted the office of the presidency in Yemen's rebel-held capital Sanaa on Monday, leaving at least six people killed and 30 wounded, a medical source told AFP. The rebel-run Al-Masirah television blamed the Saudi-led coalition for the raids. Witnesses said the office, used by the Huthi rebel administration and located in the Tahrir district of Sanaa, is normally bustling with employees. Residents said they heard two powerful explosions hit the building, which is located near a hotel, a bank and shops, and not far from the central bank. "We were working next door to the presidential offices and heard a plane, and then an explosion," Ahmed Dehashir, a first responder, told AFP at the scene of the attack. "Some people rushed to the scene and saw the destruction and people caught under the rubble. We tried to dig out the dead and wounded from under the debris, and then there was a second strike," he said. "There are a lot of people trapped under the rubble," Dehashir added. The Huthis' Al-Masirah television accused the Saudi-led coalition, which has been fighting the rebels since 2015 to shore up the internationally recognised government, of responsibility for the strikes. The coalition could not immediately be reached for comment. The strikes came hours after Saudi Arabia's air defences intercepted two ballistic missiles launched by the Huthis that targeted the south of the kingdom, said coalition spokesman Colonel Turki al-Malki. He said the rockets were launched from northern Yemen toward "populated areas" of Saudi Arabia, but were intercepted overnight without any casualties or damage. "This hostile act... proves the continued involvement of the Iranian regime in supporting the Huthi militia with qualitative capabilities," Malki added. Since November of last year, the Iran-backed insurgents have intensified missile attacks into neighbouring Saudi Arabia. The Saudi-led coalition launched a military intervention in Yemen in 2015 with the goal of rolling back the Huthis and restoring the internationally-recognised government to power. The conflict has left nearly 10,000 people killed, tens of thousands wounded, and millions on the brink of famine in what the United Nations has called the world's worst humanitarian crisis. (Photo: Ji Sub Jeong/HuffPost) It did not occur to Bertha Lewis to be afraid. She was watching the final presidential debate of 2008, and John McCain had just said something insane. We need to know the full extent of Senator Obamas relationship with ACORN, who is now on the verge of maybe perpetrating one of the greatest frauds in voter history in this country, maybe destroying the fabric of democracy, the Arizona Republican proclaimed. Lewis had been leading ACORN the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now for about five months. ACORN advocated for the poor. In addition to helping families navigate federal aid programs, the group ran campaigns to improve city sanitation, protested against predatory lenders and registered people to vote. The nations top Republican politician had just declared this body of work tantamount to stealing an election. It was absurd, Lewis said in a recent interview. Those words had no meaning. If anything, Lewis reasoned, the attack was probably good news. Republicans had always loathed ACORN, in no small part because poor voters tend to vote Democrat, but open, inflammatory denunciations of the group were generally confined to the talk radio fringe. Lewis had been bogged down in a top-to-bottom overhaul of ACORNs financial and managerial structure ever since she accepted her promotion. If GOP leaders were escalating things in October, she figured it meant she was running a solid voter registration operation despite all the paperwork shed been buried in. McCains debate paranoia wasnt an isolated outburst. It became the Republican Partys closing pitch for the 2008 election, amplified in political media. U.S. newspapers published over 1,700 stories on ACORN during October more than 10 times the average monthly total so far that year. More than three-fourths of these stories were devoted to allegations of voter fraud. The illegal voting accusations never panned out. But within 18 months, Lewis would be forced to close ACORNs doors exhausted, short-staffed, out of money and, most important, out of allies. Story continues ACORN had survived for more than 40 years. Its sudden collapse was a defining moment in 21st century American politics. The explosive cocktail of racism, dishonesty, incompetence and cowardice that brought down the organization reveals as much about Washington Democrats as it does about the conservative movement. It marked the Republican Partys full transition from the coded winks and nods of Richard Nixons Southern strategy to the bellicose white nativism that defines Donald Trump, and it exposed a Democratic Party establishment unprepared for dirty tricks in the Digital Age and unwilling to defend many of the black voters and activists it claimed to represent. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) turned ACORN into an enemy during his final presidential debate with Barack Obama in 2008. (Photo: Gary Hershorn / Reuters) After McCain lost the 2008 election, his allegations of a vast ACORN conspiracy to steal the election looked even more preposterous. Nobody could find a single fraudulent vote that had been cast by someone connected to ACORN. But the ACORN story kept bouncing around conservative media anyway. Prosecutors in a few states cited a handful of ACORN employees for shoddy voter registration submitting incomplete forms or paperwork with bogus names like Donald Duck or Tony Romo. In many cases, ACORN itself had flagged the faulty documents before turning them over to state officials, since election laws required that all registration paperwork an organization had collected be turned in. This detail often wasnt included in the stories. Then in September 2009, everybody seemed to forget about ACORN voter fraud entirely. Right-wing provocateurs James OKeefe and Hannah Giles released a batch of undercover videos through Andrew Breitbarts new website that appeared to show ACORN employees offering to help OKeefe get away with all kinds of outrages, including dodging tax payments for an underage prostitution ring he claimed he wanted to smuggle into the country. Fox News pumped out updates on the story day after day as more videos were released in a slow trickle. OKeefe appeared on Fox & Friends dressed like a 1970s stereotype of a pimp one morning, and Breitbart and Giles would make Sean Hannitys show another evening. It was much juicier than the stale voter fraud story. Both Hannity and Glenn Beck ran segments in which a California ACORN employee supposedly confessed to murdering her husband. Several formal investigations would later find that, although the undercover videos might have been embarrassing, ACORN workers didnt violate any laws. The district attorneys office in Brooklyn, New York, found no criminality after a five-month investigation. Neither did the California attorney generals office. The murder confession touted by Fox turned out to be a prank by an ACORN employee whod caught on to the stunt. (State investigators interviewed her ex-husbands, who were still very much alive.) In an interview with HuffPost, OKeefe said its wrong to focus on whether his work uncovered actual criminality. It exposed immorality. It exposed soullessness, he said. Undercover work is about testing and affirming what people are willing to do. OKeefe has clung to the fact that ACORN workers in Baltimore gave him tax advice for his illegal business, including tips on how to disguise my 13 underage El Salvadorian sex girls on the tax returns, as he claimed on Reddit in January. In fact, after being told the girls didnt have Social Security numbers, the ACORN worker told OKeefe that we cant use them at all, according to unedited transcripts originally posted to Breitbarts site. Confronted about the transcript, OKeefe said it was still highly immoral for ACORN employees to help him report illegal income to the IRS. But even thats questionable, since illegal income is supposed to be reported to the IRS. One of the things a tax preparer has to do when you have a client with illegal income is navigate between reporting the illegal income which must be done and protecting the clients right not to incriminate himself, according to Larry Zelenak, a tax professor at Duke University School of Law. A crime may well have been committed at the ACORN offices by OKeefe. California state law prohibits non-consensual recordings of confidential conversations. The state granted him immunity from potential charges in exchange for access to his complete recordings, but it didnt wipe out his liability in civil lawsuits. OKeefe eventually agreed to pay a $100,000 settlement to a former ACORN employee who had actually contacted the police after OKeefes visit but was portrayed in the video as a willing collaborator. As part of the settlement, OKeefe said he regretted any pain he caused the man. But Washington didnt wait around for the facts to come out. On Sept. 14, 2009, the Democratic-controlled Senate voted 83 to 7 to block some federal grants to ACORN. Government funding typically accounted for 10 to 15 percent of ACORNs annual funding. The group received $48.4 million from the federal government from 2005 to 2009 most of it, including a $25 million grant in 2008, for housing counseling and foreclosure mitigation. On Sept. 17, the House followed suit, with 172 Democrats joining 173 Republicans in voting to defund ACORN, including some of the most progressive voices in the party, such as Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) and John Conyers (D-Mich.). Today, Democrats dont like to talk about that vote. Several told HuffPost they didnt remember how they voted or why they voted the way they did, other than to note the vote occurred amid a rash of scandalous ACORN headlines. Democrats panicked and felt like they had to be a part of that, Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.), one of the 75 Democrats who voted no, told HuffPost. Democrats had assumed a defensive posture following electoral victories in November 2008 and wanted to focus on their policy agenda, according to Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), who missed the vote. Were fighting about Dodd-Frank, were fighting about stimulus, were fighting about the Affordable Care Act, and were fighting about climate change and cap-and-trade, Connolly said. Huge battles. Huge! I think the calculus for some of my colleagues was, How much political capital do I want to expend on this when I have these other big ones? But that wasnt how Republicans saw Democrats at the time. Democrats were on a roll they had taken control of Congress in 2006 and pounded Republicans again in 2008. Theyd just reclaimed the White House. The GOP was the party of the Iraq War, Hurricane Katrina, the financial crisis and the bank bailouts. Reeling from these failures, the official Democratic rebuke of ACORN seemed to chart a new course for Republican political strategy in which aggressive attacks from Breitbart and Fox News however outlandish could force Democrats into concessions. In many ways, I feel like this issue was a prelude to how conservatives would weaponize issues going forward in the tea party era that would follow, said Kurt Bardella, who has worked for both Breitbart and as a spokesman for Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), the foremost Republican ACORN opponent in Congress. (Bardella is currently a columnist for HuffPost.) ACORN was the only political success Republicans experienced in this period of time, Bardella said. I think having a win that the Breitbart side of the world could claim as their own gave them the first real sense that the Republican base was with them more than the politicians, and they could leverage and activate that to play a more impactful role in shaping the direction of the GOP. A day after the Senate voted to defund ACORN, an incredulous Jon Stewart featured the OKeefe video on The Daily Show, shaming journalists for missing the apparently massive nationwide fraud underway at ACORN. Hadnt Republicans been warning about the group for years? Where the hell were you? Stewart ranted. Reporters had, in fact, scrutinized ACORN, turning up a major scandal at the organization the previous year. In July 2008, The New York Times reported that Dale Rathke, the brother of ACORN founder Wade Rathke, had embezzled almost $1 million from the organization from 1999 to 2000 and kept it secret from the ACORN board. Rathke was fired, and some funders, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, decided to sever ties with the group. But there was not a rush for the exits. Drummond Pike, the head of the Tides Foundation, personally paid back the embezzlement debt. The board promoted Lewis from her position in New Yorks ACORN office to replace Wade Rathke, and she spent much of the next year auditing finances and reorganizing ACORNs management structure. As the countrys financial crisis escalated, she beefed up the groups anti-foreclosure activism, and by the summer of 2009, the stigma from the embezzlement scandal seemed to have faded. Republicans werent really harping on it. Instead, Reps. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) and Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) were raising a fuss over the possibility that ACORN volunteers might somehow corrupt the census. The reforms Lewis implemented convinced Dave Beckwith, who was then the executive director of the Needmor Fund, a philanthropy that supports social justice work, that ACORN had turned a corner. They took organizational internal repair very seriously, Beckwith told HuffPost. They changed the role the board played, they became much more transparent about finances and they changed leadership. But when the OKeefe videos hit, ACORN was still in a funding hole. Lewis and other longtime ACORN staffers say the group could have weathered the storm if the Democratic Party hadnt abandoned it. It wasnt just a question of losing government grants. The vote to defund ACORN sent a very clear signal to liberal donors that ACORN wasnt worth defending. We tried to engage the philanthropic community in understanding what happened and the degree to which the organization was taking the repair process, said Beckwith. And frankly, most were not interested in hearing that story because they had been convinced by a false narrative of corruption and malfeasance. By the spring of 2010, the organization was out of money and officially closed its doors. Other liberal and left-wing organizations also refused to speak out on ACORNs behalf, Lewis said. When she reached out to Planned Parenthood, which OKeefe had gone after the year before, she said the reproductive health care nonprofit told her that it didnt want to help or even be seen together. As Lewis saw it, Planned Parenthoods leaders seemed to feel like they had dodged a bullet in avoiding a congressional funding battle and didnt want to court any further controversy. Another ACORN alum, former executive director Steve Kest, says Planned Parenthood didnt just leave ACORN for dead. It made phone calls to funders and members of Congress on behalf of ACORN more than plenty of other liberal groups were willing to do. It is clear now that the attack on ACORN was the beginning of a new era of extreme attacks on community-based organizations, Planned Parenthood spokeswoman Erica Sackin told HuffPost. None of us, including Planned Parenthood, knew enough or did enough in that moment to expose these video attacks for what they were. When a different group of conservatives published videos that purported to show Planned Parenthood negotiating fees for fetal organ tissue in 2015 and Republicans sought to defund group, Democrats and liberals rallied instead of running for cover, offering a much stronger defense than ACORN had enjoyed. Lewis thinks this was a matter of optics. While Planned Parenthood serves plenty of low-income black and brown women, it has always deployed accomplished, well-to-do white women as the centerpiece of its public image. Planned Parenthood officials make the rounds at Democratic Party fundraisers and fancy liberal conferences. ACORN hired poor people of color and held sit-ins at bank branches. If we had been a community group like, stick to your neighborhood, give out some turkeys, give the natives some blankets, do social services, occasionally have a silent march and then kneel down and pray that might have been fine, Lewis said. The attacks on the organization were all around race . It was because our constituency was black. James OKeefe, in an interview with HuffPost, said it's wrong to focus on whether his accusations against ACORN uncovered actual criminality. (Photo: Dalton Bennett/The Washington Post via Getty Images) The OKeefe videos dropped about a month after a different ACORN-related bombshell that had gone almost entirely unnoticed. In August 2009, the House Judiciary Committee released thousands of pages of emails and transcripts related to President George W. Bushs controversial decision to fire several Department of Justice prosecutors in his second term. The documents revealed that in 2006, after a U.S. attorney in New Mexico refused to file bogus voter fraud charges against an ACORN worker, the Bush administration retaliated by firing him an account that corroborated a report from the Justice Departments inspector general. This was a major scandal. The president had fired prosecutors for refusing to bring a nonsense case against an organization he believed to be a political enemy. The U.S. attorney scandal was not new in 2009, but the details about the involvement of White House adviser Karl Rove were. Several major news outlets picked up on it but nearly all of them missed that Roves displeasure with the New Mexico prosecutor wasnt just about voter fraud. It was about voter fraud and ACORN. Nearly a decade since the documents were disclosed, however, Rove remains a respected member of the Republican intelligentsia. OKeefe, though he succeeded where Rove failed, is disgraced. Most of his subsequent undercover projects have fallen flat none more dramatically than last years attempt to discredit the Alabama women who had credibly accused Senate candidate Roy Moore of having abused or stalked them when they were teenagers. Several Democrats told HuffPost they didnt think they would fall for another smear campaign like the one waged against ACORN. OKeefe and Breitbart were new figures in 2009. People wouldnt take them seriously today. Having been there and done it, I think theres some wisdom now that would take hold that would perhaps prevent this from happening again, said Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), who voted in favor of the 2009 ACORN resolution. But Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Ky.) isnt so sure. We react spontaneously to virtually anything, and sometimes overreact, Yarmuth said. The impact of social media has increased exponentially since 2009 where you can get swamped by social media on any particular misstep or issue. The potential for that happening again is greater, not less. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. CEO Bertha Lewis said ACORN could have weathered the storm if Democrats hadn't turned their backs. (Photo: KAREN BLEIER via Getty Images) Without ACORN to kick around, the Republican Partys voter fraud claims have evolved. President Trump claims 3 million to 5 million illegal votes cost him the popular vote in 2016, and he even appointed a commission to investigate the supposed problem. Its work was clearly farcical, and the commission disbanded earlier this year in disarray. ACORN registered more than 865,000 voters for the 2008 election. While other groups have tried to pick up the slack, theres a reason Republicans havent selected a new organization to serve as the voter fraud boogeyman: nobody is doing the same caliber work on the same scale that ACORN did. And while just about every possible explanation for Trumps 77,744-vote margin of victory in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan has been explored to death, almost nobody talks about the effect ACORN might have had in those states. If Congress has learned any lessons from the ACORN episode, you wouldnt know it from the legislative record. Each year, government spending bills typically include new bans on funding for ACORN or its successors a term with no legal definition. Congress blocked money for ACORN again in its March funding bill. Issa, who championed the original, successful defunding effort in 2009, told HuffPost that ACORN offshoots might still be at large, though he could not name any. The conservative group Judicial Watch hasnt raised alarms about an alleged ACORN affiliate receiving federal funds since 2014. Bardella, the former Issa spokesman, said Republicans had been right to investigate ACORNs use of federal funds and its finances back in 2009. But he said Issa is probably foolish to raise the specter of ACORN successor groups running amok. Hes just talking out of his ass. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Kabul (AFP) - Afghanistan's air force sprayed an outdoor religious gathering with rockets and heavy machine gun fire last month killing and wounding 107 people, mostly children, a UN report said Monday. The April 2 airstrike struck a ceremony attended by hundreds of men and boys in Dasht-e-Archi district, a Taliban stronghold in the northern province of Kunduz, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said. The government and military have said the Afghan Air Force (AAF) targeted a Taliban base where senior members of the group were planning attacks. But Afghan security sources and witnesses told AFP that AAF helicopters struck a madrasa where a graduation ceremony had been under way. During its weeks-long investigation, UNAMA verified that 36 people were killed -- 30 of them children -- in the attack. Seventy-one people were wounded, including 51 children, it said. However it said the tolls could be higher, adding that it received "credible information" suggesting at least 38 people had been killed and 84 injured. "A key finding of this report is that the government used rockets and heavy machine gun fire on a religious gathering, resulting in high numbers of child casualties," UNAMA said. UNAMA's casualty toll is lower than the original toll of 59 dead and 57 wounded given to AFP by security sources and health officials. Its investigators could not confirm if the casualties were all civilians or whether Taliban leaders had been present at the time of the airstrike. "However, even if the government had a legitimate military target, UNAMA questions the extent to which the government undertook steps and concrete measures to prevent civilian casualties," the report said. The defence ministry, which had initially denied civilians were among the dead and wounded, was not immediately available for comment. It later blamed the Taliban for shooting the civilians. It said 18 Taliban commanders were killed and 12 were wounded in the airstrike. Story continues But Naim Mangal, a doctor at the hospital, told AFP at the time that "all the victims" had been "hit by pieces of bomb, shrapnel", not gunshots. Government officials in both Kabul and Kunduz gave conflicting figures, with some denying any civilians had been killed or that a madrassa had been hit. The government has sent two teams to conduct an investigation into the incident but so far neither team has "publicly reported their findings", UNAMA said. While it could not determine if the government had violated international humanitarian law, it called for "further investigation". "The mission urges the government to investigate, fully document and conduct a transparent review of the circumstances that led to this incident and to take immediate steps to ensure accountability for those responsible along the chain of command," the report said. National Rifle Association supporters have come for hypocrite Alyssa Milano, but shes standing her ground. On Saturday, the politically active actress, who supports common sense gun reform, attended an anti-NRA rally organized by No Rifle Association (NoRA) in Dallas. The event took place not far from the NRA convention in the city. In addition to peacefully protesting, Milano who helped launch NoRA after the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School spoke out, saying, I do not think that it should be as easy to buy an AR-15 as it is to get a caramel macchiato at a Starbucks. She and the other protesters, including actress Frances Fisher called for reform, including background checks, prohibiting people with a history of violent behavior from owning firearms, and not allowing the NRA to fund political campaigns, among other things that are listed on the groups Gun Safety Bill of Rights. While she was there, Milano, the star of Charmed and Whos the Boss, was ambushed by a man who called her out as a hypocrite for appearing at the event with armed security. Only a portion of the interaction was shared on social media, but it showed a man, apparently an NRA member named Will Haraway, asking Milanos hired muscle whether he was armed. The security man asked the guy to leave the premises. At that point, he started screaming, Hypocrite! Alyssa, you are a hypocrite! You have armed security here. Milano wasnt hiding. She appeared in the background and marched right over to see what was happening. The video was shared on Twitter by Red State blogger Ben Howe and apparently, he was filming it as well. He wrote that he was sitting on the bench next to Haraway, who said he thought he could see a gun on the security guard. When he said he was going to go ask him, I started filming. Story continues This is Will Haraway a CCW @nra member. He asked @Alyssa_Milanos security if he was armed (he was) and then asked Alyssa about it. Heres what happened. (She comes to talk to him after this and I will post that longer video shortly). pic.twitter.com/qMsq6rbzDd Ben (@BenHowe) May 5, 2018 I was sitting on the bench next to him and we started talking. He told me his thoughts on how he thought he could see a gun on the security guard. When he said he was going to go ask him, I started filming. It's really not complicated. Ben (@BenHowe) May 7, 2018 Milano then spoke to the men, including an on-camera chat that was cut from the initial clip that was shared. Will Haraway, an NRA supporter, argues with Alyssa Milano, founder of NoRA, during a protest against the National Rifle Association in Dallas on May 5. (Photo: AP Photo/Rex Curry) Milano took to Twitter after Howes video went viral, to say that her personal bodyguard was not armed and that she had no control over what the Dallas PD and event coordinators planned to protect me. For the record, my personal bodyguard was not armed. I had no control over what the Dallas PD and event coordinators planned to protect me. I guess much like the gun lobby had no control over the secret service banning guns at the gun convention. Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) May 5, 2018 That led to people posting photos of the security detail with what appeared to be the outline of a gun showing through a guards clothes. Looks like the outline of a gun. pic.twitter.com/IfJRCutUOV Andrew Love (@VictoryInLove) May 6, 2018 Milano then clarified in another tweet that the man was event security, not my bodyguard. And even if he was her personal bodyguard, he has had training and passed a background check. This was event security, not my bodyguard. But regardless, this security guy has had training and passed a background check. These are the common sense gun reform policies we are fighting for for everyone. Cant wait to see the unedited longer video. https://t.co/tHREzjnsZH Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) May 7, 2018 That, she reminded, of course goes toward the goal of NoRa which is not to outlaw all guns, but to put in place what she called common sense gun reform policies. She added that she and the protesters are fighting for everyone. Milano added that she cant wait to see the unedited longer video, and she got her wish on Monday night when Howe put it on Twitter. Heres the rest of the video which aired tonight on @DLoeschs show. pic.twitter.com/aw7crHndqG Ben (@BenHowe) May 8, 2018 The clip showed her walking up to the the men as they repeatedly asked the security guard whether he was armed. Milano told them that she has no problem with NRA members that lawfully have guns. I have zero problem with that. Actually, in my household, my husband has two guns, so dont call me a hypocrite. The run-in continued to be antagonistic, and Milano finally told them, Youre being so incredibly confrontational and Im just trying to have a conversation. Because, to me, we have to bridge this divide. And with that, she returned to her protest. [Editors note: This post was originally published May 4, 2018 at 4:36 p.m. ET.] Read more from Yahoo Entertainment: Americans are skeptical whether the significance behind democratic freedoms is still in place, a new survey suggests. The Pew Research Center (PRC) examined American respondent's thoughts on the current state of the country in a survey titled "The Public, the Political System and American Democracy." This survey is a part of a larger year-long study, called "Facts, Trust and Democracy." To determine its results, the organization assessed the answers of more than 4,600 U.S. adults between January and February. "Pew Research Center has examined how people think about democracy, trust in institutions, and the role of information in society for more than a decade," PRC's website read. "In light of current debates about the state of the democratic process and the importance of truth, the Center has further deepened its focus on public attitudes about the role of trust and facts in democracy." Trending: Airbnb Reportedly Causing Rents in New York City to Climb, See Which Neighborhoods Were Hit Hardest Through this survey, participants were asked to assert whether each principle listed was "very important to the country" and "described the country well." As a result, 84 percent of respondents said "rights and freedoms being respected" is a highly significant issue in the U.S., but only 47 percent suggested this relates well to the country. Surveyors then discovered 74 percent of participants believe "people are free to peacefully protest" is valued nationwide, with 73 percent indicating this is true to today's country. The most startling result stemmed from a question regarding the ability for elected officials to face serious consequences for engaging in misconduct. For this, 83 percent of participators agreed that this is a significant issue within America. But only 30 percent believe this was represented well in today's political state. (Chart via Statista) Story continues statista democracy survey Statista (information from Pew Research Center) Don't miss: Hawaii Volcano Update: Pictures Of Kilauea Eruption Show its Destruction Since President Donald Trump succeeded former President Barack Obama in January 2017, many citizens have criticised his behavior. Trump's Twitter rants aside, he was accused of working with Russia to rig the 2016 Presidential Electionan incident that's birthed an investigation from attorney Robert Mueller. He's additionally been accused of sexual misconduct and participating in an affair with a pornographic actress, which resulted in the star filing a defamation lawsuit against him in April. Incidents of this caliber, and many more, have consequently caused the American public to distrust the government. In May 2017, a PRC survey suggested that only two in 10 Americans place trust in the government. These results are near an all-time historic low, with Republicans being 28 percent more likely to trust the government than Democrats, who are at 15 percent. donald trump Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Beirut (AFP) - Amnesty International on Monday accused Egypt of keeping prisoners behind bars on politically motivated charges in prolonged solitary confinement and subjecting them to physical abuse, saying the practice amounts to torture. "Dozens of detained human rights activists, journalists and members of the opposition held in solitary confinement are being targeted with horrendous physical abuse," the human rights group said in a summary of a report. Amnesty's investigation "reveals that prisoners detained on politically motivated charges are being held in prolonged and indefinite solitary confinement in Egypt -- at times for several years -- which in and of itself amounts to torture." "They are locked in their cells for 24 hours for weeks at end, denied any human contact and kept in horrific cell conditions." The London-based group said it documented 36 cases of prisoners being held in prolonged and indefinite solitary confinement. It said they are allowed up to an hour of excercise daily but are barred from contact with other prisoners as well as denied family visits on a regular basis. "Due to the seriousness of the findings, Amnesty International submitted a memorandum containing a summary of this research to the Egyptian authorities on 16 April. No response has been received," Amnesty said. Thousands of people, mostly Islamists but also secular dissidents, had been rounded up after the military overthrew Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013. Morsi's overthrow, after millions took to the streets demanding his departure, unleashed a bloody crackdown on his followers. The government has repeatedly denied systematic rights abuses and says there are no political prisoners in its jails. United Airlines refunded passengers - AFP United Airlines refunded passengers after a stewardess was accused of being drunk and disrupting a flight from Denver to North Dakota. She was said to have told passengers in an on board announcement: If your seatbelt isnt tight, you f----- up. Police in Williston, in northwestern North Dakota, said they received a call from airport officials before the flight landed on Thursday afternoon that an occupant was intoxicated and had a medical condition. Police determined that the person was drunk and forwarded the investigation to the FBI. A passenger tweeted: "Drunk and disorderly - belligerent flight attendant. "Boarding announcements were if your seatbelt isnt tight, you F----d up. "I went to the cockpit and talked to the captain and police were waiting when we landed." The flight was operated by Trans States Airlines, a regional service provider for United Airlines. It said reports of erratic behavior were being investigated and the flight attendant is being held off the job. United Airlines said it was refunding air fares as a gesture of goodwill. President Donald Trump weighed in on the West Virginia Senate race Monday, urging Republicans to remember a disastrous special election in Alabama and vote against controversial coal baron Don Blankenship. To the great people of West Virginia we have, together, a really great chance to keep making a big difference. Problem is, Don Blankenship, currently running for Senate, cant win the General Election in your StateNo way! Remember Alabama. Vote Rep. Jenkins or A.G. Morrisey! Trump tweeted. Blankenship spent a year in federal prison after being convicted of mine safety violations in the 2010 Upper Big Branch Mine explosion that killed 29 miners. He was the CEO of Massey Energy, which owned the mine, at the time. To the great people of West Virginia we have, together, a really great chance to keep making a big difference. Problem is, Don Blankenship, currently running for Senate, cant win the General Election in your State...No way! Remember Alabama. Vote Rep. Jenkins or A.G. Morrisey! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 7, 2018 Since entering the race, Blankenship has garnered wide attention for his controversial statements and Trump-like nicknames for opponents, including calling Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Cocaine Mitch. Republicans have their sights set on the West Virginia Senate race, believing they can unseat Democrat Joe Manchin. But they worry that a similar dynamic could play out as in the special election for a Senate race in Alabama, when GOP voters backed hardliner Roy Moore, who went on to lose to Democrat Doug Jones amid accusations of inappropriate behavior with teenage girls decades ago. (Moore continues to deny the charges.) Instead, Trump and other Republicans are urging the nomination of Rep. Evan Jenkins or state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, whom they believe are more likely to defeat Manchin in the general election. Story continues Blankenship released a controversial campaign ad last week in which he uses racially charged terms like China people and maligns McConnell, whose wife is transportation secretary Elaine Chao. The ad calls McConnell Cocaine Mitch, a reference to an incident in which drugs were found onboard a ship owned by Chaos father. (Fact-checkers have rated the ad as false.) The ad also drew criticism for the use of the term China family, to describe McConnells in-laws. In an interview with Roll Call last week, Blankenship said his campaign ad was not racist because in the ad theres no mention of a race. Theres no race. Races are Negro, white caucasian, Hispanic, Asian. Theres no mention of a race. Ive never used a race word, Blankenship said to Roll Call. Nairobi (AFP) - A Kenyan-made film on lesbian love will break new ground when it premieres at the Cannes festival this week -- but at home, the movie has been banned, a decision exposing the often bitter debate over homosexuality in East Africa. "Rafiki" - meaning "friend" in Kiswahili - is adapted from a prize-winning short story called "Jambula Tree" by Ugandan writer Monica Arac de Nyeko. The film, telling the tale of two young women whose fathers are political rivals, is the first-ever film from Kenya to get a slot at the world's most prestigious cinema festival. It premieres on Wednesday in the "Un Certain Regard" category, reserved for emerging directors or unexpected or marginal themes. The ban was announced by Ezekiel Mutua, a self-described "fervent moral crusader" who runs the Kenya Film Classification Board and has described his job as "upholding our cultural and moral values through content regulation." He railed against the film for seeking to "normalise homosexuality in Kenya" and condemned it for showing "the resilience of the youngsters involved in lesbianism." He demanded that director Wanuri Kahiu cut the "offensive classifiable elements", including "romantic scenes" and "a happy ending". Kahiu has declined to speak much about the Kenyan ban, focusing instead on the premiere. But she wrote on Twitter that she was "incredibly sorry" about the ban. "Adult Kenyans are mature and discerning enough to watch local content but their right has been denied," she said. - 'International ridicule' - What might have been a moment of celebration of a breakthrough success by a local filmmaker has instead won Kenya "international ridicule," said columnist Makau Mutua in this weekend's Standard newspaper. "Methinks Mutua should go back to his homophobic Neanderthal's cave," wrote Mutua ("thankfully not my relative," he clarified). Story continues Mutua, the censor, he wrote, "is among a cabal of homophobic state officials who haven't read the 2010 Constitution." That constitution, voted for by referendum, has become the basis of legal challenges to homophobia in Kenya, spearheaded by the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC). The group's current court battle is its most important: using the freedoms enshrined in Kenya's modern constitution to combat the bigotry contained in its colonial-era penal code. "Clauses 162 and 165 talk about unnatural acts against the order of nature... (and) are used to target, specifically, sexual and gender minorities in Kenya. Our court case is a constitutional challenge to the legality of these laws," said Waruguru Gaitho, a lawyer at the rights group. Judges heard evidence in February and March, after a two-year delay, but are yet to give a date for their ruling. Until then, the threat of a 14-year jail term hangs over lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Kenyans picked up by police or informed on by neighbours. The irony is that the religious beliefs in which Kenyan homophobia is rooted -- and the laws that justify it -- are both Western imports. Yet anti-gay groups claim, without apparent irony, that homosexuality is a liberal Western imposition contrary to "traditional" values. "Homophobia is western, homosexuality is not," countered Gaitho. Kevin Mwachiro, author of the story collection "Invisible" about gay life in Kenya, said the situation for sexual minorities was improving, but contradictory. "The fact we have a government that doesn't have any new legislation to target LGBTI individuals, that is a plus, yet within that same government there's a body that is banning movies made by Kenyans, about Kenyans, for Kenyans? That for me is the story of Kenya." "There is a lot of movement that is happening, some level of acceptance that is taking place," he said. - Progress? - Activists say the picture for gay rights in Africa is often bleak but most visibly so in the east of the continent, where Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda also have a long record of repression and stigma. In Kenya, high-profile gays have helped to lead the campaign for change. Celebrated writer Binyavanga Wainaina, who dramatically came out in 2014, last week announced his engagement. "I asked my love for his hand in marriage two weeks ago. He said yes, nearly immediately," Wainaina wrote on Facebook. But he said the couple would be wed and live in South Africa -- the only African country where gay marriage is permitted and one of few free of state-backed discrimination against homosexuals. Wainaina's declaration - like the banning of "Rafiki" - split the country's commentariat and social media chatterers, trolls and gadflies. It earned praise from liberals and rights activists, and condemnation from conservatives and Christians. Despite such progress, anti-gay sentiment remains dominant, and led from the top. Last month President Uhuru Kenyatta repeated the anti-gay lobby's "culture" argument in an interview with broadcaster CNN. "This is not an issue... of human rights. This is an issue of society. Of our own base as a culture, as a people," Kenyatta said. Gaitho was dismayed. "It casts a negative light as to where Kenya is at in its struggle for equality," she said. And with the independence of the judiciary still in question, "There's always the worry that statements made by powerful leaders might have a negative impact on cases like ours." Nevertheless, Gaitho said the situation was changing, if gradually. "It's not that all Kenyans are starting to be progressive and accepting," she said. "But there's a realisation that fundamental human rights belong to everyone." Brussels (AFP) - Former Belgian minister Armand De Decker has been indicted for influence-peddling as part of the wide-ranging "Kazakhgate" probe into allegations of corruption linked to a trade agreement between France and Kazakhstan, a public prosecutor said Monday. It was the first time that Belgium authorities have charged anyone in connection with a case which has already led to charges against several people in France and raids on the offices of European aviation giant Airbus. De Decker was one of the lawyers for Patokh Chodiev, a Kazakh businessman known to have close ties to the government in Astana. The former Belgian development cooperation minister is suspected of having sought, in 2011, "to facilitate the granting of a transactional procedure" in favour of Chodiev, according to a statement from the prosecutor's office in Mons, western Belgium. A magistrate "sent a letter notifying him of his indictment for influence peddling, adding that the alleged events took place in 2011. At that time De Decker, a lawyer by training, had just joined the team in charge of defending Kazakh oligarchs, including Chodiev, in a corruption case in Belgium. De Decker, also a former vice president of the Belgian Senate, allegedly used his influence to obtain a meeting at the home of the then justice minister, Stefaan De Clerck, to plead his client's cause. In June 2011 Chodiev and his two co-defenants avoided trial and paid a hefty fine. The "Kazakhgate "probe, opened in March 2013 in France, to establish whether kickbacks were paid to intermediaries in a massive 2010 trade deal with Kazakhstan, which included the sale of helicopters and trains. Those already indicted in France include Jean-Francois Etienne des Rosaies, a former adviser to the French presidency and former senator Aymeri de Montesquiou, a former representative in central Asia for the then French president Nicolas Sarkozy. De Decker, who denies influence-peddling, on Monday resigned from Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel's liberal Reform Movement (MR), the party announced. Ben Affleck records the paparazzi outside his Pacific Palisades, Calif., church on May 6, 2018. (Photo: Splash News) Every Sunday, like clockwork, when hes not out of town filming, Ben Affleck takes his children to church in L.A. Sometimes hes with his soon-to-be ex-wife Jennifer Garner. Other times, like yesterday when she was traveling, hes on a solo mission with the kids. He has never brought his girlfriend, Lindsay Shookus, on the family outing. Also like clockwork, the paparazzi lurk outside the familys Pacific Palisades, Calif., Methodist church to await the arrival of Ben and Jen with their kids. Well, it seems Affleck, 45, finally had enough of the unholy attention. The actor and director turned his camera on the photographers and it was an interesting view. We see the paparazzi photos and in the past right after Ben and Jens split have used them. But seeing the crowd of shutterbugs about 10 on hand for a weekly, off-the-clock, family activity like church with their cameras trained on Afflecks car shows the photographs in a whole new light. A light he wants dimmed, per his post. The Batman star said he wasnt sure what is urgently newsworthy about a middle-aged man taking his kids to church. Again, imagine this was awaiting your children when you arrived at church. Photo: Ben Affleck via Instagram As for the Affleck kids, there are photos of them too, but we dont use paparazzi pix of celebrity children. It seems that when he leaves church with the kids Violet, 12, Seraphina, 9, and Samuel, 6 are when shutterbugs get their money shots. Garner, who was behind California instituting an anti-paparazzi law curtailing threatening behavior of photographers toward stars children, was away for the weekend visiting her familys farm in Oklahoma with her mother. Mother and daughter did a photo shoot for Southern Living magazine. Ben and Jen announced their split in 2015, but waited two years to file for divorce. Theyve been slowly and, yes, consciously uncoupling ever since. At first he lived in the guesthouse. Then he got his own place. Their weekly church trips have continued as a family event. Their divorce has not yet been finalized. Read more from Yahoo Entertainment: Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett will be 88 in August. Berkshire vice chairman and Buffetts long-time right hand man Charlie Munger turned 94 in January. And as these two held court at Berkshire Hathaways (BRK-A, BRK-B) annual meeting in Omaha this past weekend, a common topic of discussion among shareholders in attendance was how much longer Buffett and Munger will be around, and who will replace them at the helm of the U.S. conglomerate. Speaking with Yahoo Finance at the annual meeting, Berkshire Hathaway board member Ron Olson said that the recent elevation of Ajit Jain and Greg Abel to vice chairmanships and the addition of investment managers in recent years are not setting up a contest to replace Buffett as CEO. Succession for the board is a regular topic, Olson said. And we know what we would do if a bus hit Warren tomorrow. But I think to some extent, the media has overplayed the vice chairmanship given to Greg Abel and to Ajit Jain. This is not a bake-off for Warrens successor. To the contrary, I think people have missed on a very important point I see it as very much an extension of the Charlie and Warren show. Ron Olson speaks with Yahoo Finance at the Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholders meeting, May 5, 2018. (Source: Yahoo Finance) At the annual meeting, Buffett was asked by journalist Carol Loomis about his role at Berkshire Hathaway, to which Buffett said hes been semi-retired for decades. Clearly, weve got two people in Ajit and Greg that are smarter, more energetic, just bring more to the job every day [than I can], Buffett said. Ted [Weschler] and Todd [Combs] not only do a great job with the $12 or $13 billion eachthey have also done a number of things for Berkshire that they do cheerfully. Buffett added that, I think semi-retired probably catches me at my most active point. Olson also noted that the biggest change hes seen at Berkshire Hathaway since joining the board in the summer of 1997 can be summed up by one word size. And as Berkshire has grown larger, it has become increasingly more difficult for one person, namely Warren, to oversee not just the use of our capital, but the ongoing businesses, Olson said. Story continues Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Inc, walks through the exhibit hall at the companys annual meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, U.S., May 5, 2018. REUTERS/Rick Wilking While I think hes a terrific job all these years, its obvious to him as well as the rest of the board members that getting some help in that regard will extend this unique asset that we all share and want to extend as long as we can by giving them a little more support, and giving two very able people the opportunity to get to know a broader segment of the businesses than they had been operating themselves. So while Buffett might be the greatest investor of the last 50 years and one of the most important and influential businesses leaders in American history, there is a limit to how much he can handle on his own. And the more Berkshires existing leadership can do to ease his responsibilities, the more the company becomes prepared for life after Buffett, and the clearer the picture becomes of what that operating structure might look like. By Jonathan Stempel and Trevor Hunnicutt OMAHA, Neb. (Reuters) - Warren Buffett lost money but had a pretty good quarter. Berkshire Hathaway Inc on Saturday reported an unusual quarterly net loss, the result of an accounting change that Buffett had warned would produce "wild" but in his view meaningless swings in results. But Berkshire also ended a long stretch of disappointing operating performance, posting record operating profit as insurance rebounded from a difficult quarter while economic growth bolstered results in railroad, industrial and consumer businesses. Berkshire posted a first-quarter net loss of $1.14 billion, or $692 per Class A share, compared with net income of $4.06 billion, or $2,469 per share, a year earlier. The accounting change required Berkshire to report $6.2 billion of unrealized losses in its marketable stock portfolio, which totaled $170.5 billion at year end, regardless of whether it planned to sell those stocks. Two of Berkshire's biggest stock investments, Wells Fargo & Co and Coca-Cola Co , had tough first quarters, falling 13.6 percent and 5.3 percent, respectively. Buffett has called the new accounting rule a "nightmare" that would produce "truly wild and capricious swings" in bottom-line results that could, depending on their direction, unnecessarily scare or embolden investors. "It really is not representative of what's going on in the business at all," Buffett told shareholders at Berkshire's annual meeting in Omaha, Nebraska. Berkshire said its operating profit, which Buffett considers a better performance measure, rose 49 percent to $5.29 billion, or about $3,215 per Class A share, from $3.56 billion, or $2,163 per share, a year earlier. Analysts, on average, expected operating profit of about $3,116 per Class A share, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. Operating profit had previously fallen for five straight quarters, and missed Wall Street forecasts for eight straight. Story continues Book value, which measures assets minus liabilities, also took a hit from falling stock prices, falling 0.3 percent to $211,184 per Class A share, even though Buffett boosted his stake in Apple Inc by $12.5 billion in the quarter. Some analysts have said the stock losses have weighed on Berkshire shares, which are 10 percent below their record highs set on Jan. 29. In Friday trading, the Class A shares closed at$292,600, and the Class B shares at $195.64. Buffett, 87, and Vice Chairman Vice Chairman Charlie Munger, 94, are answering five hours of questions from shareholders, journalists and analysts at the annual meeting. PLENTY OF CASH Despite the Apple purchase, Berkshire ended the quarter with $108.6 billion of cash and equivalents, giving Buffett ammunition to make one or more "huge" non-insurance acquisitions he has said he wants. Berkshire's insurance businesses, which had been struggled with losses from hurricanes and other events, posted a $407 million underwriting profit, compared with a year earlier $267 million loss. Buffett said the Geico car insurer had "quite a good-sized turnaround in profitability." Pre-tax underwriting gains nearly quadrupled, as it sold more policies despite having raised rates, while the rate of policyholder losses fell. "The trends look pretty good," Tony Nicely, Geico's chief executive, told Reuters on Friday. "The number of claims are down somewhat. Yet the costs keep going up." An improving economy led to higher business volume at the BNSF railroad, which saw profit rise 37 percent to $1.15 billion. Pretax profit at industrial businesses such as Precision Castparts rose 32 percent, while lower taxes helped boost profit at the Berkshire Hathaway Energy unit by 22 percent. (Editing by Jennifer Ablan and Nick Zieminski) Every year, Warren Buffett and his partner at Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE: BRK-A)(NYSE: BRK-B), Charlie Munger, invite shareholders, Wall Street analysts, and the media to convene in Omaha, Nebraska, for Berkshire Hathaway's annual meeting. The annual meeting is a county fair of sorts, featuring booths packed with products made by Berkshire Hathaway's companies and light-hearted games, including a challenge to beat Buffett in a newspaper-tossing contest in the past and a 5k road race sponsored by Berkshire Hathaway's Brooks Running this year. Warren Buffett smiles while meeting people at a Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting. IMAGE SOURCE: MOTLEY FOOL. Make no mistake about it, though, the main draw of Berkshire Hathaway's annual meeting is Buffett's discussion of the company's performance, which is often peppered with insightful investment advice that everyday investors can use to build a bigger nest egg. Warren Buffett's most important message It's been proven time and time again that long-term investing outperforms short-term investing, yet many investors still focus too little attention on the resiliency of the U.S. economy and too much attention on the day-to-day profit and loss of their investments. Buffett's long been famous for his willingness to buy and hold onto investments for long periods of time, but it wasn't always the case that Buffett took such an unemotional approach to investing. In this year's presentation to Berkshire Hathaway investors, Buffett shared with attendees the story of his first stock pick. In March 1942, after watching the price of Cities Service preferred stock drop from $84 per share to less than $40 per share, he asked his dad to buy him three shares with all of his savings at the time. His father bought Buffett three shares when the market opened the next day at a price of $38.25 per share. Cities Service preferred stock eventually traded up to over $200 per share, so Warren Buffett clearly had a knack for buying value stocks early on, however, the world was mired in World War II, and a constant stream of negative headlines caused Cities Service preferred share price to continue falling. At one point, Buffett was staring at a loss of over $10 per share. Story continues Holding onto that investment long term would've more than quadrupled his money, but he conceded to attendees that, sadly, this wasn't what happened. Having witnessed big losses on his investment early on, he happily sold his shares in July 1942 when they rebounded to about $40 per share, netting him just a $5.25 gain. The lesson Buffett was reinforcing to his shareholders with this story was a simple one: The best way to make money over an investing lifetime is to stay the course! Warren Buffett drives his lesson home To reinforce this point, Buffett asked people at the conference to consider how much money they thought they'd have today if, at the time Buffett had bought his first shares, they had bought $10,000 worth of the S&P 500 stock index and held onto it until now. The answer: a staggering $51 million. He then asked investors how much money they thought they'd have today if they'd bought gold -- arguably the best proxy for an investment type that people who are worried about political or economic woes buy -- instead of stocks with that same $10,000. The answer: about $400,000. The 100 times plus outperformance of stocks versus gold was made possible by the fact that companies continually reinvest their profit to produce inventions that result in greater growth in the future. Undeniably, there have been plenty of reasons to sell U.S. stocks (war, political unrest, economic recession) over the past 75 years, but ultimately, the investors who have made the money have been those investors who've bet on American economic prosperity, rather than doom and gloom. The key takeaway Buffett said at Berkshire Hathaway's annual meeting that the overriding question investors ought to be thinking about is "how is American business going to do over your lifetime." Investing in America's success the way Berkshire Hathaway has over the years has made Warren Buffett worth more than $80 billion and in his view, the key to success isn't to buy and sell stocks rapidly over and over again but to invest across industries for the long haul. He's so committed to this idea that he's instructed the trustees of his wife's trust to invest 90% of the assets he leaves her when he passes away into an S&P 500 index fund. Perhaps, making the S&P 500 a core holding in a forever portfolio is good advice for you, too. More From The Motley Fool Todd Campbell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. His clients may have positions in the companies mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Berkshire Hathaway (B shares). The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. By Trevor Hunnicutt and Jonathan Stempel OMAHA, Neb. (Reuters) - Billionaire Warren Buffett on Saturday said it is unlikely that the United States and China will come to loggerheads on trade, and the countries would avoid doing "something extremely foolish." "The United States and China are going to be the two superpowers of the world, economically and in other ways, for a long, long, long time," Buffett said at Berkshire Hathaway Inc's annual shareholder meeting, and that any tensions should not jeopardize the win-win benefits from trade. "It is just too big and too obvious ... that the benefits are huge and the world is dependent on it in a major way for its progress, that two intelligent countries (would) do something extremely foolish," he said. "We both may do things that are mildly foolish from time to time. There is some give and take." The Trump administration has drawn a hard line in trade talks with China, demanding a $200-billion cut in the Chinese trade surplus with the United States, sharply lower tariffs and advanced technology subsidies, people familiar with the talks said on Friday. Buffett, 87, and his longtime partner and fellow billionaire Charlie Munger, 94, also took pointed questions on Wells Fargo & Co, politics, guns, healthcare and their investment choices from shareholders, journalists and analysts at the Berkshire meeting in Omaha, Nebraska. Buffett defended Wells Fargo and its chief executive, Tim Sloan, in response to a question asking when Berkshire would ditch the bank, one of its largest common stock holdings. Many shareholders applauded the question. He said the bank committed the "cardinal sin" of incentivizing employees into "kind of crazy conduct," for which U.S. regulators imposed $1 billion of fines last month over lending abuses. "Wells Fargo is a company that proved the efficacy of incentives, and it's just that they just had the wrong incentives," said Buffett. Story continues But he maintained that the bank is not "inferior" as an investment or morally to its main banking rivals. Berkshire owned $25.2 billion of Wells Fargo stock as of March 31, down 14 percent from year end as a series of scandals weighed on the bank's reputation. Wells Fargo investors last week gave strong backing to the bank's directors and executives on Tuesday, indicating confidence in its overhauled leadership to rebound. Buffett addressed his alliance with another banker, JPMorgan Chase & Co's Jamie Dimon, and Amazon.com Inc's Jeff Bezos to tackle healthcare. Buffett said U.S. healthcare costs are a tapeworm on the economy, and he said they expect to name a chief executive for that venture within a couple months. The questions also elicited views on politics from the "Oracle of Omaha" and Munger. Buffett, for instance, suggested U.S. President Donald Trump should be an "educator-in-chief" on the invisible benefits of trade. Munger, meanwhile, answered a question on steel tariffs imposed by the White House by acknowledging that U.S. producers are hurting. "Even Donald Trump can be right on some of this stuff," he said. Asked a pointed question why Buffett is willing to do business with gun makers, Buffett sharply retorted, "I do not believe in imposing my political opinions on the activities of our businesses." CASH STOCKPILE Buffett faces a challenge investing Berkshire's more than $108 billion of cash and equivalents, including for acquisitions, saying his "phone is not ringing off the hook with good deals." Shortly before the meeting, Berkshire ended its more than year-long stretch of falling operating profit, while a new accounting rule caused the conglomerate chaired by Warren Buffett to suffer an overall net loss. Buffett said the net results are not representative of the business. The accounting change required Berkshire to report unrealized losses in its equity portfolio, which totaled $170.5 billion at year end, regardless of whether it planned to sell those stocks. Berkshire's net loss was $1.14 billion, compared with profit of $4.06 billion a year earlier. But operating profit, which excludes investment and derivative gains and losses, rose 49 percent to a record $5.29 billion, or about $3,215 per Class A share, higher than the $3,116 per share analysts had expected, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. Shareholders have been enthusiastic about Berkshire, which sent out slightly more tickets to this year's extravaganza than in 2015, when an estimated 42,000 celebrated Buffett's 50th year at the helm. Far more people are likely watching online via Yahoo Finance. Outside the convention center, Berkshire shareholders lined up for prime seats in the middle of the night. William Robertson, a Scotland native who now fights fires and does forestry work in Switzerland, said he lined up at 11:30 p.m. Friday, 7-1/2 hours before doors opened. This year's meeting is his third. "It gets me first place in the queue, I think when people go to so much effort it shows Warren how important he is for us," Robertson said. Once inside, shareholders in an exhibit hall snapped selfies with Buffett caricatures, ate ice cream and crawled through an aircraft on exhibit. As Buffett gazed over a BNSF model railroad, a wall of media and shareholders, some holding Buffett figurines, crowded around him as he inched along. "This is me moving at top speed," he said, to laughter. "Thank you for everything, Warren," yelled one well-wisher. (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt and Jonathan Stempel in Omaha; Editing by Jennifer Ablan and Nick Zieminski) Rome (AFP) - President Sergio Mattarella's last-ditch attempt to broker a government appeared to fall flat Monday, putting Italy on course for a caretaker government or even fresh polls just two months after inconclusive elections. A right-wing coalition led by the far-right League party topped the March 4 polls with 37 percent of the vote, while the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) became Italy's largest single party with almost 33 percent. Neither group has the numbers to form a majority government and both have been tussling for power since the election. Over the weekend the M5S leader, Luigi Di Maio and League chief Matteo Salvini seemed to have made some progress but after a new round of consultations with the president Monday, deadlock appeared insurmountable. Speaking after his meeting with Mattarella, Di Maio said he was willing to forgo the premiership in order to come to an accord with the League. "I am prepared to choose a different prime minister who would forge a government contract (with the League)," he said. - The Berlusconi factor - But for any potential deal to work, Di Maio insists that Salvini's coalition partner, former premier Silvio Berlusconi and his Forza Italia party must play no role in the new government, limiting themselves to outside support only. The M5S regards Berlusconi's party as the symbol of Italy's political corruption. Di Maio also stated that his party would refuse to back a caretaker government and that if no majority emerged the country must "return to the polls," a stance he shares with League leader Salvini. Following his meeting with the president, Salvini also declared that he was ready to "participate in a new government which would start to solve the country's problems." But he remained firm in his refusal to break up his coalition and ditch Berlusconi. Instead he proposed he be given a mandate to form a minority government which would need the support of a few dozen MPs from smaller parties in parliament. Story continues Press reports suggest Mattarella would be unlikely to do so without guarantees a majority could be reached. The President is expected to name a caretaker government, similar to that of economist Mario Monti from 2011 to 2013, that would be tasked with restoring Italy's role on the world stage and running the country at least until the 2019 budget is passed. He is thought to be looking for a neutral but competent figure, perhaps a woman, with press speculation running wild. But with M5S and the League staunchly opposed to the idea, putting together a caretaker government will be no easy feat. Lina Palmerini, analyst at the business daily Il Sole 24 Ore, said Mattarella has few options, warning: "If parliament rejects the president's government, the situation will be very difficult." Pollster Lorenzo Pregliasco said voter surveys suggested new elections would not change the balance of forces. "No one will win a majority." The city of Chicago had seen a large reduction in murders and shootings for the first four months of 2018, but as temperatures have increased, so has crime. The Chicago Police Department recorded that at least 74 people were shot in the country's third-largest city, with 28 of those shootings occurring between Friday evening and Sunday morning. Two men in their 20s were shot outside an East Garfield Park building just hours after two other people were shot on the exact same block Sunday, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Police had previously been hopeful that gun violence was on a downward trend after seeing more than 1,400 total homicides between 2016 and 2017. The city's shooting victims are predominately on the city's south and west sides. RTS1I3E9 Reuters Trending: 5 Fortnite Mashup Events We Hope Come After Thanos Two men were killed and at least 16 people were wounded in shootings on Saturday alone. Two women were shot outside of Mount Sinai Hospital while waiting for news on the condition of a relative shot earlier that morning. While police have noted that many of the dozens of shootings this week appear to be gang-related, the majority of victims are under 30 including several teenagers and a 12-year-old boy on the city's Westside. Additionally, a 4-year-old girl was shot in the shoulder Tuesday as she sat with her parents on the family's South Side porch. A 15-year-old boy was struck in the head by a bullet Wednesday afternoon as he rode a city bus home from school. The boy is listed in stable condition and police told USA Today they believe he was was not targeted, but instead was hit by errant gunfire. "It infuriates me that we have a good kid doing what we all expect him to do, and he's a victim of something like this," Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson told reporters. "This is why we have to have common sense gun legislation in this country. Not just this city, this state, but in this country, to stop things like this from happening." Story continues Don't miss: Melania Trumps Popularity Soars Amid Reports of the President's Alleged Affairs Compared to 2017, Chicago saw a 22.3 percent reduction in murders and a 26.5 percent decrease in shooting incidents from January 1 through the end of April, according to data collected by the city and the University of Chicago Crime Lab. April was the 14th consecutive month in which the city saw a year-over-year decline in gun violence incidents, police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi told reporters. Chicago recorded 721 people being shot in 2018 through April 29, which was 319 fewer than 2017. But homicides and gun violence historically peak in summer, warmer months. April was the fourth-coldest on record this year but rising temperatures over the past week were reflected in the spike in gun violence. In 2017, there were 1,040 shootings across the city of Chicago and 2016 saw the most shootings of the past seven years with 1,115 recorded shooting victims. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek By Agustinus Beo Da Costa BOGOR, Indonesia (Reuters) - China is open to increasing its import quota of Indonesian palm oil by at least 500,000 tonnes, Premier Li Keqiang said on Monday, speaking after a meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo at the country's presidential palace in Bogor. Li's comment came at a joint news conference with Widodo before the Chinese premier traveled to Jakarta to visit the headquarters of ASEAN. The two countries also signed a number of memoranda of understanding, including on the construction of dams in Indonesia's Sulawesi island and South Kalimantan province on Borneo. China currently consumes 5 million tonnes of palm oil, said Li, scheduled to fly on Tuesday from Jakarta to Tokyo for a summit with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korea's President Moon Jae-in. Indonesia, the world's biggest palm oil producer, exported 3.73 million tonnes of palm oil to China last year, a leading destinations after India and the European Union. Li said boosting palm oil imports was aimed at helping smallholder farmers in Indonesia, and said China also planned to increase coffee and tropical fruit imports. "Indonesian agricultural products have an advantage, we do not have many of them in China," Li told reporters. According to data from Indonesia's investment agency, China was the third-largest foreign investor in Indonesia last year, contributing around 10 percent of total foreign direct investment. "We discussed an increase in economic cooperation including trade," said President Widodo, speaking at the news conference. "As a country with a 1.37 billion population, China is a big market for Indonesia. I stressed about exports increasing from Indonesia to China." said Widodo. Indonesia's palm oil exports have come under pressure in Europe where lawmakers have approved draft measures on power reform that include plans to ban the use of palm oil in biodiesel from 2021, even though the E.U. recently removed anti-dumping duties for imports of biodiesel containing palm oil for some Indonesian producers. China sees Indonesia as a key partner in its Belt and Road initiative that aims to bolster a sprawling network of land and sea links with Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Indonesia said last week it was seeking ways to accelerate a $5 billion high-speed rail project being built by a consortium of local and Chinese state firms, which is facing obstacles from land ownership issues. (Reporting by Agustinus Da Costa and Bernadette Christina Munthe; Writing by Fransiska Nangoy; Editing by Ed Davies and Kenneth Maxwell) It has been five years since Amanda Berry miraculously escaped from a boarded-up Cleveland home and called 911. Help me. Im Amanda Berry, she told the dispatcher. Ive been kidnapped and missing for 10 years. I am here. I am free now. Within minutes, Cleveland Police discovered Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight, who had been chained, tortured and abused along with Berry for a decade. Their captor, Ariel Castro, was convicted for kidnapping and raping the three women and sentenced to life in prison. (He died of suicide a month after he was sentenced.) Since then, the three women have gone their separate ways and continue to heal from the decade-long trauma. On Tuesday, Knight 37 years-old and now going by the name Lillian Rose Lee released her second memoir, Life After Darkness. Her first memoir, Finding Me, was a New York Times bestseller. In her new book, she opens up about her trauma, depression and relationships. The whole world had heard the story of how I had been damaged by a filthy older man, she wrote in her book, excerpted exclusively in this weeks issue of PEOPLE. Who would ever want me after that? Watch the full episode ofPeople Crime: Michelle Knight Finding Love After Captivitystreaming now on PeopleTV.com, or download the PeopleTV app on your favorite device. But through mutual friends on Facebook, she eventually found love and married Miguel Rodriguez, a medical courier, on May 6, 2016 the third anniversary of Knights freedom from Castros house. For now, she travels around the world as a public speaker and recently launched her foundation Lilys Ray of Hope, which supports women and girls who are victims of domestic violence, human trafficking and child abuse. She partnered with specialty coffee maker 3-19 Co. to showcase her artwork and raise money for her foundation, which will eventually provide resources so women can restart their lives. Story continues Meanwhile, Berry, now 32, has turned her attention toward spotlighting missing people in Northeast Ohio. When she was inside captor Ariel Castros home, he would let her see news segments of people searching for her. Berry is hosting a 30-second daily news segment on Clevelands Fox 8 because she wants missing people to know the public is still looking for them. I hope we get [the faces of] missing people out there and get people looking at them a second time, a third time, and looking at their name, Berry told PEOPLE last year. Its kind of the small things that makes a big difference. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter. She partnered with DeJesus and they shared their story in the New York Times bestselling memoir Hope: A Memoir of Survival in Cleveland, written with Mary Jordan and Kevin Sullivan. She is also raising a daughter, which she delivered while inside Castros home. Im so proud of how much shes grown as a person. Shes very caring. And a lot of kids her age are not like that and I find that she is, Berry told local TV station Fox8. DeJesus, now 28-years-old and the youngest of the group, has been quietly enjoying life with her tight-knit family in the suburbs of Cleveland, a source told PEOPLE. She recently joined forces with the Northeast Ohio Amber Alert Committee. Newburgh Heights Police Chief John Majoy, who works with the group, told Fox8 that DeJesus plans to help survivors and their family members. Shes such an asset to the team, Majoy told the local station. Anywhere in our eight-county area, we will send a victims advocate specialist along with Gina to meet with the family and provide them support services. DeJesus told the station that she wants to help people in her community. She said, Just to give back and to help like they helped me when I came home. A former press secretary for ex-president Bill Clinton has some advice for White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders: tell President Donald Trump to stop lying, or youll quit. Joe Lockhart, who worked as White House press secretary from 1998 to 2000, handed out some advice to Huckabee Sanders during his appearance on CNN Newsroom on Saturday. I think at this point, I'd go into the Oval Office and tell the president that if he lies to me again, I have to quit," Lockhart said, outlining his ultimatum. Trending: Children Will Be Separated From Parents at Border If Crossing Illegally, Jeff Sessions Says in Immigration Crackdown I think she runs the risk, it's at the stage where she's complicit in the lies, even though she may not have the best information, he added. Huckabee Sanders has had to field some difficult questions during her tenure, most recently about the $130,000 hush money payment from Trumps personal lawyer Michael Cohen to adult actress Stephanie Clifford, known as Stormy Daniels. Speaking with reporters on Air Force One, Trump denied knowledge of the payment, however it emerged this week that he reimbursed Cohen for the paymentprompting a series of tough questions for the press secretary from the press. Don't miss: Turpin Family Father Charged With Perjury for Lying about 'Home School' for 12 Children RTS1PRIB Reuters This was information the president didnt know at the time and eventually learned, Huckabee Sanders told the media of the payment, Time reported, also suggesting she had found out about the reimbursement from Rudy Giuliani, who announced it on Fox News on Thursday night. The press secretary, who is closely aligned with what Trump says, now knows for certain that the president is a liar, Lockhart said. "We now know, without any shadow of a doubt, that the president will say whatever is in his interest at that moment and has no regard for the truth. So she knows this," he added. Story continues This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek PRAGUE (Reuters) - The ruling Czech ANO party expects a deal on a coalition with the Social Democrats (CSSD) by Friday, ANO chairman and Prime Minister Andrej Babis said on Monday. The ANO won elections last October but fell short of a parliamentary majority and since then most parties have refused to cooperate with it because Babis faces fraud charges. An ANO minority cabinet lost a vote of confidence in January and has since ruled as a caretaker. "(The agenda) is in the final stages, I believe it will be absolutely clear by Friday and then we will only wait for the (CSSD) referendum," Babis told reporters after the meeting. He referred to an internal vote among CSSD members, which the party leadership may launch as soon as Friday. The result is expected in early June. Babis said he planned to have a confidence vote in the parliament by the end of June. Neither Babis, nor Social Democratic chairman Jan Hamacek would comment on specific items on the new government's agenda such as a special tax on banks the Social Democrats want or steeper progression of income tax for the highest earners. Notes from previous meetings of the ANO and CSSD seen by Reuters showed that the ANO would reject both ideas. CSSD chairman Hamacek said that the agreement should be acceptable to his party colleagues. "Speaking for myself, the text which we have, is acceptable ... all problems are solved. I regard the coalition agreement as solved," he said. The parties also agreed that if all CSSD ministers resigned, the whole government would follow suit, Hamacek said. The leaders declined to comment on the other key CSSD demand: that Babis resign if found guilty in an investigation into charges of illegally tapping EU subsidies. He denies the police charges and the case is yet to go to trial. If the agreement holds, the two parties would still need a support from a third party, the Communists, to win a confidence vote. It would be the first participation of the Communists on power, however indirect, since their totalitarian rule fell during the Velvet Revolution in 1989. Their limited role, with no cabinet seats, would not bring the kind of policy changes that have sparked conflict between the EU and Hungary and Poland. But it would still anger many Czechs who suffered under their rule. ANO has also cooperated with the far-right, anti-EU and anti-NATO SPD party in parliament, even considering leaning on it for support for a minority government. That helped the SPD to fill the post of the deputy speaker and chair some committees. The Social Democrats have demanded SPD officials be ousted from these positions to prevent the ANO seeking support from the anti-Islam party in case of coalition squabbles. Both Babis and Hamacek declined to comment. (Reporting by Robert Muller; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg) Copenhagen (AFP) - A Danish inventor found guilty of the murder of a Swedish journalist aboard his homemade submarine has appealed his life sentence but is not contesting the verdict, prosecutors said Monday. Peter Madsen "is found guilty in the murder of Kim Wall and has only appealed the length" of his life sentence, Simon Gosvig, spokesman for the Danish prosecutor's office, told AFP. A Copenhagen district court on April 25 sentenced the 47-year-old to life for murdering the 30-year-old journalist, chopping up her corpse and throwing her body parts into the sea in August last year. The eccentric inventor confessed to stuffing Wall's head, arms and legs into plastic bags, weighing them down with metal pipes before tossing them into the sea, but maintained throughout his trial that her death was accidental. The court, however, concluded the gruesome videos Madsen watched of women being beheaded and tortured and the fact that he brought a saw, plastic strips and a sharpened screwdriver on board just before the voyage with Wall were enough to find him guilty. Most observers had expected Madsen to appeal the verdict. The prosecutor's office said Madsen's bid for a milder sentence could not be interpreted as an admission of guilt. While a life sentence in Denmark averages around 16 years, Madsen could be held behind bars for as long as he lives if the life term is confirmed. Despite the testimony of many experts, the lack of tangible evidence in the case and the decomposed state of Wall's remains made it impossible to determine an exact cause of death. An autopsy report concluded she probably died as a result of suffocation or having her throat slit. Fourteen stab wounds and piercings were also found in and around her genital area. Madsen had argued that he stabbed her because he wanted to prevent gases from building up inside her body that would prevent it from sinking to the seabed. Jarak (Serbie) (AFP) - Serbian police prevented ultranationalist Vojislav Seselj from demonstrating Sunday in Hrtkovci, a village in the Vojvodina province home to a Croatian minority where his firebrand speeches during the Balkan War earned him a jail term. Police blocked off access to the village some 70 kilometres (45 miles) west of Belgrade, an AFP photographer said. "We came as opposition to provoke the regime which has forbidden us from demonstrating ... and not the Croatians," said Seselj, 63, in the nearby village of Jarak as he found himself barred by a police cordon. Last month UN judges overturned the controversial acquittal of the radical Serb politician, sentencing him to 10 years for crimes against humanity in the 1990s Balkans conflict. In May 1992 he had urged the expulsion of local Croats at the height of the Balkan conflict. Seselj rejected the verdict by the Hague-based panel of UN judges and vowed to return to Hrtkovci to demonstrate along with supporters from his Serbian Radical Party. He remains at liberty having already spent almost 12 years -- from February 2003 to November 2014 -- in detention in The Hague. He had initially and controversially been acquitted in March 2016 of six war crimes and three crimes against humanity charges after a trial lasting more than eight years at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Seselj told AFP after last month's appeal ruling in The Hague that he was "proud" of the crimes he was convicted of -- including inciting persecution -- and was willing to do the same again. The 1992-1995 war left 100,000 people dead and 2.2 million others homeless, as an ethnic conflict tore the former Yugoslavia apart. Ankara (Turkey) (AFP) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday rejected a challenge from the main opposition party's presidential candidate to hold televised debates ahead of snap polls on June 24. Muharrem Ince, the Republican People's Party (CHP) candidate running against Erdogan, earlier on Monday urged the president to take part in a TV debate. But Erdogan firmly refused the offer. Erdogan is known for his fiery rhetorical skills but Ince is also popular as an effective orator. "In particular, I do not want to get involved in television debate events," Erdogan said at a press conference with Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic in Ankara. He said he did not want a debate to descend into an event where others would seek to "score points" off him. Ince, who was chosen as the CHP candidate on Friday, had earlier Monday said: "Mr Erdogan, since you say we are up there with contemporary civilisations, let's come together with the other candidates... let's debate on television." Ince after his nomination delivered a thumping speech in which he vowed to unite the polarised country and transform Erdogan's presidential palace into a "home of science" if he were elected head of state. He also suggested all candidates should meet as a goodwill gesture. The president accepted Ince's request to meet, saying the two men could meet at Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) headquarters. Last month Erdogan announced there would be simultaneous parliamentary and presidential elections on June 24, a year and a half earlier than scheduled. After the polls, the country will implement constitutional changes approved in a April 2017 referendum to create an executive presidency, expanding the powers of the president. Those also running against Erdogan include ex-interior minister and head of the new Iyi (Good) Party Meral Aksener, and Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) former leader Selahattin Demirtas even though he is currently jailed. The CHP Saturday officially formed a coalition called the "Alliance for the Nation" -- including the Good Party but not the HDP -- to challenge the ruling party in the legislative polls but fielding their own candidates in the presidential vote. A South African filmmaker was killed by a giraffe at a wildlife park near Pretoria. Carlos Carvalho was on assignment at the Glen Africa Country Lodge, located approximately 25 miles west of the capital Pretoria, when he was attacked by the giraffe on Wednesday. GettyImages-873264782 Richard Heathcote/Getty Images Trending: Hillary Clinton Thought About Moving to New Zealand After Losing Election to Trump Filming agency CallaCrew told the Associated Press Carvalho "had a fatal run-in with a giraffe on set and the Daily Telegraph reported the 47-year-old was head-butted by a bull giraffe named Gerald, who swung its head at him. Following the incident Carvalho was flown to Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg but could not be rescued as the injuries sustained proved fatal and he died the night following his arrival. "When Carlos was standing in front of the giraffe, the animal spread its legs, bent its neck and swung its head at Carlos," Richard Brooker, whose family owns the lodge, was quoted as saying by the Daily Telegraph. Don't miss: 'PUBG' Savage Map Renamed Sanhok, Next Beta Session Announced "Gerald will remain at the lodge. He did nothing wrong. Carvalho, who won a Silver Lion at the Cannes Film Festival in 2013, was completely caught by surprise by the animals reaction. He started chasing the boom swinger who joined our unit," he said. 'The giraffe followed him but we didnt feel threatened because he just seemed to be inquisitive. Most popular: Ivana Trump Goes on Dancing with the Stars After Making Fun of Maria Maples for Doing the Same "We started shooting close ups of its body and its feet, Drikus Van Der Merwe, a member of the film crew told the Daily Telegraph. Then while Carlos was looking through the camera eyepiece Gerald swung his neck and hit him against his head. It came out of nowhere and Carlos didnt even see it coming. He wasnt aware of the danger. Story continues The British television series Wild at Heart was filmed at Glen Africa Country Lodge, which on its website promises tourists they can get up close and personal to a number of our resident wildlife." This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Jerusalem (AFP) - Workmen on Monday put up street signs to the US embassy due to open in Jerusalem in one week, a move hailed as historic by Israel but loathed by Palestinians. Municipal workers erected signposts reading "US Embassy" in Hebrew, Arabic and English around the site, currently a US consular building, in the city's Arnona neighbourhood. Breaking with decades of US diplomacy and international consensus President Donald Trump announced on December 6 the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the transfer of the embassy, located until now in Tel Aviv. The embassy is to get a festive inauguration on Monday next week, to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the state of Israel. Small in size, it will initially occupy part of the consular workspace pending planning and construction of a purpose-built embassy, a long-term project according to the US State Department. Trump's unilateral decision delighted the Israelis and enraged the Palestinians, who want to make the eastern, mainly Palestinian, part of the city the capital of their future state and who say Trump's decision ignores their demands. The question of Jerusalem is one of the thorniest of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. "This is not a dream -- it's reality," Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat said in a Twitter post that included photos of him up a ladder holding one of the newly installed signs. "Jerusalem is the eternal capital of the Jewish people -- and the world is beginning to recognise this fact," he said, adding his thanks to Trump. Israel considers the Trump declaration as recognition, albeit long delayed, of a historical fact. To the Palestinians it is indicative of what they say is the White House's pro-Israel bias. Senior Palestinian official Saeb Erekat called in a statement Monday for diplomats, "civil society organisations, and religious authorities to boycott the inauguration ceremony" of the Jerusalem embassy. Story continues "Those who attend the ceremony will be sending an ominous message, a message that they encourage flagrant violations of international law and (of) the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people," he added. Israel occupied east Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed it. The international community considers the annexation illegal and considers east Jerusalem as occupied territory. Since the creation of the Jewish state it has not recognised Jerusalem as its capital and considers that the final status of the city must be negotiated with the Palestinians. Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales has said his country's embassy will move to Jerusalem on May 16. Three suspected rebels and a civilian were killed in a gun battle Saturday in Srinagar in Indian-administered Kashmir, police said, the first in the restive region's main city this year. The three men believed to be militants died in a shootout after government forces surrounded a densely populated neighbourhood in the old part of the city, director general of police Shesh Paul Vaid said. A young man also died after he was hit by an armoured vehicle as hundreds of residents tried to help the rebels escape from the military cordon in the heart of Srinagar, a police officer told AFP on condition of anonymity. A paramilitary trooper was injured during the exchange of fire. Since last year gun battles between government forces and militants seeking an end to Indian rule in Kashmir have become more frequent, in a region divided between India and Pakistan but claimed in full by both. This year the fighting has left a total of 110 dead, according to officials, with 20 civilians, 28 security forces personnel and 62 militants estimated to have died. On Saturday hundreds of residents hit the streets near the site of the firefight, shouting slogans of freedom from Indian rule, witnesses said. The protests and clashes later spread to other areas of the city's old quarters. India has deployed more than 500,000 soldiers to tackle the rising militancy and increasing civilian support for the rebels. New Delhi is also preparing to deploy elite commandos from its National Security Guard, known as Black Cats, to the disputed territory. India often accuses Pakistan of fuelling the insurgency, a charge Islamabad denies saying it only provides diplomatic support to the Kashmiri struggle for right to self-determination. Former President George H.W. Bush has been discharged from the hospital and is in good condition, according to his family and representatives. Bush, 93, who was admitted to Houston Methodist Hospital just days after the death and funeral of his late wife Barbara Bush, was being treated for a blood infection for nearly two weeks. Spokesman Jim McGrath announced Friday evening that Bush had been discharged and is doing well and is happy to return home. President @GeorgeHWBush was discharged from @MethodistHosp after treatment for an infection. His doctors report he is doing well and is happy to return home. Jim McGrath (@jgm41) May 4, 2018 Former presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, thanked the public for their prayers. Thanks for all of your prayers. Dad is doing well and headed home. https://t.co/Aq99DV2XDR Jeb Bush (@JebBush) May 5, 2018 On Thursday, Methodist Hospital announced that it would name an atrium in its new Walter Tower after George H.W. and Barbara Bush. The former president tweeted his thanks on Thursday, but joked that the second I get the green light Im outta here. Rudy Giuliani appeared on a variety of television news programs in the past five days as part of a media blitz aimed at explaining a hush payment made by President Donald Trump's personal attorney to an adult film actress who alleges she had an affair with Trump over a decade ago. But while Giuliani said his media tour has succeeded in controlling the conversation around Trump attorney Michael Cohens $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels, some experts are baffled by the performances of the former New York City mayor. We all feel pretty good that weve got everything kind of straightened out and were setting the agenda, Giuliani told The Washington Post Sunday after appearing on ABC Newss This Week earlier in the day to defend the president. On the program, he admitted he was only about halfway there to understanding all the facts in the legal matter he has been publicly discussing for nearly a week. Everybodys reacting to us now, and I feel good about that because thats what I came in to do, Giuliani told the Post. Trending: Israel Says It Will Kill Assad If He Keeps Iran in Syria But Washington University in St. Louis law professor Kathleen Clark, an expert in legal ethics, told the Post that Giuliani's Sunday interview was erratic, unpredictable, aimless. When he starts on a matter, and the matters ongoing, and he needs to get up to speed, yes, theres risk involved in making any statement, Clark said. But whats even more striking to me is, I couldnt tell what he thought he was going to accomplish. Another expert, George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley, told Fox News last week that Giuliani had "caused some damage for the president." Don't miss: What Does Be Best Mean? Melania Trump Unveils New Initiative Aimed at Helping Children GettyImages-955081966 Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images Story continues In the ABC News interview, Giuliani said Trump wanted to testify before special counsel Robert Mueller, but then seemed to reject the idea, saying every lawyer in America thinks he would be a fool to testify. He also said that Trump may invoke his Fifth Amendment right and implied that Cohen may have paid off other women to stay silent about alleged affairs. While campaign finance experts say the payment, which was not disclosed in federal campaign filings, could be considered a campaign finance violation if it was made to influence the election, others have pointed out that if Trump made similar payments to other women when he wasnt running for president, then Trumps legal team could potentially argue the payment had nothing to do with politics. Most popular: Jailed U.S. Pastor Wanted to Create a Christian Kurdish State in Turkey, Secret Witness Claims Trump has denied the affair and had previously said he did not know of the payment to Daniels, whose legal name is Stephanie Clifford. But last week, Giuliani said Trump reimbursed Cohen for the payment, contradicting the presidents previous statements, but potentially minimizing the possibility of a campaign finance violation since there are no limits to how much money a candidate can donate to his own campaign. After Giuliani appeared on This Week, Danielss lawyer, Michael Avenatti, appeared on the program and attacked Giulianis performance. I cant believe that actually just happened. I mean, what we witnessed by Rudy Giuliani may be one of the worst TV appearances by any attorney on behalf of a client in modern times, Avenatti said. This guy is all over the map over the last 72 hours on some very simple facts that should be very straightforward. I think it is obvious to the American people that this is a cover-up, that they are making it up as they go along. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Photo credit: The Manufacturer - Car and Driver From Car and Driver Global supplier Aptiv and ride-hailing service Lyft offered up one of the more noteworthy demonstrations of self-driving technology during the annual CES showcase earlier this year in Las Vegas. Its wasnt just because the white BMW 5-series vehicles equipped with bright orange wheels garnered much attention along the Strip, with about 400 rides given to members of the public; it was apparent the two companies had sketched the basics for offering autonomous navigation in a ride-hailing format between certain preselected locations. It was a mere demonstration then; now theyre making it real. The two companies expanded their partnership and launched a fleet of 30 automated vehicles in Las Vegas last week. Equipped with Aptivs self-driving tech, the BMWs will operate as part of Lyfts ride-hailing network and carry members of the public. Lyft users can opt in to an autonomous ride, which will be offered at no charge, at least for the first few months. The cars will be monitored by human safety drivers. The service will operate on fixed routes between certain high-profile locations such as popular casinos and the company will gradually expand its list of destinations. An Aptiv spokesperson said the companies intend to offer stops at more than 30 locations by the end of the year. Chief technology officer Glen De Vos said Las Vegas is an ideal site to initiate the service. Vegas is great, because you have good traffic density and a lot of ridership, he said. You have unusual cases with pedestrian behavior and other things. This isnt like driving in a suburb. Its a high-complexity environment. So we see it as an exciting opportunity for us, and thats why we decided to continue to test and develop here kind of indefinitely. Since CES, the software underpinning Aptivs self-driving system has evolved. Then, software developed by Ottomatika, a Carnegie Mellon University spinoff purchased by Aptiv in 2015, controlled perception and vehicle movement. In the intervening months, engineers have integrated software from NuTonomy, the self-driving software startup Aptiv acquired in 2017 for $450 million. Story continues Further, Aptiv has enhanced its mapping of the city. During the CES demos, vehicle systems controlled their own movements along public roads, but human safety drivers retook control in parking lots of the casinos and other destinations. An Aptiv spokesperson told C/D that the newly launched program will offer autonomous service all the way to pickup and drop-off spots in parking lots, which suggests the company has now mapped the applicable parking lots. Photo credit: The Manufacturer - Car and Driver For Aptiv, the software-focused descendant of the supplier once known as Delphi, Las Vegas marks its fifth location for autonomous-vehicle testing. The company also has automated vehicles operating on public roads in Boston, Pittsburgh, Singapore, and the Bay Area. None of the other cities yet offer a public-facing service. NuTonomy has been independently testing its self-driving tech in Singapore and Boston, so this is hardly the companys first go-round on public roads. But the integration nonetheless marks a milestone for the Aptiv and its subsidiaries. For Lyft, the partnership with Aptiv is one of several in the fledgling self-driving industry. The ride-hailing service is also involved in tie-ups with Drive.ai, Ford, General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, Magna, and Waymo. Nevada officials have courted self-driving and advanced-transportation testing within the state, and Navya, a manufacturer of autonomous shuttle buses, has previously conducted a pilot project in Las Vegas with buses running on a fixed loop. As for the vehicles themselves, Aptivs De Vos said the BMW 5-series is a good fit for the companys endeavors in Las Vegas, and not only because of the experience it can offer luxury-minded customers in a city built on tourism. He said Aptiv was seeking a really solid platform into which we could put our technology, and the BMW vehicle has turned out to be a great choice from the electronic architecture standpoint and for the drive-by-wire controls and interfaces. We were able to work closely with their engineers to understand, If I want the car to do this, heres how I do that. While competitors have similar projects afoot elsewhere, the confluence of Aptivs technology, BMWs vehicles, and Lyfts network of riders, all in a city teeming with tourists looking to get around town, makes this one well worth watching. You Might Also Like Some students at the University of Florida celebrated getting their degrees by dancing, which resulted in a forceful removal from the stage. A college official was seen rushing in and aggressively hauling one student away in front of 10,000 spectators as he celebrated the achievement of his diploma with a dance. It also happened to two other graduates, including one who did a back flip after getting the degree. University officials say they wanted to keep the ceremony flowing and the students who danced took up too much time. But graduates Oliver Telusma and Nafeesha Attah believe they were singled out because of their race. Oliver Telusma was onstage for mere seconds before he was dragged away. Nafeesah Attah was also forcibly shoved offstage for the same reason. "It was only towards the end when more of the black graduates were coming on stage that it began to get a lot more aggressive in the nature on how they were treating black students," she told Inside Edition. When Inside Edition looked through the video of the graduation ceremony we found white student dancing uninterrupted and also black students dancing across the stage untouched. But the university's president, Kent Fuchs, later apologized. "We inappropriately physically rushed a bunch of students across the stage at one of our commencements," Fuchs admitted. "I want to personally apologize for us doing that on behalf of myself and also the University of Florida. I want you all our students to know that we've changed that practice and we want each of you to know that we celebrate you." But Attah said the apology is too little, too late. "It would have been a lot more sincere and effective if it happened while it was taking place. He was on stage, literally feet away, from those of us students who were getting pushed and did absolutely nothing to stop it," she told Inside Edition. The university president personally called each of the students who were rushed off the stage but at least one of the grads says he wont be satisfied until the school official who took action against him is fired. Story continues RELATED STORIES College Student Walks Across Graduation Stage With Beloved Service Dog Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson Calls Arrest of 2 Men 'Reprehensible' in New Apology Starbucks Apologizes After Video of 2 Men Being Arrested Inside Business Goes Viral Related Articles: Hawaii residents are still feeling the effects of Kilauea erupting with more residents being told to evacuate as lava from the volcano continues to cause havoc. A total of nine homes have been destroyed, with several more damaged, according to Hawaii News Now. According to authorities lava fissures opened in the Leilani subdivision this weekend and shot fountains of lava up to 230 feet in the air. I met many people who are frightened and deeply concerned about losing everything theyve worked for all their lives," Hawaii Governor David Ige said in a statement. "Ive heard from people who have already lost their home. My heart goes out to these families. I reassured them that the county, state and the federal governments are working together to do everything in our power to help them get through this, to ensure their welfare and safety, and to assure them that we are here for the long haul. This is a resilient community. Even during this frightening and unpredictable time these residents are pulling together, donating food, water and time to care for their neighbors. Trending: Pokemon Go Fest Returns to Chicago in 2018 CBS reports that at least 1,700 people have been evacuated already and that number is expected to climb. For a current map on the evacuations, Hawaii is updating residents about fissures and air quality with a new site. Hawaii Volcano Photos Hawaii Volcano Getty Images Lava from Hawaii Volcano Getty Images Don't miss: Doodle 4 Google 2018: Voting For State, Territory Winners Open Fissures in Hawaii Getty Images Lava from Hawaii volcano FREDERIC J. BROWN / Getty Images Damage from Kilauea Retuers This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek By Tom Perry, Laila Bassam and Ellen Francis BEIRUT (Reuters) - Hezbollah and its political allies made significant gains in Lebanon's parliamentary election, official results showed, boosting an Iranian-backed movement fiercely opposed to Israel and underlining Tehran's growing regional clout. The leader of Shi'ite Hezbollah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, called the result a "a very big political, parliamentary and moral victory for the choice of resistance". The number of Hezbollah MPs was the same or little changed, but candidates supported by the group or allied to it gained in major cities. Hezbollah and its political allies won just over half the seats in parliament, according to final results from all but one of Lebanon's 15 electoral districts. Branded a terrorist group by the United States, heavily armed Shi'ite Hezbollah has grown in strength since joining the war in Syria in support of President Bashar al-Assad in 2012. The strong showing by parties and politicians who support Hezbollah's possession of weapons risk complicating Western policy in Lebanon, which is banking on foreign aid and loans to revive its stagnant economy and receives U.S. military support. An Israeli minister said the outcome showed the Lebanese state was indistinguishable from Hezbollah, signaling the risk of Israel hitting Lebanon's government in a future war. Western-backed Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri lost over a third of his seats, the results showed. He blamed a complex new voting law and gaps in his party's performance. But with 21 MPs, down from 33 in the last parliament, he still emerged as the Sunni Muslim leader with the biggest bloc in the 128-seat house, making him the frontrunner to form the next government. The staunchly anti-Hezbollah Lebanese Forces, a Christian party, emerged as a big winner, nearly doubling its lawmakers to around 15, according to initial indications. Lebanon's prime minister must be a Sunni under its sectarian power-sharing system. The new government, like the outgoing one, is expected to include all the main parties. Talks over cabinet posts are expected to take time. "Hariri is going to be further weakened in any kind of government going forward," said Andrew Tabler of the Washington Institute. "His ability to substantially tame or restrain Hezbollah... in Lebanon is going to be very limited." A "SLAP" FOR HARIRI Official results released late on Monday showed that Hezbollah, along with allied groups and individuals, secured at least 65 seats. The final results for Akkar district have yet to be announced. Seats in parliament are divided according to a strict sectarian quota. Hezbollah-backed Sunnis won seats in Beirut, Tripoli and Sidon, strongholds of Hariri's Future Movement, where the army was forced to deploy on Monday evening to break up clashes between Hariri and Hezbollah supporters. The pro-Hezbollah al-Akhbar newspaper declared the election a "slap" for Hariri. Hezbollah-backed winners include Jamil al-Sayyed, a retired Shi'ite general and former Lebanese intelligence chief who is a close friend of Syria's Assad. Sayyed was one of the most powerful men in Lebanon in the 15 years of Syrian domination that followed the 1975-90 civil war. At least five other figures who held office then returned to parliament for the first time since Syrian forces quit Lebanon after the 2005 assassination of Rafik al-Hariri, Saad's father. Faisal Karami, son of the late pro-Syrian prime minister Omar Karami, won a seat for the first time. Iranian media appeared to gloat at Hariri's setback. The hardline Tasnim news agency ran a report headlined: "Lebanese election result puts an end to Hariris monopoly among Sunnis." Hezbollah's big allies include the Shi'ite Amal Movement, led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and the Christian Free Patriotic Movement of President Michel Aoun, a Hezbollah ally since 2006 who has said its arsenal is needed to defend Lebanon. While Hezbollah and its allies do not always see eye to eye, their support for its arsenal is vital to the group in Lebanon, where its weapons have been a major point of friction for years. Hezbollah lost ground in the Baalbek-Hermel constituency, one of its strongholds. Two of 10 seats there were won by its opponents, one by the Lebanese Forces and the other by Future. It also failed to take a Shi'ite seat in Byblos. Turnout was 49.2 percent, down from 54 percent the last time legislative elections were held nine years ago. An independent candidate running against the political establishment won a seat in Beirut. An anti-Hezbollah coalition led by Hariri and backed by Saudi Arabia won a majority in parliament in 2009. But that "March 14" alliance disintegrated and Riyadh has switched its attention to confronting Iran in other parts of the region, notably Yemen. FIXING 'THE PATH' Samir Geagea, the Lebanese Forces leader, said the results showed there was still a "popular ground" that backs "March 14" and would "give us strength... to fix the path much more than we were able to in past years". Geagea is Hezbollah's most prominent Lebanese Christian opponent. He led the Lebanese Forces militia in the last years of the civil war, during which he was an adversary of Aoun. Hariri has urged the quick formation of a government after the election so it can press ahead with reforms needed to reduce state debt levels, among the highest in the world. He said the international community should look at the election result "in a very positive way". Donors want to see reforms before they release some of the $11 billion of aid and soft loans pledged in April. Lebanon has been a big recipient of foreign aid to help it cope with hosting one million refugees from neighboring Syria. Nasrallah called for the quick formation of a new government and said it should be done in a spirit of cooperation, putting aside differences. Lebanon should have held a parliamentary election in 2013 but MPs instead voted to extend their own term because leaders could not agree on a new parliamentary election law. The question of Hezbollah's weapons has slipped down on Lebanon's political agenda in recent years. Hariri, who led years of political conflict with the group, says it is an issue to be resolved regionally through dialogue. The Lebanon vote is to be followed on May 12 by an Iraqi election that is also set to underline Iran's reach, with one of three pro-Tehran Shi'ite leaders set to become prime minister. Iran said it respected Lebanon's election, while France said the vote was an important step. (Additional reporting by Angus McDowall, Dahlia Nehme and Lisa Barrington in Beirut, Dan Williams in Jerusalem and Parisa Hafezi in Ankara; Editing by William Maclean, Mark Heinrich and Dan Grebler) By Tom Perry, Laila Bassam and Ellen Francis BEIRUT (Reuters) - Hezbollah and its political allies made significant gains in Lebanon's parliamentary election, official results showed, boosting an Iranian-backed movement fiercely opposed to Israel and underlining Tehran's growing regional clout. The leader of Shi'ite Hezbollah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, called the result a "a very big political, parliamentary and moral victory for the choice of resistance". The number of Hezbollah MPs was the same or little changed, but candidates supported by the group or allied to it gained in major cities. Hezbollah and its political allies won just over half the seats in parliament, according to final results from all but one of Lebanon's 15 electoral districts. Branded a terrorist group by the United States, heavily armed Shi'ite Hezbollah has grown in strength since joining the war in Syria in support of President Bashar al-Assad in 2012. The strong showing by parties and politicians who support Hezbollah's possession of weapons risk complicating Western policy in Lebanon, which is banking on foreign aid and loans to revive its stagnant economy and receives U.S. military support. An Israeli minister said the outcome showed the Lebanese state was indistinguishable from Hezbollah, signalling the risk of Israel hitting Lebanon's government in a future war. Western-backed Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri lost over a third of his seats, the results showed. He blamed a complex new voting law and gaps in his party's performance. But with 21 MPs, down from 33 in the last parliament, he still emerged as the Sunni Muslim leader with the biggest bloc in the 128-seat house, making him the frontrunner to form the next government. The staunchly anti-Hezbollah Lebanese Forces, a Christian party, emerged as a big winner, nearly doubling its lawmakers to around 15, according to initial indications. Lebanon's prime minister must be a Sunni under its sectarian power-sharing system. The new government, like the outgoing one, is expected to include all the main parties. Talks over cabinet posts are expected to take time. Story continues "Hariri is going to be further weakened in any kind of government going forward," said Andrew Tabler of the Washington Institute. "His ability to substantially tame or restrain Hezbollah... in Lebanon is going to be very limited." A "SLAP" FOR HARIRI Official results released late on Monday showed that Hezbollah, along with allied groups and individuals, secured at least 65 seats. The final results for Akkar district have yet to be announced. Seats in parliament are divided according to a strict sectarian quota. Hezbollah-backed Sunnis won seats in Beirut, Tripoli and Sidon, strongholds of Hariri's Future Movement, where the army was forced to deploy on Monday evening to break up clashes between Hariri and Hezbollah supporters. The pro-Hezbollah al-Akhbar newspaper declared the election a "slap" for Hariri. Hezbollah-backed winners include Jamil al-Sayyed, a retired Shi'ite general and former Lebanese intelligence chief who is a close friend of Syria's Assad. Sayyed was one of the most powerful men in Lebanon in the 15 years of Syrian domination that followed the 1975-90 civil war. At least five other figures who held office then returned to parliament for the first time since Syrian forces quit Lebanon after the 2005 assassination of Rafik al-Hariri, Saad's father. Faisal Karami, son of the late pro-Syrian prime minister Omar Karami, won a seat for the first time. Iranian media appeared to gloat at Hariri's setback. The hardline Tasnim news agency ran a report headlined: "Lebanese election result puts an end to Hariris monopoly among Sunnis." Hezbollah's big allies include the Shi'ite Amal Movement, led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and the Christian Free Patriotic Movement of President Michel Aoun, a Hezbollah ally since 2006 who has said its arsenal is needed to defend Lebanon. While Hezbollah and its allies do not always see eye to eye, their support for its arsenal is vital to the group in Lebanon, where its weapons have been a major point of friction for years. Hezbollah lost ground in the Baalbek-Hermel constituency, one of its strongholds. Two of 10 seats there were won by its opponents, one by the Lebanese Forces and the other by Future. It also failed to take a Shi'ite seat in Byblos. Turnout was 49.2 percent, down from 54 percent the last time legislative elections were held nine years ago. An independent candidate running against the political establishment won a seat in Beirut. An anti-Hezbollah coalition led by Hariri and backed by Saudi Arabia won a majority in parliament in 2009. But that "March 14" alliance disintegrated and Riyadh has switched its attention to confronting Iran in other parts of the region, notably Yemen. FIXING 'THE PATH' Samir Geagea, the Lebanese Forces leader, said the results showed there was still a "popular ground" that backs "March 14" and would "give us strength... to fix the path much more than we were able to in past years". Geagea is Hezbollah's most prominent Lebanese Christian opponent. He led the Lebanese Forces militia in the last years of the civil war, during which he was an adversary of Aoun. Hariri has urged the quick formation of a government after the election so it can press ahead with reforms needed to reduce state debt levels, among the highest in the world. He said the international community should look at the election result "in a very positive way". Donors want to see reforms before they release some of the $11 billion of aid and soft loans pledged in April. Lebanon has been a big recipient of foreign aid to help it cope with hosting one million refugees from neighbouring Syria. Nasrallah called for the quick formation of a new government and said it should be done in a spirit of cooperation, putting aside differences. Lebanon should have held a parliamentary election in 2013 but MPs instead voted to extend their own term because leaders could not agree on a new parliamentary election law. The question of Hezbollah's weapons has slipped down on Lebanon's political agenda in recent years. Hariri, who led years of political conflict with the group, says it is an issue to be resolved regionally through dialogue. The Lebanon vote is to be followed on May 12 by an Iraqi election that is also set to underline Iran's reach, with one of three pro-Tehran Shi'ite leaders set to become prime minister. Iran said it respected Lebanon's election, while France said the vote was an important step. (Additional reporting by Angus McDowall, Dahlia Nehme and Lisa Barrington in Beirut, Dan Williams in Jerusalem and Parisa Hafezi in Ankara; Editing by William Maclean, Mark Heinrich and Dan Grebler) A car carrying a poster of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Hizbollah leader, as voters take part in first Lebanese election in nine years - REUTERS The political makeup of Lebanons Parliament has been reshaped after the country held its first elections in almost a decade Sunday with Hizbollah solidifying its presence in legislation. Despite official results not being released, most political parties have publicised their victories and for which seats. Hizbollah and its Shiite ally, Amal Movement, took 16 and 13 seats respectively giving the duo 29 seats in Parliament without traditional Christian allies, Free Patriotic Movement and Marada Movement. The FPM, which was founded by President Michel Aoun, will occupy 17 seats in Parliament. The groups leader is Aouns son-in- law and Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil. While much talk has been focused on Hizbollahs gains, the list backed by the Iranian-proxy won 4 seats in West Beirut, while it lost 2 seats in its stronghold Baalbeck-Hermel. A Hizbollah delegate checks the voters' list at a polling station in Beirut's southern suburbs Credit: AFP However, one of the lists seats in Beirut was won by the Association of Islamic Charitable Projects (Al-Ahbash) and another by the FPMs Protestant candidate. It is unclear if they will be in Hizbollahs parliamentary bloc. The other two were Shia candidates, which comes as no surprise to the 70,000 plus Shia voters in the capital. Prime Minister Saad Hariri will remain the undisputed Sunni leader, but he has had his wings clipped, one Beirut voter said. This is just what Hizbollah wanted to keep him in power but limit his influence, Ali K., the voter from Hezbollah stronghold of Beiruts southern suburbs said. About | Lebanon Beirut was perhaps the biggest blow to Hariri while he will maintain a strong representation in the norths Akkar with 6 of the 7 possible seats. He lost 4 seats to the Hizbollah-backed list and another seat to controversial businessman Fouad Makhzoumi, a Sunni, out of the 11 possible seats for Beirut. Also in the north, the countrys second biggest city of Tripoli and its surroundings, Hariris Future Movement has retained five seats, former Prime Minister Najib Mikati with four and Faisal Karami with two seats. Story continues The violence of the seven-year war in neighboring Syria has not spilled into Lebanon per se, but the political effects have been felt. With parties divided over whether to resume direct communication with the Syrian government to discuss the return of Syrian refugees, close to 2 million refugees were in Lebanon at one point. This further hampered Lebanons already weak economy and dilapidated infrastructure. But Hariri was not the only side to be affected by this as was evident by the countrys low voter turnout. Election officials count ballots shortly after the polling stations closed in Beirut Credit: AP Interior Minister Nohad Machnouk announced that a meager 49.2 percent of the registered voters cast their ballots although 800,000 new voters were eligible since the last elections in 2009. But experts say the percentage would be much higher if the eligible voters were filtered. A little over 3 million registered voters are on the voter registry; however, it is believed that just over 2 million of them live in Lebanon. On the other hand, the low voter turnout proved to benefit the civil society who contested parliamentary elections for the first time in the countrys modern history. Popular journalists Paula Yacoubian and Joumana Haddad shocked the public after winning two seats in East Beirut, which is predominantly made up Christian voters. The two were running on the Kilna Watani, All for the Nation, list that composed 11 different civil society groups across the country. Pollsters were pessimistic over the group being able to earn even one seat. A lower voter turnout meant a lower threshold needed for a list to be eligible to earn a seat. The new proportional representation law, used for the first time in Lebanon, replaced a previous winner-takes- all system. This gave a slight, but real, chance for independent candidates to earn their way into Parliament. Another positive from the elections was an increase in female representation. After previously having only 4 women in Parliament, the number jumped to 7, according to preliminary results Monday. The number remains embarrassing for a Parliament that has 128 seats. As all eyes are of the international community are on Hizbollah and the Future Movements results - the two are de-facto representatives of Iran and Saudi Arabia in Lebanon - a strong opponent of Hezbollah made significant gains after Sundays voting. The Lebanese Forces, a former Christian militia, almost doubled its current parliamentary bloc with 15 seats. This puts them almost on par with their Christian FPM archrivals, who are expected to have 17 MPs. This could mean the formation of a new government might drag on for months with new alliances set to be formed. The FPM has an MOU with Hizbollah dating back to 2006, but has formed a strong alliance with Hariri since the election of President Aoun. This has had a negative impact on Hariris alliance with the LF, a longtime western-backed ally and at times shaken the FPM-Hezbollah alliance. Either way, Hizbollah and Amal Movement will have a significant say and potentially veto power in the next Parliament and Cabinet. BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Hungary's President Janos Ader has asked Viktor Orban to form his new government and proposed on Monday that parliament should elect Orban prime minister for a new four-year term. Orban, 54, who was reelected for a third straight term in elections last month, told a news conference that his government's main task would be "to preserve Hungary's security and Christian culture". Parliament will hold its first session on Tuesday. Orban's right-wing nationalist Fidesz party holds 133 of 199 seats. (Reporting by Krisztina Than; Editing by Alison Williams) Last night on American Idol, what was supposed to be a memorable night of contestants singing songs from the Prince catalog, became a night that Catie Turner will soon hope to forget. John Oliver followed up on his gesture to supply Russell Crowe movie memorabilia to one of the last remaining Blockbuster Video stores in Alaska. And things got a little contentious on Drop the Mic when Jay Pharoah accused Marlon Wayans of stealing his material. American Idol contestant Catie Turner might be experiencing a Manic Monday after her performance Sunday night. When starting into her rendition of the Bangles Manic Monday, Turner forgot the words, which left her scrambling on stage. But she managed to recover and finish the rest of the song. Judge Luke Bryan told Turner, Catie, you have been in this competition since day one, and you have not had one glitch. So, what just happened to you is OK, darling. All right? It happens. It happens to me. Turner said, Its just not my night. But thats OK. Katy Perry immediately corrected her. No, no, no. Dont say that, Perry said. Words are powerful. It is your night. Lionel Richie put things into perspective when he told Turner, You know, I love the illusion that we have created. Everyone thinks the word is perfect in this business. Its never perfect. Its never perfect. You understand me? So, when it happens like that, its called recovery. How well did you recover? And the answer is, fantastic. You did a great job. In the end, Turner met her fate when she was eliminated from the competition, along with Jurnee. Meanwhile, Idols exclusive rights to open up the entire Prince catalog for the first time in TV history allowed other contestants to shine, including Caleb Lee Hutchinson, who did When Doves Cry, and Gabby Barrett on How Come U Dont Call Me Anymore? Host Ryan Seacrest announced that, no matter who wins the competition, all seven contestants on Sunday nights show will be hitting the road this summer as part of the American Idol Tour. The top five contestants Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Maddie Poppe, Gabby Barrett, Cade Foehner, and Michael J. Woodard will be flying to Nashville to work with Idols very own Carrie Underwood. American Idol airs live on Sundays at 8 p.m. EST and 5 p.m. PST on ABC. Watch clips and full episodes of American Idol for free on Yahoo View. Check out Twitter slamming America for making bad decisions on live American Idol: Story continues Read more from Yahoo! Entertainment: Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Kylie Mar, on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Security personnel stand guard at the location following the rape and murder of a 16-year-old girl on May 3, at Raja Kundra Village in Chatra district of the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand. - AFP or licensors A 17-year-old Indian girl was fighting for her life on Monday after being raped, doused in kerosene and set alight, the second such case to shake the country this week as it reels from a series of brutal sexual assaults. The teenager was attacked on Friday - the same day a 16-year-old was raped and burned to death, also in the eastern state of Jharkhand. The two incidents have shone a spotlight on the treatment of rape in India, where authorities are facing renewed pressure to act on sexual crimes after the recent gang rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl. The cases are some of the most high-profile since the 2012 rape and murder of a student on a New Delhi bus that triggered mass protests. "The girl has suffered 70 percent first-degree burns. There is a chance that she will survive," Shailendra Barnwal, police superintendent of Pakur district, told AFP. This photo taken on May 6, 2018 shows an alleged rapist (C) being held by Indian police, in the case of a 17-year-old girl who was raped and set on fire The victim has been moved to a private hospital with specialist facilities for "proper treatment and recovery", he said. Police have arrested a 19-year-old man who lives in the same neighbourhood as the victim. "He poured kerosene on the girl and set her on fire," Barnwal said. Fifteen people have been detained in the case of the 16-year-old, who was torched to death in the state's Chatra district. The main suspect in that case is said to have been angered by a village council punishment of 100 sit-ups and a $750 fine for raping the girl. He attacked her parents before setting their house on fire with the teenager inside. Some 40,000 rape cases were reported in India in 2016, but campaigners though say the real number is higher, with victims wary of making complaints because of social stigma. ANKARA (Reuters) - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday the United States would regret a decision to leave Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and Tehran would fiercely resist U.S. pressure to limit its influence in the Middle East. "If they want to make sure that we are not after a nuclear bomb, we have said repeatedly that we are not and we will not be ... but if they want to weaken Iran and limit its influence whether in the region or globally, Iran will fiercely resist," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state television. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif warned that Tehran's "fierce reaction to a violation of the nuclear deal with major powers will not be pleasant for America", state TV reported. (Writing by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Mark Heinrich) Washington (AFP) - Donald Trump has threatened to pull out of the nuclear deal with Iran. But he has a range of options at his disposal as he makes his decision this week on whether to scrap the 2015 accord to curb Iran's nuclear program in return for lifting sanctions. The US president already refused last October to "certify" the action plan signed by Iran and the five major world powers -- the United States, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom, even though international inspectors confirmed the Islamic Republic was meeting its obligations. But that "non certification" was largely symbolic. The decision he is due to make by Saturday will have real repercussions. - Trump's options - In return for steps taken by Iran, Washington suspended sanctions imposed on the country over its nuclear program. But US law requires that the president decides on whether to renew that suspension every 120 to 180 days. Saturday's deadline is only focused on the suspension of some specific sanctions, including those aimed at the Iranian central bank and Tehran's oil sector. The suspension of the majority of the remaining sanctions will remain in force until mid-July, which gives Trump a number of options. -- Confirm the suspension of sanctions: This is the least likely outcome, since Trump appears determined to maintain his tough stance on the issue. But if he wants to give a chance to France's idea of a "new deal" with Iran, he could push back the showdown, at least until July. -- Reimpose all sanctions: Trump could, if he so desired, reimpose all the sanctions lifted under the 2015 deal in one fell swoop. He could even slap new sanctions on top of the old ones. That would constitute a bold step toward ripping up the deal, since Iran would no longer feel obliged to meet its own commitments. -- Middle ways: Trump can also choose to play on the complexity of American legislation to build pressure on Iran and the Europeans, while trying to avoid delivering any sudden death blow to the deal. That is what many observers see as the ideal path, even though it is difficult to see exactly where the changes might come. Story continues He could for example reimpose one tranche of sanctions, of greater or lesser importance, while threatening to renew the rest if no effort is made to harden up the agreement. He could also use legal subterfuge to re-establish sanctions while changing how they are applied. Or he could slap different sanctions on Iran which are ostensibly not linked to its nuclear program -- although there is a risk that Tehran may see that as a violation of the agreement. "The president may conclude that a big muddle is his best option," said Jon Alterman, director of the Middle-East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "Uncertainty over what the United States will do would seriously inhibit foreign investment in Iran, which seems to be an administration goal," he said. "The impact of the May 12 decision will be determined less by law than by creativity," said Behnam Ben Taleblu of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. "The question is: what's the strategy behind the decision?" - The Consequences - -- The Europeans: The Europeans have said they will stick to the agreement even if the United States withdraws. But some diplomats worry about what European companies that have invested in Iran will do -- shaken by uncertainty and threatened by US sanctions, they may well decide to freeze or even drop their investments, thereby hardening the Iranian position. To that effect, experts will be examining any decision that may, on the surface, seem technical but which could have severe ramifications -- will Trump re-establish measures that could punish European or Asian firms that have business dealings with Iranian companies? That will have a marked impact on the European response, and ultimately, on Iran's reaction. -- Iran: The Iranian leadership has sent out contradictory signals, ranging from wanting to abide by the deal even without Washington, to renewing and accelerating its nuclear program. Tehran's tone has hardened in recent weeks, leaning towards the threat to quit if the US pulls out. But, if the 2015 deal collapses, international inspectors will not have the same access to verify the Islamic Republic's nuclear program. -- Dispute mechanism: The deal does set out a "mechanism for resolving disputes." If Iran chooses to exercise it, it will be seen as a sign that it is not yet ready to slam the door on the deal. The follow-up committee for the deal, which includes all the signatories, would tackle the crisis, with talks rising to the level of foreign ministers of the signatory countries. If no solution were to be found, a committee of three arbitrators would be formed and given two months to deal with the crisis before Iran decides if its obligations under the deal have lapsed. DUBAI (Reuters) - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has criticised the ban imposed on popular messaging app Telegram by the conservative-run judiciary, saying the move was "the opposite of democracy". Iran blocked Telegram - widely used by Iranians, the state media, politicians and companies - earlier this week to protect national security, state television said, weeks after a similar move by Russia. Iran had been considering the ban since January when protests over economic grievances erupted in more than 80 cities and later turned into demonstrations against the clerical and security elite. Some officials said protesters used Telegram to organise rallies, which were ultimately contained by the Revolutionary Guards and their affiliated volunteer Basij militia. The app was temporarily blocked in January. "Failure to follow legal procedures and the use of force and judicial means is ... the opposite of democracy," Rouhani, a pragmatic cleric who has advocated expanding social freedoms, said in an Instagram post late on Friday. "The filtering and blocking of Telegram was not carried out by the government which does not approve of it," said Rouhani, who has opposed restricting access to social media. Rouhani's powers are dwarfed by those of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who is close to conservatives and hardliners. Iran's Shi'ite Muslim clerical rulers are wary of any revival of anti-government unrest should President Donald Trump refuse to extend U.S. sanctions relief on Iran on May 12, a deadline he set for European signatories of Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with six world powers to "fix flaws" in the accord. Government filtering prevents Iranians from accessing many internet sites on the official grounds that they are offensive or criminal. But many Iranians evade the filtering through the use of VPN software, which provides encrypted links directly to private networks abroad, and can allow a computer to behave as if it is based in another country. (Reporting by Dubai newsroom; Editing by Janet Lawrence) Jerusalem (AFP) - US President Donald Trump has not informed Israel of whether he will withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal it opposes on or before a May 12 deadline, a senior Israeli official said Sunday. The comments came as Israel pushed its case to have the deal changed or eliminated, arguing intelligence documents it recently unveiled on Iran's alleged nuclear ambitions helped demonstrate why. Some experts believe Trump will pull out of the agreement concluded in 2015 under his predecessor Barack Obama, and which he has harshly criticised. They have also questioned whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's televised unveiling of the trove of tens of thousands of intelligence documents on April 30 was coordinated with Washington. "In effect, I don't know what Trump will decide because he hasn't told me," the senior Israeli official said on condition of anonymity, making clear Israel had not yet been informed of Trump's decision. The official added however that "I think that he has the same sceptical view." Proponents of the nuclear deal argued the trove of documents Israel obtained from Tehran shed little new light on Iran's nuclear programme and in fact made the case for why the accord is important. Netanyahu argues the documents show the deal with his country's main enemy was built on a lie -- Iran denied having pursued nuclear weapons -- and demonstrates it has a secret atomic weapons programme ready to activate at any time. World powers that were party to the agreement, including Britain and France, said those arguments only strengthened the reasoning for the deal, which has safeguards in place designed to keep Iran from pursuing nuclear weapons. They also said the intelligence documents, obtained in February, did not show Iran was violating the deal. Trump could decide by May 12 to reimpose US sanctions on Iran, which had been lifted as part of the agreement. The Israeli official said that while he did not know what action Trump would take, there could be a range of options. Story continues He said he believed Trump could decline to renew a waiver on sanctions but use the lag time before they took effect to re-negotiate from a stronger position. The US president could alternatively single out firms key to Iran's economy in order to apply pressure on Tehran. - 'Dangerous deal' - Netanyahu on Sunday disputed arguments that the intelligence trove he unveiled contained no new details. He also said it did not matter if Iran violated the agreement or not, since the deal was fatally flawed. "If you don't violate a dangerous deal, it doesn't make it less dangerous," said Netanyahu, whose country is believed to be the Middle East's sole nuclear power, though it has never acknowledged it. A senior Israeli intelligence official said the vast majority of the documents uncovered were not previously known. Trump and his Middle East allies, particularly Israel, argue the agreement was too weak and must be replaced with a more permanent arrangement and supplemented by controls on Iran's missile programme. Restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities begin expiring in 2025. Netanyahu has also said lifting sanctions has increased Iran's ability to finance proxy militants. Beyond that, there have been tensions between Israel and Iran in Syria, where Tehran is backing Bashar al-Assad's regime. Israel has pledged not to allow Iran to entrench itself militarily in the neighbouring country. It has been accused of carrying out deadly strikes there, most recently on April 9 and April 30, which killed Iranian forces as well as Syrian soldiers. "We are determined to block Iran's aggression against us even if this means a struggle," Netanyahu said Sunday. "Better now than later... We do not want escalation, but we are prepared for any scenario." By Jeffrey Heller JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli right-wing ministers on Sunday moved against a Supreme Court they view as too liberal, granting preliminary approval to a bill that would limit its ability to quash laws deemed unconstitutional. Under the proposal ratified by the ministerial committee for legislation, parliament could circumvent a court decision to strike down a law by passing it again with the support of 61 of the legislature's 120 members. But opposition from a centrist group in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rightist coalition could sink the legislation once it reaches parliament for further ratification. Critics have condemned the proposal as an attempt by the government to promote a right-wing agenda by weakening the rule of law and limiting the powers of the country's top judicial body. Proponents of the legislation have accused the Supreme Court of intervening too frequently to quash laws passed by a democratically elected parliament. "This is a great day for Israeli democracy. We will strengthen the government's authority and increase the public's faith in the court," Education Minister Naftali Bennett of the ultranationalist Jewish Home party wrote on Twitter, announcing the committee's approval. But Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, who heads another coalition partner, Kulanu, said in a statement condemning the move that his centrist party "will not allow extremists to set Israel's agenda". Kahlon was not present for the committee vote. Comprised of 15 judges, the Supreme Court is widely seen in Israel as a liberal bastion, and Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked has been pushing for a bench more representative of conservative Israelis. Its members are appointed by a selection committee that includes Shaked, three Supreme Court justices and representatives of the Bar Association. In recent years, the court has angered the right-wing by striking down a law that allowed indefinite detention of African migrants who entered the country illegally and cancelling legislation exempting Jewish religious seminary students from military service. The court also has been a thorn in the side of Israel's settlement movement in the occupied West Bank, hearing petitions that have led to the demolition of outposts and homes built without government sanction on land Palestinians seek for a state. Amit Segal, a political analyst for Israel's Channel Two television, said Kahlon's opposition meant that "the law is headed for a state funeral" in parliament. (Additional reporting by Maayan Lubell) JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel could respond to any Iranian attack on it from Syria by toppling Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government, an Israeli security cabinet minister said on Monday, hinting that Assad himself may be targeted for assassination. Israel and Iran have traded blows over Syria since February, stirring concern that major escalation could be looming ahead of next week's review decision by U.S. President Donald Trump on the 2015 international nuclear deal with Tehran. On April 9, an air strike killed seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps members at the Syrian base. Tehran blamed Israel and vowed unspecified retaliation, drawing Israeli counter-threats to broaden attacks on Iranian military assets in Syria. Sharpening these warnings, Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz said on Monday that Assad may find himself in Israel's sights. "If Assad allows Iran to turn Syria into a military vanguard against us, to attack us from Syrian territory, he should know that would be the end of him, the end of his regime," Steinitz told the Ynet news site. Asked if that meant Israel might assassinate Assad, Steinitz said: "His blood would be forfeit." He also appeared to suggest that his remarks did not reflect Israeli government policy, saying: "I'm not talking about any concrete proposal." There was no immediate response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office or from Israel's Defence Ministry. A Ynet text story had quoted Steinitz as saying explicitly that Israel would kill Assad, but this was not borne out by a video clip of the interview. Iran, Lebanons Hezbollah militia and Russia have been reinforcing Damascus against a 7-year-old Syrian rebellion. The Israelis worry that Irans garrison will remain, linking with Hezbollah to form a broad Syrian-Lebanese front against them. On Sunday, Israeli media carried what they described as an alert by Israel's intelligence services that Iran was planning a missile salvo against Israeli military bases from within Syria. Some analysts interpreted the publication as a warning to Iran that its plans were known, lest it try to carry out the missile strike without explicitly claiming responsibility. On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss Syria, where Moscow wants to see Assad's rule restored. "Whoever is interested in Assad's survival should do the honor of telling Assad to prevent attacks on Israel," Steinitz said, alluding to Putin. (Writing by Dan Williams, Editing by Hugh Lawson, William Maclean) Republican party grandee and Trump critic John McCain - EPA John McCain, the ailing Republican senator, does not want President Donald Trump to attend his funeral, the White House has been told. Instead, his associates have requested Vice President Mike Pence be present for the ceremony when the time comes, with former presidents Barack Obama and George W Bush giving eulogies at the National Cathedral in Washington, according to the New York Times. Mr McCain a former presidential candidate and Vietnam war hero, has been undergoing treatment for glioblastoma, a rare brain cancer, since his diagnosis last year. He and Mr Trump have had a turbulent relationship. During the 2016 presidential primary candidate Trump said Mr McCain was considered a war hero only "because he was captured" during the Vietnam War and that he preferred military figures who avoided being taken prisoner by the enemy. And last summer, the US leader criticised the Arizona politician for his "no" vote that helped doom a key part of his Obamacare repeal bill in the Senate. When it was reported that the president had been "physically mocking" Mr McCain for the thumbs down gesture the senator indicated during his vote, his daughter Meghan tweeted, "What more must my family be put through right now? This is abhorrent." Reading from his memoir to be published next month, the 81 year-old said on Friday: " I don't know how much longer I'll be here. "Maybe I'll have another five years, maybe with the advances in oncology they'll find new treatments for my cancer that will extend my life. Maybe I'll be gone before you hear this, my predicament is, well, rather unpredictable." Profile | John McCain In the memoir, The Restless Wave: Good Times, Just Causes, Great Fights, and other Appreciations, he also reveals regret for picking Sarah Palin as his running mate. Speaking yesterday, Ben Domenech, his son in law, said he was "doing well" and that he and his family were grateful for the well wishes and prayers but that this was a "terrible disease." Senator John McCain has made it very clear that when he dies, Donald Trump isn't invited to his funeral. On Saturday, The New York Times published an interview with McCain, explaining that the former Republican vice presidential nominee has already made these wishes known to the White House. "His intimates have informed the White House that their current plan for his funeral is for Vice President Mike Pence to attend the service to be held in Washingtons National Cathedral," the article reads. "...But not President Trump, with whom Mr. McCain has had a rocky relationship ." SEE ALSO: Here's why the alt-right loves Kanye West Days after Sen. McCain announced he was diagnosed with brain cancer in July 2017, the 81 year old made a historical vote against the Republican health care bill that was set to replace the Affordable Care Act. Needless to say, Trump was not pleased. The two have had their fair share of disagreements in the past and perhaps the most notable was when Trump made controversial comments about McCain's time in the military. At a Family Leadership Summit in 2015, Trump put down McCain's five years as a prisoner of war saying, "He was a war hero because he was captured... I like people who werent captured." Trump recently chose not to attend Barbara Bush's funeral, "to avoid disruptions," but his wife Melania went and did not seem to miss him at all. So when the time comes for McCain's funeral perhaps Trump can simply send his classic "Thoughts and prayers" tweet to the senator's family. Want more clever culture writing beamed directly to your inbox? Sign up here for the twice-weekly Click Click Click newsletter. It's fun we promise. John McCain allegedly does not want President Donald Trump to attend his funeral and would rather see Vice President Mike Pence represent the White House instead. Last month, the 81-year-old Arizona senator underwent surgery for an intestinal infection and has been fighting an aggressive form of brain cancer for almost year. "I don't know how much longer I'll be here," McCain said in an audio excerpt of his forthcoming memoir, The Restless Wave, as reported by National Public Radio. Trending: Spotify Earnings Report: Four in 10 Users Pay for Premium GettyImages-868358676 Astrid Riecken/Getty Images In July last year, McCain was diagnosed with glioblastoma, the same form of brain cancer that killed Democratic senator Edward Kennedy, a friend of McCain, in 2009 and Beau Biden, the son of former Vice President Joe Biden, in 2015. According to the New York Times, McCain, who was the Republican candidate in the 2008 presidential elections, has shared plans for his funeral with his family. The service is expected to be held at the National Cathedral in Washington and people close to the Arizona senator have already informed the White House that McCain would rather see Pence attend, rather than President Trump. Don't miss: James Comey Versus Donald Trump: Who Do Americans Trust More? McCain and Trump have a rocky relationship, which has only got worse since the presidential primary campaign in 2016 when the latter suggested the former was only considered a hero because he had been taken prisoner during the Vietnam War. Last year, McCains decision to vote against a bill seeking to repeal Obamacare in the Senate only exacerbated the growing rift between the two. The suggestion President Trump might not be invited to attend was confirmed by NBC on Saturday, citing sources close to the Arizona senator. Story continues The sources also added that former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush are among the scheduled eulogists for the service. Most popular: Waffle House Shooting Hero Still Hasn't Heard From Donald Trump Last month, Trump did not attend the funeral of former first lady Barbara Bush. Instead, first lady Melania Trump represented the White House and was photographed alongside George W. Bush, his father, George H.W. Bush, Hilary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton. The White House said Trumps absence was motivated by a decision "to avoid disruptions due to added security, and out of respect for the Bush Family and friends attending the service. McCain, who has served in the Senate since 1987, has not been seen in public since December, shortly before he was hospitalized for a viral infection at Walter Reed National Medical Center in Maryland. On Dec. 17 his office issued a statement indicating McCain would return to Capitol Hill in January after spending some time at home in Arizona to recover, but the return did not materialize and in mid-April he was hospitalized again. Four months later, on April 16, his wife, Cindy McCain, tweeted her husband was recuperating well and looked forward to coming home. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek A Vietnamese oil executive allegedly kidnapped from Germany withdrew his appeal against a life sentence for corruption Monday, as Slovakia distanced itself from reports its plane was used to brazenly abduct him. Hanoi denies the Cold War-style kidnapping of Trinh Xuan Thanh from a Berlin park in July 2017, where he was reportedly bundled into a van and spirited back to Vietnam to face corruption charges. It claims he returned voluntarily. The case has captivated Vietnam, where a hardline administration is waging a massive anti-graft sweep against once-powerful figures that critics say is politically motivated. Thanh was spared the death sentence and given life in prison for embezzlement in January. He withdrew his appeal and failed to appear in court for "health reasons" on Monday, according to the Communist Party of Vietnam website. His family also withdrew its appeal for the state to return its confiscated properties, the report said without providing details. The case has badly bruised ties between Hanoi and Berlin, which has expelled Vietnamese diplomats over what it calls a "scandalous violation" of its sovereignty. Slovakia is the latest country to be drawn into the tangled affair. German newspapers have reported that Slovakia lent a government plane to a Vietnamese delegation visiting Bratislava days after the kidnapping for two flights, from Prague to Bratislava and then on to Moscow. The reports claim Thanh was transported on the first flight to Bratislava. Slovakia said there were four Vietnamese officials on the flight to Bratislava, but no one appeared under duress. "The entire Vietnamese delegation underwent a thorough police check, all of them had diplomatic passports, no one boarded the aircraft handcuffed, no one was forced onto the plane under pressure," Slovak Interior Minister Denisa Sakova said in a televised debate Sunday. Slovakia earlier warned Hanoi of harsh consequences if it had been duped into transporting Thanh as suggested by the German reports. Story continues "We will consider this a manifestation of gross incorrectness by the Vietnamese partner, an unfriendly abuse of our hospitality and a deterioration of the well-developed bilateral relations," it said. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said at a meeting in Berlin last week with Slovakia's Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini that she had been promised by Bratislava that the matter would be cleared up, adding that all the facts "must be on the table". A Vietnamese-Czech dual citizen has been held and is currently on trial in Germany. The man, identified as Long N.H., allegedly rented vehicles used in the kidnapping. His lawyers say he is a "sacrificial pawn" who had been told by agents that he was renting the vehicles for tourism purposes. Thanh is the former head of a construction unit at the country's biggest oil firm PetroVietnam. He was accused along with 21 others of causing losses worth $52 million for the state over the construction of a thermal power plant. He was handed a second life sentence in a separate corruption trial this year. PARIS (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Paris on Saturday to protest against the stream of economic reforms brought in by French president Emmanuel Macron since coming to power a year ago. Protesters bearing "Stop Macron" banners and chanting "one year is enough" were cheered on by drummers and marching bands in an anti-celebration of Macron's time in office organized by a member of the hard-left France Unbowed movement. The carnivalesque atmosphere follows a tense May Day rally in Paris, when hundreds of masked and hooded anarchists torched cars and hurled rocks at police on Tuesday, hijacking a demonstration called by labor unions. Saturday's demonstration, under a large police presence, comes almost a year to the day since 40-year-old Macron won the presidential race on a centrist platform and with a pledge to shake-up rigid institutions and revitalize the economy. A wave of reforms soon followed, including an overhaul of labor laws that has made it easier for companies to hire and fire, earning Macron the tag of "president of the rich" among detractors and sparking discontent from labor unions. With a political opposition in tatters, Macron has vowed to press on with his bid to reboot the economy, even as he faces one of his sternest tests to date with a rolling strike by rail workers protesting a shake-up at state-owned train company SNCF. Members of France Unbowed, headed by Jean-Luc Melenchon who also stood for the presidency last year, have sought to fire up a backlash against Macron's policies by getting backers onto the streets. The party estimated 160,000 people took part in Saturday's protest - the Paris prefect's office put the tally at 40,000 - and France Unbowed is pushing to hold a much larger rally with unions and other forces on May 26. "The issue here are the endless gifts being made to the rich while the French people are struggling," Melenchon told TF1 television ahead of the march, which drew a diverse crowd, from hospital workers and parent groups to communist supporters. There were a few isolated scuffles at the march and at least four people had been arrested, while one policeman was injured, the police prefect's office said. Yet despite simmering protest movements, on the 50th anniversary of the May 1968 student riots that brought France to its knees, unions have lost clout and the mood is far from revolutionary. Some 45 percent of French people gave Macron's first year in office the thumbs up, according to a poll of more than 13,500 by Ipsos-Sopra Steria published on Saturday in Le Monde, with the planned overhaul of the SNCF proving the most popular reform. But when asked about the government's reform methods, 55 percent of people taking part in the survey said they thought they were too authoritarian. (Reporting by Sarah White and Elizabeth Pineau; Editing by Clelia Oziel) Benghazi (Libya) (AFP) - Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar on Monday announced a military offensive to take from "terrorists" the city of Derna, the only part of the country's east outside the control of his forces. "The zero hour has struck for the liberation of Derna," said Haftar, declaring his troops had already started to crush the "bastions of terrorists" in the city. Dressed in uniform, he was speaking from a military parade in the city of Benghazi in which thousands of soldiers from his self-styled army demonstrated their might. Marshal Haftar celebrated the fourth anniversary since launching his "anti-terrorist" operation, which saw jihadists driven out of Benghazi -- the home of Libya's 2011 revolution. It was his second public appearance after he returned to Benghazi two weeks ago following a long stay abroad, during which he was hospitalised in Paris. Haftar said he had instructed his troops to spare the 150,000 residents of Derna, who have been under the control of the pro-Al-Qaeda Mujahedeen Shura Council. He said "peace efforts" aimed at avoiding clashes in Derna over the past three years had reached a "stalemate". The coalition of Islamist militias was formed to drive the Islamic State group from the city in 2015, after IS's takeover of Derna the previous year. It also fights Haftar's forces which have besieged the city for months. While Haftar rules over eastern Libya, the rival Government of National Accord sits in the capital Tripoli and has the backing of the broader international community. Haftar is accused by his rivals of wanting to establish a new military dictatorship in Libya. Derna was known for being a bastion for jihadists even before the 2011 uprising that toppled and killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi. The city is the only part of eastern Libya to remain out of the control of Haftar's Libyan National Army, which has the backing of Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. In May 2017, Egypt carried out cross-border air strikes against militants in Derna in retaliation for a deadly attack on Coptic Christians. President Donald Trump could start a war if he chooses to fully withdraw from the Iran deal later this month, French President Emmanuel Macron, who recently visited the White House to discuss the matter, warned over the weekend. Marcon said in an interview with German newspaper Der Spiegel that exiting the Iran deal "would mean opening Pandoras box." "It could mean war, he said Saturday, adding, I dont believe that Donald Trump wants war. During Macron's three-day visit to Washington in April, he urged Trump to uphold the 2015 deal between Iran, the U.S. and other world leaders that had been brokered by Trumps predecessor, President Barack Obama. After their private talks, Macron said he wasn't confident Trump was going to take his advice. "My view is... that he will get rid of this deal on his own, for domestic reasons," Macron said at the time. Trending: Children Will Be Separated From Parents at Border If Crossing Illegally, Jeff Sessions Says in Immigration Crackdown Trump has until May 12 to go along with the deal or call it off, and he has repeatedly signaled that the arrangement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, does not benefit the U.S. and should be amended. The deal loosens longtime economic sanctions on Tehran in exchange for Iran agreeing to limit its nuclear program. Trump has called the deal "insane" and said it "never, ever should have been made." Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has warned the U.S. that leaving the deal could prove disastrous. He said as recently as Sunday that Washington would regret severing ties with Tehran. Don't miss: Turpin Family Father Charged With Perjury for Lying about 'Home School' for 12 Children If the United States leaves the nuclear agreement, you will soon see that they will regret it like never before in history, Rouhani said in a televised speech from northwestern Iran. Leaders in France, as well as the United Kingdom and Germany, which are also part of the agreement, have called on Trump to work with Iran. Story continues Sir Kim Darroch, the British ambassador to the United States, said Sunday that Trump had not made a decision yet to leave the pact and could stay in it if negotiations between Washington and Tehran on possible changes to the agreement work out. Most popular: Will Don Blankenship Do in West Virginia What Roy Moore Did in Alabama? "We have ideas we think that we can find some language, produce some action that meets the president's concerns," Darroch told CBS' Face the Nation on Sunday. "The president is rightly concerned about Iran's regional activities, which are malign and damaging to security and stability. And he doesn't like the fact that ballistic missiles aren't covered. He's not happy about the sunset clauses, he thinks the inspections regime should be tougher." Trump has been opaque about what he will do next. "I'm not telling you what I'm doing, but a lot of people think they know," Trump said recently. "And on or before the 12th, we'll make a decision." This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Malaysia's most powerful political party expelled two key figures for throwing their support behind the opposition just days ahead of a closely-fought election, the state news agency reported Saturday. Prime Minister Najib Razak's United Malays National Organisation (Umno) sacked the pair after they backed veteran ex-premier Mahathir Mohamad's bid to take power in the May 9 polls at the head of an opposition alliance. Mahathir, 92, wants to unseat former protege Najib in the toughest poll campaign the country has seen in years. He has drawn attention to the alleged billions of dollars looted from sovereign wealth fund 1MDB, which Najib founded. Both Najib and the fund deny any wrongdoing. Official news agency Bernama reported Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor saying he sacked Daim Zainuddin and Rafidah Aziz -- former finance and international trade ministers respectively -- on Friday for their criticism of the party. "When she (Rafidah) went on stage at an opposition rally, I immediately asked for the letter of expulsion to be sent to her, as well as to Daim," he said. Tengku added that a third party stalwart and former information minister, Rais Yatim, was under investigation. All three served under Mahathir during his 22 year rule as Malaysia's Prime Minister. As the race tightens, police on Thursday said Mahathir was under investigation for allegedly spreading "fake news" after claiming his plane was sabotaged to prevent him heading to the island of Langkawi to formally register his candidacy for the election. He made it to the island on another plane and Malaysia's civil aviation authority said there was a technical issue with the aircraft but rejected allegations it had been tampered with. Kuala Lumpur police said a report had been lodged accusing Mahathir of spreading "fake news" under a controversial new law, which critics say is aimed at cracking down on dissent before the poll. Story continues It punishes dissemination of any news deemed "wholly or partly fake" with up to six years in jail or a hefty fine. Police have since said that another opposition figure Rafizi Ramli, vice-president of the People's Justice Party, was being investigated for remarks made against government officials on election nomination day. Rafizi previously said a party candidate was not allowed to file his nomination papers. Hafthor Julius Bjornsson isnt just The Mountain on Game of Thrones, hes now officially the Worlds Strongest Man. (Getty Images) Hafthor Julius Bjornsson spends some of his time as an actor, playing Gregor The Mountain Clegane on HBOs Game of Thrones. But hes also been pursuing a title thats eluded him for years: the Worlds Strongest Man. On Sunday, after three third place finishes and three second place finishes at previous competitions, it eluded him no more. Bjornsson was officially crowned the Worlds Strongest Man. According to the Washington Post, Bjornsson who is an appropriately mountain-like 6-foot-9 and 400 pounds finished first in three of the six events that make up the competition: the vehicle dead lift, max overhead and loading race. The Philippines Department of Tourism tweeted some photos from the two-day event, and it looks exactly how youd expect a strong man competition to look lots of large men carrying very big, heavy things like they weigh significantly less than they actually do. LOOK: The Bus Pull kicked off the last day of The @WorldsStrongest Man at the Diliman campus of the University of the Philippines! Two more events remain to determine who will win the title! #WSM #itsmorefuninthephilippines pic.twitter.com/lUr9esnHLb Visit Philippines (@TourismPHL) May 6, 2018 LOOK: Behemoths of @WorldsStrongest show off their strength and speed at the University of the Philippines. For the Loading Race event, each strongman needs to carry an anchor, a safe, a 330 lbs dack and a 250 lbs keg in a race to the finish line! #WSM #ItsmorefuninthePhilippines pic.twitter.com/2jahyN9o0v Visit Philippines (@TourismPHL) May 6, 2018 Yes, that is a man pulling a bus. A BUS. Story continues After all the feats of strength were completed and Bjornsson was declared the winner, he posted on Instagram and thanked his friends, family and more. That trophy looks pretty heavy. But it wouldnt make sense for the World Strongest Man trophy to be some light, dinky thing, would it? Game of Thrones wont return until 2019, so fans will have to wait awhile to see Bjornsson as Gregor Clegane again. But if you want to see him pull off incredible feats of strength, you only have to wait until June, which is when CBS will be showing the Worlds Strongest Man competition on TV. Liz Roscher is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at lizroscher@yahoo.com or follow her on twitter! Follow @lizroscher More from Yahoo Sports: Womans $18 Derby bet lands $1.2 million Slain NFL player honored with posthumous degree Will the Browns be able to resist starting Mayfield? Nation holds its breath after Ronaldo injury Kuala Lumpur (AFP) - Vicious mud-slinging, allegations of voter fraud and sabotage have marred a hard-fought campaign for Malaysian elections on Wednesday, in which scandal-plagued Prime Minister Najib Razak will take on a heavyweight ex-leader. Najib's ruling coalition has governed Malaysia since independence from Britain in 1957 but is facing a tough test at the polls due to a challenge from a former insider -- veteran ex-premier Mahathir Mohamad -- and the 1MDB financial scandal. The government is expected to win, partly helped by a healthy economy, however critics say gerrymandering and electoral abuses have also been used to tip the scales in Najib's favour. But the surprise return of 92-year-old Mahathir at the head of an alliance filled with parties he crushed during two decades in power has shaken up the race, giving the opposition a charismatic standard-bearer they hope can topple Najib. "This is the most unpredictable general election in Malaysia for years," Yang Razali Kassim, a Malaysia expert from the S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies of Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, told AFP. "Mahathir's comeback has been a game-changer. It reversed the political fortunes of the opposition and shook up the entire political landscape". The high stakes have prompted a brutal campaign, in which Najib and Mahathir have relentlessly hurled insults at each other as they raced up and down the country for rallies. Mahathir has run down Najib, his one-time protege, lambasting him over 1MDB, and taking aim at his wife Rosmah Mansor, whose reportedly spendthrift habits have made her unpopular. Billions of dollars were allegedly looted from 1MDB, set up by Najib, in a sophisticated money-laundering scheme. The leader and 1MDB deny any wrongdoing. Najib has hit back, criticising Mahathir's authoritarian track record when in office. - 'Too much corruption' - As the battle heated up, authorities have increasingly taken aim at the opposition. Story continues Police have started a probe into Mahathir for allegedly breaking a controversial new law against "fake news" after he claimed that a plane he chartered was sabotaged. Civil society groups have raised the alarm about what they say are attempts by the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition to cheat, including allegations that millions of voters without addresses, as well as dead people, have appeared on the electoral roll. Critics say one of the clearest attempts to rig the poll came in March when the BN-dominated parliament voted to redraw the electoral map, creating new constituencies dominated by the Muslim Malay majority, who traditionally back the government. Najib's party has been accused of running a racially-charged campaign to shore up the support of the Malays, who make up some 60 percent of the population in the multi-ethnic country. But even many Malay voters have had enough. "The corruption in BN is too much," Noorkhallaf Noorazlan, 30, told AFP at an opposition rally in Kuala Lumpur. "BN needs to take a rest for a while if it wants to reform." Najib is under pressure from allies in his United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), the main coalition party, to score an emphatic victory after the government lost the popular vote for the first time at the last election in 2013. Most analysts still think BN will edge victory in the election, for which about 15 million people are registered to vote and 222 parliamentary seats are being contested. The challenge from Mahathir -- a staunch Malay nationalist -- is nevertheless a real threat, and is eating into Najib's Muslim support base. But some have been put off from voting at all by the unsavoury choice between the current and ex-premiers. Mahathir was also accused of ruling with an iron fist while in power, by throwing opponents in jail and hollowing out the country's institutions. Voters have become increasingly disillusioned over recurring graft scandals and divisive racial politics, and in recent times Najib's problems have only been compounded by the 1MDB scandal. While the financial controversy has grabbed international headlines, the main concern for many Malaysians is the rising cost of living and stagnant wages. By Alexis Akwagyiram LAGOS (Reuters) - Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari will travel to Britain to see his doctor, he said on Monday in a surprise announcement that could renew concern about whether he is well enough to run for a second term at an election next year. He spent five months in Britain last year for treatment for an unspecified illness, an absence that prompted many to question his fitness to run a country that is Africa's top oil producer and one of its biggest economies. Buhari, 75, was military ruler between 1983 and 1985 and returned to power after winning an election in 2015. He said in April that he would seek a second term, though his candidacy depends on party approval. "I will be traveling to the United Kingdom tomorrow, to see my doctor, at his request. Will be away for four days; back in Abuja on Saturday, May 12," he said on Twitter. His spokesman said Buhari met his doctor last week in London on his way back from Washington where he had held talks with United States President Donald Trump in the White House. "The doctor requested the president to return for a meeting which he agreed to do," said the spokesman, Garba Shehu, in a statement. Shehu, speaking to Reuters by telephone, said it would be a "routine check-up". Buhari's prolonged absence from Africa's most populous country sparked numerous protests last year, including demands that he should resign and calls for more transparency about his condition. Any repeat of last year's lengthy absence could hinder the president's re-election campaign which got off to a shaky start after he drew criticism for saying many young Nigerians think they need "do nothing" because they live in an oil-rich country. The president's challenges include a surge in communal violence and high-profile attacks by Boko Haram militants that have turned security into a highly politicized issue. The economy is also a key issue. Nigeria is only gradually emerging from a 2016 recession that was the country's first in 25 years. Last year he took two months' medical leave in Britain starting in January and another break there from May to August. He reduced his working day to a few hours after returning from his first stint of medical leave in March, diplomats and government sources said. And little was seen of him during his second stint in London. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo acted as interim leader while Buhari was in Britain. (Reporting by Alexis Akwagyiram; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg and Matthew Lewis) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in raise their hands after signing a joint statement at the border village of Panmunjom - Korea Summit Press Pool With just weeks to go before President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are expected to hold their first-ever summit, Pyongyang on Sunday criticised what it called "misleading" claims that Mr Trumps policy of maximum political pressure and sanctions are what drove the North to the negotiating table. The Norths official news agency quoted a Foreign Ministry spokesman warning the claims are a "dangerous attempt" to ruin a budding detente on the Korean Peninsula after Kims summit late last month with South Korean President Moon Jae-in. At the summit, Kim agreed to a number of measures aimed at improving North-South ties and indicated he is willing to discuss the denuclearisation of the peninsula, though exactly what that would entail and what conditions the North might require have not yet been explained. Trump and senior U.S. officials have suggested repeatedly that Washingtons tough policy toward North Korea, along with pressure on its main trading partner China, have played a decisive role in turning around what had been an extremely tense situation. Just last year, as Kim was launching long-range missiles at a record pace and trading vulgar insults with Trump, it would have seemed unthinkable for the topic of denuclearization to be on the table. Korean detente How did we get here? But the Norths statement on Sunday seemed to be aimed at strengthening Kims position going into his meeting with Trump. Pyongyang claims Kim himself is the driver of the current situation. "The US is deliberately provoking the DPRK at the time when the situation on the Korean Peninsula is moving toward peace and reconciliation," the spokesman was quoted as saying. DPRK is short for the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, the Norths formal name. Kim and Trump are expected to meet later this month or in early June. Trump has indicated the date and place have been chosen and said he believes the Demilitarised Zone that divides the Koreas might be a good venue. Singapore was also believed to be a potential site. Story continues Experts are split over whether Kims statement made with Moon at the DMZ marks a unique opening for progress or a rehash of Pyongyangs longstanding demand for security guarantees. Sundays comments were among the very few the North has made since Trump agreed in March to the meeting. Korea kim jong-un meets moon jae-in puff The spokesman warned the U.S. not to interpret Pyongyangs willingness to talk as a sign of weakness. He also criticised Washington for its ongoing "pressure and military threats" and its position that such pressure wont be eased until North Korea gives up its nuclear weapons completely. Before Trump meets Kim, Washington is hoping to gain the release of three Korean-Americans accused of anti-state activities. Trump hinted the release of Kim Dong Chul, Kim Hak Song and Tony Kim was in the offing. There was no sign of an imminent release on Sunday, though the men had reportedly been moved to the capital. The White House, meanwhile, has announced a separate meeting between Trump and Moon at the White House on May 22 to "continue their close coordination on developments regarding the Korean Peninsula." Television host and retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North has been named president of the National Rifle Association, the group announced on Monday. This is the most exciting news for our members since Charlton Heston became President of our Association, said NRA Executive Vice President and CEO Wayne LaPierre. Oliver North is a legendary warrior for American freedom, a gifted communicator and skilled leader. In these times, I can think of no one better suited to serve as our President. North wont become president immediately but instead will take the helm after a formal process by the lobbying group, which is expected to take several weeks. He will replace outgoing president Pete Brownell, who declined to seek another term in order to spend more time with his family, according to a press release. Also Read: Shannon Watts of 'Moms Demand Action': 'The NRA Is a Paper Tiger' (Video) North, a longtime fixture in the conservative media, was convicted in the Iran-Contra scandal of 1991 in which senior officials of the Reagan administration secretly facilitated the sale of arms to Iran. He has most recently worked as a host on Fox News, a role from which he will be retiring effective immediately according to the release. North takes charge at an increasingly fraught time for the organization, which has found itself embattled after waves of gun violence have swept the United States in recent years. Though the NRA has managed to head-off federal gun control regulations, the group is facing stiff challenges since the massacre at a Parkland, Florida, high school earlier this year. Related stories from TheWrap: Shannon Watts of 'Moms Demand Action': 'The NRA Is a Paper Tiger' (Video) Michael Ian Black Targeted Over YouTube Shooting Tweet Calling NRA a 'Terrorist Organization' NRA Board Member Ted Nugent Calls Parkland Student Activists Liars: 'They Have No Soul' Piers Morgan Blasts Holes in the NRA's 'Enough Laws' Tweet Sen. John McCains (R-Ariz.) reported request to have Donald Trump stay away from his funeral is not sitting well with fellow Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah). I think its ridiculous, the 83-year-old Hatch told Politico on Monday. McCain reportedly wants Vice President Mike Pence to represent the White House instead. Hatch thinks Trump is getting a bad rap. Well, hes the president of the United States and hes a very good man, the senator said of Trump. He conceded that its McCains call. McCain, 81, was diagnosed with brain cancer last July. I think John should have his own wishes fulfilled with regard to who attends the funeral, Hatch said, adding that he hopes McCain changes his mind. Traditionally, its considered an honor to have the president attend your funeral, but theres a history of bad blood between McCain and Trump. In 2015, Trump dismissed McCains time as a prisoner of war in Vietnam by telling a debate crowd, Hes a war hero because he was captured. I like people who werent captured. McCain said last Fall that Trump has never apologized for the statement. Over the weekend, Trump criticized the senators vote against health care reform in a speech to the NRA. McCain reportedly returns the wrath in his upcoming memoir, The Restless Wave: Good Times, Just Causes, Great Fights, and Other Appreciations, saying of Trump, the appearance of toughness or a reality show facsimile of toughness seems to matter more [to the president] than any of our values. Also on HuffPost Melania and I send our thoughts and prayers to Senator McCain, Cindy, and their entire family. pic.twitter.com/SO4XYgnyug President Trump (@POTUS) July 20, 2017 John McCain is an American hero & one of the bravest fighters I've ever known. Cancer doesn't know what it's up against. Give it hell, John. Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 20, 2017 John and I have been friends for 40 years. He's gotten through so much difficulty with so much grace. He is strong - and he will beat this. Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 20, 2017 John McCain is as tough as they come. Thinking of John, Cindy, their wonderful children, & their whole family tonight. Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) July 20, 2017 .@SenJohnMcCain is a hero to our Conference and a hero to our country. pic.twitter.com/Ld2lQH1mMn Leader McConnell (@SenateMajLdr) July 20, 2017 .@SenJohnMcCain has always been a warrior. It's who he is. All of us, not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Americans, are behind him. pic.twitter.com/B6iDpPultM Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) July 20, 2017 .@SenJohnMcCain is a hero, a patriot and a fighter. I am privileged to call him a friend. Paul & I pray for his recovery and his family. Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) July 20, 2017 As hes shown his entire life, dont bet against John McCain. Best wishes to him for a swift recovery. Bill Clinton (@billclinton) July 20, 2017 Hang in there @SenJohnMcCain. You're tough! You can beat this. Fight, fight, fight! I am proud to call you my friend. Gabrielle Giffords (@GabbyGiffords) July 20, 2017 To say @SenJohnMcCain is a fighter is an understatement. Time and time again, he has shown all of us how to be courageous under fire. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (@SenatorHeitkamp) July 20, 2017 Counting on the legendary John McCain strength to give cancer its toughest fight ever. Rooting for you, dear friend. Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) July 20, 2017 Hey John! We can't wait to welcome you to the club. You got this! @SenJohnMcCain #cancersurvivors Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) July 20, 2017 I love @SenJohnMcCain. Unbeatable, unbreakable. He's Teddy Roosevelt's "man in the arena" even when we're on opposite sides. God bless. pic.twitter.com/0sBY4QynWp John Kerry (@JohnKerry) July 20, 2017 Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. A day of joy and celebration spurred complaints of racism after a college graduation marshal pushed and propelled several black students off the commencement ceremonys stage, prompting an apology from the school. The University of Florida graduates were walking across the stage on Saturday after their names had been called out when they took a moment to revel in their accomplishments while featured on the arenas jumbotron. Videos taken at the ceremony show each individual performing a roughly three-second dance or wave before they were grabbed by a white man wearing a ceremonial robe and forced out of the jumbotron cameras view. UF Twitter Somebody please find out this employees name!! Every time a Black student took more than TWO seconds, he aggressively pushed them. Watch it for yourself. #ItsGreatUF pic.twitter.com/zMee1nMbUZ Chris (@ChicoFreedom) May 5, 2018 Almost fell when he pushed me pic.twitter.com/98meStYalY thugger (@mythuggin) May 5, 2018 Nafeesah Attah, a graduate who said she was grabbed by the marshal, told HuffPost Sunday night that the experience left her disappointed. I had family fly all the way in from London and they didnt want to see that, Attah wrote in a message. It definitely was a race thing because other students were doing backflips and received no repercussions because they were white. Only the black students were contacted. Story continues She added: Im disappointed in my universitys response. Too little, too late. The videos posted on social media ignited an immediate uproar. While some showed the marshal guiding students of all races off the stage, people accused him of more aggressively manhandling the black graduates. Sickening. That white man was clearly discriminating and rough housing only the Black graduates. As an alumni and am completely disgraced at the treatment of this students who earned their spot on that stage. Traylo (@_traylo) May 6, 2018 listen we been knew UF was racist but they couldnt hold it in for a graduation ceremony? embarrassing amanda | 67 (@robinlocksleys) May 6, 2018 But Kevin the Caucasian got a whole 45 seconds of camera time...somebody should of fell out Jordy (@_jordanaenae) May 5, 2018 Yea Id like to see how he behaved when a white person did the same thing. Its his job so he probably/should have done it with everyone prince of pizza (@peyt_the_great) May 6, 2018 University President W. Kent Fuchs, who attended the ceremony, released a statement on Sunday that apologized and called the behavior inappropriately aggressive. I personally apologize, and am reaching out to the students involved, he said in a Twitter post. The practice has been halted for all future ceremonies, and we will work to make sure all graduating students know we are proud of their achievements and celebrate with them their graduation. The university also released a statement saying it regrets that any celebration of the day may have been diminished by the incidents. This article has been updated to include comments from graduate Nafeesah Attah and more details about the ceremony videos on social media. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. (ISLAMABAD) A gunman opened fire on the countrys interior minister after a public meeting in his constituency Sunday, wounding him in the shoulder, officials said. Talal Chaudhry, the Minister of State for Interior Affairs, says Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal was returning to his car after a meeting in Narowal district when he came under attack. Senior police officer Imran Kishwar said the attacker was immediately arrested, and that the interior minister was out of danger. He said the 22-year-old gunman fired at the minister at close range. His motivation was not immediately known. Malik Ahmed Khan, the spokesman for Punjab government, said the bullet impacted the ministers arm. He said Iqbal went to Narowal to mobilize support for his re-election. The attack on the interior minister comes ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for mid-July. Government ministers and opposition leaders condemned the attack. The Leader of Opposition Khurshid Shah described it an attempt to portray the security apparatus as weak and create environment of fear ahead of the elections. Popular opposition leader Imran Khan and his PTI party demanded a probe into the attack. Lahore (Pakistan) (AFP) - Pakistan's interior minister was recovering in hospital Monday after being shot in a suspected assassination possibly linked to blasphemy, with the attack seen as a "bad omen" for nationwide elections. Iqbal, 59, was shot in the right arm as he prepared to leave a public meeting in his constituency in Punjab province late Sunday. A man identified by police only as "Abid" and said to be in his early 20s was wrestled to the ground by police and bystanders as he was preparing to fire a second shot. He has been taken in to custody. The local deputy commissioner Ali Anan Qamar told AFP that the shooter said he carried out the attack over a small amendment to the oath that election candidates must swear which was hastily reversed last year after it was linked to blasphemy. The controversy ignited a three-week sit-in last November by a previously little-known Islamist group which paralysed the capital and ended when the government capitulated to the protesters' demands in a deal brokered by the military. At the time many Pakistanis warned that a dangerous precedent had been set in which fringe groups could bend the state to their will by citing blasphemy, a highly inflammatory charge in the conservative Muslim country. Iqbal was rushed first to a local hospital and then airlifted to Lahore, where video footage released by his ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) showed him being lowered from a helicopter on a stretcher, his eyes open as he responded to questions. Doctors later said he was in stable condition. The attack was swiftly condemned by the international community, including the US ambassador and the French embassy, as Pakistanis voiced fears it represented an attempt to "weaken democracy" ahead of the federal elections, widely expected to be held late this summer. - 'Bad omen' - Ziauddin Yousafzai, the father of Pakistani Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, tweeted that he "strongly condemned" the attack, calling it "(a) bad omen for upcoming general elections that is supposed to be free, fair and transparent." Story continues The vote will only be Pakistan's second ever democratic transition, and with the PML-N in disarray since Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was ousted by the Supreme Court over graft allegations last summer, there has been growing speculation it could be delayed. The court banned Sharif from politics for life, while foreign minister Khawaja Asif was also ousted by the Islamabad High Court late last month for violating election laws. Sharif and his supporters have repeatedly denied the allegations, suggesting they are victims of a conspiracy driven by Pakistan's powerful military to reduce the sway of their party. Despite the setbacks, the party has won a string of recent by-elections, proving it will likely remain a force in the vote. Iqbal, touted as a potential prime minister when Sharif was ousted last July, is a US-educated lawmaker from a political family long associated with the PML-N. Considered the brains behind the party's development agenda, he previously headed up the planning ministry. A man accused of shooting Pakistan's interior minister in a suspected assassination attempt possibly linked to blasphemy appeared in court Monday, with the attack seen as an ominous sign for security ahead of nationwide elections. Abid Hussain appeared before the anti-terror court in Gujranwala city in Punjab province, where he was remanded into custody for ten days, police official Chaudhry Tariq told AFP. His appearance came one day after Ahsan Iqbal, 59, was shot in the right arm as he prepared to leave a public meeting in his constituency in Punjab late Sunday. A man identified by police as Hussain, said to be in his early 20s, was wrestled to the ground by officers and bystanders as he was preparing to fire a second shot. Police are investigating whether the attack could have had any religious motive. A local official told AFP that the shooter said he was inspired by a controversy last year in which a small amendment to the oath election candidates must swear had to be hastily reversed after it was linked to blasphemy, a highly inflammatory charge in the deeply conservative Muslim country. The row sparked a three-week sit-in last November by a previously little-known Islamist group, which paralysed the capital. That demonstration ended when the government capitulated to the protesters' demands -- including the ousting of the federal law minister -- in a deal brokered by the military. At the time many Pakistanis and analysts warned that a dangerous precedent had been set in which fringe groups could bend the state to their will by citing blasphemy. Iqbal, known as a champion for religious minorities, had pushed for a negotiated settlement to the controversy. As part of their investigation police are examining any potential links between Hussain and the Islamist group leading the sit-in. After the shooting Iqbal was airlifted to Lahore. Shafqat Waseem Chaudhry, one of the five-member medical team responsible for him, told AFP Monday that he was "stable" but will remain in the intensive care unit for two days. Story continues The attack was swiftly condemned by the international community as Pakistanis voiced fears it represented an attempt to weaken democracy ahead of the federal elections. The polls are set to be only the second ever democratic transition in the country, and are widely expected to be held late this summer. - 'Bad omen' - Ziauddin Yousafzai, the father of Pakistani Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, "strongly condemned" the attack, tweeting that it was a "bad omen for upcoming general elections that is supposed to be free, fair and transparent". Security analyst Amir Rana told AFP the shooting of the minister nominally in charge of security in a country that has long grappled with militancy was a "serious" development. "Pakistan claims that the country has returned to normalcy but such attacks continues to happen and these are downplayed," he said. The shooting is the latest in a series of blows to hit the PML-N since Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was ousted by the Supreme Court over graft allegations last summer. The court banned Sharif from politics for life, while foreign minister Khawaja Asif was also ousted by the Islamabad High Court late last month for violating election laws. Sharif, who termed Sunday's shooting an "atrocity", has repeatedly denied the allegations, suggesting he is victim of a conspiracy driven by Pakistan's powerful military to reduce the sway of his party. Iqbal was touted as a potential prime minister when Sharif was ousted last July. A US-educated lawmaker from a political family long associated with the PML-N, he is considered the brains behind the party's development agenda and previously headed up the planning ministry. The attack against him fuelled speculation that the election could yet be delayed, though newspaper columnist Cyril Almeida said that was unlikely. "Barring something catastrophic, like the Benazir assassination which caused the 2008 election to be briefly postponed, it appears elections will be held on time," he told AFP, referring to the killing of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in late 2007. Despite the setbacks, the PML-N has won a string of recent by-elections, proving it will likely remain a force in the vote. Blasphemy can be punishable by death under controversial Pakistani legislation, with even unproven allegations sparking mob lynchings and murders. bur-wh-sjd-ks-st/klm Islamabad (AFP) - Pakistan's interior minister Ahsan Iqbal has been shot in the arm in a suspected assassination attempt at a public meeting in Punjab province but will survive, his aide said Sunday. "Ahsan Iqbal was targeted and shot in the arm," Asim Khan, a special aide to the politician, told AFP. "He is out of danger and being taken to a medical facility in Lahore. The attacker has been arrested." He said no more details were available. Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has condemned the attack, which comes as the country gears up for federal elections expected this summer. Malik Ahmed Khan, a spokesman for the Punjab government, told AFP Iqbal had been attending the meeting in his constituency in Narowal district when he was shot in the right arm. "The attacker was about to fire a second shot when police and people in the meeting overpowered him," Khan said, adding that Iqbal was undergoing surgery and confirming his life was not in danger. The suspected attack on Iqbal comes as the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is struggling to regain its footing ahead of the coming general elections after a series of blows to its top leaders. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was deposed by the Supreme Court last year over graft allegations and has been banned from politics for life, while foreign minister Khawaja Asif was also removed by the court late last month for violating election laws. Lima (AFP) - Peruvian prosecutors on Monday seized five properties and bank accounts belonging to former president Ollanta Humala, who was given until the end of the day to vacate his primary residence in Lima, his lawyers and prosecutors said. Police surrounded the former president's house in Lima's Surco neighborhood, while prosecutors notified him that his properties were being seized as part of a corruption investigation. The properties were "presumed to have been acquired with illicit monies," said a statement explaining the action by the prosecutor in charge of money-laundering investigations. A court order also authorized the seizure of Humala's bank accounts, it said. Humala, who was president of Peru from 2011 to 2016, is being investigated for $3 million in campaign contributions he is alleged to have received from Odebrecht, a Brazilian construction giant at the center of region-wide bribe scandals. He and his wife and children were given until 10 pm local time (0300 GMT Tuesday) to vacate their home in Lima, his lawyer, Cesar Nakazaki, said. The action came just a week after Humala and his wife Nadine Heredia were released from jail after being held for nine months. The country's Constitutional Court ruled that the couple, who have three young children, could remain at liberty pending trial. "Contributions to a campaign is not a crime," Humala said Sunday in an interview with America Television. "What they want to do is criminalize campaign contributions." A 55-year-old retired lieutenant colonel, Humala is one of four former Peruvian presidents under investigation over payments made by Odebrecht, but so far he is the only one to have gone to jail. The others are Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (2016-2018), Alan Garcia (2006-2011) and Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006), who is fighting a request for his extradition from the United States. Also under investigation is opposition leader Keiko Fujimori, the daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori (1990-2000), who served 12 years of a 25-year prison sentence for human rights abuses. Kuczynski pardoned the elderly Fujimori for humanitarian reasons in December, setting off a scandal that ultimately led to his resignation. Warsaw (AFP) - Poland on Monday played down possible EU funding cuts over its controversial judicial reforms -- in addition to sanctions it already faces -- saying it sees room for negotiation over financial allocations. Unveiling the 2021-27 budget last week, the European Union said it could "suspend, reduce or restrict access to EU funding in a manner proportionate to the nature, gravity and scope of the rule-of-law deficiencies." Brussels has been highly critical of judicial and other changes pushed through by right-wing governments in Poland and Hungary, saying they undermine EU democratic norms. Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz however said he believed the EU's draft budget was "a good basis for further negotiations", according to the Polish PAP news agency. "The funding cuts in policy areas that are key for us -- the common agricultural policy and cohesion policy -- are made to a small extent, while there are also new streams of financing for new activities," Czaputowicz said, adding that "Poland will also benefit from this." Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban warned Friday that Budapest could veto -- and thus torpedo -- the EU budget proposal. Negotiations on the EU's trillion-euro-plus ($1.2 trillion) budget have been complicated by Britain's exit from the bloc, which leaves the remaining 27 member states fighting over how to raise and allocate funding. During a visit to Austria on Monday, the Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini said all participants in the negotiations "should be more open" to compromise between net recipients and contributors to the budget. "If certain countries are to receive less money in future, perhaps they should also be given more flexibility in return in terms of where and how they use their money," Pellegrini added. The draft budget notably proposes cuts to farm support and cohesion monies -- used to help newer members conform to EU standards -- while offering new funding for economic modernisation and high-tech. Brussels in December triggered Article 7 of the EU treaty over what it termed "systemic threats" to the independence of the Polish judiciary from the government -- a move that could lead to never-before-used sanctions. EU Consumer Affairs Commissioner Vera Jourova "assured me that these (budget) proposals are not directed against any specific state, there is no connection with Article 7," Czaputowicz told PAP. Iran has been preparing for months for the possibility that U.S. President Donald Trump will pull out of the nuclear agreement, President Hassan Rouhani said, warning that the U.S. would quickly come to regret such a decision. Rouhani said government officials received instructions months ago on what to do in the event the U.S. decides to end waivers on key sanctions on May 12, the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency reported. The Iranian president said hed met with officials from the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran in recent days and discussed a clear path ahead. Trump has expressed contempt for the 2015 nuclear accord that offers Iran sanctions relief in return for halting its nuclear weapons program, signaling that hes not inclined to extend waivers that allow Iran to export oil to some of its biggest customers. Failing to uphold them will effectively end U.S. participation in the deal. The U.S. has always sought to sow intrigue against Iran but has never succeeded in the face of Irans greatness, Rouhani said in a speech, addressing crowds at a rally in the northeastern city of Sabzevar. This time, once again, it is also making a mistake. And if it wants to leave the nuclear deal, it will quickly see that this decision will be a regret of historic proportions. Pull Out European parties to the deal some of whom, like Germany, have seen a surge in exports to Iran since the deal came into effect in January 2016 have tried in recent weeks to persuade Trump not to pull out. Earlier on Sunday, President Emmanuel Macron said France and its allies need to be careful about how they handle Iran because terrorist groups may prosper from the conflict between Shiites and Sunnis. Britains Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is also visiting Washington Sunday in an effort to salvage the pact and is due to meet with Vice President Mike Pence. Macron reiterated that he wants to maintain the Iranian nuclear accord, while complementing it with talks on Irans ballistic program and regional activities, according to an interview he gave to Le Journal du Dimanche. Rouhani said in Sundays speech that Irans defense capabilities are not subject to negotiation. Tens of thousands of National Rifle Association members descended on Dallas this week for the gun advocacy groups 147th annual meeting once again with an assist from President Donald Trump. Ahead of the event, which ran from Thursday to Sunday, the NRA said that 80,000 members would be attending and billed it as the largest in the organizations history. But outside the convention center, another crowd assembled to protest the NRAs efforts to stifle gun control laws. In the year since the last meeting, the U.S. had its deadliest mass shooting in recent history when a gunman killed 58 people and wounded hundreds in Las Vegas. And it saw a powerful uprising of young gun control advocates after a shooter gunned down 17 students and faculty members at a high school in Parkland, Florida. The meeting was also a chance for commerce, with vendors taking orders for firearms, and it gave Trump a chance to address the crowd for the fourth year in a row. This year, people lined up hours early to get into the arena where he regurgitated many of his favorite pro-gun talking points. Take a look at photos from the annual event below: Julia Heilrayne, a student at Austin High School, stands with a target painted on her head at a gun control rally outside Dallas City Hall on Saturday. Protesters march to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, where the NRA's annual meeting is being held, on Friday. Attendees of the Dallas Stands Against the NRA rally on Friday. A speaker addresses the crowd at the Dallas Stands Against the NRA rally on Friday near the association's annual meeting. The Dallas Stands Against the NRA rally on Friday. A speaker addresses attendees at the Dallas Stands Against the NRA rally on Friday. Manuel Oliver, whose son, Joaquin, was killed at the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, this year, creates a mural at the Rally 4 Reform at Dallas City Hall on Saturday. A mural on display at the Rally 4 Reform on Saturday commemorates victims of the Parkland, Florida, school shooting. Protesters march to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, where the NRA is holding its annual meeting, on Friday. People line up hours early to get into the arena where President Donald Trump would address the crowd on Friday. Local Boy Scouts work volunteer positions at the knife-check booth where attendees could check in knives, free of charge, before entering the arena were Trump would later speak and where weapons had been banned by the Secret Service days before. A crowd watches a screen showing a live feed of Trump's speech on Friday. A crowd watches a screen showing a live feed of Trump's speech on Friday. Attendees file into the expo hall. A woman claps in response to a speech by Trump as she watches a live feed of the event on the expo floor Friday. A man walks past a booth on the expo floor on Sunday. A man holds his granddaughter as they explore the expo floor on Friday. A handgun on the expo floor Friday. A local Dallas family passes around a rifle on the expo floor Friday. A display of shell casings on the expo floor Friday. Tim Oelklaus of Missouri holds up a display rifle on the expo floor Friday. A television screen on the expo floor shows a live feed of Vice President Mike Pence's speech on the first day of the event. A man looks at a gun display on the first day of the NRA's annual meeting in Dallas. Attendees browse on the expo floor Friday. On the expo floor Friday. Economist and author John Lott Jr. gives his "War on Guns" seminar on Sunday. Slade Jamieson, of Keller, Texas, examines a gun on the expo floor Saturday. A man takes part in a virtual reality simulation on the expo floor Saturday. A young boy yells, "Let freedom ring," as he rings a replica of the Liberty Bell on the expo floor on Sunday. Economist and author John Lott Jr. gives his "War on Guns" seminar on Sunday. A "Make America Great Again" hat hangs on the mounted head of an animal on Friday. Clarification: Language in this story has been amended to clarify that vendors take orders for gun purchases at the NRA convention; those orders are finalized via customers local gun dealers. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Moscow (AFP) - Vladimir Putin was sworn in as Russia's president for a fourth term on Monday, extending his almost two-decade rule by another six years at a time of high tension with his Western rivals. The 65-year-old, in power since 1999, is on course to become the longest-serving Russian leader since Joseph Stalin after his victory in March elections. Putin won nearly 77 percent of the vote in polls in which his most vocal opponent, Alexei Navalny, was banned from running. He has promised to use his fourth term to revitalise the economy. But he also faces a host of thorny international disputes. "I consider it my duty and my life's aim to do everything possible for Russia, for its present and for its future," Putin said at Monday's swearing-in ceremony, with his hand on the Russian constitution. US President Donald Trump congratulated the Kremlin strongman, with White House press secretary Sarah Sanders telling reporters in Washington that Trump "looks forward to a time when we can hopefully have a good relationship with Russia. "However, the United States believes that everyone has a right to be heard and assemble peacefully," she said. Several thousand guests lined the red carpet in Moscow and filmed Putin on their smartphones as he arrived for the ceremony in the ornate Andreyev Hall, part of the Kremlin palace complex. Among them were US action star Steven Seagal, who has taken Russian citizenship, as well as former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and Naina Yeltsina, the widow of Putin's late predecessor Boris Yeltsin. Putin was driven to the inauguration in a black Russian-made limousine -- a change from previous ceremonies when he used a German Mercedes. "I feel strongly conscious of my colossal responsibility," he said, thanking Russians for their "sincere support" and "cohesiveness". "We have revived pride in our fatherland," Putin said. "As head of state I will do all I can to multiply the strength, prosperity and fame of Russia." Story continues Shortly after the ceremony, Putin asked parliament to back a new mandate for outgoing prime minister Dmitry Medvedev, his longtime ally. - Crackdown on opposition - Navalny on Monday reposted a 2017 video into the prime minister's alleged wealth that led to nationwide protests last year. On Saturday, nearly 1,600 protesters including Navalny were detained during nationwide rallies against Putin under the slogan "Not Our Tsar". The opposition figure, who was barred from challenging Putin in the March election, has been released pending a court hearing. The unrest revived memories of 2012, when authorities cracked down on rallies against Putin's return to the Kremlin after a stint as prime minister. - Strained ties with West - Russia's ties with the West have been strained by Putin's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine and his military campaign in Syria in support of longtime Russian ally President Bashar al-Assad. In recent months relations have soured further over accusations of the poisoning of an ex-spy in Britain and of election meddling in the United States. "For Putin any concession is a sign of weakness, so there shouldn't be any expectation of a change in foreign policy," said Konstantin Kalachev, the head of the Political Expert Group think tank in Moscow. The constitution bars Putin from running again when his fourth term ends in 2024. But he has remained silent on the issue of his succession. - Economic woes - Putin has promised to use his fourth term to improve Russians' standard of living. "People will live better," he said. Hours after the inauguration ceremony, Putin issued a decree setting targets for his next six years in power. These included halving Russia's poverty rate, increasing pensions and boosting the average life expectancy to 78 by 2024. A new poll by Russia's independent Levada Center found that while the majority of Russians support Putin's foreign policy, the main complaints are over the economy. The survey showed 45 percent of Russians believe Putin has been unable to achieve a "fair distribution" of state revenues to benefit ordinary people. Russian businesses are expecting wide-ranging reforms to the government's heavily bureaucratised system. According to statistics published in the RBC newspaper on Monday, the number of bureaucrats during Putin's third term rose by 50 percent, from 1.57 million to 2.17 million. Putin has struggled to revive an economy that was hit hard by the Western sanctions over Crimea and a fall in global oil prices. Fans of Ayn Rands The Fountainhead consider the novel timeless, with its themes of individual freedom and the heroism of the creator. But the story about an innovative architect of skyscrapers who grows frustrated by critics skeptical of his vision is also a direct product of the historical moment leading up to its publication 75 years ago Monday, on May 7, 1943. Rand experts note that she wrote the book in response to what she saw as a very specific threat to liberty at that point in time and that the evolution of that threat helped keep the book popular among her fans for decades following. Indeed, as she worked on the book during World War II, the threats to liberty were clear. Rand was watching closely the advances of the Nazis as well as that of communism in her native Soviet Union. She had come to the U.S. in 1926 aspiring to be a screenwriter and hoping to make a fortune, a goal she adopted after her family never recovered when their property was seized during the Russian Revolution. But she was even more concerned about what she saw as a subtler form of fascism within the U.S.: the work of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, architect of the New Deal. She initially started writing The Fountainhead as a meditation on popularity, a response to the actors and fellow screenwriters trying to make it in the golden age of Hollywood in the 30s. But the more she listened to the way her fellow artists and thinkers talked about communism, the more she thought they were very misinformed, tending to idealize and romanticize it, says Jennifer Burns, author of Goddess of the Market: Ayn Rand and the American Right. She felt people needed to know the truth about communism, so The Fountainhead is the beginning of that project, says Burns. As she grew more disenchanted with the New Deal and more and more concerned about what she saw as communist influence in American life, she stops writing the book midway through and dives into Republican politics. Story continues She volunteered for Wendell Willkies 1940 presidential campaign. Though he lost to Roosevelt, she gained connections to a group of people who believed in limited government, and who are considered the earliest generation of the 20th century conservative movement. (Some conservatives, however, had trouble with her because of her atheism.) She went back to writing, with renewed energy thanks in part to the amphetamine Benzedrine, and puts all of this political thinking into the book, Burns says, and changes it from a parable about individual creativity to a more politicized discussion of the individual in the age of big government, the individual in the age of the growing state when the collective is valued more than the individual. When it comes out, she says to one of her friends, this book is a complete indictment of the New Deal.' Get your history fix in one place: sign up for the weekly TIME History newsletter The Fountainhead turned out to be a sleeper hit. Its popularity spread by word of mouth. In fact, Burns says the first printing of the 700-page book was deliberately small because paper was rationed at the time, so reprints were ordered in response to the demand. Rand would become even better known in 1949 when the Warner Bros. film adaptation of the book, starring Gary Cooper and Patricia Neal, hit theaters. But TIMEs original reviewer thought the film was so bad it might have the opposite effect of what Rand intended: Apparently aimed at Communist and other critics of the American way, Fountainhead will provide some of the corniest grist for Soviet propaganda mills that Hollywood has produced in a long time. (Rand herself wasnt crazy about the film either, according to Jeffrey Brittings 2004 biography.) What was going on in the years following helped the book catch on even more. It anticipates a broader discussion in the postwar era about the dangers of mass man, the danger of white collar conformity. There will be a whole rash of books by other thinkers worried about conformity in mass society and how does one maintain ones individuality, says Burns. Rands second book, Atlas Shrugged, came out in this period, in 1957. David Boaz, executive vice president of the Cato Institute, puts Jack Kerouac and Ayn Rand in the same boat, as writers of the 50s who were part of a nonconformist rebellion against postwar conformity. He says their work points towards the cultural revolution of the 60s and 70s and even the entrepreneurial revolution that starts in the 80s. Rand thought President Kennedys famous request in his 1960 inaugural address, the instruction to ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country, was fascist, Boaz says. She thought both halves were wrong. You dont owe anything to your country, and you shouldnt be asking for money, he explains. Though Rands political preferences didnt match that of the electorate she and Barry Goldwater, who lost in a landslide in 1964, were mutual fans the progressive government philosophies of Kennedy and his successor Lyndon B. Johnson drove many American conservatives to appreciate Rands message. As the Great Society programs expanded the role of government in peoples lives, she found a readership on college campuses, as a counter to the counterculture, through her Objectivist newsletter, reading groups and classes. Burns describes her as a gateway drug to life on the right. And as trust in government began to fall, trust in her ideas rose. Many Americans who had seen what Boaz calls big government as helpful, during the New Deal and the prosperous years following World War II, began to change their minds. In the late 60s and early 70s, people see the failure of Vietnam, the corruption in Watergate, and the stagflation economy, Boaz says. All those things pushed people into a libertarian direction; you see a flowering of libertarian scholarship around that time. Though Rand died in 1982 at 77, her ideas get new life whenever fears of expansion of government hit a new level. Most recently, she saw a surge in popularity in 2008, the year of the market crash and President Obamas election. TIME noted then that The bad economy has been good news for Rands legacy; for that year, combined sales of The Fountainhead, Atlas Shrugged and We the Living reached a whopping 800,000. Burns says Rands arguments can also be seen in conservative talking points even when shes not name-checked, for example in rhetoric about homeowners being bailed out for irresponsible behavior or even in Mitt Romneys famous 2012 gaffe remarking that 47% of people are dependent upon government. This idea that the world can be divided into looters and moochers, people who are productive and people who are not productive, that was a narrative device she erected in Atlas Shrugged, says Burns. It became a founding narrative of modern conservatism that there are some people who seek to free ride on the effort of others, that theyre either incompetent, or bad people scheming or trying to be lazy. Her ideas have guided many of the most famous entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley, a place notoriously fearful of government regulation, and some of the highest offices in America are now held by Randians. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, who has been known to give copies of Atlas Shrugged to staffers, has called Rand the one thinker whos the reason he went into public service, and President Trump told USA Today in April 2016 that he identifies with The Fountainheads protagonist. The book, he added, relates to everything. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Republican leader of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee said President Trump should not walk away from the Iran nuclear deal. President Donald Trump is facing a May 12 deadline on whether to re-impose sanctions against Iran. Texas Congressman Mac Thornberry said on Fox News Sunday it would be a mistake for Trump to scuttle the nuclear accord reached with Tehran. "I would counsel against it," he said. As Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Thornberry is considered a key Republican voice on national security issues. Thornberry said that while he was opposed to the deal when it was signed by the Obama Administration in 2015, exiting the agreement now would erode Washington's leverage against Tehran. "I thought it was a bad deal," he said. "But the key question is, ok, what happens next if the U.S. pulls out? Does Iran kick out those inspectors so we lose the visibility we have?" Trump has signaled he may tear up the 2015 deal and re-impose sanctions later this month. Trump Administration officials have said the nuclear accord fails to address Iran's ballistic missile program and will allow Tehran to rebuild its nuclear program after some of its provisions expire. Thornberry said that Trump should work with European allies to address these shortcomings in the accord. But scuttling the deal, he said, would take pressure off Iran by dividing Washington from its allies. "The Europeans are not going to re-impose sanctions so where does that leave us and Iran?" he said. (Reporting by Joel Schectman; Editing by Phil Berlowitz) DUBAI (Reuters) - President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday Iran had plans to respond to any move by U.S. President Donald Trump on the 2015 nuclear agreement and the United States would regret a decision to exit the accord. Trump says that unless European allies rectify "flaws" in Tehran's deal with world powers by May 12 he will refuse to extend U.S. sanctions relief for Iran. "We have plans to resist any decision by Trump on the nuclear accord," Rouhani said in a speech carried live by state television. "Orders have been issued to our atomic energy organisation ... and to the economic sector to confront America's plots against our country," Rouhani told a rally in northeast Iran. "America is making a mistake if it leaves the nuclear accord," Rouhani said. "If America leaves the nuclear accord, this will entail historic remorse for it." Britain, France and Germany remain committed to the nuclear accord but, in an effort to keep Washington in it, want to open talks on Irans ballistic missile programme, its nuclear activities beyond 2025 - when key provisions of the deal expire - and its wars in Syria and Yemen. "We will not negotiate with anyone about our weapons and defences, and we will make and store as many weapons, facilities and missiles as we need," Rouhani said, reiterating a rejection by Iranian leaders of talks on Iran's missile programme which Tehran says is defensive. "You (U.S.) should know that you cannot threaten this great nation because our people withstood eight year of ... defence (in the war with Iraq)," Rouhani said in another speech during his visit to Razavi Khorasan province. "We want to preserve our peaceful nuclear technology for electricity, medicine, agriculture and health... and we do not seek to threaten the world or the region," Rouhani said. In a magazine interview, French President Emmanuel Macron warned a decision by Trump to withdraw could lead to war. Story continues "We would open the Pandora's box. There could be war," Macron told German weekly magazine Der Spiegel, adding "I don't think that Donald Trump wants war." Macron urged Trump not to withdraw when he met him in Washington late last month. Trump has not told Israel whether he will change or scrap the deal, a senior Israeli intelligence official said on Sunday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes the deal, which he says only halts Iran's nuclear capability temporarily. The official said Trump shared Israel's scepticism about the deal and voiced hope for new U.S. sanctions, noting the effect of past measures against Iran's banking and oil sector. (Reporting by Dubai newsroom; Additional reporting by Dan Williams in Jersualem and Paul Carrel in Berlin; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg) Rudy Giuliani has embarked on a media blitz to head off pressure on Donald Trump - REUTERS Donald Trump might have had his lawyer pay other women who came forward claiming affairs with the president "if necessary", his lawyer Rudy Giuliani said on Sunday. The former New York mayor was speaking in response to the furore surrounding a payment of $130,000 to adult film star Stormy Daniels made by Michael Cohen, Mr Trump's personal lawyer. The sum was paid along with a non-disclosure agreement intended to prevent her talking about an alleged tryst with the president. Miss Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, sued Mr Trump in March to get out of the "hush agreement". When asked on the ABC current affairs show, This Week, whether Mr Giuliani has knowledge of any other women being paid, he said: I have no knowledge of that. But I would think if it was necessary, yes. Rudy Giuliani: From America's mayor to defending Donald Trump His comments came days after a report in the Wall Street Journal detailed the existence of a possible "slush fund" used by Mr Cohen to settle problems during Mr Trump's 2016 election campaign. According to the report, Mr Cohen had access to as much as $774,000 (572,000) from credit lines tied to his family properties. The White House has sought unsuccessfully to quell the growing scandal around they payments. Last week Mr Giuliani claimed that Mr Trump had reimbursed Mr Cohen for the money, contradicting the president's earlier comments that he knew nothing about the payments. A lawyer for Miss Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford called Mr Giuliani's remarks "an absolute unmitigated disaster." In a cameo appearance on Saturday Night Live, Miss Daniels called on the president to resign, and warned: "a storms a coming, baby." Mr Giuliani also offered further evidence of a toughened approach to the investigation into Russian election meddling led by Robert Mueller, suggesting the president may ignore any subpoena and instead plead the Fifth Amendment so as not to incriminate himself. When asked if Mr Trump would comply, he said: "Hes the president of the United States. He can assert the same privileges other presidents have. We don't have to." A few weeks ago, John Oliver reported on the unusual auction that Russell Crowe was hosting called The Art of Divorce, where Crowe sold off artifacts from his career, including a now-famous jockstrap, which sold for a whopping $7,000. In an unsurprising turn of events, Oliver bought the jock strap. On the April 18 episode of Last Week Tonight, he announced the purchase and his decision to donate the jock strap and a few other pieces of Crowes movie memorabilia to the last Blockbuster video store in Anchorage, Alaska. The only problem with the otherwise foolproof and generous plan was that Oliver didnt actually know anyone at the last Blockbuster in Anchorage, Alaska. So he put out a call on his show asking the stores manager to get in touch to take advantage of the unique opportunity. On Sunday nights episode, Oliver announced his plan had worked and Crowes jock strap was on display in the Blockbuster as a mini-shrine to the actor. The Blockbuster was touched, but so was Crowe. He tweeted that he was so touched by Olivers random act of kindness that wanted to use the money earned from the sale to do something nice for the world. Crowe later tweeted that he figured out what he wanted to do with the money, and that it would help wildlife. I think this is such a wonderful random act of kindness that I am planning now on how to best use the @iamjohnoliver money he spent on groin protectors and such . Given his often shown genuine love for Australians and Australia , its got to be something special . https://t.co/NcziHy5A2H Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) April 17, 2018 Ive had a eureka moment on how to use @iamjohnoliver from @LastWeekTonight auction money . His random act of kindness is going to be honoured in such a cool way . Yes, no surprise, it will involve wildlife . @rickygervais @jimjefferies @jimmycarr @edsheeran @edwina_b Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) April 18, 2018 To that end, Crowe teamed up with the first family of Australian wildlife, the Irwins, and donated the proceeds from the sale of his jock strap to the study of koala chlamydia. Oliver was, of course, quite touched by the news. In fact, Oliver so touched to have a koala chlamydia ward named after him, that he realized his show had nothing more to do and he should pack it all in. So he did. Its been a great run, Last Week Tonight. President Vladimir Putin has been sworn in for another six years in a lavish Kremlin ceremony days after police detained hundreds at protests against his continued rule. The 65-year-old Russian leader, who has been in power for 18 years, took the oath of office with his hand on a gold-embossed copy of the constitution in front of 5,000 guests in the Grand Kremlin Palace. After striding through the huge gilded doors of the hall to be sworn in, Mr Putin promised in a speech that Russia will continue to strengthen its might, and people will live better. He echoed his call during the election for improved living standards and economic and technological breakthroughs while warning against social unrest. In more than a thousand years of history, Russia has suffered through epochs of troubles and trials and always was resurrected like a phoenix, he said. It achieved heights that were beyond the strength of others, that were thought to be unobtainable, but for our country became, to the contrary, a new springboard, a new historic frontier for a further, powerful leap forward. The president walks to the hall where guests were awaiting the ceremony Credit: Sergei Bobylyov/AFP/Getty Images Mr Putin was re-elected in March with 77 per cent of the vote, giving him a clear mandate despite allegations of ballot-stuffing in some regions. His most outspoken critic, opposition leader Alexei Navalny was barred from running over a politicised embezzlement conviction. On Saturday, thousands demonstrated against the president's fourth term under the slogan he's not our tsar. Police detained Mr Navalny and some 1,600 other protesters, according to independent monitor OVD Info. Opposition leader Alexei Navalny is detained at protests two days before Mr Putin's inauguration Credit: TASS/Barcroft Images In a state of the nation speech before the election, Mr Putin called for economic growth and increased government spending but also announced hypersonic nuclear weapons to overcome US missile defence, continuing the belligerent rhetoric of recent years. Although Russia's economy has emerged from a recession and is expected to grow 1.7 per cent this year, it has suffered volatile oil prices and Western sanctions, and 22 million are now living below the poverty line. Story continues In one of his ambitious May decrees, which are only sometimes achieved, Mr Putin ordered the government on Monday to halve the poverty level and increase the average life expectancy from 72 to 78. According to the constitution, he cannot run for president again, casting uncertainty over Russia's future after 2024. After the inauguration, Mr Putin re-nominated Dmitry Medvedev, who kept the presidential seat warm for him in 2008-12, to continue his duties as prime minister. Mr Medvedev said he would shake up the cabinet, naming high-ranking officials from elsewhere as his deputies for the defence industry and sport. Among the guests of honour at the Kremlin on Monday was American actor Steven Seagal, who received a Russian passport from Mr Putin in 2016, as well as Alexander Surgeon Zaldostanov, the leather-clad head of the patriotic Night Wolves biker gang. Spotted next to Dmitry Medvedev at Putin's inauguration: former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. pic.twitter.com/xjRNURKmQ6 Lucian Kim (@Lucian_Kim) May 7, 2018 Former German chancellor Gerhard Schroder, who was appointed chairman of Russia's state oil giant Rosneft last year, stood next to Mr Medvedev and Russian Orthodox patriarch Kirill. Current German leader Angela Merkel will meet with Mr Putin in Sochi later this month, a Kremlin aide said on Monday. This week, Mr Putin will receive Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu, who is expected to push back against Russia's announcement it would deliver S-300 surface-to-air missiles to Syria following American, French and British airstrikes there. Social media users poked fun at the pompous ceremony, especially when the head of the constitutional court appeared to mix up similar-sounding Russian words and declare Mr Putin's new term a crime rather than an appointment. After the swearing in, Patriarch Kirill blessed Mr Putin in a Kremlin church and prayed for his spiritual and physical strength to fulfil the plans laid out in his speech. By Andrew Osborn and Katya Golubkova MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and around 1,600 anti-Kremlin activists were detained by police on Saturday during street protests against Vladimir Putin ahead of his inauguration for a fourth term as president. Navalny had called for demonstrations in more than 90 towns and cities across Russia against what he says is Putin's autocratic, tsar-like rule. Before his detention, he briefly addressed supporters in central Moscow, leading them in chants of 'Down with the Tsar!". "They said that this city belongs to Putin. Is that right?" Navalny asked his supporters. "Do you need a tsar?" he asked, eliciting a collective roar of "No!" Putin won re-election overwhelmingly in March, extending his grip over Russia for six more years - a tenure of 24 years that would make him Moscow's longest-serving leader since Soviet dictator Josef Stalin. Navalny, who was barred from running in the election on what he says was a false pretext, was detained soon after showing up on Moscow's Pushkin Square, where young people were chanting "Russia without Putin!" and "Putin is a Thief!". Video footage showed five policemen hauling him to a waiting van by his arms and legs, a scene that was repeated dozens of times with his supporters. Early on Sunday, shortly after midnight, Navalny said on social media he had been released from custody until a court appearance, which is expected to take place on May 11. Navalny said he had been charged with organizing an unsanctioned meeting and with disobeying the police. "Apparently the order came down not to 'jail me before the (Putin) inauguration,'" wrote Navalny. The penalty for the offences he is charged with could see him fined and jailed for up to 30 days. "NOTHING WILL CHANGE" Navalny, who has been detained and jailed numerous times for organizing similar protests, said he was proud to have made it to the rally. One protester in Moscow, wearing a rabbit's mask with the legend "Tsar of the Animals", said he was unsure what the protest would achieve. "I have the feeling that people are gathering just to let off steam and that nothing will change," said the 31-year-old man called Alexander, who declined to give his surname. OVD-Info, a rights organization that monitors detentions, said it had received reports of police detaining 1,597 people across Russia, nearly half of them in Moscow. Images from the Moscow protest showed pro-Kremlin Cossacks beating protesters with leather whips. A police spokesman said around 1,500 people had protested in Moscow, of whom around 300 had been detained, the Interfax news agency reported. Reuters reporters estimated the crowd numbered several thousand. Protests also took place in the Far East, Siberia and St. Petersburg, where Interfax cited the police as saying around 200 people had been detained. In the city of Yekaterinburg, around 1,500 km (900 miles) east of Moscow, a Reuters reporter saw over 1,000 people protesting and shouting anti-Putin slogans. FATHER OF THE NATION Putin, 65, has been in power, either as president or prime minister, since 2000. Backed by state TV and the ruling party, and credited with an approval rating of around 80 percent, he is lauded by supporters as a father-of-the-nation figure who has restored national pride and expanded Moscows global clout with interventions in Syria and Ukraine. The authorities regard most of the protests as illegal, arguing that their time and place was not approved beforehand, and that the police have a duty to protect public order. Putin has dismissed Navalny as a troublemaker bent on sowing chaos on behalf of Washington. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, a close Putin ally, has called Navalny a political charlatan. Putin is due to be inaugurated on Monday in a Kremlin ceremony heavy on pomp. With more than 56 million votes, almost 77 percent of the total, his March election win was his biggest ever and the largest by any post-Soviet Russian leader, something he and his allies say gave him an unequivocal mandate to govern. European observers said there had been no real choice in the election, and complained of unfair pressure on critical voices. Critics like Navalny accuse Putin of overseeing a corrupt authoritarian system and of annexing Ukraines Crimea illegally in 2014, a move that isolated Russia internationally. (Additional reporting by Katya Golubkova, Polina Ivanova, Gleb Stolyarov, Maria Tsvetkova, Denis Pinchuk, Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber in Moscow and by Natalia Shurmina in Yekaterinburg; Writing by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Jonathan Oatis) A 17-year-old girl in India was raped, sprayed with kerosene, and set on fire, in the second such case in the country this week. The teen is battling to survive with 70% first-degree burns after the attack in the eastern state of Jharkhand, Agence-France Presse reports. There is a chance that she will survive, Shailendra Barnwal, police superintendent of Pakur district, told AFP. A 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the attack. The brutal incident occurred on Friday, the same day another teenage girl, a 16-year-old, was raped and burned to death in the same state. Fifteen people have been detained in connection with that case, which took place in Jharkhands Chatra district. The girls family approached the village council to seek justice on Friday, CNN reports. The council reportedly ordered the accused men to do 100 sit-ups and pay a $750 fine. Angered by the penalty, the suspects allegedly retaliated by attacking the teenagers parents and setting the house on fire, with the girl inside. The two attacks are the latest in a string of rape cases that have caused widespread outrage across India. The gang-rape and murder of an eight-year-old Muslim girl in Jammu and Kashmir state brought thousands out into the streets seeking justice. The case is going to the Supreme Court on Tuesday. Since the gang-rape and murder of a 23-year-old student on a bus in New Delhi in 2012, reported rape cases have risen 60% to 40,000 in 2016, with child rape accounting for 40%, according to Reuters. Mytilene (Greece) (AFP) - A Greek court on Monday cleared three Spaniards and two Danes of trying to help illegal migrants enter Greece through the island of Lesbos while taking part in Aegean rescue missions. "The accusation has not been proven," the judge said after the trial in the Lesbos capital Mytilene. The firefighters from Spain and volunteers from Denmark, who faced up to 10 years in prison according to Amnesty International, enjoyed massive support from aid groups, with many sympathisers on hand for the verdict. "A great victory for humanitarian aid," Spanish group Proem-AID tweeted after the ruling. Two Greek coastguards had testified that the defendants, who were arrested in January 2016, had not informed the authorities of their rescue mission, and that they were not properly equipped for it. The firefighters, from the southern Spanish city of Seville, had taken part in multiple refugee and migrant rescue missions in the Aegean. Andalusian regional justice minister Rosa Aguilar was among the Spanish delegation along with representatives of the city of Seville. The Spaniards worked as volunteers for Proem-AID and the Danes for Team Humanity as they sought to aid thousands of migrants, mostly Syrians, risking their lives to reach Europe via Lesbos and other Greek islands. Some 5,100 migrants died in 2016 crossing the Mediterranean, according to the International Organization for Migration. More than 1,000 migrants, including many children, drowned in 2015 and 2016 in the narrow stretch of sea separating the Turkish coast from the Aegean islands. "Humanitarian assistance cannot and should not be criminalised," one of the Danish defendants, Salam Aldin, told AFP. Many fishermen from the small port of Sykaminia, one of the main landing sites for refugee boats at the time, were at the court to support Aldin. The defendants "were only helping to save lives" while the Greek coastguard was overwhelmed, said a lawyer for the Spanish firefighters, Haris Petsikos. Story continues The Spanish defendants met in Madrid in early April with Spanish Foreign Minister Alfonso Dastis, who tweeted that the trio had undertaken "rescue and humanitarian aid" work. In Madrid, Amnesty had issued a statement Monday backing the Spanish defendants, saying they had sought to "prevent children, women and men from dying through drowning". Amnesty said the trial was "absurd" and showed "moral confusion by those who try to criminalise actions of solidarity and to intimidate the defenders of human rights." An Air Force reservist was murdered in Missouri over the weekend in what cops suspect was an incident of road rage turned deadly. The Lees Summit Police Department responded to an incident Saturday evening along a highway and found 24-year-old Cody Harter dead at the scene. Witnesses believed he was possibly involved in a road rage altercation and that just prior to when he was stabbed, they saw the victim's truck stopped in traffic with another vehicle stopped in front of it, police said in a statement. Witnesses also reported seeing two men arguing outside the vehicles but were only able to give a vague description of the suspect's car as it fled the scene after the stabbing. On Sunday, Harter's grieving family appeared at a press conference to ask the public for help identifying the suspect. "It was senseless. He's been to war and back and to die because someone was angry," Harter's mother said. "I can only imagine someone was upset because he wasn't going fast enough. Is that a reason to take his life and leave him there?" Harter's sister, Kylee, remembers her brother as a selfless man. "He would do anything to help anyone at the drop of a hat," Kylee said. "For someone to just take everything from him... they didn't know him. He didn't deserve this and we don't deserve the pain that came with it." Police are asking anyone that may have seen the altercation or observed the victim driving north on M-291 highway to call 816-474-TIPS. Callers may remain anonymous. RELATED STORIES Driver Sideswipes Man on Motorcycle in Road Rage Incident Caught on Camera Teen Ordered to Jail Over Road Rage Case Flees Court, Slams Into Family's SUV Woman Claims She Was Beaten Unconscious in Road Rage Attack by Mother-Daughter Related Articles: Justify stole the show at Churchill Downs on Saturday, winning the wettest Kentucky Derby of all time by more than two lengths. A woman in Texas, though, may be even happier than Justifys race team was after the horse won the 144th run for the roses. An Austin, Texas, woman won $1.2 million after placing just an $18 bet on a series of Derby Day races, according to Bill Hutchinson and Mark Osborne of ABC News. Per the report, the woman made a Pick 5 wager at the Retama Park racetrack in Selma, Texas, on Saturday. The woman, who did not want to be identified, picked her first four race winners correctly ahead of the main event, and picked Justify to win it all. The womans payday was nearly the same as the $1.24 million prize that Justify won for winning the Kentucky Derby. Its extremely rare, Retama Park spokeswoman Rachel Bagnetto told ABC News. To bet that little amount of money and win $1.2 million is unheard of. In fact, its the first time its happened at Retama. For only putting down $18, thats one incredible payday. A Texas woman won $1.2 million on a $18 Kentucky Derby bet on Saturday. (Getty Images) More from Yahoo Sports: SNL expertly trolled the Cavs reliance on LeBron GGG gave boxing fans the Cinco de Mayo Canelo couldnt Kaepernicks mom berated racist little league parents By Labib Nasir WASHINGTON (Reuters) - It may not be on the menu at the upcoming wedding of Britain's Prince Harry and American actress Meghan Markle, but some Yanks will toast the happy couple with a "Markle Sparkle." Looking to give Americans a taste of something they rejected more than 240 years ago, a Washington bar is going with a British royal family theme in honor of the wedding. "You know, we're pretty excited as Americans," said Andy Raibins as he waited in line outside the bar's photo opportunity room. "You know, we have an American joining the royal family." Harry, Queen Elizabeth's grandson and sixth in line to the throne, will tie the knot with Markle on May 19 at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, the home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years. The couple has attracted large cheering crowds in public appearances since their engagement was announced in November. The "Royal Wedding Pub," the latest persona of a bar with ever-shifting themes near Howard University, has been transformed to look like St. George's Chapel, with vaulted ceiling and stained glass windows. The makeover, which took "weeks and weeks" to complete, is "the next best thing to actually being there," boasted Adriana Salame, designer and project manager of the bar, which is owned by The Drink Company. "You get a little taste of space," she said. The crowd of mostly young women sported fascinators, the elegant headwear favored by British royalty, and summer dresses, and posed for pictures with life-size cardboard cut-outs of the soon-to-be newlyweds, the queen, as well as William and Kate, whose 2011 wedding also drew world attention. Several patrons said they looked up to Los Angeles-born Markle, whose movies include "Horrible Bosses" and who appears in the television series, "Suits." "I think she's a great example of a modern day woman, kind of taking on this very traditional role and really making it her own, and so I really admire her," said Katlain Borows, who was dressed to resemble Markle. Story continues The drink menu features cocktails with a British twist in 'Harry and Meghan' commemorative memorabilia mugs. Four bar tenders shake their stuff to a soundtrack of the Beatles and other British bands, creating specialized cocktails such as 'When Harry met Meghan' and 'American Princess.' And that 'Markle Sparkle?' It actually has real glitter in it, Kelly Horn explained as she took a sip. (Writing by Peter Szekely; Editing by Richard Chang) Mr Trump has frequently criticised the Russia probe led by Mr Mueller: AP President Donald Trump says that Special Counsel Robert Muellers team has unrevealed conflicts of interest, in his latest attack on the attorneys trying to get to the bottom of Russias meddling in the 2016 election and any possible connections to the Trump campaign. Mr Trump made the claim in a tweet Monday morning, although he offered no evidence about what any such conflicts might be, while claiming he was "fighting back" against the "phony" investigation. The 13 Angry Democrats in charge of the Russian Witch Hunt are starting to find out that there is a Court System in place that actually protects people from injustice and just wait till the Courts get to see your unrevealed Conflicts of Interest! Mr Trumps tweet reads. The tweet followed an earlier statement on the social media website in which he once again called the probe which he has frequently said is biased against him and his administration a witch hunt. The Russia Witch Hunt is rapidly losing credibility. House Intelligence Committee found No Collusion, Coordination or anything else with Russia, Mr Trumps tweet reads. So now the Probe says OK, what else is there? How about Obstruction for a made up, phony crime. There is no [obstruction], its called Fighting Back. Mr Trump later tweeted to question whether the probe was all a political ploy intended to hurt the GOP this November. Is this Phony Witch Hunt going to go on even longer so it wrongfully impacts the Mid-Term Elections, which is what the Democrats always intended? Republicans better get tough and smart before it is too late! Mr Trump wrote. The statements appear to be referring, at least in part, to earlier disclosures that some members of Mr Muellers team had sent anti-Trump messages with the president and some Republicans holding that up as evidence of possible bias. At least one of those agents, Peter Strzok, has been removed from Mr Muellers team after it was discovered they had been sent. Story continues Mr Trumps reference to 13 Angry Democrats may be a reference to attorneys on Mr Muellers team, though a Politifact fact-check notes that just 12 of those team members can be independently identified as registered Democrats. Other members on the team are registered to vote, but have chosen to remain unaffiliated, according to that fact-check. But Mr Trumps assertion that the special counsel investigation is run by Democrats is at least partially undercut by the fact that Mr Mueller himself is a registered Republican in Washington and that he was appointed to his post by a Republican member of Mr Trumps administration, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. Mr Mueller was previously appointed to top intelligence community posts during the Republican administrations of Ronald Reagan, George HW Bush, and George W Bush. He has been involved with Democratic administrations, including those of Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Mr Rosenstein was nominated to his post by Mr Trump himself, but had previously been appointed to positions in the administrations of the younger Mr Bush, and Mr Obama. Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee released what they called a final Russia report in April following a year-long probe of Russias 2016 influence. Mr Trump was cleared of collusion in that report, which also accused the intelligence community of failures in its response to the 2016 election interference. That report offered little by way of new information, and Democrats released a report of their own, claiming that Republicans in the committee had shattered [the committees] commitment by rushing to end its investigation prematurely, even as it continues to investigate President Donald Trumps political opponents, our intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and diplomatic corps, and former members of the Administration of Barack Obama. Mr Muellers investigation has handed down indictments against a handful of Trump allies, including former campaign staffer Rick Gates, former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, former campaign staffer George Papadopoulos, and former campaign chairman Paul Manafort. Mr Gates has signed a plea deal, and committed to cooperate with Mr Muellers investigation, while Mr Flynn and Mr Papadopoulos have both pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI about their contacts with Russians to investigators. Mr Manafort is fighting his charges, and has asked the courts to throw out the charges against him, saying that the various charges including money laundering and fraud relate to a period of time before the 2016 campaign, and are therefore outside the scope of Mr Mueller's investigation. A judge last week indicated that Mr Manaforts lawyers arguments may have some pull, saying that he doesn't "see what relationship this indictment has with anything the special counsel is authorised to investigate." The judge has also deemed Mr Manafort a flight risk because he is facing charges that could land him in prison for the rest of his life if convicted. By Mica Rosenberg May 4 (Reuters) - The Trump administration will end temporary protections for immigrants in the United States from Honduras, leaving potentially 57,000 people vulnerable to deportation, according to media reports. It is the latest in a series of decisions by President Donald Trump to shut down temporary protected status (TPS) granted to immigrants after natural disasters or violent conflicts that would prevent them from safely returning to their home countries. The Washington Post and New York Times first reported the administration's plan. Trump has denounced a "caravan" of migrants, mostly from Central America, that has crossed Mexico seeking entry into the United States in San Diego. Many say they are fleeing violence and political unrest at home and hope to claim asylum in U.S. immigration courts. Marlon Tabora, Honduras' ambassador to the United States, said the conditions did not exist in the country to repatriate tens of thousands of people. "These families have lived in the United States for 20 years and re-integrating them into the country will not be easy if they decide to return," he said. Hondurans are the second largest nationality with TPS to lose their status, which was granted to the country - along with Nicaragua - in 1999 following the devastation of Hurricane Mitch. In January, the Trump administration ended TPS classification for some 200,000 Salvadorans, which had allowed to live and work in the United States since 2001. Their status will expire in 2019. TPS critics have complained that repeated extensions in six- to 18-month increments of the status, sometimes for decades, has given beneficiaries de facto residency in the United States. In November, then-acting Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke set a deadline of six months to make a decision about TPS for Honduras, which is one of the most violent countries in the Western Hemisphere and recently has been convulsed by protests following a contested presidential election. Duke is no longer in charge, replaced by Kirstjen Nielsen. Story continues Most of the other countries that have come up for TPS review have been terminated except for Syria, which is in the midst of a devastating war. The administration also recently ended the program for Haiti and Nepal. Karen Valladares, the director of the National Forum for Migration, a non-governmental organization in Honduras, said people still are choosing to leave because of gang and drug-related violence and lack of economic opportunities. "There have not been concrete improvements in the security situation," Valladares said. In some ways, "Honduras is worse off than when they left." (Reporting by Mica Rosenberg in New York; Additonal reporting by Gustavo Palencia in Tegucigalpa; Editing by Bill Trott) Thomas M. Skypek Politics, Americas U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the news media before boarding Marine One to depart for travel to Texas from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, U.S., May 4, 2018. REUTERS/Leah Millis If President Trump is to maximize the value of his time in office, he needs as many staffers in the government who share his policy views as possible. Trump's Biggest Challenge is the Appointee Gap Following the 1828 election of Andrew Jackson, New York Senator William L. Marcy famously remarked, To the victor belong the spoils. Today, many of the spoils of President Donald Trumps November 2016 victory remain unclaimed. A large number of political appointees are either stalled in Congress, have not been nominated, or remain filled by Obama administration holdovers. This means that we have champions of Hope and Change charged with implementing Make America Great Again. Amid the myriad attempts to unseat a duly elected president, this issue wont receive much media coverage. But winning this particular battle will help the White House to rack up important policy victories across the government and keep the promises of the 2016 campaign. The vast majority of federal government jobs are ostensibly non-political, career roles, which means that the employees serve regardless of who is elected president. Per the Pendleton Federal Civil Service Act of 1883, these jobs are filled on the basis of merit and not political affiliation. But there are thousands of political roles that the presidential administration does have the prerogative to fill. Every four years, the federal government publishes the Plum Book which contains data on nearly 9,000 federal positions in the legislative and executive branches that the incoming administration can influence. These include everything from senior executive positions like the Secretary of Defense to advisors, policy aides, and support staff. According to the 2016 Plum Book, there are 1,242 presidential appointments requiring Senate confirmation with another 472 presidentially appointed roles not requiring confirmation and 1,538 Schedule C appointees. Story continues As of April 27, 2018, only 315 of the 1,242 presidential appointments requiring Senate approval have been confirmed, according to the Partnership for Public Service. Currently, 129 have been formally nominated and are awaiting confirmation. Of the last five presidents at the same time in their presidencies, President Trumps appointees have been subject to the longest average time to confirmation at 84 daysnearly twenty days longer than the next closest, Barack Obama, who averaged sixty-six days. If President Trump is to maximize the value of his time in office, he needs as many staffers in the government who share his policy views as possible. Failing to do so is simply a missed opportunity. In the private sector, organizational efficiency is paramount because profit is the driver of the enterprise. Leaner and more efficient organizations are able to maximize profits while bloated organizations perform weakly against their competitors. Government is different, though. The end-game is policy, not profit. And the U.S. government is a massive, entrenched bureaucracy. The best way for a president to achieve his/her executive branch objectives is to staff it with as many talented, like-minded people as possible. In doing so, the president gives himself a fighting chance to set the vision and let his political staffers wrestle the Leviathan to implement that vision. The appointment and confirmation of cabinet-level and other senior officials by the U.S. Senate is critical. However, the efficacy of those senior political appointments is ultimately limited if they lead an executive department or agency filled with career government employees without the support of other political appointees in management and front-line positions. This matters because, as in any large organization, the senior executives outline the vision for the organization and the senior managers and front-line employees are tasked with executing that vision. The aggressiveness with which theyll implement and drive that vision is fundamentally different. The reality is that some career employees wont implement; theyll slow, stymie, and stonewall whenever possible. A career government employee who generally votes for Democrats and voted for Hillary Clinton will not passionately embrace President Trumps vision. One of the presidents greatest instruments to enact change to the federal government is within the bureaucracy itself through the many political appointees each presidential administration is able to fill. One analysis by The Hill, just before the 2016 election, found that federal employees gave nearly $2 million to the presidential candidates, with Hillary Clinton receiving 95 percent of that money. A poll of federal employees before the election found that 53 percent supported Clinton to just 34 percent for Trump. If you need another indicator of how federal employees lean with their votes, just look at solidly blue Washington D.C, Maryland, and Northern Virginia where many work and live. Remember: the now-infamous FBI employees Peter Strzok and Lisa Page were impartial federal employeesnot Obama administration appointees (you can see their greatest hits here). This is not to say that all federal employees are blinded by a hatred for the president; but it would be unrealistic to believe this doesnt have a tremendous impact on the execution of government. The White House should make political staffing a top priority and implement a clear action plan to reverse this problem. First, it should be putting pressure on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to get the backlog of nominated appointees an up-or-down vote in the Senate within 120 days; the White House should have an active presence on the Hill driving this aggressively. Second, the administration should be instructing all cabinet-level and other Senate-confirmed employees currently serving to identify all unfilled political roles along with a plan to have them filled within ninety days. And third, the White House should be developing a detailed plan to ensure that all 1,242 presidential appointments requiring Senate confirmation have nominees submitted within sixty days and that all 472 presidential appointments not requiring Senate confirmation are filled within 120 days. Thomas M. Skypek is a former national security consultant. He was a Washington Fellow at the National Review Institute and a Nuclear Scholar at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The views expressed herein are his own. Image: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the news media before boarding Marine One to depart for travel to Texas from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, U.S., May 4, 2018. REUTERS/Leah Millis Read full article Donald Trumps personal attorney would have paid other women to maintain their silence "if it was necessary", according to the latest addition to the White House legal team, Rudy Giuliani. The former New York City mayor and one time presidential candidate insisted he did not know Michael Cohen, the presidents long-time attorney and personal "fixer" had done that, nor did he rule it out. Asked whether Mr Cohen had paid multiple women for their silence before the election, Mr Giuliani told ABC News' This Week: I have no knowledge of that, but I would think if it was necessary, yes." Mr Cohen has already admitted to paying $130,000 (96,000) to Stormy Daniels, an adult film star who claims to have had an affair with the president, out of his own pocket. Mr Trump says he had no knowledge of the payment. Playboy model Karen McDougal, have claimed Mr Cohen made similar arrangements with them. Last month FBI agents raided Mr Cohens offices and hotel room last month, reportedly looking for in part evidence of payments to Ms Daniels, Ms McDougal, and others. Mr Giuliani, the latest addition to Mr Trump's legal team, appeared to contradict the president's past denials about knowledge of the payment in an interview last week. He said Mr Trump had reimbursed Mr Cohen for the payment to Ms Daniels. Defending Mr Giuliani, Mr Trump said the lawyer would "get his facts straight". Mr Giuliani has since tried to clarify his remarks, saying in a statement that he made mistakes regarding the payment timeline. I dont know when the president learned about it, Mr Giuliani said of the payment on Sunday. He could have learned about it after [the election]. Mr Giuliani said the president paid Mr Cohen a retainer fee that the attorney then used, in part, for the payment to Ms Daniels. He suggested the president was unaware of what the money was being used for. I dont think anyone believes that he knew about it at the time, Mr Giuliani said. Story continues Later, Mr Giuliani said he considered the $130,000 a nuisance payment, adding: People dont go away from $130,000. Ms Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, has sued Mr Trump and Mr Cohen in an attempt to invalidate a non disclosure agreement she says was intended to keep her silent about their alleged affair. Ms Daniels attorney, Michael Avenatti, urged the public to watch Mr Giulianis interview on Sunday, calling it an unmitigated disaster. He tweeted: This is what happens when you cant keep your lies straight." By Susan Heavey WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Monday urged West Virginia voters to reject former coal executive Don Blankenship, who served time in prison after a mining accident, in the Republican primary, saying he will not be able to unseat incumbent Democratic Senator Joe Manchin. Trump, mindful of maintaining a Republican majority in the Senate, said on Twitter that West Virginians should support either of the two other Republicans in Tuesday's primary. Blankenship, the former chief executive officer of coal company Massey Energy, was released from prison last year after serving a year for safety violations after a 2010 blast in West Virginia that killed 29 miners. "Don Blankenship, currently running for Senate, cant win the General Election in your State ... No way!" Trump said in his tweet. "... Vote Rep. Jenkins or A.G. Morrisey!" U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins and state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey are Blankenship's rivals in the West Virginia race, one of several primary contests where Republicans are wrestling over their allegiance to Trump. Blankenship has billed himself as an anti-establishment Republican in the vein of the unorthodox president, embracing the label that he is "Trumpier than Trump." He responded to Trump's tweeted repudiation with a statement saying "the President is a very busy man and doesn't know me." Blankenship has centered his candidacy around attacking fellow Republican Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, accusing him of undermining Trump. He also is running television ads targeting the Taiwanese heritage of McConnell's wife, U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. Blankenship's statement blamed "the establishment" for Trump's comment about him and said he would defeat Manchin. "He (Trump) doesn't know how flawed my two main opponents are in this primary," Blankenship said. Republicans want to retain control of Congress in the November congressional elections that are viewed by some as referendum on Trump's presidency. Democrats would have to pick up two seats in the U.S. Senate and 23 seats in the House of Representatives in November to take over. Trump's tweet also said West Virginia voters should recall what happened in Alabama in December, when Democrat Doug Jones won a special election for a Senate seat against Republican Roy Moore, whose campaign was derailed by accusations of sexual misconduct with teenage girls. Moore's loss narrowed Republicans' Senate majority to 51-49. Coal miners are an influential political constituency in West Virginia and Trump's White House victory came amid promises to revive the ailing coal industry. Despite the Trump administration's rollback of some regulations, the coal sector continues to struggle with competition from cheap natural gas. The state's main coal miners' union has endorsed Manchin. (Reporting by Susan Heavey and Makini Brice; Editing by Doina Chiacu and Bill Trott) Former Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday dismissed President Trumps suggestion that Kerrys discussions with the Iranian foreign minister about salvaging the Iran deal are possibly illegal. I think every American would want every voice possible urging Iran to remain in compliance with the nuclear agreement that prevented a war, Kerrys spokesman said in a statement. Secretary Kerry stays in touch with his former counterparts around the world just like every previous secretary of state. Kerry helped broker the 2015 agreement. Like Americas closest allies, he believes it is important that the nuclear agreement, which took the world years to negotiate, remains effective as countries focus on stability in the region, the spokesman added. Last week, the Boston Globe reported that Kerry met with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif at the United Nations in April seeking to salvage the Iran deal he helped craft. Trump responded to Kerrys diplomatic freelancing in a tweet on Monday morning. The United States does not need John Kerrys possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran Deal, Trump tweeted. He was the one that created this MESS in the first place! The president was presumably referring to a possible violation of the Logan Act, an 18th-century law that prohibits private citizens, as Kerry now is, from conducting negotiations with foreign governments. Trumps lawyer Rudy Giuliani and his informal adviser Alan Dershowitz, a Harvard law professor, both raised the issue over the weekend. There have been no prosecutions under the act for well over a century, although there was speculation in 2017 that contacts before Trump took office between his nominee for national security adviser, Michael Flynn, and the Russian ambassador to the U.S. might have constituted a violation. The Obama administration hailed the agreement limiting Tehrans nuclear program as historic. But Trump has long hinted that he may withdraw from the Iran deal, calling it one of the worst deals I have ever witnessed. Story continues The president faces a May 12 deadline to decide whether the United States will remain in the pact. During a state visit to Washington, D.C., last month, French President Emmanuel Macron urged Trump to stay in the deal. According to the Globe, Kerry also quietly met with Macron. Over the weekend, Londons Guardian newspaper reported that Trump aides hired an Israeli private intelligence agency to orchestrate a dirty ops campaign against Obama administration officials who had helped negotiate the Iran nuclear deal. The New Yorker magazine said that the Israeli operatives were the same spies hired by disgraced filmmaker Harvey Weinstein to gather dirt on his female accusers. Read more from Yahoo News: (Cover photo credit: Zach Gibson/Getty Images; T.J. Kirkpatrick/Bloomberg/Getty Images) We may have to close up our country to get this straight, because we either have a country or we dont: Getty Donald Trump has reportedly threatened to close down the US government in a new drive to secure a wall along the border with Mexico to keep out immigrants. Attacking Democrats for refusing to back his promise of a wall, the US president said: They dont want the wall but were going to get the wall, even if we have to think about closing up the country for a while. Were going to get the wall. We have no choice. According to ABC News, which originally reported the story, he added: We have absolutely no choice. And were going to get tremendous security in our country. The president did not specify what he meant by closing up the country, but last month he told supporters that unless Congress met his funding demands on border security, there could be a government shutdown in the autumn. Current government funding is due to run out in September. The plan to build a wall with Mexico was one of the most prominent pledges in the presidents election campaign. More than 200 central-American migrants travelled through Mexico as part of a caravan last month, intending to seek asylum in the US. Although Mr Trump had warned that they had better be stopped before reaching the US border, 228 people were eventually allowed to enter the US and apply for asylum late last week. We may have to close up our country to get this straight, because we either have a country or we dont, Mr Trump said yesterday. And you cant allow people to pour into our country the way theyre doing. Illegal migrants were exploiting a catch and release policy, he said. Under the policy, migrants are freed while awaiting a court hearing. On Twitter he described the border as under siege, adding: Congress must act now to change our weak and ineffective immigration laws. Must build a Wall. Mexico, which has a massive crime problem, is doing little to help! The president also said America would have to revise its trade partnership with China. It cant go on that way, he said. On the eve of the West Virginia Senate primary, President Trump urged voters in the state to reject Republican Don Blankenship, a coal magnate who served a year in prison after a deadly mine explosion, and instead cast their ballots for either of two other GOP candidates. To the great people of West Virginia we have, together, a really great chance to keep making a big difference, Trump tweeted Monday morning. Problem is, Don Blankenship, currently running for Senate, cant win the General Election in your StateNo way! Remember Alabama. Vote Rep. Jenkins or A.G. Morrisey! The establishment is misinforming him because they do not want me to be in the U.S. Senate and promote the presidents agenda, Blankenship responded in a statement. Tomorrow, West Virginia will send the swamp a message: No one, and I mean no one, will tell us how to vote. As some have said, I am Trumpier than Trump and this morning proves it. Both Evan Jenkins and state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey have positioned themselves as ardent Trump supporters, denouncing special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation as a witch hunt and echoing Trumps calls to drain the swamp. But Blankenship, who was convicted on misdemeanor charges stemming from a 2010 explosion that killed 29 miners, may in fact be the most Trumplike candidate, accusing the government of covering up its own failures and blaming his conviction on an Obama administration conspiracy. It was a fake prosecution, Blankenship said during a Fox News debate last week. Its as obvious as can be that the Upper Big Branch explosion was caused by the government, he said Monday. The winner of Tuesdays primary will face incumbent Democrat Joe Manchin in November. Reports over the weekend said internal polls were showing Blankenship surging into a narrow lead. Rep. Evan Jenkins, left, and West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey greet President Trump at a roundtable discussion in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., on April 5. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) During last years special election for an open U.S. Senate seat in Alabama, Trump backed Luther Strange over Roy Moore in the Republican primary. Moore won despite allegations of inappropriate sexual contact with teenage girls when he was in his 30s. Trump endorsed him after the primary, but Moore lost to Democrat Doug Jones, sending shockwaves through the GOP. The deep-red state had not voted a Democrat into the Senate for 25 years. Story continues Trump then turned around and said he had known Moore would lose. The president may be facing a similar situation with Blankenship. The presidents son, Donald Trump Jr., has been more vocal in warning voters against Blankenships baggage. I hate to lose. So Im gonna go out on a limb here and ask the people of West Virginia to make a wise decision and reject Blankenship! Trump Jr. tweeted. No more fumbles like Alabama. Blankenship responded by casting Trump Jr. as part of the establishment. No, Im realistic, Trump Jr. replied. I know the first thing Manchin will do is run ads featuring the families of those 29 miners killed due to actions that sent you to prison. Cant win the general you should know that & if others in the GOP wont say it, I will. Read more from Yahoo News: (Cover photo credit: AP Photo/Steve Helber) Aliaga (Turkey) (AFP) - A US pastor denied spying and terrorism charges Monday in a case that has strained ties between Ankara and Washington, as a Turkish court ruled to keep him in detention and set a new hearing in July. Andrew Brunson, head of a small Protestant church in the western city of Izmir, faces up to 35 years in jail if convicted. He has been in detention since October 2016. Turkish prosecutors accuse Brunson of links to a group led by US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen -- who Ankara says was 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, who has lived and worked in Turkey for over two decades, is also accused of espionage for political or military purposes. When the prosecutor said Brunson should remain in jail, the pastor tearfully told the court: "What more should I say? I want to return to my home!" The judge agreed with the prosecution's view and set the next trial hearing on July 18. - 'I reject all PKK allegations' - At Monday's second hearing in the trial, which got underway on April 16, Brunson denied allegations made by a secret witness, named only as Serhat. The witness, who said he was Christian and appeared via video link with his face blurred, suggested Brunson's church had been an intermediary for the PKK and a place where PKK insignia were displayed. He also alleged that Brunson had forged "a plan to establish a Christian Kurdish state in Iraq and Syria." Brunson, wearing a black suit and white shirt, said: "I reject all the allegations about the PKK terror organisation. I have never supported them. "He claims PKK propaganda is being made in our Resurrection Church. Where are those pictures?" he told the court in the town of Aliaga north of Izmir. Another witness, Eyup Cakir, claimed Brunson's church resembled a "Kurdish camp" and there had been regular prayers for Kurdish fighters in Syria. Story continues "If we were PKK sympathisers there would be no Turks attending our church," Brunson said. - 'Wild conspiracies' - In a sign of the importance of the case to Washington, US embassy charge d'affaires Philip Kosnett as well as Sandra Jolley, vice chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, were present at Monday's hearing. Jolley told reporters she was seriously concerned by the "wild conspiracies, tortured logic, secret witnesses but no evidence. "Where is the evidence? Where the proof, investigation, the documentation?" she asked. "Upon this rests a man's life... We leave here with grave reservations about the future of an innocent man." US President Donald Trump tweeted last month the pastor was "fine gentleman" who was on trial and being prosecuted for "no reason". But Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, who will meet US counterpart Mike Pompeo in Washington in the coming days, said Brunson's case was solely in the hands of the judiciary. Turkish-US relations are already strained over American backing for a Kurdish militia in Syria which Turkey says is linked to the PKK, as well as the jailing of two employees from American missions in Turkey. In September, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suggested that Turkey could free Brunson if Washington handed over Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania -- an offer brushed off by Washington. Brunson is one of several American nationals caught up in the crackdown after the failed coup. 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. By Tuvan Gumrukcu ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey will retaliate if the United States enacts a proposed law that would halt weapons sales to the country, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Sunday. Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives released details on Friday of a $717 billion annual defense policy bill, including a measure to temporarily halt weapons sales to Turkey. In an interview with broadcaster CNN Turk, Cavusoglu said the measures in the bill were wrong, illogical and not fitting between the NATO allies. "If the United States imposes sanctions on us or takes such a step, Turkey will absolutely retaliate," Cavusoglu said. "What needs to be done is the U.S. needs to let go of this." The proposed U.S. National Defense Authorization Act, which is several steps from becoming law, would ask the Defense Department to provide Congress with a report on the relationship between the United States and Turkey, and would block the sale of major defense equipment until the report was complete. Turkey plans to buy more than 100 of Lockheed Martin's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jets, and is also in talks with Washington over the purchase of Patriot missiles. Turkey signed an agreement with Russia in December to buy S-400 surface-to-air missile batteries as part of Ankara's plans to boost its defense capabilities amid threats from Kurdish and Islamist militants at home and conflicts across its borders in Syria and Iraq. The move to buy S-400s, which are incompatible with the NATO systems, has unnerved NATO member countries, which are already wary of Moscow's military presence in the Middle East, prompting NATO officials to warn Turkey of unspecified consequences. Cavusoglu dismissed the warnings, saying Turkey's relations and agreements with Russia were not an alternative to its ties with the West and accused the United States of trying to control Turkey's actions. "Turkey is not a country under your orders, it is an independent country... Speaking to such a country from above, dictating what it can and cannot buy, is not a correct approach and does not fit our alliance," he said. Relations between Ankara and Washington have been strained over a host of issues in recent months, including U.S. policy in Syria and a number of legal cases against Turkish and U.S. nationals being held in the two countries. Last month, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Cavusoglu that the United States was seriously concerned over Ankara's decision to buy the Russian S-400 missile batteries. Cavusoglu said he would visit the United States next week to meet Pompeo, but added a specific date had not been set yet. (Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Adrian Croft) By Tuvan Gumrukcu ANKARA (Reuters) - The presidential candidate for Turkey's main opposition has hit out at a lack of mainstream media coverage for opposition parties and candidates before elections in June. Muharrem Ince, the main opposition Republican People's Party's (CHP) candidate to challenge President Tayyip Erdogan in the June 24 snap elections, said a "media embargo" had been placed on opposition parties upon Erdogan's request. "Television channels, which even broadcast the AK Party's provincial congresses live, did not show our rally in Yalova live. We will go on by fighting with this media structure," Ince said on Twitter on Sunday. "If the media embargo ordered by the Palace continues, we will hold our rallies in front of TV stations," he said, referring to the 1,000 room presidential palace built by Erdogan in Ankara. Neither Erdogan nor the AKP have responded directly to claims that coverage of the opposition is being curbed. Turkish media is saturated with coverage of Erdogan and his ministers, with the president's daily routine of two or three speeches being broadcast on all major channels, while opposition parties get little to no coverage. Rallies by the CHP, pro-Kurdish Peoples Democratic Party (HDP) and the fledgling Iyi (Good) Party, led by former interior minister Meral Aksener, are rarely shown by the main broadcasters. On Friday, the HDP streamed the nomination of its jailed former leader Selahattin Demirtas as a presidential candidate on social media when broadcasters ignored their announcement. On April 18, Erdogan called parliamentary and presidential elections for June, more than a year early, to switch to a powerful executive presidency narrowly approved in a referendum last year. Broadcasters were also criticized ahead of last year's referendum for giving a disproportionate amount of coverage to political parties, despite Turkey's radio and television watchdog (RTUK) having the authority to monitor air times. Erdogan, a masterful campaigner who has ruled Turkey for 16 years, will go into the elections under a state of emergency, which has been in place for nearly two years. Emergency rule was imposed shortly after a failed coup in 2016, and allows the president to bypass parliament in enacting new laws and grants authorities the ability to suspend rights and freedoms. A sweeping crackdown in the aftermath of the abortive putsch has seen some 160,000 people detained and nearly the same amount of people dismissed from the jobs, the United Nations said in March. More than 120 journalists have been detained and more than 180 media outlets have been closed under emergency rule, rights group Amnesty International has said. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranked Turkey 157th out of 180 countries in its 2018 press freedom index. In his first interview with international media since being nominated, HDP leader Demirtas, who has been in jail on security charges for a year and a half, told Reuters a fair election was impossible under the state of emergency. Ince has called for the release of Demirtas, challenging Erdogan to "let us race like men" in the campaign. (Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Keith Weir) Bangui (Central African Republic) (AFP) - At least two people were killed and 10 injured in new clashes in a flashpoint Muslim area of the Central African Republic (CAR)'s capital, hospital workers said Monday, as several thousand attended ceremonies for Catholics killed last week. The latest casualties occurred on Sunday in the PK5 district and nearby areas, the sources said. Local residents said they heard automatic weapons fire and several houses had been burned down. Despite the rise in tension, around 3,000 people, including President Faustin-Archange Touadera and Prime Minister Simplice Sarandji, took part in a funeral ceremony in central Bangui for people killed in an attack on a church on May 1, including a Catholic priest, Albert Tougoumale-Baba. "The blood of our martyrs will be a pathway to peace, it will not be a sacrifice in vain," said Sister Monica, a nun who was close to Tougoumale-Baba. Twenty-four people were killed and more than 170 injured in Bangui on May 1, sparking fears that one of the world's most unstable countries would plunge once more into a bloody sectarian conflict. The violence began with a confrontation between security forces and militiamen in the PK5 district. Armed men then stormed the Fatima church in the middle of a service, killing worshippers and a priest. In response, a mob burned a mosque and lynched two people believed to be Muslim. One of the world's poorest countries, the CAR spiralled into bloodshed after longtime leader Francois Bozize was overthrown in 2013 by a predominantly Muslim rebel alliance called the Seleka. Nominally Christian militias called the anti-Balaka emerged in response, accelerating a cycle of sectarian violence. France intervened militarily from 2013 to 2016 to push out the Seleka, winding down the operation after Touadera was elected president. Touadera governs today with the support of a large UN peacekeeping operation. But most of the country is controlled by ex-rebels and militias, many of them claiming to act as guardians for the Muslim or Christian communities. Richard III, Donald Trump. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Universal History Archive/UIG via Getty Images, Kelli Grant, Paul Sancya/AP) A cynical demagogue achieves the height of power through deceit and treachery, and proceeds to rule ruthlessly. Brooding, suspicious, and captive of his own angry whims, he dismisses or alienates the very allies who helped his rise, until he must face, virtually alone, the righteous retribution of those he has exploited and wronged. Sound familiar? It should: It is the plot of one of Shakespeares best-known plays, Richard III, which also forms the heart of a new book by the scholar and Pulitzer-prize-winning author Stephen Greenblatt, Tyrant: Shakespeare on Politics. Any resemblance to current events or personalities is strictly intentional. But why consult Shakespeare? What can he tell us about our own situation that we havent heard from, say, Rachel Maddow? Nothing explicit, certainly, given the vast difference between the leader of a 21st century republic and the rulers that Shakespeare, and Greenblatt, examine: 15th century English monarchs, Julius Caesar, and the quasi-legendary kings Macbeth and Lear. As Greenblatt stipulates in an interview: Shakespeare is not great because hes relevant; hes relevant because hes great. The immediate occasion [for writing the book] has to do with our current political climate. But not in a direct way. Its absurd to think that someone writing 400 years ago is addressing contemporary American politics. Even so, contemporary American politics is the subtext of almost every chapter. If anything, the comparison between Richard and a certain American political figure whose name does not appear in the book is overdetermined. Here is how Greenblatt introduces Richard (the character, not the historical king): He is pathologically narcissistic and supremely arrogant. He has a grotesque sense of entitlement, never doubting that he can do whatever he chooses. . . . He expects absolute loyalty, but he is incapable of gratitude. The feelings of others mean nothing to him. He has no natural grace, no sense of shared humanity, no decency. Story continues Richard, Duke of Gloucester and younger brother of King Edward IV, ascends to the throne by eliminating his rivals and winning the support of the citizens of London in a political campaign, complete with a fraudulent display of religious piety, the slandering of opponents, and a grossly exaggerated threat to national security. He cheats the Duke of Buckingham, who was instrumental in his rise, turning a friend and ally into an enemy. Anyone he suspects of disloyalty, or of posing a threat to his reign, gets thrown in prison, if not beheaded on the spot. As Richard says to the young Prince Edward, who is the heir apparent and therefore stands in the way of Richards ascension: If I may counsel you, some day or two Your Highness shall repose you at the Tower; Then where you please and shall be thought most fit For your best health and recreation. That is how Shakespeare expresses lock him up! And once in power, Richard finds himself still dissatisfied: The prospect of endless winning proves to be a grotesque delusion, Greenblatt writes. Who was it again who warned that we might get tired of winning? But Richard, unlike a certain other ruler with authoritarian impulses, isnt a blowhard or a braggart. He boasts about his schemes to his henchmen, or in soliloquies to the audience, but when offered the crown, he makes a show of needing to be talked into accepting: So much is my poverty of spirit, / So mighty and so many my defects, /That I would rather hide me from my greatness, he declares, in words that have never passed the lips of anyone currently occupying the White House. And he is devoid of personal vanity. He is ugly a hunchback with a withered arm and he knows it and makes no effort to hide it. If anything, his ugliness makes his triumph more satisfying when, through eloquence and sheer force of will, he wins the hand of the widowed princess whose husband (and father-in-law, King Henry VI) were killed by Richard and his brothers. When youre a duke, they let you do it. You can do anything. Richards ugliness is both the manifestation of his wickedness and an explanation for it: He lusts for power to compensate for the fact that he was unloved, even by his mother. Why, Love forswore me in my mothers womb, Richard muses bitterly (in an earlier play by Shakespeare, Henry VI, Part 3). She did corrupt frail Nature with some bribe, / To shrink mine arm up like a withered shrub / To make an envious mountain on my back, / Where sits deformity to mock my body. But you hardly need Shakespeare for that bit of psychological insight; George Lucas on his worst day is every bit as acute. As an observation about tyranny, the correspondence between inner depravity and physiognomy is a dead end, both in our era and historically. Dictators come in all shapes, and not all of them ugly. Greenblatts larger point is that, for all his evil genius, Richard didnt get to be king on his own: He was abetted by a host of those he calls enablers, who either actively work toward his rise or passively fail to resist him, in what he describes as a whole countrys collective failure. Shakespeare wrote about how societies that seem stable go under, in the hands of people who shouldnt be in power, Greenblatt says in an interview. How does this happen? In Tyrant, he gives several explanations. Some are taken in by Richard: People who find it almost impossible to resist the big, bold lie, shamelessly reiterated. Others do see through him, but fail to apprehend the danger he poses to the kingdom: They are drawn irresistibly to normalize what is not normal They persuade themselves that there will always be enough adults in the room, as it were, to ensure that promises will be kept, alliances honored, and core institutions respected. Some, of course, are just cowed by his bullying and frightened of his power. Finally, some collaborate out of cynical ambition or enjoy the spectacle of his cruelty. The aspiring tyrant never lacks for such people, in Shakespeare and, from what I can tell, in life, Greenblatt writes. Greenblatt reminds us that there is another element in this dynamic: the spectators who witness the whole unfolding catastrophe, safe on their side of the theaters fourth wall. Not even they can escape the taint of Richards evil. It is we, the audience, watching it all happening, who are lured into a peculiar form of collaboration, Greenblatt writes. Looking out at us from the stage, Richard invites us not only to share his gleeful contempt but also to experience for ourselves what it is to succumb to what we know to be loathsome. This is not a retrospective insight, the result of hearing angry chants of lock her up! rise from a sea of red hats. Twenty years ago, in Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human, the great critic Harold Bloom wrote that Shakespeares greatest originality in Richard III is not so much Richard himself as it is the hero-villains startlingly intimate relationship with the audience. Richard co-opts us as fellow torturers, sharing guilty pleasures with the added frisson that we may join the victims, if the dominant hunchback detects any failure in our complicity. Of course, it all happened more than 500 years ago and, in fact, a lot of it never happened. History, and history plays, are written by the victors, which in this case means the Tudor dynasty that overthrew Richard. Modern scholars generally agree that Shakespeare gives the historical Richard III a raw deal, presumably because his own sovereign, Elizabeth I, was descended from the first Tudor king, Henry VII. So should we all just sit back and enjoy the spectacle? What will historians say about us, five centuries into the future? _____ Read more from Yahoo News: By Stephen Farrell JERUSALEM (Reuters) - U.S. Embassy road signs went up in Jerusalem on Monday before next week's opening of the mission in accordance with President Donald Trump's recognition of the city as Israel's capital. Trump says he is making good on U.S. legislation and presidential pledges dating back decades. Other world powers have not done so, sidestepping one of the thorniest disputes between Israel and the Palestinians, who want their own state with East Jerusalem as the capital. Workmen installed the black-and-white signs, in English, Hebrew and Arabic, along roads leading to a U.S. consulate building in south Jerusalem that will be remodeled as the embassy when it is formally relocated from Tel Aviv on May 14. "This is not a dream. It is reality. I am proud and moved to have hung this morning the first new signs that were prepared for the U.S. Embassy," Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat wrote on Twitter. Israel captured East Jerusalem from Jordanian control in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed it in a move not recognized internationally. The last round of peace talks on a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip collapsed in 2014. "This (embassy) move is not only illegal but will also thwart the achievement of a just and lasting peace between two sovereign and democratic states on the 1967 borders, Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security," Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said in a statement. Trump will not attend the opening. The U.S. delegation will include Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, as well as American Ambassador David Friedman and Jason Greenblatt, Trump's Middle East peace negotiator, the White House said on Monday. "THRILLED" At the consulate site, mechanical diggers cleared scrubland as workers posted embassy signs along city roads and hung U.S., Israeli and Jerusalem flags from street lights. "We are thrilled that the American Embassy is coming here, finally," said Ruthann Nahum, 64, a New Yorker who moved to Israel 35 years ago. A restaurateur, she lives in the overwhelmingly Jewish neighborhood of Arnona. "Welcome Trump, we belong here, forever. Jerusalem is our capital," she said. The Trump administration has left the diplomatic door open to a negotiated settlement between Israel and the Palestinians on defining Jerusalem's borders. "By recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the seat of its government, we're recognizing reality," U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said during a visit to Israel last week. "I also stress, as President Trump has said in December, the boundaries of Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem remain subject to negotiations between the parties, and we remain committed to achieving a lasting and comprehensive peace that offers a brighter future for both Israel and the Palestinians." On Monday, Paraguay said it was planning to move its embassy to Jerusalem, becoming the third country after the United States and Guatemala to do so. (Additional reporting by Doina Chiacu in Washington; Writing by Dan Williams; Editing by Jeffrey Heller, Mark Heinrich and Lisa Shumaker) Several African American graduates at the University of Florida are speaking out after a white faculty member forcibly rushed them off stage at one of the schools commencement ceremonies on Saturday. The students said they were observing a long-held tradition among black fraternities and strolling after getting their college degrees when the usher grabbed them and roughly shoved them along. University of Florida President W. Kent Fuchs apologized after videos of the incidents went viral online. During one of this weekends commencement ceremonies, we were inappropriately aggressive in rushing students across the stage, he tweeted. He also pledged to personally apologize to all of the students involved. During one of this weekends commencement ceremonies, we were inappropriately aggressive in rushing students across the stage. I personally apologize, and am reaching out to the students involved. (1/2) W. Kent Fuchs (@PresidentFuchs) May 6, 2018 The practice has been halted for all future ceremonies, and we will work to make sure all graduating students know we are proud of their achievements and celebrate with them their graduation. (2/2) W. Kent Fuchs (@PresidentFuchs) May 6, 2018 The school has not yet identified the faculty member, who was clad in a colorful blue and orange gown. Multiple videos shared on Twitter show black students who danced onto the stage being quickly pushed or yanked away by the usher, who the school later said was a faculty member. Oliver Telusma, 21, who was getting his bachelors degree, said the man grabbed him under his arm pits while he was dancing across the stage. I had just started and he picked me up and turned me around, which I thought was kind of embarrassing and degrading to be handled in that manner, Telusma told the Gainesville Sun. It was just really uncalled for, especially for anyone not martially trained to do that. Story continues UF Twitter ???????? Somebody please find out this employees name!! Every time a Black student took more than TWO seconds, he aggressively pushed them. Watch it for yourself. #ItsGreatUF pic.twitter.com/zMee1nMbUZ Chris (@ChicoFreedom) May 5, 2018 Another student, Christopher Garcia-Wilde, 21, said he had been planning to dance across the stage but was too scared after seeing other students be pushed and ultimately decided not to. Garcia-Wilde said strolling across stage is a commencement tradition for black fraternities and sororities at the University of Florida. Margot Winick, a University of Florida spokesperson, told the newspaper that the university just regrets that the acts of those who were monitoring the lineup could dampen the spirits of the day. Thats not at all what commencement is about its about celebration. Washington (AFP) - US Vice President Mike Pence on Monday urged Venezuela to suspend a divisive May 20 election he denounced as a "sham," as Washington slapped fresh sanctions on Nicolas Maduro's regime. In an address to the Organization of American States, Pence slammed the upcoming presidential vote -- boycotted by the opposition and branded illegitimate by much of the international community. "We call on Maduro to suspend the sham elections, and hold real elections," the vice president told the gathering in Washington. Maduro shot back that Venezuela was not about to follow US orders. "Do we listen to the imperialists?" Maduro asked aupporters at a Caracas forum. "NO!" they cheered. "Venezuela, rain or shine, will be holding presidential elections on Sunday May 20," Maduro said to a roar. Pence's address came as the United States imposed sanctions on 20 companies -- 16 of them in Venezuela, and four in Panama -- as well as three Venezuelan nationals including a former top intelligence official indicted in the US for narcotics trafficking. "We will deny corrupt Venezuelan regime officials access to the US financial system as we work with international partners to support the Venezuelan people in restoration of democracy and a return to prosperity," said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in announcing the measures. US lawmakers have been calling on President Donald Trump's administration to take a harder line on Maduro's government, with Senator Marco Rubio going as far as calling for Washington to press for regime change. The OAS, meanwhile, has been deadlocked between members keen to punish Venezuela for democratic backsliding, and long-standing Maduro allies who want to prop him up. Amid swelling international criticism, Venezuela in April 2017 began the two-year process of withdrawing from the OAS, which it accuses of interference. Pence urged the 35-nation body to pre-empt that move and suspend Caracas -- in the name of their "long-standing commitment to democracy and freedom." Story continues - Inflation hits 13,779 percent - The latest sanctions unveiled by the US Treasury Department notably designated Pedro Luis Martin Olivares, former chief of financial intelligence for Venezuela's National Directorate of Intelligence, as a "significant foreign narcotics trafficker." Martin worked to move cocaine and other drugs through Venezuela, paying off Venezuelan officials on the border with Colombia and accepting bribes from drug traffickers in both countries. In 2015, Martin was indicted by a US grand jury in Florida for conspiring to distribute drugs in the United States. The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control also designated Martin's partner Walter Alexander Del Nogal Marquez and associate Mario Antonio Rodriguez Espinoza for supporting international narcotics trafficking. The companies targeted were owned or controlled by the three men. Venezuela's opposition last week called for a boycott of the May 20 election, which Maduro looks likely to win in the absence of any real challenge to his authority. The South American country is in partial default on its debt and suffers severe shortages of food and medicines despite sitting atop the planet's biggest proven oil reserves. Maduro's government has been printing money as foreign reserves dwindle, and the national currency, the bolivar, has become nearly worthless. Venezuela's dizzying inflation rose to 13,779 percent in the past year, a study released Monday by the opposition-dominated National Assembly has found -- confirming other estimates showing that Venezuela has by far the world's highest inflation rate. Maduro insists Venezuela is the victim of an "economic war" waged by the conservative opposition and outside powers such as the United States aimed at toppling him. Beijing (AFP) - The United States took to a popular Chinese social media platform Monday to ramp up its criticism of Beijing's demand that airlines list Taiwan as part of China, but the message earned little sympathy on the tightly monitored website. The US embassy posted on its official Weibo account the Mandarin translation of a White House statement that dismissed China's request to foreign air carriers as "Orwellian nonsense". The post inspired tens of thousands of comments, but instead of supportive messages it triggered patriotic posts on a platform that is closely watched and censored by the authorities. Several commentators called for "an independent Hawaii" and an "independent Alaska". One angry commenter said "(if you) don't want to do business, get out of here. Follow our laws if you want stay!" Another said: "This has nothing to do with freedom of speech. It's Chinese law." While the post has not been taken down, users who try to share it on their own accounts receive a message saying: "Sorry, this content is temporarily unavailable." The White House statement came after Chinese Civil Aviation Administration sent a notice to 36 foreign airlines on April 25, asking them to comply with Beijing's standards of referring to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau as Chinese territories. Hong Kong, a British colony until 1997, and Macau, a Portuguese colony until 1999, are now "special administrative regions" of China. But Taiwan has been self-ruled since splitting from the mainland after a 1949 civil war. China views the democratic island as a renegade part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring it back into the fold if necessary. The White House called Beijing's demand to the airlines an attempt by the Chinese Communist Party to "export its censorship and political correctness to Americans." The Chinese government lashed out at the US statement, saying Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau "are all indivisible parts of China". Story continues "Regardless of what the US side may say or do, it will not change the fact that there is only one China in the world," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular briefing Monday. He urged foreign companies to "respect China's territorial integrity... Chinese laws and feelings of the Chinese people," if they wished to do business in China. The website of American Airlines changed its listing as of Monday to show Hong Kong and Macau as special administrative regions of China, and only classified Taiwan separately. United Airlines and Delta have adopted a similar approach. Washington has maintained a delicate diplomatic balance since 1979, recognising Beijing's sovereignty as part of its "One China" policy, while remaining Taiwan's most powerful unofficial ally and main weapons supplier. Neighborhoods on Hawaiis Big Island looked less like paradise and more like a nightmare after the Kilauea volcano erupted last Thursday. Ten fissures cracks in the earth have emerged and continue to spew lava and hazardous fumes in the Leilani Estates neighborhood, according to an update from the Civil Defense Agency on Sunday. Photos show the volcanic matter shooting dozens of feet into the air and magma destroying anything in its path as it flows. Lava is so hot that it can ignite things before it touches them, United States Geological Survey volcanologist Wendy Stovall told CNN. The Civil Defense Agency said 26 homes had been destroyed as of Sunday evening, as Hawaii County civil defense administrator Talmadge Magno warned there was no sign of things slowing down. Thats the sad part about it, Magno told CBS News. It could be happening for a long time, or on the other hand, like I said, mysteriously it could just end. Hawaii Volcanic Eruption Kilauea Volcano Eruption Although over 1,700 Hawaii residents have been ordered to evacuate, CNN reported, some are hesitant to leave their homes. But in addition to the lava and toxic fumes, the area is also susceptible to increased earthquake activity. David Burlingame, who lives just two miles from Leilani Estates, told the Washington Post that he watched my house just shake back and forth during one of the earthquakes that came in the aftermath of the eruption. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park closed for two days after the eruption due to earthquake activity, re-opening in limited capacity on Sunday. Hawaii Volcanic Eruption Hawaii Volcanic Eruption Residents of affected areas were permitted to return to their homes during daytime hours to check for damage and collect important belongings, according to the Post. Some believe the disaster is just Hawaiian volcanic goddess Pele reclaiming her land, in tradition with local folklore. The way I kind of look at it is, the land doesnt really belong to us. It belongs to Pele, Jordan Sonner, a realtor, told the Washington Post. We get to live on it while we can, and if she wants it back, shell take it. I have good insurance. Story continues Hawaii Volcanic Eruption Hawaii Volcanic Eruption Hawaii Volcanic Eruption The burst came after hundreds of earthquakes rattled the area for days, with a magnitude 5.0 quake recorded shortly before Thursdays explosion, according to the Associated Press. The quakes were triggered after the Puu Oo crater floor began to collapse last Monday. Kilaueas Puu Oo cone initially erupted in 1983, and lava has continued to flow since, destroying homes in the 80s, in 1990, and even in 2014, according to the New York Times. A veteran was left out to dry at a Walmart only to get soaking wet and Twitter is angry. On Friday, Vietnam vet Manuel Griffin was raising money for fellow veterans outside a Walmart in Dickson City, Pa. When it started to rain, according to a Facebook post, the store manager declined his request to sit closer to the store for protection. A photo captured the 69-year-old sitting in his uniform in the rain. Manuel Griffin was kept from sitting under an awning during his rainy-day fundraising efforts in front of a Walmart recently. (Photo: Maryann Griffin via Facebook) As his wife, Maryann, explained on Facebook (in a post that has been removed as of Tuesday), Griffin has done the same kind of fundraising every May for more than two decades although never before at this particular Walmart, a store rep tells Yahoo Lifestyle. In the past, at the other locations, he was allowed to set up under cover in inclement weather, but not this time. Way to go Walmart, she wrote commendable way to treat our veterans who fought for your freedom..Disgrace! The photo has been shared almost 6,000 times, and it has almost 3,000 very supportive comments. WOW that just isnt right. I am sorry. Thank you both for your service, as families serve too! one person responded. Many people are expressing their distaste at Walmarts decision. I will never forget what our Servicemen did for us. Shame on you Wal-Mart, someone wrote. The same reason why Wal-Mart sells items from foreign countries along with the USA made products. They dont give a rats ass about this country, said another angry shopper. Now I no why Wal-Mart was never my fav place, someone else commented. Just another reason we NEVER shop at Wal-Mart! Wal-Mart should be ashamed of themselves to show such disrespect! The Walmart spokesperson provided the following official statement to Yahoo Lifestyle: We have tremendous respect for our nations veterans. We apologize for any misunderstanding, and our store leadership is donating canopies to the local Dickson City, Pa., Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion for their use going forward. Story continues Why couldnt this American hero have sat closer to the store to begin with? A manager from Walmart told a local news station that the store had implemented a safety policy about two years ago that requires those collecting money to be 15 feet from the doorway. But the dedicated man didnt let a little rain dampen his ambitions. He is going to do what he has to do for his [Veterans of Foreign Wars], and he wants to make sure he is representing them the same way we did when we wore the uniform, Griffins friend David Ragan told Newswatch 16. He even returned the next day, in the sun, to continue taking donations, not allowing Walmarts rules to get to him. And it seems it was worth it, as many people stopped to donate that day, according to Newswatch 16. HAPPY ENDING: Walmart followed through and put a canopy up outside for veterans in Dickson City. Original Story: After Photo of Veteran Sitting in the Rain Goes Viral, Walmart Makes Amends https://t.co/IAYd0BCJwF @WNEP pic.twitter.com/TAv33fmsiF Allen Vickers (@AllenWNEP) May 6, 2018 Griffins return the next day also gave the retailer a chance to make things right. Ragan spoke to the store manager on Griffins behalf, and they came to an agreement that Walmart would provide veterans with an inclement-weather canopy, which was produced the next day. Happy Ending, tweeted a local WNEP reporter, with a photo for proof. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. The White House has dismissed China's attempts to change how American airlines refer to Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau in their public materials as Orwellian nonsense. The Chinese Civil Aviation Administration has asked 36 foreign air carriers including a number of American airlines to refrain from referring to the three destinations as separate countries. China considers Taiwan a province, and Hong Kong and Macau as largely self-governing parts of the country. This is Orwellian nonsense and part of a growing trend by the Chinese Communist Party to impose its political views on American citizens and private companies, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement. China sent letters to American Airlines and United Airlines last month, telling them to remove all separatist rhetoric from their public-facing documents or face punishment from relevant cyber-security authorities, according to Foreign Policy. Ms Sanders slammed the letters as a form of mandated political correctness something she said Mr Trump had run against during his campaign for president. [Mr Trump] will stand up for Americans resisting efforts by the Chinese Communist Party to impose Chinese political correctness on American companies and citizens, she said. As of Sunday, American Airlines still did not mention China in its listings for the three destinations. Representatives from American and United did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Several international companies including at least one US airline have already changed how they refer to the regions, under pressure from Beijing. Zara, Qantas, and Delta Air Lines all pulled references to Taiwan as a separate country from their websites in January, after being publicly reprimanded by Chinese authorities. That same month, Beijing took down the website for Marriott Hotels & Resorts in China for a week after the company listed Taiwan and Tibet as separate countries in a survey. Marriott apologised and cut ties with the contractor responsible for the survey. Story continues Saturday's statement from the White House came as US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin returned from a trip to negotiate trade with China. Mr Trump has threatened the country with $100bn in tariffs if they do not acquiesce to his demands, sparking fear of a trade war between the two nations. In his negotiations this week, Mr Mnuchin demanded a $200bn cut in the Chinese trade surplus with the US, along with lower tariffs and advanced technology subsidies, according to Reuters. Mr Mnuchin said on Friday that the two countries were "having very good conversations". The news also comes amid increased tensions between the US and China over the militarisation of the South China Sea. China has reportedly deployed its first missile to the Spratly Islands fortified outposts west of the Phillipines, over which several countries claim sovereignty. Ms Sanders said last week that the White House was well aware of the move, and that China would face near-term and long-term consequences. Republicans in Washington are busy at work on policies that could hurt the rural voters who will decide if they keep their majorities in Congress. In at least four major ways, Republican lawmakers and leaders are currently working directly against the interests of the rural areas where President Donald Trump dominated the electoral map in 2016 and where races this November could prove decisive in control of Congress. A looming trade war with China could spark retaliatory tariffs on U.S. crops. Planned cuts to agricultural subsidies and food stamps could hurt farmers directly and indirectly. And proposed work requirements for food stamps could hurt recipients who live in rural areas. In each case, the decision to move ahead comes entirely from the GOP side, while Democrats could be poised to win points with rural voters if they derail the policies. The potential trade war is the brainchild of Trump, who has long felt that the U.S. should take a more aggressive stance toward foreign trade. Upset about a trade deficit with China which most economists dismiss as not as important as the president thinks Trump has ordered up tariffs on Chinese-made goods. When a country (USA) is losing many billions of dollars on trade with virtually every country it does business with, trade wars are good, and easy to win. Example, when we are down $100 billion with a certain country and they get cute, dont trade anymore-we win big. Its easy! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 2, 2018 China, in response, is ready to punch back with tariffs on products such as American pork, tobacco and soybeans wares that come from some of the most-contested House districts in the country. Another looming fight is centered in Congress, where the existing Farm Bill will start to run out of money in September. Although the bill rarely makes national headlines, it is closely tracked in agricultural areas and has broad effects throughout the country. Story continues Beyond determining what goes into school lunches and providing for cheap corn at the market, the bill touches almost every meal in America. But the proposed replacement includes deep cuts to subsidies and that could mean troubles for family farmers, higher costs for parents and less cash being spent in rural towns. The Congressional Budget Office put the cut at $1.5 billion over the next decade compared to the current law. And while Americans overwhelmingly tell pollsters they are against subsidies, some communities are quite reliant on them. For example, Nebraskas sprawling Third Congressional District collected $11.9 billion in Agriculture Department subsidies between 1995 and 2016, according to one tally. The average farm household in the United States earns just shy of $118,000 a year well above the $83,000 average American household. Direct payments to farmers or subsidized insurance play a part in that. The Farm Bill also includes what most call food stamps, or financial help to feed 40 million poor Americans. Including this program in a Farm Bill is largely a way to secure votes from lawmakers from urban districts that dont benefit directly from things like soybean subsidies. But the reality is that hunger is universal. Some analyses of the anti-hunger efforts, technically called Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, show beneficiaries are more likely to live in rural areas while others say roughly one-in-five families in rural areas are what the government calls food-insecure. Regardless, politicizing the popular aid program will not burnish the image of the Republican Party that controls the White House, the House and the Senate. The House version of the Farm Bill also inserts a work requirement for those who retain eligibility in the slimmed-down food-stamp benefits. House Republicans inserted that provision for 20 hours of work or training each week over unified Democratic opposition and said it was meant to show that food stamps are not a handout program. We believe that breaking this poverty cycle is really important, Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway of Texas said. But the unemployment rate on Friday hit a new low since 2000, rural jobs are harder to come by than urban ones, and rural residents are more likely to face poverty. As written, the new law would kick as many as 1 million Americans off the program and cut spending on feeding the poor by $9.2 billion in the next decade. All of this is coming just as Congress turns full-tilt toward election season that already has the GOP in a defensive crouch. Democrats need to net just 23 seats in the House to claim the majority for the first time since 2011. At least 47 House Republicans have announced they wont be running for their seats again this fall and are approaching a record for voluntary exits set in 1992. House Speaker Paul Ryan has announced hes among them, signaling perhaps that the GOP majority is at risk. Republican strategists privately say the House version could blow up in their faces if Democrats make this a campaign issue, especially in districts heavy in the outer suburbs and the farms. These Republicans, however, note optimistically that the President could blunt much of that. Rural areas were the only places where the President topped 50%, according to exit polls. Today, he tends to run about 10 percentage points higher in rural areas than suburban ones, and 20 to 25 points ahead of voters in cities. But for Trump to make a positive impact on specific rural races, lawmakers would have to persuade the President to go into rural areas, far from mega-rallies in stadiums he prefers and stay on message, something he struggles with. Look at a map of Congressional districts. The vast swath of red districts where Republicans are incumbent neatly matches where agriculture powers the economy. Voters in these places may be conservative and support Republicans when nothing is at stake. But start messing with their pocketbooks and they may be less reliably Republican than many incumbents want to believe. The House Committee on Agriculture passed its version of the bill along a party-line vote. The full House is expected to take it up next week and send it along likely without significant Democratic support, if any to the Senate. When it gets to the Senate, however, expect changes. Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, is a canny leader. Already, outside groups are lobbying him to change whatever the House sends him. Fiscal conservatives say too many subsidies remain. Social conservatives want those receiving food stamps to be required to undergo drug testing. Liberals want to kill the food stamp work requirement and expand access to more families that make up the working poor. Environmentalists say the bill doesnt do enough to protect waterways and air quality and the $800 million cut to conservation programs is devastating. In rural communities, the looming vote is dominating opinion pages, town hall meetings and the local news. This, more than anything written in Washington, will shape voters opinions of their representatives. But to clear the Senate, where Republicans have 51 seats and Democrats have 49, supporters will need some patina of bipartisanship. Among the Democrats facing both re-election this fall and pressure to improve the Farm Bill are Senators from Montana, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio and West Virginia. Rural voters will be watching and perhaps ready to reward Democrats who step in to curb setbacks included in the House version. Harare (AFP) - Former Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe will not appear before a parliament committee this week to answer questions on multi-billion-dollar corruption in the diamond industry after the hearing was postponed, a lawmaker said Monday. The 94-year-old Mugabe had been summoned to appear before a mines and energy committee on Wednesday. But the member of parliament who is leading the inquiry said the hearing had been postponed to a date yet to be decided by the clerk of parliament. "The committee had already resolved to invite the former president to give evidence, Temba Mliswa, mines and energy committee chairperson told AFP. "It is the clerk of parliament who will write to him (Mugabe) to come to parliament." Mugabes name did not appear on the parliament committee meetings scheduled for this week. The lawmakers plan to question Mugabe over his 2016 claim that the country had lost $15 billion due to corruption and foreign exploitation in the diamond sector. The committee has already interviewed former ministers, police and intelligence chiefs to answer on diamond mining operations at the vast Chiadzwa gem fields. Mugabe ruled Zimbabwe from 1980 until he was ousted last year after the military took over briefly and his once-loyal ZANU-PF party turned against him. The former ruler, whose own regime was accused of siphoning off diamond profits, has described his ousting as a coup, and that it must be "undone". Zimbabwe discovered alluvial diamonds in Chiadzwa, in the east of the country, over 10 years ago, and rights groups have accused security forces of using brutal methods to control the scattered deposits. Rights groups say over 200 people were killed during operations to remove illegal panners from the area. Amid allegations of massive looting, Zimbabwe allowed several diamond companies to mine the area -- most of them as joint ventures between the government and Chinese firms. BEIJING (Reuters) - China's ZTE Corp has submitted an application to the U.S. Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) for the suspension of a business ban, it said in a filing to the Shenzhen stock exchange on Sunday. Washington imposed a seven-year ban on U.S. companies selling components and software to ZTE last month after finding the Chinese telecoms company breached U.S. sanctions on Iran. ZTE's exchange filing on Sunday did not give details of its request or say when it had been made, but it did say that the company had provided additional material at the BIS's request. Last week, Chinese negotiators holding trade talks with U.S. counterparts in Beijing asked the United States to hear ZTE's appeal, take into account the company's efforts to improve its compliance and amend the ban. U.S. officials have said the action against ZTE was not related to trade policy, but the move has been seen by many in China as part of the broader trade spat playing out between the world's two biggest economies. The ban on sales to ZTE, which is heavily reliant on imports of U.S. chips, had threatened to scupper the Chinese firm's smartphone business. It has also underscored China's heavy reliance on semiconductor imports amid growing trade tensions with the United States. ZTE has said the ban was unacceptable and threatened its survival. (Reporting by Min Zhang in BEIJING and John Ruwitch in SHANGHAI; Editing by Keith Weir and Adrian Croft) Left:Minister of Fisheries Saboto Caesar advanced the AIA as a conduit of hope for fisherfolk. Right:Eocen Victory, involved in fishing for three decades and more, spoke of difficult times for fisherfolk. Eocen Victory, president of the National Fisherfolk Organisation, has been in the fishing industry for 37 years. He expressed some grievances last week Friday when he spoke at the launch of the month-long programme of activities that culminate on May 21, designated Fishermans Day. Victory pointed out that the fisherfolk were "going through difficult times. He cited plans to provide identification cards to fisherfolk in 2012 as a cause. Another is that Rose Place has been "taken away without proper consultation. He alluded to allocation of Centres at Calliaqua and Barrouallie, but mused that as regards Kingstown, "we aint know directly what is going to happen. And even though Victory said there might be some gladness, he advised, "In all our happiness, let us address the sadness. Victory brought out an immediate response from Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour. Caesar assured Victory that was no need for anguish. "There is hope and bright prospects, the Fisheries Minister said, and referred in this potential that the Argyle International Airport promised. "Flights will need cargo, Caesar went on, and that he was encouraged by joint ventures that had been wedged. He sees "great hope in Owia and spoke of a "request for Owia to be designated as a Port of Entry. Caesar finds it a "joy and real hope that live lobsters from Bequia are shipped through Kingstown, Argyle, and Miami and onto a Hong Kong plate in 48 hours. "We cant grieve like those who have no hope. In the real world, there are challenges. We have to overcome these challenges, Caesar said. Caesar praised the efforts of the Agricultural Input Ware House for the measures aimed at improving operations at the Kingstown Fish Market. Caesar "sees business opportunities in the fishing arena and of the possibility "of having the vendors being part of a Cooperative. The new venture will see the Bequia Sea Food Company assisting in making the Kingstown Fish Market a "transhipment point for fish in the Caribbean. "Our fish must reach the rest of the world, Caesar outlined, but indicated that in relation to the Kingstown Fish Market, "a lot more conversation is to take place. (WKA) 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. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and around 1,600 anti-Kremlin activists were detained by police on Saturday during street protests against Vladimir Putin ahead of his inauguration for a fourth term as president. Navalny had called for demonstrations in more than 90 towns and cities across Russia against what he says is Putin's autocratic, tsar-like rule. Before his detention, he briefly addressed supporters in central Moscow, leading them in chants of 'Down with the Tsar!". "They said that this city belongs to Putin. Is that right?" Navalny asked his supporters. "Do you need a tsar?" he asked, eliciting a collective roar of "No!" Putin won re-election overwhelmingly in March, extending his grip over Russia for six more yearsa tenure of 24 years that would make him Moscow's longest-serving leader since Soviet dictator Josef Stalin. Uriel and Rotem Bar-Shalom, whose daughter Ilan was one of the 10 victims of the Zafit Stream flash flood disaster, have called for the closure of the Bnei Zion pre-military academy, accusing it of negligence. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter In a Facebook post on Sunday, the parents expressed disappointment with the school administration for failing to take responsibility for the decision-making that led to the teens' death, "thereby eroding the moral and ethical foundation of the college for leadership." Ilan Bar Shalom killed in the Zafit Sream disaster The parents called on the organization that operates the pre-military academy to close it. "Dear members of the organization, this is a time of crisis and you have been silent for over a week. "Thank you to all who came to offer consolation, but unfortunately this is not enough. We spoke with the chairman of the organization at the end of the shiva (Jewish mourning period), and in light of the moral collapse all the way up the ranks in the academy's management, we are asking you to take responsibility for the terrible tragedy and close the Bnei Zion pre-military academy," Uriel Bar-Shalom wrote in the post. "We acknowledge the fact the organization runs other important projects, which can be continued in other operational forms. However, the Bnei Zion pre-military academy lost its remaining fundamental moral base the minute its heads decided to hide behind their top-notch lawyers and were satisfied with the resignation of the academy's principal, without acknowledging responsibility," Bar-Shalom added. Teens killed in flash flood disaster "I wish you courage, the ability to take the right decisions, to go to your private desert and return empowered," he went on to say. The Joint Council of Pre-Military Academies was also blamed for the tragedy. "I regret that you are trying to idealize the pre-military academies in the eyes of the public. I was exposed to many back-patting, unjustifiable moral elitism, and sorrow. Unfortunately, I discovered too little modesty and lack of genuine soul-searching," Bar-Shalom lamented. Uriel Bar-Shalom also wrote in his post that "As the week of mourning came to its end, I received a letter sent to the parents after the disaster by one of the well known academies in the country. Unfortunately, it seems that the 10 teen who were killed in the disaster are not enough for the lesson to be learned. The letter said, 'This incident is not supposed to happen and probably wouldn't have happened to us.' "As if the two schools that were rescued from the flash flood in the south on Wednesday in the nick of time, two teens killed by flash floods on the same day in addition to the 10 teens killed in the Zafit Stream disaster on Thursday, and the truck driver who was found dead later were not enough (to teach a lesson)." "Dear pre-military academy students, sometimes a little bit of modesty and Jewish morals are better than values as high as the Tower of Babel, whose moral foundations have long since been forgotten," Bar-Shalom concluded. Zafit Stream (Photo: Haim Horenstein) The Joint Council of Pre-Military Academies reponded to Bar-Shalom's post, saying, "There are no words to comfort the family over the unnecessary death of Ilan. The most we can do is to do everything in our power to prevent similar tragedies in the future." "In an emergency meeting held last week, the pre-military academy's heads acknowledged full responsibility. This shattering disaster demands thar the Council undergoes deep soul-searching," the Council went on to say. The Council also noted it appointed former police commissioner Shlomo Aharonishky as an advisor for field-trip safety. The flash flood claimed the lives of Ela Or from Maale Adumim, Romi Cohen from Moshav Maor, Yael Sadan from Jerusalem, Maayan Barhum from Jerusalem, Agam Levy from Moshav Herut, Gali Balelli from Givatayim, Shani Shamir from Shoham, Adi Raanan from Moshav Mikhmoret, Tzur Alfi from Mazkeret Batya, and Ian Bar-Shalom from Rishon LeZion. St. Vincents Electricity Services limited (VINLEC), has been commended for their emphasis on safety measures in their routine. The praises came from Anglican Reverend Father Kari Marcelle at last Wednesdays ceremony marking the opening of activities to mark Environmental Health and Safety Awareness Month, to be held on the theme: Safety ties us together. Taking his lead from the Bible, Colossians 3: 23, he reminded the workers that "Whatever your task, do it for the Lord and not for your Master. He encouraged electricity workers to "refocus on themselves so as to ensure that their performance is pleasing in Gods sight. Dr Vaughn Lewis, Chief Executive Officer (Acting), focussed on workers safety at the office, and pointed to effects from hours of sitting. Risks of diabetes, hypertension, and varicose veins can result from prolonged sitting, Lewis indicated. He urged workers to look at ways of doing duties without having to sit. A healthy person is "more focussed and less likely to make mistakes, Lewis pointed out. "Good health is essential if you want to maintain maximum safety, the Acting CEO outlined, and he emphasised that the best safety tool is a "relationship with the Almighty. The feature address came from Dr. Del Hamilton, Non-Communicable Disease Coordinator in the Ministry of Health. She outlined steps the Ministry of Health and the Environment was taking to prevent and control diabetes and hypertension. Those include strengthening laws aimed at preventing smoking in certain places, and soon to be assistance to cancer and kidney patients at the Diagnostic Centre in Georgetown. There will be an inter-ministerial coordinated approach to reducing the impact of non-communicable diseases and Hamilton is looking forward to "cooperation and partnership. Hamilton acknowledged Vinlecs spiritual connections as evident by the devotions. "VINLEC cannot exist without the great power: God, she outlined. Environmental Health and Safety Officer Anthony Patterson prefers to improve "foresight and insight rather than learning from "hindsight. Board Chairman Rene Baptiste praised VINLEC workers who went to the British Virgin Islands and Dominica to help restore electricity services last year, following the passage of hurricanes Irma and Maria. The VinVoices, comprised of VINLEC workers, accompanied by Willis Williams on keyboard entertained with a soulful line of VINLEC, as did the VinPan Orchestra. As part of the months activities, St. Vincent and the Grenadines will host its regional Utility counterparts with a Carilec Lineman Symposium, Monday 7. That will lay the groundwork for a Carilec Linesman Rodeo at Vinlec Training Ground Diamond Saturday 12. The Iran-backed Shiite terror group Hezbollah and its political allies looked set to win more than half the seats in Lebanons first parliamentary election in nine years, according to preliminary results cited by politicians and Lebanese media. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The result, if confirmed by the final count, would boost Hezbollah politically, with parties and individuals aligned with the heavily armed group securing a simple majority in parliament in Sundays election. Hezbollahs powerful position in Lebanon reflects Irans regional ascendancy through Iraq and Syria all the way to Beirut. It is classified as a terrorist group by the United States and an enemy of neighboring Israel. Parliamentary election in Lebanon (Photo: AP) The election's results showed that the Lebanese state is indistinguishable from the Iranian-backed Shiite group and that Israel should not distinguish between them in any future war, Education Minister Naftali Bennett said. "Hezbollah = Lebanon," Bennett, a rightist in Israel's conservative coalition government, said on Twitter on Monday. "The State of Israel will not differentiate between the sovereign State of Lebanon and Hezbollah, and will view Lebanon as responsible for any action from within its territory." Education Minister Bennett said Israel should no longer distinguish between Lebanon and Hezbollah in any future conflicts (Photo: Hillel Meir/TPS) The unofficial results also indicated that Western-backed Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri would emerge as the Sunni Islamic leader with the biggest bloc in the 128-seat parliament, making him the frontrunner to form the next government even though he lost seats. Lebanons prime minister must be a Sunni according to the countrys sectarian power-sharing system. The new government, like the outgoing one, is expected to include all the main parties. Talks over Cabinet posts are expected to take time. International donors want to see Beirut embark on serious economic reforms to reduce state debt levels before they will release billions pledged at a Paris conference in April. The election was held under a complex new law that redrew constituency boundaries and changed the electoral system from winner-takes-all to a proportional one. The interior minister said official results would be declared on Monday morning. Allies consider Hezbollah's weapons an asset to Lebanon The staunchly anti-Hezbollah Lebanese Forces, a Christian party, appears to have emerged as a big winner, nearly doubling its MPs to 15 from eight, according to the unofficial indications. Hezbollah and groups and individuals affiliated with it secured at least 67 seats, according to a Reuters calculation based on preliminary results for nearly all the seats that were obtained from politicians and campaigns and reported in Lebanese media. Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem casting his vote at the ballot (Photo: AP) Hezbollahs allies include the Shiite Amal Movement led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, the Christian Free Patriotic Movement established by President Michel Aoun and other groups and individuals that view its weapons as an asset to Lebanon. Hezbollah-backed Sunnis did well in the cities of Beirut, Tripoli and Sidon, strongholds of Hariris Future Movement, the unofficial results showed. But Hezbollah lost ground in one of its strongholds, the Baalbek-Hermel constituency. Two of the 10 seats there were won by its opponents, one going to the Lebanese Forces and the other to Future. Hezbollah-backed winners include Jamil al-Sayyed, a retired Shiite general and former Lebanese intelligence chief who is a close friend of Syrian President Bashar Assad, according to the unofficial results. Sayyed was one of the most powerful men in Lebanon in the 15 years of Syrian domination that followed the 1975-90 civil war. Another face from that era, Abdul Rahim Mrad, will also make a comeback having won a Sunni seat, the unofficial results show. Turnout was 49.2 percent, down from 54 percent the last time legislative elections were held nine years ago. 'Fix the path' Lebanon should have held a parliamentary election in 2013 but MPs instead voted to extend their own term because leaders could not agree on a new parliamentary election law. An anti-Hezbollah alliance led by Hariri and backed by Saudi Arabia won a majority in parliament in 2009. But that March 14 alliance has disintegrated and Saudi Arabia has switched its attention and resources to confronting Iran in other parts of the region, notably Yemen. Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri (Photo: Reuters) Samir Geagea, the Lebanese Forces leader, said the results showed there was a popular ground that backs March 14 and would give us strength and a push to fix the path much more than we were able to in the past years. Geagea is Hezbollahs most prominent Lebanese Christian opponent. He led the Lebanese Forces militia in the last years of the civil war, during which he was an adversary of Aoun. The question of Hezbollahs weapons has slipped down the political agenda in Lebanon in recent years. Hezbollah has grown militarily more powerful since 2012, deploying its fighters to Syria and Iraq where it has fought in support of Iranian allies. Hariri, who led years of political conflict with the group, says it is an issue to be resolved at the regional level through dialogue. The Lebanon vote is to be followed on May 12 by an Iraqi election that is also set to underline Irans reach, with one of three pro-Tehran Shiite leaders set to become prime minister. Enhanced Hezbollah sway over Lebanon will likely alarm the United States, which arms and trains the Lebanese army. But the group and its allies are not on course to win the two-thirds majority that would allow them to pass big decisions such as changing the constitution. Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit instructed the government to nix a promotional leaflet produced and printed by the Tourism Ministry in a million and a half copies for the Giro d'Italia bicycle race, merely because it contained greetings from the tourism and culture ministers, which he considered to be election propaganda. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The Tourism Ministry was thus forced to reprint the leaflet without the greetings, replacing them with a photo of a cyclist. The decision cost Israeli taxpayers NIS 250,000 to NIS 300,000. The original draft for the leaflet contained photos of Tourism Minister Yariv Levin and Culture Minister Miri Regev, who head the two ministries credited for bringing the Giro to Israel. The original promotional leaflet contained greetings from Ministers Levin and Regev Mandelblit, however, vetoed the publication and ordered the photos removed. The leaflet's million and a half copies were to be bundled for distribution with the weekend newspapers, and included information about the event and the routes riders were set to take. In the leaflet, Levin and Regev also invited the public to come and watch the cyclists, to take part in the unique experience and to visit the touristic sites through which the routes passed. AG Mandelblit ordered 1.5 million copies of a Giro d'Italia leaflet to be destroyed due to containing illegal electioneering (Photo: EPA) While the leaflet's text received approval from all relevant legal advisers, chairman of the country's Central Elections Committee, Supreme Court Justice Hanan Melcer, ruled that a radio commercial in which the culture minister invited the public to attend events for Israel's 70th Independence Day should be taken off the air. By so deciding, Justice Melcer overturned a previous decision by Attorney General Mandelblit, who ruled it did not constitute forbidden election propaganda. Justice Melcer's ruling on a radio spot featuring Culture Minister Regev led to the brochure being nixed as well (Photo: Hillel Meir/TPS) Nevertheless, following Melcer's decision Justice Ministry officials contacted Natan Ben Yakir, legal adviser for the Government Advertising Agencythat produced the leafletand clarified that the justification for Melcer's decision regarding the radio spot also applied to inviting the public to events through printed advertising. The leaflet, however, was printed the day before Melcer's decision was made, which meant all million and a half copies of the leafletwhich were already printed and were set to be sent to newspapers for insertion into weekend papershad to be discarded. The Giro d'Italia's third and final leg in southern Israel (: ) X Tourism Ministry Director-General Amir Halevi then contacted the attorney general in an urgent missive, impressing upon him that reprinting the leaflets without the ministers' greetings will lead to squandering public funds. The director-general further maintained that a radio spot using the minister's own voice could not be compared with a printed brochure in which the ministers' words are secondary and marginal and comprised merely an eighth of the overall publication. Tourism Ministry Director-General Amir Halevi contacted AG Mandelblit to decry changing the leaflet, but to no avail (Photo: Chen Galili) Not distributing the pamphlet, Halevi alleged, may bring about a situation in which no crowds will gather to cheer on cyclists, rendering the event a failure in the eyes of the entire world. Halevi's overtures did not help, however, and the attorney general insisted that the brochure be reprinted without Levin and Regev's words, which the ministry did, printing a million new copies at a cost of NIS 250,000 to NIS 300,000. The Tourism Ministry provided comment on the matter, saying that, "As part of the project of bringing the Giro to Israel, the ministry made an obligation to disseminate an official message to Israel's citizens to come and watch the race, as is the custom in Europe. Tourism Minister Levin (3rd left) and Culture Minster Regev (2nd left) wrote greetings for the leaflet (Photo: Oren Aharoni) "In light of that fact and under the recommendation of the professional ranks, a brochure was created that also included short messages from the tourism and culture ministers calling on the public to do the same. "The brochure received all of the requisite legal authorizations for publication. After printing, the ministry was made to shelve it due to Justice Melcer's decree, despite the fact that the ministry's director-general forewarned that doing so will incur needless expenses." Under tight security at Africa's oldest synagogue, Jewish pilgrims on Wednesday staged their biggest religious ceremony in Tunisia since a 2011 revolution undermined security in the North African country. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Mainly Muslim Tunisia is home to one of North Africa's largest Jewish communities. Though they now number less than 2,000 people, Jews have lived in Tunisia since Roman times. Jewish worshipper at the El Ghriba synagogue in the Tunisian resort island of Djerba (Photo: Reuters) In 2011, after the uprising that toppled former president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the annual celebration was canceled, and in following years only a few hundred attended, fearing attacks by hardline Islamists. This year, revelers chanted and danced in a two-day pilgrimage to the El Ghriba synagogue at the popular tourist island resort of Djerba 500 km (310 miles) south of capital Tunis. "The security situation is excellent here and this has encouraged us to come back ... Today we feel safer in Tunisia than in Paris," Isabel Guez, a Jewish visitor from Paris, told Reuters. "This celebration is a great opportunity for rapprochement between Muslims, Jews and other religions and an opportunity to call for peace and love across the world," she added. Some 5,000 pilgrims attended, organizers said, a significant increase on 2,000 last year. Tunisia has not seen a major militant attack since scores of foreigners were killed in two strikes claimed by Islamic State in 2015. Hundreds of pilgrims prayed, lit candles and wrote wishes on eggs. Others celebrated by sipping glasses of boukha, a liqueur made from figs. The Ghriba synagogue in the Tunisian resort island of Djerba (Photo: Reuters) In 2002 militants linked to al Qaeda attacked the synagogue with a truck bomb, killing 21 Western tourists. Authorities took no chances this time with hundreds of police, soldiers and members of anti-terror units patrolling streets. Checkpoints were set up around the synagogue. "With the good security situation now, the number of visitors exceeds 5,000 from Israel, Russia and Europe," said Perez Trabelsi, the head of the Jewish community in Djerba. The El Ghriba synagogue, home to most of Tunisia's Jews, is built on the site of a Jewish temple that is believed to date back almost 1,900 years. Hezbollah's gains in the Lebanese election on Sunday show that the state is indistinguishable from the Iranian-backed Shi'ite group and that Israel should not distinguish between them in any future war, an Israeli security cabinet minister said. "Hezbollah = Lebanon," Education Minister Naftali Bennett, a rightist in the Israel's conservative coalition government, said on Twitter on Monday. "The State of Israel will not differentiate between the sovereign State of Lebanon and Hezbollah, and will view Lebanon as responsible for any action from within its territory." How will Iran avenge the Israeli theft of its secret nuclear archive and the attacks on its facilities in Syria? Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The Iranians likely planned to carry out their retaliatory attack soon. Since Hezbollah is expected to be involved in firing a barrage of missiles on a military base on Israeli territory, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards Quds Force, Qasem Soleimani, likely decided together with the Revolutionary Guards aerospace force commander, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, to postpone the missile barrage to the day after the elections in Lebanon in a bid to catch Israel by surprise. According to defense establishment forecasts and commentaries published in the past few days, the Iranians wont carry out a retaliatory attack against Israel in the coming days. The Israeli estimate was that the Iranians would wait until after the elections in Lebanon and until US President Donald Trump decided whether to suspend the nuclear agreement with Iran on May 12. Quds Force commander Qassem Suleimani. The man behind the plan Suleimani and other senior Revolutionary Guards commanders, likely with the approval of Irans supreme leader Ali Khamenei, reached the conclusion that Trump had already decided to suspend the nuclear agreement and that there was no point in waiting for May 12. Moreover, the Iranians wanted to signal to Trump and to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in their planned retaliatory attack that suspending the nuclear agreement could spark a war in the Middle East and that they were determined to fight even if Israel kept attacking them. For all these reasons, the timing was set for the current week, but with a clear intention not to affect Hezbollahs chances of winning the elections in Lebanon. An Iranian retaliation leading to an Israeli response before the Lebanon election would have inflicted considerable damage on Hezbollah, even among Shiite voters. The IDF is aware of the information about the Revolutionary Guards plan to carry out a retaliatory attack by firing missiles at a military base in northern Israel. The Military Intelligence Directorate likely monitored the preparations in Syria and Lebanon and reached the conclusion that the Iranians were trying to push off responsibility for the attack after its implementation, mainly because they dont want to anger the Europeans, who have been supporting them on the nuclear agreement issue, and because a direct operation by the Revolutionary Guards from Syria would confirm and verify Israels claims that Iranian military elements are operating against it from Syrian territory. The Iranians have been denying the Israeli claim the entire time. A verification of the claim could get them in trouble not only with the Europeans but also with Russia and with President Bashar Assad's regime, which opposes any Iranian activity that would undermine stability in Syria. Furthermore, the common Iranian practice is to act against Irans enemies through proxies rather than directly. Moreover, Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman has already said that a direct Iranian attack on Israel will lead to a direct Israeli attack on Iran. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, whose organization is supposed to take part in the Iranian retaliatory attack For all these reasons, the Iranians have chosen to task Iraqi Shiite militias that are already operating in Syria with the retaliatory missile attack on Israel, with direction, guidance and help from members of Hezbollahs missile and rocket units, who are more experienced and familiar with the Israeli targets. The Iranian retaliation will likely target Israeli military bases. Hezbollah has tried to attack these facilities several times in the past with rockets and missile in a bid to disrupt the IDFs activity, and mainly the Israel Air Forces activity. Its perfectly clear that the Iranians arent interested in sparking a war. They want to carry out a limited attack to avenge the killing of Iranians in Syria, in a way that would deter Israel and lead to an Israeli dilemma whether to declare war on Iran over a limited retaliation or to practice restraint. In early 2015, Israel decided not to respond to a Hezbollah attack in the Mount Dov area following an alleged Israeli strike that killed Hezbollah commander Jihad Mughniyeh and an Iranian general. Hezbollah, on behalf of the Iranians, attacked an IDF force with antitank missiles, killing an Israeli officer and a fighter. Suleimani likely believes that Israel will practice restraint once again. Both Iran and Israel are not interested in war and will try to contain the event. The Israeli exposure of the Iranian retaliation plan might lead to its cancellation or postponement for a long period of time. That remains to be seen. One thing is clear: Even if the Iranians decide to go ahead with the plan and order the militias to fire a barrage of missiles at Israel, they wont catch the IDF by surprise and the Israeli missile interception and air defense systems will likely have no trouble dealing with a barrage of missiles on a military target in the north. Knowing its active defense systems are capable of dealing with the threat, the IDF has issued no special preparation orders to Israeli communities in the north. Furthermore, the Iranians are likely restricting themselves and their proxies to Israeli military targets rather than civilian targets, so Israeli citizens have no reason to worry. The Iranians know that an Israeli response to an attack on civilian facilities and on Israeli civilians will be very painful, and theyre definitely not interested in that. The Iranian dilemma will likely lead to a postponement of their retaliatory attack in a bid to catch Israel by surprise and inflict damage on the attacked military target. Private Israeli business espionage firm Black Cube was hired by people close to US President Donald Trump to obtain compromising materials on advisers to former president Barack Obama involved with finalizing the Iran nuclear deal , the New Yorker revealed Monday. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter If the New Yorker's report is accurate, Trump's people followed disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, who used the private security firm to fend off accusations of sexual harassment and rape of multiple women. Weinstein, it was reported last year, used private investigators, including ex-Mossad and former operatives from other Israeli intelligence agencies, for more than a year to locate journalists and actresses who tried to make public the years' long string of harassment and attacks attributed to the producer. Aides to incumbent president Trump (R) reportedly hired Black Cube to find damaging information on his predecessor Obama's aides (Photo: AFP) Among the companies hired by Weinstein towards that end were the aforementioned Black Cube firm, as well as another firm. The companies then contacted journalist working on the story using aliases in order to piece together which actresses provided accounts of the assaults. The British Observer magazine initially reported over the weekend that aides to President Trump hired a private Israeli intelligence firm last year to "get dirt" on prominent Obama administration officials who were involved in talks on the Iran nuclear deal in an effort to discredit them and consequently the deal. The goal: Sowing doubt regarding nuclear deal's architects According to the Observer, Trump aides contacted private investigators in May 2017, asking them to look into Ben Rhodes, who served as deputy national security adviser for strategic communications in the Obama White House, and Colin Kahl, who served as the deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East. Ben Rhodes (2nd from right) with President Obama (Photo: Gettyimages) The pact between Iran and six major powersBritain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United Stateswas among former US President Barack Obama's signature foreign policies but has been described by Trump as "one of the worst deals I have ever witnessed." According to the Observer, officials linked to Trump's team contacted the Israeli private investigators several days after the American president's visit to Israel last year. "The idea was that people acting for Trump would discredit those who were pivotal in selling the deal, making it easier to pull out of it," a source told the Observer. The operation was handled by Black Cube, two source divulged to the New Yorker. Black Cube made headlines as part of the Harvey Weinstein affair Documents obtained by the magazine showed that the private firm's people collected detailed dossiers on a number of people, including Rhodes and Kahl, which included their home addresses, information about family members and even the make of their cars. Black Cube's investigators were instructed to try and uncover damaging information on the former Obama officials, including unsubstantiated claims that Rhodes and Kahl had worked in conjunction with Iranian lobbyists to promote the nuclear deal in return for monetary kickbacksa claim the two vociferously deny. Black Cube disavows ties to Trump administration Black Cube provided comment on the matter, saying it was company policy to never discuss its clients with any third parties, and to never confirm or deny speculations made regarding the company's projects. It was further communicated that Black Cube had no ties whatsoever to "the Trump administration, Trump aides, anyone close to the administration, or to the Iran nuclear deal." The Israeli espionage firm concluded by saying it "always operated in full compliance of the law in every jurisdiction in which it conducts its work, following legal advice from the world's leading law firms." Producer Harvey Weinstein reportedly hired Black Cube to uncover damaging information on the actresses who accused him of sexual assault (Photo: GettyImages) The statement issued by Black Cube bore striking similarities to the company's response to reports of its involvement in the Weinstein affair. The company stated then that, "It is Black Cube's policy to never discuss its clients with any third party, and to never confirm or deny any speculation made with regard to the company's work." The statement continued, "Black Cube supports the work of many leading law firms around the world, especially in the US, gathering evidence for complex legal processes, involving commercial disputes, among them uncovering negative campaigns. The company does not get involved in family disputes or sexual harassment cases. "It should be highlighted that Black Cube applies high moral standards to its work, and operates in full compliance with the law of any jurisdiction in which it operates strictly following the guidance and legal opinions provided by leading law firms from around the world." The founder of Black Cube is Dan Zorella, formerly of one of Israel's classified intelligence units. Zorella founded the company in 2010 with his friend Avi Yanus. Their goal was to build a civilian version of intelligence agencies such as the British MI6, American CIA or Israeli Mossad. What originated as a start-up created by friends, however, transformed into a gigantic company employing dozens of former Israeli intelligence officials, from computer whizzes to stealth operatives with confirmed kills. Energy Minister and Cabinet member Yuval Steinitz said in a Ynet studio interview Monday that, "If Syrian President Bashar Assad continues allowing the Iranians to operate out of Syria, it would be the end of him, the end of his regime." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter On the readiness of Israel's home front for a possible war in the north such an approach might lead to, Steinitz said there was "no absolute readiness." It was reported Sunday that Iran may soon execute the retaliatory attack that it vowed to carry out in the wake of the airstrike on the T-4 Airbase near Homs, which has been attributed to Israel. Syrian President Assad (L) will be eliminated and his regime toppled if he did not stop Iran, Energy Minister Steinitz declared (Photo: Reuters) Since Hezbollah is expected to be involved in firing a missile barrage at a military base on Israeli territory, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)'s elite Quds Force Qasem Soleimani was reported to have decided to postpone the attack to immediately after the Lebanese elections in order to catch Israel unawares. Soleimani and other IRGC officials have seemingly reached a conclusionmost likely with the assent of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneithat US President Donald Trump had already made up his mind to suspend the 2015 nuclear deal , and that was therefore no point in waiting for May 12, when Trump is set to make his decision public. In his Ynet interview, Steinitz also spoke about the years' long civil war still raging in Syria, saying that Israel had thus far refrained from intervening in the internal conflict. "If Assad allows Iran to turn Syria into a forward operating base against us," he clarified, "to attack us from Syrian soil, he should know that will spell his end." Russian President Putin will meet with PM Netanyahu on Wednesday. 'It should be understood that Israel has clear red lines,' Steinitz iterated (Photo: EPA) The energy minister was then reminded of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's impending visit to Moscow Wednesday, where he will meet President Vladimir Putin, who will most likely be less than enthused with such statements. "It's excellent that the premier is going," Steinitz countered. "He has engendered unprecedented dialogue with Putin. Russia is an important superpower with which we have a lot of mutual interests." "Sometimes there are also conflicts of interest," he continued, "but usually our interests converge. Everyone should understand, however, that certain things are red lines for us. If anyone is interested in maintaining Assad's survival, they should tell him to prevent missile and drone attacks on Israel." Asked if that meant Israel might assassinate Assad, Steinitz said, "He will have his blood on his head," referencing a biblical verse saying someone was responsible for their own calamity. He also appeared to suggest that his remarks did not reflect Israeli government policy, saying, "Im not talking about any concrete proposal." Nevertheless asked how Israel could go about bringing an end to Assad, the Cabinet member explained that a similar dilemma existed regarding Lebanon in the past. "We deliberated whether the fact that Hezbollah was attacking us from Lebanon meant that we would only retaliate against Hezbollah or also strike at Lebanon." Hezbollah leader Nasrallah. The energy minister said Israel faced a similar dilemma with the terror group and Lebanon "Assad can permit them to attack Israel from Syria soil, or not. He can permit them to bring in missiles, antiaircraft systems and drones into Syria, or not, and if he doeshe should know there is a price tag," the minister concluded. Prime Minister Netanyahu commented on the Iranian threat at the beginning of Sunday's coalition meeting, saying, "We are determined to block Irans aggression against us, even if this means a (military) conflict. Better now than later. We do not want escalation but we are ready for any scenario." The premier also asserted that Israel maintained "full freedom of action to defend itself." In recent months, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards have "transferred advanced weaponry to Syria in order to attack us both on the battlefield and on the home front, including weaponized UAVs, ground-to-ground missiles and Iranian anti-aircraft batteries that would threaten air force jets," the prime minister added. Against the backdrop of recent rise in anti-Semitic incidents in Germany, the popular tabloid Bild decided a week ago to hang Israeli flags in different locations throughout the country towith the aid of hidden camerasexamine how they will be treated. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "The results of the test were shocking," the paper wrote, noting most flags were either taken down, torn to shreds, stepped on, lit on fire or thrown in the trash. Passerby trying to set Israeli flag on fire A flag displayed in Berlin was removed only 42 minutes after its hanging, with the two individuals removing it tearing and then stepping on it. Later, another person filmed himself with his mobile phone trying to set the flag ablaze, without success. In Munich, the flag was removed after 61 minutes from the moment it was hung. Two people, who the Bild described as "Arab-looking", noticed the flag, removed it and threw it in the garbage, near the city's main train station. When a Bild reporter approached them to ask why they did it, one of the two retorted, "It's none of your concern." In Frankfurt, 11 "Arab-looking" people were documented spitting on the flag and continuing on their way. After 81 minutes one passerby removed it and threw it on the ground. In Duisburg, in a district densely populated with Muslim immigrants, a citizen removed the flag and when inquired by a Bild reporter on his reasoning responded that the district "is a multicultural area and we want to avoid conscious provocation out of fear of riots." In response to Bild's report, German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said he saw the incidents with severity, and that, as far as he was concerned, a "rule of zero tolerance for any kind of anti-Semitism" should always apply. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas echoed Seehofer's assertion, adding Germany "will not stand" such acts. German media have long reported anti-Semitic and anti-Israel harassment of school children by immigrant children. Israeli flag thrown in the trash Last month, two rappers won the prestigious Echo award, Germany's top music honor. The decision to award them with the prize caused outrage in Germany. One of their songs, "0815," includes the lyrics: "My body is more defined that those of Auschwitz inmates," as well as the line: "Commit another Holocaust, come with a Molotov cocktail." The wave of protest that followed the decision to honor the rappers, which saw some German artists announce they would return their Echo awards, led organizers to cancel the ceremony. Israel's representative to the Eurovision song contest Netta Barzilai has become a target of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) activists, including Israelis, who have embarked on a publicized campaign to try and sabotage her chances of winning, calling on European voters to boycott her. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Barzilai was noted as an early favorite to win the competition, whose final will be held Saturday, with her song "Toy." In an attempt to prevent that from happening, the boycott's organizers called on European residents in both English and Hebrew to boycott the Israeli song, awarding it zero points. Netta Barzilai during her time in the Israeli Navy's band (Photo: Facebook) The campaign's Facebook page, titled "Eurovision boycott of Israel ZERO points to the song of Israeli Apartheid," uploaded a photo of the Israeli crooner from her days in the Israeli Navy's band, noting she had served in 2014during Operation Protective Edge and sang "My Sailor, My Angel" to navy members who later took part in the massacre of children in Gaza. "The gunboat crews whom Netta Barzilai sent off with her songs played a part in the Gaza carnage," the Facebook page accused, going on to say that while Toy was supposedly an anthem of female empowerment, it did not empower the "women of the Gaza open-air prison." "Remember the children murdered in Gaza and give zero points to Barzilai, her song and the apartheid state which she represents," organizers asked their supporters. Later in the post, they alleged that the song was meant to "rebrand Israel internationally. The Israeli song is widely promoted on the net, in a massive propaganda campaign very generously funded by the Israeli government. (Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu, his ministers and generals would like nothing better than for Barzilai to win the Eurovision." Netta Barzilai onstage (Photo: EPA) Meanwhile, in Lisbon, Barzilai has continued preparing for the contest and seemed nonplussed by the calls to boycott her. "After a week of rehearsals in Lisbon I feel ready for the semifinal and hope to make all of Europe dance," the songstress told Yedioth Ahronoth Saturday. She will take to the stage for one final rehearsal Monday, before her performance in Tuesday's first semifinal. The second semifinal will take place Thursday, whereas the final will be held Saturday. The Eurovision's scoring system is based on an equal number of points awarded by judges and the contest's viewers from across the continent and participating countries. The BDS campaign's efforts may thus prove successful in significantly hampering the Israeli's chances of winningor even making it to the final. An Iraqi parliamentary candidate was shot dead late on Sunday in his home near the city of Mosul, a family member and a security official said, less than a week before elections. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the shooting of Farouk Zarzour in the village of al-Lazaka, but security officials disputed that claim and said they were treating it as a political killing. Zarzour's brother and eight others have been arrested as suspects, they said. Zarzour had been an adviser to parliamentary speaker Salim al-Jabouri. The Israeli Air Force is preparing for a possible Iranian retaliatory strike using precision-targeted missiles at northern bases, according to an IDF media brief Sunday intended to deter Tehran from such an attack. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The army fears, it may be assumed, Iran using Shiite militias in Syria, whichwith Hezbollah 's assistancewill carry out precision strikes against a northern army base in retaliation for recent strikes on Iranian targets in Syria itself, such as the strike on the T-4 Airbase near Homs, which was attributed to Israel. If such a scenario becomes realityeven in a minor, measured manner, even if the missiles are intercepted by defense systems such as the Iron Dome or David's Slingthe strike will provide a taste of what's to come in the next northern conflagration. Iranian missile threat (Photo: Reuters) Specifically, the IDF may expect to encounter attempts by its northern adversaries to undermine the freedom of operations of the IDF in general and the air force in particular in an orderly, sophisticated and surgical mannerpossibly even prioritized over targeting civilian communities on the Israeli home front. The military is hectically preparing for precisely such an eventuality and has been doing so since before the most recent kerfuffle with Iran. Such a scenario has not been seen in the intervening two decades, with the military's operational bases enjoying relative freedom of action at wartime. The aforementioned scenario has been taken into account in almost all of the exercises held at air force bases, and includes handling missile and rocket barrages or "suicide drones" aimed directly at bases where Israeli air squadrons operate with the express goal of crippling them. As far as the IDF is concerned, the goal is not merely a PR achievement that Iran, Syria or Hezbollah are trying to attain, but rather a significant attempt to disrupt operational routine in the Israeli military's most important basesboth during routine and war times. T-4 Airfield In the IDF's internal discussions surrounding preparations for such a conflict, therefore, one of the defense establishment's most sensitive interests has not been overlooked: the location of aerial defense batteries, and the dilemma of defending a vital interest or a medium-sized city. Improvement in the defensive footprint of each aerial defense battery expand the operational flexibility on the matter and might allow protecting both types of targetsbut coverage will not always be hermitic or full, and choosing which one to defend will likely be left up to the civilian ranks. The drills the IDF has been holding to handle possible missile and rocket barrages on its bases include forces entering shelters when under fire, but other measures as well. In the past few years, the IDF has been shielding military sites from which important elements of the army's powersuch as flight squadronsare housed, while taking additional actions in anticipation of the threat posed by Israel's northern enemies being realized. "You can scramble planes from the Ramat David base within minutes to theaters in Syria and Lebanon, and the army's top brass has realized the importance of continuing to operate the base's three runways," an air force officer explained. F-16 aircraft, Ramat David base (Photo: AFP) "The Iron Dome should allow the IDF to continue fighting and will also defend communities adjacent to army bases," he added. Passive defense measures in vital bases in the north will allow operational reserves in sensitive areas such as command bases, officials in the Air Force explained, which could turn the tide should they be attacked. The Air Force also improved its construction capabilities to quickly repair the tracks should they be hit. "We assume they know our location during routine," an IAF official said. "Government officials expect the IAF to continue operating at all times, with full power and by all means of fighting. We are the central firepower based on elements that must work at all times. The runways must be ready, and fuel and ammunition have to keep on coming," said another IAF officer. "The thing that concerns the IAF the most is the enemy's precision abilities, and keeping it from hurting our most valuable assets. We can deal with all of it defensively and offensively. The enemy keeps bringing in advanced aerial defense systems that challenge our aerial superiority," he went on to say. "We constantly deal with the enemy's advancements by applying aerial force," the IAF officer concluded. Eight members of the Syrian army's 150th division were killed in an explosion Sunday while driving in a van on the Damascus-al-Suwayda highway between the villages of al-Surah and Buraq, according to the Syrian pro-government news outlet Damascus Now. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The men were engineers and soldiers tasked with operating Syria's S-200 anti-aircraft system, which downed an Israeli F-16 in February. Due to this, some Syrian pro-government officials have already pointed the finger at Israel. The van that carried the men Syrian opposition sources, though, said organized gangs of smugglers may be behind the attack. The Syrian army has already clashed with such gangs in the past. The Damascus-al-Suwayda highway is controlled and heavily secured by the Assad regime. Tensions between Israel and Iran are already at an all-time high, with both countries openly threatening military action against the other. Israel has repeatedly attacked Iranian arms shipments to Hezbollah in recent years, with the most recent strike attributed to it claiming the lives of several military personnel. Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad Hariri has acknowledged on Monday that his parliamentary bloc lost seats in this week's elections and blaming it on a new electoral law and a performance "that wasn't up to the standard." In a televised statement Monday, Hariri said "my hand is extended to every Lebanese who participated in the elections to preserve stability and create jobs." Hariri said his group won 21 seats in Sunday's vote, 11 fewer than what it had been holding since 2009. The prime minister still heads the largest parliamentary bloc and will likely form a new national unity Cabinet. He says he will continue to work closely with President Michel Aoun, who is allied with a rival bloc led by the militant Hezbollah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Bayit Yehudi Ministers Ayelet Shaked and Naftali Bennett on Monday of "pushing the override power bill down the drain." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "The only way to bring the override power bill (to a vote) right now is by reaching agreements within the coalition. Those pushing without reaching agreements are burying the override power bill," the prime minister said during an internal Likud Party meeting. The Bayit Yehudi Party hit back, saying in a statement that "The override power bill is being dragged out for three years now under different and strange excuses. We're announcing in advance that any override power bill that has the approval of Prime Minister Netanyahu, Finance Minister Kahlon and the other coalition parties will be acceptable to the Bayit Yehudi Party as well. As long as the prime minister brings the bill (to a vote). Meanwhile, the only practical solution on the table is the bill we passed with the support of all ministers." Shaked, Bennett and Netanyahu The override power legislation, which would allow the 120-member Knesset to pass laws already struck down by the High Court of Justice (HCJ) with a simple majority of 61 MKs, was approved by the Ministerial Committee for Legislation on Sunday. The bill received the support of eleven committee members, while Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon was not present for the vote. The bill proposal by Bayit Yehudi MK Bezalel Smotrich, which would constitute an amendment to Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty, will likely be brought to a vote at the Knesset on Wednesday, despite objections from the Attorney General's Office. The position of the attorney general is that all the proposals should be opposed," Deputy Attorney General Raz Nizri said during the Ministerial Committee meeting. "We're not saying it isn't constitutional, because it is an amendment to a Basic Law, but we are opposed to it." Earlier on Monday, Bennett vented his frustrations at a Bayit Yehudi Party meeting. "There's a limit to how much it can be postponed and dragged out," he said. "The national camp can't understand while on a daily basis the High Court interferes in countless of things it's not supposed to interfere in," Bennett charged. "Something very problematic has been happening here over the past 25 years: a supreme-government has been formed that is called the High Court of Justice, and it is basically telling us, 'We like this, we don't like that'this isn't the High Court's job." The issue overshadowed a swearing-in ceremony for judges held at the President's Residence on Monday. In her remarks at the event, Supreme Court Chief Justice Esther Hayut said that the issue should be "removed from the public agenda," adding that she thought the judiciary was under a "blunt, unprecedented attack that seriously threatens its independence and impartiality." President Donald Trump attacked on Monday John Kerry after reports that the former secretary of state has been quietly promoting the Iran nuclear deal. "The United States does not need John Kerry's possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran Deal. He was the one that created this MESS in the first place! Trump said. The Boston Globe reported Friday that Kerry, the lead negotiator on the deal for the Obama administration, had been privately meeting with foreign officials to strategize on how to keep the US in the deal. Trump has been highly critical of the pact and has threatened to exit on May 12. Last week at an event in Dallas, Trump mocked Kerry over a bicycle accident he had three years ago. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah celebrated Monday afternoon the significant gains made by the Iran-backed Shiite terror organization in parliamentary elections in Lebanon. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Unofficial results show that Hezbollah and its allies won over half the seats in parliament, while the main Western-backed faction led by Prime Minister Saad Hariri lost over a third of its seats. "We have achieved our goals," Nasrallah said in a speech. "Everything we expected before the elections has happened. This is a new political victory for the resistance bloc." Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah The Hezbollah leader also commented on the mounting tensions and exchange of threats between Israel and Iran. "I am following what the (Israeli) leadership is saying, hearing its threats, and seeing what's happening with Iran and the big thing happening in Gaza. There is no way of knowing how this develops, and we have no time to waste," he said. Nasrallah asserted that the way of the "army, the resistance and the people is still the only way to defend Lebanon," and praised the people of Lebanon for "holding steadfast" against Israel. He also accused Israel of aiding the rebels seeking to overthrow Syrian President Bashar Assad by providing them with weapons and aerial assistance. Hezbollah, along with allied groups and individuals, secured at least 67 seats, according to a Reuters calculation based on preliminary results for nearly all the seats obtained from politicians and campaigns and reported in Lebanese media. Hezbollah supporters celebrate (Photo: AFP) Seats in the Lebanese parliament are divided according to a strict sectarian quota. The number of Hezbollah lawmakers was the same or little changed at around 13, but candidates supported by the group or allied to it made significant gains. Hezbollah-backed Sunnis did well in Beirut, Tripoli and Sidon, strongholds of Hariri's Future Movement, the preliminary results showed. The pro-Hezbollah al-Akhbar newspaper declared the election a "slap" for Hariri on its front page. But while Hariri's party lost over a third of its parliament seats, dropping from 33 to 21 MPs, he still emerged as the Sunni Muslim leader with the biggest bloc in the 128-seat house, making him the frontrunner to form the next government. Initial indications showed the staunchly anti-Hezbollah Lebanese Forces, a Christian party, emerging as a big winner, nearly doubling its lawmakers to at least 15 from eight. Hezbollah supporters celebrate (Photo: AFP) Lebanon's prime minister must be a Sunni under its sectarian power-sharing system. The new government, like the outgoing one, is expected to include all the main parties. Talks over cabinet posts are expected to take time. "Hariri is going to be further weakened in any kind of government going forward," Andrew Tabler of the Washington Institute said. "His ability to substantially tame or restrain Hezbollah ... in Lebanon is going to be very limited." "It will lead to more criticism of US military aid to the Lebanese Armed Forces" in Washington, he added. Hezbollah supporters celebrate (Photo: AFP) Hezbollah's big allies include the Shi'ite Amal Movement led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and the Christian Free Patriotic Movement of President Michel Aoun, a Hezbollah ally since 2006 who has said its arsenal is needed to defend Lebanon. While Hezbollah and its allies do not always see eye to eye, their support for its arsenal is vital to the group in Lebanon, where its weapons have been a major point of friction for years. Hezbollah lost ground in Baalbek-Hermel constituency, one of its strongholds. Two of 10 seats there were won by its foes, one by the Lebanese Forces and the other by Future. It also failed to take a Shi'ite seat in the coastal town of Byblos. Hezbollah and its allies are not on course to win the two-thirds majority that would be required to pass big decisions such as changing the constitution. Turnout was 49.2 percent, down from 54 percent the last time legislative elections were held nine years ago. Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman vowed Monday that the "Insanity of transferring money to the Palestinian Authority, which then uses it against us by encouraging terror, will stop." His comments came in the wake of the Knesset's approval in first reading of the terrorists' funds deduction bill. "We'll make sure the bill is approved in second and third readings as soon as possible," Lieberman tweeted. Paraguay's President Horacio Cartes will visit Israel by the end of May to inaugurate his country's new embassy in Jerusalem, a Paraguay government spokesman and the Israeli foreign ministry said on Monday. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "Paraguay President Horacio Cartes plans to come to Israel by the end of the month to open an embassy in Jerusalem," Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said in a statement. A Paraguay government spokesman said Cartes was scheduling a trip to Israel to move the embassy on May 21 or May 22. Paraguay's President Cartes with Prime Minister Netanyahu (Photo: Koby Gideon/GPO) Last month, Cartes announced his intentions to move the Paraguay embassy from Herzliya to Jerusalem before the end of his government's term on August 15. The Paraguayan president surprised attendees with the announcement at an event celebrating Israel's 70th Independence Day in Asuncion. Among the invitees were Israel's Ambassador to Paraguay Ze'ev Harel, Cartes' successor Mario Abdo Benitez, the vice president-elect Hugo Velazquez, the country's foreign minister and other dignitaries. In a visit to Venezuela to meet his counterpart there Nicolas Maduro, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said he hoped other nations would not follow Paraguay, Guatemala and the United States. "We hope that other countries on the American continent are not going to move their embassies to Jerusalem as this acts against international law," said Abbas. The announcement on Cartes' visit comes one week before the United States embassy opens in Jerusalem on May 14 in accordance with President Donald Trump's December 6 recognition of the city as Israel's capital The US move has delighted Israel and infuriated Palestinians. Israel views Jerusalem as its eternal and indivisible capital, while the Palestinians want the eastern part of the city as the capital of their own future independent state. In March Guatemala 's president, Jimmy Morales, said that his country would move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 16, two days after the US move. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in April that "at least half a dozen" countries were now "seriously discussing" following the US lead, but he did not identify them. In December, 128 countries voted in a non-binding UN General Assembly resolution calling on the United States to drop its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Nine voted against, 35 abstained and 21 did not cast a vote. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent an implied warning to Iran on Monday evening, saying "the enemies who threaten us with destruction should know hey are putting themselves in grave danger." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "The establishment of the state did not end the desire to attack us. What it did do is give us the ability to fight back against our enemies," Netanyahu said at an event marking 70 years to the establishment of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). "Herzl spoke about the need for a defensive forceas he called itunder whose shadow we will shelter. Later, Jabotinsky spoke of an iron wall. Ben-Gurion realized these views with the establishment of the IDF, with the entire nation taking part in building the army up," the prime minister went on to say. "On this defensive wall shatter our enemies' delusions that they could uproot us from our country, and our strength grows from one generation to the next." Prime Minister Netanyahu (Photo: Gil Yohanan) Amid growing tensions between Israel and Iran over Tehran's efforts to establish military presence in Syria, the prime minister decided to cut short his visit to Cyprus on Tuesday and return to Israel before flying to Russia for his meeting with President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday. President Reuven Rivlin had a similar message for Tehran, saying, "We've withstood and still withstand direct Iranian attempts to hurt the State of Israel. Anyone who tries to strike us with forcewill be defeat with force." "We will continue to fight, strong and determined, at any moment in which we are called to war or come close to one, and with the same might and determination we will continue striving for calm, peace and security," Rivlin added. President Reuven Rivlin (Photo: Tal Shahar) The president also praised the Israeli military, saying that "Thanks to the IDF, we can sleep soundly. Thanks to the IDF, we can live our normal lives even under difficult circumstances. Thanks to the IDF, its soldiers and its commanders, we stand here today marking 70 years to the State of Israel." IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot also discussed the security challenges Israel faces, saying that "The volatility and complexity on the different fronts, our enemies' efforts to grow in power, and Iran's attempts to further entrench itself near our bordersall of this requires us to have the initiative and determination, and to prepare ourselves to face any scenario." Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, meanwhile, stressed the importance of each individual soldier. "Human assets are the true weapons of the IDF. It's the human assets who have the motivation to charge when it's necessary, and not just when the order is give. Every soldier understands that his success in his mission on the Gaza border or in the north is a significant part of our strength," Lieberman said. US President Donald Trump will not be part of the American delegation to Israel for the opening of the embassy in Jerusalem, according to a list released by the White House Monday. Trump's daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kusher will attend the ceremony, along with US Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin, who will head the delegation. US President Donald Trump will not arrive in Israel for the opening of the American embassy in Jerusalem on May 14, according to a list released by the White House on Monday. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter President Trump will be represented by his daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kusher. The embassy opening ceremony will be attended by an American delegation led by Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin. It will also include Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan, Trump's envoy to the Middle East Jason Greenblatt, American Ambassador David Friedman, Florida Governor Rick Scott, and Senator Lindsey Graham. US President Donald Trump (Photo: MCT) They will be joined by a delegation of eight Congressmen, headed by Rep. Joe Wilson, and a large delegation of American Jewish community leaders, Christian community leaders, former US ambassadors to Israel, and others. Some 1,000 people are expected to attend the embassy inauguration ceremony, with the American delegation alone being 300 people. Among the Israeli officials in attendance will be Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, government ministers, Supreme Court Chief Justice Esther Hayut, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, State Comptroller Yosef Shapira, Israel's Chief Rabbis David Lau and Yitzhak Yosef, the heads of the Knesset's committees and the chairman of the Opposition, Isaac Herzog. Members of Knesset were not invited to attend. The Israel Police is preparing for a series of potentially explosive events set to take place next week: Jerusalem Day will be celebrated on Sunday, the US Embassy opening is scheduled for Monday, while Nakba Day will be commemorated on Tuesday. Hundreds of police officers will be deploy across the capital, particularly in the Arnona neighborhood where the embassy is located. In addition to police presence, the American delegation will arrive in Israel with its own security. Ahead of the opening ceremony next week, US Embassy road signs went up in Jerusalem on Monday. Installing signs pointing to the new US embassy () X Workmen installed the black-and-white signs, in English, Hebrew and Arabic, along roads leading to a US consulate building in south Jerusalem that will be remodeled as the embassy when it is formally relocated from Tel Aviv on May 14. This is not a dream. It is reality. I am proud and moved to have hung this morning the first new signs that were prepared for the US Embassy, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat wrote on Twitter. At the consulate site, mechanical diggers cleared scrubland as workers posted embassy signs along city roads and hung US, Israeli and Jerusalem flags from street lights. As part of preparations for the embassy opening, a new escape route was paved from the building, while a new fence was erected on top of the existing wall to increase security. Flags put up ahead of embassy opening (Photo: Reuters) Initially, only two roomsoffices for the ambassador and his secretaryhave been added to the consulate building in Jerusalem ahead of its conversion to an embassy. By the end of the year, a new structure will be built inside the complex to house personnel moving from the Tel Aviv building. There are also plans for a new embassy to be built at a later stage, though it is still unknown when that would be and where. Peace Now plan to protest outside the ceremony. The NGO will launch a public campaign against the move next week with the slogan "Not like this, not now"asserting moving the embassy at this time would hurt the peace process and undermine Israel's security. The Palestinians called on world nations and international organizations to boycott the embassy opening ceremony. This (embassy) move is not only illegal but will also thwart the achievement of a just and lasting peace between two sovereign and democratic states on the 1967 borders, Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said in a statement. Signs pointing to new US embassy installed in Jerusalem (Photo: Reuters) The Trump administration has left the diplomatic door open to a negotiated settlement between Israel and the Palestinians on defining Jerusalems borders. By recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the seat of its government, were recognizing reality, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said during a visit to Israel last week. I also stress, as President Trump has said in December, the boundaries of Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem remain subject to negotiations between the parties, and we remain committed to achieving a lasting and comprehensive peace that offers a brighter future for both Israel and the Palestinians. On Monday Paraguay said it was planning to move its embassy from Herzliya to Jerusalem on May 21 or 22, with outgoing President Horacio Cartes expected to attend. In March, Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales said his country would relocate its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 16, two days after the US move. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in April at least half a dozen countries were now seriously discussing following the US lead, though he did not identify them. WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump says he will announce his decision on whether to keep the US in the Iran nuclear deal on Tuesday. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Trump is facing a self-imposed May 12 deadline over whether to uphold the 2015 nuclear deal, which he long has criticized. Trump has signaled he will pull out of the agreement by the deadline unless it is revised, but he faces intense pressure from European allies not to do so. "I will be announcing my decision on the Iran Deal tomorrow from the White House at 2pm," Trump tweeted Monday. US President Donald Trump (Photo: AFP) Under the agreement with the United States, France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China, Iran strictly limited uranium enrichment capacity to try to show that it was not trying to develop atomic bombs. In exchange, Iran received relief from economic sanctions. Ending US sanctions relief could also trigger a backlash by Iran, which could resume its nuclear arms program or punish US allies in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon, diplomats said. Trump has all but decided to withdraw from the accord but exactly how he will do so remains unclear, two White House officials and a source familiar with the administration's internal debate told Reuters last week. One of the White House officials said it was possible Trump will end up with a decision that "is not a full pullout," but was unable to describe what that might look like. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani hinted on Monday that Iran could remain in the accord even if the United States dropped out, but said that Tehran would fiercely resist US pressure to limit its influence in the Middle East. Rouhani said the Islamic Republic had been preparing for every possible scenario, including a deal without Washingtonwhich would still include the other signatories that remain committed to itor no deal at all. "We are not worried about America's cruel decisions...We are prepared for all scenarios and no change will occur in our lives next week," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state TV. "If we can get what we want from a deal without America, then Iran will continue to remain committed to the deal. What Iran wants is our interests to be guaranteed by its non-American signatories ... In that case, getting rid of America's mischievous presence will be fine for Iran." Britain, France and Germany remain committed to the accord and, in an effort to address US complaints, want to open talks on Iran's ballistic missile program, its nuclear activities beyond 2025when pivotal provisions of the deal expireand its role in the wars in Syria and Yemen. The American president has been the subject of an intense lobbying effort by American allies to maintain the agreement, with British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson making a last-ditch appeal to the administration in a visit to Washington this week. European leaders say that they are open to negotiating a side agreement with Iran but that the existing framework must remain untouched for that to happen. Earlier Monday, Trump criticized John Kerry after reports that the former secretary of state has been promoting the Iran nuclear deal. Trump said on Twitter: "The United States does not need John Kerry's possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran Deal. He was the one that created this MESS in the first place!" Kerry, who was also the lead negotiators for the Obama administration on the Paris climate accord, has been promoting both agreements since he left office. The Boston Globe reported Friday that Kerry, the lead negotiator on the deal for the Obama administration, had been privately meeting with foreign officials to strategize on how to keep the US in the deal. Trump has been highly critical of the pact and has threatened to exit on May 12. Kerry has met with Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and at least one of their meetings was at a public event in Oslo, Norway in June of 2017, where they sat on the same panel with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and extolled the virtues of the nuclear deal. Kerry, a keen environmentalist who regularly derided climate change skeptics and championed ocean health while secretary of state, has also continued to speak out on those issues since becoming a private citizen. Last week at an event in Dallas, Trump mocked Kerry over a bicycle accident he had three years ago. Health News Rochester, Minnesota - Prescription drug abuse is contributing to the opioid overdose epidemic in the U.S., and the face of addiction is changing. The setting in which opioids are provided has changed dramatically, says Dr. Mike Hooten, a Mayo Clinic pain management specialist. More than 40 percent of all U.S. opioid overdose deaths in 2016 involved a prescription opioid. And deaths involving prescription opioids were five times higher in 2016 than 1999. These statistics are from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The most common drugs involved in overdose deaths are methadone, oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin), and hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin). And the CDC says that overdose rates were highest among people 2554. Rates were higher in non-Hispanic white, American Indian or Alaska Native populations, versus non-Hispanic black and Hispanic populations. In this Mayo Clinic Minute, reporter Vivien Williams talks with Dr. Hooten about opioid use, abuse and accidental overdose. The face of addiction is changing. What once seemed relegated to desperate souls hiding in the shadows now impacts our friends, families and coworkers. More people are addicted to opioid painkillers than ever before. "I believe that in the past 20 years, the indication and the setting in which opioids are provided has changed dramatically," says Dr. Hooten, who also adds thats good and bad. People are able to get relief from severe pain, but theyre also able to get prescriptions for opioids when less addictive options such as ibuprofen may work just as well. "If they are predisposed to develop addiction, either neurobiologically or from a behavioral perspective, then all of a sudden, we are selecting the individuals who may go on to have long-term problems," says Dr. Hooten. And with addiction comes the possibility of accidental overdose. Every day 78 people in the U.S. die from opioid-related overdoses. Dr. Hooten says educating people about the dangers of opioid misuse may be an important step in managing this public health crisis. Yuma News Yuma, Arizona - Nativa Acosta is the first student to participate in the Surgical Technology program thats now being offered as an option for local students thanks to a partnership between Arizona Western College and Mohave Community College. This collaboration gives AWC students the opportunity to earn their Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology by completing prerequisite courses at AWC, taking in-person and online classes through MCCs Lake Havasu campus, and finishing with a year of hands-on clinicals within the Yuma community. Rural colleges in Arizona are looking at ways on how they can collaborate on programs. Many times the enrollment is not there specifically for one program, but if we collaborate and pool our students together, we can actually enable colleges to meet the healthcare demands of their particular area while not taking on a great deal of overhead, said Dr. Linda Elliott-Nelson, AWC Vice President for Learning Services. This is one of the many grow-your-own initiatives that has been led by AWC in an attempt to provide additional training and education to fill needed positions within Yuma County. We talked with Yuma Regional Medical Center about what they saw as the prime areas within healthcare that they really needed in the community and surgical technology was one of them, she said. Surgical technicians work alongside surgeons, doctors, and specialists in the operating room as a critical part of the surgical care team. As part of this new opportunity, the AWC Foundation is funding Nativa Acostas travel to Orlando, Florida from May 31 to June 2 for the Association of Surgical Technologists National Conference. The conference will feature educational sessions led by nationally distinguished surgeons. For me, this program isn't only an education or a chance to get a good job. It truly is my passion. Ive always loved anatomy and physiology, the human body, and medicine. Helping people while also practicing the science I love is icing on the cake. So, to be able to go to this conference to help further my education and further fuel my passion makes me not only grateful, but more excited than I could probably explain, Acosta said. As the first student to participate in this program, she shared that its a great feeling to be able to pave the way for others who share her same passion for the medical field. It has taken a lot of dedication and determination to be able to do the classes, but I feel that if I can do it while working full-time and raising a teenager as a single mom, then I am setting an example for other AWC students who may want to go on and do this program, she said. Koforidua Polytechnic is an institution for the Ghanaian tertiary students located in Ghana. The public institution was established to produce students who are highly skilled to develop the industrial growth in Ghana. Since it was founded in the year 1997, the public tertiary institution has produced graduates of high profession. Koforidua polytechnic fees 2018- 2019 have not been posted yet but those interested in joining the institution can estimate fees with the proposed fees structure for 2017/2018. Source: Antartic Limited Koforidua Polytechnic fees structure Just like any other institution, the fees for Koforidua Polytechnic is determine by the program they are offering you from a certificate, Diploma, to Higher National Diploma/ Degree program. The Koforidua Polytechnic tuition fees are paid within the 2 weeks of re-opening and it should be paid at any branch of United Bank of Africa (UBA), GCB Bank, Universal Merchant Bank (Unibank), ADB Bank. Keep in mind that once you pay your fees it cant be refunded. The fresh students for the KTU, should also read on the fees structure to know how much there are expected to pay for the program they will be offered. You can pay per semester or per year. Find your program below with the proposed fee for the Koforidua Technical University 2017/2018. Pre-HND programmes Hospitality - 1342.00 Engineering 1342.00 NON-HND programmes P&S/Entire/Event Mgt, Banking and Finance if you are a fresh student, you will pay 1641.00 while a continuing student will be expected to pay 11113.00. DBS secretary/info.Technology/Stats- the fresh students will pay 1667.00 while the continuing students will pay 1113.00. Diploma in public Admision fresh Students 1711.00 and the continuing students 1149.00. NON - HND programmes Cerificate 11 Certificate 11 Fresh students 1464 while the continuing students 1151.00 CISCO/ICDL programmes Certificate 11 CISCO 538.00 ICDL 538.00 Advance/Intermediate Fashion Designs and Textiles programmes Intermediate year 1 is 1,494.00 and year 2 is 1,181.00 Advance year 1,494.00 and year 2 is 1,181 NON-HND programmes Evening Session DBS Acct/stats/ Mkt/Mgt/ P&S/Entre/Event Mgt, Banking and Finance fresh students is 1,491.00 while the continuing students is 1,133. DBS Sectretary/Info Technology/Stats fresh students is 1,537 while the continuing students is 1,133. NON-HND programmes Morning Session DBS Acct/ Stats/ Mkt/ Mgt/P&S/Entre./Event Mgt fresh students is 1,401.00 and 1,023.00 for the continuing students. 2 DBS Secretaryship/ Info.Technology fresh students is 1,425.00 and for the continuing students. 1,023.00 3 Diploma In Public Administration - 1,600.00 for the fresh students. Source: Antartic Limited B.TECH programmes Marketing year 1 is 2,383.00 and year 2 is 1,501.00. Secretaryship & Management Studies year 1 is 2,437.00 and year 2 is 2,055.00. Energy Systems/ Mechanical/Automotive/ Telecommunication And Civil Engineering year 1 is 2,437.00 and year 2 is 2,055.00. Building Technology year 1 is 2,437.00 and year 2 is 2,055.00. Accounting/ Procurement year 1is 2,383.00 and 2,041.00 for year 2. Hospitality & Tourism - 2,699.00 for year 1 and 2,320.00 for year 2. Bsc Computer Science/Info. Technology- year 1 is 2,383.00 and 2,001.00 for year 2. Btech Statistics year 1 is 2,383.00. Weekend session HND Accountancy/ Marketing/ Purchasing & Supply year 1 is 2,285.00, year 2 1,993.00 and 1,963.00 for year 3. HND Secretaryship & Management Studies year 1 is 2,285.00, year 2 is 1,925.00 and year 3 is 1,975.00. HND Hospitality Management & Fashion Desigh & Textiles year 1 is 2,395.00, year 2 is 2,097.00 and year 3 is 2,067.00. HND Renewable Energy Systems/ Mechanical/Automotive/ Electrical/ Electronic/ Civil Engineering year 1 is 2,395.00, year 2 is 2,043.00, and year 3 is 2,013.00. HND Environmental Management/ Building Technology year 1 is 2,395.00, year 2 is 2,043.00, and year 3 is 2,013.00. Diploma In Public Administration year 1 is 1,711.00 while year 2 is 1,149.00. HND - Evening session HND Accountancy/ Marketing/ Purchasing & Supply year 1 is 2,135.00, year 2 is 1,993.00 and 1,963.00 for year 3. HND Secretaryship & Management Studies year 1 is 2,135.00, year 2 is 1,925.00, and 1,975.00 for year 3. HND Hospitality Management & Fashion Desigh & Textiles year 1 is 2,245.00, year 2 is 2,097.00, and year 3 is 2,067.00. HND Renewable Energy Systems/ Mechanical/Automotive/ Electrical/ Electronic And Civil Engineering year 1 is 2,245.00, year 2 is 2,043.00, and 2,013.00 for year 3. HND Environmental Management/ Building Technology year 1 is 2,245.00, year 2 is 2,043.00 and 2,013.00 for year 3. HND Morning session HND Accountancy/ Marketing/ Purchasing & Supply - 2,135.00 is for year 1, year 2 is 1,993.00, and 1,963.00 for year 3. HND Secretaryship & Management Studies - 2,135.00 for year 1, 1,925.00 for year 2, and 1,975.00 for year 3. HND Hospitality Management & Fashion Desigh & Textiles - 2,245.00 for year 1,2,097.00 for year 2, and 2,067.00 for the 3rd year. HND Renewable Energy Systems/ Mechanical/Automotive/ Electrical/ Electronic And Civil Engineering year 1 is 2,245.00, year 2 is 2,043.00, and 2,013.00 for year 3. HND Environmental Management/ Building Technology year 1 is 2,245.00, year 2 is 2,043.00, and year 3 is 2,013.00. Koforidua Poly hostel fees The university hostel name is Getfund. You can contact Frank whose number is 0243780959/ contact Karim whose cell phone number is 0243228255 to secure one of the rooms for your accommodation. READ ALSO: Ghana knust admission list Source: antarticltd The hostel is located at the right on campus. How do you do your payments? Well, contact to know if there is a vacancy for you. If there is a vacancy, Pay the hostel fees into ADB Account# 2011010016865501. Account Name - Koforidua Polytechnic Getfund Hostel at Koforidua Branch. Keep in mind that you have to submit the pay-in-slip to KTUs cash office to be given the official receipt, which you will submit to Hostel Administrator or the Estate Office for room allocation. The KTU hostels are for there for both gender. Rent per bed is GH 851 each in a room with 4 beds. For a room with 6 beds, rent is GH 760 each. You pay utility charges for 2 semesters. Rent amenities include: Dstv Snooker Wi-Fi Internet Cafe Salon Barbering Shop Restaurant Super Market Reading Rooms 24/7 Water supply Koforidua Polytechnic courses The Koforidua Technical University offers programs for the Higher National Diploma (HND), Diploma, and certificates. Here is a list of courses offered. Higher National Diploma programs KTU offers the degree programs for 3 years that can are learnt either in the morning, evening, or on a weekend. HND Accountancy HND Marketing HND Purchasing & Supply HND Secretaryship & Management Studies HND Statistics it is offered in the Morning only HND Computer Science - Morning only HND Network Management - Morning only HND Hospitality Management HND Automotive Engineering - Morning only HND Building Technology - Morning & Weekend Sessions only HND Civil Engineering - Morning only HND Environmental Management and Technology - Morning only HND Electrical/Electronic Engineering - Morning & Weekend Sessions only HND Mechanical Engineering - Morning only HND Renewable Energy Systems Engineering - Morning only HND Biomedical Engineering Technology - Morning only HND Food Technology - Morning only HND Postharvest Technology - Morning only Diploma programs Diploma courses are offered in the morning, evening, or weekend. Diploma in Business Studies (DBS) the Accounting Option Morning /Evening/Weekend Diploma in Business Studies (DBS) the Secretaryship Option - Morning/Evening/Weekend Diploma in Business Studies (DBS) the Management Option - Morning only Diploma in Business Studies (DBS) the Marketing Option - Morning/Evening/Weekend Diploma in Business Studies (DBS) the Purch. & Supply Option - Morning/Evening/Weekend Diploma in Business Studies (DBS) the Statistics - Morning only Diploma in Business Studies (DBS) the Information Technology - Morning only Diploma in Business Studies (DBS) the Entrepreneurship - Morning only Diploma in Business Studies (DBS) the Banking & Finance - Morning only Diploma in Public Administration - Evening/Weekend only Certificate program All KTU certificate programs are offered in the morning hours. Certificate II in Fashion Design and Textiles* - Morning only Advanced Fashion Design and Textiles - Morning only CTC Part I, II &III EET Part I, II & III MVT Part I, II & III Catering Certificate II (formerly Cookery 812/1)* Cookery 812/2 CISCO Source: Antartic Limited READ ALSO: Knust admission 2018/2019 Koforidua admission requirements There are general requirements that will allow you to pursue that degree, diploma, or certificate program you have always dreamed off. English and mathematics are among the general subjects that students to have at least a pass in order to qualify for a course. Do you remember your grades for each of the subjects you wrote? Well, check if you qualified for your dream course on the Koforidua Poly admission list of requirements. Higher National Diploma (HND)/ Degree programs SSSCE applicants: SSSCE Candidates must have Six Passes of A-D in all subjects like English Language & Mathematics. The candidates should also not less than 3 passes on their area of specialization. WASSCE applicants: WASSCE Candidates must have 6 Passes A1-D7 in all subjects like English & Mathematics. A minimum of C6 in at least 3 passes on their area of specialization is also a requirement GBCE /ABCE/O/ALEVEL applicants: You need 5 GBCE or GCEO Level credit passes that includes English Language & Mathematics plus at least 2 GCEA level or ABCE passes that excludes the General Paper. Technical schools applicants - Certificate 11 applicants: You must have at least 3 passes in subjects like English Language, Mathematics &Integrated Science. You also require at least plus 3 passes for the relevant elective subjects or the trade courses. DBS applicants: The candidate must have 4 SSSCE or WASSCE passes in subjects like English &Mathematics. In addition, at least 3 passes in relevant DBS subjects. Teachers applicants: Candidates must have 3 year Post-Secondary Certificate/ 4 Year Certificate A with at least 2 years teaching experience. You also require addition of at least 3 GCE O-Level/ SSSCE/WASSCE passes in the relevant elective subjects. Mature applicants: Candidates must be 25 years old and should provide evidence of age with his/her birth certificate or a legitimate documentary evidence of date of birth. The applicants must be ready to pass a written test in English Language, Mathematics & General Knowledge that is usually conducted by the Koforidua Technical University. Other applicants: Listed above are the general requirements, other applicants may apply for HND programs depending on their field. Diploma and Certificate programs requirements These are the entry requirements for different diploma and certificate courses offered at Koforidua polytechnic DBS ( Accounting, Management, Marketing, Purch. & Supply, Entrepreneurship, and Secretarial Options) The candidates must have SSSCE or WASSCE 4 passes that includes English &Mathematics Or 4 GCE O-Level passes that includes English Language & Mathematics Or 4 GBCE (RSA II) passes that includes English Language & Business Mathematics Or NACVET/NVTI Typist/ 2 or 3 passes in subjects like Stenographer Certificate for Secretarial option. DBS (Statistics & Information Technology option) The candidates must have at least 4 SSSCE/WASSCE passes that includes English & Mathematics. Elective Mathematics/ Physics is also an additional requirement Or 4 GCE O-Level passes in subjects like English Language & Mathematics, plus Mathematics or Physics Certificate II In Fashion Design and Textiles:-2-Years The candidate must have passes in subjects like SSSCE, WASSCE, GBCE, or O Level. They are also required to have Communication & any other subject pass. An alternative is to have a V.T.I Fashion Certificate Grade I or Grade II/ equivalent; JHS Graduates candidate who is well versed with dress making skills. Source: Antartic Limited Advanced Fashion Design and Textiles:-2-Year Candidates who are holders of Dressmaking and Tailoring are qualified Or Intermediate Dressmaking or Fashion Certificate with at least 1 year of working experience. The candidate must have passes in SSSCE/WASSCE in subjects like English Language, Mathematics & any other relevant elective subjects. You should also have basic knowledge & skills in Dressmaking Or Have 4 passes in GCE O Level subjects like English Language Mathematics. You also need additional knowledge in Dressmaking. Construction Technician Certificate (CTC) Part I The candidates must have 4 passes in SSSCE/WASSCE English, Mathematics & Technical Drawing. Technical Construction (option Subjects) like Craft (B/C, C/J, P/D, and Plumbing & Advanced (B/C, C/J, P/D. You should also have Passes in General Course in Construction (GCC) Mechanical Engineering Technician (MET) Part I The candidates must have 4 passes in subjects like SSSCE or WASSCE English, Mathematics & Science. Technical (Option Subjects) like Engineering Crafts/Intermediate General Engineering (GE)/ MECP Technical (Option Subjects) like MVM/ Intermediate General Engineering (GE) Electrical Engineering Technician (EET) Part I The candidate must have 4 SSSCE/WASSCE passes in subjects like English, Mathematics & Science. You should also have any 2 passes in Applied Electricity or Electronics, Physics, and Mathematics. Catering Certificate II(formerly Cookery 812/1)- 2years You must have passes in relevant subjects like SSSCE, WASSCE, GBCE, and GCE O-Level. NVTI Grade II/ JHS Certificate and must have a working experience. Cookery 812/2 It is a requirement for candidates who are holders of Cookery 812/1 CISCO The candidates require Passes in English & Mathematics, Passes in WAEC/ABCE (IT)/GBCE (IT), Basic knowledge in computer application , and any other higher qualification(s) above. Koforidua Polytechnic admission forms By now, as a freshman you already have the course of your choice that you have qualified in. To apply you should buy the Kofordua Technical University admission forms. The 2018-2019 admission are now open and application forms for certain programs for 2017-2018 are on sale. READ ALSO: University of Ghana postgraduate admission Source: Yen.com.gh - A Driver has returned money left in his cab to the police - The driver, whose name is unknown, handed the bag of cash to the Central Regional Police - The public is being urged to report cases of lost items How would you feel having a taxi driver return an item you left in his or her cab? Some of us might feel this is never possible but it indeed happened somewhere in the Central Region. A taxi driver with his name withheld, approached the Central Regional Police Command in search of the owner of a large sum of money who had boarded his taxi cab and left his money in the cab. READ ALSO: 5 serious things happening in Ghana that Nana Addo may not know Confirming the news to the media, regional public affairs director of the police, DSP Irene Oppong, says the taxi driver (name withheld) went to the regional police headquarters at Pedu Junction. The driver came to lodge a complaint that he picked a male passenger from Aquarium to Abura. On reaching the destination the passenger left his money in the car, she revealed. The taxi driver handed over the large sum of money to the police and went his way. Meanwhile, the regional police command is calling on anyone who mistakenly left his or her money in the said taxi cab in the Central Region to report to the regional police headquarters for identification and collection. READ ALSO: President takes an innocent swipe at former NDC government Minister Apostle Opoku Onyinah reacts to Theresa Mays comments on LGBT rights in Ghana | Archbishop Duncan Williams warns the government: Do you have any story to share with YEN? Get featured! We are available on Facebook and Instagram. Source: Yen Young Ghanaian hiplife artiste, Wisa Greid, has disclosed his worst moments and how some high-profiled Ghanaian artistes including Okyeame Kwame nearly drove him to death when he was dragged to court for exposing his manhood on stage during a performance. Speaking on Accra-based Kasapa FM, Wisa explained that although some respected artistes, including Sarkodie spoke to him and motivated him, others like Okyeame Kwame lambasted and lashed out at him on various social media platforms. Wisa was charged for 'Indecent Exposure' READ ALSO: Kelvynboy settles the last score between Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale and SM fans are not happy (Video) The Ekikime hitmaker in his interaction maintained that he was very disappointed because he didnt expected such discouraging words from the likes of the rapper. Wisa Greid, was recently convicted and fined an amount of GHc8,400 by an Accra Circuit Court for showing his manhood on stage. The hiplife artiste who was dragged before court after Citi FMs Decemba2Rememba concert in 2015 said he almost gave up for jail during his two year-trial. Sometimes I just felt like giving up, like just forget about this court issue and sleep, whether they are angry or they should just lock me up because you have to wake up every morning, he said. I will go and come back at 5am or 6amIt wasnt easy, so most of the time I was tired and just wanted to give up, Wisa added. Video credit SVTV Africa READ ALSO: Stonebwoys daughter 'chills' in a swinging baby's cot in a new video However, the musician indicated that during those hard times, he had support from his family especially his father and sisters who encouraged him to go to court since he had already started the process. According to Wisa, he was tired of the several adjournments and at a point didnt care to end up behind bars. Every time I go to court, they will adjourn the case or nothing will happen. I leave my house on the Spintex road, move to Accra and nothing will happen, they wont call or send a message to let you know if it has been cancelled, he bemoaned. READ ALSO: Shatta Wale makes passionate appeal to Akufo-Addo over his 'Gringo' song Top 4 Scandal Quotes from Moesha Boduong CNN Interview: Yen.com.gh is building a platform where Ghanaians can share local news and own experiences with each other. Witnessing an incident? Want to tell about a local problem? Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Message us on Facebook. Source: Yen Newspaper Swedru-based afro-beats artiste Patapaa Amisty was in energetic mode as he performed at the 2018 Ghana DJ Awards. This years Ghana DJ Awards was successfully held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) on Saturday, May 5, 2018. The creme of the nations DJs gathered to be rewarded for their excellence in disc jockeying in the year under review. Patapaa on the Ghana DJ Awards red carpet READ ALSO: I need an apology from Delay for feeding on my fame to remain relevant Rosemond Brown However, it was Patapaa who stole most of the attention by sending the crowd wild with his enthusiastic moves on stage. The one corner hit maker particularly thrilled the audience when he did his own version of the now popular Akwaaba dance. Join YEN on Instagram to be always informed and entertained! The Swedru-based musician was one of the winners on the night, scooping the DJ song of the year award with his hit track one corner. Other award winners on the night include DJ Vyrusky, DJ Slim, King Lagazee, Vision DJ, DJ Mic Smith, DJ Shiwaawa and DJ Nyce, among others. Patapaa Amisty shot into the limelight last year with the sensational hit song one corner. He was an underground musician until his breakthrough came in 2017 after he performed the one corner song at the Akwambo Festival at Agona Swedru in the Central Region. The song, which comes with its dance and portrays sexual and crazy antics, went viral and triggered a craze among Ghanaians including some celebrities who recorded themselves performing the dance. Top 4 Scandal Quotes from Moesha Boduong CNN Interview: READ ALSO: Patapaa grabs an award at DJs Awards night Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish on YEN.com.gh? Please contact us on Facebook or Instagram now. Source: Yen Newspaper - Bishop Daniel Obinim has punished one of his church members for refusing lotto numbers - The lady was made to carry a bag of cement and made a return trip for her 'disobedience' - According to the Man of God, he appeared to the lady in the form of a stranger Founder and leader of The International Gods Way Church, Bishop Daniel Obinim, has caused yet another stir on social media with a latest video of one of his antics that has going viral. The popular Man of God was seen in a latest video asking a lady to carry a bag of cement and walk a distance of almost 2 miles as punishment for not listening to him. Obinim READ ALSO: Moesha spotted in new video without her 'mighty hips' and social media users cannot handle it The punishment was meted out to the female member of his church because she refused to take some lottery numbers from the Man of God. In narrating her incident, the lady indicated that she approached the Man of God for some lottery numbers but was told to leave because she was going to receive the numbers soon. Few days after her request, a man approached her and asked for 5 cedis which she willingly gave out. In return, the man offered her some lottery numbers but she insisted on not taking the numbers. Later, Bishop Daniel Obinim appeared in her dream and informed her that he was the one who was giving her the numbers earlier. She was instructed in the dream to come and seek for forgiveness from the Man of God. The punishment therefore came in the form of carrying a 50kg bag of cement for a distance. READ ALSO: Shatta Wale finds lady with similar lips; kisses her publicly on Michys birthday Her mission was to carry it from the church premises to a taxi rank in town and then return to the church premises for a new set of lottery numbers. The video has received a lot of criticism from social media as many people have argued that the punishment appeared somewhat very inhuman. Bishop Daniel Obinim is arguably one of Ghanas most influential Men of God. The self-proclaiming angel of God is noted for his stylish way of dressing and for the many miracles he works for some of his congregants. He is also counted among the richest Men of God in the country because he boasts of many houses and expensive cars. Aside the fact that many people do not side with some of the antics and controversies, the Man of God has been involved in, he commands a huge church following both in Kumasi and Accra. The Man of God is married to local gospel sensation, Florence Obinim. It is reportedthat he is the producer of all the songs credited to the gospel songstress. READ ALSO: Taxi driver returns bag of cash left in his cab by passenger Watch YEN.com.gh's top 4 controversial comments made by Moesha in her CNN interview: YEN is building a platform where Ghanaians can share local news and own experiences with each other. Witnessing an incident? Want to tell about a local problem? Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Send us a message via YENs official Facebook page. Source: Yen.com.gh Respected Ghanaian dancehall artiste, Stonebwoy, has declined to make further media comments regarding his current relationship with the management of his record label, Zylofon Media. According to the artiste, he is not ready to answer questions regarding to his relationship with the record label. Stonebwoy joined Zylofon Media June 2017 READ ALSO: Kwaw Kese surprises all; turns DJ at Ghana DJ Awards 2018 (Video) The artiste who appeared on Accra-based Hitz FM's Daybreak, as monitored by Abrantepa.com, declined answering whether or not his latest music videos were funded by Zylofon Music. I dont want to talk about Zylofon right now, please, he told the host, Andy Dosty. When asked why the decision, Stonebwoy replied, Lets keep on to the next thing with all humility and respect. It could be recalled that Stonebwoy and some management of Zylofon Music led by Bulldog locked horns in a media fracas few months ago. The dancehall artiste who was not happy at the time after he was allegedly attacked by Bulldog during a concert threatened on various media platforms to pull off the Zylofon Media record deal. READ ALSO: Okyeame Kwame condemned me to 'death' when I landed in trouble - Wisa narrates his sad moments (Video) However, the Chief Executive of Zylofon Media, Nana Appiah Mensah called for calm and resolved matters between the two parties. But after the media controversy, the Bhim Nation President has been accused by some music fans of not featuring Zylofon Media logo in his recent music videos as it used to be the case. A situation which has ignited another conversation in the music industry, with many raising concerns about Stonebwoy's future with the Zylofon Music. Meanwhile, the artiste has hinted that he is yet to release the video of his hit single Original. READ ALSO: Kelvynboy settles the last score between Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale and SM fans are not happy (Video) Top 4 Scandal Quotes from Moesha Boduong CNN Interview: Yen.com.gh is building a platform where Ghanaians can share local news and own experiences with each other. Witnessing an incident? Want to tell about a local problem? Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Message us on Facebook. Source: Yen The Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, which took place on Saturday, April 14, 2018, came with the usual comments and condemnations associated with such events. One of the highlights of the programme was Patapaas exit from the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), after the Most Popular Song of The Year Award was given to Fancy Gadam for his song, Total Cheat. A cross-section of Ghanaians was however convinced that Patapaas One Corner should have carried the day. Patapaa Credit: The Delay Show READ ALSO: Bread has made me a rich man - Hammer of the Last 2 On Saturday, May 5, 2018, the Ghana DJ Awards took place at the AICC, and Patapaa showed up, wearing a yellow T-shirt over a pair of black shorts with grey sneakers to match. YEN.com.gh brings to you 5 reasons why the One Corner hitmaker opted for such a simple outfit: 1. Mockery of his VGMA suit: Patapaa became the subject of mockery when he showed in a blue suit at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs). Certainly, he was not ready to 'suffer' a second time. 2. The occasion: The Ghana DJ Awards is an annual event to award disc jockeys. Perception about DJs, as well as the likely programme of activities often determines the outfit to be worn. In such a case, T-shirts are not exactly out of the picture. 3. Comfort: A gathering of DJs is one that often adopts an informal approach. A participant in such an event will therefore insist on comfort when considering the outfit for the programme. 4. Perception about DJs: In Ghana, disc jockeys are not often seen in formal wear, as the nature of their work requires that they work 'behind the scenes.' In such cases, a semi-formal or informal wear is usually the best bet. 5. The media: The media played a role in the dissemination of information about Patapaa's infamous suit for the VGMAs. A video, which captured him leaving the auditorium with his team, spread like wildfire on social media. READ ALSO: Meet Stonebwoy's father as he turns 72 years Ghana trends: All About Shatta Wales highs and lows: Use the comments section below to share your views on this story. Do you have a story to share or you have information for us? Get featured on YEN.com.gh. Message us on Facebook or Instagram Source: Yen Ghanaian musician and Chief Executive of Asumde.com, Charles Nelson, widely known as Chief Charles, has threatened to sue Multimedia Group for copyright infringement on his song titled, 'Nasem'. According to Chief Charles, he is bringing a lawsuit against the media outfit for the usage of his popular song on Adom FM as a theme song for their program, N'asem University which is hosted by Rev. Gabriel Ansah. Chief Charles READ ALSO: Patapaa's manager reveals how much he charges for a collaboration Speaking on Zylofon FM's Showbiz Agenda, the musician disclosed that the company has used his song for so many years but has failed to approach him for the necessary settlement. I am going to sue Multimedia for using my song on Adom FM. The song which was released in 1998 by the Shepherds was written by me. And for some time now, I have quietly observed my song being played on the platform as a theme song for their show, he stated. Chief Charles, who doubles as host for Zylofon Studio on Zylofon TV said owners of song have legal rights to their work but management of the company have failed in seeking the necessary permissions before using of their works for commercial gain. READ ALSO: Stonebwoy brushes aside journalist; declines comment on Zylofon "You dont build walls when relationships fail but rather you build bridges so you can always have an opportunity to jaw-jaw. My intellectual property has been used for a period of time now, and I do not think anyone will fault me for taking action because, I have been patient for all these years," he lamented To him, he is taking inspiration from Rex Omar, chairperson for GHAMRO, for his threat to sue Zylofon Music's Obibini for copyright infringement. He added that his action is geared towards the fight against copyright infringement on the works of other musicians in the country. READ ALSO: Kwaw Kese surprises all; turns DJ at Ghana DJ Awards 2018 (Video) Top 4 Scandal Quotes Moesha Boduong's CNN Interview: Yen.com.gh is building a platform where Ghanaians can share local news and own experiences with each other. Witnessing an incident? Want to tell about a local problem? Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Message us on Facebook. Source: Yen - Allotey Jacobs has warned of dire consequences for NDC supporters if former President Mahama does not cotest the 2020 elections - According to him, per the hope people have in Mahama, some will suffer stroke or even die if he decides not to contest Many members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) will die if former President John Dramani Mahama fails to contest the 2020 presidential election, Central Regional chaimran of the party, Allotey Jacobs has warned. Many others, he said, will also suffer stroke as a result of what he considers a bad decision from the former first gentleman of the land. If John Mahama decides not to contest, we will be highly disappointed, people will faint, people will be shocked, others will get stroke, in fact others will die, he said. READ ALSO: Photos of the ultra-modern police station Osei Kwame 'Despite' built in Accra According to Allotey Jacobs, said these things will happen because many are anticipating that the former president will return to lead the NDC in the 2020 polls. Former President Mahama has sated that he is still thinking of how best to respond to calls on him to contest the primaries of the NDC. But speaking on Adom FM, Allotey Jacobs pointed out that his declaration is overdue and will come as a surprise and disappointment if he fails to contest the flagbearership slot of the party. READ ALSO: Bill Asamoah is not good in bed though he womanizes a lot - Ex-girlfriend reveals in a video He claimed that many in the NDC including the Council of Elders and the structures of the party, which President Mahama has consulted have given him the green light to lead the NDC again. Its long overdue, Council of Elders, all the structures in the NDC including those who matter, all the people who pull strings in the party and almost 95% of the people in the party are encouraging him to contest, he said. Check out some of the trending news in Ghana in YEN.com.gh's video below: Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish on YEN.com.gh? Please contact us on Facebook or Instagram now Source: Yen.com.gh - Nana Addo has expressed key interest in improving the lot of Ghanaians - But amidst the promises, he may have failed to tackle some pertinent issues - Click here for the latest stories in Ghana President of the republic, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo Addo has resolved to move Ghana to an era of prosperity. But unfortunately, some key issues happening in the country might have eluded the president. 5 things Nana Addo failed to address in crucial press confab (Photo: presidency.gov.gh) READ ALSO: President takes an innocent swipe at former NDC government Minister The president continues to raise critical issues mainly from the economy to other matters regarding Ghana's sanitation issues, internet connectivity among others. But what about the very critical issues that he may have lost sight of? 1. GITMO two Granted the pronouncement of the stay of the Gitmo two as illegal by the Supreme Court, one would have thought that the president could help us understand the arrangements he plans putting in place to repatriate these men from Ghana. Already, the issue of Ghana's relations with the US comes up but just a little sentence or two could have solved the mystery. 2. Terrorism Let's be fair, Nana Addo always talks about security in Ghana and the strife to end "barbaric mob injustices". What he failed to touch one was the threat of home grown and external terrorism. This issue, which remains the world's headache should have seen the president lay out specific plans his government wishes to take in crippling any possible attack here in the country. 3. Massive deportations and treatment of Ghanaian immigrants Should you have read the news in the past weeks you will know how many Ghanaians are not only been deported from various countries but also maltreated abroad. Yes, we know that the foreign affairs minister was very clear on government's steps to secure the dignity of Ghanaians abroad but a word from the president would have calmed nerves the more. 4. Ghana's stance of same sex marriages This topic of homosexuality always raises eyebrows as Ghanaians, per the conservative culture, detest to even hear of the word. But let's face it. We currently are having one of the world's most powerful human right institutions called Amnesty International persistently knock on the door of parliament lobbying of the gay marriage to be legalized and also the rights of the LGBT community respected. The president's stance on this controversial issue would have clarified Ghana's stance once and for all. 5. Ghana's relations with China It was a moment of controversy when the vice president, Dr Bawumia, suffered huge bashing over the 15 billion agreement from the Chinese government. Even now, we do gather that Chinese businesses are trooping into Ghana in their numbers. Call it economic colonialism, the question we sought to get from Nana Addo is why the sudden focus on China! Are we to gain in the process are they rather would? What other issues did you think the president failed always fails to address? Share with us in the comments section below. Apostle Opoku Onyinah reacts to Theresa Mays comments on LGBT rights in Ghana | Archbishop Duncan Williams warns the government: Do you have any story to share with YEN? Get featured! We are available on Facebook and email via info@yen.com.gh Source: Yen.com.gh This post is prompted by a number of things that have left me pondering how as Christians we are to bring about change in our churches. When we strongly b... 6 years ago Bentley Systems, Incorporated, a global provider of comprehensive software solutions for advancing infrastructure, said it has acquired Plaxis, a geotechnical software company based in Delft, Netherlands. The company has also reached an agreement to acquire soil engineering software provider SoilVision, based in Saskatchewan, Canada. Founded in 1997, SoilVision has championed 3D conceptual design and analysis of slope stability, groundwater flow, stress/deformation, contaminant transport, thermal flows in saturated/unsaturated soils, and coupled processes for geotechnical engineers and hydrogeologists. The acquisitions, with Bentleys market-leading borehole reporting and data management software gINT, serve to make Bentley a complete source for geotechnical professionals going digital. Finally, BIM advancements can be extended to the essential subsurface engineering of every infrastructure project. Projects necessarily begin with geotechnical surveys and sampling, captured with gINT for versatile documentation and reporting. Next, professionals perform engineering related to soil properties, soil behavior, and groundwater flow using SoilVisions SVOffice applications, supplemented by Plaxis offerings. Then soil-structure interaction is analyzed through Plaxis design, simulation, and engineering software (e.g. Plaxis 2D, Plaxis 3D). The new opportunity, by way of digital workflows enabled through Bentleys comprehensive modeling environment, is for geotechnical applications to be integrated with Bentleys structural applications (such as STAAD, RAM, and SACS) for unprecedented geo-structural engineering performance. As changes may occur in owner requirements, structural strategies, or site conditions (continuously surveyed through UAVs and Bentleys ContextCapture for reality modeling), geotechnical analysis could be continuously applied for improved outcomes, as managed through ProjectWise collaboration services. For todays infrastructure demands, geotechnical considerations are coming to the fore. Urbanization, for instance, drives growth both vertically and underground, with emphasis on the capacity of foundations and tunnels. And new infrastructure projects of every type depend upon constructed dams, embankments, dikes, levees, and reservoirs to improve their resilience. Moreover, new asset types such as offshore wind turbine structures require new geotechnical analysis capabilities, in this case to be accomplished with Plaxis forthcoming MoDeTo software. Because infrastructure assets are crucially linked to subsurface environs, they are vulnerable to geo-environmental risks including seismic activity, subsidence, and weather impacts. Leveraging new digital workflows which incorporate real-time monitoring and analytics during infrastructure operations, geotechnical professionals can play the increasingly valuable role they deserve in achieving geo-environmental resilience. CEO Greg Bentley said: "My colleagues and I welcome our new teams from Plaxis and SoilVision, which have in common a zeal for applying science for better engineering practice. Dr. Ronald Brinkgreve from Plaxis and Dr. Murray Fredlund, founder of SoilVision, exemplify this. I believe that every geotechnical engineer has benefitted from Plaxis continuous advancement, in scope and quality, of tools for their discipline to add value." "With a professional and dedicated management team led by Jan-Willem Koutstaal, Plaxis has become one of the most successful software businesses I have ever seen," he stated. Bentley pointed out that while most infrastructure engineering disciplines converged around intuitive 3D models, geotechnical applications seemed to have followed a less graphically intensive development path, and so have remained isolated from cross-discipline workflows. "This disconnected mindset prevailed even while Plaxis, SoilVision, and gINT mainstreamed 3D innovations. Our BIM platforms comprehensive modeling environment will finally embrace the geotechnical profession in digital workflows for every infrastructure project and asset," he noted. Tony OBrien, global practice leader for geotechnics for Mott MacDonald, said Plaxis was one of its core analysis tools being used across global geotechnics practice. "When used by experienced specialists, Plaxis can analyze many of our most complex ground-structure interaction problems. In Bentleys hands, we have high expectations that we can accomplish more through digital workflows made possible through integration of Plaxis technology with Bentleys comprehensive modeling environmentworkflows that are compatible with Mott MacDonalds commitment to connected thinking and solving complex infrastructure challenges," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Nearly 50,000 flats are currently empty in the key residential areas across Kuwait as more and more expatriates move out of the country, some in search of greener pastures while others owing to job losses triggered by the Kuwaitiszation policy, said a report. Kuwait's nationalisation policy, which is aimed at terminating the contracts of expatriates in the public sector and increasing the charges for services offered to them, and the announcement about a new tax system, have all contributed to the crisis, reported Arab Times, citing leading industry experts. Kuwait Real Estate Association Secretary Qais Al Ghanem pointed out that the recent pressures imposed on expatriates resulted in a large number of vacant flats especially in the investment residential sector. "We expect the trend of expatriates departure to rise during June as they are either searching for better opportunities in other destinations or choosing to return to their countries of origin," stated Al Ghanem. A severe crisis is brewing in Kuwait's real estate sector as a total of 49,130 flats remain vacant in the country and added to that another 26,466 housing units (currently under construction) will soon enter the property market, said officials of the Kuwait Real Estate Union. The rate of expatriates population growth, which reached 4.8 per cent over the past five years, dropped by two per cent in 2017 and will fall by 1.5 percent in the coming five years, they stated. The union officials warned that the Kuwait's real estate sector was under tremendous pressure as more than 75,000 units need to be 'absorbed' by the domestic property market over the next 4 to 5 years, reported state news agency Kuna, citing experts. "The proportion of occupied property units amounted in the current year to 86.8 per cent, dropping by 8.2 per cent compared to the past five years which had soared to 95 per cent," revealed Ahmad Al Dewaihees, the unions secretary general. Average monthly rent dropped from KD278.9 ($920.3) to KD242 ($798.6), registering a 13.2 per cent decline, said Dewaihees, citing a report prepared by the union (Al-Murshed 2017). The report includes a survey covering a sample of 162,576 apartments in 5,695 plots in 19 locations. It studied 875 plots, including 26,466 under-construction residential units in all districts, in addition to 13,535 completed ones, where the proportion of new units amounted to 6.6 per cent of the plots, it added. Italian water heat maker Ariston Thermo opened its first manufacturing plant in Bahrain, today, marking its first industrial operation in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region. The 7,000-sq-m plant located in the Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP) in Hidd was inaugurated by Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed Alzayani today (May 7) in the presence of Italian ambassador Domenico Bellato and Ariston Thermo Rapid Development Countries and Americas Director Dr Carlo Andreatini. The new plant with a production capacity of up to 250,000 electric water heaters will manufacture storage electric water heaters branded Ariston, which will be mainly marketed in the Mena region, Andreatini revealed. A leading company in the water heating and heating industry, Ariston Thermo group has 26 production sites in 15 countries in addition to 65 operating companies and 5 representative offices in 38 countries. The company had been looking for a location for its production site in the region since 2010 but finally zeroed in on Bahrains BIIP, stated Andreatini. Speaking at the launch, Alzayani said: "The selection of BIIP for Aristons first manufacturing facility in the region demonstrates the quality of the location and the competitive advantages which Bahrain has to offer to global companies." Alzayani pointed out that project was an important one for Bahrain as it met several key objectives, enabling the growth and diversification of Bahrains economy, as well as creating quality skilled jobs for Bahrainis in the fields of engineering and business. The plant currently employs about 50 people. "The Ministry and Ariston are partners for the long-haul and the Ministry will do everything in its capacity to provide the right support to facilitate the company's success," he added. Zayani said that 60 per cent of the workforce was Bahraini nationals at the plant. Stressing on the importance of Ariston being the first Italian manufacturing plant in Bahrain, Al Zayani said: "We have gone for the global a leader in the sector. By attracting one of the biggest names in manufacturing we hope it will act as a catalyst and attract more investment in Bahrain." "In the initial phase, they will test Bahrain and we are confident that they will value the kingdom and expand further with millions of dollars of investment," stated the minister. Aristons first manufacturing facility in the Middle East is a milestone event in that this investment marks the first Italian company to operate from BIIP. We welcome the economic trade links which take place between the two countries and hope this investment will attract many more Italian companies to Bahrain and to BIIP, more specifically, said Alzayani. The minister said Bahrain was home to more than 180 Italian commercial enterprises and ``we hope to increase that number, each year, he said. In the initial phase, Ariston will manufacture about 100,000 units and will gradually ramp up its production based on the market response. The company will however, continue to import its large commercial water heaters through its trading partners. On picking Bahrain for its inaugural plant in the region, Andreatini said: "Bahrain gives us quick access to the Mena region in addition to being fantastically located, open and very business friendly." "Besides the kingdom has extremely good commercial relations with all the countries in the region. Also it has been extremely supportive and friendly," he added. Keeping production close to the most important markets is indeed a key pillar of our groups growth strategy that allows us to better and promptly respond to the specific needs of our customers, stated Andreatini. With the new production site in Bahrain, the company hopes to boost its presence in the region, where it claims the Ariston brand is already leading the water heating category for many years. "We have a significant market share in the Mena region and our aim is not just to market it in this region but also to a larger area, he added.-TradeArabia News Service NMC Healthcare, a leading healthcare provider operating across the UAE, has made a commitment to treat 100 child refugees with heart conditions globally. The children will receive treatment in NMCs wide network of industry-leading medical facilities around the world, said a statement. NMC Healthcare made the pledge as part of the 100-year anniversary of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan; Shiekh Zayed, the founding father of the UAE. Sheikh Zayed was renowned for his passion for ensuring the health and wellbeing of people worldwide. Khalifa Butti Bin Omeir, executive vice chairman, NMC Health, said that the treatment the children will receive is a continuation of the legacy created by Sheikh Zayed. He said: Our late father of the Nation, Sheikh Zayed was driven by a belief that all people should enjoy the utmost health and wellbeing. We are proud to help continue our fathers vision by offering our advanced medical services to child refugees around the world. We look forward to providing each child who receives treatment with a lifetime of health, wellbeing and happiness, as this would have undoubtedly been the desire of our late father, he added. The children will receive the much-needed treatment for a variety of serious heart conditions across the countries, said a statement. The year 2018 has been dedicated as the 'Year of Zayed' in the UAE to commemorate the 100th birthday of the regions late founding father Sheikh Zayed, who laid the foundations for a strong state that has earned global reputation, in particular in the healthcare, technology, education and finance sectors, it stated. TradeArabia News Service Jordan-based Mind Rockets, a company that develops assistive technologies for the hearing impaired community using avatars to translate speech and text to sign language interpretation, won the first prize at the Mena pitch competition of AIM Startup, held last month in Dubai, UAE. The three-day event was visited by thousands of people. Some of the best start-ups from the Middle East who qualified for participation at the final round, pitched their case in front of investors and venture capital funds in a series of pitch competitions, said a statement. Abdullah Al Saleh, undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Economy, said: The economic landscape of the Arab World is changing fast and the start-ups to a large extent are going to influence our future lifestyle and working environment. From smart homes to paperless digital payment processes to drones replacing home delivery vehicles to 3D printed buildings we are going through an exciting phase in the digital transformation of services. These transformations will be led by the start-ups that will shape our lives, he said. The event was inaugurated by Juma Al Kait, assistant undersecretary of UAE Ministry of Economy, said: We in the UAE are proud to be the top destination among the Arab world to attract and retain talent, in the form of foreign direct investment. UAE constantly works towards developing national entrepreneurship and supporting SMEs for which it has developed legislations and incentives that support the entrepreneurs projects and provide them with the best services, he said. The event is an ideal platform for promoting start-ups, which is a huge part of annual investment meeting where more than 140 nations took part this year. Governments around the world are competing here at AIM to make field for the youth with innovation and creativity, and Im sure they are wise enough to take the whole benefit out of it and take the challenge and opportunities, he said. We are proud that UAE is the country where we are attracting and capable of retaining the start-up talents. Government will always give their best effort to support start-ups and gain FDI to continue supporting them, he added. He ended by thanking the organising team of AIM Startup and wished along with their partnership in start-up ecosystem, their friendship also gets strengthen. Kees Chic, a Saudi Arabian start-up and a profitable social enterprise that invents local handmade urban products out of plastic bag's wastes via local marginalised artisans in Mena region aiming for socio-economic development. They won the second prize at the final pitch competition. A Saudi start-up that launched Tesh Tesh way back in 2014, won the third prize. In the first international pitch competition, ResultCare won the first prize while Yallabargain.com and Rowan won second and third prize respectively. ResultCare is an artificial intelligence-driven clinical informatics, data analytics, and medical networking platform dedicated to taking the guesswork out of medicine. Created by UCSF physicians and scientists to empower healthcare providers everywhere, ResultCare has built one of the largest clinical databases in the world and uses machine learning and NLP to enable an evidence-based approach to finding the best and most cost-effective laboratory and diagnostic tests. UAE-based portal Yallabargain.com is co-founded with 100 per cent bootstrap funding of Dh150,000 ($40,837) from Murugesh Mohan and Sai Naveen to solve the problems faced when transacting used products. The portal charges 15 per cent as a commission for every transaction and has tied up with many logistics companies in the UAE. Dawood Al Shezawi, president of AIM Startup, said: Start-ups are going to drive the economic growth in future and it is important to nurture them and guide them so that they could help the socio-economic growth. The second edition of the event was a resounding success where we have seen some of the best regional start-ups as well as international players competed for their share of the limelight, he said. The UAE Ministry of Economy is strengthening its focus on the countrys start-up sector to help them play greater role in our economy, he added. In the second international pitch competition, Halal Guide won the first prize while Shabab Lab and Empty Trips received the second and third prize, respectively. Halal Guide is an authentic digital directory guide that aims to strengthen and upgrade the online search for Islamic places, products and services and to provide a robust source of information about the Halal lifestyle. Empty Trips is the digital, platform that uses machine learning and smart matching algorithms to create a marketplace where shippers, agents and transport carriers can connect, bid for cargo, find transport assets to move their cargo, and even store or insure it. We fill spaces to places, smartly. The Empty Trips platform powers a new way of collaborative thinking across enterprises for faster logistics, better economics and a significantly lighter carbon footprint. BDO sponsoring the Fintech Galaxy challenge, awarded the winner TicknPay a prize worth of $30,000. The final award ceremony was graced by the presence of Abdullah Al Saleh; Juma Al Kait; Dawood Al Shezawi; Walid Farghal, directorgGeneral of AIM Startup. TradeArabia News Service UAE-based datamena, a leading data centre and connectivity platform serving the Middle East and Africa region, has signed a three-year deal with Servcorp, a leader in workspace technology to establish its Middle East regional ICT hub. This deal is another example on how at datamena, Together, we Connect Growth, said Fahad Al Hassawi, deputy CEO, Telco Services, Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC). Working with our enterprise partners to grow their business, we continue to transform our business to serve their needs, our partner network powered by the continuous and mutual nurturing of transparency and simplicity in the way we do business. With each new partner, our ecosystem grows in strength. Daniel Kukucka, chief technology officer, Servcorp, said: We are pleased to have selected datamena as we continue to expand our global workspace solutions further into the Middle East. This engagement is part of our ongoing investment of over $100 million in building our unique global interconnected workspace technology to ensure our products and services not only provide our customers a competitive advantage, but further drive business efficiencies saving our customers both money and time. Servcorp is publicly listed on the Australian Securities Exchange since 1999 and was founded in 1978 in Sydney, Australia by Alf Moufarrige, CEO, providing workspace solutions to 40,000+ customers in 160+ locations across 54 cities in 23 countries. Datamena is a financially stable entity with the backing of du, a major telecom operator in the Middle East, providing data centre and connectivity solutions dedicated to enabling the growth and success of customers in the Middle East. TradeArabia News Service Hospitality chain Hilton has announced the opening of Niepce Paris Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, marking the entry of the luxurious collection into the French capital. The hotel was hand-picked to be a part of the exclusive collection of independent hotels and resorts, and joins nearly 50 upscale Curio Collection by Hilton properties worldwide. Located in the heart of Paris, the new hotel offers guests close proximity to the unexpected treasures of Montparnasse. Guests can delve into the areas rich art and culture at the Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art or beat the Eiffel Tower crowd with panoramic views of Paris from the Montparnasse Tower. The hotel is also conveniently located a few metres from Montparnasse train station, giving guests easy access to the most iconic monuments and sites in the city. We are delighted to welcome Niepce Paris Hotel to Curio Collection by Hilton, as we make our debut in the iconic city of Paris, said Mark Nogal, global head, Curio Collection by Hilton. The opening of Niepce Paris highlights our commitment to expand our collection in key destinations around the world, and we look forward to providing our customers with an unforgettable experience in the district of Montparnasse. Niepce Paris Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton takes travellers on a journey to the Roaring Twenties, thanks to one of the most influential photographers of the time Janine Niepce. Niepces famous shots are featured in the hotels public areas, in the corridors and on ceiling displays, adding an artsy touch to the hotels ambience. Guests can choose from 52 elegant and chic rooms, including three of the finest suites. The spacious rooms feature the latest technology with tablet control systems and high-speed internet. Suites also feature a separate living area. Hotel highlights Culinary experience: Guests can cosy up at the hotels main restaurant, La Verriere Paris. Located in the heart of the hotel, its stunning glass roof lets in natural daylight a grand backdrop for a memorable dining experience. On the menu, guests can choose between an array of French and international cuisines, all prepared with the freshest ingredients. In addition, La Galeria welcomes guests to a friendly atmosphere with a selection of the finest wines and cocktails, which accompanies the nutritious culinary options. Sophisticated events: The hotel caters to small meetings with a 73-square metre conference room boasting the latest technology, including a 55-inch flat screen, wireless video projector and Wi-Fi. Wellness area: For those looking to stay fit during their stay, the hotel offers a high-tech gym. Last year, Paris welcomed 16 million travellers, a record number of visitors for the past 10 years. In light of this increase in tourism, we are very excited to develop our portfolio of hotels in the city and we are delighted to open our first hotel for the Curio Collection by Hilton brand in the capital city, says Simon Vincent, executive vice president and president, Europe, Middle East and Africa. Niepce Paris Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton is also part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning loyalty programme for Hilton's 14 distinct hotel brands. Members who book directly have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, free standard wi-fi and the Hilton Honors mobile app. - TradeArabia News Service Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has launched a new feature onboard, allowing passengers to send and receive WhatsApp messages during their flight. The kingdom's flag carrier will offer the WhatsApp service for free for 10MB of text message usage, it said. The new service will first be made available on all domestic flights before moving to international routes. Launched in collaboration with Sitaonair, this latest advancement once again establishes the airline as a pioneer in both the market, and in advancing inflight connectivity. Commenting on the launch of the new services, Saudias director general Eng Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser said: WhatsApp needs no introduction it is one of the most popular social media messaging applications in the world, and a favourite of the Middle East. To be offering WhatsApp as a free service to thousands of passengers every day, truly reflects Saudias position as the airline carrier of the digital age, and an airline which provides the latest technological advancements onboard. Once more, it is Sitaonairs flexible approach and digital harmonisation mastery that has enabled us to advance our ambitions, and deliver the inflight connected experience now. Dominique El Bez, Vice president of Strategy, Sitaonair, said: With an estimated one billion people globally using WhatsApp, we are very proud to bring considerable value to Saudia in making WhatsApp messaging available to its passengers. Our flexibility is a key hallmark of our best-in-class service, and it is through this and our impressive digital integration expertise that we have been able to deliver this tailored, popular service to Saudia. - TradeArabia News Service Flag carrier Turkish Airlines has added Krasnodar in southern Russia to its global destination network, making it the carrier's 303rd destination. Krasnodar becomes the airline's 10th Russian destination, which already flies to Moscow, St. Petersburg , Sochi, Rostov, Kazan, Ekaterinburg, Voronezh, Samara and Ufa. Flights to Krasnodar will be operated five times a week in both directions, starting from today. At the opening ceremony, chief marketing officer of Turkish Airlines, Ahmet Olmustur, said; "Turkish Airlines continues to work on growth plans by adding new aircraft to its fleet and expanding its flight network. With the flights that we launched to Krasnodar, we have presented Turkish Airlines quality and service concept to this beautiful city. We will operate direct flights to Krasnodar from Istanbul five times a week in both direction." Round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Krasnodar starting at $280, inclusive of all taxes and fees. - TradeArabia News Service